Jayelle Sargent and her granddaughter Pearl attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at California Center for the Arts in Escondido, Calif., on Feb. 16, 2019. (Sophia Fang/The Epoch Times)

ESCONDIDO, Calif.Jayelle Sargent, a retired agent for cinematographers on featured films, took her granddaughter Pearl to the matinee performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts at the California Center for the Arts on Feb. 16.

Sargent said she first attended Shen Yun a few years ago, but she wasnt able to bring her granddaughter at that time. However, after this performance, they promised each other they would come back every year together for Pearls birthday.

Its beautiful, the costumes and the colors, said Sargent. I told so many of my friends about it.  Its wonderful, and I would stand on a street corner and encourage people to come see it.

Shen Yun was founded in 2006 in New York with the hope of reviving the 5,000 years of authentic Chinese culture, which has been nearly lost amidst decades of communist rule.

The performance features classical Chinese dance, a full live orchestra with both Western and Chinese instruments, two charming bilingual emcees who share tidbits of Chinese culture, and much more. Every year, the company creates an entirely new production.

Im blown away with the effects

Sargent said when she worked at her agency, she represented cinematographers who created visual effects on major films, such as Lord of the Rings and The Matrix. When she first saw Shen Yun a few years ago, she said she was stunned by the effects on the interactive digital backdrop behind the performers.

Im blown away with the effects, Sargent said of Shen Yun. They are magnificent. I have to say I think that is part of my favorite, only because they do it so beautifully.

Sargent said she was particularly impressed with one dance vignette, where a performer appeared to dive into the water on the background screen.

I couldnt believe that was not real water, she said.

Young Pearl also enjoyed the performance, saying it was fun and cool.

When Sargent was asked about the divine aspect of traditional Chinese culture demonstrated in Shen Yun, she said it was a very positive thing.

I think anything that helps this fractured world find its heart again, she said. I think its wonderful. I think we need that.

After watching Shen Yun, Sargent felt inspired to renew her own spiritual practice. She also said its difficult to fully explain the Shen Yun experience to others.

Seeing it again, I realize you cant really tell people, she said. You have to experience it. Its a once in a life experience.

With reporting by Sophia Fang and Sarah Le.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time and has covered audience reactions since the companys inception in 2006.Huawei Ties in Poland: Is the Telco Giant a Safe Business Partner?

Polish authorities arrested the sales director of Huaweis Polish branch, Weijing W., and a former security official, Piotr D., on Jan. 8 and charged them with espionage. The two men will be held for three months and they could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Poland is a strategic country in the Central-East European market for Huawei and the gateway for further expansion into Europe. The arrest of Weijing W. is a blow to the companys image.

Who Are the Two Men Accused of Spying?

Piotr D. held prominent roles in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration (MIAA), Internal Security Agency and the Office of Electronic Communications. Recently, he was working for Orange, one of the biggest telecommunication companies in Poland.

According to a report by Polish media Computerworld.pl, Piotr D. was the deputy director of the Department of Teleinformatic Security and the adviser to the-then head of the Internal Security Agency, General Krzysztof Bondaryk. In that role, he had access to highly confidential information about government personnel. He is also the author of numerous analyses and expertise assessments in the field of information and communication projects in the public administration.

According to a report by Computerworld.pl, Weijing W. is also known by the Polish name Stanisaw or Staszek W. He finished Polish studies at the Beijing Foreign Studies University. During his studies, he obtained a one year scholarship in Poland. In 2006, he passed the diplomatic and consular exam and began working for the Consulate General of the Peoples Republic of China in the Polish city of Gdansk. Weijing W. was responsible for the supervision of the diplomatic protocol and international relations, especially for economic diplomacy. In 2011, he returned to China and joined Huawei in Beijing as a public relations manager. His role was to manage the external relations and contact between the embassies. In the same year, he was appointed as the director of communication and external relations of Huaweis Polish branch. Then in 2017, he became the sales director of the company.

Ties With Polands Military University of Technology

Stanislaw Weijing W. repeatedly visited the Military University of Technology in Warsaw (MUTW, Polish: Wojskowa Akademia TechnicznaWAT), and also the Institute of Computer and Information Systems (ICIS, Polish: Instytut Systemow InformatycznychISI), where Piotr D. was employed. On May 28, 2015, the Military University of Technology hosted a visit by Huawei representatives, and among those who attended was Stanislaw Weijing W. Discussions were based on information exchange between MUTW and Huawei, and student participation in competitions organized by Huawei in the development of new technology.

Not long after this meeting, the representatives of ICISMaciej Kiedrowicz and Mariusz Chmielewskiwere invited by Huaweis Polish branch to attend the Global Mobile Broadband Forum in Nov. 2015. The conference centered on the issues related to the safety of the construction of the 5G network and the perspectives of the wired and wireless networks.

Then the MUTW representatives were invited to Huaweis headquarters in Shenzhen. MUTWs website posted: [The MUTW] representatives had the chance to attend many informal meetings and to visit the cities of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. For the preparation of the conference and the stay in the companys headquarters, we owe a big thank you to the Polish branch of Huawei and the direct organizer, Mr. Stanisaw W., who is the PR manager in Huawei.

In 2018, MUTW signed an agreement with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration. The main goal of the agreement is to carry out research and development in telecommunications, information technology, cryptology and cybersecurity, with the special attention given to the security and protection of information processed in the telecommunication systems and networks, according to MUTWs website. The agreement was made possible by ICIS through its representative Maciej Kiedrowicz and employee Piotr D.

Piotr D.s Link to the information Scandal at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration

While serving in the Internal Security Agency, Piotr D. was the vice director of the department of information and communication security, and he was the information and communication adviser of the-then chief Gen. Krzysztof Bondaryk (of the Internal Security Agency). At the end of 2011, Polish media Gazeta Wyborcza reported that according to their sources in the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CAB, Polish: Centralne Biuro AntykorupcyjneCBA) and in the Attorney Generals office, Piotr D. was removed from his post after the arrest of Andrzej M., who was up to 2010, the director of the Center of Information and Communication Projects in MIAA.

Andrzej M. was the prime suspect in the information scandal at the MIAA. As the chief of the Center of Information and Communication Projects in MIAA, he was accepting bribes for bid rigging. In 2016, he was sentenced to 4.5 years in state prison.

In 2013, the year of the information scandal, the Internal Security Agency organized a press conference about the system of mobile communication for the most important people in the country. Piotr D. was responsible for the presentation. The system was assuming the purchase of telephones and laptops, which were to be provided to over three thousand peopleamong them were the president, prime minister, police chiefs and border officers.

Huaweis Role in Polands 5G Technology

5G technology will allow for a much greater data transfer, hundreds time faster than today and with a much greater bandwidth. Whoever will build this infrastructure will have access to enormous amounts of data, which could pose potential security risks from the cybersecurity point of view.

Huawei is one of the potential partners that Poland is considering in building the infrastructure for 5G in the country. As the attorney to the Polish government for cybersecurity and deputy head of Ministry of Digitalization, Karol Okonski said: We are are doing inventory of the use of the devices of the company Huawei in Poland, especially when it comes to the telecommunication infrastructure; this applies to both the functioning devices, as well as the planned 5G network.

When asked about the initial arrangements about the use Huaweis technology by the Polish administration, Okonski said: We are in the process of gathering this information and depending on their analysis and the scale of scale of use, we will be thinking in this regard on the next steps that will be taken. However at this moment, I dont have the complete information.

Will Poland Ban Huawei?

There are requests to ban Huawei from a part of the IT market, said Karol Okonski, according to a report on Jan. 14 by the Polish edition of The Epoch Times. But we dont want to be too hasty in making this decision, because we are aware of its consequences. We have to operate in accordance with the Polish and European law. It might be that our final decision or recommendation will have to be divided into two stages, he said. According to Okonski, the first stage would be a soft approachfor example, it would be making an appeal about being cautious with using Huaweis technology, while in the second stage, which would be preceded by legislative changes, a factual decision could be made for banning Huawei from taking part in building the 5G network, other projects or a total exclusion from the Polish market.

The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, Joachim Brudzinski, answered questions about Huawei during an interview with RMF FM radio on Jan. 12, according to a report by Polish news TVP Info. When asked if the government should ban Huawei from the Polish market, he said: Those arguments are more and more popular. Not only in Poland, but also in other countries. He then mentioned Canada and the objections made against Huawei by NATO countries. Regarding this issue, the most reasonable would be to have a joint position made by the countries belonging to EU and NATO, said Brudzinski.

The Special Services Committe, an intelligence agency, held a meeting on Jan. 17 to discuss the arrest of Weijing W. and the cybersecurity threats linked to Huawei. The chief of the committee, Marek Opioa, said during the meeting: The most important questions were: how the operation of espionage looked like, for which country, what it involved, what secrets have been leaked, will it have an effect for the 5G tender. Huawei has the devices to carry out the 5G pilots in Poland, while the competitors are behind in this technology. On the other hand, many countries, especially the United States, have banned Huawei from taking part in its own 5G projects.

Poland is not clear on how to approach the recent Huawei spying case. According to a report by Money.pl, Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Jan. 23: We should be very cautious regarding the decision of choosing the provider of the 5G technology. But at the same time, Duda said: The fact that we caught a man that was spying absolutely does not mean that we say for which country he was spying.

The Polish Prime Ministers Office seeks to organize a meeting with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to RMF24, the Polish government wants to convey a message that it does not agree with spying, but at the same time, it wants to assure that it welcomes Chinese investments like the New Central Polish Airport in Baranowo or digging the Vistula Slit.

On Feb. 6, Huawei organized a press conference in Warsaw where Tonny Bao, the chief of the Polish branch of Huawei, said that despite the concerns that appeared in the media, the Polish government didnt make any official accusations against Huawei related to cybersecurity.

The representatives of Huawei assured that there is no reason for Poland to exclude Huawei from the tender to build the 5G network and announced that it wants to build a center for cybersecurity in Poland.A horse is prepared for X-ray at the Newmarket Equine Hospital in Newmarket, England, on Feb. 11, 2019. After horse racing was suspended for six days due to an outbreak of equine influenza, racing across the UK resumed on Feb. 13, 2019. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Horses and Humans: Will We Ever Conquer Influenza?

Commentary

LONDONIn December 2018, I wrote about the pros and cons of the jab, as the influenza vaccine is called in Britain.

Ideally, an energetic national campaign to keep the population disease-free should result in low levels of illness, but in recent months, as happens most years, there has been a spike in cases across the world.

Right now, in February 2019, the period of time when the Northern Hemisphere sees a significant flu season, Australia is suffering from a steep rise in cases, even though they are still enjoying summertime. Cases are almost three times last summers level, and doctors are urging pregnant women due to give birth before April to be immunized, but the rest of its population should wait until the 2019 flu vaccine becomes available in April or May. One just has to hope that it doesnt reach epidemic proportions.

Whenever I read about governments suddenly panicking amid a major outbreak and urging vaccination, I wonder if humankind is ever going to be able to tackle this nasty, often fatal ailment. What kills flu victims most often is the complication of pneumonia. In turn, there is a pneumonia vaccine, but its administration is usually restricted to those who are over 50.

As of early February 2019, every state in the United States had a worrying incidence of flu. In Garland, Texas, little Ashanti Grinage, a 4-year-old, developed a high fever on Jan. 29. She was sent home from the emergency room with medication, but developed a cough and within two days was dead. The doctors who examined her failed to detect a serious chest complaint. Would a flu shot have helped? If her cough was a bacterial infection, perhaps not, but those in favor of immunization posit that the vaccine boosts the immune system and lessens the possibility of contracting flu that can lead to bronchial disease. Ashantis father, Martel, told local television, Im mad at everyone. Im mad at the hospital. Im mad at God. I cant lie to you.

Schools in many U.S. cities and towns have had to close, not just because of an increase in illness among children but also among teachers and substitute staff. Now doctors across the United States say children 6 months and younger need a flu shot. In the UK, teachers are urged to get the jab, but if American teachers who may have been immunized are still coming down with flu, it is possible the shot isnt tackling the specific strain of the virus.

Great Britain is experiencing something just short of an epidemic. Intensive care units are operating at high capacity in mid-February. Less than half of people under age 65 had a flu injection; there is no data on how many patients in hospital care who did have a shot are suffering from a strain that differs from that in the immunization. Those over 65 were given the three-strain vaccine, but its hoped they can survive the winter without a rogue mutation knocking them down.

A bizarre side story to all of this is an outbreak of equine flu, which has threatened the horse-racing season in the UK and United States. Horses in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France have also contracted flu, blamed (wait for it) on an American strain called Florida CLADE 1. (I shouldnt jest here, but The Epoch Times readers will know I write a lot about the rest of the world blaming every little thing on Americans.)

What is significant about 2019 equine flu is that it appears to be skirting the immunization. Dr. Richard Newton of the Animal Health Trust said, Stopping all racing in the UK is not a decision you take lightly, but this is a highly infectious virus and it was breaking through the vaccine.

British pop star Ozzy Osbourne, 70, has been hospitalized with complications from flu. Because the jab is pretty much mandatory for older folks in Great Britain, one expects this same protocol to exist in the United States and that he would have been immunized in California, where he spends much of the year. He has had to postpone his U.S., UK, and European tours because his doctor fears the severe upper-respiratory infection he has contracted could develop into pneumonia.

What is the answer?

An eloquent piece by Jeremy Brown in January 2019 in the British Guardian newspaper (extracted from his book, Influenza: The Quest to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History) examined the endless hunt for the perfect flu vaccine. He opened his essay with Vaccines are one of the great success stories of modern medicine.  The flu vaccine, however  even in a good year is usually no more than 50 percent effective.

Brown noted that his only visit to a U.S. hospital emergency department occurred when he got a nasty case of fluafter he had been given the vaccine! He pointed out that if the virus drifts after the February meeting of the World Health Organization, there will be a mismatch between virus and vaccine. In the 2004 to 2005 U.S. flu season, the vaccine was only 10-percent effective, and in 2014 to 2015 season, new strains were not included in shotsit was only 19-percent effective. In the 2017 to 2018 season, there were record levels of hospitalization.

He concluded that the holy grail would be a vaccine that covers all expected strains well in advance of future flu seasons and that actually needs administering only once. This is unlikely ever to happen because influenza is just too adept at changing its disguise.

For the time being, my humble advice is to keep those old-fashioned remedies in your medicine chest, and if flu hits even if youve had the jab, rest a lot and pray that your immune system is strong enough to throw it off.

Philadelphia-born Carol Gould is a UK-based political commentator. She is the author of Dont Tread on Me: Anti-Americanism Abroad and Spitfire Girls.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.Hoda Muthana, ISIS Fighters Wife, Wont be Allowed Into US

The United States said on Feb. 20, that a woman who traveled to Syria from Alabama in 2014 to join the ISIS terror group wont be allowed back into the country.

In the first definitive answer on the subject, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: Ms. Hoda Muthana is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States.

She does not have any legal basis, no valid U.S. passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the United States, he added. We continue to strongly advise all U.S. citizens not to travel to Syria.

The State Department hinted at Muthanas status on Tuesday, noting she might not be an American citizen.

According to Kevin Corke of Fox News, Muthana is the daughter of Yemeni immigrants and attended high school and college in America but is not an American citizen. Her family told James Longman, an ABC correspondent whos been sympathetic to Muthana, that she had a U.S. passport and was a citizen, indicating her passport may have been revoked.

For the record, #HodaMuthana is the daughter of Yemeni immigrants. She attended high school and college in the U.S. but is NOT an American.  Kevin Corke (@kevincorke) February 20, 2019

Muthana traveled to Syria when she was 19 and ended up marrying three different ISIS fighters because her first two husbands, an Australian jihadi and a Tunisian jihadi, both died in battle.

Its not clear if her third husband, a Syrian jihadi, is still alive.

Muthana used social media accounts to connect with extremists in the Middle East before traveling there and once there used them to spread calls to action among ISIS supporters.

In one missive posted on Twitter in 2015, she wrote: Go on drive-bys and spill all of their blood, or rent a big truck and drive all over them. Veterans, Patriot, Memorial etc Day parades..go on drive bys + spill all of their blood or rent a big truck n drive all over them. Kill them.

Muthana, who is currently living in a refugee camp in northern Syria after U.S. forces and allies decimated ISIS in the region, was interviewed recently by the Guardian and ABC, saying she thought she should be allowed back into the United States.

Im a normal human being who has been manipulated, she told ABC. I hope America doesnt think I am a threat to them and I hope they accept me  I hope they excuse me because of how young and ignorant I was. I can tell them that now I have changed, now I am a mother, I have none of the ideology and hopefully everyone will see it when I get back.

She admitted to the Guardian that she became jihadi, if you like to describe it that way.

I thought I was doing things correctly for the sake of God, she said.

Moral maze: They traveled to Syria as young women intent on marrying and having children with Islamic State group fighters. Now their husbands are dead or detained and they want to return home https://t.co/jx3y9ktq0p  Kim Hjelmgaard (@khjelmgaard) February 18, 2019

The day before Pompeo stated definitively that Muthana wouldnt be allowed into the United States, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told reporters that cases of American citizens or possible American citizens traveling to Syria is by definition extremely complicated.

He said the United States prefers that people who join ISIS are repatriated to their countries to face punishment.

Weve been clear on this and weve spoken on this publicly recently. Repatriating these foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin, ensuring that they are prosecuted and detainedthats the best solution to preventing them from returning to the battlefield, he added. We view these fighters as a global threat and we seek global cooperation to resolve that threat.Local resident Jennifer Fuller places flowers at the scene outside of a house where a young girl was found dead in Brampton, Ont. on Feb. 15, 2019. (The Canadian Press/Andrew Ryan)

Father Charged With First Degree Murder in Daughters Death

The alarms rang out in the middle of the night, triggered by a mothers urgent pleas to police to save her daughter hours after she celebrated her 11th birthday.

Many jolted awake by the ringing of an Amber Alert hoped Riya Rajkumar, who was last seen with her father, would be found safe. Those hopes were dashed on Feb. 15, when police found the childs body in the home of her father, who was later charged with first-degree murder.

Its very heart-wrenching, said Peel regional police Const. Danny Marttini, making particular note of the mothers pain. We have to remember that this is a family, and shes now moving forward without her daughter.

Riya had just celebrated a joint Valentines Day birthday with her mother before being dropped off at a gas station in Mississauga, Ont., on Thursday afternoon for a visit with her father, Roopesh Rajkumar, who did not live with them.

When he failed to return Riya home at the scheduled time, Marttini said the mother became concerned. That anxiety morphed into something more serious after Rajkumar, an ex-boyfriend, allegedly indicated to the girls mother that he planned to harm both himself and their child, Marttini said.

She came in already fully concerned saying, this is what hes saying to me, Im concerned for the well-being of my daughter, I need some help, she said.

Marttini said police began investigating the situation right away, but did not immediately have grounds to enter Rajkumars home, where Riyas body was found roughly five hours after she was reported missing.

We need extenuating circumstances to force entry into somebodys residence, Marttini said. To do a door-knock? No problem. But if nobody answers, thats sort of as far as we go  As the investigation unfolded, they did receive information that they did believe she was in the residence. As soon as they had that information, they proceeded.

Shortly before entering the home, however, police had issued an Amber Alert in Riyas disappearance. The alert, released just after 11:30 p.m., was issued via the national Public Alerting System on cellphones across the province.

That bulletin, police said, directly led to Rajkumars arrest.

Ontario Provincial Police Staff Sgt. Carolle Dionne said a motorist driving on Highway 11 in Oro-Medonte, Ont., shortly before midnight noticed Rajkumars vehicle, which had been described in the Amber Alert.

As a result of the Amber Alert, they observed the vehicle and gave us the coordinates, she said. Thankfully  we were able to apprehend this man.

When Peel police took custody of Rajkumar from the provincial force, Marttini said officers became aware of an undisclosed medical condition that meant he required treatment at a trauma center. Rajkumar remained in hospital under police custody on Friday evening.

Police declined to offer details on the cause of either Rajkumars condition or Riyas death.

As news of the girls death spread, several people stopped by the area around Rajkumars home to leave flowers and pay their respects.

Emmanuel Okafor, who lives nearby, paused near the home, clasped his hands and said a silent prayer.

I pray to God the family lives through this, he said. No family should ever go through this  It breaks my heart.

Okafor said he followed the situation closely after the Amber Alert was issued.

Its senseless, he said. We were really hoping last night she would be found alive, not knowing this morning wed have this tragic news.

Jennifer Fuller, who has a daughter around the same age as Riya, laid flowers on a snowbank near the home.

Its sickening and its sad, she said.

Grief and shock were also setting in at Meadowvale Village Public School in Mississauga, Ont., where Riya was a Grade 5 student.

The school issued a statement expressing shock at the girls tragic death, announcing flags would be lowered to half-mast, and outlining supports available to students.

Riya was a well-liked student, and her death is deeply felt by everyone at the school, Principal Stacy Service said. Even students who did not personally know Riya will also be affected.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie called Riyas death senseless, and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called the alleged killing a horrific act.

Both Peel and provincial police said they continued to deal Friday with another form of fallout from the Amber Alert _ people calling to complain about the late-night alerts or repeat broadcasts that were issued after Rajkumar was in custody.

Dionne lamented that some people valued their own convenience over the safety of a child, a sentiment echoed by Marttini.

Were talking about a child that was missing, Marttini said. I feel for everyone, but given the circumstances, I think it did lead to the arrest of the individual. I think thats what we have to focus on.

The Amber Alert that helped lead to Rajkumars arrest is a special bulletin issued when a child under 18 is abducted and believed to be in imminent danger. In order to meet the criteria for the alert, police must also have a description of either a suspect or a suspect vehicle.

By Michelle McQuigge and Shawn JeffordsMaleah Ballejos reunited with her dog Kingston in Paradise, Calif., on Feb. 18, 2019. (Ben Lepe/AP)

Dog Reunited With Family 101 Days After California Wildfire

PARADISE, CaliforniaA dog named Kingston is back with his family 101 days after he jumped out of their truck as they fled a devastating Northern California wildfire.

The 12-year-old Akita was reunited Monday, Feb. 18, with the Ballejos family, who fled the town of Paradise late last year, Sacramento television station KXTV reported.

Kingston comes home 101 DAYS ALONE: Kingston ran away as his family evacuated their Paradise home, scared by the chaos of the Camp Fire. 3 months later he was finally reunited with his family, who believe the 12-year-old dog survived on his own by eating skunks.  12 News  2019219

When I found out, it just about brought me to tears, said Gabriel Ballejos, Kingstons owner. Im so proud of him. I cant believe it. Hes a true survivor, and its a testament to the American spirit.

Ballejos said they never lost hope and kept posting flyers and contacting shelters.

Every night I would ask my dad and tell him that we needed to go look for him, said Ballejos daughter, Maleah.

The family got a call after animal rescue volunteer Ben Lepe trapped Kingston on Sunday and took him to Friends of Camp Fire Cats, a local rescue group. The volunteers saw a missing dog message on Facebook and contacted the family.

Lepe said the large dog had been spotted on surveillance cameras and that he set up a trap big enough for it on Saturday.

When I went to check it on Sunday, there he was, Lepe said. It was awesome to see him and know he would be fed and warm.

Family members believe Kingston survived by eating skunks, because he hunted them before the fire and smelled of skunk when they picked him up.

This is what its all about!  The Ballejos family has their beloved dog named Kingston back, 101 days after the #CampFire He was found, trapped and given a bath by a group of volunteers and today, he was reunited with his family. #LateNewsTonight at 11 @ABC10 @dog_rates pic.twitter.com/uP9QNNDY6U  Madison Meyer (@madisonmeyer) February 19, 2019

The town of Paradise was leveled by a Nov. 8 blaze that killed 85 people and destroyed nearly 15,000 homes in the area.

Angel Herrera, of Friends of Camp Fire Cats, said the group has rescued more than 200 lost pets since the fire and still sets traps.

If we had the resources, we could trap 50 animals every single night, she said.

dog traper in paradise Meet Ben Lepe! He's the man who trapped Kingston 101 days after the #CampFire in #Paradise. He took Kingston to Friends of Camp Fire Cats- Basecamp where he was later reunited with his family! Ben has been trapping dogs/cats for awhile now. His sweet Yorkie named Colby has been missing for two years. He is keeping his hope alive by helping others. #LateNewsTonight at 11  Madison Meyer  2019219

On Dec. 11, 2018, a California woman was reuniting with her dog, one month after the devastating Camp Fire destroyed her home.

The dog, Madison, was found guarding her fire-ravaged property and was apparently waiting for her to come back.

 Shayla Sullivan  2018127

Andrea Gaylord told ABC10: You could never ask for a better animal. You really couldnt.

Imagine the loyalty of hanging in through the worst of circumstances and being here waiting, she said.

Madisons parents were unable to get home to him when the Camp Fire spread. They hoped and prayed he would be OK. When  K9 Paw Print Rescue  2018125

Local animal rescue volunteer Shayla Sullivan eventually found Miguel, her other dog, in Citrus Heights, about 85 miles away from Paradise, where her home was located, ABC10 reported.

According to the HuffPost, Madisons whereabouts remained a mystery. Gaylord believed the animal was still alive.

Since then, the dogs owner released a video showing the moment Madison and its brother reunited for the first time.

Heres a sweet video for you! Madison, the dog who waited for his owners at their burned home, was reunited with his brother Miguel today!  #CampFire #Paradise  Madison Meyer  2018127

The third day I went in there, I didnt know if my mind was playing tricks on me, but I felt like I saw a flash of white movement down in the canyon, Sullivan said when she approached Gaylords property.

When Gaylord drove up to the property, it took about five or 10 minutes for Madison to come and greet its owner. When Andrea showed up, he smelled her, Sullivan said.

Miguel, the other dog, meanwhile, had been so upset and so depressed being without his brother, she said. It was surreal to see them go back into, like, Were a team now, everything is OK, we got our people, we can go back to work, she said.

Gaylord said the dogs are staying on the property, as her family is making regular trips to make sure the animals get the proper care. Sullivan said the animals are working dogs and need a lot of space. Gaylord is temporarily in a mobile home park, HuffPost reported.

Their instinctual job is to watch the flocks and were part of them, Gaylord added of the guard dogs. Its a comforting feeling.

These dogs are livestock guardian dogs, they do not do well in heat, they do not do well in small enclosures, she said. They protect their property.

Shayla has been so helpful, you know, taking care of the dogs, Gaylord added ABC10. I have 141 phone calls on my cell phone from this gal, helping us find our dogs.

Marlene Johnson, the founder the Facebook group Livestock Guardian Dogs, told HuffPost: Anatolian shepherd dogs are from Turkey and have been bred for thousands of years to protect and guard livestock, their property, and their humans, Johnson said.

Livestock guardian dogs like Anatolian shepherds are working dogs that are appreciated for their loyalty, their intelligence, and their independent nature and Madison is a perfect example of a livestock guardian dog. He braved a natural disaster and went right back to where he belonged and stayed there until his owners and working buddy returned, she added.

The Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips contributed to this report.Defiant Family of ISIS Bride Shamima Begum Vow to Fight Move to Strip Her of Citizenship

The lawyer representing jihadi bride Shamima Begum has said her family is considering all legal avenues to challenge the decision by UK authorities to revoke her British citizenship.

Nineteen-year-old Begumwho has remained defiant about running away from her London home four years ago to join ISISis in a Syrian refugee camp with her newborn son.

Begum has pleaded to be allowed back into the UK as American and other forces have decimated the Islamist terror groups presence in the region and the so-called caliphate crumbles.

But British Home Secretary Sajid Javid has decided to block her return by stripping Begum of her British citizenship, a move that is in conformity with the law if she is a dual citizen and is thus not left stateless.

Javid was cited by the Daily Mail as saying that the decision to revoke Begums citizenship is conducive to the public good on grounds of preventing terrorism.

British officials notified Begums family in a Feb. 19 letter of a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship. In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretarys decision has been served of file today (19th February), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made.

The letter noted Begum had a right to appeal.

Exclusive: Shamima Begum has had her UK citizenship revoked by the British government, this letter seen by ITV News shows https://t.co/lFXaJFtBvM pic.twitter.com/7JMMPyKQNq  ITV News (@itvnews) February 19, 2019

Very Disappointed

Begums relatives have expressed disappointment at the governments decision to deprive her of British citizenship.

In a statement cited by The Telegraph, the familys lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said [The] Family are very disappointed with the Home Offices intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship. We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision.

Under the 1981 British Nationality Act, a person can be deprived of their citizenship if the home secretary is convinced it would be conducive to the public good and provided that the individual does not become stateless.

Begum was born in Britain but is believed to haveor be eligible forBangladeshi citizenship on grounds of her mother being a Bangladeshi national, BBC reported. Begum told the BBC in an interview that she does not currently hold a Bangladeshi passport.

The familys legal case may rely on whether the move does, in fact, render Begum stateless. Akunjee told The Telegraph that since Begum did not have a passport, denial of a visa for Bangladesh would make her stateless.

Questions have also been raised about the nationality of her son, born in Syria while she was still a British national, and therefore by defaultBritish. Officials could, theoretically, move to strip the child of British citizenship but it is unclear on what grounds and how this would stand up to a legal challenge.

The Home Office told Sky News through a spokesman that while it did not comment on individual cases, Any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly.

In recent days the home secretary has clearly stated that his priority is the safety and security of Britain and the people who live here, a spokesman added.

Javid has previously said Begum will face consequences for backing ISIS and vowed, Where individuals do manage to return, they will be questioned, investigated and potentially prosecuted.

Reactions

Philip Hollobone, a British member of Parliament, praised the decision to revoke Begums citizenship, Well done, Sajid Javid for acting so quickly. This is exactly the right thing to do.

Conservative MP George Freeman called the move a mistake, adding that Begum should be brought back to face the UK courts.

James Forsyth, a conservative commentator for The Spectator, suggested revocation of citizenship was too easy and allows politicians and society to sidestep the difficult conversation about the surge of Islamist extremism.

In a way, saying that Begum is not British is too easy, Forsyth wrote.

It allows us to ignore the fact that this girl who went to a British school was radicalized in this way. As a country and a society, we need to think long and hard about how this happened. Stripping her of her citizenship allows us to avoid a difficult conversation that we need to have if we are not to have more young minds corrupted by Islamist extremism, he said.

Kind of Retaliation

Begum claimed in a recent interview that people should sympathize with her plight and said her family should work on getting authorities to let her back into the United Kingdom. Describing herself as just a housewife, she said she would not pose a security threat. She also said she was okay with beheadings and that she didnt regret joining the radical Islamic group and marrying an ISIS terrorist.

From what I heard, Islamically that is all allowed so I was OK with it, she said.

Begum also spoke to BBCs Middle East correspondent Quentin Sommerville about the Manchester Arena terror attack, saying: I do feel that its wrong that innocent people did get killed, but added, Its a two-way thing, really, saying it was just like the women and children in Baghuz that are being killed right now unjustly by the bombings.

And its kind of retaliation, she said. Their justification was that it was retaliation, so I thought, ok, that is a fair justification.

"I didn't want to be IS poster girl"  London teenager Shamima Begum, who fled to join Islamic State group in Syria, says she now wants the UK's forgiveness [Tap to expand] https://t.co/9KwR4TYUqA pic.twitter.com/JWsgeHHppl  BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) February 18, 2019

Nineteen-year-old Begum left London four years ago with two school friends to join ISIS.

While Kadiza Sultana was reported to have been killed in an airstrike in 2016, Begum said she did not know what happened to her other friend, Amira Abase.

Begum was found in a Syrian refugee camp by The Times newspaper last week after reportedly leaving Baghuz, the final stronghold of ISIS in Syria.

Begum, who in the interview with The Times said she has no regrets about joining ISIS, gave birth to a baby boy over the weekend and has repeatedly pleaded to be allowed back into the UK, sparking a fiery national debate about returning ISIS sympathizers.Sarah Isgur Flores attend the Glamour & Facebook Launch of Women's Initiative for 2016 Election at POV Lounge in Washington on March 24, 2016. (Kris Connor/Getty Images for Glamour)

CNN Defends Decision to Hire Ex-Sessions Spokeswoman as Political Editor After Sparking Confusion

CNN has defended its decision to hire former Department of Justice spokeswoman in an internal memo on Feb. 20, after the hiring decision caused confusion among the networks staffers.

On Feb. 19, Politico first reported the news that Sarah Isgur Flores, the ex-spokeswoman for former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, would be joining CNN as a political editor in March, where she will coordinate news for the coverage of the 2020 election campaign.

The news of the decision to hire Isgur Flores was met with a negative internal reaction due to the networks sluggishness in communicating the news to staff, reported The Daily Beast. By Tuesday afternoon, CNN had not circulated information to staff about Isgurs new role.

People are generally confused, one editorial employee told the news website, adding that the decision to hire a partisan political operative with no journalism experience was very bizarre.

In the Wednesday memo signed by CNN Washington bureau chief Sam Feist and obtained by TPM, network managers expressed their excitement for the new addition, saying that they were thrilled.

You may have heard that Sarah Isgur will be joining CNN in the coming weeks as a Political Editor. We wish we had been able to share this news with you before it was reported in the press but as Washington is a town full of journalists, news like this sometimes gets out, the memo read.

Were thrilled that Sarah is coming to CNN. She brings a wealth of government, political, communications, and legal experience to our team.

The memo went on to say that the network hopes to have Isgur play a coordinating role in our daily political coverage as well as help to organize and communicate between newsgathering, digital, and television.

CNNs Brian Stetler also shared the networks perspective on the hiring, writing in a tweet: GOP operative joins CNN is getting a LOT of criticism, especially from Dems. But love it or hate it, political insiders have been joining newsrooms for decades. The more viewpoints represented in newsrooms, the better.

GOP operative joins CNN is getting a LOT of criticism, especially from Dems. But love it or hate it, political insiders have been joining newsrooms for decades. The more viewpoints represented in newsrooms, the better. As for the critiques, @CNNPR declined to comment.  Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 19, 2019

The decision to hire Isgur Flores received criticism from many progressive commentators and members of the Democratic party. Isgur Flores has previously been critical of CNN and called the media coverage of President Donald Trump biased.

Once again Dems & media sounding their outrage gong at every single thing this President does to try to clean up mess of the last 8yrs.  Sarah Isgur (@whignewtons) January 28, 2017

While its not uncommon for former administration staff to join the media, they typically do so as analysts and commentators rather than editorial staff, according to Politico.

Other well-known departing government officials that entered into the media include Tim Russert, who served as a special counsel and chief of staff to former Senator Daniel Moynihan and a top aide for New York Governor Mario Cuomo before moving to NBC News and quickly becoming the Washington bureau chief and host of Meet the Press; and George Stephanopoulos who was a senior aide for Bill Clinton before joining ABC News.

Isgur Flores previously served as the deputy communications director for the Republican National Committee, according to her LinkedIn profile. She also worked on the campaign teams of candidates Carly Fiorina, Ted Cruz, and Mitt Romney. She worked in the DOJ as the director of public affairs from February 2017 before becoming the senior counsel to the deputy attorney general.A U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter reacts as an airstrike hits territory still held by ISIS militants in the desert outside Baghouz, Syria, on Feb. 19, 2019. (Felipe Dana/AP Photo)

Civilians Evacuated From Last ISIS Holdout in Syria

BAGHOUZ, SyriaA convoy of trucks carrying hundreds of civilians, including men, women, and children, left the last enclave held by ISIS militants in eastern Syria on Feb. 20, signaling a possible end to a standoff that has lasted for more than a week.

An Associated Press team in Baghouz, a village near the Iraqi border where the ISIS group is making its final stand, counted at least 17 trucks that emerged through a humanitarian corridor used in past weeks to evacuate people from the militants last patch of territory along the Euphrates River.

Women, children, and men, some with checkered headscarves, or keffiyehs, could be seen through a flap opening on the flatbed trucks. One man carried a crutch; the women were engulfed in conservative black garments covering their faces known as niqabs.

Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces, the U.S.-backed militia spearheading the fight against ISIS in Syria, confirmed the trucks were carrying civilians out of the enclave.

It was not immediately clear if ISIS militants were also on board the trucks. Around 300 militants are believed to be holed up in the enclave, along with several hundred civilians. On Tuesday, Bali said a military operation aimed at ousting the extremists from the area will begin if they dont surrender, adding that such an operation would take place after separating or evacuating the civilians from the militants.

An SDF commander, Zana Amedi, said most of the militants remaining inside the enclave are seriously wounded or sick.

Civilians evacuated from last Islamic State holdout in Syria pic.twitter.com/DpeCb9MQeW  subhankar biswas (@subhankar7362) February 20, 2019

The ISIS group has been reduced from its self-proclaimed caliphate that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq at its height in 2014 to a speck of land on the countries shared border.

The SDF has been encircling the remaining ISIS-held territory for days, waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

Nearly 20,000 civilians had left the shrinking area in recent weeks before the evacuation halted last week when the militants closed all the roads out of the tiny area.

The departure of the trucks from a village where the Islamic State group is making its final stand signals a possible end to a standoff that has lasted for more than a week. https://t.co/tXP6pmsrbE  Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) February 20, 2019

By Sarah El DeebChinese Tourist Fights With Wife on New York StreetsArrested for Domestic Violence

Chinese tourists have been warned that the United States takes domestic violence seriously as a man and his wife, surnamed Zhang, were reported to the police by two passersby after the couple got into an argument during the Lunar New Year which became physical, escalating into shoves from both sides.

The husband was arrested in front of their hotel in New York, leaving his spouse to contact the Chinese consulate (in New York) for help as he faced trial. The court proceedings caused them to miss their flight home, and has prompted the Chinese consulate to release a statement on Feb. 16 through WeChat about the incident.

The consulate advises tourists that fights between spouses are not regarded as a trifling matter and none of other peoples business like they are back home in China.

In Western countries such as the United States, this kind of incident is not treated as just a simple domestic affair.

The notice further cautions that fighting between couples in the United States is taken extremely seriously by law enforcement agencies. It explains that unlike the situation in Chinaoften depicted in television dramas, where people try to avoid intervening in spousal conflict even when they come to physical blowsa public conflict involving domestic violence in the United States will not be simply ignored by passersby.

Instead, witnesses can report them and give testimony in court. It adds that even private fights can be reported by neighbors to police.

The consulate goes on to explain that rather than a private matter, domestic violence is treated as a criminal offense overseas, and the victim cannot withdraw the complaint once proceedings have begun, even if they apply to do so.

Not only would such proceedings result in court fees and interrupted plans, a protection order would bar the two parties from residing together for a period of time.

Before going abroad, learn about U.S. laws and regulations, and cultural differences between China and the United States  avoid disputes caused by misunderstandings, and violating local laws unknowingly, the consulate concluded.

Domestic Violence in China

Chinas first law addressing the legality of domestic violence was implemented on March 2016, a landmark legal ruling that abuse has consequences. Its effectiveness is limited as domestic violence is classified as a civil offense rather than criminal. This means that any penalties ordered by the court must be enforced by government, non-government, or individual action, lacking the full force of the criminal justice system to exact punishment or ensure compliance.

Kim Lee, a victim of repeated abuse at the hands of her husband, was the face of the campaign against domestic violence which resulted in the first domestic violence law.

Lee contends: I fail to see how burning someone with cigarettes, hitting them with a bike chain, sitting on their back and slamming their head into the floor are not criminal behaviors. The requirements for domestic violence to be treated as a crime are barbaric.

In my case, I didnt have broken bones, or wounds requiring stitches so the grade of injury was not sufficient. Again, having a law is better than not having a law, but in my opinion financial crimes are treated so much more seriously and they have far less devastating results, Lee said.

For the hotline number of your local domestic violence program, call the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906.

Call the NYC 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE.US-backed coup in Venezuela

The fate of democracy

Theres been a lot misinformation in the international media about whether what is happening in Venezuela is a brazen US-led power grab or a constitutional transfer of power aided by the international community.

Juan Guaido swore himself in as interim president.

On January 23, National Assembly President Juan Guaido, who was virtually unknown in Venezuela before being selected for the legislative post on January 5, swore himself in as interim president of the South American country and was immediately recognised by Washington and its allies.

Guaido claims that his new self-ascribed job title is fully in keeping with Article 233 of Venezuelas 1999 constitution. But is this the case?

An open and shut case

Article 233 of the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela specifies that an absolute vacuum of power occurs in the following circumstances: the presidents death, resignation, impeachment by the Supreme Court, permanent physical or mental incapacity certified by a medical expert designated by the Supreme Court and approved by the National Assembly, abandonment of post declared by the National Assembly, or recall by popular referendum.

Guaidos claim to the presidency rests on the second to last of these conditions, namely the argument that Nicolas Maduro has failed to fulfil his constitutional responsibilities, thereby abandoning his post. Article 236 outlines in detail the duties of the president, which include everything from conducting international relations and leading the armed forces to granting pardons and convoking referenda.

The opposition may not like Maduro for a variety of reasons, but a cursory glance at the head of states Twitter feed will reveal that he has hardly abandoned his presidential functions. That is, he has not holed himself up in Miraflores presidential palace playing Call of Duty in lieu of showing up for work.

Now even if Maduro were to develop a debilitating video game addiction, this would not necessarily mean that his powers would pass to the president of the National Assembly.

Article 233 clearly specifies that in the event of an absolute power vacuum of any of the types mentioned above occurring within the first four years of his or her six-year mandate, the president shall be succeeded by the vice president. This is what happened after President Hugo Chavezs death on March 5, 2013, when Nicolas Maduro took over as acting president and new elections were called within 30 days. If the above scenario occurs in the last two years of the elected term, the vice president is sworn in and finishes the mandate. Only in the case of a power vacuum occurring between presidential elections and the president-elects inauguration will the president of the National Assembly temporarily take office.

Therefore, even if we accept the oppositions rather dubious claim that recently sworn-in Maduro has abandoned his post, it would be Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, not Guaido, who would take office.

In the interest of fairness, lets concede for a moment that Juan Guaido is the legitimate interim president of Venezuela. Why then has he yet to call new presidential elections within 30 days as explicitly specified by Article 233?

Not only has Guaido failed to call new elections, but his National Assembly approved a law on February 5, titled Democratic Transition Statute, which allows the un-elected politician to remain in power for a maximum period of twelve (12) months in the case of the technical impossibility of holding them sooner.

Article 233 makes absolutely no mention of technical conditions, as an excuse for delaying elections, and the Venezuelan opposition certainly had no technical issues impeding them from holding their illegal July 14, 2017 plebiscite amid a violent anti-government insurrection.

The only conclusion is that Guaido is playing it fast and loose with the Bolivarian Constitution to justify a dictatorship.

Was Maduro legitimately elected?

Constitutional exegesis aside, the crux of the oppositions argument is that Nicolas Maduros May 20, 2018 re-election was mired in fraud and hence his swearing-in illegitimate, creating a power vacuum.

This contention has been taken up by the mainstream media as an article of faith and repeated ad nauseam.

For corporate journalists, it doesnt appear to matter that Maduro was re-elected with 6.2 million votes, amounting to around 31 percent of eligible voters, which, as Joe Emersberger notes, is average among US presidents. For instance, Barack Obama received 31 percent in 2008 and 28 percent in 2012, while Trump was elected with just 26 percent in 2016, failing to win the popular vote.

Nor does the Western pundit class seem to care that Maduro won with exactly the same electoral system with which the opposition scored its landslide parliamentary victory in 2015, from which Juan Guaido purports to derive his legitimacy.

Indeed, the fact that Maduro was re-elected cleanly, as verified by reports from four different in independent international monitoring missions, is non-consequential, given that Washington preemptively refused to recognise the results of the election more than 90 days ahead of time in support of the main opposition parties boycott.

But the US did not stop there. The Trump administration went as far as to threaten to sanction opposition candidate Henri Falcon for daring to defy the boycott, while the major anti-government parties sabotaged his candidacy by actively urging abstention and falsely suggesting that the former governor was in league with Maduro. Somehow this egregious interference in another sovereign countrys electoral process was completely ignored by a Western media lobotomised by Russia-gate hysteria.

All this is quite ironic in light of the fact that the right-wing opposition took to the streets in deadly protests in 2017 demanding early presidential elections with full backing from Washington.

However, after elections were brought forward to April 2018 in the context of internationally-mediated negotiations in the Dominican Republic, the opposition turned around and reportedly rejected a preliminary agreement reached with the government, abandoning further talks. A subsequent deal to push elections back to May 20 brought a faction of the opposition led by Falcon on board, to the fury of hard-line parties close to Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who issued repeated calls for a military coup alongside other top US officials.

There is little doubt that had the opposition united behind Falcon, he would have stood a very good chance of beating Maduro, whose popularity has plummeted amid the severe economic crisis that has gripped the country for four years. Why then did the US and its local clients opt for a boycott?

Radical regime change

On April 11, 2002, the Venezuelan opposition with the support of sections of the military staged a coup ousting democratically elected President Hugo Chavez. Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce President Pedro Carmona swore himself in as interim president and proceeded to dissolve the National Assembly, the new constitution and the courts. Carmona was recognised by the Bush administration and Spains Aznar government, while the New York Times glowingly endorsed him as a respected business leader. In fact, it was unrepentant war criminal Elliott Abrams, recently resurrected as Trumps special envoy to Venezuela, who gave the green light to the coup plotters. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund, from whom Guaido is considering soliciting financing, rushed to offer loans to the new coup regime.

Between 50 and 60 anti-coup protesters were gunned down in the streets by the infamous Metropolitan Police during the Venezuelan oppositions short-lived coup regime. The Cuban embassy was besieged, while future opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles alongside Guaidos political mentor, former Chacao Mayor Leopoldo Lopez, carried out what they euphemistically called a citizens arrest, in fact a kidnapping, of President Chavezs interior minister, Ramon Rodriguez Chacin.

Contrary to mainstream media depictions, the Carmona regime is the only dictatorship Venezuela has had over the last two decades. Moreover, any parallels between 2002 and today are hardly coincidental. Like in 2002, the current US-backed coup seeks to completely dismantle Venezuelas Bolivarian institutional framework of expanded political, social, and economic rights, but this time in the name of the constitution they previously dissolved.

There is no clearer evidence than Guaidos publicly disclosed plans to introduce major privatisations in Venezuelas oil sector, whose nationalisation formed the bedrock of the Bolivarian anti-imperialist project. Nevertheless, as we saw in 2002, the opposition will not stop there, for it is driven by the single-minded desire to eliminate Chavismo as a mass political force and thus restore the exceptional pre-Chavez liberal democracy that only ever existed in the imagination of the upper middle class white elite. The recent burning alive of a man perceived to be Chavista in Merida, like the lynchings we saw during the 2017 opposition protests, is just one manifestation of this virulent anti-poor hatred.

In short, the international left has a duty to halt the US-backed coup underway in Venezuela. Only through sustained, popular opposition to US imperialism can we avoid a return to the dark age of Washington-sponsored dictatorships and dirty wars which men like Elliott Abrams enthusiastically promoted across the hemisphere in the 1970s and 80s. The fate of democracy in Venezuela, and worldwide, hangs in the balance.

Venezuelanalysis.comDozens of people hold Chinese flags along Flushing's Main Street just before the start of the Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, New York City on Feb. 9, 2019. (The Epoch Times)

Chinese Subversion on Full Display in New York

NEW YORKChinese immigrants in the United States arent able to live peaceful lives.

Agents of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) keep a watchful eye on ethnic neighborhoods and actively harass and pressure anyone who dares step out of line on CCP policyeven on U.S. soil.

These operations are carried out on a large scale by CCP agents living abroad, under the regimes United Front Department. The agency works through Chinese consulates, which, in turn, recruit and operate through hometown and fraternal organizations abroad, known as Tongs, which often have thousands or tens of thousands of members.

In New York City, CCP United Front operations have been on full display in Flushing, a Chinese neighborhood in Queens. There, Chinese agents and individuals with exposed ties to the CCP have taken part in a campaign of violence, intimidation, and harassment since 2008mainly targeted at people who practice the persecuted Chinese meditation practice of Falun Gong.

During the annual Lunar New Year parade in Flushing on Feb. 9, more than 100 large red flags of the CCP were seen lining the main street of the parade route. The individuals who held the flags were evenly spaced, standing roughly six feet apart.

The protests were staged, and several of the participants said, in undercover video footage taken by The Epoch Times and NTD Television, that they had received money from the CCP agitators. There also was footage showing how the scene was orchestrated by CCP-tied groups, with individuals apparently acting as coordinators, handing out the flags.

Among the groups behind the distribution of the flags was the infamous Chinese Anti-Cult World Alliance (CACWA), which has ties to the CCP and to serious human-rights abuses in China. The CACWA is banned from participating in the Flushing Lunar New Year parade for violating parade rules in the past about displaying CCP flags. The organization also had put up banners with anti-Falun Gong hate speech.

A Global Persecution

Falun Gong is a meditation practice that originated in China and is based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Practitioners often meditate in the mornings and make efforts to refine their character in their daily lives. The practice was banned in China in 1999, however, after the CCP found there were as many as 100 million adherents.

A brutal persecution followed, which has included torture, false imprisonment, re-education through labor, killings, and organ harvesting from living people. To cover up and justify the persecution in the minds of Chinese people and the world, the CCP has used a large-scale program of censorship, disinformation, and threats of violence abroad.

Among the many organizations the CCP has used in the persecution is the Chinese Anti-Cult Association, which works with the CCPs extrajudicial force for persecuting Falun Gong, the 610 Office. The Gestapo-like 610 Office was created to monitor, arrest, torture, and transform people in China who practiced Falun Gong, forcing them to renounce their beliefs.

In China, the Chinese Anti-Cult Association works with the 610 Office by advising it on methods of persecuting Falun Gong practitioners and turning the Chinese people against them. The CACWA in Flushing shares the organizations name, uses the same materials, and carries out similar operations.

The organization in Flushing also has direct ties to one of the CCPs main arms for subversion: the United Front Department.

Foreign Actors Silencing Immigrants

Among the longtime agitators active during the recent incident in Flushing was Li Huahong, head of the CACWA, who instructed flag-bearers to unfurl their flags and ordered them to stand in assigned areas.

Interviews showed that many who participated werent officially part of the CACWA, but instead took part simply for the money. Undercover video footage shows a paid Chinese protester saying he received $20. Another, an African-American man, told a reporter he was paid $20 to carry a flag. An apparent organizer also was seen telling participants to keep their money safe, adding that the payments were $30 each.

A middle-aged man instructed participants to lie about the money they received, stating, If people ask you whether you get money [for holding the flags], tell them theres no money.

Key organizers with the CACWA were exposed by The Epoch Times in previous reporting to have direct ties to CCP spy agencies for United Front operations.

The CCP groups have been especially brazen in their activities in Flushing, New York, where, in 2008, they gathered in large groups in broad daylight, and physically assaulted local residents who practiced Falun Gong.

Reporting from The Epoch Times revealed involvement at the time by then-Chinese consulate general Peng Keyu; by numerous Tongs, including the Fukien American Association, which has close ties to the CCP and to organized crime through the Fuk Ching gang; and by individuals directly affiliated with the United Front Department.

High-level sources inside China told The Epoch Times in 2008 that the Chinese community in New York was used as a testing ground by the CCP for tactics to extend its persecution against Falun Gong abroad. The attacks in New York were followed by similar organized attacks against Falun Gong practitioners in San Francisco, Paris, Hong Kong, and elsewhere.

Epoch Times staff member Cathy He and NTD Television contributed to this report.Fang Zheng in his home on Feb. 20, 2019. TThe Chinese words painted on the van say: End the Chinese Communist Party regime, and build new constitutional democracy in China. (Courtesy Fang Zheng)

Chinese Consulate Denies Visa to US Citizen to Attend Fathers Funeral

SAN FRANCISCOFang Zheng, an American citizen whose legs were crushed by a tank during the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, has been denied entry to China for his fathers funeral since Feb. 7.

The Tiananmen Square Massacre occurred on June 4, 1989, when the Chinese Communist regime used tanks, troops, and assault rifles to kill thousands of students in order to end the student-led demonstration for freedom and democracy in Beijings Tiananmen Square.

The massacre has been a forbidden topic in China, and information related to it has been under strict government censorship.

Fang was one of the students in the demonstration; he was in a group of students withdrawing from Tiananmen Square when a tank caught him from behind and crushed his legs.

This year will be the 30th anniversary of the massacre, as well as the anniversary for Fangs loss of his legs.

Fang came to the United States in 2009 with a travel visa prior to the 20th anniversary of the massacre, and later became an American citizen after being recognized as a political refugee.

Prior to coming to the United States, Fang had been outspoken about the bloody truth of the massacre. He was arrested twice by Chinese authorities before he left China.

Fang is the chairman of the Chinese Democratic Education Foundation (CDEF), a California-based nonprofit group that works toward a path for democracy for China.

Fang learned Feb. 3 that his father had passed away earlier that day in Hefei City, China.

Fang and his family drove an hour to the San Francisco Chinese Consulate General on Feb. 6, and spent an entire day there going through the visa application process. They left the consulate at the end of the day and were told to come back the next day to pick up their visas.

Fang and his three daughters are U.S. citizens, while his wife is a permanent resident in the United States. Since one of his daughters went back to China with his wife in 2016, and still holds a valid visa, Fang only needed visas for himself and two of his daughters.

On Feb. 7, Fang went back to the consulate. With the help of friends, Fang got the visas he needed. He paid $495 for the expedited process.

About three hours later, Fang received a phone call from the consulate, and was told that their visas were all canceled. The caller from the consulate refused to give his name, and also refused to explain the reasons behind the cancelations.

Having doubts about the callers identity, Fang and his friends called the consulate, but were unable to reach any consulate personnel by phone.

After calling the consulate by phone and reaching no one for a few days, Fang decided to go to the consulate again.

Fang said it was not easy for him as a handicapped person to go to the consulate. He can walk with prostheses, but the steep slope outside the consulates front door was too challenging for him. With help from his friends, he went up the slope in his wheelchair the morning of Feb. 12.

Fang asked the consulate worker at the information desk to verify if the phone call was indeed made by anyone from the consulate, and the reasons for the cancelations of the visas.

The consulate worker went upstairs to check with her superior, and came back to confirm the cancelations of the visas, but refused to answer any other questions.

Fang insisted to speak to someone in charge of the visa process, but the consulate worker sent security to ask him to leave.

The security guard told Fang to go outside of the building and reenter from a side door to request to speak with someone in charge.

Fang and his friends followed directions and went to the side door, but nobody answered the doorbell or responded to their knocking on the door.

Since then, Fangs mother and relatives in China, who are not sure if Fang is able to return, have cremated his fathers remains. Fangs mother told him that she would wait for Fangs return to bury his fathers ashes.

As of now, Fang hasnt received any further explanations from the consulate.

Fangs father was 80 when he passed away. He visited Fang in the United States in 2012. Since then, Fang hasnt seen his father.

Fang and his daughters are still hoping and waiting for the visas to go to China to say their final farewells to Fangs father, and to bury his ashes.China Tightens Controls on Capital Outflows

Excessive foreign currency exchange punishable by up to 15 years in prison

Chinese authorities have recently enacted harsher punishments for those caught exchanging foreign currency outside official channels, in an effort to crack down on underground banking and to stymie capital outflow.

China only allows citizens to exchange the equivalent of $50,000 within one yearand only at banks. Anyone who needs more than the equivalent of $50,000 in foreign currency must apply for a permit from Chinas State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE).

Underground bankswhich often charge a service fee lower than banks and dont have an amount limitationhave proliferated as a result. To skirt the limitation, many citizens also ask relatives and friends for help to exchange money, if they need more than $50,000 in a year. But for now, this channel is illegal.

A Feb. 14 report by the state-run Beijing News explained the interpretation of new guidelines issued by Chinas supreme court and highest prosecutor body, which went into effect Feb. 1. The guidelines stipulate that people wont be allowed to exchange currency in banks for their friends or relatives.

Anyone found exchanging more than 5 million yuan ($738,000) through illegal channels is considered a serious case, punishable by up to five years in prison, according to a report by state-run media Xinhua, that cited a financial lawyer at the Guangqiang Law Office located in the city of Guangzhou. Illegal channels include underground banks, casinos, or friends and relatives.

Anyone found exchanging up to 25 million yuan ($3.69 million) would be sentenced to five to 15 years in prison and fined 0.1 percent of the exchanged amount.

The guidelines also note that anyone whose accumulated exchanges reaches the two designated limits will automatically be charged with the crime of assisting terrorist activities or money laundering.

Underground banks have long supplied exchange services for clients locally and internationally, sometimes for illegal money-laundering activities, other times for Chinese citizens who make large transactions.

The SAFE published a notice of 20 cases on Oct. 22, 2018. In one, a businessman surnamed Chen from Hong Kong wanted to transfer his money out of mainland China. From January to August of 2015, Chen transferred 17 million yuan ($2.5 million) to an underground bank, which was then exchanged into a foreign currency into Chens overseas bank accounts. Chen was fined 1.53 million yuan ($230,000) in 2018.

Beijing News analyzed on Feb. 14 that if that had happened under the new guidelines, Chen would have faced a jail sentence.

Since Jan. 1, 2018, the Chinese regime has tightened capital outflow by limiting citizens bank accounts: they can only withdraw up to 100,000 yuan ($14,800) out of China each year.

And since Jan. 1 of this year, the regime has asked all banks and online financial servicessuch as e-retailer websitesto report large transactions to the Peoples Bank of China, the central bank.

For an individual, the total transactions in one day cant exceed 200,000 yuan ($29,530), total domestic daily spending cant be more than 50,000 yuan ($7,380), or total payments to parties outside China cant exceed the value of $10,000.

In the past decade, Chinese buyers have become more and more active in the real estate markets of the United States, Canada, Australia, and other developed countries. With authorities tightening currency exchange transactions, these Western real estate markets could be affected.

According to the U.S. National Association of Realtors, from April 2017 to March 2018, foreign buyers purchased 266,800 residential properties, valued at roughly $121 billion. Fifteen percent of the buyers were Chinese citizens.

Foreign investors bought 13,198 residential real estate in Australia, worth AU$25.2 billion ($18.1 billion) in 2016-2017, according to the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board. Forty percent of the investors were from China.

Most buyers need to transfer the money overseas from China to make payments.Case Thrown out Against Former SNC-Lavalin Exec Stephane Roy Due to Delays

MONTREALA judge has thrown out fraud and bribery charges against a former SNCLavalin executive after concluding delays in his trial had become unreasonable.

Quebec court Judge Patricia Compagnone stayed proceedings against Stephane Roy Tuesday. She said the delays created by the prosecution are an example of the culture of complacency that was deplored by the Supreme Court in its 2016 Jordan decision.

Roy was facing charges of fraud over $5,000 and bribing a foreign public official in connection with the companys dealings with the regime of the late Libyan dictator, Moammar Gadhafi.

He was charged in 2014, and his trial was scheduled to begin at the end of May. In a hearing last week, his defence invoked the Jordan decision, which set time limits on criminal proceedings.

His case stemmed from the same RCMP Project Assistance investigation that led to charges against SNCLavalin. Those charges are fuelling controversy in Ottawa following a report that the Prime Ministers Office pressured former attorney general Jody WilsonRaybould to help the engineering firm avoid prosecution.

An RCMP affidavit filed in relation to the investigation alleged that Roy was involved in a plot to smuggle Gadhafis son, Saadi, and his family into Mexico as the Libyan regime was falling in 2011.

Roy was a vicepresident and controller at the embattled engineering giant before being fired in February 2012. He was acquitted in July 2018 of fraudrelated charges in connection with the construction of the McGill University Health Centre.

Crown prosecutor Frederic Hivon had little to say after the ruling. Asked about an appeal, he replied: We will take the time to analyse the decision.

Defence lawyer Nellie Benoit said it is important that her client benefit from the presumption of innocence despite the abrupt end of the case. She said a trial is an opportunity for the Crown to prove its case but also for the accused to mount a defence. Roy will never get that chance, she said.

He deserves to be considered innocent until the end of his days, she said.

The Supreme Court set a limit of 30 months between the laying of charges and the anticipated end of a criminal trial in provincial court cases where there is a preliminary hearing. Roys case would have stretched to 64 months by the anticipated end of his trial.The Delta gas station where 3 people were killed in a crash on Feb. 19, 2019. (Screenshot/Googlemaps)

Car Plows into Gas Station Killing 3, Allegedly Overdosing Driver Charged

A car driven by a man allegedly overdosing on drugs plowed into a gas station in New Jersey, killing three people.

The driver survived, and has been charged with multiple crimes, according to local reports, including manslaughter and first-degree death while driving intoxicated.

According to NBC New York, the driver was given naloxonethe substance used to revive opiate abusers from an overdoseat the scene.

The driver was identified by the prosecutors office as 29-year-old Jason Venderee, reported North Jersey.

The crash occurred just before 9 a.m on Feb. 19. on Route 23 in Wayne, New Jersey.

BREAKING: A multi-vehicle crash in New Jersey this morning has left several people seriously injured.  ABC7NY  2019219

A video shows the moment that the Honda Pilot barrels into the gas station, just as gas station attendant Lovedeep Fatra turns to return the gas pump nozzle after filling up a Chevrolet Camaro on the forecourt. Fatra died in the crash.

The Honda can be seen mounting the Chevrolet before the video cuts out. The roof of the Chevrolet was torn off, and the two occupantsJon Warbeck, 50, and his 17-year-old son, Lukewere killed.

BREAKING: Dont think anyone has seen this yet. We asked one of our @PIX11News editors to highlight this tragic video and cut it at the moment of impact. So sad. 3 people killed in this crash on Rt. 23 in Wayne, NJ. The driver  survived. pic.twitter.com/aUWofhHt5R  Jay Dow (@JayDowTV) February 19, 2019

Theyre great people, family friend Rick Brattoli told North Jersey. Theyre always willing to help people. If you were broke and down, they would be there for you. Theyre that type of people. They were there for you.

The father would have been celebrating his birthday the next day, his sister, Toni Smith, told Pix11.

She laid flowers at the scene to remember her brother and nephew.

The driver in the fatal crash faces several charges including manslaughter and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.  PIX 11  2019220

Youre having a big party with dad today, and we just miss you all very much, she said.

Speaking of the driver, Venderee, Smith said, Im glad he survived. I hope survives because dying would have been the easy way out for him

Venderee, of Glenwood in Vernon Township, has been charged with three counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter; three counts of first-degree death by auto while driving intoxicated within 1,000 feet of school property; three counts of second-degree death by auto; possession of a controlled dangerous substance; possession of hypodermic needles; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The driver survived after being administered Narcan at the scene, the sources said.  NBC New York  2019219

Gas station worker Tito Krishnamurthyhad just stepped away from the gas pumps when the crash happened. He told NBC, Weve never had anything like this before.

His colleague, Futra, who was killed in the crash was a 22-year-old from India who had moved to America to pursue a better life, reported ABC.

RIP: 23-year-old Lovedeep Fatra was working at a gas station off of a New Jersey highway when a driver, who was  ABC7NY  2019219

His parents are devastated overseas, said Futras cousin, Novdeep Singh. He speaks to them every day. Day and night. I dont know what to make of it.

In total, three cars, including the Honda Pilot, were involved in the crash, which flung debris into a nearby car dealers lot, damaging the parked vehicles.

We heard a loud noise and glass breaking, said Christian Ochs, a sales consultant at Wayne Mazda told North Jersey.

John Schindler, was putting up a sign at the dealership, when he heard a crash. He turned around to see an SUV spinning to a stop, with the driver apparently slumped over in the drivers seat.Jasmina Dominic who was reported missing in 2005 but was last seen in 2000. (Croatian Interior Ministry via AP)

Body of Woman Missing for 18 Years Found in Family Freezer in Croatia

The body found in the freezer of a family home in a quiet village in Croatia is that of a woman who went missing 18 years ago.

Police have arrested her sister, who still lives in the family house.

According to local reports, police found the body the Dominic family home in the village of Pavlovec Zabocki, on Feb. 16.

They believe it is the body of Jasmina Dominic, who was last seen in 2000 and officially reported as missing by her family in 2005.

Her sister, Smiljani Srnec, 45, is now in prison while she goes through legal proceedings process during an investigation.

Zapocelo ispitivanje zene osumnjicene za ubojstvo sestre u Meimurju.  DNEVNIK.hr  2019219

The case has caused a stir in Croatia, where people wonder how the body could have remained hidden for so long.

Speaking before the autopsy, the local mayor Ivan Sokac urged people to be patient and not to jump to conclusions. From the date of finding out that Jasmina Dominic disappeared, extensive criminal investigations were carried out, he told Emedjimurje. We will supply you with complete chronology, with all that we did and what we did not do.

[HOROR PRICA IZ PALOVCA]  Ne smijem nista govoriti, tako su mi rekli u policiji. Bit ce mozda jednom prilike u  eMedjimurje  2019217

You have to understand us, we have to wait for an autopsy, identify the identity, cause of death, and take statements from some other potential witnesses.

Police spokesman Nenad Risak said the family had told police in the past that Dominic was living abroad.

Zelimo cuti VAS GLAS! Imate pozitivnu pricu ili biste htjeli nesto promijeniti u svojoj lokalnoj sredini -> pisite nam na https://dnevnik.hr/vasglas  DNEVNIK.hr  2018829

According to media reports, the family said that she had gone to work in France when she was just 23, and was only reported as missing five years later on Aug. 16, 2005.

Authorities found the body wrapped in cellophane according to news outlet SATA24. Some outlets reported that the corpse had been found after a power cut caused the freezers contents to thaw, and the smell of the decomposing corpse spread. Srnecs husband said that the rumors of the power cut were not true, reported Alo.

They [family] turned us in other directions, police spokesman Nenad Risak said of the initial investigation into Dominics disappearance, reported AP. We checked the house [during the investigation]  but didnt have information anything could have happened at home.

An autopsy identified the cause of death as two or more blows to the head, officials said on Feb. 20, reported Dnevnik.hr

The missing womans mother is traveling from Germany, where she has spent most of her working life, reported the news outlet, to attend the funeral.

In 2016, a North Carolina woman was arrested after someone found her mothers body in a freezer that they bought for $30 in a yard sale.

Marcella Jean Lee, 56, was found guilty of on charges of concealing or failing to report a death. She had put her mothers body in the family freezer, where it stayed for about a year before it was sold to a shocked neighbor. There was no indication of foul play.Aurora Shooting Victims Wife Says He Texted I Love You After Being Shot

(CNN)The day after Valentines Day, Terra Pinkard received a final text message from the love of her life.

She says it read: I love you, Ive been shot at work.

It took me several times reading it for it to hit me that it was for real, Pinkard wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday. I called his phone several times, text, FaceTime, nothing.

 Terra Pinkard  20141123

After calling Henry Pratt Co., the Aurora, Illinois plant where her husband Josh Pinkard worked, she learned that police were at the building, Pinkard wrote.

She drove to the industrial valve manufacturers warehouse, then to two hospitalswaiting for hoursbefore learning at a staging area for families that Josh was one of five people killed in a shooting at the plant Feb. 15.

Police say Gary Martin, 45, opened fire at the 29,000-square-foot warehouse, killing five colleagues and injuring six peopleincluding five police officers.

With my pastors help, since family was still on planes to get to us, I told my children their dad did not make it and is in heaven with Jesus. Ive never had to do something that hard, Pinkard wrote on Facebook.

She wrote that she cannot talk about her husband without breaking down in sobs.

Im crying now as I write this. I want to shout from the rooftops about how amazing Josh was! the post reads. The man who was dying and found the clarity of mind for just a second to send me one last text to let me know he would always love me.

Gunman Began Shooting After Learning He Was Fired

Authorities said Martin brought a pistol to his termination meeting at the plant and started shooting when he found out hed been fired.

After fatally shooting people in the room at the manufacturing business where hed worked for 15 years, he stormed into the warehouse, witnesses said. There, he shot at more employees.

The rampage lasted about 90 minutes before police killed him in a shootout.

The gunman did not legally own the pistol he used in the attack, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said at a news conference Saturday.

A background check for a concealed-carry permit in 2014 had flagged a conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi in 1995, she said, and he had been asked to voluntarily surrender the weapon to police, Ziman said.

Why he didnt will be part of the investigation of the incident, the police chief said.

The Victims

Police on Saturday released the names of the five workers killed:

Josh Pinkard , of Oswego, Illinois, was the plant manager. He joined the company 13 years ago at a facility in Alabama and moved to Aurora last spring, according to a letter to employees from Scott Hall, the CEO of Mueller Water Products, which owned the Henry Pratt Co.

, of Oswego, Illinois, was the plant manager. He joined the company 13 years ago at a facility in Alabama and moved to Aurora last spring, according to a letter to employees from Scott Hall, the CEO of Mueller Water Products, which owned the Henry Pratt Co. Clayton Parks of Elgin, Illinois, was the human resources manager. He was an alumnus of Northern Illinois University, the schools president said in a statement. He graduated in 2014 from the College of Business.

of Elgin, Illinois, was the human resources manager. He was an alumnus of Northern Illinois University, the schools president said in a statement. He graduated in 2014 from the College of Business. Trevor Wehner of Sheridan, Illinois, was a human resources intern and a student at Northern Illinois University. Friday was his first day as an intern at the company, according to the school presidents statement.

of Sheridan, Illinois, was a human resources intern and a student at Northern Illinois University. Friday was his first day as an intern at the company, according to the school presidents statement. Russell Beyer of Yorkville, Illinois, was a mold operator. He had worked for Henry Pratt for more than 20 years and was union chairman, Halls letter said.

of Yorkville, Illinois, was a mold operator. He had worked for Henry Pratt for more than 20 years and was union chairman, Halls letter said. Vicente Juarez of Oswego, was a stock room attendant and fork lift operator. According to Hall, he joined Henry Pratt in 2006.

A Huge Bright Light Has Left This World

Two vigils were held on Sunday at the site with members of the suburban community joining the victims families to remember those shot and pray for peace.

The city estimated that more than 1,700 people withstood freezing rain at the first gathering to remember the victims.

After the vigils, members of the community carried crosses for each of the five victims in a procession from the plant to the Aurora Police Department. After the second procession, the crowd entered the police station and greeted members of law enforcement with hugs and handshakes.

To simply offer condolences is not enough  it doesnt measure the amount of pain that we feel for the loss were experiencing in this community, Mayor Richard Irvin said at the first vigil. Now is a time to heal. Now is a time to forgive. Now is a time to move together as a stronger community.

But for those who lost loved ones, healing will take time.

The world is darker and more sad now. A huge bright light has left this world, Terra Pinkard wrote Saturday on Facebook. I am lost and devastated beyond words. Things that mattered yesterday do not matter today. I will praise the Lord for giving me this mountain of a man. I will praise the Lord for the children we have together.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.Gary Montez Martin, who police say killed multiple people at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse after he was fired, on Feb. 15, 2019. (Aurora Illinois Police Department via APRobert Chiarito/Reuters)

Aurora Gunmans Family: We Deeply Apologize for Shootings

AURORA, IllinoisThe family of the man who fatally shot five people at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse is offering condolences to the victims families, with one relative saying we deeply apologize for the killings.

Gary Martin, 45, died Friday, Feb. 15, in a shootout with police after he killed five co-workers and wounded five police officers at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, Illinois.

Martins cousin, Jesseca Clemons, told The Beacon-News that she and her family would like to send our deepest apologies to all the victims families, friends and loved ones.

No one in our family condones anyones life being taken, Clemons told the newspaper on Monday. We know that this is a hard time and we deeply apologize and we are praying for everyone. And we ask the same in return.

Clemons, 34, said Martins mother is grieving for her son and that she would like for everyone if they could, find it in their hearts to find forgiveness, so her family and others can move forward.

The family has no immediate answers on what led Martin to open fire at the industrial valve manufacturer about 40 miles west of Chicago, Clemons said. The shooting also left a sixth worker wounded.

We are saddened by his actions and we are shocked, she said. We had no clue he would ever be involved in something like this.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday his administration is reviewing how Martin had a weapon despite a felony conviction and is examining the problem thats apparent in the system of retrieving firearms from people whose FOID cards are voided.

Illinois State Police said Monday that Martin had lied about his criminal history in 2014 to obtain a card from the agency that allowed him to purchase a handgun.

Martin had answered no to a question on his January 2014 application for a Firearm Owners Identification card about whether hed ever been convicted of a felony, state police said.

A records search revealed no prohibiting factors in Martins Illinois criminal history, state police said. His card was approved on Jan. 31, 2014. He then purchased a handgun in March 2014.

State police said Martin submitted fingerprints as part of an application later in March 2014 for a concealed carry license. Those prints revealed an FBI record and a felony conviction in Mississippi for aggravated assault stemming from the stabbing of an ex-girlfriend. Martin was sentenced to five years in prison for the assault, and was released from custody in April 1997, state police said.

But it prompted only a letter to Martin notifying him that his concealed carry application was denied and ordering him to surrender his weapons.

State police say Martins FOID card was revoked in April 2014 and that their procedure at the time was to notify local law enforcement. Aurora police Sgt. Bill Rowley said Tuesday that the department has no record of receiving that notification, though he said its possible it was sent and the department no longer has a record of it.

Illinois law requires people whose FOID cards are revoked to surrender their card within 48 hours and to document that they have surrendered their weapons or transferred them to a valid FOID card holder or local law enforcement, a form known as a Firearm Disposition Record. Local police are required to mail that form to Illinois State Police if they receive it.

State police say they issued 10,818 revocations to FOID card holders in 2018. They said in most instances the Firearm Disposition Record isnt returned.

Illinois lawmakers who support more gun control measures say theres a flaw in Illinois law because it does not mandate that police ensure weapons have been removed if a red flag is raised after someone passes a background check and receives a FOID card.

Legislation was introduced in 2016 to require police go to the homes of gun owners who have their FOID cards revoked and search for the weapons. Democratic Rep. Kathleen Willis said that measure failed over concerns it would overtax police departments.Items from Taiwan's National Palace Museum on display at the National Gallery of NSW (The Epoch Times)

Art Gallery Exhibits Chinas Finest Art Despite Protest From Chinese Regime

A collection of Chinas finest art will continue to be displayed in Sydney despite a formal protest by the Chinese consulate.

The exhibition, called Heaven and Earth in Chinese Art, hails from Taiwans world renowned National Palace Museum (NPM) and is the first collaboration between the NPM and an Australian cultural institutiona partnership the Chinese regime is unimpressed with.

According to The Australian, Chinese consulate officials in Sydney met with New South Wales Arts Minister Don Harwin at his ministerial office on Jan. 9, and questioned the ministers decision to host the exhibition and why the Art Gallery of NSW was dealing with Taiwan.

OPENS TODAY: Heaven and earth in Chinese art: treasures from the National Palace Museum, Taipei. A rare opportunity to see some of the highest artistic achievements across 5,000 years of Chinese history. Book now: https://t.co/iIQp8agv0v #heavenandearth2019 pic.twitter.com/sV4CLi8nhU  Art Gallery of NSW (@ArtGalleryofNSW) February 1, 2019

A spokesperson for Harwin confirmed there was a meeting but no request from Chinese consulate officials to stop the exhibition.

The minister met with  Gu Xiaojie, consul general PRC in early January. At no stage was a request made for the minister to intervene and stop the exhibition from proceeding, the spokesperson said in an email.

No further details regarding the discussions between the arts minister and the consul general have been provided.

The consul general is also believed to approach the NSW Art Gallery, which caused considerable consternation among gallery management, according to The Australian.

NSW Gallery Director Michael Brand declined to discuss details of the meeting and told The Australian that gallery staff liaised with many stakeholders about [its] exhibitions over many years, including the Chinese consulate general, and recently about the current exhibition of 87 masterworks.

Immunity Against the Chinese Regime

Due to the historical sensitivities surrounding these historical items, Taiwan authorities are cautious with which country they lend the artworks to.

Parliamentary legislation titled Protection of Cultural Objects on Loan Act 2013 made the way for these artworks to be protected against seizurespotentially from the Chinese regimewhile on loan in Australia.

The Act, which is also known as immunity from seizure and suit, provides legal protection for cultural objects on loan from overseas lenders for temporary public exhibition in Australia.

According to the NPM website the museum inherited Chinas national culture, which spanned thousands of years, and shoulders the responsibility of preserving these artefacts.

Most artefacts in the NPMs collectiontotalling some 700,000 piecescame from The Palace Museum in Beijing and have survived invasions, civil wars and the infamous Cultural Revolution.

Beginning in 1931, the Kuomintang (KMT) government placed the artefacts in over 13,000 containers and shipped them to the south to avoid the Japanese Army. Later in 1948, as the KMT began losing the war with the communists, artefacts were carefully selected, placed in containers and transported to Taiwan via naval ships.

After the containers arrived in Taiwan, all artefacts, except for those from the Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica, were stored in a bomb-proof shelter and then opened for public display in 1965.

Shipment of these artefacts escaped Maos Cultural Revolution that saw widespread destruction of Chinas historical and cultural legacy.

According to NPM, these artefacts not only serve the purpose of verifying the legitimacy of Chinese history but are also a treasure to the art and cultural histories of mankind.

Australia-Taiwan Relationship

Lending these works to Australia could be seen as part of Taiwans New Southbound Policy (NSP) that seeks to encourage an open and free Indo-Pacific region.

Delicious cooperation! #Taiwan and #Australia are like-minded countries enjoying exchanges across an array of areas such as culture, education, tourism and trade. We look forward to working even closer with the #NewSouthboundPolicy and #IndoPacific nation in taking ties to new heights. https://t.co/R0cbXvlus8   Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan)  (@MOFA_Taiwan) February 11, 2019

Launched in 2016, the NSP aims to improve Taiwans collaboration with ASEAN nations, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand with a goal of reducing economic dependence on the Chinese regime. It aims to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, enhance institutional, professional and academic interaction.

Despite current diplomatic limitations with Taiwan due to the One China policy, two-way economic and cultural contacts between Australia and Taiwan have been substantiated with official visits taking place each year.

In 2017, Taiwan was Australias eighth largest merchandise export market and 15th largest source of merchandise imports.

The government encourages Australian business as well as state, territory and city governments, to pursue trade and investment opportunities involving Taiwan and supports the development of people-to-people contacts, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website said.

Finest Chinese Artefacts

In a statement to The Epoch Times, Director General Constance Wang from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney said that the exhibition has been well received and attracted a large interest from the community.

[The event] shows that international cultural exchange should not be stopped by any political interference. It should be based on the promotion of human civilisation and this is also the standpoint that any future events will take to promote bilateral exchange between Taiwan and Australia.

According to the Art Gallery of NSW, the NPM in Taiwan holds one of the finest collections of Chinese art in the world.

This is the first time the collection has travelled to the southern hemisphere and it is unlikely to be seen in Australia again. The Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney is the exclusive venue, the art gallerys website said.

A rare opportunity to see some of the highest artistic achievements across 5,000 years of Chinese history.

The exhibition is on display until May 5, 2019.

Epoch Times reporters Luo Ya and Melanie Sun contributed to this report.Nick Sandmann, wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat, looks at Nathan Phillips, a Native American anti-President Donald Trump activist, after Philipps approached the Covington Catholic High School student in Washington on Jan. 18, 2019. (Survival Media Agency via AP)

After Nick Sandmann Files Lawsuit Against Washington Post, Trump Says Go Get Them

President Donald Trump issued a statement on high school student Nick Sandmanns $250 million lawsuit against the Washington Post.

Trump urged the teen to go get them Nick, referring to the Post. Fake news! he wrote.

The Press has never been more dishonest than it is today. Stories are written that have absolutely no basis in fact. The writers dont even call asking for verification. They are totally out of control. Sadly, I kept many of them in business. In six years, they all go BUST! the president also wrote.

The Washington Post ignored basic journalistic standards because it wanted to advance its well-known and easily documented biased agenda against President Donald J. Trump. Covington student suing WAPO. Go get them Nick. Fake News!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2019

Later, he slammed the New York Times reporting, describing it as false and a true enemy of the people.

On Feb. 19, Sandmanns lawyers Lin Wood and Todd McMurtry filed their first lawsuit against media outlets that they claim defamed Sandmann when the teen and others from Covington Catholic High School were confronted by a Native American activist, Nathan Phillips.

Photos of a smiling Sandmann, who was wearing a pro-Trump Make America Great Again cap, went viral.

The lawsuit filed is included below. The suit seeks $250 million in both compensatory and punitive damages. Lin and Todd will continue to bring wrongdoers before the court to seek damages in compensation for the harm so many have done to the Sandmann family, said Wood and McMurty on their website.

They claimed the Kentucky teen was bullied by the Post and other news outlets because he is white, Catholic, and was wearing the hat.

Wood claimed in a Twitter post the newspaper engaged in a modern form of McCarthyism that prompted large groups of social media users to threaten and attack Sandmann, making him fear for his safety.

The Post ignored basic journalist standards because it wanted to advance its well-known and easily documented, biased agenda against President Donald J. Trump (the President) by impugning individuals perceived to be supporters of the President, the law firm wrote.

The New York Times reporting is false. They are a true ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2019

The firm also suggested this might be the first of many lawsuits filed against news outlets.

This is only the beginning, said the firms website, adding that the $250 million in damages was also the amount paid by Amazon owner Jeff Bezos when he bought the paper in 2013.

A private investigation firm retained by Covington Diocese in Park Hills, Kentucky found no evidence the teenagers provoked a confrontation in a report released last week, Reuters reported.

The investigation also found the students did not direct any racist or offensive comments toward Phillips, the Native American activist who waded into their group, although several performed a tomahawk chop to the beat of his drum.

Investigators said they found no evidence the students chanted built that wall, as Phillips claimed.

The teens lawyers previously sent letters for potential lawsuits to over 50 entities ranging from Democratic politicians to celebrities to media figures.

They include the New York Times, CNN, The Guardian, NPR, TMZ, the Atlantic, HBO, GQ, The Hill, Bustle.com, Kathy Griffin, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Jim Carrey, and Alyssa Milano, among others.

Reuters contributed to this report.Whats British imperialism up to in Oman?

In his new book AngloArabia: Why Gulf Wealth Matters to Britain, Dr David Wearing observes: British power has been an important factor (among others) in the promotion and preservation of monarchical rule in the Arabian Gulf. It is worth taking time to explore the British governments wider relationship with the so-called sleepy sultanate in more detail.

Queen Elizabeth II presents Qaboos bin Said Al Said with a book at his Palace in 2010.

Since signing an assistance treaty with Oman in 1798  its first in the region  Britain has played the role of imperial overseer to the country. British historian Mark Curtis notes the extremely repressive regime of Sultan Said bin Taimur from 1932-70 was in effect run by the British.

Britons served as commanders of the armed forces, ministers for financial affairs, foreign affairs and petroleum affairs, as well as the director of intelligence, Curtis notes in his 2003 book Web of Deceit: Britains Real Role in the World.

However, with the country in the midst of civil war, by 1970 the Sultan had come to be seen as an unreliable and weak leader by the British, who helped to overthrow him in a palace coup.

For his troubles he was settled in the Dorchester Hotel back in London, where he died two years later. His own son, the modernising Qaboos bin Said Al Said, was installed in his place, and 49 years later he still rules Oman, making him the longest-serving ruler in the Arab world.

As this longevity suggests, Oman is an absolute monarchy, in which nearly all power remains with the monarch, according to University of Exeters Dr Marc Valeri, an expert on Oman.

Qaboos concurrently holds the positions of prime minister, commander in chief of the armed forces, chairman of the central bank, and minister of defence, foreign affairs, and finance, Valeri notes in a 2015 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace report.

Political parties are banned and press freedom is severely curtailed.

With Qaboos presenting Oman as an oasis of stability in a volatile region, one intellectual provided important context when interviewed by Valeri in 2012: Omanis were not silent by choice ... rather they were silenced by the regime. The Omani population was very quiet because of repression and fear: Dont talk about politics: you will be taken behind the sun!

As this quote intimates, the relationship between ruler and ruled has started to shift in recent years, with more Omanis publicly criticising their government.

In 2010 an online petition was submitted to Qaboos pushing for widespread reforms, such as a new constitution that would lead to a parliamentary monarchy, Valeri writes.

Inspired by the Arab Spring protests rocking the rest of the Arab world, in early 2011 (largely peaceful) demonstrations occurred in several cities in Oman. Though the protesters key demands centred on improved job opportunities, increased wages and an end to rampant corruption, there were also calls for political reform, including giving more power to the elected Consultative Council, increased independence for the judiciary and a free and open media.

Smaller in size than in many other Arab nations, the demonstrations in Oman nevertheless forced significant, though limited, concessions from the regime, such as an increase in the minimum wage, the creation of 50,000 jobs, the firing of several ministers and a small increase in the powers of the Consultative Council.

However, along with the carrot, Qaboos also made good use of the stick, with Valeri noting: Several hundred protesters, journalists, and human rights activists were arrested all over the country.

The British government, so keen to highlight human rights abuses carried out by governments in enemy states such as Libya and Syria, has, as far as I can tell, been completely silent about the protests and government crackdown in Oman.

How do I know? After a fruitless search of its website, I asked the Foreign Office and Commonwealth (FCO) press office to confirm whether the British government has made any public statements since 2010 about human rights in Oman.

It has been unable to point to any such statement, claiming there are too many statements to search through to know.

This silence is unsurprising, when one considers Britains deep geostrategic and economic interests in maintaining the status quo in Oman: along with Iran, Oman is situated beside the worlds most important chokepoint for oil, the Strait of Hormuz, which is the conduit for about 40 percent of the crude [oil] traded internationally, Bloomberg recently reported.

Britain has recently announced the opening of two new military bases in Oman  the Duqm Port complex and a joint training base, the latter announced by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson in November.

With the latter able to accommodate submarines and Britains new aircraft carriers, the bases are part of a broader military engagement with the Gulf, allowing Britain to more effectively project military power in the resource-rich region.

For example, during the 2001 US and British-led invasion of Afghanistan, Oman provided crucial logistics and base facilities for British forces, Curtis explains.

We have the US whistleblower Edward Snowden to thank for revealing another reason for Britains enduring interest in Oman  files he leaked in 2013 show Britain has a secret network of three spy bases in Oman which tap into the undersea fiberoptic cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

These intelligence facilities intercept and process vast quantities of emails, telephone calls and web traffic, information which is then shared with the National Security Agency in the United States, Curtis explained in a 2016 article for the Huffington Post.

There is concern amongst the Omani population about their governments close relationship to Britain and the US. Valeri refers to online writers and protesters who openly criticised the rulers practices such as his proximity to British and US interests being quickly arrested and condemned to jail after the 2011 protests.

Indeed, Britain is directly involved in the repression of domestic opposition in Oman.

British police officers have trained members of Omans Special Forces, police and military in public order tactics since 2014 as part of a controversial US$1.2 million security and justice project, the Middle East Eye reported in 2017.

It turns out the Police Service of Northern Ireland has been instructing the Omani authorities in how to deal with strikes and stifle protests under a Foreign Office-funded project.

Having fled Oman in 2013 after being repeatedly arrested, Omani human rights campaigner Khalfan al-Badwawi told the Middle East Eye: Britains military relationship with Oman is a major obstacle to human rights campaigners in Oman because of the military and intelligence support from London that props up the Sultans dictatorship.

Nabhan Alhanshi, who fled Oman in 2012 and is now the director of an organisation looking at human rights in his home country, concurs.

We in the Omani Centre for Human Rights believe that the British negligence of the human rights situations in Oman encourages the Omani government to commit more violations, he told me.

With the mainstream media unwilling to report on this issue, the left in Britain has a key role to play in highlighting Britains forgotten friendship with the autocracy in Oman.

Like the anti-war movement did in Iraq and Afghanistan, progressives need to make concrete links with pro-democracy activists and organizations in Oman and the rest of the Gulf monarchies.

With the British governments support for Qabooss dictatorial rule as strong as ever, this population-to-population solidarity is one way Britons can help to build the more democratic, free and equal Oman that many Omanis have been working towards for so long.

Morning StarHumanoid robot Jia Jia, created by a team of engineers from the University of Science and Technology of China, is pictured following a presentation at a conference in Shanghai on Jan. 9, 2017. "Jia Jia" can hold a simple conversation and make specific facial expressions. (Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images)

A Robot Wife: The Latest AI Development in China

Chinas artificial intelligence (AI) researchers have created the worlds first robot wife, touting it as a solution to the severe gender imbalance within Chinas population.

According to a report by Chinese media Sohu published on Nov. 5 last year, a group of top-notch Chinese engineers recently created the worlds first AI wife. The news headline read, a robot wife has been created, so you dont need to marry a real wife in the future. However, the report did not mention what institution or tech company may have created this invention.

The report described the robot wife as having unique facial features resembling a real humans, with skin at a temperature close to that of a real human body. In addition, these AI wives can chat with humans and carry out household chores.

Clients can ask for customized orders for these robots, according to their specific requirements.

The report also claimed that in addition to being a sex robot, the AI wife can become someones real soulmate. Now you can take a robot-AI wife home for just a little over 20,000 yuan [roughly $2,953]. There is no need to marry a real wife, it said.

Li Yuanhua, a former associate professor of education at Capital Normal University in Beijing who now lives in Sydney, told the Chinese-language Epoch Times that the serious imbalance between men and women in China is caused by the Chinese regimes forced implementation of the one-child policy.

According to Chinas official statistics, there are currently 104.64 men to 100 women.

Because of the imbalance of the male-to-female ratio, a large number of Chinese men cannot find a wife, Li said.

China has a big bachelor problem. A 2012 report by the state-run Peoples Daily estimated that there are nearly 12 million bachelors between the ages of 30 and 39, compared to about 6 million bachelorettes in the same age range. In other words, in that cohort, at least 6 million men are expected to remain unwed.

According to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, in 2020 there will be 24 million single men looking for a wife.

Ulterior Motive

China observer Gu He suspected that the Chinese regime may have other purposes in mind with the development of a robot wife.

If further developments of this product include espionage functions, such as eavesdropping and taking videos, the user will have a live monitor in the residence, Gu told the Chinese-language Epoch Times in a Feb. 17 interview.

Gu also explained that the Chinese regime has issued new policies to aggressively develop AI technology, which are often tools to monitor the Chinese population.

Netizen Criticism

Chinese netizens strongly disagreed with the idea of a robot wife.

We human beings are created by God, we have flesh and soul. Robots are created by humans, and do not have souls! one wrote. The AI wife is the beginning of human destruction.

Li Yuanhua believed that the emergence of this type of product is the result of moral degeneration.

When human beings create a robot wife just to satisfy sexual desires, and when robots gradually replace human beings, the state of life bestowed by God will be destroyed and human beings will be on the verge of extinction, he said.Hemophiliac protesters, all of whom contracted HIV from infected blood products, wear surgical masks as they demonstrate during an AIDS-awareness event on World AIDS Day at Beijing's south railway station on Dec. 1, 2009, to call for better government support for HIV/AIDS victims in China. (AFP/Getty Images)

A Recurring Nightmare: Tainted Blood Products in China

News Analysis

Chinas National Health Commission issued on Feb. 5 an order to recall a batch of human immunoglobulin for intravenous injection, for possibly being contaminated with HIV (tested Positive for anti-HIV antibodies). One baby in Jiangxi Province injected with this batch of human immunoglobulin was also tested positive for HIV antibodies. The Shanghai Medical Products Administration identified that the contaminated batch was identified as number 20180610Z, which was made by China Meheco Xinxing Pharma Co. This suspected batch consisted of 12,226 units, due to expire in 2021.

This quickly triggered another wave of public outrages for the concerns of medical product safety in China, as scandals about contaminated rabies vaccine and using expired polio vaccine products for infants were exposed in the last few months in China.

On Feb. 7, Chinas National Medical Products Administration quickly released a report stating that the related human immunoglobulin product and baby blood sample were tested negative for HIV viral RNA.

However, this obviously is a typical Chinese regimes effort to put out the fire in the public. Since the recall order was issued by a top national health authority, all related antibody or RNA tests should have been conducted and confirmed. Otherwise, it would be a total incompetence of the authorities to release a recall order without confirmation tests. On the other hand, a negative result in viral RNA testing while being positive for anti-HIV antibody could suggest that the HIV virus was not actively replicating and suppressed to a level that was not detectable by the viral RNA testing method applied. But if the product was injected into a patient with compromised immune system, the viral replication could still be activated again.

The making of human immunoglobulin involves the pooling of thousands of human plasma samples. This recent scandal of contamination with HIV in blood products again raised the public concerns on Chinas HIV epidemic situation and practice in their blood product industry.

In the 1990s, the most frequent modes of HIV transmission in China were sharing the contaminated needles among injecting drug users and unsanitary practices during paid plasma collection. When local governments in some provinces treated plasma collections and sales as an important government-driven local industry, it instigated the rampant booming of illegal plasma collection centers.

Large numbers of poor rural farmers were attracted to these centers to sell their plasma for supplementing their small income. At these centers, blood from many donors was mixed after collection. Then, the pooled plasma was separated from the red blood cells, which were re-injected back into donors, so that donors can recover quickly and sell plasma much more frequently. In such a risky practice, even with one HIV-positive donor, it would infect large numbers of people on one single occasion. This resulted in a severe epidemic of HIV infections, with hundreds of thousands poor villagers contracting HIV while selling their plasma. In some disastrous AIDS villages in Henan Province, more than 80% of villagers were infected with HIV. It was estimated that in Henan Province alone, more than 100,000 people have died from HIV infection due to the plasma economy.

At the end of 2001, the Ministry of Health estimated that total adult HIV-positive cases were between 800,000 to 1,500,000 in China.

After public exposure of this HIV epidemic by some courageous Chinese doctors like Dr. Gao Yaojie, the Chinese government closed the notorious blood collection centers in Henan Province. In 1998, China introduced a blood donation law banning the commercial sale of blood and encouraging voluntary donation instead. It also tightened rules on plasma collection and increased blood testing.

However, driven by the enormous profits from plasma economy, the blood agents (also called blood heads) relocated to more remote and impoverished regions in Guangxi and Guizhou Provinces in southwest China, to seek new blood sources.

By 2006, Guizhou Province had established 25 blood collection centers, providing about 40% of plasma supply nationwide. However, unsanitary practice in these blood collection centers inevitably resulted in public health disasters again. In 2006, according to the public health data in Guizhou Province, the diseases incidence rate due to infections of HIV and Hepatitis B increased 21.36%, and the related death rate jumped up 65.38%, due to blood contamination issues. Consequently, local governments in Guizhou Province had to close all the commercial blood collection centers in 2006.

However, many of these blood centers re-opened in 2007. And these kinds of semi-official or underground blood centers had always been operating in the past, as China is still facing a severe shortage of blood due to low engagement of voluntary blood donations. In 2017, in Nanning City (in Guangxi Province) alone, the local authorities arrested three groups of blood heads with more than 800,000 cc volume of blood collected and sold.

No official investigations were conducted regarding the plasma economy and the cover-up of the HIV epidemic in Henan in the 1990s. Therefore, no officials were held accountable for this man-made disaster. Even 20 years later in 2017, there were still representatives in China Peoples Congress raising the very same issue to call for an official investigation of the disaster and proper compensation for the victims. Similarly, there were no reports so far on any corporate executives or government officers being questioned or held accountable for this recent incident about tainted human immunoglobulin. There were no reports on how many units of this potentially contaminated batch of human immunoglobulin have been used and whether health authorities are tracking these people systematically.

Chinese authorities always vowed repeatedly for tighter oversight and crackdowns on companies and officials when food and drug safety scandals broke out. However, the Xinxing Pharma Co. was originally established under the Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), and now its largest stock holder is the state-owned public health enterpriseChina Meheco Group Co Ltd. So, even though Xinxing Pharma Co. looks like a private business now, it is essentially a state-controlled enterprise. It is no wonder that they are a state-designated medical product supplier.

Imagine if the U.S. FDA establishes a health product enterprise which could become a major income source for FDA. Will the FDA provide an effective oversight over the safety of health products made by their own enterprise? When the health authorities and health industries have formed a tightly-bonded interest group, the common folks can only hope that they are getting a good health product. When the health authorities actually own the largest health enterprises in a country without free press, where is the hope then?

Dr. Xiaoxu Sean Lin is a former U.S. Army officer with expertise on infectious diseases surveillance and global public health. He was the co-founder and former executive vice president of Sound of Hope Radio Network, and hosted talk shows on Chinas current affairs on New Tang Dynasty TV. Currently, he is the founder and general manager of WQER-LP Radio Station. He is also a frequent news analyst and commentator for Sound of Hope Radio Network, with a focus on global public health, national security and foreign relations related to Asian affairs.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.The 5800 block of Highway 82 Spur, Commerce, where a 79-year-old woman held off a burglar with a pistol, on Feb. 12, 2019. (Screenshot/Googlemaps)

79-Year-Old Woman Fends Off Burglar With a Pistol in Dramatic 911 Call

Whispering a prayer to the dispatcher one second, hollering a challenge the next as she fired a warning shot with her pistol, a 79-year-old woman was recorded in a dramatic midnight 911 call as she tackled a 20-year-old burglar.

When deputies arrived at the house in Jackson County, Georgia, on Feb. 12, they found a burglar cowering in the closet.

He was later named as Hans Edward Rogers, charged with burglary and home invasion, according to county jail records.

The homeowner heard someone trying to get in a window and went to her back door to look out, at which time a black male was standing there.

In the recording of the dispatch call, obtained later by WXIA, the woman can be heard repeatedly challenging what she initially thought were two invaders in her home.

Theyre trying to get in the back door, the woman tells the dispatcher about 30 seconds into the call. Hurry. Hurry. Please.

The 911 dispatcher asks her where she is in the house.

Im in the kitchen, and Im watching the door that they were trying to get in. Ooh, theyre breaking glass, she said.

The burglar cowered in a closet until deputies arrived to arrest him  a 20-year-old man subdued by a 79-year-old woman.  9NEWS (KUSA)  2019220

Then she can be heard shouting, Okay, come on! I got something for you!

Lord Have Mercy  Please

As the 911 dispatcher tries to discourage her from confronting any attackers, the sound of a gunshot is heard.

According to WXIA, she had fired a pistol outside in the direction of the burglar, who then ran round to another door, and broke in.

As the dispatcher continues to reassure her that law enforcement is on the way, the woman said that she can hear the intruder upstairs, ransacking the rooms and apparently talking.

She waits for another two minutes in the kitchen, then her voice can be heard shouting Im waitin on ya, come on! When you come down those stairs Im gonna blow your damn brains out!

PRESS RELEASE On Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at approximately 12:17 hours, a home invasion and burglary  Jackson County Sheriff's Office  2019213

Seconds later, she can be heard whispering, Im just scared, Maam  Please hurry. Please hurry.

Please, please dear God. Lord have mercy  please

Around seven minutes into the call, the woman can be heard shouting upstairs, then a shot is heard. Come on punk! she shouts.  Come on down if youre serious!

This time, she had fired toward the second floor.

Listen to the 911 Call

Maam, are you shootin at him again? the 911 dispatcher asks.

Yes, maam, she answers.

Around eight minutes into the call, law enforcement enters the downstairs of the building, with Rogers now cowering upstairs.

Woman fires shots at burglar breaking into her home, police say https://t.co/9SRP32JoTI pic.twitter.com/PjsqF2A0Rd  11Alive News (@11AliveNews) February 13, 2019

Rogers is in the Jackson County Jail without bond, charged with felony first-degree burglary and felony home invasion, and with misdemeanor criminal trespass.

He was driving his mothers car along a nearby highway when his car ran out of gas, reported KDVR. He left his car and around midnight and helped himself into the womans house.

The womans daughter said the sheriff told them the suspect has a history of medical issues and needs prescription medication, which he did not have with him that day, reported News 9.

She didnt allow herself to become a victim, the womans daughter told WXIA. My mothers a very strong woman. I know where I get my strength from, now. As a matter of fact, I think shes a little stronger.

I dont know if I could have handled that situation as well as she did, the daughter continued. My mothers a very spiritual person  if she wanted to hit him, she could have hit him  She just wanted to keep him off of her.

She said that her mother hadnt been aiming for Rogers when she fired both times, but was only trying to keep him away.

Under Georgia state law, homeowners do not have to apply for a license to keep a gun in their own homes, although a license is required to carry one outside.7-Year-Old Boy Called Little Hitler for Setting up Stand to Raise Money for Border Wall

A 7-year-old boy has caught the attention of his community for setting up a hot chocolate stand to raise money for a border wall. But not everyone who saw his stand has been supportive.

Benton Stevens from Austin, Texas, came up with the idea of wanting to raise money for the wall on the U.S.-Mexico border after watching the State of the Union address on Feb. 5, his mother Jennifer Stevens told KXAN.

Stevens said after her son begged her to let him set up the stand, the family decided to pitch in with making signs and hot chocolate to sell. Benton set up the stand at a Steiner Ranch strip mall on Feb. 16 and made $231 in sales in about an hour selling hot chocolate for $2 a cup, reported the news station.

Bentons efforts were filmed by his father Shane and streamed on Facebook live and viewed more than 20,000 times as of the time of writing.

However, not everyone appreciated their efforts.

People think hes brainwashed, Stevens said. Well, of course, he supports Trump because we do, and he hears how we talk, and this and that. Call that brainwashing, but I call it parenting because we instill our values in him.

Both Stevens and her husband Shane are active members of the Republican National Committee.

Stevens said one person even called Benton a little Hitler.

She said, A guy pointed at him in his car and then he said that we didnt like brown people. I dont understand that at all.

The family was also criticized online for their actions because of their political stance.

I never realized parents would actively do something to get their child bullied, I mean honestly what do you think is gonna happen when his actual friends find out you let him do this, hes gonna be a laughing stock, one social media user wrote.

But Stevens told the news station that there were more people that were supportive of the familys actions than against them.

It seems like there are more people supporting it than against it but the people that are against it keep going and going and going, Stevens said.

Benton, proud of your determination my friend https://t.co/cUF01VwJqA  Rep. James White (@James_E_White) February 20, 2019

Some social media users praised the parents for instilling patriotism and family values in their children.

Kudos dad & mom for engaging the children in the political world that we now live in. At a certain point, we as parents have to be the people in our childrens lives that do instill our family values and that instill the patriotism that is going to be so important to maintain a capitalist and free country. This is more than just a hot chocolate fundraiser. We are fighting to keep America great. Our children are the recipients of whatever we make happen in our lifetimes! They should be involved and they should be taught by someone other than a biased media, one social media user wrote.

Stevens said that while Benton was operating his stand, there were some people yelling at the owner of the store that the stand was in front of. She said that even though the stand was not on the stores property, her husband decided to close the stand down for the day, according to the news station.

Although the stand was closed, Benton continued to receive donations through his Venmo account from people who are supportive of his cause.

Bentons father wrote on social media on Feb. 18, He is now at $2221.33! :). Venmo account for out of town supporters or those that cant make it by is @BentonsHotChocolateStand.

Stevens told the news station that they are going to try to get the money to the border wall. She said, Theres a GoFundMe page and were also part of the RNC and were pretty connected there so we will 100 percent make sure it goes towards the wall.

Although members of the public can make donations to the U.S. government for general use by the federal government, with the funds available for budget needs, donating directly to the Department of Homeland Security would require approval from Congress.

On Feb. 15, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to address the humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border and to secure funds for the construction of a barrier. The president made the emergency declaration a day after a spending bill that includes $1.375 billion in funds for the construction of a border wall passed by Congress.

Trump asked for $5.7 billion for the construction of the wall last year but negotiations fell through, resulting in a partial government shutdown. The president ended the shutdown by signing a temporary spending bill on Jan. 25 and gave Congress several weeks to come up with a deal that included the funds for the border wall. Trump promised to use his executive powers to find the funding if lawmakers failed to secure the funds he asked for.5 Home Remedies That Are Most Likely to Actually Work When Modern Medicine Fails

The content is not available due to expiration.Two people were arrested Monday after authorities said they stole a trailer belonging to the Boy Scouts of America.

Kendra Nicole Wiggins, 33, also faces drug charges.

According to College Station police, authorities were called to the 200 block of Harvard Court on Monday morning after a witness said there was a group of people around a trailer that was being unhitched from an SUV. The caller thought the trailer might be the one stolen from the Boy Scouts in Bryan, photos of which had been on social media. The trailer was parked in front of a home, and the man inside the residence said he did not know who owned the trailer but it had been sitting there since Sunday. Wiggins walked out of the home while authorities checked the trailer, which dispatch confirmed belonged to the Boy Scouts.

Authorities confronted the man about the trailer being reported as stolen, and he admitted he got it from a woman who lived in an apartment complex. He said he asked Wiggins to tow the trailer back to the home on Harvard Court, a police report notes.

Authorities received permission to look inside the home and located a backpack belonging to Wiggins that contained meth, marijuana, alprazolam pills  commonly known as Xanax  and drug paraphernalia.According to police, a man entered the Stripes gas station at Wellborn Road and Harvey Mitchell Parkway just after 5 a.m. Police said the man had what appeared to be a gun and demanded money. The man was last seen going northeast behind the gas station and is described as black, 6 feet 1 inch tall with a slender build.Two men were arrested over the weekend after police said they attacked a man during a bar fight.

According to Bryan police, authorities were called just after midnight Saturday to the Billar El Tapatio bar on William J. Bryan Parkway, where a fight had broken out in the parking lot. A man with significant injuries to his face was transported to the hospital, where he received seven stitches and required gluing to additional cuts.

A witness said she had seen the victim attacked by 41-year-old Gilbert Corona Jr., of Bryan, and Jose Nelson Sanchez-Martinez, 26. Officers spoke with the two after observing pools of blood in the parking lot alongside batteries and a long flashlight that had been broken in half. A police report states Corona admitted he retrieved the flashlight from his vehicle and beat the victims head with it. Sanchez-Martinez denied hurting the man, but police said blood was found on his boots. Corona told police he had seen Sanchez-Martinez kick the victim twice in the face.

The two are charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Corona was released from the Brazos County Jail on $10,000 bond, while Sanchez-Martinez is being held on an immigration hold.According to the Department of Justice, Derrick Ervin, 40, pleaded guilty Nov. 19. He was sentenced by a judge in Houston to serve 77 months in federal prison, which will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Ervin also must pay almost $1 million in restitution.

At the time of his guilty plea, Ervin admitted that in March 2018, conspirators sent emails to the city of Bryan posing as vendors for the city. In the emails, the conspirators directed the city to send money to what were purportedly new bank accounts. Three payments were sent, totaling $778,808. Ervin participated in the conspiracy by opening a bank account in a stolen identity to receive the stolen money and distribute it among the conspirators. He also admitted to helping steal at least $50,000 in October 2017 as part of a romance fraud scheme, as well as more than $90,000 as part of a business email compromise.The Restaurant Monitor is a weekly listing of scores for restaurants inspected by the Brazos County Health Department.

Inspections scores are on a 100-point scale. Generally, scores below 80 might cause the department to schedule a follow-up visit. A score below 70 results in the suspension of an establishments health permit. The following inspections were conducted Feb. 12 through Feb. 19.

Bryan

Dairy Queen, 3003 E. Texas 21  100; St. Joseph School Central Campus, 600 Coulter Drive  100.

Bryan Fairfield Inn, 4613 S. Texas Ave.  96. Other violations, food and non-food contact surfaces not cleanable, eating/drinking/tobacco use.

Cameron Ranch Food Mart, 1414 F.M. 2223  87. Environmental contamination, thermometers not provided/accurate/calibrated, inadequate handwashing facilities, other violations, unauthorized persons, toxic substances improperly identified/stored/used, utensils/equipment/linens improperly used/stored/dried/handled, garbage and refuse improperly disposed.Brexit and the divisions within the British ruling class

The British ruling class is divided over the Brexit issue. That much is clear. Not so obvious, though, is the underlying cause of this split.

Among the jingoistic fringe there is a hankering after the glory days of empire. Reared to believe that the sun was never supposed to set on Britannia, they have difficulties in coming to terms with former colonies, such as China, acquiring global status.

Nevertheless there is more to the internal class feuding than nostalgia for an era that all but the deluded few know will never return. Some, of course, wish to remain in the EU, but a different and more threatening cohort view Brexit as an opportunity to restore Britain to a position of prominence in the US-led imperialist world order.

In time the reality will become clearer, but for now this can be understood as a struggle between contending elements within Britains capitalist elite. This phenomenon, however, is not confined to Britain but is something that affects capitalism all round the globe. To a large extent, the conflict has come to a head as a result of the economic crash of 2008, which was essentially a crisis in the financial sector of capital.

The neo-liberal policies advocated by Hayek and Friedman and launched on a global scale during the Regan and Thatcher era removed most of the restrictions forced upon capital in the aftermath of the Great Depression and the Second World War. Free from all restraint, and encouraged by a deliberately cultivated narrative that greed is good, capital sought and found quick and easy profit in the financial services sector.

In the absence of strict state supervision, it was inevitable that rules were bent and prudence abandoned as new and risky financial instruments were created. In time this led to the sub-prime collapse in the United States, precipitating the global financial crash in which Lehman Brothers in America and Northern Rock in Britain fell into bankruptcy.

Of more fundamental significance was the fact that while much of capital focused on the services sector in general and the financial sector in particular, manufacturing was allowed to decline in many advanced industrialised countries. For a time the neo-liberal ideology of small government facilitated outsourcing and offshoring to cheaper centres of production.

At first the super-rich welcomed the process. They were not only garnering gigantic profits but were simultaneously witnessing the weakening of locally based organised labour. In time, though, a section of the ruling class in the United States and Britain began to realise that, over time, finance always follows production and resources, whether human or mineral. Moreover, they understood that, ultimately, power is dependent on control of a strong industrial and manufacturing base, with guaranteed access to raw materials.

In the long run, intellectual property rights can be acquired or duplicated, but the skill base necessary for the large-scale production of high-tech equipment requires a large and highly trained work force.

This realisation has caused powerful elements within the American ruling class to advocate and implement the countrys current foreign trade policy. Whether Donald Trump is the mastermind of this strategy or is only a cats paw for others is immaterial, as he uses his office and the power of the state in an attempt to revitalise and restore manufacturing in the United States. The objective may appear to be dictated by populism, but it has the parallel logic of maintaining and reinforcing Americas global economic superiority and capacity, vital elements on which military capacity is built.

Paranoia about the rise of China is therefore about more than anger at it for encouraging unfair trading policies. Their real fear is that China is developing an economy capable of competing with and eventually outperforming the United States and its allies.

It is no coincidence, for example, that Meng Wanzhou, the Chinese woman detained by the Canadian authorities at the behest of the United States, is Huaweis chief finance officer. Mengs company is the largest and most powerful high-tech business in China and is fast outpacing all others in the United States and Europe in the telecommunications arena.

Such a situation would pose a direct challenge to Americas expressed determination to remain as the pre-eminent world superpower, with the ability to enforce full-spectrum dominance. In a world in which sophisticated technology is now the dominant mode of production, the control of this is considered imperative by imperialism. Losing this contest would be to concede advantage to others; and imperialism never gives ground willingly to a potential rival, even at the risk of military conflict.

In ways there are uncomfortable echoes now with the decades before the First World War, when Germanys economy began to rival, and in some industries to outgrow, that of Britain.

Nor is the threat of war something that is taken lightly or overlooked by the superpowers. A recent article in the Financial Times referred to the risks arising from the emergence of an alternative centre of power as the Thucydides trap. In this article the writer mentions that five years ago the president of China, Xi Jinping, had identified this danger. He used the same historical analogy when urging a visiting delegation to tell the world that everybody had to work to avoid such a catastrophic scenario.

This is the dangerous global backdrop against which several of the leading Brexiteers in Britain are operating. Though the immediate fault line dividing the ruling class is between those benefiting from financial services and the wider manufacturing sector, this is not the whole picture. The dispute is not merely about profit and loss in the short to medium term. There are those who are determined to maintain the existing world order and at the same time to arrest Britains declining influence within it.

To do so they are intent on establishing a high-tech manufacturing base, and are willing to have this happen at the expense of the City of London. If Brexit occurs according to their design and under Conservative Party governance, Britain will remain a largely low-wage country but with a diminishing social wage and a constantly receding welfare safety net  in other words, not greatly different from Britain within the EU.

Clearly a left-leaning Corbyn-led government would create a very different set of circumstances and conditions; but powerful forces, both within and without the Labour Party, are working to prevent such an outcome.

Where Ireland may fall in this scenario is difficult to tell. It is important, nevertheless, to attempt to understand the dynamics underlying this situation. What we can say is that there is not a simple binary choice between Tory Britain and the EU. Both are wedded to the enforcement of neo-liberal economic policies, and both are committed to aggressive military expansionism. This will not change whether we have a hard or soft border within Ireland.

What is needed is a different and humane socialist world order. Our contribution, as a small country, to this sought-after development must be to create a sovereign workers republic  a republic free from British, EU and US imperialism and supportive of progressive humanity wherever it struggles for the good of all.

Socialist VoiceAre you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label.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.

Follow Melanie Tucker 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Oneonta, NY (13820)

Today

Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.As clock ticks closer to Brexit ...

The clock keeps ticking down to February 13. With each movement of the little hand, British Prime Minister Theresa Mays self-imposed deadline to deliver a renegotiated Brexit deal before Parliament seems less likely  the UK government doesnt even expect any EU concessions by the deadline. And the palpable fear of a no-deal withdrawal grows with each passing day.

In the coastal town of Sunderland, meanwhile, autoworkers jobs  the primary source of employment for residents  are on the chopping block. Nissan executives announced on February 3 it was cancelling its plan to make the X-Trail SUV in the UK.

The auto plant, founded in 1984, is Britains largest, and saved the towns historic industrial roots after the coal, mining, and shipbuilding industries collapsed.

Employing over 7,000 people, and 28,000 supplier jobs, workers built and shipped out 442,000 vehicles from there in 2018.

While we have taken this decision for business reasons, the continued uncertainty around the UKs future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future, Nissan Europe Chairman Gianluca de Ficchy said in a statement.

A political setback for May and the Conservative Party of course, but more important than politics, is the continued realisation that beyond rhetoric and talking points, boisterously presented and upheld in the House of Commons, it is working people who will be on the receiving end of an economic blow due to political mishandling and hardline stances.

Like many American workers who were swept up in the Trumpesque political shakeup of the status quo, Sunderland  spurred on by fear of budget cuts, immigration concerns, and hate-mongering politicians  voted overwhelmingly to leave the European Union.

Today, workers at the plant are split down the middle regarding Brexits next steps. And while their elected MPs voted down Mays original agreement, a local news poll found residents wanted to move forward with the EU divorce, regardless of impact.

In response to the disturbing update, representatives from Britain and Irelands largest union, Unite, met with Nissan managers pushing for long-term guarantees for their members.

We pressed for guarantees on jobs and future production levels at Sunderland and received firm assurances that the future production of the Juke and Qashqai is unaffected, and this is solely an X-Trail decision, read a statement released shortly after the February 4 meeting, referring to specific Nissan vehicle models. What this whole sorry saga shows is that the sector-wide uncertainty caused by Brexit urgently needs to be addressed by ministers because it is draining the industry of skills, investment, and new jobs.

From the North Sea, where Sunderland sits, Belfast, Northern Ireland is only 238 miles to the west.

Belfast is where the Prime Minister was, the day after union leaders met with Nissan, busy affirming her commitment to delivering a Brexit that ensures no return to a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

As expected, her efforts to ease tension and fear did not win over more support for a new divorce agreement  support she desperately needs from her Northern Irish allies.

It is welcome that the prime minister is travelling to Brussels to seek changes, but she must stand strong by the commitments she made to the House of Commons, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster said on Tuesday, February 5. That is her mandate, and that is what I expect. The backstop would undermine the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom ... it is the main problem.

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) called on the PM to introduce direct rule government for Northern Ireland if a deal isnt reached, and Sinn Fein, which supports the backstop provision, said May lacked credibility and was hostage to the DUP support at Westminster. The party called for a referendum on Irish unity.

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 ... . The days of Britain dictating to Ireland or Irish people ... those days are over and will not return, said Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou MacDonald.

The harshest criticism of UK politicians though, came from former Polish PM, now EU president, Donald Tusk: 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.

His comments came a day before May was due in Brussels to meet with EU leaders. On Thursday, they held strained talks over the Irish border issue. As expected, EU leaders again rebuked Mays proposed border compromise, but agreed to set a new deadline to try and break the gridlock that threatens to push the UK crashing out of the union with no deal.

Back in London, the same day, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn penned a letter to May offering a possible path to get a Brexit deal through Parliament.

Corbyn offered Labours support if May moved closer towards their position on several issues, including a UK-wide customs union, close alignment with the EUs single market and social rights/standards, and unambiguous agreements on the detail of future security arrangements.

Much to Mays displeasure, Tusk made the suggestion that Corbyns plan could indeed help bring about an acceptable resolution.

When asked for comment, a senior No 10 (Prime Ministers Office) official said: considerable points of difference remain between May and Corbyn, with the prime minister still determined that the UK will not be in a customs union with the EU and will pursue an independent trade policy. 

Corbyns plan carries some political risk, and pro-EU Labour MPs were quick to highlight their concerns with his letter, including fears it would prevent a second referendum from taking place.

Streatham Labour MP Chuka Umunna tweeted in response: This is not opposition, it is the facilitation of a deal which will make this country poorer.

Labour shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer quickly responded to those concerns Thursday and assured Labour MPs the letter does not rule out the option of a second referendum  a public vote.

As Friday morning rolls around, May will be meeting with Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar of Ireland in Dublin to discuss the backstop.

Ireland is sceptical of her visit and didnt bother to hide it.

Shes very welcome, of course, said one high-ranking official. But youd wonder what she could possibly be coming with?

Now all we can do is wait and see what the rest of February has planned for Brexit, and wonder if these trips even matter.

Peoples WorldTowanda, PA (18848)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 70F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 70F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.This subscription will allow current subscribers of The St. Helens Chronicle to access all of our online Subscriber-Only content, including the E Editions area.

NOTE: To claim your access to the site, you will need to enter the Last Name and First Name that is tied to your subscription in this format: SMITH, JOHN

If you need help with exactly how your specific name needs be entered, please call us at 1-503-397-0116.BMW Group To Open Technology Office Start-up Center Of Tel Aviv Israel







Munich February 20, 2019; The BMW Group has been collaborating with Israeli firms from various technology fields for a number of years now. The company has now announced that it will open an office for trend and technology scouting in Israel. Tel Aviv has one of the fastest growing startup scenes in the world - especially in the important future fields for us such as autonomous driving or connectivity, explained Klaus Frohlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. By establishing a presence in Tel Aviv, we will secure even faster access to the relevant trends and technologies, be it with startups or universities. The BMW Group Technology Office in Tel Aviv is due to open in Israels technology hotspot midway through 2019.

The small, agile team consisting of experts from various disciplines will network intensively with local startups, evaluate and drive forward relevant trends, technologies and innovations. The full spectrum of technology enterprises based in Israel will be considered and the team will also seek to set up joint research projects with universities.







In response to the announcement, the Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry, Eli Cohen, said: The mobility and smart transportation sector is one of the fastest growing in the world. The opening of the BMW Group Technology Office in Israel is a vote of confidence in the Israeli innovative companies and ecosystem. Cohen added, It is yet another proof that in this new era of the automotive industry, with the strong focus on innovative technologies, the state of Israel can and does play a key role."

In addition to the existing Technology Offices in the USA, China, Japan and South Korea, the Technology Office in Tel Aviv will be the fifth of its kind within the global R&D network of the BMW Group.

The company already today operates more than 20 R&D facilities in eight countries. Working closely with the central development departments in Munich, each individual location is instrumental in securing early access to trends and technologies in order to be able to shape future mobility and bring the best possible offers to our customers.Ford Heavy Duty Trucks Says "Ate Mais" to Brazil

Ford is committed to the South American region by building a sustainable and profitable business with strengthened product offerings, outstanding customer experience, and a leaner more agile business model, said Lyle Watters, president, Ford of South America.

The decision to exit the heavy commercial trucks business came after months of pursuing viable alternatives, including possible partnerships and a sale of the operation. The business would have required significant capital investments to meet market needs and increasing regulatory costs with no viable path to profitability.

We know this action will have a major impact on our employees in Sao Bernardo and we will be working closely with all our stakeholders on the next steps, Watters said. Working closely with our dealers and suppliers, Ford will continue to provide support for our customers with warranty, parts and service.

This decision follows other recent initiatives in the on-going redesign of the South American region including:

Reducing salaried and administrative costs region-wide by more than 20 percent over the past few months

Strengthening portfolio with SUVs and pickups that are growing in popularity with consumers while ceasing Focus production in Argentina

Leveraging global partnerships, such as the recently announced alliance with VW to develop mid-size pickup trucks

In connection with this announcement, the company expects to record pre-tax special item charges of about $460 million. The charges will include approximately $100 million of non-cash charges for accelerated depreciation and amortization. The remaining charges of about $360 million will be paid in cash and are primarily attributable to separation and termination payments for employees, dealers, and suppliers. Most of these pre-tax special item charges and cash outflows will be recorded in 2019 and are part of the $11 billion in EBIT charges with cash-related effects of $7 billion the company expects to take in the redesign of its global business.A brief history of the world communist movement  Part 2

Working-class internationalism

(See last weeks issue for part 1.)

The CPUSA and its predecessors included the left wing of the Socialist Party, but also attracted many people from the anarcho-syndicalist International Workers of the World (IWW or Wobblies) including future Communist Party leaders such as John Reed, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn and William Z Foster. Other IWW members who became close to the Communist Party included Lucy Parsons and Helen Keller.

And what was the COMINTERN? In 1919, a number of parties from around the world met in Moscow to create a third, or communist international which would be based on the revolutionary principles that most of the leaders of the Second International had abandoned. This communist international was known as the COMINTERN. At its founding, the participating parties laid down a set of rules for adherence. These including breaking with the politics of the reformist social democratic parties, creating and maintaining their own presses, and defending the Soviet Union. The COMINTERN was firmly based on the principle of proletarian (working-class internationalism).

Triumphs and troubles of the COMINTERN

In its 24 years of existence, the COMINTERN did many positive things. It maintained the principles of working-class internationalism and anti-imperialism that had been part of the Marxist program from the beginning and had been particularly emphasised by Lenin. For this reason, communist parties from places as far apart as South Africa, Vietnam and Mexico were eager participants in its work. It organised support for workers, and communist struggles in many places, most notably for the Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939.

On the other hand, there were some problems.

The COMINTERNs rules mandated that adhering parties defend the Soviet Union, but this sometimes caused problems for those parties, especially when they were expected to defend the Soviet leadership against its internal critics and rivals.

Lenin died in January of 1924, and as he had feared, a sharp rivalry arose between two of his leading comrades in the party and in the Soviet government. The Georgian Communist Josef Stalin (1878-1953) and Leon Trotsky did not see eye to eye on a number of key issues. One of these was how to build the Soviet Union, given that it had come into being in a relatively backward country with a low level of industrialisation and an industrial working class that was hugely outnumbered by the peasantry.

At the time of the October Revolution, Lenin and all his colleagues had expected socialist revolutions to take place in at least one major industrialized capitalist country, which then could help Russia to industrialise also. This did not happen. Lenin then backed off his governments most radical goals and entered into a phase called the New Economic Policy (NEP) which made wide ranging concessions to peasants, other small producers and some capitalists, with the idea of encouraging activities that would build up the economic forces of the country.

Stalins inclination was to continue this policy after Lenins death, i.e. to build socialism in one country. Trotsky, on the other hand, thought the Soviet communists should not try to build the country through concessions of the NEP kind and should do more to promote revolutions in other countries; this was his idea of the permanent revolution.

The conflict between Stalin and Trotsky, which came to have a personal dimension also, caused a split within the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, with Stalins group prevailing. Trotsky and many of his followers were expelled from the Soviet party, and later subjected to repression.

The COMINTERNs policy in China created some disquiet on the part of Chinese communists, who were not happy with the close relationship of the COMINTERNs representatives in their country with Chiang kai-Sheks Kuomintang party.

At the Sixth Congress of the COMINTERN, held in Moscow in 1928, a mistaken analysis of the revolutionary potential of the capitalist countries was adopted. Today this is referred to as the Third Period. This was an ultra-left deviation in which it was held that capitalism worldwide was entering its third stage and final crisis, and that socialist revolution was imminent everywhere.

The tactical conclusion was that all COMINTERN parties should prepare for imminent insurrectionary action, and should break with and sharply denounce all tendencies within the workers movement that did not agree that the revolution should be led by them.

Any relations with social democratic parties were to cease and these parties were to be denounced as social fascists. This sectarian mistake had very bad consequences in many places, including for example Germany, where it made it harder to form a united front to block Hitler and his Nazis.

But after Hitler came to power (following Mussolini who seized power in Italy in the 1920s), and as fascist groups gained strength all over Europe, the COMINTERN carried out a sharp corrective move. COMINTERN General Secretary Georgi Dimitrov (1882-1949), reporting to the Seventh Congress of the COMINTERN in 1935, emphasised the need to develop a united front with all forces willing to make a stand against fascism, both at the working-class mass level and at the level of relations among political parties. To switch from the Third Period sectarian ultra-leftism to the Popular Front call for unity against fascism was no easy task, but it was adopted by all the COMINTERN parties.

Meanwhile, the communist parties of Germany, Italy and other countries with right-wing or fascist governments had been entirely banned, though many continued to operate in clandestinely.

The Spanish Civil War

A major test for the COMINTERNs popular front policy soon arose, with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July, 1936. When right-wing military officers supported by Spains fascist organisations rose against the Spanish Republic, the Spanish Communist Party, in accordance with its own analysis and in conformity with COMINTERN policy, prioritised defeating the rebellion, rather than overthrowing the centrist republican government.

Some on the far left saw this as a betrayal, but the extreme brutality of the rebel troops headed by General Francisco Franco Bahamonde (1892-1975), and the entry of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy into the conflict on the side of Franco demonstrated the validity of the Spanish communists approach.

The whole of the COMINTERN (all the communist parties including the Communist Party USA) organised support for the Spanish Republic. Though the Republic was defeated (and many US communists and other leftists who had defended it were later persecuted under McCarthyism as premature anti-fascists  a matter of pride and not shame for most), this can be seen as a high point of the COMINTERN.

World War II

In August 1939, the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed the so called Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. This was a non-aggression pact between the two countries, which involved, also, the de facto division of Poland. Many of the worlds communist parties, which had been emphasising the struggle against fascism, were blindsided by this and felt they had to praise the agreement. This harmed the reputation of communists in a number of countries, and created legal problems for them in some, such as France where the Communist Party was immediately banned. If the Spanish Civil War can be seen as the high point of the COMINTERN, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact may have been the low point.

In June of 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union, and Germanys allies soon followed suit with their own declarations of war. Once again, defence of the Soviet Union against fascism became the highest priority for the COMINTERN parties.

In countries occupied by Nazi Germany, such as France, Italy and Greece, the communist parties, working with other anti-fascists, were instrumental in organising armed resistance which struck serious blows against the Nazis and local collaborators.

End of the COMINTERN

At the height of the Second World War, the COMINTERN decided to dissolve itself. The decision was announced on May 15, 1943 (the Communist Party USA had also asked to be separated from the COMINTERN in 1940, and this was agreed to by the body). The reasons given for dissolving the COMINTERN were eminently practical and in line with the popular front analysis that had been presented by Dimitrov at the 7th Congress in 1935. ...long before the war, it had become increasingly clear that, to the extent that the internal as well as the international situation of individual countries became more complicated, the solution of the problems of the labour movement of each individual country through some international centre would meet with insuperable obstacles.

So now the worlds communist parties could feel free to create their own united fronts and alliances, and employ other tactics that best suited, in their estimation, the situation in each of their countries.

The Cold War

At the cost of millions of lives and vast suffering and economic loss, and with the Soviet Union playing the most important and heroic part, the Second World War was won and European fascism crushed almost everywhere (except Spain and Portugal). Socialist governments came to power in Eastern Germany (the German Democratic Republic), Poland, Romania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Albania, and communist movements revived strongly in Italy and France.

All over Europe and beyond, the communist parties, whether operating legally or not, continued to strive for a far broader mass presence in the unions, in every other kind of peoples organisation in politics including the electoral and legislative fields, and in journalism, culture and the arts. This refutes the idea propagated by some that the communist parties were (and are) closed conspiratorial groups.

Very quickly, the period called the Cold War, with the efforts of imperialism to halt, by force if necessary, any further advances of socialism, became the focus of the United States and other major capitalist governments. The formation of NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) had this purpose, and was immediately countered by the defensive Warsaw Pact. The imperialist powers, seeing the possibility of the triumph of a left-wing government in Greece, intervened bloodily on the side of the right-wing monarchy in that country.

In the United States, the General Secretary of the Communist Party USA, Earl Browder, who had also been a major figure in the work of the COMINTERN, made a miscalculation as to the future course of events. He had developed the idea that the capitalist-socialist cooperation that had been maintained to crush fascism during the war could be continued indefinitely, and that out of such cooperation socialism could be achieved in the United States as well.

There was, within the world communist movement and within the US party, a sharp negative reaction to Browders attitude, and his action in dissolving the Communist Party USA and replacing it with the Communist Political Association. It having become clear that the World War II alliance would be replaced by increased hostility of the major capitalist powers to the Soviet Union and to the communist movement, the Communist Party USA removed Browder as leader and expelled him from the party in 1946.

Revolutions in China; Korea; Vietnam

The defeat of Japanese imperialism in East Asia opened up the door to great revolutionary changes in China, Korea and Vietnam. In all three countries, communist parties had become powerful through their determined struggle against the Japanese military, gaining the support of millions of workers and peasants.

But none of these three countries were advanced industrial powers, so in each case the early experience of the Soviet Union, namely the coming to power of a communist party happened in a country that was still largely agricultural and where peasants greatly outnumbered industrial workers. This had profound implications for the way that socialism developed in each of these Asian countries. But in Korea and Vietnam, imperialist intervention ended up with countries split, with communist parties, in each case, in power in the north, and imperialist controlled right-wing governments in the South, setting the stage for the Korean and Vietnam wars, respectively.

McCarthyism and persecution

In the United States starting in the late 1940s, and to a lesser extent in some other countries, the end of the World War II alliance between the USSR and the West ushered in an era of very sharp persecution of communists and the labour movement generally. This is sometimes called McCarthyism because of the prominent role played by US Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin, but it included many other important figures and public bodies.

Two of the most important of these were the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) and the Senate Internal Security Subcommittee, which dedicated themselves to root out communists and suspected sympathizers from government employment, key industries and the artistic and cultural fields. Laws were passed making the Communist Party illegal in numerous states, communists were driven out of the teaching profession (including at the university level), Communist Party USA leaders were jailed under various pretexts, and careers and lives were ruined.

Central to McCarthyism was the largely successful effort to drive communists out of the labour movement. The Taft-Hartley Law of 1947 damaged our countrys labour unions, and the rights of US workers, in many ways. It struck a blow at both unions and the left by forcing union officials to sign affidavits that they were not members of the Communist Party USA. Unions that kept people who refused to sign such affidavits in leadership positions lost many of their legal rights. In many cases, communists who held positions in unions which, in fact, the Communist Party USA had played a major role in building, thought it better to resign from their unions leadership rather than jeopardise its future. Using these and other methods, the ruling class and the government managed to drive a wedge between the Communist Party and its social base in the working class, doing damage that it has taken decades to repair.

The Khrushchev speech

Joseph Stalin died on March 5, 1953. In the ensuing power struggle within the Soviet party and government leadership, a protege of Stalin, Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev, emerged as first secretary of the Communist Party and Soviet Premier. At the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, in 1956, Khrushchev gave a speech, On the Cult of Personality and its Consequences, in which he denounced many of the practices of government and party in the Stalin period. A large number of political and non-political prisoners were released, and reforms instituted that were designed to improve the material standard of living of the Soviet population.

The so called Secret Speech at the 20th Party Congress had a huge impact in the other communist-led countries of eastern and central Europe: Poland, the German Democratic Republic, Romania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania. In several of these countries, most notably Poland and Hungary, the revelations led to street protests, and in a number of countries the old leadership, which had been close to Stalins thinking, was replaced by new leaders who rejected it.

The Khrushchev speech and related developments in the Soviet Union also produced turmoil in communist parties outside the socialist bloc.

The Sino-Soviet Split

After Mao Zedongs Peoples Revolutionary Army ousted the US-supported Kuomintang of Chiang Kai-shek from China in 1949, the Peoples Republic of China received considerable development help from the Soviet Union. However, things did not go entirely smoothly in the relationship between the two socialist giants. There were long standing territorial disputes that went back to the old Tsarist days; these were partly settled by the Soviet government, but not fully.

There were differences over the role of peasants as opposed to workers in the building of socialism. And after the 1956 Khrushchev speech, Mao Zedong and his Chinese comrades began to suspect that the Soviet leadership was going to sell out the world communist movement in favour of a less confrontational stance toward the United States and the other capitalist powers. So the Chinese leadership set itself up as the true defenders of the heritage of Lenin and Stalin, with the Soviet leadership damned as revisionists.

In the ensuing dispute, only one small Eastern European socialist country, Albania, took the Chinese side. The extremely large Indonesian Communist Party did too. In a number of capitalist countries, there were splits within the non-ruling communist parties.

The Cuban Revolution

On January First, 1959, insurgent troops headed by Argentine-Cuban revolutionary Marxist Ernesto Che Guevara entered Havana, Cuba after having defeated the forces of the US supported dictator, Fulgencio Batista. Cubas new Prime Minister and later President, Fidel Castro Ruz, Che and their comrades fought off efforts by the United States to crush the Cuban Revolution by means of an economic blockade, sabotage and invasion. With US trade cut off, Cuba developed close economic ties to the Soviet Union and the Eastern European socialist bloc.

For the first time in history, an actual communist-led government was able to establish itself in the Western Hemisphere and hold onto power  90 miles from the United States. The mere fact of this, plus the dynamic and innovative way in which the Cubans set about building socialism, served as a great stimulus to communists and left-wing socialists worldwide. In every country in Latin America and beyond, communists and left-wing socialists began to pay close attention to the Cuban experience for ideas on how to revitalise the socialist project. And the Cuban revolutionaries revived the idea that socialism might indeed defeat capitalism everywhere.

Eurocommunism

Starting in the mid 1970s, a number of communist parties, mostly in Europe, developed a reorientation toward the Marxist and Leninist concepts of the nature of the state in capitalist society. Spanish Communist Party leader Santiago Carrillo, especially, added to the development of this Eurocommunist tendency with his 1977 book Eurocommunism and the State. The Eurocommunist position was that, although the state continued to be a mechanism of class domination, it could be democratised to the point that it could become the instrument of transition from capitalism to socialism.

In fact all the communist parties in capitalist countries has almost always fought for democracy within the institutions of capitalist society; Carrillo and the Eurocommunists took this much farther though, and the concept of class struggle as the road to socialism tended to be underemphasised, while multiclass alliances working within the state apparatus were overemphasised.

In those parties that adopted the most extreme versions of Eurocommunism, liquidationist tendencies gained strength. This led to the eventual dissolution of the once enormous Italian Communist Party and the similarly powerful Mexican Communist Party. The Spanish Communist Party and others survived and changed their policies away from the extremes of Eurocommunism but several other parties ended up dissolved, split or significantly reduced in influence.

Soviet and Eastern European Socialist States

During the 1970s and 1980s, an accumulation of economic, social and other problems created a high level of instability in the Soviet Union and in the other socialist states of Eastern and Central Europe.

In the late 1980s, Mikhail Gorbachev, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991, instituted a set of sweeping reforms which encompassed the way that the country was governed, the relationship between the Communist Party and the Soviet state, and the relationship of the Soviet Union to the other Eastern European socialist states. of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev began to roll out a reform program widely labelled as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring).

This entailed more freedoms, but also more freedom for managers of socialist state enterprises to behave like capitalist CEOs and engage in empire building and personal enrichment. People in positions of authority and influence within the Communist Party of the Soviet Union began to promote openly anti-communist positions. Leading party figures such Boris Yeltsin, head of the Communist Party in the capital city, Moscow, led an aggressive effort, not to improve or reform, but to dismantle socialism in the land of the October Revolution. Yeltsin and his allies also promoted Russian nationalism, a stance that was echoed by nationalist movements in several of the Soviet Unions constituent republics. Efforts to turn back this push to restore capitalism were met with force.

At the end of the 1980s, socialist states had collapsed in Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the (East) German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Yugoslavia. The same thing happened in Mongolia, but China, Cuba, Laos, the Peoples Republic of Korea and Vietnam remained under socialist leadership, and do so to this day.

The end came for the Soviet Union in 1991, when the Communist Party lost power and the country broke up into its constituent republics. Czechoslovakia broke into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and Yugoslavia broke up into Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. The Yugoslavian breakup was accompanied by violent wars and ethnic cleansing.

In many of these states, the former communist parties transformed themselves into social democratic parties, while more traditional communist elements split off from them and formed their own parties. Fascist movements came to the surface in a number of the former socialist bloc states, and there was repression against the communist parties and their members. Parties and their symbols were banned and there were legal and extra-legal attacks against their leaders and members. Assets of communist parties, including the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, were confiscated and became part of the basis of the fortunes of brand new, super-corrupt oligarchs.

The major imperialist states, including especially the United States, were not slow in fishing in troubled waters. US corporations, non-profits and state entities rushed into the former socialist states, selling them a neo-liberal bill of goods based on the supposed magical powers of free trade, privatisation and austerity.

Socialism revives

The collapse of Soviet and Eastern European socialist-led states was a terrible blow to the working class worldwide. It led some apologists for capitalism to take the triumphalist attitude that socialism and communism were just pipe dreams, that history had ended and that capitalism was here to stay, forever.

Within a few years, the fallacy of this attitude began to be revealed by events on the ground. The aggressive imposition, by the ruling class and its political agents, of the neo-liberal program of rigged, corporate friendly free trade, privatisation and repression produced a backlash that led to militant grassroots organising and mobilisation in many countries, and the revived working class and peoples forces began to achieve tactical victories. The water wars in Bolivia at the beginning of the 21st Century, and the election of the radical leftist Hugo Chavez as president of Venezuela in 1998, plus the recuperation of socialist Cuba from the crisis caused by the collapse of Soviet and Eastern European socialist states, re-awakened both interest and activism throughout Latin America in the socialist idea.

The election of leftist governments, some of which had explicitly socialist goals, in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela and St Vincent and the Grenadines represented a huge challenge to the imperialist world order. Even more threatening to capitalism was the work these governments undertook to create mechanisms of economic and political cooperation not dependent on the United States, Western Union, the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund.

Currently, the Bolivarian pink tide of leftist governments is in difficulties, and the left has lost power in a number of important countries, but the mobilised social base in each country, for a program of social justice that is explicitly or implicitly based on socialist concepts, continues to expand rather than contract. The communist parties in the region remain extremely active in this international movement, and work together with other leftists and socialists through groups like the Sao Paulo Forum to fight against imperialism and the right.

And this is the case not only in Latin America. The end of the apartheid era in South Africa, and the election of Nelson Mandela as President in 1994, has allowed the South African Communist Party to greatly expand its work with that countrys working class and masses, with the result that it now has hundreds of thousands of members and is a major force in the countrys politics and government.

Socialism or Barbarism

Humanity cannot continue like this. The degradation of the natural environment and the brutally unsatisfactory living conditions that the capitalist mode of production has brought into being worldwide are reawakening, everywhere, the dream of a world based on love and cooperation instead of selfishness and dog-eat-dog competition  a word without exploiters and exploited  in short, a socialist world.

It is up to us to create such a world, for our children and our childrens children.

This essay is adapted from an oral version the author presented to the Communist Party USAs National Party School, August 2018. Peoples WorldIn 2010, we started an initiative to strengthen collaboration among different divisions in the areas of sales, production, development and purchasing.

And since 2014, production, development and purchasing divisions have been sharing one workplace at Kumamoto Factory and developing products in collaboration.

In the meantime, if we look around our market environment, competition versus manufacturers from China and India, in addition to competition against Japanese, European and U.S. competitors, is further intensifying. Moreover, we must continue complying with environmental regulations which are getting more stringent in every country. We also have to undertake more initiatives to expand into new markets for the future. There is no question that our business environment is changing more dramatically than ever.

In light of such circumstances, we need to further increase the unity of our motorcycle business as a whole and increase the speed of our operations, so that we can enhance the competitive strength of our motorcycle business.

To this end, in order to advance our existing product development system and enable more coordination and collaboration among sales, production, development and purchasing divisions beyond their boundaries, we will consolidate our Motorcycle Operations and Motorcycle R&D Center into one organization.

Under this new organizational structure, we will fully integrate the entire process involving new models  from the planning and conceptual phase through development, initial production and mass-production  and secure our global competitiveness by increasing not only product appeal, but also cost competitiveness, quality and the speed of development.2019 Mazda CX-5 Review By Larry Nutson; Premium Without The Price

2019 Mazda CX-5

Premium without the price

By Larry Nutson

Senior Editor and Bureau Chief

Chicago Bureau

The Auto Channel

For the last couple years Mazda has been upping its game. The introduction of a new top-line Signature trim first on the CX-9 3-row midsize SUV and then on the Mazda6 sedan set the stage.

Now for 2019 the 5-passenger compact CX-5 crossover SUV also gets the new Signature trim. The 2019 CX-5 features a high-quality interior, especially on the new Signature trim level, adds the turbocharged SKYACTIV-2.5T engine and new G-Vectoring Control Plus vehicle driving enhancement, amongst other features.

On the outside the 2019 CX-5 is pretty much unchanged. The interior cabin is where all the newness happens. I have driven the 2018 Mazda6 sedan with the Signature trim so my expectations for the CX-5 has been set.

I wasnt disappointed getting settled behind the wheel of my CX-5 Signature media loan test vehicle. The interior is very rich with Caturra Brown Nappa leather, UltraSuede and Japanese Sen wood. A Bose 10-speaker sound system provides concert hall listening.

For 2019 the CX-5 is offered in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims each powered by a 187 horsepower 2.5-L with the choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. And now there also is the new Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims that come with a 227 (250) horsepower turbo 2.5-L and in all-wheel drive configuration only.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic.

A note here on the turbo engine. The 227 horsepower rating is with regular 87 AKI gasoline. If you are looking for more performance, by using 93 AKI premium fuel you will have 250 horsepower at your disposal. Mazda provides both horsepower ratings so the consumer is informed and can decide for themselves. The reduced engine performance is typical of many manufacturers engines that recommend premium fuel. Fuel consumption is not affected by the different octane grades.

EPA test-cycle fuel economy ratings for the all-wheel drive turbo are 24 mpg combined with 22 city mpg and 27 highly mpg. I didnt have the opportunity to take any long, highway drives during my time with the CX-5. Most all of my time behind the wheel was in short, stop and go, city drives in cold winter weather with temperatures in the high-teens and low-20s. My fuel economy was in the range of 16-17 mpg.

Getting back to the inside, the Nappa leather immediately says luxury. Beyond the look and feel, new premium features include power-fold outside mirrors, leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel to go along with the heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment technologies, SiriusXM three-Year Traffic and Travel Link Subscription, 360 View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors, reconfigurable 7.0-inch TFT gauge display and Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition are also all new.

A full contingent of advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features are available included smart city brake support, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing for the 2019 CX-5 starts at $24,350 and goes up to $36,890. More information, specifications and detail on the 2019 Mazda CX-5 can be found at www.mazdausa.com.

The CX-5 Signature with its turbo engine and well calibrated automatic has plenty of performance. Acceleration, highway merging as well as overtaking are all handled very nicely. Engine noise is very well managed and not very perceptible. As is typical of Mazda, the CX-5 has a very compliant suspension the delivers nimble handling and excellent maneuvering at higher speeds. The G-Vectoring Control Plus system provides improved cornering, lane changing and overall ride control by varying engine torque in response to steering inputs for better cornering. Steering is nicely weighted, a bit heavier for that sporty drive, with good feedback.

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best looking compact crossover out there today. At first blush you would think it cost much, much more. Mazda interiors are also more premium than most others in the segment. And now the Signature trim interior is easily characterized as elegant.

The compact crossover SUV segment offers lots of choices for buyers today. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 stands out from the crowd with its refined looks and premium interior. The new turbo engine gives plenty of boost especially for those who want a more dynamic driving experience or need the power in hilly country or when more fully loaded.

 2019 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy

LEARN MORE: The Most In-Depth Independent Mazda Consumer Research - Anywhere!Icahn Automotive Announces 'Race to 2026' Program to Address Service Technician Shortage Facing the Automotive Industry



Jonathan Fanstill (left), a student at UTI, received a $2500 scholarship today from Icahn Automotive Group, presented by Brian Kaner, president of service for Icahn Automotive Group and Pep Boys.



SOUTHFIELD, Mich. February 20, 2019; Icahn Automotive Group LLC, an Icahn Enterprises L.P. company, which owns and operates leading auto repair and maintenance providers Pep Boys, AAMCO and Precision Tune Auto Care, today announced a new program designed to invest in and support promising future automotive technicians, as they make their way from the classroom to the service bay. Through the new program, Race to 2026, Icahn Automotive is encouraging more men and women to pursue viable careers in the skilled trades by rolling out partnerships with technical training schools; offering scholarships, tuition reimbursement and apprentice programs; and creating internship programs, job placement and continuing education opportunities.

Icahn Enterprises automotive business segment has long invested in companies with a vested interest in promoting the skilled trades and supporting the well-trained professionals who each day help keep millions of vehicles in safe, reliable condition. In 2015, Icahn Enterprises automotive company Federal-Mogul Motorparts developed and launched Garage Gurus, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive technical education platform offering on-site, online and on-demand training and related support to thousands of technicians, service writers, shop owners and other industry professionals.

Icahn Automotive is stepping forward to invest in the future of our businesses and our industry by helping promising technicians develop the skills necessary to be successful, said Icahn Automotive Group CEO Dan Ninivaggi. This industry offers young people from all backgrounds the opportunity for attractive, challenging and rewarding careers. We want to be a catalyst for changing the way the automotive service industry connects with, trains and supports tomorrows professional technicians.

Now one of the largest service chain operators in North America, Icahn Automotive offers a broad range of industry-leading opportunities and career paths. Technicians can start by providing basic maintenance and move on to more complex repairs, or progress to running a company-owned store, owning and operating a franchised business, or serving in a corporate leadership role. Once a technician joins an Icahn Automotive business, they can take advantage of benefits such as tuition assistance, an apprenticeship program and company-sponsored certifications.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the automotive repair industry will need nearly 46,000 more technicians by 2026 to meet anticipated demand. Additionally, in any given year there are as many as 75,000 job openings, due in large part to the retirement of the last generation of technicians who benefitted from broadly available vocational education programs. While this demand is on par with other fields, technical training and related career assistance for those interested in the skilled trades has not kept pace.

Were at an inflection point in the automotive industry. Were facing a technician shortage at a time when demand has never been higher, said Brian Kaner, president of service for Icahn Automotive Group and Pep Boys. Over the past several decades, vehicles have become highly computerized while we allowed the disinvestment in technical education and steered a whole generation toward four-year degrees and crippling student debt. Now, the need for service is increasing as people keep their cars longer and fleet populations grow, and the national conversation about the skilled trades is peaking as parents and students realize that technical training is again, as it always has been, an excellent first step to a successful career.

The Race to 2026 program was launched at Universal Technical Institutes (UTI) NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C., on the heels of the 2019 Daytona 500, with the unveiling of an instructional car that has an iconic 26 as the number. Icahn Automotive opened two branded classrooms in which students will learn in an environment featuring the latest educational resources as well as inspiring messages such as Find the tools you need, Find your own path and Find out how far you can go. Additional Icahn Automotive-sponsored learning facilities will be established at Alfred State College of Technology, and UTI and Lincoln Tech locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and Arizona.

The program launch and classroom unveiling attracted industry and government leaders, including Pep Boys, AAMCO, Precision Tune and UTI representatives; Pep Boys Technician of the Year winners; Garage Gurus; elected officials and Auto Care Association leadership. The event provided a platform to discuss the importance of preparing youth for promising careers in the automotive trade. Icahn Automotive celebrated by awarding a $2500 scholarship to Jonathan Fanstill, a student enrolled at UTI. The scholarship is the first in a new program that will award $30,000 to 12 students annually and the Company also plans to also accept students into an internship program later in the year.

Over the past several years, Icahn Automotive has invested in growing its service model through acquisition and the improvement of existing locations and a focus on people, programs, training and technology. In 2018 the company launched Pep Boys Mobile Crew, a state-of-the-art mobile repair unit that will provide on-location maintenance and gives technicians the option of a unique alternative work environment; and announced a broad relationship with Amazon.com to serve online customers through professional tire installation.

Were passionate about showing tomorrows technicians just how bright the future can be, Kaner said. From learning in attractive classrooms and labs to working in todays service bays  which are sleeker than ever and filled with the latest diagnostic tools and technology  these are not their grandfathers auto shops. Our hope is that, by providing robust career opportunities, we will ensure an expertly trained technician is ready to provide superior customer service in every one of our bays, every day, and that in turn we positively impact that technicians life and the overall industry.

About Icahn Automotive

Icahn Automotive Group LLC (Icahn Automotive) was formed by its parent, Icahn Enterprises L.P. , to invest in and operate businesses involved in aftermarket parts distribution and service. Our businesses have a singular focus: provide premium automotive parts and services at a great value. Icahn Automotive today consists of Pep Boys automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, Auto Plus automotive aftermarket parts distributor, Precision Tune Auto Care owned and franchised automotive service centers, and AAMCO Total Auto Care franchised service centers. The Company also is the licensor of Cottman Transmission and operates under several local brands. The businesses of Icahn Automotive total over 22,000 employees, over 2,000 company-owned and franchise locations, and 25 distribution centers throughout the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit IcahnAutomotive.com.

Contacts

Media Contact:

Arianna Stefanoni Sherlock

215-430-9142

Arianna_sherlock@pepboys.comPresident Donald Trump is in a rage again. This time the target is director of national intelligence Daniel Coats, who recently had the temerity to offer an accurate depiction to Congress as to what intelligence assessments have concluded regarding threats to the United States. You see, these assessments undercut Trump's own public statements, making him look foolish.

As a result, Trump is considering removing Coats. One adviser claims Trump is still "enraged" at Coats and views him as "not loyal" and "not on the team".

It's true that Coats is not on Team Trump. Instead, he's on Team Reality. What Trump is really enraged over is his inability to shape reality to his liking.

This is evident in the Coats affair, but also in another big event in the news right now: The raft of new lawsuits against Trump's declaration of a national emergency.London: Three British Conservative MPs have quit their party to join a new centrist breakaway group, saying their party has abandoned its principles by pursuing an irresponsible Brexit policy and is being taken over by hard-right extremists.

The defectors will join eight Labour MPs in the Independent Group, announced on Monday as a potential new anti-Brexit party in the political centre.

The defection adds to the chaos enveloping British politics in the shadow of an imminent Brexit.

It is expected to add new influence and voter appeal to the group, who were initially an anti-Jeremy Corbyn movement concerned with Labour anti-Semitism.Sex abuse survivors and members of the Ending Clergy Abuse take their message to the Vatican on Wednesday. Credit:AP Francis, history's first Latin American pope, has made many of the same mistakes. As archbishop in Buenos Aires, he went out of his way to defend a famous street priest who was later convicted of abuse. He also took a handful of measures early on in his papacy that undermined progress the Vatican had made in taking a hard line against rapists. These include the pontiff publicly botching a well-known sex abuse cover-up case in Chile by initially giving it no credence. But Francis realised last year he had erred. "I was part of the problem," Francis told Chilean survivor Juan Carlos Cruz during a private meeting at the Vatican in June. Faithful arrive in St. Peter's Square to attend Pope Francis' Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican. Credit:AP

The pope has now done an about-face and is bringing the rest of the church leadership along with him at the extraordinary summit. Some 190 presidents of bishops' conferences, religious orders and Vatican offices are gathering for four days of lectures and workshops on preventing sex abuse in their churches, tending to victims and investigating abuse when it does occur. The Vatican isn't expecting any miracles, and the pope himself has called for expectations to be "deflated." But organisers say the meeting marks a turning point in the way the Catholic Church has dealt with the problem, with Francis' own conversion last year a key point of departure. Pope Francis poses for a photo with a group of priests at the end of his weekly general audience on Wednesday. Credit:AP "I have been impressed by the humility of the Holy Father," said Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the Vatican sex crimes investigator who helped set Francis straight on Chile. "He's ready to say 'I got that wrong. We're not going to do it again. We're going to do it right."' "I think that gives us great hope," Scicluna said.

But the challenges are daunting as the message trickles down slowly. Just this week, the online research group BishopAccountability released statistics from eight of the largest Catholic countries in the world, with the bishops from only one country - the US - committing to a policy to permanently remove any priest who has sexually abused a child. American members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) hold pictures of victims in St Peter's Square ahead of the summit. Credit:AP Bishops in some countries, including Brazil, don't even have a published abuse policy to speak of. In Italy, the president of the bishops' conference met with abuse victims for the first time last week - but only after summit organisers demanded it. "I want to say that something important is going to come out of the week, but based on research we've done, I believe this church is nowhere close to enacting the reforms it must make to stop this epidemic," said BishopAccountability's Anne Barret Doyle.

Loading Survivor Phil Saviano, who was crucial to the Boston Globe's 2002 expose that first revealed the extent of the abuse and cover-up by clergy, was more optimistic. He marvelled that Scicluna quoted from the Oscar-winning movie Spotlight, which was inspired by the Globe's reporting, at a press conference launching the summit. "I really didn't expect to hear them complimenting the news media and thanking you for helping them to come to better understanding of the nature of this problem that is so deeply entrenched within the Catholic Church," Saviano told reporters. Saviano joined a dozen abuse survivors at a meeting on Wednesday with summit organisers, and hand-delivered a letter calling for the Vatican to release the names of known abusive priests and their files. "Do it to launch your new era of transparency," he said.

A different group of survivors will join the bishops themselves, offering testimonies during daily prayers. The message, said Chilean abuse survivor Cruz, who organised the meeting with the summit committee members, is that bishops must listen to survivors and apply true zero tolerance at home. "Those who have covered up, there is the door," Cruz told the AP. While abuse survivors are being well represented at the summit, women as a whole are not. Of the 190 participants, 10 are religious sisters representing orders in the summit, and three women will address the meeting. Other than that, the meeting is by men and for men - the hierarchy of the church.Thirteen days before Christmas the 33 owners of a block of apartments in Frankston South received a warning that ruined their festive season.

Their block of apartments, which was barely five years old, posed a danger to life arising out of the condition of building, according to an emergency order issued by Frankston City Council.

Owners of an apartment block in Frankston say they can't afford to foot the bill for removing flammable cladding. Credit:Paul Jeffers

The risk to their life and safety was in part due to the use of expanded polystyrene, a type of cladding that is combustible and increases the likelihood of fire spreading more quickly.

Expanded polystrene, which is generally covered with render when used in a building, is allowed under the National Construction Code but typically not considered safe for use on multi-storey buildings.NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has promised to invest $45 million over four years to boost the number of palliative care nurses in NSW by 100.

At Mount Druitt Hospital in Sydney's north-west on Wednesday, Ms Berejiklian said the 100 additional nurses would work in hospitals, hospice, private homes and other facilities, allowing patients to pass away in their preferred setting.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has promised to increase the number of palliative nurses across the state. Credit:AAP

"We are doing everything we can to ensure patients and their loved ones have access to the best quality palliative care at the best possible care facilities," she said.

The $45 million injection is on top of a $100 million package for palliative care announced two years ago after the government held a series of round-tables across the state.The NSW government's development arm "suppressed" a report that revealed traces of carcinogenic substances in soil beneath the doomed Allianz Stadium in Sydney's east, a court has heard.

Community group Local Democracy Matters and Waverley Council are fighting a rearguard battle against the state government in a bid to stop the planned demolition of the Moore Park stadium.

Chairs are being removed at Allianz Stadium as part of so-called soft demolition works. Credit:Janie Barrett

With the March state election weeks away, the courtroom showdown threatens to derail the Berejiklian government's ambition to raze Allianz and build a replacement stadium for $730 million.

An expedited hearing of the case began in the NSW Land and Environment Court on Wednesday.Constitutional change in Cuba

An eyewitness account

During late December 2018 and January 2019, the 36th Australian Brigade of the Southern Cross visited Cuba and participated in a program of events organised by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the people. One of these events was a presentation by the local Deputy of the Provincial Assembly of Peoples Power for the District of Caimito. Professor Miguel Enrique Charbonet, on the process followed to change Cubas current Constitution which was adopted on February 24, 1976. In the lead-up to a referendum to be held on February 24, 2019, to decide whether to adopt the new Constitution, the people of Cuba were invited to participate in an extensive process of consultation. Charbonet is a professor of chemistry and has previously given presentations to the Southern Cross Brigades on Cuban democracy. Charbonet has held the seat of Caimito since 1993 and is also a member of the Communist Party.

Professor Miguel Enrique Charbonet and Richard Titelius.

Professor Charbonet was going to give his usual presentation on Cuban democracy but when he noticed that a number of Brigade members had copies of the newspaper edition of the proposed Cuban Constitution he decided instead to talk about the process followed to consult with the Cuban people on the changes being sought to the document.

As part of this process it was important, said Charbonet, to consider the composition of the parliament which would consider the process and once submissions have been received, agree on which changes would be inserted and the final document which would be put to the people. The 9th session of the Assembly of Peoples Power was comprised of 605 deputies of who more than 53 percent are women and 47 percent were elected from grass roots organisations from the regions.

A large majority of the deputies were born after January 1, 1959, or after the date of the Cuban Revolution. Over 8 million of the Cuban people attended meetings to consider the changes including at their local Committee for the Defence of the Revolution (CDRs as they are known by their acronym in Spanish), which generated over 10,000 suggestions for change including 2,125 from the Cuban diaspora, in which 750 changes were made resulting in modifications to 61 percent of the articles from the Constitution.

There were also meetings amongst student groups, agricultural cooperatives and other work places. On December 22, 2018, all the Deputies of the Assembly of Peoples Power voted to put the changes to the people. Since that time the media has been conducting a campaign in support of a Yes Vote and this campaign includes endorsements from a significant number of people across spectrum of Cuban society from artists and sporting figures to the Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

One of the central reasons for changing the constitution is that Cuban society has changed significantly since 1976, where the state controlled all economic or productive activity. Now there are small businesses and co-operatives while the state continues to operate most economic and productive activity for the benefit of all.

With such a comprehensive process of consultation one would imagine the Yes vote would be quite high and figures I heard during my four-week visit to Cuba range from 85 percent to 95 percent with the lower end being considered a conservative estimate.

Consultation included feedback and preparations for the final referendum document

Once all the suggestions for change had been received a Committee of 33 of the Deputies of the Assembly of Peoples Power analysed all the suggestions and the changes were put to a group of lawyers to consider the legal ramifications of the proposal for changes to ensure the overall cohesion of the Constitutional document. Following this step, all those people who had their changes rejected received written notification as did those who had their suggestions for change accepted.

The changes were then included in the Constitution and a new proposed Constitution issued in early January as a draft which people could buy as a newspaper edition of 16 pages. As a poster in a shop suggested, The Constitution is the voice of the people. However, as noted by Professor Charbonet, not everything in the Constitution was up for change. This was due to the nature of the Cuban Revolution in 1959 which was won by the people and the people decided upon the socialist nature of their State, freedom of religion, promotion of sustainable development, that the Communist Party would be the only political party and other foundation principles as specified in the first 15 articles of the Constitution.

What is in the document and how does it compare to the Australian Constitution?

One big difference between the two documents is that the Cuban Constitution contains a preamble. The first paragraph is as follows, We the Cuban people, inspired by the heroism and patriotism of those who fought for a free homeland, sovereign, democratic, of social justice, human solidarity, forged in the sacrifice of our ancestors ....

What counts as the preamble in the Australian Constitution is as follows, Whereas the people of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God have agreed to unite in one indissoluble Federal Commonwealth under the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and under the Constitution hereby established: There have been eight amendments to the Constitution, the last being in 1977. For the Australian people it means we are to be grateful for the direct control of the sovereign of Great Britain.

Somewhere in there was supposed to fit a proposal for recognition of the prior possession of Aboriginal Australia. There are also no human rights ascribed to this document.

In the Cuban document under Part 5, Rights, duties and guarantees, chapter II is article 46, All people have the right to life, physical and moral integrity, freedom, justice, security, peace, health, education, culture, recreation, sport and their complete development. Article 85 states, Family violence, in whichever of its manifestations, is considered destructive of those implicated, of families, of society and is punishable by law. Chapter 5 is called, Rights and duties of foreigners, while Chapter 6 explains the Guarantees of Rights, a part of which is that only a competently appointed tribunal has the authority to deal with you or pass sentence (Article 94(e)).

With the passing of the historical figures of the Revolution from the government of Cuba in Fidel Castro and Raoul Castro it was decided as part of the changes, to propose the President be the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of the Parliament.

Charbonet further explained the Cuban people do not want political parties nor political parties to nominate candidates. Anyone can nominate, but only the parliament of the people can approve the nominations of candidates before people can vote on them in elections.

The Cuban President cannot veto the decisions of the parliament nor dissolve the parliament. Finally, Article 55 guarantees the freedom of the press within a socialist society, meaning the press belongs to the people, political, social and mass organisations and cannot be owned (or run) in any other way. The state establishes the organising principles and functioning of all means of social communication. This basically ensures the press does not become a fifth column and work against the society within which it is situated. Article 56 also ensures the right to peaceful protest of which Cubans are not reluctant to exercise.

Following the presentation by Professor Charbonet, an exhaustive Question and Answer session followed to ensure all questions by brigade members were fully answered.

On Sunday February 24, 2019, Cubans will vote on whether to accept the new constitution.

If they do, a process of implementing the changes wrought by the approval of the new constitution will begin, with the most significant changes being the adoption of a President and a Prime Minister and the machinery associated with those changes.

What will not change is the revolutionary and socialist nature of the Cuban nation which will continue to be a beacon for freedom, justice and sustainability for the Cuban people as well as for those the world over which know a better world is possible.Defence expects to extend the lives of at least five of the six ageing Collins Class submarines to keep an adequate fleet operating while it waits for its $50 billion, French-designed replacement to be built and rolled out.

The revelation underscores the degree to which Defence needs to stretch the Collins to avoid a so-called capability gap and make sure it has a large enough fleet to meet expected strategic challenges in the 2030s and 2040s.

The Chief of Navy, Vice-Admiral Mike Noonan, told a Senate estimates hearing that Defence had not yet decided how many of the existing Collins boats would need to be upgraded.

But he said: We are expecting that we will upgrade at least five.

If all goes to plan, the navy will receive the first of the planned 12 new submarines in 2032 and this boat will be combat-ready in 2035.In her first speech to Parliament, almost 10 years ago, Kelly O'Dwyer foreshadowed the challenge that would end her political career in its prime.

Speaking of the difficulties faced by modern families, she talked of the "changing nature of work" and how parents were trying to balance raising their kids with their careers.

"No one has yet worked out how to be in two places at once - so there are no simple solutions," she told the lower house in early 2010.

O'Dwyer's surprise exit from politics is testament to the fact there are no simple solutions. One of the Coalition's most senior women, last month she announced she would not contest the upcoming election because she wanted to spend more time with her young family.A Perth police officer who was under investigation by the Crime and Corruption Commission earlier this year was previously convicted of assault over a decade ago.

The CCC ruled police had used excessive force against a man during an arrest in Fremantle in 2017, and formed an opinion of misconduct against two police officers involved in the incident.

The officer was convicted more than a decade ago. Credit:AAP

Sergeant Nathan Trenberth was one of the officers allegedly involved in the arrest, and the CCC report said Sergeant Trenberth had struck the man seven times in the head multiple times as he attempted to arrest the man.

Sergeant Trenberth resigned from the WA Police Force before the CCC report was tabled in Parliament earlier this month.He was later taken to Casuarina Prison.

He was unable to attend court due to his injury and was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital for treatment.

The WA Corrective Services commissioner has defended Hakea Prison after accused Claremont serial killer Bradley Edwards sustained an injury that prevented him from appearing in court earlier this week.

Corrective Services Commissioner Tony Hassall said at the time of his injury, Mr Edwards was housed in a heavily supervised secure protection unit with 22 other prisoners.

His cell was less than five metres away from an officers station and an ablution block.

Mr Edwards had remained in this unit since his arrest two years ago, without incident, Mr Hassall said.

It is not yet known where Mr Edwards injury occurred, but Mr Hassall said there were no CCTV cameras placed inside prison showers or toilets at Hakea.

Following his injury which is now the subject of a police inquiry, Mr Edwards was moved to Casuarina prison, where he is currently housed in the crisis care unit in a single cell with its own toilet, he said.WA farmers have criticised Meat and Livestock Australia for sitting back while the nations livestock sectors reputation gets smashed by controversies such as last years live export scandal.

In 2018 whistleblower footage from crew members revealed deplorable conditions and sheep deaths on the Awassi Express on a journey from WA to the Middle East. The live export supply chain has been in the spotlight ever since.

Sheep being loaded on the Al Messilah at Fremantle on December 5, 2018.

Meat and Livestock Australia is funded through federal government contributions and levies collected on animals. It uses that money for R&D, biosecurity and marketing programs, and is the body behind the national We Love Our Lamb campaign.

While millions of dollars are spent on marketing red meat, WA farmers believe MLA isnt doing enough to rebuild trust in the industry and have called on the body to embark on a nationwide public relations campaign in a similar fashion to that of iron ore miners.Confronting details of a Ballarat womans death have been aired in court as it was revealed her body was badly burnt before being discovered by police.

Altona man Shaye Kotiau, 22, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with the murder of Tamara Farrell, 31, at her rental home on Sunday.

Tamara Farrell.

The court heard Ms Farrell's charred remains were found dumped alongside a country road some 300 kilometres away near Sale, wrapped in a partially burnt sheet that detectives believe had been taken from her home.

Homicide squad detectives applied to the court to obtain a saliva sample from Mr Kotiau and a physical examination to check for marks or injuries to his body.Emergency services are at the scene of a grassfire in Mernda. Credit:Nine News

Residents of a suburb in Melbourne's north-east were told to quickly move back several streets before firefighters brought a five-hectare grass fire under control on Wednesday afternoon.

A watch and act alert was issued for residents on Brunton Drive and Masons Road about 4.30pm, advising them to move back two or more streets while CFA crews battled the fast-moving fire.

The alert was downgraded to an advice warning shortly after.A Melbourne man maintains he didnt mean to shoot and kill the American woman he met on Facebook and went on the run with in remote Victoria.

Steven Samaras, 50, has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Tamara Turner near Mildura on June 6, 2016. He had met her online in October 2015 and within hours of first speaking to her, he proposed to the divorced cleaner. A month later she moved from her home in Missouri to be with him.

"Just wanted to be loved": Tamara Turner. Credit:Facebook

Her younger sister Heather Crouch, in a victim impact statement read to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, said she had felt deep down she would never see Ms Turner again.

Steven Samaras said he loved and cared for her. If so, how come it took him so long to get to hospital for help? And why did he leave Tammie outside on a bench at the hospital? Ms Crouch said.It can be tempting to sit on the couch after a long day at the office, but new research suggests keeping a packed schedule after work will help you function better the next day.

According to a small study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology last week, workers who spend their evenings wearing themselves out by playing sport, or doing other structured activities, are more "proactive" when they return to the office.

Keeping a busy schedule after work can help you to be more proactive in the office. Credit:Stocksy

Proactivity means not just reacting to a situation but thinking ahead, working out what needs to happen, and then taking charge to achieve it, explained Professor Sharon Parker from Curtin University's Centre for Transformative Work Design, who co-authored the study.

Examples of proactivity observed in the study included speaking out with new ideas, introducing new and improved ways of doing things, and being innovative.Schools in NSW are facing "unprecedented pressure" due to soaring disability rates, with the number of students with autism increasing by almost 15 per cent per year and those with mental health needs growing by more than five per cent.

Yet there are fewer staff trained to support them as the number of special education graduates fall and more than half of teachers admit to a lack of confidence in the area.

NSW schools are experiencing "unprecedented pressures" due to rising rates of disability. Credit:Rodger Cummins

Education Minister Rob Stokes on Thursday released the NSW Education Department's new disability strategy, which responds to a damning 2017 parliamentary report that found an "unacceptable" number of mistreatment allegations.

The inquiry heard cases of "blatant abuses suffered by students ... such as 'caging and isolation'", facial and head injuries and unexplained bruising, sexual and physical assault, and use of restraint and seclusion.Serious problems found

Independent report looks into the remote Indigenous work-for-the-dole scheme

A report from Prime Minister Scott Morrisons department into the Coalition governments remote Indigenous work-for-the-dole scheme has found serious problems.

The independent report into the governments controversial Community Development Program (CDP) found that about 60 percent of participants recorded at least one suspension from their Centrelink payment, and about a third had received a financial penalty during any three-month period.

Relatively high rates of penalties among participants with barriers to participation may, in part, be due to difficulties in navigating the CDP and compliance systems, the report said.

Community members and stakeholders interviewed suggested this difficulty was contributing to increased stress, anxiety and mental health issues.

More than 80 percent of CDP participants are Indigenous.

ACTU Indigenous officer Lara Watson called on the government to abolish the program and replace it with one that provides genuine paid employment.

At last years national conference the Labor Party committed to scrapping the program should they win office at the upcoming federal election.

Ms Watson said CDP forces unemployed people in remote areas to work for free, sometimes for for-profit companies for 25 hours per week, without any basic workplace entitlements, or protection of federal OHS or workers compensation laws.

People in remote and regional Indigenous communities have a right to be paid fairly for their work and to have the same protections as every other worker in Australia, she said.

This report from the Prime Ministers own department shows that the CDP has failed.

Youre twice as likely to have your income slashed than you are to get a job if youre forced into this discriminatory scheme.

The Coalition is the only major party clinging to this failed program. It must be abolished and replaced with a solution that provides genuine paid employment.

The report found that the CDP was estimated to have increased the share of participants who then had a job for six months by around one percentage point.

Of the almost 1,000 community members surveyed across eight remote communities, 36 percent said they felt the community was worse off since CDP had been introduced, 32 percent said the same and only 21 percent said the community was better off.

Under the CDP, people were twice as likely to lose 20 percent or more of their quarterly income to penalties than they were to get a job, the report reveals.

WA Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said the evaluation revealed no secrets and that peoples lives were harder.

This CDP evaluation still doesnt get to the heart of the issue  why people in remote regions, 83 percent of whom are First Nations peoples, have to be subjected to a work for the dole scheme that is far harsher and more punitive than their city counterparts, she said.

Only CDP participants have an obligation every day and copped significant penalties and payments. The evaluation shows that CDP participants who identify as Indigenous were estimated to be 3.3 times more likely than other participants to experience a penalty, and 2.7 times more likely to go on to completely lose their payment. Participants identifying as Indigenous were estimated to have a higher value of total penalties over the year.

First Nations peoples have a higher burden of health issues but are receiving less medical exemptions, often because there are no services in the regions to support them. With all the evidence we have on the burden of disease in First Nations communities, this is one of the first things that job providers should have been trained to look out for.

Australian Council of Social Service chief executive Cassandra Goldie said CDP was causing shocking devastation.

The report shows this racist, punitive program has left people with increased mental health problems, hunger and sleep deprivation, she said.

The program ignores the tragic realities of poverty. People are having their income support cut off because they have mental or physical health problems, limited online and phone access, no access to transport and lower education levels.

The government should join the Opposition and agree to abolish this discriminatory program that is widening the gap.

Senator Siewert said CDP was harsh and punitive.

People dont have the medical services and arent diagnosed or receiving treatment are then punished by the employment system that is meant to help them, she said.

This evaluation has confirmed what we already knew: a significant number of people have dropped out of the income support system.

As we heard at the senate inquiry hearing last year, almost 6,000 people are missing from or are no longer in CDP and these changes cannot be explained by people being placed into work.

We will not get people into work until we commit to addressing the barriers they face to employment such as poverty and ill health, particularly for young people who have a higher probability of being penalised and more jobs are created in remote communities. CDP has to go.

Koori MailThe National Australia Bank announcement conveyed - but not did not state - three important pieces of intelligence on Wednesday. The first is that the board is attempting to put many miles between itself and the soon-to-be former chief executive, Andrew Thorburn.

The second is that the senior board member that has been co-opted into running the bank on an interim basis - Phil Chronican - has kept the option of putting his hat in the ring for the chief executive's job.

And the third is that Ken Henry - who is currently chair but has announced his resignation - has been sidelined.

Outgoing National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Thorburn will receive a $1 million payout - something of a gift but not much of one. Credit:Eddie Jim

What NAB did announce in black and white today was that Thorburn, who resigned a few weeks ago, will be paid his minimum statutory entitlement - of 26 weeks notice which comes in at around $1 million.Investors are betting the outlook for the embattled mortgage broker sector may not be quite as grim as feared following the royal commission, after Labor vowed not to introduce policies that would "see the end" of the industry.

After shares in listed brokers Mortgage Choice and AFG crashed in response to the Hayne royal commission's call for an overhaul of remuneration, both stocks rebounded on Thursday following an apparent backdown from Labor.

The slowing home loan market contributed to a fall in the profits of Mortgage Choice.

Mortgage Choice shares rebounded 8.5 per cent to 76c, even as it delivered sharply lower profits and dividends, while AFG surged 23 per cent to $1.18.

Though both brokers' shares remain well below where they were before the royal commission's final report, investors are more optimistic about their future under a potential Shorten government.SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: Northshore Technical Community College in Lacombe is offering a full-tuition scholarship to a 2019 graduating high school senior or graduating WorkReady U  Adult Education student from St. Tammany, Washington, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes enrolling full-time in the Maritime Technology program during the 2019-20 academic year. The scholarship is for two consecutive semesters, for a maximum total scholarship award of $5,000 (fall and spring semesters only). For information and application, see northshorecollege.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.

SWANK HONOR: Dr. Lorett Swank, of Covington, has received the Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award, one of 10 presented nationally by the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. She is the director of Southeastern Louisiana University's Center for Student Excellence.

GEORGIA TECH: Two area residents recently received degrees from George Institute of Technology in Atlanta. Beatrice Adejoke Adebisi, of Covington, received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Greta Shallenberger, of Mandeville, received a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering.

LA TECH: Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, has initiated local students Ethan Desforges, of Covington, and Erin Geohegan and Anna Opel, both of Mandeville.

UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS: Jean-Paul Juge, of Madisonville, and Teresa Vall, of Covington, have been named to the dean's list at the University of Dallas. Students must earn a 3.5 GPA or higher for the listing at the Catholic university.

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HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY: Emma Hladky, of Covington, has been named to the dean's list at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Students much maintain at least a 3.5 GPA to earn a spot on the list.

UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO: Katherine Stolin, of Madisonville, has earned first honors at the University of San Diego. Students must have at least a 3.65 GPA to make the list at the Catholic university.

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY: Robert Blanchard, of Lacombe, and Sandra Price, of Slidell, have been named to the dean's list at the Fayette, Iowa, university. Students must be full time and have a minimum 3.5 GPA for the semester.

RUNNER UP: Natalie Magee, of Covington, was the first runner up in the Miss William Carey University Pageant held recently at the school's Hattiesburg, Mississippi, campus. An intercultural studies and English double major, Magee wants to become an international missionary.

PA PROGRAM: Xavier University, of Louisiana, and Ochsner Health System will launch a new Physician Assistant program in January 2020. The 28-month, full-time graduate program, which leads to a masters degree in health sciences, is comprised of three semesters of classroom instruction followed by 16 months of clinical training within the Ochsner Health System. For information and applications, see www.xula.edu/physician-assistant-program or call (504) 520-5119.The seven-alarm fire that burned on St. Charles Avenue has laid waste to one of the most notable homes on one of New Orleans' most notable streets.

The Montgomery-Grace House, also known as the Morris-Downman House, at 2525 St. Charles Ave. is a mansion closely associated with the Rex Organization and has been home to several notable New Orleans families, including many past Kings of Carnival.

Firefighters on Wednesday morning swarmed to the scene in an attempt to save the historic structure, but Christopher Montgomery, whose family owns the home, said there was little hope for the priceless Carnival memorabilia inside.

Can't see video below? Click here.

"It is heartbreaking, heart wrenching, to see history burn like this," said Montgomery, while standing outside the home.

According to the Preservation Resource Center, the home was built sometime before 1865 by architect Henry Howard for Charles Miltenberger.

After Miltenberger died of typhoid pneumonia in 1888, the house was then sold at auction to Cora Hennen for a total of $27,000, according to the PRC. At the time it was listed in the local paper, the Times-Democrat, as a "very fine residence."

Hennen and her husband, John Morris, were a prominent couple who hailed from Westchester County in New York and visited New Orleans only during the winter.

The Morris family ended up being deeply rooted in New Orleans culture, however: among Morris' business ventures was the Louisiana Lottery, according to the PRC, and the couple's three sons all reigned as Rex.

While they owned the home, they hired Thomas Sully, a prominent American architect based in New Orleans, to remodel and enlarge it, according to several historians.

Sully designed several other notable residences on Upper St. Charles Avenue, as well as public buildings in several cities.

His work included the Picard House and the Francis Johnson House, as well as the original Whitney Building, The Columns Hotel and the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum, linked to the adjacent Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Patrick F. Taylor Library.

In a December 2011 edition of "Preservation in Print," written to coincide with the historic home's feature on the PRCs Holiday Home Tour, author Julia Cappa noted that the building retained fingerprints from both designers.

"Some details, such as the Ionic columns and classically inspired ornament, seem to be vestiges of Henry Howard; while other features, such as the asymmetrical plan, decorative shingle siding, and gambrel roofs are typical of Sullys design style," Cappa wrote.

On Wednesday, The Historic New Orleans Collection said that its co-founder, Leila Williams, was born at the house in 1901 while her family was renting it.

By 1906, the Queen Anne-style mansion was owned by Charles H. Downman, who would reign as Rex the following year. At the time, he was the fourth resident to take up the scepter as King of Carnival.

Six generations of his family continued to live in the historic house for the next 100 years.

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The home underwent several renovations and remodels over a century, including a major face lift in 1996 done by Anne Montgomery and her husband George to "lighten up" the house.

They removed velvet drapes, dark red damask walls and mahogany bookcases in the living room, and replaced it with molding, light colors, a portraits of the family's relatives, Cappa said.

The ornate mansion was known for its formal dining room, lacquered orange walls in a "billiard room" and numerous paintings and other artworks, including a work by renown New Orleans artist George Dunbar, the PRC said in its magazine article from 2011.

It also famously housed the family crest pictured in stained glass windows and other notable features such as high ceilings, wide hallways and a double parlor leading to the living room from the left and the dining room from the right, according to a 2011 article by Stephanie Bruno for The Times-Picayune.

The house survived an earlier fire in 2007 that damaged some parts of the house.

As of 2011, it remained in the hands of the Downman-Kock family, occupied by family members Anne Montgomery, and Bill and Anne Montgomery Grace, the PRC said. Bill Grace reigned as Rex in 2002.

The home started a Mardi Gras tradition that dates back to 1907, when the original Downman owner was king: that year, members of the Rex Parade crossed St. Charles from the river side to the lake side of the street in order to stop and toast at the house, and the parade has done so every year since.

As the flames engulfed the mansion, King Logan, a Rex official, declined Wednesday to detail its connection to Rex, out of respect for what he described as a tragedy for the family.

I can simply confirm that for every year since 1907, Rex King of Carnival has stopped and made a toast at that address, Logan said.

He said the Rex organization would release information Thursday on any changes of plans for the Mardi Gras parade.

The home was also the site for the annual luncheon for the previous queens of Comus, traditonally held the Friday before Mardi Gras. Anne Montgomery and her daughter, Alston Montgomery Kerr have both reigned.

The house has also been the location for a number of fundraising parties, including one for WYES-TV, "An Evening Inspired by Downton Abbey," in 2014, and a recent Louisiana Lighthouse benefit.

Errol Laborde, a Mardi Gras historian, described a long legacy of ownership.

"What I hate to think about is the collectibles in that house probably being destroyed," Laborde said.The Feb. 20 Our Views opinion, ("Taylor Barras does not meet burden of proof on budget") was an accurate reflection of how it is possible to sIts been a rough go of it of late for New Orleans radio icon Scott Paisant, who goes by the name of Scoot. Many of us grew up listening to Scoot when he was a hip DJ on the New Orleans airwaves for many years. Now he hosts an afternoon talk show on WWL Radio catering to adults.

But Scoot is the antithesis of brash and boastful talk show hosts like Rush Limbaugh and others. Hes humble, self-deprecating, and authentic. Listen to him for any length of time and you realize, Scoots a nice guy.

Scoot describes himself as a radical moderate. Thats what a lot of my liberal friends call themselves when they dont want to admit their left-leaning political bent. Nobodys a liberal these days, right? Its fairly obvious Scoot is no conservative and leans left. But hell also surprise you at times and stray from his leftist orthodoxy. Its refreshing in a time where groupthink is the norm, especially on talk radio.

WWL Radio host 'Scoot' injured in hit-and-run; police seek info on speeding motorcyclist A well-known WWL Radio show host is recovering after he was injured in a hit-and-run in downtown New Orleans last week.

At 2 a.m. Friday, Scoot was crossing Canal Street near Bourbon Street, walking home, when a speeding motorcycle plowed into him knocking him unconscious. The hit-and-run left Scoot with several ankle fractures, an injured knee and a bloody face with gashes requiring stitches. The talk show host was hit only two blocks from his apartment.

I could see the motorcycle coming and he sped up and Im thinking hes going to slow down. The next thing I knew, boom, I was hit, said Scoot. When I felt that blow, the hit, my instant thought was, you son of a bitch! You hit me. And he took off.

Detectives retrieved some images from surveillance cameras, but the motorcycle was going so fast and it was dark so they are not very clear. The blue motorcycle that hit Scoot was accompanied by a red one.

Did this guy know he hit me? Im sure he did. Theres no way he wouldnt have known. Did he speed up on purpose to hit me? I dont know, Scoot said.

Scoot says it could have been a lot worse. Which is typical of him. If you listen to his afternoon radio show, as I often do, you would know Scoot is consistently optimistic about life.

This happened for a reason. Im not sure what the reason is yet. But I know this. Im supposed to be here and I got a lot of life yet to live, said Scoot.

This is not the first time Scoot was a victim of a crime while walking in downtown New Orleans. Fewer than six years ago, he was mugged on Gravier Street on his way to work. One of four men pushed him to the ground and struck and kicked him several times, robbing him. The other three stood by and laughed. Such is life in the Big Easy.

+11 NOPD defends deadly gunfight on busy streets with reputed Houston gang member, armed robbery suspect A tip from a New Orleans shopkeeper ultimately led to the Central Business District shootout Sunday night that left five bystanders injured, a

This past weekend is a perfect example of how violent the Greater New Orleans area can be. A man was shot and killed in Broadmoor, another on Canal Street, another under the Interstate 10 overpass at Claiborne Avenue and Canal and yet another on Freret Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Central City.

And a 23-year old man was shot to death in New Orleans East; another was shot and died in Kenner during a drive-by. The deadly weekend culminated with a gunman shot and killed by police near Tulane Avenue. Five others were wounded in that shooting. Overall, 17 people were shot last weekend; seven of them died.

You are three times as likely to end up a victim of a violent crime living in New Orleans compared to the rest of the nation  a stat with which Scoot is well acquainted. Yet the radio host maintains a healthy perspective.

+9 2018 violent crime in New Orleans plummets to levels not seen since the 1970s New Orleans is on pace to record a staggering drop in gun violence in 2018, with homicides set to fall to the lowest level in decades and shoo

When something really bad happens to you its so easy to think about how bad it is. But its also important to stop and think about how bad it couldve been. It could have been so much worse. Even at a time like this I have to stop and realize that I was blessed, Scoot said.

Email Dan Fagan at faganshow@gmail.com. Twitter: @danfaganshow.A high ranking official in the Louisiana GOP has revealed that some Republicans are holding out hope that another candidate will enter the governor's race this fall, after two candidates already in the race reported raising less than $1 million combined in 2018.

Ive been getting a lot of chatter about, Is this the field?" LAGOP rules chair Scott Wilfong said in a radio interview Tuesday. "Theres definitely some movement to try to get another candidate into the race.

Republicans seek information about Gov. John Bel Edwards' upcoming business summit The Louisiana Republican Party is seeking information from Gov. John Bel Edwards' office about a business summit the Edwards administration wi

U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, Attorney General Jeff Landry and U.S. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise have all already said they have no plans to run against Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat who has been in office since January 2016.

U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone are the only two Republicans who have formally entered the race.

The election is Oct. 12. A Nov. 16 runoff will take place between the top two vote-getters if no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote in the primary.

According to campaign finance reports filed last week, Abraham had raised nearly $357,000 between his early December announcement through the end of the year. He closed out 2018 with about $350,000 in the bank.

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Rispone, who is running for office for the first time, reported $5.5 million in his campaign coffer, including $5 million of his own money and $550,000 he raised from donors since launching his campaign in October.

Meanwhile, incumbent Edwards reported having about $8.4 million cash on hand to fuel his re-election bid.

Wilfong called Abraham's tally very concerning.

U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham faces criticism for skipping votes to campaign for governor U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham is coming under fire for skipping votes in Washington, while he campaigns for governor in Louisiana  facing web ads f

The money discrepancy is huge," he said during his interview on WRKF. "I know there is a movement to get another candidate in the race. If that will be successful or not, I dont know.

Republicans previously have voiced a preference for one candidate in the race to create a direct match-up against Edwards and prevent party in-fighting during the primary.

By August or September, I think the party, if not officially, will unofficially coalesce around one candidate," Wilfong said Tuesday.An anti-abortion group is questioning the credentials of a doctor that it claims is performing abortions in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Louisiana Right to Life sent a letter to the State Board of Medical Examiners this week highlighting past disciplinary actions the board has taken against Dr. Kevin Work.

"We would be surprised if the LSBME were to grant Dr. Work permission to work in outpatient abortion facilities, especially given his troubled history at outpatient abortion facilities, his failure to pass the Board Certification Examination in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and his own desire to pursue wound care," Right to Life executive director Benjamin Clapper wrote in the letter to the board. "It is our concern that public safety is in jeopardy."

+2 La. law requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges blocked by Supreme Court -- for now The U.S. Supreme Court has stopped a law that threatened to shutter Louisiana abortion clinics from taking effect this week, but the fight ove

Attempts to reach Work for comment were not successful. Delta Womens Clinic in Baton Rouge declined comment, and Womens Healthcare Center in New Orleans didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

State board records show that Work has been the subject of multiple board investigations in the past.

After a suspension, he was granted medical license reinstatement in 2017 for the purpose of wound care, after he was unable to pass board certification for obstetrics and gynecology. The Advocate has been unable to independently verify when he last terminated a pregnancy.

"Dr. Kevin Work, by practicing in these two OBGYN-focused abortion facilities as a solo practitioner without another doctor on site, appears from publicly-accessible documents to be in clear violation of his probation," Clapper said in a statement. "With his troubled history of threatening the health and safety of Louisiana citizens at outpatient abortion facilities, we would be shocked if the State Board of Medical Examiners authorized Dr. Work to practice abortion."

State Board executive director Dr. Vincent Culotta said that the board had not yet received the letter from Right to Life, but would refer it to the investigations department as a complaint when received.

"I or any member of the agency are prohibited from commenting on such investigative matters," he said.

Louisiana, which tends to be among states with the toughest restrictions on abortion access, has three remaining abortion clinics  the New Orleans and Baton Rouge clinics addressed in the letter and another in Shreveport.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently blocked a Louisiana law that would require all abortion providers to have admitting privileges at local hospitals.

The questions about Work's credentials have already spawned debate in the Louisiana governor's race.

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U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, has called for the firing of Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee over the matter. The state Board of Medical Examiners falls under the direction of LDH.

Actions speak louder than words. If Gov. Edwards is truly pro-life, then he should take swift action by firing Gee and replacing her with a secretary who understands that no baby or mother should ever be subjected to the alleged heinous actions of Kevin Work, Abraham said.

Edwards, a Democrat who took office in January 2016, has been vocal in his opposition to abortion. His 2015 campaign for governor included a television ad that highlighted his personal story of doctors urging that his wife, Donna, have an abortion because of potential health complications with their oldest child. The couple refused the medical advice.

Edwards also signed one of the nation's most restrictive abortion laws that will outlaw abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy in Louisiana if a similar law in Mississippi survives a court challenge.

"John Bel Edwards loves to talk about how hes pro-life, but nothing within his administration shows thats the case," Abraham said in his statement. "As a doctor, Im appalled by what hes allowing to happen within his administration; though, we shouldnt be surprised."

Edwards' campaign noted that he's been lauded by Right to Life and other anti-abortion groups since he was in the state House and during his time as governor. The Louisiana Right to Life Federation has given Edwards a 100 percent rating since 2008 for his anti-abortion stances.

I think the governors record stands for itself," said campaign spokesman Eric Holl. Hes firmly pro-life.

Holl said Edwards' anti-abortion position has been "very clear" and that the board would investigate the complaint, but he didn't directly address the call for him to fire Gee.

"This does not change what we believe is the governor's position as a pro-life governor," Clapper said Wednesday night about his organization's questions about Work. "We were just asking the board for more clarity on this situation."

Edwards was asked about the complaint filed against Work during his monthly call-in radio show on Wednesday but said he had only recently heard about it.

A spokeswoman for the governor's office noted that LDH doesn't directly deal with medical licenses, and leaves that function to the state Board of Medical Examiners.

"The allegations against Dr. Kevin Work are being taken very seriously by the governor and the State Board of Medical Examiners," spokeswoman Shauna Sanford said. "Dr. Work was first licensed in Louisiana in 2001 and at the time of the meeting when he was reinstated in 2017, Gov. Edwards had only made two of the seven appointments to the Board. The other members were appointed by the previous administration."

"Dr. Work was reinstated in 2017 with a restricted license and to the Boards knowledge he has complied with all of those requirements. However, these allegations are going to be turned over to the Boards investigative division and the outcome will be determined by those findings," she added.Reportback on Athens

Over 50 people attended Reportback meeting organised in Sydney on the outcomes and themes of the 20th International Meeting of Communist and Workers Parties, held in Athens in November last year. The Sydney meeting was organised by the Greek Department of the Sydney District Committee of the CPA and the Reportback address was given by a CPA delegate to the Athens meeting, Dorothy Costa. She focused on current developments in the international Communist movement which were at the centre of the ideological themes of the 20th IMCWP.

At the outset of the meeting the greetings of the KKE of Greece were delivered by KKE Central Committee member, Eliseos Vagenas, over Skype. The KKE hosted the 20th IMCWP meeting in Athens between 23-25 November last year. Representatives from 90 communist and workers parties from 73 countries attended the Athens meeting to exchange experiences and views and to discuss the 20th IMCWP themes, The contemporary working class and its alliance. The tasks of the political vanguard  the Communist and Workers Parties in the struggle against exploitation and imperialist wars, for the rights of the workers and the peoples, for peace, for socialism.

A number of representatives of fraternal parties in Australia also attended the Reportback, including the CP of Lebanon.

Cde Dorothy spoke about the modern composition of the working class today and the ongoing relevance of its historical role as the gravedigger of capitalism. She stressed the increasing crisis of the capitalist system was reflected in the growing dangers to peace, (nationally, regionally and internationally) to the environment, the increasing exploitation of the working class and working people, the lowering of loving standards, and the loss of rights and working conditions.

Another major issue for the international communist and workers movements canvassed in Athens was the question of the communist partys alliances with other political forces and social movements. The experiences of parties in united fronts was shared and many parties questioned the usefulness of this long held model for forming alliances. Parties like the KKE are now sharing their successes in building class based alliances which are fluid and strategic.

The Address also raised the question of Stage Theory which was very topical at the 20th IMCWP. Many Communist and Workers Parties have abandoned Stage Theory, i.e. the idea that there will be a Democratic Stage between Capitalism and Socialism. This idea presupposes that capitalism can be managed in the interests of the working people by a left-progressive government. The experience in Greece with Syrian is one such unsuccessful example.

Finally Cde Dorothy spoke about the discussion concerning the task of the Communist Parties in realising their vanguard role and the need to rebuild the international communist movement into an ideologically united force. Increasing inter-imperialist rivalries and the deepening crisis of capitalism and the intensification of exploitation of the working class and the working people urgently require communist parties to determinedly take up their a leading role, to build and strengthen the anti-monopoly, anti-imperialist movement in the direction of socialism and for peace and the rights of the working class and the working people.Plans to close Broadmoor and North Banks middle schools in May sparked debate Tuesday, with some East Baton Rouge Parish School Board members questioning whether the schools those students would be headed to would offer them a better education.

The closure of the two schools is the most charged aspect of a plan to change attendance zones at 20 schools, in the process moving almost 1,400 students. Board members also floated other potentially controversial changes to zones for other schools, including Istrouma High.

The changes, if approved, would take effect in August with the start of the 2019-20 school year.

Superintendent Warren Drake said the workshop Tuesday afternoon, where no votes were taken, was a good start. He said he detected mostly support for the package, which he said grew out of 18 months of meetings of an in-house committee, and welcomed additional thoughts from board members.

I think you all agree with the vast majority of what is in there, Drake told board members.

At least 20 Baton Rouge schools could see attendance zone changes next year; some call for complete overhaul Superintendent Warren Drake is asking the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board to consider changing attendance zones at 20 schools, in the pro

Drake said a final vote is not likely until the board meets in April. In the meantime, he said, he plans to meet with groups at the most-affected schools to get their input.

Board member Dawn Collins said it's crucial to hold such meetings before making big decisions like these.

Sometimes you dont really know the impact until you go to the community , Collins said.

Students and faculties at Broadmoor and North Banks middle schools face the biggest impact. Those schools have 377 and 136 students, about 41 and 36 percent of the capacity of those facilities.

School officials have discussed closing the schools for the past two years as part of a larger plan of school consolidations and closures, but their final close date has not been settled.

The superintendent is suggesting reassigning Broadmoors students to three neighboring middle schools. Two of those schools, Capitol and Park Forest middle schools, would in turn hand off 171 students to Brookstown Middle, bringing that low-enrollment school to about two-thirds full.

The proposed change to North Banks Middle is simpler: all 136 students would be added to Glen Oaks High School, which would become a middle-high school.

Board member Tramelle Howard urged Drake to do more to smooth the transition at Broadmoor Middle: The morale at the school is absolutely dismal.

Drake defended how the school system handles school closures, but acknowledged, whenever you move students and teachers, its very traumatic.

The superintendent said hes followed the lead of principals at those schools as to when to visit and explain the changes to everyone. One principal, he said, wanted to wait until after standardized testing is over before having such a meeting.

Nevertheless, Drake said he will send letters this week to the staffs at both schools, letting them know what is happening.

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Broadmoor Middle is in line for a $15 million remodeling starting in 2020, but school officials have yet to decide what kind of school to put there. The original idea was to move a popular foreign language school, BR FLAIM, to that building once it's renovated, but some parents resisted the move so the idea was dropped.

Assistant Superintendent Ben Necaise said there are a lot of options for the Broadmoor Middle campus, including creating a junior high or freshman academy for nearby Broadmoor High, or perhaps additional career-technical programs for the high school.

Board member Dadrius Lanus once again expressed concern with the plan to move the middle school students at North Banks Middle onto the Glen Oaks High campus. Lanus noted that North Banks was created years ago because of dissatisfaction with having middle school students at the high school.

Whats the difference between now and when we did it last time around? Lanus asked.

Necaise said theres been more planning for the latest move back to the high school. He also said North Banks is too small to offer much beyond basic courses, whereas being at a larger high school would give students access to more courses and resources.

After the meeting, Lanus said he prefers to keep North Banks Middle as is until a new middle school can be created, perhaps on the campus of the former Glen Oaks Middle School, which has been under the control of the state since 2008.

Drakes proposal also calls for changing attendance zones at 14 more schools to improve feeder patterns from elementary grades all the way to high school.

For instance, LaSalle Elementary would lose 118 students. With a smaller zone, all LaSalle students would feed into Westdale Middle and later into Tara High. Currently, some LaSalle students feed into Glasgow and Broadmoor middle schools and later Broadmoor High.

East Baton Rouge Parish School Board members spar Saturday over redrawing high school zones, with St. George overtones With several potentially controversial proposals before them, East Baton Rouge Parish School Board members concentrated Saturday on a debate o

There was talk Tuesday about changing even more zones.

Board members Evelyn Ware-Jackson and Mike Gaudet floated the idea of expanding Istrouma Highs attendance zone south of Choctaw Drive, which might free up space at Tara High as well as at Woodlawn High.

Both had second thoughts about a plan they supported in 2017 to not only reopen closed Istrouma High School, but add a middle school to the high school campus on Winbourne Avenue. To do that, the school system stripped nearby Brookstown Middle School of its magnet program.

Ware-Jackson said that shift was a big mistake and said it might be time to move the program back from Istrouma to Brookstown.

Reversing that decision might free up about 100 seats at the high school.

Melissa Garrett, who monitors attendance zones for the board, warned that Istrouma High has limited room to add more students. It has almost 800 students now and does not yet have a senior class. The school, she noted, is set to add 200-plus seniors next year and as well as additional students in its new magnet program.

And the additional 171 students Brookstown Middle could receive if the plan on the table is approved would make sending more students there difficult.

If you consider moving the magnet back there, you have a space issue, Garrett said.A woman wanted in the Tuesday night stabbing of a man who was hospitalized with serious injuries surrendered to police and was arrested Wednesday, a Baton Rouge Police spokesman said.

Terrilyn Stewart, 18, of 1655 La Annie Drive in Baton Rouge, was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a count of attempted second-degree murder, said Sgt. Don Coppola, police spokesman.

Stewart is accused of stabbing a 20-year-old man about 11 p.m. Tuesday night in the 1500 block of Heron Street, following an altercation, police said.Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commissionA Broussard moms civil rights may have been violated Wednesday when police arrested her for posting a video to social media that shows a fight between two high school students.

Maegan Adkins-Barras, 32, spent the night in jail for unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity after she posted a fight her son captured on video at Acadiana High School in Lafayette.

But the law she allegedly broke appears to apply only to "a person who is either a principal or accessory to a crime."

Franz Borghardt, a criminal defense attorney who has taught criminal litigation at the LSU Law School, said he had never even heard of the law until Adkins-Barras was arrested.

"The police are going to have some hurdles," said Borghardt, who is not representing Adkins-Barras. "They're going to have to either establish that she was a principal or accessory to the fight, and that means they're going to have to establish that she was there and somehow started or encouraged the fight.

"But more so, they'll have to establish that she posted it to social media to establish notoriety or publicity," he said. "Just because you post something on social media doesn't mean you're looking for that. You can share ideas and thoughts. I think they'll have a serious constitutional problem with this crime. I think it just smells of desperation in the sense that they're trying to fit a square peg in a round hole."

Our Views: 'New' law that got Acadiana mom who posted fight arrested not so new ... or sensible When a fistfight broke out at Acadiana High School, America being fully digitized by now, a student recorded some of the event on a cellphone.

The fight between two students at Acadiana High resulted in one student being taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries; the student has since been released. The students have not been identified because of their ages, but both have been recommended for expulsion and are facing criminal charges, according to police and Lafayette Parish School Superintendent Donald Aguillard.

Adkins-Barras' child shot video of the fight but was not otherwise involved in the fight, according to Scott Police Chief Chad Leger. The child sent the video to his mother, who posted it to social media.

An Acadiana High school resource officer contacted Adkins-Barras when he learned of the videos existence and arrested the mom even after she removed the video from Facebook, according to the arrest affidavit.

The affidavit fails to state how she is a principal or an accessory to the fight, Borghardt said. The affidavit fails to state how she is accessory or principal to a crime. I am unsure how the facts written in this report meet the elements of the crime and how the officer has probable cause for the arrest.

Adkins-Barras was released Thursday morning from the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. She did not respond to a request for comment sent via Facebook.

Although Leger issued a statement on the department's Facebook page, he's declined to answer additional questions about the circumstances surrounding the arrest  primarily if Adkins-Barras could in any way be considered a principal or accessory to the fight on Acadiana High's campus.

"This is all stuff that's going to be sent to the DA's office for review," Leger said. "I'm not trying to be complicated, but I have five other reporters calling me. I don't understand why. I've talked to our city's legal attorney, and that's our comments on the matter right now."

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Aguillard said there is a growing concern over criminal activity involving juveniles showing up on social media, especially when that activity occurs on a school campus.

"This is a new law that was called to our attention by law enforcement," Aguillard said. "We're going to put a notice of this in our student handbook next year."

The new law passed unanimously in 2008 and was signed by then-Gov. Bobby Jindal. It appears to be little applied, if ever.

Scott Sternberg, who represents The Acadiana Advocate and other newspapers for the Louisiana Press Association, is not a criminal attorney but does question the arrest.

"I'm 100 percent sure that the idea behind this law was not to present a First Amendment problem," Sternberg said. "It was to deter criminal activity. I don't see how arresting someone who wasn't a principal or accessory to a crime deters. It's extremely suspect."

Aguillard and members of the school board learned of the video Wednesday morning. Adkins-Barras did not reach out to the school system about the fight or the video, although she might have reached out directly to Acadiana High, Aguillard said.

He said he learned of the arrest of Adkins-Barras through media reports.

"Once the student is disciplined by the school, the police will make an arrest if they determine it's a criminal act," Aguillard said. "They don't advise us or consult with us about it. They do what they think is appropriate if it was a criminal act."

Lafayette criminal lawyer Kirk Piccione said Adkins-Barras could file a civil rights lawsuit against the Scott Police Department.

"The Scott Police Department could have liability for making a false arrest," Piccione said. "The courts give a lot of leeway to police making arrests, but at some point, you get to the stage where there is simply no support, no probable cause, no reasonable person could agree that probable cause existed  unless there is evidence that she is a principal or an accessory."

The police chief said he isn't worried about a lawsuit.

"Anybody can sue anybody for anything these days," Leger said. "Is it something that concerns me? No. Is it something that can happen? Yes."Associates with IberiaBank will celebrate its Random Acts of Kindness Week this week by paying for local shoppers' groceries at stores throughout its footprint.

For many years the bank as incorporated random acts of kindness into its culture by encouraging associates to build goodwill through kindness. Bankers have purchased gas for people at the pumps, paid off holiday layaways, delivered doughnuts to service workers, picked up lunch tabs and other efforts.

Associates have also volunteered thousands of hours to teach financial literacy, pounded nails on job sites and cooked food for those in need.

IberiaBank has 329 locations, including 191 bank branch offices and three loan production offices, in Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Missouri and New York. It also has 29 title insurance offices in Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana; mortgage representatives in 87 locations in 12 states; 18 wealth management locations in five states and an Iberia Capital Partners LLC office in Louisiana.Editorial

Solidarity with Bolivarian Venezuela

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Australia condemns in the strongest possible terms the US military threats and economic war against the legitimate government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Under the guise of a humanitarian intervention the government of the United States and its allies are preparing for a military intervention in Venezuela. International reports of military operations currently underway by US troops in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries is of a serious concern and endangers peace.

The Communist Party of Australia is rallying with the international community in support of self-determination of the Bolivarian republic of Venezuela and their democratically elected president Maduro and demands US hands off Venezuela. Inside the United States there is considerable opposition to interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country.

The US-controlled mass media has intensified its campaign against President Maduro and his government. It spreads lies and misinformation about the real situation inside Venezuela. The intention is to create confusion which could lead to a civil war.

The CPA condemns the US continuing its unilateral economic coercive measures against Venezuela that includes the freeze of billion in assets.

Supporters of the Bolivarian revolution have been demonstrating inside and outside Venezuela against the US sponsored coup dtat and in support of the legitimate government of Nicolas Maduro.

The Communist Party of Australia joins the international community in solidarity with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and its legitimate government.

The CPA demands the Australian government withdraws its recognition of the coup puppet president and his attempts to gain political power.

The CPA supports a peaceful political solution to the crisis based on the principles of self-determination and non-interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation.

Hands off Venezuela

Statement: US Labour Against the War

The US has no legitimate claim to intervene in the internal affairs of other countries, to take sides in internal political disputes, or to undermine governments elected by the people. We have seen the disastrous consequences of recent US interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and, through its alliance with Saudi Arabia, in Yemen. US intervention in Venezuela can only bring further hardship and suffering, as followed US support for the 2009 coup in Honduras that overthrew the elected government there and contributed to the stream of asylum-seekers now on our southern border seeking relief from that disaster.

It reveals the deep cynicism of US policy makers that they denounce what they call a dictatorial regime in Venezuela while providing unlimited support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its murderous absolute dictatorship of the royal family.

In the case of Venezuela, the economic distress has been precipitated largely by the decline in world oil prices. Oil is the most important revenue source for the Venezuelan government. But Venezuelas economic difficulties have been greatly compounded by economic sanctions imposed on Venezuela by the United States, beginning in March 2015 under Barack Obama. These have been explicitly designed to choke off Venezuelas access to international markets and resources for the purpose of destabilising the Maduro government and, before that, the government of Hugo Chavez.

The economic chaos the US now points to in Venezuela as a justification for intervention is in large part a consequence of US policy, which is designed to provoke popular unrest, sow divisions and precipitate an uprising against the government.

We strongly condemn the tacit support given to President Trumps intervention by leaders of the Democratic Party. Whether articulated by Republicans or Democrats, US intervention to destabilise other countries violates the UN Charter and international law. This interference in Venezuelas internal affairs serves the interests of wealthy elites and multinational corporations, not the interests of the Venezuelan or American people. It is always the people who end up paying for these interventions in suffering, blood and treasure.

Real international solidarity calls upon us to demand of our government: Hands off Venezuela!OKLAHOMA CITY [ndash] Bill Rodgers, 87, of Oklahoma City, formerly of Ada, OK passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021. Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. To share memories, or to sign the guest book online, go to www.cooperfuneral.com.Thank you! You've reported this item as a violation of our terms of use.

This content was contributed by a user of the site. If you believe this content may be in violation of the terms of use, you may report it.Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email please call (208) 542-6777 for help.Sam Andrews, Norwood farmer and Fresh Food Hub board member, distributes Farm to Community shares in this 2018 file photo. (Photo courtesy of Mountain Village)The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2019 Sloan Research Fellowships. A total of 126 early-career scholars will receive $70,000 to pursue their chosen scientific research.

The fellowships are awarded yearly to biologists, chemists, mathematicians, neuroscientists, physicists, ocean scientists, economists, and computer scientists across the United States and Canada. This year, the recipients were drawn from 57 colleges and universities.

"Sloan Research Fellows are the best young scientists working today," stated Adam F. Falk, the President of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, in a press release. "Sloan Fellows stand out for their creativity, for their hard work, for the importance of the issues they tackle, and the energy and innovation with which they tackle them. To be a Sloan Fellow is to be in the vanguard of twenty-first century science."

10 Princeton Faculty Members Recipients

Among the recipients are 10 faculty members from Princeton University, the most number of fellowship earned by a single-campus institution each year. The New Jersey-based institution has at least one winner from each of the eight aforementioned scientific and technical fields.

The outstanding young scholars from Princeton selected for this year's 2019 Sloan Research Fellowships are Will Dobbie, economics; Annegret Falkner, neuroscience; Ralph Kleiner, chemistry and biology; Gillat Kol, computer science; Michael Kolesar, economics; Francesco Lin, mathematics; Wyatt Lloyd, computer science; Ricardo Mallarino, biology; Laure Resplandy, ocean sciences; and Jeff Thompson, physics.

A full list of awardees was published in the official website of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

The Most Promising Researchers

The Sloan Research Fellowship is awarded to some of the most promising early-career scholars in their respective fields. Since the beginning of the program, 43 former fellows went on to receive a Nobel Prize, including Donna Stickland of University of Waterloo and Paul Romer of the University of Chicago who were recognized for their outstanding works in Physics and Economics respectively in 2018.

Every year, scientists nominate promising candidates. An independent panel of senior scholars select the winning 126 fellows based on research accomplishments, creativity, and potential to become a leading figure in their respective fields.

The fellows are free to pursue any scientific inquiries they choose. They may use their grant worth $70,000 over two years to further their research.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.China is tapping the boundless energy of the Sun with a space-based power plant that orbits 36,000 kilometers above the surface of the Earth.

According to a report by a state-backed newspaper, the construction of an early experimental space power plant is already underway in the city of Chongqing. If successful, China will become the first nation to harvest solar energy from space.

Benefits Of A Space-Based Power Plant

Scientists believe that harnessing the energy of the Sun from space will be more effective than the solar farms across the planet today. While solar panels on Earth are already doing a good job of contributing to the electricity mix, they have the disadvantage of collecting energy during a portion of the day. Add to that, changes in the weather can dramatically decrease the devices' ability to generate electricity.

China's planned space power plant will be void of such issues. According to Pang Zhihao, a researcher from the China Academy of Space Technology Corporation, the facility will be able to supply energy 99 percent of the time and at six times the intensity of the energy provided by solar farms on Earth.

China's Planned Giant Solar Farm

Researchers involved in the project are currently exploring the possibility of using a factory in space made up of robots and 3D-printing technology to construct the solar farm. The facility is estimated to be about 1,000 tons  a lot heavier than the 400-ton International Space Station.

A space factory will avoid the challenge of launching such a heavy structure into orbit.

The proposed power plant will convert solar energy into electricity in space before beaming it back to Earth through microwave or laser. A ground receiving system will be feeding the clean and renewable energy to the grid.

Aside from providing a clean and renewable source of energy to a power-hungry world that is still reliant on fossil fuel and coal, China is also hoping that the power plant will aid in the country's future deep space exploration.

China is hoping to launch small to medium solar power stations to the stratosphere no later than 2025. A megawatt-level facility is expected to be constructed by 2030. A gigawatt-level solar power station will be in place by 2050.

Japan has also previously revealed plans to construct a giant solar power plant in space.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.More than 20 states across the United States have already reported cases of a brain-wasting animal disease that currently has no vaccine or treatment.

As the chronic wasting disease spreads among deer, elk, and moose in 24 states and two Canadian province, health officials are worried that humans may also be at risk of the infection.

CWD Found In Monkeys That Ate Infected Deer Meat

The disease spreads through contact with contaminated body fluids and tissues. Animals may also get infected through indirect exposure to CWD in the environment such as in food and drinking water.

No case of CWD has yet been reported in humans, but research suggests there is potential risk. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited a 2017 study that found evidence that monkeys that ate infected deer meat contracted the disease.

"Animal studies suggest CWD poses a risk to some types of non-human primates, like monkeys, that eat meat from CWD-infected animals or come in contact with brain or body fluids from infected deer or elk," the CDC said. "These studies raise concerns that there may also be a risk to people."

Disease May Transfer To Humans Soon

Michael Osterholm, the director of Center of Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, said that the animal disease transferring to humans may happen soon.

"It is probable that human cases of chronic wasting disease associated with consumption with contaminated meat will be documented in the years ahead," Osterholm said. "It's possible the number of human cases will be substantial and will not be isolated events."

Osterholm compared the situation to the mad cow disease that killed cattle in the United Kingdom in the 1980s and 1990s. There were initial doubts that the disease could spread to humans, but 156 people in the UK eventually died because of the infection.

How CWD Will Likely Infect Humans

The CDC said the most likely way CWD will spread to humans is through consumption of infected deer meat.

According to the Alliance for Public Wildlife, between 7,000 to 15,000 animals infected with CWD are eaten annually, and it is possible this number could increase by 20 percent per year. As more infected meat is consumed, Osterholm said the risk of the disease crossing over and infecting humans could also increase.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Forward-looking: Samsung is venturing into uncharted territory with the Galaxy Fold. Smartphone innovation has been down across the industry and as major markets hit saturation levels, consumers are demanding something new. The Galaxy Fold is certainly a break from the norm, but how will buyers respond to that nearly $2,000 price of entry?

All eyes were affixed on Samsung today as the company hosted its latest Unpacked mobile event. Most suspected Samsung would open with the Galaxy S10 but the company surprised onlookers by diving right into its latest innovation, the Galaxy Fold.

The Galaxy Fold features a 4.6-inch HD+ Super AMOLED display (21:9) on the outside but when unfolded, the device transforms into a small tablet boasting a 7.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED Infinity Flex Display with a QXGA+ resolution (4.2:3). Its powered by an unnamed 7nm, 64-bit processor, 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 512GB of local storage (UFS 3.0) and packs a total of six cameras  three on the back, two on the inside and one on the front.

Notably, there's no micro SD card slot.

The rear camera array is comprised of a 16-megapixel f/2.2 ultrawide camera, a 12-megapixel wide-angle shooter with f/1.5  f/2.4 aperture, dual pixel AF and optical image stabilization and a 12-megapixel telephoto f/2.4 aperture camera, also with OIS.

The dual front-facing system is made up of a 10-megapixel f/2.2 selfie camera and an 8-megapixel RGB depth camera with an aperture of f/1.9.

Samsungs latest derives power from two separate batteries, one on each side of the fold. Collectively, they afford 4,380mAh of capacity  a sizable amount for a standard phone, but one has to wonder how much mileage to expect out of this new form factor.

The Galaxy Fold ushers in an entirely new form factor for mobile devices. To create it, Samsung had to develop a sophisticated hinge system with multiple interlocking gears that can withstand hundreds of thousands of folds and unfolds. Im especially interested to see how this feels in practice and more importantly, how the hinge  and the Infinity Flex Display  hold up over time.

Key to any good smartphone is quality software and Samsung looks to be on to something with the Galaxy Fold.

Samsung has developed a unique UX for the Galaxy Fold to take advantage of its multiple use scenarios. Designed for the ultimate multitasker, the Fold can run up to three active apps simultaneously on the main display. With App Continuity, youre able to seamlessly transition between the cover and main display without losing your place.

Samsung tells us the handset will ship running Android 9.0 Pie.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold launches on April 26 starting at a staggering $1,980. Carrier payment plans will soften the blow a bit but still, this is one expensive device. Itll be offered in both LTE and 5G variants, were told, and will be available in black, silver, green and blue color schemes.

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Google unveiled its game plan for fighting disinformation on its properties at a security conference in Munich, Germany, over the weekend.

The 30-page document details Google's current efforts to combat bad dope on its search, news, YouTube and advertising platforms.

"Providing useful and trusted information at the scale that the Internet has reached is enormously complex and an important responsibility," noted Google Vice President for Trust and Safety Kristie Canegallo.

"Adding to that complexity, over the last several years we've seen organized campaigns use online platforms to deliberately spread false or misleading information," she continued.

"We have twenty years of experience in these information challenges, and it's what we strive to do better than anyone else," added Canegallo. "So while we have more work to do, we've been working hard to combat this challenge for many years."

Post-Truth Era

Like other communication channels, the open Internet is vulnerable to the organized propagation of false or misleading information, Google explained in its white paper.

"Over the past several years, concerns that we have entered a 'post-truth' era have become a controversial subject of political and academic debate," the paper states. "These concerns directly affect Google and our mission -- to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. When our services are used to propagate deceptive or misleading information, our mission is undermined."

Google outlined three general strategies for attacking disinformation on its platforms: making quality count, counteracting malicious actors, and giving users context about what they're seeing on a Web page.

Making Quality Count

Google makes quality count through algorithms whose usefulness is determined by user testing, not by the ideological bent of the people who build or audit the software, according to the paper.

"One big strength of Google is that they admit to the problem -- not everybody does -- and are looking to fix their ranking algorithms to deal with it," James A. Lewis, director of the technology and public policy program at the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, told TechNewsWorld.

While algorithms can be a blessing, they can be a curse, too.

"Google made it clear in its white paper that they aren't going to introduce humans into the mix. Everything is going to be based on algorithms," said Dan Kennedy, an associate professor in the school of journalism at Northeastern University in Boston.

"That's key to their business plan," he told TechNewsWorld. "The reason they're so profitable is they employ very few people, but that guarantees there will be continued problems with disinformation."

Hiding Behind Algorithms

Google may depend too much on its software, suggested Paul Bischoff, a privacy advocate at Comparitech, a reviews, advice and information website for consumer security products.

"I think Google leans perhaps a bit too heavily on its algorithms in some situations when common sense could tell you that a certain page contains false information," he told TechNewsWorld.

"Google hides behind its algorithms to shrug off responsibility in those cases," Bischoff added.

Algorithms can't solve all problems, Google acknowledged in its paper. They can't determine whether a piece of content on current events is true or false; nor can they assess the intent of its creator just by scanning the text on a page.

That's where Google's experience fighting spam and rank manipulators has come in handy. To counter those deceivers, Google has developed a set of policies to regulate certain behaviors on its platforms.

"This is relevant to tackling disinformation since many of those who engage in the creation or propagation of content for the purpose to deceive often deploy similar tactics in an effort to achieve more visibility," the paper notes. "Over the course of the past two decades, we have invested in systems that can reduce 'spammy' behaviors at scale, and we complement those with human reviews."

More Context

Adding context to items on a page is another way Google tries to counter disinformation.

For example, knowledge or information panels appear near search results to provide facts about the search subject.

In search and news, Google clearly labels content originating with fact-checkers.

In addition, it has "Breaking News" and "Top News" shelves, and "Developing News" information panels on YouTube, to expose users to authoritative sources when looking for information about ongoing news events.

YouTube also has information panels providing "Topical Context" and "Publisher Context," so users can see contextual information from trusted sources and make better-informed choices about what they see on the platform.

A recent context move was added during the 2018 mid-term elections, when Google required additional verification for anyone purchasing an election ad in the United States.

It also required advertisers to confirm they were U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Further, every ad creative had to incorporate a clear disclosure of who was paying for the ad.

"Giving users more context to make their own decisions is a great step," observed CSIS's Lewis. "Compared to Facebook, Google looks good."

Serious About Fake News

With the release of the white paper, "Google wants to demonstrate that they're taking the problem of fake news seriously and they're actively combating the issue," noted Vincent Raynauld, an assistant professor in the department of Communication Studies at Emerson College in Boston.

That's important as high-tech companies like Facebook and Google come under increased government scrutiny, he explained.

"The first battle for these companies is to make sure people understand what false information is," Raynauld told TechNewsWorld. "It's not about combating organizations or political parties," he said. "It's about combating online manifestations of misinformation and false information."

That may not be easy for Google.

"Google's business model incentivizes deceitful behavior to some degree," said Comparitech's Bischoff.

"Ads and search results that incite emotions regardless of truthfulness can be ranked as high or higher than more level-headed, informative, and unbiased links, due to how Google's algorithms work," he pointed out.

If a bad article has more links to it than a good article, the bad article could well be ranked higher, Bischoff explained.

"Google is stuck in a situation where its business model encourages disinformation, but its content moderation must do the exact opposite," he said. "As a result, I think Google's response to disinformation will always be somewhat limited."

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.

Sonarworks says its True-Fi software can transform the music coming from your headphones, bringing it closer to what the recording artist heard in the studio, and improving any headphones performance by removing the coloration that gets between you and the music. That is an awesome promise, so the obvious question is, does it work?

Sonarworks sent True-Fi and some headphones for a test. The good news is that generally speaking, I found that Sonarworks largely delivered on its promise, improving to varying degrees the performance of each of the headphones I tested.

How does True-Fi work?

Sonarworks developed another software program, Reference 4, that is aimed at recording studios. The company says Reference 4 is used in more than 30,000 of these facilities worldwide. Reference 4 adjusts the frequency response of supported models of studio monitors (loudspeakers) and headphones to match the companys studio reference sound standard.

True-Fi, by contrast, works only with headphones (287 models were supported at press time) and is designed for the average consumer. True-Fi works on both Windows and macOS, and there are Android and iOS versions in the works (these are available for early access in the app stores, but I did not evaluate either). Sonarworks announced at CES in January that customers who purchase a True-Fi license before those apps are released for sale will receive a free upgrade for a lifetime license to the mobile versions. A free 10-day trial of the desktop version is also available.

Sonarworks True-Fi functions in a similar vein to todays top room-correction packages, such as Audyssey, Anthem ARC, Dirac, and Trinnov. If youve ever examined a frequency-response chart, youll note that it is not ruler flat. The typical curve is riddled with peaks and valleys, indicating that the drivers inside the headphone will overemphasize some frequencies and under-emphasize others, coloring the audio reproduction compared to what was recorded in the studio.

In an ongoing effort, Sonarworks measures and analyzes each supported headphones frequency response, looking for its shortcomings. Once this analysis is complete, the team applies the appropriate inverse curve to address those frequency peaks and dips. The goal here is to make each headphones final sound match their studio reference standard as closely as physically possible.

Its tempting to think that headphones should exhibit ruler-flat frequency response, from the bottom of the frequency spectrum to the top, but Ill point you to the pioneering work of Dr. Sean Olive and his colleagues at Harman International, which suggests otherwise.

Customized sound based on your age

True-Fi doesnt just compensate for a headphones frequency response shortcomings, like an EQ package would. As we age, we lose our ability to hear high frequencies. True-Fi therefore also takes into account the listeners perception of sound, adjusting its target curve based on your age and gender.

Sonarworks added a slight boost to the bass response of all the headphones I tried; if youre under 21 years of age, however, True-Fi wont touch anything else. The older you are past 21, the more True-Fi compensates by boosting frequencies above 2kHz or so. Look at the screen shots below and youll see how True-Fi boosted higher frequencies as I increased the reported age of the listener.

Theo Nicolakis /IDG True-Fi increases the upper frequency response with the selected age. For listeners aged 21 or younger, virtually no corrective EQ is applied.

No matter which you settings you choose, you can turn any of these adjustments on or off, and you can independently boost or cut the bass frequency response to your liking.

Will True-Fi work with any pair of headphones?

Sonarworks must analyze and develop a filter for each make and model of headphones it supports, so this software will not work with just any set of cansonly the ones the company has measured.

But Sonarworks supports a broad range, with models that cost as little as $100 to very high-end models that cost as much $4,000including Apples AirPods and EarPods. Sonarworks maintains a current list here.

Theo Nicolakis / IDG The Sonarworks True-Fi database supports headphones priced less than $100 all the way up to high-end models such as the Focal Clear.

Slight inconsistencies in materials in and construction can result in minor sonic differences in the otherwise identical make and model of headphone, so when Sonarworks adds support for a new model, its filter is based on the averaged results of several pairs. The company promises accuracy of 3dB for each headphone model its software supports.

Theo Nicolakis / IDG Sonarworks sent me two pairs of factory-calibrated headphones for testing.

Send your headphones in for a custom filter

Sonarworks will also produce custom filters for your specific headphonesif you dont mind shipping them to the companys facility in Latvia. Its not such a crazy idea if you just dropped four large on something like a pair of Focal Utopia. When the company receives your cans, theyll measure and analyze them, create a unique filter, add it to their database, and tag your headphones with a serial number. Enter that number into True-Fi and the software will load that custom filter. Sonarworks promises accuracy of 0.9 dB for its customer filters.

Prices for this service start at $148 for one pair of headphones with a single profile, or $213 for multiple profiles of a single set of cans. Why would you want multiple profiles? If your model can operate with our without wires, for instance, or if your kit came with different sets of earpads. Sonarworks also sells pre-calibrated headphonesboth professional studio models and consumer headphonesmanufactured by a variety of builders.

Theo Nicolakis / IDG Each calibrated set of headphones is tagged and numbered.

Listening tests across multiple headphones

I tested Sonarworks on a Mac with six sets of headphones. Sonarworks sent me two pre-calibrated headphones: Marshall Monitor (consumer) and Samson SR850 (studio). I also used supported headphones from my collection: Marshall Major II, Bowers&Wilkins P7 Wireless, V-Moda Crossfade II Wireless, and Focal Clear. I played both 16-bit/44kHz tracks ripped from CDs as well as high-res music played from a Roon Nucleus music server and music streamed over Tidal.

Theo Nicolakis / IDG Sonarworks sent me a calibrated pair of Marshall headphones.

I had no problem loading headphones into the software. I had the options of searching the database by manufacturer and model, or entering in the number of the pre-calibrated headphones. Using the dropdown menu, I could jump between headphone profiles.

I noticed that I could only store four headphones at any one time, however; the moment I added a fifth headphone model/profile, the software would delete one other from the list.

I started my tests with the Marshall Monitor and Samson SR850. Needless to say, the improvements True-Fi yielded with both of these headphones were dramatic. What I loved most was how True-Fi cleaned up the dark, muddy response of the Marshall Monitor. With True-Fi engaged, I felt that the Marshall Monitor finally had a more natural tonal balance.

On the Bowers & Wilkins P7 (tested wired), I noticed a more subtle effect. With the Focal Clear, however, the headphone started to sound overly bright with True-Fi enabled. I compensated by adjusting the EQ settings. With the headphones I tried, I noted that True-Fi had a fairly wide-ranging impact depending on the headphone: Dramatic with some; more subtle with others.

What is important for prospective users to understand is that the True-Fi will take away some of a headphones character and voicing. You might discover you like what True-Fi does for a given set of headphones, but theres also a chance you might not appreciate everything it does and conclude that you need to tweak settings to get the most satisfying performance.

Worth the price of admission

True-Fi eliminates the hassle of playing with EQ settings and instantly tunes your headphones against the companys studio reference sound curve used in thousands of studios worldwide. This is a clever bit of code that can impart anything from a modest change to a radical transformation of your headphones sound. The softwares ability to help compensate for age-related hearing loss is brilliant.

But you dont need to take my word for it, provided you own a pair of supported headphones. Give the free trial version a shot and hear for yourself what this software can do for your next listening session. I think youll like it.Seminole, FL (33772)

Today

Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 75F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 75F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.Tahlequah, OK (74464)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.Sarasota, Fla.  A statue in Florida based on the iconic photo of a sailor kissing a woman at the end of World War II was found vandalized Tuesday with the words #MeToo.

A vandal used red spray paint to mark the leg of the woman in the statue with the phrase, police said, according to CBS News. The statue is located in Sarasota, Florida.

At approximately 12:53 am, our Officers were dispatched to the intersection of N Gulfstream Ave & Bayfront Dr reference to an unknown individual spray painting # MeToo on the Unconditional Surrender statue. Additional information is at https://t.co/gv10lGhcja pic.twitter.com/JakU8aI7QY  SarasotaPD (@SarasotaPD) February 19, 2019

The sailor in the famous photo, George Mendonsa, died Sunday at age 95.

The photo showed him kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurses uniform, in celebration of Japans surrender to the United States.

The kiss took place in New York City as people spilled into the streets to celebrate the war's end, according to The Associated Press. Mendonsa and Friedman had never met.

The photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt was first published in Life magazine and became one of the 20th centurys most famous images. Numerous people claimed to be the kissing couple, but the identities of Mendonsa and Friedman were eventually confirmed, in part through facial recognition technology, according to NBC News.

Friedman died in 2016 at age 92.

Officers responded to the Florida statue, known as Unconditional Surrender, early Tuesday morning, NBC said. Police believe the vandalism occurred sometime between Monday afternoon and evening.

The incident was not captured on surveillance video and there are no known witnesses. The spray paint was removed Tuesday morning, according to NBC.

Critics have recently argued the photo didn't depict anything romantic because Mendonsa, who said he was drinking, simply grabbed Friedman without knowing her, according to CBS.

Damage to the statue totaled over $1,000, police said, according to CBS.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598While they have a contract that extends out to 2027, I am asking that we sit down together in good faith now, because I know we all care deeply about the future of our state, Lamont said. Some of the old pros here have suggested that I hold off on these discussions for a few years when I have more leverage  the threat of layoffs to propel the negotiation. Forget it. We cant afford to wait two years and threatening to layoff our newest employees who are doing important work is not how I negotiate and not how I treat people.Rochester, N.Y.  A California man was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly flew to Rochester to have sex with a 12-year-old girl.

Gabriel Murillo, 44, was charged with coercion and enticement and sent to the Monroe County Jail without bail, according to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. Authorities arrested him when his flight from Los Angeles arrived at Greater Rochester International Airport on Saturday.

Murillo first began contact with someone he thought was a youth named Hannah in April 2018 using the Kik messaging app, according to the D&C. Hannah was actually an investigator with the New York State Police.

Murillo engaged in sexually explicit conversations and sent photos of himself and video clips of pornography, police said.

Murillo sent messages in December stating he planned to come to Rochester to see the girl, police said. He sent details of his flight and the hotel in Henrietta he booked, the D&C said.

Investigators confirmed the details and were waiting for him when he arrived.

Murillo faces 10 years in prison if convicted, according to WROC in Rochester.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- When he arrived in Syracuse 11 years ago, Jay Subedi didnt speak much English. Hed spent 17 years in a refugee camp in Nepal after fleeing turmoil in his native Bhutan. He landed a job cleaning toilets and floors at Subway. He studied the names of sandwich ingredients at night, eventually working his way up to the food counter.

Since then, hes advised two Syracuse mayors, started his own business and been recognized on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Saturday, he stood before the leaders of the citys Democratic Party as they chose him as their candidate for a seat on the Common Council, the citys 10-person law-making body.

Subedi now is poised to become the first former refugee to earn a spot on the ballot for the city council.

I never imagined being on the political side, Subedi said in an interview Tuesday at Biscottis cafe on the North Side. But I want to serve the community...Ive always been a community guy.

Subedi is part of a record wave of refugees running for public office in Syracuse this year, seeking to give a voice to the growing population of immigrants and refugees who have established a home in Syracuse, particularly on the North Side. That slate of candidates is a reflection of the changing demographics of a city whose body politic has traditionally been dominated by the descendants of earlier generations of immigrants from places like Ireland and Italy.

***

Despite roughly 10,000 refugees in Syracuse, none has ever been elected to local office. Dustin Czarny, a Democratic election commissioner, said, to his knowledge, no refugee has ever even received a major party nomination for a seat in local government.

I cant think of any New American whos ever been a serious candidate for office, he said.

That will change this year.

Among the candidates running for Common Council this year are three former refugees -- people who fled violence or economic turmoil in another country and settled in Syracuse.

Subedi, who emigrated from Bhutan in 2008 with his family, won the Democratic designation to run for the 1st District Council seat against incumbent Joe Carni. Subedi will have the partys spot on the ballot for that district, which covers the North Side, Sedgwick and part of Eastwood.

Hell have an uphill battle in a general election, squaring off against Carni, the councils only Republican. Carni comes from a politically active family that owns Thanos Import Market (where Carni is manager). His father held the 1st district seat from 1990 to 1995 before going on to become a state Supreme Court justice. Carni has been elected to two terms on the council, defeating a Democratic incumbent in 2015 and holding off a Democratic challenger in 2017.

In the 3rd Council District, two former refugees are among the Democrats planning to run in a primary. Chol Majok and Emad Rahim will both run against Bryn Lovejoy-Grinnell, the partys designated candidate. Lovejoy-Grinnell narrowly defeated Majok for the designation on a third round of balloting at a committee meeting last Saturday.

Majok came to the U.S. as a teen after spending his childhood in a refugee camp in Kenya. He was one of the well-documented Lost Boys who waited for years to get to the U.S.

In 2013, former mayor Stephanie Miner hired Majok to be her scheduler and, later, her director of constituent services. He spent four years working in her office, before taking a job in community engagement with state Sen. Dave Valesky.

Rahim was born in Cambodia and fled the killing fields of Cambodia to come to the U.S. with his mother at a young age. Today, hes a professor and motivational speaker who uses his story to inspire others. He serves on the boards of the Central New York Community Foundation and the Good Life Foundation, among other roles.

***

The growing influence of refugees in party politics and local leadership reflects the wave of more than 10,000 refugees who have settled in Syracuse over the past 12 years. Onondaga County has, for years, attracted refugees at one of the highest rates in the nation. Many have made a home on Syracuses North Side, which was a long-time haven for Italian immigrants.

Officials have credited the influx of refugees with steadying the citys long-dwindling population.

The whole North Side is being transformed, Czarny said.

Felicia Castricone, director of the refugee services program at the Northside CYO, said the newer ethnic populations are having an out-sized impact on the city because, unlike past generations, many are staying. More than ever, they are buying homes and starting businesses in the city.

She said Bhutanese and Sudanese communities, in particular, have put down roots in the city. In the past, refugees have often relocated to the suburbs after becoming established.

A lot of times what we see first is people want to take ownership and be active in helping their own ethnic community, she said. As time goes on and people become more a part of the Syracuse community they really see a place to provide leadership for that community as well. Its the effects of integration and really being members of the community and really feeling like theyre Syracusans. This is their community and they want to make an impact.

The wave of political candidates, Castricone said, is something new. She said it might have something to do with the recent trend of New Americans and immigrant winning seats in national politics.

It probably helps to see so many former refugees and immigrants running for Congress, she said.

Subedi is part of a community of more than 3,000 Bhutanese immigrants, many who came just as the U.S. economy was entering a years-long recession. That community has stayed tight, Subedi said, and many have bought homes or started businesses here. Subedi previously worked for InterFaith Works and now owns an in-home care company, TruCare Connections.

He and his wife have two young children. His parents live with them on the North Side.

He plans to focus a campaign on encouraging homeownership on the North Side and channeling resources to programs for young people. He was among the first Bhutanese families to settle in Syracuse, and founded the Bhutanese Community group, of which he is president. He was part of former mayor Stephanie Miners citizens cabinet and a member of Mayor Ben Walshs transition team. Last year, U.S. Rep. John Katko recognized him on the floor of the House of Representatives.

I want to be a voice, he said. People dont always come out and speak their problems. People will feel encouraged to be part of the solution and raise their voice.

Correction: An earlier version of this story said Lovejoy-Grinnell defeated Majok on a second round of ballots. She won on the third round.LONG LAKE, N.Y. -- A Long Island man who was snowmobiling with a friend Saturday evening along Long Lake in the Adirondacks was killed after he went off the trail and on to the lake

The man, Christopher J. Becker, 44, of Hicksville in Nassau County, was found on the ice about 100 yards from the shore, according to a preliminary investigation by the State Police. The accident occurred near Steam Boat Road on the lakes south side.

The preliminary investigation determined that Becker was operating his snowmobile on the lake when the ice began to separate. Becker was thrown from the snowmobile and struck the ice, suffering severe head injuries, State Police said.

Officials were notified about the accident from the friend of the deceased snowmobiler who called for help at 11:18 p.m., saying his friends snowmobile went through the ice, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

DEC Forest Rangers Jay Scott and Jim Waters responded and requested the Ranger airboat from Northville. Environmental Conservation officer Keith Kelly and State Police responded as well, along with Long Lake Fire Department and EMS personel. The mans body was found at 12:20 a.m.

There have been 13 snowmobile-related fatalities this winter in Upstate New York.SYRACUSE, N.Y.  The state has suspended the dental license of a Camillus man who hit a 15-year-old pedestrian with his car while driving drunk.

James B. Draveck, 57, was charged with professional misconduct by the state Education Department after pleading guilty last year to vehicular assault in a Feb. 14, 2017 crash near Destiny USA that badly injured the teenager. He was sentenced to six months in jail.

Licensed health professionals are automatically charged with professional misconduct when they are convicted of crimes.

In a signed consent agreement, Draveck admitted guilt to the professional misconduct charge.

His dental license will remain suspended indefinitely until he submits a report from a doctor, psychologist or other provider showing he is fit to return to practice. If and when that happens, Draveck will be put on probation two years. The state also fined him $500.

Police said Draveck hit Anthony LaPorte as the boy was walking in the road near the 300 block of West Bear Street. Draveck had been drinking in his office on Oak Street in Syracuse before he hit the boy, according to police. Draveck left the scene of the accident driving a blue 2015 Audi, police said.

The boy suffered a broken leg and deep cuts to his head.

How to check up on health professionalsLIVERPOOL, N.Y. -- U.S. Rep. John Katkos third town hall on the Interstate 81 issue drew about 200 people to a middle school gymnasium on Tuesday evening.

The congressman is hosting four meetings like this across his district to listen to residents concerns about the 1.4-mile stretch of highway, which is so old that it does not conform to federal safety standards and must be replaced. Either the highway will be taken down, the viaduct rebuilt or a tunnel built under the city.

Katko, whose district includes about 36 miles of Interstate 81 from north to south, has held meetings in Auburn, DeWitt and the Town of Salina to hear as many voices as possible about the way the project might affect his constituents. Hell have his last meeting in Syracuse on Thursday at Fowler High School at 6 p.m.

In the last three meetings, Katko has heard from Syracuse residents who want to tear the highway down, from truckers who are concerned about their travel costs, from suburban residents worried about their commutes, from business owners along the decades-old corridor and local elected officials worried about tax revenue.

Here are four perspectives from Tuesdays meeting:

Truckers worried about I-481, because many cant use a tunnel

Truckers across New York state rely on I-81 daily for trips north and south.

The state trucking association has come out against a community grid, which entails taking the highway down and re-routing I-81 onto what is now I-481, because it would add time and money to their daily operations.

But that doesnt mean they are huge proponents of the tunnel option for the highway, because a large number of truckers drive hazardous materials.

Law prohibits truckers from taking hazardous materials into a tunnel, the truckers told Katko.

Hazmat vehicles cant transit a tunnel, one trucker who lives in Syracuse told the congressman on Tuesday.

The truckers have said they are concerned about trucking impacts on I-481 if it becomes the default option, even if a tunnel is built, saying they are worried it doesnt have the capacity to handle the increased traffic.

Katko said he hopes the upcoming draft environmental impact statement, a highly anticipated report to be issued by the New York State Department of Transportation, will look at what it will take to prepare I-481 for an influx of traffic if a grid or tunnel is built.

Some truckers have said they prefer rebuilding the highway, because it preserves high-speed traffic and prevents big trucks from clogging city streets.

Hotels on Seventh North Street

Jacqui Paikin and Missy Hughes, managers at several hotels along I-81s current corridor, said they are expecting huge impacts on traffic is diverted from its current footprint.

Paikin said 20 percent of guests at her hotels do not have a reservation when they come to stay, which means she expects a significant decrease in guests who opt to stay spontaneously during inclement weather or on a whim.

She said she represented four hotels along the street, which have paid more than $1 million a year in sales, room occupancy, school and property taxes, in addition to payroll taxes for their 200 employees.

Were going to have to cut payroll. Were going to have to cut hours if a grid is built, Paikin said.

Katko said he appreciated the hotels concerns, but he pointed out that the I-90 Thruway would still pass near the hotels. Paikin agreed that I-90 drivers would still stop in and stay.

Suburban voters who want the grid

Martha Ours said she lives two blocks away from where the meeting was held, but that doesnt mean shes another suburbanite worried about her commute if a grid is built. She said the region should adopt modern trends of tearing down urban highways.

Youve got to go with the change or transportation flow or youre going to be building for something thats not there anymore, she said.

She and some other suburban voters have coalesced in recent months to voice their support for a grid, saying that it encourages a vibrant city that will ultimately benefit the areas outside of it.

And Ours, who has a background in the medical field, also addressed concerns from some residents concerned about what might happen to emergency vehicles if they can no longer use Interstate 81.

She pointed out that city ambulance drivers rarely use Interstate 81 as it is now, because they fear a crash will occur and theyll be trapped on a raised viaduct with no way to get off of it.

And she said fears are overstated about how much longer it will take to get around if I-81 is taken down. Its a small city, she said, and were too dependent on the raised highways.

We havent used the city grid in so many hat nobody understands how close they are when theyre in that grid, she said.

Give us a toll if necessary

One major complaint against building a tunnel is the price tag.

It will cost at least $3.6 billion to build one for I-81, compared with $1.3 billion for a grid and $1.7 billion for rebuilding the viaduct.

However, Phil Dilmore from Pompey said the tunnel is a great compromise despite the cost because it could allow for a community grid to be built on top of a tunnel while allowing for high-speed north-south traffic to remain.

Its unclear how seriously the state Department of Transporation, which is producing the analysis for public review, is taking this notion of a hybrid. But an independent study has said a tunnel could include at least some elements desired by grid supporters.

If cost is a concern, Dilmore said, hed be willing to make a personal sacrifice.

Id be willing to pay a toll, Dilmore said.

That drew the loudest jeers in the mostly tame 1.5-hour town hall.

Central New York has been pretty anti-toll for a few decades. Legislation has been introduced since at least the 1970s asking to waive tolls on the New York State Thruway here, though it has never passed.A former Cornell University student found with a bomb and a cache of weapons last year was sentenced to two years in prison today.

Maximilien Reynolds, 21, admitted in November to deceiving a firearms dealer and possessing unregistered weapons.

Police searched his apartment and a storage unit in March and found a bomb, a gun silencer, more than 1,000 rounds of rifle and shotgun ammunition, two bullet-proof vests, a gas mask and numerous chemicals.

U.S. District Court Judge Thomas McAvoy sentenced Reynolds to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. He also ordered mental health services and drug treatment.

In a statement previously provided to syracuse.com, Reynolds lawyer Raymond Schlather said his client was acting defensively due to an emerging mental illness.

... There was no plan, no target, no threats, no anger, and no intent to cause harm to himself or to anyone else, Schlather said. Fortunately, Mr. Reynolds now is able to understand and accept his responsibility.

Reynolds, who is from northern New Jersey, was taking classes at Tompkins-Cortland Community College at the time of his arrest. He was on academic leave from Cornell University.

According to court records, the investigation stemmed from a tip received from a WalMart employee who was concerned about the materials Reynolds was purchasing.

In March, Ithaca Police and FBI special agents interviewed Reynolds and he gave them written permission to search his apartment and car. Thats when investigators found the cache of weapons and tactical items. Reynolds was voluntarily admitted for a mental health examination at that time.

Police later learned that a rifle found as part of the investigation had been acquired through a straw purchase. Reynolds gave another student money to buy a Savage MSR-15 Multi-Caliber .223/5.56 mm Patrol Rifle.

The investigation also led divers to recover a .25 caliber Bauer Arms semiautomatic pistol with a defaced serial number in Cayuga Canal. Officials said friends of Reynolds disposed of the gun in the water after his arrest.

Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers federal courts, government and issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-19922019 will mark the 50th anniversary of the original 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival in Upstate New York.

An estimated 400,000 people attended the first Woodstock concert, held Aug. 15-18, 1969, at Max Yasgurs dairy farm near White Lake in the Catskill Mountains. Performers included Richie Havens, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Joan Baez, Jimi Hendrix, Arlo Guthrie, Santana, Joe Cocker, the Grateful Dead and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Were you there? We want to hear from you.

syracuse.com and newyorkupstate.com are putting together a video tribute to Woodstock, and we want to include people who were at the original festival. Were looking for stories about the performers, the fans, the music, the fashion, the traffic, the vibes -- everything.

If you have a story and would like to contribute, please email reporter Geoff Herbert at gherbert@syracuse.com or call 315-466-1818. Were also looking for photos and video if you have any from Woodstock.

What about Woodstock 94? Woodstock 99? The iconic Woodstock experience was revisited in 1994 with a modern lineup of artists like Nine Inch Nails, Sheryl Crow, Metallica, Cypress Hill and Red Hot Chili Peppers in Saugerties, but Woodstock 99 -- held at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, N.Y. -- ended the fun with riots, fires and allegations of sexual assault.

If you were at the anniversary concerts, wed like to hear from you too.

Fans at the West stage at Woodstock 99 in Rome, New York. Crowd estimate for the first day was 250,000. (Photo by Scott Gries/ImageDirect)Getty Images

Original Woodstock promoter Michael Lang is marking the golden anniversary with a new festival -- Woodstock 50 -- to be held Aug. 16-18, 2019, at Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes region. At least 40 artists have been booked for three stages; a lineup, tickets and more details will be announced soon.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, home of the original Woodstock site, is also celebrating the anniversary with A Season of Song & Celebration and three smaller concerts on the same weekend. Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band, Arlo Guthrie and The Edgar Winter Band will perform at Bethel Woods on Aug. 16; Santana and The Doobie Brothers will perform on Aug. 17; and a yet-to-be-announced concert will take place Aug. 18.Syracuse University alumna Julie Rosenbergs cooperative skills will be put to the test on Survivor season 38, which premieres tonight on CBS.

The new edition, themed, Edge of Extinction, features 18 contestants who will try to survive past a series of obstacles in pursuit of the $1 million prize.

Rosenberg is a toymaker who currently lives in New York City.

The show, which debuted in May 2000, is filmed in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji and is hosted by Emmy Award winner Jeff Probst.

Rosenberg, SU class of 1993, is a native of Baltimore. She is a toymaker who currently lives in New York City.

Survivor will air at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays on CBS, locally at WSTM (Channel 5).SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse University leaders said they are taking steps to address students concerns after an off-campus assault earlier this month left three students with minor injuries.

Student leaders, who said the attack was racially motivated, have criticized campus and Syracuse police for their response to the assault.

This incident is deeply troubling and has left many in our campus community questioning their safety, according to a statement issued by SU leaders.

A community forum organized by the Student Association, the undergraduate student governing body, and the Student African American Society was held Monday to discuss the attack which took place at about 12:41 a.m. on Feb. 9 at 814 Ackerman Ave.

Police responded to the home and found three male victims who told police they had been attacked by a white man and a white woman, said Syracuse Police spokesman Sgt. Matthew Malinowski.

One of the assailants called a black student a n*****," the victims said in a statement provided to Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. The three people targeted in the attack were students of color, the students said. Syracuse Police issued a statement saying the attack does not appear to be motivated by race.

The Student Association said the universitys Department of Public Safety and the Syracuse Police Department did not take seriously the victims allegations that the attack was racially motivated.

Community members were vocal Monday evening in communicating that they want more action from the university.

We have taken tangible steps this year to ensure that all members of our community feel safe, valued, supported and empowered, according to a statement issued by Interim Chief Diversity Officer Keith A. Alford, Senior Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Rob Hradsky and Department of Public Safety Chief Bobby Maldonado.

The university said in its statement it will be taking the following steps:DEWITT, N.Y. -- Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer was in DeWitt this afternoon to announce that he is backing a bill that helps police departments purchase high-tech screening tools that detect lethal drugs, such as fentanyl.

Schumer said the opioid crisis requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, especially in Onondaga County, which experienced more 200 deaths from overdoses linked to heroin combined with fentanyl since 2016.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin. It is a dangerous drug that when touched or inhaled can cause a deadly reaction, Schumer said.

Schumer, surrounded by Central New York law enforcement officers, said he is backing the Providing Officers with Electronic Resources Act, which is known as the POWER Act," to help police departments purchase these high-tech, handheld screening devices. The portable chemical screening devices, also known as interdiction devices, can detect a drug in an area before an officers sees or touches it, which will minimizes the risk of dangerous exposure.

According to Schumer, the bipartisan bill, creates a new grant program through the U.S. Department of Justice that will help law enforcement agencies purchase the devices, which are between $30,000 and $80,000 each. Under the POWER Act, grants will cover 80 to 90 percent of the costs, Schumer said.

DeWitt Police Chief John Anton said the DeWitt Police Department was called to 52 overdose calls in 2018.

Our officers are in danger, Anton said, who hopes to receive funding to purchase one device for the town department. These devices will help to keep officers and the public safe.Supporters and opponents of the bill will likely negotiate specifics of the measure. The size of a companys workforce covered by the legislation, how much of an employees weekly wages would be replaced and other details could be up for grabs as the legislation moves through the General Assembly.Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse man accused of killing two former co-workers during a late-night robbery at the DeWitt Chilis restaurant wanted to plead guilty today in state court and spend the rest of his life in prison.

But a prosecutor denied William Wood, 33, the chance to plead guilty under an obscure law. Chief Assistant District Attorney Melinda McGunnigle wants to give federal prosecutors more time to pursue a possible death-penalty case.

Woods lawyer, Ben Coffin, called the law unconstitutional and argued that his client should be allowed to plead guilty today.

But County Court Judge Stephen Dougherty said the law, as it stands on the books, gave McGunnigle veto power over Woods plea. Thats based on a little-known provision that requires prosecutor consent for someone to plead guilty to first-degree murder.

Most murders are not first-degree, so this doesnt come up a lot. But because Wood is accused of killing two people during the course of a robbery, that bumps it up from the more traditional second-degree murder charge.

Wood is hoping that a plea and sentence to life without parole will convince federal prosecutors not to pursue the death penalty. A plea in state court would not deny federal prosecutors a chance to pursue the death penalty. But theres much less chance theyd spend the time and money to prosecute someone whos already certain to be in prison for the rest of his life.

On the other hand, local prosecutors want to give the feds more time to pursue the capital case.

Coffin noted that two other similar provisions requiring local prosecutor consent had been struck down by the courts as unconstitutional. Given lawmakers intent was the same in this case, he argued this law was also unconstitutional.

Dougherty did not rule today as to whether he would take Woods plea in state court. But he gave prosecutors a week to submit arguments pertaining to why the plea should not be allowed.

Wood is prepared to admit shooting to death Kristopher Hicks and Stephen Gudknecht at 1 a.m. Sept 15, 2018. Wood was a former employee at the restaurant who came back to steal cash.

Federal prosecutor Lisa Fletcher pursued and obtained an indictment against Wood, which was announced earlier this week. His federal case is just beginning.

Coffin said today that Wood had been prepared to plead guilty from the get-go, though there were some legal issues that needed to be addressed first. He argued that Wood should not be prevented from pleading guilty now, simply because the death penalty was on the table.

McGunnigle had previously offered Wood a plea of life in prison without parole. But she withdrew that offer today in her attempt to give federal prosecutors more time.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick joined McGunnigle in judges chambers today to argue that Woods plea should not be accepted.An Oneida County man who got into a fight with his girlfriend over marijuana plants he was growing in their home tried to destroy the plants in the fireplace after his girlfriend called police, state police said.

Police found the home filled with smoke and had to call firefighters in to put out the partially burned plants, police said.

Shad R. Hinman, 45, of Vienna, was arrested Tuesday after the domestic dispute, state police said in a news release.

Police were called to the home on State Route 49 in Vienna at about 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday because of a domestic dispute, police said.

A man, later identified as Himan, was spotted running from the home and was taken into custody, police said.

State police said their investigation found Hinman and his girlfriend had been arguing over him growing marijuana plants inside of their residence.

The girlfriend said Hinman attempted to destroy the plants prior to police arriving by tearing them out of pots and burning them, police said.

Troopers found the marijuana plants burning in the fireplace and some plants still intact within the residence. The fireplace had malfunctioned, causing the home to fill with smoke, police said.

The North Bay Fire Department extinguished the burning plants, police said.

Troopers found a loaded hunting rifle hanging on the wall of the residence, which Hinman was not permitted to possess due to prior convictions and an order of protection prohibiting him from possessing firearms.

Troopers also found that Hinman had not notified authorities regarding his change of address, as required by the sex offender registry program.

The home was condemned by the Town of Vienna Codes Department due to numerous codes violations.

Hinman was charged with:

4th-degree criminal possession of a weapon

2nd-degree criminal contempt

Unlawful growing of cannabis

Sex offender failing to report an address change

Hinman was brought to the Oneida County Jail for Centralized Arraignment.CICERO, N.Y. -- A Cicero man who police have accused of impersonating a CIA agent to impress a woman works for the New York Air National Guard as a drone camera operator, according to an Air National Guard spokesman and an Air Force website.

Ryan R. Houghtalen, 25, was charged with second-degree impersonation of a public servant, a misdemeanor.

Houghtalen told the woman he met at church her life was in danger because he was a CIA agent and that they were both targets of ISIS, according to court documents.

Houghtalen enlisted with the NY National Guard in January 2012 and is a staff sergeant with the 174th Attack Wing, based at Hancock Field, said Eric Durr, a guard spokesman.

Houghtalen serves as a sensor operator on the MQ-9, the Reaper, Durr said. He said could not comment on a sensor operators responsibilities.

A sensor operator runs the camera on a drone, according to the Air Forces description.

The 174th Attack Wing pilots the Reaper drones on combat and surveillance missions overseas. The base is also a maintenance and training facility for the squadron of drones. It was the first Air National Guard base to operate the drones.

Sensor operators do not have to have prior flight experience, must complete a background check, go through about 10 weeks of basic military training and must be between 17 and 39 years old, according to the Air Forces website.

Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, these highly trained experts perform surveillance and reconnaissance and provide close air support and real-time battle damage assessment, playing a vital role in ensuring our missions succeed, it reads.

Though Durr could not speak specifically about Houghtalens case, Durr said a guard member convicted of a crime in civilian court can face punishment by the guard. Durr said, among other possible punishments, a person could be fined or a persons rank reduced.

The Air Force posted the following about what drone sensor operators do:Andy Hubble was born in Nebo on Aug. 6, 1933. He returned to Nebo for the final time Nov. 8, 2020, when he was buried in the community that hiYou give them the opportunity to be in a perfect education environment and you will see those students bloom and blossom.

The school systems noncompliance with the Americans with Disablities Act was also concerning to the VDOE. Collins warned of financial risks of noncompliance.

Im going to tell you right now, if we dont get into compliance with the ADA, one lawsuit will cost you. . . more money than you will ever think about it costing you in a year through taxes in order to be able to have our new school.

Arlene Bridges also spoke of the efforts for a new school in the 80s. Bridges fought for the school in then and was sorely disappointed when those efforts didnt come to fruition.

And now Im standing here 32 years later.Weve got to think of our children. Option two is our only option. Thats the only way we can go. Lets fight for this. Lets fight as hard as we can fight, she said.The Saltville Rescue Squad may be in the business of saving lives, but theres one life it cant save: its own.

The estimates vary even among those closest to the situation, but no one gives the squad more than six months of life. Linda Larmer, of the squads board of directors, gave it just a month or so. Roscoe Call, a member of the board of supervisors and the squads board, gave the institution seven months at best, but said it might just be three. The squad is hemorrhaging money, going about $25,000 into the red every month.

The problem was very much on the minds of the Saltville Town Council and the Smyth County Board of Supervisors Tuesday evening.

The council has made it clear that the town cant afford to take on the agencys operations. The council asked the supervisors to take on the matter. While towns are chartered to provide fire protection, emergency medical services (EMS) falls under the countys obligations.

The problemExcursions to Rhythm and Roots in Bristol for younger seniors or simply going to a movie are other ideas, he said.

Its going to require a step at a time. I think there are things we can do to get it moving that will require little or no money.

Hill, who majored in music education at Emory & Henry College in 1975, plays the piano and sings. We could even start a senior choir, he said.

I want the center to be a hub of activities for seniors and make the golden years glorious years. And Id like to see people of all ages volunteer, participate and help operate the center.

But, more importantly, I want to help seniors establish what they want the center to be, but it will require something on everyones part. The community needs to get involved, Hill said.

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The director hopes he and other volunteers can secure grant money that will enable them to pay for improvements to the centers restrooms that are not handicapped-accessible.

Its important for seniors to know the center belongs to them.

Hill, age 65, is no stranger to community service.Im very particular about what I eat. I want to know where food comes from, said Counts-Buckland. Im the same way about what I wear. I want to know what my materials are composed of. Its important to know what youre putting inside  and outside  your body.

The artisan and her artist husband Kyle Buckland work out of their home studio. Both have been full-time artists since 2008, making a living selling their art through shops, galleries, exhibitions and festivals, as well as the Abingdon Farmers Market.

Her jewelry is juried into Heartwood, Southwest Virginias Artisan Gateway, and she is a member of Round the Mountain Artisan Network. Her work can be found in many galleries and shops around the Southern Appalachian region.

Each of her jewelry-making workshops at the Town Square Center for the Arts is $40 per person for ages 12 and older. All materials and supplies will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

For more about the workshop or to register, visit www.tscaart.com.

The Town Square Center for the Arts is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday. Follow the Town Square Center for the Arts on Facebook.

Carolyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer in Glade Spring, Virginia. Contact her at news@washconews.com.Four far Southwest Virginia natives were among 80 new Virginia State Police troopers who were presented their diplomas during commencement exercises on Friday.

Trooper Jonathan L. Cannon, 23, of Saltville, will report to duty next week to the Chesapeake Division, according to a news release. His first patrol assignment will be in Southampton County. Russell County native, Trooper Nathan A. Combs, 22, begins his career with VSP assigned to patrol in Botetourt County, which is in the Salem Division.

Marion native, Joshua T. Nicley, 27, is headed to VSPs Salem Division for his first patrol assignment in Botetourt County. He earned an associates degree in business administration from Virginia Highlands Community College.

From Abingdon is Trooper Nicholas O. Slate, 22. Slate earned an associates degree from Southwest Virginia Community College. He begins his new assignment in the Culpeper Division and will spend the next six weeks with a field training officer learning his new patrol area and day-to-day duties. His first duty post covers Rockingham County.The county estimates it will bring in between $50,000 and $100,000 in new revenues from Loves Truck Stop, but a proposed pay raise for teachers could lay a preemptive claim to those dollars, if approved. While state funding would take care of educators who teach certain classes, the county would be tasked with making up the difference for those who do not. Kidd estimated an additional $84,000 would already need to be set aside for teacher salaries if that part of the state budget is approved. New expenses like those could already be eating away at new revenues the county brings in, he said.CHILHOWIE, Va.  Travelers on Interstate 81 in Chilhowie and the U.S. Highway 29 Bypass in Amherst may soon pass over bridges in honor of fallen Virginia State Police Trooper Lucas B. Dowell.

Dowell, who graduated from Chilhowie High School in 2009, died Feb. 4 at age 28 when he was struck by gunfire while serving with a tactical team assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Task Force in executing a search warrant at a residence in Cumberland County. Police returned fire and killed the suspect, 44-year-old Corey Johnson, state police have said.

On Thursday, a number of state delegates and senators from both the Republican and Democratic parties introduced a bill to designate the bridge on I-81 over Whitetop Road the Trooper Lucas B. Dowell Bridge.

If passed, the Virginia Department of Transportation would place and maintain appropriate markers indicating the designation of the bridge, the bill states. The designation would not affect any other designation applied to the bridge, it adds.Melissa Turtinen is the community editor for Lakeshore Weekly News and Eden Prairie News. She's passionate about adding context to stories and informing people about what's going on in their community. She enjoys being outside, traveling and good beer.

Follow Melissa Turtinen 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Do you already have a paid subscription to any of the SWNewsMedia newspapers? If so, you can Activate your Premium online account by clicking here. Activation will allow you to view unlimited online articles each month. To activate your Premium online account, the email address and phone number provided with your paid newspaper subscription needs to match the information you use in setting up your online user account. If you are having trouble or want to confirm what email address and phone number is listed on your subscription account, please call 952-345-6682 or email circulation@swpub.com and we'll be happy to assist.Successfully implemented in Maines congressional elections and gubernatorial primaries, ranked-choice voting eliminates all of the problems stemming from plurality voting. The idea is simple: Voters are given a ballot listing every candidate, like normal, but are asked to rank them  from top to bottom  rather than just choosing one. Tabulating the results isnt as straightforward, but it operates exactly like an instant run-off system. If a candidate is above 50 percent with just first-place votes, he/she is declared the winner. However, if no one clears the bar on the first round, the candidate with the lowest number of first-place votes is eliminated and his or her votes are reallocated to the candidate ranked second on those voters ballots.Click the image above to watch the video

In todays weather forecast we are expecting a partly cloudy day with a few showers, and northerlies developing in the afternoon.

Its a one-clothing layer day today with a high of 26 and an overnight low of 20 degrees. Humidity is 92 per cent.

High tide is at 8.50am and low tide at 3.10pm (Tay St). Theres a sea swell of 0.5m and sea temperature is 22 degrees. Sunset tonight is at 8.04pm.

If youre going fishing the next best fish bite time is between 6.30 and 9.30pm.

On this day in NZ history in 1879 was the Kaitangata mining disaster. An explosion rocked the coalmine at Kaitangata, South Otago. Thirty-five men died.

In world history on this day in 1878 the world's first telephone book was issued by the New Haven Connecticut Telephone Company containing the names of its 50 subscribers.

In 1940 the Germans began construction of a concentration camp at Auschwitz.

In 1972 Richard Nixon arrived in Beijing, China, becoming the first U.S. president to visit a country not diplomatically recognized by the U.S.

In 1974 a report claimed that the use of defoliants by the U.S. will scar Vietnam for a century.

Today is the birthday of English theologian and writer John Henry Newman. Born in 1801, he once said A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault.

To get involved in activities around the Bay of Plenty, please check out our Whats on page.

Have a great day!As animal welfare officers come under increasing demand, some animal advocates are looking to the government for help.

It has been one of the busiest summers on record for welfare officers at the SPCA, while the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the police and SAFE have all reported increases in the number of reported animal abuse, neglect and abandonment incidents since 2016.

MPI responded to 839 complaints about the welfare of animals on commercial farms and lifestyle blocks - up six on 2017; 1200 complaints were made or referred to the police, who have recorded an increase of 100 complaints every year for the past three years.

SPCA chief executive Andrea Midgen says she thinks the increases were most likely due to the increasing awareness of animal welfare issues, with "more people willing to report things that don't seem right".

But she says it's putting a lot pressure on SPCA resources and staff were unable to respond to every reported incident. Some centres received up to 50 abandoned kittens a day.

"We have to triage our calls and prioritise them ... because there's just not enough of us to go all around the country."

She says the organisation did not have enough resources to cope, which was a funding issue.

The SPCA received about $400,000 a year from the government but Andrea says it cost them $42 million to operate.

SAFE follow up and refer animal welfare cases, and its chief executive, Debra Ashton, says she's "quite concerned" about the upwards trend and the capacity of organisations like the SPCA to cope.

But her proposed solution goes beyond extra funding. She says SAFE would not even need to be part of the picture, if the system for reporting animal welfare issues was working.

"We're actually calling for an independent body to be set up, possibly by the commissioner, that has regulatory and enforcement capabilities.

"Complaints should be going directly to a body that deals with them quickly and really gets them addressed."

She says there's about one animal welfare inspector in New Zealand for every 7,000,000 animals and that was not working.

But MPI says it doesn't think change was needed.

In a statement, spokesperson Peter Hyde says he disagrees with animal to inspector numbers as a formula for resourcing given that MPI's job was to hold people responsible.

He says MPI's animal welfare inspectors played a vital role in detecting and dealing with reports of the ill-treatment of production animals, providing advice to the farming community as well as gathering evidence where an issue was dealt with by way of an investigation and any subsequent prosecution.

"Animal abuse is committed by people, not by the animals, and as such MPI investigates the liability of the people in charge of the animals.

MPI had sufficient resources to deal with offenders, he says.

"Any enforcement agency could make an argument for more resource. Like all other agencies, including the SPCA, we make the most of what we have by assessing potential risk to animals and prioritising resource."

Ms Ashton says she has begun talking to the SPCA about the ideas and would be taking them to the government.Bay of Plenty

You will be driving the Roller and also required to help out the team hands on. You will be working around Tauranga, for...



View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nzSimon Bridges is seeking feedback on what people in Tauranga think about the Tomorrows Schools proposals.

The Bay of Plenty MP and National Party leader will be holding a public meeting on Thursday at the Tauranga RSA.

He says The Tomorrows Schools proposals represent the largest education reforms in over 30 years.

There is a lot of confusion in the community on what the reforms could mean for our children, says Simon.

Tauranga is the fastest growing city in the country and it is important that our community has a good understanding of what is being proposed and contributes feedback.

National has raised some serious concerns about the proposals which, in our view, could transfer power away from parents to officials.

We want to discuss this and hear back from our community.

Our hope is that local parents, trustees on school boards and people involved with educating school students will join us and have the opportunity to understand.

An independent task force has made a number of recommendations.

It includes scrapping the 10 Ministry of Education regional offices and setting up 20 education hubs and each will have oversight of about 125 schools.

Principals can be shared across schools within a hub.

Hubs will decide student suspensions and also deal with complaints from student and parents.

Also recommended is a limit to the number of out-of-zone enrolments, limit donations that schools can ask for and ditching the decile system for an equity index, so disadvantaged schools get the money they deserve.

The report also recommends setting up an independent Education Evaluation Office, to report to parliament annually, to monitor the whole system and cut duplication across the Education Review Office, NZQA and Education Ministry.

The changes will take three to five years to put in place and need political consensus.

The report does not have an estimate on costs, and the taskforce says costing is an important part of the next consultation phase.The kiwifruit industry has begun a recruitment campaign ahead of the harvest season staring mid-March.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated Chief Executive Officer Nikki Johnson says they want to make sure they are not short of workers.

The amount of green and gold kiwifruit on the vines is forecast to be even higher than last years harvest, says Nikki.

That means around 18,000 workers will be needed.

Last year, the harvest was at least 1,200 workers short at the peak  we dont want a repeat of that.

The MP for Bay of Plenty Todd Muller is calling for the Government to urgently declare a seasonal worker shortage.

He says it will allow work visas to be fast-tracked as they were late in the 2018 season.

Fruit growers were grateful that the Government lifted the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme cap last year, but that doesnt go nearly far enough in a season some are calling a perfect storm of big crops and a worker shortage.

Kiwifruit growers but will be competing with vineyards and summer fruit orchards for workers.

But the Ministry of Social Development says its too early to declare seasonal labour shortage for the Bay of Plenty because the Kiwifruit harvesting season hasnt kicked in.

Regional Commissioner Mike Bryant says the previous labour shortage in Bay of Plenty was declared in May 2018.

Were continuing to talk with industry about their expected supply of labour, which we know can be hard to predict.

Predictions will become clearer in the next few months as the harvest season approaches.

Nikki says to promote seasonal jobs in kiwifruit they will be running a broad labour recruitment campaign.

It will target local students, unemployed kiwis, retirees and backpackers, to show them what the industry can offer and address any misconceptions about the work, says Nikki.

While we want to employ local kiwis as a first priority, were casting the net far and wide to attract as many seasonal workers as possible.

There is a workforce out there that we think would be great in our industry; we just have to tell them about it and let them know whats in it for them.

Nikki says the campaign will promote kiwifruit work opportunities through a major social media campaign to reach potential workers, using Facebook to connect with job-seekers through the recently launched Kiwifruit Jobs NZ page.

The industry needs large numbers of workers over a relatively short timeframe from late March through June for harvesting fruit.

But theres also a large number of workers needed in the packhouses in a wide range of processing roles, as the fruit leaves the orchards to be prepared for distribution overseas.

A lot of incorrect information exists about working with kiwifruit making it harder to recruit people who would otherwise get a lot out of seasonal work.

That includes the pay rates  they are actually very competitive. We will highlight the facts about kiwifruit work through our campaign to rectify myths.

In comparison to 2017 numbers, the kiwifruit industry will require an additional 7,000 workers by 2027.

In 2017 when the minimum wage was $15.75, the average wage for picking kiwifruit was $20.95.

The expected picking rate in 2019 is $23.50.It costs about $90,000 to $140,000 to care for one person for one year in a private group home that contracts with the state. Putting clients in shared apartments, with helpful technology and access to visiting aides, lowers the costs by tens of thousands of dollars per person, advocates say. That allows more people to be housed for the same budget allocation.A 53-foot luxury sailboat that sank in a cove just off the Connecticut River in Lyme in late January has been lifted from the bottom of Hamburg Cove in Lyme on Wednesday by Sea Tow Central Connecticut of Old Saybrook and Shoreline Diving Services CT of Coventry. The vessel was towed to Chester Point Marina. The crew raised the vessel with a combination of airbags and by pumping water out. The salvage operation comes as a relief to environmentalists worried about fuel leakage from the vessel. U.S. Coast Guard and state officials have been checking the sunken sailing yacht on a daily basis since it went down in Lymes Hamburg Cove. They say there is no evidence that diesel fuel from the sailing yachts tanks has leaked. (Patrick Raycraft / Hartford Courant)Stillwater, OK (74074)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near an inch.VILSECK, BY, GERMANY 02.13.2019 - A U.S. Army mobile gun system Stryker variant belonging to Quickstrike Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment fires upon several targets during a week-long gunnery range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 14, 2019. Gunnery was the culminating event for their multi-month training progression. (U.S.Army photo by Sgt. Timothy Hamlin)

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We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. We need your help in reversing that trend. We would like to add 20 new subscribers this month.

Each month we count on your subscriptions or contributions. You can support us in the following ways:It may seem oxymoronic, but President Trump is living proof that lunatics can think big. Not content with only threatening regime change in Venezuela, the American leader is expanding his mission to rid the Western hemisphere of socialism, with Cuba and Nicaragua next in line for US salvation.

In a particularly unhinged speech last weekend in Miami, Florida, Trump declared Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura a Cuban puppet and failed dictator. Trump denounced socialism with a verve that has not been heard from a US president since the depth of the Cold War more than 30 years ago.

In Venezuela, and across the Western hemisphere, socialism is dying and liberty, prosperity and democracy are being reborn, said Trump inferring the Troika of Tyranny that his national security advisor John Bolton  another lunatic  previously coined to describe Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua.

The Miami Herald reported Trumps speech as a harbinger for regime change in the three Latin American countries.

Trumps claim of democracy being reborn is a bit hard to take at a time when this president is declaring state-of-emergency powers at home to push through his faltering border wall vanity project. Dozens of US states are suing Trump for presidential over-reach of executive powers. Constitutional scholars are warning of an incipient shift to fascism under Trump.

For Trump to then proclaim he is spearheading freedom and liberty for the entire Western hemisphere is a foreboding sign that his megalomania is spectacularly out of control.

The prospects of the US military fighting a war in Venezuela, let alone Cuba and Nicaragua as well, are in the realms of impossible fantasy. But with this Commander-in-Chief the fantasy is being entertained.

Trump in his Miami speech delivered a mafia-like ultimatum to the Venezuelan military. Either it supports the US-anointed minor opposition figure Juan Guaido who declared himself acting president of Venezuela almost a month ago, or the armed forces face obliteration, said Trump.

With the tone of an organized crime boss, Trump warned that Venezuelas defense forces were risking their lives by supporting the failed dictatorship of former President Maduro. If you choose this path, you will find no safe harbor, no easy exit and no way out. You will lose everything, added Trump.

In response, President Maduro slammed Trump for his Nazi-like speech and for daring to threaten his countrys military with annihilation if it does not submit.

The criminality of the occupant in the American White House is astounding. The brazen threat of aggression against another nation  as well as implicitly against Cuba and Nicaragua  is on par with the fascism of the 1930s leading up to World War II.

The flying in of US military cargo planes to Colombia and Brazil purportedly laden with food aid for Venezuela is a flagrant cover for mounting an armed incursion. In close coordination with the CIA-groomed opposition figure Juan Guaido, the US is contriving a deadline of this weekend for the aid supplies to be allowed entrance into Venezuela.

President Maduro is refusing to permit the US material into his country. Venezuelas armed forces are resolutely in support of the government in Caracas and therefore can be counted on to block any attempt to force the US aid across the borders from Colombia and Brazil. The impasse may, however, provide pretext for US military intervention.

The impending crisis whipped up by Trump with Venezuela seems insane. The South American country may be in economic turmoil, but it is hardly a humanitarian catastrophe meriting such drama. Besides the turmoil has largely been instigated by Washington slapping sanctions and asset freezes on Venezuelas lifeline oil economy. If the US were to lift its illegal sanctions on the country then much of the chaos would subside.

For the Trump administration to declare a minor opposition figure as the recognized president of Venezuela is an audacious violation of international law and norms. Shamefully, several European states have sought to legitimize Washingtons subversion in Venezuela.

Of course, subverting the socialist government of Nicolas Maduro has the all-important prize of allowing US capital to get its hands on Venezuelas colossal oil wealth.

Another motive is to eradicate any threat of good example in Uncle Sams presumed backyard. If Venezuela can be subjugated, then the Trump administration has Nicaragua and Cuba next in its cross-hairs for regime change. There is also the benefit of suppressing any political opposition domestically within the US, with a campaign against socialism in the Western hemisphere used to smear emerging socialists at home.

Still another motive for Trump is to desperately find a patriotic purpose with which to mobilize his support base. Despite his blustering campaign promises, Trump has delivered very little to his voters over the past two years. With his 2020 re-election bid in sight, Trumps faltering border wall project is perhaps the most embarrassing failure. Not able to deliver on his vanity project, Trump is casting around for an alternative cause celebre.

Fighting socialism in Venezuela and elsewhere in the Western hemisphere is Trumps next star-turn. But how absurd can it get? Trump is presenting himself as more messianic than Cold War hawks in Washington during past decades when they could at least plausibly invoke Soviet expansionism as a propaganda threat.

Trumps lunatic demagoguery is going big  off the rails.Showing that he is adopting the neoconservative playbook every day he remains in office, Donald Trump handed the neocons a major win when he appointed Iran-contra scandal felon Elliott Abrams as his special envoy on Venezuela. Abrams pleaded guilty in 1991 to two counts of withholding information on the secret sale of US weapons for cash to help illegally supply weapons to the Nicaraguan right-wing contras, who were battling against the government of President Daniel Ortega. Abrams would have headed to a federal prison, but President George H. W. Bush, an unindicted co-conspirator in the scandal, issued pardons to Abrams and his five fellow conspirators  former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, former National Security Adviser Robert McFarlane, and former Central Intelligence Agency officials Alan Fiers, Duane Dewey Clarridge, and Clair George  on Christmas Eve 1991, during the final weeks of Bushs lame duck administration.

Abrams escaped being charged with more serious crimes by Independent Counsel Lawrence Walsh because he cut a last-minute deal with federal prosecutors. Trump, who has made no secret of his disdain for cooperating federal witnesses, would have normally called Abrams a rat, a gangster term meaning informant. The man who helped engineer the pardons for Abrams and his five convicted friends was none other than Bushs Attorney General, William Barr, who has just been sworn in as Trumps Attorney General. Trump, who is always decrying the presence of the deep state that thwarts his very move, has become the chief guardian of that entity.

During a recent hearing of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, newly-minted congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Democrat of Minnesota, reminded her colleagues and the world about the sordid background of Abrams.

Omar zeroed in on Abramss criminal history:

Mr. Abrams, in 1991 you pleaded guilty to two counts of withholding information from Congress regarding the Iran-Contra affair, for which you were later pardoned by President George H.W. Bush. I fail to understand why members of this committee or the American people should find any testimony you give today to be truthful.

Abrams, as is the nature of neocons, refused to respond to Omar and cited her comments as personal attacks.

Abramss and his fellow criminals use of mercenaries and death squads to conduct secret wars in Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala during the Ronald Reagan administration in the 1980s has made a re-entrance under Trump. Abrams was brought on board by neocons like National Security Adviser John Bolton, Vice President Mike Pence, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to oversee a US military build-up in Colombia, said to be 5000 US troops, to support Venezuelan paramilitary and military efforts to topple President Nicolas Maduro. Abrams and Bolton are also believed to have retained the services of another unindicted conspirator in the Iran-contra affair, Michael Ledeen, a colleague of the disgraced and convicted former Trump National Security Adviser, retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn. Ledeen and Flynn co-authored a book titled, The Field of Fight: How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam and its Allies. The book contains nothing more than the standard neocon tripe one might expect from the likes of Ledeen.

An official investigation of the Iran-contra scandal by the late Republican Senator John Tower of Texas concluded that Abramss and Ledeens friend, Iranian-Jewish middleman Manucher Ghorbanifar, a long-time Mossad asset and well-known prevaricator, was extremely instrumental in establishing the back-channel arms deals with Iran. Ghorbanifar has long been on the CIA "burn list" as an untrustworthy charlatan, along with others in the Middle East of similar sketchy credentials, including the Iraqs Ahmad Chalabi, Syrias Farid Frank Ghadry, and Lebanons Samir Sami Geagea. These individuals, however, were warmly embraced by neocons like Abrams and his associates.

Abrams, whose links with Israeli intelligence has always been a point of consternation with US counter-intelligence officials, is part of an old cabal of right-wing anti-Soviet Democrats who coalesced around Senator Henry Jackson in the 1970s. Along with Abrams, this group of war hawks included Richard Perle, Frank Gaffney, William Kristol, Douglas Feith, Lewis Scooter Libby, Abram Shulsky, and Paul Wolfowitz. Later, this group would have its fingerprints on major US foreign policy debacles, ranging from Nicaragua and Grenada to Lebanon, Iraq, and Libya. Later, in December 2000, these neocons managed to convince president-elect George W. Bush of the need to democratize the Middle East. That policy would later bring not democracy but disaster to the Arab Middle East and North Africa.

Abrams and his cronies will not stop with Venezuela. They have old scores to settle with Nicaraguan President Ortega. The initiation of regime change operations in Nicaragua, supported by the CIA and the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in Miami, have been ongoing for more than a year.

The Trump administration has already achieved a regime change victory of sorts in El Salvador. Nayib Bukele, the former mayor of San Salvador, who was expelled from the formerly-ruling left-wing Farabundo Marti National Liberation (FMLN) party and joined the right-wing GANA party, was recently elected president of El Salvador. Bukele has quickly re-aligned his countrys policies with those of the Trump administration. Bukele has referred to President Maduro of Venezuela as a dictator. He has also criticized the former FMLN governments recognition of China and severance of diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It will be interesting to see how a sycophant like Bukele will politically survive as Trump continues to call hapless asylum-seeking migrants from his country, who seek residency in the United States, rapists, gang monsters, murderers, and drug smugglers.

Another country heading for a US-installed banana republic dictator is Haiti. President Jovenal Moise has seen rioting in the streets of Port-au-Prince as the US State Department removed all non-essential personnel from the country. Moise, whose country has received $2 billion in oil relief from Venezuela, to help offset rising fuel prices, has continued to support the Maduro government. However, at the US-run and neo-colonial artifice, the Organization of American States (OAS), Moises envoys have been under tremendous pressure to cut ties with Venezuela and recognize the US puppet Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president. Moises refusal to do so resulted in armed gangs hitting the streets of Port-au-Prince demanding Moises resignation. It is the same neocon regime change playbook being used in Venezuela and Nicaragua.

There will be similar attempts to replace pro-Maduro governments in his remaining allies in the region. These include Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Abrams was also brought in as an adviser on Middle East policy in the George W. Bush administration. The carnage of Iraq is a stark testament to his record. In 2005, it was reported that two key Bush White House officials  Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove and Deputy National Security Adviser Elliot Abrams  gave a wink and a nod for the assassinations by Israeli-paid operatives of three key Lebanese political figures seeking a rapprochement with Syria and Lebanese Hezbollah  Member of Parliament Elie Hobeika, former Lebanese Communist Party chief George Hawi, and former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

In 2008, a United Nations panel headed by former Canadian prosecutor Daniel Bellemare later concluded Hariri was assassinated by a "criminal network" and not by either Syrian and Lebanese intelligence or Lebanese Hezbollah as proffered by Abrams and his friends in Washington.

Representative Omar was spot on in questioning why Abrams, whose name is as disgraced as his two fellow conspirators  Oliver North and John Poindexter  whose criminal convictions were overturned on appeal, is working for the Trump administration on Venezuela. The answer is that the neocons, who can sense, like raptors, Trumps political weakness, have filled the vacuum left by top-level vacancies in the administration.Paintball is a sport in which players try to hit others by firing small round balls filled with dyed jelly. The balls are usually shot from a gun powered by compressed air or other expanding vapour, and some projectors cost many hundreds of dollars. The sport is popular and the manufacturers of equipment have become rich by inventing all sorts of weird and complicated guns and so forth. Its harmless enough, and in fact is the sort of game dreamed about by many little boys.

Which brings us to the Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, Mr Gavin Williamson, who is an oddball who likes paintballs and thinks it would be a good idea to fire the things at Spaniards, at least to begin with.

Britain and Spain disagree about the status of Gibraltar, the tiny British Overseas Territory jutting into the Mediterranean close to the southern tip of Spain. Both countries act childishly, and Spanish vessels have on occasions zoomed in and out of what the UK considers to be its territorial waters. Defence secretary Williamson strongly objects to this, and at a London meeting of senior military officers in December he came up with a solution. The Spanish vessels, he proposed, should be paintballed. As reported by the Independent newspaper, Gibraltar residents would be asked to splat Spanish navy and police vessels should they enter the waters illegally, which has become an increasingly regular occurrence on the southern coast of Spain.

Those present when Mr Williamson revealed his scatty idea said nothing, and the strategic concept was laid to rest. But it wasnt the first time Williamson had expressed colourful views on important matters, and wont be the last. This is the man, after all, who was reported as having raised eyebrows at a Nato meeting in Brussels last year when he declared Whats the point of listening to French politicians?

The eyebrow-raising was not surprising, because Williamson was referring specifically to President Macron, which is not exactly what diplomacy and international relations are all about. But Williamson is not content with insulting and threatening Britains allies in the European Union. He goes further afield, even further than when he declared last year that Frankly, Russia should go away and should shut up.

In a speech to the Royal United Services Institute on February 11 he rejoiced that Britains Brexit calamity provided an opportunity to demonstrate military prowess. He told his audience that Brexit has brought us to a moment. A great moment in our history. A moment when we must strengthen our global presence, enhance our lethality, and increase our mass.

Williamson has decided that Britains armed forces will be sent around the world because the UK is a global power with truly global interests and wherever I go in the world I find that Britain stands tall.

The uncomfortable but incontrovertible truth is that Britain is not a global power, or anywhere near one, and that if Williamson imagines that Britain stands tall around the world he has a serious problem with comprehending height and foreign sentiment.

Its what might be called the paintball mentality.

It is no pleasure for me to write that internationally, Britain is regarded with amused derision tempered by compassion for its dithering and inchoate approach to the Brexit fiasco. Domestically it is incapacitated. As Deutsche Welle reported, the UK government has spent the past two and a half years in a bubble that has left it paralytic and unable to tackle the domestic problems that haven't magically disappeared into the Brexit vortex. Its domestic troubles are countless and include a failing Health Service (due in large part to the departure of foreign nurses, apprehensive about Brexit); a disastrous railway network, prisons that are an utter disgrace, and a parliament that is more like a comic opera than a dignified debating forum. As one ruling party politician said on February 15, it is questionable whether in fact the government is able to operate in the national interest at all. We are facing a great crisis and we are not really looking at all the options for trying to resolve it.

It has to be faced that the UK is in a parlous state, and the last thing it should be doing is confronting countries with which it has no territorial disagreements. Neither China nor Russia presents the slightest military threat to Britain. All they want to do is manufacture, trade and prosper without other countries trying to menace them in their own backyard.

But in his speech on February 11 Gavin Williamson declared that today, Russia is resurgent  rebuilding its military arsenal and seeking to bring the independent countries of the former Soviet Union, like Georgia and Ukraine, back into its orbit. All the while, China is developing its modern military capability and its commercial power.

The man is a fool. There is no kinder word to describe him. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, SIPRI, recorded in its 2018 Report that At $66.3 billion, Russias military spending in 2017 was 20 per cent lower than in 2016 while total military spending by all 29 NATO members was $900 billion in 2017, accounting for 52 per cent of world spending. The UK spent $47.2 billion  and Williamson wants more, which he wont get.

Then Williamson proudly declared that We are a leader in NATO, this year hosting the Leaders Meeting here in London. Alongside this we have sent a Battle Group to Estonia to support NATOs Enhanced Forward Presence. We lead multi-national maritime task groups in the Mediterranean and defend the skies over the Black Sea and the Baltics.

As noted by the UKs satirical magazine, Private Eye, the thought of Britain enhancing NATOs forward presence is unlikely to disturb or agitate Russia or anyone else, but of course its the thought that counts.

Private Eye 2017

And it was Williamsons thought that also counted when he included China in his diatribe and even threatened the Eastern Dragon. As the Financial Times (FT) noted, he had signalled a more aggressive stance . . . confirming that aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth would be sent on its maiden operational mission to the Pacific. Britain was prepared to act against those who flout international law, said Mr Williamson, in what was seen as a reference to Chinas expansion in the South China Sea.

On February 16 the FT reported that Philip Hammond, Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer  the finance minister  has cancelled a planned trip to China, although he had been expected to visit Beijing in order to meet senior figures including vice-premier Hu Chunhua.

Unfortunately, preparations were disrupted when the defence secretary Gavin Williamson suggested that Britain would send a new aircraft carrier to Chinas backyard. Mr Hammonds meeting with Mr Hu was cancelled, leading the UK to abandon the trip altogether.

If Britain wants favourable trade terms with China after exiting the European Union, it would be advisable to seek them through dialogue rather than by announcing its intention to send an aircraft carrier to stand tall in the South China Sea.

Militarily, however, China need have no fears about Williamsons sabre-rattling. Because the most lethal things hes got in his arsenal are paintballs.

Photo: FlickrEarly deadlines are in effect for advertising and editorial submissions; submit materials by Thursday, July 1 (for the July 8th issue). Please call for details. Our offices will be closed Friday, July 2, to observe the holiday.As an entrepreneur, the dream of owning ones own business never truly goes away. When Combs-Lueker spoke about pursuing other options and her desire to get out of the ownership role, Sweezey-Errar jumped on the opportunity.

With Sweezey-Errars background, she is eager to understand how both eastern and western medicine can work together as appropriate for an individuals well-being.

AHA offers services ranging from acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga and meditation to educational classes such as essential oils 101 and more. Its goal is to assist the community in incorporating more holistic options by offering services and wellness classes.

Kendra is motivated and excited to pursue her entrepreneurial dream, DiMaggio May said. We will be here to support and assist A Holistic Approach every step of the way.

Combs-Lueker will still be involved at AHA as a resident teacher, LMT and partner in wellness, but will now have more time to pursue her radio career at SIUEs WSIE-FM (88.7) and teach massage therapy.

A Holistic Approach can be contacted through its Facebook page.Discovery Sundays series

The 13th annual Discovery Sundays Series concludes with "Discover & Travel Southern Illinois" from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 24, at the Maryville Community Center, 500 E. Division, in Maryville.

This session, presented by Dan Krankeola, president and CEO of ILLINOISouth Tourism, will cover information, events and travel ideas on 23 counties spanning the entire state of Illinois.

All sessions are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is requested to ensure enough handouts, but is not required. A session may be cancelled if weather is severe.

For more information and to register, call 618-772-8555 or visit vil.maryville.il.us.We were dismayed to read about the harassment faced by Sophie Hurwitz because of being included on the Canary Mission website (Aisha Sultan's column "Burroughs grad blacklisted by pro-Israel site. Shes Jewish," Feb. 17). While we advocate strongly for a safe, secure and democratic state of Israel, we unequivocally reject anyone who seeks to shut down discussion and disagreement about the Jewish state through intimidation tactics. This strategy is counterproductive and unnecessarily divides us in our mission to build a vibrant community built on the value of respect for all people in which people are free to share their opinions.

Our society and our Jewish community, in particular, are stronger because of the diversity of opinions we hold within it. We believe in the right of every individual within our community to express viewpoints without fear of intimidation. It is precisely through the open exchange of ideas and respectful discourse that we are able to enhance our knowledge, hone our values and attain deeper levels of understanding.

Any tactics that aim to silence civil discourse or terrorize individuals for their views are contrary to the Jewish and democratic values that underlie our work.Lets face it, the last few years werent pretty for Missouri politics. And no matter where they fall on the partisan divide, nearly all Missourians agree that we deserve a clean and trustworthy government.

In light of this situation, some lawmakers are calling for more transparency. Theres just one problem: Instead of turning the spotlight on themselves and others in Jefferson City, legislators are turning it on the citizens who elected them. Thats backward. In a free society, the public deserves transparency from government, but government has no right to demand it from private citizens.

Yet, in each recent session, a legislator has introduced legislation that would force nonprofit organizations that weigh in on any public policy discussion to expose the personal information of their supporters.

Proponents say such laws are needed to avoid pay-to-play schemes and prevent special interests from hijacking Missouri politics. Laudable goals to be sure, but these bills wont achieve them. In fact, theyll actually make things worse by making it harder for average Missourians to have their voices heard and hold public officials accountable.Trump's foreign policy hasn't all been good news for Taiwan. As the US President tries to drive down the trade deficit, Taiwan has become caught in the middle of a US-China trade war.

"There's a lot of trade and economic flow between Taiwan and the US as well as investment and trade with China," said Tsai. "We have to make sure that we can lessen the impact of any kind of uncertainty on Taiwan's economy."

Tsai said with no clear end to the trade dispute in sight, she was taking actions to protect Taiwan, including government spending to stimulate domestic consumption and investment.

"So that the growth of our economy can be driven by domestic demand instead of an over reliance on exports," said Tsai.

But while the trade war may cause difficulties for Taiwan's exports, it could present an opportunity for the island's tech sector.

The US is currently ramping up its opposition to Chinese technology, in particular the telecoms giant Huawei, over concerns of potential security threats.

Both US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have warned countries that using Chinese 5G mobile phone technology will make it more difficult to work with the US.First of many

In a statement, Sandmann's Atlanta-based lawyer, Lin Wood, said additional similar lawsuits would be filed in the weeks ahead.

A private investigation firm retained by Covington Diocese in Park Hills, Ky., found in a report released last week no evidence the teenagers provoked a confrontation.

The students were met at the Lincoln Memorial by offensive statements from members of the Black Hebrew Israelites, the report said.

The investigation also determined that the students did not direct any racist or offensive comments toward Phillips although several performed a "tomahawk chop" to the beat of his drum.

Phillips claimed in a separate video that he heard the students chanting "build that wall," during the encounter, a reference to Trump's pledge to build a barrier along the U.S. border with Mexico.

The investigators said they found no evidence of such a chant and that Phillips did not respond to multiple attempts to contact him.After Syeds comments in a news release, he led a news conference outside City Hall Wednesday morning. He said that he and Reed had spoken earlier in the day and that he did not consider Reed to be Islamophobic. However, Reeds Islamophobic tropes are very troubling to us.

He said calling a Muslim a double agent was one of those tropes. The term is often used to plant doubts about the loyalty of a Muslim American and ties to terrorism organizations, Syed said.

Syed said Reed defended his support of Muslims by mentioning that he was pivotal in the successful election of John Collins-Muhammad to the Board of Aldermen in 2017. Reed has also been critical of the Muslim ban by the administration of President Donald Trump and has had an imam lead prayer before an aldermanic meeting.

Collins-Muhammad has been paid $4,250 by Reeds re-election campaign. As the payments came in, Collins-Muhammad changed his position on a bill he co-sponsored that would have required a public vote on any airport privatization proposal.

Collins-Muhammads switch came after Alderman Cara Spencer voted against Collins-Muhammads bill calling for a second public vote on whether to reduce the Board of Aldermen to 14 members from 28. St. Louis residents voted seven years ago to make the cut, which goes into effect in 2021.The states vehicle safety inspection program is funded by charging inspectors $1.50 for each safety inspection sticker.

We know our budgets tight, Ruth said. Were looking at everything we can to improve our roads and bridges.

Licensed inspectors can now charge $12 for each vehicle inspected, and $10 for each motorcycle inspected. Doing away with the requirement would mean businesses could take a $30 million annual hit, according to the analysis.

Because of that loss in business income, sales tax revenue and income tax collected could also suffer, the analysis said.

Groups such as the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Missouri and the Missouri Tire Industry Association voiced opposition to the proposal during a House committee hearing.

Rep. J. Eggleston, R-Maysville, who sponsored the legislation, said the inspection requirement represents a significant burden to Missourians. He said in addition to paying the $12, motorists also have to take time off work to get the inspection.

He also said that if he thought the legislation would negatively impact safety, he would not have proposed the bill.Are our presidential campaigns too long?

Consider this: The 20-plus months between now and November 2020 is almost twice as long as the time between D-Day and V-E Day  that period from when the first American, Canadian and British troops landed on the Normandy beaches to the day that Hitler was cornered in his bunker.

Thats how long our campaigns drag on.

Are politicians how they eat?

The food factor touches on something in politics we might call relatability.

How many times have you heard it asked whether you thought youd like to have a beer with a certain politician to get to know the real person behind the political facade? The default position being that nothing officially presented to Americans these days by their politicians is actually the real story.

Politicians have long tried to use food and drink to connect with the citizen commoner. Missouris own commoner, President Harry S. Truman, who enjoyed a nip of bourbon after his morning walk, extolled the virtues of Bess chicken and dumplings, and chocolate cake.Some of the strongest opposition came from a fellow pastor.

Brian Kaylor, pastor at Second Baptist Church in Jefferson City, slammed the legislation, telling members of the House Special Committee on Student Accountability that the government should stay out of Bible teachings.

I oppose this legislation not because I oppose the Bible, Kaylor said. The Bible cannot be reduced to merely an elective high school class. The Bible is inherently religious, and we cannot pretend otherwise.

I do not need the state teaching my son the Bible, Kaylor said.

State Rep. Brenda Shields, R-St. Joseph, was among those wary of the proposal, saying schools currently can use the Bible as reference material.

It can already be done without this bill, Shields said. Its one more bill when schools have the ability to do this now.

Rep. Ingrid Burnett, D-Kansas City, a former religion teacher at a Catholic school, also expressed doubt about Bakers initiative, which has played out in other states as part of a national effort by special interest groups.Kerr should not have allowed Elizabeth Snyder to testify, Forsters motion claimed, because there was no dispute that officer Snyder was the decedent and that her testimony was more prejudicial than probative.

The judge also erred by allowing a live video feed of the trial in another courtroom at the request of the press and police, Forster claimed. The decision prompted a throng of uniformed officers to gather in the hall outside Kerrs courtroom, which most likely intimidated jurors going to and from the jury room during the trial and closing arguments. (Uniformed officers were barred from watching the trial in Kerrs courtroom.)

Forster claims Kerr also should have blocked several pieces of prejudicial evidence from trial, including Forsters jail call on June 30, 2017, to his father during which he said (expletive) the police, as well as autopsy photos of Blake Snyder and an official police photograph of him in uniform.Edwardsville police are searching for a woman who robbed a Walgreens store at gunpoint late Tuesday.

The woman entered the Walgreens store at 102 West Vandalia Street at 9:42 p.m., police said. She was wearing a black cloth covering the bottom half of her face when she demanded money. She had a dark colored handgun with wooden accents, police said, and fled the store with an undetermined amount of money.

Police described the woman as black, between 30 and 40, between 5 feet 1 and 5 feet 4, and about 140-170 pounds. She was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and black sweat pants. They said surveillance photos and video were not yet available for release.

Authorities asked anyone with information to call the Edwardsville Police Department at 618-656-2131.

Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.We have seen this play out with priests over and over again, with all these bishops saying, I thought he was fine! said Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of BishopAccountability.org. We have to look at a system that encourages allegations to fall through the cracks, which is designed not to process information but to preserve plausible deniability.Henley was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence.

Henley, 23, was hospitalized Wednesday. He was suffering from at least one bullet wound that, police say, could have come in a shootout with his victim. He was arrested after showing up at a hospital for treatment, said Officer Benjamin Granda of the St. Louis County Police Department.

Henley is accused of fatally shooting Kelvon Phillips early Sunday outside the motel at 1405 Dunn Road. Phillips, 19, lived about two miles from the motel. Kelvin Phillips Sr. said Henley knew his son through school.

Henley and Phillips met on the parking lot, and Henley got into Kelvon Phillips car and sat in the front passenger seat, police say. Henley used a 9mm handgun to shoot Phillips multiple times, police say. Henley ran off, taking a gun that Kelvon Phillips had with him, police say.

Kelvin Phillips Sr. said that after Kelvon injured his knee for a third time playing football he started to be influenced by the wrong things and going with the wrong crowd.JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said Wednesday his office would investigate a St. Louis day care where 3- and 4-year-olds were filmed engaging in fist fights.

The announcement came two weeks after the St. Louis circuit attorneys office dropped its case against day care workers Tena N. Dailey and Mickala Guliford, who were charged in November with felony first-degree endangering the welfare of a child creating a substantial risk.

The office said there was not enough evidence to prosecute the two, who were accused of encouraging the fights. Video from the 2016 incident, in which toddlers were filmed fighting each other, went viral last year.

Schmitt, a Republican, said his office on Tuesday served a civil investigative demand, similar to a subpoena, to the Adventure Learning Center at 5440 Gravois Avenue in St. Louis.

Children are some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and any attempts to harm them in any way will not be tolerated, Schmitt said in a statement.CLAYTON  The man accused of a murder at a Catholic Supply store entered a not guilty plea after waiving arraignment Wednesday. He did not appear in the courtroom.

Thomas Bruce, 53, of rural Jefferson County, has been charged with first-degree murder and multiple counts of sodomy, armed criminal action, kidnapping, burglary and tampering with evidence in the crime at the Catholic Supply store. He is being held without bail.

On Nov. 19, Bruce entered the store pretending to be a customer, left, then returned with a gun, prosecutors say.

He is accused of making the three women in the store take their clothes off, then for two of the women to perform sex acts, prosecutors say. He killed Jamie Schmidt, 53, a customer from House Springs, when she refused his demand, authorities say.Tony Messenger Tony Messenger is the metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Tony Messenger 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

Steve Stenger is laughing all the way to the bank.

And its a bank account that just got quite a bit bigger.

In November, a week after he won election to a second four-year term as St. Louis County executive, Stengers campaign wrote the candidate a check for $396,422.

The money, according to Missouri Ethics Commission records, is payback for loans Stenger started making to his candidate committee in 2007 when he ran his first race for St. Louis County Council.

He started small, writing one check in December that year for $10,000, and another for $15,000. He said hed pay back the loans in two years, but instead, just kept lending himself more and more money as he moved from council to the executives office.

In short, he bet on himself.

Eventually, the records say, Stenger invested more than $400,000 in his campaign.

And it paid off.

If the Better Together folks  many of whom ran or contributed to his last campaign  get their way, Stenger will be the first mayor of a new merged St. Louis, serving two unelected years after the 2021 election is suspended.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

Meteorologist Ben Abell  a familiar voice to STL radio listeners for decades  died Feb. 11 at a nursing home. He was 86.

Mr. Abell was widely known for his regular weather forecasts on local radio stations, especially KMOX (1120 AM) and KWMU (90.7 FM), from the early 1970s into the 2000s.

He was inducted into the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame in 2006, with the following tribute:

"An experienced forensic meteorologist with a folksy approach to his broadcast work, Ben endeared himself to listeners with an acknowledgement that forecasting was an inexact science, using his catchphrase I cant rule out

Mr. Abell moved here from the Washington area in the 1950s to attend St. Louis University.

After earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in meteorology, he took a position in 1962 as a professor in SLU's Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. He retired in 2011.

A daughter, Olga M. Hunt of St. Louis, said she also earned a meteorology degree from SLU.To his surprise, the kitchen at Buckingham Palace was actually kind of disappointing. It was enormous  you had to walk miles and miles  and far from state of the art. The only part of the kitchen of true quality was the cookware, he said, antique copper pots and pans lined with tin and stamped on the bottom with VR for Victoria Regina, meaning they were used to cook for Queen Victoria.

In fact, when the kitchen staff traveled, they took with them enormous hampers filled with all of their equipment: pots, pans, bowls, whisks and the like. The other British royal residences  grand palaces all  were empty of the accouterments of cooking.

When laughing that obviously, I never had any disasters as the royal chef, McGrady did share a story about a member of his staff. They were at Windsor Castle, and the queen asked for a chocolate souffle for herself and one guest.

Souffles can be tricky, and the chef was nervous; after all, he was cooking for the queen. When he opened the oven to check on the souffles progress, he was horrified to see that it had not risen at all.

Rather than admit that the souffle had failed, he intentionally dropped the dish and broke it. He then informed the queen that, sadly, the dish had fallen and broken. Would she mind having ice cream instead?

St. Louis Working Women's Show; Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; St. Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles; tickets are $9.50, $7.50 seniors and children 6-17, free for children under 6. Chef McGrady will speak at 3 p.m. Saturday.

A weekly treasure trove of tastiness, featuring reviews from restaurant critic Ian Froeb and how-to videos by food writer Dan Neman. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Wileys work puts contemporary African-Americans into the kind of portraits usually reserved for kings or wealthy noblemen and the like.

Wileys paintings welcome African-Americans, Africans and people of the African diaspora into the space of the canvas and assert their right to occupy that space, Hannah Klemm said in a news release about the acquisition. Klemm is the museums assistant curator for modern and contemporary art.

For the St. Louis Art Museum, Charles I goes further  the painting not only expands who is represented in portraiture, it literally brings the local community into the collection, she said.

The museums director, Brent R. Benjamin, said in a statement that Kehinde Wiley: St. Louis was tied closely to our collection and to our city, and it encouraged each of us to examine artistic traditions, current events and the power of art to unite our community. Im pleased that generations of St. Louisans will be able to enjoy this vibrant painting.

Charles I was taken down when the exhibition ended. It will be installed this summer in a contemporary gallery focused on figurative works by international artists and African-Americans including Nick Cave, Kerry James Marshall and Faith Ringgold.While Ghosn's arrest put added strain on the already tense relationship between Nissan and Renault, the two carmakers have in recent weeks taken steps to restore trust.

Jean-Dominique Senard, who replaced Ghosn as Renault's chairman, was in Japan last week to meet with Nissan Chief Executive Officer Hiroto Saikawa and other board members and executives. Senard and Saikawa discussed the operations of what is the world's biggest car alliance and Nissan's current initiatives, among other topics.

The visit is among the first steps by Senard to tackle the challenges facing the Franco-Japanese partnership as the sides try to forge a fresh path without Ghosn, who enforced a common vision on the alliance over two decades. Nissan, which ousted Ghosn as chairman soon after his arrested, is said to have sought a review of the pact's lopsided power structure. Saikawa has criticized Ghosn for having too much authority and making decisions that weren't in the best interest of the Japanese company.

Nissan this month took a $83 million (9.2 billion yen) charge over Ghosn's deferred compensation for the eight years ending in 2017. In doing so, the carmaker is trying to end any debate over whether Ghosn hid millions of dollars in income deferred until his retirement from his fellow executives and board members. The carmaker is also investigating a Dutch entity set up to coordinate the alliance jointly with Renault.The penalties, which exceed the bank's net profit last year, included a 3.7 billion euro fine and additional damages of 800 million euros to the French state. UBS last month reported a 2018 net profit of $4.9 billion.

"This decision is incomprehensible, we will appeal," UBS general counsel Markus Diethelm told reporters outside the courtroom. "We have seen no facts and no evidence."

An appeal could see the case drag on for years and the bank will not have to pay anything until all appeals are heard.

The combined penalties are a record for France and more than double the $2.46 billion the bank has set aside to cover potential losses from litigation and regulatory requirements.

The bank may have to increase its provisions in the coming weeks, Citi said in a note to investors and its plan to buy back as much as $1 billion worth of shares this year is at risk, it added.

'Industrial' scale laundering

The French trial follows a similar case in the United States, where UBS accepted a $780 million settlement in 2009, and in Germany, where it agreed to a 300 million euro fine in 2014.Bartaco, with Connecticut locations in Stamford, West Hartford and Westport, kicks off its Margarita Month on National Margarita Day, introducing a new margarita each week through March 31. The Ernesto en Jalisco launches Feb. 22, with Bartacos proprietary Libelula tequila, Luxardo maraschino, Liber grapefruit cordial and lime. The Blood, Sweat and Cheers runs from March 1 to 7, with Libelula, lime, jalapeno, blood orange and smoked pepper agave syrup. From March 8 to 14, its the Purple Haze, with Libelula, Banhez mezcal, Luxardo morlacco, basil blossom sprigs and lime. The Green Goddess debuts March 15 through 21, with Libelula, triple sec, avocado, agave and lime in a pistachio salt rimmed glass, and Margarita Month wraps up with the La Rosita, with Libelula, Cappelletti, Casa Berger Garnacha Sorbet rose, Flower Power moscato, agave simple and lemon juice. All margaritas are $12. bartaco.com.Tourism is a real engine for economic development, and the main objective of the Romanian presidency of the Council of the European Union is to keep Europe a top tourist destination in the world, Romania's Tourism Minister Bogdan Trif on Wednesday told a session of the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN).

"Our priority during the Presidency is to increase the visibility of tourism, to draw attention to the fact that the field is constantly changing and that we must adjust our policies to meet the new challenges. Tourism is a true engine for economic development and we intend to grant it the attention it deserves. Our main objective is to keep Europe in the top ranking of the world's tourist destinations, but that requires adaptation of the way in which we see tourism, especially in the context of digitisation. Security should also not be neglected, as it is an important chapter to tourists who need to feel first and foremost safe on vacation, and Europe currently is a peaceful oasis that benefits tourism development," Trif said.

He added that one of the most important priorities in the area of tourism is related to digitisation.

"As you know, there is currently no separate budget for tourism. We have acknowledged the resolution of the European Parliament that talks about the need for direct tourism funding, but it is not in the Council's powers at this point to comment on the financial framework 2021-2027. To us, it is very important to draw conclusions on tourism at the COMPET Council meeting at the end of May. We want to add digitisation to the list of priorities, to draw attention to the new challenges in the field. Given the context, I emphasised the need to draw up a strategic document to replace or update the 2010 Commission Communication called Europe, the world's No 1 tourist destination - a new political framework for tourism in Europe,' updating it to the recent developments in the single market and the single digital market," said Trif.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Romanian presidency of the EU Council has planned to organise three informal events. One of them is a sustainable tourism conference to look into the common policies of the EU member states, to be held in Bucharest April 1-4, 2019, will include a summit meeting on April 2, 2019, and an expert conference on April 3, 2019.

A second event scheduled in Tulcea, June 11-14, 2019, a ministerial conference on the Danube strategy as an instrument for economic development, designed for member states of the European Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR).

The third conference, a conference of the EDEN network, will be held in Piatra Neamt, April 10-20, 2019, for officials from EDEN excellence destinations.Minister-delegate for European Affairs George Ciamba chaired in Brussels on Tuesday the General Affairs Council (GAC) meeting under the aegis of Romania's Presidency at the EU Council, where there was tackled an important topic on the discussion agenda, namely the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), a release of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) informs.

According to a MAE release, Minister-delegate Ciamba reviewed the stage of discussions regarding this file and presented the process and the work programme until April 2019. He brought to mind that the Romanian Presidency's objective is to continue the discussions at a dynamic pace, in order to put at the European Council's disposal in June a simplified and balanced negotiation document, in order to facilitate a political agreement in this file, in the autumn.

"We are working intensely in order to ensure that these important negotiations over the future Multiannual Financial Framework advance in due time. Today's talks provided the necessary image in order to continue the activity and to ensure that the European leaders will have, by June, an efficient basis for a substantial discussion over the most important elements," the Romanian dignitary stated.The member states voiced their support for the Romanian Presidency's effort to advance the talks in this file, for the work programme and the topics announced for debates at technical and political level in the next period. Moreover, also expressed was the support to boost negotiations on sectorial proposals corresponding to the 2020-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.According to the practice, the Ministers for European Affairs exchanged views over the topics included on the European Council meeting annotated draft agenda, to be held between 21 and 22 March, in view of preparing the meeting of European leaders. Their talks will be mainly focused on aspects regarding on jobs, growth and competitiveness, climate change, the preparation of the EU-China Summit on 9 April, combating misinformation, protecting the integrity of European and national elections, the release says.The representatives of the member stated welcomed the Council agenda in spring and pointed out the importance of discussions related to the internal market, the single digital market, the EU strategy in the industrial policy area, highlighting their role in these discussions, in view of preparing the next Strategic Agenda. The ministers also highlighted the importance of discussions among leaders related to the EU-China relations and maintaining the misinformation topic on the agenda.Furthermore, the ministers carried out a first talk regarding the reflection document "Towards a sustainable Europe by 2030," published on 30 January by the European Commission, in view of preparing the conclusions of the EU Council on this topic. Mainly, they tackled key-elements which allow the transition toward a sustainable Europe, with an emphasis on the three scenarios of the Commissions' reflection document. The exchange of views highlighted the importance of action for supporting sustainable development at national, regional and global level, in order to implement the 2030 Agenda at the EU level."It's important for the EU to establish the steps for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We should take into account the global impact of actions at the EU level. Today's talks represented an important step in this direction. We will further work intensely on this topic during Romania's Presidency at the EU Council," Minister-delegate George Ciamba highlighted.The European officials reviewed the stage of works regarding the procedures, based on article 7, paragraph (1) regarding the rule of law in Poland and the observance of the EU values in Hungary.Within the ministerial meeting, also adopted formally, without debate, the Conclusions of the EU Council regarding free and fair elections, a particularly relevant political signal at European level, prior to the debut of the electoral campaign to the European Parliament, which will take place in the member states between 23 and 26 May.Moreover, the Council adopted the Conclusions on EU relations with the Swiss Confederation. These conclusions are adopted by the Council every two years and aim to asses the relation between the two partners, representing also a policy declaration regarding the development of cooperation in the future, the MAE release mentions.Representatives of the Romanian presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament on Tuesday reached an informal agreement on the regulation meant to strengthen security of identity cards of EU citizens and residence permits issued to them and to those members of their families who are not EU citizens; the agreement will be next sent to the permanent representatives of the EU, to be confirmed in the name of the Council, informs the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to a press release sent on Tuesday by the MAI, the proposed new norms are meant to improve the security of ID cards by introducing minimum standards, both in terms of the information contained in them and in terms of the security features common to all member states that issued them.

"Security on the entire EU territory cannot be ensured otherwise than by ensuring security of each member state. The new norms regarding the security standards for the ID documents will allows us to identify more easily such cases of fraud or identity theft, while making the mission of terrorists and criminals more hard and while facilitating at the same time the free movement of travelers of good faith," said the Minister of Interior, Carmen Dan.According to the new norms, new security standards will be implemented, with the ID cards to have the format of credit cards.Romania wishes to develop a deeper partnership in sciences and the new technologies with Israel, Senate President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu said on Wednesday at a meeting with the State of Israel's Ambassador to Romania, David Saranga, on a presentation visit.

"Mr. Calin Popescu-Tariceanu reaffirmed the importance of the parliamentary diplomacy within the bilateral relations' development, this component being the glue to strengthening ties in multiple activity fields. He stressed Romania's wish to develop a deeper partnership in sciences and the new technologies' field with Israel and boost cooperation in the economic and commercial exchanges' fields," a release by the Senate's Press Office sent on Wednesday to AGERPRES informs.

Moreover, the two dignitaries have briefly reviewed the Middle East's situation.

The president of the Senate recalled that the Romanian authorities attach great importance to the combat of anti-Semitism, materialised in the period Romania is holding the Presidency of the EU Council by organising this March in Bucharest a conference on combating the Holocaust denial.Romania's presidency at the Council of the European Union on Tuesday kicked off negotiations with the European Parliament to ensure the best premises for the use of the future European money, as provided by the Cohesion Policy, the European Funds Ministry (MFE) informs Wednesday in a release.

The first trialogue under Romania's presidency at EU Council took place on Tuesday night, regarding the future regulations on the European funds provided by the Cohesion Policy, a file handled by the MFE.

The European Funds Minister Rovana Plumb, in her capacity of president of the Cohesion-format General Affairs Council, in the name of the EU Council's presidency, the co-rapporteurs of the European Parliament and the Commissioner for Regional policy, Corina Cretu, have agreed on a bold negotiations calendar.

"Such an approach is necessary to ensure the programming, the management and the implementation of the future European funds at the level of all the Member States of the EU. In this respect, in order to agree upon the necessary legal frame and to succeed in due time the preparation of the future European programmes, capable to allow the fund beneficiaries of all Union to have access to the allocated funds, the Presidency of the EU Council, represented by Minister Rovana Plumb, and the EU bodies cooperate closely, the long of this period," the MFE release reads.

Trialogues are informal three-party meetings at the EU level negotiations on the legislation to be adopted. They take place between the representatives of the EU Council, the EP, and the EC. The goal of a trialogue is to reach a provisional agreement on a text acceptable for both the EU Council and the European Parliament, the MFE adds. During a trialogue, talks are eased by the co-legislator hosting the meeting - be they the European Parliament or the EU Council. The two bodies each explain their position during a debate. The European Commission acts as a mediator in view of completing an accord between the co-legislators.Presidential spokeswoman Madalina Dobrovolschi said on Wednesday that President Iohannis is due to make a decision on the national budget and social security laws that he will made public in the coming days, adding that the president sees the draft national budget passed by Parliament as not intended for the development and progress of Romania but for the "welfare" of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), major at rule.

"The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, points out that the budget is not intended for the development and progress of Romania but for the welfare of PSD," Dobrovolschi told a news conference at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace.Romania's Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu on Tuesday welcomed Israeli Social Equality Minister Gila Gamliel to reiterate a shared interest in holding a third intergovernmental meeting this year, according to Romania's Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE).

Also attending the meeting was Secretary General Colette Avital of the World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO).

According to a MAE press statement, the officials mentioned the excellent stage in the Romanian-Israeli bilateral relationships and analysed the future prospects for co-operation, reiterating a shared interest in the organisation of a third intergovernmental meeting this year.Melescanu presented Romania's priorities as current holder of the EU Council presidency related to the fight against anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial under pillar IV, Europe of common values.He also reiterated Romania's commitment to continuing efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, promote tolerance and non-discrimination and combat anti-Semitism, and emphasised the great value Romania attaches to its bilateral relationship with Israel."In this context, the minister of foreign affairs extended thanks to WJRO Secretary General Colette Avital for her participation as a speaker at the conference organised under the aegis of the Romanian presidency of the EU Council on February 7, 2019, called ?Fight against anti-Semitism: a common approach to better protect Jewish communities in Europe-from policy to action,' a high-level event hosted by Romania's prime minister," reads the press statement.Talks also focused on issues related to the Romanian legislation regarding the return of Jewish property abusively confiscated by the communist regime, extending benefits to Holocaust survivors, a project for the creation of a national Jewish history and Holocaust museum in Romania."Minister Melescanu reconfirmed constant support from the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Romanian officials dealing with the implementation of legislation on the returning of property abusively confiscated by the communist regime and extending benefits to the Holocaust survivors and assured the foreign officials that attention will be kept on these issues," according to MAE.The EU member states validated on Wednesday at the meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) the political agreement reached by Romania, as the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the European Parliament, on the copyright reform.

"By contributing to the smooth functioning of the digital single market and unlocking opportunities for creators and citizens, the @EUCouncil supports the agreement on the Copyright Directive," the Twitter page of Romania's EU Council Presidency says.

Last week, the representatives of the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament reached an understanding last week on a common version of the Copyright Directive reform.Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (135) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (348) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (442) Jan 2014 (547) Feb 2014 (476) Mar 2014 (526) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (469) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (443) Oct 2014 (472) Nov 2014 (497) Dec 2014 (536) Jan 2015 (539) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (582) Apr 2015 (658) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (924) Nov 2015 (802) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (866) May 2016 (947) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (967) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (881) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (897) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (851) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (809) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (852) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (935) Jul 2019 (950) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (942) Feb 2020 (849) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (789) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (812) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (720)Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which was reported at 12:41 a.m. Tuesday, but Halifax Fire Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum told the Globe and Mail that there was no sign of suspicious activity so far.

A neighbor told reporters that she had heard a loud bang, followed by the sound of a woman screaming, and had rushed outside into the freezing night with her children to see what was going on. What she found was a harrowing scene.

"There was just flames just roaring out of their back doors, back windows, everything," neighbor Danielle Burt told CTV. Kawthar Barho was prostrate on the grass with her head bowed as if in prayer. She begged Burt to call 911, telling her that their kids were still inside.

"The dad was sitting on the steps," Burt added. "I think he had gone back in because he was really burnt. It was just awful."

Another neighbor, David Beaton, told the Globe and Mail that neighbors had to pin back Barho's arms and hold the mother in place to prevent her from running inside the burning house. "She was totally hysterical," he said. "It is something that will forever burn in my brain."Carmelita Vasquez wasnt exactly thrilled when her daughter wanted to join her husband for martial arts classes at Lake Norma Muay Thai.

She was worried martial arts might be too rough for a girl, but once she saw the increased confidence her daughter gained from the classes, she began working out there as well.

Those workouts ultimately led Vasquez to volunteer at a new program started by Lake Norman Muay Thai owner, J.T. Smith, and to train as an instructor herself.

The class is called Rock Steady and its a national program aimed at helping Parkinsons patients to gain strength and mobility.

To effectively work with the number of participants that the class has drawn since Smith started it late last summer, he utilizes volunteers to help with various parts of the workout. Vasquez said she was drawn to the people in the class.

From there, she decided to investigate further and learn how to become a certified instructor herself. After completing the online course, she began applying her new skills to assisting Smith and various volunteers with the class.

Vasquez said shes learned as much from the Parkinsons class members as shes taught them.

Its the best, she said.

Smith and Vazquez work with patients at all stages of the disease, from those who were recently diagnosed to those with more advanced symptoms. Smith proudly pointed out a couple of men in the class, and talked about the advances theyve made since beginning Rock Steady.

One, he said, came into the class a few months ago using a walker, and now is standing on his own, and can move across the gym without assistance.

Tom Caldwell is one of the people taking part in Rock Steady, largely under the watchful eye of Vasquez.

Caldwell said he was diagnosed in November and one of the two doctors he visited recommended Rock Steady. He said hed tried physical therapy but Rock Steady has done more to help his symptoms. He said his main problem at this point is getting up if he falls, something that happened recently.

During his recent workout at Lake Norman Muay Thai, Vasquez worked extensively with Caldwell on the ability to get up from a prone position. She had Caldwell get on his back on the floor and crawl to the counter or use a chair for support.

Caldwell said his workouts with Vasquez are helping, but admitted she challenges him on the various parts of the exercise program - and that she did so from the outset.

I didnt expect it to be that quick, he said.

For Vazquez, a native of California, seeing the progress her clients are making is something that makes her smile. But her reward, she said, is the smiles she gets in return.

Smith said he hopes others will follow Vasquezs lead and volunteer their time at the Rock Steady class.

We are always looking for volunteers, he said. The number of people coming to Rocky Steady has grown from the two who started it a few months ago to more than a dozen and, with almost every stage of the disease, additional hands are always welcome, Smith said.

For more information, contact J.T. Smith at 704-657-1080 or visit www.lakenormanmuaythai.com. Lake Norman Muay Thai is located at 107 Commons Drive inMooresville.Later in the same play, these same people laugh, cavort and interact more intimately. The first act is set in and around the backyard of a house in Pittsburgh in 1948, but it has the feel of a long night in a blues club or a juke joint. Floyd Barton and his cronies Canewell and Red Carter recite nonsense verses, show off their urban weaponry and share their struggles and dreams. They complain about having been jailed in the past for the crimes of "laziness" and "worthlessness."Countries & Areas

Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia ZimbabweA Scottsbluff man has agreed to a plea agreement, pleading to the sexual assault of a 6-year-old girl.

Harold F. Red Bear, 46, has pleaded to attempted sexual assault, a Class III felony. Red Bear had initially been charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child, a Class IB felony, but agreed to a plea agreement on Feb. 13. As part of the plea agreement, the state will stand silent at sentencing, according to court documents filed in Scotts Bluff County District Court.

According to an arrest affidavit filed in Scotts Bluff County Court at the time of Red Bears arrest, police were contacted in June 2018 and conducted a forensic interview of a girl who disclosed to police that Red Bear had attempted to assault her in 2008 when she was 6 years old. The girl also alleged that Red Bear forced her to perform sexual acts. At the time of the assaults, the girl lived with Red Bear, her mother and a sibling.

At the time of the investigation, Red Bear was living in Rapid City, South Dakota, and authorities attempted to interview the man. In the arrest affidavit, police described the man as evasive and he ceased answering questions.

Red Bear was arrested in October 2018 after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He has remained in custody since then. His bond was recently decreased to $50,000 pending a March 15 sentencing.

Submit Your News We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.The family and 300 others fled to the Jordanian border, a three-hour walk in the dark of a cold night, over hills, through thorns, unable to make a sound, even when they fell with babies in their arms. For five years, the family lived in Jordan, but had limited access to schools. Then they immigrated to America and settled in West Hartford. Many of Alnemars relatives still live in Syria.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 I ts been a big night for Samsung as it unveils its 10th anniversary Galaxy S phones at its Unpacked event in London.

There are four new phones in the Galaxy S10 range: the standard Galaxy S10, the bigger Galaxy S10+, a smaller Galaxy S10E and for the first time, a 5G smartphone which will be available to buy later this year.

Whats new with the Galaxy range this year? According to Kate Beaumont, Director of Commercial Strategy, Product & Planning at Samsung, theres a great camera, battery and screen in the mix but these arent the only improvements to the S10.

Its a lot of subtle stuff that is really exciting, Beaumont told the Standard. All the AI stuff that's going on behind scenes that make it easier and simple, such as Bixby Routines predicting things or power saving behind the scenes. Thats what I love about technology - it should be seamless and we want it to be meaningful innovation, not [just] tech specs.

Heres what you need to know about the new Samsung Galaxy S10 smartphone range.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active trailer

Samsung Galaxy S10

In a nutshell: The standard flagship in the Galaxy S range, the Samsung Galaxy S10 has all the bells and whistles youd expect in a premium device, with that signature Samsung flair of a curved screen, and a great camera.

Specs: The new Samsung Galaxy S10 is 93.1 per cent screen, thanks to the minimisation of the bezels and a new punch-hole front camera design. It has a dynamic AMOLED display, with a new in-screen fingerprint scanner, that will work even in cold temperatures.

The device has three rear camera lenses, one zoom lens, one wide lens and one ultra wide angle lens to get more in your shots. Theres a new super steady video feature and Bixby Vision has been improved, offering 30 optimised scene options, including an option to take the best image of your cats and dogs.

The new Galaxy S10 has a 93.1% screen to body ratio / Samsung

Inside the phone is Samsungs new Exynos 9810 chipset, which promises AI-enabled performance including faster app launches and adaptive power consumption. This will come in particularly handy when using the wireless power share feature, which allows you to charge other devices using your phone, just like the Huawei Mate 20 Pro. That being said, the battery is only 3,400mAH on the normal S10, fairly small for a feature like this.

Samsung has also updated its One UI software, to minimise the bloatware and make it more intuitive to use -- it makes using the device more like a Google Pixel device.

It comes in four colours: prism green, prism white, prism black and prism blue. As well, there will be two variants, both with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB storage or 256GB.

Price and release date:You can pre-order the phone now from Samsung, and it will be available to buy outright on March 8.

Prices for the S10 start at 799.

Verdict: This is a good-looking phone and as per usual, the camera is pretty excellent on the first few tries. The updates to One UI will really make a difference, the feel and usage of the phone is slicker than previous Samsung devices. This could be our favourite Samsung phone in recent years, though we'll have to wait to get our hands on it for a full review to see if that comes to pass.

Flashy features like in-screen fingerprint scanner and reverse wireless charging were debuted by other phone companies last year, but that doesnt mean the features arent welcome.

10 years of Samsung Galaxy S phones - In pictures 1 /9 10 years of Samsung Galaxy S phones - In pictures The first ever Samsung Galaxy S phone, in 2010 Getty Images On the left is the Samsung Galaxy SII, unveiled in 2011 AFP/Getty Images Samsung revealed the new Galaxy S III in 2012 in New York Getty Images The Samsung Galaxy S4, complete with those old school, thick bezels AFP/Getty Images The Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge unveiled at MWC in 2015 Getty Images Ben Stiller and Billy Zane with the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Getty Images for Samsung The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge smartphones in 2016 AFP/Getty Images The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ devices, the first range to feature a plus version AFP/Getty Images Last year's Samsung Galaxy S9 was unveiled at MWC 2018 LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images

Samsung Galaxy S10+

In a nutshell: Like the standard Galaxy S10 device, but the Plus version has a bigger screen, bigger battery and comes with two selfie cameras on the front of the device.

Specs: The Samsung Galaxy S10+ is almost exactly the same as the normal S10, except it's slightly bigger. The new device is [this size] and has two selfie cameras on the front of the device.

Theres also a bigger battery too, at 4,100 mAH, which is important for that power-sharing feature.

You get the most benefits of the new One UI software on the Galaxy S10+ as it has been designed to work for larger screens.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ have three cameras on the back of the phone / Samsung

Speaking about One UI, Beaumont told the Standard: The basic premise [with One UI] is that you can do everything one-handed. You have a clear information block at the top, like with the alarm, it tells you how long until your alarm is, which means you don't have to go back into the specific alarm and found out.

It's simple things like that that if you'd asked me I wouldn't have said was important but when you get it, it's a win," she added.

Similar to the Galaxy S10, there are two variants, both with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage.

Price and release date: The Samsung Galaxy S10+ is available to pre-order now and will be on sale officially from March 8.

Prices for the device start at 899.

Verdict: Its good that Samsung has kept the rear camera set up the same on the Galaxy S10 and S10+ so you dont have to fork out for the more expensive device for a better camera. Really, it will come down to preference: do you prefer the bigger screen or a slightly smaller one? Either way, theres an excellent feature spec in both devices.

Samsung Galaxy S10e

In a nutshell: This is the smaller of the Galaxy S10 range. Sized at 5.8-inch, the S10e is aimed at those who want the high-end specs from the Galaxy S range, but without the larger, curved screen. This device is also cheaper than its bigger siblings.

Some of our customers dont want the big screen, Beaumont told the Standard. Its great to bring them the same-level screen quality but simplify it so they get the same expected features but at a more affordable price point.

Specs: The Samsung Galaxy S10e still has the infinity display, the in-screen fingerprint scanner and fast wireless charging like the other devices.

Where you are missing out slightly is the camera. On the back of the device, there are two rear lenses: a wide angle lens and an ultra wide angle lens, so there is no zoom lens on this device.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 in prism green / Samsung

It will come in the same colours as the rest of the range, with an additional canary yellow colour, which the jury is still out on.

Surprisingly for a smaller device, the S10e will also come in either 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, or 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage. The battery size is 3,100 mAH.

Price and release date: The Galaxy S10e is available to pre-order now and will be on sale from March 8.

Prices for the S10e start at 669.

Verdict: This is for the 20 per cent of customers who would rather have a flat display, than a curved one, and who also seek a smaller, more affordable device.

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G

In a nutshell: The first 5G flagship phone from Samsung, which includes all the S10 specs and a little bit more.

Though there wont be full 5G coverage across the UK until at least late 2020, Samsung isnt bothered. We want to be there and in first, experiencing it with the customers and get feedback, said Beaumont.

Specs: This device is a lot bigger than the rest of the Galaxy S10 range, with a 6.7-inch screen display. We also know its going to have a 4,500mAH battery - this is even bigger than Huaweis Mate 20 Pro 4,200mAH battery which can last a solid two days, so expect this to be a good one.

In addition, theres going to be a 3D depth camera on the back of the device to bring augmented reality (AR) features, such as live measurements, just like the iPhone Measure app.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G device will be on sale in the summer / JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images

Price and release date: Release date is vague at the moment, so far Samsung says it will be launched in the summer.T he first trailer for the upcoming Michael Jackson documentary, Leaving Neverland, has dropped and features the testimonies of two accusers who claim they were abused by the musician as children.

James Safechuck, 37, and Wade Robson, 41, claimed they were threatened into staying silent by Jackson who has been accused of being a serial child sex abuser, something his family vehemently deny.

The two minute clip shows a handful of people, including Safechuk and Robson, explaining how they believed Jackson was a loving, caring, kind, soul whose Neverland estate was filled with magical childhood adventure experiences.

Accusations: Michael Jackson at the Grammy Awards in 1993 / AFP/Getty Images

Everybody wanted to meet Michael or be with Michael, and then he likes you, Safechuk says.

Robson adds: He told me if they ever found out what we were doing he and I would go to jail for the rest of our lives.

I want to be able to speak the truth as loud as I had to speak the lie for so long.

Jermaine Jackson maintains Michael's innocence

The four hour long two-part collaboration between Channel 4 and HBO will air next month despite legal threats and criticism from Jacksons family.

The Michael Jackson estate sent a letter to Channel 4 claiming the documentary violates the networks programming guidelines as it makes no attempt at getting a response to the accusers claims.

Jacksons brother Jermaine Jackson said he is sure the pop star was 1,000 per cent innocent as he begged people to leave him alone during an emotional interview with Good Morning Britain.

The troubling documentary was aired at Sundance film Festival earlier this year, with many deeming it devastating.

Director Dan Reed told Variety: This is not a movie about Michael Jackson. This is not a movie about Michael Jackson abusing little boys. Its a movie about two families and how two families came to terms with what their sons revealed to them many years after Jackson died.

Reed said he would make a follow up if he could speak to two more of Jacksons accusers: Jordan Chandler and Gavin Arvizo. If Jordan Chandler were to come forth and if I could sit down with him and speak to him the way I did to Wade and James, that would, I think, be the core of a very interesting film about that story, and the same goes for Gavin, he told Variety.

Michael died on June 25, 2009.M s Banks is the up-and-coming UK rapper hoping to take the south London sound global.

The 24-year-old is one of the countrys fastest rising talents in UK rap right now and has bagged herself a prime spot performing alongside Little Mix at this years BRIT Awards.

Heres everything you need to know about the rapper who counts Nicki Minaj and Cardi B as fans:

Where is Ms Banks from?

Ms Banks lives in south-east London, where she was born and raised.

The best thing about it is that Im still next to Bagel King. The worst thing is its racist history, she told Vice.

How did she start her rap career?

Big time fans: Nicki Minaj has tweeted Ms Banks lyrics / Ray Fiasco

Ms Banks wrote some of her first bars at age 11.

It was really wack! Back in the day if you started off a rap spelling your name, you was the BOSS! So mine was T to the Y to the R to the A!" she said.

As she began to forge a career in rap, Ms Banks dropped her first name, Thyra (pronounced TY-RA) because of the obvious comparisons to model Tyra Banks.

Has she got a song with Nicki Minaj?

Speculation about a possible collaboration between the two rappers gained momentum when Nicki Minaj tweeted some of Ms Bankss lyrics.

Asked as to whether we could expect a track from the duo any time soon, Ms Banks revealed on the Capital XTRA show: All Im saying iswhen it drops, it drops. Its amazing. Weve spoken about it a lot, and a lot of things are happening."

Ms Banks also toured with Bodak Yellow rapper Cardi B on her UK tour in April 2017.

She said of the Grammy-award winning artist: What shes achieved is amazing. I feel like I always saw it in her before she had the number one I knew she was a star so Im very grateful to experience and meet her.

How to watch Ms Banks' BRITs performance

Ms Banks will be performing with Little Mix at the 2019 BRIT Awards / PA

Ms Banks will be performing live with Little Mix at this years BRIT Awards.E ighth Labour MP quits in historic split

An eighth Labour MP has quit to join an independent breakaway group as a historic split continues to rock the party.

Joan Ryan said Labour has become infected with the scourge of anti-Jewish racism under Jeremy Corbyn.

Her resignation last night comes after a group of seven MPs quit the party on Monday, throwing the opposition into turmoil.

ISIS brides family in fight over her citizenship

Shamima Begums family lawyer has vowed to fight a move to strip the ISIS bride of her British citizenship.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid made the decision against the Londoner, who fled the UK to Syria as a schoolgirl aged 15.

Tasnime Akunjee, her familys lawyer, said they are considering all legal avenues to challenge the move in the courts.

The 19-year-olds family had been told of the move in a letter from the Home Office yesterday.

Brexit: PM faces crunch talks in Brussels

Theresa May is set to return to Brussels today for fresh Brexit talks after hopes of renegotiating her deal were once again dashed.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission President, said he does not expect a breakthrough during the discussions.

His comments came as the PM met with members of a working group seeking a compromise on the controversial backstop.

Mrs May is looking for concessions that will enable her to get her agreement through Parliament after it was rejected by MPs.

Philip Green probed over grope claim

Sir Philip Green is being investigated after a fitness instructor alleged the retail tycoon groped her at a luxury resort in 2016.

Officers in Arizona said detectives were working on a case after a woman came forward with a complaint on Monday.

His former Pilates teacher Katie Surridge reportedly said Sir Philip inappropriately touched her and made sexual comments.

A spokesman for Sir Philip denied the allegation.

Burberry sorry for noose hoodie

Burberry has apologised for putting a hoodie with a noose on the London Fashion Week runway.

The luxury brand sparked a huge backlash over the gaffe, with model Liz Kennedy saying: suicide is not fashion.

The brands CEO and creative director issued apologies for the look, which was part of their Autumn/Winter 2019 collection.

The noose has been removed from the collection after the furore it caused following Sundays catwalk event.

Lagerfelds cat could be heir to his fortune

Karl Lagerfelds cat could be in line to inherit some of the Chanel icons 150 million fortune after he died aged 85 yesterday.

The fashion icon had last year said that among others his internet-famous pet, Choupette, would receive a share of his riches.

This could actually happen if certain legal structures are arranged, it has been reported.

Tributes poured in for fashion Kaiser Lagerfeld after his death following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Pop star Rihanna, model Cara Delevingne and actress Lily Collins were among the latest to pay their respects.

On this day

1547: Coronation of nine-year-old Edward VI, only son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour.

1938: Anthony Eden resigned as British Foreign Secretary, in protest over prime minister Neville Chamberlain's appeasement policy.

1947: Lord Louis Mountbatten was appointed the last Viceroy of India - the same day the Government announced the British would leave India by June 1948.

1962: Astronaut John Glenn became the first American in orbit when he circled the Earth three times in the Mercury capsule Friendship 7.A rapper who was fatally shot by police after he fell asleep inside his car outside a Taco Bell in California was shot around 25 times, a lawyer for his family said.

Willie McCoy, 20, who was known as Willie Bo and performed with the group FBG, was shot at by six officers at a branch of the fast-food restaurant in Vallejo on February 9.

After examining the body of Mr McCoy last week, Oakland attorney Melissa Nold told NBC News that he suffered injuries to his shoulder, chest and arm during the incident.

Also representing the rappers family, attorney John Burris said Mr McCoy was shot to pieces and was struck by around 25 bullets at the Taco Bell in Admiral Callaghan Lane.

Vallejo police declined to comment on the new information as it remains an active investigation.

Overkill is an understatement, Ms Nold, an attorney in Mr Burris law firm, told NBC News, adding that the rapper had been shot in the centre of his face as well as his throat and ear.

A restaurant employee called 911 and reported seeing a person slumped over in the seat of a silver Mercedes, Vallejo Police Department said.

"When officers arrived they noticed the driver was unresponsive and had a handgun on his lap, the spokesman added.

The force said in a statement that when officers approached the vehicle the driver began to suddenly move and looked at the uniformed patrol officers".

Officers gave the driver several commands to put his hands up," the statement added. "The driver did not comply and instead he quickly moved his hands downward for the firearm.

Fearing for their safety, six officers fired their duty weapons at the driver.

A loaded handgun was recovered from the Mercedes, police said.

Mr McCoy's family have since hit out at police over the incident. They believe he was racially profiled and the response of the officers was unjustified.A statue depicting a sailor kissing a stranger at the end of World War Two has been vandalised with graffiti reading #MeToo.

Police discovered the phrase painted in red on the leg of the woman in the Unconditional Surrender statute, in Florida, on Monday. The graffiti was found the day after the sailor depicted in the statue of the famous photo, taken in Times Square amid celebrations at the end of the war, died aged 95.

For many the photo of George Mendonsa kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman represents the joy felt across the US on the day Japan surrendered, but in recent years it has been suggested it depicts an act of sexual assault.

In 2005, Ms Zimmer Friedman said it was not her choice to be kissed and that Mr Mendonsa "grabbed" her. But she did make clear that the kiss was a "jubilant act" and "it was just an event of 'thank god the war is over.'"

The sailor and a nurse kiss passionately as they celebrate the end of World War Two in Times Square on 14 August 1945 / Victor Jorgensen/U.S. Navy via AP

The MeToo movement opened up a debate about consent and assault in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Mr Mendonsa's daughter Sharon Molleur said her father fell and had a seizure at the assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he lived with his wife of 70 years.

He died on Sunday.

Authorities estimated the damage to the statue would be more than $1,000.

They said the incident occurred at some point on Monday afternoon or evening as they appealed for witnesses to try and trace the vandal.

The graffiti has since been removed from the statue.

The image by Alfred Eisenstaedt became one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century.

It was years before Mr Mendonsa and Ms Zimmer Friedman were confirmed to be the couple.

Ms Zimmer Friedman died in 2016 at the age of 92.S ir Philip Green is being investigated after a fitness instructor alleged she was groped at a luxury resort, US police have said.

Officers in Arizona said detectives were working on a case after a woman came forward with a complaint about the Topshop billionaire on Monday.

His former Pilates teacher Katie Surridge reportedly said Sir Philip "spanked" her, inappropriately touched her and made sexual comments at Canyon Ranch.

A spokesman for Sir Philip denied the allegation in a statement to The Telegraph and said it was dismissed by the resort in Tuscon, Arizona, after an investigation.

Pima County Sheriff's Department spokesman Deputy Daniel Jelineo confirmed an investigation had been launched after a complaint by Ms Surridge, but did not give further information because it is in an early stage.

"Sir Philip Green, I'm aware of a report that was made to our department yesterday, on the 18th," the deputy said. "He's being investigated for a criminal offence at this time."

The Telegraph reported that the mother-of-two alleged he repeatedly "spanked" her in January 2016 after he entered her studio following a class.

"I felt very taken advantage of and like, you know, just a piece of meat there at his disposal," the 37-year-old told the newspaper, which said she waived her anonymity.

"It feels completely sexual in nature. And the way - the noises, and the 'oh, you naughty girl'. Like - ugh - I can hear him saying it right now."

A spokesman for Sir Philip Green said: "All this was investigated by Canyon Ranch at the time. Nothing was found against Sir Philip and the matter was dropped.

"In terms of the allegation, it did not happen. Sir Philip has visited the ranch since that time and has no issues with the management or any of the people there."

Reporters previously tracked down the Arcadia owner at Canyon Ranch to quiz him over allegations of sexual harassment and racial abuse.

The Telegraph has reported that five of his employees signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to keep their complaints quiet, with one being paid more than 1 million.

Sir Philip, 66, denied his behaviour was criminal or amounted to gross misconduct.S hamima Begum, who fled to Syria aged 15, is not a Bangladeshi citizen and will be barred from entering the country, its foreign ministry has said.

The 19-year-old from London said she wanted to return to the UK with her newborn baby, with the end of the so-called caliphate in Syria within sight.

But Home Secretary Sajid Javid revoked her British citizenship in a move only permissible under international law if it does not leave the individual stateless.

There had been speculation that Ms Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, may have citizenship there but its minister of state for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam denied this on Wednesday.

It comes as the 19-year-old told BBC News that she only has "one citizenship" and that it was wrong for the UK to revoke it without speaking to her first.

Shamima Begum fled the UK to join the Islamic State terror group in Syria aged 15 / PA

Britain stripped the teenager of her citizenship on Tuesday, triggering a row over the ramifications of leaving a 19-year-old with a jihadist fighter's child to fend for herself in a war zone.

The Home Office sent a letter to her family explaining her citizenship had been revoked, a move made possible due to its belief that she has dual British and Bangladeshi citizenship through her mother.

However, the Bangladeshi foreign ministry has now denied reports she is a Bangladeshi citizen.

A statement said: The government of Bangladesh is deeply concerned that she has been erroneously identified as a holder of dual citizenship shared with Bangladesh alongside her birthplace, the United Kingdom.

Shamima Begum has had her British citizenship revoked

"Bangladesh asserts that Ms Shamima Begum is not a Bangladeshi citizen. She is a British citizen by birth and has never applied for dual nationality with Bangladesh.

"It may also be mentioned that she never visited Bangladesh in the past despite her parental lineage.

"So, there is no question of her being allowed to enter into Bangladesh."

The statement added that Dhaka had only been made aware of the situation by the media.

Shamima Begum in Syria / ITV

In an interview with BBC News on Wednesday, Begum said she only has "one citizenship".

She said: "I have one citizenship... and if you take that away from me, I don't have anything. I don't think they are allowed to do that.

"This is a life changing decision and they haven't even spoken to me."

Her comments comes as Home Secretary Sajid Javid today suggested that her son, named Jarrar, will be British despite his mother's citizenship being revoked.

TODO: define component type apester

When questions were raised in the Commons over her son's nationality, Mr Javid said: "Children should not suffer.

"So, if a parent does lose their British citizenship, it does not affect the rights of their child. Deprivation is a powerful tool that can only be used to keep the most dangerous individuals out of this country and we do not use it lightly.

"But when someone turns their back on the fundamental values and supports terror, they don't have an automatic right to return to the UK."

A lawyer representing her family disputed her having dual nationality earlier on Wednesday. He has the option to appeal the Home Office decision.

Begum herself has seen the letter sent to her family and said that she was "shocked" by the decision to revoke her citizenship, which she said was unfair on her and her child.

She told ITV: "I don't know what to say. I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. Its a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like its a bit unjust on me and my son."N ew York is banning discrimination based on a persons hairstyle in a bid to tackle racist prejudice.

The New York City Commission on Human Rights has declared that people targeted based on their hair in workplaces, public spaces and schools will now fall under racial discrimination laws.

Its guidelines aim to tackle discrimination on afros, cornrows and locs in a bid to tackle racist discrimination.

The Commission says there is a widespread and fundamentally racist belief that black hairstyles are not suited for formal settings and may be unhygienic, messy, disruptive or unkempt. Black children and adults from schools to places of employment have routinely been targeted by discriminatory hair policies.

They are the first of their kind in the country and specifically mention the right to maintain natural hair, treated or untreated hairstyles such as locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, fades, Afros and/or the right to keep hair in an uncut or untrimmed state, the New York Times reports.

Numerous schools up until now have banned dreadlocks, afros and other hairstyles.

Those who have been targeted because of their hair can now take legal action.

Penalties can reach up to $250,000 (191,400) and there is no cap on the amount of money in relation to damages.

Carmelyn P. Malalis, the commissioner and chairwoman of the New York City Commission on Human Rights told the Times: Theres nothing keeping us from calling out these policies prohibiting natural hair or hairstyles most closely associated with black people.I SIS bride Shamima Begum has said losing her British citizenship is heart-breaking and hard to swallow.

The London teenager who fled Bethnal Green to move to Syria when she was 15 was shown a letter from the Home Office informing her of their decision to strip her of her UK status.

"I'm a bit shocked... It's a bit unjust on me and my son," she told ITV.

"I don't know what to say," she said. "I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. Its a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like its a bit unjust on me and my son."

She added: "Its kind of heart-breaking to read. My family made it sound like it would be a lot easier for me to come back to the UK when I was speaking to them in Baghouz. Its kind of hard to swallow."

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said the 19-year-old was to be stripped of her British citizenship on Tuesday night.

International law forbids nations from making people stateless by revoking their only citizenship, prompting speculation that Ms Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, held dual citizenship.

TODO: define component type apester

The Home Office is to argue that because Begum's mother was born in Bangladesh, her daughter is entitled to dual citizenship, meaning she would not be left stateless if her passport is revoked.

Ms Begum, now 19, was shown a copy of the letter at the Syria refugee camp where she is being held.

The letter, which was delivered to Ms Begums mother, read: Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship.

In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretary's decision has been served of file today (19 February), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made.

Isis bridge Shamima Begum is interview by Sky News at a refugee camp in Syria (Sky News ) / Sky News

Following the news of her citizenship being revoked, Ms Begum said she may explore possibly gaining citizenship of a different country through her Dutch husband in order to leave the Syria refugee camp where she currently resides.

The lawyer for the family of Ms Begum denied the teen has dual citizenship earlier today.

Tasnime Akunjee said she was born in the UK and does not hold dual nationality.

Shamima Begum pictured at Gatwick Airport in February 2015 / EPA

He added the family were "very disappointed" over the decision to strip the teen of her British citizenship and they were "considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision".

The Home Office said such decisions are "not taken lightly" and are carried out "in order to protect this country".A hiker has told of his terror after becoming stuck in quicksand for more than 12 hours in a remote national park.

Ryan Osmun, 34, was trekking in the Zion National Park in Utah when girlfriend Jessika McNeill tripped into quicksand.

But as he helped her out, his entire right leg became engulfed, leaving him wedged with no chance of moving it at all.

Ms McNeill walked three hours to find help, with park rangers arriving ten hours later and the rescue taking an additional two hours.

The couple's rescue took hours because of poor weather conditions / National Park Service/AP

Mr Osmun told CBS News: "There was no chance of moving it at all. The sand had surrounded the whole leg and I couldn't move it.

The best way to describe it would be standing in a huge puddle of concrete that basically dries instantly.

"One guy scraping sand away, they were able to free my leg. It was probably one of the worst pains I've ever felt.

"I really wouldn't change anything or go back and change anything or do anything differently. It was just a freak accident that my leg hit this hole of sand.

Once he was freed, the pair were forced to spend the night in the park after a bad storm brought four more inches of snow, before they were eventually lifted to safety on Sunday.

Mr Osmun, a photographer, suffered hypothermia and minor muscle damage, but expects to make a full recovery, while Ms McNeill also suffered from hypothermia.

The park, in the south west of the state, has experienced an incredibly wet winter, increasing the chance of treacherous quicksand forming.

Zion National Park visitor services chief Aly Baltrus said in a statement: On the afternoon of February 16, Zion Dispatch received a report of a 34 year old male visitor from Arizona whose leg was stuck in quicksand.

He was located approximately 3 hours up the Left Fork of the North Creek, also known as The Subway route from bottom-up.

His leg was buried up to his knee and he was unable to free himself. He had hiked the Left Fork Trail with a companion, also from Arizona, when he became stuck.

He and his companion tried to free his leg and were unsuccessful. His companion left him with warm gear and clothing and hiked to call for help. It was approximately 3 hours until she got cell phone service and was able to call 911.

Zion Search and Rescue team immediately assembled and began hiking to locate the male. Rangers located the companion close to the trailhead and tended to her as she was exhibiting signs of hypothermia, from hiking the three hours to call for help.

After several hours, rangers located the male who was stable but suffering from exposure, hypothermia, and extremity injuries Rangers tried for 2 hours to free the males leg from the quicksand in the middle of the creek.

Late into the night, Rangers were able to free the male from the quicksand and began efforts to rewarm him and treat his leg. Rangers spent the night with the patient in frigid conditions with four additional inches of snow overnight.

The next morning, the Utah DPS helicopter responded from Salt Lake City. The ongoing winter storms in the area decreased visibility for aircraft all morning. Only after a small break in the weather occurred in the afternoon, the DPS helicopter was able safely extricated the patient with a hoist rescue operation. The patient was transported to an awaiting ambulance and transported to the hospital.A French ski patrol guide has died after an avalanche buried skiers at a resort in Switzerland.

The victim, 34, was rescued from the snow in the Crans-Montana but died in hospital from his injuries.

Rescuers have now called off their search for casualties after pulling the man and three others to safety.

Valais cantonal police said in a statement: "The person who was seriously injured died during the night in Sion hospital. He was a French ski patroller aged 34."

Crans-Montana avalanche - In pictures 1 /7 Crans-Montana avalanche - In pictures Rescue crew work on the avalanche site, at the ski resort of Crans-Montana, Switzerland AP More than 240 people assisted in the search EPA Teams have ceased their search for people trapped at the resort EPA he site of an avalanche is pictured in Crans-Montana, Switzerland REUTERS Photograph released by the Swiss Police shows rescuers on the site of a avalanche AFP/Getty Images Photograph released by the Swiss Police shows rescuers on the site of a avalanche AFP/Getty Images Rescue crews have called off the search on the avalanche site EPA

The three others had also been taken to Sion hospital.

Witnesses suggested others have been buried but the search has been ceased.

A large search operation was held to look for people potentially trapped in the avalanche / REUTERS

"The search continued all night and was halted this morning. It will resume if the situation requires. No disappearance has been signalled," police said.

Eight helicopters, 12 dogs and more than 240 police, rescuers and soldiers had worked to find more casualties.

The avalanche was 840 metres long and 100 metres wide, with 400 meters of heavy snow hitting the piste.

It occurred in mid-afternoon and came after a week of warmer temperatures began melting heavy snow.

However, the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research said the danger for the area had been only at level two on a scale of five on Tuesday.The suspect, identified by state police as Kyron Marcell Sands of Hartford, first fired on officers in Norwich about 10:50 a.m., police said. A car was stolen and a chase ensued on I-395 across two counties and several cities, Trooper Josue Dorelus said at a briefing.H uge crowds gathered across France to rally against a surge in anti-Semitism across the country.

Alongside members of the public political leaders from all parties, including former Presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, gathered in Paris.

They filled the Place de la Republique waving banners aloft to decry anti-Semitic acts.

Elsewhere people also lined the streets of cities from Lille in the north to Toulouse and Marseille in the south.

Huge crowds gathered in Paris / EPA

This came after vandals daubed swastikas and anti-Jewish slogans on dozens of graves in a Jewish cemetery in the village of Quatzenheim, near the eastern city of Strasbourg, on Tuesday.

President Emmanuel Macron paid respects at one of the 96 desecrated graves.

He said: "Whoever did this is not worthy of the French republic and will be punished... We'll take action, we'll apply the law and we'll punish them."

President Macron later visited the national Holocaust memorial in Paris alongside the heads of the Senate and National Assembly.

French President Emmanuel Macron looks at a grave vandalised with a swastika during a visit at the Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim / AFP/Getty Images

France is home to the biggest Jewish community in Europe with a population of around 550,000.

This is a number that has grown by about half since World War Two.

Anti-Semitic attacks remain common and government statistics released last week showed there were more than 500 anti-Semitic attacks in the country last year, a 74 percent increase from 2017.

Among incidents in recent days "yellow vest" protesters were filmed hurling abuse on Saturday at Alain Finkielkraut, a well-known Jewish writer who is the son of a Holocaust survivor.

A sign reading 'I am jew' is held aloft at the rallies / AP

Artwork on two Paris post boxes showing the image of Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor and former magistrate, was defaced with swastikas.

As well as this a bagel shop was sprayed with the word "Juden", German for Jews, in yellow letters and a tree in a Paris suburb in memory of Ilan Halimi, a young Jewish man kidnapped, tortured and murdered in 2006, was cut in two.

The series of attacks has alarmed politicians and prompted calls for action.

"I call on all French and European leaders to take a strong stand against anti-Semitism," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message recorded in Hebrew. "It is an epidemic that endangers everyone, not just us."

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy told reporters: "It needs to be dealt with now and extremely firmly.D onald Trump could be a Russian asset, former FBI chief Andrew McCabe has claimed.

The accusation came amid speculation that Special Counsel Robert Mueller was preparing to release the results of his inquiry into allegations of collusion between Mr Trumps 2016 presidential election campaign and the Kremlin. In an interview with CNN, presenter Anderson Cooper asked Mr McCabe: Do you still believe the president could be a Russian asset? He replied: I think its possible. I think thats why we started our investigation, and Im really anxious to see where Mueller concludes that.

White House adviser Kellyanne Conway hit back, branding Mr McCabe a liar and a leaker. Mr Trump has previously condemned the former FBI head as a disgrace.

Mr McCabe took the helm of the agency after James Comey was fired in May 2017. He was himself sacked in 2018, just two days before he was due to retire. During the interview with CNN, Mr McCabe added there was an arguable basis that a federal crime has been committed by Mr Trump when he dismissed Mr Comey.

He said: This president is undermining the role of law enforcement, undermining the role of our intelligence infrastructure and negatively impacting the men and women of the FBI.

His comments came days after Mr McCabe claimed deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein had raised the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment in a bid to oust Mr Trump. Mr Rosenstein has denied the claims.

According to a report today in the New York Times, Mr Trump has publicly criticised the investigation into his campaigns alleged ties with Russia more than 1,100 times since his inauguration.

The president has repeatedly called the inquiry a witch hunt. The New York Times claimed that he had criticised Mr Muellers investigation 361 times, Hillary Clinton and her campaign 295 times, former FBI director James Comey 148 times and the FBI, Justice Department and intelligence agencies 277 times. He has defended Russian president Vladimir Putin and Russia 61 times.

It also emerged today that Democrat politicians in the House of Representatives had launched an inquiry into claims senior White House officials pushed a project to share nuclear power technology with Saudi Arabia.A man has been told by a German court that he is not fit to carry a firearms license after his dog shot him with a rifle.

An earlier decision by Bavarian authorities to withdraw his license to own a rifle, as well as his hunting permit, was appealed by the man but this was dismissed by a Munich administrative court.

The decision followed a 2016 incident in which the mans dog managed to release the trigger on a loaded rifle that was lying in his car and shot him in the arm.

The court ruled the man, a passionate hunter, could not be relied upon "because it must be assumed that he will handle firearms and ammunition carelessly in future as well."

He can appeal the ruling.

It is not the first time a dog has shot its owner.

In November last year, a dog named Charlie shot a man named Tex on the way to a jackrabbit hunt in the New Mexico desert.

The 120-pound Rottweiler mix got his foot caught in the trigger of the gun, shooting his owner through his ribs, lung and collarbone.

In May last year, an Iowa man was shot by his dog while they were roughhousing one afternoon.

Richard Remme, 51, of Fort Dodge, told police police he was playing with his dog, Balew, on the couch and tossed the dog off his lap.

When the pit bull-Labrador mix bounded back up, he must have disabled the safety on the gun in his belly band and stepped on the trigger.A dog named Kingston who jumped from his familys truck as they fled wildfires in California has been reunited with his owners 101 days later.

The pet, a 12-year-old Akita, went missing in November as the family left the town of Paradise, where fires killed 85 people and destroyed nearly 15,000 homes.

Gabriel Ballejos, Kingstons owner, said: When I was told he had been found, it just about brought me to tears. I cant believe it. Hes a true survivor.

Mr Ballejos said the family never lost hope and kept issuing flyers and contacting animal shelters.

His daughter Maleah added: Every night I would tell my dad that we needed to go look for him.

Kingston was captured by animal rescue volunteer Ben Lepe, after being spotted on surveillance cameras.A teenager who was filmed in a confrontation with a Native American man is suing the Washington Post for 191.8 million.

Covington Catholic High School student Nick Sandmann was seen standing face-to-face with Native American Nathan Phillips at an anti-abortion rally in Washington DC.

The Kentucky teen was accused of "mocking" Mr Phillips after he was seen on camera wearing a Make America Great Again hat, standing in the middle of a circle of his chanting classmates, but denied the allegations.

The law suit, brought by his parents Ted and Julie, claims the paper engaged in a modern-day form of McCarthyism and ignored basic journalist standards because it wanted to advance its well-known and easily documented, biased agenda against President Donald J. Trump.

The students from Covington Catholic High School were in Washington attending an anti-abortion march / AP

It also said the Post wrongfully targeted and bullied Nicholas because he was the white, Catholic student wearing a red Make America Great Again souvenir cap.

A statement, posted on the website of Hemmer DeFrank Wessels attorneys, added: Unlike the Posts abuse of the profession of journalism, Plaintiffs do not bring this lawsuit to use the judicial system to further a political agenda.

This lawsuit is brought against the Post to seek legal redress for its negligent, reckless, and malicious attacks on Nicholas which caused permanent damage to his life and reputation.

The Post bullied an innocent child with an absolute disregard for the pain and destruction its attacks would cause to his life.

The school apologised after the videos emerged / AP

The Post proved itself to be a loud and aggressive bully with a bully pulpit.

It is seeking the huge sum as it is what Amazon boss Jeff Bezos paid for the paper in 2013.

The suit also claims that Mr Phillips, a former US Marine, is a phony war hero and that he walked directly up to where Nicholas was standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial so that he could confront Nicholas and bully him by getting in his face.

It details seven false and defamatory stories which the Post ran as evidence.P rince Harry today paid a visit to a half-term project in south London that works to feed local children and keep them fit.

The Duke of Sussex visited the Streatham Youth and Community Trust's John Corfield Centre to see the national Fit and Fed campaign in action.

Images from his visit show the duke talking to some of the young participants and handing out food at lunchtime.

The children spent time enjoying the trampolining facilities during Harry's visit, while others played pool.

Britain's Prince Harry poses for a photo with a participant during his visit to a 'Fit and Fed' half-term initiative in London / REUTERS

The duke described youth centres where young people have for generations met to do activities and socialise, as vital community hubs providing spaces where they could talk about the issues affecting them.

The Duke of Sussex serves a hot healthy lunch to children during a visit to Streatham Youth and Community Trust's John Corfield Centre / PA

Speaking later about some of the issues with panel discussion groups, he said: "We're adding to social isolation, whether it's the nine-year-old on the phone, or on computer games or whatever it is, for young people nowadays to be caught up in a world like this, we are adding to a whole list of issues that already existed.

"And then by closing places like this down - the one place which they really have to come and have a normal conversation, be it about mental health, their lifestyle, issues at home, whatever it is.

The Duke of Sussex speaks to participants as they watch a trampolining session during a visit to Streatham / PA

"We all understand it, we all get it, but these places are literally a community hub, and I don't think people over the years have actually understood or realised how vital this is to the younger generation."

Launched in 2016, Fit and Fed is a campaign led by StreetGames which aims to tackle the holiday gap of hunger, inactivity and isolation.

The project offers activity sessions and a nutritious meal every day for local children and the duke has visited a number of the projects in recent years.

He was joined by Streatham MP Chuka Umunna who said the youth centre was providing a vital service to young people in his community.

Mr Umunna said Harry's visit would "shine a light on all the good work that's being done, in order to attract funding".T he lawyer for the family of ISIS bride Shamima Begum has denied she has dual citizenship.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said last night that the 19-year-old Londoner, who fled the UK to join the Islamic State terror group in Syria aged 15, was to be stripped of her British citizenship.

International law forbids nations from making people stateless by revoking their only citizenship, prompting speculation that Ms Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, held dual citizenship.

The Home Office is to argue that because Begum's mother was born in Bangladesh, her daughter is entitled to dual citizenship, meaning she would not be left stateless if her passport is revoked.

But her family's lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said today that Ms Begum was born in the UK and does not hold dual nationality.

TODO: define component type apester

Mr Akunjee said Ms Begum has never had a Bangladeshi passport and is not a dual citizen.

He had previously said the family were "very disappointed" over the decision to strip the teen of her British citizenship and they were "considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision".

The Home Office said such decisions are "not taken lightly" and are carried out "in order to protect this country".

The Bethnal Green teenager left London when she was 15 / BBC

"We do not comment on individual cases, but any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly."

However questions remain over Begum's child who is legally British, as he was born before his mother was deprived of her citizenship status.

ITV News reported a letter from the department was received by Ms Begum's mother on Tuesday.

"Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship," it read.

"In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretary's decision has been served of file today (19 February), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made."

The letter asked the mother to inform her daughter of the decision, as well as her right to appeal.

Shamima Begum pictured at Gatwick Airport in February 2015 / EPA

The move comes after the teenager returned to the public eye when she was found heavily pregnant living in a refugee camp in northern Syria.

She gave birth to a boy over the weekend, having already lost two children, and made pleas for forgiveness and to be accepted back in the UK.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has signalled she could be arrested and investigated if she returns to Britain.

When Ms Begum left the UK, the then chief of counter-terror policing Sir Mark Rowley suggested that she might be treated as a victim of grooming.

Shamima Begum, right, after she gave birth in Syria amid the storm over her possible return to the UK / Sky News

But on Tuesday Ms Dick said: "We're a long way down the road since then."

Earlier, Mr Javid told the House of Commons he had the power of "stripping dangerous dual nationals" of their British citizenship, adding: "Over 100 people have already been deprived in this way."

Conservative former minister George Freeman criticised the move as a "mistake" that will set a "dangerous precedent".S hamima Begums family lawyer has vowed to fight a move to strip the ISIS bride of her British citizenship.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid made the decision against the Londoner, who fled the UK to Syria as a schoolgirl aged 15.

Tasnime Akunjee, her familys lawyer, said they are considering all legal avenues to challenge the decision in the courts.

The 19-year-olds family was told of the move in a letter from the Home Office on Tuesday, according to ITV News.

Shamima Begum pictured at Gatwick Airport in February 2015 / EPA

The Home Office said such decisions are "not taken lightly" and are carried out "in order to protect this country".

"Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship," it read.

"In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretary's decision has been served of file today (February 19), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made."

The letter asked the mother to inform her daughter of the decision, as well as her right to appeal.

How can Begum be stripped of her citizenship?

Questions have now been raised about how she can be stripped of her citizenship as a British national.

International law forbids nations from making people stateless by revoking their only citizenship.

It is not known if Ms Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, holds dual citizenship.

Shamima Begum on Manchester bombings: "it's a two way thing"

Barrister David Anderson QC, who previously served as a reviewer of terrorism legislation, said: "Those born as British citizens who are not dual nationals cannot be stripped of their citizenship in any circumstances."

A 2017 government report on the issue said the Home Secretary has the power to "deprive a person of British citizenship" if it would be "conducive to the public good".

However, this only applies if the person would not be left stateless. If it is the case Ms Begum is a dual national, she could have her British citizenship stripped.

According to the letter, Ms Begum has the right to appeal the decision to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC).

The SIAC is independent of the Government and allows individuals to appeal against immigration decisions by the Home Office, such as deportations and the removal of citizenship.

Those who are outside of the UK have 28 days to lodge an appeal from the time they receive their Home Office letter.

TODO: define component type apester

Amendments were made to British national laws in 2014 which made it easier to strip dual nationals of their British citizenship.

These measures were primarily aimed at terrorists who could potentially undermine UK security, for example those who fled to Syria to fight and were attempting to return home.

Shamima Begum: 'They dont have any evidence against me doing anything dangerous'

There are two other instances when British citizenship can be removed, which are permissible even if the person would be rendered stateless.

Deprivation of citizenship can be made if a person obtained their citizenship through registration or naturalisation and the Home Secretary is "satisfied that this was obtained by fraud, false representation or the concealment of a material fact".

Secondly, when citizenship is obtained through naturalisation and the Home Secretary believes that removing it would be "conducive to the public good" because the person acted in way which is "seriously prejudicial to the vital interests of United Kingdom, any of the Islands, or any British overseas territory".

However, this power, introduced in the Immigration Act 2014, can only be used if there are reasonable grounds for believing the person is able to acquire citizenship of another country, thereby avoiding remaining stateless.A fighter jet pilot who will be part of a memorial flypast to honour 10 American airmen who died when their plane crashed 75 years ago said she is happy to be able to honour those killed.

The flypast was arranged after BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker met pensioner Tony Foulds during a walk in Sheffield.

Mr Foulds witnessed the B-17 Flying Fortress, Mi Amigo, crash and explode in the park as the pilot tried to avoid him and his friends in February 1944. He has tended to a memorial to the men since.

Upon hearing the 82-year-olds story, Mr Walker launched a social media campaign to get a flypast to mark the 75th anniversary.

The moment Tony found out that he was getting a fly past

Captain Lauren Schlichting will pilot an F15E Strike Eagle jet from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk as part of Friday's planned flypast.

The 28-year-old, from Minnesota, said: "We definitely don't take it lightly to be able to honour those who came before us and we're happy to do it."

Lieutenant Andrew Knighten, the weapons systems officer in the F15E, said: "It's pretty humbling, honestly, just for everyone that's gone before us and for us to get to fly over and just honour them."

The 29-year-old, of Chicago, said it was an "awesome decision" for the Mi Amigo crew to "save the lives of those children".

Major Chris Zaremski, chief of current operations at the 48th Operations Support Squadron, said: "I think the flyover that we've got lined up is going to be an absolutely perfect fitting gesture for the crew."

Tony Foulds, 82, ahead of the Mi Amigo memorial flypast over Endcliffe Park, Sheffield / PA

A four-ship of F15E Strike Eagles is expected to fly over Cambridge American Cemetery, where three of the Mi Amigo crew are interred, on the way back to base from Sheffield.

Military aircraft from Britain and the United States will take part in the flypast.

Captain Jhanelle Haag, United States Air Force Europe-United Kingdom public affairs officer, said the aircraft expected to take part - depending on the weather - are F-15E Strike Eagles from RAF Lakenheath; a KC-135 Stratotanker, a MC-130J Commando II and a CV-22 Osprey from RAF Mildenhall, as well as a Typhoon and a Dakota from RAF Coningsby.D erek Hatton has been suspended from the Labour Party just two days after he was readmitted.

The former deputy leader of Liverpool City Council had his membership reinstated on Monday after he was expelled from the party 34 years ago.

He has been notified of suspending pending an investigation into a tweet he posted in 2012, according to the Liverpool Echo.

It is understood this tweet, which has since been deleted, included criticism of the actions of the Israeli government and urged British Jews to speak out against its actions.

A Labour source said: "Derek Hatton was given provisional membership pending National Executive Committee approval.

"The party was not aware of this material.

A Labour source said Mr Hatton was given provisional membership pending National Executive Committee approval / PA

"Once this was brought to our attention, he was suspended pending the NEC's decision."



Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner told the Commons on Wednesday he had written to the Labour Party's general secretary and "lodged a formal complaint" against Mr Hatton.

Mr Gardiner's comments followed Labour MP Neil Coyle saying Mr Hatton had tweeted "what seemed to imply that every Jew, wherever they live in the world, is responsible for the actions of the Israeli government", adding: "Does he share my view that Derek Hatton has no part to play in our Labour Party?"

The shadow cabinet member replied: "This morning I saw the reports about not just the readmission of Derek Hatton but the tweets he has mentioned.

"I wrote to the general secretary of our party, I lodged a formal complaint. I understand that action has since been taken in respect of the complaint and I'm sure that I will be looking out to see precisely what appropriate action is taken in due course.

"I totally agree with you. I think it was a travesty that, at least I think many of us knew for some while that he had applied to rejoin the party, but for the news of his readmission to come to public attention on the very day when some members of our party were forced out - I think it was appalling."

Labour would not be drawn on on the matter, with a party spokesman stating: "We do not comment on individual members."

He was originally expelled by the then leader Neil Kinnock for membership of the left-wing Militant Tendency.Neighbor Thaddeus Taylor said he heard seven or eight gunshots and a man yelling, I got hit, help. He called 911, and by the time he got off the phone, police were arriving. He later took a picture of a car with its drivers side door riddled with bullet holes. At least one bullet hit the house.T heresa May and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker have hailed "constructive" Brexit talks despite no breakthrough in Brussels.

In a joint statement, Mrs May and Mr Juncker said their teams would press on to explore the options in a positive spirit.

The comments came after the Prime Minister travelled to Brussels to seek legal assurances on the Northern Ireland Brexit backstop she believes are needed to secure Parliamentary approval for her Withdrawal Deal.

The two plan to meet again before the end of February, when Mrs May faces a new test in Parliament where her minority government just lost three MPs.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is welcomed by European commission President Jean-Claude Juncker ahead to a meeting on Brexit in Brussels / EPA

With 37 days to go to a potential chaotic Brexit, officials were "seized of the tight timescale and the historic significance of setting the EU and the UK on a path to a deep and unique future partnership", the statement said.

Mrs May said afterwards progress had been made over the backstop but added time was running out to secure changes.

The statement said discussions had looked at "which guarantees could be given with regard to the backstop that underline once again its temporary nature and give the appropriate legal assurance to both sides".

Talks also covered "the role alternative arrangements could play in replacing the backstop in future".

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Theresa May is not the reason he is wearing a plaster on his face. / AFP/Getty Images

It is understood that the talks could give Mrs May momentum for more talks with EU leaders during a summit with their peers in Egypt on February 24 to 25. She could then return to Parliament next week and offer MPs some progress before another vote.

But the EU has squarely refused demands to discard the backstop, saying it is essential to avoid customs controls on what would become a new EU-UK border between Ireland and Britain's historically troubled province of Northern Ireland.

The two leaders said they tasked the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay "with considering the process the European Commission and the UK will follow".

The discussions looked at whether changes can be made to the Political Declaration on the future relationship between the UK and EU that are consistent with positions taken by both sides.

Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay is heading to Brussels on Thursday / AFP/Getty Images

The PM and Mr Juncker agreed to talk again before the end of the month.

Mr Barclay and Advocate General Geoffrey Cox are visiting Brussels on Thursday to discuss legal text on the backstop with Mr Barnier.

Both Mr Barclay and British finance minister Philip Hammond have suggested the "alternative arrangements" to the backstop that Britain is pursuing could become part of the new EU-UK relationship after Brexit, not the formal divorce treaty.

After the meeting, Mrs May said: "I have underlined the need for us to see legally binding changes to the backstop that ensure that it cannot be indefinite.

TODO: define component type apester

"That's what is required if a deal is to pass the House of Commons.

"We have agreed that work to find a solution will continue at pace.

"Time is of the essence and it is in both our interests that when the UK leaves the EU it does so in an orderly way.

"So, we have made progress."

While "alternative arrangements" could mean a small step towards a compromise with the EU, frustrated EU diplomats said time was fast running out.

"They have until March 10, maybe March 15 at the latest," one EU diplomat said. "Otherwise they will be forced into a delay of Brexit, or crash out."

Many EU officials believe that, come what may, Britain will have to ask for a delay to the March 29 Brexit date, if only to give it time to pass further legislation ahead of its departure.

The PM believes that gaining legally binding assurances that the backstop will not extend indefinitely is the key to winning the support of MPs for her deal, and seeing off efforts to extend the negotiation period in a series of Commons votes expected on February 27.

The backstop arrangements would see the whole of the UK remain in a customs union with the EU and Northern Ireland following some single market rules until a wider trade deal is agreed, in order to prevent the need for checkpoints on the Irish border.T he Duke of Sussex has paid a visit to the base of 42 Commando Royal Marines in Devon.

Prince Harry, who assumed the role of Captain General Royal Marines from the Duke of Edinburgh in December 2017, visited the base in Bickleigh on Wednesday.

Images from his trip show Harry carrying out a Green Beret presentation at Dartmoor National Park.

The presentation of the Green Beret symbolises the completion of a commandos training following a 30-mile march while carrying 40lbs worth of equipment.

Prince Harry carried out a Green Beret presentation / Getty Images

The duke was also seen climbing into a Pacific 24 rigid inflatable boat after being invited up by marines.

Marine Adam Smith who was part of a group of snipers who spoke to Harry about their role said: It was great to meet him and show him what we are capable of doing.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Captain General Royal Marines visits 42 Commando Royal Marines at their base / Getty Images

Major General Charlie Strickland, Commandant General of the Royal Marines described the visit as fantastic.

He said: Having him as Captain General, handed over from his beloved grandfather, is brilliant. What we are doing this first year is getting him to know the Royal Marines.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Captain General Royal Marines visits 42 Commando Royal Marines / Getty Images

It is great for him to come and understand how this specialist unit operates.

Since assuming the role of Captain General, Harry has visited new recruits at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone and recently met marines during a training exercise in Norway.Y oung Labour has again come under fire for a message sent from its Twitter account after an eighth MP quit as an historic split continued to rock the party.

The groups chairwoman said she utterly condemns the now-deleted social media post, which read: "Joan Ryan Gone - Palestine Lives" after the latest resignation.

MP for Enfield North Ms Ryan, who chaired Labour Friends of Israel, announced on Tuesday night she was quitting the party to join the breakaway Independent Group.

The tweet quickly circulated on social media and was met with criticism. Journalist Jane Merrick, who quit the Labour Party last year over anti-Semitism concerns, tweeted: "Who is running the Young Labour Twitter account? Do Young Labour people really want to be associated with that hateful nonsense?"

One user called it "absolutely shocking", while another said: "If those responsible for the Young Labour Twitter Output are really the future of the Labour Party, then The Labour Party is Doomed (and deserves to be)".

Miriam Mirwatch, chairwoman of Young Labour, tweeted that she had not written the post, and vowed to continue "fighting for an open, inclusive and welcoming Young Labour".

"To make crystal clear, I did not send the tweet about Joan Ryan from the Young Labour Twitter account and I utterly condemn it," she said.

"Multiple members of YL committee have access to the account. I'll never stop fighting for an open, inclusive and welcoming Young Labour."

She added: "Please don't think the online conduct of a few on social media represents the whole of Young Labour.

"There's so much talent, so many brilliant activists and so much to be proud of in our movement. I'll never stop fighting to make our movement a welcoming and inclusive place."

Ms Mirwatch had previously criticised a tweet sent from the account when the first seven Labour MPs resigned from the party on Monday.

Corbyn: Labour MPs wrong to claim they're not being listened to

While the septet were announcing their decision, the account tweeted a lyric from The Red Flag, which appeared to refer to them as "cowards" and "traitors".

"Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer, we'll keep the red flag flying here," read the tweet.

Ms Mirwatch later tweeted: "This tweet is entirely inappropriate. I do not support it. I am strongly opposed to Labour splits, but the below is the incorrect response.

"A member of Young Labour National Committee proposed that we delete this tweet. As this is so contentious, members of exec are voting."

Ms Ryan said Labour has become infected with the scourge of anti-Jewish racism under Jeremy Corbyn as she announced her resignation yesterday.

She described the decision to leave the party as terribly difficult, but said she had no choice but to quit over Mr Corbyns handling of anti-Semitism.R emainer Conservative MPs Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen have announced their defection to the new Independent Group.

In a dramatic move on Wednesday, the trio joined former Labour MPs including Chuka Umunna and Luciana Berger, who announced their departures from Jeremy Corbyn's party on Monday.

Ms Soubry, Dr Wollaston and Ms Allen said in a joint resignation letter that Brexit has "re-defined the Conservative Party - undoing all efforts to modernise it".

So who are the rebel MPs, what is their Brexit stance and what drove them to their decisions?

Anna Soubry (Broxtowe since 2010, 863 majority in 2017)

Anna Soubry with Chuka Umunna last month / Andy Rain/EPA

Ms Soubry is the face of the Remain movement in the Parliamentary Conservative Party.

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The most high profile of the three defectors, Ms Soubry has been a staunch campaigner for a second referendum on Theresa Mays Brexit deal.

On Saturday, when the Peoples Vote campaign announced its plans for a march through central London next month, it was Ms Soubrys quotes which were given the highest prominence.

Parliament will need a way out, she said, and the demand will be loud and clear: put short term party politics aside, put Britain's national interest first. Put it to the people."

She, along with Dr Wollaston and Ms Allen, was pictured with Mr Umunna and Ms Berger as they banded together for Brexit talks with the government in Whitehall last month.

Ms Soubry had numerous ministerial portfolios under previous Prime Minister David Cameron, but has largely been consigned to the backbenches under Theresa May.

Sarah Wollaston (Totnes since 2010, 13,477 majority in 2017)

Sarah Wollaston, front, with Mr Umunna and Ms Berger last month / Andy Rain/EPA

Dr Wollaston was another leading Tory supporter of a so-called Peoples Vote.

As chair of the health and social care and liaison committees in the Commons, she is arguably the most senior of the three defectors.

She has despaired at the influence of hard Brexiteers such as Jacob Rees-Mogg, using the term Blukip on Monday night to describe Tory right-wingers who were closer to Nigel Farages ideology than the centre ground she occupies.

TODO: define component type apester

Dr Wollaston tweeted: BLUKIP has been busy taking over the Tory Party alongside the European Research Group. Soon there will be nothing left at all to appeal to moderate centre ground voters.

She was among 12 Tories, including Ms Soubry, who backed Dominic Grieves failed amendment to give power to Parliament on every Tuesday from February 12 to March 26 so backbenchers could discuss, amend and vote on Brexit.

Heidi Allen (Cambridgeshire South since 2015, 15,952 majority in 2017)

Heidi Allen in Westminster last month / Leon Neal/Getty Images

Ms Allen is a backbencher who has voiced strong views against Brexit and often rebelled against Theresa Mays government.

She has previously toyed with the idea of leaving the party under hard Brexit rule, saying in 2017 of Mr Rees-Mogg: I couldnt be in the Conservative Party if he was my leader.

Ms Allen has been the target of a deselection campaign by the Leave.EU campaign group.O ne of three MPs who quit the Conservatives party today has said she knew "in her heart" she might have to leave the Tories for some time, but only seriously considered defecting in the last six weeks.

Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston announced on Wednesday that they had resigned from Prime Minister Theresa Mays party and encouraged others to follow them to the new Independent Group.

Ms Allen said on ITVs Peston show this evening she had felt uncomfortable for quite some time with being in the Conservative party.

In my heart Ive been uncomfortable with being in the Conservative party for quite some now, she said.

I wear my heart on my sleeve and I dont think that would come as surprise to anybody.

Former British Conservative Party MPs Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston arrive at a news conference in London. / REUTERS

But in terms of believing that this might be possible as an alternative? Six weeks.

"So relatively speaking a very short amount of time.

But as my mum always said to me listen to the loudest voices in your head and thats what it was telling me to do, the country deserves something better.

She added that both parties would have been shaken to their core by the trios decision.

TODO: define component type apester

Ms Allen, Ms Soubry and Ms Wollaston hit out at the PMs disastrous handling of Brexit as they resigned from her party on Wednesday.

Ms Allen made clear that she wanted the new centre-ground group, which already contained eight ex-Labour MPs, to become a party that would eventually eclipse the Conservatives.

She claimed ministers "at all levels" in Government were sympathetic to their decision to cross the floor in the Commons.

They made clear that their concerns about Mrs May's performance went far wider than Brexit, accusing the PM of throwing away the modernisation agenda begun by David Cameron and allowing the party to be taken over by right-wing hardliners.

Former British Conservative Party MPs Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston defected from the Tories on Wednesday. / REUTERS

Ms Soubry said she would not stay in the Conservatives to "skirmish on the margins when the truth is the battle is over and the other side has won".

She said: "The right wing, the hardline anti-EU awkward squad that have destroyed every leader for the last 40 years are now running the Conservative Party from top to toe. They are the Conservative Party."

The Broxtowe MP urged "fellow one nation Conservatives" and "like-minded Lib Dems" to "please, come and join us" by breaking away from their parties and joining the new grouping.

The three blamed "Blukip" or a "purple Momentum" of hard-right "zealots" for trying to force out MPs on the Remain wing of the party through deselections.

PMQs 20.02.19 1 /4 PMQs 20.02.19 @John2Win

They claimed Mrs May had shown a "dismal failure" to stand up to the European Research Group of Brexiteer Conservatives, who were operating as a "party within a party" at Westminster.

Former minister Ms Soubry, Totnes MP Dr Wollaston and South Cambridgeshire MP Ms Allen - who dubbed the group the "three amigos" - said they could "no longer act as bystanders" as Mrs May continued with her Brexit strategy.

Ms Allen said she believed "a significant number" of Conservative MPs were considering joining the new group.

Asked if she could ever envisage returning to the Tory fold, Ms Allen made clear her ambitions for her new movement: "If we do our jobs right, there won't be a Tory party to go back to."

Although the group has yet to formally become a new party and lacks the organisational infrastructure necessary to fight elections yet, Ms Allen predicted it would be a force to be reckoned with at the next general election, telling the BBC: "I think I would be disappointed if we weren't pushing for second place at least."

A YouGov poll suggested 14 per cent of voters would back the breakaway group if it stood candidates, with the Tories on 38 per cent and Labour on 26 per cent.

The move brings the tally of TIG MPs to 11 - equal to the Liberal Democrats and one more than the Democratic Unionist Party, who prop up Mrs May's minority administration in the House of Commons.

Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable offered to work with the new group, hinting at a possible electoral pact by saying it would be "foolish" for them to stand candidates against each other.T heresa May was reeling today as three Conservative MPs resigned from the party and accused her of allowing hardline Right-wingers to take over.

In an extraordinary walkout, former business minister Anna Soubry, Commons health committee chairwoman Dr Sarah Wollaston and backbencher Heidi Allen crossed the floor of the House just minutes before Prime Ministers Questions.

The trio marched to the Opposition benches to join the newly formed Independent Group. Ms Soubry stretched out an arm to shake hands with former Labour MP Chuka Umunna, symbolising the formation of a new centre force in politics.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, the Tory MPs said they could not stay in a party in the grip of hardline Brexiteers and the Democratic Unionist Party, Mrs Mays Northern Irish allies in the Commons, and blamed the Prime Minister for the abandonment of one-nation politics and Tory modernisation.

Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said she would continue to work with the trio on Brexit. Great shame to have lost the commitment and undeniable talent of three Conservative colleagues, she said.

I look forward to continuing to work with them on a number of important issues, including a Brexit deal that works for the whole country.

The walkout  revealed exclusively in yesterdays Evening Standard  left the Prime Minister weakened in Parliament, with no majority to rely upon to deliver a legacy.

(L-R) MPs Anna Soubry, Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston all resigned the Tory whip and will join the new Independent Group

The Independent Group now boasts 11 MPs  equal in strength with the Liberal Democrats  after an eighth Labour MP, Enfield Norths Joan Ryan, joined last night.

In a stinging letter to Mrs May, the three Tory defectors wrote: We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the European Research Group and DUP.

Left Labour and Tories: (Middle row L-R) Luciana Berger, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston take their seats in the Commons

Brexit has re-defined the Conservative Party, undoing all the efforts to modernise it.

"There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hardline ERG which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy.

They added: The final straw for us has been this Governments disastrous handling of Brexit. Following the EU referendum of 2016, no genuine effort was made to build a cross party, let alone a national consensus to deliver Brexit. Instead of seeking to heal the divisions or to tackle the underlying causes of Brexit, the priority was to draw up red lines. The 48 per cent [Remainers] were not only sidelined, they were alienated.

In response, Mrs May issued a statement that was strikingly emollient. She said she was saddened but realised Brexit was never going to be easy and she would strive for decent, moderate and patriotic politics.

There were warnings from other pro-Europe Tories that other defections could follow if the party moved further to the Right.

Phillip Lee, a former minister who quit his role to campaign against Brexit, said he would stay for now, but believed many of my colleagues were considering their future.

A YouGov poll for The Times claimed that if the Independent Group stood at the next election, Labours vote share would plunge to 26 per cent, with the Tories on 38 and the Independent Group on 14.

The Tory defections are more politically significant than the Labour breakaway because they diminish the Prime Ministers ability to win key votes, including Budget measures and any future confidence vote.

While all three MPs are long-standing rebels on Brexit issues, they have backed the PM on most other votes.

Even if the stricken confidence and supply deal with the DUP is repaired, Mrs Mays theoretical working majority would be reduced from about 14 to about eight, leaving her at the mercy of backbench rebellions on controversies such as immigration and benefits reform.

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Yesterday extensive efforts were made by Tory whips to contact the trio after the Standard story, but messages went unanswered and they were not seen at the Commons.

Some Tory MPs were furious with their former colleagues. One said: They wont be missed.

Others were sympathetic and blamed the party hierarchy for failing to give enough support to the likes of Ms Soubry who were under relentless attack for their pro-EU views. I dont blame them for crossing the floor, a senior Tory MP told the Standard.

Ms Soubry is the most senior of the trio, a hard-hitting former TV journalist seen as a natural Tory by colleagues and regarded as loyal on most issues except Brexit.

Dr Wollaston, a former GP, ran for office under a system brought in by David Cameron to detoxify the party after the expenses scandal, and was picked as a candidate in a public vote of constituents. However, she has been a frequent rebel on social issues and even tax cuts.

Ms Allen survived a confidence vote before the 2017 election after pledging to her local Tory association that she would be a loyal Conservative, according to a party source.

Dr Lee told Sky News: I suspect by the end of the day the Prime Minister is going to have a lot to reflect upon. He warned against a polarisation of politics that was damaging the Tories strength as a broad church.

My judgment at the moment is that I would rather stand and fight for my party, he added.T he decision of three Tory MPs to quit the party over the disastrous handling of Brexit" and join Labour rebels in the Independent Group has been blasted as a bad mistake.

MPs Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston resigned from the Conservatives on Wednesday morning, as they suggested the party has been drifting to the right wing of British politics.

The trio, long critical of Theresa May's Brexit strategy, said in a statement they would join a new group in parliament set up by seven former opposition Labour politicians.

Although some hailed the bravery of the MPs for resigning and said they were sorry to see them leave the party, others branded the move as a bad mistake".

(L-R) MPs Anna Soubry, Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston all resigned the Tory whip and will join the new Independent Group

Eric Pickles, former local government and communities secretary, described the resignations as expected, sad and ultimately a big mistake for the individuals.

The Prime Minister also said she was saddened by the resignations but insisted we are doing the right thing for our country by delivering Brexit and the partys manifesto commitment.

She said in a statement: I am saddened by this decision  these are people who have given dedicated service to our party over many years, and I thank them for it.

Prime Minister Theresa May speaks in the Commons / PA

Of course, the UKs membership of the EU has been a source of disagreement both in our party and our country for a long time.

"Ending that membership after four decades was never going to be easy.

The move poses a fresh headache for Mrs May as she heads to Brussels for Brexit talks with Jean-Claude Juncker.

Former education secretary and Conservative MP Nicky Morgan also said she was very sorry to see her principled and fearless friend Ms Soubry resign from the party.

She tweeted: Very sorry to read this from my principled and fearless friend Anna Soubry

Any political party should be a broad church and we should regret losing three such talented women from the Conservative Party."

MP James Brokenshire also said he was disappointed but said the focus must remain on Brexit.

Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson meanwhile offered her "kudos to the brave MPs" from both Labour and Conservative parties who have now joined the Independent Group.

The group of former Labour MPs take their seats in the Commons as independents with Luciana Berger seen taking a selfie / Twitter/John Lamont MP

She said: "'a purple momentum is now subsuming the Conservative party... marching the country to the cliff edge of no deal'

"Kudos to the brave MPs who have left the broken Conservative and Labour parties. Our country deserves better than this national shambles of a Government."

Grant Shapps also responded to the resignations online, saying: Sad Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen quit Conservatives, claiming theyre honour bound to put constituents first.

Theyve WRONGLY concluded colleagues who support Brexit are NOT putting constituents first! Remain or Leave doesnt define whether you are a moderate.

After the newly-formed Independent Group entered the Commons ahead of PMQs, Labour MP Danielle Rowley wrote on Twitter: How people who once called themselves Labour can cosy up next to the likes of Soubry, smiling and laughing, is absolutely beyond me."T he leader of the Liberal Democrats has hinted at a possible electoral pact between his party and the Independent Group.

Speaking to BBC News, Sir Vince Cable said it would be foolish for both parties to stand candidates against each other.

He said: It would be foolish for my party and this Independent Group to fight with each other and compete with each other in elections. The first-past-the-post system means that we would damage each other very badly.

"It would be a foolish thing to do, so we have to co-operate.

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Vince Cable / PA

He added: We totally share their views about Brexit. In the coming weeks we are going to have to work with them and others to make sure that the damage that Brexit could do it stopped.

Sir Vinces comments come after three Tory MPs resigned from the Conservative party on Wednesday morning, citing the partys disastrous handling of Brexit.

MPs Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston joined the newly-formed Independent Group, as they suggested the Conservative party has been drifting to the right wing of British politics.

MPs Sarah Wollaston, Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen / PA

The MPs, long critical of Theresa May's Brexit strategy, said in a statement they would join the new group in parliament set up by seven former opposition Labour politicians.

The rebel MPs then appealed to fellow one-nation Tories to join them, with Ms Allen saying she believed a significant number of Conservative MPs were considering quitting the party.

Ms Soubry said: "I'm hoping that this will really concentrate some minds of colleagues in the Conservative Party that we know share our concerns and also share our values and our principles and are very unhappy about the direction of travel.

The group of former Labour MPs take their seats in the Commons as independents with Luciana Berger seen taking a selfie / Twitter/John Lamont MP

"I also hope it gives courage to members of the Government who are deeply concerned about this no-deal becoming a real possibility.

"And it will give them the courage next week to do what, frankly, some of them should have done a long time ago and be true to what they believe, and if they need to leave Government and vote against the party line on Brexit, they have got to do it."

The move brings the tally of TIG MPs to 11 - equal to the Liberal Democrats and one more than the Democratic Unionist Party, who prop up Mrs May's minority government.

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In a letter to Mrs May, the three MPs said: "We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP.

"Brexit has re-defined the Conservative Party - undoing all the efforts to modernise it. There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hard-line ERG which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy."

They added: "The final straw for us has been this Government's disastrous handling of Brexit."

Former minister Ms Soubry, the MP for Broxtowe, Totnes MP Dr Wollaston and South Cambridgeshire MP Ms Allen said they could "no longer act as bystanders" as Mrs May continued with her Brexit strategy.

TODO: define component type apester

They said: "Following the EU referendum of 2016, no genuine effort was made to build a cross-party, let alone a national consensus to deliver Brexit.

"Instead of seeking to heal the divisions or to tackle the underlying causes of Brexit, the priority was to draw up 'red lines'. The 48% were not only sidelined, they were alienated."

Mrs May said she was "saddened" by the decision but insisted that "we are doing the right thing for our country" by delivering Brexit.

She added: "I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve."J eremy Hunt today insisted there is a way through stalled Brexit talks as the Government rushed to strike a deal with Brussels to avoid Parliament seizing control of the process.

In a speech in Berlin, he indicated the Government was banking on a concession by Brussels over the Northern Ireland border backstop. This would let the Attorney General reassure Tory MPs that the UK could not be held indefinitely in a customs union with the EU.

The Foreign Secretarys words will fuel the belief that the Malthouse Compromise backed by Brexiteers, which would axe the backstop, is not seen as a viable alternative plan to break the deadlock.

Speaking to the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung think tank, Mr Hunt called for generous and far-sighted leadership to agree a Brexit deal which could get through Parliament. It is possible to find a way through this, he said. We can get this deal through Parliament if we can have a deal where the Attorney General can change his backstop advice.

With EU leaders refusing to re-open the Withdrawal Agreement to change the backstop, Mr Hunt stressed: We do not want historians to ask themselves how it was that Europe failed to achieve an amicable change in its relationship with Britain and inflicted grave and avoidable damage to our continent at the moment when the world order was under threat from other directions. This came hours before Theresa May was due to meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels in a bid to end the Brexit talks stalemate.

The Government is seeking to step up the pace of talks to get an agreement before next week, when backbench MPs are poised to move to delay Brexit and block a no-deal departure.

If progress is made in Brussels, Mrs May could use an EU-Arab summit in Egypt this weekend to try to win the backing of EU leaders for any new plans. But Mr Juncker said he does not expect a breakthrough in the talks today.T he people behind Londons blue plaques scheme are looking for fresh sug-gestions, so heres mine. By a little canal bridge in Limehouse, east London, there ought to be a sign remembering one of the great what-ifs of British politics: The SDP 1981-1988, a progressive party, was born here, it should read  recalling the winter day when some of the Labour Partys most famous figures set off from this spot on a journey to form a new centre force of their own.

This week, politics is having an Eighties moment. First came news that eight Labour MPs are starting a journey towards creating a new party which may turn out to be the SDP, Mark II  one that has become less lonely after three Tories dramatically jumped ship to join them today. Then came the readmission to Labour ranks of the former Militant deputy leader of Liverpool council, Derek Hatton  the man who defined Neil Kinnocks fight to reform his party in order to hold back the SDP. Politics is turning so retro it ought to be dancing to Duran Duran.

There are many views of what worked and what went wrong with the SDP: it never did win many seats but its legacy lingers. Three of its old members  Business Secretary Greg Clark, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and (bonus point for this one) Scottish Secretary David Mundell  are in the Cabinet now as Tory MPs. A fourth, Vince Cable, is leader of the Liberal Democrats. And without the SDP there would never have been New Labour. Jeremy Corbyn remembers it well: he only got into the Commons in 1983 as a replacement for a Labour MP who had defected to the new party.

"One Tory says its the first time hes felt good about politics in months. He is beginning to hate his party"

Thats why those involved in this weeks breakaway are dusting down the history books. They want to learn from their predecessor, with its red, white and blue logo, which once seemed to be so acceptable in the Eighties, offering radicalism without the extremes.

Just like their predecessors they sound startled by what they might have unleashed. There were only seven of them to start with, one explains. None of them are expert at social media. Theres no membership list or even a way to join. The groups website crashed as soon as it launched. It is raising money by crowdfunding but they have not yet registered as a political party and work under the banner of the Independent Group, listed as a company based in Cheshire.

Are New Labour figures from the days when Tony Blair actually won majorities involved? No one knows yet but Blair is certainly interested in the possibilities of an alternative party. Such things offer easy targets for angry enemies in the old Labour movement, who hate splitters unless they are doing the splitting themselves and have been fighting the moderate centre of their party for decades. Ken Livingstone has mocked one of the departing MPs, Luciana Berger: I dont think she was ever really Labour, he said.

She suffered agonies over anti-Semitism in the party: which continued as she left, with baseless claims re-tweeted by one MP that Israel might be helping to fund the breakaway.

Perhaps contempt from those in the old parties is just what the new team need. They have to show themselves to be different, fast and fresh, not failures. Finding the right sort of enemies might help. Thats one reason why wiser Labour and Conservative figures arent mocking the breakaway but are respecting what they are doing. Another reason is that a few are tempted to join it. Its the first time Ive felt good about politics in months, says one Tory, who adds he is beginning to hate his party. In the Eighties only one Tory MP joined the SDP. They have tripled it already.

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At a time when everything about politics seems stuck on track to no-deal Brexit mayhem, the Independent Groups plain statement of values might resonate. Like so many others, we believe that none of todays political parties are fit to provide the leadership and direction needed by our country, it says. Well, thats a start. But for an insurgent new party to do more than unsettle the status quo with a few platitudes it needs three things above all: a guiding idea, a leader and a route to success. At the moment the Independent Group is short of all three  but they do have something else their SDP ancestors lacked. Back then, politics was set deep in old loyalties shaped by class and history. Its true that a bigger proportion of voters in England backed Labour or the Conservatives in 2017 than in elections for years, but that affection may turn out to be shallow: faced with Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May, its not hard to see many throwing interested glances in the new groups direction. Just look at the way Labour collapsed in Scotland  from power to just one Commons seat within a few years.

"An insurgent party needs a guiding idea, a leader and a route to success if it wants to do more than unsettle the status quo"

The ideas ought to be the easiest bit. After all, you just have to write them down. The SDP began with the Limehouse Declaration, drawn up in the house where David Owen, who helped found the party, lives today. In 2006, 25 years on, I brought the three surviving members of the gang of four founders back to the spot to remember the moment they debated around a kitchen table thats also still there.

Theres an exact parallel to those heady days in the statement of values the new group has put online. Word for word, it could have come from the SDP  not least the claim that Britain needs a diverse, mixed social market economy, which is the sort of thing people only need to say when they have emerged shaken from a confrontation with the hard Left in their old party.

These values will strike many voters as nice and sensible, but they are a bit cloudy, too. Not many in any mainstream party outside Corbyns circle would disagree with them. You can tick the ones you like online: Theresa May, if she was curious enough to look, would probably find herself ticking along too. It will take more to turn this into a manifesto  and long before then the group must decide what it wants to do about Brexit. If it becomes a campaign group for another referendum, some Labour and Tory MPs who otherwise sympathise might turn away.

Already, other Labour moderates who do want a referendum but who have not  yet  left are complaining that the only thing the breakaway has done is harden Corbyns heart against a second vote. Some of them, ironically, such as Andrew Adonis, used to be members of the SDP. The response is that he never was going to back a referendum anyway because he wants a hard Brexit  the new group is just confronting that truth, not hiding from it.

What then? Who wants to be the leader? One MP, Chuka Umunna, has confirmed the movement aims to become a formal party. His colleagues are talking of the other parties as if that has already happened. The SDP always suffered because it wasnt clear who was in charge: Roy Jenkins was mocked for running in 1983 as prime minister designate. That sort of thing might prove a difficulty again, although Umunna and the former shadow chancellor, the clear-headed Chris Leslie, are probably the frontrunners to star unless, of course, they can lure a bigger name.

What else? They need a way to show they can win: which might not mean taking over the country, but for now at least means gathering support. Right away, early opinion polls might offer a clue and build momentum  though many people wont yet know anything of the breakaway and there is a risk the whole thing could be forgotten as a one-week wonder in an age of disposable digital politics. One quick poll has put them on 10 per cent, ahead of the Lib-Dems  although that wont help them win many seats given the electoral system. They need to use social media to build a base. They need to make headway in the Commons too: backing amendments to foil the Government on Brexit and deciding how to work with the Lib-Dems (a fight, which, when it was between the Liberals and the SDP, helped bring about the latter partys collapse). A by-election win would add spice, although the next contest due, in Newport West, might be a hard fight.The victim, who was shot at least once, was driven to the emergency room at Hartford Hospital, about a mile from the shooting, Cicero said. He did not identify the victim, who died at the hospital. Police questioned the people who brought him.A trio of Green Party MEPs have been arrested for breaking into an airbase in Belgium as part of a protest over the stockpiling of US nuclear bombs.

The three politicians, including the UK's Molly Scott Cato, scaled the perimeter fence and then unfurled a banner which read "Europe free of nuclear weapons".

Ms Scott Cato said: "Our action is intended to challenge EU countries to remove US nuclear weapons from European soil.

"Each B61 bomb is 23 times more powerful than the bomb that devastated Hiroshima.

"These apocalyptic weapons should find no home in Europe.

"Nuclear weapons are obsolete in an era of asymmetric warfare and cyber warfare and have no place in a European defence policy for the 21st century."

Molly Cato spoke out after her arrest / AFP/Getty Images

After this she expressed her "demand" that Europe's nuclear nations immediately sign up to the landmark global Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons then begin the process of decommissioning their nuclear arsenals.

"Britain and France have ignored their obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons for far too long," she added.

The protest has been backed by Green party co-leader Sian Berry.

She said: "We stand in full solidarity with our brilliant MEP Molly and her Green colleagues who have been arrested for taking a stand against nuclear weapons.

"These bombs have the potential to kill millions of people.

"They make us less safe, are obsolete in modern warfare and are a colossal waste of money.

"It is only right all US nuclear weapons are removed from Europe."G eorge Galloway courted controversy by referencing the Nazis' top propagandist as he downplayed anti-Semitism within the Labour party.

The former Labour MP, who was expelled from the party, likened what he called a black op against Jeremy Corbyn to the work of Joseph Goebbels.

He made the comments shortly after declaring his wish to rejoin the opposition.

Speaking on Sky News, he said: I think with the Blairites walking out the door, hurling slander at Corbyn and the Labour leadership, its really a black op thats going on here.

This is pure Goebbelian propaganda: repeat a lie often enough and some people will believe it.

Divisive figure: George Galloway was ejected from Labour in 2003 (Photo: Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) / Getty Images

Mr Galloway was then asked if he thought the reference was entirely appropriate given that Luciana Berger said she left Labour due to anti-Semitism.

He then said: I dont believe shes leaving because of anti-Semitism.

Then he spoke of foul slander against the Labour party" in regards to anti-Semitism.

Luciana Berger said she resigned over Corbyns failure to tackle anti-Semitism / EPA

After this, he dismissed there was any possibility of Mr Corbyn being anti-Semitic and downplayed issues of it within the party.

Not a molecule of his mind or body could be so described, he said, before calling accusations at him a Goebbelian lie.

Goebbels was a German politician and Reich Minister for Propaganda throughout Hitlers reign.

The reference has prompted derision from a number of watchers.

George Galloway said any claims Jeremy Corbyn was anti-Semitic were untrue / EPA

Actor David Schneider appeard to question his choice of words, sharing a clip of Mr Galloway with the caption: "That feeling when you invoke an actual Nazi to dismiss Jewish concerns about antisemitism."

One person asked why he did not "realise" that referencing Nazis "against anti-Semitism accusations really doesn't help your case.

"Galloway couldve made his point without having to reference Goebbels and cause further offence," said one.

Joseph Goebbels was the Reich Minister for Propaganda for Nazi Germany / Getty Images

Another said it was incredible he felt he could dismiss claims of anti-semitism as Goebbelian.

Prior to these comments, Mr Galloway said he had written to the Labour general secretary to ask his expulsion be rescinded.

People also reacted with derision towards this, with some saying it would disgrace the party and one simply saying they wished he would go away.

He was expelled from the party in 2003 after making outspoken comments on the Iraq war but said this was now "unjust".F ormer prime minister Sir John Major has launched a blistering attack on hardline Conservative Brexiteers and said the Tory and Labour parties are being manipulated by fringe opinion.

Sir John has branded some members of the Jacob Rees-Mogg-led European Research Group (ERG) as "zealots" who are determining Government policy through intransigence.

Speaking on Tuesday at the University of Glasgow's John Smith Centre for Public Service, the ex-Tory leader said: "The rationale for extremists joining mainstream parties is logical: from within them, they can influence policy; from without, they very rarely can.

"At the moment, there are people who - for now - may have their boots within the Conservative or Labour parties - but not in their minds, nor their hearts.

Sir John has branded some members of the Jacob Rees-Mogg-led European Research Group (ERG) as "zealots" (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) / Getty Images

"The Conservative Party membership appears to be 'hollowing out' traditional Conservatives, while former Ukip members strengthen the anti-European Right of the party."

Sir John attacked the "more extreme" members of the ERG for having no affinity to tolerant conservatism.

The former PM said: "In Parliament, the European Research Group has become a party within a party, with its own whips, its own funding and its own priorities.

"Some of its more extreme members have little or no affinity to moderate, pragmatic and tolerant Conservatism.

"The ERG does not represent a majority view but - with a minority Government, as now - can determine policy simply by being intransigent: which is precisely what it is doing.

"Some - who can fairly be called zealots - seem incapable of looking beyond the one issue of Europe.

"It's not just that it dominates their thinking - it seems to obsess them."

Sir John said that Labour has a "different dilemma", as control of policy is now at "the mercy of a passionate, active, far-Left base rather than the centre-Left."

The ex-PM said: "Yesterday, seven moderate MPs left the Labour Party. I admire their courage and their conviction. But I hope they have not cut themselves adrift forever.

"Labour needs moderate MPs, and the country needs a moderate Labour Party.

Sir John Major took a swipe at Theresa May's Brexit strategy. / PA

"Complacent voices dismiss the chances of fringe opinion gaining control of the political agenda. Britain is too pragmatic, they say. Too stable. Our political system is too mature. I hope they are right."

The ex-Tory leader said that various factors, including Brexit - which "unleashed a poison into our political system", have led to voters losing trust in politicians.

Sir John also took a swipe at Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy: "And there was nothing rational about triggering Article 50 before knowing what we wished to negotiate, or were prepared to concede to obtain it."

It is no coincidence hate crimes have increased since the EU referendum, the former PM said.

"Foreigners have been made to feel so unwelcome, that many have already chosen to return home. The hostility directed at them will not be forgotten, and may grow into a distaste for our country that - one day - will rebound on us.

"The referendum was peppered, day after day, with anti-immigrant stories. At its conclusion, hostility to migrants had increased, and was made to seem acceptable. It is no coincidence that hate crimes have grown in number."

Sir John also expressed concern that Brexit could break up the UK.

"As a Briton, I find it painful to come to terms with the possibility that, within my lifetime, I could - I repeat could - see the break up of the UK. I hope I am wrong, but the agonies of Brexit have the capacity to do just that."

Calling for a return to the centre ground of politics, Sir John said: "When I refer to 'the centre', I don't mean some amorphous new party of 'moderates' and 'centrists'.

"Even if such a party were elected, what would unfold when it fell out of favour?

"With mainstream opinion sidelined, the country's only choice would be between the extremes of Left or Right. That would be an awful outcome. Our electorate needs a choice between parties that are demonstrably rational, realistic - and sane.

"So, when I speak of 'the centre', I mean that our three main national parties - Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat - must each retain a mainstream majority of their own."T hree MPs who quit the Tories today appealed to ministers to stand down from the Government and join them to stop no deal Brexit chaos.

Anna Soubry, Dr Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen walked out, claiming the Government was firmly in the grip of Jacob Rees-Moggs hardline Eurosceptic European Research Group and the Democratic Unionist Party.

In a stinging attack on the Prime Minister, Ms Allen said Theresa May had been "bullied into submission" by the European Research Group of Conservatives and was "dragging the country and Parliament kicking and screaming to the edge of a no deal abyss."

Ms Soubry lashed out at hardline "entryism" into the Conservative Party which had resulted in "tyranny" where MPs were more afraid of their local associations than their voters.

Im not leaving the Conservative Party, it has left us, former business minister Ms Soubry declared at a lunchtime press conference in Westminster.

A couple of hours earlier the trio resigned to join eight former Labour MPs as independents in a political earthquake rocking both main parties.

The move, just an hour before Prime Ministers Questions, left Theresa May further weakened as she desperately seeks to persuade Brussels to end the deadlock over Brexit talks.

Dr Sarah Wollaston, Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen during Wednesday's press conference / PA

PMQs 20.02.19 1 /4 PMQs 20.02.19 @John2Win

Ms Soubry hoped the resignations would give courage to ministers to persuade them to act next week to block a no deal departure.

Arguing that Mrs May had been captured by Tory hardliners, she said she would not stay in the party to skirmish on the margins when the truth is the battle is over and the other side has won.

The Right wing, the hardline anti-EU awkward squad that have destroyed every leader for the last 40 years are now running the Conservative Party from top to toe. They are the Conservative Party, she claimed.

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The Broxtowe MP urged fellow one nation Conservatives and like-minded Lib Dems to please, come and join us by breaking away from their parties.

Ms Allen described the Tory trio as the three amigos who had joined the magnificent seven ex-Labour MPs who launched The Independent Group on Monday and the lone ranger, ex-Labour MP Joan Ryan, who joined them last night.

The South Cambridgeshire MP said she believed a significant number of Conservative MPs were considering joining them.

The three MPs struck a far more upbeat note at their press conference, on their switch to independents, than the ex-Labour MPs who publicly expressed more sorrow at leaving their party.

However, there were immediately clear signs of different views on policy in the group.

Ms Allen, a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, made clear she was also opposed to the Governments stance on welfare.

I can no longer represent a Government and a party who cant open their eyes to the suffering endured by the most vulnerable in society, suffering which we have deepened whilst having the power to fix, she said.

Totnes MP Dr Wollaston, who chairs the Commons Health Committee, said: I am afraid the Prime Minister simply hasnt delivered on the pledge she made on the steps of Downing Street to tackle the burning injustices in our society.

I think that what we now see is the party, that was once the most trusted on the economy and business, is now marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit.

Mrs May said she was saddened by the decision but insisted that we are doing the right thing for our country by delivering Brexit.

She added: I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve.

A Downing Street spokesman said the three MPs Conservative associations were now free to select new General Glection candidates.If Jeremy Corbyn wants to repair the party so it can fight the worst Tory government for many decades, he would look at Luciana Berger declaring that, as a Jewish woman, she cannot stay in an institutionally racist party and move every sinew in his body to change it.

He would listen to each and every one of the now ex-Labour MPs when they say that the public are worried about feeling politically homeless, and he would build them a home, not a student union.

Politics is about, and for, all the people in this country, not a tiny clique on the hard Left who want to prove that they are the best and who believe that if you're not in their gang then you belong in the bin.T heresa May is set to return to Brussels for fresh Brexit talks with EU leaders after hopes of renegotiating her deal were once again dashed.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission President, said he does not expect a breakthrough during the discussions later on Wednesday.

Mrs May is looking for concessions that will enable her to get her agreement through Parliament after it was rejected by MPs last month.

But Mr Junckers deputy chief spokesperson Mina Andreeva quoted him in a tweet saying: I have the greatest respect for Theresa May, for her courage and her assertiveness.

"We will have friendly talks tomorrow but I dont expect a breakthrough.

Theresa May is welcomed by European commission President Jean-Claude Juncker ahead to a meeting on Brexit in Brussels (EPA file image) / EPA

His comments come as Mrs May this evening met with members of a working group seeking a compromise on the controversial Brexit backstop.

Members of the Malthouse compromise group  which brings together MPs from the Leave and Remain wings of the Conservative Party  met in the Prime Ministers rooms in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

The PM is also seeking legal assurances on the backstop, amid signs she has persuaded key Tory eurosceptics to consider backing her Withdrawal Agreement.

Chancellor Philip Hammond indicated last night that the Government has accepted the EU will not agree to replace the backstop arrangements for the Irish border with technological alternatives in time for the scheduled date of Brexit on March 29.

MEP accuses Farage of cheating an entire nation with Brexit

But he said he hopes the technological solution contained in the so-called Malthouse Compromise will form part of negotiations over the following 21 months on the UK's future relationship with the EU.

After being briefed on developments in private talks with the PM, leading Brexiteers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Steve Baker appeared happy with this arrangement, declaring that the Malthouse proposals were "alive and kicking".

Mr Baker said it was now possible that Tory eurosceptics in the influential European Research Group, of which he is deputy chair, would back Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement, after helping to vote it down by a massive margin last month.

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

"I'm hopeful that as the conversation moves forward with the EU and with the UK that we might get to a position where we can vote for the Withdrawal Agreement," said Mr Baker.

"It's a very big journey from here to there. I'm very grateful that today we took a big step on that journey by the general acceptance that these arrangements could work."

In a joint statement, Mr Baker and ERG chair Mr Rees-Mogg said: "We look forward to further precision about exactly what we will be asked to vote for."

Mr Hammond told the MakeUK dinner in London that the proposals in the Malthouse plan - drawn up by MPs from the Leave and Remain wings of the party - represented a "valuable effort" at finding a way to keep the Irish border open after Brexit without a backstop.

David Gauke asked if he will resign if there is a no-deal Brexit

But the Chancellor said: "However promising as an alternative arrangement to avoid entering a backstop in the future, it is clear that the EU will not consider replacing the backstop with such an alternative arrangement now in order to address our immediate challenge.

"The details of this initiative are still evolving and would require significant changes to EU legislation and customs practices that would need to be negotiated with the EU member states and others who will be affected by them."

He added: "It should be a major ongoing strand of our work, continuing at pace during the Implementation Period - one in which I hope and expect the EU will take an active part."

Mr Hammond said that legally-binding changes to ensure the backstop does not become permanent "would deliver the core of a majority for a deal in the House of Commons".

He told the MakeUK dinner: "Our priority remains avoiding a No Deal outcome, and that will be my unwavering focus.

"It is clear that leaving the EU without a deal would deliver a damaging short-term shock and would undermine our future prosperity and security - and in my view that would represent a betrayal of the promises about Brexit that were made during the referendum campaign.

"So the solution lies in getting the PM's deal through Parliament."

A senior adviser to EU negotiator Michel Barnier said there was "zero appetite" in the capitals of the 27 remaining members to renegotiate the agreement reached with the UK last November.

"The ideas for reopening the Withdrawal Agreement are basically for changing the backstop and making it no longer a genuine backstop, because a backstop has to be there whatever the circumstances," Stefaan de Rynck told the UK in a Changing Europe think tank in London.

"If you have a time limit or a unilateral exit clause, you no longer have a genuine backstop. So there is zero appetite in the EU27 to reopen that Withdrawal Agreement."

The backstop arrangements would see the whole UK remain in a customs union with the EU and Northern Ireland following some single market rules until a wider trade deal is agreed, in order to prevent the need for checkpoints on the Irish border.

The Malthouse plan would replace these arrangements with technological methods for tracking cross-border movements, along with a free trade agreement-lite for Northern Ireland.

If this was not acceptable to Brussels, a Plan B would see the UK leave without a deal but with a transition period extended to the end of 2021 to allow time to prepare.

After talks on the Malthouse plan between Mr Barnier and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay on Monday, Mr Barclay's Department for Exiting the EU said: "While the Commission engaged seriously with these proposals, it expressed concerns about their viability to resolve the backstop.

"We agreed to keep exploring the use of alternative arrangements - especially how they might be developed to ensure the absence of a hard border in Northern Ireland on a permanent footing, avoiding the need for the backstop to ever enter force."J eremy Corbyn is set to launch a fresh bid to break the Brexit deadlock as she heads to Brussels for talks with EU leaders.

The Labour leader said he would use meetings with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier and European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt to stress that a no-deal option does not command a majority in Parliament.

Ahead of Thursday's crunch talks, Mr Corbyn called on Theresa May to abandon her red lines to secure a workable deal after hers was defeated when MPs voted it down last month.

He accused the government of trying to blackmail MPs by running down the clock so they are forced to accept the Prime Ministers agreement over a chaotic no deal.

Brussels: Theresa May is welcomed by the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker / Getty Images

Mr Corbyn added: "We are saying loud and clear that there is no majority for no deal, and Labour will be working with politicians across the House to prevent a no-deal outcome which would be so damaging to our economy and communities.

"Labour respects the result of the referendum, but we do not support the Prime Minister's damaging approach which is focused more on appeasing factions of her party than finding a sensible solution that works for the whole country.

"With just 37 days until Brexit, Theresa May must accept that her historic defeats in Parliament and complete failure to reach a new deal mean her approach has failed.

"She should abandon her damaging red lines and finally work with Labour to reach a deal which works for our country."

Corbyn calls on May to call for no-deal to be 'taken off the table'

As well as Mr Barnier and Mr Verhofstadt, the Labour leader will meet European Commission secretary general Martin Selmayr. He will be accompanied on the trip by shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer.

The talks come after Mrs May and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker hailed "constructive" talks despite no breakthrough in Brussels on Wednesday.

In a joint statement, Mrs May and Mr Juncker said their teams would press on to explore the options in a positive spirit.

The Prime Minister travelled to Brussels to seek legal assurances on the Northern Ireland Brexit backstop she believes are needed to secure Parliamentary approval for her Withdrawal Deal.

The pair plan to meet again before the end of February, when Mrs May faces a new test in Parliament where her minority government just lost three MPs.

With 37 days to go to a potential chaotic Brexit, officials were "seized of the tight timescale and the historic significance of setting the EU and the UK on a path to a deep and unique future partnership", the statement said.A Topshop cleaner sacked after leading a poverty pay protest at Sir Philip Greens flagship store in Oxford Street has won up to 75,000 in compensation.

Susana Benavides, 43, was among 200 demonstrators with megaphones and homemade placards who were demanding a pay rise for agency cleaners.

The Ecuador-born mother-of-three was on a 6.75-an-hour wage at the time and wanted a few pounds more to take her and her colleagues to the London Living Wage.

But after the March 2016 protest, which forced Topshop to close its doors for 15 minutes, Mrs Benavides was sacked by her thoroughly irked bosses at Britannia Services Group Ltd. The agency claimed the dismissal was justified as she had used social media to whip up support against its client, Topshop.

Judge David Pearl told Central London Employment Tribunal: No reasonable employer would have been acting reasonably in dismissing Mrs Benavides in the circumstances.

American police are investigating fresh claims that Sir Philip Green groped a fitness instructor at a resort in Arizona / AFP/Getty Images

The entire process was designed to ensure that she was dismissed as a result of the various trade union activities she had been engaged in.

The tribunal heard Mrs Benavides, who cleaned the Topshop store from 2009 to her sacking in October 2016, was a shop steward for United Voices of the World, a union which represents mostly low-paid migrant workers.

She became a leader of a campaign for the London Living Wage, which sent a letter to Britannia asking for pay rises and noting that Sir Philips Arcadia Group had recorded a rise in profits.

Mrs Benavides also started an online petition addressed to Topshop and Sir Philip, requesting that they pay your cleaners the Living Wage. She was seen with a banner criticising Britannia at the subsequent protest, which left Britannia thoroughly irked and annoyed said the judge. It is clear that Mrs Benavides was dismissed for the reason that she had taken part in the activities of the independent trade union.

Mrs Benavides told the tribunal the time of her suspension and eventual sacking was the most terrible of her life. She will find out what compensation will be awarded at a later date, up to a maximum of 75,000.

Britannia said it intends to appeal against the ruling. Topshop or Sir Philip were not parties to the case.

The ruling came as American police said they were investigating fresh claims that Sir Philip groped a fitness instructor at a resort in Arizona. Katie Sturridge, 37, has accused him of spanking her, inappropriately touching her and making sexual remarks at the Canyon Beach resort where the billionaire has a home.

A spokesman for Sir Philip has denied the allegations and said they were dismissed by the resort in Tuscon after an investigation.T ory mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey today told how the five years he spent sofa surfing made him determined to tackle Londons epidemic of hidden homelessness.

In a highly personal interview with the Standard, he revealed that he had learned the difference between hope and hopelessness when he was forced to sign on after losing his job.

He gave exclusive access to his family photo album and said his upbringing made him only too aware of the challenge faced by Londoners who can only dream of owning their own home.

Mr Bailey, who was raised by a single mother in a North Kensington council house, said he had to leave home aged 19 when he grew too big.

At one point during his childhood there were 11 family members living in their four-bedroom house in Bracewell Road. He opened up as he went for a walk in the area where he grew up, close to Grenfell Tower.

Shaun Bailey less than a year old at his aunts house / Shaun Bailey Family

He described his childhood, playing in the skate park with the Moroccan boys, riding his bike to Canary Wharf and floating on the Grand Union Canal in inner tubes from lorry wheels.

Mr Bailey worked as a youth worker for more than 20 years and recounted stabbings and shootings in the area, saying: We had pure war and drama.

The 47-year-old added: I was physically on sofas for at least five years and stayed at my aunts which was a little bit more secure. This was mid to late twenties.

You dont always realise its a tough life. I wasnt thinking to myself where am I going to get on the property ladder? I was thinking at least Im not on the street. It was a different world. None of us had any money.

Shaun on a day trip to Brighton at nine years old, right, with younger brother Dwain, left, and cousin Colis / Shaun Bailey Family

As he grew close to finishing university, around the age of 26, Mr Bailey said he feared he would become homeless until he spoke to an aunt who offered him a place to stay.

The sense of relief was incredible, he said. I remember the pressure going to the council to get on the housing list and the woman saying, Well put you on the list, but she was trying to tell me the chance of me getting housed were nil. All of those things form your view of housing, that hopeless feeling.

He told his aunt he needed three weeks to sort my life out but ended up staying for three years.

Losing his temping job around the age of 20 forced him to sign on. That changed my view of the world and made me feel the difference between hope and hopelessness, he said. I know what its like to be broke. I signed on for months. I ran out of work and no one was going to give me any money.

I could see how the situation could defeat you. I learnt a lot then  it did a bit for my compassion. Then I got a security job at Wembley.

Shaun Bailey graduated from Southbank University aged 27 / Shaun Bailey Family

Mr Bailey, who now owns a home in Romford where he lives with his wife and two children, added: When people ask me what made me want to be mayor, [my answer is] nothing  except my experiences of growing up, having no opportunity to be housed and growing up in an area where theres a lot of crime.

I would do something about affordable housing  something very radical. Sadiq [Khan] has blocked us looking at SILs [Strategic Industrial Land].

If you cant do that you are reducing the amount of land you can build on.A national memorial has been unveiled in London today as a tribute to a police officer who was killed during the Westminster terror attack.

The memorial was placed outside the Palace of Westminster as a permanent tribute to Pc Keith Palmer.

Prime Minister Theresa May hosted the ceremony as Mr Palmers family and close friends were presented with the tribute, made in Portland stone and slate.

It was then moved to its permanent home outside the Carriage Gates at the Palace of Westminster, close to where Pc Palmer was murdered on March 22 2017.

The ceremony was also attended by friends and colleagues from the Metropolitan Police and Parliament.

Stabbed to death: PC Keith Palmer was helping to guard Parliament when he was attacked by extremist Khalid Masood / pckeithpalmer1409

Mr Palmer was stabbed to death by terrorist Khalid Masood, who stormed the gates near Parliament having mown down dozens of pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

He was posthumously awarded the George Medal, the second highest award for gallantry not in the face of the enemy.

The memorial stone was commissioned by the Police Memorial Trust and installed at Carriage Gates after special approval was granted to place the stone at the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Pc Keith Palmer's memorial service. / Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

A separate memorial plaque was also installed within the Palace of Westminster in New Palace Yard near to the place where Mr Palmer confronted his attacker.

Mrs Michael Winner, Chair of the Police Memorial Trust said: There is no doubt that Keiths bravery made him a true hero. His actions personified the service, courage and sacrifice the ordinary British Bobbies give to the people our country every single day.

Nothing will ever ease the pain his wife, daughter and family feel but we hope our memorial will show them that their loved, Keith Palmer, will never be forgotten.

Tributes for PC Keith Palmer / Getty Images

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, said: "I know that I speak on behalf of all of my officers and staff when I say how immensely proud we all are of PC Keith Palmer and this memorial will ensure that his actions will forever be remembered.

"PC Palmer was an outstanding police officer. He acted that day with no thought for his own safety, intent simply on doing his job and protecting members of the public and Parliament.

He paid the ultimate price for his selfless actions and this memorial is a fitting and lasting tribute to the tremendous bravery he showed on that terrible day."

John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, and The Lord Fowler, Lord Speaker, said: PC Keith Palmer was nothing short of a hero in the way he ran towards danger to ensure the safety of us all on 22 March 2017.Two of the four shooting victims  fired on in a 27-hour period  died of their injuries. One victim, Joseph Goiangos, was found in a parking lot on Woodland Drive about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, dead of a single gunshot wound to the chest. Police, who found his car in a different part of the city, said they dont know where the crime happened.A n incredible new mural paying tribute to iconic fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has popped up in London after his death.

Mural artist Pegasus dropped everything when he heard Lagerfeld had died on Tuesday to head to his studio and design the piece that is now painted on a wall on Great Eastern Street in Shoreditch.

I know he's quite a controversial figure but when I heard that he passed last night, I was actually heading to Belfast and I just kind of dropped everything and ran to my studio, Pegasus told the Standard.

When someone like that dies you have to drop everything and pay tribute to them.

A new Karl Lagerfeld Street Art tribute by Pegasus on Great Eastern Street, London, with assistance from Global Street Art. / @pegasusart

The mostly black and white mural is a portrait of the 85-year-old designer who up until his death was the creative director of Fendi, Chanel and his eponymous label.

The German born fashion Kaiser - known for his trademark look of dark sunglasses, high collars and white ponytail - died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Karl Lagerfeld: Best Moments - In pictures 1 /18 Karl Lagerfeld: Best Moments - In pictures December 14, 1954 Karl Lagerfeld wins the coats category in a design competition sponsored by the International Wool Secretariat. The competition win led to Lagerfeld being hired as assistant to Pierre Balmain Getty Images 1984 In 1984 Lagerfeld created his own eponymous fashion house Getty Images July 23, 1984 Karl Lagerfeld poses with models including Jerry Hall at one of his first Chanel shows AFP/Getty Images 14 October 1993 Naomi Campbell in a Chanel turquoise two-piece bathing suit and a white bathrobe by Karl Lagerfield AFP/Getty Images October 16, 1996 Lagerfeld created numerous memorable collections for Chloe which he starting working for in 1964 AFP/Getty Images October 14, 1996 Karl Lagerfeld, surrounded by top models Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen and Naomi Campbell at a Chanel show AFP/Getty Images 1997 Lagerfeld launched the Fendi Baguette bag, which shot to fame thanks to Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City HBO March 12, 1997 Kate Moss shows off a Chanel pant suit by Lagerfeld AFP/Getty Images July 8, 2003 Linda Evangelista modelling a bridal creation by Lagerfeld in 2003 AFP/Getty Images 19 October, 2007 Models parade during the Fendi Fashion Show on the Great Wall of China AFP/Getty Images October 23, 2009 Lagerfeld was a keen photographer and shot many of the Chanel and Fendi campaigns SplashNews.com March 4, 2014 Karl Lagerfeld takes to the supermarket catwalk with Cara Delevingne Getty Images July 7, 2015 Kristen Stewart, Julianne Moore and Lara Stone attend the casino-inspired Chanel show Getty Images July 7, 2016 Models walk the runway at Fendi Roma 90 Years Anniversary fashion show at Fontana di Trevi Getty Images July 4, 2017 Karl Lagerfeld received Paris's highest honour, the Grand Vermeil De La Ville De Paris medal after Chanel's AW17 couture show AFP/Getty Images September 21, 2017 Kendall Jenner wears Fendi's iconic double F logo created by Lagerfeld AFP/Getty Images October 2, 2018 Lagerfeld launched his own eponymous brand in 1984. Through the label he has collaborated with many fashion industry heavyweights including Kaia Gerber SplashNews.com October 2, 2018 For one of Lagerfeld's last lavish sets at the Grand Palais, the designer transformed building into a beach complete with lapping waves Getty Images

Pegasus said he worked from noon, when he heard the news, until 2am on Wednesday, returning to the studio at 8am to finish the piece.

A new Karl Lagerfeld Street Art tribute by Pegasus in London with assistance from Global Street Art. / @pegasusart

He said that personally the news shocked him because Lagerfeld seemed like a superhuman figure.

There's several people that have passed away and I've just been in total disbelief about," he said.

Michael Jackson was one of them because I thought I'd never see the day that he died, he didn't even seem human, he was like superhuman and Karl Lagerfield was one of those types of people.

Pegasus Street Art - In pictures 1 /31 Pegasus Street Art - In pictures Amy Winehouse @pegasusart A Karl Lagerfeld Street Art tribute by Pegasus in London with assistance from Global Street Art @pegasusart Meghan Markle @pegasusart Donald Tump Statue of Liberty @pegasusart Madonna @pegasusart Tribute to George Michael @pegasusart Kim Jong Un @pegasusart Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Getty Images Aretha Franklin @pegasusart Pegasus Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Moving Street Art Installation around London @pegasusart Pegasus strikes with a powerful Donald Trump artwork @pegasusart Theresa May 'Dressed to Kill' @pegasusart Kate Moss @pegasusart David Bowie @pegasusart Amy Winehouse Jeremy Selwyn Tribute to Carrie Fisher @pegasusart Renowned graffiti artist Pegasusass Charlie Chaplin in new artwork for exhibition launching at landmark development, Two Fifty One Theresa May and Donald Trump @pegasusart Hillary Clinton @pegasusart Depiction of a Syrian boy pulled from the rubble after airstrikes in Aleppo @pegasusart Street artist Pegasus poses for photographers at an exhibition celebrating the life of musician Amy Winehouse at the Jewish Museum in Camden, Joel Ryan/Invision/AP Tribute to George Michael @pegasusart Amy Winehouse Jeremy Selwyn Tribute to Carrie Fisher @pegasusart Amy Winehouse @pegasusart St Giles Hotel unveils works by London street artist Pegasus @pegasusart St Giles Hotel unveils works by London street artist Pegasus Nigel Howard Renowned graffiti artist Pegasusass Charlie Chaplin in new artwork for exhibition launching at landmark development, Two Fifty One Theresa May 'Dressed to Kill' @pegasusart A new street art mural of Madonna in Shoreditch @pegasusart Stonewall trubute: Love always wins @pegasusart

He added that despite being a controversial figure he has always looked to the designer as a trend setter.C ouncil bosses today raised the stakes in their long-running battle with the property giant behind the 12 billion regeneration of Earls Court.

Labour-run Hammersmith & Fulham council said it was considering a compulsory purchase order over land earmarked for the development, which includes the site of the demolished Earls Court Exhibition Centre.

It is the latest move in a row between the council and property firm Capco, which wants to create four urban villages and a high street between North End Road and Warwick Road.

The council has demanded the return of two former council estates at Gibbs Green and West Kensington sold to Capco by the previous Conservative administration in 2012.

This dispute has overshadowed the schemes plans, drawn up by urban planner Sir Terry Farrell, to build 7,500 homes. Around 1,500 of these would be designated affordable. In November Capco said it was in talks to sell most of its Earls Court holdings to a Hong Kong billionaire.

The council has now said it is considering a compulsory purchase order, which allows state bodies to buy private land without the consent of the owner, for the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre site and Lillie Bridge Depot site. It added: The purchase would both accelerate the delivery of homes and let the council increase the number of affordable homes. Only a few hundred of the 7,500 consented new homes have been delivered across the Earls Court Opportunity Area since 2013.

The Exhibition Centre site is owned by ECPL, a joint venture between TfL and Capco, while the depot site is owned by TfL. Councillor Andrew Jones said: There is a huge demand for homes, and were determined to help build these.

Both the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the former Hammersmith & Fulham administration granted planning consent for the masterplan. Hundreds of homes have already been completed at Lillie Square.A pro-life charity has won a payout from a London council after being kicked out of a country show.

Life said their human rights were infringed when they were evicted from the Lambeth Country Show last summer.

The anti-abortion group staged a stall at the fair which included plastic replicas of unborn babies at various stages of development.

But the next day, after receiving complaints from people who went to the event, council officials told the charity it was not allowed to exhibit.

Ed Davie, Lambeths cabinet member for health, tweeted the stall was not on the approved list and was not officially allowed.

He and Lambeth Council later said the stall was booked using inaccurate information.

Both claims were rejected by Life, who said it was publicly defamed by Cllr Davie and the statements were untrue.

Lambeth will pay 5,000 in damages and tweet an apology after the charity launched legal action against the council.

Lifes head of advocacy Liz Parsons said: Lambeths agreement to settle this matter through a payment of damages is a victory for common sense and freedom of expression.

The stall at Lambeth sought to educate people about the unborn baby and advertise our care services for pregnant women, including those who are homeless or in need of emotional and practical support. We must, and will challenge any organisation which tries in any way to impede this important work.

A council spokesman said: Lambeth Council and Life reached a settlement in relation to threatened claims arising from the removal of Lifes stall from the 2018 Lambeth Country Show.A young girl was praised today for helping to save her mothers life when she was unable to breathe.

Rihanna Malcolm-Moore, who was nine at the time, used the phonetic alphabet to spell out her postcode on the phone to emergency services.

Her mother, Keisha Moore, had abandoned a call to the London Ambulance Service because she could no longer breathe.

Rihanna then called back and when LAS call-handler Dipesh Makwana misheard part of the postcode as TT, she explained that it was Papa Tango  enabling a paramedic to arrive within five minutes.

The schoolgirl has now received a certificate from LAS chief executive Garrett Emmerson praising her quick thinking.

Keisha Moore and daughter Rihanna Malcolm-Moore (London Ambulance Service ) / London Ambulance Service

Mr Makwana, 24, said: Rihanna really stood out  she was so calm and clear even though she must have been very frightened when her mum couldnt breathe. Her mum has also taught her what to do in an emergency and they are a fantastic example to all families children can save lives.

The emergency happened last November when Ms Moore, 44, collapsed in agony at their family home in Thornton Heath. Rihanna said: I was really worried about my mum because she was in so much pain but I just wanted to help her.

"I am so proud of her. She just took over. Shes actually quite shy but she was able to stay calm"

She told the call handler that her mother was struggling to breathe . She explained that her mother had broken out in a cold sweat, had asthma and added: She has got chronic anaemia.

Because of the precise information, a paramedic was on the scene two minutes ahead of target.

A second ambulance arrived a few minutes later to take Ms Moore to St Georges Hospital in Tooting. She began teaching Rihanna, now 10, how to make emergency calls when she was two. By four, she was able to recite her mothers mobile number.

Calm and clear: Rihanna Malcolm-Moore with call handler Dipesh Makwana (London Ambulance Service ) / London Ambulance Service

She said: I am so proud of her. She just took over. She told me she was calling an ambulance. Shes actually quite shy but she was able to stay calm and give our full address and contact details and say what had happened.

Ms Moore said she had no idea her daughter could use the phonetic alphabet. I was really surprised  she must have just picked that up. She is a bright girl.

On another occasion last year, Rihannas aunt fell in the shower and cut her head and she was able to call 999. Rihanna first made a 999 call for her mother when she was six. Rihanna, who attends St Cyprians Greek Orthodox Primary Academy, is interested in a medical career. Well I have always wanted to be a heart surgeon but also maybe a paramedic, she said.A 54-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of painting racist graffiti on a familys door in Manchester.

A father and son told how they were left traumatised after graffiti reading no blacks was sprayed on their door earlier in the week.

Jackson Yamba said the abuse was sprayed on the front door and entrances of the flats where he lives with his son in Salford.

Greater Manchester Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and remains in custody for questioning.

Mr Yamba and his son / Jackson Yamba/GoFundMe

Superintendent Howard Millington of GMPs Salford Division said: While we have a man in custody, our enquiries into this deplorable crime are very much ongoing.

I want to emphasise that we are acutely aware of the strength of public feeling surrounding this incident.

"Both CID and neighbourhood officers are looking into this crime and we are working closely with our partners to support the victim, as is the case in all hate crimes.

"Let me reassure people that where incidents of this nature take place, we will always pursue a prosecution.

Well-wishers have raised hundreds of pounds for the family in support, after the crime was reported.

Mr Yamba said: Thank you for your ongoing and unlimited support. I really appreciated. The alleged suspect has been arrested by greater Manchester Police.L ast weekend I visited the gastronomic city of Barcelona.

I headed straight for the famous Boqueria market, situated off the bustling main street, Las Ramblas. Being in a food market as phenomenal as this was so inspiring, it flooded me with ideas for new recipes. One of the highlights of the market was discovering the Pinotxo tapas bar. Its the oldest bar in the market, with a small counter seating about 12 people. The food was sensational and incredibly good value.

We had four small plates  lightly smoked sardine fillets, chickpeas with black pudding, slow-cooked beef cheeks and squid cooked with Santa Pau beans (a local bean similar to borlotti). This is a must-place-to-eat when you are next in Barcelona.

What I love about Spanish cuisine is that everything is so simple and healthy but it uses great ingredients and flavours that balance perfectly. I bought lots of fabulous spices and oils to recreate a Spanish fish dish when I got home. Heres the supper that I had the other night with some of the saffron I bought. Its so simple to make, healthy, and takes very little time to prepare.

Spanish fish stew with almonds and saffron

Serves: 4

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Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Serve with: Champteloup Chardonnay from the Loire Valley, available at Waitrose or Ocado, 7.99

Ingredients

Olive oil

800g white fish (ling, haddock, hake or whiting), cut into small pieces

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 tin of cherry tomatoes

2 tbsp whole almonds, finely chopped

a good pinch of saffron, soaked in warm water

300ml white wine

2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C/Gas mark 4.

2. Place a frying pan over a medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Then add the pieces of fish, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and cook for just 30 seconds on each side and transfer to a casserole dish.

3. Place the frying pan back over a medium heat and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the onions and garlic, cover and cook for two to three minutes. Then remove the lid and stir in the tomatoes. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for a further five minutes and transfer to the casserole dish with the fish.

4. Finely chop the whole almonds and stir into the fish stew along with the saffron and soaking water. Followed by the white wine and one glass of water.

5. Place the casserole in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes.

6. Remove the fish stew from the oven once it is cooked and stir in chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.

7. Serve with basmati rice or a big green salad and lemon wedges.The rules and traditions of the British Royal Family might date back centuries, but they've also been adapted as the monarchy has entered the 21st century.

One big question is what will happen when Prince Charles eventually becomes King, and whether his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, will then become Queen.

According to Alastair Bruce, a former equerry to the Earl of Wessex and a friend of the Royal Family, Camilla will technically become Queen Camilla once Charles takes the throne, rather than Princess Consort, the title Clarence House previously said she "intended to use" when she married Charles in 2005.

Bruce pointed out that even though Camilla goes by the Duchess of Cornwall, shes still technically the Princess of Wales. By that logic he explained she would be Queen when Charles ascends to the throne.

Getty Images

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We all know in Common Law [that] at the moment [Camilla] is Princess of Wales she is, shes just not called that. [So] if she is married to the King when he becomes King, she will be Queen. They may decide to call her something different but she will be Queen.

This backs up what Professor Pavlos Eleftheriadis, a professor of public law at Oxford, explained would happen once Charles took the crown. Eleftheriadis told the Daily Star, Camilla will be a Queen in the limited legal sense of being the wife of the sovereign, or Queen Consort... She cannot be forced to be called Queen Consort, but her role as the wife of the King is, by definition, that of Queen.

But as Bruce and Eleftheriadis suggested, even though Camilla will legally be a Queen she doesnt have to take the title. When Parker Bowles married Prince Charles in 2005, following his divorce from the late Princess Diana, she took the Duchess of Cornwall as her title instead of Princess of Wales.

Marlene Koenig, a royal expert, told Town and Country, Camilla was not popular or well liked, [though] this has changed a lot since the marriage as Camilla has taken on a lot of patronages and Charles is a lot happier. Still... it was decided that Camilla would be styled as the Duchess of Cornwall, even though, of course, she is the Princess of Wales.

REUTERS

Only a change in the law would mean Camilla wouldn't technically be Queen. Bruce said, [She will be Queen] unless Parliament wishes otherwiseParliament can do what it likes, but I cant see Parliament passing primary legislation to [change the current law].

Parliament can at any time intervene. A new act of parliament could determine the titles of the Royals and their duties in a different way. Nothing is set in stone about the monarchy under the United Kingdoms flexible constitution, Eleftheriadis explained.

In fact, there was a major legal change relating to royal titles in 2013 when the Succession to the Crown Act was passed. Prior to its creation, men in the line of succession to the throne would take precedence over women.

However the act decreed, In determining the succession to the Crown, the gender of a person born after 28 October 2011 does not give that person, or that persons descendants, precedence over any other person (whenever born).

On a related note, Express claimed in 2018 that the palace removed from its website the statement issued following the couples wedding that the Duchess will be known as Princess Consort.T wenty years ago, 20 chefs headed to the Berkeley at the behest of Peter Gordon, the New Zealander best known at the time for his Sugar Club restaurants.

Gordon had, along with Chris Corbin  by then, almost two decades into his partnership with Jeremy King, and some distance from his days managing Langans booze-soaked brasserie  talked them into sharing the hotels kitchen for a fundraiser. With 20 tables of 10, each chef would cook for a decimette of diners; guests wouldnt know whose food they were eating until the night itself. Afterwards, an auction; the money for Leuka, a leukaemia charity.

Leukaemia  blood cancer  because: in 1995, Gordons sister was diagnosed with it, aged 33, and he became her donor. Because: in 1990, Corbin was diagnosed with it, aged 38, and went without a donor for four years. Because: 27 people a day are diagnosed with it, of all ages, and half die within five years.

The first night, it was very crude, very fluidly put together, says Corbin, warmly, It was really ad hoc.

Every chef cooking a four course meal for 10 people, and of course, they tried to be a little over ambitious, like doing a whole turbot or a whole two turbots  to try and serve that under those circumstances...

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Corbin doesnt name names, but the list has more than a few high profile suspects on it. That year, 1999, the roll call was ridiculous; Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray from the River Cafe, Albert Roux, Eric Chavot, Phil Howard, Mark Hix. Jeremy Lee and Giorgio Locatelli. Bruce from Chez Bruce. Clarke from Clarkes. It could have been Corbin himself, who was also cooking.

Some chefs still really didnt understand it until it happened, says Gordon. They called the night Whos Cooking Dinner? and thought it a one off. But it raised some cash; quite a chunk of it, in fact, and then  well, it happened again, and the next year, and on, and on. The name stuck.

The camaraderie in the kitchen is great, explains Gordon, Because many of todays top chefs worked together as junior chefs in other London kitchens, so everyone is looking after everyone else. Plus, of course, everyone wants to see what their peers are doing, what plate colour is this seasons hot favourite, are we using foams or not

London icon: the Dorchester hotel will host this year's dinner

What happened is, the fraternity of chefs and restaurateurs took it to their hearts because, of course, these guys know each others menu but they dont cook together shoulder-to-shoulder, so it was one of those things, and it started happening every year, says Corbin, The chefs kept asking me, What date is it?  which is pretty good for a charity event.

The money has been pretty good, too. After 19 dinners, Whos Cooking Dinner? has raised more than 7 million for Leuka, a UK charity which funds scientific and clinical research into leukaemia and other types of blood cancers.

It was set up by a chap called Lester Cazin, who had leukaemia, says Gordon, I understand it was his intention to raise some cash by the start of 2000. He didnt survive that long, unfortunately. Its name was changed to Leuka.

We fund grants for research, for young scientists, for the future. Thats where the main thrust is; young scientists who sometimes would drop out of the system because they cant get those grants, Corbin says, Theyre judiciously chosen.

They would be. Corbin was close to the late  and worthy, here, of the cliched and great  John Goldman, a pioneering and quite brilliant haematologist and oncologist. Goldman treated Corbin in the 90s at the Hammersmith hospital, and was a trailblazer of bone marrow transplants. He was also dedicated to doctoring, unusually so. Respected worldwide, its said his American peers would ring him at two in the morning and not think anything of it; No one is certain when (or if) he ever slept, said his one-time colleague Dr Robert Peter Gale, after Goldmans death. One his patients was Cazin, and Goldman became the founding chairman of the charity, which has a scholarship named for him.

This years supper at the Dorchester hotel is set to be particularly special. Two decades on, the nights power to draw star chefs shows no sign of waning. Mark Hix returns for his 18th time  well done that man  alongside Michelin-fuelled firepower: Tom Kerridge, Skye Gyngell, Angela Hartnett, Brett Graham, Phil Howard and Francesco Mazzei will all be cooking, as will Clare Smyth, undoubtedly Londons most in-demand chef. Besides Hix, other stars from the first night will be back, including Quo Vadis Jeremy Lee, and Giorgio Locatelli. The biggest draw, though, is likely Alain Ducasse, the worlds most successful restaurateur. Ducasse, once the youngest chef to win three Michelin stars and still the youngest to win six, does not cook often anymore; for him to be in whites is a treat. But perhaps it makes sense  after all, he will be in the surrounds of his eponymous restaurant.

Having Ducasse in the kitchen is going to excite a lot of chefs, says Corbin, I think hell sprinkle a bit of a fairy dust on it, you know.

This year is also the biggest yet; there will be 25 chefs, cooking for 25 tables of ten. The Dorchester will be heaving.

The chefs restaurant is usually represented on the table by a restaurant manager and sommelier, because theyll do matching wines with every course says Corbin, So it becomes [the guests] mini restaurant for the night, really.

After supper is the auction. The prizes are suitably glamorous. One bid wins time cooking with the charming Ollie Dabbous in Mayfairs HIDE, while the highlight will be what it always is; the chance to take home a chef. Not quite paying to pick them up, the triumphant bidder wins a chefs cooking privately for them, in their home.

One of my most memorable moments, says Corbin, was with [Zuma founder] Rainer Becker. We had two guys bidding 50,000 for him and at that point he stopped and said, Listen, Ill cook for both of you at that price. So we got 100,000 out of that one thing just for Rainer Becker. I dont think thats ever going to happen to us again.

Gordon has another favourite. Which is? Rick Stein, getting a table that didnt really like fish.W hisper it, but food isnt always the priority when choosing a restaurant. On certain occasions  a midweek evening in February, perhaps  wine is the deciding factor.

Theres no shame in that  the World Restaurant Awards recognises this requirement with a dedicated prize for Best Red Wine-Serving Restaurant. And you dont have to stray far for your fix, as on Tuesday night Noble Rot bar in Lambs Conduit Street was deemed the top place to drink red on the planet. Thats right, a subterranean dining room in London is a better place to drink malbec than Argentina. So what is a red wine restaurant and why should it be celebrated?

The judges said that Noble Rot has been a driving force in making wine bars cool again, without falling into the trap of championing white over red.

On its website, Noble Rot posts the wine menu above the food one  a statement of intent. It has more than 700 wines and about 60 per cent are red. The top seller is Burgundy; David Duband Gevrey-Chambertin. Try it and join Noble Rots following  its more than a bar and restaurant, it produces a magazine and followers carry its tote bags, reading Sex & Drugs and Pinot Noir.

Five wine tastings you need to try in London - In pictures 1 /5 Five wine tastings you need to try in London - In pictures Five wine tastings you need to try in London - In pictures Sager + Wilde Five wine tastings you need to try in London - In pictures Hedonism Wines Five wine tastings you need to try in London - In pictures 28-50 Five wine tastings you need to try in London - In pictures Winemakers Dinners at Fenchurch Five wine tastings you need to try in London - In pictures Berry Bros & Rudd

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The red wine restaurant is a place where you can go for a glass and end up staying for a spontaneous bottle and a three-course meal. At Noble Rot the food is very nice indeed  head chef Paul Weaver (formerly of St John and The Sportsman) with The Sportsmans Stephen Harris, do a fine line in brilliant bread and butter, oysters, roast meats and fresh fish and seasonal veg with clever sauces. Its all enhanced by the wine.

Blightman says: Good food and wine matches are down to both being good quality. We put a lot of work into sourcing wine, visiting private sellers across the world rather than relying on wholesalers. A lot of red wine is drunk too young, our wines have matured at least 15 years.

Since Noble Rot opened in 2015, red wine restaurants have proliferated. When Levan opened in Peckham it had an equal focus on wine and food as they know London has high standards. At Spiritlands new Royal Festival Hall outpost there are more than 50 reds, new and old world. Try the popular pinot noirs from Seresin in New Zealand while listening to the DJ sets. Theres a similar idea at Naughty Piglets in Brixton  drink what sommelier Margaux recommends then migrate to the restaurant.

Peckham gem: Ravioli at Levan, which places equal focus on wine and food / Ravioli at Levan

Some red wine restaurants double as shops, which have the wine as a regular fixture and then have fun with changing food propositions. Linden Stores in Highbury also lists its wine ahead of its food. A glass of whatever the staff fancy opening is just 5 and you can buy a bottle to take home. Food is seasonal British, and the roast potatoes with Bovril mayo taste the better with a Provencal Cru Classe.

P Franco is the ultimate red wine restaurant and shop where you can lose hours trying the wide array of bottles on offer. Dard & Ribo Crozes-Hermitages is a current favourite. Its light-bodied and fruit-driven (so easy to drink). Anna Tobias is the chef-in-residence, working wonders in the tiny open kitchen. Previously she was at the River Cafe, and she makes a mean ribollita.The Little Blue Door

Brunching at The Little Blue Door is like brunching at your mates considerably nicer house. Tables laden with cereals, tea and coffee are yours to peruse before the main event, and theres even a Nintendo 64 in the back room. Pancake stacks are decked with fried chicken and more, while poached eggs on toast comes six ways: choose from extras including house cured salmon with pea, feta and mint, or spicy chipotle beans with salsa verde and avocado (all available with bottomless prosecco, of course). Clapham-ites can also enjoy a similar set-up at TLBD's new sister venue, The Little Orange Door, which opened its doors shortly after lockdown and is serving The Big F*** Off Pancake Platter for 50, which the venue has boasted to be Londons largest pancake stack  a tower drenched in chocolate ganache, marshmallows, cream and cherries that is available for up to five people to share.T he Bar Council stands with Joanna Hardy in calling for an end to the behaviour she has highlighted [Dont act like you are on a stag do, QCs told, February 13]. The Bar is a forward-thinking, modern profession and we will not turn a blind eye to harassment and inequality.

Joanna raises issues which we are addressing through lobbying the Government on how the courts are run, to ensure sitting hours do not disadvantage those court users with caring responsibilities.

Women at the Bar face unique challenges. We have recently launched a campaign marking 2019 as the centenary of the law that allowed women to practise as lawyers, which draws attention to many of the issues Joanna has raised.

Progress is being made. However, the more of the profession we represent and the more its leaders acknowledge these concerns, the better we can address them. We are determined to stamp out behaviour that has no place in a modern profession, and to ensure a culture of inclusivity and respect.

Richard Atkins

Chair of the Bar Council

EDITOR'S REPLY

Dear Richard

While it is good to see many people supporting Joanna and wanting to tackle the issues that she raised, its also disappointing that these kind of complaints still have to be made.

The Bar Council has a leading role to play in the fight for equality, and the measures you are taking are welcome. But Id like to see more judges tackle these issues head on. They wield great power over the working lives of lawyers and are regarded as leaders in the legal arena, but will rarely speak out to try to change practices and attitudes.

As I watch each day from the press bench there are regular reminders of the boys club camaraderie that exists in the legal profession but I see precious few moments of overt inclusivity, where the challenges facing female lawyers are addressed.

Many issues raised by Joanna happen behind closed doors, in legal conferences and robing room conversations. How people behave in public guides their actions in private. Judges can and should do more  alongside leading barristers, HM Courts and Tribunals Service and the Ministry of Justice  to consign Joannas complaints to the past.

Tristan Kirk, Courts Correspondent

Labour must do more on toxic air issue

Criticism of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) from Dr Faiza Shaheen [Labour hopeful: Ulez is unfair on poor Londoners, February 18] typifies many Labour members short-termism on environmental issues.

The dirty air we breathe in London is hardest on the poorest, who usually live closer to main roads. They will suffer more illnesses and need more hospital visits, thus putting a huge future burden on the NHS.

If the Labour Party is serious about wanting to help the less advantaged in London, then a proper understanding of the impact of toxic air, and doing all they can to support measures such as the Ulez, is surely the only way forward.

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb

Green Party

A fishy businessW e all had our own special name for our bits when we were younger. Mine, for some reason beknown only to my mum, was the Geneva. When I discovered that my peers had all gone with the more classic fanny or mini, I felt cheated. Even more so when I discovered Geneva was in fact a city in Switzerland.

By the time I was considered old enough to be informed of the proper terminology  presumably the age I could fly unaccompanied to Geneva  I had been cheated again.

Its actually called a vagina, is in fact an even worse lie from the parents than Uncle Barry will only be staying for an hour. The truth is, if youre referring to the external area, you should be calling it a vulva. Even if it does sound like a beaky supervillain.

Many will freak out if you start nattering on about the nuances of your vajayjay, even though without them the entire porn industry would just be angry boners thrusting thin air.

Thats exactly why photographer Laura Dodsworth took pictures of 100 different vulvas for her latest book, Womanhood: The Bare Reality, which was also the subject of a Channel 4 documentary last night.

Dodsworths project is a simple but groundbreaking idea that gives women back a sense of ownership over their own bodies.

The images are taken entirely on their terms, and the personal stories that accompany each one acknowledge the history of shame and anxiety thats been attached to female sexuality for hundreds of years.

If you dont believe me, ask yourself this: how did we get to a point where womens genitalia is such an outrageous taboo that we dont even call it by the correct name?

You dont need to fly to Switzerland to work that one out.

Newfoundlanders take centre stage

Come From Away , a heartwarming new musical about the unsung heroes of 9/11, opened in the West End this week.

Its about a small town in Newfoundland that sheltered more than 7,000 people who were on planes forced into emergency landings on the day of the attacks, and it opens with Welcome to the Rock, a foot-stomping tribute to the hospitality of the locals.

One of the lyrics, Im an Islander, has been printed on badges that are handed out as the audience leave the show. Its a sweet gesture  and it probably didnt look like Nigel Farage fan club apparel on Broadway.

Dorotheas life of ceaseless creativity

Dorothea Tanning's self-portrait 'Birthday' / ES local feed

Londoners will get a treat next week when a major retrospective of artist Dorothea Tanning opens at Tate Modern.

Its a rare chance to see the works of this prolific artist but whats even rarer is the tireless artistic spirit that Tanning embodied.

From her early self-portrait, Birthday (so captivating that it made her future husband Max Ernst fall in love with her) to a reconstruction of a hotel room where bodies crawl out of the walls, her work conjures up an enticing sense of mystery.

And even for someone who lived to be 101, Tanning got a lot done.

In a career that lasted more than seven decades, she created ethereal paintings, sculpture and authored poetry collections  and published a debut novel at the age of 94.

This month is just a coat conundrum

No one should ask any more of themselves in January than eating, sleeping and sitting at your desk for eight hours trying not to cry. Its the worst month and should be banned. However, now its over and our annual calendar has thrown another cruel challenge at us.

Were in the midst of a slightly sunny February and absolutely no one has any idea what coat to wear. Go too light and youll be shivering like a nervous poodle. Go too heavy and youll be sweating like youve been running for the bus.T his has been the most traumatic week for Labour since we lost the last election, and the one before that, and the one before you get the picture. We knew something bad was in the air but that didnt make it any less painful when it happened. And the reaction from within the party is polarised  who knew?

Ill be honest, Im not mad keen on the split because its a gift to the Tories but I totally understand why those MPs left  particularly Luciana Berger, who was pushed to breaking point by the leadership. Our party is not just about policies: we care about our values and have always fought discrimination and racism in all its forms  including anti-Semitism, which many of the Left dont quite get.

My phone rang off the hook, with friends and colleagues trying to make sense of what had happened and what they should do next, besides drink a vat of wine and sob.

My Facebook feed was full of people I greatly respect announcing that they had ripped up their party membership cards in solidarity. I envied their clarity of thought because I confess, I am really torn about what to do. And Im not the only one.

A friend calls to say that they feel ashamed to still be a member but feel too guilty to leave. Another was furious and refused to be forced to leave something to which they had dedicated their life. Many said it would be like walking out on their family  although lets be honest, were so dysfunctional that we make the Markles look good.

I also spoke to a number of MPs who are genuinely distraught  one who I greatly admire loathed the toxic culture. But when they see the squalor in which many of their constituents live and know nurses who have to work an extra bar job to get by, they feel a strong duty to fight for a Labour government.

A councillor friend wept down the phone, saying they were Jewish but also Labour through and through.

None of this is easy. People have to reach their own personal conclusions without being attacked or bullied by the anti-Semites or the rather over-excited centrists  that is definitely not new politics. Deputy leader Tom Watson summed up how many of us feel. The party we once loved is one we dont recognise.

But what to do? No one really knows. Many simply dont yet feel ready to join the new Independent Group when we know so little about what it will offer in policy terms. And Angela Smiths Thick of It funny tinge gaffe wasnt exactly confidence-inspiring, given the whole racism thing.

Many dont yet feel ready to join the new Independent Group when we know so little about what it will offer

Its a mess. And the party feels more deeply divided than ever. Labour is now a political fight club  youre the voice of reason or treason, depending which gang youre in.

Its relentless, exhausting and ultimately self-defeating.

TODO: define component type apester

Face the music, its crucial to our culture and DNA

Tonight the British music industry gathers at the 02 for the 39th BRIT Awards. Its a good old-fashioned bash, with buckets of booze, top celeb-spotting and a host of A-list live performances, including by Dua Lipa , who has picked up four nominations.

Dua Lipa / Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Splash News / SplashNews.com

But its not all rock n roll. The show raises money for charity and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the BRIT Trust, which funds great causes including the famous BRIT School in Croydon  the most joyful secondary school I have ever been to. It provides a great free education but specialises in music and creative arts. You feel like youre in Fame and want to enrol immediately as a (very) mature student.

Id like every school to have a sprinkle of BRIT School magic, especially when there is a crisis in music education in England.

According to the All-Party Parliamentary Groups State of the Nation report into music education, the creative economy is now worth 101 billion, with music contributing 4.5 billion.

But since 2010, the number of hours of music taught in schools has fallen by almost 18 per cent, GSCE music has declined by more than 20 per cent and music is the fastest disappearing A-level subject, dropping 38 per cent in the past two years.

As politicians enjoy the show this evening, I hope they will reflect on how important music is to our culture, wellbeing and economy. Lets bring back the joy of making music in all our schools.

*Facebook has done bad stuff but all is forgiven for Rate My Plate.

Really terrible cooks post criminal attempts at making dinner then get mocked by strangers  what could be more British?W hats in a name? A great deal if you happen to be a student of British aviation history and you mourn the demise of flybmi.

The airline that went bust this week was a very pale shadow of its illustrious predecessor, British Midland International.

In its heyday, and under the inspired leadership of Sir Michael Bishop, British Midland was the UKs second-biggest carrier, operating 2,000 services a week and flying 10 million passengers a year very profitably to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

By the time it collapsed, having been bought and sold twice, broken up and asset-stripped, morphing finally into flybmi, it was carrying just half a million passengers to regional airports in half-full jets and racking up heavy losses.

But this is about more than just the decline of a once-mighty airline.

British Midland was also a force for good.

Under the shrewd stewardship of Bishop, it was both financially successful and commercially savvy, grabbing a one-third share of the lucrative business shuttle market from London to Scotland, and becoming the first UK airline to offer vegetarian meals.

It also played a wider and vital role. As the owner of the second-largest number of runway slots at Heathrow, it helped keep British Airways on its toes and honest.

It was also instrumental in helping fashion UK aviation policy on everything from open skies agreements across the Atlantic to regional airport strategy and runway expansion in south-east England.

Today, the UK aviation industrys perspective on the great issues of the day can only be viewed through the particular prism of BA and its parent company International Airlines Group (now, incidentally, the owner of bmis Heathrow slots and, to boot, British Caledonian and Harry Goodmans Dan Air).

With no disrespect to easyJet (and excluding Ryanair only on the grounds that it is Irish-domiciled), how much more informed, balanced and persuasive would the debate about a third Heathrow runway or the impact of Brexit on British aviation be if Bishop were still on the scene?

But it is not just in the skies that we should be lamenting the disappearance of an important corporate name. Everywhere you care to look, the ghost of a departed corporate titan haunts the landscape. What, for instance, would we give for ICI to be still in existence?

Once the great bellwether of the British economy, the demise of ICI began with the sale of its bulk chemicals operations to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, helping him to create his private company Ineos.

One thing is certain: if ICI was still alive today, we would not be talking about the relocation of the company and its tax billions to Monaco.

And then, there is Arnold Weinstocks GEC, perhaps the countrys first genuine conglomerate. A great many jibes were directed at Weinstocks gas turbines and trains to telecoms and washing machines empire, and his famous reluctance to spend its 1 billion cash pile for the broader benefit of UK plc.

But would we be fretting today about whether the Chinese, in the shape of Huawei, should be allowed to build our 5G communications network if wily old Weinstock was still around?

Something similar applies in the UKs electricity industry. Remember British Energy? It owned our fleet of nuclear power stations but dared not use the word nuclear in its name. It too went bust and was rescued by the government.

But instead of being kept public, it was sold to EDF at about the same time as British Nuclear Fuels was forced to sell its reactor design and build business, Westinghouse, to Toshiba.

Together, these two big names could have secured Britains energy future, constructing and operating a new generation of nukes, funded by cheap government bonds.

Instead, we have ended up paying the French top dollar for energy from Hinkley Point C while watching the Japanese walk away from the other three nuclear stations they were scheduled to build. We have been left reliant on gas from potentially unstable parts of the world and the wind, when it chooses to blow.

None of this is to stand in the way of change. It is merely to observe that not all progress is automatically for the good and that, sometimes, we forget at our peril that which we have lost.C ommodity giant Glencore will cap thermal coal production following pressure from investors worried about climate change.

The FTSE 100 giant, the worlds largest supplier of coal, on Wednesday said it would not exceed current production levels from now on. The company, which has ramped up production in recent years, churns out about 150 million metric tons a year.

The move is part of a broader push to get onside with investors increasingly vocal about climate change.

Glencore said investing in climate change-proof assets was necessary to deliver a strong investment case.

The company, led by Ivan Glasenberg, said it had consulted a shareholder action group called Climate Action 100+, which speaks for 300 investors who run more than $30 trillion.

Other plans unveiled today by the Swiss-based company include a promise to outline by 2020 how investments comply with the UNs Paris Agreement on climate change. It will also review membership of lobby groups which may undermine the Paris accord.The staff of the Litchfield Jazz Festival is presenting the fourth installment of their free virtual concert series for April.During the fall campaign, the chairman of the Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee intentionally distorted not only my record, but also even my physical appearance. Current and former elected Democrats, as well as some town committee members, found the attacks so distasteful they crossed party lines and voted for me.

The personal and polarizing attacks continue. Mouthing the same non-factual, twisted campaign rhetoric now does not make it any more palatable to all the people of Ridgefield that I am honored to represent.An Alabama woman who left home to join the Islamic State group in Syria is not a U.S. citizen and will not be allowed to return to the United States, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday.

In a brief statement that gave no details as to how the determination was reached, Pompeo said Hoda Muthana, who says she made a mistake in joining the group and now wants to return with her 18-month-old son, has no "legal basis" to claim American citizenship.

"Ms. Hoda Muthana is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States," Pompeo said. "She does not have any legal basis, no valid U.S. passport, no right to a passport nor any visa to travel to the United States."

Muthana's status had been considered by lawyers from the departments of State and Justice since her case arose, according to one U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official would not elaborate but said Pompeo's statement was based on the lawyers' conclusions.

An attorney for the woman's family, Hassan Shibly, said the administration's position is based on a "complicated" interpretation of the law involving her father.

"They're claiming her dad was a diplomat when she was born, which, in fact, he wasn't," Shibly told The Associated Press.

Muthana was born in 1994 in Hackensack, New Jersey, the lawyer said.

Most people born in the United States are accorded so-called birthright citizenship but there are exceptions.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a person born in the U.S. to a foreign diplomatic officer is not subject to U.S. law and is not automatically considered a U.S. citizen at birth.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Islamic State after becoming radicalized, says she regrets aligning herself with the terrorist organization and wants to return to the United States, Shibly said on Tuesday. He said Muthana is putting herself at risk by speaking out against ISIS from a refugee camp where she has lived since fleeing the group a few weeks ago.

Muthana, who dodged sniper fire and roadside bombs to escape, is ready to pay the penalty for her actions but wants freedom and safety for the son she had with one of two IS fighters she wed, he said. Both men were killed in combat.

In a handwritten letter released by Shibly, Muthana wrote that she made "a big mistake" by rejecting her family and friends in the United States to join the Islamic State.

"During my years in Syria I would see and experience a way of life and the terrible effects of war which changed me," she wrote.

After fleeing her home in suburban Birmingham in late 2014 and resurfacing in Syria, Muthana used social media to advocate violence against the United States. In the letter, Muthana wrote that she didn't understand the importance of freedoms provided by the United States at the time.

"To say that I regret my past words, any pain that I caused my family and any concerns I would cause my country would be hard for me to really express properly," said the letter.

Shibly said Muthana was brainwashed online before she left Alabama and now could have valuable intelligence for U.S. forces, but he said the FBI didn't seem interested in retrieving her from the refugee camp where she is living with her son.

Muthana's father would welcome the woman back, Shibly said, but she is not on speaking terms with her mother.

Ashfaq Taufique, who knows Muthana's family and is president of the Birmingham Islamic Society, said the woman could be a valuable resource for teaching young people about the dangers of online radicalization were she allowed to return to the United States.

"Her coming back could be a very positive thing for our community and our country," Taufique said.Two men were arrested Monday after a 16-year-old girl who was reported missing was found in a New Orleans apartment nude and incoherent, officials said.

Justin Noel, 42, and Steven Cooley, 54, were taken into custody on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile as part of an investigation by Louisiana State Police, New Orleans police and U.S. marshals.The lawyers for the family of Nicholas Sandmann have filed a lawsuit against The Washington Post, seeking $250 million in both compensatory and punitive damages.

Sandmann, 16, is the Covington Catholic High School junior at the center of a controversy after his face was depicted across social media, along with Native American protester Nathan Phillips.

Attorneys Lin Wood and Todd McMurtry said it's their first lawsuit on behalf of Sandmann's family, and additional lawsuits will likely be filed.

The lawsuit claims that the Post "wrongfully targeted and bullied Nicholas because he was the white, Catholic student wearing a red 'Make America Great Again' souvenir cap on a school field trip to the January 18 March for Life in Washington, D.C."

The lawsuit adds that the Post engaged in "a modern-day form of McCarthyism."

The lawsuit goes on to say that the Post "ignored basic journalist standards."

"We are reviewing a copy of the lawsuit and we plan to mount a vigorous defense," Washington Post Vice President of Communications Kristine Coratti Kelly said.

Read the full lawsuit here

The lawsuit follows a nationwide firestorm of controversy involving students from Covington Catholic High School during a January march in Washington.

The students were attending an annual March for Life trip, which coincided with an Indigenous Peoples March.

Viral videos show students from the all-boys high school involved in an incident with a Native American elder during a trip to the nation's capital. The videos sparked a social media firestorm, with many calling out the young boys for their treatment of the elder.

But lengthier video was released in later days that appears to show a different story.

An independent, third-party investigation  commissioned by the Diocese of Covington  found the students made no offensive or racist statements toward Phillips or anyone who was with him that day.

The report by Greater Cincinnati Investigation Inc. out of Taylor Mill, Kentucky, concluded there was nothing to indicate the students behaved offensively, nothing to show they chanted "Build The Wall," as some critics previously thought.

The diocese issued a written statement saying the students didn't start anything.Entrepreneur Press' Business and Pleasure series is dedicated to highlighting books that will take your entrepreneurial endeavors to the next level, as well as bonus reads guaranteed to help you escape the daily grind. We hope you find your next read here.

Reading is fundamental to learning and as entrepreneurs its how you take in the world, grow and expand your horizons. The team and I at Entrepreneur Press share in your spirit and are ravenous readers ourselves so we decided to review the books we devoured to help us reach out goals in 2019.

For Business, I suggest reading Be More Pirate by Sam Conniff Allende

Image credit: Atria Books

Be More Pirate debunks commonly told myths about pirates and shares the uncommon truths about them: Pirates were, at their core, groups of people who fought for social justice, supported equal pay and equal rights regardless of gender and color, among other things.

Pirates stood up for what they felt was right and challenged the status quo time and time again. Much like the entrepreneurs and industry disrupters of todays world. Think Rza, Steve Jobs, and Banksy who in deciding to go against the grain they broke rules, ushered change, and democratized music, technology and art. They were being more pirate.

Part history book, part leadership book, and 100% a mindset reset book, Be More Pirate delivers a delightful combination of facts and how-to for todays entrepreneurs.

Listen on Scribd or Buy the Book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

For Pleasure, check out Severance by Ling Ma

This post-apocalyptic story follows Candace Chen before and after an international epidemic turns everyone into zombies performing rote tasks until they die. The author weaves in Candaces backstory effortlessly as she becomes one of the last surviving residents in Manhattan, sets of to find help, becomes a prisoner, and escapes with the help of her dead mothers spirit.

Listen on Scribd or Buy the Book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

For Business, our Editorial Director Jennifer Dorsey suggests Dot Journaling by Rachel Wilkerson Miller

Image credit: The Experiment

This quick, breezy how-to walks you through the basics of setting up and managing a dot journal. Was I scared? Heck yes. Am I Intrigued? Hell yeah. As a dedicated maker of lists (I have lists of my lists), Im all about writing things down. But Wilkerson wants me to *shudder* give up crossing things off my list and, instead, create a key of codes to get me through my week.

The dot journaling method focuses on a somewhat intricate system of dots, boxes, and symbols that help you stay organized. Her suggestions to allow for a more organic flow and a organization of ideas is useful and allows the reader to create a choose your own adventure style of journaling and list-making. Will it succeed for me, the queen of the list? Who knows, but I cant wait to find out. Feeling inspired, I bought a clean Moleskine yesterday. Boom. One dot filled in already.

Read on Scribd or Buy the Book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

For Pleasure: I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley

In this installment of Bradleys famed Flavia deLuce series, hilarity and murder (this is an English mystery, after all) ensue, and Flavia is on the case. Bradley has created a magical world full of rich character development, lush countryside settings, and sharp, smart dialogue. Equal parts Christie whodunit, Eliot character survey (and science!), and Downton Abbey family saga, this book hits the spot for any poisoned pen Anglophile.

Listen on Scribd or Buy the Book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

For Business, our Marketing Specialist Danielle Brown suggests Do the KIND Thing by Daniel Lubetzky

Image credit: Ballantine Books

Every venture Daniel Lubetzky ever started, hes done so for a greater purpose. With KIND, along with some of his other businesses, he crafted the company to build bridges between communities (who normally have conflict) through commerce, particularly in the Middle East. With story after story, this book and Lubetzkys personal experience proves that for-profit businesses can and should strive to make a difference in the world.

My biggest takeaway was his use of the and philosophy, championing the idea that you dont have to surrender one goal in order to achieve another. While current and aspiring social entrepreneurs could treat this book like a reference guide to inspiration and strategies, theres something in Do the KIND Thing for everyone in business to learn. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

Listen on Scribd or Buy the Book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

For Pleasure: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

Set in a Viking-inspired realm, Sky in the Deep follows a fierce female warrior as she discovers a family member long thought dead, suffers enslavement and torture far from home, and learns to empathize with a clan shes so far known to be her enemy. I fell in love with this novel with each page; I just wanted more! Strongly recommend for fans of epic fight scenes, coming-of-age stories, and a touch of Romeo-and-Juliet romance.

Listen on Scribd or Buy the Book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

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Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reservedWarning: This article contains disturbing details and may be upsetting to readers

An Iowa woman whose infant sons lifeless body was found in a baby swing has been imprisoned for life without possibility of parole.

Court records say 22-year-old Cheyanne Harris was sentenced Tuesday in New Hampton to the state-mandated penalty, and her request for a new trial was denied. A jury found her guilty Feb. 6 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. The swing was in a sweltering bedroom.

An autopsy shows he died of malnutrition, dehydration and an E. coli infection.

The Des Moines Register reports the hot room Sterling Koehn was in attracted flies that hatched into maggots while he was still alive. They crawled in his clothes and his diaper for days, prosecutors said. A forensic entomologist who examined insects on Sterling's body concluded the baby had been in his swing for nine to 14 days in the same diaper.

A public defender insisted that while the boy's death was tragic, it was not planned. Attorney Nichole Watt said Harris suffered from postpartum depression and self-medicated, but she had no desire to harm her son.

"The monster, in this case, is mental health," Watt said.

Criminal Investigation Agent Chris Callaway testified that Harris said: "I should have checked on him more," the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported.

The babys father, Zachary Koehn, also has been sentenced to life in prison.

Prosecutors argued that Koehn was a meth user who also provided Harris with drugs. According to the Des Moines Register, Koehn admitted he took better care of his dog than he did the infant when being cross-examined. During the week-and-a-half Sterling was left in the swing, the couple continued to feed and care for their 2-year-old daughter.

Assistant Attorney General Denise Timmins told jurors that Koehn was home often enough to know that the baby wasnt being cared for and did nothing to help him.

He let Sterling rot in that room. He left him there to die, Timmins said.+7 Catching Up With Six Past Honorees of the CTC's Women of Innovation Awards With the 15th anniversary of the Connecticut Technology Council's Women of Innovation Awards upon us, we decided to catch up with six past honorees to see how theyre continuing their mission.

Its been a long, slow burn, but more and more women are being recognized for their hard work and equal footing alongside men for having built this nation.

The first International Womens Day was held on March 19, 1911, when millions of men and women across Europe rallied in the streets for fair wages and against discrimination. The day was later moved to March 8 after women in Russia were given the right to vote in 1917. In the U.S., President Jimmy Carter declared a National Womens Week in 1980 to coincide with the March 8 international celebration. Then, after years of support and encouragement for honoring womens achievements from governors, city councils, school boards, and Congress, March was officially declared Womens History Month in 1987.

In Connecticut, there are numerous stars whove blazed trails in government, the arts, education, and more. Here are 31  one for each day of Womens History Month  of the many women representing our state in history-making ways.

1: Marian Anderson (Danbury)

She was the first black person to perform with the Metropolitan Opera. Anderson delivered a showstopping performance at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, invited by Eleanor Roosevelt, and sang the national anthem at John F. Kennedys 1961 inauguration. Originally from Philadelphia, Anderson made Danbury her home for nearly 50 years.

2: Margaret Bourke-White (Darien)

Known to many as Maggie the Indestructible, she was the first female American war journalist and the first Western photographer allowed into the Soviet Union. A photographer for Life magazine, her photo of Fort Peck Dam in Montana graced the publications first cover.

3: Adrianne Baughns-Wallace (Bloomfield)

First female television anchor in Connecticut and first African-American television newscaster in New England. In 1981 she was recognized as the Most Watched Woman in Connecticut, and in the same year, the Jaycees honored her as Woman of the Year.

4: Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt (Hartford)

First woman in America to establish a major art collection. She was married to Samuel Colt, and became one of the wealthiest women in the country after his death. Known as The First Lady of Hartford, she helped found and presided over many organizations, including the Union for Home Work, the Hartford Decorative Arts Society, and the Hartford Soldiers Aid Society.

5: Martha Coolidge (New Haven)

The filmmaker (and distant relative of President Calvin Coolidge) took her place in the directors chair when few other women were doing so. Her Hollywood breakthrough was the 1983 teen comedy Valley Girl, in which Nicolas Cage got his start. Two years later came Real Genius, the first starring role for Val Kilmer. After more film and Emmy Award-winning TV work, Coolidge became the first woman president of the Directors Guild of America in 2002, a role in which she advocated for more female representation behind the camera.

6: Prudence Crandall (Canterbury)

Abolitionist and teacher, Crandall was designated the states official heroine in 1995. She founded academies for women, including Young Ladies of Color in Canterbury  the first academy in New England for African-American women and girls.

7: Edythe Gaines (Hartford)

Gaines was the first African American, and first woman in Connecticut, appointed superintendent of public schools in 1975. She was also the first woman to be elected chair of a Harvard University alumni association.

8: Ella Grasso (Windsor Locks)

First woman in the nation to be elected governor (1974), capping a 20-plus-year winning streak since first being elected to the General Assembly (1952). In 1955 Grasso was the first woman elected floor leader. From 1958-70, as Connecticuts secretary of the state, she turned the office into a peoples lobby in which ordinary citizens could air grievances or seek advice. During this period, Grasso became the first woman to chair the Democratic State Platform Committee.

9: Kristen Griest (Orange)

Capt. Griest is one of two first women, along with Shaye Lynne Haver, to graduate from the Armys prestigious Ranger School (2015) and was ranked 34th on Fortune magazines 2016 list of the Worlds Greatest Leaders list. She also became the Armys first female infantry officer.

10: Mary Hall (Marlborough)

Hall became the first female lawyer in Connecticut in 1882. Her admittance to the Connecticut Bar launched the nationwide decision to permit women to practice law.

11: Jahana Hayes (Waterbury)

In January she was sworn in as the first African-American woman and African-American Democrat to represent Connecticut in Congress. Hayes has been honored as both a state and National Teacher of the Year, and, in a nice coincidence, celebrates her birthday on March 8, International Womens Day.

12: Katharine Hepburn (Hartford and Old Saybrook)

With her fierce sense of independence and style, Hepburn became the first leading lady in Hollywood to eschew the norm and wear trousers on screen. Her defiance set in motion the epitome of a modern womans style in 20th-century America.

13: Mary Goodrich Jenson (Wethersfield)

Jenson became the first female pilot in Connecticut, at 20 years old, in 1927. She was also the first female reporter of the Hartford Courant to receive her own column, and the first woman to fly solo to Cuba.

14: Emeline Robert Jones (New Haven)

As the first woman to practice dentistry in the U.S., she worked on the teeth of Connecticut residents before the Civil War. After her husband died in 1864, she supported herself and her two children by traveling across Connecticut and Rhode Island with her portable dentists chair, then established a practice in New Haven until 1915 when she retired.

15: Mary Kies (Killingly)

Inventor and first woman in the U.S. to receive a patent in her own name, signed by President James Madison in 1809. Kies created a new technique of weaving straw with silk and thread to make hats.

16: Clare Boothe Luce (Greenwich)

Luce first found success on Broadway with her play The Women in 1936. She went on to write and produce several other commercial successes before heading to England to write first-hand accounts of the war in Europe. Luce later blazed trails for women in politics as the first woman to represent Connecticut in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first American woman appointed to a major ambassadorial post abroad (Italy).

17: Dollie McLean (Hartford)

In 1971, McLean became thefirst person to initiate the acquisition of works by African-American artists at Hartfords Wadsworth Atheneum, and the first to mount exhibitions of African, Puerto Rican and African-American art in 1972 as part of the Artists Collective, now a premier multi-arts institution. In 2010, Michelle Obama awarded the Artists Collective a national distinction for its work serving Hartfords youth in conjunction with the Presidents Committee on Arts and Humanities.

18: Constance Baker Motley (New Haven)

Motley was the first African-American federal court judge, and, as an activist and lawyer, was instrumental in arguing the Brown v. Board of Education case, with Thurgood Marshall, in 1954.

19: Denise Nappier (Hartford)

Nappier earned three firsts when she was elected state treasurer in 1998: the first African-American woman to hold statewide office; the first woman elected as Connecticuts treasurer; and the first African-American woman in the nation to be elected treasurer. Nappier is also known for her commitment to financial literacy education and making college more affordable for Connecticut students. This past January she completed 20 years and five terms as state treasurer.

20: Martha Parsons (Enfield)

After nearly 20 years with Landers, Frary & Clark, Parsons became an executive secretary in 1912 of the then-$2 million manufacturing corporation, making her the first female business executive in Connecticut to earn her position by merit.

21: Alice Paul (Ridgefield)

Dedicating her life to the equality of women and one of the leaders of the suffrage movement, Paul was the founder of the National Womens Party in 1917, and in 1923 introduced the first Equal Rights Amendment in Congress.

22: Ellen Ash Peters (West Hartford)

Originally from Germany, Peters became the first female lawyer appointed to the Yale Law faculty, before becoming the first female justice of the state Supreme Court in 1978. Then, in 1984, she was elevated to chief justice, the highest position in the states judiciary. Peters was also the first recipient of the Ella T. Grasso Distinguished Service Medal.

23: Rosa Ponselle (Meriden)

At age 21, in 1918, Ponselle debuted as the first American soprano to sing at the Metropolitan Opera without European experience or formal training. Between 1935-36, her performances as Carmen were the first to be broadcast live on the radio from the Met and noted by The New York Times as the hottest tickets in town.

24: Anika Noni Rose (Bloomfield)

In 2009, the Tony Award-winning actress of TV, film and stage voiced the first black Disney princess in The Princess and the Frog,breaking a 72-year streak of white-only princesses.

25: Maria Sanchez (Hartford)

Known as La Madrina, or the godmother of Hartfords Puerto Rican community, Sanchez opened Marias News Stand in the 1950s as a meeting place for women to discuss politics. In 1988, she became the first Hispanic woman elected to the Connecticut General Assembly.

26: Julia Evelina Smith (Glastonbury)

One of five extraordinary sisters dedicated to social causes, Smith was a womens suffrage and education activist and author. With a working knowledge of Latin, Greek and Hebrew, and eight years of work, Smith became the only woman in history to have her translation of the Bible from its original languages published. It came out in 1876.

27: Betty Tianti (Killingly)

A woman of many firsts, Tianti devoted her life to the labor movement. She started working as a machine operator at the American Thread Co. in Willimantic in 1956, and was quickly promoted to machine fixer, the first woman to hold that position. In 1967 she became the first woman deputy director of the Textile Workers Union of America Committee on Political Education. She later became the first woman agent of the State Board of Labor Relations, and the nations first woman president of a state AFL-CIO.

28: Antonina Uccello (Hartford)

After four years on Hartfords City Council (1963-67), and chairing several committees, Uccello quickly climbed the political ladder. In 1967 she not only became the first woman mayor of a Connecticut municipality and Hartfords first Republican mayor since World War II, but the first female mayor of a U.S. state capital.

29: Florence Wald (Branford)

A nurse and former dean of Yales School of Nursing,Wald led the founding of Branfords Connecticut Hospice, in 1974, the first program of its kind in the country. She also worked to make hospice care available to those in prison. When she died in 2008 at 91, there were nearly 3,000 hospice programs in the country.

30: Mabel Osgood Wright (Fairfield)

Founder and first president of Connecticut Audubon Society and Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary in Fairfield, the first bird sanctuary of its kind. She wrote Birdcraft, the first accessible bird manual.

31: Chase Going Woodhouse (Sprague)

After serving as an economics professor at Connecticut College, she won a two-year term as secretary of the state in 1940. Then, in 1946, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming only the second woman to represent the state in Congress and the first from the Democratic Party. In the 1970s she became the first chairperson of the Connecticut Committee on the Status of Women.A man has been arrested after he allegedly threatened to kill a 93-year-old with a blow torch and a knife on Valentines Day.



Police also said the man, Kevin Gray, 27, of West Washington Street, Bristol, ordered his German shepherd to attack another person at the house.

The investigation revealed Gray started yelling at three residents in a Middletown home. Two of the residents were 93 years old.

Lt. Heath Desmond said in a release, Gray had a lit blow torch in one hand and a knife in the other waving them around. Gray threatened to burn the house down. Gray then told his German shepherd to attack. The dog bit one of the victims in the arm. The victim later sought medical attention for the injury.

Desmond said the three victims were prevented from calling 911 due to the fact that Gray locked the house phone in a room so nobody could use it.



Because Gray was not there when police went to the home the next day, an arrest warrant was applied for by the investigating officer.

On Feb. 16, the animal control officer returned to the residence to follow up regarding the German shepherd.

Gray was spotted driving toward the home.

Officers were dispatched and Gray was arrested on the warrant charging him with second-degree assault on an elderly person, first-degree threatening and interfering with an emergency call.

Police did not disclose the relationship Gray had with the residents in the home.

He was held in lieu of $250,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.Interactive content is highly effective because it connects users with a brand on multiple levels. Interactive marketing provides a creative and unique experience that is personalized to each user -- this means it keeps their attention longer, it increases excitement and theyll be more likely to seek it out.

One defining element of interactive marketing is that it gives users some control or influence over their experience, making this content more personal and memorable. Today, many brands are offering interactive-content marketing campaigns that seek to enhance customers experiences, boost their engagement, gain more followers and ultimately grow a brands customer base.

So how exactly do these tools work and how can brands take advantage of these strategies? Here are five interactive trends your brand should consider using, and some important tips to keep in mind as you plan your interactive marketing strategies for 2019.

Assessments, quizzes and calculators

Interactive assessments offer people ways to give feedback or get more information about your products or your company. Quizzes and polls are also a form of interactive assessment, and can be highly entertaining. People love filling out online quizzes and then sharing the results on social media.

They can be a great way to prompt people to visit your website or social media page. BuzzFeed is well known for their quizzes, and you can hardly scroll through social media without bumping into a few. Quizzes can also be used for more serious topics and can help people recognize the need for your service or product.

Calculators allow users to input information to create numeric answers. These tools are frequently used by companies and brands to help customers estimate and compare the cost of products or features and evaluate the benefits of these options.

Related: How to Use Quizzes for Your Marketing Strategy

Interactive, gamified video

Videos dont have to be a passive, one-way broadcast, but can be a truly interactive experience. The interactive video has been around for several years, but many users are still unfamiliar with this medium and brands are still figuring out the best ways to harness this trend. For users, gamification appeals to the reward-seeking mechanism built into our brains; thus, it can work well in organizing contests, giveaways or interactive video stories.

For an added bonus, try using a gamified, interactive video for a quiz. Combining an interactive video with a multiple-choice quiz can be a great way to capture attention because it turns passive viewers into active ones. Facebooks announcement that its introducing new features to their video platform to make video content more interactive should encourage more marketers to consider how they can use this medium.

Facebook is using polling from both Live and on-demand videos, as well as gamification for Live, as tools to add new interactive features, such as polls, quiz questions and challenges.

Related: How Gamification Can Improve Customer Loyalty Programs

Augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) has become a buzzword in the world of games (think of the bestselling mobile game Pokemon GO), but AR has potential that goes far beyond gaming. Brands like Amazon, Ikea, Wayfair, Starbucks and Volkswagen are already utilizing AR technologies to increase customer engagement. Coca-Cola has used AR in several of its campaigns, including one with Alipay to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

As with many marketing trends, AR includes various elements to create interesting and engaging products. AR may incorporate 360-degree video and other interactive elements. Take, for example, Oreos 360-degree interactive AR video, which allows you to scroll around and see different views as you cascade down an animated river of milk while Oreo treats are being manufactured in a playful, fantastical self-propelled factory.

AR has also changed the way customers approach products in online stores. A 3-dimensional view of a product lets you see it on your own terms. AR apps allow customers to see what products will look like in the real world, giving them a better feel for the product and how it will fit in the home, office or elsewhere. For example, Amazon has introduced its AR view app, so you can take a picture of a room and see how a product will look in your kitchen or living room before you make a purchase.

AR is a great way to create an engaging and memorable marketing experience. It can help encourage sales, but often its most effective in building brand awareness and excitement surrounding a product.

Related: 10 Marketing Trends to Watch in 2019

360-Degree Video Content

Many brands are turning to immersive or spherical videos, which are 360-degree videos captured using an omnidirectional camera or a series of cameras. These 360-degree videos allow users to click and drag or move their phones around to explore a virtual space and become immersed in that virtual reality.

This content is powerful because it can combine two routes into immersion and engagement. Theres the first-person exploration, where users have the ability to change the angle or view of what theyre seeing, but theres also amazing storytelling potential here. As a user navigates a 360-degree video, theyre primed to listen to a backstory about what theyre exploring, or simply hear the sounds that relate to whats going on in the video. Either way, users are completely immersed and have stronger emotional connections to what theyre experiencing.

Some examples are Google Arts & Culture, which invites users to step into the action of performance and stories, and the New York Times, which is using this medium to give readers an up-close-and-personal view of visually stunning stories.

But this medium also works well for travel-related industries, which is all about the promise of transporting you to a new, exciting place. The Royal Caribbean offers users 360-degree videos in which users can stand on top of one of its largest ships and check out some of its amenities. Another example is Marriott Hotels development of The Teleporter, a booth that combines virtual reality and 360-degree video streaming to give users an immersive 4D experience of traveling to the far corners of the world.

The 360-degree trend will continue to be adopted by more brands in the coming year, especially those that sell large items like furniture, cars and homes.

Voice-activated technology

Whether theyre playing music, answering questions or setting timers, customers are loving their smart speakers such as Amazon Echo, Google Home or Apple HomePod. These voice-activated speakers are also changing the way people buy products and services and interact with news and information.

But the true brains behind the smart speaker are the virtual assistants inside the device. Alexa, Google and Siri are now household names, and people are using them for more than just checking the weather. These voice-activated platforms allow customers to browse and purchase items.

But how can brands create ways to ensure they get noticed in the world of voice-activated technology? Take, for example, how HBO has been working to create applications (known as skills on Amazon Echo devices) to promote its shows and characters. It introduced Westworld: The Maze, a choose-your-own-adventure style game for fans of the show Westworld.

Brands should be looking for ways to make use of voice-powered technology in their content marketing. Find out how your customers are using their voice-activated assistants. How are these devices making customers lives easier? This will help shape effective strategies for using this technology in a way thats meaningful to your customers.

Also, make sure you optimize your content so that virtual assistants can find it. For instance, when people ask their voice assistants questions, they typically use short phrases like Mexican food restaurants near me. Make sure to incorporate similar phrases throughout your companys content.

Tips for getting the most out of your interactive marketing

This coming year, well likely see more interactive marketing utilizing all of the above mediums. What will set the effective campaigns apart from the mediocre ones will be the ability to create an immersive experience in which users feel engaged, transported and emotionally connected to the brand.

Brands should endeavor to keep their messaging exciting, engaging and focused on the experience they are creating. Sharp, crisp storytelling is a must for grabbing and holding the customers attention. These interactive campaigns work best when they incorporate a multimedia approach. The more ways you can engage a persons senses, the more immersive the experience will be.

Interactive content is especially effective in creating a buzz around a brand or company. It can be incredibly effective at increasing awareness and interest in what a brand is doing. Always consider how you can personalize each users experience, whether its through quizzes, gamified videos, interactive tools or user-controlled 360-degree video.

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Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reservedTwo senators who are leading candidates in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination have already accomplished something early in the campaign  theyve made legalization of marijuana at the national level a primary issue.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey already has introduced legislation to remove marijuana from the federal list of illegal drugs and continues to take that position as a candidate. And Sen. Kamala Harris of California this month very publicly declared her support for legalizing pot on The Breakfast Club morning radio show in New York City.

She couldnt have been much more straightforward.

Let me just make this statement very clearly: I believe we need to legalize marijuana, Harris said on the show. Now, that being said - this is not a but, this is an and - and we need to research...the impact of weed on a developing brain.

She said leaders must also discuss a way to create standards for measuring impairment of drivers under the influence of marijuana.

Related: This Week in Weed: High End Hemp!

Much Ado About Nothing?

That all seems clear, but of course there was an immediate political dustup over a side issue. In this case, it revolved around whether Harris listened to Tupac and Snoop Dogg when she tried marijuana in college (neither had released records before she graduated in 1986). Many media outlets reported she said this in the Breakfast Show interview.

However, the video of the interview seems to show she was answering another hosts questions (there are multiple hosts) about music she listens to, not an interjected question about what she was listening to while using marijuana, according to the New York Times.

The more important issue for cannabis entrepreneurs and consumers is that Harris, like Booker, put legalization of marijuana at the federal level on the front burner. When talking about using marijuana in college, Harris added, and I inhaled. Thats a reference to then-presidential candidate Bill Clintons statement in 1992 that he tried marijuana in college but didnt inhale.

The marijuana debate has come a long way in the intervening 27 years. What used to be the source of a gotcha question - have you ever used marijuana? - is now used by a candidate to talk about legalization.

Related: 3 Compliance Considerations for Multi-State Cannabis Businesses

Booker Forces Hand

Harris, the former attorney general of California, had little choice but to take a position on the issue. Booker filed legislation in 2017 that called for removing marijuana as a Schedule I illegal drug. Hes remained a strong supporter of legalization.

The Drug Enforcement Administration maintains the schedule of illegal drugs , which was started during the Nixon Administration in the early 1970s. It essentially launched the War on Drugs and led to creation of the DEA in 1973.

Schedule I is for the most stringently restricted illegal drugs. In the eyes of the federal government, marijuana is as dangerous and addictive as heroin and cocaine. Thats an official position that stands at odds with what state voters and legislatures have done. In 10 states, recreational marijuana is legal., while 33 states have legalized medical marijuana.

Bookers legislation not only would legalize pot, but also withhold federal funds from states that maintain marijuana laws that disproportionately impact minority communities.

Arguments for legalization.

What voters will hear over the next few months from politicians will likely revolve around the following arguments for legalization.

The War on Drugs hurts minorities the most: FBI statistics show that blacks are 3.73 times more likely to get arrested for marijuana possession than whites, according to an analysis by the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU also reported that marijuana possession arrests account for more than half of all drug arrests. Harris mentioned this in her interview, noting that young men of color have been arrested at rates higher than other young men.

The people have spoken: In vote after vote in state after state, people have approved both legal recreational and medical marijuana.

Marijuana has health benefits: Few will come out and say that marijuana has health benefits, although a lot of research shows that is the case. But they will argue that more research needs to be done and that cant happen with marijuana being illegal at the federal level.

Treat it like alcohol: Even if they dont argue any of the above, some politicians already are saying that marijuana should be made legal and regulated like alcohol, another substance that used to be illegal.

How President Donald Trump will position himself on the issue is unclear. However, in June 2018 he said hed probably support bipartisan legislation that lifted the federal ban on marijuana and leave it to the states to decide.

To stay up to date on the latest marijuana-related news make sure to like dispensaries.com on Facebook

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Cannabis Is Emerging As an Entirely New CPG Category



Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reservedGREENWICH  U.S. Rep. Jim Himes will be making two public appearances in Greenwich next week.

A town resident, Himes will appear as the weekly speaker on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the meeting of the Retired Mens Association. It will be his third speech before the RMA during his time in Congress. The event will be at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church at 1 W. Putnam Ave.

According to the RMA, Himes is slated to discuss the challenges facing the new Congress. Himes is member of both the Financial Services Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The RMA said he will give an informed perspective on the ongoing investigative work into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Other topics  including health care, LGBTQ+ rights, presidential authority and immigration  are also likely to be discussed.

The event is free and open to all, not just for RMA members. A question-and-answer session typically follows the speeches at RMA events, which usually last approximately an hour. RMA speeches are usually recorded and posted online at www.greenwichrma.org.

Himes last appeared before the RMA in February 2017, right after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, of whom Himes has been a loud and frequent critic. Since then, the Democrats have taken back control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 2010, and Himes will be speaking from a majority perspective.

Also next week, Himes will speak at an Indivisible Greenwich event at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Eastern Middle School, 51 Hendrie Ave., Riverside. The event is co-hosted by Indivisible Stamford.

The public is invited to attend, Indivisible Greenwichs co-founders Joanna Swomley and Nerlyn Pierson said. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. so the public can meet and talk with members of Indivisible.

Our group is particularly looking forward to hearing from Representative Himes and learning about the changes in the house since the 2018 mid-terms, Swomley said in a statement. We are anxious to hear about the new legislative agenda, including HR-1, the pro-democracy bill, as well as efforts to act as a check on this presidents power.

HR-1 was the first proposed bill of the new Congress and calls for increased early voting, making it easier for people to vote in the country and other reforms like Internet registration and automatic voter registration.

Indivisible Greenwich, like other Indivisible chapters in the country, was formed after Trumps election in 2016. The group has been a vocal critic of Trump on issues such as presidential power and health care.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.comGov. Ned Lamont would leave largely intact the tax schedules businesses pay in Connecticut, making no transformative proposals in his inaugural budget proposal on Wednesday in Hartford that he will work with lawmakers in the coming months to finalize for the coming two fiscal years.

The new governors most sweeping change was the elimination of sales tax shelters for some services and goods, which Lamonts budget team projected will boost state revenue by $505 million in the 2022 fiscal year. Connecticuts 6.35 percent sales tax would be extended to over-the-counter medications, dry cleaning and magazines, among other products. Professional services firms would also collect and remit sales taxes in industries like legal services, real estate and even accountants who prepare individual tax returns, while keeping exemptions in place on service contracts between businesses.

Connecticut ranks fourth from last on a state business tax index published annually by the nonprofit Tax Foundation  one rung ahead of New York  with the index assessing sales taxes as well as those for personal and corporate income and real estate.

Lamont had already proposed eliminating an across-the-board, $125-a-year tax on all business entities that was created under former Gov. John Rowland and halved under former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Officials with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services had indicated waning compliance with the tax and enforcement efforts have not been worth the cost.

With Lamont choosing to leave in place a 10 percent surcharge on Connecticuts existing corporate tax rate, the budgetary Office of Policy and Management is projecting an additional $83 million in revenue for the 2020 fiscal year over previous projections.

Im asking everyone to do a little bit more, and that includes business, Lamont said in prepared remarks Wednesday to the Connecticut General Assembly. Its a budget that supports businesses and working families alike.

In 2015 during Malloys administration, the Connecticut General Assembly adopted a provision that allows the state to levy taxes on portions of the income recorded in other tax jurisdictions by corporations based in Connecticut, prompting protests by multiple companies including General Electric and Aetna.

In a statement Wednesday, the National Federation of Independent Business expressed optimism and skepticism on elements of Lamonts plan, on the latter front Lamonts campaign pledge to raise Connecticuts minimum wage incrementally over four years to $15 an hour.

Our members appreciate that the governor is focused on economic growth and making it easier for employers to navigate state government, and theyre glad hes against higher income and business taxes, but hes sending mixed messages when it comes to small business, said Andrew Markowski, state NFIB director, in a written reaction to Lamonts budget proposal. While we are still analyzing the details of the proposed changes to the sales tax, its worth remembering that small businesses often struggle with compliance issues, and any expansion of the sales tax to more services could make things even worse for them.

The Connecticut Business & Industry Association criticized Lamont including a 0.5 percent tax on payrolls in his budget as proposed in legislation before the General Assembly, with the proceeds to fund a mandate on companies offering paid family and medical leave.

Lamont also would eliminate the 7/7 brownfield remediation tax credit enacted in 2017, under which property owners can cover the full gamut of business taxes over seven years after exhausting any other available tax incentives.

Lamont kicked in a small present for families  elimination of a Connecticut tax on gifts that was the only one of its kind in the nation, in addition to inheritance taxes Connecticut collects on larger estates. OPM estimates the elimination of the gift tax will cost Connecticut more than $42 million in revenue in fiscal 2020.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulmanFeb 20th, 2019

Protein Way is a relatively new supplement company out of the Czech Republic that currently makes just the one product. This week the brand has revealed plans to push outside of its home country with an international website as well as shared details on another supplement it has coming soon.

The one product available from Protein Way at the moment is Delinut Butter, which is a protein enriched peanut and hazelnut butter. The supplement is made with Belgian chocolate, features no palm oil, artificial sweeteners or added sugar, and is infused with whey to give it that high amount of protein.

As mentioned, Protein Way has shared news this week regarding what its second-ever product release is. The brand has confirmed that it will be a protein powder named Whey Way Protein powered, of course, by whey protein, packing 60 servings per tub and be available in a Chocolate flavor.

While Protein Way has confirmed the coming of Whey Way Protein, it is still a while away from launch. For now, you grab the brands Delinut Butter from the Czech Republic store Fitness Muscle and look forward to having access to Protein Way outside of the country when its website arrives next month.+32 For Womens History Month, Here Are 31 Homegrown Female Trailblazers Its been a long, slow burn, but more and more women are being recognized for their hard work and equal footing alongside men for having built

The Connecticut Technology Council, a group focused on strengthening the states tech ecosystem, is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its Women of Innovation Awards on March 27 at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. While we dont yet know who this years winners are, we decided to catch up with six past honorees to see how theyre continuing their mission. Those who have been honored over the years all have at least one thing in common: they dont rest on their laurels.

Neeharika Krothapalli

Youth Innovation and Leadership, Winner (2010)

From Farmington; Medical student at the University of New England in Newark, New Jersey

After winning the high school category, Krothapalli attended Dartmouth and spent a semester abroad in Tanzania working in clinical research trials on malaria and pregnancy. She also spent time with Floating Doctors to serve remote island communities in Panama.

I discovered my passion for both patient-centered medicine and global health in my time at college that informed the journey I would take in pursuing further degrees. I would say to young women that it is all right to revise and redefine goals in accordance with life lessons or experiences. There is no single correct path.

Roxanne Amiot

Academic Innovation and Leadership (Secondary), Finalist (2018)

From Bridgeport, lives in Stratford; Automotive technology department head and instructor at Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport

The automotive program at Bullard-Havens became the 2018 OReilly Wix Tomorrows Technician School of the Year, placing first nationally over 220 automotive programs (secondary and post-secondary). Amiot was the first female graduate, instructor and department head in the Bullard-Havens program.

When I say I teach automotive technology, I am asked by many, Do you really work on cars? My male counterparts are not asked this. Recognition at these WOI awards that talks about skills and accomplishments helps us move past this as peoples eyes are opened to the world of technology and innovation.

Arianna Kalian

Large Business Innovation and Leadership, Finalist (2012)

From New York City; Chief engineer, CH-148 Cyclone (helicopter program) at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford

This past summer Kalian took on a new position working on the Cyclone, a multi-role shipboard helicopter developed by Sikorsky for the Canadian Forces. The Cyclone is now becoming operational with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

One must be agile, adaptable, and ready to take on new career challenges and opportunities. My advice to female engineers as they consider their career goals is that they should have a flexible view of their future as they will invariably come across great opportunities that they did not envision in their original career plan.

Yu-Hui Rogers

Large Business Innovation and Leadership, Winner (2015)

Lives in Weatogue; Senior Director, Research Strategy, Asia at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine

Rogers received an MBA from Yale and was selected by Poets & Quants as one of the Best & Brightest Executive MBAs in 2017. She is now leading Jackson Labs research strategy and efforts in Asia  an important extension of the labs mission to improve human health on a global scale.

I believe that there is no greater obstacle than the one I place in front of myself. There is always something that I need to overcome to push myself forward and to grow. To me the greatest victory is overcoming ones own limitations.

Severine Zygmont

Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership, Winner (2014)

Lives in West Hartford; President of Oxford Performance Materials

Zygmont, who since winning has become the CTC board chair, oversees all aspects of her companys medical manufacturing facility and activities  quality control, production and logistics, financial reporting, customer relationships and contract negotiation. OPM manufactures cranial implants that are sent to hospitals around the world.

In the rise and race to becoming a tech executive, certainly there is gender competition and gender discrimination, but there is also competition in general. So you must be mindful to not misattribute failures to a dysfunctional environment and not to use gender rivalry as an excuse. Instead, take responsibility for your actions. Own your failures so you can own your successes.

Jennifer Good

Small Business Innovation and Leadership, Winner (2007)

Lives in Sandy Hook; President, CEO and co-founder of Trevi Therapeutics

Good was the CEO of Penwest when she was honored in 2007, shortly before the companys lead drug received approval. After Penwest was acquired in 2010, she co-founded Trevi, which is now pursuing treatments for serious neurologically mediated conditions.

Solving unmet medical needs is extremely rewarding, and it really does take a team of motivated people. I encourage women to not be afraid of taking risks. The points in my career where I have jumped off the cliff into the unknown have without a doubt been my most rewarding decisions.I have a distant memory of being a young girl and spending time with my Grandma. Throughout the year, she'd ask me to pick out a few toys I no longer wished to play with and I (being selfish) would try and come up with a great excuse of why I needed all my toys.

My Grandma was a teacher in a local primary school, who often stayed after hours to look after children in families suffering from substance abuse. She knew all too well their living situation and thus, my sister and I were taught to give to others at an early age. Grandma always bought food and sweets when we went to visit the children on Saturday mornings and instructed us to give ourselves. I remember the families we visited in living in attics with no electricity, sharing one big room for a family of six or sometimes even eight.

It was at that moment I saw how much those kids needed that spark of joy, and I would forget about losing something that belonged to me. My Grandma taught us to be generous with our time and hearts, and my parents taught us to treat everyone equally. I do my best to live my life in this way and Im so lucky to be able to use my success to help others.

My friend Tanya recently shared her experiences working as a teacherjust like my Grandmafor children in agricultural areas in South Africa. It was shocking to learn of the hardships these students face just to get to school and in their home lives. She told me a story when she once bought students wax crayons and then noticed the crayons were disappearing, only to see them being eaten as these students thought they were sweets. I listened to Tanya telling me all different stories and made a decision to help.

I shared my efforts with fellow Splunkers and posted on social media. The kindness of people exceeded my expectationswe sent boxes of school supplies, toys and sweets to not only the 25 pupils Tanya teaches, but to the 160 in the school. These items were sent from friends in the US, Australia and different countries in Europe, and we were delighted to see the kids smiles when they received their parcels!

This year, I was gifted a flight to South Africa for my birthday (Im truly blessed with amazing friends) and an opportunity to meet the children. I immediately asked my friend if there was anything else I could do to help her school in advance of my trip.

Tanya told me the kids were given two meals a day at school and must eat their meals outside. Unfortunately, the George in Western Cape has a significant amount of rainfall during the year and the children often return to classrooms soaking wet. We decided to support a lunch-space-building project to provide more comfort to the students. I created a fundraiser page to raise the money, but we still have a long way to go; although we havent raised the full amount yet, the work has started and there's now a roof!

When the day came for my big trip to South Africa, the plane cut through the last part of clouds and after a long journey (18 hours plus a 2-hour layover) I was excited like never before. I had been to South Africa before, but this time I had a purpose. I was ready to meet the children who had captured my heart for so long, ready to listen to their stories and give them hugs.

The very first thing I noticed as our plane descended were the beautiful blooming blue jacaranda trees, but shortly after I saw destroyed neighborhoods, people living in collapsing containers and a devastating settlement that can be widely seen across the countryand with that comes child poverty.

Child poverty is about more than just moneyit's multidimensional. For children, poverty means being deprived in crucial aspects of their lives such as nutrition, health, water, education, shelter or love. Although the school does their best to make sure their needs are met, afternoon and weekends are spent at home, where they have nothing; sometimes not even mum or dad to look after them.

It's heartbreaking to think they need to look after themselves, but at the same time heartwarming to see that they still smile. The school is their oasisa place where they are cared for and provided with nutrition, water, education and most importantly, love. The teachers there are amazing!

We all have so much and sometimes we forget to appreciate what we have, so why not help? Why not start today? To quote Ghandi, Be the change you want to see in the world.

How can you help? Get involved!

Splunk4Good : Let us know how you want to give back to the community using Splunk products, whether as an employer, customer, or partner.

: Let us know how you want to give back to the community using Splunk products, whether as an employer, customer, or partner. Spread the word about the Splunk Pledge and its $100 million commitment to research, education and community service

and its $100 million commitment to research, education and community service Share your story: Lets start a trend! We want to hear about your volunteer experiences, and how Splunk can help.

----------------------------------------------------

Thanks!

Dorota KowalskaVirgin Galactic called off a planned test flight today (Feb. 20) of its VSS Unity space plane because of bad weather at its Mojave Air and Space Port launch site in California, company officials said.

"Our test flight window opened this morning, but the Mojave weather isn't cooperating," Virgin Galactic representatives said in a Twitter statement . "We plan to try again in the next few days. We'll keep you posted."

Today's test would have been VSS Unity's first flight since its historic Dec. 13 flight , when it crossed 50 miles (80 kilometers), which marks one definition of where space begins. [ In Photos: Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo Unity 1st Trip to Space ]

Virgin Galactic prepared its VSS Unity spaceplane on Feb. 17 for a Feb. 20 test flight that was scrubbed by weather conditions. (Image credit: Virgin Galactic/Twitter)

Whenever it successfully launches, the flight will be Virgin Galactic 's fifth powered test flight of the VSS Unity , and it has a couple of goals to accomplish. For one, engineers want to gather data about the plane's center of gravity during flight; Unity is also scheduled to carry research payloads provided by NASA.

Another key priority is the company's suborbital space tourism agenda: The team wants to iron out details relating to the design of the passenger cabin.

"It is of paramount importance to our future business success that we not only give our future astronauts a safe ride, but an experience which exceeds expectations," a company statement released before the flight reads. "We know, as part of a Group that has led the way in commercial aviation customer experience, cabin design is fundamental to that objective and so this element is an integral part of our flight test program."

Company founder Richard Branson said earlier this month that he hopes to take his own first flight to space aboard VSS Unity on July 16, the 50th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 11.

Tickets on Virgin Galactic's future flights are currently estimated to cost $250,000 a piece.SpaceX will launch an Israeli robotic lunar lander during the company's Falcon 9 rocket launch tomorrow (Feb. 21). If the lander succeeds, this will be the first privately funded moonshot to reach the lunar surface.

The lander, called "Beresheet" (in the beginning), will launch at 8:45 p.m. EST (0145 GMT, Feb. 22) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. You can watch the launch live on Space.com courtesy of SpaceX or directly through SpaceX's webcast page or on Facebook via the lander's creators.

The Beresheet lander is a joint venture between Israeli nonprofit SpaceIL  one of the participants in the Google Lunar X Prize , which challenged companies to land spacecraft on the moon  and Israel Aerospace Industries, the country's largest aerospace and defense company. [ Israel's 1st Moon Lander: SpaceIL's Beresheet Lunar Mission in Pictures ]

An artist's depiction of the Beresheet lander on the moon's surface. (Image credit: SpaceIL)

While the $30 million Google Lunar X Prize challenge ended with no winner in 2018, several participating companies said they are continuing work on their concepts . The SpaceIL project will be the first of those designs to launch, and Israel now has a shot at becoming the fourth country to land a robotic probe on the moon  after the former Soviet Union, the United States and China .

Roughly 30 minutes after the Falcon 9 lifts off, Beresheet will separate from the rocket into a transfer orbit at an altitude of roughly 37,000 miles (60,000 kilometers). (That's about 150 times the altitude of the International Space Station .) Two minutes after separation, the spacecraft will send out its first communication to its mission control center, in Yehud, Israel.

Then, the spacecraft will make a solo journey to the moon of about two months. During approach and after landing, equipment onboard the spacecraft will measure the moon's magnetic field and study lunar craters.

A photograph of the golden Beresheet payload nestled within the SpaceX Falcon 9 fairing in preparation for launch. (Image credit: Courtesy of SSL)

"Since the establishment of SpaceIL, the task of landing an Israeli spacecraft on the moon has become a national project with educational impact," the Israeli entities said in a joint press release. The project is principally funded by Israeli billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist Morris Kahn, who is the president of SpaceIL.

The lander won't be the only payload on tomorrow's SpaceX mission. The main satellite aboard the Falcon 9 is communications satellite PSN-6 (Nusantara Satu), owned by the Indonesian company PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara.

Also onboard will be an experimental military satellite called the S5, which SpaceX will launch for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. The small sat will operate in geostationary orbit as part of a test constellation of satellites for space situational awareness.Astronomers just got the goods on the meteor that flared up over Cuba earlier this month.

The daytime sky show dazzled thousands of people across western Cuba on Feb. 1. Many of those folks captured footage of the meteor or the trail of debris it left behind when it burned up, permitting the reconstruction of the space rock's path.

"We were very lucky that at least three relatively reliable videos, including one with an incredible quality, could be available on the internet in such a short time," Jorge Zuluaga, a professor at the Institute of Physics (IoP) at the University of Antioquia in Colombia, said in a statement. [ How to See the Best Meteor Showers of 2019 ]

"Reconstructing the trajectory of a meteor requires at least three observers on the ground," Zuluaga added. "Although several satellite images were recorded and also available online, without observations from the ground, the precise reconstruction is not feasible."

Trajectory of the meteor that fell over Cuba on Feb. 1, 2019, as reconstructed by a team of Colombian astronomers. (Image credit: Zuluaga et al./Google Earth)

Zuluaga and his team determined that the meteor entered Earth's atmosphere about 47.5 miles (76.5 kilometers) over the Caribbean Sea, at a point 16 miles (26 km) off Cuba's southwestern coast. At the time, the rock  thought to be a few meters wide and to weigh about 360 tons (330 metric tons)  was traveling roughly 40,300 mph (64,800 km/h), the researchers found.

The meteor moved north-northeast in a relatively straight line. When the object reached an altitude of 17.1 miles (27.5 km), it developed a smoky trail of incinerated debris, which caught the eyes of countless observers on the ground.

The Geostationary Lightning Mapper instrument aboard NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured this view of the Feb. 1 meteor over Cuba (small blue patch at bottom center). The larger arc of blue in the upper left is lightning over the Gulf of Mexico. (Image credit: NOAA/NASA/Short-term Prediction Research and Transition Center)

At an altitude of 13.7 miles (22 km), the meteor exploded in an airburst, the researchers calculated. Hundreds of small pieces rained down on the island below. Many of these cosmic bits landed in Vinales Natural Park, near Cuba's western tip, but some chunks hit houses in the region. If a big piece survived the breakup, it probably landed in the ocean off the island's northwest coast, the scientists said.

Zuluaga and his colleagues also extended their model of the rock's path even further back in time. They determined that it originally occupied an elliptical orbit with an average distance from the sun of 1.3 astronomical units. (One astronomical unit, or AU, is the average Earth-sun distance  about 93 million miles, or 150 million km). The rock took 1.32 years to complete one orbit around our star.

The scientists used similar methods to reconstruct the path of the object that exploded over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk in February 2013. That meteor was about 400 times brighter than the recent Cuba event, and the former's airburst was far more powerful: The shock wave shattered thousands of windows in Chelyabinsk, injuring at least 1,200 people with shards of flying glass.

In the newly submitted study, which you can read for free at the online preprint site arXiv.org , the researchers also tested a method developed last year by Zuluaga and fellow IoP researcher Mario Sucerquia (who's also an author of the present paper).

This method, called gravitational ray tracing (GRT), uses computer algorithms to track mock impactors back to their origins in space. The scientists flagged modeled rocks that ended up in orbits similar to those of real near-Earth asteroids , reasoning that such orbits in real life would have a decent possibility of producing Earth-impacting rocks.

Such work did a good job of "predicting" the Chelyabinsk and Cuba meteors, the researchers said. For example, the GRT models suggested that an impactor hitting Chelyabinsk would likely arrive from a patch of sky to the northeast of that location, at an angle of 20 degrees to the horizon. The actual object came from the east, at angle of exactly 20 degrees.

Two examples aren't nearly enough to prove that the method works, of course. But it's a start, team members said.

"Only after the recent digital boom have we realized how frequent and potentially hazardous could the impact of small meteoroids be on populated areas," Sucerquia said in the same statement . "Sadly, we are not yet able to defend our society against these threats. Our work suggests that, in principle, we could be prepared, at least with some knowledge, for future impacts."During a rehearsal of "Almost, Maine" Gayle (played by Julia Hooks) arrives at the door of her boyfriend Lendall (Benjamin Barton Smith) packed to give him back the love he gave her. The play opens Feb. 28 at the Strand Theater.Georgetown, SC (29440)

Today

Partly cloudy. Low near 70F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low near 70F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.South Bend Tribune Report

South Bend Tribune

CASSOPOLIS  A trooper assigned to the Niles Post of the Michigan State Police is facing a felony charge of embezzlement.

The trooper, Jesse Binns, was arraigned Tuesday in Cass County District Court, the Michigan State Police announced in a news release. He is facing a felony charge of embezzlement of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 from a non-profit or charitable organization.

The charges were authorized by a special prosecutor assigned out of the Kalamazoo County, according to MSP.

The criminal charge is related to Binns' employment as assistant chief at the Cass Central Fire Department. The Michigan State Police suspended Binns without pay in September 2018.

He will remain suspended from the police force pending the outcome of the criminal case, according to MSP.South Bend Tribune Report

South Bend Tribune

SOUTH BEND  Mayor Pete Buttigieg will discuss his new book, "Shortest Way Home," at a free public event at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday March 19 at the St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main St.

Previously, the event was scheduled for March 13, but the date has been changed to March 19, according to library administrators.

Buttigieg will share his personal and political story during the appearance. The gathering will be held in the Humphreys Room on the lower level of the library.

The book talk will be held in partnership with The Brain Lair Bookstore of South Bend.

A question-and-answer session and book signing will conclude the evening. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Buttigieg, who is exploring the idea of a formal run for president of the United States, has been speaking in cities across the country. The book was published this month by W.W. Norton & Co.South Bend Tribune Report

South Bend Tribune

MIDDLEBURY  A Jefferson Elementary School student reportedly brought a gun to school Tuesday and was taken into custody without incident.

According to a posting on the Middlebury School District website, the student showed the gun to other students. A student told an adult and school administrators, a school resource officer and police took the student into custody.

Police searched the school, and parents later were told of the incident by telephone and social media.

Our students are regularly taught the principle see something, say something.' That lesson paid off," Jane Allen, superintendent of Middlebury Community Schools, said in the statement. "Our students are our most valuable, future resource; we will guard them well.

The statement pointed out Indiana requires that a student in possession of a firearm on school property be expelled for one calendar year. The charge of possession of a firearm on school grounds or school bus constitutes a Level 5 Felony under Indiana law, the statement went on to say, carrying a possible prison term of one to six years and a fine up to $10,000.

The school was expected to have a regular day of classes on Wednesday.Victoria St. Martin

South Bend Tribune

SOUTH BEND  The first time the public has a chance to weigh on a new plan to save a group of beleaguered South Bend public schools may also be the last.

After initially indicating there could be multiple public hearings on a proposal to create a so-called transformation zone to overhaul Navarre Middle School and four other failing schools, district officials announced there will be a community meeting at 10 a.m. Friday.

At this time no other meeting is scheduled.

The school corporation is expected to present the plan to state officials by a Feb. 27 deadline; under that scenario, the proposal could be voted on by the state Board of Education as soon as March 6.

If approved, the plan would grant broad powers to a yet-to-be-determined administrator who could work to re-shape the curriculum, make a series of hires and even lengthen or shorten the school day.

The plan also could lead to those schools receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal school improvement grants to help pay for the changes.

Several districts in the state have adopted the zone model, which has largely resulted in improvements education officials say are modest but encouraging.

South Bend Schools Superintendent Kenneth Spells has vowed to present a plan that can win the state boards approval.

Leslie Wesley, a South Bend school board member who represents the Navarre Middle School area, said that with the help of community leaders she thinks the plan will be a success.

Whenever youre presenting a plan, we want to involve the community and get their input, she said. We have some great partners in South Bend and I look at this meeting on Friday as a great beginning for whats to come for the transformation (zone) were trying to present to the state.

I think its going to send a message to the state that we are a community and we want to see (the school) thrive, she added. People that are downstate, they really dont know South Bend cause theyre not here. They come up to meet with us, but our community partners really want to be a part of this new innovative (plan) with Navarre.

When asked about the timing of the weekday morning meeting, she added: I think well have a really good turnout.

Wesley also said South Bend board members plan to vote on the proposal at a regular meeting on Monday.

The district held a public hearing about Navarre on June 28, but a transformation zone was not a topic of discussion. At that time, the school had received five years of failing school accountability grades from the state. After the school received the sixth failing grade in October, the state was required to take action.

David Freitas, a member of the Indiana State Board of Education, which assesses zone proposals and gives districts the go-ahead to move forward with them, said he had not heard about Fridays community meeting.

If they thought it was important for state officials to be there, they would have probably sent us an invitation, he said.

State officials have said the meeting is not required.

Its totally up to them what process they want to use, Freitas added. I think its helpful for us if we know their board has voted to support the plan.Mary Shown South Bend Tribune

South Bend Tribune

Five years ago, a community came together and decided to open a grocery store dedicated to local and organic food. The idea stemmed from the original business model, which started five years prior as an online store and farmers market where area farmers could come and sell their seasonal produce for two hours at a time. Then the decision to open a permanent brick-and-mortar store blossomed into what the Purple Porch Co-Op is today.

Customers know the business, located at 123 N. Hill St. in downtown South Bend, focuses on wholesome, organic products from the get-go. Specialty items such as kombucha, organic soaps and hard-to-find canned items fill the shelves. A small cafe offers a make-your-own salad station and breakfast options.

But the business is structured a bit differently than your average Martins Super Markets or Whole Foods.

The business is owned by community members, making it a co-op. The terms member and owner are interchangeable at the store, because members dedicate a certain level of equity into the store and are thereby invested owners, and every member is on the same level as the next. Once a year, members vote for nine board members, who then oversee and charge employees, such as general manager Myles Robertson, to maintain the overall business. When the business opened its permanent home in 2014, the co-op had about 350 members. Now, it has 1,100.

The co-op is a part of the community, Robertson said. Every business has to turn a profit and we are not different from that, but we are able to weather some of those storms (meaning retail climate) because we are co-op. We arent going to open a few stores in a town and wait to see if it works. We are really dedicated to being in South Bend and doing this.

Throughout the five years, the business has introduced a cafe, which has quite the lunch crowd and accounts for about 25 to 30 percent of its profits, and a grab-and-go cooler for those on the run who want a kombucha. Speaking of kombucha, customers can now get a growlers worth on tap.

The store has been able to be sustainable itself even with the uptick of other health food stores in the area.

A year before Purple Porch opened its doors, Whole Foods Market opened its location on Grape Road in Mishawaka. The mainstream health food store came with much fanfare to the area, but Robertson said Purple Porch members werent really concerned about the conflict between the two businesses.

We were going to be able to focus on local food that (Whole Foods) wasnt going to carry there, Robertson said. I dont think we were too concerned about Whole Foods and I also think when it opened, we were experiencing a lot of growth ourselves, so we didnt see a lot of negative impact.

But the Mishawaka Fresh Thyme opening a few years later did cause some members to shake in their boots with concern.

We were a little more concerned about that because there are so many variables into what youre selling, how much youre selling, how many customers you have and when they are coming, Robertson said. Its hard for me to say if it helped us or hurt us, but what I can say is it that we are still here and moving through 2019, were growing.

The business has plans for the future, including restructuring its floor plan and bumping up its breakfast and lunch catering options, but maintaining what it is has been a particular focus for Robertson. Especially during a time when a new larger grocer could be located just two blocks west of its location.

A 10-story, $42 million project at 300 E. LaSalle Ave. is planned to be completed in 2020. Developer David Matthews, who coincidentally is a member of Purple Porch, said the ground floor is reserved for a grocery store, specifically eyeing Martins Super Markets. Martins was recently acquired by Michigan-based SpartanNash and Martins CEO and president Rob Bartels said there has been conversation with the new owners about the project, but no official confirmation just yet.

Where does this leave Purple Porch? Not in a bad spot, Robertson said. Not a bad spot at all.

The reality of our business is that we are very specialty and very niche, he said. There are a lot of things that you cant get here because we are so small so a lot of our shoppers already shop at Martins and shop at other stores, too. I actually think that the downtown can support that grocery ecosystem a little bit.

I also think it opens opportunity for people who shop at Martins who dont normally shop with us and we are finding ways to get them in our door. To be honest, we dont need everyone to come in and buy everything here. But if they are shopping at Martins and they stop here and buy $30 of specialty items that they really cant get anywhere else, that would be a game changer for us.

Purple Porch is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those interested in becoming members or involved are encouraged to visit the store and speak with an employee.

Have you heard?

Dallas-based barbecue chain, Dickeys Barbecue Pit will open a new location on Mishawakas north side. New to the area, Dickeys offers barbecued ribs, sausage, chicken, brisket and sides. The new restaurant is set to open at 103 E. University Drive by the summer. ... Payless ShoeSource announced it will shutter all U.S. stores by May. There are currently eight locations in the Michiana area.Roy Chapman, 73, of Nancy, passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at his residence. Arrangements are pending and will be announced later by Morris & Hislope Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at: www.morrisandhislope.comAmended trading statement for the year ended 31 December 2018

Posted by Publisher Internet

Further to the trading statement released on 14 February 2019, a further review of the effects of recent changes in tax legislation in the United States (US) has resulted in an amendment to deferred tax for the year ended 31 December 2018. Accordingly, shareholders are advised that Sibanye-Stillwater (Tickers JSE: SGL and NYSE: SBGL) expects to report an attributable loss of R2,500 million (US$189 million)] for the year ended 31 December 2018, which compares with guidance of R1,000 million (US$77 million) from the trading statement last week. During the six months ended 31 December 2018, the Governor of New Jersey, signed a number of bills implementing various changes to tax legislation, which have an impact on the US PGM operations. The most significant change in the new legislation has resulted in tax being calculated together on all US entities under common control (greater than 50% voting ownership), which resulted in an increase in the estimated deferred tax rate relating to the US PGM operations, and a revised deferred tax charge of R1,499 million (US$113 million). This change has no impact on the 2018 cash flows and is expected to unwind over the life of the Stillwater operations. However, we will further investigate tax planning alternatives to minimize this additional deferred tax.

As a result, the Group will report a basic loss per share of 110 cents (8 US cents) for the year ended 31 December 2018, which is less than the basic loss per share of 229 cents (17 US cents) reported for the previous year and headline loss per share of 1 cent (nil US cents) compared with the headline loss per share of 12 cents (1 US cents), for the comparable period in 2017. This represents a 52% reduction in the basic loss per share and a 92% reduction in respect of HEPS.

The financial information on which this trading statement is based has not been reviewed or reported on by Sibanye-Stillwater?s auditors.

Results presentation

Sibanye-Stillwater will release its results for the six months and year ended 31 December 2018 on Thursday, 21 February 2019 after 08:00 (CAT) and will host a live presentation and webcast at 10:00 (CAT). For the webcast and conference call details, please refer to our website at www.sibanyestillwater.com.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This announcement includes ?forward-looking statements? within the meaning of the ?safe harbour? provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as ?target?, ?will?, ?forecast?, ?expect?, ?potential?, ?intend?, ?estimate?, ?anticipate?, ?can? and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. The forward-looking statements set out in this announcement involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sibanye-Stillwater, that could cause Sibanye-Stillwater?s actual results and outcomes to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Sibanye-Stillwater undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, save as required by applicable law.OutSystems Announces Growth in Digital Government: Serving Citizens Better and Faster Using Low-Code Development

LONDON ? 20th February 2019  OutSystems today announced a surge in state and local government agencies adopting its low-code application development platform. Customers like Las Vegas, Oakland, Shawnee, Worcestershire, Surrey, Devon, and the London Borough of Hackney are using low-code to help achieve three top digital priorities: improve the citizen experience, reduce IT debt, and cut operational costs.

\We wanted to make a real impact. By using OutSystems, we are able to make our city?s services immediately available to all residents, especially to our underserved communities. That?s transformative,\ said Andrew ?Pete? Peterson, CIO/CTO, City of Oakland.

?The expectations on digital solutions continue to grow as the transition to digital government builds momentum. According to the 2019 Gartner CIO Survey, 53 percent of digital initiatives in government organisations have started to move beyond the design stage and are delivering at least the early stages of digitally driven outcomes. This is up from 40 percent in the prior year.? [Gartner: Predicts 2019: Establish the Foundations for Next-Generation Digital Government Success, December 7, 2018]

As a result, the demand for application development is higher than ever in the public sector. In The 2018-2019 State of Application Development Local Government Report, 44 percent of government respondents stated they had 10 applications to deliver, 22 percent said 25, and 13 percent said 100 or more. Yet 49 percent of respondents said the average time to deliver a web or mobile application was five months or more.

?Four main challenges slow down traditional software development in local government? inadequate funding, gridlock from inflexible disjointed legacy systems, security concerns, and a shortage of modern development skills,? says Mike Hughes, product evangelist at OutSystems.

?Low-code development with OutSystems is up to 10 times faster than traditional coding, which enables government IT teams to deliver more, even with funding constraints. The visual development environment addresses a tight or shrinking talent pool and translates application models into secure code patterns, safeguarding citizen data,? says Hughes. ?In addition, OutSystems makes it easy to extend or replace legacy systems that are otherwise hard to change and costly to maintain.?

OutSystems has numerous local government customers that are benefiting from the speed and ease of its low-code platform. These include:

? The City of Las Vegas delivered multiple internal and citizen-facing web and mobile apps, including a Mobile Inspector App. Two developers built this app in just three months, less than half the time the city initially estimated. Benefits include faster inspections and less travel by inspectors who now seldom need to visit the office

? The City of Oakland built numerous applications with only six people, including an app that gives citizen access to all resident-facing applications with a single sign-in, saving the city over $1 million in 12 months

? The London Borough of Hackney is using OutSystems to enhance its digital services by delivering numerous critical applications that will support tenants and leaseholders in its housing estate.

? The City of Shawnee shifted its legacy Lotus Notes apps to OutSystems and added new mobile and web development capabilities. After just one year, the city has 30 applications running on the platform.

? Worcestershire County Council launched a Digital by Default initiative enabling 100 percent of its services to be accessed online. By using OutSystems, the Council expects to save ?2.8 million over three years, with a 442 percent return on investment.

? The Local Government Shared Services (LGSS) is one of the UK?s largest public sector shared service operations. They simplify and standardise processes and share the benefits of technology and innovation among the county councils of Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes Council. They have standardised on OutSystems to power their digital services and have released eight citizen-facing applications in their first year.

More details on these local government low-code case studies and on the OutSystems platform for local government are available on the OutSystems website.PHILIPSBURG:--- The mini RYLA was organized on February 16, 2019, by an organizing committee that comprised of Rotarian Jon Hart (chairperson) Rotaractor Micaela Hart, and Assistant Governor, Marcellia Henry, exceeded all expectations.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where young people develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. The program is designed to shape leadership skills in young people who already possess and demonstrate outstanding leadership characteristics in their high school and community. The participants are exposed to the many phases of leadership by learning from individuals who are already leaders in their community and businesses.

The RYLA held at the University of St. Martin was attended by 55 Interactors from Anguilla, St. Barths, St. Martin, Sundial, Milton Peters College, Learning Unlimited, Caribbean International Academy, Charlotte Brookson Academy, St. Maarten Academy and St. Dominic High School.

Assistant Governor, Marcellia Henry gave the welcome remarks and introduction. The first session of the day allowed the Interactors from the different islands to share some of the projects they execute on their islands, and how they contribute to their community and schools. Youth representatives of Anguilla, St. Barths, St. Dominic High and Milton Peters College gave presentations.

The whole group and breakout sessions for the event that started at 9:30 am and ended at 3:30 pm were as follows: Fundamentals of leadership and ethics of positive leadership presented by Mrs. Josianne Fleming-Artsen, and Leadership and Customer Service Skills by Ms. Dimple Sagre. Ms. Chevonne Dasouza presented the importance of communication skills in effective leadership. Building self-confidence and self-esteem were presented by Ms. Georgette Rampersad and a second session was given by Ms. Kimberley Duzong. Mr. Lenworth Wilsons presentation was on Problem Solving and conflict management.

For the French-speaking participants from St. Martin and St. Barths, the same sessions were offered but were delivered in the French language by Rotarians and Rotaractors from the northern side of the island and St. Barths namely: Ms. Jasmine Sally, Ms. Abigail Leese, and Ms. Dahlia Francois.

An award presentation for all participants was held at the ending of the days event.

The organizing committee would like to thank the sponsors from University of St. Martin, Office world, Dazzling Gems, Jewelry Avenue, Sint Maarten, NATCOM UNESCO, Uncle Bob, Carls and Sons, Mr. Russell Bell, and the Rotary Clubs of Anguilla, St. Barths, St. Maarten, and St. Martin.

It is the intention to organize another RYLA during the next Rotary year 2019-2020 to shape leadership skills in students who already possess and demonstrate outstanding leadership characteristics in their high school and community.GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is closely monitoring the measles situation in Europe, as well as the USA and the Caribbean.



Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause potentially serious illness. As measles remains endemic in most parts of the world, it can spread to any country, including those that have eliminated the disease.



Every un- or under-immunized person regardless of age is therefore at risk of contracting the disease; this is especially true in those countries where persistently low immunization rates increase the risk of a large outbreak with possible tragic consequences.



Countries should achieve and/or sustain at least 95% coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine to prevent circulation in the event of an importation of measles.



Travelers who are not up to date with their vaccinations are at higher risk of contracting measles when in close contact with travelers from countries where the virus is still circulating.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged European countries to target their interventions to those places and groups where immunization gaps persist.

The WHO says measles killed 72 children and adults in the European Region in 2018. According to monthly country reports for January to December 2018 (received as of 01 February 2019), 82, 596 people in 47 of 53 countries contracted measles. In countries reporting hospitalization data, nearly 2/3 (61%) of measles cases were hospitalized. The total number of people infected with the virus in 2018 was the highest this decade: 3 times the total reported in 2017 and 15 times the record low number of people affected in 2016.

CPS advises guardians and parents to check their childrens vaccination status to see whether they are up to date, adding that it is important to keep the Americas Region measles-free.



If persons decide to travel, they should also check their vaccination status and to make use of every opportunity to get vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule. Consult your physician for additional information.



The majority of people who get measles are unvaccinated.

Other individuals who should get their vaccination status checked are, health care workers, pregnant women, pre-and exam class students, as well as groups at risks such as waste/garbage handlers, the Police, hotel and restaurant workers, and others to verify and update their vaccination status, particularly on Hepatitis B and Tetanus.



Immunization averts an estimated two-three million deaths every year, protecting children from diphtheria, measles, pertussis (better known as whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus diarrhea, rubella, tetanus and others.Auckland, New Zealand: When current or former leaders want their messages to be heard abroad, they often choose to pen op-eds in major foreign papers. On Monday, it was former New Zealand prime minister Jenny Shipley's name that appeared in one of Beijing's state papers, the People's Daily.

Former NZ PM Jenny Shipley. Credit:Sanghee Liu

What initially appeared to be an odd embrace of the Chinese leadership by the former prime minister has since turned into a more complex story, which may hold lessons for other Western governments' dealings with Beijing.

Monday's piece praised Chinese President Xi Jinping's policies as "demonstrating China's determination to continue adhering to reform and opening up," and lauded the controversial Belt and Road Initiative as "one of the greatest ideas we've ever heard globally."

"We need to learn to listen to China," the headline of Shipley's apparent op-ed in the People's Daily read.New York: In the 2012 Republican presidential primaries Rick Santorum, an ex-senator from Pennsylvania, came from nowhere to seriously challenge Mitt Romney for the party's nomination.

Running as the champion of Christian conservatives, Santorum capitalised on frustration among the Republican party base that Romney was not providing enough of a contrast with Barack Obama on healthcare, climate change and guns.

He pulled off an upset win in the Iowa caucuses and won 10 other states, finishing second behind Romney.

Four years later Santorum again ran for the party's nomination; this time he finished last in Iowa with just one per cent of the vote and promptly dropped out out of the race.Washington: The US Department of Justice may announce as early as next week that Special Counsel Robert Mueller has given the attorney general his report on the federal Russia investigation, CNN said on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources.

After the expected announcement, US Attorney General William Barr will review Mueller's findings and submit his own summary to Congress, CNN reported.

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on the CNN report. Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, also declined to comment.Washington: A high school student from Covington, Kentucky, has launched a lawsuit against the Washington Post for defamation, claiming the newspaper falsely accused him of racist acts and instigating a confrontation with a Native American activist in a January videotaped incident at the Lincoln Memorial.

The lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Kentucky by Covington Catholic High School student Nicholas Sandmann, 16, seeks $US250 million ($349 million) in damages, the amount that Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com and the world's richest person, paid for the Post in 2013.

The lawsuit claims that the newspaper "wrongfully targeted and bullied" the teen to advance its bias against US President Donald Trump because Sandmann is a white Catholic who wore a Make America Great Again (MAGA) souvenir cap on a school field trip to the March for Life anti-abortion rally in Washington on January 18.

The Washington Post's vice-president for communications Kristine Coratti Kelly said: "We are reviewing a copy of the lawsuit and we plan to mount a vigorous defence."South Portland: US Senator Susan Collins of Maine said on Wednesday that she would vote for congressional resolution disapproving of President Donald Trump's emergency declaration to build a wall on the southern border.

US Senator Susan Collins. Credit:AP

Collins is the first Republican senator to publicly express support for such a resolution, which she said she would vote for as long as it focused only on the declaration.

The president's action "completely undermines" the role of Congress and is of "dubious constitutionality," she said, while attending a Coast Guard ceremony.

"If it's a 'clean' disapproval resolution, I will support it," she said.Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Bharat Book Bureau Provides the Trending Market Research Report on "Global Critical Care Diagnostics Market Size study, by Type End-user and Regional Forecasts 2018-2025 under Life Sciences Category. The report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence and industry reports.



Global Critical Care Diagnostics Market Size study, by Type (Flow cytometry, Immunoproteins, Routine and special chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation test, Microbial and infectious diseases and others) End-user (Intensive care units, Emergency rooms, Operating rooms and others) and Regional Forecasts 2018-2025



Global Critical Care diagnostics Market to reach USD 1.4 billion by 2025.

Global Critical Care diagnostics Market valued approximately USD 0.9 billion in 2017 is anticipated to grow with a healthy growth rate of more than 6.0% over the forecast period 2018-2025. Rising acceptance of these tests by patients and physicians and improvements in healthcare technologies are some factors triggering the growth of the critical care diagnostics market over the forecast period.



Key driving factors for the critical care diagnostics market are high prevalence of chronic diseases along with the technological advancements in critical care diagnostics products. For instance: According to British Heart Foundation, more than one fourth of the deaths in UK are due to CVD, accounting around 3.9 million deaths each year. There are 7 million people living with CVD in the U.K. Also, coronary heart diseases are the leading cause for deaths in U.K. and nearly one in six men and one in ten women die from coronary heart disease. CHD is responsible for around 73,000 deaths in the UK each year. In UK, CHD affects the aging population and around 23,000 people under the age of 75 die from CHD each year. In addition, the Fight Chronic Disease Organization estimates that in 2015, in United States around 133 million deaths are caused and disability due to chronic diseases. It is estimated that 45% Americans populations are suffering from at least one chronic disease. Since, critical care diagnostics tests allows clinicians to identify and detect organism accurately and helps to offer proper guidance to clinicians thereby, promoting the demand for critical care diagnostics tests over the forecast period.



Furthermore, growing adoption of electronic health record (EHR) coupled with the telehealth services is offers lucrative growth prospects for the critical care diagnostics market. However, high cost associated with molecular diagnostics tools are expected to hinder the growth of the market during the forecast period.



On the basis of segmentation, the critical care diagnostics market is segmented into type and end-user. The type segment of global critical care diagnostics market is classified into flow cytometry, immunoproteins, routine and special chemistry, hematology, coagulation test, microbial and infectious diseases and others of which immunoproteins diagnostic test is also to dominate the market with largest share due to growing demand for accurate preventive healthcare services. On the basis of end-user segment, the market is classified into intensive care units, emergency rooms, operating rooms and others of which emergency rooms are anticipated to witness lucrative growth owing to the growing need for ER service as it offers initial acute care treatment and diagnosis to critically ill patients.



Request a free sample copy of Critical Care Diagnostics Market Report @ https://www.bharatbook.com/marketreports/Sample/Reports/1374938



The regional analysis of critical care diagnostics market is considered for the key regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and ROW. North America holds the leading position in critical care diagnostics market owing to the high research and development activities along with presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure. Whereas, Asia-Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest growing region in terms of market share. The growth of Asia-Pacific region is witnessed owing to high prevalence of chronic diseases along with rising geriatric population. Also, improving healthcare infrastructure and services in rural areas is also expected to supplement the growth of Asia-Pacific region over the forecast period.



The leading market players include

- Abbott Laboratories

- Alere, Inc.

- Beckman Coulter, Inc.

- Becton Dickinson and Company,

- Bayer AG

- Siemens Healthineers

- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

- Bio-Rad Laboratories

- BioMerieux, Inc.

- Nova Biomedical



The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values to the coming eight years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within each of the regions and countries involved in the study. Furthermore, the report also caters the detailed information about the crucial aspects such as driving factors & challenges which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, the report shall also incorporate available opportunities in micro markets for stakeholders to invest along with the detailed analysis of competitive landscape and product offerings of key players.



The detailed segments and sub-segment of the market are explained below:

By Type

- Flow Cytometry

- Microbial and Infectious Diseases

- Routine and special chemistry

- Hematology

- Immunoproteins

- Coagulation Test

- Others



By End-user:

- Emergency rooms

- Intensive Care Units

- Operating Rooms

- Other End Users



By Regions:

- North America

U.S.

Canada



- Europe

UK

Germany

ROE



- Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

ROAPEC



- LAMEA

Brazil

Mexico



- ROW

Middle East & Africa



Furthermore, years considered for the study are as follows:

Historical year  2015, 2016

Base year  2017

Forecast period  2018 to 2025



Target Audience of the Global Critical Care diagnostics Market in Market Study:

- Key Consulting Companies & Advisors

- Large, medium-sized, and small enterprises

- Venture capitalists

- Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

- Third-party knowledge providers

- Investment bankers

- Investors



Browse our full report with Table of Contents: https://www.bharatbook.com/marketreports/global-critical-care-diagnostics-market-size-study-by-type-end-user-and-regional-forecasts-2018-2025/1374938



About Bharat Book Bureau:

Bharat Book is Your One-Stop-Shop with an exhaustive coverage of 4,80,000 reports and insights that includes latest Market Study, Industry Trends & Analysis, Forecasts & Customized Intelligence, Newsletters and Online Databases. Overall a comprehensive coverage of major industries with a further segmentation of 100+ subsectors.



Contact us at:

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Follow us on: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google PlusLondon: Britain's cyber security chief says no decision has been made about whether to allow Huawei to build the country's 5G network.

Declaring the issue "complicated", Ciaran Martin, head of the National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of the UK's intelligence, security and cyber agency known as GCHQ, told the CyberSec conference in Brussels that "everything is on the table".

Britain is facing pressure to follow Australia, the United States and potentially New Zealand in banning Huawei from supplying core 5G network equipment. The government will make a decision after a review concludes in the British spring.

This week, British media reported that intelligence officials had concluded that the risks of allowing Huawei to build the network could be mitigated."If you think that you will launch any kind of attack on Pakistan, Pakistan will not just think about retaliation, Pakistan will retaliate," Khan said. "And after that where will it head?" The United Nations is "deeply concerned" at the rising tensions and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is available to mediate if both sides ask, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi sent a letter to Guterres seeking UN involvement. Indian Army's Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon, centre, on Tuesday. Credit:AP "The secretary-general stresses the importance for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalation," Dujarric said. The South Asian neighbours have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947, two of them over Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region.

While they have not waged full-scale war since they both tested nuclear weapons in 1998, they have engaged in countless skirmishes along their de facto boundary in the mountains of Kashmir. The United States, which has condemned the attack as "heinous", has been in contact with both India and Pakistan to discuss the issue, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told a briefing. He said Washington was committed to working with India on counter-terrorism and urged Pakistan "to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack" and to "punish anyone responsible." Indian Muslims burn posters of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, centre, and Hafiz Saeed, chief of Pakistani religious group Jamaat-ud-Dawa, during a protest against an attack on a paramilitary convoy in Kashmir. Credit:AP Khan reiterated that Pakistan had nothing to do with the bomb attack and said it was ready to take action against anyone found to be behind it.

"If you have any actionable intelligence that Pakistanis are involved, give that to us, I guarantee you that we will take action," Khan said. India's Foreign Ministry spurned the offer, saying Islamabad had failed to act on proof given to it about previous attacks. It said there had been no progress in the Pakistani investigation into the 2008 attacks in Mumbai blamed on another Pakistani Islamist militant group. "Promises of 'guaranteed action' ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan," the ministry said in a statement. Pakistan's military has a long record of nurturing militants as proxies in pursuit of foreign policy objectives, and India has for years accused Islamabad of supporting jihadists waging a nearly 30-year revolt in its only Muslim-majority state. Muslim Pakistan has long said it only provides moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination, though that has never dispelled India's conviction of Pakistani support for militants.

Khan said his country had changed. "I am telling you clearly that this is new Pakistan. This is a new mind set, this is new thinking," he said. 'Surrender or be killed' Indian security forces have intensified a crackdown in Kashmir in response to the deadliest attack on security forces in three decades of insurgency. Lieutenant-General KJS Dhillon, India's top military commander in Kashmir, accused Pakistan's main Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency of "controlling" those behind the Thursday bombing and warned of retribution. "I would request all the mothers in Kashmir to please request their sons who have joined terrorism to surrender and get back to the mainstream," Dhillon said. "Otherwise anyone who has picked up the gun will be killed."

Thursday's bombing was carried out by a 20-year-old man from a village in Indian Kashmir. His parents said he had joined a militant group after being beaten by Indian troops in 2016. Dhillon did not provide any proof for his accusation that Pakistan's military intelligence agency was behind the blast, only pointing to what he said were its close links with the JeM. 'Sense of urgency' The United States had told India it supported its right to defend itself against cross-border attacks, India said. At the same time, Pakistan has a vital role to play in nudging the Afghan Taliban towards peace in Afghanistan in talks with US officials that have raised significant hopes for an end to America's longest war.

Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan said an Indian attack on his country would undermine the Afghan peace effort. "Any attack by India will affect the stability of the entire region and impact the momentum," the ambassador, Zahid Nasrullah, said. A former deputy Afghan defence minister later said Nasrullah's remarks would anger local government officials, saying it played into fears that the country's long-running civil war was a proxy for rivalries by regional powers. "A Kashmir problem should be solved in Kashmir, and not on Afghanistan soil," Tamim Asey said. "We don't want to be your battleground." Pakistans close ally China urged it and India to ease tension through talks. "China hopes that Pakistan and India can exercise restraint and hold dialogue to achieve a soft landing as soon as possible, said China's Foreign Ministry spokesman.More than 130 people, mainly children, have died and 8443 others have fallen ill in the Philippines during a measles outbreak that has been largely blamed on fears about vaccinations.

A total of 136 people, about half of them aged between one and four, have died since the beginning of the year, and health officials say infection rates are still rising, despite a mass immunisation drive that began last week.

Philippine National Red Cross and Health Department volunteers conduct house-to-house measles vaccinations at an informal settlers' community in Manila, Philippines. Credit:AP

In a prescient warning, health chiefs had predicted last year that the Southeast Asia nation would be vulnerable to deadly epidemics after a scandal involving a dengue vaccine programme for schoolchildren prompted an "anti-vax" backlash in the Philippines.

In 2016, the Philippine authorities proceeded with the vaccination of more than 800,000 children, using the new drug Dengvaxia to protect them from the potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease.It is now beyond doubt that China is undertaking a program of mass incarceration of the Uighur population in its far north-western province of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in a system of re-education centres.

A re-education camp, officially known as vocational education and training centre, on the outskirts of Turpan City, Xinjiang. Credit:

Analysis of Chinese government procurement contracts for construction of these facilities and satellite imaging has revealed not only that hundreds exist throughout the region but that many resemble prisons complete with hardened security and surveillance features.

Within them detainees experience a regimented daily existence  compelled to repeatedly sing patriotic songs praising the benevolence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), study Mandarin, Confucian texts and President Xi Jinpings thought  under the threat of solitary confinement, food deprivation and, reportedly, waterboarding and electric shocks should they resist.

The goal, according to a Xinjiang CCP official, is to treat and cleanse the virus [of extremism] from their brain and restore their normal mind so that they may return to a healthy ideological state of mind.Samsung has revealed an extensive range of new smartphones at its Unpacked event on Thursday morning, although the two most ambitious models  one with a foldable screen and one which can connect to 5G networks  will not be available to purchase until later in the first half of 2019.

The highly-anticipated foldable phone, revealed as the Galaxy Fold, was first teased by Samsung back in 2011, and will finally be available for purchase some time in the next four months. It comprises a 7.3-inch flexible display that can be opened like a book and used like a tablet, as well as a secondary rigid display on the cover for use when it's closed.

When open the Fold can run up to three Android apps at once, and apps you open on one display will move to the other as you open and close. The device has a total of six cameras (three on the back and two inside the fold, plus one forward-facing on the cover screen), features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, is powered by a massive 12GB of RAM and has 512GB of internal storage. Unlike with the other phones announced today, there is no microSD card slot in the Fold.Every three- and four-year-old in NSW should get access to high-quality, play-based early learning, regardless of whether they attend pre-school or long daycare, a peak industry group says.

Both sides of politics in NSW are set to feel the heat from the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) which is targeting parents in marginal seats.

Early learning educator Samantha Kenny with Zahra Khodr and Benjamin Perovic. Credit:Kate Geraghty

The industry group, representing long daycare, preschool and family daycare providers, is launching a campaign at the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday, highlighting Australia's below average participation rate by three-year-olds in early learning compared to the advanced world.

In addition to two years of early learning before school, the Council also wants better support to ensure disadvantaged children get access, a strategy to ensure educators and teachers are "well paid and well respected" and the removal of the activity test from the Child Care Subsidy, to ensure the children of unemployed parents can still get subsidised care.The number of Australians who opted out of the My Health Record system doubled after the deadline was extended by three months, hitting 2.5 million people on January 31.

It means there are now 23.2 million Australians signed up for the controversial digital health system, after 1.4 million people scrambled to opt out after the federal governments original planned end date of October 31.

Health Minister Greg Hunt says the opt-out rate for My Health Record is as expected. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The deadline was extended amid security and privacy concerns, pending a Senate inquiry that resulted in new legislation to tighten up protections for patients, including ensuring that police may not access a person's health information without a warrant.

Opposition health spokeswoman Catherine King claimed the figures showed the government had "rushed its implementation of an opt-out model", undermining public support for "a system that could deliver enormous health benefits for all Australians".The Morrison government could face dozens of expensive legal cases as a result of its plans to transfer sick refugees and asylum seekers to Christmas Island instead of the Australian mainland, with lawyers and advocates confirming they are prepared to launch court action.

Prominent refugee lawyers said they were optimistic about the potential for legal challenges to overturn someone's detention on Christmas Island on the basis that the medical care available on the island is insufficient.

The Christmas Island detention centre, photographed in 2010. Credit:Glen McCurtayne

Immigration Minister David Coleman said on Wednesday the government would "ensure" adequate care was provided on the island, but could not say what that would require. The president of the island's council, Gordon Thomson, says the hospital had only six beds and that the island's own residents are frequently flown to Perth for treatment.

Human Rights Law Centre executive director Hugh de Kretser said the legal basis for a challenge would be that the government had breached its duty of care by sending refugees and asylum seekers to a place where inadequate treatment was available.Theres nothing like the power of a well-crafted marketing slogan. It creates its own reality. The important thing, though, is to ensure the contents inside actually match up with the labelling on the packet. If they dont, youve been sold a pup.

Thats the problem with most political promises: they require deconstruction. Thats because theyre usually based (at least to some, slight, degree) around the truth and thats the problem.

It normally takes a long time to work out where the problems lie and, with election cycles of barely three years, thats what politicians bank on. They rely on most voters simply focusing on whats in it for them, today, rather than worrying about proper policy settings or taking the long view.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on his recent trip to Fiji. Credit:AAP

This is why dominating the headlines has become the new dark skill of politics. Inject the right headline; secure the announcable; then move quickly onward.The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has begun inquiries into the sharp share price drops of Afterpay, Zip and FlexiGroup on Wednesday morning, two days before a Senate inquiry into the buy-now-pay later sector is due to hand down its final report.

Committee chair Jane Hume said a draft report was circulated to Senators involved in the committee at 7:30pm on Tuesday night.

Shares fell in the financial services providers an hour after the market opened on Wednesday, with Afterpay falling by 11 per cent in 25 minutes between 11:15am and 11:40am.

ASIC will examine the sharp fall in buy-now-pay later providers on Wednesday, Credit:Louie Douvis

No significant announcements had been made from any of the companies on Wednesday morning. The final Senate inquiry report is due to be tabled on Friday.I don't want to win an award for the most obvious statement of the year, but here goes: being a new parent is hard. Oh, yes, theres joy and smiles and giggles, of course. But the stress on relationships and the lack of sleep? Jeesh.

Its been nearly 4 years since I was freshly minted into the "mummy" ranks. Which means its almost four years since I began navigating Australias complex and confusing maze of childcare and early-learning options for under-5s.

Labor leader Bill Shorten, with his early childhood education spokeswoman Amanda Rishworth, has pledged to lift funding for preschool education. Credit:AAP

Childcare is something you dont spend much time thinking about until youre in it. And then, when you do, youre in such a sleep-deprived state, its hard to make much sense of it.

Should you do centre-based daycare? If so, privately provided or not-for-profit? How many days a week? Can you even find a place? Is family daycare better? Or a nanny? Can you throw preschool into the mix?It all makes sense. And yet it doesnt.

Victoria Police may soon have 600 semi-automatic rifles along the lines of either the AR-15 (preferred weapon for massacres) or the M4 (preferred assault weapon of the US armed forces). Both could take out your eye from a few hundred metres. The cost of the rifles may take out $25 million from state coffers.

An AR-15 rifle similar to those being considered by Victoria Police. Credit:CHARLES KRUPA

You cant argue with the perception that the government is cracking down on criminals when it makes such a purchase. You call that a gun? This is a gun. And no one would want to have to confront a criminal or terrorist on a level playing field.

It is also unarguable that police officers need to be able to defend themselves and protect society. They need to be able to neutralise a situation; and their workplace, unlike that of anyone elses, can be a violent, life-threatening place. They want to go home at night, just like the rest of us. And to do that against those who would do them harm means the carrying of weapons. No one is going to argue against that.Brisbane City Councils plan to cut Lime scooter numbers down to 500 and introduce a rival e-scooter company to compete later has sparked concerns from Juicers, the people who collect Lime scooters each night and recharge them.

At Tuesdays council meeting, deputy mayor Adrian Schrinner announced the council had extended Limes permit until mid-year, while the council started a procurement process for two permanent scooter companies to operate in Brisbane.

The scooters have taken over Brisbane's footpaths as a new mobility device.

About 10 scooter companies had approached the council, he said.

One Juicer, who asked to remain anonymous, said the reduction of Lime scooters would hurt those gig economy workers who were already competing for the 750 scooters operating in Brisbane.More than a year after the Queensland Office of Fair Trading launched an investigation into the collapsed Dusit Thani Brookwater golf resort scheme at Ipswich, the authority has for the first time made contact with some of the 160 small investors who funded the project.

Fair Trading this week wrote to Australia-based investors who paid deposits of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to developer Richard Turners company Brookwater Resort Residential, helping him raise more than $10 million for the lavish scheme at Springfield.

Richard Turner at the Brookwater launch in 2016. He has denied wrongdoing. Credit:Facebook

Mr Turner and his companys activities in Australia this month became the subject of a fraud investigation by Queensland police after aspects of the case were referred by Fair Trading.

However, there is nothing to indicate authorities are looking at Mr Turners operation in Vietnam, where he raised about half of the money for the scheme from wealthy locals, using black market intermediaries to move the money into accounts in Australia that he controlled.Michael Daleys campaign bus was hurtling up the Pacific Highway on Sunday as Gladys Berejiklian was in Penrith announcing the states biggest ever boost to nursing numbers.

After getting word of the Premiers commitment as Labor pulled into the Nabiac Showground for its country launch, Daleys leadership team huddled in the showground sheds. Following a quick debrief, the Labor leader delivered his address to the party faithful with a last-minute addition to the speech. Labor would match the governments biggest election announcement so far.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian visits Nepean Hospital before her big health pledge on Sunday. Credit:Pool

Daley wasted no time, despite the $2.8 billion price tag, although Labor says its policy of nurse-to-patient ratios would have delivered thousands of extra nursing staff anyway.

Despite the lacklustre election campaign so far, the spending promises have been arriving thick and fast. A billion for hospital upgrades and elective surgery waiting times, another billion for more teachers, half a billion for extra police. And on it goes. Its easy to lose track.The federal government's failure to develop a climate change policy has thrown the burden on to state governments to fill the gap. A month out from the state election the ALP seems to be taking the task more seriously.

Significantly both Opposition Leader Michael Daley and Premier Gladys Berejiklian are in agreement that the states should do something to help the electricity sector cut carbon emissions. Energy Minister Don Harwin has also broken party solidarity and spoken out against the federal Coalition's do-nothing approach.

Solar panels at Taronga Zoo. Credit:Mandy Turner

That is encouraging but given the uncertainty about federal policy it will be hard for either party to work out the cheapest, most efficient action to take. There is also danger that action at state-level to promote local electricity generation will come at the expense of the national energy market that links the eastern states.

In an ideal world, there would be a co-ordinated national plan covering a price on carbon and a renewable energy target for Australia to meet its emissions reduction targets under the Paris climate treaty."The figures to be unveiled to-day," said Mr. Bavin, "Will complete the Cenotaph, which is intended to express in a permanent and material form the admiration of the people of this State for the brave deeds of our soldiers and sailors, our imperishable gratitude for their sacrifice, and our deep and abiding sympathy for the relatives of the fallen. The figures are the work of a great Australian sculptor. They represent not a mere abstract triumph of artistic skill, but an achievement of one who himself is inspired by those same feelings of admiration and gratitude which inspire us. Premier Thomas Bavin in Sydney on August 19, 1929. Credit:Staff photographer "The Cenotaph itself represents the tribute of the whole community. The site on which it stands is the gift of the city; that city in which those whose deeds we commemorate assembled before their departure, from which they set out on a journey from which too many of them never returned; a city whose safety and integrity were assuredly their efforts. The monument is the offering of the whole State. In all its broad confines there is hardly a town, village, or hamlet which did not make its contribution to the great cause for which our men fought, and few which have no share in the sad, but glorious, memories which this Cenotaph enshrines. SACRIFICES NOT FORGOTTEN It is well that we should have such monuments. Time passes; the claims of business and pleasure press insistently upon us. New generations grow up to whom the war is an echo of history and not a reality of experience. We are apt to forget the debt we owe to those whose sacrifices saved not only our own country, not only our Empire, but the liberty of the world and our Christian civilisation.

"This Cenotaph," said the Premier, "standing as it does in the busiest part of the city, will serve to remind those who pause as they pass that we had, and still have, in this country not tens, not hundreds, but tens of thousands of men of every creed, of every rank in life, of every party who were prepared to sacrifice wealth, health, comfort, even life itself, at the call of their country. And thinking of those, they may be reminded that patriotism consists not merely in readiness to die for one's country, but still more in readiness to live for it; that in peace as well as in war the Commonwealth and the Empire demand, and are worthy of the very best we have to give.

Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal, designer of the Cenotaph, ca. 1926. Credit:Staff photographer A GREEK EXAMPLE "Two thousand years ago, on just such an occasion as this, the greatest of Greek orators, speaking of the young Athenians who had given their life to their country, used words which are just as appropriate today as they were then, and just as apt for Australia as they were for Athens. I cannot conclude better than by quoting them: 'So they gave their bodies to the Commonwealth, and received, each for his own memory, praise that will never die, and with it the grandest of all sepulchres, not that in which their mortal bones are laid, but a home in the minds of men, where their glory remains fresh to stir to speech or action as the occasion comes by. For the whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men, and their story is not graven only on stone over their native earth, but lives on far away, without visible symbol, woven into the stuff of other men's lives.'

It was an impressive moment when the Premier pulled the cord that disclosed the bronze figures to view, and while two V.C. holders, Sergeant G.J. Howell and Private Bede Kenny, drew the flags on either side to half-mast, the buglers sounded the "Last Post." Although thousands of people had

gathered in Martin place the silence was absolute - as clear and unbroken as though the bugles had been sounding on some treeless ridge in Flanders. After the "Last Post"came the "Reveille." To its long-drawn strains the two flags wore hoisted high to the tops of their poles. SIR JOHN MONASH'S ADDRESS. Sir John Monash arrives by train in Sydney for unveiling of Cenotaph on February 21, 1929 Credit:Staff photographer Sir John Monash said that the dedication commemorated a great page in the history of the Commonwealth - a page filled with the prowess and deeds of the soldiers and sailors. The A.I.F. was the only volunteer army of any consequence in the war, and its discipline, and capacity for hardship and work were magnificent. It was animated by ideals of patriotism, loyalty, and service to the Empire and to Australia, and it established great traditions, which were really born on Anzac Day. The landing at Gallipoli on that day had enthralled the imagination of all Australians, yet the members of the A.I.F. at Gallipoli formed only a small force. Its tenacity and bravery, however, were marvellous. Later, in the bleak days of the Somme and at Passchendale, the words "Remember Gallipoli" became a stimulus and a watchword. Thus was tradition built up.The NSW government will buy an extra 42 carriages for the intercity rail fleet to help cope with a surge in demand on the South Coast line from Sydney to Wollongong and Kiama.

The increase in the size of the new intercity fleet to 554 double-deck carriages will push up the cost of the government's contract with a UGL-led consortium to build and maintain the trains by $130 million to $2.43 billion. That figure does not include a new $265 million maintenance depot for the trains at Kangy Angy on the Central Coast.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance in front of a mock of a new intercity train. Credit:Janie Barrett

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said many of the extra 42 carriages would be earmarked for the South Coast line, which now had 1.7 million more passenger trips taken annually than seven years ago.

"Because we are having such an explosion in growth on the South Coast-Illawarra line, we have had to go and purchase an extra 42 carriages," he said.Before Hugo Palmer left Britain for a trip around Australia, he uploaded a photo to Instagram of his mother hugging him. The caption read: "The day is finally here that I'll be travelling to the other side of the world with my amazing friends. Can't wait to make some great memories and I couldn't do it without you guys."

Three months into the trip, Mr Palmer and friend Erwan Ferrieux had visited the Great Ocean Road, as well as Melbourne and Sydney's famous beaches, snapping photos along the way. But positive comments from friends on Instagram quickly turned to ones of concern after news broke on Tuesday that the pair were missing on NSW's Mid North Coast.

After initially raising hopes on Wednesday that the pair might be found alive, police have now scaled back the search "based on the advice of experts", a police statement issued around 3.50pm said.

Sweeps of the coastline and foreshore will continue over the coming days, and police are still appealing to anyone who might have seen the men, or their car, near the Shelly Beach car park or in the surrounding streets to contact them.The little-known security company at the centre of a $423 million Manus Island contracting controversy has broken its silence to reject suggestions of improper payments or bad debts.

After enduring intense media and parliamentary scrutiny, Paladin director Ian Stewart uploaded a statement to the companys website on Wednesday night strongly defending its record and hitting out at claims of corruption.

We do not (have) any bad debts or failed contracts. We do not make payments that are not linked to a service. We reject the notion in the media that any contract with a Papua New Guinea entity is tainted by corruption, Mr Stewart said.

Asylum seekers at the Oscar compound in the Manus Island detention centre, Papua New Guinea. Credit:AAP

Officials from the Home Affairs department have been under increasing pressure in Senate estimates this week to explain the circumstances that led to Paladin being awarded $423 million worth of contracts in non-competitive tender processes.He was a notorious bank robber before his audacious escape made headlines. He had been in-and-out of jail since 1960. He started robbing banks in Sydney in 1966 to feed a gambling addiction, becoming our first "decimal currency bank robber" when he held up the Canley Heights ANZ bank on Valentine's Day in 1966. John Killick, back in custody in 1999 after his escape from Silverwater Prison. Credit:Nick Moir But a now repentant Killick says he has paid the price for his crimes. I have broken about even, I reckon," he said. "I accept the penalties. I am still on parole now. It is 20 years next month, he said.

I spent over 30 years in jail and I dont resign from the fact I deserved to go to jail. You cant go into banks with guns and hold people up and then escape in helicopters and expect people not to get upset about it. In On The Inside he writes that when asked why he robbed banks, he answered: Thats where the money is. It isnt you against the bank, its you against unarmed innocent people. John Killick I came from an era where bank robbers and safe-crackers were the elite criminals, Killick said.

I always justified my going into a bank with a pistol and stealing its money. To me, banks were the ultimate thieves and in recent months the Royal Commission into banks has justified this conclusion. But I was missing the point  when you enter a bank wearing a mask and pointing a pistol at people, it isnt you against the bank, its you against unarmed innocent people." He apologised unreservedly to those innocent victims. I never shot anyone. Even at the Bowral bank robbery (on January 20, 1999), I fired over the head of the bloke chasing me, but he kept running after me, so I fired into the ground near his feet as well. He stopped chasing me then, he said. I can honestly say my days of criminal activity are long gone.

Convicted bank robber John Killick has written another book about his life, On The Inside. Credit:David Cole On The Inside is a fascinating read. A veritable "whos who" of Australian crime appears in its pages. That's because Killick met most of them while in various jails; Long Bay, Goulburn, Pentridge, Bathurst, Maitland, Cessnock, Yatala, Parklea, Silverwater and Boggo Road, to name a few. He has devoted individual chapters to the more notorious criminals he met, including Arthur "Neddy" Smith, serial escapee Raymond John Denning, artist and murderer Leonard Lawson, armed robber Christopher "Badness" Binse, and Australias first serial killer William MacDonald. One of his "favourite" inmates was Dave Scanlon, whom he met in the Goulburn jail. He was also known as the "Kingsgrove Slasher" and was world famous in the 1950s. He terrified Sydney for three years with his nocturnal visits to houses where he slashed and stole the undergarments off his sleeping victims.

He never intentionally assaulted anyone, he just enjoyed the thrill of the chase and he was an exceptionally fast runner, Killick said. After spending eight years in jail, Scanlon was released and dissolved into obscurity, never offending again. A recurring theme in Killick's book is that many of the criminals he met, especially the violent inmates, had often been brutalised as children in detention centres such as the former Tamworth Boys' Home. Some chapters are hard to read because they detail some of this abuse. It is not excusing the crimes these people committed, but trying to find some reason behind the offending.

A lot of the criminals who ended up as killers came through Tamworth Boys' Home. It seems to be a common denominator, Killick said. The first person to make me aware of that place was Neddy Smith in 1963. "He was only 18 then, but he told me that Tamworth broke him. It made him bitter and there was hate in him. "They starved them and bashed them at those places. Killick also acknowledges some people are just plain bad and should be inside. He cites the case of Cecil Clifford Bartholomew, a man who served only seven years for killing 10 people.

Killick said despite reforms, the prison system was "going backwards" due to overcrowding in jails. It is not the fault of the prison system, but of the people making the laws," he said. "The bail laws have been changed, maybe to get votes, but there are a lot of people going to jail who should not be. A lot of inmates have mental health issues, maybe as high as 30 per cent of them; and some of them cannot cope in there. He also emphasised the importance of education and literacy programs inside for rehabilitation.A Bruce site once earmarked for a $20 million hotel and housing complex has been put up for sale.

Real estate firm CBRE is spruiking the vacant block on Braybrooke Street as a prime location for a mixed-use development, given its proximity to Canberra Stadium, the University of Canberra and Calvary Hospital.

A Bruce site once earmarked for a $20 million hotel and housing complex has been put up for sale Credit:CBRE

Agent Adrian Woolgar said some of the biggest names in Canberra's property market had already expressed interested in the 3,161 square site, which has approval for a 118-room hotel and serviced apartments, and includes space for a carpark.

The sale comes three years after prominent developer Nik Bulum and architect Nathan Judd lodged plans for a $19.75 million development on the site.Laura Bryant was full of hope when she was finally approved for access to medicinal cannabis.

Cannabis oil was the only treatment that relieved her debilitating pain but for many years she was forced to buy it on the black market.

Medicinal cannabis user Laura Bryant. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

Despite her approval, she has found it impossible to find a doctor to prescribe it to her after recently moving back to Canberra.

Tight federal and local restrictions mean GPs usually cannot prescribe the drug and there are less than a handful of local specialists authorised to prescribe it.For the past few days, Craig Wallace has had to get used to recounting how a nurse set his hair on fire in a child rehabilitation facility.

And how he spent 10 days at a church-run camp with an untreated broken arm and no pain relief, and told to stop whinging when he found it hard to move in his wheelchair.

Mr Wallace, a Canberra-based activist and former president of People with Disability, spoke out this week ahead of a motion in Parliament calling for the establishment of a royal commission into abuse within the disability sector.

He said his experiences were far from isolated, and that many in the disability sector had suffered at the hands of carers and educators.

I saw and witnessed much worse things, and experienced worse things that I haven't talked about publicly and won't be, but enough to make me think that this is endemic, he said.A group of Canberrans have slammed the organisers of the National Multicultural Festival for allowing an anti-abortion organisation to hold a stall at last weekend's event, despite promises last year for a review.

The stall features a model of foetuses in the womb at different stages of development, and a photo of an unborn baby's feet between adult fingers, 10 weeks after it was conceived.

ACT Right to Life Association member Anne Hartwell (pictured left) and association president Bev Cains (pictured right) in their stall at the National Multicultural Festival in 2018.

A petition put forward on Sunday calls for the ACT government to ban the organisation from the event, and has so far received more than 500 signatures.

"I remember last year [at the stall] there were some very vivid images of both living and aborted foetuses throughout the nine-month [pregnancy] period," 21-year-old Mawson resident, Natasha Live, said.If there was any constant to a Chanel runway show, where the set replicates a vast autumnal forest one season and a hulking cruise ship the next, it was the man behind the curtain: Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's designer and mastermind since 1983, who died this week at the age of 85.

In January, Virginie Viard, the creative studio director at Chanel, took the bow at the end of the haute couture collection when Lagerfeld was, according to a statement from the house, "feeling tired" and did not appear himself. Viard was at Lagerfeld's side for the finale of several previous shows, including the resort collection in Paris last May and the extravaganza at the Temple of Dendur in New York in December.

Virginie Viard, left, with Karl Lagerfeld and his godson Hudson Kroenig during the finale of the Chanel Metiers d'Art 2018/19 Show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, in New York. Credit:Invision

Naturally, speculation ensued: Was this a sign of the house's imminent succession plan? It was.

Viard has been in place for years. "Karl is the locomotive, and Virginie is the rails of Chanel," said Loic Prigent, the documentary filmmaker who shoots the atelier's craftsmanship before each show.The federal government is set to unveil a national blueprint to combat some of the most pervasive chronic and potentially deadly diseases affecting millions of Australians.

On Thursday, health minister Greg Hunt will announce the National Strategic Action Plan for Lung Conditions to speed up diagnosis and improve treatments for diseases including lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.

Mr Hunt will also announce the severe asthma drug Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium) will be subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, saving parents of children and teenagers with the condition hundreds of dollars a year.

The government will provide $4 million to support three of the Action Plan's priorities, including $2 million for lung health training and education for health professionals, and $1 million for the Lung Foundation Australias awareness campaigning.

The last $1 million will be used to support people at increased risk of developing lung conditions, such as workers exposed to dusts or vapour, and people with chronic cough, as well as boosting awareness of the benefits of immunisation to reduce respiratory infection risk.Based on the iTunes charts, there's a good chance you've already downloaded Who the Hell is Hamish? The new podcast from The Australian, and the team behind last year's The Teacher's Pet, was destined to be a hit. The podcast follows Hamish Watson, aka Hamish McLaren, a serial conman who fleeced his victims of millions. Featuring the same high-quality sound design and production values of The Teacher's Pet, Who the Hell is Hamish? feels like another Blue Velvet journey into Australian suburbia.

Loose Units is a companion podcast to Paul Verhoeven's book of the same name. For the book and podcast, Paul interviews his father John, a former Sydney cop with plenty of darkly humorous true crime tales to tell. You don't need to have read the book to enjoy the podcast, and the wonderful father and son relationship helps add some levity to the stories being told.

The Dropout

The rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and the company she started, Theranos, made for one of the most compelling non-fiction books of 2018, Bad Blood. Holmes' story is unbelievable as she turns Theranos into the hottest medical start-up in Silicon Valley through sheer force of will; the only problem is her tech doesn't work. The Dropout tells the same story as a serialised podcast, and while Bad Blood feels better researched and a little less sensational, The Dropout is still a great listen, whether you've read Bad Blood or not. The complicated tale of Theranos is told well, so far the series has been well structured and perfectly paced, leaving listeners with a cliffhanger at the end of every episode. Fans of the book will enjoy hearing the voices of all the main players, taken from interviews and court testimony.

Conviction

Continuing the theme of unbelievable-but-true is Conviction, from Gimlet studios. At the centre of Conviction is Manny Gomez, an ex-cop turned private detective in New York City who fights for people wrongly convicted of crimes. From the moment you hear Gomez's thick Bronx accent spouting off hard-boiled idioms from cheap detective novels, you'll need to remind yourself he is not, in fact, a work of fiction. This series follows Gomez as he fights for a teenager, Pedro Hernandez, accused of shooting outside of a grocery store. The case against Hernandez had major flaws from the beginning, with witnesses to the shooting and even the victim unsure that he was the shooter.



The ABC produced just one unmissable drama in 2018: the dismissal of managing director Michelle Guthrie in the final week of September. The fallout soon engulfed Justin Milne, the national broadcaster's chairman, who resigned just days after firing Guthrie, and grew to include claims and counter-claims. The most prominent revolved around whether Milne told Guthrie to sack the ABC's chief economics correspondent Emma Alberici, purportedly following a complaint from then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Five months on, with Guthrie suing the ABC and the matter before the Federal Court, the headlines have faded and the commentariat have moved on to speculation about Guthrie's successor. But the lasting impact of Michelle Guthrie's tenure running the ABC is only now starting to appear. The shows that reflect Guthrie's philosophies and the directions she gave her senior commissioning staff are beginning to air across the country. What they suggest is that her true legacy  in television terms  will be bright and bland programming that dilutes the ABC's reputation.

One of the most noticeable additions is Escape from the City, which technically debuted in January but was instantly familiar to anyone who has ever seen Escape to the Country, the long-running British version of a real estate show format that the ABC's version is licensed from. Each week a hopeful rat race escapee from the city is presented with a selection of potential property purchases in their desired rural or coastal destination. Floorplans are evaluated, neighbourhoods judges, and prices pondered.

The first episode, which featured a pair of Sydney professionals looking to buy a home on acreage in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales with plans to add a paddock-to-plate restaurant and accommodation, was spectacularly ill-judged. Their goals, and the $2 million budget, put the couple in rarefied air. But beyond that, what does this show, which has a prime slot of 8pm on Thursday nights, add to the ABC? Based on the recent Sunshine Coast episode, which had some double D breast size references from two female participants that should never have gone to air, not a great deal.The softening housing market is being felt at the checkouts of Australia's largest retailer, with Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci saying shoppers feel less wealthy and are trying to make their dollars stretch further.

Woolworths disappointed investors on Wednesday with a surprise drop in earnings from its Dan Murphy's and BWS bottle shops, and further losses from its troubled department store Big W.

Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci. Credit:Louie Douvis

The result triggered Woolworths' sharpest single-day share price fall in almost three years.

Mr Banducci said the company's core supermarkets business also faced a challenging outlook as food costs increased, a new employee agreement drove up its wage bill and consumers remained reluctant to spend.Australian manufacturer Pact Group has conceded it has "not done a great job" after a $320 million half-year loss sent its stock price crashing more than 17 per cent to an all-time low on Wednesday.

The company  which makes rigid plastic and metal packaging for groceries and produces cosmetics and cleaning products  revealed its profits fell more than 800 per cent due to a non-cash impairment of $327 million. Its underlying profits were down 29 per cent to $36 million, the company said, citing "challenging" conditions including persistent cost pressures and weaker demand.

Pact Group chairman Raphael Geminder. Credit:Pat Scala

Billionaire businessman Raphael Geminder  Pact Group's executive chairman and the brother-in-law of Australia's richest person, Anthony Pratt  told investors the company was "not pleased with these results".

"And, to be blunt, weve not done a great job of actually doing what we say we're going to do and delivering on what we say we are going to deliver on," he said on a conference call with analysts.Car maker Toyota has been hit by a cyber attack in Australia, with employees locked out of their emails for days.

Toyota Australia's servers were targeted on Tuesday and an investigation involving federal authorities is under way into who was behind the potentially malicious cyber attack.

The company confirmed it had been the victim of an attempted attack and was working with international cyber security experts to get its operating systems back online.

"At this stage, we believe no private employee or customer data has been accessed," the company said in a statement. "We have no further details about the origin of the attack."'Shouldn't it be us?' Takahashi started out in the consulting industry, working for the Japan arm of Andersen Consulting, which is now known as Accenture, for about three years before joining SoftBank in 1996. At SoftBank, which was a much smaller company then, Takahashi was involved in everything from corporate planning to accounting, and helped launch a major satellite broadcasting joint venture. He says Son had a profound influence on him. "I was lucky because I could work directly with Son," he said. "He always told us that if anyone was going to ride the digital and IT revolution, shouldn't it be us?" Since listing in March, RPA Holdings is up 350 per cent. Credit:Bloomberg Taking those words to heart, Takahashi decided to set out on his own. In 2000, he established the predecessor of RPA Holdings. The company, which helped big firms enter the internet business, combined his past experience in consulting with his knowledge of the IT world from his time at SoftBank Group. But that model came unstuck in the financial crisis. With firms having to cut non-essential costs, consulting fees got the axe. Takahashi says about 40 per cent of his company's projects were cancelled. He was running out of money.

"I thought the business I'd been building for eight years was going to disappear," he said. "Firms can cut consulting contracts with no problem. I wanted to do something where we'd have a deeper involvement with customers, where we'd be a source of value." Japanese mortgage lender Aruhi Corp. started using RPA Holdings' services in January 2017 to automate some application processes. It deploys software bots to input data from scanned loan applications and then check that everything is in order. That's cut the average time taken per application to about 10 minutes from an hour. Stock Surge "Software bots are booming now and software vendors are increasing, but back then RPA Holdings was the only company which had a good track record in Japan," said Tetsu Nishida, who heads the IT department at Aruhi. RPA Holdings listed on the Tokyo bourse's Mothers market for startup firms in March, and surged more than fivefold to a high early the next month. While it has since pared some of those gains, it's still up more than 350 per cent, with a market value of more than $US790 million. Takahashi, the largest shareholder, held a 45.8 per cent stake as of August 31.

Valuations have got ahead of profits. The stock trades at 98 times estimated earnings for next fiscal year, compared with an average of 49 times for the Mothers Index. Shota Watanabe, a fund manager at Rheos Capital Works Inc., which holds RPA Holdings' shares, said the company has considerable growth potential as its business can help Japan to solve social and economic problems. But the stock's valuation is too high, he said. The future The company's challenges include getting its products used at smaller firms, and maintaining its advantage as more competitors enter the field, according to Tomoaki Kawasaki, an analyst at Iwai Cosmo Securities Co. in Tokyo. Kawasaki maintains an outperform rating on the stock and a target price of 4000 yen ($50.69), 22 per cent higher than Tuesday's close. Takahashi says the next step is to go beyond robotic process automation to create other services and businesses using artificial intelligence. And while the company forecasts that sales will more than double to 9.1 billion yen in the fiscal year ending February, he's setting his sights on much higher revenue in the years ahead.To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.

We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.

A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!(This post has been updated with new information after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Hoda Muthana is not a U.S. citizen and would not be permitted to return to the country.)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  It was a huge mistake.

Ill say.

Those are the words of Hoda Muthana, an American-born woman who left Alabama in 2014 to join the Islamic State in Syria.

Claiming to see the error of her ways, Muthana now wants to return to the U.S. with her 18-month-old child, even if it means facing a lengthy jail sentence.

The federal government should be in no hurry to bring her back, and doesnt appear to be.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Muthana was not a U.S. citizen, and would not be allowed to return to America. Pompeo provided no details about how the determination was made about Muthanas citizenship.

No matter. Muthana was a willing cog in the global terror machine that the U.S. has been fighting since 9/11. She was an ISIS recruiter. On Twitter, she called for terrorist attacks on her homeland. She married three ISIS fighters, one of whom is the father of her child.

In one tweet attributed to her account, Muthana called for attacks on Memorial Day, suggesting that terrorists rent a big truck and drive all over Americans at holiday parades.

Spill their blood, she exhorted. Kill them.

But with ISIS no longer the force that that it once was, being a jihadi just isnt the same kick anymore, I guess.

Media reports, including in The Guardian, have Muthana saying that she deeply regrets leaving the U.S., and that she thought that what she was doing was right under Islam. She says that she sees that she misunderstood her faith. She says she is worried for her sons future.

Muthanas father has said that she was brainwashed. Her lawyer, Hassan Shilby, said that she is just another victim of ISIS.

Its hard to view Muthana as a victim, despite her youth. She willingly chose to join the top terror group in the world. And stayed for four years. And freely took part in ISISs anti-American crusade. She isnt some wayward kid who trashed the family car.

Female terrorists, be they ISIS fighters or Chechnyan black widow suicide bombers, have been dedicated to the cause as men.

Shibly said Muthana is ready to face the legal consequences of her actions, even if she could be sentences to as many as 60 years in jail.

You cant blame her. A federal lockup in the U.S. is no doubt far preferable to the tent-city refugee camp shes reportedly living in right now. Or whatever else she might face in the Middle East.

Muthana says that she believes America gives second chances. She wants to be forgiven. She wants to spread an anti-terror message. She pledges that she will never travel to the Middle East again, that she doesnt care if the U.S. takes her passport.

Losing her international traveling privileges is the least of Muthanas concerns.

There are other complications. Because she was born in this country, it was thought that Muthana was a natural-born citizen, and couldnt be barred from the country. Nor could her citizenship be revoked, as per protections under the 14th Amendment.

But the fact that Muthanas father was a diplomat living in this country at the time of her birth has caused confusion about Muthanas legal status.

Well leave it to attorneys and the courts to sort out. Muthana can stay where she is while they do so. Theres no telling what threat she could pose to the U.S. And what if she beats the rap in a civilian court? Nobody can predict how a case like hers could go.

Muthana willingly left us. She actively waged terrorist war against us. Let her live with the consequences.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Should Staten Islanders worry about zombie deer disease'' spreading to the booming Staten Island population?

Not according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC studies found no evidence of zombie deer disease anywhere near New York City.

Animal experts say the disease, actually called chronic wasting disease (CWD), weakens deer and does not make them violent. It affects free-range deer, moose and elk, causing damage to the brain and spinal cord.

Deer infected with CWD will look sickly and behave strangely, stumble, drool and lose weight.

The CDC reports that the disease has been reported in 24 states and two provinces in Canada. Yet, the only location in New York state is in upstate Oneida, and there have been no reports of the disease in nearby New Jersey.

And though the CDC says its possible that CWD might exist in other states that lack strong animal surveillance systems, the threat to humans exists only if humans consume tainted animal meat, and even that threat has yet to be confirmed.

The animals contract the disease through contact with bodily fluids and feces. The disease attacks the animals brains. Thats why its been called zombie disease.

Yet, animal experts say calling them "zombies'' is inaccurate -- infected deer are non-violent, weak and confused.

Most deer dont even live to experience the final stage of the disease, the CDC says. Traffic, predators and hunters will most likely get to them first.

Some experts have raised concerns that the disease could pose a risk to humans.

Michael Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, recently warned that the nature of the disease is similar to mad cow disease, which can be transmitted from infected cows to people, CBS News reported.

It is my best professional judgment based on my public health experience that it is probable that human cases of CWD associated with the consumption of contaminated meat will be documented in the years ahead. It is possible that number of human cases will be substantial and will not be isolated events, he told the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.

To date, there is no strong evidence for the occurrence of CWD in people, and it is not known if people can get infected with CWD prions, the agency says on its website.

Yet, the CDC does recommend caution when hunting and eating deer. It advises people not to shoot, handle or eat meat from deer that look sick, act strangely or are found dead. It suggests having meat tested if hunted in an area with CWD.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  This kind of take-out wasnt on the menu, and it will cost an ex-con 10 years in prison.

Grasemere resident Marc Confessore was sentenced Tuesday to a decade behind bars for the armed holdup of an Arden Heights Chinese restaurant 14 months ago and for another stickup.

A criminal complaint said the defendant walked into the Peking Taste Chinese eatery at 262 Arden Ave. at about 10 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2017.

Confessore went behind the counter and demanded money from a 35-year-old female employee, said an NYPD spokeswoman.

He brandished what appeared to be a handgun and snatched $80, a criminal complaint said.

Confessore then fled the strip mall in a green Jeep Liberty that turned left onto Arden Avenue headed toward Arthur Kill Road, police said.

According to the complaint, Confessore attempted to rob a different victim at gunpoint about 70 minutes before the Arden Heights heist.

That incident occurred at around 8:50 p.m. on Forest Avenue and Eunice Place in Graniteville, the complaint said.

Confessore accosted the victim, lifted his shirt and displayed what seemed to be a gun in his waistband, said the complaint.

Give me your money or Ill shoot you, the complaint quotes him as threatening the victim.

Confessore was busted nine days later.

Afterward, he was indicted on multiple counts of robbery and attempted robbery, along with menacing.

Two weeks ago, Confessore pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to first-degree robbery to satisfy all charges against him.

Besides prison time, he was sentenced to five years post-release supervision.

Defense lawyer Thomas Reilly has declined comment on the case.

Assistant District Attorney Matthew Mobilia prosecuted the case.

Confessore has previously served prison time.

In March 2015, he was sentenced to three years behind bars for an attempted-robbery conviction, said the complaint.

He was paroled on Aug. 31, 2017, according to online records of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  I just bodied Obie.

A Mariners Harbor man testified Tuesday he was shocked when his brother, Anthony Lopez, uttered those four words, on entering the witnesss room one morning three years ago.

In a barely audible voice, the witness, whose name is Cameron, said he understood Lopez to mean he had killed his wife, Obiamaka (Obie) Aduba, 26.

Although he was in disbelief, the witness said he heard Lopez, 33, repeat his words and then ask him to head down the block on Richmond Terrace to see what was going on.

Camerons last name is being withheld at prosecutors request.

Prosecutors allege Lopez strangled Aduba to death on May 20, 2016, in Mariners Harbor then tried to dispose of her body by wheeling the partially-wrapped corpse through the street on a metal dolly. The defendant ditched the dolly on a Post Lane lawn, before an off-duty detective could confront him, prosecutors allege.

Another witness testified Tuesday he saw a man that morning pushing what appeared to be a mummified body on a Home-Depot-type cart along Richmond Terrace.

Camerons testimony, which tensely pitted sibling against sibling, highlighted the second-day of Lopezs murder trial in state Supreme Court, St. George.

A stocky, goateed man garbed in a black jacket, black hoodie and black pants, the witness testified for about 90 minutes.

Clearly uncomfortable, he did not look at the defendant, who sat about 20 feet away at the defense table. He glanced at Lopez only once, briefly, to identify him.

Cameron mainly looked down at the witness stand or directly at his questioner, sipping often from a cup of water.

Under cross-examination by Mario F. Gallucci, Cameron admitted he and Lopez, his half-brother, do not have a good relationship.

The two have not seen each other since the day Aduba was slain.

Prosecutors allege Lopez lit out to East Harlem after killing his spouse, where he was captured the next day. He has been incarcerated ever since.

Under direct examination by Assistant District Attorney Tuesday Muller-Mondi, Cameron said he and Lopez were living with their mother in a house on Richmond Terrace near South Avenue in May 2016.

He knew Lopez and Aduba were married and said the couple would stay at the house only when his mother was away at her boyfriends home.

Through the witnesss testimony, Muller-Mondi strove to demonstrate the couples rocky relationship.

Cameron testified he could recall three occasions dating to March 2014 when he heard the couple arguing. The final two times were within one week and a few weeks of the slaying, he said.

On May 20, 2016, the witness said he was watching Good Morning America in his bedroom shortly after 7 a.m. when Lopez opened the door.

Lopez walked in, said what he had done to Aduba, and asked the witness to check on what was happening outside, Cameron testified.

The witness said he walked down Richmond Terrace toward Harbor Road, saw police and some crime-scene tape on Post Lane. He kept walking to a store, later meeting up with a friend. He did not call Lopez.

Muller-Mondi, who is prosecuting the case along with Assistant District Attorney Wanda DeOliveira, asked him how he felt at the time.

Very surprised and very worried, he responded.

At one point, Cameron said he received a series of text messages from an unknown number.

A screenshot of the messages was shown to the jury. They read: Answer the phone bro  Whats happening out there  Hellooooo . Answer.

Cameron said he also received a phone call from that number from a man who identified himself as Steve.

He said he knew the voice was Lopezs, who inquired again as to what was happening.

Cameron said he kinda hung up and didnt speak to the defendant.

Gallucci, the defense lawyer, sought to discredit the witness, his questions suggesting Cameron possibly had a grudge against Lopez.

Cameron acknowledged he once had thrown out some of Lopezs clothes, claiming they smelled, and Lopez made him pay for them.

Since the brothers admittedly had an uneasy relationship, the lawyer questioned why Lopez would have confided to Cameron about killing Aduba.

I dont understand, the witness responded, shaking his head.

Gallucci also asked the witness how he felt about Lopez and Aduba taking drugs in the house.

It was not my business, said Cameron.

Also testifying Tuesday was Jerome Tucker, a Transportation Department supervisor.

Tucker, who worked in a yard near the defendants home, said he and a co-worker were driving toward the yard around 6:30 a.m. on May 20, 2016, when he saw a man rolling what appeared to be a body on a push cart down Richmond Terrace.

I wouldve sworn it was a body, said Tucker. It was wrapped up, mummified. Thats what caught our attention.

Tucker said the body appeared to be in a tarp and was on a Home Depot-type L-shaped cart.

The witness said he didnt call police afterward, because he wasnt completely sure a body was on the cart.

The carts description led to a moment of comic relief.

Gallucci, trying to nail down the dollys appearance, drew on a piece of paper and asked Tucker if thats what the apparatus looked like.

What is this? said Tucker incredulously. Im not sure what Im looking at. I never seen a push cart like that.

The trial resumes Wednesday before Justice Wayne Ozzi.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A reputed Hells Angels motorcycle gang member from Staten Island has admitted to shooting a rival biker in an attack outside a Virginia motel five months ago.

Dominick J. Eadicicco pleaded guilty Tuesday in Augusta County Circuit Court to malicious wounding by a mob and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, stemming from the Sept. 10 ambush outside the Hometown Inn near Greenville, said Augusta County Commonwealths Attorney Tim Martin.

The defendant was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Eadicicco, 49, was among seven Hells Angels bikers arrested following the assault of two members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club around 3 a.m.

He and a co-defendant, Anthony Milan, 28, of East Elmhurst, Queens, shot one victim who attempted to flee from the larger Hells Angels group, said authorities.

That man survived the shooting, while a second victim was beaten with a hammer, authorities said.

Martin said the shooting victim was uncooperative.

Last month, Milan pleaded guilty to the identical charges as Eadicicco and also was sentenced to eight years behind bars.

Three other defendants from the New York-New Jersey metro area pleaded guilty last month to malicious wounding by a mob and were sentenced to four years in prison, Martin said.

The two other gang members were charged with lesser crimes, he said.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The community made clear Tuesday night that it opposes a South Shore homeless shelter at Mount Loretto.

Over 100 people came to a Community Board 3 meeting at the Woodrow United Methodist Church to voice their concerns, and members of the board, including chair Frank Morano, listened.

Anybody would be concerned about it," Morano said of the 22-bed all-female shelter on the site owned by Catholic Charities.

This shelter, and another in Tompkinsville are part of a city-wide effort to build 90 shelters across the city over the next five years.

Both Staten Island shelters, and many across the city have received community opposition.

According to plans obtained by the Advance, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) plans to look for additional sites for 300 more beds over the course of our plan, in the Mid-Island and South Shore areas.

Residents at Tuesdays meeting noted Mount Lorettos relative isolation as part of their opposition, wondering if the women at the shelter, who would all be over 50, would have the things they need to get back on their feet.

Lack of transportation, and job opportunities in the area were specific concerns attendees voiced.

Basically theyre going to be warehousing people there, Morano said.

The safety of children, including some with special needs, at schools located at Mount Loretto was also a major concern for several of the attendees.

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, who does not represent the district of the proposed site, was the only elected official in attendance.

She said a lack of community engagement from DHS and Mayor Bill de Blasios office were among her biggest concerns on the proposed homeless sites.

We dont need to be building more shelters, she said. I am a Staten Islander and I care about the community.

Several other elected officials, including City Councilman Joe Borelli, and Congressman Max Rose, sent representatives to Tuesday nights meeting.

According to the plans, DHS said there are about 1,300 homeless New Yorkers from Staten Island in shelters citywide.

Residents at the meeting said they do not believe those numbers to be accurate, and wondered what the city defined as being from Staten Island.

The city has experienced opposition to proposed homeless shelters across the city, including one in Ozone Park. Sam Esposito, of that Queens neighborhood, attended the meeting.

He took part in a 3-week hunger strike to raise awareness of how against the shelter residents of his neighborhood were.

The Rev. Terry Troia, who is the executive director of Project Hospitality, ran a shelter at Mount Loretto from 2001 to 2016.

She told the crowd that a homeless shelter would help those in need, and asked where it should go, if not at the Mount Loretto site.

Activist Leticia Remauro, secretary for the Staten Island Downtown Alliance, suggested alternatives to the shelters like more affordable housing in the borough.

The best location for shelters is nowhere, she said.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A state appeals court ruled Tuesday that NYPD body-camera footage can be made public, rejecting a cop unions argument that the recordings were part of personnel records that should be kept under seal.

The Patrolmens Benevolent Association (PBA) was urging the court to reconsider a previous Manhattan state Supreme Court decision that rejected the unions assertion that body-camera clips could only be released with a court order or with an officers consent.

The PBA cited Civil Rights Law Section 50-a, which protects the disciplinary records of officers from public disclosure, and argued if the footage was disseminated, it would be an invasion of privacy and would put the officers safety at risk, said the filing in the Appellate Division, First Department.

The appeals court panel recognized those as valid concerns, but ultimately decided to uphold the previous state court ruling.

The panel said the body cameras were not intended for performance evaluation, and were no different than the release of arrest reports, accident reports, summonses or stop reports when evaluating job performance, according to the filing.

We find that, given its nature and use, the body-worn-camera footage at issue is not a personnel record covered by the confidentiality and disclosure requirements of 50-a," said the decision. The purpose of body-worn-camera footage is for use in the service of other key objectives of the program, such as transparency, accountability and public trust-building.

NYPD Commissioner James I. ONeill, long a proponent of making the footage public, said the ruling was an important step for transparency.

It affirms what the NYPD believes  not only is the public entitled to this information, but this footage overwhelmingly shows just how brave, skilled and dedicated our cops are every single day in service of the people of New York City, ONeill said in a statement.

PBA President Patrick Lynch decried the ruling, saying the decision was wrong" and the union is exploring an appeal.

...It will have a negative impact on public safety and on the safety of our members,'' he said in a statement. "We are reviewing the decision and assessing our options for appeal.

There have been a few high-profile body-camera videos depicting incidents on Staten Island, including a near-fatal encounter in Stapleton last year.

The footage shows suspect Marcus Washington sitting on the ground and surrounded by officers with their guns drawn.

"Put your hands in the air," an officer said. "Put them up now."

Then Washington appears to be reaching for the gun before things escalate. A woman in the background screams no, as officers yell stop.

"Drop the gun," cops said.

"Put your hands in the air," they said again.

Washington is then seen slowly putting his hands up before cops swarm him and place him under arrest.

One officer then removes the clip from the gun and throws it to the side.

"Loaded," he said.

"I was a second away," the cop says.

Authorities were responding to the shooting incident near the Stapleton Houses last April. Washington allegedly fired two shots, one of which entered an apartment of the Warren Street building.

No one was injured in the incident, but a bullet was found in the apartments kitchen, along with broken glass in the womans living room.

Washington pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal weapon possession and was sentenced to four years in prison.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD posted on social media photos of men sought for questioning in connection with a stabbing last October in the vicinity of the Todt Hill Houses.

Christagon Matthews-Milton, Jaqwone Augustus and an unidentified man are persons of interest in the assault last Oct. 13 at about 8:50 p.m. in front of the Todt Hill Houses building at 247 Westwood Ave., according to a post on the 122nd Precinct Twitter feed and a spokesman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

The victim, a 21-year-old man, was considered not likely to die from injuries to his torso and was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, according to police.

The 21-year-old victim told police that three men walked up to him while he was in front of the building on Westwood Avenue. He said that one of the men stabbed him once in the torso, the police spokesman said.

The victim knew at least one of the persons of interest prior to the assault, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.

Pictures of the three wanted men are published on the precincts Twitter feed.

A live video was posted from the scene on the Staten Island Advance Facebook page.

People with information are encouraged to contact the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 (TIPS) or for Spanish, 1-888-577-4782 (PISTA). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 27-year-old man choked a woman, punched a man and then assaulted two police officers in Tottenville, authorities allege.

The woman who was attacked was the suspects girlfriend and the man was her father, who stepped in to protect his daughter during the domestic-violence incident, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.

The dispute began with an argument between the couple because the suspect allegedly was drunk, the source said.

Daniel Klinsky, of Jason Court in Freehold, N.J., placed both hands around the neck of the 24-year-old woman and then applied pressure on Saturday at about 5:40 p.m. inside a home in the vicinity of Craig Avenue and Shore Road, according to police and the criminal complaint.

The suspect then allegedly removed one of his hands from her neck so that he could use it to pick up his cell phone. He repeatedly slammed her head into the phone, the complaint alleges.

Klinsky then punched the 54-year-old man in the face in front of the home, according to the complaint.

Officers were called to the home and were trying to arrest Klinsky when the suspect allegedly flailed his arms and kicked a male officer multiple times in the chest.

Klinsky bit another male officer in the bicep muscle in his left arm, according to the complaint.

The 24-year-old woman suffered pain, swelling, bruising and a welt to the back of her head. The 54-year-old man endured pain, swelling and bruising to his right eye, police said.

One officer suffered substantial pain and bruising on his chest, while another officer experienced pain, bruising, swelling and an abrasion to his left bicep, according to the complaint.

The suspect was charged with assault, criminal obstruction of breathing, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, criminal possession of a weapon and harassment.

Klinskys bond was set at $10,000/$5,000 cash and he is due back in Criminal Court on Friday, according to public records.

We ask that no one jump to any conclusions," said Klinskys attorney, Eliza Pacheco. "We are investigating the case. We are confident that as more information is brought to light, it will become clear that Mr. Klinsky is innocent of the charges leveled against him.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A group of Oregon lawmakers wants to put the law in the hands of children.

The legislators drafted a bill that would amend the states constitution, lowering the voting age from 18 to 16. If the bill passes, it will be put before voters in 2020.

Younger Oregonians should have a chance to participate in the ballot -- about decisions that affect their homes, their clean air, their future, their schools and, as weve seen, their very lives, Democratic state Sen. Shemia Fagan said at a press conference Monday announcing the measure, according to OregonLive.

This wouldnt be the first time the voting age has been lowered. It was 21 years old before the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1971, lowered it to 18. The amendment was fueled in part by teenagers facing the draft for the Vietnam War.

Samantha Gladu, executive director of the youth grassroots organization Bus Project, told CNN that 16- and 17-year-olds are engaged and smart enough to cast informed votes.

They know that we have to take action urgently on issues like education funding, health care, climate justice and gun violence in particular, Gladu said. Im also hearing a lot from 16- and 17-year-olds about the need for criminal justice reform and the need to stop mass incarceration.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The elections for community and citywide education councils are open for the 2019-2021 term, including for Staten Islands community education council (CEC) 31.

Education councils are elected every two years, and elections are now open to fill all 325 elected seats for the two-year term that begins on July 1.

According to the Department of Educations (DOE) website NYCparentleaders.org, councils give parents a voice in shaping the policies and priorities for New York City schools.

From advising the Chancellor to working directly with the district superintendent and reviewing district educational programs and needs, the 32 Community Education Councils and 4 Citywide Education Councils play a major role in education policy and help make our public schools the best they can be, according to NYCparentleaders.org.

Each CEC consists of 11 voting members which includes nine elected parents of students in pre-K through eighth grade (including a parent of an English Language Learner and a parent of an Individualized Learning Plan student), two borough president appointees and a non-voting high school student.

You are eligible to run if you are the parent of a student who currently attends pre-K through eighth grade in a school under the jurisdiction of the community school district where you wish to serve on the CEC.

There are also four citywide councils for specific student populations: Citywide Council on High Schools (CCHS), Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE), Citywide Council on English Language Learners (CCELL), Citywide Council for District 75 (CCD75).

Like CECs, the councils each have 11 voting members (nine elected parents and two appointees), with the exception of the Citywide Council on High Schools, which has 13 members (10 elected parents and three appointees).

The deadline to submit an education council application is March 6. In May, selectors will vote on candidates to join councils.

FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.You are now listening to the sounds of the New Generation. A podcast created for those who desire a new way of gaining information rather than reading a traditional newspaper. In our show we will discuss everything from sports, pop culture, politics, and local news. To stay up to date on our latest episodes every week be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast service. And dont worry, we keep it short.Shocking footage from Indonesia shows a stream full of plastic bottles as locals battle to clear the mess.



The astonishing scene was captured in Manado City, Indonesia, on February 5 as the waterway struggled to move through the channel.



All of the bottles would eventually flow into the country's ocean - putting the world's marine creatures at risk.



The devastating level of pollution highlights the effect that plastic is having - and the uphill struggle to reduce its use.



The local resident who filmed the tragic scenes, Cheer Zniqitha, said: ''Everybody was trying hard to clear the river but there was just too much garbage.''



Indonesian community group I Choose Earth has now called on the local government in the area to improve the infrastructure and waste management.



They said: ''This is a frightening example of how the Earth is increasingly threatened by the waste produced by its inhabitants. This is a serious problem that's happening before our eyes.



''We can all do something today instead of waiting for others. We need to change our own behaviour and our own habits. Everyone has to take some responsibility.



''The Manado City Government should take this problem seriously.''We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This includes cookies from third party social media websites and ad networks. Such third party cookies may track your use on Sharedots sites for better rendering. Our partners use cookies to ensure we show you advertising that is relevant to you. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on Sharedots website. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time. Learn moreTIZIANA FABI;Tiziana Fabi / AFP / Getty Images

VATICAN CITY  Catholic religious orders from around the world apologized Tuesday for having failed to respond when their priests raped children, acknowledging that their family-like communities blinded them to sexual abuse and led to misplaced loyalties, denial and cover-ups.

The two umbrella organizations representing the worlds religious orders issued a joint statement ahead of Pope Francis sex abuse prevention summit, which opens Thursday. They vowed to implement accountability measures going forward to ensure that cover-ups by religious superiors end and that children are always safe in the presence of clergy.PARIS  French residents and public officials from across the political spectrum geared up Tuesday for nationwide rallies against anti-Semitism following a series of anti-Semitic acts, including the swastikas painted on about 80 gravestones at a Jewish cemetery overnight.

Just hours ahead of the events in Paris and other cities, French President Emmanuel Macron headed to the cemetery in Quatzenheim, a small Alsace town, and said he felt shame at the sight of the defaced markers.

This looks like absurd stupidity, the French leader said, looking visibly sad and concerned.

Macron observed several moments of silence in front of the vandalized graves while local Jewish community representatives stood by.

We will take action, he promised.

Later Tuesday, former French Presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy joined thousands of protesters and government officials on Paris streets.

The upsurge in anti-Semitism in France, home to the worlds largest Jewish population outside Israel and the United States, surged last weekend when a torrent of hate speech was directed at prominent philosopher Alain Finkielkraut during a march of yellow vest antigovernment protesters.

The assault came days after the French government reported a big rise in anti-Semitism last year: 541 registered incidents, up 74 percent from 311 in 2017.

In addition to the marches, Macron joined National Assembly President Richard Ferrand and the head of Senate, Gerard Larcher, to hold a moment of silence at the Shoah memorial in Paris.

Every time a French person, because he or she is Jewish, is insulted, threatened  or worse, injured or killed  the whole Republic is attacked, Macron said at a press conference in Paris.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe later led government officials at the main rally at Pariss famed Republic Square.

Anti-Semitism is deeply rooted in French society. We would like to think otherwise, but it is a fact, Philippe told LExpress magazine. We must be totally determined, I would say almost enraged, in our will to fight, with a clear awareness that this fight is an old one and will last a long time.

According to sociologist Danny Trom, author of the book France Without Jews, thousands of Jewish people leave France every year because the rise of anti-Semitism.

Samuel Petrequin and Sylvie Corbet are Associated Press writers.You may have dreamed of owning your own vineyard. Well, here's a chance to own an entire wine appellation.

In a remote canyon valley rimmed with oak-dotted rolling hills two hours north of San Francisco, Cole Ranch is the country's smallest wine appellation with 150 acres and 50 of them planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling vines.

The patch of land sitting at about 1,400 feet above sea level in Mendocino County has its own microclimate that's cooler and wetter than nearby Ukiah, lengthening the grapes' required ripening time over a month compared to nearby vineyards, and infusing the wine with a trademark acidity. The ranch's tricky climate has historically resulted in a smaller wine yield for an area its size with 130 tons of grapes sold to nearby wineries, but the resulting vintages are generally well-regarded.

"That marked acidity is the defining trait of Cole Ranch wines," SFGATE reported on a story about the wine region in 2007. "The wines are remarkably delicate, yet earthy, with bright fruit flavors. Almost every year, Cole Ranch Rieslings have an electric edge."

Ohio native John Cole planted the first vines on the land in the 1970s, and in 1983, Cole Ranch was officially designated an American Viticultural Area. The property has since had two other of owners, and now it's on the market for $3.3 million.

ALSO: Pebble Beach house built to take in ocean views listed for $34.9 million

SFGATE

The best thing about this property is the water's right," says listing agent Todd Renfrew of California Outdoor Properties. "They have exclusive rights to the water in a neighboring reservoir."

Renfrew explains the reservoir used to be part of Cole Ranch but the property was sold and the water right's maintained.

While the only structure on the property is a vineyard manager's trailer, there's a building site on a knoll overlooking the valley.

"It's a beautiful spot for a home," he says.

MORE: More than half of Californians want to leave the state

The sellers are seasoned vintners and purchased the property three years ago, pulling out old vines, replacing worn-out trellises and added nutrients to the soil.

"They've fixed it up and cleaned it up, and now it's ready for someone already in the wine industry or someone who wants to get into it," he says.

The property is located on a paved and winding road accessed from Highway 253 just south of Ukiah. It's 20 minutes from Hopland and an hour north of Santa Rosa.During a campaign event in New Hampshire, California Sen. Kamala Harris said she would be willing to change the name of Columbus Day to "Indigenous Peoples' Day."

According to BuzzFeed News, the 2020 presidential candidate was asked by an audience member at a Monday event in Portsmouth if she would support renaming the national holiday to honor Native Americans instead of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus.

"Sign me up," Harris replied.

Progressives have long wanted to change the name of the controversial holiday, and in January 2018, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 10-1 to officially refer to the holiday as "Indigenous People's Day."

Aaron Peskin was the only supervisor to vote against the measure, citing angry emails from Italian-Americans in his district who felt the holiday was part of their own ancestral heritage.

MORE HARRIS: 'Breakfast Club' hosts defend Kamala Harris over weed controversy stemming from show appearance

Harris continued her 2020 presidential campaign in New Hampshire on Tuesday, hours after Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders  the winner of the 2016 New Hampshire Democratic Primary  officially entered the 2020 race.

Unlike Sanders, however, Harris said that she does not identify as a "democratic socialist," and merely wants to "correct the course" of capitalism.

"I am not a democratic socialist," Harris said, echoing remarks she made Monday. "I believe that capitalism has great strengths when it works for all people equally well. I do believe that we do need to recognize that over the last many decades, the rules have been written in a way that has excluded working families and middle-class families, and we have to correct course."

RELATED: Harris: Facts unfolding in probe of alleged Smollett attack

In a Tuesday interview with NBC's Kasie Hunt, Harris said that she does not view her "Medicare for All" plan as socialism.

"No, no, it's about providing health care to all people," she said. "It's about understanding that access to affordable health care should not be a privilege; it should be a right. It's about understanding that in a democracy, and the way we have constructed our democracy, we at least in concept have said that your access to public education, public health or public safety should not be a function of how much money you have. But in America today, that's not the case."

Harris was one of many 2020 candidates to visit New Hampshire over Presidents' Day Weekend. Joining her in the Granite State were New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, among others.

Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email him at eting@sfchronicle.com and follow him on Twitter

Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news.An 18-year-old will get his wish Wednesday in Oakland to be a construction worker, officials with Make-A-Wish Bay Area said Tuesday.



Lucas has a heart condition and suffers from delayed development and has dreamed of working in construction for a long time.



When he first met volunteers from the Make-A-Wish he beamed with pride when he showed them a construction hat he had made with plastic, duct tape and pictures of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.



Lucas's wish will include a tour of the Brooklyn Basin project in Oakland, classes at the Cypress Mandela Training Center and visits to several properties.



He'll also have lunch with construction workers. During the day, the Oakland mayor's office will proclaim Feb. 20, 2019, as Lucas Jackson Daley and Make-A-Wish day in Oakland, which also honors Make-A-Wish Bay Area's 35th anniversary.







Accompanied by Grammy-winning musician John Legend and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, former President Barack Obama sought to empower and inspire an audience of young men to change society for the better during a national gathering Tuesday of his My Brother's Keeper Alliance in Oakland.



Obama, who began My Brother's Keeper five years ago to support boys and young men of color in the wake of the Trayvon Martin shooting, celebrated the alliance's accomplishments in developing hundreds of local programs throughout the nation aimed at reducing gun violence, building mentoring relationships and improving life opportunities for vulnerable groups.



Most of all, however, he emphasized the role the young people in attendance at the Oakland Scottish Rite Center must play in tackling systemic societal problems, both for themselves and others.



"You can have a bunch of politicians and celebrities talk all they want, but ultimately what actually will bring about change is when all of you go back to your respective communities and activate and educate yourselves and then insist whoever it is who is in charge of making those decisions is making them on behalf of communities for the right reasons and in the right way," he said. "And if there aren't people who are doing that, they should be replaced, and if there's nobody to replace them, you should step up and prepare yourselves to replace them."



The three-day MBKRising! gathering, which began Monday with a day of community service, concludes Wednesday with sessions featuring film director Ryan Coogler and actor/producer Michael B. Jordan. Sessions are scheduled from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m., and will be live-streamed at www.obama.org. The event is not open to the public.







Officials with the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that they are terminating an agreement worth $929 million for the California High-Speed Rail project.



For years, California officials have envisioned a high-speed rail connection between Los Angeles and San Francisco.



The announcement Tuesday was directed to Brian Kelly with the California High-Speed Rail Authority in a letter from the Federal Railroad Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.



The letter says the cancellation will be effective March 5. Also, federal officials said they are exploring legal options to force California to return $2.5 billion in federal funds already given to the state for the project, which federal officials called "defunct."







The Sierra Club and a coalition of border community organizations sued President Donald Trump in federal court in San Francisco Tuesday to challenge his declaration of a national emergency to divert federal funding to border wall construction.



The lawsuit by the Oakland-based Sierra Club and more than 60 organizations along the southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas borders was filed by American Civil Liberties Union lawyers.



A similar lawsuit was filed in federal court in San Francisco Monday by California and 15 other states. The lawsuits name several other administration officials as well as Trump as defendants.



Both cases claim Trump's declaration Friday is unconstitutional because it intrudes on Congress's exclusive authority to appropriate money.



The two lawsuits also contend Trump's action violates the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires a study and an opportunity for public comment on actions affecting the environment.







Mayor Sam Liccardo presented a plan Tuesday to modify a San Jose gun control ordinance that has not been updated in almost 40 years.



He was joined by mothers advocating for gun control, high school students in the March for Our Lives movement, Police Chief Eddie Garcia and others at the Police Department's headquarters Tuesday afternoon, where he described a strategy to obstruct illegal guns and "straw purchases" at gun shops.



Many illegal weapons on the street initially pass through the retail process where an individual without a criminal record may purchase a gun for a minor, a felon or someone who is otherwise legally barred, Liccardo said.



While there has been a dramatic increase in black market gun sales, there was also a 156 percent increase in guns legally sold in Santa Clara County between 2001 and 2015, according to the mayor's office. The memorandum is an effort to curb the sale of legal guns that may be ending up stolen, transferred or in the wrong hands.



Liccardo is calling for video and audio surveillance of all gun purchases at about two dozen retailers in the city and employee training to ask customers who they are purchasing the gun for. The plan is co-sponsored by Vice Mayor Chappie Jones and will be presented to the City Council in March.







San Franciscans and anyone else planning to attend Chinese New Year celebrations happening this week are being encouraged to sign up for text alerts from the city's Department of Emergency Management.



The parade, the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia, is set to start Saturday at 5 p.m. near Market and Second streets. Organizers strongly recommend that attendees take public transportation.



Residents and visitors can text LUNARSF to 888-777 to receive alerts about transit and traffic impacts and any other emergencies.



"San Francisco invites the entire Bay Area and beyond to celebrate Lunar New Year safely in our city," Mary Ellen Carroll, emergency department executive director said in a statement. "Signing up for emergency text alerts from AlertSF is one of the simplest ways to stay informed and safe should there be any situation that may impact the world-renowned Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco."



The city expects thousands of visitors to attend the celebrations, which also include a Chinese Community Street Fair happening in Chinatown on both Saturday and Sunday.







A Santa Rosa man was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years to life in prison for the sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl during a burglary of her Rohnert Park home last year.



Noah Luke Holland, 22, pleaded no contest on Dec. 26 to forcible child molestation committed during a residential burglary on Jan. 4, 2017, Sonoma County prosecutors said.



Holland found a garage door opener in an unlocked vehicle and used it to enter the girl's home. The girl screamed during the assault and Holland fled, leaving his clothing behind, according to the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office.



Holland was identified as the suspect when a wallet with his identification was found in the pants he left behind.







A teenage boy from Dublin who went missing last week has been found safe, according to police.



Max Joseph Merrell, 14, was reported missing by his family on Tuesday, Feb. 12, police said, and was in good health when located. He was reported to be with a group of friends on the day he went missing in Dublin.



Police didn't provide any additional information on the disappearance.





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A teenage boy from Dublin who went missing last week has been found safe, according to police.



Max Joseph Merrell, 14, was reported missing by his family on Tuesday, Feb. 12, police said, and was in good health when located. He was reported to be with a group of friends on the day he went missing in Dublin.



Police didn't provide any additional information on the disappearance.





Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.A special education teacher who worked with developmentally disabled adults has been sentenced to 14 years in state prison after pleading guilty to raping one of the students in 2017, Contra Costa County prosecutors said.



Daniel Gonzalez Jr. worked with adult students at the Bridge Program at Loma Vista Adult Center at 1266 San Carlos Ave. in Concord.



Gonzalez was accused of repeatedly assaulting the victim, who he met through his work at the Bridge Program. The allegations were reported in early December 2017, and Gonzalez was arrested later that month.



Upon his release from prison, Gonzalez will be required to register as a sex offender.



At the time of his arrest, Concord police said Gonzalez had been put on administrative leave, but Mt. Diablo Unified School District officials did not respond to a request for comment on the case Wednesday afternoon.



Defense attorney Roberta Brooks also did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her client's behalf.





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A group of Oakland Unified School District principals will be traveling to the state capitol on Wednesday - with a teachers strike looming Thursday - to lobby for more funding, request forgiveness of a loan from the state and fight for a revision to a charter school law, according to district officials.



The administrators from schools across the district will gather at a coffee shop in the city's Temescal neighborhood for a news conference Monday morning at 7 a.m. before leaving for the capitol in carpools, district spokesperson John Sasaki said in a statement.



The trip comes the day before a planned strike for teachers in the district, according to teacher's union officials. No mention of the impending strike was made by district officials in a news release early Wednesday morning.



According to Sasaki, the administrators have a full day planned at the capitol, meeting with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, State Senator Nancy Skinner, D-Oakland, along with Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, and Rob Bonta, D-Oakland. They will also meet with Patrick O'Donnell, D-Long Beach, the education committee chair.



The administrators plan to lobby for more funding for students across the state, ask forgiveness of a state loan that the district owes $36 million on - and is expected to be paid off with annual $6 million payments by 2024 - and the revision of a state law which allows charters schools to override a "no" vote from a local school board with an approval from a county board of education or the state board, district officials said.



The principals are expected to leave the state capitol to return to Oakland at 2:30 p.m.



On Saturday, union officials said the looming strike is intended to fight for higher wages, smaller class sizes and more resources for students.



Keith Brown, president of the Oakland Education Association teachers' union, said on Saturday the pay raise sought by OEA would allow teachers to earn enough to live in Oakland. He also said smaller class sizes would make classes more conducive to learning.



The union seeks a 12 percent pay raise. Oakland Unified School District has offered teachers a 5 percent pay raise. Both raises would be made in stages over a period of years.



Sasaki said on Saturday that the district supports a wage increase for employees, but must work within the district's financial reality.



"Everyone knows how expensive it is to live in the Bay Area and Oakland," Sasaki said. "We want to give our teachers as much as we can, but we have to do it within our means. We have a structural deficit and we are making cuts across the board.



"We would love to give our teachers the moon. But we don't have the moon to give them," he said on Saturday.



Attempts to reach Sasaki early Wednesday morning were unsuccessful.





Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



San Franciscans and anyone else planning to attend Chinese New Year celebrations happening this week are being encouraged to sign up for text alerts from the city's Department of Emergency Management.



The parade, the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia, is set to start Saturday at 5 p.m. near Market and Second streets. Organizers strongly recommend that attendees take public transportation.



Residents and visitors can text LUNARSF to 888-777 to receive alerts about transit and traffic impacts and any other emergencies.



"San Francisco invites the entire Bay Area and beyond to celebrate Lunar New Year safely in our city," Mary Ellen Carroll, emergency department executive director said in a statement. "Signing up for emergency text alerts from AlertSF is one of the simplest ways to stay informed and safe should there be any situation that may impact the world-renowned Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco."



The city expects thousands of visitors to attend the celebrations, which also include a Chinese Community Street Fair happening in Chinatown on both Saturday and Sunday.



In a statement, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said, "Having situation awareness and preparedness goes hand-in-hand with having fun during celebratory events in San Francisco.



"Our Lunar New Year Parade is one of San Francisco's' most popular and special events. It draws many spectators and everyone's safety and well-being is a priority for the San Francisco Police Department. Registering for LUNARSF will help all parade spectators be prepared to know what to do in case of an emergency. Preparedness is key to being safe," he said.



In addition to the text alerts, emergency department officials encourage attendees to call 911 to report suspicious activity. They're also reminding attendees that all fireworks are illegal in the city.



The world-famous San Francisco parade began in the 1860s as a way for Chinese-Americans to celebrate their culture, and is known for its elaborate floats, dancers, stilt walkers, acrobats, music and costumes.





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Two San Francisco residents filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the construction company and contractors involved in a gas line rupture that caused a three-alarm fire earlier this month on Geary Boulevard.



According to the suit, plaintiffs Carina Kouyoumji and Nora Wixom are suing Mastec Services Company Inc.; Mastec Renewables Construction Company Inc.; Kilford Engineering Inc.; and Advanced Fiber Works Inc. Verizon Communications Inc. has also been named as a defendant.



Both plaintiffs live in one of the five buildings badly damaged by the Feb. 6 fire, which ignited after workers installing fiber optic lines near Geary Boulevard and Parker Avenue struck a PG&E gas line.



The lawsuit alleges the explosion was a direct result of the defendants' "reckless and willful violation of California law of using a backhoe to dig a trench near subsurface installations."



The California Government Code requires anyone excavating near a subsurface installation, such as a gas line, to use hand tools like a shovel.



The defendants are also accused of being negligent, causing a nuisance and trespassing.



The suit goes on to allege that because of the blaze, the two plaintiffs' possessions were destroyed and they were left homeless. In addition, the two suffered mental anguish and were forced to take time off work because of it.



"Ultimately you've got contractors doing work near high-pressure distribution gas lines in a high-density area like San Francisco. You would think that every precaution would be taken following state law, including not using heavy machinery near gas lines," said Ara Jabagchourian, attorney for the plaintiffs. "We're lucky here nobody got injured."



Immediately after the gas line was ruptured, flames shot in the air for more than two hours before crews stopped the flow of gas.



Residents in the neighborhood were evacuated. Two buildings were left with major structural damage and three others with extensive water damage, according to police and fire officials.



According to PG&E, the contractors had called 811 to check for any utilities underneath the area before the digging commenced. PG&E then sent crews to the area to make markings.



Days after the incident, the National Transportation Safety Board announced it had started an investigation with help from the FBI into the cause. The investigation was to include interviews with the contractors and subcontractors involved.



Florida-based Mastec and New York-based Verizon were not immediately available for comment. Kilford Engineering could not be reached for comment.



The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages, Jabagchourian said.





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University of California police are asking for help investigating a suspicious circumstance Saturday at People's Park in Berkeley, police said Tuesday.



A report was made to police at about 2:45 a.m. Saturday by someone who said a person was lying unconscious on the ground in People's Park and her clothing was askew.



Police said the victim was taken to a hospital. Police said she does not remember how she got to People's Park and what occurred when she was in the park.



Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Police Department's criminal investigation bureau at (510) 642-0472 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and (510) 642-6760 all other times.





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A two-alarm fire in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood displaced 14 people Monday afternoon, fire officials said.



The blaze was reported just after 3 p.m. at two adjacent residential buildings, both 1226 and 1228 Page St., San Francisco Fire Department spokesman Jonathan Baxter said.



Both structures sustained significant damages and investigators are working on trying to figure out where exactly the fire started and what caused it, he said.



No injuries were reported. Of the displaced residents, three are being assisted by the American Red Cross.





Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.SANTA ROSA (BCN)



Public records dating back to 1964 will now be available for purchase online, the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder's Office announced Tuesday.



The Clerk-Recorder's Office last year implemented new technology that allowed copies of public records dating back to 1980 to be purchased online, Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters Deva Marie Proto said.



The recorded documents service has now been expanded back to 1964 when electronic indexing began, Proto said.



Previously, customers had to go to the Clerk-Recorder's Office or mail a request with the correct fees to buy a copy of those records, and the delays potentially caused financial and legal repercussions, Proto said.



The Clerk-Recorder's Office records, preserves and makes available deeds, liens, military discharge records, affidavits of deaths and reconveyances.



California law prohibits records to be viewed or read online but may be purchased and then viewed, Proto said. Recorded documents go back to 1850 when California became a state, and they have been digitized and microfilmed for preservation.





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A Martinez Junior High School student was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly writing a threat on a bathroom mirror, according to police.



Police said officers were dispatched to the school at 1600 Court St. where the threat said that someone would "shoot up the school" on Wednesday. Officers were able to contact the suspect, a boy whose name is not being released, and arrested him.



Officers determined the threat wasn't credible, but police said they still took it seriously, and precautions were made to ensure the safety of students and staff.



The boy was booked into Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall.





Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.Arriving on campus for the first time as a freshman can be stressful for a multitude of reasons, so keeping yourself busy is key to settling into a healthy routine. In order to get into this new college lifestyle, Virginia Tech provides its students with plenty of opportunities outside the cA suburban Chicago man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the hot tub drowning death of his wife.

Eric Huska of Wheeling is accused of closing the lid of a backyard hot tub, causing the death late Saturday of Laura Huska.An enormous 8,000-square-foot fortress set on 40 acres of land in Nevada's sagebrush-dotted high desert, a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, is selling for $950,000.

The so-called Hard Luck Castle with four-bedrooms and three bathrooms is an extraordinary and admittedly quite odd architectural wonder with a fantastical design you'd expect to find on the set of an apocalyptic science-fiction filmthink "Mad Max."

Its concrete walls are 16 inches thick and wrap around the circular structure with a central staircase taking you to all four floors and a solarium encased in glass for stargazing.

"It's absolutely amazing," says listing agent Jake Rasmuson of Bishop Real Estate. "You have to picture the middle of Nevada...your views are completely uninterrupted.

The main house is comprised of 22 rooms including a wine cellar, a theater and game room, a viewing deck and a fountain room. There are also two working 1920s pipe organs that resonate throughout the halls when played.

RELATED: Seattle loses its Heart: Ann Wilson's house up for under $5 million

A builder from Southern California, the owner chose the town of Gold Point (pop. 6) in Esmeralda County for his dream home due to its privacy, lack of building codes and few laws on private land. He spent $3 million and 12 years to complete his plan, and now he's ready to move onto his next adventure.

"He built it all himself with help from friends ," says listing agent. He's a guy who can fix or do anything. He's an amazing craftsman."

He added: "He's ready to give up the property. Purchase a boat and start a new chapter in his life."

The property is off-the-grid with self-sustained energy systems using solar and wind and a 4,000 gallon water storage tank has rain catchment. There's a detached 600-square-foot workshop equipped with tools for working on cars and steel fabrication and a remodeled miner's cabin with a new bathroom and kitchen.

A productive yet dormant gold mine with a "serviceable" mine shaft is also included. It was shuttered after World War II, but allegedly still contains gold.

"In a lot of ways, it's a 'doomsday prepper' dream home...extremely self-sustaining and secure."

That said, Rasmusson says he could also see an interested buyer might be "an astrologist, an artists, a writer, a musician, a poet, someone who really wants peace and quiet and wants two pipe organs in their home" because the organs and everything else except the owner's dog and truck are included in the sale.An estimated one in five community college students in California is homeless and at OCC they often find safe shelter in vacant campus buildings and parking lots.In January, the Modern Language Association reported that colleges across the country have shut down a stunning 651 language programs over the past three years. This astounding news did not make headlines. It is a quiet crisis  and a harbinger of peril for the next generation of U.S. leaders.

In 1957 a tiny satellite named Sputnik shook Americans out of their global leadership complacency. If the Russians could beat us into space, then maybe they could beat us in other areas as well.

The shock sparked a mad dash in math, engineering and science. It prompted an explosion nationwide in the study of Russian and other critical languages used by our allies and adversaries alike. It steeled our determination as a nation to boost our knowledge base and learn languages to maintain U.S. leadership and national security.

Once again, that leadership is at risk. And once again, the threat is as much complacency at home as danger abroad.

On the surface, language departments are suffering a fate similar to the rest of the humanities as universities look to cut costs and discover relevant fields of study. The standard rationale is that the sciences and engineering fields are universities (and students) moneymakers. Those fields are booming. They are flush with government dollars and funding from tech giants. New laboratories and facilities are being built to attract star faculty. And with the whole world learning English, why bother anyway?

But science degrees, engineering careers and money arent the real issues. Languages (like many of the humanities) require little more than a professor, a textbook and a classroom, making a higher net profit to the institution than their hard science counterparts, with their labs, equipment and software. Italian is always Italian, after all.

The real issue is demand, which has been diminishing for decades and starts long before college: Nationwide, only 1 in 5 students from kindergarten through high school is taught a foreign language. Only 16 states require any world language learning at all in K-12  and usually this amounts to only two years in high school. Language proficiency requirements are on the wane. Yet learning French or Korean is no different from learning English: It takes time to become proficient. Those who grow up without opportunities to learn other languages arent likely to ask for them when they get to college. Its a vicious cycle, especially if parents have little to no experience with other languages.

There are places like Glastonbury, Conn., and Fairfax, Va., where school districts continue to offer comprehensive language programs for kids beginning early in elementary school. Concordia Language Villages in Minnesota offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience for kids 7 to 18 to immerse themselves in 15 languages in a fun, camp-like setting.

But these places are exceptions  and those exceptions are bittersweet. They afford opportunities to a tiny percentage of Americans who live in these school districts or who can pay for summer language camp programs. The rest of America  the 4 in 5 who have no opportunity to learn a second language  is left with few options.

Given the political environment, its hard not to be alarmist at Americas dismissal of world languages. The U.S. faces serious security threats: North Korea, Russia, Islamic State holdouts in the Middle East  the list goes on. To address those challenges effectively, we also need allies. The need to speak the language of our adversaries and our friends is still very present and very real, no matter what we tweet.

National security is not only about threats at the border or nuclear arms. It also involves economic strength. How can we expect to cut our trade deficits if we cant speak the language of our customers?

Our quiet crisis is of our own making. It is not only short-sighted, it is tragic. It can be undone. Until we recognize the value of learning other tongues, however, there arent words in any language for the trouble well be in.

Dan Hamilton is a professor at Johns Hopkins University and dean of Waldsee German Language Village, a program of Concordia Language Villages.

Stacie Nevadomski Berdan is a former global executive, an expert on international careers and co-author of Raising Global Children.WASHINGTON  Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, whose insurgent 2016 presidential campaign reshaped Democratic politics, announced Tuesday that he is running for president in 2020.

Our campaign is not only about defeating Donald Trump, the 77-year-old self-described democratic socialist said in an email to supporters. Our campaign is about transforming our country and creating a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice.

An enthusiastic progressive who embraces proposals ranging from Medicare for All to free college tuition, Sanders stunned the Democratic establishment in 2016 with his spirited challenge to Hillary Clinton. While she ultimately became the partys nominee, his campaign helped lay the groundwork for the leftward lurch that has dominated Democratic politics in the Trump era.

The question now for Sanders is whether he can stand out in a crowded field of Democratic presidential candidates who also embrace many of his policy ideas and are newer to the national political stage. Thats far different from 2016, when he was Clintons lone progressive adversary.

Still, there is no question that Sanders will be a formidable contender for the Democratic nomination. He won more than 13 million votes in 2016 and dozens of primaries and caucuses. He opens his campaign with a nationwide organization and a proven small-dollar fundraising effort.

Were gonna win, Sanders told CBS.

He said he was going to launch what I think is unprecedented in modern American history: a grassroots movement to lay the groundwork for transforming the economic and political life of this country.

Sanders described his new White House bid as a continuation of what we did in 2016, noting that policies he advocated for then are now embraced by the Democratic Party.

You know whats happened in over three years? he said. All of these ideas and many more are now part of the political mainstream.

Sanders campaign raised $1 million in 3 hours on Tuesday morning, according to a person familiar with the campaign, who wasnt authorized to publicly disclose the early numbers and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Sanders could be well positioned to compete in the nations first primary in neighboring New Hampshire, which he won by 22 points in 2016.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Sanders candidacy is how hell compete against someone like Elizabeth Warren, who shares many of his policy goals. Warren has already launched her campaign and has planned an aggressive swing through the early primary states.

Shortly after announcing her exploratory committee, Warren hired Brendan Summers, who managed Sanders 2016 Iowa campaign. Other staffers from Sanders first bid also have said they would consider working for other candidates in 2020.

Juana Summers is an Associated Press writer.RALEIGH, N.C.  Disarray in the administration of the countrys last undecided congressional election was illustrated Tuesday when three poll workers testified some votes were counted days ahead of Election Day.

North Carolinas State Board of Elections heard the testimony as part of a hearing that could result in either a new election being called for the 9th District or the Republican candidate being declared the winner.

The testimony came a day after the board heard evidence the election was also marred by falsified signatures, disappearing documents, and blank ballots that were filled in by people hired by the Republican candidate.

The board heard Tuesday from Bladen County poll workers who admitted tallying results on the Saturday before Election Day when early, in-person voting ended.

Thats contrary to proper practice. The poll workers, Agnes Willis and Coy Mitchell Edwards, said that while they and others could see who had the early lead in Bladen County sheriffs race, they didnt tell anyone.

That testimony contradicted the account of another poll worker, Michele Maultsby, who said earlier Tuesday that she never saw anyone view the tape listing the voting results that Saturday. Agnes Willis must have made an honest mistake when she said people saw the early voting totals, Maultsby said.

State elections director Kim Strach said investigators didnt find evidence that anyone else was tipped off early about the vote totals. But the practice of early counting raises questions about the vulnerability of the countys voting results.

After the hearing ends, the state board will have to decide whether ballot fraud was unfortunate but tolerable, or whether to order a new election in the congressional district that runs from Charlotte through several counties to the east.

Strach testified Monday that a political operative hired by Republican Mark Harris led a coordinated, unlawful and substantially resourced absentee ballot scheme in last years general election in rural Bladen and Robeson counties, which are part of the congressional district, state elections director Kim

The operative, Leslie McCrae Dowless Jr., was called to testify Monday, but his attorney refused to put him on the stand without legal protection against prosecution for events he described. The board refused.

The first of what could be a days-long hearing produced Dowless workers testifying that they sometimes filled in votes on unfinished, unsealed mail-in ballots. But there was scant evidence that Harris knew about it or even benefited.

Harris narrowly leads Democrat Dan McCready in unofficial results.

Emery P. Dalesio is an Associated Press writer.An exceptionally rare antique Japanese vase that was discovered to have been the centerpiece of a popular seafood restaurant in Berkeley for decades has been sold at auction for more than twice its valuation.

The 8-foot-tall, blue Meiji-period cloisonne vase, which was brought to the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 and later moved to San Francisco, was believed to have been lost for over a century. However, as historians found, it was actually purchased by Frank Spenger Sr. as a gift for his wife.

The vase was first placed in the couple's penthouse long ago, but it was so imposing in size it was relocated to their family's restaurant, Spenger's Fish Grotto. The restaurant closed last October, after 128 years in business, and many items belonging to the family went up for auction at Clars earlier this month.

MORE: 'Extremely rare,' formerly suppressed California Dorothea Lange photos auctioned

All told, the vase and a number of other items were sold on Feb. 17 for a grand total of more than $750,000. The vase, initially valued at between $30,000-$50,000, sold for $135,000 to a private buyer in New York.

However, it was another item owned by Spenger that fetched the highest sum. In 1950, Spenger purchased a 34.28 carat light yellow mine-cut diamond and platinum ring. It wasn't just extremely large, it was historic.

The ring was first purchased by King Kalakaua of Hawaii in 1887 on a loan from Crocker Bank in San Francisco, according to Clars. The king died shortly thereafter, leaving the ring with the bank. From there, it was sold to a collector in Texas, until Spenger came to buy it. It sold at auction to an unidentified South Bay woman for $530,000, snugly in its valuation range of $400,000-$600,000.

RELATED: Spenger's Fish Grotto abruptly closes after 128 years in Berkeley

Additional maritime-themed items, including a Divinhood Miller-Dunn Co. navy standard shallow water diving helmet and a large bronze bell on stand reading FT. GARRATT SAN FRANCISCO sold for more than $100,000, bringing Spenger's items to a total of well over $750,000.

There are still more Spenger's pieces to go up for auction; Clars will host the next sale at 9:30 a.m. on March 16 and 17.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.

The Bay Area is no stranger to being showcased in Disney Pixar projects. The production company is, of course, based in Emeryville, so local landmarks, points of interest, and certain pizzerias have all made appearances in the setting of the animation powerhouse's stories.

But a new short, posted by Disney Pixar's YouTube channel as part of its "SparkShort" short-film series, showcases San Francisco's Mission District through the lens of two of its furriest residents, a kitten and a pit bull.Termen extins: CJI anunta un concurs de grant pentru selectarea unei echipe care va crea un instrument sau instrumente ce vor fi utilizate la lectiile de Educatie pentru mediaThis article, Google calls Nest's hidden microphone an 'error', originally appeared on CNET.com.

Google's Nest Secure hub, the Nest Guard, had a microphone, but you wouldn't have known that from the specs or the company itself.

That became apparent after Feb. 4, when Google announced that its voice assistant would be coming to Nest Secure. The microphone has never been listed on Nest Secure's technical specifications, and was not publicized from Google.

In a statement first reported by Business Insider, Google said the omission was a mistake.

"The on-device microphone was never intended to be a secret and should have been listed in the tech specs. That was an error on our part. The microphone has never been on and is only activated when users specifically enable the option," a Google spokesperson said in an email to CNET.

The spokesperson added that Nest Secure had the microphone for future features like detecting the sound of glass breaking.

Nest Secure is Nest's $399 home security system. Like the Ring Alarm Security Kit, Abode and SimpliSafe, Nest Secure is a user-installable home security system that includes a hub and a handful of sensor accessories. Nest announced in February that the Guard hub has built-in Google Assistant voice capabilities, but the company didn't previously disclose that the Guard hub had an integrated microphone.

The omission will strike some people as a privacy concern, given that the microphone has been on Nest's home security hub since 2017. Google has also been in hot water over privacy issues, for instance facing a $57 million fine in Europe for violating the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation.

Nest has suffered other privacy controversies recently. Last month, a hacker infiltrated the Nest Cam security camera of a San Francisco Bay Area family by using a password obtained from a third-party breach. The hacker convinced the family that the US was under nuclear attack from North Korea. In December, another hacker took over the camera of a man in Arizona to warn him of security vulnerabilities. In another case that month, a hacker told a couple through the device that he'd kidnap their child.

While Nest's systems weren't breached in any of those incidents, they raised concerns for consumers. Last month, Nest's general manager Rishi Chandra sent an email to customers reminding them of good cybersecurity habits.

Google bought Nest for $3 billion in 2014. The startup, which largely brought smart home devices into the mainstream with its web-connected thermostat, was co-founded by former Apple hardware czar Tony Fadell. After Google restructured itself under its parent company, Alphabet, a year later, Nest became a semi-independent division within the conglomerate. But Nest rejoined Google last year as the search company was making a bigger push in smart home products.

Aside from its Nest devices, Google also makes the Home smart speaker, Home Hub smart display and Google WiFi mesh router.



Google has been slammed for its location data-tracking practices, along with allowing third-party developers to read people's emails on Gmail.

Last September, Google's chief privacy officer, Keith Enright, told the Senate Commerce Committee that the company has made mistakes on privacy issues. The hidden microphone is Google's latest error in privacy.

CNET's Richard Nieva contributed to this report.

Correction: This story originally misstated the location of the microphone. It's on Nest Secure's home security hub.

Originally published at 7:15 a.m. PT.

Updated at 7:34 a.m. PT: Adds details on privacy issues and Google; 8:43 a.m. PT: Adds details about Nest Secure; and 10:46 a.m. PT: Adds more background.WASHINGTON  The United States and China resumed talks Tuesday aimed at ending a fight over Beijings technology ambitions ahead of a deadline for a massive U.S. tariff hike.

The White House said that the Washington meetings between mid-level delegations will build on talks last week in Beijing that U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said made headway on key issues.

On Thursday, Lighthizer will lead higher level talks, joined by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow and trade adviser Peter Navarro.

Leading the Chinese team will be Vice Premier Liu He, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Business groups and economists saw Fridays surprise announcement of further talks this week as a sign that the two countries are making progress.

Both governments have expressed optimism, but they have given no details of their talks. Economists say the time available for negotiations is too brief to resolve an array of irritants in U.S.-Chinese relations. They say Beijings goal is to persuade President Trump that they are making enough progress to push back threatened U.S. penalties.

Beijing hopes for a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement that is acceptable to both sides, said a foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang.

Without an agreement, a 10 percent tariff increase imposed on $200 billion of Chinese goods is due to rise to 25 percent on March 2.

Lighthizer told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday that the two sides made headway on very, very important and difficult issues.

Trump imposed the penalties over complaints Beijing steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over technology. The talks also include complaints about Beijings plans for government-led technology development, cyberspying and Chinas trade surplus.

Beijing retaliated with higher duties on U.S. goods and told its importers to find other suppliers. That led to a 40 percent drop in Chinese imports of American goods in January.

Washington, Europe, Japan and other trading partners complain that plans such as Made in China 2025, which calls for government-led creation of global competitors in robotics and other technologies, violate Beijings market-opening obligations.

Chinas leaders have offered to narrow its multibillion-dollar trade surplus with the United States by purchasing more natural gas, soybeans and other exports. But they are resisting pressure to scale back industry plans they see as a path to prosperity and global influence.

Other stumbling blocks include Chinese resistance to U.S. pressure to accept an enforcement mechanism with penalties to ensure Beijing carries out whatever commitments it makes.

Trump said last week he might be willing to push back the deadline if the talks go well, but Washington has yet to say whether the negotiations are making enough progress.

Joe McDonald and Paul Wiseman are Associated Press writers.LONDON  Twitter said Tuesday that it is tightening up rules for European Union political ads ahead of bloc-wide elections this spring, following similar moves by fellow tech giants Facebook and Google.

The San Francisco social media company said it is extending restrictions already in place for federal elections in the United States.

Under the new rules, which will also apply in Australia and India, political advertisers will need to be certified.

Twitter is also taking steps to increase transparency. Ads in the form of promoted tweets from the past seven days will be stored in a publicly accessible database, showing how much was spent, how many times it was seen and the demographics of the people who saw it.

Menlo Parks Facebook and Mountain Views Google have put in similar systems ahead of the EU vote in May, as the tech companies respond to criticism that they didnt do enough to prevent misuse of their services by malicious actors trying to sway previous elections around the world.

This is part of our overall goal to protect the health of the public conversation on our service and to provide meaningful context around all political entities who use our advertising products, the company said in a blog post.

Hundreds of millions of people are set to vote for more than 700 European Union parliamentary lawmakers.

Political advertisers can start applying now for certification under Twitters stricter ad rules, which take effect March 11, by providing more information such as photo ID or a company identification number.

Twitter defines political ads as those bought by a party or candidate, or those that advocate for or against a candidate or party.Posted Tuesday, February 19, 2019 4:14 pm

William Wallace Kaiser, 91, passed away at Providence Centralia Hospital Jan. 24, 2019. He was born in Portland, Ore., Feb. 23, 1927.

Bill went to Jefferson High School in Portland and attended two years at Vanport College. He joined the United States Army in 1945, were he completed paratroop training. After his service, he was employed by Pacific Power and Light in Portland, where he began in the mail room. After completing studies as an accountant, he became office manager.

Bill married Carole Trigsted in 1957. They had four children. He was transferred to the Steam Plant in Centralia, Wash., in 1970, as office manager, retiring after 41 years with the company.

Bill is survived by his wife, Carole Kaiser; daughter, Cheri Schilt (husband, John); his three sons, Dean Kaiser, David Kaiser (wife, Debbie) and Steven Kaiser (wife, Pamela); and many grandchildren.

Bill, Carole and Dean attend Faith Baptist Church in Chehalis, Wash. A celebration of life will be held at the church on Bills birthday at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Faith Baptist Church Missions Fund, 436 Coal Creek Rd., Chehalis, WA 98532.This story originally appeared on KCRA.

A 21-year-old tow truck driver is being called a hero after he ran to the rescue of a California Highway Patrol officer who was under attack.

"I saw the cop car pulled over with the lights on," said Christian Melendrez, a tow truck driver who just happened to be in the right place at the right time Friday night along Interstate 5, near the Colusa County town of Williams.

The CHP says Officer Philip Martinson was stabbed in the back with a knife by a suspected DUI driver who was pulled over after speeding at more than 100 mph with hazard lights flashing.

Melendrez said it was instinct that made him respond to an officer in trouble. He said he jumped into action to follow the wounded officer's instructions.

"The next thing was, 'Can you grab some handcuffs? Help me,'" Melendrez said. "So I did. I took the handcuffs off his belt from the back, turned her over, got one arm in, put one on, got the other one."

The struggle wasn't over yet, though.

"And then I turned her over and realized the blade was still underneath her. So I grabbed the blade and threw it on the asphalt," Melendrez said.

The woman arrested was 25-year-old Haile Neil, of Martinez. She is now in the Colusa County jail, where KCRA 3 interviewed her on Tuesday.

Neil said she was en route to Oregon to visit her sister when she was pulled over. She said she was confused about what happened, but she denied attacking the officer.

Meanwhile, the CHP is grateful that Melendrez intervened.

"The good Samaritan, he put his life on the line," said CHP Officer Franco Castillo. "We appreciate what he did for Officer Martinson."

"It was definitely a brave act and very heroic on his part," Castillo added.

Melendrez's boss, Brad Selover, said he is proud of his employee's heroic actions. He said he instructs his drivers to be on the lookout for officers in trouble.

"They are out there daily helping us to slow down traffic, so I teach them to return the favor -- you know, keep an eye on the officers and make sure they are standing upright when they go by," Selover said. "I train them to keep their eyes open for scenarios like this."

He said the hope is that "they never come across one -- that an officer is never in that position. But it happened and he acted and he did the right thing."

For his part, Melendrez said he's glad he just happened to be in a position to help save the officer.

"I'm glad he's good," Melendrez said of Martinson. "I hope to see him soon and talk to him."

Martinson is a four-year veteran of the force. The CHP said he is sore from his stab wounds but home now, resting, and expected to make a full recovery.

Neil is facing charges of attempted murder of a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence of a controlled substance.Of more than 45,000 photograph entries, it was a pair of lions that stole the hearts of judges for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

ALSO READ: 'Mutant' coyotes with icy blue eyes photographed in and near Pt. Reyes

David Lloyd, of New Zealand and the U.K., took top honors in the People's Choice Award category for his black-and-white photograph of two lions nuzzling noses in Tanzania. The image will be on display alongside the other winners, to be announced in October, at the Natural History Museum in London from October 19 to June 30.

Lloyd's lions will be kept company by an urban fox, mating male penguins, playful wild dogs and one tragic polar bear. You can view the photos in the above gallery.

ALSO: Inside Oakland's Bell Labs of the 1960s

The winning images were selected from over 45,000 entries, by professionals and amateurs, across 95 countries. Now in its 55th year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year award annually showcases the world's best photography and photojournalism.

The photographs in the competition "celebrate the astonishing diversity of life on earth, whilst challenging us to address the big questions facing our planet," a press release said.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news.The Trump administration said Tuesday that its canceling $929 million of federal funding for Californias high-speed rail project and demanding the return of $2.6 billion thats already been spent.

Gov. Gavin Newsom quickly denounced the move as political retribution for the states resistance to a southern border wall and said California will fight for the money.

The administration made its move a week after Newsom suggested that the state was refocusing its $77 billion plan to run 220-mph trains between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Because of cost overruns and delays, he said, the state would concentrate on starting service in the Central Valley between Merced and Bakersfield.

President Trump seized on the governors statement in a tweet, calling Californias rail plan a disaster and saying he wanted the state to return federal money that has been invested in the project. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a Bakersfield Republican and close Trump ally who has long opposed the high-speed rail project, also celebrated its extinction.

In a letter sent Tuesday to the California High-Speed Rail Authority, Ronald Batory, head of the Federal Railroad Administration, noted Newsoms significant retreat from the states original plan. He wrote that the reduced project wasnt what the federal government had committed to help fund.

The letter also cited Californias failure to meet its construction schedule, provide sufficient financial contributions and demonstrate that it was effectively managing the project.

Batory wrote that the high-speed rail authority reported spending only $48 million in December, far short of the $142 million officials committed to design and construction activities, and that other months show the same shortfall of expenditures as compared to the state contribution commitment.

He said the Federal Railroad Administration had determined that California would be unable to meet its 2022 deadline to complete the first section of track from Madera, north of Fresno, to Shafter, near Bakersfield. The agency is exploring all available legal options, Batory wrote, to recover more than $2 billion of stimulus money that it awarded in 2010 for the project.

Newsom made his comments about limiting high-speed rail during his State of the State address Feb. 12. He quickly backpedaled, insisting he still wanted to extend the Central Valley line to the Bay Area and Southern California. The governor said he just wanted to get the Central Valley segment, which is under construction, up and running first.

The rail project, which broke ground in 2015, remains tens of billions of dollars short of full funding.

In a statement Tuesday, Newsom said, Its no coincidence that the administrations threat comes 24 hours after California led 16 states in challenging the presidents farcical national emergency. The president even tied the two issues together in a tweet this morning.

The reference was to a tweet in which Trump asserted that with cost overruns that are becoming world record setting, Californias project is hundreds of times more expensive than the desperately needed Wall!

California joined 15 other states to file suit against the Trump administration on Monday for declaring a national emergency to secure funding for his proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border without going through Congress.

This is clear political retribution by President Trump, and we wont sit idly by, Newsom said. This is Californias money, and we are going to fight for it.

Federal and state Republican lawmakers, including McCarthy, applauded the Trump administrations letter and called for Newsom to scrap the high-speed train entirely.

The funds should be redirected to Central Valley infrastructure projects that will benefit the entire state, Assemblyman Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, said in a statement.

Kurtis Alexander and Alexei Koseff are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com, alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander, @akoseffOakland teachers will be on strike this week because we cant feed our students minds by starving our schools of qualified teachers and resources.

Oakland cant afford any more years of neglected, underfunded schools. If we stand idly by while the leadership of the Oakland Unified School District closes 24 out of 86 public schools, then students and families will pay the price for generations.

For the last two years, weve tried bargaining to no avail. Now we must take a stand on issues that go far beyond the traditional give-and-take of negotiations. Were striking for smaller class sizes, more support for our students, and a living wage for public school educators in one of the costliest communities in America.

Were also going on strike to keep our neighborhood schools open  especially in the predominately black and brown communities, where schools have been targeted for closure. Governments cant invest in students by divesting from their schools.

Our campaign for strong community schools will succeed if our picket lines are strong. We invite Oakland parents and residents to join us to stand up for quality schools  and to share their concerns with school board members and elected officials.

Ive been a classroom teacher in the Oakland public schools for the past 20 years. Before that, I was a student here. A generation ago, we had a nurse in every school. We had an adequate number of speech pathologists and guidance counselors to serve all of our students. Our teachers earned enough money to live here and established deep roots in their school communities.

Not anymore. Years of chronic underfunding, the unregulated growth of an unaccountable charter industry, and misguided school district priorities have starved Oakland schools of the resources from which I benefited as a child.

The elementary school I attended? Like many others, it no longer exists. It was closed and turned over to a charter school.

If a student in Oakland schools needs help, then she or he is in for a long wait. We now have 1 nurse for 1,350 students; 1 guidance counselor for 600. Both ratios are far below national standards.

A stable workforce of educators earning a living wage, like those who inspired me to become a teacher, are a thing of the past. Oakland teachers are now the lowest paid in Alameda County. Meanwhile, a one-bedroom apartment in Oakland costs more than $2,330 a month, or about 60 percent of a starting teachers salary.

No wonder teachers dont stay in Oakland. Every year, more than 500 teachers leave our schools to take other jobs. According to the OUSDs Certificated Season Hiring Report, this year weve had as many as 565 vacant positions  24 percent of our total teaching staff.

You dont have to know much about education to know that retaining qualified teachers is closely linked to improved student achievement. Everyone seems to understand this except Oakland Unified School District board members.

The school district is claiming we cant afford to keep our neighborhood schools open, yet state aid for our local schools is increasing in a way that is sufficient to meet the needs of students, parents and teachers. And if the school district really cant afford to keep the lights on in its own buildings, why has our board been complicit in rampant charter school growth that is costing our schools more than $57 million a year, and also awarding them sweetheart leases on formerly public buildings?

Its hard to understand why OUSD is so eager to spend money on new charter school facilities when the districts own Community of Schools CityWide Plan speculates that existing Oakland schools will have 11,000 vacant seats by 2023. We also fail to see why the school district is spending so much on administrative budgets and consultants.

Part of the answer to these conundrums, were afraid, is that outside special interests have too much sway over Oakland schools. Billionaires like Michael Bloomberg are spending money to influence Oakland school board elections. Wealthy donors like Walmart heiress Carrie Walton Penner are pushing their own schemes.

As a result of the political campaign dollars and policy goals of this crowd, many of the Oakland parents who walk their children to school or rely on public transportation are losing their neighborhood schools.

Well be on the picket line this week because we think the people of Oakland know more about whats good for our schools and community than affluent outsiders. The central issue in this strike is the need for OUSD leadership to listen to voices here in Oakland by fully funding our neighborhood schools.

We are aware that having no teachers in our schools will be a challenge for students, working parents and the entire city. But whats our alternative?

Keith Brown, an Oakland native, is president of the Oakland Education Association.Pope Francis signaled last week that even high-ranking prelates can face punishment for sexual abuse. The Vatican threw former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick out of the priesthood, because of his sexual abuse of minors and other crimes.

But that gesture does not address the other part of the problem: the churchs long-standing cover-up of credible abuse allegations. Indeed, some critics are skeptical that a four-day sexual abuse summit of bishops in Rome beginning Thursday will produce concrete reforms. Others worry that the event could be used to declare war on gay priests.

On his flight back to Rome from Panama last month, the Pope told reporters that expectations for the Rome meeting were somewhat inflated, adding that the problem of abuse will continue because it is a human problem. The pope, who requested prayers for the meetings success, may face resistance to reform from some of his own prelates.

But he could take one positive step on his own: He could ask the church to consider whether abuse survivor and activist Barbara Blaine merits recognition as a saint.

I got to know Blaine when I interviewed her for my book, Catholic Women Confront Their Church. She was tall and slender, dressed in a suit whose neutral tones complimented her fair skin and light brown hair. Her warmth and generosity were evident, despite the trauma she had suffered.

Blaine, who died in 2017, was sexually assaulted by her parish priest for four years, starting when she was 13. She was 29 when she read Jason Berrys reports of priestly abuse in Louisiana, and finally realized that she was not the guilty party; her assistant pastor was.

Alone and unsupported, she began the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) in 1988, both to help victims and reform the church.

Blaine initially trusted bishops to fix the problem. They betrayed her.

The most wrenching disappointment came when Archbishop Harry Flynn, who pushed through a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in the U.S. church, was later exposed for covering up pedophilia in his own diocese.

Considering Blaine for sainthood would recognize that victims suffer twice, both from the abuse itself and the often duplicitous response of the clerics they trusted.

A papal endorsement would tell the world the church no longer will dismiss survivors as gadflies causing scandal for the institution.

And it would send a signal that a woman strong enough to ask the United Nations to scrutinize the Vaticans record on abuse was not a pariah but a prophet, calling attention to wrongs for which the institutional church must atone.

Under church rules, a person must be dead for five years before the process can begin. But popes have made exceptions before, for Mother Teresa and John Paul II.

It seems to me that Blaine lived a life of heroic virtue, qualifying her for sainthood.

Not yet 20 years old, she volunteered at a convent in Jamaica, teaching high school and helping to staff a center for poor children. She spent 10 years running a Catholic Worker house, serving the homeless and living in poverty. (Even after she left, she remained true to her Catholic Worker ethic, letting a street person regularly bathe in her apartment.)

Her work with SNAP was not limited to fighting for accountability. Blaine also offered victims a chance to heal with others who had gone through the same experience. With more than 25,000 members, SNAP became the largest support group for victims of clergy abuse in the country.

Saints are not immune from controversy. Late in her tenure, SNAP was sued by a former employee, who charged that the group accepted kickbacks from attorneys for victim referrals  an allegation SNAP vigorously denied. The lawsuit was settled in 2018.

Nevertheless, Blaines legacy cannot be challenged. She likely is the one person most responsible for ensuring that abuse victims were not forgotten, and for pushing the church to do better to protect the children in its care.

Blaine lived long enough to see some progress. My crisis, our crises, became a cause. Our cause became a movement, she wrote in 2015. And our movement has made a safer church, though not yet safe enough.

Celia Viggo Wexler is the author of Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope (2016, Rowman & Littlefield).Bandar Al-jaloud / AFP / Getty Images

Its not the first time the Trump administration has been accused of putting the interests of a foreign dictatorship ahead of those of the United States. But another autocracy is at the center of the latest suspicions.

Even as the FBIs concerns about President Trumps Russia entanglements were being revealed in more detail, a House committee announced an inquiry into the administrations relationship with Saudi Arabia. A preliminary report issued by House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings, D-Md., cites multiple whistle-blowers warning of White House efforts to rush the transfer of highly sensitive U.S. nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia in potential violation of the Atomic Energy Act ... efforts that may be ongoing to this day.Jae C. Hong / Associated Press 2018

The mass killing that left six dead in Illinois last week underlines an alarming gun-law issue. Though rules bar dangerous people from owning firearms, failure to aggressively enforce the law can be lethal. Despite a violent arrest record, the killer acquired a handgun to carry out the shootings.

California, with some of the toughest laws in the nation, faces an Illinois-scale problem. Since 2013 state authorities are directed to seize firearms from people with criminal convictions and mental health problems. At that time, the forbidden list totaled 20,000, but its only been whittled down to 9,000 through the administrations of two state attorneys general, Kamala Harris, who is now a U.S. senator and running for president, and Xavier Becerra, who now holds office.Glad that my broken kneecap was mending, I told myself that I would try for a bit to avoid crowded places with people drinking and jostling each other. The resolution got broken even before the New Years celebration began.

The San Francisco Symphonys 19th Chinese New Year concert and banquet started with a reception for everyone  a big everyone, since Davies Hall was sold out  and simultaneous separate how-do-you-do in the Loge Lobby for friends of the swells, especially event chairs Gorretti and Lawrence Lui. We were guests of Doreen and James Ho, civic powerhouses and friends of the Luis. There wasnt room for one additional embroidered peony in a space packed with lords and ladies in an array of silks, sequins and pearls, all aglimmer.

In one nook, a gaggle of fancily attired women in traditional Chinese gowns hitched up their form-fitting skirts, fell to their knees and, hoping that their zippers were up to the strain, said hello to the belle of the ball, LiLou the pig.

In the Year of the Boar, LiLou, whose day job is SFOs therapy pig, was an honored guest, decked out in pearls and red nail polish, the same color as City Halls dome was lit that night. LiLou herself is black and white and not at all camera shy. The sight of her brought out every cell phone at the party.

Of course, the main event at this celebration of our community and its diversity, said committee member Nanci Nishimura, is the concert, which featured Chinese music (mostly arranged for Western instruments) and was well received. That was followed by a multicourse banquet (by McCalls) in the Soundbox.

Mayor London Breed thanked the Luis for their philanthropy and presented them with gifts, and door prizes (including $500 in cash) were given out to lucky guests whose numbers were drawn. I mention this because at so many charity events, people whove already bought tickets are asked to contribute more by participating in post-dinner auctions; at this one, people whod bought tickets were given prizes.

My spiritual takeaway from the evening was porcine-inspired. Watching fancily clad partygoers cuddle up with LiLou, I asked Nishimura whether the pig, an animal to which most Westerners wouldnt want to be likened, had such image problems in Asian culture. All of the animals in the Chinese zodiac have very good qualities, she said. They all exude their own power.

The Chinese zodiac includes a snake, a rat, a rabbit, a monkey, a goat, a dog. In Western culture, its not a compliment to refer to another person as one of those. In Chinese culture, said James Ho after dinner, its wrong to put one over the other. A tiger, for example, isnt considered better than a rat. Everything is equal. It comes from Buddhism. Killing an ant is like killing a person.

And with that thought, Happy New Year.

In completely unrelated ethnic matters: I imagined that recovery would provide an ideal opportunity to cure my TV FOMO. At last, time to binge.

I hated Mrs. Maisel. There she is, an adorable tiny-waisted doll throwing f-bombs, an improbable and unlikeable Jewish Barbie princess with a father who manages to be both a whiner and a bully, a shallow style-over-substance mother, a loudmouthed and grumpy lesbian agent. She is beautifully dressed, she flirts, she always gets her way, men love her. All the stereotypes set my teeth on edge.

Onstage, shes not funny, shes mean. These arent self-canceling concepts, and thank you, Don Rickles, for proving that the best comedians can be both. Mrs. Maisel doesnt have insights, she wears hats (which, BTW, no one was still wearing around 1960). She was so depressing that it was reason to get well.

The most irresistible press release received over the past two months was from a company that makes the first intimate massager for women that is optimized to stimulate all nerves related to orgasm at the same time. This is a vibrator meant to be used outside ones clothing, creating new opportunities for intimacy.

The company says that live public demonstrations are scheduled for the near future. Bored at a meeting? Does that bus ride seem long? Why is the woman next to you smiling?

PUBLIC EAVESDROPPING

Its easier to fix a toilet than it is to fix a computer.

Man to man, overheard on Main Street in Martinez by Jamie Jobb

Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, 415-777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchikTanya Hollands Brown Sugar Kitchen is alive again in the East Bay, this time in a dazzling, 4,000-square-foot restaurant on Broadway in Uptown Oakland.

The doors to the new location officially opened Wednesday morning, roughly a month after its ribbon cutting and one week after Holland served her first batch of chicken and waffles in San Franciscos Ferry Building.

Hollands new Oakland Brown Sugar Kitchen seats 85 and has a full bar that wraps around an open kitchen. Overall, the restaurant is a sleek, modern-looking space with dark leathers and wood finishes, all of which are design quirks vastly different from the more rustic spot Holland had on Mandela Parkway in West Oakland for 10 or so years.

Now Playing: Video: San Francisco Chronicle

As for the menu, Holland is sticking to what made the brand iconic  buttermilk fried chicken, gumbo, catfish  but its just being served in a more aesthetically refined setting. (See the menu here).

Todays debut comes a week after Holland opened Brown Sugar Kitchen in the Ferry Building. However, the Brown Sugar Kitchen expansion has been a long time coming for Holland. She announced that Brown Sugar Kitchen was going to expand to Uptown Oakland way back in summer 2017, followed a few months later with the Ferry Building plans. My goal has been the same, Holland said at the time. I want to be the Shake Shack of soul food.

Mason Trinca / Special to The Chronicle

In May 2018, Holland announced plans to close and re-open the original Brown Sugar Kitchen in West Oakland as test kitchen concept, though a few months later, she decided to close it for good. Its just time to move on as a chef, she said at the time. Theres a lot of reasons, but I felt like the restaurant was no longer challenging me. At this point in my career, I want to do something thats going to be new and challenging for me.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Theres more on the way, too. Brown Sugar Kitchen is one of a group of 17 new food and drink locations to sign on at the Oakland International Airport.

Brown Sugar Kitchen: 2295 Broadway, Oakland. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @JustMrPhillipsPosted Wednesday, February 20, 2019 1:14 pm

OLYMPIA  Lawmakers seek to create a hotline designated for reports of potential self-harm and criminal acts.

Senate Bill 5835 was co-sponsored by a group of 10 senators and introduced by Senator Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, at the request of a constituent who has struggled with suicidal thoughts. The bill aims to form a confidential tip line in order to improve suicide prevention.

The program was originally established in Michigan, said Brown at a public hearing on Monday. The hotline would use the same number throughout Washington, she explained.

SB 5835 requires the state attorney general to establish a statewide hotline for receiving reports or information from the public of potential self-harm or criminal acts, such as sexual abuse, assault or rape. The tip line would be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The attorney general would consult with the state patrol and the Health Care Authority to establish the program, should the bill pass.

James McMahan, policy director for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs testified in opposition to SB 5835.

It is a serious concern of ours to encourage members of the public to report imminent harm or criminal acts through something other than 911, said McMahan. Calling 911 is efficient, effective and the best way to provide immediate help, he explained.

According to the bill, the program must provide a means to direct reports to either local law enforcement or mental health officials. Hotline personnel will be trained to determine appropriate responses in terms of crisis management and community resources for people experiencing mental illness or emotional disturbance.

Any report or information submitted to the hotline would be confidential and not subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Act.

Kirk Williamson, program manager for Benton-Franklin Community Health Alliance, testified in support of the confidential tip line in order to minimize youth suicide.

Most schools have their own programs for encouraging and responding to student tips, said Williamson. We recognize their value and we want to enhance that rather than replacing those programs.

Williamson explained how the program would reach people through voice, text, email and other online channels. This is a way to get actionable intelligence for local organizations and responders, he said.

When 911 answers a call, they say, Where is your emergency? A trained operator on a tip line would say something like, How can I help? said Williamson.Andreas Ozzuna takes asado seriously. Which is surprising, because Ozzuna is actually a baker, the owner of Wooden Table Baking Co. and Wooden Table Cafe in Oakland, where the specialty is Argentinian sweets like alfajores and conitos.

But the importance of asado becomes clear in the center of Ozzunas lower Oakland hills backyard, which is gorgeously landscaped with large stepping stones and shrubs. For there sits an Argentine parrilla, a wood-fired grill hand-built from cement, bricks and a cast iron grate.

Ozzuna  who prefers the pronouns they and them  stands proudly at the parrilla on a sunny day that makes you forget its winter, patiently charring tri tip, a whole chicken with cut lemons and a dozen butternut squash halves, while friends chat happily over red wine and cheese. The key to an asado is that it takes a really long time, they say jokingly. All day.

In South America and Ozzunas native Argentina, asado refers to both the tradition of grilling meat over a fire, as well as the social event itself. Asado is more a ritual than a simple food, says Graciela Montaldo, professor of Latin American cultures at Columbia University in New York. Its a strong tradition from the Argentine pampas (the fertile South American lowlands), where gauchos would kill a cow in the middle of the desert to cook and eat.

Today, asados are for special occasions, like weekends, birthdays and celebrations.

While growing up in San Isidro, just outside of Buenos Aires, Ozzunas maternal grandfather worked as an asador, cooking asados for wealthy clients. Their grandparents would host family asados during holidays and celebrations, using animals raised on their land.

Here in the Bay Area, asado takes on even more importance for Ozzuna. For them, its a place for community, acceptance and queer tango.

Celeste Noche / Special to The Chronicle

Ozzuna immigrated to San Francisco in 1998 at age 28, partly because life as an LBGTQ person in Argentina was difficult. (Note: This has changed since they moved. Argentina legalized gay marriage in 2010, before the U.S.). Ozzuna was born female and came out as gay at age 15. At the time, they werent accepted by their family  another thing that has since changed. They currently identify as nonbinary and prefer gender-neutral pronouns.

Back then, gay people didnt exist in Argentina. You had to hide, they explain. I was arrested in a gay bar there and held for a while, so when I came to San Francisco and hung out in the Castro, I would hide when I saw cops. I was scared.

It was here where Ozzuna found their chosen family, a group of queer women, including a few Argentine immigrants, their wife, Citabria, and their very social French bulldog, Olive. This monthly asado, Ozzuna explains, is a celebration of everything they were rejected for in Argentina. Its important to keep me going, they say.

All of us at the table are queer, many are immigrants and were intersectional, says Ozzunas friend and fellow Argentine immigrant Julieta Barcaglioni.

For Ozzuna, no asado is complete without dessert. Their bakery business, Wooden Table, centers around alfajores, which they learned to bake from their abu (abuela, or grandma). Alfajores are Arabic in origin and spread from Spain. In Argentinia, they are often made from two soft shortbread cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut flakes. At the bakery, they like to experiment with flavors, including lemon ginger, snickerdoodles and chipotle chocolate.

Celeste Noche / Special to The Chronicle

But todays dessert is as Argentine as it gets: torta alfajor rogel. Essentially, its a giant, multilayered alfajor cake made with thin, crispy cookie discs and topped with dollops of Italian meringue, a nod to Argentinas large Italian population. Its the same recipe that Abu would make for birthdays and celebrations. It was nostalgia from growing up cooking and baking with Abu that inspired them to make the switch from geology to baking in 2011, so the cake is a fitting tribute to Abu.

To assemble the cake, Ozzuna cradles a massive pastry bag filled with pounds of dulce de leche. Its like a big, fat baby, they say. Its a lot of dulce.

No such thing! shouts Barcaglioni. Ozzunas arms start to shake from the strain of trying to extrude the dulce from the bag as Barcaglioni cheers them on, yelling Esa! Esa! Another friend, Florencia Manovil, joins the cheering section as Ozzuna finishes the meringue topping and uses a small blowtorch to brown it.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Barcaglioni points to herself and Manovil. We are all Argentinian, immigrants and queer, we all immigrated in 1998, and its really special, she says, highlighting the ways that Ozzuna has created an Argentine queer community in the Bay Area.

Celeste Noche /Special to The Chronicle

The night ends the way it always does, with a bit of queer tango. Ozzuna met their wife, Citabria, in the local dance community, and she teaches lessons in a dance studio in their backyard. As guests change their shoes, Ozzunas friend Karen Lubisch talks about a Berkeley group she started seven years ago called Abrazo Queer Tango. Ozzuna and friends are members, but the concept of queer tango isnt one Im familiar with. Ozzunas friend and professional dance partner, Ginger Daniel, explains: Queer tango is an opportunity to disrupt the heteronormative rules of tango, who leads and follows. Were bucking the patriarchy and system through dancing.

As Ozzuna leads with Citabria, several other female partners join, embracing and moving with the music.

Tango is more than a hobby for Ozzuna  its a passion. With Daniel, they won a bronze in tango in the Gay Olympics last year.

There was a time when I didnt feel comfortable announcing who I was as a business owner, Ozzuna says. But today, its on the window of the cafe: immigrant-run, LGBTQ owned. Im proud of that.

Wooden Table: 2300 Broadway, Oakland. www.woodentablebaking.com. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and until 5 p.m. Sunday.

Leena Trivedi-Grenier is a freelance writer living in the Bay Area. Email: food@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Leena_EatsThe San Francisco Chronicle, founded in 1865, has a long tradition of insightful columnists: Bret Harte, Jack London, Armistead Maupin, Jon Carroll, Art Hoppe. But the greatest of all was Herb Caen.

Trivia buffs: What was the original name of Herb Caens column? Its News to Me.

Longtime readers remember that Caen did not have his picture at the top. He had his logo, which consisted of the city skyline with the Transamerica Pyramid bending to fit his name. Apparently, it sagged because he had made fun of it so much.

Nowhere in his category am I. The Sackamenna Kid was the first word in The Chronicle (briefly the Examiner), let alone journalism, and I am merely the Ozone Park Kid, proving that you can take the boy out of Queens, but you cant take the Queen out of the boy. Herb Caen and I are alike, only in that we are both dyed-in-the-fog San Franciscans.

When neighbors ask about my column, I tell them to open the Wednesday paper, and flip to the back side. Unlike arguments with my husband, in the Wednesday Chronicle, I get the very last word.

But if the Voice of the West continued the tradition of logos, I would nix Salesforce Tower. Maybe the roof cow. Or better yet, Millennium Tower, as it is already leaning.

Alas, instead of a clever cartoon, I have a photo. Lacking the beauty of my usual page-mate, Leah Garchik, this presents a considerable burden.

My husband, Brian, picked out the purple shirt and scarlet tie for my byline, but really, it was Nurse Vivian who picked out the face, and she agrees with Pop when he said, Kevin, you got a face for radio. The only reason my sons are so handsome is that I did not rely on genetics.

Last year, I met a woman outside the Hall of Justice who insisted that I could not possibly be Kevin Fisher-Paulson because he was so tall. After all, she said, he towers right over that column. Maybe I need a disclaimer: Objects may appear larger ...

The lesbians down the block threw a party a few months ago, and a passerby grabbed my arm and said, You really need to get that picture retaken. It makes you look like a fat old Irish bartender.

Regular readers are already nodding: Fat. Check. Old. Check. Irish. Check. All true except, going back to my underemployed days, I did attend mixology school, but I was unable to pass the bar.

Last week, I wrote the column about Zane having the faintest whisper of hair on his upper lip.

Which brings me to David Cardenas, the self-proclaimed president of the Zane-and-Aidan Fan Club, Mill Valley Chapter. He wrote of the organizations meeting, Last night we were tossing back a bottle of unoaked Chardonnay when one of my twisted chums saw your column on the table, took a felt tip pen and sketched in a butch mustache on your photo. Ive never heard so many Oh, Babys! We took a vote and unanimously agree that you should grow a big bushy one.

First of all, Im switching to unoaked Chardonnay. Second of all, if you are gonna chair a Zane-and-Aidan Fan Club, its definitely better with a cocktail in your hand. Third of all, Im definitely the kind of guy who gets hunkier the more you drink. But you better check the shelf life.

The mustache story: When I first joined the Department, I decided to grow a mustache sort of like Al Pacino in Serpico. Crazy Mike told me it was easy. All you had to do was stop shaving above your mouth.

It became my winter project. I started the day after swearing in (Oct. 3, 1994), and despite all my coaxing, the follicles refused to cooperate. By Christmas, the net result was that it looked like I drank too much chocolate milk. But I persevered. I bought wax and a little comb to make it happy.

We got to Valentines Day. Brian and I took Tim to see Kinsey Sicks at the New Conservatory (This was pre-children, so we had time for dragapella). As Tim opened his door, he looked at my upper lip and smirked, Robin Williams. The Birdcage.

I shaved the next morning. Some people are not meant to grow mustaches.

So doodle, if you will, on the top of this page. Draw me with a pot of gold, draw me with a Donald Trump comb-over, draw me with a pirate hat, but best of all draw me with my husband and two sons and rescue dogs in the bedlam bungalow in the outer, outer, outer, outer Excelsior. Its where I look best.

Kevin Fisher-Paulsons column appears Wednesdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.comUC Berkeley has suspended a prominent professor in the department of East Asian languages and cultures after finding in 2018 that he sexually harassed a student, told her his sexual preferences, described sex fantasies and created a hostile work environment for her, The Chronicle has learned.

Alan Tansman, a tenured professor who is well known in his field and has written or edited books on Japanese literature and culture, agreed to disciplinary measures on Nov. 20 that were described to his former student in a letter from UC Berkeley Vice Provost Ben Hermalin. It said, in part, that Tansman will be suspended from his normal duties as a UC Berkeley faculty member for a two-year period. One year is to be unpaid, and the other partially paid.

The letter, obtained by The Chronicle, says Tansmans unpaid suspension represents a significant loss of income of over $190,000, in addition to a loss of all benefits, including service credit toward his retirement, while in the second year, Professor Tansman agrees to forfeit all his sabbatical credits.

What the letter doesnt say is that Tansman has been granted a paid sabbatical for the second year, a perk that professors with seniority apply for in order to focus on research while free of the daily obligations of campus life.

His former student was appalled.

He was able to broker a devils deal, said the woman. Its an affront to anyone who reports sexual harassment.

The womans allegations against Tansman were upheld in February 2018, in a confidential report obtained by The Chronicle. A campus investigator interviewed 38 witnesses, five of whom said Tansman had sexually harassed or flirted repeatedly with them.

Neither Tansman nor his lawyers responded to requests for comment. However, in its arrangement with Tansman, UC Berkeley agreed to make available a public statement that preserved his anonymity, and to include his denial. The statement, released to The Chronicle, said that over two years a professor engaged in unwelcomed verbal conduct of a sexual nature that was found to be sufficiently severe that it created a hostile environment and interfered with a complainants study and work. The statement added that the professor denied, and continues to deny, the allegations.

Also as part of the agreement, Tansman lost his endowed chair  an honor with financial support for research  and may not participate in department activities or access his office until July 1, 2020, according to the letter to his former student. He is barred from serving on new graduate student committees until June 30, 2022. But current students may continue working with him if they choose, although its unclear whether they will be told about Tansmans situation.

The professors former student said the terms of the agreement raise questions about UC Berkeleys commitment to reversing years of tolerance toward professors who sexually harass students and colleagues, a practice that many students and employees believed would end when Chancellor Carol Christ took the helm in 2017.

This is a closed-room deal between two men, the former student said. Someone with a long pattern of sexual harassment should have been fired.

Campus officials said Christ was aware of the agreement. They declined to comment on the Tansman case beyond their prepared statement.

The Chronicle first reported the story about Tansman in May as part of an article about women who said they were harassed years ago by UC Berkeley professors still employed by the university. Now they were seeking delayed justice and asking the university to investigate their complaints.

In Tansmans case, the student who complained had been his doctoral student from 2003 to 2007, and a postdoctoral fellow in 2008 and 2009. She tried to report the professors behavior in 2009, but was told she would have to find and persuade each witness to come forward, and write a detailed report on all that happened. She gave up.

In 2017, inspired by the #MeToo movement and an earlier wave of campus activism that forced the university to make it easier for victims to report predator professors, she filed a second report. This one prompted the investigation.

After interviewing dozens of witnesses, investigator Suzanne Taylor concluded that Tansman made sexual overtures to the student between 2007 and 2009, called her sexy and propositioned her. He told her he fantasized about having violent sex with a colleague, and said he regretted not having sex with a previous student.

Because the professor held a position of influence, Taylor wrote, it was difficult for students to object to his behavior. She determined that the professor had a history of projecting feelings of attraction to his graduate students and acting on that attraction.

In June, four months after Taylor issued her report, the California state auditor issued a report broadly critical of the University of Californias response to sexual harassment complaints. Among the concerns singled out in the audit was the length of time it takes to discipline faculty who sexually harassed students or colleagues.

The audit reviewed 23 cases at UC Berkeley, UC Davis and UCLA, and found that it took an average of 43 days to discipline staff after an investigation. But for faculty, the average time was 220 days.

Tansmans agreement was finalized in November, 265 days after Taylor issued her report.

The office of University of California President Janet Napolitano is revising its rules to reduce the time to impose discipline, said spokeswoman Claire Doan, as is the systemwide Academic Senate composed of professors.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimovAn 18-year-old UC Santa Cruz student became the banana slug with the plug, creating an iPhone app that facilitated the sale of contraband and drugs that included cocaine, Molly and Shrooms, authorities said Tuesday.

Collin Riley Howard of Sunnyvale was indicted on one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, after he allegedly sold drugs to an undercover Homeland Security Investigations agent on multiple occasions.

Rather than attempting to keep the illicit operations under the radar, authorities said, Howard built an app called the Banana Plug, a reference to UC Santa Cruzs banana slug mascot, while also employing the term plug, which is slang for drug dealer.

Howard made his first court appearance Tuesday after being arrested Feb. 15, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The app, though still listed in Google search results, was removed from Apples App Store on Wednesday. Company officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Posters advertising the app had been hung up around campus, drawing the attention of a UC Santa Cruz police officer who then contacted Homeland Security Investigations, authorities said. The app invited customers to make special requests.

Undercover officers communicated with Howard via the app to set up the first purchase of marijuana and cocaine, authorities said, before moving to Snapchat so the Homeland Security Investigations agent could conduct additional deals with Howard for more than five grams of methamphetamine.

Howard was arrested before any payment was made on the fourth meeting, authorities said.

If convicted on the cocaine charge, Howard faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of $1 million for each of the two alleged violations. He faces a prison sentence between five and 40 years on the methamphetamine charges, as well as a fine of $5 million for each of the two violations included in each count.

A judge will have discretion on any potential sentencing.

Howards bail review hearing was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday. He was released after his initial appearance Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins.

Josh Koehn is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: josh.koehn@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Josh_KoehnThe owners of the 1982-era Crocker Galleria mall in San Francisco want to revamp the Financial District property with an updated exterior, open-air restaurant space and new staircases.

Developers hope the $30 million in proposed renovations will help the three-story property at 50 Post St. attract local food vendors and shops.

Developer City Center Realty Partners and owner PGIM Real Estate, a division of insurance giant Prudential, pitched the plan to the San Francisco Planning Commission, which is expected to consider it in the coming weeks.

In a real estate trend as San Francisco continues to add jobs, the plan also calls for converting 6,665 of the centers 90,000 square feet of retail space to offices.

With a bold reimagining, this extraordinary asset has the potential to catalyze change in the area, Sigurd Anderson, CEO of City Center Realty Partners, said in a statement. We believe our firms urban real estate expertise will guide a strategy to breathe new life into the Galleria, and create a vibrant anchor for the heart of downtown San Francisco.

Other malls around the Bay Area have sought to modernize through renovations or a new mix of tenants as the retail sector has struggled with bankruptcies and a shift to online shopping. A revamp of the former Macys in Stonestown Galleria in San Franciscos Sunset District calls for new restaurants and a movie theater. Both Westfield San Francisco Centre downtown and the nearby vacant 6x6 mall have partial office space conversion plans.

Illustrations by Architecture Plus Information

Crocker Galleria has around 35 shops and restaurants. As of last week, six vacant spaces were visible on the first and second floors. Recent closures included T-We Tea, which had a temporary pop-up space, and Luxe Pieces, a jewelry store that relocated to the San Francisco Gift Center and Jewelry Mart in Showplace Square.

The idea of renovating Crocker Galleria is promising, said Margaret Murray, who works nearby and was eating lunch at the mall Friday.

Murray said the existing retailers seem outdated or a bad fit for office-worker patrons, such as the boutique Aricie Lingerie, which sells intimate apparel. She also feels the food options are unhealthy.

It doesnt foster a sense of community, said Murray, who would also like to see an expansion of the Thursday farmers market.

Roland Li / The Chronicle

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Crocker Galleria, steps from Montgomery BART Station, was built as part of a development deal in the late 1970s involving its namesake, the former Crocker Bank. The bank built a 500-foot tower at the adjacent 120 Kearny St., along with the Crocker Galleria in a former alley, which maintained a public walkway.

It also removed 10 floors from the adjacent 1 Montgomery St., which is now a two-story Wells Fargo bank branch with a rooftop public space that connects to the mall.

In 2016, early plans for a 500-foot hotel and condo tower were proposed for 1 Montgomery St., but the San Francisco Planning Department opposed the plan because it would remove public space. No formal proposal was filed, according to city records.

More modest changes are moving forward in the area, with office renovations planned and under way at 1 Post St.  soon to be the former headquarters of McKesson  and 111 Sutter St.

Roland Li is a Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisfWelcome back to Tech Chronicle. If you find a mysterious algorithm compels you to subscribe, I say go with it.

So many cesspools, so little time

If you want to understand YouTube, start with Walt Whitmans Song of Myself.

Do I contradict myself? / Very well then I contradict myself, / (I am large, I contain multitudes.)

YouTube is large. (300 hours of video uploaded every minute.) YouTube contains multitudes. (Nearly 5 billion videos watched a day.)

Googles video service is the subject of a fraught argument about the power of algorithms, blamed for steering thousands, perhaps millions of its viewers chasing conspiracy theories down rabbit holes. With its related video algorithms recommending fiction after fiction, YouTube sends its viewers spinning into a post-fact whirligig.

All of this has happened before. All of this will happen again.

YouTube has had this problem for years. It just happens that at the early part of this decade, it was limited to a small, insidery group of hardcore users  videobloggers, or vloggers, who posted with incessant frequency to devoted audiences.

The primary subject of their conspiracy theory was the YouTube algorithm itself, an unwritten set of rules they constantly tried to break, or at least master.

Reply girls in low-cut outfits weighed in on just about any popular videos, simultaneously exploiting the programming of YouTubes software, which featured their cleavage prominently, and the wetware of YouTubes young, male viewership.

Or as Whitman wrote:

Urge and urge and urge / Always the procreant urge of the world. / Out of the dimness opposite equals advance, always / substance and increase, always sex, / Always a knit of identity, always distinction, always a breed / of life.

Sophisticated hackers figured out how to inflate YouTube view counts using holes in Googles mobile software  it was called botting. Botters sold views on the black market to vloggers hungry for fame and the ad revenue that was beginning to gush through. When YouTube cracked down on view sales and moved to ban accounts with inflated views, the hackers persisted  only now they tried to get rival vloggers bounced off the service by sending illicit bot views their way.

At one point, there were so many bots that YouTube engineers feared that they would drown out the human audience, and make it impossible to train their artificial intelligence on legitimate behavior. They called it the Singularity  the moment when bots completely took over.

YouTube headquarters figured out the mobile bot problem. But they didnt figure out how to stem the very human desire to game the system, and the willingness of viewers to be gamed.

So now we have the Islamic State using YouTube as a recruiting tool. Sexual predators relying on related videos to steer victims their way. Flat Earthers seeing their numbers rise along with their video views. Conservatives and liberals growing increasingly polarized.

Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle 2018

The monster YouTube created, or at least awakened, showed up at the companys campus last year, when video creator Nasim Aghdam opened fire, wounding three employees and killing herself. She expressed anger at YouTubes algorithms on a website listing her grievances.

Is it still possible to extract some good out of YouTube, besides perhaps that one time a stranger filmed Ramona the Love Terrier jumping on a Muni bus and posted it?

I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable, / I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.

It seems perplexing that a site so long owned by Google, the company whose mission is to organize the worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful, has become so disorganized. Google figured out how to solve the problems of web spam, pages and sites created merely to game the system. Why couldnt it do the same for video? Didnt anyone at YouTube, well, watch it?

We recently announced that weve started reducing recommendations of borderline content or videos that could misinform users in harmful ways, a YouTube spokeswoman recently told the New York Times. This is a gradual change and will get more and more accurate over time.

Michael Macor / The Chronicle 2018

We had better hope so. For there is an essential grain of humanity in YouTube that risks being lost if Google cant get control of it. The first video posted on the site, YouTube co-founder Jawed Karims Me at the zoo, has a Whitmanesque charm. Karim is one of Whitmans multitudes.

If we didnt have YouTube, someone would have to invent it.

Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged, / Missing me one place search another, / I stop somewhere waiting for you.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

 Owen Thomas (othomas@sfchronicle.com)

Sign Up for the Newsletter Want to get the latest on Silicon Valley in your inbox? Subscribe to Tech Chronicle. See More Collapse

Quote of the week

That van must smell terrible.  Dynamic Signal CEO Russell Fradin, in a Twitter thread about an apocryphal Atherton-to-San Francisco commuter who had himself driven to work in a van outfitted with a Peloton cycle so he could work out while stuck in traffic

Coming up

Thursday is earningspalooza, with Dropbox, Roku, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise revealing their numbers.

What Im reading

Facebook board member Peter Thiels big bet on contrarian tech investments, Mithril Capital, is racked by internal disputes, Teddy Schleifer reports. (Recode)

Can California quit the natural gas habit? J.D. Morris on the push to get buildings off of fossil fuel. (San Francisco Chronicle)

Amy Webb writes about the Pentagons uphill battle recruiting artificial intelligence experts away from big tech companies. (Wired)

Tech Chronicle is a thrice-weekly newsletter from Owen Thomas, The Chronicles business editor, and the rest of the tech team. Follow along on Twitter: @techchronicle and Instagram: @techchronicleDr. Grant Colfax had officially been San Franciscos new health department director for about three hours Tuesday morning when it was time for his first field trip.

Colfaxs boss, Mayor London Breed, had arranged a visit to a homelessness health fair near City Hall. They and other city officials inched their way through the packed event, surveying lines of people queuing up for coffee, pizza and essentials  socks, hand warmers, blankets, toothbrushes and deodorant. A tent provided privacy for anyone being screened for HIV or hepatitis C.

The walk-through allowed Breed to emphasize the key role that public health initiatives will play in alleviating the citys persistent homelessness epidemic. Breed has often referred to homelessness as a public health crisis.

We want a healthy city, and part of that is making sure were bringing the resources that people need directly to them, and meeting them where they are, Breed said. And, of course, its important that Dr. Colfax be here because hes responsible for the whole system. He gets to see it firsthand.

Breed had announced during her State of the City speech last month that Colfax would lead the citys largest department.

Asked about his departments most pressing priorities, Colfax outlined three broad goals: Improving services around mental health and substance abuse treatment, improving collaboration with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive housing in terms of providing the right medical services for people when they need them to keep them housed ... and focusing on the health equity issues that we continue to have in this city. Those are the key issues.

But on top of those objectives, Colfax also must manage a city agency beset by recent controversies.

His predecessor, Barbara Garcia, resigned abruptly last summer, following a lengthy investigation into allegations that she directed a million-dollar city contract to an organization where her wife works.

Then in December, a Chronicle investigation revealed that Amy Brownell, an environmental engineer with DPH, had been directly involved in home sales at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, where an allegedly fraudulent cleanup of radioactive material may have jeopardized peoples health.

And the department is working to unravel its controversial balance billing system at San Francisco General Hospital, which can saddle patients with enormous hospital bills if they have private insurance. SFGH has suspended the practice for 90 days as officials come up with a plan that would treat privately insured patients more fairly.

Im assessing the situation right now, Colfax said. Were going to be issuing recommendations within that 90-day deadline.

In Colfax, Breed has also recruited another supporter in her stalled efforts to open a safe-injection site in the city. Colfax said he was all onboard to establish a safe-injection site in San Francisco, where drug users could come to receive clinical supervision and clean equipment for using intravenous drugs. Medical evidence, he said, shows that the sites save lives and improve treatment outcomes.

Colfax has been praised for his previous work at DPH as the agencys director of HIV prevention and research. He was tapped by the Obama administration to lead the nations Office of National AIDS Policy in 2012. He was most recently the health chief of Marin County.

At the health fair Tuesday, Colfax quietly surveyed the scene as he introduced himself to health department workers, hastily making plans for later meetings.

What you guys need, thats what I need to know, Colfax said to one health department employee.

We need to get you one of these, DPH program coordinator Eileen Loughran said to Colfax, pulling out a small bottle of Narcan, the emergency drug used to treat narcotic overdoses.

I have one in my car, but I should have one in my office, he replied.

You should have one in your pocket, Loughran said.

Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassaOakland parents and school administrators scrambled Wednesday to make arrangements for the districts 37,000 students, many of whom were expected to skip classes the rest of the week  and perhaps longer  while teachers go on strike over pay, class size and other demands.

Negotiators for teachers and the school district met in the morning to discuss the districts latest proposal, delivered Tuesday, that would give teachers a 7 percent raise over three years, plus a retroactive 1.5 percent bonus. The Oakland Education Association, which represents teachers, counselors and nurses, wants 12 percent.

Union leaders rejected the offer  the districts first in writing since November  and declined to call off strike plans. The two sides scheduled another bargaining session for Friday morning.

Union President Keith Brown credited Tony Thurmond, the states superintendent of public instruction, with getting the district to deliver its proposal Tuesday.

Picket lines are set to begin before dawn Thursday outside the more than 85 district schools throughout the city. Teachers and their supporters will rally at Oakland City Hall around noon, then march to the districts central office.

Whether the strike continues next week is yet to be determined.

They value six-figure administrators and multimillion-dollar consultants over our babies, said Chris Jackson, a ninth-grade special-education teacher at Castlemont High School whose two children attend Emerson Elementary School. When folks are talking about, We dont have any additional money, the whole point of this is not to find additional money, the whole point of this is to redistribute where the money is going. Its not going into our classrooms.

The 3,000 East Bay educators join a growing list of public school professionals around the country who have walked off the job in high-profile labor actions. Strikes in Los Angeles, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Colorado saw varying degrees of success in raising teacher wages in recent months.

Sylvia Allegretto, a labor economist at UC Berkeley who studies teacher pay, said the Oakland strike, along with strikes across the nation, call attention to the neglected state of public education, which she said stems from severe budget cuts during the recession years.

In calling for smaller class sizes and more support for students, teachers are not just concerned with their own outcomes and pay, theyve shown very strongly that theyre standing up for the entire idea of public education and what that means, Allegretto said.

In Oakland, parents were making last-minute plans to supervise, entertain, educate and feed potentially thousands of students who will not be at school Thursday and Friday in solidarity with their teachers. Union leaders and their supporters encouraged families not to send their children to school; the district loses state funding for every unexcused absence.

John Sasaki, a spokesman for the district, said students belong in school. District officials assigned hundreds of central office staff, along with some emergency substitute teachers, to ensure that schools remain open during the strike.

Even though schools will be open, classroom activities wont be business as usual, Sasaki said. Substitutes will not be continuing lesson plans, and at many schools, administrators may gather students in the library or gym to supervise them in larger groups.

At Oakland Technical High School, for example, 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders will report to the auditorium during the strike.

We want our kids in school, Sasaki said. Thats where theyre supposed to be. Thats where were going to have nutritional services still active, providing breakfast and lunch, thats where well have administration. Will things be slightly different? Yes, it will, but we feel that school is the best place for kids to be.

Principals, caught in the middle, went to Sacramento on Wednesday to lobby lawmakers for education funding and forgiveness of a $36 million state loan. The district pays $6 million a year from its former state receivership that began in 2003. The debt is not expected to be settled until 2024.

The city, meanwhile, has given the Oakland Education Association space in its 15 recreation centers rent-free. Teachers plan to host solidarity schools  for students whose parents wont be sending them to district schools  at the centers and city libraries Thursday and Friday. Dozens of parents were setting up home-based solidarity schools, too, each with five to 10 children.

The strike poses an ethical dilemma for many parents of younger children who cant leave them alone or make other arrangements, but dont want to cross the picket line. Parents at Cleveland Elementary School formed a strike committee tasked with making sure students who do attend school arent jarred by the picketing. They have been working to find an alternative entrance for children to enter school safely during the strike.

Were more protective of our kindergartners to second-graders. They dont need to see anything too overwhelmingly different from their everyday normal school day, Cleveland parent My Huynh said.

For absent students who rely on school meals for breakfast and lunch, the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America launched a Bread for Ed campaign thats raised about $75,000 to pay for food at solidarity schools.

Becca Rozo, an 11th- and 12th-grade humanities teacher at Coliseum College Prep Academy, said she would be inviting her students and their families to join teachers on the picket line.

On Wednesday, we are going to go into school, we are going to talk to our students, we are going to tell them that we love them, and were going to say that were leaving, and were not going to be there the next day and were not going to be there again  were not walking back into our classrooms until we have what we deserve and what our kids deserve, Rozo said Tuesday night. Thats going to be hard.

Robert Rooke has one daughter at Bret Harte Middle School and another at Skyline High School. He said theyll be on the picket line to show their support.

Weve had teachers come to our kids birthday parties, taken our kids aside and helped them through different struggles theyve had, and this is a moment for us as a family to show some solidarity and support for the teachers at a time we think they really need our help, he said.

At Melrose Leadership Academy, parents communicated with one another over email chains and phone trees to see if families needed child care, said Kimi Lee, a parent and director of Bay Rising, an alliance of grassroots organizations. Those who wanted to host a home-based solidarity school got access to an online seminar and a manual with a list of activities and suggested movies.

Each class is organizing its own solidarity school, so the kids are with their classmates, Lee said. Everyone cant just bring their kids to work. Its the idea, can we support one another  Monday you do 10 kids, Tuesday you do 10 kids  this idea of a child care cooperative.

Kimberly Veklerov and Ashley McBride are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com, ashley.mcbride@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov, @ashleynmcbThe barista in chief of the United States came to San Francisco on Tuesday to say that President Trump needs to be fired, and that he just might be the fellow to replace him.

Howard Schultz, the former head of the 28,000-store Starbucks coffee empire, also said if the Democrats pick some far left-leaning challenger  someone besides him, for instance  then the chances of Trump getting re-elected are high.

Throughout his hour-long speech to the Commonwealth Club of California, Schultz didnt say he was running for president as an independent centrist, and he didnt say he wasnt. But he said the country ought to be run the way he ran his coffeehouses  where all baristas got stock options, health care and the possibility of a college scholarship.

The billionaire son of a diaper delivery truck driver from Brooklyn, Schultz lamented that it was tragic that the U.S. government is making a profit from student college loans that charge 8 percent interest and called for a basic level of fairness from national leaders.

The corporate income tax reduction signed into law in 2017 was a terrible mistake too, Schultz said, because it rewards shareholders instead of average workers.

Instead, Schultz said, Congress ought to do what he used to do at Starbucks board meetings  put an empty chair at the table, to represent the customer. In Schultzs version of Washington, he said, the same empty chair would be installed in all government meetings to represent the average citizen.

There werent any empty chairs in the Herbst Theater, however, where more than 500 folks paid $40 to hear the coffee man. Each ticket came with a free copy of Schultzs new 352-page book  there was no way to attend the speech and not get one. The book had 50 pictures of Schultz in it, along with a sticker on the title page signed by Schultz, a highly caffeinated way of autographing a book for a new age.

Besides not signing actual books, it appears that Schultz was also too busy to vote in actual elections. According to the Seattle Times, Schultz cast ballots in only 11 of 38 elections dating to 2005. He voted in all the presidential races but was a no-show for high-profile midterms in 2006 and 2014.

Robert Anderson, like just about everyone else in the hall, had the book in his lap but didnt read it. He also said he prefers Philz and Peets coffee to Starbucks.

Mitch Forster of Piedmont was holding in his lap two copies of the book  one that had been given to him and one to his wife, Carolyn. He said that was either one or two copies more than the couple needed.

I havent decided yet, Forster said.

Ellen Sears of San Francisco said it takes more than the ability to sell 30 cents worth of coffee and milk for $4.50 to be president, although its a start.

Being president takes experience and understanding, she said.

Margaret Duggan of Alameda, who was knitting a sweater in the theater lobby, said there were so many candidates, its all pretty confusing and people just dont have the bandwidth to sort through it all.

But we do need a (new) president, she added, because the one weve gotten is broken and its time to send him back, and I dont care if we get a refund or not.

Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.comCalifornia workplace safety regulators fined two companies subcontracted to do construction on San Franciscos Twin Peaks Tunnel after a worker was killed on the job last summer.

The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or Cal/OSHA, last month issued four fines to joint ventures Shimmick Construction and Con-Quest Contractors totaling $65,300 related to the August death of employee Patrick Ricketts.

State investigators found the companies did not effectively identify and evaluate workplace hazards before Ricketts death, officials wrote in a Feb. 8 report.

The death sparked controversy after it was revealed that Shimmick Construction had a history of safety violations before being co-awarded the $40 million contract by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

SFMTA officials said the agency trusted bidders to truthfully respond to a pre-qualification questionnaire. Oakland-based Shimmick Construction checked a box saying it had no safety violations during the past decade despite having 39 safety violations from Cal/OSHA over that time, officials said.

The SFMTA said it has since started checking on bidders safety backgrounds.

Mayor London Breed blasted agency director Ed Reiskin in a letter last year, citing the death while accusing him of other failings as head of SFMTA.

Ricketts, a 51-year-old signal technician, was killed in the 100-year-old tunnel during a two-month shutdown, when workers were hired to replace more than two miles of track and upgrade infrastructure.

Around 4:40 p.m. on Aug. 10, Ricketts was walking out of the West Portal side of the tunnel to retrieve tools as a slow-moving crane pushed two loaded railcars into the tunnel, according to Cal/OSHA.

The cranes boom struck a 1.2-ton beam, knocking it off its brackets and sending it tumbling 13 feet down, where it struck Ricketts on the head and killed him.

Managers with Shimmick Construction and Con-Quest Contractors did not immediately return requests for comment.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffskyPosted Wednesday, February 20, 2019 1:09 pm

OLYMPIA  A bipartisan bill introduced in the Washington Senate would ban homeless camps near schools and daycares.

Senate Bill 5882, sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, would make it illegal for cities, towns and other municipalities to authorize, even through inaction, homeless encampments within 1,000 feet of a school or early learning facility.

We have laws in this state that say you cant have a marijuana store or liquor store within 1,000 feet of a school, said King in a written statement. Homeless camps near schools put students in greater harm than marijuana or alcohol. Why should we allow that to happen? It puts the safety of students and teachers at risk.

At the bills public hearing on Monday, King described images he was shown of human waste leaking out of bags, and said he talked to workers describing how they carried away 5-gallon cans of needles from homeless camps. He also said that some of the encampments residents could be pedophiles, sex offenders, mentally ill, or high on drugs.

Michelle Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance said that cities who support encampments should be applauded, because they not only offer residents safety, but also access to services and housing.

The proposed bill, is all based on false notions that everybody experiencing unsheltered homelessness is dangerous, she said. In order to solve homelessness, we have to stop criminalizing and stigmatizing people.

Another Republican senator agreed with the need to offer services to homeless individuals, but disagreed that they should be sanctioned near schools.

So when various cities go in to clean up an encampment, theyre pulling up hundreds of needles and all this other stuff. So yes we can address those issues. Yes, we should address those issues. Yes we should provide a stabilizer for all the things that you just said, said Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn. We just should be doing it three blocks away. That's all we're saying.

I always cringe when somebody says, well this is kind of a common sense bill, King said. But in some sense, I think it is.

Not everyone agreed.

It's not strangers coming out of the woods to, like, kidnap a kid or something like that. said Xochitl Maykovich with the Washington Community Action Network. So I think that we should really base legislation on facts and data and not on stereotypes.Thank you for reading!

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We hope you find The Sentinels coverage of the Monadnock Region valuable. We rely on our subscribers to bring you strong local journalism and hope you will consider supporting our work by taking advantage of this special subscription offer here.Posted Wednesday, February 20, 2019 1:07 pm

A measure calling for a constitutional amendment and laws that would tackle felon voting, campaign finance, and presidential candidate tax returns came in front of the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Relations, Friday.

House Bill 1924 would automatically restore voting rights to felons following their release from department of corrections custody. Representative. Laurie Dolan, D-Olympia, is the prime sponsor of the bill.

Sam Merrill, a representative of Quaker Voice on Washington Public Policy, testified in support of the bill saying that it would simplify the process of restoring rights to citizens.

James Paribello of the Washington Voting Justice Coalition testified in support of the bill saying, The Voting Justice Coalition strongly believes in the restoration of voting rights for those persons released from the department of corrections as the next moves towards a more just society.

HB 1698 would require presidential candidates to release their federal income tax returns 63 days before the primary. Sponsored by Democratic representatives only, the bill would require at least the last five years of tax returns and would allow the secretary of state to redact confidential information. If candidates do not comply they would not appear on the primary ballot.

Jay Jennings from the Secretary of States Office testified that the bill could be seen as an attempt to amend the US Constitution through state law and would probably result in significant legal action.

Carol Butterfield of Seattle read a statement in support of the bill written by Jeffrey M. Feldman, an attorney and professor at the University of Washington Law School. In Feldmans statement, he implied that this is a legal action that would hold up in court.

Citizen activist, Sue Edwards, who in 2017 wrote Initiative 912, which never advanced to appear on a ballot but required the same thing as HB 1698, testified in support of the bill.

House Joint Memorial 4004 asks the United States Congress and the President to call a convention of states to amend the constitution to limit independent political spending on campaigns.

The Supreme Courts ruling in the Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission case in 2010 removed restrictions on spending that resulted in the unjust influence of powerful economic forces, according to the memorial. Representative Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, is the prime sponsor. The bill has no Republican sponsors.

Representative Sherry Appleton D-Poulsbo, noted that there have been a significant number of requests for a convention in the past and one has yet to happen. A request for a convention must be made by two-thirds of the states on the same subject for a convention to be called.

Mike Monetta, the national director of Wolf-PAC, an organization working to amend the constitution on the issue, testified in support of the resolution.

Seattle resident Stephen Richter testified in opposition of the bill. Richter said he is fearful that a convention of states would turn into a runaway convention making changes not relevant to the purpose of the convention.

Testimony on the memorial continued for almost an hour. HJM 4004 is scheduled for executive session on February 19.A new Alaska Airlines Lounge is set to open on the rooftop of Terminal 2 at San Francisco International Airport in 2020, the carrier announced today. The lounge space is located in the reconstructed area that originally housed the base of the airport's control tower.

The company said that the 8,500-square-foot lounge on the fourth floor will provide "the highest viewpoint of any other domestic lounge at SFO with stunning sights of the Bay and runway."And after a hard hat tour of the lounge space on Tuesday, one of the clearest days of the year, I agree-- the views are breathtaking. See my slideshow at the top of this post for a look inside and out!

To get to the lounge, members will make a hard left after passing through Terminal 2 security toward a new elevator bank for a lift to the top (fourth) floor. Since the space is still steel beams and concrete, Alex Judson, Alaska's Manager, Alliances and Lounges, explained to me the airline's vision for the lounge experience.

The elevator door will open to a dramatic view through floor to ceiling windows over the rooftop the the T2 boarding gates, across the ramp and runways, and over the Bay. Because the day was so clear, I took in a rare sight: snow capped peaks of the Diablo Range! See the slideshow at the top for a look.

Exiting the elevator and taking in the view, you'll turn right and walk along a bank of windows to the Alaska Lounge entrance. After checking in at the front desk, you'll enter a homey food and beverage area where a Starbucks-trained barista can whip up a latte or any other coffee or tea concoction you'd like-- which means you can avoid the long coffee lines in the terminal below (more on that here).

In the mornings, there will be a breakfast bar with steel-cut oatmeal, pancakes, greek yogurt, fresh fruit, fresh breads/pastries, and hard boiled eggs. At lunch there will be soups, salads and snacks along with rustic breads and fresh made cookies. At dinner, there will be a tapas bar with chips, dips, cheese and soup (Judson said clam chowder is the most popular at the seven other Alaska Lounges.)

In addition to complimentary grazing options, the lounge will offer hot, made to order meals such as omelets, a warm egg brioche sandwich at breakfast, or a chicken pesto panini or asian rice bowls at lunch or dinner. Prices range from $6-$10 and items can be packed to bring on the plane.

Once you pass through the food and beverage area, there will be a quiet lounge area with a cozy fireplace and specially designed recliners facing the big windows where aviation geeks can sit back, relax and watch jumbos approach SFO runways from the south. Wow!

From there, you'll turn right and into a more lively, clubby zone where custom playlists are piped in. Here members can sit at high top bar tables and have a drink from the bar. Local craft beers, red and white wine and well brand cocktails will be free. Premium cocktails, wine and spirits (such as the Bay Area's very own Hangar 1 Vodka) will sell for around $8 a pop.

From the bar and social area, you can peer out to the runways, or look southwest over the top of the new Terminal 1 toward the peninsula hills. Oddly, you'll look onto what appears to be an outdoor observation deck, but Judson said that "for the time being there will not be any outdoor access." That's too bad since outdoor space and fresh air are so coveted by frequent fliers. But who knows, maybe it's tied up in permitting for now and will eventually open. Stay tuned. (Check out SFO's newest outdoor deck here.)

Speaking of outdoor decks, there will soon be a pre-security public observation deck on the same floor as the Alaska Lounge-- but since it provides landside access, lounge guests who have already passed through security will not have access to it. You can see the public deck in the slideshow at the top of this post.

Currently, American Airlines operates the only lounge at SFO's Terminal 2, but Alaska Airlines passengers do not have access to it. Once American moves into Terminal 1 in 2020, its Admirals Club lounge will likely convert into more food, beverage and retail outlets. Judson said that the Admirals Club space is not large enough to accomodate the 500 or so guests expected at the Alaska Lounge each day. (And it's not nearly as dramatic!) The Alaska Lounge will have space for 150-200 guests at a time.

Chris McGinnis

To celebrate the SFO lounge announcement, flyers traveling through SFO's Terminal 2 today can win a free Alaska Lounge membership for the entire year. Go to Gate 54B in Terminal 2 for a demo of Alaska's upgraded lounge experience, giveaways, and special appearances by San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal and San Jose Sharks mascot S.J. Sharkie. For a chance to win, travelers can take a picture of themselves enjoying the lounge experience and post it to Twitter and Instagram, tagging @AlaskaAir with the hashtag #MostWestCoast.

As part of an overall $50 million investment in its seven lounges, Alaska Airlines recently opened its first east coast lounge a New York JFK, and the new flagship 15,000-square-foot lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is expected to open in June. In addition to opening a new lounge in SFO, Alaska says that it is "revitalizing the look-and-feel and upgrading the amenities of its lounges in Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles and the Seattle."

Here's a look at Alaska's newest lounge at New York-JFK- you can expect many similar design touches at the new San Francisco lounge .

At SFO and all other Alaska Lounges, day passes, subject to capacity controls, are available for $50 per visit. Standard annual membership fees start at $450, but are discounted to $295 for elite level members of Alaska's Mileage Plan program. Judson said that it has yet to be determined if the SFO lounge will become part of the Priority Pass lounge network.

Overall, this new lounge will be a welcome addition for frequent Alaska Airlines fliers who've lived mostly loungeless at SFO two years. I can't wait to see the current space of steel beams and concrete come to life.

Have you visited an Alaska Lounge yet? Flown Alaska Airlines from SFO? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

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Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis.It is known as Executive Order 9066.

President Franklin Roosevelt issued it Feb. 19, 1942, and the lives of thousands of U.S. citizens would never be the same.

Roosevelt's order authorized the military to designate "military areas" from which "any of all persons may be excluded."

With that, the relocation and internment of more than 100,000 Japanese Americans became possible.

A month after the order, 227 Japanese Americans on Bainbridge Island were forced to move. They were the first to go since they lived closed to Navy bases.

That event remembered by an iconic photo of a soon-to-be-moved mother with her sleeping daughter in her arms and by a memorial dedicated on Bainbridge Island in 2009.

Take a look at the gallery above that shows internment in Seattle in 1942,Posted Friday, February 15, 2019 5:51 pm

Standing near a sample tray full of CBD oils, Shanna Hoyt-Siler pulled out what looked like an eyedropper and put oil into a little white paper cup. She has heard positive things about the pina colada-flavored oil, she said.

Its hard because a lot of people when they think of CBD, they think of pot, Hoyt-Siler said. They think getting high, its a drug. Thats not what CBD is about. The stuff I carry, its all been known  to help people with sleep, with anxiety, depression, pain, and a number of other things. It wont get you high.

Hoyt-Siler decided to open her own CBD American Shaman franchise, after her brother opened one in Missouri and talked about his experience. In addition to her new business, Hoyt-Siler also delivers bread for Bimbo Bakeries USA. Her business name is S.H.S. Organic, but the store sells CBD American Shaman products and the sign in the front window says CBD American Shaman.

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is oil from hemp plants and is not a controlled substance.

While people sometimes interchangeably use the words cannabis, hemp and marijuana, they are not the same thing. Cannabis is a family of plants  hemp and marijuana are the two main species. There are two main compounds, called cannabinoids, that come up when people discuss cannabis  Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

Marijuana has higher amounts of THC and that is what can give the user that high feeling, while hemp is where CBD oils come from. Although the products Hoyt-Siler sells have a small amount of THC in them  less than 0.03 percent  the amount is so small that her products are legal in all 50 states.

Hoyt-Siler opened up shop for the first time Tuesday. Her daughter, Jasmine Gallea, stopped by that afternoon. Gallea is a high school student in Running Start. While people must be over 18 years old to buy the CBD products, parents can buy the CBD products for their children. Gallea said she has found a lot of her friends use CBD products.

A lot of my friends have stress and anxiety and whatnot, Gallea said. Its good for that. They say it helps for that a bunch.  They buy it from places like the actual marijuana shops and whatnot. ... Here, there is more in-depth research to make sure youre getting the full benefits and the quality  and less THC than when you would buy it from a pot shop.

The shop has various bottles of CBD products that sit on shelves along the walls. Hoyt-Siler has a seating area with a couch and chairs, as well as an area with toys for children. While people must be over 18 to buy the products, people under 18 can be in the store.

People dont necessarily want to go into a pot shop, Hoyt-Siler said. They dont want to be seen going into a pot shop, they dont want to smell of the pot shop. So to be able to come into something like this  you can bring your kids.  Its a family-friendly environment and kids can come in here.

Hoyt-Siler said she was surprised when she first talked about opening her shop by how many people use CBD products.

Its not something, like, I used it and Oh this changed my life and I want to sell it Hoyt-Siler said. It was just something that my brother, hearing him talking about it, I decided that this is something I would like to do. But people use it for many things. I have noticed that I think some people do use it and they dont want people to know they use it because its so taboo.

The business is located at 1339 NW Louisiana Ave. in Chehalis and can be reached at nwamericanshaman@yahoo.com.Posted Wednesday, February 20, 2019 9:13 am

A woman broke into a Chehalis car dealerships shop, got into a truck and drove it into a closed door, causing extensive damage, authorities say.

Kimberly R. Terrell, 41, of Chehalis was booked into the Lewis County Jail Sunday evening and was charged Tuesday with second-degree burglary, first-degree malicious mischief and attempted theft of a motor vehicle. Shes being held on $50,000 bail.

According to a probable cause affidavit, on Sunday, Chehalis police officers went to I-5 Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat for a reported burglary, and found extensive damage to a shop door. A trucks hood was also completely crumpled.

Surveillance footage from the interior of the shop depicted a woman  later allegedly identified as Terrell  breaking a window to gain entry to the shop area after the last employee left the day prior.

The woman found a truck with keys inside, and she then drove the truck into the shops door. She got into a second truck and tried to drive it off a lift where it was perched, the footage revealed.

An officer who reviewed the tape saw Terrell the next day, and noted that her clothing and gait resembled that of the woman in the tape. When the officer asked Terrell about the burglary, Terrell allegedly told the officer he was a Nazi, fascist pig.

Terrell did make reference to doing what she did because she was always being run off the road by trucks, court documents read.

During a preliminary hearing in Lewis County Superior Court, Judge James Lawler, in tune with a request from Deputy Prosecutor Alysha Chandra, imposed $50,000 bail, saying he was concerned about community safety because of the allegations. Chandra said Terrell had recent criminal convictions and, in past cases, had eight warrants issued for her arrest.

Terrell has an arraignment hearing set for Feb. 21.Seventy-seven years ago, more than 125,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and forcibly interned following Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066.

The order called for the military to designate "military areas" from which "any or all persons may be excluded," allowing the relocation and internment of Japanese Americans. President Roosevelt issued the order on Feb. 19, 1942, and suddenly thousands of lives changed.

A month after the order, 227 Japanese Americans on Bainbridge Island were forced to move. They were the first to go since they lived closed to Navy bases. They were given six days to liquidate their homes, farms and business, or secure other arrangements.

That event remembered by an iconic photo of a soon-to-be-moved mother with her sleeping daughter in her arms and by a memorial dedicated on Bainbridge Island in 2009.

RELATED: Short trip: Bainbridge Island's monument to Japanese internment

The internment would last until 1945, and Japanese Americans who left the camps often returned to a changed city: Homes seized, restaurants ransacked.

Some communities, like Bainbridge Island, cared for their incarcerated neighbors' property while they were away, allowing families to return and reclaim their property.

Years later, President Ronald Reagan would sign the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which awarded $20,000 to each living survivor of incarceration.

RELATED: Message on internment's 75th anniversary: 'We can't let this happen again'

"No payment can make up for those lost years," Reagan said, "so what is most important in this bill has less to do with property than with honor for here we admit a wrong."

Take a look at the gallery above that shows internment in Seattle in 1942.Russia's space agency says it's getting ready to resume sending private passengers to the International Space Station and back, a decade after the last space tour.

A contract has been signed with Virginia-based Space Adventures to send two non-professional spacefliers into orbit for short-term space station stays by the end of 2021, Roscosmos reported today in a news release.

Space Adventures didn't issue a statement but retweeted Roscosmos' news.

Roscosmos said the two passengers would fly on a Soyuz spacecraft that's currently being built, presumably with a professional Russian cosmonaut in the pilot's seat. "The execution of all works on the creation of space technology will be carried out at the expense of the space tourists," Roscosmos said.

RELATED: NASA picks nine commercial teams for moon deliveries  including dark horses

The most recent space passenger was Guy LaLiberte, the Canadian founder of Cirque du Soleil, who went on a 10-day trip to the space station back in 2009 and earned the title of "first clown in space" by virtue of his trademark fake red nose.

At that time, the price of the tour was said to be in the neighborhood of $35 million. The figure has risen steadily since then: Most recently, Russia has been charging NASA in excess of $80 million per seat.

RELATED: Hubble Space Telescope's team works to revive camera amid NASA shutdown

Space Adventures made the arrangements with Roscosmos for LaLiberte's trip, and for trips taken by six other self-paying spaceflight participants. Seattle-area billionaire Charles Simonyi went to the station twice, in 2007 and 2009.

The retirement of NASA's space shuttle fleet in 2011 tightened up the market for Soyuz seats. Virtually all of the seats were required to support regular crew rotations on the station.

When British-born soprano Sarah Brightman made arrangements with Space Adventures to go into space in 2015, the reported price was $53 million. Brightman didn't end up paying anywhere close to that amount, however. Although she went through cosmonaut training in Russia, she put the space trip on hold, reportedly due to personal family issues.

RELATED: NASA reviews computer security after newly reported data breach

The resumption of commercial Soyuz space trips is related to the expected start of flights to and from the space station on space taxis that are being developed for NASA by SpaceX and Boeing. If all proceeds according to plan, astronauts should start flying on SpaceX's Dragon and Boeing's Starliner spacecraft later this year. Those trips should free up seats on Soyuz spacecraft, leaving the Russians with something to sell to private passengers.

Eventually, open seats on Dragon and Starliner spacecraft could be sold to customers as well, perhaps through Space Adventures.The 75th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, ordering internment of Japanese-Americans living on the West Coast, was marked in Seattle with a blunt message by Muslim, Japanese-American, faith and political leaders.

"We can't let this happen again," Tom Ikeda, director of Densho, a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving the story of World War II incarceration, told a crowd of more than 1,300 who turned out for a "Never Again" meeting at the Seattle Center.

The Rev. Natch Ohno, a Jesuit priest, asked an interfaith service at nearby Seattle First United Methodist Church: "What other class is vulnerable, today, to the discrimination and hate that seems to be part of our dialogue today."

Japanese-Americans in the Seattle area were treated as pariahs after President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the infamous internment order on Feb. 19, 1942. "Seventy five years ago, we didn't have this kind of support," said Ikeda, looking out at the crowd.

Pictures of the era show Japanese-American truck farmers trudging down to the dock on Bainbridge Island, allowed to take only what they could carry or cart. Broadway High School suddenly lost 30 percent of its students.

The internees were even subject to Aesopian language. They were initially held in shacks at a muddy Puyallup fairgrounds called Camp Harmony. It was then off to the hot, dusty Minidoka internment camp in southern Idaho.

They were on hand at Seattle Center to lend a hand in understanding what happened to 110,000 people, 80,000 of them American citizens.

"It was stuck in the desert with barbed wire," said Frank Nishimura. Nishimura was fortunate in that his family leased inland land near Spokane, and was spared internment. But they did the long drive to Minidoka.

Tosh Okamoto, who would go on to co-found Seattle World School, was interned at Tule Lake in California, and later Heart Mountain in Wyoming.

"I am here primarily because for a long time I was ashamed to have been put in a prison," said Okamoto. "We didn't want to talk about it. We were Americans but (there was) all the hurt we had."

Two currents of opinion seemed to run against each other at the Seattle Center on Sunday afternoon.

The first is that the United States has officially acknowledged that E.O. 9066 was a tragic mistake.

The Civil Liberties Act of 1988 -- Seattle's U.S. Rep. Mike Lowry was a prime sponsor -- granted $20,000 in reparations and a presidential apology to each camp survivor. A total of 82,219 survivors and heirs received redress.

The William Kenzo Nakamura United States Courthouse in Seattle is named for a former internee who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for defending his platoon on the Italian front in World War II, an action in which he was killed.

A Seattle man who fought internment through the federal courts, Gordon Hirabayashi, is honored with a campground and rest areas on Mt. Lemmon outside Tucson, the site of the internment camp to which he ultimately had to report.

The National Park Service now looks after memorials at Tule Lake in California, and on Bainbridge Island.

Tosh Okamoto is amazed at the change seen in his lifetime, saying with pride: "This is still the greatest country in the world. I am proud to be an American."

The other current of opinion is nothing in which to take pride. It consists of the immigration bans, potential deportation orders and ICE raids being unleashed by the Trump Administration, and the President's incendiary anti-Muslim rhetoric -- and his multiple untruths.

"Today reminds us that we have been here before," Mayor Ed Murray told the crowd. "We have been here before as a city. We have been here before when Japanese-American farmers could no longer be found at the Pike Place Market."

"We aren't going back," added Hizzoner.

What to do? Question authority of the Trump administration, and carry that questioning beyond the liberal precincts of Seattle, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., urged. "Our dissent is the most patriotic thing we can do: We cannot let the abnormal be normalized," said Jayapal.

Arsalan Bukhari, with the Council on American Islamic Relations, wondered aloud how the patriotism of American Muslims can be questioned when 10,000 Muslims are currently service in the U.S. armed forces.

The 442nd Regiment, composed almost entirely of Japanese Americans, fought in Italy, helping break through the Germans' Gustav Line late in World War II. It became the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of the U.S. Army.

But the stigmatizing of Muslims, in the White House and often the media, has raised the possibility of another round of roundups, and another "natural security"-justified trampling of rights under the U.S. Constitution.

The fear unleashed against Japanese Americans during World War II raged up and down the West Coast. Canada interned Japanese-Canadian citizens.

Even liberal U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas voted to uphold internment in the case of Korematsu v. United States.. U.S. Rep. Henry Jackson, later a Senate champion of human rights, warned that the "disciples of Bushido" were moving to control the restaurant industry on the West Coast.

The memories of a disastrous mistake must not be lost, lest it be repeated.

A Canadian internment camp was located in the Selkirk Mountains of southeast British Columbia ear Slocan Lake.

Decades after World War II, a group of hikers from Seattle encountered famed Canadian TV host/scientist ("The Nature of Things") David Suzuki, his aged father, and three teenage Suzukis in heavy metal T-shirts at New Denver, B.C. Suzuki, as a little boy, and his father were interned at the camp.

Why was a bevy of Suzukis headed for the almost unrecognizable site of a World War II internment camp. "They need to know what happened, what can happen," David Suzuki said, pointing at his progeny.King County Council member Reagan Dunn introduced legislation Wednesday that would create a commission to investigate a potential data breach at the University of Washington.

UW Medicine said in a news release Wednesday that on Dec. 26, they became aware of the potential data breach from Dec. 4 that made protected files visible and searchable online.

"The files contained patients' names, medical record numbers, and a description and purpose of the information," the release said. "The files did not contain any medical records, patient financial information or Social Security numbers."

RELATED: King County Council announces human trafficking awareness campaign

The legislation calls for the King County Executive Dow Constantine to create a commission to investigate and report on the cause and scope of the breach, why it took almost two months for UW Medicine to release a statement, the communication between UW Medicine and those affected and how they can prevent it in the future.

"This is a breach of data, but it's also a massive breach of the public's trust," Dunn said in a news release from the sheriff's office. "That's why I am immediately introducing legislation requesting the County Executive to form a commission to investigate what went wrong, why it happened, and how to ensure this never happens again. The public deserves so much better."

UW Medicine said they were in the process of distributing letters to the "approximately 974,000 affected patients" and have reported the breach to the Office of Civil Rights.A Lacey city prosecutor filed theft charges against longtime initiative promoter Tim Eyman less than a week after video surveillance footage of him pushing an office chair out an Office Depot was released.

The charges were filed Tuesday by Lacey City Prosecutor Joseph Svodoba, following a referral from the Lacey Police Department that Eyman shoplifted a $70 office chair from the Sleater-Kinney Road Office Depot in Lacey.

Lacey Police said in a police report that Eyman was identified as the man who could be seen on video sitting in a displayed office chair in the foyer of store, spinning in it and pushing it out the door. He then walked back into the store where he exchanged a printer for two new ones, the report said.

EARLIER: Video: Tim Eyman under investigation for $70 office chair theft

Eyman is wearing a red "Let the voters decide" emblazoned t-shirt, which police said he can be seen wearing in a personal Facebook picture.

Eyman's attorney released a statement Tuesday that said Eyman "vigorously maintains his innocence," and the whole thing was a result of him distracted over "phenomenal news that [Eyman] might finally have legal counsel the State couldn't veto."

In a sworn declaration, Eyman said:

"I did not, shortly after giving legislative testimony in Olympia, walk into an Office Depot in Lacey wearing a bright red 'Let The Voters Decide' t-shirt, smile for the cameras, and steal a $70 chair just moments before spending $300 on two printers and after getting some life changing good news. The reason that doesn't make any sense is because it doesn't make any sense. It's ridiculous, it's insane, it's completely unbelievable.

"As the video shows, I went back into the store to pay for it. That's right, rather than hopping in my car for a daring get away after my successful bank heist, I walked back into the store and inserted my debit card into the chip reader (Jesse James I'm not)."

The police report had written statements by employees that said the printers were paid for, but the chair never was.

Eyman's lawyer, Casey Arbenz, also said the whole thing was an accident.

"He was printing things at the store, killing time and sees the chair," Arbenz told the SeattlePI. "He doesn't want anyone to buy the chair so he puts it in his car and gets a call."

RELATED: A bankrupt Tim Eyman is back in business with $30 car tab initiative

Arbenz said Eyman signaled to the cashier that he wanted the chair and walked out thinking he paid for it.

It wasn't until Eyman got to Florida Friday for a vacation that he said through texts and messages from friends that he realized he hadn't paid for the chair.

"We contacted the Office Depot and said we'd pay for it," Arbenz said. "We also tried to contact the city of Lacey trying to head them off. Instead I get an email this morning saying charges were filed."

Shoplifting is a gross misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.My name is Mary Watts, and Im a junior in the International Baccalaureate program at Wilson. Ive lived in Florence my whole life and have grown up in Florence One Schools. I support the referendum, because I know firsthand the issues we have in our schools, and I want to see them fixed.

At Wilson, you could walk into almost any classroom and see water damage and mold in the ceilings. Not only does this make our school look bad, but it also affects our ability to learn.

Sometimes you can actually see wet spots in the tiles from water dripping above them. Sometimes this gets so bad that the tiles actually collapse and fall into the classroom.

This happened in two of my classes last year. Its hard to have a productive class when theres a gaping, dripping hole in the ceiling. In one of my classes, the leak was above the SMART Board, so it had to be covered to protect it. We couldnt use it until the leak was located and fixed. Because of the leaks, we lost several valuable days of learning.

All of this could have been avoided if our schools were up-to-date and well maintained.

A vote YES on Tuesday will provide necessary updates to all of our high schools. It will also free up money for maintenance that is currently going toward building new schools.FLORENCE, S.C.  The Childrens Services Department will celebrate Black History Month with a special program for children in 5K through fifth grade at 3:30 p.m. today at the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library in Florence.

Helen Fullard, originally from Trinidad, will perform a steel drum concert in honor of Black History Month. This special concert is funded by the Friends of Florence County Library. Admission is free.

For more information, contact the Greenberg Childrens Library at 843-292-7382 or visit florencelibrary.org.HARTSVILLE, S.C.  Bobby McGee won a special election Tuesday to become the newest member of the Hartsville City Council.

McGee defeated Casey Copeland to win the District 6 seat on the council 156 votes to 34.

He will succeed former Councilman Billy Shirley, who resigned in November to move to the Upstate to be closer to family.

McGee, who will be sworn in at the March 12 council meeting, will serve the remainder of Shirleys term, which expires in November. The seat will be up for election for a full four-year term in the municipal general election in November.

I feel wonderful. I feel excited, McGee said. Im ready to get on board and contribute to council and the citizens. Im ready to go.

McGee expressed gratitude to the voters in Tuesdays election. I am grateful to the voters of the 6th District for electing me to city council, and I look forward to representing them and all the citizens of Hartsville, he said.

During my door-to-door campaign I met over 300 voters and heard their stories. The issues that are important to them are important to me, McGee said.JOHNSONVILLE, S.C.  The Johnsonville Area Chamber of Commerce elected new officers Tuesday at its annual membership meeting.

The following members were elected to serve on the 2019 board of directors:

President  Barbara Black  Lydias House of Hope.

 Barbara Black  Lydias House of Hope. Vice president  Tannesha Clements  Healthcare Partners of S.C.

 Tannesha Clements  Healthcare Partners of S.C. Secretary  Warrene Newcomb.

 Warrene Newcomb. Treasurer  Shannon Prosser  Prosser Law Firm.

 Shannon Prosser  Prosser Law Firm. Second director  Robin Tyler  Nu-Tech Auto Body and Design.

 Robin Tyler  Nu-Tech Auto Body and Design. Third director  Monica Richardson  Newell Richardson and Company.

Shannon Tippet is the immediate past president. Director Allan Wall of Wall Drugs will serve the second year of his term in 2019.

Black said 2018 was great for the chamber and 2019 will be even better. She said the chamber will be planning more things for the community and she is lucky to work with such a great team.Fossil fuel combustion is the main contributor to black carbon collected at five sites around the Arctic, which has implications for global warming, according to a study by an international group of scientists that included a United States team from Baylor University.

The five-year study to uncover sources of black carbon was done at five remote sites around the Arctic and is published in the journal Science Advances.

The Baylor team used radiocarbon to determine fossil and biomass burning contributions to black carbon in Barrow, Alaska, while their collaborators used the same technique for sites in Russia, Canada, Sweden and Norway.

Baylor research was led by Rebecca Sheesley, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental science in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Tate Barrett, Ph.D., former student of Sheesley and now a postdoctoral scholar at the University of North Texas. Their interest in the research resulted from a desire to understand why the Arctic is changing and what pollutants should be controlled to mitigate that change.

"The Arctic is warming at a much higher rate than the rest of the globe," Sheesley said. "This climate change is being driven by air pollutants such as greenhouse gases and particles in the atmosphere. One of the most important components of this atmospheric particulate matter is black carbon, or soot. Black carbon directly absorbs incoming sunlight and heats the atmosphere. In snowy places, it also can deposit on the surface, where it heats the surface and increases the rate of melting."

Findings showed that fossil fuel combustion (coal, gasoline or diesel) is responsible for most of the black carbon in the Arctic (annually around 60 percent), but that biomass burning (including wildfires and residential woodsmoke) becomes more important in the summer.

The site at Barrow, Alaska, which was the focus of the Baylor team, differed from other sites in that it had higher fossil fuel contribution to black carbon and was more impacted by North American sources of black carbon than the rest of the Arctic. Since 2012, Sheesley has been expanding this work to investigate how combustion and non-combustion sources impact different types of atmospheric particulate matter across the Alaskan Arctic.

*This Baylor University research received support from the U.S. Department of Energy (Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Field Campaign no. 2010-05876) and Baylor's C. Gus Glasscock Jr. Endowed Fund for Excellence in Environmental Sciences.A major volcanic event could have triggered one of the largest glaciations in Earth's history -- the Gaskiers glaciation, which turned the Earth into a giant snowball approximately 580 million years ago. Researchers from Heidelberg University and colleagues from Mexico have discovered remnants of such a large igneous province that resulted from vast lava flows. At the time, it extended over three continents, which today comprises the Earth's crust in parts of Mexico, North America, and northern Europe. The basaltic eruptions must have covered an area of at least a thousand kilometres in diameter. The results of the research were published in the journal "Geophysical Research Letters."

Volcanism is a natural process that releases the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Weathering of silicate rocks on Earth's surface traps atmospheric CO2 and sequesters it in carbonate rocks. "That guarantees long-term stability of Earth's temperate surface conditions in comparison to the hostile environment of its cosmic neighbours, hot Venus and cold Mars," explains Prof. Dr Axel K. Schmitt of the Institute of Earth Sciences at Heidelberg University. Disturbances of this equilibrium, however, are known to have occurred throughout Earth's history. "At the end of the Proterozoic Eon, there were three worldwide glaciations. From space, the Earth would have resembled a snowball," adds the geoscientist.

Extreme volcanic outpourings resulting in so-called large igneous provinces could be responsible for these Snowball Earth global glaciations. When continental land masses break up, it causes a volcanic binge that also releases massive amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, which can cause short-term global warming. Then, however, the lava rock begins to weather. "The weathering process is especially intense at tropical latitudes. Over timescales of millions to tens of millions of years, the weathered rocks can sequester sufficient carbon dioxide to plunge Earth's climate into an extreme ice age," explains Prof. Schmitt.

The German-Mexican team which included researchers from the Centro de Investigacion Cientifica y de Educacion Superior de Ensenda (CICESE) studied basaltic dike rocks from the Novillo Gneiss in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. These dikes are the roots of lava flows that have been long eroded. The research team demonstrated that dike rocks from Mexico are indistinguishable in their trace element and isotopic compositions to dated rocks from Canada and Norway. Moreover, the Heidelberg team was successful in retrieving microscopic mineral grains of baddeleyite from the Mexican samples.

Baddeleyite exclusively crystallises in magma and thus is a reliable indicator for the timing of volcanism. In this case, with the help of a high spatial resolution ion microprobe at the Institute of Earth Sciences, the rare mineral was determined to be 619 million years old. According to Prof. Schmitt, this date perfectly matches the time when the rocks found in Canada and Norway were formed. The researchers speculate that the long-term climate effects of this large igneous province led to the Gaskiers glaciation approximately 40 million years later.A new antimicrobial-resistance gene, VCC-1, a -lactamase gene, has been discovered in benign close relatives of virulent Vibrio cholerae, which causes cholera. Now, a team of Canadian researchers has found a way to block the VCC-1 enzyme, which disables that resistance gene. The research is published February 19th in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.

VCC-1 was first found in Canada, by investigators from the Public Health Agency of Canada, on frozen shrimp that had been imported from India, and sold in a Canadian grocery store. A handful of other -lactamase resistance genes have also emerged from India. -lactamase genes code for enzymes that can break down -lactams, which are a critically important class of antimicrobials.

The investigators identified the gene in a non-toxogenic strain of Vibrio cholerae. Since then, VCC-1 has also been found in non-toxogenic V. cholerae off of the German coastline. The danger is that it's a short jump for a gene from non-toxogenic V. cholerae to its toxogenic siblings.

"We noticed that VCC-1 belongs to the same class of [antibiotic resistance] enzymes that avibactam is active against," said lead author Brian Mark, PhD, Professor, Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba. The US Food and Drug Administration had recently approved Avibactam. "I said, 'lets try avibactam'," and sure enough, it blocks the enzyme quite potently," said Dr. Mark.

To see how avibactam did so, Dr. Mark and his collaborators used x-ray crystallography, a method of visualizing the three-dimensional structure of molecules at the atomic level.

The x-ray crystallography showed that the avibactam molecule has a protuberance that fits snugly into a pocket on VCC-1, "the same pocket that VCC-1 uses to break down the antibiotic," said Dr. Mark.

After that, "We went back to the original strain, the Vibrio the VCC-1 was originally found in," said Dr. Mark. "We grew it up, and demonstrated that if you try to kill this bacteria with carbapenem [an important beta lactam antimicrobial], it is very resistant, which is alarming, as this is a front line, last resort antibiotic, and here it is sitting on shrimp that people are eating. But if you add avibactam to the carbapenem, it becomes really potent, because you blocked the VCC-1 which was enabling the resistance."

The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved combination drug containing avibactam and the antibiotic, ceftazidime. Should a patient enter a clinic ill with a pathogen carrying VCC-1, knowledgeable physicians will be ready.As many as half of all patients who undergo cardiac surgery may experience delirium, a form of acute confusion that can result in disorientation, impaired memory, delusions, and abrupt changes in mood and behavior, including aggression.

In a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, physician-researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that intravenous acetaminophen significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative delirium following coronary artery bypass procedures in patients over 60. The findings of this single-center trial may represent the first steps toward a therapeutic intervention for the prevention of postoperative delirium, a common and devastating complication in the often highly vulnerable older adults who undergo cardiac surgery.

"Currently, IV acetaminophen administration is considered an expensive intervention, and there is significant variation in pain management following cardiac surgery," said corresponding author Balachundhar Subramainam, MD, PhD, Director of the Center for Anesthesia Research Excellence in the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine at BIDMC. "If our findings are replicated in a larger, multicenter study, postoperative intravenous administration of acetaminophen could become a standard of care in all cardiac surgical patients and could be incorporated in cardiac surgery recovery protocols."

Subramaniam and colleagues enrolled 120 patients 60 years or older who underwent coronary bypass graft surgery with or without valve repair at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston between September 2015 and April 2018. To evaluate the effect of IV acetaminophen on postoperative delirium, the researchers randomly assigned patients into one of four groups receiving different combinations of sedation and pain medication after surgery: 29 participants received the sedative dexmedetomidine with IV acetaminophen, while 30 participants were given dexmedetomidine and placebo. Thirty-one patients were given the sedative propofol in combination with acetaminophen, and 30 received propofol with placebo.

Patients treated with acetaminophen demonstrated a significant reduction in in-hospital delirium. Only 10 percent of the group given acetaminophen experienced signs of delirium, compared to 28 percent of those given placebo. Moreover, those given acetaminophen also were more likely to have shorter stays in the intensive care unit, less breakthrough pain. Those patients who did experience delirium had shorter bouts of the acute confusion.

In addition to decreasing the incidence of delirium, adding acetaminophen to postoperative care also reduced the need for opioid painkillers in these patients, Subramaniam added.

"Postoperative pain is known to increase the risk for postoperative delirium, as is the use of opioids to manage postoperative pain," he said. "We found that the use of IV acetaminophen provided effective pain control, and we observed a noticeable sparing of opioids in the postoperative period with decreased duration of delirium and intensive care unit length of stay."Aggressiveness among animals may increase the longer individuals live together in stable groups. This is the finding of a recent study carried out by researchers from the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB). The study, published in the journal Animal Behaviour used the Amazon molly, a naturally clonal fish species that produces genetically identical individuals to isolate the effects of familiarity on behaviour. The study provides new insight into how groups function, and why it is sometimes better for fish to leave their group and join a new one.

Many animal species live in groups because cohabitation offers a number of advantages, such as when it comes to foraging, defence, and selecting a mate. Finding out how such animal groups form and function is a key issue in behavioural ecology. A new IGB study shows that group composition is dependent not only on environmental factors such as the availability of food, but also on the level of familiarity among group mates. Familiarity is often linked to kinship, making it difficult to disentangle these two factors in the past. However, this is not the case with the Amazon molly -- being clones, these fish exhibit identical genetic relatedness. This meant that the researchers were able to manipulate the level of familiarity separately from the degree of relatedness in their study.

To achieve this, IGB scientist Carolina Doran and her colleagues David Bierbach and Kate Laskowski examined groups of Amazon mollies (Poecilia formosa) that had lived together for differing amounts of time -- one day, seven days, and three weeks. After this familiarization period, the IGB team added a defensible food resource to each tank, and watched how each group behaved before and after the addition of the food.

Familiar fish can afford to be more belligerent

"We were surprised that the fish with the highest level of familiarity acted most aggressively towards each other," stated David Bierbach, summing up the key finding of the study. The team had assumed that the opposite was the case: "Dominance hierarchies of Amazon mollies become established after living together for a while, and the fish are expected to have less reason to fight," explained the IGB scientist. In the investigation, however, the Amazon mollies with the highest degree of familiarity exhibited considerable aggressiveness both before and after food was added. Manifestations of aggression included fish chasing other individuals in the tank. The fish that had lived together for just one day were the least aggressive, although aggression increased following the addition of food; this was also the case with the group that had been together for one week. Their aggression was more pronounced on the whole than that of the least familiar group.

Although the Amazon mollies behaved differently to the researchers' expectations, their behaviour was plausible: "The fish that had been together longest were less stressed overall, and could afford, in a way, to be more aggressive," explained David Bierbach. In fact, increased aggressiveness has its advantages: groups that have been together longer appeared to be less stressed in novel environments. If, however, they are so familiar with each other that the level of aggression increases too much, the researchers hypothesize that some individuals will leave the group and join others. This is how fission-fusion societies are formed, where individuals repeatedly change from group to group. Such dynamic living conditions are also common in other vertebrate species: dolphins, elephants, hyenas, bison and baboons also live in fission-fusion societies.

Natural clones are ideal model organisms

In another article, led by Kate Laskowski, the IGB scientists call for the increased use of studies with vertebrates that reproduce clonally in nature, such as the Amazon molly. Unlike artificially cloned animals such as the cloned sheep "Dolly," natural clones have already proven their ability to survive in the wild, and are therefore may be more appropriate for explaining some biological processes. Besides disentangling familiarity and kinship, as was the case in the previous study, natural clones offer additional advantages: for example, the effects of mutations can be better understood when there is less initial variability in the genome. In addition, epigenetic effects, due to the specific activation and inactivation of particular sections of DNA, can be compared more effectively. Moreover, when individuals with the same genetic makeup are reared in different surroundings, it is easier to monitor developmental processes in individuals relative to the different environmental conditions. Working with naturally clonal vertebrates may make an important contribution to ecological and evolutionary research, particularly, as shown above, to the analysis of transient properties such as aggressiveness.A volunteer working with the NASA-led Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project has found the oldest and coldest known white dwarf -- an Earth-sized remnant of a Sun-like star that has died -- ringed by dust and debris. Astronomers suspect this could be the first known white dwarf with multiple dust rings.

The star, LSPM J0207+3331 or J0207 for short, is forcing researchers to reconsider models of planetary systems and could help us learn about the distant future of our solar system.

"This white dwarf is so old that whatever process is feeding material into its rings must operate on billion-year timescales," said John Debes, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. "Most of the models scientists have created to explain rings around white dwarfs only work well up to around 100 million years, so this star is really challenging our assumptions of how planetary systems evolve."

A paper detailing the findings, led by Debes, was published in the Feb. 19 issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters and is now available online.

J0207 is located around 145 light-years away in the constellation Capricornus. White dwarfs slowly cool as they age, and Debes' team calculated J0207 is about 3 billion years old based on a temperature just over 10,500 degrees Fahrenheit (5,800 degrees Celsius). A strong infrared signal picked up by NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission -- which mapped the entire sky in infrared light -- suggested the presence of dust, making J0207 the oldest and coldest white dwarf with dust yet known. Previously, dust disks and rings had only been observed surrounding white dwarfs about one-third J0207's age.

When a Sun-like star runs out of fuel, it swells into a red giant, ejects at least half of its mass, and leaves behind a very hot white dwarf. Over the course of the star's giant phase, planets and asteroids close to the star become engulfed and incinerated. Planets and asteroids farther away survive, but move outward as their orbits expand. That's because when the star loses mass, its gravitational influence on surrounding objects is greatly reduced.

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This scenario describes the future of our solar system. Around 5 billion years from now, Mercury, then Venus and possibly Earth will be swallowed when the Sun grows into a red giant. Over hundreds of thousands to millions of years, the inner solar system will be scrubbed clean, and the remaining planets will drift outward.

Yet some white dwarfs -- between 1 and 4 percent -- show infrared emission indicating they're surrounded by dusty disks or rings. Scientists think the dust may arise from distant asteroids and comets kicked closer to the star by gravitational interactions with displaced planets. As these small bodies approach the white dwarf, the star's strong gravity tears them apart in a process called tidal disruption. The debris forms a ring of dust that will slowly spiral down onto the surface of the star.

J0207 was found through Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, a project led by Marc Kuchner, a co-author and astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, that asks volunteers to sort through WISE data for new discoveries.

Melina Thevenot, a co-author and citizen scientist in Germany working with the project, initially thought the infrared signal was bad data. She was searching through the ESA's (European Space Agency's) Gaia archives for brown dwarfs, objects too large to be planets and too small to be stars, when she noticed J0207. When she looked at the source in the WISE infrared data, it was too bright and too far away to be a brown dwarf. Thevenot passed her findings along to the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 team. Debes and Kuchner contacted collaborator Adam Burgasser at the University of California, San Diego to obtain follow-up observations with the Keck II telescope at the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii.

"That is a really motivating aspect of the search," said Thevenot, one of more than 150,000 citizen scientists on the Backyard Worlds project. "The researchers will move their telescopes to look at worlds you have discovered. What I especially enjoy, though, is the interaction with the awesome research team. Everyone is very kind, and they are always trying to make the best out of our discoveries."

The Keck observations helped confirm J0207's record-setting properties. Now scientists are left to puzzle how it fits into their models.

Debes compared the population of asteroid belt analogs in white dwarf systems to the grains of sand in an hourglass. Initially, there's a steady stream of material. The planets fling asteroids inward towards the white dwarf to be torn apart, maintaining a dusty disk. But over time, the asteroid belts become depleted, just like grains of sand in the hourglass. Eventually, all the material in the disk falls down onto the surface of the white dwarf, so older white dwarfs like J0207 should be less likely to have disks or rings.

J0207's ring may even be multiple rings. Debes and his colleagues suggest there could be two distinct components, one thin ring just at the point where the star's tides break up the asteroids and a wider ring closer to the white dwarf. Follow-up with future missions like NASA's James Webb Space Telescope may help astronomers tease apart the ring's constituent parts.

"We built Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 mostly to search for brown dwarfs and new planets in the solar system," Kuchner said. "But working with citizen scientists always leads to surprises. They are voracious -- the project just celebrated its second birthday, and they've already discovered more than 1,000 likely brown dwarfs. Now that we've rebooted the website with double the amount of WISE data, we're looking forward to even more exciting discoveries."Coal-fired power plants produce more than just the carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming. When burning coal, they also release particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury -- thus damaging the health of many people around the world in various ways. To estimate where action is most urgently required, the research group led by Stefanie Hellweg from ETH Zurich's Institute of Environmental Engineering modelled and calculated the undesired side effects of coal power for each of the 7,861 power plant units in the world.

Uneven pollution levels

The results, which were recently published in the journal Nature Sustainability, show that China and the US are the two largest producers of coal power, but power plants in India take the highest toll in the world when it comes to health. Central Europe, North America and China all have modern power plants, but Eastern Europe, Russia and India still have many older power plants equipped with insufficient flue gas treatment.

As a result, these power plants only remove a fraction of the pollutants -- while also often burning coal of inferior quality. "More than half of the health effects can be traced back to just one tenth of the power plants. These power plants should be upgraded or shut down as quickly as possible," says Christopher Oberschelp, the lead author of the study.

A question of quality

The global picture of coal power production shows that the gap between privileged and disadvantaged regions is widening. This is happening for two reasons. Firstly, wealthy countries -- such as in Europe -- import high-quality coal with a high calorific value and low emissions of harmful sulphur dioxide. The poorer coal-exporting countries (such as Indonesia, Colombia and South Africa) are left with low-quality coal, which they often burn in outdated power plants without modern flue gas treatment to remove the sulphur dioxide.

Secondly, "In Europe, we contribute to global warming with our own power plants, which has a global impact. However, the local health damage caused by particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide occurs mainly in Asia, where coal power is used to manufacture a large proportion of our consumer products," says Oberschelp.

Coal power threatens to grow worldwide

Global coal resources will last for several hundred years, so the harmful emissions need to be limited politically. "It is particularly important to leave coal that is high in mercury and sulphur content in the ground," says Oberschelp. Reducing the negative health effects of coal power generation should be a global priority: "But further industrialisation, especially in China and India, poses the risk of aggravating the situation instead," write the researchers led by Hellweg in their article.

The initial investment costs for the construction of a coal power plant are high, but the subsequent operating costs are low. Power plant operators thus have an economic interest in keeping their plants running for a long time. "The best option is therefore to not build any new coal power plants. From a health and environment perspective, we should move away from coal and towards natural gas -- and in the long term, towards renewable energy sources," says Oberschelp.Engineers have used microfluidic technology to create a "placenta-on-a-chip" that models how compounds can be passed from a mother to a fetus.

"I am interested in microfluidics and I've been excited about using the technology to understand what happens in the cellular environment and within the body," said Nicole Hashemi, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Iowa State University and the leader of this project. "We looked at different organs and decided on developing a placenta model because there aren't many studies on this important temporary organ."

The placenta develops inside a woman's uterus during pregnancy. Through the umbilical cord, it provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and removes waste from the fetal bloodstream.

Animal models of the placenta don't translate well to human health, Hashemi said. And because of the temporary nature of the placenta, there haven't been a lot of human studies. Those that have been done have shown inconsistent results.

The engineers' placenta model is described in a paper just released online by the scientific journal Global Challenges published by John Wiley & Sons Inc. Hashemi is the corresponding author. Co-authors are Rajeendra Pemathilaka and Saurabh Aykar, Iowa State graduate students in mechanical engineering; Jeremy Caplin, a former Iowa State graduate student now at Georgia Tech; and Reza Montazami, an Iowa State associate professor of mechanical engineering.

The paper will also be featured on the cover of a print edition of the journal.

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A grant from the Office of Naval Research and a Young Researcher Prize to Caplin from the Lush company supported development of the placenta model.

Hashemi said it took four years of challenging work to come up with a working model. First, the engineers had to design the microfluidics -- they ultimately decided on a model featuring two microchannels just 100 millionths of a meter high and 400 millionths of a meter wide. Then they had to figure out how to effectively grow cells on either side of a porous, biocompatible membrane that would separate the two channels and represent the placental barrier. They also had to identify the right compound to test using the model so they could understand transport from the maternal side to the fetal side.

The engineers decided on caffeine for their initial study.

It's a relevant medical question: Because of unknown effects from maternal caffeine intake on the fetus, health authorities such as the World Health Organization have recommended restricting caffeine intake during pregnancy.

It's also an important question to Hashemi: "I drink a lot of tea," she explained, a cup of tea sitting on her office desk. "This is personal to me."

And does caffeine from mother's tea or coffee make it into baby's bloodstream? Tests with the model say some of it does.

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The engineers introduced a caffeine concentration of 0.25 milligrams per milliliter -- a concentration deemed safe by U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines -- to the maternal side of the model for an hour and then monitored changes over 7.5 hours, according to the paper. At six and a half hours, the maternal side reached a steady caffeine concentration of 0.1513 milligrams per milliliter and the fetal side reached a steady concentration of 0.0033 after five hours.

Now that they've demonstrated their technology, Hashemi said the model is being used with research partners at Ohio State University's College of Medicine to study how different drugs move through the placental barrier.

There has also been interest in studying how environmental toxins are transported from mother to fetus, she said. Future studies could include personalizing the technology -- actually tuning the model with cells from a mother or fetus to help prescribe medicines or dosages. And maybe one day researchers could study the effects of placental transport of chemicals and compounds on individual cells.

"We are trying to model the real placenta," Hashemi said. "Now that we have this placenta-on-a-chip technology in place, we can collaborate with researchers working on all kinds of projects."Empowered by hip-hop

Education researcher studies impact of hip-hop in African communities

"Hip-hop can adapt to any social environment and has a unique ability to engage young people."  Binda Niati, College of Education researcher

Noella Binda Niati has always been fascinated by the convergence of hip-hop/rap, engagement and social change.

A refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niati grew up in Nairobi, Iowa and Nebraska. As an undergraduate student, she was intrigued by the historic influence of Malcolm X and how it affected modern rappers such as Tupac Shakur, who encouraged knowledge seeking about pan-Africanism. Today, as a doctoral candidate in the Educational Foundations and Inquiry program of the College of Education, shes turned her attention to harnessing the power of hip- hop in transforming education and citizen engagement.

Within the African and African-American context, music plays and has played a crucial role in various freedom struggles, social movements and political struggle, she says. It only makes sense, given hip-hops origin story and its international influence, it would be adopted by a young and powerful population.

Niati first began her research with a Boren Fellowship in Senegal in 2016. Luckily, I got to know more about the social dynamics of the city and stumbled upon two organizations: M23 and Yen a Marre, she says. Yen a Marre stood out to me because they were young rappers and journalists who just got fed up one night. After endless days of power outage, theyd had enough and decided to fight against social injustice and inequality in Dakar. They created music videos criticizing the government, went door to door and led protests, held rap battles and learning concerts, and used social media to get people involved.

That small group of young men and women, says Niati, snowballed into an international movement that has spawned similar groups in West and Central Africa. Their preferred weapon of choice? Hip-hop.

Hip-hop can adapt to any social environment and has a unique ability to engage young people, explains Niati. Hip-hop challenges us to reconsider how we learn and how that knowledge is shared and received. It challenges the notions of school and schooling, and lets us break out of the classroom and reconfigure what an engaging, critical and transformative learning space looks like.

Hip-hop is a cultural driver, says Niati. Creating educative tools that are not only culturally relevant but socially contextual creates a motivated population, she says. A motivated population doesnt sit idly by and let injustice go unchecked. A motivated population is politically engaged, a motivated population is socially aware and economically mobile.

One new avenue for her research is seeing how a group led by a female rapper can gain traction in a male-dominated society. Im looking forward to where this research will take me and Im extremely privileged to have the opportunity to do so under the generous support from the Boren Fellowship, Fulbright Fellowship and the Meeks Scholarship from USCs College of Education.

The Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs provided national fellowship advice and assistance to Niati for her Boren and Fulbright applications. The office, located in DeSaussure College on the Horseshoe, provides assistance to undergraduates pursuing an array of national fellowships and scholarships.

Share this Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading aboutJoe Seeman, of Saratoga Progressive Action, left, discusses campaign finance reform, as New York State Council of Churches Executive Director Peter Cook, center, and Fiscal Policy Institute Executive Director Ron Deutsch, right, look on.Rutland, VT (05701)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 70F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 70F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.Chandigarh, February 20: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday unleased a scathing attack on the Badals for the complete destruction of all institutions of governance in the state, alleging that what was happening during their regime was not governance but `danda raaj, with orders  legal and illegal  being passed by one family, Pointing out that no rules, regulations, laws or Constitutional principles & provisions were followed during the Badal regime, the Chief Minister said it was the halqa incharges, working at the behest of the Akali leadership, who were calling the shots.

Lashing out at the Akalis over their irresponsible and unruly behaviour in the House, Captain Amarinder said it was unfortunate the way the Finance Ministers speech was disrupted for petty political gains. Expressing surprise at the oppositions attempt to twist the facts of the Governors address during the ongoing Budget Session, the Chief Minister slammed the Akalis for eroding the dignity of a revered institution like the Vidhan Sabha.

Replying to the Governors address, the Chief Minister said he had once seen Parkash Singh Badal pull the Speaker out of his chair, which was extremely regretful. Taking a dig at the SAD president, he asked whether the party had any leader, since Sukhbir seemed to be always missing from the House.The Badals, in fact, came in for a major onslaught from Captain Amarinder, who lambasted them over the total absence of law & order and governance in the state during their decade-long rule.

What was happening earlier was not governance but danda raaj, with orders  legal and illegal  being passed by one family, said the Chief Minister, pointing out that no rules, regulations, laws or Constitutional provisions were followed then. It was the halqa incharges, working at the behest of the Badals and their cronies, who were calling the shots, he added. Good governance, Captain Amarinder said, meant trusting your officials and giving them the freedom to work, besides rewarding the performers and removing the underperformers.

Punjab CM Lambasts Akalis

Even the Congress party functions like that, which was in total contrast to the Akali way of functioning, he added. The Chief Minister, who listed out the progress made by his government in reversing the pathetic situation in which the SAD-BJP combine had left the state across all sectors and segments, pointed out that Rs. 5 crores were being given to every sub-division for development work.

He flayed the opposition for their allegation that only Congress MLAs were getting development funds and said if they needed to get some work done they should submit their project proposals to the concerned DCs. Describing the steps taken to combat the problem of drugs, of which his government had successfully broken the backbone, Captain Amarinder challenged the opposition to come out with the names of the `big fish, with evidence, to help the STF arrest them.

He vowed to continue to fight the battle against drugs from the front, not resting till it is completely eliminated from the state. Recalling the pathetic state of the economy, and the huge debt, left behind by the previous regime, the Chief Minister said his government had been ensuring development despite the fiscal crisis and had been able to generate revenue. Backing his claims with hardcore numbers, the Chief Minister said law and order had been restored by his government in the state,

with gangsters having been eliminated. Law and order is ensured only if you allow the police to work, which is what his government had done, he said, taking another dig at the Akalis. The Chief Minister also minced no words in assailing the SAD-BJP for the sacrilege incidents, pointed out that they had failed to accept even their own Commissions report into the firing incident. His government, said Captain Amarinder, would take the findings of the Ranjit Singh Commission report to their logical conclusion, and not spare anyone found guilty of the horrendous crime.

Parkash Singh Badal

On the Farm debt waiver scheme of his government, the Chief Minister, while citing the figures, promised to pay out more to the farming community once the states revenues show further improvement. This money is not ours but that of the people of Punjab, and will go into their welfare, he said, adding that his government would also waive off the loans of the landless labourers. Captain Amarinder thanked the farmers for supporting his governments initiative to check stubble burning, which he said was not the cause of pollution in Delhi, contrary to what they claimed.

The Chief Minister also reiterated his stand on the water issue, asserting that while Punjab did not want to stop anyone from accessing this precious report, it could not afford to give away water since it did not have spare. We owe it to our future generations to take steps to prevent our land from becoming a desert, he said, reaffirming his commitment to provide clean drinking water to every person.

From employment to industrial development, his government had made massive strides in powering the state forward on the path to progress, said the Chief Minister, expressing happiness that industry was now looking back towards Punjab as a favoured destination. On the employment front, he noted that his government had so far facilitated jobs and employment to over 5 lakh youth, which worked out to an impressive 720 youth per day, besides generating 415 lakh man-days under MGNREGA during the last two years (2017-19).

Underlining the importance of rural development for the states holistic progress, the Chief Minister referred to the repair of link roads undertaken by his government, in addition to the Smart Village Campaign. Housing and Education, said Captain Amarinder, were other priority areas for his government, and cited the Urban Environment Improvement Programme to boost civic amenities, in addition to the canal based drinking water schemes. He took particular note

Captain Amarinder thanked farmers

of the revival of the Kandi Area Development Board and establishment of Sri Anandpur Sahib Development Authority to ensure the development of the difficult region. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of education to the states development agenda, and noted that smart education was being pursued aggressively by his government to give a fillip to this segment.

On the Health front, Captain Amarinder listed the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojan and Mission Tandrust Punjab as some of the key initiatives taken by his government. He also reiterated his governments commitment to the welfare of Dalits, OBCs and persons with disabilities and minorities, without which holistic progress could not be realized. In conclusion, he thanked the House for the good note on which the debate on the Budget had ended in the Assembly, and hoped it would set a precedent for healthy discussions in the future too.New Delhi, Feb 20: Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case probe, officials said. He reached the agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:30 AM along with his lawyers, they said. This is a scheduled appearance of Vadra before the investigating officer (IO) of the case in a criminal complaint related to allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

He had skipped the summons Tuesday, citing bad health. Vadra has been questioned by the ED in this case for 23 hours over three days of deposition earlier this month. He has been asked by a Delhi court to cooperate in the probe being conducted by the central probe agency. 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.

Vadra appears before ED in money laundering case probe

The agency had 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 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 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 (PMLA). His first appearance before the ED earlier this month acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on one day while she picked him up after questioning the next time. Vadra had similarly deposed before the ED twice in Jaipur in an another money-laundering case related to an alleged land scam in Bikaner.New Delhi, Feb 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Wednesday explored ways to further deepen strategic ties, in talks taking place in the backdrop of India's escalating tension with Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack. The crown prince arrived here on a less than 30-hour visit Tuesday night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

In a special gesture, Modi received Salman at the airport here, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the Gulf nation. During the delegation level talks, New Delhi would strongly take up the issue of cross border terrorism and the support Islamabad was extending to terror groups carrying out attacks on India, government sources said. In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince hold talks to expand ties

The joint statement said the Saudi crown prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack. After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, the crown prince talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding the ties further.

"The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is in our DNA....Today, we want to be ensured that the relationship is maintained and improved for sake of both the countries and with the leadership of Mr President and the Prime Minister, we can create good things for both the countries," he told reporters. He also talked about the contribution of lakhs of Indians in the overall development of Saudi Arabia.

The crown prince arrived here on a less than 30-hour visit Tuesday night

Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met the crown prince and discussed ways to add further momentum to the strategic ties between the two nations besides deepening engagement in areas of trade and investment. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on HRH Crown Prince of #SaudiArabia Mohammed Bin Salman. Discussed adding momentum to strategic dimension of our relationship in various fields - from trade & investment to defence & security, and regional cooperation," the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson tweeted. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 PM on Wednesday.New Delhi, Feb 20: India strongly rejected Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's response to its allegations of Islamabad's involvement in the Pulwama attack, saying disclaiming its link with terrorist attacks is an oft-repeated excuse by the neighbouring country. In a hard-hitting statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said India was not surprised that Khan refused to acknowledge the attack on India's security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism.

Pulwama Attack

It said the Prime Minister of Pakistan has neither chosen to condemn the heinous act nor condoled with the bereaved families. "Disclaiming any link between the terrorist attack and Pakistan is an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan. The Pakistani Prime Minister has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad, as well as by the terrorist, who perpetrated this heinous crime," the MEA said. "It is a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan.

Masood Azhar

These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action," it said. In a video message, Khan Tuesday assured India that he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack if New Delhi shares "actionable intelligence", but warned against any "revenge" retaliatory action. Khan responded to the Indian allegations on Pakistan's involvement in the attack in Kashmir last Thursday that left 40 CRPF personnel dead.Deanna Lou Simmons of Terrell, Texas was born Jan. 3, 1937 in Royse City, Texas to Dean and Opal (Howell) Wester. She went to be with our Lord and Savior on Jan. 19, 2021 at the age of 84. Deanna graduated from Royse City High School in 1955, then moved to Mesquite to raise her family for apThe scene after the attack on Midland Road

TWO teenagers have been charged over the murder of a man found with head injuries at Masbrough.

Victim John Methley (39) died in hospital six days after being attacked on Midland Road on February 4.

Kyle Greenwood (19), of Spa View Road, Sheffield, and Nafees Hussain (19), of Teesdale Road, Masbrough, were charged with murder early this morning (Wednesday).

Three other men and a woman remain on bail in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting incident 666 of February.Boeings iconic plane, the original jumbo jet, made its maiden test flight in February 1969, ushering in a new era of air travel.

When the first 747 lifted off the tarmac on Feb. 9, 1969, it marked a big leap forward in air travel  emphasis on the big.

Boeings behemoth could carry around 400 people, more than double the capacity of the then-industry standard 707. It could go thousands of miles farther, too, crossing oceans with ease. And the passenger experience was vastly improved: The wide-body plane was the first to have twin aisles, separate rooms for each class and nearly vertical walls with a high ceiling, creating an open and airy ride.

Air travel soared. According to aviation expert Howard Slutsken, in 1970, its first year in operation, a fully-loaded 747 cut the cost of flying per passenger in half. Soon, every airline wanted the prestige of ferrying passengers in their own 747s. (To date, Boeing has sold more than 1,500 of the planes, a record for any aircraft of its size.)

Airports had to expand rapidly to adapt, providing new lounges, ticket counters and terminals for the hundreds of new passengers arriving and departing on the jumbo jets. The press marveled, calling it the Queen of the Skies, and Popular Mechanics magazine said in 1969, The craft is so big and solid-looking that you wonder how it can be supported by anything as insubstantial as air.

In the 50 years since its debut, the 747 has become synonymous with air travel, helped in no small way by its starring roles in Hollywood movies and as the U.S. presidents flagship: Air Force One.

But despite Americas enduring love for the 747, its appeal is fading for airline operators. In a 20-year forecast released in 2017, Boeing admitted that the demand for the hulking, four-engine aircraft is waning in favor of smaller, more efficient planes. Carriers in the U.S. have already phased out the plane from their passenger fleets (the last was retired from Delta Air Lines in 2017), though it still enjoys heavy use by foreign airlines such as British Airways and Lufthansa, and as a cargo plane.

Yet the 747, a wonder of American engineering and industrial prowess, will live on as a symbol of the nation  literally: Boeing plans to deliver two new 747-8s in 2024 to serve as the next generation of Air Force One.All these numbers show the real reason why Northam is staying on: He might be able to work himself out of this. Virginians were offended by the photo that appeared on Northams yearbook, but not that offended (55 percent said they were offended, but an astonishing 42 percent said they werent.) Most Virginians also said that they were prepared to accept his apology. In fact, once again, we see a racial disconnect, but not in the way you might expect: African-Americans were more likely than whites to accept Northams apology 58 percent of blacks accepted it, while 52 percent of whites said they would. Northam clearly has work to do to rebuild his reputation, and he hasnt shown himself to be the best communicator on his behalf, to put it mildly. However, once you get outside the isolated bubble of the political establishment, ordinary Virginians seem disappointed, but prepared to give their governor a second chance. Northam has an opportunity here. If he can seize it, he wont be the only one learning a lesson.During the shutdown, some folks at my gym here in Trump Country expressed the view that the two sides in the stand-off should come together, find a compromise. On the surface, this sounds reasonable, but it is one of those maxims that because it seems reasonable, prevents thinking deeper about the issues. Compromise is difficult if one side in a dispute is more to blame than the other. Compromise becomes even more difficult if one side has more to lose.

Donald Trump publicly precipitated the shutdown. He decided that he was going to do this if he did not get exactly what he wanted, and he had the power to end it in an instant, which he did. Now that the government is open, he will just have to send a bill for the wall to Congress and negotiate for its passage. This will, of course, be tougher with the Democrats in control of the House of Representatives, but as Nancy Pelosi stated during that infamous televised meeting, he could have sent a bill to Congress while the Republicans were still in charge. He had two years when the Republicans were in total control of the government, when his wall would have had a better chance of approval, but the master deal-maker could not get that done. The big risk to Donald Trump is that by backing down, he looks like an impotent bully, but he gets to go on being president and can work with Congress on border securitywith or without a wall.At the end of the tour, I asked our guide: How can you be black in this country and not wake up angry every day? He just held out his hands helplessly.

I felt better when he told me many of the schoolchildren who visit are white. Perhaps our only hope for change is for young people who wouldnt choose to come on their own to be exposed in this way to this part of our collective past.

I also thought about a friend of mine, who, after wed attended an anti-racism workshop together, accosted the first black stranger she saw and poured her feelings out to him. He took it well, considering its never fun to be treated as the sole representative of an entire group, and I think my friend felt better afterward.

Shes no racist  she grew up in a segregated southern town, but her parents made sure she met and interacted with all kinds of people and she never heard bigoted talk at home. She  like many other Americans, both black and white  desperately wants to sort her feelings out, but the subject is just is too uncomfortable. And so, like the tour guide, many of us feel helpless to make things better.RICHMOND  Virginia voters are evenly split over whether Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax should resign after two women accused him of sexual assault, but most voters say the legislature should not consider impeachment until the claims have been investigated, according to a Quinnipiac Poll released Wednesday morning.

Two women, Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Watson, have come forward in the past two weeks to accuse Fairfax of sexual assault. He has strongly denied the allegations and says his encounters with the women were consensual.

Nearly all of Fairfaxs fellow Democratic elected officials have urged him to resign, but voters are divided, 36 percent to 36 percent, over the question, and 28 percent have no opinion, the poll found.

Calls for Gov. Ralph Northam, also a Democrat, to resign appear to be waning as time passes since the revelation that a racist photo appeared on his 1984 medical school yearbook page.

Fully 51 percent of voters say they do not know whether to believe Fairfax or the accusers. Of those who do have an opinion, 37 percent believe Tyson and Watson, while 12 percent believe Fairfax, according to the survey.That issue was so new in 2012 people were calling it food desserts, said Bronaugh, who now serves as Virginias commissioner of agriculture.

Bronaugh said shes glad to see more collaborative efforts to address food deserts, including Warners bill.

She emphasized that the issue is centered around access.

Agriculture is the number one industry in the state of Virginia, she said. We produce enough food to feed everyone in the state. But its not in the right place at the right time with the people who need it.

Liz Ackley, a faculty member at Roanoke College, has been involved with efforts to establish a grocery store in northwest Roanoke. She said its important to think about how to make grocery stores in food deserts sustainable. Workforce development initiatives can help with that, Ackley said. Shes seen some models where stores are required to hire a certain portion of their employees from within the community.

We noticed that without that piece, there can be a lack of ownership in the community and so the likelihood that folks will shop there tends to go down, Ackley said.

Warner noted the growing popularity of food trucks, and asked whether mobile solutions might exist.In a year that saw the overall crime rate hold fairly steady from the year before, Roanoke police recorded 32 rapes, compared to 23 in 2017. At 39 percent, it was the highest percentage increase among Roanokes reported Part I crimes, considered the most serious offenses.

I did not want to have fear in the community that we had a rapist at large, but we just got to be very, very conscious of, socially, of where we go, who we engage in, and what we do when were with them, Jones told council members. From what I have seen and have been told through our investigators, all too many young women put themselves at risk when alcohol and social behavior goes bad, and thats what we are seeing the greatest in our investigations.City officials said they chose the new name because research showed that before being officially named Jackson Park, the park was commonly known as Belmont Park. The name was apparently borrowed from the adjacent Belmont neighborhood.

The new name would conform to the citys policy of naming libraries and parks when possible with geographic names.

Council members said last week they liked the idea of returning to a name of local historical significance that was used in the past.

The name change followed the Roanoke School Boards decision in July to drop Jacksons name from the middle school across the street from the park. That school is now called John P. Fishwick Middle School, named for a former Norfolk and Western Railway president who grew up in the neighborhood.

Only one man spoke at a public hearing before the votes Tuesday night. William Drewery grew up in southeast Roanoke and defended Jackson as a veteran who should be respected regardless of the cause he fought for.

I am truly sorry that you find a part of history that is offensive, but I can tell you today I find a great many things offensive in the present, Drewery said.Thousands of Appalachian Power Co. customers in Southwest Virginia were still dealing with no electricity Wednesday evening in addition to snow, sleet and freezing rain.

The number of customers without power fluctuated throughout the day, as falling trees downed lines.

According to the companys online outage map, 19,976 Virginia customers were affected as of 8 p.m.

Bedford and Roanoke counties were hardest hit by Wednesday evening.

At 8 p.m., 4,023 customers were without electricity in Bedford County, 3,341 in Roanoke County and 2,101 in Franklin County. Almost another 1,000 customers were without power in Montgomery County.

A tree caused about 1,551 customers in Roanoke's Liberty Road area to lose power earlier in the afternoon. By Wednesday evening, 854 homes and business in the city were without electricity.

In many areas, crews were still assessing how long it would take to restore power.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.The crash appeared to have happened near a cross-lane in the median between the two-lane divided highway, he said.

Wilson said he had received no notices from rescue officials that his or other homes were in danger, and there did not appear to be any structures in the immediate area of the wreck.

The fire caused extensive damage to the north lanes and a culvert running under the highway, Garletts said.

Damage to the pipe may have compromised the northbound lanes, and VDOT officials were on the scene to evaluate the roads condition, according to a news release from the Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS.

By 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, the highway remain closed. Traffic on U.S. 220 was being diverted to Mary Alice Road to West Wind Road to Fincastle Road and back to 220 going southbound, and the opposite direction for northbound traffic, VDOT reported.

Once the wrecked truck is removed, crews hope to reopen the southbound lanes of 220, which would be used for traffic in both directions. VDOT officials had no time estimate on that plan by Wednesday afternoon.

VDOT said burning fuel entered a pipe that runs beneath all four lanes of U.S. 220, causing the pipe to weaken and collapse.Virginia Tech will celebrate the indigenous people of the Americas on the second Monday of October, a day normally reserved for observing the accomplishments of Christopher Columbus.

The university further encouraged Virginia to cease celebrating Columbus Day and honor indigenous people on the state holiday.

On Monday, President Tim Sands approved a resolution passed by the University Council to observe the day at Tech in the future. Indigenous Peoples Day at Virginia Tech will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 14, this year.

The staff holiday will show up on Techs academic calendar. The university will have a number of events around the date, however there will still be classes on the day. Columbus Day remains as a state holiday.

The University Council is a 75-member body of faculty, administrators and staff that makes university policy advisories to Sands as part of shared governance. Commissions recommend policies to the council which in turn recommend them to the president.

The change in holiday resolution originated with Techs Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity last year after it was pushed by the student organization Native at Virginia Tech.A workplace harassment lawsuit based on alleged events at a Bonsack ABC store has been cleared for a jury trial next month.

A judge ruled Wednesday that Tracey Wheeler can seek compensation on her claim that she was subjected to assault and battery by a male relief assistant manager.

Wheeler, a part-time sales associate at a retail store in Bonsack run by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, suffered ongoing harassment that the ABC failed to address, creating an extremely hostile and offensive work environment, according to the suit.

The suit, filed in 2017 in Roanoke federal court, is seeking unspecified damages from the state, the ABC, the ABC board and former employee David Chrisley. Chrisleys conduct included lewd sexual remarks and an attempt to give Wheeler a hand massage, the suit said.

Wheeler complained to the store manager, leading to a nearly two-year separation from any work assignments with Chrisley present in the store. When she again found herself again on duty with Chrisley and he resumed the behavior in 2016, Wheeler told a co-worker, triggering a human resources investigation, according to a summary of Wheelers account in the judges ruling.A central theme was the question of whether there was a public need for the gas from the pipeline, and whether FERC had sufficient evidence on which to base its certificate of public convenience and necessity.

In finding there was a market demand, FERC relied entirely on contracts between the pipelines owners and shippers, which are all part of the same corporate structure.

The fact that Mountain Valleys precedent agreements are with corporate affiliates does not render FERCs decision to rely on those agreements arbitrary or capricious; the certificate order reasonably explained that an affiliated shippers need for new capacity and its obligation to pay for such a service under a binding contract are not lessened just because it is affiliated with the project sponsor. 

Critics had argued that the arrangement amounted to the left hand doing business with the right hand and did not represent a true market demand.

FERCs approval allowed Mountain Valley to use eminent domain  a legal power usually held by governmental bodies  to take private land it needed to build its pipeline across steep mountains and through pristine streams.Outbreaks of vaccination-controllable diseases are spreading. When the number of measles cases hit 30 in Clark County, Washington, last month, the governor declared a state of emergency. The disease, which threatens brain function and life itself, was then reported in neighboring King County, as well as Oregon and Vancouver. At the same time, on the other side of the country, The New York Times reported that a measles outbreak had affected more than 200 people in ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in New York and New Jersey. On both coasts, the numbers are expected to get a lot worse before they get better.

In Clark County, 7.9 percent of children were exempt from vaccines required for kindergarten entry, including the measles vaccine, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is 97 percent effective. Only 1.2 percent of those exemptions were for medical reasons.

Its estimated, reported The Times, that more than 40 percent of the New York and New Jersey children who contracted measles were not vaccinated, and the numbers could be much higher.Police arrest woman in Cancun after offering to assist her walking

Cancun, Q.R.  Federal police at the Cancun International Airport say that a Romanian woman has been arrested after she was discovered hiding a large sum of cash on her person.

The arrest came after police offered to help the woman who appeared to have trouble walking. When attempting to assist her, the woman evaded all questions, which is when police became suspicious.

The woman was taken for inspection, which is when federal police reported finding just over 80,000 Bajan dollars in Barbados currency or approximately 767,000 Mexican peso hidden in the clothing she was wearing.

The arrest took place at Terminal 2 of the Cancun International Airport. The Romanian woman said she entered Mexico from Panama.

The woman, along with her cash, was handed over to Agent of the Federal Public Ministry to continue with the corresponding inquiries.New American ship baptized at Riviera Mayas Calica

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  A new shipping boat manufactured in the United States has officially been baptized at the Punta Venado Maritime Terminal at Calica outside Playa del Carmen.

Donald M. James, the new ship from American company Vulcan Materials, was officially baptized at the Punta Venado Maritime Terminal.

It is a highly modern and efficient boat with a 68,000-ton capacity. Its design and operation are the reflection of more than 30 years of experience which allowed us to deliver an exceptional asset.

It has state-of-the-art technology, highly integrated systems, extensive automation and remote sensing which will allow safe, clean and efficient maritime operations, explained Ernesto Enriquez, president of Calica, the Mexican subsidiary of the US company.

Vulcan Materials is the largest producer of construction aggregates in the United States, mainly crushed stone, sand and gravel, and an important producer of construction materials based on aggregates such as asphalt and ready-mix concrete.

Photo: Calica

J. Thomas Hill, president of Vulcan Materials, referred to the extraordinary safety record maintained by operations in Mexico and thanked the staff for their commitment to safety.

Hill said the ship will take its name from the Vulcan executive who has directed for 18 years, Don James. He says that James coined the motto that motivates the companys operations: Do the right thing, the right way, at the right time, motivating the work and commitment of all those who work at Calica.Former Borge head arrested in Belize carrying large sums of cash

San Pedro, Belize  A former government employee under the Borge administration has been detained in Belize while authorities work on his extradition back to Mexico.

The Ministerio Publico de la Federacion notified la Fiscalia Especializada in Combate of Corrupcion in the state of Quintana Roo about the detention of Gonzalo Herrera Castilla, former head of the now defunct Secretariat of Public Management.

Herrera Castilla was taken into custody by elements of the Asuntos Policiales Internacionales (INTERPOL) after they found he had an outstanding arrest warrant. He was arrested in Belizean territory along with a second person when traveling by sea. Reports say the boat in which they were traveling was unregistered and found carrying large amounts of cash.

In a statement, La Fiscalia General del Estado says that paperwork for his extradition back to Mexico has already begun and that they are expecting his return within the next several hours where he will face the judicial order against him consisting of an arrest warrant.

In a letter, police in San Pedro report On February 16, 2019, the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) took into custody funds believed to be owned by Castilla, specifically $14,280 US dollars, 1,078 Belizean dollars and 86 Guatemalan quetzales from the San Pedro Town Police Station in the criminal complaint.

Since the arrest, the FIU has frozen his funds saying they have reason to suspect that the money is the result of illicit activities such as money laundering or terrorist financing in accordance with the money laundering and terrorism prevention law section 38 (1) (a).

Herrera Castilla was place under the supervision of Kent Clare, director of the FIU. Local Belize media say that Herrera Castilla had been living on the island for over two years. He was initially arrested for illegal entry and suspected money laundering.

As Belize police investigated, they learned that Herrera Castilla was wanted by Mexican authorities for the offense of Illicit use of power. Herrera Castilla served as an official under ex-governor Roberto Borge Angulo from 2012-2016.Rain will continue on-and-off for Richmond through Sunday as fronts and low-pressure areas bearing moisture from the Gulf of Mexico ripple across the southeastern U.S. Much of the state could see at least 1 more inch of rainfall.

Temperatures will alternate between balmy and chilly as a result of the flip-flopping fronts, but we'll lack the freezing-cold air to create any more snow or ice.

Highs will surge into the upper 50s or lower 60s on Thursday, then fall back to the 40s for Friday and Saturday.

Sunday looks like the next warm day. With any luck, rain will exit early and highs could hit the lower 70s.

It probably won't be an ideal weekend for recreation along the river. The combination of melting slush and rainfall could drive many of the state's rivers toward flood stage by the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, the James River is already higher than usual and will continue a steady rise in the days ahead. By Saturday, it will approach the 12-foot minor flood stage at the Westham gauge. There's a chance it could go a few feet higher by early next week.

Check Richmond.com/weather for John Boyer's videos and forecast updates. Contact him at JBoyer@timesdispatch.com.Americans are looking

for adult politicians

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

The absurdity of political theater in America today is simply stunning. We have a security, humanitarian, and health crisis on the Mexican border that Democrats are unwilling to acknowledge in their pursuit of new liberal voters. They seem to care more for illegal immigrants than they do for the economic and physical well-being of U.S. citizens.

We have a president whose policies are benefiting this country in many ways, but whose daily exhibitions of narcissism, ignorance, and immaturity are a national disgrace. And he follows President Barack Obama, who one day will be proven to have been one of the most profligate abusers of presidential power in U.S. history.

Many voters are too uninformed, self-absorbed, and lazy to make intelligent decisions about the direction of our government. As ever, members of Congress are preoccupied with getting re-elected and preserving their perks. Many media news outlets are unabashedly biased toward progressive political doctrine and disinterested in practicing real journalism.It is bad enough that Cox has inverted the democratic process against the majority of the House. What makes this abuse of power worse is that he wields it against equality of rights.

The proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution states: Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged or denied by the United States or by any state on account of sex. Its simple construction mirrors the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote and states, The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be abridged or denied by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

Without the Equal Rights Amendment, the Constitution does not forbid discrimination on the basis of sex. Regardless of what some claim, the equal protection clauses of the Fifth and 14th Amendments fall short.

Under those amendments, it was legal for states to prohibit womens admission to practice law and to bar women from voting. Although the United States has made progress for womens rights, legislation can be repealed, amended, or, as we have recently seen with the Violence Against Women Act, allowed to lapse. Administrations can adopt policies and rules to the detriment of women and their families, as we see with current actions against birth control and Title IX protections for victims of sexual assault.By James Dau and James Toscano

Together, we represent what we might safely call different points on a demographic spectrum.

One of us stands for students who, in many cases, are just beginning new chapters in their lives, determined to earn an affordable college degree that can be a solid foundation for personal accomplishments and future successes.

The other speaks for Virginias women and men who have spent years at work. By now, many have also become parents and grandparents. And if theyre not already retired, most are looking forward to the day when they can say they are.

Despite these differences, there are many things that unite us and the people we serve. What brings us together today is a growing awareness that somethings not right in higher education.

Somethings not right when skyrocketing costs put a college degree and the opportunities it can yield further out of reach for those starting out in life.

Somethings not right when nationally, people over 60 have $86 billion in student loan debt  much of it weighing on them because theyre helping their children or grandchildren pay for college  and list student loans as looming roadblocks to retirement.Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz got the chance recently to introduce himself to the American people, as they say, and he did himself and the electorate few favors. The occasion was one of those town halls, the format of which is now all too familiar.

Real people carefully selected by CNN producers are permitted to ask questions, and the candidate  or soon-to-be candidate  thanks them and tells them how important their question is. They can ask anything the producers allow, and sometimes betray the expectations citizens now have of the presidency.

The questions are at once grandiose and, considering the constitutional limitations on the presidency, troublingly personal. How will you enable me to go to college without having to pay for it? How can you guarantee that I can get a job and keep it for as long as I want?

Shultz, who is still toying with the idea that he might run, seems like a decent enough and well-meaning individual, impressively accomplished in his field. He didnt start Starbucks but he turned it into a global brand. He is a billionaire, but a woke one. Its capitalism with a conscience.BLACKSBURG  Virginia Tech will celebrate the indigenous people of the Americas on the second Monday of October, a day normally reserved for observing the accomplishments of Christopher Columbus.

The university further encouraged Virginia to cease celebrating Columbus Day and honor indigenous people on the state holiday.

On Monday, President Tim Sands approved a resolution passed by the University Council to observe the day at Tech in the future. Indigenous Peoples Day at Virginia Tech will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 14, this year.

The staff holiday will show up on Techs academic calendar. The university will have a number of events around the date, though classes will still be in session. Columbus Day remains a state holiday.

The University Council is a 75-member body of faculty, administrators and staff that makes university policy advisories to Sands as part of shared governance. Commissions recommend policies to the council, which recommends them to the president.

The change in holiday resolution originated with Techs Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity last year after it was pushed by the student organization Native at Virginia Tech.Elizabeth Johnson Rice, who is one of the Richmond 34, said Wednesday that the group welcomed Northam to the VUU event and had not been reached by student representatives before they asked Northam to reschedule. Rice wrote a letter to Northam early Wednesday objecting to the visit being canceled.

She added that the Richmond 34 are split on whether Northam should stay in office. But, she added, those she has contacted are open to public dialogue on the issue.

In my letter, I talked about having a forum in the near future so the governor and the students and the community could talk about this issue, Rice said. Hopefully that will happen also.

Northam has made few public appearances since the Feb. 1 discovery of the racist yearbook photo, which shows a man in blackface and another man in a Ku Klux Klan robe. He apologized that day, but the following day he said he believes he was not in the photo. However, on Feb. 2 he disclosed that he wore blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume for a dance contest in San Antonio in 1984.

The governor has so far rejected widespread calls to resign, and has instead embarked on a tour of private visits with black leaders in the state.Its all fixed. Its all rigged, Toscano said.

House Majority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, said Republicans had a perfectly good resolution on the floor before Democrats tried to change it.

It was not us hijacking this resolution that spoke to equality in no uncertain terms, Gilbert said.

An ERA resolution passed the Senate with bipartisan support last month, but it failed weeks ago in a GOP-controlled House subcommittee.

The proposed federal amendment says: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. It provides that Congress shall have the power to enforce its provisions by appropriate legislation.

The ERA was approved by Congress in the 1970s, but it wasnt added to the Constitution because it did not reach ratification by 38 states. Activists have made a new push for state ratification, calling it a long-overdue step and an unequivocal declaration that women are equal to men.

Virginia Republicans who have spoken against the ERA have warned that it could have unintended consequences  such as creating a new legal basis for abortion rights  and have argued the window to ratify the amendment has already closed.He added: "I promise you there is a God who is going to ask you, 'Did you make your decision by calling on me or did you make your decision by calling on other folks and other court rulings and other judgments?'"

Grimm, who graduated in 2017, had returned to this semi-rural district outside Richmond to speak in support of the proposed policy. But it was his mother, Deirdre Grimm, who responded directly to claims about the Bible, telling the crowd that God gave her son to her to "open people's hearts and minds."

Grimm has been suing the board since 2015 for banning him from using boys restrooms. He's also suing to update the gender listed on his high school transcripts from female to male.

He and the American Civil Liberties Union claim the board's position on both matters has violated his rights under the U.S. Constitution and other federal policies.

The board has argued that its policy did not violate Grimm's rights but protected students' privacy. It also fought unsuccessfully to keep his transcripts out of the lawsuit.

Grimm's suit has followed a circuitous path that almost included a stop at the U.S. Supreme Court. But it's now in U.S. District Court and before a judge who has already shown signs of support for Grimm's cause.A winter storm that brought a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain as it passed through Virginia on Wednesday kept Virginia State Police busy. Troopers responded to 477 traffic crashes and 318 disabled vehicles statewide from midnight to 3:45 p.m., state police said.

The majority of crashes only involved damage to vehicles and few injuries, police said.

Troopers late Wednesday afternoon were investigating a single-vehicle crash that resulted in a fatality in Lee County, but police didn't immediately know whether it was weather-related.

State police investigated a total of 76 crashes in the Richmond region from midnight to 3:45 p.m. Wednesday.

The department's Fairfax division responded to the most calls - 114 crashes and 111 disabled or stuck vehicles. That was followed by the Culpeper division, which handled 101 crashes and 61 disabled or stuck vehicles.

Local police and fire personnel in the Richmond area also responded to several weather-related accidents during the day, including a crash involving a car that hit a fire hydrant in South Richmond, releasing water into the road.She misunderstood what she was voting for and voted in favor of deferring the vote  giving the minority enough votes to become the majority. After debating how to rescind the vote, a motion to do so failed. The board will meet Monday about the budget.

At issue was whether the board had properly vetted the budget, which includes a 3 percent teacher raise alongside $13 million in cuts.

It does seem a bit rushed, said Patrick Sapini, the 5th District representative. It seems like we were trying to make a decision before even asking.

When you cut it, thats it.

The board had four budget work sessions in addition to normal board meetings, going over each of the seven main offices in the district and the capital improvement plan proposed by Kamras.

Liz Doerr, who represents the 1st District, called it a very good budget process.

During the public comment portion of Tuesdays meeting, several community members said they wanted the board to focus on getting more money, not cutting.

If additional funding is needed, do that. Ask for it, said Angela Dews, a teacher at Armstrong High School.A tweet from Henrico police at 3:09 p.m. said officers were responding to a report of an active shooter in the 2200 block of Mountain Road, which is where The Academy at Virginia Randolph is located.

Police have since said there were no reported injuries and no confirmed reports of gunfire.

About 5:35 p.m., the police tweeted that Virginia Randolph had been given the all clear.

There are no reported injuries, and it is believed no shooting took place at the school, the tweet said. Henrico Police are beginning to demobilize and the area will subsequently reopen. This incident remains under investigation.

A police spokesman declined to further discuss the possible threat, citing an ongoing investigation.

Kelley Esposito, whose son is a senior at Virginia Randolph, nervously waited to pick him up at St. Peter Baptist Church, also on Mountain Road, where school and police officials had set up a parent reunification area on Wednesday afternoon.Jordan Murray-Morgan covered his face, with tears streaming down his cheeks, as he stood before the family and friends who had gathered to say their farewells to his father.

The 8-year-old, one of Curtison J. Murrays six children, cried throughout most of the hourlong vigil held Tuesday outside the Market Place convenience store at Mosby Street and Fairmount Avenue in Richmonds East End, just steps from the alleyway where Murray was found shot to death Thursday. His siblings were stone-faced.

These little boys are too young to know whats going on, said Charles Willis, the executive director of United Communities Against Crime, which held the vigil. But they know. They know whats going on.

Willis and several speakers, including relatives and members of the clergy, called for an end to the senseless violence that has taken Murrays life and so many others. Murrays slaying marks Richmonds sixth homicide of 2019.

A piece of my heart is gone that I cant ever get back, said his sister Breeze Murray.

Her son, Breshawn, 8, read a passage he had written for his uncle. Curtison Murrays children took turns saying, Love you, Daddy.They are told to pay taxes or fees to a middleman in the United States by either sending cash, checks or money orders by U.S. Postal Service express mail, FedEx or UPS or wiring the money through Western Union or MoneyGram. After taking a cut, the middleman sends the rest to the fraudsters in Jamaica.

A local connection to Powhatan County in one of these schemes was made in October 2016, when the son of a 90-year-old man in Pawnee Rock, Kansas alleged that his father was scammed out of $46,500, according to a release from Rob Cerullo, deputy commonwealths attorney. The elderly man received an unsolicited call and was told he had won more than $1 million in an international lottery drawing and would receive the prize if he paid the taxes and fees. The victims son said his father sent two checks to Shmidt at his Powhatan address but never received a prize.

When U.S. Postal inspector A.L. Dalton began to investigate Shmidt, she found three other fraud victims  a 74-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman in Arizona and a 68-year-old woman in Pennsylvania  with similar stories, according to the search warrant affidavit. Those three fraud victims had a combined total of loss of $56,349.Sutherland stood over fellow activist Natalie White, who was with the group Equal Means Equal, and represented the Roman goddess Virtus on the state seal, resting her left foot on the form of Tyranny, represented by the prostrate body of a man. White was lying on the ground to represent the man.

Theyre putting the goddess of virtue in jail and this is the goddess that is on the seal of Virginia overthrowing a tyrant, White said. You know that this is coming from a political standpoint.

A magistrate on Monday set a secured bail of $700 for Sutherland, an artist who has lived in Brooklyn for five years and has no criminal record, according to Richmond General District Court records. But during a video arraignment Tuesday, Judge Lawrence B. Cann III ordered Sutherland to be held without bond. Cann, the courts chief judge, declined to be interviewed.

Kevin Martingayle, a lawyer in Virginia Beach and past president of the Virginia State Bar, said holding Sutherland without bond is unusual.A cancer diagnostics company based in France has leased 9,000 square feet of space in the Virginia Bio+Tech Park and plans to hire 20 people.

HalioDx, which is based in Marseille, France, plans to invest about $1 million in a lab it recently occupied in the biotech park in downtown Richmond, state and local officials announced Wednesday.

The company leased space in the parks Biotech Eight building on East Jackson Street between 5th and 7th streets. The building had been used as the headquarters of Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc., a blood testing lab that was once one of the fastest-growing companies in Richmond before it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2015.

HalioDx develops and provides methods for immunological diagnosis of cancers.

With its new lab in Richmond, it plans to expand the availability of its Immunoscore test that enables better management of localized colon cancer.

Our location in Virginia will allow us to closely interact with all laboratories and hospitals in the region while benefitting from a quite competitive offering from the local authorities, including the Virginia Bio cluster, HalioDx CEO Stephane Debono said in a statement.School closings in and around Richland and Crawford Counties can be seen here. To view closings and delays in Ashland, visit ashlandsource.com, and if interested in closings and delays in Knox County, visit knoxpages.com.MANSFIELD -- Thanks to the 35-day federal government shutdown that ended less than a month ago, the City of Mansfield doesn't know exactly how much money it will have to grant, nor does it know for certain when the deadline will be.

But Mansfield City Council still conducted an hour-long public hearing Tuesday evening to hear requests for Community Development Block Grant funds and the HOME Investment Partnerships program.

The City of Mansfield receives federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the form of CDBG and HOME funds.

To qualify for these grants, the Mansfield community develops and submits a consolidated plan which identifies the housing and community development needs of its low-to-moderate income residents over a five-year period.

The Home Program is a grant administered by local governments designed to create affordable housing for low income households. Examples of HOME-eligible activities include tenant based rental assistance, home-buyer activities and homeowner rehabilitation.

Requests for the two programs on Tuesday totaled almost $400,000, though final allocations will not be made by City Council and submitted until May.

That's when the city will submit its new five-year plan, identifying to Washington its housing and community development needs for low- to moderate-income residents.

Organizations who had representatives at Tuesday's meeting submitting requests were:

-- Richland County Transit: $70,000 to provide funds to support the door-to-door para-transit service required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. These funds will help provide the matching funds in order to obtain federal funds from the Federal Transit Administration.

-- North End Community Improvement Collaborative: $5,000 to help create a revolving loan fund for potential low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs who successfully complete the organization's microbusiness development program and apply for assistance with a new business plan.

-- City of Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department: $12,800 to staff the department's summer program at Ocie Hill Community Center and North Lake, Prospect and South parks. The funds will be used to hire 10 interns to staff the sites and oversee recreational activities.

-- St. Peter's Parish and School: $17,754 to remove and replace, make concrete repairs and paint the wall along the raised parking lot on the corner of South Mulberry and West First streets on the parish/school campus.

-- Harmony House: Two separate requests were made. One was for $9,000 to start a pilot program to provide transportation and clothing for shelter residents who obtain jobs. A second was for $12,000 to repair the shelter's roof, which would include a 10-year warranty.

-- Metropolitan Housing Authority: $24,000 for emergency monthly housing payments for foreclosure prevention and emergency rental payments, as well as security and utility deposits.

-- Children's Cupboard Southside Outreach: Two requests were made by the Hedges Street non-profit. One request was for $30,000 for its Fierce, Individuals, Empowered to Lead and Develop (F.I.E.L.D.) educational and recreation-based youth program, serving youth during the summer and after-school at Hedges School. Another request was for $40,000 to provide paid staff for the program.

Two other organizations filed grant applications, but did not have representatives make presentations to council members:

-- Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program: $25,000 for its Student Achievement Leadership Training program, focused on drug prevention for at-risk youth, eliminating community blight and creating youth economic development activity.

-- M.V.A.H Partners: $150,000 for Sturges Senior Lofts, a proposed housing development at the southeast corner of Park Avenue West and Sturges Avenue. The proposal includes a senior independent living community targeting residents 55 years and older. Units will be targeted to those earning between 30 percent and 70 percent of area median income.

On Tuesday, City Council also:

-- unanimously authorized Public Works Director David Remy to enter into contracts for street repaving this year.

-- voted unanimously to amend the city's personnel ordinance to reflect changes and correct a salary range error.

-- voted unanimously to authorize the city to "pick up" statutorily required contributions to the Public Employee Retirement System for AFSCME employees hired before Feb, 22, 2013.

-- gave a first reading on an ordinance authorizing the city to enter into contracts for engineering services related to the construction of a regional detention basin, known as the North Lake Park Dry Dam over Touby's Run.

-- discussed potential changes to the city's demolition permit fees and completion requirements.MANSFIELD  Achieving the Dream (ATD) announced Wednesday that North Central State College has earned Leader College of Distinction status for achieving higher student outcomes and narrowing equity gaps.

It is one of only 11 colleges in the inaugural group receiving this honor.

The metrics ATD established for Leader College of Distinction are meant to encourage colleges to sustain aggressive efforts that result in far greater student success and equity, said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. The honor recognizes Network colleges that have stayed focused on the change process and seen real improvements in student achievement across the institution.

Dr. Dorey Diab, president of NC State appreciated the effort this award represents.

We have dozens of people who work with students each day to make sure they are ready to continue pursuing their dream of a college education. We strive to be proactive and supportive for each student. Thats what this award represents -- the hard work by our students as well as the hard work of our faculty and staff in support of those efforts.

Leader College of Distinction showed improvement on three student outcome metrics, including at least one lagging indicator such as completion. ATD assessed the college on how incoming students in the fall (dual credit excluded) performed within a certain time frame compared to earlier groups of incoming fall students. NC State also provided data on progress among subgroups -- gender, race/ethnicity, income status, prior college experience and college-ready in math/English at entry. The metrics are:

A. Completion of college-level math and/or English increased significantly over the last three years. The college has dramatically streamlined the traditional developmental education sequence, shaving multiple semesters of work previously required for students to reach college-level status. Incoming students completion of gateway math and English within a year of enrollment has increased from 26 percent for the fall 2014 group to 50% for the fall 2017 group. Also, every subgroup increased by double-digit percentages over three years.

B. Courses attempted/completed with a C- or higher grade also increased significantly over the last three years. The college has implemented numerous strategies at scale, both in and out of the classroom, to improve course success. These range from mandatory orientation and first-year experience courses, to embedded tutors in all developmental and gateway classes, to financial aid strategies encouraging full-time enrollment. The average credits completed in one year has risen from 12.0 for the fall 2014 group to 15.5 for the fall 2017 group. The course completion rate for incoming students rose from 76 to 81 percent. Every subgroup increased in both of these categories.

C. The number of students completing a certificate or degree within four years also increased.

Advising strategies to improve entering students experiences are now contributing to improved graduation rates. Doubling the colleges advising resources has also contributed to the improvement in graduation rates -- from 19 percent for the Fall 2011 group to 24 percent for the Fall 2014 group, with improvements in nearly every subgroup.

Diab continued, Becoming a Leader College of Distinction is a huge honor for NC State. We are one of eight colleges in the nation to receive this honor. We will continue our efforts to increase the success of our students. Because their success will allow them to become productive, engaged adults with rewarding careers. That is a positive outcome for our entire region.

ATD created the Leader College of Distinction award in 2018. Leader Colleges of Distinction have their own identity as part of the ATD Network, including a new logo. Leader Colleges of Distinction also will receive priority to participate in ATDs innovation initiatives. They will be asked to present and facilitate more sessions at ATD events and institutes and asked to serve as mentor colleges.On Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, President Donald Trump delivered the 2019 State of the Union Address (SOTU). The SOTU is an annual message delivered by the president to a joint session of Congress at the beginning of each year. At this years SOTU, President Trump discussed issues that have the potential to impact the employee benefits industry, including pre-existing conditions, lower prescription drug prices and nationwide paid family leave.

Pre-existing Condition Protection

In a departure from 2018 Department of Justice actions, President Trump announced in the address that people who have pre-existing conditions should receive protections. If the administration holds true to this goal, they will likely find cross-aisle support, as pre-existing condition patient protection was a key campaign issue in the midterm elections.

Lower Prescription Drug Prices

One of President Trumps key campaign promises was to make prescription drugs more affordable for Americans. In the SOTU, he called on Congress to prioritize lowering both health care and prescription drug costs.

The administration has already taken action to ban gag clauses and also require hospitals to post standard procedure pricing information online. Most recently, they proposed a rule that would eliminate certain drug rebates for pharmacy benefit managers and potentially increase savings for consumers.

With health care and prescription drug costs being a pain point for the American public, any steps made by the government are a step in the right direction. However, how the steps that are taken pan out will have to be seen.

Nationwide Paid Family Leave

President Trump called again for federal paid family leave in the SOTU. Public pressure continues to mount over the issue of paid family leave, and states are proposing and passing their own versions of this type of leave. While the specifics of the presidents plan remain unknown, including how it would be funded, this issue would have cross-aisle support.

Conclusion

Historically, the SOTU is meant to be uplifting and is designed to serve as an olive branch to bring a divided Congress together. Its important to remember that its just a speech, and what actions will come out of it will remain to be seen.An information-technology (IT) specialist at a court in Uzbekistan says a senior judge -- angry about a computer problem -- kicked him in the testicles so hard that he remains hospitalized five days later.

Dilorod Norov, a 31-year-old computer specialist at the Navoiy Regional Administrative Court, is demanding that the court's chairman, Otabek Toshev, face justice for what he describes as a brutal and humiliating assault.

Norov told RFE/RL he was working at the regional court in Uzbekistan's southwestern city of Navoiy on February 15 when Toshev went into a computer-rage meltdown and attacked him in front of his colleagues.

"I was unable to implement some of the orders the judge had given me," Norov said. "He flew into a rage and threw a remote control at me. Then he charged at me angrily, punching me with his right fist and then kicking me in the gonads."

"I collapsed to the ground. It felt like flames shot out from my eyes," Norov told RFE/RL. "It was so painful."

"It's embarrassing to talk about it, but my testicles are so swollen that I can't walk," Norov said from his hospital bed. "I still have difficulties when I try to urinate."

Multiple attempts by RFE/RL to reach Toshev have been unsuccessful, as the judge has refrained from answering his telephone and has not responded to RFE/RL's interview requests. Toshev's office also would not comment on the case.

Will Judge Thwart Justice?

The Prosecutor-General's Office in Tashkent confirmed to RFE/RL that the Navoiy city prosecutor has launched a "pretrial investigation" into the criminal-assault allegations against the 44-year-old Toshev.

"A forensic examination has been ordered and is being carried out," the Prosecutor-General's Office said in a statement. "The results of the medical examination will be announced."

But Norov's relatives say they are concerned about whether justice will be served in an assault case where the defendant is a powerful regional judge.

Norov's oldest brother, Sherzod Norov, told RFE/RL he thought Toshev was "doing everything he can to suppress the case."

"Doctors have told us that everything will be fine, but when we ask for their formal medical report about the examinations and treatment, they won't show it to us or give us a copy," he said.

"We need those medical papers for this case. But where are the results of the examinations, whatever they are, and what are the expert conclusions? They won't show us," he said.

RFE/RL spoke to a doctor at Navoiy Regional Hospital who confirmed he was treating Norov. But the doctor, who refused to identify himself over fears of losing his job, would not discuss details of the case or whether Toshev was pressuring hospital staff to suppress evidence.

Sherzod Norov said both Toshev and his wife had visited Norov's family home twice since the alleged attack, "weeping and asking for forgiveness."

But Dilorod Norov, speaking from his hospital bed, told RFE/RL he did not intend to drop his case against Toshev or forgive the judge.

"He attacked me once before after I had started working for the court last September," Norov said. "Enough is enough. I just hope that the court will make a fair ruling in this case."

Written by Ron Synovitz in Prague with reporting by Sirojiddin Tolibov of RFE/RL's Uzbek ServiceKYIV -- Olha Pasko and Valentina Riklyvska shed solemn tears as they hang paper angels on a hedgerow running along Kyiv's Institutska Street, the site of a bloody and decisive confrontation exactly five years ago between pro-democracy protesters and security forces during Ukraine's Euromaidan uprising.



But the women recall the events, which cleaved the country and ousted a pro-Moscow president but also set the stage for a Russian invasion and a five-year war, as if they were yesterday. "I was making food in the [field] kitchen to support our Maidan," Pasko, who made frequent trips from her nearby office to aid the protest effort, says of February 19, 2014.



Both women's memories are especially vivid when it comes to the heavily armed security forces opening fire on their fellow Ukrainians here, spilling their blood into the cracks between well-worn cobblestones.

"Fire and smoke were everywhere," Pasko says. "It was a war."



Riklyvska can still see the limp, bleeding bodies being carried on stretchers to medical stations on Independence Square, dubbed Maidan. "Many of them were so young," she says, gesturing toward the faces on faded makeshift memorials at spots where protesters were cut down by gunfire -- tree trunks used for cover, a barrier beside the entrance to a hotel whose lobby was transformed into an operating room, the base of a footbridge where the protesters' last barricade stood. "It's an absolute shame."



The paper angels the women are hanging were made by students at a school for the blind to be placed here to watch over their souls, they explain.



While great attention has been paid by Ukraine's civil society to those who were killed, known as the Heavenly Hundred, Pasko, Riklyvska, and many other Ukrainians feel that authorities have devoted too little attention to the question of justice.

"It was a terrible tragedy then. And we have a terrible tragedy now," Riklyvska says. She claims that politicians prefer instead to pay lip service and simply lay flowers to the victims.



Petro Poroshenko, the post-Euromaidan president facing a tough reelection battle next month after stalling on crucial judicial reforms and failing to prosecute organizers of the Euromaidan killings, escorted European Council President Donald Tusk to the site on February 19 to pay tribute to the Heavenly Hundred.



Meanwhile, the status of the official investigation into the killings appears to be up for debate, to the chagrin of many Ukrainians.



By the end of 2018, the Prosecutor-General's Office had identified 441 suspects, most of them former law enforcement officers but also city administration officials, prosecutors, and judges, according to research by Amnesty International.

In all, 288 individual cases were said to have been sent to court. Fifty-two cases had already resulted in court decisions, including 48 convictions, but only nine custodial sentences were handed down, Amnesty International added. None of those given a prison sentence was a former police officer, the group said, nor had anyone ever identified as ordering or carrying out the February 20, 2014, killings been found and put on trial. A Ukrainian court last month found the president who was in charge at the time, Viktor Yanukovych, guilty in absentia of treason and undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity when he invited Russia to intervene militarily amid the unrest. The accompanying 13-year sentence was applauded in Kyiv, but Yanukovych, who is safely residing under state protection in Russia, is unlikely to serve a day of jail time.



On February 1, Prosecutor-General Yuriy Lutsenko announced that his office had completed its probe and was ready to take the resulting cases to court.



But he was contradicted two days later by his own chief of special investigations, Serhiy Horbatiuk, who said "the investigation is not over."



"Five years is a long time to wait when it comes to justice, and for most victims who suffered at the hands of Ukrainian police, justice is still not even in sight," Colm O Cuanachain, senior director at the Office of the Secretary-General of Amnesty International, said in Kyiv on February 19. "Promises were made, strong words were said by the post-Yanukovych authorities, but time and facts speak volumes."

Photo Gallery: The Evolution Of Euromaidan Euromaidan -- the name given to the pro-European protests in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv -- started late on November 21, 2013, when up to 2,000 protesters gathered on the city's central Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square). The movement, sparked by President Viktor Yanukovych's abrupt decision to abandon talks on a pact on closer relations with the European Union, started peacefully, but did not end that way. The violence started with the government's crackdown on protesters overnight on November 30. Months later, Yanukovych would flee the country and around 100 protesters would be dead. Share on Facebook

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He added: "Until all those responsible, including those in command, are brought to account, there can be no sense of justice."



In a symbolic move, the Ukrainian government has broken ground on a new Maidan memorial that will run the length of Institutska Street, now also known as Avenue Of The Heavenly Hundred.



Yuriy Kovalchuk, a retired teacher who protested on Independence Square in 2014 and returned to the site on February 19, says he appreciates the gesture but it does not compensate for the lack of accountability over the deaths of his friends and fellow protesters. "A hundred people paid with their lives...They gave Ukraine everything they had," he says, running his hand over his face. Gesturing to a rendering of the new memorial and two stones marking what will be its entrance, he adds: "They're only given some rocks to remember them."A woman has given RFE/RL a mobile phone video she filmed as she chased traffic police in Turkmenistan's capital, Ashgabat, after her driving license was seized because, she says, of her gender. The country's president, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, is thought to disapprove of women drivers.An Afghan official said six civilians were killed after their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb in the eastern province of Laghman.

Asadullah Dawlatzai, the provincial governor's spokesman, said the victims were traveling in Qarghayi district when the bomb went off on February 19.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taliban militants regularly plant explosives targeting Afghan and foreign security forces. The bombs often end up killing or maiming civilians.

According to a quarterly report by the United Nation's Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), nearly 2,800 civilians were killed and more than 5,200 wounded between January and September 2018.

In a separate attack late on February 18, police said a doctor was killed by an explosive device attached to his vehicle as he returned home from his private clinic in the capital Kabul.

The Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Based on reporting by AP and dpaSoftware giant Microsoft says it has uncovered a series of cyberattacks by hackers linked to Russia targeting democratic institutions, think tanks and nonprofit organizations in Europe, highlighting concerns of possible interference in European Union elections in May.

The attacks occurred between September and December, targeting employees of the German Council on Foreign Relations and European offices of The Aspen Institute and The German Marshall Fund, the company said in a blog post.

Microsoft said the activity targeted more than 100 employee accounts in Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, Romania, and Serbia. The attacks were discovered through Microsoft's Threat Intelligence Center and Digital Crimes Unit, the company said.

Many of the attacks originated from Strontium, one of the world's oldest cyberespionage groups, which has been previously associated with the Russian government.

Strontium has also been called APT 28, Fancy Bear, Sofancy, and Pawn Storm by a range of security firms and government officials.

Security firm CrowdStrike has said the group may be associated with the Russian military intelligence service, the GRU.

Microsoft's cybersecurity service AccountGuard will be expanded to 12 new markets in Europe including Germany, France, and Spain, to help customers secure their accounts, the company said.

The AccountGuard service will also be available in Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, and Slovakia.

The announcement comes as EU officials are bracing for attempted meddling ahead of the blocs elections in May, when far-right parties appear set to make gains.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and bloomberg.comRussian President Vladimir Putin has issued fresh threats against the United States while promising increased social benefits to raise living standards as his popularity reaches near-record lows amid ongoing economic woes.

In his annual state-of-the-nation address on February 20 to Russia's two-chamber parliament -- the Federal Assembly -- Putin said that, if Washington deployed intermediate-range missiles in Europe, Moscow would not only target the countries hosting the U.S. weapons but the United States itself.

The United States dismissed Putin's comments as "propaganda" designed to divert attention from what Washington and its allies allege are Moscow's violations of a key Cold War-era nuclear arms control agreement.

NATO called the Russian leader's threats "unacceptable."

This year's speech comes as a recent poll has shown public trust in Putin was at its lowest level in 13 years.

More than one in five Russians now live in poverty, according to recent research by an institute with links to the Kremlin. Nationwide protests broke out in 2018 over the government's plans to raise the age of eligibility for pensions.

Russia still faces international sanctions for its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in March 2014, as well as its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, where more than 10,300 have died since the conflict erupted in April 2014.

Putin has dominated politics in Russia for two decades, serving as president or prime minister since 1999.

In 2018, Putin, 66, was reelected to another six-year term. Critics say he has maintained his near monopoly on power by crushing political opposition and stifling dissent.

INF Treaty

In his speech, Putin repeated Russian assertions that the United States withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty to develop its missile-defense systems.

Putin said Russia wanted friendly relations with the United States and remained open for arms-control talks with Washington, but said Moscow would not initiate such negotiations.

"We dont want confrontation, particularly with such a global power as the United States," Putin said.

At the same time, Putin criticized what he described as the "destructive" U.S. policy of targeting Russia with sanctions.

Put said some U.S. policymakers were "obsessed with U.S. exceptionalism" before warning they should calculate the risks before taking any steps.

"It's their right to think how they want. But can they count? I'm sure they can. Let them count the speed and the range of the weapons systems we are developing," Putin told Russia's political elite to strong applause.

"Russia will be forced to create and deploy types of weapons that can be used not only in respect of those territories from which the direct threat to us originates, but also in respect of those territories where the centers of decision-making are located," he said.

In Washington, a U.S. State Department spokeswoman said Putins remarks were "a continuation of Russia's propaganda effort to avoid responsibility for Russias actions in violation of the INF Treaty," according to Reuters.



The United States was not developing "exotic new nuclear weapons delivery systems," the spokeswoman also said, on condition of anonymity.

In a statement, NATO spokesman Piers Cazalet said threats to target allies were "unacceptable," adding that the Western military alliance had "no intention of deploying new land-based nuclear weapons in Europe."



Cazalet called on Russia to "focus on returning to compliance" with the INF Treaty, adding that Moscow's claims that NATO defense systems in Eastern Europe violate the treaty were a "blatant attempt to distract attention from its breach."



"The alliance's missile defense is purely defensive," he said. "The Aegis Ashore sites in Romania and Poland are fully compliant with the INF Treaty."

The United States earlier this month launched the six-month process to leave the INF Treaty, after Washington and NATO repeatedly accused Moscow of violating the accord by developing the 9M729 cruise missile, also known as the SSC-8.

Russia, which denies the accusation, said it was also withdrawing from the INF Treaty, which banned both countries from developing, producing, and deploying ground-launched cruise or ballistic missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.

Despite his trumpeting of Russia's military capabilities, Putin dedicated much of his nearly 90-minute speech to domestic affairs, unlike last year, when he focused mainly on claims about breakthroughs in the country's military arsenal and unveiled six nuclear-capable weapons and said they were unparalleled in the world.

This time, Putin boasted that the country had "colossal" resources to invest, using money "earned, not borrowed."

Tax Breaks

He promised tax breaks, lower mortgage rates, and housing subsidies for families with several children.

He said that the tax burden on developers will be eased to encourage them to expand housing construction.

Putin also emphasized the need to combat poverty, saying that 19 million of Russia's approximately 147 million people live below the official poverty line, currently the equivalent of around $160 a month.

Putin said "honest businesses" should not live in fear of prosecution. Those comments come amid the high-profile arrest of U.S. investor Michael Calvey, who is currently in pretrial detention on Russian fraud charges that he and his company call completely baseless. Several prominent Kremlin loyalists have also expressed doubt about the charges.

Elsewhere, Putin said a railway link to Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014, will start working this year.

It is the 15th time Putin has given the address, before an audience that traditionally includes both houses of the legislature, or Federal Assembly; government ministers; judges from the Constitutional and Supreme courts; leading regional officials; and other members of the political elite.

The address is one of three regularly scheduled national appearances Putin makes each year -- the others being a lavish question-and-answer session with the public and a stage-managed annual press conference.

Putin's speech comes amid anxieties among Russians about the state of the economy, emerging from a recession largely caused by Western sanctions and low oil prices.

Russia's state statistics agency recently announced gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2.3 percent in 2018. That was much higher than most forecasts, sparking questions over whether Rosstat may have tampered with the data.

Whether the numbers are true or not, more and more Russians are struggling to get by.

In a November 21 report, the Kremlin-linked Russian Presidential Academy of the National Economy and Public Administration said 22 percent of Russians fall into the "poverty zone," meaning they are unable to buy anything beyond basic staples needed for subsistence.

With poverty up, Putin's numbers are down.

A poll by the Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) released on January 17 found that trust in Putin had fallen to 33.4 percent, its lowest level since 2006.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, TASS, Interfax, and DozhdUkrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called on the UN secretary-general to draw up options for a peacekeeping mission in eastern Ukraine, saying such a mission could be a "decisive factor" in ending the conflict there.



Poroshenko told the UN General Assembly on February 20 that Ukraine is ready to discuss a multinational, UN-mandated peacekeeping operation with "a clear objective to end the Russian aggression and restore Ukraine's sovereignty."



Russia, which illegally annexed Ukraines Crimea region in March 2014, supports armed separatists who control parts of the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, where more than 10,300 have died since the conflict with Ukrainian government forces erupted in April 2014.



Fighting persists despite cease-fire deals reached as part of the September 2014 and February 2015 Minsk accords.



Ukraine has been pressing for the deployment of UN peacekeepers in eastern Ukraine as long as they are placed along the border with Russia to monitor and ensure Russian troops and weapons do not come over the border to aid the separatists.



Russia has said it would support a limited UN peacekeeping mission to protect observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe who are on the ground in eastern Ukraine.



In his address to the General Assembly in New York, Poroshenko said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres should send a fact-finding mission for a peacekeeping mission to eastern Ukraine in order to outline "elaborate respective options" that could be discussed.



The Ukrainian president, who is running for a second five-year term in the March 31 presidential election, accused Russia of conducting an "undeclared war."



He also called for Moscow to be deprived of its veto power in the UN Security Council on issues related to the Russian aggression against Ukraine."

Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya later told the assembly that Poroshenko was "the president of war, a war which continues to this day."

"Today, this General Assembly hall has become nothing other for him than an election campaigning rostrum," Nebenzya also said.

With reporting by AFP and APA court in Moscow is expected to decide on the extension of pretrial detention for a former U.S. Marine being held in Russia on an espionage charge.

Paul Whelan's lawyer, Vladimir Zherebenkov, said on February 20 that investigators want his client's pretrial detention prolonged until May 28.

Zherebenkov said the Lefortovo District Court will look into the investigators' request on February 22. Whelan's current pretrial arrest term expires on February 28.

Court spokeswoman Ksenia Petrovlasenko confirmed Zherebenkov's information, saying that the hearing will be held behind closed doors as the case is classified.

Whelan, who holds U.S., Irish, Canadian, and British citizenship, was arrested on December 28 in Moscow and charged with spying.

The charge carries a potential sentence of 20 years if convicted. His family has said he is innocent and that he was in Moscow to attend a wedding.

Russian officials have not released details of the allegations against him.

Whelan was working as a global security director for a U.S. auto-parts manufacturer at the time of his arrest.

Zherebenkov has said that his client is innocent and suggested earlier that Russian officials might consider exchanging him for Maria Butina, a Russian woman who pleaded guilty in December to U.S. charges of acting as an unregistered foreign agent.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax-- Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered his annual address to parliament as polls show trust in the Russian leader is at near record lows. The speech lasted a little under 90 minutes.

The highlights were:

-- Putin said "our missiles will target the United States and not just countries where their missiles are stationed."

-- Putin calls for a raft of measures to lift up Russian families and promised Russians better living conditions within this year.

-- Putin said the country can now invest colossal resources in its development, using money earned, not borrowed.Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Pakistani ambassador to Kabul over his remark that Afghan peace talks could be affected if India resorted to violence against Pakistan in response to last week's deadly suicide attack on Indian troops in disputed Kashmir.



After the February 20 meeting with Ambassador Zahid Nasrullah, the ministry said in a statement that it deemed his comment to be "in contradiction with Pakistan's commitments with regards to realizing peace in Afghanistan."



Amid rising tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, Nasrullah said on February 19 that any attack by India would "affect the stability of the entire region and impact the momentum" of the Afghan peace effort.



India has blamed Pakistan for the February 14 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed more than 40 soldiers and warned its neighbor of a "jaw-breaking response."



Islamabad has denied any involvement and vowed to retaliate if it comes under attack.



The attack on Indian troops was claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e Mohammed (JeM) militant group.



India has long accused Pakistan of supporting militants in Muslim-majority Kashmir, a Himalayan territory divided between the two nuclear archrivals but claimed in full by both.



The Afghan Foreign Ministry said the Kabul government "once again calls on Pakistan to act upon its commitments with regards to Afghanistan, particularly those in relation to peace and refrain from making irrelevant statements that do not help solve any problem."



Afghanistan has always wanted a reduction in any tension in the region, and the differences to be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means, the statement also said.



The Afghan Taliban has held a series of direct talks with U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in recent months to put an end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan.



As an important player in the region and an Afghan neighbor, Pakistan is seen as potentially having a key role in any settlement.

During his news conference in Kabul on February 19, Nasrullah said that Islamabad wants a "peaceful, stable, prosperous, sovereign Afghanistan."



"We have always said that we have influence -- but limited influence -- on the Taliban, and we would use that to the best effect. We are working sincerely on that," the Pakistani ambassador added.

With reporting by Reuters and TOLOnewsJehovahs Witnesses, a U.S.-based religious denomination that Russia has branded extremist and banned, says that police in Russia's Khanty-Mansi region have tortured several members of the congregation.



In a February 19 statement, the religious group said that at least seven of its adherents were "subjected to torture -- electric shocks, suffocation, and cruel beatings" by the Investigative Committee's officers in the city of Surgut, in northwestern Siberia, after they were detained on February 15 on extremism charges.



The statement says that those detained refused to answer police questions about other members of the congregation and after the only legal representative left the interrogation room, the officers "tied the victims hands behind their backs, beat them, poured water on their naked bodies, and subjected them to electric shocks."



"The torture lasted for several hours," the statement said.



According to the statement, 19 members of the congregation were charged with the alleged organization of extremist activities and at least three of them remain behind bars.



The released members of the Jehovahs Witnesses turned to medical institutions to document bodily harm sustained during torture, the statement says, adding that the group will seek justice in court.



The Investigative Committee rejected the Jehovah's Witnesses' statement.

Homes Raided



A committee spokesman in the Khanty-Mansi region, Oleg Menshikh, told the TASS news agency on February 20 that no law was violated during the interrogations.



"Nobody tortured them. There was no physical or psychological pressure on them," TASS quoted Menshikh as saying.



Police have started raiding the homes of Jehovah's Witnesses in that region and in the region of Mordovia on February 7, a day after a Russian court convicted Dennis Christensen, a Danish member of the religious group, on an extremism charge and sentenced him to six years in prison in the western city of Oryol.



Human rights organizations, the European Union, and United States officials have condemned Christensens conviction and called on Russia to respect freedom of religion.

Christensen was arrested in Oryol in May 2017, a month after Russia's Supreme Court labeled the religious group an extremist organization and banned it.



He was the first Jehovahs Witness to be detained in Russia following the ban.

Since then, dozens of other members of the group in different Russian regions have been detained and face similar extremism charges.

With reporting by TASSA new congressional report says that senior White House officials pushed a project to share nuclear power technology with Saudi Arabia despite the objections of ethics and national security officials.

The report by the Democratic-led House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform is based on accounts by whistle-blowers within U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and documents of communications between administration officials and nuclear power companies.

It notes that an inquiry into the matter is "particularly critical because the Administration's efforts to transfer sensitive U.S. nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia appear to be ongoing."



The Committee opened an investigation on February 19 into the claims by several unnamed whistle-blowers who said they witnessed "abnormal acts" in the White House regarding the proposal to build dozens of nuclear reactors across Saudi Arabia.

Representative Elijah Cummings, the Committee chairman, asked the White House to turn over documents including those related to a meeting two months into Trump's presidency between his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Saudi Arabia's powerful Muhammad bin Salman, who later became crown prince.

The report said that "strong private commercial interests have been pressing aggressively" to transfer sensitive technology to Saudi Arabia.

"These commercial entities stand to reap billions of dollars through contracts associated with constructing and operating nuclear facilities in Saudi Arabia -- and apparently have been in close and repeated contact with President Trump and his administration to the present day," the report said.

Washington is not allowed to legally transfer nuclear technology to other states without reaching so-called Section 123 agreements that provide assurances of peaceful energy use.

The report expressed concern that Saudi Arabia could use American nuclear technology to build an atomic bomb, adding to already high tensions with regional rival Iran.

It includes a timeline of events and names other administration officials who have been involved with the matter, including Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Trump's inaugural committee chairman Tom Barrack, and former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

Flynn was found guilty of lying about Russian contacts by special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and BBCBUCHAREST -- The European Union has asked Romania's government for clarification after Bucharest effected measures that critics say will exert more political control over the judiciary.



European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said on February 20 that the commission, the EU's executive, was "following with great concern the latest developments concerning the rule of law in Romania."

Romania, which currently holds the EU's rotating six-month presidency, needs to "very urgently put the reform process back on track" and abstain "from steps which reverse progress" in fighting corruption, he told journalists in Brussels.

The Romanian government adopted emergency legislation on February 19 including a provision limiting the period of time that top prosecuting agencies can be run by acting managers. It also removes the prosecutor general's oversight of a unit tasked with investigating magistrates.



That eliminates the power of the prosecutor -- Augustin Lazar -- to dismiss an investigation by the unit into crimes allegedly committed by former chief anticorruption prosecutor Laura Koevesi.



President Klaus Iohannis, an opponent of the leftist government, said the government wants to render the justice system inefficient "for personal interests."

The government was "obsessed about weakening the justice system until it is longer effective," Iohannis wrote on his Facebook account late on February 19.



Romania should not be allowed to be run by people "who want to place justice under political control," he added.

Koevesi was dismissed by the government last year in what critics say was a move to prevent her anticorruption agency, the DNA, from convicting senior members of the governing alliance.



Koevesi, who has been widely praised by the EU for her results in fighting graft in one of the bloc's most corrupt countries, has emerged as a front-runner for the newly established position of EU anticorruption prosecutor.



The controversial unit tasked with investigating Romanian magistrates, which was established by the government in November in what observers say was a move to intimidate the judiciary, has opened a probe into alleged bribe-taking by Koevesi.



The emergency legislation now prevents Lazar from killing the investigation, which has been widely criticized as an attempt to smear Koevesi and prevent her from getting the EU job.

In a related development, Romanian media on February 20 published a document showing that the same investigative unit earlier this month opened a probe into accusations filed in January by a local online publication against Lazar, the European Commission's First Vice President Frans Timmermans, and other senior EU officials for "falsifying a commission report on Romania's lack of progress on judicial reform.

With reporting by G4media.ro, AP, AFP, dpa, and luju.roBRUSSELS -- EU ambassadors on February 20 extended for another year an arms embargo against Belarus and sanctions on four Belarusian citizens.

The embargo, which has been extended annually since its introduction in 2011, does not provide for any new exemptions.

During the rollover process in the last two years, Hungary managed to exempt biathlon rifles and other arms used in sports.

This year, Hungary initially wanted to link the extension of the embargo with the swift adoption of the Belarus Partnership Priorities, an EU document outlining the bloc's future relationship with Minsk in areas such as people-to-people contacts, environmental issues, economic cooperation, and human rights that has been under negotiation for two years.

The Partnership Priorities document was close to being signed in 2018, but Lithuania insisted on including several safeguards regarding the Astravyets nuclear power plant that is being built with Russian assistance in Belarus just 50 kilometers from the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.

Under pressure from the other 27 EU member states earlier in February, Budapest backed down on the demand to formally link the two issues, but there was an agreement that Belarus would host what sources call "a high-level event" within the framework of the Eastern Partnership in October.

The four people who are on the visa-ban and asset-freeze list are considered to have played key roles in the unresolved disappearances of four Belarusians in 1999-2000.

With reporting by Rikard JozwiakKABUL -- Afghan politicians and tribal, ethnic, and religious leaders are set to meet for at least four days next month to discuss negotiations with the Taliban, President Ashraf Ghani's special peace envoy has said.



Omar Daudzai said on February 20 that the gathering, known as a Loya Jirga, will be held from March 17-20, adding: If the discussions continue, it will be extended.



Daudzai said that the consultative Loya Jirga will discuss the government's "values and red lines" and will aim to come up with a framework for the Western-backed government in Kabul to engage in peace negotiations with the militant group.

The Taliban, which now reportedly controls nearly half of Afghanistan, has so far refused to hold direct negotiations with the Afghan government, calling it a Western puppet.



However, it has held a series of direct talks with U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in recent months to put an end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan.



Speaking at an event organized by the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) in Kabul, Daudzai said that most Afghan politicians want these talks to lay the groundwork for direct negotiations between the Taliban and Kabul.



AIHRC head Sima Samer warned that using human rights as a bargaining chip in the talks with the Taliban would undermine any peace agreement.



U.S. Ambassador John Bass emphasized that the final goal of the talks was "peace and dignity" for the people of Afghanistan.



Khalilzad is scheduled to meet Taliban negotiators for talks in Qatar on February 25.



During their previous round of talks in Doha, the Qatari capital, U.S. and Taliban negotiators reached the basic framework of a possible peace deal.



The agreement calls for the Taliban to prevent international terrorist groups from basing themselves in Afghanistan and for the United States to withdraw its forces from the country.



U.S. troops have been in Afghanistan since an October 2001 invasion that brought down the Taliban government after it refused to hand over Al-Qaeda terrorists, including Osama bin Laden, blamed for launching the September 11, 2001, in the United States.



Taliban leaders, who took control in 1996, imposed a harsh form of Islamic law that denied education and work to women and girls as they cracked down on other social activities.

With reporting by APA former British diplomat called on Wednesday for Chinese telecoms giant Huawei to be excluded from bidding for the next generation of 5G mobile technology contracts, saying allowing such a move would be "irresponsible."



In a report for defense and security think-tank the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Charles Parton warned against Beijing's "rigorous, ruthless advancement of China's interests."



"Allowing Huaweis participation is at best naive, at worst irresponsible," Parton wrote in the report, citing China's history of cyber attacks as an integral part of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s interference in other countries.



"The history of Chinas cyber attacks shows that an integral part of CCP interference abroad is getting access to a wide variety of information, whether related to industry, commerce, technology, defense, personal details or politics," Parton wrote.



"5G will be crucial to the future functioning not just of [critical national infrastructure], but to many processes which will be reliant on the Internet of Things," he said.



Parton is a senior associate fellow at RUSI who spent 22 years of a 37-year diplomatic career covering China. His report was published just one day after Britain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said that any security threat arising from the use of Huawei equipment could be contained.



But Parton cited experts as saying that such claims were unlikely to be true.



"It is far easier to place a hidden backdoor inside a system than it is to find one," the report said, adding that many applications used by Huawei have more than a million lines of code.



Tseng Chien-yuan, an associate professor of public administration at Chung Hua University in Hsinchu, said many liberal democracies don't seem to agree on the security threat posed by the use of Huawei equipment.



"Some countries think they can contain [the threat], so they don't see any reason to impose restrictions," Tseng told RFA. "The U.K. has said it can contain the threat, but what about in the future?"



"Who is really able to defend against backdoors and surveillance technology, which could still develop further?"



Huawei indicted in US

Last month, prosecutors in the United States indicted Huawei on charges of fraud, attempted theft of trade secrets, and obstruction of justice, as investigators formally placed an extradition request for the company's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, currently under house arrest at her Vancouver home.



Meanwhile, a separate indictment unsealed in Washington state after being returned by a grand jury on Jan. 16 accused Huawei of trying to steal trade secrets from T-Mobile USA.



It cited an internal offer of bonuses to Huawei employees who succeeded in stealing confidential information from other companies, the Department of Justice said in a statement on its website.



Parton's report said Huawei should be regarded as a potential security threat given a 2017 Chinese law requiring Chinese companies and citizens to comply with spying requests from the government.



While Huawei has repeatedly insisted that it is a private company with no ties to the state, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand are taking action to exclude it and other Chinese companies from their 5G plans on security grounds.



The RUSI report also called for further research into the activities of the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department (UFWD) on British soil, saying that more information and transparency is needed about what it is doing to influence government, academia, business and society.



"The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) sees controlling the narrative about China abroad as important for reinforcing its legitimacy and justifying its monopoly on domestic power," Parton wrote. "It is also important for advancing its geopolitical aims."



According to Parton, academics, think-tank staff and researchers should also be required to disclose their affiliations, backgrounds, funding and rewards.



He cited the example of the University of Nottingham, where "pressure has ... been applied to academics ... to stand down or avoid inviting certain external speakers because they and/or their chosen subjects were deemed too sensitive."



Pressure on campuses

China's attempts to control the narrative about China via its officially backed Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs) and Confucius Institutes embedded on university campuses could also be problematic for freedom of speech, Parton said.



"Such action, on U.K. soil, affects U.K. students and undermines UK values, particularly those of freedom of speech and association," he said.



"There is evidence of incentives and pressure on academics, particularly younger ones with careers to consolidate, to self-censor or to limit debate," he wrote, adding that university administrators were more likely to consider the effect on funding sources than academic freedom when responding to Chinese influence.



"We need to find out how pervasive such interference is, because, if left unchecked, unacceptable behavior will proliferate," he warned.



Parton also noted that a Cambridge University professorship in development studies was funded by a foundation linked to a member of China's political elite.



"Chinese funding for UK universities ... access to research in China and paid invitations to think tank events in China all create obligations which may encourage U.K. academics to shade the truth or avoid the awkward," he wrote.



He said the government should do more to enable people to speak up "without fear" when speaking about Chinese influence or interference in British public life.



When Conservative Party human rights campaigner Benedict Rogers was denied entry to Hong Kong in 2017, his mother and neighbors received letters denouncing him, Parton wrote.



"There have been other cases involving British citizens, including a similar case to that of Rogers (the victim has asked for details to be withheld)," the report said. "In both cases, the language, typeface and other features of the letters were the same as numerous threats delivered in Hong Kong. This would imply CCP involvement, likely to be commissioned through criminal gangs or triads."



In another case, a Uyghur exiled in the UK was directly told by a Chinese interlocutor that we cannot guarantee your safety in this country,' the report said.



Reported by Wen Yuqing for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has said she plans to seek re-election in 2020 as a way of protecting the democratic island and showing the world that it can stand alone in the face of interference from China.



"As I told @MattRiversCNN this morning, Im confident about my re-election in 2020," Tsai said via her Twitter account. "Protecting #Taiwan's freedom & democracy whilst building a brighter future for my 23 million fellow citizens is a goal worth fighting for."



Tsai had earlier told CNN that it was "natural" for a sitting president to want to do more for their country.



"It's quite natural for a president to seek another four years to complete ... his or her agenda," she said, in a clip from the interview also shared to her Twitter account.



"It's ... another challenge," Tsai said. "At least I am confident. [It is] something I have been prepared for."



Tsai told reporters in Taipei on Wednesday that her agenda is to ensure that future generations of Taiwanese will have the freedom to choose their own future.



She said she gave the interview to make it clear that Taiwan wants to exist on its own and safeguard its democracy, economic prosperity and security, rather than accepting China's insistence on "unification."



"We are a democratic country and our direction is very clear," she said. "We want freedom, democracy, security and prosperity. Taiwan's future should be decided by ourselves."



Tsai's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) suffered bruising losses in local elections last November, but her defiant response to a Jan. 2 speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping boosted her personal ratings.



However, more recent opinion polls showed she would be the least popular among a slate of potential candidates including Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je and the KMT mayor of Kaohsiung Han Kuo-yu.



In a Jan. 2 "Letter to our Taiwan compatriots," Xi swapped the Chinese Communist Party's previous insistence on the idea that Taiwan is part of a divided "One China" for a new theme: "unification," which he said was a "historical and unavoidable duty" for Beijing.



Chinese media issue threats

But he made no reference to public opinion among the 23 million inhabitants of Taiwan, which his party has never ruled, and said he wouldn't renounce the use of military force to take the island.



Beijing has never accepted the status of Taiwan as a sovereign power, although the 1911 Republic of China government established by the nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's communists.



Officially, Taiwan is still known as the Republic of China, which controls the four islands of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. Beijing has refused diplomatic ties with any country that also recognizes the Republic of China, and actively encourages Taiwan's partners to switch recognition.



Last week, scholars and experts at the Asia Society called for a 'course correction' in U.S.-China policy, with more initiatives to help Taiwan internationally and shore up its defenses.



The society's task force on U.S.-China policy said regional security, human rights and "China's influence-seeking and interference abroad" were key issues in the bilateral relationship, calling on the administration of President Donald Trump to take steps to support Taiwan.



Chinese state-backed media reacted with threats on Wednesday following Tsai's CNN interview.



"The real fear is that Tsai's reelection will further agitate the fragile situation and lead to a new cross Straits crisis," the Global Times newspaper, a nationalistic tabloid which is linked to Communist Party mouthpiece The People's Daily, said in an opinion article.



"Of Tsai and anyone else violate China's Anti-Secession Law, we must crack down on them," the paper said. "Tsai must pay if she relies on Taiwan independence forces to win the election."



Political analysts said last November that China had mobilized considerable resources to influence the election results, via a complex network of money and political influence.



Strategic analyst and political commentator Wang Li said Beijing had exerted influence through campaign funding via front companies, even to the point of fielding its own, puppet candidates.



The Global Times said China should "gradually regulate" Taiwan's elections.



"As the strength of the Chinese mainland rises year by year, helpful resources are increasing," it said. "We must dare to use and be skilled at using them."



Reported by Chung Kuang-cheng for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Hwang Chun-mei for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.Cambodia and the United States sparred this weekend over comments appearing on a U.S. embassy Facebook page criticizing the Cambodian governments continued detention of the leader of a now-banned opposition party.



The unsigned Feb. 15 posting called former Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Kem Sokha an innocent man, detained on unjust charges, and noted he has now been held either in jail or under house arrest for nearly 18 months.



There is no evidence against him, and no trial date has been set. No evidence. No trial. No justice, the posting read.



Responding on Feb. 18, Cambodias Ministry of Justice said it had been taken by surprise by the U.S. embassy statement, which shows [the embassy] doesnt respect Cambodias sovereignty as an independent country.



The U.S. embassy in Phnom Penh has wrongly interpreted the facts of Kem Sokhas case and has maligned Cambodian authorities by accusing them of holding the detained opposition leader unfairly, the justice ministry said, adding, Let the court do its job.



Meanwhile, in a Feb. 16 statement, Cambodias foreign ministry slammed the embassys posting, urging it to immediately discontinue this politically motivated and undiplomatic conduct.



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to reaffirm Cambodias commitment to the rule of law and the maintenance of peace, stability, and public order, which the Cambodian people are currently enjoying, the ministry wrote.



Charged with treason



Cambodia National Rescue Party president Kem Sokha was arrested in September 2017 on treason charges widely seen as politically motivated, and the Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP two months later for its part in an alleged plot to topple the government.



The move banned the opposition partys candidates from taking part in a July 29, 2018 general election, which Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) then steamrolled without any viable opponent.



Denied bail six times, Kem Sokha was finally released from pre-trial detention on Sept. 10, 2018 but must now stay within a block radius of his home, cannot meet with CNRP officials or foreigners, and cannot take part in or host any rallies or political activities.



He still faces up to 30 years if convicted of treason.



'Absurd and false'



In a Feb. 16 email to RFAs Khmer Service, U.S. embassy spokesperson Arend Zwartjes said the United States, as a signatory to the 1991 Paris Peace Accords that ended a Cambodian war with Vietnam, has a responsibility to see that democracy and human rights are respected in Cambodia.



Second, Kem Sokha has been accused of conspiring with the United States to overthrow the government, which is absurd and false. So the Cambodian government has involved us directly in this, Zwartjes wrote.



Cambodia cannot have a productive relationship with the United States until this is resolved properly and respectfully, Zwartjes wrote.



Speaking to RFA on Feb. 19, Kim Soka Cambodian political commentator and frequent government critic now living in exile in Finlandcalled the Cambodian ministries reaction to the U.S. Facebook posting ridiculous.



As a signatory to the Paris Accords, the U.S. is committed to helping Cambodia get back on the track to a functioning democracy, and therefore hasnt interfered in the countrys sovereignty, he said.



The Cambodian government doesnt respect the [countrys own] constitution, Kim Sok said.



Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Richard Finney.Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email please call (208) 542-6777 for help.



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We'd just ask you to understand that those ads help us pay the bills  and our reporters. Please, consider white-listing the Standard Journal in your ad-blocker or, even better, purchase a subscription so that you can help support quality local journalism.Table of Contents



Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) 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 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2014-2024

2.1.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption CAGR by Region

2.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Segment by Type

2.2.1 Purity(GC)%= 99.5%

2.2.2 Purity(GC)%= 99.9%

2.3 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Type

2.3.1 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

2.3.2 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Revenue and Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

2.3.3 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sale Price by Type (2014-2019)

2.4 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Segment by Application

2.4.1 Production Solvents

2.4.2 Cleaning Solvents

2.5 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Application

2.5.1 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

2.5.2 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value and Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

2.5.3 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sale Price by Application (2014-2019)



3 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) by Manufacturers

3.1 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales Market Share by Manufacturers

3.1.1 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.1.2 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.2 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers

3.2.1 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Revenue by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.2.2 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

3.3 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sale Price by Manufacturers

3.4 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Manufacturers

3.4.1 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Manufacturers

3.4.2 Players Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) 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 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) by Regions

4.1 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) by Regions

4.1.1 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Regions

4.1.2 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Regions

4.2 Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth

4.3 APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth

4.4 Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth

4.5 Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth



5 Americas

5.1 Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Countries

5.1.1 Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

5.1.2 Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Countries (2014-2019)

5.2 Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Type

5.3 Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) 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 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Countries

6.1.1 APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

6.1.2 APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Countries (2014-2019)

6.2 APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Type

6.3 APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) 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 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) by Countries

7.1.1 Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

7.1.2 Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Countries (2014-2019)

7.2 Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Type

7.3 Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) 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 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) by Countries

8.1.1 Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Countries (2014-2019)

8.1.2 Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Countries (2014-2019)

8.2 Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Type

8.3 Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) 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 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Distributors

10.3 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Customer



11 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Market Forecast

11.1 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Forecast (2019-2024)

11.2 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Forecast by Regions

11.2.1 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Forecast by Regions (2019-2024)

11.2.2 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) 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 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Forecast by Type

11.8 Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Forecast by Application



12 Key Players Analysis

12.1 DowDuPont

12.1.1 Company Details

12.1.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Product Offered

12.1.3 DowDuPont Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.1.4 Main Business Overview

12.1.5 DowDuPont News

12.2 Yida

12.2.1 Company Details

12.2.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Product Offered

12.2.3 Yida Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.2.4 Main Business Overview

12.2.5 Yida News

12.3 Shell Chemicals

12.3.1 Company Details

12.3.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Product Offered

12.3.3 Shell Chemicals Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.3.4 Main Business Overview

12.3.5 Shell Chemicals News

12.4 Eastman Chemical

12.4.1 Company Details

12.4.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Product Offered

12.4.3 Eastman Chemical Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.4.4 Main Business Overview

12.4.5 Eastman Chemical News

12.5 KH Neochem Co., Ltd

12.5.1 Company Details

12.5.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Product Offered

12.5.3 KH Neochem Co., Ltd Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.5.4 Main Business Overview

12.5.5 KH Neochem Co., Ltd News

12.6 LyondellBasell

12.6.1 Company Details

12.6.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Product Offered

12.6.3 LyondellBasell Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.6.4 Main Business Overview

12.6.5 LyondellBasell News

12.7 Jiangsu Hualun

12.7.1 Company Details

12.7.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Product Offered

12.7.3 Jiangsu Hualun Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.7.4 Main Business Overview

12.7.5 Jiangsu Hualun News

12.8 Shinko Organic Chemical

12.8.1 Company Details

12.8.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Product Offered

12.8.3 Shinko Organic Chemical Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.8.4 Main Business Overview

12.8.5 Shinko Organic Chemical News

12.9 Baichuan Stock

12.9.1 Company Details

12.9.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Product Offered

12.9.3 Baichuan Stock Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.9.4 Main Business Overview

12.9.5 Baichuan Stock News

12.10 Dynamic INT'L

12.10.1 Company Details

12.10.2 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Product Offered

12.10.3 Dynamic INT'L Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

12.10.4 Main Business Overview

12.10.5 Dynamic INT'L News

12.11 Ruijia Chemistry



13 Research Findings and Conclusion



List of Tables and Figures



Figure Picture of Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA)

Table Product Specifications of Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA)

Figure Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Report Years Considered

Figure Market Research Methodology

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth Rate 2014-2024 (K MT)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth Rate 2014-2024 ($ Millions)

Table Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption CAGR by Region 2014-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Product Picture of Purity(GC)%= 99.5%

Table Major Players of Purity(GC)%= 99.5%

Figure Product Picture of Purity(GC)%= 99.9%

Table Major Players of Purity(GC)%= 99.9%

Table Global Consumption Sales by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Revenue by Type (2014-2019) ($ million)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Type (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sale Price by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumed in Production Solvents

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Market: Production Solvents (2014-2019) (K MT)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Market: Production Solvents (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Figure Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumed in Cleaning Solvents

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Market: Cleaning Solvents (2014-2019) (K MT)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Market: Cleaning Solvents (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Global Consumption Sales by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sale Price by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales by Manufacturers (2017-2019) (K MT)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales Market Share by Manufacturers in 2017

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales Market Share by Manufacturers in 2018

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Revenue by Manufacturers (2017-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers in 2017

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers in 2018

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sale Price by Manufacturers (2017-2019)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sale Price by Manufacturers in 2018

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Manufacturers

Table Players Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Products Offered

Table Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Concentration Ratio (CR3, CR5 and CR10) (2017-2019)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Regions 2014-2019 (K MT)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Regions 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Regions 2014-2019

Figure Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure United States Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure United States Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Canada Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Canada Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Mexico Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Mexico Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure China Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure China Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Japan Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Japan Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Korea Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Korea Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Southeast Asia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Southeast Asia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure India Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure India Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Australia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Australia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure Germany Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Germany Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure France Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure France Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure UK Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure UK Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Italy Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Italy Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Russia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Russia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Spain Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Spain Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Countries (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value by Countries (2014-2019) ($ Millions)

Table Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Type (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Type in 2018

Table Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption by Application (2014-2019) (K MT)

Table Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share by Application in 2018

Figure Egypt Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Egypt Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure South Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure South Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Israel Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Israel Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure Turkey Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure Turkey Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Figure GCC Countries Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth 2014-2019 (K MT)

Figure GCC Countries Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth 2014-2019 ($ Millions)

Table Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Distributors List

Table Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Customer List

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024) (K MT)

Figure Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Forecast by Countries (2019-2024) (K MT)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Forecast by Regions

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Forecast by Countries (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share Forecast by Regions

Figure Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Americas Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure APAC Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Europe Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Middle East & Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure United States Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure United States Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Canada Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Canada Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Mexico Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Mexico Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Brazil Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Brazil Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure China Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure China Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Japan Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Japan Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Korea Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Korea Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Southeast Asia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Southeast Asia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure India Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure India Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Australia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Australia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Germany Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Germany Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure France Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure France Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure UK Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure UK Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Italy Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Italy Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Russia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Russia Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Spain Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Spain Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Egypt Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Egypt Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure South Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure South Africa Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Israel Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Israel Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure Turkey Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure Turkey Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Figure GCC Countries Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption 2019-2024 (K MT)

Figure GCC Countries Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value 2019-2024 ($ Millions)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Forecast by Type (2019-2024) (K MT)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Forecast by Type (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Forecast by Application (2019-2024) (K MT)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Consumption Market Share Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Forecast by Application (2019-2024) ($ Millions)

Table Global Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Value Market Share Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

Table DowDuPont Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table DowDuPont Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure DowDuPont Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Yida Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Yida Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Yida Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Shell Chemicals Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Shell Chemicals Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Shell Chemicals Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Market Share (2017-2019)

Table Eastman Chemical Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Table Eastman Chemical Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA) Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)

Figure Eastman Chemical PropyleTable of Contents



Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Industry Market Research Report

1 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Introduction and Market Overview

1.1 Objectives of the Study

1.2 Definition of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

1.3 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Scope and Market Size Estimation

1.3.1 Market Concentration Ratio and Market Maturity Analysis

1.3.2 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) and Growth Rate from 2014-2024

1.4 Market Segmentation

1.4.1 Types of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

1.4.2 Applications of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

1.4.3 Research Regions

1.4.3.1 North America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

1.4.3.2 Europe Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

1.4.3.3 China Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

1.4.3.4 Japan Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

1.4.3.5 Middle East & Africa Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

1.4.3.6 India Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

1.4.3.7 South America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

1.5 Market Dynamics

1.5.1 Drivers

1.5.1.1 Emerging Countries of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

1.5.1.2 Growing Market of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

1.5.2 Limitations

1.5.3 Opportunities

1.6 Industry News and Policies by Regions

1.6.1 Industry News

1.6.2 Industry Policies



2 Industry Chain Analysis

2.1 Upstream Raw Material Suppliers of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Analysis

2.2 Major Players of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

2.2.1 Major Players Manufacturing Base and Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment in 2018

2.2.2 Major Players Product Types in 2018

2.3 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis

2.3.1 Production Process Analysis

2.3.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

2.3.3 Raw Material Cost of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

2.3.4 Labor Cost of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

2.4 Market Channel Analysis of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

2.5 Major Downstream Buyers of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Analysis



3 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market, by Type

3.1 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) and Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

3.2 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production and Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

3.3 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) and Growth Rate by Type (2014-2019)

3.4 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Price Analysis by Type (2014-2019)



4 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market, by Application

4.1 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

4.2 Downstream Buyers by Application

4.3 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate by Application (2014-2019)



5 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($) by Region (2014-2019)

5.1 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) and Market Share by Region (2014-2019)

5.2 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production and Market Share by Region (2014-2019)

5.3 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

5.4 North America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

5.5 Europe Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

5.6 China Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

5.7 Japan Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

5.8 Middle East & Africa Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

5.9 India Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

5.10 South America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)



6 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2014-2019)

6.1 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption by Regions (2014-2019)

6.2 North America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

6.3 Europe Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

6.4 China Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

6.5 Japan Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

6.6 Middle East & Africa Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

6.7 India Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

6.8 South America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)



7 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Status and SWOT Analysis by Regions

7.1 North America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Status and SWOT Analysis

7.2 Europe Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Status and SWOT Analysis

7.3 China Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Status and SWOT Analysis

7.4 Japan Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Status and SWOT Analysis

7.5 Middle East & Africa Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Status and SWOT Analysis

7.6 India Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Status and SWOT Analysis

7.7 South America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Status and SWOT Analysis



8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Competitive Profile

8.2 Braile Biomedica

8.2.1 Company Profiles

8.2.2 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Product Introduction

8.2.3 Braile Biomedica Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.2.4 Braile Biomedica Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

8.3 Tianjin Medical

8.3.1 Company Profiles

8.3.2 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Product Introduction

8.3.3 Tianjin Medical Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.3.4 Tianjin Medical Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

8.4 MAQUET

8.4.1 Company Profiles

8.4.2 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Product Introduction

8.4.3 MAQUET Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.4.4 MAQUET Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

8.5 Sorin

8.5.1 Company Profiles

8.5.2 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Product Introduction

8.5.3 Sorin Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.5.4 Sorin Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

8.6 Terumo

8.6.1 Company Profiles

8.6.2 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Product Introduction

8.6.3 Terumo Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.6.4 Terumo Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

8.7 Medtronic

8.7.1 Company Profiles

8.7.2 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Product Introduction

8.7.3 Medtronic Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.7.4 Medtronic Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018



9 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Analysis and Forecast by Type and Application

9.1 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Value ($) & Volume Forecast, by Type (2019-2024)

9.1.1 Single Roller Pump Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast (2019-2024)

9.1.2 Double Roller Pump Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast (2019-2024)

9.2 Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Value ($) & Volume Forecast, by Application (2019-2024)

9.2.1 Cardiac Surgery Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast (2019-2024)

9.2.2 Lung Transplant Operation Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast (2019-2024)

9.2.3 Acute Respiratory Failure Treatment Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast (2019-2024)

9.2.4 Other Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast (2019-2024)



10 Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Analysis and Forecast by Region

10.1 North America Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2019-2024)

10.2 Europe Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2019-2024)

10.3 China Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2019-2024)

10.4 Japan Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2019-2024)

10.5 Middle East & Africa Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2019-2024)

10.6 India Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2019-2024)

10.7 South America Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast (2019-2024)



11 New Project Feasibility Analysis

11.1 Industry Barriers and New Entrants SWOT Analysis

11.2 Analysis and Suggestions on New Project Investment



12 Research Finding and Conclusion



13 Appendix

13.1 Discussion Guide

13.2 Knowledge Store: Maia Subscription Portal

13.3 Research Data Source

13.4 Research Assumptions and Acronyms Used



List of Tables and Figures



Figure Product Picture of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Table Product Specification of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Figure Market Concentration Ratio and Market Maturity Analysis of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) and Growth Rate from 2014-2024

Table Different Types of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) Segment by Type from 2014-2019

Figure Single Roller Pump Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Picture

Figure Double Roller Pump Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Picture

Table Different Applications of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) Segment by Applications from 2014-2019

Figure Cardiac Surgery Picture

Figure Lung Transplant Operation Picture

Figure Acute Respiratory Failure Treatment Picture

Figure Other Picture

Table Research Regions of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Figure North America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table China Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table Japan Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table Middle East & Africa Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table India Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table South America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table Emerging Countries of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Table Growing Market of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Figure Industry Chain Analysis of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Table Upstream Raw Material Suppliers of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment with Contact Information

Table Major Players Manufacturing Base and Market Share ($) of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment in 2018

Table Major Players Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Product Types in 2018

Figure Production Process of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Figure Manufacturing Cost Structure of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Figure Channel Status of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Table Major Distributors of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment with Contact Information

Table Major Downstream Buyers of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment with Contact Information

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) Share by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) and Growth Rate of Single Roller Pump Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) and Growth Rate of Double Roller Pump Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Price by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

Table Downstream Buyers Introduction by Application

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate of Cardiac Surgery (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate of Lung Transplant Operation (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate of Acute Respiratory Failure Treatment (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate of Other (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) by Region (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) Market Share by Region (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Value ($) Market Share by Region (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production by Region (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Market Share by Region (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production Market Share by Region (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

Table North America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

Table Europe Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

Table China Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

Table Japan Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

Table Middle East & Africa Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

Table India Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

Table South America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption by Regions (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption Share by Regions (2014-2019)

Table North America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

Table Europe Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

Table China Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

Table Japan Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

Table Middle East & Africa Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

Table India Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

Table South America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2014-2019)

Figure North America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure North America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure North America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment SWOT Analysis

Figure Europe Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure Europe Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure Europe Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment SWOT Analysis

Figure China Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure China Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure China Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment SWOT Analysis

Figure Japan Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure Japan Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure Japan Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment SWOT Analysis

Figure Middle East & Africa Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure Middle East & Africa Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure Middle East & Africa Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment SWOT Analysis

Figure India Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure India Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure India Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment SWOT Analysis

Figure South America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Production and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure South America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate Analysis

Figure South America Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment SWOT Analysis

Figure Top 3 Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Companies

Figure Top 6 Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Companies

Table Mergers, Acquisitions and Expansion Analysis

Table Company Profiles

Table Product Introduction

Table Braile Biomedica Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

Figure Braile Biomedica Production and Growth Rate

Figure Braile Biomedica Value ($) Market Share 2014-2019

Figure Braile Biomedica Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

Table Company Profiles

Table Product Introduction

Table Tianjin Medical Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

Figure Tianjin Medical Production and Growth Rate

Figure Tianjin Medical Value ($) Market Share 2014-2019

Figure Tianjin Medical Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

Table Company Profiles

Table Product Introduction

Table MAQUET Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

Figure MAQUET Production and Growth Rate

Figure MAQUET Value ($) Market Share 2014-2019

Figure MAQUET Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

Table Company Profiles

Table Product Introduction

Table Sorin Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

Figure Sorin Production and Growth Rate

Figure Sorin Value ($) Market Share 2014-2019

Figure Sorin Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

Table Company Profiles

Table Product Introduction

Table Terumo Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

Figure Terumo Production and Growth Rate

Figure Terumo Value ($) Market Share 2014-2019

Figure Terumo Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

Table Company Profiles

Table Product Introduction

Table Medtronic Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

Figure Medtronic Production and Growth Rate

Figure Medtronic Value ($) Market Share 2014-2019

Figure Medtronic Market Share of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Segmented by Region in 2018

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Value ($) Forecast, by Type

Table Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Volume Forecast, by Type

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Value ($) and Growth Rate Forecast of Single Roller Pump Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment (2019-2024)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Volume and Growth Rate Forecast of Single Roller Pump Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment (2019-2024)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Value ($) and Growth Rate Forecast of Double Roller Pump Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment (2019-2024)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Volume and Growth Rate Forecast of Double Roller Pump Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment (2019-2024)

Table Global Market Value ($) Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

Table Global Market Volume Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate of Cardiac Surgery (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate of Lung Transplant Operation (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate of Acute Respiratory Failure Treatment (2014-2019)

Figure Global Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Consumption and Growth Rate of Other (2014-2019)

Figure Market Value ($) and Growth Rate Forecast of Other (2019-2024)

Figure Market Volume and Growth Rate Forecast of Other (2019-2024)

Figure North America Market Value ($) and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Table North America Consumption and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure Europe Market Value ($) and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Table Europe Consumption and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure China Market Value ($) and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Table China Consumption and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure Japan Market Value ($) and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Table Japan Consumption and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure Middle East & Africa Market Value ($) and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Table Middle East & Africa Consumption and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure India Market Value ($) and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Table India Consumption and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure South America Market Value ($) and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Table South America Consumption and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure Industry Resource/Technology/Labor Importance Analysis

Table New Entrants SWOT Analysis

Table New Project Analysis of Investment RecoveryTable of Contents



1 Market Overview

1.1 Current Sensing Resistor Introduction

1.2 Market Analysis by Type

1.2.1 Thick Film

1.2.2 Thin Film

1.2.3 Metal Plate

1.3 Market Analysis by Applications

1.3.1 Through Hole

1.3.2 SMD - Solder

1.3.3 Bolt-on To A Chassis

1.4 Market Analysis by Regions

1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)

1.4.1.1 United States Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)

1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa

1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.4.4.5 Turkey Market States and Outlook (2014-2024)

1.5 Market Dynamics

1.5.1 Market Opportunities

1.5.2 Market Risk

1.5.3 Market Driving Force

2 Manufacturers Profiles

2.1 Yageo

2.1.1 Business Overview

2.1.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.1.2.1 Product A

2.1.2.2 Product B

2.1.3 Yageo Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.2 VISHAY

2.2.1 Business Overview

2.2.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.2.2.1 Product A

2.2.2.2 Product B

2.2.3 VISHAY Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.3 Bourns

2.3.1 Business Overview

2.3.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.3.2.1 Product A

2.3.2.2 Product B

2.3.3 Bourns Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.4 TT Electronics

2.4.1 Business Overview

2.4.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.4.2.1 Product A

2.4.2.2 Product B

2.4.3 TT Electronics Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.5 ROHM

2.5.1 Business Overview

2.5.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.5.2.1 Product A

2.5.2.2 Product B

2.5.3 ROHM Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.6 Viking

2.6.1 Business Overview

2.6.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.6.2.1 Product A

2.6.2.2 Product B

2.6.3 Viking Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.7 Cyntec

2.7.1 Business Overview

2.7.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.7.2.1 Product A

2.7.2.2 Product B

2.7.3 Cyntec Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.8 Susumu

2.8.1 Business Overview

2.8.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.8.2.1 Product A

2.8.2.2 Product B

2.8.3 Susumu Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.9 Panasonic

2.9.1 Business Overview

2.9.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.9.2.1 Product A

2.9.2.2 Product B

2.9.3 Panasonic Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.10 Samsung

2.10.1 Business Overview

2.10.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.10.2.1 Product A

2.10.2.2 Product B

2.10.3 Samsung Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.11 Ohmite

2.11.1 Business Overview

2.11.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.11.2.1 Product A

2.11.2.2 Product B

2.11.3 Ohmite Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.12 KOA Speer

2.12.1 Business Overview

2.12.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.12.2.1 Product A

2.12.2.2 Product B

2.12.3 KOA Speer Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.13 Crownpoc

2.13.1 Business Overview

2.13.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.13.2.1 Product A

2.13.2.2 Product B

2.13.3 Crownpoc Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.14 TOKEN

2.14.1 Business Overview

2.14.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.14.2.1 Product A

2.14.2.2 Product B

2.14.3 TOKEN Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.15 TA-I

2.15.1 Business Overview

2.15.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.15.2.1 Product A

2.15.2.2 Product B

2.15.3 TA-I Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.16 Walter

2.16.1 Business Overview

2.16.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.16.2.1 Product A

2.16.2.2 Product B

2.16.3 Walter Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

2.17 Caddock

2.17.1 Business Overview

2.17.2 Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

2.17.2.1 Product A

2.17.2.2 Product B

2.17.3 Caddock Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

3 Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Revenue, Market Share and Competition by Manufacturer (2017-2018)

3.1 Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Market Share by Manufacturer (2017-2018)

3.2 Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturer (2017-2018)

3.3 Market Concentration Rate

3.3.1 Top 3 Current Sensing Resistor Manufacturer Market Share in 2018

3.3.2 Top 6 Current Sensing Resistor Manufacturer Market Share in 2018

3.4 Market Competition Trend

4 Global Current Sensing Resistor Market Analysis by Regions

4.1 Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Regions

4.1.1 Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Market Share by Regions (2014-2019)

4.1.2 Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2014-2019)

4.2 North America Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

4.3 Europe Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

4.4 Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

4.5 South America Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

4.6 Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

5 North America Current Sensing Resistor by Country

5.1 North America Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Country

5.1.1 North America Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Market Share by Country (2014-2019)

5.1.2 North America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Market Share by Country (2014-2019)

5.2 United States Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

5.3 Canada Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

5.4 Mexico Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

6 Europe Current Sensing Resistor by Country

6.1 Europe Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Country

6.1.1 Europe Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Market Share by Country (2014-2019)

6.1.2 Europe Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Market Share by Country (2014-2019)

6.2 Germany Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

6.3 UK Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

6.4 France Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

6.5 Russia Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

6.6 Italy Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

7 Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor by Country

7.1 Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Country

7.1.1 Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Market Share by Country (2014-2019)

7.1.2 Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Market Share by Country (2014-2019)

7.2 China Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

7.3 Japan Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

7.4 Korea Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

7.5 India Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

7.6 Southeast Asia Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

8 South America Current Sensing Resistor by Country

8.1 South America Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Country

8.1.1 South America Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Market Share by Country (2014-2019)

8.1.2 South America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Market Share by Country (2014-2019)

8.2 Brazil Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

8.3 Argentina Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

8.4 Colombia Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

9 Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor by Countries

9.1 Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Country

9.1.1 Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Market Share by Country (2014-2019)

9.1.2 Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Market Share by Country (2014-2019)

9.2 Saudi Arabia Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

9.3 Turkey Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

9.4 Egypt Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

9.5 Nigeria Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

9.6 South Africa Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

10 Global Current Sensing Resistor Market Segment by Type

10.1 Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

10.1.1 Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

10.1.2 Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Market Share by Type (2014-2019)

10.2 Thick Film Sales Growth and Price

10.2.1 Global Thick Film Sales Growth (2014-2019)

10.2.2 Global Thick Film Price (2014-2019)

10.3 Thin Film Sales Growth and Price

10.3.1 Global Thin Film Sales Growth (2014-2019)

10.3.2 Global Thin Film Price (2014-2019)

10.4 Metal Plate Sales Growth and Price

10.4.1 Global Metal Plate Sales Growth (2014-2019)

10.4.2 Global Metal Plate Price (2014-2019)

11 Global Current Sensing Resistor Market Segment by Application

11.1 Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Application (2014-2019)

11.2 Through Hole Sales Growth (2014-2019)

11.3 SMD - Solder Sales Growth (2014-2019)

11.4 Bolt-on To A Chassis Sales Growth (2014-2019)

12 Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

12.1 Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate (2019-2024)

12.2 Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast by Regions (2019-2024)

12.2.1 North America Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

12.2.2 Europe Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

12.2.3 Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

12.2.4 South America Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

12.2.5 Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

12.3 Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

12.3.1 Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

12.3.2 Global Current Sensing Resistor Market Share Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

12.4 Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

12.4.1 Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

12.4.2 Global Current Sensing Resistor Market Share Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

13 Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and Dealers

13.1 Sales Channel

13.1.1 Direct Marketing

13.1.2 Indirect Marketing

13.1.3 Marketing Channel Future Trend

13.2 Distributors, Traders and Dealers

14 Research Findings and Conclusion

15 Appendix

15.1 Methodology

15.2 Data Source



List of Tables and Figures



Figure Current Sensing Resistor Picture

Table Product Specifications of Current Sensing Resistor

Figure Global Sales Market Share of Current Sensing Resistor by Types in 2018

Table Current Sensing Resistor Types for Major Manufacturers

Figure Thick Film Picture

Figure Thin Film Picture

Figure Metal Plate Picture

Figure Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Applications in 2018

Figure Through Hole Picture

Figure SMD - Solder Picture

Figure Bolt-on To A Chassis Picture

Figure United States Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Canada Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Mexico Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Germany Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure France Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure UK Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Russia Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Italy Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure China Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Japan Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Korea Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure India Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Southeast Asia Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Brazil Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Egypt Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Saudi Arabia Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure South Africa Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Figure Nigeria Current Sensing Resistor Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2014-2024)

Table Yageo Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Yageo Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Yageo Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table VISHAY Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table VISHAY Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table VISHAY Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Bourns Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Bourns Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Bourns Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table TT Electronics Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table TT Electronics Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table TT Electronics Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table ROHM Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table ROHM Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table ROHM Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Viking Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Viking Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Viking Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Cyntec Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Cyntec Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Cyntec Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Susumu Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Susumu Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Susumu Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Panasonic Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Panasonic Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Panasonic Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Samsung Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Samsung Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Samsung Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Ohmite Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Ohmite Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Ohmite Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table KOA Speer Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table KOA Speer Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table KOA Speer Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Crownpoc Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Crownpoc Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Crownpoc Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table TOKEN Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table TOKEN Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table TOKEN Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table TA-I Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table TA-I Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table TA-I Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Walter Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Walter Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Walter Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Caddock Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors

Table Caddock Current Sensing Resistor Type and Applications

Table Caddock Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2017-2018)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales by Manufacturer (2017-2018)

Figure Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Manufacturer in 2017

Figure Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Manufacturer in 2018

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue by Manufacturer (2017-2018)

Figure Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Manufacturer in 2017

Figure Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Manufacturer in 2018

Figure Top 3 Current Sensing Resistor Manufacturer (Revenue) Market Share in 2018

Figure Top 6 Current Sensing Resistor Manufacturer (Revenue) Market Share in 2018

Figure Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales by Regions (2014-2019)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Regions (2014-2019)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue by Regions (2014-2019)

Figure Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Regions in 2014

Figure Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Regions in 2018

Figure North America Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure South America Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure North America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table North America Current Sensing Resistor Sales by Countries (2014-2019)

Table North America Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure North America Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Countries in 2014

Figure North America Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table North America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue by Countries (2014-2019)

Table North America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure North America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries in 2014

Figure North America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries in 2018

Figure United States Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Canada Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Mexico Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table Europe Current Sensing Resistor Sales by Countries (2014-2019)

Table Europe Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Table Europe Current Sensing Resistor Revenue by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Europe Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries in 2017

Figure Europe Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries in 2018

Figure Germany Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure UK Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure France Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Russia Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Italy Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Sales by Countries (2014-2019)

Table Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Countries 2018

Table Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Revenue by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Asia-Pacific Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries 2018

Figure China Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Japan Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Korea Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure India Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Southeast Asia Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure South America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table South America Current Sensing Resistor Sales by Countries (2014-2019)

Table South America Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure South America Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table South America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue by Countries (2014-2019)

Table South America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure South America Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries in 2018

Figure Brazil Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Argentina Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Colombia Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Revenue and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Sales by Countries (2014-2019)

Table Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Sales Market Share by Countries in 2018

Table Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Revenue by Countries (2014-2019)

Table Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries (2014-2019)

Figure Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries in 2014

Figure Middle East and Africa Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Market Share by Countries in 2018

Figure Saudi Arabia Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure UAE Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Egypt Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure Nigeria Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Figure South Africa Current Sensing Resistor Sales and Growth Rate (2014-2019)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Share by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue by Type (2014-2019)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Revenue Share by Type (2014-2019)

Figure Global Thick Film Sales Growth (2014-2019)

Figure Global Thick Film Price (2014-2019)

Figure Global Thin Film Sales Growth (2014-2019)

Figure Global Thin Film Price (2014-2019)

Figure Global Metal Plate Sales Growth (2014-2019)

Figure Global Metal Plate Price (2014-2019)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales by Application (2014-2019)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Share by Application (2014-2019)

Figure Global SMD - Solder Sales Growth (2014-2019)

Figure Global Bolt-on To A Chassis Sales Growth (2014-2019)

Figure Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate (2019-2024)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Forecast by Regions (2019-2024)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Market Share Forecast by Regions (2019-2024)

Figure North America Sales Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure Europe Sales Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure Asia-Pacific Sales Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure South America Sales Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

Figure Middle East and Africa Sales Current Sensing Resistor Market Forecast (2019-2024)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Market Share Forecast by Type (2019-2024)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Sales Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

Table Global Current Sensing Resistor Market Share Forecast by Application (2019-2024)

Table Distributors/Traders/ Dealers List

Lebanon, IN (46052)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. Gusty winds during the evening. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Gusty winds during the evening. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph.GUILFORD A group of state officials took a few seconds Tuesday to bask in the good news that the death rate from the opioid epidemic seems to have finally peaked but quickly moved on to what new steps the state should be taking to decrease the still staggering fatal total.

Final numbers for the number of overdose deaths in Connecticut for 2018 are still not in, but indicatations, state officials said, are that the number should be less than the 1,038 who died in 2017.

That would be the first time in six years that there has been a decrease in drug overdose deaths in Connecticut. The numbers of overdose deaths have skyrocketed since 2012 when 357 died, followed by 495 in 2013, 568 in 2014, 729 in 2015, 917 in 2016, and 1038 in 2017.

The good news is that more people will not die (in 2018 than 2017), Rep. Sean Scanlon, D-Guilford, said. But there is still reason to keep our foot on the gas pedal.

The roundtable discussion Tuesday was organized by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, who is expected to be Gov. Ned Lamonts point person on fighting the drug epidemic over next four years.

Besides Bysiewicz and Scanlon, Sen. Christine Cohen, D-Guilford, and Reps. Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, and Noreen Kokoruda, R-Madison, sat in on the panel discussion.

Also taking part in the discussion about what next steps the state should be taking in attacking the drug overdose crisis were parents of children who have either died or are in recovery from drug overdoses, first responders, doctors, a first selectman, and counselors.

The governor and I want to do everything in our power to address this issue, Bysiewicz said. Connecticut has taken some very important steps forward, she added, but she said theres more work to do.

Listening to parents talk about the deaths of their children, Bysiewicz said: Im a mom - I cant even imagine what some of you have gone through.

What parent after parent, and advocate after advocate implored Bysiewicz and the legislators to do - was to do pass legislation that required drug addicts to be held, even if its against their will, after being treated - and not released back into the community to possibly go right back to taking drugs.

There are two bills that would allow or require first responders to take someone to an emergency treatment facility after being given Naloxone as an overdose reversal drug have been submitted to the legislatures Public Health Committee.

Guilfords Sue Kruczek, who lost her son Nick to a drug overdose in 2013, believes the bills are big steps forward in the states continuing fight to stem the opioid and heroin drug crisis, which killed about three people a day in the state of Connecticut the past two years.

Withdrawal (from Narcan) is so bad. It is like flu times 100, said Kruczek. She said her son was revived with Naloxone and then allowed to just get up and walk out. Nobody was called or notified. He died later that night of an overdose alone at his apartment.

Another of the bills introduced call for transportation to a treatment facility which provides medical triage to a hospital after administration or an opioid antagonist.

The bill has been introduced by Scanlon, Reps. Michelle Cook, D-Torrington, and Maria Horn, D-Salisbury, and Sen. Kevin Witkos, R-Canton.

The other similar bill has been introduced by Scanlon, Candelora and Kokoruda.

It allows a police officer who has a reasonable cause to believe that a person who has a substance use disorder and is dangerous to himself or herself or others or gravely disabled, and in need of immediate care and treatment, to take such person into custody and take or cause such person to be taken to a general hospital for emergency examination.

Part of the discussion Tuesday involved proactive steps that can be taken by communities as a whole to battle the epidemic - such as having discarded pill drop boxes at police stations and have all police departments and first responders trained and equipped with Narcan.

Guilford Assistant Police Chief Butch Hyatt said the Guilford police department had just all been through training with the proper way to use Narcan but when he told the group that the department still hadnt been equipped with the overdose reversal drug many on the panel shook their heads in disbelief.

Another issue that came up Tuesday was the hot button issue of whether or not the legislature will legalize recreational marijuana.

Madison First Selectman Tom Banisch advised the legislators to proceed with caution on the issue.

You need to think very carefully before going forward (with legalization), Banisch said. We dont need the money that badly.

Banisch said hes a believer that marijuana is a gateway drug that leads to harder drugs and doesnt believe a state such as Connecticut, with the drug epidemic issue already in the forefront, should be considering legalization.Gov. Ned Lamont wants to use the states projected $380 million budget surplus to support a major change in the troubled teacher-pension program, and avoid a multi-billion-dollar liability coming up in 2025.

The proposal that the governor developed with State Treasurer Shawn Wooden, is projected to save $2.8 billion over the next five years for the system, which has about 37,260 retirees and 50,000 active teachers.

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After Lamont announces the initiative in Wednesdays budget address, it will require approval of both the General Assembly and the Teachers Retirement Board, which oversees the under-funded pension plan.

We need to think about these long-term obligations as we would a mortgage, Lamont said in a late-afternoon statement on Tuesday. You wouldnt pay off your mortgage in a decade, and Connecticut shouldnt try to do the same with its pension obligations. Stretching out our payments over a longer period of time will allow us to avoid market volatility and bumps, and provide the breathing room to make critical investments in workforce and economic development, transportation, and education so we finally get Connecticut growing again.

About $381 million of Januarys estimated $462 million surplus in the fiscal year that runs through June 30, would essentially backstop the retirement program, assuring bond holders of their principle and interest.

I think its a reasonable thing to do, said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven. I think we now have a situation where current projections show we would have more than that in surplus at the end of the year.

In addition, Lamont will ask that net revenues from the Connecticut Lottery Corp., projected at $371 million next year and more than half-a-billion dollars by 2032, would also be available to support what would become the new Teachers Retirement Fund Special Capital Reserve Fund.

Wooden, in an interview Tuesday, said that he expects the Lottery revenue would not be needed, and could flow into the General Fund as usual. Its just additional support for bond holders, he said.

Lamonts plan also includes lowering the assumed rate of return on investments from the current 8 percent down to 6.9 percent. The average retirement age for teachers is 63. About 1,000 teachers retire each year, with annual benefits of $51,657, according to the Teachers Retirement Board.

Wooden expects the retirement board to approve that attempt to reduce expectations, while increasing payments from teachers over five years. The trap of higher rates of expected return has troubled pension programs throughout the nation, he said.

Wooden warned that projections vary, but within three to four years, certainly by 2025, the projected $2.8 billion spike could cripple the retirement plan. This avoids that spike, levels off those payments for the duration and by doing so, gives us more predictability and flexibility for which credit-rating agencies have been critical in the past, Wooden said.

Wooden said that the current 12-year repayment period on bonds issued in 2008, would be stretched out to 30 years, stabilizing payment requirements through a process called re-amortization. The state would save $183.4 million and $189 million over the next two years in the new fund, aimed at supporting unfunded liabilities. Teacher contributions would remain at 7 percent of their paychecks.

The savings in net present value is $2.8 billion, Wooden said. When you restructure debt or extend it, there is an increased all-in cost. In looking at the transaction as a whole, its going to cost more. At long last, this more realistic investment return assumption will be in sync with the pension funds strategy for investing without taking an undue risk.

Lamonts proposals include changes in the retirement fund for state employees, including future cost of living adjustments based on market returns of between 1 and 3 percent. That would have to be negotiated with state employee unions. Lamont will also ask for the elimination of mileage reimbursements in pension calculations.

The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, in reaction to Lamonts statement, said Tuesday night they have given back enough.

By agreeing to hard wage freezes, reduced pension and health care benefits, higher employee contributions and higher premium share costs, our members have done far more than their fair share to improve Connecticuts fiscal health, the group, representing 15 major state unions, said in a statement. Our latest agreement in 2017 will save taxpayers $25 billion over the next 20 years. To be clear; we will not be part of asking for still more sacrifices from state employees, who have already given so much for the people they serve.

Lamont on Wednesday released several key points of planned structural changes, including an expanded sales-tax base, including new proposed taxes on digital downloads and streaming TV such as Netflix.

We are anticipating a $3.7 billion dollar budget deficit over the next two years, with additional deficits on the horizon, Lamont said. Taxpayers are tired of hearing this year after year, and rightfully so. This is the Land of Steady Habits, but we cant continue along the same path and expect that things will fix themselves. Our state needs to make real, substantive structural changes to facilitate a sustainable financial future.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCTWINSTED  The Winchester Board of Education is aiming for a budget with no increase for the 2019-20 school year, but representatives of The Gilbert School want a tuition increase of 10 percent, Winsted school officials said.

A recent meeting between the Ad Hoc Negotiations Teams from the town and the school was held to discuss the differences in the two budget requests, but a funding agreement wasnt reached, according to the minutes.

The towns proposed Gilbert School tuition budget is $6.475 million, the same as last years budget. However, Superintendent of Schools Melony M. Brady-Shanley said the school requested $6.75 million.

School corporation member Charles Seaback, an alumnus of the school, told the two teams at the meeting that the proposal does not seem to reflect the Gilbert situation as Gilbert perceives it, according to the minutes.

The school corporation includes three public representatives from Winchester and one representative from Hartland.

When it became clear that negotiations were not moving toward a decision, the teams agreed to meet again on Feb. 5. That meeting was canceled by a snowstorm.

Minutes show it was to have included negotiations regarding a successor contract between Winchester Board of Education and the W.L. Gilbert School Corporation.

The Gilbert School is a private secondary school that serves public high school students from Winchester and Hartland. Northwest Regional High School No. 7, located in Winsted, serves students in New Hartford, Barkhamsted, Norfolk and Colebrook for grades 7-12.

Brady-Shanley said the towns school board predicts The Gilbert School will have 6.8 percent fewer students in the 2020 school year. Gilbert School Superintendent Anthony Serio could not be reached for comment.

The Winchester school boards proposed budget for the 2019-20 year totals $19.9 million, not including state grants and funding programs, expected to equal $2.1 million, for a total of about $22.1 million.

The next school budget meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 26, and will be held at town hall. The agenda does not include a discussion of The Gilbert School tuition increase.WASHINGTON  The Shepaug Agriscience program has exceeded application expectations for the incoming ninth-grade class. Seventy-five students from Washington, Roxbury, Bridgewater, and six area towns have applied for admission to the program. Region 12 administrators and staff are pleased with this response, and they wish to continue their mission to inform the community about the program and gather community ideas as they move forward.

Region 12 Superintendent Megan Bennett, Principal Kim Gallo, and Agriscience teacher Lori Trovato will continue a community conversation about the future of Shepaug Valley School on Tuesday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Wykeham Room of Gunn Memorial Library. (Snowdate Tuesday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m.)

This conversation will focus on the status of the program, curriculum expectations, and the integration plan for new students of Shepaug Valley School. Community members are encouraged to ask questions and share ideas that will help school leaders, faculty, and families guide their vision of the new program. This program is free and open to the public but registration is requested. Call 860-868-7586 for further information or visit www.gunnlibrary.org

The Gunn Memorial Library is located at 5 Wykeham Road at Route 47 on the Green, in Washington.

Stage company holding auditions Feb. 24-25

OAKVILLE  Phoenix Stage Company, 133 Main St., is holding auditions for its next production, Steel Magnolias, Feb. 24-25 at the theater from 7-9 p.m.

The action is set in Truvys beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are anybody come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the towns rich curmudgeon, Ouiser; an eccentric millionairess, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, MLynn, whose daughter, Shelby, is about to marry a good ole boy.

Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby, a diabetic, risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on their underlying strength.

No appointments are needed. Those auditioning will be reading from the script and pages will be provided. The production is being directed by Donna G. Storms. Six women are needed. Actors of all ethnicities and experience levels are encouraged to audition. All roles are open. Performance dates for the show are April 27-May 11. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Actors must be available for all performance dates in order to be cast. Rehearsal dates are to be determined and will be available at auditions. Find more information at www.phoenixstagecompany.org or 860-417-2505.

Kindergarten, Pre-K enrollment open

LITCHFIELD  Regional School District No. 6 is accepting student registration for the 2019-2020 school year for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children living in Warren, Morris and Goshen. Students must be 3 years of age on or before Dec. 31, 2019 to be eligible for pre-kindergarten enrollment this coming fall. Students must be five years of age on or before Dec. 31, 2019 to be eligible for kindergarten enrollment this coming fall.

For more information and to receive the 2019-2020 Prekindergarten or Kindergarten registration packet, call: Warren School, Susan Cupo at 860-868-2223 ; James Morris School, Maria Palheiredo at 860-567-7420; Goshen Center School, Sherri Contadini at 860-491-6020. All applications are due by April 1, 2019.

United Way offers income tax assistance

TORRINGTON  The United Way of Northwest Connecticut is once again offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program to the public for the upcoming tax season.

The VITA program offers free tax preparation services to individuals and families with a total household income of $54,000 or less, in addition to offering service to individuals with disabilities or limited English-speaking abilities. IRS-certified volunteers will work with families and individuals in need of assistance, including help with filing tax returns, claiming refunds, and utilizing additional tax credits to benefit those filing.

Those seeking to use the program must first meet the following qualifications: a total household income of $54,000 or less; must file either 1040EZ or 1040-A tax form; cannot own a small business; cannot have itemized return; cannot complete prior years tax returns at this appointment. Anyone who has income between up to $64,000 and does not meet the above qualifications can visit MyFreeTaxes.com. This site is a partnership between H&R Block and United Way. For additional information on the VITA program or My Free Taxes, call 860-489-4131.

At the time of an appointment, an individual should bring with them: valid picture ID; copies of all W-2, 1098, 1099, and 1095B forms and the amount of other income received; tax identification number (SSN) for yourself, spouse, and anyone else listed on tax return; providers address and tax identification number for child/dependent care credit; and a copy of prior years tax return (if possible).

Appointments are available on Wednesday evenings, 5-8 p.m.through tax season at the United Way of Northwest Connecticut, 333 Kennedy Drive in Torrington. Call 860-489-4131 to schedule an appointment.

The United Way has expanded coverage this year to include the Salvation Army in Winsted and the Winsted Senior Center. Call the United Way at 860-489-4131 and they will schedule an appointment in those two locations.

The service is provided by VITA trained volunteers, as a United Way of Northwest CT Community Impact Service and is free to qualifying individuals and families. A savings initiative, SaverLife, is provided by the Connecticut United Ways and EARN.org as a part of the ALICE Saves Campaign.TORRINGTON  A sparse crowd attended the citys delinquent tax auction Tuesday, where one of the two properties for sale was purchased.

The former Pancho ORallies, a sports bar and restaurant at 34 E. Main St., sold for $23,661, Tax Collector Launa M. Goslee said, slightly more than the amount of back taxes that were due.

The building is perhaps best known as the former location of Burritts Hardware Store, owned by Chapin Burritt, according to documents provided by Mark McEachern, executive director of the Torrington Historical Society.

The hardware store was open from around 1970-1990, McEachern said. In the 1950s it housed Dicks Restaurant.

Historical records show the property was constructed around 1920, by Swiss-born builder, Alfred Walti. He also constructed a number of other buildings along East Main and Franklin Streets.

The building is assessed at just over $150,000, city records show. It is a two-story masonry and brick-framed building that is listed as a mixed-use retail and apartment building.

Property records show the owner is Pancho ORallies LLC, of Waterbury, which was founded in 2004 by Marco Martel, whose last known address was in Oakville.

Martel bought the property in 2008 for $150,000 through a warranty deed.

A number of building permits were issued to Martel when he bought the property, records show. The plans called for renovations for a second floor office and new wiring, outlets, fixtures and bathroom improvements.

However, commercial realtor David Dean said the renovations were never completed. The owner gutted the second floor. The first floor was untouched, he said.

The property that was not bid on is a residence at 58 E. Parl St., owned by Maureen Fitzgerald. City records show the back taxes on the property are nearly $24,000. It is assessed at $86,670.

It was purchased in 1996 for $79,000. Fitzgerald was listed as the conservator in 2015 through a probate court filing, city records show.

Goslee said the city now becomes the owner, of the residential property because no one placed a bid.

Neither owner replied to the citys certified mail correspondence requesting the payment of back taxes, according to a legal notice.

The criteria for putting property up for public auction in Torrington are the accumulation of back taxes of $10,000 or more, according to Goslee.

Two people qualified to bid in the auction on Tuesday, but only one individual took part, Gosslee said.

Ray Bottas, a long-time Torington resident and frequent speaker at City Council meetings, said the sale of the East Main Street building was a good thing. It gives a chance for different things to happen downtown, he said.

Im happy it will help Franklin Street and the greenway, he said.

The Franklin Avenue upgrade project is adjacent to East Main Street. The project is part of a revitalization plan that calls for building a greenway path along the Naugatuck River and the construction of a pedestrian-friendly public space.

The name of the winning bidder for the retail building will not be published for 60 days, Goslee said, to allow time for the transaction to be finalized.

The auction procedure follows state-required policies that allow the owners to redeem the property within six months, which for this delinquent tax sale would be mid-August.

The process requires the owner to pay all taxes due as well as other fees and interest. In addition, they must pay the successful bidder 18 percent interest on the purchase price.

Editors note: This story has updated since it was first posted to add more information.LITCHFIELD  Litchfield will turn 300 in May and a number of groups in town are planning celebrations this year to mark the occasion.

The Litchfield Patriots, a civic organization, is planning a weekend-long celebration Sept. 6-8, beginning with a preview party at a private home in Litchfield.

Patriots member Cleve Fuessenich said the location of the party and the cost of tickets hasnt been worked out yet.

But the partys going to be a lot of fun, he said. It will feature a reenactment of the melting down of the King George III statue. There will be people in period costumes, representing people from Litchfield and around the country, and lots of activities.

On Sept. 7 the group will hold a day of events on the Litchfield Green. Starting at 10 a.m., American Legion Post 44, which holds a Veteran of the Month program, plans to honor people who fought in the Revolutionary War.

Immediately following that, there will be a panoply of performers, with units from the Revolutionary War, individuals demonstrating various military skills, horseback riders representing Benjamin Tallmadge and his Dragoons, and a number of people representing noteworthy residents in town, Fuessenich said. Probably Oliver Wolcott, and many others, including some very interesting, little-known people from Litchfield. It will fascinate the public.

Fuessenich said members of his group are planning a reenactment of someone imprisoned in Litchfields jail. They kept Ben Franklins son, William, in jail here, so well have a tip of the hat to what that meant, at the time, in the community, he said.

Other activities on the Green will include genealogy assistance to help residents who are tracing their ancestry; live music performances by groups including the Mattatuck Drum Corps, and demonstrations of period crafts and skills from the time of the Revolutionary War.

There will be something to entertain young and old alike  people who are knowledgeable about the Revolutionary War, and others who are not, Fuessenich said.

Activities on Sept. 7 are to be announced. Fuessenich said the Sons of the American Revolution are also planning an event the evening of Sept. 6.

Whatever develops for the celebration, Fuessenich said, is going to be terrific. Hopefully the weather will be smiling on us, he said. We want it to be entertaining, educational, informative, and just plain fun.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Litchfield Patriots events is asked to send an email to east.litchfield@gmail.com.

As we get a little closer, well be able to give more details on what people can expect, Fuessenich said.

Other groups involving themselves in the Litchfield 300 celebration are the Connecticut Junior Republic, which is reprising its Open House Tour this year, as well as a group effort including the White Memorial Conservation Center, Topsmead State Park, the Litchfield Land Trust, the Litchfield Greenway, Livingston Ripley Sanctuary and the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society. These groups are holding a reception in March, followed by weekly events featuring one of the six organizations.

Litchfield Bancorp, which previously held the Litchfield Borough Days on the green, is also expected to hold an event marking the towns birthday sometime this summer, Fuessenich said.

The Litchfield Historical Society is inviting artists to participate in a group show and fundraiser, Litchfield at 300, from 6 to 8 p.m. May 18. Tickets to attend are now available at https://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/artfundraiser/. Artists interested in participating can contact the society at https://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/artfundraiser/, by calling 860-567-4501.

The society also is presenting an exhibit at the museum, Sold, Made & Grown in Litchfield, showcasing the towns history of commerce, industry and agriculture from the 20th century to the present. The show runs from April 13-Nov. 24, with a reception April 22 at 6 p.m. Residents can RSVP to attend at registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.Hartford police are investigating the second murder in that city in less than 24 hours, according to FOX 61.

A 46-year-old Bristol man died of gunshot wounds after being brought to Hartford Hospital late Tuesday afternoon. The man was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle.

The hospital alerted police at 5:33 p.m. they had a gunshot victim, Hartford Lt. Paul Cicero said.

Police have not released the name of the Bristol man.

As police were investigating, they found a second gunshot victim around the corner from the hospital on Atwood Street, Fox 61 reported Police believe he also may have been dropped off to receive treatment.

Both men were likely shot in the same incident which investigators believe occurred on New Britain Avenue. A large amount of marijuana was found at the scene on New Britain Avenue, Cicero said.

The Bristol man's death was the city's second homicide in less than 24 hours. Police responding to a report of an unresponsive male on Woodland Drive found 26-year-old Joseph Goiangos, of Middletown, dead of a single gunshot wound to the chest at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. His death is being investigated as a homicide, Cicero said.

Goiangos' death and the murder of the Bristol man are the city's third and fourth homicide of the year.As a whole, the restaurant industry in Connecticut is a healthy one, with thousands of new locations newly open or on the way. But for individual proprietors, even in busy downtowns with plenty of potential customers, it can be an unforgiving trade.

Connecticuts stock of eateries has increased to nearly 8,000 with continued growth slated, according to the state Restaurant Association, which projects that by 2027 the industry will grow by roughly 7 percent. But along with that growth comes a large number of new restaurants every year that will fail to make it past their first year.

Its a very difficult time in the restaurant business throughout the entire region, said Kelvin Ayala, owner of Moes Burger Joint and chair of the Downtown Bridgeport Merchants Association. In general, the restaurant business is very volatile anyway, so the mortality rate of restaurants is really high, and thats in all markets.

Finding foot traffic

Plenty of potential restaurateurs have promising ideas, even as many find that opening and running their own place comes with a laundry list of challenges.

In Bridgeports case, parking and accessibility have proven to be headaches for many, along with foot traffic that hasnt met local expectations and increased rents.

It makes people go out of business and makes customers not come down here. That doesnt help people stay in business, said Val Fernandes of Funchal Cafe, which has been a part of the local restaurant scene since 2010.

In that time, Bridgeport has seen a number of downtown establishments come and go, including Barnum Publick Houses, Amici Miei Cafe and more. While those spaces dont stay vacant for long, the obstacles to longevity remain.

For those who have been able to stick it out, being accessible to residents as well as visitors has played a crucial role in their success.

Theyve adopted us, and we try to keep the prices moderate and we try to treat everybody with regard, said Ralph n Richs co-owner Rich Ndini, who acknowledged that having their own parking lot played a crucial role in the eaterys tenure, which stands at 28 years and counting.

In lieu of more foot traffic, some restaurants have opted to use different methods to draw in business.

Now youre seeing a lot more GrubHub and DoorDash and UberEats and those types of platforms to drive traffic because the customers are no longer coming through the front door, Ayala said. But that comes at a cost.

Coming and going

Downtown Stamford continues to see noticeable restaurant turnover. Factory Bar & Grill, at 261 Main St., closed last month, only four months after its debut.

They were delayed in opening for a few months, and then it felt like they never really gained traction once they did open, said Michael Marchetti, owner of the neighboring Columbus Park Trattoria, at 205 Main St., and president of the Stamford Tables downtown restaurant association. Its unfortunate to see another dark storefront. We were excited about having them open.

Neighboring restaurateurs said they hoped another establishment could make the space work. Factory succeeded McFaddens Saloon, which closed in early 2017.

We hope that someone comes in with the same enthusiasm they brought to the neighborhood, said Victor Mathieu, co-owner of Peruvian restaurant Fiesta on Main, Factorys next-door neighbor, at 249 Main St. We will always be welcoming to newcomers to the block, as we were welcomed a little over a year ago by the established group that is there now.

The restaurant row around Columbus Park has seen this year a number of closings including Laylas Falafel at 245 Main St., Aria Restaurant at 1033 Washington Blvd., and Aguapanelas at 84 W. Park Place. Teenas Apizza moved, in June, into the Laylas space, while an Indian restaurant, Adyar Ananda Bhavan, plans to open in the building that was occupied by Aria.

Keeping up with the times

Shifting trends in what customers are looking for have also added to the mix.

Greenwich has seen encouraging changes in its restaurant scene, said Marcia OKane, president and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce.

She cited the recent arrival of several establishments that aim to serve healthier fast-casual fare, a list that includes Myx, on West Elm Street, in downtown Greenwich; Skinny Pizza, on Greenwich Avenue; SoBol, on East Putnam Avenue, in the towns Cos Cob section; and Cava, a block from Greenwich Library.

As people desire more nutritious lunches, we would expect this trend to continue, OKane said.

Along the Washington Street restaurant row in South Norwalk, eateries have taken root in some storefronts while flipping in rapid succession in others.

Only this month, Cask Republic closed quietly after a 12-year run including its prior incarnation as The Ginger Man under parent company SKAL Restaurant Group, which recently opened Evaritos Mexican Kitchen & Bar around the corner.

After a brief run in 2014 for Guvnors Brewery on Washington Street, Hell or High Water took over the space in April 2017 with a rotating menu of beers brewed both on site and sourced from other craft breweries in the region.

The venture lasting only six months, however, with the pub space snagged by Iron Brewing, which is now hitting its one-year anniversary in South Norwalk under brewers John Commander, Adam Letize and Shane Nunes. At the time, Commander told Hearst Connecticut Media we figured between the three of us, we could figure it out.

In Redding, the Georgetown Saloon is now undergoing renovations under a new proprietor who has yet to announce plans. It marks the fourth attempt in the span of six years to create a successful venue at the Main Street storefront, even as other local establishments like Milestone, the Redding Beer Co. and the Wire Mill Saloon & Barbecue have gotten off the ground; and others like Lombardis Trattoria and Rancho Alegre have shown staying power.

This story includes contributions from Paul Schott and Alexander Soule.

Jordan.grice @hearstmediact.comA proposed bill that would streamline Connecticuts craft beer and spirits industry is getting mixed reviews.

While it would add new taxes, the proposal would cut the number of permits needed to get off the ground and increase the amount of beer and liquor breweries could sell to customers and stores.

We are excited to see the introduction of bills that influence our craft beer industry in a positive way, and are eager to continue our conversations, working closely with our partners across the industry and the leaders in place to make positive, constructive and modernizing changes, read a statement on the Connecticut Brewers Guild Facebook page.

Modernized industry

Though there are points to the bill that have garnered concern like a new excise tax on beer sold in taprooms  representatives of the Brewers Guild said they see plenty of things worth keeping.

We did see a lot of good things coming out of that bill, and there are some things that we want to keep that is in there, said Phil Pappas, executive director for the guild.

The bill would reduce the number of manufacturing permits required for all facets of the craft spirits industry from five to one, which bodes well especially for brewers getting started.

Those permits were introduced in the earlier days of the states craft beer market, he said, explaining the craft beer market began taking off in Connecticut in 2012. The industry has naturally changed since then, so I think its important for us to always keep a finger on the pulse regarding what we are doing with our business.

Since its start, the industry has thrived, going from roughly a dozen to more than 85 operational breweries this yearwith more on the way.

The bill will also significantly increase the amount that brewers would be able to sell. If passed, the limit on sales for off-premise consumption would jump from nine liters to 23 per day.

A component of the bill would also allow big box stores to sell beer in the main part of the store.

If passed, the proposed bill would allow the sale of beer in a store with over 6,000 square feet of floor space (and) at least 20 percent of which is dedicated to the sale of groceries.

I think that will create a lot more opportunities for our product to be available to customers for purchase, especially because we believe thats pretty much targeting the Walmart and Targets and capacity stores that we see there, Pappas said. That is exciting for us because we do see the opportunity for the wholesalers and distributers to get our products into more places.

However, expanding the craft market to retailers like Walmart and Target may also create a dilemma for package stores  which traditionally have been the destinations for craft beer and spirits, since the industry took off, said package store lobbyist Caroll Hughes.

Connecticut breweries produced 166,848 barrels of beer in 2017, which resulted in the overall craft beer industry having a $718 million economic impact on Connecticut.

If you allow Walmart (to carry craft beer), you displace our beer sales on (package store) premises and you put them in more financial jeopardy, and right now we are the sales place for most of the Connecticut products, Hughes said.

Along with eating into a package stores bottom line, he said, expanding into the big retail marketplaces could create problems for brewers that may not be able to meet the production demands created by both package stores and big box grocers.

Even if they could meet the demand, Hughes said, the added expense of increased distribution could also be an issue particularly for self-distributing brewers.

This will kill them, he said. They are lucky if they have enough product  many of them  to give it to one or two retail stores on the premises. My package stores say they are lucky if they can get a constant supply.

Consumer options

While industry observers and brewers debate the pros and cons of the bill, craft beer lovers may be indifferent on the matter so long as they can get their local brews.

If this passes, I think its OK, said Dylan McManus of New Haven. If Im in the store already, I would pick up the beer there but if Im just going for a beer run, I would go to a package store.

While he said some may argue to keep liquor and mega-retail stores separate, McManus, along with friend Mike Caiafa of North Haven, acknowledged the benefit of being able to pick up their favorite craft beer while in any size store for necessities.

I think it would be good for stores like Walmart and Target to be able to sell craft beer, Caiafa said. Its just adding to consumer choice, especially if they are already selling beers from larger companies. I think it would be good for there to be more options because some people just see it in passing.

Jordan.grice@hearstmediact.comChris Jackson/The Register-Herald file art

Rock climbing  like that taking place at Cathedral Falls in Gauley Bridge in the file photo above  brings in more than $12 million in estimated direct spending by non-local climbers to Fayette, Nicholas and Raleigh counties per year, according to the study, "The Economic Impact of Rock Climbing in the New River Gorge Region." Along with the more than $12 million in direct spending, the study estimated that climbing supported 168 jobs and $6.3 million in wages in the three counties, along with an additional $2 million in spending inside West Virginia but outside the study area each year.February 20, 2019 08:35 IST

'I have only seen conflict since I was born. I want it to stop. I am longing for peace,' a young Kashmiri woman in Delhi tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih.

The only Kashmiri student of the batch, Aafreen Sadiq*, did not go to the institute where she is learning cinematography in Delhi, for three days.

Her parents called her from Srinagar and told her to stay indoors after hearing about Kashmiri students being threatened and attacked in different parts of India after a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber killed 41 CRPF personnel in Pulwana.

"I asked them, 'Why? I haven't done anything. This is not my fault, why should I not go to college?'"

"My parents said, 'You haven't done anything, but people might not listen to you'."

"When the incident happened, I was in college and everyone started asking me questions. I said, 'How do I know what happened? I am a Kashmiri that doesn't mean that I am involved."

On Tuesday, Aafreen, a graduate from Kashmir University, did not make the customary morning call to her mother because she did not want her parents to know that she was resuming college.

"It is not about Hindu-Muslim; Kashmir-India. A particular group is involved and they are blaming the entire community, the whole of Kashmir and the Kashmiri people?" questions the 22 year old who lives with a friend's family in the nation's capital after she got admission 6 months ago.

How the Kashmiri Muslim became friends with a Hindu girl from Delhi is a beautiful happenstance that is testimony to the organic ethos of India -- that has brought Indians of different faith together and bound them into friendships which then go on to embrace the families of two individuals into that wondrous circle of fellowship.

That is what happened with these two friends too. They met in Kargil two years ago at an international youth festival with participants from all over the country. The girls hit it off, and when Aafreen got an interview call for a course in cinematography in Delhi, her friend's mother called Aafreen's mom, and told her that there was no way she was going to stay in Kashmir House or a hotel.

'Jab ghar hai yahan, kahin aur kyon rahegi? (When there is a house here, why she should stay anywhere else?' said the mother of one young girl to another -- removed in faith and geography, but united in that common space which is a mother's heart.

After she secured admission, her friend's family offered that she continue to live in their home. They did not ask for a single rupee as rent.

"She is the first girl from our family to step out of Kashmir for an education. I was worried that if boys were being attacked, what if they raise a hand against a girl?" asks Aafreen's mother after the worrying news of attacks on Kashmiri students.

"This family is too nice, aunty treats me like her daughter," gushes Aafreen -- but there are some in the neighbourhood who display prejudice.

A "neighbour aunty" came to her and asked if Kashmiri boys from a young age were told to join terrorism.

"I told her what answer can I give you aunty? They didn't ask me if they should join militancy. They did not even ask their parents. They don't ask for permission."

"In college students were asking me about the suicide bomber. It is very embarrassing. I felt a little nervous and unsafe."

That night, when she went to the market, there were people burning posters and asking for revenge. Her friend hurried her home, saying what if they found out she was Kashmiri.

"On the news, Kashmiris were being called anti-national. 'Throw them out', they said, and I thought there was also a Muslim from Rajouri, J&K, among the CRPF personnel who died in the attack."

"Was any Hindu blamed for the Naxal attack of 2010 (that took the lives of 76 CRPF troopers)? Then how can they blame all Muslims? They too are a part of this country," Aafreen points out.

As candles were being lit in memory of the martyrs, Aafreen also lit one in her window. Not for show, she says, but because she was pained that 41 men had been killed.

"If Kashmiri children are hit by pellets, I feel the pain. I felt the pain when I came to know 40 army men have been killed."

"In this India-Pakistan-Kashmir conflict -- who is suffering? The local," she says and rues the absence of Kashmiri leadership.

The problem as perceived by her is that Kashmiri youth does not have a platform to express themselves.

"There is a communication gap between them and whosoever is on the other side. No one wants to hear the Kashmiri youth," she says, expressing disappointment that during his last visit to Srinagar, the prime minister did not make an effort to meet Kashmiri youth.

Instead, a curfew was imposed and Internet was suspended.

In Delhi's highly surcharged political environment, even prior to the CRPF carnage, batch-mates often ask her about stone pelters, and called them anti-nationals.

"My classmates have never been to Kashmir. I invite them, not as tourists, but as guests in my home so that they can get a sense of how caged one can feel when there is no Internet and there is curfew," says Aafreen, adding that in 2016, they were under virtual house arrest for 6 weeks without access to the Internet.

With the desire to work for the Discovery Channel one day, Aafreen is part of an NGO that works for peace which helps organise workshops in Delhi, Jammu and Chandigarh.

"I don't believe in religion. I believe in the religion of humanity."

In the last half year, she has grown to like Delhi, especially the opportunities it provides in meeting new people.

"And I like that there are no restrictions," she laughs. Especially, a non stop Internet connection.

As for her hometown, there is only one wish.

"I have only seen conflict since I was born. I want it to stop. I am longing for peace."

*Her name has been changed so that she does not encounter any problems in these surcharged times.February 20, 2019 09:54 IST

The ratio was 17.48 judges per million population in 2014.

Photograph: Carlos Jasso/Reuters

There are 20 judges per 10 lakh people in the country as compared to 17 in 2014, the law ministry recently informed the nation.

Minister of State for Law P P Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha on February 6, 2019, based on the population as per the Census 2011 and sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court, the 24 high courts, and lower judiciary in 2018, the judge-population ratio in the country works out to be 19.78 judges per million population.

The ratio was 17.48 judges per million population in 2014.

The sanctioned strength of judges of high courts has increased from 906 judges in June 2014 to 1,079 judges in December 2018 and the sanctioned strength of judges of district/subordinate courts has increased from 20,214 in 2014 to 22,833 in 2018.

The working strength of judges in high courts is 673 while for the Supreme Court it is 28 against the sanctioned strength of 31.

Graphic: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.comSource:

February 20, 2019 23:58 IST

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday attended a prayer meeting for a Central Reserve Police Force jawan killed in the Pulwama terror attack and he told the grieving family that they understood their pain as their father had also met the same fate.

Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia and Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar were also present at the prayer meeting held at slain CRPF soldier Amit Kumar Kori's residence in Shamli district.

'Congress President @RahulGandhi and General Secretary In charge UP East Smt. @priyankagandhi attend the prayer meeting of martyr Amit Kumar Kori and share their grief with the family,' the party said in a tweet.

Rahul and Priyanka paid tributes to the slain soldier. They were also seen consoling the members of the bereaved family.

"In these moments of grief, we are with you... His (Kori's) father told us that he is sad, but at the same time proud (of his son). And I want to say that we are sad, but at the same time we are proud that a family of this country gave love to its son and educated him.

"The son gave his love, body and heart to the country. We can never forget this thing," Rahul said.

"My sister said that in a way our father (former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi) had also met the same fate. We understand your pain and agony.

"We are here to sit only for five minutes with you and to tell all of you that we want to share your grief," he added.

The Congress president said India is a country of bravehearts and no power in the world can push it backward.

"From the bottom of our heart and on behalf of the country, I thank you, your son and the entire family," Rahul said.

"This is one country. This is a country for everyone (of us) and this is a country of love and brotherhood. This is the message of India," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Minister Suresh Rana also attended the prayer meeting.

"The Kudana road in Shamli will be named after Amit, and his statue would also be installed to inspire younger generation," he told PTI.

Later, Rahul and Priyanka paid tributes to another CRPF jawan, Pradeep Kumar, who was also killed in the Pulwama attack, at his residence in Shamli.

41 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Among the CRPF personnel killed in the attack, 12 hailed from Uttar Pradesh, including two from Shamli.

All Photographs: PTI PhotoSource:

Last updated on: February 20, 2019 20:50 IST

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman did not mention the Pulwama terror attack.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman during his ceremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: @MEAPhotogallery/Flickr

Terrorism and extremism are 'common concerns' and Saudi Arabia will extend all cooperation to India and other neighbouring countries to deal with them, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman said on Wednesday after holding 'extensive and successful' talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The talks took place a day after the influential Arab leader concluded a high profile visit to Islamabad, and in the backdrop of India's escalating tension with Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack in which 41 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed by a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Modi and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince during a joint press meet at Hyderabad House. Photograph: @MEAIndia/Twitter

In his media statement, Modi called the attack a 'cruel symbol' of the scourge of terrorism and sought punishment for the terrorists and their backers. The crown prince, however, did not mention the strike.

"Last week's barbaric Pulwama attack was a symbol of the shadow of the inhuman danger hovering over the world.

"To deal with the scourge, we have agreed that there was a need to ramp up pressure on countries extending any sort of support to terrorism," Modi said, without naming Pakistan.

He said dismantling terror infrastructure, eliminating support to terrorism and punishing terrorists and their supporters are very necessary.

The two sides inked five pacts to expand cooperation in a range of areas, including trade and investment.

IMAGE: PM Modi with the Crown Prince at the delegation level talks. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

The two countries also agreed to establish a biennial summit and a strategic partnership council, Modi said.

The crown prince, in his media statement, described terrorism and extremism as common concerns and said his country will extend support to India and other neighbouring countries to deal with the challenge.

"As far as terrorism and extremism are concerned -- which are common concerns -- I want to tell India that we will extend all cooperation to you -- be it intelligence sharing...not only with India but also with the neighbouring countries," he said.

"We will work together so that we can ensure a bright future for the generations to come," he added.

IMAGE: President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pose for a photograph during the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo

In his address, Modi also called for a strong action plan to combat extremism so that powers spreading violence and terror cannot mislead the youth.

Modi said both sides agreed that stronger bilateral cooperation in areas such as counter terrorism, maritime security and cyber security will be beneficial for the two countries.

"Today, we held extensive and meaningful discussions on all subjects of our bilateral relations. We have decided to take our economic cooperation to new heights," he said.

In order to facilitate institutional investment from Saudi Arabia in India's economy, the two countries have agreed to establish a framework, the prime minister said.

IMAGE: The Crown Prince signs Visitor's Book in Hyderabad House. Photograph: @MEAPhotogallery/Flickr

"As a result of our meeting in Argentina two months ago, the essence of our strategic partnership has expanded in the areas of security, trade and investment," he said.

"Your 'Vision 2030' and the economic reforms being done under your leadership are complementary to India's major programmes such as 'Make in India' and 'Start-Up India'," Modi said.

It is time to turn energy relations into a strategic partnership, he said.

The crown prince arrived in New Delhi on a less than 30-hour visit on Tuesday night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve 'outstanding issues' between India and Pakistan.

In a special gesture, Modi received Salman at the airport in New Delhi, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the Gulf nation.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding 'politicisation' of the United Nations listing regime, at a time India is stepping up efforts to brand the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

IMAGE: The Crown Prince with the President and the PM. Photograph: @MEAPhotogallery/Flickr

The joint statement said the Saudi crown prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve 'outstanding issues' between India and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad that Riyadh will try to 'de-escalate' tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, the crown prince talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding the ties further.

"The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is in our DNA....Today, we want to be ensured that the relationship is maintained and improved for sake of both the countries and with the leadership of Mr President and the prime minister, we can create good things for both the countries," he told reporters.

IMAGE: Modi greets the Crown Prince as the President looks on. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo

He also talked about the contribution of lakhs of Indians in the overall development of Saudi Arabia.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also met the Crown Prince on Wednesday and discussed ways to add further momentum to the strategic ties between the two nations besides deepening engagement in the areas of trade and investment.

After the meeting between Salman and Swaraj, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson said ways to expand strategic dimension of the ties were discussed.

'EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on HRH Crown Prince of #SaudiArabia Mohammed Bin Salman. Discussed adding momentum to strategic dimension of our relationship in various fields - from trade & investment to defence & security, and regional cooperation,' the spokesperson tweeted.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 pm on Wednesday.Source:

Last updated on: February 21, 2019 00:42 IST

A Pakistan national belonging to the terror group Lashkar-e-Tayiba was allegedly murdered on Wednesday in a brawl with other prisoners at the Central Jail in Jaipur, officials said.

A police official said the prisoners fought over the volume of a TV set and hit Shakrullah, 50, with a large stone.

The police said 'three or four' prisoners were responsible for killing the life convict, who is from Sialkot in Pakistan's Punjab, and have registered a case of murder.

"A Pakistani prisoner was allegedly murdered today at the Central Jail. The matter will be investigated by a judicial magistrate and also by the police," Rajasthan Director General of Police Kapil Garg told PTI.

The incident comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack in which a car bomb killed 41 Central Reserve Police Force personnel.

Inspector General (Prisons) Rupinder Singh said Shakrullah had been lodged in the jail's special cell since 2011.

Earlier, he and seven others were held in a Punjab jail, accused of radicalising young people.

The module operated under the directions of its handlers in Pakistan, Jaipur Police Commissioner Anand Srivastava said.

Rajasthan's anti-terrorist squad had brought the eight accused from Punjab for interrogation in similar charges and booked them under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the official added.

In 2017, the LeT operative was sentenced to imprisonment for life.

Srivastava said the fight on Wednesday was over reducing the volume of a TV set in the jail.

Senior administration and police officials rushed to the jail after learning about the death.

Rupinder Singh said the post mortem will be conducted on the jail premises under judicial supervision.

Meanwhile, Pakistan expressed concern and sought response from India on reports of the killing.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO), Shakrullah was beaten to death by a group of Indian inmates in retaliation of the Pulwama incident.

"Pakistan is gravely concerned at media reports regarding the brutal killing of a Pakistani prisoner," the FO said.

It said the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has officially raised the issue with the Indian authorities and requested them to urgently authenticate the report.

The response is still awaited, it added.

Pakistan also called upon the Indian government to ensure foolproof security to all Pakistani prisoners lodged in Indian jails as well as Pakistani visitors to India.Source:

Last updated on: February 20, 2019 23:28 IST

IMAGE: Former solicitor general Harish Salve presents India's case before the ICJ. Photograph: ANI

India on Wednesday questioned the functioning of Pakistan's notorious military courts and urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, which is based on an 'extracted confession'.

Jadhav, 48, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of 'espionage and terrorism' after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

"Annul the decision of the military court and restrain Pakistan from giving effect to the (death) sentence. Release Jadhav and ensure his safe passage to India.

"If not then direct a trial under normal law before civilian courts with full consular access," Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs, told the ICJ judges.

Making the final submission in the ICJ on the third day of the hearing, Mittal requested the top United Nations court to declare that Pakistan acted in breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention, failed to inform Jadhav of his rights and declined consular access to him.

"India requests this court to adjudge and declare that Pakistan acted in egregious breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention," he said.

Harish Salve, who was representing India in the case, also said that the time has come for the ICJ to make Article 36 a potent weapon for protecting human rights.

Salve said Pakistan has continued to misuse the opportunity provided by the ICJ in the Jadhav case.

"Apart from showing propaganda, Jadhav has become a pawn in Pakistan's tool to divert international scrutiny from itself," Salve said in his arguments during which he mentioned the 'dastardly' terror attack in Pulwama and another in Iran last week by Pakistan-based terror groups.

He also said that Pakistan is under pressure from the Financial Action Task Force over terror financing.

Salve said that Pakistan is used as a safe haven by UN proscribed terrorist entities like Al Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Tayiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Haqqani Network and individuals like Hafiz Saeed and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

He also cited Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's interview to a newspaper in which he acknowledged his country's role in the 2008 Mumbai attack in which 166 people were killed by 10 LeT terrorists.

"This interview has not been denied," Salve said.

On Pakistan's military courts, he said the International Commission of Jurists and European Parliament have criticised their functioning and added that anything diluting provisions of Vienna Convention must fail.

"India's criticism of military courts, the manner in which they function has been documented even by the European Parliament.

"If the military courts don't measure up to due process then domestic statutory law is irrelevant...

"India submits that this court should not sanctify trial by military courts of civilians, especially trial by Pakistan military courts.

"Fair and public hearing? Absent. Competent and independent tribunal? Absent. Counsel of own choice? Absent.

"Court will have to decide for itself whether it considers that such a system can be sanctified," Salve said, as he tore apart Pakistan's notorious military courts.

"Jadhav's trial was completed in 4-6 months or weeks... What happened to more than 150 people killed in the Mumbai terror attacks?" Salve asked as he raked up the Ajmal Kasab case to highlight the meaning of judicial review.

"In Kasab case, the LeT terrorist who was apprehended and caught red handed by brave police officers, the Supreme Court of India examined materials on record first-hand since it was the case of death sentence. This is called review," he said.

On Pakistan's argument that India did not provide proof of Jadhav's nationality, Salve said Pakistan had no doubt when it arrested Jadhav that he was an Indian national.

"Pakistan is aware that to be an officer of RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), the primary requirement is to be a citizen of India," he said.

He said Pakistan's claims that Jadhav was an Indian terrorist, sent by India, this is a flying leap of faith.

"Possessing a passport doesn't make you party to those offences, your role in those offences gets you conviction. Jadhav is being sent to the gallows on the basis of an extracted confession," Salve said.

"Pakistan has been reluctant to share with the world and the ICJ the judgement in which Jadhav was convicted. That judgement would show basis for conviction...

"There could no threat to existence of Pakistan if these documents are made available to India," he said, adding that he has little doubts that there was any substantive evidence of Jadhav's involvement.

Salve said three attempts made by Pakistan to derail proceedings in the ICJ have failed. He also objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the case.

"There was a time when the world respected Pakistan, today the world doesn't have the same respect for Pakistan in its own incarnation," Salve said, taking a dig at Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi, who on Tuesday said 'he has great respect for India but not its present incarnation.'

India moved the ICJ in May 2017 for the 'egregious violation' of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to Jadhav.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 41 Central Reserve Police Force soldiers.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.

India also strongly objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel at the ICJ, urging the court to draw a 'redline' to prevent its repetition.

Salve drew the court's attention to the abusive language used by Pakistan through its counsel Khawar Qureshi on the second day of the hearing.

"The language echoed in this court... perhaps this court may lay down some redlines.

"The transcript is peppered with words such as shameless, nonsense, disgraceful, arrogant... India takes exception to being addressed in this fashion in an international court. Indian culture prevents me from using similar language...

"India strongly objects to abusive language of Pakistan's counsel," Salve said.

He said that the criticism of a sovereign state of the case made out of the other state must be in a language consistent with the dignity of other states, he said.

"Humpty-Dumpty has no place in this court," Salve said.

He said that 'when you are strong on law you hammer the law, when you are strong on facts you hammer the facts and when you are strong on neither you hammer the table... Pakistan has hammered the proverbial table. India has hammered facts'.

The ICJ, meanwhile, said that it has not received any evidence that the ad hoc judge for Pakistan is unable or unwilling to continue to exercise his duties in the case.

Pakistan, which presented its case on Tuesday, asked the ICJ to adjourn the case, citing the illness of its ad hoc judge Tassaduq Hussain Jillani who suffered a cardiac attack ahead of the hearing.

Islamabad submitted a request for the replacement of Pakistan's ad hoc judge.

ICJ top judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, speaking on the appointment for an ad hoc judge for Pakistan in the case, said: "In order to clear up any misunderstandings which may have arisen, we assure both parties of the smooth running of these proceedings in accordance of the principal of equality of the parties".

He said it should be noted that once a judge ad hoc has been chosen in proceedings before the court and in the absence of any objection within the prescribed time limit, his or her appointment as a judge ad hoc in the case is confirmed by a letter of the court to the parties under article 35, paragraph 3 of the rules of court.

"Indeed, in the present case, judge ad-hoc Jillani was sent the case file and duly took part in all the previous stages of the proceedings," he said.

"He (Jillani) will receive all transcripts of oral proceedings and may also watch them by a webcast... It follows that the judge ad-hoc chosen by Pakistan for the current proceedings has been participating in the case and may continue to do so.

"Having began his duties, a judge ad-hoc serves the court like all his or her colleagues as an independent judge for the remainder of the case, including all subsequent phases, through to final judgement or until the case is otherwise removed from the general list," the ICJ top judge said.

The court has not received so far any evidence that judge ad hoc Jillani is unable or unwilling to continue to exercise his duties as a judge ad hoc in this case, he said.

ICJ top judge Yusuf said it is important to recall that even if a judge ad hoc is not able to attend the hearing, he or she may be authorised by the court to take part in the subsequent deliberations.Source:

February 21, 2019 00:59 IST

IMAGE: IAF's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas during the Aero India 2019 in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo

Signalling its combat readiness, India's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas MK I was Wednesday given the Final Operational Clearance (FOC).

The formal declaration of FOC of the aircraft was made by the Secretary Defence R&D and Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation, G Satheesh Reddy.

The handing over of the FOC Certificate and Release to Service Document (RSD) to the Chief of Air Staff was done on the sidelines of the Aero India air show in Bengaluru in the presence of the Defence Secretary, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited chairman and chief of CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification), among others.

An official release said FOC involves addition of key capabilities to the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) aircraft, which in main are Beyond Visual Range Missile capabilities, Air-to-Air Refuelling, Air-to-Ground FOC earmarked weapons and general flight envelope expansion.

The RSD provides the capabilities, features and technologies that FOC standard Aircraft will have on induction into the IAF, it said.

The FOC standard Aircraft drawings have already been handed over to HAL to start production after incorporating key changes over the IOC standard Aircraft, the release said.

Congratulating all the organisations involved in the Tejas project, Reddy said, "This is the best ever moment for any aeronautical engineers and a landmark day for the country's scientists, industry and the air force."

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he also recalled the contribution of his predecessors and officers involved in the project.

The Initial Operational Clearance took place in 2013 and IOC standard aircraft were inducted into the IAF No 45 Squadron in July 2016, which has successfully flown over 1500 sorties since then.

Calling the FOC a 'major milestone', Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said, "You saw how much the the aircraft could fly, the number of sorties it could generate in exercise Gagan Shakti in April 2018 and in February this year.

"In exercise Vayu Shakti we showed you as to how accurately this aircraft could dispense weapons on the target.

"It can not only sustain a very high sortie rate, but can also carry on very accurate weapon delivery," he said.

"It is a fighter aeroplane and it has to behave like a fighter and it did well both in air to air and air to ground," he said.

To a question about more orders for the aircraft, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said the Request for proposal would beissued for 83 LCA MK 1a, that will continue.

"Not only that we will have to take LCA Mk 2... which in the days ahead will replace the Jaguar, Mirage and MiG 29... after that we will go to Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft," the IAF chief said.

Agencies involved in the design, development and production of Tejas are Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the autonomous society of Defence Research and Development Organisation as the design agency and HAL as the manufacturer.

Many other DRDO laboratories like Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), as well as other agencies like Bharat Electronics Limited, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, and private sector agencies have contributed in the journey of the LCA.

Calling it a 'big day', HAL Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan said, "We can go ahead with manufacturing of the second set of aircraft with the FOC. The first set of 16 was in the IOC configuration...We are getting ready with jigs and fixtures in place," he said.Source:

February 20, 2019 22:18 IST

Asserting there is 'no scandal' in the Rafale deal, Dassault Aviation, makers of the fighter jet, on Wednesday said it was also in the race for 110 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, for which the government had floated an Request for Information (RFI) last year.

The RFI or initial tender for the deal was issued by Indian Air Force in April 6 2018, the first mega procurement initiative for fighter jets.

This was after the government scrapped the process to acquire 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) around six years ago.

Instead, the National Democratic Alliance government, in September 2016, signed an 7.87 billion (approx Rs 59,000 crore) deal with the French government for purchase of 36 Rafale twin-engine fighter jets.

"There is no scandal in the Rafale deal. We are going to deliver 36 aircraft. If the government of India wants more aircraft, we will be pleased to deliver.

"There is also an RFI for 110 aircraft and we are in the race because we feel Rafale is the best aircraft and we have our footprint here in India. So we feel confident here in India," Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier told reporters in Bengaluru.

Asked why Dassault had partnered Reliance despite that company's lack of experience in making defence equipment, Trappier said: "Yes. But I have the experience. I am transferring this know-how and experience to the Indian team.

"The Indian team has been appointed by a new company Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DARL). They are good for India and the company. So where is the problem?"

The deal had raised a political row with Congress relentlessly accusing the Narendra Modi-led government of extending the benefit to industrialist Anil Ambani owned Reliance by firming up an overpriced deal of Rafale jets.

The Opposition has been keeping the pot boiling over the deal and made it their electoral campaign for the coming 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

India had signed a deal with France in 2016 for 36 Rafale fighter jets.

Asked the reasons for Dassault going ahead with partnering Reliance despite that company's financial problems, Trappier said, "They have their own matters, but we are working together.

"Our teams, both Indian and French, are working well. So I have no worry for the time being."

Trappier also said they chose Reliance as he wanted to be in charge of the industrial process in the company that manufactures parts of the French aircraft in India.

"I invested my money to have facilities here in India and I found partners," he added.

On Rahul Gandhi's charge that Rafale prices were escalated during National Democratic Alliance rule compared to United Progressive Alliance rule, Trappier said both nations made a rebate of about nine per cent compared to the original pricing.

The Comptroller and Auditor General report saying that the Rafale pricing was 2.8 per cent cheaper during NDA rule compared to UPA's showed that the

pricing was better, Trappier said.

Also, the Supreme Court had said that the deal was totally transparent and hence he was 'very much pleased' with these two observations.

To a query, Trappier said it was sad that politics has taken a front seat in the Rafale deal. Instead, discussions should have been around the importance of having the fighter aircraft for India's defence needs, he said.

"Rafale has high performance capacity. The air force officials have examined the aircraft. This fighter will be one of the backbones of the defence of this country," he said.Source:

February 20, 2019 14:54 IST

Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress on Wednesday asked whether according a "grand welcome" to those who praised Pakistan's "anti-terror" efforts was his way of remembering the Pulwama attack martyrs.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman on his arrival at Palam AFS in New Delhi on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Photograph: PTI Photo

In a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday received Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport on Tuesday.

"National interests v/s Modiji's 'hugplomacy' breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistan's 'anti-terror' efforts. Is it ur way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama?" Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter tagging photographs of Modi hugging the crown prince and sharing a laugh at the airport.

Surjewala also urged the prime minister to "show courage" and ask Saudi Arabia to undo its joint statement with Pakistan in which they called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

"Modiji, Is asking for a terrorist to be designated as such politicisation of UN listings? Would you show courage to ask Saudi Arabia to undo their 'Joint Statement' with Pak virtually rejecting India's demand for designating Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist'?" he said.

The Crown Prince arrived in India on Tuesday night on a less than 30-hour visit, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion on Sunday.

The Crown Prince's visit comes days after a Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's suicide bomber killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel.Source:

February 21, 2019 00:10 IST

IMAGE: DMK president M K Stalin, Congress leader Mukul Wasnik, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K S Alagiri and others announce the seat sharing agreement for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, in Chennai, on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Wednesday finalised the seat sharing exercise with key ally Congress for the coming Lok Sabha elections, allotting it nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry, a day after arch rival All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam cobbled up an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and Pattali Makkal Katchi.

Announcing the pact at the party headquarters 'Anna Arivalayam' in Chennai, DMK president M K Stalin said the constituencies to be contested by the Congress will be announced later on conclusion of seat sharing exercise with other allies.

DMK had already appointed committees to steer the alliance process, Stalin said flanked by All India Congress Committee general secretaries Mukul Wasnik, incharge of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, K C Venugopal, state unit party chief K S Alagiri.

The work on seat sharing with other allies will begin from Thursday, he told reporters.

There are a total of 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu and one in the union territory of Puducherry, ruled by the Congress.

In the 2014 elections, the Congress went alone but failed to win none so as the DMK which had led an alliance with some smaller parties.

The AIADMK won 37 seats while the BJP and PMK one each in Tamil Nadu with the lone Puducherry seat going to All India N R Congress.

Describing the alliance between Congress and DMK as a long term relationship since the days of late Dravidian patriarch M Karunanidhi, Venugopal said 'we are very happy', about the seat sharing agreement.

"The country very much needs this alliance, the entire country is disappointed with the Narendra Modi government," he said.

Asked about the other parties with which the alliance will be firmed up, Stalin said DMK has "decided to hold talks with 'friendly outfits' which have been working together with it 'on people's issues' for the past about two years.

He was obviously referring to parties, including Vaiko-led Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India-Marxist.

Also, the Indian Union Muslim League, a long-time ally of the DMK, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which fought the 2014 Lok Sabha polls with it, are all set to be part of the alliance being put in place by the Dravidian outfit.

Asked if Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam led by actor-turned politician Vijaykant would be a part of the alliance, he said if that happened it will be informed to the media.

DMDK is in talks with the AIADMK for an alliance but a deal has been delayed with reports suggesting some differences over the number seats to be allotted to it.

The AIADMK on Tuesday sealed the electoral pacts with the BJP and PMK allotting them seven and five Lok Sabha seats respectively, while indicating more parties might join the front.

After conclusion of seat sharing with allies, the DMK will contest in rest of the constituencies, he said.

"We did not hold talks secretly in a hotel, but it was conducted in a transparent manner at our party headquarters here," he said taking a dig at AIADMK which concluded talks with allies in a star hotel in Chennnai.

To a question on the AIADMK-led alliance describing itself as 'people's welfare coalition', he alleged that 'people call it as an alliance for money'.

The DMK-Congress pact came after conclusion of final round of talks Wednesday preceded by parleys between the top leadership of the two parties.

DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi held talks with Congress president Rahul Gandhi days ago in Delhi on seat sharing.

"It was decided during talks between the leadership of both the parties to allot nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Pudhcherry to Congress," Stalin told reporters in Chennai.

Asked if the alliance will cover the bypolls expected to the 21 assembly seats as well, he said 'let the by-elections be announced in the first place'.

At the talks Wednesday, the Congress side was represented by Wasnik, Venugopal and legislature party leader K R Ramasamy.

Besides Stalin, DMK treasurer Duraimurugan and principal secretary T R Baalu were also present.

After the DMK quit the United Progressive Alliance in 2013, the Congress had to face the 2014 Lok Sabha polls alone in Tamil Nadu.

The DMK, which had faced the polls in alliance with smaller outfits, drew a blank despite contesting 35 seats. The Congress had lost deposits in 38 constituencies.

In 2009, the Congress had won eight seats in alliance with DMK after contesting 16 seats.February 20, 2019 13:29 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Wednesday explored ways to further deepen strategic ties, in talks taking place in the backdrop of India's escalating tension with Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack.

The crown prince arrived in New Delhi on a less than 30-hour visit on Tuesday night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

In a special gesture, Modi received Salman at the airport, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the Gulf nation.

During the delegation level talks, New Delhi would strongly take up the issue of cross border terrorism and the support Islamabad was extending to terror groups carrying out attacks on India, government sources said.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

The joint statement said the Saudi crown prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, the crown prince talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding the ties further.

"The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is in our DNA....Today, we want to be ensured that the relationship is maintained and improved for sake of both the countries and with the leadership of Mr President and the Prime Minister, we can create good things for both the countries," he told reporters.

He also talked about the contribution of lakhs of Indians in the overall development of Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met the crown prince and discussed ways to add further momentum to the strategic ties between the two nations besides deepening engagement in areas of trade and investment.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on HRH Crown Prince of #SaudiArabia Mohammed Bin Salman. Discussed adding momentum to strategic dimension of our relationship in various fields - from trade & investment to defence & security, and regional cooperation," the external affairs ministry Spokesperson tweeted.

According to the ministry of external affairs, the crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 pm on Wednesday.Last updated on: February 22, 2019 08:58 IST

'Washington is telegraphing here is its willingness to support a low-grade, limited use of force meant to send a strong message to Pakistan.'

'Perhaps something along the lines of the surgical strikes in 2016, or perhaps something a bit more -- but not much more.'

IMAGE: Indian Air Force Garud commandos participate in a drill during the IAF's Vayu Shakti 2019 at the IAF field firing range, Pokhran, Rajasthan, February 16, 2019. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo

Michael Kugelman is one of the most astute observers of developments in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and all you need to do is read this interview -- and the next part -- and amaze at his understanding of the complexities of the region in which we live.

In the first part of an e-mail interview with Rediff.com's Nikhil Lakshman, Michael -- Deputy Director and Senior Associate for the South Asia programme at the Wilson Center, the Washington, DC-based think-tank -- looks closely at the fog of war enveloping current strategic conversations in the Indian sub-continent and discusses the events that could emerge from the miasma of anger and loathing.

US national security adviser John Bolton's statement that India has a right to defend itself, made in a call with India's NSA Ajit Kumar Doval on Friday evening -- what do do you make of it?

Bolton's words were strong, and they suggest that Washington will stand behind New Delhi if it retaliates against Pakistan.

The United States has traditionally treaded carefully in its public messaging during moments of high tension in India-Pakistan relations. Bolton's strong words amplify just how far the US-India relationship -- and particularly the defence partnership -- has come, and just how frustrated Washington has become about Islamabad's continued refusal to rein in terrorist groups that threaten its neighbours -- neighbours that happen to be key American friends in South Asia.

IMAGE: Indian Air Force Garud commandos participate in a drill during the IAF's Vayu Shakti 2019 at the IAF field firing range, Pokhran, Rajasthan, February 16, 2019. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo

Would it indicate that the US understands India's need for retaliation for the Pulwama massacre?

Yes. That's the basic implication of Bolton's statement -- that Washington recognises India's right to retaliate.

This is not to suggest that the United States is encouraging India to escalate to a dangerously high level, where a war become a real risk.

What I think Washington is telegraphing here is its willingness to support a low-grade, limited use of force meant to send a strong message to Pakistan. Perhaps something along the lines of the surgical strikes in 2016, or perhaps something a bit more -- but not much more.

At the end of the day, the United States has a paramount interest in a stable subcontinent. Washington does not want India and Pakistan to go to war, even if it's a conflict that falls short of a hot war.

IMAGE: Taliban jihadis in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Photograph: Parwiz/Reuters

How does this US position reconcile with Washington's need for Islamabad's help to get the Taliban on board for a solution in Kabul?

Washington has to carry out a very delicate diplomatic dance.

It will want to give robust backing to India, but without jeopardising Pakistan's cooperation in Taliban peace talks.

Let's be clear: If Washington wasn't in the midst of the most encouraging effort yet to negotiate an end to the war in Afghanistan, US support to India -- in terms of rhetoric and action -- would be even stronger.

To an extent, Washington's hands are tied. It can and will throw its weight behind India, but within limits.

This is why, in addition to the stability concerns I mentioned earlier, we can expect Washington to support some type of limited Indian military response to the Pulwama attack, but not much more.

And I imagine that from here on out, much of that backing will be expressed privately, not out in the open.

Does this mean that the US -- despite the recent overtures to Pakistan to enable Zalmay Khalilzad's talks with the Taliban -- is deeply sceptical about Pakistan's assertions about curbing its Deep State and its encouragement for terrorism?

Washington remains sceptical about Pakistan's pledges to rein in terrorists that threaten Afghanistan and India. It is certainly encouraged by Pakistan's willingness to bring the Taliban to the table, and it rightly recognises that Islamabad is too influential to be left out of Taliban peace talks.

Still, just because the US government is heartened by Islamabad's willingness to bring the Taliban to talks doesn't mean its scepticism about the Pakistani establishment's willingness to crack down on terrorists will be magically eliminated.

In fact, Pakistan's robust denials of any Pakistani link to the Pulwama attack -- even though a Pakistan-based, Pakistan-linked group immediately claimed responsibility -- will harden Washington's scepticism.

IMAGE: Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa with Prime Minister Imran Khan. Photograph: Kind courtesy @OfficialDGISPR/Twitter

Do you think Imran Khan is a dilettante leader with no real control over the Pakistan army? Does his past dependence on GHQ Rawalpindi for his political ascent mean that the army clearly controls Islamabad's strategic concerns on India/Afghanistan, and is averse to civilian oversight, more than witnessed during the Zardari and Sharif administrations?

Prime Minister Khan has a complex, albeit unsurprising, relationship with the army. He was once highly critical of the army and participated in the pro-democracy protests against Pervez Musharraf a decade ago.

Only in more recent years, as he became a bigger political player with serious aspirations to serve as premier, has he warmed up to the military.

In Pakistan, any politician who wants to occupy the uppermost positions of power will need to be on the army's good side. And certainly, because of his relentless opposition to Nawaz Sharif and the PMLN party in recent years, the military has warmed up to Khan.

In Sharif, Khan and the security establishment had a common foe.

When it comes to making policy toward India and Afghanistan or any international issue, the Pakistani military will always have the last -- and often first -- word.

While this has caused civil-military frictions in the past, the fact that Khan and the military generally see eye to eye on these issues means that the army taking the lead won't be a problem for Khan.

Indeed, when it comes to the India issue, neither Khan nor the military are averse to modest confidence-building measures with Indi -- think the Kartarpur Corridor initiative -- because the hope is to build enough trust to resume a formal dialogue that can open up negotiations on the status of Kashmir.

At the same time, neither Khan nor the military have any desire to alter the establishment's relationship with Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

IMAGE: An Indian Air Force MiG 29 releases bombs during Vayu Shakti 2019 ,February 16, 2019. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo

Will we see a short duration military conflict which India will initiate as retaliation for the Pulwama massacre?

Given the scale of the attack, it would be politically unfathomable -- especially with elections just weeks away -- for New Delhi not to respond in some type of a muscular fashion.

Whether there is an actual conflict will depend on how Pakistan responds to any initial Indian military strike -- and that in turn depends on how much military muscle India chooses to use.

Is it more likely be a surgical strike like the one undertaken on September 28-29, 2016, but stop short of war because a war between nuclear armed neighbors could easily spiral out of control?

I would not be surprised to see an initial Indian strike of higher intensity than the surgical strike. This is, again, because of the scale of Pulwama -- much deadlier than the Uri attack that precipitated the surgical strike -- but also because the surgical strike clearly did not solve the problem of Pakistan-based terror groups staging attacks across the border.

If India decides to escalate beyond a surgical strike, we could see more intense levels of air strikes that last a bit longer, though I imagine the targeting -- terrorist infrastructure -- and location -- Pakistan-administered Kashmir -- would be similar to the surgical strike.

There will be much chest-thumping and threat-mongering in India in the coming days, but in the end I can't imagine New Delhi launching an all-out war -- given concerns about capacity and the Pakistani nuclear threat.

Would such a limited military operation address the anger in India over the Pulwama massacre? Perhaps, in your opinion, also boost Prime Minister Modi's electoral standing before the general election?

A limited operation could appease anger in India, and also boost Modi's electoral standing, if it is accompanied by tough non-military measures.

The idea of diplomatically isolating Pakistan is a fool's errand.

Given that Islamabad has friendships with some of the world's most powerful countries, none of whom will want to cut Pakistan off, this is not a viable option. But if New Delhi were to cut off all diplomatic ties to Islamabad and make some noise about revoking the Indus Waters Treaty -- a move that would actually be quite risky for India, if it followed through -- then this could quell the anger of many Indians looking for more shock and awe in the military response.

IMAGE: Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, left, with United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the US state department. Photograph: Kind courtesy @statedeptspox/Twitter

Do you see American diplomacy -- in an administration allergic to diplomatic activism -- calming tempers in the sub-continent perhaps after such a military strike, to ensure that a full-scale conflict is averted?

If past is precedent, Washington can certainly be counted on to serve as mediator.

This is something US presidents -- including Bill Clinton during the Kargil crisis -- have done very well: Play a relatively hands-off role when bilateral tensions are latent, but jump in as the intermediary when the relationship is plunged into deep crisis.

The problem is that the Trump administration may not have the patience or personnel to carry out such a fraught and delicate mediation process.

To say that there are no George Kennans in the Trump administration is an understatement. To be sure, if the subcontinent's tensions really do spiral out of control, Washington will try to help ease them.

But the issue of who within the administration will take the lead looms large here.

There is also the ever lurking matter of President Trump -- a volatile and unpredictable leader who could well exacerbate rather than ease a dangerous state of affairs. In particularly tense circumstances, one angry tweet could have nightmarish implications.

This is why we should hope that other players -- the British, the EU, the UN -- could also play a major role to help avert a full-scale conflict, if tensions are spiraling out of control.

Could Washington pressure Islamabad to come up with a solution acceptable to the Indians to lower the strategic temperature -- perhaps incarcerate Masood Azhar and his brother Rauf Asghar for a lengthy period of time; perhaps release Kulbushan Jadhav before the ICJ verdict? Will such actions tone down India's response?

I doubt the Pakistanis would release Jadhav, though I can certainly see a situation where Azhar and/or his brother and other relatives are detained.

The problem is that the Indians know that the Pakistanis have detained, or placed under house arrest, terror leaders many times in the past before quietly releasing them. So New Delhi would look at such a move from a we've-seen-this-before lens and denounce it as an insufficient gesture.

Pakistan would need to take major actions -- irreversible steps, as US officials like to say in their messaging -- to ease New Delhi's concerns.

These would entail actions like arresting Azhar, pursuing investigations, and putting him on trial; along with dismantling JeM infrastructure, including its financing mechanisms.

I can't imagine Islamabad taking these types of steps, no matter who -- whether the Americans or even the Chinese -- were to pressure them to do so.February 20, 2019 17:08 IST

The WTOs quarterly outlook indicator, comprising seven trade parameters, stood at 96.3, the lowest since March 2010 and down from 98.6 in November. Exports from India would be hit if there is a slowdown in world trade.

An indicator released by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to gauge global trade for January-March, 2019, has hit a nine-year low.

Analysts say if global trade slows down, exports from India may face repercussions.

The WTOs quarterly outlook indicator, comprising seven trade parameters, stood at 96.3, the lowest since March 2010 and down from 98.6 in November.

A reading below 100 means below-trend growth in trade.

The most recent WTO reading of 96.3 is the weakest since March 2010 and below the baseline value of 100 for the index, signalling below-trend trade expansion into the first quarter (of 2019), the WTO said.

The WTO forecast last September that global trade growth would slow to 3.7 per cent in 2019 from an estimated 3.9 per cent in 2018, but there could be a steeper slowdown or a rebound, depending on policy steps, it said.

This sustained loss of momentum highlights the urgency of reducing trade tensions, which together with continued political risks and financial volatility, could foreshadow a broader economic downturn, the WTO said in a statement.

The quarterly indicator is based on merchandise trade volume in the previous quarter, export orders, international air freight, container port throughput, car production and sales, electronic components and agricultural raw materials.

Indices for export orders (95.3), international air freight (96.8), automobile production and sales (92.5), electronic components (88.7) and agricultural raw materials (94.3) have shown the strongest deviations from trend, approaching or surpassing previous lows since the financial crisis, the WTO said.

The index for container port throughput remained relatively buoyant at 100.3, but that may have been influenced by a front-loading of shipments before an anticipated hike in US-China tariffs, the WTO said.

The WTO also said greater certainty and improvement in the policy environment could bring about a swift rebound in trade growth.

In this connection, a meeting between the US and China is scheduled to be held on Tuesday in Washington to address tariff war will play a key role.

Devendra Pant, chief economist at India Ratings, said exports from India would be hit if there is a slowdown in world trade.

Though India is largely dependent on domestic markets, it requires additional support from the external sector to grow the economy higher than 7.5 per cent, he said.

Exports from India rose barely 3.74 per cent in January.

That it was at a three-month high showed that export growth has been muted in these three months.

Exports rose just 0.8 per cent in November and 0.3 per cent in December.

Though there was no official target, government officials were hopeful of hitting the $350-billion mark this financial year.

That looks impossible now, but crossing last years figure of $303.5 billion does not.

Photograph: Kim Hong-Ji/ReutersSource:

February 20, 2019 20:14 IST

Corporation Bank is the biggest beneficiary of this round of capital infusion with Rs 9,086 crore of funding, followed by Allahabad Bank with Rs 6,896 crore.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

The finance ministry on Wednesday announced that it would pump in Rs 48,239 crore in 12 public sector banks (PSBs) in this fiscal to help them maintain regulatory capital requirements and finance growth plans.

With this funding, the total amount of capital infusion would increase to Rs 100,958 crore of the planned recapitalisation of Rs 1.06 lakh crore for PSBs for the current fiscal, according to financial services secretary Rajiv Kumar.

The remaining Rs 5,000 crore capital infusion would be used as buffer for any contingency or growth capital for Bank of Baroda which is in the process of merging Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with itself.

"It (pending Rs 5,000 crore) may be used for any contingency or for growth capital wherever it is necessary including amalgamated entity of Bank of Baroda," Kumar said.

Corporation Bank is the biggest beneficiary of this round of capital infusion with Rs 9,086 crore of funding, followed by Allahabad Bank with Rs 6,896 crore.

Explaining the rationale for giving higher capital to these two banks, Kumar said equipping these two better performing banks, currently under the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) supervision of the RBI, would help meet requisite capital thresholds of 7.375 CET-1 ratio, 8.875 per cent Tier I ratio, 10.875 per cent of capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) and the net NPA ratio threshold of below 6 per cent.

Further, Rs 4,638 crore and Rs 205 crore will be provided to Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra.

These banks have recently come out of the regulatory supervisory framework PCA of the RBI.

Kumar further said Punjab National Bank will get Rs 5,908 crore, Union Bank of India Rs 4,112 crore, Andhra Bank Rs 3,256 crore and Syndicate Bank Rs 1,603 crore.

The government will pump in Rs 12,535 crore in four other banks under PCA -- Central Bank of India, United Bank, UCO Bank and Indian Overseas Bank.

The government in December had increased the outlay by Rs 41,000 crore for infusion in public sector banks. As a result, the total recapitalisation in the current fiscal will rise from Rs 65,000 crore to Rs 1.06 lakh crore.

Subsequently, the government infused Rs 28,615 crore into seven public sector banks (PSBs) through recapitalisation bonds.Last updated on: February 20, 2019 08:40 IST

None could anticipate that an intelligent and articulate Kochhar who has every possible award in her cupboard would compromise on her integrity, as has been claimed by the Justice B N Srikrishna Committee probe.

In the first of a two-part series, Tamal Bandyopadhyay explains why the ICICI Banks board first rushed to deny all allegations against Kochhar and then took the extreme steps against her.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

In February 2017, now sacked CEO and MD of ICICI Bank Ltd Chanda Kochhar had addressed a group of investors at a Singapore hotel at the banks in-house merchant banking outfits annual road show.

Much to her embarrassment and annoyance, one global investor asked her with a straight face: Wouldnt a bank chief in any other geography have lost the job after the kind of performance ICICI Bank has put up over the years under your stewardship?

An awkward smile laced with silence was her answer.

After all, ICICI Bank had underperformed its peers as well as the Bankex, the BSEs banking index, by yards.

She could not blame the investors for losing patience after being at the helm for eight years.

By that time, Infra Live's expose 'Kochchars Renewable Empire' was almost eight months old.

Most in the financial sector had read the story that alleged Kochchars husband Deepaks business relationship with Venugopal Dhoots Videocon Group, a borrower of the bank.

It was discussed at the cocktail circuit and many wondered why Kochhar or her bank wasnt filing a defamation suit against Live Media & Publishers Pvt Ltd, the publisher of the magazine.

Two years down the line, Kochhar got the boot -- not because of her performance but for violation of the banks code of conduct.

Three months after she resigned, in January 2019, the banks board terminated her for failure to deal with conflict of interest (not recusing herself from credit committee meetings that took a call on giving loans to Videocon) and lack of disclosure (of her husbands business links with the Videocon group).

Kochhar was disappointed, hurt and shocked but she doesnt seem to be contemplating any legal action against the bank for being treated this way after serving 34 years with dedication and hard work.

Proud of her honesty, dignity and integrity, she is certain that truth will ultimately prevail.

This was Kochchars first ever reaction, after the bank sacked her and asked to return her bonuses earned (around Rs 8 crore as the 2018 bonus has not yet cleared by the regulator) and denied her at least Rs 125 crore in the form of stock options.

What went wrong? Why had the banks board rushed to deny all allegations against her (while Kochhar kept quiet) initially and then took this extreme step? What has been the role of the board? What next for Kochhar?

In the first week of March 2010, the top brass of the bank camped out at Kumarakom Lake Resort in the backwaters of Kerala for the offsite -- the first after Kochhar took over as the boss in May 2009, succeeding the legendary K V Kamath, the king of retail loans in India.

Ahead of the offsite, McKinsey and Co made a presentation to senior executives of the bank, pointing out that ICICI Bank had not been growing and was losing market share to its peers.

From around Rs 4 trillion in 2008, ICICI Banks asset base declined to Rs 3.8 trillion in 2009 and further in 2010 when its loan book declined by 17 per cent and deposits by 7.5 per cent.

The analyst community was happy when she shrank the balance sheet -- an anathema for her mentor Kamath whose model was the big fat Chinese banks.

After the consolidation phase, Kochhar grew the balance sheet and bad assets.

Many of us thought that she had read the economic trends wrongly but none could anticipate that an intelligent and articulate Kochhar who has every possible award in her cupboard -- from Woodrow Wilson Award for Global Citizenship to Padma Bhusan, the third-highest civilian award in India -- would compromise on her integrity, as has been claimed by the Justice B N Srikrishna Committee probe.

The Infra Live report was based on a letter written by Arvind Gupta, a shareholder of both Videocon and ICICI Bank, which raised many questions about the financial links between Kochhars husband and Videocons Dhoot, and she playing a role in the bank giving loans to the Videocon group.

Then chairman of the ICICI Bank Board, M K Sharma, appointed law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CMA) to advise him on this matter.

The law firm apparently gave her a clean chit.

Also, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted a probe.

It apparently did not find anything wrong in the process of the loan disbursements but pointed out that the business relations between Deepak and Dhoot are spread beyond the shores of India.

The Indian central bank was not in a position to probe that.

I have not seen the report but why didnt it hand over the investigation to the appropriate authorities which could take it forward?

By January 2018, the Central Bureau of Investigation got into the act and The Indian Express newspaper front-paged the story of Deepak-Videocon relationship in March.

That was the time, Sharma, former chairman of the bank, fiercely shielded Kochhar against all allegations.

N Vaghul, former chairman of ICICI Ltd, the earlier avatar of the bank, also rushed to support Kochhar.

However, none of them mentioned the probe report of the RBI or the law firm, based on which they seemed to have not found fault with Kochhar.

They gave the benefit of the doubt to their star CEO.

The scenario dramatically changed when an anonymous whistle-blower wrote a much more elaborate letter, listing many more alleged misdoings of Kochhar and her family, which Guptas letter did not mention.

That brought the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) into action and, for the first time, Kochhar disclosed her husbands business relations with the Videocon group.

(There was yet another whistle-blower letter but that spoke about some 31 loan accounts where the bank apparently did not follow the correct income recognition procedures and had nothing to do with Kochhars personal integrity.)

These developments probably made Sharma realise his mistake and he appointed the Srikrishna Committee for a comprehensive probe -- spanning the period between April 2009, a month before Kochhar took over the mantle from Kamath, and March 2018.

The law firm immediately withdrew its report as it was based on an assumption that no relationship between Deepak and Dhoot ever existed as Kochhar had never mentioned this before.

The Srikrishna panel did not have any deadline. Why?

Next: Lessons India Inc can learn from Kochchargate

Tamal Bandyopadhyay, a consulting editor with Business Standard, is an author and senior adviser to Jana Small Finance Bank Ltd.Prior to the start of official campaigning, both Student Government Association executive campaigns received SGA Elections Committee sanctions for violations of SGA rules.

According to the Feb. 21 sanction notice, the Committee suspended ACT UGA from digital campaigning from midnight to 8 a.m. on Feb. 25 after ACT Vice Presidential candidate Charley Claudio was found to have access to multiple Instagram accounts associated with the word empower, such as uga_empower.UGA Miracle celebrated raising over $1.1 million for Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta at their annual Dance Marathon, starting Saturday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. and ending Sunday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m, with over 2,100 students in attendance.

Across the country, universities with Miracle programs host Dance Marathons as a celebration and fundraiser for local childrens hospitals affiliated with Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit organization. Sponsored children and their families often attend.Amanda Rockenbach started singing along to songs at the same time she started to learn to speak. As a child, she even got in trouble for singTraverse City, MI (49684)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain, some heavy early. Low 68F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain, some heavy early. Low 68F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.,



We're sorry, this article is not currently availableProperty details:

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Nearby RosamondAmerica needs a new vision of what it means for humans to work. That is the unique message of entrepreneur Andrew Yang, a man who hopes  against all odds  to ride his vision to the White House. Even in a large presidential primary field  and the 2020 roster of legitimate or semi-legitimate contenders is shaping up as the largest in party history  there are Americans who fill out the qualifying forms every four years, only to be completely ignored and then forgotten.

On paper, Andrew Yang is one of those Democratic presidential candidates. But hes more entertaining than most -- The opposite of Donald Trump is an Asian man who likes math, he quips  and he has interesting things to say about the future. Besides, a political neophyte just so happened to win the last presidential election, so its possible Yangs ideas will take him beyond a mere 15 minutes of fame.

A 44-year-old graduate of Brown and Columbia Law, an entrepreneur and former CEO of Venture for America, Yang shares with many of his better-known Democratic opponents support for universal Medicare, addressing climate change, and a reduction in incarceration. But he has primarily differentiated himself with a more radical proposal: Universal Basic Income (UBI).

Every member of a society gets a certain amount of money, no questions asked, to meet his or her basic needs, Yang told RealClearPolitics when asked to define it. His proposal, which he calls the Freedom Dividend, would give every American $1,000 a month for life once they turn 18.

In one form or another, basic income has been supported by those across the political spectrum, including Martin Luther King Jr. and libertarian Charles Murray, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. Wealthy tech leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg and Stewart Butterfield have also expressed support for some kind of basic income. Its not left or right, its forward, said Yang.

He has high expectations for his UBI proposal, to which he ascribes near-miraculous powers. Among other benefits, he predicts that it would create millions of jobs, empower women, reduce domestic violence, improve mental health, and reduce hospital visits. Most significantly, he cites it as the answer to a potentially destabilizing crisis looming on the horizon: the coming automation of an unprecedented number of jobs  a fear that the New York Times dubbed the robot apocalypse.

Were in the third inning of the greatest economic and technological transformation in the history of our country, said Yang, who adds that after the deregulation of financial services, and the decimation of manufacturing workers, the third inning is the phasing out of brick-and-mortar retail.

Next, he says, comes automated cars and trucks. What will people do when the trucks start driving themselves in the next five to 10 years? After that, Yang predicts, artificial intelligence risks putting call center workers, bookkeepers, accountants, and attorneys, among others, out of work.

Not everyone is impressed by Yangs forecast. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment is at 4 percent, a large decrease since 2009, and the labor participation rate is at 63.2 percent, the highest it has been since 2014. As for future job losses due to technology, I think its overstated, said Mike Tanner, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. The idea that were simply not going to have enough jobs in the future  I dont believe that.

While Yang estimates on his website that in the next 12 years one in three American workers is at risk of losing his or her job to new technologies, many economists have significantly less worrisome predictions. Researchers at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimate the risk of job loss at less than 10 percent in the United States. In many cases, according to MIT economist David H. Autor, new technologies do not simply replace jobs, but instead complement work. Technology can also indirectly create new jobs. The truck driver goes away, said Tanner, but somebody is out there programming the automated cars.

UBI has advantages over the current welfare system that make it attractive to libertarians and conservatives. The current system involves huge amounts of complex bureaucracy, said Tanner. You could get rid of all that. Plus, Universal Basic Income is far less paternalistic, he added. Under the current welfare system, people receive support that they can only use for particular kinds of goods. With UBI, recipients would make their own decisions.

But it is unclear whether Yang can muster support from Republicans given that his proposal doesnt make any real attempt to get rid of current programs, said Vijay Menon, a research assistant at the Heritage Foundation. Yangs version of Universal Basic Income would be layered on top of the current welfare system.

By Yangs own estimate, his proposal would cost $1.8 trillion annually. Others at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimate that UBI would cost much more  up to $30 trillion to $40 trillion over 10 years. That is more than three-fourths of the entire yearly federal budget.

The Freedom Dividend would be opt-in, according to Yang, and his cost estimate assumes that a large portion of Americans currently receiving government services simply wont take basic income  for, under Yangs proposal, anyone who receives UBI has to give up some other supports, such as food stamps. It will not require an increase in incomes taxes, Yang asserts. Rather, it will be paid for through a new value-added tax on goods and services that businesses produce, new revenues, and cost-savings from other social services.

Another concern is that Universal Basic Income could disincentivize work. Unlike simply getting a check from the government, work gives people dignity, said Menon. Our policies should be promoting work whenever we can, he said.

Recent data from Finland, which began a two-year experiment with Universal Basic Income in 2017, seems to support this fear. Findings show that UBI does not have a significant beneficial impact on employment.

But Yang, who believes that soon the vast majority of Americans will be simply unable to work in anything like the current economy, envisions a new mode of working life. We have to create an economy that actually does give people paths to structure purpose and fulfillment that may not look like the job of today where they go to an office from 9 to 5.Is it any wonder that American news consumers are at the end of their ropes of patience with the "mainstream media"?

Three weeks ago, when I first documented troubling questions, contradictions and doubts about Trump-hating, attention-craving actor Jussie Smollett's absurd hate crime claims, few in the "professional" journalism herd paid heed. Now, with a grand jury investigation on the horizon, everyone's a Johnny-come-lately debunker.

And everyone's making excuses: How could we have known? Why would anyone lie about racism? What could have possibly prepared us for such a scandalous swindle?

I'm especially looking at you, Robin Roberts. You and ABC's "Good Morning America" willingly played public relations agents for Smollett last week while his story was already falling apart and he refused to be fully transparent with investigators. Now, you defend yourselves by hiding behind a veil of ignorance about hate crimes hoaxes.

Listen and learn, addled enablers of fraud. Fake Noose is a sick phenomenon that has run rampant across the country unchecked. I've chronicled the self-victimization pathology in my books, columns and blog posts for years:

--Columbia University, 2007. Remember black psychology professor Madonna Constantine? She made the rounds on none other than ABC's "Good Morning America," claiming she found a "degrading" noose (made of hand-tied twine) hanging from her office door. Constantine led fist-waving protests, decried "systematic racism," and prompted a nationwide uproar, as I reported at the time in the New York Post. Things didn't add up when Columbia initially blocked investigators from obtaining 56 hours of surveillance video. No culprits could be found on the militantly progressive campus obsessed with diversity and multiculturalism. It turned out that Constantine was desperately trying to distract from a brewing internal probe of her serial plagiarism, for which she was eventually fired. The hate crime probe hit a dead end and Constantine faced no criminal charges over the Fake Noose incident.

--Baltimore Fire Department, 2007. Another manufactured outrage erupted when black firefighter-paramedic apprentice Donald Maynard claimed he found a knotted rope and threatening note with a noose drawing on it at his stationhouse. A federal civil rights investigation ensued and the NAACP cried racism -- until Maynard confessed to the noose nonsense amid a department-wide cheating scandal. A top official revealed that Maynard admitted "conducting a scheme meant to create the perception that members within our department were acting in a discriminatory and unprofessional manner." Maynard faced no criminal charges over the Fake Noose incident.

--University of Delaware, 2015. Black Lives Matter agitators and campus activists triggered a full alert when a student spotted a "racist display" of three "noose-like objects" hanging from trees. The UD president called it "deplorable;" protesters wept that they were not being taken seriously. After investigating, police discovered the "nooses" were metal "remnants of paper lanterns" hung as decorations during an alumni weekend celebration.

--Salisbury State University, 2016. Students, faculty and administrators were horrified when a stick figure hanging from a noose on a whiteboard was discovered at the school's library. The N-word and hashtag #WhitePower also appeared in the menacing graffiti. Campus authorities immediately launched an investigation, which exposed two black students as the perpetrators. Prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against the Fake Noosers.

--Kansas State University, 2017. A paroxysm of protest struck K-State after someone reported a noose hanging from a tree on campus. Black students lambasted authorities for not acting quickly enough. They stoked anger online with the hashtag #DontLeaveUsHanging and demanded increased security. But the "noose" was made of cut pieces of nylon parachute cord, which police believed had been discarded by someone who "may have simply been practicing tying different kinds of knots."

--Michigan State University, 2017. When a student reported a noose hanging outside her dorm room, MSU administrators went into full freakout mode over the racial incident. Cops and the Office of Institutional Equity were immediately notified. "A noose is a symbol of intimidation and threat that has a horrendous history in America," the university president bemoaned. But it turned out the "noose" was a "packaged leather shoelace" that someone had dropped accidentally.

--Smithsonian museums, 2017. NPR called the discovery of "nooses" lying on the grounds of two Smithsonian Institute museums the "latest in a string of hate incidents" after Trump's election. The African-American museum director called them a "reminder of America's dark history." But the museums refused to release surveillance video and my public records request filed last November yielded zero corroboration of any hate crime. The Washington Post, New York Times and ABC's "Good Morning America," which all splashed the story front and center, have yet to follow up.

--Mississippi State Capitol, 2018. ABC, CBS, CNN and Yahoo were among the media outlets that blared headlines about seven nooses and "hate signs" found hanging in trees by the capitol building before a special runoff election for U.S. Senate. The stories created an unmistakable impression that the nooses were left by GOP racists intending to intimidate black voters. In truth, the nooses were a publicity stunt perpetrated by Democrats.

In the wake of Smollett's folly, media sensationalists bluster that there's no way they could have known they were being strung along. Thanks for the valuable admission, elite news professionals, that you are not only dumb and blind but incompetent to boot. It doesn't take a fancy journalism degree to learn from the long, sordid history of Fake Noose:

When you've seen one social justice huckster, you've seen 'em all.

COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COMEver since Amazon's breakup with New York on Valentine's Day, dejected Mayor Bill De Blasio is complaining that corporations shouldn't be able to play off one local government against others for tax breaks. "I don't think it's really fair to pit city against city and state against state," De Blasio whined like a jilted suitor.

Grow up, Mr. Mayor. Localities will always vie to woo companies. The real problem is that New York is pursuing a losing strategy. Winning requires low taxes and deregulation that benefit every company -- whether it's big or small, new to the state or homegrown.

Instead, New York pols keep taxes at intolerable heights. Then they boast about negotiating tax breaks with a few big companies like Amazon. These pols aren't job creators. They're job buyers, willing to bid whatever it takes (with our money) so they can brag about luring in a plum employer.

The whole strategy is unfair both to smaller companies that have to do business absent these tax breaks and to the state's taxpayers, who have to pay more in taxes to make up for the lost revenue from these deals.

We're footing the bill for these pols' phony job-creation theatrics.

Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor De Blasio did a victory dance in November, when Amazon said it would build a second headquarters in Long Island City. Give the two credit. At least they were willing to deal with Amazon. The same cannot be said for Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her anti-capitalist ilk, whose vocal opposition may have been what drove Amazon out.

The Amazon deal aside, New York lost the overall competition for job growth in 2018, coming in below national average. Which states won? Nevada, Texas, Washington and Florida, which have no income tax, as well as Colorado, Arizona and Utah.

Cuomo blames bad weather for New York's mediocre showing and the exodus of New Yorkers to other states. That's laughable. Utah, hardly tropical, has a booming economy.

Cuomo's tailor-made tax breaks are an abysmal failure. Since taking office in 2011, he's doled out more than $10 billion in costly giveaways. Failures include the $90 million factory in upstate Syracuse for Soraa LED lighting company, which walked away from the deal. New York's taxpayer-funded corporate handouts are the most expensive in the U.S. and among the least effective, according to the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.

In New York and nationwide, the strategy is a flop. Since 1990, states have tripled the amount of tax credits they're offering companies to set up shop. But the states winning economically are pursuing a wiser strategy: across-the-board tax cuts and regulatory relief instead.

States that woo big companies with special packages are getting slapped in the face. Three years ago, General Electric moved its corporate headquarters from Connecticut to Massachusetts, sweetened with a $25 million tax break package. Thursday, General Electric canceled plans for an office tower on the Boston waterfront and pared its staffing plan from 800 jobs down to 250.

Lawmakers in several states, including Massachusetts and New York, are acting like embittered suitors. They're proposing interstate compacts to prevent any future bidding wars. De Blasio says he wants to end "economic warfare." New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim insists that states "can't be pitted against each other like this."

Stopping state politicians from competing for jobs? When pigs fly.

Just minutes after Amazon spurned New York, officials from New Jersey sent the company heart balloons, cupcakes and a message saying, "NJ & Newark Still Love U, Amazon."

Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., celebrating Amazon's pull out, suggests that companies shouldn't be allowed to shop for relocation deals. "How long will we allow giant corporations to hold our democracy hostage?"

Sorry, senator, but competition is inevitable -- and a good thing. It's part of our capitalist system. New York and other high-tax states just need to compete intelligently. That means lowering taxes for all companies and putting out a sign that says, "Business Welcome."

So far extreme leftists would rather bash the system as "rigged" and continue to lose.

COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COMGood morning, its Wednesday, February 20, 2019. On this date in 1945, some 30,000 U.S. Marines awoke on a hellhole called Iwo Jima. A volcanic island in the Ogasawara Archipelago, it was a place few people in the United States ever knew existed until World War II. Afterward, its name would be forged into Americans consciousness.

U.S. Navy planners had estimated it would take five days to subdue Japanese forces on Iwo Jima. The Marines sent ashore from an armada of American ships could tell after the first hour of the invasion that this was wishful thinking. For that hour, men and materiel were loaded on the beach as the Japanese guns remained silent. Perhaps the suppressing bombardment preceding the landing had silenced those guns, the men hoped. This was not the case. The Japanese commander had ordered his artillerymen and machine-gunners to bide their time. Then, suddenly they opened up with everything they had.

The American casualties were grievous, but escaping the fire by moving inland off that beach was difficult. Instead of the easy terrain theyd been told to expect, the Marines encountered 15-foot-high slopes of volcanic ash that crumbled beneath their boots. Robert Lee Sherrod, a Time-Life correspondent embedded with the troops, described it as a nightmare in hell. As he received the mounting casualty reporters, Marine Corps Gen. Holland Smith confided in the embedded war correspondents, I don't know who he is, but the Japanese general running this show is one smart bastard.

Ill have more on that smart bastard who opposed Gen. Smith in a moment. First, I'd point you to RealClearPolitics front page, which presents our poll averages, videos, breaking news stories, and aggregated opinion columns spanning the political spectrum. We also offer original material from our own reporters and contributors, including the following:

* * *

Snapshots of Dems 2020 Field as Sanders Enters the Fray. With the Vermont senators announcement pushing the number of presidential candidates into double digits, Phil Wegmann has this roundup.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg: Generational Pain Awaits If Debt Is Ignored. Phil reports on the warning issued by the young White House hopeful.

This 2020 Candidate Puts His Money on Universal Income. Max Diamond profiles Andrew Yang, whos pinned his minuscule hopes on a plan he insists is needed as society becomes increasingly automated.

Market Signals Mock Deficit Hawks. RealClearMarkets editor John Tamny contends that deficit worriers concerns are misplaced.

The FEC Is Ignoring $84 Million Clinton Campaign Finance Scandal. In RealClearPolicy, Dan Backer complains that the elections commission has failed to investigate allegations of money laundering by the Clinton operation.

For the Sake of American Energy, It's Time to End Trade War. In RealClearEnergy, Robert L. Bradley Jr. notes the ramifications of a healthy trade relationship with China.

Secret Ingredient for Cutting Costs and CO2 Emissions in Infrastructure. Also in RCE, Jason Hartke examines efficiency's key role in climate solutions.

Hybrid Warfare Is a Threat to America. In RealClearDefense, James Spider Marks warns that cyber and non-conventional methods of disruption used by China, Iran and Russia are intended to thwart Western influence on the world stage.

Why Hymnals Still Have a Place in Modern Churches. In RealClearReligion, Tom Raabe explains why he finds wall screens with projected lyrics detrimental to the worship experience.

* * *

On the morning of February 20, 1945, the U.S. Marines who has landed the day before were on edge. During the night, they had expected the bloody Japanese banzai charges that had terrorized American forces in the Pacific since 1942. No such attack came, however, because the commanding officer of the Japanese garrison on Iwo Jima considered banzai attacks suicidal, wasteful, and counterproductive.

The commanders name was Tadamichi Kuribayashi. Born into a samurai family in 1891, Gen. Kuribayashi had gone to college hoping to become a journalist. But his heritage and his natural leadership abilities attracted the attention of military officials who recruited him into the officer corps of the Imperial Japanese Army.

The portrait that emerges from the most authoritative biography of Kuribayashi is of someone with an independent streak rare for any Japanese man in the early 20th century, let alone a military officer. As a student, recalled a vice-admiral who went to high school with him, Kuribayashi organized a strike against school authorities and was nearly expelled. His passion in those days was writing poetry and reading literature.

In other words, divining novel tactics to repel an invasion was very much in his nature.

He would have felt at home as an American. For a time, he did feel at home here, spending three years as a military attache in the U.S., studying for a time at Harvard, and touring the country by car. His son would later recall receiving letters from his father, accompanied by photographs of him sprawled on the lawn at Harvard Yard, walking in Buffalo, or just playing with American children.

By 1928, though, it apparently had dawned on Kuribayashi that relations between Japan and the United States might not always be friendly. Impressed by U.S. industrial might, he also foresaw -- long before Americans did -- how quickly the vast automobile works in Detroit and other manufacturing centers could be converted to a wartime footing. America, he told his family, is the last country in the world that Japan should fight.

He was a lieutenant general on June 8, 1944 when he received his orders to Iwo Jima. Although his family was not informed of his destination, Kuribayashi seems to have had a foreboding. This time, he told his wife, Yoshi, maybe even my dead bones wont be sent back home.

Gen. Tadamichi Kuribayashi commanded 18,000 men when the 36-day Battle of Iwo Jima began. Only 216 Japanese soldiers surrendered. The rest, save for a couple of stragglers, were killed -- Kuribayashi among them. His body was never found.

Carl M. Cannon

Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics

@CarlCannon (Twitter)

ccannon@realclearpolitics.comPete Buttigieg, the millennial mayor with an unusual last name, is unique.

He is the youngest of the Democrats lining up to challenge President Trump in 2020. He is often more pragmatist than progressive firebrand. And he is making his campaign about intergenerational justice.

This means the mayor of South Bend, Ind., weighs policy debates in terms of the short term versus the long term. And this has led him to weigh in on a topic the rest of the field apparently would rather avoid: the ballooning national debt.

It is a problem, and it is a problem that has to be taken seriously, Buttigieg told RealClearPolitics. I think a lot of policy decisions seem to be made with the expectation that the consequences are someone elses problem. But the younger you are, the more it is our problem.

That includes Buttigieg (pronounced Buddha-judge), who turned 37in January.

The national debt topped the $22 trillion mark this month, the highest total ever, despite continued economic growth and despite (or perhaps because of) the general indifference of both political parties.

More than $2 trillion of that total has been added since Donald Trump took office. The rest was racked up under his predecessors, particularly President Obama, under whom the debt doubled.

Director of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow told reporters last week that the president is concerned by the situation. And he promised that the White House will release a plan to reduce federal spending. But so long as growth continues, Kudlow said, the borrowing is not a problem.

Buttigieg disagrees, slamming an administration that he believes has divorced its debt policy from the macro-economic reality.

Debt isnt a problem during downturns, he asserts, referring to it an economic tool in the toolbox, so long as down payments are made during times of growth.

What is extraordinary is to do massive tax cuts for the wealthiest, blowing up the debt in the context of an economic recovery where you didnt need that stimulus in the first place and no one was even asking for it, Buttigieg says.

While Democrats love to loathe the Trump tax cut in similar terms, what makes this millennial unique is the next part of his comment:

Thats the kind of irresponsible decision that has a both a very unfair distribution affect within the moment and also winds up effectively telling middle-class people my age that we are going to be subsidizing the wealthiest people today for the rest of our lives.

His criticism, in this regard, is bipartisan. While Buttigieg knocks Republican tax breaks, the municipal leader acknowledges that even mentioning deficits and debt is pretty unfashionable on the left.

But like many other issues, from national security to climate change, he continues, things have reached a point where if we dont take them up, nobody will.

At least for now, other Democrats arent having that conversation. Many in the 2020 field have proposed tax increases. But they would reverse the Republican cuts in order to combat what they consider inequality, not to balance federal budgets. Candidates also are more likely to endorse massive government funding projects like the Green New Deal, recently proposed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Buttigieg is also on board with the goals of that plan, if not the specific policy prescriptions, which even Ocasio-Cortez admits would require spending and mobilization on a scale not seen since World War II.

Democrats can be for both fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship, he insists: Whats the alternative? Some of these concerns dont account for the very real dollar costs, not to mention the very real human costs, of business as usual.

Yes, it involves investment and, yes, it is going to put pressure on our balance sheets as well, but whats really going to put pressure on our balance sheet is the kind of economic and human harm -- potentially even a collapse -- that will come from failing outright with the climate crisis before it reaches even greater proportions.

So how would Buttigieg deal with the debt?

He calls for investments in infrastructure and education to boost productivity. He adds that a lot of debt reduction can happen on the revenue side where people are not paying their fair share. He also mentions a financial transactions tax.

Eventually future taxpayers are going to have to pay for the spending of past generations. Something will have to give when creditors come calling. Democrats, Buttigieg says, better have an answer.

If we want to be credible, that we care about the long term -- which is why, in my opinion, we talk about things like climate change -- then we also have to demonstrate that we are serious about the fiscal situation of the U.S., he argues.

It doesnt have to mean some kind of knee-jerk opposition to the use of debt, which is a very important part of our fiscal toolkit. It does mean having something -- just something -- when it comes up as an issue.Rod Rosenstein Has Some Serious Explaining to Do

Why would the deputy attorney general help Trump fire the FBI director, then investigate the president for doing so?EUROPE: The construction of a railway between Finnish Lapland and the Arctic Ocean is not currently commercially viable, a joint Finnish-Norwegian working group has concluded.Creating a World Standard in Tube-Fabrication Solutions VTube-Laser and FARO QuantumS ScanArm are the winning combination for tube measuring

In the manufacturing universe, metal tube fabrication is a world of its own. That being said, the requirements for developing a new world-standard solution for tube bending are common to all manufacturingbe faster, more accurate, and more economical.

With customers like Delta Air Lines, British Airways, United Airlines, and the U.S. military, Advanced Tubular Technologies has been working to deliver on that goal. Its systems are used across many industries, including air compressor and hydraulic parts manufacturing, shipbuilding, railroad and exercise equipment, and the race car circuit in Nurburgring, Germany.

Advanced laser scanning technology and the software required to leverage it to the fullest are having a tremendous impact on the tube fabrication industry, and this synergy is the foundation for Advanced Tubulars VTube-LASER solution.

My goal is to make VTube-LASER the world standard in tube-measuring software.

Michael Cone, owner, Advanced Tubular Technologies



Standard, old-school method

For decades, jigs, fixtures, and gauges have been the standard method of ensuring a finished product meets its intended design.

In a nutshell, a CNC bender operator bends a tube [with multiple angles] and then drops it into a gauge, explains Mike Cone, owner of Advanced Tubular. Its not uncommon for the part to be twisted up, under-bent, or somehow not fit. So, the operator assesses what changes to the bend angle and the planes between bends need to be made, enters new data into the bender, and then hours later delivers a tube that kind of fits the gauge. Thats the standard method.

Cone saw the opportunity to introduce a game-changing upgrade to the industry.

Building a better standard

The new gold-standard in engineering is the model-based definition (MBD) method. MBD relies on laser scanners and software capable of leveraging its unique advantage of gathering massive amounts of measurement data.

Tube fabricators now have the option to use an articulated arm [and laser scanner], like the FARO QuantumS ScanArm, coupled with VTube-LASER software, reveals Cone. They can now scan a [first article inspection piece] and compare it with a virtual gauge on-screen. They can see if and where a part is outside of a tolerance envelope, and that information is in the form of data. That data go to the bender, and the next piece is ready in minutes instead of hours. Manufacturing reps see this technology and say, Wait, weve been doing this manually for years, and its cost us two to four hours every time. Now we can do it in 15 minutes?! They start scrambling for funds to buy one of our systems because they understand the ROI immediately. Its very powerful when they see they dont have to guess anymore.





Measurement data at the bending machine

The MBD method brings a whole new level of efficiency and profitability to manufacturing operations.

Importing model-based definition is the most hotly sought-after methodology of bringing data in, explains Cone. There is a section of our software called the VTube-STEP, and its named that because what it does mainly is import STEP models. We can import entire assemblies with it. The old way is to enter X, Y, Z coordinates. Or you can enter bender data and reverse-calculate back to X, Y, Z data. With MBD, you just punch a button, and the next thing you know, the model itself is being analyzed.

Cones new world standard for tube fabrication includes the ability to connect laser scanner data directly to the tube-bending machine.

Connecting databases to bending machines is one of our areas of specialty, says Cone. We trademarked the name Benderlink back in 1993. This software can link to multiple brands of benders.

Basically, whatever data are collected using the laser scanner are analyzed, and then updated bend information is routed to the bending machine, where instead of manually entering the data, an operator can just punch a few buttons to accept the data.

Advantages of laser scanning technology

Versatility

Many of our customers want a laser scanner because there are so many things you can do with a laser scanner in addition to measuring tubing, says Cone. With a fork probe, all you can measure is a tube, and you can't even measure a square tube, really. With VTube-LASER, you can measure square and rectangular tubing, or you can measure cylindricity. You could even run another software package and scan the fender on a car. Go for it! You cant do that with other solutions.

Reverse engineering is another powerful component of laser scanning technology.

We had one customer who commissioned a company in China to make parts for their evaporator units, says Cone. The company made them but never documented anything. He got all these parts back, maybe a thousand of them, but he had no digital information at all. This customer was able to reverse-engineer the newly designed parts with the VTube-LASER system.

Reverse engineering is an invaluable process, he adds. I was recently visiting a company that makes after-market classic car parts like fuel lines and brake lines. These are long units reaching from the front of the car all the way to the back. They were going to reverse-engineer a certain part that had no existing model data. They had just invested in our VTube-LASER system and wanted to see how fast they could do it. They had it completely bent in about 10 minutes. They said, Last week we did a similar part manually, and it took us two hours!

Industry-leading solutions, like the FARO QuantumS ScanArm, up the versatility quotient with an integrated hard probe and can digitize interchangeably without having to remove either component.

Speed

The FARO QuantumS ScanArm combined with Advanced Tubulars software is proving to be a synergistic combination, greatly increasing throughput and bottom-line profitability in the tube fabrication industry.

Our software, in addition to qualifying the shape inside an envelope, sends correction data out to the bender, says Cone. Thats just critical for generating increased throughput. Some of the operators are shocked when they start to realize how much faster and reliable this technology is. We had some operators who originally thought their bosses were nuts for buying this, but after about an hour of the system self-correcting part after part after part, they came back with big grins on their faces saying, Wow, this is really working. This is going to save a lot of time and money.

Think of this as a really nice tool thats going to make you look really good, really fast.

Michael Cone, owner, Advanced Tubular Technologies



Ease of operation

With the VTube-LASER system, scan data are transferred seamlessly to VTube software, streamlining operations with much fewer steps to completion.

I had a FARO account manager tell me, I measured a tube with two of your competitors software, boasts Cone. With one, the job took me 75 button presses, with the other it took me 175 button presses. I just went and measured the same tube with VTube-LASER, and it took me only five button presses. I'm sold.

"I have a great working relationship with FARO. I value that relationship. Its been a very positive experience, and theyve provided a lot of support and enthusiasm. Theyre very knowledgeable people."

Michael Cone, owner, Advanced Tubular Technologies



Accuracy and repeatability

Cone is not only the founder of Advanced Tubular but also the lead developer of a small and dedicated team. According to Cone, We dont hide from the guys on the shop floor. This direct communication with senior operators only serves to illustrate the high level of accuracy and repeatability that advanced technology can provide.

One company had our VTube-LASER mated to a FARO scanner, but they still had their older machine in the shop, explains Cone. They were measuring parts with our system and cross-checking it with the other machine. About a month later they called me with a complaint about some discrepancies. Basically, their message to me was, We want you to make the outcome of your results to be just like the old machine.

I suggested we run some tests before deciding which system they should be copying. We discussed gauge R&R, and then started working through it. They ran repeatability tests on both measurement systems, and when they were finished, our system so devastated the other system in accuracy and repeatability, their administrative staff forbid further use of the old machine.

The conclusion: The VTube-LASER system gathers and optimizes so much data, Advanced Tubular is enabling and protecting users at levels theyre not used to.WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Networking is a cornerstone to entrepreneurial success, and continuing to expand and grow such networks can expand and grow a business, and two Purdue University student startups are taking advantage of such opportunities across the state of Indiana.

Socio Labs Inc. and Mimir, two software companies that each began as Purdue student startups, are expanding to Indianapolis.

The university is a great environment to spark creative ideas and turn them into successful business ventures that are vital to our global competitiveness, said Yarkin Sakucoglu, CEO of Socio, a software company that began as a Purdue student startup. We are very excited to be part of the growing startup and tech ecosystem and provide hundreds of jobs to fellow Hoosiers here in Indianapolis.

Sakucoglu said Socio plans to significantly scale up its Indiana workforce, creating more than 100 new jobs by the end of 2022.

Mimir founder and CEO Prahasith Veluvolu said that after living on the West Coast, he knew there were significant financial advantages to headquartering a business in Indiana.

"The evolving tech community in Indianapolis was a huge incentive for our move, said Veluvolu, who studied computer science at Purdue. Legislation in our state and city have allowed us to repurpose what would be operating costs in more expensive cities and use them to enhance our business. Our time in West Lafayette helped our team create, define and begin what is now Mimir Classroom.

The growing entrepreneurship community at Purdue and in the Greater Lafayette area provides great opportunities for business leaders and innovators to turn their ideas into impact across the state and country, said Greg Deason, senior vice president for entrepreneurship and place making for the Purdue Research Foundation.

In 2013-18, Purdue Universitys acceleration in creating startups saw 223 new startups. The university hit that milestone last year, along with more than $350 million in funding and investments generated and more than 300 new jobs.

Both Sakucoglu and Veluvolu point to Purdue and Purdue Research Foundation resources such as the Purdue Foundry and the Anvil for helping to contribute to their success.

About Purdue Foundry

The Purdue Foundry is an entrepreneurship and commercialization accelerator in Discovery Park's Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship whose professionals help Purdue innovators create startups. Managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, the Purdue Foundry is a top recipient at the 2016 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Designation and Awards Program by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities for its work in entrepreneurship. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org.

About the Anvil

The Anvil is the largest co-working space operated by university students in the U.S. and is used by Purdue University students as well as the surrounding community. The Anvil is supported by the Purdue Research Foundation and is located at 320 North St. in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Writer: Chris Adam, 765-588-3341, cladam@prf.org



Sources: Greg Deason, 765-588-5251, gwdeason@prf.org

Yarkin Sakucoglu, yarkin@socio.events

Prahasith Veluvolu, media contact: Cara Wagner, cara@mimirhq.comBill Henderson, founder of the Pushcart Press and the Pushcart Prize, has teamed up with novelist Jonathan Lethem to start Lethems Legends, a series that will reprint selected out-of-print works. The first title in the series, which Lethem will edit, is Bad Guy by Rosalyn Drexler, the visual artist, playwright, and novelist.

Henderson and Lethem are neighbors in Blue Hill, Maine, and Henderson told PW that at some point, we decided together that a series of reprints may be worth a try. After Lethem sent him a list of books he would like to see republished, Henderson chose Bad Guy, which was first published in 1982 by Dutton. Lethem is a huge fan of Drexler, whom he described in his introduction as an unspecifiable American original, one of our pure artistic treasure...she ought to be a household name. Among her many credits, Drexler is a highly regarded pop artist who is also an Obie Awardwinning playwright and Emmy Awardwinning screenwriter.

Henderson is releasing Bad Guy this week, to coincide with the February 21 opening of a month-long show of Drexlers work at the Garth Greenan Gallery in New York City, where Drexler, now 93, still lives. In Bad Guy, Drexler probes the influence of media violence on a young murderer and the wacky attempts of therapist Dr. Mathilda Brody to understand and cure him, according to the publisher. In praising Bad Guy in his introduction, Lethem wrote that the novel jangles with the vernacular pizzazz and fragility of the 70s New York City that so many including myself have tried to evoke and reproduce.

Henderson did a 1,300 copy first printing for the trade paperback, which is being distributed by Pushcarts distributor, Norton. Bad Guy is the only title scheduled so far for Lethems Legends, but Henderson said he has a list of about 12 titles he is considering releasing via the series. He plans to publish two or three additional titles next year, and then will consider putting out more, depending on how the series does.The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced $27 million in grants for over 1,000 projects and programs as well as 35 Creative Writing Fellowships in poetry.

Grants were awarded to nonprofit organizations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, including over $1 million in the form of 44 literature grants, the agency said. The NEAs grant making program Art Works funded most of the book-related projects, such as a $70,000 grant to Archipelago Books, Inc. in support of the publication and promotion of international literature, and a $55,000 grant to Coffee House Press for new books of fiction and poetry. More information on the grants can be found here.

The NEA also announced 35 recipients of the 2019 Creative Writing Fellowships, which this year are in poetry. Each recipient receives $25,000 (for a total of $875,000 in fellowships). This years fellows are from across the country, diverse in ethnicity and background, and have never previously received an NEA fellowship, the agency said.

The grant announcement is the first of two for the fiscal year, according to the NEA, which supports local economies and preserves American heritage while embracing new forms of creative expression.

The arts enhance our communities and our lives, and we look forward to seeing these projects take place throughout the country, giving Americans opportunities to learn, to create, to heal, and to celebrate, acting chairman of the NEA Mary Anne Carter said in a statement.We work to add value with strong industry investment experience, and by providing advice and key relationships that help our portfolio companies make significant advancements towards their next stage of growth.

Stonehenge Growth Equity Partners (SGEP) today announced a third successful exit in the clinical trials software market, as the SGEP portfolio company YPrime, Inc. received a significant growth investment led by Flexpoint Ford (Flexpoint), a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on the healthcare and financial services industries.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Malvern, Pa., YPrime provides software and consulting services to create more efficient collaboration during clinical trials, including data collection and information management for biopharmaceutical companies and research organizations developing new medicines. Stonehenge invested in YPrime in 2017 and is celebrating a successful exit from that transaction. Financial terms of the YPrime transaction were not disclosed.

YPrime was at a key moment when additional capital could help scale continued adoption by marquee customers, said Travis Milks, a Managing Partner at SGEP and previous YPrime board member. We were thrilled to support that growth, and we congratulate YPrime and Flexpoint on starting this new chapter. New technology, software and services are transforming how emerging therapies are developed, and we believe this industry will continue to experience significant growth.

Based in Tampa, SGEP has been investing in growth-stage technology-enabled businesses since 1999 by developing trusted relationships with experienced entrepreneurs. SGEP supports portfolio companies through the most dynamic phases of their lifecycles, particularly where an entrepreneur is applying proven technology to solve a business problem. YPrime marks the third such successful investment in the clinical trials industry. Other investments include:

-- Medidata Solutions, a provider of integrated software applications and services for the clinical research industry. It offers the Medidata Clinical Cloud, a platform, pioneering analytics, and clinical technology for the development of new therapies.

-- iCardiac Technologies, a leading provider of centralized cardiac safety and respiratory solutions that accelerate clinical research. Stonehenge exited its investment in iCardiac when Norwest Venture Partners acquired a controlling interest in the spring of 2014.

SGEP brings a team approach to investments by partnering with portfolio companies, said Brian Model, a Managing Partner with SGEP who led the companys prior investments in Medidata Solutions and iCardiac Technologies. We work to add value with strong industry investment experience, and by providing advice and key relationships that help our portfolio companies make significant advancements towards their next stage of growth.

About Stonehenge Growth Equity Partners

Since 1999, the team at Stonehenge Growth Equity Partners (SGEP) has been investing in growth stage businesses. By developing trusted relationships with experienced entrepreneurs, SGEP supports its portfolio companies through the most dynamic phases of their lifecycles. Based in Tampa, FL, SGEP invests in companies where an entrepreneur is applying proven technology to solve a business problem. These technology-enabled businesses typically generate at least $3M of revenue and are profitable. Our target investment size is $1M to $5M in each portfolio company.

For more information, visit http://www.stonehengegrowthequity.com

About YPrime

YPrime offers more than a decade of focused work with eClinical systems to expedite and improve the quality of site and patient management, clinical supplies, drug accountability and clinical data. Cloud-based eCOA and IRT platforms enable greater speed, precision and integration in clinical trial management. Data services tools eliminate data silos and help sponsors bring together fragmented clinical research data into contextual and actionable information.

For more information, visit http://www.yprime.com.Their input is expected to play a valuable role as Y-Tech continues to scale its operations, look for attractive acquisitions, enter new markets and identify strategic partnerships, said Hannibal. S. Jackson, President, and CEO of Y-Tech.

Y-Tech, a leading provider of Information Technology (IT) professional services and solutions to U.S. Federal Government agencies announced the appointment of Mae DeVincentis, Jack Hughes and Ron Moultrie to their advisory board.

Its an exciting time at Y-Tech to bring such extraordinary talents and industry leaders in the GovCon marketplace to our team, said Hannibal S. Jackson, President, and CEO of Y-Tech.

Mae DeVincentis the founder and CEO of Maxwell Associates, LLC had a distinguished 37-year career in the federal government. She served as the Director of Logistics, Chief Information Officer and Vice Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, which provides the military and other government entities with over $35 billion in supplies and services annually. She is a proven C-level executive and recognized expert in federal and defense acquisition and contracting, logistics and supply chain management, cybersecurity and information technology.

Jack Hughes is the founder and Principal of Phoenix Financial & Advisory Services, LLC. Mr. Hughes has functioned as a venture capitalist and angel investor and has been involved in 45 mergers and acquisition (M&A) transactions. Mr. Hughes served as the Senior VP and Corporate Treasurer of ManTech and helped the company grow from $4M to $200m. He also served as the Senior VP and CFO of BTG and assisted the companys growth from $50M to $600M in five-years and he was also the Co-Founder, Executive VP, and CFO of Alion Science and Technology Corporation, where he helped grow the company from $200M to $750M in five-years.

Ron Moultrie is the founder and CEO of Oceanus Security Strategies, LLC. Prior to forming Oceanus, Mr. Moultrie spent over 36 years serving in the U.S. Intelligence Community and Armed Forces. He served as the Director of Operations at the National Security Agency (NSA), and important positions as a member of the CIAs Senior Intelligence Service, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as well as with the United States Military. Mr. Moultrie at the personal request of the Secretary of Navy is one of four principals serving on the U.S. Navys Comprehensive Cybersecurity Review Panel. The Panel will be making recommendations on how the Navy can better protect its $170B in annual resources, 900,000 globally dispersed personnel, and its vital industrial base from malicious Cyber actors.

Their input is expected to play a valuable role as Y-Tech continues to scale its operations, look for attractive acquisitions, enter new markets and identify strategic partnerships, said Hannibal. S. Jackson, President, and CEO of Y-Tech.

About Y-Tech:

Since 2005, Y-Tech has provided innovative, reliable, and cost-effective IT services and solutions to federal and state agencies, nonprofits and the private sector. Y-Tech currently serves customers in fourteen states and seven countries, supporting senior officials and agencies in the intelligence, defense, worldwide logistics and supply chain management. The companys success is based on a simple formula: offer superior value, hire the best people, and focus relentlessly on supporting customers and partners.

CCA For Social Good, a division of CCA Global Partners, and the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, are excited to announce the launch of WISER ECE, an online knowledge hub that offers early childhood education program directors, family child care providers, and teachers access to vital business tools and resources that save time, save money and support high quality early education for children throughout the state.

We are excited to see the adoption of WISER throughout the state and the positive impact this can have for both children and early education professionals, said Denise Sayer, Vice President of CCA For Social Good, innovator of the shared resources platform. Wisconsin joins thirty-one states currently using this platform to strengthen the business acumen of early childhood professionals with the goal of increasing the quality of care for children across the state.

The WISER online platform, http://www.WISERECE.org, includes over 1,600 administrative and classroom supports including sample policies and procedures, customizable handbooks, curriculum and classroom tools, health and safety procedure guidance, state regulation information, professional development opportunities and exclusive cost savings programs. The WISER platform also features an exclusive online job board for early education professionals, Wisconsin ECE Jobs, which manages each step of the hiring process from job posting to making the hiring offer. Early childhood professionals have free access to Wisconsin ECE Jobs with their WISER ECE membership.

With the support of Wisconsins Department of Children and Families we are able to bring this invaluable set of tools to WI, added Ruth Schmidt, Executive Director, Wisconsin Early Childhood. These resources offer critical support to all early education professionals that will save valuable time and money; increasing professionalism and business acumen in the field, ultimately creating a lasting impact on the lives of our youngest generation.

For more information on ECE Shared Resources, please contact Erin Holt at eholt@ccaglobal.com. For more information on the Wisconsin online platform please contact Ruth Schmidt at ruschmidt@wisconsinearlychildhood.org.

# # #

About CCA For Social Good

CCA For Social Good is an operating division of CCA Global Partners, a privately held cooperative helping small businesses thrive for 30 years. CCA For Social Good provides web-based platforms that help thousands of nonprofit organizations and early childhood education (ECE) centers manage the administrative aspect of their organizations. The platforms (integrated password-protected websites) deliver a set of powerful tools and shared resources resulting in more efficient and successful operations. CCA For Social Good puts time and money back in the hands of directors and managers of ECE programs, allowing them to focus where it matters most: on the children in their care. To view a sample platform, please visit http://www.ecesharedresources.com.

About Wisconsin Early Childhood

The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) works to advance positive change for Wisconsin children by focusing on the professionals who provide them with early care and education. WECA strengthens the capacities of early care professionals through:

SERVICES  higher education scholarship supports, salary supplements, and food reimbursements for family child care providers.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT for child care providers. New discoveries on brain development and social-emotional learning call for new approaches. Through workshops, an annual conference, a statewide member network, and more, WECA helps providers advance their skills.

ADVOCACY for policies and programs that support the well-being of children and the early childhood education workforce.

COMMUNICATIONS that convey what early childhood professionals do and how valuable their contributions are to families, businesses, our communities, and the world.

RESEARCH on the child care workforce that identifies strengths, needs, and strategies for improvement.

To learn more about WECA visit wisconsinearlychildhood.org.ASK Consulting Engineers provides exceptional technical services that dovetail nicely with Trinitys capabilities. We are pleased to have found such an excellent team to work with in Australia, a market in which Trinity sees great opportunity.

Trinity Consultants, Inc. (Trinity), an international environmental, health, and safety consulting firm, announces that it has acquired ASK Consulting Engineers (ASK Acoustics & Air Quality), a provider of acoustics, noise, vibration, air quality, odor, and lighting services across Australia. Founded in 1993 in Brisbane, ASK supports a variety of sectors, including building, infrastructure, mining, power and energy, and environment. Recent projects include assessing air quality, noise, and vibration impacts at a vanadium operation; examining noise conditions caused by retail construction; and predicting noise, vibration, and air impacts associated with a proposed major port expansion.

The acquisition of ASK Consulting Engineers will provide the foundation for Trinity Consultants growth in Australia. According to Brian Burdorf, who will provide oversight for Trinitys operations in Australia, ASK Consulting Engineers provides exceptional technical services that dovetail nicely with Trinitys capabilities. We are pleased to have found such an excellent team to work with in Australia, a market in which Trinity sees great opportunity.

Gillian Adams, Principal with ASK Consulting Engineers, noted, Our team could not be more excited about joining Trinity. The strength of Trinity, and particularly its experience and expertise in growing businesses, provide great opportunities for ASK. Our clients will have access to broader services; our employees will have additional career opportunities; and our company will have the resources to expand across Australia. We are particularly delighted with gaining the support and efficiencies of the larger team whilst maintaining the existing autonomy we have with our clients to continue to provide the personalised, high-quality services we strive for.

Background on Trinity Consultants

Founded in 1974 in Dallas, Texas, Trinity operates in locations across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., China, and the Middle East. Trinity assists industrial facilities with environmental regulatory permitting and compliance, specializing in air quality issues. In addition to EHS consulting, Trinity provides clients with life sciences consulting and engineering expertise through SafeBridge Consultants, TRS, and ADVENT Engineering.GenAlphas PartSpot solution is exactly what we need, and their expertise in the aftermarket parts business makes them the perfect partner for this important effort.

GenAlpha Technologies LLC was selected by Terminal Investment Corporation (TICO) to provide an eCommerce and eCatalog solution for TICOs aftermarket business. TICO selected GenAlpha and their PartSpot eCommerce product following a rigorous selection process.

GenAlpha will deploy their PartSpot eCommerce product for TICO, providing a world-class eCommerce presence with powerful eCatalog capabilities including Bill of Materials hot spotting, product part imaging and flexible part searching capabilities.

We are seeking to modernize and streamline the delivery of part information, making it easier for dealers and customers to find what they need, when they need it, and easily place orders. GenAlphas PartSpot solution is exactly what we need, and their expertise in the aftermarket parts business makes them the perfect partner for this important effort, said Duncan Pindar, Executive Vice President for TICO.

"We at GenAlpha are very appreciative of TICO entrusting us with this important project. TICOs commitment to innovation and a desire to optimize access to part information is illustrative of their dedication to customer service. The GenAlpha team is excited to help take TICOs aftermarket to the next level and use our technology to facilitate increased growth in their parts business," added Stan Eames, CEO of GenAlpha.

TICO expects to virtually eliminate delays in turnaround time for parts book availability as they transition from a manual paper parts book to an interactive digital catalog driven by GenAlphas PartSpot technology. Project efforts are already underway, and the initial site go-live is scheduled for early 2019.

Headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, GenAlpha Technologies LLC is an innovative provider of eCommerce, eCatalog and customer portal solutions specifically for manufacturers looking to digitize their aftermarket sales efforts. Visit the GenAlpha web site at http://www.genalpha.com for more details on the company and their offerings.

TICO is mission driven to be the most respected provider of equipment and services in the port, terminal, distribution, logistics, and intermodal space. As a service provider, TICO partners with leading ports, terminal operators, and transportation enterprises adding value in their business that is not available from others. As a manufacturer of terminal tractors and trailers, TICO leverages their unique fleet operating and maintenance knowledge to be the one true innovator for the real world. For more information on TICO, visit their web site at http://www.ticotractors.com.Operation Homefront's Star-Spangled Babies We are honored to help this altruistic organization help our nations military families.

Welcoming a new baby to the family is exciting, but it can be tough for first time parents if finances are tight and your service member is deployed. Operation Homefront's Star-Spangled Babies program provides these new and expectant parents with early childhood education tips, baby supplies, and a support system when loved ones are far away, making it easier for service members and their growing families to welcome their newest addition.

Sister companies, the NALA and STARKART and their respective offices in Encino and Ventura , CA are hosting donation drives for the program from now until March 15. Donated items can be dropped off at 5535 Balboa Blvd., Suite 210, Encino, CA, and 1891 Goodyear Ave, Suite 620, Ventura, CA 93003.

Items needed include diapers (any size), wipes, toys 0-12 months, teethers, rattlers, stroller toys, push and pull toys, onesies, blankets and towels, and hygiene products, such as diaper cream, lotion, and baby shampoo. Bigger items are always welcome, such as gyms, jumpers, soothers or sound machines, baby monitors, and baby carriers/wraps.

We are honored to help this altruistic organization help our nations military families, said Tiffani Tendell, Vice President - Communications and Business Development at the NALA, which has introduced a multitude of diverse small businesses to one of its many top-rated charity partners via its collective cause marketing program.

Some of the NALA clients that are hosting drives for Operation Homefront include attorney James Curry, of Cyberlaw.io; Houston attorney David A. Fernandez, who focuses on debt defense; and Colorado RE/MAX Realtor Chris White.

Operation Homefront is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive  not simply struggle to get by  in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Operation Homefront provides military families with critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services throughout the year to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles.

Ninety-two percent of Operation Homefronts expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. In addition to meeting all of the BBBs business standards, Operation Homefront has consistently earned high ratings from leading charity rating services, including the Platinum level Transparency Seal from GuideStar.

To donate directly to Operation Homefront, please visit http://www.operationhomefront.org/donate.

About the NALA

The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. For more information or media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.

About STARKART

STARKART has the largest shopping cart advertising network throughout the United States and Canada offering grocery cart advertising reaching thousands of consumers. It offers small and medium-size businesses the chance to pinpoint their audience, reaching current and potential customers throughout their entire marketing area.

ALDIs private brands continue to grow in popularity as it expands. Consumers are discovering they can purchase quality private-branded products at ALDI at value prices.

Store Brands magazine, which covers the private brands industry in consumer packaged goods, has named ALDI as its 2019 Retailer of the Year.

Batavia, Ill.-based ALDI, which will see its footprint grow from more than 1,800 to about 2,500 stores by the end of 2022, received the award for differentiating itself with private brands that offer value, innovation and exclusivity. Through new product introductions and store growth, ALDI, which offers more than 90 percent assortment of exclusive brands, has and continues to have a direct impact on the growth of the private brands industry nationwide.

ALDI is disrupting the grocery industry with its fabulous selection of private brands, said Lawrence Aylward, editor-in-chief of Store Brands. ALDIs private brands continue to grow in popularity as it expands. Consumers are discovering they can purchase quality private-branded products at ALDI at value prices.

ALDI, which opened its first U.S. store in Iowa in 1976, doubled its size in the U.S. between 2008 and 2018.

More consumers are being exposed to ALDI and its products, Aylward said. And because ALDI offers outstanding private brands, more people trust private brands overall.

Aylward interviewed ALDI Co-President Brent Laubaugh for a cover story in Store Brands February issue, which celebrates ALDI as the magazines Retailer of the Year.

In a nutshell, our goal is very simple: Its to provide a really great shopping experience for our customers and offer high-quality products at affordable prices. Our private brands are integral to our success.

Store Brands magazine covers the private brands industry in retail grocery, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, club stores, convenience stores and drug stores. Store Brands is owned and operated by EnsembleIQ, a media, research and data company based in Chicago.

For more information, contact Aylward at 330-635-2586 or laylward (at) ensembleiq (dot) com.Stillwater Dwellings Home - Santa Ynez, CA "We are constantly seeking new ways to bring innovative, green energy solutions to our customers," Kaveh Khatibloo, Co-CEO Stillwater Dwellings

Stillwater Dwellings and Exponent Solar Energy have come together to now offer a fully integrated Green Energy Management Solution (GEMS) as a core part of Stillwater Dwellings home designs. Clients of Stillwater Dwellings can intelligently integrate solar energy management solutions at the very beginning stages of home design and planning. Not only will this allow the aesthetics of the home to remain elegant, this green energy solution will be optimized to take full advantage of the homes site specifications and provide the most efficient solar solution designed for the occupants lifestyle. This also serves as a simple solution to the California 2020 solar mandate which requires all new homes to be, in some measure, powered by solar.

By planning a comprehensive energy solution at the beginning stages of a home design, Stillwater Dwellings and Exponent Solar Energy are able to offer a seamless and efficient integration in lieu of a less effective, potentially awkward retroactive solar solution.

We are constantly seeking new ways to bring innovative, green energy solutions to our customers. Our partnership with Exponent Solar Energy allows us to build on our already sustainable home designs by offering customized solar energy solutions for each homeowner, Kaveh Khatibloo, Co-CEO, Stillwater Dwellings.

We are very excited about our partnership with Stillwater Dwellings. Our premium product and service offering aligns with the exceptionally beautiful and stylish homes that Stillwater designs and builds. We believe that our unique and integrated approach fills a void in the home design and construction industry. We look forward to bringing value-added clean energy products and aesthetically complementary solutions to discerning Stillwater clients and homeowners, Dan Thomas-Grant CEO, Exponent Solar Energy.

Exponent Solar Energy was founded in 2018 after one of its founders, who lost his home to a wildfire in 2017, discovered first hand that most regional and custom home builders across the U.S. are unable to offer solar or energy storage systems as part of their new home construction package. The company partners with boutique, custom, prefabricated and regional home builders to design and integrate comprehensive Solar Energy Management System into the construction of their clients new homes.

Stillwater Dwellings was founded in 2008 and has since established itself as a premier brand in the luxury prefab industry. Based in Seattle, Co-CEOs, Kaveh Khatibloo and John Morgan have built a talented team of architects, project managers and design professionals that has enabled Stillwater Dwellings to stay ahead of the growing demand for luxury prefabricated homes. In addition, Stillwater Dwellings has been a key player in helping wildfire ravaged communities in California rebuild their homes.

For more information, visit: Stillwater Dwellings or Exponent Solar EnergyIn his new role, Steve will be responsible for working closely with Traverse Systems clients to maximize the benefit they receive from the Traverse Systems platform.

Traverse Systems, an interdisciplinary team of supply chain professionals whose platform drives a unified understanding of your entire supply chain, today announced the promotion of Steve Askew to Vice President of Accounts.

In his new role, Steve will be responsible for working closely with Traverse Systems clients to maximize the benefit they receive from the Traverse Systems platform. In particular, Steve will oversee the implementation of custom solutions for new and existing clients.

For the last two decades, Steve has been building invaluable relationships with some of our longest-held clients, said Greg Holder, CEO of Traverse Systems. Were pleased to welcome him into the Vice President role because over the years, he has also exhibited incredible leadership skills that were confident will contribute to Traverse Platforms growth into new markets and capabilities.

An Industrial Engineer by education and craft, Steve began his career in retail logistics as a distribution center engineer at Dillards, Inc. He then moved into business process consulting and project management at Sabre Holdings as a certified Project Management Professional.

He then returned to the retail world in the role of implementation and account manager for Traverse Systems, where he has worked for over 17 years, most recently as an executive director. Steve has used his project management acumen to streamline implementation schedules and to make the implementation process more repeatable and consistent. Through standardization and improved resource alignment, Steve has reduced the average implementation timeline by over a month, resulting in a much shorter timeline to return on investment for Traverse Systems clients.

I love coming to work every day because I get to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with clients who are creating solutions to challenging problems in their supply chains, said Steve Askew, VP of Accounts at Traverse Systems. My new role will allow me to play an even bigger role in architecting and implementing custom solutions on our platform for clients with unique business challenges. 

The Traverse Platform aggregates data from disparate systems to drive a unified understanding of entire supply chains. The companys industry-specific supply chain solutions transform the operational center of any business from a cost center into a margin contributor. The Traverse Systems team also builds custom solutions to fit any organizations unique needs.

Traverse Systems will be exhibiting at the Retail Industry Leaders Associations LINK2019 in Orlando Florida from February 24 - 27. To learn more about Traverse Systems supply chain solutions, visit us at booth #305.

You can also learn more at https://www.traversesystems.com/.

About Traverse Systems

Traverse Systems is an interdisciplinary team of supply chain professionals. Our platform drives a unified understanding of your entire supply chain. For 18 years, we have served some of the worlds most respected brands including CVS, Burlington Stores, PepBoys, Tractor Supply, Kohls, and more.

In an era when competition is fierce, mistakes and miscommunication are acute sources of risk. Meanwhile, supply chains are more dynamic than ever. Markets and consumer expectations are changing rapidly, and old operational models are breaking under the pressure. Our job is to mitigate those risks with technology and expertise that optimizes performance and execution. We get business partners to peak performance and keep them there.

Our platform aggregates data from disparate systems and provides a holistic understanding of your operations so that nothing is left to chance.

Traverse Systems is proudly based in Sugar Land, Texas. To learn more, please visit: http://www.traversesystems.com.Service Express Unveils New $500K Enterprise Test Lab In Corporate Office The $500K production lab features a custom-designed Liebert air conditioning unit, a Panduit Net-Contain system, and is the primary workspace for the production and hardware solutions engineering teams.

Service Express, a leading third-party maintenance (TPM) provider, has opened a 2900 sq ft purpose-built enterprise test lab. The new lab, which is located at the companys headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is used to test data center parts, build and configure systems for customers, and for advanced technical training. The $500K production lab features a custom-designed Liebert air conditioning unit, a Panduit Net-Contain system, and is the primary workspace for the production and hardware solutions engineering teams.

The new space increases the previous production lab by 1000 sq ft, and offers unique purpose-driven features like non-magnetic whiteboard walls for collaboration, ESD-compliant coatings on all work surfaces, and OEM brand-specific cabinets to create test environments for training and best practice solution finding. The Liebert AC unit was specifically engineered for Service Express, with an elevated frame to improve airflow and efficiency.

To ensure quality functionality and cleanliness, every component that comes through the bulk purchase program is processed through this production lab. The production team processes approximately $7 million worth of data center equipment, or about 100,000 parts, annually. They complete this process with Zero Landfill output in conjunction with a local recycler partnership. The production team includes specialists for every technology typenetwork, storage, OS and systemsand once components are tested in the native environment, the part moves to the primary distribution center, located next to the lab.

The solutions engineering team, who provide technical consultations for the hardware sales team and customers, also work from within the new lab. This team holds multiple certifications, from VMware to storage, and build, configure and stress test solutions. They complete OS installations, preinstallations, storage configurations and even rack and stacks. Their space in the new production lab serves training needs with environments to create DR mockups and recreating customers infrastructure to test throughput and performance for best results. In addition, the team can stand up a customers entire environment within the lab and provide the customer remote access to configure their own equipment or check on the status prior to delivery.

About Service Express

Service Express is a leading third-party maintenance (TPM) provider of hardware support for data center infrastructure focused on mission-critical server, storage, and network equipment. In addition to post-warranty maintenance, Service Express offers hardware system solutions, sales and upgrades, OS support, IT asset recovery and data center relocation services. Founded in 1993, Service Express maintains multivendor data center equipment for hospitals, manufacturing plants, universities, banks, Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, government agencies, and other mid-to-large companies worldwide. For more information about Service Express, visit https://www.serviceexpress.com/.

Tenant Screening USA Laws change very quickly and in light of all the activity in Seattle landlords across the country should take note and work with a professional tenant screening agency.

In Seattle a recent law regarding housing, the Fair Chance Housing Act, continues to create confusion and concern as landlords and property managers challenge fairness of such a law and the impact it has on the ability to choose tenants. Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com, opines: The Fair Chance Housing Act does not allow landlords or property managers to check a potential tenants criminal history and, with this significant change in tenant screening, should push all landlords and property managers to work with a well-qualified third-party tenant screening agency in order to stay fully compliant with law.

The Fair Chance Housing Act in Seattle, Washington, is being challenged by landlords and property managers on a variety of grounds.

From MHPMag.com (Jan 24, 19):

But an unprecedented new city law forbidding landlords from checking into potential renters criminal pastis very much in dispute and setting up a closely-watched court battle.

Landlords argue their free speech, property rights and possibly their safety is being jeopardized by a law that forces them to close their eyes to relevant public information about possible tenants. Theyre backed by landlord groups and background screeners who call the ordinance a perilous precedent. (1)

A primary responsibility of the tenant check is risk mitigation. It is a landlords responsibility to maintain protections on person and property as they vet new tenants.

Almeida adds: Protection of existing long-term tenants, protection of property, and protection of community are key considerations made during the vetting process of new tenants. Subsequently, a tenant check becomes a critical tool in the vetting process.

But are such measures justified? With evictions and potential homelessness on the rise it may be something to consider.

From SeattleWeekly.com (Jan 16, 19):

As Seattles median income has continued to rise in recent years, high-rent burdens have plagued lower-income renters, some of whom are falling behind on rent. A September 2018 report by the Seattle Womens Commission and the Housing Justice Project of the King County Bar Association showed that 86.5 percent of the nearly 1,500 Seattle residents who faced eviction proceedings in 2017 had failed to pay their rent. The study, Losing Home: The Human Cost of Eviction in Seattle, found that eviction filings disproportionately affect people of color, with women more likely to face eviction for small sums of back rent amounting to $100 or less. And once renters experience eviction, they can be slapped with legal fees, disqualified from rental-assistance programs, and catapulted into homelessness. (2)

Ultimately laws will continue to change and evolve. Evictions and criminal records history are key records utilized in tenant screening, and changes to their use and availability will continue to challenge landlords and property managers.

Almeida concludes: Laws change very quickly and in light of all the activity in Seattle landlords across the country should take note and work with a well-qualified third-party tenant screening agency in order to stay fully compliant with law.

TenantScreeningUSA.com is a third-party tenant screening agency with highly trained investigators well versed in the legal and lawful use of criminal history reports, and all public record reports, as part of a complete tenant check.

Notes:

(1) mhpmag.com/2019/01/does-the-seattle-housing-law-forbidding-landlords-from-checking-tenants-criminal-history-go-too-far/

(2) seattleweekly.com/news/seattle-set-to-propose-eviction-reform/SCREENPOINT MEDICAL - BEST NEW RADIOLOGY VENDOR 2019

ScreenPoint Medical is honoured to be winner of the Best New Radiology Vendor in the inaugural EuroMinnie awards 2019. According to the announcement by Philip Ward, Editor in Chief of AuntMinnieEurope.com, "So many of the great achievements in radiology have their roots in Europe, so it's only fitting that we now have the EuroMinnies as a vehicle to recognize the European imaging community's many accomplishments."

"The team at ScreenPoint Medical is very proud and honoured to have been recognized and receive this important award," said Co-Founder and CEO, Nico Karssemeijer. The EuroMinnies are a prestigious award and we are very grateful to AuntMinnieEurope.com and their expert panel for selecting us".

At ECR 2019 in Vienna, ScreenPoint Medical (Expo X1  Booth #120) will present the latest version of Transpara Artificial Intelligence (AI) system, which processes 2D, 3D and combo mammography exams and is integrated in the workstations of an increasing number of OEM partners.

ScreenPoint Medicals Transpara is the first AI application for detecting breast cancer in screening mammograms to gain 510(k) Clearance from the FDA, based on its unique functionality which interactively provides support for detection and diagnosis. The Clearance was supported by the results of a multi-reader, multi-case Reader Study, which demonstrated that radiologists significantly improved detection accuracy when using Transpara for decision support without increasing reading times.

About the EuroMinnie awards:

The EuroMinnies awards enable Europeans to acknowledge the contributions of their peers to the field of radiology. EuroMinnies candidates are nominated by the 29,000-plus members of AuntMinnieEurope.com, with winners chosen by a panel of experts after two rounds of voting. The EuroMinnies are based on the Minnies, the successful awards event held for the past 19 years by AuntMinnieEurope.com's sister site, AuntMinnie.com.

About ScreenPoint Medical BV:

ScreenPoint Medical develops image analysis technology for automated reading of mammograms and digital breast tomosynthesis exams, exploiting Big Data, Deep Learning and the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence. ScreenPoint Medical was founded in 2014 by Nico Karssemeijer and Michael Brady, two experts in breast imaging, machine learning, computer vision, and computer-aided detection. The main office is in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. For more information, please contact info@screenpointmed.comI am looking forward to the opportunity to position RoviSys for exponential growth. This new role will increase the focus on current and future initiatives in many areas, including Life Science, MES, and IIoT.

RoviSys, a leading independent provider of comprehensive process automation, information systems, and building automation solutions is pleased to announce that Chris Otto has been promoted to Vice President, Southeast Region. Chris joined RoviSys as an engineer in 1997 and has grown into various leadership roles. Since 2013 he has served as Southeast Regional Director, a role in which he has provided direction for the Southeast Region management team that has led to consistent growth and diversification.

In his new role, Chris will provide leadership for the local management team to expand RoviSys in the Southeast. This will include geographical expansion, market diversification, and broadening of provided services. He will ensure RoviSys continues building strong client relationships, providing the highest level of customer service, and adapting to changing client needs. A special focus will be placed on engaging with clients to meet their IIoT initiatives, an area in which RoviSys is uniquely positioned with a strong background in process automation, MES, and network services.

We are pleased to recognize the significant contributions Chris has made to our organization, said John Turk, Co-President of RoviSys. Under his leadership Southeast Regional business steadily increased and geographical reach expanded. We look forward to continuing on the path of sustained growth with Chris guidance.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to position RoviSys for exponential growth, said Otto. This new role opens direct communication between myself and our senior leadership team, which will increase the focus on current and future initiatives in Life Science and an ever-expanding range of automation and information solutions.

Additionally, the promotion of George Calvin to Southeast Region Director and Adam Richards to Group Manager enables RoviSys to maximize the contributions of experienced staff and provide proven solutions that deliver positive business outcomes for every customer.

In his new role, George Calvin will be responsible for growing the Life Science business in the Southeast, including new client acquisition and business diversification. Since joining RoviSys in 1999 George has been instrumental in establishing RoviSys in the Southeast region and building relationships with key Life Science clients.

Adam Richards joined RoviSys in 2004 and relocated to North Carolina office in 2007. He has been involved in system engineering activities with key clients, served as account owner identifying new business, managing projects, and developing new engineers. Most recently he has served as an account owner and project manager. In his new role, Adam will continue to contribute to the growth of the Life Science business.

About RoviSys

The RoviSys Company provides resources, experience and skills to solve and support process control automation and integration, building automation, and information challenges, with 30 years of real solutions for the Chemical, Petrochemical, Life Science, Consumer Packaged Goods, Glass, Metals, Power & Energy, Water & Wastewater, Paper & Wood, Oil & Gas, Data Centers, and Building Technology industries. In 2005, RoviSys expanded operations into North Carolina. Today over 150 staff operate from a state-of-the-art building in Holly Springs. For more information, including other locations, visit http://www.rovisys.com.

Helping doctors create closer, more connected relationships with their patients and communities is our passion at RevenueWell

RevenueWell Systems, LLC, a leading provider of patient engagement solutions for the modern dental practice, announced today the availability of RevenueWell Phone in partnership with LogMeIns Jive Communications. RevenueWell Phone incorporates Jive Voice, an award-winning cloud-based unified communications service. When coupled with RevenueWells current capabilities, RevenueWell Phone will give dental practice staff new and improved ways to engage with their patients.

Also today, the company joined the Jive Partnerplus program as a Full Service Partner, enabling RevenueWell and Jive to enhance the delivery of communication services to the dental community, serving customers with new ways to provide voice calling and text messaging.

RevenueWell offers a truly unique and simple patient experience that complements Jive and enables dental practices to stand out amongst their peers, said Jim Somers, Vice President of Marketing, UCC at LogMeIn. Together we offer industry-leading communications services that will drive efficiencies, strengthen patient loyalty, and lead to long-term growth. Were very excited about this partnership.

RevenueWell Phone will incorporate the 80+ features of Jives state-of-the-art cloud-based service, two-way texting from the practices main number, and screen pop functionality. Dental staff will know who is calling before they answer incoming phone calls and have access to patient, appointment, payment, and other contextual data.

Helping doctors create closer, more connected relationships with their patients and communities is our passion at RevenueWell, says Serge Longin, Founder at RevenueWell. We are excited to partner with Jive to launch this innovative new communication service. RevenueWell Phone will help doctors bring the rich integrated context from their practice management system to every phone conversation with their patients.

RevenueWell Phone is commercially available for new customers, and as an upgrade for current customers.

The two companies will jointly demonstrate RevenueWell Phone capabilities at the Chicago Dental Society 2019 Midwinter Meeting, Booth 634, taking place February 21 through 23, 2019.

About RevenueWell (http://www.revenuewell.com)

Founded in 2010, RevenueWell is a premier provider of marketing and communications technology solutions that help dentists and dental practices create better and more connected relationships with their patients and their communities. RevenueWell is headquartered in the Chicago area and in 2018 was named one of Chicagos Fast Fifty fastest growing companies and Best Places to Work by Crains Chicago Business.

About LogMeIn

LogMeIn, Inc. simplifies how people connect with each other and the world around them to drive meaningful interactions, deepen relationships, and create better outcomes for individuals and businesses. One of the worlds top 10 public SaaS companies, and a market leader in communication & conferencing, identity & access, and customer engagement & support solutions, LogMeIn has millions of customers spanning virtually every country across the globe. LogMeIn is headquartered in Boston with additional locations in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.QuadraNet Celebrates Seattle Expansion with 75,000 Square Foot Data Center "This new location is a value-centric option for those who desire, maintain, or operate infrastructure within the Northwest region, and require unwavering network quality and service levels. - Dustin B. Cisneros, QuadraNet Global Sales Manager

QuadraNet Enterprises, LLC. has expanded their strategic list of data center locations and is now providing services out of their new 75,000 square foot facility located at 6906 South 204th Street, Kent, WA 98032.

This newest facility is located less than 30 minutes from the downtown-metro Seattle area, with access to the coveted Seattle Internet Exchange renowned for network carrier diversity. The single-story data center offers fully-conditioned raised-floor space that is capable of providing a 100% power uptime service level guarantee and is ideal for businesses with high-density critical loads and the most stringent redundancy requirements. In addition, the extensive on-net carrier options provide low-latency routes across the United States, Canada, Asia, and more.

QuadraNets Global Sales Manager, Dustin B. Cisneros commented, Our new Seattle location finally completes the puzzle for QuadraNets West Coast presence. Now with a Northwest location immediately available (Seattle), this new location is a value-centric option for those who desire, maintain, or operate infrastructure within the Northwest region, and require unwavering network quality and service levels.

The state-of-the-art facility includes NIST 800-53/FISMA, SOC 1 Type 2, PCI DSS, SOC 2 Type 2, HIPAA, and ISO27001 certifications  therefore meeting and exceeding common compliance standards for even the most regulated of industries. Security, a strong consideration for selecting a data center is prioritized via physical security monitoring and centralized control, along with full-time on-site security officers. Security and redundancy measures were priority considerations in the design and expansion of this facility, Cisneros elaborates, The attention to detail and engineering of the cooling, power, and networking topologies leaves nothing left to desire. In addition, the full-time on-site personnel ensure smooth daily operations. We have set a high standard of offering our global clientele services without compromise, and this new Seattle facility delivers these expectations flawlessly.

With the opening of this new data center, QuadraNet will be able to accommodate clients requiring unique space and power requirements at unparalleled operating cost savings in the United States Northwest region. In addition, QuadraNets unique and full-suite of IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) solutions are also available within this facility.

For more information, please visit http://www.quadranet.com

About QuadraNet:

QuadraNet Enterprises, LLC., since 2001, has long been a leader in hosting and data center solutions as a telecommunications provider in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. QuadraNet has grown to become one of the largest providers of dedicated servers, colocation, cloud hosting, and bandwidth services. In additional to Los Angeles, QuadraNet has expanded to offer services to major metropolitan areas such as: Dallas, TX, Miami, FL, Atlanta, GA, Secaucus, New Jersey, and Seattle, WA. With a team of highly-skilled professionals that are passionate and excel at designing and implementing the perfect solution for clients and their businesses, QuadraNet has a chief focus on providing consistent and exceptional service and support. Facilities and services are staff and monitored around-the-clock to assist with everything from routine memory upgrades to advanced systems troubleshooting.One of the most critical issues facing our society is access to affordable higher education, says Grant Aldrich, Founder of OnlineDegree.com

Grand Canyon University (GCU) and OnlineDegree.com are working together to help make higher education more affordable and accessible for people across the country. Prospective GCU students will be able to satisfy general education requirements at OnlineDegree.com through self-paced online courses, tuition-free to the sites participants. Thus, significantly lowering the total cost of education and removing impediments that often prevent individuals from taking initial steps toward their degree.

At OnlineDegree.com, students can receive college credit toward their degree taking online courses without the normal applications, entrance exams, or tuition associated with traditional institutions. The fast-growing platform was created by startup veterans and leading academics in higher education to help people go back to school. OnlineDegree.com not only prepares adults for collegiate learning, but works with participating accredited universities to award transfer credit for students completion of the courses. With thousands of students now enrolling every month, this provides a flexible pathway for busy adults to complete general education requirements and lower the cost of a college education.

One of the most critical issues facing our society is access to affordable higher education, says Grant Aldrich, Founder of OnlineDegree.com. To enact real change, we must address the issues preventing people from getting the education they need. Grand Canyon University is bringing about that change.

Grand Canyon University is Arizonas premier private Christian university helping students find their purpose with next-generation education, including over 200 academic programs with many in high-demand fields. GCU offers traditional students and working professionals generous scholarship opportunities, student support resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and more. A nonprofit institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, GCU has been providing a consistent and effective online learning platform for more than a decade, with an advanced online learning management system and a variety of online library resources available anytime, anywhere.

Grand Canyon University has a long history of making college more attainable for busy adults and non-traditional students, says Cameron Whitcomb, Director of Strategic Alliances. Working together with OnlineDegree.com furthers our mission of helping everyone reach a faith-based institution offering both academic quality and integrity.

Through the alliance with OnlineDegree.com, prospective students will have up to 44 units of available credit that could be applied toward a degree at GCU. OnlineDegree.com students will also receive an additional 10% scholarship off tuition from the standard tuition rates when they enroll.

For more information, students can visit https://bit.ly/2SRpFhX .

About Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is Arizonas premier private Christian university helping students find their purpose with next-generation education, including over 230 academic programs with many in high-demand fields. GCU offers traditional students and working professionals generous scholarship opportunities, student support resources, on-campus state-of-the-art facilities, dynamic online classrooms, innovative learning experiences and more. https://www.gcu.edu

About OnlineDegree.com

On a mission to make higher education more affordable and accessible for everyone, OnlineDegree.com is a team of startup veterans and leading academics who believe everyone should have the ability to go to college. Through its free platform, students can explore different courses and subjects on their own schedule, be better prepared for collegiate learning, and could receive college credits toward their degree at participating universities throughout the United States. Working adults now have a bridge to start their path back to school regardless of their finances or busy schedules. https://www.onlinedegree.com/about-us/.

Media Contact

OnlineDegree.com Press Team

Email: press (at) onlinedegree (dot) com

Grand Canyon University

Bob Romantic - 602-639-7611 bob.romantic (at) gcu (dot) eduThe companies on CRNs 2019 MSP 500 list stand out for their innovative services, excellence in adapting to customers changing needs and demonstrated ability to help businesses get the most out of their IT investments.

OneNeck IT Solutions was named to the 2019 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Elite 150 list. This annual list, published by CRN (a brand of The Channel Company) recognizes North American solution providers with innovative approaches to managed services. These services help businesses improve operational efficiencies, maximize return on IT investments and continuously help them navigate the complexities of IT solutions.

MSPs are integral to the success of businesses everywhere. They empower companies to implement and operate complex technologies while staying within their budgets and keeping focus on their core business. CRNs MSP 500 list identifies the most groundbreaking managed service organizations, with advanced solutions that have endless potential for growth.

Being included in this list shines a light on the most forward-thinking, innovative solution providers, says Terry Swanson, president and CEO of OneNeck. Our inclusion is a testament to our employees and their ability to define, then architect and implement solutions that truly fit our clients individual needs.

CRNs MSP 500 list is divided into three categories:

1) MSP Pioneer 250 recognizes companies with business models weighted toward managed services and is largely focused on the SMB market

2) MSP Elite 150 recognizes large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on-premises and off-premises services

3) Managed Security 100 recognizes MSPs focused primarily on off-premises, cloud-based security services

Capable MSPs enable companies to take their cloud computing to the next level, streamline spending, effectively allocate limited resources and navigate the vast field of available technologies, said Bob Skelley, CEO of The Channel Company. The companies on CRNs 2019 MSP 500 list stand out for their innovative services, excellence in adapting to customers changing needs and demonstrated ability to help businesses get the most out of their IT investments.

OneNeck operates top-tier data centers around the U.S. and provides a range of hybrid IT, colocation, enterprise application management, managed and cloud services. Visit oneneck.com for more information.

The MSP 500 list is featured in the February 2019 issue of CRN and is available online.

About OneNeck

OneNeck IT Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., employs nearly 550 people throughout the U.S. The company offers hybrid IT solutions including cloud and hosting solutions, managed services, enterprise application management, advanced IT services, hardware and local connectivity via top-tier data centers in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon and Wisconsin. OneNeck's team of technology professionals manage secure, world-class, hybrid IT infrastructures and applications for businesses around the country. Visit oneneck.com.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS], a Fortune 1000 company, provides wireless; cable and wireline broadband, TV and voice; and hosted and managed services. TDS has approximately six million connections nationwide through its businesses U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom, OneNeck IT Solutions LLC, and TDS Broadband Service. In 2018, TDS was named to three Forbes lists: Americas Best Employers for Diversity, Best Large Employers, and Best Employers for Women. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, TDS employs 9,600 people. Visit tdsinc.com.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. thechannelco.com

Copyright 2019. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved. Follow The Channel Company: Twitter | LinkedIn | FacebookWere thrilled to be introducing some industry-leading products at this years IHHS, shares Stephenson, And we invite everyone in attendance to stop by and see us at our booth and have some fun.

NewAir Appliances, a California-based manufacturer and distributor of compact home appliances, has announced it will be introducing several new products at this years International Home + Housewares Show (IHHS), March 2-5, 2019 in Chicago.

Included in the companys new product unveiling is an all-new Dual Zone Wine and Beverage Fridge that features an innovative SplitShelf configuration for optimized, separate storage of wine and canned beverages. In addition, NewAirs New Product Showcase will include a unique, custom designed Beers of the World Fridge.

NewAirs booth, located at the Lakeside Building at L12654, will also highlight the companys branded partnerships with Frigidaire evaporative coolers and misting fans, Magic Chef air fryers and water dispensers, and custom designed Pepsi fridges.

Attendees will have an opportunity to see a variety of other NewAir products as well, from innovative heating and cooling appliances to the latest in portable ice makers.

According to Andrew Stephenson, Director of Product Marketing, this years show is an ideal opportunity for NewAir to showcase its exciting new products. Were thrilled to be introducing some industry-leading products at this years IHHS, shares Stephenson, And we invite everyone in attendance to stop by and see us at our booth and have some fun.

Along with its new product introductions, the company will be staging a free drawing for a new custom beer fridge on the final day of the show.

About NewAir Appliances

California-based NewAir Appliances is a manufacturer and distributor of compact home appliances, including everything from beverage coolers to portable laundry solutions. Their wide range of products are carried by the largest retailers in North America, and NewAir is dedicated to exceptional customer service at their responsive in-house call center. NewAir's focus on value and quality over the past 15 years has made them one of the most trusted names in home appliances. See all of their products at http://www.newair.com.

Follow NewAir Appliances on Facebook

Tweet us @NewAirUSA

Follow us on Instagram @NewAirUSA

Watch us on YouTube @NewAirUSA

Media Contact:

Andrew Stephenson, Director of Product Marketing

Email: press(at)newair.com

Tel: (657) 257-4326

Website: http://www.newair.com

IHA is the 81-year-old voice of the housewares industry, which accounted for (US)$364.2 billion at retail worldwide in 2017 ($91.6 billion at retail in the U.S.). The not-for-profit, full-service association sponsors the world's premier exposition of products for the home, the International Home + Housewares Show, and offers its 1,700 member companies a wide range of services, including industry and government advocacy, export assistance, State-of-the-Industry reports, point-of-sale and consumer panel data through Housewares MarketWatch, executive management peer groups, group buying discounts on business solutions services and direct-to-consumer engagement through TheInspiredHome.com.New SMU Professional and Online Program Enhances Career Advancements for Professionals The distinct advantage for students enrolling in SMU PRO is the fact that the professional and online programs and courses are rooted in the world-class reputation of SMU, says Larenda Mielke, Associate Provost for SMU Global and Online.

At SMU, the new Professional and Online initiative helps professionals develop new skills and earn certificates and graduate degrees through a high-quality, virtual and in-person classroom experience. Expanding the SMU experience to new student opportunities, masters degrees in cybersecurity and data science lead the way. In addition, new online certificate courses in data science-related topics are running now. The degrees and certificates represent a transformation of SMUs continuing education program. The resulting Professional and Online department, called SMU PRO within the SMU Global and Online division, was created this year to provide needs-driven, rigorous, relevant programs conveniently accessed from a top-ranked university.

The distinct advantage for students enrolling in SMU PRO is the fact that the professional and online programs and courses are rooted in the world-class reputation of SMU, says Larenda Mielke, Associate Provost for SMU Global and Online. In an ever-evolving global economy, professionals must embrace the latest technologies and new skillsets to advance in their careers. SMU PRO originated to offer masters degrees, professional certificates and courses to propel professionals career satisfaction, earning potential and job security.

SMU PRO provides adult learners with distinct opportunities and access:



Distinguished faculty and highly experienced practitioners to ensure students receive an education thats meaningful and interactive, both on campus and online.

SMUs deep ties to industry regionally, throughout the U.S., and internationally.

Access to SMUs global alumni organization connecting students to an extensive, involved network for career placement, advice and advancements.

SMU PRO Corporate Programs

Employers attract and retain the best talent by delivering diverse, innovative and affordable educational development. SMU PROs corporate programs offer technical- and data-related courses as well as experiential courses to build soft skills and improve group dynamics. From artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics and digital marketing, to leadership and project management, SMU PRO can customize business and technology solutions with courses offered online or in person, and at the employers location or on campus.

SMU PRO Professional Development and Certificate Programs

Individual professionals can expand knowledge, sharpen skills and update professional expertise through online and in-person certificate programs such as Cloud for Systems Integration, Cybersecurity Risk and Analysis, Digital Marketing, Digital Analytics and Insights, and UX Design.

With SMU PRO, students can strengthen their resumes and explore new fields of interest by acquiring competencies that employers are seeking  all delivered from leading faculty and instructors who are experts in their field, says Kimberly Rutigliano, Managing Director of SMU PRO. Our vision is that SMU PRO provides the professional power that leads to students success.

SMU PRO offers financial aid and special assistance to the veteran community, including the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Prospective students, participants, and employers are invited to explore SMU.edu/PRO, call 214-768-2273 or email smupro@smu.edu to learn more.

About SMU PRO

SMU Professional and Online, SMU PRO, is an initiative of the nationally ranked and globally recognized research university in Dallas, SMU. Offering student professionals skills in demand from employers, SMU PRO provides a wide range of degrees, certificates and short courses to help professionals advance in their careers or transition successfully to new ones. SMU PRO presents in-person and convenient online degree programs and courses using transformative technology that delivers a high-quality, classroom-like experience. SMU PRO now offers in-person and online masters degrees in two sought-after fields of cybersecurity and data science. For more information, visit SMU.edu/PRO, on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @SMU_PRO.

About SMU

SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMUs alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in seven degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, communities and the world.After months of planning, we brought together the premier home repair and maintenance professionals in New Jersey, all licensed and bonded, to offer repair, maintenance, and home improvement services to our managed communities.

mem property management, one of the leading property management companies in New Jersey, recently announced the launch of mem construction services, a comprehensive repair, maintenance and improvement solution for associations and residential communities in New Jersey.

Over the past 30 years, we have been helping residents enjoy their home with best in class service and expert property management that is without equal, explains Martin Laderman, founder and CEO of mem property management and co-founder and President of mem construction services, our communities and management team were continually frustrated with the delays, costly mistakes and extraordinary expenses associated with routine repairs and maintenance, as well as emergency work and restoration. It became obvious that there was a better, faster and more affordable option that should be made available to our managed communities, so after months of planning, we brought together the premier home repair and maintenance professionals in New Jersey, all licensed and bonded, to offer repair, maintenance and home improvement services to our managed communities.

mem construction services will offer general repairs, including: deck repair/replacement; interior repair; roof and skylight repair; fencing; siding/wood repair; foundation repair; gutter repair/cleaning; debris removal; water damage restoration.

For over thirty years, mem has been providing New Jerseys top associations and residential communities with a range of professional services including: vendor management and contractor supervision; building inspections and maintenance needs analysis; financial management and association budget preparation and review; and day to day management and oversight.

Through a series of strategic acquisitions and attracting many of the most experienced property management professionals in the region, mem has become one of the fastest growing private companies in the country recognized in the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, while retaining the personalized touch and customized, hands-on approach that has contributed to its success serving multi-family properties in New Jersey.

In 2013, mem property management was invited to join the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as an Accredited Business, and has consistently maintained an A+ rating  earning the respect and loyalty of residents and board members with a proven record of trustworthiness, ethics, and commitment to outstanding client service.

We are very excited for this next stage in our companys evolution, says Laderman. On behalf of our extraordinary team, we appreciate the confidence and trust placed in our company by our clients all across New Jersey and look forward to introducing mem construction services.

About mem property management

mem property management supports a diverse range of communities throughout New Jersey, from ocean-front condominiums to large master-planned communities to age-restricted active adult communities.

Through a series of strategic acquisitions and attracting the most experienced property management professionals in the region, mem property management has become one of the fastest growing private companies in the country, recognized in the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, while retaining the personalized touch and customized, hands-on approach that has contributed to its success serving multi-family properties in New Jersey.

To learn more about mem property management corporation or mem construction services, please visit http://www.memproperty.com/ or call 201-798-1080.

Nursing Program Director, Dr. Colleen Koob (right), works with a nursing student during a hands-on exercise in Beal's nursing lab.

Maines healthcare system is facing a crisis that affects most of our population. As a state we are experiencing a critical shortage of registered nurses to care for our citizens in hospitals, doctors offices, and outpatient or nursing home facilities. This medical field deficit isnt a new concept. Maine has been facing this growing issue for the past decade and we are finally witnessing its peak.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that the need for skilled nurses is only going to continue to grow (an astounding 15% by 2026). Adding more job openings to the already desperate list is going to keep Maine residents from being properly cared for. Just in one simple job search on indeed.com, there are over 300 openings for registered nurses in the Bangor area alone. Some Maine healthcare organization have even taken to some unconventional means to attract nursing prospects to fill their positions. These tactics have included bringing in nurses from other countries like the Philippines or the recent law enacted to use military veterans experience in lieu of coursework to gain interest and speed up their entrance into the medical field.

Its quite clear that we need registered nurses in Maine. Beal College has recently made the decision to help join the cause to get these honorable positions filled. Under the supervision of program director, Dr. Colleen Koob, RN, BSN, DNP, Beal College is now offering a 20 month Nursing Associates Degree (ADN) program at their institution. Completion of Beals new nursing program allows for students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), and apply for state licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Maine.

While the Maine Department of Labor, Maine Nursing Action Coalition, and many other universities and institutions are trying to find successful solutions to the shortage of nursing professionals graduating in Maine every year, Beal College is setting out to make this rewarding career more accessible to its potential students.

Choosing a Nursing program can be even more nerve-wracking than the application process, writes Koob. According to the Nursing Schools Almanac, there are over 15 accredited nursing programs in Maine. Beal College understands that solving the nursing shortage is not going to be done with rigid schedules, a hands-off instructional approach, or even daunting wait-lists.

Students who choose Beals 20 month ADN will have first-hand experiential learning at clinical placements in the area as part of their curriculum. Students have the opportunity to start their educational journey into nursing at 3 different start times per year. Beal continually offers flexible modular scheduling for all students to meet the needs of traditional and nontraditional students alike. Most impressively, Beal has no wait-lists for their nursing program!

Ultimately, the best nursing program is the program that matches your needs and ambitions, says Koob. Beal is looking to meet the needs of their students and foster their ambitions in order to graduate compassionate, professional registered nurses in Maine. Koob also encourages nursing students to find the program that fits them by looking to the content of the curriculum, NCLEX-RN success rate, instructor availability and experience, as well as where the student sees themselves in five years. These are all elements that Beal is excited to stand behind in their new nursing program.

Koob adds ... if the curriculum fits your style of care, this truly is a[n] indicator of a good fit.

Beal College is enthusiastic about being this good fit that the Bangor area seeks. Their program hopes to educate and inspire those who want to make the career change or advancement that might fill our states noticeable void of nursing professionals. Beal is committed to helping their dedicated nursing students get the training they need to care for our local and state community.

One of the three start time opportunities for Beals nursing program is slated to begin April 29th, 2019 with openings available. If you have a knack for helping others, an interest in the medical profession, and a want to take advantage of these vast and growing opportunities in your community, contact Beal College by visiting their website BealCollege.edu or by calling Admissions today at (207) 307-3900.

A dynamic and rewarding career is just waiting for you to answer the call to action with a nursing program like the one that Beal College now offers. Become an important part of the solution to Maines nursing shortage.Lynxspring, Inc. (https://www.lynxspring.com), a privately-held company that develops and manufactures open, software and hardware platforms for smart buildings, and edge-to-enterprise integration and applications, today announced a reorganization to better serve the changing needs of its clients and the industry they serve.

Lynxspring, founded in 2002 by long-time industry veteran, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board Terry Swope, has focused on providing the innovative technology, products and services that have helped propel their market-leading position.

Based on strong growth and increasing market demand, Lynxspring has reorganized its Executive team, designed to orient the company more precisely to the needs of its clients, as well as to focus on the opportunities in the fast-growing smart buildings and edge-to-enterprise markets.

Effective March 1st, Melissa Dziurawiec will be appointed to the new position of President of the reorganized Lynxspring. Melissa Dziurawiec will lead the daily operations and manage the financial strength of the company to provide direct analytic, operational and administrative support to the entire Lynxspring executive team. Her responsibilities will consist of Finance, Accounting, Administration, Human Resources, Sales, Technical Support, Marketing, Training, and Professional Services. Dziurawiec has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2010 and joined the Lynxspring team in 2007.

Robert Hirsch will be appointed Chief Technology Officer. Robert Hirsch will lead Lynxsprings heightened industry- and customer-focused initiatives in research & development, production, product execution, quality assurance, and the Connexxion software group. Hirsch has served as Chief Operating Officer for Lynxspring since 2003.

Melissa Dziurawiec and Robert Hirsch will continue to report to Terry Swope, who will remain Lynxsprings CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Melissa and Robert will be supported by the companys current executive team members including Marc Petock, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Joe Cahill, Chief Operations Officer, Bob Mealey, Vice President, Enterprise Accounts, and Pat Hirsch, Vice President, OEM Business. Each will retain their individual responsibilities towards delivering on the companys vision, mission and achieving its goals.

Terry Swope said, Melissa and Robert, as well as the entire Lynxspring executive team, have been working tirelessly to improve our market position and they both have enthusiastic goals for the future of our company. After working with Ms. Dziurawiec for the past twelve years, I can say that she has proven her ability to lead, develop, and execute financial and strategic plans while keeping a clear focus on our core values and growth. Terry Swope added, From the beginning of the company, Robert has helped develop Lynxsprings plan for long-term growth, capitalizing on developing our technical prowess and excellence in customer service.

This reorganization is an important step in securing the future of Lynxspring by establishing a corporate structure on which we can continue building value into what Lynxspring brings to our customers and our whole industry, said Melissa Dziurawiec, the new President of Lynxspring, Inc.

Taking a value-added approach to every aspect of our business has made it possible to demonstrate to our clients that Lynxspring is their partner in success. Our success resides solely on their success, said Robert Hirsch, Lynxsprings new Senior Vice President and CTO. This re-assessment of ourselves demonstrates our commitment to providing the best products and services to our customers.

Lynxspring is the developer and manufacturer of the award-winning JENEsys Edge and Onyxx families of IoT building equipment controllers, gateways and bridges, and the Connexxion data engine and visualization platform, essential for creating todays smart buildings, the Building IoT (BIoT) and Industrial IoT (IIOT). More information about Lynxspring products, services and Certification training is available at http://www.lynxspring.com.

About Lynxspring, Inc.

Embracing open software and hardware platforms, Lynxspring develops, manufactures and distributes edge-to-enterprise solutions and IoT technology to create intelligent buildings, better energy management systems, equipment control and specialty machine-to-machine and IoT applications. Lynxspring technologies and solutions simplify connectivity, integration, interoperability, data access and normalization and analytics from the edge to the enterprise and are used by system integrators, original equipment manufacturers and national enterprise accounts. The companys solutions are deployed in billions of square feet of commercial settings in the United States and internationally. More information about Lynxspring is available at: https://www.lynxspring.com.

Media Contact:

Marc Petock

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Lynxspring, Inc.

marc(dot)petock(at)lynxspring(dot)com

+1-877-649-5969Calling all startups, scale-ups, entrepreneurs and innovators! There are less than two weeks left to submit a big idea to Paint the Future, a startup challenge designed by AkzoNobel to discover new and revolutionary solutions that will accelerate innovation in the world of paints and coatings. The competitions deadline is March 1, 2019.

The challenge connects bright minds and promising solutions from across the globe with AkzoNobels expertise, global scale and resources. Innovators, challenge teams, institutions and industry experts will work together to enhance the submitted ideas, forming a truly collaborative ecosystem.

Launched in partnership with KPMG, the challenge focuses on five key areas:

1. Smart application

2. Enhanced functionality

3. Circular solutions

4. Life science infusion

5. Predictable performance

The deadline for new submissions is March 1, 2019. Participants on the platform will continue to explore, discuss and enrich ideas until March 12, after which AkzoNobel experts will select finalists to participate in the finals event in Amsterdam May 14 to 16. Shortly thereafter, the company will begin working with winners on sustainable business opportunities. Watch the video on the Paint the Future challenge here: https://youtu.be/Nmrvhd610YA

To learn more about the five categories for the innovation challenge, to submit solutions and to read comments on existing submissions, visit http://www.letspaintthefuture.com.

About AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel has a passion for paint. Were experts in the proud craft of making paints and coatings, setting the standard in color and protection since 1792. Our world class portfolio of brands  including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon  is trusted by customers around the globe. Headquartered in the Netherlands, we are active in over 150 countries and employ around 35,000 talented people who are passionate about delivering the high-performance products and services our customers expect.

Not for publication  for more information

Media Relations

T +31 (0)88  969 7833

Contact: Joost Ruempol

Media.relations(at)akzonobel.com"Seamless accessibility for all is a concern as we continue to grow, and we found the right partner with Level Access to accomplish this goal." Michael Hawkins, svp of engineering at LendKey.

Level Access, the global leader in digital accessibility software and services, announced that LendKey  the digital lending-as-a-service solution headquartered in New York, New York  selected Level Access as their digital accessibility compliance provider. With Level Access as its accessibility partner, LendKey will be able to better serve its growing customer base of all abilities.

LendKey provides white-labeled lending solutions to hundreds of banks and credit unions. Beyond a technical perspective to accessibility, the company required a partner with business strategy experience to build a sustainable accessibility advocacy program. Level Accesss expertise in the industry, particularly with banks and financial services, demonstrated a shared commitment to customer experience and security as engagement on websites and mobile applications become an increasingly significant part of everyday life. A focus on accessibility ensures people with disabilities and the growing aging population can fully participate in digital experiences.

"Providing all of our customers access and the best experience on our platform is a core initiative for LendKey," said Michael Hawkins, svp of engineering at LendKey. "Seamless accessibility for all is a concern as we continue to grow, and we found the right partner with Level Access to accomplish this goal."

"Access to technology is a profound enabling force in the lives of people with disabilities and the elderly," said Tim Springer, CEO of Level Access. "LendKey's proactive approach and commitment to providing all of their customers the same experience places them in a class we call the 'vanguards of inclusion,' and we are honored to be their partner in this journey."

LendKey has deployed Level Accesss Accessibility Management Platform (AMP) software, audit, and training solutions.

About LendKey

LendKey pioneered the lending-as-a-service model enabling white-labeled, digital lending solutions that help financial institutions establish a strong digital lending presence and acquire prime borrowers for a lifetime of lending. LendKey's customized solutions help financial institutions improve lives with lending made simple while managing liquidity, reducing costs, and mitigating risk. The company revolutionized the entire lending process for institutions including demand generation, online decisioning, loan origination, customer service, compliance, and proprietary balance sheet management. Founded in 2009 and based in New York and Cincinnati, LendKey works with hundreds of credit unions and banks who have deployed more than $2.6 billion in loan capital to date through LendKeys platform. LendKey founded Lending Hands in 2018, supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. For more information, please visit lendkey.com/lend or email pr(at)lendkey(dot)com.

About Level Access

Level Access provides industry-leading and award-winning digital accessibility solutions to over 1000 corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions. Level Accesss mission is to achieve digital equality for all users by ensuring technology is accessible to people with disabilities and the growing aging population. Founded in 1997, Level Access has an unparalleled history in helping customers achieve and maintain compliance with the full scope of accessible technology regulations and standards including the ADA, WCAG, CVAA, AODA, Mandate 376, and Section 508. Delivered through a comprehensive suite of software, consulting services, and training solutions, the companys solutions ensure customers web, desktop, mobile, and electronic document systems are accessible to everyone. Level Access is endorsed by the American Banking Association, named a White House "Champion of Change" in 2014, and multi-year repeat winners on the Inc. 5000 list of fast-growing companies. To learn more, please visit http://www.levelaccess.com.Were pleased to support the 2019 LIFT Intelligent Water Systems Challenge, as it is a flagship program that brings out the best of what people and automation technology can do in the municipal water/water sector, says Graham Nasby, a long-time leader within ISAs WWID.

For the second year in a row, the International Society of Automation (ISA)through its Water and Wastewater Industries Division (WWID)is supporting an initiative designed to demonstrate the value of intelligent water systems, smart water technologies, and leveraging data for improved decision-making.

The 2019 LIFT Intelligent Water Systems Challenge is a competition that encourages students, professionals, and technology enthusiasts to develop innovative solutions, particularly those using advanced sensing and/or data technology, that can be applied to water and wastewater collection, treatment, and distribution.

The Challenge is a joint effort of The Water Research Foundation (WRF) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). Serving as supporting organizations are: ISA, the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Cleveland Water Alliance, the Water Council, the WaterTap Technology Acceleration Project, and the Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN).

Were pleased to again welcome ISA, a technical association that works to advance the use of automation and technology in the water and wastewater treatment industry, as a supporting organization of the LIFT Intelligent Water Systems Challenge, states Lisa McFadden, Director of Integrated Technical Programs and the Associate Director of the Water Science & Engineering Center at WEF. Last years Challenge prompted a lot of interest and ideas around intelligent water systems and were expecting great things this year as well.

The Challenge kicked off earlier this month and will run through 23 September 2019. Teams will have until 22 April 2019 to submit a Challenge Plan and until 2 August 2019 to submit a Challenge Solution. Judges will award a top prize of $10,000. Recognition will also be given to innovative approaches and to outstanding contributions from students or young professionals. Get more details by visiting the Challenge website.

ISAs Water and Wastewater Industries Division is pleased to be a supporter of the 2019 LIFT Intelligent Water Systems Challenge, as it is a flagship program that brings out the best of what people and automation technology can do in the municipal water/water sector, emphasizes Graham Nasby, a long-time leader within ISAs WWID and a widely recognized expert within the water/wastewater community. ISA is committed to helping professionals in the water and wastewater industries improve safety, efficiency, and operational performance through automated controls, instrumentation, and other advanced technologies.

Nasby says that for well over a decade ISAs WWID has collaborated with WEF and other professional associations to conduct an annual symposium to showcase the value of automatic control applications, sensors and instrumentation, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and engineering best practices to the treatment and distribution of water, and the collection and treatment of wastewater.

In 2019, ISA as part of its goals to serve the needs of municipal water/wastewater community, will be rolling out an all-new event, the ISA Energy and Water Automation Conference, which will be held 7-8 August 2019 at the Omni Championsgate Resort in Orlando, Florida, USA. The conference will combine ISAs popular power and municipal water programs into a single, two-day gathering with additional content on industrial water applications. Topics of emphasis include data analytics, IIOT, Smart Cities Initiative, and cybersecurity.

ISA has a strong history of supporting the needs of automation professionals in a wide variety of industries, including the municipal water/wastewater sector, Nasby says. With its new ISA Energy and Water Automation Conference in 2019, ISA hopes to further advance its goals of creating a better world through automation, by encouraging the sharing of information and ideas between the electric power and water/wastewater sectors. I encourage you to find out more about this event as details are released in the coming months.

For more information on this compelling new event, visit the conference website. More details as well as online registration will be available soon.

About ISA

The International Society of Automation (http://www.isa.org) is a nonprofit professional association that sets the standard for those who apply engineering and technology to improve the management, safety, and cybersecurity of modern automation and control systems used across industry and critical infrastructure. Founded in 1945, ISA develops widely used global standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; hosts conferences and exhibits; and provides networking and career development programs for its 40,000 members and 400,000 customers around the world.

ISA owns Automation.com, a leading online publisher of automation-related content, and is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (http://www.automationfederation.org), an association of non-profit organizations serving as The Voice of Automation. Through a wholly owned subsidiary, ISA bridges the gap between standards and their implementation with the ISA Security Compliance Institute (http://www.isasecure.org) and the ISA Wireless Compliance Institute (http://www.isa100wci.org).

Date aired: February 11th, 2019

Guest: Dame Dr. Effie Chow, Ph.D. & World-renowned Qigong Grand Master, Bay Area

https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113198/secrets-of-good-health

There is a health crisis in America, and it is made worse by health insurance companies that could reward proactive patients seeking improved health through alternative health education.

So declares proactive Water Life Science advocate Sharon Kleyne, who welcomed the return of frequent guest, Dame Dr. Effie Chow, Ph.D. on her internationally syndicated weekly talk radio program, a laboratory of listening and learning. The crisis is so bad that Kleyne and Chow are taking bold steps to address it.

Kleyne pledges her support, effective immediately, and her research center, which she directs, to push for affordable alternative health education. Bolder still, Water Life Science new technology inventor Kleyne encourages health insurance companies to support improved education and offer proactive coverage to patients. Doctors need to be able to counsel their patients regarding life-saving and enriching alternative health practices, and proactive health insurance companies need to ease the financial burden for patients who seek those services, says Water Life Science lifestyle technology advocate Kleyne.

Dr. Chow has also spent her lifetime promoting better health and longer life through the application of alternative health practices and education. In 1994, Chow published Miracle Healing from ChinaQigong. The book promotes Chows proactive healing method based on thousands of years of Chinese health practices. The Chow Healing System combines Eastern and Western medicine with Chows original concepts for an integrated approach to total body, mind and spirit health.

In 1992, Chow served on the board that convinced Congress to mandate the National Institute for Integrative Health. From 2000-2004, medical schools throughout the country created courses and sin some cases departments offering education in alternative healing practices. The next step, Chow and Water Life Science teacher Kleyne agree, is proactive financial assistance that allows patients to seek out alternative healing practices. Kleyne hopes that health insurance companies will soon realize the good business sense of covering alternative healing practices and cover these practices for all.

That is also why Chow launched the bi-coastal Global Healing Alliance in the late 90s. We needed to develop a separate system in conjunction with the existing medical system, a separate system that will reimburse patients for receiving alternative healing practices such as acupuncture, Qigong, Tai Chi and herbs, says Chow.

Chow and Water Life Science mentor Kleyne, inventor of the Trade Secret tissue culture grade water technology that is more than Just a Mist for dry eye and dry skin supplementation, also agree that everyone needs to be more proactive with regard to health. People need to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day, says Water Life Science leader Kleyne, to promote proper hydration.

Proactive People must also learn proper breathing techniques, says Chow, sharing that Qi means the breath of life. Through Qigong practice, people find balance in the life force that is Chi.

*

If you would like to listen to the talk radio program featuring the conversation between Dame Dr. Effie Chow, Ph.D. and new technology Power of Water talk radio host and Water Life Science educator Sharon Kleyne about the health crisis in America, better alternative health practice and education, health insurance involvement, Kleynes research center pledge and Chows Global Healing Alliance follow this link: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113198/secrets-of-good-healthHanley Wood, the premier information, media, event, and strategic marketing services company serving the residential, design and commercial construction industries has announced that Napoleon Fireplaces has been selected as the 2018 Brand Builder Awards Marketer of the Year. The award was presented at the Market Leaders Dinner, held yesterday in Las Vegas on February 19, 2019.

We are thrilled to recognize Napoleon Fireplaces as Marketer of the Year, said Jeff Meyers, CEO of Hanley Wood. Their comprehensive trade marketing campaign uncovered the emotional connections made with specific areas of the home and provided trade professionals with an in-depth understanding of how space design and corresponding amenities can increase home appeal.

The Marketer of the Year Award is presented annually by Hanley Wood to a company in the residential and commercial construction and design industry that best demonstrates a commitment to innovation, excellence in leveraging marketing programs to drive sales, and adoption of modern marketing tactics.

Napoleon is immensely honored to have been named the Brand Builder Awards 2018 Marketer of the Year, said Stephen Schroeter, Co-CEO of Napoleon. By conducting new research that hadnt previously been explored, we were not only able to gather an enormous amount of content for a fully integrated marketing campaign, but more importantly, we also had the opportunity to provide valuable insights that our industry partners can use to help build their businesses.

As a company, Napoleons vision is to inspire and enhance the most memorable experiences people enjoy in their homes, said Dave Brown, partner and account director at Napoleons marketing agency, Hoffman York. When developing this campaign, we started with the theory that certain areas of the home, and their accompanying products, contributed more to the quality of life than others. The research we conducted proved this theory true, reflecting homeowners powerful emotions relating to specific attributes of the home, including fire features. We were able to apply those emotional insights to our marketing campaign, both adding value to Napoleons customers and ultimately supporting the companys vision.

About the Napoleon Group of Companies

Napoleon is North America's largest privately owned manufacturer of quality gas, electric and wood fireplaces, gourmet gas and charcoal grills, outdoor living products and a complete line of furnaces and air conditioners. The company with main operations in Crittenden, Kentucky, and Barrie, Ontario, began in 1976 when a small steel fabrication business launched by Wolfgang Schroeter started manufacturing steel railings. Since then, Napoleon's commitment to producing quality products combined with honest, reliable service has been the successful framework to the rapid growth of the company, which now operates out of multiple facilities worldwide comprising 1.4 million square feet of space, and employs more than 1,400 associates. For more information, visit napoleon.com.

About Hoffman York

Hoffman York is a full-service independent advertising and marketing communications agency headquartered in Milwaukee offering a full suite of award-winning services, including advertising, digital strategy and development, research and analytics as well as earned, social and paid media. To learn more about Hoffman York visit hoffmanyork.com or follow on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

About the Brand Builder Awards

The Brand Builder Awards recognize the most innovative and effective marketing campaigns throughout the residential and commercial design and construction industries. Companies selected for recognition have executed campaigns that generate sales, motivate buying behavior and inspire customer loyalty. Companies submitted entries in six categories, ranging from advertising campaigns to website design to channel marketing programs.

About Hanley Wood

Hanley Wood is the premier company serving the information, media, and marketing needs of the residential, commercial design and construction industry. Utilizing the largest analytics and editorially driven Construction Industry Database - powered by Metrostudy - the company provides business intelligence and data-driven services. The company produces award-winning media, high-profile executive events, and strategic marketing solutions. To learn more, visit hanleywood.com.Thomas Woolsey, a shareholder in the Dallas office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, has been selected to be a featured panelist at an annual networking event hosted by the State Bar of Texas International Law Section.

Tools for the New International Practitioner will take place Wednesday, February 27, 2019, from 11:30 a.m.  3:45 p.m. at Buckner International in Dallas, Texas. The event will provide lawyers with an opportunity to learn about international issues and ways to develop their international practices.

Woolsey, deeply experienced in assisting domestic and international clients with mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, financings, and debt and equity offerings, will join two other lawyers on the panel How to Generate Business in International Law.

In addition to the panel discussion on building an international practice, the event will explore how in-house lawyers can get involved in international law, best practices from in-house lawyers and firms, news and trends affecting the industry, as well as discussion focusing on the immigration issues impacting international companies.

More information on the State Bar of Texas International Law Section and registration for Tools for the New International Practitioner can be found here.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP  Texas: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 125 attorneys in Texas, serving clients from offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 39 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.Shira R. Yoshor and Angeles G. Cassin of the Houston office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, will explain how to reduce the risks of joint employment status at an HR Houston - Human Resource Management Association event.

The two employment lawyers will advise companies on the legal and financial implications of joint-employer status. The session will explain what tests are used to gauge joint employment and how to avoid legal complications.

Yoshor is a shareholder with experience representing companies and organizations in virtually all aspects of labor and employment law. She regularly provides counsel to employers on matters such as managing workplace issues, draft employment agreements, handbooks, policies, and claims involving restrictive covenants.

Cassin is an associate whose practice focuses on commercial litigation as well as labor and employment matters. In her preventative employment practice, she advises clients and defends against claims arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Older Workers Benefits Protection Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Established in 1943, HR Houston now has more than 2,200 members committed to connecting human resource professionals to knowledge, relationships and solutions. Through meetings, conferences, webinars and its annual Seminar Series, HR Houston educates more than 3,750 business professionals each year.

More information on HR Houston and registration for Minimizing Risk of Joint Employment Status can be found here.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP  Texas: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 125 attorneys in Texas, serving clients from offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 39 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.

This mission and their commitment to offering programs designed to address workforce readiness made Cambridge College an ideal partner for Focus EduSolutions.

Focus EduSolutions, a provider of educational technology leadership to Colleges and Universities, announces a new partnership with Cambridge College to deliver five wholly online degree programs. The three undergraduate degrees and two post-graduate degrees will position the institutional as a global contender in online learning.

The programs include Bachelor of Science degrees in Management Studies, Managerial Accounting, and Healthcare Administration. The College is also offering an MBA and MBA with Healthcare Administration concentration. All five degrees will be offered fully online beginning in March 2019.

"We are excited to launch Focus EduSolutions partnership with Cambridge College," said Vik Aurora, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Focus EduSolutions. "Cambridge College is known for its focus on delivering unparalleled programs that addresses the unique needs of the non-traditional student and adult learners. This mission and their commitment to offering programs designed to address workforce readiness made Cambridge College an ideal partner for Focus EduSolutions."

In today's global economy, it's not enough to simply earn an education, students must also be positioned for success. To do that, corporations and higher education must come together to ensure students truly are workforce ready. Focus EduSolutions works closely with the business community to build the strongest relationships with colleges and universities resulting in long-term growth and success.

About Focus EduSolutions:

Focus EduSolutions is a Boston-based education e-solutions company that offers Online Program Management (OPM) services to colleges and universities. Our partnership for building online programs includes marketing, recruitment, enrollment and retention, industry partnerships, and building highly engaging online courses for the 21st-century learner. For more information about Focus EduSolutions, visit http://www.focusedusolutions.com

About Cambridge College:

Cambridge College is a private non-profit institution of higher education accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, (NEASC CIHE). Founded in 1971, Cambridge College is dedicated to providing academically excellent, time-efficient, and cost-effective higher education for a diverse population of adult learners for whom those opportunities may have been limited or denied. For more information about Cambridge College, visit http://www.cambridgecollege.edu.The exterior of RIVET apartments in Jersey City, N.J., a part of University Place, a master redevelopment plan for the West Side neighborhood. While it required extensive coordination with the university and the design team, RIVET certainly stands out among our portfolio, based on both scope and its direct contribution to the citys West Side," says Dresdner Robin Project Manager, Robert Byra.

Dresdner Robin, a leader in urban design and development, has completed site and landscape design, permitting and construction administration services on Jersey Citys newest luxury apartment development, RIVET, a 163-unit complex that was completed in late-2018. Developed as part of a public-private partnership (P3), the project continues the transformation of the citys West Side neighborhood.

The $50 million complex is situated along West Side Avenue at 23 University Place Blvd., and is just one component of University Place, a master redevelopment plan for an eight-building site spearheaded via public-private partnership. Cooperative efforts between New Jersey City University (NJCU), Jersey City, The Hampshire Companies, Claremont Companies and Circle Squared Alternative Investments will ultimately result in a district with over 1,000 market rate units and 100,000 square feet of retail space, a vibrant performing arts center, cafes, theaters and recreational spaces.

RIVET, in NJCUs West Campus Redevelopment Area, is a 2018 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Northern New Jersey Excellence Award recipient for Public/Private Partnership and a 2019 Leading Infrastructure Project Award recipient from the New Jersey Alliance for Action. The complex boasts 163 luxury rental units, 10,000 square feet of retail, commercial and restaurant space and is located one-third of a mile from a Hudson-Bergen Light Rail stop. The award-winning building also includes a structured garage and two bike terminals, plus a rooftop terrace with an outdoor bar, lounge areas, dining areas, game tables, a sunning deck and a recreational lawn.

RIVET has played an essential role in launching the transformation of Jersey Citys West Side, offering a luxury housing option at an affordable price point, says Richard Sciaretta, director for Claremont Companies. This artfully crafted complex will be in high demand for years, and we are happy to be a contributor to this valuable partnership.

University Place is a direct result of collaboration between the New Jersey Legislature, local government, NJCU and the local business community. Various dignitaries  including Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, the Jersey City Municipal Council and NJCU President Sue Henderson  have praised the collective efforts around University Place. Henderson called the partnership a game-changer that is transformative for both NJCU and our local community.

Dresdner Robin was engaged to provide land development services for RIVET, University Places first phase. The firm was responsible for the preparation of site plans that were transformed into construction documents  including site layout, grading, drainage and utility design and rooftop landscape architecture. The Jersey City-based land-use consultancy also obtained an assortment of permits necessary for construction, including with the municipal utilities authority, regional sewerage treatment facility, local soil conservation district and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. During its initial stages, Dresdner Robin also provided construction observation services.

Dresdner Robin is proud of the wide-ranging services it has provided for University Place  no doubt a transformative project, said Dresdner Robin Project Manager, Engineering, Robert Byra. While it required extensive coordination with the university and the design team, RIVET certainly stands out among our portfolio, based on both scope and its direct, and immediate, contribution to the citys West Side.

As a result of the successful collaborations between Claremont Companies and Dresdner Robin, the two corporations have completed plans for a similar mixed-use development within the redevelopment area along West Side Avenue, which is expected to start construction in early 2019, and are in discussions for other projects envisioned with NJCUs West Side Campus project.

About Dresdner Robin

Dresdner Robin is a land use consultancy headquartered in Jersey City, N.J. The firm provides creative solutions that emphasize service, client satisfaction and technological innovation with specialties in site/civil engineering, land surveying, environmental service, planning, surveying and the revival of urban landscapes. With offices in locations across the New York City and Philadelphia metro areas, Dresdner Robin prides itself on being comprised of the most creative, multi-functional engineering team in the region. https://www.dresdnerrobin.com/.

About Claremont Companies

The history of the Claremont Companies, and its affiliate, Claremont Construction Group, Inc. is one of generational growth and progress. Established in 1954, Claremont evolved from a commercial painting business to one of the countrys largest carpentry and drywall operations. In 1991, the current principals of Claremont transitioned the company into a full-service development and general construction company. Since then, Claremont has completed thousands of residential units and millions of square feet of commercial/retail projects as both a principal developer and third-party general contractor. Claremont is now experiencing considerable growth with a real estate development pipeline approaching $1 billion. http://clarecon.com/.Anurag Agarwal, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Successful and renowned plastic surgeons, Anurag Agarwal, M.D., F.A.C.S. and William A. Ross, M.D., will be hosting a seminar at the Ritz Carlton on February 28, 2019, at 2:00 PM for prospective patients of the Aesthetic Surgery Center (ASC) in Naples, Florida. During the seminar, patients will learn about different cosmetic procedures and hear from actual Aesthetic Surgery Center patients who came before them.

Aesthetic Surgery Center seminars, which take place periodically throughout the year, are designed to educate potential plastic surgery patients about the variety of services and procedures offered at their practice. The highlight of the seminars is the opportunity for prospective patients to meet actual ASC patients, learn about their surgical experiences firsthand, and ask them questions directly. Afternoon tea will precede the event at the Naples Ritz Carlton.

During the seminar, Dr. Agarwal will highlight procedures to rejuvenate the face and neck, while his colleague Dr. Ross, with extensive experience in breast enhancement, breast reconstruction, and body contouring, will cover the full spectrum of plastic surgery, including breast and body contouring, mommy makeover, and liposuction surgery. After the patients have shared their experiences, the physicians will give a computer presentation showing before-and-after photos of their work, and present information about plastic surgery procedures in an educational, informative manner.

Dr. Agarwal is the owner and medical director of Aesthetic Surgery Center. He is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology  Head and Neck Surgery. The team at the Aesthetic Surgery Center consists of trained experts, each specializing in specific procedures and services to enhance the professionalism of the practice. Dr. Anurag Agarwal, Dr. William Ross and Dr. Richard Maloney are joined by Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Sherry Kutz and a staff of caring medical professionals to provide patients with the highest level of care.

In addition to developing cutting-edge medical procedures that will have long-lasting results, the plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Surgery Center specialize in facial plastic surgery, including endoscopic facelift surgery, rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery), lip enhancement, fat transfer to the face, hair replacement, facial injectables, and skin cancer reconstruction of the face. They also perform state of the art breast and body contouring procedures, including liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lifts, tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), and mommy makeover surgery.

Dr. Agarwal has been featured on various news channels as a recognized expert on diverse topics within the field of facial plastic surgery. He was also chosen by Gulfshore Business magazine as one of Southwest Floridas Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders in September 2013, and has been annually recognized as one of Castle Connollys Top Doctors in Florida from 2015 to 2019. Dr. Ross and Dr. Agarwal have recently been selected by Naples Illustrated magazine as Top Doctors in 2019.

More information about Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Rosss practice and patient information seminars can be found under the Plastic Surgery Seminars tab on ASCs main website: https://www.aestheticsurgerycenter.com/about-us/seminars. Contact Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, Florida by calling (239) 594-9100, or via email, using the contact form at https://www.aestheticsurgerycenter.com.The verification by Miercom of the BorderNet SBCs performance in both virtualized and bare metal configurations solidifies our position as an industry leader in the SBC space, said Bill Crank, President and CEO of Dialogic.

Dialogic, a cloud-optimized applications and infrastructure solutions provider for global service providers, enterprises, and developers, announced today that Miercom, a leading, independent product test center, has successfully verified the performance of the Dialogic BorderNet Session Border Controller (SBC) in a variety of real-world scenarios.

Session border controllers are key components in managing and securing high volumes of signaling and media calls in voice over IP (VoIP) and voice over LTE (VoLTE) networks. High volume call handling, extensive software-based transcoding, and resiliency during high-volume traffic and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack scenarios are especially importance. Scalability and interoperability across physical, virtual, and cloud environments are also core SBC requirements in todays cloud-native era.

Dialogic engaged Miercom to test its BorderNet SBC implemented in public cloud, virtual, and bare metal environments for performance, functionality and security in simulated real-world network deployments. During testing, the BorderNet SBC proved to be highly interoperable with multiple deployment environments and performed automatic scaling (elasticity) without interruption as it successfully managed and secured offered calls. The following points highlight some of the key findings of the Miercom report:



Full-featured, high-scale cloud-native performance in Amazon (AWS) and Microsoft Azure public clouds, on VMware and KVM virtual platforms, and on bare metal, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) servers

Greater than 100,000 concurrent calls on an HP DL380 COTS server

Greater than 6,800 software transcoded calls from G.729 to G.711

Secure and uninterrupted call handling during periods of intense call loading and DoS attacks.

Based on results of our testing, the Dialogic BorderNet SBC was found to fully support commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and virtualized functions to enhance signaling and media communications, said Robert Smithers, CEO at Miercom. Its scalable performance and wide breadth of security has earned the BorderNet SBC Miercom Performance Verified certification.

The verification by Miercom of the BorderNet SBCs performance in both virtualized and bare metal configurations solidifies our position as an industry leader in the SBC space, said Bill Crank, President and CEO of Dialogic. This testing also validates that the cloud-native architecture of the BorderNet SBC extends into the cloud the unmatched performance our hardware-based customers have enjoyed for years.

To learn more about the Dialogic BorderNet SBC from our experts, see us at MWC19 Barcelona from Feb 2528 in Hall 6, Stand B62. To book a meeting with us, visit https://web.dialogic.com/mwc-meet-up. Also visit the Dialogic BorderNet SBC web page for more information on its features and capabilities.

About Dialogic

Dialogic is a leading cloud-optimized solutions provider for real-time communications media, applications, and infrastructure to service providers and developers around the globe. Based in Parsippany, NJ with offices worldwide, Dialogic helps 48 of the worlds top 50 mobile operators, and nearly 1,000 application developers build and deploy on agile networks. Learn more about how Dialogic is enabling agility by following us on Twitter @Dialogic, and visiting http://www.dialogic.com and the Dialogic Blog for the latest industry news, trends and advice.

Dialogic and BorderNet are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Dialogic Corporation or a subsidiary thereof (Dialogic). Other trademarks mentioned and/or marked herein belong to their respective owners.

About Miercom

Miercom has published hundreds of network product analyses in leading trade periodicals and other publications. Miercoms reputation as the leading, independent product test center is undisputed.

Private test services available from Miercom include competitive product analyses, as well as individual product evaluations. Miercom features comprehensive certification and test programs including: Certified Interoperable, Certified Reliable, Certified Secure and Certified Green. Products may also be evaluated under the Performance Verified program, the industrys most thorough and trusted assessment for product usability and performance.The inherent fruity and tropical notes in Mosaic are a nice balance to the extreme dryness of this beer. It checks all the boxes for what you want in a good brut-style IPA, says Steele.

Coronado Brewing Company is debuting the first of its 2019 Art Series releases, with Cosmic Ocean Brut IPA. The company is proud to support emerging artists by featuring a fan-submitted Instagram photo on each of its quarterly releases. The first winner of the Instagram photo contest is Anthony Drake, a southern California-based outdoor and lifestyle photographer. Drakes stunning photo of the night sky over the beach is the inspiration for Cosmic Ocean Brut IPA.

Cosmic Ocean is a single-hop Brut IPA. Mosaic hops give the beer bright grapefruit and pineapple notes bolstered by a subtle coconut flavor from the addition of toasted rice flakes. True to brut fashion, Cosmic Ocean finishes bone dry, with an effervescent and refreshing finish. We wanted to make a brut that delivered a champagne-like experience, says Shawn Steele, Director of Brewing Operations, Coronado Brewing Company. The inherent fruity and tropical notes in Mosaic are a nice balance to the extreme dryness of this beer. It checks all the boxes for what you want in a good brut-style IPA, says Steele.

Cosmic Ocean Brut IPA will debut at Coronado Brewings three locations on Thursday, February 21, in 16oz four-pack cans and on draft. The beer will hit broader retail availability at the end of the month and will be available throughout Coronados distribution network. As part of the launch, Coronado is partnering with High Minded Studios to recreate Drakes photo for an interactive sip & paint party at the Tasting Room. For more information about Cosmic Ocean Brut IPA and the Sip & Paint launch party, visit http://www.coronadobrewing.com. Stay Coastal. Cheers.

Cosmic Ocean Brut IPA:

Style: Brut IPA

ABV: 7.0%

IBU: 55

Package: 16oz can four packs, draft

Release: Late February 2018

Availability: Coronados distribution network

Sales Sheet: https://bit.ly/2THEikR

About Coronado Brewing Company

In 1996, when craft beer was still a foreign term and San Diego County was home to only a handful of breweries, the Chapman brothers Ron and Rick opened a brewpub in their hometown of Coronado. Today CBC stays true to their San Diego roots, brewing abundantly hoppy West Coast-style ales, which are available today in 14 US states and 12 countries. In addition to the long-established pub in Coronado, the company opened a tasting room inside its San Diego production facility in 2013, and a tasting room and restaurant in Imperial Beach, California in 2014. Coronado Brewing Company was honored in 2014 with one of the brewing industry's most prestigious awardsWorld Beer Cup Champion Brewery and Brewmaster for a Mid-Size Brewing Company.

Links:

Website: http://www.coronadobrewing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coronadobrewingcompany

Instagram: @CoronadoBrewing

Twitter: @CoronadoBrewing

#MermaidSighting

#StayCoastal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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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:

Dublin, OH  Springhill Suites - Plans call for a six story, 145-room Springhill Suites as a part of a 92,400-square-foot mixed-use building that will also include two retail pads totaling 6,400 square feet. The ground floor of the hotel would include a 9,500-square-foot lobby with a fitness area. Construction start: Q3, 2019. $18,000,000. Project ID: 1426991

Akron, OH  Amazon - Plans call for the redevelopment of the former Rolling Acres Mall site into a 695,383-square-foot distribution facility. Construction start: September, 2019. $100,000,000. Project ID: 1428148

Oxford, OH  Miami University Innovation/STEM Building - Plans call for a science, technology, engineering and math and innovation building. Construction start: May, 2020. $50,000,000 Project ID: 1428678

Columbus, OH  1300 Forsythe Ave - Plans call for a mixed-use project on the site of the former Fifth Avenue Alternative Elementary School, to include a pair of 3,000- to 5,000-square-foot retail areas with about 134 apartment units. Construction start: Q3, Q4, 2019. $15,000,000. Project ID: 1427083

Evendale, OH  TriHealth Evendale Hospital  Plans call for the renovation and conversion into a 100,000 SF, 29 bed, all-orthopedic hospital. Plans include 10 operating rooms, seven procedure rooms and space to expand. Construction start: Q4, 2020. $20,000,000 Project ID: 1428363

Ashtabula, OH - Ashtabula Senior Housing Complex - Plans call for construction of a 48 unit, senior housing complex. Construction start: Q1, 2020. $9,000,000 Project ID: 1428294

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.Conde Systems will host its Annual Open House on Saturday, June 15 from 10:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. at its headquarters located at 5600 Commerce Boulevard in Mobile, Alabama. The free event is the perfect opportunity for those in the personalized photo gift industry to meet industry experts, attend informative product demonstrations, register for valuable door prizes, enjoy a complimentary lunch, and much more. Additional information on educational classes and product demonstrations will be released as it becomes available. Call 800-826-6332 or visit http://www.conde.com for additional information.Cloudbric, a provider of cloud-based web security services, is pleased to announce it had filed a patent application with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for an innovative deep learning technology known as VISION for the cybersecurity market.

With the growing number of web applications users and cloud services, application layer cyberattacks are becoming one of the biggest challenges for cybersecurity. Fortunately, these challenges are well suited for the application of machine learning, a component of artificial intelligence. Cybersecurity vendors typically rely on rule-based techniques to identify malicious behavior, but this often leads to a high rate of false positives and thus low accuracy. On the other hand, machine learning makes it possible to identify anomalies and can adapt to changing behavior in real time.

Cloudbric aims to utilize deep learning, a subset of machine learning, to detect cyberattacks with outstanding accuracy. Combining with Cloudbrics existing core technology, which is able to detect unknown and modified attacks and boasts one of the lowest false positive rates in the market, will make for a threat detection engine with even greater accuracy capabilities. The soon to be patented technology is based on an approach previously unexplored within the machine learning space and which will prove crucial for the cybersecurity industry that is besieged with ever-changing cyber threats that are becoming more frequent, sophisticated, and persistent.

Cloudbrics deep learning machine will effectively learn and analyze hexadecimal characters to cover all URL patterns to determine whether traffic is malicious or not. Its fundamental advantage is its ability to overcome limitations of deep learning machines that are constrained to only learning by images or 68 characters  which is not enough to cover complex cyber threat patterns that may contain special characters. Early testing has shown an 85% accuracy rate increase compared to Cloudbrics existing threat detection engine, and the team is experimenting with incremental learning in order to improve machine accuracy. For more, please refer to the Deep Learning Technical Overview at http://www.cloudbric.io.

VISION will be integrated into their web application firewall detection system to increase the accuracy of cyber threat identification. It will work in conjunction with their current filtering system to block incoming threats. Furthermore, this deep learning technology will be intreated into Cloudbrics in-development mobile device security application to provide accurate, real-time protection against malware, spam, viruses, and phishing URLs found across the web.

Since the launch of our blockchain-based cybersecurity project, we have continued to innovate and change the ways people look at cybersecurity and blockchain. We are pleased to strengthen our intellectual property protection with a patent covering an additional application of our core technology, stated TJ Jung, Chief Executive Officer of Cloudbric. Were elated to be part of an exciting time where cybersecurity, blockchain, and AI can converge and integrate.

Cloudbric officially submitted a patent for their deep learning module last year and is currently awaiting approval. Cloudbric also submitted a patent application at the Japan Patent Office for wider global recognition.

About Cloudbric

Cloudbric is a decentralized universal security platform featuring enterprise-grade website, mobile device and crypto asset security, as well as access to a community driven threat intelligence database. Visit http://www.cloudbric.com to begin using their website services today.Customers who visit with us at Mobile World Congress will learn firsthand how we empower enterprises to manage their full mobility lifecycle.

Calero Software, a leading global provider of Communications and Cloud Lifecycle Management (CLM) software, announced it will be exhibiting its enterprise mobility solution during the worlds largest mobile technology tradeshow, Mobile World Congress (MWC), taking place February 25-28 in Barcelona, Spain. Calero is a portfolio company of Riverside Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm.

Mobility management is an essential need for enterprise businesses today, said Andrew Wyse, Caleros Managing Director for EMEA. Having the right mobile infrastructure in place is critical, especially for large multi-national organizations that must navigate the complexities of global business operations. Customers who visit with us at Mobile World Congress will learn firsthand how we empower enterprises to manage their full mobility lifecycle, from centralized asset and expense management, to providing mobile support services globally. With Calero as their trusted partner, enterprises can truly transform how theyre running their business.

With Caleros powerful, single software platform approach, enterprises benefit greatly from increased visibility and control over their mobile expenses, programs and assets by having a more holistic view. Armed with newfound insights and intelligence provided by Caleros Insight Analytics, enterprises can better understand and control their entire mobile footprint, and focus their efforts on increasing worker productivity, operational efficiencies and enhancing their overall competitive edge.

The Calero exhibit will be located in Hall 7, Stand 7K83 at Fira Gran Via. Calero executives will be on site to meet with both current and potential clients and channel partners to demonstrate how Calero can help with their enterprise mobility needs. Those interested can request a meeting by clicking here: http://connect.calero.com/mobile-world-congress-2019#schedule

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, Caleros 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 http://www.riversidepartners.com.Big is a legend in the direct response industry who knows the industry better than almost anyone I know." Having him join our converged agency gives us a resource of one of the most connected people that you can find in direct response. - Bluewater Media CEO and Founder Andy Latimer.

On the heels of adding Michael Weinstein, former Allstar Products Group CMO, to their management team as President of Digital, Bluewater Media, the converged advertising and marketing agency adds a direct response marketing legend to their staff.

Mark Biglow, or Big as he is known, joins Bluewater Media in its Sales and Marketing division, bringing 20 years of knowledge, expertise and his deep relationships with many of the best direct to consumer marketers in the world. Biglow has been a catalyst for many companies growth throughout his career in performance-based marketing helping to facilitate billions of dollars in sales for the clients he has represented. Biglows responsibilities include strategic client development and new business for Bluewater, which has vast capabilities in creative, content development, marketplace management, E-commerce, media strategy and media buying and that is rooted in the understanding of consumer analytics and cross platform optimization.

Biglow was recently with STIKI, a company focused on text messaging as a means of consumer engagement rather than visiting a URL or calling a number to respond to a call to action. He was previously with Mercury Media for 10 years.

Big is a legend in the direct response industry who knows the industry better than almost anyone I know, said Bluewater Media CEO and Founder Andy Latimer. Having him join our converged agency gives us a resource of one of the most connected people that you can find in direct response.

Bluewaters President of Media, Gina Pomponi echoed Latimers enthusiasm, Big and I worked together at my old agency when it transitioned into Mercury Media; we did a lot of great things together. Hes amazing in new business development, building and maintaining lasting relationships with his clients, unlike anyone Ive ever seen. Pomponi continued adding that Biglow doesnt just close deals, but he genuinely cares about the success of his clients and stays engaged maintaining relationships over years.

Biglow is a professional who is dedicated to the direct response industry and all the relationships that hes created and cultivated over the past two decades.

ABOUT BLUEWATER MEDIA: We are converged advertising and marketing agency that utilizes digital and broadcast creative, media strategy and transactional e-commerce to introduce products to market and build lasting brand awareness. Bluewater was the first end-to-end, fully digital, tapeless studio in the state of Florida. Its subsidiary ZAHALO provides a turnkey solution to maximize product visibility and sales on Amazon and other Marketplaces handling every aspect of the inventory, marketing and the sales process. Through its proprietary ReadyShop platform Bluewater enables influencers to keep more traffic on their sites and monetize through the sale of over 5000 products from some of the best brands in the world. In just 5 minutes a blog can have a fully integrated curated e-commerce store.

They may not be the largest, but Debt Advisors Law Office Milwaukee is voted the best time and time again. The bankruptcy practice most recently participated in and won The Best of Milwaukee" contest sponsored by an alternative news source referred to as The Shepherd Express. The Shepherd Express has organized a Best of Milwaukee Contest for many years in the Milwaukee, WI marketplace. Currently, the news source claims to have over 300,000 readers. Many Milwaukee area residents, local workers and Shepherd Express readers voted in the contest. Winners of the contest were announced on January 22, 2019 during an awards event at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in downtown Milwaukee.

Debt Advisors bankruptcy law firm has held the title City Voter title of best bankruptcy law firm in Milwaukee since 2012. Bankruptcy is often associated with financial problems related to heavy emotional issues such as medical bills or divorce yet Debt Advisors clients find new inspiration, guidance, and a positive outlook on the future. Those who have worked with Debt Advisors Law Offices share a common positive experience and are eager to share good reviews about the firm. Firsthand success stories encourage others to consider filing bankruptcy and learn more about consumer protection rights.

Chad Schomburg and Mike Georg are the partner attorneys at Debt Advisors. In just under fifteen years, the ambitious local bankruptcy attorneys have gone from a start up business to a highly respected and widely recognizable bankruptcy law firm. The focus from the beginning has been to help people get out of debt efficiently and effectively. Clients say that the attorneys are easy to talk to and knowledgeable about bankruptcy. The best advice Chad and Mike give to anyone who is facing serious financial problems is to take advantage of the free legal advice that is offered to new clients. The sooner you speak to a Debt Advisors lawyer the sooner you can get out of debt.

Debt Advisors Law Offices Milwaukee is the headquarters office located near Mayfair Mall. Since the firms early beginnings, and due to customer demand, six additional Southeastern Wisconsin locations have been established. Past and present clients continue to demonstrate strong support and dedication towards the ongoing success of this bankruptcy law firm. To learn more about Debt Advisors and how they help consumers eliminate debt visit the MyDebtAdvisors.com website and refer to their more than one hundred law firm reviews on Google.Banker Steel Company has launched two new innovative vocational institutes to accommodate a secondary education leading to a career in steel fabrication. Individuals are extended comprehensive steel fabrication career training that can lead to immediate career employment. As Banker Steel President, Chet McPhatter states, The goal for Banker is to provide vocational career opportunities for students and adults who want to pursue a trade that gives them the skills, know-how and hands-on experience to become career-ready for our industry.

The vocational training is offered in two institutes: Banker High  For the current high school senior, this training is an unpaid internship that offers them high school credit, welding, fitting and hands-on training. Banker Steel provides all tools and education, with a guaranteed career position upon successfully completing the required skills test. The 12-week, 4-hour per day course, began in January and includes OSHA 10-hour training and blueprint reading as part of their personalized curriculum.

Banker University  For those that have an aptitude but not previous experience in manufacturing / construction, they are eligible for a wage compensated 6-week course. Welding, fitting, and basic blueprint reading are taught and afterwards, a mentor is provided for an extended 2-4 weeks of training. The training is at no cost to the student although the 6-week program must be completed. After 30 days, a full benefits package is then offered.

Solid trade careers are in high demand. Our programs prepare them to walk right into an entry-level job " said McPhatter. Both programs are providing new jobs for the area, with Banker High utilizing students from local school systems including Amherst County (1 student), Appomattox County (1 student), and Campbell County (6 students) public schools. Jon Hardie, Principal at the Campbell County Technical Center notes, Campbell County Schools is grateful for the opportunity Banker Steel is providing to our students. When professionals from business and industry work with our schools, teachers, and students to share their knowledge and expertise, it raises the level of education and improves the workforce of the future. For students looking to transition into the workforce after high school as a welder, this is a wonderful program with the opportunity to attain full-time employment with one of the top employers in our region. Banker is providing similar opportunities at their New Jersey facility as well. All jobs created by this program will be filled at plants in Central Virginia, New Jersey, and Florida to serve the American steel fabrication industry.

About Banker Steel

Founded over two decades ago, Banker Steel Company (Banker Steel) is led by Donald Banker (CEO) and Chet McPhatter (President) and is based in Lynchburg, Virginia. With fabrication facilities in both Lynchburg, Orlando, Florida and South Plainfield, NJ, Banker provides fabricated structural steel and erection services for the East Coast commercial construction market. The company also provides design-assist services and has had the privilege of fabricating steel for design-build projects such as the award winning Washington Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Banker Steel also operates NYC Constructors  New York Citys largest commercial steel erector, and Memco LLC, a large steel and precast concrete erector based in Culpeper, VA. Banker Steel is a majority owned subsidiary of BF Holdings (BFH), a portfolio company of Atlas Holdings LLC.Attorney Michelle Behan is center, Associate Attorneys Emily Gabor (R) and Katherine Schober (L) This case involved the question of whether requests by police officers to perform testing of a drivers blood alcohol concentration (BAC) following a DUI arrest constitutes coercion.

On February 7, 2019, Attorney Michelle Behan presented arguments before the Arizona Supreme Court in a case involving a DUI arrest. In the case of Diaz v. Hon. Bernini, et al. (case number CR-18-0250-PR), Ms. Behan argued on behalf of a woman arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Tuscon.

This case involved the question of whether requests by police officers to perform testing of a drivers blood alcohol concentration (BAC) following a DUI arrest constitutes coercion. The defendant in this case, Ms. Diaz, had been arrested for DUI and was read an admonition by officers stating that drivers who operate a motor vehicle in Arizona give implied consent for BAC testing, and refusal to submit to testing will result in the suspension of a drivers Arizona driving privileges. While Ms. Diaz agreed to testing, she argued at trial that her consent was not voluntary and asked to have the results of the test suppressed.

While the request to suppress the results of the BAC test were granted, this ruling was appealed to a higher court, which ruled that the consent was not voluntary, but that a good-faith exception applied in this case. Under this exception, the police officer was allowed to obtain evidence because they believed that they were acting lawfully. After an appeal by Ms. Diaz, the case was heard by the Arizona Supreme Court.

When presenting the case to the Arizona Supreme Court, Ms. Behan argued that a statutory violation occurred, and that Ms. Diazs consent to BAC testing was not voluntary. She stated that the prevailing precedent in Arizona in cases involving a statutory violation is to apply the exclusionary rule, which allows evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to be suppressed.

Ms. Behan is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Navy and a former Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She has worked as an Assistant Public Defender at the Tucson City Public Defenders Office and was awarded the 2015 Tucson Womens Commission Rising Star Award. She has successfully defended clients in a wide variety of DUI cases, and she has previously defeated a number of appellate challenges by the State of Arizona.

About Behan Ramsell P.L.L.C.:

Behan Ramsell P.L.L.C. is a Tucson-based criminal defense law firm representing individuals facing DUI and other criminal charges throughout Arizona, including Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Graham and Pinal counties. To contact their office and set up an initial consultation, call 520-220-5047 or contact them online.Atomations approach to solving problems using large numbers of cost-effective intelligent devices working together opens the Internet of Things to objects you normally overlook like utility poles and pallets.

Atomation is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Hassell to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Founder and former CEO, Guy Weitzman will remain with Atomation and will focus on delivering Atomation technology to customers. Steve has a long executive career including 13 years at Emerson Electric Company starting as CIO and rising to his most recent role as President of Data Center Solutions where he was responsible for over $1B in revenue. Before joining Emerson, Steve served as CIO at Invensys, VP and CIO of Newport News Shipbuilding as well as CEO of Naptheon, a wholly owned subsidiary that he launched out of Newport News Shipbuilding to transform internal IT operations from a cost line item to a revenue generator. Steve holds a Master of Management from Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management and is a graduate of the US Naval Academy where he earned a bachelors degree in Computer Science before serving seven years as a surface line officer in the United States Navy.

Shortly after joining the company in an advisory capacity, I realized the tremendous opportunity, Steve shared. Atomations approach to solving problems using large numbers of cost-effective intelligent devices working together opens the Internet of Things to objects you normally overlook like utility poles and pallets. The opportunities are enormous and coming fast. I look forward to the journey ahead, Steve continued.

I knew when I met Steve that he would add value to our board, Guy Weitzman, the companys previous CEO and founder stated. After working together for several months, it became clear to me and to Eran Keshet, our co-founder, that Steve is the best choice to lead Atomation through this phase of rapid growth. Im excited to welcome him formally as our CEO and continue our close working relationship, he continued.

GlobalSTL Lead Vijay Chauhan echoed Guys statements about Steves ascension to CEO. Steves successful history driving profitable growth in the technology sector makes him an ideal choice to lead Atomation, Vijay shared. After connecting Atomation with U.S. customers and recruiting Guy to expand Atomations operations in St. Louis, GlobalSTL is excited to see Atomation enter this next phase of growth.

Founded in Tel Aviv with its US headquarters in St. Louis, MO, Atomation is a business-to-business solutions company that uses an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) platform and processes to connect existing, in-field, legacy objects / assets to the internet with proprietary software to capture and turn raw data into useful information allowing businesses to transform operations and optimize their bottom line. Atomate it!Were excited to have Steve Wozniak join us at Dig|In as we engage the insurance industrys most innovative minds in a vital and dynamic conversation about the future.

Digital Insurance, a SourceMedia brand, announced today that Steve Wozniak will deliver the keynote address at Dig|In: The Digital Future of Insurance, its annual flagship event.

Dig|In focuses on the digital transformation of the insurance industry, looking at customer-facing, middle- and back-office platforms across all lines of business. The four-year-old event is expected to attract more than 3,000 insurance industry executives to Austin, Tex., May 29 - 31, 2019.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak will offer his views on a wide variety of technology topics impacting insurance today, including autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of things. He will also speak extemporaneously on topics submitted by Dig|In attendees.

Woz left his full-time role at Apple in 1985, but remains an employee and ambassador for the company. In recent years hes made controversial statements about the future of A.I., and the mixed promise of autonomous vehicles, among other things. At the same time, Apples autonomous vehicle program has gained momentum, logging tens of thousands of miles testing self-driving cars in 2018.

Were excited to have Steve Wozniak join us at Dig|In as we engage the insurance industrys most innovative minds in a vital and dynamic conversation about the future, said SourceMedia chief executive Gemma Postlethwaite. Steves critical perspective and foresight will supercharge Dig|Ins mission to advance the community of professionals transforming insurance.

Other Dig|In keynotes include Ben Vigoda, CEO of AI company Gamalon; Joshua Motta, CEO of cyber insurance startup Coalition; Jayne Olsen, head of digital Innovation at Swiss Re; David Hopewell, chief innovation officer at Transamerica; Wendy Callaghan, Chief Innovation Legal Officer and Associate General counsel at AIG; and Michael Klein, EVP and President of Personal Insurance at Travelers.

Dig|Ins marquee sponsors are EY, CCC and IBM. The Innovation Hall will feature more than 80 exhibitors. Unique to Dig|In, the conference agenda will also feature eight-minute demos from 25 pacesetting insurtech companies. The demos will be scored in real time, with the winner declared Best in Show.

More information on Dig|In can be found here:

https://www.dig-in.com/conference/digitalinsurance-2019

About Digital Insurance

Digital Insurance is the essential resource for senior executives leading the digital transformation of the insurance industry. Digital Insurance keeps its readers updated with the independent insight and analysis they need to stay ahead of the competition, lower risk and improve profits. Digital Insurances website, live and virtual events, social media and special print editions go deeper than any other outlet into the true impact of digital technology on insurance companies. The community of innovative insurance professionals looks to Digital Insurances analysis and news, case studies and data, and research to find the real-world examples of impact that they can bring back to their companies.

About SourceMedia

SourceMedia is a business information, media and events company serving the financial, technology and healthcare industries. We advance communities of professionals and marketers, by uncovering powerful business ideas, connecting industry leaders around them, and tracking progress through research and benchmarks. Brands include Digital Insurance, American Banker, The Bond Buyer, PaymentsSource, Financial Planning, Accounting Today, and National Mortgage News. SourceMedia also hosts over 30 events per year that guide industry professionals through leadership, technology, and policy disruption.Im excited about the opportunity to continue working with procurement leaders to show them how Unimarkets powerful, integrated platform can deliver measurable operational efficiencies across their organizations, said Waligowski.

Unimarket, a leading provider of eProcurement software and services, has added Andy Waligowski to its team as a Regional Sales Director. Waligowski will play a leading role as Unimarket expands its engagement with colleges and universities in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.

"Andys extensive experience delivering SaaS solutions to a broad range of clients within the education sector makes him ideal for this important role with Unimarket," said Darren Blakely, President of Unimarket North America. "Andy has a deep understanding of the challenges facing higher education institutions and their procurement leaders, and hes passionate about helping them leverage technology to deliver results. Hes an outstanding collaborator and committed to delivering great outcomes for clients. Were absolutely delighted to welcome Andy to the Unimarket team."

Waligowski comes to Unimarket with more than 20 years of sales, marketing, and leadership experience. Having successfully delivered numerous procurement and finance transformation engagements, Waligowski is well-versed in managing the complexities and challenges inherent in such projects. He has also seen first-hand the tangible benefits that come from implementing a strategic, value-focused approach to spend management.

Im excited about the opportunity to continue working with procurement leaders to show them how Unimarkets powerful, integrated platform can deliver measurable operational efficiencies across their organizations, said Waligowski.

Waligowski holds degrees from Springfield College in Massachusetts and from the University of Georgia. He will be based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

About Unimarket

Unimarket is a leading provider of procurement software and services. Its powerful, easy-to-use cloud-based solution brings together procurement, invoicing, payments, contracts, sourcing, expenses, and an extensive supplier marketplace  all in one unified platform. Founded in 2005, Unimarket supports clients in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, spanning a range of industries including higher education, government, financial services, transport and logistics, and healthcare. For more information, visit unimarket.com or follow on Twitter @Unimarket

Carrying out its mission of leading the conversation on faith and culture, America Media announced today that it will provide extensive coverage of the international meeting of bishops about sexual abuse to be held in Rome from Feb. 21 to 24.

During this crucial time for U.S Catholics, America will have three of its correspondents reporting live from Rome over the course of the summit.

The veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard OConnell will lead Americas coverage with in-depth coverage and live updates. Gerard will be joined by Americas national correspondent Michael OLoughlin, who will be on the ground interviewing all the key players at this unprecedented meeting, along with Colleen Dulle, host of America Medias Inside the Vatican podcast.

Throughout the summit, reports, interviews and live video analysis of all developments will be featured across Americas digital, video and audio platforms. Stay connected to timely news and updates by visiting our exclusive coverage page at americamagazine.org/vatican-abuse-summit.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Gerard OConnell or Michael OLoughlin before or during the summit, contact Lisa Manico at lmanico@americamedia.org.Cynthia Hundorfean Cindy is a transformative leader who has worked in bold strokes to get health care right for the patients and communities served by Allegheny Health Network, said David Holmberg, Highmark Health President and CEO.

Cynthia Hundorfean, President and CEO of Allegheny Health Network (AHN), has been selected by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of the countrys Top 25 Women Leaders. The profiles of each executive recognized this year are featured in the February 18, 2019, print issue of Modern Healthcare and online.

In its eighth year, the biennial recognition program honors top women healthcare executives who are influencing healthcare policy and care delivery models across the country. In doing so, they are also highlighting the continued need to nurture diversity within health care organizations.

Unfortunately, the gender gap plagues health care just as much as it does other industries, said Aurora Aguilar, Editor for Modern Healthcare. Women CEOs comprise an estimated 30 percent  at most of the overall C-suite. But the executives named to this years Top 25 Women Leaders list exemplify how diversity results in success, both clinically and financially.

Ms. Hundorfean is being honored for the successful organizational transformation she has led at AHN, an eight hospital academic health care system in western Pennsylvania that employs more than 20,000 people, including 1,300 physicians, and which serves as the provider arm of Highmark Health, one of the countrys preeminent integrated health care delivery and financing systems.

When Ms. Hundorfean joined AHN as its President and CEO in February 2016, the network and its predecessor organization had sustained a long period of significant operating losses over the previous decade. Under her leadership, AHN has experienced a remarkable financial turnaround, including two straight years of positive operating and net income.

Ms. Hundorfean is also currently overseeing a $1 Billion capital investment strategy for AHN that includes the construction of five new hospitals, six cancer centers, and the expansion and renovation of many existing facilities. During her tenure, AHN has integrated all of its physician practices and clinical sites of care  more than 250 in total  around a singular electronic health records system. The Network also recently became the first in western PA and among the first in the country to implement a same day appointments program for both primary care and specialty visits.

Cindy is a transformative leader who has worked in bold strokes to get health care right for the patients and communities served by Allegheny Health Network, said David Holmberg, Highmark Health President and CEO. From her commitment to innovation in health care access and delivery, to her dedication to building a culture of clinician-led excellence across our organization, Cindys exceptional talents, experience and vision have been fundamental to our success over the past three years. We are thrilled that Modern Healthcare and others in our industry are recognizing what we at Highmark have known for a long time.

In being honored as one as Modern Healthcares Top 25 Women Leaders, Ms. Hundorfean joins prominent leaders from across the entire industry, including health system CEOs, government officials, industry association presidents, research institute leaders, pharmaceutical industry executives, insurance industry leaders, and representatives from retail health care.

Cindy is the right leader at the right time for AHN, and building on the organizations young foundation, her results speak for themselves, said David A. Blandino, MD, Chairman of AHNs board of directors. Shes not just one of the nations top women health care leaders  shes one of the nations top health care leaders, period. This is a wonderful honor for Cindy, her leadership team, and all of the amazing employees at Allegheny Health Network who have helped to establish the system as an outstanding provider of high-quality, high-value health services in the western Pennsylvania region.

Ms. Hundorfean and the other Modern Healthcare honorees will be celebrated at an awards gala scheduled for Aug. 1 in Chicago, Illinois.The stunning outdoor backyard of Acqualina Resort We are thrilled that Acqualina is awarded and recognized as a Five-Star rating for seven years in a row. This highlights our mission as a property, which is striving to deliver the most outstanding personalized service to guests, states CEO and Partner of Acqualina Resort Deborah Yager Fleming.

Acqualina Resort & Spa cements itself as the quintessential luxury travel destination in Florida by garnering several coveted back-to-back travel awards. Today, Forbes Travel Guide officially announced that Acqualina has been recognized as a Five Star Hotel, making it the seventh year in a row the property receives this prestigious, ultra-exclusive industry accolade. Properties who receive this extraordinary achievement are determined by those who demonstrate impeccable and flawless service, exceptional amenities and an overall superior guest experience.

To further reinforce todays exciting announcement, Forbes Travel Guide also awarded Acqualina Spa by ESPA with a Five Star Spa rating. Forbes Travel Guide is the gold standard for luxury hospitality ratings worldwide, and announces its Global Star Ratings yearly, listing the world's finest hotels, restaurants and spas. Only properties that meet Forbes hospitality standards  the most stringent in the industry  achieve a Five Star, Four Star or Recommended rating. Professional inspectors check into and check out every property they rate regularly, evaluating more than 500 rigorous criteria to determine a Star Rating that takes the guess work out of travel planning and establishes a global benchmark for luxury travel.

We are thrilled that Acqualina is awarded and recognized as a Five-Star rating for seven years in a row; which highlights our most important mission as a property, which is striving to deliver the most outstanding personalized service to guests. We are constantly improving our programs, guestroom product, spa offerings and user technology to deliver a seamlessly luxurious experience for our guests, whether they are multigenerational families or a couple visiting our hotel or spa, states CEO and Partner of Acqualina Resort & Spa Deborah Yager Fleming.

In addition to the Forbes Travel Guide announcement, Acqualina is also a proud recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award for the 11th consecutive year. Along with these prestigious accolades, US News & World Report named Acqualina the #1 Best Resort the Continental US in their ninth annual Best Hotel Awards and TripAdvisor recognized the resort as the #1 Luxury Beachfront Resort in the Continental US for the fifth consecutive year.

To commemorate the latest accolades, Acqualina invites guests to book the Five Stars Celebration package. This five-night getaway includes one intimate beachfront sunset dining experience, directly on the shores of Acqualina. Executive Chef Andre Sattler will create the most memorable evening preparing a candlelit five-course dinner for two. The package also includes oceanfront accommodations, daily buffet breakfast for two, one bottle of champagne upon arrival, a special welcome amenity, complimentary WiFi and access to the award-winning AcquaMarine childens program. To capture memories of their stay, guests will also receive a Sweet Alhambra Bracelet in rose gold and carnelian by Van Cleef & Arpels. Distinguished by their unique, timeless elegance and inspired by the clover leaf which also bears resemblance to Acqualinas red clover logo, these icons of luck are adorned with a border of golden beads. This exclusive package starts from $1495 per night based on a minimum 5-night stay. (Rates do not include taxes, subject to availability and seasonality, blackout dates apply.)

For more information or reservations, please visit http://www.acqualinaresort.com or call 888.713.0456.

About Acqualina Resort & Spa

Acqualina Resort & Spa is a place where the charm of a Mediterranean villa meets elegance on the beach. A seaside luxury haven located on 4.5 beachfront acres in pristine Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina Resort & Spa features 98 impeccably appointed guest rooms and suites and 188 residences with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, world-class dining including Il Mulino New York, three oceanfront swimming pools, spacious meeting rooms and an innovative marine biology-based childrens program. A variety of lavish interior and exterior venues provide an ideal background for opulent weddings and memorable events. Acqualina Spa by ESPA, the first ESPA-branded spa in the United States, provides guests with an exquisite 20,000-square-foot, two-story tranquil sanctuary of excellence and relaxation. A family owned and operated property, Acqualina is a recipient of the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Awards for both the hotel and spa and the AAA Five Diamond Award.ID Imaging, a leading provider of on-demand, learn-as-you-go, ultrasound training solutions, announced today that in celebration of the Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) Physiatry '19 Puerto Rico Annual Meeting it is offering promotional pricing to all qualified residency programs through the end of March 2019. The company, whos stated goal is to bring ultrasound to the world, has developed training tools proven to make ultrasound learning much faster than traditional methods.

The AAP Meeting special pricing was created to recognize the vital role that residencies play in the continuing evolution of Physiatry and use of technology in healthcare.

Ultrasound is considered the new stethoscope, but hard to learn, said Dr. Cliff Gronseth, Founder of 7D Imaging and practicing Physiatrist. Having a working knowledge of ultrasound imaging is no longer a nice-to-have; its becoming a key component of cost-effective patient care. At 7D Imaging, wed like to do our part in helping medical professionals gain the skills and confidence they need to provide patients with the best medical care.

Dr. Gronseth, a champion for ultrasound technology including holding several ultrasound-related patents and creating software for more efficient ultrasound learning, recognizes the need to make ultrasound easy to learn and easy to use. The steep learning curve remains the main barrier to widespread adoption, noted Dr. Gronseth. By packaging experts-in-a-box (in this case an iPAD) with real-time, dynamic ultrasound imagery, clinicians can have immediate access to relevant information and confidently use ultrasound to improve patient care.

In addition, 7D Imaging is pleased to offer up to 66 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits through a collaboration with the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) until November 2020.

To take advantage of the promotional offering contact 7D Imaging for a volume-based quote (up to 45% off) at sales(at)7DImaging(dot)com or visit the website at http://www.7dImaging.com.

About 7D Imaging, Inc.

7D Imaging, Inc. develops education solutions featuring high resolution, pre-labelled ultrasound imagery and point-of-care reference guides to rapidly enhance ultrasound use. Having immediate access to relevant information lowers the steep learning curve and accelerates ultrasound and anatomic mastery.

Contact: Kate Horn, 7D Imaging, Inc.

5387 Manhattan Circle, Boulder, CO 80303

Toll Free: 877-977-1875

Email: kate(dot)horn(at)7Dimaging(dot)com

Website: http://www.7DImaging.comEXPERT OBSERVATION

In the lead up to the NSW election, the NSW residential building industry is being strangled in red tape and taxes.

Some 43% of the cost of a new house and land package is made up of taxes, charges and levies from all three tiers of Government.

Despite this, policies implemented by the State government continue to add to the tax burden for the housing industry.

By way of example, in the past 18 months, the following regulations and taxes have been implemented or proposed, each one having a negative impact on housing affordability and supply.

Removing caps on section 94 development contributions adding $20,000  $40,000 per dwelling;





Increasing the BASIX energy efficiency targets adding an average of $10,000 per new dwelling;





Delaying the start of the medium density housing code to deal with Sydneys missing middle for terrace and low rise medium density housing projects reacting to unreasonable and simple incorrect claims that the code would promote high-density housing after promoting the savings of around $15,000 in approval costs for these type of dwellings from the implementation of the code;





Introducing a 2% defect bond and an additional double barrel inspection regime for strata developments that will be ineffectual and add to the cost of all new strata projects and





Proposing a Greater Macarthur state infrastructure contribution (SIC) of $40,000 per dwelling, along with new SIC levies in the Hunter.

These changes can easily account for an additional $70-$90,000 per dwelling and once applied, they may be subject to stamp duty.

There are many things our state politicians can consider to help housing supply and affordability that dont require drastic structural change.

For instance, the NSW Productivity Commissioner should be directed to undertake a detailed review of the regulatory burden and costs to the residential sector with the aim of reducing red tape, increasing productivity and thus improving housing affordability.

All new legislation and regulation impacting the housing sector should be subject to a thorough public regulatory impact assessment.

Adding to the problem of housing affordability and rental affordability with new red tape and taxes is not the solution to ensuring people in NSW can afford to buy or rent a home. More needs to be done now, politicians need to get serious and focus on real changes that will make a real difference to the cost of new homes in NSW.

David Bare is HIA Executive Director NSW.The former Coogee home of model Jennifer Hawkins and her then builder fiance Jake Wall was pulled from its weekend's scheduled auction.

It now comes with guidance of $3.2 million to $3.5 million.

Phillips Pantzer Donnelley agents Alexander Phillips and David Tyrell are marketing the home having initially sought $3.5 million when first listed, and then adjusting its buyers guide to $3.2 million.

It is the home which Hawkins had difficulty selling seven years ago.

It was finally sold for $2.22 million in 2012 when the couple headed off to Sydney's northern beaches.

Hawkin noted after it took six months to sell in 2012 that "Wow.... the property market in Sydney is tough".

The Moore Street home, part of a duplex near Gordon's Bay, spans 240 square metres over its four levels.

It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area that flows to the rear alfresco deck which has been reduced in size to allow more exposed pool.

The Coogee property was a bit of a baptism of fire in the world of property for Hawkins and Wall, who in recent times have made handsome profits from their property dealings.

They made a small loss on the 2002-built property following her four year ownership, buying for $2.27 million in 2008 and then selling in 2012, just before prices began to soar across in Sydney over the next five years.

This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph.The developers charged over the illegal demolition of the Corkman, a 160-year-old Melbourne pub have been fined $1.325 million plus costs, after pleading guilty to breaching building and planning laws.

The Corkman Irish Pub in Carlton was illegally demolished in October 2016.

The magistrate Ross Maxted said only a big penalty would deter others.

Last year they were also fined nearly $600,000 by the EPA for illegally dumping asbestos debris from the demolition on a construction site surrounded by homes at Cairnlea, in Melbourne's north-west.

Developer Raman Shaqiri and his company 160 Leicester Pty Ltd pleaded guilty in May last year after knocked down the Corkman without building or planning approval.

The company's other director, Stefce Kutlesovski, pleaded guilty to charges in January this year.

Magistrate Ross Maxted fined the company $850,000, while Shaqiri and Kutlesovski were fined $220,000 and $255,000 respectively.

Magistrate Maxted described the pair's behaviour as "reprehensible."

The Corkman Irish Pub last sold for $4.76 million, $1.56 million above its 2014 auction reserve.

Located at 154-160 Leicester Street in the inner city fringe suburb of Carlton, the historic two storey pub, formerly the Carlton Inn, is located on a prime 456 square metre corner site.

The pub is directly across the road from the University of Melbourne law school.

There were five bidders vying to buy the Corkman Irish Pub which is a traditional food and beverage venue with public bar, bistro dining, courtyard and first floor hostel accommodation.

The pub had been with the same owner since it last traded in 1987 for $900,000.

"The penalties will be imposed to deter such speculative and base mercantile thinking and behaviour."

After the demolition the developer duo committed "unequivocally" to rebuild the pub in a 2016 letter to Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

But the magistrate noted no building application had been lodged.

"The company has not taken steps to honour that," Magistrate Maxted noted.EILAT (ISRAEL), Jan. 21, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the official launching ceremony of the Ramon Airport near the Red Sea coastal city of Eilat, Israel, on Jan. 21, 2019. Netanyahu said that Israel is much mo Image Source: IANS News

Jerusalem, Feb 21 : A planned meeting between Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been postponed, an official in Jerusalem said on Wednesday.

The official told Xinhua news agency on anonymity that the meeting, planned to be held in Moscow on Thursday, was delayed in mutual consent and a new meeting will be scheduled in a few days.

Instead of the meeting, Netanyahu and Putin will speak over the phone on Thursday, according to the agency.

Israeli local media reported that Netanyahu cancelled the meeting because of domestic political affairs and amidst efforts to unite forces with other right-wing parties ahead of the elections to be held on April 9.

Israel's Ha'aretz newspaper reported that Netanyahu cancelled his trip because of an assessment that his main rival, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces Benny Gantz, will join forces with the central party of Yesh Atid.

The meeting was supposed to be Netanyahu's first trip to Moscow since Syrian forces mistakenly intercepted a Russian surveillance plane during an Israeli airstrike. Russia held Israel accountable for the downing of the plane.

On Sunday, Netanyahu said that the meeting was aimed at strengthening the military coordination of both countries' military activities in Syria and "prevent friction between the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) and the Russian army."

The meeting was also supposed to focus on Israel's efforts to prevent Iran from entrenching itself in Syria.

Israel and Russia hold a hotline to avoid their air forces from clashing in the Syrian battlefield.

Israel has acknowledged carrying out hundreds of deadly airstrikes in Syria, saying that they targeted on Iranian sites and weapons' convoys to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militia.Washington, Feb 21 : US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday announced that Hoda Muthana, an Alabama native who joined the Islamic State (IS) in 2014, is not a US citizen and will not be allowed to enter the US.

"Hoda Muthana is not a US citizen and will not be admitted into the US. She does not have any legal basis, no valid US passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the US," Pompeo said in a statement.

According to US media, Muthana, who travelled to Syria and joined the IS in 2014, regrets joining the group and now wants to come home.

When asked about Muthana's case at the State Department press briefing on Tuesday, deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino said that "the situation of American citizens or possible American citizens in Syria is by definition extremely complicated, and we're looking into these cases to better understand the details."

Palladino also noted that repatriating foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin was the best solution to preventing them from returning to the battlefield, reports Xinhua news agency.

President Donald Trump on February 16 required European allies to take back 800 Islamic State (IS) militants arrested in Syria after the US withdrawal.

Trump tweeted it was time "for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing" after the US had expended plenty of resources in Syria.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) detained more than 900 foreign fighters during their campaign against the IS in northeastern Syria, media reported.

The SDF has warned that they may not be able to hold IS fighters after the departure of US forces, which was ordered by the Trump administration last December.

According to media reports, French officials said that some French jihadists had returned to France and more would follow. Britain, however, refused to take back citizens who had joined the IS, and other European countries have remained largely silent about this issue.Baghdad, Feb 21 : Iraqi security forces on Wednesday killed five suicide bomber from the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh, the Iraqi military said.

A joint force from Iraqi army and paramilitary Hashd Shaabi ambushed five suicide bombers wearing explosive vests and surrounded them in their vehicle in Badoush area in northwest of Mosul, Yahya Rasoul, spokesman of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, said in a statement.

The troops opened fire on the vehicle, killing the five suicide bombers and set the vehicle ablaze, the statement said, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier, the Iraqi Army's Chief of Staff Othman al-Ghanimi told reporters at a press conference that Iraqi security forces captured 24 IS militants, including four leaders, who infiltrated from neighbouring Syria to Mosul.

On Tuesday, the Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said that Iraq is concerned about developments of the battles in neighbouring Syria, which is witnessing the clearing of the last pocket of IS extremist group near the Syrian border with Iraq.

Iraqi security force and paramilitary Hashd Shaabi brigades are deployed on the borderline between Syria and Iraq, which extends to some 600 km in west of the two provinces of Nineveh and Anbar.

The long borderline between the two countries has long been used by insurgent groups and IS militants for logistic support and to carry out cross-border attacks in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003.Washington, Feb 21 : Michael Cohen, U.S. President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, on Wednesday was granted a two-month delay to surrender himself to federal prison.

Federal Judge William Pauley has approved Cohen's request to adjourn his surrender to prison from March 6 to May 6, a court document revealed.

Cohen recently had "a serious surgical procedure" and needs more time for recovery, according to his lawyer Michael Monico, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier, House Intelligence Committee postponed Cohen's closed-door testimony until February 28. The Senate Intelligence Committee has also subpoenaed Cohen for an appearance in a closed door session.

Cohen pleaded guilty last year to charges that included campaign-finance violations for paying hush money to women who claimed to have had sex with Trump and for lying to Congress about the extent of negotiations for a Trump Tower in Russia. He was sentenced in December to three years in prison.

Trump has slammed Cohen as "a weak person" and the Russia probe as a "witch hunt."Bengaluru, Feb 21 : Congress legislator J.N. Ganesh has been arrested for allegedly assaulting fellow party MLA Anand Singh last month, Karnataka Home Minister M.B. Patil said on Wednesday.

<img src='http://iansphoto.in/web/photoimages_new/400/2019/01/21/d13885082f748a60768 India, he said, had decided to extend e-visa facilities to Saudi nationals.

The two leaders also agreed to enhance maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean Region.

Both sides agreed that regional connectivity projects should be based on universally recognised international norms including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Prince Mohammed, who arrived in the capital on Tuesday for his two-day first state visit to India, was earlier in the day accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.Hyderabad, Feb 21 : A man from Telangana was shot dead by unidentified persons in Florida State of the US.

K. Goverdhan Reddy (50), who was hailing from Yadadri Bhongir district of Telangana, was killed when unknown assailants opened fire at a departmental store where he was working as a manager.

According to information reaching his family in Hyderabad, Reddy was killed when some armed men barged into the store and opened fire. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday (local time) in Pensacola city.

Another employee of the store was reported to have injured in the attack.

Reddy had gone to US seven years ago. He is survived by wife and two daughters, studying in 10th and 7th standards.

His family has appealed to the Government of India to arrange for bringing the body home.New Delhi, Feb 21 : Union cabinet has given its nod to 10 per cent quota for poor among the general categories in Jammu and Kashmir and also approved the provision for SC/ST reservation in promotion in government jobs in the state.

Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh said since Jammu and Kashmir is under the President's Rule, the Cabinet on Tuesday in its meeting took these decisions.

Talking to reporters here at his official residence, Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said it will help a certain section of society which belongs to lower economic strata and will benefit equally Jammu and Kashmir like other states.

He said the government had introduced the provision of reservation in promotion for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

"That too has been approved for Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

"It will enable Jammu and Kashmir to be beneficiaries of the same public welfare measures for the benefit of the weaker sections that PM Modi initiated for the rest of the country," he said.

Hailing the decision Singh said that these decisions show the Prime Minister's extremely sensitive concern for the state.

"In the last 65 years, no earlier government had ever taken an initiative on these lines and even now these decisions have come forth in the interest of the state because of the Modi Government being at the helm at the Centre," he said.

The Union Cabinet had in January this year took the decision to provide for 10 per cent quota for people belonging to 'unreserved categories', including Christians and Muslims, in jobs and education with an annual income limit of Rs 8 lakh and land-holding ceiling of about five acres, highly-placed sources said.

A Constitution Amendment bill for the purpose was recently passed by the Parliament.New Delhi, Feb 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Seoul on Wednesday on a two-day visit to South Korea during which he will be conferred upon the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize.

During the visit, Modi will hold discussions with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and will meet with business leaders, members of the Indian community as well as eminent persons from all walks of life.

In his pre-departure statement, Modi said India regards South Korea as a valued friend.

He said that India and South Korea have shared values and a shared vision for regional and global peace and their needs and strengths are complementary as fellow market economies.

Modi said that the growing depth and variety in relationship has been accentuated by the harmony between India's Act East Policy and South Korea's New Southern Policy.Tehran, Feb 21 : Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday said that the sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic by the US constitute an act of terrorism.

Rouhani spoke following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran, underscoring the need for Iranians to continue to stand united against US sanctions, reports Efe.

"The actions of the US in pressurising banks and companies to not cooperate with Iran are absolute terrorist acts against international regulations," Rouhani said.

"The US is using all that it has against the nation of Iran, and the nation of Iran responds against this with all of its might, hope, and confidence," the Iranian president said.

On May 8, 2018, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 international nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which saw the Iranian regime agree to limits on its nuclear energy program in exchange for a lifting of sanctions.

The remaining signatories -- Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the European Union -- criticised the Trump administration for this move as international inspectors have consistently found that Tehran is abiding by the pact.

Since the Trump decision, the US has reinstated earlier sanctions and instituted additional measures specifically targeting Iran's central bank and oil market.

Some foreign companies have pulled out of Iran in the face of Washington's threat to retaliate against individuals or entities who continue to do business with the Islamic Republic.

"When they, against international regulations, threaten some bank or company to impose penalty fines for cooperating with a country, they are actually causing terror in the banking and commercial sectors and they are carrying out an economic terrorist act," Rouhani said.

Rouhani discussed at the Wednesday Cabinet session a number of building projects he recently inaugurated in Hormozgan province, of which the largest was the third phase of the Persian Gulf Star Refinery.

"The opening of ... projects in Hormozgan Province is the symbol of Iranian nation's capabilities and progress," the president stated, "This is a great honour for the government and by the end of this year, our petrol production will surpass 100 million litres."New Delhi, Feb 21 : India and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned "in strongest terms" the terror attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama, called upon countries to bring perpetrators of such acts to justice and underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations.

The remarks on the UN sanctions regime during discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came two days after the joint statement issued during the visit of the Saudi Arabian leader to Pakistan which had "underlined the need for avoiding politicisation of the UN listing regime".

However, the joint statement issued late on Wednesday did not mention Pakistan or Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) based in that country which had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel last week. India has linked Pakistan with the terror attack.

However, Pakistan was mentioned in the context of "consistent efforts" made by Prime Minister Modi since May 2014 including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with the neighbouring country, with the visiting leader appreciating the efforts.

The statement said that both sides agreed on the need "for creation of conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan".

Modi welcomed the announcement by Prince Mohammed to invest in the areas of energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and mining, manufacturing, education and health potentially worth in excess of $100 billion.

Saudi Arabia had signed agreements for investment of $20 billion during Prince Mohammed's visit to Pakistan.

The joint statement said that both sides called upon all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists perpetrating terrorism from all territories against other states, and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice.

The two sides also rejected any attempt to link this universal phenomenon to any particular race, religion or culture, affirming that the menace of extremism and terrorism threatens all nations and societies. Pakistan claims to be the biggest victim of terrorism.

India and Saudi Arabia also called upon all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

"The two sides also noted the need for concerted action by the international community against terrorism including through early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN," the statement said.

They called upon all states to deny access to weapons, including missiles and drones, to commit terrorist acts against other countries.

"The Prime Minister and His Royal Highness condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian security forces on February 14, 2019 in Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir," it said.

The two leaders agreed to constitute a comprehensive security dialogue at the NSA level and set up a joint working group on counter-terrorism.

Modi, in his remarks at the joint media interaction with the Saudi leader, mentioned the "barbaric terror attack" in Pulwama and said it was another manifestation of the danger posed by terrorism to humanity.

"We agree that to deal with it effectively, there is need to put all possible pressure on countries which are giving any kind of support to terrorism," Modi said.

Modi has had restricted, one-on-one and delegation level talks with the visiting leader. The two sides signed six agreements including Saudi investment in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.

The Prime Minister said it was extremely necessary to destroy terror infrastructure and to punish terrorists and their supporters.

Modi said there was need for an action plan to deal with extremism so that the youths were not misguided by forces linked to terror and violence.

"I am happy that Saudi Arabia and India have common thoughts on this," he said.

Prince Salman, in his remarks, said that extremism and terrorism were common concerns of the two countries and Saudi Arabia would fully cooperate with India.

India is keen to get JeM chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations.

Asked at a press briefing later how the remarks of the two leaders squared up with Saudi-Pakistan joint statement, Secretary (Economic Relations) T.S. Tirumurti said he did now want to comment on it, but "if you are really looking at politicisation, you know who is politicising it".

Answering a query, he said the complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama attack was very much underlined during the talks.

He also said that no mediation was offered by the Saudi authorities.

On the defence front, the two leaders agreed to hold the first naval exercises "at the earliest".

Tirumurti said the visiting leader conveyed his appreciation of the Indian model which signified the ethos of inclusiveness, pluralism and tolerance.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the first Joint Venture West Coast Refinery and Petrochemical Project estimated to cost $44 billion and both sides agreed to expedite the implementation of the project, which would be the largest green field refinery in the world to be implemented in one phase.

In addition, $10 billion through the Public Investment Fund and its technology partners, and other investments opportunities potentially worth $26 billion are being explored.

The two sides agreed to promote cooperation to prevent use of cyberspace for terror, radicalism and incitement to disturb social harmony.

The statement said that the Indian Government had agreed to increase the seats of Saudi Arabian Airlines "from 80,000 seats/month to 112,000 seats/month" and studies were underway to increase that number substantially.

It said that both sides looked forward to the integration of migration platforms of the two countries, viz., e-Migrate and e-Tawtheeq, to create a robust migration environment.

Saudi Arabia decided to increase haj quota from India to two lakh from the present 1.75 lakh and release 850 Indian prisoners.

India, he said, had decided to extend e-visa facilities to Saudi nationals.

The two leaders also agreed to enhance maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean Region.

Both sides agreed that regional connectivity projects should be based on universally recognised international norms including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Prince Mohammed, who arrived in the capital on Tuesday for his two-day first state visit to India, was earlier in the day accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.Bengaluru, Feb 21 : Congress legislator J.N. Ganesh has been arrested for allegedly assaulting fellow party MLA Anand Singh last month, Karnataka Home Minister M.B. Patil said on Wednesday.

Arrested by Karnataka Police from Gujarat's Somnath, Ganesh is being brought to Bengaluru and will be produced before a court on Thursday, Patil told reporters here.

Ganesh represents Kampli assembly segment in Ballari district while Singh is from Vijayanagara segment in the same district.

Police registered an assault case by Singh against Ganesh for allegedly beating him at a resort on January 20.

The assault led to Singh's admission to a private hospital here for treatment. He has been discharged since then.

Congress state unit President Dinesh Gundu Rao had suspended Ganesh in wake of the incident.The Hague, Feb 20 : India on Wednesday urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to transfer the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, Indian national sentenced to death in an espionage case in Pakistan, from a military court to an ordinary court, if he is not to be released immediately.

"The court (ICJ) should direct Pakistan to release the Indian national Jadhav and arrange for his safe passage to India. If the court were not to release him, annul the death by a military court and direct a trial under the ordinary laws with full consular access," Deepak Mittal, India's agent and Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry said winding up India's arguments before the ICJ.

His winding up remarks followed a 90-minute presentation by senior counsel Harish Salve on the arbitrary nature of proceedings in the military court in which due process of law was not followed in the trial of Jadhav, held on spying charges in 2016.

Mittal said the court should adjure and declare that Pakistan was in breach of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, 1963 as it failed to inform India of Jadhav's arrest and for declining access to Jadhav by Indian consular officers.

In his opening remarks, the official said India took full responsibility of what was said in the court and protest against the strong language used by Pakistani counsel on Tuesday.

Speaking on India's criticism of military courts in Pakistan, Salve, in his arguments for the second day, said, "This court doesn't need experts to help it decide whether military courts in Pakistan are due process compliant. Pakistan has mischaracterised India's reading of the report on military courts as an attempt to mislead the court."

Three attempts by Pakistan to derail proceedings in this court have failed, he alleged.

Pakistan attempted to produce video of Jadhav's purported confession on February 18, before the oral hearings. The ICJ declined to take the video on record. Pakistan attempted to bring evidence, declined through oral submissions, said Salve.

"Bio-data mentions that Jadhav was a former Indian Navy officer. This would be proof of his Indian nationality," said Salve. Indian nationals are not the kind whose nationality needs to be denied, he added.

Pakistan had relied on Avena case, which goes against them. According to the case, once there is a probability that a detainee is a foreign national, consular access must be granted, Salve contended.

"India denies existence of legal relations treaty with Pakistan because of the latter's reticence. This was a point I made in the first round that has not been countered by Pakistan," he said.

The former Solicitor General of India argued India has repeatedly asked for a copy of the judgment convicting Jadhav and the charges against. There would be no threat to security of Pakistan if they share these documents, he added.

"If Jadhav had been involved in subversive activities, irrespective of whether or not he had an Indian passport, he would have been tried for espionage," he said.

Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of extracted confession, Salve said adding International Commission of Jurists and European Parliament have criticised the functioning of Pakistan's military courts. Pakistan has defended them by relying on reports by military experts, Salve said.

Judicial review by Pakistan courts has a narrow ambit and they have not interfered with military court decisions many times, Salve said.

Critowed a 90-minute presentation by senior counsel Harish Salve on the arbitrary nature of proceedings in the military court in which due process of law was not followed in the trial of Jadhav, held on spying charges in 2016.

Mittal said the court should adjure and declare that Pakistan was in breach of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, 1963 as it failed to inform India of Jadhav's arrest and for declining access to Jadhav by Indian consular officers.

In his opening remarks, the official said India took full responsibility of what was said in the court and protest against the strong language used by Pakistani counsel on Tuesday.

Speaking on India's criticism of military courts in Pakistan, Salve, in his arguments for the second day, said, "This court doesn't need experts to help it decide whether military courts in Pakistan are due process compliant. Pakistan has mischaracterised India's reading of the report on military courts as an attempt to mislead the court."

Three attempts by Pakistan to derail proceedings in this court have failed, he alleged.

Pakistan attempted to produce video of Jadhav's purported confession on February 18, before the oral hearings. The ICJ declined to take the video on record. Pakistan attempted to bring evidence, declined through oral submissions, said Salve.

"Bio-data mentions that Jadhav was a former Indian Navy officer. This would be proof of his Indian nationality," said Salve. Indian nationals are not the kind whose nationality needs to be denied, he added.

Pakistan had relied on Avena case, which goes against them. According to the case, once there is a probability that a detainee is a foreign national, consular access must be granted, Salve contended.

"India denies existence of legal relations treaty with Pakistan because of the latter's reticence. This was a point I made in the first round that has not been countered by Pakistan," he said.

The former Solicitor General of India argued India has repeatedly asked for a copy of the judgment convicting Jadhav and the charges against. There would be no threat to security of Pakistan if they share these documents, he added.

"If Jadhav had been involved in subversive activities, irrespective of whether or not he had an Indian passport, he would have been tried for espionage," he said.

Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of extracted confession, Salve said adding International Commission of Jurists and European Parliament have criticised the functioning of Pakistan's military courts. Pakistan has defended them by relying on reports by military experts, Salve said.

Judicial review by Pakistan courts has a narrow ambit and they have not interfered with military court decisions many times, Salve said.

Criticising the language used by Pakistan counsel Khawar Qureshi, he said criticism of one sovereign state of a case made out by the another state must be in a language consistent with the dignity of the sovereign state and the majesty of this court and solemnity of the proceedings in this court.

"Humpty Dumpty has no place in this court," he said.

"This court has jurisdiction over the sovereign states and conduct proceedings in which sovereign states are given directions, which are binding upon them. This court, therefore, conduct itself with restraint and respect, which does not undermine the sovereignty of any of the states or shows disrespect to any of them," he said adding the transcript is peppered with words such as "shameless, nonsensical, laughable, breath taking arrogance", On a quick count, he said, "shameless and nonsense occurred five times each. Arrogance, ridiculous and disgraceful four times each. And these are addressed to submissions made in the memorial made in the reply by the sovereign republic of India".

"India believes we have a strong case. We are saying 'hammer the facts and hammer the law'. As the old lawyer saying goes when you are strong on law you hammer the law, when you are strong on facts you hammer the facts. And when you have neither, you hammer the table."

On June 5, 2018 Pakistan wrote a letter to India demanding confirmation that the contents of the reply are in old material respects accurate and requesting India whether the lead counsel has reviewed or approved the reply as far.

Pakistan-chosen ad-hoc judge Tassaduq Hussain Gillani who suffered a heart attack during Monday's hearing will continue to participate in the proceedings. He has been given case files. He will receive the transcripts of oral proceedings.

The ICJ President, in his observations, said the case would continued to be heard by Judge Gillani and video conferencing with him could be delayed to an appropriate date and time till he recovers.Hyderabad, Feb 20 : With US Supreme Court ruling in its favour, Indian pharma major Dr. Reddy's Laboratories on Wednesday announced re-launch of generic version of Suboxone, a sublingual film for opioid addition treatment, in the US market.

Decks were cleared for the re-launch of Buprenorphine and Naloxone sublingual film after the US Supreme Court turned down UK pharma firm Indivior's plea against the launch of a copycat version of its Suboxone by competitors.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit concluded that Indivior had not shown that it is likely to succeed on its claim that Dr. Reddy's product infringes a US patent.

The decision vacates the District Court's preliminary injunction that had prohibited Dr. Reddy's from selling its generic version of Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film, the Hyderabad-headquartered company said in a statement.

As a result of the ruling, Dr. Reddy's has resumed shipping of the product.

"We are pleased with the decision of the appellate court in Dr. Reddy's favour, vacating the preliminary injunction that had prevented Dr. Reddy's from continuing to market this important drug to the public," said Marc Kikuchi, Chief Executive Officer, North America Generics.

"Dr. Reddy's is committed to providing affordable treatment options for opioid use disorder and addiction. We look forward to helping patients and our communities in the United States who are impacted by the opioid epidemic," he said.

In June 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved Dr. Reddy's Buprenorphine and Naloxone Sublingual Film, in four strengths including 2 mg/0.5 mg, 4 mg/1 mg, 8 mg/2 mg, and 12 mg/3 mg, for sale in the US market. The product was launched immediately after approval, with sales and commercialization activities halted as a result of a court-imposed temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction against Dr. Reddy's.

The TRO and preliminary injunction did not prohibit commercial manufacturing of the product.New Delhi, Feb 20 : India and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday strongly condemned the terror attack on Indian forces in Pulwama, called upon countries to renounce use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy and underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations.

The remarks on the UN sanctions regime during discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came two days after the joint statement issued during the visit of the Saudi Arabian leader to Pakistan which had "underlined the need for avoiding politicisation of UN listing regime".

However, there was no direct mention of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which has claimed the responsibility for Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel last week. India has linked Pakistan with the attack.

Briefing the media following delegation-level talks between Modi and Salman here, Secretary (Economic Relations) T.S. Tirumurti said both sides agreed to set up a Strategic Partnership Council and Saudi Arabia would invest $100 billion in India in a range of areas, terming it "a clear reflection of confidence in the vibrancy of Indian econony".

Saudi Arabia had signed agreements for investment of $20 billion during Prince Mohammed's visit to Pakistan.

Tirumurti also said the two leaders agreed to constitute a comprehensive security dialogue at the NSA level and set up a joint working group on counter-terrorism and agreed to increase the frequency of direct flights between India and Saudi Arabia by 3,84,000 seats per annum which will give a huge boost to tourism.

Modi, in his remarks at the joint media interaction with the Saudi leader, mentioned the "barbaric terror attack" in Pulwama and said it was another manifestation of the danger posed by terrorism to humanity.

"We agree that to deal with it effectively, there is need to put all possible pressure on countries which are giving any kind of support to terrorism," Modi said.

Modi had restricted, one-on-one and delegation-level talks with the visiting leader. The two sides signed five agreements including Saudi investment in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and cooperation in the areas of tourism, housing and broadcasting, besides enhancing bilateral investment relations.

The Prime Minister said it was extremely necessary to destroy terror infrastructure and to punish terrorists and their supporters.

Modi said there was need for an action plan to deal with extremism so that the youths were not misguided by forces linked to terror and violence.

"I am happy that Saudi Arabia and India have common thoughts on this," he said.

Prince Salman, in his remarks, said that extremism and terrorism were common concerns of the two countries and Saudi Arabia will fully cooperate with India.

He said the two leaders expressed strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

India is keen to get JeM chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations.

Asked how the remarks of the two leaders squared up with Saudi-Pakistan joint statement, Tirumurti said he did not want to comment on it, but "if you are really looking at politicisation, you know who is politicising it".

Tirumurti said the two leaders called upon all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, cut off any kind of support and financing to terrorists from all territories against other states and bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice.

"The two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian forces in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Both leaders called upon all countries to renounce use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. They called upon states to deny access to weapons to commit terrorist acts against other countries.

"Both leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations. They called for concerted action by the international community against terrorism and early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)," he said.

Answering a query, he said the complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama attack was very much underlined.

He said that Prince Mohammed appreciated "consistent efforts" by Modi since May 2014 including Prime Minister's personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan".

"In this context, both sides agreed on the creation of conditions necessary for resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan," he said.

He also said that no mediation was offered by the Saudi authorities.

On the defence front, the two leaders agreed to hold the first naval exercises at the earliest.

Tirumurti said the visiting leader conveyed his appreciation of the Indian model which signifies the ethos of inclusiveness, pluralism and tolerance.

The official said Modi welcomed the announcement of Crown Prince to invest $100 billion in India in a range of areas like energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, etc.

He said they expressed satisfaction at the first joint venture in energy of a refinery and petrochemical project at Ratnagiri estimated at $44 billion and the Prime Minister welcomed Saudi Arabia's participation in India's strategic petroleum reserves.

The $100-billion proposed Saudi investment also includes that in the refinery project.

Tirumurti said the two leaders agreed to increase the frequency of direct flights of carriers India and Saudi Arabia by 3,84,000 seats per annum which will give a huge boost to tourism as well as large Indian community.

He said at India's request, Saudi Arabia decided to increase Haj quota from India to two lakh from the present 1.75 lakh. India, he said, has also decided to extend e-visa facilities to Saudi nationals.

Tirumurti said Saudi Arabia also agreed to resolve issues related to Indian workers who are currently stranded in Saudi Arabia due to closure of one foreign company.

The two leaders agreed to enhance maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean Region and vowed to cooperate along with other Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries in serving as the net security provider for IOR.

In a veiled reference to China's "One Belt, One Road" project, which also includes China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Triumurti said both sides agreed that regional connectivity projects should be based on univsersally recognised international norms including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Prince Mohammed, who arrived in the capital on Tuesday on a two-day first state visit to India, was earlier in the day accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Prince Mohammed and President Ram Nath Kovind hosted a banquet for the visiting dignitary.The Hague, Feb 20 : India on Wednesday urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to transfer the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, Indian national sentenced to death in an espionage case in Pakistan, from a military court to an ordinary court, if he is not to be released immediately.

"The court (ICJ) should direct Pakistan to release the Indian national Jadhav and arrange for his safe passage to India. If the court were not to release him, annul the death by a military court and direct a trial under the ordinary laws with full consular access," Deepak Mittal, India's agent and Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry said winding up India's arguments before the ICJ.

His winding up remarks followed a 90-minute presentation by senior counsel Harish Salve on the arbitrary nature of proceedings in the military court in which due process of law was not followed in the trial of Jadhav, held on spying charges in 2016.

Mittal said the court should adjure and declare that Pakistan was in breach of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, 1963 as it failed to inform India of Jadhav's arrest and for declining access to Jadhav by Indian consular officers.

In his opening remarks, the official said India took full responsibility of what was said in the court and protest against the strong language used by Pakistani counsel on Tuesday.

Speaking on India's criticism of military courts in Pakistan, Salve, in his arguments for the second day, said, "This court doesn't need experts to help it decide whether military courts in Pakistan are due process compliant. Pakistan has mischaracterised India's reading of the report on military courts as an attempt to mislead the court."

Three attempts by Pakistan to derail proceedings in this court have failed, he alleged.

Pakistan attempted to produce video of Jadhav's purported confession on February 18, before the oral hearings. The ICJ declined to take the video on record. Pakistan attempted to bring evidence, declined through oral submissions, said Salve.

"Bio-data mentions that Jadhav was a former Indian Navy officer. This would be proof of his Indian nationality," said Salve. Indian nationals are not the kind whose nationality needs to be denied, he added.

Pakistan had relied on Avena case, which goes against them. According to the case, once there is a probability that a detainee is a foreign national, consular access must be granted, Salve contended.

"India denies existence of legal relations treaty with Pakistan because of the latter's reticence. This was a point I made in the first round that has not been countered by Pakistan," he said.

The former Solicitor General of India argued India has repeatedly asked for a copy of the judgment convicting Jadhav and the charges against. There would be no threat to security of Pakistan if they share these documents, he added.

"If Jadhav had been involved in subversive activities, irrespective of whether or not he had an Indian passport, he would have been tried for espionage," he said.

Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of extracted confession, Salve said adding International Commission of Jurists and European Parliament have criticised the functioning of Pakistan's military courts. Pakistan has defended them by relying on reports by military experts, Salve said.

Judicial review by Pakistan courts has a narrow ambit and they have not interfered with military court decisions many times, Salve said.

Criticising the language used by Pakistan counsel Khawar Qureshi, he said criticism of one sovereign state of a case made out by the another state must be in a language consistent with the dignity of the sovereign state and the majesty of this court and solemnity of the proceedings in this court.

"Humpty Dumpty has no place in this court," he said.

"This court has jurisdiction over the sovereign states and conduct proceedings in which sovereign states are given directions, which are binding upon them. This court, therefore, conduct itself with restraint and respect, which does not undermine the sovereignty of any of the states or shows disrespect to any of them," he said adding the transcript is peppered with words such as "shameless, nonsensical, laughable, breath taking arrogance", On a quick count, he said, "shameless and nonsense occurred five times each. Arrogance, ridiculous and disgraceful four times each. And these are addressed to submissions made in the memorial made in the reply by the sovereign republic of India".

"India believes we have a strong case. We are saying 'hammer the facts and hammer the law'. As the old lawyer saying goes when you are strong on law you hammer the law, when you are strong on facts you hammer the facts. And when you have neither, you hammer the table."

On June 5, 2018 Pakistan wrote a letter to India demanding confirmation that the contents of the reply are in old material respects accurate and requesting India whether the lead counsel has reviewed or approved the reply as far.

Pakistan-chosen ad-hoc judge Tassaduq Hussain Gillani who suffered a heart attack during Monday's hearing will continue to participate in the proceedings. He has been given case files. He will receive the transcripts of oral proceedings.

The ICJ President, in his observations, said the case would continued to be heard by Judge Gillani and video conferencing with him could be delayed to an appropriate date and time till he recovers.Kolkata, Feb 20 : The West Bengal government on Wednesday announced a Rs 5 lakh compensation each for the families of the two CRPF troopers hailing from the state who were killed in the Pulwama terror attack last week.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also promised a job to a member of each family if they so desire.

"Two jawans from our state, Bablu Santra, and Sudip Biswas were killed. We know it is nothing, but from our state government, to extend our solidarity, we have decided to give Rs 5 lakh to each family.

"And if they want service, we can provide one employment also to each of the two families," Banerjee said at the state secretariat Nabanna.New Delhi, Feb 20 : Coinciding with the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday ordered release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in its jails.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the decision was taken on the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Another big deliverable! At the request of the PM, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails," he said in a tweet.

He said Prince Mohammed has also announced an increase in the quota for Indian Haj pilgrims to 2 lakh at the request of Prime Minister Modi. The present quota is about 1.75 lakh.

During his visit to Pakistan two days back, Prince Mohammed had agreed to release over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi jails.Kolkata, Feb 20 : Former Vice-Chancellor Dilip Kumar Sinha, ex-registrar Dilip Kumar Mukherjee and a one-time woman professor of the Visva Bharati University, set up by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, were pronounced guilty in a case of conspiracy and forgery by a lower court in the Birbhum district on Wednesday.

The quantum of punishment will be announced by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Bolpur, on Thursday.

The ACJM Arvind Mishra held all three guilty under various sections of forgery Act (IPC sections 467. 468. 469, 471 and 475) as also for criminal conspiracy (IPC 120B).

The three may get a maximum seven-year imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, Deb, an undergraduate, joined the university as a lecturer in Mathematics in 1997 during Sinha's vice-chancellorship by producing forged xerox marksheets of Calcutta University, Jadavpur University and Visva-Bharati University, claiming she had cleared B.Sc, M.Sc and M.Phil examinations.

Sinha, who served as VB VC from June 26, 1995 - June 25, 2001, became an associate in the crime as he had attested the forged marksheets as genuine by using his seal as a Rashbehari Ghosh professor of Calcutta University without mentioning a date.

The then registrar Mukherjee got sucked into the case as he did not carry out his responsibility to verify Deb'a testimonials submitted on the day of her joining (January 27, 1997) by comparing them with the original certificates.

"In order to facilitate Deb's recruitment, he did not check any of the testimonials on the day of her joining," said special public prosecutor Nabakumar Ghosh.

The forgery came to light 17 years back in 2002 when Deb applied for her enrolment for a Ph.D thesis.

The then departmental head and the university board of studies asked her to appear with all her original certificates, but she produced police complaints stating all her certificates and her marksheets had been misplaced. She also wrote to the university saying she was withdrawing her application to be enrolled for Ph.D.

The university authorities then made enquiries with the universities concerned and came to know the Xerox certificates submitted by her were forged, as she never cleared those exams from these universities.

On May 31, 2004, Visva Bharati University lodged a complaint at the Bolpur police station, and after a few days the case was handed over to the West Bengal police's Criminal Investigation Department.

Sinha and Deb were arrested in June, and Mukehrjee in July, 2004. The VBA then put Deb under suspension.

The prosecution filed the chargesheet in the case on March 23, 2005.Islamabad, Feb 20 : Pakistan on Wednesday sought a response from Indian authorities over the killing of a Pakistani convict in the Jaipur jail.

"Pakistan is gravely concerned at media reports regarding the brutal killing of a Pakistani prisoner, Shakarullah, imprisoned in the Jaipur Central Jail," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It claimed that he was beaten to death by a group of Indian inmates in retaliation to the Kashmir suicide bombing which killed 40 CRPF troopers and was claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

However, officials in Rajasthan said that he was murdered allegedly by other inmates after a fight over a TV programme and investigations were on.

Shakarullah, from Sialkot in Pakistan's Punjab province, had spent eight years in the jail since his arrest under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act before he was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to 20 years jail.

"Our High Commission in New Delhi has officially raised the issue with the Indian authorities requesting them to urgently authenticate the report and awaits a response," the Foreign Ministry said.

"We call upon the Indian government to fulfil its obligations and ensure provision of foolproof security to all Pakistani inmates in Indian jails and Pakistani visitors to India," it added.New Delhi, Feb 20 : The Digital Communications Commission, an inter-ministerial panel of the Department of Telecom, will examine the TRAI recommendations of a penalty of Rs 3,000 crore on the allegation of breach of quality of service licensing condition against Airtel, Vodafone and Idea who had not merged then as well as a VRS scheme for struggling PSU, MTNL.

Anjana Das New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) The Digital Communications Commission, an inter-ministerial panel of the Department of Telecom, will examine the TRAI recommendations of a penalty of Rs 3,000 crore on the allegation of breach of quality of service licensing condition against Airtel, Vodafone and Idea who had not merged then as well as a VRS scheme for struggling PSU, MTNL.

The second meeting of the DCC will undertake examination of a TRAI recommendation of 2016, October 21, on issues related to violation of provisions of the licencee agreement and the standards of Quality of Service by Airtel, Idea and Vodafone, a DoT's agenda for the meeting stated.

"Revival of MTNL through introduction of VRS, refund of interest on surrendered broadband wireless spectrum (BWA) and debt restructuring by monetisation of land and building assets of MTNL will be taken up in the 2nd meeting of the DCC on February 21", the DoT memo stated.

MTNL which operates in Delhi and Mumbai has employee strength of 23,000. The PSU is in such a dire state that it can't even pay salaries and has sought a revival package.

On penalty, the case goes back to 2016. The highest decision-making body is expected to finally take a call whether to accept the recommendations made by the telecom regulator over slapping a huge Rs 3,050 crore fine on three bleeding incumbent telecom players for not giving points of interconnections (PoI) to new operator Reliance Jio.

In October, 2016, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had recommended imposing penalties on the three operators as they didn't provide enough POIs to Reliance Jio, which resulted in poor quality of services. PoIs allow calls to transfer from one network to another.

A sources said the TRAI ruling may be accepted after attorney general and the legal cell of DoT give the go-ahead. But this could not be verified. If the penalty is slapped, it is sure to be challenged in the court.

The DCC will consider reimbursement of the interest component of Rs 2,800 crore on a loan it had taken earlier to acquire the BWA spectrum and also to fund its proposed Rs 1,100 crore VRS programme.

MTNL is struggling with Rs 20,000 crore debt and Rs 833-crore loss in the Q3 of the current fiscal. The part of prime lands in Delhi and Mumbai if sold, can fetch MTNL about Rs 500 crore, according to MTNL officials.

( can be contacted at anjana.d@ians.in)New Delhi, Feb 20 : Corporation Bank and Allahabad Bank, who have received the maximum recap funds in Wednesday's infusion, are the most likely candidates to get out of the PCA (prompt corrective action) in the next round.

So far three banks - BoI, BoM and OBC -- have exited the the PCA framework of the RBI.

The call for these two banks will be taken up by RBI. Allahabad Bank also faces lending restrictions due to its earlier worst asset quality.

Finance Ministry will infuse Rs 9,086 crore in Corporation Bank and Rs 6,896 crore in Allahabad Bank -- the two "better-performing" banks currently under the PCA framework of the Reserve Bank of India.

Both these banks now have better parameters to escape PCA -- Core Equity Capital, Tier I Capital, Capital to Risk weighted ratio (CRAR) and net NPA.

"The aim is to equip better performing PCA banks to be above regulatory PCA threshold," said Rajeev Kumar, Banking Secretary.

Already over Rs 1 lakh crore of capital infusion has taken place.

Kumar said that government has infused Rs 1.01 lakh crore in FY19 and has "withheld Rs 5,000 crore as cushion in case further recap is required". He said that the government was eyeing recoveries worth Rs 1.8 lakh crore in 2018-19.Jaipur, Feb 20 : A Pakistani prisoner in the Jaipur central jail was allegedly murdered by group of fellow prisoners on Wednesday after an argument over a TV programme, officials said.

The incident comes in wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama left 40 Central Reserve Police Force troopers dead.

Inspector General, Jails, Rupinder Singh identified the prisoner as Shakarullah, alias Mohammad Haneef, 45, who was undergoing imprisonment after being convicted for spying.

According to Additional Commissioner of Police Lakshman Gaur, Shakarullah was killed after an argument over a TV programme with other prisoners turned violent.

Speaking to media, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Rajeev Swaroop also attributed the cause of the prisoner's death to an argument. "At 1.20 p.m., nine prisoners were watching TV when they had a quarrel over a programme. As the tension escalated, Shakarulla was stoned to death," he said.

The other prisoners at the spot were identified as Ajeet, Manoj, Kulvendra, Bhajan Meena, Haaji Khan, Mahesh, Nandlal and Mallaki.

A case has been registered and investigations are on, Swaroop said, adding that there has never been any case of fighting among the 66 prisoners lodged in the same ward.

Asked about the formalities to be completed for sending back the body, Rajasthan's Director General, Jails, N.R.K. Reddy said, "The post mortem will be conducted soon. The Home and the External Affairs Ministries have been informed about the incident. We are completing all formalities in this case."

He said that Shakarulla was undergoing life imprisonment under being convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and had been imprisoned there since 2010.

Meanwhile, security for other Pakistani prisoners is being enhanced, a police official said.New Delhi, Feb 20 : After the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama that left 40 CRPF troopers dead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been repeatedly attacking Pakistan and giving signals that the neighbour may have to pay a heavy price for it.

After his hard-hitting statements, the security forces claimed on Tuesday leadership of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) operating in the valley have been liquidated.

February 14:

On the day the attack, Modi said, "The attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the martyrs. May the injured recover quickly."

February 15:

Speaking at the launch of Vande Bharat Express in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said no one can ever slow the pace of India's forward march.

"The Indian Armed Forces have been given a free hand and the nation is confident of the valour and bravery of its soldiers. Our security personnel, who defend India, carry the vision of India's safety and prosperity. Those martyred in Pulwama had given their lives for India's safety and it is now the duty of every Indian to devote his or her life for India's well-being and prosperity."

The Prime Minister also warned terrorist organisations and their sponsors they have made a "grave mistake" and assured the country the guilty would face retribution.

On the same day addressing a public gathering in Jhansi, he said, "Our neighbours' intentions will be given a befitting reply by the people of India. All major world powers are standing with us and supporting us. The messages I have received show they are not only sad, but angry too. Everyone is in favour of ending terrorism."

He said the security personnel have sacrificed their lives and these sacrifices will not go in vain as he promised the perpetrators of Pulwama attack will be punished.

He said, "Our neighbouring country has forgotten that this is a new India. Pakistan is roaming around with its begging bowl, but it's not getting help from the world."

February 16:

Addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Dhule and Yavatmal, the Prime Minister lauded the brave hearts and said, "The perpetrators of Pulwama attack will be brought to justice and world will realise this India is new India with a new vision and every tear will be avenged.

"Wherever the terror groups and perpetrators may hide, our security forces will flush them out and punish them," he said adding when and how to accomplish this has been left to the security forces. "We are deeply pained by what has happened. Every drop of blood of our slain soldiers shall be avenged," he said.

February 17:

At Barauni in Bihar, the Prime Minister said, "Jo aag aapke dil mein hai, wahi aag mere dil mein bhi hai (Its the same fire in my heart that's burning inside you)".

February 18:

After discussions with visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri at the Hyderabad House, Modi said the Pulwama terror attack shows the time for talks between the two neighbouring countries is over and called upon the global community to unite and act firmly against terrorism and those supporting it.

"President Macri and I agreed that terrorism is a big threat to world peace and stability. The brutal Pulwama terror attack shows the time for talks is over. Now the entire world needs to unite and take firm steps against terrorism and their supporters," Modi said.

"Hesitation in taking firm measures against terrorists and those against humanity amount to encouraging terrorism," he said.

February 19:

Addressing a public gathering at Aaure village on the outskirts of Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, Modi paid tributes to CRPF personnel Ramesh Yadav from the area who laid down his life for the country during the Pulwama terror attack.

PM said his government is working on two fronts to give a boost to development. The first one relates to building infrastructure like highways and railways, the other is to ensure that benefits of development reach the people. Several announcements have been made in the budget, he added.Mumbai, Feb 20 : In a major revelation that virtually spills the beans on the highly-publicised electoral alliance between the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party, top Sena leader and Maharashtra minister Ramdas Kadam said on Wednesday that the pact was finalised "only after the BJP agreed to share the Chief Minister's post".

He even warned that if the BJP is not keen on adhering to its commitment, "then it is free to scrap the alliance immediately", setting Maharashtra's political cauldron boiling with elections round the corner.

Speaking to media persons, Kadam said that the alliance was primarily agreed on two major points: equal sharing of the Chief Minister's post and shifting the Nanar mega petroleum complex from the eco-sensitive coastal Konkan region.

The commitment between the top leaders was that the two parties would hold the Chief Minister's post for two-and-half-years each, as demanded by the Shiv Sena.

However, if senior BJP leaders make statements that the party which would get more seats in the Assembly would decide on the Chief Minister, it was objectionable, an irked Kadam said.

He was reacting to BJP Minister Chandrakant Patil's statement and dared the partner to "break the alliance immediately" if it didn't intend to abide by the understanding.

On Tuesday, IANS had reported on how the suspense continued between the alliance partners on the Chief Minister's post.

Kadam's utterances have ended the suspense as neither party made a clear statement before the media nor took any questions from journalists at the press conference on Monday when they declared the alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections.

That press conference was addressed by BJP President Amit Shah, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The formula announced was 25 and 23 Lok Sabha seats respectively for the BJP and the Sena. For the 288-member assembly, after accommodating other allies, the two parties would equally share the remaining seats. There was, however, ambiguity on the exact formula that led to the alliance.

Interestingly, Uddhav Thackeray's son, Yuva Sena President Aditya Thackeray, gave clear indications that the Sena may not compromise on the Chief Minister's post.

Reportedly nursing high-level political ambitions, Aditya had tweeted late on Monday: "Both the parties will fight an equal number of (assembly) seats and irrespective of seats won, will share power and posts."

This was interpreted as a possibility of rotating the Chief Minister's post between the two allies, if returned to power, and also the possibility of creating the post of Deputy Chief Minister.

However, Kadam's statements on Wednesday have finally cleared the air on the electoral agreement.

When contacted by IANS, BJP minister Patil's aide declined to comment on the issue.New Delhi, Feb 20 : The Congress will be approaching the coming Lok Sabha elections not as one election but as polls in 29 different states while also attacking the BJP-led government at the Centre on its promises, performance and failures.

There will be a three-phased multi-media campaign unleashed against the NDA government, party sources said.

In the first phase, the "lies", "over promise vs under delivery" will be taken up and the party would go hammer and tongs at the government over what it had promised and did not deliver. This phase could roll out in the first week of March.

In Phase II, party campaigners would pick up on what the government claims have been promises fulfilled and tear into the claims by trying to show how it has not been done.

In the third phase, the Congress would project regional issues which would match its main propaganda theme of the coming general elections as not one election but polls to 29 states.

The Congress is also discussing slogans and taglines it can use in the elections against the BJP and its government.

"Bahut hui jumlon ki maar, aao badlein Modi sarkar" (There has been enough of slogans, now let's change the Modi government) and "bande mein hain dum, saath chalenge hum" (there is stuff in the man (Rahul Gandhi), let's go with him) are two slogans being considered by the party.

These are among the slogans being discussed by the party before it zeroes in on a catchy slogan.New Delhi, Feb 20 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) here on Wednesday questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) stand on full statehood for Delhi and said the BJP will regret fooling the people of Delhi and will not find any escape for its deception.

"Why is the BJP running scared of making its stand clear on statehood for Delhi? It is running scared of telling people its stand on the full statehood for Delhi," AAP leader Gopal Rai said.

Rai also said the BJP leaders are giving "strange statements" to avoid making their stand clear since the AAP has announced its campaign on the long pending issue.

"It is strange that even after being challenged by Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal to clarify the stand, BJP leaders, including Union Ministers, are trying to divert and deflect attention," he said.

Kejriwal on Tuesday in a tweet questioned the stand of BJP leaders on full statehood to Delhi.Chandigarh, Feb 20 : Haryana Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya on Wednesday lavished fulsome praise on the Manohar Lal Khattar government in his budget address to the state Assembly, and said it had ushered in bold reforms and provided transparent governance during its four-and-a-half year tenure.

Addressing the Assembly on the opening day of the fifth budget session here, Arya said that ML Khattar had given the state a "ubiquitous graft-free, transparent and responsive citizen interface government which has been universally appreciated".

Referring to the transparent manner in which recruitments have been made for state departments, Arya said: "People are agog at the 'parchi-free (slips free) and sifarish-free (recommendation free)' manner in which more than 56,000 young men and women have been selected for government jobs. The recruitment process for close to 17,000 posts is in the final phase."

"Doing away with interviews, providing 10 per cent weightage to members of families without a government job, widows, orphans and the denotified tribes neither covered under Scheduled Castes nor under Scheduled Tribes have enlivened the hopes of the meritorious and the deprived alike after decades of frustration," he said.

He added that the initiatives taken by the Khattar government, the first BJP government in Haryana, had even been praised by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Stating that the state government was trying to answer the growing aspirations of the young and the aged, the kisans and the jawans as well as many others, Arya added, "A solid vindication of these by the common man is evident in the results of the recently concluded elections for mayors and members of the five municipal corporations, as well as for member of the Legislative Assembly from Jind constituency."

The Governor said sportspersons from Haryana, including several women, had won laurels for the country at international competitions.

However, the opposition said the Governor's address lacked "substance". "He spoke more like a BJP spokesman, not like a governor," said Congress leader Kiran Chaudhary.New Delhi, Feb 20 : The Supreme Court will hold a hearing on February 26 on a batch of petitions challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict trifurcating the disputed site in Ayodhya and giving one part each to the Nirmohi Akhara, Ram Lalla and the original Muslim litigant.

The top court notice on Wednesday said that the batch of petitions challenging the 2010 judgment would be listed for hearing on February 26 before the constitution bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice S.A. Bobde, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S. Abdul Nazeer.

The court had on January 10 directed the hearing of the matter on January 29 but it did not take place due to the non-availability of Justice Bobde -- one of the five judges in the reconstituted constitution bench.

On January 10, the top court had also directed its registry to "physically inspect the records which are lying under its lock and key, and make an assessment of the time that will be taken to make the case ready for hearing by engaging, if required, official translators and give the report to the court".

The original five judge constitution bench comprising Chief Justice Gogoi, Justice Bobde, Justice N.V. Ramana, Justice U.U. Lalit and Justice Chandrachud had to be reconstituted as Justice Lalit recused himself after senior counsel Rajeev Dhavan pointed out that he had, as a lawyer, appeared in one of the Ayodhya related matters for former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister - and present Rajasthan Governor - Kalyan Singh.

The new bench set up on January 25 saw the exit of not only Justice Lalit but also that of Justice Ramana.

Both Justice Bhushan and Justice Nazeer were on the three-judge bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, which had on September 27, 2018, in a 2:1 verdict, declined one of the Muslim petitioners' plea that the challenge to the 2010 High Court judgment on the title suit be heard by a five-judge constitution bench.

The petitioner had contended that the high court had relied on a 1994 top court judgment, also by a five-judge bench, that a mosque is not integral to Islam for offering 'namaz'.

The majority judgement (by then Chief Justice Misra and Justice Bhushan) said the observation that mosque was not integral to Islam for offering prayers was in a different context and had no bearing on the title suit.

However, Justice Nazeer had favoured the hearing of the matter by a larger bench for the determination of the issue.Jammu, Feb 20 : Indian and Pakistani troops traded heavy fire on the Line of Control (LoC) on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Defence Ministry spokesman Lt Colonel Devender Anand said the Pakistanis initiated unprovoked heavy shelling with mortars and firing by small arms around 6.30 p.m. in Kalal area of the Nowshera sector.

"The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively," the officer. The two armies had also exchanged fire in the same sector on Tuesday.

The winding LoC divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan.Beijing, Feb 20 : A military court on Wednesday sentenced Fang Fenghui, former Chief of Staff of China's Central Military Commission Joint Staff Department, to life imprisonment on charges of corruption.

Fang was found guilty of accepting and offering bribes and acquiring properties from unidentified sources, according to the court verdict.

The court also stripped him of his political rights for life and confiscated his properties along with the money he had acquired illegally, Xinhua news agency reported. They will be turned over to the state coffers.

Fang was at one time the youngest commander of one of the military regions of the People's Liberation Army. In August 2017, he led a key meeting with General Joseph Dunford, the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where the two discussed strengthening military ties and exchanges between the two sides.

They had also discussed China's maritime disputes in the South China Sea with neighbouring countries, Taiwan and growing tension on the Korean Peninsula over North Korea's repeated nuclear and missile tests.

However, Fang could not escape the claws of the anti-corruption campaign kicked off by Chinese President Xi Jinping after he took office in 2013.

The campaign led to arrest of thousands of officials of the Communist Party of China, including some of the most powerful political and military leaders.

Dozens of high-ranking military officers have been probed and sentenced for corruption, including Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, both former Vice-Chairmen of the Central Military Commission.

Guo was given life imprisonment in 2017, while Xu died of cancer in 2015 before he could face trial.

In October, China arrested Meng Wonghei, a former chief of Interpol, for accepting bribes. Meng was reported missing by his wife in September after he had travelled to China from France, where he had been working as the Interpol chief since 2016.

Beijing later announced his arrest and the Interpol said he had resigned from his post.New Delhi, Feb 20 : If the Cobrapost investigation which exposed that several Bollywood celebrities were willing to pass views of political parties as personal opinion for money shook your conscience, there is not much you can do to restrict them from doing so because the relevant Indian law is silent on this matter.

The investigation revealed that more than 30 Indian film and TV industry actors/ artistes have agreed to spread the propaganda of political parties through their social media accounts for the sake of money.

"Taking money for tweeting on behalf of political parties is definitely unethical, but it is not illegal. The Information Technology Act, 2000 is completely silent on this," Pavan Duggal, one of the nation's top cyber law experts, told IANS.

What the investigation unearthed was just the tip of the iceberg. The rise in popularity of social media platforms actually opened up a relatively new advertising economy driven by "influencer marketing".

Marketing firm Mediakix estimated that influencer marketing on Instagram alone could reach $2 billion by the end of this year from $1 billion in 2017.

While Instagram has over a billion monthly active users globally, its parent company Facebook has over 2.3 billion monthly active users and over 16 million people log in to Twitter every day. WhatsApp is another powerful platform which has over 200 million users in India.

The kind of reach that these social media platforms have can offer some idea about how big the influencer marketing business could be.

Important here to mention is that it is not just celebrities who are the stars in this game; while celebrities with huge following running into millions on social media are known as macro influencers, even some people with small number of followers can earn big sum of money as influencers. They are known as micro influencers.

With a wide array of social media analytics tool available online, it is not difficult to spot the right influencers for their advertising programmes.

"In the starting, celebrities were used as influencers for brand endorsement and marketing purposes. However, after social media, now everyone is a celebrity and everything is business including politics," social media expert Anoop Mishra told IANS.

In countries like the US, it is mandatory to put proper disclosure on paid posts. But only a few follow the rules.

In India, due to lack of user awareness, it is even more difficult to distinguish between a paid post and a personal opinion.

With the elections around, political parties are not complaining much. A top WhatsApp executive recently even warned political parties against abusing its platform.

"More than 10,000 official WhatsApp groups have been created by a leading political party to slam its rivals on social media," Mishra said.

"Political discourse is going to be impacted by social media influencers. There is no two opinion about it," Duggal said, adding that the consequences of this can be very serious as social media platforms are being used to create a highly-polarised atmosphere in the country.

Just as social media companies have come up with transparency rules for political ads, they should have similar features for influencers so that people can distinguish between commercial space and personal space.

"Manipulation of social media platform for personal gains must be brought under the ambit of law without putting barriers on free speech," Duggal added.Colombo, Feb 20 : Sri Lanka will launch its first satellite into space in April, marking its entry into the space age, said an official here on Wednesday.

To be named RAAVANA-1, it is a research satellite built by two Sri Lankan students from the University of Peradeniya and the Arthur C Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies.

It was designed and built at the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan and is 1,000 cubic cm in size and weighs 1.1 kg, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the Sri Lankan media, RAAVANA-1 was handed over to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on February 18 and will be launched to the International Space Station on April 17, through the assistance of Cygnus-1, an US spacecraft.

It is expected to fulfil five missions, including capturing pictures of Sri Lanka and its surrounding regions.

The RAAVANA-1 is expected to orbit 400 km away from earth and will have a lifespan of one and half years.New Delhi, Feb 20 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea seeking to declare the Gumti of Shaikh Ali as a monument of national importance observing that it has lost its originality.

A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and V. Kameswar Rao dismissed the plea filed by one Rajeev Suri who has sought protection of the Gumti of Shaikh Ali, a monument situated in Defence Colony in south Delhi.

Suri's counsel Jayant Tripathi told the court that the monument is of the Lodi period.

He requested the court to protect the monument under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act).

Archaeological Survey of India told the court that Central government is the authority to take final decision with regard to declaring any monument as a national monument or Centrally protected monument.

ASI said that it is not possible to bring the monument of Defence Colony under protection of AMASRA Act as the residents association had carried out major additions and alterations due to which the "Gumti" has lost its originality.

At present, the Defence Colony Residents Association has been using the Gumti as its office.New Delhi, Feb 20 : The rote-based learning dominant in Indian schools has to be replaced with a competency-based one and PISA will help India do just that, says the top OECD official who signed an agreement with the Indian government last month allowing its students' entry into the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA in 2021.

Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), who was on a visit to India, told IANS that PISA will help India understand how methods of learning that can be realised in meaningful work in real life can be implemented in schools here.

"This shift towards competency-based learning is important, as the world no longer rewards people just for what they know - Google knows everything - but for what they can do with what they know.

"But it is easy to say, hard to deliver in classrooms, because it requires a very different way of learning and teaching. So PISA will help India understand how this is playing out in practice," the German-born statistician, who developed PISA in the Nineties said.

PISA is taken by 70-plus countries across the world and is responsible for shaping many a country's education policies. India's first stint with the triennial test was in 2009 which resulted in an abysmal performance. India was ranked just above Kyrgyzstan - the country at the bottom of the list of 73 countries.

The reason cited by the then Indian government behind its withdrawal from the test was the alien nature of the questions asked in it, which it argued were couched in a context not familiar to Indian students.

Schleicher says that PISA has come a long way since then and is more heedful to the cultural peculiarities of various countries.

"PISA has evolved considerably since 2009, with much greater attention being now paid to contextualising and adapting the assessment to the respective cultural context in which PISA is administered.

"This is not done just in India but in all countries... it is important that the original problem setting is properly understood by students in their cultural context," he said.

Schleicher said this "contextualising" of the test questions can be done with adapting names and places to Indian context or "changing the object of a task to one with a similar function that is more familiar to students".

"But we take great care and validate that this will not threaten the comparability of the results," he, however, stressed.

The test is conducted for 15-year-old students chosen at random from specific or across regions in a country. As for India, schools run by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and schools in the union territory of Chandigarh will participate in the test to be held three years from now.

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave an ex-post facto approval to the agreement to India's participation in the PISA.

(Vishal Narayan can be contacted at vishal.n@ians.in)Shimla, Feb 20 : Himachal Pradesh will collaborate with the World Bank and the Korea Green Growth Trust Fund for developing agro climatic zone-based municipal solid waste management strategies, a state government official said on Wednesday.

A World Bank team led by environment specialist Pyush Dogra and a Korea Green Growth Trust Fund team headed by Lee Dong Hoon are currently touring the state.

The areas of collaborations include climatic zone-wise option for integrated solid waste management, support for technology transfer and financial assistance for developing small and micro models for waste management, Additional Chief Secretary R.D. Dhiman told reporters here.

State Environment Department Director D.C. Rana said the teams would undertake technical analysis of solid waste management in three countries - Pakistan, Nepal and India. In India, they will work with the Himachal Pradesh government.

He said the analysis would be completed in nine months and thereafter the implementation of activities would start, including mobilisation of funding for solid waste management.

Rana said the teams would visit industrial hub Baddi on Thursday and later Dharamsala town.Chennai, Feb 20 : The electoral pact between Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK and the PMK is a booster dose to the former in the bypolls for 21 assembly constituencies expected to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, say political analysts.

"It will be a close contest in between the AIADMK and the DMK in the upcoming bypolls after the AIADMK-PMK alignment. There may not be any major problem for the AIADMK to win 10-11 seats and shore up its numbers in the Assembly," political commentator Maalan Narayanan told IANS.

The AIADMK and PMK Tuesday announced their pact under which the latter gets seven Lok Sabha seats to contest and one Rajya Sabha seat in 2019. The PMK, which does not contest bypolls as a policy, will also support the AIADMK in the assembly bypolls.

Out of the 21 vacant seats, 20 were held by AIADMK and one by the DMK. Of these, 18 seats fell vacant after the Speaker P Dhanapal disqualified the sitting AIADMK members, who has joined the camp of sidelined leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran, for "anti-party activities".

The other three fell vacant following the death of DMK supremo M. Karunanidhi and AIADMK's A.K. Bose and disqualification of AIADMK's P.Balakrishna Reddy after he was sentenced for three years in a rioting case.

The Election Commission recently submitted to the Madras High Court that it has time till April 24 to hold the bypolls. Whether the bypolls would be held along with Lok Sabha polls or separately has to be seen, but they cannot be postponed for long, said analysts.

According to another political analyst, Jhon Arokiasamy, the bypolls will be an "acid test" for the leadership of Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, DMK President M.K. Stalin and sidelined AIADMK leader-turned-AMMK chief Dhinakaran.

The AIADMK has entered the poll pact with the PMK with mainly with the bypolls in view and not just the Lok Sabha polls, he added.

"The expectation that the AIADMK would be able to win about 10 seats out of the 20 it held only after aligning with PMK clearly shows the ruling party's weakened position after (the death of party supremo and Chief Minister J.) Jayalalithaa and the split by Dhinakaran," Arokiasamy told IANS.

Narayanan said that the DMK closed its doors for the PMK much before by declaring it will not be part of its electoral alliance for the Lok Sabha polls, adding its calculation was that PMK, a stringent critic of the AIADMK, will not align with it and would have to go it alone in the Lok Sabha polls.

"It was a tactical move on the part of Chief Minister Palaniswami to rope in the PMK with an eye on the bypolls for assembly while DMK's calculations back-fired.

"The AIADMK has scored the first psychological advantage against the DMK. The DMK are criticising the PMK for the poll pact more than the ruling AIADMK. It only shows their disappointment at their strategy going wrong," he added.

Political analyst S. Raveenthran Thuraiswamy told IANS: "The vote share arithmetic seems to be in favour of the AIADMK-led alliance. But whether the chemistry will work in tandem is also to be seen."

He said the mood of the people and other factors would play up during the days closer to the polls.

Arokiasamy also said that the AIADMK has the "arithmetic advantage". "It will now field new faces in the bypolls. The party also enjoys the advantage of being in power. On the other hand, Dhinakaran will have to field the same set of people who were disqualified," he said.

The AIADMK can consolidate its position in the assembly even if it wins 8-9 seats in the bypolls, he said, adding that the polls will also test its strength of two leaves symbol under the current party leadership.

On the other hand, the DMK have to win more than 14 seats in the bypolls to bring down the AIADMK government, while the PMK can tilt electoral outcome in about eight seats in north Tamil Nadu, Arokiasamy said.

Narayanan said that the PMK cadres will vote as per the direction shown by their leadership and so it is "advantage AIADMK".

One other view is that the bypolls will be mainly a fight between two major castes -Gounder and Devars.

The Devar community may back Dhinakaran while Gounders will back the AIADMK, which will now also have the support from the Vanniar community, courtesy the PMK.

In the 235-member Assembly, whose current strength is 214, the AIADMK has 115 members, including the Speaker, followed by the DMK with 88. Of the remaining 11 seats, the Congress has eight, the IUML one, there is one Independent and one nominated member.New Delhi, Feb 20 : The government has approved a Rs 48,239 crore recapitalisation plan for 12 public sector banks (PSBs), including the fraud-hit Punjab National Bank (PNB), to help them avoid and come out of the prompt corrective action (PCA) framework.

The move also intends to help the non-PCA banks perform better and avoid the restrictions.

The government will infuse Rs 6,896 crore in Allahabad Bank, Rs 4,112 crore in Union Bank, Rs 205 crore in Bank of Maharashtra, Rs 4,638 crore in Bank of India, Rs 9,086 crore in Corporation Bank and Rs 3,806 crore in Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), said Banking Secretary Rajiv Kumar.

It will also put in Rs 3,256 crore in Andhra Bank, Rs 1,603 crore in Syndicate Bank, Rs 5,908 crore in PNB, Rs 2,560 crore in Central Bank of India, Rs 2,839 crore in United Bank and Rs 3,330 crore in UCO Bank, he said.

In December, the government increased the bank recapitalisation outlay to Rs 1.06 lakh crore for 2018-19.

This was done to help two better-performing PSBs remain above the regulatory PCA triggers and to ensure that PSBs brought out remain above the PCA triggers, Kumar said. The move also aimed to facilitate non-PCA banks that are in breach of some PCA thresholds to not be in breach.

Kumar said the government had given Rs 15,982 crore in total to Allahabad Bank (Rs 6,896 crore) and Corporation Bank (Rs 9,086 crore) as these two lenders were better performing PCA banks and the funding would help them to be above the regulatory PCA threshold.

The Finance Ministry is also providing Rs 4,843 crore in total to Bank of India (Rs 4,638 crore) and Bank of Maharashtra (Rs 205 crore), which exited PCA recently, to help them remain above the PCA triggers.

Together, the Central Bank (Rs 2,560 crore), United Bank (Rs 2,839 crore), UCO Bank (Rs 3,330 crore) and IOB (Rs 3,806 crore) have received Rs 12,535 crore as minimum regulatory capital to escape PCA.

Taking a futuristic timeline, the government has extended Rs 14,879 crore to the non-PCA banks - PNB (Rs 5,908 crore), Union Bank (Rs 4,112 crore), Andhra Bank (Rs 3,256 crore) and Syndicate Bank (Rs 1,603 crore) - so that they remain above the PCA threshold.

The enhanced recapitalisation provision was aimed at providing capital to better-performing PCA banks to achieve 9 per cent Capital to Risk-weighted Asset Ratio (CRAR), 1.875 per cent Capital Conservation Buffer and the 6 per cent net NPA threshold, facilitating them to come out of PCA.

It was aimed to strengthen amalgamating banks by providing regulatory and growth capital.Mumbai, Feb 20 : Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia says his forthcoming film "Milan Talkies" will not release in Pakistan.

After the Pulwama terror attack earlier this month, some Indian filmmakers decided against the release of their films like "Luka Chuppi" and "Arjun Patiala" in the neighbouring country.

Asked whether he will release "Milan Talkies" in Pakistan, Dhulia told the media here on Tuesday: "No. It will not be released in Pakistan. There are two reasons for that. First one is that we stand in solidarity with the martyrs' families.

"The second reason is that piracy of Hindi films takes place from Pakistan so, I feel that we should never release our films in Pakistan for that specific reason."

Dhulia was interacting with the media at the trailer launch of "Milan Talkies" along with the film's cast Ali Fazal, Shraddha Srinath, Ashutosh Rana and Sikandar Kher.

In the wake of the terror attack, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artistes working in the Indian film industry.

Reacting to AICWA's decision, Dhulia said: "At this juncture, I feel it's the right decision and we should ban Pakistani artistes but if the situation gets better then we will welcome them with open arms."

"Milan Talkies" is releasing in India on March 15.Sydney, Feb 20 : Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening and vaccination must be taken up on a war footing in countries like India to prevent 15 million cervical cancer deaths among women by 2050, a Lancet research said.

Causing the second-highest number of deaths among Indian women among cancer variants, cervical cancer, in a majority of cases, is caused by HPV, a group of more than 150 viruses.

The efforts might even result in cervical cancer being eliminated as a public health hazard in India by 2070-79, according to the study, published in The Lancet Oncology journal.

Combining high uptake of the HPV vaccine and cervical screening could eliminate cervical cancer as a public health hazard in 149 out of 181 countries by 2100 and up to 13 million cases of cervical cancer by 2050.

If the high coverage of HPV vaccination and cervical screening cannot be achieved globally, over 44 million women could be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the next 50 years with two-thirds of these cases and an additional estimated 15 million deaths, would occur in countries with low and medium levels of development.

"More than two thirds of cases prevented would be in countries with low and medium levels of human development like India, Nigeria, and Malawi, where there has so far been limited access to HPV vaccination or cervical screening," said lead author Professor Karen Canfell from the Cancer Council New South Wales in Australia.

However, large disparities exist in cervical screening and HPV vaccination coverage among countries.

"Awareness about cervical cancer is extremely poor among common people; that makes containing the disease a challenge," Anjila Aneja, Director at Fortis La Femme, New Delhi, told IANS.

"While societal barriers prevent women from seeking medical help in advance, women are forced to come out at a later stage when the disease has reached an advanced stage," she said.

However, Canfell says that despite the enormity of the problem, their findings suggest that "global elimination is within reach with tools that are already available, provided that both high coverage of HPV vaccination and cervical screening can be achieved.

Cervical cancer is the fourth-most common cancer among women, with an estimated 570,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2018, of which around 85 per cent occur in less developed nations.

Screening and broad-spectrum HPV vaccines could potentially prevent up to 84-90 per cent of cervical cancers, the study said.

"Diagnostic tests such as the pap smear are effective in identifying cancerous tendencies.

"However, these tests are available with a limited number of providers and largely within the cities. This makes screening sporadic and leaves out women who live in rural areas," Aneja added.New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman during the joint press meet at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Feb 20, 2019. (Photo: IANS/PIB) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman during the joint press meet at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Feb 20, 2019. (Photo: IANS/PIB) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 20 : Against the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack, India and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said there was a need to exert "all possible pressure" on countries which extend any kind of support to terror activities as they agreed for biennial summit meetings and formation of the Strategic Partnership Council.

However, at the joint interaction with the media after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, there was no reference to Pakistan by either leader.

The Prince had just made a two-day visit to Pakistan that ended on Tuesday.

Modi said that the "barbaric terror attack" in Pulwama was another manifestation of the danger posed by terrorism to humanity.

"We agree that to deal with it effectively, there is need to put all possible pressure on countries which are giving any kind of support to terrorism," Modi said.

He said it was extremely necessary to destroy terror infrastructure and to punish terrorists and their supporters.

Modi said there was need for an action plan to deal with extremism so that the youths were not misguided by forces linked to terror and violence.

"I am happy that Saudi Arabia and India have common thoughts on this," he said.

Prince Salman, in his remarks, said that extremism and terrorism were common concerns of the two countries and Saudi Arabia will fully cooperate with India.

"As far as the issue of extremism and terrorism, these are our common concerns. We want to tell India that we are ready to cooperate with you in every way, whether it is intelligence sharing.. Not only India but we will work with all the countries in the neighbourhood so that the future of the coming generations is secured," he said.

Prince Mohammed said India offers investment opportunities of over $100 billon and his country will work to make investments beneficial for both countries.

He said the relations between two countries were "older than history" and these were "in blood".

Modi said Saudi Arabia was among the most important strategic partners of India in the 21st century.

"It is in our extended neighbourhood, is a close friend and an important source of India's energy needs. I am happy that in accordance with your suggestion, we have agreed for biennial summit meetings and Strategic Partnership Council. This will strengthen our ties," he said.

Modi said the two leaders discussed all aspects of the bilateral relationship and decided to take it to new heights. "We agreed to create a structure to facilitate institutional investment from Saudi Arabia. I welcome Saudi Arabia's investment in infrastructure."

He said time has come to turn energy relations to a strategic partnership and noted that Saudi Arabia's participation in world's largest refinery and strategic petroleum reserve will take their energy relationship beyond that of buyer and seller.

Modi said that the two countries have a common interest in ensuring peace and stability in West Asia and the Gulf.

"Today in our talks, there was agreement on accelerating mutual cooperation and partnership in this area," he said.

The two countries also agreed that strong relations in counter-terrorism, ocean and cyber security will be mutually beneficial, he said.

He said the two countries have also decided to increase and expand their defence cooperation in the context of their strategic environment.

Modi said that e-visa facility for Saudi nationals is being expanded to boost trade and tourism and thanked Prince Salman for the increase in Haj quota for Indians.

He welcomed Saudi Arabia's participation in International Solar Alliance.

"Peaceful use of nuclear energy, specially for water desalination and health will be another aspect of our cooperation," he said.

He said presence of 2.7 million Indians in Saudi Arabia is an important link in bilateral ties. "You have always kept their welfare in mind and for this, their gratitude and good wishes are with you," Modi said.

Earlier, the Crown Prince, who is on his first state visit to India, received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

He told the media that the ties between India and the Arabian Peninsula "is in our DNA".

"With the leadership of the President and the Prime Minister, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India," he said.

Prince Mohammed arrived in the capital on Tuesday for a two-day visit and was received by Modi at the Palam airport.New Delhi, Feb 20 : The GST Council, which met briefly through video-conference on Wednesday, will next be meeting on Sunday to take up real estate issues.

Meanwhile, the Council has extended the deadline to file 3B returns by two days. GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return.

"GST Council will take up the real estate issues on Sunday and the Council extends the deadline of 3B returns by two days," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced after Wednesday's meeting.

In the brief meeting, the Council had differences over issues of housing and lotteries, and official sources said lotteries still have not reached a level where discussions can take place.

The real estate sector is looking for GST intervention to come out of the slump it is seeing over the past few years.

A Group of Ministers headed by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, which has favoured 3 per cent tax, down from 8 per cent, on the affordable housing category has submitted its report to the GST Council for decision by Sunday.

During the interaction, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal pointed out that land is a state subject and so cannot be included in the GST, while the Bihar representative said it was in principle in agreement with the report, but wanted a lower rate of 1 per cent on small businesses operating from a 10 per cent carpet area in residential areas.

Delhi, Kerala, West Bengal as well as some states ruled by the opposition Congress asked for a physical meeting and not a video conference since the issues under consideration were too important.

They said they could not announce any schemes related to real estate, since the Election Commission's model code of conduct will be applicable soon.

The Council in its meeting on Sunday may also consider reducing tax on cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent to boost the realty sector.

The proposed GST cut in cement and the GoM report are on the agenda of the GST Council meeting on Sunday, sources said, adding the government is looking at the housing sector closely ahead of the elections.

Sunday's meeting may also change the definition of affordable housing to accommodate more poor people under 3 per cent tax rate.

Currently, affordable houses are defined up to 50 square metres of carpet area, which is likely to be increased to 80 square metres to include more people in the category.

Both developers and prospective home buyers are expected to gain from this move.

The panel set up to look into GST-related issues of the real estate sector is also said to have recommended GST for under-construction residential properties at 5 per cent, down from the current 12 per cent.

And the government is in the process of handing out a big pre-election bonanza to property developers and buyers by reducing GST on under-construction houses, from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.

But claiming input tax credit (ITC) would no longer be possible on such transactions.

Under-construction houses currently attract 12 per cent GST and 6 per cent stamp duty and registration.

GST is currently levied at 12 per cent on premium housing and 8 per cent on affordable housing on payments made for under-construction properties, where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale.

No GST is charged if a property is bought after the issue of completion certificate.

GST on affordable housing, meanwhile, will only be 3 per cent.

The GST Council meeting is expected to take up and pass these proposals.London, Feb 20 : No-fly zones for drones near British airports will be expanded to 5 km (3.106 miles) from 1 km in March, officials said on Wednesday, to avoid disruptions like the recent grounding of flights at Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.

The Transport Ministry said in a statement the new zone will come into force on March 13.

Officials were also drawing up legislation to give police officers powers to stop and search people, suspected of using drones maliciously, Xinhua news agency reported.

The legislation would also allow the police "to access electronic data stored on a drone with a warrant", the statement read.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said people who fly drones near airports were not only acting irresponsibly, but also criminally and could face imprisonment.

Tens of thousands of people were stranded or delayed before Christmas due to drone sightings near Gatwick, one of Britain's busiest airports.

Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest air hub, suspended all departing flights for about an hour in January after a drone sighting.New Delhi, Feb 20 : Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, was on Wednesday questioned for over three hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case.

A senior ED official said: "We could question Vadra for only three-and-a-half hours as he complained of poor health.

"We have asked him to appear before us again on February 22 at 10.30 a.m.," the official told IANS.

Vadra arrived at the ED office in central Delhi at 10.30 a.m. and was questioned till 2 p.m.

Outside, hundreds of Youth Congress workers raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ED.

On February 16, a Delhi court had extended Vadra's interim bail till March 2.

This was the fourth time that Vadra, husband of Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been questioned in connection with the money laundering case.

The earlier quizzing took place on February 6, 7 and 9.

The case relates to the ownership of undisclosed assets abroad worth 1.9 million pounds, allegedly belonging to Vadra.

Vadra was also questioned on February 12 and 13 by the ED in Jaipur in connection with a land deal case in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

The ED on February 15 attached Vadra's Sukhdev Vihar house in Delhi, a property worth Rs 4.43 crore. The house was in the name of Vadra's company Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd.

On February 2, the court granted Vadra interim bail till February 16 and asked him to join the investigation on February 6.

The ED also lodged a money laundering case against Vadra's employee Manoj Arora after his role came up during an Income Tax Department probe in a 2015 anti-black money case involving absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

The ED had alleged that Arora was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds.Islamabad, Feb 20 : The Japanese government has announced a grant assistance of $10.6 million for Pakistan to fight malnutrition, improve livelihood and increase resilience to natural disasters in its provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan.

The assistance was announced on Tuesday and is part of a partnership that the Japanese government signed with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in Islamabad.

Out of the total $10.6 million, $3.5 million will be used for early identification and treatment of 155,000 acutely malnourished mothers and children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including families who were displaced from Afghanistan and vulnerable host populations, Dawn online reported.

"WFP is extremely grateful for the continued partnership... of the Japanese government in providing emergency life-saving nutritional support for malnourished mothers and children. We are proud to be working together to support some of Pakistan's most vulnerable families," said WFP representative Finbarr Curran.

In addition, the Japanese government will support Pakistan at national and local levels to prepare for natural disasters, pilot tsunami early warning systems and enhance resilience of coastal communities with a specific focus on women and children, according to the report.Shamli : , Feb 20 (IANS) Congress President Rahul Gandhi and General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday met the family of Amit Kumar who was among the 40 CRPF troopers killed by a suicide bomber in Kashmir and pledged to stand by the family.

Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar and General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Gandhis paid their homage to the 22-year-old Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Constable at a prayer meeting here.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi referred to the assassination of their own father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 while expressing their grief and vowed to stand with the bereaved family.

"We have experienced grief and know how are feeling. Not just us but the entire nation is with you. Don't feel you are alone. We are with you and we will take care of you," said Priyanka Gandhi after garlanding a picture of the slain trooper.

Added Rahul Gandhi: "I have lost my father and I can understand how you must be feeling. While it is a sad day, your son's sacrifice is equally a matter of pride not just for you and us but for the entire nation.

"As a family you gave all your love to your son and your son showered that love for the nation and sacrificed his life. The entire nation is proud of him and all the CRPF men who made the supreme sacrifice," he said.

"India is a land of the braves. The CRPF martyrs have proven that by example. I also want to tell you that no power in the world can divide India... We are and we will be with you always," Gandhi added.Lucknow, Feb 20 : Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday slammed the Modi government for approving an ordinance for a third time to make triple talaq a law.

The Modi cabinet on Tuesday evening ratified three ordinances, including one on triple talaq.

Yadav said the law was being "used as a weapon" to target minorities from university campuses to Parliament. He said the ordinance was not the way to usher in major social changes.

"Only politics of honour and respect can make the country progressive."

He also urged his party workers to ensure that the decades of rivalry between his party and the Bahujan Samaj Party was bridged so that the alliance emerged victorious in the Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh.Islamabad, Feb 20 : Twitter has suspended the personal account of Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal.

According to the Pakistan media, the account was blocked late on Tuesday after Indian authorities complained to the microblogging website.

Geo News reported that Faisal's account was suspended as he was giving his followers updates about "Indian atrocities" in Jammu and Kashmir and the Kulbhushan Jadhav case which is being heard at the International Court of Justice.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Ministry's official Twitter account, which bears Mohammad Faisal's name, remains active.Dera Baba Nanak: The young woman intruder from Pakistan who was shot at and injured by Border Security Force (BSF) troopers in the Dera Baba Nanak sector of Punjab's Gurdaspur district receives treatment at government hospital in Dera Baba Nanak town Image Source: IANS News

Dera Baba Nanak: The young woman intruder from Pakistan who was shot at and injured by Border Security Force (BSF) troopers in the Dera Baba Nanak sector of Punjab's Gurdaspur district receives treatment at government hospital in Dera Baba Nanak town Image Source: IANS News

Chandigarh, Feb 20 : A young woman intruder from Pakistan was shot at and injured by Border Security Force (BSF) troopers in the Dera Baba Nanak sector of Punjab's Gurdaspur district on Wednesday morning.

The woman was shifted to the government hospital in Dera Baba Nanak town, 275 km from here. "She is being questioned," a police official said.

The incident took place when the woman tried to move into Indian territory along the international border between India and Pakistan near the Bangar border outpost (BoP) of BSF.

BSF officials said she was challenged by troopers to stop and go back but she kept walking. The troopers fired at her as per security protocol.

The injured woman was found inside Indian territory and rushed to the hospital by the BSF.Bengaluru, Feb 20 : The 12th edition of the biennial Aero India 2019 air show took off on Wednesday with a dazzling flying display of military and civilian aircraft at the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Yelahanka base here.

After Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman flagged off the five-day aerospace expo, about 5,000 guests and invitees were treated to a two-hour spectacular flying display of fighters, helicopters, transport and civilian aircraft.

The multi-role medium combat aircraft Rafale of the French Dassault Aviation was a clear winner, with daring feats at the aerial display visitors' area.

In the midst of showcasing Rafale's air power, its French Air Force pilot Captain Nativel paid tribute from the air to IAF pilot Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi, who died here on Tuesday after two Surya Kiran Hawk aerobatic aircraft collided in the air and crashed.

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Jaguar and Sukhoi-30 fighter also flew in a 'Missing Man' formation as a tribute to Gandhi.

The IAF's Sarang aerobatic team in Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) flew in different formations under a clear sky as a visual treat to the spectators.

The display included the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's (HAL) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).

As the IAF decided not to fly its Surya Kiran jets at the air show after it lost two of its nine aircraft on Tuesday, the visitors missed its daring aerobatics and colourful display.

"Though the crash was unfortunate and appears to be for the first time at the biennial event, we decided that the show must go as such incidents are part of our air warriors' life," an IAF pilot told IANS.

In all, 61 aircraft are participating at the air show, including 31 in flying display and 30 in static display on the tarmac of the air base.

Among the other aircraft that flew at the flypast and flying display were three Mi-17 helicopters in VIC formation carrying the National Flag and Aero India flags Dakota-DC-3, nicknamed 'Gooneybird' aircraft, MiG-21 Bison, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) and P-8i surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.

Designed and built by the French Dassault Aviation, the twin-engine, canard delta wing multi-role Rafale will join the IAF later this year as India signed an inter-governmental contract to buy 36 jets in flyaway condition with an option for 18 more.London, Feb 20 : Two prominent Roman Catholic Church cardinals have called for an end to the "plague of the homosexual agenda", urging bishops to end their complicity and silence over cases of sexual abuse.

In an open letter on Wednesday, Cardinals Raymond Burke from the US and Walter BrandmAller from Germany reject that the cases of abuse were a result of "clericalism" - a group of men abusing their power and protecting each other, the BBC reported.

"The plague of the homosexual agenda has been spread within the Church, promoted by organised networks and protected by a climate of complicity and a conspiracy of silence," they said.

"Sexual abuse is blamed on clericalism. But the first and primary fault of the clergy does not rest in the abuse of power but in having gone away from the truth of the Gospel.

"The even public denial, by words and by acts, of the divine and natural law, is at the root of the evil that corrupts certain circles in the Church."

They also criticised Pope Francis for not answering questions related to whether the Church should allow divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion from which they are currently barred.

The development comes on the eve of an extraordinary summit of bishops in Rome to discuss the cases.

It has been called by the Pope as an effort to deal with the sex scandals rocking the Church.

The summit will be attended by the heads of all national bishops' conferences from more than 130 countries.Washington, Feb 20 : US President Donald Trump has publicly attacked the ongoing probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, according to The New York Times.

The attacks, which number nearly 1,200, are part of a strategy to beat back the investigations, the newspaper said in an analysis report on Tuesday, adding that they have also opened him to possible obstruction of justice charges.

The attacks include statements made on Twitter, in official speeches, at rallies and during media interviews and other press events.

While it is highly unusual for anyone to comment on continuing criminal investigations, Trump has done so at least on 330 days, or more than 43 per cent of his time in office as of February 14, the analysis said.

Trump has employed a wide range of attacks in what appears to be an attempt to discredit the people and organizations associated with the investigations.

According to the President, the inquiry by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into the Russian interference is the "single greatest witch hunt in political history". He attacked the Mueller probe 361 times.

Trump has said that Russian meddling was fabricated "as an excuse by the Democrats as to why 'crooked' Hillary Clinton" lost.

He also regularly emphasised, "we wouldn't even be talking about this subject" if Jeff Sessions, the former Attorney General, had not recused himself from any investigation into the campaign.

According to the analysis, Trump defends Russia and its President Vladimir Putin the most.Kochi, Feb 20 : A massive fire engulfed a showroom-cum-godown of a premier footwear company here in Kerala on Wednesday. No casualties have been reported.

The fire at the Paragon Footwear building was first reported around 9.30 a.m.

Fire tenders began battling the flames. The showroom is located close to the Ernakulam South railway station. Work on Kochi Metro nearby was also stopped.

Local legislator Hibi Eden said the authorities were doing their best to control the blaze, with fire tenders from the Cochin Shipyard also pitching in.

"We're concerned about the safety of the building, which has chances of collapsing," said Eden.

A company official told IANS that all the employees had been taken out safely. Preliminary estimates reveal a loss of over Rs 4 crore, he added.Chicago, Feb 20 : Actor Jussie Smollet's role in TV drama "Empire" has been slashed in the wake of the news that he staged his alleged homophobic attack.

Production sources told tmz.com that Smollet's five scenes have been cut in the second to last episode of the show.

Smollet was supposed to have nine scenes but now he will have only four scenes. And there will be no proper focus on Smollet in the remaining scenes. The scenes will feature an ensemble cast.

Due to Smollet's case, the script has also undergone multiple revisions.

Last month, Smollet reported to police that he was attacked by men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs and physically beat him.

Following an investigation, two brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo were arrested by the police who viewed them as "potential suspects", but they were released later due to lack of evidence. It was later reported that Smollet had staged the attack.

Smollet's case will now be presented before the grand jury.Los Angeles, Feb 20 : Actors Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield are in negotiations to star in the historical drama "Jesus Was My Homeboy", about Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton.

The project is set up at Warner Bros. with "Black Panther" director Ryan Coogler producing along with Charles King through his Marco production company, reports variety.com.

Shaka King will direct and produce the project from a script he wrote with Will Berson, which will focus on the death of Hampton, who was killed in 1969 while sleeping in his apartment during a raid conducted by a state tactical unit in conjunction with the Chicago Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

His death was ruled as a justifiable homicide by the inquest. A civil lawsuit resulted in a settlement of $1.85 million in 1982.

If the deals are made, Kaluuya will portray Hampton. Stanfield will play William O'Neal, who had provided the FBI with detailed plans of Hampton's apartment. O'Neal committed suicide in 1990.New Delhi, Feb 20 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at six places in multiple cities in connection with a case of money laundering it registered against the former Chairman and directors of the IL&FS, officials said.

A senior ED official said the agency was carrying out searches in Maharashtra's Mumbai, Delhi and Haryana's Gurugram at the residential premises of Ravi Parthasarathy, former Chairman of Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) Ltd and some of the former directors of the company.

Searches are also being conducted at the company's Mumbai office.

The agency has registered a case under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on the basis of a case filed by the Delhi Police's Economic Offence Wing (EOW).

The Delhi Police had filed a case under several sections of the Indian Penal Code for criminal conspiracy and forgery on the complaint of Ashish Begwani, Director of New Delhi-based Enso Infrastructures.New York, Feb 20 : The Indian government should prevent and prosecute mob violence by vigilante groups targeting minorities in the name of so-called cow protection, Human Rights Watch has said.

A 104-page report, "Violent Cow Protection in India: Vigilante Groups Attack Minorities," describes the use of "communal rhetoric" by members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to spur a violent vigilante campaign against consumption of beef and those engaged in the cattle trade.

Between May 2015 and December 2018, at least 44 people - including 36 Muslims - were killed in such attacks, the report said. It added that police often stalled prosecutions of the attackers while several BJP politicians publicly justified the attacks.

"Calls for cow protection may have started out as a way to attract Hindu votes, but it has transformed into a free pass for mobs to violently attack and kill minority group members," said Human Rights Watch.

"Indian authorities should stop egging on or justifying these attacks, blaming victims, or protecting the culprits."Washington, Feb 20 : The White House has said that it plans to cancel about $929 million in federal grant money for California's high-speed rail project and announced that it would seek a return of $2.5 billion in funds that were already allocated for the project.

The announcement was made by the US Transportation Department in a letter on Tuesday, The Washington Post reported.

The development comes a week after Gavin Newsom, the state's Governor, declared that the originally proposed rail project was too expensive for the state and that California would instead use the federal funds to complete a shorter segment of the rail through the Central Valley.

In the letter to the California High-Speed Rail Authority, the Department said the state had failed to make "reasonable progress" on the rail project, which voters approved in 2008 and had a previously agreed-upon deadline of 2022.

The Department also said it would be "exploring every legal option to seek the return from California of $2.5 billion in federal funds".

In a tweet earlier on Tuesday before the announcement, President Donald Trump asserted the failed project had record-setting costs "hundreds of times more expensive" than his proposed US-Mexico border wall.

He has targeted the project in the past too saying that it "wasted many billions of dollars" and that it was a "green disaster".

In response to Trump and the announcement, Governor Newsom said: "It's no coincidence that the administration's threat comes 24 hours after California led 16 states in challenging the President's farcical 'national emergency'.

"This is clear political retribution by President Trump, and we won't sit idly by. This is California's money, and we are going to fight for it."San Francisco, Feb 20 : After Samsung and Apple, Microsoft seems to be inclined towards developing a foldable device, the media reported.

The software giant has filed a patent showing a device mechanism that allows a single display to be folded shut by a hinge from the inside of the device, web portal OnMSFT.com reported on Tuesday.

The electronic device comprises a body and flexible display stack both of which are involved in a movable connection via fastening areas and components.

According to the report, Microsoft does not explain any upcoming device in the patent, but mentions that the folding display could be used in hand-held devices, laptops, wearable devices and other consumer electronics.

"Microsoft is going as far as developing the new modular Windows Core OS which is designed for folding devices as well as the Surface Hub and HoloLens headset. Additionally, foldables could offer Microsoft a second change to rejoin the mobile phone business," the report said.

A previously leaked patent has already indicated that Microsoft could be developing an upcoming foldable Surface device.

However, the new Microsoft patent is just a concept at present and could or could not enter the real-device world, the report noted.Chennai, Feb 20 : The worker's strike at tyre major MRF Ltd's factory here demanding the removal of CCTV cameras and early settlement of wage revision, continued on Wednesday for the 13th consecutive day.

"The strike has entered 13th day after it began on February 8. The total number of workers in the plant are 1,025 and barring 66, all the others are on strike. Our demand is early conclusion of wage settlement and the removal of CCTVs as it impacts our privacy," C.R. Prabhakaran, General Secretary, MRF Employees Union, told IANS on Wednesday.

Prabhakaran said the plant rolls out tyres for light/heavy and off the road vehicles.

"The per day output of this plant is about Rs 3.5 crore. The average wage per worker in the plant is about Rs 23,000 per month and the take home is some Rs 18,000. On the other hand the average wages of workers in other MRF plants are about Rs 40,000 per month. The last wage settlement was done in 2009," he added.

According to Prabhakaran, the Tiruvottiyur plant is the company's mother plant and the wages here are the lowest.

Queried about the reasons for workers being against the CCTVs, he said: "Tyre production is done in a very hot environment. The workers work as a team and give the required output. Our plant has won the best productivity/quality awards for the last three years amongst other MRF plants.

"Workers would take some rest after hours of hard work. The CCTV cameras are fixed everywhere thereby taking away the privacy.

"We have no objection if the CCTV cameras are fixed at the main entrance, scrap yard and few other places."

MRF notified the bourses about the strike on Tuesday terming the strike as illegal.

The company said the wage settlement issue is with the Industrial Tribunal which had rejected the worker's demand on CCTV cameras.

The tyre maker said efforts were being taken to restore normalcy at the earliest.New Delhi, Feb 19 : The much awaited safety tool for women Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) called "Panic Button" was on Tuesday launched across 18 states.

The panic Button will now enable women in distress to make emergency calls through a single number "112" that will connect her to police, fire, health and other helplines through an Emergency Response Centre (ERC).

"I would urge everyone not to misuse the safety button. Unlike last time when we had conducted a trial in Delhi, more than 4 lakh calls were prank," Union Women & Child Development (WCD) Minister Maneka Gandhi said on the sidelines of the launch event.

The 18 states where the Panic Button is operational now are Jammudigarh on Monday in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing in the Faridkot district in October 2015 in which two persons were killed and several others were injured.

The SIT is investigating the reasons behind the firing on Sikh protesters, agitating against sacrilege cases of Guru Granth Sahib, during the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP regime.

Punjab was brought to a standstill in October 2015 with radical Sikhs and others blocking highways and roads for days.

The SIT had last month arrested former Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Charanjit Sharma in Hoshiarpur in connection with the case.

Sharma and three other prime accused in the case were booked for murder and attempt to murder following recommendations by the Justice (Retd.) Ranjit Singh Commission of Inquiry. Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was also questioned by the SIT on November 16, 2018.New Delhi, Feb 20 : President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday greeted the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram on their Statehood Day.

"Greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on Statehood Day. Arunachal Pradesh is a jewel of the northeast and is blessed with spectacular natural beauty and a rich culture that we are all proud of. My best wishes to this state for a bright future," the President tweeted.

Greeting the people of Mizoram, Kovind said: "Fondly remember the warmth of the people of the state and the loving reception that I received during my visit. My best wishes to this beautiful state in its development journey."

Modi also took to Twitter, where he said thatthe culture of Arunachal Pradesh was special.

"Greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day. The culture of Arunachal Pradesh is special and its people are known for their wonderful nature as well as patriotic zeal. May the state continue to prosper in the years to come."

"Best wishes on Mizoram Statehood Day. The people of Mizoram are known for their valour and rich value systems. The entire nation is proud of the Mizo culture and the contribution of the state towards India's progress. Praying for Mizoram's growth in the coming years," he said.

The Congress chief also congratulated the two states in a series of tweets.

"I extend my warm greetings to the wonderful people of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram on their Statehood Day."

In 1972, the North East Frontier Agency was named Arunachal Pradesh and granted Union Territory status. It took 15 more years before Arunachal Pradesh attained its statehood.

Mizoram attained statehood on February 20, 1987.United Nations, Feb 20 : UN Human Rights High Commissioner Michele Bachelet has called for bringing those responsible for the Pulwama terrorist attack that killed 40 CRPF troopers, to justice.

Her spokesperson Rupert Colville said in Geneva on Tuesday that Bachelet "strongly condemns the suicide bomb against the Indian security forces in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on the 14th of February and calls on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice".

"We hope the escalating tensions between the two nuclear armed neighbours, India and Pakistan, will not add further to the insecurity in the region," he said during a videocast briefing.

In a carefully worded statement that acknowledged that Indian authorities have taken actions to tackle situation, he said that Bachelet was concerned by reports "that some elements are using the Pulwama attack as justification for threats and potential acts of violence targeting Kashmiri and other Muslim communities".

"We hope that the government will continue to take steps to protect people from all forms of harm that may be directed to them on account of the ethnicity or their identity," Colville said.

Bachelet has previously come under criticism from India over her remarks about the human rights situation in Kashmir and Colville's statement took care to show balance.

She has continued to press her predecessor Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's request to send a fact-finding mission to Kashmir, which India has rejected.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis)United Nations, Feb 20 : Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for de-escalating the tense situation in the subcontinent following the terrorist attack in Pulwama that killed 40 Indian security personnel.

His spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Tuesday: "We are deeply concerned at the increase in tensions between the two countries in the wake of the attack on Indian security personnel on February 14 in Pulwama."

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Permanent Representative Maleeha Lodhi met Guterres and Security Council President Anatolio Ndong Mba of Equatorial Guinea separately to appraise them of the "dangerous situation".

Lodhi said that during the meetings she reiterated Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's offer of "constructive and meaningful dialogue" with India, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

She assured them that "as a responsible state, Pakistan will continue to exercise calm and restraint", the agency quoted her saying with a warning, "But our patience should not be tested. As Prime Minister Imran Khan said today, any Indian misadventure will invite retaliation from Pakistan."

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis)Shimla, Feb 20 : Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive moderate to heavy rain and snowfall in the next two days, a weather official said on Wednesday.

Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid travelling to the higher reaches of the hill state.

"There are chances of heavy rain and snowfall at some places in the state till Thursday," Shimla's Meteorological Office Director Manmohan Singh told IANS.

During this period, roads are likely to be hampered especially in Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla and Kinnaur districts, the weather bureau said.

Most of the prominent tourist towns like Shimla, Narkanda, Kufri, Kalpa, Dalhousie and Manali are likely to receive light to moderate spells of snowfall, he said.

The Met Department's forecast said there would be high moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea over northwest India, specifically over Western Himalayan region.

The moisture incursion may lead to heavy rain or snowfall at isolated places accompanied with thunderstorms and hailstorms.Washington, Feb 20 : US President Donald Trump signed a directive on Tuesday that directs the Pentagon to draft legislation on creating a US Space Force.

It is "a bold, strategic step toward guaranteeing American space dominance," according to the White House.

"Our destiny, beyond the Earth, is not only a matter of national identity, but a matter of national security," Trump said, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Space Policy Directive-4 called on the Secretary of Defence to develop a legislative proposal establishing the Space Force as the sixth branch of the Armed Forces.

The Space Force, nevertheless, will initially be established within the Department of the Air Force, according to the White House.

In June last year, Trump proposed the Space Force to be "separate but equal" with the US Air Force.

The new directive, however, stoked opposition.

"Space security cannot be achieved unilaterally or solely through military means. It will require coordination and cooperation with other spacefaring nations," said Laura Grego, a senior scientist in the Global Security Programme at the Union of Concerned Scientists, in a statement.

"If concentrating authority in a space force creates an incentive for nations to build space weapons that increase the likelihood of conflict, it would be a profoundly bad idea," she said.

The creation of a new military branch still requires the approval of Congress.Caracas, Feb 20 : Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly voted on Tuesday to authorise the entry of humanitarian aid from the US and other countries that President Nicolas Maduro's government refuses to accept.

The unanimous vote in favour of authorization followed numerous speeches from lawmakers about what they described as a humanitarian emergency in the oil-rich nation.

The assembly ordered the Venezuelan armed forces and national police to dismantle the barriers blocking the delivery of the aid accumulating in warehouses in the Colombian border city of Cucuta and two other locations, Efe reported.

Legislators also instructed customs agents and the various agencies that normally oversee the import of medication and other medical supplies to suspend the usual procedures and requirements for the duration of the emergency.

The assembly thanked the countries that have donated supplies and sent copies of the resolution to those governments.

The request for international assistance came from National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself Venezuela's acting president on January 23.

The US quickly recognised Guaido as president and roughly 50 other countries have followed suit, including Canada, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, as well as major European powers France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Those nations agree with the Venezuelan opposition that Maduro's May 2018 re-election victory was a sham.

The Maduro administration denounces the aid initiative as a cover for US invasion. Both the UN and the International Red Cross have rejected Washington's approach and say they will continue to work with the government in Caracas.

Guaido, 35, has said that he will organise volunteers to bring the aid arriving in Cucuta, the Brazilian border state of Roraima and the island of Curaiao into Venezuela starting Saturday if Maduro does not relent.

Cucuta is linked to the Venezuelan city of San Cristobal by the Tienditas, a modern bridge completed in 2016 that has never been opened to traffic amid ongoing quarrels between Bogota and Caracas over migration, smuggling and cross-border crime.

As the US shipments began to arrive in Cucuta, the Venezuelan army parked large vehicles on their side of Tienditas, which was already bisected by mental fencing.Mario Tama/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- 2020 presidential candidate, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a mother who knows the struggle of affordable child care from her own experience, unveiled a plan on Tuesday to guarantee child care and early learning programs to every child in the U.S. for free or for far less.



"It will be free for millions of American families, and affordable for everyone," Warren wrote in a 1,700-word description of the plan published in a post on Medium Tuesday.

Warren, a two-term senator from Massachusetts, is one of nearly a dozen Democrats running to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020.



The initiative, dubbed the Universal Child Care and Early Learning plan, would provide options for formal care and early education to every kid in the country, beginning at birth and continuing until school age, according to the plan. Families, based on certain income levels, would qualify for free care, while those who didn't would see prices capped at 7 percent of their annual income, Warren wrote.



An independent analysis found that around eight million kids would have access to the programs for free, according to Moody's Analytics.



The benefits of early child care have long been documented, even showing taxpayers can make money back when investing in high-quality early education.



"My plan gives every kid a fair shot," Warren wrote. "In the wealthiest country on the planet, access to affordable and high-quality child care and early education should be a right, not a privilege reserved for the rich."



Warren's plan intends to partner already-existing child care providers with resources provided by the federal government, which would "pick up a huge chunk of the cost of operating these new high-quality options," according to the plan.



The government would hold providers to new "high national standards" and child care providers would get a pay bump through the federal subsidy that would reflect what's expected of the guidelines -- which Warren described as comparable to the work and pay of public school teachers.



Any family making two times the federal poverty level, which varies depending on family size, would qualify for free child care. That would include, for example, any family of four making less than $50,200 a year, or any single parents making less than $32,920 a year.



If a family made more than 200 percent of the federal poverty line, they would be charged no more than 7 percent of their total income.



"My plan provides the kind of big, structural change we need transform child care from a privilege for the wealthy to a right for every child in America," Warren wrote.



Warren plans to pay for the child care initiative with another plan she's campaigning on: her Ultra-Millionaire Tax, which would tax families who have a net worth of more than $50 million.



The Ultra-Millionaire Tax would generate about four times more than what would be needed to pay for the Universal Child Care and Early Learning plan, according to Warren.



Warren's campaign estimated 12 million children would be able to take advantage of the new program.



"My Universal Child Care and Early Learning program is a win-win-win: its great for parents, for kids, and for the economy," Warren wrote Tuesday.



Warren's plan is of personal interest. She raised her two children while navigating her early career as a lawyer and law school professor. She had her daughter while attending law school at Rutgers University in New Jersey, often taking her to campus with her, and it wasn't long after she had her second child -- and divorced her husband, taking on the challenge of single motherhood -- that she was teaching law at the University of Houston.



She often speaks of the difficulties of affording care -- and the quality of care she wanted for her kids -- while working. In unveiling her plan, she described an incident in Houston, when she picked her son up from day care and found he had "been left in a dirty diaper for who knows how long."



"I was upset with the daycare but, more than anything, angry with myself for failing my baby," Warren wrote Tuesday.



Warren credits an elderly aunt from Oklahoma, who moved in with her soon after she moved to Texas, as the only reason she was able to take care of her children while holding onto her job.



Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.Caracas, Feb 20 : The Venezuelan military reaffirmed on Tuesday its loyalty to Nicolas Maduro in the face of US President Donald Trump's threat that the generals and admirals will "lose everything" if they do not switch their allegiance to self-proclaimed interim head of state Juan Guaido.

The military "will remain deployed and alert throughout the borders, as ordered by our commander-in-chief, to avoid any violation of its territorial integrity," the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) said in a statement.

"The eyes of the entire world are upon you, today, every day, and every day in the future," Trump said on Monday in a speech at Florida International University in Miami, addressing his comments to the Venezuelan military, reports Efe.

"You cannot hide from the choice that now confronts you. You can choose to accept President Guaido's generous offer of amnesty, to live your life in peace with your families and your countrymen," he said in front of an audience including many Venezuelan expats.

Senior officers who decline to throw their support to Guaido stand to "lose everything," the US president said, before again suggesting the possibility of American military intervention in the oil-rich South American nation.

"We seek a peaceful transition of power, but all options are open," Trump said.

Venezuela's defence minister, Vladimir Padrino, described Trump's speech as an act of "extreme arrogance."

"It is imperative to reiterate to the world that we are witnessing an escalation that has resorted to the hybrid warfare method, to suffocate the economy by imposing an economic and financial blockade, which is aimed at generating ungovernability, chaos and anarchy," Padrino said, reading from a prepared statement.

Members of the FANB are not "mercenaries for sale to the highest bidder," the defence minister said.

On January 23, Guaido, the speaker of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, proclaimed himself interim president hours after US Vice President Mike Pence encouraged him to take that step and assured him of Washington's support.

Trump quickly recognized Guaido as president and roughly 50 other countries have followed suit, including Canada, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, as well as major European powers France, Germany, Spain and the UK.

Those nations agree with the Venezuelan opposition that Maduro's May 2018 re-election victory was a sham.

Russia, China, India, Irpower of their cloud technology, including analytics, security, AI, and Machine Learning," they said.

Alooma has been a partner of Google's Cloud Spanner, the Internet giant's a globally distributed database platform, since 2017.Caracas, Feb 20 : Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly voted on Tuesday to authorise the entry of humanitarian aid from the US and other countries that President Nicolas Maduro's government refuses to accept.

The unanimous vote in favour of authorization followed numerous speeches from lawmakers about what they described as a humanitarian emergency in the oil-rich nation.

The assembly ordered the Venezuelan armed forces and national police to dismantle the barriers blocking the delivery of the aid accumulating in warehouses in the Colombian border city of Cucuta and two other locations, Efe reported.

Legislators also instructed customs agents and the various agencies that normally oversee the import of medication and other medical supplies to suspend the usual procedures and requirements for the duration of the emergency.

The assembly thanked the countries that have donated supplies and sent copies of the resolution to those governments.

The request for international assistance came from National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself Venezuela's acting president on January 23.

The US quickly recognised Guaido as president and roughly 50 other countries have followed suit, including Canada, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, as well as major European powers France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Those nations agree with the Venezuelan opposition that Maduro's May 2018 re-election victory was a sham.

The Maduro administration denounces the aid initiative as a cover for US invasion. Both the UN and the International Red Cross have rejected Washington's approach and say they will continue to work with the government in Caracas.

Guaido, 35, has said that he will organise volunteers to bring the aid arriving in Cucuta, the Brazilian border state of Roraima and the island of CuraAao into Venezuela starting Saturday if Maduro does not relent.

Cucuta is linked to the Venezuelan city of San Cristobal by the Tienditas, a modern bridge completed in 2016 that has never been opened to traffic amid ongoing quarrels between Bogota and Caracas over migration, smuggling and cross-border crime.

As the US shipments began to arrive in Cucuta, the Venezuelan army parked large vehicles on their side of Tienditas, which was already bisected by mental fencing.COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Joseph Petrelli, President and co-founder, Demotech, Inc., wants to share his thoughts: "I began my insurance carrier in 1969. I was a work-study student at The College of Insurance. I worked for ISO before it was ISO, and well before it ever thought of becoming Verisk! However, I digress.

I regularly recall a comment from October 1969, heard at a CPCU luncheon in New York City. The speaker said something like 'For all the data and information that insurance companies collect and analyze, we are fond of anecdotes, not the data we have available for review and analysis.' Throughout my insurance career, these words have rung true - from 1969 to date."

A recent white paper observed that a $100 billion hurricane could be problematic to carriers writing property insurance in Florida. I respectfully suggest that any event creating $100 billion of insured losses would be problematic anywhere it occurred, whether earthquake, nuclear incident, flood, etc. This being the case, what would a $100 billion insured loss hurricane look like?

Reviewing the last few years of hurricane related losses, in addition to the human suffering and devastation associated with the natural catastrophes, insured losses have been as listed below:

Hurricane Florence (2018) $5 billion Hurricane Michael (2018) $5 billion



Hurricane Harvey (2017) $15+ billion Hurricane Irma (2017) $20+ billion Hurricane Maria (2017) $25+ billion

Going back further in the history of hurricane losses, the most expensive, famous, and devastating storms in US history, evaluated in 2017 dollars would be:

Hurricane Katrina (2005) in 2017 dollars $51 billion Hurricane Andrew (1992) in 2017 dollars $25 billion Hurricane Sandy (2012) in 2017 dollars $21 billion

Petrelli added "Could a $100 billion hurricane be problematic? Yes, in large part because in recorded history, there has never been one! As long as we are spit balling, shall we discuss how problematic it would be if a meteor the size of the moon hit New York City, Paris, London, Beijing, or Moscow?

On a more serious note, in 2009, I contacted The Insurance Consumer Advocate at the State of Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and asked the Advocate to coordinate a summit of insurance and reinsurance professionals to discuss 'how much reinsurance is enough reinsurance?' Demotech and the insurance industry required this type of state action to mitigate antitrust issues. After consideration, the Advocate declined to do so."

"Today, although everyone seems to have an opinion on how much reinsurance is enough reinsurance, only Demotech has established a minimum acceptable amount that attempts to satisfy the various stakeholders while also having the temerity to request an industrywide summit," Petrelli added.

About Demotech, Inc.

Demotech, Inc. is a financial analysis firm specializing in evaluating the financial stability of regional and specialty insurers. Since 1985, Demotech has served the insurance industry by assigning accurate, reliable and proven Financial Stability Ratings (FSRs) for Property & Casualty insurers and Title underwriters. FSRs are a leading indicator of financial stability, providing an objective baseline of the future solvency of an insurer. Demotech's philosophy is to review and evaluate insurers based on their area of focus and execution of their business model rather than solely on financial size. Visit www.demotech.com for more information.

SOURCE Demotech, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.demotech.com

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Weekend Unlimited Inc. ("Weekend" or the "Company") (CSE: POT)  (FSE: 0OS1)  (OTCMKTS: WKULF) having announced the signing of a definitive agreement on 13 February 2019 to acquire R&D Pharma's Jamaican interests, has completed the arms-length acquisition of R&D Pharma.

"We are thrilled to join the tremendous team at Weekend Unlimited under Paul Chu's leadership. With our Tier-3 cultivators license, our active focus is on medical tourism in Jamaica, having designed and constructed the first of our 'Ganja Cafe's' within a short tour bus ride from the cruise ship terminals in Ocho Rios," said Richard Bailey, President of R&D Pharma.

"We just completed a harvest last week on our 98-acre property to stock the Ganja Cafe for first tourism visits beginning on May 15th. The Ganja Cafe will be stocked with branded Jamaican strains, extracts, and infused products that will serve as a precursor to our future wholesale distribution in Jamaica and internationally," added Mr. Bailey

Weekend issued 80 million shares at a deemed price of $0.25 as well as making available 25 million warrants to the shareholders of R & D Pharma. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional share for $0.35 for a period of 2 years. Approximately 49 million shares are subject to a voluntary escrow agreement that sees 20% released at closing and the balance in 6 equal instalments over 3 years.

About Weekend Unlimited Inc.

Weekend Unlimited is capitalizing on its vast industry relationships to establish a lifestyle brand featuring premium products and delivering life's highest moments. The company aggregates and scales small to medium brands, primarily in the categories of flower, extracts and edibles. Weekend Unlimited brands have best of class operations, distribution and strong revenue trajectories, making them ideal candidates for the deployment of capital and expertise through access to technologies, infrastructure and centralized systems. Learn more at www.weekendunlimited.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Paul Chu, President and CEO

Telephone: +1(236) 317-2812

Toll free 1(888) 556-9656

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Weekend Unlimited Inc.

Related Links

http://www.weekendunlimited.com

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Viz.ai has been named in Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. This prestigious list, announced today, recognizes businesses leading their industries and devising new solutions to the world's toughest challenges. Viz.ai was honored in the Biotech category for its use of cutting-edge artificial intelligence to synchronize stroke care, improve patient access and speed up clinical trials.

Within 1 year of FDA clearance, Viz.ai's stroke triage software is already being used by hundreds of US hospitals. Doctors with access to Viz can save critical minutes, even hours, in the triage, diagnosis and treatment of stroke. Combining groundbreaking artificial intelligence with seamless communication, Viz.ai's image analysis facilitates the fast and accurate triage of suspected large vessel occlusions in stroke patients and better collaboration between clinicians at comprehensive and referral hospitals. Viz.ai synchronizes care across the whole care team, enabling a new era of "Synchronized Care", where the right patient gets to the right doctor at the right time. Viz LVO was the first synchronized care software to receive FDA clearance, establishing a new category at the FDA called Computer-Aided Triage.

Fast Company's "Top 10 Most Innovative Companies" list has historically been a glimpse into the future of our economy, society, and world. More than three dozen Fast Company editors, reporters, and contributors selected Viz.ai out of thousands of companies surveyed.

"This recognition is yet another honor for Viz.ai and cements Viz as a leader in AI healthcare, a large and growing field that promises to save lives, reduce disability and lower costs." says Mamoon Hamid, Kleiner Perkins Partner, and Viz.ai Board Member.

Synchronized Care supports faster patient treatment, improved outcomes and lower healthcare costs. Viz.ai also promises to significantly speed up and increase the efficiency of clinical trials through its research line of products, Viz RECRUIT.

"This honor is a testimony to the incredible people at Viz.ai, the dedicated clinicians that work with us and to the strength of our mission, to improve lives by increasing access to lifesaving treatment. It's been less than a year since we received our De Novo FDA clearance, and already several leading healthcare systems throughout the country and two major clinical trials are using Viz to deliver truly synchronize care to their patients," said Dr. Chris Mansi, neurosurgeon, co-founder and CEO of Viz.ai.

This award, combined with Viz.ai's adoption by hospital systems nationwide, cements Viz.ai as a leader in a fast-growing field. In the coming years, Viz.ai plans to build on this momentum by offering innovative new tools for a broad range of diseases.

About Viz.ai, Inc.

Viz.ai, is the leader in applied artificial intelligence in healthcare. Viz.ai's mission is to fundamentally improve how healthcare is delivered in the world, through intelligent software that promises to reduce time to treatment and improve access to care. Viz.ai's flagship product, Viz LVO, leverages advanced deep learning to communicate time-sensitive information about stroke patients straight to a specialist who can intervene and treat.

In February 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a De Novo clearance for Viz LVO, the first-ever computer-aided triage and notification software. Viz.ai announced its second FDA clearance for Viz CTP through the 510(k) pathway, offering healthcare providers an important tool for automated cerebral perfusion image analysis.

Viz.ai is located in San Francisco and Tel Aviv and backed by leading Silicon Valley investors, including Kleiner Perkins, Google Ventures, Innovation Endeavors and DHVC.

About FAST COMPANY

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies and thinkers on the future of business.

SOURCE Viz.ai

Related Links

http://viz.ai

VANCOUVER, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Victory Metals Inc. ("TSX-V:VMX") ("Victory" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has staked 320 lode claims (6,432 acres), contiguous to its 100% owned Iron Point Vanadium Project, more than doubling the overall land package to a total of 594 lode claims (11,930 acres). This additional staking is summarized in the Company's recently released National Instrument 43-101 technical report. Additionally, Victory has entered into two option agreements and one outright purchase agreement for adjoining claims within the Iron Point project area.

Paul Matysek, Executive Chairman stated: "Vanadium mineralization at Iron Point is associated with black shale horizons within the Ordovician-age Vinini Formation. The known areal extent of the formation outcrop is approximately 4,500 meters north-south and 700 meters east-west within the original project claim block. There is potential to significantly expand this target in all directions where it is covered by surrounding younger basalt and alluvium. I'm very excited with our strategic decision to double the project size thereby capturing all prospective areas of mineralization on lands around the original Casino Gold holdings."

Silver Coin Claims

On October 14, 2018, Victory, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Brownstone Ventures (US) Inc., entered into an option agreement with Ms. Patricia Tintle of Grass Valley, California, to acquire her 100% undivided interest in the Silver Coin Claim group which comprises 20.7 acres of unpatented land contiguous to the Company's Iron Point Vanadium Project. Under the terms of the agreement, Victory may exercise the option by making the following payments  1) US$50,000 (already paid) within five days of signing, 2) US$50,000 on the first anniversary of signing, 3) US$50,000 on the second anniversary of signing, and 4) US$150,000 on the third anniversary of signing. Further, Victory has agreed to complete the first three payments (US$150,000) irrespective of whether the Company elects to complete the option payment (total of US$300,000). Upon making the final payment, Victory will own 100% of the Silver Coin Claim group, with no underlying NSR or outstanding obligations.

Silver King Patented Claims

On October 25, 2018, Victory, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Brownstone Ventures (US) Inc., entered into an option agreement with Canarc Resource Corp. (TSX:CCM), on its wholly-owned Silver King Patented claim group, also contiguous to the Company's Iron Point claims. The Silver King property consists of four patented mining claims totalling 83 acres (Silver King, Silver King #1, Silver Queen and Silver Coin Annex Extension) (the "Property"). Under the terms of the ten-year agreement, Canarc will receive annual payments of US$12,000 (the first of which was made on signing) plus an option exercise payment of US$120,000. Upon exercise of the option, Canarc will retain a 2% NSR royalty on the Property of which Brownstone Ventures (US) Inc. will have the right to buy back one-half (1%) of the royalty for US$1,000,000.

Prince Claims

On February 5, 2019, Victory, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Brownstone Ventures (US) Inc., entered into a purchase agreement with Nevada Pursuit LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Golden Pursuit Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:GDP), to acquire a 100% interest in the Prince Claims. The Prince Claims consist of six unpatented lode mining claims (Prince 1-6), totalling 124 acres, contiguous to the Company's Iron Point vanadium project. Under the terms of the agreement, Victory will pay a one-time fee of US$30,000 to have and to hold all of the seller's right, title, and interest in the Prince group of claims. No NSR is applicable to these claims.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Calvin R. Herron, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Victory Metals

Victory owns a 100% interest in the Iron Point Vanadium Project, located 22 miles east of the town of Winnemucca in Humboldt County, Nevada. The project is located within a few miles of Interstate 80, has high voltage electric power lines running through the project area, and a railroad line passing across the northern boundary of the property. The Company is well financed to advance the project through resource estimation and initial feasibility study work. Victory has a proven capital markets and mining team led by Executive Chairman Paul Matysek. Major shareholders include Casino Gold (50%), and management, directors and founders (25%). Further, over 51% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company (43,471,014 shares) are subject to an escrow release over three years.

Please see the Company's website at www.victorymetals.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

VICTORY METALS INC.

Paul Matysek

Executive Chairman and Director

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 Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "believes", "aims to", "plans to" or "intends to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including the business of the Company, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, competitive risks, and delay, inability to complete a financing or failure to receive regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or 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 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. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Victory Metals IncLEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Valvoline Inc. (NYSE: VVV), a leading worldwide supplier of premium branded lubricants and automotive services, announced today that it has entered into a joint venture with Chinese quick-lube services provider The Master Too to co-develop a quick lube model in China. The joint venture plans to operate quick-lube service centers in the Shandong province in eastern China.

"Valvoline had been evaluating the China quick lube market for approximately two years," said Tony Puckett, president, Valvoline Quick Lubes. "Once our teams had the opportunity to visit Master Too and experience their quick lube service model within their existing stores, it became clear that we had a common vision and approach for serving customers and that Master Too would be a great partner for Valvoline. This partnership leverages the strengths of Master Too and Valvoline to co-develop a differentiated automotive service experience for the Chinese consumer."

"With a heritage spanning more than 150 years, Valvoline provides outstanding products and operates a comprehensive automotive preventive maintenance service brand," said Liejin Song, founder and CEO of The Master Too. "Master Too understands the China market and the needs of Chinese car owners. Together, Valvoline and Master Too will provide our Chinese customers with world class products and an efficient car maintenance service experience."

The joint venture's first store opened on February 18 in Qingdao, China.

About Valvoline

Valvoline Inc. (NYSE: VVV) is a leading worldwide marketer and supplier of premium branded lubricants and automotive services, with sales in more than 140 countries. Established in 1866, the company's heritage spans more than 150 years, during which it has developed powerful brand recognition across multiple product and service channels. Valvoline ranks as the No. 3 passenger car motor oil brand in the DIY market by volume. It operates and franchises more than 1,300 quick-lube locations and is the No. 2 chain by number of stores in the United States under the Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM brand and the No.3 chain by number of stores in Canada under the Great Canadian Oil Change brand. It also markets Valvoline lubricants and automotive chemicals, including the new Valvoline Modern Engine Full Synthetic Motor Oil, which is specifically engineered to protect against carbon build-up in Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), turbo and other engines manufactured since 2012; Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife technology motor oil for engines over 75,000 miles; Valvoline Synthetic motor oil; and Zerex antifreeze. To learn more, visit www.valvoline.com.

Valvoline and the Valvoline logo are trademarks of Valvoline or its subsidiaries, registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. Valvoline Instant Oil Change is a service mark of Valvoline or its subsidiaries, registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks or logos are the property of their respective owners.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Investor and Media Relations

Sean T. Cornett

+1 (859) 357-2798

[email protected]

SOURCE Valvoline Inc.

Related Links

http://www.valvoline.com

The 380 unit brand also ranked in Entrepreneur's 2019 Franchise 500 for the 23rd year, among other large rankings such as being named a 2018 Top Multi-Unit Franchise by Franchise Business Review and securing a spot on the Military Times' 2018 Best for Vets list.

"Accolades like this give credibility to the fact that TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has grown steadily for more than 30 years, and we have no intention of slowing down anytime soon," said Jon Nobis, CEO of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.

In addition to its ongoing business growth, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK continued putting a high priority on its team members and moving their careers forward. This included the annual Mary Ellen's Moving People Forward Scholarship program, which awards a deserving manager in the system financial support to help them open their own franchise in partnership with their current franchisee. In 2018, the brand awarded four scholarships, and the overall winner Liz Friedmann will open her location in Clifton, New Jersey in spring of 2019. Friedmann's location will be the third in the state, with capacity for 11 more throughout New Jersey.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK also provided cash donations and donated moving services to its numerous charity partners including Operation Finally Home, Convoy of Hope, and Cheeriodicals. To date, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has also donated more than $3 million to charities across the country.

"Giving back to the communities we serve is part of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK's DNA," said Randy Shacka, president of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. "Our Founder, Mary Ellen Sheets, started this precedence with her charitable spirit  at the end of her first year in business, she donated her first $1,000 in profits to 10 different local charities. This has since grown into system-wide programs that provide support to veterans, children, pets, and those affected by natural disasters. We look forward to continuing our established partnerships with charitable organizations while looking for even more opportunities to give back in 2019."

Looking ahead to 2019, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK plans to award 10-13 new territories, including three mini-markets, the brand's lower investment option that gives franchise owners flexibility to work with less staff and fewer trucks in smaller territories. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is looking for franchise owners to grow the brand's footprint in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Virginia, Rhode Island, Maryland, Seattle, Pennsylvania, California and Vermont.

ABOUT TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Headquartered in Michigan, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the largest franchised moving company in North America. Currently, there are more than 375 locations and 2,900 trucks operating in 44 U.S. states in addition to Canada, Ireland, and the UK. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has performed more than 7 million moves since its inception in 1985 and has seen consistent monthly growth dating back to December 2009. In 2018, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked TWO MEN AND A TRUCK as one of the top 500 franchises in the U.S for the 23rd year and ranked the company No. 1 in the moving/junk removal category for the third year in a row. In 2017, the company also made the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America for the fourth time. Each location is independently owned and operated. For franchising opportunities, visit franchise.twomenandatruck.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lauren Kaminski

No Limit Agency

312.526.3996

[email protected]

SOURCE TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Related Links

http://www.twomenandatruck.com

PLANTATION, Fla., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- TradeStation, a Monex Group company and award-winning* broker-dealer and futures commission merchant, received the award for #1 Platform Technology for the seventh consecutive year in the 2019 Online Broker Review conducted by StockBrokers.com.

"As a trading technology leader, TradeStation shines, supporting casual traders through its web-based platform, and active traders through its award-winning desktop platform," wrote StockBrokers.com.

TradeStation received a StockBrokers.com "Best in Class" rating in the Mobile Trading category for the first time this year. "TradeStation's mobile trading offering is clean, effective, and provides the functionality active traders need to succeed," noted Stockbrokers.com. "Charting on TradeStation mobile is robust . . . and includes pretty much everything a demanding trader could want."

TradeStation also earned a "Best in Class" rating in the Professional Trading category, which is new to the review this year, as well as "Best in Class" ratings in the Options Trading category for the seventh year in a row, in the Platform & Tools category for the eighth consecutive year and in the Active Trading category for the ninth year in a row.

"With more than 30 years of experience under its belt, TradeStation is a leader and innovator with its offering of a full-feature trade platform and powerful trading tools," StockBrokers.com concluded. "The TradeStation desktop platform is top-notch . . . and its appeal to active traders and professional investors is rivaled by only a select few. Mobile trading is also feature-rich, and casual investors will be happy with the Web Trading platform, thanks to its focus on simplicity and ease of use."

StockBrokers.com's ninth annual Broker Review evaluated 16 brokerage firms on a total of 4,544 separate data points, which were then used to create nine primary category rankings.

"Each year we challenge ourselves to do better than the year before, and StockBrokers.com's 2019 review confirms our position as an industry leader in developing advanced trading technology for active and casual traders," said John Bartleman, President of TradeStation Group, Inc., the parent company of TradeStation.

"We're also pleased with StockBrokers.com's recognition of TradeStation as 'Best in Class' in the rapidly evolving area of mobile trading technology," Bartleman added. "Today, traders and investors can analyze the markets and place orders virtually anytime anywhere, and mobile use is a growing proportion of our clients' orders. TradeStation is investing significant resources to help ensure that our mobile offering  like our desktop and web trading platforms  not only meets but exceeds the exacting expectations of our clients."

To speak with an account executive to learn more about TradeStation or to open an account, call 1.800.808.9336 or visit TradeStation.com.

About TradeStation Group, Inc.

For more than 30 years, the TradeStation Group companies have been pioneering leaders in the online trading industry, committed to delivering the best trading technology, brokerage services, trading education and support to individual and institutional traders. TradeStation's award-winning trading and analysis platforms offer access to equities, options and futures trading at the major U.S. equities and options exchanges and market centers, as well as the major futures exchanges. TradeStation's clients have access to the powerful tools needed to design, test, optimize, monitor and automate custom trading strategies, and its mobile and web trading apps allow clients to take the power of the TradeStation trading experience on the go. TradeStation also provides a vast array of educational offerings to help beginning and advanced clients learn online trading and investing skills to help them meet their trading and investment objectives.

* Visit TradeStation.com/Awards for more information.

SOURCE TradeStationLOS ANGELES, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- More than a bar company, social impact brand This Bar Saves Lives expands with the national launch of delicious new kid snack bars on Amazon.com on February 20th. Co-founders Kristen Bell, Ryan Devlin, Todd Grinnell, and Ravi Patel, all became parents in recent years, and a kid snack bar line was a natural transition for the brand.

A delicious better-for-you snack, the new kid snack bars are School-Safe, Non-GMO Project Verified, Gluten-Free, and Kosher. Made with clean ingredients, fruits, and vegetables, the bars are also:

The new kid snack bar line also open up a global conversation to have with your kids. They can learn more about giving back because every box purchased sends life-saving food to a child in need. This Bar Saves Lives is on a mission to create a world where every child has the chance to thrive. As of January 2019, more than 10 million life-saving packets of food have been sent to children in need.

Free of the top 8 allergens

Made WITHOUT nuts, dairy, soy, or gluten

Only 5g of sugar and 100 calories per bar

"Kristen was the driving force behind our kid snack bars because she's a supermom. She really reads the labels and won't settle for less than the best. So, together, we set out to create school-safe snack bars with clean ingredients that kids agree taste great," said co-founder Ryan Devlin. "We also wanted to make sure our social mission was easy to understand on our packaging. Kids are incredibly smart and passionate, and our new line of kid snack bars will keep them fueled and inspired to change the world."

The new line of delicious bars come in three flavors that kids will love:

Chocolate Chip "Dino"mite | Made with a blast of chocolate chips, wholesome oats, fruits, and veggies.

| Made with a blast of chocolate chips, wholesome oats, fruits, and veggies. Rockin' Straw-beary | Made with real strawberries, wholesome oats, fruits, and veggies.

| Made with real strawberries, wholesome oats, fruits, and veggies. S'mores Blast | Made with chocolate chips, wholesome oats, cinnamon, fruits, and veggies for a new take on the campfire classic.

The allergen-free, school-safe bars also open up a global conversation to have with your kids. They can learn more about giving back because every box purchased sends life-saving food to a child in need. This Bar Saves Lives is on a mission to create a world where every child has the chance to thrive. As of January 2019, more than 10 million life- saving packets of food have been sent to children in need.

The Kid Snack Bar Line will be available on Amazon.com for $3.99/box of 5 with other retailers to follow.

ABOUT THIS BAR SAVES LIVES

This Bar Saves Lives is a delicious snack bar brand, and every single purchase sends life-saving food to a child in need. Co-founders Kristen Bell, Ryan Devlin, Todd Grinnell, and Ravi Patel launched This Bar Saves Lives with the mission to help give every child a chance to thrive. Its snack bars contain premium ingredients and are non-GMO project verified, gluten-free, and Kosher. Through a unique impact model, This Bar Saves Lives has been able to increase their impact on severe malnutrition while revolutionizing the way private companies drive change in the world. As of 2019, more than 10 million life-saving packets of food have been sent to children in need, and this is just the beginning. @thisbar www.thisbarsaveslives.com

Contact: Brooke Aronoff, Krupa Consulting

[email protected] / t. 213-626-0465

SOURCE This Bar Saves Lives

Related Links

http://www.thisbarsaveslives.com

Havana is celebrating its 500th anniversary this year, and the history of the Habano is closely tied to this city, from which it takes its name. The history of the Habano extends all over the Cuban capital and its footprint is felt in several places around the city.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8500151-xxi-habanos-festival-tribute-to-havana/

The Tobacco Museum (Museo del Tabaco) is an institution in constant motion. Here visitors can find everything related to the ritual enjoyed by good Habanos smokers. Another representation of Habanos in Havana is the San Cristobal de La Habana brand. Its vitola, Prado, owes its name to an emblematic avenue in the city. The Paseo del Prado is home to well-known buildings, and among the highlights are the Gran Teatro de La Habana, inaugurated in 1838, and Havana's Capitol, built in 1929, and regarded as one of the six most important palaces in the world.

Other symbols related to the Habano are the emblematic tobacco factories, where Cuban cigar rollers make each Habano Totalmente a Mano con Tripa Larga - Totally Handmadewith Long Filler in the most traditional way: the Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas is one of the most popular tobacco factories in the city. The Fabrica de Tabaco Torcido El Laguito is known as one of the most exclusive and most reserved factories for visitors. Lastly, the Real Fabrica de Tabaco Torcido La Corona is famous for being one of the most unique and prominent buildings in Cuba.

In order to pay tribute to the city the Festival will dedicate a Master Lecture to the 500th anniversary of the city of Havana and its connection to the Habano, by Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler, Historian of the city of Havana. Also, this edition will see the presentation of an exclusive production of 500 humidors of San Cristobal de La Habana 1519 (57 ring gauge x 170 mm length), specially designed to commemorate the anniversary of the city.

Habanos, S.A. has also paid special tribute to the five centuries of Havana, this year dedicating the welcome evening event to the city, as well as to the San Cristobal de La Habana brand, which is celebrating 20 years since its creation.

Young & Rubicam:

[email protected]

Carla Llado

Tel: +34-669-54-69-09

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/823883/HABANOS.jpg )



Video:

https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8500151-xxi-habanos-festival-tribute-to-havana/



SOURCE HABANOS SAThe Official 2019 White House Christmas Ornament features the Presidential Seal on one side, representing Eisenhower's two terms as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. On the other is his five-star rank, honoring his military service as a general in the United States Army.

The design of the Official 2019 White House Christmas Ornament box is a rendering of the White House South Lawn, which represents how Eisenhower started the tradition of presidential helicopter transportation directly to and from the South Lawn.

"We are proud to recognize President Eisenhower's legacy with this year's Official White House Christmas Ornament," said Stewart D. McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association. "This ornament commends his impact on our nation's history through his service in the Armed Forces, as well as his leadership as our nation's Commander-in-Chief."

President Eisenhower was a man of fairness and impartiality and had an impressive career both before and during his two-term presidency. His achievements were many; he had strong executive ability and the gift of command, balanced with his calming demeanor to comfort the public.

This year, Lockheed Martin became the first ever official supporter of the ornament. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, has built every Presidential helicopter from the Eisenhower administration to the present day.

Sikorsky President, Dan Schultz added: "As we develop the next U.S. Presidential helicopter, the VH-92A, the men and women of Lockheed Martin proudly build on our more than six decades of providing safe and secure transport for this no-fail mission. We are honored to celebrate this legacy by supporting this year's White House Christmas Ornament."

The 38th Official White House Christmas Ornament is American-made by a veteran-owned company and continues the tradition of honoring U.S. presidents in sequential order. The sale of every Official White House Ornament supports the Association's mission to preserve, protect, and provide public access to the White House and educate the public on its history.

The ornament will be on sale online at https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/ and will be on sale beginning February 20, 2019 at the Association's retail stores:

The White House History Shop at 1610 H Street NW, Washington D.C. 20006.

20006. The White House Visitor Center at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006.

The White House Experience App will also include a new presidential transportation tour feature, including a helicopter, to honor President Eisenhower and this year's ornament. These changes will be implemented within the app beginning on February 20. You may download the app here.

For more information, please visit our Official 2019 White House Christmas Ornament press collection when the ornament launches on Wednesday, February 20th. Press collections can be found on our press room page.

About The White House Historical Association

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. In 1961, the White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion's legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association's mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the White House Historical Association has contributed more than $47 million in fulfillment of its mission. To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit www.whitehousehistory.org.

SOURCE White House Historical Association

Related Links

http://www.whitehousehistory.org

DALLAS, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sutherland Furniture, the preeminent provider of luxury outdoor furniture, has announced new collections for Spring 2019. Sutherland is thrilled to expand upon past designer collections and introduce a key new partnership for the brand. Growing international awareness, Sutherland has launched two collections with Belgian product designer Jean-Pierre Geelen. Alongside Geelen and collaborators like Philippe Hurel and Christophe Delcourt, the brand is proud to introduce new materials and aesthetics that complement heritage designs and performance craftsmanship.

The Sutherland legacy of partnering with top international designers remains strong for 2019. The brand taps Belgian product designer Jean-Pierre Geelen to push the boundaries of innovation this season. Geelen is known for both industrial and consumer products across categories like public transportation, luggage, and furniture. Due to extensive experience with leading-edge materials and product technologies, Geelen offers a new technological approach for the brand: the use of carbon fiber in the Neo-Contour Chaise. The chaise's fluid design and sleek carbon fiber frame result in a modern style that is also remarkably comfortable due to the performance mesh body. The chaise is anchored by equally streamlined stainless steel legs that feature beautiful angles. The black frame is available in a polished finish.

"Combining different materials in one product has always been a challenge, but worthwhile given the outstanding results," says Jean-Pierre Geelen. "A meticulous attention to detail and a desire to improve is of upmost importance during the design and product development process."

In addition to his high-tech designs, Jean-Pierre teamed up with his business partner Axel Enthoven to design a teak dining chair, aptly named the Neo-Classic Dining Arm Chair. Geelen expanded upon this design to create the Neo-Classic Collection, which includes the Dining Arm Chair, Lounge Chair, and Folding Chair. The Neo-Classic Dining Arm Chair and Neo-Classic Lounge Chair incorporate Sutherland's meticulous joinery and premier quality teak, while maintaining the designer's refined, yet warm, sensibility. The Neo-Classic Folding Chair is the first of its kind for the brand. Combining the curved teak frame of the Dining Chair and the option of seat material, the Neo-Classic Folding Chair is ideal for outdoor entertaining with its easy mobility and storage. The seat and back may be customized according to designer preference, with either Perennials Luxury Performance Fabrics or Sutherland Leather, a performance leather that can withstand the elements. The leather is available in four colorways: Fog, Smoke, Carbon, and Denim.

French designer Christophe Delcourt has expanded upon his 2018 collection by offering two new seating options. The Spin Bench and Spin Lounge Chair maintain his timeless aesthetic of highlighting craftsmanship and contemporary elegance. The teak pieces feature remarkable curvature and joinery, and look exquisite with or without cushions.

After many years working with French craftsman Philippe Hurel, Sutherland is adding to the Hurel collection with two new seating options and a new Zigi. The Zephyr Stacking Arm Chair and Zephyr Stacking Side Chair embody Hurel's sleek design sense while retaining Sutherland's durability with strong aluminum frames. The two chairs easily stack, offering convenient reserve seating options for both residential and contract projects. Hurel's Zigi is a renowned table style for the brand, available in both teak and various powder coat colors. Sutherland is thrilled to announce the newest Zigi design  Carrara marble. The Marble Zigi is hand-carved and features exquisite blue-grey veining.

Sutherland introduced the Sag Harbor Lounge Chair, a polyethylene-resin woven style, in 2018 to much critical acclaim. The brand has expanded the award-winning style to include the Sag Harbor Dining Chair, as requested by many designers and clients. The Sag Harbor Dining Chair is also influenced by the original Francis Mair design; however, the proportions of the aluminum frame have been modified to fit tighter dining settings. The lightweight material and slender form transform luxury outdoor entertaining with ease.

Retro aesthetic and mixed materials are at the forefront of the Ellen Collection. The Ellen Dining Arm Chair and Ellen Lounge Chair are comprised of woven polyethylene rope and slender stainless steel frames with teak accents. The woven seat and back feature Sutherland's performance properties, yet maintain a malleable seat for long lasting comfort.

A product of Sutherland Furniture's growth in the hospitality market, the Banquet Chair was created with heavy use in mind. The stainless steel frame allows for mobility across spaces, while the interesting angles add an industrial design spin. Should a developer or designer require a specific look, the chair may be customized according to seat materialteak or powder coat aluminumand powder coat frame color.

David Sutherland looks forward to the future of outdoor furniture design. "As a leader in the industry, we consistently develop products with technological and material advancements in mind. We are proud to be a heritage company with designs that last a lifetime, yet we believe it is pivotal to work with designers like Jean-Pierre who are experts on new processes and cutting-edge technology. We are also placing a large focus on the hospitality sector this year and expanding offerings that complement high traffic spaces."

Sutherland Furniture 2019 Collections are available to interior designers and architects through David Sutherland Showrooms and representatives throughout the US and abroad. To view the full collections, visit www.sutherlandfurniture.com. High-res images are available upon request.

About Jean-Pierre Geelen

After graduating as product designer in Belgium in 1983, Jean-Pierre Geelen began working with Axel Enthoven, a renowned Belgian product designer. By 1989 Enthoven invited Geelen to become a partner at Enthoven Associates Design Consultants, the leading design studio in Belgium. During his tenure Jean-Pierre was involved in hundreds of design products for the widest range of industrial and consumer products, ranging from sanitary ware, consumer electronics, public transportation, outdoor, public, and residential furniture design, luggage, and more. Geelen also earned a wide range of international design awards, working across European and Asian markets.

Geelen resigned from the partnership in 2009, but continues to collaborate with Enthoven on a project basis and freelance designer.

About Christophe Delcourt

French designer Christophe Delcourt opened his first studio in Paris in 1998. His designs are a testimony as to how he combines elegant lines and solid materials to an elegant conclusion. Delcourt's firm has produced some of the most coveted and influential furniture of his time. His interior design practice is equally prolific and has included restaurants, hotels, and boutiques.

About Philippe Hurel

With a refined but simple aesthetic, Philippe Hurel creates furniture that passes instantly from forward-looking and practical to timeless and classic, with design inspired by the Art Deco and Bauhaus eras, among others. He employs natural materials, textures and colors with a sense of the interplay between elegant simplicity and small but important details. Even after a lifetime of impressive work, Philippe Hurel's design aesthetic continues to exude energy, style and timeless appeal.

About Perennials and Sutherland, LLC

The Perennials and Sutherland, LLC companies are icons and acknowledged leaders in the international design industry. David Sutherland and Ann Sutherland share an ingenious talent for creating the finest interior and exterior collections of luxury furniture, fabrics, rugs and accessories. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company is comprised of Sutherland Furniture, Perennials Luxury Performance Fabrics and David Sutherland Showrooms.

Sutherland Furniture is a world leader in luxury outdoor furniture for modern lifestyles. The company has created the preeminent furniture brand through partnerships with the world's leading designers. View the full collections at sutherlandfurniture.com.

David Sutherland Showrooms are full-service, multi-line showrooms which serve the professional design market across the world. David Sutherland Showrooms and Sutherland Perennials Studios are located in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dania, London, San Francisco, Atlanta, Laguna Niguel, Seattle, Scottsdale, Santa Fe, Denver, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, Paris, Munich, and Mexico City. For more information, visit davidsutherlandshowroom.com.

Perennials Fabrics is recognized by interior designers and high-end retail customers as the leader in luxury performance fabrics. Perennials Fabrics and Perennials Luxury Performance Rugs combine the look and feel of high-quality, natural materials with the superior performance properties of their genuine 100% solution-dyed acrylic fiber technology. View the full collections at perennialsfabrics.com.

SOURCE Sutherland Furniture

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MIAMI, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- "Pathetic."

That's what Governor Gavin Newsom said as he signed an emergency drinking water bill at Riverview Elementary School in Fresno, CA.

"We're talking about being the fifth largest economy in the world. We've got this bravado, our ingenuity, our entrepreneurial spirit and we can't even provide basic drinking water to a million plus Californians," Newsom said. (Fox26, KMPH.com)

WatergenUSA CEO Ed Russo says:

"WatergenUSA is ready, willing and able to provide atmospheric water generation machines to both the state of California and the city of Flint, MI that can provide clean, safe drinking water without having to truck water in."

The units will only need electricity, and the water it produces is generated from the humidity in the air and placed in reusable plastic containers. This reduces the amount of plastic usage currently taking place in Flint and California.

"The chemical known as 1,2,3 trichloropropane or t-c-p was found in the Fresno school's water last year. Long-term exposure has been shown to cause cancer in animals, and can affect body weight and kidney function." (Fox26, KMPH.com)

The emergency drinking water bill signed by the Governor in Fresno, CA will provide $131 million dollars in one-time funds to pay for bottled water.

Yet, $131 million dollars' worth of water in plastic bottles could harm the environment in California. There's a much more efficient and economical solution available using Watergen's technology.

"Public officials have a unique obligation to provide healthy clean solutions not just for their constituents but for the environment as well," says Yehuda Kaploun, President of WatergenUSA.

In Flint, MI last week, a semi-truck carrying clean drinking water from Texas broke down in Kentucky and the bottled water giveaway organized by the city of Flint and others was canceled after many residents waited in line for hours. Dr. Karen Weaver, the mayor of the city of Flint, MI, says that she's continuing to address the water issues.

Watergen's machines produce water 24 hours a day.

Watergen is committed to providing clean drinking water as a healthy solution for both the people of California and Flint, and will help the environment by eliminating the use of single use plastic bottles.

Watergen understands the crisis in the United States and their technology will provide a better solution.

The atmospheric water generators could be placed indoors and outdoors, generating up to 900 or 6,000 liters per day.

In addition, Watergen's Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) is a customized heavy-duty truck which securely transports Watergen's Atmospheric Water Generator to provide clean drinking water from air in emergency situations and natural disasters.

It has been utilized by FEMA and the Red Cross in Texas, Florida, and California in disaster relief efforts.

WatergenUSA is ready to help. Now it's up to Flint and California's government officials to make it happen.

Contact WatergenUSA:

www.watergenusa.com

[email protected]

(305) 239-9046

SOURCE WatergenUSA

Related Links

http://www.watergenusa.com

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz LLP, a class action law firm dedicated to representing shareholders nationwide, is investigating a potential breach of fiduciary duty claim involving the board of directors of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (NYSE American: GTE).

If you are a shareholder of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this investigation, free of charge, please visit us at:

http://pjlfirm.com/gran-tierra-energy-inc/

You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation.

Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

SOURCE Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz LLP

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WALLDORF, Germany, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) today announced that Bernd Leukert, Executive Board Member, mutually agreed with the Supervisory Board that he will depart the company, effective immediately. At the same time, the Supervisory Board of SAP SE has elected to extend the Executive Board contract of Michael Kleinemeier, which will now run through 2020.

Leukert, who had been named to co-lead the company's Digital Business Services division together with Kleinemeier, is a long-serving leader of the company whose career has contributed to numerous successful initiatives. He is a respected voice in the technology industry on topics including business applications, Industry 4.0 and digitization.

"Bernd Leukert has made many contributions to the success of SAP," said Professor Hasso Plattner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of SAP SE. "We thank him for his dedication and his long service to the company. Michael Kleinemeier is highly respected by our customers. We are pleased he has extended his commitment to SAP."

"I am very proud to have been a member of the SAP Executive Board and to have launched the most groundbreaking innovation in our industry, SAP S/4HANA," said Leukert. "I sincerely thank Hasso Plattner and the Supervisory Board for their trust and support for many years."

Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.

About SAP

As the cloud company powered by SAP HANA, SAP is the market leader in enterprise application software, helping companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 77% of the world's transaction revenue touches an SAP system. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers' businesses into intelligent enterprises. SAP helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want  without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables more than 425,000 business and public customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people's lives. For more information, visit www.sap.com.

Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.

 2019 SAP SE. All rights reserved.

SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices.

For more information, press only:

Rajiv Sekhri, +49 6227 7-74871, [email protected], CET

Marcus Winkler, +49 6227 7-67497, [email protected], CET

SAP News Center press room; [email protected]

For more information, financial community only:

Stefan Gruber, +49 6227 7-44872, [email protected], CET

Please consider our privacy policy. If you received this press release in your e-mail and you wish to unsubscribe to our mailing list please contact [email protected] and write Unsubscribe in the subject line.

SOURCE SAP SE

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NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Qnary, an executive reputation technology platform and solutions company, announced today that Ray Carbonell has been promoted to CEO from Global President. He replaces Qnary Founder Bant Breen, who in early January relinquished the CEO role while continuing to serve as Chairman.

"I'm excited to pass the day-to-day reins over to Ray as Qnary accelerates its growth," Breen said. "Ray was in the trenches with me when we were just getting going. No one knows our mission better than he does, and he has played a critical role in building our global footprint."

Carbonell said, "I have always appreciated Bant's confidence in me, but never more so than now as he passes the leadership baton. I welcome the challenge and look forward to continuing our growth trajectory, and to benefitting from Bant's input and counsel in his role as Chairman."

Carbonell, a native of Barcelona, Spain, joined Qnary in 2012 as its first employee. In 2015, he was named EVP Account Solutions, and was promoted to his most recent position as Global President in 2017. In the latter role, he oversaw Qnary's business outside of the US.

Over the last seven years, Qnary established itself as a leading global player in workforce advocacy solutions. The company delivers a technology solution that allows executives and employees of Fortune 1000s to grow their digital presence while guarding their reputations. In 2018, Qnary was named to the Inc 5000 list of the fastest growing companies in America and was recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine on its list of the top 360 companies that are mastering the art and science of growing a business. Qnary's solution expands digital media footprints, drives sales, employee recruitment and retention, and increases employee and brand engagement.

About Qnary

Qnary is an executive reputation technology platform and solutions company that empowers the voice of the professional in every region of the world. We are passionate about building reputation and thought leadership through the lens of executives and employees. In 2012, we launched Qnary with the goal of optimizing the digital footprints of individuals. Since then we have built a team of developers, SEO experts, data analysts and digital content specialists to strengthen the online activities of executives, employees and enterprises. We work with hundreds of the largest companies in the world across a full-range of business verticals (banking, packaged goods, retail, energy, media, real estate, insurance, education, healthcare, automotive, food and beverage). Our Qnary Nest (headquarters) is in New York City and we deliver solutions for clients around the world in English, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, Italian, French and German.

SOURCE QnaryBOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Tower International ("PTI") announces that it has reached an agreement with Uniti Group to acquire the ownership rights relating to over 500 wireless communication tower sites located across Mexico, Colombia and Nicaragua. Terms of the transaction remain confidential between the parties.

Speaking about the transaction, PTI CEO, Dagan Kasavana, stated; "We are pleased to enter into this transaction with Uniti which further expands our growing footprint in Mexico and Colombia".

Commenting on the transaction, Uniti Group CEO, Kenny Gunderman, stated "This transaction realizes substantial value for our stockholders and allows us to focus on the vast communications infrastructure growth opportunities in the U.S., Uniti Towers will continue to be a significant component of our ongoing strategy to provide a full suite of solutions to wireless carriers and other customers."

Citi was exclusive financial adviser on the deal.

About Phoenix Tower International

Phoenix Tower International ("PTI") owns and manages over 6,000 towers, 986 km of fiber and over 80,000 other wireless infrastructure and related sites throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, French West Indies, Jamaica, Argentina, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, PTI was founded in 2013 with a mission to be a premier site provider to wireless operators across the Americas in high-growth markets. PTI's investors include funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities and John Hancock, as well as various members of the management team. For more information, please visit www.phoenixintnl.com.

SOURCE Phoenix Tower International

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Molecular Designs (PhoenixMD), a privately-held biotechnology company designing precise cancer therapeutics by targeting essential kinases, announced today that Dr. Sandra Dunn, PhoenixMD's Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at BIOCOM's 2019 Global Life Science Partnering Conference being held at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in San Diego, CA.

Details of the presentation are as follows:

Event: BIOCOM 2019 Global Life Science Partnering Conference

Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Time: 2:45 PM

The presentation will include an overview on the company's approach to treating cancer and its lead program, PMD-026, the first RSK inhibitor purpose-built for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). PMD-026 was precisely designed for TNBC because RSK2 was specifically identified as the key kinase that drives the growth of this breast cancer subtype relative to hormone positive or Her-2 positive breast cancers. RSK2 was identified in a functional screen profiling 519 potential kinases. PMD-026 is the first drug to specifically arise from functional dependency screens in TNBC. PMD-026 is applicable to greater than 14 different types of cancers including those resistant to a wide range of therapies. Their goal is to develop a cancer agnostic approach to treating cancers that rely on RSK2.

The first in human clinical trial for PMD-026 is a Phase 1/1b that is scheduled to initiate in mid- 2019. Importantly, the clinical trial will include a companion diagnostic (CDx) that links PMD-026 to RSK2 activation in tumors, which PMD is developing through a collaboration with Roche. In preclinical studies, PMD-026 shrinks tumors by over 70% as a single agent after only two weeks of treatment in tumors with high RSK2 activation using their CDx for model selection.

PMD-026 is shown to unlock the potential of tumor resistance by synergizing with chemotherapies such as paclitaxel. More recently, PMD-026 demonstrates the potential to reprogram the way that TNBC is recognized by the immune system, in part, by inhibiting PD-L1.

About Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) and RSK Kinases

Approximately 400,000 cases of TNBC are diagnosed every year worldwide and it is one of the most difficult breast cancer subtypes to treat due to lack of effective, targeted therapies. TNBC also claims the lives of young women more than any other type of breast cancer due to a lack of understanding around the therapeutic bullseye. It is also a very heterogeneous disease, therefore a common denominator across TNBC types was necessary to identify the bullseye. Through genome-wide screens, RSK was identified as the prime target for TNBC by scientists at PhoenixMD. Currently, there are still no targeted therapies available for TNBC.

There are four types of RSK involved in cancer, known as RSK1-4, and each type has a unique role in the development of the disease. RSK1 is responsible for cancer cell invasion and is an important driver in the spread of cancer. RSK2 controls cancer cell growth, and RSK3 and RSK4 are associated with drug resistance.

RSK1 and RSK2 have been proven critical to the survival of patients with TNBC. Over 90% of primary TNBC express high levels of RSK1 and RSK2. Inhibiting RSK2 eliminates TNBC cells completely, including cancer stem cells, which give rise to cancer recurrence. PhoenixMD, with its novel, targeted approach, is focused on creating patented cancer RSK inhibitors and companion diagnostics for cancer indications - initially in breast cancer - with the potential to treat blood, brain, ovarian, lung, skin, prostate, colon, head and neck cancers.

Currently, there are no approved targeted therapies for TNBC, although several drugs are subject to research studies and clinical trials. PhoenixMD is addressing this unmet medical need through a novel, targeted approach by inhibiting critical kinases, such as RSK1-4, a group of highly conserved Ser/Thr kinases that promote cell proliferation, growth, motility and survival. For this target, PhoenixMD developed PMD-026, a first-in-class, specific RSK inhibitor that blocks downstream signaling of RSK and induces apoptosis.

About PhoenixMD

PhoenixMD is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company designing precise cancer therapeutics and companion diagnostics by targeting kinases, a class of highly druggable enzymes to treat a wide range of oncology indications. PhoenixMD is focused on developing first-in-class inhibitors against ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), an important drug target for cancer, heart disease, and inflammation. Due to its emerging leadership in kinase inhibition, PhoenixMD has entered into partnerships with well-recognized academic, non-profit institutions and development companies such as the National Cancer Institute (NIH), University of Florida, Kyushu University, Mayo Clinic, University of Hawaii Comprehensive Cancer Center and MD Anderson. PhoenixMD is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, with U.S. operations in San Diego, Calif. For more information, visit phoenixmd.ca.





SOURCE Phoenix Molecular Designs

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GOLD RIVER, Calif., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 8,000 law enforcement officers responded recently to a nationwide survey by overwhelmingly reporting that stress on the job has impacted their mental health, and 9 out of 10 officers reported that law enforcement culture continues to create a barrier to seeking help.

Cordico

Law enforcement agencies nationwide are looking for a strategic solution to strengthen officer wellness. Chief John Carli of the Vacaville Police Department recently launched a customized wellness app within his agency, which led to him receiving two nominations for the Best of California Awards.

"The Cordico Law Enforcement Wellness App has been a great win for my department," said Chief Carli. "It combines the best national wellness resources with our best local resources and peer support and puts these tools directly in our hands. This is a game-changer, and there's nothing else like it."

"We needed a proactive solution for law enforcement agencies everywhere," said Dr. David Black, the CEO of Cordico. "Officers need 24/7 access to the most comprehensive and trusted wellness tools available to manage the extreme stressors and demands they face. Our apps give them powerful, on-demand tools targeting critical incidents, depression, insomnia, marital problems, trauma, suicide risk, and so much more. We customize the app for each department, and the technology works the same whether you employ fewer than 20 officers or more than 20,000."

"We all know that officer wellness touches on other key strategic concerns  recruitment, retention, community relations, and officer safety," said Chief Carli. "When you deploy this app to all of your personnel and their spouses, think of the message that sends. It's very powerful. Consider what it means when we give this tool to our new hires, when we show it to them during the recruiting process, it's making a difference. This is ultimately about changing the culture, and the app is a major part of that process."

Gordon Graham, the co-founder of Lexipol, is an outspoken proponent of the Cordico Law Enforcement Wellness App and recently highlighted the company during a national webinar. "I'm impressed with what Cordico is doing to support our first responders," said Mr. Graham. "If you take a look at what Cordico is offering, I think you too will be impressed."

Media Contact:

Kevin Dacy

Phone: 844.CORDICO (1.844.267.3426)

Email: [email protected]

Related Links

https://www.cordico.com

SOURCE Cordico

Related Links

https://www.cordico.com

Geriatric EDs focus on optimal transitions from emergency care to other settings such as inpatient hospitalizations, home, rehabilitation and long-term care. The GEDA program, which ACEP launched in 2018, aims to improve and standardize emergency care for the nation's older adults. Northwestern Memorial is one of only eight hospitals in the country to achieve Level One. The program promotes the goals of providing quality care for older adult patients, including enhanced staffing and education and geriatric-focused policies and protocols, such as transitions of care, quality improvement and outcomes and more efficient preparation of the treatment area.

"We're proud to be the first Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department in Illinois, an achievement that reflects Northwestern's commitment to providing older patients with the comprehensive, high-quality care required to meet their unique healthcare needs," said Scott Dresden, MD, medical director of Geriatric Emergency Department Innovations (GEDI) and emergency medicine physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "Our Geriatric ED focuses not only on the acute medical needs of older patients, but we also consider other chronic conditions, psychosocial needs and safety concerns that put them at increased risk for readmissions and hospitalizations."

The voluntary accreditation includes three levels, similar to trauma designations, with specific criteria and goals for clinicians and administrators. Requirements begin with demonstrating that the participating emergency department (1) includes both a physician and nurse with specialized geriatric training on staff, (2) meets environmental criteria such as easy patient access to water and mobility aids and (3) has a geriatric quality improvement program.

When a patient 65 or older presents at Northwestern Memorial's ED, they are assessed by a nurse to determine if the patient would benefit from specialized geriatric care. Patients who qualify will have a one-on-one visit from a Geriatric Emergency Department Innovations (GEDI) Nurse who asks a series of questions to determine if the individual is experiencing mental or physical decline, if they are having trouble caring for themselves at home and if they have medical complexities common in older adults.

The patient may also receive counseling from a social worker or meet with a pharmacist to learn about safely taking their medications. Older patients may also be placed in geriatric-friendly rooms with features including non-slip and non-glare floors, soundproofing, enhanced lighting and windows and other elements designed to make older patients more comfortable.

"While the physical space can provide benefits to older patients, it's really the GEDI team that provides a safety net for a vulnerable patient population that often needs care beyond the normal scope of an Emergency Department," said Dr. Dresden. "When our GEDI nurses focus on transitional care, they can identify risks and safety concerns that can be addressed before we discharge the patient, decreasing their chance of readmission or unnecessary hospitalization."

For an older patient, hospitalization comes with the increased risk of infection, falls, delirium, frailty and death. Research shows that an estimated 60 percent of Medicare patients admitted to the hospital arrive through the emergency department. The goal of Northwestern Memorial's Geriatric ED is to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations of older patients and prevent readmissions.

"For an older adult, a hospitalization comes with serious risk and could lead to a loss of independence and decline in quality of life, as well as functional ability," said Dr. Dresden. "Since starting this program in 2013, we've seen a decrease of unnecessary hospitalizations of older patients by 33 percent. When we discharge a patient, we can be confident that we are sending them home safely or providing them with the appropriate transitional care that they need."

Northwestern Memorial is nationally recognized for its expertise in caring for older adults, ranking 9th in the country for Geriatrics in the annual US News & World Report "Best Hospitals" rankings.

Video: Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Geriatric Emergency Department (video, interviews and b-roll available for download by request)

For more information about Northwestern Medicine, visit news.nm.org/about-northwestern-medicine.html. To stay up to date on the latest news from Northwestern Medicine, follow Media Relations on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NMHC_News.

SOURCE Northwestern MedicineVANCOUVER, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX: NDM; NYSE American: NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") announces that the US Army Corps of Engineers (the "Corps") has posted on its website the Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DEIS") for southwest Alaska's Pebble Project, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA").

The US Army Corps of Engineers will facilitate a formal consultation and public comment process with respect to the Pebble Project DEIS this spring. Further information regarding the EIS process can be found on the Corps' website at www.pebbleprojecteis.com.

"Our preliminary review of the DEIS shows no major data gaps or substantive impacts associated with a mine at the Pebble site. We see no significant environmental challenges that would preclude the project from getting a permit and believe this shows Alaska stakeholders that there is a clear path forward for this project," said Pebble Limited Partnership ("Pebble Partnership") CEO Tom Collier. "I also commend the Corps for their efficient, comprehensive and transparent management of the process thus far."

"The DEIS is an important milestone and positive development for the Pebble Project," said Ron Thiessen, CEO of Northern Dynasty. "We want to express our appreciation to the Army Corps of Engineers, the State of Alaska and all of the cooperating agencies and communities."

About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly-owned Alaska-based US subsidiary Pebble Limited Partnership, is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 2,402 mineral claims in southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit. PLP is the proponent of the Pebble Project, an initiative to develop one of the world's most important mineral resources.

For further details on Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Project, please visit the Company's website at www.northerndynastyminerals.com or contact Investor services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114. Review Canadian public filings at www.sedar.com and US public filings at www.sec.gov.

Ronald W. Thiessen

President & CEO

Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future events that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of the ultimate size, quality or commercial feasibility of the Pebble Project or of the Company's future performance or the outcome of litigation.

Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements are that the Pebble project will be evaluated based on technical and scientific criteria free from undue political or legal interference. The likelihood of future mining at the Pebble Project is subject to a large number of risks and will require achievement of a number of technical, economic and legal objectives, including obtaining necessary mining and construction permits, approvals, licenses and title on a timely basis and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, the final outcome of any litigation, completion of pre-feasibility and final feasibility studies, preparation of all necessary engineering for surface or underground mining and processing facilities as well as receipt of significant additional financing to fund these objectives as well as funding mine construction. Such funding may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms or on any terms at all. There is no known ore at the Pebble Project and there is no assurance that the mineralization at the Pebble Project will ever be classified as ore. The need for compliance with extensive environmental and socio-economic rules and practices and the requirement for the Company to obtain government permitting can cause a delay or even abandonment of a mineral project. The Company is also subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Northern Dynasty does not have control over the contents of the USACE website and therefore Northern Dynasty cannot either endorse the contents or assume responsibility for the website's contents other than for submissions thereon actually made by Northern Dynasty. The National Environmental Policy Act EIS process requires a comprehensive "alternatives assessment" be undertaken to consider a broad range of development alternatives. Accordingly, the final project design and operating parameters for the Pebble Project and associated infrastructure may vary significantly from that currently being advanced. As a result, the Company will continue to consider various development options and no final project design has been selected at this time.

SOURCE Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

Related Links

www.northerndynastyminerals.com

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will provide coverage of the upcoming prelaunch and launch activities for the SpaceX Demo-1 flight test to the International Space Station for the agency's Commercial Crew Program, which is working with the U.S. aerospace industry to launch astronauts on American rockets and spacecraft from American soil for the first time since 2011.

NASA and SpaceX are targeting 2:48 a.m. EST Saturday, March 2, for the launch of the company's uncrewed Demo-1 flight, which will be the first time a commercially built and operated American rocket and spacecraft designed for humans will launch to the space station. The launch, as well as other activities leading up to the launch, will air on NASA Television and the agency's website.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft will launch on a Falcon 9 rocket from historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Crew Dragon is scheduled to dock to the space station at approximately 5:55 a.m. Sunday, March 3.

This will be the first uncrewed flight test of NASA's Commercial Crew Program and will provide data on the performance of the Falcon 9 rocket, Crew Dragon spacecraft and ground systems, as well as in-orbit, docking and landing operations.

The flight test also will provide valuable data toward NASA certifying SpaceX's crew transportation system for carrying astronauts to and from the space station. SpaceX's Demo-2 test flight, which will fly NASA astronauts to the space station, is targeted to launch in July.

Following each flight, NASA will review performance data to ensure each upcoming mission is as safe as possible. After completion of all test flights, NASA will continue its review of the systems and flight data for certification ahead of the start of regular crewed flights to the space station.

Full Demo-1 coverage is as follows. All times are EST:

Friday, Feb. 22

(no earlier than) 6 p.m.  Post-flight readiness review briefing at Kennedy, with the following representatives:

William Gerstenmaier , associate administrator, NASA Human Exploration and Operations

, associate administrator, NASA Human Exploration and Operations

Kathy Lueders , manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program

, manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program

Kirk Shireman , manager, International Space Station Program

, manager, International Space Station Program

Hans Koenigsmann , vice president, Build and Flight Reliability, SpaceX

, vice president, Build and Flight Reliability, SpaceX

Astronaut Office representative

Thursday, Feb. 28

TBD  Prelaunch briefing at Kennedy, with the following representatives:

Kathy Lueders , manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program

, manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program

Kirk Shireman , manager, International Space Station Program

, manager, International Space Station Program

SpaceX representative



Astronaut Office representative

Saturday, March 2

2 a.m.  NASA TV launch coverage begins for the 2:48 a.m. liftoff

 NASA TV launch coverage begins for the liftoff 5 a.m.  Post-launch news conference at Kennedy, with the following representatives:

 Post-launch news conference at Kennedy, with the following representatives: Steve Stich , NASA launch manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program

, NASA launch manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program

Kirk Shireman , manager, International Space Station Program

, manager, International Space Station Program

SpaceX representative



Astronaut Office representative

Sunday, March 3

3:30 a.m.  Rendezvous and docking coverage

 Rendezvous and docking coverage 8:45 a.m.  Hatch opening coverage

 Hatch opening coverage 10:30 a.m.  Station crew welcoming ceremony

Friday, March 8

12:15 a.m.  Hatch closing coverage begins

 Hatch closing coverage begins 2:30 a.m.  Undocking coverage begins

 Undocking coverage begins 7:30 a.m.  Deorbit and landing coverage

 Deorbit and landing coverage TBD  Post-landing briefing on NASA TV, location TBD, with the following representatives:

Steve Stich , deputy manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program

, deputy manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program

International Space Station Program representative



SpaceX representative



Astronaut Office representative

The deadline for media to apply for accreditation for this launch has passed, but more information about media accreditation is available by emailing [email protected] .

For more information on event coverage, got to:

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-spacex-demo-1-briefings-events-and-broadcasts

The goal of NASA's Commercial Crew Program is safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station, which could allow for additional research time and increase the opportunity for discovery aboard humanity's testbed for exploration. For launch countdown coverage, NASA's launch blog, and more information about the mission, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Napatech (OSLO: NAPA.OL), the leading provider of reconfigurable computing platforms, today announced that it will be demonstrating how its FPGA SmartNIC software and hardware can scale NFV infrastructure and accelerate networking and security applications for a variety of mobile use cases.

The company will be hosting live demonstrations at Mobile World Congress, Hall 6 Stand 6J21, from February 25 to 28 in Barcelona, Spain. It will also host a 5G and Virtualized Network Topic Tour, giving guidance on how to improve 5G mobile NFV. Sign up on the Topic Tours page under 5G and NFV.

Click to Tweet: [email protected] FPGA Solutions Boost Mobile Networks through NFV Infrastructure Scaling: https://tinyurl.com/y427m2ee #SmartNIC #NFV

Napatech reconfigurable SmartNICs accelerate standard servers, host NFV applications and reuse the same hardware, from edge to core, with varied software loads, to achieve numerous NFV acceleration solutions for different application and network architectures.

Napatech SmartNICs dramatically increase off-the-shelf server throughput while freeing up CPU cycles for more VMs and NFV application instances. Additionally, being FPGA-based, the software offers unique reconfigurability to add other custom capabilities, such as encryption and decryption.

Jarrod J.S. Siket, CMO of Napatech, said: "The number of 5G mobile devices will scale to billions in the coming years. To realize the promise of 5G, a new level of performance can be achieved by offloading network and security workloads to dedicated processing elements based on programmable FPGA technology. Napatech provides significant TCO savings on standard servers without compromising any of the requirements of modern networking and security applications."

About Napatech

Napatech helps companies to reimagine their business by bringing hyperscale computing benefits to IT organizations of every size. We enhance open and standard virtualized servers to boost innovation and release valuable computing resources that improve services and increase revenue. Our Reconfigurable Computing Platform is based on a broad set of FPGA software for leading IT compute, network and security applications that are supported on a wide array of FPGA hardware designs.

Additional information is available at www.napatech.com

No Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements which are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to, business conditions, trends in the industry and markets, global economic and geopolitical conditions, macro-economic factors, and other risks and uncertainties set forth in Napatech's reports. The matter discussed in this release is based on current expectations and maybe subject to change. Napatech will not necessarily update this information.

For details, visit us at www.napatech.com

For All Inquiries:

Shannon Tierney

Nadel Phelan

+1.831.440.2409

[email protected]

SOURCE Napatech

Related Links

https://www.napatech.com

The "Call to Action," the result of a year-long intensive program of work by the myFutureNC Commission, also suggests a number of indicators to track progress, as well as focus areas and priorities the state may consider to reach the goal. The Commission's mission was to break down silos, conduct research, solicit input from public and private sectors, bridge geographies, and create a shared vision for education from pre-K to work.

Dale Jenkins, CEO of Medical Mutual and myFutureNC co-chair, remarked, "Each and every one of us has a stake in the success of North Carolina and in the success of all North Carolinians. That's what this 'Call to Action' is about  adoption of a shared goal and a commitment to cross-sector collaboration for future success.

"This is more than a vision. It's a real and required imperative. Today, we have a goalone that's absolute, ambitious, and attainable. Now, bold new plans and even bolder actions across education and business are necessary."

Today, while experiencing explosive growth in diversity, size, and economic activity, North Carolina is experiencing a skills-gap that puts our state at risk:

67-percent of jobs require a postsecondary degree or high-quality credential, but only 49-percent of North Carolinians between the ages of 25 and 44 have completed that level of education.*

More than 80-percent of high school graduates do not meet all college readiness benchmarks, and nearly half meet none of those benchmarks.**

50-percent of North Carolina employers indicate they are not able to hire the workers they need, citing a lack of employability skills (65%), technical skills (49%), and overall education (43%).***

employers indicate they are not able to hire the workers they need, citing a lack of employability skills (65%), technical skills (49%), and overall education (43%).*** For every 100 9 th graders there are 86 high school graduates, of whom 72 express postsecondary intentions, 67 enroll in postsecondary institutions, 51 return for a second year, and 34 end up earning a degree within six years.****

graders there are 86 high school graduates, of whom 72 express postsecondary intentions, 67 enroll in postsecondary institutions, 51 return for a second year, and 34 end up earning a degree within six years.**** Only 24 percent of North Carolinians agree that all students receive the same quality of education regardless of their background.*****

"For a competitive, strong, and ready North Carolina, we have work to do," stated Peter Hans, president, North Carolina Community Colleges and myFutureNC co-chair. "It's true, we are seeing new ideas and new collaborations blossom across our state. And, that's exciting. But we need to find ways to fully align, duplicate and replicate what works, and be willing to set aside things that don't. We must focus on eliminating systemic barriers to achievement and attainment, prepare students for work, provide options for ongoing skills expansion, and help North Carolinians maintain a fulfilling, sustained quality of life."

According to the "Call to Action" document released today, there are four proposed focus areas to achieve this: Education & Workforce Alignment; Access to Lifelong Educational Opportunities; Preparation for Education, Career, & Life; and Comprehensive Support Systems. These focus areas are supported by 16 cross-sector priorities, and proposed metrics to follow progress.

"We have heard the urgent call from North Carolina's business leaders and industry. And, if we don't act, our state and our people will be left behind," continued Jenkins. "Today, I challenge each and every stakeholder to pay attention to this call for action. Take the time to learn more, adopt the goal and identify what you can do to drive this work  and our state  forward."

In the coming months, myFutureNC will be traveling throughout North Carolina, helping to convene leaders from every sector to unite behind this goal and commit to collaboration moving forward.

"There's a lot to be done between now and 2030. But, there's nothing more important we can accomplish together," stated Hans.

To see the full webcast, click here.

STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

"To keep North Carolina competitive, we must help more of our students get the skills and education needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow. That's why I support the myFutureNC Commission goal to develop a better educated North Carolina workforce and look forward to working together so that our state and its people can achieve our full potential."

Governor Roy Cooper, The State of North Carolina

"I applaud the myFutureNC Commission for developing such an ambitious goal. I look forward to working with the commission and other stakeholders to ensure that North Carolina continues to have one of the most well-trained workforces in the nation."

President Pro Tem Phil Berger, NC Senate

"The visionary work of myFutureNC will further our core mission to make each day in North Carolina a new opportunity for students to succeed in a competitive economy and learn there is no limit to what they can achieve with a great education."

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore

"Education is transformative for students and their families in enhancing their quality of life and the ability to help strengthen our state's economy. The unified commitment of government, the corporate community and all the education sectors to increasing education attainment is paramount to the future of all North Carolinians and to our state."

President A. Hope Williams, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities

"Today, North Carolina State University had the honor of hosting the myFutureNC Commission as they revealed an education attainment goal for North Carolina. We look forward to working with other education groups, business leaders, and communities across the state to put this goal to action. We are excited to be part of the solution to empower students, strengthen North Carolina's communities, and boost the state's economy."

Chancellor Randy Woodson, on behalf of North Carolina State University

* Dyke and True, 2018 ** Tippett & Kahn, 2018 *** 2018 Employer Needs Survey, July 2018 **** Tippett, 2018 ***** Gallup, 2018

SOURCE myFutureNC

Related Links

https://www.myfuturenc.org

CHICAGO, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Motto Mortgage, an innovative mortgage brokerage franchise focused on transparency and compliance, has a new office in the Windy City. Motto Mortgage Vision is now open in downtown Chicago and serving all markets throughout Illinois.

Established by Anthony McCallahan an entrepreneur and mortgage broker with more than 18 years' experience in all aspects of the mortgage industry, Motto Mortgage Vision is a customer-first, full-service mortgage brokerage.

"Motto Mortgage Vision offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage bankers currently operating in Chicago," said McCallahan. "We provide the scope, scale and support of a large retail lender, while offering the flexibility, autonomy and exceptional service of a local mortgage broker."

McCallahan, originally from Michigan, has been calling Chicago home for more than 15 years and is excited to serve clients in the Chicagoland area, but also in Michigan, Tennessee and Florida, where the Motto Mortgage Vision office team is also licensed.

"I have worked in the lending space for the bulk of my career and the industry is changing fast. The cost to produce a loan is increasing. I have seen lenders go out of business. The lending landscape is currently moving from banks and retail lenders, back to brokers. Which, is what made the decision to purchase my Motto Mortgage franchise a no brainer. Motto Mortgage Vision has access to some of the best loan products on the market, which allow us to offer our clients better pricing and lower costs," said McCallahan.

Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network have access to competitive loan options from various wholesale lenders, and work hard to give homebuyers options  because no loan is one-size-fits-all. A loan originator with Motto Mortgage Vision can be reached at (312) 767-9239.

Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed.

About Motto Mortgage Vision:

Motto Mortgage Vision (NMLS # #1822506) is a locally owned and operated full-service mortgage brokerage serving all of Illinois, located at 650 N. Michigan Ave., 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60611.To learn more, please visit https://www.mottomortgage.com/offices/vision-chicago/ or call 312-767-9239.

About Motto Mortgage:

The Motto Mortgage network is breaking the mold by giving the power of choice back to consumers with less jargon, more transparency, and even more options to choose from as they shop for the right home loan. With over 100 franchises sold and more than 70 offices open in 30 states, Motto Franchising, LLC's unique national franchise mortgage brokerage model is the first of its kind in the United States. Created to disrupt the mortgage industry, the Motto Mortgage network connects loan originators and real estate agents to provide a seamless, personalized experience and one-stop shop for consumers. Motto Mortgage is the second member of the RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. family of brands. Each Motto Mortgage office is independently owned, operated and licensed. To learn more about Motto Mortgage, or for license information for a Motto Mortgage office, email [email protected] , or visit www.mottomortgage.com/offices .

*Motto Mortgage is among the top 1 percent fastest-growing emerging franchises in 2018 according to an analysis of over 2,500 franchise systems by Franchise Grade in its review of franchise sales information contained in Franchise Disclosure Documents issued during the 12 months ended August 30, 2018.

SOURCE Motto Mortgage

Related Links

https://www.mottomortgage.com

MIAMI, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami International University of Art & Design (MIU) is pleased to announce that it will join Studio Enterprise and Mana Contemporary in the creation of a concept campus designed as the future home of creative industries in Miami.

As part of this partnership, Mana will provide MIU's students further access to creative professionals for networking, training and industry opportunities across Mana's national network of arts communities. The partnership includes the design of the new concept campus that will be located in the historic Flagler district of downtown Miami opening in the summer of 2020.

The design of the concept campus will be inspired by Mana's integrated hive structure at its Jersey City location which allows for the exchange of ideas between artists and industry. Practitioners specializing in a variety of disciplinesincluding painting, sculpture, photography, dance, film, sound and performancework alongside each other in a forward-thinking environment that fosters experimentation, collaboration, and mutual inspiration. The integration of students will further that concept to include a significant arts education component providing space for seminars, master classes, workshops, exhibitions, co-productions and training while delivering rigorous mentorship and shadowing opportunities.

Studio Enterprise, an education services company recently partnered with MIU to provide student centric support through relevant educational and professional work opportunities before and after graduation in the creative sector.

Founded in 1965 and home to more than 6,000 alumni, MIU has been a fixture in creative arts education in the Miami community for more than 50 years. The school offers associate through master's degree programs in Fashion, Design and Media Arts.

"MIU has been an integral part of building and transforming the Miami design and arts communities for more than 50 years and we look forward to furthering that footprint with our new partnerships with Studio Enterprise and Mana," said Erika Fleming, president of Miami International University of Art & Design.

Eugene Lemay, Artistic Director of Mana said, "This collaboration represents an inspiring meeting of complementary visions from which a creative campus design will redefine how students and industry interact."

About Miami International University of Art & Design

Miami International University of Art & Design, is one of The Art Institutes, a system of non-profit schools throughout the United States that extends back to 1921 and provides an important source for fashion, design, media arts and culinary professionals. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all online programs are available to residents of all U.S. states. Some institutions in The Art Institutes system are campuses of Argosy University. Miami International University of Art & Design, 1501 Biscayne Blvd Suite 100, Miami, FL 33132  2019. The Art Institutes. All rights reserved. Our email address is [email protected]. For more information on Miami International University of Art & Design, visit us at www.mymiu.edu.

About Studio Enterprise

Studio Enterprise is a vertically integrated education services company focused on student centric models of education and training as a platform to impact the creative economy. Studio Enterprise partners with colleges and universities in support of their vision by expanding market reach and supporting their students transition from the classroom to industry.

About Mana Contemporary

Mana Contemporary is a leading arts destination dedicated to celebrating the creative process. Founded in 2011, Mana Contemporary is one of the largest and most innovative contemporary art organizations in the United States. Through its integrated architectural design, Mana offers exceptional services, spaces, and programming for the greater creative community. Its rapidly expanding flagship location in Jersey City, originally built in the 1920s, will eventually encompass a footprint of more than two million square feet.

SOURCE Studio Enterprise; Miami International University of Art & Design

Related Links

http://studioenterprise.com

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN) Solutions Total Workforce Index 2019 reveals Ireland, Norway and the UK as top labor markets across the globe for sourcing, hiring and retaining workforce skills. In an increasingly complex global market, access to skilled talent is a priority for organizations looking to build or grow their business. The Total Workforce Index is the only tool of its kind to use Big Data combined with expert insight to compare workforce potential across markets by evaluating the skills availability, cost efficiency and workforce productivity of both permanent and contingent labor sources.

The Index uses a proprietary formula that can be customized to respond specifically to an organization's most pressing workforce priorities. These can range from sector specific skills challenges and the impact of shifting regulations to flexible scheduling and changing wages by location across sectors from oil and gas to IT and manufacturing.

"The emergence of new skills and new talent pools, together with fresh ways to work and get work done, mean companies have more options than ever when identifying where to locate or expand their operations," said Becky Frankiewicz, President of ManpowerGroup North America. "Whether the priority is a specific tech skilled workforce or setting up a new call center, we can use the index to provide companies with data that helps them to make better and faster strategic decisions. With this right combination of data and insights, organizations can execute a precise talent strategy to meet their unique business needs."





View the full Total Workforce Index 2018 report at https://www.manpowergroupsolutions.com/twi for the full rankings on markets most favorable to conduct business.

REGIONAL RANKINGS

APAC - Hong Kong , New Zealand , Singapore are the top markets for business development in the APAC region and globally. Hong Kong and Singapore rank highly for larger talent pools and support of flexible working conditions versus markets with new tax policies and labor laws.



, , are the top markets for business development in the APAC region and globally. and rank highly for larger talent pools and support of flexible working conditions versus markets with new tax policies and labor laws. AMERICAS - The United States and Canada claim the top two rankings in the Americas region due to their mature workforces, followed by Chile , Mexico and Puerto Rico . Across South and Central America , micro market shifts and significant legislative changes can increase hiring complexity. The lowest ranked countries across the TWI globally are also in the Americas: Brazil , Honduras , Bolivia and Venezuela . Only the U.S. and Canada rank in the global top 10 - at 4 th and 6 th respectively.



and claim the top two rankings in the Americas region due to their mature workforces, followed by , and . Across South and , micro market shifts and significant legislative changes can increase hiring complexity. The lowest ranked countries across the TWI globally are also in the Americas: , , and . Only the U.S. and rank in the global top 10 - at 4 and 6 respectively. EMEA - The top five ranked countries in the region are the UK, Ireland , Estonia , United Arab Emirates and Israel . All of these countries bar Israel rank in the top 10 globally. Increasing access to education and investment in skills development have contributed to the workforce potential across the region.

About the Total Workforce Index

The Total Workforce Index (TWI) uses a proprietary formula to measure the relative ease of sourcing, hiring and retaining a workforce in competing labor markets around the world. The TWI compiles more than 90 key factors which relate to the Availability, Cost Efficiency, Regulation and Productivity of the workforce of each country. Unlike any other Workforce Index, the Total Workforce Index considers the entire workforce and not a single segment of the workforce in each country. The inclusion of the complete workforce allows for segmentation to review and analyze the contingent and permanent workforce considerations, in addition to the sum of these two workforce segments.

About ManpowerGroup Solutions

ManpowerGroup Solutions provides clients with outsourcing services related to human resources functions, primarily in the areas of large-scale recruiting and workforce-intensive initiatives that are outcome-based, thereby sharing in the risk and reward with our clients. Our solutions offerings include TAPFIN-Managed Service Provider, Strategic Workforce Consulting, Borderless Talent Solutions, Talent Based Outsourcing and Recruitment Process Outsourcing, where we are one of the largest providers of permanent and contingent recruitment in the world. ManpowerGroup Solutions is part of the ManpowerGroup family of companies, which also includes Manpower, Experis, and Right Management. More information at www.manpowergroupsolutions.com.

About ManpowerGroup

ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands  Manpower, Experis, Right Management and ManpowerGroup Solutions  creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across 80 countries and territories and has done so for 70 years. In 2019, ManpowerGroup was named one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies for the seventeenth year and one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the ninth year in 2018, confirming our position as the most trusted and admired brand in the industry. See how ManpowerGroup is powering the future of work: www.manpowergroup.com

SOURCE ManpowerGroup

Related Links

http://www.manpowergroup.com

Initiated, produced and circulated by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, in collaboration with the Clarins Group and the Maison Mugler, the exhibition's world premiere will launch in Montreal in March 2019. As collaboration partner, the Kunsthal Rotterdam will be the second stop and the first venue in Europe to show this spectacular retrospective.

Spectacular and immersive

The exhibition 'Thierry Mugler: Couturissime' brings together more than 140 ensembles, most of them on display for the first time, created between 1973 and 2001, as well as many never-before seen accessories and stage costumes, clips and videos, archival documents and sketches. A hundred works by the greatest contemporary fashion photographers such as Richard Avedon, Guy Bourdin, Jean-Paul Goude, David LaChapelle, Helmut Newton, Herb Ritts, Dominique Issermann round out the exhibition. Many of the immersive galleries have been designed by artists such as Michel Lemieux and Philipp Furhofer, and special effects studio Rodeo FX. London-based designer Tord Boontje has also created Swarovski crystal chandeliers for one of the galleries. The mannequins were custom-made by Hans Boodt Mannequins, Rotterdam.

Singular imagination

'Thierry Mugler: Couturissime' traces the path of an exceptional creator who revolutionized fashion with morphological and futuristic cuts, and glamorous, sculptural and elegant silhouettes; strict lines and super-heroine shoulders; and a corseted waist dressing a sublime, sensual and powerful woman in constant metamorphosis. The exhibition offers a dive into his singular imagination, to encounter by turns his perfectionism, Hollywood-style prestige, dreams, exotic creatures, eroticism, and science fiction. It will explain his audacious choices, such as using innovative materials in high fashion such as metal, fake fur, vinyl and latex.

Emily Ansenk, Director at Kunsthal added: "We are very proud to be able to present yet another fashion icon to the Dutch public this autumn. The Kunsthal has established a strong tradition in programming world renowned fashion exhibitions in the Netherlands  from Jean Paul Gaultier and Peter Lindbergh to Viktor &Rolf  and we consider it a great honour to be the first venue in Europe to show this special retrospective of Thierry Mugler. We are looking forward to a renewed collaboration with Nathalie Bondil, Thierry-Maxime Loriot and all partners involved."

Publication

The first comprehensive monograph edited by curator Thierry-Maxime Loriot, richly illustrated, is published by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Publishing Department and Phaidon. It provides a foray into the world of Thierry Mugler, including unpublished and little-known material.

Curatorial Credits

The exhibition is curated by Thierry-Maxime Loriot under the direction of Nathalie Bondil, Director General and Chief Curator of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

www.kunsthal.nl/en/thierrymugler/

SOURCE Kunsthal RotterdamNEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global communications consultancy Ketchum today announced the appointment of April Scott as managing director of digital, social and analytics integration for North America.

Scott will be responsible for enhancing Ketchum's existing suite of digital and social tools, as well as continuing to elevate the agency's content execution and digital consulting capabilities. Under Scott's leadership, clients will experience a cohesive go-to-market strategy, enabling them to benefit from the best of audience listening, channel management, community management, content, paid amplification, influencer relations, earned media and analytics, in what Ketchum has branded StoryWorks.

Scott most recently served as EVP and managing director for Ogilvy's digital group, supporting a diverse range of clients including British Airways, UPS, United Nations, SHOWTIME, IBM and Pfizer, among others. Prior to Ogilvy, Scott held the position of Directeur Conseil at DigitasLBi in Europe, where she led the Nissan Motor Business, worked to create the agency's first social media-focused practice and co-developed the agency's first real-time responsive communications program for Publicis Group Agencies.

"As a communications consultancy, we strive to be borderless and have best-in-class capabilities and consultants in digital. We are excited for April to optimize our already-strong and growing digital, social and analytics specialty areas," said Barri Rafferty, partner, president and CEO of Ketchum. "In her past roles, April has become well-known for her expertise in leading client engagements across global markets, energizing teams, and building new offerings that help clients fuel business growth. I'm thrilled she is now bringing that experience to bear for Ketchum's clients."

Scott said, "Ketchum's 'no boundaries' approach is helping to bring its digital, influencer and analytics specialties closer together at a time when integrated campaigns are essential to delivering growth for clients. I believe we will be able to unify these areas even more quickly and efficiently, and in doing so we will ensure we have the right talent and expertise from beginning to end for every project. I'm excited to get started and to see what we can achieve for Ketchum's exceptional roster of clients."

About Ketchum

Ketchum is a leading global communications consultancy with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. The Holmes Report's Creative Agency of the Year, Ketchum is the winner of 76 Cannes Lions and an unprecedented six PRWeek Campaign of the Year Awards. Ketchum partners with clients to deliver strategic programming, game-changing creative and measurable results that build brands and reputations. For more information on Ketchum, a part of Omnicom Public Relations Group, visit www.ketchum.com.

About Omnicom Public Relations Group

Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, global health strategy and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,300 public relations professionals in more than 370 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.

SOURCE Ketchum

Related Links

http://www.ketchum.com

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor estimates that more than 27 million working-age Americans have started or run their own business. Whether you're a rideshare driver or freelancer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service recognizes this growing workforce. In recognition of gig economy workers, the tax service is celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week by sharing tax tips for the self-employed and explaining how self-employed taxes have been impacted by tax reform.

"If you're a freelancer, sole proprietor, or small-business owner, you should know that some of the biggest changes from tax reform will impact you this year, including a new deduction: Qualified Business Income Deduction," said Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer of Jackson Hewitt. "Self-employed workers and small business owners may be eligible for the new 20-percent deduction for pass-through businesses on their qualified business income, saving them money on their taxes."

Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBID) is available to taxpayers whose taxable income is below $157,500 for individuals or $315,000 for joint returns. Qualified business income (QBI) is income from a trade or business in the United States such as rideshare driving, consulting fees, internet or flea market sales, and reselling income to name a few. Employee wages and business generated capital gains, interest, and dividend income are excluded.

Don't miss out on this deduction. Jackson Hewitt Tax Pros also remind self-employed taxpayers of seven common tax deductions that they may qualify for this tax filing season:

Maintenance and repairs for vehicle upkeep and expenses, including oil, registration fees, insurance, parking fees and tolls, and depreciation (if the taxpayer owns the car or truck), or leasing costs: These may include the fees paid to a cab company for using its cars, or rental fees for a truck driver's trailer. Make sure you keep a log of all your expenses, the miles you drive for business, and your total mileage for the year. You must have all the miles and all the expenses to determine the business portion of the expenses. Travel expenses including transportation, lodging and incidental expenses such as laundry, phones, maid service, and others. Cost and maintenance of special work clothing. To be deductible, the clothing must be required for work and not suitable for everyday use, for example, safety shoes for a building contractor while on the construction site. State and local government licensing and regulatory fees as well as liability insurance premiums. Union and trade association dues as well as subscriptions to trade publications. The expenses associated with a home office as well as equipment and supplies. Continuing education for self and employees.

Individuals who are paid $600 or more in self-employment income can expect to receive a Form 1099-MISC, and individuals who are paid through a third party such as rideshare companies, who are paid at least $20,000 or have at least 200 transactions will receive a Form 1099-K. If a 1099-MISC, or 1099-K is not received the income must still be reported.

Visit jacksonhewitt.com/officelocator to locate the nearest Jackson Hewitt office.

About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. is an innovator in the tax industry, with a mission to provide its hard-working clients access to simple, low-cost solutions to manage their taxes and tax refunds. Jackson Hewitt is devoted to helping clients get ahead with Maximum Refund and 100% Accuracy Guarantees. With close to 6,000 franchised and company-owned locations, including 3,000 in Walmart stores, and online and mobile tax solutions, Jackson Hewitt makes it convenient for clients to file their taxes. For more information about products, services, and offers, or to locate a Jackson Hewitt office, visit www.jacksonhewitt.com or call 1 (800) 234-1040.

SOURCE Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

Related Links

http://www.jacksonhewitt.com

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report takes the largest tissue sector companies to task for destroying North American forests and exacerbating the climate crisis. " The Issue with Tissue " reveals Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, and Georgia-Pacific use zero recycled content in their toilet paper, relying on ancient trees clear-cut from the Canadian Boreal Forest (the "Amazon of the North"). The average American uses three rolls of toilet paper a week  and major brands' refusal to create sustainable products makes consumers unwittingly complicit in flushing forests down the toilet.

The report features a sustainability scorecard , assigning "F" grades to tissue brands Charmin, Quilted Northern, and Angel Soft. Brands using recycled paper content, including 365, Seventh Generation, and Natural Value got "A" grades. The scorecard also ranks facial tissues and paper towels.

This "tree-to-toilet pipeline" harms Indigenous Peoples and iconic species like boreal caribou. The boreal forest stores nearly two times as much carbon as all the world's oil reserves combined. Toilet paper and tissue manufacturers rely on forests even though they have resources to create products with recycled and responsibly sourced content.

Charmin, the nation's leading toilet paper brand made by Procter & Gamble, is called out for refusing to increase its use of recycled materials.

Shelley Vinyard, report co-author and boreal corporate campaign manager, NRDC: "We're calling on Procter & Gamble, the maker of America's leading toilet paper brand, to stop flushing forests down the toilet. Procter & Gamble has the innovation resources to bring Charmin into the 21st century; the question is whether the company will embrace its reputation as an innovator to create sustainable products using recycled material instead of clear-cut trees."

Deputy Grand Chief Mandy Gull, Cree Nation: "As Indigenous Peoples in the boreal forest, we live on the food from our land. The forest is our supermarket, with aisles of berries and meats and fish. My hope is that, once people know their choice of tissue will determine whether food will be there for us tomorrow, they will help protect our homelands by switching to recycled and responsibly sourced products."

The Canadian boreal contains some of the world's remaining intact forests, and is home to over 600 Indigenous communities, boreal caribou, and billions of songbirds. The loss of intact boreal forest is impacting Indigenous Peoples' ways of life and driving the decline of caribou and other species.

Tzeporah Berman, director, International Program, Stand.earth: "As a Canadian, I am horrified that Charmin and other leading brands are making toilet paper out of trees clearcut from ancient boreal forests. These forests are some of the most important intact ecosystems left on earth  they are the breeding grounds for the majority of North America's songbirds and home to threatened species such as boreal caribou  and we are flushing them down the toilet?"

Solutions to the tree-to-toilet pipeline already exist. Instead of relying on virgin fiber, tissue companies can use recycled content or sustainably sourced alternative fibers. These materials can dramatically reduce our destructive impact on the boreal and other forests in North America and the world.

NRDC and Stand.earth are calling on Procter & Gamble and other manufacturers to shift to recycled content and sustainable alternative fibers, and to ensure their supply chain protects boreal caribou habitat and respects Indigenous Peoples' rights. Now is the time for action to mitigate the climate crisis and protect the world's remaining forests, rather than flushing our vital forest ecosystems away.

SOURCE Stand.earth

Related Links

http://stand.earth

"The maturity of Japanese TV market in terms of both the quality and quantity of the country's self-developed crime drama is exceptionally high, which makes iQIYI's successful distribution of 'Burning Ice' to Japan an even greater achievement," said Chen Xiao, Vice President of iQIYI. "We're delighted to have the opportunity to share iQIYI's premium video content with greater numbers of viewers outside mainland China, as the popularity of Chinese dramas continues to surge overseas."

"Burning Ice" is adapted from the crime novel under the same name by Chinese author Zijin Chen, with a complex plot exploring the psychological states of its characters and the motivations behind their crimes. The series was produced by Dai Ying, Vice President at iQIYI who heads up the company's original drama division, and executive produced by the renowned producer Han Sanping. Directed by industry newcomer Luxing, the show stars Qin Hao, Deng Jiajia, Dai Xu and Wang Zhen'er.

iQIYI original drama are increasingly being embraced by audiences outside China, with iQIYI content including "The Mystic Nine", "Tientsin Mystic" and "Ghost Blows Out the Light - Finding Hu Bayi" having also been selected for broadcast in overseas markets. Japanese channels previously broadcast iQIYI's megahit costume drama "The Story of Yanxi Palace", and Japan's viewers will soon be able to enjoy a greater range of iQIYI content including "With you", "Summer's Desire" and "Tang Dynasty Tour".

About iQIYI, Inc.

iQIYI, Inc. (NASDAQ:IQ) ("iQIYI" or the "Company") is an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China. Since its launch in April 2010, iQIYI's corporate DNA has combined creative talent with technology, fostering an environment for continuous innovation and the production of blockbuster content. iQIYI's platform features highly popular original content, as well as a comprehensive library of other professionally-produced content, partner-generated content and user-generated content. The Company distinguishes itself in the online entertainment industry by its leading technology platform powered by advanced AI, big data analytics and other core proprietary technologies. iQIYI attracts a massive user base with tremendous user engagement, and has developed a diversified monetization model including membership services, online advertising services, content distribution, live broadcasting, online games, IP licensing, online literature and e-commerce etc. For more information on iQIYI, please visit http://ir.iqiyi.com.

SOURCE iQIYI, Inc.Wayne Goodwin, native of Hamlet, NC. has been a longtime activist for consumer rights. Throughout the course of his esteemed and tenured career, he served four consecutive terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He sponsored legislation that prompted greater incentives for economic development, education, healthcare and public safety. Later, Goodwin took office in 2009 as the 10th Insurance Commissioner for the State of North Carolina. During his two terms in office, Goodwin was responsible for refunds and restitutions that saved North Carolinians $2.4 billion, thus securing his legacy as a consumer advocate champion.

Insurance Care Direct, and its ownership, are pleased to have Wayne Goodwin on its board of directors as this marks a pivotal moment not only for the company but the insurance industry. "The insurance industry has a definitive paradigm shift on the horizon. Insurance agencies and regulators need to work closely to ensure that all product offerings meet consumer needs and trends," says Seth Cohen, CEO, Insurance Care Direct.

Jeff Atwater joins the growing board of directors at Insurance Care Direct. Mr. Atwater was elected as Florida's Chief Financial Officer on November 2, 2010, with oversight of the Florida Division of Insurance. He was re-elected to a second term on November 4, 2014. Additionally, Mr. Atwater is guided by his family's time-honored tradition of serving the community, his parents' values, work ethic, commitment to family and community service. Mr. Atwater is a fifth-generation Floridian.

Jeff has been an active member of the community, serving on several advisory boards and is currently serves as CFO and VP of Strategic Initiatives with Florida Atlantic University. "We are very pleased to have Jeff with us and are looking very forward to our collective efforts at strengthening our existing consumer advocacy initiatives," says Seth Cohen, CEO of Insurance Care Direct.

Al Cardenas oversees the Governmental Affairs Practice for The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners and is also a Senior Partner with Squire Patton Boggs. Al Cardenas is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and has been counsel of record in several precedent-setting and published court decisions. He has consistently been selected by his peers as one of "The Best Lawyers in America."

Al Cardenas served two terms as Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, the largest state political party in the country. Prior to his service as chairman, Mr. Cardenas served three consecutive terms as vice-chairman. Mr. Cardenas has been active in Republican politics for more than 25 years and has represented the State of Florida at every Republican National Convention since 1976. President-elect Ronald Reagan chose Mr. Cardenas for his transition team, making him responsible for the transition of the United States Department of Commerce. President Reagan also appointed him to chair the President's Commission on Small and Minority Business Affairs in 1982 and later as Special Ambassador to St. Kitts-Nevis upon that nation's independence in 1983. President George H. W. Bush appointed Mr. Cardenas to the Board of Directors of the Federal National Mortgage Association from 1985 to 1990. He also served on the President's Trade Policy Commission. "We are very pleased to have Al with us to share his vast legal knowledge and look forward to his visionary contributions," says Seth Cohen, CEO, Insurance Care Direct.

Benjamin Nelson served two terms in the U.S. Senate representing the State of Nebraska from 2001 to 2013. During his time in the Senate, Nelson utilized his reputation as a moderate, to bring his colleagues on both sides of the aisle together, to tackle some of the country's most significant issues. Earlier in his career, Nelson served as the Governor of Nebraska from 1991 to 1999 and was the first to be elected to a second term in two decades. Nelson worked to bridge gaps which created a more efficient and effective state government. He also served as CEO of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and as director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance from 1975 to 1976.

Insurance Care Direct, and its ownership, are pleased to have Benjamin Nelson on their board of directors as the company continues an extraordinary growth path. This, after consecutive milestones. "His extensive combination of experience with insurance regulation as well as his knowledge of the federal insurance landscape will be a tremendous asset to our organization," says Seth Cohen, CEO, Insurance Care Direct

CONTACT:

STUART REBEN

[email protected]

1002 E Newport Center Drive

Suite 200

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 United States

(866)792-5976

SOURCE Insurance Care DirectNEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. ("iAnthus"), (CSE: IAN) (OTCQX: ITHUF), which owns, operates, and partners with best-in-class regulated cannabis operations across the United States, is pleased to announce that it has opened its second New York dispensary, located in the Dutchess County town of Wappingers Falls. The dispensary will operate as "Citiva Hudson Valley" under iAnthus' "Citiva" New York dispensary brand.

The 2,600 sq. ft. dispensary is located at 1147 Route 9 in Wappingers Falls, a short drive from Beacon Train Station on the Metro-North Railroad, Marist College, Vassar College, and a collection of New York historical sites. The retail location initially will offer more than 30 locally-sourced, lab-tested products, including vape cartridges, tinctures, capsules, and powders, dispensed by highly-knowledgeable patient care representatives.

This is the second of iAnthus' four New York licensed dispensaries, with locations in Staten Island and Chemung County still to follow. iAnthus opened its first New York dispensary in Brooklyn in December 2018.

"The opening of our Citiva Hudson Valley dispensary is a major milestone for iAnthus, as it marks the 20th dispensary opened by the Company," said Hadley Ford, CEO of iAnthus. "2019 will be full of catalysts and exciting developments for Citiva, including the much-anticipated completion of our cultivation facility in Warwick, New York, and the opening of dispensaries in Staten Island and Chemung County."

The Citiva Hudson Valley dispensary operates seven days a week from 10am  7pm ET. Each of the following groups are eligible for a 20% discount on products sold at Citiva dispensaries: seniors 65+, veterans, new patients, and patients receiving government assistance.

Only registered patients with a valid New York medical cannabis card may purchase cannabis products from Citiva Hudson Valley, though individuals aged 21+ with a valid state ID may enter the dispensary to learn about cannabis products from a patient care representative.

Select images of Citiva dispensaries can be found via the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pmi0kdjev2pxew9/AAD8zVv8JMPuxtI0aOc_BtXNa?dl=0

For more information about Citiva or to place an order, please visit www.citiva.com.

About iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc.

iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. owns and operates best-in-class licensed cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities throughout the United States, providing investors diversified exposure to the U.S. regulated cannabis industry. Founded by entrepreneurs with decades of experience in operations, investment banking, corporate finance, law and health care services, iAnthus provides a unique combination of capital and hands-on operating and management expertise. iAnthus currently has operations in 11 states, and operates 20 dispensaries (AZ-4, MA-1, MD-3, FL-2, NY-2, CO-1, VT-1 and NM-6 where iAnthus has minority ownership). For more information, visit www.iAnthusCapital.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in iAnthus' periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should, our vision" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements including dispensary locations, facility build-outs, and other statements of fact.

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. iAnthus disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and iAnthus does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

The Canadian Securities Exchange 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 sell 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.

SOURCE iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.ianthuscapital.com/

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- New York City Relief, a 501(c)(3) organization serving the homeless population in New York City and New Jersey, announced that today marks its 30 year anniversary of providing hope and resources to people on the streets of New York City. NYC Relief also announced its year-long plan to celebrate and thank its lifetime of volunteers and donors for supporting people struggling with homelessness.

Homelessness has reached the highest levels in New York City since the Great Depression. New York City saw a 2.8% increase in the homeless population from 2017 to 2018, with 78,676 people reported homeless last year.

More than 63,000 people will sleep in shelters tonight, and that includes as many as 23,000 school-aged children. That doesn't count the thousands that will sleep on the streets and in subways. Each "number" represents an individual  a person with a story, and a unique set of needs and circumstances.

And for 30 years and counting, NYC Relief has been making space at their table as a beacon of hope and resources to people searching for life transformation, with successful outreach models that are based on mobility and consistency.

Founder Richard Galloway says, "People like myself who were once addicted are now free and alive, and spend their days serving and loving others. We came thinking we could 'give something' to help the poor and homeless folks, but our real discovery is that the poor are not a problem to be solved, but rather a portal to the very heart of God."

"In order to break out of homelessness, people in crisis need access to relationships and vital resources," said President and CEO Juan Galloway. "Many times people living on the streets are so burdened with the task of daily survival that they don't have the capacity to figure out where to go and what to do in order to get back on their feet to become self-sustaining again. That's where we come in with the connections they need."

NYC Relief has established two basic models for their service to the homeless:

Relief Bus

NYC Relief's Relief Buses are mobile care centers where volunteers serve homemade soup & bread, distribute hygiene kits, host Life Care Visits, and pray for the needs of our friends on the street. By setting up tables & chairs on the sidewalk, the organization creates an intentional space that welcomes guests and invites conversation over a shared meal.

Relief Co-op

In 2017, NYC Relief launched the Relief Co-Op, which is a partnership with other nonprofits providing direct services. With this model, teams go to locations where the homeless population is already congregating and hold Life Care Visits while guests wait for immediate services.

What makes NYC Relief distinctive:

NYC Relief ensures that as they serve soup and bread, there is a sense of community and dignity, by providing tables and chairs for both the served, and the servers, to chat and share and be together.

Relief ensures that as they serve soup and bread, there is a sense of community and dignity, by providing tables and chairs for both the served, and the servers, to chat and share and be together. Life Care Visits are one-on-one meetings, during which the NYC Relief team provides hope and resources through individualized action plans. NYC Relief staff and volunteers provide hope  by listening, encouraging and praying with friends who are struggling  and then resources  by connecting guests to emergency shelter, job programs, detox or drug rehabilitation.

Relief team provides hope and resources through individualized action plans. NYC Relief staff and volunteers provide hope  by listening, encouraging and praying with friends who are struggling  and then resources  by connecting guests to emergency shelter, job programs, detox or drug rehabilitation. Then, there is immediate follow-through for those who are ready to receive help for factors contributing to or perpetuating homelessness, from addiction to mental health issues to finding a warm place to sleep.

Some additional facts about NYC Relief:

NYC Relief will expand the number of outreaches they operate from 8 to 20 over the next 6 years, covering every borough of New York City . Currently they operate weekly outreaches located in the Bronx , Harlem, Midtown, Lower Manhattan and Newark, NJ .

Relief will expand the number of outreaches they operate from 8 to 20 over the next 6 years, covering every borough of . Currently they operate weekly outreaches located in the , Harlem, Midtown, Lower Manhattan and . NYC Relief partners with more than 250 organizations around NYC and NJ, so when there is a need to make a referral, there is always someone who can help.

Relief partners with more than 250 organizations around and NJ, so when there is a need to make a referral, there is always someone who can help. More than 96,500 volunteers and donors have served, and have been served by, the homeless community since NYC Relief's founding in 1989.

Relief's founding in 1989. Over 456,000 one-on-one connections have been made with people searching for hope and resources.

More than 7,260,000 cups of food and drink have been served.

In the past 10 years, NYC Relief has connected people from the street to over 11,700 resources.

What NYC Relief is doing to mark this important anniversary:

The signature event will be a Block Party over the summer, in a neighborhood they serve, to celebrate with friends on the street and raise awareness among partners, press, politicians and potential new donors and volunteers.

Reverend Juan Galloway , President and CEO of New York City Relief will release his latest book, Provoked: How To Love Relentlessly And Do Beautiful Works That Make You And Others Come Alive, which explores 14 years of compelling stories from the streets to reveal how the unconditional love of God transforms both givers and receivers as they journey together.

, President and CEO of New York City Relief will release his latest book, which explores 14 years of compelling stories from the streets to reveal how the unconditional love of God transforms both givers and receivers as they journey together. On April 30th , NYC Relief's annual gala will honor volunteers and donors at The Lighthouse, a beautiful waterfront venue overlooking the Hudson River, located at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan .

, Relief's annual gala will honor volunteers and donors at The Lighthouse, a beautiful waterfront venue overlooking the Hudson River, located at Chelsea Piers in . Reverend Juan Galloway will speak at over 20 conferences and churches across the tri-state area in 2019

will speak at over 20 conferences and churches across the tri-state area in 2019 Vice President of Outreach Josiah Haken has launched a series of dinner and discussion workshops in partnership with All Angels' Church called Understanding & Responding to Our Homeless Neighbors, which explores various factors leading to homelessness.

NYC Relief, founded in 1989, is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Elizabeth, New Jersey and currently serving in the NYC neighborhoods of the Bronx, Harlem, Midtown, Lower Manhattan and Newark. NYC Relief is a member of the Rescue Alliance and an affiliate of Hope for New York. Please check out our website newyorkcityrelief.org for more information and email us with any questions, and to get involved: [email protected]

SOURCE New York City Relief

Related Links

https://newyorkcityrelief.org

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's world, people expect to have access to restaurants and retail stores at their fingertips. Meet Hazlnut, a company that is helping to bring new-age technology to small businesses across the nation.

Hazlnut

Meeting a demand for a millennial market is crucial in today's world, and Hazlnut is helping brands win big with the use of mobile technology. Seamlessly integrated with popular point of sale systems such as Clover, Hazlnut helps deepen customer relationships by boosting customer loyalty through mobile app branding, rewards systems and simple online ordering.

With a background in mechanical engineering, Steven Edwards, Co-Founder at Hazlnut, always had a desire to create something. After seeing the growth of iPhones and smartphones, Edwards saw the potential of having restaurants and small businesses reach their customers through the phones in their pockets.

"I wanted to make apps for today's digital economy. We've all ordered food online or other goods through our phones. We want to empower small brands to compete with national brands. We're out there fighting for the little guys," said Edwards.

Richard Sikes, Hazlnut's second co-founder, has a different story. Sikes has a background in finance and holds a CFA. He found that in his finance career, he was using software to automate business.

"With software, if you can envision it you can build it. We come in and help lift up small businesses to compete with bigger brands like Starbucks and Chipotle. It's rewarding seeing local businesses rise to the competition," said Sikes.

Hazlnut connects restaurants directly to customers through ecommerce, online sales and point of sale kiosks such as Clover, which is used in millions of restaurants worldwide. This saves time for employees so that they don't have to pick up the phone as often and can focus on who they are serving in stores. Wait time decreases and every order can be filled faster.

Optimize your business with an integrated PoS, website and branded app today by scheduling a demo with Hazlnut. To follow their story, visit Hazlnut.com.

Contact:

Christine McFaul

Public Relations Director

(561) 503-6695

[email protected]

Related Images

hazlnut-founders.jpg

Hazlnut Founders

hazlnut-pos-platform-for.jpg

Hazlnut PoS Platform for Restaurants

Related Links

Website

Benefits of Online Ordering Apps

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhbTsPWnqEQ

SOURCE Hazlnut

Related Links

https://www.hazlnut.com

BOSTON, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvard Business School Online is launching two new courses this spring for professionals looking to broaden their business skills and accelerate their careers. Leadership Principles will help new and aspiring leaders unleash their potential and cultivate high-performing teams. Global Business will help individuals turn the uncertainty of today's global economy into business opportunities.

Leadership Principles brings the Harvard Business School approach to leadership development online through interactive exercises and learning tools that enable students to establish and apply their leadership style, and give and receive feedback from peers. The course was developed and will be taught by Harvard Business School Professors Joshua Margolis and Anthony Mayo.

In Global Business, participants will learn from real-world leaders as they analyze and debate the implications of macroeconomic indicators, public policies, and other global phenomena in order to make better business decisions. The course was developed and will be taught by Harvard Business School Professor Forest Reinhardt.

"We're pleased to offer these new courses to help leaders better drive their businesses and propel their careers during volatile times," said Patrick Mullane, executive director of Harvard Business School Online. "Joshua Margolis and Tony Mayo are extraordinary faculty who will instill confidence and strengthen leadership capabilities for professionals ready to take the next step. Forest Reinhardt is a world-class economist who will equip participants with the tools they need to anticipate and capitalize on global developments."

Both certificate programs start in May. For more information about course dates and cost, visit online.hbs.edu.

Contact:

Michele Reynolds, [email protected]

ABOUT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL ONLINE

Wherever you are in your career, Harvard Business School Online offers a unique and highly engaging way to learn vital business concepts. Launched as "HBX" in 2014, our first course was designed to help pre-MBA students learn the key concepts and vocabulary of business. Today, Harvard Business School Online delivers rigorous and immersive courses that enable professionals at every level to advance their careers, positively impact their organizations, and appreciate business in powerful new ways. Learn more at online.hbs.edu

ABOUT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. Its faculty of more than 200 offers full-time programs leading to the MBA and doctoral degrees, as well as more than 70 open enrollment Executive Education programs and 55 custom programs, and Harvard Business School Online, the School's digital learning platform. For more than a century, HBS faculty have drawn on their research, their experience in working with organizations worldwide, and their passion for teaching to educate leaders who make a difference in the world, shaping the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe.

Copyright  President & Fellows of Harvard College.

SOURCE Harvard Business School Online

Related Links

https://www.hbs.edu

Father Brown is located 85 kilometres from the Wassa plant along an existing haul road

Father Brown pits were mined by the Company from 2011 to 2015 producing approximately 300,000 ounces (2.2 million tonnes at 4.4 grams per tonne ("g/t") of gold ("Au") in total)

Updated Mineral Resource of 237,897 Indicated ounces and 474,743 Inferred ounces at Father Brown and Adoikrom Zones at an average grade of 6.7 g/t

Updated Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource estimate includes results of 18 holes totaling 8,873 metres of drilling

Father Brown Mineral Resource Summary  December 31, 2018

Deposit Area Resource

Category Tonnes Grade

(g/t Au) Ounces ('000) Father Brown Indicated 654,578 8.67 182,552 Inferred 997,157 5.44 174,446 Adoikrom Indicated 326,887 5.27 55,345 Inferred 1,315,865 7.10 300,297 TOTAL Indicated 981,465 6.72 237,897 Inferred 2,313,022 6.72 474,743

Notes to Mineral Resource Estimate

The Mineral Resources were estimated in compliance with the requirements of National Instrument ("NI") 43-101. The Mineral Resources for Father Brown includes the Father Brown Zone and Adoikrom Zone. The Father Brown Mineral Resource has been estimated at a gold price of $1,450 per ounce using an economic gold grade cut-off of 3.2 g/t Au. The identified Mineral Resources in the block model are classified according to the CIM definitions for the Measured, Indicated and Inferred categories and are constrained by a block cut-off grade calculated using a gold price of $1,450 per ounce and below the 2018 year-end topographic surface. The Mineral Resources are reported in situ without modifying factors applied. The stated Mineral Resources were prepared under the supervision of S. Mitchel Wasel , Vice President of Exploration for the Company. Mr. Wasel is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101. Numbers may not add due to rounding. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not necessarily demonstrate economic viability.

Sam Coetzer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Star, commented:

"I am encouraged by the results we are seeing at Father Brown, and given the proximity of the deposit to the existing Wassa plant and infrastructure, Father Brown has the potential to demonstrate significant organic growth for Golden Star.

With this latest information, we will be looking at the economic viability of the two mineralized structures whilst we continue to test the inferred potential at depth and will undertake a conceptual mine planning exercise which will guide our next phase of drilling expected to convert material into the Indicated Mineral Resource category. We expect to make a decision on accelerating the drilling in Q2 2019, and will notify the market accordingly."

In 2019, a drilling budget of $1.5 million will be allocated to inferred expansion drilling of 9,000 metres. Further drilling will be assessed to expand the Inferred Mineral Resources and drill off the Inferred Mineral Resources to seek to upgrade them to the Indicated Mineral Resource category.

Significant Intersections

The initial drill planning at Father Brown was to systematically drill below the historic open pits and try and extend the existing Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.5 Mt grading 5.1 g/t. Drilling results were sporadic until the orientation of the high-grade plunge at Adoikrom was identified. Holes FUG18DD002, 003, 004 and FUGDD19016A all intersected wider higher-grade zones that now define the moderate 65 degree plunge of the Adoikrom gold mineralization.

The drilling targeting the Father Brown structure at depth has not identified continuous gold mineralization at depth, directly below the pits. However detailed mapping and variography has determined that the gold mineralization associated with this structure may be plunging shallowly to the North. The Company's geologists are now drill testing the down plunge extensions of Father Brown and this will be the focus of the programs in the coming weeks.

Hole ID Azm Dip From (m) To (m) Interval

(m) ~ True

Width Au g/t Zone FUG18DD002 90.7 -67.3 155.0 157.4 2.4 1.8 5.2 ADK HW FUG18DD002 92.5 -67 306.0 315.0 9.0 6.9 4.1 ADK FUG18DD003 92.3 -55.4 264.2 268.2 4.0 3.5 2.9 ADK FUG18DD003 94.8 -54.9 296.6 297.6 1.0 0.9 8.6 ADK

FW FUG18DD004 90.5 -85.3 443.0 453.0 10.0 5.3 4.5 ADK FUGDD18009 99.6 -66.3 529.4 531.5 2.1 1.6 6.0 ADK FUGDD18011 86.3 -67.2 321.0 324.7 3.7 2.8 6.1 ADK FUGDD18014 87.6 -57.9 454.3 457.3 3.0 2.6 4.5 ADK FUGDD19016A 89.3 -77.6 360.5 367.5 7.0 4.4 7.4 ADK

Notes

All widths quoted in this press release are estimated true widths. The full set of intercepts, including the drilled widths, are included in Appendix A.

Background on compilation of updated Inferred Mineral Resource estimate

The Inferred Mineral Resource estimate was created by Golden Star geologists utilizing Leapfrog Edge, geological modeling software. The wire frames were created using the vein modeling application in Leapfrog and grades were estimated into a block model using Ordinary Kriging.

The deeper drilling has helped identify the plunge of both of these mineralized structures and it is these horizons which host the higher grades and are now the focus of the current follow up drill programs.

All monetary amounts refer to United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Robert Vallis Appointed as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development

Golden Star also announces that Robert Vallis had been appointed as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development. Mr. Vallis is a seasoned Corporate Development professional with over twenty years of experience in the mining sector. Most recently, Robert held the position of Vice President, Business Development at Yamana Gold Inc., and prior to that was employed by Barrick Gold Corporation.

The Company wishes to thank Bruce Higson-Smith for his years of service at Golden Star, and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

Company Profile:

Golden Star is an established gold mining company that owns and operates the Wassa and Prestea underground mines in Ghana, West Africa. Listed on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Ghana Stock Exchange, Golden Star is focused on delivering strong margins and free cash flow from its two high-grade, low cost underground mines. Gold production guidance for 2019 is 220,000-240,000 ounces at a cash operating cost per ounce1 of $620-$680. As the winner of the PDAC 2018 Environmental and Social Responsibility Award, Golden Star is committed to leaving a positive and sustainable legacy in its areas of operation.

APPENDIX A

HOLE ID Azimuth

() Dip () From

(m) To (m) Drilled

Width

(m) ~ True

Width

(m) Grade

Au (g/t) Zone FUG18DD001A 96 -66.5 147.0 149.0 2.0 1.5 3.0 ADK HW FUG18DD001A 104.5 -65.8 417.7 432.5 14.8 11.5 1.7 ADK FUG18DD002 90.7 -67.3 155.0 157.4 2.4 1.8 5.2 ADK HW FUG18DD002 92.5 -67 306.0 315.0 9.0 6.9 4.1 ADK FUG18DD002 95.1 -66.7 392.8 394.5 1.7 1.7 3.0 FBZ FUG18DD003 92.3 -55.4 264.2 268.2 4.0 3.5 2.9 ADK FUG18DD003 94.8 -54.9 296.6 297.6 1.0 0.9 8.6 ADK FW FUG18DD003 94.8 -54.9 314.9 317.9 3.0 3.0 1.8 FBZ HW FUG18DD004 90.5 -85.3 443.0 453.0 10.0 5.3 4.5 ADK FUG18DD005 104.1 -79.3 481.0 489.0 8.0 7.2 1.3 FBZ FUG18DD006 98.2 -64.6 348.0 350.0 2.0 1.6 2.1 ADK FUG18DD006 100.7 -63.9 499.0 501.0 2.0 2.0 0.3 FBZ FUGDD18007 91.7 -69.4 235.0 237.0 2.0 1.5 2.6 ADK HW FUGDD18007 92.6 -69.3 241.0 243.0 2.0 1.5 3.0 ADK HW FUGDD18007 92.6 -69.3 246.0 248.0 2.0 1.5 1.4 ADK HW FUGDD18007 92.1 -69.2 256.0 257.5 1.5 1.1 2.4 ADK HW FUGDD18007 94 -69 397.4 399.4 2.0 1.5 1.7 ADK FUGDD18007 94.3 -68.9 408.6 411.0 2.4 2.3 1.6 FBZ FUGDD18007 94.7 -68.7 488.0 490.0 2.0 1.9 0.9 FBZ FW FUGDD18008 93.7 -66.2 344.0 346.0 2.0 1.5 3.2 ADK FUGDD18009 94.8 -67.2 388.0 390.0 2.0 1.5 4.5 ADK HW FUGDD18009 99.6 -66.3 529.4 531.5 2.1 1.6 6.0 ADK FUGDD18009 99.6 -66 557.0 563.0 6.0 5.8 1.2 FBZ FUGDD18010 88.6 -60.2 290.4 293.5 3.1 2.6 2.2 ADK HW FUGDD18010 90.6 -57.8 352.4 354.4 2.0 1.7 2.1 ADK FUGDD18010 90.8 -57.1 372.2 374.3 2.1 1.8 3.5 ADK FW FUGDD18010 92.1 -56.6 404.8 405.3 0.5 0.5 8.8 FBZ FUGDD18011 86.3 -67.2 321.0 324.7 3.7 2.8 6.1 ADK FUGDD18012 91.1 -80.3 534.7 536.2 1.5 1.3 1.4 FBZ FUGDD18012 93 -803 577.0 579.0 2.0 1.1 0.8 ADK FUGDD18012 94.8 -80.1 609.0 611.0 2.0 1.2 2.0 ADK FW FUGDD18014 85.6 -58.4 235.2 236.7 1.5 1.3 1.8 ADK HW FUGDD18014 87.6 -57.9 454.3 457.3 3.0 2.6 4.5 ADK FUGDD18015 87.1 -52.1 293.0 296.0 3.0 2.7 1.4 ADK FUGDD18015 89.9 -47.6 484.6 487.4 2.8 2.8 1.1 FBZ FUGDD19016A 86.7 -77.9 168.0 169.0 1.0 0.6 5.9 ADK HW FUGDD19016A 89.3 -77.6 360.5 367.5 7.0 4.4 7.4 ADK FUGDD19017 94 -74.8 394.0 397.8 3.8 2.6 1.8 ADK FUGDD19017 96.3 -74.6 567.0 569.0 2.0 1.9 2.1 FBZ FW FUG18RC001 92.4 -66.6 184.0 187.0 3.0 2.9 1.7 FBZ FUG18RC002 89.6 -65.9 3.0 10.0 7.0 6.8 1.7 FBZ Surf FUG18RC002 89.6 -65.9 27.0 28.0 1.0 1.0 4.3 FBZ HW

Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Some statements contained in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Generally, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases (including negative or grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking information and statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, information or statements with respect to: the ability of Father Brown to provide significant organic growth for the Company; the allocation of $1.5 million to the drilling budget at Father Brown, and the Company's ability to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated Mineral Resources at Father Brown. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements and information are inherently uncertain and involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual facts to differ materially. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by management. We expect that these estimates will change as new information is received. While we may elect to update these estimates at any time, we do not undertake any estimate at any particular time or in response to any particular event.

Technical Information

The Mineral Resource estimates have been compiled by the Company's technical personnel in accordance with definitions and guidelines set out in the Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum and as required by NI 43-101.

The Mineral Resource technical contents of this press release have been reviewed and approved by S. Mitchel Wasel, BSc Geology, a "Qualified Person" pursuant to NI 43-101. Mr. Wasel is Vice President Exploration for Golden Star and an active member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. The 2018 and 2017 estimates of Mineral Resources were prepared under the supervision of Mr. Wasel.

The results for Father Brown stated herein are based on the analysis of saw-split HQ/NQ diamond half core or a three kilogram single stage riffle split of a nominal 25 to 30 kg Reverse Circulation chip sample which has been sampled over nominal one meter intervals (adjusted where necessary for mineralized structures). Sample preparation and analyses have been carried out at Intertek Laboratories in Tarkwa, which are independent from Golden Star, using a 1,000 gram slurry of sample and tap water which is prepared and subjected to an accelerated cyanide leach ("LEACHWELL"). The sample is then rolled for twelve hours before being allowed to settle. An aliquot of solution is then taken, gold extracted into Di-iso Butyl Keytone ("DiBK"), and determined by flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry ("AAS"). Detection Limit is 0.01 ppm.

All analytical work is subject to a systematic and rigorous Quality Assurance-Quality Control ("QA-QC"). At least 5% of samples are certified standards and the accuracy of the analysis is confirmed to be acceptable from comparison of the recommended and actual "standards" results. The remaining half core is stored on site for future inspection and detailed logging, to provide valuable information on mineralogy, structure, alteration patterns and the controls on gold mineralization.

Cautionary Note to US Investors Concerning Estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources

This press release uses the term "Inferred Mineral Resources." The Company advises US investors that while this term is recognized and required by NI 43-101, the SEC does not recognize it. "Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of 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. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the Inferred Mineral Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

SOURCE Golden Star Resources Ltd.

Related Links

www.gsr.com

MARION, Ind., Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Arrests.us was proud to announce today that they have released a personal do-it-yourself online free criminal background check data directory that will streamline the background check process for a host of businesses, employers, and other consumers. This service is mandated by the freedom of information act and is one of the first do-it-yourself 100% free background check websites of its kind to offer a criminal records search, arrest records search, previous arrests, a mugshot database, and many other public records search completely free of charge.

Arrests.us spokesperson James Nash applauded the move. "You need to know who you're hiring, helping, or just meeting," he said. "When running a business or organization, or you need peace of mind about someone, you cannot afford to be left in the dark." The beauty of Arrests.us is that they can give an individual this information on a momentary basis. This is because Arrests.us is comprised of a team of professionals who are dedicated to giving consumers the information they need to make an informed decision about someone.

One of the best advantages of going to Arrests.us would be that their background checks are very thorough. They are not satisfied with just a typical criminal history search. They also can provide such things as mugshots online and case numbers too. You can search California arrest records, view mugshots AZ, mugshots Utah and many more public records online.

There is no question that locating public information online has become a serious hobby in the United States. From genealogy to inmate lookups to birth certificates to street addresses, it seems that everyone is always looking up something. Of course, when it comes to public arrest records, the officials at Arrests.us have some recommendations in mind. One of the main things they always emphasize would be to only look for criminal histories on a site that is approved by the state or government for doing so. Arrests.us also recommends that a user is especially wary of paying for these records without looking at a site's credentials first. Arrests.us is proud to say there are one of those sites.

For more information and to get informed today for free, visit Arrests.us, call (765) 667-8065, visit Arrests.us or email [email protected].

Related Links

free criminal background check

free arrest records

SOURCE Arrests.us

Related Links

http://arrests.us

ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Alyssa Yeager (Rhiannon's Lark) has brought twenty years of music therapy and performing experience together to make meditation more accessible to pop culture fans. Her new album recognizes that personal preference plays a huge role in how each individual can best relax, focus, and practice mindfulness.

Meditations for Geeks album cover

"If you're someone who doesn't like concentrating on your breath or listening to ocean waves, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy meditating. This album engages people who want to be more mindful but are uninspired by traditional approaches." - Alyssa Yeager, owner of Rhiannon's Lark.

Ms. Yeager's success using guided meditations with music therapy clients motivated her to bring this practice to a new audience. In 2017, while offering performances at GenCon, the largest tabletop and gaming convention in North America, (over 60,000 attendees), Alyssa test-drove a new workshop of geeky meditations. The workshop was so well received she decided to expand her musical brand and move forward with a full length meditation album.

"Meditations for Geeks" features common meditation themes such as stress release and universal connection - explored through unique, pop-culture infused storylines. Guided tracks take you on a journey with Hobbits, questing for a missing crystal shard, discovering the power of the Force, and more.

"Fight your monkey mind alongside Harry Potter and tame your judgment voice like a Jedi with these unique-for-geeks guided meditations. " -Hannah White, therapist and geek-culture enthusiast.

In addition to personal use, this album is a great resource for anyone leading a mindfulness group. Each guided meditation can be the focus for a session or serve as a warm-up or cool down for activities like yoga and Pilates. Light instrumental backing is optional for most tracks, allowing you to choose vocals only if you prefer. Find "Meditations for Geeks" at www.geekmeditations.com.

Rhiannon's Lark was created in 2013 to celebrate geeks and goddesses through song. Themes of diversity, personal choice, and challenging norms mix and mingle freely with board games, ninjas, and fantasy creatures for a truly unique musical perspective.

Media Contact:

Alyssa Yeager

[email protected]

216-633-1006

www.rhiannonslark.com

SOURCE Alyssa YeagerNEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Fast Company released its prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2019, and for the second year in a row BBDO was named one of the most innovative companies in advertising. The annual ranking honors the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today's volatile world. This year, Fast Company's editors and writers sought out groundbreaking businesses across 35 industries and every region.

In naming BBDO, Fast Company said BBDO "has over the years cemented its reputation for balancing traditional big-brand advertising with innovative, boundary-pushing creative." That was especially true in 2018, where "BBDO created work that was truly important, sparking conversations about race and cyberbullying."

Added BBDO Worldwide's Chief Creative Officer, David Lubars, "What is especially gratifying about being named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies list for the second year in a row is that it's determined by people outside of the advertising industry. So the work you're doing has to be clearly recognizable as innovative and relevant in today's ever-changing communications environment."

The World's Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company's signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.

"Established players are showing the same kind of nimbleness that we've generally associated with startups," said Fast Company deputy editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with senior editor Amy Farley.

Being named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies list for the second year in a row comes on the heels of BBDO being ranked the most awarded agency network across all marketing communications in The Drum's Big Won Report earlier this month  also for the second year in a row.

Further details can be found on the links below:

https://www.fastcompany.com/company/bbdo

https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2019/sectors/advertising

ABOUT BBDO

BBDO's mantra is "The Work. The Work. The Work." Every day, BBDO people in 289 offices in 81 countries work day by day, job by job and client by client to create and deliver the world's most compelling commercial content.

BBDO Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), a leading global marketing and corporate communications company.

ABOUT FAST COMPANY:

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies and thinkers on the future of business. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for "Magazine Of The Year," Adweek's Hot List for "Hottest Business Publication," and six gold medals and 10 silver medals from the Society of Publication Designers. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.

SOURCE BBDO Worldwide

Related Links

http://www.bbdo.com

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- TBWA\Worldwide has been named to Fast Company's prestigious annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2019. The list honors the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today's volatile world, and providing both a snapshot and a roadmap for the future of innovation across some of the most dynamic sectors of the economy.

This year, Fast Company's editors and writers sought out groundbreaking businesses across 35 industries and every region. They also judged nominations received through their application process. TBWA was ranked one of the top 10 most innovative companies in the Advertising sector.

In naming TBWA, Fast Company had this to say:

"TBWA is global agency that calls itself The Disruption Company, which reflects its Innovate or Die and Always in Beta mantras." The article also highlighted the agency's work for clients like adidas, Apple and The Thomson Reuters Foundation, as well as initiatives like cultural insights unit (Backslash), strategic consulting practices (Disruption\Lab and Disruption Consulting), product design groups and innovation efforts.

"It's a tremendous honor to be included among Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies of 2019," said Troy Ruhanen, President and CEO, TBWA\Worldwide. "The companies profiled are some of the most progressive in the world, and it's heartening to see the editors recognize our commitment to innovation and to the power of disruptive creative ideas on behalf of our clients."

The honor is the latest in a series of recent recognitions received by the global agency network, including being named Adweek's Global Agency of the Year in December 2018. The recognition seals TBWA's status as one of the few agencies to receive both Adweek and Fast Company honors in the same year.

Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies issue (March-April 2019) is now available online at https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2019, as well as in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning February 27th.

About TBWA\Worldwide

TBWA is The Disruption Company: the cultural engine for 21st century business. Named one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and Adweek's 2018 Global Agency of the Year, we create disruptive ideas that locate and involve brands in culture, giving them a larger share of the future. Our collective has 11,300 creative minds across 275 offices in 95 countries and also includes brands such as Auditoire, Digital Arts Network (DAN), eg+ worldwide, GMR, The Integer Group, TBWA\Media Arts Lab, TBWA\WorldHealth and TRO. Global clients include adidas, Apple, Gatorade, Henkel, Hilton Hotels, McDonald's, Michelin, Nissan and Singapore Airlines. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. TBWA is part of Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC).

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies and thinkers on the future of business. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for "Magazine of the Year," Adweek's Hot List for "Hottest Business Publication," and six gold medals and 10 silver medals from the Society of Publication Designers. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.

SOURCE TBWA\Worldwide

Related Links

https://www.tbwa.com

Egencia Hotel Conversations, a business travel industry first, enables direct two-way conversations between business travelers and hoteliers

Egencia Air and Hotel packages, exclusive to Egencia, enhances travel programs when air and hotel is booked for the same trip

Egencia Traveler Tracker now supports regional searches to help travel managers locate and support travelers during unforeseen situations

BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Egencia , business travel from Expedia Group, announces at the Business Travel Show the addition of three groundbreaking, customer-centric features on its global business travel platform, designed to enhance customer experiences, business value and employee care.

Egencia launches Hotel Conversations, an industry-first feature that enables seamless, two-way communication between business travelers and their hotel at the touch of a finger. Business travelers now have the flexibility to ask questions, confirm details, and share updated travel plans at any step of their journey through the Egencia app. For instance, a business traveler can now easily request a late check-in in real time when a flight is delayed or even specify pillow type to make their stay more comfortable. Hoteliers can also proactively contact their guests, sending a warm welcome message or offer additional services such as treatments ahead of arrival, enabling them to enhance the customer experience before they have stepped into the lobby.

"Egencia Hotel Conversations will revolutionize the way hoteliers and business travelers interact with each other from the moment a booking is made," says Michael Gulmann, Chief Product Officer at Egencia. "We've seen conversations double over the last few months1 clearly indicating that this was a previously untapped value proposition in business travel."

Advancing travel programs for both the business and the business traveler is Egencia Air and Hotel packages - another industry first made possible by the unique capabilities of Expedia Group and its relationship with hoteliers. By selecting a packaged air and hotel deal, companies benefit from a lower overall trip cost while business travelers unlock access to more top-rated hotels that may otherwise be out of policy. Once business travelers book their flight, they will see recommended special rate hotels available to book immediately or within 10 days.

With duty of care front of mind for all companies, travel managers already rely on Egencia Traveler Tracker to instantly see where their employees are in the world and support travelers during unforeseen situations. Now the latest update includes the option to search a larger geographic area through region search. With this new feature, travel managers can simply draw a circle or square over the online map to see if any of their employees are in an area showing a deep freeze or cold wave for example.

For more information, please visit Egencia.com.

About Egencia

Egencia, corporate travel from Expedia Group, is reimagining business travel management to make business travellers happier and corporate travel programs more successful. Egencia offers more personalised experiences through curated access to the world's most relevant travel options. Putting our customers at the centre of everything we do, Egencia provides exceptional customer care and innovative travel manager tools to increase savings and compliance. Egencia serves businesses large and small in more than 60 countries. Connect with us on egencia.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn and see what we're reimagining next on our blog.

 2019 Egencia LLC. All rights reserved. Egencia, and the Egencia logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

1 Data time period: October  December 2018

SOURCE Egencia

Related Links

http://www.expediacorporate.com

MUNICH, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- During embedded world 2019 in Nuremberg, Germany Digi-Key Electronics, a global electronic components distributor, will have representatives on-hand at booth A4-633 to talk about some of the latest products and technology they have to help make the jobs of engineers and designers easier and more efficient. Guests have the opportunity to learn about some of the company's leading-edge supplier partners in person.

In addition, visitors can get a hands-on demo of the DK IoT Studio and find out more about two new platforms that were recently added to the tool:

Digi-Key Booth Rendering

STMicroelectronics SensorTile - STEVAL-STLCS01V1 Microchip AVR-IoT Sensor Node - AC164160

Guests to the booth also are able to use free tokens to play on one of many slot machines or the new crane games for the chance to win a prize.

"We always look forward to the opportunity to network with engineers and customers and are excited to demonstrate how the future of technology can help bring their designs to market faster," said Hermann Reiter, Director, Global Strategic Business Development & Supplier Management. "Digi-Key is continuously working hard to ensure our website, tools, and resources are designed to fully enhance our digital relationship with our customers."

As part of Student Day on Thursday, February 28th, the first 500 students to stop by the Digi-Key booth will receive a free Digi-Key PCB ruler. While there, they can learn more about Digi-Key's academic solutions such as free tools and a wide variety of educational kits, boards, modules, and more; as well as register to win a Digi-Key InstaLab Kit. Drawing for the winner will take place the week following embedded world.

The InstaLab was created with the intention of providing enough gear to turn an electronics student's dorm room into their own maker space. The kit includes over 20 different products from many of Digi-Key's supplier partners including Teledyne LeCroy, B&K Precision, TPI, Klein Tools, Chip Quick, Wiha, Apex Tool Group, Desco, Multicore, 3M, Greenlee, and SparkFun.



For more information please visit the Digi-Key website.

About Digi-Key Electronics

Digi-Key Electronics, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minn., USA, is an authorized global, full-service distributor of electronic components, offering more than 8.4 million products, with over 1.6 million in stock and available for immediate shipment, from over 750 quality name-brand manufacturers. Digi-Key also offers a wide variety of online resources such as EDA and design tools, datasheets, reference designs, instructional articles and videos, multimedia libraries, and much more. Technical support is available 24/7 via email, phone and webchat. Additional information and access to Digi-Key's broad product offering can be found by visiting www.digikey.com.

Editorial Contact for Digi-Key Electronics



Kayla Krosschell

PR & Marketing Communications Specialist

+1.800.338.4105 x1098

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics

Related Links

http://www.digikey.com

NOVI, Mich., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- DexKo Global Inc., a global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear, chassis assemblies, and related components, is pleased to announce the launch of a brand-new immersive website to better serve customers and partners worldwide.

The new website, www.dexKo.com, was created to provide a clearer understanding of products and market capabilities and to bring greater awareness to both the DexKo brand and the heritage of the companies that are now part of DexKo Global. It also helps users find the information that is most useful to them, including subsidiary sites, news releases, and more.

"With such a robust global footprint, it's important for us to establish a professional, cohesive brand for DexKo global," Fred Bentley, CEO of DexKo Global, said. "To that end, our new website creates clarity and consistency in the way we discuss our company, brands, and our many products. We're very excited about what we've been able to accomplish here."

The new website will serve as a functional hub for all the latest information surrounding the company's ongoing activities and related business news.

"As DexKo continues to grow, we are focused on serving our customers. We strive to lead the way for our partners, our people, and our industry," Bentley said. "Our new website is definitely a reflection of that."

For more information, please visit the new and improved www.dexko.com.

DexKo We Carry What Matters!

About DexKo Global

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. DexKo 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.

Please send inquiries to:

39555 Orchard Hill Place, Suite 525

Novi, Michigan 48375 [email protected] Phone: 574.295.7888 Phone: +1 248-533-0029

KPS is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $5.2 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 over $6.8 billion, operate 162 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries, and employ over 51,000 associates, directly and through joint ventures worldwide. The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com.

SOURCE DexKo Global Inc.

Related Links

http://www.dexko.com

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

Carver, et al., Plaintiffs, vs. Bank of New York Mellon, et al.,

Defendants.

No. 15-CV-10180 (JPO)(JLC)





PUBLICATION NOTICE OF (I) PENDENCY OF CLASS ACTION AND PROPOSED SETTLEMENT; (II) FINAL APPROVAL HEARING; AND (III) MOTION FOR ATTORNEYS' FEES AND REIMBURSEMENT OF LITIGATION EXPENSES

TO: All participants, beneficiaries, trustees, and fiduciaries of an ERISA Entity that at any time during the period January 1, 1997 through December 20, 2018 held, directly or indirectly, American Depositary Receipts for which The Bank of New York Mellon acted as the depositary and provided foreign currency exchange transactional services ("BNYM ADRs"). A list of BNYM ADRs is available for download on the Settlement Website, www.BNYMADRERISASettlement.com.

An "ERISA Entity" means an ERISA plan and any trust, pooled account, collective investment vehicle, or group insurance arrangement that files a Form 5500 annual return/report as a Direct Filing Entity ("DFE") in accordance with the DFE Filing Requirements, such as a group trust, master trust investment account (MTIA), common/collective trust (CCT), pooled separate account (PSA), 103-12 investment entity (102-12 IE), group insurance arrangement (GSA), or collective investment vehicle that held plan assets as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor "Instructions for Form 5500, Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan."

PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY .

IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE SETTLEMENT CLASS DESCRIBED ABOVE, THE RIGHTS OF YOUR ERISA ENTITY, AND ITS PARTICIPANTS, BENEFICIARIES, TRUSTEES, AND FIDUCIARIES, WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PENDING ACTION AND YOUR ERISA ENTITY MAY BE ENTITLED TO SHARE IN THE SETTLEMENT.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and an Order of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, that the Action has been preliminarily certified as a class action for the purposes of settlement and that the parties to the Action have reached a proposed settlement (the "Settlement") for $12,500,000 in cash (the "Settlement Fund") that, if approved, will resolve all claims in the Action. A hearing will be held on May 23, 2019 at 3:00 p.m ., before the Honorable J. Paul Oetken in Courtroom 706 of the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, 40 Foley Square, New York, NY 10007, to determine: (i) whether the proposed Settlement should be approved as fair, reasonable, and adequate; (ii) whether the Action should be dismissed with prejudice against The Bank of New York Mellon and BNY Mellon, National Association ("BNYM" or "Defendants") and the Releases described in the Stipulation should be granted; (iii) whether the proposed Plan of Allocation should be approved as fair and reasonable; (iv) whether the Notice and the means of dissemination thereof pursuant to the Settlement were appropriate and reasonable; and (v) whether Lead Plaintiffs' Counsel's application for an award of attorneys' fees and Litigation Expenses (including Service Awards to Named Plaintiffs) should be approved. If the Settlement is approved, Lead Plaintiffs' Counsel (McTigue Law LLP and Ciresi Conlin LLP) will ask the Court to award them attorneys' fees not to exceed 33 1/3% and reimbursement of Litigation Expenses, including a $10,000 award to each Named Plaintiff ("Service Awards") to compensate them for their efforts and participation in the Action. If the Court approves the Settlement, the settlement proceeds, after deduction of Court-approved Notice and Administration Costs, attorneys' fees and Litigation Expenses, including Service Awards to Named Plaintiffs, and Taxes and Tax Expenses, will be distributed to eligible ERISA Entities ("Settlement Entities") pursuant to the Plan of Allocation in the Notice, or other plan of allocation approved by the Court.

A Postcard Notice (or Validation Letter for those ERISA Entities that have been identified as holding at least one BNYM ADR for which BNYM provided foreign exchange transactional services during the Settlement Class Period) is being mailed to all ERISA Entities that filed a Form 5500 with the U.S. Department of Labor based on the most current complete year of data on Form 5500 available ("Potential Class Entity"), directing them to the Settlement Website, www.BNYMADRERISASettlement.com for more information about the Settlement.

If you or your ERISA Entity receive a Validation Letter in the mail (rather than Postcard Notice), that means that the ERISA Entity you represent, or in which you participate or to which you are a beneficiary ("Your Entity") was identified, based on structured data produced in discovery in this Action, as holding at least one BNYM ADR during the Settlement Class Period in respect of which BNYM provided foreign exchange transactional services. Your Entity is an "Identified Class Entity" and does not have to take any further action in order to be eligible to receive a payment from the Settlement Fund. Your Entity's payment amount, if any, will be calculated using the information described in its Validation Letter. It is important that you visit the Settlement Website using the Claim Number and Password provided in Your Entity's Validation Letter to verify the information regarding Your Entity's BNYM ADR holdings. The information in Your Entity's Validation Letter may not represent every BNYM ADR held by Your Entity during the Settlement Class Period. If the information is incomplete, Your Entity may supplement or correct it by visiting the Settlement Website and submitting a revised Claim Form, which must be received by April 29, 2019 . If Your Entity does not update the information, the Claims Administrator will use the data in the Validation Letter to calculate its Claim and Your Entity will waive its rights to later supplement or correct it.

If you or Your Entity received a Postcard Notice in the mail (rather than a Validation Letter), Your Entity has not yet been identified as a Settlement Entity and is referred to in this Settlement as a Potential Class Entity. If you believe Your Entity may be a Settlement Entity, you have the following choices: (1) Submit a Claim Form by April 29, 2019 through the Settlement Website www.BNYMADRERISASettlement.com using the Claim Number and Password provided on the Postcard Notice or (2) Do Nothing: If Your Entity is a Settlement Plan and does nothing, Your Entity will not receive a payment from this Settlement, but it and its participants, beneficiaries, trustees, and fiduciaries will be bound by any judgments or orders entered by the Court in this Action.

You may object to the proposed Settlement, the proposed Plan of Allocation, or Lead Plaintiffs' Counsel's motion for attorneys' fees and reimbursement of Litigation Expenses. Any such objection must be filed with the Court and delivered to Lead Plaintiffs' Counsel and Defendants' Counsel such that they are received no later than April 18, 2019, in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Notice on the Settlement Website.

If Your Entity does not receive a Postcard Notice or a Validation Letter but you believe Your Entity may be a Settlement Entity, please visit www.BNYMADRERISASettlement.com for more information. There, you will find the Notice and Plan of Allocation, a Stipulation of Settlement, and other documents explaining the rights of Settlement Class Members in connection with the Settlement and the process to submit a Claim Form in order for Your Entity to be eligible to receive a payment from the Settlement. You or Your Entity may also contact the Claims Administrator Analytics Consulting, LLC, toll-free at 1-855-773-0250 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Any questions regarding this Publication Notice, the Action, the Settlement, or Your Entity's eligibility to participate in the Settlement may also be directed to Lead Plaintiffs' Counsel: Barry Landy, Esq. or Heather M. McElroy, Esq., Ciresi Conlin LLP, 225 South Sixth Street, Suite 4600, Minneapolis, MN 55402, www.ciresiconlin.com; or J. Brian McTigue, Esq. or Regina M. Markey, Esq., McTigue Law LLP, 4530 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20016, [email protected].

Please do not contact the Court, the Clerk's office, BNYM, or its counsel regarding this notice. All questions about this notice, the Settlement, or Your Entity's eligibility to participate in the Settlement should be directed to Lead Plaintiffs' Counsel or the Claims Administrator.

DATED: February 20, 2019. BY ORDER OF THE COURT

United States District Court

Southern District of New York

SOURCE Ciresi Conlin LLP and McTigue Law LLP

Related Links

http://www.ciresiconlin.com

VAUGHAN, ON, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - CannTrust Holdings Inc. ("CannTrust" or the "Company", TSX:TRST) is pleased to announce that it has satisfied all the regulatory requirements to list its common shares on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE").

Trading of the Company's common shares on the NYSE will begin on Monday, February 25, 2019 under the ticker symbol "CTST". The Company's common shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "TRST".

"We are continuously looking to deliver shareholder value and the NYSE listing is a natural progression for CannTrust," said Peter Aceto, Chief Executive Officer. "We have taken steps to strengthen our management team to accelerate our growth as we face high demand for our products and expertise, both domestically and internationally. Specifically, we have recently hired Greg Guyatt as Chief Financial Officer, who has demonstrated experience in international capital markets. We expect the NYSE listing will result in an expanded institutional and retail shareholder base, increased capital markets exposure and firmly establish CannTrust as a global company."

About CannTrust

CannTrust is a federally regulated licensed producer of medical and recreational cannabis in Canada, and the 2018 Canadian Cannabis Awards "Top Licensed Producer of the Year". Founded by pharmacists, CannTrust brings more than 40 years of pharmaceutical and healthcare experience to the medical cannabis industry and serves more than 63,000 medical patients with its dried, extract and capsule products. The Company operates its 450,000 sq. ft. Niagara Perpetual Harvest Facility in Pelham, Ontario, and prepares and packages its product portfolio at its 60,000 sq. ft. manufacturing centre of excellence in Vaughan, Ontario.



CannTrust is developing nanotechnology to develop new products in the medical, recreational, beauty, wellness and pet markets. The Company has established its international footprint through a strategic partnership with Cannatrek Ltd. in Australia and a joint venture with STENOCARE in Denmark. The Company has also partnered with Breakthru Beverage Group through Kindred Canada, for recreational distribution in Canada. CannTrust is committed to research and innovation through partnerships with McMaster University in Ontario and Gold Coast University in Australia, which were designed to contribute to the growing body of evidence-based research regarding the use and efficacy of cannabis.

For more information, please visit www.canntrust.ca.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and such statements are based upon CannTrust's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs and views of future events. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "likely", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", "proposed", "estimate" and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "would" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy.

The forward-looking information and statements in this news release are based upon the expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and views of future events which management believes to be reasonable in the circumstances. Forward-looking information and statements includes estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the anticipated impact of the NYSE listing on CannTrust's shareholder base and market perception. Forward-looking information and statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation: risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments in Canada, the United States and elsewhere; the cannabis industry in Canada generally; and, the ability of CannTrust to implement its business strategies.

Any forward-looking information and statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except as required by law, CannTrust does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for CannTrust to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking information and statements, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in CannTrust's Annual Information Form dated March 29, 2018 (the "AIF") and filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and filed as an exhibit to CannTrust's Form 40-F registration statement under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The risk factors and other factors noted in the AIF could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information or statements.

The TSX and NYSE do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright  2019 CannTrust Holdings Inc.

SOURCE CannTrust Holdings Inc.

Related Links

https://www.canntrust.ca/

PALM BEACH, Florida, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian cannabis companies are ramping up their operations and are also looking to take their expertise to nations around the world. A recent article in an industry publication, Cannabis Business Times, published a list of what to do and not do while expanding to other countries. The article stated: "Cannabis's future is clearly global. It seems every few months a different country proposes new regulations to allow medical or recreational use in some form. Investors and operators with successful businesses in the U.S. and Canada are understandably interested in continuing this activity abroad, and many are aggressively investigating and pursuing those opportunities, moving into an international market is not always seamless. Cultural, environmental and governmental challenges may outweigh the benefits of expanding internationally. Active companies in the cannabis industry includes: Weekend Unlimited Inc. (CSE: POT) (OTC: WKULF), Aphria Inc. (NYSE: APHA) (TSX: APHA), Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. (TSX-V: XLY) (OTC: CBWTF), The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (TSX-V: FIRE) (OTC: SPRWF), MedMen Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMEN.) (OTC: MMNFF).

Weekend Unlimited Inc. (CSE: POT) (OTCQB: WKULF) (FSE: 0OS1) BREAKING NEWS: Weekend Unlimited having announced the signing of a definitive agreement on 13 February 2019 to acquire R&D Pharma's Jamaican interests, has completed the arms-length acquisition of R&D Pharma.



"We are thrilled to join the tremendous team at Weekend Unlimited under Paul Chu's leadership. With our Tier-3 cultivators license, our active focus is on medical tourism in Jamaica, having designed and constructed the first of our 'Ganja Cafe's' within a short tour bus ride from the cruise ship terminals in Ocho Rios," said Richard Bailey, President of R&D Pharma.



"We just completed a harvest last week on our 98-acre property to stock the Ganja Cafe for first tourism visits beginning on May 15th. The Ganja Cafe will be stocked with branded Jamaican strains, extracts, and infused products that will serve as a precursor to our future wholesale distribution in Jamaica and internationally," added Mr. Bailey



Weekend issued 80 million shares at a deemed price of $0.25 as well as making available 25 million warrants to the shareholders of R & D Pharma. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional share for $0.35 for a period of 2 years. Approximately 49 million shares are subject to a voluntary escrow agreement that sees 20% released at closing and the balance in 6 equal instalments over 3 years. Read this full announcement and more news for Weekend Unlimited at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-pot/



Additional cannabis industry related developments from around the markets:

Aphria Inc. (NYSE: APHA) (TSX: APHA) On February 19 the company announced that independent members of its Board of Directors consisting of Shlomo Bibas , John Herhalt , Tom Looney and Irwin Simon , unanimously approved the early termination and liquidation of a promissory note, option and other agreements (the "Early Termination and Liquidation") related to the Company's previously announced divestment of all interests in Liberty Health Sciences, Inc. ("Liberty").

As detailed on September 6, 2018 , the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with a group of buyers, wherein it completed the sale of the shares making up 100% of its outstanding interest in Liberty, in exchange for a five-year promissory note due September 6, 2023 , bearing interest at 12% per annum and in the amount of $59,097,986 . Aphria retained an irrevocable option to repurchase its shares in Liberty from the buyers for a period of up to five years, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.

Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. (TSX-V: XLY.V) (OTCQX: CBWTF) recently announced the appointments of Brian Schmitt as Chief Financial Officer, Jason Sonshine as Vice President, Strategy, and Carla Nawrocki as Vice President, Investor Relations of the Company.

Chuck Rifici noted "We are delighted that Brian, Jason and Carla have joined the Auxly family and look forward to their insight and contributions as we continue to execute on our strategic plan. We are very pleased with the strength of the management team that we've assembled here at Auxly."

The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (TSX-V: FIRE.V) (OTCQX: SPRWF) last week announced the release of its financial and operating results for the three and six months ended December 31, 2018. "We're pleased with our second quarter results, which show meaningful revenue growth quarter-over-quarter and continues to reflect our strong operational execution," said Navdeep Dhaliwal, CEO of Supreme Cannabis. "Since Supreme received its license over two years ago, we have been one of the fastest scaling Licensed Producer's in Canada, demonstrated by one of the strongest first years of revenue in the sector."

"During the second quarter we made our first shipments of 7ACRES-branded product to adult-use markets in six provinces. The consumer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Cannabis enthusiasts are vocal about their passion for high-quality cannabis. We believe 7ACRES has quickly established itself as Canada's only premier cannabis producer at scale. With construction on the flowering room at 7ACRES scheduled to be completed by the end of March, we're looking forward to increasing our production capacity to help meet consumer demand and drive further revenue growth throughout the year. This quarter validated many aspects of our consumer driven market thesis and demonstrates the strength of our intellectual property around scaled cultivation."

MedMen Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMEN.CN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) recently announced that it has closed its previously announced acquisition (the "Acquisition") of Kannaboost Technology Inc. and CSI Solutions LLC, collectively referred to as "Level Up," two vertically-integrated operations in Arizona. The acquisition includes retail locations in Scottsdale and Tempe, as well as 25,000 square feet of cultivation and production capacity in Tempe and Phoenix. The acquisition also includes a 40 percent stake in top-selling brand K.I.N.D. Concentrates, which is currently distributed in over 90 percent of the dispensaries in Arizona. The Company paid a combination of cash and stock valued at an aggregate of $33.5 million.

With the closing of the Acquisition and following the completion of the pending acquisition of PharmaCann, LLC, MedMen will be licensed for three medical-use cannabis dispensaries in Arizona. The flagship Level Up location in Scottsdale is one of the highest-grossing dispensaries in the state.

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 Weekend Unlimited Inc. 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.

Contact Information:

Media Contact email:

[email protected]

+1(561)325-8757

SOURCE FinancialNewsMedia.comSAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Cal/OSHA has cited a joint venture formed between two contractors $65,300 for multiple serious safety violations after a worker was fatally struck by a steel beam last August while working on a light rail tunnel project in San Francisco.

"Hazards in tunnel construction work can include cave-ins, falling objects and breathable airborne contaminants," said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. "Employers must identify and evaluate the particular hazards in their workplace and train employees on safe work practices to avoid injury, illness or even death."

Shimmick Construction Co., Inc. of Oakland and Con-Quest Contractors Inc. of San Francisco formed a joint venture to work on the Twin Peaks Tunnel Rehabilitation & Rail Replacement project, which included refurbishing infrastructure, replacing rails and upgrading signal systems and other parts of the over 100-year-old tunnel.

On August 10, 2018, employees were using heavy equipment and tools to work in and around the tunnel. One worker was operating a rail crane to push two flat railcars loaded with equipment into the tunnel. The crane's boom was in an upward vertical position when it struck an overhead steel beam. The beam was dislodged from its support brackets and fell approximately 13 feet, fatally crushing an employee walking nearby.

Cal/OSHA investigators learned the two employers did not identify the potential hazards presented by pushing two loaded flat railcars into the tunnel and did not control the crane's travel to avoid collisions. Investigators discovered the crane operators had not been trained to safely operate the equipment, and workers had not been trained on safe procedures when the crane was being operated near them.

Cal/OSHA cited the joint venture $65,300 in proposed penalties for two serious and two serious accident-related violations. The serious accident-related violations were cited for the employer's failure to implement an effective injury and illness prevention plan and failure to control the crane while it was moving. The serious citations were issued for violations related to the employer's failure to safely transport workers while in the tunnel.

A violation is classified as serious when there is a realistic possibility that death or serious harm could result from the actual hazard created by the violation. Violations are classified as accident-related when the injury, illness or fatality is caused by the violation.

Cal/OSHA's Mining and Tunneling Unit investigates complaints of hazards and reports of accidents in mines and tunnels, and issues citations when violations are found. It also conducts pre-job safety conferences, issues permits prior to any initial underground mining or tunneling operation, performs periodic inspections of tunnels, mines and quarries, and offers safety training.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their health and safety 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). The California Workers' Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

Members of the press may contact Peter Melton or Lucas Brown at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR's press releases or other departmental updates.

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

http://www.dir.ca.gov/

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- While the saying in Texas is Go Big which is a shortened version of Go big or go home, California has a message for Texas  Stay Home! Recent reports state that Texas executives and economic developers are in San Francisco this week trying to lure California companies to the Lone Star state. The practice of poaching is an old one and has not rung profitable for many companies that have moved to Texas.

When compared to California, Texas falls short in many of the areas that they claim to win.

Here's a snapshot:

In 2018, California landed 168 deals, offered over $500M in incentives which created over 30,000 jobs compared to Texas which landed 62 deals, offered over $200M in incentives which created a little over 20,000 jobs.

compared to which landed 62 deals, offered over in incentives which created a little over 20,000 jobs. California has 49 Fortune 500 companies compared to Texas with 48 Fortune 500 companies; of these Fortune 500 companies, California companies are on average 116% more profitable than those in Texas .

has 49 Fortune 500 companies compared to with 48 Fortune 500 companies; California has an educated workforce/talent base; California boasts more than 8 million (31.5%) people with a bachelor's degree or higher to Texas with just over 5 million (27.8%).

has an educated workforce/talent base; boasts more than 8 million (31.5%) people with a bachelor's degree or higher to with just over 5 million (27.8%). Venture funding lives in California ; in 2018 venture funding in California hit $41 billion while in Texas venture funding was only $5.6 billion .

; in 2018 while in venture funding was only . Total job creation continues to increase in California where in 2018 205,922 jobs were added whereas in Texas only 155,028 jobs were added.

These are just a few reasons why California companies should stay in California but all the more reason for companies to move to California.

For more information, visit www.selectsacramento.com.

About the Greater Sacramento Economic Council

The Greater Sacramento Economic Council is the catalyst for innovative growth strategies in the Capital Region of California. The organization spearheads community-led direction to retain, attract, grow and scale new businesses, develop advanced industries and create jobs and investment throughout a six-county region. Greater Sacramento represents a collaboration between local and state governments, market leaders, influencers and stakeholders, with the sole mission of driving economic growth. The Sacramento Region was founded on discovery, built on leadership and fueled by innovation.

SOURCE Greater Sacramento Economic Council

Related Links

http://www.selectsacramento.com

SANKOFA DAYS @ The BAY will explore the environmental movement and celebrate notable African American heroes and leaders in the environmental space. The recognition of environmental justice and sustainability has been deeply embedded within the nation's underserved communities and its communities of color. It is at once a moral stance that brings to the fore a fundamental necessity to care for others with whom, and the environment within which, we live with a sacred trust.

"Our partnership and SANKOFA DAYS @ The BAY establish our shared commitment to the principles that stand at the core of this movement for environmental justice and sustainability embodied in the words of Dr. King, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly' i ," says Executive Director of The NorCalMLK Foundation, Aaron Grizzell.

"In our griot tradition, we seek to construct a new narrative that will resound, and raise mindfulness and collective consciousness of our environmental legacy... a respect, care, and love for our mother Earth; as well as, awaken and ignite our youth to take up the banner for environmental justice and climate change action to secure the future for coming generations," says Angelique Tompkins, Board Member of Bay Ecotarium leading the Black History Month at Aquarium of the Bay. According to George Jacob, President & CEO of Bay Ecotarium, "This is the first time in over two decades that the Aquarium is celebrating Black History Month on such a scale. Our staff is excited and working hard behind the scenes to welcome 500 youth!"

"How fitting is the intentional festive name of 'Sankofa' for sharing the important roles African Americans have played in having pushed the boundaries of learning and exploration! Sankofa, a mythical bird, symbolizes the past serving as a guide for planning the future, while recognizing the past must never be forgotten," says President of The San Francisco Chapter of The Links, Inc., Valata Jenkins-Monroe, PhD.

For more information on FREE and ticketed events, visit: www.aquariumofthebay.org

i Clayborne Carson ed., The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. (New York City: Grand Central Publishing, 1998), 188. To learn more about the 1963 Birmingham Campaign, see Carson, Autobiography, 170-217.

Friday, 02/22/2019 - 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

SANKOFA Connections: Wine Reception and Book Signing with author, Carl Anthony

Location: Aquarium of the Bay, PIER 39 - Farallon Room

Carl Anthony will present, "The Earth, the City, and the Hidden Narrative of Race" with Paloma Pavel, PhD, and co-founder of Breakthrough Communities Project. The 2019 SANKOFA Sustainability Award will be given to honoree and speaker Carl Anthony. Adults only.

Saturday, 02/23/2019 - 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m .

SANKOFA Youth & Family Day

Location: Aquarium of the Bay, PIER 39

Includes culturally relevant youth activities at arts and crafts stations. Other organizations will also be in the Aquarium with additional learning station activities. Youth 17 and under, and families welcome.

Bay.Org/ Bay Ecotarium

Our mission is enabling conversations on climate resilience and ocean conservation globally, while inspiring actionable change locally by protection and preservation of the San Francisco Bay and its ecosystems, from Sierra to the Sea.

Aquarium of the Bay

Sea Lion Center

The Bay Institute

The Bay Academy

Eco Center at Heron's Head Park

The Bay Model Alliance

NorCalMLK Foundation

The Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3), charitable organization dedicated to extending Dr. King's vision by fostering a new paradigm that unlocks the promise in every person through ongoing, targeted initiatives throughout the San Francisco bay area and the northern California region. NorCalMLK impacts thousands of lives annually through its three initiatives: Healthy Communities - promoting health, wellness, sustainability and preparedness in and among underserved communities; Learning Communities - increasing the joy of learning through the literary, visual and media arts; and Celebrating Communities - bringing the northern California community together to celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. King. www.norcalmlkfoundation.org

The Links, Incorporated

The Links, Incorporated is an international organization of over 12,000 professional women of color who are committed to purposeful service. Links members are role models, mentors, activists and volunteers dedicated to active service in our communities. www.linksinc.org

The San Francisco Chapter of The Links, Incorporated are linked in friendship and connected in service, committed to enriching its members and improving the lives of African-Americans, those of the African Diaspora, and the underserved in the San Francisco Community; with an emphasis on its youth, through dynamic and transformative cultural, civic, educational and health-related community programs. www.sanfranciscolinksinc.org

Media Contact: Vicki DeWitt

[email protected]

(415) 262-4727

SOURCE Bay Ecotarium

Related Links

https://www.aquariumofthebay.org

ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- BETAH Associates Inc. (BETAH), a minority and woman-owned small business specializing in communications and creative services, event-management, and peer review services, has been awarded the prestigious National Institutes of Health Public Information and Communication Services II (PICS II) contract. In addition to NIH, this contract may also be used by other agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to purchase comprehensive communication, evaluation, and social marketing services. To expand its range of niche offerings, BETAH has compiled a team of 11 partners.

"NIH is one of BETAH's first clients and the trusted relationship is going strong nearly 30 years later," says Michelle Taylor, BETAH President and CEO. "We are proud to provide communications services to support the mission critical work of many of its Institutes. This contract is also an opportunity for us to strengthen our partnerships."

BETAH's 11 partners for NIH PICS II are: Abt Associates, Ardelle Associates, Ashlin Management Group, Geneva Software, DIGITALiBiz, Language Connections, Lyons PR, Organizational Development Resource Group, Reema Consulting Services, Inc., RGM Incorporated, and RIVA Market Research and Training Institute.

About: Since 1988, BETAH Associates Inc. (BETAH) has collaborated with clients to amplify missions, resolve challenges, and engage communities. As a minority and woman- owned small business, BETAH supports a wide range of clients in the government, private, and non-profit sectors. The company was recognized in 2017 on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America. Learn more: http://www.betah.com

Contact: Ms. Pavni Guharoy, Director of Marketing and Communications

Phone: 240 372 8394

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE BETAH Associates

Related Links

http://www.betah.com

SEATTLE, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- BECU, Washington's largest community credit union, announced it is again offering its First-Time Homebuyer Grant program, which was launched in 2018 to address a major hurdle to home ownership: the down payment. The credit union has reallocated $1 million in grant funds to reward eligible members with up to 2 percent (up to $6,500) toward the down payment or closing costs on their first home.

Grant funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each recipient must apply, qualify for and close on their new home using a BECU conventional fixed or adjustable-rate loan, up to $484,350. Interested homeowners can visit BECU.org to review eligibility criteria and apply, or to schedule an appointment with a BECU mortgage advisor.

"Many of our members want to purchase their first house or condo, but tell us that the down payment is a major obstacle. This program was created to address that need," said Scott Strand, BECU's executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Last year, we helped membersfrom Gen Z-ers to baby boomerspurchase nearly 150 homes with the help of the grant. With house prices remaining relatively high across Washington, we are recommitting $1 million to help even more people realize the dream of homeownership this year."

In its first year of the program, grant dollars supported purchases in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane and other counties across the state. The majority of purchases from the program were for single family residences, followed by low-rise condos.

Save Members Time and Money

BECU understands that buying a house is a large financial investment, but an important milestone in a journey toward financial health. Members who purchase a home with BECU work with a dedicated mortgage advisor to advise them through the entire process, including how to pre-qualify for a loan and how much members can afford. The credit union also offers no origination fees on conventional fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage home loans, which can significantly reduce closing costs.

For members who need additional assistance finding a home, the BECU Home Rewards program connects members with a member advocate who can recommend a local real estate agent based upon their needs and home criteria. Members may also qualify to receive between $300 and $6,000 in rebates after closing, which totaled more than $1 million in member savings last year. Through a partnership with Prime Alliance Real Estate Services (PARES), members can also search for a home in Western Washington and Spokane on an easy-to-use MLS Search online platform.

Home Buying 101

As a member-owned credit union, BECU is committed to helping educate its members on all aspects of finances. Tips and advice for home buying and other topics is available through articles and webinars available on BECU.org, including:

About BECU

With more than 1.1 million members and nearly $20 billion in assets, BECU is the largest not-for-profit credit union in Washington and one of the top five financial cooperatives in the country. As a member-owned credit union, BECU is focused on helping increase the financial well-being of its members and communities through better rates, fewer fees, community partnerships and financial education. The credit union currently operates more than 50 locations in Washington and two financial centers in South Carolina. For more information, visit www.becu.org.

Contact:

Bethany Hawley, BECU

206-439-5919

[email protected]

SOURCE BECU

Related Links

http://BECU.org

thierry Ehrmann: "The Catalan Surrealist artist Joan Miro, the subject of a major retrospective at the Grand Palais in Paris (ended February 4, 2019), is also very clearly the leading Surrealist artist on the auction market with seven out of the Top-10 results. The other three places are currently occupied by Rene Magritte and Salvador Dali." Awaiting the next Surrealist Auction next week in London (read further).

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(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824611/ArtPrice_Andre_Breton.jpg )



The Top 10 of Surrealism by artprice.com

1

Joan MIRO (1893-1983)

Hammer Price ($): 36,955,821

Artwork: Peinture (Etoile Bleue)

Sale: 19/jun/2012 Sotheby's London



2

Joan MIRO (1893-1983)

Hammer Price ($): 31,461,029

Artwork: Femme et oiseaux

Sale: 21/jun/2017 Sotheby's London



3

Rene MAGRITTE (1898-1967)

Hammer Price ($): 26,830,500

Artwork: Le principe du plaisir

Sale: 12/nov/2018 Sotheby's New York



4

Joan MIRO (1893-1983)

Hammer Price ($): 26,590,650

Artwork: Painting Poem

Sale: 07/feb/2012 Christie's London



5

Joan MIRO (1893-1983)

Hammer Price ($): 23,413,412

Artwork: Painting (Women, Moon, Birds)

Sale: 04/feb/2015 Christie's London



6

Joan MIRO (1893-1983)

Hammer Price ($): 23,375,000

Artwork: Peinture

Sale: 13/nov/2017 Christie's New York



7

Joan MIRO (1893-1983)

Hammer Price ($): 22,590,000

Artwork: Femme dans la nuit

Sale: 15/nov/2018 Phillips New York



8

Joan MIRO (1893-1983)

Hammer Price ($): 21,687,500

Artwork: Femme entendant de la musique

Sale: 15/may/2018 Christie's New York



9

Salvador DALI (1904-1989)

Hammer Price ($): 21,673,806

Artwork: Portrait de Paul Eluard

Sale: 10/feb/2011 Sotheby's London



10

Rene MAGRITTE (1898-1967)

Hammer Price ($): 20,562,500

Artwork: L'empire des lumieres

Sale: 13/11/2017 Christie's New York



Copyright  2019 artprice.com

As thierry Ehrmann recalls, Andre Breton (then a medical student), father of surrealism, declared: "Madness is the first material of Surrealism."

Miro, the most sought-after Surrealist

Miro is undoubtedly one of the leading artists on the Western Art Market, first because his unbridled imagination made him one of the most interesting artists of the Surrealist scene, "the most Surreal of us all" according to Andre Breton, and secondly, because he was particularly prolific: among the approximately one thousand Miro works that change hands at auction each year, there are always a couple of treasures that deserve a place in the world's top museums.

In concrete terms, Joan Miro is known to have produced at least 2,000 paintings, 5,000 drawings, 500 sculptures, a few hundred ceramics and a large quantity of prints which represent 91% of his lots sold at auction every year. The prices of his canvases are extremely variable, depending on the historical and artistic importance of the work. Among the 17 Miro paintings sold so far this year, some smaller works (roughly 30 cm) have fetched around $250,000 whereas others with similar dimensions have fetched well over a million dollars.

A good quality work by Miro will fetch a high price but when quality combines with size the prices rocket. His best works sell for over $20 million, a threshold crossed eight times so far with a notable acceleration in the last 12 months. Indeed four of those results above the $20 million line have been hammered in the last year for Peinture (1933), Femme dans la nuit (1945) and Femme entendant de la musique (1945), all three in this Top 10, as well as for Mural I / Mural II / Mural III (1933) which fetched $20 million last May at Christie's in New York.

His turnover total for the year 2018 is therefore outstanding (so far $107.6 million since January) placing him among the world's most successful artists. In our provisional ranking for 2018 Miro currently occupies 13th place. Considered universal, his work has appealed to Western and Japanese collectors, but it has not yet penetrated the world's largest marketplace China.

Magritte, two new records in 12 months

Magritte's double appearance in this ranking is all the more remarkable because his two latest records were hammered in the past 12 months. The first in November 2017, for a painting from his emblematic series L'Empire des Lumieres. It's interesting to trace the series' price history: in 1996, a major canvas from this famous series reached $3.5 million in London. In 2002, another, dated 1952, fetched $12.6 million in New York. That was a new peak for a Surrealist artist at the time.

In 2017, that peak was almost doubled when The empire of lights (1949) sold for $20.5 million in New York. That record, coming just after two other new records during the same year 2017, marked the most successful year in the Belgian Surrealist's auction history, with an annual turnover of $77.8 million. The strong demand was almost certainly fanned by 'cultural news', particularly by the exhibition La trahison des images at the Pompidou Center in Paris and the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt (2016-2017).

The effervescence has continued this year. In February, Magritte elicited the highest bid during London's Surrealist sales (Christie's and Sotheby's) ahead of Miro, with a pioneering 1926 work Le groupe silencieux that fetched $10 million. Then, on 12 November, Sotheby's set a superb new record for the artist at $26.8 million.

The most expensive Magritte ever sold, the work bears the poetic and enigmatic title Le principe du plaisir and is a portrait of Edward James, an English heir to an American railroad fortune turned eccentric poet and influential patron of Surrealist art who invited Magritte to reside and paint in his London residence for two years.

Le principe du plaisir exceeded its low estimate by more than $10 million. The painting was acquired by the seller 40 years earlier for just $74,000.

Surrealist love

The third Surrealist in this ranking is none other than the great Salvador Dali with a work whose price might seem excessive compared to its modest size: 33 x 25 centimeters. The Portrait of Paul Eluard is a small oil-on-cardboard whose price went from $2 million in 1989 (Christie's New York) to $21 million in 2011 at Sotheby's (against an estimate of just $5-8 million!).

The price of this work therefore multiplied by 10 in twenty years, setting Dali's all-time auction and it still stands. Painted at the same time as the Great Masturbateur, Portrait of Paul Eluard condenses the Dalinian iconography of the time, especially with the roaring lion's head symbolizing desire.

It was 1929 when Dali painted this delirious portrait of the poet who came to visit him in Cadaques with his wife at that time.. a certain Gala. Dali immediately fell in love with Gala, who become his principal inspiration. The work is not only the portrait of Paul Eluard, it also marks the beginning of the most famous couple in Surrealism. Faced with such a powerful love story, the bidding escaped from the limitations of the work's format

Surrealism

Surrealism* is a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, and is best known for its visual artworks and writings. Artists painted unnerving, illogical scenes with photographic precision, created strange creatures from everyday objects, and developed painting techniques that allowed the unconscious to express itself. Its aim was to "resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality into an absolute reality, a super-reality".

Works of surrealism feature the element of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions and non sequitur; however, many surrealist artists and writers regard their work as an expression of the philosophical movement first and foremost, with the works being an artifact. Leader Andre Breton was explicit in his assertion that Surrealism was, above all, a revolutionary movement.

Surrealism developed out of the Dada activities during World War I and the most important center of the movement was Paris. From the 1920s onward, the movement spread around the globe, eventually affecting the visual arts, literature, film, and music of many countries and languages, as well as political thought and practice, philosophy, and social theory.

(*Source: wikipedia.org)

Upcoming auctions

February 26, 2019: Surrealist Art Evening Sale - Sotheby's London

https://www.artprice.com/sale/292467/surrealist+art+evening+sale

February 27, 2019: The Art Of The Surreal Evening Sale - Christie's London

https://www.artprice.com/sale/296145/the+art+of+the+surreal+evening+sale

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SOURCE Artprice.comLONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- MemorialCare's Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach have named Antonio "Tony" Garcia, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CEN, as its new Chief Nursing Officer. Garcia brings nearly 15 years of experience in progressive nursing leadership roles to this position.

In his role as Chief Nursing Officer, Garcia will be responsible for overseeing all nursing clinical care and patient care standards for Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's. Garcia will serve as a liaison between executive leadership and nursing leaders to ensure that patients receive the most exceptional and safest care while creating a patient and family centered care environment.

"Tony is a champion for the patient experience while advocating and ensuring all patients receive the safest care of the highest quality," says John Bishop, chief executive officer, Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's. "He brings a focus on front-line team member engagement, system integration and alignment, while building a high-performance leadership team to advance the professionalism of nursing for optimal patient outcomes. Tony will be an asset to not only us, but the community we serve as we navigate the ever-changing health care landscape."

Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's employs more than 1,900 registered nurses. The hospitals also have achieved Magnet designation, which recognizes organizations for excellence in nursing care.

"I am excited to join the team at Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's," says Garcia. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone in nursing leadership. I'm honored to be chosen to oversee nursing responsibilities for two Magnet designated hospitals, which include a comprehensive adult care hospital and a full-service children's hospital."

Early in his career, Garcia served as a firefighter in Toronto, Canada for 14 years. Most recently, Garcia served as a Chief Nursing Officer in Tenet Health's Northern California Central Valley Region. Prior to that, he served as a nursing leader for Kaiser Permanente in San Jose as the Director of Emergency Services and Urgent Care and as the Director of Adult Services prior to that. He's enrolled to obtain his Doctor of Nursing Practice in Systems' Leadership from Rush University in Chicago.

Garcia's goals for Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's include providing exceptional, high quality, safe nursing care. He wants to be a Chief Nursing Officer that is supportive and approachable to all nurses while creating a trustworthy and strong team.

"My goal is to create efficient and effective team collaboration," says Garcia. "Our hospitals already have a strong, aligned leadership team, and I am looking forward to its continued growth while creating a supportive environment for our nurses."

About MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach:

MemorialCare's Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach, are designated with the prestigious Magnet recognition. Long Beach Medical Center has been providing compassionate care with the latest state-of-the-art technology for more than 100 years and is the region's first choice for comprehensive care in virtually every medical and surgical specialty. Miller Children's & Women's provides specialized pediatric care for children and young adults, with conditions ranging from common to complex  as well as maternity care for expectant mothers  all under one roof. Visit memorialcare.org/LongBeach and millerchildrens.org for more information.

SOURCE MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and MemorialCare Miller Childrens & Womens Hospital Long Beach

Related Links

http://memorialcare.org/LongBeach

MARSHALL, Texas, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A Texas jury awarded $43 million to Intellectual Ventures I LLC after finding telecom heavyweights T-Mobile and Ericsson Inc. infringed on the company's patents used for wireless services for the LTE network. The jury awarded $34 million against T-Mobile and $9 million against Ericsson.

The jury also determined T-Mobile and Ericsson failed to provide convincing evidence that Intellectual Ventures' claims involving the patents were invalid. The case was decided on Feb. 8 following a one-week trial in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Marshall.

"We are grateful for the jurors' attention in this case and their decision in favor of our client," said Johnny Ward of Ward, Smith & Hill PLLC, who represented Intellectual Ventures. "This verdict shows you can't infringe on another company's patents and expect to get away with it."

The patents-in-suit trial included U.S. Patent Nos. 6,628,629, 7,412,517 and RE46,206 owned by Intellectual Ventures for wireless transmissions. Bellevue, Washington-based Intellectual Ventures is a global invention and investment business that creates, incubates, and commercializes impactful inventions.

Also representing Intellectual Ventures were Ward, Smith & Hill partners Claire Abernathy Henry and Andrea Fair, along with co-counsel Martin J. Black and Kevin M. Flannery of Dechert LLP.

To learn more about Ward Smith & Hill's patent litigation practice, visit: http://wsfirm.com/practice-areas/patent-litigation/.

The case is Intellectual Ventures I LLC v. T-Mobile USA, Inc., T-Mobile US, Inc., Ericsson Inc., Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, case number 2:17-cv-577, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

Longview, Texas-based Ward, Smith & Hill, PLLC, has tried more than 350 cases to verdict, earning a national reputation in high-stakes claims involving complex commercial litigation, intellectual property law, oil and gas matters, bad faith insurance claims, and serious personal injury claims. The firm frequently assists lawyers nationwide in complex cases before Texas juries. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.wsfirm.com.

Media Contact:

Sophia Reza

214-559-4630

[email protected]

SOURCE Ward, Smith & Hill, PLLC

Related Links

http://www.wsfirm.com

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- World Emblem, one of the world's leading suppliers of apparel and headwear decorations, recently received their Facility and Merchandise Authorization (FAMA) certification.

World Emblem Mexico received their certification after an audit from the Fair Labor Association, which strives to improve workers' lives worldwide. This will allow World Emblem Mexico to produce emblems and goods from any company that requires a FAMA certification, such as the Disney corporation.

About FAMA. FAMA ensures that factory operations are compliant with specific safety regulations and requirements. In addition to preventing counterfeit or dangerous products from entering the market, FAMA also ensures that factory employees enjoy safe and humane working conditions and contain materials safe for their intended audiences.

Earning a FAMA certification involves a multi-step process that includes a lengthy and extensive application and submission period. After the application submission period, a FAMA representative conducts an in-person factory audit to ensure the company meets licensing requirements as well as adheres to strict standards.

The auditing process also consists of a thorough installation inspection; verifying compliance with health and safety laws; documentation of factory receipts on payroll, records, and employee files; and personnel interviews, where employees are asked about working conditions.

As a result of meeting these requirements, World Emblem is able to manufacture licensed Disney products and work with other licensees.

In 2018, World Emblem Mexico also passed Sumerra's Social Compliance Audit with a perfect score. Sumerra is a worldwide company that aims to verify workers' rights, safe conditions, and environmental stewardship.

World Emblem truly believes its employees and clients are their most important assets. They are committed to maintaining top facilities and remaining at the forefront of ingenuity by continually looking for opportunities for improvement.

About World Emblem

World Emblem is one of the world's leading suppliers in high quality decorations. They offer a variety of custom embroidered, sublimated and digitally printed patches, high-visibility striping, transfers, and more. World Emblem's latest product, FlexStyle, elevates brands with eye-catching 3D detail. The deep texturing and dramatic finishes increase the premium value of the final product.

World Emblem strives for long-term relationships with clients based on solid know-how and a consistently reliable experience. Their company mission is to help businesses create an unforgettable first impression.

Press Contact

Name: Sam Stevens

Phone: 800.766.0448 x 2252

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.worldemblem.com

SOURCE World Emblem

Related Links

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ASCHHEIM, Germany, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Wirecard, the global innovation leader for digital financial technology, and Tirol Werbung, the tourism organization of the Austrian state of Tyrol, are launching a new China Pay Initiative together with partners Innsbruck Tourism, Kitzbuhel Tourism, the Kufsteinerland Tourism Association, Otztal Tourism, the St. Anton Tourism Association and the Swarovski Kristallwelten. The initiative will enable a state-wide coverage of Wirecard's mobile payment solution, integrating the most popular Chinese mobile payment methods into numerous Tyrolean companies. Initially, 150 businesses in the region will be equipped with the solution.

According to a Nielsen study, around 91 percent of Chinese tourists would be willing to spend and buy more abroad if more merchants accepted Chinese mobile payment methods. With this initiative, Wirecard and Tirol Werbung are therefore addressing the preferences of this target group. The state of Tyrol wants to offer Alipay, among others, as a payment option in as many businesses as possible. Wirecard is responsible for the entire payment integration and processing operations.

A 2018 report found that total spending by Chinese tourists in Austria had increased by 28 percent over the previous year, making China the top spending country for tax-free purchases in the Alpine nation among non-European countries. With a share of 30 percent of all tax-free sales in Austria, China clearly ranks first, ahead of Russia (10 percent) and Switzerland (8 percent). While the average non-European tourist spent 508 euros, visitors from China spent an average of 616 euros per purchase.

Holger Gassler, Market Manager of Tirol Werbung, said, "We expect to gain a competitive advantage as the first Austrian province to introduce Chinese mobile payment methods on a large scale. Payment convenience plays a major role for this target group in particular and can make both the region and participating merchants more attractive to Chinese tourists. The introduction of Wirecard's digital payment platform is also one of the first projects within the scope of Tyrol's digitization campaign."

Roland Toch, Managing Director CEE at Wirecard, added, "Experience shows that accepting Alipay as a new payment method can lead to an increase in transaction volume with travelers from China of more than 350 percent within one year. We are proud to partner with Tirol Werbung to offer our digital payment solution to hundreds of companies and to continue the digitization of their payment processes. We look forward to expanding our partnership with Tyrol and other European regions in the future."

About Wirecard:

Wirecard (GER: WDI) is one of the world's fastest growing digital platforms in the area of financial commerce. We provide both business customers and consumers with a constantly expanding ecosystem of real-time value-added services built around innovative digital payments by using an integrated B2B2C approach. This ecosystem concentrates on the areas payment & risk, retail & transaction banking, loyalty & couponing, data analytics & conversion rate enhancement in all sales channels (online, mobile, ePOS). Wirecard operates regulated financial institutions in several key markets and holds issuing and acquiring licenses from all major payment and card networks. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (DAX and TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060). Visit us on www.wirecard.com, follow us on Twitter @wirecard and on Facebook @wirecardgroup.

About Tirol Werbung:

With 12.3 million guests arriving from more than 50 countries and 49.4 million overnight stays in the year 2017/18, Tyrol is one of the leading holiday destinations in the Alps with 34 regional associations. Tirol Werbung GmbH, based in Innsbruck, is the regional tourism organization. The organization focuses on further enhancing Tyrol's image and international status, as well as the positioning the region as the most sought-after destination in the Alpine world. In addition, Tirol Werbung GmbH carries out basic tourism support, such as market research, manages the tourism marketing system, assists guests, and supports market partners. Visit us at www.tirolwerbung.at

Wirecard media contact:

Wirecard AG

Jana Tilz

Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1363

Email: [email protected]

Media contact Tirol Werbung:

Tirol Werbung GmbH

Florian Neuner

Tel.: +43(0)664-80532320

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Wirecard AG

Related Links

http://www.wirecard.com

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) and The Silverstein Foundation for Parkinson's with GBA announce nearly $3 million in grants to studies investigating glucocerebrosidase beta acid (GBA). Mutations in the GBA gene are the most common genetic risk factors for Parkinson's, affecting about 10 percent of the more than 6 million people estimated to have the disease. The projects selected through this joint funding program aim to better understand the effect of GBA mutations  and the role of GBA more generally  and advance treatments against this target.

"Defining the GBA pathway and its role in disease, including in patients without a GBA mutation, could point to new therapeutic approaches that may slow or stop Parkinson's," said MJFF CEO Todd Sherer, PhD. "This partnership with the Silverstein Foundation streamlined the grant process to more quickly direct funding to these promising projects, speeding their efforts to help Parkinson's patients."

Silverstein Foundation Founder Jonathan Silverstein said, "We are very pleased with the collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation and feel confident that the projects chosen will significantly add to the library of knowledge around GBA and propel new treatments for people living with Parkinson's and, perhaps, individuals at risk for the disease."

Previous research found that GBA mutations hamper activity of the glucocerebrosidase (GCase) enzyme, a member of the cell's cleaning crew that degrades damaged or excess cell parts. Build-up of cell parts (e.g., lipids and cellular proteins) can be toxic, resulting in the cell damage seen in Parkinson's disease. While linked directly to GBA gene mutations, GCase inhibition is also found in Parkinson's patients without these mutations. Therefore, therapies to heighten the enzyme's activities or mimic its effects may help a wider Parkinson's patient base. Three such medications are already in clinical trials.

From the 92 proposals submitted, MJFF and the Silverstein Foundation have selected 16 of the most promising projects to support through their joint funding program. Descriptions of the programs follow.

GBA Biology

These projects aim to define novel biomarker candidates or therapeutic targets by investigating the role of GCase and impact of GBA mutations.

Two projects are looking for other genetic factors that influence Parkinson's risk with a GBA mutation. Tim Ahfeldt, PhD, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is using gene-editing (CRISPR) technologies to modulate the expression of GBA and other genes in an effort to identify other risk factors. Justin Martin O'Sullivan , PhD, at the University of Auckland will use computer programs to identify genes controlled by the DNA switches in the GBA gene and then investigate how these switches affect cells and contribute to Parkinson's disease.

is using gene-editing (CRISPR) technologies to modulate the expression of GBA and other genes in an effort to identify other risk factors. , PhD, at the University of will use computer programs to identify genes controlled by the DNA switches in the GBA gene and then investigate how these switches affect cells and contribute to Parkinson's disease. Grantees are using other cutting-edge technology to investigate the cellular effects of GBA mutations. Ricardo Feldman , PhD, at the University of Maryland, Baltimore is using induced pluripotent stem cells to examine the cellular effects of GBA mutations and to test if reversing some of those effects can protect dopamine cells. Anthony Futerman , PhD, at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel is applying advanced RNA sequencing and proteomics analysis to brain tissue samples from people with idiopathic Parkinson's, those with GBA-associated Parkinson's and control volunteers to identify GBA-specific pathology.

, PhD, at the is using induced pluripotent stem cells to examine the cellular effects of GBA mutations and to test if reversing some of those effects can protect dopamine cells. , PhD, at the Weizmann Institute of Science in is applying advanced RNA sequencing and proteomics analysis to brain tissue samples from people with idiopathic Parkinson's, those with GBA-associated Parkinson's and control volunteers to identify GBA-specific pathology. The immune system is a growing area of interest in Parkinson's research. Manoj Kumar Pandey , PhD, at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is studying how GBA mutations may lead to inflammation, which is also seen in Parkinson's disease, and Michel Desjardins , PhD, at the Universite de Montreal is studying the role of GCase in autoimmune mechanisms after observing that GCase expression in immune cells influences this response.

, PhD, at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is studying how GBA mutations may lead to inflammation, which is also seen in Parkinson's disease, and , PhD, at the Universite de Montreal is studying the role of GCase in autoimmune mechanisms after observing that GCase expression in immune cells influences this response. Emily M. Rocha , PhD, and J. Timothy Greenamyre , MD, PhD, at the University of Pittsburgh will work to connect deficits in GCase with another leading genetic target: LRRK2. This work could explore the potential of LRRK2 inhibitors (currently in clinical trials) for a broader Parkinson's population.

, PhD, and J. , MD, PhD, at the will work to connect deficits in GCase with another leading genetic target: LRRK2. This work could explore the potential of LRRK2 inhibitors (currently in clinical trials) for a broader Parkinson's population. Three projects are investigating other cellular players in the GBA pathway, which may be potential therapeutic targets. Aarnoud Cornelis van der Spoel, PhD, at Canada's Dalhousie University is investigating a class of cellular fats called sphingolipids that are impacted by GBA mutations. Peter Vangheluwe , PhD, at Belgium's KU Leuven research university is looking at a transporter of the lipid glucosylceramide, which builds up in response to GBA mutations. And Friederike Zunke , PhD, at the University of Keil in Germany is looking for the site of interaction between GCase and the protein LIMP-2, which transports GCase to the lysosome.

GBA Biomarkers

Two projects are looking for objective measures that could help in patient care and in research, by aiding in subject selection and therapeutic impact assessment.

David Eidelberg , MD, at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research will follow Parkinson's patients with and without GBA mutations over 18 months to assess progression as measured through clinical examinations and MRI scans in an effort to develop an imaging biomarker.

, MD, at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research will follow Parkinson's patients with and without GBA mutations over 18 months to assess progression as measured through clinical examinations and MRI scans in an effort to develop an imaging biomarker. Michele Matarazzo , MD, at the University of British Columbia is looking for predictive biomarkers. Mutation carriers with PD and without the disease will undergo clinical evaluations, blood tests, and MRI and PET scans.

GBA Therapies

Grantees are taking varied approaches to correct or counteract the effects of lower GCase activity.

Three grantees are testing compounds against GCase. David Vocadlo , PhD, at Simon Fraser University is rapidly screening thousands of compounds to identify those that can increase GCase and testing leads in Parkinson's models. Marlene Jacobson , PhD, at Temple University is testing compounds to improve lysosomal function and increase GCase levels in fibroblasts from Parkinson's patients with GBA mutations. Marta Martinez-Vicente , PhD, at Vall d'Hebron Research Institute in Barcelona is conducting pre-clinical tests of drug compounds from Gain Therapeutics that aim to stabilize GCase and recover its activity.

, PhD, at is rapidly screening thousands of compounds to identify those that can increase GCase and testing leads in Parkinson's models. , PhD, at is testing compounds to improve lysosomal function and increase GCase levels in fibroblasts from Parkinson's patients with GBA mutations. , PhD, at Vall d'Hebron Research Institute in is conducting pre-clinical tests of drug compounds from Gain Therapeutics that aim to stabilize GCase and recover its activity. Magdalene Moran , PhD, at Rheostat Therapeutics is looking at another target, testing activators of TRPML1. Experiments showed activation of this ion channel can fix lysosomal malfunctions, which are associated with GBA mutations.

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding more than $800 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world.

For more information, visit www.michaeljfox.org.

About The Silverstein Foundation for Parkinson's with GBA

The Silverstein Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on investing in cutting-edge therapeutic approaches for the treatment and prevention of Parkinson's disease in glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutation carriers. The Foundation collaborates with clinicians, scientists, and biotechnology companies to accelerate research and clinical trials in an effort to rapidly bring new disease-modifying therapeutic options to patients. Under the leadership of a world-class team with strong domain expertise across neurodegenerative diseases, drug formulation chemistry, translational research, and drug development and commercialization, the Foundation has funded over 30 projects across seven different therapeutic approaches since its inception in 2017. The Foundation applies a unique flexible funding model including both new company formation and traditional research grants to deliver in real-time on its mission of rapidly developing novel disease-modifying treatments for Parkinson's disease.

For more information, visit www.silversteinfoundation.org.

SOURCE The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Related Links

http://www.silversteinfoundation.org

ANNVILLE, Pa., Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Individuals filing their 2018 Pennsylvania personal income taxes can help Pennsylvania's military personnel and their families by donating part or all of their refund to the state's Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP).

The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), provides grants of up to $3,500 to Pennsylvania members of the armed forces and their families who have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control. The tax form includes instructions on how to donate.

"Generous Pennsylvanians have continually answered the call for help to assist our needy commonwealth service members and families by contributing to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program," said Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the DMVA. "The selfless act of checking this block on your tax form can provide significant relief for a military family facing unforeseen financial crisis."

Examples of how the grants helped service members in 2017-18 include:

A service member's basement flooded from a broken sewer line, and the line needed to be replaced. The repairs from these damages cost $7,200 . The service member has a spouse and six children to provide for, and this unexpected expense created a financial crisis for the family. The service member was awarded a grant for $3,500 to help with repairs.

. The service member has a spouse and six children to provide for, and this unexpected expense created a financial crisis for the family. The service member was awarded a grant for to help with repairs. A service member had severe flood damages to the family's home, and the insurance had denied the claim. The repairs from this flooding were $3,507 , which created a financial setback for the family. The service member received a grant for $3,500 .

, which created a financial setback for the family. The service member received a grant for . A service member needed to travel to another state due to the death of a family member and was unable to afford the costs of this travel. Costs were covered with a grant for $1,121 .

Since the program began in 2006, more than $1.85 million has been donated by individuals filing their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns and through private donations.

"Qualifying service members should not hesitate to apply for the MFRAP program. It exists specifically to take care of our service members and families as a 'thank you' for their service and sacrifice," said Carrelli. "For anyone needing assistance, the DMVA is available to assist with the application process."

Members of the armed forces who are residents of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for assistance while they are serving on active duty for 30 or more consecutive days with the Army, Army Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, or the Pennsylvania Army or Air National Guard.

All members of the armed forces who were discharged for medical reasons are also eligible to apply for assistance for up to four years after a medical discharge.

In addition, reserve component service members (including Pennsylvania National Guard members) and their families may be eligible for a grant for a period of up to three years after release from a qualifying active duty tour.

The program also applies to certain family members of eligible service members who are Pennsylvania residents. Applicants must show that they have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control.

In addition to the check-off box on the Personal Income Tax form, contributions can be made directly by sending a check to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, c/o Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Bldg. 0-47 Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003.

Donations are tax deductible to the extent authorized by federal law.

To learn more about this program, visit www.mfrap.pa.gov.

For more information about the DMVA, visit us online at www.dmva.pa.gov or follow us at www.facebook.com/padmva or www.twitter.com/padmva.

MEDIA CONTACT: Joseph Butera, 717-861-2178

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Related Links

http://www.dmva.pa.gov

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- SQN Capital Management, LLC, the New York and London based asset finance fund specialist, confirms that it funded over a quarter-billion dollars of unlevered new business across its investment fund platforms in 2018.

During 2018, SQN successfully closed two funds and recently launched a third fund as part its US focused, Sharia compliant equipment financing platform. "The platform had a strong start  closing more than 118 transactions and deploying more than $140MM of equipment lease and lease participation transactions across a wide array of industries, sectors and equipment types in sizes between $1MM and $10MM" reported Andrew Carman, SQN's US Head of Originations and Investments.

SQN's growth continued with the launch of the SQN Secured Loan Fund, a Dublin, Ireland based private pan-European offering, in January 2019. The SQN Secured Loan Fund, which is anticipated to add 75MM to 100MM of new business volume this year, is SQN's first large scale fund that combines broader asset finance with equipment leasing. The new program is being offered outside of the UK and with a cost of capital lower than any of the existing SQN programs, which should further expand market opportunities for the group.

To date, non-equipment, asset-based financing was provided through the publicly-traded SQN Secured Income Fund which, in the 4th quarter of 2018, announced an expansion and intention to raise up to an additional 100M by the end of 2019. The SQN Secured Income Fund currently pays a monthly dividend of more than 7% annualized.

SQN is also pleased to report that "SQN Asset Finance Income Fund, the asset leasing fund, delivered a share price total return of 16%" for 2018 making it one of the "Largest Price Risers" according to Stifel's Fund Sector Review 2018 released on January 8, 2019.

About SQN Capital Management, LLC

SQN Capital Management is an SEC registered investment advisor providing alternative asset management services to a diverse array of clients including insurance companies, hedge funds, private wealth managers, retail investors, family offices, pensions, and funds of funds. SQN has nine active funds under management or advisement in three regions (the US, UK, and Middle East), with funds domiciled in the US, UK, Channel Islands, and Cayman Islands. Across the funds, SQN has over $1bn of unlevered capital currently invested. SQN manages the world's only publicly-traded diversified equipment leasing and asset finance fund, the SQN Asset Finance Income Fund Limited which is traded on the Main Market, Premium Segment of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols SQN and SQNX.

Contact Information:

Andrew Carman

SQN Capital Management, LLC

100 Wall Street, 28th Floor

New York, NY 10011

(212) 422-2166 - Office

(203) 312-3311 - Direct

[email protected]

www.SQNCapital.com

SOURCE SQN Capital Management

Related Links

http://www.sqncapital.com

EXTON, Pa., Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Spherix Global Insights recently published the inaugural wave of RealTime Dynamix: Psoriasis (EU), a bi-annual tracking study that includes a mix of trended metrics, launch metrics, and variable content on the EU5 psoriasis landscape. The Q1 2019 report, which comprised responses from 262 EU5 dermatologists, revealed that the vast majority of respondents reported increasing their use of biologics for the treatment of psoriasis over the past year  most commonly attributed to new alternate mechanism of action (MOA) agents and biologic biosimilars coming to the market, as well as a growing comfort with prescribing biologics earlier in the treatment paradigm. Though rates of biologic treatment by psoriasis severity are markedly lower in the EU5 than in the US (according to the Q4 2018 wave of a parallel study in the US psoriasis market), more biosimilars have become available in the EU5, which may lead to a further increase in biologic use as dermatologists become increasingly familiar/comfortable with the new products.

With the launch of numerous different adalimumab biosimilars just two months prior to the fielding of this study in December 2018 and January 2019, the biosimilars of AbbVie's blockbuster drug have already captured 15% of all adalimumab use for the treatment of psoriasis across the EU5. Uptake has been most rapid in Germany, where biosimilar brands account for over one-quarter of all adalimumab-treated patients, higher than that of any other EU5 country. On the other hand, etanercept biosimilars account for one-third of all etanercept use across the EU5, as Amgen's patent for Enbrel expired over three years ago. Etanercept biosimilar share is relatively equal across Germany, Italy, and the UK, while it is significantly lower in Italy and Spain where branded Enbrel still accounts for the majority of etanercept share. Projected share for both groups of biosimilars are anticipated to increase substantially over the next six months.

Of the three launches currently being tracked in the bi-annual study, more respondents were aware of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approval of Janssen's Tremfya than they were of UCB's Cimzia and Almirall's Ilumetri, with overall familiarity following suit. Still, the adoption of Tremfya in the EU5 has been slow, with the exception of Germany where Tremfya has reportedly captured over 10% of the biologic market. Despite Cimzia possessing multiple other autoimmune indications across the EU5, uptake of the agent in psoriasis has also been slow, though it is perceived by dermatologists as an excellent option for treatment during pregnancy, with 48% of respondents citing that the TNF inhibitor's greatest advantage is its potential use in pregnancy/women of childbearing age. Almirall's Ilumetri (marketed by Sun Pharma as Ilumya in the US) has experienced sluggish uptake in the EU5, most likely due to the recency of launch, overall lack of familiarity, and potentially due to National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's (NICE) recommendation against the IL-23 inhibitor for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Nevertheless, Humira, Janssen's Stelara, and Novartis' Cosentyx still account for the lion's share of biologic-treated patients in the EU5, each garnering a relatively equal share of the biologic pie. Stelara is the most prescribed alternate MOA biologic in both the EU5 and the US, with Cosentyx and Eli Lilly's Taltz not far behind. However, the difference in share between the two IL-17 inhibitors is much more distinct in the EU5 than it is in the US, with dermatologists across the pond largely favoring Novartis' drug. Interestingly, uptake of LEO Pharma's third-to-market IL-17 inhibitor, Kyntheum, is three times greater than the same brand in the US (marketed by Ortho Dermatologic as Siliq), likely a result of the two brands carrying different labels and warnings associated with their approvals.

While adalimumab biosimilars' collective biologic share in the EU5 psoriasis market is nearly equal to that of Tremfya's and greater than that of Cimzia and Ilumetri's combined, a look at anticipated future brand share three months out reveals that this will not impinge on the uptake of the newer alternate MOAs. Indeed, use of the three aforementioned agents are projected to increase over the next three months and most aggressively for Tremfya. Conversely, EU5 dermatologists report that they have already decreased their use of Humira over the past three months and anticipate even further decreases over the next three months  all while projected share of the TNF inhibitor's biosimilars is expected to grow throughout the same time period. With increased pressure on AbbVie's Humira via the encroaching biosimilar market, timing is critical to bridge awareness of their pipeline, namely their IL-23 inhibitor risankizumab, which could score EMA and FDA approvals as early as Q2 of this year.

About RealTime Dynamix

The RealTime Dynamix: Psoriasis (EU) report series provides a detailed and timely look at current and future trends in the psoriasis market and the effects of the future shifting landscape. The bi-annual releases allow for close monitoring and trending of key performance metrics. In addition to the fixed trended measures, the report also includes variable content addressing key current issues updated bi-annually. The rapid field-to-insight turnaround time, highly relevant content, and unparalleled knowledge of the dermatology market make this an essential tool for companies competing in the space, as well as those with near-term plans to enter it. A quarterly US companion study on the psoriasis market is also available.

About Spherix Global Insights

Spherix Global Insights is an independent business intelligence and market research company, specializing in renal, autoimmune, neurologic and rare disease markets. Our aim is to apply our commercial experience and unique relationships within core specialty markets to translate data into insight, enabling our clients to make smarter business decisions.

All company, brand or product names in this document are trademarks of their respective holders.

For more information contact:

Lynn Price, Immunology Franchise Head

Email: [email protected]

www.spherixglobalinsights.com

SOURCE Spherix Global Insights

Related Links

http://www.spherixglobalinsights.com

DUBLIN, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Real Estate Activities in South Africa 2018" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report focuses on the real estate industry which comprises commercial, industrial and residential properties, as well as property valuation and bond origination. The real estate sector contributed 5.6% to GDP, based on 2016 data. The South African listed-property sector is worth about R500bn with about 46% of the value of the sector reflecting investment in overseas markets.



The real estate sector's performance largely depends on economic drivers and has been challenged by slow economic growth during the past few years. In spite of this, the number of principal estate agents registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board grew by 4.8% from 2016 to 2017. Property development is not showing signs of slowing down, but developers are struggling to increase occupancy rates due to oversupply.



Pressing Issues:



South Africa's real estate landscape is set to undergo major changes in the future driven mainly by regulatory changes, including land restitution, and technology disruptors. Growth in residential property prices remained subdued in the first five months of 2018 with house prices increasing 4% and 4.8% year-on-year in May. There are a number of opportunities in the sector brought about by high demand for student accommodation and gated communities and urban renewal and regeneration projects. But low projected growth rates and slowdown in economic activity could limit expansion and new development.



Report Coverage:



The comprehensive report on South African Real Estate Activities describes current conditions and recent developments in all sub-sectors, as well as factors influencing the success of the sector.



The report profiles 141 companies, including the main players in the residential real estate sector, Pam Golding Properties, RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Seeff Property Services and Harcourts Real Estate. Profiles also include Vukile Property Fund and Arrowhead which have made significant acquisitions and developers including Abland, WBHO and Renprop.



Key Topics Covered:



1. INTRODUCTION



2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY

2.1. Industry Value 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. Government Initiatives

5.3. Land Restitution

5.4. Rising Operating Costs

5.5. Water and Electricity Supply Constraints

5.6. Labour

5.7. Technology Disruptors

5.8. Information Technology (IT), Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation

5.9. Cyclicality

5.10. Transport Systems

5.11. Crime and Security

5.12. Consumer Education

5.13. Environmental Concerns



6. COMPETITION

6.1. Barriers to Entry



7. SWOT ANALYSIS



8. OUTLOOK



9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS



10. REFERENCES

10.1. Publications

10.2. Websites



Appendices



Appendix 1

Commercial Property Investment and Management Companies

Property Developers

Sustainable Human Settlements (previously RDP Housing)

Development of Leisure Resorts and Hotels

Industrial Development Zones

Residential Real Estate

Property Valuation

Bond Origination



Appendix 2

Major Property Development Projects recently Completed or in Progress



Appendix 3

Office and Industrial Property Development Projects Recently Completed or in Progress



Appendix 4

Retail Centre Projects Recently Completed or in Progress



Appendix 5

Affordable (or GAP) Housing Developments Recently Completed or in Progress



Appendix 6

Other Legislation Relevant to the Real Estate Sector



Appendix 7

Qualification Requirements for the Industry



Company Profiles



Commercial Property Investment And Management



Accelerate Property Fund Ltd

Acsion Ltd

Adrenna Property Group Ltd

Afhco Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Arrowhead Properties Ltd

Ascension Properties Ltd

Atterbury Property (Pty) Ltd

Beare Properties (Pty) Ltd

Broll Property Group (Pty) Ltd

City Lodge Hotels Ltd

Delta Property Fund Ltd

Emira Property Fund Ltd

Equites Property Fund Ltd

Eris Property Group (Pty) Ltd

Excellerate Real Estate Services (Pty) Ltd

Exemplar Reitail Ltd

Fairvest Property Holdings Ltd

Fieldspace Property Managers (Pty) Ltd

Fortress Reit Ltd

Freedom Property Fund Ltd

Gemgrow Properties Ltd

Growthpoint Properties Ltd

Heriot Reit Ltd

Hermans And Roman Property Solutions (Pty) Ltd

Homechoice Holdings Ltd

Hyprop Investments Ltd

Inframax Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Ingenuity Property Investments Ltd

Investec Property Fund Ltd

Jhi Retail (Pty) Ltd

Legacy Hotels And Resorts (Pty) Ltd

Liberty Holdings Ltd

Maxprop Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Merchant And Industrial Properties Ltd

Montagu Homes (Pty) Ltd

Oasis Crescent Property Fund

Oasis Crescent Property Fund Managers Ltd

Octodec Investments Ltd

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company ( South Africa ) Ltd

) Ltd Orion Real Estate Ltd

Pareto Ltd

Passenger Rail Agency Of South Africa

Public Investment Corporation Soc Ltd

Putprop Ltd

Rebosis Property Fund Ltd

Redefine Properties Ltd

Renprop (Pty) Ltd

Resilient Reit Ltd

Rmg Management Group Sa (Pty) Ltd

Sa Corporate Real Estate Ltd

Sable Holdings Ltd

Sanlam Ltd

Sargas (Pty) Ltd

Stor-Age Property Reit Ltd

Strategic Real Estate Managers (Pty) Ltd

Texton Property Fund Ltd

Tourvest Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Tower Property Fund Ltd

Trafalgar Property Management (Pty) Ltd

Visual International Holdings Ltd

Vukile Property Fund Ltd

Zenprop Management Services (Pty) Ltd

Zenprop Property Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Major Property Developers



Abland (Pty) Ltd

Acsion Ltd

Afhco Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Atterbury Property (Pty) Ltd

Eris Property Group (Pty) Ltd

Free State Development Corporation

Group Five Ltd

Growthpoint Properties Ltd

Hyprop Investments Ltd

Ingenuity Property Investments Ltd

Investec Property (Pty) Ltd

Keystone Investments (Pty) Ltd

Liberty Holdings Ltd

Montagu Homes (Pty) Ltd

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company ( South Africa ) Ltd

) Ltd Orion Real Estate Ltd

Rabie Property Group (Pty) Ltd

Renprop (Pty) Ltd

Rpp Developments (Pty) Ltd

Sable Holdings Ltd

Summercon Holdco (Pty) Ltd

Swish Property Group (Pty) Ltd

Tci Properties (Pty) Ltd

Tongaat Hulett Developments (Pty) Ltd

Visual International Holdings Ltd

Wbho Construction (Pty) Ltd

Westbrook Residential Development (Pty) Ltd

Zenprop Property Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Zotos Brothers (Pty) Ltd

Sustainable Human Settlements - (Previously Rdp Housing)



Calgro M3 Holdings Ltd

Inframax Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Nu-Way Housing Developments (Pty) Ltd

Power Development Projects (Pty) Ltd

Trustgro Developments (Pty) Ltd

Development Of Leisure Resorts & Hotels



City Lodge Hotels Ltd

Kat Leisure (Pty) Ltd

Legacy Hotels And Resorts (Pty) Ltd

Peermont Global (Pty) Ltd

Sun International Ltd

Tsogo Sun Holdings Ltd

Company Profile - Industrial Development Zone

Coega Development Corporation (Pty) Ltd

East London Industrial Development Zone Soc Ltd

Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone Company Soc Ltd

Residential Real Estate



Aida National Franchises (Pty) Ltd

Electronic Realty Associates ( South Africa ) (Pty) Ltd

) (Pty) Ltd Everybody Wins Real Estate Franchising (Pty) Ltd

First Realty Central (Pty) Ltd

Firzt Realty (Pty) Ltd

Geffen International Realty Franchises (Pty) Ltd

Jawitz Properties (Pty) Ltd

Just Property Group Holdings (Pty) Ltd (The)

Leapfrog Property Group (Pty) Ltd

My Africa Properties (Pty) Ltd

Pam Golding Properties (Pty) Ltd

Property Referral Network (Pty) Ltd

Realty One International Property Group (Pty) Ltd

Seeff Property Services (Pty) Ltd

Wakefields Real Estate (Pty) Ltd

Property Valuation



Appraisal Corporation Cc

Broll Valuation And Advisory Services (Pty) Ltd

Cape Value (Pty) Ltd

Corporate Valuations Cc

Ddp Valuers (Pty) Ltd

Eris Property Group (Pty) Ltd

Magnus Penny Associates Cc

Mills Fitchet (East Coast) Cc

(East Coast) Cc Mills Fitchet (Gauteng) Cc

(Gauteng) Cc Mills Fitchet (Kzn) Cc

(Kzn) Cc Mills Fitchet (Natal) (Pty) Ltd

(Natal) (Pty) Ltd Mills Fitchet (Pwv) (Pty) Ltd

(Pwv) (Pty) Ltd Mills Fitchet Africa (Pty) Ltd

(Pty) Ltd Mills Fitchet Valuations (Pty) Ltd

Rode And Associates (Pty) Ltd

S A Appraisers And Valuers Cc

Spectrum Valuations And Asset Solutions (Pty) Ltd

Company Profiles - Bond Origination

Betterlife Group Ltd

Intelligent Debt Management (Pty) Ltd

Multinet Home Loans (Pty) Ltd

Ooba (Pty) Ltd

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/h4lc5h/south_africa_real?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]



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GULFPORT, Fla., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific evidence and law authority Carol Henderson recently was named Distinguished Fellow by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. She is honored for a lifetime of service to the AAFS on Feb. 20 in Baltimore.



Henderson, an innovator in developing resources for the legal and scientific communities, was the sixth female president in the history of the AAFS and the first female president from the AAFS Jurisprudence Section.



Henderson has made more than 300 presentations on scientific evidence and courtroom testimony across six continents. She has testified before Congress and appeared as a legal analyst in national media including NPR and the Wall Street Journal.



Past-president and Jurisprudence Section Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Henderson is the founding director of the award-winning National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law, an information resource for scientists, legal and law enforcement professionals around the world.



During her tenure as AAFS president, Henderson helped raise significant donations for the Forensic Sciences Foundation to support endowed scholarships and grants. She served on the Journal of Forensic Sciences editorial board. She served as vice-president and secretary, and as a member of the board of directors and several task forces and committees at the AAFS. Henderson received the Harold A. Feder Award for service to the AAFS Jurisprudence Section in 1999.



She is a member of the National Judicial College faculty, the American Bar Association Section of Science & Technology Law council, and the ABA Judicial Division Forensic Science Committee. Henderson serves on the editorial board of WIREs Forensic Science journal, the ABA's SciTech Lawyer magazine, and has authored or edited more than 100 books and articles, including the "Future Focus for Forensic Science" special issue of The SciTech Lawyer.



Henderson was a professor of law at Stetson University College of Law for more than 14 years and at Nova Southeastern University for more than 17 years. She began her legal career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., and served with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Henderson received her J.D. from George Washington University and her B.A. from the University of Florida. Retired from academia, Henderson offers consulting services and workshops.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE American Academy of Forensic SciencesTEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- SAM Seamless Network , the intuitive security system for smart home networks, today announced that it has successfully created a new revenue stream for Israel's largest telecommunications company Bezeq via a premium subscription offering. SAM also announced its expansion into Europe and USA with new offices in Berlin and New York, as well as the appointment of Pirjo Tuomi as Chief Revenue Officer.

SAM prevents an average of 67.4K DoS attacks, 15,6K Malware attacks, 18K spyware and 2.5K router takeover hacks to Bezeq's customer base on a weekly basis. Over the past 12 months, Bezeq has installed SAM's seamless, core cybersecurity software in over 1.5 million households with 100% of their customers benefiting from this. In addition, over 35% of the Israeli telco's customers have subscribed to SAM's premium enterprise-grade security service, opting to pay an extra few dollars per user per month to protect LANs, home or small office networks. SAM's cybersecurity offering creates an entirely new, additional revenue stream for telecoms companies.

SAM will be showcasing its solution at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Hall 5  Stand 5D81, Booth 34. To request a demo, contact SAM here.

"Our customers keep adding new IoT devices to their homes without being aware of the risks involved," said Niv Brekner, Head of Products and Innovation at Bezeq. "With SAM's technology deployed, our customers have gained a sense of control and we have been able to prevent a wide range of attacks from their home networks."

Bezeq's additional security service includes extra IoT protection, network segmentation, and parental control through SAM's app which is branded as part of the telecom's premium upgrade offering. Bezeq has experienced a significant increase in total revenue and substantially decreased churn rate by around a third as a result of the premium offering. In total, SAM is protecting over four million smart home devices through Israel's largest telcom, creating retention hooks for users and increasing user experience.

"With an abundance of vulnerabilities and daily security threats on the rise, telcos and service providers like Bezeq understand that protection of all connected devices is critical at the source, via the router. The opportunity for telcos to create a new revenue stream from our platform is also a welcome bonus," said Sivan Rauscher, CEO and Co-Founder of SAM. "Our expansion into Europe and America reflects a growing need worldwide for complete LAN protection as more smart devices are introduced into home and small offices."

The announcement comes on the heels of a $12m Series A financing round led by Intel Capital, with participation from Dave Dewalt's NightDragon, ADT Inc. (NYSE: ADT), and Blumberg Capital. As well as a new Chief Revenue Officer, Pirjo Tuomi comes to SAM with 25-year experience as sales veteran in the telecommunications and cable industry. She has worked with several start-up companies building worldwide teams and driving rapid revenue growth.

SAM Seamless Network reacts immediately to any new vulnerabilities in real-time, protecting all networks and devices. SAM's cybersecurity software protects local area networks and all connected devices directly at the source of entry for the ISPs and telcos via the router. The software is installed on top of any gateway (legacy and pre-market), without necessitating additional manpower, has an ultra-light footprint, and does not require any extra hardware or additions to be installed on the connected devices. SAM's solution can be optimized for any network by customizing security policies according to the connected devices and their behavioral signature, isolating suspicious entities and using advanced AI algorithms in order to detect anomalies. In addition to cybersecurity abilities, SAM helps telcos and cable operators enrich their value proposition for their customers by providing network visibility, management abilities, and parental control. Sam is partnering with telcos and ISP's not only for security but also for VAS customer advantages.

About SAM:

SAM provides a software-based security solution that integrates seamlessly with any platform and protects local area networks by securing the gateway and all of its connected devices. Installed remotely on existing gateways, SAM doesn't require any additional hardware or a technician to provide comprehensive network security. The solution is offered as a service, allowing users to have the enterprise-grade protection including virtually patching vulnerabilities such as KRACK and other high-level, targeted attacks. SAM works with leading chipset manufacturers, including Intel, to provide network security from the source. To learn more about SAM, visit www.SecuringSam.com

Media Contact:

Gina Shaffer

US: +1(707) 533-1504

IL: +(972) 54-649-3485

[email protected]

SOURCE SAM

Related Links

https://www.securingsam.com/

The innovative new Poland Spring Sparkling varieties feature unique flavor profiles that tap into trending tastes. New flavors include: Ruby Red Grapefruit , Lemon Ginger , White Peach Ginger , Blood Orange Hibiscus , Orange Mango and Vanilla Flavor Twist . In fact, a growing appeal for floral flavors among consumers landed hibiscus as 2019's "flavor of the year," while lemon and grapefruit are among the top three sought-after sparkling flavors. 1,2

Poland Spring Sparkling is made from 100% natural spring water from Maine, real fruit flavors and refreshing bubbles, reflecting the brand's commitment to using simple ingredients. Because it's what's on the inside that counts and not the hype around it, the real Maine spring water inside Poland Spring Sparkling distinguishes it from other bubbly brands and underscores the brand's deep connection to the local source.

"After the incredibly positive response to the 2018 relaunch of Poland Spring Sparkling, we are excited to maintain momentum with new flavor options," said Yumiko Clevenger-Lee, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of Nestle Waters North America. "As we continue to expand our portfolio of unique and healthy sparkling offerings, our core focus remains unchanged and unmatched; simple ingredients starting with the 100% natural spring water Poland Spring has been known for since 1845."

The six newest flavors add to the existing line of refreshing Poland Spring sparkling flavors, which also includes: Lively Lemon, Lemon Lime, Zesty Lime, Orange, Triple Berry, Summer Strawberry, Raspberry Lime, Black Cherry, Pomegranate Lemonade, and Simply Bubbles. All Poland Spring Sparkling offerings are sugar-free, calorie-free and contain no sweeteners or colors.

To support the launch of its new expanded flavor line, Poland Spring Sparkling is rolling out an online campaign in the upcoming weeks that will run in digital and on social channels. Creative assets will lean into nature and highlight the brand's key differentiators  the 100% natural spring water, natural flavors, refreshing bubbles, and great taste. You can view the :15 spot here.

New Poland Spring Sparkling will be available later this month in a mix of three bottle sizes  20 ounce, 1 liter, and .5 liter (8 packs)  as well as 12-ounce cans (8 packs). The waters can be found in-store at supermarkets, club, convenience and chain drug stores in the Northeast region. The products are also available for purchase and delivery through ReadyRefresh by Nestle as well as on Amazon, FreshDirect and Walmart.com. For more information about Poland Spring Sparkling, visit https://www.polandspring.com/sparkling-water.

Consumers outside of the Northeast can enjoy all these great sparkling flavors under other Nestle Waters North America brands  each featuring 100% natural spring water: Deer Park, Zephyrhills, Ozarka, Ice Mountain and Arrowhead.

About Poland Spring Brand Natural Spring Water

Established in 1845, Poland Spring Brand 100% Natural Spring Water has been served throughout the northeast for more than 170 years. With deep roots in the community, Poland Spring Brand is committed to helping make its home state of Maine a great place to live and work. Offering a refreshing taste inspired by nature, Sparkling Poland Spring Brand Natural Spring Water is made with real spring water, real fruit flavors, and the addition of refreshing bubbles. Poland Spring Sparkling is free of calories, sugars, sweeteners and colors. To learn more visit: https://www.polandspring.com/sparkling-water.

About Nestle Waters North America

Nestle Waters North America offers an unrivaled portfolio of bottled water brands for healthy hydration, including Poland Spring Brand 100% Natural Spring Water, Nestle Pure Life, Perrier and S. Pellegrino. The company also owns and operates ReadyRefresh by Nestle, a customizable water and beverage delivery service. Just Click and QuenchSM.

Based in Stamford, Connecticut with approximately 8,000 associates located in North America, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint across our operations. We manage natural resources for long-term sustainability, and we conserve nearly 21,000 acres of natural watershed area. We currently source water for our six regional spring water brands from 47 springs across the U.S. We are also committed to creating shared value and being a good neighbor in the 140 communities where we operate in the U.S. For more information, visit us at www.nestle-watersna.com/en and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @NestleWatersNA.

1 "FIRMENICH NAMES HIBISCUS 2019 FLAVOR OF THE YEAR - News." Firmenich, 17 Dec. 2018, www.firmenich.com/en_INT/company/news/Firmenich-names-hibiscus-2019-flavor-of-the-year.html.

2 Nielsen Sparkling Water Flavor Ranking (Sum of $ Vol). xAOC (eXtended All Outlet Combined). 52 w/e 29 Dec. 2018.

SOURCE Poland SpringWASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has released two new research reports on the challenges and opportunities presented by unhealthy corridors: Blind Spots: How Unhealthy Corridors Harm Communities and How to Fix Them and Envisioning Healthy Corridors: Lessons from Four Communities.

Blind Spots, produced through a collaborative effort between ULI's Center for Sustainability and Economic Performance and Smart Growth America (SGA), and Envisioning Healthy Corridors continue ULI's work on creating healthy corridors that safely accommodate all users, promote equitable economic development, and enhance community health.

"We are seeing an increased focus on the social and economic benefits of building for health and wellness. This is resulting in a transformation of unappealing, unhealthy corridors that discourage physical activity and social interaction into vibrant, attractive destinations that catalyze further community development and investment," said ULI Chief Executive Officer W. Edward Walter. "These reports build on ULI's work in helping to create healthy corridors for cities across the United States, and hopefully, they will spur conversations about how to use health to reimagine the future of these areas."

Blind Spots looks at the impact of unhealthy corridors, why communities all over the country have them, and what can be done to transform them. The report examines their prevalence and location, the conditions they share, and the impact they have on people's lives. It also explores the land use and transportation decisions that give rise to and perpetuate their existence, as well as opportunities to use policy and practice levers to reshape them into community assets.

"This report confirms that far too many major roads in our communities are dangerous by design, unhealthy, and economically underperforming. These problems are interconnected and often coexist in place, so transforming these unhealthy corridors into safe, thriving places for people will require interdisciplinary and place-based solutions," said SGA President and Chief Executive Officer Calvin Gladney, who is a ULI trustee.

As part of the research effort, ULI and SGA undertook an audit of corridors nationwide, providing a statistically accurate snapshot of corridor conditions and prevalence. This research shows that unhealthy corridors constitute a loss to communities in terms of human life and safety, economic productivity, and transportation efficiency.

Key findings include:

Primary arterials are dangerous. These high-capacity, high-speed roads that connect highways and interstate arterials to lower-capacity roads and serve as the de facto main street in many communities around the country represent 157,033 miles of the nation's 4.2 million miles of roadwaysjust 4 percent of the totalbut have accounted for almost 30 percent of traffic fatalities in recent years.

These high-capacity, high-speed roads that connect highways and interstate arterials to lower-capacity roads and serve as the de facto main street in many communities around the country represent 157,033 miles of the nation's 4.2 million miles of roadwaysjust 4 percent of the totalbut have accounted for almost 30 percent of traffic fatalities in recent years. Unhealthy corridors are ubiquitous. Sixty-seven percent of commercial corridors are at least moderately unhealthy, and 4 percent are severely unhealthy. Only 3 percent can be considered healthy.

Sixty-seven percent of commercial corridors are at least moderately unhealthy, and 4 percent are severely unhealthy. Only 3 percent can be considered healthy. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable. People walking make up a disproportionate share of traffic deaths on arterial commercial corridors. Nationwide between 2012-2016, 15 percent of people killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians, but on the commercial corridors analyzed for the report, pedestrians accounted for 32 percent of traffic deaths.

The report examines the causes of unhealthy corridors, finding that land use and transportation policies and practices oriented toward autos rather than people lead to the corridors' proliferation and persistence. These policies and practices can and should be addressed so that corridors are better able to serve residents and workers in the communities, the report notes.

Problematic land use and transportation policies and practices include sprawling, separated land use patterns and policies, car-oriented street design and operations, many disincentives for private development to redevelop unhealthy corridors, and a lack of local autonomy. The report offers alternative approaches, including:

Replacing single-use zoning with mixed-use zoning districts;

Adopting Complete Streets policies that commit to creating comprehensive networks to support walking, biking and use of public transit;

Encouraging investment with land-value tax policies; and

Encouraging state transportation departments to adopt context-sensitive design guidance and give local governments more flexibility and autonomy.

Envisioning Healthy Corridors is a supplement to a 2016 ULI publication, Building Healthy Corridors: Transforming Urban and Suburban Arterials into Thriving Places. The new report describes efforts in four communities, catalyzed by ULI District Councils and ULI members, to transform their problematic urban and suburban arterials into healthy places. Corridor profiles summarize corridor challenges, recommendations from ULI-led workshops, and next steps:

In Englewood, Colorado , stakeholders explored opportunities to create a health-focused east-west corridor along South Broadway that links hospitals to neighborhoods, expands housing options, and creates a vibrant retail environment.

, stakeholders explored opportunities to create a health-focused east-west corridor along South Broadway that links hospitals to neighborhoods, expands housing options, and creates a vibrant retail environment. In Fayetteville, Arkansas , leaders looked at how College Avenue/Highway 71B could be designed for a variety of modes and how creative strategies could help foster the development of attractive, authentic places along the corridor.

, leaders looked at how College Avenue/Highway could be designed for a variety of modes and how creative strategies could help foster the development of attractive, authentic places along the corridor. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , ULI convened local and national experts to recommend enhancements to Grays Ferry Avenue, including improved on-street infrastructure that accommodates pedestrians and bicyclists, greening efforts, and affordable housing.

, ULI convened local and national experts to recommend enhancements to Grays Ferry Avenue, including improved on-street infrastructure that accommodates pedestrians and bicyclists, greening efforts, and affordable housing. In the Minneapolis - Saint Paul , Minnesota region, an interjurisdictional collaborative was sought for the Rice-Larpenteur Gateway, along with ongoing holistic community engagement.

The report shares common lessons and recommendations for achieving healthier corridors, including 1) lead with health; 2) get organized, 3) engage with the local community during the process; 4) promote policies and planning that focus on health and wellness; and 5) emphasize equitable economic development.

"As these reports show, unhealthy corridors can be deadly and costly for communities," said Billy Grayson, executive director of ULI's Sustainability Center, which includes the institute's Building Healthy Places Initiative. "America's dangerous and underperforming urban and suburban arterials reside in the country's collective "blind spots"often places that are ugly, unloved, unsafe, and neglected. But they are not inevitable. Healthier corridors are possible, if the right mix of strategies can be brought to bear."

About the Urban Land Institute

The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the institute has more than 42,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. For more information, please visit uli.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Smart Growth America

Smart Growth America envisions a country where no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient. We empower communities through technical assistance, advocacy, and thought leadership to realize our vision of livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity. Learn more at www.smartgrowthamerica.org.

SOURCE Urban Land Institute

Related Links

http://www.uli.org

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has selected two organizations to host the final phase of its four-year series of increasingly complicated technical demonstrations involving small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones.

The Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems in Las Vegas and the Lone Star UAS Center for Excellence & Innovation in Corpus Christi, Texas, will host demonstrations to confirm NASA's UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system can safely and effectively manage drone traffic in an urban area.

The drone flights will take place in and around downtown Reno, Nevada between March and June, and Corpus Christi during July and August.

"This phase represents the most complicated demonstration of advanced UAS operating in a demanding urban environment that will have been tested to date," said Ronald Johnson, NASA's UTM project manager. "We are pleased at the plans by our partners in Nevada and Texas to conduct flight tests in a true urban environment with the support of the City of Reno and the City of Corpus Christi."

With these demonstrations, NASA and its partners including the Federal Aviation Administration, aim to help the commercial drone industry understand the challenges posed by flying in an urban environment. Results of the flight demonstrations also will help inform future rules, policies and traffic management procedures for operating drones safely over populated areas.

Key technologies to be demonstrated include: airspace regulator Flight Information Management System, the UAS Service Supplier interface for multiple independent UAS traffic management service providers, and their interface with vehicle integrated detect-and-avoid capabilities, vehicle-to-vehicle communication and collision avoidance, and automated safe landing technologies.

"We are very excited to partner with NASA on such an important program that will have a significant innovative impact on the global UAS Industry," said Chris Walach, the Nevada organization's senior director.

Mike Sanders, acting executive director of the Texas organization, added, "This series of tests is a critical step in enabling the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems within an urban environment."

The UTM project is part of the Airspace Operations and Safety Program in NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.

For more information about UTM, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/ames/utm

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov

PORTLAND, Oregon, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Mass Spectrometry Market by Technology (Hybrid Mass Spectrometry [Triple Quadrapole, Quadrapole TOF, and Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry], Single Mass Spectrometry [Ion Trap, Quadrapole, and Time-of-Flight], and Other Mass Spectrometry) and Application (Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Industrial Chemistry, Environmental Testing, Food & Beverage Testing, and Other Applications) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20172023." The report provides an extensive analysis of key winning strategies, drivers & opportunities, market size & forecasts, and competitive landscape. According to the report, the global mass spectrometry market garnered $4.98 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach at $7.92 billion by 2023, registering a CAGR of 8.0% from 2017 to 2023.

Technological advancements in mass spectrometry, rise in concerns related to food & environmental welfare, and wide application areas are currently driving the market. However, high costs related to mass spectrometry equipment and scarcity of trained professionals restrain the market growth. On the other hand, untapped potential in developing countries and miniaturization of mass spectrometry devices create new opportunities in the industry.

Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2639

Hybrid mass spectrometry to be a lucrative segment

Hybrid mass spectrometry contributed to more than half of the total market share in 2017 and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. This segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 8.2% from 2017 to 2023. It is a lucrative segment, owing to higher level of performance as compared to other types of spectrometers, technological advancements, miniaturization of spectrometers, user friendliness, and ability to offer sensitive data in short period of time. The report also analyzes single mass spectrometry and others.

Pharmaceuticals to maintain its leadership status by 2023

Pharmaceuticals accounted for more than nearly one-fourth of the total market share in 2017 and is expected to maintain its leadership status by 2023. This is due to massive utilization of mass spectrometry in the pharmaceuticals industry for different applications during the drug discovery processes and clinical trials. However, food & beverage testing is expected to grow at the highest growth rate, registering a CAGR of 10.0% from 2017 to 2023, owing to surge in awareness among population about food safety and increase in concerns related to food and environment welfare. The research also analyzes biotechnology, industrial chemistry, environmental testing, and others.

For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2639

North America to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period

North America contributed to nearly two-fifths of the total market share in 2017 and is expected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is due to increase in adoption of technologically advanced spectrometry techniques and integration of advanced software and hardware processes in spectrometry devices. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 8.7% from 2017 to 2023, owing to increase in food and beverage testing procedures by major food & beverage manufacturers, rise in demand for advanced devices, and surge in awareness of in developing nations.

Key market players

Leading market players analyzed in the research include Agilent Technologies, Inc., Waters Corporation, Danaher Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Bruker Corporation, Shimadzu Corporation, Perkinelmer, Inc., Dani Instruments S.P.A., Kore Technologies, Ltd., and Leco Corporation.

Access KNOWLEDGE TREE (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/knowledgetree

Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas.

Similar Reports:

DNA Diagnostics Market

Pharmaceutical Pellets Market

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.

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Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com

SOURCE Allied Market Research"Lewis has the kind of expertise in corporate financial investments, strategy development and implementation, international operational management, and market-entry strategies we need to help grow Karma's unique luxury electric vehicle nice," said Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou. "Karma attracts top talent because we have a very clear vision of what's required to achieve our goals and execute a solid product plan that spans the next decade. Our future is strong."

Liu comes to Karma from Faraday Future where he served as Senior Director of Strategic Partnership & Business Development since 2016. Prior to his time at Faraday, Liu was a Managing Director of KPMG Advisory (China), leading the management consulting practice for the automotive industry. Prior to joining KPMG, Liu was Senior Vice President at Ascension Capital, a private equity firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions for the auto industry. Lewis was also the General Manager and Plant Manager at Philips Lighting Electronics where he managed a business unit in the Asia Pacific region for Philips.

"Karma's Value-Forward business plan which in part encourages collaboration with the right business partners to help accelerate technology and product development really attracted me to the company," said Liu. "I'm excited to help create long-term value for a brand that's defined by exclusive design and craftsmanship, intuitive and integrated high technology, personalized customization that allows every Karma vehicle to be special, and an owner experience with unrivaled treatment."

Liu, who reports directly to Mikael Elley, Karma's Co-Chief of Staff, will craft strategies to meet future luxury EV customer demands, leverage technology developments, and remain in front of competitor plans and industry trends to help ensure Karma is well positioned for success. He is expected to play a key role in driving revenue and maximizing profitability.

Liu earned his MBA from the University of Chicago and his master's degree in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Mississippi. He also earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Beijing Polytechnic University.

Meet Karma Automotive and Karma Revero

Karma Automotive designs, engineers, assembles and markets luxury electric vehicles, all from its Southern California base of operations. Founded in 2014 and employing nearly 1,000 people worldwide, Karma Automotive is committed to elevating and growing the luxury mobility experience for its customers and draws on global relationships and technology partners to achieve this. Named Green Car Journal's 2018 Luxury Green Car of the Year, Karma Revero is a luxury electric vehicle powered by dual electric motors that embodies the company's goals of offering leading automotive design, technology, customization and an outstanding customer experience.

Learn more about Karma Automotive and Revero at www.karmaautomotive.com or visit the password-free Karma Newsroom at www.karmanewsroom.com for the latest press releases, videos and images.

SOURCE Karma Automotive

Related Links

https://www.karmaautomotive.com

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Instant Magazine, a creative platform for building and publishing immersive web content, has changed its name to Foleon. The name change is accompanied by a refreshed visual identity, product improvements, and a broader vision encouraging users that "It's okay to show off."

Why Foleon?

Due to continuous development of the platform, the name Instant Magazine no longer covers the diversity of Foleon's use cases. Instant Magazine was primarily used to create online magazines. Today, however, the platform is used to create a multitude of marketing and communication assets such as interactive brochures, white papers, internal newsletters, and microsites.

"The new name, Foleon, is derived from 'folio' and 'portfolio,'" says Daan Reijnders, co-founder and CEO of Foleon. "The 'on' is powerful and stands for interactive and online."

A PDF replacement

Over 1,300 organizations are now using Foleon. The company has rapidly scaled to almost 100 employees and has offices in Amsterdam, New York City, and London.

"Our ambition is to become the international standard for interactive web content," says Reijnders. "We want to offer the creative suite for building all content that you previously produced in print or PDF. We also want to help our clients create relevant content that is visually immersive, media-rich, and looks great on any device. All publications are measurable, giving our users valuable insights into reader behavior, and allowing them to better tailor their content to their target group."

A completely new dashboard and free publication templates

Foleon's new visual identity also brings an updated user interface and dashboard. This includes many new features and helps users create publications even faster, with a suite of professionally designed templates. Other major upcoming product improvements include a template builder, user management, CRM integrations, a chart builder, and more.

"It's okay to show off" is the essence of Foleon's new identity. "With Foleon, you create content that really stands out," says Reijnders. "You should be proud of this impressive content and share it with the world, hence the new tagline."

About Foleon

Foleon is an online creative platform for quickly producing sales and marketing collateral that's visually immersive, measurable, and proven to keep readers engaged. It empowers organizations to replace all their PDFs and printed communication assets with responsive, media-rich web publications. Visit www.foleon.com for more information. Follow Foleon on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more updates and related content.

Press contact

Minnie Ongsricharoenporn

Foleon

[email protected]

347-727-6809

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SOURCE FoleonWASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hudson Institute announced today that Jon Lerner and Robert Spalding have joined the Institute's policy team as senior fellows. Lerner will pursue a research program on U.S. foreign policy, and Spalding will examine U.S.-China relations and American technological and economic leadership.

"My colleagues and I are absolutely delighted to welcome Jon Lerner and Rob Spalding to Hudson," said Ken Weinstein, President and CEO of Hudson Institute. "They have decades of experiences and sound policy judgment, and they will be important voices on key policy debates here in Washington and around the world."

Jon Lerner

Jon Lerner joins Hudson Institute as senior fellow, focusing on U.S. foreign policy. Lerner most recently served in the Trump administration as deputy to former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. In that capacity, he served on the Deputies Committee of the National Security Council, responsible for crafting administration positions on a full range of foreign policy issues with emphasis on actions at the United Nations. After managing two U.S. senate campaigns, Lerner founded a polling and advertising company that grew to become one of the leading political consulting, survey research, and advertising firms in America. He has helped elect more than two dozen U.S. senators, members of Congress, and governors, and held senior positions on two presidential campaigns.

Robert Spalding

Robert Spalding joins Hudson Institute as senior fellow, focusing on U.S.-China relations and American technological and economic leadership. He recently served as senior director for strategic planning at the National Security Council, working as chief architect of the framework for national competition in the Trump administration's National Security Strategy (NSS). He has served in senior positions of strategy and diplomacy within the Defense and State Departments for over 25 years and is an accomplished innovator in government and a national security policy strategist. Spalding has been a senior defense official and defense attache to China in Beijing; chief China strategist for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs; and a military fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations. He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

For additional information, please contact Hudson Institute at (202) 974-2400 or [email protected].

SOURCE Hudson Institute

Related Links

http://www.hudson.org

DUBLIN, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Aerospace Pressure Bulkheads Market by Aircraft Type, by Platform Type, by Material Type, by Shape Type, by Manufacturing Process Type, and by Region, Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2019-2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The pressure bulkheads market for the aerospace industry is estimated to grow at an above industry growth rate over the next five years to reach an estimated value of US$ 505.5 million in 2024.

This report studies the global aerospace pressure bulkheads market over the trend period from 2013 to 2018 and the forecast period from 2019 to 2024. The report provides detailed insights into the market dynamics to enable informed business decision making and growth strategy formulation based on the opportunities present in the market.

The Global Aerospace Pressure Bulkheads Market: Highlights

Pressure bulkhead of an aircraft is an essential component that covers the front and rear end of a fuselage. It maintains the pressure required for the cabin of an aircraft; hence, it is considered very important for the safety of passengers and crew members. There are typically two pressure bulkheads present in an aircraft, one at the front end of fuselage and other at the rear end. Front pressure bulkhead is located near the nose landing gear and maintains front cabin pressure, whereas rear pressure bulkhead seals the pressurized passenger compartment.



The market is served by aircraft OEMs producing bulkheads in-house for some of their bulkheads as well as independent suppliers/tier players producing bulkheads for different aircraft OEMs. Major aircraft OEMs, such as Airbus and Bombardier, are producing pressure bulkheads, generally front one, for some of their aircraft programs. Also, major tier players including Spirit AeroSystems and RUAG, are also present in the market, primarily producing rear pressure bulkheads. However, tier players also produce front pressure bulkheads.



The market has experienced a remarkable transition over a period of time, especially in terms of design, material, and size among which composite pressure bulkhead is in limelight. Both major commercial aircraft manufacturers: Boeing and Airbus, have played a crucial role in the development of composite pressure bulkheads targeting further improvements in the safety of the aircraft. Composite pressure bulkheads are highly corrosion resistant and offer high strength-to-weight ratio, low maintenance requirement, and contain a reduced number of parts. For instance, Airbus manufactures composite pressure bulkheads for its A380 program using carbon fiber-reinforced plastics and saves up to 40 kg (88 lbs.) than the similar-sized metallic bulkheads. Boeings B737, B737 Max, B787 and Airbus' A330, A350XWB, A380, A220, and COMAC's C919 are equipped with composite pressure bulkhead.



The excellent growth of the market is driven by a host of factors including the increasing production rates of the best-selling aircraft including B737, A320, B787, A220, and A350XWB, introduction of the fuel-efficient variant of the key aircraft programs including B737Max, B777x, A320neo, A330neo, and E-2 jets, an increased demand for lightweight composite pressure bulkheads, and an advancement in the manufacturing technology.



The market is segmented based on the aircraft type as Narrow-Body Aircraft, Wide-Body Aircraft, Very Large-Body Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, and Business Jet. Narrow-body aircraft is expected to remain the largest segment of the global aerospace pressure bulkheads market during the forecast period of 2019 to 2024, whereas wide-body aircraft is expected to experience the highest growth during the same period. Increasing commercial aircraft deliveries to support rising passenger and freight traffic, introduction of fuel-efficient next-generation aircraft, and rising commercial aircraft fleet size across regions are the key factors propelling the demand for pressure bulkheads in the segment.



Based on the material type, the is segmented as Metal Pressure Bulkheads and Composite Pressure Bulkheads. Metal pressure bulkhead is projected to remain the most dominant segment of the market over the next five years as well. Metal pressure bulkheads, generally aluminum, have an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and are easy to repair as compared to composite ones. Low cost is another key countable factor for its preference over composite pressure bulkheads.



Composite pressure bulkhead is projected to remain the faster-growing segment during the forecast period. The aerospace industry is demanding lightweight components that can contribute to its goal of achieving higher fuel efficiency and reducing the emissions. This has resulted in an increased demand for composite pressure bulkheads. Rear pressure bulkheads of aircraft are more often made with composites compared to the forward ones. But now, composites are also gaining the traction in the forward location.



Based on the shape type, the market is segmented as Flat-shaped Bulkheads and Curved-Shaped bulkheads. Flat pressure bulkhead is projected to remain the most dominant segment of the market over the next five years. Pressure bulkhead structure is highly dependent upon the structure of an aircraft. Rear pressure bulkheads are generally curved, whereas the front ones are flat; however, Boeing, in its major program B737, has replaced curved pressure bulkhead to flat one in the rear location in order to increase more cabin space and add more seats.



In terms of region, North America is projected to remain the largest market during the forecast period as the region is the manufacturing capital of the aerospace industry with the presence of several large- to small-sized aircraft OEMs and tier players. The USA would remain the growth engine of the North American market. North America is the hub of the major pressure bulkhead manufacturers, such as Triumph Group, Inc., Bombardier Inc., and Spirit AeroSystems GmbH.



Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the highest CAGR over the next five years, propelled by several factors including upcoming commercial and regional aircraft, such as C919 and MRJ, and an opening of assembly plants in China by Boeing and Airbus. China, Japan, and India are expected to remain the growth engines of the Asia-Pacific's market during the forecast period.



Companies Mentioned



Aernnova Aerospace S.A.

Airbus Group

AVIC SAC Commercial Aircraft Company Ltd.

Bombardier Inc.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Premium AEROTEC GmbH

RUAG Holding AG

Spirit AeroSystems GmbH

Triumph Group

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/jc4g2f/global_aerospace?w=5

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The global automotive airbag and seat belt market size is expected to reach USD 73.45 billion by 2025, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. Various federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to the installation of basic passive safety systems is one of the major factors driving the market. Growing awareness among consumers about the importance of implementing safety systems in vehicles is also responsible for propelling the market growth.

Key suggestions from the report:

Knee airbags segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.7% over the estimated period due to added protection offered by these airbags

The three point seat belt segment is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period and is projected to remain the preferred choice in a majority of commercial and passenger vehicles

The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is anticipated to register the highest CAGR over the forecast years due high product demand

Presence of emerging nations including China and India who are expected to exhibit a significant growth, in terms of GDP and disposable income, will also boost APAC market

Some of the key companies in the global automotive airbag and seat belt market include Autoliv, Inc.; Key Safety Systems (KSS); Robert Bosch GMBH; Continental AG; Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.; Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.; and ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

Read 122 page research report with TOC on "Automotive Airbag And Seat Belt Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End Use (Passenger, Commercial), By Type (Curtain, Knee, Side, Two Point, Three Point), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/automotive-airbag-seat-belt-market

Increasing consumer disposable income levels, particularly in emerging nations of Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, are expected to have a positive impact on the market. Furthermore, the automotive market in these regions is witnessing considerable progress. Rising profitability of the automotive market consequently promotes the growth of the airbag and seatbelt market. Technological advancements and continuous product development have also augmented the demand for products, such as airbag and seat belts, thereby supporting market expansion.

The introduction of enhanced fabric technologies, new coating application, and inflatable and motorized seatbelts, are expected to drive the market further. As technologies mature over the forecast period, it would only act in favor of the industry players, since technological maturation would lead to lower prices, subsequently promoting the adoption of these products.

Grand View Research has segmented the global automotive airbag and seat belt market on the basis of type, end use, and region:

Automotive Airbag and Seat Belt Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Airbag Type



Curtain Airbag





Front Airbag





Knee Airbag





Side Airbag



Seat Belt Type



Two Point





Three Point





Others

Automotive Airbag and Seat Belt End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

AirbagEnd Use



Passenger Vehicle





Commercial Vehicle



Seat Belt End Use



Passenger Vehicle





Commercial Vehicle

Automotive Airbag and Seat Belt Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

North America



U.S.





Canada



Europe



U.K.





Germany





France



Asia Pacific



China





India





Japan



Latin America



Brazil





Mexico

Find more research reports on Automotive & Transportation Industry, by Grand View Research:

Automotive Heat Exchanger Market - The global automotive heat exchanger market is projected to grow at a significant rate owing to increase in demand for automotive components in engineering industrial and commercial applications.

Automotive Finance Market - The global automotive finance market is poised to witness a significant growth owing to factors such as decreasing unemployment rate and higher per capita income levels.

Agricultural Machinery Market - The global agricultural machinery market is projected to witness significant growth from 2016 to 2022 and is expected to be valued over USD 200 billion by 2024 on account of upcoming technologies in the industry

Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: +1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: [email protected]

Web : https://www.grandviewresearch.com

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SOURCE Grand View Research, IncSALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- An Army combat veteran in Utah has filed a lawsuit against 3M, seeking damages for permanent hearing loss caused by defective earplugs and alleging that the manufacturer doctored test results to win a government contract.

The lawsuit filed by Dallas-based Fears Nachawati Law Firm on behalf of Nathan Fortie seeks economic damages for permanent hearing loss and tinnitus caused when 3M Combat Arms Earplugs failed to protect him from loud combat noises including impulse noises and gunfire, mortar and cannon explosions. The suit also contends that 3M failed to provide key safety information to the soldiers.

"This company took advantage of the U.S. government by profiting from an inferior and defective product. But more significantly, it took advantage of U.S. troops who put their lives on the line to serve their country," said Fears Nachawati cofounder Bryan Fears.

Originally created by Aearo, which was acquired by 3M in 2008, the "selective attenuation earplugs" were issued to soldiers between 2003 and 2015. In 2018, 3M paid more than $9 million to resolve Justice Department claims that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly selling the earplugs without disclosing defects.

Mr. Fortie's suit says the earplugs are too short for proper insertion. Combined with a separate defect, they are prone to loosen, making them ineffective at protecting soldiers from harmful noises.

The Hearing Health Foundation estimates that 60 percent of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from tinnitus or hearing loss. Tinnitus is the No. 1 service-related disability, affecting more than 1.5 million veterans, according to the American Tinnitus Association.

The case is Nathan Fortie v. 3M et al., Case No. 1:19-cv-00011-EJF in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. Similar lawsuits on behalf of injured veterans have been filed across the country. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is now considering a motion to transfer all related lawsuits to the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota where 3M is based.

Dallas-based Fears Nachawati Law Firm represents individuals and businesses in cases involving public entities, private entities, mass torts, serious personal injury, auto accidents, drug and medical device cases, wrongful death, business and family law, bankruptcy, and criminal defense matters. For more information on the firm, visit https://www.fnlawfirm.com.

Media Contact:

Robert Tharp

214-559-4630

[email protected]

SOURCE Fears Nachawati Law Firm

Related Links

https://www.fnlawfirm.com

An ideal time to achieve Ladder Safety Ambassador status is during the second week of ALI's National Ladder Safety Month , taking place February 24-March 30, 2019. The third annual event celebrates and educates on ladder safety through ALI's Ladder Safety Training and free resources that inspire better work and home practices.

The Ladder Safety Ambassador program details safe ladder usage for a variety of industries and applications, including:

Construction/painting

Building and custodial services

Warehousing

Power

Manufacturing

Chemical and petrochemical

Oil and gas

Vocational training and schools

At home

In addition to teaching participants how to safely use laddersstepladders, single and extension ladders, articulated ladders, mobile ladders, etc.the training also explains how to properly select and care for a ladder.

Training consists of watching four modules that demonstrate safe ladder practices on a variety of ladder types. Participants take a short quiz following each video. Successful completion of all four module exams (scoring 90% or greater) qualifies an individual to earn a ladder safety certificate. Companies, organizations and/or schools become ALI Ladder Safety Ambassadors when 10 or more exams are successfully completed.

Certified organizations receive an exclusive ALI Safety Ambassador logo and access to a robust toolkit, to help spread the word about their achievement. Individuals can also proudly announce that they've earned the certification with a special "I'm Certified" graphic.

"Every year, more than 300 people die from ladder-related injuries," says Pam O'Brien, ALI's executive director. "These injuries are both physically and financially debilitating. ALI is committed to helping people stay safe on ladders, both at home and at work."

Learn more about ALI's Ladder Safety Training program, and explore a list of current Ladder Safety Ambassadors here.

About the American Ladder Institute

Founded in 1947, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to promoting safe ladder use through ladder safety resources, bilingual safety training and the development of ladder safety standards. ALI also represents the common business interests of its members who are comprised of the leading ladder and ladder component manufacturers in the United States and Canada.

ALI's free education and training resources provide guidance on the proper selection, care and safe use of ladders in the workplace and at home. ALI also serves as secretariat for the ANSI A14 Committee, comprised of industry experts who develop safety standards for the appropriate design, manufacture, testing, care and use of various types of ladders.

For more information, contact:

Claire Sereiko

Senior Marketing Coordinator

American Ladder Institute

312.673.4984

[email protected]

SOURCE American Ladder Institute

Related Links

http://www.americanladderinstitute.org

PARIS, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- American Jewish Committee (AJC) praised French President Emmanuel Macron's call tonight for France to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of anti-Semitism.

The president's pledge came during his address to the annual dinner of CRIF, the umbrella organization representing French Jews, which took place amidst a new surge in attacks on Jews and Jewish sites in the country.

"For the first time in many years, anti-Semitism is killing people again in France," said Macron, adding that French authorities "did not know how to react effectively."

AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization, has long advocated for adoption by European governments of the working definition as a vital tool to mobilize against anti-Semitism.

Earlier this week, in high-level meetings in Paris and in an oped in Le Figaro, the national newspaper, AJC urged France's political leadership to re-examine the efficacy of current strategies to combat rising anti-Semitism in France. The AJC call for action came following the release of a government report showing a 74 percent spike in anti-Semitic incidents during 2018, compared to the previous year.

"President Macron's declaration endorsing the working definition is critically important and most welcome," said Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, Director of AJC Europe, who attended the CRIF dinner. "However, additional substantive, sustained, and meaningful steps are urgently required to seriously confront the scourge of anti-Semitism that has strikingly strong roots in French society."

AJC has worked closely with successive French governments, praising the launch four years ago of a comprehensive plan to fight anti-Semitism and racism that included creation of the senior position of Inter-ministerial Delegate to Fight against Racism and anti-Semitism.

"Clearly, well-intentioned government efforts over the past 18 years to effectively combat anti-Semitism have fallen short," said Rodan-Benzaquen. "We at AJC will admit to considerable frustration that our efforts, as friends of France and beginning in 2001 with the Chirac presidency, took so long to bear any real fruit, but in this case better late than never."

The IHRA definition, adopted by the alliance's 31-member states in 2016, is based on the 2005 European Monitoring Centre (EUMC) Working Definition. It offers a clear and comprehensive description of anti-Semitism in its various forms, including hatred and discrimination against Jews, Holocaust denial, and, of particular note, anti-Semitism as it relates to Israel. France is a member of the IHRA.

AJC worked closely over a decade ago with the EUMC in developing this working definition as a tool for monitors and law-enforcement officials.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org

"Who doesn't want to help put a smile on a child's face?" said Advisors Excel Co-Founder Cody Foster. "As a parent, I can't imagine how hard it is to have a seriously ill child and wanting with all your heart to just see them laugh and have fun. I like to think we are providing a positive experience that both the child and the parent can remember for years to come and hopefully is something they can draw strength from."

Advisors Excel raised the funds in conjunction with more than 700 of the nation's top financial professionals who were attending a two-day training event in Phoenix. The company hosts the event each year and always includes an opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause. To date, Advisors Excel and its affiliated independent financial professionals have raised more than $3 million to help incredible charities and amazing organizations around the country.

"When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope," said Make-A-Wish President and CEO Richard K. Davis. "Through the generous support of Advisors Excel, they've been able to impact our mission across the entire country in many ways  and in particular, the ability to grant over 50 wishes. Much appreciation to them for helping make a difference in the lives of our Wish Kids."

The founding principle of Make-A-Wish is to grant the wish of every eligible child. For Wish Kids, granting wishes is more than a nice gesture, it's a game-changer. In many cases, having a wish granted gives these little warriors the strength and courage they need to comply with difficult medical treatments, and most importantly, keep fighting. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 300,000 wishes to children in the U.S. and its territories. A wish is granted every 34 minutes.

About Advisors Excel:

Advisors Excel was founded in 2005 by David Callanan, Cody Foster and Derek Thompson to bring unparalleled service to independent financial professionals while supporting every aspect of their business. Advisors Excel provides access to a vast array of financial products, unequaled training, powerful marketing and lead generation support, as well as a culture in which many of the nation's top independent financial professionals continually refine their skills to better serve their valued clients. Through this holistic approach, Advisors Excel seeks to raise the expectations of these professionals, both for their own businesses and for the service they bring to the families and individuals with whom they work.

For more information: Tracey Stratton, Advisors Excel  866.363.9595

[email protected]

SOURCE Advisors Excel

Related Links

http://www.advisorsexcel.com

MONTREAL, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

Accedian, the market leader in Network Performance Management Solutions, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Patrick Ostiguy, the Company's founder, as Executive Chairman of the Board. Dion Joannou, who previously occupied the role of Chief Operating Officer at Accedian, will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Joannou has also been appointed as a Board Director. In his new role, Mr. Ostiguy will devote his focus to customers and partners while working with Mr. Joannou to shape the vision and strategy of the company. Mr. Joannou will work closely with Mr. Ostiguy, the Leadership Team, and the Board to lead the company through its next phase of growth and overall success.

"I am very excited to have Dion take on the CEO role," said Patrick Ostiguy. "We have had the opportunity to work together over the last 18 months, and I am extremely impressed with his passion, dedication and, in this short time, how he has helped transform the company into the leader for end-to-end network and application performance visibility for both service providers and enterprises. With over 30 years of industry experience, Dion's operational expertise and international experience makes him the ideal person to step into the CEO role as we continue to grow and help our customers navigate through their digital transformation journeys. We are extremely fortunate to have someone of this caliber as part of our organization. This is truly a significant milestone for our company."

"Dion is a well-known, respected executive in the technology industry, whom I've had the privilege of working with over the last two years," said Tom Manley, Senior Principal and Chief Administrative Officer of Bridge Growth Partners and Lead Director of the Board at Accedian. "He has had an impressive list of accomplishments throughout his career serving in senior executive roles at a number of industry-leading companies, including Viavi and Nortel Networks, as well as holding several Director and Chairman roles across several boards. On behalf of Bridge Growth Partners, I'm pleased to have Dion as our new CEO, and I look forward to seeing the company continue to grow and evolve under his leadership."

"I have been impressed with the people across the entire organization that I have had the opportunity to work with since I joined Accedian a little less than 2 years ago, and I am truly honored to have earned the trust and support of the Board of Directors and the Leadership Team to be taking on this new challenge as CEO. Patrick has done an incredible job in building a world-class organization over the last 15 years" said Dion Joannou. "I am excited to work with Patrick, Tom and the rest of the team to deliver exceptional value to customers, partners and investors."

Under Mr. Joannou's leadership, Accedian will continue to pursue its vision of empowering service providers and enterprises with exceptional end-to-end network and application performance visibility that radically improves user experience and grows profitability.

About Dion Joannou

Mr. Joannou is a proven business leader with over 30 years of global, multi-functional experience in software technology, mobile, cloud and business-oriented IT solutions. Mr. Joannou is recognized for his ability to create strategic alliances with organization leaders, and he has extensive expertise in building and retaining high performance teams while driving operational effectiveness.

Dion brings a wealth of industry-specific commercialization expertise to Accedian. Prior to joining Accedian, Dion served for 2 years as Senior Vice President of Sales, Network Service Enablement (NSE) at Viavi (previously JDSU) in the field of Network Performance Assurance. Prior to this, Dion worked at Nortel Networks for 14 years where he held a number of high-level leadership positions overseeing sales, commercialization, operations, support and marketing in the IP and Wireless businesses. Throughout his time at Nortel, he successively drove the Vodafone Group account while based in Europe, he was President of the Caribbean/Latin America region, Chief Strategy Officer for all of Nortel globally, and finally, President for all of the North America region, including both Enterprise and Service Provider segments. Between Nortel and Viavi, Dion also held a variety of leadership and executive-level and board roles for a number of companies in the area of technology, services and investment.

Dion holds a BA from Southern Illinois University and MBA from University of Miami in International Business studies.

About Accedian

Accedian delivers exceptional end-to-end network and application performance visibility, for control over the best possible end-user digital experience. Full visibility across network services and application chains-spanning virtualized, cloud, software-defined, and physical infrastructure-empowers service providers and enterprises to embrace transformation, make most efficient use of digital assets to realize business goals, and strengthen their competitive position.

Accedian is an established expert at instrumenting networks of every size, with SkyLIGHT platform solutions that scale to monitor multinational networks. Since 2005, Accedian has partnered with its customers to deliver solutions across the globe, helping them and their users Experience Performance.

For more information, visit https://accedian.com/.

Follow us on Twitter: @Accedian

About Bridge Growth Partners

Bridge Growth Partners, LLC is a uniquely structured growth-oriented private equity firm that focuses on investments in the technology and technology-enabled financial services sectors. Bridge Growth Partners is committed to relationship-based investing, with a focus on supporting growth, operational excellence and world-class governance at its portfolio companies to create value for all stakeholders.

For more information about Bridge Growth Partners, please visit www.bridgegrowthpartners.com.

CONTACT:

Duncan McKean / Anais Merlin

CCgroup PR, for Accedian

T: +44-203-824-9200

E: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/accedian/r/accedian-board-of-directors-appoints-founder-patrick-ostiguy-as-executive-chairman-and-dion-joannou-,c2743802

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/18007/2743802/993270.pdf PDF http://news.cision.com/accedian/i/dion-joannou-accedian-headshot,c2577548 Dion Joannou Accedian headshot

SOURCE AccedianNew strategic investment reflects growing demand for cloud service solutions across Asia Pacific

SINGAPORE, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- HUAWEI CLOUD, the cloud-computing services of Huawei, unveiled a new region in Singapore today, expanding the reach of its full-stack cloud platform and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities across the Asia Pacific region.

HUAWEI CLOUD plans to develop the Singapore region into one of its largest regions outside of China. HUAWEI CLOUD's AI capabilities are scheduled to be built in the Singapore region. These AI capabilities will implement HUAWEI CLOUD's technical solutions and innovations, serving startups and major industries in the Asia Pacific, and promoting the development of an affordable, effective, reliable, and inclusive AI.

As a leading international financial hub, Singapore is a key services and shipping center in Asia, and an important member of both the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). It is also a strategic hub for Chinese-funded enterprises expanding overseas and for overseas enterprises entering the Asia Pacific.

"HUAWEI CLOUD is proud to strategically invest in Singapore region, expanding our presence across Asia Pacific with the support of local and global ICT ecosystem partners. We look forward to providing stable, secure, and scalable cloud platform for both local as well as Chinese-funded enterprises with overseas expansion plans," said Roben Wang, President of HUAWEI CLOUD Asia Pacific region. "These cloud services, which offer low latency and high cost-efficiency, will leverage the high-performance chips, servers, storage and network equipment that Huawei has developed, as well as the high-speed networks we have constructed with carriers in Asia Pacific."

Following approvals under Singapore's strict data security certification process, Huawei will provide 24/7 technical support and service assurance to HUAWEI CLOUD's customers in the government, the Internet, and the financial industry, as well as large local enterprises.

"Huawei has established a longstanding presence in the Asia Pacific region and has become part of the local ecosystems," said Jeffery Liu, President of HUAWEI South Pacific region. "In recent years, many governments in the Asia Pacific region have announced their digital transformation strategies. We are ready to help local governments and enterprises implement their digital transformation strategies through exciting new technologies such as cloud computing and AI. In addition, HUAWEI CLOUD will launch a skill training and recruitment plan for the Asia Pacific region, providing more employment opportunities and professional training programs for talent."

In addition to the Chinese mainland, Europe, and Latin America regions, HUAWEI CLOUD had unveiled regions in Hong Kong, Russia, Thailand, and South Africa in 2018. By the end of 2018, 40 availability zones had been opened in 23 geographic regions, providing reliable cloud services to users.

In late April 2019, Huawei will host HUAWEI CLOUD SUMMIT 2019 SINGAPORE, under the theme of "Grow with Intelligence". At this event, Huawei will discuss the development of digital economy with governments, experts, customers, partners, universities, and third-party analysts in the Asia Pacific region.

For more information, please visit https://activity-intl.huaweicloud.com/SingaporeCloud/index.html.

Related Links

https://intl.huaweicloud.com/



SOURCE Huawei CloudLONDON, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The CEO of CKV Spaarbank has gained global recognition in the illustrious Business Worldwide Magazine's (BWM) annual Awards program. Rudi Deruytter was named 'Financial Services CEO of the Year  Belgium', impressing the judging panel with his person-centred approach to digital transformation.

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.

As digitalisation continues to take the banking sector by storm, there's mounting pressure on financial institutions to keep up with technological advances and customer demand. With over a third of banking customers preferring to do all their banking online and increasing demand for mobile apps, traditional banks are in danger of being left behind if they don't respond to change.

Family run CKV Spaarbank may be a traditional bank, but their leader is anything but set in his ways. Rudi Deruytter is embracing change within the industry, harnessing modern technology to give customers more of what they want. It's no surprise to those who know how the bank operates; ever since it was established in 1956 CKV has been renowned for putting customers first.

Specialising in retail banking, the company mainly works with private individuals and has always been committed to working in a non-conventional way. The approach is a person-centred one, creating tailor made financial solutions that fit around the needs of the individual, with a strict code of ethics that include trust, social responsibility and compliance with law and regulations.

The bank's move towards digital banking is a direct response to customer need. Rudi Deruytter explained, "Digitalisation is the future. We want to innovate with technology today to define banking for tomorrow, so we are developing apps to make our clients' lives easier. "

As well as the bank's commitment to happy customers, there's also a clear emphasis on creating a happy workplace. "You can retain profitability if you have very happy people working for youtherefore, we are working hard to keep the people together, so they take pleasure in their work," he continued.

Further information about CKV Bank can be found at www.ckv.be

An article on the company can be found on the BWM website:

https://www.bwmonline.com/2019/02/04/how-the-established-banking-sector-is-responding-to-the-fintech-challenge/

Further details about Business Worldwide Magazine and the Global Corporate Excellence Awards can be found here: https://www.bwmonline.com/awards/

About CKV Spaarbank

CKV Spaarbank is an independent Belgian Savings Bank that has been active throughout Belgium since 1956. The bank offers a varied range of traditional savings products, as well as specializing in tailor-made solutions for mortgaged loans, both for private and professional purposes.

Contact CKV Spaarbank:

Email: info@ckv.be Phone: +3256629281.

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: Robert.weinberg@bwmonline.com

W: http://www.bwmonline.com

SOURCE Business Worldwide MagazineVoice Of Europe

February 20, 2019

Germany finally wants to deport a 20-year-old Nigerian asylum seeker in Burg and all it took was far over 100 crimes since he entered the country in March 2017.

The list of crimes is too long to include all but assault, insults, damaging property and animal cruelty are just a few examples.

Police had to monitor the man with three to four people for the last four days to prevent more incidents.

His latest stunt included putting a life-dove in his mouth crushing the animals neck with his teeth. After this he spat at and insulted a female railway worker.

According to the Dublin Regulation the man will be deported to Italy, the country of his first entry into the EU.

Read more

This article was posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 7:25 am

Print this page.

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Comment on this articleEmpire actor could be behind bars if allegations he staged attack are proven true

Paul Joseph Watson

PrisonPlanet.com

February 20, 2019

Jussie Smollett faces up to three years in prison if allegations that he staged a hate crime against himself are true, according to former prosecutor Andrew Weisberg.

Smollett launched a media firestorm at the end of last month when he claimed he was assaulted by two individuals who shouted this is MAGA country and had a noose placed around his neck.

However, police are now seriously investigating evidence which suggests Smollett paid Nigerian brothers Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo to stage the incident.

Should Smollett be found guilty of filing a false police report having staged the attack himself, the Empire actor could face several years in prison.

If it is determined that a person lied to police about a crime that was committed, they could be charged with a Class 4 Felony Disorderly conduct, Weisberg told HollywoodLife.

A d v e r t i s e m e n t



This is charged where a person reports to police that an offense took place when they knew at the time of the report that no crimes was actually committed, he added, noting that the charge carries a possibility of one to three years in prison, in addition to a fine up to $25,000.

Federal prosecutors could also pursue a mail fraud charge against Smollett if it turns out that he had a role in creating a letter sent to the Empire studios that contained homophobic slurs and white powder that turned out to be aspirin.

Aside from jail time, the broad consensus is that Smolletts career will be completely ruined should the allegations against him be proven accurate.

The best thing that Jussie can do is pray and pray a lot, said Ronn Torossian, founder of 5W Public Relations. If he made it up, he has big problems in both the court of law and the court of public opinion.

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Paul Joseph Watson is the editor at large of Infowars.com and Prison Planet.com.

This article was posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 1:01 pm

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February 20, 2019

Gay black actor Jussie Smollett may soon go down as the greatest hate hoaxer in American history, both because of the made-for-TV drama he allegedly concocted to successfully dupe a gullible and biased media, but also for taking the sport of fake hate crimes to a whole new level of hypocrisy.

If reports he staged the stunt are true, it sheds a whole new light to the actors habit of doling out advice online about social justice and racism, and attacks on conservatives who support President Trump.

The American Mirror offers a collection of Smolletts greatest hits, courtesy of the actors Twitter account.

Just days before Smollett told Chicago police he was attacked by Trump-loving racist homophobes in sub-zero Chicago at 2 a.m., he was accepting an the famous red tie at MLK Scholarship Breakfast as one of 5,000 role models kids can look up to.

Smollett proudly retweeted pictures from his induction into the 5,000 Role Models mentor program alongside other dignitaries including fellow actor Danny Glover.

An honor. Thank you for all you do @5000RoleModels  https://t.co/m4Jdaf7K9l  Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) January 27, 2019

Frauds are everywhere yall. Protect the mind, heart and spirit of you and your people at all costs. Just remember Salt, cocaine and anthrax can all appear to be sugar(the refined kind of course) just be careful out here fam. Happy Sunday. Love you. Real talk. Love on.  Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) January 27, 2019

Just two days before the attack, Smollett warned his followers that Frauds are everywhere yall.

Protect your mind, heart and spirit of you and your people at all costs, he wrote.

.@AOC is only speaking facts. This is so far beyond political party affiliation. Across the worldno matter the borderfrom sea to shining sea45 and all his white hooded cohorts are a national disgrace. And if you support themso are you. Clowns. pic.twitter.com/Qz4uIjF7xa  Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) January 20, 2019

Earlier that same week Smollett posted a video of socialist Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking in the House, and alleged 45 and all his white hooded cohorts are a national disgrace, referring to President Trump.

And if you support them, he added, so are you. Clowns.

Smolletts penchant for labeling all Trump supporters as racist and homophobic is a popular theme for the actor and central to the plot of his alleged attack. Two Nigerian brothers told police Smollett agreed to pay them $3,500 to stage the alleged hate crime, which also involved a noose from rope the two bought from a Chicago hardware store and red hats purchased from a beauty store days earlier.

The brothers allegedly rehearsed the performance, with Smollett directing them to yell out racist epithets and declare the wildly liberal downtown Chicago neighborhood MAGA country.

News reports cite unidentified sources that claim Smollett staged the attack as a way to gain fame as a victim and avoid being written off of Empire, though Fox executives that produce the show denied the allegations. An letter sent to the Fox studios by an alleged racist shortly before the attack didnt elicit the big response Smollett was looking for, the unidentified sources said, so he cooked up the plan to stage the attack.

Ego is Enemy. Check that.  Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) December 23, 2018

Ego is enemy, Smollett tweeted in December. Check that.

The month prior, he retweeted advice from user L E F T that seems especially relevant in the wake of recent revelations.

We are living in the age of under nuanced conversations about really complex conversations, the message read. Folks are so desperate to be the first to have a take on a story that often times the actual story never gets the change to reveal the facts and truths that fully color the situation.

Immediately following Smolletts claims of being attacked, noosed, bleached and hospitalized with a broken rib, the mainstream media simply reported his claims verbatim, despite an increasing number of hate hoaxes leading up to and since the 2016 election.

Every Democratic candidate for president in 2020 immediately jumped to support Smollett before police even collected the facts, which soon revealed the actors story didnt make any sense. Smollett claimed to have been on the phone with his manager during the attack, but neither men would allow police to review their phones.

Smollett also neglected to mention the allegedly horrific attack to the security attendant in the lobby of his apartment upon returning home with his Subway sandwich in hand, noose around his neck, surveillance video showed. Police said Smollett still had the noose around his neck when he called them to his apartment 45 minutes after the alleged hate crime.

Investigators were unable to find any evidence of the alleged attack, but the facts in the case eventually led them to the two Nigerian brothers, whom Smollett worked with as extras on the set of Empire, according to media reports.

Smolletts social media posts show hes been worried about getting kicked off the show for months.

Listen Kikitheyve been tryna kill me off for years. Almost suffocated in that trash can, Got shot, odd, eyebrows got burned off when Lucious car blew uptake ur picknot unlikely for me to be in danger. Jamal is like the gay Tupac. His haters cant see him!Or can they? https://t.co/r281Ezk79V  Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) November 29, 2018

Listen Kiki  theyve been tryna kill me off for years, Smollett wrote to a fan last November.

It was the month after he posted two wise words that would now likely do him some good: Be honest.

The fight to protect the legacy of someone who cares nothing about the legacy of you or your communitymatched with a downright short attention span, can be the ruination/halt of progress for an entire people. Be wise with who you give your money, protection and attention to.  Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) October 11, 2018

Also in October, he offered this sage advice:

The fight to protect the legacy of someone who cares nothing about the legacy of you or your community  matched with a downright short attention span, can be the ruination/halt of progress for an entire people. Be wise with who you give your money, protection and attention to.

Theres another Smollett post from June that speaks to his current predicament, as well.

Damn. It would be so much simpler for us all if we did this whole living life thing with LOVE. Just a thought  Night yall.  Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) June 5, 2018

It would be so much simpler for us all if we did this whole living thing with LOVE, he wrote.

Perhaps the most hypocritical message, however, came in 2016, when Smollett offered important questions that now seem especially relevant for himself, and the liberal media and politicians who helped to spread his alleged hate hoax.

Who is more to blame? A Devil who spreads obvious lies or a fool who chooses to believe those lies and pass them along?  #Thoughts  Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) March 22, 2016

Who is more to blame? Smollett questioned. A Devil who spreads obvious lies or a fool who chooses to believe those lies and pass them along?

This article was posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 6:41 am

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February 20, 2019

In his first interview since announcing his 2020 presidential campaign, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders called on the media to help sell his brand of socialism to American voters. Talking to CBS This Morning co-host John Dickerson for an interview aired on Tuesday, Sanders dismissed questions about the details of his radical Medicare-for-all proposal and lectured that the press must explain the truth of what a good deal it would be for people.

Sanders touted how many of the ideas that I talked about, Medicare-for-all, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, making public colleges and universities tuition free that were considered radical or extreme when he previously ran in 2016 had supposedly become part of the political mainstream.



Dickerson observed: So youre saying the party came your way? Sanders agreed: Well, I dont want to say that. I think most people would say that. In response, Dickerson offered a campaign slogan: Is that your argument, then, against your competitors? Which is, I was Medicare-for-all before Medicare-for-all was cool. Sanders chuckled and replied: I guess thats one way of looking at it.

That sentiment echoed a report from ABCs Good Morning America in which correspondent Terry Moran gushed that Sanders made democratic socialism cool for millions of voters. During his 2016 run, Sanders was treated to similar media adulation over his radical agenda and fearless socialism.

Read more

This article was posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 6:57 am

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February 20, 2019

President Trump has never hidden his disdain for cyber-retailing giant Amazon Inc., accusing the company of unfair tax practices and antitrust violation.

The president probably wont be too amused by a new report that the company avoided paying any federal income tax in 2018 for the second year in a row despite posting billions of dollars in profits.

The purveyor of two-day delivery of just about everything posted a massive net income of $11.2 billion in fiscal 2018 after doubling it from the previous years tab of $5.6 billion. Yet, a report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) shows that the company did not pay a single cent in income tax on both occasionsironically in large part due to Trumps tax bonanza of 2017.

Tax loopholes

Source: ITEP

Incredibly, the companys latest corporate filing reveals that far from paying the statutory 21 percent income tax demanded under the new tax laws, its the federal government that ended up paying Amazon thanks to a slew of tax loopholes.

In 2017, Amazon collected $140 million in rebates for an effective tax rate of -2.5 percent with the company pocketing another $129 million last year for a tax rate of -1%. The fine print in Amazons tax disclosure says the company achieved this partly due to a tax break for executive stock options as well as various unspecified tax credits.

A d v e r t i s e m e n t



ITEP, an organization that has studied tax-paying habits by corporations for nearly 40 years, places the blame on Congress for this scenario. Proponents of the new laws claimed that a lower tax rate would incentivize better corporate citizenship.

Yet, Congress failed to anticipate a potentially tricky situation after failing to broaden the tax base or close critical tax loopholes that allow companies to avoid paying federal tax on nearly half their profits. The Tax Act saw the statutory corporate tax rate lowered from 35 percent to just 21 percent with the Trump administration and its congressional allies also throwing in lavish new giveaways for good measure, including the immediate expensing of capital investments.

Numerous prognosticators scored the new law as being a potentially huge revenue loser that would end up giving away far more to big corporates like Amazon that it would take in loophole-closers. And, it appears they were spot on. Many companies now effectively pay zero or single-digit tax rates.

In fact, Amazon is not the only high-profile company that has mastered the art of corporate subterfuge. Last year, Netflix got away with it too despite posting a net profit of $858M, the largest in the history of the video-streaming company.

Tax controversies

Amazon is not exactly a stranger to tax controversies. Last year, the company engaged in an aggressive push for new relocation subsidies for its new HQ2 locations, in New York and Virginia as well as additional tax breaks for its Nashville operations. The latest developments though suggest that the company is likely to find it increasingly hard to muscle its way with local tax authorities. The companys hubris-laced search for a second headquarter was a pageant-like affair that ended in embarrassment for the retail giant after New York leaders and politicians publicly balked at the massive tax giveaways the company was to receive in return for creating 25,000 jobs.

But so far, allies in Congress are yet to answer why nobody is willing to lay a glove on one of the worlds most valuable companies. Trump himself has criticized the company for its tax avoidance in the past yet seems oblivious to the fact that his generous tax package only appears to have exacerbated the problem. The year 2018 was the first full year of the new tax law, meaning we will get a better sense of just how much the floodgates have opened after most Fortune 500 companies have reported their fourth-quarter results about a month from now. Initial findings though suggest that Amazon and Netflix are unlikely to be the only ones.

This article was posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 6:52 am

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Today

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.Video: Hearts of Oak tame Legon Cities to regain top spot Hearts of Oak have moved to the summit of the Ghana Premier League once again

Majority rejects Minoritys call for re-vetting of four nominees The Majority in Parliament has spurned a call by the Minority for the, 74, of Morrisonville, NY, died on June 24, 2021 at home. He was born in Ticonderoga, NY on March 21, 1947 the son of Bernard and Frances Clifton. At his request there will be no services.Grateful for kindness

People showed me exceptional kindness over the last month. One person helped me change a flat tire in Mays Landing in a parking lot, rushing to me with a real jack and a great tire wrench. An auto store employee searched another parking lot to find the phone my 5-year-old dropped. A person in a convenience store line bought my cup of coffee when my debit card would not read.

Im grateful to people who do random acts of kindness for others. They make South Jersey the special place it is.

Robert J. Chester

Galloway Township

Stop end-term abortions

It is now OK, in some states, to kill a baby right before the mother goes into labor, or even wait until the baby is delivered and let the baby die.

New York City celebrated this law by lighting up the city in pink. Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, a doctor, was questioned regarding what would happen if an infant were born alive after a failed abortion. He answered, We will keep the infant comfortable until we decide what to do with the infant.

People should be careful how they vote. A life might depend on it.

Gerry KernsATLANTIC CITY  Legislators and state transportation officials will hold a public meeting in the city Thursday evening to discuss the reopening of the Atlantic City Rail Line and hear from disgruntled commuters.

The meeting will start at 6 p.m. at the Atlantic City Rail Station, next to the Convention Center.

Those slated to attend include U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, D-2nd; state Sen. Chris Brown, R-Atlantic; Assemblymen Vince Mazzeo and John Armato, both D-Atlantic; state Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, and representatives of the embattled NJ Transit.

The meeting is the second of six across the state intended to gather feedback from those commuters and rail riders impacted by the shutdown of rail lines for the installation of federally mandated safety mechanisms.

+4 Ignored NJ Transit study outlined path to ridership on AC line South Jersey residents are calling for NJ Transit to not only reopen the Atlantic City Rail 

Anger from commuters and legislators at the delayed reopening of the Atlantic City line has continued to bubble over as clear answers from NJ Transit have proved elusive.

Mazzeo and Armato this week assailed the agency again for its lack of transparency and what they see as the needs of South Jersey residents getting short shrift.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.Danish company Orsted has partnered with a council of South Jersey unions to build its prposed offshore wind farm 15 miles off of Atlantic Citys coast.

Orsted U.S. Offshore Wind signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council, an organization that consists of 23 unions and 25,000 members.

The renewable energy firm is getting ready to build Ocean Wind, its 1,100-megawatt farm, should it be chosen by the state Board of Public Utilities to receive ratepayer subsidies. Shell Energies and EDF Renewables formed a joint venture and have also proposed building turbines near Atlantic City.

Orsted has a strong track record of working with unions and is committed to using union labor to build the clean energy economy in New Jersey starting with out Ocean Wind project, said Thomas Brostrom, CEO of Orsted U.S. Offshore Wind and President of Orsred North America, in a news release.

The company has said the project will create more than 1,000 jobs during its two- to three-year construction.

Scott Sheridan, president of the South Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council, said in a statement that its members expect to reap the benefits of offshore wind development in New Jersey.WILDWOOD  A Cape May County police union is hosting a free documentary screening and discussion Thursday evening surrounding police use of force.

PBA Local 401 will show Dinkheller, a documentary about Georgia Deputy Kyle Dinkheller, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop in January 1998, at the Wildwood Convention Center. The dash camera footage of the incident, which is available online, has been used since the incident in police training on use-of-force.

Joe Berg, president and state delegate for the PBA, said that coverage and reports of police use-of-force has had a negative impact on the relationship between law enforcement and the community.

While researching, Berg came across a documentary by Patrick Shaver called Officer Involved, which focuses more on the emotional toll these incidents take on the officer rather than the incident itself, he said.

Too often, officers are portrayed as being people who, almost, seek these incidents out  gun toting individuals looking to violate rights, or take a life, Berg said. While I know that couldnt be further from the truth, the documentary really told that story in a way I could never, having never discharged my weapon in the line of duty.GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  Stockton University is moving forward with purchasing off-campus dorms it currently leases, adding about 40 rooms to its permanent housing stock.

The Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of 421 Chris Gaupp Drive, which includes 42 two- and three-bedroom dorms, which Stockton has been leasing from D & M Galloway Holding LLC since 2016. The college pays $575,000 per year under a three-year contract that expires at the end of the spring semester, according to university spokeswoman Diane DAmico.

DAmico said a purchase price would not be available until the sale was approved by the board and a purchase agreement was finalized.

Trustee Stanley M. Ellis said the resolution allows the president to negotiate for the purchase of the property in a very attractive way that will benefit the university in a cost-effective manner.

D & M is operated by former Galloway Mayor Don Purdy and, according to the township Tax Assessors office, is valued at $1.8 million. In 2018, the total tax bill was $56,631, the office said.-- Margate City schools

--Mullica Township schools

-- Oakcrest high school

-- Princple Academy Charter School in EHT

-- Somers Point schools

Hammonton High School announced that it will dismiss early at 12:07 p.m. St. Joseph High School and St. Joseph Regional Elementary School in Hammonton will dismiss at noon.

Atlantic Cape Community College is closing at 12:30 p.m. Classes will resume Thursday.

All Stockton University campuses will close at 12:35 p.m. The Board of Trustees will meet at 4:30 PM as scheduled, but all other classes and activities beginning after 12:35 p.m.are canceled. Regularly scheduled shuttle service will continue.

Cape May County:

All evening school programs at the Cape May County Technical High School have been canceled Wednesday.

Cumberland County:

-- Bridgeton

-- Cumberland Regional

-- Commerical Township

-- MillvilleADVERTISEMENT

The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has filed a fresh case at the Ogun State High Court asking the court to order the state government to allow the use of hijab by female Muslim students in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

The case was filed by the Amir of MSSN in Ogun State, Saheed Amisu on behalf of female students in these schools.

Also joined as respondents are the states attorney-general and justice commissioner, education commissioner, All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPS) and Association of Head Teachers of Primary Schools in Nigeria (AOPSHON), Ogun State chapters.

The MSSN suit was mentioned for first hearing on Tuesday before the judge, Bamgbose Alabi.

The applicants are seeking for an order to enforce and secure the enforcement of the fundamental rights of female Muslim students in public primary and secondary schools in Ogun State under Sections 38 and 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

MSSN is also praying for a declaration that the use of Islamically prescribed head cover called Hijab by the students forms parts of their fundamental rights to freedom of religion, conscience and thought as contained in Section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The notice further sought for a declaration that molestation, harassment, torture, embarrassment and humiliation which Muslim female students in Ogun State are subjected to in the hands of the agents of government constitutes a clear infringement of their right to dignity of human person and right against torture.

It sought an order restraining the respondents, their servants, agents, privies or whosoever called from disallowing the Muslim female students in public primary and secondary schools in Ogun State the use of Islamically prescribed Hijab in their various schools during and after the school hours.

In a 33-paragraphs affidavit in support of the application, deposed to by Saheed Amisu, it documented incidences of humiliation of Muslim students by teachers in: Abeokuta Girl Grammar School, African Church Grammar School, Nawairu-deen High School, Premier Grammar School and many other schools in the state which are owned and controlled by the State government.

The most embarrassing occurrence happened when a female teacher, Mrs Aderonmu of Premier Grammar School, Abeokuta molested a female Muslim student, Miss Raji Iyabo who put on hijab after the school premises, removed the hijab and drowned same in black engine oil.

Despite the complaint of the applicants as stated hereabove, the molestation of the applicants female members persisted without anything done by the respondents.

The applicant also stated that non-Muslims are not compelled to use Hijab in Muslim-named schools and as such are not affected if the prayers are granted.

Counsel to the applicants, Semiu Akinbami, informed the court that all processes had been served to allow for the commencement of the case.

After hearing the arguments of the counsels to the claimants and respondents, the judge adjourned the case to Wednesday, March, 6.ADVERTISEMENT

A delegation of pensioners of Enugu State, who have benefitted from the monthly N100 million approved by the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for payment of arrears of gratuities from May 2018, on Wednesday paid a Thank-you visit to the governor for rescuing them in their time of need.

The elated beneficiaries, who described gratuity as the life-wire of every retiree, in an address presented by the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Damian Udeani, praised God for using Mr Ugwuanyi to perform a miracle in their lives.

They said they could not thank the governor enough for reviving the payment of gratuities in Enugu State, disclosing that over the years, before Your Excellency came on board, pensioners have been denied this life rejuvenating benefit.

According to them, many pensioners have passed on without getting it. But now, Your Excellency has gladdened the hearts of pensioners in Enugu State with the revival of payment of gratuities.

Reiterating their firm support for Gov. Ugwuanyis re-election, the jubilant pensioners also appreciated the governor for paying their pensions as and when due, declaring: We, our families and our friends will pray and do our part to see that you continue in office.

The retirees, who pointed out that they never lobbied before receiving the gratuities, applauded the governor for the success of the exercise, which they attributed to your order of non-interference in the committees job of disbursement of the monthly released N100 million to the appropriate beneficiaries.

According to the address presented by the State Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe, on behalf of the committee supervising the payment of the fund, more than 600 retirees have been paid their gratuity amounting to over N700 million, while outstanding gratuities from January 2009 to March 2010 have so far been cleared.

The committee explained that before the governors kind approval, arrears of gratuities and revalidation amounted to N16,123, 841, 779.80, adding that this amount covers retirees from January 2009 to May 2018.

The beauty of this exercise is that it is devoid of manipulation from any quarters, not even from His Excellency. Most of the beneficiaries were called unexpectedly to come and pick their cheques while others on routine check saw their names published for payment on the notice board of their Sub Treasury. They could not believe that they could be paid their gratuity without lobbying anybody for it.

Your Excellency, the beneficiaries of this your benevolence have returned like the biblical one leper to say THANK YOU for wiping their tears and bringing succor to them and their families when they least expected it, the committee stated.

One of the beneficiaries, Benjamin Ejibe, expressed joy and gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for rescuing him from his suffering, saying that he was in a hospital when I received a call that my name was among those to be paid their gratuity.

In her speech, the Chairman of Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Vivian Eze, told the governor that it has never been so before until you came into office, pointing out that all pressure of school fees, hospital bills, rents and others, on them had reduced since May last year.ADVERTISEMENT

The Federal High Court in Enugu has disqualified the Enugu East Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lawrence Eze.

The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the party to immediately recognise the plaintiff, Adaku Ogbu-Aguocha, as the candidate for Saturdays election.

The Judge, Ibrahim Buba, held that Mr Eze was not the partys nominated candidate.

The suit, filed by Mrs Ogbu-Aguocha, contended that having won the partys primaries, she was the right candidate but her name was wrongfully substituted.

Mrs Ogbu-Aguocha said the lot fell on her as the first runner-up when Mrs Uche Ezemba stepped down, after winning the primaries.

She adduced evidences before the court that Mr Eze was not even a member of the party when the primaries were conducted.

Mr Buba agreed with the plaintiff and held that it was a case of monkey dey work, baboon dey chop.

The court lambasted Mr Eze for laying claim to what never belonged to him.

Mr Buba averred that there was overwhelming evidence that Mr Eze was still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he also contested the senatorial primaries.

He, therefore, ordered that APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognise Mrs Adaku Ogbu-Aguocha as the rightful candidate for Saturdays election.

Reacting, Mrs Ogbu-Aguocha said the judgment showed that there was justice in Nigeria. I cant thank the judiciary enough for righting the wrong done to me and so many people in this country.

The judgment has affirmed what I always believed, which is that Im the rightful candidate. Justice has been served today and I am very happy, Im grateful to God.

I enjoin everybody in Enugu East APC to work together for our victory in Saturdays election. I have been campaigning because I know Im the rightful candidate, if not for the impunity in the system.

His candidacy is null and void, it never existed and thats what the court held today.

But Mr Ezes lawyer, Ferdinand Ukwueze, said his client would appeal the judgment.

The judgment came two weeks after a federal court in Abuja nullified the candidacy of the APC governorship candidate in the state, Ayogu Eze.ADVERTISEMENT

Several military personnel were on Wednesday deployed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Rivers State to secure sensitive election material.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the armed soldiers patrolled the bank/Rivers secretariat road to ensure that nothing happened to the material.

However, the exercise did not affect vehicular movements and other daily activities.

The election material earlier delivered to the 23 local government areas in the state for the presidential and national assembly polls were returned and kept in CBN.

The rescheduled elections have been slated for February 23. (NAN)ADVERTISEMENT

The Coalition of INEC Accredited Domestic Election Observers in Kano State has urged their colleagues who were deployed to the state to observe the rescheduled elections not to panic.

It said the state is safe and peaceful.

The Chairman of the team, Friday Maduka, made the call while addressing a pre-election press conference in Kano on Wednesday.

Having gone around the state, we wish to urge our entire colleagues coming to observe the elections in Kano State and other election duty officials not to be afraid.

There is no cause for alarm as Kano State is peaceful and safe, Mr Maduka said.

He said after due consultations with stakeholders in the state, the group had come to believe that the various security agencies had been able to set up a formidable security structure.

The security structure will guarantee safety of lives and property during and after the elections in the state, hence Kano is safe for the conduct of the forthcoming general elections, he said.

According to the chairman, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was also resolute, transparent and committed to conducting credible, free and fair elections as it had provided a level playing ground for all the political parties to participate in the polls.

The team leader, however, called on security agencies, particularly the police, to intensify efforts at addressing political thuggery so as to promote peaceful coexistence in the state.

Those engaging in such illegal activities should be arrested and be made to face the wrath of the law, he said. (NAN)ADVERTISEMENT

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Niger State says it has commenced the distribution of sensitive materials to the 25 local government areas of the state.

Samuel Egwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch office, Minna on Wednesday.

He said the electoral materials were moved from the Minna branch of CBN to the local government areas, accompanied by security personnel.

We are starting the transportation with Rijau, Mariga, Shiroro, Bida, Bako and Burgo Local Government Areas under tight security cover, he said.

Mr Egwu said heavily armed security personnel would escort the materials to the local government area of the state.

He explained that the sensitive materials, comprising ballot papers and result sheets, would be transported under tight security to the 25 local governments for the conduct of Presidential and National Assembly elections.

He said, The timely and transparent distribution of sensitive materials to the various local government area showed that INEC was willing and prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the state.

So, we want these materials to get to the various local government areas, this evening, and by tomorrow morning, it would be distributed to the various registration areas.

The sensitive materials which were handed over to INEC by the CBN Minna Branch Controller, Mohammed Ibrahim, were arranged and customised according to each local government areas.

NAN reports that the materials were distributed in the presence of representatives of various political parties in the state.

(NAN)ADVERTISEMENT

The police command in Nasarawa State has confirmed the abduction of Yakubu Dauda, Village Head of Sabon Gida-Barkin Kogi in Lafia Local Government Area by unidentified gunmen.

Samaila Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) on Tuesday in Lafia.

Mr Usman said that the monarch was abducted from his house at about 1:25 a.m. on Monday.

According to him, the abductors came to the house, shot sporadically before whisking the village head away to an unknown destination.

When the incident was reported, the Commissioner of Police, Bola Longe, visited the village and directed for his rescue.

The search and rescue team comprising Police Mobile Force, Special Anti-Robbery Squad as well as local hunters and vigilante groups are combing the bushes around the area, he said.

He said the police have also beefed up security in the area and all roads linking other villages and towns such as Assakio, Obi and Lafia.

He said the command would not relent until the victim was rescued, and the culprits arrested and brought to justice. (NAN)By Tiamiyu Musa

No doubt, the rise of Muhammadu Buhari with his rich antecedents as the most loved and naturally accepted popular Northerner threatens institutions and some northern establishments considering his rising and unabated popularity, especially among the downtrodden in the region.

Significantly so threatened could be the highly referenced and most influential seat where the current Sokoto State governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal plays the front end role working in close coordination with some senior princes of the Caliphate with the Atiku Campaign Organisation; glaringly, the battle for the soul of the north.

The story is not just starting today and the rivalry between Buhari and the northern elites dates back to years before the principals were conceived. Born 17 December 1942 in the sleepy Hausa-ruled emirate of Daura to a peasant herdsman Fulani family, the future army General and President was destined to be outclassed and looked down upon by his blue blood cousins in Sokoto and Kano. Regardless, Buhari who later rose to become General in the Nigerian Army was still privileged to attend school with the advantaged elite class of Fulanis, including the late Shehu Musa YarAdua with whom he made it to the military.

However, the foundation of todays rivalry and bitterness against Buhari which is the hallmark of Sokoto establishment were planted early in the First Republic, a time the elite controlled Northern region metamorphosed into the political-military-business class and the civil servant-teacher classes of Fulanis who went on to lead the North and the country.

For General Buhari who was firmly in the former class, he grew up to have a close relationship with the class of the later  feeling more at home among the Talakawas than the emerging insatiable elites of the North.

Buhari brought this perspective to bear on his new job that in 1983 when he was named Head of State, against machinations of a few heavyweights he struck the first shot against the Sokoto led elites by deposing late Alhaji Shehu Shagari, an illustrious son of the city-state and member of the elite Political-Military-Business class as the Nigerian president. Truly, this action has not been forgotten and Buhari has not been forgiven.

Young Muhammadu Buhari

As if not enough, few years later, an army officer and Sokoto prince whose father would later become the Sultan, Lt. Col. Sambo Dasuki, led a group of young army officers to arrest Major General Buhari and was later deposed by an army General of Nupe extraction, Ibrahim Babangida.

This was a clear strike back against a peasant considered an outcast and someone too close to the masses for comfort against their grand strategy of rapacious impoverishment of the North; and to further expand his travails, Buhari was locked up in prison, and was in incarceration when he lost his mother and thereafter suffered irreparable public and private damage in the years that followed licking his wounds as the elites bestrode Nigeria like colossus from 1985 to 1993.

When General Sani Abacha, who became the military leader assumed power in 1994, his government recognised the need for public and international credibility and the imperative of inoculating himself as an outsider to power being a Kanuri; he quickly identified and embraced General Buhari to be naturally fitting to serve as his Chief Infrastructure officer as Head of now defunct Petroleum Trust Fund.

During the time, the elite contractors and businessmen were the biggest losers under PTF because Buhari bypassed them but rather, he encouraged a lot of consultants, start-ups and businesses led by the children of the downtrodden, civil servants, teachers and the low class of the North, as well as wider Nigerian populace to benefit directly from the work of PTF. This too, the elites did not forget and Buhari is not forgiven.

As fate will have it, the once powerful Dasuki needed the help of General Buhari as his father fell out of favour with Abacha. Naturally, the General did not lift a finger as the Sultan was banished. This was a blow too hard for the elitist group. It was said many years later that the poor treatment of General Buhari by the PDP when they seized power in 1999 was closely coordinated by Lt. Col Sambo Dasuki who endured that the General was thoroughly investigated by Obasanjo and successive administrations to not much avail.

Sambo Dasuki (L) and former President Goodluck Jonathan (R)

As fate will have it, Dasuki later rose to essentially become the most powerful man in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, becoming the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the elites man in a government that hardly won much vote in the deep North where the General was becoming more popular. Although Buhari had been maliciously rigged out at three separate instances between 2003 and 2011, yet the ranks of his talakawas supporters kept expanding with successive and progressive under investment and stagnated development of the North by the same elites. The continued pauperization of the poor later set the conducive template for the current rivalry that seem to have permanently changed the status quo of the North with the emergence of Buhari in 2015 as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and later president of Nigeria on May 29 of that year.

Close sources to the Establishment disclosed that between the time the APC was formed by merger, and the new PDP was created, the presence of General Buhari was one of the sticking points for the then House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal and his collaborator, Dr. Bukola Saraki in making the move out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the new party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), until they were literally pushed out by the over confidence of the political managers or mis-managers of President Jonathan who did not understand the implication of a second term but third period run for the Presidency against the gentleman agreement reached with the North.

Indeed, for the elitist handlers, their inability to return to their masses with some form of bargain for 2015 forced their marriage of convenience with APC and the ultimate shift of power which led to the emergence of General Buhari.

Aminu Tambuwwal and Sultan of Sokoto

This however did not prevent them from working hard to prevent the emergence of the General. Indeed, before the primary in Lagos in 2014, a secret meeting between their representatives and APC top chieftain, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reportedly brokered by Tambuwal. That meeting promised untold sums for the campaign if the Jagagban of Borgu  Tinubu would stop backing Buhari for the APC ticket.

The strategic meeting was said to have the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, personally in attendance. Tinubu being a political colossus and overlord naturally could sense the scheme and smell the schemers as being over-ambitious thus, reportedly asked them to guarantee 12 million votes that General Buhari would naturally deliver for him to change sides. On hearing this, the emissaries departed knowing the herculean demand could never could met either by them together or even through broader conspiracies.

The 2015 elections came and went sadly, the immediate casualty of that battle became Col Sambo Dasuki, whose last minute Hail Mary withdrawal of $2.1 billion from the treasury to prosecute the elections against Buhari under the guise of terrorists fight for which he is still being held and standing trial. Again, for demanding account and taking side with the masses, President Buharis sins has not gone unnoticed by the elites.

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For those tracking records, the 2019 elections as such presents to the elites, another opportunity to draw even and ensured it literally took control of Atiku-Sarakis campaign to dismantle APC from the first day of the Buhari administration. Indeed, Tambuwal singlehandedly installed Yakubu Dogara as Speaker against the wishes unanimously reached by the party to payback Tinubu for his loyalty and support for Buhari. Tinubus preferred candidate, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila had been forwarded as the choice of the party.

According to report, the plot was to first take over the depleted PDP which the characters left, but also to co-opt various financiers especially some top level Sokoto Prince in First Bank who has largely been the money launderer for the schemers as learned by our sources.

The primaries of PDP naturally was replete with leading shadowy characters but was actually a cover for more immoral transactions that have since blown up in which the PDP Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus was placed as Director in Atikus Intels in return for selling the party and winning converts to the anti-Buhari cause for the Caliphate and its feudal lords at Ilorin and Yola.

Indeed, the series of defections from APC in 2018 were coordinated by Governor Tambuwal despite efforts to keep him in the APC because this was a plan from 2015 that was initiated with the takeover of the Senate by Bukola Saraki. As the gale of defections started, it was said that the Sultan secretly met severally with several Princes to arrange top level meeting to incite the people against General Buhari as several pronouncements from the Palace later indicated. Some were subtle, others were aggressive. It took several backdoor contacts to warn the Sultan who was a former military man to back down and pretend as if he was apolitical despite holding grudges that General Buhari was dealing with a Sokoto prince in the person of Dasuki.

As the die for the 2019 elections is cast, it is true that the biggest loser of General Buharis win would have to be the Establishment which is already scared stiff of the intense popularity of their nightmare among the masses, a statement that has resonated in comparison with ill-fated final rally of the PDP which was curiously held in Sokoto last week to symbolize the origin, the bank roller and the source of the anti-Buhari conspiracy against the crucial 2019 elections.

It is true that elections come and go, but truly the elites never forget. Will the masses abandon Buhari and make the North and indeed Nigeria, mincemeat for the parasitic elites now in cahoots with the supposed owners of Nigeria from Ilorin to Minna as well as Jalingo and Yola? The choice is for the Nigerian people to make and indeed the only wish any forward-looking and patriotic Nigerian can is for Nigeria to succeed.ADVERTISEMENT

PREMIUM TIMES observes with increasing alarm the bullish behaviour and lack of restraint of the Nigerian state, as well as the blatant disregard for the requisite separation between the state and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The recent dastardly action of the State Security Service (SSS), summoning senior officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is a culmination of a series of actions taken by the executive arm of government, with alarming erosive consequences on Nigerias democratic institutions.

Nigerians woke up yesterday morning to the alarming news that the SSS had summoned Okechukwu Ibeanu, INECs head of Operations and Logistics, and other top officials of the electoral commission, under strange allegations that the logistical blunder that led to the postponement of the presidential and national assembly elections may have been deliberately facilitated to undermine the electoral process. These purported summonses were subsequently withdrawn. However, PREMIUM TIMES notes that this action came within a few days of the persistent demonisation of INEC and its key officials by both the APC and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Accusations and counter-accusations from both parties and their agents have sought to ascribe plans to rig the electoral system on INEC in favour of one party or the other, with no tangible supporting evidence.

Whilst PREMIUM TIMES acknowledges the profound failure of the electoral body and makes no excuses for INEC, we recognise the logistical failures in the organisation as a long-existent problem, which both the ruling and opposition party governments must also share the blame for. Delayed voting has dogged the electoral system as far back as the 2007 general elections. Subsequent logistical failures led to delays in the voting process in 2011, when the National Assembly elections were cancelled and postponed, even as the electorate stood in queues to cast their ballots. In 2015, the then ruling party PDP postponed the general elections two weeks before the set date, citing security concerns. It is, therefore, hypocritical of both parties, whose governments, having failed to address the multiple administrative and structural problems of the Nigerian civil service, to blow hot and cold, threatening the very democratic structure of the state in their bid to secure votes in the 2019 elections.

In particular, PREMIUM TIMES notes that President Buharis utterances, as those of key members of his political party, have merged his capacity as the commander-in-chief of the Nigerian armed forces with his capacity as a candidate of the APC standing for elections. For example, by promising to find out who is responsible for INECs incompetence after the elections, the president presumes that he will win the 2019 elections, and thereby, will be in a position to punish those responsible for the logistical failure in INEC. Yet this decision, whether or not to retain the incumbent president, must be taken by the Nigerian electorate, who continue to bear the brunt of government inefficiencies, whether in the form of the failure of the existing administration to provide the so-called dividends of democracy or the failure in service delivery by government ministries and departments.

These inefficiencies are highlighted by the very blunder of the late-night SSS summons. The summons, which PREMIUM TIMES reports were confirmed by individuals within the state institution, appear ill-advised and targeted at the wrong officials in INEC. As the countrys major intelligence organisation, the SSS ought to be well aware that electoral logistics for the 2019 general elections have been ceded to the INEC special ad hoc committee, of which the military institutions are members. In January 2019, INEC chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu set up the special committee to coordinate logistics during the elections, headed by Retired AVM Ahmed Muazu. The electoral logistics committee was charged with ensuring the timely delivery of all materials to more than 180,000 locations covering the countrys 1,558 constituencies. A similar committee was set up for collation. Mr Ibeano could, therefore, not have been directly responsible for the logistical failures and national embarrassment of February 15.

What then was the purpose of the summons? PREMIUM TIMES surmises that the summons were nothing more than grandstanding on the part of the intelligence organisation, perhaps to satisfy the rage of the Buhari administration, even as his party seeks a scapegoat for last weeks disaster. The SSS is, therefore, serving as a tool in the hands of the executive government as it perpetuates its disregard for the rule of law and the separation of offices, especially in the lead-up to the elections.

PREMIUM TIMES calls for sobriety and self-reflection on the part of all relevant parties, including the Buhari administration, the ruling APC, and its main opposition, the PDP. We advise that rather than use the resources of the state to shore up support for candidate Buhari, all relevant actors should consider avenues through which the massive inefficiencies in state institutions, especially the electoral commission, can be unbundled and resolved. We argue that long-standing recommendations for reform should be brought back to the table and reconsidered for possible adoption. For example, perhaps it is time to dust up the 2008 Report of the Electoral Reform Committee, as led by Justice Muhammadu Uwais. We contend that Nigerians collectively share the disgrace that such inefficiencies have caused. More substantively, we contend that Nigerians share in the humongous economic burden that these failures have caused, with the 2019 losses currently estimated at $2.3 million, including forgone GDP and cost to INEC.

PREMIUM TIMES calls for support for INEC, to help the body conduct credible elections beginning from Saturday. We remind President Buhari that he must take responsibility for the failures of organs of government under his watch. We argue that rather than demonise INEC or encourage retributive actions on its key officials, the administration should support INEC to uncover and resolve the sources of inefficiencies, thereby building a stronger electoral system in West Africas hegemon. We thank President Buhari for his service and remind him that in the spirit of the democratic system within which he now operates, his actions must align with the tenets of this system.ADVERTISEMENT

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will complete the deployment of sensitive election material to the nations 774 local government areas for the Saturday elections by Thursday.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, while addressing reporters on Wednesday in Abuja said the commission was making good progress on logistics for the rescheduled elections.

I briefed you yesterday that having moved the sensitive materials to the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, the forward deployment to the 774 LGAs nationwide will commence today Wednesday, Feb. 20 and be concluded tomorrow Thursday, Feb. 21.

Already, ten states; Adamawa, Anambra, Benue, Ekiti, Jigawa, Katsina, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, and Taraba States have commenced the movement of materials to LGAs today.

Other states will do so and conclude tomorrow. We will give a full rendition of movement to LGAs across all states of the Federation tomorrow.

We have been making good progress on logistics. Similarly, all other arrangements for the movement of personnel from the LGAs to the Wards are on course. We will fully brief you tomorrow at 3 pm.

Mr Yakubu also disclosed that the commission had achieved 100 per cent completion of the configuration of the Smart Card Readers for the elections.

The Card Readers were introduced in the 2015 general elections to facilitate the accreditation of voters using the PVCs. They are configured to specific polling units, and only open for use at 8 am on Election Day.

They automatically shut down by 10 pm to forestall any illegal use before the appointed time of elections. I am pleased to report that we have now achieved 100 per cent completion of the configuration. We are good to go on this score.

He added that INEC state offices had fully complied with the directive to invite stakeholders to the Central Bank of Nigeria to examine the retrieved materials deployed last week and to witness their distributions to LGAs.

Mr Yakubu said that the commission had made specific arrangement on deployment and security of election materials and personnel in the riverine areas to ensure that elections also start on time there.

We have made an elaborate arrangement with boat owners as well as the security forces that would accompany our materials and personnel.

Mr Yakubu, who said that the commission was not under any pressure, said the fact that some of the political parties were making counter-accusations over INEC process was normal.

He said it shows there was something INEC was doing right.ADVERTISEMENT

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja pledged the cooperation of Nigeria to the effort of oil-producing nations to reduce output to attract higher prices in the global market.

A statement by Garba Shehu, Media and Publicity Aide to the President, said Mr Buhari made this position known when he received Ahmad Qattan, Minister of State for African Affairs and Special Envoy of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.

In the statement, the president said that Nigeria was, as a responsible member of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), willing to go along with the Saudi initiative of limiting oil output to push up prices.

He said that output cuts had always been difficult for Nigeria considering its peculiar circumstances of a large population, a huge expanse of land and state of under-development, adding, I wish we can produce more.

I have listened carefully to the message. I will speak with the Minister of State for Petroleum. I will call for the latest production figures.

I know that it is in our interest to listen. We will cooperate.

He said that higher oil prices would make both nations stronger and their citizens more prosperous.

Mr Buhari commended the Saudi monarch for his leadership in global oil matters, assuring that Nigeria would continue to accord respect to the Kingdom in that regard.

President @MBuhari receives in audience Special Envoy of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today at the State House, Abuja. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bashir Ahmad] President @MBuhari receives in audience Special Envoy of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today at the State House, Abuja. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bashir Ahmad] President @MBuhari receives in audience Special Envoy of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today at the State House, Abuja. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bashir Ahmad]

Earlier, the Special Envoy had said that he brought special greetings from King Salman and the Crown Prince, and expressed their best wishes for Nigeria as the country prepared into general elections.

Mr Qattan said that the important reason for his mission was to make a request to Mr Buhari to ensure that Nigeria complied with quotas assigned in January by exiting previous exemption from output cuts.

According to him, Saudi has reduced its own output by 1.4 million barrels per day to ensure that prices go up.

He, however, pointed out that Saudi Arabia alone could not bring stability to the oil market and shore up prices.

The envoy called for greater adherence to production cuts by Nigeria and expressed hope that he would take a positive message back home.

(NAN)Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday in Kaduna reiterated his plan to privatise the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), if elected president on February 23.

Mr Abubakar spoke at a town hall meeting with ward, local government and state party leaders in the state at the Kaduna Trade Fair Complex.

He said that the NNPC had failed to serve the purpose for which it was established in 1977.

According to him, selling-off the corporation and all the three refineries is the best option for the country, likening it to the sale of Nigerian Telecommunication Limited (NITEL).

Mr Abubakar said Nigeria is among the biggest producers of crude, but lamented that the country still imports refined products for local consumption at exorbitant prices to the detriment of the common man.

He said if elected president, he would deregulate the NNPC and sell it to Nigerians. the way Mr Obasanjo sold NITEL.

However, he did not mention that the sale of NITEL was disastrously done by the administration, of which he was a part and chairman of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, which handled the sale.

Under Mr Obasanjo, NITEL went through several botched sales and management turnaround contracts. First, 51 per cent of the shares were sold to a group of investors under the trading name of Investors International London limited.

The sale was cancelled after the investors failed to pay. Then in 2003, the government approved a management turnaround contract with a firm called Pentascope. The contract was cancelled in 2005 after it became clear Pentascope did not have the adequate resources to run NITEL. In 2005, the government again offered NITEL to Orascom. This failed again, leading the government to sell it to a subsidiary of Transcorp in 2007. The sale was revoked in 2009. In 2014, the firm was sold to NATCOM, a group of investors led by Tunde Ayeni. Mr Ayeni since then has been running it as NTEL.

Mr Abubakar, also former vice president, urged the people of Kaduna State to massively vote for the PDP, promising to allocate 40 per cent appointments to the youth to address the rising unemployment and restiveness.

He said that his government if elected, would make education a priority by providing scholarships to all deserving youth and women in the country.

Mr Abubakar also promised to allocate 30 per cent of appointments to women, adding that, he would provide adequate funds through the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency to empower women and the youth.

He said that his leadership would address what he described as alarming insecurity, with killings of innocent Nigerians across all the geopolitical regions.

Mr Abubakar appealed to the electorate to vote the PDP into political offices in the state for the betterment of the people.

He said he would allocate more resources to the states and local government areas for faster development across the country.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, urged the Kaduna State party leaders to work tirelessly to ensure the success of the party at the Feb 23 and March 9 general elections.

The governorship candidate of the party, Isah Ashiru, said the party would bring development at all levels to the state if voted into power.

Mr Ashiru said his administration would reduce poverty to the minimum and create employment opportunities for the youth and women as well as persons with disabilities.

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Mr Ashiru appealed to the people come out en masse and vote for the party and ensure their votes count.

He urged the youth to avoid violence during and after the polls.

The chairman of the party in the state, Felix Hyat, spoke in the same vein.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that another former vice president, Namadi Sambo; former national chairman of the party, Ahmed Makarfi; former governors Ramalan Yero of Kaduna and Ibrahim Shema of Katsina were among top party leaders that attended the event.

(NAN)The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said N30, 500 would be paid as entitlements to corps members participating as ad-hoc staff in the election.

The INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, stated this Wednesday at the media briefing on the commissions preparedness for the elections at the International Conference Center (ICC), Abuja.

The presidential and national assembly elections have been scheduled for February 23 while the gubernatorial and state assemblies will be holding on March 9.

Mr Yakubu, a professor, said that each corps member is expected to receive N30,500 as allowances.

The INEC boss comment comes a day after this newspaper reported how the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members decried discrepancies in election allowances paid to them after Saturdays polls cancellation.

Payment discrepancies

On Monday morning, information went viral across the different platforms used by the corps members, especially on their Community Development Service (CDS) fora, that payment of the training allowance had commenced, but with discrepancies.

Many of them had on Friday personally transported themselves to their various wards with little cash in hands, as INEC had failed to pay the N4,500 stipulated as training allowance.

The training had taken place across the nation two weeks before the earlier scheduled dates for the elections.

After complaints from corp members across Nigeria on poor welfare and remuneration, the national patriots had created a WhatsApp group chat and planned to boycott this Saturdays election if their demands were not met.

Shortly afterwards, information from NYSC management spread across the different NYSC group chats that payment of election training allowance of N4,500 had commenced.

Amidst discrepancies in the amounts paid to them, they also expressed disappointment over the decision of INEC to pay only those shortlisted without considering others who had spent time and resources to participate in the training.

While serving corps members serving in states like Plateau, Lagos, and the FCT received prompt payment of their fees, others in Rivers, Enugu were yet to be paid.

In Anambra and Ondo states, they complained of low payment.

Meanwhile, some corps members had been trained, shortlisted and presented to serve as Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs) for the upcoming elections.

INEC gives breakdown

Addressing the issue, INEC chairman said each corps member is entitled to N4,500 training allowance, including transport (N1,000) and refreshment (N500), for the three-day training period.

For deployment on election duty, they are entitled to transport, feeding and an honorarium of N9,000 and N4,000 making it N13,000 each.

For the presidential election, N17,500 is expected to be paid separately to each member.

Since no training will be conducted for the second election, he said that each corp member will receive N13,000, making a total of N30,500.

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That is the Standard allowance for corps members, he said.

He also spoke on the welfare of the ad-hoc staff

Let me say this, the youth corps members are among the most educated, most reliable and most patriotic and most readily available election duty staff we have in Nigeria, so we dont joke with their welfare, he said.

According to him, INEC in collaboration with NYSC has made provision for the welfare and security of the graduates.

He noted that mattresses, toiletries, water, light and security had been provided for the corps members at each Registration Area Centre at the eve of the Election day.A prosecution witness, Ekene Nwakuche, while testifying before an Ikeja High Court said that Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), inflated the agencys budget to embezzle funds.

Mr Akpobolokemi is facing trial alongside two former Executive Directors of the agency, Ezekiel Agaba and Vincent Udoye.

The trio face a 12-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and stealing a N687.2 million.

They, however, deny the charges.

Nwakuche, a former Personal Assistant to Mr Agaba while being cross-examined by Kunle Gbolahan, Akpobolokemis Defence Counsel, told the court that in order to allegedly siphon funds, draft budgets for the agency were always inflated by the defendants.

I am not the personal assistant to the first defendant (Akpobolokemi) but rather to Agaba.

What they (the defendants) do is that they request that we do a draft budget, present it to them and they have a meeting between themselves and readjust and increase the budget.

Its not possible for me to present the draft budget here in court because the draft budget that is made is usually destroyed, he said.

While being cross-examined by E. D. Onyeke, Agabas Defence Counsel, Mr Nwakuche revealed that he was not a member of the Voluntary International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS) set up by Mr Akpobolokemi in 2014.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a VIMSAS bank account received funds from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) which was allegedly embezzled by the defendants.

The defendants never held VIMSAS meetings to discuss budget or expenditure, they held meetings on audit. I was at those meetings. I never write my name on the minutes but my boss, Mr Udoye and others can testify.

The second defendant (Agaba) only reported to the first defendant (Akpobolokemi) how the funds of the VIMSAS committee were expended, he said.

The witness noted that there was no official letter available that stated that projects budgeted in 2014 and 2015 by VIMSAS were not executed.

Mr Nwakuche also denied being a staff of Arrow World Consulting, a firm the EFCC alleged was used by the defendants to steal funds from the agency.

I have no memo or document where the second defendant asked me to forget Arrow World documents, he said.

NAN reports that Nwakuche, Governor Juan and Adegboyega Olopoenia were initially facing trial alongside the three defendants over alleged N754.8 million fraud committed in NIMASA.

Following a plea deal with the EFCC, the charges against Messrs Nwakuche, Juan and Olopoenia were dropped in exchange for them testifying on behalf of the EFCC against the embattled maritime bosses.

According to the anti-graft commission, Messrs Akpobolokemi, Agaba and Udoye are alleged to have committed the offence of conspiracy on Aug. 29, 2014.

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According to Rotimi Oyedepo, the lead EFCC prosecutor: Between Oct. 30, 2014 and the May 6, 2015 in Lagos the three defendants stole N346.8 million property of NIMASA released to them for the implementation of VIMSAS.

On May 28, 2015, Akpobolokemi and Agaba converted N257 million to their own use.

Udoye on Feb. 2, 2015 with a dishonest intent converted to his own use the sum of N67.4 million and N16 million belonging to NIMASA.

The EFCC alleged that Messrs Akpobolokemi and Agaba had allegedly on January 20, April 28 and May 25, 2015, forged documents purported to have been issued by Arrow World Consulting.

The offences contravene Sections 285, 363 and 409 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Justice Raliatu Adebiyi adjourned the case until March 4 for continuation of the cross-examination of the witness.

(NAN)ADVERTISEMENT

The absence of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kanu Agabi, on Wednesday stalled the ongoing trial of the founder of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Mr Agabi, who is the lead counsel, is amongst four other senior advocates appearing before the court for the trial.

The owner of Nigerias first private radio station is facing trial for the alleged diversion of N2.1 billion received from the office of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Mr Dokpesi, who denies the allegations against him, has also accused the federal government of defamation of character.

In the opening of the session on Wednesday, the counsel for the prosecution, Rotimi Jacob, told the court that the defence issued him a letter that the lead counsel is bereaved.

Today is meant for the defence to open case. I am confronted with a letter that the lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, is bereaved. We have five SANs, including Mike Ozekhome who chose this date.

They suggest two months adjournment April 24. As much as I sympathise with the lead counsel in the matter, I submit that one of the SANs should be sent to handle this matter.

I urge the court that he grants this adjournment until tomorrow because any counsel that announced appearance in a matter is fit to handle the case. It is not a law that only the lead counsel will handle a matter, Mr Jacob added.

The counsel appearing for the defence, Ayo Ogundele, responded to Mr Jacobs submission.

He said: Although Wole Olanipekun is the lead counsel, Kanu Agabi has been the one following up this matter personally. It would be unfair to continue with this matter in his absence.

Even when Mike Ozekhome was here, he was never the lead counsel, Mr Ogundele added.

We chose 24, 25 of April because the month of March is filled with election matters. 

Mr Ogundele pleaded with the court to consider the dates suggested in the letter.

In a short ruling, the presiding judge, John Tsoho, said It is not in dispute that Kanu Agabi is the one who has consistently led the defence in this matter. Therefore, seriousness has to be accorded to a letter from him.

It is interesting to note that none of the SANs who have been appearing with him is present in court. I assume that they have gone to sympathise with him. I hold that his application is honoured.

This case is adjourned to May 9 and 10 for defence, Mr Tsoho added.A prosecution witness, Seun Shuaibu, on Wednesday told a Federal High Court in Lagos that a former Minister of State for Finance, Nenadi Usman, and others transferred N350 million to former Governor Achike Udenwa of Imo in 2015.

The witness, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), gave evidence at the resumed trial of Mr Usman, Joint Trust Dimension Ltd. and others facing N4.6 billion money laundering charge.

Also charged with Mrs Usman is a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and Yusuf Danjum, a former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

All the defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the 17-count charge of money laundering preferred against them by the EFCC.

They were granted bail.

Court session

At Wednesdays proceedings, Mr Shuaibu, the third prosecution witness, told the court that, on January 13, 2015, N400 million was transferred to the account of Joint Trust Dimension Ltd. from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, who led the witness in evidence, asked the investigator to give a synopsis of his findings of Exhibit Eight, a statement of account of the company, and the funds paid into the account on January 13, 2015.

In his response, the witness said that on the same date, January 13, 2015, N120 million was transferred to Mr Udenwa, and also to one Biola.

He said that the commission had invited Mr Udenwa to its office about the transfer, adding that his statement was taken.

According to the witness, the former governor admitted receiving the fund and claimed it was for a political campaign for former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Nenadi Usman

The prosecutor then asked: From your investigation, was that the only time Udenwa received fund from Joint Trust?

The witness replied in the negative.

He further testified that the former governor received the sum in instalments.

He said on January 15, 2015, N30 million was paid into his account, while N200 million was paid into his account on January 28, 2015.

He said that all remittances were said to be for the same purpose of the political campaign.

The prosecutor asked, Still on your findings about Joint Trust, can you confirm if you had any contact with a company called Friendship Express?

The witness replied, Yes, and told the court that on January 13, 2015, N80 million was paid to the Friendship Express company from Joint Trust.

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He said that the director of the company was invited to the commissions office, and his statement was taken. He admitted to receiving the fund.

At this stage, counsel to the first defendant, Ferdinard Orbih, raised an objection to the evidence on the grounds that the witness should not give evidence as to the content of a document not frontloaded.

Mr Orbih described such evidence as hearsay, and urged the court to expunge it.

However, Mr Oyedepo argued that the evidence of a witness as to what a suspect under his investigation told him, could not amount to hearsay.

Citing the authority of Olaoye versus State, he described the evidence as direct, and urged the court to accept it.

The judge, Mohammed Aikawa overruled the objection of defence counsel and ordered the witness to proceed with his evidence.

The witness told the court that during investigations, N40 million was recovered out of the N80 million paid to the company.

When asked by the prosecution counsel to confirm if he came across one Musa Mohammed Sada, the witness said, Yes.

From Exhibit Eight, particularly on January 16, 2016, tell the court your findings as to the entry on that date? Mr Oyedepo asked.

The witness said on January 16, 2015, an investigation revealed that N800 million was transferred from the Ministry of External Affairs to the account of Joint Trust Dimension Ltd., without execution of any contract.

M Oyedepo asked, How did you meet Musa Mohammed Sada?

The witness said, On January 19, 2015, the sum of N80 million was transferred from Joint Trust to Musa Sadas account; we invited him, and his statement was taken.

According to the witness, Mr Musa then refunded N25 million.

At the last adjourned date, you identified Exhibit Nine as the instrument for the transaction which are the cheques of Joint Trust. Can you remember? Mr Oyedepo asked.

The witness replied, Yes.

When shown the original copies of the cheques to identify, the witness said they were same cheques.

The prosecution tendered the 21 cheques before the court in evidence.

There was no objection from defence counsel, and the court admitted them in evidence as Exhibits 10 (i-xx).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trial will continue on Thursday.

The EFCC accused the defendants of committing the offences from January 2015 to March 2015.

In counts one to seven, they were alleged to have unlawfully retained over N3.8 billion which they reasonably ought to know formed part of the proceeds of stealing and corruption.

In counts eight to 14, they were alleged to have unlawfully used over N970 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of an unlawful act of corruption.

Femi Fani-Kayode

Also, in counts 15 to 17 Mr Fani-Kayode and one Olubode Oke, who is said to be at large, were alleged to have made cash payments of about N30 million, which is more than the maximum amount allowed by law, without going through a financial institution.

Besides, Mr Fani-Kayode was alleged to have made payments to one Paste Poster Co. of No. 125, Lewis St., Lagos, more than the maximum amount allowed by law.

The alleged offences contravene the Sections 15 (3) (4), 16 (2) (b), and 16 (5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012. (NAN)ADVERTISEMENT

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Ita Enang says his principal will secure between 70 and 80 per cent of total votes cast in the February 23 presidential election.

Mr Enang, who spoke with State House correspondents on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated his commitment towards a free, fair and credible election.

He said the greatest re-assurance Mr Buhari gave Nigerians is his stance that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ought to have been ready having prepared for three and half years for the election.

This has shown that Buhari is a democrat and is not in any manner capable of being accused of working in tandem to postpone the election.

He is a true democrat; and that he is confident as all of us are that in the Saturdays election, all Nigerians, great majority of Nigerians, 70 to 80 per cent of Nigerians will vote for him.

From the campaigns on the field, all the feelers we had, the support we got from the East, the West, the South, the North and all parts of the country Buhari is the best person to go for a second term as president.

This makes us confident. I am sure that in every state of the federation, Buhari is able to show what he has done.

 In every state of the federation, the president showed that he is not partial, that he is not in any manner tilted in favour of one state against the other, he said.

The official said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is upbeat on victory going by the level of support it has garnered across the country.

On whether there would be sanctions against INEC, he said what the commission deserved is support and comfort to conduct a credible election.

On interference from the international community, Mr Enang said that there is need to maintain diplomatic protocol.

And when you are in a country, you are subjected to the laws of that country; there are limitations and red lines, which you must not cross.

When you cross the red lines in diplomacy, you are capable of being declared persona non grata.

But Nigeria has not gotten to that stage and that is why it is issuing simple reminders as to what is the best international practice in diplomacy, he said.

On the destruction of electoral materials in some states, he said he was confident that INEC would replace them before the rescheduled date for the poll.

He also expressed optimism that APC would win in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.(NAN)The federal government has initiated investigations into the alleged trafficking of over 2,500 kilograms of Pangolin Scales and 600 kilograms of Ivory Tusks seized by the Vietnamese Customs Service.

The Minister of Environment, Suleiman Zarma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Mr Saghir el-Mohammed, Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Environment.

Mr Zarma also ordered investigations into the alleged trafficking of 8,200 kilograms of Pangolin Scales and 2,000 kilograms of Ivory Tusks seized by the Hong Kong Custom Service.

The minister said that the investigation was necessary because illegal wildlife trafficking was alleged to have originated from the Apapa, Seaport, Lagos, Nigeria.

Mr Zarma was reacting to media reports on the seized items, which were said to have high market values, especially for the use of the Pangolin scales as medicinal ingredients in parts of Asia, especially China.

The ministry has initiated investigations of the reported illegal trade by communicating officially with the Vietnamese and Hong Kong CITES Management Authority, with a view to furnishing us with the documents that will be forwarded to the Nigerian Customs Service and INTERPOL for further investigations.

It is very unsettling when information is received that the Vietnamese customs made the discovery in concealed containers declared as consigning knocked wood by the Vietnamese company  VIC Thanh Binh Import-Export Company Limited with office address at Lien Hong Commune, Dan Phuong District, Hanoi.

More disturbing is the fact that Nigeria is mentioned as the source in spite of our laudable conservation efforts which informed our leading the war against illegal wildlife trade in the West African Region, he said.

According to him, the source cannot have been Nigeria as pangolins are near extinction in the country.

He added that the elephant population in Nigeria, besides being under strict conservation regimes, would not be able to provide such high volume of Ivory.

Nigeria is being used as a transit route for illegal wildlife trade and the image of our nation is being tarnished globally, the minister said.

He restated the federal governments commitment to the fight against illegal wildlife trade, saying that Nigeria signed and ratified the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1974.

According to him, Nigeria promulgated the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Decree No.11 in 1985 now enacted as Endangered Species Act 2016 to give municipal credence to this Convention.

Pangolin and elephants are highly protected and endangered species and listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) as well as on Schedule I of the National Endangered Species Act, 2016.

Export of wild fauna and flora from Nigeria are covered by CITES Permit/Certificates.

CITES is the pre-eminent global legal instrument for regulating international trade in wild animals and plant, Mr Zarma said.

According to him, it has the objective of ensuring that International trade in wild fauna and flora do not compromise the protection of endangered species, hence the illegal trade in this species and its derivatives are absolutely prohibited.

Mr Zarma, therefore, re-affirmed his ministrys role as a focal point of CITES implementation and its commitment to conserving wild species, which he observed were now almost driven into extinction due to over-exploitation, habitat change and illicit trafficking.

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It is in view of the above that there has not been any case of illegal wildlife trade from Nigeria as a source country.

However, globalisation allows and encourages International trade, which traffickers have exploited and exposed us to some of these unwholesome practices which we frown at as a nation and defender of endangered species, the minister said. (NAN)ADVERTISEMENT

The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has warned those planning to disrupt the upcoming election to desist as the army will not tolerate such actions.

The official said the Nigerian Army would not hesitate to deal with such people appropriately.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday stirred the hornet nest when he said he had given the military and police instructions to be ruthless with anybody who snatches the ballot box.

Anybody who decides to snatch boxes or lead thugs to disturb the election. Maybe that would be the last unlawful action you would take. I have given the military and police the order to be ruthless to anybody.

The army spokesperson, Sagir Musa, had told PREMIUM TIMES immediately that the army will obey totally and effectively such order if it is given by Mr Buhari.

If Commander-in-Chief has given order to the Nigerian Army to that effect, be rest assured that order will be totally and effectively obeyed without any ifs or buts.

More sabre rattling

Mr Buratai at a meeting with Principal Staff Officers, General Officers Commanding and Brigade Commanders on Wednesday at the Nigerian Army Headquarters Abuja. described anyone that intends to engage in electoral violence as enemies of democracy.

He also said the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for such activities.

The Nigerian Army has since resolved to rise up, challenge and foil the attempt by anyone or group with violence proclivity to disrupt Saturdays elections. We shall be on the alert, to see that their devilish, callous and retrogressive plots do not come to pass, Mr Buratai said.

The official noted that with the launch of Operation Safe Conduct, Python Dance III and other military operations, many parts of the country have enjoyed relative peace and calmness prior to the election.

He said the army would remain apolitical and neutral before, during, and after the polls.

I wish to reiterate the commitment of the men and officers of the Nigerian Army to discharge their responsibilities professionally, and responsively, in line with best global standards of military engagement.

Desperate politicians

Mr Buratai expressed dismay over the attitude of desperate politicians, whose unguarded statements and utterances are already inciting the public against the Army.

He also said the army would not approve escorts for politicians on election day

The army would not provide military escorts for politicians on election day and the military would adopt a proactive measure to quickly nip in the bud electoral crimes inimical to national security.

The army chief warned his personnel to avoid fraternising with former army officers who are now aspiring for various political offices.

He advised the army GOCs to quickly report any security breaches.How can a legislator from the presidents ironclad stronghold who has spent the better parts of the last two years antagonising the president including defecting to the opposition party get re-elected by his constituency?

Ask Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker of Nigerias House of Representatives.

From 2003 when he started running for office, Nigerias president, Muhammadu Buhari, has not scored less than 75 per cent of votes cast in Bauchi.

In 2015, he scored 931,598 votes. His closest rival and then incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan scored a paltry 86,085 votes.

But there are signs that the Buhari spell in Bauchi is gradually waning. Despite emerging victorious in the August 2018 by-election in Bauchi South senatorial district (Mr Dogaras constituency is embedded in this district), the presidents party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) managed to win less than 50 per cent of the total votes cast in the election.

Mr Dogara might have been a beneficiary of Mr Buharis goodwill in the state in the 2015 election but after he defected from the APC to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), many feared that he may not be re-elected in the coming election.

If Buharis support in Bauchi is unshakeable, Mr Dogara is the pied piper of his Tafawa Balewa/Bogoro constituency.

The APC might have won the Bauchi South senatorial district by-election, scoring nearly half of the votes, but the performance of the PDP in Mr Dogara constituency of Tafawa Balewa/Bogoro showed that he was his own man and can confidently shake off the hold of the Buhari charm.

In Bogoro, the speakers home local government, the PDP scored 6,646 against the APCs 3,992. Though the APC won in the two other local governments that make up his constituency  Tafawa Balewa and Dass- the PDP put up a respectable showing in the election.

Blessing to his constituency

Political commentators in Bauchi told PREMIUM TIMES that with Mr Dogara on the ballot this time, his rivals in the election stand little chance.

Politics is local and what is happening in the speakers constituency. Without a doubt, the speaker has achieved so much in terms of bringing infrastructure development to the people of his constituency, especially now that he is a speaker, Jafaar Dass, a Public Administration lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, said.

The infrastructural gains of the electorates in Tafawa Balewa, under Mr Dogara, as the reason why he is likely to be re-elected was repeated by Abdullahi Koli, a public commentator in the state.

The acceptability for the speaker is nothing but the way he handles his people. He has done a lot for them via our road networks, Mr Koli said.

Mr Koli also pointed out that after the crisis in the APC, many politicians in the area followed Mr Dogara into the PDP.

Mr Dass said religion also plays an important role in the popularity of the Mr Dogara in his constituency. He said there is a large Christian population in speakers constituency and the Christians are more likely to vote for a fellow Christian.

Zoning hurdle

But, it may not be easy cruising for the speaker.

Mr Dass warned that the unresolved issue of zoning in his constituency may be Mr Dogagras albatross. He said there now audible grumbling that Mr Dogara, a three-term legislator, should allow somebody from one of the two other local governments that makes up his constituency, to be their representative.

The constituency where the speaker comes from comprises of three local governments; that is Tafawa Balewa, Bokoro and Dass. In 1999 to 2007, the person that went to the House of Representative was from Dass.

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In 2003-2007 the person that went to House of Representatives was from Tafawa Balewa. In 2007-2011, Dogara went there. The assumption was that in 2011, somebody from either Tafawa Balewa or Das will take over from him but one way or the other, he managed to secure the ticket and the votes to go back to the House for another term, which is from 2011-2015.

In 2015 prior to the election, realising that the then PDP would not give him the ticket because the PDP gave the ticket to somebody from Dass, he decided to defect to the APC and as fate would have it, there was that Buhari euphoria and so anybody that contested with the APC found his way to office.

So that helped Dogara in coming back to the office for another tenure. Now the people are saying Look, Dogara is not the only person. Yes, we are thankful, we are grateful; you have done so much for our people but then, you are not the only person in that constituency. Give another person the opportunity to be there so that the agreement will stand, said Mr Dass.

The academic, however, added that with Mr Dogaras suspected huge war chest, he may out-spend his other competitors in the race and sway voters to yet again elect him into the lower house of the national assembly.ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) says personnel deployed across the country for election duties would get their allowances after the rescheduled February 23 date for the 2019 general election.

The agency made the clarification following a complaint made by a member of the prison service who asked not to be named.

The prisons spokesperson, Francis Enobore, disclosed this in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

Police personnel had already begun receiving theirs even before the postponement of the polls by INEC.

Mr Enobore admitted that the 5,150 deployed personnel for the elections are yet to receive their allowances.

He said the personnel would get their money as soon as funds are released from INEC.

He said Comptroller General Jaafaru Ahmed is committed to ensuring that whoever participates in this exercise will be paid.

The Nigerian Prison Service is partaking in securing the electoral process and the prison service is deploying 5,150 personnel in support for the peaceful election, Mr Enobore said.

As soon as money is released from INEC for the exercise, the comptroller general has directed that all those participating, their names would be forwarded to the office including their account numbers. It is not money that would be given to one person to disburse.

Once one is deployed and participates in the election, the name and account number would be forwarded and whatever that would be paid would be paid directly into the persons account, he added.

He also said the duties of the prison service in an electoral process are quite different from the duties of the police, army and civil defence.

Prison is not a frontline electoral personnel, it is not an agency of contact in crime prevention. We are not like the police, the military that are in the frontline. Our own is a supportive role, he explained.

The military intervenes when things get out of hands, while the police and the NSCDC (civil defence) have no other duty other than to protect public property.

But for prison, we have a captive audience that we must primarily protect. It is out of the workforce in the prison that we were only able to deploy 5,150 from the 244 prison formations across the country to remote areas and some in flashpoint areas, he added.How do we determine the democratic quality of elections? Political scientist Staffin Lindberg answers competition, participation, and legitimacy.

For Nigerian elections, opening on Saturday after the exercise was earlier called off last week, competition could well be said to be richly in place.

There are scores of political parties but only two  the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party  are closely matched.

The legitimacy of the elections, now coming amid high passions especially after the postponement, would be determined after the exercise  just at a point in the process.

But ahead of the rescheduled elections, participation is a concern.

We are worried about voter turnout, the spokesperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Festus Okoye, told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday night. We are appealing to Nigerians not allow the disappointment of the postponement to defeat their desire to vote.

Scholarly perspective

PREMIUM TIMES sought out two scholars of political science to illuminate the conversation.

The two scholars  Femi Mimiko and Dhikru Yagboyaju  expressed differing views on the possibility of low voter turnout when the elections open on Saturday.

No doubt about it; theres every likelihood that voter turnout will be low, said Mr Yagboyaju, from the University pf Ibadan. (This is) because of the postponement but also because of the low level of understanding of the need for participation among ordinary Nigerians.

Mr Yagboyaju situated his position in the context of campaigns against vote buying which observers said dominated the Ekiti governorship election held last year.

Given the campaign against that practice, the scholar theorised voter participation might be negatively impacted as it draws many to go vote in a democracy characterised by poverty rate and relatively poor civic culture.

Many also wait for inducement which is being discouraged now,  said Mr Yagboyaju.

Mimiko disagrees

However, Mr Mimiko, a professor of political science at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, thinks differently.

I do not think voter turnout in the upcoming elections would be low relative to previous elections, said Mr Mimiko. If we can make about 50 per cent, I would consider that a big deal. Remember also that the integrity of the humongous figures you have in the voters roll may be suspect.

He said: critical human security issues at stake would motivate increased participation and fire the determination of the people to vote.

Complementing that is the fact that the issues are thrown up by this campaign, and the four years of the Buhari government, are critical and existential  economic hardship, job losses, deepening poverty, and above all, widespread threat to lives and communities, he said. These are critical human security issues that tend ordinarily to make people interested in voting.

He continues, There is also the fact of the impression already created by the postponement, that somebody somewhere, APC or PDP, may be scheming to tamper with the electoral process in a manner that is disingenuous. The desire to be a part of the popular force to frustrate that may encourage people who ordinarily may not have been interested in voting to now want to vote.

However, he appears to have other concerns.

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He said: Three issues, however, may threaten voter turnout. The first is the prevailing economic reality. Those who had put money aside to get themselves transported to voting places may find it inconvenient financially to make a return trip to vote on February 23rd.

Secondly, the sabre rattling by the two leading parties, whose campaigns have tended to be short on issues, and rather long on abuses may have discouraged many people from wanting to vote.

Thirdly, President Buharis open cheque to security operatives to shoot people committing infractions at polling units may scare some innocent citizens away from the voting arenas.

He said the reported reduction of fuel price by independent marketers and the reduction of flight fares are the types of civil society initiatives that deserve to be supported, as they would impact positively on voter turnout.

Overall, Mr Mimiko said, I do not think the postponement of the elections would impact negatively on voter turnout. It may catalyse bigger voter turnout.

Both academics asked the political parties  especially  the leading parties  to up their game ahead of the rescheduled elections.

The civil society also must get involved in persuading people to exercise their civic right, said Mr Mimiko, echoing Mr Yagboyaju, who also extended a call to INEC.

Mr Mimiko said this could help allay the fears of those who may now be scared following President Muhammadu Buharis snatch ballot boxes at the expense of your life declaration.

INEC, Parties

The spokesperson for INEC, Festus Okoye, told PREMIUM TIMES the commission reversed itself to reopen campaign and political adverts to encourage voter turnout.

That (to encourage voter turnout) is why we have taken the step to allow the reopening of campaigns, he said.

Also, the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said voter turnout was one of the key points at our caucus meeting.

He said the party is remobilising its members to go out to vote because rigging is only possible where there is a low turnout.

The Peoples Democratic Partys spokesperson could not be reached for comment on this report. He did not answer calls and also did not reply to a text sent to his phone.

Nigerias voter turnout rates over the years

Since regime change stopped happening through the barrel of the gun in 1999, the turnout (for presidential elections) ranged from 43 per cent (2015) to 69 per cent (2003). The 2003 presidential election recorded the highest voter turnout rate Nigeria has recorded, analyses of data compiled from various sources including reports by PREMIUM TIMES, Daily Trust and a research article, show.

Years (presidential elections) Registered voters Percentage of turnout (approx..) 1999 57 938 945 53 2003 60 823 022 69 2007 61 567 036 58 2011 73 528 040 54 2015 68 833 476 43

If we can make about 50 per cent (in the coming elections), I would consider that a big deal, said Mr Mimiko.

He added: Of course, not many democracies make up to 70 per cent voter turnout. Except when you are talking of climes where voting is compulsory  Belgium, and I think Australia too; or pseudo-democracies where disguised dictators so much want to give the impression of legitimacy  places like Egypt, Cameroon, etc.

In the last presidential election in the US, the voter turnout rate was 55.7 per cent, trailing most of its peers in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, (OECD).Nigerians woke up on Saturday morning to the news that the sixth general election in its two-decade-old democracy of the fourth republic had been shifted by a week, just a few hours to its commencement.

Many are still in shock, condemning the move and counting their losses. Meanwhile, leaders in the South-east of the country have not yet settled for a preferred candidate for the number one seat in the country.

This can be attributed to the protracted cacophony of endorsements of the two leading candidates: President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which remained unresolved.

Many would have thought Mr Abubakars selection of Peter Obi, a former Anambra governor would stamp PDPs victory in the five eastern states, but that was far from the case.

It was generally received with aloofness by leaders of the region. Their grouse is that they were not consulted before the decision was taken.

Even the endorsement of the former vice president by the Ohanaeze, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, did not help as it only polarised the region. The endorsement was met with stiff opposition.

What is yet to be seen, however, is how the endorsement controversy will affect voting pattern in the region.

Divide and rule

Unity and one voice are not synonymous with the history and culture of the Igbo dominated South-east. If anything, it appears to be a clog in the wheel.

Igbo enwe eze, a common saying that means Igbo people are individualistic and do not have a common ruler they follow, has long been evident since the British colonial conquest.

While the indirect rule system succeeded in the North because of its centralised system, and partially succeeded in the South-west, it was an abysmal failure in the South-east.

There was no central ruler, and this prompted the British to appoint warrant chiefs. That was worse as it only resulted in the Aba women riot of 1929.

So, when Mr Abubakar came calling and Ohanaeze, the supposed leadership figure of the region answered, it was no surprise there were kicks.

The Anambra State government was the first to challenge the endorsement even though his running mate, Mr Obi, is from the state.

This is quite understandable. Mr Obi, who governed the state on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) handed over to the incumbent governor, Willie Obiano, but has since fallen out with him (Obiano).

The Secretary to Anambra State Government, Solo Chukwulobelu, however, said the opposition to the endorsement was because of the exclusion of prominent Igbo sons and daughters by Ohanaeze in taking the decision and has nothing to do with politics.

Even the Ohanaeze itself was divided over the endorsement as the Secretary-General of the group, Uche Okwukwu, denied support for Mr Abubakar in what he said was not in the interest of the Igbo.

Confusion

While many other socio-cultural groups including Nzuko Umunna, Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), Igbo Bu Igbo Foundation, World Igbo Assembly (WIA) queued behind the apex Igbo body, others such as Igboezue, kept kicking the endorsement.

Besides socio-political groups, the fragmentation was extended to cultural and traditional institutions.

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The Association of South-east Town Unions after its expanded National Executive Committee in Enugu, two weeks ago, backed Ohanaeze on the adoption of Atiku/Obi.

They said, as custodians of the grassroots, that the Town Unions shall rise in defence of the wishes of the majority of our people and stoutly resist any attempt by a few discredited individuals and political merchants who are attempting to trade off the Southeast for their pecuniary interests.

The Anambra State Chapter of the Unions (ASATU) however distanced itself from the decision of the unions umbrella body, saying it stood with the state governments position.

Traditional rulers in Ebonyi and Imo are not left out as they endorsed the candidacy of President Buhari. Ebonyi monarchs would later make a U-turn to support Mr Abubakar.

Ohanaeze losing grip?

The political dispensation offers some interesting scenarios and the conundrum of endorsement rather presents a test for Ohanaezes current standing in the eyes of the Igbo people.

Ohanaeze, which once reechoed strength in the entire region appears to be at its waning moment.

Reasons for the decline in the influence of the Ohanaeze have been suggested by some leaders in the region as the parade of pecuniary interest by some elements within the fold, following the gradual passage of the respected founding fathers of the group.

Individual leaders of the group are generally well respected, not only because of their age but also because they had excelled in their chosen fields.

They are now seen as dancing to the tune of any political drum of their interest.

Also, not many of the regions constituents are sure the group represents their concerns and political and economic aspirations.

This can be traced to the groups lacklustre handling of agitations by Nnamdi Kanus Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

While the radical thrust of the Ohanaeze philosophy attempted to unify the common regional interest of the Igbo people, the current government of the group led by John Nnia Nwodo seems to be well distracted by divisive and narrow political interest to which the people themselves have no stake.

This, many observers believe will inform the decision of voters to rely on their assessment of the candidate rather than the so-called endorsement.

2023 Igbo presidency factor

One of the major complaints of the South-east is that since Nigerias latest democratic sojourn started, nobody from that region has become president.

This gripe appears to be pacified by the unwritten zoning formular which allows the two divides (North and South) produce a president in an election cycle.

The formular, which is not cast on stone and has been truncated at least twice, zones the presidency to the South-east in 2023.

This has come to play in the regions decision making in the now-postponed elections.

The argument was that if Mr Abubakar wins, he will go for another term in 2023, but Mr Buhari has only one term to go.

This argument birthed a popular slogan in the region: 4BT8, meaning: Four is better than eight.

Asides the bickering over no consultation, South-east leaders want the PDP presidential candidate to commit himself to a single term in office as a condition.

This is with an understanding that in 2023 he would reciprocate the gesture by throwing his support behind the zone to produce the president for the nation.

On the other hand, the ruling APC is lobbying the South-east governors to rally behind President Buhari with a verbal understanding that doing so is the surest route to Igbo presidency.

Though governors and leaders of PDP and other parties in the zone have not made it open, their body language suggests they are weighing their options.

Governors from the South-east and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekeremadu, reportedly had a secret meeting in Aso Rock late last year with the president.

The meeting was said to be for the benefit of the South-east concerning infrastructural development.

Though the meeting was meant to allow governors show appreciation for federal government projects in the region, especially the contract award for the second Niger Bridge, it came at a time the political figures were at odds with their parties.

However, many observers allege some of the governors are working for Mr Buhari.

While Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu was spotted wearing the emblem of President Buhari late last year, the governors of Abia, Imo and Anambra have not concealed their admiration for Mr Buhari.

Some political parties of Igbo extraction have also adopted President Buhari on the same ground for 2023 presidency.

The National Chairman, United Progressive Party, Chekwas Okorie, who doubles as the coordinator of Igboezue, said the party had adopted Mr Buhari because it believed that doing so would pave the way for the emergence of an Igbo President in 2023.

The chairman of Enugu State chapter of All Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP), Adonys Igwe, also urged Ndigbo to ignore Atikus endorsement by voting their mind on election day.

This perception was nevertheless thrashed at the PDP South-east zonal rally, held in Owerri, Imo state capital a few weeks ago.

Aside the massive turnout of party supporters, bigwigs in the zone, led by Mr Ekweremadu and the three PDP South-east governors  David Umahi of Ebonyi, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) including those from the host state, led by the gubernatorial candidate, Emeka Ihedioha were all present and declared for Atiku/Obi ticket.

Efficacy of Endorsements

Would endorsements sway votes? Many believe the conflicting endorsements only work to line the pockets of the elements within the groupings.

This is the time for politics. Every move matters so long as it counters the opposition. Nothing is taken for granted, and no effort is spared in reaching the goal.

In 2015, Mr Buhari harvested a paltry 198,000 votes from the five states in the region.

That tally pales against the 323,653 that Goodluck Jonathan, the then PDP candidate drew from Ebonyi, his least from a state in the zone.

Expectedly, PDP will again win the South-east as records have not shown otherwise.

However, it might not attain the height of victory it had in 2015.

Although the streets of the South-east appear to remain hostile to the former military dictator-turned democrat, the political elites in the region seem to think differently.Eunice Atuejide, the presidential candidate of the National Interest Party (NIP), has withdrawn from the now postponed presidential election, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

In a statement she released early on Wednesday morning, Mrs Atuejide said she stepped down from the election because her race for the presidency was programmed to end on February 16 and it did.

Therefore, the Presidential Election proposed to hold on 23rd February 2019 due to the last-minute postponement by INEC does not involve me, Mrs Atuejide, the founder and chairperson of the NIP said.

According to the lawyer, the race is now between President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Mrs Atuejide said she is now committed to supporting Mr Abubakar of the PDP whom she considers a better candidate.

I choose to fight for the benefit of every Nigerian on the side of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. I cannot defend PDP for giving us bad leadership from 1999 to 2015, yet I cannot help but blame the APC for doing a much worse job from 2015 to 2019.

Plus, whether we call them PDP, APC, PPA, ANN, YPP, or NIP, we are all the same people moving from one political platform to the other in search of a place to speak out and be heard.

To my mind, the political party platform is not the real issue nonetheless, its either Alhaji Atiku Abubakar under the PDP or President Buhari under the APC this time.

Atiku Abubakar

I make bold to state unequivocally that I stand with Atiku under the PDP this time.

Mrs Atuejide of the NIP has never concealed her criticism of President Buhari and his government.

Last month, she declared President Buhari mentally and physically unfit to continue in office, saying she has commenced legal action to stop him.

In a recent interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the lawyer explained why she would use legal actions to stop President Buhari from being sworn in if he wins the election.

In Wednesdays statement, Mrs Atuejide gave reasons for declaring support for Mr Abubakar, one of which was his choice of vice president.

Eunice Atuejide, the presidential candidate of the National Interest Party (NIP).

Mr Abubakar picked an amazing VP. In fact, even though I have never met or spoken

to Peter Obi, it is thanks to him that I am today the Founder and National Chairman of a

youth-led, digitally organised political party (NIP). His exemplary leadership as Governor of Anambra State led me and several of my team members to politics.

She noted that Mr Abubakar will provide us (Nigerians) with leadership which will always put the interest of Nigerians first.

Poor Outing for Women in Presidential Race

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Mrs Atuejides withdrawal further reduces the number of women in the presidential race.

With 91 political parties now, many believed women had a better chance compared to their five previous outings at the presidential polls.

As at today, however, no fewer than five women have withdrawn from the presidential race even though their names would still appear in the ballot. A total of 73 parties and their candidates will be on the presidential ballot, including those who withdrew after the deadline, INEC stated.

Some of the women who have withdrawn but will still be on the ballot include a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, and Rabia Cengiz of the National Action Council (NAC) and now Mrs Atuejide.

No woman has emerged president, vice president or elected governor in the 19 years of Nigerias recent democracy.

Since 1999, women have not reached 10 per cent representation in government, a Fact Sheet by Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) shows.Kayafat Abdulazeez woke up February 14 with plans to enjoy the lovers day with her fiance.

The 25-year-old, who lived at Mpape area of Abuja, dressed up for work in a black jean trouser and a T-shirt. But she decided to first go for a medical check-up at Asokoro Hospital.

According to her sister, Jamila who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES, Kayafat worked at Transcorp Hilton Hotel and was in a high spirit that Thursday morning.

The Ondo State-born health advocate was a sickle cell patient, but had not had a crisis for a long time.

That was why she went to the hospital on her own for a routine checkup, her sister said.

On that Valentines Day morning, she just felt she had to go to the hospital to do a checkup. Our younger brother went with her.

But Kafayats trip to the hospital turned out to be her last.

Jamila said her sister died from medical negligence at the hospital, which failed to carry out the tests that could have saved her life.

But the hospital management in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES denied any negligence during Kafayats stay at the facility.

We did the best we could for her considering her background history.

Jamila said she was told Kafayat had been admitted to the hospital around 1 p.m.

I went after work to see her. Initially she was stable, but her pains started, and she was taken into the emergency ward. Then, doctors ran tests on her and took her blood samples. After she was taken to the emergency ward, I went home around 11 p.m to get food.

When I came back in the morning, she was already on oxygen. But the tests result was not available because the laboratory people could not find it until the doctors came and said they were with it.

The doctors said they had to repeat the test and I took the test back to the lab. After about an hour, the result came in, and the doctor referred her for an X-ray. She was still on oxygen, but the pain had reduced that Friday morning. She could not breathe on her own.

At the point of referral, the doctor said she should be put on urgency list. Then the hospital said they didnt have mobile oxygen and that was where it all started.

From that time until about 6 p.m, they were yet to do the x-ray because there was no mobile oxygen, according to them.

However, I am sure they have mobile oxygen because I saw them using it on another patient at the emergency ward. Every drug prescribed for her was just for malaria. Even the nurse was complaining before giving her the drugs.

The oxygen they brought was not working well, and the ambulance team said they do not give out their own for any reason. They kept saying they didnt have mobile oxygen when I saw them using it on other patients. They later brought the oxygen she used that Friday evening.

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But throughout that night, again she was not attended to. They kept going back and forth, pumping drips into her.

There was a time they came for routine checks; the consultants were just asking for information about the patient, and that was all.

That Friday night, the oxygen she was using on her bed was switched off from somewhere else in the hospital and nobody knew. Kayafat could not breathe well again.

At midnight, the patient was trying to remove the oxygen from her nose because it was not working again. This happened twice in the night and all they kept saying was that they did not know who switched it off.

In the morning there was no consultant at all to treat her. They said they were thinking of preparing her for the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). She died at about 10 a.m on Saturday and that was when the consultants led almost about 10 doctors to treat her, she said.

Advocates to protest medical negligence

Some of Kafayats colleagues, friends and health advocates are planning a protest to the hospital on February 21, to call for action on the health care system in Nigeria.

They said Kafayat died due to apathy, nonchalance and carelessness of the medical practitioners.

Speaking on the aim of the protest, Joseph Osuigwe, a human right activist, frowned at the attitude of the medical professionals who attended to Kafayat.

Everyone has a right to the health care they need, which includes access to all medical services. It is important to know that access to proper health treatment is a human right. Denying people treatment is an abuse of the rights of citizens. Lack of value for the life of a patient is a violation of the right of the patient, he said.

Mr Osuigwe said the emergency unit of the hospital did not treat Kafayats case with utmost urgency it required.

Though medical practitioners are humans and can make mistakes, they cannot be exonerated when they take lives for granted. Of course, we appreciate medical professionals who have been showing total commitment to their calling to save lives.

We are doing an outdoor assembly for Kafayat to do a national call for Action on our health system, not just because of our colleagues, but for those who may fall victims to such negligence.

Mr Osuigwe said the protest would demand an explanation from the hospital management on the death of Ms Kafayat; call attention to the poor healthcare system in Nigeria and call on the government to swiftly revamp the healthcare system.

We cannot close our eyes to this fact, and we cannot pretend everything is normal because there is an urgent need to fix our health system. We want the #fixourhealthsystem campaign to continue until a proactive action is taken by the government to address these issues. A lot of things are wrong in our health care system, he said.

Hospital Reacts

Reacting to the allegation of his hospitals negligence, the Medical Director, Asokoro Hospital, Uche Afiomah, said Kafayats death was an unfortunate incident which she wished did not occur.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, she said the hospital did as much as they could do for the deceased based on her ailment and her background history. She denied that the patient was neglected at any point at the Accident and Emergency unit.

It is sad that her death happened in this facility because we have been trying our best to make sure that no patient dies in this hospital due to medical negligence. I monitor the hospital activities myself, and I can say I trust my staff always to do what they are meant to do.

We have 24-hour coverage at the A&E. We are also probing deeper into the case to make sure that the cases raised by Kafayats relatives do not reoccur again, she said.

Mrs Afiomah said while it is unethically for the hospital to discuss the deceased with people who are not her relatives, she said the deceased was attended to at the A&E by two consultants, a cardiologist and a nephrologist among other medical officers. She said there were also nurses and other health workers on the ground who attended to Kafayat.

All drugs prescribed were in the hospital and were administered to her. There is a pharmacy in the hospital where all drugs are available. There is also oxygen at the A&E. There was no point she was without oxygen nor had no care.

The doctors and nurses offices are right in the A&E. As for missing records or report, we have an electronic health record system. We use electronic records so there is no way a report can be missing, she said.

The head of clinical services at the hospital, Nnabuchi Chidi, who was also present at the MDs office at the time she spoke with PREMIUM TIMES, said there was no time Kafayat was not attended to at the A&E, as the unit runs shifts.

We think it was an inevitable death due to the inherent nature of the illness with the background issues. She had other background issues. In the morning she passed on, a medical officer was with the parent explaining to them her condition.

Go and find out her medical history from the parents. For this case, she was not mismanaged or neglected at any point, he said.

Mrs Afiomah said Kafayats case was not beyond what the consultants could handle.

It is unfortunate that she passed on. With her medical history, we tried our best. The A&E does an internal audit, and I am sure they will audit what went wrong. We go extra miles at this facility for our patients. The truth is that we have limitations, but it has to do with space. But when it comes to care, we try as much as possible to give care, she said.

Ineffective National Health Act

Kafayat died less than two weeks after a Nigerian university undergraduate, Paul Akpala, died at the National Hospital Abuja due to alleged negligence of the staff of the hospital.

The National Health Act provides how emergency medical cases in the country should be handled.

The Act, in section 1 Part 3 on emergency treatment, said; A health care provider, health worker or health establishment shall not refuse a person emergency medical treatment for any reason. A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both.

Jamila, also a health advocate who works with Project Pink Blue, said she is aware of the National Health Act (NHA) as a body of laws signed in 2014 to address health issues such as that of her sister.

The Act provides a legal framework for the regulation, development, and management of Nigerias health system.

However, she said she had no plans of taking the matter up because of their mother who is still in shock over the death of Kafayat.

The grieving mother is a widow bringing up five children until Kayafats death.

All we want is accountability so that other people will not die like my sister due to the negligence of this hospital, she said.Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday he saw investment opportunities of more than $100 billion in India over the next two years as he began his first official visit amid tensions between arch foes India and Pakistan.

India rolled out the red carpet for the crown prince as it seeks diplomatic support against Pakistan following a militant attack in the disputed region of Kashmir.

The crown prince was also given a lavish welcome this week in Pakistan where the two sides signed memoranda of understanding valued at about $20 billion to help prop up Pakistans economy.

In a joint news appearance after talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the crown prince said terrorism was a common concern and Saudi Arabia was ready to share intelligence with India to tackle it.

India blames Pakistan for not doing enough to roll up militant groups that operate from its soil including the one that claimed responsibility for the Kashmir car bombing on Thursday last week.

Pakistan denies any involvement in cross-border terrorism and said it would retaliate against an Indian attack.

We face similar challenges, chief among them extremism and terrorism  and we reaffirm to India that we are ready to work in the intelligence and political arenas to coordinate our efforts the crown prince said.

Saudi Arabias formidable domestic security structure helped put down an al Qaeda bombing campaign over a decade ago.

But the kingdom continues to face occasional attacks by Sunni Islamic State fighters and Shiite militants in its Eastern Province.

We face similar challenges, chief among them extremism and terrorism  and we reaffirm to India that we are ready to work in the intelligence and political arenas to coordinate our efforts the crown prince said.

Saudi Arabias formidable domestic security structure helped put down an al Qaeda bombing campaign over a decade ago.

But the kingdom continues to face occasional attacks by Sunni Islamic State fighters and Shiite militants in its Eastern Province.

The crown prince also said he wanted to expand commercial relations with India.

Today we expect the opportunities we are targeting in India in various fields to exceed $100 billion in the coming two years we want to work with you, Mr Prime Minister, to ensure these investments are made and to ensure useful returns for both countries.

Giant petroleum and natural gas company Saudi Aramco said it was in talks with Indias Reliance Industries Ltd for possible investments and was seeking other opportunities.

Both India and Pakistan had expected a scaling up of investments on the crown princes first tour of the region since the storm over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

The killing of Khashoggi, a known critic of the crown prince, has strained Saudi Arabias ties with the West and battered the princes image abroad. Hes next due in China.

The European Commission has added Saudi Arabia to an EU draft list of countries that pose a threat to the bloc because of lax controls against terrorism financing and money laundering, sources told Reuters last month.

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But Modi has sought to use Indias fast-growing economy to attract more investment from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations since he took office.

During the press briefing, Modi said he had agreed with the prince to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism and naval and cyber security.

The two countries signed agreements on investment in infrastructure, housing sector and tourism.

(Reuters/NAN)Veteran actor, Babatunde Omidina, a.k.a. Baba Suwe, has solicited for financial support to enable him seek urgent medical attention.

Baba Suwe made the plea on Monday during an interview with popular broadcaster, Kola Olotu, in Ibadan.

This is despite claims by Theater Arts and Motions Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) that the actor has been on the health bill of the association since 2017.

The comic actor, who sank into the background eight years ago, after enjoying patronage and limelight for decades, is battling diabetic complications among other ailments.

During the interview, the celebrated comedian said he still weeps over the death of lawyer and human rights activist, Bamidele Aturu, five years after he passed on.

Baba Sala noted that the lawyers death might be connected to the energy and passion with which he pursued his (Baba Suwe) case.

He also recalled the efforts the deceased made to seek justice when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested him for alleged drug trafficking.

Tracing the origin of his current ordeal, Baba Suwe said the crisis started in the United States of America, where he had travelled to but collapsed, even amidst cheers by fans.

Since the time I returned to Nigeria, I have been going up and down, he struggled to tell the radio show host amidst tears.

They have taken me to different hospitals, yet my condition is getting worse. My situation is so bad now that I cant walk without a walking stick.

Baba Suwe also linked his current predicament to the ordeals the NDLEA officials subjected him to while in its custody.

According to him, the mental, psychological and medical stress he underwent, while NDLEA tried to establish that he indeed ingested cocaine, shattered him.

The comedian also lamented that is yet to receive the N25 million damages initially awarded him, a point that further made him remember his late lawyer.

He said, The most important issue is that I need money to treat and rehabilitate myself as I have spent all I had on the health challenges.

The actor also shared his account details: First Bank, Babs Omidina Comedy, 2003537811, during the interview.

During an interview with PREMIUM TIMES in September, Baba Suwe revealed that he would release a movie, Oya Gbe Ti detailing his 2011 encounter with NDLEA.

He was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in 2011 on the suspicion that he ingested cocaine wraps.

During the encounter, the popular comedian was detained for three weeks by the agency, but no drugs were found.

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A Lagos High Court subsequently ordered NDLEA to pay the veteran actor N25 million for unlawfully detaining him and to also tender a public apology to him; a ruling the drugs agency appealed.

According to Baba Suwe, these conditions have yet to be met and his health has continued to suffer in the last seven years.

Baba Suwe is not the only Nigerian actor who has been enmeshed in a drug scandal.

On September 19, 2006, a popular Yoruba actress, Hassanat Akinwande, was arrested by NDLEA at the Murtala Airport, as she made to board a London-bound Virgin Atlantic flight from Lagos.

She was later made to excrete 92 wraps of cocaine (condom sized) at the NDLEA cell where she was detained. The scandal, however, boosted the publicity of her film, Ogun Oloro, which detailed her experience.

The following year, a Nollywood star, Uche Odoputa, was also arrested by the NDLEA for trafficking drugs and subsequently jailed for two years and three weeks.ADVERTISEMENT

Is another Nigerian celebrity marriage on the brink of collapse?

This is the question fans of Nollywood actors, Yvonne Jegede and Kunle Abounce Fawole, are asking.

Barely a year after Abounce, who is the son of late actress, Bukky Ajayi, married Yvonne at a simple but classy wedding ceremony in Lagos, separation rumours have begun trailing their marriage.

Reports surfaced days ago that Yvonne had moved out of her husbands house just as her cryptic Instagram posts seem to back the claims.

The actress dedicated her son in church on Sunday in Lagos.

The baby, Xavier, is a product of the union. The actress conspicuously left her husband out when she shared a post, thanking well-wishers.

Also, in a photo of her and the babys godparents, she once again left him out.

Her left hand was also without her wedding ring.

Abounce also completely ignored the celebration and posted a meme on the same day.

Yvonne, who has since reverted to her maiden name, has also deleted her husbands name and photographs from her Instagram page.

Fans have long suspected that all may not be well with the couple as their social media pages carry little of one another- how most celebrity couples in Nigeria hint that theyre no longer together.

The couple is yet to publicly comment on the issue.

Yvonne rose to prominence after she made a cameo appearance in 2Face Idibias award-winning music video, African Queen alongside Annie Macaulay in 2004.

The couple met 15 years ago on the set of Tade Ogidans popular drama serial, Behind the Seige.Tributes have continued to pour in for late fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld who died on Tuesday morning in Paris, France.

He died at age 85 from pancreatic cancer

The German haute-couture designer was artistic director at Chanel and an icon of the global fashion industry for over half a century.

He was best known for his association with Chanel but also delivered collections for LVMHs Fendi and his own eponymous label and will be remembered for his transformation of fashion and his elaborate runway shows.

Meanwhile, renowned Nigerian fashion designers have taken to social media to express their grief at the death of the pillar of the industry.

Fashion designer, Olakunbi Oyelese, founder of April by Kunbi wrote, RIP to an icon, a true fashion legend.

If youve never watched a Chanel fashion show please take a few minutes to go on YouTube.

I had a class about him in fashion school and honestly was looking forward to meeting him one day. He is a legend, an icon, irreplaceable. Rest In Peace Karl Lagerfeld.

Popular founder and creative director of JewelbyLisa, Lisa Folawiyo paid her tribute in simple words.

She wrote, Those that truly inspired and made us dream. Genius. Icon. Legend. RIP Karl Lagerfeld.

Folawiyo creates luxurious and captivating pieces with Ankara and her collections have been showcased in South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Duro Olowu, a designer mostly known for his love for bright colors and vintage prints wrote, RIP Karl Lagerfeld.

A designer and artist whose talent and prolific output in the 70s and 80s to his eponymous label as well as at Fendi and Chanel represents a very important and evocative place in the fashion industry. RIP.

Another designer, Toju Foye wrote, Legends never die; they are always remembered. Forever an icon. RIP Karl Lagerfeld, a true legend.

Lagerfeld was one of the most influential and celebrated designers of the 21st century and an iconic, universal symbol of style.

Also, sharing a shot from shoots with the icon, American reality Queen, Kim Kardashian wrote on her instagram page: We lost a true legend!!!! You were such an inspiration to the world! You shot my first fashion shoot and I was so nervous to work with such an icon!

He was passionate, powerful, intensely curious and driven by a phenomenal sense of creativity.

According to a statement from his brand, He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the greatest designers of our time, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed.

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The late fashion designer and artistic director for Chanel was born in Hamburg to a Swedish father and German mother, and moved to Paris in his early 20s.

He was known for his insults as well as reviving Chanel as a brand after he started working for label in the 1980s.

(NAN)The European Commission says Nigeria was named in the expanded 23 dirty money blacklist released last Wednesday for failing to take steps to strengthen its anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regimes.

On February 13, the Commission named Panama, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as fresh additions to the list of countries that have not done enough to address the high risk of money laundering and terrorist financing.

The EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Vera Jourova, said the list is an update of third world countries the EU identified earlier as jurisdictions where money laundering and terrorism financing are allowed to flourish.

The new categorization, PREMIUM TIMES learnt, is perhaps, a direct response to the assessment of the impact of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Panama Papers investigation.

The global investigations, which spanned over a year, were conducted by over 100 media organizations across the world, including PREMIUM TIMES.

The investigations, which covered financial transactions of various offshore entities, exposed hundreds of companies linked to more than 140 politicians, businessmen and world leaders in more than 50 countries.

The New Blacklist

The 23 countries include 12 listed by the Financial Action Task Force and 11 additional jurisdictions.

Some of these countries were already among 16 on the current EU list issued since July 2018.

Six African countries are on the new list, namely Libya, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Botswana, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Also on the list are five Middle East countries, including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

Others from the far-East region, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, Puerto Rico, Samoa, American Samoa, Guam, Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Bahamas joining Panama on the list in the Caribbean Sea or South Pacific regions.

In 2018, Chairman of the Africa Union high-level panel on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, said Africas annual loss through IFFs increased from $50 billion in 2015 to over $80 billion.

The chairman of Nigerias Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Tunde Fowler, said at least 40 per cent of the total IFFs in Africa, come from Nigeria.

Why The New List?

The Commission said the new list followed a review of the process of these third world countries with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks.

The decision, the Commission said, was to protect the EU financial system by better preventing money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Under the new arrangement, the Commission said banks and other financial entities covered by EU anti-money laundering rules would be required to apply increased due diligence on financial operations involving customers and financial institutions from the affected countries.

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Mr Jourova said although the Commission has established the strongest anti-money laundering standards in the world, it is resolved to ensure dirty money from other countries did not find its way to its financial system.

Dirty money is the lifeblood of organized crime and terrorism, the Commission said.

He urged Nigeria and other countries included in the new list to take steps to remedy their deficiencies swiftly, assuring the Commission was ready to help them address these issues in their mutual interest.

Arriving at the List

Before arriving at the new categorisation, the Commission said assessments were conducted on the level of existing threats, the legal framework, and controls to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing risks and their effective implementation.

The Commission said it also took into consideration the work of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the international standard-setter, in this field.

The list is expected to be submitted to the European Parliament and Council for approval within the next month.

Following the coming into force of the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive in 2015, the Commission published a first EU list of high-risk third countries based on the assessment of the Financial Action Task Force.

The Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive broadened the criteria for the identification of high-risk third countries, including notably the availability of information on the beneficial owners of companies and legal arrangements.

The regulation will help better address risks associated with activities of shell companies and opaque structures used by criminals and terrorists to hide the real beneficiaries of transactions, including for tax evasion purposes.Preaching as Fussing

Pay attention to the details of the text and the details of your people.

Introduction

While talking with a colleague who teaches preaching, the concept of preaching as fussing came up. I had not thought of this concept before. Fussing tends to have a negative sense about it. We all know that to make a fuss over someone or something may seem to be over the toptoo much excitement or focus on one person or thing. We see this in a translation of Luke 10:41 where Jesus chastises Martha because she fussed over dinner preparations a bit too much: Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. But cannot fussing have a positive side to it? In the case of Mary and Martha, one would hope that someone was fussing over getting dinner ready! Does not the Bible have something constructive to say about preaching as fussing? Below are five considerations for the place of fussing in our preaching.

Fussing means concern

Fussing means that one is concerned for and about his or her congregation. As pastors we are immensely interested in the lives ...PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:49:38

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Wearable cardioverter defibrillator is an external defibrillator which is non-invasive it is used to prevent sudden cardiac attack. It has two partsA light weight vest that is worn under regular clothesA small portable unit that includes recorder and generatorSudden cardiac attack happens when there is an issue with the heart's electrical system. The electrical system guides the heart to relax and contract. Condition where there is abnormal rhythm in the ventricles of the heart is Ventricular Fibrillation. If VF occurs, a defibrillator sends an electrical current to the heart which is used to re-start a normal heart rhythm. Defibrillators are utilized for the treatment of life-threatening heart dysrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. They control irregular heartbeat, prevent heart failure, and treat patients affected by sudden heart failure. Defibrillators can be internal (inside the body) and external (outside the body). The wearable defibrillator is a treatment given for patients who are at high risk for sudden heart failure or sudden cardiac death. Basically the wearable cardioverter defibrillator is used for outpatient.Request Sample Report @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1222 The global wearable cardioverter defibrillator market is categorized on the basis of condition type, end user and geography. The market is driven by some key factors such as future advancement in technology which help in introducing patient friendly devices by reducing the size and weight of the wearable cardioverter defibrillator, introduction of rental services for wearable cardioverter defibrillators and reducing the cost and making it affordable in developing countries, enhancing patient education and training. Wearable cardioverter defibrillator is used for the conditions like Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, Congenital heart disease and Inherited Arrhythmias.Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator Market: Drivers and RestraintsFactors contributing to the growth of wearable cardioverter defibrillator marketincludes the rise to prevalence of diseases, growing geriatric population, increasing number of training and awareness among the population base results in growth of market, technological advancements to propel the growth of the market, providing producers with future growth opportunities to bolster the growth of the marketHowever factors such as lack of knowledge about sudden cardiac arrest, problems related to the use of wearable cardioverter defibrillator devices, and the wearable cardioverter defibrillator does not monitor atrial arrhythmias therefore this hinders the growth of the marketRequest to View TOC @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1222 Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator Market: OverviewThe wearable cardioverter defibrillator market is expected to have tremendous growth during the forecast period (2016-2026), with rising incidence of cardiac disorders, advancement and innovations in technology in medical field, and government initiative by increased spending in research and developmentWearable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Region- wise OutlookNorth America holds the largest market share of the overall industry and is liable to keep ruling the business sector asrising incidence of diseases, improvement in healthcare industry and extended growth. USA and Canada contribute to the overall defibrillator market in the region as lot of awareness about the sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillators. Europe has second largest market for defibrillator devices. The Market is appeared to be driven by increase in demand from emerging countries in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, where more workstations and business environments are introducing advancement in defibrillators. It is estimated to benefit the defibrillators market in upcoming yearsWearable Cardioverter Defibrillator: SegmentationGlobal wearable cardioverter defibrillatormarketis segmented on the basis of condition, end use and geography as following:By ConditionsPeripartum CardiomyopathyCongenital Heart DiseaseInherited ArrhythmiasBy End UserHospitalsHome Care SettingsCardiology ClinicsWearable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Key PlayerZOLL Medical Corporation is the key player operating in this segment.Get Full Report Now @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/1222PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:49:02

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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: abhishek.b@futuremarketinsights.comFMI Blog: https://www.fmiblog.com/Web: https://www.fuManager+1-347-918-3531

Thrombectomy is the surgical procedure where removal of thrombus (blood clot) from a blood vessel is performed. Blood contain cells called platelets and a substance called fibrinogen that allow the blood to clot. In normal circumstances, clotting is a good thing as it prevents blood loss from injury such as cut or gaze. However, when a blood clot forms inside a blood vessel, it can cause serious problem like part of the body supplied by that vein becomes swollen as the blood is unable to flow back towards the heart. If one forms in an artery, the blood cannot reach the area supplied by the artery.Thrombectomy system are used in several procedures which require clot removal to achieve efficacious treatment and to save patients lives. Due to its versatility, the thrombectomy system can be utilized in several different applications like acute myocardial infraction (AMI), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and neurovascular procedures.Thrombectomy System Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, thrombectomy system global market is driven by the technological advancement, aging population, and increasing demand for minimally invasive surgery.Thrombectomy system global market is drives by the aging population, technological advancement in healthcare industry, increasing demand for minimally invasive surgery, increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease such as AAAs and PADs, patient lifestyle changes and unhealthy habits. However, lack of skilled professionals and the lack of awareness about peripheral vascular disease among patients are major barriers for this market.Thrombectomy System Market: SegmentationThrombectomy system global market is segmented into following types:Percutaneous Thrombectomy DevicesAspiration ThrombectomyMechanical Thrombectomy DevicesBalloon EmbolectomyCatheter Directed Thrombolysis (CDT)Thrombectomy System Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement, increase in the number of aging population and increase in demand for minimally invasive surgery, the thrombectomy system global market is expected to have healthy growth rate in the forecast period (2012-2025).Thrombectomy System Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, global thrombectomy system market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.North America holds the largest share of the global thrombectomy system market, due to high aging population and wide technological advancement.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-673 Thrombectomy System Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating players in thrombectomy system global market are Bayer HealthCare LLC, Boston Scientific Corp., Covidien Plc., Minnetronix Inc., Argon Medical Devices Inc., NexGen Medical Systems Inc., and others.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 16:12:37

PUEBLO, CO / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / Sprout Tiny Homes, Inc. (OTC PINK: STHI), an industry leader in designing, manufacturing, and developing state-of-the-art Zero Energy ready homes announced today that it has successfully closed on the purchase of Phase 1A totaling 54.13 acres of land in North Vista Highlands, a new zero energy ready residential community in Pueblo, Colorado. North Vista Highlands is a 4850 home master planned community with the first 750 homes designated as zero energy ready homes.The Phase 1A purchase includes an approved site plan totaling 162 lots for single family homes, town homes, and commercial mixed use residential units. "This milestone represents a strategic and diversified revenue opportunity in our business model from being a home manufacturer to a full scale developer through lot and home sales," stated Rod Stambaugh, President of Sprout. "We believe and interest is confirming that modern, zero energy ready, chemical free homes in a $250-290k price range will appeal a wide homebuyer market. We are excited to lead the development of Colorado's first zero energy ready housing development at an affordable price point. We have already received interest from builders, real estate brokers, home buyers and have invited forward thinking builders to join our vision of delivering affordable, zero energy ready homes. The quality, energy efficiency, efficient use of space, adoption of new HVAC technology and home automation will establish a high bar as our next generation of affordable housing debuts in Pueblo, Colorado." Pueblo is well positioned as the next rapid growth area of Colorado with a moderate climate, plenty of water for growth, growing colleges, excellent healthcare and a favorable economic climate for Companies wanting to establish a Colorado presence. Sprout relocated to Pueblo in June of 2018 to expand its manufacturing operations. North Vista Highlands represents a vision Sprout has been advocating to deliver the next evolution in housing in a growth area that is affordable and can serve as a scalable model for the entire nation. Sprout homes check the boxes of an affordable price point, high-quality, healthy living with home automation and zero energy ready status.About Sprout Tiny Homes:Sprout Tiny Homes is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of high-quality, zero energy ready homes with chemical free interiors. Sprout homes are built with modern building practices including structural insulated panels resulting in stronger, greener and truer homes. Sprout focuses exclusively on building commercial grade tiny homes to satisfy the growing demand of affordable housing communities, employee housing, overnight hotel / resort markets and homes for disabled and exceptional people. Using sustainable building materials where possible and pushing the boundaries of design and energy efficiencies are key attributes of Sprout homes. We manufacture tiny homes on wheels up to 400 sq. ft. and homes on foundations up to 1700 sq. ft. of living space. For more information on the company, visit http://sprouttinyhomes.com About North Vista Highlands:North Vista Highlands is 1060 acres of land in the City of Pueblo, Colorado with approved zoning for 4,850 residential units and 1,225,000 square feet of retail/commercial. The Metro District Service Plans were approved by the City of Pueblo and are now operational. The development of the property is described below.1. Development Area 1 - The development of 750 lots for sale to builders for single-family homes ranging from $180,000 to $325,000 located near the intersection of Vision Hills (formerly 47th) and Walking Stick Boulevard. Development Area 1 includes four phases and the site plan for Phase 1A consisting of 162 units and 43,000 square feet of commercial/retail space. The Phase 1A plat was approved by the Pueblo City Council in January 2019.2. Development Area 2 - The formation of the metropolitan district will finance significant infrastructure and pave the way for the development of 4,100 residences and 1,225,000 square feet of commercial/retail space. This will include all types of residential, multi-family, commercial, and retail development, in addition to an active adult community, a state of the art dementia and memory center, and a full range of assisted care facilities.Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements:This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Acto fo 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements regarding potential sales, the success of the company's business, as well as statements that include the word "believe" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results. performance or achievements of Sprout Tiny Homes, Inc. to differ materially from this implied or expressed by such forward-looking statements. This press release speaks as of the date set first set forth above , and Sprout Tiny Homes, Inc. assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to factors such as the lack of capital, timely development of products, inability to deliver products when ordered, inability of potential customers to pay for ordered products, and political and economic risks inherent in our industry.ContactRod Stambaugh, President/CEO720.810.4228SOURCE: Sprout Tiny HomesSleep Screening Devices Market: Sleep Screening Devices Industry Analysis, Industry Segment Analysis, Regional Outlook, Market Revenue, Share, Competitor Analysis, and Industrial Growth by Future Market Insights

Sleep Screening Devices Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 10:24:11

Home sleep screening devices are small portable devices which are used to assess patients sleep disorders. These devices are validated against laboratory devices for their accurate results.Home sleep screening devices track sleeping habits and help to determine important decisions for healthy sleep cycle and lifestyle. Home sleep screening devices connect to the body. A sensor is attached to the body in the form of a device which tracks the sleep cycle and patterns. Home sleep screening devices available in the market are wristbands, hand bands and sleep tracking mats. These tests provide at home convenience. Also home sleep screening devices record and provide much information such as nasal flow, oxygen saturation and snoring. Moreover, these devices are easy to use and advantageous to home-bound elderly and patients suffering from chronic illness. The home sleep screening devices reduce the transportation costs which is expected to influence the patients.Home sleep screening devices: Drivers and RestraintsHome sleep screening devices are increasing due to increase in incidences of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, parasomnia, snoring, and various breathing disorders related to sleeping which are driving the home sleep screening devices market. According to the Sleep Apnea Organization, more than 22 million Americans are suffering from sleep apnea in 2017.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8901 Sleep deprivation is common among people who are shift workers which have led to several sleep-related disorders and are indirectly driving the home sleep screening devices market. Also, technological advancements have led to the development of devices which are capable of tracking and recording deep & light sleep, hours slept, sleep cycle, monitoring of heart and breathing rate. Also, Home sleep screening devices are convenient and often covered by insurance. However, the tracked data on their home sleep screening devices create anxiety about sleep disorders which further leads to convincing themselves that they suffer from a sleep disorder. The Home sleep screening devices market offers great possibility as patients do not feel stressed and discomfort. It holds a strong recognition in future with its continued investment.Home sleep screening devices: Regional OutlookNorth America and Europe are presumed to be the leading region in the global Home sleep screening devices market, due to severe regulations for patient care and safety. The devices are less expensive and can be used in the comfort zone which is driving the market of home sleep screening devices. The Home sleep screening devices market in countries such as China and India is predicted to grow at a significant rate due to change in the lifestyle, job shifts and other factors such as stress. In addition, patients want to be aware of their health conditions. Initiatives by the governments in the emerging regions on providing better healthcare facilities to the population add to the growth of the Home sleep screening devices. Regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America are expected to have higher revenue growth during the forecast period due to increased investments from manufacturers.Home sleep screening devices Market: SegmentationTentatively, the global Home sleep screening devices market can be segmented on the basis of product type, indications, distribution channel and geography.Based on types of product, the global Home sleep screening devices Market is segmented as:WearablePortableBased on Indications, the global Home sleep screening devices Market is segmented as:Obstructive sleep apneaSnoringInsomniaNarcolepsyParasomniaSleep and other health conditions( Respiratory conditions, oxygen assessment heart diseases and others)Restless Legs and periodic leg movement syndrome (PLMS)Based on Distribution channel, the global Home sleep screening devices Market is segmented as:Hospitals pharmaciesRetail storesHome sleep testing centersBased on Region, the global Home sleep screening devices Market is segmented as:North AmericaLatin AmericaEastern EuropeWestern EuropeAsia Pacific Excluding Japan and ChinaChinaJapanMiddle East & AfricaRequest Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8901 Home sleep screening devices Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the major players identified in the global Home sleep screening devices market are Withings, CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO.,LTD , Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc., Apple Inc, Sunbeam Products, Inc. Viatom Technology co., Itd., MD Biomedical, Inc., Air Liquide Medical Systems and SINGA Technology Corporation among others. The manufacturers are involved in partnerships for R&D in order to exploit maximum potential. Also, they are majorly focusing on strengthening the core skills of their product portfolio. The manufacturers are reviewing and making efforts by increasing the efficiency of drugs with their Home sleep screening devices.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 13:06:04

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / Renaissance Gold Inc. ( TSX.V: REN / OTCQB: RNSGF) ("RenGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive earn-in agreement with OceanaGold U.S. Holdings Inc. ("OceanaGold"), a subsidiary of OceanaGold Corporation (TSX: OGC; ASX: OGC) on its Fat Lizard Project. Upon signing the definitive agreement, OceanaGold paid the Company US$25,000.Robert Felder, President and CEO states "We are very pleased to have completed a second earn-in agreement with OceanaGold. They have a proven track record and are very active in Nevada and are a welcome addition to our list of partners. RenGold continues to maintain a very active exploration program throughout Nevada, and with the addition of this agreement, the Company currently has eight active exploration agreements in Nevada funded by six different partners." Fat Lizard: OceanaGold has the option to earn up to a 51% interest in the Fat Lizard Project by spending US$3,000,000 over a five-year period, and making payments to the Company totaling US$225,000. In addition, OceanaGold must spend US$250,000 (committed expenditure) within 12 months of signing the definitive agreement. Upon vesting, OceanaGold has a one-time option to elect to earn an additional 24% interest on the Fat Lizard Project by spending an additional US$5,000,000 over a four-year period from the date of exercise of the Phase II earn-in option.The Fat Lizard Project, Nye County, Nevada comprises a gold and silver bearing volcanic-hosted, low-sulfidation epithermal system. The presence of steam-heated alteration suggests a shallow level of exposure above a boiling zone. Mineralization occurs along a 1.2 km long mineralized fault zone and is open to the west. A half-graben setting controls mineralization and suggests structural intersections and horsetailing are present at moderate depths. Spectral measurements have been used to map high-level alteration including kaolinite, dickite, and alunite-bearing zones. Limited illite-smectite alteration is present in a narrow upthrown structural block and is associated with anomalous gold (up to 0.49 g/t) and silver (up to 10.8 g/t). Potential Au-Ag-rich mineralization may occur at relatively shallow depths within a boiling horizon. This prospect has never been drilled.About OceanaGold CorporationOceanaGold Corporation is a mid-tier, high-margin, multinational gold producer with assets located in the Philippines, New Zealand and the United States. The Company's assets include: the Didipio Gold-Copper Mine on Luzon Island in the Philippines; the Macraes Goldfield Mine on the South Island of New Zealand; the Waihi Gold Mine on the North Island of New Zealand; and the Haile Gold Mine located in South Carolina, United States of America. OceanaGold also has a significant pipeline of organic growth and exploration opportunities in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions.About Renaissance Gold Inc.Renaissance Gold Inc. is a western US focused prospect generator utilizing a joint venture business model. RenGold applies the extensive exploration experience and high-end technical skills of its founders and team members to search for and acquire high quality precious metal exploration projects that are then offered for joint venture to industry partners who provide exploration funding. RenGold maintains a large portfolio of gold and silver exploration properties and has entered into over 70 exploration agreements including those as its predecessor, AuEx Ventures Inc., and those from Kinetic Gold. RenGold's objective is to place its projects into exploration agreements, testing as many drill targets as possible and providing maximum exposure to success through discovery.Qualified PersonAll technical data disclosed in this press release has been verified by RenGold's Qualified Person, Robert Felder, M.Sc. and Certified Professional Geologist as recognized by the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).By: Robert Felder, President & CEOFor further information, contact:Robert Felder 775-337-1545 or bfelder@ rengold.com Ronald Parratt 775-337-1545 or rparratt@ rengold.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.This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Renaissance Gold Inc. 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 may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Renaissance Gold Inc's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Renaissance Gold Inc. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.SOURCE: Renaissance Gold Inc.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:50:05

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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: abhishek.b@futuremarketinsights.comFMI Blog: https://www.fmiblog.com/Web: https://www.fuManager+1-347-918-3531

Remote patient monitoring devices supports in monitoring of patients physical condition. Patient does not need to visit the medical practitioner. Digital technology is used in remote patient monitoring devices to gather health and other forms of medical data to securely pass on to healthcare providers situated at different location for clinical review. The accuracy of remote patient monitoring devices allows reliable diagnosis, leading to a more specific and efficient treatment. Remote patient monitoring devices helps to reduce costs of hospital stays by continuing to monitor patient condition, irrespective of patient location and also it helps to reduce overcrowding at clinics and diagnostic centers. Remote patient monitoring devices systems are used for continuously monitoring important physiological parameters like, heart activity, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate and other clinical conditions. Remote patient monitoring devices is based on real time data sharing which helps physicians to take vital decisions to ensure better patient treatment. Physician and healthcare providers are extending the use ofremote patient monitoring devices to enhance the excellence of patient care and reduce expenses by prognosis.Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Drivers & RestraintsRemote patient monitoring devices market is fueled by great technological advancements. The increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases like heart conditions and diabetes requires compulsory life-long monitoring will also contribute to remote patient monitoring devicesglobal market. Increase in geriatric population around the globe is leading to enhanced global market forremote patient monitoring devices. Awareness among the medical practitioners and improved private sector and government involvement in remote patient monitoring devices is supporting the global market for remote patient monitoring devices dwell in developing countries. Deficiency of trained and expert professionals are hampering the growth of remote patient monitoring devices.Request Sample Report @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1240 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: SegmentationGlobal remote patient monitoring devices market is segmented as following:By Product Type:Heart Rate MonitorsBlood Pressure MonitorsHeart MonitorsBreath MonitorsSleep Apnea MonitorsBlood Glucose MonitorsWeight MonitorsBody Temperature MonitorsInfusion PumpsBy End User:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersHomecare settingsRequest to View TOC @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1240 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: OverviewIncreased technological improvement, rise in the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases along with increase in aging population, enhanced demand for remote monitoring, private sector and government involvement in remote patient monitoring devices, the global market for remote patient monitoring devices market is expected to have a healthy growth rate in the forecast period (2016-2026).Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global remote patient monitoring devicesmarketis segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America is the leading global remote patient monitoring devices market due to the high volumes of surgical procedures being performed. Also, the availability of established healthcare infrastructure, high influence of healthcare to economy are the reasons for the high demand in North America. Europe is also a lucrative market for remote patient monitoring devices due to rapid technological advancement in terms of healthcare sector. Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at a good rate as compared to NA and Europe as there is ample market opportunity in countries like India and China due the large population.Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global remote patient monitoring devicesmarketare Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., AMD Global Telemedicine, Honeywell International Inc., Omron Healthcare, Smiths Medical, Medtronic, and others.Get Full Report Now @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/1240Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Radiation Dose Optimisation Software Market: Hospitals to Hold 70% Value Share by 2027 End: Global Industry Analysis (2012 - 2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017 - 2027)" report to their offering.

Radiation Dose Optimisation Software Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 07:42:59

A report of Future Market Insights titled Global Radiation Dose Optimisation Software Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017-2027) states that favourable government regulations for controlling radiation are likely to have a positive impact on the growth of the global radiation dose optimisation software market in the years ahead. Doctors are using radiation dose optimisation software for monitoring and controlling the doses of radiation. Correspondingly, radiation dose optimisation software is used for controlling multiple aspects related to the dose. The radiation dose quantity varies as per the patient and the disease. The global market for radiation dose optimisation software is expected to rise at a CAGR of 27.4% from 2017 to 2027.Inclination Towards Smart Technology to Accelerate AdoptionWith technology becoming ubiquitous and advanced technologies replacing existing ones, the demand for more cutting-edge technology is rising with each passing day. Consumers are gaining awareness about the availability of advanced technologies for treating diseases such as smart technology products. As a result of this, the demand for radiation dose optimisation software has also taken a surge and is expected to foresee the same trend in the coming years. The need to monitor the limits of annual dose of the workers in CT/PET imaging is also one of the factors that will have an influential impact on the market in the long run.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6238 The growing adoption of electronic health recording systems along with a rising awareness regarding radiation safety is expected to bode well for the market in the near future. However, the dearth of expert operators and the lack of knowledge and training among the existing workers for operating radiation dose optimisation software might act as a roadblock in the progress of the market during the course of the forecast period.North America to Take the Lead in Terms of DeploymentIn order to avoid high dosage of radiation and for increasing the safety of workers, the U.S. government has introduced a number of reimbursement policies for radiologists for encouraging them to follow the various guidelines that have been set up by several organisations to maintain proper dose levels. As a result of these stringent regulatory requirements, the adoption of radiation dose optimisation software is expected to increase during the forecast period. As a result of these dynamics, the market for radiation dose optimisation software in North America is expected to witness an outstanding CAGR of 30.8% over the course of the forecast period.Other than this, on the basis of end user, the market has been segmented into hospitals, diagnostic centres, cancer research institutes, and others. Based on component the market has been bifurcated into software and services. The software segment has been further divided into automatic and manual and the services segment has been further divided into education and training and support.Need more information about Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6238 Companies to Strengthen Product Offering for Cancer DiagnosisProduct innovation, expansion in product portfolio, and acquisitions are likely to be the key areas that companies operating in the global radiation dose optimisation software market are likely to focus on in the coming years. Some of the leading companies in the market are General Electric Company, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Siemens AG, Agfa-Gevaert Group, Bracco, Sectra AB, and FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation.Pressure Ulcer Detection Devices Market: Pressure Ulcer Detection Devices Industry Analysis, Industry Segment Analysis, Regional Outlook, Market Revenue, Share, Competitor Analysis, and Industrial Growth by Future Market Insights

Pressure Ulcer Detection Devices Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 09:43:50

Pressure Ulcer is a type of pressure injury that causes distortion of skin and tissue. Pressure ulcers are generally caused due to lack of poor nutrition, aging skin, friction, moisture, less mobility etc. Ulcers are formed in localized areas of the skin and underlying subcutaneous tissue over the bone. When the skin is exposed to prolong pressure starved with proper nutrients and oxygen, the tissue gets damaged leading to pressure ulcers. Thus, pressure ulcer detection devices are being developed to treat pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcer detection devices detect the changes in the concentration of oxygen during the restoration of flow of blood to the tissues within the localized areas of skin. Various pressure ulcer detection devices are being developed to detect the pressure ulcers such as SEM Scanner, smart bandages, Bluetooth-enabled fabric-based pressure sensor array, wearable wireless devices, and others.Pressure Ulcer Detection Devices: Market DynamicsPressure ulcers have become acute and are a significant burden to the healthcare system. With the growing aging population, the incidence and prevalence rate is increasing. According to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel report, around 2.5 million patients developed pressure ulcers every year with an incidence rate of 2.5% in hospitals and 60,000 deaths per year. The healthcare expenditure burden on pressure ulcer is gradually increasing. For example, in US cost for the healthcare system is US$9-11 billion per year. Per patients with stage III/IV pressure ulcer cost US$70-150 thousand. The growing number of aging population, increase in obesity and incontinence in urine, lack of poor nutrition will drive the growth of pressure ulcer detection devices. Another factor for the increase in demand in pressure ulcer detection devices is growing the diabetic population, kidney failure, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease and also Parkinson disease which makes the skin more delicate or fragile causing movement problems. Emerging innovation to heal pressure ulcers using gene therapy which includes cytokines and growth factors, adipose tissue or bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy may restrain the market of pressure ulcer detection devices.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8900 Pressure Ulcer Detection Devices Market: SegmentationThe global pressure ulcer detection devices market is segmented by product type and end user.Segmentation by Product TypeDynamic Supportive Surface Pressure Ulcer Detection DevicesAngiosome padding Pressure Ulcer Detection DevicesThermographic Imaging System Pressure Ulcer Detection DevicesSEM Scanner Pressure Ulcer Detection DevicesCapacitive Based Pressure Sensor Pressure Ulcer Detection DevicesWireless Matt Pressure Sensor Pressure Ulcer Detection DevicesWireless Shear Stress Adhesive Sensor Pressure Ulcer Detection DevicesMonitor Alert Protect system Pressure Ulcer Detection DevicesOthersSegmentation by End UserHospital settingsNursing homes settingsHome care settingsAmbulatory Surgical CentersPressure Ulcer Detection Devices Market: OverviewA pressure ulcer is a common issue in many hospital settings. Many physiological factors such as age, gender, race, mobility, weight have given birth to pressure ulcers. Reimbursement has also no longer being provided in many hospitals for pressure ulcer detection devices. Due to the lack of effective treatment and massive clinical need, new technologies are boosting the growth of pressure ulcer detection devices market. Mechanical solutions are no longer widely used as these methods are focused purely on prevention based on duration and not on physiological factors. However, numerous technologies have boosted the pressure ulcer detection devices market such as Dynamic Supportive Surface pressure ulcer detection devices which is a temperature control system used to prevent early onset of pressure ulcer. Also Thermographic Imaging System and the Monitor Alert Protect system is highly recommended pressure ulcer detection devices by many physicians due to its accuracy in detection of ulcers and also it can be used in all patients.Pressure Ulcer Detection Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of geography, the global versatile cryosurgical devices market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa. North America exhibit substantial growth in the pressure ulcer detection devices market due to increase in aging population and advanced healthcare facilities which as a result have high impact in overall pressure ulcer detection devices market. Europe market protrude to have high growth in pressure ulcer detection devices market due to increasing burden of pressure ulcers and rising costs in healthcare . Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa is also stimulating the growth of the pressure ulcer detection devices market due to increasing diabetic population, lack of poor nutrition and other physiological factors is leading the pressure ulcer detection devices market.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8900 Pressure Ulcer Detection Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global pressure ulcer detection devices market are Bruin Biometrics, LLC, 3M, Invacare Corporation, Hill-Rom Services Inc., Abbott, HoverTech International, Coloplast, First Quality Enterprises, Inc., Arjo, Acelity, Gordian Medical, Inc.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 07:02:48

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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.comSEO3479183531Abhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

Global Market for Pharmaceutical Solvents Projected to Witness Sluggish GrowthA majority of medicines & drugs produced in the world are derived from formulating Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), and such processes require alcoholic solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol, propanol and propylene glycol. Production of pharmaceutical solvents continues to be concentrated in the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region as leading API suppliers and drug manufacturers in the world have based their production units in countries such as South Korea, China and India, among others.Nevertheless, the production of pharmaceutical solvents in the world continues to be riddled with challenges emanating from stringent manufacturing regulations imposed by governments. Administration authorities regulating industrial activities in a region are curbing the production of pharmaceutical solvents which contain high volumes of inflammable fluids. An alarming rise in the incidences of casualties reported in pharmaceutical solvent manufacturing plants as well as health risks of being exposed to volatile liquids present in several pharmaceutical solvents will continue to be a major challenge for drugmakers in the coming years.A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1939 According to Future Market Insights, the global market for pharmaceutical solvents will expand at a sluggish pace, registering a 3.5% CAGR (in terms of value) during the forecast period 2016-2026. More than 2,000 kilotons of pharmaceutical solvents were estimated to be sold in 2016, projecting that the global pharmaceutical solvents revenues amassed in the year surpassed US$ 2,713.2 million. In the report, titled Pharmaceutical Solvents Market: Global Industry Analysis & Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026, Future Market Insights expects that by the end of 2026, an approximate of US$ 4.1 billion revenues will be accrued through global sales of pharmaceutical solvents. Over the projection period, the APEJ pharmaceutical solvents market will account for over 30% of the global revenues, primarily due to the regions potential for large scale production of drugs, medicine and other pharmaceutical products. Meanwhile, North America and Western Europe are anticipated to incur a slight dip in their collective share towards global market value, procuring combined revenues of nearly US$ 2 billion by the end of 2026.Alcohol  Dominant Chemical Group for Pharmaceutical SolventsFormulation of pharmaceutical products is mainly instrumented by mixing alcoholic solvents with API and other pharmaceutical ingredients. During production of medicinal fluids, alcohols tend to serve as the inactive ingredients or excipients, helping in stabilising the chemical composition of resultant compounds. Hence, the global market for pharmaceutical solvents will continue to witness higher adoption of alcohols as the constituent chemicals used for production. By the end of 2026, more than 700 kilotons of alcohols will be consumed for global production of pharmaceutical solvents. Besides, esters are also expected to be a dominant chemical constituent in production of pharmaceutical solvents, and are estimated to have accounted for more than US$ 400 million revenues in 2016. On the other hand, manufacturers of pharmaceutical solvents are also augmenting their production techniques to include ether chemicals. During the forecast period, the global revenue share of ethers will exhibit an impressive growth by accounting for more than 16%.Fire Hazards Repressing Rampant Production of Pharmaceutical SolventsLeading manufacturers in the global pharmaceutical solvents market are being weighed down by government and administrative authorities for limiting their production potential. Presence of volatile chemicals in pharmaceutical solvents has led to imposition of strict regulations regarding production, storage and transport of pharmaceutical solvents. Subsequently, health hazards impact the pricing of pharmaceutical solvents as employees working in solvent manufacturing units demand better insurance cover and incessant salary hikes, which ends up spiking the production costs for companies.Read Comprehensive Overview with Methodology of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1939 Prominent players in the global pharmaceutical solvents market are being compelled to remodel their production methods by including innovative techniques that constrain the fire hazards during manufacturing. Competitive landscape of the global pharmaceutical solvents market is fragmented into raw material suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. Companies such as The Dow Chemical Company, Clariant AG, BASF SE, and Alfa Aesar are recognised as global manufacturers of pharmaceutical solvents, while leading raw material suppliers in the global market include Mitsui Chemicals, Exxon Mobil Corporation and Eastman Chemical Company. Other companies profiled in the report include, Yips Chemical Holdings Limited, Merck KGaA, and Procter & Gamble Chemicals.Peppermint Oil Market

Peppermint Oil Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 11:17:10

Peppermint oil is derived from extraction of oils from flowers and stem of peppermint herb. The steam distillation process is used for extraction of oil. Peppermint oil is used medicines due to its therapeutic benefits. The healthcare uses of peppermint oil include digestive system simulation and for soothing headaches, muscle pain, cold, sinus etc. They are used extensively in oral care products because of cooling effect and its ability to kill bacteria responsible for bad breath. Peppermint oils are also for flavoring in food and beverage industry. And they are also used as safe natural food additive. Peppermint oil is an aromatherapy ingredient, which helps in stimulation and relaxation of body. It acts as skin toner in cosmetic products. In 2016, Basilica Botanica, a Los Angeles-based beauty products manufacturer launched a gift set of premium essential oils consisting of peppermint oil.Peppermint Oil Market: Drivers and Restraints The rise in demand for aromatherapy treatments is expected to drive the growth of global peppermint oil market. The increasing consumer awareness regarding the use of safe natural and organic products is expected to boost the growth of global peppermint oil market. Increasing disposable income and awareness of personal care has resulted in demand for oral care and confectionery products in rural areas, which is a major driver for the growth of global peppermint oil market. The recent outbreak of Zika virus and diseases such as dengue and malaria has increased the demand for natural mosquito repellents and the use of peppermint oil in these repellents is expected to increase the demand. The fragrance ingredients and essential oils market recorded high growth rate, which is expected to increase the demand for peppermint oil. However, the rise in cost and decline in production of peppermint oil is expected to hamper the growth of global peppermint oil market during the forecast period.Peppermint Oil Market: Segmentation On the basis of application,the global peppermint oil market can be segmented as follows:-Oral Products,Mouthwash,Toothpaste,Oral Spray,Confectionary Products,Candies,Chewing Gum,Cough and Throat Lozenges,Pharmaceutical Products,Analgesic Balms,Rubbing Alcohol,Drugs,Medicated Oils,Tobacco Products,Cigarette,Chewing Tobacco,Fragrance Products,Soap,Shampoo,Bathing Oil,Aftershave Lotions.Peppermint Oil Market: Region Wise Outlook The global peppermint oil market can be divided into five regions, namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America and Europe holds major share in terms of market value in global peppermint oil market. North America has a significant share in the production of peppermint oil. The mature essential oil market in Europe is expected to boost peppermint oil market in the region. APAC is expected to register high CAGR over the forecast period. This is attributed to the rise in demand for natural and organic cosmetic and fragrance products in the region. The upsurge of investments in healthcare and pharmaceutical industry is anticipated to propel the growth of global peppermint oil market. Latin America is expected to project high growth rate during the forecast period, owing to the rapid growth of food and beverage industry in the region.Request A Sample Copy Of This Report at @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2135 Peppermint Oil Market: Key Players Some of the key players in the global peppermint oil market are as follows:The Lebermuth Company, Inc.,Essex Laboratories LLC,Vinayak Ingredients (INDIA) Pvt., Ltd.,Elixarome Limited,AOS Products Private Limited,De Monchy Aromatics,Hindustan Mint & Agro Products Pvt. Ltd.,Arora Aromatics Pvt. Ltd.,Foodchem International Corporation,Bhagat Aromatics Limited,Shanti Chemicals,Aromatic And Allied Chemicals,Paras PerfumersPR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 08:54:04

Ozone is a naturally occurring gas in the atmosphere. It is made up of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is a highly unstable and reactive toxic gas, which combines with other gases in the air. Ozone found in the stratosphere is called stratospheric ozone and protects living things from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Whereas, the ozone at the ground level is toxic and harmful for the respiratory system. Ozone generator is a device that emits ozone into the air. It is mainly used to clean and purify the air without the use of chemicals. It helps to kill bacteria, viruses, eliminate odours and sanitise home, office, kitchen, hotel and car among others.On the basis of technology, the ozone generators is segmented into cold plasma ozone generation and corona discharge (CD) ozone generation. In cold plasma technique, the gas is partially ionized and created in room temperature. The ionization takes place between two electrodes, which are separated by an insulating barrier. Corona discharge technique produces ozone by channelling air into corona discharge tube. This is done by applying strong electrical field. Corona discharge technique is commonly used for industrial applications.Ozone generators can be used for industrial, commercial and residential buildings. Increasing demand from emerging economies as well as increased industrialisation and manufacturing will boost the growth of the global Ozone Generators market during the forecast period.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3470 Global Ozone Generators Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe rise in population has increased air pollution to a great extent. Also, high level of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions and other ozone-depleting substances are destroying the stratospheric ozone. Thus the upsurge in health problems due to air pollution has greatly increased the demand for air purification systems, particularly ozone generators, in recent times. Rapid urbanization and industrialization coupled with increasing consumer spending power are the other drivers fuelling the growth of ozone generators market. The global ozone generators market is projected to grow at a significant growth rate amidst growing demand from varied end use industries such as automotive, construction, food & beverage and healthcare. Emission reduction targets, stringent laws and regulations by governments are another factors driving the demand for ozone generators.High pricing of products is limiting the growth and is observed as a major restraint for the ozone generators market. Whereas, growing environmental concerns and emerging APAC market are estimated to create substantial opportunities for the ozone generator manufacturers. The constantly changing consumer requirements leads to significant investments in R&D and this can be a major challenge for new entrants.Global Ozone Generators Market: SegmentationOn the basis of technology, the global ozone generators market can be segmented into:Cold plasma ozone generationCorona Discharge (CD) ozone generationOn the basis of application, the global ozone generators market can be segmented into:Laboratory equipmentMedical applicationSemiconductorPurified water treatmentWaste water treatmentSwimming PoolAquacultureOn the basis of end-use industry, the global ozone generators market can be segmented into:AutomotiveConstructionHealthcare & medicalEnergy & UtilityFood & BeverageManufacturingOthersGlobal Ozone Generators Market: Region Wise OutlookAsia Pacific region is expected to lead the global ozone generators market by the end of the forecast period. This can be attributed to rapid industrialisation and aggressive expansion of the construction and manufacturing sectors. North America and Europe are the two prominent markets in terms of manufacturing and sales of ozone generators. Countries such as the U.S., Germany, U.K., France and Canada hold significant market shares. Increasing disposable income of middle class families in China and India is expected to further drive the ozone generators market. Middle East, Latin America and Africa are expected to hold decent shares and are expected to expand with a moderate CAGR over the forecast period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3470 Global Ozone Generators Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the global Ozone Generators market identified across the value chain include:Honeywell International Inc.Daikin Industries, Ltd.Whirlpool CorporationSharp CorporationSun-Belt USAPR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:53:01

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Myocardial infarction, generally called as heart attack is characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart muscles, primarily due to coronary artery disease. According to American Heart Association (AHA), every year around 17.3 Mn people die of heart diseases worldwide, with myocardial infarction being the leading cause of death. In 2012, British Heart Foundation reported 73,680 deaths in United Kingdom due to coronary heart disease. Mortality from acute myocardial infarction can be decreased if patient receives the emergency access to the treatment. The global cardiovascular treatment market generated a revenue of 170 Bn in 2010 and is expected to expand drastically over the forecast period of 2016-2026. Multitude of products available for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction with different indications include Zorprin, Plavix, Angiomax, Diovan, Lovenox, Aggrastat, NitroStat, Benicar and many more.Myocardial Infarction Therapeutics Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing incidence of coronary artery disease and changes in lifestyle are the major factors expected to drive the growth of global myocardial infarction therapeutics market. Increasing number of smokers, increasing incidence of obesity and blood pressures, lack of exercise can be some other reasons likely to flourish the global myocardial infarction therapeutics market over the forecast period of 2016-2026. WHO findings show that the death rate due to cardiovascular diseases is more in smokers than that in non-smokers. Whereas, saturation in R&D can be the major restraint for the growth of global myocardial infarction therapeutics market.Request Sample Report @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1263 Myocardial Infarction Therapeutics Market: SegmentationThe global myocardial infarction therapeutics market has been classified on the basis product type, distribution channel and geography.Based on product type, the global myocardial infarction therapeutics market is divided into following:AnalgesicsAntiplatelet agentsVasodilatorsThrombolytics and anti-thrombotic agentsGlycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors adrenergic blockersAngiotensin receptor antagonistsAngiotensin converting enzyme inhibitorsBased on distribution channel, the global blood canner treatment market is divided into following:HospitalsHospital PharmaciesDrug StoresOnline drug storesMyocardial Infarction Therapeutics Market: OverviewAnalgesics and antiplatelet agents segments are foreseen to hold more share in global myocardial infarction therapeutics market as these agents are used for initial treatment of an acute myocardial infarction. Amongst sales channels, hospital pharmacy segment is expected to contribute more into global myocardial infarction therapeutics market. The global myocardial infarction therapeutics market is foreseen to experience the boost in market volume over the forecast period due to the launch of several new products such as Apixaban, Xarelto and introduction of generic drugs after expiration of patents for Crestor and Benicar.Myocardial Infarction Therapeutics Market: Regional OverviewGeographically, the global myocardial infarction terapeutic market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America will continue to take leading position in global myocardial infarction therapeutic market owing to expanding aging population and prevalence of co-morbidities. The expiry of blockbuster drugs in European market is likely to deter the segment share in global myocardial infarction therapeutics market. Japan is expected to experience the stagnancy in global myocardial infarction therapeutics market, in part due to saturation in R&D.Request to View TOC @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1263 Myocardial Infarction Therapeutics Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global myocardial infarction therapeutics market are Novartis N.V., Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, AstraZeneca, Apotex Inc., Sandoz, Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc., Mylan N.V., Pfizer Inc.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:48:26

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A catheter is a thin tube medical device which can be inserted into the human body during surgical procedures. This process is known as catheterization. A catheter is manufactured from medical grade materials. Catheters can be modified to treat various diseases ranging from cardiovascular, urological, neurovascular, ophthalmic to gastrointestinal. Catheters perform the functions of fluid drainage, fluid or gas administration and organ access for surgery in human body. An indwelling catheter is left inside the body, either temporarily or permanently while a permcath is inserted in the body permanently. A catheter is made up of polymers such as silicone, nylon, polyurethane, thermoplastic, elastomer, polyethylene terephthalate to name a few. These catheter polymers are inert and unreactive to human body and medical or surgical chemicals. Micro guide catheter has a hydrophilic coating designed with Glide Technology, a stainless steel braid and a gold marker.Micro Guide Catheters Market: Drivers & RestraintsMicro guide catheter is built to approach highly complex lesions in the human anatomy through the most difficult vessels, ducts or cavities. The stainless steel braid in Micro guide catheter improves the tensile strength and increases the reliability of the Micro guide catheter. This is an advantage of micro guide catheter over other conventional catheters. The Micro guide catheter lumen is tapered and intended to provide for enhanced guidewire control through the human body. The risk associated with catheter material and functioning can hamper the growth of micro guide catheter market. There have been instances in which the polymer of catheter has proven to be weak and got fractured. These fractures need to be rectified by additional surgery thereby losing patient compliance and increasing cost of surgery.Micro Guide Catheters Market: SegmentationMicro Guide Catheters market is classified on the basis of type, therapeutic area and geography.Based on type, the global Micro Guide Catheters market is segmented into the following:Over-the-wire micro guide catheterFlow directed micro guide catheterBased on therapeutic area, the global Micro Guide Catheters market is segmented into the following:NeurovascularCardiovascularMicro Guide Catheters Market: OverviewMicro Guide Catheter is widely used in cardiovascular disease treatment. Cardiovascular catheters is the largest segment in global catheter market. Cardiovascular catheters hold approximately 40% share of the global catheter market. The micro guide catheter market is expected to witness bolstering demand owing to the venturing of catheter manufacturing companies into new launches of micro guide catheters. Also the micro guide catheter market possess ample potential due to the flexibility of micro guide catheter tips. Micro guide catheter tips are capable of reaching intricate anatomy to treat diseases such as uterine fibroids, arterial embolism, venal or pulmonary embolism, vascular malformations and hypervascularized tumors.Micro Guide Catheters Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global Micro Guide Catheters market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America is the leading region in micro guide catheter market due to the high volumes of medical procedures conducted through catheterization. Also, the availability of established healthcare infrastructure, high contribution of healthcare to economy, patient compliance are the reasons for the high demand in North America for micro guide catheter. The constant healthcare sector improvements and the huge amount of population base represented by the Asia Pacific region is expected to drive the demand in Asia Pacific micro guide catheter market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-536 Micro Guide Catheters Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in global Micro Guide Catheters market are LuMend Corporation, Terumo Europe N.V., Covidien AG, ASAHI INTECC Company Limited, Lake Region manufacturing Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Volcano Corporation, Micro Therapeutics Inc., Merit Medical Systems Inc. to name a few. The micro guide catheter manufacturing companies aim to gain US FDA and CE approvals for its micro guide catheters.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:50:15

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The medical pendant systems provide appropriate positioning of medical equipment, terminal units, medical gas, specialty and electrical services. Medical pendant systems are mounted on the ceiling with the robust carcass system consisting of stainless steel flanges and supporting rods. Medical pendant is the compact system with various configurations to fulfill exact requirements of hospital. Medical pendants have various number of arms which can be help to accommodate all electrical services, medical gas, data communication services and facilitating equipment management. Incoming electrical and gas services from ceiling to minimize the cable clutter provide a safer and cleaner place for the movement and activity of medical professional teams. The movable arm of medical pendant system allows it to be located at exactly where it is most suitable for the operating team and these arms cover the requirement of any operation theatre. Medical pendants make medical tasks and procedures easier, while ensuring safety while placing monitoring equipment. Medical pendants are designed to maximize space in the operation theatre for operations and critical care areas to improve accessibility around the patient bed thereby enabling healthcare staff to deliver effective patient care.Medical PendantMarket: Drivers and RestraintsThe primary factor for the growth of global medical pendant market is growing awareness in the healthcare professionals andrequirement of safe and low risk work space for medical staff. Medical pendant systems are highly useful in operation theatres or in intensive care unit. The growth of medical pendant market is primarily attributed to accurate and effective results in various application areas such as surgeries and endoscopy. Major factor which limits the growth of the global medical pendant market is high cost of medical pendant system setup and unavailability of skilled nursing staff.A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1243 Medical Pendant Market: SegmentationGlobal medical pendantmarket is classified on the basis of product type, application and geographyBased on product type, the global medical pendant market is segmented into the following:Fixed PendantsFixed Retractable PendantsSingle Arm Movable PendantDouble Multi Arm Movable PendantBased on application, the global medical pendant market is segmented into the following:SurgeryEndoscopyAnaesthesiaIntensive care UnitsMedical Pendant Market: OverviewMedical pendant systems are designed to remove standing devices from the operation floor around the patient bed. The unique design of medical pendant systems enables mounting of a number of medical devices in a compact space. The maximum range of movement enables quick, easy positioning of service and provides safety control while minimizing the infection risk. Medical pendant systems decrease the visual impact in the patient environment, increasing the capacity of equipment load and improving equipment access. Medical pendant systems allow various devices to be connected with it such as electrical supply, lighting, communication equipment, gas and liquid supply and rail system for installations of equipment. Medical pendant systems design enable different combinations and resources that fulfill the special needs and expectations of operating rooms in hospitals. Fixed Retractable Pendants and Double Multi Arm Movable Pendant product type segments are expected to register highest CAGRs in terms of value owing to faster adoption among the medical communities worldwide.Medical Pendant Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global medical pendantsystem market is expected to register a healthy CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic region, global medical pendant systemmarket is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America held largest share in the global market of medical pendant systemfollowed by Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific owing to the need for increasing the standard of healthcare infrastructure coupled with substantial investments. The developing nations in APAC and MEA hold huge potential for growth in the global medical pendant systemmarket, due to the convenience it offers in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1243 Medical Pendant Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global players in medical pendant systemsmarket are ELEKTRA HELLAS, Starkstrom, Ondal, Hipac, Beacon Medaes, Unicorn Medicals, Medilon, Uttam, Medimax, Brandon Medical.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 23:31:20

CAPE MAY, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / Lund's Fisheries Inc. is excited to welcome two new hires, Jeff Lang and Donna Pimental. Jeff will be joining our Sales & Marketing team, while Donna will be joining our Customer Service team."As a 30 year veteran of the industry, Jeff's expertise in scallop imports is recognized throughout the seafood business, and we look forward to his input in expanding our imported scallop and squid offerings," said Randy Spencer, Director of Sales & Marketing.Jeff will also bring his extensive scallop sourcing knowledge to his role in providing sales advice in retail, wholesale, and commodity situations."I am looking forward to the challenge of expanding the presence of Sea Legend brand products domestically and internationally," said Jeff.Donna Pimental, a seafood industry veteran herself, will be joining Lund's Fisheries Inc. on our Customer Service team. Donna will be heading up the support functions at our New Bedford location, as well as integrating sales and purchasing functions with our corporate office in Cape May, New Jersey. Donna brings a wealth of knowledge in facilitating imports, domestic supply chain logistics and order fulfillment.Jeff Lang can be reached at (508) 878-7474 or via email at JLang@ LundsFish.com and Donna Pimental can be reached at (508) 994-8600 or via email at DPimental@ LundsFish.com About Lund's FisheriesLund's Fisheries Inc. is a vertically integrated family owned and operated business, supplying the globe since 1954 in Sea Legend branded quality products. Operating processing facilities and vessels in California and New Jersey, with a focus on Squid, Scallop and Pelagic species, Lund's Fisheries Inc. has a long history of quality and integrity. "With the addition of Jeff and Donna, Lund's will continue to focus on building and maintaining long term relationships with customers as well as suppliers. Trust and confidence are integral to our success" added Wayne Reichle, President of Lund's Fisheries Inc.SOURCE: Lund's Fisheries Inc.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 08:53:34

Industrial ladders are a unique kind of regular ladders and are used only for industrial purposes. They allow personnel to stand safely on them and effectively access various equipment, projects and materials. Industrial ladders come in a variety of designs and features and are used to perform both common as well unique tasks by an operator. Standard, folding, stock picker, cantilever and pivoting are some of the most commonly preferred designs and shapes in industrial ladders. Various British and European standards such as BS1129 class 1 and BS2037 class 1 are recommended for their design and performance. These heavy-duty ladders are preferred in areas where onerous conditions of storage, carriage & usage exist. BS EN 131 and BS EN 14975 designs, on the other hand, are recommended for ladders made from aluminum, steel or plastics as well as for loft ladders. An operator using a cantilever ladder can easily overcome any kind of obstacle, hindrance or hard surface by using the platform attached to the back of the ladder. Rooftop platform ladders are used when an operator needs to overcome rooftop obstacles like pipes, etc. These ladders evenly distribute weight and thus, prevent accidents while an operator is trying to climb.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3433 Industrial Ladder Market: DynamicsDrivers:Unlike aluminum, fiberglass provides high durability and ruggedness. It also offers low conductivity, thereby reducing the hazard of electrocution on coming in contact with high voltage power lines. The many advantages of fiberglass ladders as compared to wood or aluminum ladders is expected to drive the global industrial ladder market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the capacity and height of industrial ladders is much better than that of regular ladders used for residential purposes. Stringent government regulations such as those surrounding personnel safety and maximum height of ladders, imposed on growing and developed economies are also expected to drive the global industrial ladder market over the forecast period. Ability to move across platforms is a unique feature incorporated in industrial ladders which help them perform more efficiently work. This particular feature is likely to rein in favour of industrial ladders during the forecast period.Restraints:Limited reach of industrial ladders is a major factor hampering the growth of global industrial ladder market over the forecast period. Furthermore, limited rescue features and unavailability of heat shield protection at the tip are some other factors that might hinder the growth of the global industrial ladder market over the forecast period.Industrial Ladder Market: SegmentationGlobal industrial ladder market can be segmented on the basis of product type, material type and application. On the basis of product type, the global industrial ladder market is segmented into square tower ladders, folding platform ladders, tiltable tower ladders and square tower ladders with shorter wheels. On the basis of material type, the global industrial ladder market is segmented into aluminum, fiberglass and steel. On the basis of application, the global industrial ladder market can be segmented into construction, mining, automotive, transportation and manufacturing.Industrial Ladder Market: Market ParticipantsSome of the market participants in the global industrial ladder market are:Swastik CorporationSTRONGWELL CORPORATIONIndustrial Steps & Ladders Pty LtdJumbor Industrial Co., Ltd.Lyte LaddersLFI LaddersEuro Towers LtdStradbally LaddersFeatherliteKRAUSE-Werk GmbH & Co. KGKamsun Engineering IndustriesIndustrial Ladder Market: Region-wise OutlookOwing to the growing automotive and construction industry, the Asia Pacific industrial ladder market is expected to register high growth over the forecast period. North America and Europe industrial ladder market is estimated to account for a significant share due to the growth in the logistics & transportation industry and stringent government regulations regarding workers safety, which in turn, is expected to drive the global industrial ladder market during the forecast period. The growing mining and construction industry in Middle East & Africa region is expected to register significant CAGR over the forecast period. Western Europe and Latin America industrial ladder market is expected to show stagnant growth over 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 geographies, application, and industry.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3433 The report covers exhaust analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesHigh Abuse Shrink Bags Market

High Abuse Shrink Bags Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 11:34:31

Shelf life acts as an essential factor among meat packaging manufacturers while choosing packaging bags and films. High-abuse shrink bags are one such solution to extend the shelf life of fresh meat products by offering advanced innovative and patented technology. High abuse shrink bags are designed for surface pasteurization of meat products inside of the packaging. Nowadays, meat packaging manufacturers are more focusing on the designs of packaging in order to sell their products differently as it is highly dependent on the purchasing decision for a positive impact. Further, this led to the specific requirement of packaging films for meat packaging applications.Raw materials play a major role in packaging films in order to gain popularity among meat packaging manufacturers and retailers in the future. For instance, material like Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), which is highly used in high abuse shrink bags has properties such as high gas barrier, amazing strength and environmentally friendly as compared to other raw materials. High Abuse Shrink Bags Market: Drivers and RestraintsAccording to the U.S Food and drug administration, sales of fresh meat majorly accounts for about 65% of the overall food sales thus creating ample opportunities for high abuse shrink bags consumption, which in turn driving high abuse shrink bags market. Moreover, the food sector coupled with food service restaurants have shown a promising growth in the recent past years which is fueling the growth of meat packaging as well as the high abuse shrink bags market. Food packaging acts majorly driving the growth of the high abuse shrink bags market as flexible packaging accounts for nearly 50% of the total food packaging market. The rise in prices of meat products can be a major challenge to the global high abuse shrink bags market.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2632 High Abuse Shrink Bags Market: Region wise OutlookIn terms of geography, the global high abuse shrink bags market is divided into majorly five regions namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. Among these regions, North America and Europe are expected to collectively dominate the global high abuse shrink bags market throughout 2016 to 2024. North America, being the largest producer of meat packaging which is attributed to the huge usage of high abuse shrink bags in the developed countries of North America.However, the trend is gradually picking up the pace in developed markets for the global high abuse shrink bags market. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is expected to be primarily driven mainly by china, Japan and India in the global high abuse shrink bags market. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period. In Latin America, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico are expected to create market opportunities for companies involved in the high abuse shrink bags market.High Abuse Shrink Bags Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global high abuse shrink bags market includes Bemis Krehalon UK Ltd., Flexopack, Krehalon Industries B.V., EPACKAGING LLC., TDI PACKSYS LLC, Apex Packaging Corporation, Printpack, Fortune Plastics, Novolex, and Berry Plastics Group Incorporated, Fuji Seal International Incorporated, Inteplast Group Limited 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 footprint.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2632PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 10:11:03

Competitive advantage of adopting power tools has lowered the adoption of hand tools. Multiple industrial operations are being equipped with power tools to benefit from their cost-effectiveness, lesser labour-induced work and higher efficiency. Furthermore, advancements in existing power tools are swiftly outpacing the upgrades done on conventional hand tools. In the long run, there is a possibility that hand tools might lose their applicability to power tools. Future Market Insights projects that during the forecast period 2017-2027, the global market for hand tools will showcase a moderate growth, registering a CAGR of 3.9%.Future Market Insights recently published report, titled Hand Tools Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2027, estimates the global hand tools market to reach US$ 15.6 Bn value by end of 2017. In the ten-year forecast period, the global demand for hand tools is likely to witness a downtrend, bringing in just over US$ 22.3 Bn in revenues towards the end of 2027. Factors impacting the growth of global hand tools market are compiled in the report, which include:Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1114 There has been a rise in the number of major manufacturing plants and industries in the world, wherein hand tools are widely used for maintenance purposesAutomotive repair & maintenance sector is presently a lucrative industrial vertical for application of hand toolsAlthough, the global demand for hand tools is predicted to decline due to rising prices of raw materials such as iron ore and aluminiumIncreasing prevalence of DIY activities and rising employment opportunities for technical jobs are observed as key trends of the global hand tools market. The report further reveals that a majority of hand tools sold in the world will be used for industrial purposes. In 2017, industrial application of hand tools is expected to net global revenues worth over US$ 9.3 Bn. Key findings in the report also indicate that metal cutting tools will be observed as top-selling products, registering a steady revenue growth at 4.9% CAGR. Also, throughout the forecast period, over 40% of global hand tool sales will be accounted by retail distribution channels. Online distribution of hand tools is also expected to gain traction towards the latter half of forecast period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1114 North America is estimated to remain as the most-lucrative region for growth of hand tools market. Consistently procuring one-third share on global revenues, North America will remain the dominant region in the global hand tools market through 2027. On the other hand, the hand tools market in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region will register fastest revenue growth, exhibiting 6% CAGR over the forecast period. Companies such as Channellock, Inc., Akar Tools, Ltd., Apex Tools Group, Wera Tools, Snap-On, Stanley Back Decker, Kennametal Inc., Klein Tools, and JK Files (India) Limited are profiled in the report as key manufacturers of hand tools in the world.Gift Packaging market

Gift Packaging market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 11:43:37

Over the past decades, the global gift industry witnessed an impressive growth, owing to the expanded customer base along with increasing applications of innovative products at attractive prices. The gift market comprises of corporate gifting as well as personal gifting. Moreover, the gift packaging market experienced a revolution with new product innovations in the food as well as in the non-food segment accompanied by eye-catching packaging. Nowadays non-food gifting are not only restricted to small electronic items, bed sheets but also include gift vouchers, soft toys, artworks, artificial jewelries and many more.At the same time, various product types like cookies, fruit baskets, wine hampers, different types of cheese which comes under the categorization of food gifting for occasions like festivals, birthdays, etc. are also in the trend. The changing lifestyle together with customers ability and willingness to pay for innovative products drove this change in the gift packaging market.Nowadays, wrapping paper are in demand for gifts packaging. Some of the conventional examples of wrapping paper are recycled newspaper, reusable gift wrap, decorative lunch bags, gift box, decorative shopping bags and many more. The new alternatives for gift wrapping are also being introduced, for example, using a decorative handkerchief which also has other application can further fuel the growth in demand for gift packaging market. The gift market is expected to expand with a healthy growth rate of over 10% which in turns growth of the gift packaging market in the near future.Gift Packaging Market: DynamicsThe growing e-commerce in the gifting space is one of the major factor which is expected to drive the demand for the gift packaging market. Big e-commerce companies such as Snapdeal and Amazon play a vital role in fuelling the demand for gift packaging market. Further, increase in per capita income, increasing exposure to global trends is offering impetus to the growth of overall gift industry which in turn is escalating the gift packaging market across the globe. Personal gifting in number of occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, fathers day, and Mothers day is on the rise as the consumers, want uniqueness, different styles and personalization in their gift items, to match their status.In past years, food gifting was limited to the conventional sweets only, but nowadays customers are moving towards consistent quality products with a good taste in attractive packaging, which is a result of growing incidence of adulteration in conventional sweets.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2636 Gift Packaging Market: Region Wise OutlookIn terms of geography, the global gift packaging market divided into five regions which includes North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. Out of the five regions, Asia pacific represents the largest global gift packaging market, owing to the growth of rising disposable incomes coupled with the widened customer base. In Asia Pacific, developing countries like China and India, are the most lucrative countries for increase in consumer spending and rise in GDP.Gift Packaging Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players of the global gift packaging market are Smurfit kappa Group, Packlyn Ltd, Shenzhen Fuxiang Gifts & Packaging Co. Ltd., Interpak, Ebro Color GmbH, 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 footprint.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2636Fact.MR has announced the addition of the  Fibrosarcoma Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking - Global Market insights 2018 to 2028"report to their offering.

Fibrosarcoma

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 08:59:10

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As per the new report by Fact.MR , the global market for fibrosarcoma is likely to witness steady growth between 2017 and 2026. The market is estimated to reach US$ 442.4 million revenue by 2026 end. Owing to the increasing prevalence of cancer, the use of cancer treatment drugs along with the radiotherapy and chemotherapy is witnessing a significant growth. However, increasing use of radiotherapy to treat various cancers is resulting in the fibrosarcoma. This is leading to the growth in the research activities to find out an effective way to treat cancer.Fibrosarcoma is cancer, which is a part of larger collection of cancers known as sarcomas. Fibrosarcoma is generally treated with the help of chemotherapy. Meanwhile, some fibrosarcoma is not treatable with chemotherapy, especially in the case where cancer has spread to the parts like liver. In order to treat such type of cancers, researchers are focusing on developing targeted therapies. These targeted therapies attempt to capitalize on the biological characteristic of a cancer cell to eradicate the tumor. This is the factor that will make targeted therapy more effective than the traditional treatments. There are two important reasons for the development of targeted therapy. One is that it targets only cancer cells and kills it, while normal cells can spread. Second is that it provides effective treatment with minimum side-effects. Pharmaceutical companies are also focusing on research and development of drugs that can be effective in the treatment of fibrosarcoma and other types of sarcomas.Request Sample Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=353 Competition TrackingThe report offers information on the key companies that are likely to play an active role in the expansion of global fibrosarcoma market through 2026, which include Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited, Celon Laboratories Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Novartis AG, Baxter International Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Pfizer Inc., and Johnson & Johnson.Chemotherapy to Emerge as the Highly Preferred Treatment TypeAmong various treatment types such as radiation therapy, surgery, and others, chemotherapy is likely to emerge as the highly preferred treatment for fibrosarcoma. Chemotherapy is estimated to surpass US$ 100 million by 2026 end. A chemotherapy is done before surgery in case if the cancer is large but has not spread. This helps in reducing fibrosarcoma and also helps in avoiding much surgery.Hospitals to Gain Maximum Revenue ShareHospitals are likely to witness the highest growth between 2017 and 2026. Hospitals are estimated to gain nearly two-fifth of the revenue share by 2017 end. Hospitals are also estimated to create an incremental opportunity of nearly US$ 100 million between 2017 and 2026. Increasing investment by governments in various countries towards the development of healthcare infrastructure is contributing towards the significant growth of the hospitals with technically advanced treatments.Browse Full Report @ https://www.factmr.com/report/353/fibrosarcoma-market Hospital Pharmacy to Emerge as One of the Largest DistributorsHospital pharmacy is likely to be one of the largest distribution channels in the global fibrosarcoma market during 2017-2026. Hospital pharmacy is projected to bring in nearly US$ 200 million revenue towards 2026 end. Hospital pharmacy in many countries is emerging as the biggest distributors of the drugs used in treating cancer. Moreover, availability of various drugs and government support are also resulting in the growth of the hospital pharmacy as a distribution channel.Table of Contents Covered in the report are:1. Global Economic Outlook2. Global Fibrosarcoma Market - Executive Summary3. Global Fibrosarcoma Market Overview3.1. Introduction3.1.1. Global Fibrosarcoma Market Taxonomy3.1.2. Global Fibrosarcoma Market Definition3.2. Global Fibrosarcoma Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-20263.2.1. Global Fibrosarcoma Market Y-o-Y Growth3.3. Global Fibrosarcoma Market Dynamics3.4. Supply Chain3.5. Cost Structure3.6. Pricing Analysis3.7. Drug Pipeline Assessment3.8. PESTL Analysis3.9. Product Life CycleSpeak To Research Analyst for Detailed Insights @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=353 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; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsRohit Bhisey11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@ factmr.com Web: https://www.factmr.com/ Read Industry News at - https://theswisstimes.comPR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:51:56

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Endocavity transducer is a device which is used to visualize the colorectal and transvaginal areas internally by the help of ultrasonic sound waves.They are inserted into body cavities to diagnose problems associated with colorectal and transvaginal body parts. Endocavity transducer is combination of sensor and actuator. Endocavity transducer is device which converts electrical signal into ultrasonic energy that can be transferred into tissue and emit ultrasonic energy back from the tissue into an electrical signal which can be displayed as an image. A corresponding layer of material is placed on the tip of transducer to increase the effectiveness of energy transmission into patient.Endocavity transducer is a device that has ultrasound capabilities and is different from other imaging devices such as MRI, traditional X-rays which are used for diagnosis and monitoring internal organs. Endocavity transducer produces real-time images during surgical procedures allowing the surgeons to see into patients anatomy leading the procedures to be less disturbing and more efficient. Endocavity transducer is a specific and precise device that reduces uncomfortable patient experience in several types of surgical and non-surgical (diagnosis) procedures.Request Sample Report @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1256 Endocavity Transducer Market: Drivers and RestraintsGlobal endocavity transducers market is driven by the technological advancement, rapid innovation in production technologies and increase in surgical process across the globe. Increasing privatization in healthcare sector and adoption of new technologies in emerging countries are also fuelling the global market for endocavity transducers devices. Along with this rapid market authorizations, increase in awareness through education, increase in research and development activities are playing key role in driving the global market for endocavity transducer. Although, absence of regulation and harmonization of guidelines and lack of expert professionals act as a major barriers for global endocavity transducers market.Endocavity Transducer Market: SegmentationGlobal endocavity transducer devices market is classified on the basis of application type and product type:Based on application type endocavity transducer market is segmented into the following:By Application typeObstetrics/ GynaecologyUrologyBased on product type endocavity transducer market is segmented into the following:By Product TypeCurvilinearPhased arrayEndocavityLinearBy End UserHospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentresClinicsDiagnostic CentresEndocavity TransducerMarket: OverviewThe global endocavity transducer market is expected to register a healthy CAGR during the forecast perioddue to its better quality over generic clinical diagnosis. Also, factors such asrapid technological advancement, increase in the number of surgical process and demand for advance diagnosis are expected to boost the growth of global endocavity transducer market across the globe.Endocavity Transducer Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global endocavity transducermarket is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America endocavity transducer market is estimated to hold maximum revenue share due to increase in awareness for endocavity transducer devices, increase in adoption of innovative products and growing infrastructure investment to support medical and healthcare development. Whereas, Europe is estimated to be second most lucrative market for endocavity transducer devices. The market for endocavity transducer in various regions is specifically driven by progressively rising awareness and increase in adoption of advance clinical diagnosis.Request to View TOC @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1256 Endocavity Transducer Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global players in endocavity transducer global market are Philips Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Mindray ZONARE, Toshiba Medical Systems, FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc., Hitachi Medical Systems,Providian Medical and others.Digital Printing Packaging Market

Digital Printing Packaging Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 11:40:41

In the next decade, packaging industry will experience a significant revolution owing to the increasing applications of digital printing. Digital printing is one of the prominent printing technology for packaging and labels, that has been recognized among brand owners who prefer quick-turnaround capability which digital printing offers. Moreover, digitally printed packages improves workflow, enables innovative marketing, and helps in quicker marketing. Recent advancements in the digital printing approaches for digital carton creasing, carton cutting and other finishing technologies has widened the application in corrugated packaging, flexible packaging and folding cartons.Digital printing is transforming packaging by providing custom variations that give products on-shelf distinctions. Packaging substrates such as cartons, labels and corrugated boxes have provided the eye-catching commercialization to draw positive impact on consumers. One of the ongoing trend in the digital printing packaging market are custom caps which opens up colorful choices for brand owners, which in turn making a positive impact with the consumers.Digital Printing Packaging Market: DynamicsThe global digital printing packaging market is expected to witness high CAGR over the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for different consumer products with requirement of effective and low cost printing technology coupled with aesthetic visual graphics. Further, increasing demand for flexible packaging coupled with growing demand for sustainable printing has driven the global digital printing packaging market. Despite the growth in the demand for digital printing packaging market, the factors like fluctuations in raw material prices, high manufacturing cost can sometimes act as restraints in the digital printing packaging market.Digital Printing Packaging Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players of digital printing packaging are W S Packaging Group, Inc., Xerox Corporation, HP Inc., Mondi PLC, Xeikon N.V., Quantum Print and Packaging Limited, Eastman Kodak Company, Traco Manufacturing, Inc. and many others.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2633 Digital Printing Packaging Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global digital printing packaging market is segmented into five key regions namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to remain the biggest market with the expected market share of about 45% in 2020 as compared to around 40% in 2016 in the digital printing packaging market.Further, Europe is also expected to contribute significantly to the global digital printing packaging market between 2016 and 2024, primarily due to due to major demand from food & beverage industry. North America, Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period. In Latin America, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico are expected to create market opportunities for companies involved in digital printing packaging market.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 footprint.Request to Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-2633PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:48:16

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Two-dimensional images produced by x-ray radiation is the practice of projectional radiography, also known as plain film radiography. Digital X-Ray equipment is utilized in medical imaging of human body. X-rays are ionizing radiations that possess the energy to penetrate human tissue. Digital x-rays interact with human tissues and generate diagnostic images. The human tissues are exposed to a beam of x-ray which is also known as primary beam. It passes through the body and gets absorbed by the human tissues. This process of absorption of the primary beam by human tissues is known as attenuation. Attenuation is the key function that results in formation of digital x-ray images through Digital x-ray equipment. The dense anatomy of the body such as the bones absorb more x-rays than the thin anatomy of the body. The primary x-ray beam after attenuation is known as remnant beam. The remnant beam is received by image receptor of the Digital x-ray equipment. The dense anatomy appears white while the thin anatomy appears black on radiographs produced by Digital x-ray equipment.Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: Drivers & RestraintsDigital x-ray uses x-ray to view the internal anatomy of the irregularly composed opaque tissues. The opaque tissues highly vary in their density and x-rays are the most efficient electromagnetic radiations that represent clear digital images through digital x-ray equipment. X-rays are safe radiations for the living tissues and digital x-ray images can be generated of every body organ. The digital x-ray equipment market is majorly driven by novel technological advancements, increasing healthcare expenditure, rise in ageing population and disease prevalence. The digital x-ray equipment market is also witnessing highly competitive scenario that has led to large number of improved digital x-ray equipment launches. Moreover, digital x-ray equipment are less expensive yet more efficient than other radiography equipment. Digital x-ray equipment provides quick healthcare delivery and improves workflow. The digital x-ray equipment has the limitation of in-depth imaging. The digital x-ray equipment is based on transmission of the x-ray beam and this exposes only the surfaces of the human anatomy under observation. The details of the human anatomy are not revealed by the digital x-ray equipment.Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: SegmentationDigital x-ray equipment market is classified on the basis of product type and geography.Based on product type, the global Digital X-Ray Equipment market is segmented into the following:Digital Radiography (DR)Computed Radiography (CR)Retrofit Radiography SystemDigital X-Ray Equipment Market: OverviewDigital X-Ray Equipment is widely used in the imaging of all human body tissues and has become a part of routine checkup. Digital x-ray equipment deliver medical imaging in the standard safety radiation dose. Digital x-ray imaging is one of the most important pillars of medical imaging. The global Digital x-ray equipment market is expected to expand at an exceptional double digit CAGR during the forecast period 2015 to 2025.Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global Digital X-Ray Equipment market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a remarkable CAGR owing to the improving healthcare facilities and infrastructure. Also the expanding middle class population in the region is expected to add significant value to the digital x-ray equipment market. Moreover, the countries of New Zealand, Australia, India, China and Japan have ample potential and availability of advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. The APAC region also contributes favorably to the global medical tourism and further to the global digital x-ray equipment market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-535 Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in global Digital X-Ray Equipment market are Siemens AG, Philips Healthcare, Canon USA Inc., Shimadzu Corporation, GE Healthcare, Varian Medical Systems, Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Healthcare, Hitachi Medical Corporation, Toshiba Medical Systems, Fuji Medical Systems and China Resources Holding Medical Equipment Company Limited. The competition in digital x-ray equipment market is majorly based on technological advances in digital x-ray equipment and the pricing of the digital x-ray equipment.Custom Hearing Aids Market: Custom Hearing Aids Industry Analysis, Industry Segment Analysis, Regional Outlook, Market Revenue, Share, Competitor Analysis, and Industrial Growth by Future Market Insights

Custom Hearing Aids Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 11:01:13

Hearing aid market has undertaken many changes in the past few years. Companies are focusing on new product development and improve their service by providing a variety of products. Companies provide a wide variety of hearing aids: standard hearing aids & custom hearing aids. Custom hearing aids are specially made for each patient by taking an earmold impression. Custom hearing aids are specially molded hearing aids to suitable for individual ear shape. Basically custom hearing aids are available in the four categories. Invisible-in-canal is the smallest custom hearing aid. It is almost invisible as it fits deep inside the ear canal. Invisible-in-canal custom hearing aids are suitable for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss. In-the-ear custom hearing aid covers severe hearing loss and is available in the half shell and full shell. Custom hearing aids also available with different features such as wireless connectivity, which can connect with the smartphones. The company such as ReSound offers custom hearing aids with smartphone connectivity facility.Custom Hearing Aids Market: Drivers and Restraints-Custom hearing aids market is expected to accounts significant growth rate as increasing number of people suffering from hearing loss. Increasing deafness resulting from genetic factors, birth complications, ear infections, and growing noise pollution are expected to favor the demand of the custom hearing aids. According to WHO, around 466 Mn people worldwide have disabling hearing loss and it is estimated that by 2050 over 900 Mn people will have disabling hearing loss. The aging population is facing a high risk of suffering from hearing loss. These are the major driving factor of the custom hearing aids market. Increasing demand for technology advanced hearing aids is expected to propel the growth of the custom hearing aids market. The need for miniature hearing aid devices expected to boost the growth of custom hearing aids market. These miniature devices or almost invisible also overcome the social stigma associated with wear such devices. Technological advancement such as smartphone connectivity and digital noise reduction are also expected to boost the growth of the custom hearing aid devices market.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8903 Custom Hearing Aids Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, custom hearing aids market can be segmented as:Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) Hearing AidCompletely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing AidIn-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing AidIn-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing AidOn the basis of distribution channel, custom hearing aids market can be segmented as:Online StoresRetail StoresHearing Aid ClinicsHospitalCustom Hearing Aids Market: OverviewMany of the companies operating in the hearing aid market are spending to innovate new technology & products. Companies are offering custom hearing aids solution to fulfill the need for people with hearing loss. Smartphone connectivity with hearing aid expected to favors the demand of the custom hearing aid. Custom hearing aid market expected to grow with significant growth rate owing to increasing birth complications and ear infections.Custom Hearing Aids Market: Region-wise OutlookIn terms of geography, the market has been divided into seven regions including North- America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia- Pacific excluding & Japan (APEJ), Japan, Middle-East & Africa, and Latin America. North America is the most dominating market for custom hearing aids market owing to the high adoption rate of advance customized hearing aids in the United States. Western European expected to gain second largest market value share in custom hearing aids market owing to increasing acceptance of new technology and increasing demand for custom hearing aids. The Asia Pacific excluding Japan custom hearing aids market is expected to contribute significant year on year growth rate over the forecast period due to growing out of pocket cost and government support for deafness treatment.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8903 Custom Hearing Aids Market: Key Market ParticipantsExample of some market players participants in global custom hearing aids market identify across the value chain are Sivantos Group, Sonova Holding AG, Starkey Hearing Technologies, Widex A/S, GN Hearing A/S, William Demant Group and others.Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Cultures Market: Europe to Remain Dominant: Global Industry Analysis 2012 - 2016 & Opportunity Assessment 2017 - 2026" report to their offering.

Cultures Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 07:40:06

As per the report by Future Market Insights (FMI), the global cultures market is expected to witness moderate growth, registering a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2016-2026. By the end of 2026, the global cultures market is estimated to bring in US$ 1,514,969.6 million revenue.A substantial increase in the food-borne diseases worldwide is driving the demand for microbial food cultures. Microbial food cultures such as fungi, bacteria, and mould are largely used by food processing companies. They help in preserving food, remove toxic compounds, thereby ensuring food safety. The organisms used in food cultures also offer health benefits to fermented food products. Also, with the increasing population of health conscious customers, the demand for probiotic and functional food is also increasing. Moreover, increasing demand for antibiotics to fight various microbial infections is fueling the growth of the global cultures market.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6133 Advanced technologies are used by companies for the production of microbial food cultures under strict controlled conditions. Governments of various countries have also introduced regulations based on the characteristics and use of the microbial food cultures. The freeze-dried microbial food culture is also gaining traction in the global cultures market. Freeze-drying produces superior quality culture by providing long-term storage and also helps in retaining the intact structure of the food cultures. This also helps in supply-chain of food products as it increases shelf-life of the product.Key Highlights in the Global Cultures MarketThe global cultures market is segmented on the basis of application, product type, and region. The product type is further segmented into starter, adjunct, probiotic, and other product types. Among the give product types, a starter is expected to see the highest growth during the forecast period. The starter segment is estimated to bring in more than US$ 455,900 million revenue by the end of 2026.Based on the application, the global cultures market is segmented into beverages, Sauces, dressings, and condiments, bakery & confectionery, dried processed food, sweet & savoury snacks, frozen and chilled processed food, and other applications. Among these, bakery & confectionery segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment in terms of the application during the forecast period 2017-2026. By the end of 2026, bakery & confectionery is estimated to surpass US$ 366,600 million revenue.Geographically, the global cultures market is segmented into Japan, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and North America. Europe is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Germany, France, Russia, and the U.K., are anticipated to witness the highest growth in the region. Increasing demand for fermented and probiotic foods, the resulting in the use of microbial food cultures to preserve the food for a long time. Availability of advanced technology and infrastructure is also helping in the research and development of food cultures.Need more information about Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6133 Competition TrackingSome of the key companies in the global cultures market include Cargill, Chr. Hansen, DuPont, Royal DSM, Tate & Lyle, Kerry Group, Ashland Inc, Ingredion, Naturex, KF Specialty Ingredients, and Evonik.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:47:53

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Compression Therapy is a process of applying external pressure to the limbs or other parts of the body through which different chronic disease can be treated. Compression therapy is a very effective technique for disease indication such as, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Venous Thrombolism (VTE), Varicose Veins, Lymphedema, Chronic and Diabetic Ulcers.A gradual pressure is being given to infected area or the veins which in turn increases the blood flow in the veins, increases the drainage of nocious substances, reduces pain and inflammation.A common myth prevailing among people is that compression bandages and clothes hinder the blood circulation but in reality these products are designed in such a way that when applied properly they assist in blood flow.The annual incidence of DVT is around 1 per 1000 people. As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 60,000-100,000 patients have DVT in United States.Compression Therapy Market: Drivers and RestraintsCompression therapy market is driven by aging population, high incidence of disease indications, rising awareness among patients and ease of application and durability of the products.Other factors include regular product training to physicians that helps them to better understand the product and use of fancy garment to manufacture stockings and bandages.Lack of knowledge about the disease indication among patients and inadequate reimbursement for compression therapy products from government agencies in developed countries will slow down the market in the forecast period.Compression Therapy Market: SegmentationGlobal Compression Therapy Devices is further segmented into these following types:Static Compression TherapyCompression GarmentsUpper Compression GarmentsLower Compression GarmentsCompression BandagesAnti-Embolism StockingsDiabetic ShoesDiabetic Compression SocksDynamic Compression TherapySegmented Compression PumpsNon-Segmented Compression PumpsCompression SleevesCompression Therapy Market: OverviewWith the advancement of technology and increase incidence in disease population, compression therapy is gaining wide acceptance as a method of choice among patients. This market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR in the forecast period (2015-2025).Advances in garments, textile technology, compression stockings, and bandages aimed at improving patient comfort are expected to drive the market in the forecast period.Compression Therapy Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global compression therapy market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.In terms of geography, North America dominates the compression therapy market, followed by Europe. Growing aging population and increasing prevalence of diabetes are also supporting the growth of compression therapy market in this regions. India, China, and Japan are expected to be the fastest-growing markets for compression therapy in Asia. Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-496 Compression Therapy Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in compression therapy market are SIGVARIS, BSN medical GmbH, Covidien Plc. PAUL HARTMANN AG, 3M Co., ArjoHuntleigh, Thuasne SA, Smith & Nephew plc and medi GmbH & Co.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:52:37

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Companion diagnostics are tests to understand which patient can be benefited from a certain drug or what dosage should be prescribed based upon patients clinical diagnosis, which provides evidence required for the successful and harmless use of an equivalent drug or biological product to treat the medical condition. These are medical instruments that support doctors to elect which treatment and dosage should be given to patients personalized to their necessity.Companion Diagnostics is utilized to ascertain who would benefit from treatment and it comes in handy to identify if someone cannot be cured, but also conversely can be harmed by use of specific drug used for their ailment. Technological advancements has brought a lot of changes in the method of disease treatment. Companion diagnostics is characterized by growing requirement for enhancedpersonalized patient treatment that gives healthcare providers and their patients an assurance about the treatment result in a positive way, contrary to traditional treatment procedure. Major impact of companion diagnostic will been on oncology therapy area.Companion Diagnostics Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, companion diagnostics global market is driven by the technological advancement in healthcare industry, increase in various treatment procedures. Number of companion diagnostics can be given approval for a single drug as scientific knowledge advances with practical application of treatment. Although, cost related with latest technology acts as a key barrier for the growth of global companion diagnostics market.Companion Diagnostics Market: SegmentationCompanion diagnostic global market is segmented into following segments:By ApplicationColorectal CancerBreast CancerLung CancerMelanomaUrologyGastric CancerBy TechnologyImmunohistochemistryMolecular DiagnosticsIn-situ HybridizationFISHCISHReal Time PCRGene SequencingBy RegionNorth America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)Companion Diagnostics Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement, increase in the incidence of chronic disease, rise in aging population, increasing adoption rate of treatment of chronic disease, increase in number of prevalence of chronic disease around the globe are the factors expected to boost the companion diagnostics market over the forecast period.Companion Diagnostics Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global companion diagnostics market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America is the leading market for companion diagnostics because of rapid technical inventions, huge investment on research and development in this region. Whereas, Asia-Pacificand Europeis projected to grow at a significant growth due to large consumer base, rising government initiatives for enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and high disposable income.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1255 Companion Diagnostics Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global players in companion diagnostics market global market are ARUP Laboratories, Roche Molecular Systems Inc., Dako Inc., Qiagen Ltd., bioMerieux Inc.,Ventana Medical Systems Inc., Abbott Molecular Inc., Myriad Genetics Inc.,Biogenex Laboratories, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH and others.Clinical Chairs Market: Clinical Chairs Industry Analysis, Industry Segment Analysis, Regional Outlook, Market Revenue, Share, Competitor Analysis, and Industrial Growth by Future Market Insights

Clinical Chairs Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 11:18:26

Clinical chairs are specifically designed to ensure safety, health, and comfort to the patient and assist the staff during any medical examination or treatment. These clinical chairs are designed specifically to the medical needs of the patient and provide better access of patients to the doctors. Clinical chairs can be manually operated or are powered by batteries. Clinical chairs are extensively being used for mobility purposes. As per to the 2013 data provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 53 million people in the U.S. suffered from some kind of disability. The major cause of disability noted by the CDC, in 2015, was mobility disability, which resulted around 1 in 8 adults among all disabled cases. Clinical chairs assist people with mobility issues and are tremendously used for various other medical procedures, such as dental, ENT, Gynaecology, Nephrology, etc. Clinical chairs are one of the most important aspects of all the medical furniture available for any medical treatment or examination.Clinical Chairs Market: Drivers and Restraints-Increasing incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, paralysis, spinal injuries etc. and rise in geriatric population requiring mobility assistance are two major factors driving the clinical chairs market. Growing healthcare outlays, globally, and innovations of new and improved clinical chairs for better and more efficient treatment or examination of the patient are also expected to boost the demand for clinical chairs, leading to the market growth for clinical chairs during the forecast period. These clinical chairs provide flexibility and ease to the patients. Increasing awareness about the comfort of clinical chairs and increasing healthcare expenditure might also trigger market growth for clinical chairs market over the forecast period. However, lack of trained medical professionals for operating advanced clinical chairs and high costs associated with certain clinical chairs might obstruct the market growth for clinical chairs over the forecast period.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8904 Clinical Chairs Market: SegmentationTentatively, Clinical Chairs Market has been segmented on the basis of application, product type, modality, end users and geography.On the basis of product type, Clinical Chairs Market can be segmented as:Examination ChairsBirthing ChairsBlood Drawing ChairsCardiac ChairsDialysis ChairsMammography ChairsTreatment ChairsENT ChairsOphthalmic ChairsDental ChairsOthersRehabilitation ChairsPediatric ChairsGeriatric ChairsBariatric ChairsOn the basis of modality, Clinical Chairs Market can be segmented as:Manual Clinical ChairsSemi-Automated Clinical ChairsFully-Automated Clinical ChairsOn the basis of end users, Clinical Chairs Market can be segmented as:Acute Care CentersHospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersDental ClinicsLaboratoriesRehabilitation CentersOn the basis of geography, Clinical Chairs Market can be segmented as:North- AmericaEastern EuropeWestern EuropeAsia-Pacific excluding China & JapanChinaJapanMiddle East and AfricaLatin AmericaClinical Chairs Market: OverviewGlobal Clinical Chairs market has undergone tremendous growth due to growing demand for rehabilitation, emergency, and mobility. Clinical Chairs are being extensively used for acute care, primary care, community hospital care, dental care, and rehabilitation purposes. As per the report published by the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2014, people aged 65 and above were around 46.2 million in number and are expected to reach upto 98 million by the end of 2060. By these estimations, the geriatric population is projected to reach to 1.6 billion globally. Increase in geriatric population is expected to increase the patient base and thus, further boosting the demand for clinical chairs.Clinical Chairs Market: Region-wise OutlookGeography wise, Clinical Chairs market is divided into eight regions viz. North-America, Asia- Pacific excluding China & Japan, China, Japan, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Middle-East & Africa. North Americas Clinical Chairs market is expanding because of the high rate of adoption rate and installations and it is projected to remain dominant during the forecast period due to an increase in healthcare expenditure. Europes market for clinical chairs is also expected to grow during the forecast period, owing it to good product penetration and the high number of healthcare settings in the region. The Middle East & Africa Clinical Chairs market is anticipated to grow at a moderate rate due to poor healthcare infrastructure and lack of trained professionals in the region.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8904 Clinical Chairs Market: Key Market ParticipantsSome of the market participants in the Global Clinical Chairs market identified across the value chain include: ArjoHuntleigh, Stryker Corporation, Hill-Rom, Inc., Graham Field Health Products, Inc., Invacare Corporation, Columbia Medical, HARD Manufacturing Co., Inc., Dentsply Sirona, Fresenius medical care, Danaher, Midmark Corp., and PLANMECA OY.Major players operating in this market includes Agilent Technologies, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Bio-Rad Laboratories, GE Healthcare, Life Technologies Corporation, Pall Corporation, Regis Technologies, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Waters Corporation, Helena Laboratories, Phenomenex, Inc. WWR International, Tosoh Corporation and others.

Chromatography Instrumentation Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:26:46

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Chromatography is the most essential and well known separation technique which is extensively used across various industries. Chromatography is referred to as a technique that is used for the purification of biomolecules in which the components that are to be separated are distributed between two phases. Among these two phases, one is stationary phase and other is a mobile phase. All types of chromatography systems work on the same principle i.e., separation of sample mixture into stationary phase (solid or liquid supported on solid) and mobile phase (liquid or gas). Over the years chromatography technique and its instrument are being used in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for the development of pure drug molecule. The instruments that are utilized in the chromatography have benefitted the researches due to their ability to separate, analyze and purify a molecule in an efficient and effective manner. These chromatography instrumentation techniques are used in various application areas such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food production, diagnostics, genetic engineering, drug discovery and water analysis.The global market for chromatography instrumentation can be segmented as follows:By systemGas chromatography systemLiquid chromatography systemHigh pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)Ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC)Low pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC)Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-383 OthersIon-exchange chromatographyAffinity chromatographySuper critical fluid chromatographyColumn chromatographyThin layer chromatographyBy consumables and instrumentsColumnsSyringe filtersVialsTubingsDetectorsAutosamplersPumpsFraction collectorsOthersBy end usersBiotechnology and pharmaceuticals industriesHospitals and research laboratoriesAgriculture and food industriesOthers (cosmetic industries, environmental agencies and nutraceutical companies)The market for chromatography instrumentation holds an immense potential due to increasing number of biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Rising government investments for research purpose, expansion of chromatography companies in the Asian region and increasing collaborations among the existing players in the market are some of the other propelling factors for this market. The chromatography instrumentation market is also witnessing huge advancements in the design of column which is consequently raising the demand for development of better analytical resins and reagents. Additionally, emergence of green chromatography, usage of nanomaterial in chromatography and increasing usage of chromatography instrument for monoclonal antibody purification are some of the other opportunities that are fuelling the growth of this market. However, high cost of the chromatography systems and economic slowdown across the globe has resulted in decreased sales of chromatography systems. In addition need of skilled personnel for operates chromatography instrument is a factor which might restrict its demand in the global chromatography instrumentation market.Geographically, North America accounts for the largest share of the chromatography instrumentation market followed by the European region. The dominance of these regions in this market is seen due to growing government investments and funding for research. Further, augmented research and development activities of drugs and biologics and increasing number of conferences on chromatography are some of the key drivers of this industry. However, in the near future the U.S market is expected to decline its market share owing to the market maturity. Asia-Pacific region is expected to show healthy growth in the near future due to expansion of chromatography companies in the regions of India, China, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. Additionally, several major pharmaceutical companies are also increasingly outsourcing their drug and development services especially in the Asian region which is indentified as another major driver that is augmenting the demand of chromatography reagents in this region.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-383' Major players operating in this market includes Agilent Technologies, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Bio-Rad Laboratories, GE Healthcare, Life Technologies Corporation, Pall Corporation, Regis Technologies, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Waters Corporation, Helena Laboratories, Phenomenex, Inc. WWR International, Tosoh Corporation and others.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:53:21

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The chronic bronchitis is defined as the inflammation of the bronchi that lasts for more than 3 months for consecutive 2 years. The bronchi are the tubes which carry air in to the lungs. The major symptom of bronchitis is persistent cough associated with mucus expectoration, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat and fatigue. Risk factors for bronchitis include irritants, chemicals, air pollution and smoke. There are mainly two types of bronchitisacute (short term) and chronic (long term). Acute bronchitis is mainly caused due to viral infection and last for around 10 to 15 days. The first line of treatment for acute bronchitis is symptomatic treatment, however, if the symptoms persists, antimicrobial therapy is advised. Mostly antibacterial such as clarithromycin or azithromycin are administered.The treatment for chronic bronchitis includes bronchodilators and steroids. The bronchodilators such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Vospire, ProAir), metaporterenol (Alupent), formoterol and salmeterol, helps in relaxation of the smooth muscles of the bronchi which helps in expansion of the inner wall for better airway passage. Moreover, certain steroids are used such as prednisone, methylprednisolone that help in reducing the inflammation consequently helping in reduction of mucus secretion. Sometimes antibiotics are administered especially when there is an exacerbation of chronic bronchitis caused as a result of bacterial infection. Furthermore, PDE4 inhibitors are also being tested for their use in treatment of chronic bronchitis. For instance, Arcapta Neohaler received a FDA approval from NovartisRequest Sample Report @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1277 Bronchitis Treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsBronchitis treatment market is driven by sedentary lifestyle, addiction to cigarette smoke and chemical pollutants. Guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), stringent regulations to pollutant emission control, adherence to various international protocol such as Montreal Protocol and World Bank Millennium Development Goal is expected to boost overall bronchitis treatment market.Bronchitis Treatment Market: SegmentationBronchitis Treatment Market further segmented into following typesBy Treatment:DrugsOxygen therapyBy Class of Drugs:AntibioticsBronchodilatorsMucolyticsAnti-inflammatory DrugsBy End UserHospitalsClinicsDrug storesBronchitis Treatment Market: OverviewSignificant increase in respiratory disorders along with alarming rise in chemical pollutants is expected to drive the demand for effective bronchitis treatment. The market is expected to witness healthy growth during the forecast period.Bronchitis Treatment Market: Region- wise OutlookThe global Bronchitis Treatment Market is expected to register significant CAGR during the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, global Bronchitis Treatment Market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & AfricaNorth America dominates the global Bronchitis Treatment Market due to good awareness of healthcare in people and having good health care setup. Europe occupies second place in this market with its new regulations in the major economies. Asia Pacific is expected to witness fastest growth and is expected to gain significant market share over the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1277 Bronchitis Treatment Market: Key PlayersMajor players of this market includePfizer Inc.GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals LimitedSanofi AventisBoehringer IngelheimDr. Reddys Laboratories LtdPR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 12:51:26

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Biologics are drugs in the form of genetically engineered proteins, derived from human genes. As per the US FDA, biologics can be composed of sugars, proteins, or nucleic acids or complex combinations of these substances, or may be living entities such as cells and tissues. The biologic drugs are derived from a variety of natural sources such as humans, animals, or microorganisms and consist of products, such as vaccines, blood and blood components, allergenics, somatic cells, gene therapy, tissues, and recombinant therapeutic proteins. Advanced biotechnology techniques and complex processes are used to manufacture biologics. They are at the forefront of biomedical research.Biologics Market: Drivers and RestraintsDrivers for the biologics market include big brandname drugs losing patent extensions, growing incidence of chronic diseases and their diagnoses across the globe, increased availability of advanced diagnostics, rising government initiatives in healthcare and growing technological advancements in research and development across the globe by big drug makers to sustain competition and invest in incremental innovation. Other factors increasing the demand for biologic drugs include rising regulatory convergence and better access to healthcare for all nations.Request Report Sample@ www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1249 Restraints for the market include difficulty in manufacturing, as the drugs are highly complex in nature. They must be processed under tightly controlled conditions/controls, maintained throughout the production process. This type of atmosphere and quality control procedures are not easily available in less developed nations. Environmental contamination needs to be eliminated from the manufacturing process. Further, biologics are extremely susceptible to light, heat conditions, and need extremely good refrigeration processes, which is not available uniformly throughout the world.Biologics Market: SegmentationBiologics Market can be segmented into these following ways:Segmentation by product typeVaccinesBlood and Blood ProductsAllergenic extractsHuman Cells and TissuesProteinsGene TherapiesCellular TherapiesXenotransplantation ProductsSegmentation by applicationRheumatoid arthritisAnemiaCancerDiabetesOthersSegmentation by source materialHumansAvian Cell CultureYeastBacteriaInsects Cell CultureTransgenicsBiologics Market: OverviewBiologics market is at risk over the forthcoming years due to leading biologic drugs expected to lose exclusivity over the next seven years. The patented biologic drugs are expected to be replaced by biosimilar drugs. Competition is expected to be limited in the market as the drugs are expected to be formed using various types of innovative technologies. Increasing geriatric population, early onset of ageing, increasing awareness for technologically advanced medical procedures and drugs, higher spending power, and rising incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. are expected to drive the market growth of biologic drugs.Biologics Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, biologic drug market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.In terms of geography, North America and Europe dominate the market, followed by Asia-Pacific. However, rising technological advancement in healthcare and systematic drug review process will drive the markets over North America, Japan and other regions. Europe currently dominates the biosimilars market driven by technically advanced healthcare infrastructure and high patient awareness & regulatory harmonization. Increasing funding for development of biologics available through public-private partnerships, availability of high-quality research infrastructure and innovative strategies developed by drug makers to restrict entry of new players are factors expected to contribute to market growth of biologics over the forecast period. Emerging markets include Eastern European countries followed by countries in Eastern Africa. Rising disease incidences in these countries is expected to prove favorable for the growth of the biologics market.Request For TOC@ www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1249 Biologics Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in biologics market are Unilife Corporation, Retractable Technologies, Inc., Smiths Medicals, Becton, Dickinson & Company, Smiths Medical, Terumo Corporation, Pfizer Inc. (AC. Hospira), Roche Diagnostics, AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Genzyme, GSK Biologicals, Lundbeck, Novartis AG, and Merck KGaA.Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Banana Flour Market: Use of Banana Flour in Beverages to Push Revenue Sales of Banana Flour in the Coming Years: Global Industry Analysis (2012 - 2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017 - 2027)" report to their offering.

Banana Flour Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 07:41:50

Banana flour is a powdered ingredient generally made from green banana or plantains. It is often used as a gluten free ingredient and added in various baked goods. Flour has a moisture content of about 4%-6%. A new research report by Future Market Insights, highlights the current scenario of the banana powder market and its demand and consumption in various applications. The report is titled Banana Flour Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017-2027), and presents a brief about every aspect of the global market. According to this comprehensive research report, the global banana flour market is expected to reach a market value of US$ 730 Mn by the end of 2027. The global banana flour market is anticipated to witness a growth at a sluggish CAGR of around 3.8% during the forecast period. The betterment in the market scenario with increasing adoption of banana flour in bakery and other end uses, will encourage the manufacturers and key businesses to be more innovative.Global Banana Flour Market: DynamicsThe global banana flour markets growth is helped by the increase in production of green bananas or cooking bananas. Banana production has grown rapidly, registering a performance of +15 percent since 2008. Though dessert bananas account for 60% of the total production, the cooking banana sector has witnessed a steady growth in terms of production, indicating a rise in the demand for green bananas. There has also been a rise in the awareness about banana flour being a gluten free product. There will be a rise in the demand for gluten-free products in countries like the U.K., Italy, U.S., Spain, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and India. In most of the countries, banana flour is being used as a gluten-free replacement for wheat flour. This rise in the consumption of gluten-free products helps drive the demand for banana flour.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6155 Global Banana Flour Market: Segmental AnalysisOn the basis of distribution channel, direct channel is expected to reflect higher contribution to the growth of the global market. The indirect channel segment is expected to register a relatively higher CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast periodOn the basis of application, food industry leads the market with high market value. Moreover, the pet food and feed industry segment is projected to grow at a significant rate throughout the period of assessmentIn terms of source, conventional segment has a much higher market size and is expected to lead the global market during the forecast period. But organic source is projected to grow at a faster pace in the years to followBased on region, MEA is expected to dominate the market with an estimated market value of over US$ 300 Mn by the end of 2027. Whereas North America is expected to register the highest growth rate to register a value CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast periodNeed more information about Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6155 Global Banana Flour Market: Competitive LandscapeThe research report covers details about major players in the industry. It provides the readers with a brief profile of the key players. Some of the major companies mentioned in the report are Zuvii, NuNatural Inc., Diana Foods, NOW Health Group Inc., Paradisefrucht GmbH, Kanegrade Ltd, ADM Wild Europe GmbH & Co. KG, International Agriculture Group, Stawi Foods and Fruits Limited etc.PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-20 08:53:42

Deployment of highly efficient aircraft braking system in modern aircrafts is of utmost importance. Safety primarily relies upon the efficient working of the braking system, since brakes are used to slowdown and stop the aircraft whenever necessary. The aircraft braking system must be capable of braking on the smooth runway surface with limited length. This leads to the development of complex braking system, which requires unwavering focus in terms of technology and material. Modern aircraft braking system comprises of aircraft disc brakes, thrust reversers, air brakes and drogue parachutes. All these components play significant roles in reducing the aircraft speed, thereby, ensuring safe landing. The brakes are replaced when the tyre tread or brake material is worn. This failure is examined by the maintenance staff, during which the entire brake/ wheel assembly is routed for replacement. The global aircraft braking system market is primarily driven by the refurbishment of brakes in existing fleet rather than the demand for new aircraft. This demand is primarily due to increase in airline traffic, which requires frequent upgrade of braking systems. According to the Airbus S.A.S, the global Revenue Passenger Kilometre is expected to grow by 4.5% every year, over the period 2014-2034.Further, aircraft manufacturing focusing on lightweight and downsizing of aircraft components is expected to create opportunities for research & development in aircraft braking system for development of new products. Chances of corrosion in braking material while operating in extreme environment conditions is one of the major challenges faced by aircraft OEMs. This is further expected to create significant opportunities for OEMs to monitor, remove and protect aircraft brakes against corrosion. Favourable macroeconomic conditions in developed and developing nations are expected to boost the market growth, as an increase in aircraft production will, in turn, create demand for aircraft braking system. OEMs are forming strategic alliances with component manufacturers to upgrade their existing braking system. This move will further assist the OEMs to gain customer confidence and will aid them to drive profitable growth in the competitive environment. In October 2016, UTC Aerospace Systems signed a contract with Ducommun to build electronic assemblies for the up gradation of its braking system.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3460 Global Aircraft Braking System Market: SegmentationThe global Aircraft Braking System market is segmented on the basis of product type, deployment type, end-use, aircraft type and region.Based on product type, the global aircraft braking system market is segmented into carbon brakes and steel brakes. Deployment of particular brake type in aircraft depends on the desired operating environment. Carbon brakes are primarily deployed in military and commercial aircraft.Based on sales channel, the global aircraft braking system market can be segmented into OEM and after-market. After-market is expected to emerge as a fast growing segment owing to rising demand for the refurbishment of worn brakes in existing fleet.On the basis of end-use, the global Aircraft Braking System market can be segmented into general aviation, civil aviation and military aircraft.By aircraft type, the global Aircraft Braking System market can be segmented into narrow-body aircraft, wide-body aircraft, regional jets, freighter and turboprops.Global Aircraft Braking System Market: Regional OutlookAsia-Pacific is expected to emerge as a fast growing region in terms of revenue growth in the global aircraft braking system market. This is primarily attributed to the significant growth in aircraft fleet. Further, shifting production base from North America and Europe to Asia-Pacific region due to reduced labour cost is also expected to drive noteworthy volume growth opportunities in the region. In terms of market share contribution, North America and Western Europe jointly share the larger pie of the market since one-third of the global fleet is present in North America with over twenty percent in Western Europe.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3460 Global Aircraft Braking System Market: Market ParticipantsGlobal Aircraft braking system market is highly consolidated with a handful of players contributing to the major share in the market. This includes Honeywell International Inc, UTC Aerospace Systems, Meggitt PLC and Safran Landing Systems among others. Companies are primarily focusing towards the development of the combination of wheel and braking system that can operate at high temperature and high speed.The increasing prevalence of prostate cancer expected to drive the growth of the absorbable tissue spacer market. National Cancer Institute estimated that 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer in 2018. High adoption of radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat cancer are expected favors the growth of the absorbable tissue spacer market.

Absorbable Tissue Spacer Market

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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

Radiation therapy or particle therapy is exhibited as a more promising treatment option for cancer treatment. Radiation therapy also affects the adjacent organs or make delivery of doses too difficult because numerous radiation morbidities might occur. Absorbable tissue spacer is introduced to overcome the therapeutic and anatomical problems and deliver effective radiation doses. Absorbable tissue spacer is effective to block particle beams and separate normal tissue from the radiation field. Absorbable tissue spacer has reduced the effect of radiation therapy on adjacent organs. Absorbable tissue spacer is Bioabsorbable spacer which injected into place before to start of radiation treatment.Absorbable tissue spacer remains stable during radiation therapy and slowly absorbed by the body after radiotherapy has been completed. Nonwoven fabric spacer, absorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) and absorbable hydrogel spacer are some of the absorbable tissue spacers. Absorbable tissue spacer such as absorbable hydrogel spacer is used during prostate radiotherapy to create distance between the prostate and the rectum. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer types in men. Absorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) spacers are effective to treat upper abdominal tumors. Absorbable tissue spacer such as PGA spacers is majorly used for pancreatic cancer which used to keep away gastrointestinal tract from radiation.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8507 Absorbable Tissue Spacer Market: Drivers and Restraints-The increasing prevalence of prostate cancer expected to drive the growth of the absorbable tissue spacer market. National Cancer Institute estimated that 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer in 2018. High adoption of radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat cancer are expected favors the growth of the absorbable tissue spacer market. Increasing number of cases of pancreatic cancer expected to spur the demand for radiation therapy and favors the growth of the absorbable tissue spacer market. According to the American Cancer Society estimated 55,440 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018. Growing development of new technology and products for effective cancer treatment expected to drive the growth of the absorbable tissue spacer over the forecast period.Absorbable Tissue Spacer Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, absorbable tissue spacer market can be segmented as:Absorbable Polyglycolic Acid (PGA) SpacersAbsorbable Hydrogel SpacerOn the basis of application, absorbable tissue spacer market can be segmented as:Pancreatic CancerLiver CancerProstate CancerOthersOn the basis of the end user, the absorbable tissue spacer market can be segmented as:HospitalsCancer Treatment CentersCancer Research CentersAbsorbable Tissue Spacer Market: OverviewAbsorbable tissue spacer is Bioabsorbable tissue spacer used for protection of adjacent tissue during the radiation therapy. Absorbable tissue spacer is made from nonwoven fabric and hydrogel which exhibit the more focused effect on the target tissue. Absorbable tissue spacer is used for providing appropriate protection and create strong protection barriers. Absorbable tissue spacer is expected to create strong demand for prostate cancer.Absorbable Tissue Spacer Market: Region-wise OutlookIn terms of geography, the market has been divided into seven regions including North- America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia- Pacific excluding & Japan (APEJ), Japan, Middle-East & Africa, and Latin America. North America is the most dominating market for absorbable tissue spacer market due to high prevalence of prostate cancer in United States. According to National Cancer Institute, in 2015 around 3,120,176 men living with prostate cancer in United States. Western European expected to contribute second largest revenue share in absorbable tissue spacer market due to high adoption radiation therapy for cancer treatment and growing demand of technologically advanced products. The Asia Pacific excluding Japan absorbable tissue spacer market is expected to gain a high growth rate over the forecast period due to increasing healthcare spending and government support for cancer treatment.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8507 Absorbable Tissue Spacer Market: Key Market ParticipantsExample of some market players participants in global absorbable tissue spacer market identify across the value chain are Boston Scientific Corporation (Augmenix Inc.) and others.Fact.MR has announced the addition of the  Orthopedic Power Tools Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking - Global Market insights 2018 to 2028"report to their offering.

Orthopedic Power Tools

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In its new report, Fact.MR has projected the orthopedic power tools market to register an average expansion throughout the forecast period, 2017 to 2026. Roughly US$ 2,500 Mn revenues will be reaped from the orthopedic power tools market by 2026-end.Increased Adoption of Robotic Surgery to Propel Growth of Orthopedic Power Tools MarketOrthopedic power tools market remains influenced by prevalence of minimally invasive surgeries, which create demand for treating various disorders such as neurosurgical, spinal and orthopedic diseases. Minimally invasive surgeries require orthopedic power tools, which carry out surgeries with a miniscule incision, lower the risk of bleeding, have shorter hospital stay post-surgery, and offer faster recovery. Growth of orthopedic power tools market is driven by increased adoption of robotic surgery, owing to limited availability of skilled surgeons worldwide. Surgical robots with multiple arms are foraying into healthcare sector with their high surgical efficiency, with the capability of handling various equipment at the same time, thereby driving growth of orthopedic power tools market. However, hospital consolidation, cost-containment pressures, medical device excise taxes, and unfavorable reimbursement policies are some factors expected to restrain expansion of orthopedic power tools market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=334 Competition Tracking Fact.MRs report provides a competitive landscape of the orthopedic power tools market, identifying key players in the market that include Misonix, CONMED Corporation, B Braun, Zimmer Biomet, Johnson & Johnson, and Stryker Corporation.North America to Account for Largest Revenue Share of Orthopedic Power Tools MarketRapid technological advancements, and increasing volume of orthopedic procedures have accelerated growth of orthopedic power tools market in North America. In terms of revenues, the largest share of the orthopedic power tools market will be accounted by North America during 2017 to 2026. Europe and Asia-pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) will also remain lucrative regions for growth of the orthopedic power tools market.A paradigm shift is being observed in the orthopedic power tools market from conventional reusable orthopedic power tools toward use of disposable or single-use orthopedic power tools. This is mainly to prevent the risk of infection in individuals caused by reusing & reprocessing the same orthopedic power tools on many individuals. In addition, single-use orthopedic power tools are cost-effective, and are pre-sterilized prior to their delivery to hospitals in a single-use format. Owing to these factors, sales of single-use power tools are projected to register the fastest expansion in the orthopedic power tools market through 2026, based on modality.Browse Full Report @ https://www.factmr.com/report/334/orthopedic-power-tools-market Large Bone Power Tools  Most Lucrative among Products in Orthopedic Power Tools MarketLarge bone power tools will remain most lucrative product in orthopedic power tools market, followed by high-speed power tools. These power tools find huge application in trauma-related surgeries, and knee & hip reconstruction surgeries. Compared to large bone and high-speed power tools, small bone power tools will account for a significantly lower revenue share of the market throughout the forecast period.Orthopedic clinics and ambulatory surgical centers are projected to be the fastest expanding end-users in orthopedic power tools market. On the other hand, sales of orthopedic power tools in hospitals will register a relatively lower CAGR than that in orthopedic clinics and ambulatory surgical centers through 2026.Speak To Research Analyst for Detailed Insights @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=334 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; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsRohit Bhisey11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@ factmr.com Web: https://www.factmr.com/ Read Industry News at - https://theswisstimes.comLast week, the 911 call center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, went down forcing anyone with an emergency to call the non-emergency number. The call system was quickly restored, but not before it caused issues across the state.

As you can imagine, its a busy phone line, and one thats vital for people in emergency situations. This outage serves as a reminder as to how important all computer and phone systems are in our organizations.

Outages can be very costly in terms of lives, money, customer perception, reputation, competitive positioning and more. Every company needs to address the possibility this can happen to them. Just because a business hasnt had problems doesnt mean it wont. Weather, earthquakes, hacks from an internal threat or external hacker are all things that have taken businesses down for hours, weeks or even forever.

Getting back to this call center outage, Statewide 911 board Executive Director, Ed Reuter, says Indiana hadnt experienced an outage as big as Fridays in the 51 years the 911 call center has been up and running. It reminds us there is a first time for everything.

Virtually every business is worth protecting, yet companies tend to worry about outages after they happen. This can be very dangerous, as the first incident may be potentially catastrophic.

Every company needs a solid plan for business continuity, including:

Making sure backups done properly and tested frequently,

A thorough assessment of cybersecurity postures,

A discussion of who could attack an organization,

Agreement of what is worth protecting and how is it protected, and

Understanding what could happen if there is a breach.

The same principles apply to business continuity solutions, which could be put into action by a hacker or mother nature. At a base level, companies must consider a UPS solution for important computers and servers, and possibly a backup generator, depending on the budget and business value of various systems.

Many business owners are focused on the core tasks of running their businesses and may not know how to protect themselves. In this case, call in some experts to assist, even if you are just asking for advice.

It is always better to have a plan and a business continuity solution in place and not need it than the opposite.

Edited by Erik LinaskI dont believe weve written about Monica Witt, the former U.S. Air Force intelligence specialist accused of espionage for Iran. Witt, who now resides in Iran, out of our reach, is said to have caused significant damage to America. She is suspected, among other things, of revealing the names of double agents run by the United States.

Why did Witt become a traitor? Douglas Wise, former deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, rules out a monetary motive.

She wasnt in it for the money; this wasnt a fee-for-task thing. At some point, she took an ideological left turn to become aligned with the Persians.

At what point, and why, did Witt take that ideological left turn?

This account in the New York Times attributes the shift in part to her time in the military. According to the Times, Witt, who served in Iraq and other Middle East venues, was traumatized by drone strikes, extrajudicial killings and atrocities against children.

But the Times also says that Witts radicalization accelerated while she was in graduate school at George Washington University, where she gained a masters degree in its Middle East Studies program. The Times describes that program as an academic proving ground for aspiring diplomats and researchers near the State Departments headquarters.

The Times leaves it at that. It does not explore why Witts radicalization accelerated while at GW.

It does not point out, as the Daily Caller does, that Muslim-majority nations  plus a handful of private groups associated with them  have given $100 million to George Washington University in the form of gifts and contracts since 2011, according to Department of Education disclosures. This includes $80 million from Saudi Arabia, $14 million from Kuwait, $4.5 million from the United Arab Emirates, and $730,000 from Turkey.

Iran is not on this list, and its interests certainly dont align with those of the biggest donor. But its not difficult to see why Witts anti-American radicalization might accelerate while she was a student in a program heavily subsidized by Islamist regimes.

The Times quotes one of Witts fellow GW students as saying that everyone just kind of sat and watched as Witt expressed strong feelings against American foreign policy in class. No one, it seems, pushed back with even a limited defense of America.

GWs program is more apt to defend the Muslim Brotherhood. The Daily Caller notes that in 2011, Nathan Brown, who now directs the Middle East studies program, testified before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence that the Brotherhood has no desire to push its agenda through forceful means. Brown went so far as to compare the Muslim Brotherhood with the Boy Scouts, though he did allow that the Brotherhood is more ambitious.

Well probably never know the degree to which George Washington University contributed to Monica Witts rabid anti-Americanism. Its alarming, though, that an institution that shapes the thinking of future U.S. policy makers receives vast amounts of money from Middle East sources with interests quite different from Americas.

And GW isnt the only such university. The Daily Caller, citing Department of Education data, says that nearly all of the schools empowered to shape understanding of the Middle East among U.S. graduate students receive significant funding from such sources. Georgetown University leads the way with $378,000,000.

Weve written about a similar problem  Chinese funding of China studies in the U.S. through Confucius Institutes. Fortunately, Congress and the FBI are aware of this problem and there are attempts to deal with it.

Not so, as far as I can tell, with Middle East studies. Perhaps Monica Witts road to treason will change this.Anti-Semitism is on the rise in France. The French Interior Ministry reports that instances of anti-Semitic violence increased by 74 percent in 2018.

Anti-Semitism has been increasing for some time in France. The rise corresponds to the increase of the Muslim population and its growing radicalization.

However, recent developments suggest that anti-Semitism is also percolating up from Frances native population.

The Gilet Jaune (Yellow Vest) movement is a mini-rebellion by La France Profonde (the deep France of its villages and traditional culture). Yellow Vest demonstrations took Paris by a storm and forced changes in government tax/environment policy.

Most of the demonstrators have gone home, but demonstrations and rioting persist. Many of those who engage in them are revealing themselves to be anti-Semites.

Yellow Vest protesters have been caught on camera making anti-Semitic gestures and taunting journalists for working for the Jews. This weekend, Yellow Vest protesters surrounded Alain Finkielkraut, a prominent Jewish conservative philosopher, as he was getting out of a taxi near his home in Paris. They called him a dirty Zionist and told him to go back to Tel Aviv.

It has been reported that elements of the far-left and far-right attached themselves to the Yellow Vest movement during its demonstrations last Fall. Earlier this month, fighting broke out between the factions during a demonstration in Lyon. Anti-Semitism within these two elements is not surprising.

To what extent is the mainstream of the Yellow Vest movement anti-Semitic? I dont know.

In my opinion, for what its worth, any over-arching populist critique of capitalism has the potential to be anti-Semitic. In the popular imagination, Jews are dirty capitalists, par excellence. This, I think, helps explain why the British Labour Party and the American Democratic Party are flirting, or worse, with anti-Semitism, though clearly there is much more to it than that.

In any event, its worth keeping an eye on the possibility of widespread anti-Semitism in the Yellow Vest movement. Just one more thing for Jews and their friends to worry about.Commentary >> Marc Thiessen

Trump shouldn't be forcing Republicans to choose fidelity to him or to the ConstitutionIt was late arriving, but snow has taken over the regionNote: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@postregister.com for help creating one.Some say that the Korean War is the Forgotten War. And understandably so. It is a war that occurred more than seven decades ago. However, the  Read moreAn autopsy has yet to be performed on the man whose body was found Tuesday morning in Harmon because the island still is without a medical examiner.

Guam's Commission on Post Mortem Examinations continues its search for a medical examiner and will be working with Saipan in this endeavor, according to minutes from last week's commission meeting.

Dr. Philip Dauterman, a pathologist based on Saipan, travels to Guam to assist with autopsies here, said Carlina Charfauros, spokeswoman for the Office of the Attorney General of Guam.

However, according to meeting minutes, Dauterman is not able to perform autopsies for homicide cases because he is not a forensic pathologist. The closest forensic pathologist is based in Hawaii.

"Cases would be on hold until (a) pathologist is available," the minutes note.

To address that, commission member Lillian Perez Posadas, who is the chief executive officer of Guam Memorial Hospital, made a motion to "allow work on a case-by-case basis until a long-term contract can be secured for a forensic pathologist."

The motion passed.

Search ongoing

Dr. Aurelio Espinola was Guam's chief medical examiner for decades. He also assisted with autopsies on Saipan, Charfauros said. He retired on Jan. 31 and has since left Guam.

By law, the chief medical examiner must be a licensed forensic pathologist. The search has been ongoing for at least a year but only one person has shown interest in the job. At last week's meeting, Attorney General Leevin Camacho said there haven't been any new applicants for the position. However, he has been in contact with the lone applicant who meets all of the qualifications and will provide an update when he receives more information, minutes state.

Additionally, Camacho said Saipan's attorney general will speak to CNMI Gov. Ralph Torres to see what funding is available to assist with the recruitment. If funding is available, the two governments likely will have to execute an memorandum of understanding, minutes state.

Budget concerns

Previously, there was a concern that the Medical Examiner's Office wouldn't have the funding to support a new chief medical examiner after Espinola was projected to cash out on accrued leave benefits, previously estimated to be around $200,000. However, the minutes state that his cash-out would be closer to $70,000. With the lower amount, the cost to hire a new chief medical examiner is within the budget.The Office of the Attorney General is considering its legal options after learning that President Donald Trump's emergency declaration may divert $750 million in Department of Defense construction funds intended for military buildup projects on Guam.

The AG issued that statement on Twitter after Guam Del. Michael San Nicolas announced in a press release Wednesday morning that he has received information indicating (that) Trump's emergency declaration would negatively impact the Guam military buildup in a substantial way.

The OAG is considering its legal options after learning that President Trump's emergency declaration may take away approximately $750 million in federal funding. https://t.co/mfSit0aFwo  Office of the Attorney General of Guam (@OAGGuam) February 20, 2019

Trump declared on Friday that a national emergency exists on the border with Mexico, which allows him to access billions of dollars that Congress refused to give him to build his border wall.

The Washington Post reported on Monday that 16 states joined together to file a lawsuit against the emergency declaration. The declaration allows funds to be diverted from spending programs already approved and allocated by Congress.

About $2.5 billion would be pulled from the militarys drug interdiction program; $600 million would be taken out of the Department of the Treasury's drug forfeiture fund; and the largest amount, $3.6 billion, would be siphoned out of the DOD construction budget, including $749 million in Guam buildup funding.

That amount represents more than 10 percent of the U.S. commitment to realign forces to Guam from Okinawa, San Nicolas said.

"Diversion of these funds will certainly set back the military buildup once again and could further jeopardize it altogether as it represents a softening of the commitment," San Nicolas stated.

San Nicolas said he has co-sponsored a resolution already being circulated that challenges Trump's proposed emergency declaration to build his wall. San Nicolas said he would send a letter to Gov. Lou Leo Guerrero urging her to implore Trump to exclude Guam projects from the emergency fund diversion.

Leon Guerrero is in Washington, D.C., this week meeting with federal officials.

Leon Guerrero issued a statement Wednesday saying her administration is closely monitoring the situation and intends to meet with Trump administration officials ... to discuss concerns related to the military realignment, including the national emergency declaration and the H-2B ban on workers from the Philippines.

Marine Corps Activity Guam spokesman Lt. Brett Lazaroff told The Guam Daily Post, "We currently do not have any details on any potential impact to the Marine Corps projects."

Joint Region Marianas community relations coordinator Tanya Mendiola referred all questions to the Office of the Secretary of Defense.Dolores Hentges Nelson, 89, of LeRoy, formerly of Rochester, died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna.

Dolores was born June 20, 1929, in Rochester, the daughter of George N. Hentges and Wilhelmina (Berg) Hentges. Mr. Hentges established and owned Hentges Glass Company in Rochester in 1921. Dolores attended St. Johns Elementary School and Lourdes High School. Graduating in 1947, she began employment as a bookkeeper at the First National Bank, and then as a cashier at Peoples Cooperative Power Association.

In 1950, she became a Medical Secretary/Transcriptionist at Mayo Clinic in the Department of Radiology, transferring to the Department of Psychiatry. She also was a part-time secretary for the Remedial Reading Center in Rochester. Dolores had an enthusiastic interest in her contributions to the medical field and enjoyed her career.

Following school graduation, friends introduced her to James OLeary Nelson, who had just returned from his World War II Army service in Japan and Germany. They were married April 7, 1951, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester. After working a few years with trucking equipment, Jim joined the Rochester Fire Department in 1954, serving there for 23 years. He also had built a large commercial garage south of town and established Nelson Grain Line and Nelson Truck Equipment. With Jim as the owner-operator and the long-distance driver, Dolores made the decision to devote her time and experience to be Jims partner and helper, work along with him, and manage the business during Jims absences.

They planned their retirement to continue the trucking business and to allow some winter months for traveling in their home-away-from-home Avion Travel Trailer. This took them to the western states of Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Mexico and Canada, and to the Gulf Coast. Dolores then began employment at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Beaumont, Texas, as a medical transcriptionist.

Jim and Dolores enjoyed many years traveling. They did much camping and fishing, lived at Lake City Marina Point for many years, had their 80-acre farm in Palisade, Minn., and enjoyed fishing in the beautiful northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada Lakes; they had a happy retirement, and were blessed with a wonderful 66-year marriage together. They lived in Rochester, Lake City, Palisade, Minn.; Wibaux, Mont.; Las Vegas; Beaumont, Texas; Lafayette, La.; Stewartville, and LeRoy.

Dolores is preceded in death by her husband; infant son, Baby Boy Nelson; and infant daughter, Diane Kay Nelson. She is also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and four brothers.

She is survived by nieces and nephews, George David Hentges III, Shilloy Suzanne Hentges Garman, Elizabeth Ann Hentges, James Andrew Hentges, and the families of her nieces and nephews.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. No services are scheduled. Her cremains will be buried with her husbands at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to local animal shelters, Rochester Public Library, or the Salvation Army.Members of the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan from Pelham, N.C., argue with members of the crowd at the South Carolina statehouse on Saturday, July 18, 2015, in Columbia. A new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center found the number of hate groups both in South Carolina and nationwide is on the rise. The report comes even as lawmakers in the Palmetto State have pushed to condemn hate through legislative channels. File/StaffColumbia/Myrtle Beach Managing Editor

Andy Shain runs The Post and Courier's newsrooms based in Columbia and Myrtle Beach. He was editor of Free Times and has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Charlotte, Columbia and Myrtle Beach.In this Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, photo, Transformer's character mascots entertain shoppers at a shopping mall in Handan in north China's Hebei province. U.S. and Chinese envoys held trade talks earlier this month after the top economic adviser to President Donald Trump said he has yet to decide whether to go ahead with a March 2 tariff increase on imports from China. (Chinatopix via AP)The former chief financial officer who stole $1.2 million from the Berkeley County School District was sentenced Wednesday to more than five years in federal prison for what authorities have described as possibly the largest public embezzlement scheme in South Carolina.

A judge handed down the sentence to 62-year-old Brantley Denmark Thomas III during a hearing in U.S. District Court in downtown Charleston.

The once-respected and longtime district administrator previously pleaded guilty to 20 federal counts of embezzlement, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering over a 16 year stretch.

His 63-month sentence fell at the highest end of a prison term called for by federal sentencing guidelines.

Thomas, who said little during his sentencing while clad in a striped jail jumpsuit, also faces prosecution in state court where 35 other criminal counts are pending. He will serve any prison time for those charges after completing his federal prison term.

Dozens of school district representatives packed the courtroom Wednesday along with Thomas supporters. Some district employees wrote letters to District Judge David Norton detailing the impact of Thomas crimes, but they did not speak in court.

Norton said Thomas pocketed funds that should have benefited students and also accepted $32,000 in bribes and kickbacks.

The crimes didnt stop when Thomas was hit with state and federal charges. The state Attorney Generals Office, which is prosecuting the state case, said Thomas stole around $35,000 from Jackson Davenport Vision Center, a Charleston eye care business that employed him as a bookkeeper while he was out on bond in 2017 and 2018.

Norton said Thomas has an apparent OPM addiction, referencing his thefts of other peoples money.

Thomas was ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution to the school district, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. He will serve three years on court supervision after he is released from prison.

Superintendent Eddie Ingram, who was hired by the district in the wake of the embezzlement scandal, said Thomas sentence represented a major step for the district to move forward.

Its sort of a breath of fresh air, he said.

Thomas oversaw all of the district's finances, including a nearly $260 million general fund. With a salary of $130,500, he was among the district's highest paid employees in the district, and he also collected a pension during the final years of his career.

District lawyer Josh Whitley said Thomas larger financial mismanagement overshadowed the $1.2 million he embezzled. The former CFO misspent $46 million of the fund balance, Whitley said, and the district later had to restore it or risk losing its bond rating. Thomas also misspent the districts construction budget for facilities by tens of millions of dollars, Whitley said.

Officials said theyve addressed the shortfall by issuing bonds and hiring new auditors and financial advisers, though such efforts have lessened their ability to focus on the needs of students in the rapidly growing county.

+2 Berkeley schools suing popular auditing firm for missing CFO's $1.2 million embezzlement Berkeley County School District on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against its former auditing firm seeking in excess of $10 million or other amount to be determined at trial because the firm did not detect a $1.2 embezzlement by the district's CFO.

The district fired Thomas in February 2017 after officials learned that the FBI and Wells Fargo bank were looking into missing funds.

The FBIs probe, prompted by a tip, uncovered a pervasive scheme that began in 2001 and grew more sophisticated in later years.

Authorities said Thomas stole from the district on at least 45 occasions, using several methods that included overpaying vendors through school district accounts and then depositing refund checks into his personal account.

Among the stolen funds were federal grants intended for special-education students.

Authorities said Thomas also pocketed at least $32,000 in bribes and kickbacks for awarding the districts insurance policy contracts to specific companies.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan wrote that Thomas' thievery funded a lifestyle of luxury: international travel, jewelry and a membership at the Carolina Yacht Club.

Thomas' defense attorney, Matt Hubbell, portrayed his client as a broken and ashamed man who was prepared to accept a significant prison term. He said Thomas completed an alcohol addiction treatment program in November and has been devoted to caring for his 18-year-old daughter.

The attorney asked that Thomas serve his federal sentence at a minimum-security prison camp in Estill.

Whitley, the districts attorney, said officials expect Thomas to receive a longer sentence on the state charges, which include counts of embezzlement, misconduct in office, and forgery.

A spokesman for Attorney General's Office said Thomas has not entered a plea. A date for his next court hearing in that case was not finalized as of Wednesday.The Shadowmoss subdivision of West Ashley was flooded during Tropical Storm Irma. The city is seeking solutions to flooding in the Church Creek drainage basin which is where the subdivision and other properties with flooding problems are located. Wade Spees/Staff Tropical Storm IrmaGet the SC business stories that matter.

Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free.2.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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A new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center has found that hate groups rose to a record high of 1,020 in the US, and the growth coincides with the rise of Trump to the White House.

The Rise In Hate Equals The Rise In Trump

According to the SPLC:

The number of hate groups operating across America rose to a record high  1,020  in 2018 as President Trump continued to fan the flames of white resentment over immigration and the countrys changing demographics.

It was the fourth straight year of hate group growth  a 30 percent increase roughly coinciding with Trumps campaign and presidency  following three consecutive years of decline near the end of the Obama administration.

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The numbers tell a striking story  that this president is not simply a polarizing figure but a radicalizing one, said Heidi Beirich, director of the SPLCs Intelligence Project. Rather than trying to tamp down hate, as presidents of both parties have done, President Trump elevates it  with both his rhetoric and his policies. In doing so, hes given people across America the go-ahead to act on their worst instincts.

Trump Uses Hate And Division As Political Tools

`

Donald Trump appears to have three political tools at his disposal. Trump relies on fear, hate, and division. The home run for this president comes when he can combine multiple tactics into one strategy. The border wall textbook Trump. Trump tried to stoke fear by playing up an imaginary crisis of criminal immigrants coming over the border. The president has demonized immigrants and made them a target for hate, and then he used his desire for a wall to divide the country.

Trump is only governing for a small base of supporters, but those people are being emboldened and radicalized by this White House and their conservative media propagandists.

President Trump has made America more dangerous for minorities, as his campaign of hate is leading America down a dark and deadly path.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on FacebookAdvertising

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that he is ready to aim missiles at the United States if the U.S. puts new missiles in Europe.

Putin said Russia will respond to the deployment of short or intermediate-range nuclear weapons by the United States in Europe by targeting the countries where the missiles are located. But in addition to that, he will direct his military to prepare to attack the United States directly also.

This is the strongest language used yet by the Russian President as it appears he and Donald Trump have started a new nuclear arms race. He did qualify his language, however, as he said that Russia is not looking to have military confrontations with either the United States or countries in Europe.

Putin also made clear that Russia would not be the country to take the first actions by deploying nuclear weapons as a response to the Trump administration decision earlier this month to drop out of the landmark INF treaty which has been in place since the 1980s

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In his remarks Putin also made clear that his decisions are firm and he advised officials in the United States to be aware of what his response will be if they decide to aim new intermediate range nuclear weapons at Russia. He said they should take into account the risks before taking any hasty actions to target Russia.

Its their right to think how they want. But can they count? Im sure they can. Let them count the speed and the range of the weapons systems we are developing, Putin told his audience of Russias political elite.

Russia will be forced to create and deploy types of weapons which can be used not only in respect of those territories from which the direct threat to us originates, but also in respect of those territories where the centers of decision-making are located, he added.1.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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Michelle Obama came in first place in a new poll of 2020 Democratic Party presidential candidates. She was tied with Joe Biden.

Poll: Michelle Obama would be tied with Joe Biden as frontrunner if she ran in 2020 @HillTVLive https://t.co/Iff0Ko3epn pic.twitter.com/EyZAcJjDTy  The Hill (@thehill) February 20, 2019

The former first lady and the former vice president both have high name recognition and are well thought of among Democrats. The fact that they are on top of a poll together shows the nostalgia many in their party feel for the halcyon days of the presidency of Barack Obama.

The Hill-HarrisX poll found that 25 percent of likely Democratic primary voters said they would back Michelle Obama in the partys primaries which start a year from now if she were to run. Another 25 percent favored Joe Biden as their top choice to be the partys nominee next year.

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The poll shows Obama and Biden beating out nine other declared or potential candidates for president in 2020.

Potential competitors in the poll included Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and former Rep. Beto ORourke (D-Texas).

Michelle Obama of course has said she is not running, and the likelihood of her doing so seems very remote at best.

Biden also has not made any announcement about whether or not he will launch another bid for the White House. He has been traveling the country in recent months attending fundraisers and giving speeches. These are activities usually associated with politicians who are laying the groundwork for a presidential run.

Among announce candidates, Senator Harris came in first, with 12% of Democrats saying they would support her candidacy next year. This is not surprising since she got her campaign off to a great start when it was announced several weeks ago.

Just behind Harris was Senator Sanders (11%) who just formally announced yesterday that he is running. As happened when he ran in 2016, Sanders will be a formidable force in the 2020 primaries. He attracts a passionate following and many of his previous supporters urged him to run again. He also has a powerful email list that took years to build, and he has shown he can use it to raise massive amounts of money to support his candidacy.

In fourth place in the poll was ORourke with support from 6% of Democrats. He was followed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator Warren, each of whom got 5% of the vote.

The other candidates in the poll were Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) all of whom received less than 5% of the vote.

Results changed slightly when the poll considered independent voters, who are allowed to vote in many state primary elections. In that poll Biden and Obama garnered 23 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

Sanders received 12 percent, followed by 8 percent for Harris. This shows that Sanders is popular among non-Democratic voters and does well in open primaries where it is not necessary to be a registered Democrat to vote.

Molly Murphy, a partner at Democratic consulting firm ALG Research, said Obamas popularity is helped in large part because she has never thrown her hat into the ring.

Because shes never been a candidate, shes never been on the ballot, shes avoided a certain degree of scrutiny that candidates face. And so shes all icing for people, its all good, Murphy said on What Americas Thinking on Hill.TV.750 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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Former deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe told MSNBCs Morning Joe this morning that he knew in May of 2017 that he had enough evidence to prove President Donald Trump committed the crime of attempting to obstruct justice.

During the interview, MSNBCs Mike Barnicle asked McCabe if he would file obstruction of justice charges against Trump right now if he was still working for the Justice Department.

McCabe said that was a loaded question, but he also admitted that he believed the possibility that Trump tried to obstruct justice right after he fired former FBI Director James Comey was extremely strong. So strong, in fact that it warranted opening an FBI investigation into Trumps behavior.

I was confident, in May of 2017, that we had ample facts to indicate the president may have committed obstruction of justice, McCabe said. At that time, it was abundantly clear to me we had enough facts to indicate that crime had been committed.

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Co-host Joe Scarborough also asked McCabe if in his career he had ever seen a public official pressure the FBI to drop a case or an investigation of somebody who worked under them.

McCabe responded:

I cant speak for everybody, but in my experience across 21 years, running many public corruption cases, I have never seen or hear anything like this before.

McCabe was then asked if he believed that Trump had fired Comey on orders from the Russian government, and McCabe obliquely replied that its a possibility that exists in a counterintelligence investigation.

McCabe dropped a major bombshell yesterday when he claimed that the FBI told a bipartisan group of lawmakers in 2017 that it had opened an investigation into President Donald Trump  and none of the Republicans in the group objected.

Yesterday we also reported that according to McCabe, Republicans in Congress who are covering for Trumps potential crimes did so while knowing that the FBI is investigating the president.

McCabe told Scott Pelley in his 60 Minutes interview aired last Sunday that the Department of Justice had meetings in May of 2017 to discuss whether Donald Trumps cabinet could be rallied to oust him from power.

CLICK HERE to watch Andrew McCabe on Morning Joe1.8k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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The BBC is reporting this morning that investigators in Democratic-led House committees have begun to investigate a Trump administration plan to build nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia. As the investigation unfolds it is likely that it will target both presidential son in law Jared Kushner and former national security adviser Michael Flynn.

Flynn and Secretary of Energy Rick Perry are among the Trump officials who urged the president to sell nuclear power plants to Saudi Arabia despite warnings that doing so could harm Americas national security interests.

H. R. McMaster, the former head of the National Security Council advised the administration against selling nuclear capability to Saudi Arabia, as did White House lawyers.

But the matter was discussed with Trump in the Oval Office as recently as last week, indicating that the national security warnings are being ignored by Trump and other administration officials.

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The news about the Saudi Arabian nuclear program was released to the public by House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings.

A report issued by Cummings committee claims that Westinghouse Electric would have reaped significant financial benefits from a nuclear power plant deal with Saudi Arabia. This information is important because Westinghouse Electric is a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, a company that provided financial relief in the form of much-needed loans to Kushner.

It appears that Kushner has been involved in negotiating on behalf of Saudi Arabia, and against the security interests of the United States. And it appears that he has received great financial benefits from doing so.

According to the Oversight Committee report:

Multiple whistleblowers came forward to warn about efforts inside the White House to rush the transfer of highly sensitive U.S. nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia in potential violation of the Atomic Energy Act and without review by Congress as required by law  efforts that may be ongoing to this day.

The committee report also noted that the whistleblowers warned about a working environment inside the White House marked by chaos, dysfunction and backbiting. They also said that many White House appointees would ignore orders from ethics officials to stop engaging in controversial or potentially illegal activities.

Trumps relationship with Saudi Arabia has been a source of controversy throughout his presidency. Even GOP members of Congress have been critical of Trumps relationship with the Saudis, who are believed to have given Trump significant financial backing in his business ventures.

A few weeks ago Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said it is not in our national security interests to look the other way when it comes to the brutal murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi. I firmly believe there will be strong bipartisan support for serious sanctions against Saudi Arabia, including appropriate members of the royal family, for this barbaric act which defied all civilized norms.

Graham added, While Saudi Arabia is a strategic ally, the behavior of the Crown Prince  in multiple ways  has shown disrespect for the relationship and made him, in my view, beyond toxic. I fully realize we have to deal with bad actors and imperfect situations on the international stage. However, when we lose our moral voice, we lose our strongest asset.

Despite these concerns, Kushner has contined to reach out to Saudi Arabia. Kushner has also been accused of supporting a military blockade against Qatar by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates after that country refused to help him finance his 666 Fifth Avenue property (which was later supported by Brookfield Asset Management in a 99-year lease).

Trump also excluded Saudi Arabia from his controversial Muslim ban in 2017, as well as other predominantly Muslim countries with which the Trump Organization is doing business.

Kushner, will be touring the Middle East this month to discuss the economics of the Trump administrations peace plan for the troubled region.

Democratic members of Congress have been critical of the plan being promoted by Kushner since it would violate US laws guarding against the transfer of nuclear technology that could be used to support a weapons program.

Many people also think that giving Saudi Arabia access to nuclear technology will start a dangerous arms race in the Middle East. But this doesnt appear to matter to either Jared Kushner or Donald Trump, so long as they will personally benefit from the deal.1.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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By Steve Holland and Andy Sullivan

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  President Donald Trump plans to nominate Jeffrey Rosen as the next deputy U.S. attorney general, the White House said on Tuesday night, the latest shuffle in the Justice Department at a time when it faces close scrutiny over its Russia investigation.

Rosen, currently deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, would succeed Rod Rosenstein, who appointed a special counsel to investigate possible ties between Russia and President Donald Trumps campaign.

Rosenstein is expected to step down by mid-March, a Justice Department official said on Monday.

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Attorney General William Barr welcomed the choice of Rosen, saying in a statement that he had 35 years of experience at the highest levels of government and in the private sector.

His years of outstanding legal and management experience make him an excellent choice to succeed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has served the Department of Justice over many years with dedication and distinction, Barr said.

Rosens nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.He previously served as general counsel in the Transportation Department and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) but does not have experience as a prosecutor or Justice Department official, which is unusual for a deputy attorney general candidate.

The Justice Department oversees the nations law enforcement and various federal investigations, including the U.S. Special Counsels Office probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion by Trumps presidential campaign.

Rosenstein gained national attention after Trumps former attorney general, Jeff Sessions, recused himself from the Russia investigation, leaving his then second-in-command to oversee U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team.

Trump, who repeatedly criticized Sessions over the probe that he calls a witch hunt, ousted Sessions in November.

Former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe told CNNs Anderson Cooper 360 on Tuesday that it was possible Trump was a Russian asset.

I think its possible. I think thats why we started our investigation, and Im really anxious to see where director Mueller concludes that, he said.

Trump has repeatedly dismissed accusations hurled at him by McCabe, who told CBS 60 Minutes on Sunday that Rosenstein had discussed invoking the U.S. Constitutions 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office in the months after Trump took power.

Rosenstein, who stopped overseeing Muellers probe on Nov. 7 when Trump named Matt Whittaker acting attorney general, had been expected to leave soon after Barr assumed office. The U.S. Senate confirmed Barr last week.

WONT BE PUSHED AROUND

Rosen was nominated to be a federal judge by Republican President George W. Bush in 2008, but did not get a confirmation vote in the U.S. Senate, which was under Democratic control at the time. He was rated well qualified by the nonpartisan American Bar Association.

Thomas Yannucci, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis who has known Rosen since 1982, described him as an able legal administrator who will be committed to ensuring the independence of the Justice Department.

No ones going to push Jeff around. Hell be committed to doing his job, Yannucci said.

Rosen has supported Republican candidates in past elections, although he has not donated money to Trump, federal records show.

Rosen contributed $7,545 to 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and $100 in April 2015 to Marco Rubio, one of Trumps rivals for the Republican nomination in the 2016 campaign.

Rosen was a key figure in efforts to rewrite fuel efficiency regulations and set drone policy. He served as the Transportation Departments general counsel from 2003 through 2006 and OMBs general counsel from 2006 to 2009.

(Reporting by Steve Holland and Andy Sullivan; Editing by Sandra Maler and Peter Cooney)2.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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By only saying fake news in response to reports that he is actively trying to obstruct justice, Trump confirmed that he is committing an impeachable offense.

When Trump says fake news, he is confirming a report

Trump replied when asked about a report that he tried to obstruct justice in the Michael Cohen investigation, No. Not at all. I dont know who gave you that. Thats more fake news. Theres a lot of fake news out there. No, I didntI have a lot of respect for Mr. Whitaker. Hes done a great job. Hes a very, very straight shooter. I watched him during the hearing, some of it. I thought he was exceptional. Hes a very fine man, and he should be given a lot of thanks by our nation.

Video:

All Trump can say is "fake news" in response to a report about his campaign to obstruct justice. pic.twitter.com/KFjT3SPMqY  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 19, 2019

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One of the consistent patterns to emerge in Trumps presidency is that when he claims a report is fake news, it is usually true. A very damaging story gets called fake because Trumps main go-to move is not to argue facts but to discredit sources. Trump spent more time in his answer denying the characterization of his relationship with Whitaker than denying the report that he is waging a campaign of obstruction of justice.

Trump is interfering in investigations and obstructing justice

Trumps behavior has been so troublesome that his own White House is worried that Mueller is going to bust the president for obstructing justice. Donald Trump has spent years demanding loyalty and trying to put loyalists in high ranking positions. Trumps biggest complaint about former attorney general Jeff Sessions is that he recused himself from the Russia investigation and didnt do enough to protect the president.

Donald Trump could have said more than fake news, but the fact that he tried to discredit the source, instead of supporting the investigations, confirms that this president is obstructing justice.2.6k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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Rachel Maddow explained how the Southern District of New York could indict and prosecute Trump for felony obstruction of justice while he is president.

Rachel Maddow laid out why the SDNY could prosecute Trump

Maddow said:



What Mr. Whitaker did after this was unclear. There is no evidence he took any direct steps to intervene in the Manhattan investigation. He did tell associates that the justice department that prosecutors in New York required quote adult supervision.

So as I mentioned, well have more tonight but this is potentially trouble for Matt Whitaker who is no longer acting attorney general but staying at the Justice Department now that the new attorney general William Barr has been sworn in. This is potentially trouble for Whitaker if his adult supervision comment means he did try to influence that prosecution in New York at the behest of the White House. Its also trouble for Whitaker obviously if he did lie about those interactions under oath to Congress. Its also potentially trouble for the President if he was going after a federal criminal case, right? If he was trying to hand pick a prosecutor to try to protect himself. Thats the kind of thing that theoretically could be prosecuted as a felony obstruction charge against a defendant even potentially against a defendant who is a president if the Southern District of New York was in fact inclined to try to pursue something like that.

Video:

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Rachel Maddow suggests that the SDNY could prosecute Trump for felony obstruction of justice while he is president. https://t.co/IZZbYOCNvP pic.twitter.com/P5UB3zRiEH  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 20, 2019

There Is No Law Saying That Trump Cant Be Prosecuted

There is a Justice Department guideline saying that a sitting president cant be indicted or prosecuted, but there it is unsettled law as to whether this is the case. If Trump was indicted and there was an attempt to prosecute him, the case would certainly end up before the Supreme Court, because since no has ever tried to prosecute a sitting president, no one knows if Trump could be indicted and prosecuted while in office.

If the SDNY wanted to try, and they are the prosecutors that have come the closest to indicting Trump, it would set up a round of legal challenges, and doom Trumps reelection campaign. It is not a given that Trump would win in court. This scenario proves that Trumps greatest personal legal jeopardy isnt in the Mueller investigation, but the Southern District of New York.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on Facebook1.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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By Keith Coffman

(Reuters)  A high school student from Covington, Kentucky, sued the Washington Post for defamation on Tuesday, claiming the newspaper falsely accused him of racist acts and instigating a confrontation with a Native American activist in a January videotaped incident at the Lincoln Memorial.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Kentucky by Covington Catholic High School student Nicholas Sandmann, 16, seeks $250 million in damages, the amount that Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com and the worlds richest person, paid for the Post in 2013.

The lawsuit claims that the newspaper wrongfully targeted and bullied the teen to advance its bias against President Donald Trump because Sandmann is a white Catholic who wore a Make America Great Again souvenir cap on a school field trip to the March for Life anti-abortion rally in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 18.

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The Washington Posts Vice President for Communications Kristine Coratti Kelly said: We are reviewing a copy of the lawsuit and we plan to mount a vigorous defense.

In a photo that went viral from the incident, Sandmann is seen standing face to face with Native American activist Nathan Phillips. Sandmann stares smiling at him while Phillips sings and plays his drum.

The incident sparked outrage on social media.

FIRST OF MANY

In a statement, Sandmanns Atlanta-based lawyer, Lin Wood, said additional similar lawsuits would be filed in the weeks ahead.

A private investigation firm retained by Covington Diocese in Park Hills, Kentucky, found in a report released last week no evidence the teenagers provoked a confrontation.

The students were met at the Lincoln Memorial by offensive statements from members of the Black Hebrew Israelites, the report said.

The investigation also determined that the students did not direct any racist or offensive comments toward Phillips although several performed a tomahawk chop to the beat of his drum.

Phillips claimed in a separate video that he heard the students chanting build that wall, during the encounter, a reference to Trumps pledge to build a barrier along the U.S. border with Mexico.

The investigators said they found no evidence of such a chant and that Phillips did not respond to multiple attempts to contact him.

(Reporting by Keith Coffman in DenverWriting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; editing by Bill Tarrant, Bill Berkrot and Cynthia Osterman)3.8k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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It has become so obvious that even Trumps favorite cable news network, Fox News is saying that he is committing crimes.

Fox News is talking about Trump committing crimes

Judge Andrew Napolitano and Shep Smith had this exchange on Fox News:

Napolitano: President Trump, if The New York Times is correct, wanted his ally to be in charge of both of those investigations. Matt Whitaker, to his credit, apparently did not execute that command.

Smith: But that  that phone call, you said thats evidence of corrupt intent.

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Napolitano: On the part of the president because hes making a 

Smith: Would that be obstruction?

Napolitano: Yes. It would be attempted obstruction. It would only be obstruction if it succeeded. If you try to interfere with a criminal prosecution that may knock at your own door by putting your ally in there, that is clearly an attempt to obstruct justice.

Video:

Talk of Trump obstruction of justice is everywhere

Attempting to obstruct justice is a crime. Obstructing justice is a crime. Trump replied to The New York Times story about his ongoing and extensive campaign to attack law enforcement and obstruct justice as fake news, but even Fox News is talking about how Trump is engaging in criminal activity. The discussion has reached the point where it is assumed even among the presidents own defenders that he has engaged in criminal activity.

Trump watches Fox News religiously, watching Fox is the only thing that Trump does religiously, and even his favorite TV channel is talking about how he is breaking the law. The situation has gotten so bad for Trump and the Republican Party that even parts of Fox News can no longer deny the dire reality that is the future for Trump and the GOP.

Fox News can no longer save Donald Trump.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on FacebookAdvertising

By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Roger Stone, a former political adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, was ordered on Tuesday to appear in court this week over Instagram posts that chastised and appeared to threaten the judge presiding over his criminal trial.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said Stone would need to show cause at a hearing on Thursday as to why the posts did not violate a gag order in the case or the conditions of his release.

Stone, who is free on a $250,000 bond and is free to travel to certain U.S. cities without the courts permission, has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering as part of Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

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Stones attorneys filed a formal apology with the court on Monday, after he posted a photograph on Instagram of Jackson alongside what appeared to be the crosshairs of a gun.

He later deleted the image and reposted it without the crosshairs before removing it again, according to other media outlets.

Next to the close-up image of Jacksons face, Stone said Jackson was an Obama appointed Judge who dismissed the Benghazi charges against Hillary Clinton. He also accused Mueller of being a Deep State hitman.

Stone later posted a statement on his account saying the photo was not intended to threaten the judge or disrespect the court. He also said the image was not of cross hairs, but rather, the logo of an organization often featured in many photos.

Drew Wade, a spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service, said in a statement that the law enforcement arm of the federal court system is aware of the social media post allegedly directed at Jackson by Stone, and the Marshals office conducts regular security assessments for federal judges.

He added that the Marshals Service never comments on threats or measures it takes to protect judges.

Stones posts about Jackson came just days after the judge issued a partial media gag order on Stone and his lawyers.

Fridays order prohibits them from speaking with the news media or making statements near the federal courthouse about the case.

It does not stop Stone from discussing the case when he is away from the courthouse, though it cautions that doing so may not be in his best interest.

Jackson also said in her order she may amend it in the future if necessary, an issue that she is likely to bring up in court later this week.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Makini Brice; Editing by Tim Ahmann and Dan Grebler)469 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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WASHINGTON (Reuters)  President Donald Trumps former adviser Roger Stone apologized on Monday after posting on Instagram a photo of the judge overseeing his trial for allegedly making false statements to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering.

The photo of U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, which included a symbol that appeared to represent crosshairs, was later taken down.

An attorney for Stone said in a filing in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia that Stone apologizes to the Court for the improper photograph and comment and said Mr. Stone recognizes the impropriety and had it removed.

The judge issued a gag order on Friday that prohibits lawyers involved in the case from speaking with the news media and prohibits other participants, such as Stone himself, from making statements that may affect the case when they are near the courthouse.

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A photo of Judge Jackson posted on my Instagram has been misinterpreted. This was a random photo taken from the Internet, Stone said in a statement posted to Instagram. Any inference that this was meant to somehow threaten the Judge or disrespect court is categorically false.

Stone has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering in Special Counsel Robert Muellers probe of Russias role in the 2016 U.S. election and whether President Trumps Republican campaign conspired with Moscow.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason and Andy Sullivan; Editing by Dan Grebler)

=Advertising

By Ginger Gibson

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat running for president, on Tuesday proposed a universal childcare program, paid for by a tax on high-net-worth individuals, to help families unable to find affordable care.

The program would be funded largely by the federal government and would use existing childcare facilities and in-home providers.

The proposed tax would apply to individuals with a net worth of $50 million or higher, which the senator from Massachusetts has dubbed the Ultra-Millionare Tax. Her campaign estimates the tax would generate $2.75 trillion in government revenue in 10 years.

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In the wealthiest country on the planet, access to affordable and high-quality child care and early education should be a right, not a privilege reserved for the rich, Warren said in an online post explaining her proposal.

Warren is vying for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination, hoping to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. The Democratic field has grown rapidly, pitting candidates like Warren in the partys more liberal wing against moderates, who may be more reluctant to back expansive new federal programs.

Republicans are likely to criticize her proposal as being too expensive and dependent on a new tax that would harm the economy. Republicans have said childcare programs should be driven by the states, and not imposed by the federal government.

U.S. states generally offer public education beginning around age 5. There are no other public programs open to all children, and the average family pays thousands of dollars for day care. Programs like the federal governments Head Start make preschool available to children from poor families.

Warren is not proposing the creation of a national school network, but using existing childcare options and then adding more.

Under her proposal, the cost of childcare would depend on a familys income. Families that make 200 percent of the federal poverty line  currently about $50,000 or less for a family of four  would get childcare for free. For those who make more, their payments would be capped at 7 percent of income.

For example, according to Warrens campaign, a family of four making $125,000 a year would pay no more than $8,750 a year for childcare. She compared that with the cost faced by a family in New Hampshire, which currently would pay about $21,000 a year for care for two children.

The program would not be mandatory, so families that opt to have a parent remain home and provide childcare could continue to do so.

(Reporting by Ginger Gibson; editing by Jonathan Oatis)1.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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By Andrew Chung

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas on Tuesday urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its landmark 1964 ruling that made it harder for public figures to sue for defamation, a precedent that has served as powerful protection for the news media.

Thomas took aim at the unanimous ruling in the libel case known as New York Times Co. v. Sullivan in an opinion he wrote concurring with the courts decision to end a defamation suit against Bill Cosby filed by a woman who said the comedian raped her in 1974.

Thomas, one of the high courts most conservative justices, said the 55-year-old decision was not rooted in the U.S. Constitution. That ruling and subsequent ones extending it were policy-driven decisions masquerading as constitutional law, Thomas wrote, expressing views in harmony with President Donald Trump, who often attacks the media and has advocated making it easier to sue news organizations and publishers for defamation.

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Thomas agreed with his fellow justices in refusing to consider reviving a defamation lawsuit against Cosby by Kathrine McKee, an actress and former Las Vegas showgirl who said the entertainer falsely called her a liar after she accused him of rape.

McKee was represented in the case by attorney Charles Harder, who represented Trump in a defamation suit brought against the president by adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Daniels has said she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which he denies. McKee had appealed a court ruling in Massachusetts that threw out her lawsuit.

The New York Times v. Sullivan ruling has served as a safeguard for media reporting on public figures.

Trump in January 2018 called current defamation laws a sham and a disgrace following the publication of a book about the White House by author Michael Wolff called Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, which among other things questioned the presidents mental health.

The high courts 1964 ruling held that in order to win a libel suit, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the offending statement was made with actual malice, meaning knowledge that it was false or reckless disregard as to whether it was false.

The case involved a lawsuit against the New York Times, a newspaper that Trump often criticizes for its coverage of him.

Thomas wrote that we should carefully examine the original meaning of the First and Fourteenth Amendments, referring to the constitutional provisions protecting freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the application of those rights to the states.

If the Constitution does not require public figures to satisfy an actual-malice standard in state-law defamation suits, then neither should we, Thomas wrote.

Thomas said defamation law was historically a matter for the states, and should remain that way.

The states are perfectly capable of striking an acceptable balance between encouraging robust public discourse and providing a meaningful remedy for reputational harm, Thomas wrote.

None of the other eight justices joined Thomas in his opinion.

COSBY PRISON SENTENCE

Cosby, 81, was convicted in April 2018 of three counts of aggravated indecent assault for the drugging and sexual assault of Andrea Constand, a former Temple University administrator, in 2004. He was sentenced last September to three to 10 years in prison.

The Supreme Court last October snubbed Cosbys appeal in another defamation case, allowing a lawsuit by former model Janice Dickinson to go forward against the entertainer best known for his starring role in the 1980s hit television series The Cosby Show.

McKee went public with her rape accusation in a 2014 interview with the New York Daily News. She is one of more than 50 women who have accused Cosby of sexual assault dating back to the 1960s by using drugs to incapacitate them.

An attorney for Cosby then sent a letter to the newspaper, suggesting McKee was a liar and calling her an unreliable source. In the letter, Cosbys lawyer said McKee had admitted lying to get hired as a showgirl.

McKee sued Cosby for defamation in 2015 in federal court in Boston, saying the letter made false statements and harmed her reputation.

A trial judge in 2017 dismissed her claims, saying the lawsuit was barred by the First Amendment guarantee of free speech. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling.

The appeals court said that by deliberately wading into the controversy, McKee had become a public figure, requiring her to prove Cosby acted with malice to win a defamation claim.

McKee told the justices that she should not be victimized twice over by making it harder for her to prove defamation merely because she went public as an alleged victim.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung. Additional reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham)942 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee said that Trumps efforts to obstruct justice are an unprecedented pattern of corrupt intent.

Trump Might Be The Most Criminal And Corrupt President In History

Sen. Blumenthal said on MSNBCs All In with Chris Hayes:



This Times report is an absolutely stunning, petrifying tableau of unrelenting effort, a brazen attempt to interfere with the rule of law, with his own law enforcement agency on a scale that is unprecedented. In fact, the effort to obstruct justice that is part of a pattern and practice indicated by corrupt intent is unprecedented and. And this new information about the attempt to persuade Matthew Whitaker to put Jeffrey Berman is putting acting United States attorney in charge of the southern district investigation is as deeply troubling as any news that we have seen. Remember Jeff Berman recused himself because he was a trump campaign contributor. He engaged in a one on one interview with Donald Trump. He was a former law partner of Rudy Giuliani. And there are solid reasons why Berman should not be in charge of this investigation and why Trump wanted him to be in charge of the investigation.

Video:

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Trump's effort to obstruct justice is, "brazen attempt to interfere with the rule of law, with his own law enforcement agency on a scale that is unprecedented. " https://t.co/YL676jc2Sj pic.twitter.com/OYPbS9dI0i  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 20, 2019

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Even Richard Nixon wasnt engaged in criminal activity and obstruction on the scale that Trump is. Donald Trump is trying to obstruct multiple investigations into his potential conspiracy with Russia, his hush money payments to mistresses, possible business crimes, misuse of charitable funds, and personal financial crimes.

The Trump Story Will Either End With Defeat Or Impeachment

There arent many possible political endings for Trump. Either he will lose the 2020 election, and potentially face criminal charges, or he will be impeached and potentially removed from office. Since Trump knows that the presidency is all that is saving him from an indictment, the odds of resignation are close to zero. Trump is living on borrowed time, as a president who is engaged in this level of abuse of power and criminal activity has nowhere to go, but down.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on FacebookPokerNews to Live Report This Weekends RGPS Downstream Showbound Main Event

February 20, 2019 Chad Holloway

The latest stop of the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) Showbound season is happening now at Downstream Casino and Resort in Joplin, Missouri, and this weekend the PokerNews live reporting crew will be on hand to capture all the action from the $575 buy-in, $100K GTD Main Event.

Located less than three hours from Kansas City, Downstreams Pavilion Event Center is playing host to a series of side events and satellites leading up to the Showbound Main Event.

Throughout the 2019 RGPS Showbound Season, powered by PokerGO, players have the chance to win invitations to compete in a season-ending invite-only freeroll satellite at Hard Rock Tulsa for a pair of $5,000 Sit & Go seats to be on Poker After Dark in Las Vegas. Packages include an airfare and hotel travel stipend (Must be 21 to participate in the freeroll satellite, invitations are non-transferable, limited to one invitation and seat per player.)

To receive an invite, all you need to do is win any RGPS Showbound side event or final able any Main Event. Showbound Powered by PokerGO will encourage tournament participants at all tour stops to dress to impress and walk the crimson carpet on their way to the poker table.

Several players received invitations in the RGPS Council Bluffs stop earlier this month. It was there that Nick Burris, AKA Re-Burris because of his home game rebuy record, came out on top of a 399-entry field to win a $44,767 first-place prize. Others to cash that stops Main were MSPT champ Travis Gant (2nd - $27,664), Blair Hinkle (11th - $3,427), and Julie Cornelius (30th - $1,274), just to name a few.

Remaining2019 RGPS Showbound Stops

February 5-10  Council Bluffs, IA

February 19-24  Joplin, MO

March 5-10 Tunica, MS

March 26-31  Bossier City, LA

April 23-28  Kansas City, MO

April 30-May 5  Tulsa, OK

What to Expect from the RGPS Downstream

The stop actually kicked off Tuesday night when Mike Spyers topped a 169-entry field to win the $135 RunGood Pro Bounty event for $4,791 and a seat into the Showbound Invitational.

Others currently at Downstream for the RGPS are Uncle Ron, Hard Rock Tulsa Poker Manager Cody Hughey, David and Kristina Donaldson, Daniel Lowery, Ian Nelson, and Lexy Gavin.

RGPS Downstream Showbound Schedule

Date Time Event Buy-in Tuesday, February 19 7 p.m. RG Pro Bounty $135 Wednesday, February 20 Noon RG DeepStack $20K GTD Flight A $185 Wednesday, February 20 7 p.m. RG DeepStack $20K GTD Flight B $185 Thursday, February 21 Noon DeepStack finals - Thursday, February 21 3 p.m. PLO-MANIA $135 w/ $20 rebuys Thursday, February 21 7 p.m. 6-Max NLH $10K GTD $165 Friday, February 22 Noon RG Main Event Satellite (10 seats GTD) $145 Friday, February 22 4 p.m. RG Main Event Turbo Satellite (5 seats GTD) $145 Friday, February 22 7 p.m. RG Main Event $100K GTD Flight A $575 Saturday, February 23 Noon RG Main Event $100K GTD Flight B $145 Saturday, February 23 4 p.m. RG Main Event Turbo Satellite (5 seats GTD) $145 Saturday, February 23 7 p.m. RG Main Event $100K GTD Flight C $575 Sunday, February 24 Noon Main Finals - Sunday, February 24 3 p.m. RG Double Stack Turbo $165

Main Event Details

As for the Main Event, that tournament will feature three starting flights beginning with Flight A at 7 p.m. on Friday night. Flights B and C will take place on Saturday at Noon and 7 p.m. respectively. The surviving players from all flights will then return for Day 2 at Noon on Sunday and play down to a winner.

Each Day 1 flight will see players start with 20,000 in chips and play a dozen 30-minute levels. Levels switch to 45 minutes on Day 2. Players are allowed to enter or reenter the event until the start of Level 9. A 15-minute break will be taken after every four levels.

Day 1 Structure

Level Duration Small Blind Big Blind Big Blind Ante 1 30 min 100 100 - 2 30 min 100 100 100 3 30 min 100 200 200 4 30 min 200 300 300 5 30 min 200 400 400 6 30 min 300 600 600 7 30 min 400 800 800 8 30 min 500 1,000 1,000 9 30 min 600 1,200 1,200 10 30 min 800 1,600 1,600 11 30 min 1,000 2,000 2,000 12 30 min 1,500 2,500 2,500

To book a hotel room at Downstream, use code RNGPK for $59 Rooms Sunday-Thursday, $70 Rooms Friday, $89 Rooms Saturday. Call (918) 919-6000 and book your room today.

Lead image courtesy of RGPSSwiss rock climber Giuliano Cameroni making the first ascent of Poison the Well, an 8C+ boulder problem at Brione in Switzerland. Photo by Paul Robinson

Giuliano Cameroni potent on Poison the Well, 8C+ boulder at Brione in Switzerland

20.02.2019 by by Planetmountain

Swiss rock climber Giuliano Cameroni has made the first ascent of Poison the Well, an 8C+ boulder problem at Brione in Switzerland.

Switzerlands Giuliano Cameroni has come up trumps on the the smooth wall to the left of the famous boulder problem Panplemousse on the granite outcrops of Brione, making the first ascent of Poison the Well. The 21-year-old has graded the bloc 8C+, indicating that its one of the hardest in the world and only the second of these difficulties throughout Switzerland, after Off the Wagon Low freed in November 2018 by Americas Shawn Raboutou in nearby Valle Bavona.

Cameroni told planetmountain.com that "the boulder climbs a 40 degree overhanging wall. There arent many trickeries, the only thing you need is power and finger strength. There are seven moves, but the crux is at the 5th and the 6th move, which could be considered 8C in itself." To free the line Cameroni needed a mere 8 days, which he believes to be plenty. "Eight days is a lot! I had to rest a lot between sessions because it takes time to build the specific power in the shoulders."

More than a decade after the worlds first 8C+ boulder problem - Gioia at Varazze established in 2008 by Italys Christian Core - 8C+ problems are becoming more commonplace. Having said that, worldwide there are still only a handful and these are capped by just Burden of Dreams, put up 2016 by Nalle Hukkataival in Finland, and No Kapote Only, established in January 2019 by Charles Albert at Fontainebleau in France. Both are graded 9A and both await confirmation.

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Cameroni thanks S.C.A.R.P.A. , prana, FrictionLabs and Peter Bouldering for the supportAfter a memorable first year in business, the crew at Pine Bluffs Distilling can add another feather to their cap: A bronze medal from the American Craft Spirits Association.

Of more than 500 vodkas entered into the organizations annual contest, Rock Ranch Vodka was one of only 21 selected for the bronze medal according to a Pine Bluffs Distilling press release.

At Pine Bluffs Distilling, we strive to create the best quality, locally produced Wyoming spirits, co-owner Chad Brown said in a press release. Winning a bronze at ACSA shows that we have achieved our goal.

The ACSA annual convention was held Feb. 10 - 12 in Minneapolis.

Rock Ranch Vodka was the first spirit to be offered in the distillerys tasting room.

Fans of the vodka describe it as the Swiss Army Knife of vodkas because it can be used in complex cocktails such as bloody Marys or Moscow Mules while also being perfect for a simple vodka-cranberry.

It has since been joined by Lodgepole Creek Bourbon and Cheyenne Summer Corn Whiskey.

Since opening in late 2017, Pine Bluffs Distilling has quickly made a name for itself in Laramie County and western Nebraska in hosting unique events in what locals describe as a laid back tasting room.

Staple events include cocktail yoga.

Others have included Sunday Bloody Sunday  a recent bloody Mary brunch  and numerous events celebrating holidays.

In addition to numerous events held on the facilitys grounds, Pine Bluffs Distillings products have steadily expanded their availability all over the nation.

Products can be purchased as far away as Pennsylvania.

Theyre also available in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and New Mexico.Thank you for reading the Philadelphia Tribune.

You have exhausted your free article views for this month. Please press the "subscribe" button below and see our introductory price of $0.25 per week for 13 weeks. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you next month.Poured over pancakes or drizzled into every nook of a waffle, maple syrup is one of natures greatest gifts.

Real maple syrup is made from a single ingredient  sap, a mixture of water, minerals, and sugars that circulates in the vascular system of a maple tree. (Remember the xylem and the phloem from elementary-school biology class?)

When is maple syrup season in the Philadelphia area?

As the areas sap-collecting season is short  it generally runs from late February through early April  Philadelphians can taste the sticky liquid straight from the tree at several maple tappings.

What makes this sap season? When the temperature drops below freezing at night, and then rises back above freezing during the day, says Margaret Rohde, conservation manager with the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association.

Rohde explains that when temperatures fall below 32 degrees, the pressure inside the tree becomes less than the pressure outside the tree. This causes sap to travel up from a trees roots through pores in its trunk. As temperatures warm back up, the pressure changes and the sap gets pushed back down. Maple tappers try to catch the sap mid-route.

Can I make my own maple syrup?

Yes. If your maple trees are at least 40 years old, you can get in on the action, too. The process is fairly simple, requiring little more than a drill, a 5/16-inch or 7/16-inch drill bit, and a tapping spout known as a spile.

You can really drill anywhere on the trunk, you just need to make sure you go right around 3 inches deep  this is where the xylem and phloem layer is, essentially the tube where the sap runs up and down, Rohde says. The drill should be angled slightly upward so that gravity can help the sap flow out of the tree.

The spile is gently hammered into the drill hole, and from there, the waiting process begins. Dont expect a geyser of sap to gush from the tree. Its more like a leaky-faucet slow drip.

If you have consistent freeze-thaw conditions, you could get up to one gallon a day, but you need at least 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup, Rohde says.

Thats because sap is almost entirely made up of water. Take a sip and thats how itll taste, too. Even a sugar maples sap  which, at 2 percent sugar, has the highest sugar content of any maple tree  tastes watery.

To make syrup, the sap must be boiled down until the remaining liquid is 66 percent sugar. At home, that steamy simmering process can take all day and, unless you want to strip your wallpaper, should always be done outside, over a fire, grill, or wood stove. Color and thickness can be used to gauge when its ready, or dip in a hydrometer  the tool professionals use to test viscosity.

How much maple syrup does Pennsylvania produce?

Though it doesnt make nearly as much as top annual producers Quebec and Vermont, Pennsylvania is one of the top 10 maple syrup producers worldwide. The state ranked sixth in the nation last year, yielding 142,000 gallons of the stuff, according to the USDA.

It takes so much to make so little, so it becomes this novelty that really gives you respect for both the trees and the price of maple syrup, Rohde says. The best is watching kids realize syrup is just tree water  they often yell out a big woah when they first see [the sap] trickling from the tree.

To see a maple tapping firsthand, check out one of these events. Most feature harvesting demos as well as maple syrup and/or maple candy tastings.

Where can I go to maple-tapping events?

Look for events at these local spots in late February and early March:

Wissahickon Environmental Center , 300 W. Northwestern Ave., fow.org

Tyler Arboretum , 515 Painter Rd., Media, , tylerarboretum.org

Silver Lake Nature Center , 1306 Bath Rd., silverlakenaturecenter.org/event

Norristown Farm Park , 2500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown, montcopa.org/874/Norristown-Farm-Park

Churchville Nature Center , 501 Churchville Lane, Southampton, churchvillenaturecenter.org

Fox Chase Farm , 8500 Pine Rd., foxchasefarm.org

Green Lane Park , 2144 Snyder Rd., Green Lane, montcopa.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=2205

Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd., Titusville, N.J., state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/washington_crossing_calendar.htm

Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association , 31 Titus Mill Rd., Pennington, N.J., $22 for those over 13 years, $15 for children ages 3-13, thewatershed.doubleknot.com/event/calendar

Peace Valley Nature Center, 170 N. Chapman Rd., Doylestown, peacevalleynaturecenter.org

 READ MORE: Our best Philly tips: Read our most useful stories

Expert sources:Discount grocer Aldi is set to expand its South Philadelphia store into a neighboring space currently occupied by a Goodwill Industries International Inc. thrift shop, which plans to move into the nearby Whitman Plaza shopping center.

Aldi, which owns the Front Street and Oregon Avenue building that it shares with Goodwill, notified the thrift shop last year that it would have to depart its 8,500-square-foot space in the property when its lease expires in March to allow for the German-based grocers expansion, Michael Shaw, operations chief for Goodwill in Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, said Wednesday.

The Aldi renovations are part of a $1.9 billion company initiative to remodel and expand more than 1,300 stores nationwide by the end of 2020, Bob Grammer, vice president for the Aldi division that covers eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and northern Delaware, said in an emailed statement.

Remodeled stores feature open ceilings to let in natural light and additional space for fresh produce, dairy and meat, Grammer said. The South Philadelphia stores shopping space, currently four aisles of goods, will be expanded to add another aisle, he said.

Grammer did not say how large the new store will be, but Philadelphia property records show the entire building, which Aldi will fully occupy, to be about 25,000 square feet. Grammer also did not say when the work would be complete.

Goodwill, meanwhile, will move about four blocks west on Oregon Avenue to Whitman Plaza, where it will occupy 16,000 square feet being relinquished by a shrinking Burlington Stores Inc. discount clothing shop, Shaw said.

Until that space is ready for occupancy around late spring, the thrift store will use a smaller, temporary space in Whitman Plaza, beside a Payless ShoeSource Inc. store. Goodwill will vacate the Front Street and Oregon Avenue location by March 15, he said.Two former counselors at the Glen Mills Schools were arrested Friday in connection with a brutal attack on a 17-year-old boy from Philadelphia who was in their care.

>> INVESTIGATION: At Glen Mills, leaders have used the schools prestige to silence abused students  for decades

Christopher Medina, 31, of Kennett Square, and Patrick Raquet, 34, of West Chester, have been charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and endangering a child's welfare.

If convicted, each could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison and ordered to pay a $25,000 fine for the attack on the teen, which was caught on surveillance video.

"We entrusted the care of a juvenile to these two defendants, and rather than caring for him  as witnessed by about 30 people, and recorded by several cameras  they literally beat the breath out of him," said Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland.

The charging documents, as well as a description of the attack from state police, backs up what the victim told the Inquirer and Daily News last week: Medina hit the teen repeatedly in the head, then threw him over a couch while choking him with his sweatshirt and punching him. The teenager repeatedly said, "I can't breathe." More than 30 boys looked on.

Medina  who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 320 pounds  dragged the teen upstairs by the neck and tried to force him into a bathroom before sitting him on a couch. There, Raquet grabbed the boy's face and punched him.

The attack was unprovoked, Copeland said: "The video clearly shows that victim  this juvenile victim  was assaulted without even raising his hand."

At one point, she said, Medina's "full body weight" was on the boy's elbow.

State Police Lt. James Hennigan said Glen Mills officials were cooperating with police. He would not comment on whether additional school staffers could face charges.

Both Philadelphia and Delaware County have for now stopped sending boys to Glen Mills, a private residential program for male juvenile offenders.

Of the 383 males at the school, 143 are from Philadelphia and two are from Delaware County. Both counties are conducting their own investigations into the school's operations  and other jurisdictions are watching.

Chester County has also decided to suspend intake at Glen Mills, "based on a combination of historical concerns and the current incident," said Rebecca Brain, a spokeswoman for the county.

Lancaster County, which uses Glen Mills' Concordville location, is waiting to see what happens with the investigation "and factor that into future plans," said David Mueller, director of the county's juvenile probation office.

Philadelphia Department of Human Services spokeswoman Heather Keafer said that while the investigation is ongoing, the agency supports the decision to bring charges. "It's a serious incident and sends a clear message that child abuse is not tolerated," she said in an email.

Randy Ireson, executive director of Glen Mills Schools, declined to be interviewed Friday. Through a spokesman, he re-released a statement that the incident was "isolated" and "did not uphold our stringent ethical standards and protocols."

Last week, Ireson told the Inquirer and Daily News that there was no evidence that staff members interfered with the boy's breathing  something police contradicted on Friday.

Both Medina and Raquet were fired from Glen Mills last week. Four more staff members were suspended.

Leaving state custody on Friday afternoon, Medina declined to comment. Both he and Raquet were released on $200,000 bail. A preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 20.

Leonard Hill, an attorney for the teen, said the arrests were "vindicating." His client is in physical therapy for injuries to his back and neck, he said, and has nightmares about the attack.

"A lot of the time, when children are in placement and they complain of abuse, there's no one who believes them because they're children who ran afoul of the law in the first place," Hill said.

"But many of these children come from difficult situations and difficult circumstances  black, poor whites, Hispanics," he said. "And these children, regardless of where they're from or what they've done, should still be able to enjoy the same rights as any other human being, as any other child."

In an interview last week, DHS Commissioner Cynthia Figueroa said she had spoken with staff and was confident in the well-being and safety of children currently at Glen Mills.

State records show that Glen Mills has fired at least 14 staffers and reprimanded nine more over at least 14 physical assaults on children in the last five years. City Councilwoman Helen Gym and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson have requested a full accounting of violence at Glen Mills from the school and the state, as well as a safety plan for the boys currently there.

"It is my belief that we may not have seen so much action had this incident not come to public light through the diligent work of the press," Gym said Friday. "These recent events underscore larger concerns about state oversight and the suitability of residential youth placements.

What happened at Glen Mills, she said, is not unique to that facility.Two City Council members are demanding answers of Glen Mills Schools and the state agency that supervises it, questioning the safety of children at the private juvenile facility after an assault on a Philadelphia teen by a school counselor.

>> INVESTIGATION: At Glen Mills, leaders have used the schools prestige to silence abused students  for decades

In a letter to Teresa Miller, head of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Council members Helen Gym and Kenyatta Johnson requested a listing of all violent acts against children detained at Glen Mills over the last decade.

Gym and Johnson, who serve on Council's committee on children and families, also asked for updates on the state's investigation into the teen's assault, as well as a "plan of action" to ensure the safety of boys currently at the school.

"We are outraged about the reported staff conduct, which has led to the physical and emotional trauma of young people who were directly abused or bore witness to abuse," Gym and Johnson wrote in a separate letter to Randy Ireson, the executive director of Glen Mills.

A 17-year-old boy told the Inquirer and Daily News that he was hit in the head, power-slammed to the floor, and choked for several minutes during which he repeatedly told Glen Mills counselors, "I can't breathe." The July 19 attack was caught on surveillance video. The teen said staff tried to keep him from reporting the incident, something the school's leaders deny.

Glen Mills has fired two staffers and suspended four as a result of the assault.

The city has, for now, stopped sending children to Glen Mills, the residential facility in Delaware County that receives the largest number of Philadelphia youth who have committed crimes and are sent to private placements. Nearly 40 percent of the 383 boys at Glen Mills are from Philadelphia.

The 143 boys from Philadelphia currently at the school will remain while the city's Department of Human Services investigates both the July incident and the school's broader operations, Commissioner Cynthia Figueroa said. Her agency is continuing to work with the state and law enforcement, which are conducting their own child-abuse and criminal investigations, respectively.

"The agencies entrusted with our children need to be doing everything in their power to keep our young people safe," Johnson said in an email to the Inquirer and Daily News. "The point of sending the letters is to make it well-known that we have serious concerns here and will be pushing for a wider investigation."

A spokesperson for Pennsylvania DHS said the agency was continuing to investigate and monitor the situation at Glen Mills while cooperating with Philadelphia officials.

"The Department of Human Services takes every allegation of abuse or mistreatment seriously and the well-being and safety of all children across Pennsylvania is always its priority," said Colin Day, the agency's press secretary.

In an emailed statement, Ireson said he and other school leaders "share City Council's commitment to our students, which is why our first priority has and always will be the safety of our students so they may lead full and productive lives."

Ireson said staff "goes through rigorous training."

"We have begun to outreach to City Council and will continue to engage them to address their concerns," he said. Ireson described the July 19 assault as an "isolated incident."

State records show that Glen Mills has fired at least 13 staffers and reprimanded nine more over at least 14 physical assaults on children in the last five years. In an interview, Gym said she wanted to know about violent incidents even if they didn't directly involve Philadelphia boys.

"As we're looking to determine if Glen Mills can handle our youth, we need to be looking at what happens at the facility overall," said Gym. "We're not going to have another Wordsworth."

She was referring to the death of David Hess, another 17-year-old from Philadelphia, who died in 2016 at Wordsworth Academy, a residential treatment facility for juveniles. Hess was heard saying he could not breathe as he struggled with guards who accused him of stealing a cellphone.

His death later was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation. Officials learned of a string of sexual assaults and other problems at Wordsworth, and shut it down.

Glen Mills is one we want to see work, Gym said, but we want to know we can guarantee our kids safety.Last week saw another American mass shooting  five killed and five wounded in Aurora, Ill.  a year and a day after 17 people were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Like after Parkland, there was immediate hand-wringing about whether it was too soon to talk about the Second Amendment  and its commas.

The Bill of Rights punctuation doesnt get nearly as much attention as it should. The Second Amendment reads: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Which raises an essential question: Whats up with that comma after Arms?

Many, including Congress, omit that comma. But the original handwritten copy at the National Archives doesnt.

Whenever gun rights activists trumpet their God-given duty to carry semiautomatic weapons, they focus on the right as the subject of the sentence and shall not be infringed as the predicate. Everything up to the second comma is an absolute clause modifying the rest of the sentence, with a participle phrase (being necessary to the security of a free State, modifying Militia) thrown in there just to show off. The comma after Arms, then, is anachronistic. An error.

But is that actually how the sentence should be grammatically parsed? For a clue, take a look at the other nine amendments.

 Read the full text of the Bill of Rights in the National Archives catalog

One, Three, Four, Five, Eight, Nine, and 10 all start with the subject of the sentence (Congress shall make no law, Excessive bail shall not be required, and so on). Six and Seven dispense with some very short phrases and clauses first to set the scene: in Six, In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial; and in Seven, In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved.

So the Second Amendment is the only one starting out with these cumbersome justification lines. That seems kind of sloppy, no?

What if weve been reading it wrong?

Lets assume that the Second Amendment follows the same general sentence structure as everything else in the Bill of Rights, and that Militia is actually the subject. Then the right of the people to keep and bear Arms is merely a modifier, and suddenly much less weighted. The comma after Arms is setting off a modifying phrase  a very basic grammatical construct. Ill spare you the sentence diagramming because you hated it when you learned it in grade school, but the non-clunky way of wording that sentence would be: Because the right of the people to keep and bear arms is necessary to a free state, a well-regulated militia shall not be infringed.

Under that reading, the founders were much more concerned with ensuring that the people could form a militia than they were about personal gun ownership. That reading also makes a lot more sense to contextualize the Third Amendment, which immediately follows: No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. The Second Amendment makes sure you can have a militia, while the Third makes sure they cant barge in on you and refuse to leave. The ideas are connected.

Of course there is the tricky fact that the right in this Bill of Rights is unequivocally attached to of the people to keep and bear arms. But Amendments Three, Five, Eight, and 10 dont mention the word right at all, so perhaps the word right isnt as important as whats actually being enumerated.

Its never too soon to talk about commas. Your life might just depend on them.

The Angry Grammarian, otherwise known as Jeffrey Barg, looks at how language, grammar, and punctuation shape our world, and appears biweekly. Thats every other week, not twice a week, friends. Send comments, questions, and appositional clauses to jeff@theangrygrammarian.com.I woke up to an email from my 11-month-old daughters day care to inform me that even though there is a snowstorm heading toward Philly, the day care will open in the morning. However, the email directed me to stay tuned for updates because the day care is likely to close around noon as the storm intensifies. Cue the anxiety: Just two days before, on Presidents Day, I used a personal day because her day care was closed. Now I need to ask for time off again. I also have a lot of work to do and the chances of me being productive while making sure that baby Mara doesnt try to put a finger in an electric socket or eats the cats food are unlikely.

For my wife and me, snow days are a nuisance. My wife is a physician, so leaving work during the day while patients are waiting is near-impossible. I, on the other hand, have the privilege of being able to occasionally work from home. I also have a supportive and understanding boss. Maras grandparents live nearby and are willing to help whenever they can. The worst-case scenario for us is scrambling to find a last-minute babysitter, which we are blessed to be able to afford.

And yet, even under these accommodating circumstances, including a day care that rarely closes, it is hard to convey the amount of stress that a snow day can introduce to our lives.

Your morning becomes a complicated military operation with a million moving parts that all need to magically fit together before day care closes  texts with my wife, the grandparents, apology email to the boss, searching for a babysitter, figuring out which work meetings to cancel and which tasks can be delayed, lying to yourself that maybe the baby will, for the first time ever, take a four-hour nap and you will be able to be super-productive at home, being upset that you are going to lose a precious day off, and praying that maybe it magically wont snow and the day care will stay open.

How do people who dont have all the privileges that we have even begin to juggle all this on a snow day?

One of the biggest privileges I have is a salaried job with benefits, which means I have the ability to take a day off without losing pay. That is critical because day care is really expensive. According to a 2017 study conducted by the child-care website care.com and the real estate website Zillow, the average cost of day care for a single toddler in Philadelphia is $323 a week  close to $17,000 for the year. To put that figure in perspective, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $15,192. After day care and housing, even a solidly middle-class family isnt left with much wiggle room. Now consider that about 400,000 Philadelphians live in households that make less than $19,700 a year.

If you are one of the many working poor with children in Philadelphia, nearly your entire salary might go toward child care  paying for a day of day care without getting paid for that day isnt a luxury they can afford.

"Unlike those of us who are salaried, parents who work in the service sector dont often get a paid day off when schools and day cares are closed due to weather, Kati Sipp, a labor activist and consultant who works with economic justice and immigrant rights groups, told the Inquirer. Those parents are forced to make the difficult choice to either skip a shift and lose a days pay, or to leave their young children with an older sibling, family member, or neighbor.

Gentrification doesnt make things any easier. When longtime residents are forced out of their close-knit communities because of the cost of housing increasing rapidly, it makes it even more difficult to find an informal alternative to day care  like asking a neighbor to pick up your child.

And lets not forget that depending on their contract, day-care workers might not be compensated for a snow day either.

So whats the solution?

Aside from chanting drill, baby, drill in the hope that global temperatures rise enough, fast enough, to prevent snow days  and a future on this planet for my daughter  there are no easy solutions for working parents when weather intervenes in their child-care plan.

One improvement would be to reduce the cost of day care with the eventual goal of free universal access to child care. By reducing the financial burden of child care on families, mainly families living in poverty, the blow of a day without pay is softened. It is also a gender-equity issue  studies show that access to affordable child care increases womens labor-force participation. Another solution is to demand that employers compensate workers when they cancel a shift last minute due to a weather-related cancellation of child care  mainly if that child care is the School District of Philadelphia. If a government entity forces parents to take time off from work last minute, it should also force employers to not penalize the workers.

At the end of the day, after all the stress, a snow day means I get to play with my baby this afternoon. Todays snowstorm wont affect my ability to pay the bills. Im inconvenienced, but Im lucky. We need policies that support all working parents, and take luck out of the equation.MUNICH, Germany  Over the past few days I viewed, up close, the growing schism between the United States and Europe  which makes it easy for Russia and China to undermine the West.

The setting was the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of world leaders and foreign and defense officials to discuss security issues. The highlight pitted Vice President Mike Pences aggressive ode to America First versus Angela Merkels firm defense of the western alliance.

But the conference exposed far more than the bitter divisions between the United States and Europe in the Trump era. The theme of the conference was The Great Puzzle: Who Will Pick Up the Pieces? (a reference to the crumbling of the post-World War II order that has prevented global wars for seven decades).

Merkels answer was only all of us together. Pence firmly disagreed. Indeed, the White House is more interested in smashing that order than updating it.

Pence was clearly clueless that America First plays into the hands of Moscow and Beijing.

Of course, the postwar liberal international order was in trouble before Trump came to office. The 2008 crash and growing economic inequality have raised questions about economic institutions. The European Union has stumbled with Britains Brexit clouding its future. After the end of the Soviet Union, some argued NATO no longer served a purpose.

But as Merkel rightly insisted, the critical issues now confronting the West demand cooperation. From global warming to migration, from pushing back against Russian territorial aggression to pressing China on trade issues, the odds of success are higher if Washington coordinates with its allies.

At a time when the world is witnessing the return of great power competition, NATO takes on renewed relevance. Democracies in the West and Asia need to cooperate.

Instead, Pence produced a punchy campaign speech more suited to Ohio than to Munich. His whole approach was to lecture the Europeans on what they were doing wrong.

At a conference focused on security, the vice presidents only reference to NATO, in imitation of his boss, was in terms of dollars, urging members to up their defense spending. Yes, NATO members need to increase defense budgets. But Pence made no mention of the larger significance of NATO - beyond missiles and tanks.

It was left to Merkel, to lay out the principles that underlie Americas most important security alliance. We need NATO as an anchor of stability in stormy times, she said. We need it as a community of values, because we should never forget that we founded NATO not just as a military alliance, but as a community of values in which human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are the guideline for joint action.

Of course, Pence was just reflecting the attitude of President Trump who reportedly told aides in 2018 that he wanted to withdraw from NATO, and viewed it as a drain on the United States. Trump openly displayed his skepticism about the alliance at a NATO summit last year. His disdain so horrified allies that a plan to celebrate NATOs 70th anniversary in Washington in April was downgraded to a foreign ministers gathering lest the president use it to publicly attack the alliance.

Nothing better serves the interests of Russian leader Vladimir Putin than to see Trump undermine NATO. At Munich, European defense officials fumed that Trump had tweeted his announcement that U.S. troops will soon leave Syria without even consulting NATO allies, such as France, that have their own troops there. The administration compounded the insult by urging the Europeans to replace U.S. troops with their soldiers.

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, whose country has provided logistical support and surveillance flights for the Syria operation, rebuffed that idea, stressing NATO troops should go in together, out together.

But Pence made clear, in Trumps White House, togetherness was just not on.

So the eyes of European allies rolled when Pence demanded that European signatories abandon the Iran nuclear deal. As Merkel laid out, the Europeans are ready to join Washington in pressing Tehran on its missile tests, and on improving the deal. But they see no value in leaving Iran free to pursue nuclear weapons while that pressure is applied.

Pences sophistry and bombast at Munich only contributed to the sense of a world adrift. That mood wasnt helped by the scornful remarks of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that Europeans were allowing themselves to be dragged [by Trump] into a pointless confrontation with Russia. (This is a line echoed by European autocrats, such as Hungarys Viktor Orban, who is praised by Trump.)

So here is the message from Munich: European allies want leadership from Washington but scoff at Pences claim that America is leading the free world once again. Indeed, the question of who will pick up the pieces after the crumbling of the international order was not answered at the conference. The biggest debate there was over whether those pieces could be glued back together after 2020 if Trump failed to win a second term.Our society does not trust or believe black women when it comes to our health and bodies. There are examples of this everywhere. Serena Williams, even with her wealth and fame, had to demand the medical care that saved her life after childbirth. Decades of allegations against R. Kelly were met with silence because they came from young black women and girls. Black women are more often shamed, questioned, and silenced when we speak about our own bodies  when we are saying #MeToo, when we know something is wrong during or after pregnancy, and when we speak up for abortion rights.

Jan. 22 marks 46 years since the Supreme Court legalized abortion with its Roe v. Wade decision. This decision characterized a womans right to end a pregnancy as fundamental, but that hasnt prevented politicians from passing laws that push abortion out of reach for poor women, young people, and people of color across the country, including here in Pennsylvania. With the balance of the Supreme Court now turned against abortion rights, we face the real threat of abortion care being further dismantled or outlawed entirely. As we reflect on the future of abortion rights, its important to remember the ways in which black women have not been able to exercise full bodily autonomy in America.

Due to the greater barriers black women face in accessing sex education, contraception, and basic health care of any kind, we are more likely to need abortion care. That means that restrictions that make it more difficult to obtain an abortion disproportionately harm black women.

Since 2011, states have adopted more than 400 laws restricting abortion. Women in Pennsylvania seeking an abortion must receive state-directed counseling designed to discourage them from having an abortion, then wait 24 hours before receiving care. This means Pennsylvania women must take added time away from work, school, and family for two appointments, plus extra travel. Such requirements especially burden single mothers, women with low incomes, and those living in rural areas.

Just three years after Roe v. Wade, Congress passed the Hyde Amendment, which stole the right to abortion coverage from any woman enrolled in Medicaid health insurance. Over the years, the Hyde Amendment has paved the way for other federal and state-level abortion coverage restrictions. In Pennsylvania, public insurance programs cover abortion only if a womans life is endangered, or in the case of rape or incest  a policy that womens health advocates are challenging in court.

The Medicaid abortion ban makes abortion inaccessible for Pennsylvanians who are struggling financially, and abortion providers are suing the Pennsylvania Department of Health to end the harm inflicted on Pennsylvania women and families just because theyre poor. A woman who pays for an abortion out of pocket may be forced to delay the procedure to raise the necessary funds, and a woman who wants an abortion but is denied is more likely to fall into poverty or economic insecurity that, research suggests, can last for years.

Forcing anyone to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term is cruel, but this is especially so for black women, who constitute only 11 percent of Pennsylvania women but account for 31 percent of all pregnancy-related maternal deaths in the state. This disparity is reflected across the country and cannot be strictly attributed to lack of insurance coverage and access to health care. It is a problem that afflicts black women of all socio-economic standings and is increasingly linked by researchers to systemic racism, which afflicts all black women.

When we say that black mothers, black girls, black women matter, we are saying that our needs deserve support and our voices should be heard. In the coming year and beyond, there will be much work to do to protect our existing rights as women. Black women have been leading the fight so that the promise of Roe v. Wade, the ability to make the most personal decisions  whether and when to parent, to say no to sexual advances, to have dominion over our own health and lives  is realized for everyone. Our unapologetic leadership and advocacy continue. We invite you to join us.

LaTasha Mayes is the founder and executive director of New Voices for Reproductive Justice, headquartered in Pittsburgh.Stewart Dalzell, 75, of Philadelphia, a federal court judge who brought deep learning and an ability to see the faces behind the facts of a case to his job as a jurist, died Monday, Feb. 18, of Alzheimers disease at his home.

Judge Dalzell was a significant force in the citys legal and political communities, beginning as a lawyer in private practice in 1970 and culminating with his 1991 appointment by President George H.W. Bush to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania bench. He retired in 2016.

Chief Judge Juan R. Sanchez said late Tuesday that Dalzell was a collegial and engaging member of our court, who relished intellectually challenging cases during his 25 years of service on the federal bench. He will be greatly missed.

"He was an absolutely fabulous judge, a brilliant man, said Philadelphia defense lawyer Dennis Cogan. He was among a handful of the best judges Ive ever appeared before in all the years Ive been doing this.

All litigants looked up to him. He had a great judicial disposition and extraordinary knowledge of the law. And during a lull in the proceedings, he would talk about music and literature.

Paul R. Levy, president of the Center City District, remembered Judge Dalzell as a problem-solver who could cut through complexities to achieve a resolution.

The two men worked to untangle a dispute involving the University of Pennsylvania and property owners on Sansom Street in the 1980s. At the time, the judge was a lawyer, and Levy worked for Penn. Whatever the legal disputes were, he was practical and down to earth, Levy said.

Born in Hackensack, N.J., Judge Dalzell grew up in nearby Bloomfield. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1961 and the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School in 1965. He took a year off to work as a financial consultant at NBC in New York before graduating from Penns law school in 1969.

While at Wharton, he majored in economics, but had an unquenchable thirst for learning, he told an oral history interviewer for the federal court in 1999. I took lots of literature courses, history courses, philosophy courses  I loved it. I couldnt take enough, he said.

After teaching law at Wharton for a year, Judge Dalzell joined the Philadelphia law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath on June 22, 1970. The previous day, the Penn Central Transportation Co. had declared bankruptcy.

For my first 4 years at the firm, 90 percent of what I did was the Penn Central securities litigation, the judge said. And a very rich experience it was, because I was exposed to some of the best lawyers you could ever want to see as a young lawyer in action.

Judge Dalzell had become interested in politics after law school. He approached U.S. Rep. John Heinz in 1974, and when Heinz ran in the 1975 Republican primary for Hugh Scotts vacated U.S. Senate seat, Heinz hired the young man as general counsel and campaign treasurer. Heinz won the seat in the general election.

In 1990, Heinz sponsored him when there was an opening on the federal court bench. After being vetted, Judge Dalzell was appointed to the federal bench by Bush in September 1991.

One of the judges favorite cases was Reno v. ACLU, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the anti-decency provisions of the 1996 Communications Decency Act to be in violation of the First Amendment.

Another case involved a petty officer who was charged with disorderly conduct after swearing at military police who rousted him from sleeping in his car outside the noncommissioned officers club at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station.

The officer was convicted of the charge and fined $50. Because the incident occurred on federal property, the matter was appealed to a three-judge panel headed by Judge Dalzell.

"So, we look at the case. And, lo and behold, theres a very interesting First Amendment issue here that the Pennsylvania courts, and the federal courts, had never addressed, the judge said in the oral history.

Could this be disorderly conduct? He didnt resist arrest, there was no physical resistance; he just used the F-word. So, I reversed his conviction, the judge said. He later learned from a public defender that the petty officer hoped to apply to another branch of the armed services and feared the misdemeanor would ruin his chances.

Theres a lot of little cases like that that Im very proud of, because we took the time to see his face, the judge said.

A case that garnered national attention was that of Lisa Michelle Lambert, a Lancaster County woman convicted of stalking and killing teenager Laurie Show in 1991. Lambert was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder when Judge Dalzell was asked to investigate her claims of prosecutorial misconduct. He called a hearing.

Later, in a blistering opinion, the judge ordered Lambert set free and ruled that the state could not retry her. The fact is the commonwealth rigged the proceedings so that it was a trial in name only, he said in an April 25, 1997, Inquirer article.

The outcry over the decision was so intense that Judge Dalzell stepped aside in 2002 out of concern that personal attacks on him would delay further adjudication. Judge Dalzells decision was overturned on appeal. Lambert has since been sent back to prison.

Judge Dalzell became involved in a Home Rule Charter fight in the late 1970s, when Mayor Frank L. Rizzo sought to amend the charter to run for a third term. The judge formed a coalition in 1978 to oppose the change, and the change was defeated.

He served as president of the standing committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. He was a member of St. Marks Church, where he served on the vestry and sang bass in the choir.

A movie fan, he often mentioned films in his opinions. He and his wife, Kathleen Regan Dalzell, were annual subscribers to the Philadelphia Orchestra. He also enjoyed literature, history, and spending time with family. He was intelligent, curious, widely read, and a great conversationalist, his family said.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Rebecca; a son, Andrew; and a granddaughter.

A funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at St. Marks Church, 1625 Locust St. Burial in a church columbarium will be part of the service.In a decision that could have wide-ranging impact, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday sharply curtailed state and local authorities power to seize residents property, saying to do so violates the constitutional protection against excessive fines.

The unanimous ruling in an Indiana case follows years of complaints  including in Philadelphia  about civil forfeiture overreach by law enforcement agencies and courts. It extends to state and local authorities the same limits that apply to federal agencies.

Writing for the court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg noted that such penalties can be politically motivated, retaliatory, and an unfair way to raise revenue. Like the Eighth Amendments protections against cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail, Ginsburgs opinion said, protection against excessive fines guards against abuses" by government.

The right against excessive fines traces its lineage back in English law nearly a millennium, and from the founding of our country, it has been consistently recognized as a core right worthy of constitutional protection," she wrote.

The courts narrow decision did not address the standard of what is considered excessive. Current law weighs the proportionality of the amount of property taken vs. the gravity of an offense.

How quickly the impact could be felt was not known. Its just not yet completely clear what the Supreme Court ruling would mean at the N.J. local level, Michael Darcy, executive director of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, said in an email.

But the courts ruling removes any doubts that the Constitutions protection against excessive fines applies fully to the states, the nonprofit Institute for Justice said Wednesday. A lawyer with the institute had argued the case, Timbs v. Indiana.

"States and localities nationwide take economic sanctions too far, routinely, said Sam Gedge, an institute attorney.

The case was brought by Indiana resident Tyson Timbs, who pleaded guilty in state court to dealing a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit theft.

When police arrested him in 2013, they seized a $42,000 Land Rover SUV that Timbs paid for with money he got from an insurance policy when his father died. The state wanted to keep it, saying Timbs had used it to transport heroin. Because the maximum fine for his conviction was $10,000, the trial court denied the states request. The state appealed to Indianas Supreme Court, which ruled that the Constitutions excessive-fines clause applied only to the federal government.

Gedge said the U.S. Supreme Court decision underscores that fears of governments abusing the powers to punish are real, and there are constitutional protections against them.

Criticism centers on forfeitures that are not proportionate to crimes, the taking of money and property from innocent people, and the profiting of city police and prosecutors from residents property.

Nationwide, police and prosecutors get a cut, often a big cut, of the property they take. That creates an incentive, Gedge said. They very well may take property with an eye towards their budgets rather than an eye towards justice.

Pennsylvania law allows officials to seize assets they believe were connected to drug activity.

At its height a few years ago, Philadelphias civil forfeiture program pulled in $6 million per year and seized thousands of homes and vehicles. While in office, then-District Attorney Seth Williams said state forfeiture laws were effective tools for hindering drug operations.

In 2014, the Institute for Justice sued the city, calling Philadelphia one of the worst examples of civil forfeiture overreach in the country.

In that suit, lead plaintiff Christos Sourovelis and his wife, Markela, were evicted and their Northeast Philadelphia home seized in 2014 after police arrested their son for selling $40 worth of drugs outside.

City officials agreed in September to settle the suit by paying $3 million to them and to other plaintiffs whose property was unfairly seized or never returned. They also agreed to change policy to limit cash and property seizures.

At the time, Mayor Jim Kenney said the settlement makes Philadelphia a more just city.

Gedge said the institute was thrilled with the progress in Philadelphia under District Attorney Larry Krasner, who won office last year on a platform opposing civil asset forfeiture.

Ben Waxman, spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office, said Wednesday it was too early to comment on the Supreme Courts decision, but said the office already had instituted big reforms regarding civil asset forfeiture.

We only seize property if a person has actually been convicted of a crime, and there is clear evidence linking the property to criminal activity or proceeds connected to criminal activity, Waxman said in a statement.

Louis Rulli, a University of Pennsylvania law professor who specializes in civil forfeiture, said the strong language of Wednesdays decision should make law enforcement agencies reexamine the harsh laws theyre enforcing against private property and make state courts more closely weigh citizens rights.

Its an important [decision], and one that is very welcome to help protect the rights of ordinary citizens against excessive takings by the government, he said. Our citizens will hopefully feel more secure in their rights against wrongful government property-taking.Just how should police respond when neighborhoods are leafleted with racist and anti-Semitic fliers?

It was a question residents and officials in Springfield, Montgomery County, were debating this week at a town hall meeting on diversity and inclusion following two incidents in the township last year, in March and November.

Eddie T. Graham, a member of the Springfield Township Board of Commissioners, told a standing-room-only crowd with an overflow into a hallway that the local police do not keep track of these incidents." Another resident said police dont do anything because they consider the fliers free speech.

Turns out thats partially true.

Springfield Police Chief Michael E. Pitkow, who was not invited to speak at the meeting, said police have and do file reports on the fliers  his records show there have been two incidents in 2018  and they are investigated.

In a later statement, he wrote: The Springfield Township Police Department condemns any message promoting the KKK, anti-Semitic commentary, and any other statements that promote hatred. We encourage residents to contact the police department if there is a recurrence of hateful fliers distributed on their properties, and we will respond and investigate the incident.

However, distributing fliers is protected speech under the First Amendment, Pitkow said. Should some other criminal act take place, such as harm to a person or property  arson, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, or institutional vandalism, for example  it would be possible to charge someone with ethnic intimidation as an add-on.

Springfield Township Commissioner Jon Cobb said communications between residents and the police department could be improved. Residents have told him they are reluctant to report incidents because they fear retribution.

Pitkow said he thinks theres some confusion among residents when told that the leafletting is a First Amendment problem. They think thats being used as an excuse instead of police citing state law, and then residents are "assuming we didnt take reports.

The latest incident in his township, in late November on Arlingham Road, was investigated by police, and home security system surveillance was sought to see if the distributor was captured on video.

>>READ MORE: Racist, anti-Semitic fliers left at Pa. suburban homes spark community meeting

An unofficial tally by the Chestnut Hill Local, collected by looking at news reports, reflected six leafletting incidents in nearby townships since 2017: That year, 500 mailers were sent to areas including East Greenville, Red Hill, and Pennsburg. In May last year, fliers were distributed in Hatboro. In September, it occurred in Abington Township; in October in Cherry Hill; in November in Whitemarsh and Springfield; and on New Years Eve in the Elkins Park section of Abington.

Nancy K. Baron-Baer, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League in Philadelphia, said that from 2014 through 2017, ADL tracked an average of 80 incidents per year in which Klan fliers were left on doorsteps or driveways in neighborhoods around the country. She said 2018 saw a huge surge, with more than 850 incidents nationwide, including 83 in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. She urged people to contact the ADL if they received a pamphlet.

She said sometimes these types of leaflets are placed out by a person who prints the fliers and drives an hour or more to other areas. Its not necessarily an organized or local effort. Still, the pamphlets have the power to inspire great fear in communities. On the fliers distributed in November by the Loyal White Knights, interracial dating was condemned: The #1 Cause of death among young women who date blacks is Black Men. It blamed open borders on Jews.

Its meant to scare, intimidate, and also recruit individuals," Baron-Baer said of the hate speech. "But in our country, we cant censor someones speech. There is freedom of speech. Often these individuals know what theyre doing and where the line is, if its not threatening.

At Mondays meeting, 210 people signed attendance sheets, Graham said, and 165 people signed up to develop a plan to reach out to the 49 police chiefs in Montgomery County to talk about a coordinated effort. Pikgow said theres already a record management system among 32 departments that have a capacity to share reports.Haddonfield Deputy Mayor Jeff Kasko was arraigned Tuesday on assault charges for allegedly striking a borough police officer with his car while the officer was investigating a collision involving Kasko and a process server who tried to deliver divorce papers to him.

Kasko, 54, made an initial appearance at a brief hearing in Superior Court in Cherry Hill, where he was read a list of charges stemming from his Feb. 12 arrest. He is accused of aggravated assault on a police officer, assault with a motor vehicle, criminal mischief, and numerous motor vehicle offenses, including reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to report an accident.

A March 20 date was set for a pre-indictment conference hearing at the Hall of Justice in Camden.

Efforts to reach Kasko for comment Tuesday were unsuccessful. A person who answered the phone at his home declined comment.

The charges against Kasko, a three-term borough commissioner, stem from a confrontation in front of his home, police said. A police officer was sent to his home following a report that Kasko had backed his car out of the driveway, striking a BMW that belonged to the process server. The BMW was partially blocking the driveway and sustained more than $2,000 in damage, police records show.

Kasko left the scene, and the process server called police, authorities said. Kasko was not present when police arrived but returned while Patrolman Joni Frangieh was investigating the hit-and-run, police said.

According to the crash report, obtained by the Inquirer, Kasko was driving at an unsafe speed all the while, blowing the vehicle horn. Frangieh was standing in the driveway, and raised his hands and signaled for Kasko to stop, the report said.

Kasko slowed and the officer believed Kasko would come to a complete stop, but he didnt, the report said. The officer suffered minor injuries when the mirror on Kaskos 2012 VW Passat struck him on a hip, according to Chief Jason Cutler.

After his arrest, Kasko spent a night in the Camden County Jail.

Its a sad situation, said former Mayor Jack Tarditi on Tuesday. I feel particularly sorry for his family.

Kasko, a Republican, is one of three commissioners and was first elected in 2009. The commissioners select the mayor and deputy mayor. In 2013, Kasko was selected by his fellow commissioners to serve as mayor. He is also a commissioner for revenue and finance.SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  A man who was stranded for hours in frigid weather with his leg sunk up to the knee in quicksand at a creek in Utah's Zion National Park said Tuesday that he feared he would lose his leg and might die because the quicksand's water was so cold.

Ryan Osmun, 34, of Mesa, Ariz., told NBCs Today show that he hallucinated at one point while waiting several hours alone after his girlfriend, Jessika McNeill, left him last Saturday to get help.

"I thought for sure I would lose my leg," Osmun said. "And then toward the end I thought I wasn't going to make it."

Quicksand can form in saturated loose sand and standing water  the combination found on the river bed trail Osmun and McNeill were hiking, said Aly Baltrus, Zion National Park spokeswoman. Osmun had stepped into a small hole filled with it, Baltrus said.

"When water cannot escape, it creates a liquefied soil that cannot support weight and creates suction," Baltrus said.

The trouble for Osmun and McNeill began about four hours into the couple's hike on a popular route called "The Subway" in the southern Utah park. McNeill said she sank in the quicksand. After Osmun freed McNeill, he got stuck.

She tried to pry his leg out with a stick, but realized that effort would not work. With no cell-phone service in the remote area, they decided McNeill would have to go for help.

She left him with warm clothes and decided the fastest way to get help would be to swim down the river, which was waist-deep with frigid waters, rather than taking a trail.

"I kept telling myself: He would do it for me, " McNeill said.

It took her three hours to reach a location with cell-phone service so she could call 911. McNeill said she felt like she was going to faint when she finally spoke with dispatchers. Rescue workers found her suffering from hypothermia, park officials said in a statement.

After rescue workers found Osmun, it took them two hours to get his leg free from the quicksand. He was suffering from hypothermia and rescue workers needed to airlift him out on a helicopter but it was snowing so they all had to spend the night at the site.

Osmun stayed in a sleeping bag on top of a mat next to a fire until Sunday afternoon, when the helicopter made it to the site.

He was taken to a hospital and was later released, saying he felt very lucky that all he suffered was a swollen leg.

"If it wasn't for them and Jessica, I'd be dead for sure," Osmun said.

Quicksand is not normally a problem at Zion National Park, but an unusually wet winter contributed to weather conditions that created the quicksand, Baltrus said.Efforts by advocates to push gun-control legislation in statehouses and Congress have led to a flurry of bills that sponsors say are aimed at reducing shootings, suicides, and domestic violence, along with other proposals that call for expanding gun rights.

Several gun-control bills were introduced in Congress last week to mark the one-year anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., in which a former student killed 17 people.

We are now at the point where at least one house can move these measures, Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) said at a telephone town hall meeting with CeaseFirePA last Thursday. Weve got to work like hell to get the U.S. Senate to do more work on the issue.

While it is likely the House will be able to pass gun control bills with its Democratic majority, there are very low chances that the Senates Republican leadership will give any a vote; likewise, House Democrats would likely shoot down any gun-rights expansions.

The House leaderships top priority is a universal background checks bill, which was passed out of committee last week, and which members of Congress believe has the best chance of any proposal  if still slim  of getting a vote in the Senate. Earlier this month, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on gun violence, the first in the chamber in nearly a decade.

Other measures echo bills introduced, and in some cases passed, in state legislatures from Pennsylvania to California. Some have been pitched in past sessions.

They include proposals to:

Raise the age to purchase semiautomatic assault rifles to 21.

Establish extreme risk protection orders, which allow family members to ask a court to temporarily remove firearms from people who may be at risk of harming themselves or others.

Prevent known domestic abusers or stalkers from possessing firearms.

Prohibit semiautomatic weapons through an assault weapons ban.

Prohibit the use and manufacture of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

Regulate semiautomatic rifles like the AR-15 under the National Firearms Act, which requires the registration of certain types of weapons with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Regulate pistols that can fire armor-piercing bullets under the National Firearms Act.

Establish and expand criminal offenses for trafficking firearms or straw purchasing.

Repeal restrictions on tracing gun data and create a coordinated national research program on gun violence, ownership, use and trafficking.

Appropriate funds to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study gun violence.

Require safe storage of firearms in homes.

Require safe storage of firearms by dealers and manufacturers.

Extreme-risk protection order laws, which have been successful in states including Maryland and Indiana in reducing suicide in particular, have garnered some bipartisan support and could become a prominent policy issue in the gun-control debate. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Bucks) sponsored that bill and a bill expanding domestic violence abuse protections.

Giving family members and cohabitants the right to petition a court to have a firearm removed from someone found to be dangerous should not be controversial, Fitzpatrick said in a statement last week, when the bill was introduced. This process protects Second Amendment rights by ensuring due-process rights are respected during the judicial process.

Among measures that would expand gun rights is a concealed-carry reciprocity bill, which would allow anyone who legally carries a concealed firearm to possess it in any other state that allows concealed carry.

Since state borders shouldnt restrict constitutional rights, this legislation ensures people who are legally entitled to carry a concealed firearm in one state can also carry in another state as long as they respect the laws of any other state they visit, said Sen. John Thune (R., S.D.).

House Republicans have brought back a proposal to ease restrictions on silencers and eliminate federal silencer registration records, which had been up for consideration before the October 2017 shooting of hundreds at a country music festival in Las Vegas. A Senate bill would prohibit federal funding of state firearm ownership databases. Another measure would allow an established excise tax on firearms purchases more flexibility to be used for establishing or expanding public target shooting ranges, including on federal land.Its noon on Ninth Street near Fitzwater in South Philadelphia, and the stores front door clicks open to admit the first customers of the day at Angelos Pizzeria, which opened last month. If its a typical day, owner Danny DiGiampietro will run out of dough, lock the door about 6 p.m., clean up, and go home.

All without a phone. He said he is afraid to get one now.

Too bad for the customer who has only a half-hour for lunch and has to order, as well as scarf down a pizza or a sandwich at the side rail in the unadorned shop.

Among pizza cognoscenti, Angelos was a thing even before it opened. He does everything wrong: He doesnt food-cost anything, says Gregorio Fierro, a consultant well-known within the local pizza trade. He just makes perfect food. If he had a money guy [as a partner], he would be making a fortune.

The money is not important," DiGiampietro says.

In a business in which many pizza makers ferment their dough for only a day before topping it, DiGiampietro will let his sit for up to 13 days. The result: light, airy pies, whether the square grandma and upside-down pizzas, or the round New York style. His imported flour, says Fierro, costs three times what many other shops pay.

He doesnt have a freezer, either; the chicken cutlets for his sandwiches are breaded that day and fried to order.

DiGiampietro ran a pizzeria in Haddonfield for a few years before a former deli became available up the street from Sarcones Bakery, owned by his wifes family. After more than a year of work, including a new sewer line, complete electrical and plumbing upgrades, and the installation of a tricked-out Polin multideck oven, Angelos soft-opened on Jan. 22.

Nine days in, DiGiampietro was home asleep in South Jersey when his alarm company called to report a fire. A floor beam beneath the oven had begun smoldering, and firefighters chopped into it to extinguish the smoke.

We are a wood-fired pizza joint, DiGiampietro joked on Instagram. But it was no laughing matter. Twelve days and thousands of dollars in repairs later, Angelos was back in business.

DiGiampietro, 46, grew up in South Philadelphia. As a kid at his fathers corner pizzeria at Fifth and Watkins Streets, he used to stretch dough over bare lightbulbs to create his own pizza. But he didnt go pro until he was nearly 41.

As a young man, he had dreams of being a star chef. He moved to Miami to attend cooking school and landed a job with chef Allen Susser. After five years, he says, he got homesick.

While waiting to intern at Le Bec-Fin, he helped his friend Michael Abruzzi at his South Philadelphia bread bakeries, growing fascinated with the process.

One day, DiGiampietro packed up a van with bread and drove to the Mount Laurel home of a man who made a living as a bread jobber  a middleman who buys bread from bakeries and distributes it to restaurants and pizzerias.

Tony the bread guy was having a barbecue that day and the Abruzzi rolls in DiGiampietros truck were for sandwiches. DiGiampietro pulled up outside and gawked. It was this giant house that looked like a mansion, DiGiampietro says. I asked him what his wife did for a living. He said she doesnt work. I do this. His bread truck is parked outside. I called Michael and said, I need a bread route. 

Goodbye, fine dining.

For years, thats what he did  getting up at 4 a.m. to run rolls from Abruzzi, Carangi, Cascia, and Sarcones to wholesale customers, such as DiNics and the early Primo shops. Good money, great gossip.

Then I thought, if I make that much money delivering bread, imagine what I can do if I make it, he says. He was dating (and later married) Lauren Ianarella, whose mother, Linda, is the daughter of Louis Sarcone Sr., whose son and grandson operate the bakery now.

After pumping Louis Sr. for info and reading books about bread in those pre-YouTube days, he bought a bread bakery at Eighth and Watkins Streets. Im working like 24 hours a day, and I didnt make a dime, DiGiampietro says. I know how to make bread, just not make money making bread."

DiGiampietro was still running his bread route, yet losing money on the bakery. By then, Lauren had just delivered their daughter, Luciana, who is now almost 8.

While running bread in Haddonfield, he came upon a shuttered pizzeria on Haddon Avenue. "She said, What do you know about pizza? I said, Its just bread with tomato sauce and cheese. I told her, Give me one year,  he said. He sold the bakery and with $5,000, in 2014 opened Angelos, naming it after their son, who was born 10 months after Luciana.

Angelos caught on. When the Ninth Street location  in the former Sarcones Deli  became available, he grabbed it. Thinking that he would open soon, he closed Haddonfield. That was premature. I should have had a general contractor, DiGiampietro said. I tried to do it myself.

He finally gave up the bread route at the end of the year as the opening grew closer.

Nowadays, he is sweating out a labor problem, which is cutting into the shops hours.

I just dont have the manpower to get ahead of prep, he said this week. Many employees dont seem to last. One guy quit after a little more than a few hours, DiGiampietro says.

He told me his last job was more laid-back. We just laughed at him.Standing in front of his intricate mandala-like wooden carvings at the annual American Handcrafted Philadelphia show, Phillip Roberts was attracting a consistent flow of customers from museum stores, galleries, and boutiques around North America.

His pieces have swirling rings of overlapping shapes and patterns, each with 12 layers of carved mahogany, white birch, and other woods that seem to be in motion. His most expensive wood carving, which is four feet wide, wholesales for $2,000 while the most popular one, at 32 by 24 inches, costs $1,000.

Roberts spends more than 100 hours designing each piece on a drawing tablet, cutting thin layers of wood separately and gluing them by hand. Our generation loves tech and local handmade stuff," says Roberts, 31, of Southampton, Burlington County. "We are banking on it.

Roberts is one of the 480 artists who had come from across the continent to sell unique, American-made crafts to more than 1,500 buyers, mostly museum stores, galleries, and boutiques. About 65 artists came from Philadelphia and New Jersey this year.

The annual American Handcrafted show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, is the largest event of its kind according to the groups website. It sells everything from handmade ceramics, to crafted food and beverages, to jewelry made with recycled materials. Artists and buyers have been coming here for over 30 years.

The event has lost two-thirds of its artists and clients in the last two decades due to such factors as the rise of internet shopping and the lingering effects of the 2008 recession. In the 1990s, there were more than 1,500 artists showing their crafts, longtime buyers said.

They are much smaller now. Its lucky to still have the show here in Philadelphia, but my fear is that this wont continue if we dont keep younger people interested, said Tracy Tumolo, owner of Sweet Mabel, an American handcraft store in Narberth. Tumolo has been coming to the show to get clothes, home decor, jewelry, and accessories for 15 years.

This is my go-to show because I know its all made here [in the U.S.]. When I go to other places, I have to ask if it was made here or were they made overseas. I want to support American artists.

Allison Garafalo, show director of American Handcrafted, said a top priority is attracting young emerging artists. Garafalo is also the sales director at NY Now, a trade show company that took over the event three years ago. The company used to hold wholesale trade shows in Las Vegas and Orlando, but stopped last year to focus on the Philadelphia event. The company has been offering discount packages for young artists to take booths. And this measure has helped.

More than 1,000 of the 1,500 registered buyers made purchases in the first two days of the three-day show, which ended Monday, Garafalo said. Although her company feels the online competition from Amazon, artists, buyers, and consumers want face-to-face contact, and new exhibitors have joined in the last two years.

I have seen a trend with the handmade products that younger generations want something unique and sustainable, and they want something that tells a story, said Garafalo. Owning something from a generic high-end brand like Louis Vuitton is not as popular anymore as saying, Look at this designer I have found. She handcrafts everything in Portland, Oregon."

The company has worked to redefine luxury crafts as something non-generic that cannot be replaced and comes at a premium price. "No one is walking into the show expecting a cheap product. They know that a machine did not make this, that someone spent their days making this product, and it is going to sell [for] more, Garafalo said.

Garafalos company holds seminars to educate buyers on the products they purchase to make sure they tell a good story to consumers. And the fact that the show has been standing firm in Philadelphia with enough demand means that young consumers are appreciating the work, says Garafalo.

Olivia Shih is a young emerging artist who flew from Oakland, Calif., to Philadelphia this year. She designs earrings and necklaces with 85 percent recycled gold and 100 percent recycled silver sourced from all over the US, including California and New Mexico.

Buyers here appreciate craft and technical skills," said Shih, 30, who graduated from the California College of the Arts four years ago. Shih said this show gives her more orders than others.

Young artists can graduate from art school and not have a clue about the market," said Fern Solomon, owner of Jacobs Musical Chimes stores in Long Beach, Calif., and a show exhibitor since 1995. Solomon and her husband, Sam, held seminars with young artists and buyers last week to help them learn about the business. Solomon said coming to the Philadelphia show each year helped put her kids through college. Without it, I would not have my stores.

But her biggest satisfaction is seeing how the younger generation carries on their traditions despite changes in the industry. We have had challenges from online [retail], but we are still here, and that makes me really happy.Logansport, IN (46947)

Today

Windy with thunderstorms - some storms may contain locally heavy rain, especially this evening. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Windy with thunderstorms - some storms may contain locally heavy rain, especially this evening. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%.Staff reports

The Petoskey News-Review

BOYNE CITY  A new Career and Technical Education (CTE) program offered at Boyne City High School has sparked the investment of regional and statewide energy companies, who have contributed tens of thousands of dollars in grants, in-kind donations, critical equipment and resources to help get the class off the ground this school year.

The Energy Fundamentals: Lineworker Emphasis class recently received a large donation of $25,000 from the Consumers Energy Foundation to help fund its continued success.

Consumers Energy is dedicated to ensuring all Michigan residents are thriving economically with access to world-class educational resources, said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. We are pleased to support the program with a grant that will allow Boyne City High School to continue to safely prepare Northern Michigan students with the skills and talent to enter the workforce in an industry with growing demand.

Launched in 2018, the Energy Fundamentals program is the result of a collaboration among Boyne City Public Schools, Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District, Consumers Energy, Great Lakes Energy and DTE Energy. The class is led by two instructors, Derek Maki and James Rincon, who are experienced line workers from Great Lakes Energy, headquartered in Boyne City. Consumers Energy staff also regularly visit and share their expertise. During one such recent visit, students joined their instructors and administrators in celebrating the grant award.

We are so grateful to the Consumers Energy Foundation for sponsoring and helping to support this program, said Karen Jarema, principal of Boyne City High School. This program would not exist without the partnerships with these three companies and their many donations for our students. The $25,000 is an amazing gift to support a great and growing program.

Jarema noted that 10 students are currently enrolled in the class, which is structured as a one-year program. Throughout the Char-Em ISD, all CTE classes are open to any student in any ISD district. In fact, the lineworker class includes East Jordan and Boyne Falls students. It is open to juniors and seniors and will be offered again in the 2019-20 school year.

We have exceeded our expectations in the first year due in part to the partnerships that have been cultivated and created, said Jarema. The students are not learning about content sitting in a classroom; they are out on-site, climbing poles and wearing the gear. We would not have been able to provide this level of expertise without our partners.

The $25,000 grant from Consumers Energy will be used to help support the program for the remainder of this year and into next school year, including purchasing equipment.

Jobs in the energy sector, and lineworkers in particular, are expected to be one of the most in-demand career fields in the years ahead, according to Jim Rummer, director of Char-Em ISDs Career and Technical Education. This prompted the CTE team to encourage the programs creation.

We are so grateful for the continued partnerships and support from our local and statewide energy providers, Rummer said. They know theyll be relying on the students coming out of our program to fill important positions in their companies. Their continued collaboration and Boyne Citys commitment to making this class happen will ensure that Michigan will have a solid core of workers ready to take on this critical work in the years ahead.

Jarema was excited to share that two students in the class have been accepted into a two-year lineworker training program at Northern Michigan University, and others have applied to training programs offered by utility companies directly.

What makes this program really special is the commitment of the companies and the knowledge of their employees who come and are willing to share that with the students, Jarema said. The students enjoy being able to ask specific questions and learn from those who are on the job every day. It gets them fired up to pursue a career in this important field.

Students who are interested in enrolling in or learning more about the Energy Fundamentals: Lineworker Emphasis program, or any other Career and Technical Education class, are encouraged to talk with their counselor or principal.Staff reports

The Petoskey News-Review

PETOSKEY  Nine pizza proprietors in Petoskey are teaming up to support the Public Schools of Petoskey during the 14th Annual Pizza Pizzazz. This fundraiser supports the Petoskey Education Foundation and will take place through the day on Monday, Feb. 25.

On that day, participating pizza places will donate $1 to the foundation for every pizza they sell. The donations will support scholarships for students and mini-grants for teachers at the Public Schools of Petoskey. Last year, $896 was raised in this promotion for the foundation and organizers are hoping to surpass that mark in 2019.

Participation is simple: area residents and businesses are urged to order pizza throughout the day from any of the nine participating restaurants and carry-out businesses. They include: B.C. Pizza, Corner Grocer, Duffys Garage & Grille, Jets Pizza, Mighty Fine Pizza, the Noggin Room in Staffords Perry Hotel, the Sassy Loon in Northern Lights Recreation Center, Palette Bistro, and Pipers Mighty Good Pizza.

I think its a great thing to see these businesses come together to support our schools, said foundation trustee Carlin Smith. They have been very generous in their support, so we hope everyone in Petoskey will eat pizza on Monday.

Those who are unable to eat pizza on that day can make a direct donation to the foundation by sending a check to: Petoskey Education Foundation, 1130 Howard St., Petoskey, MI 49770. Online donations can be made by clicking on the Petoskey Education Foundation tab at www.petoskeyschools.org.Steve Foley

(231) 439-9397

GAYLORD  Its billed as Northern Michigans Largest Hiring Event Ever! and a number of employers from the region and around the state are on tap to participate and interact with job seekers.

Put on in partnership with North Central Michigan College Corporate and Community Education, the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, MacDonald Garber Broadcasting, Mitchell Graphics, Northwest Michigan Works!, Michigan Works Northeast Consortium and the UPWARD Talent Council Michigan Works!, the hiring event is slated for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at The Ellison Place event center on Gaylords south side.

Jim Tisdel, director of corporate and community education at North Central Michigan College, said the event is set up for businesses to attract people from not only in Northern Michigan, but anywhere across the state and beyond.

Weve done a lot of out of region advertising to come up to the event, Tisdel said. Right now, we have about 45 employers signed up and were expecting over 500 attendees.

Participating industries expected to participate include health care, technology, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, agriculture and others, Tisdel said.

We trust most of it will be a breadth from people looking for summer jobs to people looking toward executive management-type roles, Tisdel said. Anybody and everybody as far as business is concerned is welcome to come, and the same goes for attendees.

During last years event, attendees traveled from as far away as Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, Tisdel noted, along with a large contingent from Grand Rapids.

The facility is located right off of I-75, exit 279, Tisdel said. The Ellison Place is the former Jays Sporting Goods building.

Tisdel said he and other event organizers tell attendees of the event to be ready.

The idea is theres the possibility of being hired right there, Tisdel said.

The event also will feature a room equipped with 15 or so laptop computers set up for perspective job seekers.

Thats set up because several of the businesses require they (job seekers) go to their website and fill out an application, Tisdel said. A lot of businesses will have a laptop at their booth, or you can go to a computer room, fill out an application and continue on.

Another separate private area will be set up at the event for employers and potential new employees to have interviews or more private discussions.

Its really a hiring event, Tisdel said. If you dont get hired on the spot, youll at least be told right away and have a chance to connect with others.

For more information regarding Northern Michigans Largest Hiring Event call (231) 348-6613, or visit www.ncmich.edu/community-events/lectures-events/Staff reports

The Petoskey News-Review

MONTMORENCY COUNTY  Police have arrested a man wanted on child abuse and sexual assault charges for whom they had been searching for nearly a week.

According to an updated news release from the Michigan State Police issued today, Wednesday, the Michigan State Police Fugitive Team located and arrested Vinnzenz Neil Waynee, 22, in the Atlanta area, on Tuesday.

On Feb. 14 the Michigan State Police issued a news release asking for the publics help in locating Waynee. The earlier release noted that the state police fugitive team was assisting the Montmorency County Sheriff Department and the Gaylord Michigan State Police post in the search for Waynee.

At the time of the earlier release, law enforcement officials believed Waynee may be in Northern Michigan because he is known to frequent the Petoskey, Gaylord, Atlanta and Mio areas.

Police said following his arrest Waynee was lodged in the Montmorency County Jail pending court appearances.

We would like to thank the media and the public for their help, as the tips we received were instrumental in the arrest, state police officials said in the updated release.Staff reports

The Petoskey News-Review

ATLANTA, Mich  Police have arrested a man wanted on child abuse and sexual assault charges for whom they had been searching for nearly a week.

According to an updated news release from the Michigan State Police issued today, Wednesday, the Michigan State Police Fugitive Team located and arrested Vinnzenz Neil Waynee, 22, in the Atlanta, Michigan area, on Tuesday.

On Feb. 14 the Michigan State Police issued a news release asking for the public's help in locating Waynee. The earlier release noted that the state police fugitive team was assisting the Montmorency County Sheriff Department and the Gaylord Michigan State Police post in the search for Waynee.

At the time of the earlier release, law enforcement officials believed Waynee may be in Northern Michigan because he is known to frequent the Petoskey, Gaylord, Atlanta and Mio areas.

Police said following his arrest Waynee was lodged in the Montmorency County Jail pending court appearances.

"We would like to thank the media and the public for their help, as the tips we received were instrumental in the arrest," state police officials said in the updated release.East Jordans Haylah Buell has been chosen by the Lions of Michigan to be a member of the 2019 Lions of Michigan All-State Band.The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning ahead of predicted Wednesday snowfall, which is expected to blanket parts of central Pennsylvania in 4 to 6 inches of snow.

The warning, which was announced Tuesday afternoon, goes into effect at 6 a.m. Wednesday and remains in effect for 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service.

The warning was issued for Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York, and Lancaster counties. That area, forecasters said, is likely to see heavy snow and mixed precipitation.

Total snow and sleet accumulations of 4 to 6 inches, with localized amounts up to 8 inches, and ice accumulations of one tenth to two tenths of an inch are expected, the warning reads.

The announcement also warned that some areas could experience a snowfall rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour for a period of 4 to 5 hours. That rate is expected during the late morning and early afternoon, forecasters said.

Precipitation likely will change to sleet during the afternoon, then over to lighter freezing rain by Wednesday evening, forecasters said.

Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute on Wednesday. Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times, the announcement reads.A business decision by the nations largest retailer to revamp the role of the people greeter may have the perverse effect of costing a Snyder County man his job.

And for Adam Catlin and the customers hes welcomed over the last 10 years with a big hello, this isnt any old job in an ever-changing economy. Working the front door at the Walmart in Selinsgrove, Snyder County, has become the occupational sun around which his universe orbits.

You see Adam, age 30, lives with cerebral palsy.

The condition and its complications have left him, according to his family, unable to walk without a walker, lacking in fine motor skills with his hands, and legally blind.

But he can smile and cheer people up like nobodys business, so the job as a front-of-the-store greeter - which Adam has held since shortly after his graduation from Midd-West High School - has made him a kind of a superstar in this river town about 60 miles north of Harrisburg.

Adam is Walmart, one shopper, Angela Frampton, wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon.

Shes one of many who took to social media after Catlins mother, Holly, posted an open letter over a notice her son received during his shift Saturday informing him that his job as a people greeter will include several new responsibilities, effective April 26. Adams family believes he will not be able to handle some of the new tasks.

According to the information the Catlins have received, the expanded duties require extensive standing (Adam is seated for most of his shift), the ability to lift and move 25 pounds parcels, to check receipts, to write reports and help with product loss investigations.

Holly Catlin said said she posted her letter out of concern that something that means so much to her son, and that by all accounts he has done well, could be taken away.

I do not want him to lose his job, Holly said in a telephone interview with PennLive from their Kreamer home. Thats his social circle; he loves all the people there... And he just loves doing something and feeling worthwhile.

So much so, Holly Catlin said, that Adam doesnt even take his paid-time-off days.

Its not a one-way street.

Adams employers and Walmart shoppers clearly value him, too.

When he won a gold medal for bench press in the Special Olympics in 2016, the Selinsgrove store put a big poster honoring Adam in the front lobby. When the store was renovated several years ago, co-workers recalled, it was Adam who was chosen to cut the ribbon for the grand re-opening.

He cannot go anywhere else in public without children pointing at him and saying: Theres Adam! Holly Catlin said.

Thats why theres so much concern and alarm about Adams immediate future.

If youre having a bad day and you go in there, he makes your day, shopper Shannon Walters, of Herndon, told ABC affiliate WNEP in one of several news broadcasts prompted by Holly Catlins post. We go in every week and I look forward to seeing him.

The changes.

Walmart isnt trying to be a villain in this. Its just business.

The company announced in 2016 that it was transforming its traditional front-door greeter jobs into customer host positions, described as an associate who greets customers, but also check receipts where appropriate, assists with returns and helps keep entrances clean and safe.

The hosts were initially used in about 1,000 stores nationwide, but over the last two years, spokesman Kory Lundberg said, the concept has been introduced in more and more stores.

As executive vice president of central operations Mark Ibbotson explained it in a company release in 2016, Were using data on safety, security and shrink risks (shoplifting losses) to guide us on how best to staff our entrances. Where our data tells us the risk is higher, well add the new customer host.

No data was immediately available Tuesday evening about shoplifting trends at the Selinsgrove Walmart, which is covered by Pennsylvania State Police.

But apparently the time for the shift to hosts has come to Selinsgrove.

In most cases, the chain says, affected people greeters have either been able to move into the host jobs for a raise, or take other work in the store. Thats not going to be so easy for Adam, who in a telephone interview Tuesday was hard-pressed to think of other jobs at the store that he could physically handle.

There are advocates for the disabled who think the Catlins and their friends can avoid the worst.

Theotis Braddy, chief executive officer for the Harrisburg-based Center for Independent Living of Central PA, noted that under the federal Americans With Disabilities Act, employers are duty-bound to make reasonable accommodations to help a qualified disabled person work.

Thats what ADA wants the employer to do, Braddy said. They do not want them to write a person out of a job, especially when someone has been there for a period of years.

What should happen, Braddy said, is that Adam and his managers have a discussion about which of the new job duties he can cover, which he might need help with, and which the store might be able to assign to other colleagues.

Someone as big as Walmart should be easily able to afford work adjustments and allow this person to continue to work, Braddy said.

The family says its main hope is even easier: That Walmart would consider granting a grandfather status that would protect the status quo for disabled employees like Adam who have been there and been loyal.

The Catlins have been buoyed by an outpouring of support and encouragement from friends and fans of Adams since his mothers post on Monday afternoon - including at least one contact from an attorney who has volunteered his services in a potential job discrimination action.

Holly Catlin stressed Tuesday that she doesnt want that.

She just wants the little world that her disabled son has worked so hard to carve to be preserved.

Adam, for his part, is staying optimistic. Its exactly what youd expect a good people greeter to do.

I love my job and the people that come in," he told PennLive Tuesday evening. And I really like my co-workers too. I made a lot of good friends over the years, so I really hope I keep my job past April 26.

For Mom, its a little bit tougher.

Ive just learned over the years that if you dont fight for your kid, they get walked all over, said Holly Catlin, who assists her son with daily routines like bathing, shaving and getting dressed. His job gives him so much self-worth... I dont want a big mess. I just want his job back.A crash on I-76 eastbound has caused the closure of the Turnpikes left lanes between the Lebanon-Lancaster and Reading exits, according to transportation officials.

Officials posted on Twitter about the crash near Mile Marker 282.9 between Exit 266 (Lebanon-Lancaster) and Exit 286 (Reading).

Accident I-76EB @ MM282.9, bet Lebanon-Lancaster(Exit 266) & Reading(Exit 286) blocking the left lanes  PA Turnpike Alerts (@PATurnpikeAlert) February 20, 2019

The crash is blocking the Turnpikes left lanes.The minute the Harrisburg School District School Board didnt approve a grievance settlement in executive session last week, the contents of the settlement became public knowledge, the president of the union representing Harrisburg teachers said Tuesday night.

Jody Barksdale, also a Rowland Middle School teacher, told school board members at their regularly scheduled meeting that teachers are tired of lies. Harrisburgs Education Association filled the districts meeting room wall-to-wall with teachers, residents and supporters, who said paying teachers salaries that match their years of experience is common sense.

The main reason were here tonight is we thought we had a verbal agreement with the district, Barksdale said. We thought it was a done deal.

But the union was informed of the school boards decision the next day that the district didnt see things the same way.

At dispute is how the district pays its senior teachers. Some educators said they havent had a pay raise in a decade. The association filed a grievance in August 2017.

Harrisburg teachers packed the school board's meeting room Tuesday to show them they want a grievance settlement finalized. Feb. 19, 2019

An attorney representing the school district said the association isnt doing its math properly, and sharing information publicly because the union didnt get its way goes against the spirit of negotiation. No deal had been reached, lead negotiator Jeffrey Sultanik said in a phone interview.

The reasons why the Board, after reviewing this Settlement Proposal in an executive session, refused to agree with it is because the costs are not only a budget-buster and excessive, but also, it does not cure the alleged turnover problem faced by the District, Sultanik wrote in a statement.

Both parties agree that the grievance settlement and the new teachers contract negotiation is taking too long, and the district has a teacher turnover problem, but neither wants to budge on their areas of disagreement. The district says money isnt the answer to the problem.

I dont care what your press release says, Barksdale said to district leaders. And, by the way, a lot of that stuff is false information.

Sultanik wrote in his statement that teachers arent leaving the district because of salaries.

Teachers who work in excess of five years are not leaving the employ of the District because the more veteran the teacher is at Harrisburg, the more competitively they are paid under the negotiated salary schedule," he wrote. All this settlement would do is to perpetuate the existing inequitable salary structure.

The district has to follow the Pennsylvania Department of Educations Amended Recovery Plan, Sultanik said, which limits how much money the district can pay its teacher over the years of a new contract.

The Association is simply using the Step Placement Grievance as a way to get additional compensation to its membership without impacting the limits on salary compensation that the Board has already offered to make as part of the negotiations process, he continued.

It has been in excess of 234 days since the Collective Bargaining Agreement expired and that we have no Contract settlement, Sultanik explained. And, it has been almost 14 months since bargaining commenced between the parties.

He said the union has yet to make a salary proposal, which could have the net impact of reducing employee turnover.

"Indeed, employee turnover has nothing to do with veteran teachers, since the veteran teachers are not leaving the employ of the District due to their compensation. It is the less veteran teachers who are leaving the employ of the District, he wrote.

Harrisburg teachers packed the school board's meeting room Tuesday to show them they want a grievance settlement finalized. Feb. 19, 2019

The board is willing to continue to bargain in good faith and believes that the Step Placement Grievance can be resolved by correcting compensation deficiencies for a far smaller amount than that demanded by the Association, he wrote.

We ask that the Association stop its disingenuous rhetoric and focus on coming to the bargaining table with a comprehensive salary proposal, he said. Unfortunately, the Association, which initially indicated that it was available for a bargaining session on March 4, 2019, changed its mind about attending that bargaining session and the parties do not have a bargaining session until April 4, 2019.

Barksdale said the Jan. 23 settlement agreement would have cost the district $717,000, far less than the $1.9 million for the settlement that the district included in its preliminary budget. The settlement money would have gone toward increasing pay for underpaid veteran teachers.

She said she wont give him a salary schedule until the grievance is settled. And, if the grievance ends up in litigation, she is prepared to argue her side, too.

There are several other items that are not affiliated with money, but he doesnt want to talk about that, Barksdale said. He doesnt care about the other stuff. We care about the other stuff. Weve done nothing wrong, weve broken no laws. It shouldnt come to that."

Many in the audience Tuesday said theyre watching board members, and they werent happy with what they saw. The school board had the authority to approve the grievance settlement presented to them by the district last week.

After a school district budget presentation and before public comment was opened, Superintendent Sybil Knight-Burney thanked the teachers in the room.

We have to make some tough decisions, some hard decisions, she said. That doesnt mean we dont respect you or appreciate you. We need to come to the table together, and look at how we could give you the raises you deserve, thats what we want to give you. We do hear you. And, we do want to give you what you deserve. We absolutely do. We thank you for the sacrifices that you make.

Naraun Tarry, and his wife, Mandy said the board isnt using common sense. He pointed out that some school board members seemed like they werent paying attention throughout the meeting, and that in order for students to get the best education possible, the district needs to take care of its teachers.

School leaders arent communicating openly and honestly, Barksdale said. She told them if teachers dont get a raise, and if anybody else does get a raise, "you will see an uproar in this community and in this association.

If we cant go up on the scale, then nobody else in this room should either, she said.Despite a 7-to-0 unanimous vote to deny a STEAM charter application, the president of the academy said she plans to appeal Harrisburg School Board members decision.

Pennsylvania Charter School law requires the school board to approve or deny an application. But it also allows for the applicant to appeal a denial.

The only comment made to a backdrop of teachers, teacher supporters and district residents Tuesday night was by President Danielle Robinson.

In my time here, weve had roughly nine charter school applications that have come to the school board, she said. And, as far as I know, only two have gone through. And, I think we need to make sure that people understand we are not, it doesnt matter who sits on your board, it doesnt matter whos backing you, it doesnt matter whos behind you, we are not just going to hand our children off to you. That just happens to be my opinion.

School board member Brian Carter was unable to attend the regularly scheduled meeting.

For the past two-and-a-half years, Carolyn Dumaresq said she has been looking for the best programs for the proposed STEAM Academys curriculum. The former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education under then Republican Gov. Tom Corbett has said that she wants to work with the school district to crack the cycle of poverty linked to poor academic performance.

Dumaresq said she and her team, which includes another former state secretary of education, Ron Tomalis, were certainly disappointed the school board struck down the charters application. She said she is working with her attorney on the next steps forward to appeal the districts decision.

No explanation was provided for why they denied the application.

Harrisburg teachers, who attended Tuesday evening's school board meeting, were among those in the crowd who chanted, "no more charter schools."

The science, technology, engineering, mathematics and arts academy would be housed on the third floor of 1500 N. 3rd Street, Greenworks Development Chief Executive Officer Doug Neidich has said. Hes also supporting Dumaresqs efforts.

Robinson was the only board member to be at the charter applications second public hearing. Several board members were either out of town or sick the day the second hearing was scheduled, Robinson had said.

Administrators noted a number of concerns at the second public hearing. Among them, they said, the charter application lacked written policy and procedures, namely in communication, and enrollment. Questions were posed to the charters board members about their designed curriculum and whether the charters board considered the districts demographics when selecting its academic choices.

Budgeting and staffing adequately also were broached as concerns. A discrepancy was found with the STEAM Academys budget during the meeting, and it was noted that the STEAM Academys budget was incorrect. Representatives of the charter school agreed their numbers were off.

No resident spoke at the charters second public hearing, unlike Tuesday night, when a union representative and a resident approached the mic. They said the district needs to get its financial house in order.

Many in the crowd wore red to support teachers, who were pushing district leaders to explain why a grievance settlement that would increase some senior teachers salaries hasnt been finalized.

They chanted, No more charter schools."

Not all of a students per-pupil allocation follows the student because the district needs to fund its own programs such as student transportation, Dumaresq has explained.

There is no for-profit component to this proposal, she continued. There are no additional fees, or tuition, per student and no increased costs to the district, Dumaresq said.

The inaugural classes would consist of students in kindergarten, first and second grades. There would be about 20 students in each classroom, Dumareq said, and one teacher and one teachers aide for every 10 students.

Classroom seats would go to Harrisburg School District students first before they would be opened to students attending nearby school districts, Dumaresq said. The academy board would use a lottery to determine who would attend the charter, she said. If a students number is pulled, and he or she has siblings in the corresponding grades, then the family could attend the academy, she said.The state of hate in Pennsylvania exploded onto the world stage last year with the October shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh that left 11 dead. The shooting is believed to be the single-worst anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history.

But a new report released Wednesday shows that the organized advocacy of hatred by one group towards others has been a persistent problem for the Keystone State. The Southern Poverty Law Centers report on hate groups counted 36 distinct hate groups as operational in Pennsylvania in 2018.

The 36 groups counted here was unchanged from 2017, and also equals the 10-year average for Pennsylvania from 2008 through 2017.

In raw numbers, that leaves Pennsylvania tied for eighth-place nationally, with Ohio and Tennessee, in the number of hate groups operating here. California leads with 83. But when indexed to population, the Keystone State falls outside of the top 10.

Nationwide, the report counted 1,020 active hate groups in 2018, marking an all-time high, the SPLC reported.

The number represents a 7-percent increase from 2017 and a 30-percent jump over the past four years. The previous record high of 1,018 hate groups was recorded in 2011, but then the number dropped for a few years, the SPLC said.

The annual SPLC count attempts to track all parts of the hate spectrum, from the Ku Klux Klan and white nationalist gangs to neo-Nazis to black nationalists.

Groups on the list have all done some real-life activity over the course of the year as captured by news reports, law enforcement, citizen monitors or their own publications. Those acts can range from holding marches or rallies, leafletting areas with recruitment flyers, having regular meetings or, in the worst cases, committing criminal acts.

Entities that appear to exist only in cyberspace are not included.

For a look at SPLCs interactive map, click here.

Chad Dion Lassiter, executive director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, said he suspects the persistence in the Pennsylvania hate group count is tied to several factors, including:

Economic dislocation.

The decline of coal, steel and general manufacturing in Pennsylvania has created a new class of economically-disadvantaged residents, who are more prone to those who would look to blame others for their problems, and;

Cultural sameness.

In large swaths of Pennsylvania, especially in many of the smaller towns and rural areas that have been hit hardest by the economic changes, there is not a great deal of cultural diversity. So fewer people are racially socialized, as Lassiter put it Wednesday.

Heidi Beirich, director of the SPLCs Intelligence Project, assigns some of the blame to President Donald Trump. She contends Trumps inflammatory rhetoric and policies have given people across America the go-ahead to act on their worst instincts.

SPLC cited, as a prominent example, the case of Robert Bowers, who killed 11 at Pittsburghs Tree of Life. Prosecutors have said Bowers was motivated in the attack by hatred of Jews.

The SPLC defines a hate group as an organization that  based on its official statements or principles, the statements of its leaders, or its activities  has beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Groups operating in Pennsylvania cover a wide range of targets.

Ten of the groups are categorized as identifying with the KKK, as white nationalist or racist skinhead, all of which adhere to some form of white supremacist ideology. Five more were identified as neo-Nazi, whose principal targets are Jews.

But 11 of the Pennsylvania groups fell into the black nationalist movement, which SPLC defines as a reaction to centuries of institutionalized white supremacy in America. Members often advocate for forming separate institutions, or even a separate nation, for black people.

Lassiter added this caveat.

While he denounces their vitriol and expressed hatred for any segment of society, its a reality, he said, to note the black nationalists have typically not resorted to the type of race-based violence thats so central to the legacy of the white supremacist movements.

Two groups in Pennsylvania are identified as anti-Muslim, and one is anti-LGBT. The seven others fell into a general hate category.

Lassiter and his boss, Gov. Tom Wolf, said the SLPC map reaffirms Pennsylvanians have work to do to live up to William Penns ideals of tolerance and respect for all.

The Tree of Life shooting was a tragic reminder of how dangerous hatred can be," Wolf said in an emailed comment about the SPLC report.

"It is our obligation to protect our citizens. Our state police, along with federal and local partners, monitor for any groups that engage in criminal activity, including those driven by hatred. I strongly support any effort to reduce hate-based crimes and further protect citizens.

PHRC, Lassiter added, will continue to do its part through the investigation of all discrimination and bias complaints brought to its attention. The group is organizing No Hate In Our State town halls and other events designed to generate community-based solutions to race-based incidents, and continuing to celebrate the benefits of cultural diversity in schools and elsewhere.President Donald Trump has finally found something on a news media site that he actually likes.

Theres a hitch, though.

That Trump-praised piece was written by one of the leaders of his election campaign. It was titled Trumps approval rating defies critics and ran as an opinion piece on PennLive this past Friday.

On Tuesday, over lunch, the president highlighted the op-ed on his much-followed Facebook feed. Readership of the piece promptly soared.

I will continue to take my message directly to the American people and avoid the filter of the Fake News Media? the nations chief executive trumpeted.

I will continue to take my message directly to the American people and avoid the filter of the Fake News Media! Posted by Donald J. Trump on Tuesday, February 19, 2019

The author of the Trump-praising op-ed was Michael Glassner, chief operating officer of Donald J. Trump for President Inc. His byline was on the column, and a note clearly explained his role in Trumps campaign.

Glassners argument is that the American people like it when the president sidesteps the mainstream media and takes his case straight to the public via his tweets and such.

He insisted the biased press intentionally try to portray Trump as a failure. He cited a poll that reported the presidents approval rating at 52 percent after Trumps State of the Union message. In Trump-like mine is bigger than yours fashion, Glassner insisted that number bests President Obamas approval numbers at that stage of the Democrats presidency.

Try as they might, the fake news media just cant turn the American people against Donald Trump when they dont control the way his America First message is presented, he wrote.

Readership of Glassners piece soared, at least briefly, following Trumps Facebook post.UPDATE: I-83 traffic moving again, slowly

A portion of Interstate 83 southbound is closed in Cumberland and York counties due to the winter weather.

Traffic was backing up, and according to PennDOT, I-83 south is now closed between Exit 40B to New Cumberland and Exit 35 to Pennsylvania Route 177 and Lewisberry.

All southbound lanes are closed.Pennsylvania Turnpike officials are urging motorists to exit at Valley Forge.

That is because multiple vehicle crashes have resulted in major delays on I-76 westbound neat the exit, according to a Twitter post from officials.

Motorists should exit at Valley Forge to avoid major delays, the post reads.

The crashes came at the same time as a winter storm, which is expected to deliver inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain to central Pennsylvania.A long day of wintry weather is ahead Wednesday, and central Pennsylvania will see the worst of it, according to the National Weather Service.

Lebanon, Newport, Harrisburg, Carlisle, Bedford, Gettysburg and Chambersburg are all in line for the storm to hit head on, with a predicted 6 inches of snow falling in each area.

In predictions released at 7:35 p.m., the NWS said theres a 10 percent chance that Harrisburg and York could see up to 8 inches of snow, while other parts of the state could see from 8 inches to upwards of a foot of snow.

The lowest expected snowfall is 3 inches across north central Pa., along and north of Route 80.

AccuWeather is in agreement with the NWS, showing a 65 percent chance that between 3 and 6 inches of snow will fall, and a nearly 30 percent chance of between 6 and 10 inches of snow falling.

Philadelphia is forecast to get 2 to 4 inches, with some ice in the late afternoon and evening before switching to rain overnight. Pittsburgh is expecting much the same, with the changeover to sleet and then rain taking place over the lunch hour.

Ice is expected to be a major factor, with under a tenth of an inch of ice in Harrisburg, Lebanon, Newport and other areas. West of Harrisburg, in Carlisle, Mount Union, Altoona and Johnstown, more than a tenth of ice could accumulate, the NWS said.

In Somerset, nearly two-tenths of an inch of ice could be seen, according to the NWS.

On the opposite end of spectrum, York and Lancaster are expected to see some sleet and ice accumulation, according to the NWS.

A winter storm warning is in effect for Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York and Lancaster counties, warning of snow accumulations between 4 and 6 inches.

The NWS warns that heavy snow and heavy mixed precipitation will be seen, with the heaviest snow falling at a rate of an inch or 2 per hour for four or five hours in the late morning and early afternoon. The storm will then change to sleet, then lighter freezing rain by Wednesday evening.

Difficult travel conditions are expected, and several travel restrictions for Pa. roads are already in place.

Schools across the region are also already calling for snow days.WILLIAMSPORT - A New York State man who served time for threatening to kill President Obama has been found competent to stand trial on a new charge the accuses him of threatening to kill President Trump.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann Wednesday made the ruling after hearing the treatment he had ordered in June for Jared Marc Brown, 21, of Lockport, had been successful.

Assistant public defender Gerald Lord concurred with the finding. Brown participated in the hearing by video from a prison in Virginia.

It was the opinion of a forensic psychologist following an evaluation ordered in October 2017 that Brown suffered from a mental disease that prevented him from properly assisting in his defense.

Brann declared Brown in March 2018 incompetent to stand trial and three months later ordered him committed to a Bureau of Prisons medical facility in Missouri to undergo treatment for borderline personality traits.

Brown is accused of threatening Trump in a letter he wrote while at the Allenwood Federal Penitentiary on June 14, 2017.

This type of letter usually is intercepted before it leaves the prison but there is nothing in court documents to confirm it happened in this case.

Brown's earlier prosecution stemmed from an October 2015 phone call in Lockport to police during which he threatened to kill Obama and a judge. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by three years supervised release.

Brown was in Allenwood after being sentenced in February 2017 to two years in prison for violating terms of his supervised release.Krissy Whitlock is weathering a storm of emotions.

Five days ago, a Dauphin County jury acquitted two Harrisburg men of murdering her 27-year-old brother Frankie. And Krissy is certain that justice wasnt done.

It wasnt done from the start, even when Harrisburg police began investigating Frankies July 2016 slaying in an alley off the 1200 block of Hunter Street, she said Tuesday.

The detectives didnt do a thorough investigation, Krissy said. They didnt investigate the way they should have investigated.

That angers me, she added.

The acquittals of Kurt Tasker and Vernon King, the men accused of fatally shooting Frank Whitlock, came Friday after the jury deliberated about two hours. Tasker was acquitted of all charges in the case. His lawyer, Bryan Walk, said Tasker wasnt even present during the slaying. King was acquitted of murder but was convicted on a gun possession charge.

Frankie, who was released from prison several months before he was killed, was shot while coming to the rescue of a woman, Krissy said.

He had been working to reacclimate to society, she said, to reconnect with her and his now-8-year-old son. He was truly an innocent victim, Krissy said. He was not a killer. He did not carry a gun.

Frankie was a protector, she added. And Frankie was a humble person. He wasnt a hotheadHe was just someone who did serve time in jail and he was trying to come home and do the right thing.

He was a good man who did not deserve to lose his life like this.

Although the trial of the men accused of his murder might have been fair from a strictly legal standpoint, Frankie didnt get a fair trial because the police department didnt do its job, Krissy said.

She claimed investigators had hardly any contact with her during the homicide probe and that she had to reach out to a detective. She said she was told by investigators that the case was weak.

Michelle Polito, a lifelong friend of Frankie, seconded Krissys opinion. She, too, sat through much of the trial and said she was underwhelmed by the police investigation.

This is definitely hitting home, Polito said. I never thought Id have to face losing a friend to the streets...Im never going to be able to watch Frankie grow into a better person than he already was.

That void in our hearts is never going to be filled.

Krissy said shes not sure how to move on. Its been difficult for Frankies son, too, she said. Hes not doing well at all with this, she said. He doesnt know why his dad isnt here.

Theres also the question of what else are we going to do? now that those accused have been acquitted.

Are we just going to let the killers get away? Krissy asked. Frankie didnt deserve this. And he doesnt deserve to let this (verdict) just be it.The City of Harrisburg is prepping their public works department for the major winter storm expected to hit the region on Wednesday morning.

City spokesperson Joyce Davis said the Public Works Department will be staffing 16 trucks to be deployed in eight areas around the city to try to keep major roads clear. Sanitation workers will start removing trash on Wednesday at 4 a.m., which is an hour earlier than usual. They will continue working until the weather becomes hazardous.

Sanitation trucks will return on Thursday to collect trash that is not collected before the storm.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse is advising residents to avoid driving when road conditions become hazardous, with forecasts showing freezing rain and icy roads following a morning snow storm.

Papenfuse also declared a liberal leave for all non-essential city workers on Wednesday.Hearings began Tuesday in Harrisburg in a federal case over whether Pennsylvanias prison system is violating inmates First Amendment Rights.

Legal mail is at the center of the debate.

In October, the prison system changed its policy concerning privileged communications between inmates and their attorneys.

It was one of many security-tightening measures the Department of Corrections took in response to what its officials say is an increasing problem with synthetic drugs getting into prisons.

Instead of directly giving inmates letters from their lawyers, the letters are now photocopied in front of the recipients, and the prison temporarily retains the original.

The case is being brought by the ACLU and a few other inmate-advocacy groups. In the first few hours of trial, theyve called two attorneys and an inmate as witnesses.

The attorneys both say theyve completely stopped sending legal mail to prisons. In some cases, that has delayed trials and led to logistical nightmares in setting up in-person visits.

The first attorney to testify was ACLU Deputy Legal Director Mary Katherine Roper. She testified that she feels there is no guarantee prison staff wont read confidential mail although she does note the DOC policy prohibits it in most cases.

The second attorney witness, Leane Renee, is the assistant federal public defender in the Middle District of Pennsylvanias Capital Habeas Unit. She represents death row inmates, and said the DOCs new policy doesnt meet her offices ethical standards.

She said she has about 15 clients in Pennsylvania, and that not being able to send them confidential mail has been stifling.

Inmate Davon Hayes also testified. He is currently housed in SCI Smithfield. Hayes has been involved in a lot of litigation since his incarceration in 2005much related to his treatment in prison.

He said he thinks prison staffers can read his legal mail now, and is on board with his lawyers decision to no longer send it.

The states defense has not yet called its own witnesses.A group of middle schoolers from Lancaster County on Tuesday won the grand prize in a national engineering competition that challenges students to solve problems impacting cities.

The Warwick Middle School students won the 2019 Future City Competition during finals held this week in Washington, D.C. The competition involved more than 40,000 students from 1,500 middle schools in the United States, Canada and China. The competition is in its 27th year.

Its unbelievable. Very surreal, their teacher, Mike Smith, said from Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.

The students are seventh- and eight-graders in the schools gifted program and their winning entry was their major project for the year, said Smith, a gifted support teacher.

Participants were challenged to design new ways to power a city that can withstand or quickly recover from a natural disaster. Students used a software program to design a city, built a tabletop model, wrote an essay and gave a presentation.

We really hit the research hard and prepared ourselves for every question they could ask us, Smith said.

Smith said the students began their research as soon as the topic was announced last spring. They devised power supplies and means of storage, along with protections and backup systems, that could withstand a natural disaster. They built a library of research and went so far as to speak by phone with the chief resiliency officer for Toyama, Japan, which is acclaimed for its urban resiliency strategy, Smith said.

In addition to winning the overall grand prize, the Warwick students also were honored for best model.

They will receive trips to U.S. Space Camp and $7,500 toward their schools science, technology, engineering and mathematics program, known as STEM.

A team from Alabama won second place, according to a news release.

The Warwick Middle School students are: Grace Kegel, Lauren Matt, Xavier Flaiz, Matthew Bacon, Joseph Conrad, Carter Hain, Connor Henry, Paige Misavage, Ivan Tejeda, Liam Zee, Jonah Ahlers, Olivia Boland, Zoe Buchanan, Kyle Charles, Ben Cosmore, Marin Davis, Carolyn Eisenbach, Nate Hovan, Thomas Jeanes, Caden Lausch, Elena Smith, Aiden Troop, Rebekah Trovinger, Maggie Turner and Nate Wenger. They were helped by volunteer mentor Christian Kegel, 15, according to the news release.

Smith said students from Warwick have gone to the finals six years in a row.Luis Saldana-Figueroa illegally entered the U.S. not once, not twice, but three times.

The 34-year-old Mexican citizen was deported twice, in 2011 and 2014, then was arrested for a third illegal entry after he was pulled over for drunken driving in Dauphin County in April 2017.

A federal judge ruled that Saldana-Figueroa can stay in the U.S. for another four years. He apparently doesnt like the accommodations, however.

Hes spending that latest stint in America in a federal prison.

On Tuesday, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit told Saldana-Figueroa he can stay behind bars. It upheld the prison term imposed by U.S. Middle District Senior Judge Sylvia H. Rambo on Saldana-Figueroas latest illegal entry conviction.

In an opinion by Judge Juan R. Sanchez, the circuit court rejected Saldana-Figueroas claim that his punishment is unreasonable.

Sanchez found Rambo properly chose Saldana-Figueroas penalty after considering, among other things, his three DUI convictions in the U.S. and other convictions for driving under license suspension and providing false identification to law enforcement.

The circuit judges cited Rambos concern that two of Saldana-Figueroas DUIs involved blood-alcohol levels above 0.2 percent, more than twice the legal limit in Pennsylvania. Rambo observed that driving with such a high BAC can lead to accidents and deaths, Sanchez wrote.

He seconded Rambos conclusion that a prison term was needed to deter further crimes and to ensure Saldana-Figueroa undergoes treatment for substance abuse.

Saldana-Figueroa will be deported again after completing his prison term.On Feb. 20, 1962, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth.

Glenn rocketed into space aboard Mercury's Friendship 7 spacecraft.

The craft circled Earth three times in 4 hours, 56 minutes before splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean, 800 miles southeast of Bermuda.

According to NASA, this was "one of the most important flights in American history. The mission? Send a man to orbit Earth, observe his reactions and return him home safely. The pilot of this historic flight, John Glenn, became a national hero and a symbol of American ambition.

In 1958, John Glenn participated in a series of tests designed to select the first group of astronauts for the newly formed NASA Manned Space Program. Each astronaut candidate, from an original pool of 508, had to meet seven criteria.

They had to be test pilot school graduates in excellent physical shape, less than 40 years old, shorter than 5 feet 11 inches, qualified jet pilots, and they had to have at least 1,500 hours flying time and bachelors' degrees in engineering. Glenn met all the requirements.

He also had a reputation as one of the best test pilots in the country. In July 1957, he had set a transcontinental speed record by flying from Los Angeles to New York in 3 hours and 23 minutes. It was the first transcontinental flight to average supersonic speed.

In April of 1959, John Glenn was selected as a member of the first group of astronauts, the 'Mercury Seven.' He was joined by Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton. NASA Glenn's Multiple Axis Space Test Inertia Facility, or Gimbal Rig, was one of the many facilities where the seven astronauts trained for their missions. After three years of training, John Glenn rocketed into space aboard the Mercury capsule Friendship 7. He became the third American in space and the first to orbit Earth. The historical flight was no easy feat. At the end of his first orbit, a yaw attitude jet clogged, forcing Glenn to abandon the automatic control system and use the manual electrical fly-by-wire system. In 4 hours and 56 minutes, John Glenn circled the globe three times, reaching speeds of more than 17,000 miles per hour. The successful mission concluded with a splashdown and recovery in the Atlantic Ocean, 800 miles southeast of Bermuda.

John Glenn instantly became a hero. President John Kennedy awarded him the Space Congressional Medal of Honor. Schools and streets across the country were named after him. And a ticker tape parade in New York City celebrated his mission."

John Glenn resigned as an astronaut in January 1964. In October 1964 he was promoted to a colonel in the Marine Corps and retired on Jan. 1, 1965, according to NASA.

Glenn was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1974. He served four consecutive terms.

In 1998, he flew on the STS-95 Discovery shuttle flight, a nine-day mission.

Glenn died Dec. 8, 2016, in the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.Two Pennsylvanians  one a World War II veteran, the other an author who documented his wartime experience  came to Harrisburg, and were greeted by a large crowd, the mayor of the city, and a Sherman tank.

The veteran, Clarence Smoyer, was a tank gunner who became famous after his actions during the Battle of Cologne. There, Smoyer and the rest of his tank crew faced off against a German tank in one of the wars most famous tank duels.

The armored face-off for the fate of the city was captured on film.

That film went home, and it went around the world, said author Adam Makos. And [Clarences] family in Lehighton, Pennsylvania watched their son on the screen.

My sister-in-law had gone to the theater and was watching the news reel, Smoyer said. All of a sudden, this war scene came in there. I came crawling out of the tank and she she yells, Oh my gosh, thats Hun! It was my nickname at home, because I was the youngest  Honey at first, and shortened to Hun. She couldnt believe it.

Years later, Makos would interview Smoyer about the battle, and both men came to the Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg for the release of Makos book, Spearhead: An American Tank Gunner, His Enemy, And A Collision of Lives in World War II.

Frank Buck of Gettysburg, a collector of military vehicles, supplied the tank, which was brought by flatbed truck to Harrisburg before being driven down a portion of Third Street to rest outside of the Midtown Scholar Bookstore.

In honor of the books release, Mayor Eric Papenfuse, who is also the owner of the Midtown Scholar Bookstore, awarded Smoyer with the key to the city of Harrisburg for his service during the war. Makos and Smoyers first signed copy went to Buck for his contribution to the days event.

Smoyer said it was great to see a Sherman tank again.

It was my home away from home, Smoyer said. At one point, we spent 15 days without even getting a shower or anything, just living in the tank.

During the famous face-off at Cologne, however, Smoyers tank crew was assigned to the newer Pershing tank, and tasked with taking down an enemy Panther tank that had already crippled two American tanks.

After exchanging fire with the Panther, Smoyer said, the enemy vehicle pulled behind a wall for cover. Smoyer fired an armor-piercing shell through the building, collapsing it onto the German tank and pinning it.

Long after the war, Smoyer would meet Gustav Schaefer, the gunner of the German tank with whom he had fought. That meeting, along with a recounting of Smoyers wartime experience, formed the foundation of Spearhead.

I knew there was an amazing story there, Makos said.

Despite the circumstances of their original meeting, Smoyer and Schaefer became friends, sharing stories over beers or communicating via Skype. At his last meeting with Schaefer, Smoyer said that the German told him, Maybe well meet again some day.

Shortly after that he did pass away, Smoyer said. I guess hes paving the way for me up there.

Smoyer shared other stories with the crowd, including a harrowing experience where his tank caught fire, forcing him and his crewmates to crawl out an escape hatch and into a ditch while under German fire.

Nicknamed Smick by his tank commander, Smoyer took down five German Panther tanks during the war. Makos referred to Smoyer as a gentle giant, despite him earning epithets such as the Panther Killer of Cologne.

He was a great gunner not because he hated the enemy, not because he wanted to kill as many people as possible, but because he wanted to protect his family, Makos said. The men inside that tank were his brothers and his family, and he knew the more aggressive he was in battle, the better chance they would have to come home to their families.Milton Pearce Blake was born in Pauls Valley, Okla., on June 1, 1938, the second child of Ragna Elizabeth and Roger Blake. He passed away at 83 years of age on June 11, 2021 in the Pauls Valley home in which he had been born.Patna: Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) chief Pappu Yadav on Tuesday met with the family members of martyr Sanjay Kumar Sinha, the CRPF jawan from Bihar who died in the recent Pakistan-sponsored act of terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir, in Masaurhi and pledged to take care of the family as long as he was able to do so.

Yadav handed over Rs. 1 lakh in cash to the family and assured the parents of the fallen soldier that he would continue to support them so they dont feel alone in the world in the absence of their brave son.

I am with you in your hour of need and in all future events. I will personally pay for the medical education of Om Prakash (Sinhas son) and will also take the responsibility of the marriage of his two daughters, the MP from Madhepura said after paying floral tribute to the fallen CRPF jawan.

Yadav then blamed both the state government and the Modi government at the Center of doing politics over the victims of terrorism saying they were all talks when it came to taking care of martyrs.

The Prime Minister, just a day after the Pulwama terrorist attack when the nation was still grieving over the massacre of our 40 jawans, went on to inaugurate new projects in Bihar and elsewhere. This was ill-timed and sent wrong messages to the family members of the martyrs, he said adding the Pulwama attack was the result of the failure of the Indian intelligence agencies that, despite being warned by the US of a possible attack on the Indian soil, chose to ignore it.

Earlier on Sunday, the JAP chief had met with the other martyr from Bihar, Ratan Kumar Thakur, at his residence in Bhagalpur where he pledged to take care of his children besides giving them Rs. 1 lakh in cash.Patna: Opposition leaders in Bihar on Tuesday slammed the NDA government in the state after the Nitish administration released the Rs. 176,990 crore budget for the fiscal year 2018-19.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress leaders, as aniticipated, declared the budget dead on arrival as it had nothing for the poor and backwards of the state.

Leading the opposition camp was none other than RJD son of Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav who said that his party had a lot of hope from Nitish Kumar but in the end, the budget turned out to be a complete dud that contained a lot of bones but no flesh on them.

"It is obvious Nitish Kumar, since going back to the NDA, has dropped his demand for Special Status for Bihar. We all know the country cannot develop without the development of Bihar and yet there was no mention of special status in the state budget," the RJD leader said.

Senior RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui had a different approach to criticize the budget.

"I was the real Finance Minister of Bihar because our party had come into power by winning elections unlike the BJP that seized power through the backdoor. Like Sushil Kumar Modi, this budget is also not the real stuff because it did not come from me. Moreover, the budget has slashed allocation for the minority welfare programs and that will not bode well for the NDA in the next state elections.

Congress leader and former minister Madan Mohan Jha also criticized the budget saying no one was happy with it as it did nothing for the ordinary people of Bihar.

Congress state President Kaukab Qadri also did not see anything worthwhile in the NDA budget saying it did not contain anything that would reduce poverty in Bihar and there was no mention of setting up large industries in the state.

"Nitish Kumar went to China five years ago and then to Japan last week but he did not bring any investment for Bihar from either of the two countries. It seems the budget was released in a hurry just to complete a formality," Qadri said.Patna: With his tenure coming to an end with his retirement tomorrow, Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) P K Thakur paves way for his successor K S Dwivedi who will become the 50th DGP of Bihar, a government notification announced on Tuesday.

Dwivedi, a 1984-batch IPS officer, is currently posted as the DG (Training). His tenure, however, will come to an end on January 31, 2018.

A native of Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh, Dwivedi graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biology from Allahabad University. He later earned a law and a master's degree in philosophy from the same university.

With his extensive experience in combating Naxals in both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh between 2004 and 2009 during his central deputation, the new DGP is expected to deal with Maoist forces in Bihar with stern hand.

Dwivedi earlier served as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bhagalpur at the time when one of the worst communal riots in the history of Bihar broke out resulting in the death of over a thousand people, 900 of which were believed to be Muslims, and displacement of over 50,000 households as a result of the carnage.

Talking to the reporters in Patna, the new DGP said that he would continue to make the state police people-friendly like his successor while keeping focus on maintaining law and order in the state.Pope Francis raised more than a few eyebrows recently when he addressed the sexual exploitation of women religious by members of the clergy. Its an issue thats been covered up for far too long, the pontiff suggests.

Or is it?

What immediately came to mind for me was that lurid nineteenth century bestseller, The Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk, which addressed this very topic. During the years leading up to the Civil War, it sold over 300,000 copies. (It still has readers today.) Reputedly written by an ex-nun, Charles Morris calls it the Uncle Toms Cabin of anti-Catholicism.

Admittedly the book was proved to be a forgery not long after its release, but that didnt stop people from reading it, and believing it. In the book, an idealistic young woman joins a convent, which she soon learns is connected to the priests residence via an underground tunnel. She also learns, according to the author, that one of my great duties was to obey the priests in all things; and this I soon learnt, to my utter astonishment and horror, was to live in the practice of criminal intercourse with them.

As the convents dark secrets are revealed, priests enter nightly to slake their lustful desires. Nuns give birth to babies who are immediately baptized, smothered, and tossed into a lime pit to eliminate the evidence. Those who protest are put on trial and sentenced to death by the bishop. Theyre tied between mattresses and literally stamped to death by the rest of the nuns. Eventually the protagonist makes her escape and seeks to raise public awareness of the evils therein.

The escaped nun genre long predates Maria Monk, but when it came to things anti-Catholic, no other book has captured peoples attention like this one. Historian Maureen Fitzgerald writes: the belief that convents were brothels for the use of priests, in which women were tortured and raped, was not not limited to a fringe of nativist fanatics.

Throughout the nineteenth century, and well into the twentieth, women religious had to battle the stereotypes this book popularized. At one convent in 1850s New Hampshire, for example, Sister Gonzaga OBrien conducted tours on Saturday afternoons for curious locals who expected to see dungeons, torture rooms and underground tunnels. (Some visitors, in hushed voices, promised to aid her escape.)

In the years immediately preceding World War I, state legislatures in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Arkansas passed what were known as Convent Inspection Bills. Lurid imaginations envisioned priests holding young women against their will as sex slaves, in convents that were really prisons. One Arkansas historian writes:

The Arkansas law allowed for sheriffs and constables to inspect convents, hospitals, asylums, seminaries, and rectories on a regular basis. The purpose, as stated in one section, was to afford every person within the confines of said institutions, the fullest opportunity to divulge the truth to their detention therein. If twelve citizens petitioned local authorities, law enforcement could enter these facilities day or night without notice.

Eventually, these laws were repealed, the last one in Georgia in 1966.

Every myth has some kernel of truth to it. Maybe there are no tunnels, but some clergy have indeed used their authority to sexually exploit women under their control. Admittedly, historians only now are coming to examine the issue of sexual abuse more closely than we have in the past, and we dont know as much about it as we should. We need to know more. Knowing our past can help us as a Church address and overcome historic dysfunctions which, sadly, as the pope has pointed out, still exist today.Continuing his discussion of the theology of Pope Francis, Dan Amiri writes:

Guardini is not the only influence on Pope Francis, of course. Pope Francis theology seems heavily influenced by his pastoral work in Argentina. That is to say, Pope Francis theology is pastoral in nature, and it is also shaped by his experiences in Argentina.

Pope Francis biography on the Vatican website is eager to mention that Francis is a simple pastor. Like St. John Paul II, he has an acute awareness of and sympathy with the difficulties of the laity trying to do their best in everyday life. St. John Paul II was able to write Love and Responsibility and the Theology of the Body, rooted as they are in a deep philosophical and theological tradition, not because he simply reasoned to it, but because he understood deeply what makes relationships work through many hours of counseling and pastoral support to engaged and married Catholics.

Similarly, Amoris Laetitia is written from the unique perspective of a pastor who has journeyed with people through seemingly impossible situations. When Francis writes, therefore, he is not writing merely to educate or elucidate, although there is plenty of that. Rather, Francis writes to guide and direct, to provide encouragement and sometimes a kick in the pants.

The most pastoral examples of his are, of course, Amoris Laetitia and Gaudete et Exsultate, in which in several places the Pope addresses directly to you. Akin to his very personal theology, Francis takes a very personal approach in his writing. He writes,

You too need to see the entirety of your life as a mission. Try to do so by listening to God in prayer and recognizing the signs that he gives you. Always ask the Spirit what Jesus expects from you at every moment of your life and in every decision you must make, so as to discern its place in the mission you have received. Allow the Spirit to forge in you the personal mystery that can reflect Jesus Christ in todays world.

Amoris Laetitia created waves by some of its more difficult-to-accept pastoral directives. However, the bulk of the document is written with a special concern toward family life, even mundane as it is sometimes. He writes in a style that is serious about the problems facing families but also celebratory of of their love and devotion to each other.

In the family, three words need to be used. I want to repeat this! Three words: Please, Thank you, Sorry. Three essential words!. In our families when we are not overbearing and ask: May I?; in our families when we are not selfish and can say: Thank you!; and in our families when someone realizes that he or she did something wrong and is able to say Sorry!, our family experiences peace and joy. Let us not be stingy about using these words, but keep repeating them, day after day.

These small examples may be kitschy, but what I am arguing for goes beyond style. Rather, his pastoral approach represents a deep orientation to each person as an individual who is living his own Christian journey. As discussed in my other article about Romano Guardini, I believe this relates to a personal conviction of the pontiff that life is a series of I-Thou relationships, in which people extend themselves to others and receive others in return, saying, It is good that you exist.

It would be the wrong time to get into a full treatment of liberation theology here, but it cannot be omitted either. To what extent did the young Francis agree or disagree with liberation theology? What impact did it have on his theology?

On the one hand, Francis very much takes seriously the Churchs option for the poor. Francis writes,

For the Church, the option for the poor is primarily a theological category rather than a cultural, sociological, political or philosophical one. God shows the poor his first mercy. This divine preference has consequences for the faith life of all Christians, since we are called to have this mind which was in Jesus Christ (Phil 2:5).

On the other hand, the option for the poor, in Francis vision, is incompatible with philosophies which would deny the other.

Our commitment does not consist exclusively in activities or programmes of promotion and assistance; what the Holy Spirit mobilizes is not an unruly activism, but above all an attentiveness which considers the other in a certain sense as one with ourselves. This loving attentiveness is the beginning of a true concern for their person which inspires me effectively to seek their good. This entails appreciating the poor in their goodness, in their experience of life, in their culture, and in their ways of living the faith. [Emphasis added]

The emphasized phrase in the above quote is one area that sets Pope Francis markedly apart from the principles of liberation theology, which is inherently skeptical of popular forms of piety. Instead, what Pope Francis appears to espouse is the theology of the people. Whereas one criticism of liberation theology has been to accuse it of being a type of cultural imperialism that seeks to read the plight of the Latin American poor through a foreignnamely Marxistlens, the theology of the people values and exalts personal and communal piety and honors people as rooted in places, families, and communities. The theology of the people is a fundamentally positive and culturally appreciative way to express the preferential option of the poor, especially as it sees each individual as not an object but as a cooperative part of Gods plan.It's been more than a year since Google, Amazon and eBay apps were removed from the Apple Watch. Now, Google is making a comeback with an updated version of Google Keep, its note-taking app, reports Engadget.

Engadget further report that "The latest version of Google Keep for iOS, released last night, includes an Apple Watch app for the first time. This makes Keep the first Google app to return to the watch since Google Maps was scrubbed in 2017.

Keep track of your ideas with #GoogleKeep on the Apple Watch  https://t.co/dMYJlA2xzS  G Suite (@gsuite) February 19, 2019

This initial version is basic, but it's an unexpected addition, since historically, Google hasn't supported the Watch outside of its one Maps app." With Apple's own Notes app not available for Apple Watch, Google Keep should fill the void nicely until Apple's Notes App comes to Apple Watch.

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.Yesterday Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X55 second generation 5G modem. Their press release stated that "Qualcomm Technologies is spearheading the first wave of 5G launches with our first generation 5G mobile platform. With significant evolution in capabilities and performance, our second generation commercial 5G modem is a true testament to the maturity and leadership of our 5G technology." The modem will be used in smartphones, Always Connected PCs, extended reality devices and more.

Building on their momentum, desperate Qualcomm who recently lost another round of patent infringement cases against Apple in Germany, is reportedly now urging U.S. trade regulators to reverse a judges ruling and ban the import of some Apple Inc iPhones in a long-running patent fight between the two companies.

Reuters is report that "Qualcomm is seeking the ban in hopes of dealing Apple a blow before the two begin a major trial in mid-April in San Diego over Qualcomms patent licensing practices. Qualcomm has sought to apply pressure to Apple with smaller legal challenges ahead of that trial and has won partial iPhone sales bans in China and Germany against Apple, forcing the iPhone maker to ship only phones with Qualcomm chips to some markets.

Any possible ban on iPhone imports to the United States could be short-lived because Apple last week for the first time disclosed that it has found a software fix to avoid infringing on one of Qualcomms patents. Apple asked regulators to give it as much as six months to prove that the fix works.

Qualcomm brought a case against Apple at the U.S International Trade Commission in 2017 alleging that some iPhones violated Qualcomm patents to help smart phones run well without draining their batteries. Qualcomm asked for an import ban on some older iPhone models containing Intel Corp chips." For more on this read the full Reuters report here.

Last week Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents mocked Qualcomm's US International Trade Commission lawsuit against Apple by showing that one by one the patents that Apple supposedly infringed proved worthless.

Going into the Mobile World Congress smartphone event in Barcelona next week, Qualcomm wants to strut in with their new 5G modem, show the world how Android phones will lead the 5G revolution with their technology leading the way and making Apple look weak and irrelevant.

That's what this latest PR stunt is really all about. Qualcomm's legal team knows that the ITC will not ban iPhones in the U.S. until the Qualcomm-Apple trial ends sometime in April.

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on DisqusRoughly 19,000 West Virginia public school teachers are striking for a second day Wednesday, despite an apparent victory Tuesday evening.

Last February, West Virginia teachers started a national movement when roughly 35,000 educators and staffers didnt show up for work, opting instead to protest for higher wages and better healthcare options. Before the strikes, West Virginias teachers were some of the lowest-paid in the country (48th out of the 50 states), and had seen years without a salary increase while healthcare premiums ate away at their wages.

That nine-day holdout came to a close when Governor Jim Justice gave the teachers a five-percent pay increase and a hold on increasing healthcare premiums. Their bold victory prompted more than 100,000 teachers to walk out nationwide, as educators in Arizona, Kentucky, Oklahoma, California and Colorado realized the effectiveness of taking to the streets in the face of stagnant wages, harsh budget cuts and dilapidated infrastructure.

Yesterday, however, West Virginian schoolteachers had another, more complex reason for giving their students the day off.

The walkouts occurred in protest over what many recognized to be retaliatory legislation for the educators strong display of solidarity. How do you punish public school teachers for sticking up for themselves? Make a big push for the public funding of private schools. Republican State Senate Leader Mitch Carmichael was championing a bill that would have established seven charter schools, and 1,000 education savings accounts to allow taxpayer dollars to fund private school tuition. Democratic senator Mike Woelfel called Carmichaels bill legislation by ambush.

The disputed legislation would have given the protesting teachers another five-percent salary raise on top of the one they received after last years efforts. But educators saw through the bait, and realized that another raise was less important than standing strong against the privatization of schools.

The resurgent walkouts were again successful. The bill was indefinitely tabled after red-clad educators surrounded the House of Delegates in Charleston, W. Va., Tuesday night, and chants of kill that bill! echoed through the building.

Today, schools in 54 out of 55 West Virginian counties were closed again, with school staff back on the streets. Why? Teachers have no trust, Jay ONeal, a West Virginia teacher and walkout leader, told the New York Times. We want to make sure they dont do something shady tomorrow morning. Leaders of at least three unions covering teachers and school workers cite trust issues with lawmakers in the decision to again conscientiously strike.

As teachers remain vigilant, keeping state officials on their toes, they can be expected to continue their collective bargaining. The states promise from last year of a dedicated funding source for public employees health insurance remains unfulfilled, and teacher pay is still far below that of neighboring states. The teachers have a lot more they know they deserve, and a lot more organizing they know they have to do to get there.

Class is canceled, the kids are all at home, and the pressure is on. West Virginias public school teachers will get to decide what happens next.I have given myself a rule for all my 2020 coverage in 2019: I must lead every polling piece with the fact that if early presidential polling were definitive, President Giulianis legacy would be a central topic in American politics and President Obama would sound like a weird/potentially offensive SNL skit. The first primary of 2020 is a little less than a year away, and winning it gives a candidate significant momentum thanks to our horse race media that will cover anything that draws eyeballs. As Trumps 2016 rise demonstrates, American media has an inertia-like quality to it where victories draw outsized coverage, which itself makes it easier to win future victories. It may seem bizarre that a state with four electoral college votes is this important (and it is), but welcome to politics in America.

This is the the only major revelation in the new UMass/YouGov poll of the 2020 New Hampshire electorate:

Asked if respondent selected a candidate when asked for their preference in 2020 Presidential Democratic primary

Is there any chance you might vote for someone else?

Yes  82%

No  18%

The most immovable folks in the Democratic Party are the Democratic Socialist wing and the establishment wing, and given that the establishment has yet to coalesce around a single candidate yet, its safe to bet that a big chunk of that 18% who will not vote for someone else are Bernie voters. In a field this crowded, thats a major advantage to start with. That said, eighty-two percent is an avalanche.

Here are where the candidates stand in New Hampshire as of February 20, 2019:

If the 2020 Presidential Democratic primary were held today, which one of the following candidates would you support in the primary

[Percentages below are without leaners]

Joe Biden  28%

Bernie Sanders  18%

Dont Know  14%

Kamala Harris  13%

Elizabeth Warren  9%

Beto ORourke  6%

Cory Booker  3%

Given the question I presented first, Bernie at 18% looks likelier to hold through to next year than Biden at 28%, as Bidens inflated lead over the rest of the field is no-doubt largely due to name recognition, and he is clearly the candidate most threatened by the 82% of folks willing to change their mind.

Because negative partisanship is a huge driver of politics in America, it may be more instructive to look at this question asked towards both New Hampshire Independents and Democrats to figure out where candidates ceilings lie in the first 2020 primary:

Now thinking ahead to the general election in 2020, if any, would you NOT be willing to vote for if they were the Democratic Partys candidate for president? Please select all that apply.

Wont vote for any of these candidates  26%

Elizabeth Warren  26%

Michael Bloomberg  23%

Dont Know  21%

Bernie Sanders  21%

Every other candidate is in between 11 and 14%, demonstrating that there is a serious aversion among a small slice of New Hampshire Democrat + Independent likely voters to the leftward shift of the Democratic Party. This slice is where the focus of the Democratic Party has lied for the last forty years, while people like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have demonstrated that there are far more nonvoters who can be persuaded to vote for Democrats than likely voters who can be persuaded to vote for a Democrat or Trump.

Ultimately, the takeaway from all this is that Democrats are excited about liberal politics right now. Theres a new crop of candidates pushing new policies and there is an open-minded atmosphere to the Democratic electorate, as demonstrated by the 82% of New Hampshire Democrats and Independents who may change their mind by the time the first 2020 primary rolls around. Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris have early leads as well as serious financial and political advantages that make them the clear front-runners, but as the cliche goes, a lot really can change between now and this time next year.

Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling.Much has been written about what happens to mothers hormonally during pregnancy and after, but what about fathers?

In a first-of-its-kind study, University of Notre Dame Assistant Professor of Anthropology Lee Gettler and lead author Patty Kuo, visiting assistant professor of psychology, focused on how dads' biology around the birth of their children relates to their parenting down the road. They partnered with Notre Dame psychologists and Memorial Hospital of South Bend to analyze testosterone and cortisol in 298 men on the first two days of their newborns' lives.

"Studies like this give us an understanding of the value of having the dad present at birth and engaging with the baby," said Gettler. "What we see in the special days around birth is that dads' hormones -- how much dads are producing overall and how their hormones quickly change when they hold their newborns -- are linked to what fathers are doing months later. This relates to how men establish bonds with their newborns as well as with their partners and how they will co-parent."

The large number of participants allowed Gettler and Kuo to examine how hormonal changes affect both new fathers and experienced ones. Their research, published this month in the journal Hormones and Behavior, demonstrated that dads whose cortisol levels were elevated while they held their newborns on the day of their birth -- either skin-to-skin or clothed -- were more likely to be involved with indirect care and play with their infants in the first months of their lives.

They also tested men's testosterone on the day of birth and found that fathers' later caregiving did not differ based on those levels. However, if dads' testosterone was lower on the second day of the infants' lives, fathers were more involved in care. These findings align with existing studies, including Gettler's leading research.

Labor and delivery nurses at Memorial collected saliva samples from participating dads who held their babies approximately an hour after birth. A UNICEF/WHO baby-friendly hospital that encourages skin-to-skin contact between parents and newborns, Memorial is not affiliated with a university. However, Memorial labor and delivery nurses were excited to partner with Gettler and Kuo because their study aligns with the nurses' goal to encourage interaction between fathers and their newborns.

A follow-up survey completed by 180 of the original participants gave Gettler and Kuo insight into the level of care fathers invested in the first four months of their newborns' lives.

Cortisol is sometimes referred to as the "stress hormone," but this study and others show that elevated cortisol is not always harmful, but helpful.

"We tend to think of cortisol as a 'bad' hormone, but babies do require a lot of care and you do need to be vigilant," Kuo said. "We think that elevated cortisol is a sort of orienting response that can help the body prepare for child care."

It's not surprising that cortisol level in dads is high on the day of birth. And, as long as it's not chronically elevated, it can have benefits, Gettler explained. Some data show that this is beneficial in moms as well, since it could make moms more prone to being responsive to their babies' cues signaling hunger or illness, for example.

"When we were approached by Dr. Gettler to help in his study, we had no idea it would end up taking two years and 1,600 tubes of saliva," said Patricia De Stefano, manager of the Memorial Childbirth Unit. "Our nurses are very passionate about the involvement of dads in the birth process and were willing to do whatever it took to help children have more involvement with their fathers. We were so thrilled to participate in the study."PEORIA  The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock's legal challenge to his ongoing public corruption case.

By not taking the case up for review, the high court stopped one of the Peoria Republican's many attempts to halt his case, which began almost four years and which is set for trial later this year.

Schock was challenging his charges based upon the so-called "rule-making clause," which doesn't allow a judge to interpret rules imposed by the U.S. House of Representatives as a way to preserve the separation of powers.

His attorneys argued that prosecutors' charges against Schock ran afoul of that provision. They filed a mid-case appeal last summer.

But a federal appeals panel in Chicago declined to hear the matter, saying they lacked jurisdiction. That prompted the request for the high court to intervene.

In a two-page order, Justice Sonia Sotomayor concurred with a ruling last spring by an Urbana-based judge who held the charges could stand despite Team Schock's vehement objections.

That said, the justice left the door open for another challenge on the local level.

"I do so on the understanding, however, that Schock remains free to reassert his Rulemaking Clause challenge in the District Court should subsequent developments warrant," she wrote.

George J. Terwilliger, III, Schock's lead attorney said his client was "gratified that a justice of the United States Supreme Court, looking at our case out of the hundreds that seek Supreme Court review, recognizes that the Schock case presents an important separation of powers issue that remains alive in the case.

"Whether prosecutors can so deeply intrude into the internal workings of the United States House of Representatives is a question yet to be answered in further court proceedings," he added.

It's extremely rare for the Supreme Court to take a case. Each year, thousands ask the high court for a review of their legal proceedings. And less than 5 percent are accepted, according to records from the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 37-year-old Schock was indicted in November 2016 on charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, making false statements, filing a false tax return, theft of government funds and falsification of Federal Election Commission filings. The charges allege a course of conduct that began when Schock was first elected to Congress in 2008 and continued until October 2015, about six months after he resigned from office.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0The #MeToo movement brought sexual abuse and harassment out of the shadows by encouraging survivors to speak up. It has held individuals small and mighty accountable for vile behavior.

While those who commit wrongdoing are responsible for their actions, the cultural and legal awakening also puts the onus to do more on large institutions. Many of the sexual misdeeds revealed by #MeToo have taken place in business, church and school settings. At the organizational level, efforts to prevent and punish abuse still arent happening quickly enough.

Starting Thursday, the Vatican will host a landmark four-day summit on the sex abuse crisis within the Roman Catholic church. While advocates press for changes in canon law and new ways to hold bishops and other church officials accountable for cover-ups, Pope Francis and others caution against expecting much from the event. This will be the first time a pope has brought church leadership together to discuss a scandal thats been making headlines for 15 years.

When faced with a humiliating or legally vulnerable situation, the instinct for stonewalling and secrecy emerges. Its true for corporations and bureaucracies as well as churches. Catholic communities long denied, deflected and moved offenders to new populations where they preyed again. We showed no care for the little ones, Pope Francis has said of pedophilia in the church. Earlier this month, he acknowledged that Catholic bishops and priests had abused nuns in India, Africa, Europe and South America. One encouraging sign: the disclosure Saturday that the pope has expelled from the priesthood Theodore McCarrick, the former cardinal of Washington, D.C., for sexually abusing minors and seminarians.

The Southern Baptist church faces scrutiny for an alleged history of sex abuse and secrecy. The Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News reported this month that offenders, including pastors and deacons, left a trail of 700 victims of sexual misconduct and crime. The church resisted policy change, while some abusers simply were waved along to offend again.

Schools, entrusted with providing a safe space for children, also have not done enough to protect them. The Chicago Tribunes searing Betrayed investigation showed that Chicago Public Schools neglected to adequately check employees backgrounds, to report sex abuse when it happened and to deal appropriately and sensitively with young victims. There were failures in hiring, training, discipline and investigations.

Workplaces and entire industries have bowed before bigwigs, ignoring whispers and allowing VIPs to abuse for years, even decades. They overvalue the contributions of a select few and count on financial pressures and tools like non-disclosure agreements to keep victims silent.

Institutions are stewards of millions of people, some of whom will offend, some of whom will be victims. Organizations need to change their cultures and create stronger mechanisms to punish culprits, support survivors and encourage whistleblowers. The Vaticans actions this month are signs of progress there. But every day institutions dont move aggressively to do the right thing places more people in jeopardy.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Donald Trump cant win in 2020 but the Democrats can lose, and they seem determined to give it their best shot.

Straight-line predictions are the undoing of every pundit and prognosticator. But it seems safe to say that if present trends hold, President Trump has no path to winning a majority of the popular vote.

In 2016, Trump lost the popular vote by more than 2.8 million ballots. He carried the Electoral College by very narrow margins: about 10,000 votes in Michigan, 22,000 in Wisconsin and 45,000 in Pennsylvania. In January, according to Morning Consult, Trumps approval ratings in these states were 40 percent, 40 percent and 43 percent, respectively. An NPR/PBS/Marist poll last month found that 57 percent of Americans say they will vote against Trump while a mere 30 percent said they will definitely vote for him. He is underwater in a slew of states any Republican needs to win, and he has never once broken 50 percent in approval ratings nationally.

Just going by the numbers, barring a compelling independent candidacy of someone likely to siphon votes from the Democratic column, it seems impossible for Trump to get re-elected.

Of course, its not impossible, because we never get to the future as the crow flies. In the heat of an election, many Trump-skeptical Republicans and Republican-leaning voters will come home. But if that happens, it almost surely wont happen because Trump moderated his behavior.

If the president could pivot to a more presidential persona he would have done it already. When British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was confronted with calls to turn away from her market-liberating reforms, she famously declared, The ladys not for turning. Trump, while a very different kind of leader, could give a speech declaring, The man is not for pivoting.

So, the only variable in the binary presidential election lies on the left side of the ledger. If the Democrats present a face that is scarier than the reality show of the previous four years, many Americans could vote against the Democrats rather than for the Republicans.

That process is already starting. Erick Erickson, a prominent Never Trump conservative in 2016 and a Trump critic since then, announced he will be voting for Trump in 2020.

Democrats would be wise to pay attention. Erickson hasnt suddenly fallen in love with Trump; hes grown decisively horrified by the Democrats. And I cant blame him. Democrats unveiled the Green New Deal, a wild-eyed fantasy of an agenda that would cost trillions, destroy whole industries and serve as a Trojan horse for socialism.

Not long before that, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., cavalierly admitted that Medicare for all would wipe out the insurance policies of more than a 100 million Americans. She has done some backpedaling since, but other leading Democrats remain committed, including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who recently said eliminating private insurance was an urgent goal.

The scandals unraveling the Democratic Party in Virginia have obscured the fact that the controversy started because someone was appalled by Gov. Ralph Northams defense of legislation that seemed to support the right to terminate the life of delivered babies.

Theres ample room to criticize the way Trump has handled immigration and shoved all his chips into the center of the table for his wall, but some of the Democrats rhetoric about immigration  the need to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, for example  hasnt made them appear like a reasonable alternative.

A host of other story lines, largely ignored or downplayed by the mainstream media, have caught the attention of conservatives nonetheless, from increasingly open hostility to Catholic judicial nominees to greater tolerance for anti-Semitic rhetoric.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., seems to grasp that its in her partys interest not to go overboard in response to Trump, but collectively its as if the Democrats think the savvy political response to the radicalism they see in Trumpism is an alternatively radical agenda. The problem is that Trumps actual agenda (so far) hasnt been as radical as the disorientating nature of his norm-defying personal conduct and obvious contempt for institutional safeguards has led many liberals to believe.

In many respects the parties are mirroring each other, as the incentive structure on both sides is geared toward the extremes. Politics is no longer about capturing the center where most voters gravitate, but revving up the ranks of the most passionate. Faced with that reality, enough Americans may hold their noses and vote against the devil they dont know.

Contact Goldberg at goldbergcolumn@gmail.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0SPRINGFIELD  Gov. J.B. Pritzker and some state lawmakers said Tuesday that last weeks mass shooting at an Aurora manufacturing plant will lead to efforts to tighten enforcement of the states gun laws.

Five people were killed and several others were injured Friday by 45-year-old Gary Martin, who went on a shooting rampage at the Henry Pratt Co. plant in Aurora after being told he was being fired. Martin was killed in a shootout with police.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman told reporters during a news conference Saturday that Martin was not legally eligible to own a gun. Although he had been issued a firearm owner's identification card, also known as a FOID card, that permit was canceled after he applied for a concealed-carry permit and a fingerprint search revealed he had a previous felony conviction in another state.

Still, neither state nor local authorities took any steps to confiscate Martins weapon.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday that his administration will push for legislation to tighten enforcement of the states gun laws.

We need to make sure that were addressing that, Pritzker said at a news conference following a bill-signing ceremony. My entire team is focused on it and has been all weekend and through today, and were going to make sure to make proposals that will tighten the rules around revocation of FOID cards.

State State Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Deerfield, said in an interview that there are many circumstances under which a person can have their FOID card revoked, such as felony convictions and mental illness diagnoses, but that little effort is made to follow through and make sure those people turn in their cards and their guns.

If you lost your FOID card for whatever reason, youd get a letter saying, Hey, you know that you cant have a FOID. Please mail it in. And if you dont, no one really follows up, she said.

Morrison is the lead sponsor of a bill introduced earlier in the legislative session, Senate Bill 1145, that would authorize the Department of Public Health to levy fines and other sanctions on public mental health facilities if they fail to report the names of patients who are diagnosed with disorders that disqualify them from owning guns. It's a problem that she said has been occurring in the court system when criminal defendants are sent for mental evaluation.

But she said that bill could easily be expanded to include additional enforcement mechanisms.

Meanwhile, Aurora-area lawmakers reacted Tuesday with speeches on the floors of the House and Senate.

State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Aurora, gave an emotional speech on the House floor, where she praised law enforcement who responded to the scene and read the names of all the victims.

All these individuals left behind families and friends who loved them and cherished them as a part of their lives, she said. They are forever in our hearts and our thoughts at such a senseless loss of life.

State Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, called for a moment of silence on the Senate floor in honor of the victims, saying, We will never be able to mend the loss or undo the trauma to those who witnessed these events Friday afternoon at Henry Pratt, and to those whose lives are forever changed because of this heartbreaking attack.

In a separate interview, Holmes described herself as a staunch supporter of individual gun rights. But she said the fact that the shooter managed to keep his weapon even after having his permit revoked showed her that the state needs stricter enforcement.

He wasnt allowed a concealed-carry card, they revoked his FOID card, and yet he still managed to have his weapon, Holmes said. Thats where I think the disconnect is.

A spokesman for the Illinois State Rifle Association, which typically opposes legislative efforts to limit gun ownership rights, did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0MONROE, Wis.  A man who allegedly defrauded multiple businesses in Wisconsin and Illinois by convincing employees he was a friend of the owner and had permission to get cash from the business has been arrested.

John Loresch, 51, Champaign, Ill., was arrested Friday at a home in Monroe while he was visiting an acquaintance, the Green County Sheriff's Office said.

"Law enforcement received numerous tips from the community that led them to suspect Loresch was the individual committing the thefts," said Sheriff Jeff Skatrud.

His method of theft by fraud was simple. He would enter a business, tell an employee that he needed cash for an emergency and that he knew the owner, and he had permission from the owner to get cash. In several cases, he would give the employee a handwritten receipt with a fake name.

He confessed to authorities of acts of theft by fraud in Monroe and Brodhead as well as in Green, Lafayette, Grant, Rock and Dane counties, the sheriff's office said.

Warrants had also been issued for his arrest in Evansville, Wis., Freeport, Ill., and Champaign County in Illinois.

Cash bond of $2,000 was set for Loresch in Green County court. His next appearance will be March 14.

Contact Roger Miller at (309) 820-3233. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_rmiller

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0BLOOMINGTON  Downtown Bloomington soon will have a statue memorializing what one official called "ground zero for circus aerial acts."

The McLean County Board signed off Tuesday on a sculpture in the parking lot it shares with the city of Bloomington at Washington and East streets to honor the circus tradition of the former YMCA at that site, and the area at large.

"McLean County was a big part of the aerial acrobats, and this sculpture will honor and depict those acts," said Scott Murphy, chair of the board's property committee. "I have seen a rendition of it, and it looks pretty cool."

Murphy said he's not sure when the statue will be installed or what it will cost, but the county won't pay anything for it. He said artist Andrew Jumonville of Bloomington asked county officials not to disclose what the statue looks like before its official unveiling.

The statue is the brainchild of John Wohlwend, the former Jack Lewis Jewelers owner who retired in 2011. Wohlwend "obtained sponsors for the completion and installation," according to a County Board resolution, and approached the county about it in November.

Wohlwend could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

In other business, the board approved renting space from Hope Pregnancy Center in Pontiac despite opposition from some Democratic members.

The board approved the deal 15-4, with Sharon Chung, Logan Smith, Shayna Watchinski and Laurie Wollrab voting "no."

"Hope Pregnancy Center purports to be complete pregnancy counseling and offer women all their alternatives, but it's my understanding they refuse to counsel about abortion, which is legal and safe in Illinois, and they also do not refer out if a women would want an abortion," said Wollrab. "That's disingenuous, and we shouldn't partner with disingenuous organizations."

McLean County will pay the center $5,400 to rent space at 202 N. Main St. in Pontiac for the next year. The Children's Advocacy Center for McLean, Livingston and DeWitt counties will use that space.

"I certainly support the CAC," said Wollrab.

Contact Derek Beigh at (309) 820-3234. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_beigh

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Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.DWIGHT  Dwight is one step closer to seeing the opening of a federal detention center that would house up to 1,200 immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally.

The Dwight Planning Commission recommended the Village Board work with Immigration Centers of America to open the facility just outside the village boundaries.

The vote came after the commission heard three hours of testimony Tuesday night from immigrants, attorneys, a former police officer and others in the longest public hearing weve ever had, said a village official at St. Patrick's Catholic Church's parish hall.

The three issues up for discussion were the petition for annexation of an 88-acre tract near Interstate 55 and Illinois 17 just outside the Livingston County village; a zoning application to use the land for industrial purposes; and an annexation agreement between the village and the Immigration Centers of America.

The commission voted in favor of each measure, with a unanimous vote for the petition and 3-2 votes for the zoning application and annexation agreement.

The Village Board will vote on the matter on Monday.

Frank Cortina, attorney for the Virginia-based Immigration Centers of America, highlighted the amenities of the detention center in Farmville, Va., calling it the Cadillac of detention centers.

The Dwight facility, which would be managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), would include exercise equipment, medical care, visitation privileges, legal services and religious and recreational opportunities.

The rooms at the detention center would be unlocked, if the facility is managed similar to the Farmville complex.

I think theyre an answer to what some of ... my concerns are and that is how immigrants are treated in this country, Cortina said.

Chief operating officer Duane Ragsdale said the detention centers are a compassionate, humane alternative to jailing.

The facility would house male detainees awaiting immigration hearings. Those who face criminal charges would be held in county jails, not in the detention center.

More than 25 people signed up to speak, and several denounced Cortinas claims, calling the center a prison that strips away freedoms.

"It is a blindness of the soul and a bankrupt morality because wrong is wrong and a golden cage is still a cage, said Juan Carlos Hernandez of East Chicago, Ind.

More than 100 people attended the meeting, including residents of Dwight and activists from cities across Illinois protesting the detention center. The attendees overflowed from the meeting room in the Village Hall so the meeting had to be moved to the nearby church.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Before the public hearing, people from Bloomington, Peoria, Rockford, Champaign, Chicago and its suburbs chanted Do whats right; no ICE in Dwight and carried signs with the same message.

Nobody should profit from human misery, and no community should welcome a for-profit immigration prison, said Fred Tsao, senior policy counsel of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Cortina and other representatives for the Immigration Centers of America said the economic advantages of the facility would make it a benefit to community, not a detriment.

It will result in two new roadways. It will result in two miles of a main sewer interceptor line. It will have approximately 280 jobs that itll bring to your community, Cortina said.

But most importantly in my aspect of it, it fits within your big comprehensive plan," he added. "You want business and industry in that area; this is an industrial project that were recommending.

Cortina also said the facility would add $20 million in new assessed value to the village's property tax base.

The promise of local jobs is a point that stood out for many Dwight residents.

We lost the prison several years ago and that really hurts us as far as jobs and something like this could be a real benefit for that, said Village President Jared Anderson ahead of the hearing.

Mark Scott, a former Dwight police officer, said he supported the detention center and the economic growth it could bring to the village.

Im asking that the board pass these resolutions. Get us some industry in here; get us some jobs in here...Lets get some growth in here; lets get some $73,000-a-year jobs, he said in reference to the salary for employees of the detention center as estimated by Immigration Centers of America.

Immigration Centers of America was founded in 2008 and operates the Farmville site. The company has several pending contracts to build other facilities and would have to be the recipient of a formal bid from the government in order to move forward.

The proposal does not include the vacant Dwight Correctional Center, a state women's prison that was closed in 2013 by the Illinois Department of Corrections in a cost-cutting move.

Photos: Dwight detention center discussed

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer. Kevin Barlow contributed to this report.

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Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.In some cases, the spinoff became a smash hit of its own. In others, it quickly faded into obscurity.Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Though a leading producer of cotton in sub-Sahara Africa, Mali still struggles to improve its cotton sector, according to local organisers of the 2nd edition of the International Cotton Forum to be held in Bamako from 7-9 MarchTripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) announced that on Tuesday, the British Justice Department issued a decision recognizing the Presidential Council of the Government of National Unity as the legitimate executive power of the Libyan State, thereby strengthening the legitimacy of its legal representative, the LIA, in managing Libyan assets located in BritainGraveside services for Carroll Dwayne Chaffin will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Guiceland Cemetery with Rev. Steven Evers officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey & Foster Funeral Home. Carroll Dwayne Chaffin, age 70, went home to his Savior Thursday, June 24After transferring to the Dow Plant in Plaquemine, Louisiana, I attended my first crawfish boil with my wife and daughter. It was held on the grounds of the nearby Dow Plantation. It was a real eye opener.

Rows of tables were set up on saw horses and covered with butcher wrap. Wheel barrows were used to transport the highly spiced boiled crawfish (better known as bass bait in the north) along with whole onions, corn on the cob and unpeeled whole potatoes to the tables where the contents were scooped onto the tables with shovels. Did I mention spices? Wow, and how!

The locals were a big help. They readily volunteered to show us how to peel crawfish and the two ways to eat them. All while standing at the makeshift tables with fiber packs at the ready for disposals.

After eating a few crawfish, I looked for a cold drink to put out the fire in my mouth. At the nearest drink station I saw my wife and daughter, each with a pint container of beer against their mouths. Since neither of them cares for beer, that left me wondering, are these the same two girls I came with?

I walked over for a cold drink and asked them what was going on. They removed the cups from their mouths and told me they had each bitten into an ear of corn and were soaking their lips, trying to put out the fire.

The locals thrive on hot spices and we flunked the spice test.

Growing up in an extended family in Midland, in what is now the right field of Dow Diamond, during the 1930s my family raised much of our food at my grandparents' farms. We lived a fairly simple lifestyle and our food would have been considered bland by Cajun standards. However, I discovered we had one spice in common, horseradish.

My parents grew their own horseradish and granted me the "privilege" of helping to harvest, clean, scrape, and grind the horseradish. I could never figure out how they could eat that stuff without burning a hole in their stomachs. Imagine my surprise that horseradish is used as a condiment in Louisiana. It is particularly favored for raw oysters.

Preparing breakfasts for my guest is a tradition I enjoy. Last winter, my niece, Kelly, was visiting from Midland. Every morning she looked forward to having breakfast with me before she and my daughter left for a day of sight-seeing and playing tourist.

One morning she bit into a sausage, went into the kitchen and read the sausage wrapper. After returning to the table, she asked: "Uncle Ron, do they kick everything up a notch down here with spices?" I assured her that they sometimes do, but most of the time, several notches.

Avery Island along the Gulf Coast is committed to making hot and super hot spices. And, this area of Louisiana is doing its best to help keep the island afloat.

Ronald Sears is a former Midland resident now residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Sarah Opperman, who received the Chairman's Award from the Midland Business Alliance fin recognition of her recent leadership role.

 Michigan State Troopers Stephen Dehmel, Justin Kemerer and Alicia Sonderegger of the Tri-City Post, who were honored with the Cpl. Samuel A. Mapes Criminal Patrol and Investigation Award.The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka.

Thursday, Feb. 14

8:01 p.m.  Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Larkin Township.

7:45 p.m.  Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Hope Township.

7:37 p.m  Officers responded to a property damage accident in the area of East Allen Street and Ashman Street.

6:17 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a residence in Lee Township for a civil dispute between a 59-year-old man and his landlord, and 54-year-old woman. The man was upset because the landlord had turned off his power due to him not paying his bills. The man was told the issue was a civil matter. The landlord told the deputy she was in the process of evicting the man.

5:47 p.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash on private property in the 700 Block of West Wackerly Street.

3:19 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a residence in Jerome Township for a possible trespassing complaint. The deputy made contact with a 60-year-old man who said he had found old footprints in his back yard in the snow. He believes it may belong to his former roommate, a 39-year-old woman. He said the woman is no longer allowed on his property, and just wanted to have the incident documented.

2:19 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a business in the Village of Sanford and made contact with the manager, who said one of her employees had miscommunicated with a customer, who then failed to pay for $9.99 worth of gasoline. The manager asked for the deputy's help in locating the customer, but they were unsuccessful.

12:44 p.m.  Officers responded to a property damage accident in the area of Seminole Court and Ottawa Street.

12:06 p.m.  Officers responded to a drug overdose in the 1100 Block of Haley Street.

9:27 a.m.  Officers responded to a case of fraud in the 4500 Block of Saginaw Road.

9:11 a.m.  Officers responded to a case of fraud in the 4500 Block of Saginaw Road.

9:06 a.m.  Officers responded to an intoxicated driver near the intersection of West Wackerly Street and Loretta Lane.

8:48 a.m.  Officers responded to a domestic verbal situation in the 700 Block of West Sugnet Road.

8:33 a.m.  Officers responded to an animal complaint in the 2800 Block of Schuette Road.

7:36 a.m.  A Chevrolet slid off the roadway in Larkin Township, entering a ditch on Eastman Road north of Mier Road. An approaching Audi attempted to slow down and also slid off the road. Neither vehicle suffered damage, and both were removed by Kreiger Towing.

3:57 a.m.  A deputy performed a traffic stop on a tractor-trailer that was dragging a chain, causing sparks. The driver rectified the situation.

3:40 a.m.  Officers responded to a natural death in the 2000 Block of Forestwood Court.

12:34 a.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a Lee Township residence in reference to a verbal argument between a 29-year-old woman and her 31-year-old husband. She was transported to a nearby gas station where she was picked up by her mother.Gladwin County Commissioner Sandy Aultman, who has been missing in action since Jan. 2, announced Tuesday she is leaving the board  early into her new two-year term.

"We thank her for her service and wish her good times in her future," said Gladwin County Commission Chair Sharron Smith.Each year the board of directors of The Arc of Midland selects a member of the community that exemplifies our goal to create an inclusive community where everyone belongs. This year, a family that has been supporting The Arc for over 20 years -- the Eastman/Rishko Family -- has agreed to chair The Arc of Midland 14th annual Stroll, Roll & 5K Run/Walk on June 8.

Sara Eastman, is a Midland native, graduated from H.H. Dow High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry from Michigan State University. After receiving her juris doctor and completion of clerkships, Eastman was commissioned by direct appointment into the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps and served for nearly a decade in various locations around the world. After her active military service, Eastman was a magistrate judge with the Alaska Court System. She is presently an attorney with Warner, Norcross & Judd in Midland and serves on several boards.The Wilbur Thomas Lanphierd Chapter of the Daughters of the Union held its fourth annual silent auction recently at Shirlene's restaurant in Midland.

Events Coordinator Sherry Darby creatively displayed the 40 donated products and gift certificates. She also had obtained samples of shampoo and conditioner, liquid laundry soap and fabric softener, Midland County maps, recipe booklets, rulers, pens and New Testament Bibles, which she placed on the table at each member's place setting.Applications are now being accepted from Midland-area students for the Midland-Handa Sister City Student Exchange program.

Three Midland students will be selected to travel to Midlands Sister City of Handa, Japan, for a three-week experience from late July through mid-August 2019. During their stay, students will live with three Japanese host families to experience day-to-day life in Handa, visit local and regional government and places of interest, and participate in group and family-centric activities. Airfare and travel accommodations will be provided.Goose Creek, SC (29445)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.Ottumwa, IA (52501)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 79F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 64F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.A picture of the sign outside a church in Milwaukie had been shared on Facebook over 20,000 times Wednesday, after being posted for less than 24 hours.

National Emergency, the letterboard sign reads in all caps, 44 million people without health insurance.

44 million people are without health insurance. We do have a national emergency. Posted by Clackamas United Church of Christ, Milwaukie, OR on Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Facebook commentors had varying takes on the sign, which is in front of Clackamas United Church of Christ.

A church sign that this atheist can support, Kevin Sylvia wrote.

Stay out of politics, Robert Donk wrote. The minute the church is involved in politics, is the same minute its corrupted.

This isnt the first time Clackamas United Church of Christ has used their sign to send a message beyond when on Sunday to come to service.

Another photo on Facebook shows the sign reading, Lady Gaga knows Christianity and so do we. LGBTQ welcome here.

Just love people, reads another. I will sort it out later. - God.

The churchs pastor, Rev. Adam Ericksen, who came to the church in 2017, said Wednesday that his goal with the board is to get our message about Gods love for all people into the neighborhood.

I think its important to have a sign like this because during the last few years in particular, I have noticed that progressive Christians need to be bold with our message, he added. That message is this: God loves all people and God works for a more just and inclusive world. Jesus always sought to include into his community those who were marginalized by the religious authorities of his day.

As for the national emergency message, he continued, the sick came to Jesus in search of healing. He saw they were in an emergency and he provided them with free healthcare. We seek to follow Jesus. For us, that means working for a world where everyone is cared for and included in a community of love and justice.

While the side about health insurance is getting all the shares currently, a visit to the church Wednesday revealed the sign is in fact two-sided.

The second part of the message?

National Emergency: 553,700 are homeless, it reads. Sunday 10:30.

Clackamas United Church of Christ's sign on Feb. 20, 2019. (Samantha Swindler/The Oregonian)Canadians get a lot of stuff we here in Portland dont get -- universal healthcare, affordable college, bountiful poutine. But, if a recent article from the Canadian Postmedia Network is any indication, we do have one thing over Canadians: some idea of what its like to live in Portland.

The article, called Experience Portland like a local, started making the rounds Tuesday night on Twitter.

While that link, from the Toronto Sun, is the most widely shared, two people The Oregonian/OregonLive spoke with from Postmedia werent sure yet which outlet the story came from but confirmed that it was syndicated to Postmedia sites.

After The Oregonian/OregonLives inquiries Wednesday, the story appeared to have been removed from the Toronto Suns site.

Getting facts wrong is not acceptable, Dave Pottinger, the travel editor for the Vancouver Sun and the Vancouver Province, said over email Wednesday.

He said he is looking into where the story originated.

The story, written by freelance reporter Kim Pemberton, has a lot of...problems.

Screen shot of now-deleted Toronto Sun article

The author apparently went on a tour of the city with Portland tour company Wildwood Adventures. Whether the tour guide was giving a tongue-in-cheek tour or whether her information got garbled, we dont know. Wildwood Adventures has not responded to our request for comment.

While we work to solve the mystery of the so-very-wrong guide to Portland, let us fact-check the article as it appeared Tuesday.

Claim: Portlands annual Naked Bike Ride, which attracts as many as 15,000 riders every June.

Fact: While we do have a lot of naked people on bikes during the World Naked Bike Ride, the last several years that number has been closer to 9,000.

Claim: A Portlandian is Portland immigrant.

Fact: Wow, this is so funny. But what? No. A person who moved to Portland from out of state could be called a transplant, but come on, we are all Portlanders and literally no one is a Portlandian.

Claim: Actually, public nudity is legal throughout the year.

Fact: Public nudity is not technically legal in Portland, but yes, it is tolerated, generally.

Claim: Also legal is graffiti, which explains the colourful murals on so many buildings.

Fact: No, graffiti is not legal and those murals are definitely not graffiti! Those are sanctioned art installations.

Claim: And last but not least, restaurants and bars are legally required to provide vegetarian options.

Fact: No. That is definitely not a law that exists.

Claim: There are three fashion faux pas here: Its weird to get dressed up, dont use an umbrella and dont wear North Face (an American clothing brand).

Fact: Is it a fancy occasion? Then yes, Portlanders get dressed up. Is it raining? Then yes, a study we did on this subject found that 26 percent of people in Portland used an umbrella all or some of the time to keep themselves dry. And North Face? Huh? Portlanders love outdoor gear, and North Face is a perfectly acceptable brand.

Claim: 14 bridges cross the Willamette River.

Fact: This is true, but one of those bridges is a railroad bridge for trains only.

Claim: The Hawthorne Bridge used scrap metal from Second World War planes when its deck was changed from wood to steel in 1945.

Fact: We could not find any indication of this anywhere. The Oregonian/OregonLives book on bridges, Spanning Oregon, says, By 1944, the daily damage by trucks and cars prompted Multnomah County to replace the wood deck with metal grates, despite a wartime restriction on using steel.

Claim: There is no Walmart because Portland bans strip malls.

Fact: Uhhhhh...no. Portland has two Walmart stores in its city limits, plus so, so many strip malls. Oddly, the writer did mention going to Monticello Antique Marketplace on Southeast Stark Street and 86th Avenue, which is very close to noted strip mall Mall 205.

Claim: Only tourists go to Powells Books.

Fact: This drew a huge gasp from many locals in the office. Powells insanely huge bookstore is a point of pride. Mostly everyone in Portland loves, and visits, Powells.

Claim: No one here ever says, Ill meet you downtown.

Fact: A lot of people live on the east side of the river, sure. But people work downtown, go to shows downtown, eat food downtown, go to Powells downtown. Ground Kontrol is downtown!

So Canadians, feel free to visit! We are a nice, fun people, even if we are generally clothed and legally allowed to eat in all-meat restaurants.The Portland Timbers are reportedly prepared to move on from their pursuit of Tigres forward Eduardo Vargas, according to a report from ESPN.

Univision Deportes reported last week that the Timbers had offered to pay Liga MX side Tigres a $10 million transfer fee for Vargas. ESPN reported Tuesday that the transfer fee offer was actually $8.5 million, including incentives.

Tigres wanted a higher transfer fee for Vargas and reportedly plans to shop the forward around to other clubs, according to ESPN. While Tigres could still reopen discussions with Portland, the Timbers are prepared to move on to other targets at this point.

The Timbers have been trying to sign a designated player at the forward position throughout the offseason, but it has been difficult for the the club to finalize a deal as theyve tried to pursue some highly-regarded targets. The Timbers were previously linked to Tigres forward Julian Quinones and striker Ezequiel Ponce, who is currently on loan with AEK Athens from Serie A club Roma. Neither of those potential signings panned out.

Vargas is an established and versatile forward that could have potentially made a big and immediate impact in Portland. Vargas, 29, has scored 27 goals in 92 appearances for Liga MX side Tigres UANL since joining the club in 2017. The Chilean forward has recorded 35 goals in 82 appearances for the Chile National Team since making his debut in 2009. Vargas previously played in Chile, Italy, Spain, Brazil, England and Germany as well.

The MLS primary transfer window runs from Feb. 13 until May 7. While the Timbers are still aiming to sign a designated player during the primary window, the club has made it clear that it doesnt want to rush into a signing. If the Timbers cant get a deal done in this window, the club could look to make a move during the secondary transfer window, which runs from July 7 to Aug. 7.

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.Oregons technology executive of the year is not an Oregonian.

The Technology Association of Oregon nonetheless selected Clark Countys Scott Keeney as this years winner and will honor him at its annual awards banquet April 17.

Keeney is co-founder and chief executive of laser manufacturer nLight Corp, which has its headquarters and a factory just north of Vancouver. The company started 19 years ago aiming to use lasers to improve communications along fiber-optic networks.

When the telecom bust that accompanied the dot-com bust wiped out that market, though, nLight retooled. Over the next several years, the company adapted its fiber lasers for electronics manufacturers, who now use them as an essential tool in producing industrial, aerospace, defense and consumer electronics.

After growing rapidly for several years, nLight held a public stock offering last year  the regions first tech IPO since 2004. Shares immediately soared above the $16 offering price and soon topped $40.

But nLight depends on China for nearly half its revenue, and President Donald Trumps trade war is weighing on the company as investors re-evaluate its growth prospects in the Trump era. Shares closed Wednesday at $21.78.

After markets closed nLight reported 2018 sales of $191.3 million, up 38 percent from the prior year. Its profits totaled $13.9 million. But the stock fell 6.3 percent in after-hours trading after nLight warned conditions in the Chinese industrial market remain challenging.

Oregons annual technology executive award is named for Sam Blackman, co-founder and chief executive of Elemental Technologies, who died suddenly in 2017. Like Blackman, Keeney has been an advocate for improving education.

The Oregon Tech Awards will announce other winners at its April dinner at the Oregon Convention Center.

This article has been updated with nLights 2018 financial results.

-- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699Updated at 5 p.m.

A man was taken to a hospital Tuesday after being shot in Northeast Portland.

The shooting was reported a little before 4 p.m. near Northeast 10th Avenue and Emerson Street. Portland police said they dont yet have any confirmed information on the shooter. No arrests have been announced.

The severity of the mans wounds have not yet been released by police. His identity hasnt been released.

Northeast Killingsworth Street and Emerson Street are closed between Ninth Avenue and 12th Avenue, police said.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 |@EvertonBailey

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Warrensville Heights man shocked a courtroom full of spectators Tuesday when he sucker-punched his own defense attorney after a judge sentenced him to 45 years in prison, witnesses told cleveland.com.

Cuyahoga County sheriffs deputies took down David Chislton after the 42-year-old struck lawyer Aaron Brockler in the face with both of his handcuffed fists, the witnesses said. Chislton spurred an hours-long police standoff in 2017 when he pistol-whipped his girlfriend and set his apartment complex on fire.

Brockler was visibly shaken up but seemed to be in good spirits as deputies and Cleveland EMTs wheeled him out of Common Pleas Court Judge Nancy Margaret Russos courtroom on a stretcher.

It was pretty fun, Brockler, who had a small cut on his face, joked to a reporter.

Brockler suffered injuries to his face and a possible concussion," county spokeswoman Mary Louise Madigan said. He was taken to MetroHealth as a precaution.

Deputies were in the process of completing reports and filing additional charges against Chislton on Tuesday afternoon, Madigan said.

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalleys office plans to seek a special prosecutor to handle the case, a spokesman said.

Defense lawyer Michael Goldberg was in the courtroom waiting for a trial in an unrelated case to begin and saw the attack.

He just wheeled around and punched his defense lawyer, Goldberg said. It was pretty heinously violent.

Russo sentenced Chislton sentenced on nearly two dozen charges, including multiple counts of aggravated arson and felonious assault, in 2017 incident.

Chislton pistol-whipped the woman and threatened to kill her after she accused him of sexually abusing her 15-year-old daughter, then set fire to the building during an ensuing standoff with police, prosecutors said. He wore brass knuckles when officers took him into custody, and investigators found a loaded revolver in the apartment, records show.

Russo could have sentenced Chislton to anywhere between 19 years to more than 100 years in prison. Russo ordered Chislton to sign paperwork that required him to register with the state as an arsonist, and when he went to sign the papers, Russo noticed that a deputy cuffed Chislton in front of him, instead of behind his back as is more customary.

Russo continued with the sentencing and, after she announced the total, Chislton spoke out. He took a step back and delivered the blow to Brockler, who was standing to Chisltons left at the podium, Goldberg said.

Both men fell to the floor and several deputies, as well as a police detective in the room waiting for an unrelated hearing, jumped on top of Chislton to corral him, witnesses said. Chislton bit Brocklers leg and Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Jeff Schnatter dragged Brockler away from Chislton by the foot, the witnesses said.

Russo was also visibly shaken in an interview with cleveland.com. She said she hoped Brockler was OK.

People dont understand what we go through in this building on a daily basis, Russo said as she fought back tears.

Common Pleas Court Administrative Judge John J. Russo said in an emailed statement through a spokesman late Tuesday that he was thankful Brockler wasnt more seriously hurt and wished him a speedy recovery.

This incident is a reminder that the safety of our employees, citizens and anyone else in our courtrooms should be a top priority, he said. We thank the deputies and others who responded during the incident for their quick actions, and we encourage the sheriffs department to fully review safety protocols for court proceedings.

To comment on this story, please visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments page.The husband of a 58-year-old Bend area woman who was walking her two dogs along a rural road when she was inexplicably shot and killed last month has filed a $3.5 million lawsuit.

Steven Peterson is suing Joanna Kasner, saying Kasner shot his wife, Valerie Ann Peterson, multiple times on Jan. 16.

The lawsuit says Kasner called Valerie Peterson over to the fence line of her property, asking to look at the dogs, and then opened fire.

Deschutes County sheriffs investigators and prosecutors have released no motive, and court papers accusing Kasner of murder have been sealed.

The shooting occurred the day before Valerie Petersons 59th birthday. She was alive when deputies arrived at the property at 64855 S.W. McGrath Road, but couldnt be saved, according to local media reports.

A lawsuit says Valerie Peterson was killed after Joanna Kasner called her over to her fence line at 64855 S.W. McGrath Road on Jan. 16. (Google Maps)

In addition to an accusation that she killed Peterson, Kasner faces charges of attempted murder for allegedly trying to kill another woman that same day and first-degree animal abuse for allegedly injuring Petersons Labrador. According to The Bulletin, Kasner is alleged to have shot the dog in the mouth.

An indictment also accuses Kasner of unlawfully using a knife and menacing for allegedly placing three people in fear of imminent serious physical injury." According to The Bulletin, two of those people were neighbors who heard the gunshots, rushed to the scene to find out what happened and allegedly were threatened by Kasner.

Kasner is being held at the Deschutes County Jail, with no possibility of posting bail. Her criminal defense attorney, Thomas Spear, said Tuesday that he doesnt believe that Kasner has seen the lawsuit yet, but that shes unable to comment.

Kasner hasnt entered a plea yet on the criminal charges. No trial date has been set yet.

Before she was booked into jail, Kasner was being held at St. Charles medical center in Bend, according to The Bulletin. Although its not clear why she was at a hospital, posts that Kasner made to Facebook indicate that she distrusted law enforcement and raise questions about her mental state, according to media reports.

According to The Bulletin, in a post four days before the shooting, Kasner wrote that sheriffs deputies in Washington had harassed her, that she moved to Central Oregon to get away but that trouble had followed her because she has been harassed and threated (sic) and poisend (sic) by I believe the same people.

Since that post, the Facebook page appears to have been made private.

Kasners husband filed for divorce a month before the shooting. The couple were married five months earlier.

The lawsuit was filed Friday in Deschutes County Circuit Court. Attorney Andrew Fitch is representing the estate.

-- Aimee Green

agreen@oregonian.com

o_aimee

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.A team of archaeologists in the United Kingdom says it has traced dozens of Stonehenges massive rocks to two quarries in west Wales. The rocks were transported 180 miles - dragged on wooden sleds, the scientists suggest, by teams of strong men. These stones, called bluestones after their bluish-gray hue, form the inner circle of the monument that towers over the Salisbury Plain.

Two bluestone quarries, named Carn Goedog and Craig Rhos-y-felin, were excavated around 3000 B.C., according to the authors of a study published this week in the journal Antiquity. Expeditions at the quarries from 2014 to 2016 recovered ancient charcoal and stone tools. In some places, the charcoal was mixed with dirt and stones to form flat platforms, which may have been used like loading bays to distribute the massive pillars, said Michael Parker Pearson, an archaeologist at University College London and an author of the new study.

Among the Welsh hills, bluestones erupted from the ground. Here, millions of years ago, sheets of magma slowly cooled into columns. Eons passed and softer rock around the magma eroded. Only the jagged bluestones remained.

Prehistoric workers probably exploited natural weaknesses in these structures, Parker Pearson said. "They're nearly vertical," he said. "All you've got to do is get a lasso around each one and pull."

With ropes and simple tools, such as sandstone wedges shoved into the outcrop's joints, excavators may have plucked out a pillar as cleanly as a loose tooth. Those on top of the outcrop could have carefully slackened their ropes to control the pillar's descent to a platform below, the authors wrote. From there, workers may have lowered a stone, six feet long and weighing two to four tons, onto a wooden sled to haul it away.

Bluestones are big, but not so big that a "burly group of Stone Age men" couldn't drag them across the countryside, Pearce said.

These pillars are "the Ikea version of Neolithic megaliths," Parker Pearson joked - the stones peeled off the outcrop as though from ready-to-use kits. Unlike the people who crafted Egypt's obelisks from much larger rocks, Stonehenge's builders did not need to rework the bluestone pillars.

The bluestones, which are speckled with fingernail-size deposits of white minerals, form an inner horseshoe and ring at Stonehenge. These rocks, though impressive, are not Stonehenge's biggest. The imposing sandstone trilithons, the three-part structures made of two vertical stones and a horizontal top, are larger and more locally sourced, though their exact origins are unknown.

Previous chemical studies linked the bluestones to the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire, Wales. "That's the only place you get that particular rock type," said Nicholas Pearce, a geochemist at Aberystwyth University in Wales, who was not involved with the current study.

Humans buried at Stonehenge probably came from this region of Wales, too. Remains at the site contain isotopes consistent with life near the quarries. Just a few miles separate the two outcrops - standing on one quarry, it's possible to see the other, Pearce said.

Radiocarbon dating indicates that the quarry charcoal is about 5,000 years old. The Welsh charcoal and Stonehenge remains suggest a connection in time as well as space. "We've got dates for both quarries that link nicely with the first dates at Stonehenge," Parker Pearson said. The bluestones and early Welsh travelers could have arrived at the Salisbury Plain together. There's about 100 years of fuzziness in the radiocarbon dating, though. "It could be immediate, it could be 100 years from getting from A to B," Parker Pearson said.

Unexpectedly, the quarries are on the northern side of the hills. The south side is closer to the ocean, where, according to one hypothesis, prehistoric travelers floated bluestones along the coast. An attempt to replicate a bluestone float failed spectacularly in 2000, however, when a raft carrying a stone sank close to shore. Parker Pearson and his colleagues suspect that the stones were transported over land instead, on sledges.

The existence of the quarries "conclusively invalidates" the misconception that Ice Age glaciers pushed the bluestones into the region, the authors of the new study said.

Bournemouth University archaeologist Timothy Darvill, who was not involved with this report, said that geological evidence points to "several other sources" of stone, including a site called Carn Menyn. Routes between Wales and Stonehenge remain speculative, Darvill said, though he agreed stones probably moved over land rather than by sea.

Among Europe's megalithic structures, Stonehenge is an oddity. Most other prehistoric builders did not stray more than 10 miles to collect stones for their monuments. Why craft Stonehenge from such far-flung pieces? Parker Pearson offered one idea. He suggested that Stonehenge was a unifying symbol for British tribes, constructed during what may have been a period of economic and population decline.

A major event like this, he said, would have brought together disparate communities that were growing apart.The danger came from three 5-gallon buckets stored at the Grand Canyon National Parks Museum Collection Building. They contained uranium ore.

Employees, researchers and tourists walked past the buckets for years, from 2000 until June 2018, according to the parks safety director, Elston Stephenson. He said one of the buckets was so full that the lid couldnt be closed all the way.

"The radiation readings, at first blush, exceed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's safe limits, Stephenson wrote earlier this month in an email to fellow park employees.  Identifying who was exposed, and your exposure level, gets tricky and is our next important task."

The email continued: "Please understand, this doesn't mean that you're somehow contaminated, or that you are going to have health issues. It merely means essentially that there was uranium on the site and you were in its presence. ... And by law we are supposed to tell you."

The buckets reportedly were stored next to a taxidermy exhibit, where children sometimes sat for 30-minute-long presentations. Stephenson told the Arizona Republic that, by his own estimate, those children could have received radiation dosages in excess of federal safety standards within three seconds, and adults could have suffered dangerous exposure in less than a half-minute.

Stephenson discovered the buckets last year and said he urged Interior Department officials to warn the public of their possible exposure, but no warning happened. The National Park Service, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Arizona Department of Health Services are now investigating, CNN reports.

The buckets were removed last summer, and the National Park Service says there is no current danger at the museum building.

"Uranium naturally occurs in the rocks of Grand Canyon National Park, the Interior Department said in a statement. A recent survey of the Grand Canyon National Parks museum collection facility found radiation levels at background levels -- the amount always present in the environment -- and below levels of concern for public health and safety.

-- Douglas Perry

@douglasmperry

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.The Oregon Secretary of States audits division will hold a town hall meeting Wednesday to address the agencys report on Portland Public Schools, which concluded that the states largest school district systemically fails its students of color.

State auditors found that the district hasnt done enough to place excellent principals in schools that need them, nor has it worked to retain them. Auditors also found that students and families of color who would benefit from lasting and trusting relationships with highly skilled educators instead faced a revolving door of administrators and green teachers.

The town hall meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Portland Community Colleges Cascade campus in North Portland. The session will take place in the Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building, 5514-5518 N. Albina Ave.

Auditors will be on hand to field questions about the report, which also included an audit of the Oregon Department of Education.

Portland school board Chair Rita Moore will also attend the town hall and answer questions, a spokeswoman for the Secretary of States office said.

Moore took issue with the audit and said it provided an outdated look at the district. She agreed the district was adrift before she and several current board members were elected. But Moore said the boards success in hiring of Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero, balancing the districts costly legal portfolio, increasing transparency and fixing health and safety threats since then showed a turnaround is underway.

State auditors acknowledged those efforts, but also said they wanted to ensure the initiatives produce results.

Doors for the town hall will open at 5:45 p.m. Parking restrictions have been lifted for the PCC campus during the event, so event goers can park for free.The Portland school board, in its first public meeting with the consulting firm hired to reassess all its schools boundaries, had a collective message for its contractors: Buckle up, because its going to be a rough couple of years.

Representatives from mapping and number-crunching firm FLO Analytics addressed Tuesdays work session in fits and starts as they presented a timeline and priorities for the redistricting process. That will be a complex task, which it pledged in its bid for the $296,000 contract to complete by the 2020-21 school year.

Tyler Vick, one of the firms principals, told board members that FLO was considering gathering data from the clusters of schools feeding into Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt high schools to address overcrowding at Bridger, Cesar Chavez and Fabion K-8 in the projects first year.

He would return to the board six times between now and next March with updates. Then next year, Vick said, FLO would tackle programmatic decisions across the district that have long been cited as a cause of inequity among outcomes for disadvantaged students.

Board members werent having it.

We have said for years that we have to look at the district comprehensively, board member Paul Anthony said. We have to be dealing with the entire enchilada all at once.

The last time Portland schools shuffled boundaries, the district did so in an effort to rebalance enrollment for 5,000 kids  or about 10 percent of the student population  ahead of the opening of two middle schools.

Tensions ran high then as well. Some parents said they bought homes with an eye on schools within a particular boundary. Others worried highly privileged families would steer the system so it shortchanged low-income students and students of color.

This has been a topic that has consumed this district for many years, has consumed a number of us for many years, so we all have views. Most of them are not friendly, school board Chair Rita Moore said.

The previous rebalancing processes were largely run by a volunteer board within the district, which at times went months without meeting. And the district is still in the nascent stages of breaking up its K-8 schools and replacing them with middle and elementary schools.

Weve earned our crazy. And a great deal of that has come from this, Anthony said.

The trouble with previous redistricting efforts prompted the school board to contract with an outside firm to reassess current boundaries using a mixture of mapping technology and public outreach.

Board members told Vick they wanted more check-ins than the six he proposed. They wanted FLO to take a wider look at the district, rather than the three clusters the firm proposed to address first. And they wanted Vicks team to make programmatic recommendations in the first year of work, rather than waiting until 2020 to tackle them.

Any year we delay for kids who are in insufficiently resourced buildings or got the short shrift one way or another is a denial for those kids, board member Amy Kohnstamm said.

As the work session entered its fourth hour, Moore tried to reassure Vick before adjourning.

Be prepared for resistance, but we need your expertise. We need you to help us get past this, Moore said. It will be interesting. That, I can guarantee you.A romance mystery novelist suspected of murdering her chef husband faces a wrongful death lawsuit from her stepson, according to records filed Tuesday in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Nathaniel Stillwater is asking for $1.7 million from stepmother Nancy Crampton Brophy after authorities say she fatally shot Daniel Brophy, her husband of 27 years, records show.

The complaint lists Stillwater as a personal representative of his fathers estate and alleges Crampton Brophy murdered and/or conspired with others to murder Brophy, according to the lawsuit.

Records show Stillwater, Brophys only child, seeks $200,000 for his fathers pain and suffering; $500,000 for estimated losses to the Brophy estate, and; $1 million for Stillwaters loss of a parent.

A beloved instructor at the Oregon Culinary Institute, Brophy was found gunned down in a kitchen at the school June 2, 2017.

The early morning killing yielded no immediate suspects, though investigators eventually zeroed in on his author wife, whose self-published titles include The Wrong Husband and Hell on the Heart.

Crampton Brophy, 68, also penned the essay How to Murder Your Husband in 2011.

A Multnomah County grand jury last September indicted her on one count of murder with a firearm, and she remains behind bars.

Documents containing the suspected motive and other evidence used by prosecutors in the case remain sealed

Lawyers for Crampton Brophy did not respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment Tuesday.

Her bail hearing is scheduled for April 19.

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632A 67-year-old drug dealer who stored packages of cocaine, heroin and thousands of dollars in cash in his kitchens freezer was sentenced Tuesday to nearly nine years in federal prison.

Joseph Cephus Austin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin, marking his seventh drug conviction since 1995.

Prosecutor Leah Bolstad urged a sentence of more than 10 years for the career criminal offender, citing Austins undeterred drug trafficking.

He has continued to commit drug trafficking offenses throughout his adulthood, with prior drug trafficking convictions at ages 44, 49, 51, 52, 53 and 61, Bolstad wrote in a sentencing memo. For this offender, there is zero evidence that he has aged out of this type of conduct.

Defense lawyer Thomas Price argued that a seven-year sentence would be sufficient, given Austins age.

U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman sentenced Austin to eight years and 10 months. Mosman said he couldnt ignore Austins court record, which shows a man at your age who hasnt quit committing new crimes.

The investigation began in April 2017 when an informant gave Portland police information regarding an alleged crack cocaine dealer who went by the nickname Pick." Within two months, the informant made five drug buys from Austin, monitored by police, according to court records.

Police obtained search warrants to raid a room at the Red Roof Inn where Austin would often stay and his family home in the 5800 block of Northeast Rodney Street.

Inside a kitchen freezer in the home, police found five spray cans that contained nine packages with more than 126 grams of cocaine and more than 4 ounces of heroin, according to court records.

Officers also found a large plastic bag in the freezer that held $3,526 in cash and Austins identification, according to court records.

Three pastors and Austins sister attended the hearing to support Austin.

Pastor Roy Tate, who has ministered in Portland for 39 years, said he doesnt condone drug abuse, but called the governments proposed 10 year-plus sentence too extreme.

Austin said he had tried to avoid returning to prison after completing four years at the federal prison in Sheridan following a 2014 heroin distribution conviction. He held several jobs, but ultimately didnt maintain them because of a bad back, he said. He tried to take classes at Portland Community College but his financial aid application wasnt approved. Around the same time, he said, his daughter asked him for money to help her open a new business but he couldnt help her.

I was lonely, tired and depressed and I relapsed, Austin told the judge.

If Austin had just relapsed and used drugs, he wouldnt have been accused of a new crime, Mosman told him.

Instead, Austin was not just a victim of relapse but helping other people relapse through his drug dealing, Mosman said.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.A Vancouver police officer fatally shot a teen who brandished a knife and refused to drop the weapon late Tuesday, authorities say.

Vancouver police said the 16-year-old boy was taken to a hospital but didnt survive his injuries. The officer wasnt hurt.

The shooting unfolded after police were called to a reported disturbance involving at least two people  one male, one female  at an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Southeast Ellsworth Road. Witnesses reported two males, both of whom were possibly armed, then got in an altercation in the parking lot, according to police.

Officers showed up, and one of the males brandished the knife at them and refused commands to drop the knife, police said. One officer shot him.

No one involved in the incident has been publicly identified. Police have not said whether the teen who was shot was involved in the initial disturbance.

No additional information about the shooting has been released.

The officer who shot the teen is on critical incident leave, which is standard protocol after police shootings.

Police initially responded about 11:05 p.m. The shooting is under investigation.

-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.Breakside Brewing opened in May 2010 in a town nicknamed Beervana. A town rich in beer history, rich in reputation, and rich in world-class breweries.

It took but four years for Breakside to rise to the top of the heap not just in Portland, but the nation. In 2014, Breakside broke through with a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival, winning in the coveted American IPA category.

That took the Northeast Portland brewery from locals favorite to national recognition. Since then, Breakside has built a spiffy new brewpub in Northwest Portlands Slabtown and tripled its output, most of which is brewed at its large production facility in Milwaukie. Its also continued to pile up the awards, including more gold at the GABF and the World Beer Cup.

The way in which Breakside IPA and Wanderlust IPA both took off after that was a game changer, says Breakside brewmaster Ben Edmunds. I mean, thats two years of just exponential growth that was a lot of fun.

Much of its success can be chalked up to Edmunds, the only brewmaster Breakside founder and owner Scott Lawrence has ever employed. Breakside was Edmunds first brewing job, and the craft beer world has been thankful ever since that he didnt instead pursue a career with the Spanish degree he earned at Yale University.

Edmunds credits the collaborative approach of his team of brewers, who produce Breaksides regular stable of beers while continuing to push innovation and create new, fascinating recipes. The brewery is renowned for its sour and barrel-aging programs.

Breaksides pubs are also a big draw. The original location, in the Woodlawn neighborhood, is a cozy, classic Northwest brewpub in an old, rehabbed building that sat empty for years. Big, garage doors open the bar area to sidewalk picnic tables at the Dekum Triangle, a bustling collection of shops, restaurants and pubs.

The new restaurant in Northwest Portland opened in 2017 and resides in a big, modern-industrial building. With two floors, Breakside has created space to serve far more patrons and do it in an airy full-service restaurant with ample patio seating as well.

And if youre south of Portland, Breaksides minimalist taproom at the Milwaukie brewery, which opened in 2013, has the broadest tap list of the three sites, just dont expect to be fed. This facility produces beers distributed across the West and in Hawaii, the Carolinas and western Canada.

Below: Take a video tour of Breaksides Northeast Portland Dekum pub and brewery, and watch a two-part interview with brewmaster Ben Edmunds and brewers Natalie Baldwin and Annie Aviles.

Breakside sampler:

Why go: A wide array of styles brewed by one of Portland premier breweries; comfortable, attractive pubs with diverse, high-quality menus.

Beer recommendations: You are unlikely to find a beer you dont like, but try the brewerys flagship Breakside IPA and the pilsner. Scour the menu for whatever wild or sour ale, such as the Passionfruit Sour, or barrel-aged beer currently being offered.

Where:

Northeast Portland: 820 N.E. Dekum St.; 503-719-6475

Northwest Portland: 1570 NW 22nd Ave.; 503-444-7597

Milwaukie: 5821 S.E. International Way, Milwaukie; 503-342-6309

Check out my reviews of four Breakside beers on Untappd and more content on Instagram.

-- Andre Meunier 503-221-8488

Instagram: @oregonianbeerguy

Twitter: @AndreMeunier13

Untappd: Andre Meunier (@andremeunier13)

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.

More beer coverage:+24% CAGR of Medical Tourism Market Forecast 2026 In Energy & IT market: Latest Trends, Growth Rate, Profitability and key profile : Hospitals Enterprise Limited, Fortis Healthcare Ltd

Medical Tourism Market

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A CAGR of +24% during the forecast period. Growing geriatric population and spiraling demand for low cost medical procedures with high-quality service are some of the key trends stimulating market growthThe geriatric population has a high risk of developing diseases related to the heart. It is anticipated that the number of Americans aged 65 or older will double by 2050. The longer waiting times and high costs in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and France are among the main factors that force patients to move to the United States. other destinations such as Thailand, India, Singapore and Costa Rica for cost-effective treatmentSample copy of this Report @:The report provides extensive competitive analysis and profiles of key market players, such as Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, Fortis Healthcare Ltd., Asian Heart Institute and Research Centre Private Limited, KPJ Healthcare Berhad, NTT Medical Center Tokyo, Seoul National University Hospital, UZ Leuven (University Hospitals Leuven), Infectious Diseases Partners Pte. Ltd., Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Barbados Fertility Centre, Prince Court Medical Centre, and Samitivej Public Company Limited.According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death, causing a toll in 17.3 million deaths per year, and it is likely that cases will grow more than 23.6 million by 2030. It is expected that this trend will boost market during the forecast period.The global medical tourism market is driven by affordability and access to good quality health services, together with the assistance of tourism departments and local governments. In addition, the availability of the latest medical technologies in medical tourism centers around the world is expected to stimulate market growth.Get Discount on This Premium Report @:Various government policies to facilitate visas on arrival and restrictions on visas, the increase in the implementation of modern facilities by private sector hospitals and the availability of trained health professionals are factors responsible for the fastest growth of the market in India.Medical Tourism Market SegmentationBy Treatment TypeCosmetic TreatmentDental TreatmentCardiovascular TreatmentOrthopedics TreatmentBariatric SurgeryFertility TreatmentOphthalmic TreatmentOther TreatmentsFor More Information:Customization of the ReportThis report can be customized to meet your requirements. Please connect with our representative, who will ensure you get a report that suits your needsWe at, QYReports, a leading market research report published accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers includes prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SMEs and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into the analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)+91-9764607607sales@qyreports.comPoint-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics market set to grow according to forecasts 2027 Abaxis, Abbott, Binx Health, Inc., bioMerieux SA, Danaher, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, GenePOC Inc., Mesa Biotech

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Point-of-care test is conducted on patients at or close to a site where a patient encounters the health care system. The test has a fast turnaround time and offers necessary data to conduct additional treatment of a patient. The molecular methods of diagnosis are being most popular due to speed, low cost, and ease of use for POC applications.The ability to diagnose infectious diseases at the site with limited infrastructure is expected to fuel the growth of the point-of-care molecular diagnostics market during the forecast period. Moreover, growing R&D activities for development in molecular diagnostics tests is anticipated to offer significant growth opportunities in the market.Get PDF sample copy of research report:"The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global point-of-care molecular diagnostics market based on product & services, technology, application, and end user. It also provides market size and forecast till 2027 for overall market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South & Central America. The point-of-care molecular diagnostics market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers analysis and forecast of 18 counties globally along with current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region."The List of Companies1. Abaxis2. Abbott3. Binx Health, Inc.4. bioMerieux SA5. Danaher6. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd7. GenePOC Inc.8. Mesa Biotech9. Quidel Corporation10. Siemens HealthineersThe "Global Point-Of-Care Molecular Diagnostics Market Analysis to 2027" is a specialized and in-depth study of the medical device industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global market with detailed market segmentation by product & services, technology, application, end user, and geography. The global market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the leading point-of-care molecular diagnostics market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.The global point-of-care molecular diagnostics market is segmented on the basis of product & services, technology, application, and end user. Based on product & services, the market is segmented as, assays & kits, instruments/analyzers and software & services. On the basis of technology, the market is classified as, real time PCR, isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology (INAAT) and other technologies. The point-of-care molecular diagnostics market is categorized based on applications such as, sexually transmitted diseases, hospital-acquired infections, oncology, and other applications. Based on end user, the point-of-care molecular diagnostics market is segmented as, physician offices, hospital emergency departments & intensive care units, research institutes, and other end users.Get discount on this report@North America is expected to contribute to the largest share in the point-of-care molecular diagnostics market in the coming years, owing to rising prevalence of infectious diseases and availability of government initiatives in United States and Canada. Also, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness steady growth during the forecast period, due to lower availability of large clinical testing spaces as well as the need for clinical tests in nations such as China and India.The report analyzes factors affecting point-of-care molecular diagnostics 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 point-of-care molecular diagnostics market in these regions.A complete analysis of the competitive landscape of the global Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics market is provided in the report. This section includes company profiles of market key players. The profiles include contact information, gross, capacity, product details of each firm, price, and cost.Key benefits- To track and analyze competitive developments, such as product launches, agreements, partnerships, collaborations, and acquisitions in the global Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics market. To 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).The Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics market report aims to provide a 360-degree view of the market in terms of cutting-edge technology, key developments, drivers, restraints and future trends with impact analysis of these trends on the market for short-term, mid-term and long-term during the forecast period. Further, the report also covers key players profiling with detailed swot analysis, financial facts and key developments of products/service from the past three years.According to a new market research study titled Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics market - global analysis and forecasts by type, application and end user, the global Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics market is expected to high growth in 2027. The market is estimated to grow with a cagr from 2019-2027. The report highlights the trends prevalent in the global Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics market and the factors driving the market along with those that act as deterrents to its growth.The qualitative contents for geographical analysis will cover market trends in each geography and country which includes highlights of the key players operating in the respective region/country, pest analysis of each region which includes political, economic, social and technological factors influencing the growth of the market.Key questions answered in the report include: what will the market size and the growth rate be in 2027? what are the key factors driving the global Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics market? what are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics market? what are the challenges to market growth? who are the key vendors in this market space?Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics Market  Key Points Covered Key Facts Business Description Financial Overview Product Portfolio SWOT Analysis Key DevelopmentsDownload PDF Sample:About usThe 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 committed to providing highest quality research and consulting services to our customers. We help our clients understand key market trends, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions by providing market research solutions at an affordable cost.The insight partners,Call: +1-646-491-9876email: sales@theinsightpartners.comWebsite:Cosmetics Market 2019: Analysis By | L'Oreal, P&G, Unilever, Estee Lauder, KAO, Shiseido, Avon, lvmh, Chanel

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Cosmetics are care substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body. Traditionally cosmetics include skin care, color cosmetics, hair care, nail care, oral care and perfumery & deodorants.Cosmetics Market reports cover detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the Global market. The Cosmetics market report provides an in-depth overview of Product Specification, technology, product type and production analysis considering major factors such as Revenue, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin.Request for the sample copy @In terms of value, USA sales account for 13%-14% of total market share, EU growing at a good pace owing to large population and high economic growth rate occupies the 20% market share of the global consumption value. The increasing demand for skin care drives Cosmetics industry developing fast. For the brand owners, such as L'Oreal, Shiseido and Kao are very popular in the world.For the production, China is the largest production region contributing to nearly 23%-25% market share. They provide a wide range of services for many famous brands with lower processing cost.The following manufacturers are covered in this report: L'Oreal P&G Unilever Estee Lauder KAO Shiseido Avon lvmh Chanel Amore Pacific Jahwa Beiersdorf Johnson & Johnson Jialan Inoherb Sisley Revlon Jane iredale Henkel CotyMarket size by Product Personal Care Color Cosmetics Perfumes OtherMarket size by End User Hair Care Skin Care Make-up Fragrance OtherMarket Breakdown by Regions North America Europe China Japan Southeast Asia Rest of the WorldEnquire before purchase@:Table of contents:1 Study Coverage1.1 Cosmetics Product1.2 Market Segments1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered1.4 Market by Type1.4.1 Global Cosmetics Market Size Growth Rate by Product1.4.2 Personal Care1.4.3 Color Cosmetics1.4.4 Perfumes1.4.5 Other1.5 Market by End User1.5.1 Global Cosmetics Market Size Growth Rate by End User1.5.2 Hair Care1.5.3 Skin Care1.5.4 Make-up1.5.5 Fragrance1.5.6 Other1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Executive Summary2.1 Global Cosmetics Market Size2.1.1 Global Cosmetics Revenue 2014-20252.1.2 Global Cosmetics Sales 2014-20252.2 Cosmetics Growth Rate by Regions2.2.1 Global Cosmetics Sales by Regions2.2.2 Global Cosmetics Revenue by Regions3 Breakdown Data by Manufacturers3.1 Cosmetics Sales by Manufacturers3.1.1 Cosmetics Sales by Manufacturers3.1.2 Cosmetics Sales Market Share by Manufacturers3.1.3 Global Cosmetics Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)3.2 Cosmetics Revenue by Manufacturers3.2.1 Cosmetics Revenue by Manufacturers (2014-2019)3.2.2 Cosmetics Revenue Share by Manufacturers (2014-2019)3.3 Cosmetics Price by Manufacturers3.4 Cosmetics Manufacturing Base Distribution, Product Types3.4.1 Cosmetics Manufacturers Manufacturing Base Distribution, Headquarters3.4.2 Manufacturers Cosmetics Product Type3.4.3 Date of International Manufacturers Enter into Cosmetics Market3.5 Manufacturers Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion PlansTOC continued!In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Cosmetics :History Year: 2014-2018Base Year: 2018Estimated Year: 2019Forecast Year 2019 to 2025About usWe have a strong network of high powered and experienced global consultants who have about 10+ years of experience in the specific industry to deliver quality research and analysis.Having such an experienced network, our services not only cater to the client who wants the basic reference of market numbers and related high growth areas in the demand side, but also we provide detailed and granular information using which the client can definitely plan the strategies with respect to both supply and demand side.Canada Office:302-20 Misssisauga Valley Blvd, Missisauga, L5A 3S1, TorontoContact UsEmail- info@supplydemandmarketresearch.comWebsite-Phone Number: +1-276-477-5910Blockchain Market 2019: by IBM (US), Microsoft (US), SAP (Germany), Intel (US), Oracle (US), Huawei (China), Blockchain Foundry (Singapore), BlockCypher (US), BTL Group (Canada)...

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A blockchain, originally block chain, is a growing list of records, called blocks, which are linked using cryptography. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data (generally represented as a merkle tree root hash).According to this study, over the next five years the Blockchain 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 revenue market share of key companies in Blockchain business, shared in Chapter 3.This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares and growth opportunities of Blockchain market by product type, application, key companies and key regions.Request a sample of this report @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 in Chapter 3. IBM (US) AWS (US) Microsoft (US) SAP (Germany) Intel (US) Oracle (US) Bitfury (US) Cegeka (Netherlands) Earthport (UK) Guardtime (Estonia) Digital Asset Holdings (US) Chain (US) Huawei (China) BlockCypher (US) Symbiont (US) BigchainDB ( Germany) Applied Blockchain (UK) RecordsKeeper (Gibraltar) Blockpoint (US) Auxesis Group (India) BTL Group (Canada) Blockchain Foundry (Singapore)This study considers the Blockchain value generated from the sales of the following segments:Segmentation by product type: breakdown data from 2013 to 2018, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2023 in section 10.7. On-premise SoftwareSegmentation by application: breakdown data from 2013 to 2018, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2023 in section 10.8. SMEs Large EnterprisesBrowse the complete report @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 & Africa Egypt South Africa Israel Turkey GCC CountriesIn addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks faced by key players 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 Blockchain market size by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2023. To understand the structure of Blockchain market by identifying its various subsegments. Focuses on the key global Blockchain players, to define, describe and analyze the value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years. To analyze the Blockchain 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 size of Blockchain 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.Major Points from Table of Content:1 Scope of the Report2 Executive Summary3 Global Blockchain by Players4 Blockchain by Regions5 Americas6 APAC7 Europe8 Middle East & Africa9 Market Drivers, Challenges and Trends10 Global Blockchain Market Forecast11 Key Players Analysis11.1 IBM (US)11.1.1 Company Details11.1.2 Blockchain Product Offered11.1.3 IBM (US) Blockchain Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2018)11.1.4 Main Business Overview11.1.5 IBM (US) News11.2 AWS (US)11.2.1 Company Details11.2.2 Blockchain Product Offered11.2.3 AWS (US) Blockchain Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2018)11.2.4 Main Business Overview11.2.5 AWS (US) News11.3 Microsoft (US)11.3.1 Company Details11.3.2 Blockchain Product Offered11.3.3 Microsoft (US) Blockchain Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2018)11.3.4 Main Business Overview11.3.5 Microsoft (US) NewsContinue...12 Research Findings and ConclusionPlace a purchase order of this report @About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Info:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email id: sales@orbisresearch.comTitanium Product Market Size, Historical Breakdown Data (2013-2019) and Forecast (2019-2025) | Market Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturers- Huntsman International, DuPont, Ineos, Iluka Resources Ltd. and More

Titanium Product Market 2019-2025, Titanium Product Market Sales, Titanium Product Market Survey, Titanium Product Market Insights

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This report focuses on Titanium Product market volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall Titanium Product market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. Regionally, this report focuses on several key regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan.The Titanium Product family is polyethylene glycol ethers of oleyl alcohol in which the numbers in the name indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units. They are synthetically produced by the ethoxylation of oleyl alcohol in which the number of moles of ethylene oxide corresponds chain length required for polyethylene glycol.Globally, among all regions, Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market owing to high consumption of cosmetics, which is then closely followed by Europe and then North America. Europe is expected hold substantial market share over the forecast period owing high penetration of cosmetics and personal care products and region being the fashion hub of the world. In addition, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for cosmetics and personal care products in luxury, mass market, and professional sectors.At company level, this report focuses on the production capacity, ex-factory price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covered in this report.Browse the full summary and TOC of Titanium Product Market @The following manufacturers are covered: Huntsman International DuPont Ineos Iluka Resources Ltd. Sumitomo Corporation VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation. Toho Titanium Co. RTI International Metals Allegheny Technologies Incorporated Titanium Metal Corporation. Tronox Limited (U.S). Indian Rare Earths Limited (India). Sierra Rutile Limited (U.K)By Products/Types: Titanium Concentrate Titanium Tetrachloride Titanium Sponge Ferrotitanium Titanium PigmentBy Applications/End-Users: Aerospace and Marine Industrial Medical Pigments Additives and Coatings Energy OthersBy Regions: North America Europe China Japan Southeast Asia IndiaRequest a sample copy of Titanium Product Market @Research Methodology and Data Sources for this report: This report consists of detailed overview of market segments, and comprehensive analysis. Secondary Research Information is collected from a number of publicly available as well as paid databases. Public sources involve publications by different associations and governments, annual reports and statements of companies, white papers and research publications by recognized industry experts and renowned academia etc. Paid data sources include third party authentic industry databases. Once data collection is done through secondary research, primary interviews are conducted with different stakeholders across the value chain like manufacturers, distributors, ingredient/input suppliers, end customers and other key opinion leaders of the industry. Primary research is used both to validate the data points obtained from secondary research and to fill in the data gaps after secondary research. The market engineering phase involves analyzing the data collected, market breakdown and forecasting. Macroeconomic indicators and bottom-up and top-down approaches are used to arrive at a complete set of data points that give way to valuable qualitative and quantitative insights. Each data point is verified by the process of data triangulation to validate the numbers and arrive at close estimates. The market engineered data is verified and validated by a number of experts, both in-house and external. After the data is curated by the mentioned highly sophisticated process, the analysts begin to write the report. Garnering insights from data and forecasts, insights are drawn to visualize the entire ecosystem in a single report. We have a dedicated team of Research Specialists and Sales Executives who are available for 24/7 support. We take pride in our teams expertise. We are in a mode of constant learning and train our teams through various both internal and external learning interventions. This helps our team to provide best of service to our clients.Buy now the sample copy of Titanium Product Market @Table of Contents:Executive Summary: Titanium Product Market Overview Global Titanium Product Market Competition by Manufacturers Global Titanium Product Production Market Share by Regions Global Titanium Product Consumption by Regions Global Titanium Product Production, Revenue, Price Trend by Type Global Titanium Product Market Analysis by Applications Company Profiles and Key Figures in Titanium Product Business Titanium Product Manufacturing Cost Analysis Marketing Channel, Distributors and Customers Market Dynamics Global Titanium Product Market Forecast Research Findings and Conclusion Methodology and Data Source. Table of Contents ContinuedAbout 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Residential Solar Energy Storage 2019 Global Market Key Players  East Penn Manufacturing, LG Chem, BYD, Panasonic, Tesla, Samsung SDI, Sonnen, Saft -Analysis And Forecast To 2024

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Residential Solar Energy Storage Market 2019Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Residential Solar Energy Storage  Global Market Growth, Opportunities, Analysis Of Top Key Players And Forecast To 2024 To Its Research Database.Description:The residential energy storage solutions feature robust, maintenance-free Trojan Solar AGM batteries, which are designed to not only provide emergency backup power capabilities during devastating storms, grid brownouts and blackouts, but can also be used to provide supplemental off-grid power.Residential Solar Energy Storage is usually no more than 30KWh.Europe is the largest countries of Residential Solar Energy Storage in the world in the past few years and it will keep increasing in the next few years. Europe market took up about 28.8% the global market in 2017, while North America and Australia were about 21.3%, 20.1%.According to this study, over the next five years the Residential Solar Energy Storage market will register a 37.7% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ 4600 million by 2024, from US$ 680 million in 2019. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in Residential Solar Energy Storage business, shared in Chapter 3.This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Residential Solar Energy Storage 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 in Chapter 3.East Penn ManufacturingLG ChemBYDPanasonicTeslaSamsung SDISonnenSaftA123 SystemsEnphase EnergyE-On BatteriesHOPPECKE BatterienExide TechnologiesFronius InternationalRequest for Sample Report @This study considers the Residential Solar Energy Storage value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:Segmentation by product type: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2024 in section 11.7.Li-ionLead-AcidSegmentation by application: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2024 in section 11.8.Collective HouseDetached HouseThis report also splits the market by region: Breakdown data in Chapter 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.AmericasUnited StatesCanadaMexicoBrazilAPACChinaJapanKoreaSoutheast AsiaIndiaAustraliaEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalyRussiaSpainMiddle East & AfricaEgyptSouth AfricaIsraelTurkeyGCC CountriesEnquiry before Buying @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of Content:2019-2024 Global Residential Solar Energy Storage Consumption Market Report1 Scope of the Report1.1 Market Introduction1.2 Research Objectives1.3 Years Considered1.4 Market Research Methodology1.5 Economic Indicators1.6 Currency Considered..12 Key Players Analysis12.1 East Penn Manufacturing12.1.1 Company Details12.1.2 Residential Solar Energy Storage Product Offered12.1.3 East Penn Manufacturing Residential Solar Energy Storage Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)12.1.4 Main Business Overview12.1.5 East Penn Manufacturing News12.2 LG Chem12.2.1 Company Details12.2.2 Residential Solar Energy Storage Product Offered12.2.3 LG Chem Residential Solar Energy Storage Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)12.2.4 Main Business Overview12.2.5 LG Chem News12.3 BYD12.3.1 Company Details12.3.2 Residential Solar Energy Storage Product Offered12.3.3 BYD Residential Solar Energy Storage Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)12.3.4 Main Business Overview12.3.5 BYD News12.4 Panasonic12.4.1 Company Details12.4.2 Residential Solar Energy Storage Product Offered12.4.3 Panasonic Residential Solar Energy Storage Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)12.4.4 Main Business Overview12.4.5 Panasonic News12.5 Tesla12.5.1 Company Details12.5.2 Residential Solar Energy Storage Product Offered12.5.3 Tesla Residential Solar Energy Storage Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)12.5.4 Main Business Overview12.5.5 Tesla News12.6 Samsung SDI12.6.1 Company Details12.6.2 Residential Solar Energy Storage Product Offered12.6.3 Samsung SDI Residential Solar Energy Storage Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)12.6.4 Main Business Overview12.6.5 Samsung SDI News12.7 Sonnen12.7.1 Company Details12.7.2 Residential Solar Energy Storage Product Offered12.7.3 Sonnen Residential Solar Energy Storage Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)12.7.4 Main Business Overview12.7.5 Sonnen News12.8 Saft12.8.1 Company Details12.8.2 Residential Solar Energy Storage Product Offered12.8.3 Saft Residential Solar Energy Storage Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)12.8.4 Main Business Overview12.8.5 Saft News12.9 A123 Systems12.9.1 Company Details12.9.2 Residential Solar Energy Storage Product Offered12.9.3 A123 Systems Residential Solar Energy Storage Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)12.9.4 Main Business Overview12.9.5 A123 Systems News12.10 Enphase Energy12.10.1 Company Details12.10.2 Residential Solar Energy Storage Product Offered12.10.3 Enphase Energy Residential Solar Energy Storage Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2019)12.10.4 Main Business Overview12.10.5 Enphase Energy News12.11 E-On Batteries12.12 HOPPECKE Batterien12.13 Exide Technologies12.14 Fronius InternationalContinued..Contact US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Portable Water Purifiersnning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:: Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd: Pune  411028: Maharashtra,: Ph: +91 841 198 5042Image Recognition Market at a CAGR of 20.3% by Top Vendors Analysis (Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., NEC India Pvt. Ltd., Google Inc., JASTEC Co., Catchoom, Honeywell International Inc., Hitachi Ltd.)

Image Recognition Market

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Global Image Recognition Market report offers a detailed Outlook and future prospects of the Corporate Secretarial Services Industry with analysis of major players that helps Industry experts, analysts and business decision makers to decide their business strategies and achieve proposed business aims.Get Free Sample Report@Global Image Recognition Market accounted for USD 16.2 billion in 2016 growing at a CAGR of 20.3% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024. The upcoming market report contains data for historic year 2014, 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2017 to 2024.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Global Image Recognition Market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.This report describes the development of the industry by upstream & downstream, industry overall and development, key companies, as well as type segment & market application and so on, and makes a scientific prediction for the development industry prospects on the basis of analysis, finally, analyzes opportunities for investment in the industry at the end of the report.Major Market Competitors: Global Image Recognition MarketSome of the major players of the global image recognition market are:- Qualcomm Technologies Inc., NEC India Pvt. Ltd., Google Inc., JASTEC Co., Catchoom, Honeywell International Inc., Hitachi Ltd., Slyce, Wikitude GmbH, Attrasoft Inc., itraff, Apple Inc., Facebook Inc., Twitter Inc, Google Inc., and others.Company Share Analysis: Global Image Recognition MarketThe report for image recognition market include detailed vendor level analysis for market shares in 2016 for Global, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America specifically. Also impact and development analysis of key vendors is registered in the market and factored on the basis of Vendor Positioning Grid Analysis which measures the vendors strengths and opportunities against present market challenges, measure providers ability to identify or satisfy present market needs, map providers market vision to current and upcoming market dynamics among others. The report also measures technology life line curve and market time line to analyze and do more affective investments.Inquiry Before Buying:Major Market Drivers & Restraints: Increasing use of image recognition applications Increasing demand for security applications and products enabled with image recognition functions Technology acceptance by various companies in different verticals Increasing use of high bandwidth data services High cost of installation of image recognition systemsMarket Segmentation: Global Image Recognition MarketThe global image recognition market is segmented on the basis of technology into:- Code Recognition, Digital Image Processing, Facial Recognition, Object Recognition, Pattern Recognition and Optical Character Recognition.On the basis of component, the global image recognition market is segmented into:- Hardware, Software and Services.The services segment is further segmented into:- Managed Services, Professional Services, Training, Support and Maintenance Services.On the basis of application, the global image recognition market is segmented into:- Scanning & Imaging, Security & Surveillance, Image Search, Augmented Reality and Marketing & Advertising.On the basis of deployment type, the global image recognition market is segmented into on- Premises, and Cloud.On the basis of industry, the global image recognition market is segmented into:- Banking, Financial Services And Insurance, Media & Entertainment, Retail & Consumer Goods, It & Telecom, Government, Healthcare, Transportation & Logistics.The others segmented is further sub segmented into:- Education, and Gaming.On the basis of geography, the global image recognition market report covers data points for 28 countries across multiple geographies such as:- North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Access Full Report:Note: If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Data Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.comChordal Suture Systems Market| Key Players Include cryolife Inc., Sofmedica, Medtronic, Ethicon 2018-2028

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Chordal Suture Systems : Market InsightsChordal suture system is a repair mechanism of the mitral heart valve .Our heart has basically four valves. Two of the four valves are mitral valve which is also called as dicuspid valve and a tricuspid valve .Mitral valve which is also called as dicuspid valve shows some kind of abnormalities with the flow of blood which can be treated with chordal suture system .These two valves are responsible for the blow of blood between the arteries and ventricles. The chordal suture system provides a vascular repair to the mitrial valve which deals with the flow of blood with the help of two leaflets. One is the anterior leaflet and the other is posterior leaflet. Anterior leaflet covers the larger surface area and is of larger length as compared to posterior leaflet. Two main conditions of heart blood flow consist of diastole and systole. During the ventricular diastole, the ventricular muscle relaxes and the heart is filled with blood. Ventricles are filled with blood and the mitral valve begins to close. The chordal suture system allows the mitral valve to close properly so that there is effective emptying of blood and the blood does not leak into the left atrium during ventricular systole.The chordal suture systems are used in the treatment mitral valve regurgitation. Mitral valve regurgitation is an abnormal flow of blood through the heart valve in which the valve flap does not close properly and the blood flows backward. Chordal suture system repairs the mitral valve which can show abnormal flow of blood due to ruptured chord, leaflet prolapse or an infection in any component of the valve.Chordal Suture systems: Market DynamicsRising heart attacks is one of the important reason for the growth in the market. Prolonged use of certain medication that are used to treat migrains can cause regurgitation of heart valve which is expected to drive the chordal suture market. Occurrence of many other heat valve diseases such as endocarditis, rheumatic fever can increase the growth of chordal suture system market. Cancer can also be responsible for the mitral valve regurgitation as the radiation on the chest are very harmful owing to increase the share in chordal suture systems market. High cost of choral suture system can restrain the growth of chordal suture systems market. Most of the population is not aware about the chordal suture system. People prefer surgeries over chordal suture systems, hence, lack of awareness can hinder the growth of chordal suture systems.A Sample Of This Report Is Available Upon Request @Chordal suture system Market: SegmentationThe chordal suture system market is segmented by device type, indication and end user:Segmentation by product TypeLoopsDouble armedAbsorbableNon absorbableSegmentation by IndicationRheumatic feverEndocarditisHeart attackValve prolapseTraumaOthersSegmentation by End UserHospitalsSpecialty ClinicsOthersChordal Suture Market: OverviewBased on the product type, most of the chordal suture system are non absorbable made up of poly ester material .There are two types of chordal suture systems  loop chordal suture system and double armed chordal suture system. Based on the Indication, heart attacks are very common which is associated with the disruption of mitrial heart valve, leading to high usage of chordal suture systems. Chordal suture systems reduces the high complications which are associated with heart valve surgeries and it is one of the major factor which makes chordal suture system safe.Chordal suture system Market: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of geography, global chordal suture system market is segmented into seven key regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America is projected to hold largest shares in the global chordal suture system market primarily due to presence of large number of hospitals and advanced healthcare infrastructure. Whereas, Europe owing to presence of better healthcare expenditure and increased governmental initiatives is expected to experience high demand for chordal suture system in the region. Asia-Pacific is expected to register the fastest growth in revenue generation for chordal vascular system market.Read Comprehensive Overview with Methodology of Report@Chordal Suture System Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players present in global chordal suture system market are cryolife Inc., Sofmedica, Medtronic, Ethicon, Smith & Nephew, Reid healthcareFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.U.S. Office, 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,, Valley Cottage, NY 10989,, United States, T: +1-347-9616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Molecular Breast Imaging Market 2018-2028 | Segmentation, Overview, Region-wise Outlook

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Breast cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancer in women across the world. In 2015, American Cancer Society estimated, 40,290 women are expected to die from breast cancer in the U.S. Mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer screening and focused mammography is used for better characterization. However, mammography could miss breast cancer in patients with breast implants, dense breasts and other similar situations. Additionally mammography has a high risk of false positive results making biopsy a confirmatory test. Sonography and MRI are secondary imaging modality.Molecular breast imaging demonstrated potential for identifying and characterizing breast cancers. 18F-fluoroestradiol is an estrogen analog that is used to indicate the estrogen status of a breast cancer using molecular breast imaging. Conventional molecular imaging devices cannot be used directly for molecular breast imaging since the spatial resolution is compromised in such systems. In order to use conventional systems for molecular breast imaging, the breast need to be isolated and the camera needs to be placed close to the breast. However, this method of molecular breast imaging still does not completely eliminate the resolution issue. Thus specialized molecular breast imaging devices are used for the detection of breast cancer. These molecular breast imaging devices may have a single head or dual head for better spatial resolution and accurate detection.Molecular Breast Imaging Market: Drivers and Restraints-Molecular Breast Imaging market witnessing the maximum growth in near future owing to increase in patient pool globally. The increased number of breast cancer diagnosis due to rising awareness among women globally is the major drivers for the growth of the Molecular Breast Imaging market. Better spatial resolution and more definitive results are some of the factors that support the growth of the Molecular Breast Imaging market. However, high cost of the molecular breast imaging devices may hinder the growth of the Molecular Breast Imaging market during the forecast period.A Sample Of This Report Is Available Upon Request @Molecular Breast Imaging Market: SegmentationOn the basis of type of product, Molecular Breast Imaging market can be segmented as:Single Head Molecular Breast ImagingDual Head Molecular Breast ImagingOn the basis of the end user, the Molecular Breast Imaging market can be segmented as:Hospitals & ClinicsDiagnostic CentersSpecialty HospitalsMolecular Breast Imaging Market: OverviewGlobal Molecular Breast Imaging market is expected to gain significant growth rate over the forecast period. Molecular Breast Imaging is expected to gain high demand in forecast periods due to increasing in patient pool. The increasing patient pool worldwide is mainly due to rising cases of allergy related inflammation and sinus issues that is driving the growth of global Molecular Breast Imaging market. However the risk of infections is high and may overall hinder the growth of the Molecular Breast Imaging market.Molecular Breast Imaging Market: Region-wise OutlookIn terms of geography, Molecular Breast Imaging market has been divided into eight regions including North- America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia- Pacific excluding China & Japan (APECJ), China, Japan, Middle-East & Africa and Latin America. North America is the most dominating market for Molecular Breast Imaging market due to the rise in awareness, substantial reimbursement and technological advancement. Western European countries such as Germany, France, and the U.K. are top revenue contributing countries in Western Europe region. The Asia Pacific excluding China and Japan Molecular Breast Imaging market is expected to expand at a substantial growth rate over the forecast period due to increasing adoption due to increased awareness and low cost. China is the one of the important revenue contributing country in global Molecular Breast Imaging market due to the availability of cost-effective Molecular Breast Imaging devices and large patient pool in the region.Read Comprehensive Overview with Methodology of Report@Molecular Breast Imaging Market: Key Market ParticipantsExample of some market players participants in global Molecular Breast Imaging market identify across the value chain are Dilon Technologies Inc., CMR Naviscan Corporation, Digirad, GE Healthcare, among others.Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.U.S. Office, 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,, Valley Cottage, NY 10989,, United States, T: +1-347-9616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Market Five Years Forecast Skeleton With Key Companies Roche Diagnostics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio Rad Laboratories, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

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Therapeutic drug monitoring is a multidisciplinary practice of measuring drug amount in bloodstream to maintain its effective concentration. It is used to maximize efficacy of drug, avoid toxicity and adverse drug reactions (ADR), facilitate dose adjustment according patient requirement, and to identify therapeutic failure. It is used especially for drugs characterized by narrow therapeutic window, drugs that are highly protein bound and those in which the metabolite might be toxic. Physicians and hospitals use therapeutic drug monitoring to maximize the clinical benefits of the drug by minimizing the toxic side effects thereby improving the quality of life for the patients.North America dominates the global therapeutic drug monitoring marketNorth America holds the dominant position in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) market, owing to robust health care infrastructure, high awareness for treatment regime and increasing patient awareness regarding adverse drug reaction (ADR). According to 2013 survey by Medical Expenditure Panel published in Scientific American, 1 in 7 American adult consume Anti-Psychotic drug, a class of drugs which requires TDM. Stringent government regulations regarding safe medication practices especially with drugs having narrow therapeutic range would propel growth therapeutic drug monitoring. Moreover, increasing adoption of instruments such as monitors and analytic equipment, reagents, and diagnostics tools for drug monitoring is driving the growth of therapeutic drug monitoring market.However, difficulty in reimbursement bars the widespread usage of TDM, as often the cost associated with TDM is high. Furthermore, insufficient infrastructure and skilled manpower is restraining the growth of the market in emerging economies.Get HOLISTIC Request Sample Copy Of This Business Report:Personalized medicine is driving the growth of therapeutic drug monitoring market, owing to increasing demand for better treatment outcome with minimum side effects from the medication. For instance, TDM is majorly used for anti-cancer drugs monitoring for which standard guidelines are recommended by many oncology Journal and associations, one of them being the European Journal of Oncology. Moreover, advanced treatment therapies such pharmacogenomics, gene testing, and proteomics is further expected to boost the growth of market. Increasing antimicrobial resistance is one of the key factor driving the growth of TDM market. According to WHO Factsheet 2017, antimicrobial resistance is one of the leading cause of death. For instance, according to WHO factsheet, around 4,80,000 multi-drug resistance TB cases were reported, which is creating an opportunity for physicians to optimize or monitor the drug therapies through TDM.Organ transplant procedures are also propelling the growth of therapeutic drug monitoring market. Immunosuppressant drugs are basic treatment for organ transplant to avoid rejection of transplanted organ by body, which requires TDM to avoid ADR and side effects. Asia Pacific is a promising region for organ transplant due to increased awareness and infrastructure availability. According to Waters Corporation Blog, China witnessed 35% y-o-y increase in organ transplant in the first 4 months of 2017. There is a growing trend of clinical research organizations being shifted to cost effective Asia Pacific region for bioequivalence study of generic drugs on account of low cost of processes in this region. Moreover, advances in the field of biomedical technology such as nano biosensors and implantable devices are expected to boost the growth of therapeutic drug monitoring market. Advancement in tools for TDM such as assay kits, chromatography columns, spectrometry, and alternative matrices such as interstitial fluid provide continuous real time monitoring of the therapeutic drug through Probe Scientifics new MicroEye Technology.Download the PDF brochure:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr.ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email:sales@coherentmarketinsights.comPeyronies Disease Market Overview, Analysis, Growth and Forecast 2018-2026

Peyronie?s Disease

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The market is dominated by a single player, Endo International plc who sells the only FDA approved Peyronies disease product. In May 2015, the American Urological Association presented the first ever treatment guidelines for Peyronies disease recommending the use of Xiaflex. Furthermore, the company is creating awareness through its Ask About the Curve campaign. Also, reimbursement from the U.S. insurance providers will boost the demand for this product. The product is estimated to generate USD 100 million in revenue for Peyronies disease by 2018. In Japan, BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. has granted Asahi Kasei Pharma the rights to develop and market XIAFLEX in Japan for Peyronie's disease. Further, the company is also partnering with global companies in Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Brazil for commercializing XIAFLEX for PD.Download PDF Brochure of Research Report:With increasing awareness and research on this disease, new drug molecules could be made available in the market.On the other hand injectables show some positive outcomes over placebo. However, more studies are required to establish the efficacy. Studies with collagenase have shown positive outcomes for its use in Peyronie's disease. Therefore, Xiaflex (Collagenase clostridium histolyticum) from BioSpecifics Technologies Corporation is the only FDA approved product indicated for Peyronie's disease in adult men. Approved in 2013, Xiaflex is marketed in the U.S. by Endo International plc. In Europe, Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is available by the brand name Xiapex.A penile prosthetic device is another good treatment option for Peyronie's disease and moderate-to-severe ED. This device helps straighten the penis. Surgical procedure on the other hand involves grafting the space being emptied on removal of the plaque.The exact cause of plaque formation is not known. Hence, treatment is done with the available research and knowledge of plaque formation. There are various treatment options followed for Peyronie disease basis on which the market is analyzed. These include drugs, surgery and devices. The drugs market can be analyzed based on the administration route i.e. oral and injectable. Drugs prescribe through oral route include Vitamin E, Potassium amino-benzoate ("Potaba"), Tamoxifen, Colchicine, and Carnitine. Similarly, the injectable drugs include Verapamil, Interferon, and Collagenase. Use of oral drugs is limited as none of the studies conducted so far for Peyroniees disease have shown positive results of these drugs over the placebo.Get Exclusive Sample Copy @Peyronies disease is a rare condition observed in about 6 out of 100 men in the age group of 40 to 70 years. Moreover, the Urology Care Foundation also estimates that the number of people affected by this condition can be higher than this as many men are embarrassed and do not see their healthcare provider. It is mostly at times when the men visit the healthcare practitioner for erectile dysfunction treatment and the healthcare practitioner may notice Peyronies disease. Lack of awareness among patients has resulted in under reporting of this condition.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.1001 4th Ave,, #3200, Seattle, WA 98154Digital Therapeutics Market Comprehensive Analysis by Development Strategy, Future Prospects and Market Growth Prediction by 2023

Digital Therapeutics Market

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Digital therapeutics is an emerging healthcare discipline that through the use of digital and internet-based solutions treat a medical condition. These therapeutics present the opportunity to increase or replace prescription drug as a sole therapy, using tech-based solutions. Digital therapeutics are either in a standalone fashion or in combination with more conventional medical therapy built on the concept of using software to improve a patients health conditions simultaneously using a drug therapy, at a much-reduced cost and no physical side effects.Effective functionality of digital therapeutics has been linked to medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension among others. With the several options available for treatment, ranging from behavioral intervention to prescription medication the digital therapeutics market appears to be a well-established space. Additionally, digital therapeutics provide good outcomes, easing the conditions to an extent. Resultantly, the global digital therapeutics market is growing pervasively.Get Sample Copy @Considering the traction, the market is vibrating with; Market Research Future (MRFR) in its recently published study report asserts that the global digital therapeutics market gaining further prominence will register a spectacular growth by 2023, with a striking CAGR throughout the forecast period (2018  2023). The burgeoning healthcare sector along with the proliferation of advanced HC facilities substantiates the market growth.Digital Therapeutics Market Segmentation:The segmental analysis of the digital therapeutics market is done on the basis of product type, application, and sales channel.By mode of product, the segmentation has divided into software and devices.By mode of application, the market segmentation has been done into cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, respiratory diseases, smoking cessation, and others.By sales channel mode, the segmentation of the market has been divided into B2B and B2C..Key PlayersSome of the leaders of the market include Proteus Digital Health, Inc., Twine Health Inc., Mango Health, Inc., Canary Health Inc., Propeller Health, Medtronic Plc., WellDoc Inc., Noom Inc, Inc., Livongo Health, and Omada Health.Regional AnalysisThe North America market dominates the global digital therapeutics market holding the largest share, followed by the markets in the European and Asia Pacific region, respectively. The US backed by the high healthcare expenditures accounts for the largest contributor to the regional market. The North American region is projected to retain its dominance over the global digital therapeutics market throughout the forecast period, following the same growth trends.The Asia Pacific market is emerging as a lucrative market for digital therapeutics owing to the ever-increasing population, large unmet needs, and the availability of the treatment. The improving economy accounts for one of the key driving forces behind the market growth. The growing markets in India and China provide colossal impetus to the market growth.Simultaneously, market penetration of healthcare insurance mainly in the countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam among the other South East Asian countries are expected to drive the digital therapeutics market in the in the APAC region.Increasing funding support from the public and private bodies are supporting the market growth in the region, increasing R&D activities. Furthermore, heading with the availability of new treatment methods that are increasingly meeting the growing demand for the treatments, the APAC region is expected to register a substantial CAGR over the assessment period.Browse Complete Report Details @Table Of ContentChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationTOC Continued.!About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comXerostomia Therapeutics Market Worth USD 874.55 Billion by 2026 Registering a CAGR of 3.8% During Forecast Period 2019-2026

Xerostomia Therapeutics Market

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Xerostomia Therapeutics Market report provides a thorough synopsis on the study for Xerostomia Therapeutics Market and how it is changing the Pharmaceutical industry. Global Xerostomia Therapeutics Market report provides the market potential for each geographical region based on the growth rate, macroeconomic parameters, consumer buying patterns, and market demand and supply scenarios. It also gives an extensive study about different market segments and regions.Few of the major market competitors currently working in the xerostomia therapeutics market are Acacia Pharma Group PLC, Colgate-Palmolive, Church & Dwight Co. Inc., GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, Lupin, OraCoat, Parnell Pharmaceuticals Inc., Pendopharm, Pfizer Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Synedgen Inc.Get Free Sample Copy of this Report @The global xerostomia therapeutics market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of xerostomia therapeutics market for global, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa.Global Xerostomia Therapeutics Market, By Type (Salivary Stimulants, Salivary Substitutes, Dentifrices), Prescription based (OTC, Prescribed), Geography (North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa)- Industry Trends and Forecast to 2026The Global Xerostomia Therapeutics Market is expected to rise from its initial estimated value of USD 648.94 billion in 2018 to an estimated value of USD 874.55 billion by 2026 registering a CAGR of 3.8% in the forecast period of 2019-2026. This rise in the market can be attributed to the rising geriatric population over the world and prevalence of demand of arthroscopy in these populations.Market Definition: Global Xerostomia Therapeutics MarketXerostomia is a disease leading to oral dryness and are not easily diagnosed. Dryness of mouth is associated with the altered salivary gland functionality and other etiologies causing oral issues. Xerostomia caused due to the absence of saliva flow, and this is due to shrinkage of salivary gland. The xerostomia therapeutics helps to treat these symptoms associated with the dry mouth. The dry mouth symptoms impacts the life style quality of the patient and causes difficulty in the swallowing, chewing and speaking which can lead to the thick oral mucus, sleep disturbance and bad breathing.Market Drivers: Rising geriatric population has increased the demand for these therapeutics as the elderly population have more symptoms of dry mouth Increase in use of prescription medicationsMarket Restraints: High cost of xerostomia therapeutics is acting as a major restraint for the market Lack of awareness of xerostomia in the developing and underdeveloped economiesSegmentation: Global Xerostomia Therapeutics MarketBy Type Salivary Stimulants Salivary Substitutes DentifricesBy Prescription Based OTC PrescribedBy GeographyNorth AmericaSouth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificMiddle East and AfricaOrder a copy of Global Xerostomia Therapeutics Market Report @Key Developments in the Market:In October 2018, Synedgen Incand the subsidiary Prisyna, announced the launch of Moisyn for the treatment of xerostomia dry mouth.May 2018, Synedgen Inc. and the subsidiary Prisyna , received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its family of Moisyn products designed to treat xerostomia. The clearance of the drug from FDA will help the company to provide the Moisyn products to the patients for the treatment and can alleviate the dry mouth symptoms.Research Methodology: Global Xerostomia Therapeutics MarketData collection and base year analysis is done using data collection modules with large sample sizes. The market data is analysed and forecasted using market statistical and coherent models. Also market share analysis and key trend analysis are the major success factors in the market report. To know more please Request an Analyst Call or can drop down your inquiry.The key research methodology used by DBMR Research team is data triangulation which involves data mining, analysis of the impact of data variables on the market, and primary (industry expert) validation. Apart from this, other data models include Vendor Positioning Grid, Market Time Line Analysis, Market Overview and Guide, Company Positioning Grid, Company Market Share Analysis, Standards of Measurement, Top to Bottom Analysis and Vendor Share Analysis. To know more about the research methodology, drop in an inquiry to speak to our industry experts.Reasons to Purchase this Report: Current and future of global xerostomia therapeutics market outlook in the developed and emerging markets The segment that is expected to dominate the market as well as the segment which holds highest CAGR in the forecast period Regions/Countries that are expected to witness the fastest growth rates during the forecast period The latest developments, market shares, and strategies that are employed by the major market playersCustomization of the Report: All segmentation provided above in this report is represented at country level All products covered in the market, product volume and average selling prices will be included as customizable options which may incur no or minimal additional cost (depends on customization)View Full Report @About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Data Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.comTacrolimus Market Show Promising Growth Over The Forecast Period 2026 Explore By Global Key Players GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Abbott Laboratories, Novartis International AG, Mylan N.V., Astellas Pharma, Inc.

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Tacrolimus is used as an immunosuppressant mainly after organ transplant procedures to prevent organ rejection. Tacrolimus inhibits the activation of serine-threonine phosphatase, calcineurin, in T lymphocytes. This suppresses T lymphocyte activation and the subsequent generation of cytotoxic lymphocytes, thereby suppressing processes leading to organ rejection. Tacrolimus is primary immunosuppression drug used in kidney and liver transplant patients. Organ transplanted patients often require lifelong treatment with immunosuppressant. Major applications of this includes in cardiac transplant rejection, liver transplant rejection, kidney transplant rejection, and lung transplant immunosuppression treatment. Tacrolimus is available in various dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and injections.Download PDF Brochure @Tacrolimus Market DriversTacrolimus is majorly used as an immunosuppressant after organ transplant procedures. Advancement in organ transplant procedures is a major factor expected to increase the number of organ transplants, which in turn is expected to boost global tacrolimus market growth over the forecast period. For instance, new methods are being researched to match more donor organs with patients such as stem cell studies, trophic factor studies, and natural models. As the need for organ transplantation increases and the waiting list continues to grow, successful utilization and transplantation of as many available donor organs as possible has become important. According to Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) 117,000+ number of men, women, and children are on the national transplant waiting list as of July 2017 in the U.S. and 17,155 organ transplants are done so far in 2017.Moreover, according to National Kidney Foundation as of 2016, 121,678 people are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants in the U.S., of which 100,791 people are waiting for kidney transplants. Moreover, organ transplantation procedures have evolved with increase in feasibility and better understanding of immunology, which has allowed for improved matching rates for organs and patients after transplants. This is expected to result in increasing number of organ transplants which is expected to support the global tacrolimus market growth over the forecast period.Certain side effects (malignancy, Psychosis, and others) of tacrolimus, although not significant, may hamper the global tacrolimus market growth. However, major growth limiting factor is expected to be significant gap between demand and supply of transplant organs, which indirectly could affect the global tacrolimus market growth.Tacrolimus Market Regional AnalysisNorth America tacrolimus market is expected to dominate over the forecast period. Presence of leading manufacturers as well as high number of organ transplant procedures is expected to support global tacrolimus market growth. Regional generic manufacturers are focusing on providing generic version of tacrolimus formulations in developed as well emerging economies. For instance, Strides Arcolab received the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval for tacrolimus capsules to be used as immuno-suppressant in 2014. Sandoz launched Tacrolimus, a generic version of Astellass PROGRAF (tacrolimus) in Japan, in 2015. Moreover, The European Medicines Agencys (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended granting marketing authorization for tacrolimus generic, Tacforius in 2017. These factors have supported the global tacrolimus market growth.Tacrolimus Market Key PlayersKey players operating in the global tacrolimus market include1. GlaxoSmithKline Plc2. Abbott Laboratories3. Novartis International AG4. Mylan N.V.5. Astellas Pharma, Inc.6. Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd7. Senju Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.8. Guike Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.9. DR. Reddys Laboratories Ltd.10. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.Request For Customization @Also, Coherent Market Insights has a proprietary database of pipeline biologics and biosimilars, called PHASE-XS. This database provides analytical data in addition to the clinical information of ongoing trials for biologics and biosimilars. An amalgamation of more than 30 parameters, PHASE-XS helps biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to analyze the market trend, competition, and market potential. For more information or to access this database, kindly click on the below link or contact at sales@coherentmarketinsights.comAbout Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comDeep Learning Market to Grow with CAGR of 41.5% 2019-2025 by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, IBM, Intel, Micron Technology, Microsoft, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, Sensory Inc

Deep Learning Market

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Global Deep Learning Market Size and Forecast to 2026 presents the worldwide Deep Learning Market analysis with in depth study of manufacturers, region, type and application and its future scope in the industry till 2026.According to Deep Learning Market Research, The Global Deep Learning Market was valued at USD 3.02 Billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 26.64 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 41.5% from 2019 to 2026.Get Free Sample Brochure of the Report at:Global Deep Learning Market AnalysisDeep learning can be defined as a machine learning technique that teaches computers to learn by example. Deep learning is the chief technology behind driverless cars, enabling them to recognize a stop sign, or to distinguish a pedestrian from an object. In the report, the market outlook section mainly encompasses fundamental dynamics of the market which include drivers, restraints, opportunities and challenges faced by the industry. Drivers and Restraints are intrinsic factors whereas opportunities and challenges are extrinsic factors of the market.With the increasing adoption of cloud-based technology, the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in customer centric services as well as the opportunities of deep learning in big data analytics is boosting the growth of the global Deep Learning market. Factors such as lack of technical expertise and absence of standards and protocols are restraining the growth of the market.Deep Learning Market Research narrows down the available data using primary sources to validate the data and use it in compiling a full-fledged market research study. The report contains a quantitative and qualitative estimation of market elements which interests the client. The Global Deep Learning Market is mainly bifurcated into sub-segments which can provide a classified data regarding latest trends in the market.Global Deep Learning Market Competitive LandscapeThe Global Deep Learning Market study report will provide a valuable insight with an emphasis on global market including some of the major players such as:Global Deep Learning Market Competitive LandscapeThe Global Deep Learning Market study report will provide a valuable insight with an emphasis on global market including some of the major players such as: Amazon Web Services (AWS) Google, IBM Intel Micron Technology Microsoft Nvidia Qualcomm Samsung Electronics Sensory IncOur market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated for such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight to the financial statements of all the major players, along with its product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share and market ranking analysis of the above mentioned players globally.Reasons to Purchase this Report: Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving both economic as well as non-economic factors Provision of market value (USD Billion) data for each segment and sub-segment Indicates the region and segment that is expected to witness the fastest growth as well as to dominate the market Analysis by geography highlighting the consumption of the product/service in the region as well as indicating the factors that are affecting the market within each region Competitive landscape which incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled Extensive company profiles comprising of company overview, company insights, product benchmarking and SWOT analysis for the major market playersBrowse full Report at:Table of Content:1 Introduction of Global Deep Learning Market1.1 Overview of the Market1.2 Scope of Report1.3 Assumptions2 Executive Summary3 Research Methodology of Verified Market Research3.1 Data Mining3.2 Validation3.3 Primary Interviews3.4 List of Data Sources4 Global Deep Learning Market Outlook4.1 Overview4.2 Market Dynamics4.2.1 Drivers4.2.2 Restraints4.2.3 Opportunities4.3 Porters Five Force Model4.4 Value Chain Analysis4.5 Regulatory Framework5 Global Deep Learning Market, By offering5.1 Overview5.2 Hardware5.2.1 Processor5.2.2 Memory5.2.3 Network5.3 Services5.3.1 Installation5.3.2 Training5.3.3 Support & Maintenance5.4 Software5.4.1 Solution (Software Framework/Sdk)5.4.2 Platform/Api6 Global Deep Learning Market, By Application6.1 Overview6.2 Signal Recognition6.3 Data Mining6.4 Image Recognition6.5 Others7 Global Deep Learning Market, By End-User Industry7.1 Overview7.2 Automotive7.3 Law7.4 Agriculture7.5 Retail7.6 Marketing7.7 Security7.8 Healthcare7.9 Manufacturing7.10 Human Resources8 Global Deep Learning Market, By Geography8.1 Overview8.2 North America8.2.1 U.S.8.2.2 Canada8.2.3 Mexico8.3 Europe8.3.1 Germany8.3.2 U.K.8.3.3 France8.3.4 Rest of Europe8.4 Asia Pacific8.4.1 China8.4.2 Japan8.4.3 India8.4.4 Rest of Asia Pacific8.5 Latin America8.5.1 Brazil8.5.2 Argentina8.6 Rest of The World9 Global Deep Learning Market Competitive Landscape9.1 Overview9.2 Company Market Ranking9.3 Vendor Landscape9.4 Key Development Strategies10 Company Profiles10.1 Amazon Web Services (Aws)10.1.1 Overview10.1.2 Financial Performance10.1.3 Product Outlook10.1.4 Key Developments10.2 Google10.2.1 Overview10.2.2 Financial Performance10.2.3 Product Outlook10.2.4 Key Developments10.3 Ibm10.3.1 Overview10.3.2 Financial Performance10.3.3 Product Outlook10.3.4 Key Developments10.4 Intel10.4.1 Overview10.4.2 Financial Performance10.4.3 Product Outlook10.4.4 Key Developments10.5 Micron Technology10.5.1 Overview10.5.2 Financial Performance10.5.3 Product Outlook10.5.4 Key Developments10.6 Microsoft10.6.1 Overview10.6.2 Financial Performance10.6.3 Product Outlook10.6.4 Key Developments10.7 Nvidia10.7.1 Overview10.7.2 Financial Performance10.7.3 Product Outlook10.7.4 Key Developments11 Appendix11.1 Related ResearchCustomization of the Report:In case of any queries or customization requirements please connect with our sales team, who will ensure that your requirements are met.About Us:Decision Market Reports is a one-stop solution, covers market research studies of all the industries, companies and regions. DMR aims at providing quality research, and insights about every market to help our clients in taking right decisions. Our repository consists of most trending industry reports, niche areas, and leading company profiles. A comprehensive collection of reports is updated daily to offer hassle-free access to our latest updated report databases.Contact Information:Gasper James,Decision Market Reports,304 S Jones Blvd,Las Vegas,NV 89107, USACall: 1-800-526-8630 (Toll Free)Email: sales@decisionmarketreports.comMarketing Consulting Market to receive overwhelming hike of 5860 million $ by 2023| Global Leading Players: Oracle, SAP SE, IBM, Sas, Microsoft

Marketing Consulting Market

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This report offers all the way examination of "Global Marketing Consulting Market Outlook 2019-2023" utilizing SWOT examination for Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat to the affiliation. The Marketing Consulting Market report also gives an inside and out review of key players in the market affiliation.Global Marketing Consulting Market Overview:The Marketing Consulting industry has also suffered a certain impact, but still maintained a relatively optimistic growth, the past four years, Marketing Consulting market size to maintain the average annual growth rate of 4.52% from 4125 million $ in 2015 to 4710 million $ in 2018, Market analysts believe that in the next few years, Marketing Consulting market size will be further expanded, we expect that by 2023, The market size of the Marketing Consulting will reach 5860 million $.Available Exclusive Sample Copy of this Report @Marketing Consulting can go hand at hand, when starting or opening a brand new business, among the best ways to get customers is thru marketing. Obviously, the entire new owner can pass out flyers or spread all the news, but if all the Marketing Consulting is not being used to the full potential, there'll be no growth. Often times a small business Marketing Consulting is contacted when the company in question is failing, but in many cases a Marketing Consulting is contacted prior to the doors open. Many company owners offer discount rates when starting out.The Major Factors of Global Marketing Consulting by, Such as the market that encourage the clients to improve the business by customer lifetime value, increase the customer base and utilize the marketing tools efficiently.According Report Analysis, the Marketing Consulting research on competitors shows that they offer all the same product at a more reasonable price, they might work with the firm to achieve a price which will fit everybody's budget. Getting a business recognized is the main role of a marketing consultant. All businesses owner wants to achieve success and without clients that would never happen. A Marketing Consulting that specializes in advertising will know all of the regions of the company to research that could offer profit. They know the tactics which will catch the eye of the customer, like offering special promotions or by producing packages which will suit the needs of the consumers.The report also covers segment data: Type, Application, End User and Region.According Regions, North America was the largest region in the professional services market. The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions.Buy this report online with 125 pages rundown of tables and figures and all around list of chapters on @Significant key players:1 Oracle2 SAP SE3 IBM4 Sas Institute5 Microsoft CorporationMarketing Consulting market, by region:1 North America Country2 South America3 Asia Country4 Europe Country5 Other CountryGlobal Marketing Consulting market 2019-2023: From unpleasant materials to downstream purchasers of this industry will be desperate down deductively, the segment of thing dissipating and game plans channel will be introduced too. In a word, this report will assist you with setting up an exhibit of mechanical progress and attributes of the Marketing Consulting market.Snatch your report @This investigation answers to the underneath key inquiries:1 Which will be the specialties at which associations profiling with Marketing Consulting designs, and furthermore progressions should set nearness?2 What precisely will be the development rate?3 Which precisely will be the Marketing Consulting conjecture rates for your economy by and large and furthermore for each fragment?4 What estimate is the worldwide Marketing Consulting advertises opportunity?5 Which precisely will be the best application?6 How their value vacillations from assembling brands those are extraordinary?In the end this report covers information and information on limit and generation outline creation piece of the pie investigation deals review supply deals and lack import fare and utilization and additionally cost value income and gross margin of Marketing Consulting.Significant points in table of contents:1 Marketing Consulting Product Definition2 Global Marketing Consulting Market Manufacturer Share and Market Overview3 Manufacturer Marketing Consulting Business Introduction4 Global Marketing Consulting Market Segmentation (Region Level)5 Global Marketing Consulting Market Segmentation (Product Type Level)6 Global Marketing Consulting Market Segmentation (Industry Level)7 Global Marketing Consulting Market Segmentation (Channel Level)8 Marketing Consulting Market Forecast 2019-20239 Marketing Consulting Segmentation Product Type10 Marketing Consulting Segmentation Industry11 Marketing Consulting Cost of Production Analysis12 ConclusionAbout usBusinessindustryreports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined  we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media contactBusiness industry reportspune  indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940Global Warehouse Robots Market 2019 Presented in New Forecast Research | key players ABB Ltd,Eaton Corporation Public Ltd,Kuka AG , Fanuc Corp, Evana Automation

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Global Warehouse Robots Market brings a systematic perspective of the market execution in worldwide and additionally the regional situation. In a detailed sections shrewd arrangement, the Warehouse Robots contemplate that make sense of different perspectives relating to the global market. To begin with, the Warehouse Robots market definition, applications, arrangement, and industry esteem chain structure are incorporated into the answer, to target gathering of people on restricting Warehouse Robots market elements including drivers, limitations, openings, patterns, applications, topographical/local Warehouse Robots markets, and aggressive scene.Worldwide Warehouse Robots Statistical surveying report uncovers that the Warehouse Robots business will develop with pivotal CAGR over the estimated forecast in the vicinity of 2019 and 2024. The global Warehouse Robots market in forecast years 2019-2024, is inspected to hit Mn/Bn$ XX USD by 2024. The Warehouse Robots market gives broad development openings over the both created and creating economies. Further, the Warehouse Robots business sectors could profit without a doubt from the expanding interest to bring down Warehouse Robots expenses of treatment over the globe.Want a sample report click@Warehouse Robots market rivalry by top makers/players, with Warehouse Robots deals volume, Value (USD/Unit), Revenue (Mn/Bn USD) and market size for every producer/player; the significant players include: ABB Ltd. Eaton Corporation Public Ltd. Kuka AG Fanuc Corp. Evana Automation ATS Automation Tooling System Inc. Doerfer Companies Adept Technology Inc. Apex Automation and Robotics Pty. Ltd. Siemens AG Kawasaki Robotics Inc. Nachi Fujikoshi Corp. Pari Robotics Inc. Reis Robotics GmbH & Co. KG Schunk GmbH Toshiba Machine Co. Ltd. Yamaha Robotics Amazon Egemin AutomationBased on Type, Warehouse Robots market report shows development rate of each type, covers: Storage Sorting Distribution InspectionEnd clients/applications, Warehouse Robots market report centers around the status and viewpoint for best applications/end clients, development rate for every application, this can be isolated into: Application 1 Application 2Based on Regions, the Warehouse Robots market is categorized into Europe Warehouse Robots Market(Germany,France,Italy,Spain,UK ,Russia and Rest Of Europe) North America Warehouse Robots Market (USA ,Canada and Mexico) South America Warehouse Robots Market(Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Rest Of South America) Warehouse Robots Market in Middle East and Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Rest Of MEA) Asia-Pacific Warehouse Robots Market (South-east Asia, China, India, Korea and Japan)Ask for Discount and Do Inquiry@TOC Depiction of Global Warehouse Robots Industry:1: Warehouse Robots Market standpoint include various segments, Leading Countries, Market Flow, Limitations, Hazard, Openings and so on.2: Warehouse Robots Industry Chain Examination portrays material suppliers, driving business sector players, and cost structure. Additionally clarifies the assembling procedure, Warehouse Robots channels, and major downstream purchasers.3: This part includes the development rate, Warehouse Robots income esteem and cost examination by Types.4: Later it delineates the Warehouse Robots share overall industry attributes, consumptions by Application.5: Next delineates Warehouse Robots generation volume, income estimation, value structure, and gross edge by Countries and Regions.6: Moreover,it explains Warehouse Robots break down consumptions by Regions.7: In this part SWOT and PESTEL and PORTER Five Force Analysis are clarified in detailed of Warehouse Robots market globally.8: Warehouse Robots competitive scene, organization profiles, and regulation status by players is revealed precisely.9: Thorough investigation of Warehouse Robots industry by different sections like Type, Application, and Regions (2019-2024).10: Likewise features the primary driving elements and Warehouse Robots resource reachability ponder.11: Conclusion and Warehouse Robots Informative supplement.Access More Information @In conclusion, the global Warehouse Robots industry report unveils research finding, outcomes, conclusions. Likewise, disclose various Warehouse Robots data sources, traders/vendors, suppliers, manufacturers, sales channel, and addendum. In short, the overall Warehouse Robots report is a lucrative document for people implicated in Warehouse Robots market.About Us:Researchreport.biz is one of the leading market research company which aims to serve the most excellent research to the various sectors of business. We are prominent in satisfying all kinds of market research needs.Contact US:701, Milton Avenue,East Ham,London. United kingdom.Pincode - 4E6 1BNEmail: amey@researchreport.bizTel: +44 20 8638 5058Website:Blog:Food Technology Market: Know The Key Growth Drivers Developments and Innovations in 2019 and Coming Future

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The Latest Research Report Food Technology Market  Global Industry Trend Analysis 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018  2028 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants.  MarketResearchReports.bizEmerging food technology is innovating the way local restaurant food is sourced and distributed and creating growth opportunities for food technology or online delivery platforms as well internet kitchen in the market. This advancement in food technology or online delivery platforms is generating lots of opportunities for restaurants in the food ordering industry. Consumers nowadays prefer ordering their favorite meal through online platforms, with unlimited access to the number of restaurants. Consumers also have the convenience of selection, customization and can order food from the restaurants based on ratings and reviews. Due to the superior ease of accessibility of online food delivering platforms, the food technology market is growing at a faster pace. The food technology web platforms are highly adopted by consumers and are proliferating due to the increase in usage of smartphones and the internet. These food technology platforms help restaurants in achieving customer reach and to earn additional revenue as well as improve their resource utilization. Food technology is the listing platform that helps restaurants in increasing the awareness about the business. With the changing lifestyle and high standard of living, consumers are mainly dependent on services that help them in saving time and offer convenience simultaneously. The trends of food delivery have transformed profoundly, particularly in the ways many restaurants and food chains are generating revenue. The advertisement for food technology apps such as online food ordering and online grocery apps is an upcoming method of generating revenue. The food technology companies are offering restaurants with a large customer traffic and in exchange of that the food technology companies take the transactional fee on ordering food online through the restaurants on their application, which helps them to increase their revenue.Get Sample Copy of this report @Food Technology Market: DynamicsThe increasing penetration of the internet and usage of the smartphones are the primary factors driving the growth of the food technology market. Also, these food technologies are used as online food delivery platforms that help restaurants in increasing their customer reach and generate additional income. This is one of the factors driving the growth of the food technology market.Many restaurants who have collaborated with food applications for delivering their services are unable to reach customers because of factors such as low ratings over the application and user reviews that may not be true.Global Food Technology Market: SegmentationSegmentation OverviewThe food technology market can be segmented on the basis of service type, technology type, and region.By Service Type, the food technology market can be segmented as:Online Grocery DeliveryOnline Food AggregatorOTT & Convenience ServicesBy Technology Type, the food technology market can be segmented as:WebsitesMobile AppsGlobal Food Technology Market: Competition LandscapeExamples of some of the key players operating in the global food technology market are Food Panda, Deliveroo, Uber, Zomato, Tesco PLC, Sainsbury, Grub Hub Inc., Dominos Pizza Inc., Delivery Hero Holding GmbH, Eat24, McDonalds Corporation, Panera Bread Company, Pizza Hut International, Doordash Inc., and Papa Johns International, etc.Food Technology Market: Regional OutlookThe food technology market is dominated by Western Europe followed by North America and Asia Pacific. The market in Western Europe is expected to witness higher growth due to increase in online delivery penetration in the U.K. and other countries of Western Europe. The demand for the food technology in North America is increasing and is expected to contribute to the market growth owing to the presence of food technology giants. The primary growth factor is the introduction of multiple online delivery platforms to increase customer traffic in the Asia Pacific region. Latin America and MEA markets are projected to contribute a significant share in the global market over the forecast period.Request For TOC Report @The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Global Food Technology Market SegmentsGlobal Food Technology Market DynamicsHistorical Actual Market Size, 2013-2017Global Food Technology Market Size & Forecast 2017 to 2028Supply & Demand Value Chain for Food Technology MarketGlobal Food Technology Market Current Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involved in Food Technology MarketFood Technology TechnologiesValue Chain of Food TechnologyGlobal Food Technology Market Drivers and RestraintsRegional analysis of Global Food Technology Market includesNorth America Food Technology MarketU.S. & CanadaLatin America Food Technology MarketBrazil, Argentina & OthersEastern Europe Food Technology MarketPolandRussiaRest of Eastern EuropeWestern Europe Food Technology MarketGermanyItalyFranceUKSpainNordicBENELUXRest of Western EuropeAsia Pacific Food Technology MarketAustralia and New Zealand (ANZ)Greater ChinaIndiaASEANRest of Asia PacificJapan Food Technology MarketMiddle East and Africa Food Technology MarketGCC CountriesOther Middle EastNorth AfricaSouth AfricaOther AfricaThe 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, macroeconomic 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 marketChanging market dynamics of the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and product offeringsPotential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective towards market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintView Complete Report at @About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.bizOptometry Eye Exam Equipment Market Analysis On Industry Growth In 2019 By: Novartis , Luneau Technology, Heidelberg Engineering, Canon, Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG,

Optometry Eye Exam Equipment Market

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Optometry Eye Exam Equipment Market report is a complete overview of the market, covering various aspects product, segmentation based on various parameters, and the prevailing vendor landscape. The readers will find this report very helpful in understanding the market in depth. The data and the information regarding the industry are taken from reliable sources such as websites, annual reports of the companies, journals, and others and were checked and validated by the market experts. The report firstly introduced the Optometry Eye Exam Equipment Market basics like definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain overview, industry policies and plans, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures and so on.Get Free Sample Copy Of Report@Global (Optometry)Eye Exam Equipment Market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.2% in the forecast period of 2019-2026, raising the initial estimated market value from USD 2.43 billion in 2018 to an estimated value of 3.93 billion by 2026. This trend can be attributed to prevalence of eye diseases due to the rising levels of geriatric population and the need to examine the optic diseases properly.Key Developments in the Market: In April 2018, Nidek announced that they had launched a company in Korea to handle the different regulations pertaining to the region and expand its market for medical devices. In August 2017, Zeiss announced the acquisition of Veracity announced their intention to digitalize eye care and provide personalized treatment and care to patients and doctors providing the relevant data for easy accessMarket Key Competitors: Carl Zeiss AG, HAAG-STREIT GROUP, TOPCON CORPORATION, NIDEK CO. LTD., Luneau Technology Inc., Heidelberg Engineering GmbH., Novartis AG, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Canon Inc., Essilor, Heine Optotechnik, Bausch Health, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems, ARW Optical Corporation, Ocular Instruments, Bayou Ophthalmic Instruments, BiB Ophthalmic Instruments, Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments Associated Optical.Market Competitive Analysis:The Global Optometry/Eye Exam Equipment Market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of Optometry/Eye Exam Equipment Market for global, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa.Speak To Industry Experts, Request For Details Report@TABLE OF CONTENTSPART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARYPART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORTPART 03: RESEARCH METHODOLOGYPART 04: MARKET LANDSCAPE Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysisPART 05: MARKET SIZING Market definition Market sizing Market size and forecastPART 06: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market conditionPART 07: MARKET SEGMENTATION Segmentation Comparison Market opportunityPART 08: REGIONAL LANDSCAPE Geographical segmentation Regional comparison North America South America Europe MEA APAC Market opportunityPART 09: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES Market drivers Market challengesPART 10: MARKET TRENDSPART 11: VENDOR ANALYSIS Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendorsPART 12: APPENDIX List of abbreviationsToc continued!Get Full TOC @Market Drivers: Rising levels of geriatric population, accompanied by optic diseases in their age group are expected to drive the market growth Government awareness programs and initiatives to tackle optic diseases, is also expected to drive the market growthMarket Restraints: High cost of these devices is expected to restrain the market growth With high costs, usage of refurbished devices is rising, and that is expected to act as a restraint to the market growthMarket Segmentation: By Typeo Retina and Glaucoma Examination Products OCT Scanners Fundus Cameras Perimeters/Visual Field Analyzers Ophthalmoscopes Retinoscopeso General Examination Products Autorefractors and Keratometers Ophthalmic Ultrasound Systems Tonometers Slit Lamps Lensmeters Chart Projectorso Cornea and Cataract Examination Products Wavefront Aberrometers Corneal Topography Systems Specular Microscopes Optical Biometry Systems By End-Usero Hospitalso Clinicso Ambulatory Surgical Centerso Others By Geographyo North Americao South Americao Europeo Asia-Pacifico Middle East and AfricaNote: If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Make an Inquiry for Discount On this Report@About Us:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Data Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.comDeferiprone Market by 2026 Trending Report with its Key Vendor Analysis and Revenue

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Deferiprone is an FDA approved drug that is majorly used to treat transfusion-dependent thalassemia and a wide range of disorders. Deferiprone is a type of hydroxypyridinone iron chelator that was synthesized by Dr. Kontoghiorghes in the early mid-1980s. Iron is essential for the survival of almost all species. When the body is under primary iron overload condition (hemochromatosis) or secondary condition (transfusion-dependent thalassemia), due to lack of iron excretion mechanism, massive accumulation of possibly toxic substances is experienced, followed by iron-induced early death. Deferiprone drug works by binding the iron chelator with ferric ions (iron III), forming a stable complex, which is further eliminated in the urine. Selectivity of deferiprone is more towards iron than other metals such as copper, aluminum, and zinc. Deferiprone are available in the market in various dosage form such as tablets, oral solutions, and capsules. According to FDA 2015 prescribing information, the initial recommended dose for deferiprone is 25 mg, orally, three times per day for a total of 75 mg/day. Adjustment of the dose should be personalized to the individual therapeutic goals (maintenance or reduction of body iron burden) and patients response to the treatment. The maximum dose is 33 mg/kg, three times per day for a total of 99 mg/day.Download PDF Brochure Of This Research Report @Deferiprone Market DynamicsRising incidence of hemochromatosis globally, is propelling growth of the deferiprone market. For instance, according to the American Diabetes Association website, hereditary hemochromatosis is the most widespread single-gene disease among western populations, affecting roughly 1 out of every 200 to 300 people. Moreover, rising prevalence of transfusion-dependent thalassemia among the population is significantly expected to propel demand for deferiprone. For instance, according to the World Health Organization 2008 bulletin, around 1.1% of couples worldwide are at risk for having children with a hemoglobin disorder and 2.7 per 1,000 conceptions record this disorder. However, adverse reactions such as agranulocytosis, chromaturia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain related with the use of deferiprone is expected to hamper the deferiprone market growth. Furthermore, increasing healthcare initiatives and funding by government and private agencies is expected to boost growth of the deferiprone market. For instance, according to the article published in PLOS One Journal 2017, UAE government adopted a new nationwide campaign to indorse the premarital screening in 2008. Since its inception, the premarital screening has been mandatory for all married couples in the UAE, which provide information about the risk of conceiving a child suffering from thalassemiaDeferiprone Market  Regional InsightsOn the basis of region, the global deferiprone market is segmented into North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. North America holds the major market share in the global deferiprone market, owing to better medical facilities, high adoption of innovative products, and rising awareness among the populace in the region. Moreover, increased government support for the population is propelling growth of the deferiprone market in the region. For instance, according to study published in the American Journal of Public Health 2016, the U.S. government spending on healthcare accounted for US$ 5,960 per capita, highest of any country in 2013. Innovative development is increasing the healthcare availability to the populace in Asia Pacific, as pharmaceutical manufacturing companies are increasingly investing in the region, thus propelling growth of the deferiprone market in Asia Pacific. For instance, In 2014 Cipla an Indian multinational pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Company, invested around US$ 99,045,000 for research and development.For More Information @Deferiprone Market  Competitive LandscapeThe two major players operating in the deferiprone market are Apotex and Cipla Limited. Key market player are engaged in adopting various growth strategies such as mergers, collaborations, acquisition, and introduction of new products in order to strengthen their position in the global market. For instance, in 2016, Cipla limited completed its US$ 550-million acquisition of generic drug key manufactures, Exelan Pharma and InvaGen. This acquisition is expected to boost Cipla Limiteds U.S. business, by providing Cipla with 32 marketed products, 40 approved abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs), and a pipeline of 30 products, which are expected to be approved in the near future.Deferiprone Market  TaxonomyOn the basis of type, the global deferiprone market is segmented into:Tablets,Oral Solutions,CapsulesOn the basis of application, the global deferiprone market is segmented into:Transfusional Iron Overload,NTDT Caused Iron OverloadOn the basis of distribution channel, the global deferiprone market is segmented into:Hospital Pharmacies,Retail Pharmacies,Online PharmaciesOn the basis of geography, the global deferiprone market is segmented into:North America,Latin America,Europe,Asia Pacific,Middle East,AfricaRequest For Customization @About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comEU5 Blockchain Technology Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast 2018-2023| Top Key Players - Microsoft Corporation, IBM, Accenture, Deloitte, Capgemini

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A recent report by KD market insights titled as " EU5 Blockchain Technology Market (20182023)" provides the key trends, opportunities and challenges market will face in the forecasted period of 6 years i.e. 2018-2023. The study also provides the EU5 Blockchain Technology Market.Blockchain technology is used to record Bitcoin transactions via a global network of computers. It is a continuous growing list of blocks (records) that are linked and secured using cryptography. Each new block created is connected to the previous block via a cryptographic Hash. Blockchain technology has made maximum penetration in these five mentioned countries. The European Commission has invested a significant amount on Blockchain related projects. The European Union is expected to increase its Blockchain investment from EUR83 Mn 2018 to EUR340 Mn by 2020.Request for Sample @The European Union has already invested more than USD 6 Mn on the start-ups who are working with Blockchain technology. A European Blockchain observatory and forum hub began monitoring the existing Blockchain initiatives, trends and potential risks. The forum will create more awareness that will further drive the adoption in the region. France is planning to use Blockchain technology for trading unlisted securities. Estonia had started testing with Blockchain technology long before the term Blockchain was coined. Since 2012, Estonia made use of Blockchain technology to protect national data, e-services and smart devices. Spanish Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) became the first global bank to issue loans using the technology. The Spanish government is trying to build Blockchain-friendly legislation, providing a possible tax break to attract companies to work with the emerging technology.As reported by The European Insurance and Reinsurance Federation, Europe dominates the global insurance market. An industry consortium has created a Blockchain based solution for the insurance market to allow simplified, transparent sharing of information and improved customer efficiency.Key growth factors:o The European Commission is liberalizing the regulation. It has created a new task force entrusted with Blockchain expertise. The flexibility of law are expected to drive the market in this regiono The European Commission launched EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum in February 2018. Its aim is to bring together various sectors to develop new use case of Blockchain and highlight the key benefits of Blockchain initiativesThreats and key players:o The lack of public decision is restraining the EU5 countries from adopting Blockchain technology in despite huge investments made by the European commissiono The decentralized characteristic of Blockchain technology clashes with the European regulation on personal data protection. These factors hinder the adoption of the technologyo The key player in EU5 countries are Microsoft Corporation, IBM, Accenture, Deloitte, Capgemini, Cognizant, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy ServicesBrowse Full Report With TOC@Table Of Content@Chapter 1: Executive summary1.1 Market scope and segmentation1.2 Key questions answered in this study1.3 Executive summaryChapter 2: Introduction2.1. Blockchain technology- Functionality2.2. Blockchain application2.3. Blockchain use cases2.4. Value chain-Blockchain technology marketChapter 3: EU 5 Blockchain Technology Market overview3.1. Market overview-  Key observations, global historical (2016-2017) and forecasted (2018-2023) market size (USD bn)3.2. Market trends3.3. Market driversChapter 4: EU 5 Blockchain Technology market by industries4.1. EU5 segmentation by BFS, Insurance, Supply Chain, Healthcare and other industries  Industry overview, market shareContinue@Check for Discount@About KD Market InsightsKD Market Insights has come with the idea of helping business by intelligent decision making and thorough understanding of the industry. We offer a comprehensive database of syndicated research, customized reports as well as consulting services to help a business grow in their respective domain. At KD Market Insights, we offer our client a deep Market research reports accompanied by business consulting services that can help them to reach on top of the corporate world. Our customized reports are built by keeping all factors of the industry in mind.Contact Us150 State street, 3rd Floor,Albany, New YorkUnited states (12207)Telephone: +1-518-300-1215Email: - sales@kdmarketinsights.comWebsite: -Inhalation Anesthesia Market growing at 3.5% to cross USD 1.4 Billion by 2025: Revenue Analysis by AbbVie, Baxter, Lunan Pharmaceuticals, Piramal Healthcare, Halocarbon Products, Fresenius Kabi AG

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Global Inhalation Anesthesia Market Report 2019 report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability. The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.Global Inhalation Anesthesia Market Overview:The Global Inhalation Anesthesia Market to reach USD 1.4 Billion by 2025. The Global Inhalation Anesthesia Market is valued approximately USD 1.1 Billion in 2017 and is anticipated to grow with a healthy growth rate of more than 3.5% over the forecast period 2018-2025.As per the World Health Organization (WHO) research, it is predicted that by 2030, 23.3 Million people would be fatally affected by CVD, CHD and other heart diseases. Overall, death due to chronic diseases in the world is anticipated to increase from 40 Million in 2016 to 52 Million 2030 as per WHO. More than 80% of the deaths are caused by cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular disease.Available Exclusive Sample Copy of this Report @A population is a dynamic group of individuals since the processes that influence drug disposition to undergo changes as children mature and grow. As a result, concerns are warranted by the use of agents in patients. 1, 2 When administering general anesthesia drugs to children, a clear comprehension of the physiologic, pharmacologic, and emotional differences between children and adults is a vital part of good patient care. Drugs that depend on redistribution have an impact on neonates. Neonates have diminished protein binding and function, in comparison to children, who have older renal plus hepatic function plus normal adult values.More of the output is redirected to the liver and the kidneys in children that were older than in babies. As a result, the process and excretion of drugs are slowed resulting in a prolonged elimination half-life. Most drugs have a prolonged elimination half of life in early and term babies, a shortened half-life in kids older than two years up to early teenager years, and a lengthened half of life in adolescents approaching adulthood. Temperature regulation is very important in pediatric anesthesia. Young children have large body areas unless this is prevented and heat loss is exaggerated during the induction of anesthesia, particularly during operation.Hypothermia, especially in neonates, delays the metabolic process and excretion of anesthesia agents and may also potentiate neuromuscular blockade. The perioperative period is an especially crucial time for pediatric patients. Generally anesthesia, drugs blunt physiologic reactions and render patients unaware of what's being done to or about them. The increased risk of morbidity plus mortality in the perioperative period requires the utmost vigilance. Such risks can be increased in certain disease states.Purchase this report online with 200 Pages, List of Tables & Figures and in-depth Table of Contents on Global Inhalation Anesthesia Market Report 2019 @Major Key Players:1 AbbVie, Inc.2 Baxter3 Lunan Pharmaceuticals Co Ltd4 Piramal Healthcare5 Halocarbon Products Corporation6 Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd.7 Fresenius Kabi AG8 Halocarbon Products Corporation and More..Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers1 North America2 Europe3 Asia Pacific4 Latin America5 Rest of the WorldGrab Your Report at an Impressive Discount @What Information does this report contain?1 A detailed analysis of regulatory trends, drivers, industry pitfalls, challenges and growth opportunities for participants2 Which are the leading market products, applications & regions and how will they perform by 2025?3 What are the technologies & innovation trends, how will they evolve by 2025?4 Which companies lead the industry, how are they positioned in the market in terms of sustainability, competency, production capacity and strategic outlook?A complete analysis of the competitive landscape of the Global Inhalation Anesthesia Market is provided in the report. This section includes company profiles of market key players. The profiles include contact information, gross, capacity, product details of each firm, price, and cost. In this report, thorough SWOT analysis & investment analysis is provided which forecasts imminent opportunities for the Inhalation Anesthesia Market players.Major Points in Table of Contents:Global Inhalation Anesthesia Market Report 20191 Global Inhalation Anaesthesia Market Definition and Scope2 Research Methodology3 Executive Summary4 Global Inhalation Anaesthesia Market Dynamics5 Global Inhalation Anaesthesia Market, By Product Outlook6 Global Inhalation Anaesthesia Market, By Application7 Global Inhalation Anaesthesia Market, by Regional Analysis8 Competitive IntelligenceAbout usBusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined  we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune  Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940Sandarac Market Shares, Strategies and Forecast Worldwide, 2018 to 2027

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Sandarac is a resin mainly obtained from a tree Tetraclinis articulata. The tree found in the northwest part of Africa and other parts of the continent. The sandarac has various applications and creates ample opportunity for the manufacturers across the globe. The sandarac market is expected to witness growth owing to the demand from the fragrance industry in the forecast period. Sandarac gum is highly aromatic and used to manufacture perfumes and fragrance. Also, sandarac gum is used to manufacture lacquer and varnish as its coating becomes durable, lustrous and hard on the application. The global sandarac market is expected to grow with a high-end single-digit CAGR over the forecast period due to the growth in the production and demand for sandarac gum across the globe.Widespread Application of Sandarac in the Fragrance Industry will boost market growthThe growing demand of sandarac gum for making organic cosmetics & personal care products is expected to contribute for the growth of the sandarac market in the forecast period. The sandarac is also used to make varnish which works as a protective coating on antiques and paintings. The sandarac has aromatic properties and therefore used to manufacture different perfumes, incense, and other products. The wide application of sandarac in different end-use industries likely to push the demand and the global sandarac market.Moreover, the sandarac is used to make mineral spirit which is used in medical and pharmaceutical applications. The macroeconomic factors of strengthen trade investment and relationship between different countries across the globe which is likely to boost the global sandarac market. The aforementioned factors related to demand and production of sandarac is anticipated to boost the growth of the global sandarac market over the forecast period (2018-28).Click here to subscribe Sample @Global Sandarac Market growth Triggered by Growing Cosmetic & Personal Care IndustryThe sandarac market can be classified on the basis of form as powder form, liquid extract, and granular form. The demand for sandarac liquid extract segment in the fragrance industry likely to boost the market growth in the forecast period.The sandarac market can also be classified on the basis of end-use industries as the cosmetic & pharmaceutical industry, flavoring industry, coating & pigmentation industry, the medical & pharmaceutical industry, and other end-use industry. The growing demand of sandarac in cosmetic & pharmaceutical and flavoring industry likely to contribute to the growth of the global sandarac market.Global Sandarac Market expected to dominate by North America in the forecast periodThe global sandarac market can be segmented on the basis of the geography as Western Europe, North America, Asia and Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Latin America, Eastern Europe, Japan, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The regional segments also include emerging countries such as China, South Africa, and Australia in the sandarac market. Among the segmented regions, sales and demand for the sandarac in North America are expected to hold a significant share in the global market. The North America sandarac market is growing due to the substantial growth in the cosmetic & personal care industry in the region. Moreover, the substantial growth of the coating & pigmentation (paint) industry in the developing regions such as Asia and Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) and Latin America is expected to contribute for the growth of the global sandarac market in the forecast period. The Middle East and Africa being the prominent producer of the sandarac and create the growth opportunity for local manufacturers in the global market.Request/View TOC@Consumer Demand for New Fragrance Products is expected to Create Ample of Opportunity for the Manufacturers in Sandarac MarketSome of the key players in the sandarac market are Kama Pigments, Samson Kamnik d.o.o. , Scents of Earth LLC, Guild of Limners, Earth Pigments Company, LLC., Pangaea Sciences Inc., Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals, Indigo Herbs Ltd, Sinopharm Chemical Reagent Co., Ltd. and other. The prominent players are concentrating on the extension of their production abilities and vertical integration for business development. The marketing strategy by manufacturers is expected to contribute for the growth of sandarac market in the forecast period, 2018-2028.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the sandarac 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 sandarac market research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application and industry.The Sandarac market report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainRegional analysis includes:North America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, BENELUX, Nordic, Eastern Europe)CIS and RussiaAsia-Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, South Korea)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC Countries, South Africa, Turkey, Iran, Israel)The sandarac market 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 sandarac market report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The sandarac market report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Sandarac Market Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics in the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and products offeredPotential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective on market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintGrow Your Business From Expert Advice:About USFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsRohit BhiseyFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Blog:Read Industry News at -Global Police and Military Simulation Training Market Emerging Company Profiles to Watch- L3 Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Meggitt During 2018-2026

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The Report Police and Military Simulation Training Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2018-2026 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.bizPolice and military simulation training tools are designed for training of police and army personnel. It provides virtual training platforms to practice critical incidents. During the use of weapons simulation, training tools can create a virtual experience of flight deck platforms, naval vessels, armored vehicles, missiles, movable panels, and difficult phases of real life situations. It fixes firing ranges and provides strategic training both for individuals and groups. Moreover, police and military simulation training tools are capable of creating its own mission and share it with others team for training. Simulator tactical training solutions are designed as tailor made equipment with full range of services for military and police training. Other specific solutions which are high in demand are handgun and rifle firing simulators, forward air controller (FAC) simulators, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) simulator.Simulator adoption by the military, police, and army in North America and Europe is very high as it is extensively used for training purposes. Some of the vital benefits of police and military simulation training are it reduces investment required for field training, decreases training time, new equipment and tactics can be field verified, and military can perform combined training programs. It does not affect the environment and therefore is safe for all users involved in training apart from the fact that training objectives are easily achieved.Get Sample Copy of this report @Some other factors responsible for the adoption of simulation training by the military and police are that it provides virtual representation of reality where users can practice in real situations. It safely provides a practical alternative when real situations are too dangerous, expensive, and impossible to experience, helping to create virtual environments with the same situation. In conflict situations, simulators provide a rehearsing environment to users and help to understand how to manage stressful situations. It is an interactive platform where users are provided various methods to analyze the problem before taking any action and this helps to reduce the chain of actions that are repeatedly observed and proven not so beneficial.Categories of simulation training tools vary and depend on the types of service providers and functional requirement of users. Simulator tools can be broadly classified on the basis of industries and other training requirements; but some categories of simulation tools which are mostly used are experimental simulation, symbolic simulation, passive simulation, exploration simulation, and task-based simulation. Experimentation simulation places the learner in a particular situation and the user learns the process based on situations. Symbolic simulation represents the appearance of a system or population through symbols. Many military trainers use this simulation tool as secret code language. Similarly in passive simulation, users identify the activity and then react to other situations. In exploration simulation, users are unfamiliar with the environment and select multiple paths to handle the situation. Lastly, in task-based simulation, users interact with objects or characters to achieve specific goals.The police and military simulation training market can be segmented on the basis of component, training type, categories, and geography. In terms of component, the police and military simulation training market can be bifurcated into solutions and services. Based on training type, the police and military simulation training market is divided into virtual, constructive, and real time simulation. In terms of simulator categories, the market is divided into experimental simulation, symbolic simulation, passive simulation, exploration simulation, and task-based simulation. On the basis of geography, the police and military simulation training market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.Key players operating in the police and military simulation training market are Faac Inc., L3 Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Meggitt, Northrop Grumman, Rockwell Collins, Raytheon Company, CAE Inc., VirTra, Rheinmetall AG, Thales group, SAAB AB, Cubic Corporation, and ECA Group. Faac Inc. provides military training solutions that help in training for critical situations such as air warfare, counter attacks, air refueling, boom operations, and army drive & route clearing.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request For TOC Report @The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketGet Complete Report @The main aim of the report is to:Enable key stakeholders in the market bet right on itUnderstand the opportunities and pitfalls awaiting themAssess the overall growth scope in the near termStrategize effectively with respect to production and distributionMRR.BIZ is a leading provider of strategic market research. Our vast repository consists research reports, data books, company profiles, and regional market data sheets. We regularly update the data and analysis of a wide-ranging products and services around the world. As readers, you will have access to the latest information on almost 300 industries and their sub-segments. Both large Fortune 500 companies and SMEs have found those useful. This is because we customize our offerings keeping in mind the specific requirements of our clients.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.bizGlobal Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Market: Increasing Demand of Smart TVs & Technological Advancements By 2025

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The Report Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2025 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.bizThe television and broadcasting sector has been undergoing significant technological and structural changes, which have given consumers access to a great variety of broadcasting services. The existing Analogue TV Transmitters in world serve about 66% of world population. Constrained by limited frequency capacity, the analogue terrestrial television platform needed a new & more efficient transmission system to meet the demands of the future and to allow for the launch of new services. Whole world has adopted DVB Standard for its digitalization of terrestrial network. In today's growing market for electronic devices, Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) with advanced video and audio features are in constant demand. High definition video quality and voice clarity are a few of the major parameters that are needed for new Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) broadcasting allows the transmission of about 10 or more digital services in a single frequency channel, depending on the technical parameters used and the quality of services desired.Get Sample Copy of this report @Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market: Drivers and ChallengesThe major growth drivers of the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market include increasing demand of smart TVs and recent technological advancements in telecom and broadcast industry. In addition, Growth of smart residential properties will drive the growth of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market. Increasing penetration of internet has led to growth of the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) across the globe.Worldwide financial uncertainty and macroeconomic situations such as currency exchange rates and economic difficulties are some of the major factors which are hindering the growth of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Market.Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market: SegmentationGlobal Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Market can be segmented as:Segmentation on the basis of By Channel:On the basis of product type Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market is segmented into audio standard definition channel and video high definition channel.Segmentation on the basis of end-user:Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) are widely used in residential and commercial. Residential segment is becoming the prominent segment in global Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market.Competition LandscapeKey contractsKey Contracts in Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market are as:In September 2015, Intelsat S.A., United States based communications satellite services provider entered into partnership with Sentech, a South Africa based broadcasting signal distributor. In order to Delivers Direct-to Home and Digital Terrestrial Television Services.Key PlayersSome of the major players in Global Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Market are Humax Co., Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Kaonmedia Co., Ltd., Technicolor SA, ADB (Advanced Digital Broadcast) SA, Sagemcom SAS, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., ARRIS Group, Inc., EchoStar Corporation, Intelsat S.A., Sentech and others.Regional OverviewNorth America is holding the largest market share for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market due to adaptation in residential segment. Due to increasing demand for HD video channels Asia Pacific will hold maximum market share for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in near future. Europe is fastest growing market for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). Sturdy economic progress, driving the growth of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market in MEA region. The Demand for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market has risen dramatically over the past 18 months globally.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market SegmentsMarket Dynamics of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) marketHistorical Actual Market Size, 2012 - 2016Market Size & Forecast 2017 to 2027Value Chain of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) marketMarket Current Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedMarket Drivers and RestraintsRequest For TOC Report @Regional analysis for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) market includes development of these systems in the following regions:North AmericaBy USBy CanadaLatin AmericaBy BrazilBy MexicoBy OthersEastern EuropeRussiaPolandRest OF Eastern EuropeWestern EuropeGermanyFranceU.K.SpainItalyNORDICBeneluxRest of Western EuropeAsia PacificBy Australia and New Zealand (ANZ)By Greater ChinaBy IndiaBy ASEANBy Rest of Asia PacificJapanMiddle East and AfricaBy GCC CountriesBy Other Middle EastBy North AfricaBy South AfricaBy Other AfricaMRR.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.The report provides the following information:Tailwinds and headwinds molding the markets trajectoryMarket segments based on products, technology, and applicationsProspects of each segmentOverall current and possible future size of the marketGrowth pace of the marketCompetitive landscape and key players strategiesGet Complete Report @The main aim of the report is to:Enable key stakeholders in the market bet right on itUnderstand the opportunities and pitfalls awaiting themAssess the overall growth scope in the near termStrategize effectively with respect to production and distributionMRR.BIZ is a leading provider of strategic market research. Our vast repository consists research reports, data books, company profiles, and regional market data sheets. We regularly update the data and analysis of a wide-ranging products and services around the world. As readers, you will have access to the latest information on almost 300 industries and their sub-segments. Both large Fortune 500 companies and SMEs have found those useful. This is because we customize our offerings keeping in mind the specific requirements of our clients.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.bizPretreatment Coatings Market Growth, and Forecast 2017 - 2025 : Barton International, Albermarle Corporation, AkzoNobel N.V., Axalta Coating Systems, Cym Materiales, 3M Company, Abrasives Inc., and Kansai Paint Co. Ltd

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Global Pretreatment Coatings Market: SnapshotThanks to the escalating sales of automobiles across the world, the global pretreatment coatings market has gain remarkable momentum. Owing to the increasing popularity of pretreatment coatings as an important initial stage for powder coatings  required for superior finish of coatings on metal surfaces that increase their shelf life  their application on metals, such as steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc alloys has accelerated significantly.The worldwide market for pretreatment coatings has been reporting tremendous gains on the grounds of the widening application range of pretreatment coatings across numerous end users, such as the electronics, furniture, automotive, household and industrial appliances, and the agricultural equipment sectors, on account of their capability to enhance the durability of products by protecting their components against corrosion. This, resultantly, is expected to drive this market remarkably over the next few years.Request Sample Copy of the Report @On the flip side, the rising concerns over the hazardous effect of pretreatment coatings may limit the markets growth in the near future, with chromate toxicity emerging as a foremost issue of concerns, globally. However, the increasing investments by several established enterprises for the production of the zirconium-based chemistry blend, in an effort to provide end users with a zirconium oxide conversion coating on clean metal surfaces, is anticipated to present lucrative opportunities for the progress of this market in the near future.Global Pretreatment Coatings Market: OverviewPretreatment primers or coatings are a variety of materials used to offer products made from metals, allows, and die-casts to become more resilient to corrosion, thus allowing high cost savings by enlarging their workable lifespan. These coatings protect metal and alloy components from degradation due to factors such as chemicals, oxidation, and moisture. Pretreatment coatings find extensive usage across a number of application areas in industries such as electronics, automotive, defense and aeronautics equipment and vehicles, household and agricultural appliances, and industrial machinery.Global Pretreatment Coatings Market: Key TrendsThe thriving growth of industries such as construction, automotive, and defense and aerospace is the key factor expected to drive the global demand for pretreatment coatings at a healthy pace in the next few years. In automobiles, one of the leading users of a variety of pretreatment coatings, these coatings are used for vehicle parts such as wheels, radiators, engine parts, and shock absorbers. The rising global production of automobiles will present vast growth opportunities for the market.The market will witness a continuous rise in research efforts aimed at the development of environment friendly pretreatment coatings to replace the widely-used chromate-based coatings, which, despite their excellent corrosion protection capability, are high in VOCs and pose significant health issues to users.Request TOC of the Report @Global Pretreatment Coatings Market: Market PotentialThe aerospace, defense, and automobile industries are charged with the pursuit of environment friendly pretreatment coatings as an alternative to the traditionally used chromate-based coatings in the highly specialized area of coating of metal parts of vehicles. The continuous search for an alternative to the hexavalent chrome, a potential lung carcinogen, has led to the development of several alternative coating varieties. These new varieties have demonstrated capabilities meeting the performance requirements of this application area in the fields of cost, corrosion protection, health and safety, and operability and are finding extensive usage across a number of industries.Most of the new entrants in the field have been zirconium-based coatings, known to have more than 60% lower levels of VOCs than chrome-based coatings and reduced weight owing as coverage is possible with the help of less material. The aerospace industry for one is steadily moving to these new varieties of environment-friendly coatings; the operation and cost implications of new and foreseen environment, and worker safety and health regulations are considered key to this transition while the concern of worker safety also makes up for a good factor driving the move. A recent event that stands proof for this trend is the decision of LOT Polish Airlines (Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT) to choose a new chrome-free pretreatment coating by PPG Industries Inc.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Global Pretreatment Coatings Market: Regional OutlookAsia Pacific is the leading contributor to the revenue of the global market and is expected to continue to embark upon an excellent growth path in the near future. Demand across the automotive and construction industries will help the regional market gain prominence. The rising production and development activities in the aerospace industry in countries such as China, Japan, Malaysia, and India will also allow the Asia Pacific pretreatment coatings market gain traction.Global Pretreatment Coatings Market: Competitive OutlookThe global market for pretreatment coatings features a consolidated vendor landscape, with the top four vendors accounting for over half of the overall demand. Leading vendors in the market are Henkel and Nippon Paints, PPG Industries, Troy Chemicals, Barton International, Albermarle Corporation, AkzoNobel N.V., Axalta Coating Systems, Cym Materiales, 3M Company, Abrasives Inc., and Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.comGlobal Polyglycolide Market 2019 - BMG, Kureha, Corbion, Polymtek Biomaterial

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This new report by Eon Market Research, titled Global Polyglycolide Market 2019 Research Report, 2015  2025 offers a comprehensive analysis of Polyglycolide industry at a global as well as regional and country level. Key facts analyzed in this report include the Polyglycolide market size by players, regions, product types and end industries, history data 2014-2018 and forecast data 2019-2025. This report primarily focuses on the study of the competitive landscape, market drivers and trends, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors in global Polyglycolide market.Make a Request for Sample Pages Polyglycolide Market 2019 Research Report Here @This report on Polyglycolide market presents market size in terms of volume and value (or whichever applicable) for the entire forecast period and also offers CAGR for the forecast period under consideration. Key trends analyzed for the prospective readers of this Polyglycolide market report include major demand drivers, restraints and key opportunities prevailing in the industry. Certain high-level analysis of Polyglycolide market such as value chain analysis, Porters five forces analysis, SWOT analysis, and market attractiveness analysis to cover all the circumstances affecting this Polyglycolide industry is also covered in this report. Portfolio analysis helps to understand product mix of leading companies in Polyglycolide industry.This report focuses on top manufacturers in the global Polyglycolide market, with revenue production, sales, gross margin, and market share for each manufacturer, covering BMGKurehaCorbionPolymtek BiomaterialConsumption, production, capacity, market share, growth rate, and prices are included for each product segment of Polyglycolide market Pharma GradeOtherConsumption, market share and growth rate for each application segment of Polyglycolide market SutureFracture FixationOral ImplantDrag Delivery MicrosphereOtherInquiry before Buying Polyglycolide Market 2019 Report and Ask For Discount Here @The Polyglycolide market report presents all-inclusive information on raw materials suppliers, equipment suppliers, manufacturing cost, capacity, production, profit margin, capacity utilization rate, etc. The Global Polyglycolide Market report also covers a systematic geographical analysis.Key regions analyzed in the global Polyglycolide market include; North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East Africa. The country-level analysis included for U.S., UK, France, Germany, Russia, China, Japan, India, and Brazil. The Polyglycolide industry report provides detailed bifurcation of each segment on global, regional and country level. In a word, the Polyglycolide market report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of direction and control for companies and individuals interested in the market.Browse Complete Polyglycolide Market Report Details and ToC Here @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.About Us:Eon Market Research is detail and precision oriented market research end business consulting company. To offer factual and sustainable end results derived from a precise and appropriate research that assist our prospective readers to take the key decision and achieve the growth of their organizations.Contact Us:MaxEmail - inquiry@eonmarketresearch.comPhone - +1 703 879 7090Web -Dynamics and Growth Scenario of Refurbished Medical Equipment Market by 2023: DRE Medical, Everx, General Electric

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The global refurbished equipment market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to a large patient population base suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases worldwide and an increasing demand for low-cost medical devices due to budget constraints in developing nations.In addition, the factors such as an increasing number of private hospitals which purchase refurbished devices due to budget constraints, unfavorable reimbursement scenarios for various medical treatments, and increasing initiatives taken by the leading medical device manufacturers to establish refurbished facilities in developed and developing countries have fueled the demand for refurbished equipment.Get Sample Copy of Report @However, reluctance to purchase refurbished medical devices due to the lack of awareness about the benefits of these devices and lack of standardization of policies related to the sale and use of refurbished medical devices hamper the market growth.The refurbished equipment market is segmented based on type and region. Based on product type, the market is divided into operating room equipment & surgical equipment, patient monitors, defibrillators, medical imaging equipment, cardiovascular & cardiology equipment, x-ray machines, neurology equipment, endoscopy equipment, intensive care systems, neonatal intensive care systems, IV therapy systems, and other equipment. The market is analyzed based on four geographical regions, which include North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.Major Players: DRE Medical Inc. Everx Pvt Ltd. General Electric Company Integrity Medical SystemsKey Benefits for Refurbished Medical Equipment Market: This study provides the competitive landscape of the global market to predict the competitive environment across geographies. This report entails the detailed quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations from 2014 to 2022 to identify the prevailing opportunities. Comprehensive analysis of factors that drive and restrict the market growth is provided in the report. Region- and country-wise digital refurbished equipment market conditions are comprehensively analyzed in the report to understand the regional trends and dynamics.Send Enquiry on this Report @About Us:Allied Market Research, a market research and advisory company of Allied Analytics LLP, provides business insights and market research reports to large as well as small & medium enterprises. The company assists its clients to strategize business policies and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.Allied Market Research provides one stop solution from the beginning of data collection to investment advice. The analysts at Allied Market Research dig out factors that help clients to understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The company amplies clients insight on the factors, such as strategies, future estimations, growth or fall forecasting, opportunity analysis, and consumer surveys among others. As follows, the company offers consistent business intelligent support to aid the clients to turn into prominent business firm.Contact:David Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free (USA/Canada):+1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb:Contraceptive Drugs Market Reach USD 22.15 Billion by 2023 | Topmost Players Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bayer AG., Reckitt Benckiser Plc., The Female Health Company and Others

Contraceptive Drugs Market

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Market Research Future Present a Premium Research Report on Contraceptive drugs Market Research Report - Forecast till 2023  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023.Global Contraceptive Drugs Market  SegmentationGlobal contraceptive drugs market is segmented on two category type and end user.On the basis of type they are oral contraceptive, injectable and other.Oral contraceptives are further sub segmented into combined oral contraceptive pills and progestogen-only pills.On the basis of end user they are segmented as hospitals, clinics and others.Request Sample Report atGlobal Contraceptive Drugs Market - Key PlayersMerck & Co., Inc (US), Pfizer Inc (US), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel), Bayer AG (Germany), Allergan plc. (Ireland), Janssen Global Services llc. (US), Mankind Pharma Ltd. (India), Piramal Enterprises Ltd (India), Reckitt Benckiser Plc (UK), Church & Dwight (US), The Female Health Company (US), Mayer Laboratories (US), Cooper Surgical (US).Global Contraceptive Drugs Market - ScenarioBirth controls are been used since ancient times but the safe and effective methods are introduce and available from 20th century. Contraceptive drugs are used to prevent the unwanted pregnancy by blocking the normal process of ovulations or by altering the process which support the fertilization of egg.Global contraceptive drugs market is driven by increasing need of population controls and increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. Necessity of avoiding the unwanted pregnancy especially in the teenage women and increasing awareness among peoples also contributed in the growth of the market.Contraceptive pills is the third most widely used contraceptive method. Beside this cultural and religious opposition in developing countries is also responsible for hindering the market. The global market for contraceptive drugs is expected to reach US$ 22.15 billion by the end of the 2023 with a CAGR of 6.5%.Global Contraceptive drugs Market - Regional AnalysisThe market of contraceptive drugs is much higher in the Americas region owing to increasing awareness among the people and high incidence rates of abortion. According to the report published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2015, around 229,715 babies were born from women aged between 15 to 19 years.Europe is also considering the huge market for contraceptive drugs players, owing to the increasing government support and awareness about healthcare industries, and well developed technology. Moreover, companies from these regions are more into export to the developing region which increase the market share around the globe.Browse Complete 80 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures atAsia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa region are considering the big market. Whereas country like India and china of Asia Pacific region are considering fastest growing region due to the high rate of incidence of teen pregnancy. According to WHO, adolescent birth rates is 45 births per 1000 women in South-Eastern Asia and 7 births per 1000 women in Eastern Asia. Additionally they are open to adopt new treatment option from a developed country, this gap between the developed and developing countries will present significant growth opportunities for the contraceptive drugs market players in the coming years.Major Table of Contents - Contraceptive Drugs Market Research Report- Global Forecast to 20231 INTRODUCTION1.1 DEFINITION1.2 SCOPE OF STUDY1.2.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE1.2.2 ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITATIONS1.2.2.1 ASSUMPTIONS1.2.2.2 LIMITATIONS1.3 MARKET STRUCTURE:2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2.1 RESEARCH PROCESS:2.2 PRIMARY RESEARCH2.3 SECONDARY RESEARCH:3 MARKET DYNAMICS3.1 DRIVERS3.2 RESTRAINTS3.3 OPPORTUNITIESGet Exclusive Discount atAbout US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comUlcerative Colitis Market Huge R&D and Investment Done By Key Players towards Development of Novel Therapies for UC Treatment Fuels the Market Growth

Ulcerative Colitis Market

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The ulcerative colitis market is expected to reach $ 745.5 million by 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2017 to 2023. Mild ulcerative colitis accounts for almost half of the market share in 2016.Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum of the body. The disease affects people of all ages and most commonly begins at puberty and early adulthood, but may occur later. Ulcerative colitis is prevalent in the United States, Great Britain and Northern Europe. The most commonly preferred treatment for ulcerative colitis is traditional drug therapy consisting of biological agents and small molecules.Download PDF Report Sample @A key driver of the global ulcerative colitis market is the worldwide increase in the prevalence of ulcerative colitis and an increase in research and development activities as key agents in developing new drug products for the treatment of disease. Market growth is also accelerating with an increase in patient support programs that have increased demand for branded drugs. Untapped emerging economies lacking adequate medical care are expected to provide numerous opportunities for market expansion.Oral administration is the easiest route of administration and has prevented ulcerative colitis in half of the market share in 2016 because it prevents the immediate destruction of drugs by stomach acid. The main application area is expected to record a high CAGR of 6.9% per annum.The key players operating in the global ulcerative colitis market are Johnson & Johnson GlaxoSmithKline plc Eli Lilly and Co. Sanofi Aventis A/S AstraZeneca plc Merck & Co. Inc. InDex Pharmaceuticals Holding AB Ajinomoto Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. Abbott Laboratories.The other prominent players in the value chain include Avaxia Biologics Inc., BioLineRx Ltd., Celgene Corporation, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, and Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Make an Enquiry before Buy @The moderate disease type segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate throughout the forecast period, with a CAGR of 6.8%. This is because the epidemic of ulcerative colitis is growing exponentially and there is a lack of awareness in the emerging economies that proper treatment methods and drug approval are not available. This causes ulcerative colitis to change from mild to moderate.Key Findings of the Ulcerative Colitis Market: The severe disease type segment is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 6.7% from 2017 to 2023. U.S. was the highest shareholder in the North American ulcerative colitis market in 2016, and is poised to retain its lead during the forecast period. Biologics registered the highest CAGR of 6.9%. India is expected to grow at a significant rate of 7.1%. The small molecules segment accounted for half of the share in 2016, registering a CAGR of 6.1%.In 2016, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA collectively accounted for about two-sevenths share of the market and are expected to continue this trend in the future. This is due to high incidence of ulcerative colitis disease in China, India, and the other developing economies. Moreover, rise in investments towards development of healthcare infrastructure done by key players in the ulcerative colitis treatment field drives growth in the Asia-Pacific region.Access Full Summery @About Us:Allied Market Research, a market research and advisory company of Allied Analytics LLP, provides business insights and market research reports to large as well as small & medium enterprises. The company assists its clients to strategize business policies and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.Contact:David Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free (USA/Canada):+1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comDemand for Corrugated Boxes Market to Surge in the Corrugated Boxes Market End-use Industry During the Forecast Period 2018 - 2028

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Nearly 170 million tons of corrugated boxes were sold in 2018, equaling a market value worth US$ 112 billion. A new study by FMI estimates that the corrugated boxes market will grow at a 3.9% y-o-y in 2019. Key market influencing factors include,Increased demand for bulk packaging solutionsHigher recyclability of corrugated boxesFluctuations in kraft paper cost and increasing gap in the supply-demand scenarioWhile paper and pulp markets have witnessed a significant decline in the five years, increasing demand for paperboard packaging is said to balance the decline. However, manufacturers are likely to face challenges in the form of increasing popularity of plastic packaging as compared to that of fiber-based packaging solutions. Amid this, the corrugated boxes market is projected to generate revenues worth over US$ 116 billion in 2019 with sales of 176 million tons, says FMI.Paperboard packaging companies are realigning their business focus by introducing a broader portfolio to efficiently address customer value proposition. As forest-based paper and pulp industry is undergoing a dramatic transition, commercial interphase of companies offering corrugated boxes is likely to change in terms of creation of value over maintaining sales volume.Request sample of Report with table of contents and Figures @Demand for Recycled Corrugated Boxes Continues to SurgeThe FMI study finds that nearly 80% of the corrugated boxes sold in 2018 were made from recycled material. Demand for recycled corrugated boxes is estimated to grow annually at 4.4% in 2019, with the status-quo likely to continue throughout the forecast period.Recyclability continues to be a focus area for both manufacturers and end-users. Sensing the changing preferences, manufacturers are adopting sustainable raw materials in the manufacture of corrugated boxes.Single Wall Board Accounted for 7 in 10 Corrugated Box Sales in 2018Corrugated boxes find extensive application in storage, packaging, shipping or moving processes carried out across industries ranging from manufacturing to warehousing. According to FMI valuation, nearly 70% of the corrugated boxes sold globally were made from single wall board. Sales of single wall board are likely to grow at 4.4% in 2019 as these boards are compatible with end-user requirements.The study also opines that demand for double wall board corrugated boxes registered second highest consumption in 2018. While the demand trend of double wall board corrugated boxes will continue in the future, FMI finds that sales of triple wall board corrugated boxes is expected to rise on the back of focused demand from end-users that store ship large, high-value, delicate and heavy products.Corrugated Box Production Consumes More Liners over Fluting MediumInner liner, outer liner and fluting medium comprise the design of the corrugated box. While each component carries different material options, volume sales of liners accounted for over 63% of all component sales in the corrugated boxes market.The FMI study finds that sales of testliner is expected to grow at a higher rate over other liner types. Demand for unbleached testliner is expected to grow at 4.8% in 2019. Aligned with the recyclability trend, recycled fluting medium will be highly sought after in the coming years.Slotted Corrugated Boxes Top Selling, Food Industry Leading End UserSlotted boxes accounted for nearly 72% of all corrugated boxes sold in 2018.Demand for slotted boxes is likely to rise in 2019 at a significant rate with the demand to remain highly consolidated in food and consumer goods industries.Ask a question to Analyst @The study foresees that among an extensive list of end users, the food industry is likely to account for over 60% of the total corrugated boxes application in 2019. The food industry, in particular, processed food industry manufacturers highly seek bulk packaging solutions, of which corrugated packaging is embraced owing to its cost effective and convenient nature.APEJ Spearheads Corrugated Boxes ConsumptionThe FMI study estimates that a significant bulk of corrugated box consumption is registered from APEJ countries. China followed by India are leading consuming countries in APEJ. Easy availability of raw materials, a good price point and growing demand for packaging in the region can be attributed to the greater revenues of corrugated boxes market revenues in the region.The FMI report tracks the corrugated boxes market for the period 2018-2028. According to the report, the corrugated boxes market is projected to grow at 3.7% volume CAGR through 2028. For more insights, write in to FMI analysts at press@futuremarketinsights.comCustomize this report as per your requirement @ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) Market share By Key Players; Aryaka Networks, Barracuda, Cisco, Citrix, Huawei Technologies, Oracle, VMware, ZTE Corporation, Silver Peak, Infovista

Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) Market

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According to a new research report by the market research and strategy consulting firm, Global Market Insights, Inc, the Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) Market is set to exceed USD 17 billion by 2025. SD-WAN market growth is driven by the extensive adoption of SD-WAN solutions, which will unburden the organization with an expensive legacy infrastructure maintenance. The traditional WAN infrastructure relied on expensive hardware appliances to provide connectivity to remote locations. By deploying SD-WAN solutions, organizations can reduce those expenses. Another factor accelerating market growth is the increased adoption of cloud-based platforms. The solutions help enterprises to connect remote users and devices directly to the cloud and ensure that the connections are secured. These solutions enable them to reduce the network complexities of managing dynamic workload and provide improved network visibility.Request for a sample of this research report @Furthermore, the penetration of smart IoT devices in various business verticals, including healthcare, manufacturing, telecom, and retail has increased the network complexities and security risks. SD-WAN solutions help to address the complexities of the IoT infrastructure and also improve the network visibility for managing connected devices to reduce security risks. The penetration of AI-enabled SD-WAN solutions will also contribute toward software-defined wide area network market growth. Machine learning algorithms are widely used for WAN optimization, enabling network administrators to analyze the WAN traffic and automatically re-route the traffic for the selected connection.The physical appliance segment held a major portion of the software-defined wide area network market having a market share of around 75% in 2018. Physical appliances contain most of the SD-WAN functionality in the appliance itself, including firewalls, dynamic path routing, and WAN optimization. These appliances are the initial choice of SD-WAN adopters as they contain basic functionalities and advanced security in a single product that can be implemented on-premise.Managed services in the software-defined wide area network market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 65% from 2019 to 2025. The demand for these services is expected to accelerate as organizations are outsourcing the implementation of their WAN infrastructure to managed service providers to reduce the complexities associated with the in-house WAN deployment. Managed services enable them to reduce their operational costs as the majority of the network functions are outsourced to third-parties. These factors are expected to drive the demand for managed services in the market.The on-premise deployment model is expected to hold the majority of the market share as this model enables IT architects of organizations to construct their own WAN infrastructure and develop network policies according to their needs. The premise-based models enable enterprises to ensure that their networks are running securely and give them a direct control to handle the security aspects of the infrastructure.The manufacturing market is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate of over 60% from 2019 to 2025. The software-defined wide area network market growth is attributed to the growing popularity of IoT platforms. As sensors and smart devices are widely used in manufacturing facilities, the manufacturing companies require solutions, which can provide exceptional network visibility for managing those endpoints. SD-WAN solutions enable manufacturers to simplify the network management and prioritize network traffic to ensure that business-critical applications get the required connection. As the use of IoT devices and communication technologies in the manufacturing industry continues to rise, the demand for these solutions to support the connectivity across manufacturing facilities will increase.Make an inquiry for buying this report @The software-defined wide area network market in Asia Pacific will show the fastest growth rate of over 61% over the forecast timeline. The market growth is driven by the growing adoption of cloud-based infrastructure by enterprises to achieve agility and improve application performance. The enterprises are adopting solutions to improve their network performance and reduce the complexity associated with the existing WAN infrastructure. Another factor accelerating market growth in the region is the adoption of network virtualization technologies to reduce the operational costs and enhance the automation of networks. For example, in December 2017, China Telecom selected ZTE for the provisional cloud resource pool pre-commercial trial SDN project. Under the collaboration, ZTE provided China Telecom with full series of SDN solutions to support the need for automatic resource pool deployment and resource pool interconnection while managing construction costs.The players operating in the market are focusing on product innovations to develop new offerings to cater to the evolving needs of enterprise networks. The companies are offering new and cost-effective solutions to help enterprises address the growing infrastructure demands. In September 2017, Huawei launched its SD-WAN solution and a series of universal computing gateway systems to provide enterprises with an on-demand interconnection between multiple branches and cloud. In August 2018, Cisco and Sify Technologies launched managed and secure SD-WAN service, built on the Cisco SD-WAN platform for Indian enterprises. The new service providers provide flexibility to the customers to easily transition from their existing network to a fully secure SD-WAN platform. Some of the companies are focusing on strategic acquisitions to expand their existing capabilities to gain more market share. For instance, in August 2017, Cisco acquired Viptela, Inc. to develop a next-generation of intent-based networking solutions. Through this acquisition, the company blended Viptelas technology with its SD-WAN products to bring next-generation solutions to the market.Some of the key players in the software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) market are, Aryaka, Barracuda Networks, Berkshire Partners LLC (Masergy Communications), Cato Networks, Cisco, Citrix, CloudGenix, Ecessa Corporation, Elfiq Networks, FatPipe Networks, Huawei, Infovista, Nuage Networks, Oracle, Peplink, Riverbed, Silver Peak, Versa Networks, Vmware, and ZTE.Browse key industry insights spread across 300 pages with 362 market data tables & 31 figures & charts from the report, SD-WAN Market Size By Component (Solution [Physical Appliance, Virtual Appliance], Service [Training & Consulting, Integration & Maintenance, Managed Service]), By Deployment Model (On-premise, Cloud, Hybrid), By Application (IT & Telecom, BFSI, Healthcare, Retail & Consumer Goods, Government, Manufacturing), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, China, Japan, India, Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), South Korea, Southeast Asia, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, South Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel), Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2019 - 2025 in detail along with the table of contents:About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact UsArun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market 2018 | Major Key Players: ABB, Eaton, Emerson Electric, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Advantech - Analysis & Forecast 2025

Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market - 2018

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WiseGuyReports.Com adds Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market - 2018 research report to its databaseDescription :This report studies the global Wireless Motor Monitoring System market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Wireless Motor Monitoring System market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.In 2017, the global Wireless Motor Monitoring System 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.Request For sample Report This report focuses on the global top players, coveredABBEatonEmerson ElectricRockwell AutomationSchneider ElectricSiemensAdvantechBanner EngineeringDynaparGeneral ElectricHoneywell InternationalMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaMarket segment by Type, the product can be split intoVibration sensorsPower sensorsDual analog sensorsMarket segment by Application, split intoOil and gasAutomotiveWater and wastewaterFood and beverageClick Here For Complete Report Table Of Content1 Industry Overview of Wireless Motor Monitoring System1.1 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market Overview1.1.1 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2013-2018)1.2.1 United States1.2.2 Europe1.2.3 China1.2.4 Japan1.2.5 Southeast Asia1.2.6 India1.3 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market by Type1.3.1 Vibration sensors1.3.2 Power sensors1.3.3 Dual analog sensors1.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Oil and gas1.4.2 Automotive1.4.3 Water and wastewater1.4.4 Food and beverage2 Global Wireless Motor Monitoring System Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market Size (Value) by Players (2013-2018)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 ABB3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.2 Eaton3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.3 Emerson Electric3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.4 Rockwell Automation3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.5 Schneider Electric3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.6 Siemens3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.7 Advantech3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.8 Banner Engineering3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.9 Dynapar3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.10 General Electric3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.11 Honeywell International12 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market Dynamics12.1 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market Opportunities12.2 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Challenge and Risk12.2.1 Competition from Opponents12.2.2 Downside Risks of Economy12.3 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market Constraints and Threat12.3.1 Threat from Substitute12.3.2 Government Policy12.3.3 Technology Risks12.4 Wireless Motor Monitoring System Market Driving Force12.4.1 Growing Demand from Emerging Markets12.4.2 Potential ApplicationContinued For Similar Reports @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:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028.Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market Country Level Analysis, Current Industry Size and Future Prospective with Key Company Profiles Like Airbus S.A.S, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Saab Automobile AB, BAE Systems, Embraer S.A.

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The Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market is estimated to witness a CAGR of more than 5% during the forecast period from 2018 to 2023. - Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market by Type (Armored and Unarmored), by Aircraft Type (Fixed-wing and Rotary-wing), by Integrated sensors (Radar, Camera, and Others), and by Region - Global Forecast to 2023Market Summary:The MPA market in the Globe is extremely competitive, owing to the presence of a large number of well-established global and regional vendors across the globe. Some of the major challenges for vendors, such as rapid developments in technology and continuous changes in government rules and guidelines. Furthermore, vendors are focusing on the following factors to gain an additional benefit over their competitors, such as global occurrence, in-house manufacturing competence, the variety of product offerings, research and developmental investments, and strong customer support. The growing competition among major contractors and sub-contractors and rise in marine security threats will boost the growth of the Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market in the next few years.The major challenge in Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market is the rising acceptance of strategic bombers. Conventionally, strategic bombers were solely used to drop heavy air-to-ground arsenal onto distance targets for devastating the enemy's attack and confrontation competences in warfare. With changing warfare policies, these bombers are also being progressively used for multi-mission resolves, such as maritime patrol, surveillance, and maritime military movements. In 2016, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) engaged three B-52 Stratofortress bombers to link in the NATO Baltic drills, led at the military airport in the U.K.The Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market is estimated to witness a CAGR of more than 5% during the forecast period from 2018 to 2023.Get Sample Report @Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) is also recognized as a patrol aircraft or patrol bomber. Maritime patrol aircraft consists of long range and high endurance limits. Due to the increasing territorial and underwater threats, governments are majorly focusing on the defense sector to combat tensions and address sovereign security problems. Due to the growing competition, contractors are focusing on acquisitions and joint ventures with the major companies in this market. In addition, aircraft producers are incorporating different methods to grasp different segments of customers, ranging from larger economies, such as Taiwan and Singapore, to smaller nations with restricted resources, such as Brunei, owing to the rising demand for effective sensor providers.The alteration of commercial aircraft to MPA will speed up the growth scenarios for the global MPA market in the next few years. Some of the major benefits to enhance the conversion rate of commercial aircraft into MPAs is the drop of risks involved with the manufacturing, the economy of scale of the market, easy availability of technical support from the companies, and reliability of the components.The key driver for the MPA market is the South China Sea dispute. Expansion of China into sea borders towards the Southeast Sea is forming barriers among nations. International law specifies that every country is permitted to use its ocean borders and is not allowed to cross the territorial regional boundaries of other nations without authorization. Bordering countries to China, such as Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, the U.S., India, and Australia, are concerned that the actions of China will affect their sea trade routes. Moreover, industry experts have expected that the South China Sea has substantial reserves of oil and gas. These growing pressures are driving the acquisition of highly advanced ISR stages in MPA.Key Players:The key players in the Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market are Airbus S.A.S (France), Boeing (U.S.), Lockheed Martin (U.S.), Saab Automobile AB (Sweden), BAE Systems Inc. (U.K), Embraer S.A. (Brazil), Harbin Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd (China), Leonardo S.p.A (Italy), Thales Group (France), and Orbital ATK Inc. (U.S.)Market Segmentation:The Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market has been segmented on the basis of type, aircraft type, and integrated sensors. Based on type, the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market is segmented into armored and unarmored.Based on aircraft type, the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market is segmented into fixed-wing and rotary-wing. Based on integrated sensors, the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market is segmented into radar, camera and others.Regional Analysis:Geographically, the Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market is segmented into five major regions such as North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. Among these regions, North America accounts for the largest share in the Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market owing to the rapid adoption of advanced surveillance aircraft by the military and defense sector in this region. The maritime patrol aircrafts market is projecting significant growth in the Europe region due to the increasing territorial conflicts around the world. The substantial expansion of the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market in the Asia Pacific region is the result of increasing maritime conflicts, rise in geopolitical imbalance and inclination of the developing economies towards strengthening their naval bases.Browse Full Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting ServicesContact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comPatient Registry Software Market Growth By Focusing on Top Key Operating Vendors - Phytel, Inc. (An IBM Corporation Company), Image Trend, Inc., FIGmd, Inc., Liaison Technologies, Cecity.Com, Inc.

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Global Patient Registry Software Market AnalysisAccording to Verified Market Intelligence, the global patient registry software market was valued at USD 780.2 Million in 2016 and is projected to reach USD 2,146.25 Million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2017 to 2025.What is Patient Registry Software?Patient registry software is a software that collects uniform data related to patients by using observational study methods to evaluate group of patients sharing or experiencing a common medical condition. It mainly focuses on distinguishing of data set based on the health information and thus resulting in improved organization of data in the healthcare center.Request For Sample Of The Report @Global Patient Registry Software Market OutlookFactors that drive the growth of the global patient registry software market include increased need of data maintenance in Healthcare Organizations and rise in usage of electronic health records (EHRs), significance of patient registration information and funding provided by government. Apart from this, lack of knowledge of the analytical software in patient registration, lack of IT professionals, security risks of data stored in systems acts a potential restraints for the overall market at a global level.Global Patient Registry Software Market Competitive LandscapeThe Patient Registry Software Market study report will provide a valuable insight with an emphasis on global market including some of the major players such as Phytel, Inc. (An IBM Corporation Company), Image Trend, Inc., FIGmd, Inc., Liaison Technologies, Cecity.Com, Inc. (A Premier, Inc. Company), Dacima Software, Inc. Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated for such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight to the financial statements of all the major players, along with its product benchmarking and SWOT analysis.Ask For Discount :Global Patient Registry Software Market Segmentation, by SoftwareIntegratedStandaloneGlobal Patient Registry Software Market Segmentation, by Deployment ModelOn premiseOn CloudRemotely HostedGlobal Patient Registry Software Market Segmentation, by Pricing ModelSubscriptionOwnershipGlobal Patient Registry Software Market Segmentation, by FunctionalityPopulation Health ManagementPatient Care ManagementHealth Information ExchangePoint of CareProduct Outcome EvaluationMedical Research and Clinical StudiesGlobal Patient Registry Software Market Segmentation, by Type of DatabaseCommercialPublicGlobal Patient Registry Software Market Segmentation, by End-UserGovernment organizations and third party administratorsHospitals and medical practicesPrivate playersPharma, Biotech and Medical device companiesResearch CentersGet Report Details :Global Patient Registry Software Market Geographic ScopeNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaMexicoEuropeGermanyUKFranceRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilRest of the WorldAbout us Verified Market Research has been providing Research Reports, with up to date information, and in-depth analysis, for several years now, to individuals and companies alike that are looking for accurate Research Data. Our large database includes the latest Content from renowned authors and publications worldwide. Weve recently developed one of its own kind smart-system, which helps us determine the authenticity and reputation of the content and its author. This smart-system ensures that we always include high  quality content in our database. We also provide customized Data and Reports according to the need of our client. We strive for excellence and perfection in all our work, and our in-house team is working 24/7 so that you get the Data, Reports, and Analytics you need to help make better decisions. We believe in Customer Satisfaction, and to achieve that we aim to understand the clients need to provide tailor-made services.Our aim is to save your Time and Resources, providing you with the required Research Data, so you can only concentrate on Progress and Growth. Our Data includes research from various industries, along with all necessary statistics like Market Trends, or Forecasts from reliable sources.Contact us -New Jersey ( USA )218 Washington Street,Boonton 07005Tel:+1 (800) 782 1768sales@verifiedmarketresearch.com2019  2025 Cigarillos Market Sharing with Major Leading Industries like: Altria, British American Tobacco, Vector Group, Dosal.

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UpMarketResearch offers a latest published report on Global Cigarillos Market Research Report 2019 delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report contains 97 pages which highly exhibit on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability.Request Sample Copy Of this Report @Cigarillos 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 Scuba Diving Fins Market global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2018  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.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 Cigarillos Market analysis & forecast 2018- 2025 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Region- wise Analysis Cigarillos Market covers: North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)For More Information On This Report, Please Visit @The Major Players Reported In The ReportAre: Altria British American Tobacco Vector Group DosalGlobal Cigarillos Market: Product Segment Analysis: Full Flavor Light Menthol OtherGlobal Cigarillos Market: Application Segment Analysis: Men WomenThe Report Covers In- Depth Analysis As Follows: Chapter 1 Overview of Cigarillos Market Chapter 2 Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions Chapter 3 Global Market Status and Forecast by Types Chapter 4 Global Market Status and Forecast by Downstream Industry Chapter 5 Market Driving Factor Analysis of Cigarillos Market Chapter 6 Cigarillos MarketCompetition Status by Major Manufacturers Chapter 7 Cigarillos Market Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data Chapter 8 Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Cigarillos Market Chapter 9 Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Cigarillos Market Chapter 10 Marketing Status Analysis of Cigarillos Market Chapter 11 Report Conclusion Chapter 12 Research Methodology and ReferenceRequest Complete TOC Of this Report @Cigarillos Market Analysis and Forecast 2018- 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.Global Cigarillos Market: Key Stakeholders: Manufacturers Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers Subcomponent Manufacturers Industry Association Downstream VendorsIn this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Cigarillos Market are as follows: History Year: 2013-2017 Base Year: 2017 Estimated Year: 2018 Forecast Year 2018 to 2025Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Cigarillos Market 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 Cigarillos Market analysis and forecast 2018- 2025.Avail Discount On this Report @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.You can also ask for region wise market research report, as below: Cigarillos Market Global Market Status & Trend Report 2013- 2025 Top 20 Countries Data Cigarillos Market North America Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Cigarillos Market South America Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Cigarillos Market Europe Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Cigarillos Market EMEA Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Cigarillos Market Asia Pacific Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Cigarillos Market China Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Cigarillos Market India Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Cigarillos Market United States Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025About UpMarketResearch:The 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.Fiber Optic Power Meters Global Market Research Report 2025

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Fiber Optic Power Meters Report by Material, Application, and Geography  Global Forecast to 2022 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).Access more details about this report at:The report firstly introduced the Fiber Optic Power Meters basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Purchase a copy of this premium research report at:The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) Basic Information;2.) Asia Fiber Optic Power Meters Market;3.) North American Fiber Optic Power Meters Market;4.) European Fiber Optic Power Meters Market;5.) Market Entry and Investment Feasibility;6.) Report Conclusion.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Brachytherapy Market 2019-2027 Primary Key Players - Modus Medical Devices Inc., Eckert & Ziegler, Argon Medical Devices, Inc., Varian Medical Systems, Inc., C. R. Bard, Inc Etc.

Brachytherapy Market

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Global Brachytherapy Market  Key PlayersSome of the key players in this market are: Modus Medical Devices Inc. (Canada), Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (US), Eckert & Ziegler (Germany), C. R. Bard, Inc (US), Argon Medical Devices, Inc. (US), Elekta AB (Sweden), IsoRay Medical, Inc. (US), IsoAid (US), and others.Brachytherapy Market - SegmentsThe Global Brachytherapy Market can be segmented by type, device, and application.On The Basis Of Type, the brachytherapy market can be segmented into high dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, low dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy, and pulse dose rate (PDR) brachytherapy.Based On Devices, the brachytherapy market can be segmented into brachytherapy after loaders and applicators.Based On Application, the brachytherapy market can be segmented into prostate cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer and other types of cancers. Other types of cancer include esophageal cancer, gynecologic cancers, anal/rectal tumors, head and neck cancers.Get Sample Report @Global Brachytherapy Market  OverviewBrachytherapy Market is gaining precedence due to the expanding cancer care treatment segment. This radiation therapy places radiation source near the affected area and treats the disease accordingly. Its success rates are higher in comparison to surgery and external beam therapy (EBT).The Global Brachytherapy Market is all set to gain momentum by 10.9% CAGR during the forecast period (2017-2023), reveals Market Research Future (MRFR) in an extensive study where drivers for this market and segmental analysis are included for a better understanding of the market in coming years. Growing prevalence of cancer around the globe and brachytherapys ability to treat with high efficiency in a reduced time frame can be considered as chief driving forces for the market.Brachytherapy Market - Competitive AnalysisThere are large number of companies involved in the development of the devices and therapies for the treatment of cancers. Such devices are being used in majority part of the developed countries. Global market for brachytherapy is majorly dominated by companies such as C. R. Bard Inc, Eckert & Ziegler, Elekta AB, Varian Medical Systems Inc.Industry News:Sunnybrooks Cancer Ablation Therapy Program is known for precision therapies without invasive surgeries. The institute introduced MRI-brachytherapy, first-of-its-kind, that reduces discomfort and trauma from the treatment.A report published in Elsevier reveals that 3D-printed templates can be used in target volume localization for multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy in patients with breast cancer. This can significantly reduce the technical complexity associated with the multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy.Varian Medical Systems, Inc. provides brachytherapy devices including brachytherapy afterloaders and applicators. Besides that, it also provides software solutions for brachytherapy. In August 2017, Varian Medical Systems signed brachytherapy applicator distribution agreement with Bionix Radiation Therapy. In December 2016, the company announced the acquisition of the Medical Imaging business of PerkinElmer, Inc. Earlier in August 2014, it had also acquired Certain Assets of Transpire, Inc., a specialized developer of radiation simulation software.August 2017 Becton Dickinson and Company (BD) acquired Bard. The acquisition will expand its focus on disease treatment beyond diabetes, and include urology, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, and hernia.May 2017 Eckert & Ziegler Strahlen- und Medizintechnik AG signed an agreement to acquire Gamma-Service, a specialist in manufacturing isotope technology. With this acquisition Eckert & Ziegler is expected to strengthen their market position and focus on the optimal servicing for their existing customers.Feb 2017 Merit Medical Systems, Inc. to acquire products from Catheter Connections, Inc. and Argon Medical Devices. These product acquisitions will broaden Merits product portfolio and simultaneously expanding the companies geographic presence. The company also focuses on widening its customer base globally.Jan 2017 Alliance Medical signed a pact to purchase Eckert & Ziegler Radio pharma GmbH (Eckert & Zieglers cyclotron division), a subsidiary of Eckert & Ziegler AG. The cyclotron division consist of four cyclotrons across Germany, Austria and Poland. The acquisition of Eckert & Zieglers cyclotron division will further extend the companys molecular imaging presence in Europe as well as the radio pharmacy facilities in the Italy and UK.August 2016 Eckert & Ziegler had acquired Branchy Solutions BVBA, a European prostate seed distributor. The acquisition will strengthen Eckert & Ziegler seed manufacturing position in EuropeJan 2016 Argon Medical Devices, Inc. acquired three vascular products from Rex Medical, LLC. The product include, UltraStream Chronic Hemodialysis Catheter Option, ELITE CLEANER Rotational Thrombectomy System, and Retrievable Vena Cava Filter are wholly owned by this company. The acquisition is expected to fortify the existing interventional portfolio. It further enables the company to offer customer procedure-based comprehensive solutions.Global Brachytherapy Market - Regional AnalysisAmericas is the largest market for brachytherapy globally. The major factor in this large share is presence of large number of companies providing brachytherapy solutions. The growth in the American market is majorly due to the rise in the patient population and increased number oncology cases in recent years. According to national cancer institute, in 2015, there were approximately 3,120,176 men living with prostate cancer in the United States. In 2018, and estimated death count in US because of Prostate cancer is 29,430, which is nearly 5% of the total cancer deaths in US. Moreover, increasing competition among players is also fueling the growth of the brachytherapy market in American region.European region holds the second largest market share in brachytherapy market. One of the biggest factors in this region is the huge patient population of different types of cancer. UK is one of the major countries having large patient pollution. In 2015, 47,151 new cases of prostate cancer were found in UK. Besides that, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain are major countries that contribute in the European brachytherapy market.Asia Pacific region is currently far behind Americas and Europe in terms of market sizing. However, the growth of the brachytherapy market in this region is phenomenal. There are large number of companies entering in the Asian region for their business development and expansion. Japan currently being the most developed country in Asia region, dominates the Asian market. However, India, and China market are the most lucrative markets for new investors and new companies. As a result, these markets are growing at a rapid pace.Browse Complete 150 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 30+ Respective Tables and Figures @The Middle East & Africa contributes least in the global market of brachytherapy. Saudi Arabia, and UAE are the most developing countries in the region that offer better healthcare facilities and possess better medical avenues. The Middle East & Africa market is projected to continue its slow growth during the forecast period 2018 to 2023About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune  411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: salesteam@marketresearchfuture.comTrends In Electronic Cigarette Market Expected To Garner $26, 839 Million By 2023 | Trends, Demand , Analysis And Forecast By Top Key Players Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands

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The global electronic cigarette market is expected to garner $26, 839 million by 2023, from $8, 610 million in 2016, registering a CAGR of 17.4% from 2017 to 2023. An electronic cigarette is a battery-operated device that emanates dosages of vaporized nicotine or non-nicotine solutions for the user. It aims to provide a similar sensation to inhaling tobacco smoke, without the smoke. Electronic cigarettes are marketed as e-cigarettes, e-cigs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, vaporizer cigarettes, and vape pens. Various smokers opt to electronic cigarette as a way to stop or cut down on smoking.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Electronic cigarette provides consumers with smoke and ash less vaping, thereby making it socially acceptable. Electronic cigarette is less harmful than regular cigarette, which causes reduced health issues as compared to tobacco smoking thereby driving the market growth. Change in lifestyle and preferences, and increased affluence of people in emerging economies is further anticipated to driving the growth of market. Moreover, tobacco manufacturers are focusing on new technology development, which has created significant importance for electronic cigarette.Electronic cigarette manufacturers invest more in technology to sustain in the competitive space to make their products stand ahead of their competitors. Thus, rise in development and innovations of e-cigarette and vapor technology is expected to propel the market growth during the forecast period. However, stringent government rules & regulations on manufacturing of e-cigarette and rise in the number of reported adverse events restrain the market growth.The global electronic cigarette market is segmented based on product type, flavor, distribution channel, and region. Based on product type, the market is divided into disposable, rechargeable, and modular. Flavor in electronic cigarette includes tobacco, botanical, fruit, sweet, beverage, and others. Based on distribution channel the market is categorized into specialist e-cig shops, online, supermarkets, tobacconist, and others. The market is analyzed based on region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS The report provides an in-depth analysis of the current trends, drivers, and dynamics of the global electronic cigarette market to elucidate the prevailing opportunities and potential investment pockets. It offers qualitative trends as well as quantitative analysis for the period of 20162023 to assist stakeholders to understand the market scenario. In-depth analysis of the key segments demonstrates the product types of electronic cigarette. Competitive intelligence of the industry highlights the business practices followed by key players across geographies as well as the prevailing market opportunities. The key players in the market are profiled along with their strategies and developments to understand the competitive outlook of the industry.Get Purchase Inquiry @The Major Players :Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, International Vapor Group, Japan Tobacco, Nicotek Llc, Njoy Inc., Philip Morris International Inc., Reynolds American Inc., Vmr Flavours Llc , Electronic Cigarettes International Group, Ltd., Dongguan Wismec Electronics Co., Ltd., iPV Vaping Technology, Logic Technology Development LLC., White Cloud Electronic Cigarettes, VOLCANO, Shenzhen Fest Technology Co., Ltd., LifestylE Cig., Innokin, AVAIL VaporKEY MARKET SEGMENTSBy Product Type Disposable Rechargeable ModularBy Flavor Tobacco Botanical Fruit Sweet Beverage OthersBy Distribution Channel Specialist E-cig Shops Online Supermarkets Tobacconist OthersBy Region North America Europe Asia-Pacific LAMEAGet Purchase Discount @About Us:Big Market Research has a range of research reports from various publishers across the world.Our database of reports of various market categories and sub-categories would help to find the exact report you may be looking for.We are instrumental in providing quantitative and qualitative insights on your area of interest by bringing reports from various publishers at one place to save your time and money. A lot of organizations across the world are gaining profits and great benefits from information gained through reports sourced by us.Contact Us:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland,OR 97220 United StatesDirect: +1-971-202-1575Toll Free: +1-800-910-6452E-mail help@bigmarketresearch.comOleth Market Size, Historical Breakdown Data (2013-2019) and Forecast (2019-2025) | Market Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturers- Lubrizol, Lipo Chemicals, Croda, Ele Corporation and More

Oleth Market 2019-2025, Oleth Market Sales, Oleth Market Survey, Oleth Market Insights, Oleth Market Forecasts, Oleth Market Size

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This report focuses on Oleth market volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall Oleth market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. Regionally, this report focuses on several key regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan.The Oleth family is polyethylene glycol ethers of oleyl alcohol in which the numbers in the name indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units. They are synthetically produced by the ethoxylation of oleyl alcohol in which the number of moles of ethylene oxide corresponds chain length required for polyethylene glycol.Globally, among all regions, Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market owing to high consumption of cosmetics, which is then closely followed by Europe and then North America. Europe is expected hold substantial market share over the forecast period owing high penetration of cosmetics and personal care products and region being the fashion hub of the world. In addition, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for cosmetics and personal care products in luxury, mass market, and professional sectors.At company level, this report focuses on the production capacity, ex-factory price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covered in this report.Browse the full summary and TOC of Oleth Market @The following manufacturers are covered: Lubrizol Lipo Chemicals Croda Ele Corporation BASF Clariant Jeen International Comercial Quimica MassoBy Products/Types: Oleth-3 Oleth-5 Oleth-10 Oleth-20 OthersBy Applications/End-Users: Skin Care Hair Care OthersBy Regions: North America Europe China JapanRequest a sample copy of Oleth Market @Research Methodology and Data Sources for this report: This report consists of detailed overview of market segments, and comprehensive analysis. Secondary Research Information is collected from a number of publicly available as well as paid databases. Public sources involve publications by different associations and governments, annual reports and statements of companies, white papers and research publications by recognized industry experts and renowned academia etc. Paid data sources include third party authentic industry databases. Once data collection is done through secondary research, primary interviews are conducted with different stakeholders across the value chain like manufacturers, distributors, ingredient/input suppliers, end customers and other key opinion leaders of the industry. Primary research is used both to validate the data points obtained from secondary research and to fill in the data gaps after secondary research. The market engineering phase involves analyzing the data collected, market breakdown and forecasting. Macroeconomic indicators and bottom-up and top-down approaches are used to arrive at a complete set of data points that give way to valuable qualitative and quantitative insights. Each data point is verified by the process of data triangulation to validate the numbers and arrive at close estimates. The market engineered data is verified and validated by a number of experts, both in-house and external. After the data is curated by the mentioned highly sophisticated process, the analysts begin to write the report. Garnering insights from data and forecasts, insights are drawn to visualize the entire ecosystem in a single report. We have a dedicated team of Research Specialists and Sales Executives who are available for 24/7 support. We take pride in our teams expertise. We are in a mode of constant learning and train our teams through various both internal and external learning interventions. This helps our team to provide best of service to our clients.Buy now the sample copy of Oleth Market @Table of Contents:Executive Summary: Oleth Market Overview Global Oleth Market Competition by Manufacturers Global Oleth Production Market Share by Regions Global Oleth Consumption by Regions Global Oleth Production, Revenue, Price Trend by Type Global Oleth Market Analysis by Applications Company Profiles and Key Figures in Oleth Business Oleth Manufacturing Cost Analysis Marketing Channel, Distributors and Customers Market Dynamics Global Oleth Market Forecast Research Findings and Conclusion Methodology and Data Source. Table of Contents ContinuedAbout 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Artificial Intelligence In Military Market Analysis by Top Key Players Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Company, Northrop Grumman, Thales Group, IBM, BAE Systems, General Dynamics

Artificial Intelligence In Military

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AI is able to handle massive amounts of military data in a more efficient manner as compared to conventional systems. It improves the self-control, self-regulation, and self-actuation abilities of combat systems, using inherent computing and decision-making capabilities. The artificial intelligence in military market report primarily focuses on various military applications wherein AI is being deployed. Increase in funding from military research agencies and rise in R&D activities to develop advanced AI systems are key factors projected to drive the increased adoption of AI systems in the military sector.Get Sample Copy of this Report @The Artificial Intelligence In Military Market 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, and product type and distribution channels.By Market Players: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Company, Northrop Grumman, Thales Group, IBM, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Nvidia, Soartech, Sparkcognition, Charles River Analytics, SAIC, Harris Corporation, Boeing, LeidosThe report firstly introduced the Artificial Intelligence In Military basics: Definitions, segment classifications, outlook and market overview, product specifications, manufacturing processes, company profile analysis, cost structures, raw materials and so on. Moreover, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.The regions North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America have been studied in depth to gain better market penetration and assure exact analysis. Top manufacturers have been given prime importance to make sure their strategies are understood and their position in this particular market can be elucidated.This study provides an evaluation of aspects that are expected to impact growth of market in an undesired or constructive method. The Artificial Intelligence In Military market has been consistently examined with respect to the corresponding market segments. Each year within the mentioned forecast period is concisely considered in terms of produce and worth in the regional as well as the global markets respectively.KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS: The report provides an extensive analysis of the current and emerging market trends and opportunities in the global Artificial Intelligence In Military market. The report provides detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of current trends and future estimations that help evaluate the prevailing market opportunities. A comprehensive analysis of the factors that drive and restrict the growth of the market is provided. An extensive analysis of the market is conducted by following key product positioning and monitoring the top competitors within the market framework. The report provides extensive qualitative insights on the potential and niche segments or regions exhibiting favorable growth.Get a discount on this research report @Table of ContentChapter 1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition1.2 Brief Introduction by Major Platform1.2.1 Land1.2.2 Airborne1.2.3 Naval1.2.4 Space1.3 Brief Introduction by Major Application1.3.1 Warfare Platform1.3.2 Cyber Security1.3.3 Logistics & Transportation1.3.4 Target Recognition1.3.5 Battlefield Healthcare1.3.6Simulation & Training1.3.7Planning & Allocation1.3.8Threat Monitoring & Situational Awareness1.3.9Others1.4 Brief Introduction by Major Regions1.4.1 United States1.4.2 Europe1.4.3 China1.4.4 Japan1.4.5 India1.5 Brief Introduction by Major Offering1.5.1 Software1.5.2 Hardware1.5.3 Services1.6 Brief Introduction by Major Technology1.6.1 Learning & Intelligence1.6.2 Advanced Computing1.6.3 AI Systems1.7 Brief Introduction by Major1.8 Brief Introduction by MajorChapter 2 Production Market Analysis2.1 Global Production Market Analysis2.1.1 2012-2017 Global Capacity, Production, Capacity Utilization Rate, Ex-Factory Price, Revenue, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis2.1.2 2012-2017 Major Manufacturers Performance and Market Share2.2 Regional Production Market Analysis2.2.1 2012-2017 Regional Market Performance and Market Share2.2.2 United States Market2.2.3 Europe Market2.2.4 China Market2.2.5 Japan Market2.2.6 India Market2.2.7 MarketChapter 3 Sales Market Analysis3.1 Global Sales Market Analysis3.1.1 2012-2017 Global Sales Volume, Sales Price and Sales Revenue Analysis3.1.2 2012-2017 Major Manufacturers Performance and Market Share3.2 Regional Sales Market Analysis3.2.1 2012-2017 Regional Market Performance and Market Share3.2.2 United States Market3.2.3 Europe Market3.2.4 China Market3.2.5 Japan Market3.2.6 India Market3.2.7 MarketChapter 4 Consumption Market Analysis4.1 Global Consumption Market Analysis4.1.1 2012-2017 Global Consumption Volume Analysis4.2 Regional Consumption Market Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017 Regional Market Performance and Market Share4.2.2 United States Market4.2.3 Europe Market4.2.4 China Market4.2.5 Japan Market4.2.6 India Market4.2.7 MarketChapter 5 Production, Sales and Consumption Market Comparison Analysis5.1 Global Production, Sales and Consumption Market Comparison Analysis5.2 Regional Production, Sales Volume and Consumption Volume Market Comparison Analysis5.2.1 United States5.2.2 Europe5.2.3 China5.2.4 Japan5.2.5 IndiaFor More Info @:About Us:Big Market Research has a range of research reports from various publishers across the world. Our database of reports of various market categories and sub-categories would help to find the exact report you may be looking for.We are instrumental in providing quantitative and qualitative insights on your area of interest by bringing reports from various publishers at one place to save your time and money. A lot of organizations across the world are gaining profits and great benefits from information gained through reports sourced by us.Contact Us:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland,OR 97220 United Statescall answer Direct:+1-971-202-1575call answer Toll Free:+1-800-910-6452email help@bigmarketresearch.comGlobal Metal Halide Market Trends Opportunities & Growth Forecast during 2018-2026 / Major Solvay S.A, BASF SE, Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited, Merck KGaA, Tokyo Chemical Industry, Usalco LLC, Hill Brothers, Inc

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The growth of the food and pharmaceutical industries is due to the increasing population, which is expected to help in the growth of the metal halide market. Regions with cold weather conditions are expected to create a platform for the sales of metal halides, considering their use in snow removal. The use of metal halides in the construction of roads is expected to help in their market growth in the coming years. The growth of the chemical industry is expected to drive the Metal Halide Market in the near future. Metal halides are used in the manufacture of metal halide lamps in the electrical industry.Request TOC of this Report-The new technology of LED lights and other advancements in the electrical industry are expected to slow down the growth of metal halides in the electrical industry. The health hazards associated with some metal halides, like lithium chloride, are expected to retard the growth of metal halides in the market. Metal halides like uranium hexafluoride have very limited access in the market, and are expected to affect the growth of the metal halide market.Metal halides are the compounds formed between metals and halogens. Metal halides can be of different types, depending on the formation of the bonds or the type of metal that they are attached to. Metals like sodium form an ionic bond with halogens, and form ionic metal halides. Metals like uranium form a covalent bond with halogens, and form covalent metal halides. Metals like titanium, boron, tin, or palladium form polymeric metal halides. Metal halides have a wide range of applications such as melting of snow, chemical intermediates, pharmaceutical ingredients, flame colorants, food additives, etc. Metal halides also have applications in the oil and gas industry to establish and maintain oil and gas wells. Metal halides like magnesium chloride act as a catalyst support in the production of polyolefins. Metal halides are used in the production of diet supplements. Metal halides like uranium hexafluoride are used in the enrichment of uranium, which acts as fuel for nuclear weapons and reactors.Regional OutlookMetal halide sales in North America are expected to grow as a result of the snowfall occurring each year. North America has also shown significant growth in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, food, construction, and automobile industries in recent years. The growth of these industries in the region is expected to help in the growth of the metal halide market.To know more about the Metal Halide Market Visit the link-The European region, with its appreciably growing chemical and automobile industries, and moderately growing oil and gas, construction, and food industries, is expected to help in the sales growth of metal halides. China and India are other prominent markets for metal halides. The growth of the automobile, food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and construction industries in China and India is expected to provide a platform for the growth of the metal halide market in the near future.The Middle East and Africa region has a well-established oil and gas industry, and moderately growing automobile, construction, and pharmaceutical industries. This is expected to help in the sales of metal halides in the coming years. South East Asia also has shown moderate growth in the construction, automobile, and food industries. The growth of these industries is expected to drive the metal halide market in the South East Asia region. Latin America has scope for the growth of the oil and gas industry. The region also has a moderately growing construction and food industry. The growth of these industries in Latin America is expected to help in the sales growth of metal halides.List of ParticipantsThe market participants involved in the metal halide market are listed below Solvay S.A, BASF SE, Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited, Merck KGaA, Tokyo Chemical Industry, Usalco LLC, Hill Brothers, Inc., Hawkins Inc., American ElementsThe 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, type, chemistry, and end use industry.Request Brochure of this Report-About FactMRFactMR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market insights 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.comWeb:Blog:Read Industry News at -Bar Inspection System Market: Growth Factors Details for Business Development, Key Companies, Current Trends/Issues/Challenges and Forecast By 2028

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Bar Inspection System market project to multiply in high single digit growthBra inspection system (BIS) market has been growing owing to multiple benefits associated with it. The global bar inspection system market has been witnessing a moderate growth with the rise in its applications. North America and Europe have been the prominent markets for bar inspection systems, while the market is also growing in Asia-Pacific.Associated advantages of bar inspection system augmenting the demandThe working principle of bar inspection system is based on Floating Head concept and on Wear Shoes concept that ensures a constant optimal positioning of probes independent of the straightness variations of the bars. Some of the advantages associated with bar inspection systems include volume inspection on round and square bars, minimizing dependency on operator skill through automatic calibration, minimal downtime with fast turnover, excellent coupling with the use of immersion tank, higher tolerance on bar shape and optimal defect detection with the floating head design. Bar inspection systems are designed in a way that it provides an easy to use solution for quality control in carbon and stainless steel, titanium black and bright bars, and aluminum.Get Sample Copy of Report @Increasing demand for phased array bar inspection systemBased technology, bar inspection systems are available as conventional and phased array technologies. The demand for phased array bar inspection systems have been observed to increase significantly in the recent past. Advanced bar inspection system uses phased array probes that are integrated into a fully automated testing system targeted to meet stringent quality control standards, though without a loss in productivity. The phased array probes are programmed to alternate between longitudinal and shear wave in order to inspect volume and subsurface of a bar. In order that the bar cross-section is inspected while it moves through the system, the probes can be positioned and fired. Probes are grouped for a defined size- range and bar shape on the same probe holder, thus ensuring the full-volume inspection and reducing crosstalk.Moderately competitive bar inspection system marketBar Inspection system is moderately competitive with the presence of a fair number of competitors. The competitors have been focusing on product improvement through features such as high-speed inspections, high productivity, reliability, and repeatability of the inspection results, versatility of the system, reconfigurable to different inspection configurations and automatic calibration facility. The companies are also focusing on showcasing their products as user friendly, which includes easy interpretation of the inspection results, fast mechanical reconfiguration between two bar sizes, detailed alarms and data reporting and easy maintenance.Some of the key providers of bar inspection system includes Olympus Corporation, Namicon Testing, Tactic Laboratory Testing Inc., Structural Diagnostics Inc., Nirox Optoelectronics, Blue Star Limited, and Salem Design and Manufacturing.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 geographies, application, and industry.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeInstalled BaseCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainRegional analysis includes:North America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC Countries, S. Africa, Northern Africa)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.Purchase This Report @Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Lung Cancer Therapeutics Market to 2023: Bayer AG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Novartis International AG and Pfizer Inc

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Lung Cancer Therapeutics: Global Markets" to its huge collection of research reports."SummaryThe global lung cancer therapeutic market was valued at REDACTED in 2017 and expected to reach REDACTED by 2023, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of REDACTED between 2018 and 2023. Grant of fast-track designation to advance therapies by the U.S. FDA, European Medicines Agency, CFDA (China) and MHLW (Japan) is expected to significantly contribute to the overall growth of the lungcancer therapeutics market. The global rise in lung cancer incidence, improving survival rates, risingtobacco use and environmental pollution, along with an increase in the prescription volume of brandedtherapies in countries such as China, are the major market drivers.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The lung cancer therapeutic market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period, mainly due to an increase in the number of new lung cancer cases. Lung cancer incidence in non-smoking group is steadily increasing, mainly due to an increased exposure to carcinogens such as radon, asbestos and exposure to radioactive elements. This increase in non-smoking lung cancer cases is expected to have a positive impact on the overall lung cancer therapeutic market during the study period.Scope of ReportThis report provides a detailed analysis of prevailing lung cancer treatment guidelines in different geographic regions. This report looks at lung cancer therapeutics market revenue by disease type (i.e., NSCLC and SCLC) and the proportion of chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies used for treating each disease type in different geographic regions. Non-pharmaceutical treatment segments like radiation and surgery are excluded from this report. Lung cancer therapeutic market data is present for 2017 and for the forecast period, which is 2018 to 2023. The market data provided in this report are based on manufacturers total revenues. Projected and forecasted revenue values are in constant U.S. dollars, unadjusted for inflation.Detailed lung cancer therapeutic market analyses are presented for five regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America.Global market drivers, trends and challenges affecting the lung cancer therapeutics market are presented in this report. Detailed analyses of the competitive environments, pipeline analysis, patents, regulatory landscape and reimbursement landscape are included in the report.Reasons for Doing This StudyThere have been significant developments in understanding complex molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in lung cancer. As the incidence of lung cancer is increasing in regions such as Asia-Pacific and Europe, government agencies and research firms have shifted their focus on developing new treatment options to improve the lifespan of terminally ill patients. Increased use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies are proving to be beneficial to lung cancer patients. Several advanced therapies for lung cancer are likely to reach the market in the next five years. Due to increased healthcare expenditures on early screening and disease detection, lung cancer therapy market dynamics are expected to change during the forecast period. This study looks at different classes of available drug types and their applications. This report also identifies potential pipeline molecules, which could translate into clinical practice during the forecast period.This study highlights how the pharmaceutical sector is rapidly changing by forming new paradigms and employing marketing strategies that increase market share. The research provides information on leading market competitors, their market share, partnerships, collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions between pharmaceutical companies.""Report Scope:This report provides a detailed analysis of prevailing lung cancer treatment guidelines in different geographic regions. This report looks at lung cancer therapeutics market revenue by disease type (i.e., NSCLC and SCLC) and the proportion of chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies used for treating each disease type in different geographic regions. Non-pharmaceutical treatment segments like radiation and surgery are excluded from this report. Lung cancer therapeutic market data is present for 2017 and for the forecast period, which is 2018 to 2023. The market data provided in this report are based on manufacturers' total revenues. Projected and forecasted revenue values are in constant U.S. dollars, unadjusted for inflation.Detailed lung cancer therapeutic market analyses are presented for five regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America.Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @Global market drivers, trends and challenges affecting the lung cancer therapeutics market are presented in this report. Detailed analyses of the competitive environments, pipeline analysis, patents, regulatory landscape and reimbursement landscape are included in the report.Report Includes:- 34 data tables and 32 additional tables- An in-depth overview of the global market for lung cancer therapeutics within the industry- Analyses of global market trends with data from 2017, estimates for 2018, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2023- Identification of key market dynamics, trends, opportunities and factors influencing the global lung cancer drug technology- Assessment of major regulatory pathways and hurdles faced by lung cancer therapeutic product manufacturers- Information pertaining to lung cancer drug patent applications, expirations and the latest key technology developments, pipeline analysis, reimbursement scenarios, and unmet needs associated with the market- Dossier of mergers and acquisitions, new product development, strategies, research and development activities of major market players- Examination of competitive landscape for the lung cancer therapeutics market, and information pertaining to leading lung cancer market players, their marketed products, pipeline products and product patent expirations- Detailed company profiles of major manufacturers of oncology products, including Bayer AG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Novartis International AG and Pfizer Inc."About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on @District Heating Pipeline Network Market Growth, Players, End User Study With Thermaflex, Smithline, Huntsman, Uponor, Logstor, REHAU, BRUGG, Perma pipe, Microflex, Aquatherm, Flender, CPV Ltd, Golan Plastic

District Heating Pipeline Network Market

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Market Study Report LLC adds 2018-2024 Global District Heating Pipeline Network market report that offers an exhaustive coverage of the industry with brief analysis, data charts, figures, statistics that help take business decisions, company profiles and more.China district heating pipeline network market is predicted to grow owing to increasing suburban population coupled with increasing investments toward residential and commercial establishments across the nation. Ongoing government initiatives toward adoption of energy-efficient systems will further propel the industry outlook. The Government of China with the support of European Union launched EU-China 2020 strategic agenda and China-EU partnership to strengthen the nations urban infrastructure.Request a sample of this premium report at:District Heating Pipeline Network Market will exceed USD 600 billion by 2024, according to a new research report. Growing concerns pertaining to greenhouse emissions coupled with increasing demand for space heating systems will stimulate the district heating pipeline network market. Extreme climatic conditions across Europe, China and the U.S. will further stimulate the product demand. According to Norwegian Meteorological Institute, the average temperature in Southern Finland during winter season ranges between 00 to -40 Celsius.The U.S. market is set to reach over 5 thousand Km by 2024. Growing district heating systems penetration across residential and commercial establishments along with ongoing adoption of clean energy technologies will foster the industry growth. According to the International District Energy Association (IDEA), out of 601 heating systems installed in the U.S., 289 are district energy-only systems.Rapid urbanization and industrialization across the developing nations along with favorable government initiatives toward zero emission buildings will drive the global market. As per Knoema in 2016, the people residing in urban areas in Japan constituted 94.3% when compared with 93.9% in 2015.Growing adoption of small scale heating technologies across the residential establishments along with government-backed research and development initiatives toward development of more efficient insulating materials will propel the 20 mm -100 mm diameter pipes. Increasing use as a service pipe as these can be easily transported, rolled, and installed in the constructions will stimulate the product penetration.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:Ongoing legislative reforms pertaining to sustainable energy technologies along with modernization and expansion of existing heating networks will foster the district heating pipeline network market. Government focus toward energy efficient buildings will further propel the industry growth. The European Union's Renewable Energy Directive has introduced standards toward reduction and limitation of emissions caused by the industrial establishments.Increasing suburban population owing to rapid urbanization across the evolving economies will stimulate the market from residential applications. Government assisted renewable technology targets coupled with ongoing investments toward real-estate sector will foster the industry outlook. According to World Bank, people residing in urban areas of India accounted for 33.14% in 2016 when compared with 32.37% in 2014 across India.Eminent players across the district heating pipeline network market include REHAU, Uponor, BRUGG, Logstor, Perma Pipe, CPV Ltd, Microflex, Flender, Thermaflex, Huntsman, Smithline, Aquatherm and Golan Plastic.Table of Content:Chapter 1 Methodology & Scope1.1 Methodology1.1.1 Initial data exploration1.1.2 Statistical model and forecast1.1.3 Industry insights and validation1.1.4 Market definition and forecast parameters1.2 Data Sources1.2.1 Secondary1.2.2 PrimaryChapter 2 Executive Summary2.1 District heating pipeline network 360 degree synopsis, 2013 - 20242.1.1 Business trends2.1.2 Pipe trends2.1.3 Diameter trends2.1.4 Application trends2.1.5 Regional trendsChapter 3 District Heating Pipeline Network Industry Insights3.1 Industry segmentation3.2 Industry landscape, 2013 - 2024 (USD Billion)3.3 Industry ecosystem analysis3.3.1 Vendor matrix3.4 Innovation & sustainability3.5 Regulatory landscape3.5.1 U.S.3.5.1.1 Standards3.5.1.1.1 ASME B313.5.1.1.2 B31.1- Power Piping3.5.2 Europe3.5.2.1 Standards3.5.2.1.1 EN 2533.5.3 Sweden3.5.4 UK3.5.5 Germany3.5.6 China3.5.7 Denmark3.6 Price trend analysis, by Region3.6.1 North America3.6.2 Europe3.6.3 Asia Pacific3.6.4 Levelized cost of district heating vs decentralized production3.6.5 Network cost of district heating3.7 Cost structure analysis3.7.1 Case - Installation of DH system in the UK3.7.1.1 Pipework connecting the blocks of flats to the main district heating network3.7.1.2 Average connection cost to each flat3.7.1.3 Energy generation cost based on heating equipment3.7.1.4 Total cost of district heating network3.8 Percentage of citizens served by district heating in key countries, 2013 - 20143.9 Installed district heating capacity in key countries3.10 Industry impact forces3.10.1 Growth drivers3.10.1.1 North America3.10.1.1.1 Strict regulations toward carbon emissions3.10.1.1.2 Favourable government policies toward renewable3.10.1.2 Europe3.10.1.2.1 Government norms toward zero emission buildings3.10.1.2.2 Extreme climatic conditions3.10.1.2.3 Government incentives toward adoption of district heating systems3.10.1.3 Asia Pacific3.10.1.3.1 Rapid urbanization and industrialization3.10.1.3.2 Clean energy directives3.10.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges3.10.2.1 High capital cost3.11 General drivers for change in future of district heating value chain3.12 Cost structure analysis of DH systems, 20133.13 Growth potential analysis3.14 Porter's Analysis3.15 Competitive landscape, 20163.15.1 Strategy dashboard3.15.1.1 Uponor3.15.1.2 REHAU3.15.1.3 Logstor3.16 Competitor benchmarking3.17 PESTEL AnalysisChapter 4 District Heating Pipeline Network Market, By Pipe4.1 District heating pipeline network market share by pipe, 2016 & 2024For more information on this report at:Related Report:United States Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Market Report 2018In this report, the United States Gas Pipeline Infrastructure market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.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:North America Controlled Release Fertilizers Market Analysis 2014-2024: Key Players are ICL Specialty Fertilizers, Yara International, Scotts Miracle-Group and more

North America Controlled Release Fertilizers Market

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The Graphical Research report provides a detailed overview on North America Controlled Release Fertilizers Market estimated to surpass USD 1.26 million by 2024.Controlled release fertilizers have been proved to be an effective substitute to the conventional fertilizers, on account of their resource-saving and environmentally friendly features. The U.S. has been predicted to be the 3rd highest populated country by 2050  with an estimated populace of 395 million. As per the WHO report, an increase of 50% in agricultural yield will be needed to fulfil the growing food demand across the globe. Controlled release fertilizers will hold robust potential in future years to suit the advanced agricultural practices.Request for a sample @Controlled release fertilizers (CRF) have long operational life; they not only improve the fertility of land, but also enhance the crop yield. Increasing uncertainty of climatic conditions leading to irregularity in yield will divert the focus of agro sector towards sustainable agriculture practices, thereby influencing the product demand in future. Ability of CRF to maintain the nutrient quality of the soil throughout the harvest season will drive the regional market growth. Stringent regulatory framework encouraging the growers to lessen fertilizer overflow in water streams, will further propel North America controlled release fertilizers market size over the forecast timespan. Higher pricing of these engineered fertilizers as compared to the conventional fertilizers including: NPK and urea fertilizers may hinder the market growth during forecast span.North America controlled release fertilizers market will observe highest gains by polymer sulfur coated urea over the forecast period with a CAGR above 4%. Sulfur coated urea substantially enhances nitrogen absorption capacity of soil and thus, retains the nutritive content needed for the crops.Cereals & grains contributed above 15% share in 2017 in North America controlled release fertilizer market. However, the regional CRF industry will have the highest demand for other crops segment involving: ornamental plants, turf, etc. with a share over 65% over the forecast period.Make an inquiry of this report @Key manufacturers in the market have been: ICL Specialty Fertilizers, Haifa Chemicals, Scotts Miracle-Group, etc. Manufacturers have been investing in advanced fertilizer compositions for instance, ICL launched Osmocote Iron CRF in November 2016, which was designed to increase the nutrient efficiency of plants - lacking iron. The product involved ICLs E-Max Release Technology, for delivering a steady supply of sulfur and iron.Segments We Cover:North America Controlled Release Fertilizers Market Statistics, By ProductPolymer Sulfur Coated Urea/ Sulfur Coated Urea, Polymer Coated Urea, Polymer Coated NPK Fertilizer, OthersNorth America Controlled Release Fertilizers Market trends, By CropCereals & grains, Oilseeds & pulses, Fruits & vegetables, OthersThe above information is provided on a regional and country basis for the following:U.S., CanadaBrowse key industry insights from this report @About Graphical Research:Graphical Research is a business research firm that provides industry insights, market forecast and strategic inputs through granular research reports and advisory services. We publish targeted research reports with an aim to address varied customer needs, from market penetration and entry strategies to portfolio management and strategic outlook. We understand that business requirements are unique: our syndicate reports are designed to ensure relevance for industry participants across the value chain. We also provide custom reports that are tailored to the exact needs of the customer, with dedicated analyst support across the purchase lifecycle.Contact Us:Parikhit B.Corporate sales,Graphical ResearchEmail: sales@graphicalresearh.comWeb:What's driving the Contact Lenses Market trends? Key Company Profiled CooperVision, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Blanchard, Contamac, Hoya, Essilor, Conforma, Bausch & Lomb, Menicon and Wesley Jessen

Contact Lenses Market

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According to Global Market Insights, Inc., contact lenses market is set to hit a targeted revenue margin of over USD 18 billion by 2024. The evolution of contact lenses market can be primarily attributed to the rising incidences of myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia, and nearsightedness across the globe. It would also be noteworthy to mention that the advent of new technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality have indeed revolutionized this business space.It has been observed that the younger populace, spending quite some time within the confines of their homes, glued to smartphone and laptop screens, are more prone to loss of distant vision than the yesteryear generation, thereby necessitating the requirement of contact lenses over eyeglasses or vision surgery. In consequence, this demand has had quite a proportional impact on contact lenses industry size, which was pegged at USD 9.5 billion in 2016. Reliable sources have quoted that over 40 million of the U.S. population wear contact lenses with most of them being soft lenses made from hydrogels.Request for a sample copy of this report @According to authentic estimates, nearly half of the Asian youth populace has been suffering from nearsightedness. It has been witnessed that the majority of the global population affected due to vision problems reside in the developing regions. As per the current global rankings, India and China have the highest population with poor vision problems. Researchers have estimated that negligence towards eye-care has resulted in the global costs amounting to nearly USD 3 trillion dollars annually. This has undeniably created global awareness toward the use of eyewear such as contact lenses, thereby accelerating contact lenses market trends.New product developments taking place taking across the eyewear sector are also predicted to provide rapid momentum to the expansion of contact lenses industry. Researchers at Oregon State University have recently introduced contact lenses for diabetes patients with implanted indium gallium Zinc Oxide biosensors to determine their glucose levels. Alongside, Google Inc. is also expected to penetrate contact lenses market with the development of smart contact lenses comprising wireless chips as well as the tiny glucose sensor devices.Researchers have claimed that these lenses have the ability to transfer monitored information to external instrument. Reputed firms such as Bausch + Lomb are not that far behind either, when it comes to making appreciable contributions to the contact lenses industry. The firm has in fact, launched the all-new Biotrue ONEday across twenty countries in Europe. The new products unique dehydration barrier feature helps in restoring 98% of moisture till 16 hours, and it is exclusively designed to meet the needs of astigmatic patients.Company profiled in this report based on Business overview, Financial data, Product landscape, Strategic outlook & SWOT analysis:1. Cooper Vision2. Johnson Johnson3. Novartis4. Valeant Pharmaceuticals5. Blanchard Contact Lenses6. Zeiss International7. Conforma8. Contamac9. Essilor10. Hoya11. Menicon12. Wesley Jessen13. UltraVision14. Synergeyes15. Bausch LombBrowse Complete Report Summary @Speaking in terms of geographical trends, a research study has demonstrated that a drastic shift in the lifestyles of the APAC population and rising eye health awareness among the populace will generate lucrative growth prospects for contact lenses market in the region. It is anticipated that the Asia Pacific contact lenses industry will grow at a rate of more than 4% over 2017-2024, having accounted for a revenue of over USD 2 billion in 2016.In North America, on the other hand, the rise in the aging population and introduction of new technologies across the eye care sector are expected to help augment the regional contact lenses market. As per estimates, North America contact lenses industry is expected to record a CAGR of 3.2% over 2017-2024.- Contact Lenses Industry, By Distribution Channel Optical stores Independent brand showrooms Online stores Retail stores Others- Contact Lenses Market, By Design Spherical Toric Bifocal and multifocal Others- Contact Lenses Market, By Usage Daily disposable Weekly disposable Monthly disposable AnnualMake an inquiry for purchasing this report @Global contact lenses market share, as per analysts, is partially consolidated, with a select few players such as Bausch & Lomb, Novartis International AG, ZEISS, and Hoya Corporation predominantly covering a major portion of the industry share via product innovations and strategic alliances. The business sphere has been forecast to reach commendable heights in the ensuing years, given the projected demand for these lenses across the developing and established economies.About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Gas Sensor Market Global Analysis By Key Players  ABB, ams AG, DENSO, Siemens, Yokogawa, AlphaSense, Inc.

Gas Sensor Market

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The Asia Pacific Gas Sensor Market is poised to witness a growth of 9% in terms of unit shipped due to increasing air pollution levels in China and India as a result of increasing industrialization and the presence of a large number of manufacturing plants. Beijing and Shanghai are the major contributors to the increasingly deteriorating outdoor air quality, exceeding the average particulate matter concentration set by the WHO at an exponential rate in 2017. This is augmenting the use of advanced gas sensors across several industries in China. Furthermore, growing investments in construction, medical, and infrastructure sectors will offer huge growth opportunities to the APAC market due to urbanization.Request for Sample Copy of This Report @Increasing government initiatives to provide safe working environment to the workers at industrial plants is anticipated to provide lucrative growth prospects for the gas sensor market. Moreover, with rapid global urbanization, greenhouse gas emissions have increased tremendously, necessitating the deployment of gas sensing devices. Manufacturing industries, transportation sector, energy sector, and building sector are the major industries contributing to poor air quality.Growth Drivers: -1. Increasing government initiatives and regulations2. Development of wireless MEMS-based sensors in North America3. Growing demand in IoT applications in the U.S.4. Increasing awareness regarding air quality control in Europe5. Increasing demand from automotive industry in Asia Pacific6. Growing adoption in consumer electronics in Latin America7. Rising demand from oil and gas industry in MEAEnvironmental organizations globally have been working on addressing the growing concerns regarding deteriorating air quality. Many countries have been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly by increasing awareness regarding emissions, regulations, standards, and codes for gas leakage detection. This is compelling industries to integrate such components, driving the market.Make an Inquiry for purchasing this Report @The components based on conventional metal-oxide semiconductors face severe drawbacks, such as low selectivity, as they are dependent on surface chemistry. The pitfalls associated with these semiconductor sensors are slow recovery or a dosimeter-type response and sensitivity to humidity. Technical issues such as the inability to detect gas leakages, inability to detect gases at certain temperature levels, and producing false alarms are restraining the overall market growth.The automotive gas sensor market is will reach over USD 1 billion due to an extensive use of these components to meet stringent emission levels and minimize vehicle energy consumption levels. Gas sensors also play a vital role as they offer emission management systems and provide real-time feedback to vehicular fuel, thus reducing the discrepancy between emissions observed in factory tests. Moreover, stringent government regulations across the globe to protect the environment are playing a crucial role in implementing these components in automotive vehicles for both, diesel and gasoline systems.Browse Complete Report Summary @The carbon dioxide gas sensor market will grow significantly in the future due to its widespread use in the bulk food storage industry. These components keep a check on the admissible levels of CO2 in the storage units while detecting early food spoilage. Moreover, the growing penetration of CO2 components in automotive applications will safeguard drivers from the emission of hazardous gases. These sensors are used for monitoring indoor air quality as well as industrial process control.The major players in the gas sensor market comprise ABB, ams AG, BlueSens gas sensor GmbH, DENSO, eLichens, OptoSense, Sensors, Inc., Siemens, Yokogawa, City Technology, DYNAMENT, AlphaSense, Inc., Amphenol Advanced Sensors, Bosch Sensortec GmbH, Figaro USA Inc. Manufacturers in the market are shifting their focus to smart sensors and wireless technologies, which are anticipated to be cost-efficient.Browse Related Report: - Exoskeleton Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 41.5% Up to 2026About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Newborn Screening Market Growth, Type, Players, End User Study With Agilent Technologies, AB SCIEX, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Covidien PLC, GE Life Sciences, Masimo Corporation, Natus Medical Inc., PerkinElmer Inc., and ZenTech S.A

Newborn Screening

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Newborn screening tests look for developmental, metabolic, and genetic disorders in infants. It allows steps to be taken before development of symptoms. Although, majority of these illnesses are very rare, they can be treated with early diagnosis. Newborn screening includes over 30 conditions and illnesses. Increasing awareness among parents for disease screening is a major factor driving newborn screening market growth. Furthermore, various government and non-government organizations are actively focused on offering better fetal and maternal care. For instance, in June 2018, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) led a campaign to fight sickle cell disease in Africa and urged governments, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, to invest in newborn screening of the disease.Download PDF Brochure @Novel treatments, biomarkers, and technologies are expected to enable various diseases to be considered as potential candidates to be included in New Born Screening (NBS) programs. For instance, new treatments such as Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT), Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT), and gene therapy and new pharmacological drugs have allowed autoimmune diseases to be considered as potential candidates to be included in NBS programs.Market DynamicsIncreasing number of newborn screenings, owing to rising awareness among parents and governments is expected to drive the newborn screening market growth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2017, four million infants in the U.S. are routinely screened, using a few drops of blood from their heel, for certain endocrine, genetic, and metabolic disorders. The infants are also tested for hearing loss and Critical Congenital Heart Defects (CCHDs) prior to discharge from a hospital or birth center.Furthermore, increasing incidence of hospital acquired diseases create an acute need for newborn screening. For instance, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2011, around one in every 25 infants was infected with at least one hospital acquired infections.Government initiatives to support screening of newborns is also a major factor driving the newborn screening market. For instance, CDC is working to harness the latest advances in science and technology so that more disorders can be identified accurately and treated quickly. In 2005, CDC established the Newborn Screening Translation Research Initiative (NSTRI) with the CDC Foundation. NSTRI works with corporate, academic, and foundation partners to assure the quality of research methods during both pilot studies and routine screening.Key players operating in the global newborn screening market include, Agilent Technologies, AB SCIEX, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Covidien PLC, GE Life Sciences, Masimo Corporation, Natus Medical Inc., PerkinElmer Inc., and ZenTech S.A.Get Exclusive Sample Copy @Detailed Segmentation:Global Newborn Screening Market, By Product:Assay KitsHearing Screening DevicesMass SpectrometerPulse OximetryGlobal Newborn Screening Market, By Test:Blood TestCardiac TestHearing TestUrine TestGlobal Newborn Screening Market, By Application:Blood Spot DiseaseCritical Congenital Cardiac DiseaseMaple Syrup Urine DiseaseHearing DisabilitySickle Cell DiseaseThyroid DisorderAbout Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.1001 4th Ave,, #3200, Seattle, WA 98154Credit Due: Blockhive's New Way to Raise iGaming Funds on Blockchain

ILP fundraising technology enables creditors to invest in the expansion of strong independent gaming technologies.

A new opportunity for fund-raising has emerged on the blockchain to help independent iGaming developers take their technology to the next level.

ILP Fundraising on the Blockchain

Initial Loan Procurement, also known as the ILP, is an ICO alternative inherently available to all gaming developers to expand out of the app stage while supporting expansion of iGaming technology in regulating regions.

The Developer's Journey

Any game developer's journey commonly starts with creating the technology to support an app, so that their game is available on a platform such as Google Play where people can try it out and buy it, or it can be picked up on the public market by larger gaming companies.

Widening Technology's Appeal

However, to get picked up, the creator has to find a way to set his or her game apart from this embryonic stage, and get his or her game included on gaming websites. This requires funding.

The Blockhive Fundraising Solution

ILP funding can be obtained through tokens issued by Tokenote platform which is sponsored by the Blockhive blockchain project.

About Blockhive

Based in Tallinn, Estonia, Blockhive is a technology company that collaborates with partners and develops blockchain strategy and technology solutions with them.

Blockhive's Blockchain Specialisations

Blockhive has four main businesses it specialises in: a digital wallet, a cryptocurrency mining facility, a venture capital fund for blockchain projects, and a new ethereum-based crowdfunding solution that is the ILP under Tokenote.

Blockhive's ILP Tool

Tokenote is the name of the ILP platform Blockhive has developed to help companies jump-start their next stage of growth.

Blockhive's Mission

Established in 2017, Blockhive brings an in-depth understanding of the blockchain space to their approach of adding value to new companies by helping them select their best blockchain integration strategy.

Blockhive helps individual companies streamline operations through upgrading quality control processes such as seizing control of data, identity, information and value by placing it in secured data storage structures on the blockchain to eliminate extraneous third party actors who otherwise take fees for data storage.

Streamlining iGaming Companies

By eliminating the middleman in data management, the blockchain provides companies with opportunities not available in past business models which break all barriers of standard business and investing structures, with Blockhive offering its unique and expanding brand of blockchain-based business models.

Process Improvement Features

These models provide new capabilities which are important to emerging iGaming business models such as transfer of value without boundaries; data transparency; and sovereign data ownership.

Operating in the Field

Operating out of one of the most advanced digital societies in the world in Estonia, Blockhive chose the site after seeing how the nation has already brought decentralized technology into the everyday lives of its citizens.

Creditor ROI on the Blockchain

Blockhive has mastered blockchain fundraising through the ILP as a crowdfunding solution empowering creditors worldwide to contribute to the projects they believe in and receive interest payments, with Blockhive's Tokenote platform providing creditors with that opportunity to earn income generated from Blockhive's ecosystem.

The Blockhive Network

Blockhive draws upon a diverse multicultural team of programmers, engineers, designers, mining experts, and financial specialists including natural-language-processing scientists from a partnership with Tokyo-based artificial intelligence company IMAY to Blockhive's founding team from Estonia-based startup Agrello.

Blockhive PR Director Speaks

We had a chance to catch up to Blockhive Marketing Director Michael Naftaliev, who was ebullient about the benefits of the ILP for gamers in general and iGaming professionals in particular:

"ILP is a great way for professionals in iGaming to raise funds because it provides them with an alternative financing solution and opens the international market. The token structure allows them to raise money without giving up equity and it allows lenders to participate in the iGaming industry without the need to set up a company or put down a huge amount of resources.

Blockhive, ILP and iGaming

Naftaliev shared a great example of how the Blockhive ILP program is working with an iGaming project to expand out of the App Stage:

I spoke with someone who has an online bingo game business. He has revenue coming in and has ideas for new games and how to improve the process but needs some additional capital.

That's where the Blockhive's ILP Platform Tokenote can come in, tapping into a new source for venture capital on the blockchain: the creditor.

Blockhive and iGaming

Naftaliev also points out the allure of the iGaming industry as an attractive sector for the Blockhive ILP project, because of the familiarity iGamers have with Tokens and ecommerce in general, explaining that Blockhive uses tokens to administer the loan and gamers use tokens to play, so the learning curve and steps to adoption could be less intense."

Outlook

Blockhive's ILP crowdfunding technology Tokenote empowers token investors worldwide to become blockchain creditors and earn income as interest payments, while offering new hope to independent gamers for expansion into the greater iGaming ecosystem.

The Tokenote platform has the potential to empower larger iGaming companies such as online casinos, aggregators, and software suppliers to harness the benefits of emerging technology by more rapidly integrating the vision of dynamic independent gaming developers to thriving gaming technology enterprises. Flash

Fifteen people were left injured after the Cypriot-flagged 80-metre-long freighter "Raba" collided with 31-metre-long wind farm supply vessel "World Bora" sailing under Danish flag in the northeast Baltic sea of Germany on Tuesday.

Eleven technicians and four crew members of the "World Bora" were injured in the collision in the Baltic sea near Ruegen island. Ten people were seriously injured, while no one aboard the larger freighter "Raba" was injured, German water police announced.

The Danish ship was on the way to work at the offshore wind turbine park "Wikinger" in the Baltic Sea, where the deployment of technicians had been scheduled. The other larger freighter was heading from Copenhagen to the Polish city Szczecin.

The reason of the collision has not yet been established as "the affected ones" are still being treated in a hospital on the island of Ruegen, a spokesperson of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania water police told Xinhua on Tuesday.

According to the police spokesperson, technical difficulties such as "failures of steering gears" as well as human failure and bad weather conditions such as windstorms are the most common reasons for collisions of freighters.

After the collision, the two ships were able to head to the ports of Ruegen on their own accord, where the crew of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association (DGzRS) "Harro Koebke" performed emergency treatments before the injured seamen were transported to the hospital.







UK teen does something unique; hatches an ducks egg bought from supermarket

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

London, Feb 20: The eggs we buy from the local market for consumption are not meant for hatching but a teenager in the UK did something unique.

William Atkins from Sutton Coldfield in West Midlands, England, decided to hatch some eggs he bought from Waitrose that were supposed to be unfertilised, according to a story in LadBible.com. The 14-year-old decided to do it after learning about people doing the same.

Atkins then bought an incubator worth 40 (Rs 3,724) on e-Bay and also half-a-dozen free-range Gladys-May's Braddock Whites eggs.

After putting the eggs in the incubator for some days, he discovered a little heartbeat inside one of the eggs when focusing the light of a torch on it and by the end of the fourth week, the egg had hatched and a cute duckling was born.

Over 200 million eggs recalled in US because of salmonella fears

"The duckling is absolutely adorable and already making little quacking noises. I am amazed a supermarket egg has actually hatched. But also really excited," Atkins was quoted as saying by LadBible.

When asked why he attempted, the youngster said I got the idea from a family discussion about whether it would be possible to hatch a supermarket egg since they are not fertilised.

He said he read somewhere about somebody hatching a quail's eggs but since he could not do the same with quail's eggs, he thought of trying the same with hens and ducks.

The boy has plans to name the duck Jemima or Jeremy, depending on its sex but he also has decided not to get too attached with it for it will be giving it away to a local farm where rescued ducks are kept.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 9:44 [IST]Covid-19 origin: Was right about China virus coming from Wuhan lab, says Donald Trump

Trump says India has just been devastated by COVID-19

Trump describes Pulwama attack as horrible, asks India-Pak to get along

International

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Washington, Feb 20: US President Donald Trump has described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed, in which 44 CRPF personnel were martyred, and said he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement.

Separately, State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino expressed "strong support" for India and asked Pakistan to "punish anyone responsible" for the February 14 attack.

US: Sixteen states sue Pres Trump over border wall emergency

The suicide attack has led to escalation of tension between India and Pakistan and Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be "wonderful" if the two South Asia neighbours get along.

"I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along," Trump said in response to a question.

"That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out," Trump said.

At a separate news conference, the State Department deputy spokesperson said the US has been in close communication with the Indian government "to express not only our condolences but our strong support".

"We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible," Palladino said. In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, the US has also been in contact with Pakistan, he said.

On North Korea's nuclear power, Trump said he only trusted Putin, reveals ex-FBI acting chief

Following the terrorist attack, Trump's National Security Advisor, John Bolton, has supported India's right to self-defence.

Secretary of state Mike Pompeo, Bolton, and the White House press secretary Sarah Sanders in separate statements have asked Pakistan to immediately take action against the JeM and its leaders and end support to terrorist safe havens.

The CRPF personnel were killed when a JeM terrorist rammed an explosive-laden car into a vehicle carrying them in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 5:41 [IST]Second Kim-Trump meeting approaches: North Korean leader to reach Vietnam by train

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Hanoi, Feb 20: After Singapore in 2018, it's Vietnam in 2019. The Southeast Asian nation is in the middle of the preparation for the high-profile meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on February 27-28. This will be the second summit of the two leaders since they met in the city-state of Singapore on June 12 last year.

Kim is set to arrive at the venue of the meeting by train, Reuters cited two sources having direct knowledge of security and logistics planning as saying on Wednesday, February 20.

Travelling from North Korea to Vietnam via China by train will take over two days and that would mean the North Korean dictator would have to start by this weekend to reach the destination by February 25 when he is scheduled to hit the destination.

South Korea confirms that US, N Korea would continue summit talks next week

"Kim's train will stop at the Vietnamese border station of Dong Dang, where he will disembark and drive 170 km to Hanoi by car, the sources said," according to the Reuters report.

The ruling family of North Korea is known to travel long distances by train for they keep their movement highly secret. Last year in March, Kim made his first foreign trip to China by train while he travelled by car to his meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at a border venue in April.

Kim's predecessors were also known to travel by train and his grandfather Kim Il Sung had even travelled to Russia and East Europe by train. Il Sung had also visited Vietnam twice - in 1958 and 1964.

Trump and Kim had met over a historic summit in Singapore last year which was the first-ever between a sitting American president and a North Korean leader and there, they pledged to strive for complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 17:53 [IST]Rule of land supreme, not your policy: Parliamentary panel on IT to Twitter

K'taka HC grants interim relief to Twitter India MD, asks cops not to take coercive steps against him

K'taka HC grants interim relief to Twitter MD in Loni assault case: What we know so far

Twitter denied access to my account for almost an hour: Ravi Shankar Prasad on Koo app

Pak govt spokespersons personal Twitter account suspended

International

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Islamabad, Feb 20: The personal Twitter handle of Mohammad Faisal, a spokesperson for Pakistan's foreign office has been suspended following a complaint by Indian authorities.

A report in the Express Tribune said that the account was suspended for keeping his social media followers updated about Indian atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir. However the official handle of the Pakistan foreign ministry, which has Faisal's name remains active.

When PM Modi's tweet helped MP man find his soul mate from Sri Lanka

He had written that Members of the European Parliament called for an end to gross human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. He also said that the EU should not trade with countries that violate human rights.

The development comes in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama attack. India has blamed Pakistan for harbouring terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, which carried out the attack.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 10:02 [IST]Kulbhushan Jadhav hearing: India objects to language used by Pakistan at ICJ

International

oi-Vikas SV

Hague, Feb 20: Taking a strong exception to the language used by Pakistan in ICJ, Senior advocate Harish Salve, who is representing India at the international court in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, on Wednesday said that Pakistan is not strong either on the law or the facts.

Today is the third day of hearing at the ICJ headquarters on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. The four-day trial began on Monday. India will have a maximum of 90 minutes to make its second round of submissions.

"India believes we have a strong case. When you are strong on the law you hammer the law, when you are strong on facts you hammer facts. And when you have neither you hammer the table. Pakistan has hammered the proverbial table," Salve said at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague in The Netherlands.

He also objected to the language used by Pakistan, saying that the word 'shameless' was used at least 5 times.

[Kulbhushan Jadhav case at ICJ: Pak using Jadhav to build anti-India narrative, says Salve]

On Monday, putting forth a strong argument at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), India sought annulment of Jadhav's conviction and a direction that he be released from custody.

While putting forth India's strong objection to treatment meted out to Jadhav, Salve argued at length explaining how Pakistan has been trying to build a narrative against India by using Jadhav.

On the first day of the four-day public hearing at Hague in Neatherlands, Salve also said that India has always offered consular access to Pakistan, even when people were caught red-handed in acts of terror.

[Kulbhushan Jadhav case hearing at ICJ: Demand for Kulbhushan Jadhav's release outlandish, says Pak]

Article 36 of Vienna Convention requires that a country must be informed about the detention of its citizens but Pakistan didn't inform India on Kulbhushan Jadhav's "arrest", said Harish Salve said on Monday at UN court.

According to Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, consular access must be given before the trial is over. India wasn't granted consular access in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case even though India made multiple requests, said Harish Salve.

India took Pakistan to the world court on the grounds that Islamabad violated the Vienna Convention by denying consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav. Pakistan countered it with another argument questioning the jurisdiction of the ICJ in a case that involves, according to Pakistan, a spy. It added that India and Pakistan have a bilateral agreement whereby consular access can be denied to those caught in acts of espionage.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 20:20 [IST]Why it is not a good idea to let Kerala ISIS operatives in Afghanistan return to India

Soviet Union got out of Afghanistan inside 10 years; US is struggling even after 17 years. Why

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Moscow, Feb 20: Amid all the noise in international affairs, February 15 saw a silent 30th anniversary of the erstwhile Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan after a decade-long occupation.

It was during the height of the Cold War in December 1979 that Soviet troops had invaded Afghanistan to help the communist government there to fight the Muslim guerrillas (mujahideens) during the Afghan War (1978-82). This invasion was justified by the Brezhnev Doctrine whereby the USSR would interfere in the affairs of communist governments to strengthen communism to ensure that the West did not have an advantage.

In April 1978, Afghanistan's centrist government led by President Mohammad Daud Khan was toppled by left-wing military personnel led by Nur Mohammad Taraki. The power thereafter was shared by two Marxist-Leninist political groups - the People's Party and the Banner Party - both of which had emerged from the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan.

The new government, which was an uneasy coalition, had little popular support and set up close ties with the USSR and decimated all opposition. It also started extensive land and social reforms that were opposed by the Muslim and anti-communist population and soon insurgency rose as well as the mujahideens (those who engage in jihad).

The government's internal problem as well as the uprisings saw Soviet military forces entering Afghanistan on December 24, 1979, and toppled the short-lived presidency of Hafizullah Amin. Babrak Karmal was installed in power as Afghanistan became a client state of the Soviets. Cold War foe United States backed the mujahideens, along with its allies Pakistan and China who also had a sour relation with the Soviets over ideological differences and had a border conflict in 1969.

If he could, he'd try to prevent 1991 USSR collapse: Vladimir Putin

The Soviet Union had initially left the task of suppressing the rebellion to the Afghan forces but they were unsuccessful. The invaders then themselves tried to crush the insurgents but even though millions of Afghans fled to neighbouring Pakistan and China, the mujahideens succeeded in neutralising the Soviet attacks, like for example their air power, through use of counter devices supplied by Washington via Pakistan and other countries sympathetic to them.

The war soon turned into a quagmire, particularly for the USSR which was approaching its final days. In 1988, Mikhail Gorbachev's USSR signed an accord with the US, Pakistan and Afghanistan and decided to withdraw from Afghanistan and the process was completed on February 15, 1989.

US is today where SU was in 1979-89

Today, the then adversary of the Soviets - US - is in the same place. Following the terror attacks in New York on September 11, 2001, the US had hit out at Afghanistan to crush the masterminds but even after over 17 years, it hasn't succeeded to come out of the quagmire. The drama had started during the presidency of George W Bush, the 43rd incumbent of the White House.

Today, the 45th incumbent - Donald Trump - has completed half his tenure but yet the US is clueless about withdrawing from Afghanistan despite laying down deadlines.

In 2017, Trump committed more troops to the country and has blown hot and cold with Pakistan over the security situation in Afghanistan but nothing has changed on the ground.

Two regimes that came into power in Afghanistan since the US invasion under Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani have not been able to deliver and infighting and corruption have only gone up.

The idea of assigning the task of security to Afghanistan's local forces after training them has also not taken off so far even as the Taliban have recovered ground in the country. On the top of it, the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan has acquired several layers as countries like Russia have backed the Taliban to keep the Islamic State at bay.

The US has remained stuck in the Afghan quagmire for nearly twice the time the Soviets were and that has made Russia's media elated but one has to keep in mind the fact that the equation in the late 1980s was much more simplistic than it is in 2019.

Today's situation much more complicated than it was in 1979-89

In 1979-89, the world was witnessing a more black-and-white scenario in the fight between two ideological camps with other sides mostly playing supportive roles in either of the two superpowers' side.

But today, with the number of parties having stake in Afghanistan having multiplied (the country now is bordered by more countries that became free after the USSR's fall) and its internal players more divided, it is very difficult for the international community to find an easy solution in the country's messed-up affair.

The US is now even open to see talks being held with the Taliban which shows that it is gradually giving up on the exclusive option of military force.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 11:23 [IST]Sena MLA under ED scanner writes to Uddhav, urges to 'join hands with BJP'

Shiv Sena MP slams UGC for asking varsities to put up banners thanking PM for free vaccination drive

Rahul Gandhi should join hands with Sharad Pawar to bring Opposition parties together: Saamana

Why Shiv Sena agreed for an alliance with BJP

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Mumbai, Feb 20: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies.

Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here.

No 'war for poll gain' rhetoric: Sena cautions govt

On Monday, Shiv Sena and BJP, the sparring ruling allies, announced that they would contest the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections together.

"I experienced the change in the way they treat people, hence I decided to join hands with the BJP," Thackeray said.

He also reiterated that the BJP's proposal that chief minister will be from the party which will send more MLAs to the Assembly was not acceptable to the Sena.

BJP tames the roaring tiger

"I want to see a Sena chief minister and I will work for it," he said.

"I have already won in the treaty, now we should win the real battle of election," Thackeray said.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 6:45 [IST]Why India should not complain about Saudi Arabias hefty aid to Pakistan

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

New Delhi, Feb 20: The BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was critisied for extending a warm welcome to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) on his arrival to India on Tuesday, February 19, as many felt it was not right for New Delhi to receive an ally of Pakistan which just signed investment deals with Islamabad worth $20 billion.

Saudi Arabia's commitments to Pakistan can't be questioned for they after all, pertain to the two countries' bilateral affair. But the point which should not be missed is that the huge help that the Saudis are giving to a cash-strapped Pakistan is not without a reason and India should not really feel upset about it.

The Saudis will be investing mainly in Pakistan's energy sector and open a new oil refinery in the southwestern city of Gwadar which also houses a strategic port. The latest agreement comes just months after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan paid a visit to the West Asian kingdom.

Saudi Prince, Modi hold bilateral talks: 'We will jointly act on terror', says PM

It was a time when MBS came under tremendous international pressure over the murder of dissenting Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and many western countries boycotted the Saudi regime and its high-profile event on investment. PM Khan found it a good opportunity to stand by the Saudis when many others went against it to secure a fat monetary aid although that was not enough to pay off Pakistan's debts.

The latest investment worth billions is another goodwill gesture shown by Riyadh to Islamabad and even though Pakistan's economy can benefit from this, the country is definitely going to land in another trap.

The more Pakistan leans towards Saudi, the more it will alienate Iran

Pakistan is a nation that has good relation with two regional powers that are hard enemies to each other in West Asia - Saudi Arabia and Iran. The latter has a border with Pakistan and there are factors that have hurt Tehran's relationship with Islamabad, including terror.

Just a day before India lost several of his soldiers in a suicide terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, Iran too lost a number of its soldiers in a similar attack near the country's border with Pakistan. Iran also believes that Jaish al-Adl, the outfit that claimed responsibility over the attack, has direct links with the Saudis.

The incident has drawn sharp reaction from Tehran and for Riyadh, this is a good time to supply packages to win Islamabad's loyalty and also at the same time, make it ignore the sinister developments that are taking place on Pakistani soil.

What a noted Pakistani journalist said

Taha Siddiqui, an award-winning Pakistani journalist living in exile in France, wrote in a piece in Al Jazeera: "Saudi financial flows to Pakistan started with the US-approved scheme to arm and train fighters of anti-Soviet armed groups in Afghanistan. Riyadh and Islamabad also cooperated closely to curb expanding Iranian influence in the region which, they saw, sought to incite the Shia minorities in both the countries to rebel."

"Saudi financial help to Pakistan assumed many forms, including military and civilian, but also religious. Zia-ul-Haq's government allowed Saudi charities to fund seminaries and mosques, which inevitably came with more conservative interpretations of Islam and anti-Shia ideology. Riyadh has also been accused of supporting certain "extremist" Sunni groups."

Saudi Prince Salman meets Modi; Congress slams PM for 'protocol-breaking' welcome

"Some of these seminaries and groups are alleged to be responsible for radicalising the local youth and turning many of them against Shia Muslims. Some of them have also carried out cross-border attacks in Iran."

"Pakistan cannot afford to be a battleground where Saudi Arabia and Iran settle their scores. It cannot be complicit in the rise of anti-Shia violence or destabilisation of neighbouring countries any longer."

This is a very serious challenge that the Pakistani state is set to face in the days to come. The prime ministership of Imran Khan looks a promising one for many observers for he is seen busy making foreign trips to secure his country's economy but not many are sure at what cost is he doing it?

India need not worry too much about the Saudi-Pakistan bonhomie as long as Iran and Saudi don't see face to face. For this one-eyed foreign policy of Islamabad could land Pakistan in a serious trouble in days to come and no matter of foreign aid will be able to help it then.

For India, it is a long-term gain to see Pakistan alienating itself with its other neighbours more.BJP leaders belittling the Nation: Chandrababu Naidu on Pulwama attack

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 19: Andhra Pradesh Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said that tough action should be taken against terror attacks.

Speaking to media, Naidu said,''Will not tolerate jeopardizing National security for self-interests. Will not tolerate playing with Army for political gains. Tough action should be taken on terror attacks.

['Will retaliate if India attacks, further demands for evidence against Pak': Imran Khan on Pulwama]

Reacting to Pakistan PM Imran khan's statement that India had no evidence of his country's involvement in the Pulwama terror attack on CRPF jawans, Naidu said that if there is threat to national security then it is only because of the inefficiency of the ruling party.

''Many apprehensions over his statement. Threat to national security because of the inefficiency of the ruling party. BJP leaders are belittling the nation with their petty actions and wrongdoings,'' ANI reported.

[Mamata attacks Modi govt over Pulwama attack, asks 'Why this happened before elections?']

"BJP leaders are belittling the nation with their petty actions and wrongdoings," Naidu said, as per PTI. "Will not tolerate jeopardising national security for self-interests... will not tolerate playing with army for political gains. Tough action should be taken on terror attacks (sic)."

Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a live statement, had assured India that action would be taken against the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack if New Delhi shares "actionable intelligence", but warned against any retaliatory action on his country.PM package an important component says govt as 2,000 Kashmiri migrants expected to return this year

Those travelling to Kashmir by road to undergo COVID-19 tests

Moon sighted, Ramadan to begin from Wednesday in Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Nasirul Islam

Six old Kashmir girl makes this very adorable complaint to Prime Minister Modi

The Water in Kashmir bloodshed

India

oi-Hardeep Singh Bedi

New Delhi, Feb 20: Pakistan's letter to the United Nations (UN) in connection with the Pulwama terror attack has once again raised an important question: is blood in Kashmir is being spilled for water?

Paksitan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday wrote a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and sought his help to reduce the tension between Islamabad and New Delhi.

India is up in arms since February 14 when a suicide bomber killed at least 41 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district.

[The Maulana menace: From a journalist, how Azhar became a dreaded terrorist]

Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has taken responsibility of the attack, which was executed by JeM's militant Adil Ahmad Dar, who was a resident of Pulwama.

The epitome of Qureshi's letter is that the Pulwama attack was an act of local Kashmiri; and due to domestic political reasons, India has threatened to use force against Pakistan.

Interestingly, Pakistan's foreign minister also writes that India has also hinted that it may abandon the Indus Waters Treaty.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has openly held Pakistan responsible for the Pulwma attack, and has regularly assured the nation that India will be take revenge.

However, Modi hasn't hinted anything regarding Indus Waters Treaty in the aftermath of Pulwama attack.

In July 2018, however, Prime Minister Modi chaired a review meeting of Indus Water Treaty, and reportedly the meeting decided India will "exploit to the maximum" the water of Pakistan-controlled rivers, including Jhelum, as per the water sharing pact.

Indus Waters Treaty

The first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and then President of Pakistan Ayub Khan signed a river water distribution agreement 'Indus Waters Treaty' in Karachi on September 19, 1960.

[India to expedite 3 projects to stop its share of Indus waters from flowing into Pakistan]

The World Bank brokered treaty deals with sharing of water of Indus water system having six rivers - Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum between the two countries.

The treaty gives control over the water flowing in the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej rivers with the mean flow of 33 million acre-feet (MAF) to India, and the water flowing in the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum rivers with the mean flow of 80 MAF to Pakistan.

It's notable that contrary to Qureshi's apprehension, the treaty is still intact despite India and Pakistan fighting full wars in 1965 and 1971.

'Water' in spilled blood in Kashmir

With the end of British rule in the Indian subcontinent, Pakistan came into existence on August 14, 1947 and India on August 15, 1947.

As per the provisions of the Indian Independence Act 1947, the Princely state of Jammu and Kashmir remained independent. Historians have written that Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah made lucrative offers to Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir to accede to Pakistan but failed.

On October 22, 1947; Pakistan's tribal militia attacked Jammu and Kashmir. After the invaders proceeded to capture Srinagar, Maharaja Hari Singh sought India's help, which asked him to sign Instrument of Accession.

After Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India on October 26, 1947, Indian Army reached Srinagar. Later, Pakistan army was also involved in the conflict, which continued till December 31, 1948 after a peace agreement between India and Pakistan was signed.

At the culmination of the short war, the invaded areas of Jammu and Kashmir came under control of Pakistan and are called Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) by India and Azad Kashmir by Pakistan.

India's stand is that not only present geography of Jammu and Kashmir but also PoK is part of India.

Indian Parliament even passed a unanimous resolution on February 22, 1994, emphasising that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India, and that Pakistan must vacate parts of the State under its occupation.

Apart from PoK, Aksai Chin and the Trans-Karakoram Tract were part of Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir but are now under control of China.

Since 1947, the demand of Independence has been prevalent in Muslim majority Kashmir Valley and is popularly known as 'Kashmir Issue'.

Pakistan has often termed Kashmir as its 'jugular vein' and has portrayed itself as the champion of Kashmiri independence struggle, and hence provides all sorts of support to armed militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Thousands of people have been killed in Kashmir after Pakistan sponsored Islamist militancy broke out in 1989 to seek independence from India.

Since Pakistan and Kashmiri separatists managed to make 'Islam' a main ingredient in Kashmir issue, millions of Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) were forced to flee from the state after they became target of Islamist militants. Thousands of Kashmiri Muslims have lost their lives without realising that Pakistan is only interested in Kashmir's water resources

In fact, the dispute over the sharing of water resources between India and Pakistan is also very important factor since both countries' independence.

Author Rao Farman Ali Malik in his book, "Water Polity and Kashmir" has given a detailed analysis of importance of Kashmir's waters for both India and Pakistan.

Pakistan's close to three-quarters of the population is dependent on the Indus basin for their livelihoods and drinking water. Any change to the water supply under Indus Waters Treaty to Pakistan would have a devastating impact.

A Bloomberg story in July 12, 2018, quoted Vikram Sood, former chief of India's foreign intelligence agency, as saying that nothing worries Pakistan's military elite more than the prospect of India using the flow of rivers into Punjab as leverage.

"Kashmir is not about Kashmir," Sood said. "It's certainly not about the Kashmiri people. It's about water."

Even, banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Chief Hafiz Saeed has on many occasions threatened India of dire consequences if it tries to disrupt flow of water into Pakistan.

However, till date Islamabad has publically remained tightlipped about its interest in waters of Kashmir. Therefore, those seeking independence in Kashmir do not realize the main motto of Kashmir issue. As a result, blood is being spilled in Kashmir Valley in the name of Jihad.You are here: World

 Flash

China's senior political advisor Gao Yunlong wrapped up a three-day visit to Germany on Tuesday.

Gao, vice chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and chairman council of the China Federation for Peace and Development, was visiting at the invitation of the Koerber Foundation.

Gao met Thomas Oppermann, vice president of the German Bundestag; Dagmar Schmidt, chairman of the German-Chinese Parliamentary Friendship Group in the German Bundestag; and Kurt Beck, chairman of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

A seminar was held at the Koerber Foundation during Gao's visit.

The German side praised China's achievements during its 40 years of reform and opening up, voiced support for the Belt and Road Initiative, and expressed its willingness to communicate and coordinate with the Chinese side on major international issues.







Tamil Nadu: Congress-DMK finalise seat sharing, grand old party to fight from 9 LS seats

India

oi-Vikas SV

Chennai, Feb 20: The Congress and the DMK on Wednesday finalised their alliance in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, the Congress would be fighting from nine seats, while the DMK will contest from rest of the seats.

One seat in Puducherry has also been given to the Congress. This comes a day after the AIADMK and the BJP finalised their alliance and decided on the seat-sharing deal.

"Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and 1 seat in Puducherry have been given to Congress. The constituencies to be given to Congress will be decided in due course of time after holding talks with alliance partners," DMK president MK Stalin told the media after the meeting the two parties.

Both DMK and the Congress failed to win any Lok Sabha seat in Tamil Nadu in the 2014 general elections.

[Grand alliance in Tamil Nadu: BJP to contest on 5 seats, PMK-7]

Earlier on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) leaders, including its president KS Alagiri, met party chief Rahul Gandhi in Delhi to discuss the alliance. Congress had sought its traditional bastion Kanyakumari, which was won by the DMK in 2009, and Sivaganga, which was earlier represented by former Union Minister P Chidambaram.

The BJP had earlier closed the deal on its alliance with Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK for the Lok Sabha election. The AIADMK said the BJP had been assigned five of the state's 39 parliamentary seats - Puducherry adds one more seat. In 2014 general polls, the AIADMK had swept the by winning 37 seats in Tamil Nadu. The BJP-led alliance had won 2 seats.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 20:58 [IST]Ten-year-old tiger dies in Ranchi zoo after fever, samples sent for testing after Covid ruled out

Swiggy app shows delivery boy starting from Rajasthan for delivering food in Chennai!

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Bengaluru, Feb 20: Food delivery service firms are in the headlines often nowadays for bizarre reasons. From a food delivery executive stealing from the food meant for a customer to an app executive saying "maa kasam" while assuring a customer about the refund of the money, there have been all sorts of instances.

Now, there is an addition to the list.

Food aggregator app Swiggy has tried to deliver a food order which is not within the city or even within a state but between two places that are over 2,100 kilometres apart! Yes, it tried to deliver a food order to Chennai from Rajasthan.

A screenshot of the delivery progress was shared by one Bhargav Rajan on Twitter. It showed a person ordered food from a restaurant from Chennai but Swiggy detected it as an order from an eatery in Rajasthan!

This woman becomes first Swiggy delivery executive

The food app even displayed the route between the pick-up and delivery points that went right across India with its standard biker emoji. It even showed the order getting picked up by the delivery guy but it was not confirmed whether the food would survive that distance and if the executive had enough fuel in his tank.

As the Twitterati came up with funny reactions to the tweet showing unique delivery, Swiggy itself also gave a hilarious response, blaming Loki, the mischief god in Norse mythology, for the goof-up.

"This seems to be the work of God of mischief Loki. In all seriousness, we have highlighted this issue and taken it very seriously and are actively working on to avoid such mishaps in the future. Thank you for bringing this to light for us Hyperion Bon appetite," Swiggy replied to the picture tweeted by Bhargav Rajan, said Timesnownews.com in its Buzz section.

Also in response to another user who mocked Swiggy over its determination, the latter said it would fly to the moon and back for its customers, said Timesnownews.com.

I want whatever these guys are smoking.   Nabila (@AliNabila1) February 18, 2019

Teleporting food order I believe  freakysailor (@navneeljoshi) February 19, 2019

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 9:37 [IST]Pulwama terror attack: Security of 18 Kashmiri Separatists withdrawn

India

oi-Vikas SV

Jammu, Feb 20: In the wake Pulwama terrorist attack, the security of 18 separatists and 155 political leaders has been withdrawn.

Separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani and JKLF chief Yaseen Malik are among those whose security has been withdrawn. Also, the security of Wahid Parra, a close aide of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, and ex-bureaucrat Shah Faesal has also been with drawn.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar last week, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said the security given to people getting funds from Pakistan and its snooping agency ISI should be reviewed.

A security review meeting, which was held here under the chairmanship of state chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, took the decision as it was felt that providing security to these separatist leaders is a "wastage" of scarce state resources which could be better utilised elsewhere, an official spokesperson said.

Besides Geelani, Malik, Islam and Khan, the others named in the list are Aga Syed Mosvi, Maulvi Abbas Ansari and his son Masroor, Saleem Geelani, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Farooq Ahmed Kichloo, Aga Syed Abul Hussain, Abdul Gani Shah and Mohd Musadiq Bhat.

In addition, the security of 155 political persons and activists, who did not require the security provided to them based on their threat assessment and activities, was also withdrawn.

[Security for Kashmiri separatists: Home secy begins assessment]

According to the officials, the list mainly comprises leaders from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), an ally of the BJP in the state government till June last year.

This includes Faesal, the 2010 IAS topper who quit bureaucracy to join politics, PDP leader Wahid Parra and Salman Reshi, the officials said.

Through this, over 1,000 police personnel and over 100 vehicles are freed to do regular police work, they said.

The decision comes in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 paramilitary personnel were killed

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five others injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district. The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying the CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.

OneIndia News with PTI inputs

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Story first published: Thursday, February 21, 2019, 0:24 [IST]Saudi Prince Salman meets Modi; Congress slams PM for 'protocol-breaking' welcome

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 20: Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also popularly known as MBS, met Modi on Wednesday with his business mission under threat of being overshadowed by soaring tensions between India and Pakistan.

Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind accorded ceremonial welcome to Saudi Crown Prince Salman at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi ahead of his scheduled bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prince Salman arrived in the national capital on Tuesday evening on a two-day visit to India.

Breaking protocol, Prime Minister Modi went to visit the Prince at the airport. Ordinarily, the prime minister would send an official or a junior government minister. Earlier, on Sunday, MBS was not only received by the Pakistan Prime Minister but Imran Khan also drove him to his house.

PM Modi to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince today; Cross-border terrorism tops agenda

Meanwhile, Opposition Congress party in a tweet slammed Modi's 'protocol-breaking' welcome to the Prince, "By breaking protocol and welcoming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman with such abundance - only hours after he promised billions to Pakistan - PM Modi has shown the country, the martyrs and every soldier in India what he thinks of their service & sacrifice."

By breaking protocol and welcoming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman with such abundance - only hours after he promised billions to Pakistan - PM Modi has shown the country, the martyrs and every soldier in India what he thinks of their service & sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/YPJa2Q1cFT  Congress (@INCIndia) February 20, 2019

The Saudi Prince had wrapped up his high-profile Pakistan visit last evening, the first stop on his south Asia and China tour, where he vowed to "de-escalate" tensions between the two neighbours over the terror attack in south Kashmir's Pulwama.

The crown prince - widely known as MBS - returned to Saudi Arabia from Pakistan and after spending a few hours back home, took a 3,000 km flight back to the Indian subcontinent.

Saudi Prince Salman flies back home as India objects to direct arrival from Pakistan

Ties between the two countries have strengthened since PM Modi's Riyadh in 2016 to sign an agreement on cooperation with intelligence-gathering on money laundering and terrorism financing.

The crown prince's schedule - his quick trip to Riyadh from Islamabad rather than flying from Islamabad to Delhi - was a reflection of the Saudi leadership's appreciation of India's sensitivities.At all party meet, PM Modi says priority is to strengthen democracy at grassroots in J&K

Saudi Prince, Modi hold bilateral talks: 'We will jointly act on terror', says PM

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman are delivering a joint statement after holding delegation-level talks on ways to further deepen strategic ties.

The meeting is taking place in the backdrop of India's escalating tension with Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack. Earlier, the crown prince, or MBS as he is popularly known, was accorded the ceremonial reception with a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Modi.

"We discussed all aspects of our bilateral ties today and have decided to take our relations to new heights," says PM Modi in his statement. Prior to the joint press statement, the two sides confirmed the signing of five Memorandum of Understanding agreements, including infrastructure, housing, cooperation on broadcasting and the enhancing bilateral investment relations.

Saudi Prince Salman meets Modi; Congress slams PM for 'protocol-breaking' welcome

"We have also vowed to increase pressure on any country that sponsors terror activities," Modi says in a veiled retort to Pakistan. The Prime Minister is addressing a joint press statement with the Saudi Crown Prince.

Following PM Modi's statement at the joint press conference, Mohammed bin Salman says, "Terrorism and extremism is a common concern . We want to tell India that we will cooperate with them on intelligence sharing...not just with India but with our neighbours as well. We thank India for the positive role in this."

The Prince's visit comes at a time when tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the Pulwama terror attack are high.Saudi Arabia increases India's Haj quota

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 20: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday increased India's Haj quota by 25,000, the third hike in three years, taking the number of pilgrims from the country who can perform Haj to 2 lakh.

The decision was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman here.

While T S Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA, said the implementation of the enhanced quota will depend on logistical and other things, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it will be effective from this year.

"At our request, Saudi Arabia has decided to increase the quota for Haj pilgrims from India to 2 lakh. This gesture is deeply appreciated," Tirumurti told reporters at a briefing on the talks.

Naqvi hailed the decision and thanked the prime minister, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the crown prince and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

"This is the third hike in consecutive years. When the Modi government came to power in 2014, India's Haj quota was 1,36,000, which has now been increased to 2 lakh. This will be the highest number of pilgrims going for Haj from India since independence," Naqvi told PTI.

[Complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama attack strongly underlined during India, Saudi talks]

He said this was possible because of Modi's "very cordial and friendly" relations with the Saudi leadership. This year, 2,340 Muslim women from India will go for Haj without 'Mehram' or male companion. Also, India will be sending the second highest number of pilgrims for Haj after Indonesia, he said.

The government had last year allowed women to go on Haj without Mehram, which saw about 1,300 women going without any male companion. They had been exempted from the lottery system. Last year, Saudi Arabia had increased India's Haj quota by 5,000 to 1,75,025, while in 2017 it was increased by about 35,000.

The Haj subsidy provided by the government was removed last year in the light of a Supreme Court order of 2012. Naqvi had earlier said that digitising Haj-related processes has ensured that the annual pilgrimage remained inexpensive despite the absence of subsidy and made the system "pro-pilgrim".

PTIJaipur Literature Fest: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor all set to take the stage on February 26

For safekeeping: Congress alliance candidates flown to Jaipur ahead of May 2 counting

Curfew announced in Jaipur from 6 pm to 5 am

Pakistani prisoner lodged in Jaipur Central jail killed by inmates: Police

India

oi-PTI

Jaipur, Feb 20: A Pakistani national lodged in the central jail here was allegedly murdered following a quarrel with other prisoners, officials said Wednesday.

Senior administrative and police officials have rushed to the jail after learning about the incident. "A Pakistani prisoner has allegedly been murdered in the central jail," IG (Jail)Rupinder Singh said.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 16:31 [IST]To stay in Grey List or downgrade to Black List: Key FATF decision on Pak this week

Pakistan will implement FATF's new action plan in 12 months: Minister after country retained on 'grey list'

Pakistan violates ceasefire, India retaliates

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Jammu, Feb 20: Pakistan army has violated ceasefire by resorting to firing on forward posts along Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, a defence official said.

"Pakistani army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation along LoC by firing of small arms in Nowshera Sector in district Rajouri at about 1900 hours", PRO Defence said, adding Indian Army is retaliating effectively.

Despite repeated calls at Indo-Pak flag meetings for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquility, Pakistan continues to violate the ceasefire, officials said.

J&K: Pakistani troops violate ceasefire in Nowshera

Since the beginning of the new year, Pakistani troops have been regularly violating the ceasefire, especially along the LoC in Jammu division.

A few incidents of ceasefire violations were also witnessed along the International Border (IB) in January.

The year 2018 had witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violations - 2,936 - by Pakistani troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 5:51 [IST]At all party meet, PM Modi says priority is to strengthen democracy at grassroots in J&K

Chidambaram slams government for insisting on polls in Jammu and Kashmir before granting statehood

Addiction is neither cool nor a style statement: PM Modi on International Day against Drug Abuse

National interest vs hugplomacy: Congress questions Modi on Saudi crown prince MBS

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

New Delhi, Feb 20: Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress on Wednesday asked whether according a "grand welcome" to those who praised Pakistan's "anti-terror" efforts was his way of remembering the Pulwama attack martyrs.

In a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday received Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport last night.

"National interests v/s Modiji's 'hugplomacy' breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistan's 'anti-terror' efforts. Is it our way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama?" Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter tagging photographs of Modi hugging the crown prince and sharing a laugh at the airport.

Saudi Prince, Modi hold bilateral talks: 'We will jointly act on terror', says PM

Surjewala also urged the prime minister to "show courage" and ask Saudi Arabia to undo its joint statement with Pakistan in which they called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

"Modiji, Is asking for a terrorist to be designated as such politicisation of UN listings? Would you show courage to ask Saudi Arabia to undo their 'Joint Statement' with Pak virtually rejecting India's demand for designating Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist'?" he said.

The Crown Prince arrived in India last night on a less than 30-hour visit, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Saudi Prince Salman meets Modi; Congress slams PM for 'protocol-breaking' welcome

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion on Sunday.

The Crown Prince's visit comes days after a Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's suicide bomber killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 16:12 [IST]Meet 26-year-old Viveik Patel who raised Rs 6 cr in 6 days for Pulwama martyrs' kin

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Bengaluru, Feb 18: As India reels in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama attack, a 26-year-old Viveik Patel who originally hails from Vadodara, Gujarat currently living in US decided to help the CRPF families and created a fundraiser on Facebook to raise donations.

[Pulwama attack: Maruti team holds key to ownership details of car]

The fundraiser started on February 15 as Viveik was unable to contribute to Bharat Ke Veer through his US-based credit/debit cards.

According to a report on Indiatimes, working as a Senior Business Analyst in Virginia, Viveik Patel leveraged his contacts and even connected with Facebook managers regarding his fundraising initiative.

To start a fundraiser on Facebook, a person needs an NGO name. With the absence of an NGO name, Viveik Patel had to start the fundraiser in his own name.

Within 6 days of creating it, Viveik has managed to bring together over 22,000 people and collected more than $850,000 (~ approximately INR 6 crores) in 6 days.

He has received many calls from residents in other countries offering help and a local radio station spread awareness about his fundraiser.

[Rajasthan youth gets names of Pulwama martyrs tattooed on his body as mark of respect]

He also shares regular updates on Facebook and relevant screenshots of his correspondence with consulate officials in the States.

The Facebook Fundraiser is also supporting this initiative by helping the organizers to ensure that the money goes to the right place.

In light of the Pulwama attack, various government and non-government organisations as well as individuals have come forward to donate money for the martyrs' kin.

On Thursday, at least 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in a terror attack while several others are battling for their lives following what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in the valley. An explosive-laden SUV rammed into one of the buses in the CRPF convoy at Awantipora town in the Pulwama district.

Here's how you can also help the families of the CRPF martyrs:

Bharat Ke Veer:

Bharat Ke Veer (India's Bravehearts), a brainchild of actor Akshay Kumar, the Ministry of Home Affairs fundraising initiative allows donations of up to Rs 15 lakh to an individual's account and donations to the Bharat Ke Veer corpus.

Army Welfare Fund:

The Indian Army has opened the Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties account, which accepts donations for the families of battle casualties. The donations received in the fund is utilised to pay financial assistance/grant to widows of our Battle Casualties, their next of kin and dependents.

Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre:

One can also send donations to The Pune Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre which provides aftercare and rehabilitation of Defence Forces who are medically boarded out, that is retired from service due to spinal cord injuries while serving the nation.

The centre is accepting donations in the form of cash and cheques in the name of 'Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, Kirkee'. Donations can also be transferred to 'Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, Kirkee' account with Punjab National Bank (IFSC: PUNB0027800; Account no.: 0278000100174484).

Milaap:

Interested people can also donate through Milaap, which has initiated a donation drive on its crowdfunding platform for the families of the CRPF personnel. The crowdfunding is spearheaded by 'Hong Kong Desi,' an organisation raising funds among NRIs and Indians alike.

PayTm:

E-wallet Paytm has also come forward to help collect donations for the families of the martyred CRPF jawans in the Pulwama attack by collaborating with CRPF Wives Welfare Association. It has introduced a new option on its app with the name 'CRPF Bravehearts' to help people contribute it.

Google Pay:

Google Pay has also collaborated with CRPF Wives Association to set up an option to donate for the grieving families. The icon for CRPF Bravehearts is seen on the first row of the Google Pay homepage, with the logo of a soldier standing in front of the tricolour. Flash

China's top legislator Li Zhanshu on Tuesday held talks with visiting Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, calling for stronger cooperation to boost ties.

Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, urged the two sides to take a strategic and long-term view in bilateral ties, constantly deepen political mutual trust, strengthen communication and coordination, and provide mutual support on issues concerning each others' core interests.

He also called for more anti-terrorism security cooperation and more mutually beneficial cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Despite profound changes in the international situation and increasing instabilities and uncertainties, China's position in safeguarding the Iranian nuclear deal has not changed, neither has its commitment to developing China-Iran relations, Li said.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Iran in 2016, the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership, ushering in a new chapter in bilateral ties, said Li.

Hailing the smooth progress in all-round cooperation in recent years, Li said that exchanges between the countries' legislative institutions are an important component in the comprehensive strategic partnership.

"The NPC is willing to carry out friendly exchanges with Iranian parliament at different levels and in different forms, strengthen communication on experiences in legislation, supervision, and state governance, so as to provide sound legal guarantee for the two countries' mutually beneficial cooperation," he said.

Larijani said the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road witnessed the long history of exchanges between the two countries, and the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping gives new meanings to the Silk Road.

He said the Iranian side highly values and actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative. The Iranian Parliament would like to carry out more exchanges with the NPC and support mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.Massive fire breaks out at Paragon footwear godown near Ernakulam in Kochi

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 20: A massive fire broke out at the 5-storey building of Paragon footwear godown near the Ernakulam South railway station in Kochi on Wednesday. Fire and rescue teams have arrived at the spot and are trying to douse the blaze.

The fire was reported from the fourth floor of the six-storey building. There are no reports of casualties so far.

The extent of the damage to the office and materials housed in the godown are yet to be ascertained.

Though the fire has not been spread to nearby buildings, the fire and rescue officials say there are chances that the fire might spread if it not doused soon. The fire is so massive that the smoke being emitted into the sky can be seen from across in the city.

Metro work, which is happening quite close to the spot, has been halted. Rail traffic has not been affected yet.

Panic has gripped Kochi as the location is crowded with many buildings, including residential flats and other commercial buildings.Madhya Pradesh: IT raids at road contractors premises in Bhopal

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Bhopal, Feb 20: The Income Tax Department continued their searches on Wednesday at four locations, including house and office, of a road contractor Nilay Jain, Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal's Arera Colony.

[ Income Tax dept raids at 70 locations in Chennai]

The ongoing searches at the premises of the prominent road contractor have also led to the recovery Rs 1 Crore cash from his house, Rs 70 Lakh from bank locker and precious jewellery worth around Rs 70 lakh.

Income Tax department raids which started at three premises of a prominent road contractor and business associates in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal on Tuesday have led to the seizure of Rs 1.70 crore unaccounted cash - perhaps the biggest seizure of unaccounted cash in a single day by the IT sleuths anywhere in the state.J&K: Now Hizbul speaks of shift in terror strategy

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Srinagar, Feb 20: The Pulwama terror attack has clearly suggested a shift in terror dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir.

The weapon of choice at Pulwama was a car bomb. In the wake of this attack, the Hizbul Mujahideen's operational chief, Riyaz Naikoo has said that there would be more such attacks.

In an audio message, he praised the Pulwama bomber Adil Ahmad Dar. He also went on to warn against attacks on Kashmiris outside the Valley. However the worrying part of his audio message is that he has warned of fidayeen strikes in the Valley.

Pakistan violates ceasefire, India retaliates

The Hizbul Mujahideen has so far refrained from carrying out fidayeen strikes. Naikoo says in the message (yet to be verified) the time is not far when children in Kashmir will wear suicide vests and target security forces in the Valley.

The Pulwama attack was the worst in the Valley since the terror strike on the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly complex in 2001.Naxalism is down, but it is still Indias greatest challenge: Rajnath Singh

Congress doesnt want Ram Temple to be built in Ayodhya, says Yogi Adityanath

Rajnath Singh recalls how he managed to curtail the spread of Naxalism in UP

How did Centre-States tackle Naxalism in five years?

India

oi-Hardeep Singh Bedi

New Delhi, Feb 20: Left Wing Extremism (LWE) or Naxalism is a threat that India has faced since decades.

When Narendra Modi government assumed power in May 2014 then curbing Naxalism was one of the major challenges before it. For, providing better internal security to the country was one of the main promises of Narendra Modi as the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate during Lok Sabha elections in 2014.

Though the primary responsibility of meeting the challenge of LWE lies with the state governments, the Central Government monitors the situation closely, supplements and coordinates the efforts of the State Governments.

Jharkhand: Five Naxals killed in encounter

The Home Ministry data shows that while the LWE incidents in the country started to downfall from 2014 to 2018, the number of killed Naxalites continued to grow every year during the last five years. Also, there was a decline in the casualty rate of civilians and security personnel.

The Naxalites carried out 1091 attacks in 2014 and killed 222 civilians and 88 security personnel. The security forces in return managed to eliminate 63 Naxalites.

In 2015, the Left Wing Extremists launched 1089 attacks and killed 171 civilians and 59 security jawans. On the other hand, security forces gunned down 89 Naxalites.

The total number of Naxal attacks in 2016 was 1048 in which 213 civilians and 65 security jawans lost their lives. However, 2016 too proved costly for Left Wing Extremism as the security forces neutralised 222 Naxalites.

In 2017, the number of Naxal attacks came below thousand and stood at 908 in which 136 Naxalites, 188 civilians, and 75 security jawans were killed.

The year 2018 was very successful for the security forces as they eliminated the highest number of Naxalites during the last five years.

The security forces killed 225 Naxalites in 2018. On the other hand, Naxalites carried out 833 attacks and killed 173 civilians and 67 security forces.

The Home Ministry has not released the data of 2019, but the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) has.

According to SATP, 12 civilians and nine Naxalites have been killed till February 11, 2019.

Since 2014, the security forces have arrested 4256 Naxals. Out of which, 937 were arrested in 2014, 766 in 2015, 843 in 2016, 870 in 2017, 786 in 2018 and 54 till to February 11, 2019.

In total, 6613 Naxalites have also surrendered before the security forces during the last five years.

The LWE continues to affect 90 districts of 11 states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Rajnath Singh recalls how he managed to curtail the spread of Naxalism in UP

However, Chhattisgarh continues to be the epicenter of LWE where the most number of Naxal attacks took place in the last five years.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on April 16, 2018, announced that at least 30 districts were categorised as 'worst Maoist-affected', across seven states. Eight of these districts are in Chhattisgarh: Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Rajnandgaon, and Sukma.

The CPI (Maoist) continues to be the most potent among the various LWE outfits in the country and accounted for more than 80% of total LWE incidents and resultant deaths. It has been included in the Schedule of Terrorist Organisations, along with all its formations and front organisations under the existing Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 since 22nd June 2009.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 11:11 [IST]Centre sets up 8-member panel to examine need for exempting GST on Covid essentials

No need to apologise to Goa people, spoke for their rights: TN Finance Minister Thiaga Rajan

GST Council meeting: Tax cut likely on residential properties

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 20: The 33rd GST council meeting began on Wednesday via video conference with Union Finance Minister joining from North Block, while state finance ministers connecting from their respective states. The other members of the committee are West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Goa Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, Karnataka Finance Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Arunachal Tax and Excise Minister Jarkar Gamlin.

The meeting is important as it would be the first of its kind post interim budget presentation. As per the agenda of this meeting, a decision is expected on the supply of residential properties under the Composition scheme levy of GST on the TDR (transfer of development rights), reduction in tax rates on cement and introduction of duty transfer of development rights under GST for exporters.

Madras HC gives GST a thumbs up: Rejects anticipatory bail pleas

The Council, in its meeting might also consider reducing tax on cement from 28% to 18% to boost the realty sector.

Meanwhile, the state governments of Kerala and Delhi on Tuesday, 19 February, demanded deferment of the Goods and Services Tax Council meeting scheduled for 20 February, saying a decision on of rates on real estate sector and lottery should not be taken through a video conference meet.

In a letter to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that such "crucial issues" cannot be discussed through a video conference and convening a physical meeting is important to take a consolidated decision.

Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, too, said that decision on the important issue of GST on lottery cannot taken without a fair discussion.

He said including lottery in the council's agenda only a day before the meeting is unfair.

GST collection for January crosses one lakh crore, 3rd time this fiscal to cross this mark

The GST Council, in its last meeting, gave relief to small businesses by increasing the Goods and Services Tax exemption limit from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 40 lakh and extending the composition scheme to service providers.

The new exemption threshold-the minimum annual turnover for businesses supplying goods to register under the GST- will take effect from April 1, 2019.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 13:41 [IST]At all party meet, PM Modi says priority is to strengthen democracy at grassroots in J&K

Chidambaram slams government for insisting on polls in Jammu and Kashmir before granting statehood

Addiction is neither cool nor a style statement: PM Modi on International Day against Drug Abuse

Complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama attack strongly underlined during India, Saudi talks

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Feb 20: Emphasising on the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday strongly condemned the Pulwama terror attack. During the talks between the two leaders, the complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama attacks was also underlined, said the Ministry of External Affairs.

Earlier today in a joint press address, PM Modi and the visiting Saudi Arabia Crown Prince agreed to put pressure on countries providing support terrorism in any form.

"Saudi Crown Prince appreciated the consistent efforts made by Prime Minister Modi since May 2014, including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan. Both sides agreed on the need for creation of conditions necessary for the resumption of the comprehensive dialogue," MEA's Secretary Economic Relations, TS Tirumurti, told the media.

Saudi Prince, Modi hold bilateral talks: 'We will jointly act on terror', says PM

"The complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama attacks was very much underlined. They agreed on the need for creating necessary conditions for any resumption of talks," he added while giving out details of PM Modi's delegation-level talks with Prince Salman in New Delhi.

Earlier, during a joint address, Saudi Prince Salman had dubbed 'extremism and terrorism' as common concerns of both the countries.

"Both leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations," said Tirumurti.

MEA also said that PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian forces in Pulwama.

Saudi Prince Salman meets Modi; Congress slams PM for 'protocol-breaking' welcome

Meanwhile, India has also decided to extend e-visa facilities to Saudi nationals, while Saudi has also agreed to resolve issues of Indian workers in the Arab country.

The Saudi Prince arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday evening on a two-day visit, which followed his Pakistan tour. The prince returned to Riyadh from Islamabad and after spending a few hours back home, took a 3,000-km flight back to India.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 18:22 [IST]Back off from the Uighurs, we will support you: The China-Azhar bonhomie explained

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Feb 20: Around a decade back, China has demanded from Pakistan the return of a top terrorist of the Islamist Uyghur East Turkestan Islamic Movement. It was learnt that this terrorist traced to Pakistan was involved in the Xinjiang bombing.

He was handed over in no time to China. This is significant to mention considering China continues to relentlessly block India's bid to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad chief, Maulana Masood Azhar.

India's request to enforce a ban on Azhar has hit the wall, not just once, but on several occasions. India has always maintained that China is adamant and ill-informed where Azhar is concerned.

France to call for UN action against Jaish chief Masood Azhar

China has often referred to Pakistan as an all weather friend and Azhar has often referred to China as the almighty. However the matter is not just bi-lateral. China has interests in Afghanistan and the Taliban it may be recalled had recently said that it would not target the infrastructure projects. It is also a well known fact that the Taliban shares a close bond with the Jaish-e-Mohammad.

China has in fact has had an understanding with the Taliban since the past three decades. At the time of the Soviet war, China had trained several mujahideen on the condition that they would not in any way support the Uyghurs.

Experts point out that any move on Azhar could change dramatically the equations with the Taliban, which is close to the JeM. In order to enforce a ban on Azhar, India would need to drum up a lot of international support, like it did in the aftermath of the 26/11 attack.

China was initially reluctant to designate Lashkar-e-Tayiba chief, Hafiz Saeed as a terrorist. However there was huge international pressure on China, considering the magnitude of the attack, following which Beijing was forced to buckle down.

The Maulana menace: From a journalist, how Azhar became a dreaded terrorist

Another reason, why Azhar is backed by China is because the JeM has very often helped prevent attacks at the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. China wants to ensure the safety of thousands of its workers and hence such protection from the likes of Azhar becomes absolutely necessary.

The Pakistan Taliban has often threatened to strike at the CPEC citing the Chinese atrocities against the Uighurs Muslims. Outfits such as the JeM hand over the required protection against the Pakistan Taliban for the Chinese at CPEC.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 13:01 [IST]'Gone too early': Sorrowful condolences pour in for Kannada actor Sanchari Vijay

KCET 2021 registration open from today: How to apply for KCET Exam 2021, fees, other key details

CET 2021 performance not to be criterion for B.SC admissions: Ashwathnarayan

Karnataka SSLC Exams 2021: COVID-19 positive students too can take exams, here is how

Rafale Fighter jet shows spectacular maneuvers as Aero India 2019 kicks off in Bengaluru

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Bengaluru, Feb 20: The much-awaited Rafale fighter aircraft was seen showing amazing skills at the Aero India 2019, the 12th edition of Asia's premier air show at the Yelahanka air base on the city's northern outskirts, on Wednesday.

[Defence Minister inaugurates Aero India 2019 show in Bengaluru]

The five-day mega event began on a sombre note, a day after two aircraft of Surya Kiran, Indian Air Force (IAF)'s aerobatics team, collided mid-air, killing a pilot and injuring two others who ejected to safety.

Flying at low speed, Rafale combat aircraft paid tribute to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who lost his life yesterday in a mid-air collision during rehearsal in a Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team's aircraft.

#WATCH: #Rafale combat aircraft fly at low speed to pay tribute to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who lost his life yesterday in a mid-air collision during rehearsal in a Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team's aircraft. pic.twitter.com/OGC3WPPAfM  ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019

Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) also performed at the Aero India 2019 and paid homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who gave it the name 'Tejas'.

#WATCH: Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) performs at the #AeroIndia2019 in Bengaluru; also pays homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who gave it the name 'Tejas' pic.twitter.com/qZJSt38NrH  ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019

Besides the controversy-embroiled Rafale jet, HAL's indigenous products Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Sukhoi SU-30, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet and B-52 Stratofortress bomber are also set to roar in the city skies.

[AERO India 2019: One pilot killed, 2 eject safely after 2 Surya Kiran Aerobatics jets crash]

India's aerospace hub was all decked up on Tuesday for a show of air prowess by birds of a different kind at the five-day biennial Aero India expo.

Earlier in the day, hailing Rafale fighter jet as "good" aircraft, Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India on Wednesday said that he does not find any scandal in its purchase.

"I don't see any scandal what I see is a very good aircraft which has been purchased by Government of India and which comes probably to fly here in the sky of Bengaluru and which will join Indian Air Force within six months," he said, according to news agency ANI.

The 12th edition of the international aerospace and defence exhibition will feature a total of 61 aircraft and 373 exhibitors. On Monday, 24 aircraft held displays as part of a dress rehearsal ahead of the event at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in front of enthusiastic spectators.

While aerobatics teams like Surya Kiran and Sarang got the cheers and whistles with their stunts and manoeuvres, the deafening roars of engines of fighter aircraft like Sukhoi 30-MkI awed the spectators.

The multi-purpose civilian aircraft Saras, revived after a crash that killed two engineers and a pilot in May 2009, will fly in the event.

On static display will be HAL's Light Utility Helicopter (PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive CareUnit).

This edition of Aero India was marked by controversy with reports about it being shifted to Uttar Pradesh, which had taken a political colour, as the Congress-JD(S)led government in the state had hit out at the BJP led Centre against the alleged move.938 persons detained in Assam, 823 declared foreigners, Centre tells SC

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

New Delhi, Feb 20: The Centre has told the Supreme Court that 938 persons are at present detained in six detention centres in Assam out of which 823 have been declared as foreigners by tribunals.

The Centre was responding to the January 28 queries of the court which had asked the Centre and the state to provide the details of the functional detention centres in Assam and the foreigners detained there during the last 10 years.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that both the Centre and the state have filed their affidavits giving in details the information sought by the court.

Without Citizenship Bill, seats will go to Bangladeshi Muslims: Himanta Biswa Sarma

The Centre said over 27,000 foreigners have pushed back at border points while attempting to enter India illegally.

Solicitor General told the bench, also comprising Justice L N Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, that the Centre has allotted Rs 47 crores and Assam has provided land for building new detention centre with various facilities that will also cover the issues of human rights.

He said a new detention centre will be ready by August 31.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 5:46 [IST]At all party meet, PM Modi says priority is to strengthen democracy at grassroots in J&K

Restore statehood first, if you want elections in J&K: Omar Abdullah to Centre

2,500 Kashmiris turn up for Army recruitment against 111 vacancies

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Baramulla, Feb 20: Over 2,500 Kashmiri youth turned up for an Army recruitment camp here against 111 vacancies. Many of them said that by joining the Army, they could serve the nation.

They also said that they could protect their families and take care of them as there are hardly any employment opportunities in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Others said that this is a great opportunity for them as they could not go outside Kashmir. We wish more opportunities are provided.

Pakistan violates ceasefire, India retaliates

If we are posted in sensitive areas they could talk with the people and also deal with the ongoing problems.

This is a welcome development in the wake of the tragic Pulwama attack in which 44 CRPF jawans were martyred.

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 7:23 [IST] Flash

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Wang said China valued Iran's role in regional affairs and expected Iran to have a more constructive role in such affairs.

"The situation in the Middle East and the world is undergoing major changes, and relations between China and Iran are also facing a new situation," Wang said.

"Both China and Iran are countries with thousands of years of civilization and tradition. In the face of the periodical changes consisting of certain individual events, the two countries can maintain strategic strength, while safeguarding and promoting ties with a long-term perspective, in efforts to continuously inject new content into bilateral ties."

Zarif said the Iranian side highly valued the partnership with China and regarded China as an important, all-round cooperation partner.

Zarif, who is accompanying Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani on a visit to China, said he expected the speaker's ongoing China tour to promote bilateral ties to a new stage.

Zarif expressed the active will to take part in the Belt and Road construction, saying the Initiative was of special significance to both Iran and China.

"The Iranian side welcomes China's more important role in issues concerning the Middle East region such as Syria, Iraqi reconstruction and the peace process in Afghanistan," he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, an international agreement on Iran's nuclear program reached in 2015, stating that they would continue to strengthen communication and coordination and make active efforts to safeguard legitimate rights and interests, implement the agreement and defend multilateral rules.Youth volunteers gather at the County Office Building in Utica on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. Standing with them, from left, are Oneida County Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green and Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.Washington, D.C., might be thousands of miles away, but the tariff war playing out there is being felt in Sarpy County.

Oriental Trading Company, which has a distribution center in La Vista, imports a significant portion of its good from China, and president and CEO Steve Mendlik said in an email the company was impacted by the tariffs President Donald Trump placed on $250 million in Chinese goods. (Trump also placed tariffs on goods from Europe, Canada and Mexico last year.)

Mendlik declined to share specifics about how the cost of importing good was affected, but said since the tariffs went into place late in the year, and after much of our holiday merchandise was already received, the impact will be much greater in 2019 than in 2018.

To manage the cost, OTC worked with its business partners in China to redesign products, lowered production costs, took advantage of incentives provided by the Chinese government and timed its shipments to minimize the impact, Mendlik said. OTC also is looking for suppliers in other countries in an attempt to keep its prices from being passed on to customers.Safety and security should be as high a priority for schools as is providing education. School employees and administrators have an all-important obligation to report allegations of child sexual abuse to proper authorities.

This requirement isnt merely common sense  its a mandate specifically set forth in Nebraska state law. If school employees, of whatever level, witness or suspect alleged abuse, they must report the matter, or cause a report to be made, to law enforcement or to the Nebraska child abuse hotline at 800-652-1999.

The reporting policies in place at Omaha- area school districts vary considerably, however, The World-Heralds Joe Dejka found. Some districts hone closely to the wording of state law. Others do so only partially.

Some districts say a school employee can take up to 24 hours to report, but state law doesnt mention such a delay. Waiting 24 hours could put a child at risk, the county attorneys for Douglas and Sarpy Counties say.

Although state law allows an employee to cause a report to be made, the law does not define how that should be done, nor does it mention telling a school principal, as is stated under Omaha Public Schools policy.WASHINGTON -- Is there a way for the United States and its allies to remain in northeastern Syria, even after President Donald Trump's pledged withdrawal of U.S. military forces there? Officials are struggling to devise such a "workaround" strategy, but it could carry more risks than keeping the existing advisory force.

The loudest public call for an alternative to withdrawal from Syria is Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. The senator said Friday in Munich that he wants European nations to provide troops for a "safe zone" as a way of coaxing Trump to maintain a U.S. presence.

"I'm hoping that President Trump will be coming to some of you and asking for your help and you will say yes," Graham said, promising that the United States would offer "in return, the capability that we have that is unique," and that the United States "will still be in the fight in Syria."

How this plan might operate remains unclear, according to current and former U.S. officials. One official said that Britain, France and Germany had already turned down initial U.S. requests for troops in Syria, but that was before Graham's public plea. Current plans call for U.S. military forces to depart Syria by the end of April, but officials say the timeline is fuzzy.If you like brunch, take note: Two Omaha spots have special meals coming.

Au Courant plans to welcome Alex Lund, from Krug Park, for a special "classic French" brunch on March 10. Lund plans to create drinks to go along with the menu, which will be released soon. Make a reservation at the restaurant, 6064 Maple St.

Visit facebook.com/events/840358356304676 for more information.

And at Farnam House, bacon will be the name of the brunch game for an event on Sunday, Feb. 24 in tandem with Omaha Beer Week.

The brewery will create various bacon-focused items to match with craft beer and serve them all day.

The brewery is at 3558 Farnam St.; visit facebook.com/events/1981523842151673 for details.Another winter storm is poised to hammer the region  forecasters already are warning people to plan for potential blizzard conditions this weekend  but until then, a brief respite has arrived.

On Thursday, relatively mild weather will give people a chance to get ready, whether that means stocking up, redistributing snow piles or revisiting plans for late Saturday.

The storm will bring a range of potential problems, according to the National Weather Service and AccuWeather Inc., from dangerous travel to power outages.

Were looking at a pretty major storm, said Van DeWald, meteorologist with the weather service. Recent snows, while bountiful, havent posed as much of a threat as this system will, he said.

Theres a potential for ice, followed by snow, with both worsened by powerful winds. Winds, which are expected to be relatively light Saturday morning, could peak near 50 mph in the Omaha metro area that evening.

While Saturday morning may bring decent weather, conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly in the afternoon, forecasters say.Several crashes involving 11 vehicles blocked eastbound Interstate 80 for about three hours Wednesday between the Aurora and Giltner exits east of Grand Island, the Nebraska State Patrol said.

About 9:10 a.m., Hamilton County officials received a 911 call that two semitrailer trucks had crashed and jackknifed, blocking eastbound I-80 traffic near mile marker 328. As troopers and officers were en route to the scene, additional vehicles became involved in a chain-reaction crash.

The first crash scene involved four semis and one passenger vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, the Nebraska State Patrol said.

After the initial crash, two semis that were traveling together came upon the scene and the drivers were unable to stop. One struck the other, pushing it into the Jeep Cherokee.

Both occupants of the Cherokee were taken to a hospital in Aurora. The passenger, Jason Palmer, 29, of Indiana, was taken by medical helicopter to a Kearney hospital with life-threatening injuries, the patrol said. The driver was evaluated and has been released from the hospital.

One of the semi drivers, Jeffrey Clark, 56, of Colorado, also was taken to the hospital. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.President Donald Trump took action Tuesday to create a new military Space Force, placing some of the troops that now report to the Offutt-based U.S. Strategic Command into a new branch of the armed forces.

The policy directive Trump signed asks Congress to stand up the Space Force within the Air Force Department, just as the Navy Department now oversees the Marine Corps. It falls short of a vision laid out by Trump last year for a new service that is separate but equal with the Air Force.

That idea had been criticized by some Air Force officials who argued that creating a separate military department would create unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy.

But it won the support of Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a retired Air Force brigadier general who once commanded the Offutt-based 55th Wing.

I believe a space force light service structure is the appropriate step for now, Bacon said in a statement. Much of our modern-day reconnaissance and communications relies on satellites, and we know that Russia and China have militarized space by investing heavily in weapon systems to disable or destroy those key satellites.Stothert said she hasnt declared a snow emergency in a few years because few people understand how they are supposed to work  that people east of 72nd Street parking on the street must park on the odd side of a street on odd-numbered days and on the even side of the street on even-numbered days.

Stothert and Public Works officials said their approach is focused on getting as many commuters as possible to their jobs on Wednesday.

The amount of snow that was expected to fall means that there will probably still be snow on side streets when people leave for the Wednesday morning commute.

A portion of the snow on residential streets should be cleared by then, said Austin Rowser, Omahas street maintenance engineer, but he said most wouldnt be.

Omaha road crews have been on 12-hour shifts since early February, missing family events and ballgames, Rowser said.

Equipment is also wearing down a bit, with about 10 percent of it unavailable, officials said.

Our job is just to keep up, Stothert said.Change is needed and change is coming, he said Tuesday.

And Mayor Jean Stothert, who has expressed concerns about the costs of hiring more inspectors and punishing good landlords along with the bad, said Tuesday that shes directed the citys Law Department to draft a rental ordinance. Stothert said it would aim to establish a free registration system for landlords and an inspection program targeting landlords who have not remedied code violations in the past three years.

We may have more than one (ordinance) to discuss, and thats a good thing, she said.

Property owner groups have pushed back against the idea of mandatory inspections or rental registries, ideas resurrected after the displacement of 500 refugees living at Yale Park.

But at a legislative hearing last month, several landlords said more can be done to educate renters on their rights, as well as their duties to keep homes clean and presentable.A 25-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound Tuesday evening after he went to confront a 50-year-old man at his home.

Kevontae Richards had gone to a house near 42nd and Miami Streets to confront William Harris before 8 p.m. Tuesday, Omaha police said Wednesday.

Harris shot through the front door of his home, hitting Richards, who was standing outside, officials said. Harris then fled.

Officers found Harris nearly a mile away and booked him into jail on suspicion of second-degree felony assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and tampering with evidence.

Authorities found methamphetamine in the home and booked a 48-year-old woman on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.

Richards was taken to Nebraska Medical Center in critical condition with an injury that was not considered life-threatening.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt said she was skeptical about the idea of legislating patriotism, given the very different perspectives that people have about the country and its history.

But Sen. John McCollister of Omaha said he had come around to supporting the bill, after seeing the lack of knowledge about government that many people have.

Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus said it is important for students to understand how the country got where it is. He said Americans need a framework to move the country forward, rather than tearing it apart.

Previous controversy over the bill centered on a requirement for public schools to give students the same civics test that immigrants take for citizenship. Slama reached a compromise that allowed the bill to advance unanimously out of the Education Committee.

Under the compromise, schools could choose from among three options: giving the naturalization test, having students to go to a government meeting followed by a paper or project, or doing a project or paper and class presentation about a person or events commemorated by selected holidays named in the bill.Emotional support animals are different from service animals, which are trained to perform a specific task. A cat or puppy could not be a service animal but could be an emotional support animal.

An attorney who helped craft the bill, Gene Eckel, said LB 553 focuses only on individuals who use these online services to get a letter that verifies their need for an emotional support animal.

They can come back to the landlord and say, Hey, my pet is an assistance animal, so now I dont have to pay a (pet fee),  Eckel said.

Eckel, who is on the board of directors of the Apartment Association of Nebraska, said landlords usually grant the accommodation, rather than risk a fair housing complaint.

The sites make an already confusing legal landscape more confusing, said Roxann Hamilton of Bellevue, who educates and advocates for emotional support animal and service dog owners. But they shouldnt be conflated with remote counseling or other services that Nebraskans use, she said.

Disability Rights of Nebraska attorney Stephany Maness said shes never encountered someone in a dispute who used such a service.The Washington Post reported that a judge found her guilty last year of misdemeanor destruction of property for spraying fake blood on the steps of National Rifle Association lobbyist Chris Coxs home in Alexandria, Virginia.

Hill appealed that verdict but she said she later pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct because she wanted it over.

Hill is due in court next month on the ticket issued in Lincoln. An online Googley eyes defense fund had raised more than $1,500 on her behalf by late Wednesday afternoon.

In her statement, Hill said the only damage in the case appeared to have been inflicted on the congressmans ego  except she used the altered form of his name.

In a point echoed by many supporters on social media, Hill questioned the law enforcement resources deployed in the case.

Lincoln police were standing by their work.

We are fortunate to live in a country that not only allows free speech, but also encourages open dialogue between differing perspectives, according to the departments statement. LPD is committed to fairly and impartially protecting all citizens right to free speech. However, we will also hold accountable those who participate in unlawful behavior.An Iowa woman has been charged with five felonies after authorities alleged that she stole $3,535 worth of pull-tab lottery tickets while she worked at a convenience store.

The woman, from Madrid, Iowa, has been charged in Boone County, Iowa, with four counts of theft of a lottery ticket and one count of second-degree theft.

In September, Iowa Lottery officials conducted a routine audit of a pull-tab lottery machine at a Madrid convenience store. The audit showed that $3,535 worth of tickets were missing from the machine.

Authorities started investigating and identified the woman, a former employee, as a suspect. She told police in a November interview that she had stolen the tickets.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Betsworth said Clark told her that both he and Henderson had been hearing voices in the house and also believed someone had placed child pornography on their computer.

Clark also allegedly told detectives that he and Henderson barricaded themselves in their bedroom where he heard voices coming from a pile of clothes. Clark said he fired a shot into the clothes because he thought the pile had moved.

Clark told detectives that he took the gun into the bathroom because he heard voices coming from under the sink. Henderson left, he said, to check on their 11-year-old son.

Mr. Clark then stated that he thought he heard something as he came out of the bathroom, where he was surprised by an individual that he shot ... in the arm, the judge wrote in her decision. Mr. Clark then realized it was Ms. Henderson that he had shot.

Betsworth said an autopsy was conducted and that it was found that Henderson had been shot in the neck from at least 36 inches away. Freeman said in her decision that Clark may not have intended to shoot Ms. Henderson, but his actions suggest that he was intending to shoot someone.LINCOLN  Expert witnesses hired by the ACLU of Nebraska condemned conditions inside Nebraskas prisons in court filings Tuesday as dangerous to inmates due to inadequate health care, perpetual overcrowding and understaffing.

The civil rights organization, which sued the State of Nebraska in August 2017, unveiled preliminary opinions from its experts in asking a federal judge to authorize the lawsuit as a class action for all of the 5,500 prison inmates incarcerated in Nebraska.

ACLU officials said gaining class-action status would give them more leverage in their lawsuit and in possibly obtaining an out-of-court settlement.

State attorneys, in court filings, have denied assertions by the ACLU and the 10 inmates now named in the lawsuit that prison facilities are so overcrowded that they violate constitutional rights.

The ACLUs lawsuit, which is still in the pretrial stage, alleges that inmates are subjected to cruel and unusual punishment due to inadequate health and mental health care, overuse of solitary confinement and lack of adequate accommodations for handicapped inmates.The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Centers physician-in-chief has announced that she will step down from the role on May 1.

Dr. Sarah Thayer, a 2014 hire from Harvard Medical School, also will step down as chief of the University of Nebraska Medical Centers surgical oncology division at that time.

The physician-scientist will continue as a member of the UNMC faculty and Nebraska Medicine staff. She also will remain in her role as medical director of the breast cancer clinical program and continue her research and clinical care work at the cancer center.

The announcement comes as UNMC and clinical partner Nebraska Medicine continue their search for a successor to Dr. Kenneth Cowan, director of the Buffett Cancer Center and the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer. Cowan announced in October that he would step down from those roles in June, which will mark his 20th year at UNMC.

The $323 million Buffett center, a joint venture between UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, opened in 2017. Its the largest construction project ever for the University of Nebraska and the largest public-private partnership in the states history.Archive Jun 2021 (15) May 2021 (19) Apr 2021 (20) Mar 2021 (22) Feb 2021 (20) Jan 2021 (21) Dec 2020 (19) Nov 2020 (15) Oct 2020 (22) Sep 2020 (21) Aug 2020 (19) Jul 2020 (21) Jun 2020 (23) May 2020 (20) Apr 2020 (27) Mar 2020 (29) Feb 2020 (19) Jan 2020 (19) Dec 2019 (17) Nov 2019 (16) Oct 2019 (21) Sep 2019 (20) Aug 2019 (22) Jul 2019 (21) Jun 2019 (16) May 2019 (22) Apr 2019 (22) Mar 2019 (11) Feb 2019 (20) Jan 2019 (22) Dec 2018 (14) Nov 2018 (18) Oct 2018 (23) Sep 2018 (18) Aug 2018 (23) Jul 2018 (17) Jun 2018 (21) May 2018 (22) Apr 2018 (21) Mar 2018 (21) Feb 2018 (20) Jan 2018 (20) Dec 2017 (15) Nov 2017 (20) Oct 2017 (22) Sep 2017 (21) Aug 2017 (24) Jul 2017 (11) Jun 2017 (17) May 2017 (22) Apr 2017 (20) Mar 2017 (23) Feb 2017 (20) Jan 2017 (21) Dec 2016 (16) Nov 2016 (21) Oct 2016 (21) Sep 2016 (22) Aug 2016 (21) Jul 2016 (20) Jun 2016 (22) May 2016 (21) Apr 2016 (21) Mar 2016 (23) Feb 2016 (21) Jan 2016 (19) Dec 2015 (16) Nov 2015 (19) Oct 2015 (23) Sep 2015 (21) Aug 2015 (12) Jul 2015 (23) Jun 2015 (23) May 2015 (19) Apr 2015 (23) Mar 2015 (25) Feb 2015 (20) Jan 2015 (20) Dec 2014 (15) Nov 2014 (18) Oct 2014 (24) Sep 2014 (22) Aug 2014 (22) Jul 2014 (20) Jun 2014 (22) May 2014 (21) Apr 2014 (22) Mar 2014 (21) Feb 2014 (20) Jan 2014 (22) Dec 2013 (16) Nov 2013 (19) Oct 2013 (23) Sep 2013 (20) Aug 2013 (17) Jul 2013 (21) Jun 2013 (22) May 2013 (23) Apr 2013 (22) Mar 2013 (22) Feb 2013 (21) Jan 2013 (22) Dec 2012 (21) Nov 2012 (19) Oct 2012 (24) Sep 2012 (21) Aug 2012 (23) Jul 2012 (22) Jun 2012 (22) May 2012 (26) Apr 2012 (22) Mar 2012 (22) Feb 2012 (21) Jan 2012 (23) Dec 2011 (23) Nov 2011 (21) Oct 2011 (22) Sep 2011 (22) Aug 2011 (27) Jul 2011 (22) Jun 2011 (24) May 2011 (21) Apr 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (28) Feb 2011 (22) Jan 2011 (24) Dec 2010 (25) Nov 2010 (23) Oct 2010 (22) Sep 2010 (24) Aug 2010 (22) Jul 2010 (21) Jun 2010 (26) May 2010 (19) Apr 2010 (26) Mar 2010 (25) Feb 2010 (20) Jan 2010 (19) Dec 2009 (23) Nov 2009 (19) Oct 2009 (24) Sep 2009 (22) Aug 2009 (24) Jul 2009 (22) Jun 2009 (23) May 2009 (20) Apr 2009 (24) Mar 2009 (24) Feb 2009 (21) Jan 2009 (28) Dec 2008 (25) Nov 2008 (20) Oct 2008 (25) Sep 2008 (28) Aug 2008 (28) Jul 2008 (25) Jun 2008 (27) May 2008 (31) Apr 2008 (30) Mar 2008 (33) Feb 2008 (36) Jan 2008 (41) Dec 2007 (33) Nov 2007 (24) Oct 2007 (24) Sep 2007 (12) Aug 2007 (16) Jul 2007 (15) Jun 2007 (14) May 2007 (14)The Good Salon Guide, the only independent guide to quality standards in hairdressing in the UK and Ireland, has announced that Haven Hair Studio, Edenderry was recently awarded a 5-Star rating.

The Good Salon Guide is the easiest and most reliable means of checking out the best salons in any area. Recognised salons are visited and objectively assessed by top industry professionals. Salons are regularly reassessed to ensure standards are maintained so membership is as good as a personal recommendation!

Joint owners of Haven Hair Studio, Emma Foy and Sarah Flynn are "delighted" with the award.

Being a member of the Good Salon Guide shows we are a fantastic salon in every way. Its great not only for our clients, but for our team to know the salon has reached such high standards. It makes us all very excited about the future of our salon, they said.

Gareth Penn, Managing Director of the Good Salon Guide, said: I am delighted that Haven Hair Studio has succeeded in reaching the standards required to become a member of the Good Salon Guide."

"Being in the Guide means a salon is among the best in the country which undoubtedly attracts new business and makes existing clients feel good. For salon owners, membership brings a whole host of free services including business advice, the chance to feature in our magazines and online media as well as great offers.The Irish Child and Family Agency, Tusla, is hosting special fostering information events in Offaly and Kildare in March as part of Fostering Fortnight.

If you have thought about fostering or are interested in becoming a carer come along, now is the time to find out more!

Fostering staff will be on hand to give information and answer your questions.

Fostering is caring for someone elses child in your own home, providing family life for a child or young person, who for one reason or another cannot live with his or her own parents.

TUSLA welcome enquiries from adults of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds, anyone who believes they can make a difference in the life of a child

You can help change a child's life for the better.

Where: The Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore

When: March 14, 2019 at 6.30pm

Where: Lawlor's Hotel Naas

When: March 7, 2019 at 6.30pm

If you want further information about fostering, visit www.fostering.ie or phone Tivoli House in Longford on 043-3350584 and ask for a fostering assessment social worker.Spiralling insurance costs for a number of Offaly businesses has prompted two local councillors to tabled motions seeking action from the government in the shape of its insurance reform programme.

Councillors Tony McCormack and Liam Quinn introduced separate but similar motions to the February meeting of Offaly County Council on Monday, February 18.

Cllr Quinn said he had been made aware of a small business employing 12-14 people in Edenderry that had seen its insurance premium more than double to 24,000 "for no apparent reason."

"This employer says they had no claim against their policy and yet their costs are spiralling. It is a major concern and a huge strain on businesses like this one trying to stay afloat in the county," Cllr Quinn told the meeting.

Cllr McCormack informed his fellow members and management of a similar situation with a business in the Tullamore area where the insurance costs had increased from around 6,000 to 30,000 in three years.

He also said this rise came in the absence of a claim against the policy and agreed that "the cost of insurance is now crippling to small businesses."

Both councillors' motion called for Offaly County Council to request the government to accelerate its insurance reform programme in light of the continuing increases in premiums.

Cllr Quinn's motion went further and requested OCC to call on the government to establish "a distinct Insurance Fraud Unit within An Garda Siochana" as well as "an interim Judicial Council to address excessive awards made in our courts."

He also sought "greater transparency in relation to claims and premiums from Irish insurers."

They were dealt with jointly with Cllr Quinn proposing and Cllr McCormack seconding the motion.Fianna Fail TD for Offaly, Barry Cowen, has called on the Taoiseach to give a guarantee that the proposed VAT hike on food supplements will not proceed on March 1.

Deputy Cowen was speaking in the Dail and said, it is plainly obvious to all parties and none, that the increase in VAT on food supplements was not contained within the Finance Bill."

Speaking during report stage of the Finance Bill, Minister of State DArcy stated that the tax strategy group would be examining proposals on food supplements."

"That group is not due to publish their report until the summertime yet the announcement of an increase of 23% on food supplements was made by Revenue late last year. At no stage did the Minister or the Government indicate that the Revenue Commissioners were planning to publish revised guidelines in advance of the Tax Strategy Group examining the issue," he added.

The majority of people take food supplements in a bid to live healthier lives. Their popularity can be seen in the number of health food shops around the country; they are in Birr and Tullamore and many other towns around Ireland."

"These shops are now facing a very real danger of having to close their doors. At a time when the cost of living is already high, a 23% tax increase on food supplements could push them out of reach for many families," Barry said.

I think Revenue were premature in announcing the tax hike and I believe that the Minister must halt the 23% increase, and allow the Tax Strategy Group to complete and publish their review, concluded Deputy Cowen.

Tom Foremski

Tom Foremski, the former Financial Times US technology correspondent who founded Silicon Valley Watcher in May 2004, has teamed with Chris Knight, co-founder and creative director of brand-marketing consultancy Divino Group, to launch Every Media Company, a content strategy and editorial communications services consultancy. The new company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Divino.

In addition to company newsroom consulting and design, Every Media Companys services include developing earned-media guest posts pitched to contributing editors at publications and owned content for LinkedIn and other social media channels. It also offers video and podcast production and group training sessions.

Foremski and Knight have collaborated for more than a decade on content, stories and video for San Francisco Bay Area companies such as Aiqudo, Cengage Learning, Delphix, Maxtor Corporation and SanDisk. Before founding Divino, Knight worked at such firms as Ruder Finn, CGO Group and Cohn & Wolfe.

Knight says that the goal of Every Media Company is to help clients think and produce content like a journalist to break through the noise, boost readership and views, increase audience engagement and make a bigger impact.The annual Munich Security Conference last week brought together more than 100 world leaders and ministers. In the serene and somber setting of Munich's luxury hotel Bayerischer Hof, they discussed the multiple security issues facing the world.



Before the start of the conference, the organizers launched a report entitled "The Great Puzzle: Who will pick up the pieces?" in which the unknown writer(s) in the introduction described the world as being at the cusp of a new age of big power competition involving the U.S., China and Russia, as the existing order was crumbling.

The document set the tone of the three-day event. As the conference progressed, the strain on transatlantic ties became increasingly evident. The tension between historic allies is seen as proof the old world is falling apart.

The context of the rift was provided by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, dominating the stage in the absence of leaders of other major powers.

Merkel criticized the U.S. leadership for its policies on issues ranging from Iran's nuclear program to the treatment of German car-makers. Her tenor was in sharp contrast to U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's speech in which he tried to be more diplomatic.

A clear difference was noted between the muted enthusiasm of the audience towards what Pence said, especially when he mentioned Donald Trump, and a standing ovation and huge applause for Merkel at the end of her address.

The German leader minced no words in showing her disapproval of Trump's approach to the challenges of the world. She rejected U.S. handling of the Iran nuclear agreement issue and its withdrawal from that process.

She also criticized Trump for announcing a "hasty" pullback of troops from Syria. There are also question marks over whether ISIS is really on the brink of final destruction as Trump claims.



Many people believe that the threat posed by the militant organization has certainly decreased, but it is not yet over. The loss of the regional caliphate proclaimed by the group does not mean its potential for waging terror has ended.

Europe is also weary of U.S. criticism of its commercial relations with Russia, especially the joint German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. The Trump administration fears it will increase Europe's reliance on gas imports from Russia.

The Munich conference shows that the tension between U.S. and EU is intensifying. The rift is becoming more complex due to lack of any direction in domestic U.S. politics, mired in an unending war between the Trump camp and those who oppose him.

The issue between EU and U.S. is not just about who should pay how much for collective security mechanisms like NATO, but also relates to the two sides obviously not being on the same page about the contours of the new global order.

The old order based on post-WW2 arrangements was successful in managing chaos for decades but that period of predictability is over. The new multilateral system is still taking shape and the role of various global actors is unclear.

Initially the Europeans thought the real problem was Putin and his actions in Crimea and Ukraine; now, their immediate concern is Trump's questionable trade and security policies, due to which traditional allies like Germany, France and Canada find themselves in a quandary.

Trump's leaning towards nations with leaders possessing questionable democratic credentials is considered in many European capitals as a catalyst to expedite the demise of older institutions and traditions.

The democratic liberal ethos is still well entrenched in many countries of Western Europe despite the rise of politics of ultra-national tendencies. It creates tension with Trump who puts American monetary interests on top of every other consideration.

Europe is trying to assert itself in the changing scenario, rather than bowing to what is coming out of Washington. The independent policies will further upset transatlantic relations.

This new phenomenon of "west-west tension" will increase global political uncertainty as well as provide fuel for many conflicts around the globe. Let us be ready for tenuous situations and security escalations during 2019 and coming years.

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

If you would like to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn.Jo Funeral services for John Wyatt Stevenson, age 70, of Roanoke will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 12:00 PM at the Roanoke First United Methodist Church with Rev. Chris Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery with Quattlebaum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, February 22, 2019. Mr. Stevenson will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services beginning on Saturday. Mr. Stevenson passed away Thursday, February 14, 2019, at his residence. A Roanoke native, Mr. Stevenson was born on August 8, 1948, the son of John B. and Gwen Wyatt Stevenson. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Roanoke and was a United States Army veteran. Mr. Stevenson held a Bachelor's degree from Auburn University and a Master's degree from Pepperdine University. He was the owner/editor and publisher of The Randolph Leader for the past 36 years and past editor of the The Randolph Press(Wedowee). He was the past president of the Alabama Press Association and the National Newspaper Association. Mr. Stevenson was the recipient of the Alabama Press Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and Auburn University's Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist Award. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, J. B. Stevenson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Randolph County Animal Shelter at 104 Animal Shelter Road, Wedowee, AL 36278 or to the Alabama Press Association's J. B. Stevenson Scholarship c/o Felicia Mason APA Journalism Foundation, 3324 Independence Drive #200, Birmingham, AL 35209.The Tax Working Groups review is set to be released today and is expected to offer a number of recommendations, particularly around capital gains tax (CGT) and company tax.

In the Tax Working Groups interim report, released last September, it stated that the tax systems inconsistent treatment of capital income was likely an influencing factor in New Zealands housing affordability, and while the tax system is not responsible for the shortfall in housing supply, it does influence housing demand. It also stated that the current tax system offers few incentives for retirement saving, with KiwiSaver benefits primarily being targeted towards lower income earners.

The group will also be examining the merits of extending the taxation of capital income. When it comes to company tax, Chairman Sir Michael Cullen said at the time that a company tax rate reduction would not be recommended.

Social Credit Party leader and finance spokesperson Chris Leitch has expressed disappointment that the review will likely not touch on goods and services tax (GST), which he says puts a significant compliance burden on small-to-medium businesses across New Zealand. He says GST should be replaced with a financial transaction tax at under 1%, which would haul into the net major overseas online businesses such as Google and Facebook, and make up for the shortfall that would occur as a result of a GST scrap.

The GST is a major problem for both businesses and their customers, Leitch told NZ Adviser. There are significant compliance costs for businesses in filing GST returns and conducting audits, and it adds to the accounting complexity at the end of the financial year.

Its also a significant disincentive for consumers in New Zealand to deal with local businesses, despite what the government has done to try to impose GST on suppliers overseas, he explained.

Theres no reason why they couldnt scrap GST altogether, and they could replace that lost income by introducing a transaction tax at a quarter of a cent per $100. This would be effective as a transaction tax would catch all the speculative activity in the economy which is massive  that doesnt attract GST. It would radically improve the situation for small-to-medium businesses.CAIRO  In his swing through Asia this week, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia vowed to invest billions of dollars in Pakistan and pushed to sell more oil to India. He will also explore deepening economic ties with China.

The trip, by the de facto ruler of a wealthy Arab kingdom that has long considered the United States its most important ally, highlights the extent to which Saudi Arabia is increasingly looking to Asia for political and technological support that it cannot always count on from the West, analysts said.

Saudi Arabias need to diversify its alliances has grown more acute amid the Western backlash over the killing of the Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in Istanbul in October. Congress has pursued measures to blame Prince Mohammed for the killing and limit military aid to the kingdom, while American tech companies that the prince heavily courted for projects in the kingdom have stepped back for fear of damaging their reputations.

But the countries that Prince Mohammed is visiting this week  Pakistan, India and China  have expressed no such concerns, prioritizing economic ties with the kingdom over concerns about its respect for human rights.ROSH HAAYIN, Israel  Ofra Mazor, 62, had been looking for her sister, Varda, for 30 years when she submitted her DNA samples to the Israeli genealogy company MyHeritage in 2017. Her mother, Yochevet, who is now deceased, said that she got to breast-feed her sister only once after giving birth to her in an Israeli hospital in 1950. She was told by the nurses that her newborn daughter had died. Ms. Mazors mother didnt believe the nurses and had her husband demand their child back. He was never given the child.

A few months after submitting her DNA, Ms. Mazor received the call shed been waiting for: A match had been found. Last January, the sisters were reunited. Varda Fuchs had been adopted by a German-Jewish couple in Israel. She was told at a young age that she was adopted. The sisters are part of a community of Israelis of Yemenite descent who for decades have been seeking answers about their lost kin.

Known as the Yemenite Children Affair, there are over 1,000 official reported cases of missing babies and toddlers, but some estimates from advocates are as high as 4,500. Their families believe the babies were abducted by the Israeli authorities in the 1950s, and were illegally put up for adoption to childless Ashkenazi families, Jews of European descent. The children who disappeared were mostly from the Yemenite and other Mizrahi communities, an umbrella term for Jews from North Africa and the Middle East. While the Israeli government is trying to be more transparent about the disappearances, to this day, it denies that there were systematic abductions.Mr. Pompeos statement did not offer a rationale for why the State Department does not consider Ms. Muthana a citizen. But American officials seem to be hinging their argument against allowing her back in on an exception in the law.

Ms. Muthanas father was a Yemeni diplomat, and children born in the United States to active diplomats are not bestowed birthright citizenship, since diplomats are under the jurisdiction of their home countries.

That law does not apply in Ms. Muthanas case, said Charlie Swift, the director of the Constitutional Law Center for Muslims in America, who is representing her family. Ms. Muthana, he said, was born a month after her father was discharged from his position as a United Nations diplomat.

After she joined the Islamic State, Mr. Swift said, Ms. Muthanas family received a letter indicating that her passport had been revoked. Her father sent the government evidence of his nondiplomatic status at the time of his daughters birth, but did not receive a response.

Mr. Swift said Ms. Muthana had in fact been issued two American passports: one when she was a child, and a renewal she applied for herself just before leaving for Syria. In the case of the first, he says that her father provided a letter from the United Nations proving that he had been discharged, to overcome the jurisdictional challenge.

Hassan Shibly, a lawyer with the Council on American-Islamic Relations Florida who is advising the family, provided a birth certificate for Ms. Muthana that showed she was born in Hackensack, N.J., on Oct. 28, 1994.

Mr. Shibly said that her father left the foreign service in June 1994. He later sent a photograph of a document, on the letterhead of the United States Mission to the United Nations and signed by one of its representatives in 2004, that dated the official end of his service to Sept. 1, 1994. Ms. Muthana, Mr. Shibly said, is trying to turn herself in to federal authorities and face consequences for her actions.CAIRO  Egypt on Wednesday executed nine men suspected of belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood who had been convicted of involvement in the 2015 assassination of the countrys top prosecutor, security officials said.

The nine were found guilty of participating in a bombing that killed the prosecutor, Hisham Barakat, the first assassination of a senior official in Egypt in a quarter-century. Mr. Barakat was also the highest-ranking official assassinated since the military overthrew an elected but divisive Islamist president, Mohamed Morsi, in 2013.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the news media, said the families of the men had been told to pick up their bodies from a Cairo morgue.

A total of 15 people have been executed in Egypt since the start of the year. Three were hanged this month for their involvement in the 2014 killing of a judges son in the Nile Delta town of Mansura, north of Cairo. Another three were put to death for killing a police officer in Cairo in September 2013. Rights groups denounced the executions, saying the men were sentenced to death after being subjected to torture and beatings to extract confessions.VATICAN CITY  In parts of the vast Catholic world, some bishops view clerical sexual abuse as more of a sin than a crime. Others attribute it to homosexuality or question that it exists at all. Where Catholics are a minority, as in the Middle East, reporting a pedophile priest to the civil authorities is tantamount to sentencing him to death.

As Pope Francis convenes church leaders for a meeting at the Vatican starting on Thursday to address the scourge of clerical sexual abuse, victims advocates are demanding urgent and uniform church laws to impose zero tolerance for priests who abuse minors and for the bishops who cover up for them, regardless of the culture in which they operate.

But Vatican officials say such a demand reflects a misconception that change in a global and ancient institution can be made with the wave of a papal wand.

The diversity of legal and cultural barriers to identifying abusers and assisting victims, as well as entrenched denial, makes putting in place one world standard virtually impossible, they say.LONDON  For months, analysts have wondered when the grinding pressures of Britains withdrawal from the European Union would stretch political divisions and loyalties to the breaking point, possibly leading to a realignment of British politics.

That point may have come closer this week.

On Wednesday, three lawmakers quit Prime Minister Theresa Mays Conservative Party, joining eight rebels from the opposition Labour Party in a bold attempt to smash Britains entrenched two-party system for the first time in a generation.

It will not be easy. The group of 11 newly independent lawmakers have no policy platform, political organization or leader, and they will operate in an electoral system that makes it almost impossible for new parties to break through.

Still, analysts believe that conditions are ripe for a shift, amid public disenchantment at the handling of Brexit, fierce internal party rifts, and a perception that both main parties are pandering to their extremes.We are working with European allies on a brand-new launch to decriminalize homosexuality, Mr. Grenell told NBC, despite other issues that divide relations between Europe and the United States. He also said he had spoken to senators supportive of using American foreign aid as part of the effort, although he declined in the interview to specify which senators.

A number of American allies are among the nations that outlaw and severely penalize homosexuality, including Saudi Arabia, and it remained unclear how the effort led by Mr. Grenell would persuade the Saudis or others to end deep-seated discrimination.

Mr. Grenell told NBC that the activists, from Turkey, Ukraine, Bulgaria and other European countries, had joined him and an Iranian expatriate around a large table to discuss the effort. The ambassador said it would require 71 different strategies.

Also unclear was whether the decriminalization effort was, in fact, new. A State Department spokesman in Washington, Robert Palladino, queried after the NBC report on the effort was broadcast, said: This really is not a big policy departure. This is longstanding and its bipartisan.

American-led diplomacy to promote gay and transgender rights internationally expanded under President Barack Obama, well before the Trump administration took office. The United Nations Human Rights Council passed its first resolution establishing L.G.B.T. rights as human rights in 2014.

David Pressman, a former American diplomat who is a partner at the Boies Schiller Flexner law firm, who helped lead the Obama administrations international L.G.B.T. rights strategy, said that despite his contacts among groups who work on such issues, he first heard about Mr. Grenells undertaking from news reports.

Whats surprising is that no one who works these issues within the U.S. government appears to be aware of this effort, Mr. Pressman said. No one in the groups who have been engaged on these issues appears to be aware of this effort.History is never far in Germany.

Cpl. First Class Leon Berkepeis is among 100 Dutch soldiers staffing German battle tanks under German command. His grandfather, a Dutch freedom fighter, was shot dead by the Germans during Hitlers occupation of the Netherlands.

Nearly eight decades later, one of his friends in the battalion is a German whose grandfather was in the SS.

The base in Lohheide is walking distance from Bergen-Belsen, the former Nazi camp where Anne Frank died in 1945. Some buildings on the base were used by the camp toward the end of the war. Today, there are regular visits organized for soldiers.

Some Dutch soldiers recalled being told to avoid World War II jokes before arriving. Dont mention the war, a German major had warned them.

German and Dutch soldiers said they still dont know if they get to keep the thermal underwear they were assigned for a major NATO exercise in Norway last fall.

Apart from that, the battalion has few complaints. Its fleet of 24 Leopard tanks is set to expand to 44 by year end.

But the soldiers know they are the exception to the rule.

We are getting priority, said one of Corporal Berkepeiss German colleagues, Capt. Frederik Fischer. If you want a European army, this project cannot fail. If Germany wants to be taken seriously, it cannot fail.NEW DELHI  Returning from a lecture in southern India a few weeks ago, Prof. Anand Teltumbde was booking a cab outside Mumbais airport after midnight when security officers approached him in the dark and took him away.

Mr. Teltumbde, a prominent scholar and writer on Indian social issues, was locked in an iron-grilled cell in the nearby city of Pune. For eight hours, he sat behind bars on a dirty mat until a court intervened, ruling that the arrest was illegal.

But it was not entirely a surprise. Last year, the police in Maharashtra, one of Indias largest states, said they had uncovered a vast conspiracy to topple the Indian government that involved Mr. Teltumbde and other well-known writers, academics and lawyers.

Officers raided more than a dozen of their homes, confiscating hard drives and documents. Citing a broad antiterrorism law, the police have put nine of them in jail, accusing them of helping Maoist insurgents, trying to procure grenade launchers, inciting a riot and plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi.BEIJING  While alive, Li Rui was a decades-long headache for Chinas ruling Communists  a former aide to Mao Zedong who became an obdurate, sharp-tongued critic of the party. And the controversy did not stop in death, even for his funeral.

Hundreds of people gathered in Beijing on Wednesday to say goodbye to Mr. Li, four days after his death at 101. But the funeral revealed tensions between the government, which wanted a brisk Communist ceremony, and mourners who celebrated Mr. Li as a renegade  one who, even as he lay dying, railed against the authoritarian policies of Xi Jinping, the partys leader and Chinas president.

Mr. Lis daughter, Li Nanyang, stayed away from the ceremony at Babaoshan cemetery in the capitals west, where members of Chinas political elite are cremated and laid to rest. She said her father had not wanted a stiff, official funeral featuring cookie-cutter eulogies or red symbolism that would suggest he had remained devoted to the party.

He wished to be remembered as Li Rui, not as a Communist Party cadre enjoying ministerial-level official protocol, Ms. Li said by telephone from California, where she lives, before the funeral.BEIJING  The Forbidden City has not really been forbidden to the public for decades, except in one respect. It was closed at night to all but the privileged few  until this week.

For the first time since 1925, when the former home of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties became a museum, the Forbidden City has opened its doors to the public at night for two days this week, allowing visitors the chance to see its palaces and temples bathed in ethereal lights.MEDELLIN, Colombia  Venezuelas government said on Wednesday that it was closing its border to air and sea traffic from three Caribbean islands in an effort to block aid shipments to the country organized by the Venezuelan opposition.

The move came ahead of a Saturday deadline by the opposition and the Trump administration for President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela to end a blockade and allow the delivery of humanitarian aid that has been piling up at the countrys borders for more than a week. The aid showdown is seen as a pivotal moment in the oppositions effort to force out Mr. Maduro.

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said that in addition to the border closure, the government would review its relations with the three islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, where the Venezuelan opposition wants to stage supplies.

Its a sovereign decision, said Ms. Rodriguez, calling moves to bring the aid in through the islands an attempt by Venezuelas neighbors to ignore the legitimate authority of this country.GENEVA  Despite a peace agreement, mass atrocities continue in South Sudan, driven partly by fights over control of oil, and foreign oil companies may be complicit in war crimes, a United Nations panel said on Wednesday.

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said it was outraged by reports of thousands of civilians forcibly displaced following a scorched earth policy in which the parties to the conflict are attacking villages, torching homes, killing civilians and also raping women and girls, Andrew Clapham, a member of the three-person panel, told reporters in Geneva.

A peace deal signed five months ago brought some hope to parts of South Sudan after five years of brutal conflict between President Salva Kiirs forces and those loyal to his former deputy, Riek Machar, the panel said. But in a 216-page report it will submit to the Human Rights Council next month, the commission detailed continuing war crimes and crimes against humanity, and intensifying repression by the countrys security services.

Fighting between government forces and a rebel group, the National Salvation Front, in the south of the country had driven thousands of villagers to seek safety in nearby towns and thousands more to flee across the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Clapham said.In a series of Twitter posts on Wednesday, Mr. Trump wrote: The Press has never been more dishonest than it is today. Stories are written that have absolutely no basis in fact. The writers dont even call asking for verification. They are totally out of control. He went on to write, The New York Times reporting is false.

Although the president did not cite a specific article, The Times published an investigative report on Tuesday describing how Mr. Trump had worked to influence and undermine federal investigations involving him, his presidential campaign and his administration. The Times on Wednesday defended the article as rigorously reported, based on a review of confidential White House documents and dozens of interviews.

Mr. Trumps use of the phrase enemy of the people  which he has frequently deployed against a group of mainstream news outlets, but rarely against The Times individually  also carried unusual weight because of a series of recent conversations between himself and A. G. Sulzberger, The Timess publisher.

On two occasions, including an Oval Office interview last month, Mr. Sulzberger has urged Mr. Trump in person to abandon his use of that term. The publisher has cited growing evidence that autocrats and other world leaders are emboldened by Mr. Trumps anti-press statements to crack down, sometimes violently, on independent journalists in their own countries.

In the interview, Mr. Trump responded by saying I want to be a defender of the press. But he went on to complain at length about what he perceives as unfairly critical coverage of him and his administration.Good Wednesday morning. Here are some of the stories making news in Washington and politics today.

_____________________

 A re-examination of President Trumps actions by The Times revealed the extent of his assault on federal law enforcement. It also found that Mr. Trumps efforts to attack the Russia investigation have exposed the president to accusations of obstruction of justice. Read the investigation here. And here are a few takeaways.

 A day after California filed a lawsuit challenging Mr. Trumps emergency declaration on the border, the Transportation Department said it was exploring legal options to claw back $2.5 billion in federal funds it has already spent on the states high-speed rail network. The Trump administration also said it was terminating a $929 million federal grant for the program.

 House Democrats opened an inquiry into a proposed nuclear power venture in Saudi Arabia that could expose conflicts of interests in the Trump administration and possible violations of law.Chinese People's Liberation Army Rocket Force's two official Weibo accounts, created on February 14, 2019, have published their first posts on the Lantern Festival, February 19, 2019.

Already followed by tens-of-thousands, this marks the first time the PLA Rocket Force has 'gone public.' Due to the air of mystery surrounding the division of the People's Liberation Army, the Rocket Force's presence on a social media platform comes as somewhat of a surprise. One account is simply named "PLA Rocket Force." As the Rocket Force's main combat equipment is the Dongfeng series missiles, the other account is named "Dongfeng Kuaidi," or "Eastwind Delivery." Speculation is the former will be used to publish official and formal news, while the latter will be for communicating and interacting more directly with the public.

The initial post on the "PLA Rocket Force" Weibo account includes the new version of the Rocket Force's publicity film, which shows diversified missile launch vehicles, various models of rockets and pictures of previous exercises and launches. The post published by "Dongfeng Kuaidi" is more down-to-earth, simply declaring the account is in use in a way that netizens in China are familiar with.

Once published, the two accounts began receiving thousands of followers, including from hundreds of certified official accounts. The debut posts have been retweeted more than 20,000 times. The "PLA Rocket Force" had 330k followers as of Tuesday afternoon, while, "Dongfeng Kuaidi" had some 500k followers. The follower numbers continue to surge up.WASHINGTON  Senate Republicans are preparing to detonate a mini-nuke.

Angry over Democratic delaying tactics that have slowed the conveyor belt of Trump administration nominees plodding toward confirmation, the Senate majority is preparing to strong-arm a rules change that would reduce required debate time on judicial and executive branch appointees to two hours from as many as 30.

It would be the third time in six years that one party has used a procedural tactic, called the nuclear option, to rewrite the Senate rule book rather than do it the old-fashioned way by assembling a bipartisan consensus. The change might not be as drastic as the 2013 Democratic decision to abolish the 60-vote filibuster on most nominees or the 2017 decision by Republicans to extend that 51-vote confirmation threshold to the Supreme Court.

But Democrats say the consequences will still be significant, accelerating the nominating process for 80 percent of administration appointees, limiting the vetting of nominees and keeping the confirmation conveyor belt humming.

They want to ram more nominees through, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, the senior Democrat on the Rules Committee, said about the proposal to cut debate time.The decision will not halt civil forfeitures, said Wesley P. Hottot, a lawyer with the Institute for Justice, which represented the Land Rovers owner.

People are still going to lose their property without being convicted of a crime, theyre still going to have their property seized, Mr. Hottot said. The new thing is that they can now say at the end of it all, whether Im guilty or not, I can argue that it was excessive.

Law enforcement agencies have resisted efforts to curtail civil forfeiture, saying they rely on the proceeds for sorely needed equipment. It is difficult, if not impossible, to calculate the total value of civil forfeitures by local police departments and prosecutors, but a significant portion comes from joint operations with federal law enforcement and is tracked by the Justice Department.

In fiscal year 2018, state and local agencies received $400 million through this arrangement, known as equitable sharing. The amount varied widely by agency  the Surprise Police Department in Arizona received $570,000, while the Buffalo Police Department in upstate New York got $130,000. The New York Police Department took in $7.8 million.

In Philadelphia, forfeiture proceeds once accounted for 20 percent of prosecutors budget, while agencies in New York and California tended to take in the highest sums, according to the Institute for Justice.

Investigations across the country have uncovered many examples where the property seized was disproportionate to the crime, taken from innocent citizens or targeted in accordance with law enforcement wish lists. As its name suggests, a civil forfeiture does not require a criminal conviction or even criminal charges but only proof that the property at issue was used in connection with a crime. Owners who wish to reclaim their property must demonstrate that it was not, or that it was used without their knowledge.

A recent series of articles by the Greenville News examined every civil forfeiture case in South Carolina from 2014 to 2016, finding examples like that of Ella Bromell, a 72-year-old woman who had to fight off the forfeiture of her home after drug dealers conducted transactions on her property, despite Ms. Bromells multiple attempts to stop them.michael barbaro

From The New York Times, Im Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily. Today: Bernie Sanders enters a crowded field of Democratic presidential candidates. How those candidates, who agree on so many social issues, are fighting to distinguish themselves in order to beat President Trump. Its Wednesday, February 20.

archived recording (elizabeth warren)

Good morning, Lawrence! [CHEERING] I stand here today to declare that I am a candidate for president of the United States of America.

archived recording (kamala harris)

I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for president of the United States.

archived recording (amy klobuchar)

To announce my candidacy for president of the United States.

archived recording (kirsten gillibrand)

Im filing an exploratory committee for president of the United States tonight!

archived recording (cory booker)

Im running for president because I want to address these issues.

archived recording (bernie sanders)

Hi, Im Bernie Sanders. Im running for president. And Im asking you today to be part of an unprecedented grassroots campaign 

michael barbaro

And we are going to do this again. Alex Burns, what does Bernie Sanderss announcement mean for the 2020 presidential race?

alexander burns

Well, it really means that now we have a full spectrum of Democratic candidates running, from sort of quasi-Marxist to avowedly moderate. That might sound like we now have this messy, shapeless field, but in reality, they are all basically debating the same central question, which is: Who has what it takes to beat Donald Trump? All the candidates, all the voters from different wings of the party basically agree that that is the overarching theme of this primary. They just all have different answers to that basic question.

michael barbaro

And as these Democratic candidates debate visions for beating Trump, I have to imagine that is a calculation about moving left and embracing kind of the politics of identity or tacking to the right to go after Trump voters, moderates.

alexander burns

Well, youre sort of half-right there that there is a debate about whether the party needs to move to the left or to the center, but the fault lines are almost entirely about the economy. Then when it comes to matters of identity and different social justice issues, there is very, very little disagreement across the field. When you think about the issues that are now just consensus positions in the Democratic Party  support for gay marriage, support for abortion rights, support for very restrictive gun control laws  I dont know that you would have had a field. We didnt have a field 10 years ago, 15, 20 years ago, where there was basically no daylight on any of those issues  that the party is a liberal party on cultural matters, and the candidates themselves, obviously, have very different identities, but in terms of where they are on those issues, theres not a great deal of daylight. When it comes to stuff like health care and taxation and financial regulation, thats when you start to see the differences really open up. That right now is where the Democratic debate is going to focus.

michael barbaro

I guess Im curious  why is there such a wide spectrum on economic issues where there isnt when it comes to social issues?

alexander burns

Well, this is going to get very weighty very fast. But I think you can look back over the last decade since the Great Recession and see just an enormous opening up of the range of economic debate in American politics  that in 1992 or 2000 you didnt have candidates running for the Democratic nomination for president calling themselves democratic socialist, or calling for just a colossal rewriting of the American economy. Now you have most candidates not calling themselves a democratic socialist, but calling for really transformational change of some kind or another. I think you can find the roots to that in the recession. I think you can find the roots to that in Bernie Sanders in 2015. And finally, I think you can see the Trump presidency just as an enormously disruptive force in this space. I think Democrats, liberal Democrats, see how the president blew up the debate around economics on the Republican side, especially on matters like trade and just the nature of the global economy, and theres no reason now for folks on the left not to do the same thing on their side.

michael barbaro

Its kind of their turn to be incredibly disruptive when it comes to economics.

alexander burns

Right. And they dont have on the right a mainstream, traditional Republican president who they worry will make them look outside the mainstream.

michael barbaro

Right.

alexander burns

That if you are campaigning against a President Jeb Bush or a President Marco Rubio who passed a very traditional, modest, middle-class tax cut and who says the right things about economic inequality and pursues sort of modest tinkering to Nafta, I think Democrats probably do feel a little bit more trepidation about campaigning on a really daring, disruptive, relatively far-left agenda. Thats not the mood of the Democratic Party right now.

michael barbaro

Right. Instead you have a candidate on the right, an almost assured nominee, who deliberately provokes trade wars and tears up almost every major economic agreement we have signed as a country in the last 25 years.

alexander burns

Right. So the Democrats arent looking at Donald Trump and saying, we need to really make sure that we reassure the business community and make sure that we dont make folks on the center right nervous, because the president does those things already. So I think from Democrats close to the middle to Democrats well to the left, there is just this universal feeling that theyve got to go big on an economic vision in some way.

michael barbaro

So lets start off at the most disruptive end of the economic spectrum here.

archived recording (bernie sanders)

Hi. Im Bernie Sanders. Im running for president.

michael barbaro

I imagine that that is Bernie Sanders, right? Why does he believe that he is best positioned to beat President Trump?

archived recording (bernie sanders)

Our campaign is about taking on the powerful special interests that dominate our economic and political life.

alexander burns

Well, the Sanders theory of the case in 2019 is very similar to what his theory was in 2015 and 2016, which is that if youre running against a candidate and Donald Trump in a political party like the Republican Party that is defined in the eyes of many voters as a party of great wealth and a party that is aligned with powerful corporate interests, you run right at that great wealth and those powerful corporate interests. And 

archived recording (bernie sanders)

We are the wealthiest nation in the history of the world. We should not have a grotesque level of wealth inequality in which three billionaires now own more wealth than the bottom half of the country.

alexander burns

Part of what has won him the passionate following he has is his directness in marshaling peoples sense of political alienation and economic dissatisfaction in a really class-oriented way.

archived recording (bernie sanders)

Our campaign is about creating a government and economy that works for the many, not just the few.

alexander burns

He talks about trying to bring together voters who are economically distressed across lines of geography and culture and race in a way that other candidates dont necessarily.

archived recording (bernie sanders)

I am running for president because the time is long overdue for the United States to join every other major country on earth and guarantee health care to all people as a right, not a privilege, through a Medicare for all single-payer program.

alexander burns

You know, his theory is that if you talk about giving people government-guaranteed health care, that appeals as much to an African-American woman in Los Angeles as it does to a white coal miner in West Virginia. That theory has not really been tested the way Bernie Sanders would like to test it. There is very, very substantial evidence from the last few rounds of national elections that culture is such a dominant force in American elections that I think it does cast some doubt on whether that would work in a general election, because 

archived recording (bernie sanders)

Together, you and I and our 2016 campaign began the political revolution. Now it is time to complete that revolution and implement the vision that we fought for.

alexander burns

You know, hes talking about revolution. Thats the word he uses, and he uses it for a reason.

michael barbaro

So the question here is, can he win a race thats all about class? And will that work? Can he make it all about the 1 percent versus the 99 percent and actually succeed?

alexander burns

Right. And the question is, does the 99 percent see themselves as a coherent entity?

michael barbaro

Right.

alexander burns

Or do other kinds of social and cultural divisions make the aspiration to a cross-racial national workers campaign just sort of a fantasy?

michael barbaro

Right. Wed probably know if there was a 99 percent club of voters that saw itself as one entity waiting to be tapped.

alexander burns

Anytime a politician tells you that 80 percent of people agree strongly with their position on something as sensitive as health care or the bedrock nature of the American economy.

michael barbaro

Theyre estimating.

alexander burns

Theyre estimating.

michael barbaro

So whos next on this Democratic spectrum, remembering that were going kind of left to less left?

alexander burns

Well, a lot of these people are tricky to categorize ideologically. But I think the person you would have to put closest to Bernie Sanders but with some very, very significant philosophical and personal modifications is Elizabeth Warren.

archived recording (elizabeth warren)

The middle-class squeeze is real, and millions of families can barely breathe. It is not right. [CHEERING]

alexander burns

Shes a candidate who is running a populist campaign.

archived recording (elizabeth warren)

Hardworking people are up against a small group that holds far too much power, not just in our economy but also in our democracy.

alexander burns

She is targeting banks, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies.

archived recording (elizabeth warren)

And when giant corporations and their leaders cheat their customers, stomp out their competitors and rob their workers, lets prosecute them. [CHEERING]

alexander burns

But unlike Bernie Sanders, shes very explicit about calling herself a capitalist.

archived recording (elizabeth warren)

We cant afford just to tinker around the edges, a tax credit here, a regulation there. Our fight is for big structural change.

alexander burns

That is a huge tonal and substantive difference from Bernie Sanders. Shes not talking about blowing up and incinerating the entire system and rebuilding it from the ground up. She is talking about using all the levers of power in government to take control of a system that she argues is out of control.

michael barbaro

Right. So cleaning it up, not blowing it up.

alexander burns

Right.

archived recording (elizabeth warren)

We need to change the rules to clean up Washington. End the corruption.

michael barbaro

So in that sense she would be appealing to the Trump voters same desire to drain the swamp.

alexander burns

If there is a drain-the-swamp candidate in the Democratic primary, it is Elizabeth Warren. Corruption is the central theme of her campaign as much as anything else.

archived recording (elizabeth warren)

I have proposed the strongest and most comprehensive anti-corruption laws since Watergate.

alexander burns

But the basic political logic of a Warren campaign is not all that different from the logic of a Sanders campaign. Its about harnessing alienation with the political system. Its about telling people that, yeah, youre right, the economy is rigged and Im going to do something very, very drastic about it.

archived recording (elizabeth warren)

We need to take power in Washington away from the wealthy and well-connected and put it back in the hands of the people, where it belongs.

alexander burns

Her campaign represents, again, not a Sanders-like rejection of whats normal, but definitely a rejection of whats normal.

michael barbaro

So what is the risk of a Warren-like candidate, if, by your description, shes kind of a Democratic Trump-like candidate in her attempts to sell herself as a fixer of a broken system?

alexander burns

There are a couple risks in a Warren candidacy. The biggest one is she is putting, essentially, all her chips on the idea that voters are alienated from the economy and that is going to be the consuming issue for them in this election. Its a bet that people are not just a little bit dissatisfied with how things are working right now, that they are profoundly dissatisfied and that whatever other issues they may care about, its issues about the economy and the power of corporations that matter more than anything else.

michael barbaro

So her focus may be too narrow.

alexander burns

Well, we just dont know what voters are going to care about most a year from now. And in some ways its a daring bet, in some ways its a very risky bet to think that these core issues that have been the issues that have defined your career are going to be the decisive issues first in the primary, then in the general election. Its not that she only talks about these issues, but I was in Iowa with her for a day pretty recently, and the balance of themes related to corruption and corporate power versus all other themes in her stump speech  its just overwhelmingly lopsided.

michael barbaro

Who is in the next band over?

alexander burns

So if you think of Sanders and Warren, who are candidates really preoccupied with economic populism and whose basic campaign bargain is, lets tax the wealthy and go after corporations in order to create new welfare benefits for other people, you then get into this next band of candidates, and theyre a little bit harder to characterize ideologically. Candidates like Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, these are candidates who are all campaigning as liberals and who have endorsed big liberal goals.

archived recording (kamala harris)

I am running to declare education is a fundamental right.

archived recording (kirsten gillibrand)

I believe that health care should be a right and not a privilege.

archived recording (cory booker)

People in America are losing faith that this nation will work for them.

archived recording (kamala harris)

And we will guarantee that right with universal pre-K and debt-free college.

archived recording (kirsten gillibrand)

I believe we should have better public schools, because it shouldnt matter what block you grow up on.

archived recording (cory booker)

My record as a mayor, my record as a senator is fighting those interests that are trying to screw people. And when it comes to defending folks, I will be ferocious.

alexander burns

But they are much more cautious about the way they talk about enacting that change.

archived recording

What is your solution to ensure that people have access to quality health care at an affordable price? And does that solution involve cutting insurance companies, as we know them, out of the equation?

alexander burns

We saw this very memorably with Kamala Harris in her first few days as a candidate when she, first, in a CNN event, endorsed getting rid of the private health care system entirely.

archived recording (kamala harris)

I believe the solution, and I actually feel very strongly about this, is that we need to have Medicare for all. Thats just the bottom line.

alexander burns

The Bernie Sanders-like position. And then 

archived recording

Senator Harris is now backtracking a bit on her call to eliminate private health insurers. Her spokesman tells us she is open to more moderate plans that preserve the private health care industry.

alexander burns

Quickly clarified that she favors any number of ways of getting to universal health care coverage, not necessarily the Bernie Sanders approach. Her signature economic proposal is a big tax cut.

archived recording (kamala harris)

We will deliver the largest working- and middle-class tax cut in a generation. [CHEERING]

alexander burns

Targeted at the middle class, paid for by increasing taxes and changing the kinds of taxes that are applied to much wealthier people.

archived recording (kamala harris)

Well pay for it by reversing this administrations giveaways to the top big corporations and the top 1 percent. [CHEERING]

alexander burns

That is a much more conventional way of thinking about how you gain credibility on the economy.

archived recording (cory booker)

Our planet is in peril and we need to be bold. Its one of the reasons why I signed onto the resolution and co-sponsored the resolution for the Green New Deal.

alexander burns

I think that once you get to Cory Booker, youre even a couple clicks closer to the political center.

archived recording (cory booker)

And theres a lot of people now that are going back on the Green New Deal. Theyre like, oh, its impractical, oh, its too expensive, oh, its all of this. If we used to govern our dreams that way, we would have never gone to the moon. God, thats impractical. You see that ball in the sky?

alexander burns

He endorses the Green New Deal as sort of an aspirational goal, but he doesnt endorse the full program, wouldnt expect to enact it as president.

archived recording (cory booker)

And my parents taught me reach for the moon, reach for the stars even if you come up short, at least youre going to be hovering above the ground. Youll be soaring, young man.

alexander burns

He is somebody who you start to hear speaking in more pragmatic terms about simply what he considers possible in a divided government.

archived recording (cory booker)

And when the planet has been in peril in the past, who came forward to save Earth from the scourge of Nazi and totalitarian regimes? We came forward.

michael barbaro

I imagine that the idea for this group of Democratic candidates is to appeal to every conceivable voter by seeming pragmatic and flexible, a bit malleable. But I imagine that the risk here is gaining a reputation for being inauthentic, maybe even phony.

alexander burns

Yeah. The risk is that you end up trying to be all things to all people and being nothing in particular to anybody. And this is a particularly pointed distinction on economic issues and issues related to inequality and corporate power  that if youre a candidate who talks big on taking on health insurance companies, taking on banks, making sure that the 99 percent start catching up with the 1 percent, people might at some point expect you to propose policy ideas that would actually achieve that outcome. And theres a great risk in being seen as a candidate who endorses a bunch of very grand liberal goals, and then theres always a but.

michael barbaro

Right. Im thinking, of course, of Hillary Clinton taking Wall Street money while calling for Wall Street reform.

alexander burns

If theres one consistent theme weve seen in politics over the last few years in both parties, its the importance of personal and ideological authenticity. And that is something that Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren obviously have in spades. And once you start to get two candidates who are trying to bridge divides in the party, it just becomes more complicated. If you are Donald Trump, what youre hoping for is a Democratic candidate who will either be so far left that they cannot appeal to the middle or a candidate who has tied themselves into an ideological pretzel and who you can just ridicule as inauthentic. I dont think theres anybody in the Democratic race at this point who has reached that pretzel status, but we will see, especially for these candidates who are trying to straddle the left and the center, who are trying to be both revolutionary and exciting and also non-threatening to voters who are more traditional voters, a long primary is going to test whether the core of who they are really fits that description.

michael barbaro

So youre kind of tracking pretzel status. So that leaves us with the actual moderates. And who are they so far?

alexander burns

Well, right now 

archived recording (amy klobuchar)

For too long, leaders in Washington have sat on the sidelines while others tried to figure out what to do about the changing economy and its impact on our lives.

alexander burns

Theres really only one major candidate in the race who is positioning herself very directly as a moderate, and thats Amy Klobuchar. We have seen her, more than any other candidate, willing to just say no to some of the really big liberal trophy ideas, like Medicare for all, like free college.

archived recording

Yes or no. Would you support free college for all?

archived recording (amy klobuchar)

No. I am not for free four-year college for all. No. Thank you.

alexander burns

We have talked about candidates who say yes, but. But shes a candidate who just says no.

archived recording (amy klobuchar)

I wish  if I was a magic genie and could give that to everyone, and we could afford it, I would. Im just trying to find a mix of incentives.

alexander burns

And were going to see whether there is an appetite for that in the Democratic Party, somebody who says, Im just going to level with you. Im not going to do that because I dont think its possible. Here are the things I am going to do.

archived recording (amy klobuchar)

Getting to universal health care and bringing down  bringing down the cost of prescription drugs.

alexander burns

Its a bet that voters will reward candor and realism. Look, if youre Amy Klobuchar, youre taking a big risk on the idea that voters will accept less if they think that they can get it for sure as opposed to promising them more with some uncertainty about whether its achievable.

archived recording

It is time to organize, time to galvanize, time to take back our democracy. Its time, America.

alexander burns

A really significant portion of the Democratic Party self-identifies as moderate  not conservative, but they are suspicious of Medicare for all. They are suspicious of some of the really grand transformational promises that they hear from the more liberal candidates. And right now, if you split up the pie on the left between the candidates weve talked about, there is a big slice of pie left closer to the political center. And Amy Klobuchar is the only person, with the possible exception of Cory Booker, whos going right at it. So the space that shes in could get crowded if suddenly Joe Biden runs and Mike Bloomberg runs and Terry McAuliffe or John Hickenlooper, former governors from Virginia and Colorado, run.

michael barbaro

Then she wont be alone.

alexander burns

That middle space would get real crowded.

michael barbaro

Alex, more broadly, it feels like the risk here in the Democrats building their message and their platforms around the economy and running against President Trump is that the economy is doing pretty well. Isnt it possible that in a year or so, if the economy stays doing this well, that voters are going to look around and see all of the Democratic Party promising to blow things up, and theyre going to think to themselves, I dont want to blow up this system thats working reasonably well for me?

alexander burns

Its entirely possible. And one of the ironies of the race that were seeing so far is Donald Trump as kind of a status quo candidate, as a lets-not-shake-things-up-too-much candidate on the specific issue of the economy. Hes obviously not that kind of candidate or president more generally. But this is also a place where, in some ways, Democrats are taking a lesson from Trumps candidacy in 2016. I think we all remember when Trump was out there talking about make America great again that one of the really big Democratic applause lines was, America is already great. And it turns out that a lot of voters did not agree with that. And the president is counting on that working for him in 2020.

michael barbaro

So make Americas economy greater could basically be the Democratic Party slogan for 2020?

alexander burns

Absolutely. The core of the Democratic message in 2020 will almost certainly be about the economy, unless we have some kind of catastrophic intervening event that nobody is hoping for, and because they feel that the economic message is what was missing last time. They all basically agree with each other, and they all basically agree with Hillary Clinton on social and cultural issues that are at the heart of American politics. And they all disagree strongly with Donald Trump on those issues. Where they dont agree with each other and where the party has not yet found its identity on the national level is on these economic issues.

michael barbaro

And its where they dont know where the country is.

alexander burns

Its where they dont know where a controlling coalition of voters can be found. They know what it looks like to win a midterm election with an economic message. They know what it looks like to lose a presidential election with a weak economic message. They dont yet know what it means to put together a winning message on the economy in the Trump era in a presidential race.

michael barbaro

Alex, thank you very much.

alexander burnsAn independent senator known for his Brooklyn accent. Real change never, ever takes place from the top on down. Populist message. The level of wealth inequality in America is grotesque. And anti-establishment appeal. Establishment Democrats dont generate excitement. Bernie Sanders is jumping into the race for president, again. Hi, Im Bernie Sanders. Im running for president. In the 2016 primaries he pushed a democratic socialist message, and he found a big audience for it. He ultimately came up short. I accept your nomination. But many of his ideas have lived on. In a modern moral and wealthy society, no American should be too poor to live. In 2016, he was the only challenger to the Democratic establishment, but this time around hell be up against a crowded and diverse group of opponents. Some have adopted ideas he made popular in 2016. How do you feel about Medicare for all? Medicare for all. Medicare for all. So what are the issues he made pillars of the progressive agenda? A $15 minimum wage, tuition-free public college and Medicare for all. ... health care is a right, not a privilege. But Sanderss liberal credentials may have taken a hit over his perceived failure to address claims of sexism during his 2016 campaign. He has since apologized. What they experienced was absolutely unacceptable. So how has Sanders taken on President Trump? Hes been one of his most outspoken critics. The most dangerous president in modern American history. Most people who observed him would agree hes a pathological liar. Trump has returned the insults. Crazy Bernie. You know hes always like complaining, complaining, hes jumping around, the hairs going crazy ... lunatic. So what are his chances? Hes near the top of the early polls. Hes got some big advantages over his opponents, including a small-donor fund-raising list, a 50-state organization and fervent supporters. He has major name recognition and knows how to electrify a crowd. We are going to take on the drug companies and their greed and lower the cost of prescription drugs. But he could be up against a base who are looking for a fresh face to take on Trump, even if its on a platform that Bernie built.A live, weakened form of the measles virus is inside the vaccine. The virus is then grown in a culture of salt, vitamins, amino acids and serum from a calf fetus. An extracted serum from human blood plasma called albumin, and an antibiotic, neomycin, along with sugars get added. Gelatin helps stabilize this lab-built version of the natural measles virus that does not act in the same way when a person gets an injection.

When should children be vaccinated?

Children should receive two doses of the vaccine: the first when they are 12 to 15 months old; the second when they are between 4 and 6 years old. If infants who are between 6 and 11 months old are about to travel from the United States to another country, the C.D.C. recommends they receive one dose of the vaccine beforehand.

Can adults get vaccinated?

Its never too late. In fact, if measles is occurring in your community, its a good idea to get vaccinated unless you are sure you have previously received two shots of the M.M.R. vaccine; or youve had all three of the diseases the vaccine protects against (which gives you lifelong immunity, and no booster dose is ever needed); or you were born before 1957. (The vaccine was made available in 1963 and in the decade before that, virtually every child got measles by age 15, so the C.D.C. considers people born before 1957 likely to have had measles as children.)

But people who received the vaccine in the 1960s should consider getting immunized again. One of two vaccines available from 1963-67 was ineffective, the C.D.C. says. The effective vaccine during those years was the live vaccine; the ineffective one was the inactivated or killed vaccine. If youre not sure, consult with your doctor.

You cannot get measles twice. Before 1963, nearly all children developed an immunity simply by contracting and recovering from the disease.

If most people are getting vaccinated, why does it matter if I dont vaccinate my child?

You are probably thinking of the concept of herd immunity, which means that if a large number of people are protected from a disease by a vaccine, the disease will be less likely to circulate, diminishing the risk for people who are unvaccinated. The threshold for herd immunity varies by disease  for a highly contagious disease, a very high percentage of people need to be vaccinated to meet that threshold.A top adviser at the Department of Veterans Affairs, who was an outspoken critic of wasteful practices there before he joined the department, has come under fire for billing the government for the cost of commuting between the departments headquarters in Washington and his home in California.

The adviser, Darin Selnick, who is spearheading a controversial plan to shift billions of dollars from government-run veterans hospitals to private health care providers, spent more than $13,000 on his bicoastal commute in three months, including airfare, hotel stays and other outlays, according to expense reports published by the nonprofit news organization ProPublica.

Federal regulations generally do not allow reimbursement for travel between officials homes and their regular duty stations.

On Wednesday, the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Mark Takano, Democrat of California, sent a letter to the secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie, saying that the money appeared to have been spent improperly, and may have to be repaid.Good morning.

(Heres the sign-up, if you dont already get California Today by email.)

If you werent already confused about the status of Californias controversial bullet train after Gov. Gavin Newsoms State of the State address, you might be soon.

During his speech last week, the governor said the high-speed rail network as it was initially envisioned  as a link between Los Angeles and the Bay Area  was taking too long and costing too much. So, he announced, the project would be scaled back for the time being, instead stretching from Bakersfield to Merced.

Eventually, Mr. Newsom backtracked and blamed the news media for overstating the change of plan.

But not before President Trump seized the opportunity to hammer a favorite target, tweeting that California has been forced to cancel the massive bullet train project, and saying that the federal government wanted back $3.5 billion.

(Read more about the long-running debate over Californias bullet train here.)

That was a week ago, before a new battle between the president and the Golden State took shape. This time, it was over Mr. Trumps declaration of a national emergency on the border in order to access more money for a border wall. California and 15 other states sued, arguing that the move was an illegal way of diverting funds that Congress designated for other things.And here is where I must warn you, dear readers, that while I always try to honor the Code of the Spoilers, there are certain aspects of this production that are revealed only by degrees. But to appreciate the greatness of Ms. Washburns accomplishment  and, yes, I just used the g word  you need to know about whats waiting for you here in the blackest midnight of these characters souls.

Granted, there are visible clues as soon as you step into the Almeida. At the dead center of the theater is an immense, battered round table, with many, many chairs pulled up to it. It may be that you, as an audience member, will be seated in one of them. And if you are among such an elect, there may come a time when you may no longer recognize yourself, or those seated beside you. (This might be the point to mention that the gobsmacking surprises of decor and attire are by the set designer, Miriam Buether, and Fly Davis, who did the costumes.)

But there, Ive said too much. Whats on entirely open view from the beginning is a totem pole and a huge animal hide (presumably a bears) nailed to the wall. Clearly, something primeval is on the prowl. And as the night wears on, and people get drunker and wearier and more wired, their imaginations will take them into a land that is sacred and profane, apocalyptic and eternal, where a gold-skinned god with a New Yawk accent tempts a man who believes in the sacredness of the constitution, and the institutions it protects.

The name of the man being tempted is  Well, if youve paid attention from the beginning, youll know its that same public servant who appeared to us  fleetingly, parenthetically  in the very first scene.

From the beginning you will also become acquainted with several other, seemingly irrelevant characters, the last previous tenants of this farmhouse: a father, a mother and their adopted Nigerian son. Pay close attention to that young man, whose name is Mark (the quietly charismatic Fisayo Akinade), for he holds the key to the plays ultimate secret. Hint: it is not a political secret, or not exactly.

For as in her fabulous Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play  which traced the evolution of an episode from The Simpsons into a heroic, Homeric narrative for a Dark Ages of the future  Ms. Washburn is pondering our atavistic hunger to tell stories to make sense out of life. And she knows that when characters like those of Shipwreck are faced with what seems inexplicable to them, their so-called enlightened minds may find themselves wandering into primal, mythic realms  where there be dragons and demons and amoral Dionysiac gods.SEATTLE  A group of hackers associated with Russian intelligence targeted civil society groups across Europe ahead of May elections there, Microsoft said on Tuesday.

The attacks, disclosed by Microsoft in a blog post, demonstrate the continuing spread of a broad online campaign aimed at disrupting real and potential political opponents of Russias president, Vladimir V. Putin. The company said it had found that hackers targeted more than 100 email accounts at think tanks and nongovernmental organizations that work on issues including election security, nuclear policy and foreign relations.

Microsoft didnt address what country the attacks came from, but it blamed a group of hackers sometimes called Fancy Bear. Online security companies have identified Fancy Bear as a Russian group, and it is widely believed to be tied to Russian intelligence.

Fancy Bear was involved in the 2016 hacking of the Democratic National Committee in the United States, according to the party and security researchers. Last year, the American authorities indicted 12 Russian intelligence officers related to the hacks of the party headquarters and the Clinton presidential campaign.SAN FRANCISCO  Its hard to imagine how smartphones could get much better. Most are already zippy and equipped with jumbo screens, powerful cameras and face scanners.

So what else can we look forward to?

It turns out, plenty. For a peek at the future of the phone, look to Samsung, the worlds largest handset maker. On Wednesday, the South Korean company showed off a family of four new Galaxy phones that incorporate new technologies and features that may start spreading to other smartphones.

Of the four new devices, one will work on next-generation ultrafast 5G cellular networks, which means it can download a movie in seconds rather than minutes. Three of the models will have slightly larger screens and more complex camera systems than their predecessors.

And Samsung is also teasing a fifth device that can be folded and unfolded like a book to decrease or increase the phones screen size to suit its owner. It is expected to be available in the United States on April 26 and in Europe on May 3.Scientists and educators in Hong Kong and Macao expressed high expectations for cross-boundary cooperation in research, innovation and nurturing talent, as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area entered a new development phase.

They made the remarks the day after the release of a development outline for the area. The outline encourages the region's educational institutions to strengthen collaboration in scientific research and talent exchanges, with the aim of turning the region into an education and talent hub.

The plan will strengthen Hong Kong's role in the region's science and technology development and facilitate the channeling of more talent and resources from the city into innovation-driven development, leading Hong Kong scientist Nancy Ip Yuk-yu said.

Ip, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, told China Daily that she believes more specific measures and cooperative mechanisms in science and technology will be rolled out.

The Greater Bay Area development plan will coordinate and optimize sci-tech resources across the 11-city cluster and stimulate cross-boundary cooperation for scientific innovation and breakthroughs, she said.

Universities and research institutes in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be more proactive in participating in the country's innovation and technology development, said Ip, who is also vice-president for Research and Graduate Studies at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, associate dean for research on the Faculty of Medicine at Chinese University of Hong Kong, said that with the support of the bay area, universities in Hong Kong will be able to access more resources and share with partner institutions on the Chinese mainland. Lo looked forward to the possibility of carrying out large-scale joint research programs with counterparts in the region.

The development outline supports researchers in studying and formulating plans for cross-border use of medical data and biological samples, such as blood, necessary for cooperative research. Lo, a chemical pathology expert, welcomed the policy and said he looks forward to its implementation with more concrete measures.

By sharing DNA samples and genetic data across boundaries, scientists will be able to overcome existing limitations and push research forward in the field, Lo said.

Yeh Gar-on, a senior urban planner and a senior professor in Hong Kong University's Department of Urban Planning and Design, said the plan offers new opportunities for technological collaboration between Hong Kong and the mainland.

He said that Hong Kong's scientific institutions, which have extensive international connections, play a leading role in research fields such as biotechnology and chemistry.

He said that to transform the Greater Bay Area into an innovation and technology hub, more cities have ramped up their efforts, including Dongguan, a manufacturing powerhouse that's focused on a tech-driven economy.

Yeh also encouraged Hong Kong's scientific institutions to strengthen collaboration with mainland enterprises to help commercialize scientific outcomes and suggested that Hong Kong invest more in research and development to seize opportunities offered by the Greater Bay Area, as well as in a series of efforts by the central government to boost the city's technological development.

In a statement issued after the bay area's development outline was unveiled, the University of Hong Kong said the promulgation of the plan will offer opportunities for the university to scale up and expand the scope of education and research.

With the aim of turning the region into a world-class knowledge powerhouse, the university believes the plan will promote academic and business collaboration in the region, the statement said. It will also provide a richer and more diverse learning experience for students, it said.

The university has established a cross-disciplinary task force to explore education and research opportunities and will hold discussions with stakeholders in the region, including government officials, educators and researchers.

Yao Jingming, head of the University of Macau's Department of Portuguese, said cross-boundary educational cooperation will contribute to the cultivation of bilingual people who are proficient in Chinese and Portuguese. In turn, that will help the Macao SAR play its role in promoting economic cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, Yao said.How do New York Times journalists use technology in their jobs and in their personal lives? Isabella Kwai, a correspondent in Sydney, Australia, discussed the tech shes using.

What are the most important tech tools for doing your job, and how do you use them?

At this point, my iPhone 6S is basically another limb. We dont have desk phones in our bureau and everyone bounces around, so it pays to be as mobile as possible. I have Slack, Google Hangouts and the Google Docs app downloaded on my phone. Ill also take pictures and videos to remind me of scenes when Im reporting a feature. Ill use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to both share our bureaus stories and find potential ones.

It looks like Apple doesnt even sell the iPhone 6S anymore. They want us to upgrade. But its been only a few years, so I refuse.

I still keep a notebook on hand that Ill occasionally use. But to be honest, I have atrocious handwriting, and deciphering it is arduous. Instead, I use the Notes app. I find it easier to write up thoughts and notes that way  though once, it did freak out a source, who asked me how I was able to type and look her in the eye. (Disturbingly agile millennial thumbs is how.)Born in Biella, a mountainous province in northern Italy known for its fine wool, Alessandro Sartori grew up just a few miles from the fabric mill where, half a century earlier, Ermenegildo Zegna  the Italian luxury house of which Sartori is now artistic director  got its start. His father designed mechanical looms, while his mother ran a tailoring shop. I remember being just 3 or 4 and watching in awe as she altered wedding dresses and winter coats, he says. Being surrounded by sketches and patterns and fittings has always felt like my most natural habitat. As a teenager in the late 80s, he studied textile engineering and joined Zegna soon after, working first as a product designer and later as the director of the brands sporty Z Zegna diffusion line. Following a hiatus at Berluti, he returned to the fourth-generation family-owned company in 2016 in his current role and began deconstructing the rigid, traditional dress codes to which it had long adhered.

The new generation doesnt want the same old stiff suit their father wore; they want a totally personalized silhouette, says the designer, 52. Nowadays, you mostly see formal suiting at funerals and in court. Instead, Sartori champions technical rigor  hes pioneered high-performance materials including crease-free and machine-washable wools  and the concept of an infinitely modular wardrobe. As he sees it, his ultralightweight anoraks, leather-mesh sweatshirts and utilitarian bombers can just as easily be paired with high-waisted double-pleat trousers as with track pants that cleverly unzip into shorts; he also makes topcoats and button-downs with interchangeable collars and detachable French cuffs. In an era thats embracing the Silicon Valley hoodie-and-sneaker office look, mens wear needs to be malleable, he says, adding, a heritage brand may as well be declared dead the moment it stops evolving.Whats black, white and striped all over  except for its head?

Horses wearing zebra coats on a farm in Britain.

The animals werent attending a masquerade. They were dressed for studies investigating a mystery that has puzzled scientists for more than a century.

With solid coats of brown or gray, most mammals are pretty boring, said Tim Caro, who studies animal coloration at the University of California, Davis, and a co-author of a study published on Wednesday in PLOS One. So when you see these bold patterns like on a giraffe or zebra, as a biologist you say, Why?

At least since the days when Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace were theorizing about evolution, scientists have debated the function of this sassy animal print. Its been called camouflage to confuse big predators, an identity signal to other zebras and a kind of wearable air conditioner. Now most scientists agree that the function of a zebras stripes is to ward off biting flies that can carry deadly diseases.Its time to add one more tiny moon to Neptunes icy family tree. Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have spied a previously undetected satellite around the solar systems eighth planet, bringing its total number to 14.

The discovery, formally reported Wednesday in Nature, is a stark reminder that there is much more to be found in our own backyard, with implications for our understanding of worlds around other stars in our galaxy.

I think people have the impression that we know everything there is to know about the moons of Jupiter, the moons of Saturn, the moons of Uranus and the moons of Neptune  but we dont really, said Anne Verbiscer, a planetary scientist at the University of Virginia, who was not involved in the recent discovery. We havent found everything.

[Sign up to get reminders for space and astronomy events on your calendar.]

Thats especially true for Uranus and Neptune, which are known as the ice giants. While every other planet in our solar system has been poked and prodded by multiple spacecraft, these two remain largely unexplored. Voyager 2 did swing past Neptune 30 years ago  shooting images that revealed rings, six new moons and its dynamic blue globe. But the spacecraft was moving too fast and was limited by technology designed in the 1970s.One is the sheer magnitude of the underrepresentation of black academics in research math. According to the American Mathematical Society, there are 1,769 tenured mathematicians at the math departments of the 50 United States universities that produce the most math Ph.D.s. No one tallies the number of black mathematicians in those departments, but as best I can tell, there are 13. That comes to seven-tenths of 1 percent of the total  perhaps as far as any job classification gets from accurately reflecting the share of black Americans in the general adult population, which stands at 13 percent.

Maybe it seems like splitting already ludicrously fine hairs, but in biomedicine, the share of black scientists who receive major research grants from the National Institutes of Health (1.4 percent) is about twice as high as the share of black mathematicians on the tenured faculty of top United States math departments. The share of employees at Facebook who are black (4 percent) is roughly six times higher; the share of black graduates from United States medical schools (6 percent), nine times higher. Among the film and television agents at Hollywoods top four talent agencies, according to a recent New York Times article, black agents number in the dozens, which makes their share roughly eight times that of the black mathematicians.

To say that I feel isolated is an understatement, Dr. Goins wrote.

Then there is the cost of that underrepresentation to the public. In the private sector, shareholders bear the opportunity lost by excluding demographic groups. But mathematics research is funded largely by taxpayers. Federal agencies distributed some $350 million in grants to American universities for basic math research alone in 2016. And math  the queen of the sciences, as the 19th-century mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss is said to have labeled his discipline  underpins virtually all of the tens of billions of dollars worth of basic science research that Americans support each year.

How much further forward might mathematics have gotten today, Richard Taylor, a prominent (white) mathematician at Stanford, wrote in an email, if we had attracted that talent? I was going to watch the State of the Union speech the other week, honest I was, but I have this new policy of only screaming into my pillow once a day, so it didnt pan out.

Instead, I figured Id watch some cartoons, but even there I ran into the fundamental problem of our age: Everything reminds me of Himself. Pepe Le Pew: Donald Trump. Wile E. Coyote: Donald Trump. Foghorn Leghorn: Well, you get the idea.

So instead I streamed the new BBC/Amazon version of King Lear. Surely, I thought, Shakespeares tragedy would provide me with the escape I needed, although to be honest whenever I see Anthony Hopkins I start getting the traditional heebie-jeebies about fava beans and Chianti. The Silence of the Lambs, alas, is one of the most transphobic films ever made, but what the heck: Id try to look past this, if only Sir Anthony would help me forget that a man who cannot spell unprecedented is the leader of the free world.

(And dont @ me about how much you love The Silence of the Lambs. If you were a transgender person, you would feel different.)When I saw the movie Roma, I saw myself. And I said, this is what I do. This is my life. Even though the movie was set in the 1970s in Mexico, I am one of over two million domestic workers who face similar struggles in the United States today. Roma is sparking a much-needed conversation about the value of domestic work. The reality is, one in four domestic workers live in poverty because were excluded from minimum wage and overtime protections. We suffer abuse from employers behind closed doors because we have been excluded from the basic workplace protection against discrimination and sexual harassment. This is 2019, America. Its time for change. [big band music] These injustices are rooted in the legacy of slavery. In the 1930s, when other workers were gaining labor protection under the New Deal  A guarantee to labor, adequate pay, and proper conditions of work  lawmakers in the South specifically excluded domestic workers from those labor rights. They didnt want to give an inch to their own black employees, and they didnt see womens work in the home as being real work. And as for coloring, Ive been a nanny for over 18 years. I migrated from St. Lucia, where I worked with the attorney general. Careful. I was hired to take care of the children, but I had to clean the bathrooms, I had to dust, I had to mop with no extra pay. Years ago, one of my employers left dog poop for me to pick up. I said, no. This has gone far enough. I continued speaking up. And eventually, I was fired. Theres a scene in the movie Roma that spoke to me, the scene where the familys at the beach. The main character, Cleo, the domestic worker, cannot swim. But when the children strayed too far into the ocean, she didnt think for one second. She went in after them to save them. She put her life on the line. I put my life on hold. I didnt have kids to take care of the kids of the families I worked with. The 1930s are over. [chanting] Were calling on Congress to pass the first national bill of rights for domestic workers. We wont wait. It provides us with safe and healthy working conditions, paid sick leave, paid overtime, freedom from sexual harassment and discrimination, fair scheduling practices, and more. Weve already passed laws like this in eight states and the city of Seattle. To those watching from Congress, I urge you to follow the lead of Senator Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who are cosponsoring the first national bill. Think back to the domestic worker that raised you, the domestic worker thats currently cleaning your home and watching your kids. They are the ones that make it possible for you to go to work. Think about how you would feel going into work with no worker rights.MOSUL, Iraq  Sitting in a room in a burned-out house here in 2017, a group of Iraqi Special Operations Forces soldiers and I watched with surprise as two Islamic State fighters appeared on the live video feed of a security camera. The two fighters were preparing to fire a rocket-propelled grenade in our direction. But instead of the usual bearded men with long hair, the fighters, clad in black abayas and niqabs, appeared to be women.

As it has lost power and land over the past year and a half or so, the Islamic State has quietly shifted from insistence on a strict gender hierarchy to allowing, even celebrating, female participation in military roles. Its impossible to quantify just how many women are fighting for the group. Still, interviews with police forces in Mosul suggest theyve become a regular presence that no longer surprises, as it did two years ago. After ISIS fell in Mosul, we are worried about ISIS females more and more, Mosuls mayor, Zuhair Muhsin Mohammed al-Araji, told me this month.

Islamic State propaganda over the past few years has hinted at and laid the groundwork for this change: In October 2017, the movements newspaper called on women to prepare for battle; by early last year, the group was openly praising its female fighters in a video that showed a woman wielding an AK-47, the narration describing the chaste mujahed woman journeying to her Lord with the garments of purity and faith, seeking revenge for her religion and for the honor of her sisters.

And if by some measures, the rise of women as combatants represents a significant shift in a group notorious for its strict gender roles and misogyny  in the caliphate, men were supposed to fight, while women were supposed to stay home and raise as many children as possible  by other measures, the change is not as startling as it seems. The women once married to Islamic State militants who are now seeking to return to the West may claim to have simply been housewives, but from the beginnings of the group, some women were more radical than their husbands. One former fighter from Dagestan told me he knew of women insisting that their husband or sons join the terrorist group. He also knew of women who did not want to marry anyone other than front-line fighters because they wanted to be a true mujahedeen family.We have also learned that there is strength in numbers. Miami can access a wealth of resources, including sea level rise projections, thanks to its membership in regional bodies like the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact. The city has also gained a broader perspective on urban resilience challenges and approaches by joining global networks such as the Global Commission on Climate Adaptation, where we both serve as board members, and 100 Resilient Cities.

Finally, we have learned that effective adaptation is a collective endeavor. It requires a holistic, long-term approach that takes into account the needs of our citizens today and in the future. This requires robust and meticulous long-term planning, informed investment in resilient infrastructure, adapting land use and building policies to address the climate challenge, advancing new transportation solutions, educating and informing citizens about climate change, training and mobilizing volunteers during emergencies, informing private property owners of climate risks, and forging partnerships with research institutions and business innovators. As this long list makes clear, there isnt a single aspect of our daily lives that isnt affected by climate change.

Perhaps one of the reasons there is so little investment in adaptation is the lack of financial incentives. Unlike a wind farm, for example, that can earn a steady return for investors, the monetary benefits of adaptation are less straightforward. Investing in resilience protects businesses and communities from devastating losses, so it must be measured in the lives saved and businesses that remain open. We are only now learning how to quantify these benefits to communities. Floridas Division of Emergency Management, for example, calculated that projects to reduce wind and water damage avoided $81 million in losses when Hurricane Matthew struck in 2016, while costing only $19 million to carry out. The projects included raising buildings, improving drainage, and buying and demolishing properties in vulnerable areas.

That is why leadership, particularly from city governments like Miamis, is so important in driving investment in adaptation. After Hurricane Irma in September 2017  one of the costliest in United States history, leaving a $50 billion trail of destruction  there was both a moral and a fiscal obligation to act. Thats why two months later, Miami voters approved the $400 million Miami Forever Bond.For decades, Dr. Packer ran the Serengeti Lion Project in Tanzania and lobbied for greater oversight of the countrys hunting industry. His tenure ended in 2014 when Tanzanian wildlife officials barred him from the country, citing derogatory statements he made about the industry in an email. Months later, the killing of a beloved lion named Cecil by an American tourist in Zimbabwe set off a firestorm over the ethics of big-game hunting. But while the debate that ensued attracted global attention, it failed to address a fundamental challenge: If African wildlife cant pay its own way, who will?

The answer, increasingly, is whats known as collaborative management. More and more, African wildlife authorities are partnering with nonprofit organizations to secure ecologically valuable landscapes. And as these public-private ventures have in recent years proliferated across the continent, theyve channeled philanthropic capital to conservation efforts on an extraordinary scale.

The use of philanthropy to support conservation is hardly a new phenomenon; many of Americas most iconic protected areas owe their existence, in part or in whole, to gifts of land and money. But while governance and operations have long been the exclusive domain of the state, new collaborative management models take a hybrid approach, using private resources and technical expertise to protect and expand lands held by the government while restoring native habitat and rebuilding populations of wildlife.

One prominent example of such a philanthropy is the American Prairie Reserve, a nonprofit that raises private funds to stitch together more than three million acres of existing public lands across Montanas northern Great Plains. Theres also Tompkins Conservation, a group founded by the American philanthropist Kristine McDivitt Tompkins and her husband, Douglas, to create national parks and restore ecosystems in Chile and Argentina. The groups donation of more than a million acres of restored conservation land to the government of Chile prompted the creation last year of five new national parks and the expansion of three others.

Nowhere are the stakes higher, though, than in Africa, home to the worlds largest intact ecosystems, close to a quarter of global biodiversity and some of the planets highest rates of human population growth.

People all over the world enjoy African wildlife, but for those who live next to these animals, its a daily challenge, I was told by Mujon Baghai, an independent researcher and the leading author of a recent study of protected areas in Africa. Their crops get raided, their livestock may get eaten, and they forgo opportunities to use the land in other ways, she said. The international community has a responsibility to help preserve these wild places and to do in ways that ensure local communities benefit.

In the study, Ms. Baghai and her colleagues examined the strengths and weaknesses of various partnership models. By far the most successful are those that are long-term, she said. Projects like Gorongosa in Mozambique and, on a much larger scale, African Parks.This fear has been reinforced by the Talibans statement at the Moscow talks, which demanded the Constitution of the country must be revised.

Yet a Taliban leader claimed in Moscow that his group will not stop Afghan women from going to schools, universities and work. According to Afghan women who attended the Moscow talks, the Taliban told them a woman can serve in a political position but cannot become president.

Ghizaal Haress, a commissioner at the Independent Commission for Overseeing the Implementation of the Constitution, thinks it is imperative that these constitutional rights are not compromised during the peace negotiations, as there has been a broad social and political consensus around the Constitution.

There is a growing sense among Afghans that their concerns have remained secondary in United States-Taliban talks. For Shaharzad Akbar, a political activist in Kabul, for example, the talks would be successful if they lead to direct negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan stakeholders  government, political parties, civil society, women, youth and representatives of the victims of conflict.

These talks should concern not only the constitution but also the Talibans transition to a political movement and the disarmament of their militants, transitional justice and postwar development.

In light of these demands, any withdrawal of foreign troops must be gradual, linked to the capacity of Afghan security forces to mitigate risks that emanate from potential factions of the Taliban who might disagree with a peace deal and from other regional and international terrorist groups.

The exit strategy must also be aligned with Afghanistans development priorities in infrastructure, agriculture, extractive industries, and private sector and human capital development, to help generate greater revenue, continue delivering services and create long-term jobs.Dr. Rubins writing was self-reflective and unflinching. In Love Me, Love My Fool (1976), he wrote, I must learn to love the fool in me  the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries.

Joann Gerardi, an analyst in private practice in New York, said of Dr. Rubin in a phone interview: He wrote in a way that was clear, that grabbed people and took them along, and that could be understood by readers outside of psychology. But those of us who were in psychology and psychiatry also learned a great deal from him.

He added to the psychoanalytic literature in 1975 with his book Compassion and Self-Hate. For many analysts, self-hatred was a concept centered on the loathing, put-downs and recriminations people turn on themselves. Dr. Rubin argued that the category should be expanded, to include any attempt to deny or forcibly undo uncomfortable emotions like sadness, grief or anger. Those are also attacks on the self, he wrote, and compassion for oneself is the healthy way to resolve them.

His great skill was to be able to make rather difficult concepts come alive in everyday words, and to create a sense of generous compassion for the characters in his books with mental illness, said Dr. Doug Ingram, a clinical professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College. He wanted so much to convey the sense that the person you find yourself to be is a solid, good person.

Dr. Rubin was born in Brooklyn on April 11, 1923, the second child of Nathan Rubin, a pharmacist, and Esther (Marcus) Rubin, who ran the household.

In addition to his son Jeffrey, a psychiatrist, he is survived by two other children, Dr. Trudy Rubin and Dr. Eugene Rubin, also psychiatrists; six grandchildren; and a great-grandson. His older sister, Blanche, died in 2005; his wife, Eleanor (Katz) Rubin, died in 2017.I wanted him to help me organize, she said in 1995 in an interview for Georgia State Universitys Voices of Labor Oral History Project.

His answer: You do it.

Bolden didnt need much encouraging. She knew the grueling life of a domestic worker well, having started at a young age by helping her mother, who held the same job.

On a typical day, she would get up at 4 a.m. to leave home by 6 a.m., and be on the job by 8 a.m., perform all those duties necessary to the proper management of a household for eight hours, leave there by 4 p.m. to be home by 6 p.m. where I would do the same things Ive done all over again for my own family, she was quoted as saying in the book Household Workers Unite: The Untold Story of African American Women Who Built a Movement (2015) by Premilla Nadasen.

She was unabashedly proud of being a domestic worker, and often spoke about the roles importance.

A domestic worker is a counselor, a doctor, a nurse, Bolden said in a supplement to The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution in 1983. She cares about the family she works for as she cares about her own.

And yet, she said, domestic workers have never been recognized as part of the labor force.

Bolden, who commuted on the buses every day, knew that they were safe spaces where poor women could share grievances and concerns, trade stories of abuse, exchange information about wages and workload and learn about their rights, Prof. Nadasen, a history professor at Barnard College, wrote in Household Workers Unite.

To galvanize support, Bolden rode every city bus line and spoke to hundreds of maids, she wrote.

Bolden was well aware of the role that buses had played in the civil rights movement. In her Voices of Labor interview, she remembered watching television coverage of Rosa Parks after Parks refused to yield her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Ala., in 1955.

I was telling her to sit there, Bolden recounted 40 years later in the oral history. I know she couldnt hear me, but I said Sit down honey, dont move. Among his opponents were Elmer Carter, a Republican member of the states new Commission Against Discrimination, and Andronicus Jacobs, a longshoreman whod fought to secure equal pay and benefits for black dock workers and ran on the American Labor Party ticket.

Born in St. Lucia, Mr. Jack immigrated to the United States as a teenager in 1923. He started out sweeping floors in a box factory while taking night classes before going on to N.Y.U. Along the way, he took an interest in politics, and began canvassing for the Democrats in Harlem.

As a dutiful Catholic and longtime party organizer, Mr. Jack was an apt choice as Tammanys candidate by 1953. He also had a distinguished record as one of the first black lawmakers from Harlem elected to the State Assembly, starting in 1940. He voted along the Tammany line. But he also emerged as a consistent and cleareyed advocate for bills aimed at dismantling segregation and discrimination in housing, education and policing. In 1945, he helped pass a bill that made New York the first state to bar race and religious discrimination in employment.

Mr. Jacks daily and long-term work in the borough office  whether turning vacant lots into playgrounds or supporting selective slum clearance instead of wholesale demolition  often focused on issues affecting working-class residents. He ultimately opposed Robert Moses ill-fated expressway across Lower Manhattan, which many now agree would have irretrievably altered the city. But he also helped facilitate Mr. Moses grand plan for Lincoln Center, insisting on a fairer timeline for relocating residents of the neighborhood.

He also kept a high profile amid national and international personalities: In photos from those years, he can be seen shoulder to shoulder with people like Mr. Moses, John F. Kennedy and Mayor Robert Wagner, and while in office he met with African leaders including the prime minister of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, and the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie. He became a symbol to the rest of the world that a black man could rise to such a station.Charging motorists a fee to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, and using the money to fund mass transit, is an idea whose time has come, Governor Cuomo said two years ago.

Despite that declaration, the Republicans who then controlled the State Senate refused to vote on congestion pricing. The proposal died.

But Democrats took control of the State Senate last month, and they back the idea. So now, supporters of congestion pricing are mobilizing in ways they havent before. Heres how:

Mr. Cuomo is a driving force.

The governor has been criticized for the problems plaguing the subways. He, in turn, has argued that congestion pricing can help pay for improvements. If lawmakers dont pass congestion pricing, he has said, subway riders might see a fare increase.

The M.T.A. is on board.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials are conducting a listening tour of state lawmakers, said Kathryn Wylde, the president and chief executive of the Partnership for New York City, a business group. Advocates said lawmakers and their constituents were more likely to support congestion pricing if they learned about how the money would be used.

Campaigns are mobilizing.

At least two groups  Fix Our Transit and #FixTheSubway  are rallying labor, immigrant, business and civic organizations. But opposition exists, and it includes some lawmakers representing suburban residents who rely on cars and would pay more to enter the busiest parts of Manhattan.After it passed, Catholic officials were among those praising it. Their witness has moved us all, a statement from the states bishops, led by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the archbishop of New York, said, referring to the victims who had shared their stories. We renew our commitment to combating the monstrous crime of childhood sexual abuse and helping all survivors find recourse and reconciliation as they heal.

But the statement belied the years of animosity that had swirled around the debate.

The Catholic Church was not alone in its opposition. The American Insurance Association and the Boy Scouts of America hired lobbyists to quietly campaign against it, and Orthodox Jewish groups also resisted the bill. The dissent was centered in large part on the look-back window.

This extraordinary provision, the New York Catholic Conference said in testimony submitted to the Legislature last year, would force institutions to defend alleged conduct decades ago about which they have no knowledge and in which they had no role, potentially involving employees long retired, dead or infirm, based on information long lost, if it ever existed.

Still, the legislative fight often narrowed into a showdown between Ms. Markey and the church.

People she had known from the familys parish called her, saying she was hurting the church, her family said. Her political opponents called her anti-Catholic.

When the Catholic Conference put out statements denouncing the legislation they called her out by name, saying she was promoting a bill to make it easier for sexual abuse victims to sue almost anyone  except public schools.

A sons pain, a mothers purpose

Ms. Markeys career in politics started with a traffic light. Drivers would fly down the street in front of the familys home in Maspeth, Queens; she petitioned local officials to install a light, her family said. Then, she pushed for another one.

Before she was elected to the Assembly in 1998, she served on community boards in Queens and helped start Maspeth Town Hall, a community center. She also worked for the former borough president, Claire Shulman.The writer-director Sofia Coppola, fortunes child, is blessed and cursed for reasons beyond her control. Is it an advantage or disadvantage to have a supportive, larger-than-life father who is a world-famous filmmaker?

While its no stretch to rank Coppola alongside Kathryn Bigelow as the two women with the most longevity on the movie industrys A-list, it should be noted that on the basis of six features shes directed since 1999, shes also the most celebrated American filmmaker under 50. (Paul Thomas Anderson is the only other contender.)

She won an Oscar for writing Lost in Translation and a New York Film Critics Circle award for directing it. She received the Gold Lion award at the 2010 Venice Film Festival for Somewhere and was named best director at Cannes for her 2017 remake of The Beguiled, the dark comedy of manners she fashioned from Don Siegels overwrought male gothic.

Coppola is a true auteur  a filmmaker with a distinct worldview and sensibility and a personal set of quasi-autobiographical interests. Where Bigelow works in genres that have up to now been dominated by men, Coppolas are, to use her own term, girlie. Her protagonists are generally strong-willed women, whether as individuals (Marie Antoinette) or in groups (The Virgin Suicides, The Bling Ring, The Beguiled) or as part of an older man-younger woman pairing (Lost in Translation, Somewhere). Drawn to father-daughter situations, she is at work on another  her current project, On the Rocks, is about a young mother (Rashida Jones, daughter of Quincy Jones) reconnecting with her playboy father (Bill Murray).For example, one student who was reading David Brooks chose his column Two Cheers for Feminism! and explored what we can do to relieve the effects of toxic masculinity and encourage empathy and connections. She came to three conclusions: focus on teaching, focus on treatment and focus on destigmatizing male emotions.

 In my A.P. English Language and Composition class, students read a column and identify the writers argument and overall effectiveness, as well as explore the rhetorical strategies the writer used to achieve his or her purpose. In my literature-based classes, students instead identify a writers claim and the evidence he or she uses to support it. As an added feature, I have my students post their work to a discussion thread, read through their classmates responses, and reflect on two or three other columns and reactions.

Here are two student examples, one from my A.P. class and one from my literature class.

First, an excerpt from a student analysis of Gail Collinss effective rhetoric in The Sunny Side of the Senate. (You can find the students full response here.)

Collins uses humor as a way to build an emotional connection with the reader, therefore employing pathos. While the article discusses sexual assault, a rather dark and heavy topic, the conversational tone and breaks of humor not only add brief levity when needed but also show the reader that the author is just like us. An example of this can be seen when Collins states, in paragraph five, Stop throwing fruit at me  Although hey  that apple looks very tasty. After just stating her opinion  that she feels the Senate members really failed during the trial this week  Collins acknowledges that her opinion is a bit controversial, showing the general public throwing fruit at her and her ideas. Yet, this also shows the audience that she is able to acknowledge the controversy that comes with her argument, while also being able to make fun of herself.

In this one, we go back to Ms. Dowd to see how another student sums up her argument in Sick to Your Stomach? #MeToo. (You can find the full response here.)

Dowd makes the argument that despite all the progress women have made from the time of the Anita Hill vs. Clarence Thomas sexual assault case to now, when Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh have found themselves in a parallel situation, it is a shame that we see such an event repeating itself. She describes the factors and key people and events in the Hill/Thomas case, clearly siding with Hill. After carefully analyzing what she views as injustices to Hill during Thomass trial, she brings in the more recent conflict: Ford vs. Kavanaugh, which she reminds readers is happening shortly after a surge in the #MeToo movement. And, although we are supposed to be progressing as a nation after this, Dowd argues that even though we remember the events that occurred during Thomass trial, we seem doomed to repeat it.

___________

A Summer Project that Became a Yearlong InquiryWhat do you think about the practice of online public shaming? Do you think we are too quick to condemn people and organizations on the internet? Or is engaging in criticism an essential part of digital citizenship today?

Have you ever participated in a social media pile on or been the subject of one? If so, what was it like and how did it make you feel?

In Esquires Cover Boy and Our Culture of Shame, Robyn Kanner writes about the practice of digital shaming. In 2004, as a teenager growing up in a small town in Maine, she campaigned for George W. Bush. Fifteen years later, Ms. Kanner  a trans woman living in Brooklyn, with Infinite Jest on my nightstand and This Is America on repeat  says her views have changed drastically:

I voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, and for Hillary Clinton in 2016. I believe that every person in America deserves health care. I dont think were paying enough attention to the destructive damages of addiction. Im terrified of climate change and believe we should end the use of fossil fuels. All my friends are gay. Still, I harbor an intense fear that part of my past will be used to invalidate the person I am now. Im afraid of what my friends would think of my campaigning for Mr. Bush. Would I lose their trust? Would they fear that I secretly support war or xenophobic views? Would they believe me if I told them that campaigning for Mr. Bush was one impolitic moment on a long journey of understanding who I am? Things are far worse for Americans younger than me  those who dont know a world without the internet. The one on my mind this week is Ryan Morgan, a 17-year-old from West Bend, Wis. Hes the cover boy of the latest issue of Esquire  the subject of a story called An American Boy by Jennifer Percy. Morgan is a white, middle-class teenager growing up in a conservative home with parents who support President Trump. Hes a sneakerhead who loves video games and the Green Bay Packers. He hates how politics are dividing his friendships. Last year was really bad. he tells Esquire. I couldnt say anything without pissing someone off. In Wisconsin, white people account for 87.3 percent of the population. In the 2016 election, President Trump took all of the states 10 electoral votes. Ryan Morgan may not be the American boy some want, but he is the American boy who is. Still, his presence in Esquire sparked rage online. Zara Rahim, a spokeswoman for Clintons 2016 campaign, called out Esquire for running the story during Black History Month. Imagine this same American Boy headline with someone who looks like Trayvon talking about what its like to have your mother sit you down to tell you how to stay alive, she wrote on Twitter. Others echoed the complaint. One can debate whether the article should have run a month earlier or later, or whether Esquire runs enough stories about teenage boys of color. But few if any of those criticisms actually engaged with the story itself: Was the portrait wrong? Did it add value to our understanding of America in this moment? While many in the press attacked Esquire, others went for Ryan Morgan. Some suggested he needed to be punched. Some suggested sending him hate mail. Others just swore. If in 2020, he chooses to go to college, the Esquire story and the reaction to it will come up during his interview. If in 2025 he finds himself online dating, it will be right there, on Google, for any potential dates to find. People change, pictures dont.

She concludes:

Like myself at 17, the teenager on Esquires cover clearly doesnt have strong political values or ideas; he seems to have adopted those of the people around him, maybe simply because he wants to fit in. Indeed, he talks about softening his positions to avoid being ostracized: Its better to be a moderate, because then you dont get heat. He is currently being shamed for being uninformed, for being a normal teenager. Digital shaming is arguably the only punishment that does not have a statute of limitations. Do we really want to live in a culture like this? Where no one has the room to grow or change or become a new version of him or herself? Id like to think that the differences between me in 2019 and me in 2004 is a sign that we all can. The question is whether we can give one another the generosity to do so.

Students, read the entire article, then tell us:

 Do you believe people can change? Have your own views or beliefs about something ever changed? If so, what changed and what prompted your transformation?

 Do you think its fair to judge someone based on his or her thoughts or actions as a teenager? Should adolescents be held to the same standards as adults? Why or why not?

 Whats it like to be a teenager in todays culture of online public shaming? Do you fear being ostracized for your beliefs or values by your community or society at large? Are you more thoughtful about the things you read and post online? Are you ever worried that something you say or do will end up on the internet and come back to haunt you later in life?

 What do you think about the practice of digital shaming after reading this piece? Do you agree with the author that it prevents people, especially teenagers, from being able to learn, grow and change? Or, does it help us question our beliefs and teach us to be more thoughtful about our words and actions?

 Ms. Kanner ends her piece by asking, Do we really want to live in a culture like this? Do you? Over all, do you think online public shaming makes our society better or worse? Why?Last week, at the tail end of New York Fashion Week, in a private suite at the Soho Grand Hotel, models with Day-Glo yellow eyelashes and matching parkas dotted the room. They held handbags with the initials LBV molded in gold, and a few carried yellow ice axes.

Some looked ready to climb  gilded carabiners sparkled here and there, and the models wore chunky Lowa climbing boots  though others wore see-through lace skirts over their bodysuits.



Designers own, said the designer, Joss Sackler, looking down at a models boots and at her own. She was wearing them with a neon-yellow hoodie and her own pair of neon-yellow eyelashes.

Mrs. Sackler, 34, is the proprietress of LBV, a private social club, from where this collection, LBV Care of Joss Sackler, grew. Mrs. Sackler is an avid climber, so she tailored the clothes to suit her lifestyle: hazard yellow for boulder safety, still a cute look for driving home from the Gunks and going straight to dinner; or a white shirt to throw on over bike shorts after the gym for the school run.

Everything has to transition, she said. I have three kids. It has to be easy.

LBV grew out of a separate interest, in wine. Wanting to share the appreciation of wine with more women than were in the prestigious wine fraternities Mrs. Sackler belonged to, like the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, the Commanderie des Costes du Rhone and the Commanderie de Bordeaux, she founded one of her own.Plum Sykes, author and contributing editor, Vogue It was this accessory you had to have or you felt you werent part of a group, or scene, or whatever it was you wanted to be part of. I cant think of another bag that was a phenomen on in the same way. It was a real Malcolm Gladwell Tipping Point situation. The only thing I can compare it to now, and at a different price point, is when Kylie Jenner puts a lip gloss on her website. Girls go completely mad and it sells out.

Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, stylist I was on holiday in Capri with friends; it was such a joyful moment and we all decided to go shopping. I was working at the time but I wasnt in the situation to buy whatever I wanted. I saw a Baguette in the window of the Fendi boutique. It was a special one: shaved mink, with a crocodile skin handle, and a lapis lazuli buckle. It was a super edition, and I couldnt leave without it. I entered the boutique as if I was Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, forgetting I wasnt actually a character in that film. I paid for it with a credit card and then I went to have coffee. My card was declined! Id exceeded my limit. The rest of the holiday I had no money. I didnt care. Id rather eat bread, I said, than not have it. My friends joked Id have to eat my Baguette. They still remember that summer, when I spent all my money on the Baguette.Want climate news in your inbox? Sign up here for Climate Fwd:, our email newsletter.

WASHINGTON  President Trump is preparing to establish a panel to examine whether climate change affects national security, despite existing reports from his own government showing that global warming is a growing threat.

According to a White House memo dated Feb. 14, Mr. Trumps staff members have drafted an executive order to create a 12-member committee, which will include a White House adviser, William Happer, whose views are sharply at odds with the established scientific consensus that carbon dioxide pollution is dangerous for the planet.

The memo casts doubt on multiple scientific and defense reports concluding that climate change poses a significant threat to national security, saying they have not undergone a rigorous independent and adversarial peer review to examine the certainties and uncertainties of climate science, as well as implications for national security.

The effort to establish the panel appears to be the latest step by the Trump administration to question the science of climate change, as Mr. Trump rolls back Obama-era regulations on planet-warming pollution from vehicle tailpipes and power plants. It also appears to be the latest example of Mr. Trumps propensity to ignore the findings and recommendations of his own intelligence and defense officials.It may seem unusual for a former leader of a nation to team up with a comedian to bring a message about climate change to the masses. But thats what Mary Robinson, a former president of Ireland, and Maeve Higgins, a stand-up comedian and writer from Ireland now living in New York, have been doing for the past year with their podcast about climate justice called Mothers of Invention.

The two have reunited for a second season, which began Tuesday. Mothers of Invention attracted more than 70,000 subscribers in its first season, which focused on introducing listeners to the driving causes of rising global temperatures. This year the podcast takes a deeper look at people around the world, particularly women, who are influencing the climate debate. Climate change is a man-made problem that requires a feminist solution is the shows tagline.

Ms. Robinson, who also leads The Mary Robinson Foundation-Climate Justice, has worked for many years to draw attention to links between rising emissions and inequality. On the show, she tends to play the straight woman and sometimes good-natured scold to the naive and wisecracking Ms. Higgins, who said she knew little about climate issues before working on the podcast.

Its very Irish, Ms. Higgins told me at a recent taping in New York. Its actually the way Irish people show affection, is what I tell myself. When Mary says something like, And then we have Maeve over here, a pretty slow learner, Im like, She likes me!

The unlikely pair became a team after Ms. Robinson, who recently published a book on climate justice, expressed a desire to produce a documentary. Her team suggested a podcast instead.

My immediate question was, whats a podcast? Im not that generation, Ms. Robinson, 74, recalled.

In many ways the early episodes follow Ms. Higginss learning curve on climate change, like when she takes listeners on a journey across her multiple conversations with customer service at Chase Bank in an effort to divest her $3,000 in savings from institutions that support fossil-fuel investments. I hope I bring a curiosity and a much-needed levity, Ms. Higgins told me.

Ms. Robinson thinks she does. People learn about climate change through Maeves questions and her sense of humor, she said.PARIS  Boxes at the Paris Opera. Prime seats at the French Open. Luxury hunting retreats in Normandy. The financial giant UBS spared no expense in enticing wealthy French people to open bank accounts in Switzerland.

The lavish spending caught up with UBS on Wednesday, when French judges ordered it to pay a record 3.7 billion euro fine, about $4.2 billion, for carrying out what prosecutors said was a long-running scheme to help French clients hide huge sums of money from the authorities.

The penalty, the largest in French history, included 800 million to be paid to the government, which said it had lost revenue as a result of UBSs helping French citizens evade taxes from 2004 to 2012.

UBS said in a statement that it strongly disagrees with the verdict and that it planned to appeal. The bank has consistently contested any criminal wrongdoing, the statement said, adding that the judgment was not supported by any concrete evidence.Some impact investors  whose aim is to make money while funding projects that bring about social or economic benefits  are targeting their funds toward areas in the Southeast and industrial Midwest. And several impact investors are working with philanthropists to try to establish accountability standards for the funds that the federal government does not yet require, to address issues like the quality of jobs created in poor areas. The goal for impact investors in opportunity funds is to steer money to small businesses and other development that communities actually need, and not just to finance things that provide wealthy investors with the highest returns, like high-end hotels or condos.

I believe it really can be a great model to demonstrate the holistic, community-informed investments that can transform these distressed communities, while earning returns, said Jim Sorenson, an entrepreneur based in Utah. Mr. Sorenson, who hosts an annual gathering of impact investors in Salt Lake City, devoted much of this years meeting, in February, to discussing the potential benefits of the zones. He joined several groups in announcing an effort to create a guiding set of principles for making such investments.

Fran Seegull, the executive director of the U.S. Impact Investing Alliance and a conference attendee, emphasized the importance of laying out such principles early.

First movers will really shape the market, Ms. Seegull said. Those of us that care about community engagement, community solutions and metrics feel that its important to set the tone for other investors.

The concept of opportunity-zone funds is also captivating Wall Street. Its inclusion in the tax law was celebrated by some big technology investors seeking ways to capitalize on stock market winnings while keeping their tax bills low.LONDON  The Trump administration has spent a year trying to convince Americas allies in Europe that the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is a grave threat to their national security and should not be allowed any role in developing new wireless networks.

A top British official indicated Wednesday that the aggressive campaign may not be working.

The official, Ciaran Martin, who leads Britains National Cyber Security Center, expressed confidence at a conference in Brussels that any security risks Huawei posed could be managed.

Britain, Mr. Martin noted, has successfully managed the companys presence in the countrys telecommunications networks for more than 15 years by subjecting its products to strict security reviews at a laboratory run by government intelligence officials, and would continue to do so.

Our regime is arguably the toughest and most rigorous oversight regime in the world for Huawei, he said. He added that the companys equipment is not in any sensitive networks, including those of the government.COPENHAGEN  Regulators in Estonia have ordered Danske Bank to leave the country within eight months, arguing that the Danish banks $230 billion money-laundering scandal had tarnished the reputation of Estonias financial market.

Danske Bank, which is facing investigations by the United States Department of Justice and other authorities, said it would comply with the order. Additionally, Danske, the largest lender in Denmark, said it would stop offering banking services in Russia, Latvia and Lithuania as part of a previously announced move to focus on its core Nordic market.

An internal report by Danske revealed in September that the bank had failed for years to prevent suspected money laundering involving thousands of customers at its branch in Tallinn, Estonia. The report prompted Danskes chief executive and chairman to step down. In December, the police in Estonia arrested 10 former Danske employees on charges that they had been involved in a network of money launderers.

The scandal has dealt a serious blow to the transparency, credibility and reputation of the Estonian financial market, Kilvar Kessler, the chairman of the management board of the Estonian financial regulator, said in a written statement on Tuesday.

Stores and restaurants in several states would be required to do something pretty basic if certain lawmakers have their way: accept their customers cash.

The legislation comes amid a worldwide move toward cashless payments using cards or mobile devices, which supporters say are safer, quicker and more convenient. But critics say an outright ban on cash discriminates against those without credit or bank accounts, and raises concerns about privacy and data security.

The New Jersey Legislature and the Philadelphia City Council have passed measures this year that would ban cashless stores. New York City, Washington, San Francisco and Chicago are weighing similar bills.

Its important to recognize the fact that not everyone has access to banks or lines of credit, said State Senator Nellie Pou, one of the sponsors of the bill in New Jersey.Inside Trumps war on the investigations encircling him

For two years, President Trump has waged a very public assault on federal law enforcement over the various investigations that have consumed his presidency, including the special counsels inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 election. But an examination by The New York Times reveals the extent of more secretive maneuvers.

When federal prosecutors in New York began investigating Mr. Trumps role in paying women hush money during the 2016 campaign, the president asked his acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, to give control of the inquiry to a Trump ally who had already recused himself. Mr. Trump called that account fake news.

Here are takeaways from our investigation.

How we know: Times reporters interviewed dozens of current and former government officials and others close to Mr. Trump and reviewed confidential White House documents, finding numerous unreported episodes of pressure and intimidation that may expose the president to accusations of obstruction of justice.Huawei may find an ally in Britain

Britain, it seems, isnt too worried about using technology from the Chinese giant, despite warnings from the U.S. that Huawei is beholden to Beijing and a proxy for espionage.

The head of Britains National Cyber Security Center, Ciaran Martin, said at a conference in Brussels that any risks posed by using Huaweis technology could be mitigated, citing the strict British security reviews the company has been subjected to for more than 15 years.

Why it matters: By the end of the year, Britain will decide whether or not to use Huaweis technology in building out its 5G network.

Countries across Europe that are also considering Huawei for their 5G networks are watching closely, looking for clues on whether the White Houses claims have been exaggerated.

The U.S. position: American officials have argued that 5G networks are much more complex than existing systems, and that the many lines of constantly updating code make the systems nearly impossible to protect entirely.

The White House, while pressuring allies to block Huawei, hasnt provided evidence to back up its accusations of espionage, and the company has always denied the claims.In Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland, Patrick Radden Keefe trains a cold eye on an incendiary subject. Despite having Irish ancestors who immigrated to the United States in the 19th century, Keefe, a journalist for The New Yorker, shares little of the tribal solidarity with the old country that was ubiquitous in Boston, where he grew up.

I never felt any particular interest in the conflict in Northern Ireland, he writes. Whatever feeling he had about the Troubles  the vicious fighting between the mostly Protestant loyalists who wanted to remain British subjects and the mostly Catholic republicans who didnt  amounted to a detached concern.

Its a somewhat startling admission, coming toward the end of this resolutely humane book, but an outsiders perspective is what gives Say Nothing its exacting and terrifying lucidity. The title comes from a poem by Seamus Heaney that describes The famous / Northern reticence, the tight gag of place / And times. Keefes book is as much about this penumbra of silence as it is about lives lost and blood shed.

The book begins with a longstanding mystery: Who abducted Jean McConville, and why? McConville was a mother of 10, born to Protestants and married to a Catholic, so overwhelmed by the daunting task of caring for her brood after her husband died that she seemed to have no time for anything else, much less sectarian intrigue. Yet in December 1972, at the end of the bloodiest year of the Troubles, a group of masked men and women barged into her Belfast home, dragging the 38-year-old widow away as her frightened children looked on.[A timeline of the Jussie Smollett case.]

Mr. Smollett had received an immediate outpouring of public support. Many cited his account as an example of another in a rising tide of hate crimes, which the F.B.I. reported last fall had increased for the third straight year.

But the change in thinking by investigators as the case progressed began to unleash criticism against the news media and politicians who many critics said were too quick to embrace a sketchy account in their drive to tarnish the president. It became a nightly topic on Fox News for Tucker Carlson, who called it a case of identity politics run amok. Identity politics is a scam, he said, and it is not so different from the one that Jussie Smollett just pulled.

Ramesh Ponnuru, a senior editor at National Review, said on Wednesday: I think that the initial reaction suggested that there is a lot of credulity, especially among liberals who were looking at a story that seemed to confirm their impressions about Trump supporters.

Mr. Smollett has continued to vehemently insist the incident occurred just as he reported it.

His lawyers, Todd S. Pugh and Victor P. Henderson, released a statement that said: Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked. Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.

From the start, investigators had difficulty corroborating Mr. Smolletts story, even with about a dozen detectives assigned to the case.Film can set fashions (would trench coats have been as popular without Bogart?), send viewers shopping (see: action figures and trading cards) and popularize all sorts of music (the song Ghostbusters topped the charts).

But could it really help spur the recent revival of French Baroque music, and fuel the renewed interest in the viola da gamba, an instrument that had been rare since the 18th century?

It may sound improbable, but the 1991 Alain Corneau film Tous les Matins du Monde, starring Gerard Depardieu and featuring a soundtrack by the Catalan viol master Jordi Savall, did just that  in ways that continue to resonate more than a quarter of a century later.

Young people were fascinated by the film, recalled Mr. Savall, who is touring the movies music with Le Concert des Nations and will perform it on Thursday night at Carnegie Halls Zankel Hall. (The concert will be broadcast by WQXR.) The movie reached people who would never go to a concert, especially a concert of Baroque music.Gary Clark Jr. was born in the wrong era. In the 1960s or 70s, he could easily have forged a career as a first-rank guitar hero: a Texan blues-rocker who can step on any stage and bring the place down with a searing guitar solo.

Prospects are different in the 21st century. The idea of a guitar hero was thoroughly undermined by punk and then pushed aside by increasingly computerized pop, dance music and hip-hop. For decades, vintage-style blues and the flesh-on-strings virtuosity it requires have been shunted toward nostalgia, preservationism and the die-hard realms of Americana. In 2019, Clark is an exceedingly rare figure, a bluesman who has a major-label recording contract and a worldwide audience, one he has built by tearing up stage after stage, show after show. While his songwriting has lagged behind his performing, hes well aware of his strengths; he has alternated studio albums with live ones.

[Never miss a pop music story: Get our weekly newsletter, Louder.]

On This Land, his third major-label studio album, his songwriting has caught up with his playing. It has something to do with experience; now 35, Clark has been performing since his teens. It has something to do with the power of contrariness: that is, Clarks determination to deliver the raw, analog, spontaneous opposite of crisply quantized digital content. And it has a lot to do with America in 2019, where division, frustration and seething anger can use an outlet with the historical resonance and emotional depth of the blues.The couple has given away more than 600 artworks over the years, to the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles and the Hammer Museum, among others.

Ive always thought itd be really nice that, when Im gone, my kids will be wandering through a museum and theyll see, The gift of Dean Valentine and Amy Adelson, he said. I think thatll be meaningful to them.

The day after Felix opened, the couple talked about the origins of their collection. Here are edited excerpts from the conversation.

How did this get started?

DEAN VALENTINE It was 1994, before my father died. At one point he was at New Yorks Sloan Kettering, and I was visiting him a lot. And at the time I was running Disney Television, and theres that gap of a few hours where New York is up and buzzing, but everybody in L.A. is still having breakfast. So Id walk around New York, and one day I wandered into an art gallery.

What did you find?

VALENTINE Works by Yuri Kuper, who did these beautiful, Cy Twombly-esque things on things on blackboards. For whatever reason, they spoke to me. That was the first acquisition.Although Britain is no longer the global force it was in industries such as steel production or ship building, it is still a big fish in the relatively small pond of the international art market. In 2017, the country was the third-largest art trading hub, with total sales of $12.9 billion, according to a report published last March by Art Basel and UBS. The United States had the largest art market, at $26.6 billion, followed by China, with $13.2 billion. The figure for Britain represented 62 percent of sales in the European Union, with France the next biggest in the bloc, at 22 percent.

In a recent article, the author of that report, Clare McAndrew, wrote that Brexit was a golden opportunity for the art market in Britain. At 5 percent, its import tax on artworks is the lowest in the European Union. If, after Brexit, Britain were to reduce or remove this tax, it could attract global sales, effectively bypassing Europe altogether, Ms. McAndrew said.

That prospect alarms art dealers on the Continent. This month, the French trade federation for the art market wrote an open letter to the French government calling for changes to counter the competitive threat of a deregulated British art trade. What we fear is a liberalization of the U.K. market, with relaxation of the financial burdens and constraints, Mathias Ary Jan, president of the Syndicat National des Antiquaires, one of 10 association heads who signed the letter, said in an email.

With buyers in the European Union currently accounting for less than 20 percent of Christies sales in London, the auction house, like its rival Sothebys, said it had no plans to reconfigure its European operations. We still think London is the best marketplace, said Dirk Boll, president of Christies Europe, Middle East, Russia and India. And not having any import tax would help.

For the moment, sellers still express confidence in London as a venue to auction high-value art. Sales of Impressionist and modern art at Christies later this month are estimated to raise at least 207 million pounds, or about $270 million, the highest valuation ever placed on an Imps and mods season at the companys London salesroom.Seven children from a family of Syrian refugees were killed early Tuesday in a fire that destroyed their home in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the authorities and friends of the family said.

Pictures of the house posted online showed a gutted and blackened husk whose roof and second floor appeared to have been destroyed. Friends of the family said they had planned to move out of the home next week.

The police said the fire erupted shortly before 1 a.m. and caused life-threatening injuries to the childrens father and less severe injuries to their mother. Both were taken to a nearby hospital.

They are from Raqqa, which is one of the worst affected areas in Syria, said Abdallah Yousri, an imam at Ummah Masjid and Community Center, a mosque the family attended. They fled from there to be burned over here. It is unbelievable.When Heather Nauert, the State Department spokeswoman and former Fox & Friends host, withdrew from consideration for United Nations ambassador, President Trump averted a potentially difficult Senate confirmation struggle over what some critics have called her insufficient experience. But Ms. Nauerts withdrawal also underscored his challenges in filling the job.

A terse announcement on Saturday night that Ms. Nauert no longer wished to be considered because of family considerations appeared to put Mr. Trump back where he started when his first ambassador, Nikki R. Haley, announced last October that she was leaving at the end of 2018.

Ms. Haleys departure, with no word on a successor, has left the Trump administration devoid of a high-profile presence at the United Nations, the worlds most prominent diplomatic stage, for nearly two months. Here is a look at the role of the ambassador and whether a prolonged vacancy poses problems for the United States:

A U.N. ambassador is in many ways Americas face to the world.

Over the 73 years since the United Nations was founded, successive White House administrations have attached enormous weight to the Americans chosen to represent the host nation. They have included former governors and future presidents (Adlai Stevenson II, George H.W. Bush), prominent jurists (Arthur Goldberg) and a range of politicians and experienced diplomats from both major political parties (Jeane Kirkpatrick, Andrew Young, Madeleine Albright, Richard Holbrooke, John Negroponte).

The United Nations ambassador is a premier diplomatic role, one of the top foreign policy jobs that anyone can have, said Victoria K. Holt, a former State Department diplomat and fellow at the Henry L. Stimson Center, a Washington-based policy research center. The role is especially important at the United Nations, Ms. Holt said, a place of persuasion and relationships.Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, who announced last week that he was scaling back the project, said the Transportation Departments move was retaliation for the border wall lawsuit, filed on Monday with 15 other states.

Its no coincidence that the administrations threat comes 24 hours after California led 16 states in challenging the presidents farcical national emergency, Mr. Newsom said in a statement. This is clear political retribution by President Trump, and we wont sit idly by. This is Californias money, and we are going to fight for it.

The battle over money is just the latest clash between California and the Trump administration, which have fought over immigration, environmental and criminal justice issues. Xavier Becerra, the California attorney general, has been a vociferous critic of the administration and has filed 46 lawsuits against it so far.

(Read more about the long-running debate over Californias bullet train here.)

On Tuesday, Mr. Trump disparaged the way California had spent the rail money and the states role in the national emergency lawsuit. California, which has wasted billions of dollars on their out of control Fast Train, with no hope of completion, seems in charge! the president tweeted.

A White House spokesman declined to comment, referring questions to the Transportation Department. A spokesman for the agency said the reason for canceling the grant was clearly laid out in a letter from Ronald L. Batory, the administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.The third pot of potential wall money would be $2.5 billion drawn from a military counterdrug account under a different statute  one that does not involve any emergency declaration. In it, Congress has authorized the Pentagon to support other agencies counternarcotics efforts by constructing roads or fences and installation of lighting to block drug-smuggling corridors across international boundaries of the United States.

On its face, the statute appears to authorize spending only for construction. If it cannot be stretched to encompass land acquisition, the $2.5 billion would most likely be useful only for building barriers on property the government already owns. Either way, time is short. Mr. Shanahan said that the money that could be reprogrammed for counterdrug is money that would have to be spent in this year. The fiscal year ends on Sept. 30.

Does the military have $2.5 billion in counterdrug funds?

No. When Congress passed the most recent Pentagon spending law last September, it appropriated about $517 million for counternarcotics support activities. Of that amount, about $100 million remains readily available for border barrier spending, an administration official said.

Where will the rest come from?

The Trump administration plans to use the counterdrug account as a temporary way station for more than $2 billion in funds taken from unrelated military programs. The administration will first transfer the funds into the counterdrug account, and then treat them as money that can be used for border barriers.

But the Defense Department has not yet decided which other programs to drain of their funding.

One military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the Pentagon had been scouring its $700 billion budget in search of accounts with unspent funds to target. For example, the official said, an Army personnel account designated for paying bonuses to new recruits appears to have excess money because the service has been falling short of its recruiting goals lately.But that may be where the advantages end.

Four years ago, Mr. Sanders positioned himself as the underdog against Hillary Clinton, a liberal alternative to a politician carrying hefty baggage from a lifetime in party politics. Now he will face a crowded field of fresh-faced candidates, including some of his past supporters.

Two Democrats who endorsed him, Representative Tulsi Gabbard and the spirituality author Marianne Williamson, are running for president. Senator Jeff Merkley, the only senator to back Mr. Sanders in 2016, is himself weighing a bid. He cant even count on the support of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who worked as an organizer in his 2016 campaign but has said she is unlikely to endorse anyone in the 2020 race.

And when it comes to policy, it seems Mr. Sanders is a victim of his own success.

Most of the candidates running in 2020 have embraced his signature Medicare for all legislation and plans to raise taxes on the ultrarich. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who shares supporters with Mr. Sanders, is beating him to economic policies that should fall firmly in his domain. Even public opinion on socialism is becoming more positive.

An often underrated piece of Mr. Sanderss success in 2016 was that he faced a fraction of the attacks that he could have on his past and positions. The Clinton campaign felt he had no real chance of winning and did not want to risk alienating their left flank by really going after him. Thats not going to happen this time around, when Mr. Sanders enters the campaign in the top tier.

Already, Mr. Sanders has faced new scrutiny, fielding questions about gender bias on his past campaign, his struggles with minority voters and his age  something Mr. Sanders almost never discussed in his race against the 68-year-old Mrs. Clinton. He would be 79 years old when he entered the White House.

In 2016, the toughest questions Mr. Sanders faced were about the political future he envisioned. Now, hes the one answering for his past.WASHINGTON  President Trump has called the Russia investigation a hoax, a witch hunt and fake news. But since he has been in office, Mr. Trump has tried to end the inquiry into his campaigns possible coordination with Russia during the 2016 presidential election, opening himself up to questions about whether these efforts constitute attempts to obstruct justice.

A review by The New York Times found a continuous, behind-the-scenes effort by Mr. Trump to undermine multiple investigations that have touched his presidency. His efforts included seeking to derail federal law enforcement through targeted political appointments and a public campaign to discredit the Russia investigation, which is led by the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III.

Here are some takeaways from The Times report about pressure inside the Trump administration to protect the president from those inquiries.

[Read the full article here.]

Mr. Trump wanted to put a perceived loyalist in charge of a federal inquiry in New York related to hush money payments made by his former personal lawyer.

After subjecting his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, to protracted humiliation over Mr. Sessionss decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation and then firing him, Mr. Trump asked his newly installed acting attorney general, Matthew G. Whitaker, if one of the presidents perceived allies could take control of the federal investigation in New York involving him.WASHINGTON  The last face-to-face meeting between Representative Robert C. Scott and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos ended in an awkward cliffhanger.

At a hearing last May of the House Education Committee, Mr. Scott, Democrat of Virginia, challenged the secretarys assertion that she was holding states accountable for achievement gaps between white and minority students as required by a new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act. Mr. Scott, unconvinced, asked more pointedly: How can you assure us that you are following the law if you do not even make states calculate the performance of the different student groups we want to measure?

Ms. DeVos dodged the question.

Mr. Scott is now the chairman of the committee, and he is not taking silence or evasion for an answer. With control of the House and Senate divided, and President Trump in charge of the executive branch, the prospects for the House Democrats legislative agenda for education may be limited, but their appetite for oversight of the Education Department appears limitless.

One of the problems we had in the minority is we asked a lot of questions that have not been answered, Mr. Scott said in an interview. Now that were in the majority, we can ask the same questions with the expectation that well get an answer.[A state official shared some of the election boards conclusions on Monday.]

Although Republicans have held the Ninth Districts House seat for more than a half century, it was in peril last fall, when Democrats were on the brink of making substantial gains in Congress and the party had fielded a candidate they felt was among the strongest in memory in the Ninth. But the election board, which has the power to decide whether to order a new election, found that a Republican operative oversaw an elaborately concealed get-out-the-vote effort they came to believe was endemic with fraud and misconduct to benefit Mr. Harris.

According to Ms. Strach and the testimony that followed on Monday, L. McCrae Dowless Jr., the political contractor for the Harris campaign, orchestrated the effort. It included the handwritten completion of some ballots and, in violation of North Carolina law, the in-person collection of absentee ballots. In Bladen County, where Mr. Dowless primarily worked, Mr. Harris won 61 percent of the received absentee ballots, even though registered Republicans accounted for only 19 percent of the ballots submitted.

According to Mr. Yates, who did not invoke his constitutional protection against self-incrimination or testify with immunity, Mr. Dowless repeatedly and explicitly pledged that his work was within the confines of state law, which generally forbids third parties from handling absentee ballots.

Mr. Dowless told me that he knew it was illegal to collect ballots and that he told all his workers that it was illegal to collect ballots, that they would never collect ballots, that he never touched or handled a ballot, Mr. Yates said. I was shocked and disturbed to learn that that appears that it was not the case. If that had ever become evident to me in the campaign, I would have immediately cut off all contact.

Still, Mr. Yatess testimony risked feeding perceptions that the Harris campaign was negligent, by design or happenstance, in its dealings with Mr. Dowless, who had convictions for perjury and insurance fraud and had been the subject of scrutiny  but not prosecution  for his political work. The testimony, though, was a lengthy account of some of the Harris campaigns interactions with Mr. Dowless, whose hiring was personally directed by the candidate.The Houston Police Department will largely end the practice of forcibly entering homes to search them without warning, the police chief said this week, following a deadly drug raid last month that the agency conceded might have been based on faulty information.

The change, announced Monday night, came days after Chief Art Acevedo said that an officer had lied about using a confidential informant to justify searching the home. Two civilians were killed and four officers were shot during that raid, on Jan. 28.

Now, so-called no-knock warrants  a widespread but often-criticized tactic in criminal investigations  will largely be prohibited, Chief Acevedo announced at a town hall meeting on Monday. If officers want an exception to search homes without warning, they will need his express permission.

Weve had four officers shot, two civilians killed, Chief Acevedo told reporters Monday. I dont see the value in them. So thats probably going to go by the wayside.They began talking about making a run for it, and they said they shared their growing horror over the choices they had made.

Its hard to change your mind-set when you have lost everything and sacrificed everything. Even if you feel a tug that tells you somethings not right here, this isnt O.K., and that theres too many holes here, somethings wrong, I think its very, very difficult when you feel like you have burned bridges, to know how to shift, Ms. Polman said.

ISIS forbade anyone to leave, planting land mines and using snipers to shoot down anyone who tried. But last month, Ms. Muthana said, she decided to give it a try by latching on to a Syrian family who left Shafa at dusk.

All she took was her baby and his stroller, she said. When darkness fell, the group got lost and spent the night in the frigid cold, she said.

The next day, Jan. 10, she completed the journey and surrendered to American troops in the Syrian desert, who fingerprinted her.

Days later, Ms. Polman followed the same route and surrendered as well. Weeks later, after having no contact from the American or Canadian authorities, she and Ms. Muthana reached out to the Red Cross to get help. They are also in touch with a lawyer who is trying to help navigate their return to North America.

Ms. Muthana gave a handwritten note to the lawyer.

I realized how I didnt appreciate or maybe even really understand how important the freedoms that we have in America are. I do now, she wrote. To say that I regret my past words, any pain that I caused my family and any concerns I would cause my country would be hard for me to really express properly.

Mr. Hughes, the deputy director of the George Washington University Program on Extremism, said the United States had an obligation to bring her home  albeit in handcuffs.There are few moments in musical theater as heartbreaking as the one near the end of Merrily We Roll Along, when the reverse chronology of the storytelling lands us on a Manhattan tenement rooftop in 1957.

We have already lived backward through 23 years of disillusion, as three friends, Frank, Charley and Mary, first seen as hardened adults in 1980, gradually grow younger, shedding their cynicism. Now singing Our Time  an anthem that sounds like what dew on a cobweb looks like  they appear in all their unpolluted promise, anticipating important lives and unbreakable bonds.

The only thing sadder than this moment in Merrily is Merrily itself. A show with one of the richest scores of the 1980s, by Stephen Sondheim  but one of the most problematic books, by George Furth  it has spent the 38 years since its flop Broadway opening on its own backward trajectory to find its best self. On the evidence of its umpteenth unsatisfactory revisal, which opened on Tuesday at the Laura Pels Theater, Im sorry to say that its still not Merrilys time.

Maybe it never will be  and I speak as someone whod gladly patronize a dedicated Merrily repertory theater, perhaps on that rooftop, running nothing but reworked versions in perpetuity. Even if all the productions Ive seen since 1981 have fallen short in some way, each one has added to my understanding of the show, and human nature.FRONT PAGE

An article on Feb. 3 about efforts in Japan to encourage mothers to join the work force misstated several aspects of one of the families profiled. Yoshiko Nishimasa can work a shortened workday until her youngest child enters third grade, not second grade. Ms. Nishimasas former employer offered to convert her working status to part-time after she got married, as was customary for married women, she said; it did not automatically convert her status. Ms. Nishimasa had a miscarriage early in one pregnancy, not late in that pregnancy. The story also referred imprecisely to what her husband does at night during the workweek. While he often stays late at work, he says he goes out drinking with clients only occasionally.



An article on Friday about a fire in 2017 at a government-run group home in Guatemala that killed 41 girls rendered the name of the home incorrectly. It is Hogar Seguro Virgen de la Asuncion, not Virgin de Asuncion Hogar Seguro.



A picture caption with an article on Saturday about an Afghan cafe owner and activist misspelled the activists surname. It is Laila Haidari, not Hairdari.

INTERNATIONAL

An article on Sunday about the changing character of tourism in the Indian state of Goa misstated the title of Stafford Braganza. He is the head of makeup and technique for LOreal in India, not the head of education.Mr. Trump is only incidentally speaking out in support of the downtrodden. His chief motivation appears to be to rally his far-right base by proclaiming himself a warrior against socialism  an evil he identifies not only with the radical policies of Hugo Chavez, Mr. Maduros predecessor and mentor, but also in the platforms of some Democratic presidential hopefuls.

Mr. Trumps stance on Venezuela, moreover, is advanced by John Bolton, the hawkish national security adviser who has called for direct action against Latin American countries with leftist regimes he calls the troika of tyranny  Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. He is abetted by Elliott Abrams, the new special envoy for Venezuela, who pleaded guilty to misleading Congress about the 1980s Iran-contra scandal and other past American meddling in Central America. This is a crew that threatens to tar Mr. Guaido with their brush and that plays right into Mr. Maduros claims of a gringo plot.

Their strategy is as simple as it is risky. The administration has airlifted tons of humanitarian aid for Mr. Guaido to distribute inside Venezuela, on the premise that desperate people will rally to the side thats providing them with food and medicine. But Mr. Maduro has sent soldiers and armored vehicles to block the aid, creating a dramatic confrontation at a border crossing that will be the backdrop for a Live Aid-style concert that the British billionaire Richard Branson is staging on the Colombian side (Mr. Maduro promptly announced a rival concert on his side of a different crossing).

The administration and Mr. Guaido hope that the Venezuelan military, sensing the end of the Maduro regime and lured by promises of amnesty, will defect and clear the way for the shipments. Mr. Trump on Monday warned the military that if the soldiers dont accept the amnesty offer, they will find no safe harbor, no easy exit and no way out.

It is an open question whether Mr. Trumps tough talk will succeed or have the opposite effect, rallying Mr. Maduros base behind him. And it is unclear what the opposition will do if the army doesnt crack.Those things matter to lots of different types of conservatives, and some of them matter in particular to social conservatives. That leaves relatively few of us undecideds pacing the proverbial political mall, window shopping. Our efforts to affect the 2020 map might just be pointless: A lot of us live in states that neither have early primaries nor are likely to be in play in the general election.

The only way to have an impact on the electoral map and ensure NeverTrump exerts serious, quantifiable political power is for all of its 2016 members to somehow get on the same page in terms of whom to support, and then collectively move to Iowa, New Hampshire and Florida. Short of that, our influence will be more subtle (campaign contributions, an endorsement, advice on debate technique). Ideally, what we do will help counteract the work done by others like Mr. Erickson.

As things stand right now, Im inclined to vote my conscience and back Mr. Weld. I voted for him when he ran on the Libertarian Party line in 2016. He had a solid fiscal conservative rating as governor. Hes more capable than Mr. Trump of doing the job of commander in chief. He is likable and funny, and I can see him working well with other world leaders.

For the Democratic Party to have its best shot at retaking the White House, by grabbing not just swing voters in places like the Midwest but also some disillusioned Republican voters wherever it can, perhaps helping it win somewhere like Arizona, it needs to nominate someone at least perceived as more moderate than your average House Democrat and more levelheaded than the hate-tweet-happy Mr. Trump. It probably means its safest choice is Joe Biden, or if he doesnt run, maybe Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Ind., or Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana.

If the Democratic Party can play it smart like that, NeverTrumpers might count for something this election cycle. But if it doesnt, we will most likely carry on as the political version of the West African black rhino  active and occasionally visible until it dies off altogether or is permanently integrated into another subspecies in American political life.

Liz Mair, who was a strategist for campaigns by Scott Walker, Roy Blunt, Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina and Rick Perry, is the founder and president of Mair Strategies.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com.

Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram.Memo to President Trump and the Republican Party: This is what actual voting fraud looks like.

North Carolina election officials are detailing how a longtime political operative, working for a Republican candidate, conspired to steal last years election for the states Ninth Congressional District.

L. McCrae Dowless Jr. dispatched minions to collect absentee ballots from voters, fill them in, forge signatures and mail small batches from post offices near voters homes to avoid suspicion. Mr. Dowlesss effort is thought to have involved upward of 1,000 absentee ballots or request forms. The candidate he was serving, Mark Harris, has a 905-vote margin over the Democratic contender, Dan McCready.

At a hearing Monday of the states election board, its executive director shared the results of an investigation into how Mr. Dowless put together a coordinated, unlawful and substantially resourced effort to tamper with absentee ballots.

Witnesses involved in the fraud said Mr. Dowless encouraged them to give false testimony to obstruct the boards investigation. One, Lisa Britt, who is Mr. Dowlesss former stepdaughter, provided investigators with a script she said Mr. Dowless gave her, which read: I can tell you that I havent done anything wrong in the election, and McCrae Dowless has never told me to do anything wrong, and to my knowledge he has never done anything wrong. But I am taking the Fifth Amendment because I dont have an attorney, and I feel like you will try to trip me up.To the Editor:

Re Trump Calls Emergency, Defying Congress (front page, Feb. 16):

Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their country. The president has crossed a red line, and the people know it.

If you have Republican members of Congress, right now is the time to tell them, in no uncertain terms, that you will absolutely not vote for them in 2020 unless they reject President Trumps unconstitutional abuse of authority in declaring an emergency when no such emergency exists.

The only thing that will change the course of events in this country is when Republicans start to see their power erode and say no more. When we promise that their own jobs are on the line unless they stand up to President Trumps blatant act of autocracy, the tide will turn and we will begin to reclaim our democracy.

Republicans, and Americans who have Republican lawmakers, only you can prevent dictatorship. Call your members of Congress today.The wisest grow-the-pie Democrats have also learned something from the past few years: The benefits of Nafta, open trade with China and the rise of the digital economy  while vital for creating economic growth  dont just automatically trickle down, any more than G.O.P. tax cuts did. They require trade insurance and surge protectors, free community college, portable health care coverage and pensions, and a very intentional strategy to more equitably spread the benefits of growth among bosses, workers and shareholders.

Redivide-the-pie Democrats  think Bernie Sanders  argue that after four decades of stagnant middle-class wages  and bailouts for bankers and billionaires but not workers in 2008  you cant grow the pie without redividing it first. Inequality is too great now. There are too many people too far behind.

The decision by Amazon to scuttle its big expansion in New York City marks the first big clash this election season between grow-the-pie Democrats, who insisted that tax breaks for Amazon would pay for themselves, and redivide-the-pie Democrats, who saw Amazon as pitting their community in a race to the bottom with other communities over which could lavish more subsides on a tech behemoth that didnt need them.

In truth, the episode was a huge failure of imagination by both sides. Virginia got it right, explained Amy Liu, urban affairs expert at the Brookings Institution, in an essay last week in The Times. Yes, it gave Amazon some $500 million in subsidies, but the state offered twice that amount in new investments in local transportation and schools to create a strong pipeline of technically skilled workers  something that will benefit the entire community for years.

As for the G.O.P., its divided between a limited-government-grow-the-pie right  but one that wants to just let capitalism rip  and a hoard-the-pie, pull-up-the-drawbridge Trump-led far right.

The limited-government-grow-the-pie faction is itself split between the Never Trumpers  whove refused to prostitute themselves to Trumps serial lying, cozying up to Russia and other madness  and those whove hitched a ride on Trumps wagon to get their tax cuts, conservative judges and deregulation.

But Trumps decision to declare a national emergency on the Mexico border has violated the partys most core principle of limited government. In doing so its opened a fissure between the old limited-government-grow-the-pie Republicans and the anti-immigrant hoard-the-pie, pull-up-the-drawbridge Trumpers.Dr. Wallace S. Broecker, one of the first scientists to sound the alarm about climate change and the researcher who popularized the term global warming, died on Monday in Manhattan. He was 87.

His death, at a hospital, was announced by Columbia Universitys Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, his academic home for 67 years. It said the cause was congestive heart failure.

Dr. Broecker, a geologist by training whose questing mind led him to rove from field to field, had an uncanny ability to draw a comprehensive understanding of the Earths climate system from research into the oceans, the atmosphere, the planets ice and more.

He gave early warning of a planetary crisis if humans continued to spew carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. He published a landmark scientific paper in 1975 that asked in its title, Climatic Change: Are We on the Brink of a Pronounced Global Warming?Right? Right.

What he has done, at least in my experience with this puzzle, is send solvers off on a wild-goose chase having to do with what this theme is about. I solved almost the entire puzzle thinking the theme was about one thing, only to discover that it was about something entirely different. And I didnt even mind, because it provided a nice Aha! moment, which is hard to come by in Wednesday puzzles, the proverbial middle child of crosswords.

Tricky Clues

25A/38A: I would never want to bring BAD MOJO upon anyone, but I liked this cross-reference.

8D: Hi, kids! You know what a NEHRU jacket is, even if you dont think you know, or your parents or grandparents deny ever having taken part in this fashion trend. It is a jacket that does not have a traditional lapel, but instead has a collar that stands upright against the neck. It was named for the former prime minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal NEHRU.

Todays Theme

So there I was, happily solving a very smooth puzzle by Mr. Walden, patting myself on the back for having such an easy go of it when normally I struggle with his grids. I began to smugly think that I had figured out the theme, which clearly had to do with the fact that the starred clues were all phrases with the word AND in the middle [Sit tight. Im about to find out that I was very wrong.  D.A.], which seemed deceptively simple for a midweek puzzle.

And then I stumbled upon the revealer at 7D. Its clued as URL ending associated with the beginnings of the answers to the six starred clues, and the answer is EDU. I subsidize a young adult who is currently in college, so I recognized this as the suffix on the web address of a place of higher education.

What Mr. Walden, who is a college-level math professor by day, has done is to find a set of six three-word phrases (where the middle word is, in fact, AND; not that Im bitter) where the first word is also the name of a college or university. So we have Brown University for BROWN AND SERVE, and Duke University for DUKE AND DUCHESS.Theyre not paying their fair share, said one Democrat, Fred Wood, a retired teacher in Williamsport, Pa. Its just not right when folks cannot afford health care.

Polling support is by no means a guarantee that Americans would elect a tax-the-rich challenger to President Trump  who mused as a candidate about raising taxes on the rich but as president signed a $1.5 trillion tax cut that reduced the top marginal income tax rate and primarily benefits high earners. Polls by Gallup and other organizations over the decades have regularly found that a majority of Americans believe that corporations and the wealthy pay too little in taxes, but voters have frequently elected presidents who cut those taxes, instead.

What appears different this time, analysts say, is the emphasis that leading Democratic candidates are placing on taxing the rich. This is about politicians catching up to where Americans have been, said Leslie McCall, a political scientist at the CUNY Graduate Center.

As a result, progressive policy hands say they are increasingly confident that if a Democrat wins the White House and the party gains full control of Congress, taxes on the rich will go up. That is partly because of the finally dawning realization among Democrats that taxing the rich is good politics along with good policy, said Michael Linden, a fellow at the liberal Roosevelt Institute.

My bet is that it won't be one big thing that ends up raising taxes on the rich, Mr. Linden said. I bet it will be a lot of medium-sized things. A higher top rate, for sure. Rooting out or limiting some of the tax expenditures that disproportionately benefit the rich. I think the corporate rate will start to creep back up. And I think new taxes like a wealth tax, or some other form of capital taxation, are very likely.Junior Bri Ledger is finishing this spring semester and then will leave for training where she will work to become an officer candidate of the Show Me Gold program.Changes like this, which make the Green New Deal more palatable to a political coalition, are bound to expose tensions within the green movement. Over the past eight years, the Democratic Party has moved steadily to the left on climate issues, leaving Democrats from energy-producing states, like Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, in the difficult position of alienating their party or their voter base.

Enacting an aggressive climate-change policy faces two large obstacles. The first is that every aspect of the policy contains a multitude of knotty technocratic challenges, writes Jonathan Chait in New York magazine. The second problem is political. Any national-level response quickly runs into the fact that, even if Democrats gain full control of government in 2021, and even if they abolish the filibuster or find a way to design a bill that can get around it, they will need the votes of moderate or conservative Democrats from fossil-fuel-producing states.

To pass, a climate-change policy would need to balance this with the demands of an increasingly radical and demanding green movement, which has shown itself unafraid of taking to the streets in very visible protest against policies seen as too lukewarm.

The initial text of the Green New Deal is in some ways the opening of negotiations between all of these groups. In fairness, with a Republican president and Republican control of the Senate, passage of a major climate reform bill is unlikely. Debates around the bill, however, are likely to show the shifting alliances within the Democratic coalition.

Erin Mundahl is a reporter with InsideSources.com. The opinions are the writer's.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0LOWELL  A vehicle rolled over numerous times with three people inside while traveling on I-65 near here.

A 2009 Hyundai traveling southbound on I-65 went off the road for unknown reasons at 9:55 p.m. Monday, according to a news release from Indiana State Police.

The car went into a ditch, rolled over several times and came to a stop in an open field, police said.

The wreck occurred around a mile south of the Lowell exit.

The driver, a 21-year-old Chicago man, suffered from a head injury. Two passengers, ages 21 and 22, also were injured. Police said all three refused medical treatment.

The Hyundai was totaled, and the driver was given citations for a learner permit violation and expired license plates, police said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Trade weakness is likely to extend into the first quarter of 2019, said the World Trade Organization on Tuesday in its latest World Trade Outlook Indicator (WTOI), warning also of a potential further deterioration.



"The simultaneous decline of several trade-related indicators should put policymakers on guard for a sharper slowdown, should the current trade tensions remain unresolved," said the WTO in a statement.

The most recent WTOI reading of 96.3 is the weakest since March 2010 and below the baseline value of 100 for the index, signaling below-trend trade expansion into the first quarter.

Indices for export orders (95.3), international air freight (96.8), automobile production and sales (92.5), electronic components (88.7) and agricultural raw materials (94.3) have shown the most robust deviations from trend, approaching or surpassing previous lows since the financial crisis.

Only the index for container port throughput remained relatively buoyant at 100.3, showing on-trend growth.

"Trade growth is currently forecast to slow to 3.7 percent in 2019 from an expected 3.9 percent in 2018, but these estimates could be revised downward if trade conditions continue to deteriorate."

The WTO said, however, greater certainty and improvement in the policy environment could trigger a swift rebound in trade growth.

Designed to provide "real time" information on the trajectory of world trade relative to recent trends, the WTOI is not intended as a short-term forecast, although it indicates near future trade growth.

It aims to identify turning points and gauge momentum in global trade growth.PORTER  VFW Post 2511 holds a fish fry from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday at 1290 Wagner Road. All-you-can-eat pollock dinner is 5 to 8 p.m. There are also frog legs, lake perch, shrimp, burgers and steaks. Carryout orders available. Call 219-926-4441.

SCHERERVILLE  Halls of St. George holds fish fries every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at 905 E. Joliet St. The menu include Alaskan pollock, ocean perch, lake perch, salmon, orange roughy, shrimp, etc. There are also Serbian homemade dishes including cevaps and hamburgers, shish kebabs, potato salad, bean soup, crepes with Nutella and more. Call 219-865-9411.

SCHERERVILLE  Winter/spring fish fries are held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Friday until April 19 at Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, 545 E. 77th Ave. Call 219-864-1529.

SOUTH HAVEN  The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a Lenten all-you-can-eat fish fry on Fridays, March 8 to April 12 at 356 W. County Road 700 North. Doors open from 4:30 to 7 p.m.; eat in or carry out dinners starting at $12. There is cajun-style fried fish, along with shrimp and other dishes in the hot and cold buffet lines. Beverages and desserts are extra. All money goes to help nonprofit groups in the area. Call 219-962-8828."It wasn't that we didn't like Patti. Her job became redundant," he said.

She said she was terminated the day the sheriff clashed at a County Council meeting with Councilman Charlie Brown, D-Gary, a friend of George Van Til. Brown voted against the reorganization and criticized the sheriff's hiring practices.

The sheriff said Brown was upset at his refusal to cave in under patronage pressure to hire Ethan Van Til. Brown denies that.

Patricia Van Til questions why the sheriff wouldn't hire her son, who has worked as a police officer in Florida for three years and posted one of the highest scores on the Lake County police eligibility employment tests.

Paterson said Friday Patricia Van Til's son was given the same consideration as every applicant. "It wasn't because of his last name," he said.

Patricia Van Til said she didn't support Martinez because she has kept politics separate from her career in law enforcement.

Her husband, George Van Til, exerted decades of influence on county government as a Democratic Party leader and elected official  until 2013 when he was indicted, resigned office and later was imprisoned on six counts of fraud for assigning political work to his public employees.INDIANAPOLIS  Mistakes sometimes happen in Indiana's criminal justice system, and the House believes Hoosiers who are innocent of crimes, but nevertheless end up in prison, deserve to be compensated for their years of lost freedom.

State representatives this week voted 96-0 for a plan to provide prisoners who are later found not to have committed a crime with a payment of $50,000 for every year the person wrongfully spent incarcerated at the Department of Correction.

House Bill 1150, sponsored by state Rep. Greg Steuerwald, R-Avon, requires an exonerated inmate to agree not to sue the state, a local government or any of their employees to receive a payment from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute's exoneration fund.

Under the plan, exoneration payments would be distributed over a five-year period. Wrongfully imprisoned individuals also would be eligible for post-prison programs and services typically provided to inmates upon completing their sentences.

"Despite being innocent, these individuals face challenges when they are released," Steuerwald said. "In addition to monetary compensation, they deserve to have access to programs dedicated to helping people succeed after incarceration."You can vote for King Kong, I dont care, she quipped.

Rush-Collette went on to say she was aware that family members could help disabled relatives cast their ballots, but thought that paperwork to that effect had to be on file before the election.

A poll inspector who was at the polling place backed Collettes account, telling the board she had asked Gillis to sign an affidavit of voter assistance that would allow him to accompany his wife into the both. Gillis refused to sign the the document, the inspector, Berdia Lovings, told the board.

A separate complaint lodged by Hammond resident Verlon Jackson alleged wrongdoing on the part of a poll worker and Angela Crowder, a Democratic precinct committeeperson. Jackson, who was running against Crowder, claimed a poll judge left his post to go use the bathroom at home and later shouted slogans in support of Crowder inside the polling place, a violation of anti-electioneering rules.

Jackson also alleged that Crowder had knowingly allowed her nephew to serve as a poll clerk even though she was on the ballot, a charge she denied. State election law prohibits an individual from being a poll worker where a relative is running for office.CROWN POINT  A magistrate entered not guilty pleas Wednesday on behalf of three woman charged with promoting prostitution at Highland massage parlors.

Chong Chou Li, aka Bond Li, 54, of Highland; Hailin "Tina" He, 36, and Xiao Jiao "Lucy" Zhou, 31, both of Chicago, all told Lake Criminal Court Magistrate Kathleen Sullivan they are not citizens of the United States.

Each declined to notify the Chinese consulate of their arrests.

The three women were charged Jan. 18 with level 5 felony promoting prostitution at Relax Spa, which operated in the 8500 block of Kennedy Avenue, and the Happy Feet and Spa, in the 3900 block of 45th Street. Both businesses are now closed.

A level 5 felony carries a sentence of one to six years in prison and a possible fine of $10,000.

When asked if they understood the charges against them, each of the women said through an interpreter that she understood but "didn't do it."

Shane O'Donnell, attorney for all three women, said his clients deny the charges against them.

"I look forward to reviewing the state's evidence to clear my clients' names," he said.GARY  A Gary man remained hospitalized Tuesday with life-threatening wounds in one of two separate shootings over the past several days, police said.

Police found the 45-year-old Gary man slumped over the wheel of an SUV about 7:30 a.m. Sunday in an alley in the 4000 block of Grant Street, Cmdr. Jack Hamady said.

The man had been shot in the head, he said.

Medics took the man to a local hospital, but he later was transferred to an Illinois hospital for further treatment.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Detective Alex Jones, of the Lake County/Gary Metro Homicide Unit, at 219-755-3855.

Police were called to the 1100 block of DeKalb Street about 9 p.m. Monday and found a vehicle that was struck by gunfire and hit a pole, Hamady said.

The vehicle was unoccupied. Police found the driver inside a nearby home attempting to treat a gunshot wound to his leg.

The 20-year-old Gary man told police he was driving in the area when two men walked up to his car and began shooting at him, Hamady said. The man attempted to flee, but the car slid on ice and hit the pole.CROWN POINT  An HIV-positive East Chicago man bit a police officer's wrist and broke skin in December as the officer and emergency room staff attempted to restrain the man, court records allege.

Terrance J. Powell, 33, arrived at the emergency room at St. Catherine Hospital about 10:30 p.m. Dec. 21 with a relative, who told police he was combative with her and "acting weird," Lake Criminal Court records say.

Two emergency room nurses tried to help Powell from the vehicle to a wheelchair, but he became angry and started kicking at them and pulling away, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The nurses eventually got Powell into the wheelchair and brought him into the emergency room, where they laid him on a hospital bed.

He again became angry and began kicking hospital employees and throwing punches, records say.

An off-duty East Chicago police officer working security at the hospital attempted to help the nurses as they strapped Powell to the bed. Powell kicked his feet, swung his arms and turned his head to one side, biting the officer's wrist, records say.GARY  Two men who allegedly burglarized the Save Gas station are still at large, police said.

The Gary Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying two men seen in surveillance photos at the Save Gas station at 1564 Harrison St.

Anyone with information on their identities are urged to contact Det. Sergeant JerVean Gates at 219-881-7300, ext. 23062, or by email at jgates@ci.gary.in.us. Individuals can also use the Crime Tip Line at 866-CRIME-GP.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0HAMMOND  Police said their "Blue Net" license plate reader system helped ensnare yet another suspect  this time in a violent home invasion where a woman was strip searched.

Bonard Rodriguez, 26, was identified as a suspect in the Feb. 4 home invasion after police reviewed surveillance video from the area and used the Blue Net to link him to a trailer in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood, police said.

Hammond police contacted the Chicago Police Department's criminal enterprise unit, which obtained a search warrant for Rodriguez's trailer, Lt. Steven Kellogg said.

When police executed the warrant at the trailer in the 4000 block of East 134th Street in Chicago, they recovered clothes, the woman's laptop, gaming equipment, two handguns, a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition and marijuana, Lake Criminal Court records state.

Rodriguez and several other suspects are accused of pistol-whipping a woman in the head and forcing their way into her home in the 1100 block of Sibley Street.

The woman told police she was home with her 10-month-old child when the men arrived, court records say.

The men took a large sum of money from her purse, ordered her to undress and searched her several times, records say.Please register or log in to keep reading

Stay logged in to skip the surveys.Chongqing Disabled Art Troupe from China is winning the applause of Egyptian audience during its ongoing dance show in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

Through the outstanding performance of traditional Chinese dance, the troupe members, who suffer from hearing disabilities, have won the admiration and respect of Egyptian audience.

Aya Salam, an 18-year-old college student, said she was impressed by the harmony of the artists and their ability to perform in such a professional way.

"Their disability deprived them of hearing the music, but their senses and passion for life made them more creative and persistent," Salam told Xinhua after the show.

"I really loved the show and I will put Chinese traditional arts on my agenda," she added.

Samy Mohammed, a sales manager, also said the audience were extremely moved by the performance of the Chinese artists.

"Many of us did not know much about Chinese traditional arts. The shows bring us closer to China," he explained.

Since the relations between China and Egypt were upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014, the cultural exchange has hit its peak, with artists, cultural and musical delegations paying frequent mutual visits.

Through such cultural activities, both countries hope to boost friendly ties under China's Belt and Road Initiative to promote deeper understanding of each other.

"With the Belt and Road Initiative, the global community could do much more than before to make the world a better place for disabled people," said Liao Dan, general counsel of the art troupe.

"We are very happy to see that people here love our performances. We are impressed by the passion and the great atmosphere here which helped us perform better," he told Xinhua.

"We are honored to be part of the forum and we are happy to see so many gifted artists from all over the world, especially those disabled artists," the middle-aged man said.

According to Liao, the troupe would perform in Cairo for a week as part of the third edition of Awladna International Forum for Arts of the Gifted.

"We will perform at the closing ceremony. We are all excited about it," Liao said.

In addition, he said the performance is also aimed to introduce Chongqing, a southwestern Chinese municipality featuring mountains and rivers, to the world.

"The performers are selected from the special schools in Chongqing. The selection lasts about two months because we want the best performers," Liao added.

Most of performers did not receive formal training in dancing or singing before, he noted.

Experts and trainers mainly focus on rhythm to teach those with hearing disabilities by using the drum beats, the troupe manager explained.

The performers use their bodies to sense the vibrations of the drum and learn the rhythm, he said.Add the wine, turn up the heat, stir and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan deposits, and simmer until the liquid reduces by about half, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock and the 1 cup of cream. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat slightly, and simmer briskly until the liquid reduces by about half again and is thick and creamy, about 15 minutes. Remove the sprig of thyme and the bay leaf.

Stir in the reserved chicken pieces and the sherry. Stir together the butter and remaining flour and stir this paste into the mixture. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to 4 large individual ovenproof 2-cup soup bowls, 4 ramekins of the same size, or a 2-quart baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the filling is cold, at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Make sure the puff pastry is no thicker than 1/4 inch. With the tip of a sharp knife, cut the pastry into 4 circles that will overhang the rim of the serving bowls or ramekins by about half an inch; for a single large baking dish, cut 4 circles that will cover its top, or use one large sheet."Anything with South Dakota in (the title) sells pretty well," Vickie Marotz said.

The Moratzes will often create and sell new candies by listening to what the customers want, such as the chocolate-covered Oreos, potato chips and s'mores.

"We do listen to the customers," Vickie Marotz said. "We can't do it all, but we try our best."

While Valentine's Day is not the Watertown Confectionery's busiest holiday, Mike and Vickie Marotz offer several Valentine's-related chocolates, including milk chocolate rose suckers, assorted chocolate boxes, dark chocolate "Love Potions," raspberry truffles, heart-shaped chocolate suckers and more.

"We have such an array of chocolates, I'm never bored because there's always something to do," Vickie Marotz said.

Each day at the Confectionery, the Marotzes work through various steps to create their chocolate candies, including making the chocolates and their fillings, hand-dipping the treats and decorating and wrapping the chocolates.With prime Peeps season about to get underway, the Pennsylvania city where they're "born" is honoring the man who brought marshmallow chicks to the masses.

The (Allentown) Morning Call reports that Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez proclaimed Friday as "Bob Born Day" in a ceremony at company offices.

Born, now 94, joined his father's candy business in 1946 and figured out a way to automate production of Peeps, which had been made by hand. Today, Just Born produces about 5.5 million Peeps per day.

The city's proclamation says Peeps are "an iconic symbol of Easter."

Just Born CEO Ross Born, Bob Born's son, says "we are thankful for his many years of service to Just Born."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Ivy Tech Community College in Michigan City has started displaying artwork from local artists in hallways and other public spaces on its campus.

Jesse Johnson, the owner of BESS Art Exposure Gallery at 5386 Broadway in Merrillville and an arts professor at Ivy Tech Michigan City, curated the college's first annual Spring Art Exhibition, which is being displayed throughout the building.

The campus at 3714 Franklin St. in Michigan City is displaying the work of Johnson, Emily Dyrek, Maurice Hodo, Valerie Johnsen, and Mark McPhail, who are all local painters or photographers.

"Hodo is a seasoned artist who expresses a lot with the way he paints his subject matter with bright and beautiful colors," Johnson said in a press release. "Johnsen is an amazing artist who paints with passion and heart to create or recreate paintings with issues dealing with women, embracing their strengths while recognizing their weaknesses."

McPhail is a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts who took photography classes at Emerson College in Boston and is "a gifted photographer who has a keen eye for the image he wants to produce."

Latta is a painter from Whiting who was born in a mountain home in Arkansas.Economic growth

The Regions economy had been growing at a far more anemic rate of 1.5 percent a year since the Great Recession, swapping higher-paying industrial and construction jobs that pay an average of $80,000 a year with lower-paying service-sector ones that pay only an average of $39,000 a year. But Northwest Indiana added more than 1,100 new jobs last year, including some high-paying ones.

"Northwest Indiana has also been subject to several concerning trends, particularly declining employment in traditionally high-paying goods-producing jobs in manufacturing, construction and steel, which has only poorly been offset by a rise in low-paying service sector jobs, as well as a continuing decline in total population with the highest decline among important demographic groups. While economic growth has been relatively slow for Northwest Indiana following the Great Recession, in 2018  for the first time in almost a decade  there are signs of significant economic improvement and accelerating growth," Pollak wrote. "Since the 1970s, as well as during the years following the Great Recession, Northwest Indiana has been experiencing a structural shift from goods-producing to service-providing jobs, which has led to continued declines in real income per person for the region. However, in the last year, there are signs of this structural change slowing and potentially shifting to a healthier sector employment mix."Senate Republicans stripped the list of protectected classes from a hate crime bill, after delaying the session for hours and then calling a break right before the vote to talk about it behind closed doors.

The amendment passed 33-16 Tuesday with a handful of Republicans joining all Democrats in voting no after emotional pleas from three Democratic senators asking them to reject the changes. Not a single Republican spoke on the Senate floor against it.

Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement shortly after the vote, saying the version of the bill that passed in the Senate will not get Indiana off the list of five states without a hate crime law.

We have a long way to go, a lot of work to do, and fortunately the time yet still to do it, he said in the statement. I will continue to fight for the right ultimate outcome for our state and citizens this year so were not right back here in the same place next year.

The Republican caucus delayed the start of the session Tuesday for more than two hours to discuss amendments on Senate Bill 12 behind closed doors.

Bray said Holcomb was informed of the amendment Tuesday, and he had not spoken to him during the discussions in caucus.

SB 12 was the bias crimes bill chosen out of four that had been filed to move forward in the Senate. The legislation, which was approved 9-1 Monday by a Senate committee, had a list of characteristics that would be protected under a bias crimes law, including race, gender identity and sexual orientation.

Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, filed the amendment to remove all references to the specific characteristics and simply add the word bias to the current common law. He claimed the legislation is already in law under the Witmer v. State case, which many against the bill have argued. He said removing the list is a simpler way to make sure all groups of people are covered under the law.

I dont have a list, thats true, Freeman said. Is it better than what weve got today? I argue it is, and I think it gets us there.

Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, told Senate lawmakers he is tired of getting beat down. He said he worked on this legislation for six years, and each year he was promised the Republicans would work with him to create a bill for everyone, only for it to not happen every year.

In 2015, I stood here and cried into this microphone, and I said we are going to work this out, Taylor said on the floor. Do this today, do it. Add your two words. Lets walk out of here and say we have a bias crimes law in Indiana  dont come to me, asking me to treat anybody the same.

Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, rose to tell senators that the history of this country is intertwined with black folks, and they cant get rid of them.

What the heck is going on? he said, his voice rising. Give us some kind of dignity. Ive got a family just like you do  please, all I ask is for you to treat me as a human being  we do not have tails. Were not monsters.

Sen. J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis, the only openly-gay lawmaker in the General Assembly, said removing the list makes him feel like he does not matter.

Youre saying to folks like me I dont exist. I dont think thats fair, Ford said.

Just as the amendment was about to be voted on, Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, asked for a virtually unheard-of 30-minute break to, again, talk behind closed doors to cool down after heated debate.

Upon the senators return, they quickly voted on the amendment and then went into another recess right for both parties to explain to reporters why certain decisions were made.

The authors of SB 12, Sens. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, and Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, opposed the amendment but declined to comment afterward.

Republican Sen. Jim Merritt of Indianapolis was one of the few in his party who voted against the amendment, saying the original drafted bill was what his constituents wanted and what he thought was right. He said he will, however, vote on yes on the bill when it comes up for a vote in the Senate later this week.

Merritt said he did not speak against the amendment because he doesnt speak on many bills in general unless they are his own.

What Sen. Taylor and Sen. Randolph said was pretty captivating, Merritt said.

From the beginning of the session, Bray and House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said they supported a bill without a list. Bosma said last week that the only concern he told Bray the House Republicans had was that element of the legislation.

The bottom line is there are lots of different groups of people and associations  that arent on that list, Bray said. So yeah, this is more inclusive in that respect.

When asked why decisions by the majority party have to be made behind closed doors, Bray said the public has the opportunity to listen to full discussion on the floor, and Republican senators are available to be questioned about their positions individually.

Bray said he will have enough votes to pass this version of the bill without the Democrats support.

After the amendment passed, the Indiana American Family Association, an organization against the original bill, released a statement claiming a big win on hate crimes legislation. On the other side, Indiana Forward, a group advocating for the legislation, released a statement saying they were disappointed in the decision and stand by Holcomb.

Democrats did not return the chamber after the vote in protest. With Republicans holding a supermajority that give them a quorum to act without the Democrats, the session continued without them.

The citizens of Indiana deserve better, Taylor said.

Emily Ketterer is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism studentsA woman who vanished on Valentines Day was found safe, Pennsylvania officials said.

The Kittanning Police Department said on Feb. 19 that Katie Stoner, 27, was found safe and sound.

Thank you, everyone, for your help. Great job to all. Case closed. Foul play not suspected, the department stated.

The New Castle Police Department said that Stoner was found when she was snared during the effort to find her.

The department conducted numerous interviews/interrogations and traffic stops attempting to locate Stoner, the department stated. During this process, an officer did make contact with Stoner and Stoner did voluntarily come to the NCPD station.

It was determined Stoner was unharmed and she was residing at a residence in the City of New Castle, police added.

Stoners family members were informed that she was found safe and police said the case is closed.

MISSING PERSON LOCATEDOn 2/19/2019 the NCPD continued the investigation into the missing female named Katie STONER  New Castle Police Department  2019218

MISSING PERSON UPDATEKatie Stoner has been found safe and sound. Thank you everyone for your help. Great job to all. Case closed. Foul play not suspected.Thank you,Kittanning Police  Kittanning Borough Police  2019218

Police had posted information about two men who were considered persons of interest in the case but those posts were deleted after Stoner was found.

One of the men was Stoners ex-boyfriend and another was the brother of Stoners ex-boyfriend.

At one point, police said that bruises on Stoners face were inflicted by her ex-boyfriend, reported WPXI. The ex-boyfriend had outstanding warrants and was wanted by the police.

Family members told CBS that Stoner was staying in a womens shelter. Her mother, Linda Prestopine, said she last spoke with her daughter on the day she vanished.

I talked to her around 6 oclock. She called me. Said she was going to go take a bath. And that was it, Prestopine said.

She noted that her daughter has a history of mental health and drug addiction issues but shed typically stay in touch. She would always contact someone. Like, there would always be someone that had heard from her, Prestopine said.

NEW THIS MORNING: Kittanning Police say Katie Stoner, the woman who disappeared on Valentines Day, has been found safe  https://t.co/CkAnN54x9F  KDKA (@KDKA) February 19, 2019

Missing Persons

Over 600,000 people go missing in the United States every year, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Many of the missing adults and children are found safe but others are never found or are found dead. It is estimated that 4,400 unidentified bodies are recovered each year, with approximately 1,000 of those bodies remaining unidentified after one year, the center stated.

As of Jan. 22, there were 15,325 open missing person cases in addition to 12,449 open unidentified person cases. As of Dec. 31, 2017, the National Crime Information Center had over 88,000 active missing person cases across the country. But hundreds of thousands of cases were resolved that year. Approximately 651,000 missing person records were entered but about the same number were removed.

Reasons for these removals include: a law enforcement agency located the subject, the individual returned home, or the record had to be removed by the entering agency due to a determination that the record is invalid, the center stated.

The first 72 hours in a missing persons case is the most critical, according to criminology experts. Thats partly because investigators have the best chance of following up on leads before peoples memories start to fade, Dr. Bryanna Fox, former FBI agent and criminology professor at the University of South Florida, told ABC News.

The information that law enforcement gets tends to be a little more accurate, and they are able to act on the information and hopefully get that person who is missing quicker, Fox said. Later, there are fewer bread crumbs, or leads, to follow.

Dr. Michelle Jeanis, criminology professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, said that time is of the essence because the missing person could be in danger.

After about a week, the person could very likely be dead, said former FBI Special Agent in Charge Steve Gomez. Theres a certain point after about a week or two where you have to think, the potential that the missing person is dead and now its a matter of trying to find their body and bring closure to the family and to determine if you now have a homicide investigation, or suicide, or some kind of accidental death, he said.For Osmun, his predicament meant he was trapped in frigid water and exposed to the elements as winter storms hit the region.

Ultimately, McNeill left Osman to go look for help, or at least for a cell signal so she could call 911. It was the hardest thing Ive had to do. Scariest thing, I didnt even know if I would be able to do that hike by myself, she told ABC News. There was a couple times I thought I might as well just turn back, and we can just be together for the last moments.

The water was so cold I thought for sure Id lose my leg because there was no way she was going to be able to get there fast enough to have people come get me out, Osmun told ABC News.

After hiking alone for hours, McNeill was able to call for help, and rangers located her close to the trailhead, according to a news release from Zion National Park that detailed the rescue. A search-and-rescue team immediately set out to look for Osmun, whom they found several hours later. He was not freed from the quicksand until late in the night, forcing rescuers to stay with him as temperatures plummeted and the park received another 4 inches of snow.

One of the rescuers who found Osmun told him he was lucky to be alive.Deborahs Legacy is gearing up for an April 11 banquet and seeking attendees and table hosts at no cost or obligation, just a willingness to learn more about the program and possibly give to it.

This years theme is Stand on new ground, and believe you are not lost. But co-founders Jill Vaughn and Allison Huebner said the event isnt about any new ground. Instead, its about the personal growth that Deborahs Legacy gives to the women in crisis who participate in the recovery program.

If you go by it word for word, it just has so much meaning, Huebner said, pointing out different words: the new ground of entering recovery. The feeling of being lost.

Deborahs Legacys program has been a new experience since we started, Vaughn said.

The faith-based recovery program, which receives no state or federal funding, will first host a rally day Feb. 28 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Deborahs Legacy office, 705 N. Poplar St.

Basically its a recruiting time to get hosts and inform people about the banquet, Vaughn said.

Like attending the banquet, hosting a table comes at no cost, Huebner said.This is her 17th year participating.

The free patterns and squares that attendees collect as they visit the shops can be put toward a larger project, DeBord said. Each two from a shop either put together a boot or a spool, DeBord said.

After the prizes are announced and the Shop Hop ends, participating shops will have an old bag sale on the fifth Saturday of any month that has one, DeBord said.

During the sale, participants can bring the passport bag into any participating shop to receive a discount, all year, four times a year, she said. So thats another reason to get them out.

While the ideal participant starts at one end of the state and road trips their way across to all the quilt shops, even hitting one shop, they have a chance at winning a $25 gift certificate, DeBord said. Of course the prizes get better the more shops you visit.

DeBord said that the camaraderie shows between shops, especially during Shop Hop.

One shop supporting another shop just kind of supports everybody, she said.

She added that customers enjoy visiting various shops and seeing what each has to offer.Actor Dick Hershberger portrays Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. NPS Photo/Janice Wei

Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kilauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Kau actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar will take you on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Youll learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up your free ticket at the Kilauea Visitor Centers front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kilauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN). Free (park entrance fees apply).March 5, 12, 19, & 26 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour.Meet at Kilauea Visitor CenterFeb 20, 2019 NR

Natural Star Nani's Jersey releases on April 19th. The makers are planning to release the movie on a wide scale in North India and have teamed up with Popular Production Company, Panorama Studios to release the film in the North.

The film is directed by Malli Rava fame Gautham Tinnauri and will run in the backdrop of 1996-97 Ranji trophy season. Shraddha Srinath is the heroine. This marks the Telugu debut of the actress. Click the Movie button below for more info:

Jersey

Shraddha Srinath PicturesNapoleon, OH (43545)

Today

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph.WILLIAMSPORT A team of seven Williamsport Area High School students took first place at the regional level of the 2019 Governors STEM Competition on February 6, 2019.

The event was hosted by BLaST IU17 at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

The teams winning project was a device that would be used to repurpose organic industry waste into soil amendment.

Snagging the regional title, the group heads to the state competition on May 9-10.

The WAHS team is comprised of: Desiree Aversa, Sean Bush, Michael Collyer, Rosie Flock, Oam Patel, Katie Penman and Elaina Stone.

The competitions theme this year is Improving Pennsylvania Through STEM. According to its website, teams of high school students from across the state will be challenged to research, present, and design a device or project that can make the quality of life better for citizens of Pennsylvania. The device will accomplish a series of practical tasks that can be translated into real life needs.North Augusta, SC (29841)

Today

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.Norman, OK (73070)

Today

Thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.(Republicans conduct a simple straw poll at their caucuses.)

Under this new system, the Democratic Party will still report the number of state delegate equivalents for each candidate. But the party also will report the total number of votes a candidate received at the initial stage of the caucus, as well as after realignment.

We think this is a worthy step toward transparency and accountability. Recall, after the 2016 caucuses  when Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders finished in a near-tie in state delegate equivalents  the Sanders camp demanded that raw vote totals be released. They werent.

In 2020, this will be done. But it does raise the question: What metric will now be used to declare the winner? It is conceivable that one candidate might have the most state delegate equivalents, but another might come out on top in the number of overall supporters.

That could have the potential to create confusion as the news media report the results. Or as campaigns spin them.

Price told us the party will award convention delegates based on state delegate equivalents. As for declaring a winner, he said: We just release results.All vehicles must be off the streets or risk being towed, the city said.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Parking is also banned along emergency routes in all unincorporated areas in Pottawattamie County, according to the county Emergency Management and Homeland Security Department.

Forecast conditions are anticipated to result in difficult to dangerous driving conditions during the heaviest periods of snowfall as well as for the Wednesday morning commute. With the storm occurring during the work week, everyone is encouraged to give themselves extra time if they have to travel the roads during this event, the department said in a release. If you do go out in conditions you should dress warmly and have an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes a blanket or sleeping bag in case you become stranded.

For more information on winter weather preparedness, the department points residents to the Winter Weather page at beready.iowa.gov. And to receive emergency weather warnings and community emergency alerts sign up for free alerts from Pottawattamie Alert at www.pottcounty-ia.gov.

In Glenwood, the parking ban will be effective until the snow ceases and the roads are plowed, the city said in a release.

All vehicles must be off public streets and city-owned parking lots.Its an Academy Awards truism (a true truism) that great actors and actresses and directors often win their little golden man for the wrong role in the wrong movie.

This years Oscar ceremony, Sunday night on ABC, looks to offer a real whopper of such an example: Glenn Close winning best actress for The Wife.

Now, Close is good in The Wife. Shes good in everything. But if she wins, her win, like so many wins before her, will be a de facto lifetime achievement award rather than recognition for the years truly best lead performance by a woman. (That would be Olivia Colman or Melissa McCarthy.)

2019 OSCAR NOMINATIONS: See who is nominated for Oscars in the major categories in a gallery at the end of this story

It is nice that Close will (probably) soon have her trophy. And its certainly a long time coming  she has more nominations without a win than any other living actor. She should have won it one of those times, for Dangerous Liaisons or Fatal Attraction.

Likewise, the six-times-nominated Amy Adams might be in the same boat come Sunday night, if she wins the best supporting actress award for Vice instead of her more deserving work in Junebug, The Master or Arrival.

But, eh. This is how it goes sometimes: Youre not recognized for your best work, but for the right work at the right time.

Here are 14 instances of actors, actresses and directors who won an Oscar for the wrong movie.

ACTRESSES

Nicole Kidman

Her Oscar: Best actress for The Hours (2002)

Should have won: Best actress for Moulin Rouge! (2001) or To Die For (1995)

Kidman was an actress who wasnt taken all that seriously at first  though BMX Bandits is without question serious art. Not until 1995s To Die For, in which Kidman plays a fame-obsessed weather reporter who enlists two teens to kill her husband. Shes so good in it that the film takes its lead from her sly performance, which is calibrated somewhere between ironic comedy and an unnerving madness.

Moulin Rouge! likewise ranks as one of her best roles. But of course it was the dreary drama The Hours that finally nabbed her a trophy. Shes fine in it, but awarding her for putting on facial prosthetics to play Virginia Woolf just felt a little too on the nose.

Reese Witherspoon

Her Oscar: Best actress for Walk the Line (2005)

Should have won: Best actress for Election (1999)

She might have an Oscar, but Witherspoon is still a little underrated as an actress. Shes proven shes very funny in films like Legally Blonde and Pleasantville, but her tour de force is Tracy Flick in Alexander Paynes high school political comedy Election.

Tracy Flick was, to be sure, a superbly written character. But Witherspoon made her an icon, becoming shorthand for a kind of annoying overachiever.

Witherspoon has starred in quite a bit of dreck since then. But you can still see her weird energy and comic dynamism every so often: Big Little Lies, as one example, has offered Witherspoon and her co-star Kidman their best roles in years.

Kate Winslet

Her Oscar: Best actress for The Reader (2008)

Should have won: Best actress for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) or best supporting actress in Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Winslet finally winning her best actress Oscar for The Reader was egregious on two fronts: 1. It was really a supporting role. 2. Meh to the performance and the movie itself.

Her Reader win is the go-to wrong-movie Oscar. Just a pitiful shrug. Heres this very predictable win for this very predictable Oscar movie that no one felt strongly about.

In Eternal Sunshine, though, Winslet gave the performance of her career to date, playing both a real person and an erratic composite of Jim Carreys memories. The performance shouldnt be possible. The movie shouldnt be possible. Both are brilliant. The Reader is not.

Julianne Moore

Her Oscar: Best actress for Still Alice (2014)

Should have won: Best actress for Safe (1995) or supporting actress for Boogie Nights (1997) or Magnolia (1999).

So theres a pattern here, particularly with actresses: The bolder work in the bolder films will be overlooked until the staid, inoffensive prestige drama comes along.

In Safe, her first great role (which wasnt nominated), she plays a wealthy homemaker who develops a sensitivity to chemicals and electricity, upending her familys life. Its remarkable work and significantly more harrowing than the sedate niceness of Still Alice.

Alicia Vikander

Her Oscar: Best supporting actress for The Danish Girl (2015)

Should have won: Best supporting actress for Ex Machina (2015)

Naturally, the Oscars went with the period piece over the much-better sci-fi movie. Still, Vikander is the best thing about both films. The important thing is that Alicia Vikander has an Oscar.

ACTORS

Paul Newman

His Oscar: Best actor for The Color of Money (1986)

Should have won: Best actor for The Hustler (1961) or Cool Hand Luke (1967) or The Verdict (1982)

When youre one of the greatest actors and movie stars of the 20th century and they just keep overlooking your extraordinary work, if you wait long enough, theyll give you the statue for a lesser role. (Unless youre Peter OToole. Then youll have to do with just the honorary Oscar.)

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Newman made for just as good of an old-man actor as he did a handsome young movie star. Look at Marlon Brando for an example of someone who did not make this transition gracefully.

In Cool Hand Luke, Newman gave his rebellious scamp a side of melancholy that made the character, and the film, unforgettable. In The Verdict, he shed all his charisma to play a born loser who finds a second wind. Its difficult to name a defining Paul Newman role, but it certainly isnt The Color of Money.

Russell Crowe

His Oscar: Best actor for Gladiator (2000)

Should have won: Best actor for The Insider (1999) or best supporting actor for L.A. Confidential (1997)

The late 90s and early 00s were a study in contrasts for Crowe. By 2000, he was the lean, mean Oscar-winning machine of Gladiator. The year prior, he was the tubby, gray-haired Big Tobacco whistleblower of The Insider.

Its a remarkable transformation, though the earlier performance is the better, subtler, more deserving one. Of course, hes great as Maximus, but his win felt like a mea culpa for the previous years oversight.

Morgan Freeman

His Oscar: Best supporting actor for Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Should have won: Best actor for The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Freeman might have wasted most of the past 15 years with trash like Olympus Has Fallen and Last Vegas, but it doesn't matter. Hed already been grandfathered in as our most magisterial on-screen presences.

Its surprising that in his near-60-year career, hes only had five Oscar nominations and the one win. And its a good win, no doubt. A "Shawshank" win would have been better. Freemans Red is the beating heart of one of the greatest and most beloved movies of all time.

Christian Bale

His Oscar: Best supporting actor for The Fighter (2010)

Should have won: Best actor for American Psycho (2000)

Bale sure does like to abuse his body in the name of art.

Packing on pounds to play Dick Cheney in Vice is just his latest transformation in a career full of them. Hes been heavy (American Hustle), jacked (the Batman movies), thin (The Big Short) and so skinny he looks dead (Rescue Dawn, The Fighter and, most notably, The Machinist). That kind of commitment gets attention from the Academy.

Bale has always excelled at playing crazy, and The Fighter is a good showcase for how far he can take things. But his best, most defining roles have been the slick sociopaths. His crowning achievement in this regard is serial killer Patrick Bateman, that hilarious, grotesque caricature of greed and misogyny that's curdled into something more sinister still.

Jeff Bridges

His Oscar: Best actor for Crazy Heart (2009)

Should have won: Best actor for The Big Lebowski (1998)

God love Jeff Bridges and his fine work in Crazy Heart, but that movie had the unfortunate side effect of him never again playing a character who didnt sound like a marble-mouthed cowboy.

His work used to be more diverse. He could do the charming killer (Jagged Edge) or the sunny capitalist (Tucker: The Man and his Dream) or the yuppie-turned-spiritualist (Fearless), and he most definitely could do the lazy, White Russian-drinking amateur sleuth who just wants someone to replace his rug, man.

Leonardo DiCaprio

His Oscar: Best actor for The Revenant (2015)

Should have won: Best actor for The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) or best supporting actor for Django Unchained (2012)

He played mentally impaired, obsessive compulsive, South African, slave-holder, mental patient, Jay Gatsby and J. Edgar Hoover. For the Academy to finally recognize him, though, he had to fight a bear, crawl through miles of freezing muck and seek shelter in the innards of a gutted horse.

Gary Oldman

His Oscar: Best actor for Darkest Hour (2017)

Should have won: Best actor for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) or Sid and Nancy (1986)

Put on a fat suit and 20 pounds of facial prosthetics to play a famous historical figure, and the Oscar is all but yours, good sir.

DIRECTORS

Martin Scorsese

His Oscar: Best director for The Departed (2006)

Should have won: Best director for Raging Bull (1980) Goodfellas (1990) or The Aviator (2004)

I wholeheartedly adore The Departed, but come on.

Alfonso Cuaron

His Oscar: Best director for Gravity (2013)

Should have won: Best director for Children of Men (2006)

Gravity was a staggering but empty technical achievement. Children of Men was a staggering and emotionally rich and politically subversive technical achievement.

Photos: See the nominees for the 91st Academy AwardsThe testimony cast doubt on Park's story, but Jung's account was also undercut at points. Jung testified that the cash she gave Park came from a safe-deposit box, but Petersen obtained records showing it hadn't been opened during the relevant period. A witness for Park disputed that the bookstore exchange occurred.

The jury in the civil trial found for Jung, awarding her about $125,000. But the judge reduced the amount to less than $25,000, saying the safe-deposit box records made Jung's claims questionable. After a lengthy deliberation in the criminal trial, a jury found Park not guilty.

Jung said she felt stung. She said she hoped to put Park out of business. Park said he was vindicated by the verdict in the criminal trial. He plans to continue to work as a private detective. He even got back the $50,000 police seized from him.

Fairfax County police said the probe of Yun's killing remains active and in particular asked if anyone in the public is able to recognize keys found near the scene where Yun's car was abandoned.

"We strongly believe that there was more than one offender at the scene of the murder - but also potentially others who helped to plan or otherwise have knowledge of the crime," said 2nd Lt. Vincent Scianna.Unfortunately, Ballenger said, she had been told by hospice he was expected to die in two weeks or less. Melicks wife described him as not a suit and tie guy, but even though he knew he could not make the trip, he wanted to be buried in the shirt and jacket given to those taking the honor flights.

Ballenger and others from the organization visited Melicks home on Dec. 30 to thank him for his service to the nation and present Melick with an Honor Flight cap, shirt and jacket. Melick died the following morning.

Although Melick could not talk when Ballenger and the others visited his home, his wife said she is certain that he was aware of their presence. Mileks wife, Marilyn, will go on the flight as a guardian.

What he did really meant a lot, Ballenger said. What the recognition of their service after all these years means to the families of these veterans is important.

Des Moines area Hy-Vee stores donated $100,000 to help underwrite the cost of the May 21 flight. Ballenger said other donations came from Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Ruan Trucking and the Polk County Board of Supervisors.Iowa Western Community College students will likely face another tuition increase for the 2019-20 school year because of falling enrollment and uncertainty about state aid.

We will be looking at a tuition increase, but we wont make that decision until probably May, said Eddie Holtz, vice president of finance.

Iowa Westerns enrollment is down 406 students, or 6.77 percent from 2018, according to a chart presented by Tori Christie, vice president of student services, during the Iowa Western board of trustees regular meeting Monday. The number of credit hours is down 5,108, or 8.89 percent.

Enrollment for Council Bluffs is up, largely because of a huge increase in high school students earning credits. Total enrollment is 4,079, up 537 students or 15.16 percent; and credit hours are 40,586, up 544 hours or 1.36 percent. High school enrollment is 843, up 796 students from last year; and credits being taken by high school students total 4,429 hours, up 4,144.

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The college is looking at a preliminary budget of $75,364,138, down 1.9 percent from the current years budget of $76,805,033, Holtz said.Abelardos Mexican restaurant will open a location in Council Bluffs.

The eatery will open at the Mall of the Bluffs food court by March 1, according to Abel Gonzalez, who started his namesake Abelardos brand 18 years ago. Juan Escobado will own the Council Bluffs restaurant.

We are very excited about opening in Council Bluffs, Gonzalez said. This is our first here and we hope we can open more.

Abelardos has locations in Omaha and Des Moines. Gonzalez said there will be a total of 18 restaurants in Iowa and Nebraska after the Council Bluffs and new Omaha locations open.

Escobado is a former employee who was given the chance to open a own restaurant.

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The restaurant serves authentic Mexican food, Gonzalez said, noting its southern California-style Mexican food. Popular menu items include the Arizona steak burrito and diablo shrimp burrito, along with super fries.

While the Abelardos will be the first in Council Bluffs, Gonzalez has opened a restaurant in the city before. He owned and opened Alvarados on West Broadway. The restaurant is now called Juventinos and run by his brother-in-law.Legislation detailing the framework of how Louisiana adults will be able to wager on sporting events  perhaps as early as football season  cleared its final legislative hurdle Thursday and is on its way to the governor.After five bystanders were wounded Sunday (Feb. 17) during a police shootout near a downtown bus stop, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson emphasized that his officers were just doing their jobs.

These officers were fired upon first, so to preserve life  they have to return fire. Our officers did what they were trained to do, he said.

But should they have approached Reginald Bursey, the gunman who died in the shooting, where they did? Police suspected he was connected to two armed robberies, one of which involved a carjacking and stolen gun. Clearly, that is a person who could be dangerous.

Bonycle Sokunbi, a spokesman for the New Orleans Independent Police Monitor, said Monday that the monitor has concerns about the two NOPD officers decision to approach the man near the intersection of Canal Street and Elk Place.

This happened at a busy intersection. The question is: Was that the proper place for a takedown to happen? Sokunbi said.

Gunfight at the City of Yes Corral

A state trooper who came to the scene fatally shot Bursey about a block away from where the encounter started. Its unclear whether the bystanders were shot by Bursey, by police or by both. That will be important to know.

But the bigger question is, could the whole incident have been avoided? Could police have waited to question Bursey at a time when fewer people were around? They were tracking him that evening, so why couldnt they have kept trailing him?

Cops in other cities will say, Better wait to wake the guy up in the morning and arrest him. If somebody is embedded in a crowd, thats the wrong time, LSU School of Public Health criminologist Peter Scharf said in an interview with NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.

Superintendent Ferguson and the NOPD have said little to the public about how the incident unfolded since the news conference Sunday night. The superintendent released a written statement Tuesday afternoon, saying investigators are still putting together the sequence of events. But he hasnt had a press conference since Sunday night.

It is always the goal of NOPD to make an apprehension peacefully, and without incident. But in this case, responding officers were forced into a violent confrontation initiated by the suspect that unfortunately came to a tragic end, he said in the statement.

Mayor LaToya Cantrells office released a written statement from her Monday in which she expressed concern for the five people who were wounded in the gunfire.

Our hearts go out to the victims wounded last night, two of whom required surgery. We are closely monitoring the victims and staying in contact with their families, she said. They matter. Their lives matter. Investigation into this incident remains active and ongoing.

She also pushed back against a description by a witness of the shootout as the Wild West.

In the wake of last nights tragic events, it is important that we acknowledge and understand the work our New Orleans Police Department is doing to keep our people safe, she said. Far from being the Wild West, our City sleeps under the protection of an interconnected web of law enforcement agencies whose effectiveness is on display every day.

That seems disconnected from the reality of the people who were wounded or feared they would be during the shooting, which played out over several blocks.

Mayor Cantrell and Superintendent Ferguson need to be frank with New Orleanians. This was a dangerous incident that easily could have resulted in more injuries. The mayor shouldnt be worried about how witnesses described it, but why it happened and how it might have been avoided.

New Orleanians are waiting to hear from her and from Superintendent Ferguson about what will be done to keep innocent people safe in the future.A man suspected of a September murder in New Orleans East decided earlier this month to surrender himself to authorities at the Orleans Parish jail. But his attorney told The Advocate that deputies at the jail wouldnt let Frank Sams Jr. turn himself in because he didnt have any identification proving that he was, in fact, Frank Sams Jr.

"It was so frustrating to have someone choose to do the right thing and be challenged so much," attorney Kelly Orians said. We started what was essentially a back and forth -- kind of a fight -- where I found myself in this strange position where I was having to argue with law enforcement about whether my client had to be taken into custody."

A murder suspect arguing with deputies to lock him up is absurd on its face. But when one considers that the Orleans Parish jail is one of many in Louisiana that has been routinely holding people who should no longer be imprisoned, then the incompetence of our prison system becomes all the more glaring and alarming.

Its not too much to ask that the people running our prison system know who should be behind bars and who shouldnt. Nobody who should be jailed should have to fight to get in. And nobody who ought to be free should have to fight to get out.

But as my colleagues Rich Webster and Emily Lane point out in a recent NOLA.com report, Every week over the last decade, prison staff found at least one person who had been kept in jail or prison longer than their sentence required, court records show. One state inmate was imprisoned 960 days, almost three years, past his official release date.

It appears that the people who get paid to lock other people up have come to devalue other peoples freedom. Bureaucrats in the Department of Corrections have decided to give themselves a whole 90 days after a person is sentenced to calculate how long that person should be locked up. But if that person is sentenced to time thats already been served, or if the remainder of that persons sentence is less than 90 days, then the number of days the Department of Corrections spends calculating the sentence might exceed the length of the sentence itself.

Take Johnny Traweek who, after spending seven months in the New Orleans jail reluctantly pleaded guilty to second-degree battery even though he says he disagreed with the charge. Traweek was sentenced to time served. Which means that, in a functional parish and state, he would have been let go immediately  or at least let go quickly.

However, seven days after sentencing, Traweeks public defender contacted the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office to find out why he hadnt been released. First of all, an employee shot back, Johnny Traweek was just sentenced on 5/2/18 so his paperwork has not went up yet.

Five days later, the same employee responded to another inquiry: He cant get released until DOC sends him a release. The whole process takes about 2 weeks. He has to wait!!!!

That jail employee sounds annoyed, doesnt she? Its almost like she believes being repeatedly asked about an inmates status is worse than that inmate spending extra days in jail.

As for her claim that the process takes about two weeks, as mentioned above, the DOC has been giving itself about three months. Because according to a written response from Secretary James LeBlanc, calculating release dates is a very complex and ever changing process. Training for this job is ongoing and takes time to truly understand the intricacies of how each case is handled. Time computation staff are expected to know all laws, old and new.

Well, yeah. Thats what theyre being paid to do: to know all the laws.

On a more basic level, theyre being paid to release people on time and not when they get around to solving such incredibly complex problems that require them to add and subtract.

Louisiana routinely jails people weeks, months, years after their release dates

In 2005, a federal district court judge in Atlanta wrote in an opinion that she had been unable to find any case... in which the detainment of a properly identified individual for days beyond his scheduled release date was held constitutionally permissible.

But here in Louisiana, people have been held months and, in some cases, years beyond their release date.

Thats unconscionable and suggests that prison officials have lost sight of the humanity of the people in their custody and, therefore, dont consider it an outrage if theyre locked up longer than the law allows.

But it is an outrage.

If the state can keep a person in prison when that person isnt supposed to be in prison, then what cant the state do? And what good is the Constitution?

If it costs $54.20 per day to house an inmate and the state is consistently keeping people locked beyond their release date, then authorities arent only violating the rights of those locked up, but theyre also consistently wasting tax dollars.

But the waste of money  as awful as it is  shouldnt prompt the most anger.

Louisiana is regularly imprisoning people who should be free.

And nobody who thinks freedom is important should find that acceptable.

Jarvis DeBerry 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 Jarvis at jdeberry@nola.com or @jarvisdeberry.A six-alarm fired that ravaged a historic St. Charles Avenue house in New Orleans on Wednesday morning (Feb. 20) is the second large fire at the home in nearly 12 years. A three-alarm fire caused by lightning in 2007 also left heavy damage.

Read below The Times-Picayunes story of that 2007 blaze. Also stay with our latest coverage of Wednesdays fire.

Historic St. Charles Avenue home burns in 6-alarm fire Wesnesday Feb. 20, 2019

The story below, by reporter Bob Ussery, was published in The Times-Picayune on June 5, 2007:

Flames ravage historic mansion: St. Charles Ave. fire ignited by lightning

A three-story mansion at St. Charles Avenue and Third Street was heavily damaged Monday morning by a four-alarm fire set by lightning.

Steeped in tradition, the ornate residence was the home of a former Rex and subsequent kings of Carnival have stopped to make a toast there over the past 100 years.

Robert Henry Downman, a lumberman and Rex of 1907, and his wife, Anne Cameron Downman, bought the house in 1906, and their descendants have lived there over the past 101 years.

Their great-granddaughter, Anne Grace, was dropping off a friend on Arabella Street about 11:30 a.m. when she saw lightning and almost immediately heard a loud boom, indicating a strike nearby. Minutes later, she arrived home and found the Grace-Montgomery House, 2525 St. Charles, on fire.

Grace, who lives at the mansion with her husband, William F. Grace Jr., found a tool (key) which she used to free Cindy Hogan from an elevator at the house. Hogan, an employee of Anne Graces mother, Anne Kock Montgomery, who also lives there. Hogan had just gotten into the elevator to run an errand when the lights went out.

She had to jump down. It was probably 5 feet off the ground, Grace said.

She said Hogan was calm, but claimed she was not using the elevator again.

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Grace said it was fortunate people were at home when the fire started, because someone was able to dial 911 right away. She said passers-by also dialed 911.

Graces mother, Hogan, and three other employees were at the home, but all escaped safely along with three French poodles.

She said the lightning hit either a laundry room or playroom on the third-floor, or the roof near them. The attic was totally destroyed. (The lightning strike) must have been just above the playroom, she said. That room has no roof now. The fire also damaged the laundry room and playroom.The rest of the house received extensive damage down to the first floor.

Grace said the mansion lost three chimneys and suffered damage to the third floor in Katrina, but Mondays damage was worse. She said workers had been painting to repair the Katrina damage for the last eight months and had finished all but one room.

Now were going to have to do it all over again, she said.

Grace said firefighters responded within two minutes. They were phenomenal, she said. She said firefighters were courteous and efficient. They pushed furniture to the middle of the room and put tarps over it to protect it from water."

They were extremely thoughtful and helpful and did a great job," Grace said.She said the Downmans daughter, Virginia Downman, married Graces grandfather and raised three children in the mansion, the eldest of whom was Graces mother.

One of Graces aunts, Virginia Kock, inherited the house, and when she died in 1995, she left it to Grace and her husband.The historic house with cedar shake shingles dates to at least 1888 and probably to the late 1850s. An architect, Thomas Sully, designed the house in 1888, but there was evidence he might have remodeled and enlarged a previous home designed around 1860 by architect Henry Howard, according to information provided by the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans.

Grace said many friends from different parts of the country called her Monday when they heard about the fire.

Its been home to many a good party, and lots of people have enjoyed it, she said of her home.

It is also the place where each Mardi Gras, Rex toasts her husband.

Its an occasion we look forward to every year, Grace said. We consider Mardi Gras a family holiday. She said relatives have been gathering for generations at the house to watch the toast. Grace and her family were at the mansion Monday after the fire, but will not be able to live there until repairs are made.Louisiana officials are asking the federal government to forgive the interest on $1.1 billion the state owes for its cost share of the New Orleans area levee system rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina. If successful, the move could save Louisianians nearly $2 billion in interest as the state repays the principal over the next three decades.

The levee systems overhaul cost more than $20 billion and included 350 miles of levees, flood walls, gates and pumps. The state is expected to make its first of 30 annual payments on the $1.1 billion debt during the third quarter of 2020.

But adding the interest over the course of those payments the state would end up paying a total $3 billion, said Chip Kline, Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. That number includes $519 million in interest accrued during construction of the levee system.

That means about 63 percent of that $3 billion would be interest, Kline said at the monthly Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board Meeting held in New Orleans Wednesday (Feb. 20).

That is why youve seen the state change its approach when were talking to congressional members about debt forgiveness, he said. We are willing to pay for the principal associated with this, the $1.1 billion. Our approach has now changed to the forgiveness of the interest.

State to spend $783M on coastal restoration, levees in 2020

State officials have been talking with the Trump administration in recent weeks about setting up a meeting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Office of Management and Budget, Kline said. The meeting will likely take place in March or April. The state hopes to start a conversation with Management and Budget about how it could avoid paying interest on the levee system construction, through administrative or congressional avenues, he said.

The states 2020 coastal annual plan includes a request for $103 million from the Legislatures Capital Outlay budge to make the first annual payment on the levee system next year. We as a state are going to be prepared to pay back the principal, but we are seeking relief on the interest, Kline said.In real life, but especially in Hollywood, love has a way of becoming a complicated thing, distorted and ultimately hamstrung by things like sex and scandal, jealousy and insecurity.

Which is exactly why Netflix's surprisingly touching "Paddleton" is such a beautiful film. Directed by up-and-comer Alexandre Lehmann ("Asperger's Are Us," "Blue Jay"), working from a lean script by Lehmann and New Orleans' Mark Duplass, it's a story about love, but it's a pure and simple love, unmuddled by those thorny difficulties that so often get in the way.

It just so happens, by the way, that love in this case is between two dudes, Michael (played by Duplass) and Andy (Ray Romano), two charmingly awkward misfits who happen to be neighbors and who also share an appreciation for all the finer things in life: frozen pizza for dinner every night, kung-fu movies, a sport they invented to play against an old drive-in theater movie screen down the street (and from which the movie gets its title).

To be clear: Andy and Michael's love isn't a romantic love. It's not a vanity-fueled love. It's certainly not a physical love.

Rather, it's a brotherly love. It's also an honest and equal love, the kind in which neither feels compelled to profess it or to convince the other person of it. They simply exhibit it by being there when the other needs them.

Here's your downloadable, printer-friendly 2019 Oscar pool ballot

That includes when Andy -- whose particular brand of quirkiness suggests a place on the Autism spectrum -- melts down after that night's pizza burns in the oven. In that case, Michael is there to step in and calmly, patiently make everything OK.

Or when Michael gently teases Andy by habitually snatching his favorite knit cap off his head. ("You better not drop that!")

More importantly for the film's purposes, it also includes a crucial moment, captured in the opening scene, in which Michael receives a dose of very bad news from his doctor. Standing next to him for emotional support in the exam room is -- you guessed it -- his best friend and upstairs neighbor, Andy. ("I live on top of him," Andy explains to the doctor.)

Andy will continue standing next to Michael for everything to come, too, as that diagnosis sets them off on a sweet, often funny -- sometimes meandering -- exploration of their relationship. It's also, ultimately, a heartbreaking journey, but in the most lovely way possible.

"Paddleton" will wreck you, but not in the same way last year's "A Star is Born" wrecked you. That movie made you want to cry and bury your head in a pillow. This one will make you want to cry and bury your head in the shoulder of someone you love.

Granted, the themes at work in Lehmann's film, which arrives Friday (Feb. 22) on Netflix just three weeks after its debut at this year's Sundance Film Festival, aren't new to Duplass. He's been exploring brotherly love on-screen and off with filmmaking partner and real-life sibling Jay Duplass ever since 2005's "Puffy Chair" launched their careers as two of Hollywood's easiest-to-root-for outsiders. So, unsurprisingly, he turns in a deft performance as Michael. That's particularly true in the emotional third-act of "Paddleton," in which Duplass gets, and seizes, a chance to show his dramatic chops.

It's the performance of Romano, however, on which the whole film hinges. And he nails it.

So often, whether in the "Ice Age" movies or "The Big Sick," Romano simply plays a variation of his charmingly dopey "Everybody Loves Raymond" character -- which is fine. Everybody does love Raymond, after all.

His performance in "Paddleton," however, is nothing short of revelatory, exhibiting depth, nuance and the sort of keen understanding of human emotion that comics are generally too scared to confront. Here, he confronts it head-on, and the payoff is immense, both for him and for viewers.

Like "Paddleton" itself, Romano's performance isn't flashy. It isn't dripping with self-awareness or desperation.

Rather, it's quietly, subtly beautiful. And it deserves to be seen.

Mike Scott covers TV and movies for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Reach him via email at mscott@nola.com or on Twitter at @moviegoermike.

___________

PADDLETON, 4 stars, out of 5

Snapshot: A dramatic comedy that examines the relationship between two best friends after one receives a troubling diagnosis from his doctor.

What works: Mark Duplass and Ray Romano deliver lead performances that are both funny and deeply touching.

What doesn't: The story itself is light on plot, lending it a bit of a meandering feel.

Starring: Romano, Duplass, Marguerite Moreau, Kadeem Hardison. Director: Alexandre Lehmann. MPAA rating: Unrated, warrants R for language, brief nudity. Running time: 1 hour 28 minutes. When and where: Debuts Friday (Feb. 22) on Netflix.Two New Orleans Police Department detectives involved in a robbery investigation didnt know the man they were looking for had open warrants in Texas or that police there believed he was linked to a Houston-area gang when they spotted him Sunday evening (Feb. 17) on Canal Street, said Donovan Livaccari, a lawyer for one of the NOPD detectives.

The decision to pursue him near the busy intersection led up to the Sunday night shootout between the man, now identified as 32-year-old Reginald Bursey, and officers, ending in Burseys death and the wounding of five bystanders.

Livaccari, who serves as an attorney for the NOPD chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, said detectives didnt even know the mans name when they called for backup before initiating their plan to box him in and question him.

The two 6th District detectives knew the man appeared to be the same person seen on surveillance video using a credit card at a nearby store in the Central Business District, a card that had been stolen in one of two Central City armed robberies earlier this month, Livaccari said. They also knew a gun was stolen during one of the robberies. A tipster told the detectives the man was seen in the Canal Street area earlier, so the detectives went there to check it out, Livaccari said.

It was good police work, he said.

Detectives and the NOPD say Bursey initiated a gun fight with officers that weaved through a CBD transit hub.

Man killed in CBD shootout with police was wanted in Texas

Livaccari said the NOPD officers who returned fire -- one of the detectives and a uniformed officer who was providing back-up - took the right action by trying to stop Bursey when they had the opportunity to do so and in returning fire to protect themselves and others. But a watchdog group and experts have questioned the risk of stopping a person of interest suspected in a violent felony in such a crowded area, and in engaging in a gunfight with bystanders nearby.

The Orleans Parish Coroners Office on Tuesday identified Bursey as the man killed in the exchange of gunfire with police. Amy Polk told NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune Bursey he is the father of her two children, ages 2 and 8, and that he had been in and out of prison throughout much of his adulthood, starting shortly after the death of his mother, when he was 17. In a statement on Tuesday (Feb. 19), NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said NOPD has contacted Burseys family.

As of Tuesday afternoon, three of the five wounded people NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson referred to as innocent bystanders, had been released from the hospital, the department said. Two underwent surgery, including one who as of Monday was in critical condition. Ferguson and New Orleans Mayor Cantrell have visited with the wounded survivors, Ferguson said in his statement.

Livaccari, who is representing both the NOPD officers who fired their guns in the shootout, said his clients are very concerned bystanders were hurt in the gunfire exchange, but he believes the officers actions were justified. The officers approached Bursey around the corner from the transit hub, Livaccari said, and it was Bursey who led them to the crowded area on Elk Place that serves as a stop for several bus lines and streetcars.

Without knowing his name or where he lived, Livaccari said, it was important to take advantage of the opportunity to question him, and to stop him from taking public transportation, as they learned he was bound to do.

They had an obligation to apprehend a violent offender, and I think that its unfortunate that the violent offender created a particularly dangerous situation, Livaccari said of the NOPD officers who returned fire.

The NOPD officers involved in the shootout were reassigned to desk duty pending an internal investigation, as per NOPD policy. A Louisiana State Trooper who respond to the NOPD officers call for help also fired his weapon. That trooper, a former NOPD officer, remains on active duty pending the investigations outcome, as per State Police policy.

I have full faith and confidence that (NOPDs) Force Investigation Team will reveal all of the nuances of this case to give us a better understanding of exactly what happened, Livaccari said.

Neither of the two plainclothes detectives at the scene had a body-worn camera, nor did the two uniformed officers also at the scene, Livaccari said. He noted the lack of cameras was standard because detectives dont wear body cameras and the uniformed officers were working an off-duty detail for the Downtown Development District when they responded to the call for backup.

Ferguson said NOPD has footage from city crime cameras, and NOPD, working with federal consent decree monitors and other agencies, will decide in the coming days whether to release it publicly.

Suspect identified, 3 victims released from hospital: What we know about Sundays deadly shootout

Questions surrounding the initial stop

Bonycle Sokunbi, a spokeswoman for the New Orleans Independent Police Monitor, said the monitor had concerns about the two officers decision to engage with the man at about 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, in that location. The NOPD watchdog group, which is taxpayer funded, was among the agencies that responded to the scene.

This happened at a busy intersection. The question is: Was that the proper place for a takedown to happen? said Sokunbi.

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Livaccari, responding to the independent police monitors comments, said the officers neither approached Bursey directly at the bus stop, nor was that their intent. Based on conversations with his clients, Livaccari said, his understanding is the detectives first spotted Bursey on Canal Street near Roosevelt Way, two blocks up from the bus stop, walking north, toward Claiborne Avenue.

The plainclothes detectives called for backup, and formed a plan for the two uniformed officers to approach Bursey from the front while the detectives approach from the back, Livaccari said. Bursey was on the sidewalk near the middle of the block on Canal Street, between Elk Place and South Rampart Street, when the uniformed officers parked on Canal Street, near the corner of Elk.

Bursey was still on Canal Street when he saw one of the uniformed officers get out of their car, Liviccari said. Thats when Bursey started shooting, he said.

Police returned fire as Bursey fled around the corner on Elk Place, near the bus stop, then went through the park on the neutral ground and took a right at the next block, to Cleveland Avenue, then a left on South Saratoga Street, then to Tulane Avenue. Near Tulane Medical Center on Tulane Avenue, he ducks in some of those bushes, Livaccari said. Officers spotted him and gave verbal commands, he said, Bursey shot at them again. It was at that point the state trooper who had been called to help fired his gun at and fatally struck Bursey.

Bursey was taken to a hospital where he died, police said. He was shot more than once, in the torso and extremities, according to the coroner.

Statuary law from a 1968 case, Terry v. Ohio, authorizes police to stop, question, and even detain a person without a warrant if they have reasonable suspicion. The stop of Bursey likely fits in the category of a so-called Terry stop, but Terry stops have risks as well, said LSU School of Public Health criminologist Peter Scharf.

Before stopping Bursey, Scharf said, officers should consider if the person could be armed. NOPD preliminary reports show a gun was involved in both the Central City armed robberies the detectives were investigating. Livaccari said a gun was taken either during the Feb. 8 hold-up on Clio Street or in Saturdays carjacking on Josephine and Carondelet streets.

Best practices in police departments around the country call for officers to weigh the risks of approaching a target with any possible harm to the police officers, the subject and, especially, to bystanders, Scharf said.

Even if a suspect then shoots his or her weapon, that does not automatically call for the same response from officers, he added.

Polk, Burseys former girlfriend, said Bursey had been released from prison in September, shortly before authorities in Texas allege he committed an aggravated robbery. She believed he knew he was wanted in Texas and that police there had broadcasted that he was armed and dangerous. Police in Texas said Bursey was a member of Houstons 59 Piru street gang, but Polk disputes that.

I think he was tired. Hes been in and out of jail his whole life and at the end of the day he felt like his back was against the wall and didnt see a chance for hope, Polk said.

Its not yet clear whether the five bystanders were shot by Bursey, by police or by both, Ferguson said from the scene Sunday.

Livaccari said he had no information about whose gunfire struck the bystanders, but noted that at some point, Bursey was firing his gun indiscriminately. He said he was told Bursey at one point was seen firing behind him while running forward.

Police at least were aiming, Livaccari said.

Jim Craig, director of the Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center, said the involvement of a state trooper in Sundays shootout raised questions about the type and amount of training troopers receive on policing a densely populated area, like the French Quarter and CBD.

Youre meant to make a series of calculations very quickly, weighing the danger of letting the person go against the danger of using your weapon. It doesnt seem they make those calculations, Craig said of Louisiana State Police.

Ferguson said Sunday night his officers did what theyre trained to do.

In a statement released Tuesday, Ferguson added that a peaceful apprehension, is always the goal of NOPD. However, in this case, he wrote, responding officers were forced into a violent confrontation initiated by the suspect that unfortunately came to a tragic end.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the NOPDs Public Integrity Bureau at 504-658-6800 or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 504-822-1111 and toll-free at 1-877-903-7867.

Staff writers Richard A. Webster and Hanna Krueger contributed to this report.A 23-year-old pleaded guilty Tuesday (Feb. 19) to manslaughter in the 2013 shooting death of an 18-year-old man, according to Orleans Parish court records.

Brent Riggins is set to receive the maximum prison term of 40 years when sentenced Feb. 20 before Orleans Criminal District Judge Darryl Derbigny, the Orleans Parish District Attorneys office said.

Riggins was scheduled to stand trial this week on a charge of second-degree murder in the shooting of Jared Hester of Gretna.

Hester was found dead Oct. 4, 2013, outside of an apartment complex in the 1500 block of Southlawn Boulevard. He had been shot 14 times, according to prosecutors.

Riggins and his co-defendant, Aaron Thibodeaux were both 18 when arrested in October 2013, about two weeks after officers chased them down at the homicide scene and took them in for questioning. Police also recovered a gun from the scene, believed to have been used in the killing.

NOPD investigators identified Riggins as the suspected gunman after physical evidence showed that Thibodeaux did not fire his weapon.

Thibodeaux, now 23, pleaded guilty Jan. 30 to a reduced charge of accessory after the fact to murder, a charge reduced from second-degree murder. That crime carries a maximum five-year sentence, the DAs office said.

Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.Additional details emerged Tuesday about Reginald Bursey, the man accused of initiating a shootout with police near a downtown bus stop Sunday night (Feb. 17). The shootout left Bursey dead and five bystanders wounded.

Bursey, a 32-year-old New Orleans native, grew up in the 9th Ward with two sisters and a single mother who died in 2003 at age 46, when Bursey was 17, according to Amy Polk, Burseys former girlfriend.

Burseys trouble with the law began a month after his mothers funeral when he was booked for possession of marijuana. A year later, Bursey was arrested for giving false identification information to police and in a later incident, for theft over $1,500, records show. He moved to Columbus, Texas, a suburb 70 miles east of Houston, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

He met Polk in 2009 and became a father figure to her two children, then a toddler and an infant, she said. The couple had two daughters of their own together, now 2 and 8, both named in honor of Burseys mother.

"When she died, he always said she took a part of him with her, said Polk.

Suspect identified, 3 victims released from hospital: What we know about Sundays deadly shootout

According to Polk, Bursey headed to New Orleans after the Columbus Police Department issued a warrant for his arrest for a September 2018 armed robbery. The post calls him armed and dangerous and a confirmed gang member of Houstons 59 Piru street gang." (Polk disputes that charge; she said that Bursey lived over 70 miles away from Houston and was not affiliated with any gangs.)

The 32-year-old believed he would be shot on sight if found by police, Polk said.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

He didnt see any hope for himself, said Polk, who said she last spoke with Bursey a couple weeks before the shooting.

The officers who approached Bursey near the corner of Canal Street and Elk Place Sunday wanted to question him about an armed robbery in Central City the week before, according to Donovan Livaccari, a lawyer representing one of the detectives. They did not know his name, his criminal history, or that he was a fugitive wanted in Texas, he said.

When Bursey saw the officers, he opened fired in their direction, police have said, prompting a haphazard gun fight with officers that weaved through a CBD transit hub and ended in his death.

Police monitor concerned about NOPD officers decision to approach CBD gunman at bus stop

Polk was shocked and confused when a friend called Sunday night to tell her about Burseys death. She and his sisters confirmed his identity for officials Monday morning.

It sounds like he was spooked and scared, Polk said.

As of Tuesday (Feb. 19), two of the five bystanders shot during the exchange remained in the hospital. In a statement released late Tuesday, superintendent Shaun Ferguson said the investigation is open and very active and investigators are still putting together the sequence of events that transpired.

Staff writer Emily Lane contributed to this report.The executive director of the national Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity from 1989 to 2009 said LSUs DKE chapter was constantly at risk of being removed from campus during his tenure, The Advocate reports. His comments follow the arrest of nine fraternity members in connection to hazing activities.

Calling LSU the worst campus as far as hazing and alcohol goes, David Easlick told the newspaper LSUs DKE fraternity once agreed to a two-year introspection period in which they banned alcohol and animals from the house after police found a goat inside of the house during DKEs initiation.

I knew from the very beginning of becoming the executive director of DKE that LSU was a problem, Easlick told The Advocate.

An LSU spokesman told NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune last week there were charges against nine men ranging from misdemeanor principal to criminal hazing to felony second degree battery. The members are accused of several acts, ranging from dousing pledges in gasoline to punching and kicking them among other physical abuse.

The nine arrested and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison last week are:

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Charles Eugene Brakenridge, 23, of Ferriday. One misdemeanor count of principal to criminal hazing and one misdemeanor count of criminal hazing  representative duty to report.

The arrests come after the DKE national organization abruptly closed the LSU chapter last month. LSU is working to improve safety in its Greek Life system after the 2017 death of 18-year-old freshman Max Gruver. Gruver died in a Phi Delta Theta hazing incident.

Read The Advocates full story.

9 LSU students arrested amid fraternity hazing investigation

Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles.Mariano Rivera's imagine was nearly perfect on the field and almost totally perfect off the field during a legendary career with the Yankees.

Retirement isn't as kind right now.

The recent unanimous Hall of Fame inductee is defending himself against allegations of neglecting child support payments for two children Rivera fathered outside his current family of five, per The Boston Globe.

''I have always acted . . . as a good family father,'' the 49-year-old told local media.

Rivera's comments came as he is being asked to appear before Panamanian judicial authorities to answer accusations that he has failed to fulfill his obligations to support the boy and girl, ages 11 and 15.

While Rivera may be telling the truth, not everyone believes the all-time great closer.

''He came to clean up his image before the media, instead of notifying authorities and facing the process'' against him, said Yovany Wyznick Ortega, a lawyer for the children's mother.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Ortega alleged that Rivera and the children had ''always shared'' but that the former player stopped seeing them and ''abandoned'' them two years ago.

''He stopped paying for things for his children and put them in an economically critical situation,'' she said.

According to the lawyer, Rivera has five suits pending against him and Rivera could be banned from leaving the country of Panama if he doesn't show up to the hearings.

Rivera, 49, saved 652 games during a 19-year big league career that began in 1995.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.There are lots of streets named after presidents or trees. But what about local heroes?

Two Warren County towns recently decided to mark their streets -- some officially, some not -- after residents who meet the subjective qualifications. One was from an influential family. Another led a life of service to his town. And another, a World War II veteran, was just honored on his 99th birthday.

That's how you get your name on a street sign.

The veteran

Robert Reed was seated in front of everyone at Tuesdays Phillipsburg Town Council meeting. Next to him was a small cake with 99 on it -- it was his birthday.

A town proclamation was read that documented the life of the towns oldest living veteran: Born in 1920, a Phillipsburg resident since he was 6, a merchant marine at 16, an Army soldier in 1944. He was drafted with his three brothers for World War II and helped allied forces take control of Germanys Rhine river. Reed returned home to Phillipsburg in 1945 and worked for Bethlehem Steel.

Following the proclamation, he was given a mockup of a decorative street sign that will be put up on Wilson Street, where he has lived for 60 years.

The family

Generations of the Alleger family have lived in the borough of Washington for about 200 years, some serving as mayors, fire chiefs and business leaders, according to borough manager Matthew Hall.

So it was a little surprising that the sign on the small, dead-end street named after them has been misspelled "Allegar" for years.

The error was recently discovered when the borough updated its 911 database. The borough council has officially corrected the spelling and plans to hold a renaming ceremony March 8, with Allegers in attendance.

The public servant

That same day, Washington will hold a second, similar and likely more solemn ceremony on what will now officially be known as Richard W. Thompson Jr. Way.

That road, a previously unnamed access road for the public works garage, is named for a borough councilman who died Oct. 30. Thompson was a longtime member of the borough fire department and emergency squad.

This sad occasion presented an opportunity, Hall said, and council was unanimous in their desire to honor Councilman Thompsons many years of service by dedicating the roadway in his honor.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveNovakLVL and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.Stage biographies of musical superstars, like "Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical," running through February 24 at George Street Playhouse's temporary home at 103 College Farm Road in New Brunswick, give fans a chance to relive favorite musical memories and for newcomers to learn just why and how those entertainers, people like Cher and Carole King whose shows are currently on Broadway, become stars.

The 1935 song by Rodgers and Hart which gives this show its title is, unlike some of the gush which enveloped us recently for Valentine's Day, an unhappy one, and "the blues," a major part of Simone's recorded and performance repertoire, was something Simone knew well throughout her life and career. When asked about love, Simone once said, "What is love? Only a prelude to sorrow, with a heartbreak ahead for your goal."

And music too, although it became her life's work, was not always happy for Simone who was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in 1933. She started piano lessons at age three, trained as a classical pianist, and, with financial help from people in Tryon, North Carolina, her hometown, graduated from the Julliard School of Music but was refused entry to the Curtis Institute of Music which she yearned to attend. She blamed this refusal on racial discrimination. In order to make a living, she then turned to popular music and found her first job in Atlantic City singing the blues and accompanying herself on piano. Eventually, she earned the title "the high priestess of soul."

Her first album, the first of over 40 recorded between 1958 and 1974, was titled "Little Girl Blue," making this show's title more than appropriate. Although the show's been in development for several years, the GSP staging is its world premiere.

The production is directed by Devanand Janki. He first met this show's author and star, Laiona Michelle, through his work at Live & In Color, a company entering its fifth season which is devoted to developing new plays and musicals which celebrate diversity.

"We were working on a different musical, and one of our performers had to leave," said Janki, "but she recommended Laiona who came in and saved the day. Laiona is such an extraordinary talent and told us about her own show she'd been working on. Since I'm such a Nina Simone fan, we jumped at the chance to help Laiona realize her dream.

"Mark Fifer, our musical director, and I looked at her first draft which was about four and a half hours long. We jumped in to try to help her reshape it, did a concert reading in Connecticut followed by more reworking, a couple more readings, and then we did the staged reading which David Saint (GSP's artistic director) and his crew came to and liked, and so here we are. We went into this not wanting to do a juke-box show, or a Nina Simone documentary or not just a Nina Simone biography because Nina lived such a varied, full life, musically and otherwise," said Janki.

During that development time, Laiona Michelle starred in "American Hero," a dramatic Afghanistan war play at GSP in 2018, and earned fine notices, so Saint knew her work, but in this new show, she shows off her considerable musical and interpretive abilities which she'd already displayed on Broadway in "Amazing Grace," the first national tour of "The Book of Mormon" and playing Dinah Washington in "Dinah Was."

"Nina never planned on being a jazz musician," Janki said, "and one of the first things Laiona told me was about Nina's love of classical music and her disappointment over not becoming a great black classical pianist. Such a thing was rarely available to black musicians in the early fifties. She was very outspoken and volatile and sometimes bi-polar. She was ahead of her time, and she spoke the truth no matter what people thought. She didn't want just to sing, but to add something that mattered. That's why we chose, from her vast catalog, songs used dramaturgically to help tell her story."

Musical director Mark Fifer, who's on stage at the piano which occasionally has Nina Simone sitting on it, during the show's two acts, explained that each act represents a concert from Nina Simone's long performance history.

"The first act takes place in 1968," said Fifer, "not long after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. with protests going on outside, and the atmosphere is tense. Nina is very 'on message' with her words and her choice of songs. The second act is in 1976 at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, a much different working environment in which we get to see more of the workings on Nina's mind and soul, giving the show two rather different dramatic set-ups. The three musicians onstage with Nina are not based on specific people but amalgams, people who are familiar with Nina's style."

As both writer and star, Laiona Michelle has been thrilled by the fine reviews, standing ovations and the possibilities of taking the show elsewhere, but she is most excited to be achieving her life-long dream of sharing her love and respect for Simone with others.

"I've known Nina all my life. My mother had quite a collection of albums, and Nina's music was played at home. When she sang in her bottom voice, I thought she was male because her voice had so much weight and resonance. By the time I was a teenager, I responded to songs like 'Mississippi Goddam' that were so provocative and edgy. That drew me even more to Nina and to the message underneath.

"In putting songs together, I initially played it very safe, but one day, when I was writing the third or fourth draft of the script, I could feel Nina's eyes piercing me and saying, 'Tell the truth. Tell MY truth.' Now Nina lived on the edge, exercised her freedom of speech, never minced her words. If I really wanted to tell Nina's story, I had to tell the full story with all of its bumps. I'm satisfied with what we have now, and, for some people, it may be very challenging. I never got to see her in person, but I wish I had.

"She did cover versions of other artists' songs, and, although she's singing the same words, her take on the lyrics was so different. And some songs I started with, we had to change. We had 'I Loves You, Porgy,' her biggest single, but that was replaced with 'Ne me quitte pas' because that was more appropriate for the setting in Switzerland.

"She said she wanted to make people feel on a deep level," said Michelle, "and I hope we do too."

IF YOU GO

"Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical"

Where: George Street Playhouse 103 College Farm Road off Route One, New Brunswick

When: through February 24, Tuesday to Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7, with matinees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2.

How much: Tickets are $25 - $109 with student discounts available

Contact: (732) 246 - 7717 or Georgestreetplayhouse.org

Follow NJ.com on Twitter @njdotcom. Find NJ.com on Facebook.UPDATE WEDNESDAY MORNING: When will the snow start? Latest on timing, snowfall total forecast for winter storm

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Tuesday night before a winter storm thats expected to drop about 3 inches of snow on many parts of New Jersey on Wednesday.

The state of emergency goes into effect Wednesday at 5 a.m.

The timing of the snowfall could be rough for commuters Wednesday evening. The ride to work should be fine as snow will start moving South to North across New Jersey around 10 a.m. and is expected to push into areas around Interstate 80 by about 1 p.m., the National Weather Service said in its Tuesday forecast discussion.

Murphy said at a public event in Piscataway on Tuesday that everyone in the state should be prepared to get some degree of snow Wednesday and that drivers should expect a messy commute.

Due to winter weather conditions, @GovMurphy has declared a State of Emergency for the entire state of New Jersey beginning at 5:00 AM on Wednesday, February 20th.  New Jersey (@NJGov) February 20, 2019

As a winter storm is expected to impact our state, we are urging residents of New Jersey to drive with caution and use their best judgment during this time," Murphy said in a statement. We are actively monitoring the storm and are prepared to deploy any resources available to ensure the safety of the roads.

On Tuesday, Murphy said the storm will hit South Jersey on Wednesday morning and move up with the brunt hitting in the middle of the workday.

Plan ahead, he said at a public event.

A governors state of emergency declaration typically comes with stern warnings for people to stay off the roads, although law enforcement officers dont have the authority to ticket drivers.

But the order does empower first responders to close roads, evacuate homes, and commandeer equipment or other resources to protect public safety.

Plus, after a high-impact storm, state officials can seek financial assistance from the federal government to make repairs, and the emergency declaration is a required step in that process.

Monitor the social media accounts for the state Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey State Police for updates:

NJOEM on Facebook: www.facebook.com/READYNEWJERSEY

NJOEM on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ReadyNJ

NJ State Police on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NewJerseyStatePolice

NJ State Police on Twitter: www.twitter.com/NJSP

You may also sign up for text and email alerts:

NIXLE - www.nixle.com.

NJ Alert - www.njalert.gov.

NJ Advance Media staff writers Jeff Goldman and Brent Johnson contributed to this report.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook.

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Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.An investigation launched by Gov. Phil Murphy to examine how his administration responded to allegations that a former top staffer raped a campaign supporter has cost New Jersey taxpayers about $22,500 so far, records show.

Peter Verniero, the former state Supreme Court justice who was tapped by Murphy to lead the inquiry, submitted a preliminary invoice on Jan. 16, according to a billing document obtained by NJ Advance Media through the state Open Public Records Act.

The is just the first invoice for the four-month investigation, a source familiar with the issue told NJ Advance Media. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss the issue.

Its not yet known what the final tab will be, though it will likely be much higher.

Vernieros firm, Sills Cummis & Gross, is being paid $350 an hour for its work, the Murphy administration has said.

Vernieros inquiry yielded a controversial report earlier this month that largely clears Murphys aides of wrongdoing in how they reacted to Katie Brennans allegations that Albert J. Alvarez raped her after a Murphy campaign gathering in April 2017. Brennan was a campaign supporter and Alvarez was a campaign official at the time.

Alvarez was later hired to become chief of staff to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority even though top members of Murphys staff testified they were aware of the allegations, and he remained in the job for months despite being told twice to leave.

Alvarez has repeatedly denied the accusations and two county prosecutors have declined to charge him with a crime.

The report says while Murphys aides made mistakes in how they handled the matter, they acted under their best judgement and understanding of existing law.

It also says that the system ultimately failed Brennan, who is now chief of staff at the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.

In addition, the report backs up what Murphy has said many times: that he didnt personally know about Brennans allegations until last October, when Alvarez resigned after the Wall Street Journal contacted him for comment.

In the wake of the report, the Democratic governor said he wished he had been told sooner about and that his aides should have acted more swiftly and decisively to remove Alvarez.

State lawmakers from both parties have criticized the report. State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen  the co-chair of a separate legislative investigation into the matter  said the report leaves too many unanswered questions," is peppered with vagaries and uncertainties," and appeared to make more of an effort to exonerate Murphys staff than it did to shed light on the case.

The report does not reveal one of the key unanswered questions in the matter: who actually hired Alvarez.

The legislative committee is continuing with its investigation. Taxpayers are also footing $350 an hour for attorneys the state Legislature has hired to help with that probe.

So far, the price tag of Vernieros investigation pales in comparison to what New Jersey taxpayers paid to the law firm that former Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, hired to run an internal investigation into the Bridgegate scandal. The state spent more than $10 million on that inquiry, which Democrats blasted as being biased and incomplete.

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01.

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Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.Jon Warbeck would have been celebrating his birthday.

His teenage son Luke would have been enjoying his first full day with a drivers license.

Lovedeep Fatra would have been at the Delta, like he always was, pumping gas and happily chatting with customers.

The day after they were killed at the gas station in Wayne, in a horrific crash allegedly caused by a drugged driver, a patch of grass out front was turned into a makeshift memorial for them, covered in flowers.

A memorial has grown at the Delta gas station where three people were killed when a car crashed into the station on Rt 23 in Wayne, N.J.

The three were killed Tuesday morning when Jason Vanderee, 29, careened off Route 23 and slammed into and over Warbecks vehicle - while driving on drugs, authorities said overnight.

Vanderee then crashed into Lovedeep Fatra, who was standing next to the vehicle.

When it was over, Fatra, 22, Jon Warbeck, 50, and his 17-year-old son, Luke, were dead.

Vanderee survived the crash and faces several charges, including three counts of aggravated manslaughter. He is due to appear in court March 6.

Several people visited the memorial on the side of Route 23 on Wednesday morning. Tito Krishnamurthy, who owns the Silverstar Motors, an auto repair shop attached to the gas station where Fatra worked, remembered the young man as a hard worker who was very friendly.

There are only nice things you can say about him. He was like a son to us. Its a tremendous loss, Krishnamurthy said Wednesday morning. He didnt even work with us but he would help us out with customers, calling them and letting them know when their parts were ready."

Fatra  who went by his nickname, Monty  had been working at the gas station for 18 months and was well-liked by customers, who would stop in just to say hello to him. Hed moved to the United States from India.

Friends described the father and son from Lincoln Park as inseparable, and were on their way to the local motor vehicles office for Lukes driving test, according to ABC7ny.com. Jon Warbeck would have celebrated his 50th birthday Wednesday.

Boonton Public Schools Superintendent Robert Presuto said he was at a loss for words regarding the senseless tragedy. Luke was a junior at Boonton High School, and was considering pursuing a trade after graduating.

The teachers at Boonton HS who had Luke in class all said the same thing yesterday afternoon after being told of this horrific event, he said in a statement. He was a fine young man who knew what he wanted to do after high school. Luke was a pleasure to have in class and was well-liked by his peers.

He said the school district would be providing support and space for students and staff to grieve and help one another.

Only together we will get through the next heart-breaking days and innumerable sad days to follow, he continued.

Former Carlstadt Fire Chief Stephen Capuano said he was good friends with Warbeck while they worked together at the volunteer fire department from 1993 to 2000. He said Warbeck was a great guy and very generous.

If you needed something, he would help you without hesitation, Capuano said over Facebook Messenger.

He once sheet rocked my bedroom in 1994 and wouldnt take anything for it. I offered a dozen times but he refused, he said.

The two kept in touch over the years and would catch up at special events and fundraisers. Capuano retired from the fire department in 2017, and Warbecks brother-in-law Henrey Riveros took over as chief.

It is with deep regret the Carlstadt Fire Department announces the passing of past member Jon Warbeck. Jon was a dedicated firefighter who served on Ladder Company 1 from 1993-2000," the department wrote on Facebook. Jon will be missed by all who knew him.

Capuano said he didnt know too much about Luke, but knew they were best friends (and) they did everything together.

No funeral arrangements have been announced.

- Reporter Taylor Tiamoyo Harris contributed to this story.

Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz. 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.By Kimberly Pierre

As a health educator, I conducted interviews with a few New Jersey residents from different educational backgrounds and occupations to better understand what the public thinks about vaccinations. They shared several doubts about vaccines and miseducation about how they work. A few of their comments resonated with me.

A college student told me, Vaccines get you sick. It doesnt protect you against anything.

An educator - a local history teacher - said, "Vaccines are created so the pharmaceutical companies can profit on our fears of getting sick."

How did we get to this point of doubt? How can we change the perceptions of individuals so we can have safe havens for schools and healthier communities throughout our nation?

Its apparent that despite our accessibility to a vast amount of information, when it comes to prevention methods, there are still myths and stigmas present. As a health educator who strives to increase health awareness, I must address these stigmas providing accurate information with the hopes of increasing positive health behaviors.

Within the last year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there were 17 outbreaks of measles within the United States. Of these outbreaks, there were 33 cases found in New Jersey. The primary sources of the measles cases found in New Jersey, and the surrounding areas in New York State, is believed to have started with a person who traveled to Israel and was exposed to the virus. The cases that followed occurred mostly in unvaccinated members of the Orthodox Jewish communities, according to the CDC.

Other sources of the outbreaks found in the United States were associated with travelers coming from other countries.

New Jersey has confirmed that its outbreak is over, but there should still be concern among its residents. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 7, there were 101 outbreaks found in 10 states, and data is still being collected and updated weekly.

What can we possibly do to stop these outbreaks? The best solution is to get vaccinated.

One of the greatest achievements in public health during the 20th century is immunization. Vaccines prevent thousands of individuals from severe illness and complications that can consist of later amputation or paralysis of limbs, hearing loss and brain damage. They can even prevent premature death.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be vaccinated on a recommended schedule. But for people who werent vaccinated as a child, It isnt too late. The CDC provides a catch-up schedule for persons aged 4 months to 18 years, and a schedule.for adults 19 years or older.

Let us all work on changing the narrative regarding vaccines. Not understanding them and avoiding them can leave you vulnerable to illnesses. Protect yourselves and those you care for and get vaccinated.

Kimberly Pierre is a health educator for a non-profit agency advocating for solutions for the societal problems of teen pregnancy, teen STDs/STIs and single parent teen families.A man who thought he was meeting with a 13-year-old girl for sex was arrested this month during an undercover operation by the New Jersey State Police, according to a statement from the department.

Felix Jimenez-Romero, 36, of Hyattsville, Maryland, was arrested on Feb. 7 and charged with luring/enticing a child, promoting prostitution of a minor, and attempted sexual assault, police said.

A New Jersey State Police detective posed as a 13-year-old girl and spoke with Jimenez-Romero through Skout, a social networking and dating app, officials said.

Police said that Jimenez-Romero suggested a meeting with the undercover detective and offered to pay them in exchange for sex.

A meeting was arranged at an unidentified Union Township diner that evening and police arrested Jimenez-Romero as he pulled into the parking lot, authorities said.

He was taken to Union County Jail pending his bail detention hearing.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.Sen. Bernie Sanders is running for president again, and thats great news for Donald Trump, whose best hope to win re-election is for Democrats to blow it by overreaching.

Sanders is a good man, a champion of economic justice long before it was stylish. But hes an ineffective politician, a loner who has never shown much interest in building the broad coalition needed to win a national election, or even to pass important bills in the Senate. If you want to express your fury at Americas descent into oligarchy, Sanders is your man. If you want real change, hes not.

Consider his bill on Medicare for All. It would establish a system similar to Canadas, with guaranteed coverage for everyone, paid for with tax dollars. Their system costs much less, achieves better outcomes, and is quite popular. So far, so good.

Its the politics that are treacherous. Sanders points to polls like a recent one from Kaiser Family Foundation that found 56 percent of Americans support Medicare-for-All.

But support collapses when you turn to the details. What if Medicare-for-All requires most people to pay higher taxes, as costs shift from private employers to the government? Then 60 percent oppose it. What if it leads to delays in getting medical tests and treatments, a common complaint in Canada? Then 70 percent oppose it. What if it eliminates private insurance? Then 58 percent oppose it.

Democrats won big in the mid-term election by pressing for incremental change by ensuring coverage for those with cancer, diabetes and other pre-existing conditions. Thats important, especially as Trump continues to press a lawsuit that would strip away those protections.

But it was smart politics, too, because it didnt mess with the 77 percent of Americans who rated their own health care arrangements as excellent or good in a 2017 Gallup poll.

So rather than force everyone into a Canadian style system, why not just allow people to buy into Medicare at any age, with subsidies for those who cant afford it? Those who like what they have today could stay put.

President Obama in 2009 proposed a public option on the Obamacare exchanges, a government plan like Medicare that would be offered alongside private insurance. Conservatives in both parties killed it, but times have changed. Americans have grown attached to Obamacare, and now trust Democrats more than Republicans on health care.

This is not an argument that Democrats should be timid in this election, just careful. Americans want higher taxes on the rich, medical care for all, a decent minimum wage, and universal access to college and medical care. There is a new thirst for economic justice that any Democratic candidate needs to answer.

But a plan to force everyone into Medicare would hand Trump a weapon to beat Democrats over the head. Unlike any of the other proposals for progressive change, it would force a massive tax hike that would inevitably hit middle-class families. And it would force people to give up insurance plans they like.

To take on that political risk at a time like this, with Individual One in the wings, is unspeakably reckless.

More: Tom Moran columns

Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or call (973) 836-4909. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.Two men were arrested Monday at Newark Liberty International Airport after trying to bring loaded guns through the same security checkpoint, officials said.

The incidents took place six hour apart at Terminal C and are not related, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said. In both instances, TSA agents saw the firearms when the bags were in X-ray machines.

In the first, Roman Shpigel, 39, of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania had a .45 caliber handgun loaded with nine bullets, including one in the chamber in his carry-on bag, authorities said. He was arrested around 8 a.m.

Later Monday afternoon, security found a .22 caliber gun in the bag of Jesse Michael McClain, 38, of Fort Pierce, Florida, according to the TSA and Port Authority police.

The gun arrests are the first two of the year at Newark Liberty International Airport. In 2018, 14 guns were seized at Newark Liberty - the most in a single year. In 2017, seven guns were found at the airport.

Nationwide, security found 4,239 firearms in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the country last year - a 7 percent increase from the 3,957 located in 2017.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.A detective testified Wednesday in the Sarah Stern murder trial that her alleged killer, Liam McAtasney, accessed the stopwatch app on his phone on Dec. 2, 2016. Thats when, prosecutors say, McAtasney timed how long it took Stern to die after he strangled her.

Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Detective John Sosdian said he learned that information after he searched McAtasneys Samsung Galaxy at the request of the lead detective on the case, Brian Weisbrot. Sosdian is a detective with the prosecutors office cyber-crimes unit.

McAtasney, 21, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Stern, 19. Authorities allege he strangled her during a robbery at her home on Dec. 2, 2016, and then dumped her body off the Route 35 bridge with the help of his roommate, Preston Taylor.

Two weeks ago, the jury watched a secretly-recorded video between McAtasney and a close friend, Anthony Curry, who was working with detectives. In the video, McAtasney can be heard talking in chilling detail about strangling his childhood friend and then watching her die on the floor.

"It took me half hour to kill her, McAtasney said in the video. I thought I was going to choke her out in a couple minutes.  She was having a seizure on the floor. I got a shirt and shoved it down her throat so she wouldnt throw up and held my finger over her nose and set a timer. Thats the only time I had my phone.

Sosdian testified that McAtasney accessed the stopwatch app around at 4:15 p.m. He did not say how long the app was in use.

McAtasneys attorney, Carlos Diaz-Cobo, did not cross examine Sosdian.

The state rested its case Wednesday morning after several weeks of testimony. The defense will call its first witness in the afternoon unless court is dismissed early because of the snow.Ann Meredith will step down from her position as executive director of the Flemington Community Partnership, effective April 1.

Bob King, chairman of the Flemington Community Partnership, stated, Since joining the FCP in July of 2017, Ann has played a critical role in the strategic development, stability and success of our work as an organization and the advancement of our mission. We will miss her inspiring and thoughtful leadership, and we wish her the best of luck in her new endeavors.

Meredith has accepted a position as executive director of Herald Publishing in Lahaska, Pennsylvania, where she will oversee specialty publications.

The board will be conducting a search for a new executive director. According to King, During this transition period it is our priority to find the best individual to lead the FCP and continue our very positive trajectory in building a thriving business community.

The FCPs mission is to create a thriving business community. For more information, go to www.loveflemington.com.Bayonne police put a small dent in the rash of vehicle break-ins Tuesday morning.

Juanita Washington, 35, of Stegman Street in Jersey City, was arrested at 9:37 a.m. in the area of Avenue C and West 53rd Street and charged with six counts of criminal attempted burglary, Bayonne Lt. Eric Amato said.

Earlier police had responded to the area of 51st Street between Avenue B and Avenue C on a report that a woman was trying to open the doors of multiple parked vehicles, Amato said.

The caller reported seeing the woman, later identified at Washington, enter a black Honda and flee toward Avenue C. Police located Washington and during the investigation she was identified as the person who was attempting to break into the vehicles.

Since Feb. 10, there have been 10 reported vehicle break-ins, according to police reports. Many of the break-ins are the result of vehicle owners leaving their doors unlocked, authorities have said in the past.HOBOKEN  A municipal court hearing on a harassment charge filed against Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro was postponed Wednesday because Lavarro has filed competing charges against the complainant.

The hearing was moved to April. Judge Michael Mongello said Lavarros allegations, expected to be heard in March in Jersey City municipal court, should be merged with the existing case, which was moved to Hoboken to avoid a conflict of interest.

The new charges have Lavarro, 48, accusing local political operative Rampual Guyadeen of violating two state laws against electioneering near a polling place. The councilman filed the charges on Feb. 8, three weeks after the two men appeared in court on a harassment charge Guyadeen filed against Lavarro. Lavarro has pleaded not guilty.

Both allegations stem from the same incident. Guyadeen, 58, says Lavarro accosted him outside School 23 on Election Day. Lavarro alleges Guyadeen was "wearing campaign apparel and campaigning for candidates within 100 feet of the polling place.

Pictures posted to Facebook that day show Guyadeen outside the school wearing a shirt bearing the names of the three Jersey City school board candidates he was supporting. Lavarro was campaigning for a competing set of candidates.

Lavarro declined to comment after Thursdays hearing. Guyadeen told The Jersey Journal he has been a volunteer election worker for years.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.JERSEY CITY  A new contract with the citys roughly 700 police officers received nearly unanimous approval by the City Council last week, ending one dispute between the Fulop administration and the citys police force.

The contract comes nearly two years early  the previous pact between the city and the Jersey City Police Officer Benevolent Association was set to expire in December 2020. But the Jersey City POBA was challenging the older agreement in court, an appeal the union has agreed to end with approval of the new contract.

The council approved the deal 8-1. Councilman James Solomon voted no, saying he was not confident in the citys analysis of the contracts financial impact on taxpayers.

The new contract runs through 2024 and includes annual pay hikes for officers that vary based on length of service; lower health care costs for the city; and changes to longevity pay and other perks that the city expects will amount to big savings in the future.

The agreement does not apply to superior officers, who are represented by a different union.

The POBAs analysis of the deal, provided to council members, estimates pay raises will bring total payroll for police officers from $61.5 million last year to $83.7 million in 2024. Base salaries for the citys entire staff totaled $222 million in 2018.

Pay for first-year cops rises from $37,000 to $41,000 under the new contract. Mayor Steve Fulop was the subject of intense criticism during the last round of negotiations for touting his administrations aggressive recruitment of black cops while paying first-year officers far less than the citys median household income, which is $62,700. The administration has touted the $4,000 pay hike for new cops as sorely needed as they start their careers.

Annual pay raises differ depending on when the cops were hired and how long theyve worked for the city. Cops hired as of Jan. 1, 2019 must work for 11 years to reach top pay (it takes seven years for cops hired before 2013). The range for annual pay hikes is 5 percent to 18 percent.

Salaries are slightly different for officers hired between 2013 and 2019 and those officers do not have to work an extra year to reach top pay.

Taxpayers will save eventually from the deals elimination of longevity pay for officers hired after Jan. 1, 2019. An annual bonus based on length of service, longevity pay can be lucrative for public employees, with the city owing more than $10 million total for that perk in 2018.

Last week, Solomon asked the administration for assurances that the citys financial analysis of the new contract is correct, noting that the salary increases described by the POBA differ from those described by the city. At Thursdays council meeting, he asked why he hadnt received word back from the city.

"I don't have an answer on why we didn't get the assumptions behind it, Business Administrator Brian Platt told him. But we have the full faith behind the attorney and the firm that did the work that these are the correct numbers and they did a full and thorough analysis.

The last time the city and the POBA agreed on a new contract was in 2013, under Fulops predecessor. That contract expired in 2016 and, during negotiations for a new agreement, the Fulop administration declared an impasse. The dispute went to an arbitrator, who ruled almost entirely in the citys favor in October 2017. The arbitrators award froze almost all salaries for 2018 and 2020 and eliminated all longevity bonuses in those two years.

The POBA appealed the arbitrators award to the state Public Employment Relations Commission, lost and started an appeal of the PERC decision.

The union and Fulop are engaged in another dispute over Fulops decision to end off-duty jobs for cops. The union has sued the city over the decision.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.JERSEY CITY  The Jersey City school boards repeated actions relieving Schools Superintendent Marcia V. Lyles of her duties are additional evidence of the boards malicious intent, Lyles alleges in a new legal filing.

Lyles claims the boards four votes getting rid of her were illegal because she was not properly notified about them. The new allegations are part of a complaint that amends the one she filed in federal court on Jan. 30 against the board, two board members and the local teachers union.

The lawsuit alleges the defendants harassed her and interfered with her contractual rights as the chief administrator of the 30,000-student school district.

Requests for comment from the school boards attorney and Board of Education President Sudhan Thomas were not returned.

The nine-member school board and Lyles have been at odds for years, with Thomas accusing Lyles of mismanaging the districts finances, hiring allies who did not have proper civil service titles, misleading the board about student performance and more. The board told Lyles on Jan. 2 that they would not rehire her when her contract expires in June 2020.

Then Lyles filed her lawsuit, leading to a chaotic period during which board members and state education officials sparred over whether Lyles was still in charge.

On Jan. 31, the board voted to relieve Lyles of her duties, a meeting Lyles alleges was used as a public flogging (she was not present). On Feb. 1, the county superintendent told the board it acted improperly, so the board met for an emergency meeting on Sunday, Feb. 3 and voted to put Lyles on paid administrative leave. Lyles says in her amended complaint that she found out about the meeting nearly an hour later, just 10 minutes before kick-off at the Super Bowl." The board reaffirmed that vote with resolutions passed on Feb. 4 and on Feb. 11.

Cathy Coyle, a Lyles ally who for years acted as a monitor for the district on behalf of the state Department of Education, sued the school board on Feb. 4 alleging that the Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 votes were illegal because the public was not properly notified about the meetings in advance. The judge overseeing that case ruled on Feb. 14 the complaint was moot after the board voted to suspend Lyles on Feb. 11 with proper public notice. He also ordered the board to hold revotes on all the other matters they approved on Feb. 4.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.We are saddened to announce the passing of Peter S. Petrosian on June 16, 2021 in Cumming, Georgia. This year, Peter turned 69 years of age and celebrated his 36th wedding anniversary to his wife, Beth (Balise) Petrosian. Peter was the son of George and Alice (Mooradian) Petrosian who passedDERBY  The city is looking to regionalize fuel services with neighboring Ansonia when it comes to filling the gas tanks of its fleet of fire trucks, police cruisers, Public Works vehicles and other city cars.

Derbys municipal gas tanks, located at the Public Works complex on Coon Hollow Road, are nearing the end of their 30-year old lifespan. Before the state comes in and potentially shuts down the tanks, the city is working on both short- and long-term plans to address the aging tanks.

Mayor Richard Dziekan broached the issue at last weeks Board of Aldermen meeting. He said the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was in the area last month and, upon a quick inspection of the gas pumps, learned they hadnt been registered.

After some research, the city discovered the tanks were installed in fall 1989, according to city Chief of Staff Andrew Baklik, and the lifespan for that type of tank is 30 years. DEEP officials told the city to remove the tanks by September. Dziekan said DEEP has shut down tanks in other towns that had reached their lifespans.

The city has not been cited by DEEP for any violations regarding the aging pumps.

We need to get them out of the ground before the 30-year mark in September, said Baklik.

Baklik said the city is looking into solutions to save Derby money. But the city likely will incur costs to remove the tanks and have them tested by a licensed environmental professional to ensure they are properly sealed.

Baklik said installing new, above-ground tanks would be a very expensive undertaking, costing upward of $400,000. Thats why striking a deal with Ansonia makes the most fiscal sense.

Ansonias facility is fairly new and could easily accommodate Derbys fleet. It is also centrally located, Baklik said.

Dziekan said he has spoken with Ansonia officials, who were open to the idea.

Yes we have spoken and we think it would be a good idea for us to share the gas tanks with Derby, said Ansonias Economic Development Director Sheila OMalley said. In this way, we would both be saving. Derby can save on the replacement cost for their tanks and we could share the cost of fuel, the maintenance contract and if our tanks ever needed to be replaced, we could cost share on that, as well.

Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti wholeheartedly agreed.

We love that Derby and Ansonia are always looking for ways to work together, Cassetti said. I think this is the right path forward for a number of costs associated with both communities. We are both small cities and we need to work together to reduce cost for our residents. We will continue to explore other ways to share cost and lessen expenses for our taxpayers. Currently we have a school regionalization study with Derby and we are also part of a wastewater treatment study with Derby and other communities. The possibilities are numerous and the opportunity to make life easier on our residents exists. I look forward to working with Mayor Dziekan now and in the future.

Derby aldermen, at their Feb. 14 meeting, voted to have its community relations subcommittee come up with some options for a long-term solution by the boards next meeting in March. In the meantime, Baklik said both Derbys and Ansonias city attorneys are working to draft a short-term, inter-municipal agreement for Derby to utilize Ansonias fuel facility.

jean.sos@snet.netNEW HAVEN  The police department will send out 125 conditional offers of employment in the coming days after the Board of Police Commissioners gave its approval Tuesday.

Sending out the offers is a routine procedure, Chief Anthony Campbell said Tuesday, but one that has become more significant because of the departments difficulties attracting and retaining officers.

During Tuesdays meeting, Campbell said there are 393 sworn officers in the department; 495 positions are budgeted. But that 393 includes 27 officers that have yet to graduate from the academy and 16 that are away from the department or out on some form of leave, he said.

Campbell said six officers are planning to leave the department in the coming days  three to the Yale Police Department, three to Hamden. The commission also received word of eight retirements, including former union presidents Arpad Tolnay and Craig Miller.

Its, from our point of view, more pressing than ever, said Campbell.

The current civil service list for police officers was approved in September 2017. Its populated by approximately 500 people, Campbell said, that applied to join the department and passed an initial round of examinations.

Campbell said this will be the third issuance of conditional offers of employment from the list. The conditional offer of employment allows the background check process to begin, he said.

Those that remain interested, qualified, and pass a background check will be sent to academy training, Campbell said. Potential hires also are required to take a polygraph test and pass physical and psychological examinations, according to the department.

Assistant Chief Racheal Cain went to Hartford last week in hope of aiding the department in retaining officers by lobbying

legislators to support S.B. 789. The bill would extend the period in which officers who choose to leave the department that paid for their training are required to reimburse a portion of the cost, from two years to five years.

Cain said the department has lost 25 officers with less than five years experience to other state law enforcement agencies since 2012.

Although we do not fault these officers for seeking other employment opportunities, this results in an undue financial burden for our City; we, and presumably other satellite agencies, have become a free training source for other agencies, said Cain as part of her filed testimony. By increasing the time in which an agency can be reimbursed for certification expenses from two years to five, it will decrease the financial burden of the revolving hiring process caused by low retainment.

The department offers lower starting salaries than surrounding departments, according to Campbell.

In December, he said officers can make about $25,000 more elsewhere.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.comA dispute over photography in a neighborhood esplanade in Texas flared in a viral video posted on Facebook.



In a message and video posted on Facebook Monday, Kelyn Alyssa said she and her family went to North Boulevard in Houston last weekend to meet with a photographer and have some photos taken to celebrate her daughter's first birthday. Other photographers, joggers and dog walkers were also using the path on the esplanade, the Houston Chronicle reported.

"About 35 minutes into our 1 hr shoot we heard a voice shouting in our direction - and when we turned to look it was this woman rolling up in her car, shouting through her window: 'You are trampling the grass that WE pay for,'" Alyssa wrote on Facebook.



A confrontation ensued and Alyssa said she became concerned for the safety of her child.

"In the midst of her shouting, I immediately and calmly asked her to restrain her dog as it made a beeline for the baby and it was coming dangerously close to my child," she wrote. "I actually crouched next to the baby and put my hand out to try to shoo this strange dog away. The lady begins shouting at us that we are on private property, and that she will not restrain her dog because she can do whatever she wants there."



In an interview with KPRC-TV, Alyssa said: "It was supposed to be very special for us. I hate the fact that when I look at these pictures, this is what I have to remember."

KTRK identified the woman in the video as Franci Neely, Houston socialite and ex-wife of Astros owner Jim Crane. In a statement to the television station, she said she was "very sorry" she got upset but disputed Alyssa's claims in her Facebook post. She also noted that the high volume of commercial photography there is damaging the property the homeowners association is paying to maintain.

Efforts to reach Neely late Monday were unsuccessful.



A police report has been filed, Alyssa said in her Facebook post.CHESHIRE  An investigation into allegations that a former Cheshire Academy teacher sexually abused students at the private school during the late 1960s has confirmed that based on a preponderance of evidence the activity did occur.

Head of School Julie Anderson and Richard Cerrone, chairman of the board of trustees at Cheshire Academy, informed the school community in message sent out late last month that an investigation into the allegation made against Robert Stephen Phillips Jr. corroborated the allegations made about the middle school teacher. Anderson and Cerrone said in their message to the community that when the allegations against Phillips surfaced last summer, the school hired Hartford law firm Cowdery & Murphy to conduct an investigation.

Attorney James Cowdery, former chief of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut, led that investigation, the school officials said. Phillips taught at the school from 1967 to 1969.

Cowdery & Murphy has concluded that, based on a preponderance of evidence, Mr. Phillips engaged in inappropriate sexual misconduct against the students who reported the misconduct, Anderson and Cerrones message said in part. In addition, Cowdery & Murphy concluded that the School may have missed opportunities to appropriately address Mr. Phillips misconduct during his tenure as a faculty member and decades later when a survivor of his abuse communicated with the School to report his experiences.

School officials reported the allegations to the police and the state Department of Children and Families, in addition to hiring the law firm to conduct the investigation for Cheshire Academy. Cheshire police officials have not responded to requests for comment on whether the department conducted an investigation into Phillips after receiving the information from the school.

It is painful to learn of the credible, corroborated accounts by our former students who experienced unconscionable misconduct and abuse by Mr. Phillips, the message from the school officials said. We apologize with all our hearts to these courageous individuals and deeply regret that opportunities were missed to adequately address Mr. Phillips abuse five decades ago and to respond more empathetically to the survivors of these horrific experiences.

On several occasions over the last several years we have reached out to the Cheshire Academy community to encourage the reporting of any misconduct, no matter how many years ago it may have occurred, the statement said. Please understand that the conclusion of this investigation only reinforces our desire to make sure that all our students, past and present, know that the school welcomes their engagement and considers them to be cherished members of our community.

Anderson said in a phone interview Wednesday that school officials would not answer any further questions regarding the investigation.

The parties involved have asked us to keep the details of this confidential and we are honoring that request, Anderson said.

The message to the school community mentions two former students having made the initial allegations regarding Phillips behavior. It also refers to schools officials communicating with a survivor of his abuse communicated with the School to report his experiences.

We have tried numerous times over the last several years to encourage people to come forward and report misconduct, no matter how many years ago it may have occurred, Anderson said.

The conclusion of this investigation only reinforces our desire to make sure that all our students, past and present, know that the school welcomes their engagement and considers them to be cherished members of our community, the statement to the school community said in part. The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we are in a strong position today to prevent and detect inappropriate behaviors in our school community. All faculty and staff are subject to robust background and reference checks.

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.comContributed Photo / Department of Justice / Contributed Photo

NEW HAVEN  A New York man pleaded guilty Wednesday for being in possession of a gun as a felon, and faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced later this year.

Michael Lawrence, 26, of Mount Vernon, N.Y., pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.Faced with a growing number of students with mental illnesses, Danbury-area districts are embracing new tools, resources and programs that tackle social and emotional learning during the school day.

Most districts emphasize an approach that teaches students to understand and regulate their emotions, while developing positive relationships. Some schools have also hired more staff to help tackle the issue.

We should respond to mental health issues the same way we respond to physical issues, like a broken leg or a crushed rib, said Thomas McMorran, superintendent for Easton, Redding and Region 9. Get the child to a health care professional and de-stigmatize anything associated with mental wellness.

One in five teens have or will have a serious mental illness, while suicide is the third-leading cause of death in youth 10 to 24, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Meanwhile, the rates of youth with severe depression have increased to 8.2 percent from 5.9 percent over five years, according to Mental Health Americas 2018 report.

Danbury school leaders said they are reviewing the districts programs for supporting students struggling with mental health issues after the suicide of city teen Hailey Nailor last weekend. They declined to comment further.

A complex problem

A Mental Health America report ranks Connecticut 18th in the country for youth reporting at least one major depressive episode in the past year and 22nd for youth coping with severe major depression.

Local educators said it is hard to provide figures on the amount of students with mental health needs because the state does not require them to submit this information, and these students can be categorized in various ways.

Its fair to say there is more anxiety in our culture and therefore in our student bodies, McMorran said. It may be that were simply better at picking up on cues and taking childhood maladies seriously.

Increased pressures from school and families and those that arise from students social media presence could also be factors in the rise, educators said.

More students are also experiencing trauma  whether that be witnessing a grandfather die or a physical fight between parents, said Maureen Ruby, the Brookfield assistant superintendent.

We have to sit back and take time to see what is going on in a child's life, said Ruby, who is attending a conference this weekend on the subject. Even if we dont know what the story is, there are strategies adults should be implementing in classrooms and in other areas of school that make it a more comfortable, embracing environment for kids that are coming with trauma.

It is more common for children to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety as they grow older, but Danbury-area schools said elementary-age students are also showing signs of mental illnesses.

More Information Suicide prevention lifeline If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7 through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The lifeline is free, confidential and available any time by calling 1-800-273-8255 or by visiting www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. See More Collapse

Even statewide and nationally, were not prepared for those really young ones coming in with mood disorders, said Laura Olson, director of pupil personnel and special services in New Milford.

She added the district has a licensed clinician working specifically with kindergarten through second grade.

Newtown, meanwhile, is piloting a mental health program at the elementary level.

This is a conversation we realize needs to start younger, just to start providing students with the strategies and the coping skills, said Deborah Mailloux-Petersen, director of pupil services. Sometimes its too late if you wait until middle or high school years.

A proactive approach

Nailors suicide has put a spotlight on mental health, but educators and advocates say schools are always trying to be proactive to prevent similar tragedies.

Teachers and staff are trained to recognize when students might be battling mental health issues.

In younger students, these signs include boundary issues or emotional outbursts, McMorran said. For older students, what they say and dont say could key adults into an issue, he said.

Its really about strong relationships that are healthy and caring between the adults and children in the building, McMorran said.

Districts such as Bethel, New Milford and Newtown use scientific research-based intervention to identify students who are withdrawing or acting out, which could be red flags.

It should be an ongoing thing, said Debbie Berman, a Brookfield mental health advocate whose daughter Alexa died by suicide more than 10 years ago. It cant just be that you react when it happens.

Berman has worked over the years to raise mental health awareness among teens and adults and helps lead a support group for parents of children with mental illnesses. She is now working with administrators in Brookfield schools to hold an event for youth and parents.

Bethel and Newtown also train staff on the Question, Persuade, Refer method to recognize signs and prevent suicides.

Newtown has had more success with an anonymous tip line where students can report concerns they have about their friends, Superintendent Lorrie Rodrigue said. That is important because students often have a lot more information than adults in these cases, she added.

Social and emotional learning

Brookfield introduced a social and emotional learning approach called RULER at Whisconier Middle School this year and is training staff and teachers at the elementary schools to implement the approach next year.

Developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, RULER asks students to recognize, understand, label, express and regulate their emotions. This method targets all students, not just those who are struggling.

Were really approaching this at a classroom level, at a district level, said Christine Sipala, director of pupil personnel services in Brookfield. This impacts all kids. This is all about prevention.

As part of RULER, middle school students create classroom charters establishing how they want to feel and what they could do to feel that way, Sipala said. The students also use a tool called a mood meter that helps them identify their emotions and strategize how to feel better, she said.

Staff at the local preschools also learned the RULER approach, while a nearly $1 million grant from the Institute of Education Sciences will allow some preschools to be part of a study on the effectiveness of the method.

Introducing the approach to preschoolers could be key to preventing problems when the children reach the public schools, Sipala said.

New Milford uses the Nurtured Heart approach, which encourages students to build positive relationships and fosters independence and growth. The district also hosts programs to educate parents on mental health.

Meanwhile, Newtown has services in district, but works closely with support centers in the community, many of which formed after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Aside from the pilot initiative at the elementary level, students in the middle and high schools participate in the Signs of Suicide Prevention Program, which is used around the country.

Bethel this school year received a $20,000 United Way grant for suicide prevention, which covers training sessions for staff, surveys of students and other programs.

Bethel also uses a product that screens what students are searching and writing online on school devices. This allowed staff to help several students who wrote about harming themselves, Superintendent Christine Carver said.

Schools also hold special weeks to promote kindness, Carver said. Were really working on a culture of kindness and respect, she said.The state Department of Environmental Conservation has scheduled four State of Lake Ontario meetings across Upstate New York next month to review current research data and the condition of the lakes fisheries.

Meetings have been scheduled in Niagara, Monroe, Oswego and Schenectady counties.

"Lake Ontario and its tributaries provide world-class angling opportunities that are generating substantial recreational and economic benefits to towns and cities along the lake, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "The State of Lake Ontario meetings provide an excellent opportunity for everyone interested in the lake to interact with the scientists who study and manage its fisheries."

One topic that may result in heated discussion at the meetings is the DECs decision announced last fall to cut back on the stocking of Chinook salmon in Lake Ontario during 2019 by 20 percent.

The decision comes on top of stocking cuts in 2017 and 2018 that had already reduced the number of Chinook put in the lake by 20 percent. Compared to 2016, the newest reduction will reduce the total number of Chinooks stocked in the lake by 40 percent.

The DEC's decision, which would involve stocking only 1.05 million Chinooks in the lake next year, is based on the status of the lake' alewife population. Chinooks feed almost exclusively on alewife, a type of herring native to the Atlantic Ocean that invaded the Great Lakes more than 100 years ago.

DEC and U.S. Geological Survey bottom trawling studies this spring and other data collected indicate the lake is missing two, year classes of adult alewife - the result of severe winters in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. The missing 2013 and 2014 year classes of alewife have created a hole in the baitfish's population, DEC said.

New York's Lake Ontario waters comprise more than 2.7 million acres. The open lake, embayments, and tributaries support thriving populations of sportfish, including trout, salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch, and panfish.

A recent statewide angler survey estimated more than 2.6 million angler days were spent on Lake Ontario and major tributaries, resulting in an estimated economic value of $112 million annually to local communities.

The meeting dates and locations are:

*March 4: 6:30 - 9 p.m. at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campus (Chester F Carlson Center for Imaging Science), Rochester, Monroe County. The meeting is co-hosted by RIT and the Monroe County Fishery Advisory Board.

*March 7: 6:30 - 9 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport, Niagara County. The meeting is co-hosted by Niagara County Cooperative Extension and the Niagara County Sportfishery Development Board.

*March 14: 6:30 - 9 p.m. at SUNY Schenectady County Community College, Stockade Building, Room 101, 78 Washington Ave., Schenectady, Schenectady County.

*March 19: 6:30 - 9 p.m. at the Pulaski High School auditorium, 4624 Salina St., Pulaski, Oswego County. The meeting is co-hosted by the Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association.

Staff from DEC and the United States Geological Survey will make a number of presentations, including updates on the status of trout and salmon fisheries in the lake and its tributaries, forage fish, and stocking programs.

The meetings will provide time at the end of the scheduled program for the audience to ask questions and interact with the presenters. Information about DECs Lake Ontario fisheries assessment programs can be found on DECs website.

For further information, contact Christopher Legard, NYSDEC Lake Ontario Unit Leader at the Cape Vincent Fisheries Research Station, (315) 654-2147.When last seen, Bill Weld was running as the Libertarian candidate for vice president in 2016 alongside former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson. Before that, he was the very moderate and mild Republican governor of Massachusetts from 1991 to 1997.

In the wake of his announcement that he will challenge President Trump for the GOP nomination in 2020, Weld may have more supporters in the media than among the GOP faithful. He has always been outside of the emotional center of the Republican Party and has no case to make that he is the answer to those who wish to dethrone President Donald Trump as the GOP's leader. Weld is nearing gadfly status - if he is not already there.

But Weld's entry into the race does invite the question of whether Trump could be credibly challenged in the Republican primaries in 2020.

I believe the Republican Party will outlive Trump, but there is no question that Trump and the "America First" agenda of strong borders, fair trade as opposed to "free trade" and an honest foreign policy that requires more of our allies and directly challenges our competitors now forms the core of the Republican Party. Weld is driven by some sort of personal compulsion rather than answering any legitimate call from within the party. The same goes for members of the old guard such as Jeff Flake and John Kasich, who are often mentioned by members of the commentariat class as potential challengers to Trump.

So what is the scenario that could propel a credible GOP challenger to Trump in the primaries? Perhaps, in late spring, if Trump is running behind in the polls against every single Democratic candidate and if he is implicated in some sort of criminal conduct or if an economic or international trauma plagues his presidency, then there could be a more welcoming environment for a challenger.

But it will not be from the likes of Weld, Kasich or Flake. Fair or not, they represent the genteel incrementalist past. Conservatives who represent a majority of the party nationwide believe that establishment Republicans are responsible for slowly giving America away. Generally speaking, the energy of the Republican Party is supplied by the president and his America First agenda. It is unlikely that any of that will change between now and the convention in 2020.

Still, as the 2020 race gets underway, the mainstream media will try to keep Weld and any other challengers afloat. Look for them to over-report if an opponent lands any blows to make it seem as if support among Republicans for the president is developing some cracks. As a reality check, according to Gallup, Trump's approval among Republicans is 89 percent. At this point, it looks as if Weld et al. are more likely to serve as useful foils for the president rather than serious threats.

Republicans have plenty of legitimate complaints about Trump, even if the party leadership chooses to refrain from engaging in pointless dissent. But Weld does not come close to satisfying the Republicans who find Trump repulsive at the human level or are just embarrassed by him. There is nothing to suggest that GOP voters are close to abandoning Trump. Even if events do take us down the path where Trump could be vulnerable, the rival will not be a traditional establishment figure. Someone else would have to take advantage.PHILADELPHIA - For a former vice president now working as a college professor, Joe Biden sure sounded like a presidential candidate Tuesday as he paced the stage at the University of Pennsylvania before a ticketed crowd of hundreds of students.

He said he was more optimistic about the country than ever. He laid out a vision for reversing President Donald Trump's foreign policy. He demanded new worker protections to build up the middle class. And at times, amid a stream of folksy aphorisms and familiar anecdotes, he allowed his voice to rise to something like a rallying cry.

"We can do anything! Not a joke! Not a joke!" he boomed at one point. "It's the nature and character of the people who built this country."

But Biden would not address the one thing on everyone's mind: Would he throw his hat in the ring to challenge Trump at the ballot box next year?

Rather, he continued an act he has practiced for more than a year, teasing his own credentials and road-testing the messages that would form his campaign before a friendly audience in an unobtrusive setting.

Biden, 76, has let repeated self-imposed deadlines pass for deciding on a third presidential run.

Some advisers have admitted the delays have come with a cost, as potential campaign staffers sign up with other campaigns and other candidates get a head start in meeting voters in early primary states. Others have said Biden has the luxury of waiting, given his high favorability rating within the Democratic Party and a network of donor relationships he established during Barack Obama's two presidential campaigns.

Either way, he seems to be taking his current speaking tour seriously. He walked onstage Tuesday with a set of notecards he could refer to as he made the case for a different approach to European allies, Central American corruption and the automation of the retail sector. He spun yarns about his dealings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jingping and his old boss, Obama.

He also made clear that he would pull few punches against the current occupant of the Oval Office. He called the Trump administration's lack of support for the European Union "the dumbest thing in the world," and he blistered Trump for saying there were good people on both sides of a clashes over a 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville.

"Not a joke. Think about it. No president since the Civil War has uttered words remotely like that," he said. "So it is time to restore America's soul."

Trump, who also condemned racism after the Charlottesville protests, has repeatedly attacked Biden, most recently in an interview this month with The New York Times. "I hope it's Biden," Trump said of the Democratic nominee. "When Biden says something dumb, it's because he's dumb."

If he decides to run, Biden will enter the most crowded Democratic field in modern memory. With the number of presidential hopefuls growing, the Democratic National Committee announced Thursday that no more than 20 candidates would be allowed to participate in the first party debates this summer.

Since the start of the year, six U.S. senators, two current or former mayors and one member of Congress have joined former congressman John Delaney of Maryland in the race for the 2020 nomination. At least 14 other Democrats, including four current or former governors, say they will announce their decisions in coming months.

Tuesday's setting was a performance hall at the University of Pennsylvania, where Biden is a professor of "presidential practice" at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement. University President Amy Gutmann, his onstage interrogator and employer, delivered a series of softball questions, with some trivia mixed in.

She asked him about his friendship with Lady Gaga and about his dog Major, whom Biden adopted late last year as a companion to his other pooch, Champ.

"Major is doing well, taking care of Champ," Biden said.

The appearance comes in the middle of a transcontinental speaking tour for Biden. On Saturday he attacked Trump's foreign and immigration policies at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, calling the administration's refugee and child separation policies an "embarrassment" and telling European leaders that most of the American people do not support America's withdrawal from international alliances.

"I promise you, as my mother would say, 'This too shall pass,' " he said. Trump has described those policies as critical for national security.

Biden addressed black leaders in January to explain his support for tough-on-crime policies in the 1990s, which led to what most experts agree have been disproportionate sentences for nonwhite convicts. "I haven't always been right," he said at an address to the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network on Martin Luther King Day. "I know we haven't always gotten things right, but I've always tried."

He will be interviewed onstage Feb. 26 about his views on American history at a celebration for the recently named Joe Biden School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware, followed by a Feb. 28 discussion of foreign policy at the inaugural Chuck Hagel Forum in Global Leadership at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

As Tuesday's event ended and Biden posed for pictures onstage, a member of the departing audience shouted for him to run for president.

Biden did not respond.REDDING  Its been so cold at the community center this month that seniors have had to wear winter coats while doing tai chi.

First Selectwoman Julia Pemberton mentioned the problem at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting. She also noted that portable air conditioners have had to be brought in during the summer months when a room at the center registered temperatures in the 90s.

Town officials are now looking into how to address the problem, starting with a study of the buildings heating, ventilation and cooling system.

We cant run programs when its like that, she said. The shame of it is we have a senior center thats very vibrant. People really enjoy coming there.

She added that the programs are not just for seniors.

Pemberton said the HVAC system has been a problem since she became first selectwoman in 2013. She suspects her predecessor also faced these issues.

It was, in my view, never engineered properly so the temperatures fluctuate constantly, she said.

She said it wasnt something the staff could handle and the town should do a formal request for proposals for an engineering study, just like the schools did. She said the voters can then decide if this is something they want to fix.

Selectwoman Peg ODonnell agreed something should be done to fix the problem.

We have this building that we spent a lot of money on and we want to be able to use it, she said. We want to fill it with people doing fabulous things.

In addition to the Heritage Center, which offers programs for the towns seniors, the community center also house park and recreation and social services. Larger meetings and other functions are also held there.

Pemberton said the HVAC system is just one example of the maintenance work the town plans to invest in during the upcoming budget. She requested an inventory of the buildings to get a better handle on what needs to be done so the money can be allocated for it.

Employees on the town side are so used to being told, Im sorry theres no money for that, Pemberton said.

kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345NAUGATUCK  An internal affairs investigation is under way to see if a police lieutenant violated the departments social media policy after racially-motivated videos he posted surfaced last week.

Police Lt. Bryan Cammaratas two videos were obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media on Feb. 15. A reporter forwarded the videos to Deputy Police Chief Joshua Bernegger seeking comment.

Bernegger said Feb. 15 was the first the department had been made aware of the videos, adding that the content did not appear to be in line with the core values of the police department. The lieutenant issued a statement apologizing for the videos Sunday night and said they date back to 2017.

A statement from the police department said the videos were posted by Cammarata on his personal Facebook page. Both videos, which were not dated, were filmed in a vehicle and include racially-motivated language about immigrants.

The Naugatuck Police Departments policy for personal web pages, blogs and other electronic media took effect on May 26, 2010. The policy, which is reviewed annually, was last revised on March 18, 2015.

Any violation of this policy and procedure may result in disciplinary action against the offending member, the policy states.

Back in August 2017, a member of the Naugatuck Police Department was suspended without pay for 10 days after calling a woman a racial slur in a Facebook post while off-duty, according to a report from the Republican-American.

The departments policy says that members of the police department can have personal web pages, blogs or other types of communications media, electronic or otherwise, which includes social media sites.

But even if members of the police department are not directly indicating they work as a Naugatuck police officer, their Freedom of Speech to post what they want on their sites is not necessarily protected, Bernegger clarified, referring to a specific section of the policy.

Employees shall not participate or contribute in any fashion in any of the above forums in any way that may have an adverse impact on the community respect for, confidence in, or reputation of the Naugatuck Police Department and/or its employees, according to the policy.

In the first video obtained by Hearst, Cammarata talks about having a lot of recent good luck, mentioning how hes been able to get to the front of the line at various locations and stores in Waterbury.

Im getting ready to go in the store now, people, he said, putting on a hat with ICE written across the front, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. And I want to make sure that, you know, you all understand this. I dont know whats going on but its incredible.

The policy states officers are not allowed to use photographs or other images of uniforms, patches, badges or vehicles on their personal sites. Though Cammarata is seen in one of the videos with a logo on the sweatshirt hes wearing, Bernegger said it is not the police departments logo.

In that video, Cammarata said, Today is a day without an immigrant or some crap but I gotta tell you, this thing is working out great, apparently referring to A Day Without Immigrants, which took place Feb. 16, 2017  protesting President Donald Trumps stance on immigrants and his plan to build a border wall.

As the video continues, Cammarata said he went to a coffee shop and, spoke English, they understood in English. He goes on to say hes going to make phone calls to businesses and do everything that day to be able to speak, and be understood, in English.

Were only a couple hours into it and Im loving it, Cammarata said.

According to Bernegger, Cammarata has an impeccable record with the Naugatuck Police Department. Cammarata issued a statement through the police union Sunday night and said the videos date back to 2017.BROOKFIELD  Residents can learn more about the $78.1 million proposal for a new elementary school at an event next week.

The Brookfield Democratic Town Committee is hosting a meet-and-greet centered on the project from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hacienda Don Manuel on Federal Road. Democratic members from the boards of selectmen, education and finance, as well as members of the Municipal Building Committee, will answer questions about the proposal.New Delhi:

Expressing its concern over the killing of its prisoner by Indian inmates in the Jaipur jail, Pakistan on Wednesday sought a response from India. According to police in Jaipur, 50-year-old Shakir Ullah, a Pakistani national belonging to the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) who was lodged in the Jaipur Central Jail, was allegedly killed Wednesday in a brawl with other prisoners.

The prisoners fought over the volume of a television set and hit the inmate from Sialkot in Pakistan's Punjab with a large stone, they said.

"Pakistan is gravely concerned at media reports regarding the brutal killing of a Pakistani Prisoner, Mr. Shakir Ullah, imprisoned in Jaipur Central Jail. He was beaten to death by a group of Indian inmates in retaliation of the Pulwama incident. Our High Commission in New Delhi has officially raised the issue with the Indian authorities requesting them to urgently authenticate the report and awaits a response.

Meanwhile, we call upon the Indian Government to fulfill its obligations and ensure provision of foolproof security to all Pakistani inmates / prisoners in Indian Jails and Pakistani visitors to India," said Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) in a statement.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Director General of Police Kapil Garg said the matter will be investigated by a judicial magistrate and also by the police.

Shakir Ullah was lodged in the jail's special cell since 2011 and was serving life sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Earlier, he and seven others were held in a Punjab jail, accused of radicalising young people. In 2017, the LeT operative was sentenced to imprisonment for life. The killing in Jaipur prison comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack in which a car bomb killed 40 CRPF personnel.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Twitter has suspended the personal account of Dr Mohammad Faisal, chief spokesperson of Pakistan foreign office. According to reports in Pakistani media, the decision was taken by the social media giant after India protested against Faisals belligerent Kashmir tweets from - @DrMFaisal. -his personal account. However, his official Twitter handle is still active. At the time of the latest development, Faisal was at The Hague, where India and Pakistan are locked in a protracted legal battle over former naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav.

The Indian subcontinent is witnessing one of the most tense period in the recent times after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a powerful IED blast on the National Highway 1A on February 14. Exactly 7 days after the attack, both Pakistani and Indian leadership are engaged in war of words. Immediately after Pulwama attack, PM Narendra Modi had announced that the Indian armed forces have been given a free hand. However, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khans 6-minute-long speech has just added to the fire.

In a video message, five days after the Pulwama terror attack, Khan responded to the India's allegations on Pakistan's involvement in the suicide strike carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group that left 40 CRPF personnel dead. He said that only a stupid person will think of war. Khan, in a nationally televised address on Tuesday, demanded India to give actionable evidence and that Pakistan would retaliate if attacked. He said that India is in habit of blaming Islamabad for everything. However, New Delhi slammed Khan for repeating the script written by the Pakistan Army.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to take "immediate steps" to deescalate tensions. "The Secretary-General stresses the importance for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalation, and his good offices are always available should both sides ask," the UN Chief's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Tuesday at the daily press briefing. At least 42 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 80 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district that also left many critically wounded.



More than 2,500 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, many of them returning from leave to rejoin duty in the Valley, were travelling in the convoy of 78 vehicles when they were ambushed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway at Latoomode in Awantipora in south Kashmir.



ALSO READ | Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation,' says Trump, asks India, Pak to 'get along'

Dujarric was asked about a meeting Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN has sought with the Secretary General and also about Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi saying the UN must step in to defuse tensions between the two nations.

"...Looking at the situation in general between India and Pakistan, we're deeply concerned at the increase in tensions between the two countries in the wake of the attack on Indian security personnel on 14 February in Pulwama," Dujrraic said.

He said Pakistan's mission at the UN requested for the meeting with the Secretary-General.

"We have seen press reports of a letter having been delivered to the UN. As far as we've ascertained, none has been received as of this very minute," he added.

Last week, Guterres had "strongly" condemned the terror attack against security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, perpetrated by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, calling for those behind the attack to be brought to justice.

"We strongly condemn today's attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district and express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the government and people of India," Dujarric had said at the daily press briefing last Thursday.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Several Islamic State group jihadists and dozens of civilians, including foreigners, quit the last IS-held pocket in eastern Syria on Tuesday, US-backed forces said. Backed by air strikes by the US-led coalition, the Syrian Democratic Forces have already retaken most of the village. A convoy of trucks entered Baghouz on Tuesday to transfer jihadists and their relatives out to SDF-held territory, said SDF spokesman Adnan Afrin. IS, which in 2014 declared a cross-border "caliphate" straddling Syria and Iraq, has been expelled from all the land it held except for a patch of Baghouz village.

"Dozens of civilians and some fighters have handed themselves over to the SDF," he told reporters at nearby Al-Omar oil field.



ALSO READ | Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation,' says Trump, asks India, Pak to 'get along'

The spokesman said foreigners were among leaving but did not specify their nationalities or if they were civilians or fighters.

"This is the first-time civilians will make it out in four days," Afrin said.



On Monday, a bomb attack in Syria's jihadist-held city of Idlib killed 24 people, including four children, a war monitor said. The bomb was planted under a car in the main city of the Idlib region, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. A motorcycle bomb detonated after ambulances arrived at the scene of the first explosion, the Britain-based monitoring group said. Over 51 were also injured in the incident. Idlib is the last major part of Syria still outside the control of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.



ALSO READ | Senator Bernie Sanders announces 2020 US presidential bid



Earlier, Donald Trump surprised the world and his country as well when he suddenly announced that the US is pulling out its troops from Syria. "In Syria, Erdogan said he wants to knock out ISIS, whatever's left, the remnants of ISIS. And Saudi Arabia just came out and said they are going to pay for some economic development. Which is great, that means we don't have to pay. We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people haven't even heard about. Frankly, it's ridiculous," Trump added.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.Beijing:

The founder of Chinese telecom giant Huawei has hit back at US efforts to blacklist the company and denied there are any "backdoors" in its technology to spy for Beijing. Saying defiantly the world cannot do without Huawei and its "more advanced" technology, Ren Zhengfei again dismissed the possibility there could be a way to use the technology without his knowledge.

"It is not possible. Because across our entire organization, we've stressed once and again that we will never do that," he said in an interview with CBS on Tuesday. "If we did have that, with America's advanced technology, they would found that already. So that proves we do not have it." He pledged he would shutter the firm rather than spy for Beijing.

"Our company will never undertake any spying activities. If we have any such actions, then I'll shut the company down," he told the BBC in a separate interview. But Ren, 74, also denounced as "politically motivated" the December arrest of his daughter, Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, who is accused of violating US sanctions against Iran and faces an extradition hearing in Canada next month.

"We object to this," he said. "But now that we've gone down this path, we'll let the courts settle it." However, he remained defiant in the face of US pressure. "There's no way the US can crush us," he said in the BBC interview. "The world cannot leave us because we are more advanced." The normally media-shy Huawei founder has been forced to step into the limelight in recent months as the company has come under increasing pressure over espionage concerns and the US-led campaign to persuade other countries to ban its technology.

Last year, security concerns prompted Australia to ban Huawei equipment from its future 5G network. New Zealand has also blocked its largest telecom carrier from using Huawei technology for the next generation network, while the Czech Republic has reportedly excluded it from a 20-million-euro ($22 million) tender to build a tax portal.

The US also has charged Huawei with stealing trade secrets, saying it offered rewards to employees for stealing technology from rivals. Ren shrugged off the growing pressure.

"If the lights go out in the West, the East will still shine," he said. "America doesn't represent the world." "Even if they persuade more countries not to use us temporarily, we can always downsize and become smaller." Signs that US efforts to convince its allies to shun Huawei technology could fall through are growing.

British intelligence concluded that security risks posed by using Huawei's 5G equipment can be managed, The Financial Times reported on Monday. "Other nations can make the argument that if the British are confident of mitigation against national security threats then they can also reassure their publics and the US administration that they are acting in a prudent manner to allow their telecommunications service providers to use Chinese components," an unnamed source told the newspaper.

And New Zealand is in talks to minimise the security risks posed by using Huawei equipment in 5G infrastructure instead of excluding it entirely. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Tuesday that New Zealand's security bureau was discussing Huawei security concerns with Spark, the domestic telecoms carrier that had been barred from using the Chinese firm's equipment last year.

She also added that the company had "never" been ruled out from potentially participating in the country's 5G rollout.New Delhi:

A bizarre murder case that could possibly be caused by one of the most trivial reasons is this particular case that took place in Chennais Koyambedu wholesale flower market. According to India Times, a couples fight over a missing chicken piece in biryani drove a man to murder a girl. The reports add that the unidentified 25-year-old girl and boy had bought a packet of chicken biryani from one of the roadside shops at the Chennai, Koyambedu wholesale flower market, and had sat down to eat when the argument happened.

Reports claim the argument took for a dark turn when the girl complained to the boy about the absence of the chicken piece in the biryani. The argument is believed to have turned so bad that the boy eventually took out a knife which he happened to have in his pocket and slit the girls throat. The girl is reported to have died on the spot bleeding from the wound.

The body of the girl has been sent for post mortem by the police to the Kilpauk government hospital. The police are also carrying an investigation to hunt down the boy.

For all the Latest Offbeat News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.Dubai:

A 97-year-old Indian-origin man in the UAE has got his driving licence renewed for the next four years, a media report has said. Tehemten Homi Dhunjiboy Mehta, who was born in 1922, could become the first centenarian to be driving on Dubai roads in three years. His licence is valid until October 2023, Gulf News reported Saturday. Coincidentally, Prince Philip, the 97-year-old husband of British Queen Elizabeth II, has voluntarily surrendered his driving licence, weeks after the duke miraculously escaped unhurt in a terrifying accident that injured two women in another car.

Mehta, a Kenyan of Indian descent, lives alone and is in no hurry to hit the roads as he thinks cars make people lazy. He prefers to walk - sometimes up to four hours daily.The long-time Dubai resident, who never married, last drove a vehicle in 2004. He now uses public transport or travels around on foot. "Don't tell anyone. It's the secret of my robust health and long life. And yes, I don't smoke or drink," Mehta says as he chuckles.

He came to Dubai in 1980 and took up an accounting job at a five star hotel where he worked until 2002 when a routine background check of employees revealed his age and he was asked to put in his papers. "I was 80 then with no family and nowhere to go so I dug into my lifetime's savings and bought a one-bedroom apartment in the city to secure a life-long residency in the safe environs of Dubai. I have been living as a loner for the most part of life as I never got married. I have a younger sister in the UK who I visit every summer but I banished all thoughts of relocating there after I was mugged in London in broad day light some years ago. I can't imagine that happening in Dubai so I would rather stay here," Mehta said.

All of Mehta's friends are long dead and the only support he has here is from members of law firm Al Midfa and Associates whom he contacted in 2004 to help draft a will. In 2012, the law firm celebrated his 90th birthday at the hotel where he worked for over three decades. "If there were an old age home here, I would've happily sold my apartment and moved there to enjoy my remaining life to the hilt. Presently, I am living on a tight budget as I have had no income for 17 years. My finances are fast dwindling. The mandatory insurance cost also eats away my limited savings," he said.

Mehta does all the household chores himself. "The day is almost over by the time I wake up which is around 1.30 PM. I prepare freshly brewed tea for myself and then flick through news channels before heading out for long walks. Sometimes I walk for up to four hours. Occasionally I take the Metro to visit malls," he said.

The only meal Mehta has is dinner which is mostly at 9 PM from one of the many restaurants in his neighbourhood."I return home around midnight and read the previous day's newspaper or watch TV before going to bed at 4.30 AM. The proverb 'early to bed early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy and wise' may work for most people but not for me," he added as he smiled.

For all the Latest Offbeat News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

The wait is over! Rafale fighter jet made the supersonic entry at the ongoing Aero India show with thrilling sortie. All eyes were fixated in the sky as the fighter jet flew over the Yelahanka station in Bengaluru. Three Rafales are taking part in they air show and will be inducted in the Indian Air Force in next six months, top French envoy said today.

The Rafale air show comes at a time when the Congress is alleging the Narendra Modi government of corruption in the mega-billion deal. However, the government has dismissing report of price escalation in the Rafale deal. Recently Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that the report of price escalation was based on "fudged arithmetic". In a series of tweets, the minister said the Supreme Court has examined the prices and the CAG is examining the same. "The new article on Rafale is based on fudged arithmetic - ignore the escalation of the 2007 non-deal offer and compare it with the 2016 price and invent a scam," he said.

"The fudged arithmetic of a compulsive contrarian can hardly be objective... Fudged arithmetics does not add to the credibility of its creator," he said.

Jaitley's comments came after a report in 'The Hindu' claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to buy 36 aircraft instead of the 126 asked for by the Indian Air Force pushed the price of each jet up by 41.42 per cent. The minister said the 2007 escalation offer was much larger than 2016 agreed escalation for the Rafale jet deal. "The price differential would widen with each subsequent supply," he added.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

The Department of Telecom has asked operators to crack down on subscribers sending offensive or obscene messages to people and set up a helpline to receive complaints against such customers. The DoT issued the order in the wake of some TV journalists filing complaints against receipt of abusive messages on their cellphones from some mobile subscribers.

The DoT said licence conditions bar carriage of objectionable obscene, unauthorised or any other content, messages or communications in any form in the network. "You are hereby directed to take immediate action against the customers/subscribers of your network for sending messages as it is also a violation of customer declaration in customer application form," the order marked to all telecom operators dated February 19 said.

Telecom operators have been asked to report compliance within 15 days. The order also suggested that telecom operators may open a dedicated call centre or helpline for receiving complaints against customers sending offensive messages to people.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Supreme Court to hear the Ayodhya case on February 26, as Justice SA Bobde who is a part of five-judge Constitution bench, returned from leave. The Supreme Court had earlier cancelled the January 29 hearing in the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case due to non-availability of one of the five judges of a Constitution bench.

Justice S A Bobde will not be available on January 29 due to which sitting of the Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi stands cancelled, as per a notice issued by the Supreme Court registry.

The five-judge bench was re-constituted on January 25, as Justice U U Lalit, who was a member of the original bench, had recused himself from hearing the matter. This was followed by Justice N V Ramana withdrawing citing personal reasons.

Besides the CJI, the new bench comprises justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer.

Earlier, in view of the proposed march by Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati for laying the foundation stine of a Ram Mandir, the district administration has clamped prohibitory orders in Ayodhya.

Additional district magistrate (law and order) P D Gupta said that taking cognisance of the announcement made by some organisations to lay the foundation stone of a Ram temple in the disputed area acquired near the Babri Masjid site, prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 have been issued in Ayodhya.

Entry of people to the makeshift Ram Janmabhoomi Temple will be allowed through only one road and all other thoroughfares leading to the site will be closed, according to officials. Any group of more than 15 people will not be allowed to enter the site, they said

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in its jails after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the decision was taken on the request of Modi. Another big deliverable! At the request of the PM, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails, he said in a tweet.

Another big deliverable!



At the request of the PM @narendramodi, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails. pic.twitter.com/jIVTCbIRLa  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 20, 2019

He said Prince Mohammed has also announced an increase in the quota for Indian Haj pilgrims to 2 lakh at the request of Prime Minister Modi. The present quota is about 1.75 lakh.

Prince Mohammed had agreed to release more than 2,000 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi jails during his visit to Pakistan two days back.

Oil-rich Saudi Arabia sees an investment opportunity of USD 100 billion in India in various sectors, said visiting Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Wednesday in New Delhi.

Addressing the media along with Modi, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia has already invested USD 44 billion in India since the visit of Modi in 2016 to the Gulf nation. He also lauded India's strength in the information technology (IT) and said Saudi Arabia too was investing a lot in the sector.

"We understand that there are opportunities for more than USD 100 billion investment in India...We want to strengthen investment and economic ties to ensure useful returns for both countries," the crown prince said.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Less than 48 hours after crucial visit to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting India amid ongoing tension over the Pulwama terror attack. All eyes were on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Princes joint press conference at New Delhi Hyderabad House. In what can be called a diplomatic defeat for India, the Crown Prince remained mum on the February 14 terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

While the Crown Prince praised Indias IT prowess and hailed the $44 billion dollar pacts, he said zero words on the dastardly attack. However, he did say that terrorism and extremism are common concerns for both countries. He also assured that intelligence support in her fight against extremism. We'll work with everyone to ensure a brighter future for our upcoming generations, the Crown Prince said.

Meeting in the shadow of the attack, PM Modi made it clear to not only mention the attack but also talk about a need to form an alliance to dismantle forces working for terror outfits. Without naming Pakistan, PM Modi said that both India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to fight such forces.

During the visit of PM Modi to Saudi Arabia in 2016, an MoU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was signed. The Kingdom has shown greater understanding of Indias terrorism-related concerns and also agreed to work with India in countering this global menace. The two countries held meeting of 4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee last month in Riyadh during which both sides explored the possibility of elevating the defence engagement with joint production and joint exercises, particularly joint naval exercises, said Tirumurti.

Indias bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia was $27.48 billion in 2017-18, making Saudi Arabia its 4th largest trading partner. Saudi Arabia is also a key pillar of Indias energy security, being a source of 17 per cent or more of crude oil and 32 per cent of LPG requirements of India.

Recently, Saudi ARAMCO in partnership with ADNOC of UAE has agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd which is a joint venture of USD 44 billion. Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and HPCL.

(With agency inputs)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi :

Oil-rich Saudi Arabia will invest 100 billion dollars in India in a range of areas including energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing. Big announcement - Saudi Arabia to invest $100 billion in India - a huge vote of confidence in the Indian economy, tweeted Raveesh Kumar, Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs. Addressing the media along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday said Saudi Arabia has already invested USD 44 billion in India since the visit of PM Modi in 2016 to the Gulf nation.

He also lauded India's strength in the information technology (IT) and said Saudi Arabia too was investing a lot in the sector.

"We understand that there are opportunities for more than USD 100 billion investment in India...We want to strengthen investment and economic ties to ensure useful returns for both countries," the crown prince said. He informed that Saudi Arabia has invested in India in petrochemicals and diversifying into other sectors.

"We want to increase cooperation with India as it will give a new direction to our relationship," he said. Later TS Tirumurti, Secretary (ER) in Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters that there is a commitment by Saudi Arabia to invest USD 100 billion in sectors like energy, petrochemicals and manufacturing.

When asked by when investments would be made, the Secretary said there was no timeline.

The crown prince arrived in Delhi on a less than 30-hour visit Tuesday night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia signed agreements worth USD 20 billion which will provide a welcome relief to the teetering economy of the cash-strapped South Asian country.

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A Pakistani prisoner was allegedly killed by Indian inmates lodged at the Jaipur Central Jail on Wednesday. News Nation has learnt that senior officials have reached the spot to investigate the matter. According to initial probe, two Indian prisoners were involved in the killing. They had decided to kill the Pakistani inmate in protest against February 14 attack.

In January, Pakistan had shared with India a list of 537 Indian prisoners lodged in Pakistani jails as per the provisions of a bilateral agreement. They include 54 civilians and 483 fishermen, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement here.

The Government of Pakistan today (Tuesday) handed over a list of 537 Indian prisoners (54 civilians and 483 fishermen) in Pakistan to the High Commission of India in Islamabad, it said. The step was taken under the Consular Access Agreement of May 21, 2008 between Pakistan and India, the Foreign Office said.

According to the agreement, both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each others custody twice a year, on January 1 and July 1. At least 347 Pakistani citizens or those believed to be Pakistani citizens, including 249 civilians charged under various acts and 98 fishermen who had crossed into Indian waters, are in Indian jails.

The two countries have adhered to the practice of exchanging the list of prisoners despite recurring tensions. It is one of the enduring Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) agreed upon when the two sides were trying to disentangle the complex relationship with the help of the composite dialogue process.

Fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each others territorial waters since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border and the wooden boats lack the technology to avoid being drifting away.

(With PTI inputs)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.highlights Hand over the evidences and we will take action: Imram Khan tells India.

Pak PM's remarks on Pulwama attack shallow, diversionary: Arun Jaitley.

US President Donald Trump describes Pulwama attack as 'horrible'.

New Delhi:

Masood Azhar, the founder of UN-designated terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed and Mumbai terror attack mastermind, Hafiz Saeed have been asked to maintain low profile and curb their public appearances by Pakistani Amry, according to Intelligence Agency. The report further adds that the RDX used during the dastardly Pulwama attack was handed over by the Pakistani Army to the terrorists in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday assured India that action would be taken against the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack if New Delhi shares "actionable intelligence", but warned against any retaliatory action on his country.

In a video message to the nation, Khan responded to the Indian allegations on Pakistan's involvement in the attack in Kashmir on last on Thursday. The suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

Stating that Pakistan wants "stability in the region", Khan said, "If India has evidence or actionable intelligence, they should give it to us and we will take action." He said that he has come across calls for attack on Pakistan through the Indian media and warned, "If India retaliates, we will not think and retaliate back." "It is easy to start a war but difficult to end it," Khan said.

The premier said, "I want to ask India if they want to live in the past?" "Its not in our interests that somebody from here goes out to do terrorism, nor that somebody comes here and does terrorism," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Pakistan over the Pulwama terror strike that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, and urged people to have patience and faith in the security forces who have been given a free hand to punish the perpetrators of the attack.

At a public function in Pandharkawada in Yavatmal district, where he launched a number of projects, PM Modi said Pakistan has become a synonym for terrorism.

"A nation which came into existence after Partition and encourages terror activities, and which is on the verge of bankruptcy, has now become the second name for terror," PM Modi said. Asserting the country was in deep pain over what had happened in Pulwama, the prime minister said, "The sacrifice of the CRPF personnel martyred in Pulwama will not go in vain. Perpetrators of the crime will be punished."

"Security forces have been given a free hand to punish the perpetrators of the crime. I appeal to the country to have patience and faith in the security forces. Our forces will decide the place, time and manner in which the perpetrators of this crime will be punished," he said.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

"All of us can feel the pain of families of the Pulwama martyrs. We understand your anger," PM Modi said.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi :

A day after Pakistan urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss India's plea in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, India is presenting its final argument on Wednesday. India will have a maximum of 90 minutes to present its case. The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case started on Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

Check all the updates here:

09: 05 pm: The ICJ adjourns hearing for Wednesday.

09: 00 pm: The Government of India requests this court to adjudge and declare that Pakistan acted in egregious breach of Article 36 of Vienna convention: Government of India's agent Deepak Mittal in International Court of Justice

08: 57 pm: India urges ICJ to annual decision of Pakistani military court, direct fair trial in civilian court and grant full consular access to Jadhav.

08: 55 pm: When we talk of review, I'd like to draw your attention in stark contrast in Kasab case. where the Supreme Court in India held that since it is a case of death sentence we may examine the materials on record first hand. This is called a review: Harish Salve tells ICJ

08: 50 pm: Jadhav has become a 'pawn' in Pakistan tool to divert international scrutiny from itself, says Salve at ICJ.

08: 40 pm: Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of extracted confession, Salve tells ICJ Judges.

08: 20 pm: India has repeatedly asked for a copy of the judgment convicting Jadhav, and the charges against. There would be no threat to security of Pakistan if they share these documents, Salve added.

08:14 pm: "Bio-data mentions that Jadhav was a former Indian Navy officer. This would be proof of his Indian nationality," said Salve.

08:10 pm: Pakistan made three attempts to derail proceedings in the ICJ, all of which have failed: Salve

08:05 pm: This court doesn't need experts to help it decide whether military courts in Pakistan are due process compliant. Pakistan has mischaracterised India's reading of the report on military courts as an attempt to mislead the court: Salve

8:00 pm: A criticism of a sovereign state of the case made out of the other state must be in language consistent with the dignity of other states. Humpty Dumpty has no place in this court: Harish Salve

Harish Salve: Transcript is peppered with words such as shameless,nonsensical, laughable,breathtaking arrogance. India takes exception to being addressed in this fashion. I would let the matter rest as Indian culture prevents me from indulging in a similar language of insults 2/2 https://t.co/8oE1BQrANJ  ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019

7:55 pm: "India believes we have a strong case. When you are strong on the law you hammer the law, when you are strong on facts you hammer facts. And when you have neither you hammer the table. Pakistan has hammered the proverbial table," Salve said.

7:50 pm When you are strong on law you hammer the law, when you are strong on facts you hammer the facts and when you are strong on neither you hammer the table: Indias counsel Harish Salve

7:45 pm: Indias counsel Harish Salve begins argument at ICJ.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Congress MLA, JN Ganesh, who was absconding after allegedly assaulting another Congress MLA Anand Singh at a resort in Karnataka last month was arrested in Gujarat on Wednesday. According to Karnataka Home Minister MB Patil, Ganesh will be brought to Bengaluru today and will be produced before Ramnagar court tomorrow.

Ganesh had allegedly attacked Singh with his fists and a flowerpot hit him near his eye and kicked him on his chest, according to the complaint filed with the police.

According to the FIR, the fight began when the two were returning to their rooms after dinner and Ganesh asked Anand why the latter had not helped him financially during last year's elections. Following this, Ganesh allegedly threatened to finish of Anand's nephew Sandeep.

"When I asked him why he was bringing family into this, he threatened to finish me off. He then abused me and hit me with a wooden log and flower pots on my face and head," Anand Singh, MLA of Vijayanagara constituency in Bellary district, said in his statement to police.

"He then pushed my head against the wall, asked for a gun to finish me off. When I fell down, he stamped me on my stomach and face saying "die, die," the FIR stated.





For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has received clearance from the Indian Army and the Ministry of Defence for production of 114 'Dhanush' long range artillery guns, an official said Tuesday. Described as a product of joint efforts of the OFB and the Indian Army, this is the first ever indigenous 155 mm x 45 calibre long-range artillery gun.

The gun is equipped with inertial navigation-based sighting system, auto-laying facility, on-board ballistic computation and an advanced day and night direct firing system, an OFB statement said. The self-propulsion unit allows the gun to negotiate and deploy itself in mountainous terrains with ease.

'Dhanush' has also been electronically upgraded to enhance firing accuracies, laying speeds of the existing gun and to provide compatibility with various kinds of ammunition as well, it said.

Stating that the performance of 'Dhanush' has been evaluated under arduous conditions in several phases, the OFB said the guns travelled extensively in towed and self-propelled mode in all terrains, including desert and high altitude, with each gun clocking over 1,600 km.

Such an extensive exercise was carried out by the user for the first time for any gun system under the process of induction, the OFB said.

DRDO, DGQA, Defence PSUs such as BEL and PSUs including SAIL and several private sector enterprises also contributed to the development of the artillery gun, it said.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman discussed the complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama terror attack on a CRPF convoy that killed 40 personnel, during their meeting on Wednesday. The MEA said the two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian forces.

Both the leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations, said TS Tirumurti, secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.

On being asked if Saudi Arabia has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, the MEA said at this point, no mediation has been offered.

The MEA also said the Saudi Crown Prince appreciated the consistent efforts made by Modi since May 2014, including his personal initiatives, to have friendly relations with Pakistan. Both sides agreed on the need for the creation of conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue.

Saudi Arabia also ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in its jails after Salmans meeting with Modi. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the decision was taken on the request of Modi. Another big deliverable! At the request of the PM, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails, he said in a tweet.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has withdrawn security of 18 separatist leaders and more than 155 politicians in the state, reported news agency PTI. According to the spokesperson of the Home Department, it was felt that providing security to these separatist leaders is a wastage of scarce state resources which could be better utilised elsewhere. Among the leaders whose security has been downgraded and withdrawn are SAS Geelani, Aga Syed Mosvi, Maulvi Abbas Ansari, Yaseen Malik, Saleem Geelani, Shahid ul Islam, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Nayeem Ahmed Khan, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Farooq Ahmed Kichloo, Masroor Abbas Ansari, Aga Syed Abul Hussain, Abdul Gani Shah and Mohd Musadiq Bhat.

The step means more than 1000 police personnel and over 100 vehicles are free to do regular police work.

The move comes three days after the state administration issued orders to withdraw security of five separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, officials said. Besides Mirwaiz, the security cover for Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah was withdrawn. However, there is no mention of pro-Pakistan separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani in the order.

According to the order, all security and vehicles provided to the separatists will stand withdrawn. No security forces or cover will be provided, under any pretext, to them or any other separatists. If they have any other facilities provided by the government, they are to be withdrawn forthwith.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Srinagar on last Friday, had said security given to people getting funds from Pakistan and its snooping agency ISI should be reviewed.



"Some elements in Jammu and Kashmir have links with the ISI and terrorist organisations. Their security should be reviewed," he had said after reviewing security in the aftermath of dastardly terror attack in South Kashmir's Pulwama district.



Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near their bus in Pulwama district.



The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Mehbooba Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir's former chief minister, on Wednesday once again said that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan deserves a chance to act against terrorists as he is a new Prime Minister. "It's true that whether it was the Pathankot attack or the Mumbai attack they (Pakistan) were given proof but they didn't take action. But because Imran Khan is a new PM and he is talking about a new start, he should be given a chance. We should give them proof and see what they do," news agency ANI quoted Mufti as saying.

In a similar statement on Tuesday, the PDP president said Pakistan was not being blamed for the Pulawama terror attack without any evidence and asked its Prime Minister Imran Khan to walk the talk. However, Mufti said Khan deserves a chance since he has recently taken over the reigns of the country.

"Disagree. Pathankot dossier was given to them (Pakistan) but no actin was taken to punish the perpetrators. Time to walk the talk," Mehbooba said in a tweet.

"But Pak PM deserves a chance since he has recently taken over. Of course the war rhetoric (in India) has more to do with the impending elections that anything else (sic)," she added.

Khan on February 19 assured India that he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack if New Delhi shares "actionable intelligence".

In a video message, he said Pakistan wants "stability in the region".

Khan said that he understood it was India's election year and the narrative of blaming Pakistan would make it easier to get votes from the masses but he hoped that better sense will prevail and that India would be open to dialogue.

The suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in Pulwama left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

One jawan died and five other soldiers of the Army's JK Rifles unit are trapped in an avalanche on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Wednesday, officials said. The body of one jawan had been recovered, whereas five bodies were yet to be traced, Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Gopal Chand said. The avalanche occurred at around 11 am near Shipkala on the Sino-India border, he added. Several jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were also trapped in the avalanche. However, they had been rescued, Chand said.

Recently, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) had issued an advisory asking residents in five districts to stay away from avalanche-prone slopes. The advisory came after the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) issued an avalanche warning for various parts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kinnaur and Kullu districts, where heavy snowfall is expected in the coming days.



Earlier, predicting heavy snowfall in the high and mid hills, the meteorological department had issued 'orange' and 'red' alerts for Wednesday and Thursday respectively. The HPSDMA asked the district administrations and district disaster management authorities (DDMAs) to monitor the situation in their areas regularly and take appropriate precautionary measures.



The district administrations were also asked to convey bad weather warnings to all grassroots functionaries and locals and to advise tourists against venturing in snow-bound areas. The public has also been advised to keep adequate stock of essential commodities and emergency medicines.

In a similar incident, on February 2, bodies of three persons, who were were buried under an avalanche in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district a day ago, were recovered by a search and rescue team.

Four people were aboard a snow removal machine on the Pahalgam-Aru road when they were trapped under the avalanche.







For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Four people have been arrested by the Bangur Nagar police for allegedly conning TV actress Sakshi Tanwars father Rajendra Tanwar of Rs. 9 lakh last month, reports Mumbai Mirror. As per the complaint filed with the police, Rajesh Tanwar received a call on January 18. The callers claimed to be representatives of the private insurance company whose life insurance policy the actor has, and offered a concession of Rs 1 lakh in the premium amount for a policy in the name of the actor.



''The premium of this policy was due on February 1, but thecaller said there was a special scheme under which the policyholder could avail a concession. He was told that if the premium was paid over the next two days, the amount to be paid would be Rs 9 lakh instead of Rs 10 lakh,'' said an official from Bangur Nagar police.



The police official further added that Tanwar then transferred Rs 9 lakh to the account number provided by the caller. In the complaint, Tanwar said that the family got suspicious when there was no confirmation about the receipt of the premium. After the complaint was made, the police got access to the account details from DBS Bank in Singapore.

''We found that the money was transferred to three different accounts in India. All these accounts were in the branches of the respective banks located in Delhi and NCR. We got their addresses and transaction details from the bank,'' said the officer.



Mirror tried to contact Sakshi Tanwar for comment through her representative but she could not be reached. The accused have been identified as Ajit Singh, 28, from Ghaziabad, Krishna Kumar Singh from Delhi, Pawankumar Singh, 29, from Noida and Abdullah Hussain, 23.





highlights In 2014, the BJP won 17 seats whereas the Congress was restricted to just 9.

The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Karnataka Assembly polls.

The Congress-JDS alliance is likely to contest the Lok Sabha polls together.

New Delhi:

Lok Sabha Elections 2019: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has finally sounded the poll bugle and declared the schedule for the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 on March 10. The Lok Sabha Elections 2019 will be held in seven phases, starting from April 11. The results will be declared on May 23. 91 constituencies will go for polls in the first phase on April 11, followed by 97 constituencies in the second phase on April 18. The third phase will be held on April 23 and fourth on April 29, fifth on May 6, sixth on May 12 and seventh phase on May 19. 115 constituencies will go for polls in the third phase, 71 in the fourth phase, 51 in the fifth phase, 59 in the sixth phase and 59 in the seventh phase. We are also gearing up for the elections and are coming up with a series: 2019 Lok Sabha Election Analysis: What happened in 2014 Lok Sabha Polls? What will happen this year? Now, let's look at the political scenario in the state Karnataka. The HD Kumaraswamy-led JDS-Congress alliance is in the power after the 2018 elections that resulted in a hung Assembly. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the state and the Governor invites its leader BS Yeddyurappa to form the government in the state. However, Yeddyurappa failed to prove his majority and resigned after the Congress decided to support JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy. The Congress was ruling the state under Siddaramaiah between the period of 2013 and 2018 and lost elections. Both, the JDS and the Congress are also trying to form an alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections also to challenge the BJP in the state. But the stability of the Kumaraswamy government has been under threat since its formation as several leaders of both the parties are unhappy with the alliance. Let's discuss this in detail. Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2019: When will you vote? Know poll dates of your seat here

Lok Sabha Elections 2019: When will Karnataka vote?

Karnataka will vote in two phases on April 18 (second phase) and on April 23 (third phase). Polling will be held in 14 seats on Kolar, Mandya, Mysore, Tumkur, Chamarajnagar, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Bangalore Rural, Udupi-Chikmagalur, Chitradurga, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada and Chikkballapur in the second phase. The remaining 14 seats of Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Koppal, Bidar, Raichur, Shimoga, Davanagere, Uttara Kannada, Dharwad, Haveri, Bellary, Chikkodi and Belgaum will go for polls in the third phase.

What happened in Karnataka in 2014 Lok Sabha Elections?

In 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) performed extremely well after the return of BS Yeddyurappa in the party fold. The 2014 election in Karnataka was held in a single phase on April 17. The state sends 28 members to the Lok Sabha. The BJP won 17 of these seats whereas the Congress was restricted to just 9 seats in the state. The Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) was successful in the remaining 2 seats (Mandya and Hassan). In 2009, the BJP was successful on 19 seats and the Congress and the JDS won 6 and 3 seats respectively.

The BJP received 1,33,50,285 votes with a vote share of 43.37 per cent. The Congress garnered 1,26,66,530 votes with a vote share of 41.15 per cent whereas the JDS, known as the third force in the state, got 34,06,465 votes with a vote share of 11.07 per cent. According to our analysis, the BJP was ahead in 132 Assembly segments during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The Congress was leading on 77 and the JDS on 15.

Some of the prominent winners in 2014 were BS Yeddyurappa (BJP-Shimoga), Ananth Kumar (BJP-Bangalore South), HD Deve Gowda (JDS-Hassan), DV Sadananda Gowda (BJP-Bangalore North), Pralhad Joshi (BJP-Dharwad), Ramesh Jigajinagi (BJP-Bijapur), Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress-Gulbarga), Veerappa Moily (Congress-Chikballapur), Nalin Kumar Kateel (BJP-Dakshina Kannada), Anant Kumar Hegde (BJP-Uttara Kannada), B. Sriramulu (BJP-Bellary), PC Mohan (BJP-Bangalore Central), Prathap Simha (BJP-Mysore), CS Puttaraju (JDS-Mandya), GM Siddeswara (BJP-Davangere), DK Suresh (Congress-Bangalore Rural), KH Muniyappa (Congress-Kolar) and Shobha Karandlaje (BJP-Udupi Chikmagalur).

CH Vijayashankar (BJP-Hassan), GS Basavaraj (BJP-Tumkur), Nandan Nilekani (Congress-Bangalore South), Janardhana Poojary (Congress-Dakshina Kannada), Ramya (Congress-Mandya), AH Vishwanath (Congress-Mysore), HD Kumaraswamy (JDS-Chikballapur), M Shivanna (JDS-Chamarajnagar), V. Dhananjaya Kumar (JDS-Udupi Chikmagalur), SS Mallikarjun (Congress-Davangere) and N. Dharam Singh (Congress-Bidar) lost the elections.

What was the result of Karnataka Assembly Elections in 2018?

The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 2018 Karnataka Assembly Elections and won 104 seats in the 224-member Assembly. The party received 1,32,68,284 votes with a vote share of 36.3 per cent. The ruling Congress was routed in these elections and won only 80 seats (2 after bypolls). The party received 1,39,32,531 votes with a vote share of 38.1 per cent. The party got the maximum votes in the state but lost its majority. The JDS, on the other hand, received 67,26,668 votes with a vote share of 18.3 per cent and won 37 seats in Karnataka. The party contested the elections in an alliance with the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which won a single seat in the Assembly.





The BJP performed well after the return of 'Lingayat strongman' BS Yeddyurappa into the party. The BJP was ahead in Coastal Karnataka, Bombay Karnataka and Central Karnataka. The Governor invited Yeddyurappa to form the government but the BJP was not able to reach the magic figure of 113 in the Assembly and he had to resign. The Congress quickly backed the JDS and formed a post-poll alliance under HD Kumaraswamy in order to snatch the state from the BJP. In 2013 Karnataka Assembly polls, the Congress stormed back to power with 122 seats after defeating the incumbent BJP. The BJP was reduced to just 40 seats with a vote share of only 19.9 per cent. The JDS also won 40 seats but with a better vote share of 20.2 per cent than the BJP. Yeddyurappa broke the BJP and founded his own Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP) and received almost 10 per cent votes in the state. He along with B. Sriramulu's BSR Congress party dented the BJP's prospects in the state elections.

What is the current scenario in Karnataka in 2019?

The Congress-JDS alliance is likely to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections together to take on the BJP in Karnataka. However, some reports suggest that the Congress is also considering to go solo as the JDS is demanding 10 to 12 Lok Sabha seats for itself. The alliance can challenge the saffron party in the state and their cumulative vote share is larger than the BJP's vote share. Recently, the alliance won 4 out of 5 seats in the bypolls. The Congress won Bellary Lok Sabha and Jamkhandi Assembly seat whereas the JDS registered victories in Mandya Lok Sabha and Ramanagaram Assembly seats. The BJP was able to win only Shimoga (Shivamogga) Lok Sabha seat in the bypoll.

BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File photo: PTI)

The combined vote share of the alliance has been more than 50 per cent and it can reduce the BJP seats considerably in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, the rebel Congress MLAs are giving some sleepless nights to Chief Minister Kumaraswamy. The JDS vote share is limited to the South Karnataka and Mysore region and the Congress is also very strong in this region. This can spell trouble for both the parties as the local leaders are not very keen to leave their strong seats for the other party.highlights Congress gets 9 seats in Tamil Nadu and 1 in neighbouring Puducherry.

The DMK will finalise seat-sharing exercise for other allies soon.

The pact comes a day after the AIADMK cobbled alliances with BJP and PMK.

New Delhi :

A day after the BJP and AIADMK announced an alliance in Tamil Nadu, the Congress and DMK sealed a seat-sharing deal on Wednesday. Announcing the alliance, DMK chief MK Stalin said that out of 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, Congress will contest on 9 seats. Apart from 9 seats in Tamil Nadu, the Congress has been given one seat in Puducherry. "The constituencies (9 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and 1 seat in Puducherry) to be given to Congress will be decided in due course of time after holding talks with alliance partners," Stalin said at party headquarters Anna Arivalayam in the presence of Congress General Secretary in-charge of Tamil Nadu Mukul Wasnik, TNCC chief K S Alagiri and other senior leaders.

The DMK will finalise seat-sharing exercise for other allies soon, Stalin added. There are 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry, ruled by the Congress.

The pact comes a day after the ruling AIADMK cobbled alliances with BJP and PMK allotting them five and seven Lok Sabha seats respectively.

As per the understandings reached separately, BJP and PMK would contest five and seven seats respectively out of the total 39 Lok Sabha constituencies at stake in the state, AIADMK Coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam announced.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, the BJP election-incharge for Tamil Nadu who led the saffron party in the negotiations, said the alliance would sweep all 40 seats in the state and Puducherry "as a mark of reverence to late chief minister Jayalalithaa."

The alliance would be under AIADMK in Tamil Nadu while at the national level the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will steer the NDA coalition, he told reporters.

While the number of segments to be fought by the AIADMK will be known later after other allies are allotted their share, the Paatali Makkal Katchi (PMK) will also get one Rajya Sabha seat this year.

The PMK, which gave up its earlier policy of not aligning with either of the major Dravidian parties in the state, had held discreet talks with DMK as well, but in the end the AIADMK managed to woo it.

The coming Lok Sabha polls is the first major electoral battle for the AIADMK after the demise of its charismatic leader Jayalalithaa in December, 2016. For the DMK too, it would be the first key poll battle after the death of its patriarch M Karunanidhi in August last year.

With PTI InputsNew Delhi:

The candidate who had appeared for the GATE 2019, we have some important news for you. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, has released GATE 2019 Answer Key for all 24 subject papers, on February 19, 2019. The candidates must note that the answer key has been released in pdf, on gate.iitm.ac.in.

The IIT Madras has also released question paper. The candidates who appeared for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering-2019 on February 2, 3, 9, 10, 2019, can now download answer key and question paper to match answers and calculate the raw score.

For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the steps through which the candidates can download the answer key of GATE 2019:

Visit the official website of GATE i.e. gate.iitm.ac.in

Click on To view GATE 2019 Question Papers and Answer Keys link

On the new page, all the question papers and answer keys of GATE 2019 will be given.

Click on the appropriate link for the respective subject paper and download it.

The GATE 2019 Answer Key contains the questions asked in the examination, whereas, in the answer key the question number, type of question, section, key/range, and marks are given.

For now, there is no official notice for submitting the objections. However, as per the information brochure, IIT-M will start objection facility. The details regarding it shall be announced in due course of time.New Delhi:

The Bar Council of India, on its official notification, has confirmed the date on which the council will announce the AIBE 2019. According to the notification, the AIBE XIII (13) 2019 result will be announced on February 25, 2019. The candidates can get the result by logging in to the registered accounts on www.allindiabarexamination.com once they are announced.



For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the steps through which the candidates can download the results:

Visit the official website of the council i.e. www.allindiabarexamination.com.

Click on the link that says Result (AIBE-XIII).

Login using login credentials such as AIBE 2019 roll number and the date of birth.

Soon after clicking the submit button, the result will appear on the screen.

The AIBE candidates must note that the council will not issue the original marksheet soon after the formal declaration of the results. Therefore, the candidates must save the PDF file of the result and take some printout of the same for future references.



The students who will be checking the result for AIBE 2019 will be able to find the information such as his/her name, Roll number, Qualifying marks in AIBE 2019, Total marks and Marks obtained by him/her.New Delhi:

Jharkhand Board Examination 2019 for class 10 and 12 are all set to begin from today. Over 7 lakh students are expected to appear for the Jharkhand board examinations 2019. JAC has set up 1,137 exam centres across the state to conduct the Jharkhand Board exams.



The Jharkhand Board 10th and 12th exams will begin tomorrow and end on March 9, 2019. While the 10th board exams will be conducted in the morning session, the 12th board exam will be conducted in the afternoon session from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm.Students will be given an extra 15 minutes time before the examination to read the question paper.



Students will not be allowed to write answers during this time. Admit cards for the Jharkhand Board exams were released on January 25, 2019. Students can check and download their admit cards by visiting the official website jac.nic.in.



Here are the steps to download the JAC 2019 Admit Card:

Step 1: First, visit the JAC official site- jac.nic.in.

Step 2: Click on Download Admit Card link.

Step 3: Enter your login credentials- registration number or roll number.



Step 4: Your admit card will appear on the screen.



Step 5: Download the card and take a print out for future use.



The pass percentage last year for Class 12 science stream was 52.35 percent, for commerce stream was 60.09 percent.



London:

Honda will shut its UK plant with the loss of 3,500 jobs, the Japanese carmaker announced Tuesday as the global auto industry faces "unprecedented changes" and the UK economy hits the skids on Brexit uncertainty. The factory in Swindon, southwest England, which is Honda's only EU plant, will shut in 2021 "at the end of the current model's production lifecycle", the company said as carmakers worldwide increasingly invest in greener electric vehicles over diesel cars.

Business Secretary Greg Clark described Honda's decision as "devastating" and "a particularly bitter blow to the thousands of skilled and dedicated staff who work at the factory, their families and all of those employed in the supply chain".



ALSO READ | Lithium-air batteries may power future cars: Study

Prime Minister Theresa May spoke to Honda's president to "express her disappointment at the decision," according to her Downing Street office.

Katsushi Inoue, Honda's chief officer for European regional operations, said the decision had "not been taken lightly".

The firm blamed "unprecedented changes in the global automotive industry" for the decision but it comes amid investment uncertainty in Britain ahead of the country's departure from the European Union next month.

Analysts said an EU-Japan trade agreement signed recently had likely also played a part in Honda's decision.

Clark said that while Honda's decision was made for "commercial" reasons, it was nonetheless "devastating... for Swindon and the UK".

He added in a statement: "The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid transition to new technology. The UK is one of the leaders in the development of these technologies and so it is deeply disappointing that this decision has been taken now."

Speaking earlier in Tokyo, Honda president Takahiro Hachigo told reporters: "I'd like you to understand this is not related to Brexit." Clark later told parliament that "we must accept" Honda's stated reasons, but added "the motor industry, Japanese investors and Honda in particular have been very clear for many months that Brexit is an additional worry at a difficult time." Nissan earlier this month axed plans to make its X-Trail SUV in the Brexit-backing UK city of Sunderland, citing "business reasons" but also uncertainty over Britain's EU departure.

Toyota, another Japanese car giant making vehicles in Britain, has meanwhile warned there would be no way to avoid a negative impact should the UK crash out of the EU without a deal.

The Bank of England earlier this month slashed its forecast for 2019 UK growth to 1.2 percent from 1.7 percent, blaming the downgrade on a global economic slowdown and "the fog of Brexit".

Honda's fellow Japanese firms Sony, Panasonic and Hitachi are also scaling back their UK operations.

Regarding Honda's decision, the company "seems to have been preparing for this for a long time", Seiji Sugiura, analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute, told AFP.

"Then Brexit happened, which might have pushed the company to make the decision now." The carmaker's Swindon plant has been producing Honda's Civic model for more than 24 years, with 150,000 units rolling off the line annually.

The firm on Tuesday announced also that it would stop manufacturing the Civic model in Turkey in 2021.

In Swindon, local finance worker Sue Davis, 49, said the town is "finished without Honda".

She told AFP: "My ex-husband works there, has done for 20 years. He's going to be without a job, so I just think it's really, really bad news." Local MP Justin Tomlinson tweeted that the decision had been made "based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021".



ALSO READ | FIR against Uber for not having proper verification of drivers, negligence

Britain's biggest union Unite said it would campaign to keep the plant open.

"We will leave no stone unturned to keep this plant going and its workforce in employment," said Des Quinn, Unite's national officer for the automotive sector.

"While Brexit is not mentioned by the company as a reason for the announcement, we believe that the uncertainty that the Tory government has created by its inept and rigid handling of the Brexit negotiations lurks in the background."Shamokin, PA (17872)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.Australian police are stumped after they captured bizarre footage of what appears to be an unidentified flying object (UFO).

Western Australia Police couldn't help but notice the rather unusual object upon reviewing vision of a storm that erupted over a beach in the town of Broome on Saturday night.

Bolts of lighting can be seen erupting in the sky before a mysterious object comes into view in the left-hand corner of the screen.

The UFO can be seen hovering for a few moments before disappearing from the screen.The Islamic State (IS) bride whose British citizenship was revoked after pleading to return home to England is now seeking a Dutch citizenship.

In 2015 at the age of 15, Shamima Begum left the United Kingdom for Syria with two friends, desiring a life with the terrorist group.

Last week it emerged Ms Begum wanted to return to England to give birth to her third child, who she has since had while living in a Syrian refugee camp.

But the United Kingdom didn't welcome her with open arms, instead revoking her citizenship.

"I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. It's a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like it's a bit unjust on me and my son," she told ITV News.

Under international law, it is forbidden that nations make people stateless by revoking their only citizenship. However, the BBC reports the Home Office believes Ms Begum is eligible for citizenship to another country.

Ms Begum told ITV news she is now seeking a Dutch citizenship as her IS fighter husband, Yago Riedijk, is from Holland.

Mr Riedijk recently surrendered to the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and his fate has been unclear since.

"If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison," said Ms Begum.

"I don't know how I would be seen as a danger. I'm not going to go back and provoke people to go to ISIS or anything, if anything I'm going to encourage them not to go because it's not all as it seems in their videos."

The British Home Secretary Sajid Javid has said Ms Begum's baby could still have a British citizenship as if a parent loses their citizenship, it does not affect the child's rights.

Ms Begum fled from an IS base three weeks ago, fearing the safety for her then unborn child.

"In the end, I just could not endure anymore," she told the Times at the time. "I just couldn't take it. Now all I want to do is come home to Britain."

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said last week that, if she was in charge, she would have let the British teen back into the United Kingdom.

"She is a UK citizen, she's born there. The head of (intelligence agency) MI6 says she has a right to return," she told Newstalk ZB.

A Sky News poll found 78 percent of people support the decision to revoke Ms Begum's citizenship, while 65 percent believe it was the right action even if it broke international law.

Newshub.A US newspaper's publisher has written a frightening opinion piece, calling for the Ku Klux Klan to lynch Democrats and raid Washington DC.

Goodloe Sutton, a publisher and editor from Alabama, published the article in his print-only newspaper, The Democrat-Reporter.

The editorial was entitled 'Klan needs to ride again'. The idea behind it was that Democrats are going to raise taxes, and therefore the Ku Klux Klan should "night-ride" again - a reference to the horrifying raids performed by the hate group through black communities.

"Democrats in the Republican Party and Democrats are plotting to raise taxes in Alabama," Mr Sutton wrote.

"This socialist-communist ideology sounds good to the ignorant, the uneducated and the simple-minded people. Seems like the Klan would be welcome to raid the gated communities up there."The Islamic State (IS) bride who wanted to return home to England after moving to Syria has had her British citizenship revoked.

In 2015 at the age of 15, Shamima Begum left the United Kingdom for Syria with two friends, desiring a life with the terrorist group.

Last week it emerged Ms Begum wanted to return to England to give birth to her third child, who she has since had while living in a Syrian refugee camp.

But Ms Begum's family has now been told her British citizenship has been revoked in a letter they received from the British Home Office, which has been obtained by ITV news.

"In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretary's decision has been served of file today (19th February), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made," the letter said.

It also asked her family to make the teenager aware of the decision and that she has the right to appeal.

The family's lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, said the family would consider its legal avenues to challenge the decision.

Under international law, it is forbidden that nations make people stateless by revoking their only citizenship. However, ITV news reports that as Ms Begum is of Bangladeshi heritage, she may hold a dual citizenship through her parents.

A Home Office spokesperson wouldn't comment on individual cases, but said it didn't leave people without a state.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said last week that if she was in charge, she would have let the British teen back into the United Kingdom.

"She is a UK citizen, she's born there. The head of (intelligence agency) MI6 says she has a right to return," she told Newstalk ZB.

"It's always possible that people can turn their lives around. We've seen that before."

Ms Begum fled from an IS base three weeks ago, fearing the safety for her then unborn child.

"In the end, I just could not endure anymore," she told the Times at the time. "I just couldn't take it. Now all I want to do is come home to Britain."

She has also commented that the Manchester Arena bombing, which killed 22 people in 2017, was comparable to attacks on Syrian people.

"I do feel that it's wrong that innocent people did get killed.

"It's one thing to kill a soldier that is fighting you, it's self-defence, but to kill the people like women and children.. Just people like the women and children in Baghuz that are being killed right now unjustly, the bombings. It's a two-way thing really."

Newshub.John Oliver is a famous fan of ridiculous Kiwis and our geographical mishaps. Now, he might get the chance to meet us in person.

Earlier this week, the comedian and television host poked fun at New Zealand after IKEA left us off a world map.

"New Zealand gets left off maps all the time. Now, do I think that is funny? Yes, yes I do," Mr Oliver said.

"[It] begs the question, where do these airports think flights to New Zealand are going?"A brand new Air New Zealand A321neo on a delivery flight from Germany was forced to turn back when Iran claimed it have the necessary clearance to fly in its airspace.



It was the fourth A321neo set to be delivered to Air NZ.

The route the aircraft takes to get from Germany to Auckland involves stops in Oman, Kuala Lumpur and Cairns, which requires around a dozen different airspace clearances to be given.The Minister whose job it is to keep foreign fruit flies out of the country says New Zealand's biosecurity systems are not operating well enough.

Newshub can reveal thousands of passengers have arrived on our shores on unaccredited cruise ships without being checked by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) sniffer dogs.

It comes as MPI begins an independent review of how cruise ships and air passengers are monitored for biosecurity risks.

The Micronesia-registered Regatta arrived in Akaroa this morning carrying hundreds of passengers. It's an unaccredited ship, which means MPI does not have detailed information about the food it's carrying.

Official information obtained by Newshub shows it was one of 10 unapproved vessels that docked in New Zealand without checks from dogs last year.

Biosecurity Minister Damien O'Connor says the system isn't as good as it could be.

"They're not perfect. The fact we've had two fruit flies means there are areas where we can improve."

If you have more information, contact Michael Morrah by emailing michaelmorrah@mediaworks.co.nz

Other unaccredited vessels that docked without any sniffer dog scrutiny last year include the Astor, which flies under the flag of the Bahamas, the Asuka II from Japan, and the Viking Sun from Norway.

A passenger on the Regatta, who travelled on it from southern California, said he didn't see any dogs this time either.

"I don't remember seeing dogs in any other locations as far as entering and exiting the boat, or even at any of the ports."

Mr O'Connor says that's not acceptable.

"Yes, I have concerns about any vessels that are not being checked," he told Newshub. "We have to physically get dogs that are suitably trained to do the right thing.

"There has been a shortage and that's why we're training a whole lot more."

Last year, Newshub revealed 17 handlers left the Auckland detector dog team; amid claims of mismanagement and unworkable rosters.

It was also discovered that the green lane, for Australian and New Zealand passport holders without any food items to declare, isn't monitored by dogs from 2am to 5am.

MPI Director General Ray Smith says a review by an Australian expert will look at such issues.

"I've asked for a short review, a short sharp review to identify whether there are any gaps in our system that we need to plug - and if there are, I'll get on and do that."

The latest fruit fly is native to Tonga. It's not known how it got here, but one possible pathway is through unchecked food items.

Newshub has copies of internal emails which talk of a deal signed between Tonga and MPI in October, placing responsibility on Tonga, rather than our officials, to check some food items like the contents of umu boxes, which carry food cooked traditionally in the ground.

The email states: "The idea is to move biosecurity screening offshore as much as possible... It also speeds up airport processes here as we won't need to inspect all food arriving with passengers from Tonga. We intend to extend this approach to other Pacific nations."

A senior border control official told Newshub: "We have had countless umu boxes from other islands [Samoa, Niue, Raro] that have the documents [a phytosanitary certificate], but in the box they have goods not listed on the certificate".

The official says "without looking at the Tonga boxes, there is no way to know 100 percent what is in them".

But Mr Smith has faith: "The information I have shows compliance rates are very close to 100 percent."

International arrangements like that will form part of the review.

According to many sources spoken to by Newshub, the shortage of dogs and handlers is a real problem.

The official information obtained also shows on some occasions, dogs have been pulled away from checking cruise ships so they can cover travellers at the airport.

Mr Smith has been in the job of MPI Director General just four months, but really wants to take the dog issue seriously.

He says he wants to work with the Auckland dog team in the next three months to make the system as strong as it can be, and says that "staff numbers will be constantly reviewed".

Newshub.'Just a bad break-up'

Jenny Keogan was a friend of both Ms Schroder and Wilson and worked with Ms Schroder's parents to fight to keep Wilson in prison.

"We were very clear in our message to the Parole Board, that if Wilson was to be released, he would kill again," she told Newshub.

"Someone else's life would be taken. And that's exactly what's happened."

She too blames Wilson for the death of Mr Schroder and now thinks of Wilson as 'evil'.

"He is a good part of the reason that we don't have Gary with us as well. He's killed three people - but he's destroyed a lot more lives than that."

Wilson and Ms Schroder had been in a relation but weren't at the time of her death.

Ms Keogan says she was trying to help Wilson through what she believed was simply a bad breakup.

"We genuinely believed with counselling he would get through it, we would get him through it.

"Never in a million years did I ever think that he was at all capable of physically following through and murdering her," she says.

"To find out he'd done it again, and at that point I already believed it would have been similar circumstances the way she died. We knew that this poor Tuxford family were about to head down the same path that the Schroder family had done all those years ago."

Ms Keogan questions the justice system and how people such as Wilson are eligible for parole.

"I'm sorry, but life should be life. And in an instant like this where he did what he did, it was a horrendous murder that he did in the first place, then to become eligible for parole and all the way through still not show any remorse, and yet be able to be back out in our community again... For him to have done what he did, why was he even let out. He should never have been let out of jail. He absolutely should never have been let out of jail."

Ms Keogan believes he is capable of killing again and had he not been released on parole Ms Tuxford and Mr Schroder may still be alive.

Wilson has been remanded in custody for sentencing on March 28.

The longest imprisonment sentence in New Zealand is 30 years, currently being served by William Dwane Bell who killed three people and seriously injured another in an armed robbery at the Panmure RSA clubrooms in 2001.

No person in New Zealand has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

The chairman of the New Zealand Parole Board Sir Ron Young said in a statement on Wednesday the board extends its sympathy to both the Tuxford and Schroder families.

An independent review of the Board's involvement with Wilson in the lead-up to his release has been commissioned.

"Reoffending like this is both extremely rare and deeply concerning to me as the board's chairperson," Sir Young says.

Newshub.Magic Talk Host Sean Plunket has again gone into bat for controversial professor Jordan Peterson, this time challenging a Victoria University lecturer to explain his "nasty views" that Prof Peterson was a transphobe.

On Tuesday, Prof Peterson appeared on several New Zealand programmes to promote his best-selling book 12 Rules to Life, which he is talking about at four events across the country this week.

But Victoria University of Wellington lecturer Dr Eddie Clark seemingly took issue with Prof Peterson appearing on TVNZ's Breakfast show.

"As we contemplate all the awful ways conservative people are having their free speech restricted, let us contemplate Jordan Peterson, the stupid person's thinking transphobe, has been brought out to NZ by a major publisher & is on morning primetime TV on a state-owned channel," Dr Clark tweeted.

"If all the institutions, public and private, are on the side of facilitating one's speech, despite lots of quite well-founded accusations of bigotry, any attempt to portray one's self as oppressed are just risible."

Some replied to the tweet saying that racism shouldn't be given a platform, while others suggested Dr Clark's views were "ivory tower anti-working class elitism" and could not be supported by evidence.

Plunket made a similar claim, tweeting that Dr Clark "reconsider your claim that [Prof Peterson] is a transphobe".

"At least provide maybe one example to support your claim", Plunket said before inviting Dr Clark onto his afternoon Magic Talk show.

Dr Clark later tweeted that he had blocked Plunket after the exchange.

"I won't put up with attempts to harass me on here, even if Sean is somehow trying to depict this as winning an argument."

Plunket took to air on Wednesday to suggest Dr Clark didn't have any examples to back up his claims.

"I wanted to ask Eddie, who must be aware of the laws of defamation, whether or not he had any proof Jordan Peterson was a transphobe," he said.

"Eddie if you have got the courage to take on Jordan Peterson and spout such rubbish about him, why haven't you got the courage to talk to me"

A Victoria University spokesperson told Magic Talk that Dr Clark was unavailable.

"Eddie is joining a long line of people who will talk trash elsewhere but are not prepared to front on this show, or anywhere else to debate their nasty, nasty views," said Plunket.

Prof Peterson has courted controversy since shooting to fame in 2017 for his stance against political correctness, including calling white privilege a "Marxist lie" and that women wear makeup to be sexually provocative.

He has also said he doesn't believe governments should be able to compel people to use others' preferred pronouns.

On Wednesday, Auckland Peace Action representative Iris Krzyzosiak appeared on Plunket's show to discuss a statement the group released criticising Prof Peterson's views as threatening "everything of value in society".

The interview went viral worldwide, with many commenting that Ms Krzyzosiak was unable to support her claims with evidence

Newshub attempted to contact Dr Clark and received an automatic reply saying he was on research leave until July 1. Since contacting Dr Clark, he has made his Twitter feed private.

Victoria University said it did not want to comment.

Newshub.Cyclone Oma might look "less likely" to strike New Zealand but will still fuel bad weather.

Forecasters at Weather Watch warn an "unpredictable" low is going to form on Sunday, creating pockets of "severe weather" - including gales, heavy rain, and big seas.

The Severe Category 3 tropical storm is currently moving from the Coral Sea. Updated computer models say there's only a 25 percent chance of it brushing the northern regions.

But as it heads down, it's pulling down a lot of tropical energy closer to New Zealand. At the same time an area of high pressure east of New Zealand will pull down more sub-tropical nor'easters.New Zealand is increasingly under attack by foreign governments - and our top spies have told MPs state-sponsored cyber attacks are on the rise.

They've even warned that our election process is vulnerable and may be under threat from foreign interference.

The SIS and GCSB were on Wednesday grilled by our most powerful MPs. On the agenda was whether to click on dodgy-looking emails.

"Are you telling me those Westpac emails aren't actually from Westpac... given I don't bank at Westpac?" asked Simon Bridges.

Cyber warfare and espionage were also on the table, and apparently on the rise.

Our foreign spy agency, the GCSB, says of the 347 cyber security incidents recorded in the year to June, 134 were linked to foreign governments -10 percent more than the year before.

Director General of the GCSB, Andrew Hampton, said the incidents were "designed to generate revenue, disrupt businesses, undermine democracy and theft of intellectual property."

Undermining our democracy, the spies warned our next election could be targeted in a similar way to the last US Presidential election, when Hillary Clinton's campaign emails were hacked and the CIA blamed Russia for trying to help Donald Trump.

SIS Director General Rebecca Kitteridge said the Government needs to be aware that the threat of interference exists.

"Because we have this precious open liberal democracy, it does have vulnerabilities to foreign interference - and we all need to be alert to that."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern agreed, saying the Government needs to "be vigilant."

"We are in a changing international environment and we cannot assume NZ would be immune from that."

Our spies have accused the Chinese government of cyber attacks on New Zealand before, but with current strains on the NZ-China relationship, there was no blaming China today.

It was the GSCB which blocked Chinese tech giant Huawei from installing 5G technology in New Zealand out of national security fears.

If cyber attacks on New Zealand by foreign governments are in the up, you can be certain China takes a share of the blame.

But with the Prime Minister still waiting for a date for her stalled trip to Beijing, the Government's playing nice.

Newshub.If you've noticed an "I AM HOPE" Facebook frame popping up across Facebook, it's for a good reason.

Working with mental health activist Mike King, Kiwibank has started an online campaign to raise money for his charity.

For every Kiwi who adds the "I AM HOPE" frame to their profile pic, Kiwibank will donate $1 to Mr King's #gumbootupnz fund.

This goes towards young New Zealanders getting free mental health counselling. People can also donate through the Givealittle page.



"Last year in NZ 137 young people died by suicide and it is estimated another 3500 attempted to take their own lives," the campaign's website says.

"While Government agencies are doing their best, some kids are stuck waiting up to six months to receive the counselling they so urgently need."Who is Shang-Chi and what are the 10 Rings?

The comic book origins of Shang-Chi, the next MCU solo starFuneral services were held at 6:00 PM on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville, IN. Visitation was 2 to 6 PM on Saturday.Utica resident Doug Sneed maneuvers his boat through the flood waters in Utica in 2018. Climate change researchers at Purdue University say increasing temperatures and higher rainfall in Indiana can be expected in years to come.New Albany resident Stephen Ingram tells the New Albany Human Rights Commission about his response to the swastika stickers that have appeared throughout the city in recent months. The commission invited the public to discuss ways to address the issue at a Tuesday meeting.Northam angered environmentalists and minority groups when he replaced two members of the state's Air Pollution Control Board who had raised questions about the project after the board delayed a scheduled vote in November.

Northam, a Democrat, said the move was unrelated to the compressor station vote and that members were replaced because their terms had expired.

Gore called the move to replace the members "grotesque."

"This was a favor for Dominion," he said.

Gore, the founder of The Climate Reality Project, shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his campaign to protect the environment.

Some residents of Union Hill, while not in favor of the project, have come to accept it.

Dominion has offered to give more than $5 million to help improve Union Hill.

Michelle Ford, a 47-year-old trainer and instructor for the state Department of Corrections who has lived in Union Hill her whole life, said she is not happy about the compressor station but she can see some economic benefits from the project, including job opportunities in the rural area.

"Nobody is saying, 'Yes, we want it, hooray.' What we're saying is, 'If it is going to come, what can Dominion do for the Union Hill community?'" Ford said.Virginia State Police have released the name of a man who died after his car crashed into the James River on Sunday evening.Many speaking at the public hearing Tuesday evening before the board of supervisors remarked on how quickly the process has moved, and some suggested members were aware of plans for the site months before the request for a permit was made.

The transfer station would move up to 400 tons of trash a day from County Waste haulers around Lynchburg onto larger trucks to dump in a landfill elsewhere. Information from County Waste and engineers on the project estimate 100 vehicles from the general public will be entering and exiting the site every day directly from U.S. 460, while 80 trucks would be entering and exiting off of Stage Road daily.

Around 300 people sat in the auditorium for Tuesdays meeting, with supervisors and a podium stationed on stage. Several deputies with the Appomattox County Sheriffs Office were stationed in the room and about the school, and board chairman Samuel Carter reminded those present at the start of the meeting of the conditions for public comments. Among those conditions were a three-minute limit for each person and no applauding or disruptive noises.

Close to 50 people signed up to speak on stage, with a vast majority of them protesting the project.Appomattox Court House National Historical Park routinely draws visitors from all over the U.S. On Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019 Carol and Ken Brame, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, visited the park on their way to Atlanta to attend a wedding. Ken Brahme said that the couple decided to start visiting as many national parks as they can on their travels. Since they started collecting stamps they've visited Acadia National Park in Maine as well as the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.New Delhi: Anyone involved in terror should be proscribed and punished and not just banned by the United Nations, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said on Wednesday amid Indias renewed push to get JeM chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack.

The Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama on February 14, in which 40 jawans were killed.

The minister also asserted that the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan joint statement calling for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime was not directed at India's efforts to get Azhar banned.

"Any person who is a terrorist should be designated. The idea was to ensure that there is no politicisation so that people don't throw names of their political opponents as terrorists. We should not be careless about throwing names of those who are not terrorists," he said in an interview to PTI.

"I think people here assumed that the joint (Pakistan-Saudi) statement had to do with one particular individual (Azhar). It did not. The intention was that the process of designation is clear and not political," Al-Jubeir, who is here with the Saudi Crown Prince, said.

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, in a joint statement issued on Wednesday after talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemned the Pulwama terror attack in the 'strongest terms' and said that terrorism and extremism are a "common concerns".

In his media statement, PM Modi called the Pulwama attack a "cruel symbol" of the scourge of terrorism and sought punishment for the terrorists and their backers.

Salman, during his Islamabad visit on Monday, had also announced that Saudi Arabia would invest 20 billion dollars investment in Pakistan, a move that invited criticism and was seen as a blow to Indias efforts to diplomatically isolate the neighbour for harbouring terrorists.

But the minister assured support and said his country follows a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and that "anyone who supports and finances the menace must be designated and must be punished".

"Last week's barbaric Pulwama attack was a symbol of the shadow of the inhuman danger hovering over the world. To deal with the scourge, we have agreed that there was a need to ramp up pressure on countries extending any sort of support to terrorism," Modi said, without naming Pakistan.

Asked about rising tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama attack, he said Saudi Arabia believes that both countries can de-escalate and resolve issues peacefully.

"We hope tension between India and Pakistan will not escalate. You have wise leadership in both the countries represented by respective prime ministers. I believe they will be able to find a way to de-escalate," he said.Barron, WI (54812)

Today

Cloudy. Some light rain will fall throughout the day. High 72F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low 59F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.Scientists working in a range of disciplines joined forces to identify a new approach to combat African sleeping sickness. Fundamental research undertaken under the supervision of Professor Ute Hellmich of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) has revealed a promising strategy to develop a suitable agent. "There is still a long way to go before we arrive at a pharmaceutical product," said Hellmich. "But our highly interdisciplinary work involving parasitology, theoretical and organic chemistry, structural biology, and biochemistry has shown how the parasite that causes sleeping sickness can be rendered harmless." The researchers succeeded in demonstrating how a specific inhibitory substance docks on to and deactivates a vital protein of the parasite.

African sleeping sickness is caused by trypanosomes, unicellular protozoans transmitted by the bite of an infected tsetse fly. According to the World Health Organization, the number of infected people has declined in recent years, down to an estimated 15,000 in 2014. However, establishing the actual incidence of the disease is difficult, as the early symptoms are similar to those of malaria. "Not only the poorest people in sub-Saharan Africa are threatened, but also their cattle, which are affected on a dramatic scale by certain species of Trypanosoma brucei," explained biochemist Professor Ute Hellmich.

Currently, only a handful of drugs to treat sleeping sickness, which is fatal if left untreated, are available and these treatments are often accompanied by severe side effects and even fatalities in up to 10 percent of patients. Although new drugs are currently being developed, the approach of Hellmich's group goes one step further: "Our inhibitor opens up the future prospect of being able to design inhibitors on a fundamental level and could thus possibly also be used in the treatment of infection with other, related pathogenic parasites, such as Leishmania," Annika Wagner, lead author of the study recently published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, pointed out.

Inhibitor induces dimerization of essential parasite protein

The principle is based on the fact that a small, selective inhibitor binds to the enzyme tryparedoxin. This protein is essential for the parasite, protecting it from oxidative damage, but is not present in humans, making it a viable drug target. To their surprise, the team of researchers discovered that when the inhibitor binds to the protein, two of the resulting inhibitor-protein complexes then combine to form a stable dimer. When this occurs, the usually monomeric protein ceases to function.

"We were astonished and initially thought it was a chance effect due to experimental conditions," said Hellmich. The investigation was then extended, and it was verified in a large-scale study using various methods that the dimerization effect could be reproduced. In addition to the Mainz research teams of Professor Ute Hellmich and Professor Till Opatz, researchers from the universities of Frankfurt, Wurzburg, Heidelberg, and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Grenoble were involved.

Highly interdisciplinary research proves successful

The dimerization that the research has uncovered is unusual because the molecule responsible is extremely small. Most molecules that act like a molecular adhesive to combine individual monomers to form a dimer are relatively large. "Our molecule is much smaller and able to directly recognize the protein," explained Hellmich. Small molecules are also easier to smuggle into cells, which might be the starting point for new drug concepts.

By precisely demonstrating the mechanism by which the parasite protein is chemically inhibited and dimerized by the small molecule, the interdisciplinary research partnership has staked out the fundamentals underlying such a new concept. "It was crucial that we didn't stop at our original goal of merely determining the crystal structure of the protein-inhibitor complex," said Hellmich. "Instead, we took a second look at the result and then discussed it with experts from different fields. Research only progresses when we work together."

Source: http://www.uni-mainz.de/presse/aktuell/7661_ENG_HTML.phpIs there a threshold an entire industry crosses when it does more harm than good? Michigan Technological University researchers set out to examine the question with numbers.

A new paper, published in the journal Social Sciences, explores two case studies focused on industries that kill more people than they employ. The study lays out the rationale for establishing an actionable threshold and offers insights into solutions. Using case studies, it calculates the number of deaths attributed to the coal and tobacco industries and finds surprising results.

Joshua Pearce led the study and is the Richard Witte Endowed Professor of Materials Science and Engineering as well as a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Michigan Tech. He explains that he first became interested in the idea of "corporate death penalties" -- disbanding or eliminating companies following judgement by governmental justice systems -- during a study that determined the number of American lives saved from converting from coal-fired electricity to solar. Pearce wondered at what point do the number of deaths caused by an industry become too many for society to tolerate.

"The unwritten rule with industry is you get to make money if you're a benefit to society," Pearce said. He adds that most industries are primarily good. However, numerous studies have documented increasing corporate corruption and the externalized costs of environmental and health impacts that can lead to human mortality. For industries that do cause extensive harm, and perhaps warrant an industry-wide corporate death penalty, identifying that threshold requires an apolitical, clear and concise metric based on public data.

To set an ideal metric, Pearce used three assumptions: First, everyone has the right to life; second, everyone has the right to work; third, human law should give corporations the right to exist if they benefit humanity.

"If we know that life trumps employment because you have to be alive to work, then for a company or industry to exist it must employ more people than it kills in a year," Pearce said. "What this paper has done is set the minimum bar for industry existence. Surprisingly, it also showed that there are at least two industries in America right now that are killing more people annually than they employ."

The coal industry employs 51,795 people based on data from the United States Energy Information Administration.

The total number of annual US premature deaths from coal-fired, electricity-based air pollution is 52,015, using US Department of Health and Human Services data.

The tobacco industry employs 124,342 people based on data from the North American Industry Classification System.

The total number of annual US deaths from direct and second-hand smoke is 522,000 using US Department of Health and Human Services data.

Pearce says, "After running the numbers the results are shocking. Every coal mining job in the US demands literally one American life every year. For tobacco jobs it is four times worse. The study concludes both industries warrant corporate death penalties."

Yet, Pearce points out: "The vast majority of jobs and industries involve no human sacrifice."

No industry could be dissolved without consequence. However, for both coal and tobacco, Pearce's research group had previously examined solutions for shifting away from the industries. In a 2016 study published in Energy Economics, Pearce and his co-authors catalogued training required for coal workers to transition them to solar occupations.

"Electricity is an essential resource that keeps society running, however there are alternative technologies that can easily replace coal to do it -- and we'd be saving lives and money," Pearce said. "If the barrier is employing those specific coal workers, we can easily retrain them and put them to work in solar and it turns out they would even earn a little more money on average."

Likewise, in a 2018 study published in Land Use Policy, Pearce and his team showed that tobacco farmers, who make up the largest group of people employed in the industry, have economic incentive to swap a cancer-causing cash crop for more profitable solar farms.

Changing employment, therefore, is not as much of a hurdle as some might fear. While other industries may not have the same kind of transitions available, Pearce hopes that by identifying a minimum standard for corporate accountability, other industries can also be assessed.Regulatory T cells (Tregs) make sure that immune responses are not too strong and that inflammation is inhibited. This makes them highly interesting for therapies against inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. But they are hard to use with patients, because Tregs lose their abilities in particularly inflamed tissues. A team of Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now succeeded in explaining this process in detail.

In autoimmune diseases such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis (MS) the body attacks its own tissue, causing inflammation of the nervous system or the joints, for example. A special group of immune cells, called Tregs, can specifically control and inhibit strong immune responses. This limits immune responses and does not increase inflammation. Tregs are thus considered a possible therapy against inflammatory diseases such as arthritis or MS.

"However, many previous studies have put the spotlight on one main problem: In highly inflamed tissues in particular, Tregs often lose their identity and stop functioning as a brake for the immune system. But this is exactly the kind of region they are to be used in as therapeutic agents in immunotherapies," explains Thomas Korn, Professor for Experimental Neuroimmunology at the university hospital TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar and head of the study.

Blimp1 prevents loss of identity

In order to solve this problem, Korn and his fellow scientists investigated the process in cell cultures and in a mouse model. They succeeded in identifying a chain of reactions which is responsible for the loss of identity. The key turns out to be the protein Blimp1: When Blimp1 is present and active, at the end of the chain of reactions a certain region in the genome of the immune cell referred to as the Foxp3 locus remains chemically unchanged. Even in inflamed tissues the Tregs retain their characteristic abilities, decisive for use in therapy.

When the researchers removed Blimp1 from cells, the genome changed chemically and the cells lost their identity. "The results we observed were profound: The Tregs not only lost their inhibiting capabilities, they even developed properties that promoted the inflammation. This means they might help worsen the disease," says Garima Garg, lead author of the publication.

Applications for Graft-versus-host disease

According to the scientists, the long-term goal is to keep Blimp1 active in therapeutically applied Tregs either by means of genetics or medications in order to prevent this loss of identity. They see bone marrow transplants and the associated and unwanted tissue rejection reactions as one of the first possible application areas. Here the donor's blood cells making their way into the body of the recipient trigger severe inflammation. Tregs administered therapeutically at the same time could suppress these reactions and diminish the severity of Graft-versus-host disease. The Graft-versus-Host reaction refers to an immunological reaction in which the T cells in the transplanted tissue from the donor attack the recipient organism.Neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinsons disease are a major public health issue, especially given the aging population in Europe and beyond. Parkinsons now affects more than 1 900 people per 100 000 among those aged 80 and older.

While a permanent cure for Parkinsons and similar neurological diseases is not yet in sight, cell-replacement therapies (CTs) are considered very promising, particularly with the advent of specialized stem-cell technologies. Human stem cells come from a variety of sources and have the potential to become different cell types, including healthy nerve cells.

A fundamental challenge for CTs remains the inability of doctors to control the behavior of transplanted cells, particularly cell differentiation and directional growth. The aim of the EU-funded MAGNEURON project is to develop a new technique enabling the remote control of these and other cellular functions by means of magnetic manipulation.

The new technique involves the integration of tiny magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into proteins that affect cellular activity. These so-called bio-functionalized MNPs (bMNPs) are delivered into target cells which are then implanted into the patient's brain. There they can be manipulated in a controlled manner by the external application of magnetic fields.

The MAGNEURON project consortium is putting into practice cutting-edge knowledge in the highly specialized area of bMNP engineering, towards the control of neuronal cell programming and fiber outgrowth. Project researchers include renowned European experts in regenerative medicine and nanomedicine.

The result of the project is an important breakthrough  a novel, versatile technique for the remote control of intracellular functions. Its successful implementation greatly advances the therapeutic potential of cell-replacement procedures for neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinsons, promising to help many, many people in Europe and around the world.A screening tool designed specifically to assess for human trafficking was more likely to identify sexual and labor exploitation of youth, as well as the risk factors, than a commonly used psychosocial assessment, reported researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and Baylor College of Medicine.

Participants for the study were recruited from Covenant House Texas, the largest shelter in Houston for homeless youth and young adults. Results were recently published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

"The new assessment tool was much more effective at finding exploitation. It is important for providers working with high-risk groups to add these questions specific to trafficking," said corresponding author Diane M. Santa Maria, DrPH, RN, dean ad interim and Dorothy T. Nicholson Distinguished Professor at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth. "Identifying them allows these youth to access services that they otherwise wouldn't receive. You can't help someone you don't know about."

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Texas has the second-highest number of cases of human trafficking after California. A 2016 report by the Statewide Human Trafficking Mapping Project of Texas, estimated that 313,000 people were experiencing human trafficking, including 79,000 minors and youth experiencing sex trafficking.

"An important part of this project was to have a screening process in place at Covenant House going forward to benefit the residents," said first author Salina Mostajabian, MD, an adolescent medicine fellow in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor when the study was conducted. "Having a standard tool will maximize the likelihood of identifying victims and getting them the needed resources."

Covenant House Texas offers onsite psychiatry and psychology services provided by Baylor and employs a full-time mental health counselor and other mental health and trauma-informed care services to help meet the needs of these youth.

"This study emphasizes the need for health care providers to recognize how difficult it can be for youth who have been trafficked to open up to providers," said co-author Claire Bocchini, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor and faculty member of the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Child Health Policy and Advocacy. "Providers need to be trained on the importance of using a trafficking-specific screening tool to maximize the opportunity to identify trafficking survivors. We also have to offer the most supportive and accepting atmosphere as possible to help overcome mistrust in the health care system and optimize acceptance of resources."

Bocchini, who has helped develop curricula on human trafficking for health care providers, and Mostajabian conducted focus groups with youth who completed the screening tool. Those sessions provided insight into the barriers that youth experience in being identified as victims, as well as in accessing services that could help them find safety and treatment. Youth reported mistrust of the system, fear of involving law enforcement, not wanting to interact with the mental health system, and stigma as barriers to disclosure.

"Identifying trafficking victims is a challenging process, due to many factors including extreme trauma and mistrust. This new screening tool will allow health care and social services providers to quickly identify and provide life-changing services to homeless young adults who have been victims of labor and sex trafficking," said Leslie Bourne, executive director of Covenant House Texas.

Groups identified as most at risk for trafficking include youth involved in the foster care or juvenile justice systems, those who experienced abuse, youth who run away from home, and those who are unstably housed or homeless.

"There is a pipeline from foster care and juvenile justice to homelessness, especially in Houston," said Santa Maria, who holds the John P. McGovern Distinguished Professorship in Nursing at UTHealth.

The study, which included 121 shelter residents ages 18-21, reported that 44 percent of youth in the study had been arrested at some point, with a third of those arrested as a child; 35 percent had a history of foster care; 71 percent had been kicked out of their homes; and 45 percent had run away from home. Of those who had run away, 65 percent cited abuse as the reason. Of those abused, 71 percent reported physical abuse; 80 percent reported emotional or verbal abuse; and 14 percent reported sexual abuse.

The sex trafficking screening tool asked specific questions about trade for sex based on the data, 22 percent reported they had traded sex for food, clothing, money, shelter, favors, or other necessities for survival. Of those, 70 percent were minors (under age 18) the first time they traded sex. Commercial sexual exploitation was more likely to be identified by the new tool than the standard psychosocial assessment.

"We found that the entry into trafficking also happens through family, friends, and acquaintances. This was extremely eye-opening and needs to be explored," Santa Maria said. "These are kids who have fallen through every crack society has. When these youth are in desperate need of food and shelter, the vulnerability for trafficking is tremendous."

Sexual history details from medical reports revealed that 19 percent reported more than 10 sexual partners in their lifetime, 29 percent had a prior history of a sexually transmitted infection, 2 percent were HIV-positive, and only 64 percent reported any condom use.

"There's difficulty in untangling what's happening. Is it sexual abuse, or sexual abuse and human trafficking? We want providers to be asking the right questions," Santa Maria said.

The study also uncovered a link between homelessness and mental health issues in youth. According to the results, 53 percent had a recorded psychiatric diagnosis and more than half of those had more than one diagnosis. Half (49 percent) of the psychiatric diagnoses were for depression, over half (59 percent) had a history of psychiatric hospitalization, and more than a third (42 percent) had at least one suicide attempt. More than half of all the participants, 54 percent, had used cannabis or synthetic cannabis; and 17 percent had polysubstance abuse in the past.

Half of the participants in the study had stayed on the streets in the past month; 29 percent had been in treatment centers, shelters, or detention facilities; and 19 percent reported spending most nights in parks, tents, cars, or abandoned buildings.

"These youth are very resilient survivors," said Santa Maria, whose research has focused heavily on youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. "We want providers to identify young people and then we need a coordinated response to meet their mental health, health care, and social services needs so they can move forward."

Study co-author Elizabeth Newlin, MD, vice chair for child and adolescent psychiatry at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, and her team are treating youth who have experienced sex trafficking. She envisions a comprehensive system designed to treat youth that includes collaborative efforts among law enforcement, the juvenile court system, community-based nonprofit organizations, and the addition of a designated unit at UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center (UTHealth HCPC).

A proposal was submitted to the Texas Legislature for funding that would include a designated in-patient unit, as well as community, school, and home-based intensive outpatient services through the Trauma and Resilience Center in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School. The proposal includes research to provide a best-practices model that could be disseminated to the rest of the state. The interdisciplinary treatment team at the center includes specialists from child psychiatry, adolescent medicine, nursing, psychology, and social work. The Trauma and Resilience Center's multidisciplinary teams would work in coordination with existing specialized programs that provide case management and advocacy for child sex trafficking survivors.

"Child sex trafficking survivors have often been involved in multiple systems including CPS-affiliated group or foster homes and shelters, and juvenile justice. Often these kids feel like they do not have real options for receiving meaningful treatment. They are just trying to survive and recovery seems completely out of reach," said Newlin, associate executive director of the Trauma and Resilience Center and chief of child and adolescent services at UTHealth HCPC. "We could meet their most acute needs, get a better handle on the best next step for that child, and with a continuum available, provide a source of constancy and security as they pursue a full recovery from trauma."

Connie Wiemann, PhD, director of research for the Section of Adolescent Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, also contributed to this project.

Mostajabian was principal investigator on a grant from Texas Pediatric Society Foundation that helped fund the study. She is currently a practicing adolescent medicine physician at a nonprofit adolescent health clinic in Austin.Sociologists at the University of Bamberg analyze employment biographies

Numerous studies have suggested that job loss and unemployment lead to poorer health. Sociologists at the University of Bamberg are now continuing this research and have set out to answer whether job loss still has health-related consequences even if it occurred decades ago and subsequent employment may have been found. Jonas Voemer and Professor Michael Gebel, Chair of Methods of Empirical Social Research at the University of Bamberg, have shown with their current research that involuntary loss of employment early in a person's career has long term health implications. Even more than 30 years later, negative health impacts can be traced back to early-career job loss.

For their study, the researchers used data from the SHARELIFE survey which is the third wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The transnational study interviewed approximately 28,000 Europeans over the age of 50 about their social and familial networks, health, and socio-economic status over the course of their lives. The analyses, carried out by Voemer and Gebel in cooperation with Dr. Olena Nizalova of the University of Kent in England and Olga Nikolaieva of the Kyiv School of Economics in Ukraine, reveal that people who involuntarily lost their jobs within the first ten years of their professional lives were on average 6 percentage points more likely to rate their own health as fair or poor compared to those who had not experienced a loss of employment in the same phase, but had otherwise similar characteristics.

The researchers were also able to show that the effects were the same for employees who were laid off and for those whose jobs were lost due to plant closures. This suggests that the data analyses could avoid the effects of confounding factors, because in the case of a plant closure, all employees are affected and it is less likely that the job loss could be explained by personal characteristics that would also affect health. So what conclusions can be drawn from these findings? Voemer says, "Consistent with earlier studies, we have shown that losing a job and periods of unemployment have more than just financial consequences. Moreover, our study indicates that these consequences may be long lasting." These findings, if replicated in future studies, suggest that policy makers should consider both health implications and their persistence when evaluating the costs of job loss and unemployment.

The study is part of the international and interdisciplinary EXCEPT project (Social Exclusion of Youth in Europe: Cumulative Disadvantage, Coping Strategies, Effective Policies and Transfer) which received approximately 2.4 million euros in funding from the European Union.NIH-funded, preclinical study suggests a common form of brain cancer may be treated with combination radio- and chemotherapy

In a study of mice and human brain tumors researchers at the University of the Michigan, Ann Arbor, searched for new treatments by exploring the reasons why some patients with gliomas live remarkably longer than others. The results suggested that certain patients' tumor cells are less aggressive and much better at repairing DNA than others but are difficult to kill with radiation. The researchers then showed that combining radiation therapy with cancer drugs designed to block DNA repair may be an effective treatment strategy. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The researchers focused on low-grade gliomas that carry a disease-causing mutation in a gene called isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), which encodes a protein known to help cells produce energy. This mutation is found in about 50 percent of cases of primary low-grade gliomas, a common and lethal form of brain tumor. Glioma patients whose tumors have mutations in IDH1 are typically younger and live longer than those whose tumors have the normal gene. These tumors also often have mutations in genes called TP53 (a tumor suppressor gene) and ATRX (a DNA-protein complex remodeling gene).

"Every year thousands of people are diagnosed with brain cancer and have little hope for long-term survival," said Maria G. Castro, Ph.D., professor of neurosurgery at Michigan Medicine and a senior author of the paper published in Science Translational Medicine. "Our team's mission is to find life-saving treatments for these patients. The results from this study could be a blueprint for extending, if not saving, the lives of many patients."

The researchers recreated the patients' tumors by genetically engineering mice to grow brain cancer cells that have the disease-causing mutations in IDH1 along with mutations in TP53 and ATRX. Like the patients, these mice lived longer than control mice whose tumors were programmed to have normal IDH1 while still harboring the mutations in TP53 and ATRX.

When the research team examined the tumors, they found that the IDH1 mutation made the glioma cells less aggressive. The cells divided at a lower rate than the controls and were much less likely to trigger tumor growth when implanted into mouse brains.

They also discovered that the IDH1 mutation, in the presence of mutations in TP53 and ATRX, made the tumors resistant to ionizing radiation, a treatment that kills cells often by damaging DNA. For instance, radiation exposure extended the lives of mice that were implanted with control tumors but had no effect on mice implanted with IDH1 mutant cells.

Further experiments provided a possible explanation for this resistance. The results suggested the disease-causing mutation changed the activity of IDH1 which, in turn, triggered a cascade of chemical reactions that modified the cancer cells' genes in a way that increased the manufacture of proteins known to repair damaged DNA.

"Our results demonstrate that the metabolic changes caused by the IDH1 mutation reprograms brain cancer cells," said Dr. Castro.

These results led the researchers to formulate and test a new combination therapy. They found that they could extend the lives of mice with mutant IDH1 tumors by exposing them to radiation while also injecting them with anti-cancer drugs designed to block DNA repair. In contrast, treating these mice with either radiation or one of the drugs alone had no effect. Several of the findings seen in mice were also seen in human gliomas grown in petri dishes.

"These findings have the potential to impact many younger glioma patients with low grade tumors by either 'curing' them or extending their lives," said Jane Fountain, Ph.D., program director, NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "The preclinical model Dr Castro's team developed will be extremely valuable to cancer researchers. It closely mirrors the human disease."

Dr. Castro's team has started planning a Phase 1 clinical trial which will test the safety and efficacy of the combination therapy strategy outlined in this study.

Source: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/News-Events/News-and-Press-Releases/Press-Releases/Study-unveils-blueprint-treating-deadly-brainMore than 120 professionals from the field of health and other experts from thirty-three countries worldwide have taken part in the social awareness event of the EUDONORGAN project, an initiative directly launched by the European Parliament and led by the University of Barcelona, together with the Bosch i Gimpera Foundation and the DTI - TPM Foundation (Donation & Transplantation Institute), located at the Barcelona Science Park.

Under the motto "Why organ donation matters to us all?", on February 18 this forum gathered in the headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels (Belgium) a wide representation of experts of the field of health, patients, NGOs, support groups and other collectives.

Organ donation matters to us all

The lack of organs is the main obstacle in the medical practice of transplantation, a consolidated and highly effective technique worldwide. Also, about a 10 % of the world population has access to a transplant and many patients die while on the waiting list for a compatible organ.

Improving organ donation rates, raising awareness among society and promoting training of highly specialized experts are the main objectives of the EUDONORGAN project, led by Marti Manyalich, lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Barcelona and director of the DTI Foundation.

In this session, Manyalich noted that "the project has trained and reached through social awareness actions 400-500 participants all over Europe". Later, expert Efstratios Chatzixiros, on behalf of Jose R. Nunez (adviser on medical products of human origin service delivery and safety of the WHO), encouraged the project since "it should be a common responsibility for all stakeholders, the health authorities, professionals, patient associations, media, etc. to join forces" to promote organ donation. Expert Stefaan Van Der Spiegel (head of Sector, Substances of Human Origin, Unit B4, DG SANTE, European Commission), reminded that "the Commission has learned through the Action Plan the importance of a bottom-up approach to set the agenda by engaging professionals, administrations, politicians and the public opinion".

Luc Colenbie, co-organizer of the session and expert on health, organs, and bioethics, from the Ministry of Health in Belgium, noted that "due to the efforts of the Federal Government and the support of the legislation brought into force in 1986, Belgium is at the European summit on organ donation and transplantation. The government's objectives are to increase the donor potential, to ensure the quality and safety of recovered organs and to provide an optimal allocation of all available organs".

The initiative of the EUDONORGAN project received the support of Pisana Ferrari, a lung recipient patient and supporter of organ donation, and member of the Board of the Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Association, expressed her "pleasure to be able to offer our support in identifying patients to take part in it. We saw this as a unique opportunity for some of our pulmonary hypertension patients to learn specialized skills that they could take back to their countries to improve the situation there".

EUDONORGAN: from the European Parliament to the whole society

EUDONORGAN is a service contract awarded by the European Commission on the initiative of the European Parliament. This project, led by the UB, will cover training and social awareness needs on organ donation with an ambitious working program -training of instructors, social awareness, dissemination and assessment- aimed at professionals of the field of health, institutional representatives, managers, patients, stakeholders, opinion leaders and the media. Other partners of the project are the DTI Foundation - Donation and Transplantation Institute (Spain), Institute for Transplantation of Organs and Tissues (Slovenia), Institute for Transplantation and Biomedicine of the Ministry of Health (Croatia), the Italian National Transplant Centre (Italy), Dinamia Consultoria Social (Spain), expert on consultancy and assessment for health projects.Researchers pinpoint how brain activity changes in mouse models of Parkinson's disease, hinting at what may drive symptoms in humans

The tell-tale tremors of Parkinson's disease emerge from abnormal activity in a brain region crucial for voluntary movement. Using a mouse model of the disease, researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) identified unusual patterns of brain activity that appear to underlie its signature symptoms.

Parkinson's disrupts the basal ganglia, a set of nuclei that relays information from the wrinkled cortex to brain areas important for movement control. A nucleus known as the striatum acts as the primary input hub for the entire structure. Marked by a steep decline in the chemical messenger dopamine and cells that make it, Parkinson's robs the basal ganglia of the tools it needs to function properly and pushes the striatum into pathological hyperactivity.

"When you take dopamine away, the cells reorganize, and that reorganization leads to most of the symptoms of Parkinson's," said Prof. Gordon Arbuthnott, senior author of the study and principal investigator of the OIST Brain Mechanism for Behaviour Unit. The research, published online on January 30, 2019 by the European Journal of Neuroscience, suggests that the striatal neurons' normal pattern of activity warps when the cells are starved of dopamine. The pattern becomes dominated by one particular subset of cells, often firing in sync. Mice with this pattern of brain activity turn in repetitive circles, which is typical in mouse models of Parkinson's.

The scientists went one step further: By fitting neurons with light-sensitive proteins, they were able to dial up the striatal activity of normal mice by exposing them to light. Remarkably, the neurons reacted differently to different patterns of light. Continuous light recreated the abnormal, synchronized pattern and caused mice to turn in one direction. But pulsed light excited fewer neurons, triggered more typical striatal activity, and actually caused mice to turn in the other direction.

"The fact that, when I changed the stimulation, the animal turned to the opposite side--that was shocking," said Dr. Omar Jaidar, first author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the Arbuthnott Unit at the time of the research. (Jaidar is now a postdoc with Prof. Jun Ding at Stanford University.) The observation suggests that the Parkinson's-like symptoms emerge due to the strong activation of many neurons in sync, unchecked by modulatory dopamine signals.

"You need a certain sequence of muscles to contract to execute any movement, and it's the same with [striatal] neurons," said Jaidar. Groups of striatal neurons tend to fire in sequence, splitting their work fairly evenly. If this pattern of activity isn't maintained, he said, the striatum cannot function normally. "People have to dig deeper into the sequence of neurons firing; it could be important to future therapies."

Challenging Old Models of Parkinson's

These results contradict existing models of Parkinson's disease, which focus on how the condition affects different types of neurons. Two types of cells, known as striatal output neurons, receive dopamine in the striatum and react to its signal. The first type, called D1 neurons, are thought to help initiate movements while D2 neurons suppress them. Normally, the cells work together in harmony, modulating movement in real-time like the gas pedal and brake in a car. Many models suggest that D2 neurons are overactive in Parkinson's and inhibit movement to the point of causing stiffness, tremors and even freezing.

But reality may not be so simple.

"Cells don't just have 'plus' and 'minus'--they have analog signals," said Arbuthnott. "And if you have a large group of them, the signal is even more complex." The new study demonstrated that both D1 and D2 neurons contribute equally to the abnormal brain activity seen in Parkinson's models. It's not a matter of D2 overpowering D1, but rather, the entire system warps in the absence of dopamine.

By understanding how patterns of activity change on a circuit level, scientists may be able to develop better interventions for Parkinson's. For instance, this line of research might demystify how deep brain stimulation helps quell parkinsonian symptoms. Is there a better way to electrically stimulate the brain and improve the quality of life for patients?

"The whole circuit is still there, intact," said Jaidar. "The only thing that's missing are those modulatory processes, and that's where therapies come in."In a world first, Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd announced the listing of Kapanol low dose sustained-release morphine on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for the symptomatic reduction of chronic breathlessness

More than 70,000 Australians who suffer from chronic breathlessness will now have access to life-changing medication to manage their symptoms.

In a world first, Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd announced the listing of Kapanol low dose sustained-release morphine on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for the symptomatic reduction of chronic breathlessness.

Many of the people set to benefit have chronic lung disease, are often housebound and limited in their day-to-day activities. This once-a-day capsule offers a new way to reduce their debilitating symptoms.

The Vice President for Scientific Affairs at Mayne Pharma, Dr Stuart Mudge, said, "Being able to respond to the needs of people with chronic breathlessness is an important step forward. As a world-first indication to treat this symptom, it presents an exciting opportunity for Mayne Pharma and for the clinical community. This is going to make a difference for many people."

This world-first indication will stimulate future research into other medications that may also be able to help manage chronic breathlessness. The listing will drive new areas of research in the laboratory and in the clinic directly with patients.

Much of the research underpinning this listing was conducted in Australia by researchers and clinicians across the country. The Australian national Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative, formerly at Flinders University and now based at University of Technology Sydney, has built on work started more than 20 years ago to study the effectiveness and safety of regular, low dose extended-release morphine for the symptomatic reduction of chronic breathlessness.

The work, led by the principal investigator of the Collaborative, Professor David Currow, has engaged clinician-researchers in every mainland state.

"This is a national effort which has brought together patients with clinicians from respiratory medicine, clinical pharmacology and palliative care in order to improve the care that we offer," Professor Currow said.

"Rigorous clinical studies that have tested the use of regular, low dose morphine for the symptomatic reduction of chronic breathlessness have shown that, in people with the most severe breathlessness, there is symptomatic benefit that patients can notice."

Linda Brown, the national manager of the Collaborative said, "Clinical research that can be implemented into practice is exciting to conduct. This is a team effort from patients, their families, clinicians and industry. Together, we are making a difference for people today."National Cancer Centre Singapore and Lucence Diagnostics announce first molecular test that selects immunotherapy for kidney cancer

Immunotherapy drugs such as PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors represent the front-line treatment for kidney cancer. But immunotherapy is expensive, benefits only a subset of patients and is futile in the majority of patients. Now, researchers from National Cancer Centre Singapore and Lucence Diagnostics have conducted a study using Lucence's molecular test, CLEARScore, to predict immunotherapy response for kidney cancer. The findings from this study will be presented at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU) held in San Francisco this week.

CLEARScore is a molecular test that predicts treatment response for kidney cancer. It is an algorithm involving eight genes in the tumor, which classifies kidney cancer by molecular type. This test has been used to successfully predict treatment response of kidney cancer patients to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, a type of targeted therapy. The results were published in 2015 in European Urology, the world's top urology journal.

In this new study, CLEARScore was investigated in correlation with anti-PD-L1 inhibitors and immune cell markers in 36 kidney cancer patients. The results showed that the gene expression score of the eight genes correlated with immune cell infiltration and clinical response to anti-PD-L1 inhibitors in a subset of patients. This indicates that multigene score should be investigated as a biomarker to select patients who are likely to respond to immunotherapy. The study was conducted by National Cancer Centre Singapore and Lucence Diagnostics, in collaboration with the Diagnostics Development (DxD) Hub led by A*ccelerate (A*STAR), Singapore General Hospital and OncoCare Cancer Centre.

"Immunotherapy is a major breakthrough in our battle against kidney cancer. It is however expensive and may have side effects. Having a test that can distinguish whether a kidney cancer patient will or will not benefit from anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy would be of high clinical value. Such tests have not been previously reported, and CLEARScore is a promising and exciting advance towards more precise selection of cancer patients for treatment,'' said Dr Ravindran Kanesvaran, Senior Consultant, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, who designed and led the study.

"This is the first study to report the correlation of a multigene score with immune phenotypes in kidney cancer. We are excited about the potential of using our CLEARScore test to help kidney cancer patients avoid futile treatments and prolong their lives. To further establish the clinical utility of this test for immunotherapy, we will be conducting a multinational study on a larger cohort of kidney cancer patients,'' said Dr Yukti Choudhury, Chief Technology Officer, Lucence Diagnostics, who will be presenting the study at ASCO GU. Kidney cancer is among the ten most common cancers in men and women across the world. In 2018, there were over 400,000 new cases of kidney cancer globally.Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which include well-known brand names Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid, are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the world. Approximately 10 percent of adults in the United States take these drugs for frequent heartburn, acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Given their prevalence, researchers at Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of California San Diego mined the FDA Adverse Effect Reporting System (FAERS) database for unexpected consequences of PPI consumption.

In the study, published February 19, 2019 by Scientific Reports, the team found that patients who took PPIs were more likely to experience kidney disease than people who took histamine-2 receptor antagonists, another form of antacid that treats the same conditions and includes the brands Pepcid and Zantac.

"Post-marketing data collected by the FDA and deposited in the FAERS database allows us to look for potential adverse effects beyond what was found in a clinical trial, which may not have lasted as long or included as much diversity as the FAERS does," said senior author Ruben Abagyan, PhD, professor of pharmacy.

Abagyan led the study with pharmacy students Tigran Makunts and Isaac Cohen, and Linda Awdishu, PharmD, associate clinical professor and chair of the Division of Clinical Pharmacy, all at Skaggs School of Pharmacy.

The FAERS database contains more than 10 million patient records -- all voluntary reports of adverse effects while taking a medication. The research team focused on patients who took PPIs and no other medications, narrowing their study population down to approximately 43,000 patients. They applied a mathematical algorithm to look for statistically significant differences in reported kidney-related complications between patients who took PPIs and the control group, approximately 8,000 patients who took histamine-2 receptor blockers, such as Zantac or Pepcid, and no other medications.

Here's what they found: Patients who took only PPIs reported a kidney-related adverse reaction at a frequency of 5.6 percent, compared to 0.7 percent for patients who took only histamine-2 receptor antagonists.

Drilling down, the team found that, compared to the control group, patients who took only PPIs were 28.4 times more likely to report chronic kidney disease, as well as acute kidney injury (4.2 times more likely), end-stage renal disease (35.5 times more likely) and unspecified kidney impairment (8 times more likely). Patients who took PPIs were also more likely to experience electrolyte abnormalities, but this varied more by individual PPI, while the kidney-specific effects held true for all five PPIs examined.

Abagyan cautioned that this study does not reveal the absolute frequency of these kidney-related complaints for all people taking PPIs, since reporting in the FAERS is voluntary. He also says it's possible, though unlikely, the effect could be due to unidentified confounding factors. A large, randomized, controlled clinical trial would be needed to definitively show causality between PPI usage and absolute risk of kidney disease in humans.

As the World Health Organization notes, PPIs are essential medicines for many people, helping them to control symptoms that are often painful and disruptive to daily life. But Abagyan hopes this initial data will prompt health care providers to provide the appropriate warnings, education and monitoring for patients who require PPIs, particularly if they are already at elevated risk for kidney disease and electrolyte abnormalities. Researchers made similar recommendations following a 2017 UC San Diego School of Medicine study that found evidence in mice and humans that PPIs promote chronic liver disease.

PPIs are relatively inexpensive medications, retailing for approximately $7 for a recommended two-week course of generic, over-the-counter Prilosec (omeprazole). But the frequency of use adds up -- one study estimated Americans spend $11 billion on PPIs each year. There are inexpensive and readily available alternatives to PPIs. However, non-PPI-based antacids (e.g., Pepto-Bismol, Tums, histamine-2 receptor antagonists) may not be as effective.Longview, TX (75601)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.featured

Lake County

Alliance for Working Together poised to continue growth, impact

Lake County Alliance for Working Together Foundation poised to continue program, membership growth in 2019Fairport Harbor Mayor Timothy Manross, standing, speaks during his State of the Village address on Feb. 19. Manross is flanked by (left side of photo) village Fiscal Officer Chris Paquette and Administrator Amy Cossick.Free access for current print subscribers

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Activate your account now.Snowfall accumulations havent been much across Connecticut on Wednesday, but slick roads are a clear pattern throughout much of the state.

Later in the evening, snow switched over to a wintery mix of snow and rain  or freezing rain in some areas.

Speeds on highways across Connecticut are below the posted speed limits, mostly in the southwestern corner of the state.

Between Stamford and Bridgeport, traffic on Interstate 95 south isnt reaching more than 30 mph around 6:10 p.m.

In Derby, reports indicate a vehicle spun out on New Haven Avenue and ended up on the guardrail shortly before 6 p.m.

In Fairfield, a multi-vehicle crash on I-95 south between Exit 19 and Exit 18 has the left and center lanes closed as of 8:15 p.m. Minor injuries reported.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The biggest concern over the latest winter storm to affect Connecticut is not how much snow well get, but when it arrives.

More for you Weather Bridgeport prepares for snow, freezing rain

Because the snow will be falling during the afternoon/evening commute, there is a Winter Weather Advisory starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

The advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties.

Expect slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving, the NWS says.

The timing of the snow could also cause to school districts to dismiss early to be on the safe side.

When will it start and end?

Precipitation will be very close to the region and with chances beginning to increase for snow late this morning.

However, the best chance of snow beginning is after 2 p.m.

The snow will become more widespread this afternoon from SW to NE and is expected to become a moderate steady snow, according to the NWS forecast discussion. Temperatures will be below freezing and will allow for 1-4 inches of snow to accumulate with potential for snow to be 1-2 inches higher than forecast if snow becomes heavy for prolonged periods of time.

Southwest Connecticut will see snow from 3 to 8 p.m. with about 3 inches forecast for the I-95 corridor and the Merritt Parkway. The best chance of snow is between 5 and 8 p.m.

From 8 to 11 p.m., sleet or freezing rain is forecast with .06 of an inch possible.

As temperatures rise into the mid-30s early Wednesday morning there will be a change over to plain rain.

Colder temperatures in northern Connecticut will see mostly snow with some freezing rain and sleet. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing in northwest Connecticut by 6 a.m. Wednesday.

How much snow/ice is expected?

The NWSs total snow accumulations is between 1 to 3 inches with a light glaze of ice expected.

Highest snowfall totals across the state are expected in western Connecticut with 2 to 3 inches from southern Fairfield to northern Litchfield counties.

Towns like Greenwich, Stamford and New Canaan could see 4 inches from the storm that is tracking south of Long Island.

Most coastal areas expected to have a glaze with ice amounts under a tenth of an inch farther inland with a longer period of freezing rain expected inland.

What are Connecticut meteorologists forecasting for snowfall totals?

NBC Connecticut: Coating to 2 inches.

WFSB: Coating to 2 inches.

WTNH: Coating to 2 inches.

Fox61: Coating to 2 inches.

News12 CT: 1 to 3 inches.

What will the temperatures be?

Because temperatures will begin to rise after midnight, no flash freeze is expected, especially in southern Connecticut.

On Wednesday, temperatures are expected to reach a high into the upper 40s or low 50s in the afternoon.

By dawn Wednesday, the shoreline will have temperatures around 33 degrees. Inland Connecticut will have temps below freezing.

From Thursday night to Tuesday, temperatures will fall back into the upper 20s inland and the lower 30s closer to the coast.

High pressure returns early next week with dry conditions and a gradual return to near seasonable temperatures.

The forecast

Today: Snow likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 27. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Light and variable wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent Total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Tonight: Snow, freezing rain, and sleet before 2 a.m., then rain and sleet. Temperature rising to around 34 by 3 a.m. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. New snow and sleet accumulation of around an inch possible.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 7 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 49. West wind 5 to 11 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

Saturday Night: Rain, mainly after midnight. Low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Sunday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.HARTFORD  In the past 10 years, the Connecticut State Police force has shrunk by nearly 30 percent.

In 2018, each of the 11 state police troops lost at least 12 percent of their staff, according to a recent agency staffing report.

These numbers are concerning to James Rovella, particularly with the additional attrition he forecasts in the next three to four years and growing struggles to hire new police.

You have almost 400 troopers in the next four years to five years that can attrit out, said Rovella, who in December was nominated by Gov. Ned Lamont to be the next commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which oversees the state police. Whether they will or not is something to be seen, but all indications are, we could lose a majority of them.

For up-to-date information on public policy issues, sign up for the CT Politics newsletter.

If those decreases happen, state police personnel could fall to around 500 officers in 2022  less than half its 2008 size. About 920 sworn troopers are now on duty. In 2012, the General Assembly eliminated a state law that used to require state police had at least 1,248 members.

Rovella submitted Lamont a robust request for funding, he said Tuesday. Its something I inherited, he said. The process should have started three years ago, at least.

Lamont will announce his state budget Wednesday, including appropriations for all state agencies. The budget will then have to be approved by the Legislature, and could change drastically in their hands.

Given the states fiscal woes, Rovella, Hartfords former chief of police, said hes used to dire financial circumstances. Hes dealt with this situation before.

Ive already started researching some other options, said Rovella. Coming out of Hartford, we lost 35 percent of our folks  normal attrition a majority of them  by a chief and a mayor from 20 years before.

Rovella is looking at more recruiting and police academies in new locations to fight the staff reductions, he said.

But the shrinking force is already having effects. In 2018, many state police worked significant amounts of overtime, sometimes taking home more than $100,000 in overtime pay.

It wasnt typical that troopers would get ordered in all that often, said Andrew Matthews, executive director of the Connecticut State Police Union. But now its a weekly occurrence. Ive heard from some troopers that they are being ordered in twice a week.

Some troops have average response times that are nearing the 15 minute maximum set by state statute. Troop K, based in Colchester, had an average response time of 12.28 minutes in 2018. It also had a 12 percent staff reduction, leaving it with 59 officers for 360 square miles of territory.

Troop B, based in North Canaan, which patrols northwestern Connecticut, had a 12.18 minute average response time in 2018. The troop patrolled 470.5 square miles with 38 officers  a 27 percent reduction.

State troopers provide primary law enforcement services for 79 of Connecticuts 169 towns and patrol state property and state highways.

In Fairfield County, state troopers based in Bridgeport oversee traffic on Interstate-95 and the Merritt Parkway, and handle the busiest 911 communications dispatch center in the state. They took 158,860 emergency calls in 2018.

Rovella promised Tuesday that staff reductions would not cause interruptions in service.

We will make it work for the citizens because thats what we do, he said.

emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunsonNEW MILFORD  Town officials are exploring where to get $400,000 to use a federal grant to install sidewalks along key sections of Route 7.

New Milford has received two grants that will cover sidewalk installations, both of which were applied for under former Mayor David Gronbach.

The federal Transportation Alternatives grant requires a 20 percent local match of the about $1.7 million, so Town Council is considering asking the Finance Board to allocate up to $400,000 from the Landfill Settlement Fund.

However, several council members doubt this is an appropriate use of the fund and some question if the town can now afford $400,000. The town applied for this grant through the Western Connecticut Council of Governments and Public Works Director Mike Zarba said he assumed West COG would spread the money to other projects if the town was unable to pay.

We all support public walkways, its just the $400,000 is a bit steep, Councilwoman Katy Francis said.

Town Council members are waiting to vote until more members can attend. Theyre also waiting until they know the deadline for their portion of the funding and alternative sources. One suggestion was to build it into the budget if it can wait until July 1.

Under this grant, sidewalks will be installed from the condos to the high school and then to the Savings Bank of Danbury. The second piece is by Litchfield Crossings and the third section will be from Canterbury School to downtown.

Its a community investment we need to make, Zarba said. We owe it to our citizens to make it safer.

He said these pieces were chosen because they saw more people walking along these sections of Route 7.

Councilman Walter Bayer agreed with the need and said the sidewalks should have been installed years ago when the state upgraded the road.

The sidewalk would have to be maintained by the property owners adjoining that section. Zarba said they will speak with those people soon and plans to explain how this will attract business and improve the town.

Councilman Mike Nahom said he expects those property owners to accept this project. He said it will increase foot traffic to those businesses and the condos will no longer have to worry about high school students crossing through the complex.

I dont think it will be a hard sell, he said.

The Community Connectivity Grant doesnt require a local match and will let the town install sidewalks outside of John Pettibone Community Center. A new Housatonic Area Regional Transit bus stop will also be put outside of the building.

Adding sidewalks here was part of the requirements the Zoning Commission added when it approved the rezoning to turn the former school into a community center.

kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345Robotics And Beyond in New Milford has launched free public access to a growing collection of real-life experiences in careers and education paths, in fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and design.

This resource consists of personal profiles of career professionals and students pursuing education and training toward those careers.

Access is through the RAB website www.roboticsandbeyond.org under Education & Career Paths.

The site allows readers to leave comments as well to support the project through a donor link.

As they plan for their futures, young people have a great need for insight to the careers and education they are considering, said RAB Director Payul Chayka.

There is a lot of anxiety about these important choices and major investments of time and money, he said. Parents and others assisting in this process also want more information about fields that are unfamiliar to them, such as STEM and design, which is exactly our focus.

The profiles are being provided by graduates and friends of Robotics And Beyond and its many connections who want to share their personal choices, decisions and experiences.

The profile authors know how much this information would have helped them, Chayka adds. We hope that these personal insights will help raise confidence levels in the decisions being made.

In the future we will be adding many more profiles covering a wider range of topics, including more examples of non-traditional education and career paths, he said. A four-year college approach is often not the most efficient or cost effective path for many careers.

The project was made possible through a grant from Connecticut Community Foundation.

The initial set of profiles for college students and career professionals resulted from open-house events in July of 2017.

At those events, college students and career professionals shared their experiences and personal journeys with visiting middle and high school students.

The events were supported by the foundation, Parker Medical, Inc. of Bridgewater, Kimberly-Clark Corp. of New Milford and United Technologies Aerospace Systems of Danbury.

Robotics And Beyond, centered at 20 Bank St., is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 educational organization helping young people and adults to discover and develop their talents in many fields of engineering, science and design.

Programs include week-long summer camps, after-school, weekend and evening classes and workshops, and group gaming events.

For more information, visit www.roboticsandbeyond.org or email info@roboticsandbeyond.org.HARTFORD  Gov. Ned Lamont told the General Assembly his budget plan  which encourages school district regionalization, asks municipalities to pick up more teacher retirement costs and honors state aid levels promised last year  prioritizes education.

Those listening to the freshman governors first fiscal address on Wednesday had mixed reactions.

I think it is a good starting point, said state Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, listening to how the plan impacts urban areas like his. I am glad to hear he is willing to work collaboratively with the legislature.

State Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, on the other hand, called Lamonts overall plan inconsistent and fraught with ways to get wealthier communities to pay more.

He says he doesnt want to hurt municipal aid but that is not accurate, Klarides said. If towns and cities have to pay more for teacher retirement, where are they going to get it from? They are likely to raise property taxes.

Beyond restructuring teacher pensions and shifting some of the burden to municipalities, the budget plan announced Wednesday by Lamont would increase the states Education Cost Sharing formula by $17.7 million in the first year of the biennium and $39.4 million in the second year.

At first glance it appears the plan sticks to the script drawn up by the legislature last year. In the case of Bridgeport, for instance, Stafstrom said the states $182.4 million contribution to the Bridgeport Public Schools bottom line would increase to $184.7 million in the first year of the budget and to $187.3 million in year two.

Also seeing increases of varying degrees would be Ansonia, Danbury, Derby, Fairfield, New Haven, Seymour, Shelton, Stamford and Stratford.

The distribution could change based on a formula that shifts the definition of poor children and pays closer attention to student enrollment than in years past.

While some towns that are losing student population will receive a little less, other towns with growing populations and more kids in need will see more investment, Lamont said.

And while honoring the formula, Melissa McCaw, Lamonts budget director, said there will be a proposal to accelerate the phase-down in education grants to wealthier communities.

Perhaps offsetting that, some municipalities would be allowed to relax minimum budget requirements  its share of school funding costs  when enrollment drops, schools close or state aid for education declines.

Municipalities in poorer districts, such as Bridgeport, would continue to provide as much funding one year as they did the last.

I just dont know. I have to look at it, Fran Rabinowitz, a former Bridgeport Schools superintendent and now executive director of Connecticut Association of School Superintendents, said of whether the changes will help or hurt struggling urban school districts like Bridgeport.

Lamont told the General Assembly the overall budget gives the state its best shot at growing again. He wants to establish a commission on shared services for school districts, accelerate processes for sharing school superintendents and invest in special education services aimed at reducing local costs.

That is an idea being pushed by Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, who after Lamonts presentation said he wanted to see more details.

Rabinowitz said encouraging regionalization through shared services is already happening. There are 28 one-school districts in the state that either share superintendents or hire them on a part-time basis.

Skyrocketing special education costs are a major issue in most school districts. The states contribution to the cost has not kept pace.

Lamonts plan would also pull back on school construction funding, focusing on plans that would contribute to workforce development and encourage regional buy-in.

It remains immediately unclear what the change would do for plans for a new Bassick High School in Bridgeport.

Stafstrom, who has been pushing for a new Bassick that focuses on advanced manufacturing instruction, said the project seems to fit Lamonts bill.

Its on the school priority list and in my mind the project fits the criteria the governor is looking for, Stafstrom said.

The debt diet would seem to impact construction at the University of Connecticut and the Connecticut State College and University systems. Otherwise, higher ed  which under the Malloy administration experienced cuts year after year  appears to be held harmless in Lamonts plan.

CSCU President Mark Ojakian called the plan thoughtful and one that takes important steps toward fiscal stability.

I appreciate that, even in tough budgetary conditions, the governor is committed to strengthening and improving our system of higher education. Ojakian said. That said, he added, level funding plus support for fringe benefit increases still leaves his system with a $57 million shortfall in the coming year.

Lamonts budget plan would maintain $262,500 to aid in minority teacher recruitment efforts and $320,000 for the states office of higher education to assist minority students in pursing careers in education by providing loan forgiveness.

Lamont would also broaden certification reciprocity with other states, making it easier for teachers from other areas to relocate to Connecticut.

Contributions to teacher pensions, which Lamont called a priority, will depend somewhat on how much districts pay their teachers.

Many of our school districts have chosen to pay their teachers much more than the state median, Lamont said. Its a great investment for their community. But its an investment that impacts the states overall pension cost.

Districts that would expected to pay more include Greenwich, where teacher salaries are 30 percent above the state median.

The median teacher salary is about $78,000, according to the governors office.

In all, more than 80 municipalities are on the list as paying above the median. Other local districts whose average salaries top that include Redding, Wilton, Weston, Norwalk, New Canaan, Monroe, Westport, Stamford, Darien, Trumbull, Easton, Shelton, Fairfield, Stratford, Seymour, Newtown, Danbury, and Milford.

Klarides called the pension costs shift a back-door way to say wealthy towns are not paying enough.

As it is, they are getting almost nothing from the state, Klarides said.

Others say they were pleased to see Lamont focused on strengthening the teacher pension fund in his budget proposal.

This is a good step toward the state of Connecticut keeping its promise to retired teachers, said Ed Messina, president of the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut.

The American Federation of Teachers also seemed pleased.

The governors plan to stabilize the states retirement fund for teachers appears to adopt the structural changes weve long advocated for, said AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel.

lclambeck@ctpost.com; twitter/lclambeckBRIDGEPORT - Cleaned up and appearing nearly healed of his wounds, James Taylor was back before a judge on Tuesday to face charges in connection with the fatal shooting of his ex-wife in her sons Fairfield home.

The 75-year-old Taylor, charged with murder, home invasion, criminal attempt to commit murder, first-degree burglary, illegal discharge of a firearm and third-degree assault, nodded as Superior Court Judge Robert Devlin granted him a public defender.3 1 of 3 Shubert Theatre / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Shubert Theatre / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Cirque-like show Imagination Journey offers an affordable evening at New Havens Shubert Theatre on Friday, March 1, and Torringtons Warner Theatre on Saturday night, March 2.

You get 30 constumed acrobats, contortionists and aerial artists doing things most of us could never do even in a padded gymnasium, much less on a stage in front of a crowd amid dynamic sound and lighting.Help support your local hometown newspaper/website. Independent local news reporting matters. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, for as little as $3, so we can continue to provide independent local reporting on our communities.West Berkshire residents may see iconic jet on its farewell tour

WEST Berkshire residents may catch a glimpse of the Tornado jets on their farewell tour this afternoon.

The Tornado aircraft has been in service for nearly 40 years but it's now being withdrawn from operational duties.

To mark the occasion the iconic jet is on a final tour of the UK, flying over most RAF bases, to say a final farewell.

It will leave RAF Benson in Oxfordshire at 1.30pm today (Wednesday) before making its way over to the HQ Land Forces in Andover then on to MoD Boscombe Down.Jean Gardner only ever missed three parish council meetings in 44 years

TRIBUTES have been paid to Tilehurst Parish Councils big-hearted and inspirational chairwoman Jean Gardner.

Mrs Gardner, who is believed to be the councils longest-ever serving chairwoman, having held the position for 33 years, died on Sunday, February 3, aged 81.

During the 44 years that she served on the parish council, she only ever missed three of its meetings.

The most recent two were due to her being hospitalised as a cancer patient.

The one other meeting she was absent from was when one of her daughters, Ruth, was involved in a non-fatal car accident.

Born in Birmingham in 1937, Mrs Gardner moved to Tilehurst in 1961 with her late husband Bernard, into a new house on the Overdown Road estate.

Even before she joined the parish council, she was instrumental in setting up the community centre on Cotswold Way, often organising jumble sales in Rodway Road during the 1960s and 70s to raise money for the project  even selling bricks for the scheme.

Prior to becoming a member of Tilehurst Parish Council in 1973, Mrs Gardner was a member of the district council and county council.

She was chairwoman of the district and county council from 1997 to 1998, the year when Newbury District Council became a unitary authority.

A powerful spokesperson and campaigner for Tilehurst and its residents, she regularly assisted with schools appeals in Reading and Wokingham.

As well as being involved with the development of the Westwood Farm Community Association, in more recent years Mrs Gardner was hugely influential in delivering the Little Heath Skate Park project, listening to youngsters involved and ensuring that they got the facility they wanted.

Much of the Turn Tilehurst Red campaign  in which colourful displays, murals and poppy designs sprung up over the town to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice last November, took place beyond the parish councils boundary.

But Mrs Gardner oversaw the parish councils decision to donate 1,000 for repair work to be carried out on the towns local war memorial in the Tilehurst Triangle  even though the area falls within the Reading parish.

Lynn Bower, Mrs Gardners daughter, said her mother always did what she felt was right for the people of Tilehurst and always tried to get a fair deal for its residents.

Mrs Bower said: When she was in hospital, I said to her, there will be so many people who will benefit from the things you did who will never even know you  like benches, grit bins and recreation grounds.

She said: Well, thats how it should be.

She was big-hearted and totally approachable.

She would always listen to anybody  they were always an equal in her eyes.

She gave lots to charity when she could afford it, when she couldnt, she would do things with her time.

One of the activities Mrs Gardner enjoyed doing was baking novelty birthday cakes for her grandchildren, while she would also knit baby clothes for friends and family.

She leaves behind three children, Lynn, Ruth and Rowan.

The vice-chair of Tilehurst Parish Council, Kevin Page, said: Jeans dedication, energy and enthusiastic work on behalf of the community was an inspiration to all of us.

She will be sadly missed by all the parish councillors and members of staff.

Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.

The funeral service is to be held at West Berkshire Crematorium, Bath Road, Thatcham, on Friday, March 1, at 3pm. Family flowers only.

Donations in memory of Mrs Gardner can be made to Carebus Volunteer Group, an organisation for which she was president, via http://carebuscommunitytransport.org/page10.htmlA New Hampshire woman has been charged with misdemeanors and driving violations in connection with a crash that killed a correctional officer who was riding his bicycle.

Police said 41-year-old Patrick Bettens, of Concord, was traveling in the city when a car struck his rear tire in September, causing him to fall and be struck by the vehicle. He later died at a hospital.

On Tuesday, police arrested 41-year-old Jessica Warren, of Concord, on misdemeanor vehicular assault and driving after her license was suspended. She also was issued two traffic violations, for following too closely and driving outside the yellow line.

She's scheduled to be in court April 1. It wasn't immediately known if she had a lawyer and a number couldn't be found for her.Police in Massachusetts are searching for a 40-year-old man they say bit off part of another person's ear during an unprovoked attack.

Ware police responded to Baystate Mary Lane Hospital earlier this month after the victim walked into the emergency room with a portion of their ear torn off.

The victim identified the attacker as Alan Mosher. The victim's name was not released.

Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Mosher, but have been unable to locate him. He is believed to still be in the Ware area.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Ware police.Scientists at a premier U.S. laboratory have helped to unravel some of the mysteries about a rare gold specimen discovered at a Colorado mine more than 130 years ago.

Officials at Harvard University's mineral museum were anxious for Los Alamos National Laboratory's assistance in understanding more about the structure of the specimen of wire gold, which looks as if it were formed by twisting together a bunch of thin strands of gold.

The 263-gram specimen is named the Ram's Horn, and Harvard officials have said it is the finest known example of its kind.

No scientific studies previously had been published on the internal nature of the specimen. Its density rendered low-energy X-rays and other diagnostics ineffective, and scientists were prevented from using invasive methods like slicing into the specimen because that would have damaged it.

That's where the half-mile-long (0.8-kilometer-long) particle accelerator at Los Alamos came in. Scientists used neutrons provided by the machine to examine the sample's texture and crystalline structure.

They determined it's very different from more commonly found wire silver, in which a single wire can be made up of hundreds to thousands of crystals.

"The gold appears to be composed of only a few single crystals," said John Rakovan, a professor at Miami University in Ohio who was involved in the work. "Furthermore, we discovered that these samples are not pure gold, but rather gold-silver alloys with as much as 30 percent silver substituting for gold in the atomic structure."

The study's results could have implications for scientists who are trying to understand the geochemical processes at play in the formation of gold deposits, according to the lab.

The Ram's Horn will go on display as the centerpiece of an exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History in 2020. The show called "The Rare and the Beautiful" will highlight aspects that make objects valuable and how humanity's appreciation for beauty, rarity and culture has shaped those values.

The 4.7-inch-tall (12-centimeter-tall) specimen is normally kept in a bank vault out of sight.

Last fall, it was hand-delivered to New Mexico so the scientists could do their work using the accelerator. It had to be insured while at the lab, but Harvard has declined to say how much the piece is worth.

Harvard began collecting mineral specimens in the 1850s to better understand their crystalline structure. The Ram's Horn was bequeathed to the university in 1947 as part of the collection of A.C. Burrage, a Harvard-educated attorney and businessman who was in the copper industry.

The specimen was found in 1887 at the Ground Hog Mine in Red Cliff, Colorado.

Raquel Alonso-Perez, curator at the Mineralogical and Geological Museum at Harvard, pointed to an 1893 newspaper article about the specimen's discovery and said even then the spirals of gold were considered unique.

Sven Vogel, a physicist at Los Alamos's neutron science center, said pulses of neutrons from the accelerator usually are used to characterize materials that are relevant to the lab's mission, such as uranium alloys or nuclear fuels.

"These academic collaborations really push the envelope for us," he said. "And of course, it's a lot of fun too to apply these methods and help the universities to gain insight that otherwise they would have no chance to gain."The day before delivering his budget address, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said his budget plan would include changes to the state sales tax, health benefits for state workers and retirement benefits for teachers.

Lamont presented his two-year budget plan on Wednesday to the state legislature and his office posted the governor's budget online here.

A fact sheet on the budget is posted here.

The office has also put together a question and answer document on the budget here.

The Democrat on Tuesday outlined what he says will be structural reforms to help close a $3.7 billion budget deficit projected over the next two years.

The proposal is laid out as four key points: modernizing the sales tax base, shoring up the Teachers Retirement System and stabilizing annual required contribution, Streamlining the State Employees Retirement System, and controlling the rising cost of healthcare.

The plan will include broadening the sales tax to include streaming and other digital services and eliminating tax exemptions for things such as horse boarding, boat storage or the rental of a campsite.

His plan also would require towns or local board of educations to assume responsibility for 25 percent of teacher pensions. The governor says he also will negotiate better health care prices for state workers.

For full details, click here.

The State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) issued a statement in response to the proposal.

"State budgets now and into the future include nearly $2 billion a year in savings provided by state employee union members through three savings agreements negotiated over the past decade. By agreeing to hard wage freezes, reduced pension and healthcare benefits, higher employee contributions and higher premium share costs, our members have done far more than their fair share to improve Connecticuts fiscal health," it read in part.

SEBAC leaders went on to say that while they will work with the Lamont administration on possible solutions, they don't want to see more put on the shoulders of state workers.

To be clear; we will not be part of asking for still more sacrifices from state employees, who have already given so much for the people they serve.Joe Biden hasn't even announced if he will run for president in 2020, but a new poll finds that he is leading the Democratic field among New Hampshire voters.

The poll, released Wednesday by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, shows that 28 percent of likely Democratic voters said they would support Biden.

Twenty percent said they would support Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, 14 percent would support Sen. Kamala Harris of California, and 9 percent of voters indicated support for Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

The poll showed that 14 percent of voters were undecided.

Tatishe Nteta, director of the UMass Poll, said even though it's early, the results show voters seem to be more comfortable with a familiar face.

"With a roster full of fresh, young faces vying to be the Democratic Party's nominee, New Hampshires Democratic primary voters seem more comfortable handing the reins to a seasoned veteran," said Nteta.

The poll showed Biden garnering the strongest support among likely Democratic voters who identified as moderates, at 39 percent. He also had strong support among older voters, women, and with voters with an income between $40,000 and $100,000.

Thirty-three percent of voters said their top quality in a candidate was the ability to beat President Donald Trump in 2020. Another 22 percent said their top quality was being honest and trustworthy. Twenty percent want a candidate who best represents their views on the issues.

"While some argue that the Democratic Party is undergoing an ideological civil war, the one issue that brings all corners of the party together is their desire to select a candidate that will defeat President Trump in 2020," said Nteta.

The UMass Poll was conducted online by YouGov Feb. 7-15, has a margin of error of 4.8 percent. It interviewed 600 registered voters.

The full poll can be found here.Just weeks ahead of a recall election amid federal fraud charges, an embattled Massachusetts mayor is looking to repay the lenders he is accused of defrauding.

According to court documents filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, the attorney for Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia has asked the judge to allow him to repay $306,000 to the lenders who invested in Correira's SnowOwl app. In exchange, the lenders would agree not to file lawsuits against Correia.

The mayor was arrested in October on federal fraud charges. He is accused of collecting $306,000 from eight investors to develop the SnowOwl app but spending more than $230,000 of the funds to pay for a lavish lifestyle and advance his political career.

The Fall River City Council voted unanimously in December in favor of a recall election if Correia did not resign. He refused to do so.

The recall election is scheduled for March 12.For the first time, the City of Boston is sending out anonymous surveys to try and document the need for affordable child care. Local advocates believe it is as much of an issue as the housing crisis, and they want to see what can be done to fix it.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, Massachusetts ranked second behind Washington, D.C., for most expensive child care in the country. The average cost for infant care in Massachusetts is $17,062 a year or $1,422 a month.

"It's almost like a second mortgage," said Tania Del Rio, the executive director at the city's Office of Women's Advancement.

Del Rio is a mom herself and said the rising cost is starting to a toll, especially on women.

"It's one of the reasons women are pulling out of the workforce," Del Rio said. "We have about 4,000 women who, if they had access to affordable child care, would be working."

Del Rio is part of the team putting together the anonymous surveys that will go out to nearly 400,000 residents in Boston as part of the census next month. It asks parents questions that include whether or not they think child care is too expensive or difficult to find.

Del Rio said the city will use data to propose policy changes at the local level. She said hearing a presidential candidate like Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren talk about the issue at the federal level helps bring attention to the crisis.

Tuesday, Warren introduced a universal childcare proposal that would involve taxing the ultra-rich to pay for the plan.

Mary Grace Casey, co-director at the Shattuck Child Care Center in Jamaica Plain, said politics aside, something has to be done.

"The money needs to come from somewhere," Casey said. "And I think it's come on the backs of early childhood professionals and working parents for a very long time. It would be great if it came from another source like the federal or state government. It can't continue to spiral upwards."There are snow advisories in effect in more than 36 of the lower 48 United States this morning, including winter weather advisories for much of New England Wednesday night to early Thursday.

In the eastern United States, we have two low-pressure systems. One is headed into the Great Lakes states, and another off the mid-Atlantic states. It looks like they separate from one another rather quickly as they cross New England late Wednesday night. Thats why we are getting a relatively minor impact event.

We have another cold start Wednesday morning with temperatures near 0 degrees in several spots, warming up to about freezing Wednesday afternoon. A few hours of sunshine this morning will fade behind clouds this afternoon. Wind is mostly light and variable.

Snow arrives in New York City before sunset, advancing steadily across southern and western New England after the sun goes down. Arriving on the eastern shore and in Maine by midnight.

Much warmer air is moving in up in the sky, so we are only going to get a few hours of snow before a change to sleet and freezing rain for much of western and southern New England. That means about 2 inches of snow for many, most of it falling while we are asleep. The exception is much of New Hampshire and Maine, where snow will continue through the morning commute.

The mountains of New Hampshire and Maine likely get five or more inches of snow.

Thursday turns into a nice day with sunshine breaking out quickly in the morning and a little later in Maine. High temperature in the 40s to near 50 degrees south and 30s and 40s north.

Low pressure intensifies as it moves away Thursday night and Friday. That means wind increases and the temperature falls back down to the 20s at night, and 30s for a high on Friday with a good amount of sunshine.

[NATL] Extreme Weather Photos: Record Heat Threatens Europe

Saturday looks like a bright seasonable day, highs near 40 degrees. Another storm system advances quickly Sunday with a wintry mix quickly changing to rain for much of New England. High temperature in the 40s. That storm also causes the wind to pick up Monday, with gusts over 45 mph possible.

We should have a good amount of sunshine on Monday, with a high temperature in the 30s. High pressure goes right over us on Tuesday, with nice weather and high temperature in the 30s.

Another storm system comes on Wednesday. This one looks colder and stronger. Definitely worth watching. The weather pattern is incredibly active, with one storm after another coming off the Pacific Ocean, and Canada wall-to-wall cold. Stay informed with our First Alert 10-day forecast.A 16-year-old boy from Fall River, Massachusetts was charged as an adult for the fatal stabbing of his cousin.

Michael Holloway was charged with murder on Tuesday for the stabbing death of 17-year-old William Wheeler. A witness told officials the two teens were involved in a fight over a pillow and blanket that escalated to the stabbing, WJAR reports.

The stabbing was reported shortly before midnight on Feb. 13 at a home near 96 Fountain St., the Bristol County District Attorneys Office said. There, officers found Wheeler suffering from a stab wound. The boy was rushed to St. Annes Hospital, where he died.

Holloway reportedly slashed Wheelers face with the knife before the two teens took their argument outside. WJAR reports the two argued over a backpack Holloway stole earlier that day and then the 16-year-old stabbed Wheeler in the stomach.

Holloway entered a not guilty plea and is being held without bail.Payless ShoeSource has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is shuttering its remaining stores in North America, with gift cards and store credit good until March 11.

The filing on Monday came a day after the shoe chain began holding going-out-of-business sales at its North American stores. The company said Wednesday that it received court approval to support the orderly closing of about 2,500 stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada, as well as its e-commerce business.

The company, based in Topeka, Kansas, initially said it was closing 2,100 stores on Friday when it confirmed it was planning to liquidate its business. It has reiterated that stores will remain open until at least the end of March and the majority will remain open until May.

The liquidation doesn't affect its franchise operations or its Latin American stores, which remain open for business as usual, it said.

Payless said Wednesday that it will allow returns and exchanges of non-final sale items through the end of this month for goods bought before Feb. 17.

It's also received authorization to pay employee wages and benefits, as well as claims from critical vendors.

The debt-burdened chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection a first time in April 2017, closing hundreds of stores as part of its reorganization.

"The challenges facing retailers today are well documented, and unfortunately, Payless emerged from its prior reorganization ill-equipped to survive in today's retail environment," said Stephen Marotta, Payless ShoeSource's chief restructuring officer, on Monday.

He noted that the prior Chapter 11 proceedings left the company with too much debt and with too many stores.Survivors of clergy sex abuse on Wednesday demanded transparency, zero tolerance for abuse and accountability for religious superiors who cover up for rapists, setting a confrontational tone on the eve of Pope Francis' high-stakes abuse prevention summit.

The victims also demanded to meet with Francis himself, but had to settle instead for a two-hour round-table with members of the organizing committee for the four-day summit, which starts Thursday.

The gathering of church leaders from around the globe is taking place amid intense scrutiny of the Catholic Church's record after new allegations of abuse and cover-up last year sparked a credibility crisis for the hierarchy.

Phil Saviano, an American who played a crucial role in exposing clergy abuse in the United States decades ago, said he told the summit organizers to release the names of abusive priests around the world along with their case files.

"Do it to launch a new era of transparency," Saviano said he told the committee. "Do it to break the code of silence. Do it out of respect for the victims of these men, and do it to help prevent these creeps from abusing any more children."

More than 30 years after the scandal first erupted in Ireland and Australia and 20 years after it hit the U.S., bishops and superiors in many parts of Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia either deny clergy sex abuse exists in their regions or downplay the problem.

Francis, the first Latin American pope, has made many of the same mistakes. As archbishop in Buenos Aires, he went out of his way to defend a famous street priest who was later convicted of abuse. He also took a handful of measures early on in his papacy that undermined progress the Vatican had made in taking a hard line against rapists.

He finally did an about-face after botching a well-known sex abuse cover-up case in Chile last year. Realizing he had erred, he has vowed to chart a new course and is bringing the rest of the church leadership along with him.

Some 190 leaders of bishops' conferences, religious orders and Vatican offices are gathering for four days of lectures and workshops on preventing sex abuse in their churches, tending to victims and investigating the crimes when they occur.

"I think that the time for words is long, long past," said Archbishop Mark Benedict Coleridge, of Brisbane, Australia, who will deliver the homily at the summit's final Mass on Sunday.

"We are dealing with a global emergency, and I don't think the language is too strong," he said. "A global emergency that requires a global response."

The Vatican isn't expecting any miracles, and the pope himself has called for expectations to be "deflated." But organizers say the meeting marks a turning point in the way the Catholic Church has dealt with the problem, with Francis' own acknowledgment of his mistakes in handling the Chile abuse case a key point of departure.

"I have been impressed by the humility of the Holy Father," said Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the Vatican sex crimes investigator who helped set Francis straight on Chile. "He's ready to say, 'I got that wrong. We're not going to do it again. We're going to do it right.'"

"I think that gives us great hope," Scicluna said.

But Jamaican survivor Denise Buchanan, who attended Wednesday's meeting, demanded to know why the Vatican wasn't implementing zero-tolerance policies on sex abuse across the board. The U.S. bishops' conference is considered a model for requiring any priest who is found guilty of molesting a child to be removed permanently from ministry.

"What is the holdup in implementing zero tolerance?" Buchanan said. "It is like, 'Oh, we already have the laws, we just need to implement the laws.' Obviously, the laws are not working because children are being raped right now."

Francois Devaux, from the French victims' group La Parole Liberee,  The Liberated Word  said the survivors made similar points to the committee members, and asked what exactly the summit was expected to accomplish.

"The great absence from this meeting was the pope, and that was clearly underlined," he said.

Francis did, however, meet with a victim on Wednesday, apparently on the sidelines of his general audience. A video of the meeting showed Francis holding and then kissing the hand of Polish survivor, Marek Lisinski, who heads Poland's Have No Fear foundation.

Lisinski went to the Vatican with a delegation headed by Polish lawmaker Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, who gave Francis a report on hundreds of alleged cases of abuse and cover-up in Poland.

In a statement after Wednesday's meeting with the survivors ended, the summit organizers thanked the victims for "sincerity, the depth and the strength of their testimonies."

They said the survivors' input would help them understand the "gravity and urgency" of the problem during the summit.

Among those meeting with the survivors was Scicluna, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, Cardinal Oswald Gracias of India and German Jesuit the Rev. Hans Zollner, an expert in child protection. The Rev. Federico Lombardi, the former Vatican spokesman who is moderating the summit, also participated.

The Vatican had asked Chilean survivor Juan Carlos Cruz, who last year helped open Francis' eyes to the seriousness of the abuse scandal in his country, to arrange the Wednesday's meeting.

"The culture of cover-up needs to end," Cruz said after the meeting, which was held on the grounds of a gated Vatican residence with survivor protesters waiting outside.A man whose job was to help adults with disabilities is accused of raping and impregnating two clients in Fairfax County, Virginia.

In one case, the woman was unable to say who assaulted her. In the second case, the woman identified 60-year-old Bernard Betts-King as her attacker.

DNA tests conducted on the second victim's baby show a 99 percent chance that Betts-King is the father, court documents say. Fairfax County police believe he fathered the child of the first victim as well.

Both women, who police did not identify, were clients of MLVE Community Center in Springfield, Virginia. The organization provides therapeutic and work opportunities to disabled adults. Betts-King worked with both women in his position as a behavioral specialist, police said.

Signs of trouble first surfaced in October 2017, newly filed court documents reveal. The family of the first alleged victim discovered she was five months pregnant and notified police. The intellectually disabled woman, who is of Korean descent, gave birth in February 2018 to a biracial baby.

When she was asked who raped her, she said, "I don't know," court documents say.

In November 2018, nearly a year after police and MLVE were notified of the first rape case, the pattern was repeated: Another disabled woman in the program gave birth.

Police say they learned of that case in January 2019. This time, investigators say the victim was able to tell them that Betts-King raped her. And DNA tests show with near certainty that he is the father.

So, if police and MLVE knew about the first woman's rape in October 2017, how was Betts-King able to allegedly strike again?

Fairfax County police said that because of a lack of information from the first victim, they had to consider as suspects all males with whom she had contact. They said they were not in a position to test the DNA of the first victim's baby because they had not yet narrowed the list of suspects.

It wasn't until they learned of the second alleged victim that they made the connection to Betts-King.

He was charged with rape and is being held without bond at the county jail. It was unclear if he had a lawyer who could comment on the cases.

It's possible that Betts-King had additional victims, police said. He also worked for the organization Community Living Alternatives, in Fairfax, Virginia. Anyone with information is asked to call 703-246-7800.

MLVE previously said the organization is cooperating with police, and that it no longer employs Betts-King. Executive Director Susan Keenan said their staff is shocked.

"We are focused entirely on making sure that our individuals are safe and healthy right now," she said earlier this month.What to Know Nine-year-old Wesley Lipicky died in May 2018 after he was crushed by a motorized room partition in his school in Alexandria, Virginia.

On Monday, Virginia lawmakers unanimously passed a bill to set classroom partition safety rules statewide.

Lipicky's grandmother said she did everything in her power "to see that a tragedy like this never happens to another family."

A Virginia grandmother has trouble calling the death of her 9-year-old grandson an accident.

Wesley Lipicky was crushed to death in May 2018 when he got caught between a motorized room partition and a wall inside his school in Alexandria, Virginia.

Sallie Dievendorf, his grandmother, prefers to call what happened a tragedy.

"Maybe an incident. But it's so much more than an accident. An accident is something that happens that really is unavoidable," she said.

After Dievendorf's work with Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax), Virginia is close to becoming the second state in the country with a law requiring the use of safety devices with all motorized classroom partitions. Only New York has a similar law.

DC-Area Schools That Have Motorized Room Partitions

Click on the dots to see where room partitions are located.

Virginia lawmakers unanimously passed a bill on Monday to try to prevent a future tragedy involving powerful motorized classroom partitions.

The Wesley Charles Lipicky Act bans the use of motorized partitions when students are in the room unless the partitions have additional safety devices, such as motion sensors. Also, the bill requires annual training for anyone who operates the partitions.

"Training is absolutely necessary," Dievendorf said in an exclusive interview with News4 inside her home in Williamsburg.

Lipicky, a third-grader, was helping a teacher operate a partition in the gym of Franconia Elementary School in Alexandria on May 18 when he got caught between the huge partition and a wall, Fairfax County police said. He suffered severe head injuries and died at a hospital that night.

A News4 consumer investigation found that of the 21 school districts in the D.C. area that have partitions, 17 districts had no formal, written policies on who is allowed to operate them.

In the wake of the investigation published in September 2018, a number of local school districts strengthened their safety policies. Arlington Public Schools said they would no longer install the motorized walls. And Prince George's County Public Schools said they would train staff and set new rules.

Dievendorf said her work over the past six months to protect children statewide kept her "sane."

"Nothing that I do will bring Wesley back. Nothing can be done to do that," she said. "But I will do and have done everything within my power to see that a tragedy like this never happens to another family, at least in Virginia."

Dievendorf said she thinks her late grandson would be proud.

"He'll be glad that it can't happen to anyone else," she said.

Gov. Ralph Northam is expected to approve the bill.A Maryland mom said her son's private Christian school discriminated against her and her ex-wife because of their sexual orientation.

Last May, Tiana Hawkins and her ex-wife, Annissia, got an invitation for a Mothers Day tea from their 7-year-old sons private school, the National Christian Academy, in Fort Washington.

"They specified on the invitation only one mother or one mother figure allowed per child. And so, since we have two moms in our family, of course, that was cause for concern for us," Hawkins said.

After bringing up the issue with the schools principal, Andrew Stewart, they were still denied to both attend the event. Hawkins said they felt singled out because they are lesbians.

I couldnt believe that after we have been supporting and serving in this school for three years, that we would still be treated that way, Hawkins said.

However, the school says it did not treat them differently.

We didn't discriminate against them, Principal Andrew Stewart told News4. It was closed off to everyone like aunts and grandmothers that wanted to attend because we didn't have the budget at the time, but we made a way in the end for everyone to attend.

Hawkins and her family are now the face of an ACLU-sponsored bill in the Maryland House that would allow families to sue private schools for alleged discrimination.

Opponents of the bill say people should choose schools that align with their values.

"What I would say to those who say, 'Why would you pick a Christian school?' is, well, because were Christians. We believe in Jesus. We believe in the love of Christ, and we believe it should be extended to all," Hawkins said.A Maryland couple recently got the surprise of their lives: The father's fellow firefighters used a firetruck and ambulance to bring their newborn son home for the first time.

Firefighters and medics from three squads helped introduce Michael Terrance Faherty III to his adoptive parents, Michael and Karen Faherty.

The Fahertys, both 29-year-old Army veterans, were home in Baltimore on Saturday because they were told their home needed to be inspected. Instead, a firetruck came screaming down their street, along with dozens of men who graduated along with Michael Faherty from the Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy.

Emotional video footage shows the off-duty firefighters chanting a song from the academy as they walk up to the Fahertys' door.

"We got something for you. A delivery!" someone can be heard calling out.

Then, adoption agent Dean Kirschner walks to the front door with an infant in his arms.

"Here's your baby boy," Kirschner tells the shocked new parents.

"Thank you so much," Karen Faherty says through tears. She bends down to kiss the little boy, who's wrapped in a blue blanket and wearing a yellow hat.

Then, Kirschner and the firefighters lead the Fahertys to an ambulance stuffed with diapers and baby gear.

"Thank you guys so much. I don't even know what to do," Michael Faherty says, starting to cry too.

Kirschner, of the Baltimore County adoption firm Adoption Makes a Family, worked with the Fahertys for more than a year to find a child for them. But they didn't know when they would get to meet their son.

He said the families he works with knows he often sets up surprise introductions to their children. Several adoption surprise videos can be found on his agency's Facebook page.

"They know that Dr. Dean comes at weird times and surprises them with a baby," he said Tuesday.

Kirschner worked with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Baltimore City Fire Department and Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company to orchestrate the surprise. Kirschner said he knew he wanted the Flahertys to meet their son amid "great fanfare."

"I thought, let's get firetrucks, let's get ambulances. We're going to come down the street with screaming sirens and race to the house with the baby," he said.

The Fahertys declined an interview Tuesday as they cared for Baby Michael.

Kirschner said it was intentional that he didn't hand the Flahertys their baby right away, which drew the attention of some social media commenters.

He said he knew from 25 years of experience that the brand-new parents were in too much shock to be handed their child right away.

"Your brain is on such overload," he said.

The Flahertys got to hold their son for the first time once they were inside, sitting down.

"I said, 'I'm going to hand you your baby,'" Kirschner recalled. "It was just awesome. It was just beautiful."Georgetown University has rescinded an honorary degree it bestowed in 2004 on then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked last week after being convicted by the Vatican of sexually abusing minors and adult seminarians.

Georgetown President John J. DeGioia said Tuesday that it is "the first time an honorary degree conferred by the University has been revoked."

DeGioia says Georgetown and other Roman Catholic and Jesuit institutions have been called on "to create a context in which the abuse of power can be identified and eliminated.''

The 88-year-old McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington, D.C., is the highest-ranking churchman and the first cardinal to be punished by dismissal from the clerical state, or laicization.

He was notified Friday of the decision, which was approved by Pope Francis.

Revelations about priests who have sexually abused juveniles and cover-ups by their superiors have come to light over the past two decades.

McCarrick was removed from public ministry in June after he was found to have abused a teen decades ago, the Archdiocese of New York said.

In July, News4 spoke to a man from Loudoun County, Virginia, who said McCarrick abused him for many years.

That man, James Grein, went public in December.Another Maryland county will stop having law enforcement officers ask sexual assault victims to waive their rights to an investigation.

Anne Arundel County spokesman Chris Trumbauer tells The Capital that Police Chief Timothy J. Altomare was told Tuesday to end the practice. The move follows a Baltimore Sun report and survey on the practice.

The Sun reported Tuesday that Baltimore-area police departments prompted sexual assault victims to waive investigation rights more than 200 times in 2018 and 2017. It said the practice went against guidance from experts and from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Trumbauer says Anne Arundel County police have used the waivers for at least two decades. Baltimore County police have also said they're ending the practice.Its one of the hottest trends around, with many claiming it offers medical benefits without getting you high. CBD oil, the extract from hemp plants, has been called the miracle molecule.

These days it can be found in everything from hot sauce to hand creams and coffee to candy.

The sky is the limit right now," said Barbara Biddle, who opened two of Northern Virginias first CBD stores called District Hemp. "I definitely see this industry exploding. You know every single day we're seeing new products, new delivery methods."

Its expected to become a billion-dollar industry since the federal government made it easier to buy and sell. The recent Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act because it has such low levels of THC, the compound that gives other varieties of cannabis, like marijuana, its mood-changing properties. But there are currently no dosage guidelines or labeling standards, and the Food and Drug Administration prohibits CBD sellers from making any medical claims.

Users like Tiffany Burtt, told the News4 I-Team, CBD helps ease anxiety, headaches and even inflammation.

"It's so benign and so good for you," she said.

She showed us all the products she uses, costing about $250, and said theyre totally worth the money.

"A mild dose of CBD, that's pretty powerful on pain for me," she said. "My 101 year old grandmother, she uses it for her arthritis.

Burtt said each product helps her in different ways but admits she has tried some that don't do anything. She thinks that could be because, despite the labeling, there's little or no CBD in them. When asked how yo know the difference, she said, You dont. Its trial and error.

Whats in That CBD Bottle?

So, News4, working with our affiliates in Miami and New York, decided to put dozens of popular products from seven different companies to the test. Whether we ordered the products online, or bought in person at stores, lab tests showed more than half of them had far less CBD than claimed on the package. One product had no CBD at all.

Well, I think it's incredibly frustrating. It's irritating, Burtt said when told the test results.

But the results weren't surprising to Phillip Stripling, co-owner of Steep Hill Labs in Maryland, which specializes in hemp and cannabis product testing.

"It can be a really complex process to make these products. So sometimes there can be a mistake in the production process," Stripling said.

Some manufacturers treat testing as a form of research to make sure a product contains what they say it does, he said. If not, they can fix it before it hits the shelves. But all of that is voluntary.

There currently are no requirements for testing CBD products on the consumer side, Stripling said. Thats why he also worries about what else could be in some of these products that shouldnt be.

We also test for a range of safety," he said. "We test for pesticides, microbiological contamination, heavy metal contamination like mercury, arsenic, lead.

All of those things can sneak into CBD products from the soil used to grow the plants.

Five of the samples sent to a different lab tested positive for things like pesticides, fungus, ethanol and lead.

More Regulation Needed?

The federal government actually has a role here to play, said Josh Sanderlin, a D.C. attorney who consults for the budding cannabis and CBD industry. "Cannabis with THC is more regulated and tested than CBD oil is by far. It's terrifying. I mean, you can go into coffee shops and buy CBD infused in your coffee."

Some cities are cracking down. Earlier this month, the New York City Health Department started fining restaurants that sell food and drinks infused with CBD. The FDA currently prohibits its use as a food additive but has signaled a potential softening of that stance, if regulations are enacted.

"Unless they're actually tested by independent laboratory, you can't really trust the seller of a product to tell you exactly what's in the product," Sanderlin said.

I do wish that there was a little bit more oversight," Biddle said.

Shes not taking any chances in her Virginia store, only stocking products that have been lab-tested to prove whats in them. She even keeps a binder with the third-party lab results to show the amount of CBD in everything she sells.

"Who wants to feel gypped when they buy a product, especially something that they're trying to use for health reasons?" she said.

Plus, she said she offers a refund for products that don't work. So it's in her best interest to make sure customers get what they pay for and nothing harmful. Her advice to any new CBD customer, Check the labs, do your research. Check customer reviews. That's probably your best bet honestly."

CBD advocates said there is a flip side to more regulation. It could make the products harder for customers to get and push up prices. In December, the FDA announced it will schedule a public meeting to discuss all of these issues surrounding CBD. The meeting hasn't been scheduled yet.

Reported by Jodie Fleischer, produced by Rick Yarborough, and shot and edited by Steve Jones.What to Know Vermont's U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders announced the launch of his 2020 presidential campaign on Tuesday morning.

Sanders says he plans to continue fighting for universal health care, a $15 federal minimum wage and to reduce student debt.

Sanders challenged Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primary.

Vermont senator and 2016 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders announced Tuesday he is running for president again in the 2020 race.

Sanders told Vermont Public Radio he is running for office because President Donald Trump is an "embarrassment to our country" and because he wants to continue pushing progressive ideas into the mainstream.

In a biting interview Tuesday, Sanders called Trump a "pathological liar" and a "racist, a sexist, a homophobe, a xenophobe."

Sanders said he plans to continue championing for progressive proposals like universal health care, a $15 minimum wage and to reduce student debt.

New details have emerged about rape allegations against a now-terminated administrator at a Massachusetts high school, and two additional staff members have been placed on leave after more accusations of staff misconduct come to light.

"It turns out that three years have come and gone and many of the ideas that I talked about...are very, very popular," Sanders said.

Sanders confirmed that he was running later Tuesday on social media.

Whos Running for President in 2020?

The race for the 2020 presidential election is underway, and the field of Democratic candidates is packed. Those who have announced presidential bids include a vice president, senators, House members and three mayors. As for the GOP, a single Republican has announced his bid to challenge President Donald Trump for the party nomination: former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, who ran for vice president (and lost) in 2016 on the Libertarian party ticket.

Click the photos to learn more

In an appeal for supporters to sign up for his email list, Sanders website Tuesday morning said that no presidential candidate "is capable of taking on Donald Trump and the billionaire class alone. There is only one way we win  and that is together."

I'm running for president. I am asking you to join me today as part of an unprecedented and historic grassroots campaign that will begin with at least 1 million people from across the country. Say you're in: https://t.co/KOTx0WZqRf pic.twitter.com/T1TLH0rm26  Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 19, 2019

An independent, Sanders nevertheless challenged Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primary. He became renowned for long, impassioned stump speeches in which he railed against political corruption and trumpted that average people were his biggest supporters, donating on average just $27.

He lost, though the process was marred by controversy as hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee suggested that party officials had favored Clinton during the primaries. The revelation cast a pall over the pary's convention, when Sanders conceded the race to Clinton despite supporters' protests.

Sanders faced his own controversy when some male supervisors in his 2016 campaign team were accused of harassment by women. Sanders apologized for the alleged misconduct and said it "was absolutely unacceptable and certainly not what a progressive campaign or any campaign should be about."

And while his campaign helped move Democratic politics to the left, the question now for Sanders is whether he can stand out in a crowded field of Democratic presidential candidates who also embrace many of his progressive policy ideas and are newer to the national political stage.

Albuquerque police are searching for UFC light heavyweight champion and upstate New York native Jon Jones on Sunday night in connection with a hit-and-run accident.

The Associated Press reported Sanders' campaign raised more than $1 million within hours of launching his 2020 bid Tuesday morning, according to a person familiar with the campaign, who wasn't authorized to publicly disclose the early numbers and spoke on condition of anonymity.The first panels of a secondary border fencing went up in Otay Mesa Monday, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials continue with multiple barrier projects in the region.

The Trump administration has announced several border-related plans, including replacing old portions of the barrier and adding an entirely new, secondary fencing.

The new secondary fencing in Otay Mesa will run along the base of Otay Mountain. It will be made up of consecutive 30-foot steel bollards, or slats as President Donald Trump has described it.

[NATL-LA] An Up-Close Look at the US-Mexico Border Wall Prototypes

Unlike the majority of the presidents border prototypes nearby, this design would look like replacement border fencing completed last fall in Calexico.

In total, this additional barrier will span 14 miles.

Images of the secondary fencings progress were posted to San Diego Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent Rodney Scott's Instagram account Tuesday.

Scott said the 30-foot barrier was topped with an anti-climb plate.

This comes after dozens of protesters and counter-protesters voiced their opinions about the border barriers on Presidents Day near the San Diego waterfront.

Some believed the fencing plans wouldnt prove effective.

Havent they said they can dig tunnels under the walls and fly over the walls, so how effective will a wall really be? said protester Tom Racanelli.

While others said the border barriers could only help.

Walls would save everyones lives, not just Americans, said counter- protester Mary Redman.

Protesters on both sides came out on President's Day to voice their opinions over President Trump's national emergency declaration. NBC 7's Melissa Adan has more.

The project is using $251 million from fiscal year 2018 funds, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Recent downpours have caused some areas around the border to become difficult to traverse, so CBP said theyll provide formal tours on Friday once the ground has dried.A Chinese eatery in Hillcrest reopened its doors for business Tuesday night, one week after a gunman fired close to 20 bullets into the restaurant while customers and employees were inside.

Though it was hard, a server who narrowly escaped death that night at the Golden Dragon Asian Bistro on University Avenue said he came back to work in an effort to forget it all.

"You have to move on, so I tried to forget that night and decided to come to work," Nattsakit Kgamnitiwarawat said.

Stefano Markell Parker, 29, is the man accused of firing into the restaurant. He could face a 374-year sentence if he is convicted of all 13 counts he is facing.

Police said Parker made a "disturbing" Facebook post prior to the shooting, and a member of the family that owns the bistro said he saw the alleged shooter get into an argument with a group of Asian Americans the weekend prior.

The restaurant is in the heart of a neighborhood known around the nation for its LGBTQ community, but at a news conference last Wednesday, SDPD Assistant Chief Al Guaderrama said investigators have more evidence to process before determining the shooting a hate crime.

The Hillcrest Town Council will meet Wednesday at St. Paul's Cathedral from 6 to 8 p.m. for a "crime spree and potential hate crimes forum."

Kgamnitiwarawat, and every single one of the other employees working that night, returned to work for the reopening.

"I am being with nice people around me so I feel OK," Kgamnitiwarawat said.

am being with nice people around me so I feel Ok."

Mike Tamarkin, the restaurant owner's son, said the employees' decisions to return to work says a lot about them.

"We're not scared and it is a testament to our employees' strong will," he said.

"We're ready. "We're excited and can't wait to see all our regulars and get things back to normal," he added.

Thankfully, no one was injured in the shooting -- a fact that investigators and prosecutors both called miraculous.

SDPD Assistant Chief Al Guaderrama said last week that Parker wore a trench coat and calmly walked away after the shooting, carrying his rifle with him. Guaderrama said Parker fled down a nearby alley where another witness saw him taking off his clothes.

Officers made contact with Parker and took him into custody without incident.

A trail of evidence, including clothes that matched the witness description and the rifle, were found discarded in the alley where he was found.

The assistant chief could not say if the shooting was premeditated, but prosecutors at Parker's arraignment last Friday said that based on the number of shots and location of the bullet holes, the shooting was deliberate.

"It is miraculous that no one was injured. I believe that there was some fast thinking that was done by people that were inside fo the restaurant at that time and they were able to protect themselves. Based off what I've seen, it is clear that this was a premeditated, attempted murder. This was not someone just shooting indiscriminately up in the air. He was aiming at people inside of this restaurant," Deputy District Attorney Paul Reizen said.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer also spoke at the conference and said he had asked the police department to increase patrols in the Hillcrest neighborhood.

We pride ourselves in San Diego for being a very diverse city and a city that celebrates unique culture. That is never going to change, said Faulconer. We will stand together to denounce violence and we will stand together to support our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community.

Parker pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of premeditated attempted murder with a special allegation of discharging a firearm, plus one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of shooting into an occupied building.

Tamarkin said he recognized Parker as the man who got into a fight with a group of Asian Americans outside the Golden Dragon on Sunday, Feb. 10.

"He was just mumbling something incoherent and giving me a weird look and gave me a weird feeling so I was like, screw this and went back inside the restaurant," Tamarkin said.

Kollette Lavoy and her father were seated at a table in the back of the restaurant when the shots rang out. She said a piece of shattered glass from the front windows grazed her forehead.

"It felt like forever but then it was purely silent and that's when I just realized you are waiting for footsteps to walk in and just finish the job," Lavoy said.

SDPD has not determined how Parker got a hold of his rifle, but said the weapon he used was not registered to him and had not been reported stolen.

SDPD said they found 19, 5.66 caliber weapon casings outside of the restaurant, which was riddled with bullet holes.

According to Guaderrama, Parker's criminal history includes an arrest for homicide in Alabama several years ago.

Investigators are not sure when the crime occured, but believe it happened between 2000 and 2003. Guaderrama said Parker only served four or five years behind bars for the crime.

Investigators believe there were 11 people inside of the restaurant at the time of the shooting, and prosecutors asked anyone else who was inside to come forward and more charges will be added.

No other suspects are involved in the case. Parker is being held without bail.

San Diego City Council members Chris Ward (District 3), Jennifer Campbell (District 2) and Council President Georgette Gomez (District 9) issued a joint statement Wednesday regarding the shooting and other recent crime in the Hillcrest community.

Over the past week, we have seen an increase in crime and violence in a community that has historically identified as LGBTQIA+. From the cowardly vandalism of Pride Plaza to last nights shooting on University Avenue, it is clear that more must be done to address the rising public safety concerns of our residents. As members of the LGBTQIA+ community and the City Council, we stand united against these acts of violence and hate. What is meant to silence our community will only make us stronger, and we look forward to using that strength to work with the Mayors office and the San Diego Police Department to ensure we truly are a city that is safe for all.A man who crossed into the U.S. illegally and the man tasked with driving him to safety were killed Tuesday night when the stolen car they were in slammed into the back of a semi-truck in Otay Mesa, officials confirmed.

A third person in the vehicle -- a woman who crossed illegally with the man between ports of entry near the Cross Border Xpress terminal -- was airlifted to an area hospital with critical injuries, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said.

Border Patrol Agent Justin Casterjon said it is being investigated as a human smuggling incident.

The man and woman were seen on cameras crossing the border before running about a mile to Otay Mesa Road and Alta Road where a man in a stolen Volvo was waiting to pick them up, Casterjon said.

"This was organized," Casterjon said. "This was very organized for having a driver here waiting for specific time, specific time for people to cross the border."

Casterjon said agents tried to pull the car over, but it sped off on Otay Mesa and reached speeds faster than 100 miles per hour before it hit a semi-truck near Sanyo Avenue, less than a half-mile away, just after 6 p.m.

The impact sheered the roof of the vehicle off and sent the car into a ravine.

The car came to a rest on its wheels on a grassy plain about 20 feet below the roadway.

Two men in the driver and front passenger seats died at the scene, according to Casterjon. The woman had to be extricated from the vehicle before being life-flighted to a nearby hospital.

"This is a very tragic event. This is something as a Border Patrol agent you never want to see," he said.

Casterjon did not say how the man and woman were able to cross the U.S.-Mexico border.

Neither CBP nor the San Diego Police Department had information about how the Volvo came to be stolen but Casterjon said they ran the plates and found it was reported stolen.

A crowd of firefighters, CHP officers and Border Patrol agents were seen examining the car and other debris around it after the crash.

The semi-truck driver was OK but visibly shaken, SDPD Sgt. Leonard Flake said.

Because the crash occurred within San Diego city limits, the San Diego Police Department will be investigating the crash portion of the incident. CBP will be investigating how the two people were able to cross the border and the events leading to the crash.

In November, three people were killed and eight were injured when a truck crashed while being pursued by border patrol agents.

In March, a driver attempting to flee border patrol agents also reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour before crashing and injuring four people, CBP said.

In Sept. 2017, a U.S. citizen and two Mexican nationals were killed on Interstate 15 in Rancho Bernardo when their car flipped over a guardrail while being pursued by CBP.

Earlier in 2017, nine people were hurt -- one critically -- in a crash near Lake Morena County Park not far from the border. The crash happened during a chase with border patrol.

No other information was available.

Please refresh this page for updates on this story. Details may change as more information becomes available.According to The State of Legal Marijuana Markets report, released mid-2018 by Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics, the legal cannabis business in the United States is projected to be a $23 billion industry by 2022. And, Little Italy-headquartered Cannabiniers, a cannabis brand management company, wants a piece of the pie.

After releasing its non-alcoholic cannabinoid-infused craft beer, Two Roots Brewing Co., to the Nevada market last year, Cannabiniers rolled out its CBD and THC-laden beverages in California earlier this month; CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it will not get the user high, while THC is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant and does create a high. Two Roots is available for purchase in select medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state, including in San Diego. As a result of its continual growth, by the time 2022 rolls around, Cannabiniers anticipates it will reflect at least 5 percent of the projected $23 billion, or $1.2 billion.

In 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, making it the fifth state to legalize adult-use pot, following Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The law, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018, means adults over the age of 21 in California can legally use, possess and share cannabis. The legalization of marijuana in California gave rise to a multitude of pot businesses across the state, like cannabis-themed paint classes and weed bike tours, among others.

Cannabiniers

On the federal level, marijuana is still illegal even in states that legalized it, so there is still some ambiguity to the law.

Much like other out-the-box, weed-inspired start-ups, Cannabiniers is hoping to penetrate the cannabis market not through the standard growing and selling of pot, but through everyday products already commonly consumed, according to Kevin Love, vice president of market activations for the company. In addition to Two Roots, Cannabiniers is proprietary to Just Society, a line of cannabis-infused cold brewed ice coffees and teas; Bask Essentials, hemp-derived CBD products like creams and bath bombs; and, the most recent addition, Creative Waters, which is a line of zero-proof cocktails that includes sparkling waters. All the CBD-based products are sold on the companys website, while everything else is available through dispensaries.

Founded in 2016 and with approximately 35 corporate employees, Cannabiniers uses its own patent-pending technology called nano-emulsion that uses a carrying agent to extract the cannabis oil and allows it to mix with liquids. It has a dealcoholization plant, which removes the alcohol from beverages like beer, in San Diego and will be opening some more in the Midwest and one on the East Coast, said Love, to be housed in the breweries that are soon to be acquired by the company.

So far, in Nevada, Two Roots is being sold in 25 dispensaries, moving 70 to 100 units a day. For California, the forecast is pretty big, said Love, adding the company hopes to sell around 10,000 units a day in the Golden State.

As part of its expansion strategy, Cannabiniers plans to grow its beer production to 500,000 barrels by 2020 to more effectively fulfill demand for Two Roots. Since October, the company has executed letters of intent to purchase three breweries in San Diego, which will allow it to produce 200,000 more annual beer barrels than the current 55,000. Cannabiniers is also planning on adding two to three more breweries in other states in the next few months for another 200,000 to 300,000 beer barrels annually.

Part of our business model is to ensure we have plenty of capacity in order to support the growing demand for our product, said Love. In Nevada, for example, Cannabiniers original forecast wasnt enough to support the market. We needed to get more brewing capacity to meet the demand. As a result, Cannabiniers signed a 50,000 barrel/year contract with a brewery that would brew the beer, then ship to the Cannabiniers facility to remove alcohol and infuse with cannabis.

Love said Cannabiniers also recently closed a deal to purchase Colorados Dad & Dudes Breweria, which became the first U.S. brewery to gain approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau to make a CBD-infused beer in 2016. He said the plan is to use that patent to bring traditional CBD-infused beer to a national level while leveraging the companys resources.

We do our own distillation process, added Love.

In the first half of 2018, recreational marijuana sales werent as high as expected post-legalization. According to a California Department of Tax and Fee Administration report, revenue for the second quarter of the year was $80.2 million for the state, including cultivation, excise and sales tax. But, by the third quarter, that number had increased. Tax revenue reported by the cannabis industry totaled $93.1 million by then, including state cultivation, excise and sales taxes.

The legal marijuana industry seems to be on its way to being a lucrative market for California, and Cannabiniers is gearing up to be a big player in the adult-use market. The company has a commercial that will start airing on Cox cable TV channels nationally in the next couple of weeks as well as a billboard campaign and street teams and brand ambassadors doing grassroots marketing. Love said Cannabiniers will also continue to provide product sponsorship events, much like the company did during a private estate afterparty for the recent 61st Annual Grammy Awards, to get the word out.

We want to bring products to the market that are in peoples everyday lives, said Love. We look at it from the beginning of the day through the end of the day and what consumers in traditional markets are consuming and how that industry can transcend into ours using our technology.



Fast Facts About Cannabiniers:

President: Timothy Walters

Timothy Walters Revenue: Projected $1.2 billion in 2022

Projected $1.2 billion in 2022 No. of Local Employees: 35 corporate employees, over 300 nationally

35 corporate employees, over 300 nationally Headquarters: Little Italy

Little Italy Year Founded: 2016

2016 Company Description: A cannabis brand management company

Additional stories from the San Diego Business Journal are available here. Sign up for their free daily email newsletter.Weather Alert

...DANGEROUS HEAT EXPECTED THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND INTO NEXT WEEK... .Strong high pressure will remain over the Pacific Northwest through the weekend and much of next week. Very hot temperatures, with the potential for record highs are possible from today through the first of next week. ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 100 to 110 degrees today then 108 to 118 degrees Sunday through Tuesday. * WHERE...In Washington, Lower Columbia Basin of Washington. In Oregon, Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There is the possibility that all time record high temperatures will be reached or exceeded during this heat wave. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&What to Know A storm brought snow, sleet and then rain to Philadelphia, the suburbs, South Jersey, Delaware and the Lehigh Valley Wednesday.

SEPTA and Amtrak made schedule changes to deal with the slippery conditions.

Speed and/or travel restrictions were put in place on many area roads including I-76, I-95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike's westbound lanes are open again after a tractor-trailer jackknifed -- and another tractor-trailer slid into the wreck.

The drivers weren't seriously hurt. But the crash shut down the turnpike for about 20 minutes westbound between Exit 320 (Downingtown) and Exit 312 (State Route 29).

It was one of several crashes throughout the region Wednesday, when the NBC10 First Alert Weather Team issued a First Alert for snow, sleet and heavy rain for all neighborhoods that was in effect until 9 p.m.

A woman died in a weather-related accident in Townsend, Delaware, around 1 p.m. Police say she lost control of her vehicle and then crashed into a retention pond. She was unable to escape as her car became submerged with water. Eventually rescue divers got her out and she was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

New Jersey State Police reported that they responded to 167 motor vehicle crashes and 137 motorist aids between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday.

As of 3:00 p.m., the New Jersey State Police have responded to 167 motor vehicle crashes and 137 motorist aids in NJSP patrolled areas since 6:00 a.m this morning. https://t.co/IaqjXrzLm8 pic.twitter.com/3GWKPOX1Ml  NJSP - State Police (@NJSP) February 20, 2019

With schools and offices closed, people were urged to stay home.

ROADS:

PennDOT closed Route 422 eastbound just after Trooper Road due to a chain-reaction crash involving about eight vehicles around 11:30 a.m. All traffic had to exit at Trooper Road. No serious injuries were reported.

The storm spurred travel restrictions and lower speed limits on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (video showed icy conditions on the turnpike) and major interstate highways. In New Jersey, a commercial vehicle restriction was in place on I-295, I-676, I-195, I-78 and other interstates.

PennDOT lowered the speed limit to 45 mph on I-76, I-95, I-295, I-476, I-676, Route 1, Route 30, Route 202 and Route 422. they also lowered the speed limit on routes 63, 100 spur and 309.

RAILS:

SEPTA instituted an Early Exit Schedule that started regional rail rush hour service at 1 p.m. to accommodate people leaving work early. The agency also urged people to use caution "as platforms, parking lots and vehicles may be slippery." The Route 10 Trolley also experienced delays.

Amtrak also canceled or changed some of its Keystone Service trains.

BUSES:

SEPTA made changes to its 103, 104, 110, 114, 117, 119, 12, 120, 124, 125, 14, 18, 19, 27, 32, 38, 40, 44, 46, 48, 52, 57, 58, 64, 7, 92, 95, 97, 99, H, XH routes.

[NATL] 6 Essential Life Hacks for Surviving Cold Winter Weather

AIRPORT:

Philadelphia International Airport reported delays and cancellations. Deicing operations took place Wednesday. Click here to check your flight status. Passengers flying out of Lehigh Valley, Atlantic City or any other area airports should check the status of their flight before heading to the airport.

More than 1,000 flights were grounded around the country.

WALKING:

Take this advice on slippery sidewalks: walk like a penguin.

Stay with the First Alert weather team for frequent updates on this storm, and download the NBC10 app to track the storm as it impacts your neighborhood.An Alabama woman who left home to join the Islamic State group in Syria is not a U.S. citizen and will not be allowed to return to the United States, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday.

In a brief statement that gave no details as to how the determination was reached, Pompeo said Muthana, who says she made a mistake in joining the group and now wants to return with her 18-month-old son, has no "legal basis" to claim American citizenship.

"Ms. Hoda Muthana is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States," Pompeo said. "She does not have any legal basis, no valid U.S. passport, no right to a passport nor any visa to travel to the United States."

Muthana's status had been considered by lawyers from the departments of State and Justice since her case arose, according to one U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official would not elaborate but said Pompeo's statement was based on the lawyers' conclusions.

An attorney for the woman's family, Hassan Shibly, said the administration's position is based on a "complicated" interpretation of the law involving her father.

"They're claiming her dad was a diplomat when she was born, which, in fact, he wasn't," Shibly told The Associated Press.

Muthana was born in 1994 in Hackensack, New Jersey, the lawyer said.

Most people born in the United States are accorded so-called birthright citizenship but there are exceptions.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a person born in the U.S. to a foreign diplomatic officer is not subject to U.S. law and is not automatically considered a U.S. citizen at birth.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Islamic State after becoming radicalized, says she regrets aligning herself with the terrorist organization and wants to return to the United States, Shibly said on Tuesday. He said Muthana is putting herself at risk by speaking out against ISIS from a refugee camp where she has lived since fleeing the group a few weeks ago.

Muthana, who dodged sniper fire and roadside bombs to escape, is ready to pay the penalty for her actions but wants freedom and safety for the son she had with one of two IS fighters she wed, he said. Both men were killed in combat.

In a handwritten letter released by Shibly, Muthana wrote that she made "a big mistake" by rejecting her family and friends in the United States to join the Islamic State.

"During my years in Syria I would see and experience a way of life and the terrible effects of war which changed me," she wrote.

After fleeing her home in suburban Birmingham in late 2014 and resurfacing in Syria, Muthana used social media to advocate violence against the United States. In the letter, Muthana wrote that she didn't understand the importance of freedoms provided by the United States at the time.

"To say that I regret my past words, any pain that I caused my family and any concerns I would cause my country would be hard for me to really express properly," said the letter.

Shibly said Muthana was brainwashed online before she left Alabama and now could have valuable intelligence for U.S. forces, but he said the FBI didn't seem interested in retrieving her from the refugee camp where she is living with her son.

Muthana's father would welcome the woman back, Shibly said, but she is not on speaking terms with her mother.

Ashfaq Taufique, who knows Muthana's family and is president of the Birmingham Islamic Society, said the woman could be a valuable resource for teaching young people about the dangers of online radicalization were she allowed to return to the United States.

"Her coming back could be a very positive thing for our community and our country," Taufique said.A new SEPTA bus route may soon change the way you navigate through Philadelphia.

The new Route 49 is expected to improve travel from University City to other Philadelphia neighborhoods, including Brewerytown, Fairmount, Grays Ferry, and Strawberry Mansion.

"It is part of SEPTA's continuing efforts to improve transit access to employment destinations," a SEPTA spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also said the route will reduce travel times from various locations in Philadelphia to University City.

Buses traveling the route will make stops at the University of Pennsylvania, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, attractions and museums on the Ben Franklin Parkway and Eastern State Penitentiary.

According to SEPTA, its bus, subway, and regional rail services averaged daily ridership of 696,000 people, making it one of the largest and busiest transit authorities in the United States.

The new route will begin operation in Philadelphia Sunday, Feb. 24.What to Know Jacob Sullivan has admitted to killing Grace Packer in 2016 as part of a rape-murder fantasy.

Sullivan still faces the death penalty when he is sentenced.

Grace Packer's adoptive mother, Sara Packer, plans to plead guilty. Her lawyer says she will also testify against Sullivan at sentencing.

Warning: The details of this story are extremely graphic and could be disturbing to some readers.

A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty on Tuesday in the rape, murder and dismemberment of a 14-year-old girl, and the victims adoptive mother has agreed to plead guilty and serve a life sentence.



Jacob Sullivan, 46, pleaded guilty to all charges in the 2016 death of Grace Packer. A jury outside Philadelphia will determine a sentence of either life in prison or death.



Graces adoptive mother, Sara Packer, 44, is expected to testify against Sullivan during the penalty phase of his trial. Packer has agreed to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence, according to her attorney, Keith Williams.

Sullivan was Saras boyfriend.



Prosecutors have said that Sara Packer, a former foster parent and county adoptions supervisor, watched Sullivan act out a rape-murder fantasy they shared.



Sullivans plea hearing was interrupted Tuesday afternoon after he fell ill and was taken to a hospital. The hearing is scheduled to resume Wednesday.



Graces death raised questions about whether child welfare agencies could have done more to protect her. Packer and her husband at the time, David Packer, cared for dozens of foster children before David was arrested in 2010 and sent to prison for sexually assaulting Grace and a 15-year-old foster daughter at their home in Allentown, about an hour north of Philadelphia. She lost her job as a Northampton County adoptions supervisor in 2010 and was barred from taking in any more foster children.



The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services launched an investigation after Grace Packers murder but its findings have not been made public.



Sullivan beat and raped Grace, and she was bound, gagged and left to die in a sweltering attic, authorities have said. Returning the next day and finding Grace was still alive, Sullivan strangled her, court documents said. The couple stored her body in cat litter for months, then hacked it up and dumped it in a remote area where hunters found it in October 2016, police have said.



Sullivan, whose attorney had said Sarah Packer masterminded the killing , entered his plea as jury selection was about to get underway. Packers trial was expected to begin next month.What to Know Three of five law enforcement agencies involved in high-profile chases in January would not make their pursuit policies public.

Pursuits in Pennsylvania rose for the fifth straight year in 2017, the most recent year where data is available.

Pursuits by Delaware state police are also up in recent years. Most chases in both states are initiated because of traffic violations.

The NBC10 Investigators discovered some officers were in the dark during police pursuits in Delaware and Pennsylvania. We found out more about policies surrounding what happens when police decide to chase after suspects.

Meghan Stone-Kirts still can't find out from Wilmington police, or Pennsylvania state police, or Delaware state police, what happened leading up to a devastating crash Jan. 9 on Interstate 95.

That day, she and her family became caught in the middle of a chaotic, violent police pursuit that began in Delaware's biggest city and ended in Philadelphia. Her 3-year-old son, David Tillman, suffered the worst injuries of several people hurt in a pileup after the chase crossed state lines. He suffered multiple skull fractures and spinal injuries.

She remembers her car getting thwacked multiple times by police vehicles.

"One minute you're leaving Denny's and you're driving to New York, and the next minute, you see a black SUV take off your mirror," Stone-Kirts said in an interview. "I was getting ready to pull over, then next minute, I'm being hit by several cops."

As Stone-Kirts and her husband, Bill Kirts, were trying to pull three children from their wrecked vehicle, she said her family was an afterthought: "Nobody asked, are we okay. They're like, 'Oh, we're chasing a murder suspect.'"

That suspect, Dejuan Robinson, who was wanted in connection to multiple homicides, remains on the loose. It still is unclear if he was in the vehicle that eventually crashed into a bus in Philadelphia.

The chase was one of three incidents in the first nine days of 2019 that involved Delaware authorities and crossed state lines into Pennsylvania. The other two involved a suspect, Keith Campbell, who eluded Delaware police Jan. 1 and eventually crashed in South Philadelphia, killing three people; and a naked driver heading the wrong way on Interstate 95.

Stone-Kirts's futile attempts thus far to get answers  "I've called Wilmington police 36 times" ... "Pennsylvania won't even answer our phone calls"  may be a result of the broader secrecy that surrounds police pursuits in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Three of five law enforcement agencies that took part in the January chases told NBC10 that their pursuit policies are not public record: the City of Wilmington and the Town of Newport, the Delaware municipalities where pursuits of Robinson and Campbell originated, respectively; and Pennsylvania state police.

"PSP does have a written regulation concerning vehicle pursuit," Pennsylvania state police spokesman Ryan Tarkowski said in an email. "It is not publicly available for the obvious reason that public knowledge would allow too much insight to people who would want to run from the police."

Philadelphia police have their policy posted online, and Delaware state police provided their policy to NBC10 through a right-to-know request. The Delaware agency's guidelines, however, are redacted in sections that include reasons for pursuing suspects and protocols for communication with other law enforcement authorities during chases.

The lack of transparency doesn't answer questions that arose from the string of interstate pursuits.

NBC10 examined all publicly available communications between state police agencies and municipal departments, and sought more details about the policies that govern those communications.

During the incidents involving Robinson and Campbell, Delaware authorities notified Pennsylvania state police's Media barracks in Delaware County, according to the law enforcement agencies. But communication between the state agencies and Philadelphia is less clear.

Philadelphia police would not discuss communications leading up to the fatal Mummers crash early Jan. 2, but city police did say Wilmington police dispatch told Philadelphia police dispatch by telephone of the Jan. 9 pursuit of Robinson.

Police chases rose in recent years in both states, according to records reviewed by NBC10.

Pennsylvania state police releases an annual report on the hundreds of police chases involving all law enforcement agencies in the Keystone state. The most recent report, for 2017, showed an increase in pursuits for a fifth straight year.

Delaware state police provided pursuit statistics for its own agency that showed high numbers of pursuits in recent years compared to earlier in the decade.

"We're very proud of our policy, especially our pursuit policy. We regularly and consistently review that policy," Delaware state police spokesman Richard Bratz said in an interview. "Its always looked at to see if any adjustments need to be made, but were very proud of our current policy."

Bratz added that the agency is consistently analyzing pursuits, from a cross-department communications standpoint and for overall outcomes.

"I can tell you right now, the communication, if there is a lack of communication, we look at that as a chance to learn something. Were not perfect I can tell you that," he said. "We look at that as an opportunity to say, 'Hey, how could we do things better?'"

Delaware state police for the last five years have averaged 108 pursuits annually. The vast majority of those events have ended in two ways: the chases were called off or the suspect was caught. Only 16 times in five years did pursuits end in a suspect eluding police.

2019, however, got off to a very bad start for the agency.

In the first 10 days of the year, five pursuits involved Delaware troopers. Four ended with the suspect eluding police, according to data provided to NBC10.

The data shows Delaware troopers called off pursuits 160 times since 2014. Bratz, the spokesman, said troopers always weigh the value of continuing a chase versus the threat to the public.

In both states, a majority of chases in the last five years began when troopers noticed traffic-related violations.

A 3-year-old boy who was injured after a suspect led police on a multi-state chase is back home with his family after being treated at the hospital. He is experiencing severe mood swings, memory loss, and is still in pain which will require ongoing medical care that isnt covered by insurance. His family is now fighting to get justice for...

A police expert, Geoff Alpert, said it is common for minor violations to most often pre-empt pursuits.

"We see across the country: Maybe 60 to 70 percent of the pursuits are for traffic," Alpert, a criminal justice professor at South Carolina University, said. "A very limited number, maybe 10 percent, are for violent crimes. The rest are for property crimes."

He said the root cause of the pursuit should dictate when to call off a chase.

"It has to be something where the person has either threatened to or has hurt another person. Otherwise it's just money and it's just property," Alpert said. "We're risking people's lives by these chases and I think we've got to be very, very concerned about the potential for a collision, an injury and a death."

That potential became reality for Stone-Kirts's son, David Tillman, who suffered multiple skull fractures and damage to his spine. The two traveled back up I-95 in February from their home in Baltimore to visit specialists at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The little boy may need more surgery, Stone-Kirts said.

"We have no answers from the police. They haven't contacted us," she said. "It's been one month ... The guy's not caught, so it makes me ask them, 'Are you really searching for this guy?' What are you guys hiding from us?"President Donald Trump said Wednesday it will be up to newly confirmed Attorney General William Barr to release special counsel Robert Muller's report on the Russia investigation, NBC News reported.

"That'll be totally up to the new attorney general," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if the report should be released while the president is in Vietnam next week. "He's a tremendous man, a tremendous person who really respects this country and respects the Justice Department," Trump said of Barr.

Trump is going to Vietnam for a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

NBC News previously reported that Mueller is nearing the end of his sprawling investigation into Russian election interference and possible links between Trump campaign associates and the Russian government, which began more than two years ago.The Trump administration is launching a global campaign to end the criminalization of homosexuality in dozens of nations where it's still illegal to be gay, NBC News reported. The effort is aimed in part at denouncing Iran over its human rights record.

Led by U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, the highest-profile openly gay person in the administration and an outspoken Iran critic, the initiative launches Tuesday with a strategy dinner at the U.S. embassy in Berlin.

Narrowly focused on criminalization, rather than broader LGBTQ issues like same-sex marriage, the campaign was conceived partly in response to the recent reported execution by hanging of a young gay man in Iran, the Trump administrations top geopolitical foe.Editor's Note: The pilot who was killed in the crash was falsely identified as a former Chicago officer by officials and a woman who said she was his daughter. The Orange County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday the pilot was discovered to have law enforcement credentials that were not his. Read updated story here.

The pilot who died when his Cessna airplane broke apart and crashed into a Yorba Linda home Sunday, also killing four people inside the home, was a 75-year-old restaurant owner in Carson City, Nevada, officials and family said Monday.

The plane nose-dived onto the 19000 block of Crestknoll Drive at about 1:45 p.m., Orange County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. The 1981 twin-engine Cessna 414A took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport about 10 minutes before the crash, according to National Transportation Safety Board Investigator Eliott Simpson.

The pilot was identified as 75-year-old Antonio Pastini. His daughter told NBC4 Monday that his birth name was Jordan Isaacson. An employee at his restaurant, Kim Lee's Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, declined to comment, citing the wishes of the family.

Radar data indicated the plane made a left turn and climbed 7,800 feet before crashing into the house, leaving the cabin in a ravine behind the house and debris scattered over four blocks, Simpson said. No information is available yet regarding why the plane crashed, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Cameron Rossman said.

The pilot was flying solo. Two males and two females were killed inside the house, Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Cory Martino said, but their names were withheld pending notification of next of kin. Two injured victims were hospitalized with burn injuries. Their conditions were unknown. One firefighter suffered an ankle injury, Rossman said.

NTSB investigator Maja Smith told reporters that many witnesses saw the plane's wings fall off before it crashed. A total of 72 firefighters from the OCFA, Anaheim and Orange were dispatched to the scene, he said.

NTSB investigators expected to spend Monday gathering evidence and picking up the pieces of the aircraft before it is taken to a storage facility in Phoenix, Simpson said. A preliminary crash report will be available in 10-14 days, he said. Nearby Glenknoll Elementary school, at 6361 Glenknoll Dr., was closed Monday for the investigation, authorities said.What to Know Two loaded handguns were seized by TSA officers at Newark Liberty International Airport checkpoints mere hours apart, the TSA says

The incidents occurred Monday at the Terminal C checkpoint and resulted in the arrest of two individuals

Mondays gun seizures mark first two guns caught at TSA checkpoints at Newark Liberty International Airport so far this year, officials say

Two loaded handguns were seized by TSA officers at Newark Liberty International Airport checkpoints mere hours apart, the Transportation Security Administration announced.

The incidents occurred Monday at the Terminal C checkpoint and resulted in the arrest of two individuals.

TSA says around 8 a.m. Monday, officers spotted a .45 caliber handgun in a carry-on bag in the checkpoint X-ray machine. The handgun was allegedly loaded with nine bullets, including one in the chamber.

The traveler, a man from Huntigton Valley, Pennsylvania, was subsequently arrested by Port Authority Police, according to TSA.

About six hours later, a Fort Pierce, Florida, resident was arrested by Port Authority Police with a loaded 022 caliber handgun in his carry-on bag following an X-ray checkpoint.

Authorities do not believe the incidents are related.

Mondays gun seizures mark the first two guns caught at TSA checkpoints at Newark Liberty International Airport so far this year, officials say.

Last year, 14 guns were caught at the airports checkpoints  a record for the most firearms caught at the airport in one calendar year, according to the TSA.

Nationwide last year, 4,239 firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the country, averaging about 11.6 firearms per day, an approximate 7 percent increase in firearm discoveries compared to the 3,957 detected in 2017. Eighty-six percent of firearms detected at checkpoints last year were loaded and nearly 34 percent had a bullet in the chamber.What to Know A driver on drugs hit a guardrail and crashed into a gas station, ripping the roof off another car, law enforcement sources said

The crash happened in Wayne, New Jersey Tuesday morning, the sources said

A father, his 17-year-old son, and a gas station attendant died, the sources said. The driver survived after being administered Narcan

UPDATE: Alleged High Driver in NJ Crash That Killed 3 Is Identified



Three people, including a father and his teenage son, died when a driver allegedly high on drugs hit a guardrail and crashed into a gas station in New Jersey Tuesday, law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation tell News 4.



The crash on Route 23 in Wayne was so violent it tore the roof off the vehicle of the father and his 17-year-old son, the sources said. They were both pronounced dead at the scene. A gas station attendant also died.

Three cars are seen smashed to pieces after a crash in Wayne, New Jersey, Tuesday morning.

The father has been identified as Jon Warbeck, and his son Luke Warbeck. The employee who was killed was identified by relatives as Lovedeep Fatra.

Gas station worker Tito Krishnamurthy had just stepped away from the gas pumps when the car barreled into the station.

"We've never had anything like this before," he said, stunned.

Fatra was in his early 20s and had moved to the U.S. from India a year ago to pursue a better life, according to relatives.

"His parents are devastated overseas," said cousin Novdeep Singh. "He speaks to them every day. Day and night. I don't know what to make of it."

The driver survived after being administered Narcan at the scene, the sources said. The driver's identity has not been released.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office said more information would be released as it becomes available.

The crash happened around 8:45 a.m., prosecutors said.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and MoreWhat to Know A wintry mix expected to move through the tri-state overnight could make roads slippery on Monday morning, Storm Team 4 says

The system will bring some snow to the tri-state, with New York City, Long Island and central New Jersey expected to see up to 1 inch

The storm is expected to have minimal impacts because Monday is a holiday

A wintry mix moved through the tri-state overnight made roads slippery on Monday morning, Storm Team 4 says.

The system brought some snow to the tri-state, with New York City, Long Island and central New Jersey expected to see up to 1 inch.

As temperatures warm up after midnight, the snow changed to a wintry mix inland and to rain along the coast, making for slippery roads on Monday morning, Storm Team 4 says.

The suburbs north and west of the city saw anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow, while the Catskills and Poconos were expected to get between 3 and 5 inches of snow, according to Storm Team 4.

Monday could see a high of 41 degrees, with a lingering rain or snow shower.

Winter weather advisories were in effect for much of the region. See the latest advisories here.

New York City issued a travel advisory urging residents to take mass transit and be careful outside.

Newark issued a traffic advisory for snow, sleet and rain that could produce flooding.

Newburgh, which was expecting more than 2 inches of snow, declared a snow emergency.

[NATL] Extreme Weather Photos: Record Heat Threatens EuropeThe federal government has acknowledged that it shares its terrorist watchlist with more than 1,400 private entities, including hospitals and universities, prompting concerns from civil libertarians that those mistakenly placed on the list could face a wide variety of hassles in their daily lives.

The government's admission that it shares the list so broadly comes after years of insistence that the list is generally not shared with the private sector.

Gadeir Abbas, a lawyer with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which has filed a constitutional challenge to the government's use of the watchlist, called the government's admission shocking.

"We've always suspected there was private-sector dissemination of the terror watchlist, but we had no idea the breadth of the dissemination would be so large," Abbas said.

The watchlist is supposed to include only those who are known or suspected terrorists but contains hundreds of thousands of names. The government's no-fly list is culled from a small subset of the watchlist.

Critics say that the watchlist is wildly overbroad and mismanaged, and that large numbers of people wrongly included on the list suffer routine difficulties and indignities because of their inclusion.

The government's admission comes in a class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in Alexandria by Muslims who say they regularly experience difficulties in travel, financial transactions and interactions with law enforcement because they have been wrongly added to the list. The Associated Press is the first to report on the disclosure after reviewing the case documents.

Abbas said now that the government has disclosed how many private entities receive access to the Terrorist Screening Database, the official name of the watchlist, it now needs to explain exactly which private entities are receiving it and what they're doing with it. He's asked a judge to require the government to be more specific. A hearing is scheduled for Friday.

"Are universities taking TSDB status into account in making admission or disciplinary decisions? Are Inova Alexandria Hospital's building security personnel screening visitors against the TSDB and denying entry to listees? Is Motorola screening its software engineers who work on cellular infrastructure equipment against the TSDB and firing listees? Plaintiffs have no idea," Abbas and co-counsels Lena Masri and Carolyn Homer wrote in a brief submitted Friday.

In depositions and in court hearings, government officials had denied until very recently that the watchlist compiled by the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center is shared with private entities. At a pretrial hearing in September, government lawyer Dena Roth told U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga that the Terrorist Screening Center "does not work with private partners, and that watchlist status itself ... is considered law enforcement sensitive information and is not shared with the public."

Despite that assurance, the judge ordered the government to be more specific about how it disseminates the watchlist. Trenga said the plaintiffs are entitled to the information to try to prove their case that inclusion on the list causes them to suffer "real world consequences."

In response to Trenga's order, TSC Deputy Director of Operations Timothy Groh filed a written statement earlier this month acknowledging that 1,441 private entities have received permission to access the watchlist. Groh says those private entities must be in some way connected to the criminal justice system. He cited police forces at private universities, hospital security staff and private correctional facilities as examples.

It is not clear what restrictions are placed on how private institutions use the list.

The FBI did not respond to emails and phone calls seeking comment.

Hugh Handeyside, attorney with the ACLU's National Security project, said the government's disclosure is "noteworthy in that it corroborates what we've long suspected, but it still leaves unanswered several important questions." He said more information is needed to know how private entities use the information.

"The likelihood of stigma or adverse consequences is increased" every time the government shares the list with a private organization, a foreign government or any other agency, he said.

The exact number on the list is kept secret by the government, but it acknowledged in an earlier lawsuit that it adds hundreds of thousands of names to the list every year. It also emphasized that names are routinely removed from the list.

In some quarters, the government has been criticized for failing to widely disseminate the list to private agencies who might need to know about suspected terrorists. A 2007 report from a government watchdog criticized the government for just that.

Abbas, though, said the problem with disseminating the list is that the list itself is so faulty and littered with so many innocent names that, for all practical matters, the list is merely a compilation of "innocent Muslims who have never committed a crime."

"It is a fool's errand," Abbas said of the watchlist's purported goal. "They are trying to predict, among the innocent, which people will be terrorists. That is an impossibility."Wait, I owe the IRS?

The first tax filing season under the new federal tax law is proving to be surprising, confusing  and occasionally frightening  for some Americans, especially those accustomed to getting money back from the government.

Take Andy Kraft and Amy Elias of Portland, Oregon. The couple had grown comfortable getting a small refund each year, a few hundred dollars or more. Then they found out they owe $10,160 this year.

"I will never forget the moment, I thought 'We look good' and then we added in the next W-2 and my jaw hit the floor," Kraft said. "There was no way I wanted to believe that what I was looking at was accurate."

President Donald Trump promised a reduction in taxes with the new law. And by most measures, the majority of Americans will see one. The nonpartisan Tax Policy Center projected the tax law would reduce individual income taxes by about $1,260 on average, although it benefits higher earners more.

Some people already saw the benefit in the form of bigger paychecks. That's because the law forced employers to change what they withheld. But the system is far from perfect, and many workers didn't have enough in taxes set aside. Now, the IRS wants that money.

In addition, the law also eliminated personal exemptions, increased child credits, limited popular deductions and generally upended many familiar practices that determine what happens at tax time. That has taxpayers feeling a bit unmoored.

"We were very comfortable with our tax law, it had basically been there since 1986, suddenly all these things that were very important to people changed ... it's all different," said Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center.

Kraft and Elias are able to pay their tax bill but he's still stunned. He even tried to reverse-engineer things to figure out where they went wrong, diving into page after page of IRS rules. He painstakingly put together all the numbers. The couple ultimately asked a CPA to verify the figures they were seeing on TurboTax. Crushingly, they were correct.

The couple's effective tax rate was lower, but they still owed the government.

"I feel like I have reached a stage of grief of acceptance," he said. "In a twisted way I should have been paying this all year and now I just have to pay it in one lump sum."

A number of experts such as Gleckman are urging taxpayers to obsess less about their refund or what they owe when measuring the effect of the new tax law. These are just a sliver of your tax picture.

But the truth is, many Americans have come to rely on refunds. About three-quarters of U.S. taxpayers typically get one and they had averaged around $2,800. For some low-income households it is the biggest cash infusion of the year.

The IRS reported Thursday that the average tax refund as of the second week of filing season was $1,949, down 8.7 percent from the year earlier. The total number of refunds is down 16 percent.

Experts caution it is too early to draw conclusions about a tax season that ends in April. Plus, the number of returns  27 million as of Feb. 8  is down 10 percent from a year ago, due in part to the partial government shutdown. The picture will become much clearer as more filings are processed, refunds are issued and the IRS gets back up to full speed.

All the same, the initial results have surprised early filers and worried those who haven't yet tackled their taxes.

Part of the problem centers around how employees and employers adjusted (or didn't adjust) withholdings from paychecks to account for the law's changes. The government issued updated withholding guidelines to help employers determine how much to set aside from an employee's paycheck to cover taxes. Withhold too much and you get a refund at tax time; too little and you owe.

It is at best, an estimate. But it's an estimate that grew drastically more difficult to make under the new law.

The Government Accountability Office estimated in a report last summer that about 30 million workers had too little withheld from their paychecks, which made their take-home pay bigger but increased their tax liability. That's about 3 million more workers than normal.

Few taxpayers appear to have heeded the IRS' advice to do a "paycheck checkup" to make sure they had the proper amount withheld. Payroll processor ADP, which is responsible for paying one out of every six Americans, said the vast majority of people in its system didn't update their withholdings last year.

Some taxpayers who did make adjustments found they couldn't get it quite right.

Kevin McCreanor of Milton, Georgia and his wife normally get a sizeable refund each year  it was more than $12,000 last year. While they know waiting for a large refund isn't the best strategy financially, they like a refund and they put anything they get back toward their daughters' education. Their income, earned primarily from his wife's job in telecom, can vary greatly, so there was comfort in never facing a big bill.

The couple increased her paycheck withholdings to ensure the same but found they are only getting back $519 this year. Their income and tax rate did increase, and McCreanor acknowledges there is probably more he could have done to prepare but he is very disappointed all the same.

Some surprises were welcome, however. Brian Goodell and his wife typically face a tax bill of anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 each year. But this year the Tigard, Oregon couple is getting a $15,000 refund. They believe they got some benefit from the increased child tax credit. They also made more charitable donations and increased their withholdings. While Goodell isn't entirely sure why it worked out so well, he'll gladly take the refund.

Taxpayers can get a better sense of how they fared by looking at their tax liability or effective tax rate. This information is often available on the summary received from an accountant or tax preparation software. They can also look at the "total tax" on those summaries or form 1040. These are not perfect measures either, but provide some perspective.

And remember that getting a refund is not necessarily a good thing. Breaking even is really the best outcome from an economic point of view. If you get a refund, that means the government has been holding onto your money when you could have been using it.

Additionally, consider that taxes are rarely an equal comparison from year-to-year, said Eric Bronnenkant, the head of tax at Betterment and a CPA and certified financial planner. People's lives change in ways that can dramatically influence their taxes, such as marriages, divorces, kids, moving or job changes. The average taxpayer may not realize the full impact some of these changes might have.

"I am not surprised by the reaction people are having," Bronnekant said. "I think for some people the reaction is more justified than others."Four-year-old Emelia Gonzalez already got her measles vaccine. In fact, her parents never thought twice about it.

"I trust that the vaccine will protect my daughter, versus kids that have the disease," Luis Gonzalez said.

Although measles was declared eliminated 20 years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are 101 new cases of the virus across 10 states already this year.

None of the cases are in Florida, but Dr. Yuneisy Garcia says one in 10 parents who come to her office wants to skip the shot for their kids.

"Every single day we're seeing more and more parents refusing the vaccine for their children," Garcia said.

Medical professionals at Baptist Health South Florida blame misinformation for the increase of unvaccinated children.

"States that allow exemptions for religious reasons or ideological reasons or philosophical reasons, those are the states that have seen our breaks in recent times," said Aileen M. Marty.

Physicians say the added concern for South Florida is that it's a tourist magnet. Visitors could bring the virus here.

"The biggest risk we have is we're really a vacation spot," said Dr. Fernando G. Mendoza. "We have a lot of travelers coming in. Two-thirds of all the cases in the United States of measles are actually contracted from going out of the country, and coming back in, or through outside travelers to expose you to measles."

Garcia says when parents are against vaccines, she tries to change their minds with proven facts.

"That's why it's really important that all parents are aware of that very contagious disease can be prevented with the vaccine," she said.

For more information about measles and the vaccine, visit the CDC's website.Police arrested James Caruso in a Sunrise parking lot for having a handful of hydrocodone pills. That was in 2002.

Seventeen years later, he's still behind bars and has eight years left on his sentence.

"It's really sad for us as a family, he has missed so much in our lives," said his sister, Adriana Friedman.

Caruso family

James missed his sister's high school and college graduations, her wedding, the birth of her first child and the funeral of their father.

"This doesn't just affect him, it affects the entire family," she said. James was sentenced under old Florida guidelines that have since been revised. If he committed the same offense today, he would receive a seven-year sentence, not 25 years.

"The punishment doesn't match the crime, it doesn't match at all," said Adriana.

Caruso family

Last year, voters approved Amendment 11 which changed the Florida constitution.

One of the things it did was allowing lawmakers to retroactively change criminal sentences if the guidelines were revised after a prisoner was convicted. But James is still behind bars and his family worries he'll have to fulfill his original sentence keeping him in prison until 2023.

In a letter to the NBC6 Investigators, James wrote in part, "I am not an innocent man wrongfully accused. I am a man serving a sentence that is no longer considered acceptable and no longer given."

James went on to write that he suffered from addiction for years before his arrest but said he has turned his life around in prison. He received a bachelor's degree in biblical studies.

Caruso family

"He's a non-violent drug offender and he's still sitting there," said Adriana. "We're looking for someone who's going to be a trailblazer and help us get him out of there."

The NBC6 Investigators analyzed statewide conviction data and found James isn't the only one serving a drug sentence under old guidelines. Data shows there are more than 1,100 people like James who have been sentenced to prison for similar drug crimes. And that's just in the past decade.

Greg Newburn, the director of state policy for Florida Against Mandatory Minimums, says there's no reason James should still be behind bars.

"It's a complete waste of everyone's time and resources to keep these people locked up for even one more day," said Newburn.

What's unclear with the amendment passing is if the courts can allow inmates to automatically petition to have their sentence reviewed or if lawmakers have to take action first.

Senator Darryl Rouson of St. Petersburg isn't waiting. He filed a bill this month that, if passed, would allow statewide amendments to apply retroactively. The bill would allow James to immediately petition the court for a resentencing hearing. The bill will be heard by a senate committee soon.

Caruso family

"We're here and we're fighting and we don't stop, we're not going to until he's home with us," said Adriana.

Since James was sentenced 17 years ago, Florida lawmakers also changed the amount of the fine he was ordered to pay. If the crime happened today, it would be a $100,000 fine. James was ordered to pay $500,000 back in 2002. It's a fine that is still unpaid.What to Know American women are coming forward with stories of sexual assaults at popular vacation resort destinations

Jamaica and the Bahamas are flagged as critical threat locations, according to the State Department

A former State Department special agent urges tourists to research their destinations, especially crime statistics and police response

Turquoise water, white sand beaches, and carefree days by the pool -- these are the images of paradise that vacation resorts want you to see. But a shadow has been cast over some of the top vacation spots in the world as the State Department issues dire safety warnings.

In a story first reported by WNBC, New Jersey couple Ashley and Jeffrey Pascarella learned the hard way when they and their closest friends and family flew to a Sandals resort in the Bahamas to celebrate their wedding.

"It really just one of the most memorable trip of our lives, up until the night of our wedding," said Ashley Pascarella.

After their welcome party, a butler assigned to their room brought up water and snacks. Jeffrey headed to the bathroom with the butler close behind.

"I told him I have to get ready, so we have to go," Jeffrey recounted. "He gets up, follows me. I go to the bathroom and he leaves."

But the butler, they said, snuck back into the room and headed straight for the bed where Ashley was asleep.

"He was standing over me next to the bed," said Ashley. "His hands were in my pants."

Ivy Lee said she was also molested at a Sunscape resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

A man who worked for a beach vendor at the hotel offered to teach her how to swim. She remembers trying to float while he was holding her up in the water.

"He starts touching me, Im like 'no, no, no!'" Lee recalled.

Since 2011, the Embassy in Jamaica has recorded 78 reports of rapes or sexual assaults of American tourists. Year after year, the State Department has issued warnings of "sexual assaults perpetrated by hotel employees at resort hotels."

Jamaica and the Bahamas, where Ashley and Ivy vacationed, are both flagged as "critical" threat locations.

Both women said finding justice is not easy.

Because of their persistence, the Pascarellas say they were able to file a police report and their butler was arrested. He eventually pleaded guilty to indecent assault.

In Lees case, she was on her way to the police, but said she changed her mind after talking to a hotel worker.

"He told me that after I filed the report, the police would go and arrest him and that he would sit in jail until the court date," Lee recalled. "And that I would have to return on my own expense for the trial, but in my heart I knew I would never return."

A spokesperson for Sunsplash said "in any instance, crimes of sexual assault are horrific and our empathy is with the people affected by them."

Former State Department special agent and current Senior Director of Security Risk Management at Kroll, a division of Duff & Phelps, Matthew Dumpert says reporting the crime to police is critical, even if its not easy, as well as contacting the U.S. embassy.

"They understand the local culture and the local judicial system," said Dumpert. "They might be able to give you some assistance."

Sandals offered to refund the Pascarellas for the trip but only if they agreed to sign an agreement and to remove all social media posts and online comments about their trip. The couple refused and filed suit against Sandals instead. Their attorney is in the process of serving the lawsuit.

"They were trying to keep it quiet as possible," said attorney John Iannuzzi. "It can be quite damaging if it became widespread and known that these things happen."

In a statement, Sandals, which has 24 resorts in the Caribbean, sent a statement that reads: "The narrative that the Pascarellas are presenting is contrary to the statements collected from them at the time of the alleged incident. These allegations present a self-serving, one-sided and incomplete version of an incident reported in 2016. The plaintiffs have unfortunately embarked to influence the case based on a one-sided narrative in the media. Sandals intends to vigorously defend itself in court against these allegations and looks forward to presenting the full picture of all the facts and circumstances surrounding this reported incident from 2016 within the appropriate legal forum."

Dumpert said doing research can go a long way. Instead of focusing on the hotel amenities, find out the environment of the place you are visiting. What types of crimes are being committed? And are the local police aggressive about making arrests?

"They dont want bad headlines. They dont want bad press and they dont want to deter the foreign income they rely on for tourism dollars."The student who stared and smiled at an elderly Native American protester drumming in his face outside the Lincoln Memorial as his schoolmates chanted and laughed says he did nothing to provoke the man in the videotaped confrontation and was only trying to calm the situation.

The student identified himself in an email statement Sunday evening as junior Nick Sandmann of Covington Catholic High School in a northern Kentucky suburb of Cincinnati. An official working with the family confirmed Sandmann's identity, speaking on condition of anonymity because the source didn't want to distract from the statement.

Videos posted of the confrontation drew wide criticism on social media. "I am being called every name in the book, including a racist, and I will not stand for this mob-like character assassination of my family's name," wrote Sandmann, who added that he and his parents have received death threats since video of Friday's confrontation emerged.

Both Sandmann and Nathan Phillips say they were trying to defuse tensions that were rising among three groups on a day Washington hosted both the March for Life and the Indigenous Peoples March. But video of Sandmann standing very close to Phillips, staring and at times smiling at him as Phillips sang and played a drum, gave many who watched it a different impression. Other students appeared to be laughing at the drummer; and at least one could be seen on video doing a tomahawk chop.

Buckner broke out in a big way in his third NFL season. The Oregon product finished the year with a career-high 12 sacks, tying for the 14th most in the league.

The dueling accounts emerged Sunday as the nation picked apart footage from dozens of cellphones that recorded the incident on Friday in Washington amid an increasingly divided political climate fueled by a partial government shutdown over immigration policy.

Phillips had approached Sandmann, but well before that, both his group and Sandmann's, which had taken part in the anti-abortion rally, were confronted by a third group that appeared to be affiliated with the Black Hebrew Israelite movement.

Videos show members of the religious group yelling disparaging and profane insults at the students, who taunt them in return. Video also shows the Native Americans being insulted by the small religious group.

Sandmann wrote that the students were called "racists," ''bigots," ''white crackers" and "incest kids" by the third group. He said a teacher chaperone gave the students permission to begin their school chants "to counter the hateful things that were being shouted at our group."

One of those chants, however, is what led Phillips and Marcus Frejo, a member of the Pawnee and Seminole tribes, to approach the youths.

It was a haka  a war dance of New Zealand's indigenous Maori culture, made famous by the country's national rugby team. Frejo, who is also known as Chief Quese Imc, told the AP in a phone interview that he felt the students were mocking the dance.

Phillips, an activist described by the Indian Country Today website as an Omaha elder and Vietnam War veteran, said in an interview with The Associated Press that he was trying to keep peace between the high school students and the religious group.

He said he heard people chanting "Build that wall" or yelling, "Go back to the reservation." At one point, he said, he sought to ascend to the Lincoln statue and "pray for our country." Some students backed off, but one student wouldn't let him move, he added.

"They were making remarks to each other ... (such as) 'In my state those Indians are nothing but a bunch of drunks.' How do I report that?" Phillips said. "These young people were just roughshodding through our space, like what's been going on for 500 years here  just walking through our territories, feeling like 'this is ours.'"

Sandmann said he heard no student chant anything beyond school spirit chants, and that he hadn't even been aware of the Native American group until Phillips approached him.

"The protester everyone has seen in the video began playing his drum as he waded into the crowd, which parted for him. I did not see anyone try to block his path," Sandmann wrote. "He locked eyes with me and approached me, coming within inches of my face. He played his drum the entire time he was in my face."

Sandmann said one of the Native American protesters yelled at them that they "stole our land" and they should "go back to Europe," but that he never spoke to or interacted with Phillips. "To be honest, I was startled and confused as to why he had approached me."

He wrote that he "believed that by remaining motionless and calm, I was helping defuse the situation."

"I said a silent prayer that the situation would not get out of hand," he wrote. He said the incident ended when the buses arrived and his teacher told him it was time to leave.

Though many commenting on the internet were taken back by Sandmann staring at Philipps, the teen said he was "not intentionally making faces at the protestor. I did smile at one point because I wanted him to know that I was not going to become angry, intimidated or be provoked into a larger confrontation." He said he had never encountered any kind of public protest before.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington apologized for the incident on Saturday, saying "this behavior is opposed to the Church's teachings on the dignity and respect of the human person." They promised to take "appropriate action, up to and including expulsion."

Sandmann said he has provided a copy of his statement to the diocese and said: "I stand ready and willing to cooperate with any investigation they are conducting." A spokeswoman for the diocese did not return an email Sunday night.

Covington Catholic High School, in the northern Kentucky city of Park Hills, was quiet Sunday as the area remained snow-covered with temperatures in the teens. The all-male school, which has more than 580 students, appeared deserted with an empty police car parked in front of the building.

Associated Press writer Lisa Cornwell contributed.

CORRECTION (Jan. 23, 4:07 p.m. ET): The Associated Press reported that Indian Country Today said the Native American, Nathan Phillips, was a Vietnam veteran. Military records show that he served in the U.S. Marine Corps but did not serve in Vietnam.

Lawmakers in the Oregon Senate approved a bill Tuesday that aims to protect home renters amid a statewide housing crisis, with the measure restricting landlords from terminating a tenancy and from imposing large rent increases.

The bill passed on Tuesday with 17 in favor and 11 opposed. It now goes to the House.

Sen. Tim Knopp, a Republican from Bend, said before he voted against the measure that it doesn't address the supply issue. Oregon has a serious shortage of affordable housing.

But in testimony for a recent hearing on the bill, Bend resident Eric Lint said it is needed because rents are skyrocketing, causing multiple impacts.

He said the medical lab where he works is chronically understaffed, with potential hires citing a lack of affordable housing in Bend, a town that lies in the shadow of the Cascade Range and has attracted droves of outdoor enthusiasts, retirees and entrepreneurs, causing a population boom.

Lint's hourly pay has risen 8 percent over five years. Meanwhile, his rent has increased 66 percent. He plans to move away in the fall.

Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Rogue Valley, told fellow senators before he voted yes that the alternative to the bill is to say: "Sorry Oregon renters, you're on your own."

The Oregon Rental Housing Association, which describes itself as the only state association whose focus is the smaller rental owner/operator, has a neutral position on the bill.

"After reviewing this bill, I believe most landlords will be able to adapt and operate within the parameters," said Jim Straub, the rental association's legislative director. He said in written testimony the proposed law protects good tenants while not encouraging landlords to leave the business and invest their money elsewhere.

The bill prohibits a landlord from terminating month-to-month tenancy without cause after 12 months of occupancy. It also limits maximum rent increases to once per year, and to 7 percent above the annual change in the consumer price index.

It also allows a landlord to terminate tenancy with 90 days' written notice and payment of one month's rent, with exemptions in some cases. A landlord can refuse to renew a fixed term tenancy if the tenant receives three lease violation warnings within 12 months and the landlord gives 90 days' notice.

Another bill, on the House side of the Legislature, addresses the housing shortage. That bill had a public hearing Monday.

It would require cities and counties to allow duplexes and some higher-density housing  but not large apartment complexes  in lands zoned for single-family dwellings.

Under Oregon law, cities and towns have urban growth boundaries to control urban expansion onto farms and forests. But zoning within those boundaries has historically been handled by local governments, said House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland. Kotek told reporters Monday she expects "pushback" from cities.

"This is new for the state to come in and look for additional allowances in residential areas," she said Monday before she testified at the public hearing.

Around 30,000 housing units must be built per year to meet the current deficit in housing and to build for the future as more people move to the state, Kotek said.

Kotek is a co-sponsor of the Senate bill on renter protections, along with Sen. Ginny Burdick, who is from Portland and is the Senate majority leader; and Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson, D-Gresham.A California rapper who was fatally shot by police after he was found unresponsive in his car was struck by around 25 bullets, according to a lawyer for his family, NBC News reported.

Vallejo police said they were responding to a call of man slumped behind the wheel of a car with the engine running when they noticed 20-year-old Willie McCoy had a gun in his lap. Officials said McCoy abruptly moved and six officers "fearing for their safety" opened fire outside a Bay Area Taco Bell.

The local rapper, who is known as Willie Bo and performed with the group FBG, sustained injuries to his face, throat, shoulders, chest and arm, Oakland attorney Melissa Nold said.

"Overkill is an understatement," Nold said, noting one of the shots blew off part of McCoy's ear.It's back!

The annual winter phenomenon known as the "firefall" has returned to Yosemite National Park, transforming Horsetail Fall into what looks like a lava-spewing cascade.

The breathtaking visual scene only happens between the middle and end of February when light from the setting sun hits the waterfall at just the right angle.

Jeff Saliba tweeted that he drove 3.5 hours through snow on Monday to capture a glimpse of the glowing orange and yellow waterfall.

"ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!" he said in his tweet.

Photographer Brady Kenniston also made the journey to capture the magical view that emerged as the sun ducked behind the horizon Monday evening.

"This was, without a doubt, one of the coolest sights I've ever been lucky enough to witness," he tweeted.

Eric Rubens took to Instagram to share that he made the lengthy trek from Orange County in Southern California to visit the famous national park and snap photos of the "firefall."

"Firefall lived up to its name," Rubens wrote. "Incredible to witness this once a year event and in between snaps it was nice to soak it in and remember the experience."Texans are not performing well on a quiz based on the U.S. Citizenship exam, according to a recently published study by The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.



In the study, only 37 percent of Texans passed the quiz -- meaning 63 percent got an "F." What's worse, only 3 percent got an "A," 7 percent got a "B," 12 percent earned a "C," and 15 percent slipped by with a "D."



In all, 41,000 Americans were surveyed. The best-performing state on the list was Vermont where 53 percent of test-takers passed. Texas wasn't the worst, thankfully - that distinction went to our neighbor to the east, Louisiana, where only 27 percent passed.



Unfortunately, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation has validated what studies have shown for a century: Americans dont possess the history knowledge they need to be informed and engaged citizens, WW Foundation President Arthur Levine said.



Organizers went on to say, "the survey found only 15 percent of American adults could correctly note the year the U.S. Constitution was written (1787) and only 25 percent knew how many amendments there are to the U.S. Constitution (27). Further, 25 percent did not know that freedom of speech was guaranteed under the First Amendment, and 57 percent did not know that Woodrow Wilson was the commander in chief during World War I.



The survey is said to be easier than the test given to those looking to naturalize.



Online: State-by-state rankings

Online: Take the testWhat to Know Nicholas Sandmann, 16, is the Kentucky teen shown in a viral video of a confrontation between students and activists at the Lincoln Memorial

Sandmann's lawyers are suing the Washington Post, saying the paper was reckless and bullied the Covington Catholic High School student

The Post says it is reviewing the lawsuit and plans to mount a vigorous defense

Lawyers for Nicholas Sandmann, the Kentucky teen seen in a viral video surrounded by high school students and face to face with a Native American man, are suing the Washington Post for $250 million, saying the paper was reckless and bullied the student.

Sandmann, 16, is a junior at Covington Catholic High School, an all-boys school that was at the center of a national debate after students were captured on video apparently encircling Native American elder Nathan Phillips, who was playing a drum and chanting, in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the Indigenous People's March.

The video went viral on Twitter before eventually being removed as other videos of the event surfaced, showing a more complicated story.

The Kentucky-based firm Hemmer DeFrank Wessels filed for $50 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages from the Washington Post, plus legal fees. They say the total is the same amount that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos paid to buy the paper.

The lawsuit alleges the Post "wrongfully targeted and bullied Nicholas because he was the white, Catholic student wearing a red 'Make America Great Again' souvenir cap on a school field trip to the January 18 March for Life in Washington, D.C."

Kristine Coratti Kelly, vice president of communications at the Post, said they are reviewing a copy of the lawsuit.

"We plan to mount a vigorous defense," Kelly said.

A number of videos posted online showed a complicated and tense situation near the memorial on Jan. 18, when a group of Black Hebrew Israelites, Native American activists and Covington Catholic students all crossed paths.

Thousands of people who viewed the video on Facebook and Twitter cast blame on either Sandmann and his classmates, who appeared to be disrespecting the Native American during the Indigenous People's March, or Phillips for appearing to antagonize the teenagers.

News outlets, including The Washington Post, NBC News and NBC Washington, reported on the viral outrage and video clip of Sandmann wearing a Make America Great Again hat and appearing to smile as he stood close to Phillips as Phillips continued to beat on his drum. Phillips later said he was trying to defuse a confrontation between the students and the Black Hebrew Israelites but soon felt threatened when the students surrounded him.

The lawsuit alleges the Post "rushed to lead the mainstream media to assassinate Nicholas' character and bully him."

It alleges that the Post stories implied that Sandmann instigated the confrontation, which the student has repeatedly denied.

Videos that surfaced later showed a group of people associated with the Black Hebrew Israelites heckling the group of students and Phillips approaching Sandmann.

Sandmann later appeared on the TODAY Show to defend himself and, according to the lawsuit, try to stop threats of physical violence toward him and his family. An investigation spurred by his school said the students were not to blame for the encounter.The North Carolina political consultant hired to manage the campaign of the Republican in the country's last unsettled congressional election said Tuesday that he was surprised at how little he knew last year about an operative's sketchy activities.

Political operative Leslie McCrae Dowless conducted an illegal and well-funded ballot-harvesting operation last year, North Carolina's elections director testified Monday. Dowless' workers in rural Bladen County testified at a special state elections board hearing that they were directed to forge signatures, collect blank or incomplete ballots voters handed over, and even fill in votes for local candidates who hadn't earned them.

Dowless was hired to work for Republican congressional candidate Mark Harris last year and focused on boosting mail-in votes for the GOP candidate in the 9th Congressional District in south-central North Carolina. Harris said he sought out and hired Dowless because he secured votes , including for a Republican rival in the 2016 GOP primary.

Harris narrowly leads Democrat Dan McCready in unofficial results. But the race wasn't certified in November after allegations involving Dowless' operation focusing on mail-in ballots.

Harris is expected to testify Tuesday. The elections board is expected either to declare a winner or order a new election after the multiday hearing wraps up.

Harris had decided to deploy Dowless before Andy Yates and his firm, Red Dome Group, began working for the Republican's campaign. Yates said he was instructed to pay Dowless but said he didn't know about legal trouble Dowless faced after the 2016 general election. That was months after Republican congressional candidate Harris lost a primary election to incumbent Robert Pittenger and discussed with an attorney whether to challenge Dowless' amazing results for a third GOP candidate.

Republican officials never signaled the risk of trouble ahead, Yates told the elections board under questioning. They didn't inform him that Dowless' work collecting mail-in ballots in 2016 was sent to federal prosecutors for potential criminal prosecution, Yates said.

Yates said he also didn't know about complaints Pittenger reportedly raised about Dowless' suspicious work to the state and national Republican Party officials after May's primary, when Harris beat the incumbent, Yates said.

"It shocks me that they didn't," said Yates, adding he thought GOP officials had an obligation to warn him about Dowless. Yates testified he told state Republican Party Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse the day after the primary that Dowless was working for Harris, and Woodhouse raised no red flags.

Woodhouse told reporters after the hearing that losers in party primaries often voice complaints, but the party machinery can't get involved in intra-party campaign spats. Woodhouse said when nothing happened to Dowless after accusations of 2016 ballot-harvesting were forwarded to prosecutors "it was my belief that everything was legal."

Yates said he initially believed Dowless' history of delivering big vote results in Bladen County involved effective and legal methods. Yates insisted that had he known about Dowless' methods, Harris would have had to make a choice about cutting him or Dowless.

"If Dr. Harris had told me he didn't know about it, I would have advised him that we needed to immediately terminate our relationship with Mr. Dowless," Yates said. If the Republican candidate wouldn't, "I would have told Dr. Harris that I need to resign from the campaign."What to Know Linda O'Keefe, 11, vanished in July 1973 when she was heading home from school in Newport Beach.

Her body was found the next day in a nature preserve. She had been strangled.

More than 45 years later, police arrested James Alan Neal as the suspect in her death.

A Colorado man has been arrested in a 1973 murder of an 11-year-old in Newport Beach girl whose mysterious disappearance was featured by police in a Twitter campaign.

The suspect was identified as James Alan Neal, 72, who was arrested this week at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Neal lived in Orange County in the 1970s, going by a different name at the time, and worked construction jobs before moving to Florida and Colorado.

He was arrested on suspicion of murder, kidnapping and sexual assault in the death of Linda O'Keefe, who was last seen alive on her way home from summer school on July 6, 1973. Her body was found the following morning in the Back Bay area.

Linda, wearing a dress her mother made for her, had been strangled.

"This is a really bittersweet moment," said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. "It was a kidnapping for sexual acts and eventually resulted in an 11-ear-old girl dying. The people in the city of Newport Beach have been following this case for 45 years."

Spitzer was 12 at the time Linda vanished. In that same year, a Senate committee was holding hearings on the Watergate hotel scandal, the World Trade Center had just officially opened in New York City and UCLA's men's basketball team won is seventh straight national title.

A photo of Linda has been hanging for years in a room at the Newport Beach Police Department, a solemn reminder of the young victim for the generations of detectives who worked the case.

"Linda's face and her memory has been with us since the day this happened," said Chief Jon Lewis. "Her picture hangs in our detective division, where our folks see it every day as a reminder of her and why we continue to pursue these cases."

Newport Beach police in July mounted a Twitter campaign releasing information about the killing to try to spur new leads. Last year's tweets detailed events of the last day Linda was seen in the seaside community.

Police got the idea from an agency in Canada, which took a similar approach with a cold case of its own. The Newport Beach Police Department's tweets began at 7:45 a.m. on a Friday -- the exact time Linda left for school 45 years earlier.

The tweets ended the next day, when her body was discovered. She usually biked to school, but got a ride from a teacher on that Friday. She was last seen outside Lincoln Intermediate School waiting for a ride home.

A frantic overnight search turned up few leads. Nature enthusiasts looking for frogs found her body.

Linda's parents are deceased, but investigators said her sisters have been notified of the arrest.

"We have never forgotten Linda or the tragic events of 1973," said Lewis. "This was a day that made parents think twice before they let their children walk to school. It rocked their community. We never, ever forgot Linda's story."

Investigators obtained DNA from the victim's body, which eventually would lead them to Tuesday morning's arrest.

The sample was originally entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), the FBI's system of criminal justice DNA databases, in 2001. There were no hits at the time. Advances in DNA research and information recently provided by a genealogy database convinced detectives that Neal was their suspect. They obtained his DNA during a surveillance operation.

The district attorney did not provide details, saying only that the hit on the database was in January.

As for the Twitter campaign, Lewis said it didn't lead to the identification, but it created a narrative about the case that "opened some doors" to pursue the case.

"We will never know who Linda's story touched," said Lewis. "It was a combination of the public awareness and DNA that got us here."

It was not immediately clear when the suspect will appear in court. If he waives extradition, the suspect could be returned to California this week.The embattled leader of Dallas convention and visitor agency "Visit Dallas" survived a city hall showdown Tuesday with city council members who were angry about a critical audit of his agency.

Visit Dallas CEO Phillip Jones is paid around $700,000 a year.

Among other things, the first ever audit of the agency found Jones exceeded his own agency's travel expense guidelines with high-priced limos and hotel rooms. Jones also billed the agency for a $543 backpack.

Each year, Visit Dallas receives around $30 million in hotel tax money from the city to market Dallas and book the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

The audit found weak city oversight of that money and also questioned Visit Dallas performance claims.

After the audit was released last month, councilman Scott Griggs said Jones should be fired.

Griggs was ready with tough questions Tuesday at a specially called meeting to review the audit and corrective actions being taken.

"I'm very concerned about the compensation Mr. Jones, your compensation," Griggs said.

Visit Dallas operates with a 55-member board of directors, which Jones said oversees everything at the agency.

Griggs said the board is too large, and too little reform is taking place.

Griggs and councilman Philip Kingston tried unsuccessfully to get the committee to recommend terminating the city contract with Visit Dallas.

Kingston said it should be put out for competitive bidding, which city staff said has never happened on this issue.

"When we don't pick winners and don't shield our friends, we wind up with a better outcome," Kingston said.

Other council members on the government performance committee were willing to let city and Visit Dallas officials demonstrate they are making changes.

"There's a lot of suggested corrective action and we need to be sure we pursue them," council member Sandy Greyson said.

Greyson said she would wait to see the next progress report, due in May.

"This is an unfortunate situation. However, I think this is a teachable moment. And if I were sitting on the other side where you are sitting, I would embrace that," councilman Kevin Felder said.

Jones declined interview requests after the meeting, deferring to Visit Dallas board chairperson-elect Joyce Williams.

She said Visit Dallas is embracing the opportunity to make changes and that it welcomed the city's audit.

"Basically, we are working collaboratively with the city to insure that our policies remain transparent," Williams said.

She defended Jones' salary as commensurate with a top 10 tourism destination.

Last month, Jones said he reimbursed the agency for the backpack and that agency expense guidelines were increased to accommodate the expensive destinations he had visited to lure business to Dallas.

The apparent result Tuesday is that Jones keeps his job and the city of Dallas will keep closer watch on Visit Dallas.Rowlett veterinarian Dr. Josh Cope is busy preparing for the trip of a lifetime.

He'll travel to Alaska for the historic Iditarod sled dog race, one of 40 veterinarians tasked with giving dogs check-ups during the 1,000-mile journey through the Alaskan wilderness.

Cope applied for the opportunity for the first time this year. He's never been to Alaska before, but enjoys tackling unique and new experiences.

"I love this stuff," said Cope. "I know there will be parts of this that are not fun, but I'm looking forward to that, being in the middle of Alaska treating these animals. It will all be worth it."

For the last few weeks, Cope has been busy buying the right gear to brave the cold. Everything he takes must fit in one backpack. That includes multiple layers to keep him warm and a survival kit. He'll be staying in remote parts of Alaska and must prepare to sleep and work in temperatures that could reach negative 50 degrees.

A Rowlett veterinarian unpacks his bags to show NBC 5 what he's bringing with him to Alaska for the Iditarod sled dog race. The bag includes a sleeping bag certified for 40 degrees below zero, an outdoor survival kit and long underwear. Lots of long underwear.

He'll be stationed at different checkpoints along the route and once the mushers and dogs pass through, he will hop on a small plane and fly to another checkpoint.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race runs from Anchorage to Nome in early March, with teams of 16 dogs on each team. Most teams complete the race within two weeks and travel through blizzards, rough terrain and remote villages.The Catholic Church should renew its effort to fight sexual abuse in a summit at the Vatican set to begin on Thursday, the leader of the Fort Worth diocese says.

Bishop Michael Olson, who leads more than 1 million Catholics in 90 parishes and missions, said he's happy with the level of transparency the church is now showing.

"I think we're talking about it -- and more than talking about it, we're acting on it," he said in an interview Tuesday. "We've had a list of credibly accused (priests) on our website for 12 years. We always call police whenever any allegation of sex abuse against anyone is brought to us."

Fort Worth's diocese first released a list of credibly accused priests in 2007.

Other Texas dioceses did the same just last month.

Some critics said the lists don't go far enough in revealing specifics like when and where the alleged crimes occurred.

But Olson said the church was trying to protect the victims.

"Church life is very local and very familial, so transparency has its limits, precisely to protect victims' identities," he said. "And even if you state where and the details of when, often times it's easy to identify victims."

Olson said he thought sex abuse was a problem in many parts of society, not just the church. But he believed the Vatican can lead the way fighting it.

Olson is not attending the Vatican summit which is scheduled to last four days.Senior White House officials pushed a project to share nuclear power technology with Saudi Arabia despite the objections of ethics and national security officials, according to a new congressional report citing whistleblowers within the Trump administration.

Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns that Saudi Arabia could develop nuclear weapons if the U.S. technology were transferred without proper safeguards.

The Democratic-led House oversight committee opened an investigation Tuesday into the claims by several unnamed whistleblowers who said they witnessed "abnormal acts" in the White House regarding the proposal to build dozens of nuclear reactors across the Middle Eastern kingdom.

The report raises concerns about whether some in a White House marked by "chaos, dysfunction and backbiting" sought to circumvent national security procedures to push a Saudi deal that could financially benefit close supporters of the president.

The report comes at a time when lawmakers are increasingly uneasy with the close relationship between the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia, which has raised alarms even among members of the president's party in Congress. Trump has made the kingdom a centerpiece of his foreign policy in the Middle East as he tries to further isolate Iran. In the process, he has brushed off criticism over the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi and the Saudis' role in the war in Yemen.

At the same time, Trump son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner is developing a Middle East peace plan that could include economic proposals for Saudi Arabia.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the report, the nuclear effort was pushed by former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who was fired in early 2017. Derek Harvey, a National Security Council official brought in by Flynn, continued work on the proposal, which has remained under consideration by the Trump administration.

Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, announced the investigation Tuesday.

Relying on the whistleblower accounts, email communications and other documents , the committee's report details how NSC and ethics officials repeatedly warned that the actions of Flynn and a senior aide could run afoul of federal conflicts of interest law and statutes governing the transfer of nuclear technology to foreign powers.

Flynn is awaiting sentencing for lying to the FBI in the Russia investigation.

On Tuesday, a person close to Flynn's legal team said that Russia special counsel Robert Mueller's team has reviewed the matters raised in the congressional report and no charges related to it have been filed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to publicly discuss the ongoing investigation.

Congressional investigators are also probing the role of Tom Barrack, a proponent of the nuclear proposal who ran Trump's presidential inaugural committee, which is under separate investigation by federal prosecutors in New York. Rick Gates, a former Barrack employee and cooperator in Mueller's investigation, was also involved in advocating for the nuclear proposal.

A spokesman for Barrack said in a statement that he will cooperate with the House probe.

"Mr. Barrack's engagement in investment and business development throughout the Middle East for the purpose of better aligned Middle East and U.S. objectives are well known, as are his more than four decades of respected relationships throughout the region," the statement said, noting that Barrack never joined the Trump administration.

Harvey did not immediately return a request for comment.

According to the report, the whistleblowers came to the committee because they had concerns "about efforts inside the White House to rush the transfer of highly sensitive U.S. nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia in potential violation of the Atomic Energy Act and without review by Congress as required by law  efforts that may be ongoing to this day."

A 2017 article by the nonprofit news outlet ProPublica detailed some of the concerns raised inside the National Security Council about the nuclear proposal  known as the "Marshall Plan for the Middle East"  advocated by a company called IP3 International.

IP3 is led by a group of retired U.S. military officers and national security officials, including retired Rear Adm. Michael Hewitt, retired Army Gen. Jack Keane and former Reagan National Security Adviser Bud McFarlane.

IP3 and other proponents of nuclear power in the Middle East argue that the U.S. needs to be involved because otherwise it will lose out to Russia, China and others on billions of dollars in business. They also say that U.S. involvement  and the limits on nuclear fuel that come with it are essential to stem an arms race in the region.

"The only way to address concerns over development of weapons of mass destruction is for the U.S. to participate in the introduction and secure operation of international nuclear power plants," the company said in a statement Tuesday. It also said it "looks forward to sharing what we know" with the House committee.

Up until the month before he joined the Trump administration, Flynn listed himself on public documents as an adviser to an iteration of Hewitt's company advocating for the nuclear power proposal.

Last year, IP3 told The Washington Post that Flynn was offered a role in the company but never formally came aboard. On Tuesday, the company said Flynn "was never an advisor to IP3 or its affiliate, he had no stake in the company and was never compensated or reimbursed for expenses by IP3."

Still, according to the report, Flynn served as a conduit for IP3 inside the White House.

Just days after Trump's inauguration, the company sent Flynn a draft memo for the president's signature that would have appointed Barrack as a "special representative" in charge of carrying out the nuclear power proposal and called on the director of the CIA and the secretaries of State, Energy, Treasury and Defense to lend him support. The report also quotes former Deputy National Security Adviser K.T. McFarland as saying Trump personally told Barrack he could lead the plan's implementation.

The report also catalogs the actions of Harvey, the Flynn confidant who was put in charge of the NSC's Middle East and North African affairs.

According to the report, upon entering the White House in January 2017, Harvey saw his mission as getting Trump to adopt the nuclear proposal despite the objections of ethics and national security officials.

Even when H.R. McMaster, who replaced Flynn as national security adviser, and NSC lawyer John Eisenberg directed that work stop on the proposal because of concerns about its legality, Harvey continued pursuing the proposal, according to the report.

Harvey was fired from the NSC in July 2017. He then joined the staff of GOP Rep. Devin Nunes of California, a Trump ally and the former Republican chairman of the House intelligence committee.

Associated Press writers Darlene Superville, Ben Fox and Stephen Braun in Washington, Jim Mustian in New York and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.People sent a strong message that they dont want tolls in the state at a rally in Enfield on Tuesday.

I dont even see as just a Republican thing. This is a Connecticut thing, said Mary Ann Turner.

Turner, the towns Republican Committee chairman, says shes disappointed Governor Ned Lamont is now talking about options for tolling, including charging tractor-trailer trucks and cars.

People are angry. Theyre worried about their homes, their kids, going to work every day, said Turner.

On Tuesday, the Enfield Town Council also weighed in on the issue.

While some councilors argued it was too early to take a stance, the council voted 6-4 to oppose tolls.

I think its important we let the state know as a border town this is going to have a great impact on us, said Mayor Michael Ludwick of Enfield.

There is the concern about heavy traffic in town if drivers try to avoid the tolls.

Then theres the expected increased cost for businesses and everyone who takes highways.

I think the state would become unaffordable and I wouldnt want to live here, said Mark Anderson of Granby.

There are also worries for those from out-of-state, whether they travel here for shopping or work.

This toll is really going to take a toll on me, said Maryellen Diluzio.

Diluzio lives in Massachusetts and owns a business in Windsor.

I never thought Id see the day where Id be taxed to drive to work to earn the money to pay my income tax. To me thats absolutely un-American, said Diluzio.

Governor Lamont has argued tolls could be a steady stream of money for transportation upgrades and about half would be paid by out-of-state drivers.

Another anti-toll rally is planned on Wednesday in Hartford as the governor gives his budget address.A police investigation is underway in Woodstock on Wednesday morning.

Connecticut State Police said they are conducting an investigation with various other agencies on Route 169 in Woodstock.

Police did not release details about what exactly they are investigating.

This is a developing story. NBC Connecticut will update this story as details become available.A shoreline veterinarian is putting out a warning after she said two dogs that she treats were rushed to animal hospitals in the last five days for likely ingesting marijuana.

John Bruno said he took his most 2-year-old dog Jodi on her regular three-mile walk in Old Saybrook and to his neighbors house, which was nothing out of the ordinary.

But Monday night he had to rush her to the Pieper Veterinary Madisons emergency center.

She was very lethargic and it was almost like having a seizure. It seemed like she had a stroke and it scared the daylights out of me, Bruno said.

Usually Jodi is an active dog.

She was twitching, and shed jump, and she was very nervous. The vet looked at her and he said it could be something neurological, but Im willing to bet, Im 98 percent sure that she ingested marijuana, Bruno said.

Bruno had no idea where Jodi found it.

Pieper Veterinary Marketing Manager Jesse Ferguson confirmed the center did see a dog that ingested marijuana.

Jodis regular vet, Dr. Kathy Clark, of Clark Veterinary Hospital in Old Lyme, has the paperwork and confirmed it, too.

Clark said two of her four-legged canine patients were rushed to animal hospitals for likely marijuana ingestion over the past five days after being out for a walk. The other dog was walking in Niantic, Clark said.

Its suggesting we are going to see more problems where marijuanas available fairly close, Clark said, adding shes seen more cases since medicinal marijuana was legalized in Connecticut.

Clark also said both young dogs had symptoms come on very quickly and its important to keep a closer eye on your pup.

If theyre really sniffing something under the bench, pull them out because there may be something in there they shouldnt be getting into, Clark said.

Its something Bruno is already aware of but said hes going to pay extra close attention to.

It was painful just watching her trembling, having these tremors, just not being herself, he said.

Jodi is about 80 percent back to her normal behaviors.

Dr. Carol Himsel, an emergency and critical care doctor at Pieper Veterinary Madison said their doctors do see cases of dogs ingesting marijuana about once a week. Before medicinal marijuana became legal in Connecticut, that number was around once a month, she said.

Symptoms for a dog could include suddenly being uncoordinated and stumbling, tremors, potentially reactive to sounds and light, dilated pupils, and dogs often vomit because THC is powerful in dogs, according to Himsel.

The Pet Poison Helpline said in the last six years, Pet Poison Helpline experienced a 448 percent increase in marijuana cases. More information can be found here.A Bristol man is dead after a shooting in Hartford Tuesday evening, and police are currently questioning another shooting victim found at a separate location to see if the cases are connected.

Police said the fatal shooting happened in the area of 240 New Britain Ave. The victim, 46-year-old Richard Kinoshita, Bristol, was dropped off at Hartford Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He'd been shot once in the torso.

Police are speaking with the person who drove him to the hospital.

According to Lt. Paul Cicero, investigators believe the shooting was drug-related. Large amounts of marijuana were found at the scene.

Around the same time, police found a second shooting victim near Atwood and Ashley streets. Cicero said that victim was conscious and alert and is being questioned by detectives. Investigators believe the two incidents may be connected and are looking into whether the victim found on Atwood Street may have been transported from a different location.

Both incidents remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hartford Police Department's Major Crimes division. Tipsters can remain anonymous.Gov. Ned Lamont is proposing changes to Connecticut's tax system, including imposing the sales tax on a long list of goods and services.

The Democrat's budget director, Melissa McCaw, said Wednesday that Lamont wants to impose a "level playing field."

Lamont's two-year $43.1 billion budget proposal eliminates sales tax exemptions for items from accounting services to vegetable seeds. Prior governors have tried to pare tax exemptions in the past but faced strong opposition.

The budget increases taxes on digital downloads and hotel rooms. There's also a 10-cent surcharge on plastic bags.

McCaw says no changes to the current sales or income tax rates are proposed.

The state is facing a $1.5 billion deficit in fiscal year 2020 and $2.2 billion in fiscal year 2021.

Lamont presented his two-year budget plan on Wednesday to the state legislature and his office posted the governor's budget online here.

A fact sheet on the budget is posted here.

The office has also put together a question and answer document on the budget here.

Jennifer Jackson, CEO of the Connecticut Hospital Association, released a statement in opposition to the proposal after the governors budget address.

We are strongly opposed to the proposed budget. The current Administration is not honoring the bipartisan agreement for this year or next year, and the budget makes additional cuts to hospitals, Jackson said in a statement. Hospitals and health systems are key to the states economic recovery and employ more than 100,000 people in Connecticut. We continue to be willing partners to find a sustainable solution, but this is not it.

Several Democratic lawmakers released statements in support of the governors proposal.

Governor Lamont put forth a responsible budget that addresses our deficit and invests in our economy, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) said in a statement. Today was the beginning of the General Assemblys budget process and I look forward to working together with him in crafting a final product. I want to thank the Governor for including critical policy proposals for Connecticut families including raising the minimum wage to $15 and a paid family and medical leave program.

The Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants released a statement opposing any sales tax on tax return preparation and accounting services provided to individuals.

The US tax system is based on voluntary compliance, CTCPA Executive Director Bonnie Stewart said in a statement. Most people realize taxes are the price of a civilized society, but they view paying their taxes and the very process of tax return preparation as onerous and expensive. Proposing to tax people for their voluntary compliance with a complex and convoluted tax code, again, adds proverbial insult to injury.What some say is artwork supporting police at the Capitol has been removed over concerns that it could actually represent opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement.

A handmade wooden plaque was donated weeks ago by a member of the Capitol Police. The office of Legislative Management said they decided to hang it in the police memorial in the concourse that connects the Legislative Office Building to the Capitol building. The thin blue line is recognized by some as a symbol of support for law enforcement.

But others view it as a symbol of opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement, and it was seen during a Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in 2017.

In the context of history behind it a lot of my members expressed a lot of concerns especially in this building, said Rep. Brandon McGee, (D) chairman of the Black & Puerto Rican Caucus.

We are not anti- you know - police we support our men in blue but we also know that given the history around black people, people of color with respect to this particular issue. I just think it was necessary to share our concerns with our leadership, McGee explained.

The plaque was taken down Tuesday morning. The Fraternal Order of Police, who represent thousands of officers throughout the state, said its removal is an attack on police officers and that they would like to see it placed back on the wall.

Im saddened and disappointed that in times the times were in now that something like this could actually happen, said John Krupinsky, president of the Connecticut State Fraternal Order Of Police.

Artwork in the concourse is usually put through a vetting process, but the Office of Legislative Management said they felt the piece was appropriate to hang without vetting in a corner that is specifically reserved for the police memorial, and that they also made the call to take it down. They said the piece itself is now in a storage room waiting to be returned to its owner.Meghan Markle's baby shower is underway. The Duchess of Sussex was spotted leaving her hotel in New York City ahead of the celebration with her closest pals.

The expecting royal, who is due to give birth to her and Prince Harry's first child in the spring, secretly flew from London to New York ahead of her baby shower, E! News confirmed. Cameras spotted Markle, donning sunglasses and a pea coat, cradling her baby bump as she headed to the celebration on Tuesday. Markle paired the look with a Carolina Herrera Matryoshka Locked L Shoulder Bag and Hatch Maternity jeans..

"The flowers were spring colors in pretty pastel shades," a source tells E! News of the shower's floral decorations. "There were pink roses and cherry blossom vines. There were tons of flowers delivered before the shower started in an unmarked van. There was also a large flat cardboard box that appeared to be a convertible crib."

Markle's former "Suits" co-star Abigail Spencer was spotted arriving to the baby shower on Tuesday, carrying a gift for her pal.

"One of the first guests to arrive was Abigail Spencer," the insider shares. "She carried a present wrapped from Book Culture in blue and green."

Meghan Markle's Pregnancy Style

"Meghan arrived on her own in a chauffeured SUV," the source adds. "She wore a gray coat over black pants and her hair down. She held her baby bump and smiled as she walked in to the hotel."

Over the weekend, the mom-to-be was spotted visiting Ladure restaurant and bakery in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood.

A source told Harper's Bazaar that Markle's trip to NYC was planned months ago, sharing with the outlet, "The trip is a lovely chance to catch up with friends and spend time in a city she loves. This will be the last time a lot of them will see Meg until after the baby is born so it's nice to share precious moments."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their pregnancy in October.

"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019," the palace said in a statement. "Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public."

The announcement was made shortly after the couple's arrival in Australia.

Markle's baby shower comes amid rumors that she and her husband may send their first child to an American school.With their second summit fast approaching, speculation is growing that President Donald Trump may try to persuade North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to commit to denuclearization by giving him something he wants more than almost anything else: an announcement of peace and an end to the Korean War.

Such an announcement could make history. It would be right in line with Trump's opposition to "forever wars." And, coming more than six decades after the fighting essentially ended, it just seems like common sense.

But, if not done carefully, it could open up a whole new set of problems for Washington.

Here's why switching the focus of the ongoing talks between Pyongyang and Washington from denuclearization to peace would be a risky move  and why it might be exactly what Kim wants when the two leaders meet in Hanoi on Feb. 27-28.

THE STANDOFF

The Korean Peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel after World War II, with the U.S. claiming a zone of influence in the south and the Soviet Union in the north. Within five years, the two Koreas were at war.

Though the shooting stopped in 1953, the conflict ended with an armistice, essentially a ceasefire signed by North Korea, China and the 17-nation, U.S.-led United Nations Command that was supposed to be replaced by a formal peace treaty. But both sides instead settled ever deeper into Cold War hostilities marked by occasional outbreaks of violence.

The conflict in Korea is technically America's longest war.

North Korea, which saw all of its major cities and most of its infrastructure destroyed by U.S. bombers during the war, blames what it sees as Washington's unrelenting hostility over the past 70 years as ample justification for its nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. It claims they are purely for self-defense.

The U.S., on the other hand, maintains a heavy military presence in South Korea to counter what it claims is the North's intention to invade and assimilate the South. It has also implemented a long-standing policy of ostracizing the North and backing economic sanctions.

Trump escalated the effort to squeeze the North with a "maximum pressure" strategy that remains in force.

A combination of that strategy and the North's repeated tests of missiles believed capable of delivering its nuclear weapons to the U.S. mainland are what brought the two countries to the negotiating table.

WHY KIM WANTS A TREATY

Getting a formal peace treaty has been high on the wish list of every North Korean leader, starting with Kim Jong Un's grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

A peace treaty would bring international recognition, probably at least some easing of trade sanctions, and a likely reduction in the number of U.S. troops south of the Demilitarized Zone.

If done right, it would be a huge boost to Kim's reputation at home and abroad. And, of course, to the cause of peace on the Korean Peninsula at a time when Pyongyang says it is trying to shift scarce resources away from defense so that it can boost its standard of living and modernize its economy with a greater emphasis on science and technology.

Washington has a lot to gain, too.

Trump has said he would welcome a North Korea that is more focused on trade and economic growth. Stability on the peninsula is good for South Korea's economy and probably to Japan's as well.

Though Trump hasn't stressed human rights, eased tensions could create the space needed for the North to loosen its controls over political and individual freedoms.

But it's naive to expect North Korea to suddenly change its ways.

According to a recent estimate, it has over the past year continued to expand its nuclear stockpile. And even as it has stepped up its diplomatic overtures to the outside world, Pyongyang has doubled down internally on demanding loyalty to its totalitarian system.

PEACE OR APPEASEMENT?

After his first summit with Kim, in Singapore last June, Trump declared the nuclear threat was over.

He isn't saying that anymore.

Trump made no mention of the word "denuclearization" during his State of the Union address. Instead, he called his effort a "historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula" and stressed that Kim hasn't conducted any nuclear or missile tests, released Americans who had been jailed in the North and returned the remains of dozens of Americans killed in the war.

Kim, meanwhile, has good reason to want to turn his summits with Trump into "peace talks."

The biggest win for the North would be to get a peace declaration while quietly abandoning denuclearization altogether, or by agreeing to production caps or other measures that would limit, but not eliminate, its nuclear arsenal. Simply having a summit without a clear commitment to denuclearization goes a long way toward establishing him as the leader of a de facto nuclear state.

Unless Washington is willing to accept him as such, that will only make future talks all the more difficult.

The U.S. has, however, continued to take a hard line in lower-level negotiations leading up to the summit.

Stephen Biegun, Trump's new point man on North Korea, stressed in a recent speech that as a prerequisite for peace, Washington wants a "complete understanding of the full extent of the North Korean weapons of mass destruction missile programs," expert access and monitoring of key sites and, ultimately, "the removal and destruction of stockpiles of fissile material, weapons, missiles, launchers, and other weapons of mass destruction."

The question is whether Trump will similarly challenge Kim or choose an easier and splashier  but less substantive  declaration of peace.

TALK VS TREATY

If he chose to do so, Trump could unilaterally announce the end of the Korean War.

It would be great TV. But it wouldn't necessarily mean all that much.

Trump can't by himself conclude an actual peace treaty. China, and possibly a representative of the U.N. Command, would have to be involved. South Korea would naturally want to be at the table. The U.S. Senate would have to ratify whatever they came up with.

Back in 1993, the administration of President Bill Clinton reached a familiar-sounding agreement with Pyongyang "to achieve peace and security on a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula."

The next year the two sides vowed to reduce barriers to trade and investment, open a liaison office in the other's capital and make progress toward upgrading bilateral relations to the ambassadorial level. In 2000, Clinton and Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, added a promise "of respect for each other's sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs."

But by 2002, George W. Bush was back to calling the North part of an "axis of evil." In 2006, North Korea tested its first nuclear device.

The lesson? Whatever grand proclamations are made, establishing real peace will go well beyond just another Trump and Kim summit.

But it could be a start.A lieutenant at U.S. Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., is under arrest for weapons violations and stands accused of plotting a major attack and creating a list of targets who are Democrats and media personalities.

In charging documents first posted by George Washington Universitys Seamus Hughes and the News4 I-Team, federal prosecutors say 49-year-old Christopher Paul Hasson, of Silver Spring, Maryland, had illegal weapons and was collecting a list of names when he was arrested Friday.

Prosecutors wrote Hasson is a domestic terrorist who intends to murder innocent civilians on a scale rarely seen in this country and must be detained.

The feds shared images of a firearms stockpile in Hassons basement apartment.

They say internet searches show he was targeting top Democrats and created an Excel spreadsheet list of names, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sens. Tim Kaine, Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Richard Blumenthal, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Rep. Beto ORourke. The list also included top names in media, like MSNBCs Chris Hayes and Joe Scarborough and CNNs Don Lemon.

Law enforcement sources told NBC News the feds caught on to Hasson because of searches made on his work computer.

He is accused of searching the following phrases on Google the morning of Jan. 17: what if trump illegally impeached, best place in dc to see congress people, where in dc to congress people live, civil war if trump impeached and social democrats usa.

His search history also included searches for pro-Russian and neo-fascist literature.

Hasson routinely read portions of a manifesto written by Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik that prosecutors said instructs would-be assailants to collect firearms, food, disguises and survival tools, court papers said. Breivik, a right-wing extremist, is serving a 21-year sentence for killing 77 people in a 2011 bomb-and-shooting rampage.

Prosecutors allege that Hasson visited thousands of websites that sold guns and researched military tactical manuals on improvised munitions.

In a deleted email subfolder, authorities found a draft by Hasson saying, I am dreaming of killing almost every last person on the earth. I think a plague would be most successful  Start with biological attacks followed by attack on food supply.

In a draft of a letter apparently intended for a known white supremacist leader, Hasson identified himself as a white nationalist for more than 30 years who advocated focused violence to create a white homeland, according to charging documents.

The chief at the federal defender's office in Maryland, which is representing Hasson, declined to comment on the allegations. The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Hasson's arrest. No one answered the door Wednesday at the home address for Hasson listed in public records.

Hasson also is charged with possession of a controlled substance. He appeared to be a chronic user of the opioid painkiller Tramadol and had purchased a flask filled with four ounces of "synthetic urine" online, prosecutors said. Authorities suspect Hasson had purchased fake urine to use in case he was randomly selected for a drug test.

He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt Thursday afternoon.A federal judge has ruled against the operator of a suburban Chicago plant that sterilizes medical instruments with a cancer-causing chemical, declining to reverse an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency decision to shut down its operation.

The state last week issued a seal order for Sterigenics U.S. in Willowbrook. The agency said the order was based on air sampling by local officials and the U.S. EPA that consistently found high outdoor ambient levels of ethylene oxide.

Sterigenics attorney Gerard Kelly on Wednesday told U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly the plant's shutdown is "causing a crisis" for its customers. He said medical supply companies will be in a lurch without Sterigenics' products because it will take them months to find a new place to get what they need.

Illinois EPA attorney Steve Sylvester called ethylene oxide a known human carcinogen. Sylvester added environmental data obtained Tuesday were alarming due to "fugitive emissions."

The judge's ruling Wednesday afternoon ruling means Sterigenics will remain temporarily shut down for now.Election night is exactly one week from Tuesday and never before has there been 14 candidates running for mayor--only two will make it to the April run off.

The five candidates squaring off in a forum at WTTW-TV, were more agreeable with one another, yet still draw larger contrasts with the current mayor than their opponents.How will they fund city pensions in need of one billion dollars?

"A casino is not taxes...that could be $300 million to the city every year," said Gery Chico. "Legalized marijuana, recreational marijuana... $100 to $150 million.

Lori Lightfoot on the other hand says,"there's no sense of urgency around the way in which we are wasting tax payer dollars. Theres a lot of efficiencies we could ring out of the current system. But the reality is we are going to have to have a conversation about revenue."

Amara Enyia says she does not support a casino. "I dont think by the time all of the actors have got their hands into the pot, that it will generate the kind of revenue that we need," she said.These candidates oppose the 'golden parachutes' contracts revealed Tuesday for some of mayor Emanuel's top appointees.

"It's not ethical at all, its typical of what we do here," expressed Garry McCarthy. "We know the financial straights that were in, whats happening is the next mayor, whoever that may be, is getting their hands tied." Moreover, a rally for Toni Preckwinkle took place Tuesday evening at the Chicago Teachers Union.

Opponents such as Lightfoot and Susana Mendoza, criticized the theme of the event -- questioning why it took her 6 months to fire her former chief of staff after sexual harassment allegations surfaced.

"They've mischaracterized the situation," she said. "As I said, when I had evidence I fired him immediately."

It had been nearly a month since Preckwinkle took reporters' questions.

In a week, Chicagoans will know who will be in the runoff or if there will be a wait until those mail-in votes are counted.The family of the man who fatally shot five people at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse is offering condolences to the victims' families, with one relative saying "we deeply apologize" for the killings.

Gary Martin , 45, died Friday in a shootout with police after he killed five co-workers and wounded five police officers at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, Illinois.

Martin's cousin, Jesseca Clemons, told The Aurora Beacon-News that she and her family "would like to send our deepest apologies to all the victims' families, friends and loved ones."

"No one in our family condones anyone's life being taken," Clemons told the newspaper on Monday. "We know that this is a hard time and we deeply apologize and we are praying for everyone. And we ask the same in return."

Clemons, 34, said Martin's mother is grieving for her son and that "she would like for everyone if they could, find it in their hearts to find forgiveness," so her family and others can move forward.

The family has no immediate answers on what led Martin to open fire at the industrial valve manufacturer about 40 miles west of Chicago, Clemons said. The shooting also left a sixth worker wounded.

"We are saddened by his actions and we are shocked," she said. "We had no clue he would ever be involved in something like this."

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Tuesday his administration is reviewing how Martin had a weapon despite a felony conviction, and is examining the "problem that's apparent in the system of retrieving firearms from people whose FOID cards are voided."

Illinois State Police said Monday that Martin had lied about his criminal history in 2014 to obtain a card from the agency that allowed him to purchase a handgun.

Martin had answered "no" to a question on his January 2014 application for a Firearm Owner's Identification card about whether he'd ever been convicted of a felony, state police said.

A records search "revealed no prohibiting factors" in Martin's Illinois criminal history, state police said. His card was approved on Jan. 31, 2014. He then purchased a handgun in March 2014.

State police said Martin submitted fingerprints as part of an application later in March 2014 for a concealed carry license. Those prints revealed an FBI record and a felony conviction in Mississippi for aggravated assault stemming from the stabbing of an ex-girlfriend. Martin was sentenced to five years in prison for the assault, and was released from custody in April 1997, state police said.

But it prompted only a letter to Martin notifying him that his concealed carry application was denied and ordering him to surrender his weapons.

State police say Martin's FOID card was revoked in April 2014 and that their procedure at the time was to notify local law enforcement. Aurora police Sgt. Bill Rowley said Tuesday that the department has no record of receiving that notification, though he said it's possible it was sent and the department no longer has a record of it.

Illinois law requires people whose FOID cards are revoked to surrender their card within 48 hours and to document that they have surrendered their weapons or transferred them to a valid FOID card holder or local law enforcement, a form known as a Firearm Disposition Record. Local police are required to mail that form to Illinois State Police if they receive it.

State police say they issued 10,818 revocations to FOID card holders in 2018. They said "in most instances" the Firearm Disposition Record isn't returned.

Illinois lawmakers who support more gun control measures say there's a flaw in Illinois law because it does not mandate that police ensure weapons have been removed if a red flag is raised after someone passes a background check and receives a FOID card.

Legislation was introduced in 2016 to require police go to the homes of gun owners who have their FOID cards revoked and search for the weapons. Democratic Rep. Kathleen Willis said that measure failed over concerns it would overtax police departments.As the police investigation into the alleged attack against "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett continues, it was revealed Tuesday that in 2007 Smollett pleaded no contest to DUI, driving without a license and providing false information to law enforcement, the L.A. City Attorney's office confirmed to NBC News.

Smollett, now 36, was sentenced to two years probation and a choice of a fine or jail in the 2007 case, an L.A. City Attorney's spokesman told NBC News.

The case is coming to light as Chicago police investigate whether Smollett made up a story about being the victim of a racially, motivated hate crime. Chicago police have requested LAPD provide them information about the 2007 arrest, according to multiple law enforcement sources familiar the investigation.

Chicago police officials say they have shifted their focus from a hate crime investigation to one of filing a false report.

At this point Chicago police have said Smollett is neither considered a victim nor a suspect and are waiting to hear from him.

Police sources tell NBC News that the LAPD made the initial arrest. The case was handled by prosecutors with the LA City Attorney's office in the Van Nuys branch.

On Tuesday Chicago police were investigating a tip that on the night Smollett reported being attacked by two masked men he was in an elevator of his apartment building with two brothers later arrested and released from custody in the probe.

Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says the person who lives in the building or was visiting someone there reported seeing the three together the night last month that Smollett says two masked men hurled racial and homophobic slurs at him, beat him and looped a rope around his neck.

Guglielmi says police haven't confirmed the person's account. Detectives plan to interview the person on Tuesday.A statue in Florida depicting the iconic image of a sailor kissing a woman in Times Square while celebrating the end of World War II was found vandalized with the "#MeToo" hashtag just days after the sailor died, police said.

The "Unconditional Surrender" statue in Sarasota was discovered with the hashtag spray-painted in red on the nurse's leg just before 1 a.m. Tuesday, Sarasota police officials said.

Police said they canvassed the area but found no other objects spray-painted. There were no surveillance cameras in the area that would have captured the vandalism, police said.

"The approximate damage is estimated to be more than $1,000 due to the large area that the graffiti covers, and the resources needed to repair it," police said in a statement.

The statue depicts the kiss between George Mendonsa and Greta Zimmer Friedman on Aug. 14, 1945  known as V-J Day, the day Japan surrendered to the United States. Mendonsa planted a kiss on Friedman, whom he had never met, and the photo became one of the most famous of the 20th century.

Mendonsa died Sunday at age 95 after he fell and had a seizure at the assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he lived with his wife of 70 years. Friedman died in 2016 at the age of 92 at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, from complications of old age.Oakland teachers went on strike Thursday morning in the countrys latest walkout by educators over classroom conditions and pay.

Do you have questions about the strike and its potential impacts? Check out the breakdown below for answers to some common strike-related questions:

Who's involved?

The strike involves the Oakland Unified School District and the Oakland Education Association, which is the union that represents nearly 3,000 teachers, counselors, nurses, psychologists, librarians, speech pathologists, social workers and substitute teachers in the district.

[BAY]'On Strike': Oakland Teachers Strike in Photos

What are striking teachers asking for?

Teachers are demanding a 12 percent retroactive raise covering 2017 to 2020. They also want the district to hire more counselors to support students and more full-time nurses.

How much do OUSD teachers currently make?

A teachers starting salary in the district is $46,500 a year and the average salary is $63,000, according to the union. By comparison, a starting teacher makes $51,000 a year in neighboring Berkeley and the average salary is $75,000, the union said.

Initially, the district offered a 5 percent raise covering 2017 to 2020, saying it is squeezed by rising costs and a budget crisis.

Will schools remain open during the strike?

Yes. Schools in the district will still be open during the strike. Students are expected to show up for class. The walkout affects 36,000 students at 86 schools.

At a news conference Saturday, Oakland Education Association president Keith Brown said enough is enough. The teachers union is demanding a 12 percent raise over the next three years.

What should students expect to experience during the strike?

The district says school will not be "school as usual" during the strike. Principals, staff and temporary emergency teachers will be responsible for teaching and supervising students. Temporary teachers won't necessarily continue teaching regular teachers' scheduled lesson plans, but they will be able to use "appropriate instructional plans" that principals have access to, according to the district.

Will students still have access to school meals?

Yes. Lunch will be provided by OUSD Nutrition Services during the strike. Breakfast options will be "simplified," according to the district.

The superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District on Wednesday discussed a new initiative to help the district through its current budget problems as a possible teacher strike looms on the horizon. Melissa Colorado reports.

What's the status of after-school programs?

According to the district, all state and federally funded after-school programs will continue to operate during the strike.

Additional information about the strike can be found on the Oakland Unified School District website.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.A group of Oakland Unified School District principals traveled to the state capitol on Wednesday  with a teachers strike looming Thursday  to lobby for more funding, request forgiveness of a loan from the state and fight for a revision to a charter school law, according to district officials.

The administrators from schools across the district gathered at a coffee shop in the city's Temescal neighborhood Wednesday morning before leaving for the capitol in carpools.

Eleanor Alderman of International Community School is one of the 35 principals who were on their way to Sacramento. She said that one of the top priorities in meetings with lawmakers is to cancel the $36 million of $100 million loan from over a decade ago.

"No one that took on our loan in 2003 still exists in our district and students and teachers should not have to hold that loan on their shoulders," Alderman said. Without the loan forgiveness, the money is expected to be paid off with annual $6 million payments by 2024.

The trip comes the day before a planned strike for teachers in the district. No mention of the impending strike was made by district officials in a news release early Wednesday morning.

Co-principal of Oakland International High School Carmelita Reyes says the trip is in direct response to the strike. "If we're going to fix this, it has to be fixed in Sacramento because it's not a uniquely Oakland problem, it's a California problem," Reyes said.

The administrators have a full day planned at the capitol, meeting with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, State Senator Nancy Skinner, D-Oakland, along with Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, and Rob Bonta, D-Oakland. They will also meet with Patrick O'Donnell, D-Long Beach, the education committee chair.

The administrators also plan to lobby for more funding for students across the state and the revision of a state law which allows charters schools to override a "no" vote from a local school board with an approval from a county board of education or the state board, district officials said.

The principals are expected to leave the state capitol to return to Oakland at 2:30 p.m.

On Saturday, union officials announced that nearly 3,000 teachers will strike on Thursday to fight for higher wages, smaller class sizes and more resources for students. But the spokesperson for Oakland Unified School District John Sasaki said he hopes the district and the union can come to an agreement Wednesday to avoid a strike.

After meeting with the district president of the Oakland Education Association teachers' union Keith Brown said that the strike will still happen Thursday. The union rejected the district's last minute proposal.

"This strike is a crisis the district has created, our actions in this strike are to make sure the students are a priority. What we are striking for is to change the way our district operates," Brown said.

The union seeks a 12 percent pay raise. Oakland Unified School District has offered teachers a 5 percent pay raise. Both raises would be made in stages over a period of years.

Sasaki said on Saturday that the district supports a wage increase for employees, but must work within the district's financial reality.

"Everyone knows how expensive it is to live in the Bay Area and Oakland," Sasaki said. "We want to give our teachers as much as we can, but we have to do it within our means. We have a structural deficit and we are making cuts across the board.

"We would love to give our teachers the moon. But we don't have the moon to give them," he said on Saturday.A Santa Rosa man was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years to life in prison for the sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl during a burglary of her Rohnert Park home last year.

Noah Luke Holland, 22, pleaded no contest on Dec. 26 to forcible child molestation committed during a residential burglary on Jan. 4, 2017, Sonoma County prosecutors said.

Holland found a garage door opener in an unlocked vehicle and used it to enter the girl's home. The girl screamed during the assault and Holland fled, leaving his clothing behind, according to the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office.

Holland was identified as the suspect when a wallet with his identification was found in the pants he left behind.Dozens of people gathered at Berkeleys campus of Santa Clara Universitys Jesuit School of Theology Tuesday to hear panelists talk about the church reform as a growing number of priests are being accused of sexual abuse.

This comes a day after the Catholic Diocese of Oakland released a list of 45 men accused of sexual abuse, 20 of which priests.

The church said the scandals are affecting them deeply and they want change.

"Were sad, were angry, frustrated and think were also hopeful because a lot of voices are being raised now who really want to reform the church, seeking authentic lasting reform," said Rev. Kevin OBrien.Bodycam footage released Wednesday by the Napa County Sheriff's Office appeared to show an armed suspect first firing a handgun at a deputy before she shot and killed him Sunday night.

Napa County Sheriff's Deputy Riley Jarecki was patrolling the 1100 block of Henry Road around 11 p.m. Sunday when she came in contact with a vehicle with a male driver, identified Wednesday as Javier Hernandez Morales, according to the sheriff's office.

Warning: This post contains graphic video content and is not suitable for children. This Body Worn Camera footage depicts the Attempted Murder of Napa County Sheriffs Deputy Riley Jarecki on February 17th, 2019.

https://t.co/Q6HUHMMFLs via @YouTube  Napa Co. Sheriff's Office (@NapaSheriff) February 20, 2019

In the video, Jarecki asked Morales to sit still as she moved from the passenger's side of his vehicle to the driver side where he was sitting. After the deputy moved around the vehicle, she asked Morales to roll down his window. He appeared to hesitate before quickly complying.

That's when he pulled out a gun and fired one shot at Jarecki, the footage showed. The deputy returned fire, killing the suspect.

The deputy did not suffer any physical injuries, according to sheriffs spokesperson Henry Wofford. She returned fire and shot at the red vehicle multiple times and the footage ended.

Jarecki has been placed on administrative leave, Wofford said.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Napa County Major Crimes Task Force, comprising investigators with the Napa County Sheriff's Office, Napa Police Department and the Napa County District Attorney's Office.To witness 70-year-old Mike Bartell smiling, laughing, and caring for others while volunteering for the San Francisco Marin Food Bank, is to see a man who looks like he's had a lifetime of experience spreading joy.

Bartell, however, is quick to point out that if you were to ask anyone who knew him at an earlier age, they would tell a different tale.

"They wouldn't believe it," Bartell said. "That grumpy old person ... what happened to him?"

What happened is that Bartell discovered, very late in life, that it's never too late to turn one's life around.

"No, never," Bartell said. "I'm glad I didn't give up on myself and I'm glad other people didn't give up on me."

Both of those, it should be noted, were real possibilities for Bartell.

Bartell is someone who had suffered more than his fair share of indignities and trauma during his life. Bartell's father abandoned his family and his mother committed suicide when he was just six. After a childhood in and out of juvenile facilities and foster homes, Bartell joined the Marines and saw combat in Vietnam. Returning home, Bartell married a couple of times and had children but said he never conquered his ever-constant anger.

A long list of bad breaks and bad decisions followed and led to Bartell living, for five years, on a patch of concrete out back of a Concord furniture store. It was, for Bartell, a bottom as rock hard as the ground on which he slept.

Bartell admits there were some cold nights that he would have a conversation with God. "You always say I am not going to give you more than you can handle," Bartell recounted. "Well, I think I've had just all that I want. So, I think tomorrow afternoon I'll be there. I hope you are ready."

Thanks to the help of others, though, that "tomorrow" never came.

One day, a Concord police officer checking on Bartell noticed the United States Marine Corp tattoo on Bartell's right arm.

"He said, 'You're a veteran? You shouldn't be homeless,'" Bartell said. "I told him, 'Yeah, I've heard that before.'"

This time was different, though. The officer called a veteran outreach worker who responded within a matter of minutes. With his help and that of the nonprofit, Swords To Plowshares, Bartell moved into housing on Treasure Island.

As part of that arrangement, Bartell was required to volunteer at the food bank on Treasure Island. Bartell said getting involved with that organization is really what turned his life around.

"Because I wouldn't be complete without helping others. You just can't take in this world," Bartell said.

Bartell is no longer required to volunteer at the food bank but still does one day a week, taking time off from his job washing dishes at the Mersea Restaurant on Treasure Island.

It is a life that Bartell now loves. A life, he wants others in a tough spot to know that it is never too late to discover.A former actor and instructor with the American Conservatory Theater has sued the company alleging "systematic discrimination" and racism, according to court documents.

Stephen Buescher filed a lawsuit against ACT in San Francisco Superior Court on Tuesday. Buescher worked at the San Francisco company for nearly a decade before deciding he had to speak up.

Buescher said his concerns built up over the course of years, with everything from racial epithets to being asked to "police" the people of color in his program. The president of ACT's board of trustees said he cannot comment on the lawsuit, but the company has moved quickly to put new measures into place, ensuring equal treatment.

"My main complaint is that ACT is making it appear as one thing is happening, but in reality whats happening on the inside to black faculty, black staff, black students, black guest stars is very different," Buescher said.

For the better part of a decade, Buescher practiced an array of crafts at the nationally renowned company, including acting, choreography, directing and teaching. But theres one distinction he says he struggled to grasp.

"I was the only African-American member of the core faculty my entire time, my entire 10 years," he said.

Through Bueschers eyes, racism was pervasive.

ACT board President David Riemer confirmed new measures have been implemented.

"I can only say that when we heard the concerns that were expressed by Stephen a year ago, we took immediate action to explore," Riemer said. "We formed a committee to look specifically into equity, diversity and inclusion issues."

In an official statement, the theater said it cant comment on the lawsuit, but said Buescher, "significantly contributed to the success of the institution, so much so that we made multiple efforts to retain him."

Since then, ACT also has implemented a diversity consultant, new committees and a complaint line. But Buescher remains skeptical.

"Its superficial," he said. "Its not really (different). People, specifically black folks who are still there, are still in the same kind of pain, humiliation, trauma and lack of representation that they were before."Homelessness has been a recurring issue in the Bay Area and the homeless population in Antioch is beginning to affect local businesses.

"Ive seen them hanging out in alleyways sleeping on top of our roofs where theyre camping up there," said Tammy Larsen from the "Almost There Travel" agency. "Ive seen homeless people screaming and yelling and urinating."

El Campanil Theatre have hired a security company to ensure the safety of guests during night time performances.

Many in the city want to take action and not just for their businesses but for the homeless as well.

"Were looking at a care center," Antioch Mayor Sean Wright said. "A 24-hour care center, an opportunity for people to have a P.O. Box to come and do showers to get a warming center to get the services they need."

Community members gathered Tuesday at the Antioch police department to discuss possible solutions. As the city of Antioch does not have a single shelter for the homeless.

"It is not illegal to be homeless but we definitely have a problem down here and the city of Antioch really needs to find a solution." Larsen said.A dog named Kingston is back with his family 101 days after he jumped out of their truck as they fled a devastating Northern California wildfire.

The 12-year-old Akita was reunited Monday with the Ballejos family, who fled the town of Paradise late last year, Sacramento television station KXTV reported.

"When I found out, (it) just about brought me to tears," said Gabriel Ballejos, Kingston's owner. "I'm so proud of him. I can't believe it. He's a true survivor, and it's a testament to the American spirit."

Ballejos said they never lost hope and kept posting flyers and contacting shelters.

"Every night I would ask my dad and tell him that we needed to go look for him," said Ballejos' daughter, Maleah.

The family got a call after animal rescue volunteer Ben Lepe trapped Kingston on Sunday and took him to Friends of Camp Fire Cats, a local rescue group. The volunteers saw a missing dog message on Facebook and contacted the family.

Lepe said the large dog had been spotted on surveillance cameras and that he set up a trap big enough for it on Saturday.

"When I went to check it on Sunday, there he was," Lepe said. "It was awesome to see him and know he would be fed and warm."

Family members believe Kingston survived by eating skunks, because he hunted them before the fire and smelled of skunk when they picked him up.

The town of Paradise was leveled by a Nov. 8 blaze that killed 85 people and destroyed nearly 15,000 homes in the area.

Angel Herrera, of Friends of Camp Fire Cats, said the group has rescued more than 200 lost pets since the fire and still sets traps.

"If we had the resources, we could trap 50 animals every single night," she said.A Northern California college freshman is facing felony charges for allegedly creating an iPhone app he dubbed the Banana Plug to sell illicit drugs.

Collin Howard on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to federal drug charges in San Jose after a grand jury indicted him on Feb. 14. Howard, 18, had earlier pleaded not guilty to similar drug charges in Santa Cruz County where he was arrested in his dorm room at the University of California, Santa Cruz on Nov. 28.

UC police

The investigation began in November when a university campus police officer noticed one of many posters hung on campus advertising an app called Banana Plug, prosecutors said. The school's mascot is the banana slug and plug is slang for a drug dealer.

Banana Plug could be downloaded from Apple's online store and was advertised as a free game with the motto "We Have What You Want," but users could place drug orders through the app, investigators said.

The campus police and Department of Homeland Security agents said they launched an undercover sting operation that included four drug buys using the app.

University spokesman Scott Hernandez-Jason said Howard is "no longer a student UC Santa Cruz." Citing student privacy laws, Hernandez-Jason declined to say if Howard was expelled or voluntarily withdrew.

Howard's federal public defender, Rhona Taylor, did not immediately respond to phone and email messages seeking comment. Howard was freed on bail in federal and state court.

U.S. Attorney spokesman Abraham Simmons did not immediately respond to emailed questions about why federal charges were filed after Howard was charged in state court in Santa Cruz.NBC Bay Area has learned an investigator with Cal/OSHA visited San Francisco Public Works on Monday as part of an ongoing state probe into potential safety violations.

Cal/OSHA, a watchdog for worker safety, has the authority to mandate changes within Public Works and issue up to tens of thousands of dollars in fines.

Watch Our Full Investigation

San Franciscos attempts to haul away trash are flawed and dangerous, according to employees inside the citys Public Works Department. The NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit starting digging into the safety concerns late last year, and now the state has launched its own probe. NBC Bay Area Senior Investigative Reporter Bigad Shaban reports.

A recent report by the NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit revealed the city's fleet of street-cleaning vehicles is often overloaded with trash and unsecured. California law and Public Works' own safety manual require garbage to be covered or strapped down while transported in the backs of pickup trucks, so that the trash doesn't fall out of moving vehicles. Yet, San Francisco Public Works may have been ignoring those requirements for years as its street-cleaning crews consistently hauled trash across town to the city dump.

In speaking with the Investigative Unit, Director of Public Works Mohammed Nuru appeared unaware of his department's own policies and state safety laws that govern his fleet of roughly 350 street-cleaning vehicles. Nuru, however, vowed to make major safety changes in the wake of the NBC Bay Area investigation.

______________________________________Internal emails released under the Public Records Act hint at the extreme tension behind the scenes as Transbay officials scrambled late last year to deal with the discovery of cracks in critical steel support beams at the brand new Transbay Terminal. The cracks forced an emergency closure of the $2 billion project just six weeks after it opened.

Please tell me this is a drill and not real, Dennis Turchon, Transbay project senior construction manager wrote to another official on the project, Ron Alameida, the afternoon of Sept. 25, the day of the shutdown.

Five hours later, Alameida wrote back to Turchon -- who happened to be out of town that day -- saying that the facility had closed for now as being super cautious.

Alameida grumbled about how one of the transit agencies involved in the project was dealing with the stressful events of that day.

AC Transit already acting out mid situation, Alameida wrote to Turchon and to a second manager on the project, who worked for Turner Construction. It was unbelievable. Hope to narrow area of impact quickly.

Hundreds of pages of communications reviewed by NBC Bay Areas Investigative Unit deal mostly with media inquiries, but also show that federal officials pressed the importance of being kept posted, like the regional head of the Federal Transit Administration, who wrote about what he called an ominous situation over there.

The Inspector Generals office for the U.S. Department of Transportation also expressed interest in what had happened with the federally funded project.

The terminal is not expected to re-open until June at the earliest, as work on a fix and the investigation into what went wrong continue. The head of a peer review panel scrutinizing the project said last week the cracks were likely due to a confluence of circumstances, including the failure to grind smooth the edges of holes cut in the beams that later cracked. Rough edges in cut steel are known to trigger cracks.GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Steven Manchester didn't set out to discover Central America's oldest known marine mammal. He was hoping to find fossil plants.

Manchester, curator of paleobotany at the Florida Museum of Natural History, had left a group of vertebrate paleontologists uphill of the Panama Canal to do his own prospecting, clambering down onto the narrow, exposed shoreline to look for fossil leaves, petrified wood and mineralized fruits and nuts.

It was a dangerous place to be: The rolling wake from passing ships could sweep a person off shore and into the canal. Manchester noticed that people were occasionally shouting at him through megaphones as they cruised past, but not understanding Spanish, he continued to comb the shore when he spotted bone.

"He quickly walked us over to where he'd found a skeleton sticking out of the rock exposure," said Aaron Wood, then a museum postdoctoral researcher leading fieldwork in Panama. "There were two or three vertebrae, orange-ish in color, dipping into the black rock on the side of the canal and a couple of ribs around them. We guessed that there would be more under the rock."

What Wood described as an "emergency fossil excavation" due to rising water levels yielded a remarkably complete skeleton of an ancient sea cow, estimated to be about 20 million years old, the first evidence of a marine mammal from the Pacific side of the canal.

The fossil skull, vertebrae, ribs and other bones belong to a new genus and species, Culebratherium alemani, a tusked seagrass-grazing relative of modern dugongs, which live in the warm coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific.

Wood and lead author Jorge Velez-Juarbe, also a former museum postdoctoral researcher, published their findings in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

About 15 feet long, this C. alemani was not done growing, Velez-Juarbe said. Its tusks had only begun to protrude and its newest molars showed little wear, indicating it was not yet an adult.

But it was a powerful eater. The researchers propose that its thick neck muscles, tusks and downward-pointing snout were adaptations for digging pits in the ocean floor to get to the underground stems of seagrass, the plants' most nutritional parts.

"Finding C. alemani is pretty good evidence that there was seagrass in this region 20 million years ago," said Velez-Juarbe, now assistant curator of marine mammals at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. "This particular group of sirenians" - the order that includes dugongs and manatees - "are seagrass specialists."

While only one species of dugong is alive today - a second, Steller's sea cow, was hunted to extinction within 27 years of its discovery - about 30 species have been recovered in the fossil record, Velez-Juarbe said. The group originated in the West Atlantic and Caribbean and dispersed westward through Panama, whose seaway did not close until a few million years ago, and south to Brazil.

"Today, Panama is the juncture between two continents, and that's where we have a mixture of mammals between North and South America," said Wood, now director of Iowa State University's Carl F. Vondra Geology Field Station and a lecturer in the department of geological and atmospheric sciences. "In the early Miocene, when this dugong lived, it wasn't a land connection but a sea connection between the Atlantic and Pacific. We would expect to see communities of sea cows there, too."

Previous research shows that multiple species of dugongs commonly lived together, each with slightly differently shaped tusks, snouts and body sizes that would have enabled them to divide up food resources, Velez-Juarbe said.

"Some would eat larger species of seagrass buried deeply in the sand while others would feed on smaller grasses closer to the surface," he said. "Evidence from many other places in the world shows that multispecies communities were the norm. To only have one species of dugong now is freaky."

These communities also made for healthier seagrass beds, he said. Whereas a single seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum, dominates the Caribbean and West Atlantic, grass beds in Australia have a better balance of species because modern dugongs feed on the larger grass species, keeping them in check and giving smaller grasses a shot at flourishing.

The researchers named C. alemani after the Culebra Formation where it was found and Alberto Aleman Zubieta, the former chief executive officer of the Panama Canal, whose support they described as essential to the fieldwork's success.

C. alemani was excavated as part of a large-scale, years-long project to salvage fossils during the expansion of the Panama Canal, which temporarily exposed fresh outcrops. Wood said that while he and the rest of the field crew understood the significance of their work, the discovery of the dugong "really brought that home."

"We found the fossil dugong when water levels were at their lowest," he said. "After the first day, they steadily rose. We put sandbags on the edge of the site just to keep water out long enough for us to collect it. Within a week, the site was flooded. We couldn't go back. The idea that this was a once-in-a-century opportunity was wrapped up in this one specimen."(Natural News) For more than a year ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, the Left-wing Nazis who run the social media behemoths deplatformed one conservative, Right-leaning voice after another in what was obviously a concerted attempt to censor any and all dissent to Democratic candidates and their socialist policies.

Though financial institutions and online advertising firms came late to the censorship party, they eventually joined with the tech giants in deplatforming or downgrading powerful pro-liberty voices like Alex Jones and Mike Adams, as well as a number of influential right-leaning sites like The Western Journal, Natural News, The National Sentinel, and others.

While the 2018 midterms are behind us, they did usher in Democratic control of the House while Republican gains in the Senate were likely limited. Now, the censorship-and-deplatforming operations are beginning again as we head into the 2020 election cycle.

As reported by The Gateway Pundit, another site that was censored by Twitter, Facebook, and others, Chase Bank, a major financial institution in the U.S., shuttered the account last week of a very vocal, pro-POTUS Donald Trump supporter and U.S. Army veteran Joe Rambo Biggs, which he announced via Twitter.

Chase bank just closed out my account!  Joe Biggs (@Rambobiggs) February 16, 2019

I got an email saying my account was closed. I drove [to] the local store front and the lady says she cant see why but Im not [sic] longer allowed to use them and the reason is being sent by mail, he wrote in a subsequent tweet.

I got an email saying my account was closed. I drove the local store front and the lady says she cant see why but Im not longer allowed to use them and the reason is being sent by mail  Joe Biggs (@Rambobiggs) February 16, 2019

We bank with @Chase and even with a power of attorney they wouldnt let my wife sign a document for me. They said we dont know if he really signed this form. That is what the notary stamp is for, needless to say we zeroed out that account and moved all of our money to US Bank, he added.

We bank with @Chase and even with a power of attorney they wouldnt let my wife sign a document for me. They said we dont know if he really signed this form. That is what the notary stamp is for, needless to say we zeroed out that account and moved all of our money to US Bank.  Chad D (@CDintheLou) February 17, 2019

The censorship and deplatforming is out of control: Where is Congress?

In an interview with The Gateway Pundit, Biggs said he had an account with Chase for nearly 20 years  since 2000.

Biggs posted a screenshot of an email that Chase sent him, stating tersely, Dear Joseph R. Biggs, Your accountwas permanently closed on 02/03/19 as we explained in your most recent statement.

The combat vet says he wasnt warned ahead of time. He said that his Army retirement pay was always deposited into Chase. (Related: 2018 will be remembered as the year of Big Tech censorship of conservatives.)

The Gateway Pundit further reported:

Joe Biggs is a huge supporter of the 2nd Amendment and also makes documentary films focused on the border crisis but he says YouTube has taken down most of his videos and demonetized his channel.

Tyranny from big tech and big banks in the U.S. is reminiscent of the social credit score in China which is used to silence and control the population.

Last week, Big League Politics reported that Chase Bank also shuttered the account of Enrique Tarrio, a leader of the pro-Trump patriot group Proud Boys, which the Left has inappropriately and inaccurately labeled a white nationalist organization.

How is the U.S. any different from a Communist nation if Americans live in fear that if they dare express their political views they will be unable to use various financial services that are essential to living in a modern society? TGP noted, asking, Where the hell is Congress?

Thats a great point. There should have been an investigation launched into this problem months ago, either by the Legislative Branch or by a federal agency concerned with antitrust violations.

Conservatives arent much for big government probes but if ever there needed to be some congressional and federal oversight, its now. Maybe its time the president declared another national emergency: Big Tech censorship is real and its a constitutional crisis.

Read more about the Lefts unending censorship of conservatives and Trump supporters at Censorship.news.

Sources include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com(Natural News) A group of researchers from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has developed a new antibiotic-resistant detection test. According to Science Daily, their process will allow medical professionals to determine how bacteria will react to a particular antibiotic in no more than half an hour. What once took two to three days could be done in the span of a single doctors appointment.

Their test works by using a urine sample collected from a patient. The sample is divided into two parts: one part is exposed to antibiotics for 15 minutes while the other part of the sample is incubated without antibiotics. The bacteria from the two samples then undergo lysing to break down and release their cellular contents. These are then exposed to a process that utilizes both a detection chemistry technique called dLAMP and the SlipChip, a microfluid device that performs multi-plexed microfluid reactions. The targeted DNA markers will appear on the SlipChip as bright green spots  the fewer there are, the more effective an antibiotic is against that particular bacteria. If the treated and non-treated samples display the same number of dots, then the drug has had no effect on the bacteria.

Through this test, the Caltech team has taken on one of the most pressing problems in the fight against superbugs: overprescription. Many doctors tend to pass over first-line antibiotics in lieu of stronger ones when treating bacterial infections, claim the researchers. They do this because of the high chance that weaker antibiotics wont work. Unfortunately, this results in bacteria developing resistance to second-line drugs.

Right now, were overprescribing, so were seeing resistance much sooner than we have to for a lot of the antibiotics that we would otherwise want to preserve for more serious situations, said Caltech graduate student and study co-author Natha Schoepp. (Related: Antibiotic resistance poses catastrophic threat to mankind over next 20 years: Breaking report)

To put their new technique to the test, the researchers used it on 54 urine samples collected from patients with urinary tract infections (UTI). All of these patients had UTIs caused by Escherischia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria typically found in the gastrointestinal tract. The researchers focused on UTIs due to them being one of the most common infections among humans, with UTIs accounting for eight million doctor visits a year in the United States alone. Their test yielded a 95 percent match with the results of the two-day test, itself the gold standard for accuracy.

On their test, study co-author Ethel Wilson Bowles and Robert Bowles professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Rustem F. Ismagilov said: Therapies are driven by guidelines developed by organizations like the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention without knowing what the patient actually has, because the tests are so slow. We can change the world with a rapid test like this. We can change the way antibiotics are prescribed.

To that end, Ismagilov and Schoepp have said that they plan on running the test on other kinds of infectious bacteria to gauge its efficacy, as well as tweak it to allow it to work on blood samples. Compared to urine infections, blood infection tests are more difficult to run due to the bacteria in blood being much lower in number than in urine. Though if Schoepp, Ismagilov, and their colleagues succeed in doing this, then they can help reduce the number of deaths caused by blood-borne infections.

Visit SuperBugs.news to remain updated on all things relating to antibiotic resistance.

Fast facts about antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is one of the worlds most dangerous public health problems, while overusing antibiotics is a major contributor to this growing issue.

Those who are most at risk of antibiotic resistance are children and older adults since these groups have the highest rates of antibiotics usage. Moreover, nearly 30 percent of antibiotics prescribed to children have been found to be unnecessary.

Antibiotics are responsible for one out of five emergency room visits for adverse drug events (ADEs). In the case of children, antibiotics are the leading cause of ADEs, with seven out of 10 ADEs being linked to antibiotics.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

CDC.gov(Natural News) Researchers from India and the U.S. have found that high-dose supplementation of iron in non-anemic pregnant women can cause oxidative stress and eventually affect birth outcomes. They aimed to measure oxidative stress in pregnant women with low, normal, or high hemoglobin status in the first trimester and to relate these to birth weight.

The team carried out a cross-sectional study, in which they analyzed oxidative stress markers in both maternal and cord blood samples and correlated with birth weight.

To conduct the study, they recruited 100 pregnant women from a tertiary hospital in urban South India based on their hemoglobin status.

Forty women had low or normal hemoglobin status, while the remaining 60 had high hemoglobin status.

People with low hemoglobin levels are known to be anemic.

The researchers found that pregnant women who were mildly anemic benefited from iron supplementation.

However, those with relatively high or normal hemoglobin levels were more likely to have higher oxidative stress markers in the first trimester and were therefore at risk of harmful effects of too much iron.

They also tended to give birth to babies with lower gestational age and their babies had lower birth weight.

The findings of the study were published in the journal Public Health Nutrition.

In conclusion, these findings suggest that pregnant women with high hemoglobin levels who take high doses of iron supplements tend to have increased oxidative stress, which could negatively affect birth outcomes.

To read more studies on supplements that are beneficial for pregnant women, visit SupplementsReport.com.

Journal Reference:

Shastri L, Pammal RS, Mani I, Thomas T, Kurpad AV. OXIDATIVE STRESS DURING EARLY PREGNANCY AND BIRTH OUTCOMES. Public Health Nutrition. December 2016; 19(17): 3210-3215. DOI: 10.1017/S1368980016001191(Natural News) Tens of millions of Americans still dont see it or realize it yet, but the Left has declared open warfare on the civil society, aided and abetted by useful idiots and willful participants in the mainstream media (MSM) and tech industry.

At no time since the Civil War or the anti-establishment counter-cultural movement that began a century later  both of which were brought about by Democrats and their Left-wing descendants  have Americans been so divided and so full of irreconcilable hate.

From the deplatforming of conservatives and supporters of POTUS Donald Trump by the social media giants to the endless production of fake news and the perpetuation of hoaxes meant to inflame political passions by the MSM, America is on the precipice of open hostilities by rival factions.

The most recent incident involves the likely hate crime hoax by Jussie Smollett, a second-tier black homosexual actor who has selfishly weaponized his skin color and sexuality in an attempt to perpetuate the dangerous lie that our president is a racist, bigoted homophobe.

As new details roll out by the day indicating that police now believe Smollett staged a racial attack to perpetuate a false stereotype of the presidents supporters, his disgusting lie is being perpetuated by a dishonest Left-wing media hell-bent on destroying their own country, which theyve been brainwashed into believing is imperialistic and illegitimate.

As Leftist propaganda factories like CNN gaslight the country regarding Smolletts hate crime, one legitimate journalist, Andy Ngo, is pushing back. In a tweet storm earlier this week, he ticked off one fake race crime hoax after another that the MSM was quick to report, sans evidence, or ignored once the hoaxes were discovered. (Related: Its time for a NATIONAL EMERGENCY conversation about fake news media constantly spreading hate crime hoaxes like the phony Jussie Smollett lynching.)

The hoaxes will lead to violence and death

Heres a short list:

 Shortly after the 2016 election, the far-Left hate mongers at Southern Poverty Law Center stoked fear and loathing after a pro-homosexual Episcopal Church was allegedly vandalized with a painted message, Heil Trump. It was a hoax; the churchs gay organ player did it and he was only charged with a misdemeanor.

Right after Donald Trumps election, the SPLC really stoked panic. A pro-gay Episcopal church in Indiana was vandalized w/Heil Trump, a swastika, & an anti-gay slur. Turns out it was the gay organ player who did it. He was only charged w/a misdemeanor. https://t.co/QxeOoBHohC  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) February 17, 2019

 A few days after a mass shooting in Pittsburgh, supporters of the president were accused of Nazi vandalism at a Jewish synagogue in Brooklyn as well as starting fires in a Jewish community. Hoax: The perpetrator was a gay black man who worked with city council members on an anti-hate crimes initiative.

Days after the Pittsburgh massacre, Trump supporters were blamed for Nazi vandalism at a Brooklyn synagogue & fires in a Jewish community. Turns out the perpetrator was a gay black man who had worked with city council on an initiative to fight hate crimes. https://t.co/6y8UvHVA90  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) February 17, 2019

 In December 2017, Juan Thompson, then a reporter for the Leftist news site The Intercept, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for making hoax death threats to Jewish community centers around the country, for which POTUS Trump was blamed.

Who remembers when Trump was blamed for the spate of death threats to Jewish community centers across the US? Juan Thompson, a reporter who worked for @theintercept, was convicted for the hoax threats + other offenses. https://t.co/kHuZ5jMYYk #HateHoax pic.twitter.com/3DzsLSlbXg  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) February 18, 2019

 In September 2018 a black woman in Long Island, N.Y. claimed that Trump supporters confronted her and said she didnt belong here. The next day a tire on her car was slashed with a note left behind that said, Go home. Hoax: The woman, Adwoa Lewis, made it up.

In Sep. 2018 a black woman in Long Island said Trump supporters confronted her & told her she didnt belong here. Her car tire was slashed the next day & a hateful note was left behind saying go home. Adwoa Lewis made up the whole story. https://t.co/njVBvdjpoM pic.twitter.com/XEJh6NYxut  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) February 17, 2019

Ngo listed scores of other examples (begin his tweet series by clicking here). But in every case, like with the Smollett hoax, the MSM, Democrats, and the Hollywood Left piled on the story, casting aspersions (and threats) against Trump supporters and conservatives in general, only to be proven wrong, and refusing to acknowledge it.

Heres the thing: One day, and soon, one of these hoaxes will spark a clash  perhaps even a race war  that wont end until hundreds or even thousands of Americans have died and entire portions of several cities have been destroyed.

And whats more, the disgustingly dishonest media will be largely responsible for perpetuating the lies that will lead to the clashes, the death, and the destruction.

POTUS Trump calls the MSM enemies of the people for a reason. Its because they are.

Read more about the fake news journalism of the MSM at NewsFakes.com.

Sources include:

TheNationalSentinel.com

IndyStar.com

Justice.gov(Natural News) Chinese researchers tested the renoprotective effects of an extract made from bishops weed (Houttuynia cordata). They reported its positive effects on kidney injuries associated with diabetes.

Support for the study came from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The findings were published in the journal Chinese Herbal Medicines.

The animal model was made up of seven different groups of mice, with eight mice in each group according to the applied treatment. While the model group did not receive any treatment, the others were given either metformin hydrochloride, AG490, water extract, ethanol extract, volatile oil, and a mixture of the three extracts.

The animals were treated for a total of eight weeks. At the end of the trial period, they were sacrificed and evaluated for general status, biochemical indicators, and histological changes in their kidneys.

The ethanol extract, volatile oil, and mixed extracts groups displayed lower serum levels of transforming growth factor beta one (TGF-?1) and fibronectin (FN). Furthermore, the kidneys of the mice treated with those extracts showed improved functions and enhanced histology. The mixture group achieved the best results.

The kidney tissue from the model group showed much higher protein expressions of numerous antibodies associated with kidney damage. They also showed greater genetic expression of JAK2 and STAT3 proteins.

The treatment groups showed downregulated levels of P-JAK2 and P-STAT3 antibodies. In addition, the volatile oil and mixture groups demonstrated upregulated expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 protein (SCOS-1) proteins.

The researchers concluded that the ethanol extract, volatile oil extract, and mixed extracts derived from bishops weed can strengthen the functions and structure of the kidney, especially for patients with diabetes.

For more stories on herbs that can support kidney health, visit Herbs.news.

Journal Reference:

Fang Y, Shao SC, Wang HY. INTERVENTION EFFECTS OF COMPOUND HOUTTUYNIAE HERBA TO DIABETIC RENAL DAMAGE BASED ON SOCS-JAK/STAT NEGATIVE FEEDBACK REGULATION. Chinese Herbal Medicines. 2018;10(4):424430. DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2018.08.005.(Natural News) Richard Moyes, a founding member of the non-government organization Campaign to Stop Killer Robots (CSKR), warns that autonomous military robots may develop their own intelligence and turn against its human creators. In particular, Moyes says that advancing technologies are opening doors to opportunities (and risks) that even the smartest experts cannot predict.

A human cant really make legal or moral judgments about the effects that they are creating through the use of these systems, he says.

Moyes expresses his concern that a malfunction in how these robots operate can potentially lead to the loss of lives of actual human soldiers. He is pushing toward creating an international law that would ensure humans remain in complete control of robotic weapons systems.

This is about protecting civilians and human dignity  but it is also a practical issue for [the military]. Soldiers dont want to be sent into battle alongside systems that are unpredictable and might go off the rails, he admonishes.

CSKR has repeatedly called for autonomous weaponry to be banned on all battlefields. Their efforts, however, have not manifested into anything concrete  robot systems are still being deployed in todays warzones.

The evolution of war and how it is fought

Gone are the days of warriors on horses, wielding swords, and screaming battle cries. As society has changed, so too has warfare and how we fight it. Today, battles are fought in the technological sphere, and were more likely to die from people pressing buttons or wielding virtual reality data than being shot.

That doesnt mean that physical battles do not happen. Tactics also play a huge role in which side will win a skirmish. For these scenarios, governments are now turning toward robotic systems that not only possess more physical strength than a human, but can think and react to various stimuli autonomously. Prototype robot soldiers are already being deployed in many of todays warzones, including those being fought in Iran and Afghanistan. They range in size from tiny eight-pound robots to the worlds biggest robot, a 700-ton dump truck that can haul 240 tons of earth at a time.

These robots are not even what military experts call finished. Robotics executives say that what were seeing is only the first stages of this type of technology.

Are we sowing the seeds of our own destruction?

The concept of using robots for war is based on life preservation. If less humans were in vulnerable states, such as in a warzone, then it makes sense that less humans would die. Furthermore, robots dont need to sleep, never get tired, and are accurate almost all of the time. They are the perfect killing machines. It seems like a win-win situation until you stop to consider the potential consequences of making an amoral being highly intelligent and capable.

Or, perhaps amorality is no longer an accurate characteristic of robotic systems. When discussing the ethics of artificial intelligence, experts warn that autonomous systems are inherently tainted by its programmers. Decision-making processes, for example, are biased toward the person who designed the software.

Foregoing the potential ramifications that this might have in war, this could also imply that robots may eventually develop very real human emotions. We may soon witness robot psychologists getting sad, or robot doctors getting stressed.

Or robot soldiers getting angry?

It is difficult to determine what lies ahead in our future, especially as our horizon is slowly (yet steadily) being colored by the steel touch of robotics.

Sources include:

DailyStar.co.uk

Brookings.edu

NickBostrom.com [PDF](Natural News)

A television expose reveals restaurant meals for kids contain extremely high amounts of fat, sugar, and salt, as reported by The Daily Mail.

The expose investigated some of the most popular restaurant chains in Britain. A family from Croydon, U.K. was sent by the television program, Tricks of The Restaurant Trade, to four different high-street restaurants that were popular for being family-friendly and offered menus for children under 12 years old. The parents and their two children gave their opinions on the meals, while a nutritionist calculated the nutritional value of each meal.

It was discovered that a single meal from several kids menus exceeded the recommended daily calorie intake of a child. Moreover, the foods had incredibly high levels of ingredients associated with obesity and heart disease. Also, the kids menus had minimal to zero nutritional value. Most of the menus prepared for kids did not suggest healthy choices at all and only gave minimal nutritional information on the food choices, while some did not even offer any vegetables.

Whats really scary is that, without parents realizing, the calorie, sugar, fat, and salt content of these meals is almost unknown and its flying up, Sophie Morgan, the shows host, said.

Moreover, several restaurants made their least healthy menu appear more vibrant, fun and exciting, which made it hard for parents to choose the appropriate food option.

Its easy for children to get over-excited when theyre eating out and its difficult for parents to manage what they want to order. But in some cases it felt like kids were being incentivized to order the unhealthy stuff, Morgan said.

In some restaurants, they offered replacing chips for a salad or a fizzy drink for a juice, yet water was not an option.

In addition, the investigation discovered that some chains described some of the products as hand-made, fresh, and home cooked, when in reality they were the opposites. The soup from Pret a Manger, a sandwich chain, was made in a factory, which is contradicting to what the chain has claimed as handmade. The home cooked nachos by another restaurant were deep fried on the chains kitchen. Furthermore, the fresh pizza from Pizza Express actually came from a dough that had been frozen beforehand. Morgan called the practice as misleading and manipulative.

According to Richard Hyde, an associate professor of law at the University of Nottingham, the Food Standards Agency guidelines state that using such terms is legal as long as the cooking methods can be reproduced in a domestic setting. Foods that are labeled as fresh must simply not have been preserved in any artificial way.

Its fine if its an enticing trick to get you to buy; but once you put a premium on that hand-made product, and get people to pay extra for it, it becomes daylight robbery, Morgan expressed.

These all contribute to the worsening childhood obesity in the United Kingdom. The situation in the restaurant industry needs to be addressed to fight obesity in children and adults as more people dine out frequently.

According to the latest data by the U.K.s National Health Service, 9.6 percent of children are overweight by the time they start school  a 9.3 percent increase from the previous year. When the children reached the age of 10 and 11, one in every five or 20 percent of them were obese.

Adverts for unhealthy foods have a significant impact on consumption habits, and we want to see immediate action to restrict junk food marketing at children, both online and on TV before the 9pm watershed, Caroline Cerny, leader of the Obesity Health Alliance, said in a report by The Telegraph.

The complete results of the investigation and the restaurants involved will be released later in October.

Read more news about the dangers of always eating out at FastFood.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Digital.NHS.uk

Telegraph.co.uk(Natural News) Whether its just plain arrogance or a lack of proper education  or both  New York Democratic Socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs tone deafness regarding her own ignorance about worldly matters and economics is stunning.

Earlier this week, Ocasio-Cortez took to social media to decry POTUS Donald Trumps decision to declare a national emergency in order to secure funds to continue building walls and physical barriers along portions of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Like the rest of the Democratic Left, Ocasio-Cortez would rather make it easier for cartels to traffic human beings and drugs into our country while inundating our communities with poor migrants than live up to their oaths of office by protecting and defending our country and our people.

But what she said about the wall itself  in particular, what it reminded her of  was incredibly ill-informed.

No matter how you feel about the wall, she said, I think its a moral abomination. I think its, like, the Berlin Wall.

The stupidity of that statement is astounding.

While that plays well with her equally uneducated and under-educated Millennial fan base, the fact is the Berlin Wall was built by an authoritarian Communist government in Soviet-aligned East Germany in 1961 to keep people in, not to keep people out.

As the History Channel notes, the Soviet Unions leader at the time, Nikita Khrushchev, upset at the continued flow of refugees out of the Communist East to the Democratic West, gave the East Berlin government permission to build a wall to stem the flow of professionals  doctors, craftsmen, engineers, teachers  which they did. Tens of thousands of German families were separated overnight; scores lost jobs they held in West Berlin. Within a year, the East German government had built a second wall, fortified it with guard towers, armed guards, and dogs. Anyone caught trying to escape East Berlin/East Germany was shot on sight.

In all, at least 171 people were killed trying to get over, under or around the Berlin Wall, the History Channel reported. The wall was torn down in late 1989 after the Soviet Union collapsed (due to its inferior economic model  Communism and socialism).

Ocasio-Cortez gets away with this ignorance because shes never challenged

So for Ocasio-Cortez to make the comparison here that U.S. border walls and fences are the same as the wall built by an authoritarian regime hell-bent on denying their citizens choice and freedom is imbecilic. Its not even remotely accurate.

So why does she make such dumb, easily refutable comments? For one reason, its obvious that her higher education did not include recent Western history.

It also didnt include much about economics though she holds a bachelors degree is in economics; you cant be serious in believing that socialism is superior to capitalism given the readily available examples in the real world and still claim you know anything about economics. (Related: Ocasio-Cortez celebrates LOSS of 25,000 Amazon jobs and billions in tax revenue proving Dems no longer party of Main Street America.)

But also, the mainstream media is to blame for much of Ocasio-Cortezs ignorance of the issues and misplaced confidence. Because they have long ceased to be journalists in the true sense of the word  if they ever were  and are instead nothing more than Left-wing political activists and propagandists, MSM reporters dont challenge Ocasio-Cortez when she says things that are so obviously wrong and so easily fact-checked. Part of the reason is that they want her to be right; the other part is because they need her to be right.

POTUS Trumps border security walls are being built to protect Americans from dangers, not to keep us penned in, deny us our freedom and liberty, and ensure the survival of an authoritarian regime. Not that Ocasio-Cortez knows the difference.

Read more about the lunacy of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at CortezWatch.com.

Sources include:

News.Grabien.com

History.com

TheNationalSentinel.com(Natural News) As more details surrounding Empire actor Jussie Smollett and his apparent hate crime hoax are revealed, a bombshell report from a local Chicago investigative news site has gone largely unnoticed.

Most of the coverage regarding Smollett has centered around the attack itself, the aftermath, what he told police, what police now believe happened, and the alleged involvement of two Nigerian brothers reportedly paid by the actor to stage the assault.

But one facet of the evolving storyline that has escaped the attention of most Americans following along, as well as most news organizations reporting on this saga, is how it began in the first place: with a juvenile-looking letter sent to Fox studios addressed to Smollett.

As reported by CWB Chicago, someone dropped the letter into a mailbox in Chicagos southwest suburbs on Jan. 18, several days before Smolletts alleged hate crime took place and made national news.

The envelope containing the letter looked like a three-year-old had written it. It was sent to Smollett at Cinespace Studios, located on Chicagos West Side where the program originates. MAGA  which stands for the presidents Make America Great Again 2016 campaign slogan  was written haphazardly in the return address space. Four days later, the website reported, the letter showed up at the studio and into Smolletts hands.

Something about the envelope must have raised concerns. Smollett would later tell police that he and Empires executive producer donned gloves before they opened it and exposed themselves to a threat letter covered in white powder. Police logged the time as 2:30 p.m., CBS Chicago reported.

The powder, it was determined later, turned out to be crushed Tylenol tablets. The letter, which featured words and letters cut out of a magazine, threatened Smollett using racial, homophobic language: You will die black f*g.

A week or so later is when Smollett initially reported the alleged attack to police, claiming he was beaten by two MAGA hat-wearing white males who poured a bleach-like substance on him, put a noose around his neck, and hollered, This is MAGA country! (Related: Its now clear: Jussie Smollett and the Obama Left have set race relations back 100 years.)

Felonies were committed

But as Smollett was reporting the attack to Chicago PD, a multi-agency federal investigation into the source of the threat letter was entering its seventh day, the local news site reported.

That probe is being headed by the FBIs Chicago Field Office and began, at least, as a terrorist threat investigation. The bureau is being assisted by personnel from the United States Postal Inspection Service, a serious law enforcement entity of the U.S. Postal Service founded by none other than American patriot Benjamin Franklin.

Whoever sent the letter to Smollett may have considered the mail to be an untraceable way to deliver a message, CWB Chicago reported. Theyd be mistaken.

The USPS Inspection Service has a number of ways to track letters back to their source, but a modern technique involves technology: Cellphone tracking. Beyond that, other evidence is piling up.

The two Nigerian brothers whom police initially identified and picked up for questioning told investigators last week that Smollett planned the hate crime hoax because he was angry the threat letter didnt get more attention.

Meanwhile, FBI and USPS agents have been trying to discover the origins of the threat letter for nearly a month, giving it far more attention than he knew, CWB Chicago reports.

In a tweet, the news agency quoted a very good crime investigator who said, This is not a whodunit. Its a how-many-people-dunit. The threat letter is a direct link to the alleged attack, the investigation source added.

Very good source on @JussieSmollett hate crime investigation: "This is not a whodunit. It's a how-many-people-dunit." Threat letter is a "direct" link to purported attack. #jussiesmollett #Chicago  CWBChicago (@CWBChicago) February 11, 2019

Whoever mailed the threat letter made an enormous mistake, the news site was told, adding that their sources say federal charges are certain.

Per a legal (attorney) source: If they have Smollett on the letter, hell be facing terroristic hoax charges, a felony. There may be federal obstruction charges as well.

Read more about the Lefts hate crime hoaxes at Hoax.news.

Sources include:

CWBChicago.com

NewsTarget.comWatch the full video exclusively at Brighteon, since YouTube bans everyone who dares tell the truth:

Laura Loomer is planning a protest outside Twitter's NYC office tomorrow. Here's an email sent to people who work in that building. Apparently she has a permit for up to 600 people. pic.twitter.com/cg6f2Ub9Kr

Laura Loomer is planning a protest outside of the Twitter headquarters in New York City on Wednesday.

This is America today. This is like something you would read about in a banana republic.

Democrats are now going after commerce and and incomes of their political opposition.

The Republican Party and conservative leaders are AWOL on this issue as the tech giants continue to ban, de-platform and demonetize conservative voices. Conservative activist Laura Loomer was already banned from Twitter months ago. This was after Laura attacked Rep. Ilhan Omar on her own record and beliefs.

( Natural News ) Full video below, where I call the leaders of the tech giants fascist pigs for carrying out coordinated censorship and blacklisting campaigns against the most important independent voices of our time.

About the author: Mike Adams (aka the Health Ranger) is a best selling author (#1 best selling science book on Amazon.com called Food Forensics), an environmental scientist, a patent holder for a cesium radioactive isotope elimination invention, a multiple award winner for outstanding journalism, a science news publisher and influential commentator on topics ranging from science and medicine to culture and politics. Follow his videos, podcasts, websites and science projects at the links below.

Mike Adams serves as the founding editor of NaturalNews.com and the lab science director of an internationally accredited (ISO 17025) analytical laboratory known as CWC Labs. There, he was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for achieving extremely high accuracy in the analysis of toxic elements in unknown water samples using ICP-MS instrumentation. Adams is also highly proficient in running liquid chromatography, ion chromatography and mass spectrometry time-of-flight analytical instrumentation. He has also achieved numerous laboratory breakthroughs in the programming of automated liquid handling robots for sample preparation and external standards prep.

The U.S. patent office has awarded Mike Adams patent NO. US 9526751 B2 for the invention of Cesium Eliminator, a lifesaving invention that removes up to 95% of radioactive cesium from the human digestive tract. Adams has pledged to donate full patent licensing rights to any state or national government that needs to manufacture the product to save human lives in the aftermath of a nuclear accident, disaster, act of war or act of terrorism. He has also stockpiled 10,000 kg of raw material to manufacture Cesium Eliminator in a Texas warehouse, and plans to donate the finished product to help save lives in Texas when the next nuclear event occurs. No independent scientist in the world has done more research on the removal of radioactive elements from the human digestive tract.

Adams is a person of color whose ancestors include Africans and American Indians. He is of Native American heritage, which he credits as inspiring his Health Ranger passion for protecting life and nature against the destruction caused by chemicals, heavy metals and other forms of pollution.

Adams is the author of the worlds first book that published ICP-MS heavy metals analysis results for foods, dietary supplements, pet food, spices and fast food. The book is entitled Food Forensics and is published by BenBella Books.

In his laboratory research, Adams has made numerous food safety breakthroughs such as revealing rice protein products imported from Asia to be contaminated with toxic heavy metals like lead, cadmium and tungsten. Adams was the first food science researcher to document high levels of tungsten in superfoods. He also discovered over 11 ppm lead in imported mangosteen powder, and led an industry-wide voluntary agreement to limit heavy metals in rice protein products.

In addition to his lab work, Adams is also the (non-paid) executive director of the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center (CWC), an organization that redirects 100% of its donations receipts to grant programs that teach children and women how to grow their own food or vastly improve their nutrition. Through the non-profit CWC, Adams also launched Nutrition Rescue, a program that donates essential vitamins to people in need. Click here to see some of the CWC success stories.

With a background in science and software technology, Adams is the original founder of the email newsletter technology company known as Arial Software. Using his technical experience combined with his love for natural health, Adams developed and deployed the content management system currently driving NaturalNews.com. He also engineered the high-level statistical algorithms that power SCIENCE.naturalnews.com, a massive research resource featuring over 10 million scientific studies.

Adams is well known for his incredibly popular consumer activism video blowing the lid on fake blueberries used throughout the food supply. He has also exposed strange fibers found in Chicken McNuggets, fake academic credentials of so-called health gurus, dangerous detox products imported as battery acid and sold for oral consumption, fake acai berry scams, the California raw milk raids, the vaccine research fraud revealed by industry whistleblowers and many other topics.

Adams has also helped defend the rights of home gardeners and protect the medical freedom rights of parents. Adams is widely recognized to have made a remarkable global impact on issues like GMOs, vaccines, nutrition therapies, human consciousness.

In addition to his activism, Adams is an accomplished musician who has released over fifteen popular songs covering a variety of activism topics.

Click here to read a more detailed bio on Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, at HealthRanger.com.

Find more science, news, commentary and inventions from the Health Ranger at:

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Webseed.com(Natural News) Theres no doubt that breast cancer is an insidious disease. New cases of invasive breast cancers are estimated to have affected over 250,000 women and over 2,400 men over the course of 2017 alone. And new research has shown that Big Pharmas prized cancer treatments are entirely ineffective in many cases of breast cancer. As it turns out (to no ones surprise), the pharma industry has gotten cancer treatment all wrong and their exorbitantly priced drugs do nothing to stop the proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer has become one of the most common forms of cancer seen in the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom. BreastCancer.org reports that approximately 30 percent of new cancer diagnoses in women will be breast cancers. Further, the organization notes that breast cancer death rates are higher for women than any other cancer  with the sole exception of lung cancer.

About 70 percent of breast cancers in the U.K. are ER positive cancers, which indicates that the cancer cells have receptors for the hormone estrogen. In many cases, so-called conventional treatments are found to be useless. Now, research pioneered by Imperial College London and the European Institute of Oncology in Milan has finally pinpointed why Big Pharmas concoctions just dont seem to work much of the time.

There are two types of drugs offered to ER positive breast cancer patients after surgery: tamoxifen, which purportedly prevents estrogen from binding to cancer cell DNA, and aromatase inhibitors, which are supposed to prevent estrogen from being produced by other bodily tissues. In roughly one-third of patients, both treatments will stop working. It was assumed that the cancer cells developed resistance to the treatments, though it was not understood how. That is, until now.

The international research team has shown that at least in 25 percent of cancer cases, the cancer cells are able to produce their own estrogen  rendering estrogen-targeting treatments useless. As Imperial College London explains:

[T]he team discovered that in one in four patients taking aromatase inhibitors, the tumours had increased production of aromatase in the cancer cells. The tumours appear to do this by increasing the number of aromatase genes, in a process called amplification.

Co-lead author Dr. Luca Magnani explains that this process allows the cancer cells to supply their own estrogen, free of external sources. For the first time we have seen how breast cancer tumours become resistant to aromatase inhibitors. The treatments work by cutting off the tumours fuel supply  estrogen  but the cancer adapts to this by making its own fuel supply, Dr. Magnani commented.

When one aromatase inhibitor stops working, doctors would typically prescribe another one, but the research team contends that once cancer cells start producing their own estrogen, alternative inhibitors offer little to no recourse.

While more research still needs to done on how cancer cells resist tamoxifen, the scientists say its clear that cancer cells rely on different mechanisms to evade different types of treatments.

Ultimately, it seems like yet another Big Pharma failure. Despite the industrys assurances that these so-called advances in treatment will be worth their weight in gold, they clearly leave much to be desired. Meanwhile, recent research has shown that compounds found in Brussel sprouts and green tea can actually turn off cancer cells and make tumors more treatable.

As Mike Adams, the Health Ranger and director of CWC Labs has reported in the past, there are a myriad of alternatives to conventional cancer treatments. Shrouded in myths and lies, the pharmaceutical industrys approach to cancer is squarely focused on profits  not on people, and certainly not on health. Indeed, there are many things the cancer industry doesnt want the public to know  like the fact that their drugs simply dont work.

Read more stories about cancer treatments at Oncology.news.

Sources for this article include:

Imperial.ac.uk

BreastCancer.orgNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Slovenian President Borut Pahor to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (20 February 2019). The Secretary General praised Slovenias contributions to the Alliance, from the Western Balkans to Afghanistan.

Read NATO Secretary General's press statement here.By Lambert Strether of Corrente

Recently, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo (The University of Sydney) and Kris A.G. Wyckhuys (University of Queensland) published an enormous review article, Worldwide decline of the entomofauna: A review of its drivers, in Biological Conservation. (Ive uploaded a PDF version of the study in the Appendix. I encourage you to read it, or at least skim it. Its very lucid, and written to be understandable by lay people like ourselves.) From the abstract:

Here, we present a comprehensive review of 73 historical reports of insect declines from across the globe, and systematically assess the underlying drivers.

Before delving into the Bayo-Wyckhuys (BW) article  and by delve, I mean take a brief and superficial view of an enormous topic  Ill summarize the reactions to it (which are perhaps a bit more highly colored than the study itself, alarming though it is). Then Ill summarize the reports and drivers, commenting on both. Finally, Ill look at things that you or I could do to contribute to a solution, prior to (and perhaps, through action, encouraging) intervention by larger entities, like the Federal government).

Reactions to Insect Population Decline

Those of us who were alive in the 50s remember bug splats on car windshields, which no longer happen. This is constant trope. Heres a cartoon about it, in reaction to an earlier study in 2017:

The 'ecological apocalypse' that bug-people told Scene & Heard and @PrivateEyeNews back in November 2017 is in the news again.#insects #ecology pic.twitter.com/yyNVXV0qka  Scene & Heard (@SaHreports) February 10, 2019

Not sure why British bug splats are on the registation plate instead of the windscreen, but its the same phenomenon. And from The Onion, in direct response to BW:

Here are the headlines for more reactions to BW. In no particular order:

Im not going to go through these articles one by one, because I dont think they add much value to the report itself, which, again, is quite readable. (The Atlantic article is a critique, hence more useful.) A few comments on the headlines, however. In general, all of them evoke fear, yet none of them make the fear concrete. As far as inducing action, that seems to be to be about as bad as bad can be. First, we already have a media environment thats saturated with fear; and when the herd is being simultaneously spooked from so many directions, who knows if it will move it all? For a long time, Ive been skipping any articles on the Trump administration with words like terrifying in the headline.[1] Second, if you want to induce fear successfully, be concrete! For good or ill, you cant mobilize people with purely abstract terms like mankind, life on Earth, ecosystems, huge risk, or even apocalypse (the Christians already know what the real Apocalypse is, and for the rest of us, its just a metaphor). The environmental movement has been doing this for forty years, it hasnt worked, and it still isnt working. I argue again that the most serious moral commitment most people make, in the aggregate, is to their families and especially to their children. And yet the collapse of the biosphere, though it will very obviously harm those who are children today, and even more their children, is never framed in those terms. These headlines certainly dont. Its very odd. Now lets turn to the report.

Reports and Drivers of Insect Population Decline

First, the methodology. From the BW PDF (p 9):

We aimed at compiling all long-term insect surveys conducted over the past 40 years that are available through global peer-reviewed lit- erature databases. To that effect we performed a search on the online Web of Science database using the keywords [insect*] AND [declin*] AND [survey], which resulted in a total of 653 publications.

(We will return to this in a moment.) Now from the discussion of insect population decline (pp 15-17):

Biodiversity loss has become a major global issue, and the current rates of species decline  which could progress into extinction  are unprecedented (Barnosky et al., 2011; Pimm and Raven, 2000). Yet, until recently, most scientific and public attention has focused on charismatic vertebrates, particularly on mammals and birds (Ceballos and Ehrlich, 2002; Manne et al., 1999), whereas insects were routinely underrepresented in biodiversity and conservation studies in spite of their paramount importance to the overall functioning and stability of ecosystems worldwide (Fox, 2013; McKinney, 1999; Thomas et al., 2004). This review brings to the fore the demise of major insect taxa (albeit no studies are available for most Diptera, Orthoptera and Hemiptera), which started at the dawn of the 20th century, accelerated during the 1950s1960s, and attained alarming proportions globally over the last two decades.. From our compilation of published scientific reports, we estimate the current proportion of insect species in decline (41%) to be twice as high as that of vertebrates, and the pace of local species extinction (10%) eight times higher, confirming previous findings (Dirzo et al., 2014). At present, about a third of all insect species are threatened with extinction in the countries studied (Table 1). Moreover, every year about 1% of all insect species are added to the list, with such biodiversity declines resulting in an annual 2.5% loss of biomass worldwide (Fig. 2). The pace of modern insect extinctions surpasses that of vertebrates by a large margin, although the extent of losses cannot be accurately quantified. Since the declines affect the majority of species in all taxa, it is evident that we are witnessing the largest extinction event on Earth since the late Permian and Cretaceous periods (Ceballos et al., 2017; Raup and Sepkoski Jr, 1986). Because insects constitute the worlds most abundant and speciose animal group and provide critical services within ecosystems, such events cannot be ignored and should prompt decisive action to avert a catastrophic collapse of natures ecosystems (May, 2010). Most worrying is the fact that the declining terrestrial insect fauna comprise not only specialists with narrow ecological requirements, such as dependence on particular host plants (e.g., Coenonympha oedippus in bogs), ecological niches (e.g., roller dung-beetles) or restricted habitats (e.g., Bombus terricola in the USA), but also generalist species that were once common in many countries (e.g., Aglais io in the Netherlands or Macaria wauaria in the U.K.). This suggests that the causes of insect declines are not tied to particular habitats, but instead affect common traits shared among all insects.

(The part about generalist species is interesting; assuming, perhaps wrongly, that the cockroach is one such, Do you want your children to grow up in a world where the only insects are cockroaches? If so, proceed along your present course.)

And now to the drivers. From the BW PDF (p 12), in rank order:

A large proportion of studies (49.7%) point to habitat change as the main driver of insect declines, a factor equally implicated in global bird and mammal declines (Chamberlain and Fuller, 2000; Diamond, 1989). Next on the list is pollution (25.8%) followed by a variety of biological factors (17.6%), whereas few studies (6.9%) indicate climate change as triggering the losses

(Note that climate change is not a primary driver; the issue really is with the biosphere as such, with climate a subsystem thereof).

And from the Conclusion (p 22):

Habitat change and pollution are the main drivers of such declines. In particular, the intensification of agriculture over the past six decades stands as the root cause of the problem, and within it the widespread, relentless use of synthetic pesticides is a major driver of insect losses in recent times (Dudley and Alexander, 2017). Given that these factors apply to all countries in the world, insects are not expected to fare differently in tropical and developing countries. The conclusion is clear: unless we change our ways of producing food, insects as a whole will go down the path of extinction in a few decades (Dudley et al., 2017; Fischer et al., 2008; Gomiero et al., 2011). The repercussions this will have for the planets ecosystems are catastrophic to say the least, as insects are at the structural and functional base of many of the worlds ecosystems since their rise at the end of the Devonian period, almost 400 million years ago.

With a conclusion like that, some relief might be welcome; The Atlantic provides it, in two ways. First, reputable scientists disagree. From Is the Insect Apocalypse Really Upon Us?:

First, some good news: The claim that insects will all be annihilated within the century is absurd. Almost everyone I spoke with says that its not even plausible, let alone probable. Not going to happen, says Elsa Youngsteadt from North Carolina State University. Theyre the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. Some of them will make it. Indeed, insects of some sort are likely to be the last ones standing. Any event sufficiently catastrophic to scour the world of insects would also render it inhospitable to other animal life. If it happened, humans would no longer be on the planet, says Corrie Moreau from Cornell University.

(Note that BW write go down the path of extinction in a few decades, not be annihilated within the century, although their popularizers are far less measured.) Although Any event sufficiently catastrophic to scour the world of insects would also render it inhospitable to other animal life. Thats a bit of a self-own, isnt it? If you assume that the bourgeiosposcence (hat tip, Interfluidity) is, precisely, that event sufficiently catastrophic.

Second, the methodology:

n their review, Sanchez-Bayo and Wyckhuys found 73 studies showing insect declines. But thats what they went looking for! They searched a database using the keywords insect and decline, and so wouldnt have considered research showing stability or increases. The studies they found arent representative either: Most were done in Europe and North America, and the majority of insects live in the tropics. This spotty geographical spread makes it hard to know if insects are disappearing from some areas but recovering or surging in others.

Well, yes. I suppose there could be insect + increase studies (and no doubt the biospheres equivalent of the American Tobacco Institute is aggregating them right now). But thats a bit of a debaters point (not that theres anything wrong with that. I go back to the disappearance of bug splats. When you think about it, thats an enormous event. And everybody knows about it! Poke holes in the studies as you will, clearly something is very, very wrong.[2]

Things We Can Do to Ameliorate Insect Population Decline

For the number one driver, Big Ag the intensification of agriculture, BW offer suggestions:

Habitat restoration, coupled with a drastic reduction in agro-che- mical inputs and agricultural redesign, is probably the most effective way to stop further declines, particularly in areas under intensive agriculture. For example, flower and grassland strips established at the field edge enhance the abundance of wild pollinators (Blaauw and Isaacs, 2014; Hopwood, 2008), and rotation of crops with clover boosts the abundance and diversity of bumblebees (Ekroos et al., 2014; Haaland and Bersier, 2011), which in turn boost crop yield and farm profitability. These ecological engineering tactics not only favour pollinators but also conserve insect natural enemies that are essential for keeping at bay the herbivorous pest species of many crops (Dover et al., 2011; Gurr et al., 2012; Lu et al., 2015). However, for these measures to be effective, it is imperative that current pesticide usage patterns, mainly insecticides and fungicides, are reduced to a minimum as to permit a recovery of insect numbers and their associated biolo- gical control services (Heong et al., 2015; Way and Heong, 1994). There is no danger in reducing synthetic insecticides drastically, as they do not contribute significantly to crop yields, but trigger pest resistance, negatively affect food safety and sometimes lower farm revenue (Bredeson and Lundgren, 2018; Lechenet et al., 2017). For aquatic insects, rehabilitation of marshlands and improved water quality are a must for the recovery of biodiversity (van Strien et al., 2016). This may require the implementation of effective re- mediation technologies to clean the existing polluted waters (Arzate et al., 2017; Pascal-Lorber and Laurent, 2011). However, priority should be given to reducing the contamination by runoff and leaching of toxic chemicals, particularly pesticides.

Its worth noting that HR 109 includes the following project:

(G) working collaboratively with farmers and ranchers in the United States to remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector as much as is technologically feasible, including (i) by supporting family farming; (ii) by investing in sustainable farming and land use practices that increase soil health; and (iii) by building a more sustainable food system that ensures universal access to healthy food;

I think all of BWs recommendations for habitat restoration would fit or could be made to fit under this rubric. (I remember being taught in grade school about the New Deal, which also included changes in agricultural practice to reduce topsoil loss, which had, IIRC, led to The Dust Bowl.) Readers will also recall a recent link to regenerative agriculture.

And so to things you or I might do in our sphere of influence, below the Federal level, to end or mitigate insect population decline. Off the top of my head:

(1) Get involved in local zoning and permitting. The zoning and permitting process should be a powerful process to eliminate or mitigate both habitat loss and the use of pesticides. Make an issue of your towns program to spray insecticides! Make an issue of your towns program to cut back habitat along the roadside and along median strips!

(2) Get involved or create efforts in citizen science. BW write:

The above literature records use accurate scientific data on species distribution from museum specimens (56%), which are compared with long-term survey data obtained decades later (72%), and sometimes rely upon citizen science data (8%)

Surely 8% is much too low? Lets increase it! Once more from HR 109:

(K) restoring and protecting threatened, endangered, and fragile ecosystems through locally appropriate and science-based projects that enhance biodiversity and support climate resiliency;

I would imagine public libraries would be a very good place to publicize such events and hold meetings.

(3) Abolish your lawn (if you have one). You have the power to create a pollinator- and insect-friendly habitat, so do so! (You will be amazed.)

(4) Check that your local extension agent is up on the issue and has appropriate solutions to recommend.

(5) Make insect population decline a political issue through the usual channels: Calling your legislators, getting letters to the editor printed, and so on. (Just remember that if you use fear as a tool, make the fear concrete and not abstract!)

Readers, other ideas?

Conclusion

Bug splats alone show the problem of insect population decline is real and serious. BW have created a masterful aggregation and serious that shows how serious at the species level, and gives the drivers. Readers will be aware, at this point, that Im a meliorist. So lets go ameliorate! The science is there  enough.

NOTES

[1] I mean, I lived through the Bush administration; Bush got us into an actual shooting war with a disinformation campaign, slaughtered a few hundred thousand people, and destroyed the Fourth Amendment  all with Democrat help, mind you. Now that was a terrifying administration! (OK, OK, you were lucky.)

[2] The studies aggregated by BW are from the global north, so I would like very much to hear from any NC travelers or expatriates about equally powerful studies in other parts of the world.

Appendix

Here is a PDF of the study:Mountain lion in California tree rescued by firefighters BBC

Hes a survivor: dog reunited with family months after they fled wildfires Guardian (TYJ)

German hunter shot by dog refused gun license DW

Summer 2019: Climate Change Will Bring Strong Storms and Smog Bloomberg

Martin Wolf: Carbon taxes "might have been adequate if implemented worldwide three decades ago. Now, [they are] almost certainly not."https://t.co/Z7n7ENzb8i  Matthew C. Klein (@M_C_Klein) February 20, 2019

Plastic Bags are Recyclable, So Why Cant We Throw Them In Recycling Bins? PBS Explains Core77

As the Colorado River runs dry: A five-part climate change story Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

FDA Warns Against Using Young Blood As Medical Treatment CNN

China?

Bet on Trump to fold in China trade talks Asia Times (resilc) China Has Abandoned a Cybersecurity Truce With the US, Report Says Bloomberg Will the Trade War Lead to Real War with China? Consortium News. Chuck L was very taken with this article but I am not. Ignores the fact that China has had much lower tariffs on its exports to the US than the US has on sales to China since WTO entry, and that one of the reasons the US still has influence in the region is China is managing the difficult task of being a worse hegemon via bullying its neighbors, and in particular its sweeping claims regarding the South China Sea. The ida that the US can persuade China, particularly with respect to Taiwan, is ludicrous. The Surprise of Authoritarian Resilience in China American Affairs. Jeff W: The article is, implicitly, more of a critique of Western observers expectations and ideological blinders than anything about China.

Danske Bank pulls out of Russia, Baltics after money-laundering backlash Reuters (Kevin W)

Brexit

Venezuela

Page 136 of McCabe's new book, recounting a 2017 Oval Office meeting: "Then the president talked about Venezuela. Thats the country we should be going to war with, he said. They have all that oil and theyre right on our back door." pic.twitter.com/RY39h1dXoc  Aaron Mate (@aaronjmate) February 18, 2019

Syraqistan

Big Brother Is Watching You Watch

Imperial Collapse Watch

Trump Transition

House Opens Inquiry into Proposed U.S. Nuclear Venture in Saudi Arabia New York Times

Sen. Lindsey Graham Kisses Trumps Ass, at the Expense of School Kids Rolling Stone

2020Yves here. This article describes some key elements of Frances political system that have stoked the gilet jaunes movement.

By Andre Sapir, a Senior Fellow at Bruegel, University Professor at the Universite libre de Bruxelles, and Research Fellow of the London-based Centre for Economic Policy Research. Cross posted from Bruegel; based on an opinion piece published in Le Monde

Outside France, many economists tend to ascribe the yellow vest movement to the fact that the French are rebellious and that France is politically unmanageable. But what is special about France is not its people but its institutional system, which differs vastly from those of other European countries. Three dimensions seem to me particularly relevant in the current context.

The first concerns the political system. Under the current constitution, power is far more personalised than elsewhere. France is not a parliamentary democracy like Britain or Germany. Sure, all three have a lower and an upper chamber, but political parties play a fundamentally different role in France.

There, the dominant party is a creation of the president  like the RPR was a creation of Jacques Chirac, the Socialist party was created by Francois Mitterrand, and La Republique en Marche is the creation of Emmanuel Macron, around whom the party entirely revolves.

Elsewhere, the history of the major political parties is clearly distinct from the persona of their current leader. The CDU in Germany or the Conservative party in Britain are not the creation of Angela Merkel or Theresa May.

The second French peculiarity concerns the role of intermediate institutions, and in particular labour unions. Among the large European countries, France is where the rate of union membership is the lowest. In 2015, it was 36% in Italy, 25% in Britain, 18% in Germany, 14% in Spain, 12% in Poland and barely 8% in France. And the current practice further weakens the role of labour unions in the management of social conflicts.

The third concerns the organisation of the countrys territory. Metropolitan France is the largest country of the European Union by land mass, with 550,000 km2, compared with 499,000 km2 in Spain, 349,000 km2 in Germany, 304,000 km2 in Poland, 294,000 km2 in Italy and 242,000 km2 in Britain. Among these six countries, France is also the one (just behind Spain) with the lowest population density, with 119 inhabitants per square kilometre against 236 in Germany and 275 in Britain.

Despite this situation, France is the most centralised of the six biggest EU countries. According to the OECD, the share of sub-national entities in total public expenditure is only 20% in France against 50% in Spain, 47% in Germany, 32% in Poland, 30% in Italy and 26% in Britain.

The conclusion is incontestable. France is the European country where there is the most rebellion against its leader, because his power is the most personalised and the most centralised among the six big EU countries.

The personalisation of power, the weakness of Parliament  with a dominant party dominated by a single person  and the weak role of intermediate bodies like labour unions all combine to create a situation where citizens have no recourse to make their voice heard other than taking to the streets and demanding the resignation of the president.

The large size of the country, its low population density and its lack of decentralisation create a situation where citizens outside the big cities feel abandoned by Paris, which does not provide sufficient local public services to ensure territorial cohesion. These are the citizens who march in Paris and in other big cities, demanding a better life.

Many French economists rightly favour reforming Frances social model towards greater flexibility and greater security, like in Scandinavian countries. But they should remember that these countries have very high unionisation rates (67% in Denmark and Sweden) and extensive territorial decentralisation of public expenditures (with sub-national entities accounting for 65% of such expenditures in Denmark and 50% in Sweden). Attempting to copy the Scandinavian social system without changing the French institutional system would not be very productive.

France is not unmanageable. It simply needs a better governance. Why not start with a greater decentralisation of public expenditures? A reasonable objective could be to increase the share of sub-national entities in public expenditures from 20% to 30% by 2025, and further to 40% by 2030. But this cannot be done without a substantial institutional reform to ensure that decentralised public expenditures are both efficient and of good quality.By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

All too patient readers, my schedule is complexified today. So I will toss out some red meat in the form of political news, finish up a post on the recent study on insect collapse, and then return for a latish Water Cooler revision with more of the usual featurs, especially The Bezzle. Thanks! lambert UPDATE All done.

Politics

But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51

They had one weapon left and both knew it: treachery. Frank Herbert, Dune

2020

2019

Ladies and gentleman, I give you The #Resistance: Remember when Andrew McCabe, whose book is now a Number 1 best-seller on Amazon, raised over $554,000 in five days via GoFundMe because people apparently worried that he would fall into poverty and destitution as a result of his bold anti-Trump stance? What a gigantic scam  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) February 20, 2019

Realignment and Legitimacy

Fracking company teams up with Susan G. Komen, introduces pink drill bits for the cure (with image of pink drill bit) [Salon]. From 2010, still germane. Theres your liberal identitarianism, right there. Its not The Onion! I swear! DSA collateral: MOBILIZER 101 series. New and experienced activists welcome. First up: how to talk about Socialism and DSA https://t.co/4KtFAnZhr9 pic.twitter.com/aJtAoIqBqm  DSA San Francisco (@DSA_SF) February 20, 2019 On the one hand, this is a strong effort. On the other, wheres the bullet point about the working place, the  stay with me here  (un)natural habitat of the working class?

Stats Watch

MBA Mortgage Applications, week of February 15, 2019: The purchase index ended its four-week slide [Econoday].

Debt: How Scary Are Subprime Auto Loans? [Bloomberg]. Shorter: Not especially, since theyre not levered.  But auto loan defaults are not a good sign for the working class balance sheet, as it were, at all, assuming most need cars to get to work.

Retail: Alden-controlled Payless to close all 2,300 of its stores, including 34 in Greater Philadelphia [Philadelphia Business Journal]. Payless ShoeSource Inc. intends to file for bankruptcy protection later this month and close all of its approximately 2,300 retail locations, including the 34 in the Philadelphia region. Its the second time the Topeka, Kansas-based company has filed for bankruptcy protection in two years.  Purchased by Alden Capital after the first time, so you know its being sucked dry.

Shipping: Hedge funds hunt for shipping debt in new market push [Reuters]. A growing number of hedge funds are moving into shipping debt, an asset class few have invested in before, looking to buy up loans and bonds as banks cut their exposure to the troubled sector. European banks, particularly German lenders, are trying to offload distressed and performing loans to the industry which attracts high capital requirements. The European Central Banks banking supervisor has flagged troubled non-performing loans in 2019 as a concern for a significant number of euro area institutions.'

The Bezzle: Tesla General Counsel Quits After 2 Months in Latest Upheaval [New York Times]. Tesla said Wednesday that its general counsel was leaving the automaker after just two months on the job, the second unexpected, high-level departure in the last month. The official, Dane Butswinkas, was a Washington trial lawyer who represented the companys chief executive, Elon Musk, when he was sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission last year. The company said he had decided to return to his law firm.  Therell always be a lamp in the window for my wandering boy.

The Bezzle: Hundreds Of Android Apps Found To Serve Invisible Ads [Media Post]. A massive mobile ad-fraud operation, involving hundreds of malware-laden Android apps, has been uncovered by Oracle. The scheme, DrainerBot, involved serving ads that were invisible to users, but that burned through their data allotments and depleted their batteries. The affected apps  including popular ones like Perfect365 and Draw Clash of Clans  have been downloaded more than 10 million times.  Oops.

Tech: Apple Plans on Combining iPhone, iPad, Mac Apps by 2021 [Bloomberg]. Apple Inc. wants to make it easier for software coders to create tools, games and other applications for its main devices in one fell swoop  an overhaul designed to encourage app development and, ultimately, boost revenue. The aim of the multistep initiative, code-named Marzipan, is that by 2021, developers will be able to build an app once and have it work on the iPhone, iPad and Mac computers, people familiar with the effort said. That should spur the creation of new software, increasing the utility of the companys gadgets.  Utility. Oh. iOS apps will be shitty on the Mac because they dont conform to the Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines, which even today structure the UI/UX on that platform. So its another way for Apple to further crapify the Mac.

Tech: Scream Time [The Baffler]. Silicon Valleys awareness of the addictive, damaging nature of its products predates much of the recent self-care fad. The self-described movement that brought about the rise of digital well-being can be traced to a 141-page Google Slide presentation created by Google engineer Tristan Harris in 2012. Harris had gone to Burning Man and had an epiphany, according to Wired, realizing that maybe dopamine-triggering notifications on slot-machine-like pocket-sized devices werent geared toward users best interest. Back at Google, Harris was promoted by then CEO Larry Page after his memo went viral, becoming the companys first design ethicist. Harris role would be to advise the sprawling surveillance empire on how to create more ethical technology. This arrangement, of course, would be like Facebook internally handling Fake News, the Sackler family tackling the opioid epidemic, or Exxon fighting climate changethe new normal.  Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

Transportation: Southwest cancels hundreds of flights as it struggles to get its mechanical problems under control [CNN]. Southwest Airlines continues to grapple with an operational emergency after an unusually high number of planes have been taken out of service. The Dallas-based airline has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights since late last week because of mechanical problems with its fleet. Despite an all hands on-deck staffing policy for its mechanics, the company has not been able to resolve its problems. In a statement on Tuesday, Southwest (LUV) said there was no common theme to the issues facing its 750 airplanes and it was extending a staffing protocol instituted last week to maximize availability of mechanics. We are requiring all hands on-deck to address maintenance items so that we may promptly return aircraft to service and take care of our customers, it said. On Tuesday, more than 40 planes had maintenance issues  more than twice the average number on a typical day. That created a domino effect, disrupting Southwest flights across the country.  Well, at least none of Southwests hangars caught fire. Readers, whats with this story? Ive always thought of Southwest as a well-run airline. Am I not cynical enough?

The Biosphere

Left on the cutting room floor from todays post:

Helping Farmers Prevent The Insect Apocalypse [Exploring the Problem Space]. Three words: sustainable intensive agriculture. Sure, organic and local help in little ways  but the planet needs help in a big way. Organic and local require more land to produce less food and we need to shrink the terrestrial footprint of agriculture. The less land used, the better  at least as a general rule.  Hmm. However, the USDAs list of suggestions looks pretty good. Yes, it allows herbicides and, through Integrated Pest Management, insecticides, but I think separation of concerns applies: Get the Filter Strips, Contour Buffer Strips, and habitats in place, and wean ourselves from the *cides as we go. Readers?

Five things you can do to protect our insects from population collapse [CNN]. 3. Be less tidy: Insects dont like manicured lawns and whilst cultivated double-flowered plants look lovely in the garden, they are bad news for pollinators as they typically dont produce pollen and their nectar is hidden deep inside their flowers. You can help the insects in your garden by letting the grass grow longer and sowing some wildflowers. If every garden had a little patch for insects collectively it would probably be the biggest area of wildlife habitat in the world.  That sounds good, because its less work. Also, CNN using the word collectively

Using Parking Meter Records and Tweets From Local Businesses for Sea Level Rise Research [Weather Underground]. Little is known about the social and economic consequences of these events, since these high-tide floods, also called nuisance or sunny-day floods, typically last for just a few hours at a time and rarely leave lasting damage. To document the occurrence of these floods, the researchers used tide gauge data in combination with satellite and photographic evidence of the flooding. An important source of these photographs were tweets from local businesses. When periods of flooding were identified, receipts from the parking lot flooded by the ocean were studied to determine by how much visits to the Dock Street area [in Annapolis, Maryland] were affected. During the period May 2016  November 2017, 4584 hours of parking meter records were reviewed. They revealed that when the parking lot flooded, people did not go to nearby unflooded parking areasthey simply avoided coming downtown, resulting in a loss of revenue for local businesses. Even after the flooding ended, there was a more than six-hour lag until visitation returned to its usual levels.  Interesting, and shows more potential for citizen science.

Water

Fighting pollution: Toledo residents want personhood status for Lake Erie [Guardian]. Called the Lake Erie Bill of Rights, it would grant personhood status to the lake, with the citizens being the guardians of the body of water. If passed, citizens could sue a polluter on behalf of the lake, and if the court finds the polluter guilty, the judge could impose penalties in the form of designated clean-ups and/or prevention programs. What has happened in Toledo is that we have lost our faith in the current mechanisms of power, and decided to take things into our own hands, said Bryan Twitchell, a Toledo school teacher. We decided it was our personal responsibility to take action and pull us back from that brink so we can live near a healthy lake.'  Next up: The Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri rivers?

Lake Erie Bill of Rights issue to go to Toledo voters [Ohio Country Journal]. The Ohio Supreme Court recently decided that a Lake Erie Bill of Rights [LEBOR] initiative could be placed before Toledo residents in a special election Feb. 26, 2019. the Supreme Court decided that based on a reading of case law and the Ohio Constitution, the board of elections in Toledo had no option other than placing LEBOR on the ballot. This outcome does not necessarily mean that if Toledo passes LEBOR, it is a done deal; if and when it passes, courts could determine it is unconstitutional and/or beyond the scope of the citys power.  Thats less than a week away. I hope our Ohio readers will keep us informed!

Class Warfare

Known Assailants [The Baffler]. [T]he baseline skills of construction in the brick-and-mortar worldwiring a conference room, framing a house, fixing a transmissionarent lesser forms of intellectual work; rather, they call on different types of intelligence than the kind necessary to compose a quarterly process improvement report or a PowerPoint presentation on category strategy. Neither brand of labor is better than the other. Work is work. Everyone toils beneath a boss; most of us will never earn what were worth. And now that were on the other side of the interregnum, there are some real advantages to blue-collar jobs, at least in my world. None of the guys or women I know who skipped college and went straight into the trades are burdened by student loan debt. They own houses and motorcycles and go on vacations; they have good healthcare and can expect to collect on a pension when they retire.  Until the unions are destroyed, along with the pension system. But I take the point.

News of the Wired

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Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, (c) how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal, and (d) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. Todays plant (Unna):

Unna writes: Harveys Lake, Barnet, Vermont. Since Vermont is in the news lately!

Some people who have not sent in pictures of plants did so. Thank you! But more would be nice

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Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the annual NC fundraiser. So do feel free to make a contribution today or any day. Here is why: Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of small donations helps me with expenses, and I factor that trickle in when setting fundraising goals. So if you see something you especially appreciate, do feel free to click below! (The hat is temporarily defunct, so I slapped in some old code.)

Or Subscribe to make a monthly payment!In a statement on Wednesday, the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) said it will conduct snap searches for ZNA uniforms and other resembling clothing items in residential areas starting this weekend.

ZNA said the search has been necessitated by the rise of criminal activities by people wearing military regalia. Members of the public are urged to surrender clothing items before searches are conducted. We publish the full statement below:

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) is advising members of the public that it will conduct snap searches for ZNA uniforms and other resembling clothing items in residential areas starting on this weekend.

This has been necessitated by the sharp rise in cases of theft, robbery, etc, executed using military regalia mostly by rogue elements of the society. Members of the public are urged to voluntarily surrender these clothing items to the search teams before the searches are conducted or surrender them to the nearest police station or army camp.

Please be warned and comply accordingly to avoid any inconveniences that might be caused by the exercise.

Zimbabwe National Army

The Zimbabwe National Army is the countrys military wing which was established with the role of ensuring territorial integrity, peace, stability and security. The force was established in 1980 after the country attained its Independence from colonial rule. The opposition has accused Zanu PF of using the army to suppress its political rivals to retain power during election period.

 Pindula

Breaking News via Email

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Related Zimbabwe Latest NewsSOUTH Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a high powered delegation to Zimbabwe next month for meetings to discuss several bilateral issues affecting the two countries.

In a statement, South Africas International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said top on the agenda would be the issue of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West.

We are preparing for a bi-national meeting with Zimbabwe on March 12, 2019. Our President (Ramaphosa) will lead the delegation to Harare. I thought by now sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe Government and its people would be lifted to enable the country to start afresh after all the challenges they have gone through, she said in a statement posted on the departments official twitter account.

We call on EU and particularly the United Kingdom (UK) to give the Government and the people of Zimbabwe a chance to change their situation by urgently lifting the sanctions. Without lifting the sanctions the Government of Zimbabwe will never be able to address its economic challenges, and this is compromising the political gains achieved since the coming in of the new President.

Minister Sisulu said Zimbabwe and South Africa have strong ties dating back to the period of the liberation struggle.

She also wished Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is not feeling well, a speedy recovery.

Recently, President Ramaphosa took the campaign against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe to the 49th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

Speaking at an International Labour Organisation (ILO) meeting in Switzerland last month ahead of the WEF, President Ramaphosa said the sanctions against Zimbabwe were stifling the countrys economic growth.

President Ramaphosa said Zimbabwe was facing economic challenges which the world can assist in addressing if the sanctions were lifted.

Zimbabwe has been labouring under illegal Western sanctions which have hurt the economy for about 20 years.

The South African leader said while South Africa is in negotiations with Zimbabwe to find solutions to its challenges, the world must help the situation by lifting sanctions placed on the country.

Last year, President Ramaphosa, also called on the European Union (EU) to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe saying the country has turned a wonderful corner and needs support on its path to great reforms.

He made the call to the EU leaders during last years 7th South Africa European Union Summit in Brussels, Belgium where they discussed a number of issues around trade, climate change, womens rights among other global issues.

Upon his assumption of office as the Head of State and Government in November 2017, President Mnangagwas first foreign visit was to South Africa.

He met President Ramaphosa and former President Jacob Zuma as part of moves to deepen the economic ties between Harare and Pretoria.

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Related Zimbabwe Latest NewsAN 18-YEAR-OLD woman who was employed as a housemaid by a family from Rangemore suburb in Bulawayo has been arrested for stealing 3 000 rand from her employer before fleeing to her home in Harare.

Ruth Togara of Warren Park in Harare yesterday told Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube that she decided to steal from Ms Elizabeth Gwandira (20) of Rangemore as she was not being paid well.

Togara pleaded guilty to a theft charge.

She was ordered to go for community service assessment and will return to court today for sentencing.

Togara told the court that she stole the money because she needed money to go back home.

Ms Gwandira was not paying me properly and l wanted to leave for my home. When l saw the money, l took it and went straight home, she said.

Mr Kenneth Shava said on February 9, Ms Gwandira left her money in a satchel that was on top of her bed in her bedroom and went to work.

When she got home at around 5PM, she noticed that her maid had packed all her belongings and left the house. Ms Gwandira searched if all her things were available and realised that the money she had left in her satchel was missing, said Mr Shava.

In her testimony, Ms Gwandira said as soon as she realised that her maid had vanished, she quickly searched to see if she had taken any of her property.

As l was searching, l remembered that l had left money in a bag on top of my bed. When l opened the bag all the money had been taken and l knew it was Togara because she was the only person l lived with, she said.

Ms Gwandira reported the matter to the police and Togara was arrested at her home in Harare.

The total value of the money that was stolen was 3 000 rand and only 800 rand was recovered.

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Related Zimbabwe Latest NewsTHE legitimacy of President Mnangagwa will not form part of the agenda for the inter-party national dialogue as he was duly elected as Head of State and Government and his election was confirmed by the Constitutional Court, a senior Zanu-PF official has said.

In an interview with Zimpapers Television Network, Zanu-PFs Secretary for Legal Affairs Cde Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana said the ruling party would not entertain attempts by the MDC Alliance to put President Mnangagwas election as the President of the country on the agenda when the national dialogue begins in earnest.

He said every Zimbabwean had an obligation to recognise the result of an election, which was pronounced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission before endorsement by the Constitution Court.

It is an obligation upon every political player in the country to recognise the pronouncement by the Constitutional Court. So the issue of the election of the President is not on the table and will not be on the table because a decision has been made by the highest courts on that particular issue. We are not entertaining any discussion on that, said Cde Mangwana.

We are saying we have a Government in place led by President Mnangagwa, but there are areas which require improvement from a social, political and economic perspective, let us discuss those issues with full recognition that there is a President who was elected by the people of Zimbabwe that is the context under which we are discussing. We are not discussing the legitimacy or otherwise of the election of the President. It is not an item on the agenda.

He reiterated that the dialogue being prepared had nothing to do with power sharing saying Zanu-PF got a full mandate from the people to run the country for the next five years.

Cde Mangwana said the national dialogue being driven by President Mnangagwa was running together with another one comprising political parties represented in Parliament to discuss legislative and budgetary issues.

He said the four political parties represented in Parliament held their inaugural meeting last weekend in Bulawayo.

He said the inter-party dialogue of political parties represented in Parliament had been in place since the inclusive Government culminating in the writing of a new Constitution.

After the constitutional programmes the dialogue continued looking at legislative reforms, we have participated in the interparty dialogue all along but after the election which led to President Mnangagwa being elected as the leader of this country, the MDC Alliance said it will not recognise the outcome of the presidential election and we said, look if you cannot recognise our principal as leader we have difficulties in engaging you, said Cde Mnangagwa.

Efforts were of course made to mediate on that particular issue and it continued until last week we decided to meet if we could find common ground. This did not only include MDC Alliance but two other political parties in Parliament because our framework of negotiation is premised on political parties represented in Parliament. 

He said the last meeting in Bulawayo was to look at the framework under which parties should engage and it was also meant to orient new political parties like National Patriotic Front which is being represented by Mr Masango (Blackman) Matambanadzo.

A technical committee to come up with items to be placed on the agenda was constituted and another meeting will be held in two weeks.

We are discussing critical issues to take our economy forward, how do we ensure that the youths in our party live in peace, that they sing from the same hymn book, as political parties how do we reduce tension, what should be the approach to the budget in Parliament, he said.

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Related Zimbabwe Latest NewsRe: Oh, the wall irony, Your Turn, Sunday:

The letter writer mistakenly compares a wall on our southern border to the Berlin Wall. Americans and all freedom-loving people applauded when it was torn down. But his comments disregard the fact that the Berlin Wall was built to keep Soviet bloc citizens imprisoned. Our southern wall is meant to keep illegal entrants out.

I challenge folks who espouse open borders (especially celebrities and politicians) to tear down the walls around their mansions and gated communities. And maybe even leave their doors unlocked as well.

Ken Frederick, Kendalia

Costumes banned?

How many parents have attended elementary school programs where children are dressed to represent Pilgrims, Native Americans, presidents or some famous person? Is a costume attempting to represent Oprah, George Washington Carver, Barack Obama or any other famous person denigrating that person?

I do understand how African-Americans feel disrespected by blackface that is meant as a caricature. I am embarrassed by our history of black oppression/suppression and sorry that it continues today. I also understand that dressing up like someone else is common and not usually meant to belittle or disparage.

Im sure we will all be more aware of how our actions can affect other people because of this controversy  but what are the rules when it comes to costumes? Is coloring body parts the big no-no? Does this mean that most costumes are now forbidden as so many represent people?

Judy Hummel

Health care, too

Re: Better education begins with a raise for all teachers, Opinion, Wednesday:

The headline for this article should read A better education begins with a raise and affordable quality health care for all teachers and retired teachers.

Whats the purpose of a pay raise when most of it pays for out-of-control health care costs? Conservative Legislatures for years discouraged any pay raise. Now, all of a sudden, they are teachers best friends. One way or another, the state will have to contribute to the rising cost of health care. What better way to address it than by taking credit for a pay raise and then have teachers use that raise to pay for their rising health care costs?

In addition, lets not forget about retired teachers. Premiums for retirees are now anywhere from $600 to $1,000 when family members are included. The health coverage for current and retired teachers is horrible.

Teachers want affordable health care and better health care paid for by the state and then a pay raise that they can use at their own discretion.

James YoungRe: Groups are raising a flap over proposed dispersal of birds, Metro, Feb. 13:

I read with dismay of the citys plans to move the egrets from Elmendorf Lake Parks rookery. Since I first came across the rookery, I have enjoyed observing bird behavior and photographing the egrets that nest there. During the months the egrets roost, I am often at the rookery 10 to 15 hours per week.

Our citys rookery is a perfect example of a working interface between nature and humans. The island is close to the shore of Elmendorf Lake, and allows city residents to watch the birds as they nest, hatch and raise their young.

Ive had many people stop to watch the birds with me. Im always happy to talk about the species and their behavior, and to point out hatchlings. A cross-section of our city uses this park, and all seem to delight in this sight. Ive yet to encounter anyone complaining about the presence of these egrets.

My 80-year-old mother spends part of the winter here. Shes an avid bird-watcher and also enjoys visiting the rookery. She was quite pleased to point out the egrets to two middle-schoolers who stopped recently.

In the article, Juan Ayala, the citys director of military and veterans affairs, said that the birds pose a health risk for spread of disease. Im a former infectious diseases physician and am immune-compromised. The risk of infection to the public is truly minimal, particularly since the birds are on an island and the water is not used for recreation or drinking.

It is illegal to disturb active nesting sites of migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Cattle egrets, great egrets and snowy egrets have already started building their nests at Elmendorf Park. The proposed actions of the city to relocate the birds this year are illegal under this act.

The city is considering relocating the birds because of possible bird strikes at Joint Base San Antonio. The cattle egrets leave for feeding en masse right after sunrise and return to the rookery together about one hour before sunset. Since their flight is predictable, perhaps flight patterns at JBSA-Lackland could be adjusted to minimize risk of bird strikes during the few months that egrets are roosting. My understanding is that Randolph adjusted its sorties for the Mexican bats at Bracken Cave.

Weve already eliminated the rookery at Brackenridge Park. I sincerely hope were able to keep this natural treasure, the only remaining egret rookery in the city of San Antonio.

Mimi Emig is a former infectious diseases physician.Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in a number of ways epitomizes the Republican Party's descent into intellectual rot and immoral opportunism. Graham as a candidate called out President Trump as a bigot and "the most flawed nominee in the history of the Republican Party."

As one of the late Sen. John McCain's closest friends, Graham decried autocrats, stood up for human rights and castigated President Barack Obama for failing to exercise global leadership. He considered himself a defender of the military and our national intelligence community.

He's now among the worst apologists for President Donald Trump -- vowing to investigate unsubstantiated smears of the DOJ and FBI and insisting there was no collusion between the trump team and the Russians (despite evidence of Paul Manafort's meeting with Konstantin Kilimnick, the Trump Tower June, 2016 meeting and the Roger Stone-WikiLeaks connection.)

Most stunning is his reversal on immigration. Once a member of the Gang of Eight's comprehensive immigration reform he now supports Trump's fear-mongering on the border and even his unprecedented power grab, a declaration of a "national emergency."

There was one remark that perfectly typifies the horrible habits of the Trumpized GOP -- playing to low information voters' ignorance, ignoring real problems in favor of hyperventilating over phony ones, infatuation with authoritarianism and deep cynicism. Here's the relevant exchange on Face the Nation:

- - -

MARGARET BRENNAN: The President just declared a national emergency in regard to getting the funds for his border wall.

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Yeah.

MARGARET BRENNAN: In terms of getting those funds though through this emergency action there's about three point six billion of it--

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Right.

MARGARET BRENNAN: --that could come from military construction efforts, including construction of a middle school in Kentucky, housing for military families, improvements for bases like Camp Pendleton and Hanscom Air Force Base. Aren't you concerned that some of these projects that were part of legislation that you helped approve in Congress are now going to possibly be cut out?

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Well, the President will have to make a decision where to get the money. Let's just say for a moment that he took some money out of the military construction budget. I would say it's better for the middle-school kids in Kentucky to have a secure border. We'll get them the school they need. But right now we've got a national emergency on our hands. Opioid addiction is going through the roof in this country. Thousands of Americans died last year or dying this year because we can't control the flow of drugs into this country and all of it's coming across the border.

- - -

Thunk. Graham knows the opioid problem doesn't stem from a lax border; he should know however that test scores for kids in rural, red states like Kentucky are atrocious. and that there are problems other than illegal immigration problem (which has been declining) that most affect voters. (For starters if one cares about opioid addicts the last thing to do would be to cut Medicaid as Republicans proposed.)

Let's look at the education picture first. Last year the Lexington Herald Leader reported:

"In 23 schools more than half of the students tested couldn't read beyond a beginner or novice level. Most of those schools were in Jefferson County, with one - William Wells Brown - from Fayette County.

"Only two schools - SCAPA at Bluegrass in Fayette and Marie Gatton Elementary in McClean County - had no students scoring at the lowest level in math.

"Nineteen schools had more than half of those tested performing at the lowest level in math. Sixty-three schools had 40 percent or more of the students tested performing at the bottom level, including Bryan Station High School, William Wells Brown Elementary and Booker T. Washington Elementary in Fayette County.

"In addition to Fayette, six school districts had multiple schools with poor math scores, the Herald-Leader analysis showed."

Kentucky routinely ranks near the bottom in educational attainment. It also lags in healthcare, economic opportunity and has a soaring incarceration rate. Anyone think those factors have far more to do with opioid addiction than the lack of a wall at the border thousands of miles away?

Trump and his Republican enablers don't want to hear the facts:

More for you Opinion Why concern about Trump and Russia likely spiked for FBI...

"The data show that far more drugs are detected at ports of entry than between ports of entry. The Office of Field Operations, working at ports of entry, seized 4,813 pounds of heroin during the first 11 months of fiscal year 2018, through Aug. 31, 2018. During the same period, U.S. Border Patrol, which works between legal ports of entry, seized 532 pounds of heroin. CBP statistics from 2012 through 2017 show similar disparities between heroin seized at ports of entry and heroin seized between ports of entry. The data also show that fentanyl, another opioid, was seized at ports of entry at a higher rate than at points between ports of entry. From Politifact New York:

"The Drug Enforcement Agency reports similar findings, noting in its 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment that "a small percentage of all heroin seized by CBP along the land border was between ports of entry." . . .

"The agency said 85 percent of the fentanyl that came across the U.S.-Mexico border in 2017 entered through the San Diego port of entry.

"Data and analysis from the drug enforcement and customs agencies have been used by the Congressional Research Service, Cato Institute, and Brookings Institution, among others, to explain the flow of drugs and recommend policy changes.

David Bier, an immigration analyst who writes about border security at the libertarian Cato Institute, said that by saying a 'majority' of opioids come through ports of entry. . . .

" 'By weight, the average port inspector seized 8 times more cocaine, 17 times more fentanyl, 23 times more methamphetamine, and 36 times more heroin than the average Border Patrol agent seized at the physical border in early 2018," Bier wrote in an email..

While Democrats talk about education as well as other issues like healthcare that have an effect on the quality of people's lives, Republicans' gleefully exploit their voters' ignorance, perpetuating the cycle of scapegoating-poor economic returns-more scapegoating.

Tragically, the dishonest political shenanigans of people like Graham widen inequality (by geography, class and race) and accentuates polarization. They make constructive policy making nearly impossible, and play into the hands of demagogues. It's then that authoritarians like Trump come along who insist "they alone" can fix problems and falsely place blame on outsiders rather than some of their own disastrous policy choices.

At some point it's too much for Republican voters to bear. A Democratic governor won in 2018 in Kansas to repair the self-inflicted fiscal wounds from years of tax cuts that starved the state of needed revenue. Democrats rebound throughout the Rust Belt in 2018 and made inroads in former conservative strongholds like Nevada, Arizona and nonurban Pennsylvania. (Likewise, you've seen a spate of teacher strikes in red states that haven't paid teachers adequately, a recognition that a policy of supply side tax and budget cuts and immigration hysteria do not make for a decent quality of life.)

The strategy of fear, deflection and willful ignorance has a short shelf-life. In the end voters know if their lives are getting worse or better. To the extent Democrats talk to voters about the actual problems and realistic solutions they will go far. They cannot merely deplore the fear-mongering and race-baiting, however deplorable they are. If Democrats address the actual problems of average voters, Republicans will lose power and be forced (maybe) to re-evaluate their approach.

In the meantime the cynical, base-pleasing politics of Trump, Graham and others damage the lives of the most vulnerable Americans, batter our democracy and destroy a sense of national unity. What an awful legacy they will leave.The San Antonio Police Department is searching for a 9-year-old boy last seen on Tuesday on the Southwest Side.

Isaiah "Ronnie" Hedland was last seen in the 500 block of Hoover, according to SAPD. Maps show Charles Graebner Elementary School in the area, but it is unknown if the child is a student there.A San Antonio police officer found 9-year-old Isaiah "Ronnie" Hedland, who was reported missing Tuesday, safe and unharmed in the backyard of a home in the child's own Southwest Side neighborhood.

Isaiah went missing after leaving Charles Graebner Elementary School to walk home, prompting an "exhaustive" search of the area, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said.A Houston man is accused of kidnapping a rideshare driver and breaking into her home.

In criminal filings, detectives with the Harris County Sheriff's Office say Deveriq Yell, 19, requested a Lyft driver pick him up in 2600 block of Silky Court during the pre-dawn hours of Jan. 27.

The driver picked Yell up around 6:30 a.m. and drove him to a remote location near Brookshire in Waller County, according to court documents.

REVIEW: DA's office reviewing dozens of cases linked to former Houston police officer

When the driver arrived at the location, Yell allegedly grabbed the woman from the backseat and told her to move into the front passenger seat. He said he would shoot her if she didn't comply, according to court documents.

The man concealed his identity during the ride and forced the driver to cover her face with a sweater as he took control of her car, detectives said.

Moments after taking control, Yell allegedly stole the woman's debit and credit cards, walked into a gas station in the 300 block of FM 259 and withdrew $100 in cash. While back in the car, Yell also allegedly told the woman to call her husband and tell him to meet her at Katy Mills Mall along the Katy Freeway.

LATEST: Police identify 1 of 2 south Houston shooting victims

Instead of driving to the mall, Yell drove to the woman's home in 24500 block of Lakecrest Village Drive, broke in and stole several items  including a TV and cell phone, court documents state.

He eventually turned her loose around 9:30 a.m. that morning, taking her Toyota passenger car, detectives said. Once her husband got back home, the couple called 911 to report what happened.

Days later, Yell and another person were pulled over in the stolen Toyota in Fort Bend County. The stolen cell phone and TV from the Lyft driver's home was still in the car, court documents state.

Detectives with HCSO interviewed Yell while he was in custody in Fort Bend County, who denied any involvement in the robbery. Detectives checked surveillance from the gas station and another store to confirm Yell's identity, authorities said.

He's facing up to life in prison on a first-degree felony aggravated kidnapping charge, if convicted.

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WASHINGTON - Several Republican and Democratic lawmakers threw their support Wednesday behind Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, who some administration officials worry may soon be dismissed from his position by President Donald Trump.

The Washington Post reported Tuesday that, according to people familiar with the matter, Trump has become frustrated with Coats over public statements that the president views as undercutting his policy goals.

In an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon, Trump said he was not thinking about removing Coats.

"I haven't even thought about it," Trump said.

Nonetheless, lawmakers have reacted with alarm to the prospect of Coats's dismissal.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued a statement on Twitter on Wednesday morning defending Coats, a former Republican senator from Indiana who had served on the panel.

"DNI Dan Coats is a good friend, former Senate colleague, and leader of integrity who has always served our country well," Collins said. "We are fortunate to have a person of his ability and candor to lead our intelligence community."

Her colleague, Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, who also sits on the intelligence panel, described Coats as "a model public servant" and voiced concern about the prospect of his firing in a statement to The Washington Post on Tuesday.

"When a president - any president - denigrates or ignores factual information presented by the intelligence community . . . he or she is sending a message to the intelligence community: 'Don't tell me things I don't want to hear,' " King said.

The prospect of Coats's dismissal prompted an outcry from members of the House as well.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said in a tweet that Coats "has been doing an outstanding job."

"He speaks truth to power and gives policymakers the best intelligence possible," Schiff said. "He is loyal to the country and constitution, and that is as it should be."

Rep. Susan Brooks, who like Coats is a Republican from Indiana, said in a statement it would be "very worrisome" if Trump removed Coats "due to differences of opinion regarding national security matters."

"Coats has earned an exemplary record as a public servant with a significant focus on national security," Brooks said. "I trust his expertise to make decisions in order to keep our country safe."

Others said they were skeptical Coats would be removed from his position.

"I don't see any indication that he's headed out," Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., told reporters in Indiana Tuesday night, according to the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. "Unless you'd be completely on opposite ends of the spectrum - then I think it would be hard to work like that. I don't think we're there."

Last year, during an onstage interview at the annual Aspen Security Forum, Coats expressed surprise when he was told Russian President Vladimir Putin had been invited to Washington. He also said he would have advised Trump against speaking one-on-one with Putin during their summit in Helsinki.Several buildings in Parkway's CityWest office campus in Westchase are LEED certified. / Parkway

Bill.com is moving in the area, according to the Westchase District.

According to a release from the Westchase District, "Bill.com, the digital business payments company based in Palo Alto, California, is expanding its operations to Houston and will move into 25,000 square feet of office space at CityWestPlace later this spring."

CityWestPlace is located at 2103 CityWest Blvd. in west Houston.

Until its new office space is completed for move in, the company initially will reportedly operate out of TechSpace coworking offices in the same complex. TechSpace occupies the first two floors of the 35-acre campus.

"Having lived in Houston, I know first hand the quality and depth of talent available in this thriving university environment and known technology hub. It's a great combination for the tough challenges and problem solving that we need to innovate in the fintech space," said Vinay Pai, senior vice president of engineering at Bill.com.

Bill.com develops software to manage billing, invoices and payments. According to company information, "It processes more than $60 billion in payments annually."

The company said in a news release that it "is actively hiring a team including developers and customer support professionals with other roles to follow."

A Houston Chronicle report stated that the company aims to hire about 125 employees over the next three years.

The company will initially ramp up for engineering and customer service but will hire for other roles after it moves into permanent office space.

rkent@hcnonline.comOne of San Antonio's favorite unofficial holidays falls on a Friday this year, and margarita-loving restaurants around the city are attempting to lure customers with cheap margaritas and all-day specials.

Fiesta San Antonio is honoring National Margarita Day by unveiling a new Fiesta medal, El Mariachi. Complimentary margaritas will be available at the unveiling ceremony  at 10:30 a.m.A San Antonio serial killer was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison in Bexar Countys capital murder case of the year.

Johnny Joe Avalos, 32, admitted to killing five women from October 2012 through April 2015.

Judge Lori Valenzuela sentenced Avalos to two terms of life without the possibility of parole, which will be served at the same time.

As part of his plea agreement, Avalos admitted killing Vanessa Lopez, 25, in October 2012; Natalie Chavez, 15, in December 2014; Rosemary Perez, 28, in January 2015; and Celia Lopez, 29, in April 2015. He also admitted to attacking Genevieve Ramirez, 46, in March 2015. She died of her injuries April 3, 2015.

On ExpressNews.com: A fourth capital murder charge adds to grim list facing San Antonio man

Avlaos was first indicted on capital murder charges Nov. 29, 2016. He has a record for offenses ranging from making terroristic threats, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance. His last known address was in the 200 block of Wahrmund Court on the South Side near Hot Wells, according to public records.

Prosecutors decided not to pursue the death penalty, citing Avalos diminished mental capacity.

Prosecutor David Lunan said some of his victims were found not far from where Avalos lived on Wahrmund Court. He added that authorities were able to link him to all of the deaths through DNA.

Lunan did not mince words about the crimes tied to Avalos.

He would prowl the streets of the West Side and South Side, isolate and strangle (his victims) and have sex with their dead bodies, he said.

For more information about Avalos and his crimes, go to ExpressNews.com

Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts in San Antonio. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863ERIC BARADAT/AFP/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard defended her non-interventionist foreign policy stance in an interview on ABC's The View Wednesday, deflecting criticism painting her as an apologist of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by citing her own military service and the outcomes of those living in affected countries.



Gabbard, D-Hawaii, an Iraq War veteran who holds the rank of major in Hawaii's National Guard and is currently in her fourth term in the House of Representatives, argued further that the money spent on such conflicts could be better channeled towards domestic goals.



"It is those experiences of understanding and knowing first-hand the cost of war, both on our service members, on our veterans, as well as the cost on the people in the countries where we intervene, as well as the trillions of dollars, our taxpayer dollars, that are spent on waging these wars, dollars that are sorely needed to address the very real urgent needs of our families, our communities, our neighbors right here at home," she said.



Prior to her presidential campaign, the congresswoman was perhaps best known for a controversial 2017 trip to Syria to meet with Assad. She has since declined to label the leader an "enemy of the United States."



"An enemy of the United States is someone who threatens our safety and our security," Gabbard said on The View. "There is no disputing the fact that Bashar al-Assad and Syria is a brutal dictator. There's no disputing the fact that he has used chemical weapons and other weapons against his people This is not something that I'm disputing, nor am I apologizing or defending these actions.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says "there's no disputing the fact" that Bashar Al-Assad is a "brutal dictator" who "has used chemical weapons" against his people, but adds that amid the US's "regime-change war," the "lives of the Syrian people have not been improved" https://t.co/5atF55nKl3 pic.twitter.com/lVVeJAKoHl  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 20, 2019

"My point is that the reality we are facing here is that, since the United States started waging a covert regime change war in Syria starting in 2011, the lives of the Syrian people have not been improved," she added, referencing U.S. funding of rebel groups to overthrow Assad under the Obama administration.



Long-rumored to be interested in a presidential run, Gabbard, who was one of the few Democratic members of Congress to endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in 2016, surprised observers with a seemingly spur-of-the-moment campaign declaration during a CNN interview in January. She eventually followed that announcement with a formal launch event in Honolulu earlier this month, but her candidacy has already found itself embroiled in a number of controversies.



In addition to the continued questions about Syria, a January CNN report uncovered the congresswoman's past work for an organization run by her father that worked to pass a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.



"Working with my father, Mike Gabbard, and others to pass a constitutional amendment to protect traditional marriage, I learned that real leaders are willing to make personal sacrifices for the common good. I will bring that attitude of public service to the legislature," she told the Honolulu Star-Bulletin as a 21-year-old state legislature candidate in 2002.



Gabbard apologized in the wake of the story, explaining that her views have since evolved and that she "regret[s] the positions [she] took in the past."



The congresswoman has additionally had to distance herself from former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, who has long praised Gabbard, ranging back to the early days of the Trump administration, during which her non-interventionist views earned her consideration for the roles of secretary of state, secretary of defense and ambassador to the United Nations.



Expanding on her foreign policy approach on The View Wednesday, Gabbard was critical of U.S. involvement in the ongoing political unrest in Venezuela, where opposition leadership headed by Juan Guaido -- and supported by the Trump administration -- is attempting to unseat President Nicolas Maduro.

The United States needs to stay out of Venezuela. Let the Venezuelan people determine their future. We don't want other countries to choose our leaders--so we have to stop trying to choose theirs.  Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) January 24, 2019

"Every time the United States, and particularly in Latin America, has gotten involved in regime change, using different tools to enact that regime change, there have been both short and long-term devastating impacts," Gabbard said. "If there are ways that we can work with surrounding countries to try to get humanitarian aid in to people there, then we should be doing that."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard tells @TheView she is against U.S. intervention in Venezuela because "every time the United States, and particularly in Latin America, has gotten involved in regime change ... there have been both short and longterm devastating impacts" https://t.co/5atF55nKl3 pic.twitter.com/YFtrFC3P7F  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 20, 2019

"But for the United States to go in and choose who should be the leader of Venezuela, that is not something that serves the interests of the Venezuelan people," she continued. "That's something that they need to determine themselves."



On domestic policy, where the crowded Democratic field has begun to fracture in recent weeks, Gabbard expressed strong support for environmental aims, but said she does not endorse the proposed "Green New Deal," explaining that she believed the legislation was too vague.



On free college tuition and universal health care, however, two tentpoles of Sanders' insurgent 2016 campaign, Gabbard said that both were achievable and downplayed concerns about the costs of the latter, saying that expenses would be lower for those in the system and that it could be achieved alongside private insurance.



"Making sure that we have this basic quality level of care for every American is what Medicare for all would do and that's what I support," she said.



Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.We need legal brains with requisite ...In todays hyper-partisan environment, few issues enjoy majority support among those on both the right and the left of the political spectrum. But voters support for marijuana law reform is bucking this trend.

According to the latest national polling compiled by Gallup, 66 percent of U.S. adults  including majorities of Democrats, independents and Republicans  believe that the adult use of marijuana should be legal. The percentage of Americans who are supportive of the medicalization of marijuana is even higher. According to a 2018 Quinnipiac University poll, 93 percent of voters  including 86 percent of Republicans and 97 percent of Democrats  believe that patients ought to be able to access cannabis legally if they possess the authorization of their doctor.

Not surprisingly then, when given the opportunity to decide in favor of marijuana legalization, voters routinely elect to do so. To date, 33 states regulate the use and dispensing of medical cannabis. In more than half of these jurisdictions, these laws were enacted by the passage of a voter initiative  including most recently in the red states of Missouri, Oklahoma and Utah. Ten states have legalized the use of marijuana by all adults. Nine of these state laws were voter initiated, including most recently in Michigan.

As a result, most Americans now reside in a jurisdiction where some type of marijuana use is legally permitted and regulated. Contrary to the predictions of naysayers, the sky has not fallen. Teen use has remained flat and public safety has not been compromised. According to 2018 data compiled by the Colorado Department of Health, Youth marijuana use remains relatively unchanged since legalization. Data compiled by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy reaches a similar conclusion, finding: (A)cross grades 6, 8, 10 and 12, cannabis use indicators have been stable or fallen slightly since I-502s enactment.  We found no evidence that the amount of legal cannabis sales affected youth substance use or attitudes about cannabis or drug-related criminal convictions.

With respect to traffic safety, data published in 2017 in The American Journal of Public Health reported no significant association between recreational marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado and subsequent changes in motor vehicle crash fatality rates in the first three years after recreational marijuana legalization.

Rather than acting as a purported gateway to hard drug use, marijuana legalization is associated with reduced rates of opioid abuse and prescription drug spending. According to the findings of a RAND Corporation study, States permitting medical marijuana dispensaries experience a relative decrease in both opioid addictions and opioid overdose deaths compared to states that do not.

A separate analysis published in the journal Health Affairs concluded, We found that the use of prescription drugs for which marijuana could serve as a clinical alternative fell significantly once a medical marijuana law was implemented.

Legalization has also proven to be a financial windfall for states, generating increases in tax revenues, tourism and home values.

This is why more and more politicians are now jumping on board. For example, in this past election, nearly a dozen winning governors campaigned on platforms that included marijuana legalization. Lawmakers in numerous states  including Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island  are now moving forward with legalization measures.

At the federal level, incoming House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts immediately sought to distinguish himself from his Republican predecessor by pledging, Im not going to block (House floor) amendments for marijuana.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is a former co-sponsor of legislation to legalize the medical use of cannabis, while the new chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Jerry Nadler of New York, previously co-sponsored legislation that sought to allow states to regulate cannabis like alcohol.

Of the 2020 presidential hopefuls thus far, almost all are on record in support of ending the federal prohibition of cannabis.

At a time when the majority of states regulate marijuana use, and when a growing number of leading politicians are calling for cannabis liberation, it makes no sense from a political, fiscal or cultural perspective to try to put this genie back in the bottle. It is time for members of the 116th Congress to look to the future rather than to the past, and take appropriate actions to comport federal law with majority public opinion and the plants rapidly changing legal and cultural status.

Thats something virtually all voters can agree on.

Paul Armentano is the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws in Washington and is the co-author of the book Marijuana Is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink? He wrote this for InsideSources.com.SPRINGFIELD  Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday named Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton to lead a new office that will coordinate the administrations criminal justice reform initiatives, especially prison reform.

In an executive order, Pritzker established what hes calling the Justice, Equity and Opportunity Initiative, or JEO, which will centralize and coordinate criminal justice reforms across a number of different state agencies, with particular emphasis on the states prison system and sentencing guidelines.

This is needed because our justice system is not working, Stratton said in a statement released by the governors office. The JEO Initiative will move us from a strictly punitive system to one that examines the root causes of the issues we face while creating solutions that put community at the center.

Pritzker noted the state spends roughly $1.3 billion a year for the Illinois Department of Corrections, which houses about 43,000 inmates in a prison system designed to hold only about 32,000.

The order spells out a number of general initiatives the administration wants to pursue to reduce the prison population such as developing bias-free assessment tools for judges to use to determine sentences.

It also suggests the need for improved training within the Department of Corrections, which has faced numerous lawsuits over alleged discrimination and lack of access to health care.

In addition, it points to the growing number of women in state prison, and the unique needs of that population, as well as the need for better educational programs within the states juvenile correctional system.

Beyond the prison system, the order calls for targeting poorer communities with economic development efforts that would improve access to professional licenses, state contracting opportunities, education and housing.

And it calls for improving relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve by reducing the use of excess force, civil asset forfeitures and vehicle impoundments.

Finally, the order also states that legalizing marijuana would be an economic benefit in communities that the administration said have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

For Illinois to truly lead on criminal justice reform, we must bring real and lasting economic opportunity to every corner of our state. Its no accident that this initiative puts Justice, Equity and, Opportunity side by side, Pritzker said. With decades of experience working to bring reform to our system of justice in

Illinois, I can think of no better person to spearhead this initiative than our lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton.

The order calls on the new JEO office to report to the governor within 90 days with details about what it plans to accomplish in its first year, and then to file annual reports each Jan. 1 detailing what reform efforts have been put in place as well as the groups plans for the upcoming year.SPRINGFIELD  A bill to raise Illinois minimum wage to $15 by 2025 needs only Gov. J.B. Pritzkers signature to become law, and his office said he stands ready to act in the coming days.

Today is a resounding victory for the 1.4 million Illinoisans who will soon get a hard-earned and well-deserved raise, Pritzker said in a news release Thursday. After nearly a decade of delay, I applaud the House and Senate for passing a living wage with the fierce urgency this moment requires.

The House galleries were filled with cheers from advocates  many of them currently making the minimum wage  as the final 69-47-1 favorable vote became official.

Prior to the final vote, Pritzker was on the House floor smiling and shaking the hands of Democratic lawmakers  even as Republican Minority Leader Jim Durkin was lamenting the lack of bipartisanship behind the effort in his floor speech.

This is not the way to start out the General Assembly, Durkin said, adding Republicans had basically been told your interests and your thoughts are not valid and we dont care.

All in Durkins Republican caucus were joined by four Democrats opposing the bill while one, Stephanie Kifowit of Aurora, voted present after two hours of debate.

In their final efforts to derail the fast-tracked bill, Republicans once again shared stories from business owners, universities, colleges and schools within their districts detailing layoffs, closures and increased property taxes.

Rep. Charlie Meier, an Okawville Republican, said the bill would hurt agriculture and small-town businesses such as groceries.

More Information Path to Passage A timeline of events leading to the Legislature's passage this month of a law raising the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 an hour by 2025: July 2010 - Illinois' minimum wage hits its current rate of $8.25 per hour, a rate that remains stagnant for nearly 10 years. 2013 - Senate Bill 68 is introduced in the 98th General Assembly to increase the minimum wage to $9.25 on Oct. 1, 2014, $10 on July 1, 2015, and $10.65 on July 1, 2016. The bill does not receive a vote in either chamber. 2015 - Senate Bill 11 is introduced in the 99th General Assembly to increase the minimum wage to $9 beginning July 1, 2015, and by 50 cents each July 1 until July 1, 2019, at which point the minimum wage would be $11. The bill passes the Senate 35-18-1, but fails to receive a committee hearing in the House. January 2017 - Senate Bill 81 is introduced in the 100th General Assembly to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 by 2022. The bill is carried by Sen. Kimberly Lightford ( D-Maywood) and Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago), both of whom would later usher this session's SB1 through their respective chambers. The bill passes the Senate by a 30-23-2 vote and the House by a 61-53-2 vote, but is vetoed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in August 2017. Jan. 9, 2019 - Senate Bill 1 is introduced in the 101st General Assembly as a shell bill with no substantial language. Jan. 30, 2019 - The Senate Labor Committee has its first subject matter hearing on a minimum wage increase, kicking off discussion on the matter in the 101st General Assembly. Feb. 6, 2019 - Senator Lightford files substantial language detailing the minimum wage hike over a six-year period. On the same day, the Senate Executive Committee adopts Lightford's bill language to increase the wage to $15 by 2025 on a 13-6 partisan vote. Feb. 7, 2019 - Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who campaigned on the passage of a minimum wage increase, joins the Senate Democrats for a private caucus prior to a floor vote on the issue. Minutes later, the Senate votes 39-18 to approve SB1. The group later holds a news conference celebrating the bill's advancement. Feb. 11, 2019 - A group of downstate business representatives hold a news conference at the Capitol blasting the minimum wage increase as an "open invitation" for businesses to leave the state. They also detail potential layoffs, closures and raised rates at their businesses. Feb. 13, 2019 - The House Labor and Commerce committee passes SB1 on a 19-10 partisan roll call and heads to the House for a full floor vote. Feb. 14, 2019 - The Illinois House votes 69-47-1 with only Democratic support to pass SB1. Gov. Pritzker indicates in a news release he will sign the bill "in the coming days." Once Pritzker signs the bill, the minimum wage will follow the following path to $15. Jan. 1, 2020 - Illinois' minimum wage will increase from $8.25 to $9.25. July 1, 2020 - Minimum wage will increase to $10. Jan. 1, 2021 - Minimum wage will increase to $11. Jan. 1, 2022 - Minimum wage will increase to $12. Jan. 1, 2023 - Minimum wage will increase to $13. Jan. 1, 2024 - Minimum wage will increase to $14. Jan. 1, 2025 - Minimum wage will increase to $15. See More Collapse

The small family farms will suffer the worst with the organic farms, orchards, vineyards, wineries, and the livestock industry being hit the hardest of all, Meier said. This is another Illinois law that will yet again put our region at a disadvantage.

Rep. Tom Bennett, a Gibson City Republican, cited a National Federation of Independent Businesses study which said Illinois would see 93,000 jobs lost because of the increase. Rep. Terri Bryant, a Murphysboro Republican, said the bill would cost Illinois public universities $112 million by the time it is implemented.

Republicans also brought up the hundreds of millions of dollars the bill would add to the states expenditures as human service providers  especially nursing homes, 25 of which have closed since 2014 because of inadequate Medicaid reimbursements  universities and other departments request more funding to pay for the higher labor costs.

But Rep. Will Guzzardi, Senate Bill 1s House sponsor, continued to point to data which shows no impact on job losses when communities see an incremental minimum wage increase, and spoke to the dignity of the worker.

The only way to stop being poor is to have more money, he said. And thats what this legislation is going to do. The working poor in our state are going to have more money. We will treat their labor with the dignity and respect it deserves, and we will allow them to provide a better standard of living for themselves and their families.

While Republicans continued to argue that the studies cited by Guzzardi predict only an incremental increase  not an 82 percent spike in six years  many Democrats were convinced by the moral argument.

Rep. Emmanuel Chris Welch of Westchester was among them.

People should not go to work 40 hours a week and still not be able to put food on the table, he said. Dr. King said there is nothing but short-sightedness to prevent us from guaranteeing a livable income for every American. Lets not be shortsighted today.

Rep. Celina Villanueva, a Chicago Democrat, said further progress was necessary and the fight for 15 was only the first step toward worker dignity.

What were really talking about is the dignity and respect of our workers, she said. I dont think 15 is enough. Ive never thought 15 was enough.

Guzzardi said 41 percent of all workers in Illinois make less than $15 per hour, and more of those workers are in their 40s, 50s and 60s than are younger than 25; and 48 percent of African Americans and 61 percent of Latinos make less than $15 per hour.

Those minimum-wage workers will begin seeing their increases in January 2020, when the minimum rate goes from $8.25 to $9.25 before increasing to $10 on July 1, 2020, and $11 on Jan. 1 2021. After that, it would increase by $1 every January until it hits $15 in 2025.

For Iashea Cross, a personal assistant and low-wage worker in the health care field who was in the gallery from Chicago, the bill means a brighter outlook in the future.

I might be able to let go of that second job in the future that I have just to make ends meet, she said. For me, the passage of this bill means that finally we are being recognized as the working people of the state that help it continue to move forward.

The bill also maintains a tip credit, which allows employers to pay tipped workers 60 percent of the minimum wage if tips make up the other 40 percent. A training wage for teen seasonal workers is also part of the bill, and that wage will top out at $13 per hour.

A tax credit for businesses with less than 50 full-time equivalent employees is also part of the final bill, starting at 25 percent of the difference between the current minimum wage and an employees wage in the final quarter of the previous calendar year. It would decrease by 4 percent each year until it hits 5 percent in the final two years.

jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.comSPRINGFIELD  Rep. Will Davis, a Hazel Crest Democrat, plans to introduce legislation in the next two weeks that would move Illinois toward 100 percent renewable energy.

We want to make sure that the future of clean energy is clear; its stable and it ensures equitable participation, and it lifts up all sectors of not only the industry, but all sectors of the state, said Amy Heart, Midwest chair for Solar Energy Industry Association and policy director for Sunrun.

David Lundy, spokesman for the Path to 100 Coalition, said the future legislation would make this happen by requiring greater private investment in renewable energy production from energy companies. This would be accomplished through the authority of the Illinois Power Agency, which develops electricity procurement plans for large investor-owned electric utilities Ameren, ComEd and MidAmerican.

In this way, investment would be ratepayer funded, costing the ratepayer less than a couple bucks a month, Lundy said. It would not require state funding.

Currently, the Illinois Power Agency turns away about 90 percent of applicants for green energy projects due to a limited pool of available credits, Lundy said. But by expanding Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard, the planned legislation would increase the available pool of private grant funding to be disbursed by the Illinois Power Agency.

The renewable energy industry is ready to invest billions of dollars in our state and deliver the clean, homegrown energy our citizens want, Davis said. I intend for this Act to benefit our state equitably and spread the economic development dollars to Illinois communities throughout the state and especially those that are most in need of jobs and economic growth.

Davis said he plans for the bill to expand upon parameters of the Future Energy Jobs Act, under which several hundred megawatts of wind and solar renewable energy credits were procured.

Existing policy requires Illinois to reach 16 percent renewable energy by 2020 and 25 percent by 2025, but Illinois is on pace to hit only 7 percent by 2020.

The coalition said Path to 100 legislation will expand Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard requirement to 40 percent renewables by 2030 and requires the goal be met by new, in-state projects that create jobs in Illinois.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker campaigned on a clean energy agenda and signed an executive order in January making Illinois part of the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition which is committed to upholding the standards of the Paris Climate Accords.

We cant sit idly by and do nothing here in the United States when we too have an environment that is at risk, he said during a January news conference. Our industry here is partly responsible to contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, in fact substantially so.

Pritzker said the process to environmental justice would be gradual, and a focus would be put on bringing jobs back to coal mining communities which are already seeing job losses because of the changing energy production environment.

The Path to 100 coalition said it also plans to include bill language to increase transparency in the cost estimate process for green energy projects, and to create a statewide study to eliminate barriers for energy storage and identify opportunities to pair energy storage with renewable energy development.

Sen. Bill Cunningham, a Chicago Democrat, is expected to file a companion bill in the Senate within two weeks as well.SPRINGFIELD  Democratic lawmakers, surrounded by a coalition of advocates, announced plans to expand state reproductive rights at a news event Tuesday in Chicago.

The effort would build upon a law passed two years ago which allowed tax dollars to be spent on abortion procedures.

Sens. Melinda Bush and Elgie Sims, Jr., and Reps. Kelly Cassidy and Emanuel Chris Welch have not officially proposed language yet  the deadline for doing so is Friday  but the group said their measures would modernize the states abortion law and repeal another law which requires a minor to consult her parent before terminating a pregnancy.

The announcement of their two forthcoming bills follows a vow Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker made last month to make Illinois the most progressive state in the nation for access to reproductive health care, his spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said in an email.

The first bill would repeal Illinois abortion law, passed in 1975, and replace it with the Reproductive Health Act, which would bring state reproductive health care laws up to date, according to a news release.

The measure would also require private insurance companies operating in Illinois to cover abortion care on the same basis as contraception, fertility and maternity care.

When Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 40 into law, it required tax dollars to be spent on abortion procedures through Illinois Medicaid and state employee health insurance programs.

Soon after, attorneys with the Thomas More Society filed a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality. The latest court documents, in which lawyers asked the Illinois Supreme Court to take up the case, were filed in December.

Republican Sen. Dan McConchie, from Hawthorn Woods, said this aspect of the proposal forces everyone paying for the insurance policy  employers, employees, insurance companies  to participate financially in abortions of other people who are part of the policy.

Theres no freedom of conscience to opt out of that, he said.

The Democratic lawmakers bill would also remove criminal penalties for doctors who perform abortions. Colleen Connell, executive director of the states chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said this would remove a dangerous part of existing law.

The reason doctors arent going to prison today for providing abortions and prescribing certain forms of birth control is because the ACLU has gone to court time and again and secured more than 14 injunctions blocking the enforcement of these dangerous laws, she said at a news event Tuesday.

The current law specifies a multitude of instances for which a physician who performs an abortion commits a felony.

The lawmakers measure would additionally lift a state ban on partial-birth abortion procedures.

The Reproductive Health Act recognizes that abortion care is health care, not criminal activity as designated by the current law, according to a news release. The bill seeks to treat abortion care like all health care, with regulations that reflect current medical standards.

Parental notice

The second piece of legislation the four lawmakers plan to file would repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995, which requires a minor to consult with her parent or guardian before terminating a pregnancy.

There are exceptions in the current law if the minor is a victim of sexual abuse or neglect by an adult family member, and minors currently have an avenue to petition the circuit court to issue a waiver of notification.

According to the law, Parental consultation is usually in the best interest of the minor and is desirable since the capacity to become pregnant and the capacity for mature judgment concerning the wisdom of an abortion are not necessarily related.

But the sponsors of this legislation argued Tuesday the state should not legislate the details of family life.

It never made sense to me that a minor can make other decisions  about carrying a pregnancy to term, about adoption, about sophisticated health care  without parental notification, but only if she seeks an abortion do we require this communication, Welch said. We cannot pretend as elected officials that we can force ourselves into these situations because some disagree with a minors decision about their life.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the number of abortion procedures undergone by minors decreased each year since the Parental Notice Act went into effect.

Most people believe a decline in the number of abortions is a good thing, McConchie said. I think that the effort to repeal Parental Notice tells parents one thingyou dont really matter in your childs life.

March for Life Chicago Board of Directors President Dawn Fitzpatrick said she is also opposed to the repeal of this law.

It is unbelievable that the ACLU is joining Planned Parenthood in advocating to allow a child to make an irrevocable decision to kill another child without even a consultation with her parents, she said in an email.

These two initiatives are mirrored by recommendations made by Pritzkers Equality, Equity, and Opportunities transition team. In its report, published last week, the group called for the governors administration to take action to keep abortion safe, legal, and accessible by repealing both laws targeted by the proposals introduced by Bush, Sims, Cassidy and Welch.

It appears the four lawmakers have the governors support. His spokeswoman said in an email Pritzker is a lifelong advocate of womens rights and looks forward to reviewing the legislation.

But it is unlikely the four Democrats will find much support across the aisle. They have not yet begun conversations with their conservative colleagues, Cassidy said, and the Republican caucuses were not in favor of House Bill 40.

McConchie did not speak to the Democrats first proposed bill, but did say he had not heard of any member of his party supporting the repeal of the Parental Notice Act.

The days of the Democratic Party being a party of abortion being safe, legal and rare are clearly over, he said generally of the measures. This is not just support for abortion  this is enthusiastic support for it.

Although the Democrats do not need Republican support to approve these bills  the party has a supermajority in both chambers  Cassidy added she hopes to achieve a bipartisan vote.

I dont think Ive ever passed a bill without Republican support  I hope this doesnt break my streak, she said. We have elected the most significant pro-choice majority in my lifetime in Illinois and Im looking forward to the support of my colleagues from wherever they come.

Advocacy groups at the news event Tuesday included the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, Personal PAC, Chicago Abortion Fund and EverThrive Illinois.SPRINGFIELD  Attention at the Statehouse is expected to begin focusing on one of Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzkers top priorities  legalizing recreational marijuana  with the deadline for lawmakers to introduce new bills on Friday.

Two key Chicago Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Kelly Cassidy, have met with interested groups around Illinois and are expected to introduce legislation soon.

Meanwhile, though, Rep. Carol Ammons, a Democrat from Urbana, has already introduced a bill that is drawing attention. It would open the door to a much more expansive legal pot industry than most others have envisioned.

Ammons bill, the Cannabis Legalization Equity Act, would allow anyone 21 or older with valid identification to purchase or sell marijuana. Driving under the influence of the drug would still be illegal, and the legislation makes specific mention that only legitimate, taxpaying business people would be permitted to sell cannabis.

Illinoisans, under the measure, could possess as many as 224 grams, or roughly half a pound, of marijuana at a time. It would also allow individuals to grow as many as 24 plants in their own homes for personal consumption, and it would provide for the licensing of cultivation facilities and retail dispensaries.

Ammons did not respond to requests for comment Monday. Her measure includes language, though, indicating its purpose would be to allow law enforcement to focus on violent and property crimes, generating revenue for education and other public purposes, and individual freedom.

We like it. We think that thats more in line with how we treat alcohol, said Dan Linn, who lobbies for the Illinois chapter of NORML  the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. We also think it would be good for consumers to be able to cultivate their own cannabis, as well as to have a cap on the licensing fees for the new businesses that would be created by that legislation.

Ammons proposal, which has not yet been assigned to a committee, includes a civil penalty, not a criminal one, of $200 to $400 for minors who attempt to buy marijuana illegally.

Also in the bill is a requirement that at least 51 percent of the licenses for cultivating facilities and retail cannabis stores be issued, in communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs, which the bill defines as census tracts in which more than half the population is African-American, Native American, Hispanic or Latino.

The bill also would authorize medical researchers to use cannabis in studies, as long as the participants are at least 21 years old.

Revenue for the state would be generated by a 10 percent excise tax on the sale or transfer of marijuana from a cultivating facility to a retail store. Half of that money would be paid into the states main checking account, while 30 percent would go to the Common School Fund.

Smaller percentages of the revenue would be distributed to various state retirement systems; the Department of Human Services to fund treatment programs for tobacco, alcohol and cannabis abuse; and to the Department of State police for hiring and training drug recognition efforts.

There is no official estimate of how much revenue the bill would generate.

Linn said NORML will have a lobbying day at the Statehouse on Wednesday, Feb. 20, the same day Pritzker is scheduled to give his budget address to the Legislature. And with Pritzkers backing of legalization, Linn said he thinks there is a good chance something will pass this year.

I think theres a strong push to make it happen as quickly as possible so that we can create these jobs and bring in this needed revenue, he said.

Still, any effort toward legalization is certain to meet resistance. The Illinois Catholic Conference recently announced its opposition to legalization. Law enforcement groups including the Chicago Crime Commission and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police have also said they will oppose such a measure, as has the Drug Free America Foundation.

The legislation is House Bill 902.SPRINGFIELD  Fathers rights advocates are making another attempt this year to push for a change in Illinois family law that sparked immense controversy in 2018, equal parenting time legislation.

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) is the lead sponsor of a bill that would create a rebuttable presumption in divorce cases that both parties should be given equal parenting time with any children of that marriage.

It would also require that when judges in divorce cases deviate from the standard, they explain in writing why they decided one parent should have more time with the children than the other.

That would be a sharp departure from the current legal standard in Illinois, which allows judges wide discretion to assign custody and parenting time in a way that reflects the best interests of the child.

But James Bedell, a psychologist who practices in suburban Chicago and a proponent of the bill, said the best interests of the child standard is vague and flawed, and that equal parenting time actually is in the best interests of children.

Children have a fundamental bonding attachment to each parent, he said. They establish that in the course of the marriage. They establish that in the course of both parents (having) fundamental and equal involvement with the child. And when divorce occurs, there is no necessary reason why a child who has equal access to both parents should suddenly not have equal access to both parents.

A similar bill was introduced in the 2018 session but failed to make it through the House process. Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago), who chairs the subcommittee handling the bill, opened Thursdays hearing by recalling the intense debate last year when, she said, supporters of the measure, engaged in inappropriate and unprofessional behavior, including bullying, threats and harassment of those who opposed it.

One of the individuals who testified had photos of his children posted online on the pages of organizations supporting the bill, she said. Another attorney was attacked online and had to shut down his Twitter account.  Several individuals who took a public position against the bill received ongoing threats via phone calls to the point that law enforcement was called.

Ford also recalled that when those events happened, he and other supporters of the bill had a news conference to say they did not condone such behavior. But he insisted that supporters of the change also deserve to be heard.

This is a very contentious bill and it deserves to have a real discussion, he said.

While individuals on both sides indicated they hope the tone of this years debate will be more civil, opponents of the measure indicated they still have reservations about changing the standard on parenting time.

It is essential that the well-being of children in custody proceedings remain focused on a childs best interests and not on a number, said Danielle Gomez, an attorney with the Cook County Public Guardian, an agency that represents children in highly-contested custody cases.

In particular, Gomez said, children of divorced parents would be adversely affected the most by any change.

They are the ones who will be exposed to additional conflict if they are shuttled back and forth between their parents homes, she said. Children are keenly aware of the discord among their parents, no matter what our best attempts are to alleviate that. They know whats going on, and they perceive that.

The subcommittee took no action on the bill Thursday. Ford said he intends to continue working on details of the plan in hopes of crafting a bill that can pass the full House.

We are here to get it right and do whats in the best interests of the state, he said. Im just hoping that the members of this committee will have an open mind, because I dont know if we have a perfect law on the book today, and so what this bill tries to do is make it more perfect.

According to information on the General Assemblys website, as of Thursday more than 2,500 individuals had signed up as supporters of the measure, while more than 3,300 have signed up as opponents.

The legislation is House Bill 185.SPRINGFIELD  A bill intended to rein in House Speaker Michael Madigans outsized role in state politics was rejected by Democrats in a House subcommittee Thursday.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Margo McDermed (R-Mokena), would have prohibited anyone who is the leader of a legislative chamber from serving simultaneously as a state party chairman.

Madigan, the longest-serving speaker of any state House of Representatives in U.S. history, has also chaired the Illinois Democratic Party since 1998. He is also believed to be the only state-level House Speaker who simultaneously serves as the state party chairman.

McDermed acknowledged the Chicago politicians situation inspired her to offer the bill, but she denied it was aimed specifically at him.

Its not about one person, she said. Its about the ethical conflict that every other state has ruled out.

McDermed said every other state has either statutes, regulations or ethics codes that preclude anyone from holding both positions simultaneously.

Contacted separately, though, an official from the Council of State Governments was unable to say whether any states have legal prohibitions against serving in both rolls, and he suggested that such a ban could raise constitutional issues.

In fact, the bill was referred to a constitutional law subcommittee because, in the words of Chairman Andre Thapedi (D-Chicago), it had possible constitutional ramifications either as a possible violation of equal protection guarantees or as special legislation intended to target one identifiable individual.

McDermed, however, insisted it was meant to address ethical issues about conflicts of interest, and that it would apply to any legislative leader  House Speaker or Senate President  going forward.

Im doing this because it seems to me an inherent conflict of interest and puts someone in a position where governing the state, legislating for the state, is not necessarily consistent with whats best for the political party, and thats what Im trying to get at, she said.

When asked by Rep. Thaddeus Jones (D-Calumet City) who is in a position to say its a conflict, McDermed replied: Its a conflict by its very nature. Nobody needs to say its a conflict. Every person with common sense can see that its a conflict.

Well, I have common sense and I cant see that its a conflict, Jones replied.

On a party-line vote of 3-2, the subcommittee voted against advancing the bill to the full Judiciary Committee on civil law.

Apparently the claim of conflict is not accurate or persuasive to the members of the subcommittee, Madigans spokesman, Steve Brown, said in an email.

The legislation is House Bill 878.WHITE HALL  The North Greene School District board will meet in regular session at 7 p.m. today in the board room at 250 E. Sherman St.

Among the items on the agenda are:ASHLAND  The A-C Central school board will meet in regular session at 7 p.m. today at 501 W. Buchanan St.

Among the items on the agenda re:Horry County Council recently approved tax and fee hikes that will raise the bill of an owner-occupied $200,000 home by $105.80 in most of the unincorporated areas. Inside the city limits, the owner of a $200,000 home would pay $20 more per year (those residents pay separate city taxes). The hikes in the countys nearly $600 million budget will help pay for raises for county workers, additional 911 dispatchers, firefighters and patrol officers, and new stormwater equipment. Do you think county council should have increased taxes? Choices are:

You voted:Out of the cold: Residents, local veterans organizations come together to help 80-year-old homeless vetCarbon dioxide is a troublemaker. So its a good idea to remove it from power plant emissions  and it may have an extra economic benefit.

Until now, carbon dioxide has been dumped in oceans or buried underground. Industry has been reluctant to implement carbon dioxide scrubbers in facilities due to cost and footprint.

What if we could not only capture carbon dioxide, but convert it into something useful? S. Komar Kawatra and his students have tackled that challenge, and theyre having some success.

A team lead by Kawatra, a professor of chemical engineering at Michigan Technological University, his PhD students, Sriram Valluri and Victor Claremboux, and undergraduate Sam Root, have designed a carbon dioxide scrubber. They are working on converting the carbon dioxide they capture into oxalic acid, a naturally occurring chemical in many foods.

Root and Valluri have been invited to present their research at the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Explorations annual meeting in Denver in February.

Oxalic acid is used by industry to leach rare earth elements from ore bodies. The rare earths are used in electronics such as cell phones. Rare earths are not presently produced in the United States; China produces 90 percent or more of the rare earths in the world. By producing oxalic acid domestically, it may be possible to profitably extract rare earth elements in the U.S., which is important for national security, Kawatra said.

Carbon dioxide scrubbers remove emissions from power plant systems.

How a Carbon Dioxide Scrubber Works

The group installed their carbon dioxide scrubber at the Michigan Tech steam plant, where they are testing with real flue gas at pilot plant scale.

The steam plant produces flue gas that contains eight percent carbon dioxide. The chemical engineers scrubber brought the emissions down to four percent and their goal is to reduce it below two percent.

Below two percent, we are happy, Kawatra said. Below one percent, we will be very happy.

Its a real possibility. Weve already got it down to zero percent in the laboratory, Valluri noted.

Undergrads work with graduate students to monitor the carbon dioxide scrubber.

In the steam plant, they tap a sample stream of flue gas from the boilers main exhaust line. The flue gas comes out of the burner at 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. The sample is compressed through a filter that removes particles, then passes through a cooling unit before it enters the bottom of the scrubbing column.

Soda Ash Captures Carbon Dioxide

A sodium carbonate solution is pumped into the top of the 11-foot-tall scrubbing column. The flue gas is bubbled up through the column. As it moves toward the top, the sodium carbonate or soda ash removes much of the carbon dioxide from the gas. Kawatra and his students monitor the amount of carbon dioxide constantly.

The biggest challenge is a fluctuating ratio of gases in the flue gas, Valluri said. Team member Root elaborated, You need a cascade control system that measures the carbon dioxide and manipulates the amount of scrubbing solution accordingly.

Our next challenges are, how much can we scale the scrubber up and what can we use the carbon dioxide for, Valluri said. This ties into Valluris and Clarembouxs other research project, the conversion of carbon dioxide to useful products. They have been able to produce oxalic acid from carbon dioxide at laboratory scale.

The research is supported by Carbontec Energy.

Tech Alumnus Supports Research

John Simmons, a Michigan Tech alumnus in the Chemical Engineering Academy at Tech and chairman of Carbontec Energy in Bismarck, North Dakota, is supporting Kawatras research. He says the savings to industry of this kind of carbon dioxide scrubber is enormous.

The usual method of removing carbon dioxide from emissions uses amines, nitrogen-based chemical compounds that bind the carbon dioxide. But amines cost $20,000 a ton, Simmons said. Carbonates like the soda ash that Kawatras team is using cost $200 a ton.

Simmons is excited about the potential for producing a commercial product from the captured carbon dioxide. I dont think sequestering it in the ground is a good idea, he said. We have to find a way to utilize it commercially.

The technology, trade-named the "Clearite VI Carbon Dioxide Capture/ Utilization Process," was patented (Patent No. US7,919,064B2 ) by the inventors, S. Komar Kawatra, Tim Eisele and John Simmons, and assigned to Michigan Tech. Carbontec Energy Corporation, the technology sponsor, is the exclusive worldwide licensee and plans to commercialize the technology through joint ventures and sub-licenses.

Simmons is pleased that Kawatra and his students are conducting a pilot plant study of their scrubber in Michigan Tech's natural gas fired steam plant. "It was important to test the process under actual emission conditions," he explained.

Kawatra is happy with the progress he and his students have made removing carbon dioxide from flue gas. And hes excited about the prospect of creating a marketable product from it. We want to find uses for it, he said. We want to help industry make money. We want to show that you can take harmful waste like carbon dioxide and make it produce a profit.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our campus in Michigans Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior.FEBRUARY 20, 2019  On Wednesday, Midland ISD learned that a former teacher was arrested in South Carolina.

On Tuesday, Feb. 19, the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office announced the arrest of Terry Dale Burchett in York County, South Carolina. He was charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree for the possession of child pornography and currently is being held in the York County Detention Center on $200,000 bond.A 30-year-old Midland man who received his high school diploma Tuesday during Midland ISD's mid-year graduation has given back to MISD by encouraging students who experience the same struggles he had in high school.

Carlos Chavez moved to Midland from Mexico in 2006 and began his senior year of high school at Midland High.

"High school was a big change in my life," Chavez said. "To do two languages and start learning English, it was really hard for me to pass the TAKS, so I went and dropped out."

At the time, if students did not pass each of the required state tests, they could not walk the stage and receive their diploma  even if they had all their high school credits, which Chavez did. Currently, students have to pass only three of five STAAR tests to graduate.

"I had all my credits and passed," Chavez said. "I didn't pass three tests. When I checked, I never skipped a single class. (TAKS) was just hard because it wasn't in English."

After dropping out, he said he could not receive his GED because at that time the tests were not offered in Spanish. That has since changed, according to GED.com.

Chavez said that after he dropped out, he went to work in the oilfield in a good position. The company he works for was recently bought by a different company, and he was required to receive a diploma or GED to continue working there.

He decided to get his diploma  but for more than just saving his job, he said.

"I have kids who are 3 and 1 1/2," Chavez said. "I want them to know when they get that age, they can do it. I didn't make it, because I was lazy. I want to prove to my kids later that if I can make it, they can make it, too. Showing my family was one of my bigger things."

He also wants to help other children by encouraging them not to make the same mistake he made.

Whenever a student contemplates dropping out, Chavez joins in on a conference call with the district and the student and explains to them how hard it was having to go back to school.

"It's easy to get out of school in the Permian Basin and get an oilfield job," Chavez said. "But my body hurts. My feet hurt. And I'm just barely 30. I wish I had stayed in school."

Mary Janousek, dropout prevention coordinator, said students frequently drop out because they could not pass the state-required tests such as the TAKS or TAAS  yet they had necessary grades in coursework.

"(Chavez) was an ESL student and we have ESL courses that we offer," Janousek said. "But state testing is different than coursework. If a student isn't understanding, teachers are there to provide intervention and support. The TAKS test was coming in and taking it one day without that same intervention and coursework. We see that coursework can be completed successfully, but state testing could not because of that."

When state Sen. Kel Seliger worked with the legislators on creating individual graduation committees for students who failed the STAAR, they left out the TAKS and TAAS tests, she said. This excluded them from the provision of being able to receive their diploma in a non-traditional way.

Students who were supposed to graduate decades ago, did not because they simply could not past one state test  and they still were not given the opportunity when the individual graduation committee was created, she said.

During the 2017 legislative session, Seliger made a change to the committee and included TAKS and TAAS students. The MISD school board then followed by making the resolution to allow these students to participate in the committee in MISD.

Now, there are additional ways for students to receive their diploma  whether they are in their 30s or in their 60s, and whether it's because of the TAKS, TAAS, STAAR or coursework.

During this process with Chavez, Janousek said he has really helped students who are in the same situation he was in.

"Because of his personal experiences and feeling the consequences of not earning his diploma, he really wanted to pay that forward, so they don't find themselves 10 years down the road possibly losing their job because they don't have a diploma," Janousek said. "He has been an asset in talking to our kiddos and mentoring them and helping them avoid those same consequences."A former Bowie Fine Arts Academy teacher was arrested Monday on child pornography charges, according to a press release from the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office.

Terry Dale Burchett, 69, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, has been charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a third-degree felony, according to the release. He was being held Wednesday at the York County, South Carolina, jail on a $200,000 bond -- $20,000 for each count, according to the York County Sheriffs Office website.Midland County commissioners are considering charging patrons for parking at the new Midland County Historical Museum set to open March 1 in downtown.

The commissioners first discussed the possibility of switching to metered parking at a Commissioners Court meeting in May 2017. The move has been delayed because of negotiations with credit card processing companies, according to several county officials.

Pat McDaniel, Midland County Historical Society treasurer, spoke at last weeks court meeting in an attempt to pressure commissioners to make a decision about the parking lot.

Im not trying to tell them how to run the county, McDaniel said in a phone interview. Im speaking to them as a representative for the historical society.

The Midland County Historical Society oversees the museum, but any potential revenue generated by a switch to metered parking would be handled by county commissioners.

The historical museum was moved into the former Midland County Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) building on the corner of Main Street and Texas Avenue. It has been undergoing renovations over the last few months.

The building is in the vicinity of the new $43 million Midland Convention Center, which is set to open in September. McDaniel said he believes the center will play a factor in the commissioners decision.

When the convention center opens, there will be a need for parking, he said.

Talks regarding metering the parking lot began when the building was still used by CSCD.

We started discussing it because we had a lot of people coming to park there who were not using it for county business, said Commissioner Luis Sanchez. Then people who were going there for Midland County business had nowhere to park.

The court accepted a $139,000 bid in 2017 for parking lot gates that would be installed in the lot. The gates would allow employees to enter the lot and would distribute timed tickets to the public, commissioners said at the May meeting.

The gates have been built, Sanchez said, but are currently in storage while commissioners decide if they will proceed with metered parking.

The court is in an evaluation process, said County Attorney Russell Malm. Were considering what the cost would be to us if we enter into a contract with a credit card vendor.

Malm said the county has spoken with a few vendors and is negotiating with one company now.

There would be costs to the county if they decide to proceed with metered parking, he said.

One of the factors that was not known in 2017 is that we would have to start paying property taxes if we would no longer be using it for a government purpose, Malm said. There would also be additional costs for things such as power lines, so we need to see what that cost would be.

Because the county is still in negotiations with a credit card processing company, there is no estimate for what the cost of parking in the lot would be for the public, Malm said.

However, the commissioners already have begun discussing what the revenue from the lot could be used for.

At a court meeting in November, the commissioners discussed using the revenue to lease more parking spaces at the Midland County Public Librarys downtown branch. The library is currently closed for renovations.

Its expected to open within the next couple of months, Sanchez said, but theres no definitive date yet. Until it opens, he said, the county wont know if it needs additional parking. Those additional parking spaces near the library are privately owned.

We only have X number of spots, said Sanchez. Were anticipating a large crowd, but we need to open to see the size of the crowd and determine if we should lease those spaces.

At the November meeting, the court discussed leasing 57 spaces next to the library from former Midland Mayor Wes Perry for $75 a space, which would come to $51,300 a year.

The county owns and leases out spaces at Basin Burger House on North Colorado Street that bring in $16,200 in annual revenue for the county, according to county officials. The combination of that revenue and revenue from metering the lot at the historical museum could be used to lease the spaces at the library, Sanchez said.

If we needed to lease spaces, I wanted to make sure its a wash for us, he said.

There arent plans to meter any other parking areas at this time, Sanchez said.

There are several public parking areas throughout downtown Midland, including a free parking lot across Texas Avenue from the museum.

County officials said they will decide whether or not to proceed with metered parking after they receive an estimate from the credit card vendor and evaluate all costs to the county. The next commissioners court meeting is scheduled for Monday.ADEL [mdash] Mr. Richard F. Ellenberg, 87 of Adel, Georgia passed away on June 20, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Ellenberg was born on October 27, 1933 in Pelzer, South Carolina to the late Vernon Monroe Ellenberg and Willie McHugh Ellenberg. He served in the United States Air Force and retiredPolicy proposals aimed at improving low-cost housing supply or adjusting zoning regulations wont help solve the affordability crisis in Canadas largest markets, according to the Financial Posts editor-at-large.

In a recent thought piece, Diane Francis argued that while the intentions of these policies proponents are admirable, their suggestions do not address the main cause: the federal governments failure to patch up the weak laws that have paved the way for a vastly increased volume of dirty money laundered through Canadian real estate.

Francis noted that these legal loopholes are the major reason for the entry of up to $15 billion of laundered funds per year, according to Statistics Canada and RCMP estimates.

What governments must do  is crack down on money laundering enablers in Canada  lawyers, real estate agents, notaries and developers, Francis wrote.

The Liberal administration should also be prepared to take more serious action, as appropriate.

Where real estate prices have soared above affordable levels for locals, bans on foreign ownership should be imposed as has been done in New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Denmark, Poland and Malta, among others, she said.

Read more: Chinese investors to zero in on high-end Vancouver property

Another potent policy instrument that can help clamp down on laundering and regulate home prices is the creation of a public registry of beneficial owners, and penalties for non-disclosure.

The foreign-buyer tax can be evaded easily because there are no transparency and disclosure requirements. Anti-corruption organization Transparency International offered a glimpse into the scale of foreign speculation abuse in 2015 with an analysis of Vancouvers 100 most valuable property deals. It found nearly 50% of ownerships were hidden through shell companies, nominees and trusts. The same likely applies to Toronto and Montreal, where money is parked in condos that are often left vacant.

Francis added that lawyers and real estate professionals should be mandated to adhere to the same reporting requirements that banks follow, especially in terms of raising the alarm on suspicious transactions and the entities involved.Following the recent national trend, Calgarys luxury housing market suffered from a notable decline last year, a development that Sothebys International Realty largely attributed to the citys economic realities and the impact of weaker performance in the Canadian petroleum segment.

There are just so many headwinds pushing back against that the Calgary market right now, Sothebys International Realty Canada president Brad Henderson said, as quoted by the Calgary Herald.

One could argue thats because the market has been challenged already for a number of years because of the reduction in oil prices.

Sothebys noted that the citys sales activity involving homes valued at more than $1 million fell by 10% year-over-year in 2018.

However, these declines were not as grave as the shrinkages observed in Toronto and Vancouver. During the same time frame, top-tier activity in the countrys two most in-demand markets dropped by 31% (Toronto) and 26% (Vancouver).

Read more: Luxury housing sales in leading markets decelerated noticeably

Other factors that might have affected Calgarys 2018 numbers were the concerning unemployment figures, the delay in the oil pipeline development, and the populaces no-vote on the citys Olympic hosting aspirations.

These influences were more than enough to offset the optimism brought about by 11% annual gains seen by the citys luxury market in 2017. The impression of a lack of long-term stability has also made would-be investors wary of the citys current market conditions.

Were not surprised the statistics exemplify what people may be feeling about the Calgary market, Henderson stated. Its a case of one step forward last year and one step back."We all have to take some ownership. We all (unfortunately) demonstrate hate."

Dee Baker, Lorain County Section of the National Council of Negro Women

Pull QuoteLorain Law Director Pat Riley, second from left seated at the table, addresses residents and the Lorain City School board during the board meeting of Feb. 19, 2019. Riley said his department is willing to help the school board, but will need time because the city lawyers are not expert at school law.Avon Lake

Council to consider tax abatement for potential PolyOne expansionfeatured

Northern Ohio

Euclid woman sentenced to prison in education fraud scheme involving LCCC, other collegesPlans to turn a former mill into a hotel has changed. A new Pizza Hut is being proposed and it looks like the former Sagebrush building will sThe Burke County Guardian Ad Litem program had six new volunteer advocates sworn in last November and December: Erica Swain, Sherri Jones, Donna Silvers, Destiny Silvers, Alan Scholl and Linda Wharton-Duffy.

Guardian ad litem volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children navigating the court system. Amy Kincaid, the program supervisor, said the volunteers represent an extremely valuable component to the childs protection in the court system.

It can be a scary situation for a child when they are taken from their families by social services or another agency, Kincaid said. Thanks to the special people that volunteer with the guardian ad litem program, the best interests of those children are always put first.

She said the volunteers gather materials on the children in the cases from social workers, teachers or whoever has an impact on the child, and then put together a report for the judge to read.

They gather the information from all these sources, and its presented to the judge with a recommendation as to what would be best for the child, said Kincaid. We make sure that the child is first in the list of priorities.SMITHERS  Twins are shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria, separated and believing each other to be dead. To find her way in the strange place, the female twin disguises herself as a boy and goes into the service of the duke. The duke sends her to woo a countess for himself.With a month to go before opening night the cast is busily rehearsing as sets are being constructed for the Historic Fayette Theater spring production of Dorothy in Wonderland. Show dates are March 22-23, March 29-31 and April 5-7. Tickets can be purchased in advance on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the box office at 115 South Court Street, Fayetteville, from 6 to 8 p.m. or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, call the theater at 304-574-4655 or email hft@historicfayettetheater.com.Australias second largest food and liquor retailer faces some big challenges, warning investors that it would be at least a year before Coles Group Ltd [ASX:COL] returns to profit.

At the time of writing, Coles share price is trading at $11.49 apiece, down a further 5.05% from yesterdays trading.

As with any established company, big announcements can often carry knock-on effects to its share value. We have seen this will Coles demerger costs.

Naturally it pays for investors to know a bit more about the stocks and the markets they are working in.

Thats why Money Morning contributor Sam Volkering shares his four stocks that he thinks could be lucrative for serious investors. You can read more about it here for free.

Coles share price hurt by demerger costs

Coles new Chief Executive, Steven Cain, gave an honest assessment of its outlook for 2019, stating that costs where rising faster than sales  something no business ever wants to hear.

And if you combine this with fast-changing consumer shopping habits, shareholders have grounds to be a little concerned with Coles losing market share.

On Tuesday, in a bid to get ahead of the weaker than expected first half results, Mr Cain told shareholders, as reported by the Australian Financial Review (AFR):

Its time to reset the Coles business to achieve sustainable long-term growth for our shareholders, a strategic refresh to ensure we appropriately address the headwinds facing the company, Mr Cain said on Tuesday after unveiling a slightly weaker-than-expected first-half result, the first since its $20 billion demerger from Wesfarmers.

What were trying to do is get to a situation in the medium to long term where we restore growth, he added.

Thats not going to happen overnight, Mr Cain said.

As AFR also reports, between 2009 and 2016, Coles earnings rose a massive 125%, but in the last two years (2017/18) that number has since fallen by 19%.

This year, analysts are predicting a further 11% to come off earnings before interest and tax, to $1.25 billion this year.

And yes, that is an awful lot of money to lose over a year, though its not the end of the world for a company like Coles. At some point or another, momentum has to slow, and an 1120% loss on a 125% gain, to a billion-dollar company, just means strategy changes are needed.

Something Coles is already doing.

Coles 2019 outlook seeks new strategy

Margin headwinds have plagued grocery retailers globally, as online grocery shopping grows.

Coles might be playing catch up, after the underinvestment in stores, systems and supply chain, while under Wesfarmers.

But, according to Mr Cain, its not going to be trigger the profit resets seen at Woolworths with its 37% drop between 2016 and 2018.

According to Citigroup analyst Bryan Raymond, Coles share price is likely to trade weak well into mid-June, until Coles reveals its new strategy.

But shareholders will have to hold strength, because theres really little point projecting in an ever-evolving market.

Regards,

Ryan Clarkson-Ledward,

For Money Morning

PS: Aussie stock picker Sam Volkering (with gains as high as 1,431% in the last 18 months) reveals what he believes are his next four big potential winners. Read more about it here for free.Im going to count to three, China.

By that time, youd better have bought more soybeans and natural gas.

One

Two

This is Chinas last chance, says Donald.

If they want to avoid more tariffs in the weeks to come, they better get serious on trade.

And until that happens Trump is happy to sit back and collect tariff revenues.

I love tariffs, but I also love them to negotiate, the President said.

A new bargaining chip, according to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), might be auto tariffs. This was something Trump promised not to do.

Not only would it hurt China, but also Japan and Germany.

Luckily, we Aussies got out of that bag not that long ago.

Most believe Trump will hold off on any such tariffs. If he doesnt, countries like Germany and Japan might immediately retaliate.

You can never be sure with the Donald. He might end up taxing auto imports regardless of the implications.

It will be a big loss for auto manufacturers in China, Japan and Germany. Yet it might not be all that bad for businesses here in Oz

Free report: Aussie stock picker, Sam Volkering (with gains as high as 1,431% in the last 18 months) reveals what he believes are his next four big potential winners.

Boon for Aussie manufacturers?

American businesses whove just set up in China must feel pretty hard done by.

They moved to China for the cheap labour. What they got in return was an uncertain escalating situation, which could affect operations for years to come.

From the AFR:

US businesses that manufacture goods in China but sell to US customers have been caught in the cross-fire due to tariffs that are applied when the goods are returned to US shores. With fewer US businesses outsourcing production to China, Australian companies may have a stronger footing when contracting for production with Chinese manufacturers.

This is what Aussie-listed GWA Group Ltd [ASX:GWA] thinks anyway.

The company imports supplies for bathrooms, kitchens and alike. They used to manufacture most of this stuff themselves. But now with trade and globalisation driving down costs, GWA has had to go the import route.

About 70% of their imports come from China. And with US businesses looking elsewhere for manufacturing, it gives GWA the opportunity to expand. Thats how GWA boss, Tim Salt paints the picture anyway.

China-US relationship challenges have put a lot of pressure on American companies to diversify out of China to other parts of Asia for their supply sourcing, Salt said.

This was because theyre concerned about tariffs going on their own productsIts got the potential to open up opportunities for us in China as some of those American companies move out of there.

But is this the kind of company you want to invest in as Trump layers on tariffs?

I dont think so.

After all, the future is not manufacturing, much like it wasnt farming.

Our future will be built atop of services. And thats exactly where you should look for your next investment.

An opportunity few are talking about

We had a Money Morning reader write in the other day. And he was not happy

He was annoyed that I trashed the NBN project. You can read that one here.

Not only that, he thought I was shaming Labor to pump up the Libs. That was not my intention of course.

Red, blue, I think both sides are terrible.

Watch any Aussie pollie ever. All they do is talk about how the other side is wrong, offering no concrete solution.

Or how about question time on ABC. Such a spectacle can only be seen in the primary school yard.

My aim was not to point out that Labor suck, but the Libs dont. It is the Libs who continue to funnel money into this failed NBN project.

Whats more, theyre trying to save costs by making it a mixed (copper wire and fibre cable) inferior network.

Theyre both terrible, I say.

But cant we call a spade a spade?

The NBN project is a failure.

More recently, Telstra Corporation Ltd [ASX:TLS] boss, Andy Penn said the NBN is a zero-margin business.

Its not close to being fully rolled out yet. But when it is, our margins effectively on that business line will be zero, Penn said.

And the closer we get to that, I think we will have to think about increasing prices for customers.

NBN boss Stephen Rue thinks thats bollocks!

He says the mixed network can be upgraded to a fully fibre optic one after roll out.

The wholesale price of NBN, Rue also said, isnt that high. Yet that completely conflicts with what Penn is saying.

If wholesale prices arent so high (the price Telstra pays to the NBN Co), why is it close to a zero-margin business for Telstra?

NBN prices for people like you and me are already 60 bucks and above. And with this we get about 1042 megabytes per second (Mbps).

Over in Singapore, a plan for speeds of one gigabyte (1,000 Mb) per second will only set you back $42.

I think its pretty clear what needs to happen.

Its up to the private sector to fix the problem. And this, dear reader, is your service investment opportunity.

Have a look at the fibre optic service providers on the ASX. They will be the ones to provide Aussies with faster fixed-line speeds. Not the government.

Your friend,

Harje Ronngard,

Editor, Money Morning

Free Report: In this free report, Kris Sayce reveals his five-step booster system you can use to potentially super-charge your retirement pot in 2019 and beyond. Download now.The Trump administration has continued pursuing a proposed nuclear power deal with Saudi Arabia despite warnings from ethics lawyers and security experts, according to a congressional oversight committee.

The proposal gained traction in the early days of the administration because of then-national security adviser Michael Flynn and presidential confidant Tom Barrack, who had potential financial stakes in the plan, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform said in initial findings released on Tuesday.

Further investigation is needed to determine whether the actions being pursued by the Trump Administration are in the national security interest of the United States or, rather, serve those who stand to gain financially as a result of this potential change in U.S. foreign policy, the oversight committee said in its report on Tuesday.

The committees report confirms details in a ProPublica article from November 2017 and cites another article from earlier this month.

The White House premised its Middle East policy on bolstering ties with Saudi Arabia. But Trumps unwavering support for Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has faced mounting bipartisan criticism amid the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the humanitarian crisis spawned by the Saudi-led war in Yemen.

The administrations early efforts threatened to make an end-run around U.S. laws governing the transfer of nuclear power technology, the oversight committee said. The U.S. tightly controls the technology because it can be diverted to build atomic bombs.

The administration has since taken steps to follow the legal process for sharing nuclear power with the Saudis. Just last week, Trump had a meeting with nuclear industry executives convened by one of the organizers of the Saudi proposal.

Should the U.S. and Saudi Arabia reach a deal, Congress would have 90 days to block it through a joint resolution.

The White House didnt immediately answer a request for comment. Neither did the company that organized the Saudi proposal, IP3.

While Saudi Arabia has a legitimate goal of diversifying its economy away from oil, its leaders have also shown interest in keeping pace with Irans nuclear development. Without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible, the crown prince, who is known in Washington by his initials MbS, told 60 Minutes last yearThe Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence in Chhattisgarh has detected a fraud of Rs 141 crore, said officials. Two persons have also been arrested in this connection.

Central GST and Excise department of Raipur has unearthed the scam.

"The proprietor of Shyam Sales Corporation Aayush Garg and his partner Santosh Agrawal were taken into custody. The firm deals in iron products," said an official.

"The firm in its records, has shown that it had purchased row material of Rs 141 crore from 12 Odisha-based companies that actually don't exist," the official said.

"On the pretext of such fake purchases, the company has committed a misappropriation of Rs 21 crore tax money".

Moreover, the investigation revealed that among the vehicles that were shown as used to fetch the material, many were two-wheelers and had not even passed the toll points that were mentioned in the records.

After registering a case, police produced the accused before the court from where they were sent to two days judicial custody.The Supreme Court on Wednesday held Reliance Communication Ltd (RCom) chairman Anil Ambani and two directors of the group companies guilty of contempt of court. While directing Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group (ADAG) to pay Rs453 crore along with interest to Ericsson within four weeks, the apex court had also imposed a fine of Rs1 crore each on three companies of ADA group (ADAG).

This case was related with a contempt plea filed by Ericsson India over its pending dues of Rs550 crore from ADAG.

A two-judge bench comprising Justices Rohinton F Nariman and Vineet Saran also asked Reliance ADAG to purge contempt by paying Rs453 crore with interest to Ericsson within four weeks. If not paid, three months' jail term will follow, the bench said.

The bench directed the Court's registry to give Ericsson Rs118 crore that were earlier deposited by RCom. The apex court said the entire amount that RCom has to pay to Ericsson is Rs550 crore plus the interest that was generated.

The Court also imposed a fine of Rs1 crore each on RCom, Reliance Telecommunication and Reliance Infratel that would be deposited with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).



The two directors held guilty of contempt of the court are: Reliance Telecom chairman Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel chairperson Chhaya Virani. In case of default, chairpersons of all the three companies, including Mr Ambani, Mr Seth and Ms Virani, would have to undergo a sentence of one month each.



The bench ordered this as it did not accept the 'unconditional apology' tendered to the court by the RCom chairman.



Mr Ambani was present in the Court when the order was announced.

Last month, the Swedish telecom equipment maker has petitioned the apex court to punish Mr Ambani over recurring delays in payment of its dues worth Rs550 crore. Ericsson had accused the embattled businessman of engaging in 'gross and wilful contempt' of the apex court.

The company had said that insolvency proceedings should be initiated against RCom and its spectrum and tower sale deal with Reliance Jio should be stopped 'with immediate effect'.

In its second contempt plea, the Swedish company had also requested the apex court to bar Mr Ambani from leaving India for defaulting on payments.

Earlier in October 2018, Ericsson had filed its first contempt petition in the Supreme Court. At that time, RCom had stated that it sought another 60 days for the repayment of Rs550 to the Swedish company.

Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed two court masters Manav Sharma and Tapan Kumar Chakaraborty for tampering with its order in Ericssons contempt plea against RCom and personal appearance of the company chief Mr Ambani.

According to reports, on 7th January, the apex court had directed Mr Ambani to make personal appearance through a notice. However, when the order was uploaded on the SC website, it read: personal appearance of the alleged contemnor(s) dispensed with.

More details soon...The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is carrying out searches at six places in Delhi, Mumbai & Gurugram in connection with a case registered in the Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS) matter.

The ED has registered a case against former top officials of IL&FS, including its former chairman Ravi Parthasarathy, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).





The EOWs case was based on a complaint by Ashish Begwani, director of New Delhi-based Enso Infrastructures.



It was alleged that in or about August 2010, Mr Begwani was approached by officials like Mr Parthasarthy, Hari Shankaran, and K Ramchand  all directors of IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd.



Allured by the tall promises, Enso Infrastructures agreed to invest in the company IL&FS Rail Ltd and invested Rs170 crore in order to take 15% shares of IL&FS Rail, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the Gurgaon Metro project. However, over a period of time, complainant observed that the company is not performing profitably and funds are being misused, the complaint said. According to a report from Economic Times , the ED case follows the predicate offence registered with Delhi Police. The Delhi Economic Offence Wing (EOW) is also probing the cash-strapped IL&FS and had registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal conspiracy and forgery.The EOWs case was based on a complaint by Ashish Begwani, director of New Delhi-based Enso Infrastructures.It was alleged that in or about August 2010, Mr Begwani was approached by officials like Mr Parthasarthy, Hari Shankaran, and K Ramchand  all directors of IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd.Allured by the tall promises, Enso Infrastructures agreed to invest in the company IL&FS Rail Ltd and invested Rs170 crore in order to take 15% shares of IL&FS Rail, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the Gurgaon Metro project. However, over a period of time, complainant observed that the company is not performing profitably and funds are being misused, the complaint said.

According to reports, the searches are being carried out at the residential premises of the company directors, including Ramesh Bawa and Mr Parthasarathy.A team of officials from Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)s Mumbai office raided a cable manufacturer from Ulhasnagar in Thane district and found the manufacturer using BIS certification mark (ISI mark) without a valid license. The BIS team seized around 155 coils and marking wheels during the raid.

On 19th February, the team conducted an enforcement search and seizure operation at Ulhasnagar to check the misuse of ISI Mark on PVC insulated cables. During the raid at the premises of Jhalak Cables in Khemani Industrial Area they found misuse of the BIS certification or ISI mark on PVC insulated cables with various brand names MAXX, DEE PEE, AEROLEX, and GOLDEN KING.

The misuse of BIS Standard Mark is punishable with imprisonment up to two years or a fine of minimum Rs2 lakh or both as per BIS Act 2016. Action is being initiated to file a case in the court of law for the offence, the BIS said in a statement.

It says, It has been observed many times that fake ISI marked products are manufactured and sold to consumers for huge profit. Therefore, all are requested to ascertain the genuineness of ISI Mark on the product before making purchase, by visiting BIS website http://www.bis.gov.in.

[email protected] . BIS has appealed citizens to inform its office in case they come across any instance of misuse of ISI Mark on any product. BIS can be contacted at the Head, MUBO-II, Western Regional Office, BIS, Manakalaya, E9, Behind Marol Telephone Exchange, Andheri (East), Mumbai - 400 093. Such complaints can also be made by E-mail at the address

BIS says the source of such information will be kept confidential.representative Image

A cross-border motor rally to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi has arrived here from Dhaka via the Akhaura International Checkpost (ICP).

The tri-nation rally, which commenced from Rajghat in Delhi on February 4, will culminate at Yangon in Myanmar on February 24, covering 7,250km, an official release said.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has made arrangements to support the itinerary of the motorists, who were received on February 19 by Tripura Minister for Social Welfare and Social Education Shantana Chakma at the international checkpost here.

The rally, comprising ten vehicles and 33 participants, will cover places that are historically associated with Gandhi, and generate awareness about road safety on its way, the release said.

It is set to leave for Silchar in Assam on February 20.

The participants, with support from the Union government, have visited Sabarmati, Porbandar, Dandi, Sewagram, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Champaran, Shantiniketan and Kolkata among other places in the country before entering the Bangladesh capital, the release added.

Sambhu Singh, the additional secretary of Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, said the rally aims to promote Gandhian thoughts and values.

"The initiative will go a long way in spreading the messages of peace, equality and safe driving among the people of the three countries," Singh, who was here on February 19, added.Veteran North Korean diplomats are being sidelined from nuclear talks ahead of a second summit with the United States as recent defections and allegations of spying undermine the trust of leader Kim Jong Un, South Korean officials and experts say.

Kim has purged and replaced many top diplomats and officials who served his father and grandfather with new, younger advisors as he gears up to meet US President Donald Trump in Vietnam next week.

Among the most significant changes, Kim has appointed little-known Kim Hyok Chol to spearhead working-level talks with US nuclear envoy Stephen Biegun.

A former ambassador to Spain who was expelled in 2017 after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, Kim Hyok Chol has been working at the State Affairs Commission, a top governing body chaired by the young leader, a South Korean official said.

He replaced Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, who led negotiations in the run up to the first Trump-Kim summit in Singapore in June.

"It's a big boys' game and many diplomats are being neglected, as they face fierce inter-agency rivalry and questions about their ideological faithfulness given their experience in richer, capitalist nations," the South Korean official said, asking to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue.

"Kim Hyok Chol is a career diplomat too, but he apparently has passed a loyalty test to become the point man in the negotiations."

SPY CHARGES

The promotion of Kim Hyok Chol, believed to be in his late 40s, was partly influenced by the 2016 defection of Thae Yong Ho, a former deputy ambassador to Britain, and the recent disappearance of Jo Song Gil, a senior diplomat in Italy, the official said.

Adding to Kim Jong Un's mistrust in veteran diplomats, Han Song Ryol, who was vice foreign minister in charge of U.S. relations until early last year, has been purged on charges of spying for the United States, two sources with knowledge of the situation told Reuters.

Han was one of the best known and highly respected North Korean diplomats in the United States, having for years manned the so-called "New York channel," a key diplomatic conduit between Pyongyang and Washington, before returning home in 2013.

But Han has been out of the public eye for the past year, with state media last mentioning him in February 2018.

South Korea's Unification Ministry removed his name in its annual 'Who's Who' in North Korea directory, released last month.

A diplomatic source in Seoul told Reuters, citing North Korean officials, Han was purged last year after being accused of spying for the United States and pocketing funds.

Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the Washington-based Stimson Centre who regularly speaks with sources inside the country, said two people told him Han faced "espionage charges" and disappeared last July.

Thae also said Han had been purged, which means he was likely to have been sent to a labour camp for reeducation or possibly executed.

South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper also reported last month, citing an unnamed source, that Han was sent to a labour camp after making an unspecified proposal on the nuclear talks against the ruling Workers' Party's guidelines.

An official at the Unification Ministry said the information on Han could not be confirmed.

"There were financial problems, but the biggest thing was his spy allegation. Several other diplomats, especially those who were close to Han, were investigated," said the first source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

DRIVING A WEDGE

In a 2017 report based on interviews with 20 elite defectors, the North Korea Strategy Centre, a defector-run think tank in Seoul, said more than 70 officials have been executed since Kim took power in late 2011.

Thae said at least 10 diplomats were killed under Kim, and replaced by younger aides and loyalists. Many other diplomats and officials have been sidelined.

In a Facebook post last week, Russia's Embassy in North Korea confirmed Kwon Jong Gun was the new director of the foreign ministry's North America Department, a post that has been vacant since Choe became a vice foreign minister.

Choe's boss, Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, a former nuclear envoy who was widely expected to be U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's counterpart, has never had a chance to show his credentials as Kim continued to rely on Kim Yong Chol, a former spymaster specialised in inter-Korean affairs.

Thae, the former diplomat in London, said the unorthodox new breed of negotiators was aimed at driving a wedge between the free-wheeling Trump and his team of technocrats, who were mostly cautious and sceptical about North Korea's claims of pursuing denuclearisation.

"North Korea's diplomacy has taken an unprecedented tactical course, which is tailor made for Trump," Thae told a news conference in Seoul on Tuesday.

"By appointing Kim Hyok Chol, Kim Jong Un was trying to give the impression that there's no one between them, so that Trump will talk to him and shut his ears to his own staff."US President Donald Trump on February 19 described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, and said he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement.

Separately, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino expressed "strong support" for India and asked Pakistan to "punish anyone responsible" for the February 14 attack.

The suicide attack has led to escalation of tension between India and Pakistan and Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be "wonderful" if the two South Asia neighbours get along.

Also read: France to move proposal at UN to ban JeM chief Masood Azhar

"I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along," Trump said in response to a question.

"That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out," Trump said.

At a separate news conference, the State Department Deputy Spokesperson said the US has been in close communication with the Indian government "to express not only our condolences but our strong support".

"We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible," Palladino said. In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, the US has also been in contact with Pakistan, he said.

Following the terrorist attack, Trump's National Security Advisor, John Bolton, has supported India's right to self-defense.

Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, Bolton, and the White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders in separate statements have asked Pakistan to immediately take action against the JeM and its leaders and end support to terrorist safe havens.

The CRPF personnel were killed when a JeM terrorist rammed an explosive-laden car into a vehicle carrying them in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.Representative image

China's construction steel futures fell on February 20, as investors remained cautious about the strength of post-holiday demand from downstream users.

Following the Lunar New Year holiday earlier this month, construction sites and manufacturing plants would typically restart business this week.

"Major markets in China have not completely resumed (spot) trading and steel prices in most regions are hovering at a low level," analysts from Galaxy Futures said in a note.

Benchmark Shanghai rebar prices fell 2.3 percent to 3,590 yuan ($533.81) a tonne as of 0202 GMT.

Hot-rolled coil, a manufacturing-grade steel product, fell 1.8 percent to 3,590 yuan.

"Steel output is highly likely to increase after the holiday ... And the market focus will switch to demand strength from downstream users," Jinrui Futures analysts said in a note.

Faltering steel prices also dragged on iron ore futures, as the market questioned if mills will delay restocking until steel sales pick up.

China's producer price index (PPI) in January rose a meagre 0.1 percent from a year earlier, official data showed last week, raising concerns the world's second-biggest economy may see the return of deflation as domestic demand cools.

Dalian iron ore futures ended a three-day winning streak on February 20, falling nearly 3 percent to 616 yuan a tonne.

Coke futures, however, edged up 0.1 percent to 2,072 yuan a tonne, supported by concerns over tight supply in coal mining hub Shanxi province.

A major coke plant, Shanxi Coking Co Ltd, said on February 19 that it expects to trim coke output by around 220,000 tonnes due to an environmental restriction issued by the local government, effective from Feb. 16 to Mar. 31.

A bout of smog has been forecast for China's northern region in late February.

China's top steelmaking province Hebei issued an orange pollution alert last week, effective from February 17, that could last until around February 22. Orange alerts require industrial companies to cut output by at least 30 percent.

($1 = 6.7252 Chinese yuan renminbi)The United States should respect China's right to develop and become prosperous, the Chinese government's top diplomat told a visiting US delegation, reiterating that the country's doors to the outside world would open wider.

The world's two largest economies began their latest round of trade talks this week to resolve a bitter dispute in which each has levied tariffs on imports from the other.

The United States has accused China of unfair trade practices, including forced technology transfers, charges it has denied.

Respect and cooperation are the correct choice for both countries, something the international community hopes to see, State Councillor Wang Yi told the delegation of US business leaders and former officials in Beijing on February 19.

"Just like the United States, China also has the right to development, and the Chinese people also have the right to have a good life," the foreign ministry paraphrased Wang as saying, in a statement issued on February 19.

"The US side should recognise that China's development is in the world's interest, as well as the United States'. Only by seeing China's development as an opportunity for the United States can this help resolve certain problems, including trade and economic ones," Wang said.

China's reform and steps to open up are in line with its development needs, and its doors to the outside world will open ever wider, he added, repeating previous government pledges.

"As long as China and the United States proactively meet each other halfway, then trade and economic cooperation can still play a role as a ballast stone in Sino-US ties," he said.

The US delegation included former US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, US Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Myron Brilliant, and US Chamber of Commerce China Center President Jeremie Waterman.

On February 19, President Donald Trump said trade talks with China were going well and suggested he was open to pushing back the March 1 deadline to complete negotiations, saying it was not a "magical" date.

Tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports are set to rise to 25 percent from 10 percent by March 1 if the partners do not settle their trade dispute, but Trump has suggested several times that he would be open to postponing the deadline.

Negotiations in Washington this week follow a week of talks in the Chinese capital that ended last week without a deal but which officials said had brought progress on some key issues.

Widely-read tabloid the Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, said on February 20 editorial that both sides must remain calm during the current talks, but that Washington must not force anything on Beijing.

"US demand for China's structural reform must stay in line with China-US trade cooperation and coordinate with China's reform and opening-up. The talks must not try to force Beijing to change its economic governance or even its development path," it said.

"China and the US must sign an agreement that will inspire their people, heralding accelerated economic development."Picture for representation

Picture this. Youre chilling at home somewhere in Mumbai. You order food, because youre feeling lazy and then the delivery app shows your food will arrive from Delhi in 10 minutes! Bizarre, right?

A similar episode unfolded in the life of Chennai resident Bhargav Rajan on Sunday when food delivery app Swiggy showed him delivery of his food order in 12 minutes from Rajasthan!

Realising the goof-up, the hungry man was quick to post a screen grab on Twitter showing Swiggy attempting such a feat.

Rajan tweeted: "Wow Swiggy what are you driving?" along with vivid tracking details offered by the app, eliciting hilarious responses on the microblogging application.

The picture showed that the consignment had been picked up from a Rajasthan-based eatery and was on its way to Chennai. And guess what the value of the order that kicked off the poor delivery guys drive across the country? A meagre Rs 138.

Taking congisance of the glitch in no time, SwiggyCares came back with a witty response: "This seems to be the work of God of mischief Loki. In all seriousness, we have highlighted this issue and taken it very seriously and are actively working on to avoid such mishaps in the future."

It didnt stop here. SwiggyCares made several other references to Marvel Comic characters; one of them being: "Thank you for bringing this to light for us Hyperion. Bon appetite!"

This seems to be the work of God of mischief Loki In all seriousness, we have highlighted this issue and taken it very seriously and are actively working on to avoid such mishaps in the future. Thank you for bringing this to light for us Hyperion Bon appetite! SwiggyCares (@SwiggyCares) 17 February 2019

And when it still couldnt shut the trolls up, who were busy guessing what super vehicle the delivery guy must have been riding, Swiggy came up with yet another tongue-in-cheek response.



We'll fly to the moon and back for our customers! href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Anythingforourcustomers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Anythingforourcustomers

^Zyn pic.twitter.com/vFaTM1RDiH 18 February 2019

We'll fly to the moon and back for our customers! it read.However, the responses of Twitter users to Rajan's original post weren't less funny either.

When you order north indian food the food is from north India.. that's swiggy for you...  (@googlethalai) February 18, 2019



Yeh toh Vande Bharat train se bhi tez nikla  Ajeete Raho Beta!! (@ajeete_raho) February 18, 2019

Tathagata Roy, the Meghalaya Governor without a 'blue tick' on Twitter, is not new to controversies. On February 19, he proved that once again with his comments on the Pulwama terror attack.



An appeal from a retired colonel of the Indian Army: Dont visit Kashmir,dont go to Amarnath for the next 2 years. Dont buy articles from Kashmir emporia or Kashmiri tradesman who come every winter. Boycott everything Kashmiri.

I am inclined to agree

 Tathagata Roy (@tathagata2) February 19, 2019

Roy supported a call to "boycott everything Kashmiri" and stop visiting Kashmir and the Amarnath shrine for two years. The Governor cited a retired colonel, without disclosing his identity, and wrote on Twitter that he is "inclined to agree" that Kashmiri traders be boycotted.

This is not Roy's first instance of being in the eye of the storm. He has been, for instance, consistently demanding a 'blue tick' for his account on Twitter. A 'blue tick' account is considered a verified one. According to Twitter, it "lets people know that an account of public interest is authentic".

In November 2018, Roy whipped up a controversy after he tweeted about the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and "slaughter of innocents (except Muslims)". Roy was criticised for his comments, and after it was pointed out to him that he was factually wrong, he deleted the tweet.

In March 2018, after the Communist Party of India (Marxist) government in Tripura was dethroned by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a statue of Russian revolutionary Lenin was illegally razed by miscreants in the state. Roy, then serving as Governor of Tripura, had condoned the incident, tweeting: "What one democratically elected government can do another democratically elected government can undo. And vice versa." This had raised another controversy, with Twitter users saying Roy's comments are unbecoming of his constitutional post.

To that, too, Roy had a response.

"Holding a constitutional post does not require one to be speech and hearing-challenged. If somebody thinks that being a governor in a democratic country means that I have to be deaf and mute, I am not obliged to follow any such opinion," Roy had told The Economic Times.

Roy has stuck to his stand diligently. To a reply on Twitter about the political nature of his tweets, Roy replied, "Whatever gave you the notion I am secular? I am a Hindu. My state, India, however is secular since 1976."

In January 2016, Roy had tweeted that bodies of the terrorists killed in the Pathankot attack should be wrapped in pigskin. "I seriously suggest Russian treatment to terrorists' carcasses. Wrap them in pigskin, bury them face down in pig excreta. No chance of Houris," he had tweeted.

In 2015, Roy, while commenting on the 'fighting back' nature of Hindus, had said the only exception is Gujarat, 2002. Roy was referring to the communal riots in Gujarat, which had claimed more than a thousand lives.

Roy has been a part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP, and was fielded from south Kolkata during the 2014 polls. Roy ended up losing the elections, and was appointed Governor of Tripura in 2015 and Meghalaya in August 2018.Representative Image

In the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, the ruling government had been dethroned by a margin that, party leaders from both the sides had admitted, neither the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nor the Congress had anticipated.

Congress had swept through the two-phase election, winning 68 of the 90 seats, leaving the BJP with only 15 exactly the number of years that the saffron party had ruled the state until that point. The landslide was historic in the state's short history, and had left the BJP speechless but not without explanation.

"False promises," Pankaj Jha, a BJP leader in the state told Moneycontrol when asked why the party lost during the Assembly polls. "I mean, false promises of the Congress. Their manifesto was full of promises which they cannot fulfill," Jha clarified. "That is one of the biggest reasons that we identify for the BJP's defeat in the elections," Jha said.

The Congress, according to party leaders, is banking on exactly those promises, apart from activating its grassroots worker base again, particularly to attract the votes that went to Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) and Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

"We secured three-fourth majority during the Assembly polls. We are now planning to consolidate that support base together," Congress spokesperson Shailesh Trivedi told Moneycontrol. "Moreover, the vote difference between BJP and Congress was 10 percent. The rest went the JCC-BSP coalition way. We are planning to attract those voters, and they will shift back to Congress during the Lok Sabha polls, we are confident of that," he added.

For the grassroots-level workers, Trivedi explained, the party is starting 'Sankalp Shibirs', which not only train booth-level workers who were "instrumental in reaching out to every door in every village" during the state elections, but also impart training on those working under these booth-level leaders.

"We have already started campaigning; we are starting with Sankalp Shibirs, we are in the process of activating our frontal organisations, devising strategies for different groups. We are very organised," Trivedi said, adding that the focal point would be to make people understand what the Congress government has improved in the short period that it has been in power in the state.

"The work that we have done after coming to power  for instance, loan waiver, buying of farmers' produce at Rs 25 per quintal and increasing cost of tendu from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,500... all these things will be highlighted by us," Trivedi said.

"Moreover, the BJP is a divided house in Chhattisgarh. They are going through a chaotic period, there's a lot of infighting," Trivedi said, underlining his point that the real challenge is to sway the JCC-BSP vote bank rather than worrying about the BJP.

Jha admits that the saffron party has witnessed some level of infighting.

"Yes, after the defeat, there are some problems here and there. There are places where the BJP worker gets emotional, and BJP workers are a little bit more emotional and passionate. It keeps on happening, it happens in families too. BJP is a family and these are fights within the family," Jha said, adding that when compared to Congress, BJP's infighting is manageable.

"The vote of the farmer and Scheduled Tribe (ST) might have gone to Congress in state elections, but it always goes to the BJP during Lok Sabha polls," Jha said, adding that Narendra Modi's "development agenda" will help the BJP secure most of the 11 Parliamentary seats in the state. "We haven't received detailed instructions regarding the campaigning as of yet, but whatever the central leadership decides, we will follow orders," he said.The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena on February 18 announced that the parties would contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha and assembly polls together.

Seat-sharing talks between the two parties had been on for some time, but, according to reports, there were several issues that had to be resolved for the alliance to go forward. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the issues were to do with woes of farmers and "the common man" on state level, and Ram Mandir on national level.

However, according to reports, these were not the only issues that the two parties discussed. News18 reported that Sena had demanded Palghar Lok Sabha seat for itself, and it was one of the main pre-conditions put forth by the party for a tie-up. Fadnavis underlined the importance of the seat when he said that a Sena candidate would be fielded from the region.

However, even before the alliance was announced, BJP workers in Palghar had started resigning. BJP's Palghar unit chief Paskal Dhanare told Moneycontrol that the rate at which BJP workers have been resigning since February 19 evening has gone up. "At least 60 workers in various positions have resigned so far," Dhanare said. "We have sent their resignations and their reasons to the superiors. They will decide what to do," he added.

According to observers, the resignations are not surprising. Palghar witnessed a high-decibel bypoll in May 2018 after the death of Chintaman Vanaga who had won the seat on a BJP ticket in 2014.

Sena had decided to go solo in the bypoll, and contest the BJP head-on by giving the ticket to Vanaga's son, Shrinivas. The BJP, on its part, had fielded former Congress lawmaker Rajendra Gavit. In the run-up to the polls, Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray had campaigned extensively in the region, while the BJP, apart from conducting four Fadnavis rallies, had also roped in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for campaigning.

BJP, which eventually went on to win the bypoll, had campaigned hard, and the party, a BJP source said, could not be seen as just "giving away" the seat, especially to Sena which they had fought less than a year ago. Sena, the source said, only wanted to "rub it in our face", which is why they were adamant on the demand.

However, observers believe that the Palghar constituency might be more than just an ego issue for the Sena. For starters, the region was controlled by Anand Dighe, a Sena strongman known for issuing threats to rival leaders and also carrying them out. Dighe was known to have established leadership in parallel to then Sena chief Bal Thackeray, to the extent that when Dighe died in 2001, the Sena supremo did not attend his funeral, reportedly fearing violence. Dighe's photo, along with Uddhav and Bal Thackeray, still adorns Sena posters and billboards in the region.

Another reason why Sena might have demanded Palghar is its demography. A Scheduled Tribe (ST) constituency formed after the delimitation process in 2008, Palghar has a good mix of Marathis, Marwaris, Gujaratis, North Indians and Christians. Moreover, of the six assembly constituencies that form the seat, four are reserved for STs. Of these six Assembly seats, two are held by BJP, one by Sena and the rest by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA). The fate of the candidate contesting from the seat, experts state, depends on a balance of both ST voters and urban voters.

Sena leaders say Shrinivas had complained of maltreatment by the BJP, and the Sena wanted to give him "justice", which is why it had entered the poll arena during the May bypoll. They, however, refused to comment on whether Vanga would be given the ticket again, stating that a decision regarding that would be taken by the party supremo.Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on February 19 said action would be taken against perpetrators of the Pulwama terrorist attack if India shares "actionable intelligence" with Islamabad.

This, however, is not the first time that Pakistan has requested intelligence regarding an attack carried out on Indian soil and planned in the neighboring country. This is also not the first time that Pakistan has promised action in case of "actionable intelligence" being provided.

For India, this is a been-there, done-that moment.

2016 Pathankot attack

After the 2016 attack on a Pathankot airbase was linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, an organisation led by Masood Azhar, who also planned and executed the Pulwama attack, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) from Pakistan had visited India.

According to Indian Express, in the charge sheet filed on the attack by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), it noted that the agency had requested Pakistan's JIT for details of JeM along with DNA samples of family members of the terrorist killed in the Pathankot attack, among other things. Pakistan had not responded till the filing of the charge sheet.

In July, after NIA filed the charge sheet, Mohammad Azhar Chaudhary, Pakistan-appointed in charge of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case, had said the charge sheet has been filed merely on the "basis of presumption". He had also said "similar charges were levelled against Hafiz Saeed purely on the basis of presumption".

The investigation agency had also sent a Letter Rogatory (LR) to Pakistan for assistance in the investigation, sending another one in 2018, but had not received any response.

LR is a formal request from a court to a foreign court for some type of judicial assistance.

Then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had assured "prompt and decisive" action against perpetrators of the attack but without any further update.

26/11 attack in 2008

The 2008 terror attacks on prime locations in Mumbai had killed over 166 people and injured several hundred. The attacks, carried out by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), were again linked to Pakistan.

The 10 gunmen involved in the attack, nine of whom were gunned down and one, Ajmal Amir Kasab, caught alive and later convicted and hanged, were Pakistani citizens. Investigation had also proved that the attacks were planned in Pakistan, and that the gunmen were in constant touch with their handlers in the neighboring country throughout the course of the assault.

The attacks heightened tensions between the two countries, with India demanding a thorough investigation into the attack and, later on, the arrest of one of its main conspirators, Jammat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed.

More than a decade after the attack, and Saeed's arrest, bail and house arrest, India has demanded that Pakistan conduct a re-trial in the case. Another accused in the case, LeT chief Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, was arrested in 2008 and put to trial but was released on bail in 2015.

Pakistan, on its part, has asked for 24 Indian witnesses to be sent to Pakistan to record their statements. While Pakistan says its case against Saeed needs more evidence, India has stated that it has already provided ample evidence to the Pakistani authorities.

2001 Parliament attack

Indian authorities had named Masood Azhar in the 2001 Parliament attack as well, after which the Interpol had issued Red Corner notice against him in 2004. The international agency had issued a notice against Azhar in 2016, after the Pathankot attack as well, but no action against him was initiated by Pakistani authorities.

Delhi police had named five persons in the Parliament attack, all of them belonging to JeM. These names included Afzal Guru and Shaukat Hussain Guru, who were arrested following investigations. Afzal Guru was convicted and hanged in 2013, while Shaukat's sentence was reduced.

One of the prime participants in the attack, Ghazi Baba, was killed in an encounter with the Border Security Force (BSF) in Srinagar in 2003.

According to the Indian Express report, Pakistan has also been sitting on dossier provided by Indian authorities to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Pakistan on Azhar. India's long-standing demand to ban Azhar before the UNSC has been vetoed by China time and again. In its dossier on Azhar, India has detailed the terrorist's role in inciting violence in Kashmir, his association with al-Qaeda and financing and planning various terrorist attacks.

In his statement, Imran Khan had said Pakistan "will not think and retaliate" in case India acts. Responding to Khan's statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on February 19 said it is not surprised "that the Prime Minister of Pakistan refuses to acknowledge the attack on our security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism".

"The Prime Minister of Pakistan has offered to investigate the matter if India provides proof. This is a lame excuse. In the horrific attack in Mumbai on 26/11, proof was provided to Pakistan. Despite this, the case has not progressed for the last more than 10 years. Likewise, on the terror attack on Pathankot airbase, there has been no progress. Promises of 'guaranteed action' ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan," The MEA said.

Former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on February 20 that while Pakistan has not responded or taken any action in earlier cases where it was provided with proof, Khan should be given a chance since he is new and talks about a "new start".Condemning the Pulwama fidayeen attack, Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu called it an inhuman act and sought the construction of a wall along India-Pakistan border.

As per a report by The Indian Express, Bittu cited the example of the US-Mexico border wall, a contentious move proposed by US President Donald Trump, to weed out illegal immigrants from the country.

He exhorted concerned authorities to construct a similar wall along the Indo-Pak border, adding that all ties with the neighbouring country should be snapped with immediate effect.

Justifying his proposal, he said that this will help in controlling the infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan since it is a country that promotes terrorism.

While addressing media persons on Monday, Bittu added that if the country really wants to pay a tribute to the martyrs and avenge the death of the 40 CRPF troopers, it should snap all ties, commercial or otherwise, with Pakistan, thereby choking the neighbours economy.

Bittu, is the grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, who was assassinated by members of pro-Khalistan groups.

The MP was attending a programme at the Government Senior Secondary School in PAU campus, Ludhiana, where he made the comments suggesting how Pakistan can be taught an unforgettable lesson by India.live bse live

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A week after a section of the workforce employed at Royal Enfield's Oragadam plant near Chennai went on strike, the niche bike brand has suffered a production loss of 3,000 units till date, sources told Moneycontrol.

The strike has coincided with ramp-up plans of the Eicher Motors-controlled brand for the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, both of which were launched in November.

Though the management at Eicher Motors did not shed light on the loss in production, it has already declared the strike as illegal. Royal Enfield had cut FY19 production guidance by 25,000 units to 9.25 lakh.

This is due to the earlier 50-day strike that took place in September last year; and along with a general slowdown in demand, including a slump from one of Royal Enfield's biggest markets - Kerala.

Eicher Motors did not respond to Moneycontrol's queries at the time of publishing the article.

Royal Enfield workers are demanding regularisation of all workers who complete 480 days of work besides revoking of all transfer orders.

As per a 2012 order of the Madras High Court, a workman, who has rendered a continuous service of 480 days in a period of 24 calendar months should be conferred with permanent status in an establishment.

Workers are also asking for a provision of bonus for everyone working for more than a month. Another demand of the workers is that trainees employed through National Employability Enhancement Mission (NEEM), an initiative by the Government of India, should not be given work suitable for permanent employees.

The Union at Royal Enfield's Oragadam plant in a statement on February 19, said that the factory employs 5,559 workers, including 1,059 permanent workers, 2,000 contract workers, 1,000 trainees and 1,500 trainees employed through NEEM.

The previous strike resulted in a production loss of nearly 30,000 units for the niche bike maker which makes models under the brands Classic, Himalayan and Thunderbird. Production of the 650 twin bikes, the costliest bikes from Royal Enfield, was to be raised to 5,000 units a month by end of March as against around 2,500 units at present.

Waiting period on both the bikes has stretched to six months, the management said.live bse live

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Even as dealers of two-wheeler manufacturers struggle to attract buyers to their showrooms, they are desperately seeking an extension of credit days to pay for the rising inventory.

The trend of weak demand during the festive season extended into January, resulting in three consecutive months of subdued conditions. Demand was expected to improve in January as has been the trend in previous years. But despite the on-going marriage season retail offtake remains poor.

Not only has inventory days (average number of days goods remain in inventory before being sold) shot up to more than eight weeks, dealers are seeking as extension in credit days (number of days before payment is made for the goods purchased).

Niranjan Gupta, Chief Financial Officer, Hero MotoCorp, We do keep doing this not just now but actually from time to time. Whenever the inventories build-up, then there is an extension of the credit period. The extension has also led to a bit of an increase in receivables. The latter has gone up by around 10 days.

Hero MotoCorp is Indias largest two-wheeler manufacturer, controlling 36 percent of the domestic market. Its wholesale volumes dipped nearly 7 percent year-on-year to a million units during December and January.

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) said that two-wheeler inventory days have reached alarming levels of 50-60 days. Some dealers are even carrying inventory, which are more than a year old.

We would like to highlight that the inventory of two-wheeler dealers still continues to be very high as retails are still under pressure. We hope that these companies will take a realistic look at the situation prevailing on the ground and reduce wholesale billing, FADA said in a statement.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), the countrys second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, is the only company that does not offer credit to dealers. The company receives upfront payment from its dealers even before the stock is despatched.

This is the reason why Honda appeared to be the worst hit among all two-wheeler manufacturers, with sales dipping 17 percent YoY to 7.08 lakh units during December and January.

As per data shared by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), retail two-wheeler sales during January stood at 1.18 million units, whereas wholesales were 1.59 million units during the same month, a shortage of more than 25 percent.

N Radhakrishnan, President, CEO & Additional Whole-Time Director, TVS Motor Company, said, Our strategy is always to keep 4-5 weeks inventory and we adhere to that principle. The industry looks like it may be a little higher because everyone was looking at a better Q3. There was definitely a slowness in retail sales. However, we always look at carefully managing this inventory and looking at overall retail.Attacking the BJP government at the Centre for giving nod to re-issue the contentious triple talaq ordinance, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said February 20 it will be used as a "weapon against minorities".

"Social change cannot be achieved through force and arbitrary criminalisation. A narrative of women's empowerment is being used to cover up an ordinance which will be used as a weapon against minorities. We will support an act that implements the Justice Sachar report," Yadav said here.

The Union Cabinet on February 19 gave its nod to re-issue the ordinance that makes the practice of instant triple talaq by Muslim men a penal offence.

Once signed by President Ram Nath Kovind, it will come into force for the third time in less than one year.

A bill on the ordinance making the practise of 'talaq-e-biddat' (instance divorce) void and an offence is pending in Rajya Sabha. The bill will lapse on June 3 with the dissolution of the present Lok Sabha.

While opposition parties and some community leaders have claimed that jail term for a man for divorcing his wife is legally untenable, the government has asserted it provides justice and equality to Muslim women.

Under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2019, divorcing through instant triple talaq will be illegal, void and would attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

A bill to convert the previous ordinance, issued in September 2018, was cleared by Lok Sabha in December and was pending in Rajya Sabha.

Since the bill could not get parliamentary approval, a fresh ordinance was issued.

These amendments were cleared by the Cabinet on August 29, 2018. While the ordinance makes it a "non-bailable" offence, an accused can approach a magistrate before trial to seek bail.

In a non-bailable offence, bail cannot be granted by police at the police station itself.

A provision has been added to allow the magistrate to grant bail "after hearing the wife", the government had said.External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on February 20 met Saudia Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and discussed ways to add further momentum to the strategic ties between the two nations besides deepening engagement in the areas of trade and investment.

The crown prince arrived here on February 19 night on a less than 30-hour visit. In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him at airport.

After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the powerful Saudi leader talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding ties further.

"The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is in our DNA....Today, we want to be ensured that the relationship is maintained and improved for sake of both the countries and with the leadership of Mr President and the Prime Minister, we can create good things for both the countries," he told reporters.

The Saudi crown prince also talked about the contribution of lakhs of Indians in the overall development of Saudi Arabia.

He arrived here a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

After the meeting between Salman and Swaraj, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said ways to expand strategic dimension of the ties were discussed.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on HRH Crown Prince of #SaudiArabia Mohammed Bin Salman. Discussed adding momentum to strategic dimension of our relationship in various fields - from trade & investment to defence & security, and regional cooperation," the spokesperson tweeted.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 pm on February 20.

His visit comes in the backdrop of escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in which 40 CRPF were killed.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

The joint statement said the Saudi crown prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

Saudi Arabia is also a key pillar of India's energy security, being a source of 17 per cent or more of crude oil and 32 percent of LPG requirements of India.

Recently, Saudi ARAMCO in partnership with ADNOC of UAE has agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd which is a joint venture of USD 44 billion.

The Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and HPCL.

The crown prince is expected to travel to China from India.NCP president Sharad Pawar on February 19 criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for skipping the all-party meeting called by the NDA government in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

There was no representative of the BJP either as Rajnath Singh was present in his capacity as Union home minister, Pawar said.

Instead of attending the meeting over such a serious issue, Modi chose to address rallies elsewhere, the former Union minister said.

"An all-party meeting was called on Saturday...In fact we were told that PM Modi would chair the meeting. Presuming that Modi would attend the meeting, we all went to Delhi as it (the terror attack in South Kashmir) was an attack on the nation," Pawar told reporters here.

"Upon reaching there, we came to know that PM was not there....when 40 CRPF jawans got martyred and there was a serious situation, the PM should have been present at the meeting, but he chose to address public rallies in Dhule and Yavatmal (in Maharashtra), where he criticised us (opposition parties)," he said.

Pawar was speaking to reporters after unveiling a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji on the premise of MIT World Peace University.

Nobody from the BJP came to the meeting, Pawar further said.

"Rajnath Singh was there, but he was there in the capacity of home minister and not as party member. It shows how serious they are about the incident," he said.

Intelligence agencies had given alerts two days earlier but the government did not take necessary steps, the NCP chief alleged.

"But today we should not rake up this issue...Let's fight together....Let's protect our country together," he said.

Asked about the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance which was announced Monday, Pawar said it was bound to happen.

"For the last few months, they hurled abuse at each other and now they are holding hands. But the people of the state are mature enough and know the politics behind it. The people will give a proper reply to those who cheated them," he said.Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on February 20 terrorism was a common concern with India and that his country was ready to share intelligence to tackle it.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia was ready for political cooperation with India.

"On the issue of extremism and terrorism, which is a common concern, we want to tell India that we will cooperate in every way, including intelligence sharing," the crown prince said.

The crown prince's visit comes days after a militant attack in the disputed region of Kashmir which involved a bombing of a security convoy in which 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed. The attack was claimed by a Pakistan-based militant group.

During the press briefing, Modi said he had agreed with Saudi Arabia to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, naval and cyber security.

Earlier in the day, the crown prince received a ceremonial welcome at New Delhi's imposing red sandstone presidential palace.Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on February 20 said his visit to India will improve centuries-old ties, which he said are "in our DNA."

In brief remarks at the president's palace where he was given a ceremonial welcome, the crown prince did not make any reference to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

He arrived in India on February 19 night after visiting Pakistan, which New Delhi blames for a suicide bombing last week that killed at least 40 Indian soldiers in disputed Kashmir.

Prince Mohammed is due to hold talks with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two sides are expected to sign agreements for promoting investment, tourism, housing and communications.

The countries' two-way trade totaled $27.5 billion last year.

Modi is under heavy pressure from his supporters to punish Pakistan for the suicide attack. India placed the blame for the bombing squarely on neighboring Pakistan, which it accuses of supporting rebels in Kashmir, a charge that Islamabad denies.

The crown prince said on February 20 that "since we remember ourselves, we know Indian people as friends, and they are part of building Saudi Arabia in the past 70 years."

These relations would improve for the sake of both countries, he told reporters.

His trip to India comes five months after he came under intense pressure following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

In keeping with a long-standing policy of not commenting on countries' internal affairs, India declined to take a position on the Washington Post columnist's killing by suspected Saudi agents at the consulate.

India describes Saudi Arabia as a "key pillar" of its energy security. It provides about 17 percent of India's crude oil and about a third of its liquefied natural gas.

The relationship is likely to become more significant as a deadline nears for India to comply with U.S. sanctions against Iran, one of India's main oil providers.

Ties between India and Saudi Arabia, where millions of Indians are employed as migrant workers, have strengthened since Modi visited Riyadh in 2016 for the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with intelligence-gathering on money laundering and terrorism financing.

Prince Mohammed will return home later on February 20, according to India's External Affairs Ministry.Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's "development book" has improved much since 2014 and he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's support, but they cannot be compared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Shiv Sena said on February 20.

The remarks by the Uddhav Thackeray-led party came two days after it sealed a pre-poll alliance with the BJP after years of bickering and criticism of its policies and leaders.

Responding to opposition criticism of the seat-sharing pact, the Sena, in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana', said questions on tie-up are less in the minds of people but much more among political opponents as these "insects" will be crushed due to the alliance.

Referring to Modi's stewardship, it said, "Rahul Gandhi's book of development has improved much since 2014 and he has Priyanka's help. However, they can't be compared with Modi's leadership."

Asserting that the party is not helpless for power, the editorial said there are several questions - like why did it ally with the BJP despite differences in 2014, will the Ram Temple be constructed, will there be Sena's chief minister - and their answers are "positive".

Instead of replying to questions on the alliance, it is better that the "arrangement" made for the benefit of Maharashtra is taken ahead, it said.

The Marathi daily said BJP president Amit Shah himself came to Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's suburban residence 'Matoshree'. Thackeray told him what he had to and it was finally decided to give the alliance another chance.

Maintaining that there was no enmity between the Sena and the BJP, it said if (Bihar chief minister and JD-U head) Nitish Kumar could join the NDA despite differences of opinion with Modi and if the Congress could forge a "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance), then the Sena has always been a part of the BJP-led coalition.

The Sena said there was resentment in 2014 against the Congress and its allies and there was a "wave" in favour of Modi.

However, in 2019, the wave has receded and elections have to be fought not on the back of the "wave", but on ideology, development works and future, it added.Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is on his maiden official visit to India, was welcomed by PM Narendra Modi on February 19. During MBS' 30-hour visit, the two leaders are likely to discuss a plethora of issues ranging from trade to defence and security. Read on to find out the potential bilateral agreements India and Saudi may sign today. (Image: AP)

Energy synergy | When you have representatives of the world's third-largest oil importer (India) and the world's biggest oil exporter (Saudi Arabia) in the same room, some greasy talks are bound to happen. Saudi is already a key pillar of India's energy security, supplying over 17 percent of the country's crude oil requirements and 32 percent of LPG requirements. Reports suggest that the talks would cover Saudi Aramco's investment in refineries in India, including the stalled $44 billion refinery in Maharashtra. (Image: AP)

Counter-terrorism | In the wake of the February 14 terror attacks in Pulwama, the two leaders are expected to issue a strong statement on terrorism. The two countries had already inked a pact related to crimes and terrorism during Modi's 2016 visit to Riyadh. The ongoing visit will reportedly build on those ties, ramping overall defence cooperation between the two nations. (Image: AP)

Trade and Investment | Since Modi's visit to Riyadh, the two nations have shared a salubrious bilateral trading relationship, doing business worth $27.48 billion in 2017-18 alone. The Middle Eastern country is also ranked 15th in terms of country-wise FDI in India globally. Furthermore, the Union Cabinet chaired by Modi approved the signing of an MoU between the two countries, earlier this month, that will establish a mechanism for investment infrastructure in India. (Image: AP)

Tourism, housing and information and broadcasting | According to Secretary of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs, TS Tirumurti, the two countries may also sign an MoU on tourism, housing and information and broadcasting. In 2015, around 6.7 percent of Saudi's tourism revenue came from Indian nationals. Likewise, Saudi is a growing tourist generating market for India from the Middle East. (Image: AP)India and Saudi Arabia agree that there is a need to increase all possible pressure on countries supporting terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on February 20 after holding talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince explored ways to further deepen strategic ties against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack.

The barbaric terror attack in Pulwama last week is a cruel symbol of the scourge spread over the world by this anti-humanitarian danger, Modi said in his press statement with Salman by his side.

"In order to deal effectively with this threat, we agree that there is a need to increase all possible pressure on the countries supporting terrorism in any manner," Modi said, without naming Pakistan.

He asserted that destroying the terror infrastructure and punishing terrorists as well as their supporters was "very important".

Prime Minister Modi also called for a strong action plan for combating extremism and so that the powers spreading violence and terror cannot mislead the youth.

The Saudi Crown Prince, in his press statement, said his country will cooperate with India in tackling terrorism, including by intelligence sharing.

The crown prince arrived here on a less than 30-hour visit on February 19 night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

In a special gesture, Modi received Salman at the airport here, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the Gulf nation.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.Represenative Image

Moneycontrol News

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Indian National Congress announced on February 20 that they would be contesting the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls together as an alliance.

DMK chief MK Stalin announced that the Congress will be contesting ten parliamentary seats nine from Tamil Nadu and one from Puducherry. Stalin also told media persons that the total number of seats that DMK will be contesting will be revealed after talks with other alliance partners. The number is pegged between 20 and 25 seats.

The announcement comes a day after the AIADMK and BJP announced their tie-up for the polls.

Tamil Nadu has a total of 39 Lok Sabha seats. In 2009, Congress and the DMK had fought the Lok Sabha polls together  with the former contesting from 15 seats and the latter contesting from 22 seats. The two parties had contested separately in 2014.

DMK chief MK Stalin's sister Kanimozhi is also said to enter the arena this year. On February 19, DMKs Rajya Sabha MP and senior leader Kanimozhi met Congress President Rahul Gandhi to discuss seat-sharing.

Gandhi, then, met senior Congress leaders of the state to discuss the alliance. Former union ministers P Chidambaram, EVKS Elangovan, state unit chief KS Alagiri and senior leaders Thirunavukarasar and Ramasamy attended the meeting.

Later in the day, Kanimozhi met Gandhi again to finalise the alliance.

In December 2018, days after the Congress wrested three Hindi-heartland states from the BJP, DMK President MK Stalin had vowed to make Gandhi as the next Prime Minister.

Days later, he defended his statement amid murmurs in the Opposition ranks about reservations over the proposal.

The DMK had faced a rout in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, failing to win a single seat. Led by the then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, AIADMK had won 37 out of the 39 seats in Tamil Nadu. BJP and its ally PMK had bagged a seat each. BJPs ally All India NR Congress had won the Puducherry Lok Sabha seat.Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress on February 20 asked whether according a "grand welcome" to those who praised Pakistan's "anti-terror" efforts was his way of remembering the Pulwama attack martyrs.

In a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi on February 19 received Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport last night.

"National interests v/s Modiji's 'hugplomacy' breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistan's 'anti-terror' efforts. Is it ur way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama?" Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter tagging photographs of Modi hugging the crown prince and sharing a laugh at the airport.

Surjewala also urged the prime minister to "show courage" and ask Saudi Arabia to undo its joint statement with Pakistan in which they called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

"Modiji, Is asking for a terrorist to be designated as such politicisation of UN listings? Would you show courage to ask Saudi Arabia to undo their 'Joint Statement' with Pak virtually rejecting India's demand for designating Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist'?" he said.

The Crown Prince arrived in India last night on a less than 30-hour visit, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion on February 17.

The Crown Prince's visit comes days after a Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's suicide bomber killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah

On February 3, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee started a dharna (sit-in protest) over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s attempt to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Sarada chit fund scam case.

Banerjee claimed that the central investigative agency had knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

She also said that she was staging the dharna to protest 'insults' she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Amit Shah. She alleged they wanted to impose President's Rule in all states where the Opposition was in power.

While it was seemingly unrelated, the development came the day Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Yogi Adityanaths helicopter was denied landing permission by the Banerjee government. Earlier, Shahs chopper too had been denied permission.

BJP has accused Banerjee of attempting to scuttle their poll campaign in the state.

The event was seen by political commentators as the first major confrontation between Narendra Modi-led BJP, which is ramping up its presence in the state, and Banerjee-led TMC.

BJPs Bengal outreach

The BJP has been holding rallies and sending its top leaders to the state as it hopes to make electoral gains in the eastern, southern and northeastern regions of the country in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. For the BJP, these gains would help offset some of the losses it is expected to face in the Hindi heartland states.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Modi-led party swept through the Hindi-speaking belt.

Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chandigarh and the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi have a total of 226 parliamentary seats. The BJP won 191 of these seats in 2014. Its partners from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 11 seats there.

2014 Lok Sabha Polls_ BJP's region wise seat share

In December 2018, Congress was able to wrest Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan from the BJP in one-on-one contests in the assembly elections largely banking local anti-incumbency and agrarian distress.

The saffron party is now facing similar anti-incumbency in many other northern states leading observers to believe that it is likely to face substantial losses. Observers also highlight the lack of a Modi wave that had swelled BJPs vote share in 2014.

Opinion polls concur with these observations. Multiple polls have predicted BJP making heavy losses in the Hindi-speaking belt.

The Samajwadi Party (SP)-Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) alliance could cut down BJPs tally to half in Uttar Pradesh alone, the surveys show.

The East and Northeast have been untapped regions for the BJP as far as parliamentary constituencies are concerned. So, it is here that the saffron party is desperate to make gains.

The region, comprising Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, has a total of 88 seats. The BJP had won just 13 of these Lok Sabha seats in 2014. Its allies had won two.

In Odisha and West Bengal, BJP won one and two seats respectively, leaving scope for a major expansion.

West Bengal politics

The politics of West Bengal was dominated by the Indian National Congress and the Bangla Congress (United) till the mid-1970s. Subsequently, the state became a stronghold of the Left Front. Jyoti Basu occupied the top office in the state from 1977 to 2000  making him the second longest-serving chief minister in the country.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee took over the reign in 2000 and continued until 2011 when Banerjee stormed to power.

Over the years, the Lefts influence and electoral performance has tanked. The 2014 Lok Sabha elections and the 2016 West Bengal assembly election were a corroboration of the Lefts collapse.

The BJP has never commanded significant support in the eastern state. However, the party has been on an upswing over the last five years. With Banerjee completing eight years in power in May, local anti-incumbency could also start to play a role.

The state has a total of 42 constituencies. Banerjees All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) had bagged 34 out of these in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Congress and the Left had won four and two respectively. The BJP won two seats.

West Bengal: Lok Sabha polls vote share

Saffron charge

In the 2016 West Bengal Assembly election, the BJP had won three seats, up from zero in 2011. However, its vote share shot up to 10.16 percent from 4.06 percent.

In 2017, the BJP stamped itself as the number two party in West Bengal. While the TMC won 140 out of the 148 wards in seven civic bodies, the BJP won six. However, it was able to trounce the Left Front and the Congress convincingly. One Left and an Independent candidate won; Congress could not win any.

Less than a year later, in May 2018, BJP made inroads into Purulia and Jhargram districts  former Maoist bastions.

TMC won over 21,000 gram panchayat seats. BJP scooped up over 5,700 to cement its position as number two. More importantly, the BJP left the CPM and the Congress behind yet again.

West Bengal: Lok Sabha polls seat share

200 rallies, top leaders involved

The BJP has been making serious attempts to boost its Lok Sabha seat tally in the state, banking on the new-found support.

It is planning to rope in its top leaders, including PM Modi, party chief Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It plans to organise up to 200 public meetings in West Bengal.

Earlier, the Supreme Court of India (SC) had denied BJP the permission to hold a Rath Yatra. However, it allowed the party to hold public meetings.

The apex court denied permission, saying apprehension of the state government of possible law and order situation cannot be called "unfounded" and BJP will have to take all possible steps to address the apprehension in a reasonable manner.

The two parliamentary seats and 17.02 percent vote share won by the saffron party in 2014 seems to be a pivot for its performance in 2019.

The party had finished second in three seats and third in a whopping 30 seats in 2014. That adds up to 33 seats where the BJP is quickly emerging as an alternative.

Some of these constituencies include: Maldaha Dakshin, Kolkata Dakshin, Kolkata Uttar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Barrackpore, Dum Dum, Basirhat, Diamond Harbour, Jadavpur, Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram, Medinipur, Bardhaman Purba, BurdwanDurgapur, Bolpur and Birbhum.

The BJP would be focusing on these areas.

The saffron party would also be looking at the tribal seats which fall along the Bihar border.

Opinion polls concur with the aforementioned trend. The ABP News-CVoter survey from November 2018 shows BJP winning nine seats, up from two seats.

A Republic TV-CVoter survey from January shows the NDA winning seven seats. The same survey shows the BJP-led alliance bagging at 31.8 percent vote share  significantly more than the Left and Congress combine. The survey predicted TMC to win 34, same as the 2014 result.

The BJP has not announced an alliance with any regional party in West Bengal so far.

The Citizenship Bill conundrum

The saffron party was pushing for The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to make illegal immigrants (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan) eligible for Indian citizenship.

The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in the Winter Session. However, it was not passed by the Rajya Sabha. As the 16th Lok Sabhas last sitting was on February 13, the bill now stands to lapse. It would officially lapse on June 3.

The bill had faced strong resistance and sparked widespread protests across the Northeast.

Many parties protesting against this bill are BJP allies. Passing of the bill in Lok Sabha in the Winter Session pushed one of its allies  the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)  to quit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Political experts believe the BJP could face severe losses in the Northeast due to the unpopularity of the bill. It remains unclear if some section in the region would reconcile with the saffron party as the bill is set to lapse.

Some observers believe that the Bills pros for the BJP in West Bengal outweigh the cons in the Northeast.

However, Partha Das, psephologist and analyst at political consultancy Chanakyya, told Moneycontrol, There seems to be no electoral strategy behind this (the Citizenship (Amendment) bill). This is only ideological just like the Ram Mandir issue.

The BJP is looking to gain in the areas along the Bangladesh border which has significant Hindu-Bengali population, Das said.

It is a risk that they are taking. Mamata [Banerjee] will not join the NDA (in a post-poll scenario). But Naveen Patnaik can, he added, highlighting why BJP has no hesitation in trying to make inroads into West Bengal.

Das also believes BJPs entry in the state will not be smooth. There are cultural and linguistic differences between the Hindi heartland states and West Bengal. These are still hurdles for the BJP.

They have a chance in seven seats, at best. I think their tally will be maximum six. In 2014, they had won two. So, the gains are not great. This will not offset the losses (of the North).

While a possible Left Front-Congress alliance may not be able to take on the TMC, it could work as a vote-cutter against BJP. A Left-Congress could hope to attract anti-TMC voters, who would have otherwise voted for BJP.

The Left-Congress alliance will happen. It will take time, but it will happen. Otherwise, they will not survive (in the state), Das said.

Note: The article erroneously mentioned that BJP had won three seats in the 2011 assembly elections and six seats in the 2016 West Bengal Assembly election. The numbers have been corrected.BJP president Amit Shah will on February 21 launch from Andhra Pradesh his party's nation-wide exercise to contact over 22 crore beneficiaries of various welfare programmes of its governments at the Centre and in states as part of its campaign for the coming Lok Sabha election.

Shah will kick off the campaign from Andhra Pradesh's Rajahmundry city, the party said in a statement Wednesday.

The party aims to cover every beneficiary household under the programme as it seeks to retain power at the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

The BJP said its workers have reached out to the beneficiaries and claimed many of them shared pictures of the party flag flying at their houses as part of its another campaign "Mera parivaar Bhajapa parivar" (My family, BJP family).

Shah will address party workers from four adjacent Lok Sabha constituencies and travel to Karnataka later in the day to attend other political programmes, the statement said.In the run up to the Lok Sabha polls, the AAP on February 19 said it will hold a door-to-door campaign to tell people how the BJP had done "injustice" with them on the issue of full statehood to Delhi.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also said it will distribute BJP manifestoes of previous elections, including that of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, in which, it said, the saffron party had supported statehood.

The BJP's Delhi unit, however, said the campaign was a "new drama" by the AAP and its chief Arvind Kejriwal.

"The full statehood for Delhi has problems due to provisions in the Constitution which has been cleared by the court. But, AAP and Kejriwal are indulging in this new drama before elections to once again cheat the people," Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said

Recently, in a major setback to the AAP government in Delhi, two judges of the Supreme Court agreed that the Centre should have the final word on posting and transfer of bureaucrats in the national capital administration, but their disagreement on finer details resulted in a split verdict and the matter got referred to a larger bench.

The bench was called upon to decide on six vexatious issues pertaining to a long-running feud between the central and the national capital governments.

"We will go door-to-door, telling people how BJP has done injustice with them on the issue of full statehood," Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai said.

The party will distribute manifestos of BJP issued in previous elections, in which it supported the demand for full statehood for Delhi, the AAP said.

BJP's manifestos including the one for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, reveal the party supported full statehood. But, now, the Modi-Shah duo have gone against the dreams of party leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani for full statehood to Delhi," said an AAP statement.

AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal and Union minister Vijay Goel also clashed on the issues on twitter.

Goel in a tweet accused the Kejriwal government of not fulfilling its promises with people, despite being in power for four years.

Reacting sharply, Kejriwal asked Goel what happened to full statehood promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Modi ji had promised full statehood for Delhi. What happened to that? Sahib Singh and (Madan Lal) Khurana struggled for full statehood. Advani ji borught a law in the Parliament but Modi government cheated.

"Modi government has shown so much disrespect and injustice to Delhiites in fourt years, people will reply to it," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

The AAP will launch the movement in coming days. Rai held meetings with district unit presidents to finalise the dates of the campaign.File image of BJP President Amit Shah, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Just two days after their parties inked a pre-poll deal, senior ministers of the BJP and Shiv Sena Wednesday spoke in different voices over "sharing" the chief minister's post.

BJP minister Chandrakant Patil said his party is of the view that the alliance partner winning more seats (after this year's Assembly poll) would get the CM's post.

Rubbishing Patil's contention, Sena minister Ramdas Kadam said his party forged the alliance with the BJP after there was an agreement to share the chief minister's post.

If the BJP does not wish to fulfil its commitment, it is free to break the pre-poll alliance immediately, he said.

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Tuesday night told party workers at his residence here that he had rejected the formula proposing that the party winning maximum number of seats in assembly elections would get the post of chief minister.

"This formula was used by both parties (Sena and BJP) in the last 25 years. I have rejected it. What I have demanded is that both the parties get to share all posts equally," Thackeray said.

"The BJP has agreed to this, hence I have decided to forge the alliance," he said.

As per the tie-up announced Monday, the BJP sill contest 25 seats and Sena 23 of total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. For the assembly polls, the two parties will contest an equal number of seats after accommodating allies.

The BJP and the Sena had contested the 2014 assembly elections separately. Of total 288 seats, the BJP had won 122 seats and the Sena 63.

Kadam said as per the alliance agreement, all Constitutional posts will be equally shared by Sena and BJP. "This means the CM's post will also be equally shared. If this formula isn't acceptable to BJP leaders, we will ask Thackeray to call off the alliance. We are capable of contesting polls alone," he added..Moneycontrol Contributors

Let us begin with a story, a real one that was told and retold in the corridors of an Indian university sometime in the nineties.

A European observer was walking through an administrative block within the campus and said later, "I have come to believe finally that there is a God. Because only a superpower like that can sort the amount of paperwork I have seen lying unattended on these desks."

And that brings us to the question, are we as a nation bogged down by red tape and bureaucratic inertia when it comes to education? Do we spend too much time sweating the small stuff and hence forget the big picture? Do we know how to cultivate and nurture intellectual capital?

Each time global rankings of the best universities in the world are released, you can imagine the headlines the next day in Indian newspapers. Actually, you do not have to imagine them  you know them because, as if clockwork, it is a chorus of lamentation about Indian universities not making it to the top 200 yet again. What about the IITs! What about AIIMS! The toughest exams to crack! And no sign of them?! The system is broken! We need an overhaul! The rankings are broken! They need an overhaul! Etc etc.

India is the fifth most represented country on THE rankings last year, yes, but there is not one institution within the top 200, which has Oxford right at the top for three years running now. IISc is the highest ranked, placing in the 251-300 cohort. IIT Indore is the highest placed IIT  ahead of IITs Delhi, Bombay, Kanpur, Madras. Reason enough for a whole host of IITians to pooh-pooh the rankings altogether.

The question however remains  why do Indian universities rarely ever appear on the The Times Higher Education rankings or the QS World Rankings? Do these rankings matter? What are the systemic issues with these rankings? Is India investing enough money in the education sector, specially in R&D? Or as Ritesh Kumar Singh, former assistant director of the Finance Commission of India, asked in an op-ed recently, why does a country with so much research talent produce little homegrown innovation? Lets find out right here on Digging Deeper with Moneycontrol with me Rakesh Sharma.

Where have we let ourselves down?

As Ritesh says, despite a strong engineering talent pool, low costs and a good knowledge of English, India has failed to invest properly in research and development. That working knowledge of English has held us in good stead in comparison to the Chinese, but not likely for long.

We quote, "Spending is so low by global standards that it holds back India's economic, technological and strategic ambitions. Successive governments have failed to act. A lax intellectual property regime, foolish sectoral regulations and a protectionist trade policy have for years deterred R&D, especially in the private sector. It would be comforting to think that this year's election will change everything. But government and opposition leaders alike are showing little interest. It is high time that we woke up to the challenge that India faces, overhaul regulations, and nudge companies to put money into research and innovation."

As Ritesh points out, India's R&D spending amounts to 0.7% of gross domestic product, a fraction of China's 2.1%, let alone Japan's 3.1%. The figure has been hovering around this level for two decades; the bulk of the meagre spending is accounted for by the government and a few strategic sectors, notably atomic energy, space and defense, according to India's official Economic Survey.

He further says, "When it comes to corporate R&D, India does even worse. The contribution of Indian companies, both private and public sector taken together, to total R&D is just 44% against a global average of 71%, says a recent study by the government-backed National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS)."

For private sector companies alone, he says, the share is a meagre 38.1%.

Hence, it should be little surprise then that efforts to lift the manufacturing industry's share in GDP from around 15% have repeatedly failed. And as Ritesh says, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India campaign, launched with much fanfare in 2014, has not moved the dial nor is it likely to do so.

The point we are making is simply this: the general apathy towards research as an academic pursuit percolates down from our educational institutions to other areas and as Ritesh says, because of this, major Indian corporates tend to be inward-oriented as selling in heavily-protected domestic markets is easier than selling in intensely-competitive export markets that require innovative products, created by higher R&D spending.

He further rues that India's lax intellectual property rights regime, especially poor enforcement and implementation, tends to discourage profit-maximizing companies in the private sector to spend on R&D.

He also says, "Moreover, the Narendra Modi government has recently adopted new protectionist rules, inspired partly by U.S. President Donald Trump. By reversing earlier moves to liberalize imports, for the benefit of politically-influential local rivals, New Delhi is recreating a protected environment where local companies suck profits out of captive markets without worrying about having to invest in R&D to ward off competition."

The writer hopes that this damaging legislation is withdrawn. Inward-oriented Indian companies need more incentives to compete -- and invest in innovation -- not fewer and as he points out, foreign multinationals are setting up global innovation centers to tap India's low-cost English-speaking engineers and technicians and this shows there is no shortage of talent in India. The problem is with the commercial rules.

What about R&D spending?

Against this backdrop, most of the country's R&D spending comes from the government. But even this is often inefficiently spent. Ritesh says, "R&D programs are often long-term in nature, but political horizons are short-term. India's constituent states compete for central government funds that are allocated more on political priority then intrinsic merit. Independent state-run research institutions that work in silos often ignore each other and the country's university research centers. A culture of awarding government contracts to the lowest bidder, while neglecting questions of quality and scientific pedigree, tend to discourage riskier investment proposals."

To ease the logjam, he suggests that a greater share of government R&D funds should be directed to universities, not the institutes. That will channel resources toward younger researchers brimming with energy and ideas, rather than established research programs and adds that India must target 2% of GDP for R&D spending if it wants to be seen as an innovative country.

We have application, not innovation

Let us however get back to the point that we started with. The question about the cracks in our education system through which excellence slips and disappears.

Because come to think of it, we as a nation are obsessed with percentage of marks, ranks and divisions. And the schooling of our children is an obsessive preoccupation for a majority of Indian parents. The need for academic excellence, clearing competitive exams, topping a class is ingrained into students right at home. As a data story on Moneycontrol pointed out, Indian parents spend the most amount of time on their children's homework and nearly 62 percent parents in India on an average spend about 12 hours a week to help children with their studies. These enlightening nuggets come to you courtesy a World Economic Forum (WEF) report.

This can be attributed to intense competition to score better marks and also to the pressure exerted upon students to clear entrance exams and compete for limited seats in top institutions.

Pressure gets even more concentrated because of India's increasing young population. According to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)'s latest available projections, currently, over 55.9 crore of Indias population is between 6-23 years,

But the most startling question that the piece asks is whether the high percentage of the time parents spend helping their kids is because they do not have enough confidence in the country's education system?

The lack of infrastructure, teachers and adequate facilities in state-run schools face is an open secret and as the piece reports, around 55 percent of parents with children in state-funded educational institutions said that they would send their child to a fee-paying school if they could afford it.

This should cause some concern because if the grassroots of our education system are not being nourished, how will it affect the future of the 65 percent of all school-going children in 20 states  about 113 million, who are enrolled in government schools? These figures are courtesy the District Information System for Education (DISE) data. About 6,40,000 teachers in the government schools across the country are yet to acquire the qualifications prescribed by National Council for Teacher Education, the DISE report cited in the piece, has said.

Even more disturbing is this figure. The piece cites a rough estimation based on the government sources that there is a shortage of 30-40 percent faculty in colleges and universities at all levels.

We quote, "On an average, the Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) stood at 21 in 2016, according to the MHRD report. The report also stated that the PTR had remained unchanged for the past five years, indicating a shortage of teachers as India's student population grows. Cost of education in private schools remain one the major reasons for parent's inability to send their children to private institutions. Over the last few years, media reports suggest the fees have gone up by nearly 20 percent."

The question that needs to be asked though is this. Are private fee-charging schools doing a good job or are they, as the piece points out, just mushrooming teaching shops?

The compulsive culture of tuitions

The piece cites ASER 2017 to inform that nearly 40 percent students attending government schools also opt for tuition. But we know of course, even without looking for statistics that even if their children are in private schools, parents tend to reach out to additional help in the form of what are commonly known as "extra classes." And yes a punishing regimen of tuitions, follows.

The questions about whether the rote learning model of education works for us are relevant as also whether governments with strident ideologies should find it easy to tweak syllabi to further their own agendas. The conflicts between the government and many universities and institutes including JNU, AMU, Delhi University, FTII, etc show that education and state interference are mutually incompatible, but that is another story for another time.

The questions of rankings

Pramod K. Nayar, who teaches at the University of Hyderabad wrote a piece in The Wire in October 2018 to try and make sense of how a variety of ranking organisations work with ranking parameters and criteria, including undergraduate teaching, research, teaching, employability, industry income and internationalisation. And if the ranking that emerges from this morass of information means anything. And as he puts it, if there is anything that we can do further to better the learning and teaching experience as we rush into the headlong halls of globalised ranking. He asks and we quote, "Another question this shift into the rankings mode begs is: how best can we recalibrate ourselves to alleviate the tensions between a quantitative ranking system and the social needs higher education has been designed for until now? Can the former enable the latter?"

Can there be synergy between the ideal of educational values, and the reality of market value? As he says, "The former focuses on critical thinking, analytical abilities, social agendas and the inculcation of citizenship ideals that are unquantifiable and intangible because they manifest in our primary beneficiaries (or victims, depending on how we see higher education) in the long-term. The market value scheme, which is industry-driven, orients the project of neoliberal higher education training towards developing particular skill-sets for the labour market."

He also addresses the attack on public institutions and cites noted scholar Henry Giroux and we quote, "What we are witnessing is an attack on universities not because they are failing, but because they are public. This is not just an attack on political liberty but also an attack on dissent, critical education, and any public institution that might exercise a democratising influence on the nation. In this case the autonomy of institutions such as higher education, particularly public institutions are threatened as much by state politics as by corporate interests. How else to explain in neoliberal societies such as the U.S., U.K. and India the massive defunding of public institutions of higher education, the raising of tuition for students, and the closing of areas of study that do not translate immediately into profits for the corporate sector."

So when we are obsessing about global ranking systems, are we taking into account that maybe all universities need not fit into a single model of a university or abide by the same set of parameters, because they have to consider where they are located and the local cultures/societies they were set up to serve?

The writer worries about the alienation of the ideal of an university from the immediate requirements of the locality, region and nation, as it strives to compete with very differently located (in terms of geography, demography, educational ecosystems) universities worldwide. As he says, and we quote, "For instance, if a university was set up to provide greater access to higher education for a particular region and begins to shift its emphasis towards internationalisation and research (two key parameters in rankings), then does it serve its immediate populace better through quality classroom teaching? Would it then result in an alienation of our higher education institutions from our ecosystems because we are trying to fit into a global one?"

Also while we mourn the absence of adequate research in academia, is there enough emphasis on teaching to begin with?

The piece cites a study published in March 2018 that found the following, "A total of 24 ranking systems were identified and 13 eligible ranking systems were evaluated. Six of the 13 rankings are 100% focused on research performance. For those reporting weighting, 76% of the total ranks are attributed to research indicators, with 24% attributed to academic or teaching quality. Seven systems rely on reputation surveys and/or faculty and alumni awards."

As the writer explains, the weightage provided for research in most ranking mechanisms has resulted in the massification of publication. We quote, "India is finally an academic capital for predatory journals. Seeking to boost rankings, universities emphasise  and perhaps fund research rather than teaching. Weird results have also been reported  such as attempts to inflate citation (20% weightage in QS) through the unethical practice of excess self-citations  in the academic debate on rankings. Eventually, unless teaching becomes central to evaluative and ranking processes, the basic work of most universities in India  teaching  will collapse if it hasnt already. Teachers preparing for classes from Wikipedia (the chosen source for several colleagues in English is Spark Notes) is now a common feature, since student feedback on teaching quality is not factored into rankings or even for teacher-evaluation. When publish or perish becomes the motto, we could perhaps ask if we publish perishable materials."

Also, asks the piece if higher education institutions that are now preoccupied with internationalisation of parameters that entail the development of programmes to attract foreign students, can also ensure that their syllabi or pedagogies are upgraded for Indian students. As he says, "Nothing stops an institution from boosting its quality of teaching and research such that it impacts positively on the students futures."

His final take? "Standards need not come from, or result in, standardisation. To adopt world-class standards within any domain of knowledge does not necessarily entail fitting into a global ranking mechanism. Updating and upgrading teaching materials, pedagogy and testing mechanisms, even research within the funding possibilities offered, can still be world class. Humanities and social sciences, deeply defensive in all evaluative mechanisms, are surely not quantifiable by the same indices (impact factor, H-index, etc.) but that does not ever mean that we cannot publish in the worlds top-ranked journals."

And he also advises that we raise standards to global levels to attract high-paying international students, which in turn will fund the regular programmes of an institution  programmes that are running aground for lack of state-provided funds.

The problem of plagiarism

Gayathri Vaidyanathan wrote on Nature  arguably the most influential and prestigious journal in the world  about an issue that has bogged down Indian academia for some time. The one that has to deal with besmirching plagiarism. Her report is about how Indian scientists are criticising a government proposal to pay graduate students who publish in select journals. Their fear is that it could degrade the quality of research and lead to an increase in scientific misconduct, by incentivizing publishing rather than good science.

We quote, "Under the proposal by a central government committee, PhD students who publish in reputed international journals would receive a one-time payment of Rs 50,000 (about $700), while students who publish in select domestic journals would earn Rs 20,000. The cash bonuses for publishing are more than a typical graduate student's monthly stipend. The committee says their recommendations are designed to improve the value and quality of doctoral research. Various pay-to-publish schemes have been reported in other countries, such as China, South Korea and South Africa. Indian government has yet to accept the proposal, but academics there say evidence suggests these schemes do not improve research quality. Some researchers want the government to fund more research and permanent jobs, and reduce the funding uncertainty in existing programmes, before introducing cash bonuses for publications."

In 2014, says the piece, it was reported that Indian papers were cited much less frequently than papers from China or the US.

The role of University Grants Commission (UGC), Indias higher-education regulatory and funding agency, has been questioned too in this respect and as the piece says, UGC places considerable weight on the number of research publications, and so it, too, has created perverse incentives for scientists to publish a large number of low-value papers.

No wonder then, says the piece, that papers by Indian scientists are retracted at about twice the rate of papers from the US, according to an analysis using data from Retraction Watch, a blog that tracks academic misconduct.

The piece advocates and we repeat once again that there must be more government funding of PhD research and number of permanent positions for scientists in state-funded colleges must be increased before launching schemes to incentivize research papers.

Addressing plagiarism with strict measures

In September 2018, Pushkar, director of The International Centre Goa (ICG), Dona Paula wrote a piece about The University Grants Commission's (UGC) approval of the UGC (Promotion of Academic Integrity and Prevention of Plagiarism in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2018. These regulations were/are dedicated to addressing plagiarism by students, researchers and faculty at Indias universities and colleges.

Plagiarism is, as he puts it, along with publishing in fake journals and fabrication and falsification of research, among the major offences committed by academics worldwide. Other lesser known, though common, offences include the practice of adding an authors name to a paper when he/she has not contributed to the research, not acknowledging conflicts of interest and general sloppiness in conducting research.

So what is UGC doing to curb such tendencies in India?

He says, "Slowly, the government is taking steps to address research fraud. The latest UGC regulations pertaining to plagiarism are an example of the governments intent to control research fraud. But it is important to understand that anti-plagiarism measures by themselves only attack one pillar of research fraud and must be combined with attacks on at least two others: fake journals and fabrication/falsification of research. It is also necessary to admit that the immediate impact of these anti-plagiarism measures will be minimal."

He points out that though research performance of Indias universities and other academic institutions has improved, it is overall still dismal. There are many reasons for this research deficit, of which inadequate funding is an important one but not the only factor. We quote again, "Indian academic institutions underperform in research because most universities have traditionally emphasised teaching over research. Indeed, research has been close to the bottom in terms of institutional priorities. However, with the growing popularity of world university rankings in which Indias universities perform poorly because of low research output, the government started to take notice and take measures to address the deficit."

We know, that this take is different from the one we presented before on the primacy that teaching must take but this too is a perspective that needs to be addressed and perhaps a good balance between teaching infrastructure and research funding can move the needle towards better institutions.

Addressing the research deficit

Pushkar says that one of the first attempts at addressing the research deficit was the introduction of the academic performance indicator (API) in 2010. The API required all faculty members at central universities and central-government funded colleges to do research and publish  in addition to teaching and administrative duties  to benefit from the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS). We quote, "Unfortunately, most state universities and colleges also adopted the API. With the widespread application of API across all kinds of academic institutions, including undergraduate institutions that are entirely teaching-focused, faculty members were left with no choice but to publish or stagnate in their positions. These included people who lacked any basic training for research and those who were already overburdened with teaching, administrative and other responsibilities. Further, most teachers work at colleges with woeful infrastructure and where the overall academic environment is inimical to substantive research."

The result of the nearly compulsory implementation of API, says Pushkar was that many faculty members took recourse to plagiarism, publishing in fake journals or both. While for some, says the piece, plagiarising and/or publishing in fake journals was simply a short-cut to career advancement, for most it was a necessity. In both cases, as he says, they fed each other: research-deficient faculty members plagiarised and published to catch-up or get ahead of those who were carrying out genuine research, and at some point the latter realised that they would be left behind if they did not do the same things. Many started to plagiarise, publish and flourish. This gave birth to what is now a flourishing global industry of fake journals headquartered in India, says Pushkar.

We quote, "To a great extent, the current and ongoing wave of research fraud in the form of plagiarism and publishing may have started with the API, which itself was a by-product of the growing popularity of the world university rankings. The API was created to boost Indias research output and improve the rankings of its universities; instead, it gave a tremendous boost to fraudulent research. The API is soon to be revised but the improved version falls short of recognising the proper structure and complexities of Indias higher education sector and will continue to be abused."

He cites an Indian Express report that exposed the fake journals industry in India. This reportedly led to an immediate response from the government, with the higher education secretary R. Subramanyam issuing an order: If any substandard/predatory journals are found to be in the list recommended by the vice-chancellors, that would be held personally against the vice-chancellor concerned.

But as Pushkar says, it is a pity that neither this government nor previous ones paid much attention to reports extending over more than a decade on various kinds of academic malpractices that benefitted dishonest academics and punished honest, hard-working ones. This has direct implications for the new anti-plagiarism measures that the government has put in place. Over time, says he, a large number of academics have risen up the ranks by getting away with academic fraud and the task of restoring academic integrity is now to be placed in their hands!

We quote, "To its credit, the government has in the last couple of years tried to deal with the menace of fake journals. In mid-2016, the University Grants Commission (UGC) took up the difficult task of preparing a list of legitimate journals; faculty members would have to publish only in these journals to benefit from the API. The task has so far been done rather badly. In early 2017, the UGC released a messy first list of legitimate journals that included the names of several fake journals and excluded many legitimate journals. In May 2018, it removed the names of 4,305 titles from its list, noting that these were of poor quality, provided incorrect/insufficient information about themselves or made false claims. In the process of excluding fake journals, however, it also removed several legitimate journals from the list. The list very much remains a work in progress and will be for a while."

Plagiarism in the end is symptomatic of an ailing education system that needs to become, as Pushkar puts it, "more than a leftover profession."

He says, "A simple research project involving re-examination of PhD dissertations submitted at some Indian universities, including the best ones, will almost certainly show that many of existing faculty members carried out substandard research and engaged in plagiarism and fabrication. Many of them are now heads of departments, principals, vice-chancellors and academic bureaucrats in positions of power. The clauses regarding detection, reporting and handling of plagiarism in the UGC regulations suggest one cant be too optimistic that they will be effective. These regulations call for the creation of a Departmental Academic Integrity Panel (DAIP) consisting of the head of the department as chairman and two other members, one a senior academic from outside the department, to be nominated by the head of the institution; second, a person well versed with anti-plagiarism tools, to be nominated by the head of the department. Plagiarism cases are to be reported to the DAIP, which will also have the power to assess the level of plagiarism and recommend penalty (or penalties) accordingly.

Do you see the layers of paperwork this will entail? But this is not all. As the piece informs, the UGC regulations also call for the creation of an Institutional Academic Integrity Panel (IAIP) consisting of the pro-VC/dean/senior academician of the institution as chairman, and three other members, all of them nominated by the vice-chancellor/principal/director of the institution: a senior academic from the home institution; one member from outside the home institution; and the third, a person well versed-with anti-plagiarism tools.

How will such ideas be implemented in reality and how effective and fast will they be in addressing a serious issue like lack of academic integrity?

As Pushkar says, "The fact is that the success of the anti-plagiarism regulations is contingent on how they are applied by the people who run Indias universities, from vice-chancellors down to faculty members. There are all kinds of structural obstacles to making the anti-plagiarism regulations work effectively. They will be successful if over time, Indian universities, especially research and teaching-cum-research institutions, open themselves up to hiring faculty on the basis of merit and with proper scrutiny. With the exception of a few institutions, this is not happening yet."

And there we are, right where we started. At the mercy of unseen powers to help us clear the weeds of apathy before we can start planting new seeds in our education system. But a beginning, even a small one, is a good way to cleanse inertia from logjammed systems and hopefully, we will emerge from the fog that has prevented us from seeing the full potential of our intellectual capital.Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hugs India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival at an airport in New Delhi on February 19, 2019. (Image: Reuters)

Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is on a two-day visit to India and was welcomed by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with an embrace of course.

The reason for his visit is the strengthening of bilateral ties in various sectors, including energy and defence. If its a run-of-the-mill visit by a foreign dignitary, then what makes it controversial, you ask? Well, like in a David Fincher film, the timing.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans (popularly known as MBS) visit to India comes within five days of the terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, which killed 40 jawans and infuriated the entire nation. After the attack, PM Modi had vowed to hunt down the perpetrators and avenge each drop of the martyrs' blood.

The responsibility of the attack was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a banned terrorist organization which reportedly operates from Pakistani soil. JeM chief Masood Azhar, one of the most notorious terrorists in the world who was also responsible for the 2001 Parliament Attack, is said to be under house arrest in Pakistan.

His Visit to Pakistan

Before coming to India, MBS was on a two-day visit to Islamabad where he announced investments worth of $20 billion in Pakistani petrochemicals, power generation, and mining projects. Meanwhile, the Indian government was fighting tooth and nail to stop funds to Pakistan, pleading to P5 countries to isolate the nation on all global platforms.

MBS was also honoured by Pakistan which bestowed its highest civilian award on the young Saudi prince, gave him a gold-plated gun and declared a public holiday in his honour. And why not, the $20 billion dole will help Pakistan avert the financial crisis that it is facing.

His Promises for India

However, MBS was generous and respectful enough to fly to Riyadh first as New Delhi expressed reservations over his direct arrival from Islamabad. Not only that, ahead of the visit, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan.

After visiting India, and taking cognizance of how extremism and terrorism are common concerns for India and Pakistan, MBS issued a joint statement with Modi, where he said, We would like to tell our friend India that well cooperate on all fronts, including intelligence sharing. Well work with everyone to ensure a brighter future for our upcoming generations.

Worrying, and ironic

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia itself is engaged in a war in Yemen which has killed more than 6,800 civilians and injured at least 10,700 since March 2015. The four-year-long war, which stemmed from a power struggle between Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Shia rebel group Houthis, has left 20 million Yemenis in danger of a famine.

Such are the catastrophic ramifications of the war that the House of Representatives has voted to end the American military assistance for Saudi Arabias war in Yemen. Maybe that is why 33-year-old MBS has turned to Asian countries.

Also, MBS was recently shunned by much of the world after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018. Khashoggi, a prominent journalist who wrote for The Washington Post, was murdered in Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul. While Saudi Arabias public prosecutor has said Khashoggi was killed inside the building on the orders of a rogue intelligence officer, Turkish officials have claimed that they have evidence, including gruesome audio recordings, that the journalist was killed by a team of Saudi agents on orders that came from the highest levels. His body has not yet been found.

Saudi ties with US are straining over Khashoggis murder and waning oil export to the US. No points for guessing MBSs next stop  China, Pakistan's all-weather ally.

When asked about PM Modi embracing MBS right after he gave a $20 billion dole to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said, We do not see our relationship with one country through the prism of a third country. That is how we have relations with both Israel and Palestine.Saudi Arabia on Wednesday increased India's Haj quota by 25,000, the third hike in three years, taking the number of pilgrims from the country who can perform Haj to 2 lakh.

The decision was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman here.

While T S Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA, said the implementation of the enhanced quota will depend on logistical and other things, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it will be effective from this year.

"At our request, Saudi Arabia has decided to increase the quota for Haj pilgrims from India to 2 lakh. This gesture is deeply appreciated," Tirumurti told reporters at a briefing on the talks.

Naqvi hailed the decision and thanked the prime minister, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the crown prince and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

"This is the third hike in consecutive years. When the Modi government came to power in 2014, India's Haj quota was 1,36,000, which has now been increased to 2 lakh. This will be the highest number of pilgrims going for Haj from India since independence," Naqvi told PTI.

He said this was possible because of Modi's "very cordial and friendly" relations with the Saudi leadership.

This year, 2,340 Muslim women from India will go for Haj without 'Mehram' or male companion. Also India will be sending the second highest number of pilgrims for Haj after Indonesia, he said.

The government had last year allowed women to go on Haj without Mehram, which saw about 1,300 women going without any male companion. They had been exempted from the lottery system.

Last year, Saudi Arabia had increased India's Haj quota by 5,000 to 1,75,025, while in 2017 it was increased by about 35,000.

The Haj subsidy provided by the government was removed last year in the light of a Supreme Court order of 2012.

Naqvi had earlier said that digitising Haj-related processes has ensured that the annual pilgrimage remained inexpensive despite the absence of subsidy and made the system "pro-pilgrim".Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case probe, officials said.

He reached the agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:30 AM along with his lawyers, they said.

This is a scheduled appearance of Vadra before the investigating officer (IO) of the case in a criminal complaint related to allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

He had skipped the summons on February 19, citing bad health.

Vadra has been questioned by the ED in this case for 23 hours over three days of deposition earlier this month.

He has been asked by a Delhi court to cooperate in the probe being conducted by the central probe agency.

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 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 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 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 (PMLA).

His first appearance before the ED earlier this month acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on one day while she picked him up after questioning the next time.

Vadra had similarly deposed before the ED twice in Jaipur in an another money-laundering case related to an alleged land scam in Bikaner.February 21, 2019 / 02:09 PM IST

MHA allows entitlement of air travel for all CAPFs personnel

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the entitlement of air travel to all the personnel of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces on the Delhi-Srinagar, Srinagar-Delhi, Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Jammu sectors.

The MHA has said that the decision will immediately benefit approximately 7.80 lakh personnel of the CAPFs in the ranks of Constable, Head Constable and ASI who were otherwise not eligible earlier. This includes journey on duty and journey on leave, i.e. while going on leave from Jammu and Kashmir to home and return.

This facility is in addition to the existing air courier services for CAPFs that have been steadily extended in all sectors by the MHA to help the jawans cut down on travel time during their journey to and fro from home on leave, MHA has added in a tweet.Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy sparked a controversy on February 19 by supporting a call to "boycott everything Kashmiri" and stop visiting Kashmir and the Amarnath shrine for two years.

Roys comment came in the wake of the February 14 terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Roy cited a retired colonel, without disclosing his identity, and wrote on Twitter that he is inclined to agree that Kashmiri traders be boycotted.

In his tweet, Roy said: An appeal from a retired colonel of the Indian Army: Dont visit Kashmir, dont go to Amarnath for the next 2 years. Dont buy articles from Kashmir emporia or Kashmiri tradesman who come every winter. Boycott everything Kashmiri. I am inclined to agree.

The tweet drew a sharp reaction from former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who said that people like Roy want Kashmir but without Kashmiris.



People like Tathagata want Kashmir but without Kashmiris. Theyd sooner see us driven in to the sea. Hell be best placed to know he cant have one without the other so whats it to be? https://t.co/BS1zAG78Xx

 Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 19, 2019

Abdullah also called Roy among bigots driving Kashmir over the abyss, and asked him, while you are at it Tathagata, why dont you stop using our rivers to generate your electricity as well?



These are the bigots driving Kashmir over the abyss. While you are at it Tathagata why dont you stop using our rivers to generate your electricity as well? https://t.co/BS1zAG78Xx  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 19, 2019

Roys comment also drew flak from social media users, with many questioning his call to boycott an Indian state.

Following the criticism, Roy said: Vociferously violent reactions from media and several others to my echoing of a suggestion from a retired army colonel. A purely non-violent reaction to the killing of our soldiers by the hundreds and the driving out of 3.5 lakh Kashmiri Pandits.India on Wednesday strongly objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging the UN court to draw a redline.

Harish Salve, the former solicitor general of India while presenting India's case before the ICJ, drew the court's attention to the abusive language used by Pakistan through its counsel Khawar Qureshi on the second day of the hearing.

"The language echoed in this court... perhaps this Court may lay down some redlines. The transcript is peppered with words such as shameless, nonesense, disgraceful... India takes exception to being addressed in this fashion in an international court.

"India strongly objects to abusive language of Pakistan's counsel," Salve said as the International Court of Justice began the second round of public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

On Wednesday, India will have a maximum of 90 minutes to submit its final arguments in the case. Pakistan will also get 90 minutes to respond to India's arguments on Thursday.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.Jet Airways owes banks nearly Rs 8,000 crore.

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the watchdog of aviation space in India, has initiated a probe into an instance where an aircraft entered VIP, no-fly-zone in Delhi, violating security rules.

According to a report in The Times of India, a Jet Airways flight (9W-9734) flew over VIP 89 zone on February 7 when Delhi witnessed strong thunder and hail storms, disrupting airline operations.

A senior official told the daily that the flight took off from runway 27 and flew over the security sensitive area, which includes Parliament house, Rashtrapati Bhawan and Prime Ministers residence, soon after being airborne.

Despite instructions to avoid NFZ, it deviated towards left It flew out of the zone after warning, the official said.

The defence ministry has often objected to aircrafts being allowed to fly over NFZ or VIP 89 which covers sensitive places in Lutyens Delhi. Sources have told the daily that the defence establishment only prefers VVIP and military planes to use runway 27 which is used to take off from or land towards AIIMS/ Vasant Vihar area.

As per civil aviation rules, scheduled commercial flights, military and state aircrafts and small aircrafts with VIPs and national security guards (NSGs) on board are allowed to use the runway. A small deviation from path by the aircraft could lead to breach of NFZ.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is Indias busiest airport and as it is operating with two NFZs  VIP 89 one one side and then Hindon airspace little beyond  it is a serious handicap in terms of space for aircraft to line up for landing or to fly away after taking off, the source told the daily.

Shutting a runway on a busy airport due to security reasons could affect capacity handling ability of the airport as completion of fourth runway could take three-four years.

According to the official quoted earlier, when more flights reported difficulty in operation on runway 27 due to strong easterly and southeasterly winds, the operations at the runway were stopped.

Delhi had witnessed spells of hailstorm on February 7 which led to as many as 38 flights being diverted from the city. The western disturbances caused the maximum disruption between 6 pm and 8.45 pm on that day. Similar disruptions were observed on February 14 and 20.live bse live

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Nineteen large- and mid-sized public sector banks (PSBs) has written off loans worth Rs 41,000 crore in the December quarter of FY19, up 34 percent year-on-year (YoY), according to a report by The Financial Express.

In the September quarter of FY19, these banks had written off loans worth Rs 33,259 crore, up 24 percent YoY, indicating a gathering of pace in the write-off exercise to reduce their non-performing assets (NPAs).

Banks write off NPAs to clean up their balance sheets. If a loan turns bad on the account of the repayment defaults for at least three consecutive quarters, the exposure (loan) can be written off. Borrowers of written-off loans, however, continue to be liable for repayment and banks keep up efforts to recover them. Recoveries made from written-off accounts get reflected in banks non-interest income.

According to the report, Vijaya Bank saw the steepest increase  243 times YoY  in write-offs at Rs 487 crore in Q3FY19. Vijaya Bank was followed by IDBI Bank, which saw a 4,783 percent YoY rise in write-offs to Rs 562 crore for the same quarter.

State Bank of India (SBI) wrote off loans worth around Rs 10,000 crore during Q3FY19, up 7 percent from Rs 9,312 crore a year ago, sources told the paper. However, write-offs in the third quarter were lower than Rs 13,537 crore write-offs in the second quarter of FY19.

Five lenders  Punjab National Bank (PNB), Corporation Bank, UCO Bank, Allahabad Bank and Andhra Bank  recorded a YoY drop in write-offs for the December quarter. PNB's write-offs stood at Rs 3,082 crore during Q3FY19, down 50 percent YoY, while Corporation Banks write-offs declined 28 percent YoY to Rs 2,843 crore. For the same quarter, Allahabad Bank wrote off loans worth Rs 712 crore and Andhra Bank worth Rs 55 crore, down 13 percent YoY and 78 percent YoY, respectively. UCO Banks write-offs fell 61 percent YoY to Rs 622 crore.

The rise in the pace of the write-off exercise indicates that write-offs may be sizeable in the current year too. In FY18, write-offs made by 21 PSBs rose 57 percent YoY and crossed the Rs 1-lakh-crore mark.Representative image

Pakistan on February 19 summoned India's Acting High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia to lodge a protest against a demonstration held close to its High Commission in New Delhi following the Pulwama terror attack.

It also condemned a move by Rajasthan's Bikaner district officials directing the Pakistani citizens to leave the district in 48 hours as it may create law and order problem in the wake of the attack by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said that Special Secretary (Asia Pacific) Imtiaz Ahmad summoned the Acting Indian High Commissioner to lodge a "strong protest" against the anti-Pakistan demonstration in New Delhi.

It claimed that "protestors were allowed to reach and jolt the gate of the Pakistan House despite presence of Indian security officials.

The Special Secretary reiterated Pakistan's demand to the Government of India for a "comprehensive, immediate investigation of this serious breach of security, taking foolproof measures for safety and security of the Pakistan House, High Commission and its officers/officials and their families in New Delhi."

Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan expects "India to comply with inter-state norms and ensure absolute safety and security of all Pakistanis there."File image

Angel Commodities' report on Soybean

NCDEX Mar Soybean futures edged higher on fresh buying and tracking firm demand in spot market. It slipped to 4-week low last week on higher production forecasts but now trend look positive. As per latest press release by SOPA, Indias soybean output is likely to rise by38% to114.8 lakh tonnes this year due to increase in average yield across the country. Demand for Indian soymeal is growing from Europe and West Asia while Iran is emerging as one of the largest buyers. Soymeal exports up by 98% y/yin January to 210,166tonne, as per SEA press release. Overall, Soymeal exports are higher by 16% at 10.66 lakh tonnes for the Apr-Jan period compared to last year. Soymeal exports from India are expected to rise 25% on year to around 15 lakh tn in 2018-19 (Apr-Mar).CBOT Soybean closed lower on Tuesday, as traders awaited a new round of U.S.-China trade talks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture expected to release its forecasts for U.S. 2019 corn, soybean and wheat plantings this week at its annual Outlook Forum.US acreage estimates from Informa trimmed by 160,000 acres to 86.044 million. NOPA report indicated a record January crush by its members at 171.63 mbu down than December but 5.22% larger than a year ago Brazils SAFRAS soybean production estimate trimmed by 0.3 mt to 115.4 mt on Friday.

Outlook

Soybean futures expected to trade sideways to higher due to improving physical demand on reports of lower soy oil imports.

For all commodities report, click here

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.



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Shares of NHPC gained 1 percent intraday Wednesday as company signed MoU with Neyveli Lignite.

The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Neyveli Lignite Corporation of India Limited (NLCIL) in the area of power trading.

As per MoU, NHPC and NLCIL will offer surplus power available with northern and north-eastern region to the bulk consumer in the southern region of the country at affordable price.

Both, NHPC and NLCIL are having category-I trading licence from CERC to trade power in whole of India.

At 15:08 hrs NHPC was quoting at Rs 23.60, up Rs 0.20, or 0.85 percent on the BSE.

The share touched its 52-week high Rs 30.10 and 52-week low Rs 22.20 on 04 April, 2018 and 09 October, 2018, respectively.

Currently, it is trading 21.59 percent below its 52-week high and 6.31 percent above its 52-week low.live bse live

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Shares of Duke Offshore locked at 20 percent upper circuit on Wednesday as company won a contract from Daewoo-Tata projects JV.

The company has been awarded a prestigious contract by Daewoo-Tata projects JV to provide one initial high speed vessel to support construction for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project.

The contract is for a period of 2 years with an extension option upto 30 months and will start in the month of February 2019.

There were pending buy orders of 54,780 shares, with no sellers available.

At 09:21 hrs Duke Offshore was quoting at Rs 25.35, up Rs 4.20, or 19.86 percent on the BSE.

The share touched its 52-week high Rs 47 and 52-week low Rs 14.53 on 27 February, 2018 and 23 July, 2018, respectively.

Currently, it is trading 46.06 percent below its 52-week high and 74.47 percent above its 52-week low.Oil-rich Saudi Arabia sees an investment opportunity of USD 100 billion in India in various sectors, said visiting Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Wednesday here.

Addressing the media along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia has already invested USD 44 billion in India since the visit of Modi in 2016 to the Gulf nation.

He also lauded India's strength in the information technology (IT) and said Saudi Arabia too was investing a lot in the sector.

"We understand that there are opportunities for more than USD 100 billion investment in India...We want to strengthen investment and economic ties to ensure useful returns for both countries," the crown prince said.

He informed that Saudi Arabia has invested in India in petrochemicals and diversifying into other sectors.

"We want to increase cooperation with India as it will give a new direction to our relationship," he said.

Later T S Tirumurti, Secretary (ER) in Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters that there is a commitment by Saudi Arabia to invest USD 100 billion in sectors like energy, petrochemicals and manufacturing.

When asked by when investments would be made, the Secretary said there was no timeline.

The crown prince arrived here on a less than 30-hour visit Tuesday night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

In a special gesture, Modi received Salman at the airport here, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the Gulf nation.The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting on February 20 remained inconclusive after some state finance ministers sought a physical meeting as they felt an issue as crucial as a special scheme for real estate sector should not be discussed through a video conference. The meeting will now take place in Delhi on February 24.

The discussion remained incomplete today through video conferencing. Few ministers expressed their opinion and the rest will express their opinion and we will try and take a decision on this issue on Sunday I have always followed the approach of moving as per consensus and some of the states wanted meeting where members are physically present, keeping the idea of consensus in mind, I adjourn the meeting to Sunday (February 24), finance minister Arun Jaitley said after the meeting.

Moneycontrol had on Tuesday reported that as many as six states, including Delhi, Kerala and Punjab have requested Finance Minister and the head of the GST Council Jaitley to postpone the 33rd Council meeting via video conference and call for a physical meeting.

The meeting was also expected to address another issue--single rate of tax on lotterythat some states believe should be taken up in the presence of each and every member of the Council.

There was no discussion on lottery, Jaitley said, adding that both issues will be discussed on Sunday. Currently, the GST Council has 33 members, including Jaitley and state finance minister or any other representative from every state.

Besides, the Council recommended extending the deadline for summary return form GSTR 3B by two days. The Council met today to consider the reports of two ministerial panels pertaining to real estate and lottery.

One of the panels, headed by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel has recommended 5 percent GST on under-construction properties and 3 percent tax in case of affordable housing category. However, in both cases, input tax credit (ITC) cannot be claimed.

Currently, GST is levied at an effective rate of 12 percent (standard rate of 18 percent less a deduction of six percent as land value) on premium housing and effective rate of eight percent (concessional rate of 12 percent less a deduction of four percent as land value) on affordable housing on payments made for under-construction property or ready-to-move-in flats where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale.

From a policy standpoint, restricting the input credit is not a good idea for any sector, particularly real estate which requires more formalization. Also, if at all the final decision is to introduce a 5 percent levy without input credit, it is important that other related issues such as reduction in GST rate on cement and on construction contracts are also deliberated in detail, along with aspects such as treatment of input credit which may already be accumulated in the books, Pratik Jain, Partner and Leader Indirect Tax, PwC India said.

The panel headed by Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has uniformity of taxation on lottery under GST and has recommended 18 or 28 percent tax rate. The final called will be taken by the Council.Under GST, state-organised lottery falls under the 12 percent tax slab while state-authorised lottery attracts 28 percent tax.live bse live

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Highlights:



Manufacturer of aluminium fluoride, a critical raw material for aluminium- Aluminium fluoride prices have been rising due to stricter environment norms in China- The company benefits from a production process that is not dependent on China- 60 percent capacity expansion next fiscal to aid volume growth- Stock trading at attractive valuation multiples-------------------------------------------------

Alufluoride is a small cap manufacturer of a critical raw material, aluminium fluoride, required for aluminium production. Its strategic advantages in its production process, raw material sourcing and a favourable demand-supply balance that helps its pricing make it an interesting investment.

The unique proposition of the company is its production route for aluminium fluoride. There are two ways of producing aluminium fluoride. The first method, which accounts for 80 percent of the worlds production, requires processing natural raw material resources such as fluorspar and sulphur. Fluorspar is mostly sourced from China, where, due to stricter compliance with environmental norms, supply has reduced. The upshot: its reported that fluorspar prices have increased by 40 percent year-on-year.

In the other method, which is followed by Alufluoride, aluminium fluoride is sourced from a byproduct of phosphoric fertiliser plants. So this process is not dependent on the China factor and the adverse supply demand dynamics that have led to the rise in fluorspar prices. Thats a big advantage.

Globally there is a supply constraint for aluminium fluoride, not only because of lower fluorspar availability but also due to the ongoing supply side reforms impact on the entire aluminium fluoride value chain in China. That is why aluminium fluoride prices are going up. That gives aluminium fluoride producers an opportunity.

The management is sanguine about the new contract cycle which is on the verge getting closed. Current pricing levels suggest new contracts can be agreed at about a 15 percent higher price.

The company is on track with its capacity expansion plan of 4,500 tonne (vs. current capacity of 7,500 tonne) expected to be ready by the second quarter of FY20.The company depends on two key raw materials: alumina hydroxide and hydrofluosilicic acid. The former has been a key drag on the recent Q3 operating performance.

Aluminium hydroxide is produced by aluminium smelters and is in turn further used in the value chain of aluminium production. Interestingly, this means that higher demand for aluminium leads to lower availability of residual aluminium hydroxide for aluminium fluoride manufacturers.

Source: Moneycontrol Research

To mitigate this, the company is developing linkages with aluminium smelters such as Emirates Global Aluminium to ensure the supply of aluminium hydroxide. Venkat Akkineni, Alufluorides Managing Director, briefed us on a teleconference call that these linkages would be formalised by the middle of the next fiscal year, ensuring availability and reasonable pricing of aluminium hydroxide.

For the other key raw material, hydrofluosilicic acid, the company is well placed. Last year the company had signed a 20 year agreement for the supply of raw materials from Coromandel (4000 tonne) and IFFCO (7000 tonne).

Since Coromandels new capacity for phosphoric acid production would also be available by mid FY20, there doesnt seem to be any concerns on the supply of hydrofluosilicic acid for the new plant.

The companys sales run rate was broadly on track and the sequential decline was mainly due to a maintenance shutdown. There was also a sharp sequential rise in fuel cost and other expenses, impacted by non-recurring charges and we expect expenses to moderate with the slump in crude oil prices.We remain positive about FY19 sales guidance of 8,600 tonne. In FY20 too, sales volume could remain in a similar range due to expected plant shutdowns for the commissioning (1-2 months) of a new plant. While keeping a conservative capacity utilisation of 35 percent in FY21, we expect the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in sales to be 14 percent for the next two years.

We are also positive on companys foray in to middle-east aluminium fluoride market. Company has recently signed a MoU with the Jordan company  Jordan Phosphate Mining Company (JPMC) - for the manufacturing of aluminium fluoride.

As the company is likely to benefit from the new contract cycle in FY20, that should also offset raw material pricing pressures. We expect decisive improvement in operating margin from the second half of FY20 onwards. The management expects about five percent of operational cost savings with the commissioning of the new plant along with a new solar power plant. We expect a 290 bps EBITDA margin expansion by FY21 compared to normalised margins seen in the second quarter of FY19.

Importantly, the capacity expansion, which is going to result in a lot of efficiency gains, is being done without adding leverage to the companys balance sheet, thereby largely insulating the financials from any cyclical downturn in the industry. Further, the current valuation keep us positive as the stock is trading at 3.7 times estimated earnings for FY21 (EV/EBITDA of 3.2 times for FY21), which is at a discount to the non-ferrous sector.

Follow @anubhavsays

Moneycontrol Research analysts do not hold positions in the companies discussed herelive bse live

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Shares of Vedanta rose as much as 3.4 percent in early trade on February 20 after the company denied it was in talks with JSW Steel to submit a revised joint bid for Essar Steel.

Media reports on February 19 had suggested that the two companies could propose a deal for Essar Steel, which would be higher than Arcelor Mittal's bid.

Vedanta also said it will file a writ petition before the Madras High Court against orders directing the closure of the Sterlite copper plant.

The Supreme Court had on February 18 dismissed the NGT's order that allowed reopening of the Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

At 0948 hours, Vedanta was quoting at Rs 156.8 on the BSE, up 2.48 percent.Here are stocks that are in the news today:

Results on February 20: Mahindra CIE Automotive, Mayur Leather Products, Metalyst Forgings, Rollatainers, Sang Froid Labs (India)

Essel Propack: Company further received Rs 40 crore towards repayment of outstanding dues of Inter corporate deposit. It has already received Rs 25.30 crore in last month. The balance amount is expected to be received by March 2019.

Duke Offshore: The company received a prestigious contract from Daewoo - Tata projects Limited JV to provide one initial high speed vessel to support construction for the Mumbei Trans Harbour Link project.

ICICI Bank allotted 59,891 equity shares under ESOS

Ramco Cements - Green Products and Services Council of Confederation of Indian Industry has renewed the GreenPro Certification for our Company's flagship product - RAMCO SUPERGRADE

Seya Industries to hold EGM on March 12, 2019

Aarti Industries collaborates with Global Chemical Conglomerate to develop and supply High Value Specialty Chemical Intermediate worth USD 125 million for a 10 year supply period

Prism Johnson issued a LOI (Letter of Intent) for EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract for setting up a Waste Heat Recovery based Power Generation System of peak capacity 22.50 MW to be located at its cement manufacturing facility near village Mankahari, District Satna, Madhya Pradesh.

Genus Power Infrastructures: India Ratings and Research affirmed the company's long-term issuer rating at A+ with stable outlook.

The Investment Trust of India: Company approved revised Scheme of Arrangement between United Petro Finance Limited (demerged company) and Fortune Credit Capital Limited (resulting company).

Bajaj Healthcare: Board approved issue of bonus shares in the ratio of one equity share for every one existing equity share held by the members.

Valecha Engineering Q3: Loss at Rs 16 crore versus loss Rs 13.2 crore; revenue rises to Rs 56.5 crore versus Rs 43.22 crore YoY.

Vedanta: The company is not in the process of submitting any revised bid for Essar Steel under the IBC process.

The Byke Hospitality: CARE assigned BBB+ rating with negative outlook for company's long term bank facilities.

Majesco: American Public Life Insurance Company selects Majesco L&A and Group Core Suite.

Yes Bank clarified on RBI's Risk Assessment Report for FY18: The bank said the release on RBI Report made with an intention to be fully compliant with SEBI regulations.

Maharashtra Seamless: Company paid Rs 477 crore for acquisition of United Seamless Tabulaar.

JK Tyre: Sanjeev Aggarwal appointed as CFO. Ashok K Kinra ceased to be CFO but will continue with the company as a financial advisor.

Vedanta: Company will proceed with next steps of filing a writ petition before Madras HC to reopen company's Tamil Nadu unit.

Jaypee Infratech: Promoters offer to withdraw company from insolvency U/Sec 12A of IBC. Jaiprakash Associates offers Rs 1,500 crore to creditors versus Rs 8,125 crore owed as principal amount, offers Rs 4,858 crore as debt asset swap, offers Rs 2,000 crore as optionally convertible debentures and seeks a waiver of Rs 1,425 crore interest payment from financial creditors - CNBC-TV18 sources.

Bulk Deals on February 19

NSE

Engineers India: ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund bought 33,08,000 shares of the company at Rs 107.63 per share.

NALCO: ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund bought 94,45,000 shares of the company at Rs 50.09 per share.

Sarda Energy: Asia Minerals Limited sold 3,50,000 shares of the company at Rs 236.2 per share.

Spencer's Retail: Rainbow Investments Limited purchased 6,00,000 shares of the company at Rs 138.65 per share.

Punj Lloyd: IFCI sold 50,00,000 shares of the company at Rs 1.66 per share.

BSE

Punj Lloyd: IFCI sold 1,02,72,641 shares of the company at Rs 1.45 per share.

Enkei Wheels (India): Neerav Apurva Parekh bought 1,25,000 shares of the company at Rs 416 per share.

(For more bulk deals, click here)

Analyst or Board Meet/Briefings

Just Dial: Representative of the company will attend investors meeting viz. Chasing Growth 2019, Kotak Institutional Equities' Annual Global Investor Conference on February 20 at Mumbai.

IIFL Holdings: Company's officials will be meeting analysts/investors on February 20 and 22.

Mahindra Logistics: One-on-one conference call is scheduled to be held with Stewart Investors (First State Investments), Investor on February 20.

Quick Heal Technologies: Company will be attending a group meeting of Investors and Analysts on February 20 in Pune.

Jindal Stainless: Company's officials will be meeting certain funds/investors on February 20.

Vyapar Industries: Board meeting to be held on February 22 to consider the proposal for buyback of equity shares of the company.

Shreyas Shipping & Logistics: Company's officials will be meeting Goldman Sachs on February 20.

Aurionpro Solutions: Officials of the company will be meeting investors and analysts (participants) on February 21.

Cummins India: Company's officials will be meeting analysts/investors on February 20, 21 and 28, 2019.

: Investor / Analyst meet is scheduled to be held on February 21 & 22, 2019.Representative image

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Public sector banks saw buying interest on Wednesday after a media report said the government may infuse over Rs 47,000 crore in 12 PSBs in next tranche of recapitalisation in FY19.

Sources told CNBC-TV18 that the government is expected to issue next tranche of PSB recapitalisation bonds very soon.

Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Allahabad Bank, Corporation Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, United Bank of India, UCO Bank, Union Bank, Andhra Bank and Punjab National Bank are 12 banks that may receive infusion of capital, sources added.

The report said the recapitalisation will strengthen banks further and help them to maintain regulatory capital. Recapitalisation will help better equipped, better performing PSBs to come out of PCA (Prompt Correction Action), it added.

Allahabad Bank and Corporation Bank are likely to be next candidates for exit from PCA.

Sources said PSBs, which have not yet breached PCA thresholds or exited PCA, will receive recapitalisation money. Recapitalisation will help banks like PNB from staying out of PCA, sources added.

Meanwhile, a report by the Financial Express said 19 large-and mid-sized public sector banks (PSBs) have written off loans worth Rs 41,000 crore in the December quarter of FY19, up 34 percent year-on-year.

In the September quarter of FY19, these banks wrote off loans worth Rs 33,259 crore, up 24 percent YoY, indicating a gathering of pace in the write-off exercise to reduce their non-performing assets (NPAs).live bse live

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Jaypee Infratech shares were locked in 5 percent upper circuit at Rs 2.87 on Wednesday after Jaiprakash Associates offered to repay all of the company's dues.

There were pending buy orders of 691,344 shares, with no sellers available on the BSE, at 10:15 hours IST.

The promoters of debt-ridden Jaypee Infratech (JIL) have made a last minute offer to withdraw the company from insolvency proceedings, sources aware of the development told CNBC-TV18.

In a letter dated February 15, Jaiprakash Associates (JAL) - promoters of JIL - made an offer to the financial and operational creditors of JIL under Section 12A of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC), said people familiar with the matter.

The settlement offer comes even as two bids have already been placed for acquiring Jaypee Infratech under IBC from state-owned NBCC and Suraksha Group, as reported by CNBC-TV18 earlier.

Banking sources pointed out that NBCC is seen as the frontrunner by the financial creditors, with a higher upfront payment of Rs 1,000 crore compared to Rs 30 crore, offered upfront by rival Suraksha Group.

As per this offer, JAL is offering an upfront payment of Rs 1,500 crore to the financial creditors of Jaypee Infratech, another Rs 4,858 crore from transfer of 100 percent shareholding of JIL's Land Bank SPV (having a land bank of 1,475 acres) to financial creditors towards settlement of dues via a debt-asset swap and Rs 2,000 crore as optionally convertible debentures at a coupon rate of 0.01 percent per annum.

Sources added that JAL has also sought a complete waiver of Rs 1,425 crore interest payment due to the financial creditors.

As for the home buyers, sources told CNBC-TV18 that JAL has offered to complete the projects at Wishtown Noida over three years and projects at LP-3, Mirapur, over a period of four years from the date of final approval.

In addition, JAL has also offered a waiver of 50 percent of the stamp duty charges, one-year free maintenance to all home buyers and 2,000 equity shares out of JAL's own equity in JIL to each home buyer, as per sources.

JAL has also offered to settle the entire sum of Rs 120 crore owed to fixed deposit holders up front. As for the operational creditors, JAL has offered to pay Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) Rs 75 crore upfront and Rs 150 crore in suitable half-yearly instalments. It has also promised Rs 3 crore upfront payment to other operational creditors for their dues, said sources.

JAL had earlier submitted Rs 750 crore in the interest of the homebuyers in the Supreme Court in 2018, which the apex court has transferred to National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Allahabad now.

At 10:15 hours IST, the stock was quoting at Rs 5.06, up Rs 0.05, or 1.00 percent on the BSE. (With inputs from CNBC-TV18)Ansal Buildwell | Equity Intelligence India | Kochi-based investor Porinju Veliath has 2.03 percent holding in the realty company via his investment firm. He made the investment during the December quarter. Ansal Buildwell is a property developer active for last four decades.

Praxis Home Retail | Equity Intelligence India | Veliath, via his investment firm, held 1.08 percent stake in the company in Q3FY19. Praxis Home Retail runs retail chain Home Town. The company sells home decor, furniture, etc. via its stores across India.

Associated Alcohols & Breweries | Dolly Khanna | The Chennai-based investor has 1.03 percent holding in Associated Alcohols & Breweries. The company makes and markets liquor for many international and national brands including Smirnoff, Black Dog, Black & White, Bagpiper, MC Dowell No. 1, White Mischief, etc.

IFB Industries | Ashish Kacholia | Kacholia, who has earned a title for picking multibaggers in small and midcap stocks, held 1.05 percent stake in the company as of December quarter-end. IFB Industries makes and sells household electronic appliances, motors for automotive, and fine blanked components.A breather for D-Street! Indian market snapped its 8-day losing streak and closed with handsome gains led by large-cap names.

The S&P BSE Sensex rallied over 400 points after 13 sessions while Nifty50 reclaimed 10700 levels. It posted best daily gain since Jan 31, 2019, when the index rose by 1.68 percent.

The metal pack led the rally and Vedanta was the clear winner. It closed with gains of nearly 5 percent. Apart from that, PSU Banks also rose by 1.72 percent ahead of the Governors meet with the bank chiefs to discuss the transmission of rates.

The advance-decline ratio was on the whole balanced and therefore the current bounce should be taken with a pinch of salt, suggest experts as the pain may not be over yet.

Wednesdays rally was on the back of multiple global events. The first one is US President Donald Trump has hinted that a positive outcome could be expected from the US-China trade. Apart from that stable rupee and crude oil prices supported the rally, Yogesh Mehta, VP, retail research at Motilal Oswal Securities told Moneycontrol.

We saw a relief rally but the pain may not be over yet. It looks like money is moving towards defensives which carries low risk and there is potential for growth. We are recommending, corporate banks such as Axis Bank, he said.

Stocks in news:

Shares of ADAG stocks remained under pressure after Anil Ambani was held guilty of contempt in the Ericsson debt payment case

Duke Offshore locked at 20 percent upper circuit as the company won a contract from Daewoo-Tata projects JV.

Majesco gained 3 percent after the American Public Life Insurance Company (APL) selected Majesco L&A and Group Core Suite platform as the foundation of its digital business transformation strategy.

HG Infra Engineering gained 10 percent as the company declared lowest bidder (L-1) for new EPC project under NHAI for construction of 6-lane access controlled Greenfield Highway of Sangariya-Rasisar section of NH-754K in the state of Rajasthan.

CG Power rallied 5 percent after the National Stock Exchange removed from its F&O ban list.

Global Updates:

European markets are trading flat with positive bias amid US-China trade talks.

Most of the Asian market ended on a positive note after US President Donald Trump commented that trade talks with China are going well, and the trade deadline in March may be pushed back.

The Shanghai Composite gained 0.2 percent to close at 2,761.22, while Hang Seng index rose about 0.9 percent to end at 28514.05.

Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.6 percent to finish at 21,431.49 and Kospi added 1.09 percent to close at 2,229.76.

: 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.live bse live

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CG Power & Industrial Solutions shares rallied 7 percent and Jain Irrigation Systems gained 1.5 percent in morning on Wednesday after the National Stock Exchange removed from its F&O ban list.

Securities in ban period under the F&O segment include companies in which the security has crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit.

"All clients/members trade in the derivative contracts of said securities only to decrease their positions through offsetting positions. Any increase in open positions shall attract appropriate penal and disciplinary action," NSE said in its circular.

At 09:50 hours IST, CG Power was up 5.03 percent at Rs 30.25 and Jain Irrigation Systems rose 1.2 percent to Rs 55.30 on the BSE.

Currently there are six stocks - Adani Enterprises, IDBI Bank, Jet Airways, PC Jeweller, Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power - included in F&O ban list.live bse live

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Aarti Industries shares gained 4 percent in morning on Wednesday after the company signed multi-year deal a global chemical conglomerate.

The contract entails supply of a high value specialty chemical intermediate for a period of 10 years.

"....signed a $125 million (Rs 900 crore at current Exchange Rate) supply contract with a leading global chemical conglomerate," the chemical supplier said in its filing.

The plant is expected to commission in Q4 FY 2021, with average annual revenue of $12.5 million, it added.

Company estimates a capital investment of approximately $15 milllon to setup a commercial scale manufacturing facility for the production of this speciality chemical intermediate. The upcoming facility will be located in the state of Gujarat.

At 09:20 hours IST, the stock was quoting at Rs 1,332.00, up Rs 5.05, or 0.38 percent on the BSE.To capture India's $1 trillion digital opportunity by 2025, it is important to reduce operating costs, improve investments in digital businesses and foster innovation, according to a report released on February 20.

The report, India's Trillion Dollar Digital Opportunity, was released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) done in collaboration with McKinsey & Company.

While India's digital economy currently stands at $200 million, the report states that the move from the business-as-usual onto the digital trajectory would create economic value of anywhere between $500 billion to $650 billion by 2025 towards the full potential scenario where the digital economy can create economic value of $1 trillion by 2025.

In addition, facilitating a booming open application program interface (API) ecosystem, supporting digital innovators through government procurement, and strengthening centres of higher education and innovation in new and emerging technologies like AI would further help in achieving the trillion dollar opportunity.

India has experienced large scale digital adoption between 2013 and 2018, buoyed by government initiatives, mobile penetration and digital adoption. During the stated time period, the country saw 1.22 billion Aadhaar registrations, 870 million Aadhaar-linked bank accounts and 98 million daily e-government transactions, up from 6.5 million such transactions.

Launching the report at the NASSCOM Technology Leadership Summit in Mumbai on February 20, Ravi Shankar Prasad, IT Minister, said, "Digital India is beyond IT."

"India has nearly half a billion internet users. This will create a huge market for a host of digital services, platforms, applications, content, and solutions," he said.

"Overall, India could potentially see a five-fold increase in economic value from digital transformation by 2025, representing an attractive opportunity for global and local businesses, start-ups, and innovators to invest in emerging technologies (like AI, blockchain, or drones) in ways that are customized to Indias needs, he added.

Follow Swathi on Twitter @kpswathiRepresentative image

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In a major victory for Dr Reddys Laboratories in its legal battle against Indivior in the US, US Chief Justice John Roberts has allowed the former to resume selling the generic version of the latters opioid addiction treatment drug Suboxone Film, reports Bloomberg.

Rejecting arguments by Indivior, the judge left in force a ruling that allows DRL to put the generic drug on the market as early as February 20.

Indivior said the Indian drugmaker should wait until the high court considers whether to hear an appeal in the case. The company is also making attempts to overturn a ruling, which states that DRLs generic doesnt infringe a related patent on the treatment. The Federal Circuit has agreed to expedite hearing in that case, the report said.

On November 21, 2018, an appeals court had vacated the preliminary injunction order of a federal court that blocked DRL from selling Suboxone. At that time, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that the trial judge was wrong to say that Indivior was likely to win its patent-infringement case, before remanding the case to the trial court for further proceedings.

However, investors should keep in mind that should DRL enter the market and then lose the case, it could be ordered to reimburse Indivior as much as three times the amount of profit that it earns from the sale of the generic.

DRL had booked sales of around $10-15 million days after its launch in July before it was stayed by the court. On November 1, 2018, Indivior, the British drugmaker, had claimed it lost between $12 million and $18 million during this brief period, the report stated. On February 14, it announced that it was unable to provide financial guidance for 2019 given uncertainties surrounding how the US market for both Suboxone Film and generic alternatives will ultimately develop.

The Suboxone film is absorbed by being placed under the tongue or inside the cheek. It treats addiction to opioids, including heroin and prescription painkillers.

Analysts expect DRL to earn around $50-75 million for the rest of FY19 from this generic. Suboxone had sales of around $786 billion in the US for the first nine months of 2018. The drug accounts for about 80 percent of Indivior's sales.A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan asked India to share "actionable intelligence" on the Pulwama terror attack, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said an "opportunity" should be given to him to see what he does.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, however, said Pakistan has not acted on the evidence given to it on Pathankot and Mumbai terror attacks.

In a video message to his nation on Tuesday, Khan had assured India that he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack if New Delhi shares "actionable intelligence", but warned against any "revenge" retaliatory action.

"Imran Khan is a new prime minister and he is talking about a new start. I feel that he should be given an opportunity. We should give him proofs and documents and see what he does," the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief told reporters here on Wednesday.

Mufti also denounced the war cries across India and batted for dialogue with Pakistan.

"The two countries cannot afford war. Only illiterate people and fools talk about wars in this era. Both the countries are nuclear powers," she said.

"If these countries reconcile at this time and clarify (things) with each other, it will not only find a solution to the Kashmir issue, but it will create a better situation in the two countries. It is good for the prosperity of Pakistan," she added.

Mufti asserted that India and Pakistan need to talk to save Jammu and Kashmir.

"After the Kargil War in 1999, the Agra summit took place. If you have to save Jammu and Kashmir and bring the people out of this problem and also save the jawans of the country, talks are the only way," she said.

"We need to give them (Pakistan) an opportunity. When war will not take place, there is no question of retaliation," she added.

Responding to a question about Pakistan aiding and abetting terrorism and using Kashmiri youth for carrying out terror attacks, Mufti said, "It is unfortunate to say that our neighbouring country has entered this side and is indoctrinating our youth and training them (to carry out terror attacks)."

"I feel it is somehow our weakness. It may have been my weakness or weakness of the other governments. It may be the weakness of the political leadership of J&K and the Centre too," she said.

"It is a matter of concern for us. It is time to rethink," she added.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack -- one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir.China has not and will not change its prudent monetary policy and will not resort to "flood-like" stimulus, Premier Li Keqiang said on February 20.

Market speculation is growing over whether authorities will take more aggressive policy steps after recent weak data.

"I reiterate that the prudent monetary policy has not changed and will not change. We are determined not to engage in 'flood-like' stimulus," Li said at a cabinet meeting, according to a statement on the government's website.

A cut in banks' reserve requirement ratio (RRR) in January reflected ample room for such reductions, Li said.

China slashed RRR by 100 basis points in January - its fifth cut in the past year - as it looks to reduce the risk of a sharper slowdown in the world's second-biggest economy. Further reductions are widely expected.

China's banks doled out a record 3.23 trillion yuan ($480.43 billion) in new loans in January while several other key credit gauges also picked up modestly that month in response to recent policy easing steps.

Rising bill financing and short-term loans could lead to "arbitrage" activities and create potential risks, he added.

Financial institutions should offer more credit, especially medium- and long-term loans to small firms, he said.

Li also said the government needed to deepen reform to resolve long-term problems in the economy.The Digital Communications Commission in its meeting scheduled on Thursday is likely to discuss the Rs 3,050 crore cumulative penalty recommended by Trai on Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular.

The telecom watchdog in October 2016 recommended imposing total penalty of Rs 3,050 crore on Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea for allegedly denying interconnectivity to newcomer Reliance Jio.

"DCC may discuss Rs 3,050 crore cummulative penalty that Trai had recommended for Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Vodafone," an official source told PTI.

The penalty on Airtel and Vodafone works out to about Rs 1,050 crore each, while in case of Idea Cellular it comes to about Rs 950 crore.

The regulator stopped short of recommending cancellation of their telecom licences saying it may lead to significant consumer inconvenience.

The Trai's recommendation came on complaint by Reliance Jio that over 75 per cent of calls on its network were failing as incumbents were not releasing sufficient number of PoIs.

In August, Reliance Jio had submitted to Trai that it will need 12,727 PoIs for mobile services and 3,068 PoIs for STD call facility before commercial launch of its services. The company launched commercial services on September 5.Representative Image

Hospitality firm OYO on February 20 said it has launched operations in Saudi Arabia with signing of deals for 50 hotels having more than 3,000 rooms across seven cities.

These properties will be operated under the franchise model with full inventory control similar to other markets like India and China, OYO said in a statement.

The company plans to create jobs for over 5,000 Saudi citizens by 2020. It also plans to set up two OYO Skill Institutes, one in Riyadh and another in Jeddah to train Saudi graduates in hotel management, it added.

OYO has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia, attesting to the business potential it sees in the market there, the statement said.

"The company obtained its foreign investment licence from Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) few months ago and plans to invest significantly in Saudi Arabia, and expand to over 17 cities across 6 provinces by 2020," SAGIA Governor Ibrahim bin Abdul Rahman Al-Omar said.

OYO Hotels in Saudi Arabia will employ over 300 local citizens by end of 2019, and generate employment for over 5,000 Saudi citizens by 2020, the statement said.

Commenting on the development, OYO Hotels & Homes Group CEO and Founder Ritesh Agarwal said: "We are committed to creating quality, affordable living spaces, and thousands of jobs for the young people of Saudi Arabia. It has been our long-standing belief that provided with the right direction and tools, smaller assets can also generate positive returns."

This expansion, therefore, is in line with company's quest to support Saudi Arabia's blossoming hospitality ecosystem and creating infrastructure for asset owners to grow and run successful businesses, all of this while ensuring high standards of quality, he added.

"We are honoured and delighted to support the Saudi government's vision 2030 for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and are committed to continuing investing in the multi-billion dollar opportunity in the hospitality industry in the country," Agarwal said.

With this launch, OYO is now present in nine countries -- India, Nepal, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UAE, the UK, Philippines and Saudi Arabia.

The company currently has over 13,000 franchised or leased hotels and over 6,000 homes as a part its network.Oil prices were around 2019 highs on February 20, propped up by supply cuts led by producer club OPEC and by US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela.

But soaring US production and expectations of an economic slowdown look set to cap prices, analysts said.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures hit 2019 highs of $56.39 per barrel shortly after 0300 GMT on February 20, up 30 cents, or 0.5 percent, from their last settlement.

International Brent crude futures were at $66.58 per barrel, up 13 cents, or 0.2 percent, from their last close and not far off their 2019 high of $66.83 per barrel from February 18.

Oil prices have been supported by supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

OPEC-member and top crude exporter Saudi Arabia is expected to reduce shipments of light crude oil to Asia in March as part of the effort to tighten markets.

OPEC as well as some non-affiliated producers such as Russia agreed late last year to cut output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) to prevent a large supply overhang from swelling.

"We have lowered Saudi crude oil output in line with announcements ... (and) are now assuming that Saudi Arabia will produceA in the first three quarters of 2019 less than the 10.31 million bpd target it agreed to at the Dec. 7 OPEC, non-OPEC meeting," French bank BNP Paribas said in a note.

Because of the cuts, BNP said it expected oil prices "to rally through Q3 2019", with Brent to average $73 per barrel by then and WTI to average $66.

Another key oil price driver has been US sanctions on oil exporters Iran and Venezuela.

Despite the sanctions, Iran's crude exports were higher than expected in January, averaging around 1.25 million bpd, according to Refinitiv ship tracking data. Many analysts had expected Iran oil exports to drop below 1 million bpd after the imposition of US sanctions last November.

SHALE BOOM, WEAKER ECONOMY

Standing against the supply cuts and sanctions is US crude output, which soared by more than 2 million bpd in 2018 to a record 11.9 million bpd, thanks to booming shale oil production, which the Energy Information Administration on February 19 said was expected to keep rising.

BNP Paribas said surging US output would feed into lower oil prices towards the end of the year, with Brent to dip to an average of $67 a barrel by the fourth quarter and WTI to average $61.

"US oil production growth, driven by shale, will be increasingly exported in greater volumes to international markets while the global economy is expected to witness a synchronised slowdown in growth," the bank said.Saudi Arabia wants a pie of India's real estate sector and wants the government to allow foreign investment in it.

Kamil S Al-Munajjed, chairman of Saudi-India Business Council, told The Economic Times that this would lead to investments worth hundreds of millions of dollars in properties.

The Middle-Eastern country also wants the Centre to tweak laws so that Saudis can own agricultural land to lend a hand in firming up food security and reducing the dependence of oil, he said.

Before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to India, Al-Munajjed told the newspaper that firms from both countries may increase direct businesses, instead of going through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Mauritius to dodge legal issues.

"Wherever we go, we like to buy real estate for personal use or business. India forbids that for non-residents. This is one of the issues we are discussing, including agricultural land. We will not invest in infra projects as that is for the government. For the private sector in Saudi Arabia, real estate is the business," he said.

Managing partner of real estate and construction firm Urjuan Property Developers, Al-Munajjed said that nearly 400-500 Indian companies were active in Saudi, as the Crown Prince has loosened legal issues around entrepreneurship.

One of the largest supermarket chains in Riyadh is run by an Indian. "He had a Saudi sponsor. Two years ago he bought 100 percent of the business," he added.

On the other hand, about 50 Saudi companies operate in India directly, even though the unofficial number may be in the hundreds. "Legally they are incorporated under a UAE or Mauritius entity. With reforms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it has changed. What he did was amazing. Businesses are undeclared due to tax reasons but now after changes, things are much clearer," Al-Munajjed said.

When asked about the impact of the Pulwama attack on businesses of the countries involved, he said that Riyadh strongly condemned terrorism.AbbVie Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals in the worldwide. The company offers HUMIRA, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune and intestinal BehAet's diseases; SKYRIZI to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults; RINVOQ, a JAK inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients; IMBRUVICA to treat adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), mantle cell lymphoma, waldenstrAm's macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma, and chronic graft versus host disease; VENCLEXTA, a BCL-2 inhibitor used to treat adults with CLL or SLL; and MAVYRET to treat patients with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection. It also provides CREON, a pancreatic enzyme therapy for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; Synthroid used in the treatment of hypothyroidism; AndroGel for males diagnosed with symptomatic low testosterone; Linzess/Constella to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation; Lupron for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis and central precocious puberty, and patients with anemia caused by uterine fibroids; and Botox therapeutic. In addition, the company offers ORILISSA, a nonpeptide small molecule gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist for women with moderate to severe endometriosis pain; Duopa and Duodopa, a levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel to treat Parkinson's disease; Lumigan/Ganfort, a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension; Ubrelvy to treat migraine with or without aura in adults; Alphagan/ Combigan, an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist for the reduction of IOP in patients with OAG; and Restasis, a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant to increase tear production. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is based in North Chicago, Illinois.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of UnitedHealth Group: 1031387 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, 1070715 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, 1st Avenue Pharmacy Inc., 310 Canyon Medical, 310 Canyon Medical LLC, 4C MSO LLC, 4C Medical Group PLC, 5995 Minnetonka LLC, ABCO International Holdings LLC, ACN Group IPA of New York, ACN Group IPA of New York Inc., ACN Group of California, ACN Group of California Inc., AHJV, AHJV MSO, AHN Accontable Care Organization LLC, AHN Central Services LLC, AHN Target Holdings LLC, AMIL International, AMIL International S.a.r.l., APS  Assistencia Personalizada a Saude Ltda., ARC Infusion, ASC Holdings of New Jersey LLC, ASC Network LLC, ASI Global, ASI Global LLC, Access Administrators Inc., Access HealthSource Administrators Inc., Access HealthSource Inc., Access I.V., Administradora Clinica La Colina S.A.S., Administradora Country S.A., Administradora Medica Centromed S.A., Advanced Care, Advanced Care Pharmacy, Advanced Pharma Inc., Advanced Surgery Center of Clifton LLC, Advanced Surgical Hospital LLC, Advantage Care Network Inc., Advocate Condell Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Advocate Sherman Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Advocate Southwest Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Advocate-SCA Partners LLC, Alere Health, Alere Health Improvement Company, Alere Healthcare of Illinois, Alere Wellbeing, Alere Wellology, Alere of New York, Aliansalud Entidad Promotora de Salud S.A., All Savers Insurance Company, All Savers Life Insurance Company of California, Alliance Surgical Center LLC, Aloha Surgical Center LLC, Ambient Healthcare, Ambient Healthcare Inc., Ambient Healthcare of Central Florida, Ambient Healthcare of Georgia, Ambient Healthcare of Northeast Florida, Ambient Healthcare of S. Florida, Ambient Healthcare of West Florida, Ambient Holdings, Ambient Holdings Inc., Ambient Nursing Services, AmeriChoice, AmeriChoice Corporation, AmeriChoice Health Services, AmeriChoice of Connecticut, AmeriChoice of New Jersey, AmeriChoice of New Jersey Inc., American Health Network of Indiana Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Indiana II LLC, American Health Network of Indiana LLC, American Health Network of Ohio Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Ohio II LLC, American Health Network of Ohio LLC, Amico Saude Ltda., Amil, Amil Assistencia Medica Internacional S.A., Amil Lifesciences Participacoes Ltda., Antelope Valley Surgery Center L.P., Analisis Clinicos ML S.A.C., Apothecary Holdings Inc., Apothecary Shop of Phoenix Inc., AppleCare Medical Management, AppleCare Medical Management LLC, Aquitania Chilean Holding SpA, Arise Physician Group, Arizona Physicians IPA, Arizona Physicians IPA Inc., AssuranceRx, AssuranceRx LLC, Athens ASC Holdings LLC, Audax Health Solutions, Audax Health Solutions LLC, Austin Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., Avella Patient Access Program Inc., Avella Specialty Pharmacy, Avella of Austin Inc., Avella of Columbus Inc., Avella of Deer Valley Inc., Avella of Denver Inc., Avella of Gilbert Inc., Avella of Las Vegas II Inc., Avella of Orlando Inc., Avella of Phoenix III Inc., Avella of Sacramento Inc., Avella of Scottsdale Inc., Avella of St. Louis Inc., Avella of Tampa LLC, Avella of Tucson II Inc., Avella of Tucson Inc., Aveta Arizona, Aveta Health Solutions Inc., Aveta Inc., Aveta Kansas City, Aveta Tennessee, AxelaCare Health Solutions, AxelaCare Intermediate Holdings, AxelaCare Intermediate Holdings LLC, AxelaCare LLC, B.R.A.S.S. Partnership in Commendam, Banmedica Colombia SpA, Banmedica Internacional SpA, Banmedica S.A., Beach Surgical Holdings III LLC, Behavioral Healthcare Options, Behavioral Healthcare Options Inc., Belleville Surgical Center Ltd. an Illinois Limited Partnership, Benefit Administration for the Self Employed L.L.C., Benefitter Insurance Solutions Inc., Birmingham Outpatient Surgical Center LLC, Blackstone Valley Surgicare GP LLC, Blue Ridge GP LLC, Bordeaux (Barbados) Holdings I SRL, Bordeaux (Barbados) Holdings II SRL, Bordeaux (Barbados) Holdings III SRL, Bordeaux Holding SpA, Bordeaux International Holdings Inc., Bordeaux UK Holdings I Limited, Bordeaux UK Holdings II Limited, Bordeaux UK Holdings III Limited, Bosque Medical Center Ltda., Brandon Ambulatory Surgery Center LC, BriovaRx, BriovaRx, BriovaRx Infusion Services, BriovaRx Infusion Services 102 LLC, BriovaRx Infusion Services 200 Inc., BriovaRx Infusion Services 204 Inc., BriovaRx Infusion Services 209 Inc., BriovaRx Infusion Services 305 LLC, BriovaRx Infusion Services 402 LLC, BriovaRx Infusion Services Inc., BriovaRx Specialty LLC, BriovaRx of California, BriovaRx of California Inc., BriovaRx of Florida, BriovaRx of Florida Inc., BriovaRx of Georgia, BriovaRx of Georgia LLC, BriovaRx of Hawaii, BriovaRx of Indiana, BriovaRx of Louisiana, BriovaRx of Louisiana L.L.C., BriovaRx of Maine, BriovaRx of Maine Inc., BriovaRx of Massachusetts, BriovaRx of Massachusetts LLC, BriovaRx of Nevada, BriovaRx of New York, BriovaRx of New York Inc., BriovaRx of Texas, BriovaRx of Texas Inc., CDC Holdings Colombia S.A.S., CLISA  Clinica de Santo Antonio S.A., CMO  Centro Medico de Oftalmologia S/S Ltda., CMS  Central de Manipulacao e Servicos Farmaceuticos S.A., CNIC Health Solutions Inc., COI Participacoes S.A., COI  Clinicas Oncologicas Integradas S.A., Cabin Enterprises LLC, Cabin Holdings LLC, California MedTrans Network IPA LLC, California MedTrans Network MSO LLC, California Medical Group Insurance Company Risk Retention Group, Camp Hill-SCA Centers LLC, Capital City Medical Group L.L.C., Cardio Management, Cardio Management Inc., Care Improvement Plus Group Management, Care Improvement Plus Group Management LLC, Care Improvement Plus South Central Insurance Company, Care Improvement Plus Wisconsin Insurance Company, Care Improvement Plus of Texas Insurance Company, Casa de Saude Santa Therezinha Ltda., Casa de Saude Santa Therezinha S.A., Castle Rock SurgiCenter LLC, Catalyst360, Catalyst360 LLC, Catamaran Finance (Ireland) Unlimited Company, Catamaran Health Solutions, Catamaran Holdings I, Catamaran IPA III, Catamaran Mail, Catamaran PBM of Illinois II, Catamaran PBM of Puerto Rico, Catamaran PD of Pennsylvania, Catamaran PD of Puerto Rico, Catamaran Rebate Management, Catamaran S.a.r.l., Catamaran Senior Services, Catamaran of Pennsylvania, Cedar Park Surgery Center LLC, Cemed Care - Empressa de Atendimento Clinico Geral Ltda., Cemed Care  Empresa de Atendimento Clinico Geral Ltda., Central Indiana Care Organization LLC, Central Ohio Care Organization LLC, Central de Compras SpA, CentriHealth Corporation, CentriHealth UK Limited, CentrifyHealth LLC, Centro Medico Hospitalar Pitangueiras Ltda., Centro Medico Odontologico Americano S.A.C., Centro Medico PJ Ltda., Centro de Entrenamiento en Reanimacion y Prevencion Limitada (CERP), Centro de Servicios Compartidos Banmedica S.A., Centromed Quilpue S.A., Centros Medicos y Dentales Multimed Ltda., Centurion Casualty Company, Channel Islands Surgicenter L.P., Channel Islands Surgicenter Properties LLC, Charleston Surgery Properties LLC, Charlotte-SC LLC, Childrens Surgery Center LLC, ChinaGate (Hong Kong) Limited, ChinaGate Company Limited, Citrus Regional Surgery Center L.P., Clinica Oftalmologica Danilo de Castro Sociedade Simples, Clinical Partners of Colorado Springs LLC, Clinica Alameda S.A., Clinica Bio Bio S.A., Clinica Ciudad del Mar S.A., Clinica Davila y Servicios Medicos S.A., Clinica Medico Cirurgica de Santa Tecla S.A., Clinica San Borja (La Esperanza del Peru S.A.), Clinica San Felipe S.A., Clinica Santa Maria S.A., Clinica Sanchez Ferrer S.A., Clinica Vespucio S.A., Clinica del Country S.A., Coachella Valley Physicians of PrimeCare, Coachella Valley Physicians of PrimeCare Inc., Coalition For Advanced Pharmacy Services, Coalition for Advanced Pharmacy Services Inc., Coastal Physicians Management Inc., Collaborative Care Holdings, Collaborative Care Holdings LLC, Collaborative Care Services, Collaborative Care Services Inc., Collaborative Care Solutions, Collaborative Realty, Collaborative Realty LLC, Colmedica Medicina Prepagada, Colonial Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Colorado Innovative Physician Solutions Inc., Colorado Springs Surgery Center Ltd., Comfort Care Transportation, Comfort Care Transportation LLC, Commonwealth Administrators, Connecticut Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Connecticut Surgery Properties LLC, Connecticut Surgical Center LLC, Connextions, Connextions HCI, Constructora e Inmobiliaria Magapoq S.A., Consumer Wellness Solutions Inc., Country Scan Ltda., Crescent Drug Corp., Cypress Care, Cypress Care Inc., DBP Services of New York IPA, DBP Services of New York IPA Inc., DTC Surgery Center LLC, DWIC of Tampa Bay, DWIC of Tampa Bay Inc., DaVita Magan Management Inc., Danbury Surgical Center L.P., Day-Op Surgery Consulting Company, Day-Op Surgery Consulting Company LLC, Definity Health, Dental Benefit Providers, Dental Benefit Providers Inc., Dental Benefit Providers of California, Dental Benefit Providers of California Inc., Dental Benefit Providers of Illinois, Dental Benefit Providers of Illinois Inc., Derry Surgical Center LLC, Diagnostico Ecotomografico Centromed Ltda., Diasnostico por Imagenes Centromed Ltda., Dilab Medicina Nuclear Ltda., Diplomat Pharmacy, Distance Learning Network, Distance Learning Network Inc., Doctor + S.A.C., Dry Creek Surgery Center LLC, Dublin Surgery Center LLC, Duncan Printing Services, Duncan Printing Services LLC, E Street Endoscopy LLC, ELG FZE, EP Campus I, EP Campus I LLC, East Brunswick Surgery Center LLC, Electronic Network Systems, Electronic Network Systems Inc., Elual Participacoes S.A., Empire Physician Management Company, Empire Physician Management Company LLC, Employers Health Choice PPO Inc., Empremedica S. A., Endoscopy Center Affiliates Inc., Enterprise Life Insurance Company, Equian, Equian LLC, Equian Parent Corp., Esho  Empresa de Servicos Hospitalares S.A., Etho  Empresa de Tecnologia Hospitalar Ltda., Evercare Collaborative Solutions, Evercare Collaborative Solutions Inc., Everett MSO Inc., Excellion Servicos Biomedicos Ltda., Excellion Servicos Biomedicos S.A., Excelsior Insurance Brokerage Inc., Executive Health Resources, Executive Health Resources Inc., Executive Surgery Center LLC, Eye Clinic Oftalmologia Clinico Cirurgica e Diagnostico Ltda., FMG Holdings, FMG Holdings LLC, FOR HEALTH OF ARIZONA, Family Health Care Services, Family Home Hospice, Family Home Hospice Inc., First Rx Specialty & Mail Services, Florida MedTrans Network LLC, Florida MedTrans Network MSO LLC, For Health, For Health Inc., For Health of Arizona Inc., Fortified Provider Network Inc., Fortify Technologies Asia LLC, Fortify Technologies LLC, Foundation Financial Services Inc., Franklin Surgical Center LLC, Freedom Life Insurance Company of America, Freeway Surgicenter of Houston LLC, Frontier MEDEX Limited, Frontier Medex Tanzania Limited, FrontierMEDEX, FrontierMEDEX (RMS), FrontierMEDEX (RMS) Inc., FrontierMEDEX Government Services, FrontierMEDEX Government Services LLC, FrontierMEDEX Inc., FrontierMEDEX Kenya Limited, FrontierMEDEX US, FrontierMEDEX US Inc., Fundacion Banmedica, GRANTS PASS SURGERY CENTER LLC, Gadsden Surgery Center LLC, Gadsden Surgery Center Ltd., Gainesville Surgery Center L.P., Gainesville Surgery Properties LLC, Genoa, Genoa Healthcare Inc., Genoa Healthcare LLC, Genoa QoL Wholesale LLC, Genoa Technology (Canada) Inc., Genoa Technology Inc., Genoa Telepsychiatry Inc., Genoa of Arkansas LLC, Glenwood Surgical Center L.P., Glenwood-SC Inc., Golden Outlook, Golden Outlook Inc., Golden Rule Financial Corporation, Golden Rule Insurance Company, Golden Triangle Surgicenter L.P., Grapevine Finance LLC, Greater Hartford ASC LLC, Grove Place Surgery Center L.L.C., Guardian Health Systems Limited Partnership, H&W Indemnity (SPC), H&W Indemnity (SPC) Ltd., H.I. Investments Holding Company LLC, HCP ACO California LLC, HCP ACO Nevada LLC, HCentive Technology India Private Limited, HMI NewCo LLC, Harken Health Insurance Company, Hayes-Strub LLC, Health Business Systems, Health Care-ONE Insurance Agency Inc., Health Inventures Employment Solutions LLC, Health Inventures LLC, Health Net Insurance of New York, Health Net Services (Bermuda) Ltd., Health Plan of Nevada, Health Plan of Nevada Inc., Health Technology Analysts Pty Limited, HealthAllies, HealthAllies Inc., HealthCare Partners ASC-LB LLC, HealthCare Partners Management Services California LLC, HealthCare Partners RE LLC, HealthFirst IPA Inc., HealthMarkets Group Inc., HealthMarkets Inc., HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Inc., HealthMarkets LLC, HealthMarkets NewCo Inc., HealthMarkets Services Inc., HealthSCOPE Holdings Inc., HealthScope Benefits Inc., Healthcare Partners Plan of Nevada Inc., Healthcare Solutions Inc., Heartland Heart and Vascular LLC, Help S.A., Help Service S.A., Highlands Ranch Healthcare, Highlands Ranch Healthcare LLC, Home Care I.V. of Bend, Home Infusion With Heart, Home Medical S.A., Hospice Inspiris Holdings, Hospice Inspiris Holdings Inc., Hospitais Associados de Pernambuco Ltda., Hospital Alvorada de Taguatinga Ltda., Hospital Ana Costa S.A., Hospital Maternidade Promater Ltda., Hospital Samaritano de Sao Paulo Ltda., Hospital Santa Helena S.A., Hospital de Clinicas de Jacarepagua Ltda., Humedica, Humedica Inc., Hygeia Corporation, Hygeia Corporation (Canada), Hygeia Corporation (DE), Hygeia Corporation (Ontario), INOV8 Surgical at Memorial City LLC, INSPIRIS of New York IPA, INSPIRIS of New York Management, INSPIRIS of New York Management Inc., INSPIRIS of Texas Physician Group, IRX Financing I LLC, Illinois Independent Care Network, Imed Star  Servicos de Desempenho Organizacional Ltda., Impel Consulting Experts, Impel Consulting Experts L.L.C., Impel Management Services L.L.C., Indian River Surgery Center Ltd., Indian River Surgery Properties LLC, Indiana Care Organization LLC, Infusource, Ingram & Associates, Ingram & Associates LLC, Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3001 S.A., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3600 Ltda., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo S.A., Inmobiliaria Clinica Santa Maria S.A., Inmobiliaria Vinamed Ltda., Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Alameda S.A., Inspiris, Inspiris Inc., Inspiris Services Company, Inspiris of Tennessee, Instituto do Radium de Cammpinas Ltda, International Psychological Services Pty Limited, Inversiones Clinicas Santa Maria S.A., Isapre Banmedica S.A., Isapre Vida Tres S.A., Johnston Surgicare L.P., Joliet Surgery Center Limited Partnership, LHI, Laboratorio ROE S.A., Laboratorios Medicos Amed Quilpue S.A., LifePrint Health, LifePrint Health Inc., LifeStyles Marketing Group Inc., LifeWell Ltd. Co., Lifeprint Accountable Care Organization, Lifeprint Accountable Care Organization LLC, Lifeprint East, Lifeprint East Inc., Logistics Health Inc., Lotten-Eyes Oftalmologia Clinica e Cirurgica Ltda., Louisville S.C. Ltd., Louisville-SC Properties Inc., Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook Inc., Lusiadas - Parcerias Cascais S.A., Lusiadas A.C.E., Lusiadas S.A., Lusiadas SGPS S.A., MAMSI Insurance Resources, MAMSI Life and Health Insurance Company, MD Ops, MD Ops Inc., MD-Individual Practice Association, MD-Individual Practice Association Inc., ME AHS UC LLC, MEDEX Insurance Services, MEDEX Insurance Services Inc., MGH/SCA LLC, MHC Real Estate Holdings, MHC Real Estate Holdings LLC, MIAMI SURGERY CENTER LLC, MSLA Management LLC, MXMD Centros De Cancer, Mamoeco  Mamografia e Ecografia Centro de Diagnostico, Managed Physical Network, Managed Physical Network Inc., March Holdings, March Holdings Inc., March Vision Care, March Vision Care Inc., Marin Surgery Holdings Inc., Maryland Ambulatory Centers, Maryland-SCA Centers LLC, Massachusetts Assurance Company Ltd. PIC, Massachusetts Avenue Surgery Center LLC, Mat-Rx Development, Mat-Rx Fort Worth GP, MedExpress Development, MedExpress Development LLC, MedExpress Urgent Care Alabama LLC, MedExpress Urgent Care Inc. - Ohio, MedExpress Urgent Care Maine Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care New Hampshire Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care of Boynton Beach, MedExpress Urgent Care of Boynton Beach LLC, MedSynergies, MedSynergies LLC, MedSynergies North Texas, Medalliance Net Ltda, Medalliance Net Ltda., Medica Health Plans of Florida, Medica Health Plans of Florida Inc., Medica HealthCare Plans, Medica HealthCare Plans Inc., Medical Clinic of North Texas PLLC, Medical Hilfe S.A., Medical Preparatory School of Allied Health, Medical Support Los Angeles Inc., Medical Surgical Centers of America Inc., Medical Transportation Services, Medical Transportation Services LLC, Medication Management Systems Inc., Melbourne Surgery Center LLC, Memorial City Holdings LLC, Memorial City Partners LLC, Memphis-SC LLC, Memphis-SP LLC, Mesquite Liberty LLC, Metro I Stone Management, Metropolitan Medical Partners LLC, Metropolitan Medical Transportation IPA LLC, Mid Atlantic Medical Services, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee, Midwest Center for Day Surgery LLC, Mile High SurgiCenter LLC, Mississippi Surgery Holdings LLC, Mississippi Surgical Center Limited Partnership, Mobile Medical Professionals, Modern Medical Inc., Monarch Management Services, Monarch Management Services Inc., Montgomery Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Mountain View Medical Group LLC, Mt. Pleasant Surgery Center L.P., Multiangio Ltda., Muskogee Surgical Investors LLC, Mustang Razorback Holdings, Mustang Razorback Holdings Inc., My Wellness Solutions LLC, NAMM Holdings, NAMM Holdings Inc., NSC Fayetteville LLC, NSC Greensboro LLC, NSC Lancaster LLC, NSC Seattle Inc., NSC Upland LLC, Nashville-SCA Surgery Centers Inc., National Foundation Life Insurance Company, National MedTrans LLC, National Pacific Dental, National Pacific Dental Inc., National Surgery Centers LLC, Neighborhood Health Partnership, Neighborhood Health Partnership Inc., Netwerkes, Netwerkes LLC, Nevada Medical Services LLC, Nevada Pacific Dental, New Orleans Regional Physician Hospital Organization L.L.C., New West Physicians Inc., Newton Holdings LLC, North American Medical Management - Illinois, North American Medical Management California, North American Medical Management California Inc., North Puget Sound Center for Sleep Disorders LLC, North Puget Sound Oncology Equipment Leasing Company LLC, Northern Nevada Health Network, Northern Nevada Health Network Inc., Northern Rockies Surgicenter Inc., Northwest Surgicare LLC, Northwest Surgicare Ltd., Nutritional/Parenteral Home Care, Nutritional/Parenteral Home Care of Huntsville, OC Cardiology Practice Partners LLC, OSB  Tecnologia e Servicos de Suporte Ltda., Omesa S.A., OmniClaim LLC, Oncocare S.A.C., OneNet PPO, OneNet PPO LLC, Optimum Choice, Optimum Choice Inc., Optum, Optum Bank, Optum Bank Inc., Optum Biometrics, Optum Biometrics Inc., Optum Care Inc., Optum Care Services Company, Optum Clinical Services, Optum Clinics Holdings, Optum Clinics Holdings Inc., Optum Clinics Intermediate Holdings, Optum Clinics Intermediate Holdings Inc., Optum Digital Health Holdings LLC, Optum Finance (Ireland) Unlimited Company, Optum Global Finance (Ireland) Unlimited Company, Optum Global Solutions (India) Private Limited, Optum Global Solutions (Philippines), Optum Global Solutions (Philippines) Inc., Optum Global Solutions International B.V., Optum Government Solutions, Optum Government Solutions Inc., Optum Growth Partners LLC, Optum Health & Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd, Optum Health & Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, Optum Health & Technology (India) Private Limited, Optum Health & Technology (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Optum Health & Technology (UK) Limited, Optum Health & Technology (US), Optum Health & Technology (US) LLC, Optum Health & Technology FZ-LLC, Optum Health & Technology Holdings (US), Optum Health & Technology Holdings (US) Inc., Optum Health & Technology Servicos do Brasil Ltda., Optum Health Services (Canada) Ltd., Optum Health Solutions (Australia) Pty Ltd, Optum Health Solutions (UK) Limited, Optum Health and Technology FZ-LLC, Optum Healthcare of Illinois, Optum Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services, Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services LLC, Optum Inc., Optum Infusion Services 100 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 101 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 103 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 201 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 202 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 203 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 205 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 206 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 207 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 208 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 301 LP, Optum Infusion Services 302 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 308 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 401 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 403 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 404 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 501 Inc., Optum Insurance of Ohio, Optum Insurance of Ohio Inc., Optum Labs, Optum Labs Dimensions, Optum Labs Dimensions Inc., Optum Labs Inc., Optum Labs International (UK) Ltd., Optum Life Sciences (Canada) Inc., Optum Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Optum Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Optum Networks of New Jersey Inc., Optum Nevada Accountable Care Organization LLC, Optum Operations (Ireland) Unlimited Company, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care Inc., Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Pennsylvania, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Pennsylvania Inc., Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Texas, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Texas Inc., Optum Perks LLC, Optum Pharmacy 701 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 702 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 703 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 705 LLC, Optum Public Sector Solutions, Optum Public Sector Solutions Inc., Optum Rocket, Optum Rocket Inc., Optum Senior Services LLC, Optum Services, Optum Services (Ireland) Limited, Optum Services (Puerto Rico) LLC, Optum Services Inc., Optum Solutions UK Holdings Limited, Optum Solutions do Brasil  Tecnologia e Servicos de Suporte Ltda., Optum Technology, Optum Technology LLC, Optum UK Solutions Group Limited, Optum Women's and Children's Health, Optum Women's and Children's Health LLC, Optum of New York Inc., Optum360, Optum360 LLC, Optum360 Services, Optum360 Services Inc., Optum360 Solutions LLC, OptumCare ACO Florida LLC, OptumCare ACO Holdings LLC, OptumCare ACO New Mexico LLC, OptumCare Clinical Trials LLC, OptumCare Colorado ASC LLC, OptumCare Colorado LLC, OptumCare Colorado Springs LLC, OptumCare Endoscopy Center New Mexico LLC, OptumCare Florida CI LLC, OptumCare Florida LLC, OptumCare Health Plan of California Inc., OptumCare Holdings Colorado LLC, OptumCare Holdings LLC, OptumCare Holdings New Mexico LLC, OptumCare Management LLC, OptumCare New Mexico LLC, OptumCare New York IPA Inc., OptumCare South Florida LLC, OptumHealth Care Solutions, OptumHealth Care Solutions LLC, OptumHealth Financial Services, OptumHealth Financial Services Inc., OptumHealth Holdings, OptumHealth Holdings LLC, OptumHealth International B.V., OptumInsight, OptumInsight Holdings, OptumInsight Holdings LLC, OptumInsight Inc., OptumInsight India Private Limited, OptumInsight Life Sciences, OptumInsight Life Sciences Inc., OptumRx, OptumRx Administrative Services, OptumRx Administrative Services LLC, OptumRx Discount Card Services, OptumRx Discount Card Services LLC, OptumRx Group Holdings, OptumRx Group Holdings Inc., OptumRx Health Solutions LLC, OptumRx Holdings, OptumRx Holdings I LLC, OptumRx Holdings LLC, OptumRx Home Delivery of Illinois, OptumRx Home Delivery of Ohio, OptumRx Home Delivery of Ohio LLC, OptumRx IPA III Inc., OptumRx Inc., OptumRx NY IPA, OptumRx NY IPA Inc., OptumRx PBM of Illinois, OptumRx PBM of Illinois Inc., OptumRx PBM of Maryland, OptumRx PBM of Maryland LLC, OptumRx PBM of Pennsylvania, OptumRx PBM of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx PBM of Puerto Rico LLC, OptumRx PBM of Wisconsin, OptumRx PBM of Wisconsin LLC, OptumRx PD of Maryland, OptumRx PD of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx Pharmacy, OptumRx Pharmacy Inc., OptumRx Pharmacy of Nevada, OptumRx Pharmacy of Nevada Inc., OptumRx of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumServe Technology Services Inc., Orlando Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., OrthoNet Holdings, OrthoNet Holdings Inc., OrthoNet LLC, OrthoNet New York IPA, OrthoNet New York IPA Inc., OrthoNet Services, OrthoNet Services Inc., OrthoNet West, OrthoNet West Inc., OrthoNet of the Mid-Atlantic, OrthoNet of the South, OrthoNet of the South Inc., Ovations, Ovations Inc., Oxford Benefit Management, Oxford Benefit Management Inc., Oxford Health Insurance, Oxford Health Insurance Inc., Oxford Health Plans (CT), Oxford Health Plans (CT) Inc., Oxford Health Plans (NJ), Oxford Health Plans (NJ) Inc., Oxford Health Plans (NY), Oxford Health Plans (NY) Inc., Oxford Health Plans LLC, P2 Lower Acquisition, P2P Link LLC, PCCCV, PCCCV Inc., PCN DE Corp., PHC Subsidiary Holdings, PHC Subsidiary Holdings LLC, PHYS Holding Corp., PHYSICIANS DAY SURGERY CENTER LLC, PMI Acquisition, PMI Acquisition LLC, PMSI, PMSI Holdco II, PMSI Holdings, PMSI Holdings LLC, PMSI LLC, PMSI Settlement Solutions, PMSI Settlement Solutions LLC, POMCO Inc., POMCO Network Inc., PPH Holdings LLC, PacifiCare Health Systems, PacifiCare Life Assurance Company, PacifiCare Life and Health Insurance Company, PacifiCare of Arizona, PacifiCare of Arizona Inc., PacifiCare of Colorado, PacifiCare of Colorado Inc., PacifiCare of Nevada, PacifiCare of Nevada Inc., Pacific Casualty Company Inc., Pacifico S.A. Entidad Prestadora de Salud, Paoli Ambulatory Surgery Center, Paoli Surgery Center L.P., Parkway Surgery Center LLC, Pasteur Plaza Surgery Center GP Inc., PatientsLikeMe, PatientsLikeMe LLC, Patrimonio Autonomo Nueva Clinica - PANC., Payment Resolution Services, Payment Resolution Services LLC, Peoples Health, Peoples Health Inc., Pharmaceutical Care Network, Pharmacy Review Services, Pharmacy Software Holdco Inc., PhyServe Holdings, Physician Alliance of the Rockies LLC, Physician Care Partners, Physicians Health Choice of Texas, Physicians Health Choice of Texas LLC, Physicians Health Plan of Maryland, Physicians Health Plan of Maryland Inc., Physicians Plaza Holdings LLC, Plano de Saude Ana Costa Ltda., Plus One Health Management Puerto Rico, Plus One Health Management Puerto Rico Inc., Plus One Holdings, Plus One Holdings Inc., Polar II Fundo de Investimento em Participacoes, Polar II Fundo de Investimento em Participacoes Multiestrategia, Polo Holdco, Polo Holdco LLC, Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center Inc., Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center L.P., Precision Dialing Services Inc., Preferred Care Partners, Preferred Care Partners Holding, Preferred Care Partners Holding Corp., Preferred Care Partners Inc., Preferred Care Partners Medical Group, Preferred Care Partners Medical Group Inc., Premier Choice ACO, Premier Choice ACO Inc., Premier Surgery Center of Louisville L.P., Prime Health, Prime Health Inc., PrimeCare Medical Network, PrimeCare Medical Network Inc., PrimeCare of Citrus Valley, PrimeCare of Citrus Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Corona, PrimeCare of Corona Inc., PrimeCare of Hemet Valley, PrimeCare of Hemet Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Inland Valley, PrimeCare of Inland Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Moreno Valley, PrimeCare of Moreno Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Redlands, PrimeCare of Redlands Inc., PrimeCare of Riverside, PrimeCare of Riverside Inc., PrimeCare of San Bernardino, PrimeCare of San Bernardino Inc., PrimeCare of Sun City, PrimeCare of Sun City Inc., PrimeCare of Temecula, PrimeCare of Temecula Inc., ProHEALTH Fitness of Lake Success, ProHEALTH Fitness of Lake Success LLC, ProHEALTH Medical Management LLC, ProHealth Medical Management, ProHealth Physicians, ProHealth Physicians ACO, ProHealth Physicians ACO LLC, ProHealth Physicians Inc., ProHealth Proton Center Management, ProHealth Proton Center Management LLC, Procura Management, Procura Management Inc., Progressive Enterprises Holdings, Progressive Enterprises Holdings Inc., Progressive Medical, Progressive Medical LLC, Progressive Solutions, Promotora Country S.A., Pronetics Health Care Group, Pronounced Health Solutions Inc., Prosemedic S.A.C., Prospero Management Services LLC, Pueblo-SCA Surgery Center LLC, Pulse Platform LLC, QoL Acquisition Holdings Corp., Quality Software Services, QuarterMaster Newco LLC, R&H Family Fitness Unlimited LLC, Rally Health, Rally Health Inc., Real Appeal Inc., Recaudacion y Cobranzas Honodav Ltda., Redlands Ambulatory Surgery Center, Redlands-SCA Surgery Centers Inc., Reliant MSO LLC, Research Surgical Center LLC, River Valley ASC LLC, Riverside Electronic Healthcare Resources Inc., Riverside Medical Management, Riverside Medical Management LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Meadowlands LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Newark LLC, Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization Incorporated, Rocky Mountain HealthCare Options Inc., SC Affiliates LLC, SCA Alaska Surgery Center inc., SCA Athens LLC, SCA Austin Holdings LLC, SCA BOSC Holdings LLC, SCA California Surgical Holdings LLC, SCA Capital LLC, SCA Cedar Park Holdings LLC, SCA Clifton LLC, SCA Danbury Surgical Center LLC, SCA Development LLC, SCA EHSC Holdings LLC, SCA EWASC Holdings LLC, SCA Hays Holdings LLC, SCA Heartland Holdings LLC, SCA HoldCo Inc., SCA Holding Company Inc., SCA Holdings Inc., SCA IEC Holdings LLC, SCA Indiana Holdings LLC, SCA Nashville ASC LLC, SCA Pacific Holdings Inc., SCA Pennsylvania Holdings LLC, SCA Premier Surgery Center of Louisville LLC, SCA ROCS Holdings LLC, SCA Rockledge JV LLC, SCA SSC Holdings LLC, SCA SSSC Holdings LLC, SCA Sage Medical LLC, SCA Sage Medical MSO LLC, SCA Southwestern PA LLC, SCA Specialists of Florida LLC, SCA Stonegate Holdings LLC, SCA Surgery Center of Cullman LLC, SCA Surgery Holdings LLC, SCA Surgery Partners LLC, SCA Surgicare of Laguna Hills LLC, SCA Teammate Support Network, SCA eCode Solutions Private Limited, SCA of Clarksville Inc., SCA-Albuquerque Surgery Properties Inc., SCA-Alliance LLC, SCA-Anne Arundel LLC, SCA-Applecare Partners LLC, SCA-Bethesda LLC, SCA-Blue Ridge LLC, SCA-Bonita Springs LLC, SCA-Brandon LLC, SCA-Castle Rock LLC, SCA-Central Florida LLC, SCA-Charleston LLC, SCA-Chatham LLC, SCA-Chevy Chase LLC, SCA-Citrus Inc., SCA-Colorado Springs LLC, SCA-Connecticut Partners LLC, SCA-DRY CREEK LLC, SCA-Davenport LLC, SCA-Denver LLC, SCA-Denver Physicians Holdings LLC, SCA-Derry LLC, SCA-Doral LLC, SCA-Downey LLC, SCA-Dublin LLC, SCA-Encinitas Inc., SCA-Eugene Inc., SCA-First Coast LLC, SCA-Florence LLC, SCA-Fort Collins Inc., SCA-Fort Walton Inc., SCA-Franklin LLC, SCA-Frederick LLC, SCA-Freeway Holdings LLC, SCA-Ft. Myers LLC, SCA-GRANTS PASS LLC, SCA-Gainesville LLC, SCA-Gladiolus LLC, SCA-Grove Place LLC, SCA-Hagerstown LLC, SCA-Hamden LLC, SCA-Hilton Head LLC, SCA-Honolulu LLC, SCA-Houston Executive LLC, SCA-IT Holdings LLC, SCA-Illinois LLC, SCA-JPM Holdings LLC, SCA-Kissing Camels Holdings LLC, SCA-MC VBP Inc., SCA-Main Street LLC, SCA-Marina del Rey LLC, SCA-Mecklenburg Development Corp., SCA-Memorial City LLC, SCA-Merritt LLC, SCA-Midlands LLC, SCA-Midway Management LLC, SCA-Mobile LLC, SCA-Mokena LLC, SCA-Mokena Properties LLC, SCA-Morris County LLC, SCA-Mt. 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Board (Chile) SpA, The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company, The Lewin Group, The Lewin Group Inc., The Magan Medical Group, The Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head LLC, The Polyclinic MSO LLC, Thomas Johnson Surgery Center LLC, Thousand Oaks Endoscopy Center LLC, Three Rivers Holdings, Three Rivers Holdings Inc., Three Rivers Surgical Care L.P., Tmesys, Tmesys LLC, Topimagem Diagnostico por Imagem Ltda., Touchpoint Health Plan, Trails Edge Surgery Center LLC, Travel Express Incorporated, TriMed LLC, Trinity Infusion, Trio Motion LLC, Tucson Arizona Surgical Center LLC, U.S. Behavioral Health Plan, U.S. Behavioral Health Plan California, UHC Finance (Ireland) Unlimited Company, UHC Global Health Services BC Ltd., UHC International Services, UHC International Services Inc., UHC of California, UHCG Holdings (Ireland) Limited, UHCG Services (Ireland) Limited, UHCG  FZE, UHG Brasil Participacoes S.A., UHIC Holdings, UHIC Holdings Inc., UICI Funding Corp. 2, UMR, UMR Inc., USHEALTH Academy Inc., USHEALTH Administrators LLC, USHEALTH Advisors L.L.C., USHEALTH Career Agency Inc., USHEALTH Funding Inc., USHEALTH Group Inc., USMD Administrative Services, USMD Administrative Services L.L.C., USMD Affiliated Services, USMD CT (Mo), USMD Cancer Treatment Centers, USMD Cancer Treatment Centers GP, USMD Diagnostic Services, USMD Holdings, USMD Holdings Inc., USMD Inc., USMD PPM, USMD PPM LLC, USMD of Arlington GP, Ultima Rx, Unidad Medica Diagnostico S.A., Unimerica Insurance Company, Unimerica Life Insurance Company of New York, Unison Administrative Services, Unison Health Plan of Delaware, Unison Health Plan of Delaware Inc., United Behavioral Health, United Behavioral Health of New York I.P.A., United Behavioral Health of New York I.P.A. Inc., United Group Reinsurance Inc., United Health Foundation, United HealthCare, United HealthCare Services Inc., United Management Services Inc., United Resource Networks IPA of New York, United Resource Networks IPA of New York Inc., UnitedHealth Advisors, UnitedHealth Advisors LLC, UnitedHealth Group Finance Inc., UnitedHealth Group Global Healthcare Services Limited, UnitedHealth Group Global Services, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, UnitedHealth Group Information Services Private Limited, UnitedHealth Group International Finance (Ireland) Unlimited Company, UnitedHealth Group International GP, UnitedHealth Group International L.P., UnitedHealth International, UnitedHealth International Inc., UnitedHealth Military & Veterans Services, UnitedHealth Military & Veterans Services LLC, UnitedHealth UK Limited, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Benefits Plan of California, UnitedHealthcare Benefits of Texas, UnitedHealthcare Benefits of Texas Inc., UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Georgia, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Georgia Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas L.L.C., UnitedHealthcare Consulting & Assistance Service (Beijing) Co., UnitedHealthcare Consulting & Assistance Service (Beijing) Co. 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Nick Sandmann, the Covington Catholic student whose smirk and punchable face launched a thousand reactionary tweets when the deceptively-edited video of his confrontation with Native American protester Nathan Phillips went viral last month, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Post for $250 million  the entire amount Amazon founder Jeff Bezos paid for the paper in 2013  alleging the paper used him as a pawn in its political war against President Donald Trump.

The suit claims the Post wrongly targeted and bullied the high schooler in order to advance its well-known and easily documented, biased agenda against President Donald J. Trump because Sandmann is white and wore the red Make America Great Again hat that has become an iconic symbol among the presidents fans  and his detractors.

By implying that Sandmann engaged in acts of racism by swarming Phillips, blocking his exit away from the students, and otherwise engaging in racist misconduct, the Post fanned the flames of the social media mob into a mainstream media frenzy, compounding the threats and bullying directed at the teen, while its failure to fact-check  the unedited video was freely available at the time of publication  confirms its utter and knowing disregard for the truth.

Sandmanns lawyer, Lin Wood, says this lawsuit is only the beginning. The lawsuit, filed in Kentucky federal court, seeks $50 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages, as well as attorneys fees, to deter [WaPo] from repeating such egregiously unlawful misconduct in the future. The Post was the first to circulate the video outside social media, they believe, but Wood and partner Todd McMurtry sent a letter to 54 media outlets, celebrities, lawmakers, and church entities warning them of future legal action as well.

The edited video circulated by the Post and other mainstream outlets framed Sandmann as the villain in the encounter with Phillips, even though the elder and a few other protesters had actually walked into the middle of the group of teenagers, chanting and beating drums in their faces deliberately.

Sandmann, whose face was front and center in the video, quickly became the subject of vicious and even violent tweets from strangers writing about punching him in the face, burning down his school, and committing other heinous acts against him and his classmates.

Also on rt.com I had every right to stand there: Covington Catholic student says he has nothing to apologize for

A report by an independent investigation firm hired by Covington Diocese, which operates the school, further vindicated the boys when it was released last week, confirming they did not utter any racist or offensive comments at Phillips or chant build that wall as he initially claimed.

Our students did not instigate the incident that occurred at the Lincoln Memorial, the school announced.

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!Major Russian car producer AvtoVaz is in talks with Tehran over the sale and assembly of its cars there, Viktor Kladov, the director of international cooperation and regional policy at Russias state corporation Rostec, has said.

Avtovaz has been assembling its cars in Egypt, he told reporters on the sidelines of the Aero India 2019 exhibition on Wednesday.

Negotiations are underway with a number of other countries, such as Iran, he said, adding: I mean both the sales and the assembling.

Also on rt.com Lada love for Russian car brand as it ranks among world's top 50 best-sellers

Lada cars, which are manufactured by AvtoVAZ, have recently been named among the worlds top 50 best-selling brands by analytical agency Focus2move.

Export sales of the Lada brand grew by 57 percent, to 38,050 cars last year. The cars were sold in 34 countries, including Turkey, Tunisia, Chile and Cuba, according to Avtovaz sales & marketing vice-president Jan Ptacek.

He said that for the first time in 2018, the Lada Vesta became the leader in export sales (30 percent of sales), whereas previously it was the Lada 4x4.

The largest car manufacturer in Russia and Eastern Europe, AvtoVaz produces nearly one million vehicles a year. It already has a stable market share in CIS countries and also exports cars to Germany, Iran, Syria, Egypt, and Hungary.

AvtoVAZ intends to expand to the Czech Republic, Mongolia, and South-East Asia. The Russian carmaker recently started exporting vehicles to China and the United Arab Emirates.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business sectionDespite years of mutual trade restrictions, Russia remained Ukraines biggest trade partner in 2018, according to data published by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine.

Sales of Russian produce to Ukraine saw 12.3-percent year-on-year growth to US$8.1 billion. That makes Russia the biggest Ukrainian supplier, leaving China, Germany, Belarus, and Poland far behind. At the same time, the Russian market remained a major destination for Ukrainian exports. Ukraine sold $3.7 billion worth of goods to Russia, marking a 7.1 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Moscow suspended the free trade zone deal with Kiev shortly after the Ukrainian government signed an association agreement with the EU. Ukraine was automatically included on Russias counter-sanctions list against the EU, introduced by Moscow in 2014 in retaliation to European penalties over re-unification with Crimea and Russias alleged military involvement in Ukraines eastern regions.

In 2015, Ukraine imposed sanctions on a wide range of food imports from Russia, including meat and fish, coffee, dairy products, chocolate and confectionery, grains, cigarettes, beer, and many others. Last year, Kiev added fertilizers to its endless list of restrictions. In December, the Ukrainian authorities extended the measures for another year. The country also introduced sanctions against several individuals and entities.

In response, Russia banned the import of more than 50 Ukrainian goods, worth $510 million. The Kremlin announced that the restrictions can be lifted if Kiev gives up its own restrictions targeting specific Russian goods.

Despite bilateral restrictions, trade turnover between Russia and Ukraine has been increasing in recent years, with Russia enjoying a significant trade surplus.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business sectionMoscow and Beijing are to ink an agreement on developing a next-generation heavy helicopter, which will be more powerful than US-made ones, Russian state-owned corporation Rostec has revealed.

The landmark contract is to be signed in two months after years of tough talks, Viktor Kladov, the director of international cooperation and regional policy at Rostec, told reporters at the Aero India exhibition on Wednesday.

Within a month or two the contract of the century with China on joint development, production, output and sale of a next-generation heavy helicopter will be signed, Kladov said as cited by TASS, adding that the talks were held for four years.

Also on rt.com Ukraine starts liquidation of legendary aircraft manufacturer Antonov

The new aircraft will be more powerful than US-made Sikorsky, but will not leave behind Russian MI-26, the largest helicopter in the world, with an impressive weight-lift capability of almost 15 tons.

This year, Russia is to ship the first batch of twenty Ansat multi-purpose light helicopters to China, Kladov told TASS earlier this week at the IDEX 2019 international defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Also on rt.com SuperJets on hold? Russian SSJ-100 delivery to Iran frozen over US-made parts

The helicopters, equipped with medical modules made by the Russian Helicopters holding, will be delivered to Chinas Association of Emergency Medicine. The contract for the supply of Ansat helicopters, which can be used for first aid and emergency evacuation of patients, was signed between the two countries at the Airshow China exhibition in 2018.

Trade turnover between Russia and China reached an all-time high in January, surpassing $107 billion just one month after it hit the previous record of $100 billion. China remains Russias number one trade partner, with the mutual volume of trade significantly growing over recent years.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business sectionThe US is not ready to lift any sanctions against North Korea, the State Department has announced, just as Donald Trump said he is in no rush to seek compromise ahead of his exciting summit with Kim Jong-un next week.

We have been clear on sanctions. These are the worlds sanctions and that is something...that will be continued to be maintained until weve achieved our final result of fully, finally verified denuclearization, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told reporters Tuesday.

Despite the much-touted upcoming talks, it seems like sanctions will stay in place indefinitely, as Trump himself confessed to being in no rush to reach any compromise. Theres no testing. As long as there is no testing, Im in no rush. If theres testing, thats another deal, he said in the Oval Office on Tuesday. Id just like to see ultimately denuclearization of North Korea.

Also on rt.com Trump announces 2nd meeting with Kim, takes credit for avoiding major war with North Korea

The US leader repeatedly praised himself for singlehandedly averting a war with Pyongyang, all thanks to his so-called maximum pressure policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, mixed with extremely belligerent rhetoric and threats towards North Korea.

After their first face-to-face meeting in Singapore last June, which took place after a historic inter-Korean summit and Kims talks with Xi Jinping in China, the US and North Korean leaders agreed to work towards the denuclearization of the peninsula in exchange for sanctions relief and security guarantees.

Also on rt.com US Allies Japan and South Korea see Washington as major threat to global security

While Pyongyang has since stopped testing ballistic missiles or nuclear bombs, the Americans continue to insist the country's nuclear program must be fully dismantled before they deliver on their part of the deal. With progress stalled since the first summit, the US special representative, Stephen Biegun, flew to Hanoi, Vietnam, on Tuesday trying to work out last-minute concrete deliverables which can be presented to the international community as yet another exemplary victory of Trumps foreign policy.

I think next weeks going to be very exciting, Trump said, without elaborating. I think a lot of things will come out of it.

Also on rt.com You need to talk to the guys with the guns: Report reveals perennial US-North Korea intel talks

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!Israel is looking to join the ranks of space superpowers by becoming the fourth country to land a probe on the Moon. In addition to science instruments, the Genesis probe will carry a copy of the Bible on a small metal disc.

Genesis, or Beresheet in Hebrew, is about the size of a washing machine and is equipped with instruments for measuring the Moons magnetic field. It was designed by SpaceIL, a private company, in cooperation with the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The probe is scheduled to launch on Thursday on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It will take it almost two months to reach the moon, however, as it needs to slingshot around the Earth at least six times, SpaceIL CEO Ido Anteby and IAI manager Ophir Doron told reporters on Monday.

SpaceIL was founded in 2011 to compete for Googles Lunar Xprize, a $20 million challenge to build a robotic probe and land it on the Moon. The competition was canceled last year. The costs of Genesis have ballooned to around $100 million, which has been funded through generous contributions from donors around the world who would like to see the Jewish state join the ranks of spacefaring nations.

Every Jew, not only every Israeli, will remember where he was when Israel landed on the Moon, AP quoted South African-born Israeli billionaire Morris Kahn, one of the major donors to the project.



So far, only the Soviet Union, the US and China have landed spacecraft on the earths natural satellite. The first Soviet probe landed in 1959, and the first lunar rover visited in 1970. The American Apollo 11 landed on the Moon in 1969, but the Apollo program was canceled at the end of 1972.

China launched its first lunar orbiter in 2007, landed a probe in 2013, and landed a probe on the far side of the Moon in December. In addition to sending photos from the Dark Side, the probe boasted the first-ever biological experiment on the lunar surface, growing a cotton seed in an experimental biosphere.

Also on rt.com Meet you on the dark side of the moon: China launches historic lunar exploration mission (VIDEO)

Much of the original space race had a Cold War dimension of US-Soviet competition. The feeling of national prestige is very much evident in the Israeli program as well, with the countrys president excitedly tweeting about the impending launch.

SpaceIL is also using the moonshot to troll the countrys designated archenemy Iran, commenting how it cant hear Tehrans threats from all the way up on the lunar surface.

Iran has its own space program, which has successfully launched a number of satellites into orbit, but has not reached for the Moon just yet. Moreover, the countrys space efforts have been beset by suspicious failures recently. Anonymous US officials told the New York Times last week that the US has been conducting a program of sabotage against Irans missile and space program.



Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!Once upon a time, Facebook espoused idealistic notions of making the world a more open and connected place. But when it comes to views the US establishment doesn't like, the "private company" argument magically pops up.

So when Facebook abruptly suspended pages belonging to Maffick Media  a company which is 51 percent owned by RTs video agency Ruptly  critics of RT were quick to argue the social platform could ban anyone it wants.

Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul revealed himself to be one of those people, with a tweet asking why RT feels it has some kind of right to publish content on the platform of a private company.

Global community vs. reality

CEO Mark Zuckerberg still waxes lyrical about his grand plans to bring the world closer together and strengthen the social fabric  but it turns out that not all ideas are created equal and if people come together and connect on a page that embraces any of those unacceptable ideas, they will soon face repercussions from enforcer-in-chief Zuckerberg.

Also on rt.com End of free speech: Maffick CEO, host slam Facebooks unprovoked censorship after CNN report

Now, of course, there is some terrible content that most normal people are not in favor of  bullying, violent or abusive videos or the promotion of terrorism, to name a few  but questioning government narrative and posting anti-war videos would hardly seem to fall into that category.

And yet, it did.

No platform for alternative views

Facebook claimed that the pages belonging to Maffick Media were not clear about their funding and that people should not be misled about the content they are viewing. That content includes videos highly critical of the US government. This particular new rule seems to have been invented purely for content produced by pages with links to Russia, however. Curiously, pages belonging to media funded by the US government (or British government, or German government etc.) have not been suspended.

Facebook is, as the argument goes, technically a private company  but its also a private company that just so happens to take orders from government-funded think tanks which direct it to censor political content that inconveniences them. In dystopian novels, that kind of thing is called fascism.

Think tank collusion

Mafficks content was taken down after a tip from the German Marshall Fund think tank (which is financed by the US, German and other Western governments), but there have been multiple examples recently of Facebook kowtowing to Western governments in order to remove content they find politically threatening.

Also on rt.com Facebooks brutal takedown of Russia-linked pages act of censorship  global journo union chief

Not long after Facebook teamed up with the Atlantic Council  a think tank funded by the US government and various weapons manufacturers  it suspended a page belonging to Venezuela-based Telesur, an outlet which is also highly critical of US foreign policy. Is it a coincidence that think tanks funded by Western governments are actively attempting to cleanse social media of content which does not serve their purposes? Facebook has even complied with demands from the Israeli government to delete accounts belonging to Israeli activists.

Surprising cheerleaders

Whats most surprising is how many people (and even journalists) are jumping on the censorship bandwagon and clinging to the private company argument when instead of admitting that they really dont believe in freedom of information  if it inconveniences them or risks threatening their status in some way, that is.

Also on rt.com Political censorship: Sputnik slams Facebook as it removes 350+ pages for inauthentic behavior

Even though Facebook has already bowed to pressure in this arena multiple times, many are calling on the platform to censor even more. Yesterday, a British parliamentary report made a thinly-veiled case for censorship of content produce by malign forces intent on causing disruption and confusion online. In case it wasnt clear, disruption and confusion is code for: content that makes people question the establishment and the status quo.

Not just Russia

Its not just big platforms like RT being targeted, either. In its capacity as a private company, Facebook has also targeted smaller, US-based alternative media websites. Socialist and anti-war pages saw their traffic plunge dramatically after Facebook made changes to its algorithms in an effort to combat fake news online. It has also purged pages focused on exposing police brutality and tracking government transparency.

Why should a private company like Facebook be forced to publish *insert type* of content? is probably the wrong question to ask. The better question might be: If Facebook was not being severely pressurized by these government-funded think tanks to engage in this censorship, would they be doing it of their own accord? And if the answer is no (as it likely is, given that, as McFaul and others reminded us, Facebook is a private, money-making company), then what we have is a situation where a government is forcing a private company to do what it wants. Not an altogether shocking concept, but one which negates the argument that Facebook has suddenly decided to get rid of content it has been okay with for years.

Historic parallels

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union jammed the broadcast signals of US state-funded media like Radio Liberty and the UKs public broadcaster, the BBC, claiming their goal was to undermine the Soviet system. That was the goal, of course, but the West maintained that preventing Soviets from enjoying free access to foreign media was unacceptable; the kind of thing youd only find in a dictatorship. Freedom of information was paramount to a Democratic society, they said.

How ironic it is, that many in the West who lived through that time, are now loudly advocating for censorship against content they perceive as a threat to their own system.

Danielle Ryan, RT

Like this story? Share it with a friend!Diplomatic staff appointed by Guaido takes over Venezuelan Embassy in Costa Rica

Diplomatic staff appointed by Guaido takes over Venezuelan Embassy in Costa Rica

The ambassador appointed by Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, Maria Faria, took control of the Embassy of Venezuela in Costa Rica on Wednesday morning. The embassy announced this in a press release, saying that the representatives of the government of President Nicolas Maduro were dismissed from their duties. The Costa Rican government demanded on February 16 that three Venezuelan diplomats accredited by Maduro leave the country before April 15. President Carlos Alvarado also reportedly received the credential letter of Faria. Costa Rica is among the countries that have recognized the authority of Guaido, who has proclaimed himself interim president of the country. In a separate development, Guaido said on Wednesday that he spoke to the president of Switzerland to try to freeze banks accounts belonging to Venezuela after irregular movements were discovered, Reuters reports.Source : RT - Daily newsExactly 70 years after George Orwells 1984 came out, most fancy themselves smart to totalitarian doublespeak. But perverse lies need no torchlight or mass rallies, just a tailored suit, complacent media and a docile populace.

We know this, yet hear them so often that they become background noise, and even if they come from the mouths of politicians we do not believe, we let the distortions wash over us, unwilling to expend the mental effort to challenge them every time. But when we stop and think, they barely make any sense.

Peace-loving nations

Peace-loving nations desire a peaceful transition in Venezuela where peaceful protesters are being threatened with violence by dictator Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump declared recently.

In fact, the US president is openly urging what he must know will be an armed and bloody uprising perhaps magnitudes more devastating than the violence that has already taken place. A month after the same dove-releasing Western powers barely bothered to conceal how they coordinated efforts to endorse out of nowhere a little known self-proclaimed president, furnishing him with every financial tool and foreign-aid incentive to topple the elected government.

Also on rt.com Youll lose everything! Trump issues ultimatum to Venezuelan military, says all options are open

One doesnt have to be a fan of Chavismo or hate America to appreciate the sheer gall. Unless we think of this peace as some cast-iron Western guarantee for post-revolutionary idyll (hello, Libya and Iraq) the only way these nations could be less peaceful is if they actually invaded Venezuela themselves. And its not like they havent considered that option.

Close relative: NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg telling the Munich Security Conference at the weekend that Russias missiles in Europe are a threat to stability, but that the alliance must invest more in weapons to keep our people secure  all while insisting that we remain determined to avoid a new arms race.

Internet of Trust

We need to build this new space  a free, open and safe internet  which I believe in profoundly, enabling the access of all but also enabling us to ensure our values and our ideals are respected there, argued Emmanuel Macron in a speech to the UN last November.

So which is it  free or respectful ? Because, as he has now discovered with the Yellow Vests, in a truly free internet not everyone might share his values and ideals.

Further in his speech Macron did little to hide that censorship was his solution to the quandary: proposing an Internet of Trust that offered regulation that would keep out enemies that enter all our systems, giving the impression they had the same rights as the others.

Also on rt.com End of free speech: Maffick CEO, host slam Facebooks unprovoked censorship after CNN report

From Ruptly Facebook bans, to German social media laws, to the 1984-ish Newsguard, the Internet of Trust is already here.

Close relatives: Fake news. IntegrityInitiative  who, if not these people, should be the inquisitors of online truths? Almost anyone.

Dont let hate win

Variations of the Dont let hate win refrain are particularly popular among the liberal luminaries even as they spread their love by condemning their political opponents as black-hating or children-caging bigots, denying that they could experience such human feelings as kindness or empathy. All while congratulating themselves on being much nobler people, while occasionally physically assaulting them, if they are Antifa. What a way to defeat hate.

Intolerance for supposed intolerance is an established tactic at this point, and the sympathetic media will clap along as Hillary Clinton talks about deplorables or Michelle Obama boasts about how When they go low, we go high. The moral high ground was occupied a long time ago.

Close relative: Celebration of diversity. Who could argue with Justin Trudeau or Barack Obamas assertion that it is indeed our strength? Perhaps those who disagree with them, thus espousing the wrong kind of diversity  of thought. Being the bad kind of diverse is particularly inadvisable for those holding political office or incapable of tear-filled public apologies.

Igor OgorodnevA new media campaign by the Hungarian government accuses globalist billionaire George Soros and the EU of pushing open-borders policies. Brussels indignantly dismissed the campaign as a conspiracy theory and fake news.

Billboards with the images of Soros and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker tell Hungarians that Brussels officials are launching experimental immigration projects with African countries; want to introduce mandatory settlement quotas; want to reduce financial assistance for countries opposed to migration, that last part specifically referring to Hungary.

Further accusations appeared on the government of Hungarys Facebook page, which says the EU wants to impose settlement quotas, weaken EU members border protections and make immigration easier.

The EU Commission rushed to outright dismiss the ad campaign, calling it a conspiracy and fake news, without going into detail in addressing Budapests concerns.

It is shocking that such a ludicrous conspiracy theory has reached the mainstream to the extent it has. There is no conspiracy, Hungarians deserve facts, not fiction, spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters in Brussels on Tuesday. The facts, according to Schinas, are that the EU has zero plans for humanitarian visas, while member states get to decide on the level of legal migration.

Also on rt.com Europe banked on George Soros instead of Viktor Orban, and will suffer the consequences  forever

On the other hand, Brussels has repeatedly clashed with Budapest over Hungarys immigration policy  or rather, its refusal to support the open-borders approach ushered in by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2015. Time and again Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has rejected EU demands to admit migrants, building a fence with Serbia and even EU member Croatia in order to secure his countrys border.

Last week, Orban proposed a program of subsidizing Hungarian birthrates, arguing that We need Hungarian children rather than immigrants.

Meanwhile, Soros has openly advocated immigration as the solution to Europes dwindling birthrates, and berated Hungary and other populist members for endangering the survival of the EU, comparing it to the Soviet Union circa 1991.

With elections for the European Parliament scheduled for May, Orbans Fidesz party does not hide the desire to have the anti-migration bloc become a majority.

However, government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs denied that the latest campaign is related to the upcoming election, saying it was aimed solely at informing Hungarians.

Juncker, his vice-president Frans Timmermans, and EU commissioner in charge of Brexit Guy Verhofstadt pointed to the campaign as yet another reason to expel Fidesz from the European Peoples Party (EPP) bloc, currently the majority in the supranational body.

I don't think the conservatives in Hungary represent Christian democratic values in any way, Juncker said on Tuesday. There is no overlap at all between Mr. Orban and me ... so I am of the opinion that his place is not in the European People's Party."

This is not the first time Orban has accused the Hungarian-born Soros of seeking to undermine Budapests policies. One such billboard campaign, in July 2017, was even accused of anti-Semitism. This prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step in, with a statement that criticism of Soros is legitimate and not anti-Semitic.

Last summer, Hungary passed the 'Stop Soros' law, outlawing aid to illegal immigrants and cracking down on pro-immigration NGOs that were by and large funded by the billionaire. As a result of the law, Soross Open Society Foundation packed up its operations in Hungary, and the Central European University he funded moved to Austria.

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!SAGINAW, MI - A Kansas man accused of driving to Michigan to abduct and sexually assault a 13-year-old girl is facing seven felony charges.

Saginaw County District Judge Elian E.H. Fichtner on Wednesday, Feb. 20, arraigned Scott M. Janner, 33, on four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and single counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, and unlawful imprisonment.

Appearing in the courtroom from the Saginaw County Jail via closed-circuit TV, Janner only spoke to answer Fichtners yes-or-no questions.

The judge denied granting Janner bond, citing the violent and predatory" nature of the allegations and Janners lack of any ties to Michigan. She further ordered he have no contact with the victim in the case.

After arraignment, Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa A. Hoover met with reporters to answer questions on the case.

She said Janner met his alleged victim through Snapchat, whereon Janner represented himself as a 17-year-old. Upon Janners arrival on the night of Feb. 17 in St. Charles, the girl exited her house and met him at his vehicle, Hoover said. When the teen hesitated, Janner grabbed her and pulled her into the vehicle, Hoover said.

Janner drove her to the St. Charles Motel, 9945 S. Graham Road, and engaged in numerous sexual acts with her, Hoover said. At some point, he put her in a bathroom and prevented her from leaving, she continued.

The girls mother and possibly another relative later arrived at the motel and managed to extract the girl and notify police, who arrested Janner shortly thereafter, Hoover said.

Scott M. Janner on a video call for his arraignment with Saginaw County District Judge Elian E.H Fichtner on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019 at the Saginaw County Courthouse.Rachel Ellis | MLive

Hoover said Janner is under investigation for similar conduct involving a 13-year-old girl in Kansas, though hes not been charged with a crime there. She said he is married, has three to four kids in his household and works as a pizza delivery man.

Court records indicate Janner resides in Overland Park in Johnson County, Kansas. From there to St. Charles is an 11-and-a-half-hour drive of about 767 miles.

Hoover said the investigation is ongoing.

Janner is to appear for a preliminary examination before Fichtner at 2 p.m. on March 11.MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI  Poor, disabled and senior citizens would be most hurt by a proposal to eliminate two urban bus routes, residents and local government officials said during a packed public hearing in Muskegon Heights Tuesday.

Muskegon Area Transit System managers and the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, Feb. 19 to discuss the possible elimination of two downtown Muskegon and Muskegon Heights bus routes and to gain public input during a transportation committee meeting.

The board is expected to decide if MATS should eliminate Routes 20 and 45 serving Apple Avenue and the Peck and Sanford streets corridor, respectively, in the coming months, said Board Chair Susie Hughes.

System managers have said that low ridership and a loss of revenue from ridership fares prompted the recommendation to eliminate the lines -- changes that could take effect on April 1.

The public hearing was held Tuesday at the Louis A. McMurray Conference Center, 2624 Sixth St., in Muskegon Heights. The room was packed with more than 50 residents, and some had to stand.

A majority who spoke during public comment said the changes would most hurt the countys poorest citizens, including racial minorities and people with disabilities who rely on both lines.

The proposed route eliminations will disproportionately affect people with disabilities and seniors, the very people whose well-being is most dependent on having access to public transit, said Eleanor Canter, a Muskegon resident and a disability rights activist with the Disability Justice League. "Unfortunately, we live in a society where people with disabilities and seniors and low-income people are segregated into different areas. This proposal targets those areas and will have a significant impact on the people who live there.

If you know anything about disability civil rights and transportation, this is not a sleeping giant you want to wake.

Brad Haskins, the advocacy and Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator at Disability Network West Michigan, agreed with Canter, saying that people of color, seniors and people with disabilities would bear the brunt of the burden.

Woodcliffe Neighborhood Association President Al Nichols said his biggest concern is for the low-income residents who depend on public services like the countywide bus system.

They are citizens and they are taxpayers, Nichols said. These are grassroots people with high needs. You need to do a profile of each of those people to determine what their needs are specifically and how it will impact their lives. You can look at cuts, and cuts are one thing, but when you impact peoples lives, it could cost a whole lot of more money for them as far as theyre concerned.

As to the MATS organization as a whole, Helen Black said the system should focus on making the service better by addressing existing problems, such as infrequent service, wasteful spending and the cleanliness of the buses.

If anyone rides the MATS bus, theyll notice the cleanliness, because they are terrible, Black said. They raised prices last year ... but they havent improved the upkeep of the buses or anything.

MATS managers are considering making major changes to routes and the systems operating model to address an estimated $440,000 budget shortfall.

System managers also plan to embark on a full route study to determine the cost effectiveness of its current service offerings, which could result in changes in route schedules and destinations. It also could also result in additional routes being rearranged, eliminated or combined as a result.

Eliminating Routes 20 and 45 is expected to produce savings of $80,000, which MATS System Manager Jim Koens called a conservative estimate.

While the board had no intention of voting on the measure at the Tuesday meeting, Commissioners Charles Nash and Marcia Hovey-Wright called for the board to delay any vote on eliminating lines until the study is complete.

I would definitely want to know the ins and outs of the study, because were not connecting with our ridership enough, Nash said. Maybe we dont need so many big buses or get midsize buses doing different, more efficient routes. Thats one thing were losing out on. We havent done a fare study in how long? We just raised the passes, but we need to look at the different fares."

Several elected officials from Muskegon and Muskegon Heights also spoke out against the changes, including Muskegon City Commissioner Ken Johnson, Muskegon Heights Mayor Kim Sims and Muskegon Heights City Councilman Walter Watt.

Johnson agreed with residents who said the eliminations would be a disservice to poor Muskegon residents.

Watt said it appeared county commissioners already had their minds made up, and called on them to take the study seriously.

A study has not been done and basically some things have been just thrown against a wall and were just going to pick and choose without having a solid financial reasoning why, and thats just wrong, Watt said. These people need access to bus lines and they should not be cut, because I have not seen a solid reason as to why. Do you all have one yet? When you get one, thats something we should consider then.NORTON SHORES, MI  Residents who attended a meeting to discuss toxic chemicals called PFAS that have shown up in drinking water in Norton Shores said they were left few answers and no immediate solutions.

The three-hour meeting held Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Western Michigan Christian High School, 455 E. Ellis Road in Norton Shores, was organized by Muskegon County Public Health and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Representatives from the county, DEQ and the states Department of Health and Human Services answered residents questions about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS; their effects on public health; and an ongoing investigation into high PFAS levels found recently in drinking water wells around the Muskegon County Airport in Norton Shores.

The discussion, however, was dominated by public comment from concerned citizens.

A majority of those who spoke asked about the status of the investigation, which began in August 2018. Some wondered if the suspected PFAS plume was spreading. Others worried about adverse health effects and wondered if they were at risk.

A few residents living outside the defined DEQ testing area said they wanted their wells to be tested, as well.

Much to their dismay, they didnt learn much that was new. DEQ and county officials said theyre still sampling well water and plan to install monitoring wells sometime later this year.

A pending hydrogeological study also should help officials know how the plume is spreading, where to and how far, said Abigail Hendershott, assistant district supervisor with the DEQs remediation and redevelopment division.

That investigation could take months to several years, Hendershott added.

Many of the questions about solutions also were left unanswered because they were dependent on the results of the investigation.

Robert Martin, whose well is one thats affected, told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle that he wasnt satisfied with what he heard.

Im 75 years old, and I probably wont be around by the time they solve this anyway, said Martin, whose well tested positive for two compounds known as PFOS and PFOA at 161 parts per trillion.

Thats more than double the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys lifetime health advisory limit of 70-ppt for PFOS+PFOA.

Martin was among the first homeowners in Norton Shores to learn that his underground drinking water well was contaminated with the toxic forever chemicals linked to certain types of cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension in pregnancy, thyroid disease and other health problems.

State health officials say ingestion is the primary route of exposure concern.

Martin said his wife recently was diagnosed with cancer and he wants to move into a smaller home while she continues chemotherapy. The PFAS in his drinking water is making the move difficult.

I cant sell the home because no one will finance it and no one will buy it, Martin said. That makes sense. I have PFAS. No ones going to buy a house with poison water.

Patsy and Steve Lamb said theyre dealing with a similar situation.

During public comment, Patsy Lamb said the home she raised her children in was one of the six residences that tested positive for high levels of PFAS.

Steve Lamb has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and their 41-year-old son died last year from a heart attack.

Patsy Lamb said they lived in the home from the early 1980s until the mid-1990s, when her son became the primary resident until the time of his death.

Unbeknownst to them, the Lambs said, they could have been ingesting PFAS-contaminated water the entire time.

Its been really hard to accept his death, Patsy said after the meeting. No one knew, but I feel guilty. I feel like as a mother, I should have known.

To move on, the Lambs said they too want to sell their home but cant because of their contaminated well water.

Martin and the Lambs told the DEQ and county officials Tuesday that they wanted to get hooked up to a municipal water source sooner than later. Connecting homes to a municipal water source was one of the long-term solutions proposed by public health to prevent further PFAS exposure.

All Ive ever asked for since this started was to hook up to the water that was across the street from me, Martin said.

County officials at the meeting said that likely wouldnt happen any time soon.

Kathy Moore, director of Muskegon County Public Health, said her department wants to complete the investigation first so they know how many residents need to be transferred to the Norton Shores drinking water system.

In the interim, she said her department was willing to install specialized water filters in homes that recently tested positive for any level of PFAS. The county had only installed filters in homes that tested above the EPA lifetime health advisory limit.

Yet several residents complained that the filters are inconvenient because they take more than 20 minutes to clean the toxic water. Instead, some said theyd prefer to keep receiving bottled water until they can be connected to Norton Shores water.

At least 90 homes around the airport have been tested for PFAS and two compounds known as PFOS and PFOA since the investigation began in August 2018. The contamination is believed to result from the airports past use of chemical-based AFFF firefighting foam.

A total of six homes tested for PFOS+PFOA levels well above what is considered harmful to human health. More than 20 of the homes tested positive for some level of detectable PFAS.

The county plans to test an additional 30 homes in the first half of 2019.BERRIEN COUNTY, MI -- The wife of an Army sergeant killed in December admitted that she planned his killing together with another man, communicating on Snapchat in an attempt to hide their communications, according to statements she made to police.

Kemia Hassel, 22, told police that she spent months planning her husbands death in order to be with someone else, St. Joseph Township Police Officer Mike Lanier testified in Berrien County Trial Court Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Hassel and co-defendant Jeremy Cuellar, 24, both pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree, premeditated murder in the death of U.S. Army Sgt. Tyrone Hassel III, 23, on New Years Eve.

Both defendants are headed to trial after the case was bound over following a preliminary examination Wednesday. Judge Sterling R. Schrock presided over the hearing after the originally scheduled judge fell ill Wednesday morning.

The murder charges were filed against the pair after a police investigation revealed an an alleged affair and plot to kill Tyrone Hassel III. The defendants hoped to continue their relationship and reap financial benefits resulting from Hassels death, according to a press release from the Berrien County Sheriffs office.

If convicted of first-degree, premeditated murder, Cuellar and Hassel could face a sentence of life in prison without the chance for parole.

Jeremy Cuellar, left, and Kemia Hassel face life in prison if convicted of murdering Army Sgt. Tyrone Hassel III in Berrien County Dec. 31, 2018. (Courtesy of Berrien County Sheriff's Dept.)

Lanier told Chief Assistant Prosecutor Steve Pierangeli that when he arrived at the scene of the shooting late on Dec. 31, he found the victim on the ground outside and a truck in the driveway. Hassel had a gunshot wound to his head, Lanier said.

Lanier testified that Kemia Hassel admitted to planning the killing, calling it a 50/50 deal with the co-defendant Cuellar. According to Laniers testimony, Hassel said yes when questioned by police about whether she planned her husbands death, if the plan began months before, and whether money was a motivator for the murder.

Cuellar, who was also in the military, was stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia. Kemia Hassel and her husband were also stationed at Fort Stewart, where they lived with their 1-year-old child.

Kemia Hassel admitted to a sexual relationship with Cuellar, Lanier testified, and told police that she would lean on him when she had issues at home with her husband. She told police she had been unhappy in her marriage but that divorce was not an option because then she would not get any life insurance money, Lanier testified.

Cuellar told Hassel he could handle this," Lanier testified.

Cuellar and Hassel began their plans while deployed in Korea between February and October of last year, Lanier testified.

Hassel told police she and Cuellar thought committing the crime on a military base would be more difficult, so they waited until they were on leave for the holidays, Lanier testified. The two communicated with each other over Snapchat, because they thought the apps temporary messages would be untraceable by police, he testified.

Hassel told police that Cuellar spent three to four days in Michigan staking out the sergeants house in St. Joseph Township, Lanier testified.

On the night of the alleged murder, the victim and his wife were staying with his father in St. Joseph Township while the two were home on military leave over the holiday season.

Hassell was at a family gathering in Benton Harbor Dec. 31, 2018, and returned to his fathers home in St. Joseph Township at about 11 p.m. to bring his wife some food, police said in a news release. He was confronted there by an assailant who shot and killed him, the release said.

Cuellars defense attorney, Edwin Johnson III, questioned whether witnesses placed his client at the scene of the crime. He also asked whether police had evidence that Hassel demanded that Cuellar kill her husband.

Johnson said police had several suspects, but stopped investigating them once they had found Cuellar.

Im not so certain they have the right guy, he said.

Two other members of the Army were called as witnesses in Wednesdays hearing. The two witnesses testified to knowing of Cuellar and Hassels extramarital relationship.

One witness said Cuellar told him his plan to kill Hassels husband and confided in him afterward about doing what he had to do, the witness testified

Cuellar told the witness a $400,000 Army life insurance benefit was a plus," the witness testified.

The victims father, Tyrone Hassel Jr., said after the hearing that he had learned more details about the planning of his sons death during the examination.

Its hard to take it in without crying, Hassel said.

His son was married in 2016. He thought his son and daughter-in-law had a great marriage, he said.

Everybody deserves to be forgiven, Hassel said. But I just want to have a conversation about what was going through her head.

His daughter-in-law stayed with him for about 12 days after his sons death, he said.

We took her in as one of our own, he said. Looking back knowing that I cared for this person that was ultimately responsible for killing my son. I still cant wrap my head around it."

The couples young child, Hassels grandchild, is now living with his maternal grandma in Georgia, he said.

Hassel and Cuellars murder trial is scheduled to begin April 30. Bonds for both defendants were previously set at $2.5 million each, with a requirement for a GPS tether should either post bond.KALAMAZOO, MI -- The West Michigan Cancer Center pulled back its request for a ballot proposal asking voters to fund a downtown Kalamazoo event center with taxes.

Kalamazoo County will negotiate the purchase of a parking lot owned by WMCC near the Park Trades Center. The cancer centers Board of Directors revised a deal offered earlier this month to swap ownership of its parcel in exchange for an adjacent county-owned parking lot and a restaurant and hotel surcharge ballot proposal.

A spokesperson said the WMCC board decided last week to remove the event center contingency contained in the original proposal to Kalamazoo County. Tuesday, Administrator Tracie Moored provided a Feb. 18 letter signed by Board Chair John Hayden that offers to sell the 13,000-square-foot lot for $540,000.

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners directed Moored to negotiate a purchase agreement. Commissioners expressed interest in placing a $103 million courthouse and administration building on the combined lot between Park and Church streets, while keeping its parking lot to the west open for development.

West Michigan Cancer Center board members and Interim Executive Director Bridget VandenBussche were unable to be reached for comment. A spokesperson did not provide additional details about why the offer changed.

We appreciate the feedback we have received and continue to believe we can reach an agreement that achieves the goals of the parties and addresses their respective needs, the letter states.

Southwest Michigan First, a regional economic development nonprofit, requested the county keep 411 W. Kalamazoo Ave. undeveloped so a $110 million event center and parking garage could be built across the parcel and land owned by Western Michigan University.

President and CEO Ron Kitchens suggested using a 1 percent tax on restaurant food and beverages sales to fund the development. After hearing the proposal last August, commissioners didnt bring the topic back for discussion, while several said constituents told them not to fund the facility with public money.

Moored said the new offer is more desirable for the county. If the deal is finalized, Moored said Kalamazoo County will likely use the site for a 200,000-square-foot courthouse facility.

Kalamazoo County secured 200 parking spaces for the next 10 years on parcels south of Eleanor Street through a $2 million deal with PlazaCorp finalized in 2018. Moored said the county still needs to find a permanent plan for parking.

During a Feb. 19 presentation, building consultant Jerry VanderVeen said building on the WMCC lot keeps the facility closer to the citys urban core and parking structures, It also keeps 411 W. Kalamazoo Ave. open for a parking ramp in the future.

The more property that you have under control, I think it gives you a lot more options, VanderVeen said.

Kalamazoo hired West Michigan architectural and engineering firm TowerPinkster to assist with the courthouse and administration building plans. President and CEO Bjorn Green said moving the facility on land now owned by WMCC would keep tall downtown closer together.

The density of the city is stronger when taller buildings are closer together to one another, Green said. As the city continues to grow up and evolve and shape itself, density is our friend."

The county building would consolidate the operations of courts on West Michigan Avenue and Crosstown Parkway, while leaving operations of the Gull Road Justice Complex and County Juvenile Home unchanged. Administrative offices would be added in the next 5-7 years.

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.

The cancer center boards offer is contingent on WMCC employees and visitors being allowed to park on the lot until the county begins development and seeks an easement to provide at least 85 additional parking spaces.

Kalamazoo County gained 411 W. Kalamazoo Ave. from PlazaCorp in 2017 through a land swap that exchanged ownership of the Michigan Avenue Courthouse.BERRIEN COUNTY, MI -- The preliminary examination in a murder case in Berrien County was delayed Wednesday after the judge had a medical issue, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Steve Pierangeli said.

Jeremy Cuellar, 24, and Kemia Hassel, 22, were scheduled to appear before Berrien County District Court Judge Angela M. Pasula at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, on murder charges.

Hassel and Cuellar were charged with murder after police said they were having an affair and planned a fatal attack on Hassels husband, U.S. Army Sgt. Tyrone Hassel III, 23, Monday, Dec. 31, 2018.

About 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Pierangeli told the victims family gathered in the courtroom that the hearing was adjourned until 1:30 p.m. Judge Sterling R. Schrock will preside over the preliminary examination, he said.

Pierangeli said the issue had nothing to do with the case, but that Pasula was no longer available for the hearing. Prior to the announcement, a handful of sheriffs deputies rushed into the judges chambers and radioed for a nurse.

Pasula will take back over the case after Wednesday, Pierangeli said. He could not speak further on the medical issue citing the privacy of the judge.

The murder charges against Hassel and Cuellar came after a police investigation revealed the pair was having an affair and plotted to killed Tyrone Hassel III to continue their relationship and reap financial benefits resulting from his death, according to a press release from the Sheriffs Department. Cuellar, who was also in the military, was stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia. Kemia Hassel and her husband were also stationed at Fort Stewart, where they lived with their 1-year-old child.

If convicted of first-degree, premeditated murder, Cuellar and Hassel could face a sentence of life in prison without the chance for parole.

On the night of his death, the victim and his wife were staying with his father in St. Joseph Township while the two were home on military leave during the holiday season.

Hassell was at a family gathering in Benton Harbor Dec. 31, 2018, when he returned to his fathers home about 11 p.m. to bring his wife some food, police said. He was confronted there by an assailant who shot and killed him, the release said.

Cuellar traveled from Fort Stewart to Chicago several days prior to Dec. 31, police said. He waited for directions from Hassel to ambush the victim, and did so on New Years Eve, the release said.

Kemia Hassel was arrested and taken to the Berrien County Jail Saturday, Jan. 12, according to jail records. She was arraigned on a charge of first-degree, premeditated murder Jan. 14.

Both Hassel and Cuellars bonds were set at $2.5 million each, with a requirement for a GPS tether should either post bond.BATTLE CREEK, MI -- All 55,000 city of Battle Creek water customers are affected by a boil water advisory issued Tuesday after a large water transmission line was damaged.

City Manager Rebecca Fleury called the incident an unfortunate accident. ITC Holdings employees working on a substation near Battle Creeks Vernoa Pumping Station accidentally struck the transmission line before noon on Feb. 19, according to a spokesperson, causing a loss in pressure that could allow bacteria to contaminate the water system.

All water customers are advised to boil their tap water before using to drink or cook, including all customers in the city of Springfield and Bedford, Emmett, Leroy and Pennfield townships. It also includes hospitals and schools in these areas.

Fleury said the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution. Because contaminants have not yet been identified, she said there is not a need to provide customers with bottled water.

We understand that his has been a huge disruption to customers today, she said. We know this has been a disruption. We are working feverishly to make sure we can resume water as normal.

Water Superintendent Perry Hart said city staff isolated the damaged transmission line and are working to re-establish water system pressure. Hart said four other water lines will be able to adequately supply water to customers.

Staff will take samples to verify water quality before lifting the boil water advisory, Fleury said. The sampling process will continue into Tuesday afternoon. The boil water advisory will remain in effect until the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality verifies the water is safe to drink.

Residents are advised to bring water to a boil for one minute and then let it cool before using, or use bottled water. This includes water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Hart said customers have been reporting discoloration in their water, caused by sediment stirred up when water flow reverses to flow to the area of least pressure.

The south side of Battle Creek will experience discoloration, Hart said, which wont be remedied by boiling water. He recommended residents flush pipes with cold water to remove sediment.

The city of Battle Creek will work to get pressure restored as soon as possible after the work is completed, according to a release. City staff will be take other actions such as flushing and collecting bacteriological samples from around the affected area.JACKSON, MI  Geese defecate faster at Cascade Falls Park than staff can clean it up.

Its one of the most common issues Jackson County Parks Director Jeff Hovarter said he hears. So, the county is hoping to slim down its goose population at the 443-acre park by seeking a permit to relocate 500 geese.

"(People) love the Cascades. They love the environment, so they keep coming out," Hovarter said. "But their biggest complaint is the mess on the path system that's created. It's something we need to deal with."

At its Tuesday, Feb. 19 meeting, the countys Board of Commissioners unanimously authorized Hovarter to seek a permit to relocate 500 Canada geese in each of the next three years. Private contractors will take them to natural habitats in the Saginaw area and northeastern lower Michigan, he said.

The issue is, geese are wired to come back once they get their feathers in the summer, said Casey Reitz, permit specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

"When they start flying again, some of them will just go right back," Reitz said. "Or they'll come back to the location the next year."

The more effective route is egg and nest destruction, Hovarter and Reitz said. But federal laws force Jackson County to do three years of goose relocation before it can do that, they said.

Other goose control methods approved by the DNR include elimination of feeding, hunting, scare devices, dogs, repellents, barrier fencing and landscape or habitat modifications. Unlike with deer, though, the DNR does not allow goose culls, Reitz said.

It costs $200 for a goose relocation permit and costs $1,200 to move the 500 birds, per county documents. They must be taken at least 50 miles away.

If were lucky, only a small percentage of them will make their way back, and problem solved, Hovarter said. Not confident that will be the case. It generally isnt.

If geese are still a large problem after three years of relocation, the county very likely will pursue egg and nest destruction, Hovarter said.

The increase in geese isnt unique to Jackson County, Hovarter said. Michigans Canada goose population went from 9,000 in 1970 to 300,000 in 2000, per DNR documents. The current population is between 175,000 and 225,000.

Goose problems are especially prevalent in southeast Michigan, Reitz said, like Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties.

Jackson County doesnt do a count, but Hovarter said county estimates show the removal of 500 geese at Cascade Falls Park would account for more than half of them.

The county filed for a goose removal permit about five to six years ago, but didnt act on it, said Hovarter  whos worked for Jackson County since 2016.GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Expectations are high for the next chief of the Grand Rapids Police Department.

On Tuesday, Feb. 19, a couple dozen residents, city staff members and community stakeholders took advantage of a community feedback session held at City Hall to gauge what people want in their next top law enforcement officer.

Above all else, those who shared their demands asked for a police chief who is courageous, visible and empathetic to everyone.

City Manager Mark Washington said balance was what he heard most from those in attendance Tuesday in the ninth-floor commission chambers of City Hall. He said he was happy with the balanced perspectives he heard, and hoped to have more people show up for the second session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Tuesdays feedback session began with Washington providing a summary of the strategic planning process that city officials are currently embarking on to determine Grand Rapids priorities and goals for the next 3-5 years.

From there, conversation was led by event facilitator Cedric Alexander, a former police chief and member of the Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Alexander asked those in attendance what character traits they wanted in their next chief, and what changes theyd like to see made under his or her leadership. For most answers he received, Alexander elaborated on the significance of that characteristic in a 21st century police chief.

Some of the answers shared by participants included calls for a chief who is courageous, bold, trustworthy, visible, compassionate, relate-able, fair, knowledgeable of local challenges, and someone who is a visionary.

The majority of comments fell into three themes, which were:

Courage

Johnny Brann Sr., owner of Branns Steakhouse & Grille, said the next chief needs to be assertive regarding the departments staffing needs and to stand up for his officers. He also called out the city commission for not providing additional officers when asked repeatedly by former chief David Rahinsky.

They have to be assertive and have to get their needs met," Brann said. We need a police chief that stands behind the officers and gets his needs met for additional officers. Were only down 100.

Pat Czyzyk, a Grand Rapids resident, said she wants a police chief who will defend officers when theyre being unfairly beat up in the media."

Others asked for a chief who will be courageous in holding officers accountable and having conversations that are necessary, yet difficult, like issues surrounding race relations.

For the next police chief to have the courage to model compassion, to be able to model empathy, to be able to model vulnerability because thats what their officers are going to see," said one man in attendance. If they dont see it in their police chief, itll be more difficult for them to model it and express it out in the community ... its not easy.

Another participant asked for a chief who is bold and courageous enough to stand for what is right for the community at large.

Empathy and respect for all

Several comments were made Tuesday in reference to diversity, cultural intelligence, and respect and empathy for all people, no matter their race, gender, orientation or cultural background.

Third Ward Commissioner Nate Moody said he wants to see the next police chief have an understanding of different cultures and be able to relate to people of all races.

Barbara Snell, a Grand Rapids resident, said its important for the leader of the department to understand various cultures, in order to share that understanding with the rest of the department.

Most people in different cultures do things differently," Snell said. The chief has to make sure his officers give respect and theyll get respect.

Gordy VanHaitsma, a 45-year resident of Grand Rapids, said an understanding of the history of inequity in policing is crucial in repairing relationships and building trust.

(We need) a chief who is willing to talk about race, who is willing to talk about the history of race and the history of race in policing in this country and in Grand Rapids," VanHaitsma said.

Participants also asked for continued efforts in expanding recruiting and further diversifying the police ranks to match the makeup of the Grand Rapids community.

Visibility/accountability

Multiple participants in Tuesdays feedback session said theyd like a police chief who is visible and accountable to the community he or she serves.

Alexander took those comments and elaborated further on them.

Being visible; someone who is going to be out in the public," Alexander said. "If you have an incident that occurs, theyll engage the media and not run from the media.

You want a chief that is going to be engaging and going to community meetings.

Washington called Tuesday evenings meeting a good start, and said he hopes to see a larger crowd turn out at 6 p.m. Wednesday when the firm Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. hosts its second of two feedback session at Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE.

Rahinsky submitted his resignation to the city manager on Dec. 4 after more than four years with the department. His last day in office was Dec. 18 before moving to Bradenton, Florida, to begin his retirement.

The city hired Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. (PSSC) and is paying them up to $34,000 to lead the national search process. Its the same price the city paid in 2014 for the search firm that helped find Rahinsky.

Washington said he expects to have a police chief in place by the summer. In the meantime, Deputy Police Chief David Kiddle has been filling in as interim police chief.

Wednesdays event is free and open to the public, and on-street parking will be available.

Community members can also take the citys online police chief search survey to provide their input. The survey is available until Friday, Feb. 22, and the results will be used to develop interview themes and questions.

The survey asks participants to:

Rank a list of personal qualities based on their importance for the leader of the Grand Rapids Police Department;

Determine what should be the top priority for the police department;

Rank a list of desired career experiences for the ideal police chief;

Answer, What changes do you hope our new Police Chief will bring to the Police Department?;

Provide optional personal information including ZIP code, gender, disability status, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and age.

As of Tuesday evening, 225 surveys had been submitted to the city.KENTWOOD, MI  A Kentwood-based manufacturer specializing in the pharmaceutical, chemical, steel, wastewater and energy markets is expanding its footprint in the city.

Andronaco Inc. recently acquired Conley Composites, a fiber glass pipe manufacturer based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and plans to move the business to Kentwood, according to The Right Place, a Grand Rapids-based economic development group.

Andronaco, as part of the expansion, plans to purchase and renovate a 30,000-square-foot building at 4544 Broadmoor Ave., a $3.3 million investment thats expected to create 64 jobs.

The decision to relocate Conley Composites to the same area as our other manufacturing subsidiaries made logistical sense for our company, Ron Andronaco, president and CEO of Andronaco Industries, said in a statement provided by The Right Place. We are thankful for the guidance and support of The Right Place and the MEDC as we worked through the details of this relocation and expansion process.

The 64 jobs are expected to be created over a five-year period, according to a memo from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Work on the companys new site is underway, but it wasnt immediately clear when it will be completed. Andronaco did not return a call requesting comment.

The expansion is being supported by the MEDC, which in November approved a $320,000 performance-based grant for Andronaco. The company is also seeking a tax abatement from the city of Kentwood, which would cut the property tax bill for the new building in half.

Andronaco, which makes fluoropolymer and composite products, was founded in 1994 and has locations in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and France. It also has four subsidiaries in Kentwood  PureFlex, Ethylene, Nil-Cor and PolyValve  that employ 195 people.

The new site at 4544 Broadmoor Ave. will be the companys fifth location in Kentwood.

(This story has been corrected to show the correct size of the building.)UPDATE: Rehman Corporate Investigative Services is on a $4,000 retainer for investigating the events surrounding the potential asbestos exposure at North Park Montessori, GRPS officials said Friday, Feb. 22. The company will also be paid for hourly services: $125 per hour for an intelligence analyst to $250 per hour for a principal investigator and digital forensics analysis.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Grand Rapids schools hired a company to investigate the sequence of events and communications leading up to the possible asbestos exposure at North Park Montessori School.

Official said Wednesday, Feb. 20, that the school district is contracting with Rehmann Corporate Investigative Services. How much the company will be paid was not available before publication.

In a letter to parents, John Helmholdt, communications director, said the districts investigation is in addition to the oversight and independent investigation(s) by the governmental/regulatory agencies.

The school, located 3375 Cheney Ave. NE, has been closed temporarily and classes were canceled Monday and Tuesday.

The 364 first through eighth-grade students resumed classes Wednesday at GRPS University, formerly City High Middle School, located at 1400 Fuller Ave. NE.

Members of the districts Crisis Response Team were at the school Wednesday and will be available throughout the rest of the week for students and staff.

It was Friday night, Feb. 15, that district leaders announced that its construction management company, Christman, informed them that plaster possibly containing asbestos was breached due to the cutting, drilling, and construction work."

The work that was being done is for a project to replace the heating system and add air conditioning in the building.

On Thursday, Feb. 21, district leaders will meet with state representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Kent County Health Department.

The meeting is closed to the public and media.

Helmholdt said the district will share the outcomes and next steps with families after the meeting.

We will be learning more about the different departments roles with the North Park response and receiving direction on the sample objectives and process for gathering and assessing the data regarding the potential asbestos exposure, according to the letter.

Parents were provided the February 2018 report for asbestos inspection conducted by MicroAir Consulting in advance of the construction work. The laboratory results of the asbestos bulk sampling identified 5 of the suspect materials DO contain asbestos content'' and there were recommendations made for handling the materials. Those materials were:

Exterior metal window glazing

Textured plaster in the interior walls and ceilings

Straight Pipe insulation

Mudded fittings

9' by 9' floor tile with mastic

As requested at the parent meeting Feb. 16, the district contracted with MicroAir to conduct asbestos and mold testing at GRPS University. The testing was conducted on Monday and the results are expected to be back on Thursday, Feb. 21.

GRPS University is a professional development training site and home to the districts Office of Organizational Learning and the Department of Public Safety and Security.

The district has been sharing updates with parents via email, robocall, text message, and social media. Now that students are back in session, Helmholdt said they will be printing communications and sending them home with students in addition to those other methods.

Parents who have not been receiving communications are asked to please email NorthParkInfo@grps.org or call Javier Cervantes at 616-819-2149.

Some parents were scheduled to meet Wednesday night to discuss the asbestos situation. Helmholdt planned to be present to hear concerns and answer questions.FLINT, MI --Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist isnt breaking his commitment to speak at a fundraising dinner for the Flint branch of the NAACP despite a campaign urging him not to attend.

Gilchrist released a statement to MLive-The Flint Journal in response to calls for a boycott of the annual Freedom Fund dinner where he is the scheduled keynote speaker next month.

Activist Quincy Murphy organized the boycott after asking that former branch president A.C. Dumas, currently an executive committee member, resign or be removed from his position -- neither of which happened after Dumas made anti-gay comments last fall.

Dumas took to Facebook in October to say he would not vote for Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is married to a woman, because shes gay" and said he could not support any gay candidate because of his religion.

Governor Whitmer and I have shown through our words and our actions that our state will be an ally to everyone, regardless of their station in life, skin color, who they love, or their religious beliefs," Gilchrists statement to The Journal says. "I look forward to delivering a strong statement at the Flint NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner that makes it clear that our fights for justice and efforts toward progress and prosperity in Michigan are inadequate if we do not support every person and every community that experiences discrimination of any kind.

The current president of the Flint branch of the NAACP has said Dumas doesnt speak for the organization and called his comments about Nessel unfortunate and ridiculous.

Murphy said Gilchrists representatives contacted him this week, telling him he planned to keep his commitment to speak at the dinner -- a decision he said he respects.

They are going to work on the inside while we work on the outside, Murphy said Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Although state Rep. Sheldon Neeley, D-Flint, said he would honor the boycott, Mayor Karen Weaver said she plans to attend.

Weaver, the honorary chairperson of the event, said Tuesday, Feb. 19, that the boycott is sad and divisive.

A.C. Dumas does not speak for the NAACP ..., she said. I have spoken to the attorney general to let her know we support you and he does not represent the values and the views of the organization."

On Facebook Wednesday, Dumas repeated that he didnt speak on behalf of the NAACP when he commented on Nessel

For the record, I believe the institutions of marriage is between a MAN AND WOMAN according to Gods Word! I stand on Gods Word and my core beliefs in the Holy Scriptures, Dumas post says.FLINT, MI -- Alec Baldwin was spotted around Flint Wednesday, Feb. 20 while in town shooting a documentary.

Baldwin stopped at Flint City Hall, met Mayor Karen Weaver, and the two had a photo taken together, spokeswoman Candice Mushatt confirmed.

Sources reached by The Flint Journal-MLive Wednesday said the actor was in town working on a documentary about the Flint water crisis. The documentary, by filmmaker Anthony Baxter, has been in the works since 2017, according to Variety.

Water activist Florissa Fowler said she had brunch with Baldwin, who was aghast at her $640 water bill.

I didnt know he was coming until the last minute, Fowler said. I really thought he was genuinely concerned.

Virginia Tech Professor Marc Edwards also confirmed that hed been interviewed for the documentary on Wednesday.

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, also met with Baldwin for the documentary, his office confirmed.

Actor Alec Baldwin also met with U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township while he was in Flint working on a water crisis documentary on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. (Courtesy of Kildee's office)

MLive-The Flint Journal could not reach a publicist for the actor -- known for his portrayal of President Trump on Saturday Night Live" and for roles on the former television sitcom 30 Rock. He is the current host of the television game show Match Game and recently started a talk show on ABC, according to The Associated Press.

Social media was abuzz with Baldwin sightings Wednesday. Alina Christen of Flint said she saw Baldwin coming and going from City Hall Wednesday while on her way to the Masonic Temple for lunch.

Cristen said she stopped, took a photo, and Baldwin nodded at her.

That was pretty much my interaction, she said. We said hi, and he was talking to somebody," followed by a camera operator.

Carma Lewis, president of Flint Neighborhoods United, said she also got a photo of herself and Baldwin before he left City Hall.

But Lewis said the interaction was so quick, she wasnt sure Baldwins reason for visitingANN ARBOR, MI  Gus Rosania describes the work being done in his PharmSci 420 course at the University of Michigan as pretty darn serious.

Rosania has long been an advocate for building science around marijuana, and believes the course, offered for the first time at UM this semester, has the potential to help people better understand cannabis and how it can be used as medicine.

Just a couple of months after voters in Michigan opted to legalize recreational marijuana, Rosanias class was introduced with the goal of teaching students the underlying biology, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, epidemiology and pharmacokinetics of cannabis.

In other words, theres no stoner vibe here.

This is serious science that should have been done 80 years ago, Rosania said after a lecture on Feb. 15. Were essentially 80 years behind where we should be.

More colleges and universities have begun offering courses focusing on the business, physiology and legal aspects of the cannabis industry in recent years. Northern Michigan University became the first university to offer a four-year degree in Medicinal Plant Chemistry in 2017.

Rosanias course relies heavily on experts from the industry, with guest lecturers including doctors, psychologists, pharmacoepidemiologists, lawyers, social policy experts and dispensary operators. David H. Sherman, a professor of chemistry with UMs Life Sciences Institute, provided a recent guest lecture on the secondary metabolism, biosynthesis and CBD and THC assembly from cannabis.

What I love about this field is how multi-disciplinary it is, Sherman said. We have to know something about microbiology, about plant biology, biochemistry and reaction mechanisms of that chemistry and biosynthesis.

Rosania said student engagement in the course has been encouraging, with around 90 percent attendance during his most recent lecture, compared to around 25 percent for a typical pharmacy course he teaches.

Around half of the students enrolled in the course are studying pharmacy, Rosania said, with the other half comprised of students from computer science, business, kinesiology, nursing and botany, among others.

Notably absent from that list, Rosania said, are students studying medicine. Thats because training in medicinal cannabis hasnt yet become part of standard medical practice, he said.

Ultimately, what you really want to see is for this to be taught in the medical school, because I think its going to be a great (alternative) medication, Rosania said. It's going to become more of a standard medication use in medical practice that can serve as an alternative to more toxic, lethal drugs like opioids.

First-year pharmacy student Sarah Harris saw the course as an opportunity to learn about the wide-ranging impact of the cannabis industry.

For me, its been interesting to see that it can be used in combination with other drugs to be therapeutic for patients, Harris said. Especially with the passing of the new marijuana laws, I figured as a pharmacist, I might be getting questions about it, so I almost felt obligated to take this class.

Mark Passerini, co-owner of the Om of Medicine marijuana dispensary on Ann Arbors Main Street, is excited about the new cannabis class and plans to give a guest lecture in March, along with state Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor. Evan Litinas, Om of Medicines chief medical officer, was the keynote lecturer at the very first class.

Hopefully this will spur on some other major universities throughout the country to follow that lead and finally start taking the cannabis movement a little bit more seriously when it relates to patients and therapeutic options that are outside of the opioid realm," Passerini said.ANN ARBOR, MI - An Ypsilanti Township man facing drug and weapons charges violated conditions of his bond earlier this month so he could work at the Super Bowl, his attorney says.

Terrill Smith, 42, left the state and missed a required drug test in order to work a catering job Feb. 3 at Super Bowl LIII, his attorney David Goldstein told Washtenaw County Trial Judge Darlene OBrien in court on Feb. 7.

It was a good job, and "he didn't think about it," Goldstein said.

Smith is charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon, being a felon in possession of ammunition and possession of controlled substances less than 25 grams in connection with a May 2017 incident, court records show. He was released on 10 percent of a $1,000 bond.

Smith was doing well while out on bond and officials reduced his testing frequency, Goldstein said.

He apologizes, Goldstein said. He realizes he should not have left the state.

After drug testing at the court that day found no more violations, OBrien sentenced Smith two days working in a jail work program.

But Smith leaned over to speak to Goldstein again before leaving.

He asked what to do in the future if he needs to leave to the state, Goldstein told O'Brien. Goldstein told his client to call him first, to figure things out.

Goldstein did not return requests for comment and Smith could not be reached for comment.

Smith was sentenced to prison in 2013 for charges including receiving and concealing stolen property between $1,000 and $20,000, being a felon in possession of a firearm and third-degree home invasion, according to Ann Arbor News reports at the time.

Smith was sent to the Michigan Department of Corrections boot camp a few months after his arrival to prison, was paroled in July 2013 and was discharged in January 2015, said MDOC spokesman Chris Gautz.

Prior to the prison time, he served probation and jail time for various other crimes, Gautz said.

Four other charges in his current case - three counts of carrying a weapon in the commission of a felony and one count of delivering or manufacturing controlled substances less than 50 grams - were dismissed, court records show.

Smith is now scheduled for a March 14 final pretrial hearing and a March 25 jury trial.ANN ARBOR, MI - One person in a trio of Detroit men accused in a violent robbery at the home of an Ann Arbor couple last fall is headed to prison.

Elijah Wilson-Beauford, 24, and his attorney pleaded for lenience and showed photos of his 8-year-old daughter before he learned his fate - 21 to 32 years in prison - Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Washtenaw County Trial Court.

I am not the evil person that these prosecutors are trying to make me out to be, Wilson-Beauford told Judge Darlene OBrien.

Police say Wilson-Beauford and two others, Deangelo Reed, 26, and Joseph Swilling, 35, broke into a home on Oct. 18, 2018 in the 2900 block of Foxridge Court, where Reed previously worked as a contracted painter.

The trio could see movement in the home and still decided to break in, throwing a brick through the glass and holding a 70-year-old old man and a 68-year-old woman at gunpoint, said Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor John Vella.

Though Wilson-Beaufords attorney, Arnold Weiner, argued his client didnt go in with guns like the others, that he comforted the woman and was cooperative with officials, Vella said he was still culpable in the crime.

He still made the woman get a laundry basket to fill with items to steal and his two companions pistol-whipped the man, Vella said. The losses were estimated at nearly $40,000.

The Ann Arbor couple was too traumatized to come to court, Vella said.

"Since October, since the date of this offense  they have not been able to sleep in that house one single night," he said.

Wilson-Beauford said during the sentencing hear he regretted the break-in and getting mixed up with the wrong two people, adding hes never been in serious trouble before.

OBrien sentenced him to 19 to 30 years in prison for three counts of armed robbery, one a conspiracy charge, and two additional years in prison, with credit for 111 days served, on three counts of felony firearm.

Shorter prison sentences for first-degree home invasion, conspiracy to commit first-degree home invasion and unlawful imprisonment will be served at the same time as the 19 to 30-year sentence.

Wilson-Beauford pleaded no contest to the nine charges in January, court records show.

Reed pleaded guilty on Feb. 14 to the same nine charges, along with an additional counts of felony firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm, court records show. Hes scheduled for sentencing March 7.

Swilling is scheduled for a March 7 pretrial hearing.ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor officials are considering forming a task force to help define a vision for the city-owned Library Lot, where voters have said they want a downtown central park.

City Council Member Jack Eaton, D-4th Ward, brought forward a proposal Tuesday night, Feb. 19 to establish a nine-member Center of the City Task Force to report back to council in one year.

In the spirit of implementing what voters have approved, Eaton is proposing the task force as a next step.

But after talking about it with Mayor Christopher Taylor, Eaton asked his council colleagues to hold off on voting on the proposal until April so they can work out some of the details.

The citys staff was not given an opportunity to collaborate on Eatons resolution before it was added to the agenda, staff stated in a memo to council, estimating the task force effort could cost $175,000 to $200,000, and that may come from reducing commitments to pedestrian safety and crosswalk improvements.

The planning process envisioned in this resolution is multi-disciplinary and would require staff support from several service units, the staff memo states. The ongoing efforts that could potentially be delayed include the planning for North Main Street improvements, the Y- Lot, the Treeline Trail, potential redevelopment of 415 West Washington and 721 North Main Street, traffic calming and pedestrian improvements, updating of the Master Plan, or other efforts.

Other basic services, particularly planning and plan review, also could be affected, the memo states, suggesting as an alternative the city could contract for support using outside consultants.

Council Members Chip Smith, D-5th Ward, and Julie Grand, D-3rd Ward, said it was their understanding central park proponents were willing to put up funds to support the effort.

Why is that group not being asked to fund this effort? Smith asked ahead of the meeting.

City officials are now interested in better understanding the degree of potential partnership support.

Will Hathaway, one of the leaders of the Ann Arbor Central Park Ballot Committee, couldnt immediately be reached for comment. His group has vowed to help raise funds to make a central park a reality.

12 voices for and against the Ann Arbor central park ballot proposal

Voters in November approved a city charter amendment requiring all city-owned land on the block bound by Fifth Avenue and William, Division and Liberty streets to be retained in public ownership in perpetuity and developed as an urban central park and civic center commons known as the Center of the City.

That includes Liberty Plaza and the Library Lot, the surface parking lot atop the underground parking garage next to the downtown library.

Voter approval of the ballot proposal halted the citys previous plans to sell the Library Lot to Chicago developer Core Spaces for $10 million to make way for a 17-story high-rise and plaza.

The Center of the City will be a commons, a traditional form of shared space based on mutual benefit, mutual responsibility and mutual respect, conveying a culture of sustainability now and for the generations to come, Eatons resolution states.

It will be welcoming, diverse, multi-venue, year-round: a community commons for everyone, it further states, adding it will realize a town square or central civic area vision.

As tentatively planned, the task force would include immediate residential and business neighbors, other downtown business and residential neighbors and commuters, near-downtown neighbors who frequently use the site, supporters of the concept of a Center of the City, planners with experience designing public open spaces, and other community members who would use the public spaces.

Eaton proposes having city staff support the task force, including an urban designer/planner with knowledge of historic preservation who can act as a liaison to other city departments and commissions.

The task force would hold meetings to solicit input from the community and oversee a working group of volunteers who could help with specific tasks, as the task force researches the history of the site, prior public input and proposals for public use, central spaces in other communities, management models and funding sources.

The task force would define the limits of the site, including determining the weight-bearing capacity of the existing parking structure roof and central down-up ramps, and generate a list of possible civic center structures that might be part of the plan and actively work to integrate/reorient existing structures into the plan.

Can Ann Arbors Library Lot support a green park with trees?

Eaton envisions the task force helping to define the relationship between public and private properties on the block.

That would include understanding neighboring properties, possible incentives for renovation/restoration, future development downtown and its impact on the site, and the potential for easements to facilitate pedestrian access to the site from Liberty and William streets.

The task force would then generate multiple use and design ideas for the site, analyze all ideas to find consensus, conduct cost-benefit analyses, prioritize elements of the vision and recommend next steps to move to an actual site design.

Eaton proposed budgeting for the task force initiative, including a public engagement process, as part of the next city budget the council will approve in May for the fiscal year starting in July, possibly with support from the Downtown Development Authority.

Multiple council members expressed hopes Tuesday night of facilitating public use of the Library Lot for special events this year to showcase its potential as a public gathering space.

Council Member Ali Ramlawi, D-5th Ward, noted the council approved several street closures Tuesday night for upcoming festivals. He suggested the Library Lot would be a better place for some of those events, rather than closing down streets.

Ann Arbor developer open to cooperating on future of Library LotA 65-year-old Michigan man was sentenced to 9 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud in relation to the theft of $3.7 million from clients of his Oakland County financial services company.

The FBIs Detroit office reports that John Maccoll, of Rochester Hills, was sentenced by Judge Bernard Friedman on Tuesday, Feb. 19. Maccoll, who embezzled millions of dollars from his clients over an eight-year period, pleaded guilty to the charges back in September.

Maccoll advised some of his clients at UBS (UBS Financial Services) to wire transfer money or write checks to his personal accounts in order to take advantage of investment vehicles which he claimed were not available through UBS, the plea agreement read, according to an FBI news release. "Subsequently, Maccoll would falsely tell the clients who sent money to his personal accounts that the funds they invested in were performing well and that they should send more money.

"Instead of investing the clients funds sent to his personal account, Maccoll converted these funds to his personal use.

Related: Financial adviser accused of embezzling $3.7M from clients

FBI officials in Detroit believe that more than a dozen people became victims of his schemes between April 2010 and March 2018. The case was investigated by FBI Detroits Metro Identity Theft and Financial Crimes Task Force, and it was prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorney Abed Hammoud in Detroit.

Let this sentence be a deterrent to anyone who tries to take advantage of those who seek to invest their hard-earned money for their retirement, U.S. attorney Matthew Schneider said in the release.The U.S. government estimates there will be more than 7 million drones in its national airspace within a couple of years, and that there are serious safety, efficiency and security problems on the horizon if further regulatory measures are not taken.

The Department of Homeland Security reports in a news release that it has partnered with NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration to tackle these concerns.

Together, these federal agencies developed the Unmanned Aircraft Systems --Traffic Management infrastructure, which it says has the capability to manage national airspace drone traffic in the future.

This research is building the theoretical foundation for getting drones operating in airspace not typically controlled by FAA Air Traffic Control, Homeland Security reports in its release. The federal agency goes on to add that through the partnership of these agencies, there is a pathway to support a stronger security posture in our nations skies.

In the release, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems -- Traffic Management is referred to as a cloud-based software architecture that promises organized flight of drones registered with the FAA.

Homeland Security reports in the release that this program started off as a concept within the U.S. space agency.

If you have eleven drones in the air, but UTM (the program) only has ten of them registered, we can look further at what the eleventh drone is doing, Jeff Randorf, engineering advisor for the Science and Technology Directorate for Homeland Security, said in a news release.

Well be able to query who is flying and find out specifics that support the interests of Homeland Security and the rest of the homeland security enterprise.

For years, weve worked on developing the breakthrough technology for making drone air traffic possible. Now, our final phase of flight testing is taking us to the great states of Nevada and Texas for a series of drone flights in downtown urban areas: https://t.co/MDESFhuFVc pic.twitter.com/eSg8uqwOS6  NASA Ames (@NASAAmes) February 19, 2019

NASA will test the system at the Lone Star UAS Center for Excellence and Innovation in Corpus Christi, Texas and at the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems in Las Vegas. The space agency says these tests will look to prove that the UAS Traffic Management infrastructure can safely and effectively manage drone traffic in an urban area.

Ronald Johnson, the project manager on the system for NASA, said this phase represents the most complicated and demanding demonstration yet.

With these demonstrations, NASA and its partners including the Federal Aviation Administration, aim to help the commercial drone industry understand the challenges posed by flying in an urban environment, the space agency reports in its own news release.

Results of the flight demonstrations also will help inform future rules, policies and traffic management procedures for operating drones safely over populated areas.

Back in May 2018, in a separate program, NASA announced a partnership with ride-hailing service Uber to study and develop a safe and efficient method for future delivery drone and small passenger aircraft operations in crowded populated.

In this program, NASA and Uber will share plans with each other while the space agency uses airspace management computer modeling and simulation methods to assess the potential impact.

Related: NASA, Uber to study impact of delivery drones, small planes in populated areas

NASAs near-term goal is the development and demonstration of a possible future UTM system that could safely enable low-altitude airspace and UAS operations, the space agency says of the collaboration on its website.

Working alongside many committed government, industry and academic partners, NASA is leading the research, development and testing that is taking place in a series of activities called Technology Capability Levels, each increasing in complexity.UPDATE: Due to strong public interest, the meeting will now be held on March 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the East Bay Township Hall, 1965 North 3 Mile Road, in Traverse City.

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI  Overfishing of lake trout on Grand Traverse Bay has prompted the DNR to consider several options designed to reduce the take in 2019.

According to the DNR, Grand Traverse Bays 2018 lake trout harvest exceeded limits set under the 1836 Treaty by 15,800 pounds. Treaty tribes, the United States and the state of Michigan work together to set the limits.

In 2018, harvest in Grand Traverse Bay reached 93,000 pounds  exceeding the set total allowable catch of 77,200 pounds.

When either the state or the tribes exceed harvest limits by more than 15 percent, there is a penalty the following season, said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Jim Dexter. Under this scenario, recreational anglers on Grand Traverse Bay this year will be required to reduce their catch by nearly 32,000 pounds.

Michigans daily limit for yellow perch reduced from 50 to 25

The DNR is considering three options to achieve the required reduction, including dates when the fishery will be open:

Allow Grand Traverse Bay trout fishing June 15-Sept. 2 with a 15-inch minimum size limit, and a two-fish daily possession limit. (Estimated reduction: 30,900 pounds)

Allow Grand Traverse Bay trout fishing July 1-Sept. 30 with a 15-inch minimum size limit, and a two-fish daily possession limit. (Estimated reduction: 31,400 pounds)

Allow Grand Traverse Bay trout fishing May 25-Sept. 2 with a 15-inch minimum size limit, and a one-fish daily possession limit May 25-June 30 and a two-fish daily possession limit July 1-Sept. 2. (Estimated reduction: 27,400 pounds)

The DNR is is inviting the public to learn about the different options during a meeting Wednesday, March 6, 6 to 8 p.m. at the DNR Customer Service Center in Traverse City, 2122 South M-37.

Trout fishing has long been popular on Grand Traverse Bay, but fishing methods have moved beyond trolling in recent years and now include casting and jigging leading to more trout being caught and less catch and release, according to the DNR.

Therein lies part of the problem, Heather Hettinger, a DNR fisheries biologist in Traverse City said Lake trout released by anglers do not survive well."

In fact, research suggests that 41 percent of those returned to the water wont live to be caught another day. Thats why catch-and-release data collected by DNR creel clerks and reported by charter captains is incorporated into allowable catch calculations.

The DNR is reminding anglers that they can directly improve the states ability to stay within lake trout harvest limits in Grand Traverse Bay by targeting other readily available fish species or stopping their fish outing after reaching the daily possession limit of lake trout.The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear an appeal from Indiana residents who want to extend their property rights to the states Lake Michigan shoreline.

According to the Associated Press, the high court of America denied the petition by two landowners in Long Beach, Indiana, who live adjacent to the lake. The Northwest Indiana Times was the first to report the decision.

The ruling is a win for all beach walkers and effectively a public agreement by the court with Indianas Supreme Court, which ruled that the Lake Michigan shoreline is open to all in February 2018.

The decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court delayed a decision in November 2018 to give the Indiana Attorney Generals office a couple extra months to craft a response to Don and Bobbie Gundersons request that the Supreme County hear their case.

The 4-0 ruling by the Indiana Supreme Court set the ordinary high water mark, or the line on the shore created by the waters fluctuating levels, as the dividing line between the state-owned land under the lake, and what private property owners can claim.

In Michigan, this issue was decided in 2005 in favor of beach walkers. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the public has a right to walk along the lakeshore, as long as they stay below the lakes high-water mark.GAYLORD, MI  Police in Northern Michigan have arrested a wanted 22-year-old charged with multiple felonies.

Vinnzenz Neil Waynee is charged with one felony count of Child Abuse 3rd Degree and one felony count of Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree.

He had been on the run since Feb. 14, but was arrested by the Michigan State Polices 7th District fugitive team in Atlanta, Michigan on Tuesday.

The Montmorency County Sheriff Department and Michigan State Police Gaylord Post assisted in the search.

The fugitive team is thanking the media and the public for their help in catching Waynee since tips police received were instrumental in the arrest, according to a news release.Holidays Restaurant in Ann Arbor received a visit from the Michigans Best team on Wednesday February 13, 2019. A long time favorite, the restaurant has been owned and operated by Rob and Jennifer Terbush since 1996. They keep it open 365 days year, sending out plate after plate of homemade goodness.

The restaurant has always been known for their solid breakfasts, Terbush explained, but their dinners were underrated. That changed in 2015, when they added a liquor license, and began serving craft beers and wine. Now, Holidays is pretty busy around the clock. Their tagline is Where everyday is a holiday seems appropriate, since they are always ready to serve you. There are standard daily specials, soup of day, and a large menu to select from. Terbush told us Were a family restaurant, with lots of twisted and turns on our menu.

Start your visit off with some freshly squeezed orange juice, or a Bloody Mary if thats your fancy. The West Coast Benedict is a tasty version, with tomato and bacon topped with a light lemony hollandaise and fresh avocado. The corned beef hash is delicious and from scratch, the restaurant makes at least 3 briskets every day for it. We also recommend the country fried steak, it comes out tender, crispy, and coated in a peppery gravy.

While breakfast is served all day, lunch and dinners are all great choices too. A partnership with Holidays and neighboring Advantage Strength Gym has created some healthier menu choices, look for the special menu section featuring these. The protein packed Steak and Egg Salad comes with your choice of dressing, we recommend the house made Ranch. They roast all their turkey fresh, so that turkey dinner is stellar, moist and flavorful. Of course it is, the whole thing is blanketed with a rich, luscious gravy. Fish Tacos were a pleasant surprise, coming out with big crispy fresh fish pieces and a bright and fruity pineapple salsa.

We absolutely loved Holidays incredible coconut cream pie. Freshly made graham cracker crumb crust is a unique base to an extra thick and creamy filling, with just enough coconut to make it interesting. Its the perfect end to a great restaurant experience.

Holidays Restaurant

2080 W Stadium Blvd

Ann Arbor, MI 48103-4558

(734) 668-1292

www.holidaysrestaurant.comTeaching always pops up as a portable career for military spouses. But when military spouse teachers themselves talk about whether teaching is a viable career, two different narratives emerge.

Teaching is either a fantastic career that is rewarding and easy to do while married into the military. Or its a complicated mess of licensing and long-term subbing.

Related: Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment.

Potential teachers, take heart! Weve talked to long-time teachers and military spouses and culled their most successful suggestions for making teaching work for you. With these four tips, navigating military life as an employed teacher has never been easier.

Be Proactive

To pursue a teaching career as a military spouse, a take-charge attitude will go a long way. Amanda is an Air Force wife who has been teaching special education since 1993 and has enjoyed a long-term career in education with moves (and certifications) in five states.

I always research the districts and schools prior to arriving, she tells us. I apply for the jobs online and make phone calls to schools that have programs I am qualified in and/or would like to teach.

Amanda makes sure to introduce herself as a military spouse moving to the area. They tend to feel more secure that I really am moving if the military is bringing me, she said.

Related: Search for Teaching jobs.

She also actively pursues all openings for which she is qualified. I have had a job placement prior to arriving in a state in five out of six moves. It took me 10 days after moving to Georgia to find a job in that state.

That fact alone would make spouses in every career field take note. It is Amandas very active, strategic approach that is key to her success. Before you move, take time to research the schools in your new area and get in touch with them.

When I moved from place to place, I went up there early and actually went to the schools around where I was going to live, resume in hand, explains Rosemarie.

Rosemarie is a long-time teacher and military wife. She married her now-retired Marine the day after he finished The Basic School and has spent 22 years teaching elementary school and seven more years in ESL.

Related: Resume Tips for Teachers

She agrees that being proactive is critical to nailing down a teaching position in the face of PCS moves and other military life constraints. I talked my way into meeting with the principals. You cant wait for them to come to you, you have to go to them.

Get Your Foot In The Door

Its that approach that made teaching a viable and fulfilling career for Rosemarie, and itll work for you, too. If youve made the move without a single nibble from a potential employer, dont be disheartened. Be determined: Its time for you to shake things up and get your foot in the door.

The best way to do that is to find a way to get face time in the schools where youd hope to teach. If schools in your area are looking for substitute teachers, jump at the opportunity.

While subbing may not be ideal, you still get time to practice your skills in the classroom and you quickly get to figure out which schools and districts you want to teach in, says Jen, another military wife. When you do get an interview, you can sell the diversity of your experience across grades and curriculum as a bonus for the employer and I have found it also helps make you a better teacher.

It also show shows the initiative and career dedication that will speak out to principals when theyre looking for a new hire. But dont stop there: Add volunteering and tutoring to your schedule.

You may not think that this is an ideal way to strut your teaching stuff. But strategic volunteering and subbing are great opportunities for you to get on-the-ground experience in a school where the administration can take note.

Make yourself so actively involved in your academic community that they are forced to notice you.

Be careful not to settle in this transitional rut. Subbing is great as a steppingstone, says Rosemarie. But I wouldnt stay there. Id keep pushing and get that resume out there.

And be relentless: If the early bird gets the worm, the bird whos actively putting herself out there is the one whos going to get the job.

Plan for Certification

This is where choirs of teachers sing their song of woe. Certification can be a pain. If you are going to be a teacher, it is part and parcel of the job experience. Dont let it get you down. Instead, plan for it.

It isnt easy, but it CAN be done, says Amanda. I have gotten certification in Vermont/New Hampshire (reciprocity was nice), Georgia (completed state testing), Kansas (completed NTEs), Texas (had to do their state testing), and now Washington (and yet more testing)! So paying for the state to evaluate my qualifications and then pay for the testing does get expensive, but I have received certification every time and I have taught in every state I moved to.

This is where a little planning goes a long, long way. Instead of just considering state testing every time you move, actively pursue all opportunities your school district offers to help you achieve national certification: You are a military spouse. You are going to move again.

Adding national certification to your to-do list might be time consuming, but it pays off even before you move. National certification gets you better pay, Rosemarie notes. And once you have that, it makes licensing in any state even easier.

Rosemarie and her husband now live outside of Camp Lejeune, N.C.. This county is very helpful for teachers getting [national certification] -- theyll pay for everything once you get it, and they even have workshops and courses where you can get together with other teachers going through the same thing. They talk you through your calendar and help you reach that goal.

Taking advantage of that assistance is an important thing for every military teacher to think about, both for compensation now and ease of moving later. But even if you dont go for the national certification, navigating the state-by-state certifications is doable. Basically, its expensive to apply for a certification and a pain in the butt to retest every time we move, but the kids and the years in the classroom make it all worthwhile, Amanda concludes.

Keep Up With the Joneses

If working on your national certification or keeping your state certification active isnt enough to keep you busy, theres still one more thing you need to factor into your life as a teaching military spouse: networking.

We cant stress enough how important networking is regardless of profession, but for military wives in every capacity, its especially key. You know youre going to move again, so it pays to keep in touch with everyone -- regularly.

Through all their moves, Rosemarie kept up actively with her teaching friends at former bases. You never know where youre going to end up next, so it helps to make sure that wherever you are, someone is on the ground who knows who you are and can sing your praises.

I have friends still teaching in Virginia, Rosemarie says. I know Im not going back there since Gary has retired, but if we were to go back, Id definitely have them start doing ground work. Just like when we were in Virginia and we were coming back here (to North Carolina), I contacted all the people I knew here. You have to keep networking.

To have people on the ground looking out for you before you move means staying in touch. Thanks to the great advancements in technology, thats never been easier. Digital networking can help you keep in touch with all the teacher friends youve met in your travels. Eventually, when your roads cross again and theres a job opening at a friends school or you have an opening at your school, youll be glad you took the time to stay connected.

So dont let the certification scares fool you: Teaching is as viable a career for a military spouse as anything else is. With some careful planning, a little strategy and the right attitude, you can pursue a career as a teacher while also balancing your job as a military spouse and count on employment and fulfillment in the years to come.

Related: For the latest veteran jobs postings around the country, visit the Military.com Job Search section.

Looking for more job tips?

Sign up for a free Military.com membership to have military news, updates and job resources delivered directly to your inbox.Heckler & Koch may be making and delivering thousands of M27 infantry automatic rifles to the Marine Corps, but that's not going to stop the company from taking a few jabs at jarheads.

The U.S. branch of the German weapons maker is executing a contract, inked in April 2018, to deliver up to 15,000 M27s to the Marine Corps. The rifles, previously fielded in smaller quantities to replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, are now replacing M4 carbines for many infantry Marines.

Most Marines love the fully automatic, more accurate M27. But the feeling may not be completely mutual, judging from a post Tuesday on the H&K Facebook page.

"A fresh batch of M27 rifles leaving Georgia headed to the Devil Dogs," the post read, alongside photographs of rows of the guns ready for shipping. "If any of you crayon eaters are reading this, please treat them nice, even though we built them to be Marine proof."

In fewer than 24 hours, the post went viral, with more than 19,000 shares and 26,000 reactions. The author of the post, who identified herself as "Social Media Girl," returned multiple times to pile on in the comments section.

"FYI, this was not a challenge to try to break them, we know reading comprehension is [not] a strong suit," she wrote later.

Others, picking up on the cherished stereotype of Marines as tough but none-too-smart crayon-eaters, added their own takes.

"As a Marine veteran, I can't read what that said, but looked at the picture," one commenter wrote.

H&K's social media wisecracker had a comeback ready.

"We wrote out a training manual that used no words over 6 letters, we were told we didn't use enough pictures," she wrote. "By the time we submitted a manual that was approved, it was literally nothing but pictures ..."

As the post picked up steam hours after publication, Social Media Girl voiced tongue-in-cheek worries that she would be "pulled into a meeting" for ragging on Marines.

Later, though, she said her bosses were in total support of her sentiments "right up until the Commandant calls us and says that hundreds of M27 rifles have been drug behind jets, thrown out of helicopters and ran over by tanks by a bunch of leathernecks trying to prove a point."

H&K did not immediately respond to an emailed question from Military.com on Wednesday.

It's clear, though, that Marines don't mind a bit of friendly abuse -- as long as they can train and fight with high-quality weapons.

"[The M27 is] the best infantry rifle in the world, hands down," then-Chief Warrant Officer 5 Christian Wade told Military.com in 2016. "Better than anything Russia has, it's better than anything we have, it's better than anything China has. It's world-class."

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.The U.S. Army just awarded BAE Systems contract modifications worth up to $575 million for its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle effort to replace the Vietnam War-era M113 armored personnel carrier.

The two contract modifications mark the beginning of low-rate production for the highly mobile, survivable, multipurpose vehicle designed to keep up with M1 tanks and M2 Bradley fighting vehicles in the service's armored brigade combat teams (ABCT), according to a BAE press release.

Production will include five variants of the AMPV: command-and-control; general purpose; medical evacuation; medical treatment; and mortar carrier.

The tracked AMPV meets the Army's all-terrain mobility requirements and offers increased protection, the release states.

"Commonality within the ABCT also streamlines maintenance and provides significant cost savings to the Army," according to BAE's release.

The service plans to spend roughly $10 billion on the AMPV effort to replace its fleet of nearly 3,000 M113s.

BAE was able start production as a result of previously awarded funding to support production planning, combined with a $128 million award in January, the release states. A second award in February for $447 million brings the total LRIP funding so far to $873 million, according to the release.

These contracts come following the Engineering, Manufacturing and Development phase and a Milestone C decision. Under the earlier EMD award, the company produced and delivered prototype vehicles to the Army for test and evaluation purposes, the release states.

"The initial award in 2014 also provided options to begin the LRIP phase prior to the completion of the EMD phase, at which time the company would produce up to approximately 460 additional vehicles for a cumulative contract value of up to $1.2 billion," according to the release.

Work on the program will take place at BAE Systems' facilities in Aiken, South Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Jose, California; Sterling Heights, Michigan; and York, Pennsylvania.

"Moving into this phase of the AMPV program is exciting because it brings soldiers one step closer to deploying this critical capability for completing their missions and coming home safely," Bill Sheehy, AMPV program director for BAE Systems' combat vehicles business, said in the release. "We have been preparing for this moment and are ready to take this program to the next stage."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.The bill that avoided a second government shutdown finally provided the $655 million for a badly needed new icebreaker for the Coast Guard and $20 million more for start of construction on a second one.

"This is big, this is real, this is the largest single financial contribution to execution of our nation's Arctic strategy," Sen Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said last week.

Funding for the new icebreaker, to be called a "Polar Security Cutter," had been at risk of being diverted to construction of the southern border wall. But the bill signed into law last Friday by President Donald Trump earmarked money in the Department of Homeland Security's budget for a new ship to replace the Coast Guard's aging "Polar Star," the services only functioning heavy icebreaker.

The legislation had "tucked away, where no one can get to it, a little pot of money, $655 million dollars, to construct the first ever -- first ever -- Polar Security Cutter, and money to start construction on a second one," Murkowski said at the annual Armed Services YMCA Alaska's Salute to the Military in Anchorage.

It will be the service's first new icebreaker in 40 years, according to Stars and Stripes.

To underline the value of icebreakers, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz sent out a tweet last week hailing the rescue by the Polar Star of fishermen stuck in thick Antarctic ice.

The Polar Star "rescued 27 fishermen whose vessel became trapped in thick Antarctic ice 900 miles northeast of McMurdo Sound," the U.S. base in the Antarctic, Schultz wrote. "The crew broke through 150 miles of ice to reach the fishermen and to tow them to safety."

The Coast Guard views the appropriation by Congress as a down payment on an ambitious plan to boost the U.S. presence in the Arctic, and Antarctic, to counter Russia and China.

"With the support of the administration and Congress, we plan to build a new fleet of six polar icebreakers -- at least three of which must be heavy icebreakers -- and we need the first new Polar Security Cutter immediately to meet America's needs in the Arctic," according to a Coast Guard statement to U.S. Naval Institute News.

In one of a series of Christmas phone calls to service members worldwide, Trump likened the effort to secure funding for the new icebreaker to his difficulty in getting money for the border wall.

"It's like the border wall. We still need a wall," he said in a phone call to Coast Guard District 17 in Juneau, Alaska, but added, "The ice is in big trouble when that thing gets finished. It'll go right through it. It's very expensive, but that's OK."

At a Navy League breakfast in late December, and in an interview with Military.com, Schultz said he expected a contract for the new icebreaker to go out in the spring.

"We need it now," he said, but acknowledged that "it's probably six years from the contract award to splashing that ship."

Schultz noted that the Polar Star was commissioned in 1976, and "that ship is tired."

The 399-foot Polar Star has been assigned in recent years to the Antarctic, while the 420-foot medium icebreaker Healy, which was commissioned in 2000, has taken up Arctic duty.

The Polar Star is capable of breaking through six feet of ice at three-to-four knots, and 21 feet by backing and ramming, Schultz said. The Healy is capable of breaking through about four feet of ice at three-to-four knots, and eight feet by backing and ramming, he added.

The melting of the polar ice cap, attributed by the vast majority of scientists and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to climate change, has resulted in vast stretches of open water in the Arctic for commercial exploitation and competition for mineral rights.

Russia, which boasts of having at least 50 icebreakers, has increased military exercises in the region and heightened concerns at the Defense Department.

China, which has two icebreakers and has announced plans to acquire more, has spoken in its official media of creating a "polar silk road" through the Arctic sea lanes.

In Anchorage on Feb. 16, Murkowski said funding for the new icebreaker is a first step in countering Russia and China.

"So we're going to start a production line on icebreakers," she said. "You can call them Polar Security Cutters, or you can call them icebreakers, but we are beginning."

The purpose of the new ships is "to provide the United States of America with access -- access to a changing Arctic; access that we need to protect a wide, wide range of interests, whether it's domain awareness, whether it's search and rescue, whether it's protection of U.S. economic interests," Murkowski said.

-- Amy Bushatz contributed to this report.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.As early as next year, families of veterans undergoing treatment for medical crises at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in Michigan, Colorado and Nebraska will have a free place to stay.

The VA announced Feb. 14 that the Fisher House Foundation will build new, 16-suite facilities in Ann Arbor and Omaha and replace a home in Aurora, which will bring the number of Fisher Houses supporting VA medical centers to 40.

The Defense Department has another 42 Fisher Houses in 25 locations nationwide.

A Fisher House is a home located on or near military or VA medical campuses that provides temporary lodging, free of charge, for family members and caregivers supporting active-duty and retired personnel and former service members receiving medical treatment.

Since the first Fisher House was built in 1990, the homes have served 368,000 military and veteran family members.

Construction of the new homes will start within the next six months, according to the VA, and take roughly 12 to 15 months to complete. The homes then will be transferred to government ownership, where they, like all Fisher Houses, will be staffed by federal employees and volunteers.

For many, Fisher Houses have provided a safe cocoon in times of stress and sorrow. The Fisher House at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, for example, was built specifically for families of the fallen to stay in while their loved ones' remains are transferred from overseas.

The first DoD Fisher House opened at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1991. The VA's first home opened three years later in Albany, New York.

"VA has a great and longstanding 25-year partnership with the Fisher House Foundation and is pleased to expand support of their important mission," VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a release. "Staff and volunteers serve passionately with gratitude in a welcoming 'home away from home' for families."

In 2018, VA Fisher Houses served 28,000 families, saving them more than $18 million in lodging expenses, according to the department.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at patricia.kime@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.Inactive frigates, destroyers and other mothballed vessels won't be making their way back to the fleet, Navy leaders have decided, as they look to add dozens of ships to the service's arsenal in the coming decades.

Navy leaders have wrapped up a review of the service's entire list of inactive ships, Vice Adm. Thomas Moore told reporters in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, and decided against resurrecting any that are already decommissioned.

Those ships are stored at the Navy's inactive ship maintenance facilities in Philadelphia; Bremerton, Washington; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

"I was just up in Philadelphia on Friday, and we concluded that the cost of bringing them back was pretty expensive. But more importantly, the capability of the platform itself just didn't lend itself well," Moore said.

The Navy looked especially closely at bringing back frigates, Moore said. He told the Defense and Aerospace Report last year that bringing back any old ships would be difficult since they've been used as "spare-parts lockers" in recent years.

Still, he said Tuesday, officials gave every ship another look before ultimately deciding it wasn't the best way to build up the fleet.

"It's not just about the numbers piece; it's also about having ships that can do what you need it to do," Moore said.

Bryan Clark, a retired Navy officer and analyst with the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, told Defense News that resurrecting frigates would be expensive, and they'd still be capable of carrying out only low-end missions.

"You're not getting a lot of capability; it's not going to be a ballistic missile defense shooter on patrol in the eastern Mediterranean," he told the paper.

Now, the Navy is forging ahead with its plan that will extend the service lives of its existing fleet as it builds up to a 355-ship fleet. Doing so, Moore said, will allow the Navy to reach that size by the early 2030s.

Destroyers, for example, would remain active for at least 45 years, he said. That's five or 10 years longer than their current shelf life.

"With all the ships that we have, if you're willing to do the maintenance on them, you can keep them a little longer," he said.

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.Most joint military exercises have seemingly arbitrary names with little to do with the actual training: think Foal Eagle or Juniper Falcon. Not so with the annual joint Thai-Marine Corps exercise Cobra Gold, in which cobras are an undisputed star of the show -- and a rather stomach-churning source of nourishment.

Cobra Gold 2019 is now ongoing on land and in the waters off Thailand. Taking place for the 38th year, its one of the worlds largest multinational training exercises, and it has only become more significant as global focus has shifted to the Indo-Pacific. Participants this year come from Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore and Japan as well as the United States and Thailand -- and 29 countries in all will be involved through participation or an an observer capacity.

The Associated Press reported that the exercise, running through Feb. 22, will include training in disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and enhancing maritime security. News releases and military imagery show amphibious beach assaults, underwater demolitions and coordinated exercises with fighter aircraft.

But never fear; U.S. and Royal Thai Marines still found plenty of time to chug warm cobra blood, straight from the snake, in the legendary annual jungle survival training.

Two U.S. Marines feel the beating heart of a dead king cobra as part of jungle survival training during exercise Cobra Gold at Ban Chan Krem, Feb. 14, 2019, in Chanta Buri, Kingdom of Thailand. (Matthew J. Bragg/Marine Corps)

Theres something that just seems right about the U.S. military branch that prides itself on being the toughest relishing the chance to feast on high-protein cobra blood, scorpions, and other jungle resources. But photos indicate the Marines are also clearly impressed by their Royal Thai Marine Instructors, who wrangle the creatures with ease and mastery.

U.S. Marines watch as Royal Thai Marine instructor shows off a snake during Cobra Gold 19 at Ban Chan Krem, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 14, 2019. (Mary Calkin/U.S. Army)

Marines also ate scorpions, which, like many arachnids, are a valuable source of protein. While alive, scorpions can pack a powerful punch of poison; but once dead, the poison becomes inert and the creatures can be consumed without danger.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, eat live scorpions during jungle survival training, Exercise Cobra Gold 19, Camp Ban Chan Khrem, Khao Khitchakut District, Thailand, Feb. 15, 2019. (Tanner Lambert/Marine Corps)

Jungle survival training wasnt entirely about eating things that might scare you if you encountered them in the wild. Released photos also show the Marines enjoying jungle delicacies like starfruit and sugarcane, handfed to them by their Thai instructors.

A U.S. Marine takes a bite of star fruit as part of jungle survival training during exercise Cobra Gold at Ban Chan Krem, Feb. 14, 2019, in Chanta Buri, Kingdom of Thailand. (Matthew J. Bragg/Marine Corps)

Marines also learned the basics of building a fire, and they build a makeshift bamboo grill, where they roasted birds and other animals they captured in the jungle. No doubt cooked meat tastes pretty good after youve been getting by on cobra blood for awhile.

A Royal Thai Marine cooks various animals over a fire pit as part of jungle survival training during exercise Cobra Gold at Ban Chan Krem, Feb. 14, 2019, in Chanta Buri, Kingdom of Thailand. (Matthew J. Bragg/Marine Corps)

And as wild and dramatic as the photos out of these training sessions are, it gives Marines a rare and important opportunity to train in a jungle environment. Many Marine Corps stateside training environments are more similar to the deserts to which they have deployed for the last 17 years. But as the world changes and new geopolitical threats emerge, the next mission could be very different. In the meantime, expect Marines to continue putting their game faces on and opening up for a shot of snake blood.

A monocled cobra flares its hood during jungle survival training, Exercise Cobra Gold 19, Camp Ban Chan Khrem, Khao Khitchakut District, Thailand, Feb. 15, 2019. (Tanner Lambert/Marine Corps)

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.The patrol boats, which have been in the Persian Gulf region since 2003, have been replaced by two of the service's newest...WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's proposed sixth military service, the Space Force, will fall within the Department of the Air Force if approved by Congress, according to a directive he signed Tuesday.

The Pentagon will include funding for the Space Force in its fiscal 2020 budget proposal, which is expected to be sent to Congress next month, White House officials said Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity. The officials indicated start-up costs for the Space Force would be about $100 million, far less than the Pentagon's initial estimate of $13 billion.

For now, the new military branch remains a policy goal of Trump's administration. Its formation would require legislation, and it is unclear how much support lawmakers have for the proposal that the president has touted since last summer, when he called for a "separate but equal" military branch focused on space.

The arrangement outlined in Trump's directive would be similar to the Marine Corps' relationship to the Navy, meaning the service would have its own top general -- the Space Force chief of staff -- who would sit on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while the service would fall under the portfolio of the Air Force secretary.

The long-expected decision by Trump is seen as a win for the Air Force, officials said, especially after Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson initially signaled she opposed a new military service focused on space operations. She later said publicly that she supported the president's plan.

If approved, the Space Force would be the first new U.S. military branch since the Air Force was split from the Army in 1947.

White House officials indicated Tuesday that the Pentagon would prepare plans to build a separate military department with its own Space Force secretary at some point in the future.

Currently, while each of the military services has some service members focused on space capabilities, the Air Force is responsible for 80 to 90 percent of space operations and it runs 77 of the U.S. military's more than 100 satellites.

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said last week that his panel would hold hearings on the Space Force, but no date had been set.

Inhofe said he was initially opposed to the Space Force, as he had outstanding questions on the cost of the plan and its true motivation. While there has been progress in answering those questions, he said more remains to be done.

"I want to be sure that we are going to be able to do a better job" addressing the costs, he told reporters Tuesday during a breakfast meeting on Capitol Hill. "I was suspicious that the main reason [the Trump administration] wanted to do it was because ... we would have the appearance of being just as dedicated to a Space Force for the future" as China and Russia.

Other prominent lawmakers have signaled they have yet to make up their minds about a Space Force.

Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told Politico this month that he is not completely opposed to the Trump plan. Smith had long said publicly he was fundamentally opposed to the formation of a new military branch.

Earlier Tuesday, Air Force Gen. David Goldfein, the service's chief of staff, signaled support for the White House plan, touting the U.S. Space Command as a more important step for the U.S. military's space programs.

"I think the fact we are having a national debate on space is really healthy," Goldfein said Tuesday to a crowd at the Brookings Institution in Washington. "We are the best in the world in space. Our adversaries know that, and they've been studying us, and they've been investing in ways to take away that capability in crisis or conflict. To me, that is the problem statement. We as a nation cannot let that happen ..."

Trump in December ordered the Pentagon to establish Space Command as a four-star combatant command that would operate similarly to U.S. Special Operations Command. Acting Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan said last month that the Pentagon had identified a four-star general to head the new organization, but officials have declined to identify that person.

Pentagon officials have not said publicly when the new command would be established, nor have they decided where it will be located. Florida lawmakers, in a letter sent Shanahan on Tuesday, lobbied for Space Command to be housed in their state.

Republican Reps. Michael Waltz and Bill Posey, members of the House Armed Services Committee, and 11 other Florida lawmakers called their state "the epicenter of America's space program," in the note to the acting defense secretary. Florida is home to three of the 10 current U.S. combatant commands.

-- Stars and Stripes reporter Claudia Grisales contributed to this report.Much of the money that President Donald Trump is seeking to take from existing Pentagon counterdrug operations to fund his planned wall at the southern border isn't being used effectively in support of state authorities, according to a recent government watchdog report.

The Defense Department's Counternarcotics and Global Threats Strategy as it pertains to National Guard support of local law enforcement is out of date and doesn't reflect current threats, the report last month from the Government Accountability Office said.

GAO officials said that about $261 million of DoD's roughly $1 billion for counterdrug activities was spent on National Guard support for various states in Fiscal Year 2018.

On Feb. 15, Trump said that he was targeting as much as $2.5 billion from DoD counterdrug programs to fund wall construction. Reaching the $2.5 billion figure would require the Pentagon to redirect money from as-yet-unspecified accounts under a process called "reprogramming."

Congress has authorized reprogramming in the past but a Pentagon spokesman said last Friday that current law does not require Congressional approval.

The GAO's January report said that In 2014 the National Guard rescinded its guidance to states on how to operate under the counterdrug program "and hasn't replaced it yet." In addition, DoD has funded programs run by the states without first approving their plans, the report said.

The GAO also found that "the process used by the National Guard to distribute funding to the states within the program does not incorporate DOD's strategic counternarcotics priorities, such as the U.S. southwest and northern border areas."

National Guard counterdrug operations range from reconnaissance to intelligence support and training, but generally reflect the priorities of the state governors, according to the report, which went to the chairman and ranking members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees.

Despite the shortcomings listed in the GAO report, the efforts of 3,700 National Guard personnel in FY 2017 who assisted local law enforcement resulted in the removal of more than 3.3 million pounds, or nearly $11.2 billion, in illicit drugs from U.S. communities, the GAO report said.

One of five recommendations from the GAO was that DoD "should ensure that the Chief of the National issues interim guidance that provides detailed procedures and processes on how to operate and administer the National Guard counterdrug program."

DoD concurred with the recommendations and identified actions to improve oversight of the National Guard's counterdrug programs, the GAO report said.

In declaring a national emergency on the southern border last Friday, Trump and White House officials said they were seeking up to $8.1 billion for the wall.

The outline for the funding they gave included $3.6 billion from the military construction budget, $2.5 billion from DoD counterdrug programs, and $600 million from Treasury Department forfeitures.

Another $1.375 billion would come from border security measures approved by Congress in the bill that Trump signed last Friday to fund several government departments and avoid another partial government shutdown. Trump resorted to the national emergency when Congress rejected his demand for $5.7 billion for the wall.

Trump's directive for up to $6.1 billion from the military for the border wall put Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan in the position of having to pick from a laundry list of projects for which Congress has already appropriated money and divert that money to the border wall.

In remarks to reporters traveling with him over the weekend, Shanahan said he has yet to make any decisions on how to raise the amounts requested by Trump, the Associated Press reported. He was set to receive an assessment from the staff of the Joint Chiefs Sunday and is expected to hear from the service secretaries during the course of this week.

"We understand there are some priorities that won't be considered," said Shanahan, who indicated that projects to fix damaged and dilapidated housing for military families would not be included in those to be canceled or delayed for the border wall.

Shanahan said he also has yet to decide whether to validate a core assertion of the Trump administration: that diversion of Pentagon money for the wall would be "in support of the Armed Forces" as required by law.

In a statement last Friday, the Pentagon said that "this declaration of a national emergency at the southern border requiring the use of the armed forces authorizes the Secretary of Defense to determine whether border barriers are necessary to support the use of the armed forces and to redirect unobligated DOD MILCON [military construction] funding to construct border barriers if required."

However, the declaration of the national emergency and the diversion of DoD funding for the wall are likely to be tied up in lengthy court battles. At least 16 state attorneys general have declared their intention to file suit, as have the American Civil Liberties Union, the Project on Government Accountability and at least three Texas landowners thus far.

House Democrats have also announced their intention to file a motion of "disapproval" of the national emergency which, if it passed in the House, would force a Senate vote that could not be blocked by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky.

The vote is not likely to produce a veto-proof majority, but would put Senate Republicans in the awkward position of either having to go against the president, or vote against projects that could benefit their states and produce jobs.

To underscore the dilemma Shanahan faced in picking projects to cancel, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said Saturday that the Corps needed about $3.5 billion in the coming years to repair damage to Camp Lejeune and military housing -- almost the total $3.6 billion amount Trump was seeking from the military construction budget, U.S. Naval Institute News reported.

"We have a very clear stated requirement for repair at Camp Lejeune. The total bill is about $3.4 [or] $3.5 billion," Neller said told USNI News at the WEST 2019 conference in San Diego, co-hosted by the U.S. Naval Institute and the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at richard.sisk@military.com.A former 1st Cavalry Division soldier will receive the nation's second-highest award for valor for saving three fellow service members from a suicide bomber attack during a 2007 patrol in Iraq.

Former Sgt. Daniel E. Cowart, who was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, will have his original Silver Star upgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross in a March 20 ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas, according to a Feb. 19 base press release.

The upgrade was ordered after the completion of a comprehensive, year-long Military Decorations and Awards Review, begun by then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter, the release states.

Cowart was serving as a gunner with 1st Platoon, Delta Company, 3-8, during a May 13, 2007, combat patrol along a main supply route, according to his Silver Star citation.

His platoon halted a vehicle at checkpoint, but the occupants would not exit the automobile.

"Sgt. Cowart and three of his comrades dismounted their vehicle and approached the stopped vehicle and took positions to engage with the occupants," the release states. "The occupants burst from the vehicle, one wielding a rifle, which he fired at two of the nearby soldiers, and the other wearing a suicide vest."

Another soldier fired at the insurgent with the rifle, while Cowart maneuvered around the vehicle and tackled the suicide vest-wearing insurgent, the release states.

A hand-to-hand struggle ensued, resulting in Cowart "hurling himself and the man away from the vehicle," according to the release.

"Despite the confusion, the insurgent detonated his vest, thereby traumatically wounding Sgt. Cowart," the release states. "Due to his ability to discern the threat to his comrades and his utter disregard for his own safety, Sgt. Cowart was able to prevent further injury to his fellow soldiers and nearby civilians."

Cowart was medically retired with an honorable discharge on Sept. 28, 2008, after nine years of service, the release adds.

The Army also recently announced that it will upgrade Maj. Thomas Bostick's posthumous Silver Star to the DCS on March 1 for the bravery he showed against enemy fighters in Afghanistan in 2007.

Bostick, who served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, is credited with sacrificing his life to protect his fellow Sky Soldiers during a March 27, 2007, enemy ambush in the mountains near Saret Koleh.

Under heavy fire, Bostick, who was later killed, placed himself in front of a large enemy force and laid down covering fire so members of his unit could scramble to a better defensive position.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.3 1 of 3 Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Jessica Hill / Associated Press Show More Show Less 3 of 3





HARTFORD  Lawmakers took a Big Gulp as they listened to Gov. Ned Lamonts budget address in the ornate Hall of the House at the state Capitol Wednesday. Literally, a Big Gulp for about 15 of them.

Members of the Conservative Caucus showed up with 30-ounce Big Gulp containers from 7-Eleven, filled with some nasty-looking, brightly colored sugary drinks  to make a point about Lamonts plan to tax sweetened drinks by 1.5 cents per ounce.3 1 of 3 Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Kathleen Schassler  Middletown Press Show More Show Less 3 of 3





MIDDLETOWN - A Stratford man is facing breach of peace and threatening charges after he allegedly spit at clerks at the Middletown Area Transit station Monday, police said.

Charles Capers, 32, of Stratford, engaged staff in a "brief dispute" at around 3:45 p.m. that included threatening employees, police said.3 1 of 3 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3





HADDAM  Offering a mix of antiques, fine and decorative arts, the 46th annual Connecticut Spring Show will return to Hartford March 23 and 24 at the historic Hartford Armory.

The event, to feature 50 of the best antiques and art dealers in the country, will offer a diverse selection of goods for sale with proceeds to benefit the Haddam Historical Society, according to a press release.Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle

Two dogs were recently rushed to animal hospitals after likely suffering marijuana poisoning in what veterinarians are saying is a growing problem, according to NBC CT

John Bruno told NBC CT that he took his dog, Jodi, on a regular walk but by Monday night he was seeking the help of the Pieper Veterinary Emergency Center in Madison. "She was twitching, and she'd jump and she was very nervous," he told the station. He thought she was having a stroke or a seizure, but the vet told him that he was "98 percent sure that it was she had ingested marijuana," Bruno said.Rep. Jim Himes dropped a tantalizing hint in a tweet about President Trump declaring a national emergency in order to build his border wall.

Trump, he said, can do whatever the heck he wants by declaring national emergency, well  maybe I need to swing by Iowa and New Hampshire this weekend. Darn near everyone else is.

What, wait, did Himes just declare his interest in joining the already-crowded Democratic field for 2020? It wouldnt be as totally far-fetched as it seems. Hes 52, reasonably telegenic, quick on his feet with verbal repartee (ask Maria Bartiromo of Fox). His Spanish is better than Julian Castros. Hes served in Congress longer than Beto ORourke. And hes done more cable news interviews than John Delaney (Congressman from Maryland, the longshots longshot).

His centrist New Democrat Coalition positioning could go either way. If Dems decide to go left for 2020, itll be Bernie, Elizabeth Warren or one of the other darlings of progressivism. But if the flirtation crumbles and Dems veer back to the center, Himes could be in the mix.

Alas, there evidently is no there there. We certainly see our share of Himes 2020 comments on our Twitter and Facebook accounts, said Himes spokesman Patrick Malone. Hes going to continue (his) service in the House this cycle, working to pass meaningful legislation for the American people. After all, someone has to stay in Congress and keep the lights on.

Well get back to you if theres ever a lilt of Himes 2024.

==============================

Theres been a fair amount of nail-biting in Connecticut and elsewhere over President Trumps emergency declaration, which might result in $3.6 billion in military-construction money getting diverted to fund the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Whether it comes to pass or not is, of course, up in the air. Connecticut has joined 15 other states in challenging the end-run around Congress in court.

But if it does pan out in Trumps favor, what does that mean for Connecticut military bases, posts and defense contractors?

Well, employees of Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney, Electric Boat and scores of defense subcontractors can breathe easy. The White Houses $3.6 billion figure applies only to construction on military installations.

Connecticut does not have a lot of those. Its largest facility by far is the 680-acre Naval Submarine Base New London, with a complement of 15 nuclear subs.

The sub base is not on any of the congressional appropriations lists circulating in and around Capitol Hill this week.

The closest thing to a potential target in Connecticut is the Air National Guard base adjacent Bradley airport in Hartford. It is home to the 103rd Airlift Wing, which as the name implies is all about moving military goods and people from place to place.

Money for a new main gate and a structure listed as Building 18 appears to be safe. But about $2 million for a vehicle-maintenance complex and a de-icing facility could theoretically be at risk.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that while diverting military-construction money to the wall would be damaging and dangerous to national security, he has few concerns about Connecticut.

I would be concerned certainly if any projects (at Bradley) were in jeopardy, he said. But the focus of the Pentagon seems to be elsewhere.

@danfreedma; dan@hearstdc.comBAD AXE  A judge set upcoming court dates for a Michigan State Police trooper who is accused of assaulting a female trooper in Huron County while on duty.

A probable cause hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 27 in Huron County District Judge David B. Herrington's courtroom in a case against 25-year-old Adam Mullin.

Mullin, a trooper assigned to the MSP Caro Post, faces six charges: Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, aggravated domestic violence and obstruction of justice, misconduct in office, assaulting/resisting a police officer causing injury, and felony firearm.

The charges were authorized last week by the Michigan Attorney General's Office and are the result of an investigation conducted by the Michigan State Police.

Mullin was placed on unpaid suspended upon his arrest Feb. 12. The alleged assault on another trooper is believed to have occurred Feb. 10 somewhere in Huron County.

Lt. James Lang, of the MSP Tri-City Post, told the Tribune the venue a defendant appears in court is where the alleged crime occurred. He could not go into further details.

Dan Olson with the state's Attorney General's Office told the Tribune he also couldn't discuss other details in the case.

Mullin has been with the MSP Caro Post since July 2016. Earlier this month, he was named the recipient of the Cpl. Samuel A. Mapes Criminal Patrol and Investigation Award.

As of Tuesday, Mullin remains lodged in the Lapeer County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond.BAD AXE  Sound was one of a few items discussed among the Huron County Board of Commissioners this week.

But, the sound referenced was more so the lack thereof.

During a 25-minute committee meeting of the whole on Tuesday, Commissioner Michael Meissner told the board he attended the Huron County Planning Commission meeting on Feb. 6.

The planning commission meets in Room 305 inside the Huron County Building, unless otherwise posted. The room seats 20 to 25 people, excluding the county officials hosting said meeting.

On Feb. 6, residents packed into Room 305 for a public hearing on a wind moratorium extension.

"The room was really full that night," Meissner said. "There were a lot of people in the back that couldn't hear. There were a couple of complaints brought up during the final public comment."

Commissioner Steve Vaughan said he was going to inquire about the hanging microphone used in Huron County District Court.

"We've already reached out to them," said Jodi Essenmacher, the board's executive assistant. "The cost is ridiculous."

Essenmacher said the county has tried different microphones in the room, but has yet to find any luck.

"It's a bad room for acoustics," Vaughan said. " ... Best thing to do is talk a little louder."

"If you keep the doors closed, that helps," Essenmacher added. "If there's not talking going on in the background, that helps."

After some minor discussion, Vaughan, who chairs the properties committee, said he would look into a few different options.

In other news, the board heard updates from Jerry Johnson, MSU Extension District 10 director. Johnson said the district recently formed an advisory board after being without one for a few years. The board will meet four times a year, he said.

Johnson also highlighted Cass City student Addy Battel, who was recently recognized with a national award in Washington.TUSCOLA COUNTY  The Tuscola County Board of Commissioners recently recognized the Tuscola County Sheriffs Office Mounted Division with a resolution in its honor.

The resolution explained the history of the mounted division.

In August 1963, former Tuscola County Undersheriff Hugh Marr and 19 citizens were sworn in as volunteer deputies in the departments newly-established sheriffs posse, which later became known as the Tuscola County Sheriffs Mounted Division.

Since its inception, there have been 124 Mounted Division members. One individual has been a member since the unit began 55 years ago, the resolution reads. In 1969, the unit became members of the Michigan Sheriffs Mounted Association, and as members of that, hosted a Pony Express in 1989 and again in 1994. The rides raised over $13,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

The division has been involved in providing security for numerous events, including a KKK Rally in Caro in 1997 and a train crash near Silverwood in 1980. The division was selected as one of two units in the state to ride with the Michigan Multi-Jurisdictional Mounted Police Drill Team and Color Guard in the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2013 in Washington D.C.

The resolution notes: numerous fundraising events have been hosted by the Tuscola County Sheriffs Mounted Division including 4-H, the Senior Christmas Dinner, Toys for Tots, and Shop-With-A-Cop. To date, the unit has also awarded 43 scholarships, (totaling) $23,250.

Currently, five members remain active in the reorganized unit, which is now known as the Tuscola County Mounted Division and Security. The members are Robert Ward, Charlie Curell, Ray Rendon, Barbara Thayer and Kay Engelmann.

The resolution thanked the members for outstanding service.My brother was born on the 4th of July. Growing up we always celebrated his birthday, but not the holiday because, as my father put it, that is not our Independence Day.MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes, 333 The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business. ASSUMED NAME: Mille Lacs Funeral and Cremation Services PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 460 Main St Isle, MN 56342 NAMEHOLDER(S): ChristiansonFroehling, LLC 124 Maple Ave. E., Mora, MN 55051 I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. DATE FILED: August 30, 2018 SIGNED BY: Ryan Christianson Published in the Mille Lacs Messenger September 19, 26, 2018 858980

Ad details MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes, 333 The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business. ASSUMED NAME: Mille Lacs Funeral and Cremation Services PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 460 Main St Isle, MN 56342 NAMEHOLDER(S): ChristiansonFroehling, LLC 124 Maple Ave. E., Mora, MN 55051 I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. DATE FILED: August 30, 2018 SIGNED BY: Ryan Christianson Published in the Mille Lacs Messenger September 19, 26, 2018 858980MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes, 333 The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business. ASSUMED NAME: Now Kitchens PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 605 Hwy 169 N Suite 250 Plymouth, MN 55441 NAMEHOLDER(S): Fair & Square Remodeling, LLC 605 Hwy 169 N Suite 250 Plymouth, MN 55441 I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. DATE FILED: September 7, 2018 SIGNED BY: Michael P. Otto Published in the Plymouth Sun Sailor September 27, October 4, 2018 860093

Ad details MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes, 333 The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business. ASSUMED NAME: Now Kitchens PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 605 Hwy 169 N Suite 250 Plymouth, MN 55441 NAMEHOLDER(S): Fair & Square Remodeling, LLC 605 Hwy 169 N Suite 250 Plymouth, MN 55441 I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. DATE FILED: September 7, 2018 SIGNED BY: Michael P. Otto Published in the Plymouth Sun Sailor September 27, October 4, 2018 860093Services for Charlie Hardy Jr. will be Monday, June 28, 2021, at 1 p.m., at Fellowship Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. To view the full obituary go to www.jamesfwebb.com.Singer-Songwriter And Co-Founder Of Farm Aid John Mellencamp Supports Mike Bloomberg For President TV ad, praising his pragmatic approach to rebuilding America by revitalizing small towns and rural communities. The stakes are too high to not nominate the candidate who will take the fight directly to Trump, said John Mellencamp. From small towns to big cities, Mike Bloomberg has the experience to represent all Americans. Hes a job creator, philanthropist and true public servant, and I am confident that as president, he will restore America to a place we can be proud of once again. "John Mellencamp is one of the great voices of the American heartland -- and the American experience that binds us together, said Mike Bloomberg. His words and music have inspired generations, and his activism -- from co-founding Farm Aid to fighting hunger and homelessness among veterans -- represents America at its best. We had the opportunity to get to know one another through the film, 'From the Ashes.' He contributed a powerful song to the soundtrack, and the film raised awareness about the tragic toll that coal mining takes on local communities. He's an American treasure, and I couldn't be more honored to accept his support." Read the complete press release after the jump. Read MoreStrep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat that sometimes occurs alongside a skin rash. However, a variety of other conditions can also lead to a sore throat and a rash together. In this article, we discuss eight conditions that can cause both a sore throat and a rash.

Strep throat Share on Pinterest Symptoms of strep throat can include sore throat, nausea, and painful swallowing. Strep throat results from infection with group A streptococcal bacteria. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) report that this bacteria causes up to 15 percent of sore throats in adults and up to 30 percent in children. Strep throat typically causes a sore, scratchy throat. Some people may also develop a skin rash. Other symptoms of strep throat can include: chills

fever

headache

nausea

painful swallowing

swollen tonsils with white patches or streaks Cases of strep throat are most common in late winter and early spring. Treatments include oral antibiotics and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Note that children under 16 years of age should avoid aspirin due to the possible risk of developing Reyes syndrome. A person can also treat strep throat at home by: getting as much rest as possible

staying hydrated

gargling with warm, salty water

Scarlet fever Share on Pinterest Image credit: Estreya, 2007 Other symptoms of scarlet fever can include: red and bumpy tongue that may have a white coating

chills

difficulty swallowing

facial flushing

headache

nausea

red lines in the folds of the skin

swollen lymph nodes on the neck

vomiting Scarlet fever is highly contagious. People can transmit the infection to others for around 14 to 21 days after their symptoms first appear. Antibiotics reduce the risk of transmission, with people typically becoming noninfectious within 24 hours of treatment. Antibiotics also cut the risk of complications, including serious ones that can affect the heart and other organs. Home remedies, such as OTC pain medications and saltwater gargles, can alleviate symptoms until the antibiotics take effect.

Infectious mononucleosis Share on Pinterest Image credit: Matibot, 2009 Also known as mono, glandular fever, and the kissing disease, infectious mononucleosis results from infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Most people will catch EBV at some point in their lives, but only a minority of these individuals will go on to develop mono or other viral symptoms. Mono passes from one person to another through bodily fluids, such as saliva. Kissing, sharing utensils, coughing, and sneezing are all common means of transmission. Mono mostly develops in adolescents and young adults. Signs and symptoms of mono include: sore throat

rash

soft, enlarged spleen

fatigue

fever

headache

swollen tonsils and lymph nodes While the sore throat and rash that accompany mono typically go away after a few weeks, other symptoms can sometimes last for several months. Treatment involves resting, staying hydrated, and using OTC medications for relieving fever and sore throat.

Measles Share on Pinterest Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that is also known as rubeola. It can sometimes be fatal in young children. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advise that if one person has measles, the illness will infect 90 percent of the people around them unless they have the measles vaccination or have previously had measles. Measles causes a sore throat and a rash that comprises large, flat blotches of red skin. Sometimes, these blotches appear to overlap. Other symptoms of measles can include: conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the eyes

dry cough

fever

runny nose

white spots inside the mouth, or Kopliks spots As measles results from a viral infection, there is no specific treatment for it. OTC painkillers can relieve fever and sore throat. The best way to prevent a measles infection is to get the vaccination. Children can receive the vaccination from 12 months of age.

Adult-onset Stills disease (AOSD) Share on Pinterest Image credit: DermNet New Zealand AOSD is a rare disorder that mainly affects people between 16 and 35 years of age. It is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes a wide variety of symptoms, which may include: salmon pink rash that may come and go

sore throat

aching and swollen joints

fever

muscle pain Doctors prescribe a variety of medications to treat the symptoms in people with AOSD. These can include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

corticosteroids, such as prednisone

immunosuppressive drugs, such as methotrexate

Share on Pinterest Image credit: Kessalia19, 2014 Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a mild viral infection that is most common in young children. Symptoms can include: rash on the feet and hands that may cause blistering

sore throat

fever

irritability

loss of appetite

painful mouth sores Most people recover from HFMD in 7 to 10 days without medical intervention. To ease symptoms, doctors may recommend the following home remedies: avoiding foods that are acidic, salty, and spicy

drinking cold beverages

eating ice chips or other cold foods

rinsing the mouth with warm water after meals

taking OTC painkillers

using mouthwashes to numb pain

Anaphylaxis Share on Pinterest Image credit: James Heilman, MD, 2009 Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Many substances can cause anaphylaxis, but some common triggers include: foods, such as nuts, milk, and shellfish

insect bites and stings

medications, such as penicillin and NSAIDs

latex Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include: skin rash

sudden swelling of the throat that can cause pain or difficulty breathing

drop in blood pressure

dizziness

fainting

hives

nausea

vomiting

weak and fast pulse Anaphylaxis can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Call the emergency services immediately if symptoms occur. Doctors provide people at risk of anaphylaxis with an epinephrine pen, which they should carry at all times and administer at the onset of symptoms. Someone else can administer this injection if the person is unable to do it themselves. After using the injection, the recipient should go to the nearest emergency room or wait for an ambulance.

West Nile virus According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , the West Nile virus is the most common form of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Approximately one in five people who get infected with this virus experience relatively mild symptoms, such as: skin rash

sore throat

aches and pains

diarrhea

fatigue

fever

headache

vomiting Most people with mild symptoms recover without treatment. OTC pain relievers can reduce discomfort. However, around one in 150 people with this infection will develop a much more severe illness that can sometimes be fatal. Symptoms of severe illness can include: disorientation

high fever

neck stiffness

seizures

severe headache

sudden weakness

tremors Anyone with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Serious complications can include: encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain

meningitis, or inflammation of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord

When to see a doctor Individuals who have a persistent or severe sore throat and rash should see their doctor. They must also seek medical attention if symptoms include: fever of 102F (38.9C) or higher

fever that persists for longer than a couple of days

neck stiffness

rash that becomes extremely itchy

severe headaches Call the emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department for symptoms of anaphylaxis or severe infections, which can include: breathing difficulties

disorientation or confusion

loss of consciousnessPittsylvania leaders say there's misinformation being spread about fire and rescue funding; A Martinsville man held without bond after a motorcycle chase; A busy road closed for three days next week; Over 100 local students get scholarships.Procter & Gambles Tide brand plans to get into the out-of-home laundry business in a big way, hoping by the end of next year to have 2,000 Tide Cleaners locations where workers will do your wash on demand.

Tide has been in the out-of-home laundry and dry cleaning business for a decade without much fanfare, with about 800 locations nationwide that operate as franchises and have tested the best frictionless ways to operate.

Tide Cleaners now adds what the company says is a more holistic approach to the business, branding it in a new way. A Tide Cleaners smartphone app can tell customers where drop-off points are located and also when clothes are ready to be picked up. The app gives a modern, branded spin on the old idea of letting someone else wash, dry and fold your clothes, and also, perhaps, do your dry cleaning.

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Tide says clothes are washed in environmentally friendly ways, with compounds that make colors more vibrant.

The company is scouting more locations. P&G says consumers, building managers, interested franchisees and retailers can request that Tide Cleaners consider opening a location in their city, building or on their campus by going to www.tidecleaners.com/start.

A recent survey from the American Cleaning Institute says cleaning the bathroom is the most-loathed household chore, by a wide margin. Doing the laundry, though, is fifth, behind cleaning the kitchen, dusting and mopping.

Also, P&G cites a Labor Department statistic that says the average American spends more than an hour a day washing clothes.

Many people believe that in order to get laundry done right, they have to do it themselves, said Sundar Raman, vice president of P&Gs North American fabric care business. Tide is taking this challenge head-on and aiming to give people clean, cared-for clothes and some time back. This new service will complement our existing business, and give people the option to get the Tide clean they deserve on their terms, not on their time.

The Tide Cleaners concept operates in a few different modes. In Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Denver, Philadelphia, Boston, and Nashville and also in P&Gs hometown Cincinnati, consumers can leave their laundry 24/7 at drop boxes in some apartment and office building locations and storefronts. Theyre delivered back to individual lockers. That model is expanding with 350 new boxes installed every month, and going to more cities.

Also, P&G is installing drop boxes in existing stores, like supermarkets, so shoppers, as they do with Redbox video rentals, can do more than just their grocery shopping.

Tide is also opening its own 24-hour stand-alone laundries, most of them owned by local franchisees. It already has 125 of them in cities that include Houston, Phoenix and Omaha.

And for younger consumers, Tide has started on-campus van pick-ups and deliveries.

To start the service, parents or students can purchase a monthly laundry plan and deposit laundry in a customized Tide Cleaners laundry bag, a press statement reads. The service already exists on 20 campuses, including the University of Alabama, Indiana University and Southern Methodist University,by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, February 20, 2019

Nigel Morris, chief strategy and innovation officer at Dentsu Aegis Network, is leaving the company at the end of March. The founder of Isobar and former head of both the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions has been with the company for 26 years.

Morris joined the group when it was an independent UK media group Aegis Plc, in 1992 and went on to hold senior positions before founding Isobar in 2003.

As CEO, he drove its expansion into one of the industrys leading digital agencies. He became CEO of Aegis Media Americas in 2009 and added leadership of the EMEA region to his remit in 2012.

Morris assumed his current post in mid-2017, when Nick Brien joined the company as CEO Americas.

Since 2006, Morris has led the Groups social impact (CSR) strategy and has been a key player in the groups global M&A strategy, leading many acquisitions including the merger with Dentsu in 2013.

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Tim Andree, executive chairman and CEO Dentsu Aegis Network, stated: Nigel has ... been instrumental in our own growth and that of our clients, to ensure their brands continue to win in the digital economy.

"More recently, he has helped us to define our future strategy and how we approach more progressive partnerships with our clients to help us deliver our vision to innovate the way brands are built. While we will all miss Nigels passion and inspiration, we respect his decision and wish him the best in the future.

Morris added: We have the right vision, the right strategy, the right capabilities and the right people in place so whilst this was not an easy decision, now felt like the right time for me to move on.

"I remain excited about the industry, about the role that agencies play and believe the opportunity for Dentsu Aegis Network to be a force for positive change will become even more powerful, he added.by Sara Guaglione , February 20, 2019

National Geographic Partners is working with Tourism New Zealand on a $1.1 million global campaign to attract new visitors to the Pacific island.

This is the second year National Geographic has collaborated with the tourism marketing organization, but this year, the campaign is expanding globally, as well as focusing on different regions of the country, with new hosts and trade program.

Last years partnership with Bryce Dallas Howard led to an additional 1.5 million U.S. travelers planning and booking travel to New Zealand, stated Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen England-Hall. (Howard, the actress and director, was the face of the partnership last year.)

We also saw an increase of 11% in U.S. visitor spend, so we are confident this kind of quality influencer marketing is working.

This years five-month campaign will span across National Geographics digital, social and print properties, with over 100 content pieces. It will also be shared across Tourism New Zealands digital channels.

The campaign will reach beyond the U.S. and Canada this year, into Brazil, Germany, the U.K., Australia and India, in local and international language editions, including German and Portuguese.

As well as featuring images of New Zealands scenery, the campaign highlights the local culture of welcoming and hosting, known by Kiwis as manaakitanga, an indigenous Maori concept representing a unique style of hospitality, generosity, and kindness, according to a statement.

A branded, digital content series from National Geographic Travel features contributing editor Heather Greenwood Davis, photographer Erika Larsen and illustrator Christoph Niemann experiencing manaakitanga and exploring the connections between New Zealands people, land and culture.

The campaign will take them to areas like Kaikoura and the Bay of Plenty.

New Zealand's tourism board and National Geographic Partners, the joint venture between National Geographic and 21st Century Fox that owns Nat Geos TV channels and media-related businesses, will also produce a matching digital campaign across the travel trade website.

Six travel advisor influencers from the U.K., Germany, and the U.S. star in a social media campaign for the site, and a series of training videos of their own experiences with manaakitanga.by Tanya Gazdik , February 19, 2019



With the thought that viewers might be feeling some post-Super Bowl ad fatigue, Progressive Insurance is taking a creative approach to reengage potential customers.

The Cleveland-based insurance company is launching a unique banner ad campaign themed Clickbacks, running Feb. 18-22 and created by its in-house ad agency, 96 Octane.

In an era when people are more attentive than ever before to whats real and whats not, Progressive is offering real consumers a real chance to win cold hard cash, according to the company. Fifty lucky people that click on the new Progressive banner ads will win $668, the average annual amount saved from switching to Progressive.

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The campaign will leverage all existing Progressive banner ad creative. Consumers simply click on Progressive ads to find those that offer them a chance to win the money. The company will select 50 random people.

The campaign is being promoted on social channels. Progressive created a video explaining the overview of the campaign, which is available on the sweepstakes official rules page. It ends with: The one ad you wished youd clicked.

The goal of the effort is to give back to consumers by rewarding them for the time they spend with the brand, says Cat Kolodij, Progressive business leader, marketing strategy.

Today, people are more aware than ever of whats real and whats not," Kolodij tells Marketing Daily. "People get frustrated when marketers interrupt them with advertising. By creating a sweepstakes with real money behind our ads -- the latest in our long history of marketing firsts -- were able to replace gimmicks with cash while also sharing our savings message.



by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, February 20, 2019

A massive mobile ad-fraud operation, involving hundreds of malware-laden Android apps, has been uncovered by Oracle.

The scheme, DrainerBot, involved serving ads that were invisible to users, but that burned through their data allotments and depleted their batteries. The affected apps -- including popular ones like Perfect365 and Draw Clash of Clans" -- have been downloaded more than 10 million times.

The apps contained malicious software development tools that were apparently distributed by the company Tapcore, according to Oracle.

Tapcore boasts it can help developers monetize apps that users have either pirated or obtained from unauthorized sources. The company says its software tools are in more than 3,000 apps.

While Tapcore is based in the Netherlands, many company executives and employees are located in Russia, Latvia and the Ukraine, according to Tapcore's LinkedIn page.

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Tapcore's code loads mobile video ads that are invisible to users on their phones, according to Oracle. The ads appear on spoofed domains, but the app tells the ad network that the video ads appeared on legitimate sites.

Some people who downloaded the apps realized they consumed large amounts of data -- although users didn't necessarily know why. Last September, one person who reviewed Perfect365 -- an app that offers makeup tools -- wrote that it goes insane periodically and eats through ton of data in the background.

The app developers may not have been aware of the nature of Tapcore's software, according to Chris Tsoufakis, senior director of software engineering at Oracle. From what we can observe, it's definitely possible that the developers in this case are victims, he says.

Tapcore's website says the company will launch software for Apple devices this quarter. So far, Oracle researchers have only seen the malicious code on Android apps.

DrainerBot was discovered after an investigation by Oracle's technology teams from its Moat and Dyn acquisitions. The company first learned of the scheme last summer through a routine investigation, according to Tsoufakis.

Oracle estimates that the scheme could have cost consumers more than $100 a year in extra data charges, depending on their mobile plans. The company hasn't estimated how much the operation could have cost advertisers.

The news comes as the prevalence of mobile ad fraud appears to be increasing. Late last year, BuzzFeed News published an investigation into a separate mobile fraud scheme involving more than 125 Android apps that were downloaded more than 115 million times.

Oracle has posted more information about the scheme at info.moat.com/drainerbot.

The ad industry's Trustworthy Accountability Group will brief its members on Friday about the scheme and potential steps to combat it.Googles YouTube changed its penalty system that suspends accounts for violating its community guidelines after the latest brand-safety controversy. The action follows criticism of the video-sharing platform for monetizing videos that exploit children.

Starting on February 25, YouTubes revised strikes system will give a one-time warning to users who post content that crosses the line, with no penalties to their channel except for the removal of that content.

YouTube currently has a three strikes and youre out system.

In announcing the change, YouTube said that 98% of its users dont break the rules, and when they do, theyre given a chance to review the guidelines and make changes before being banned. YouTube said 94% of users who receive their first strike never get a second one, demonstrating the effectiveness of its policy.

YouTuber Matt Watson posted a bombshell video that demonstrated how pedophiles are posting inappropriate comments below videos of children. Those posts include timestamps that point out compromising segments of little girls doing gymnastics poses, demonstrating their morning routines or licking Popsicles.

Watson also showed how YouTubes recommendation algorithm has a loophole that shows additional videos in the sidebar that pedophiles may find appealing. He said YouTube is helping to monetize sexual exploitation of children.

The latest controversy again demonstrates the dangers for brands whose ads appear alongside objectionable user-generated content.

Diageo, Cadbury, Hewlett-Packard and Adidas suspended their spending on YouTube in November 2017 amid claims the video platform placed ads next to images of young girls filming themselves in underwear, doing the splits, brushing their teeth or rolling around in bed.

While the children may have posted the videos to show off innocently to other kids, pedophiles seek out the content by searching for keywords in Russian that showed young Slavic girls, the Times of London reported.

YouTube has difficulty in identifying the context of videos and potential for abuse, especially since 400 hours of new content are being uploaded to the platform every minute. A spokesperson told TechCrunch that most of the videos Watson flagged are innocent recordings of children doing everyday things.

YouTube needs to do a better job of understanding the problem, putting more resources into quashing predatory activities on its platform. Unfortunately, advertisers also need to keep an eye on their ad placements to ensure theyre not inadvertently subsidizing a playground for pedophiles.by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, February 19, 2019

Google continues its mission to clean up misinformation from its search engine, YouTube and other platforms -- yet it has become increasingly difficult, even for algorithms, to keep disinformation out of its news feed.

During the weekend, Google released a white paper detailing how it fights disinformation across Google Search, News, and YouTube, as well as its advertising platform Google Ads.

The white paper, released at the Munich Security Conference, outlines Googles stance on misinformation. It also explains how the company goes beyond work with its products by supporting a healthy journalistic system, as well as partnering with civil society and researchers to stay one step ahead of risks.

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Misinformation, disinformation, and fake news are words used to describe inaccurate news. But Google says its one thing to unknowingly disseminate incorrect information about an issue, and another to purposefully disseminate inaccurate information with the hope others believe it is true or to create discord in society.

The efforts, according to Google, are intended to stop malicious individuals and algorithms from spreading disinformation, and ensure that people only receive quality information, as well as the additional context around that information to make educated decisions.

Ranking algorithms, in part, provide major support to elevate authoritative, high-quality information across its platforms. "For most searches that could potentially surface misleading information, there is high-quality information that our ranking algorithms can detect and elevate," per the white paper. "When we succeed in surfacing high-quality results, lower quality or outright malicious results (such as disinformation or otherwise deceptive pages) are relegated to less visible positions in Search or News, letting users begin their journey by browsing more reliable sources."

Creators of disinformation are constantly exploring new ways to spread their messages by bypassing defenses set by online services. One example is new forms of artificial intelligence-generated, photo-realistic, synthetic audio or video content known as synthetic media.

This is often referred to as deep fakes. While this technology has been useful for applications used by individuals who are speech- or reading-impaired, Google says it raises concerns when used in disinformation campaigns and for other malicious purposes.

So, Google and YouTube are investing in research to understand how AI might help detect such synthetic content as it emerges.

Google, along with Microsoft, believes the key to providing users with accurate information is to provide a diverse set of perspectives. Both companies began providing query results with diverse perspectives last year, enabling those searching for information to form their opinion based on content that serves up in results. Ads that are sponsored also have become more visible.The Europe IVF Market garnered $3.05 billion in 2015 and is projected to reach $4.44 billion by 2022, registering a CAGR of 5.4% from 2016 to 2022. The report offers a detailed analysis of drivers & opportunities, competitive analysis, key segments, and changing market trends. The estimations are offered through analysis of the current market dynamics and highlights the market potential, based on value and volume, from 2015 to 2022.

The presence of regulatory and reimbursement policies, such as three-parent IVF treatment and HFEA guidelines, has contributed to high market growth.

The IVF market in Europe is driven by factors including delayed marriages, low fertility rates, and late parenthood decisions. Moreover, subsidization of IVF treatments in Germany due to the low birthrate of nearly 1.46 children per women supplements the growth of the market. In addition, the National Health Plan (NHP) in Germany offers nearly 50% of the total cost of treatment and covers payment of three IVF cycles, which in turn, is expected to drive the IVF market. However, lack of appropriate reimbursements and high initial cost of procedures restrain the growth of the European IVF market.

The research offers a detailed analysis of key market players including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., DRK Kliniken Berlin, LG Life Sciences, Cadila Healthcare Ltd., and EMD Serono Inc.

Download PDF Report Sample @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/1823

The fresh cycle (non-donor) segment contributed to more than three-fourths market share in 2015 and will maintain its leadership position during the forecast period. The Europe IVF market is expected to witness a considerable growth in countries including Germany, France, and the U.K. This is due to favorable regulations including Human Fertilization and Embryo authority (HFEA) of the U.K., that offers regulations for the functioning of IVF treatments and research.

France contributed to the highest number of IVF cycles in 2015, however, the U.K. is estimated to register the highest CAGR, in terms of value and volume. This is due to low rate of fertility and same gender adoption of IVF babies. Spain held the largest share in terms of revenue among other countries and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period, owing to rise in fertility tourism and huge success rates of treatments.

Key findings of the report:

Fertility clinics segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The U.K. is expected experience the highest growth rate in the market, registering a CAGR of 7.7% from 2016 to 2022.

In 2015, EU5 (Germany, France, UK, Spain, and Italy) together contributed for nearly three-fifths of the total market share in terms of volume.

Fresh cycle (non-donor) segment is estimated to remain the largest revenue-generating segment throughout the forecast period.

Thawed IVF cycle (non-donor) segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.2%, in terms of volume in Denmark, during the forecast period.

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Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.comWith the evolution of information technology in the past few years, a rapid change has being observed in the practice of pathology. Various novel techniques have been implemented, primarily in the form of digital imaging and Telepathology (TP). Digital pathology is a branch which can be defined as the electronic capture, management, analysis and distribution of gross or microscopic specimens. It encompasses the use of digital imaging as well as TP. Digital pathology has a wide spectrum of applications that includes primary diagnosis, intraoperative diagnosis, consultation, quality assurance, archiving, research and academic studies. This technique helps in speeding up the process of diagnosis and further treatment. It also helps in research procedures by offering an easy access to the previously stored digital information. As per the Royal College of Pathologists, in the UK alone pathologists carry out 121,000 autopsies each year which has supported the market growth.

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The market is expected grow with the same trends during the forecast period. The major drivers will be rapid technological advancements in digital pathology system such as advancements in digital imaging, robotic light microscopy, and multiple fiber optic communications among others. Moreover, growing prevalence of chronic conditions, that has expected to uplift the demand for digital pathology in order to improve existing patient diagnostic imaging measures and reduce high cost associated with the traditional diagnostics methods. For instance, as per National Pathology Programme, nearly 800 million tests are being performed annually which is equal to 14 for each person in England and Wales. Additionally, increasing R&D applications of static and dynamic systems is fostering the market growth of digital pathology market.

Global Digital Pathology Market  Competitive Analysis

The market for digital pathology is characterised by the presence of several well-established and small players, the global market of digital pathology appears to be highly competitive and fragmented. Global players are increasingly expanding their footprint in the emerging nations, making it putting pressure on the regional players, especially in terms of features such as type, product portfolios, and pricing. The market is witnessing intensified competition which is expected to get more intensified further during the forecast period. Well established players are entering into mergers & acquisitions, collaboration, partnership, expansion, and product launch in order to gain competitive advantage in this market and to maintain their market position.

Companies like Leica Biosystems; Hamamatsu Photonics, Inc.; and Olympus Corporation are increasingly adopting extensive collaborative strategies to gain more profits and capturing new markets. For instance, in March 2017, Leica Biosystems entered into a strategic partnership with Leeds Hospital to improve productivity and workflow.

Key participants like Royal Philips has acquired the Irish PathXL, one of the largest pathology, image-based analysis firms in order to develop integrated tools targeting applications in computational biology, workflow solutions, education, and image analytics. In addition, these key activities the companies are aiming towards supporting the gradual transition of medical institutions present across the globe from the conventional pathology systems to digital pathology systems.

Thus, we can say that these competitive developments will further enable pathologists to perform high-throughput analysis of clinical image datasets that are diverse in nature and expedite improvement in the diagnosis quality, thereby presenting a potential for adoption new ad improved therapies to enhance patient health outcomes.

microDimensions GmbH (Germany), Mikroscan Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), Q2 Solutions (U.S.), Omnyx, LLC (U.S.), GE Healthcare (UK), Philips Healthcare (U.S.), Huron Digital Pathology Inc. (Canada), ViewsIQ Inc. (Canada), 3DHISTECH Ltd (Hungary) Apollo Enterprise Imaging Corp. (U.S.), Xifin Inc. (U.S.), Definiens (Germany) and others. are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the Global Digital Pathology Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.

Industry Updates:

In December 2018, OptraSCAN, a provider of on-demand digital pathology, has collaborated with Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Centre to deploy OptraSCANs affordable digital pathology solution equipped with artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.

In December 2018, Inspirata, a Europe based cancer informatics and digital pathology workflow solution provider, has entered into a partnership with Hamamatsu Photonics, a Japanese manufacturer of optical sensors, electric light sources and other devices for scientific and medical use.

Global Digital Pathology Market  Segmentation

The global digital pathology market is segmented on the basis of type, product, application, and end-users. Based on type, the global digital pathology market is segmented into human pathology and animal pathology. The human pathology segment commands for the major share of 65% in the global digital pathology market due to the high prevalence of chronic diseases among humans. This segment is projected to reach the valuation of USD 5,475.4 Mn by the end of 2023. Based on product, the global digital pathology market has been segmented into hardware, software, and storage. The hardware segment commands for the maximum share of the global digital pathology market and is anticipated to reach the valuation of USD 6,031.9 Mn by the end of 2023.

Based on application, the global digital pathology market is segmented into disease diagnosis, Mhealth, drug discovery, and telemedicine. The disease diagnosis segment is leading the global digital pathology market with the valuation of USD 2,650 Mn by the end of the forecast period. Based on end-users, the global digital pathology market has been segmented into hospital & clinic, diagnostic centers, and research centers & academic institutes. The research centers and academic institutes segment is expanding at the fastest growth rate in the global digital pathology market and is anticipated to reach the valuation of USD 3,778.4 Mn by the end of the assessment period.

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Global Digital Pathology Market  Regional Analysis

Geographically, the global digital pathology market is segmented into four major regions such as the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. The Americas has emerged as a leading region in the global digital pathology market owing to the increased adoption of technologically advanced solutions in the healthcare sector for accurate and faster diagnosis, high prevalence of chronic diseases and increased healthcare expenditure by the population in this region. Presence of large number of major players and increased research and development for the introduction of advanced diagnostic techniques in the well-developed healthcare sector are fueling the growth of the global digital pathology market in the Europe region. The Asia Pacific region is expanding at the highest CAGR of 13.53% during the assessment period owing to the increasing healthcare expenditure and rapid development of healthcare sector in the emerging economies of this region. Lack of awareness and absence of primary healthcare facilities are resulting in the poor growth of the digital pathology market in the Middle East and Africa region.

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Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.The Fulton County School System had an average score of 81.0, 4.4 points above the state average, in the College and Career Ready Performance Lovers of Vivaldi, now is your chance to hear two of his most beloved works and be introduced to what will soon become new favorites.Folkston, GA (31537)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 84F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 71F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.Adam Cook is a general assignment reporter and covers the Walker-Catoosa County area. He has been a reporter since 2009. He can be reached at The Catoosa County News office at 706-935-2621 and by email at acook@npco.com.Decatur, GA (30030)

Today

Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low near 70F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low near 70F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.Marietta, GA (30060)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with clearing overnight. Low near 70F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.A Florida woman is reaching out to the Old Fort community to see if they know what happened to her family member over 60 years ago.

Nancy Starr, of Fort Myers, Florida sent a flier to the McDowell County Sheriffs Office and Old Fort Police Department asking them to open up a case file on her first cousin, James Rufus Williams, who disappeared without a trace sometime in April 1955.

Family members who were around in 1955 stated that he was reported missing, and the authorities made efforts to find him, including dragging areas of the Catawba River, but he was never located, the flier says.

According to Starr, Williams worked at the Old Fort Finishing plant, and on the day of his disappearance, he went to work as usual but left because he wasnt feeling well, or had forgotten something. He was allegedly last seen walking along the railroad tracks in Old Fort.

His stepdaughter recalled that he had been having high blood pressure problems days before his disappearance, according to the flier. Since the day he disappeared, he has never had any contact with his mother, siblings, wife, children or anyone else. He was declared dead by Social Security seven years after his disappearance.This facility will be located within the new home for Nebo Crossing. That large and active church is partnering with the McDowell Local Food Advisory Council by donating a 9,000-square-foot space within its new location for the Foothills Food Hub. This is being done under a 15-year lease with the church. When it is complete, the hub will have food pantry storage and packing; a farm fresh produce wash line, cold storage and distribution; a teaching kitchen for cooking and other classes; and a commercial kitchen for meal preparation, value added processing and food entrepreneur development. It will be there for restaurant owners who wish to become more of the farm-to-table movement and local churches providing food for the hungry in our community. Through the hub, small business owners will have a place to make their food products. It wont be available to just farmers and food-related business owners from McDowell County but to others across the region as well. The hub will have refrigerators, freezers and other equipment needed for the storage of food. It will be a central place where local pantries and ministries can get food items from MANNA FoodBank in Asheville.McAlester, OK (74501)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.Jason Lopez, who was accused of helping Jonathan Hart kill Harts 84-year-old great-uncle in Hardwick, was sentenced to 25 to 30 years in prison in a Worcester court Wednesday.

Lopez was charged with murder in the 2011 slaying of Joseph Cernauskas. In Worcester Superior Court, Lopez pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter, arson of a dwelling, home invasion, armed burglary and two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, according to the office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.

Lopez will be on probation for 10 years when he gets out of prison, Earlys office said. Lopez agreed to a plea deal in the case.

Lopez, 27 of Ware, helped his friend Hart carry out the killing on Sept. 6, 2011.

A motive for the killing was revealed last month when Hart, 28 of Barre, pleaded guilty to the same charges and received the same sentence.

Hart then revealed that the victim had molested him since he was 6 or 7 years old until he was 12 or 13, prosecutor Christopher Hodgens said when Hart pleaded guilty. Hart said that for a few years he had harbored the desire to hurt the victim and told several people of this desire.

Cernauskas, a former Hardwick selectman, was days short of his 85th birthday when he was killed.

Lopez apologized in court Wednesday, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, saying, I do know that what I did was wrong. I sincerely, sincerely apologize. It haunts me to this day for what Ive done. I have to live with it every day for the rest of my life.

Hart and Lopez waited outside Cernauskas home in the Wheelwright section of Hardwick just before midnight on Sept. 5, 2011. They went inside after Cernauskas fell asleep and stabbed him. The two dragged Cernauskas body to his minivan, drove to a remote field and dumped the body, prosecutors said.

Hart and Lopez returned Cernauskas residence, stole items, set the house on fire and drove off in the minivan.

Hardwick police and firefighters responded to the Maple Street home around 7:45 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2011, for the fire. Inside, they found evidence, including blood-stained bedding.

Cernauskas body was not discovered until Sept. 20, 2011. He died from sharp force injury to the neck and torso.

Hart and Lopez drove to Florida. Lopez tried to kill himself by jumping in front of a moving car there on Sept. 14, 2011, authorities said. He was then arrested on a stolen motor vehicle charge.As a brief winter storm system moves into New England, some forecasts are warning of minor coastal flooding in Massachusetts.

Astronomical high tides are in the forecast Wednesday afternoon and Thursday, with heights around 12 feet by the coast in Boston.

Though the wintry mix of rain or freezing rain will end by early Thursday morning, storm surge could raise astronomical high tides another foot higher and cause minor coastal flooding in Boston and other coastal communities, according to the National Weather Service.

High astronomical tides as of late across coastal New England, just above 12 feet at #Boston (below). Closely watching any S/E onshore flow & potential up to 1 foot surge that could possibly lead to coastal concerns. pic.twitter.com/qvDulXIJQq  NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 20, 2019

A low pressure snow system will move into Massachusetts Wednesday night, first in the western part of the state, around 7 p.m., and later toward the coast, around 9 p.m.

Snow flurries are possible throughout the afternoon on Wednesday, but real snowfall will not occur until the evening. Snowfall will amount to around 1-2 inches across the state, the National Weather Service reports.

Snow will change over into rain or freezing rain overnight, and the wintry mix should end by around 7 a.m. Thursday morning.Although former Vice President Joe Biden has yet to enter the 2020 White House race, he continues to lead declared Democratic candidates among expected New Hampshire voters with less than one year to go until the states must-win primary, a new poll suggests.

A University of Massachusetts Amherst survey released Wednesday found that more than a quarter, or 28 percent, of likely Democratic voters said they would support Biden if New Hampshires primary were held today.

Twenty percent, in turn, said theyd vote for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who won New Hampshires Democratic primary in 2016 and formally entered the 2020 contest on Tuesday, according to poll results.

Likely New Hampshire Democratic voters were more split on U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris, D-California, and Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, with a respective 14 percent and 9 percent saying theyd support them if the states primary occurred today.

Another 14 percent, meanwhile, said they were undecided about what Democrat they would support in the hypothetical 2020 primary matchup.

Tatishe Nteta, director of the UMass Poll and a political science associate professor, said the findings indicate that despite the Democratic Partys diverse roster of candidates vying for 2020 nomination, New Hampshire voters seem to be more comfortable handing the reins to a seasoned veteran.

While early, our results suggest that this race is Joe Bidens for the taking. The question is whether he wants it or not, she said, noting the speculation surrounding whether the 76-year-old former vice president will mount a 2020 run.

Jesse Rhodes, the associate director of the UMass Poll, offered that the fact that Biden is a known quantity in New Hampshire could give him an advantage over lesser known candidates, like Harris, who held her first 2020 campaign events in the state this week.

That edge, however, also extends to candidates more familiar to New Hampshire voters, like Warren and Sanders, who may be seen as too liberal to win in a general election matchup against President Donald Trump, she added.

The UMass poll found Biden leading other Democrats in most demographic groups, including among moderates, older voters and women.

Nearly 40 percent of likely New Hampshire Democratic voters further feel the former vice president represents the partys best chance of defeating Trump in 2020, followed by 12 percent who said Sanders, 8 percent who said Harris and 6 percent who said Warren is best poised to unseat the incumbent Republican.

More than eight in 10 voters, however, told pollsters that theyd be willing to back another candidates if their initial choice is not on the ballot in 2020.

Twenty-eight percent of respondents said theyd support Harris as their second choice, 26 percent said theyd back Biden and 24 percent said theyd vote for U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, of New Jersey.

Less than a quarter, or 22 percent, named Warren as their second choice and 21 percent said theyd back Sanders if their first choice were excluded from the presidential race, the poll found.

Although Warren saw more support as New Hampshire voters second choice, the surveys results found that the Massachusetts Democrat topped the list of 2020 candidates respondents would not be willing to support, with 26 percent opposing her White House bid.

"Sen. Warren has work to do in order to convince the states Democratic electorate that she is indeed the person that will win the election on November 3, 2020, Nteta said in a statement.

The senator, who stopped in New Hampshire immediately after announcing her 2020 bid, is set to return to the Granite State for a series of campaign events later this week.

The UMass Poll surveyed more than 600 registered voters, including 337 likely Democratic primary voters in New Hampshire, from Feb. 7 to 15. It has a margin of error of plus of minus 4.8 percent.Bernie Sanders was different. Now, not so much.

When the Vermont independent jumped into the Democratic Party's 2016 presidential nominating contest, he offered a set of ideas that were largely outside the norms for national candidates. Just six years after Democrats had barely won the fight of a generation and passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, colloquially known as "Obamacare," Sanders vowed to go so much further and provide Medicare for all. Mainstream Democrats back then weren't talking of such things.

Want to know how fast the party has moved leftward? Nearly all the declared candidates these days are offering some version of Sanders' once-radical plan. And many at the same time are echoing his call for free college.

On Tuesday, Sanders announced that he'll again be seeking the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. The big question: Now that so many Democrats are talking like Sanders, will his ideas stand out the second time around?

But that's far from the only question. A few others: Will his age become a factor? Sanders, after all, is 77 today, and will be 79 on Election Day in 2020. Are folks going to be comfortable backing the presidential aspirations of someone who'd be 83 at the end of his first term in office?

And how about his lack of foreign policy expertise? When he was running against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, he was largely given a pass, not only by his army of youthful supporters, but also by many in the news media. Clinton was in a horse race, and Sanders was the only other horse on the track. That he perhaps couldn't articulate a clearheaded plan regarding Syrian aggression against its own people didn't knock him off track in 2016. Things will doubtless be different in a more crowded field, with not a few candidates having real foreign policy bonafides.

There will also be serious, lingering questions about the demise of a small Vermont college that had been headed by Sanders' wife, Jane O'Meara Sanders, the senator's chief of staff. The college went belly-up just five years after her departure, following her seven years at the helm. During her tenure, Burlington College obtained loans totaling $10 million to make a land purchase that proved the college's ultimate undoing. Though the details of this tale aren't widely known, they will be if Sanders' presidential bid takes off again.

Back in 2016, Sanders performed far, far better than most everyone had expected. One can reasonably ask if that was, in large part, because many Democrats were unhappy with crowning Clinton, who was, to put it politely, not exactly a natural politician and a gifted campaigner.

Sanders wasn't merely an alternative, but was the alternative. Sanders 2.0 could well find the going more difficult.

Though the Vermont socialist could again be popular with those whose understanding of basic economics doesnt run very deep, its also quite possible that Democrats will in the end turn to someone seen as more electable. Those whod like most to see President Donald Trump defeated could well think twice about the wisdom of nominating a nearly 80-year-old socialist who isnt even a Democrat as the partys standard-bearer.WARE -- Selectmen learned Tuesday that a school repair project will now cost the town $492,000 more than what School Department officials told them last year.

Ware Town Manager Stuart Beckley said an estimate provided last year by the School Department indicated $1.25 million was needed to replace windows and doors at the middle school; and another $250,000 was the projected cost to replace boilers at the elementary school.

In contrast, he said, new figures provided by the school department show replacement of windows and doors will actually cost $3 million, and $900,000 for the boiler replacements -- a difference of $2.4 million.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority has agreed to pay 79.5 percent, or $3.1 million, of the $3.9 million, Beckley said. Ware must pay the remaining $800,000, which is about $492,000 more than previously expected.

Two of the five selectmen expressed outrage.

"It's almost a scam, it's messed up," said Selectman Alan Whitney. "It is just negligent."

Selectman Keith Kruckas asked Beckley, "How does this keep happening?," adding the additional cost "is a huge pill to swallow."

"I'd be fired if I did that at my job, Jesus," Whitney said.

Last year, residents were told they would be paying 20.5 percent of $1.5 million, or about $308,000, for the two school projects.

In an interview following Tuesday's meeting, Selectmen Chairman John Carroll said he would not be convening a meeting to ask school officials about the difference from what was proposed last year, and now.

Beckley, in an interview, said the new cost estimate to repair the schools was from an architect hired to work on the project.

During the meeting, Beckley told selectmen that he did not know how the original figures were calculated by the School Department.

Voters will decide whether to approve the money at a special town meeting on March 11.

At a meeting earlier this month, selectmen were told by the Department of Public Works that a previous estimate, from five months ago, to fix the public water system, was about $1.5 less than what it should have been.

The price of that project had been estimated at $6 million. It is now tagged at approximately $7.5 million.

BELCHERTOWN - Members of the Board of Selectmen and Police Department will travel Tuesday to Dover where the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission will formally certify the municipal force as an accredited agency.

The ceremony will take place at Boston College's Connors Family Retreat and Conference Center, located at 20 Glen St., at 10:30 a.m.

"We are excited about it. This will be the formal award; it's been a lot of work, but well worth it," Belchertown Police Chief Christopher Pronovost said in an interview Thursday.

Officials from the MPAC visited the police department back in September, spending two days with the force.

Among the things they reviewed, for which a department can earn accreditation, included policy and procedures, making sure the agency abides by best police practices, how new officers are recruited and trained, the state of facilities and equipment, and general operations.

"We've been notified we've met all the required standards," the chief said.

"The Commission has the powers and duties of a Board of Directors under Massachusetts law and is the sole arbiter of state certification and accreditation of police agencies within the Commonwealth," the the commission's website says.

To date, the MPAC has accredited the following departments in Western Massachusetts: Amherst, Great Barrington, Greenfield, HMS Campus Police Department (Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke and Smith colleges), Longmeadow, Ludlow, Northampton, UMass Amherst, and Western New England University.

Springfield Police Department is not accredited by the Masachusetts Police Accreditation Commission.Jurrell Laronal spent 10 years in Massachusetts prisons and has been in solitary confinement more times than he can remember, beginning at age 19.

Hes been in cells that are too hot or too cold or have black mold, he said. Hes been given a choice between a shower and extra food, been denied a blanket, and had correction officers destroy his property. He got his thumb broken and still has a mark on his chest from a restraint chair, three years after getting out. Laronal said he saw an officer opening inmates trays and doing nasty stuff to their food.

Laronal said there is a culture of silence in the hole, since any complaint will cause the inmate more trouble.

You held me accountable for 10 years, Laronal told officials at the Department of Correction on Tuesday. But you should also be held accountable for what you do as well.

The criminal justice reform law that the Legislature passed last year contains reforms to the states solitary confinement system meant to provide inmates with better living conditions, limit the length of time someone can be held without review, and keep mentally ill inmates out of solitary confinement. The Department of Correction is writing new rules to abide by the law.

But prisoners advocates say the departments draft rules fall short of the reform envisioned by the Legislature and essentially let the department continue its current practices in slightly different form.

Unfortunately, these regulations make clear that instead of seizing the opportunity, the DOC intends to bring itself into technical compliance with the letter of the law while subverting the intention of the law and continuing to rely on solitary confinement as a lynchpin of its management practices, said Jesse White, staff attorney with Prisoners Legal Services of Massachusetts.

At a public hearing Tuesday, former prisoners, family members and advocates told horrific stories of incarceration in solitary confinement, which several people referred to as torture, and urged department officials to change their practices.

Nicholas Gomes, 49, of Boston, spent 30 years incarcerated. His first arrest was at age 12 for stealing a car. Gomes said inmates are sent to solitary confinement for little reason.

if you have a disagreement with a (correction officer) and they dont like you, youre going to the hole, Gomes said. They tell you to do something and you dont do it fast enough, youre going to the hole. They come to do the count  you dont stand up quick enough, later that night theyre coming to your cell, and youre going to the hole.

Gomes said correction officials need to remember that inmates are human. Until this system that doesnt look at other people like theyre humans doesnt change that thinking of okay we can just put this person in that room and leave him there, You think theyre going to come out of that room and come to your community and help your grandmother across the street? Gomes said. No, thats not going to happen. Youre creating monsters.

The criminal justice reform law defines restrictive housing as a unit where an inmate is confined to a cell 22 hours a day. The new law requires that these inmates get amenities similar to those in the general population, such as access to television, radio, reading and writing material, certain visitation rights, and showers three times a week. It ensures that prisoners held in solitary confinement for more than 60 days can access educational, vocational and rehabilitative programming.

It requires regular reviews of a prisoners housing status  anywhere from every 72 hours to every 90 days, depending on the circumstance.

Prisoners with serious mental illness could no longer be held in solitary confinement for more than 72 hours, unless certain conditions are met. Pregnant women would be barred from solitary confinement.

The proposed Department of Correction rules place additional restrictions on when and for how long solitary confinement, now referred to as restrictive housing, can be used. The department would enhance its medical and mental health screenings and create a board to review restrictive housing placements. The rules create standards for access to canteen, meals, bedding, radios, reading material and programming.

But they also create new categories of housing  a secure adjustment unit, where inmates can be held in their cells for up to 21 hours a day, and a secure treatment unit for inmates with serious mental illness.

According to the proposed rules, the secure adjustment unit would provide access to mental health treatment, programs and recreation in a highly structured unit when an inmate is diverted from or released from restrictive housing.

Prisoners Legal Services, in written testimony cosigned by the ACLU of Massachusetts and other criminal justice reform advocates, said the department is undermining the intent of the law by creating new units that would give prisoners an extra hour out of their cell, but be exempt from the laws protections. It is counterproductive and harmful for people to be locked in a cage for 22 or even 21 hours a day, the groups wrote.

Former inmates and family members say the rules must also do more to prevent abuse. For example, they said prisoners in solitary confinement are often discouraged from taking their hour of recreation time.

Michael Carey, a retired high school teacher, visits a man who has been in a solitary disciplinary unit for four years. Carey said when the man leaves his cell, his property can get destroyed. So he leaves only to shower twice a week and for twice monthly visits.

The culture has not improved one iota in the four years Ive been visiting him, Carey said.

Wendy Golenbock, a former defense attorney convicted of bankruptcy fraud, spent 10 days in segregation during her incarceration 16 years ago, because no other bed was available. She said her hour outside her cell meant time to stand by herself in a cold courtyard.

Golenbock recalled being housed with people with serious mental illness, who screamed through the night. She said coming out of segregation, You have nightmares for the rest of your life.

Caroline Bays, of Watertown, who visits a man in solitary confinement, said the man told her that when he entered the unit, a guard threatened to beat him if the man left his cell.

Im witnessing some of the most brutal, inhuman treatment Ive ever seen in my life, Bays said. She recounted stories of men being beaten by guards or tripped on stairs and then denied medical treatment.

Its not just solitary because youre kept in a cell, Bays said. Its the atmosphere in the unit, the culture and brutal treatment of human beings in there.

Advocates urged the Department of Correction to reserve solitary confinement for the worst violent offenses. Otherwise, they say solitary confinement harms prisoners and public safety.

Letisha Monteiro is a single mother of four, with one son in prison and another who was released. Both spent time in solitary confinement.

The one who is released, she said, came out of jail the most angry kid in the world.

Hes so mean. Hes not the son I raised, Monteiro said.

Her son in jail has mental health problems, she said.

Monteiro said the jail system mentally abuses prisoners and treats them like animals. Her son is denied books his wife buys him on Amazon. One son found maggots in his food.

Monteiro said a dog caged in a kennel continuously would run like crazy when released. Similarly, she said, with men, You let them out after they were treated like animals, the animals become monsters.

A Department of Correction spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Asked whether lawmakers are concerned about the departments implementation of the law, Sen. Will Brownsberger, D-Belmont, who led the Senates criminal justice reform efforts, said the law established an independent oversight commission to gather information about the use of restrictive housing.

Im initially trusting that those oversight mechanisms will do what we intended, Brownsberger said.SPRINGFIELD  A police officer who was fired last March for alleged misconduct  his second dismissal in 12 years  had the latest dismissal overturned in arbitration, the city announced Wednesday.

The firing was overturned for Police Officer Anthony Bedinelli, said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, in a prepared release.

Police Commissioner John Barbieri, along with the Department and our civilian Community Police Hearing Board (CPHB) "investigated this citizens complaint and found that rules and regulations of the Department were violated and Commissioner Barbieri, as the appointing authority reviewed the decision of the CPHB and imposed the dismissal of the officer, Sarno said.

The decision was overturned under a process through the American Arbitration Association, Sarno said, citing information provided by William Mahoney, the citys director of Human Resources and Labor Relations.

Bedinelli has been fired from the Springfield police twice and each time he has had the dismissal overturned on appeal.

He was hired in 1996.

In 2007, he was fired by then-Police Commissioner Edward Flynn for his role in an 2 a.m. off-duty brawl the night after Christmas inside the Ale House, a Worthington Street bar not far from the police station.

Two women reported that Bedinelli attacked them while they were arguing with the bartender.

He appealed the decision and won an arbitration case. He was reinstated in 2009 and collected two years in back pay, totaling $65,000.

In this most recent case, Bedinelli was fired by Commissioner Barbieri in March of last year following two separate internal investigations into his conduct while on duty and off.

One of the complaints was filed by a woman in November 2017 who reported Bedinelli had hit her twice in the chest and used pepper spray on her.

The other case concerned a report involving domestic violence from February 2018 that left a woman with injuries. Details of that case were limited.

At the time of his dismissal last year, police spokesman Ryan Walsh issued a statement that said the dismissal was the result of a review by the Community Police Hearing Board review: The citys civilian review board sustained charges against Officer Bedinelli involving an on-duty incident. Officer Bedinelli has the right to appeal this decision, but his termination was effective Thursday afternoon."

Bedinelli has a long history of discipline problems during his career.

He was suspended for six months as a result of a 1997 incident where he left his post on the dispatch desk without permission to go to his house after learning his two Rottweilers had escaped his yard and attacked an 8-year-old girl.

In all, Bedinelli has been the subject of 18 separate internal investigations over his career. These include a 2008 complaint when he reported his gun had been stolen, and a 2004 complaint from a free-lance female photographer, who identified Bedinelli as the officer who slapped his badge on her windshield and repeatedly called her bitch during a parking dispute in the Worthington Street club quarter.BOSTON -- A Louisiana teacher admitted in court Wednesday to trying to coerce an 11-year-old girl to have sex with him and sending her sexually explicit photographs.

Logan Procell, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor in U.S. District Court in Boston. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3, said Christina DiLorio-Sterling, spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling.

Procell admitted to sending more than 1,000 messages to the Massachusetts girl first through Snapchat and then through text messages after he obtained her phone number. The name of the town where the child lives was redacted in court records.

The mother of the victim found the messages on her childs phone and reported them to police. The FBI also assisted in the investigation, according to court records.

In the investigation the FBI agent found 1,626 messages, many of them sexually explicit and some discussed plans for the two to get together to have sex. Procell sent at least one photograph of his penis to the girl and pushed her to send him photographs of her breasts and vagina, records said.

"Can you get away from your mom?

"I mean long enough for us to have sex?" some of the texts said according to court records.

The victim told him that she was "An 11-year-old girl that want's sex." But was afraid she would be a "slut" if she did.

"I wanted sex all the time at your age," Procell said, according to court records.

The texts lasted from Aug. 8 to Sept. 15. At the time of the five-week exchange, Procell was 23 and a chemistry teacher at Logansport High School in Noble, La. He resigned his post after being indicted in October 2017.

Procell has been held in jail since his indictment. The charges carry sentences of 10 years to life in prison and total fines of up to $500,000, DiLorio-Sterling said.CHICOPEE  A 24-year-old Tyngsborough man who lost control of his SUV on the westbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike Tuesday night was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield with non-life-threatening injuries, state police said.

The single-vehicle crash occurred shortly after 8 p.m. and the victims 2012 Toyota Highlander went off the roadway and into trees, Trooper Dustin Fitch, a spokesman for state police, said.

Chicopee firefighters extricated the man, the sole occupant of the SUV, and took him to Baystate. He was conscious and alert after the crash.

The right lane of the turnpike was closed for about 90 minutes while state police investigated.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed, Fitch said.Approximately 7,500 people whose drug cases were tainted by Amherst drug lab chemist Sonja Farak will soon receive letters notifying them that their convictions have been overturned.

Farak, who worked at the drug lab for nearly nine years, pleaded guilty to stealing drug samples to feed her own addiction

The notification, which covers nearly 11,000 drug charges where Farak signed a drug certificate, is required as part of the resolution of litigation related to that case.

In addition to the notification postcards, the ACLU of Massachusetts and the Committee for Public Counsel Services will be running media ads in Western Massachusetts. Advertisements on WEEI and Northampton Radio Group stations began Feb. 18. Digital ads on BostonGlobe.com will begin Feb. 20.

The ads will inform people convicted of a Massachusetts drug crime in a case filed between 2003 and 2013 that they can find out if their charges were dismissed by calling a hotline at 1-888-999-2881.

Matt Segal, legal director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, said people can call the hotline to ask questions related to drug cases affected by either Farak or former chemist Annie Dookhan, who falsified drug test results at the states Hinton drug lab.

Overall, the two cases have resulted in the dismissal of around 47,000 charges in 28,000 cases.

Those figures do not count a second group of Farak-related cases that involve drugs tested at the Amherst lab while Farak was working there, for which she did not sign the drug certificate. In October, the Supreme Judicial Court ordered those additional cases dismissed. Segal said those cases have not yet been tallied.

The notification campaign will be paid for by Attorney General Maura Healeys office, under the terms of a court ruling.

Segal said although the scandals were only uncovered after most drug defendants had served their time in prison, people are still facing collateral consequences.

With the war on drugs, it doesnt just punish people, it keeps punishing people through the collateral consequences of having a conviction, Segal said. Each conviction on someones record can make it more difficult to get a job, to get an apartment, to get a loan, anything a person might want or need to rebuild their life.The Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Thursday agreed to settle a lawsuit with former casino mogul Steve Wynn, which will allow the commission to conclude its investigation of Wynn Resorts suitability to hold a Massachusetts casino license.

The commission took a brief, unanimous vote following an executive session to authorize their legal counsel to finalize a settlement. Details of the settlement were not immediately available.

Today the Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted to authorize its legal counsel to finalize an agreement guaranteeing that commissioners have access to important investigative information relevant to the Wynn Resorts suitability review, the commission said in a statement. This action also eliminates the uncertainty of protracted litigation and allows the MGC to commence its preparations for an adjudicatory hearing and a robust, public review of its investigatory findings.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has been looking into whether Wynn Resorts is still suitable to hold a Massachusetts casino license, in light of reports of sexual misconduct by Wynn. Wynn has since left the company.

The investigation was delayed after Wynn sued the Gaming Commission in a Nevada court.

Wynn said attorney-client privileged documents were given to the commissions investigative team by Wynn Resorts without his permission.

Settling that lawsuit will enable the commission to receive an investigative report, and move forward with adjudicating Wynn Resorts suitability as soon as possible, said commission member Gayle Cameron.

The Everett casino, which changed its name from Wynn Boston Harbor to Encore Boston Harbor, is planning to open in June 2019.

MassLive reporter Jacqueline Tempera contributed to this story.LUDLOW - Police, fire and emergency services are responding to a reported serious crash on Shawinigan Drive.

No details are available at the moment. Ludlow police said they have no information at this time.

The Massachusetts State Police are reporting they have dispatched its Collision Reconstruction and Crime Scene units to the area of Shawinigan Drive at Russell Street.

Shawinigan Drive is the long road running between Chicopee and Ludlow that is parallel to the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Chicopee police are reporting Shawinigan is closed to traffic.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it is known.ENFIELD - A 29-year-old resident pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and fentanyl after being charged in the overdose death of a man who purchased drugs from him.

Christopher Feliciano pleaded guilty on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl, said Tom Carson, spokesman for Connecticut U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.

He is being held without bail until his sentencing, which is not scheduled yet. Feliciano faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, he said.

"This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users," Carson said in writing.

Enfield Police and medical personnel discovered a 24-year-old man dead in a home at about 8:55 a.m., Oct. 8, 2017. It was later determined he died of an overdose, he said.

Investigators found drug paraphernalia near the spot where he was found. They also seized the victim's phone and determined he had purchased drugs from Feliciano the day before his death, Carson said.

The Drug Enforcement Administration worked with Enfield police to investigate the death. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.CHICOPEE - The Massachusetts State Police are at the scene of a serious car crash on Interstate-90 westbound.

At least one person was injured in the crash that occurred at about 9:30 p.m. The right lane the highway is closed as police and medical personnel respond, police said.

The driver of an SUV lost control of the vehicle, left the road and drove down an embankment. The car came to rest against trees at the bottom of the slope, police said.

Police have released few details of the crash and did not say if more than one vehicle was involved or how many people were injured.

The State Department of Transportation is reported a slowdown on the Massachusetts Turnpike due to the crash, but by 11:15 p.m. the departments real-time traffic map was not showing any delays.SPRINGFIELD  Proponents of a proposed marijuana shop at 15 Hampden St. described it Tuesday night as a small, quiet and classy site, in a long-vacant downtown storefront that has just 500 square feet of retail space.

Ezra Parzybok, a cannabis consultant for the new business owner, gave details of the recreational marijuana shop during a community outreach meeting held at the Hampden Street location. Just three residents attended the meeting.

Andrew Kioudijs of Boston, who is the sole officer of Hennep, Inc., is proposing to open the shop. Plans were initially revealed during a January community meeting by the prior owner, Laura Amato, of Nyack, New York, with the change in ownership spurring the new meeting on Tuesday.

"A lot of people do not want to go into a big retail (store)," Parzybok said regarding the size of the proposed shop. "They want a place that is quiet, intimate, you know the person behind the counter."

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission allows retail stores up to 2,500 square feet in size.

Parzybok and Mark Jarvis, both of Greenglove Consulting LLC, of Northampton, represented Kioudijs at the Hampden Street meeting, and said the shop would have a boutique style feel to it.

The shop will be discreet, classy, and fit well into the community, Jarvis said.

The shop would comply with strict security guidelines established by the state including secure storage and extensive monitoring of all product, Parzybok said. There would be no nuisances, no noise or dust or vibration, or glaring lights, and any aroma would be ventilated inside, he said. The shop would provide five to seven jobs, tax revenue, create added foot traffic, business spin-off, and bring a little more life to that area of the downtown, Parzybok said.

The City Council approved a zoning ordinance in September that allows up to 15 retail marijuana shops in Springfield. The shops are only permitted in business and industrial zones, and only on 58 designated streets in those zones.

Koudijs is also proposing a to open a marijuana shop in Provincetown.

He would hire a manager for the Springfield shop, Parzybok said.

The Springfield shop is proposed in the left storefront in a building that also houses the dental offices of Dr. Richard Elfman, who owns the building.

A marijuana shop needs approval from the mayor, City Council and state Cannabis Control Commission.

The city will be seeking specific proposals and qualifications from businesses, beginning in March. A review committee will evaluate all submitted proposals, and conduct the review process in rounds, officials said.

There have been community meetings held in advance of the review process regarding the eight proposed locations for marijuana shops in Springfield thus far revealed. Applications are not yet being accepted in Springfield.

The City Council Marijuana Regulations Committee has issued recommendations on the review of future applications, aimed at ensuring "that only the most qualified and advantageous operators gain approval to operate in Springfield, avoid oversaturation of marijuana facilities within one or more areas of the City and promote, encourage and provide opportunities for ownership by Economic Empowerment Applicants and Springfield residents," according to a committee report.

The committee recommended in part that the process should be done in rounds, with the initial round limited to four proposed sites, based on highest scores and preference. The first four should target an economic empowerment or minority-owned applicant, a locally owned company, the highest score on qualifications/proposals, and the second highest score.Mother and daughter Jeanne M. and Mackenna E. Wysocki will be portraying a mother and daughter as they take to the stage in Theatre Guild of Hampden's upcoming production of "Glass Menagerie" and it feels natural to them.

"At first I didn't know how it would feel, but it has morphed into something very natural," Jeanne said.

"We're doing an (acting) job, and it's cool to be doing it with somebody I know well, and it feels natural," her daughter concurred.

Theatre Guild of Hampden will present Tennessee Williams' "Glass Menagerie" at the Hampden Town Hall March 1-3 and March 9-11 with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2 p.m.

There are only four characters in the play: Amanda Wingfield, a faded Southern belle who was abandoned by her husband; Tom, Amanda's son; Laura Wingfield, Amanda's daughter; and Jim O'Connor, a high school acquaintance of Tom and Laura.

Actor Christopher Rojas of South Hadley is preparing for his fifth production with Hampden Theatre Guild; he's playing Tom Wingfield.

It's an "intense, dramatic role," but he's ready for it, thanks to his previous work with director Mark H. Giza. His roles as Brick in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," Frank Finger in "It's Only a Play," Eugene in "Broadway Bound" and the emcee in "Cabaret" have been what Rojas said were "like training for this (Tom) role."

Calling Giza a "brilliant theatrical mind," Rojas said he assembles strong casts and brings out the best in the actors.

In his current role, Rojas, 23, plays a character of a similar age that feels like he is suffocating in his own home. "It's kind of a dark head space because he's so unhappy," he said. "He hates where he is. He's a dreamer, and he's stuck."

Amanda is obsessed with finding a "gentleman caller" for Laura, whose crippling shyness has led her to drop out of high school and a secretarial course; she spends much of her time polishing and arranging her collection of small glass animals.

"The four actors are wonderful. They work well off each other," Giza said. "It is the most powerful (Tennessee Williams) play next to 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' and 'A Streetcar Named Desire.'"

This will be the first time Jeanne and Mackenna portray a mother and daughter; both have acted with theatre Guild of Hampden before.

Though they thought it might be challenging to act together in such a way, mother and daughter said they've not found it to be. They have given each other some critiques, but "that's the director's job," Mackenna said. "It's best to leave that to the director," Jeanne agreed.

She acted in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and likes Williams' work. Her father, the late Edward Ebling, introduced her to the work of the playwright "years ago," she said. "I didn't know that. That's cool," her daughter interjected.

It was Mackenna, 22, who got Jeanne interested in acting, though. She participated in youth productions with Theatre Guild of Hampden and suggested her mother try out for a role in one of the shows. "She inspired me," Jeanne said.

"Glass Menagerie" -- which premiered in Chicago in 1944 -- has strong autobiographical elements, featuring characters based on the author, his histrionic mother and his mentally fragile sister Laura.

Rojas said the role of Tom is "awesome" to play because it is "basically (the part of) Tennessee Williams;" between dramatic scenes Rojas plays the role of the narrator (Williams). "The whole play is about my character's memory of his youth.

Theatre Guild of Hampden will present "Glass Menagerie" at the Hampden Town Hall March 1, 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11 with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2 p.m.

Tickets will be sold at the door only; they are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.

For more information, go to theatreguildofhampden.org.SPRINGFIELD  The Trump administration has denied CRRC MAs request for 16 separate exemptions from the 25-percent import tariffs slapped this summer on rail car components the company uses here in Springfield to build cars for the MBTA.

In a series of letters dated Feb. 4 and available online, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative said that letting CRRC MA off the hook for a 25 percent tariffs would defeat the purpose of the tariffs in the first place. Each rail car costs $2.5 million.

Each of the exemptions was for a specific part, like an air duct or a battery box. The cars are built in China as a shell and shipped here to be fitted out and assembled.

Not all the parts come from China, as the MBTA requires 60 percent domestic parts.

The Trump administration has accused China of using its power in the marketplace to mandate the transfer of technology to its industries and to drive out competition from world markets.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, is following the situation and remains an advocate for CRRC and its Springfield operations, said spokesman William Tranghese. Neal is chairman of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee, which oversees tax policy administration, including tariffs.

CRRC MA, the subsidiary here in Springfield, has a total of 248 employees and most are in Springfield or Boston with a few in Los Angeles. Of the 248, 152 work in Springfield and 90 are union production employees.

The company plans to hire 48 more Springfield factory workers when it ramps up to full production.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and China begin high-level trade talks Thursday in Washington aimed at resolving a brewing trade war and settling issues before a March deadline.

With no deadline on March 2, a 10 percent tariff increase imposed on $200 billion of Chinese goods is due to rise to 25 percent March 2, according to the Associated Press.

CRRC officials declined to comment on tariffs this week. But this fall, when they were drumming up local support for their case to be excluded, executives at CRRC said the tariffs are an unfair impediment to job creation.

In January, Sun Yongcai, general manager and deputy party secretary at CRRC Group, told a gathering of world economic leaders in Davos, Switzerland that the trade disputes between the two nations are only temporary.

The two countries are in the middle of discussions and negotiations. With the wisdom from both nations, I believe that we can reach an agreement thats acceptable to both sides.

Ambassador Huang Ping, the Chinese consul general for New York, spoke at a rolling-out ceremony in December as the first Springfield-based cars were completed.

"The U.S. should see China as a valued partner not only in our economic growth but in solving problems around the world," he said.

CRRC built a $95 million factory at the old Westinghouse site in East Springfield to build transit cars. CRRC MA also has plans to build a 42,500-square-foot warehouse at its Page Boulevard factory to house large components.

In 2014, CRRC received a $566 million contract from the MBTA to build 152 Orange Line cars and 252 Red Line cars at the Page Boulevard site. In December 2016, the state upped the order with another 120 new Red Line cars, with production set to begin in June 2022 at a cost of $277 million.

CRRC MA also has contracts to make cars here for Los Angeles and Philadelphia and has proposals out to Atlanta and elsewhere.

Massachusetts went without federal funding on the cars so that it could mandate that they be assembled in Massachusetts. The idea was to foster an industry of making rail cars in Massachusetts.

Production began on the first Orange Line Cars in April and will begin making Red Line cars in later this year.

The first of the Orange Line cars are undergoing tests now on the MBTA.

Its difficult to determine how much the tariff will impact the cost to the MBTA. While each car averages $2.5 million each, not every part is subject to the tariff.

Joe Pesaturo, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority said it is the MBTAs position that the contract between the authority and CRRC MA for new rail cars is such that CRRC MA is responsible for any cost implications associated with changes in tariffs.Springfield - American Financial network Inc. Northeast Division welcomes Prav Mathur to their team. Mathur has experience in mortgage origination and has been recognized as a top producer numerous times in his nearly twenty-three year career. Mathur grew up in the Longmeadow area and attended Holyoke Community College. He currently resides in West Springfield. Beginning as a realtor for Coldwell Banker in the late 80s, Mathur has worked for National City/PNC Mortgage and most recently Embrace Home Loans. Prav Mathur NMLS# 681028 is employed by American Financial network Inc and is licensed in Connecticut and Massachusetts.A 40-year-old Weymouth man accused of nearly beating a 22-year-old to death in an attack in Bostons South End turned himself in Tuesday, authorities said.

Michael Kenney turned himself in to police in the South End Tuesday at about 4 p.m., Boston police said.

At about 2:45 a.m. Feb. 9 officers in Bostons South End responded to a call about a person screaming for help near Harrison Avenue and Fay Street.

When officers arrived they found a man lying on the ground in a semi-conscious state, police said in a statement. The man was taken to a local hospital with injuries police said were life-threatening.

Witnesses told police that a group of three white men punched the victim multiple times before slamming him into the ground.

The victims mother told WHDH 22-year-old Chris Smith required emergency brain surgery following the attack. He was in intensive care at the hospital and has dozens of staples in his head, according to the television station.

They had minutes to do the surgery or he wouldve died, Deborah Smith told the television station.

She told WHDH it was a simple night out with friends that almost cost him his life.

Kenney was arrested on multiple charges including assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.The man who was stabbed in East Boston early Sunday has died from his injuries, police said.

At about 1:55 a.m. Sunday police in East Boston responded to Chelsea Street following reports of a stabbing. They found an adult man with a stab wound who was rushed to the hospital.

Boston police said Wednesday afternoon that the man - who has not yet been identified - died because of his injuries in a local hospital.

Boston police say they are continuing to investigate the death and ask anyone with information to contact Homicide Detectives at 617-343-4470.A 4-year-old girl from Lowell has reportedly become the third child to die in Massachusetts from the flu this season.

WCVB reported that 4-year-old Puthiraskmey Sopheak of Lowell died Saturday.

Her father, Sopheak Paak, told the television station that he rushed her to Lowell General Hospital on Tuesday after her fever hit 99 degrees and she began coughing blood, but the hospital sent them home that day with instructions to give her Tylenol.

Paak told WCVB that his daughters condition took a turn for the worse on Saturday, and she died after he called 911.

He told the television station that they had recently immigrated from Cambodia.

HIs daughter is the second girl in Middlesex County to die from the flu this season. The other was a 4-year-old from Framingham.

A 12-year-old from Milford also died of the flu earlier this season.After Northam was treated so harshly  now poor Justin Fairfax is in the fire, she said. The #MeToo movement has shown itself to be unforgiving of people of color.

The Rev. Tyler Millner of Morning Star Holy Church said that those are not unforgiveable sins, and he would like to be part of some public conversation about them.

 I think we have more than one strategy in talking about how were going to go forward as a commonwealth; therefore, we have to look at all the dynamics, he said. The matter of forgiveness always has to be part of the strategy, and when we come to the faith community, we always have to stand by that position.

The leaders past transgressions should be dealt with, he said, but that doesnt mean the leaders have to be thrown out of office.

And how to deal with them? That starts with getting all the necessary information to understand what really happened, he said.

Everyone should be righteous, Millner said, but not so righteous that they lose sight of the proper course of government.Ensure you get a print copy of the Loudoun Times-Mirror delivered weekly to your home or business!

Complete online access is included with all print subscriptions purchased online. Plus, up to four other members of your household can share online access through this subscription with their own, individual linked accounts at no additional charge.

(Are you a current advertiser? Ask your sales rep for our special advertiser rate code!)Local News, Business & Finance, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 20 2019

Exciting event taking place at 729 Route 110, Melville on February 27, 2019 At 3:00 p.m.

Melville, NY - February 20, 2019 - A Ribbon Cutting at the newly remodeled A Ribbon Cutting at the newly remodeled Melville McDonalds with Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Councilman Ed Smyth and Long Island Cares CEO Paule Pachter will take place on Wednesday, February 27th at 3:00 p.m. Special recognition will be given to the Huntington Area Girl Scouts for their support and contributions to the restaurants food drive efforts.

The Melville McDonalds didnt miss a beat! They were open throughout the remodeling process  whether closing the lobby for a short period of time and servicing customers through the Drive-thru or vice versa. The store welcomed customers with an array of Grand Re-Opening events for the children from December through January. A visit with Santa, Face Painting and a Magician who captivated children and adults alike!

But the Grand Re-Opening campaign that proved to be best was a holiday food drive with Long Island Cares, the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Melville McDonalds owner and operator Carlos Morales felt it was important to contribute to those in need, especially during the holidays. Then the government shutdown happened and we received inquiries from those being affected. So the food drive benefiting the homeless, the Veterans, and all those in need in the community was extended over a month to February 24th. And the Huntington Area Girl Scout Troops were thrilled to help take on the challenge and support the food drive. They have been very supportive collecting donations, and some have taken on cookie sales and food drive collections together.

Its truly rewarding when the community comes together to help others in need, says Carlos Morales, Melville McDonalds owner and operator. Its what makes me proud to be a McDonalds owner.

Were extremely grateful to the Melville McDonalds and the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County for their support of our neighbors in need by partnering for a very successful food drive. Everyone at McDonalds can be proud to celebrate the redesign of the Melville restaurant, and their commitment to making our communities better places to live, says PaulePachter, CEO of Long Island Cares. To take a line from McDonalds  were lovin it!

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County is proud to take part in this initiative with LI Cares and Melville McDonalds, says Yvonne Grant, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. Our girls pledge to help people at all times, and their participation in this food drive is a testament to that promise.

The Melville McDonalds offers new technology, modern decor and table service creating a modern guest experience, and the drive-thru continues to be open 24 hours for customer convenience. Weinvite guests to experience updates to the restaurant, in an effort to showcase a new level of choice, engagement and service. McDonalds owner/operators and restaurant teams in New York are placing a higher emphasis on hospitality by focusing on greeting customers, assisting with new technology and ensuring a clean, welcoming environment.

Guests and media can be the first to experience new in-restaurant features, including:

New digital self-order kiosks for those looking to browse the menu and order at their own pace

Table service

New payment options including Apple/Android Pay

New Signature Crafted recipe menu items with premium ingredients.

About McDonalds New York Tri-State Restaurants

McDonalds is one of the worlds best-known brands and is a global leader in food service. There are more than 570 McDonalds restaurants, owned by 75 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Tri-State area.

About McDonalds USA

McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com , or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds

About Long Island Cares

Long Island Cares is one of the regions most comprehensive hunger assistance organizations, serving thousands of individuals and families in need. They bring together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry on Long Island, and provide to the best of their ability for the humanitarian needs of our community. Long Island Cares provides food when and where its needed, sponsors programs that promote self-sufficiency and educates the public about the causes and consequences of hunger on Long Island.

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk CountyNature & Weather, Local News, Press Releases

By Chris Boyle Published: February 20 2019

Snow is expected to begin between 12 and 3 p.m. this afternoon, with some accumulation before transitioning over to a wintery mix and eventually rain.

Long Island, NY - February 20, 2019 - Winter 2019 continues to underwhelm in terms of snowfall totals and ice-cold temperatures, but here and there we get a gentle reminder that its still not spring yet. The Winter 2019 continues to underwhelm in terms of snowfall totals and ice-cold temperatures, but here and there we get a gentle reminder that its still not spring yet. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Nassau and Suffolk counties starting at noon today and lasting until 1 a.m. Thursday, with a mix of snow and rain expected that could produce accumulation as high as 4 inches in some parts of Nassau, according to reports.

Snow is expected to begin between 12 and 3 p.m. this afternoon, with some accumulation before transitioning over to a wintery mix this evening at approximately 6 p.m., before transitioning once again over to pure rainfall by 9 p.m., according to the NWS.

Some regions of western and eastern Nassau are expected to bear the brunt of the precipitation, with the forecast calling for 2 to 4 inches of snow in those areas; Suffolk is expected to get off slightly easier with a projected 1 to 3 inches of snow. Snowfall could reach amounts of up to an inch each hour in the evening, if current projections hold.

Forecasters are warning residents to be aware of the potential for wet and icy roads that could have an impact upon the evening work commute; motorists are advised to take caution with driving and reduce speeds to be safe.

Temperatures are expected to remain at or below the freezing mark this afternoon, but will increase as the evening progresses, going from the low-30s to the low-40s; hence the nighttime transition of the snowfall into rain, NWS says.

In contrast, Thursdays forecast is expected to be the polar opposite of todays; the overnight rain is expected to clear up by approximately 8 a.m., with skies clearing as the day progresses and temperatures reaching as high 50 degrees of more.

A NWS Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. Check local Department of Transportation information services for the latest road conditions.

PSEG Long Island has issued the following information in light of the upcoming inclement weather:

To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com

Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and Twitter to report an outage and to get updates before, during and after the storm

Downed wires should always be considered live. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything contacting the wire. To report a downed wire call PSEG Long Islands 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075

Visit PSEG Long Islands outage map to view outage information across Long Island and the Rockaways at https://outagemap.psegliny.com

Make sure everyone in the family is prepared and knows what to do if there is an emergency. Visit https://www.psegliny.com/page.cfm/Home/Safety to learn about safety tips, view YouTube safety videos, and more.

The full current NWS forecast throughout the upcoming weekend is as follows:Governor Cuomo Announces $23 Million in State Funding for Airport Modernization, Operational Improvements and Safety Enhancement Projects

Local News, Business & Finance, Press Releases, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 20 2019

Funding will Provide Critical Support for Local Business Development and Regional Economic Competitiveness; Promotes New Technologies and Energy Efficiency.

New York, NY - February 20, 2019 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $23.6 million in infrastructure funding has been awarded to support safety enhancements, modernization of facilities, operational improvements and local business development at 31 airports statewide. These projects are funded through the Governor's State Aviation Capital Grant Program initiative and complement the Governor's Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, which provided $200 million to modernize airports across Upstate.

"New York's airports represent the front door to our local communities and are critical to facilitating tourism and business development," Governor Cuomo said. "A world class airport is crucial to regional economic growth, and by investing in the modernization of our local airports we are creating vibrant communities where people want to live, work and play."

Projects being awarded include the construction of new passenger amenities such as new wayfinding technologies, construction of new airplane hangars and fuel facilities, enhancements to safety and security, and expansion of vehicular parking facilities. These activities will help make the communities surrounding these airports more economically competitive with facilities in neighboring states.

Infrastructure investments help make New York State attractive to new businesses and facilitate development and job growth. Through this initiative, upstate airports in New York will continue to improve their facilities to better serve the public, while retaining and creating well-paying aeronautical jobs. The State Department of Transportation will immediately begin working with airport project sponsors to expedite the delivery of these improvements.

"We're investing in airports across the state to modernize facilities and enhance the overall travel experience," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This infrastructure funding will continue to make operational and safety improvements, and encourage local business development. These projects are upgrading airports, increasing tourism, and growing the economy of the entire State of New York."

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas said, "Governor Cuomo recognizes that New York's economy relies on a resilient and efficient network of airports. While many small airport facilities have been ignored across the nation, the Governor continues to invest in upstate airports to ensure the communities they serve remain connected to global markets."

New York Aviation Management Association President Christina R. Callahan said, "The New York Aviation Management Association and its members support Governor Cuomo's efforts to ensure that the State pursues policies that are pro-growth and pro job creation. Sustained and enhanced investments in our local airports is one of these winning strategies."

A complete list of airports receiving infrastructure awards through the Aviation Capital Grant Program is below:

CAPITAL REGION - $3.6 million

$1.4 million to construct a photovoltaic solar array at the Albany International Airport

$1 million to construct a new aircraft hangar at the Schenectady County Airport

$719,000 to construct a new snow removal equipment storage facility at the Saratoga County Airport

$510,000 to construct a new airport fueling facility at the Columbia County Airport

CENTRAL NEW YORK REGION - $1.5 million

$136,000 to upgrade an Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS) and install a new security system at the Chase Field Airport in Cortland County

$865,000 to construct a new aircraft hangar at the Oswego County Airport

$338,000 to construct a new airfield equipment storage facility at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport

$211,000 for runway safety improvements at the Skaneateles Aerodrome Airport in Onondaga County

FINGER LAKES REGION - $2.6 million

$656,000 to construct a new aircraft hangar at the Genesee County Airport

$559,000 to construct a deicing containment System and emergency equipment at the Penn Yan-Yates County Airport

$499,000 to deploy a new start-of-the-art garage parking guidance system at the Greater Rochester International Airport

$369,000 to renovate an aircraft hangar at the Dansville Municipal Airport in Livingston County

$336,000 for the installation of a new Jet-A fuel tank and associated equipment at the Williamson-Sodus Airport in Wayne County

$204,000 to construct an aircraft fuel storage and dispensing system at the Pine Hill Airport in Orleans County

LONG ISLAND REGION - $2.3 million

$1.5 million for the renewal of landside infrastructure at Republic Airport in Suffolk County

$800,000 to construct an enclosed pedestrian walkway connecting the transportation facility to the airport terminal at Long Island McArthur Airport in Suffolk County

MID-HUDSON REGION - $2.7 million

$1.5 million to extend the municipal water system at the Orange County Airport

$379,000 to modernize airport facilities at the Sullivan County International Airport

$772,000 for environmental remediation and facility relocation at the Westchester County Airport

MOHAWK VALLEY - $2.3 million

$1.5 million for facility modernization at the Griffiss International Airport in Oneida County

$800,000 to construct a new airport fueling facility at the Oneonta Municipal Airport in Otsego County

NORTH COUNTRY - $1.6 million

$576,000 for the purchase of snow removal equipment at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Warren County

$507,000 for parking facility modifications at the Plattsburgh International Airport in Clinton County

$536,000 for new deicing equipment at the Watertown International Airport in Jefferson County

SOUTHERN TIER - $3.9 million

$1.5 million to construct a new shared vehicle and aircraft fuel facility at the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

$1.5 million to construct a photovoltaic solar parking facility at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport in Chemung County

$828,000 to upgrade and modernize the aircraft fuel facility at the Greater Binghamton Regional Airport in Broome County

$64,000 to upgrade and modernize the aircraft fuel facility at the Corning-Painted Post Airport in Steuben County

WESTERN NEW YORK - $3.1 millionLocal News, National & World News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 20 2019

A Navy logistics specialist, Taylor is responsible for supplying parts and supplies to the ship.

Amityville, NY - February 20, 2019 - An An Amityville, New York , native and 2009 Amityville Memorial High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Kymmar Taylor has served in the Navy for five years and is a U.S. Navy logistics specialist aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

A Navy logistics specialist, Taylor is responsible for supplying parts and supplies to the ship.

Taylor credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Amityville.

I really brought my work ethic into the Navy with me because back home if you sat around doing nothing you would eat...plain and simple, said Taylor.

Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. According to Navy officials, their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Taylor is most proud of earning the enlisted surface warfare specialist pin in 2017.

It was crazy hard to get so I am very proud I worked for it, said Taylor.

A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea Navy officials explained. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons systems.

Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Taylor is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in Americas focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships, said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.

The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Taylor, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Taylor is honored to carry on that family tradition.

My older sister is in the Army, said Taylor. One day she sat me down to grill me about my life because I wasnt doing anything and floated the idea of the military and that was it.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navys most relied upon assets, Taylor and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.

Serving in the Navy means a better life for me and my family, added Taylor.The heinous defilement of a Longford GP's clinic on Sunday night has sparked outrage across the county, as people in Longford react to anti-abortion slurs that were spraypainted onto the walls, windows and door of Longford Medical Centre in Leader Park.

Anti-abortion activists are thought to have been behind the incident at the clinic and Gardai are currently investigating the incident thoroughly.

In response to a story published on the Longford Leader website on Monday morning, a number of people branded the act of vandalism a disgrace.

Also read: Anti-abortion vandals deface Longford GP Clinic

Sad to see this, one Facebook commenter remarked, while another suggested that it is the work of vandals who have no respect for anyone or anything - including themselves.

Another Facebook users said: Shame on all involved. I hope they are caught and charged for vandalism.

Another story posted on the Longford Leader Facebook page on Monday afternoon detailing the ongoing Garda investigation received similar feedback.

In response to Superintendent Jim Delaneys remarks that this is not the norm in Longford, one Facebook-user agreed that it is definitely not and suggested that it was not anyone that lives here before adding I hope not anyway just disgusting.

Sarina Ali, daughter of Dr Syed Ali who is the long-serving GP of Longford Medical Centre said that she totally condemn(s) this act and that it was unfortunate for this to have happened, really. A clean-up operation was in progress for most of Monday, with paint being removed effectively from the glass. Removal of paint from the walls was still in progress yesterday (Tuesday).

Read next: 'This is not the norm in Longford' as gardai look to make headway in hunt for anti-abortion graffiti artistsMidlands Northwest MEP Matt Carthy will host a Stop the Vultures! Stop the Evictions! event in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown this Thursday February 21st at 7.30pm.

Roscommon native, Matt Carthy, has been central to the campaign against the EU directive on non-performing loans, whilst also remaining a vocal opponent of the recent evictions in the Strokestown area.

Carthy was scathing of the recent evictions, describing the behaviour of the private security personnel as thuggish when speaking at the Strokestown community rally before Christmas.

Also read: Crowds gather in Strokestown to protest against forced evictions

We didnt stand for it then, we dont stand for it now and we wont stand for it in the future, Carthy said ahead of Thursdays event.

We must stop the Vultures. It is a blight in our communities across this country. I have been working in the EU to demand the Commission withdraw its proposal on non performing loans, which aims to give free rein to the vultures and amounts to a second bailout for the banks. We have to campaign at the local level too, to demand the Irish government opposes this dangerous Directive in the Council.

Also in attendance on Thursday evening in Strokestown, will be Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty.

Alo read: Strokestown family subjected to forced eviction critical of An Taoiseach and 'condemn all forms of violence'The daughter of a Longford GP, whose surgery was the subject of anti abortion graffiti being strewn across its front entrance, has leapt to the defence of her father and hit out at those responsible.

Sarina Ali was reacting after vandals spray painted a series of inflammatory remarks over the doors of the long serving GPs Longford Medical Centre at Leader House, just off the main Dublin road during the early hours of Monday morning.

Details of the incident provoked a considerable reaction online, many of whom came out in support of Dr Syed Ali.

In a post on Facebook, Ms Ali referenced a previous article her father conducted with The Leader shortly after last year's Referendum on removing the Eighth Amendment from Ireland's Constitution was passed.

"On behalf of my father, he is strictly against abortion," she wrote.

"This can be proven by his interview he did with (the) Longford Leader shortly after the Referendum. He would never recommend abortion to any women as it even goes against his religious views.

People should have their facts and English right before going to vandalise property!"

Local Fianna Fail Cllr Joe Flaherty was equally critical, describing it as an 'outrageous attack'.

He said: We had a referendum, the legislation is in place, we need to make sure that women can safely access these services.

Also read: Anti-abortion vandals deface Longford GP Clinic

This mindless attack shows no consideration for the people, young and old, hoping to access GP services this morning.

Meanwhile, garda chiefs have confirmed an investigation into the incident is now underway as detectives try to identify those responsible.

Everyone is entitled to protest and everyone has a right to express their opinion but we would discourage that type of protest and we believe this type of protest is not reflective of the feeling in Longford, said Supt Jim Delaney.

In highlighting Longfords wide diversity of culture evidenced by its upcoming St Patricks Day parade and 33 different nationalities, Supt Delaney urged anyone contemplating similar acts to desist from doing so.

This is not the norm and we wouldn't like to think this is the norm for Longford, he said.

We have spoken to the people down there and I know they are happy with the response from gardai, local businesses and the community because this type of protest is to be discouraged.

From our point of view we would like to thank local businesses for their support with the investigation which is progressing and ongoing.

In particular, gardai are anxious to speak to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in or around the Teffia Park area of Longford town between 4:30am and 5:30am to contact either the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or Longford Garda Station at (043) 3350570.

Read more: 'This is not the norm in Longford' as gardai look to make headway in hunt for anti-abortion graffiti artistsLockport, NY (14094)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 75F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 75F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.For decades, Southern Baptist Convention leaders have used the lack of a central authority within their organization as an excuse for avoiding dealing directly with the sex abuse crises in its midst.

They used local church autonomy policies to shirk their responsibilities, and in the process they lost sight of who they are serve. Their failure to protect its most vulnerable members from sex predators who used their positions of trust to access their victims left a trail of shattered lives.

Church leaders supposition that there was nothing they could do to permanently banish those credibly accused of sexual misconduct from their ranks had become part of the problem.

It is refreshing that Southern Baptist Convention leaders are finally publicly acknowledging the problem following the publication of a monthslong investigation by the San Antonio Express-News and Houston Chronicle exposing the depth and scope of the problem. Church leaders have vowed to create a registry of church employees and volunteers credibly accused of sexual misconduct and remove from the convention churches that knowingly hire from that list.

We can all agree these troublesome activities in Southern Baptist churches demand more transparency. Creation of a sex offender registry is a positive first step.

In addition, there needs to standard internal polices that ensure those credibly accused of illegal acts will be terminated and not sent off with letters of recommendation. Without exception, all credible cases of suspected sexual misconduct must be turned over to law enforcement for investigation.

And, in the process, we must not forget the needs of the victims, whose lives were shaken by this shameful behavior.

It is regrettable that it has taken a monthslong investigation to even begin to shed light on the vast numbers of victims this festering problem has created.

While the number of cases is alarming, they are by no means a surprise. The problem has been an open secret for decades. Pleas for help from the victims and their families have been sounding for years.

Formal appeals made to the Southern Baptist Convention for reforms in 2008 aimed at addressing the abuse were rejected. They were viewed as flawed because SBCs Executive Committee did not have the authority to enforce them. The committee ended up drafting a report acknowledging the problem but made no effort to address it.

Public records show ignoring the problem has not made it disappear.

The newspapers investigation found at least 700 people, mostly minors, who reported sexual abuse by someone tied to a Southern Baptist church since 1998. During that same time, there are documented cases of at least 220 Southern Baptist church leaders and volunteers who were convicted of sex crime or entered into plea agreements. Among them are 90 who are in prison and another 100 who are registered sex offenders.

The abusers included more than 100 youth ministers but also many ordained preachers or pastors.

The numbers uncovered by the newspapers investigation only hint at the scope of the problem. Many sexual abuse victims never make an outcry. Many cases handled in small, rural communities never make into a newspaper, and civil suit settlements often come with nondisclosure agreements.

August Augie Boto, interim president of the SBCs Executive Committee, initially defended the SBCs lack of action on the issue based on it not having the authority to force its 47,000 churches to participate in any effort to track sex abuse.

But as the Catholic Church scandal has proven, a centralized institution does not always make it any easier. The Catholic Church has been dealing with its sex abuse problems for decades, and they remain far from resolved. Dioceses in Texas only recently made public a list of priests credibly accused of wrongdoing. That list is expected to continue to grow.

Abuse by a sexual predator using the church as a cover is no minor matter.

Southern Baptists have a serious problem and have known about it for decades. The concern has always been about the reputation of the church rather than reform, holding abusers accountable or reaching out to those affected by rape, molestation and inappropriate behavior.

We look forward to learning more about the reforms Southern Baptist leaders plan to put in place.GOOCHLAND, Va. - Freshman Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., went to the conservative heart of her district Tuesday night for her first town hall, where she broke with many of her constituents on immigration, but thanked them for avoiding the vitriol that often dominates today's hyperpartisan politics.

The room at a recreation center in the rural county 30 miles outside Richmond was full of tea party-style Republicans, some of whom said they did not vote for Spanberger but still came to hear her out.

Three out of 10 questions focused on immigration, less than a week after Congress approved a border security deal to avoid a second government shutdown, and President Trump declared a national emergency to fund a wall on the southern border.

Stan Corn of Goochland wanted to know why Spanberger didn't support the $5.7 billion Trump wanted to build the wall.

Spanberger replied that she had voted for a bill that included funding for border infrastructure, technology at ports of entry and more customs and border patrol agents.

Spanberger, a former CIA operative, narrowly defeated Republican Dave Brat in November, turning the district blue for the first time in nearly half a century. Her campaign capitalized on Democrats' discontent with Trump without alienating moderate Republicans.

While Brat angered constituents and activists by refusing to hold town halls and complaining that women "were in my grill," Spanberger was even-tempered Tuesday evening - and so was her audience.

"Given the run up to where we are now, how lucky do you feel that you can have a nice, peaceful, civil town hall with people who disagree with you?" asked Jeff Atkinson, a Brat supporter from western Henrico who said Democratic activists have acted out at similar events.

Spanberger answered, "Very," and added, "I know there's quite a few people in the room who didn't vote for me, and I thank you very sincerely for being here."

In an interview, Atkinson said he would "reserve judgement" on Spanberger's performance in Congress, but he was not satisfied with her answers on immigration questions.

Goochland is a solidly Republican county with a population of about 22,000, where Trump won 60 percent of the vote. Spanberger lost in this part of her district, but captured enough support in nearby Chesterfield and her home county of Henrico to win the 7th District with just over 50 percent of the vote.

Spanberger met with Trump during the 35-day shutdown as a member of the centrist, bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. She told her audience Tuesday night that the president assured her he did not support "a concrete barrier wall ocean to ocean," which she also opposes.

Asked by Delbert Horn of Goochland about sanctuary cities, Spanberger said she worried about local jurisdictions enforcing federal immigration law without the necessary training and certification.

"I don't support sanctuary cities," she said. "I don't support safe haven for criminals. But I do also support ensuring that jurisdiction is upheld."

At the end of the town hall, a third resident asked Spanberger if the federal government should withhold funding from sanctuary cities. About half the audience applauded for the question, which she did not answer directly.

In a phone interview after the town hall, Spanberger said she would not "talk in simplistic platitudes" about the complicated issue of immigration.

"Talking about the quote-unquote sanctuary cities, or not - it's a campaign slogan a lot of people get caught up in," she said. "And I think it degrades the value of the conversation if we're not actually talking about what the real concern is."

Another question focused on late-term abortion, an issue that was in the news last month after a Democratic state lawmaker and Gov. Ralph Northam, D, bungled questions about legislation that would have made it easier for women whose health was at risk to terminate a third-trimester pregnancy.

Days after that controversy, the Democratic establishment called for Northam's resignation after revelations that he had posed in blackface and that his medical school yearbook page included a racist photo.

"Virginia has received pretty bad publicity lately," Charlotte Whitmire of Goochland said, before asking Spanberger if she supported the late-term abortion bill sponsored by Del. Kathy Tran, D-Fairfax.

Spanberger, who has three children, said when a woman is told her pregnancy could threaten her life, lawmakers shouldn't play a role in those "heartbreaking and, to me, truly incomprehensible scenarios and conversations."

"I don't see the need, frankly for the bill that Kathy Tran was pushing," she said. "There are already legal parameters that women facing those sorts of circumstances can have hard conversations with her physician about the right steps forward."

Jonathan Lyle, who sits on the Goochland Soil and Water Conservation District, asked about the Green New Deal, a sweeping proposal by fellow freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., that aims to cut greenhouse-gas emissions to net zero over 10 years and guarantee jobs for all.

Spanberger called the plan a "bold compilation of ideas meant to address global climate change" but said it includes unrelated policy objectives and doesn't prescribe specific solutions for problems it outlines.

"Overall I am not a supporter of the Green New Deal," she said.

Spanberger, one of eight female members spoofed earlier this month on Saturday Night Live, has emerged as of the more high-profile members of the freshman class in Congress.

One of 15 Democrats who did not vote for California Democrat Nancy Pelosi to become speaker, she nevertheless landed seats she wanted on the Foreign Affairs and Agriculture committees. She chairs the Agriculture subcommittee on Conservation & Forestry.Waiting tables isn't always an easy or rewarding job.

But a pregnant waitress in New Jersey was given a big tip by a customer who turned out to be a police officer.

Friday was a typical day for Courtney English, a waitress at the Lamp Post Diner in Gloucester Township.

Her usual day turned surprising when English discovered that a customer left her a $100 tip. His bill was just under $9.

Included with the tip was a message: Enjoy your first, you will never forget it.

English said it meant a lot to her.

"I respect all officers so I mean it just gives me a higher respect for them and their job, so it was just really awesome," English said.

The township's police chief told KYW-TV that the officer wants to remain anonymous.

If English could meet the mystery tipper, she said she would "definitely" offer a "thank you" to him.

"It really means a lot. It's been really hard saving for the last couple of months so it was really, really amazing," English said.Muslims who have been put on the government's secretive terrorism watch list are demanding to know more about the 1,441 private entities that have access.

The number was revealed recently through litigation in federal court in Alexandia, Virginia. It's one of a half-dozen lawsuits related to the watch list filed by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. On Friday, CAIR will ask a federal judge to force the government to release the names of the private entities and explain how they access the list.

The massive, classified database was created after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to track people deemed potentially dangerous who had not committed crimes. In litigation, CAIR has argued that the terrorism database and the no-fly list that comes out of it ensnare and stigmatize innocent people.

In a deposition last October, an FBI official said he was "not aware of any" private entities that had access to the database through the National Crime Information Center.

In a court filing, which was first reported by the Associated Press, the FBI acknowledged that more than 1,000 actually did have that access.

These firms are providing criminal justice services, according to the FBI - for example, private prisons, university police and private security companies that work in government facilities or hospitals. The Transportation Security Administration also shares watch list information with airlines.

But lawyers for CAIR say they believe the dissemination goes further, citing plaintiffs who say they have had trouble getting loans or keeping bank accounts open without explanation.

CAIR's attorneys argue that the conflicting information from the FBI casts its handling of the list into doubt and shows the need for more transparency.

"Either they knew that they were being deceitful or the FBI exercises so little care with the watch-listing system which implicates more than a million people," said CAIR attorney Gadeir Abbas.

An FBI spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment.

Hassan Shibly, one of the plaintiffs and the leader of CAIR Florida, said he has been on and off the watch list since he was 18 years old and has gone through long searches at airports at least 20 times.

"It's just a consistently humiliating experience that doesn't make the country any safer," said Shibly, now 32.

All 25 plaintiffs were taken off the list after filing the lawsuit, but Abbas said they have continued to face problems because of their earlier inclusion.

- - -

Devlin Barrett contributed to this report.Washington

As federal prosecutors in Manhattan gathered evidence last year about President Donald Trump's role in silencing women with hush payments during the 2016 campaign, Trump called Matthew Whitaker, his new attorney general, with a question. He asked whether Geoffrey S. Berman, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and a Trump ally, could be put in charge of the investigation, according to several U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the call.

Whitaker, who had privately told associates that part of his role at the Justice Department was to "jump on a grenade" for the president, knew he could not put Berman in charge because Berman had recused himself from the investigation. The president soon complained about Whitaker's inability to pull levers at the Justice Department that could make the president's legal problems go away.

Trying to install a perceived loyalist atop a widening inquiry is a familiar tactic for Trump, who has been struggling to beat back the investigations that have consumed his presidency. His efforts have exposed him to accusations of obstruction of justice as Robert Mueller, the special counsel, finishes his work investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Trump rages almost daily to his 58 million Twitter followers that Mueller is on a "witch hunt" and has adopted the language of Mafia bosses by calling those who cooperate with the special counsel "rats."

An examination by The New York Times reveals the extent of an even more sustained, more secretive assault by Trump on the machinery of federal law enforcement. Interviews with dozens of current and former government officials and others close to Trump, as well as a review of confidential White House documents, reveal numerous unreported episodes in a two-year drama.

White House lawyers wrote a confidential memo expressing concern about the president's staff peddling misleading information in public about the firing of Michael Flynn, the Trump administration's first national security adviser. Trump had private conversations with Republican lawmakers about a campaign to attack the Mueller investigation. And, there was the episode when he asked his attorney general about putting Berman in charge of the Manhattan investigation.

Whitaker, who this month told a congressional committee that Trump had never pressured him over the various investigations, is now under scrutiny by House Democrats for possible perjury.

On Tuesday, after this article was published online, Trump denied that he had asked Whitaker if Berman could be put in charge of the investigation. "No, I don't know who gave you that; that's more fake news," Trump said.

The story of Trump's attempts to defang the investigations has been covered in the news media. But fusing the strands reveals a story of a president who has attacked the law enforcement apparatus of his own government like no other president in history. Trump has done it with the same tactics he once used in his business empire: demanding fierce loyalty from employees, applying pressure tactics to keep people in line, and protecting himself at all costs.

It is a public relations strategy as much as a legal strategy  a campaign to create a narrative of a president hounded by his "deep state" foes. The new Democratic majority in the House, and the prospect of a wave of investigations on Capitol Hill this year, will test whether the strategy shores up Trump's political support or puts his presidency in greater peril. The president has spent much of his time venting publicly about there being "no collusion" with Russia before the 2016 election, which has diverted attention from a growing body of evidence that he has tried to impede the various investigations.

Julie O'Sullivan, a criminal law professor at Georgetown University, said she believed there was ample public evidence that Trump had the "corrupt intent" to try to derail the Mueller investigation, the legal standard for an obstruction of justice case.

But this is far from a routine criminal investigation, she said, and Mueller will have to make judgments about the effect on the country of making a criminal case against the president. Democrats in the House have said they will wait for Mueller to finish his work before making a decision about whether the president's behavior warrants impeachment.

In addition to the Mueller investigation, there are at least two other federal inquiries that touch the president and his advisers  the Manhattan investigation focused on the hush money payments made by Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen, and an inquiry examining the flow of foreign money to the Trump inaugural committee.

The president's defenders counter that most of Trump's actions under scrutiny fall under his authority as the head of the executive branch.3 1 of 3 Federal Bureau of Investigation Show More Show Less 2 of 3 FBI Show More Show Less 3 of 3





A Richmond man has been arrested in connection with footage allegedly showing him sexually assaulting a young child, among other images and videos on devices in his home, according to federal officials.

Robert Alexander Shouse, 31, was arrested by Lufkin police during a traffic stop, according to to a tweet from the FBI's field office in Houston. The tweet did not specify when the man was arrested.Virginia Democrat Ibraheem Samirah on Tuesday became the second Muslim elected to the General Assembly, in a special election marked by allegations of anti-Semitism over anti-Israel social media posts.

In what political analysts saw as a measure of whether recent scandals involving Virginia's top elected officials might hurt Democrats, Samirah easily beat Republican Gregg Nelson and independent Connie Hutchinson with 59 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results.

That means the House of Delegates seat left vacant by the election of Jennifer Boysko to the state Senate will remain in Democratic hands, months before Democrats attempt to seize the majority in both chambers of the General Assembly,

Samirah, a Palestinian-American dentist from Herndon, said he relied more on volunteers than elected Democrats in the days leading up to the election, as the party dealt with fallout from his social media posts along with allegations of racism against Gov. Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring and sexual assault accusations against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax. All are Democrats.

"It landed us in a position where we solely relied on grass roots," said Samirah, 27, who, among other issues, campaigned on expanding affordable health care and pushing for universal prekindergarten.

Nelson, 63, a retired Air Force sergeant, pledged to reduce taxes and invest more in road improvements. Hutchinson, 64, a former Herndon Town Council member, cast herself as a bridge builder.

The race grew heated earlier this month after the same right-leaning website that broke the Northam and Fairfax allegations wrote about Samirah's Facebook posts from 2014.

In one, Samirah shared an angry letter by musician Brian Eno about Palestinian civilian deaths caused by Israeli missile strikes in Gaza. The letter said funding Israel is like supporting the Ku Klux Klan. "I'd say worse, but I'll go along with Eno on this one," Samirah wrote above it.

In a different post, after the death of Ariel Sharon in 2014, Samirah wrote that the former Israeli prime minister should "burn a million times for every innocent soul you killed." He wrote that he wished the same for "our beloved Arab 'leaders' (butchers I should say)."

Nelson called the posts anti-Semitic, linking them to revelations that Northam and Herring appeared decades ago in blackface.

"Racism has no place in our Commonwealth. Especially from individuals in office or seeking office," Nelson wrote on his own Facebook page.

Samirah apologized for his posts, though he characterized the attacks as "a smear campaign."

Virginia Democrats have seen a string of strong victories in recent elections, buoyed by a growing suburban population and opposition to President Donald Trump. But the scandal-weakened governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general are not expected to be campaign-trail assets for the all-important contests in November.

On Monday, Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine met with Democratic lawmakers in Richmond to reassure them that they would step in to help. " 'We want to be there for you. We're going to do everything we can to help you,' " one Democratic lawmaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting, quoted them as saying.

Samirah got little of that support in recent days. For most of the race, he was the favorite, the $89,000 in his campaign coffers dwarfing the $20,300 raised by Nelson and the $2,800 collected by Hutchinson. But several early backers distanced themselves after reports about the social media posts.

Boysko had her endorsement of Samirah removed from his Facebook campaign page and then renewed her public support Tuesday.

"We need to keep this seat for the Democratic Party," she said in a short video. "We really need Ibraheem in the House of Delegates."

Samirah, whose district covers mostly northwestern Fairfax County, joins Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, as the second Muslim elected to state office in Virginia. He said he felt abandoned by his party leaders over the controversy, which he noted was first reported by a Republican-leaning website.

"I can't lie about that," Samirah said. "They definitely succumbed to the extreme-right propaganda machine. They succumbed to fear when we should be standing up for our values and not allowing them to divide us and conquer us."

- - -

The Washington Post's Laura Vozzella contributed to this report.Barefoot and in pajamas, Milan Jovanovic watched flames engulf his Belgrade house after a Molotov cocktail crashed through a window in an attack before dawn.

He and his wife survived only because she smelled the smoke. "They nearly burned us alive," said Jovanovic, a 68-year-old investigative journalist who writes about government corruption.

Jovanovic is the latest journalist in Serbia to come under attack in what opponents of President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling party say is an increasingly hostile environment for media. His is a country with aspirations to join the European Union in the next decade.

The Balkan state has joined an unbroken strip of countries in eastern Europe stretching from the Baltic to the Adriatic Sea where populist parties have taken over state media and denounced critics as spreading lies.

Physical attacks, harassment by police and politicians and even the murder of a reporter have drawn condemnation across former communist Europe and are threatening to unravel decades of progress building the rule of law.

Attacks against Serbian journalists rose to 102 last year, the most since 2008, including seven physical assaults, according to a database compiled by the Independent Association of Serbian Journalists. There were 72 instances of "pressure," which includes harassment by name by politicians and state-backed media.

Many place the guilt with Vucic, who was the minister of information for the late strongman Slobodan Milosevic during the war with Kosovo in the late 1990s. The government, led by his Serbian Progressive Party, has pulled advertisement funding from state-owned companies in opposition-linked publications. He and his allies have also frequently used their public positions to denounce media figures.

That contributed to Serbia falling 10 spots in the World Press Freedom Index last year, to 76th out of 180 countries, its worst ranking since 2013. Reporters Without Borders describes the country as a place "where it is unsafe to be a journalist."

And while Vucic has pledged to clinch Serbia's entry into the EU sometime next decade, Reporters Without Borders says it "utterly fails to meet EU press freedom standards."

"Attacks on journalists in the last period are getting more diverse," Pauline Ades-Mevel, head of the EU and Balkan desk at Reporters Without Borders, said in an email. "We have noted not only physical attacks, but also death threats against journalists on social media, as well as smear campaigns against prominent independent journalists in tabloids."

Democracy watchdog Freedom House knocked Serbia's 2018 classification from "free" to "partly free," noting "the massive centralization of power in the hands of one person, President Aleksandar Vucic." Premier Ana Brnabic called the criticism "insufficiently objective."

"I absolutely do not think and do not feel that I live in a partly free country, but rather that I live in a country which is freer than it was a few years ago," she said.

Serbia's case highlights a growing worry around press freedom in the region.

In Slovakia, protests toppled former Prime Minister Robert Fico after the execution-style murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his girlfriend last year. In Hungary, allies of Prime Minister Viktor Orban have created the biggest state-allied propaganda machine in Europe. And Poland's nationalist government is on a self-proclaimed mission to return media assets into the hands of Polish investors.

There is growing scrutiny on Serbia to ensure the safety of its journalists. In Jovanovic's case, police found the perpetrators within a week, including a nightclub entertainer who confessed driving the attacker that threw the firebomb.

At first they punished just one with a 50,000 dinar ($482) fine and house arrest.

But, following weeks of anti-government rallies demanding full investigation, authorities moved against the man believed to have ordered the assault: Dragoljub Simonovic, the head of the city of Grocka and former chief of Serbia's state railways, who Jovanovic had written about extensively.

Vucic made a TV announcement that the prominent member of his party will face criminal charges -- though prosecutors have yet to decide which ones.

"Everything we had burned." Jovanovic said. "Nobody from the government even tried to contact me to help."Two undocumented immigrants were struck by a passing vehicle while walking alongside a road north of Bruni on Tuesday morning, according to Border Patrol.

Authorities said the incident occurred on FM 2050, a common area utilized by undocumented immigrants to evade the Border Patrol checkpoint. One individual appeared to have suffered broken extremities while the other was found unresponsive and suspected of having sustained head injuries, CBP said.Roman historians accused Nero of deliberately setting the Great Fire of Rome so that he could rebuild the city in a more pleasing style.

Was the infamously cruel Nero really as terrible an emperor as Roman historians have suggested?

Based on accounts written during and after his reign, Nero (A.D. 37 to 68) has long been considered a power-mad despot whose leadership was defined by terrible acts of violence, such as poisoning a teenage rival, arranging his mother's assassination, setting a fire that destroyed much of Rome, executing Christians and even murdering his own wife. [Family Ties: 8 Truly Dysfunctional Royal Families]

Some of those incidents probably did happen. However, a recent examination of historic records suggests that Nero was likely innocent of some of these heinous crimes, according to a new PBS documentary on the beleaguered emperor, "Secrets of the Dead: The Nero Files," airing today (Feb. 20) at 10 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).

What's more, even though Roman historians wrote that Nero was widely reviled, archaeological evidence from the city of Pompeii suggests that Nero was unexpectedly popular among the common people, historian Rebecca Benefiel, a professor of classics at Washington and Lee University in Virginia, told Live Science.

Nero was appointed emperor in A.D. 54, when he was only 17 years old. By all accounts, he was more interested in the arts than he was in governing; this preoccupation didn't exactly endear him to the powerful Roman Senate, Benefiel said.

"Nero did not have the military triumphs that previous leaders had," she said. "Military processions brought revenue to the empire and celebrated the victories, power and prestige of Rome  with Nero, that wasn't happening as frequently."

A Roman coin featuring Nero's image, dating to A.D. 64-66. (Image credit: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.)

Tall tales

Much of what is known about Nero stems from three ancient historians  Publius Cornelius Tacitus, Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus and Cassius Dio. But their writings may have been biased against Nero, and it's possible that they exaggerated or invented misdeeds to make a bad emperor look even worse, PBS representatives said in a statement.

For example, a young Nero was said to have murdered his 13-year-old step-brother Britannicus by slipping poison into his drink, according to Tacitus. However, a re-enactment for the documentary revealed significant flaws in Tacitus' account of the politically motivated poisoning.

Tacitus wrote that Nero added odorless, colorless poison to a jug of water, which was then used to cool a hot beverage; the poison was so powerful that Britannicus was dead within seconds. But filmed experiments showed that popular plant-based poisons of the day need to be very highly concentrated to kill as quickly as Nero's poison supposedly did. Such a poison would have a notable smell and color, and would easily have been detected before Britannicus took a sip, according to the filmmakers. [The Weird Reason Roman Emperors Were Assassinated]

Tacitus was also responsible for the tale that Nero started the great fire of Rome in A.D. 64, and that the emperor played his violin while the city burned, according to PBS. The fire blazed for six days and destroyed two-thirds of the city, enabling Nero to build a new complex of palaces over the burned ruins  many of Rome's aristocrats believed that Nero set the fire to advance his building plans without the senate's permission, PBS reported.

In the eyes of the Roman elite, Nero's construction project "would have been seen as very inappropriate," Eric Varner, an associate professor of art history at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, told PBS. There was no evidence that Nero had anything to do with the fire, but the nobility's displeasure with his construction project likely made it easy for the rumor to spread, according to PBS. [The 7 Most Mysterious Archaeological Finds on Earth]

Archaeologists Johann Csar and Ferdinand Hirschhofer examine scraps of Roman-era papyrus that describe the death of Nero's wife, Poppaea Sabina. (Image credit: Photographer Helmut Wimmer/Copyright Interspot Film GmbH)

The people's choice

Even though elite Romans may have despised Nero, the common people celebrated him, according to hand-drawn inscriptions discovered in the city of Pompeii.

The ancient city was buried by an erupting Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79, and Nero ruled until 10 years before that, Benefiel said. When ash blanketed Pompeii, it preserved writings on buildings in public spaces, some of which were singing Nero's praises, according to Benefiel.

"We have this series of painted inscriptions that are welcoming the emperor and his wife and applauding him," Benefiel said. "One of these says, 'Hooray for the decisions of the emperor and the empress  with you two safe and sound, we are happy forever.' So, we get this wonderful glimpse of the favor the emperor held with the general population," she said.

Unfortunately for Nero, historians didn't see him in this flattering light  particularly Suetonius, Benefiel said. Suetonius described Nero as overly preoccupied with singing, once summoning more than 5,000 young men to applaud him while he performed, according to a University of Chicago translation of Suetonius' "The Lives of the Twelve Caesars."

"While he was singing no one was allowed to leave the theatre even for the most urgent reasons," Suetonius wrote. "And so it is said that some women gave birth to children there, while many who were worn out with listening and applauding, secretly leaped from the wall, since the gates at the entrance were closed, or feigned death and were carried out as if for burial."

Suetonius also targeted Nero's sexual appetites, writing that Nero abused boys, seduced married women, debauched a vestal virgin and "even desired illicit relations with his own mother." As for Nero's leadership, Suetonius wrote that the emperor was a spendthrift who "wasted money without stint," and whose armies deserted him after he failed to quash a rebellion by the Gauls. Nero's suicide in A.D. 68  without an heir or a clear successor  left the empire in chaos, according to Benefiel.

Perhaps everyone would have been happier  Nero included  if only he'd stayed away from politics and devoted himself entirely to the arts, Benefiel said.

"If it had been up to him, he probably wouldn't have chosen to be emperor at all," Benefiel said. "His last words were, 'Oh, what an artist dies with me,' summing himself up as an artist more than as a military leader."

"Secrets of the Dead: The Nero Files" is available to stream Feb. 21 via the PBS website and PBS apps.

Originally published on Live Science.President Donald Trump signs Space Policy Directive-4 in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 19, 2019. SPD-4 directs the Pentagon to establish a Space Force.

The Space Force just took a big step from sci-fi-sounding dream toward reality.

President Donald Trump signed Space Policy Directive-4 (SPD-4) yesterday (Feb. 19), ordering the Pentagon to establish the Space Force as the sixth branch of the United States military, to go along with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

But the Space Force still has a big hoop to jump through: Congress must approve the creation of any new military branch. [What Is the U.S. Space Force?]

The main goal of the Space Force is to secure and extend American dominance of the space domain, Trump and other White House officials have said. Such reasoning has drawn opposition from various quarters.

"President Trump has called space a new warfighting domain. Space is important to militaries, that's true, but it is only a small piece of what happens up there," Laura Grego, a senior scientist in the Union of Concerned Scientists' Global Security program, said in a statement.

"Eighty percent of the nearly 2,000 satellites are civilian, providing critical communications and economic services for humanity's well-being," Grego added. "We need to take care of space. If concentrating authority in a space force creates an incentive for nations to build space weapons that increase the likelihood of conflict, it would be a profoundly bad idea."

The Space Force would initially reside within the Department of the Air Force, much as the Marine Corps is part of the U.S. Navy.

"If enacted, it will be our responsibility to deter and defeat threats in space through the U.S. Space Force, which will organize, train, and equip military space forces," Air Force officials told Space.com in an emailed statement. "It will be our obligation to ensure unfettered access to, and freedom to operate in space, and to provide vital capabilities to joint and coalition forces."

But Trump administration officials have said they eventually aim to push the Space Force out from under the Air Force's wings and make it a stand-alone organization.

President Trump first teased the idea of a Space Force in March 2018, in comments that made it seem like he might have been joking. But the president signed an executive order directing the creation of the new branch that June.

Many details about the Space Force  exactly how much it might cost, for example  remain unclear.

As its name suggests, SPD-4 is President Trump's fourth space policy directive. The first SPD directed NASA to get humans back to the moon as a stepping-stone to Mars. The second streamlined regulations for the commercial space sector, and the third dealt with management of space traffic.

Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, "Out There" (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate) is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook.

Have a news tip, correction or comment? Let us know at community@space.com.Protesters rally in support of the legalization of marijuana in front of the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 2016.

American views on marijuana have shifted incredibly rapidly. Thirty years ago, marijuana legalization seemed like a lost cause. In 1988, only 24 percent of Americans supported legalization.

But steadily, the nation began to liberalize. By 2018, 66 percent of U.S. residents offered their approval, transforming marijuana legalization from a libertarian fantasy into a mainstream cause. Many state laws have changed as well. Over the last quarter-century, 10 states have legalized recreational marijuana, while 22 states have legalized medical marijuana.

So why has public opinion changed dramatically in favor of legalization? In a study published this February, we examined a range of possible reasons, finding that the media likely had the greatest influence.

It's not about use, geography or demographics

Our study ruled out a few obvious possibilities.

For one, it's not about marijuana use. Yes, marijuana use has increased. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that, in 2002, about 10 percent of adults reported using marijuana the previous year. By 2015, 13.5 percent reported using. But that increase is too small to have had much of an impact on attitudes.

And it's not about older, more conservative Americans being replaced by younger generations who are more familiar with marijuana. Both younger and older people developed more liberal views about the legalization of marijuana at a similar pace over the last 30 years. In this way, changes in attitudes about marijuana legalization mirror recent increases in support for LGBTQ individuals.

We looked to see if people who lived in states where it was illegal, but resided next to ones where it became legal, were more likely to have changed their views. But the rate of change has been no different in states that legalized marijuana than in others.

Likewise, the pace of change has been similar across political parties, religions, educational levels, racial and ethnic groups and gender. As politically polarized as the country may seem, when it comes to marijuana, Americans have been changing their attitudes together, as a nation.

We did find that a small part of the increase in support was related to more people disaffiliating with religion. The proportion of people who do not identify with a religion has increased some, by about 7 percent between 2007 and 2014. People who do not have a religion tend to be more liberal than others. However, this factor accounts for only a small proportion of the change.

Media medical framing

So what's going on? What has likely made the biggest difference is how the media has portrayed marijuana. Support for legalization began to increase shortly after the news media began to frame marijuana as a medical issue.

We took The New York Times as a case study, looking at the number of published articles from 1983 to 2015 about marijuana. Just before the number of Americans supporting legalization began to increase, we found a sharp increase in the proportion of articles about marijuana that discussed its medical uses.

In the 1980s, the vast majority of New York Times stories about marijuana were about drug trafficking and abuse or other Schedule I drugs. At that time, The New York Times was more likely to lump marijuana together in a kind of unholy trinity with cocaine and heroin in discussions about drug smuggling, drug dealers and the like.

During the 1990s, stories discussing marijuana in criminal terms became less prevalent. Meanwhile, the number of articles discussing the medical uses of marijuana slowly increased. By the late 1990s, marijuana was rarely discussed in the context of drug trafficking and drug abuse. And marijuana had lost its association with other Schedule I drugs like cocaine and heroin in the New York Times. Gradually, the stereotypical persona of the marijuana user shifted from the stoned slacker wanting to get high to the aging boomer seeking pain relief.

Of course, many Americans do not read The New York Times. But analysis of newspapers of record, like this one, provide insight into how the news media has changed its framing of marijuana, especially during an era when newspapers were still a primary news source.

Harsh criminal justice system

As Americans became more supportive of marijuana legalization, they also increasingly told survey researchers that the criminal justice system was too harsh.

In the late 1980s, the "war on drugs" and sentencing reform laws put a large number of young men, often black and Latino, behind bars for lengthy periods of time. As Americans started to feel the full social and economic effects of tough-on-crime initiatives, they reconsidered the problems with criminalizing marijuana.

Because support for the legalization of marijuana and concerns about the harshness of the criminal justice system changed at about the same time, it's difficult to know what came first. Did concern about the harshness of the criminal justice system affect support for legalization  or vice versa?

By contrast, the cause and effect is clearer with respect to the media framing of marijuana. The news media's portrayal of marijuana began to change shortly before the public did, suggesting that the media influenced support for the legalization of marijuana.

Once attitudes begin to change, it is difficult to know what keeps the momentum moving. Whatever the initial impetus, attitudes today are drastically more supportive, and legalization is increasing fast.

Amy Adamczyk, Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, City University of New York; Christopher Thomas, Ph.D Candidate in Criminal Justice, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and Jacob Felson, Associate Professor of Sociology, William Paterson University

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Support our mission and join our community now.EMBATTLED Minister for Health Simon Harris has been told that he has survived Sinn Feins motion of no-confidence because of political convenience, after he was once again challenged on Limericks overcrowding crisis in the Dail this Wednesday.

During the two-hour debate, opened by Sinn Feins health spokesperson Louise OReilly, the Minister faced criticism from opposition from all sides of the house, including members of Fianna Fail who chose to abstain from voting.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, alongside Tanaiste Simon Coveney, defended Minister Harris.

But Sinn Fein deputy and Limerick TD Maurice Quinlivan said he had lost confidence in Minister Harris a long time ago.

Minister, I requested a meeting with yourself in January 2018 to put forward constructive suggestions and what could be done to address the overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. You never bothered coming back to me about it. I have lost count of the number of topical issues I have submitted to you on the University Hospital, Minister, and those that were selected, you never turned up once to answer a single question.

Labour TD Alan Kelly, who has been critical of the Government over its commitment to the 60-bed block at University Hospital Limerick, hit out at Taoiseach Varadkar during the debate.

The Taoiseach says no health projects have been affected. Thats a laugh. This is Trumpesque in how preposterous it is, he said.

The 60-bed unit in Limerick hospital is the greatest example of this. Promised for next September, it now wont be in place until at least a year later, despite repeated assurance from you, Minister, as late as last week.

Deputy Kelly also mentioned the scandal of Limerick woman Ruth Morrissey, who has now gone through 15 days of proceedings in the High Court, despite the Taoiseach promising live on national television that this would never happen.

I believe you are a decent person, a decent person operating in a bad Government in a completely dysfunctional Dail. You will survive today because of political convenience, but political management of this health service needs a complete overhaul for future generations.

Clare TD Dr Michael Harty said: My decision not to support you and support this motion of no-confidence was crystallised when, yet, another commitment of yours, a commitment to resolve A&E crises in Limerick was reneged on, and the delivery of the 60-bed modular unit is now going to be delayed until mid-2020, and probably longer. Whats happening in Limerick is a metaphor for whats happening in our health service.SHANNON Airport management have been asked to submit a detailed plan on connecting the airport to a major European Hub as Brexit looms.

The move was confirmed by Fine Gael Senator Kieran ODonnell who arranged a recent meeting between the Shannon Group and Transport Minister Shane Ross following a request from the group. Shannon is the only international airport in the country not connected to a European hub.

It currently has UK hub connectivity through London Heathrow, which will continue to be hugely important connectivity going forward. But in a Brexit situation, Shannon will then be without connectivity into an EU hub.

The high-level meeting took place on February 6 to discuss a range of matters relating to the Shannon group, including, their five year strategic plan and re-establishing a major European hub for the airport as well as Brexit. Senator ODonnell said it was a very constructive meeting.

Minister Ross is very supportive of plans to progress linking Shannon Airport with a major European Hub. To this end, at the meeting, he asked Shannon Airport management to provide him and his department with a detailed plan to connect to a major European hub. Furthermore, Minister Ross made it clear that he is very keen for increased competition to be provided to Dublin Airport by Shannon Airport.

Fundamental to the Project 2040 plan is to promote stronger regions outside of Dublin, with Shannon Airport being one of the key drivers here. I feel very strongly that Shannon Airport must be fully Brexit ready for all eventualities.

Whilst it has very good transatlantic and UK connectivity through Heathrow, Shannon is currently the only international Airport in Ireland without a direct European hub with Brexit looming. Having a major European hub has to be a priority as it would greatly contribute to providing a competitive counter-balance to Dublin and the Eastern seaboard.

Shannon Airport is an asset of key strategic importance not only to this region, but, also to Ireland. Having UK, Transatlantic, European and Worldwide major connectivity at Shannon Airport would further improve the competitiveness of the Airport as well as the industry and tourism offer here.

I will continue to work with the Shannon Group in raising this matter with Government, including Minsters Ross and Coveney to ensure that Shannon Airport can re-establish vital major European hub connectivity as quickly as possible, Senator ODonnell said.

Shannon Group CEO Matthew Thomas had called on the government in November of last year to safeguard EU connectivity for the Mid-West in a post Brexit environment.

He called for the establishment of a connectivity fund and for regional tourism targets to be set in the event of a British withdrawal from Europe.A HEATED exchange took place took place between councillors at a metropolitan district meeting in Limerick about the allocation of 30,000 for the city's St Patrick's Day festivities.

Metropolitan mayor Daniel Butler called for "respect" as intense discussions took place between himself and Cllr Seighin O Ceallaigh.

The meeting ended with members of the local authority agreeing to give the allocation to this year's St Patrick's Day festival in Limerick - on top of the money the event will already get from the arts office.

However, Cllr O Ceallaigh was disappointed with the exclusion of the centenary of the Limerick Soviet.

It is disappointing that the Limerick Soviet will not play a part. I was told that my motion that I brought before council was not valid for some reason or another, he said.

The Sinn Fein councillor was then questioned by Cllr Butler as to what the Limerick Soviet had to do with the 30,000 for the St Patrick's Festival from the councillors discretionary general municipal allocation (GMA) funding.

I know you werent there mayor, I dont know what you were up to, said Cllr O Ceallaigh, referring to the meeting where the Limerick Soviet had been discussed.

For those of us who were there, we had a serious discussion about what we wanted from this. You are disrupting my motion and you dont even know what you are talking about, Cllr O Ceallaigh added.

The metropolitan mayor called on the councillor to show respect.

I show you courtesy and respect, I expect you to show the same, Cllr Butler retorted.MORE than half a century after Abbeyfeale laid claim, not once but twice, to the title of the most Irish speaking town in Ireland outside the Gaeltacht, there is a new energy abroad in the town to rekindle interest in Irish as a spoken language.

And things got off to a lively start with the holding of an inaugural Tionol to help celebrate the language.

For the organisers, the newly re-established coiste of Conradh na Gaeilge, it was an occasion to mark 50 years since the national ardfheis of the organisation was held in the town. But, perhaps more crucially, it was their chance to re-ignite interest.

It was, said Donal OMurchu, one of the Tionol organisers, a brilliant weekend.

They were, he added, thar a bheith sasta, with the audiences that turned up for the different events on the programme. And they were particularly pleased that some 32 people have now signed up to take part in a regular Coirceal Comhra.

One of the biggest draws of the weekend was for Seamus OCoileain, a native of Athea who lectures in Aistriuchan at NUIG. Seamus particular study has been of the Irish words that peppered the accounts given by Athea people to the Irish Folklore Commission of the 1930s and 1940s.

Speaking afterwards to the Limerick Leader, Seamus explained that census figures for 1851 showed that over 50% of people in West Limerick, particularly in the uplands and border areas of West Limerick, still spoke Irish. By the early 1900s, he reckoned, this had dropped to 20%.

But he pointed out, the use of Irish words continued even as English took hold and many of these words have come down to the present generations.

People might not always have realised they are Irish words or they never had an English word for the same thing, he explained, but people were still using the last remnants of Irish.

West Limerick, he continued, had words that were peculiarly its own, many of which he shared with his audience in the Fr Caseys GAA Club in Abbeyfeale at the weekend. But to his great joy, people attending the lecture were able to come up with some new ones.

When people think about Irish now, young people or even older people, they think about other places. They dont look at we have ourselves, what we did have. They look to Connemara or West Kerry. But in actual fact, we have all these words and stories from practically every parish in Limerick.

That rich store of material is there from the 1930s and 1940s, he pointed out, and he would like to see that material being used back at local level.

We had a strong tradition, he said.

The stories in particular, should be used, he argued, as they could help people find their way back into the language.Deputy Brendan Smith says there is no Government funding for the Cavan ETB proposal to close two schools and open a new second level centre in Ballyconnell.



The Bawnboy TD asked the Minister for Education if funding had been committed.

Minister Joe McHugh did not give any commitment or confirm that funding had been approved in respect of such a project.

In his reply he said, My department is aware of a proposal from the patron body and has sought further information in relation to the proposed amalgamation. On receipt of this information further consideration will be given to the proposal.

Deputy Smith said, It is clear that the narrative from the ETB about a 15 million school development in Ballyconnell has no funding commitment from the department.

Indeed the ministers reply remains the same since the end of November when he informed me that the department had sought further information from the ETB in relation to the closures and proposed amalgamation.

Over 1,000 letters protesting against the closure of St Mogue's and St Bricin's Colleges were submitted to the Department of Education.

Concerned parents in West Cavan are seeking consultation on the project and are asking for their schools not to be closed.

Also read: Department seeks further info on closure of St Mogue's CollegeBoth Ballinamore and Manorhamilton are not happy at being unsuccessful in their ambitious applications to the Rural Regeneration Fund.



Ballinamore community activist Maureen Martin said she was irate and disappointed that Ballinamore's application for 1.3m to redevelop St Felim's old school was passed over.

She said this funding was expected to be announced before Christmas and time has been wasted when new applications could have been applied for and progressed by now. Mrs Martin said we will not give up and she is already organising meetings to seek out other avenues of funding, although she acknowledges it will be hard work getting bits and pieces of funding.

Also read:Community in Ballinamore planning for a better future



Manorhamilton's Independent Cllr Felim Gurn said their plan had focused on creating more jobs which he said is the whole point of rural regeneration.

Noting all the hard work by community workers and the council on the plan to change Manor's townscape, he said they were very disappointed. He outlined that Manorhamilton and Ballinamore as border towns will be heavily affected by Brexit and this funding could have helped cushion that blow. He said the community will re-apply to the fund next year, but the council said they do not know if there will be successive rounds yet. Cllr Gurn and Maureen Martin both commented the funding was swayed by a political agenda.



Mohill were successful in receiving 37,500 for their exciting plan to turn the town into a SMART green and vibrant living space.

Also read: 1.7m to transform former Royal Hotel in BoyleDr Pearl Taylor has opened a new GP service Carrick Family Practice. Located adjacent to St Marys Hall and School, Summerhill, the practice is now accepting both private patients and those with Medical Cards. Dr Taylor specialises in providing up-to-date, Doctor-led, medical care, in a comfortable and compassionate environment, taking into consideration the individual health needs of each patient and the psychological/social factors which impact on their life. She has a keen interest in Childrens Health, Chronic Disease Management and Preventative Medicine.

Dr. Pearl Taylor

Carrick Family Practice is open daily from Monday to Friday and appointments can be made by contacting the surgery at 071 9671937. Dr Taylor provides a wide range of services from Ante Natal care through to childhood developmental checks and vaccinations, travel/flu and pneumonia vaccines, dermatology advice and treatments, cervical smears and cancer screening, asthma and diabetes care, blood testing, ECGs, weight advice, smoking cessation therapies, menopause care and medico-legal reports.

Having sat the Leaving Cert exams at the Community School Carrick-on-Shannon, she obtained honours degrees in Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2006. She trained in many of Irelands best-known hospitals including: Beaumont Hospital, the National Maternity Hospital Holles St, Rotunda Hospital, Coombe Hospital, Our Ladys Childrens Hospital, Crumlin and Childrens University Hospital Temple Street. Ophthalmology and ENT rotations were completed at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital. Orthopaedic training was delivered at Cappagh Hospital. She trained under some of the leading Consultants in Ireland including Professor Fergal Malone, Master of the Rotunda, Professor Gerry McElvanney, Professor of Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, and Professor Donal OShea, Endocrinologist and Obesity Specialist at St Columcilles Hospital, Loughlinstown.

She worked in the Dept of Surgery (Plastics, Breast and Vascular) at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown and Cardiac and Respiratory Medicine at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda before fulfilling her desire to move home to practice medicine with those whom she had grown up among and return the care she had received from the local community since childhood.

She has established strong links with all the key health services in the North West through her time spent working in all the Medical Departments of Sligo University Hospital including Oncology/Haematology and during her GP Training Scheme on the Sligo Scheme. Knowing those at the receiving end of a phone call or letter, makes all the difference when advocating on behalf of patients.

In 2014 Dr Taylor spent six months working with Dr Ita Harnett, Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Mayo University Hospital. This experience left a lasting impression on Dr Taylor, reinforcing her commitment to caring for life, in its most weak and vulnerable stages, and redoubling her efforts to alleviate pain and illness by providing the best of medical care to patients and their families. Her clinical expertise is delivered in a friendly, gentle and caring way, with the focus always on the patient. Confidentiality, empathy and delivering trustworthy are core values of hers.

Dr Taylor has obtained Diplomas in Womens Health, Practice Management and Certificates in Mental Health, and Family Planning. She has a broad range and depth of life experience having worked at various times with people with Intellectual Disability, Addiction related illness, Children in Care and Refugees. She believes strongly in the dignity of each person and will endeavour to give to the best of her ability to all whom she treats.A Maynooth man who called a Kildare County Council traffic warden a paedophile has publicly apologised in court.

At Kilcock District Court sitting in Naas on February 19, Farrell OBoy, of Olympic Cars Limited, Ballygoran Road, Maynooth, publicly apologised to the traffic warden after verbally abusing him during an altercation over car tax discs on a vehicle.

Mr OBoys company was summoned to court on February 5 on two charges of having no tax displayed on a Kildare-registered car at Pound Street, Maynooth, on May 24, 2018; and for a similiar offence at Fagans Lane the day before.

The warden claimed that Mr OBoy said to him, on one occasion, you are only a paedophile.

The cases had been adjourned until February 19. When the case was recalled on Tuesday in court, Mr OBoy was present and the judge asked if there was an apology from Mr OBoy.

The case was adjourned to enable Kildare County Council and Patsy Glennon BL, representing Olympic Cars Ltd, to negotiate.

When the case resumed the judge was told the warden would accept an apology in court and Mr OBoy then apologised in the witness box. On the tax charges, Judge Zaidan opted to strike them out after hearing there was no loss to the State.

The judge told the parties of Mr OBoy: Im letting him off lightly.



Almost 50 images of archaeological features in Kildare have been published in the last few days by Anthony Murphy, man who discovered a previously unknown late Neolithic ceremonial enclosure near Newgrange.

Read also: Chris Pender to run for Newbridge council seat with Social Democrats

Mr Murphy, a journalist from Drogheda used Google Earth satellite images which were taken in mid June 2018 to search for tell tale signs in fields around the county.

At the time Ireland was in the midst of a drought, which revealed previous disturbance in the soil such as those caused by ancient constructions.

This is crucial because the next time Google updates its satellite images, which occurs between one and three years, those images will have disappeared under new grass or crops.

A moated site at Clogorrow, near Narraghmore

These included ring forts, outlines of field structures, a deserted medieval settlement and enclosures of various kinds.

Mr Murphy said that one of the most impressive was at Oldtowndonore (essentially in land behind Mondello Park).

It features a series of enclosures stretched across two fields and what appears to be an avenue leading into them.

While some of these structures are already known about and recorded in the official Record of Monuments and Places, many are entirely unknown.

Ringfort at Donadea

Of the 47, quite a few appear to be scattered around the south and south west of the county near Crookstown.

Theres also a good few around Rathangan and Oldtowndonore, near Caragh.

This was because the features tended to show up better on arable land.

More than 50% of what I found was in Kildare, he told the Leinster Leader, and said he believed it was because the Googles images of other counties did not date back to June last year.

Some date back as far as 4,000 years and some are from the relatively more recent Medieval times (500 to 1,500 years ago).

Mr Murphy says that we are never more than 100 or 200 metres away from an archaeological feature and that there is so much history under our feet, and believes its a pity that so many were leveled.

Unfortunately a little faint compared to other images, but this is only one of several impressive features from Oldtowndonore

Pair of enclosures at Kilgowan near Narraghmore

A part of a field system at Tippeenan Upper near CalverstownAt 82, Ann Hollands death was a shock to family and close friends  despite the fact that for over 38 years, she had lived with and fought cancer. She will be remembered as a beautiful, warm, caring person, and elegant too.

Born in Sandymount, Dublin in 1936, young Ann met Michael Holland in Inco dry cleaners where they both worked. They married in 1956 and lived initially in the UK before returning to live in Walkinstown. Michaels employment with Lyons Tea saw them move to Douglas, Cork, then to Marley Grange, Rathfarnham before the final move to Golden Falls, Ballymore Eustace in March, 1979 (the year of the Popes visit).

Ann was a full-time home maker/mum but after experiencing cancer, she became a volunteer with the Irish Breast Cancer Society. Ann was a vital support in the voluntary cog of the ICS in Co Kildare, as she visited and spoke with other women experiencing breast cancer, and supported them through treatment and therapy (Ann continued her voluntary work during the 80s and early 90s).

Ann was a member of BME ICA, the St Vincent de Paul Society and worked in Vincents Shop on Chapel Street; she and the late Michael were both members of the Church choir and the Holland family were great supporters of all things in BME  from GAA to the Community Development Association, of which Michael was a member, and he also managed the BME Bugle at one stage too. Ann was an avid reader too, and notably, a TV soap fan!

Michael sadly died three years ago, and Anns passing came just one week shy of his third anniversary. Her death came as a great shock said her son, John, even though she was diagnosed with right lung cancer before Christmas.

She was blessed with close friends who continued to visit and support her after Michaels death.

She had wonderful friends, and none more so than Kay Kavanagh, John the Butcher Murphy, Tracey OConnor and neighbour John White  we are very grateful to all her friends and acquaintances who visited mum at home in recent years. Our thanks also to Monsignor Wilson for his support and kindness throughout the funeral service and arrangements, and to the staff of St Brigids Hospice.

Many people commented on the lovely photos displayed of BME ICA celebrations which included a happy, smiling Ann. The photos had been published in the Leinster Leader and were taken by the late Jim Gaffney, RIP, a renowned Naas photographer with a lifetime association to the newspaper.

The late, Ann Holland, dearly loved and missed by her family, children Anne, Vera, Linda and John; grandchildren Ross, Andrew, Scott, Cillian, Oisin, Max, Dearbhla, David, Matthew and Michael, and her three great-grandmother Effie, Zoe and Matthew, the extended family and in-laws. A gracious, warm and dignified lady, rest in peace, Ann, amen.A new exciting exhibition is launching at Newbridge Silverware next Thursday, February 28.

Titled 'Supermodels and Playboy - The Evolution of Sex Symbols', the photographic exhibition features original signed photographs and Playboy magazine covers of well-known models.

Famous names include Naomi Campbell, Bo Derek, Christy Turlington, Heidi Klum, Cindy Crawford, Rachel Hunter, Elle Macpherson, Gisele Bundchen, Tyra Banks, Adrianna Lima and Liz Hurley among others.

The Supermodels

Marilyn Monroe

The iconic actress, Bo Derek appears on several front covers, even posing with an Orangutan in one image when she was promoting her role in the movie, Tarzan. Elle Macpherson appears on another cover in a pose that leaves no doubt as to why she is known as The Body.

Rod Stewarts wife, Rachel Hunter was also a Playboy model and the exhibition includes a signed cover of the topless blonde bombshell. The exhibition goes on to show that the models were becoming much more than just skinny clothes horses, they could move easily off the catwalks and onto the pages of Playboy with style, class and a sense of female empowerment.

A particularly important item in the exhibition is a signed copy of a limited-edition book called, Sexy which features beautiful, tasteful images of supermodel, Naomi Campbell.

Encased in a book case in the shape of a female torso the book is signed Love and Respect, Naomi and includes some of the most incredible photographs ever taken of Naomi, often fully nude.

With multiple artwork by British pop art luminary, Allen Jones and Naomis own autobiographical text, this is an intimate and breathtaking encounter with a beauty icon.

Also, on display is a signed photograph of Elizabeth Hurley in the famous Versace safety pin dress often referred to as that dress. The actress and model wore the garment when she accompanied Hugh Grant to the movie premier of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994. The dress is regarded as Versaces best-known creation and is largely considered to be the turning point of Hurleys career, catapulting her onto the global stage. Held together by strategically placed gold safety pins, the dress was wide open at the front, from the neck down to at least halfway across the bust. Hurley said in response to comments about the revealing nature of the dress, and Unlike many other designers, Versace designs clothes to

celebrate the female form rather than eliminate it.

The celebration of the supermodel was at an all-time high in 1989 when photographer Herb Ritts took the now-iconic shot of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz and Stephanie Seymour huddled together completely naked. The black and white photograph is signed by each of the five models and is on display in the exhibition. It

captures a moment in time showing the top five models of the day whose beauty was almost ethereal.

The world went wild for the supermodels and they were known by their first name alone. Today Campbell, Crawford, Evangelista, Patitz and Turlington are still regarded as the Original Supermodels. Many became the faces of cosmetics brands, they had their own television programs and fitness videos and their own lines of lingerie. Indeed, the lingerie giant Victorias Secret enlisted Tyra Banks, Gisele Bundchen, Alessandra Ambrosia, Heidi Klum, Karoline Kurkova and Adrianna Lima to be part of their lingerie show.

Each model walked the catwalk with giant angel wings attached to their backs, wearing the sexy lingerie which Victorias Secret is known for. There are several signed photographs of these famous Victorias Secret models in the exhibition including photographs of the girls both on and off the catwalk.

Right throughout the exhibition the viewer is brought on a pictorial journey which starts with the original camera of photographer Andre De Dienes whose 1949 Rolleiflex camera was used by De Dienes in his 1949 Tobey / Jones Beach photo session with Marilyn Monroe.

The images show Marilyn in a bathing suit in playful mood posing with a red polka dot umbrella, the original of which is featured in the exhibition and is on permanent display in the Museum of Style Icons. The photographs showed the world a different side of a girl who was to become known as the greatest sex symbol of all time.

However, even though she was in a swimsuit, the shots of Marilyn taken by De Dienes, were fun and youthful rather than

sexy. De Dienes showed all the youth and vigour that Marilyn possessed. He showed that she was just a girl, playing with the surf and the sand and she looked happy and natural. The display of images is accompanied by De Dienes original brown leather camera case with its original serial number still clearly visible.

There is also a photograph of Marilyn Monroe dressed as a ballerina and taken by photographer, Milton Greene. The photograph was shot in October 1954 at Milton Greenes New York studio. Designer Anne Klein sent various outfits to Miltons studio for Marilyn to wear, however, they were two sizes too small. The pose in this sitting shows Marilyn trying to hold up the ill-fitting tulle and satin dress.

This image captures Marilyn appearing angelic yet seductive, a look that became legendary and defined her appeal. With her toes pointed inward, a smile on her face, and a finger on her chin, Marilyn evokes the demure child playing dress up. This image was chosen as one of Time Lifes three most popular images of the 20th century. The original photograph in the exhibition is signed by the photographer on the back and is inscribed to Sammy Davis Jnr in Greenes handwriting, To Sammy / Love.

The overall exhibition is interesting in that it shows how some models became part of popular culture. Some of them even made history  Naomi Campbell became the first black model to appear on the front cover of Time, British Vogue, French Vogue and the September issue of American Vogue, traditionally the years biggest and most important issue. Others, such as Elizabeth Hurley successfully moved from the catwalk to the big screen with the help of an iconic, sexy dress and a memorable photograph.

Meanwhile Marilyn Monroes legacy and mystique continues to live on through the many iconic images taken of her during her short life. She was probably the original supermodel, the girl who paved the way for the catwalk queens of today. Supermodels and Playboy- The Evolution of Sex Symbols runs from Thursday February 28 until 31 st May 31, 2019.

The Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware is open 7 days a week and is free to enter. The museum also features garments and interesting artefacts from several Hollywood stars, musicians, and celebrities. For more see

www.newbridgesilverware.com or call (045) 431301.

SEE ALSO: Appeal against Sallins waterways 55-bed aparthotel is withdrawnMonasterevin Tidy Towns is celebrating over 40 years of working towards making their town the best it can be.

Read also: Kildare bishop Denis Nulty celebrates Mass with rededication of Kilshanroe church

From bio-diversity to heritage, landscaping to community involvement some of the current Monasterevin Tidy Towns members have been actively involved with the group since 1995.

Member Jean Kelly told the Leinster Express about old and new members.

We have achieved a lot over the years and more needs to be done. It would be good to get more people involved with the Monasterevin Tidy Towns to help us realise our goals for the local area.

Your contribution, no matter how small you think it is, will make a difference. The Tidy Towns is about bringing a community together to enhance the local community for everyone who lives in it.

We, like all other Tidy Towns in Ireland, are committed to improving our local community, to fostering community effort and local pride.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the work of Monastrevin Tidy Towns can attend the AGM on Thursday, March 14 at 8 pm in the Mercy Convent, Drogheda Street.

Monastrevin enters the Tidy Towns competition every year. Local volunteers and residents enthusiastically strive to enhance the community under the eight main categories of the Tidy Towns national competition. They include enhancing Community Involvement, Streetscape and Public Places, Green Spaces and Landscaping, Sustainability, Tidiness and Litter Control, Residential Streets and Housing Areas, Approach Roads, Streets and Lanes.

In the 2018 competition, Monastrevin Tidy Towns improved its score from 2017 in all categories.Well-known Laois writer and historian John Dunne has written a brand new book focused on the town of Portlaoise.

A Book About Portlaoise is the most detailed book ever written about the town. Ranging from a description of life in Maryborough in the 1700s, through the history of businesses and their owners on Main Street, to a detailed survey of local music in the 20th century, its pages are teeming with generations of townies, many dead and gone, many still with us; some famous, some forgotten except by loved ones. All real people.

As well as page after page of interesting facts drawn from four centuries, there are intriguing chapters entitled The Golden Croft, Kings, Queens and the Missing Ancestor and The Methodists and Me.

John is donating all of the profits from the book sales to the local St Vincent de Paul Society.

Everything I write is inspired by the town and its people, so the very least I can do is pay something back, he said.

A Book about Portlaoise is, in every sense, a townie production and author John is quick to point out the extent of local involvement: In these days of rampant globalisation, we should, as much as we can, support locally-owned businesses. They have been very good to me. Martin Connollys Printcentral couldnt have been more helpful, and I was really touched by the unsolicited generosity of Allbooks and Declan Kelly at the Parish Centre, he said.

John also thanked people who helped on social media.

The book will be launched by the award-winning Midlands 103 broadcaster Ann Marie Kelly on Thursday, March 7 in the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise.

Im delighted that Ann-Marie is doing the honours. Its hard to believe that its exactly twenty years ago that she and I worked together on the production of my play Ill Fly Away which was premiered in Dunamaise," he said.

The evening will also include Johns new visual and musical evocation of Vanished Portlaoise featuring 150 images, many of which have never been shown in public.

Anyone who has seen his previous historical presentations wont need to be told how effectively and movingly his work captures the spirit of old Portlaoise.

Everyone is welcome to embark on this latest journey through the towns past and, afterwards, enjoy a chat and a beverage. No long speeches guaranteed!

A Book About Portlaoise will be published at 20.00 in a hardback limited edition.

So, to get what is likely to become a treasured collectors item, and enjoy a trip down memory lane, mark this in your diary: Dunamaise Arts Centre, Church Street, 7 pm March 7th.

Following the launch, the book will be available exclusively in Allbooks, Lyster Square who have kindly offered to donate all profits from the sale of the book to St Vincent de Paul.

Picture: Denis ByrneCouncillor Mary Sweeney has said that Irish Water have displayed a lack of concern for residents over the treatment of sewage in Ballyroan.

At todays meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District, Cllr Sweeney called on Laois County Council to investigate the concerns regarding sewage effluent adjacent to the county council properties at Gleann na Glaise in Ballyroan.

Cllr Sweeney said she was firefighting the problem at the moment, telling people the work would get done.

She received a written response from Mr Michael OHora, water services, saying that Laois County Council is engaging with a specialist company in relation to providing a design and full set of working drawings and for appointment as project supervisor for design process for a new state of the art facility within the footprint of the existing building.

The council will then consider its options for completing the construction and for the future maintenance of this new facility in the context of available capital funding.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, chairing the meeting, said this response was a bit misleading.

Id be worried if I was a resident, she said.

Cllr Pauline Madigan agreed, saying the response was clear as muck.

Mr Michael Rainey, senior executive officer, said that the sewage plant is an Irish Water facility, but as best as it was possible the council would be engaging with them on this matter.

I have been flogging this dead horse for some time, Im very concerned theres not a speedier reaction, said Cllr Sweeney, accusing Irish Water of having a lack of concern for the residents.

Theyve known for some time that treatment plant isnt working properly and it doesnt get any better. Im not happy with Irish Water or the councils water services, she said.

Mr Rainey again reminded the meeting that the plant is an Irish Water facility, but Cllr Fitzgerald pointed out that Irish Water are not mentioned in the reply from Mr OHora.

The answer is within Laois County Councils remit, she said.

The answer is pure waffle, added Cllr Sweeney.

Cllr Willie Aird supported Cllr Sweeneys motion, but said he believed the councils water services staff were doing great work.PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission have issued phased vehicle bans and restrictions for Wednesday as a winter storm hits across Pennsylvania.

As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, commercial vehicles (including buses) were banned from I-70 in Fulton County, and I-99 from I-80 to the turnpike.

At that time, specific vehicles will be prohibited on I-80, from I-79 to the I-99 interchange, and on the turnpike from the New Stanton exit (#75) east to the Carlisle exit (#226). The ban affects:

empty, straight CDL-weighted trucks

all Large Combination Vehicles (double trailers)

tractors hauling empty trailers

any trailers pulled by motorcycles, passenger vehicles, pickup trucks or SUVs

all motorcycles

all recreational vehicles and RVs.

At noon, the vehicles listed above will be prohibited from:

Route 22

Route 33, from I-78 to I-80

I-78

The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76, I-276), from I-81 to I-95 (exit 43)

I-76, turnpike and non-turnpike, from New Stanton to Philadelphia

I-80, from I-99 to the New Jersey state line

I-81, from the Maryland state line to the New York state line

I-83, from the Maryland state line to I-81

I-84

I-176

I-180

I-276

I-283

I-295

I-380

I-476 (non-turnpike, turnpike and the northeast extension), from the Mid County exit (#20) to the Clarks Summit exit (#131)

I-676

A 45-mph speed restriction may be in place on all roads during those timeframes, and may be implemented sooner depending on the weather.

 Snow is coming down on the West Shore (Mechanicsburg) and PennDot crews continue to pre-treat the roads with some salt and brine. @WGAL pic.twitter.com/6AC4G7cXHi  Matt Barcaro (@MattBarcaroWGAL) February 20, 2019

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.A Slate Belt man will spend at least seven months in Northampton County Prison for the abuse he inflicted on his dog.

Walter Floyd, 50, was convicted at trial of abusing Princess, his dachshund-Chihuahua mix. The 15- to 20-pound dog suffered a fractured skull, broken ribs, a lacerated spleen and compound fracture to her leg, veterinarian Karin Breitlauch testified during the trial last month.

Floyd was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a new law stiffening the penalties for killing or seriously abusing animals. He was the first county resident to go to trial under the new law but was acquitted of the charge. Jurors did convict him of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, however.

Northampton County Judge Stephen Baratta sentenced Floyd on Wednesday to seven to 23 months in county prison, according to Assistant District Attorney Abraham Kassis. Thats an aggravated range sentence, which means the judge found the circumstances harsher than usual for the crime.

Although I was not particularly pleased with the jurys findings, I am satisfied with the judges decision, said Christine Mammi. Shes the Slate Belt animal control officer who investigated the case and assisted the Slate Belt Regional Police Department.

I hope that going forward (the sentence) will help to make people aware that acts of violence towards animals will no longer be tolerated in Pennsylvania," she said.

Walter Floyd was convicted of cruelty to animals for abusing his dog, Princess. (Courtesy photo)Courtesy photo

Princess the Chiweenie was found dead Jan. 18, 2018. (Courtesy Christine Mammi)Courtesy Christine Mammi

Floyd told police initially that the dog died in its sleep. At trial he said someone must have broken into his home and brutally beat the dog because he didnt do it. The verdict means jurors held him responsible for abusing Princess, despite his claim that he had nothing to do with her injuries, but did not hold him responsible for seriously injuring or killing her.

Floyd told police he had been drinking on Jan. 12, 2018, the night Princess was found dead in his home in the 200 block of C Street in Pen Argyl. Court records say Floyd now lives in Roseto.

Floyd admitted he ransacked his home, but said he did it because he was upset that Princess had died. In a police interview about a week after the incident, he told Slate Belt Regional police he has enemies and there are people who might want to do this to him, according to Kassis.

Floyds attorney, Robert Eyer, didnt return a phone message seeking comment.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.West Easton is on track this year to get its first police department in more than half a century.

Borough Mayor Dan DePaul announced the new department Tuesday, alongside his pick for chief of the new part-time department and Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli.

"My dream was to have a police department that we could call our own and have vehicles that were marked 'West Easton Police Department,' and when those vehicles ride around the borough the people in this community know that there's a presence and there's someone you can turn to, someone you can call, someone in this community that will help you," DePaul said.

The borough expects to have police consultant Robert J. Mehady sworn-in by a Northampton County judge to lead the department, assisted by two or three part-time officers, DePaul said.

Mehady retired as sergeant from the Pennsylvania State Police and spent most of his 25-year career out of the Belfast barracks. State police have patrolled West Easton since 2013, following contracts for police coverage with Wilson Borough and Easton dating to 1966, according to Morganelli.

"West Easton is a great place to have a small department, because of the fact that geographically we're not talking about a large area," the district attorney said, as he delivered a check for $10,000 to West Easton to help get the new department up and running.

The new West Easton Police Department will operate out of 301 Sixth St., seen here Feb. 19, 2019. It had been borough hall until it was sold to West Easton's Safety First Volunteer Fire Co. as a firehouse in 1990.

DePaul said the borough has about $300,000 budgeted for police department startup costs, from the budgets of 2018 and 2019. He said the move did not result from state legislators considering Gov. Tom Wolfs proposed fee for municipalities covered by state police. Based on a sliding scale according to population, the new fee is proposed at $10,040 for West Easton, or $8 per person in the borough of 1,255 people.

Were very satisfied in the DAs office as to the police response that we do get from state police, Morganelli noted.

The department will operate out of 301 Sixth St. in West Easton, which had been borough hall until it was sold to West Easton's Safety First Volunteer Fire Co. as a firehouse in 1990. DePaul negotiated a 10-year lease for $1 a year with 10-year extension to turn what had been a rundown storage area into police headquarters.

"We already started the process of turning this old fire station, borough hall years ago, into a police station," the mayor said. "We tried to do the best we could and do it thrifty: paint, cosmetic, some major things like water lines had to be brought back in, electric had to be brought back in, everything was cut off.

"The only thing downstairs was a furnace which needed no work but a motor, the fuse box was there but it was hooked up to no meter. And we ran all that. What you see today is almost the finishing touches of bringing this building back to life."

With the county donation that the borough will match, DePaul said he and council will purchase furniture in coming days. The department also needs computers and other equipment, uniforms, gun racks and a storage area and evidence room. RCN is already lined up to hook up data lines.

A Northampton County Sheriff's Department SUV sold to West Easton is parked Feb. 19, 2019, outside the new borough police department at 301 Sixth St.

Northampton County sold a sheriff's department SUV to the borough and Palmer Township donated two more police SUVs, which the borough's mechanic will fix up.

Mehady said he envisions patrols starting around Memorial Day, though DePaul is hoping for an earlier kickoff over the next month or two.

The plan is to follow Stockertown's model where borough police are on for part of each day, and state police fill in the rest of the day or night. DePaul and Morganelli said it's possible a part-time setup like that may free West Easton from having to pay any new state fee for state police coverage.

State police would also assist in any major incident, according to Mehady and Morganelli.

Borough police are expected to be more responsive to enforcing borough ordinances. One problem DePaul hopes to resolve is vehicles abandoned on borough streets. Mehady, who began working with the borough last year on setting up the department, said he recently counted about 50 vehicles registered to owners who don't live in West Easton.

Its a little oasis here, and people are very proud of where they live and they deserve -- the state police have done a phenomenal job -- but they want a little hands-on and I hope I can offer that as well, Mehady said.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.Lehigh University envisions its new six-story, health, science and technology building as a campus gateway that furthers Lehighs ongoing efforts to better integrate into its Southside Bethlehem neighborhood.

On Thursday afternoon, the Bethlehem Planning Commission is slated to review Lehighs land development plans for the new 180,000-square-foot interdisciplinary research building. The commission meets at 4 p.m. in Town Hall.

The new building at 124 E. Morton St. will be the administrative home for Lehighs new College of Health, a key part of the schools aggressive growth plan. But it will also include a variety of research labs with links to the existing Sinclair and Whitaker research buildings, spokeswoman Lori Friedman said.

The building is designed to foster interdisciplinary research and break down traditional collegiate silos. Lehigh envisions it as a place where research is organized around themes, not department or colleges, Friedman said. To do this, the design features open bench and workspace models and minimal hard walls to maximize transparency and openness and in turn foster collaboration, she said.

The building will be constructed on a Morton Street parking lot behind the Whitaker Lab. The project was granted a zoning variance by the Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board in July.

In 2016, Lehigh President John Simon unveiled his Path to Prominence plan, outlining his vision for growing Lehighs undergraduate and graduate enrollment, attracting more leading researchers to the faculty and adding a new College of Health.

Attracting all of these new students means Lehigh has a major demand for student housing that requires lots of new construction. Currently, two new dorms are being built.

The new health, science and technology building is slated to open in the fall of 2021. The plans stem from a recent review of Lehighs science and engineering programs completed with the help of Wilson Architects.

The goal of the review was to develop recommendations to improve facilities, strengthen research programs, and project future growth for each department, Friedman said for an earlier story about the project. The report determined that a new College of Health housed in a state of the art science building would transform the research culture at Lehigh University to foster interdisciplinary collaborations in science, engineering and other research areas.

The new hub for the College of Health will feature community and social spaces, classrooms, state-of-the-art labs, collaborative and open lab space and it will support interdisciplinary research in material science/nanotechnology.

Editors Note: This story has been updated to reflect new information from Lehigh that the buildings opening date has been pushed back to 2021.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter Schools board voted Tuesday night to hire Alloy5 as the architect for its new $55 million school project.

The K-12 International Baccalaureate charter school currently leases space in an office park on Valley Center Parkway in Hanover Township, Northampton County. Its lease expires in August 2023, so Lehigh Valley Academy is on the hunt for a permanent home in time for the 2023-24 school year.

After several public meetings reviewing proposals from eight architectural firms, the schools board of trustees selected four top contenders. Then on Tuesday night trustees voted to hire the Bethlehem-based Alloy5, according to a news release.

The LVA Board of Trustees recognize that owning our own facility is significantly more cost effective, fiscally responsible, and sustainable in the long term. Charter Schools are funded through subsidies that follow the student, the school said last week. The operating budget remains the same whether LVARCS rents or owns its own facility.

Charter schools are independent public schools funded by taxpayer dollars funneled from an enrolled students home district.

In January, the board decided to move forward on purchasing 31 acres at 5300 Jaindl Blvd. in Hanover Township. Looking to close on the purchase in spring, Lehigh Valley Academy said Friday it plans several months of due diligence to determine whether the site is viable for the new school building.

The estimated cost is $55 million, including the land purchase, Lehigh Valley Academy spokeswoman Shea Ace said Friday. The school is in the early stages of planning a 200,000-square-foot school, which could enroll a total of 1,950 students.

Currently, the school serves 1,767 students from 16 different Lehigh Valley schools, although the majority come from the Bethlehem Area School District.

Students are selected through a competitive lottery that gives preference to Bethlehem Area and Saucon Valley school district students and siblings of current students. Eventually, the charter school plans to enroll 1,950 students with 150 students per grade level.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.A tractor-trailer driver failed to see a car as he changed lanes Tuesday on Interstate 78, sending the car flipping multiple times and causing the rig to jackknife, according to police.

The two occupants of the passenger vehicle, a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, had to be cut free from the wreckage and were taken by ambulance to the hospital, Pennsylvania State Police at Belfast said.

The driver of the Hyundai, 75-year-old Judith McIvor, and passenger 78-year-old Patrick McIvor, both of Easton, suffered suspected serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said in a news release.

The tractor-trailer driver, 22-year-old Lewis A. Tavarez Torres, of Allentown, will face a citation related to roadways lined for traffic once police complete their investigation into the crash, according to the release.

It occurred about 1:45 p.m. on I-78 West near mile-marker 64.2, just beyond Exit 66 for Hellertown/Bethlehem (Route 412) in Lower Saucon Township.

Weighing about 40,000 pounds, the 2016 Freightliner Classic with trailer was merging from the left lane to the right lane where the Hyundai was traveling when the rig sideswiped the smaller vehicle.

The impact sent the Hyundai off the shoulder into grass alongside the highway, where it flipped several times. A passerby told lehighvalleylive.com the four-door Hyundai looked completely crushed aboard a flatbed tow truck, ready to be removed.

Taverez Torres tried to maintain control of the tractor-trailer, but it jackknifed and went off the road and shoulder into the grass, as well, coming to rest blocking the right lane and part of the left lane, police said.

Dewey and Bethlehem EMS took the McIvors to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

The crash was cleared about 3:45 p.m., according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.- The dean, Faculty of Law of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Ezeilo, has been appointed by United Nations

- Professor Ezeilo was appointed as a member of seven distinguished experts to serve on the Civil Society Advisory Board on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse

- The legal luminary was a member, Board of Trustees for the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking from 2013 to 2016

United Nations has appointed Professor Joy Ezeilo as a member of seven distinguished experts to serve on the newly established Civil Society Advisory Board on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Ezeilo confirmed the appointment in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday, February 20.

Legit.ng gathers that Ezeilo, who is the dean, Faculty of Law of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), said the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, made the announcement in New York on Tuesday, February 19.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

She listed other members of the committee to include Rosa Freeman from the United Kingdom, Pablo de Grieff from Colombia and Adrijana Hanusic Becirovic from Bosnia Herzegovina.

Other members are Dr Najat Maalla Mjid from Morocco, Vitit Muntarbhorn from Thailand and Muna Ndulo from Zambia.

The functions of the board include advising the secretary general on ways to strengthen preventive measures and accountability mechanisms to address sexual exploitation and abuse.

The advisory board will also foster closer interaction with civil society and external experts and organisations as part of UN efforts to combat sexual exploitation and abuse.

Members of the board will serve in their personal capacity and will not receive any compensation or remuneration.

Prof Ezeilo is also the national chairperson, Sexual Assault Referral Network Nigeria and was a member, Board of Trustees for the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking from 2013 to 2016.

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the United Nations said Nigeria lost an estimated 2.8 billion dollars in revenues in 2018, mainly due to oil-related crimes.

This was according to a new report by the secretary general on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) on Monday, January 7, in New York.

The report, which covered from July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018, said maritime crime and piracy off the coast of West Africa continued to pose a threat to peace, security and development in the region.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

What is working well and what needs improvement in Nigeria? | Legit TV

Source: LegitThe All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Logara/Umuohiagu ward in Ngor Okpala council area of Imo state, Ifeanyi Ozoemena, has reportedly been assassinated by unknown gunmen.

The Nation reports that the APC chieftain was killed on Tuesday night, February 19, shortly after presiding over a meeting of the party in the ward.

The newspaper states that the party chieftain was killed in his house right before his family members.

READ ALSO: Election 2019: Stop intimidation of INEC commissioners - CSO cautions politicians

The said murder of the APC chieftain has reportedly caused fear in the state ahead of the presidential and National Assembly elections.

A community leader, Chief Martin Opara, who confirmed the incident, said the killing had caused panic in the state.

He urged security agencies to apprehend the killers of the APC chieftain without any delay, noting that the community had never witnessed such political killing

This killing is strange to our community. Report says that he was shot severally in his house until he died, the community leader said.

We have met with the Eze-in-council and have sent a delegation to the DPO requesting that the killers should be arrested immediately.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

Logara community is known for peace and we wont jeopardise peace among us.

The deceased finished hosting a meeting of APC members in his ward after which gunmen operating in a jeep came and requested to see him. On sighting him, they shot him severally before they left.

The killing was also reportedly confirmed by the police in the state which stated that officers had evacuated the body of the deceased. The police noted that the gunmen who killed the APC chieftain operated in a SUV jeep.

In another news report, the commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom, Bashir Makama, has accused politicians of sponsoring thugs to distort the peace and security of the state during this years general elections.

Makama made the accusation during a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political stakeholders in Uyo on Tuesday, February 19.

He urged the people of the state to report any form of violence perpetrated by thugs in the state before and during the 2019 general elections for prompt action.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service!

2019 election: Who will win? Anambra residents speak | Legit TV

Source: Legit- The ruling APC has denied reports that it is plotting to scuttle the rescheduled 2019 general election in the state

- APC said the reports on secret meeting by the party is another mere imagination by PDP

Chris Finebone, publicity secretary, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state has denied allegation making round that the party plots to scuttle elections in Rivers.

Finbone told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, February 20, in Port Harcourt that the accusation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was a mere imagination.

He also said that the allegation that the transportation minister, Rotimi Amaechi was holding secret meetings in Abuja and strategising to disrupt elections in the state was another mere imagination by PDP.

READ ALSO: Dasuki's trial suffers setback as court rejects application to invite Falana

Well, the claim by PDP that the minister for transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is holding any meeting whatsoever, dwells only in the infantile imagination of the PDP characters behind such outlandish allegation, he said.

NAN reports that PDP , during a media briefing on Tuesday, February 19, accused APC of conniving with the security agencies and employing other undemocratic strategies to scuttle elections in parts of the state.

Finebone urged the public not to take the accusation serious, adding that it was a deliberate attempt to discredit APC and to dissuade its teaming supporters.

Rivers PDP is doing exactly what the Holy Bible refers to as the guilty running when no one is pursuing.

We hereby warn PDP to desist from maligning innocent members of APC who have done nothing wrong, whatsoever.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Niger on Friday, February 15 said that elections for the senatorial positions of Niger east and Niger north may not hold on Saturday as the ballot papers meant for the zone were missing.

PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates

Professor Samuel Egwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, made the declaration while interacting with newsmen in Minna.

He also said that the issue has been reported to the INECs Headquarters in Abuja for urgent attention.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.

Legit TV visits Anambra fire scene, as INEC reveals preparedness | #Elections2019.

Source: LegitThe system of things in Nigeria is less than glowing and a number of citizens nurture the idea of leaving the shores of the country in search of greener pastures.

However, things are not always better on the other side. A number of Nigerians travelled to Libya under hard conditions just to leave the suffering in the country behind.

Despite that a number of them are returning in troops and even thanking God for their lives.

Legit.ng recently gathered that about 160 Nigerian migrants voluntarily returned to the country on February 14, 2019, through the help of International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Among them was one Matthew James who was a carpenter in Nigeria before he travelled to Libya. He revealed that he left the country in search of greener pastures.

He, however, explained that life is not greener on the other side because he has seen death face to face. He also thanked God for his life and warned people not to follow the same route.

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James said: I don see death face to face but thank God I am alive. Please dont follow this route, the land is not greener as you think

See photos of some of the returnees below:

READ ALSO: NEMA receives 174 Nigerians from Libya

See more photos here:

Nawa o.

Meanwhile Legit.ng previously reported that a returnee revealed that Nigerians in Libyan detention camps are treated like animals.

Edith Richard, a 21-year-old returnee, alleged that many Nigerians in Libyan detention camps were poorly fed and treated like animals.

She stated: I left Nigeria because I wanted to look for something to do. I struggled to raise N500,000 to get to Libya. But I could not cross to Italy because as soon as we were on the Mediterranean Sea, we were caught by some Libyans on the sea. I was taken to a detention camp and was maltreated. They (Libyans) talked to us anyhow.

We did not like the way they fed us, giving us food without meat. They treated us like animals. I'm happy to be back home. I do not regret that I did not get to Europe because some of us lost their lives. About five died at sea and in the desert. One of them, Blessing, died due to the heat from the sun. She could not bear it.

I have parents but I did not inform them that I was living the country (Nigeria). But I called them when I got to Libya. I do not know whether they will accept me. I am afraid that they might shout at me; I want them to forgive me.

I am ready to learn a skill and I want the state government to help me. I thank the government for bringing me back.

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.

Mass deportation: Tales of woes from Libya | Legit TV

Source: Legit- Comic actor, Jigan Babaoja has rendered a helping hand to ailing Yoruba screen god, Baba Suwe

- Jigan who recently visited the reportedly sick actor shared a photo where he gifted him cash for his medical treatment

- He stated that Baba Suwe revealed to him that he needs about N5 million to travel abroad for treatment

The news of the current condition of veteran Yoruba actor, Baba Suwe being critically ill has been flooding the internet for a while now. Recently, a radio broadcaster revealed that the ailing actor was being abandoned by his colleagues as he battles for his life from the stronghold of an undisclosed ailment.

Comic actor, Jigan Babaoja, has played his part in changing that narrative as he recently paid a visit to the sick actor. Jigan shared a photo of him gifting cash to the actor as he revealed that Baba Suwe needs about N5 million to travel to USA to get the best medical attention he needs.

Babaoja revealed that many people have reached out to him form several parts of the world to offer assistance and he is privileged to be the one just playing the role of a good Samaritan.

READ ALSO: Yul Edochie in search of Nigerian man who predicted PMBs win, winner of 2019 elections in 2015

Read his post below:

PAY ATTENTION: Get your daily relationship tips and advice on Africa Love Aid group

The comic actor also shared a screenshot of the report of Baba Suwe's sickness and revealed that the name of the hospital treating him abroad in Jamaica hospital.

Meanwhile, a social media user recently blasted actress, Liz Anjorin for advertising her goods on social media instead of assisting Baba Suwe. She responded with several harsh words and curses and revealed that her mother died of stroke and no one came to her aid.

Did you know? NAIJ.com (naija.ng) is now-> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better.

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Top 3 Nollywood Stars: Who Earns More Than Others? on Legit TV:

Source: Legit Newspaper- Actress Liz Anjorin has shown her other side to a non fan who accused of not assisting ailing actor, Baba Suwe

- Obviously infuriated by the comment, the actress responded with harsh words and curses

Earlier, Legit.ng shared that famous Yoruba screen god, Baba Suwe, was reported to be seriously ill. A certain radio broadcaster claimed that the actor was battling for his life from the stronghold of a deadly ailment.

It was also said that despite his sorry case, his Nollywood actors and actresses have refused to come together to assist him or show any support towards saving him form what might lead to disheartening situation in the nearest future.

Following the revelation, a social media user identified as Jegedelojoe planted a rather harsh comment on actress, Liz Anjorin's Instagram page accusing her of focusing on her 'meaningless trade' instead of rendering assistance to the reportedly ailing Baba Suwe.

READ ALSO: Kemi Olunloyo reveals alleged chat between Special Spesh and a friend accusing Chioma of infidelity towards Davido

Angered by the audacity and insult of the social media user, Liz rained heavy curses on Jegedlojoe and revealed that her mother died of stroke many years ago and no colleague came to her aid.

Instead, she stated that she was mocked as most of them missed the burial ceremony of her mother.

Read below:

PAY ATTENTION: Get your daily relationship tips and advice on Africa Love Aid group

Meanwhile, in 2016, renowned Nollywood movie director, Yomi Fabiyi, blamed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for veteran comic actor, Baba Suwe's poor health.

Baba Suwe, whose real name is is Babatunde Omidina, according to Fabiyi, was critically ill and could barely walk then and it appears he is still suffering till now.

Did you know? NAIJ.com (naija.ng) is now-> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better.

PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app

Religion is not Nigerias problem  Onos Ariyo on Legit TV on Star Chat:

Source: Legit.ng- Ameh Ebute a former senate president has Olusegun Obasanjo and leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of plotting to ruin Nigeria

- The former Senator called on Nigerians to rise up to the challenge of confronting and subduing unpatriotic, corrupt and selfish past political office

- Ebute said such move by the citizens would help save Nigeria from total collapse

A former Senate president, Ameh Ebute, has raised an alarm over the alleged alliance between ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo and leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ebute said the "unholy union Obasanjo and leadership of the PDP would kill the entity called Nigeria."

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, February 19, Ebute who lead the Congress for Patriotic Citizens (CPC) called on Nigerians to rise up to the challenge of confronting and subduing unpatriotic, corrupt and selfish past political office.

He said such move by the citizens would help save Nigeria from total collapse.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

Stating that Obasanjo is one of the leaders who benefitted from the country, Ebute said it is unfortunate to understand, the alliance to kill Nigeria is spearheaded and supervised such a personality.

"To the best of our knowledge, Chief Obasanjo abused every opportunity he had to set Nigeria on a speedy and progressive path. His leadership years are ingloriously recounted by Nigerians with disdain and contempt for his personality," Ebute said.

"On the reverse, ordinary Nigerians recall fondly and gleefully President Buharis leadership of Nigeria at every era as attested now.

We find it completely distasteful, Obasanjos present gang-up and conspiracy against Nigeria. What OBJ and co have planned is beyond imagination. Every word of Obasanjo from his first open letter to the last smacks of a shameful and dishonorable outing from an elder statesman.

We cannot understand Obasanjo anymore. We do not know what he implies when he accuses INEC of recruiting collation officers who are already awarding results based on their projects to actualise the perpetuation agenda in which the people will not matter and the votes will not count. As former President of Nigeria, isnt this statement too fluid?

Even if Chief Obasanjo hates Buhari, hatchet jobs like this one as contained in his recent letter should be left for his 'boys. Even the loquacious Femi Fani Kayode or Tony Omokri cannot abuse their already battered reputation in public in this disgraceful manner," Ebute added.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

He further urged all Nigerians to rise up to the challenge of confronting and subduing unpatriotic, corrupt and selfish past political office holders.

He said the people have more faith in the progress of Nigeria under a Buhari's Presidency than an Atiku Abubakar.

"We have sighted progress and national development under a patriotic leader and nationalist like President Buhari.

"There is no way Obasanjo can publicly announce his retirement in politics and sneak back through the back door in any unholy alliance with dark forces to destroy Nigeria.

Like Gen. Bulbwa Marwa (rtd) did by rallying nearly 100 retired Military Generals in support of President Buhari, we shall also assemble all elder statesmen across the country to come to the rescue of Nigeria, bearing in mind that selfish individuals like Obasanjo or any political party or group of persons dont own Nigeria. All Nigerian citizens must wake up to uphold the virtues of leaders who can stand for the country like Buhari," Ebute concluded.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that some Nigerians in diaspora have accused a former president Olusegun Obasanjo of desperation and retarding Nigeria from desired growth and progress.

These Nigerians under the aegis of AriseNigeria, a group of Concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora alleged that the former president is desperate in his bid to install a president in Nigeria through the backdoor.

In a communique issued by the group after an emergency meeting to review the state of affairs in Nigeria, AriseNigeria frowned at the new relationship between Obasanjo and leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The communique signed by its chairman., Philip Idaewor and endorsed by coordinators of AriseNigeria worldwide.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better.

2019 Election: Atiku may win and Buhari will be declared winner| - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ngFront-page

April's ballot is set

Staff photo by Steve Kinderman Poll worker Sally Derksen assists Mike Steuer with electronic voting in Tuesdays spring primary election at Spirit Lutheran Church, 1310 Main St. Eau Claire voters narrowed the field of City Council candidates that will appear on April 2 ballots.

Eau Claire City Council candidates Echo Reardon and Chandler Lorentz were eliminated from contention in springs election after Tuesdays primary.

Ten candidates now move on to the April 2 election, which will decide who will serve in five seats on the council that represent all of Eau Claire.

While theres still a month and a half left to campaign and turnout for primaries is low  8.8 percent of registered voters showed up on Tuesday  they can be an early indication of front-runners.

Newcomer to city politics John Lor, a real estate agent and entrepreneur, was No. 1 in the primary with 2,158 votes cast for him.

Taking up the next three spots are experienced council members  two who currently serve and one looking to make a comeback.

Incumbent Kate Beaton came in second with 1,636 votes, but not far behind her was David Klinkhammer, who had 1,539 people show support for his return to the council after he lost his District 2 seat in last springs election.

Incumbent Catherine Emmanuelle, who with more than six years experience is the second-longest serving of current council members, got 1,399 votes on Tuesday.

Coming in fifth was newcomer to city politics and local businesswoman Laura Benjamin, who got 1,330 votes.

Three other newcomers also saw support from more than 1,000 voters in the primary.

Architect Dale Poynter came in sixth with 1,269 votes. Legal secretary Kate Martin placed seventh with 1,086 votes. Self-employed mason contractor Kirk Ausman came in eighth with 1,028 votes.

The final two candidates to make the cut were business owner and caregiver Kyle Woodman with 919 votes and sales and logistics consultant Don Motzing with 891 votes.

With 749 votes for Reardon and 533 for Lorentz, they came up short from getting onto Aprils ballot.

Reardon had also run in November as the Republican candidate in the race for the states 91st Assembly District, which represents most of Eau Claire. Reardon lost that race to Democrat Jodi Emerson.

Lorentz is a UW-Eau Claire senior who also works as a sales associate.

Also on the spring ballot will the be the race for City Council president. Current acting council President Andrew Werthmann is competing with at-large Councilman Terry Weld in that race.

Whichever candidate wins that race will only get a one-year term, which is what remains of former President Kerry Kincaids term. Kincaid resigned from the position in June.

The council president will then be on the spring 2020 ballot for election to a full three-year term.

The council also has five district seats, which were on the ballot last spring and will be next up for election in 2021.

Barron City Council

Aprils election for an open seat on the Barron City Council will be between city native Paul Solie and Isaak Mohamed, a member of the citys growing Somali population.

Solie led in Tuesdays primary with 171 votes, followed by Mohamed with 125.

Coming in third and eliminated from contention is another Somali man, Faisal Ahmed, who received 72 votes.

This is the first time Somali candidates have run for public office in Barron, which now has a population that is nearly a quarter Somali.

School boards

Two school districts in Chippewa County also held primary elections on Tuesday night.

Greg Baker will try to keep his seat on the Cornell school board against a challenge from Josh Schwingle on April 2.

The two had the most votes in Tuesdays primary with Schwingle getting 48 to Bakers 41. A third candidate, Donna Kendall, received 25 votes and wont advance to Aprils election.

Partial results available Tuesday night in the Cadott school board primary showed Richard Vander Molen was trailing in the seven-person race. With eight of 10 precincts reporting he had gotten 34 votes, according to the districts website.

There will be six spots on April 2 ballots for three school board seats. Those leading in Tuesdays race and their corresponding votes were Brad Sonnentag, 140, Alan Sonnentag, 130, incumbent Donna Albarado, 97, incumbent Charlotte Seibel, 61, Holli Sande, 53, and Kathy (Siverling) Vander Molen, 50.

Owen mayor

Incumbent Mayor Charlie Milliren will face off against challenger Robert Wilczek on the April 2 ballot.

Milliren received 63 votes Tuesday to the 34 who voted for Wilczek.

A third contender, Kevin Molitor, received 23 votes and wont be advancing to the spring election.Auckland, February 20: The New Zealand Parliament on Wednesday passed a resolution condemning the terrorist attack in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 Indian security personnel. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who also holds the Foreign Ministry charge, stood up before the House and submitted a resolution -- which was passed with an absolute majority.

The resolution expresses solidarity with the Indian government, stating that Auckland stands with New Delhi in this moment on grief. It also describes terrorism as one of the utmost challenges confronting the world. Donald Trump Calls Pulwama Terror Attack 'Horrible', Wants India, Pakistan to 'Get Along'.

"This House condemns the attack on the Indian Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Pulwama," Peters said, adding, "I move the motion that this House condemns the February 14 act of terrorism."

"We offer condolences to the people and the government of India and offer solidarity with the government of India in this difficult time as well as offer our deep sympathies to those affected," the Deputy PM further added.

Following the terror strike in Pulwama, India had reached out to 25 prominent global allies, including those of the elite P-5 grouping. France, which is part of the group, released a statement claiming that it would be moving a fresh plea before the United Nations seeking the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist".

On Tuesday, United States President Donald Trump also issued his first reaction to the terror attack, calling it "horrible". He, however, also appealed the two subcontinental nations to exercise restrain and jointly combat terror through dialogue.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 20, 2019 01:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).Councilman Paul Weaver expresses his desire to create an ad hoc committee to look at rental housing standards in Laramie and whether or not they are needed. The Council voted to not create an ad hoc committee for rental standards in Laramie after a 5-4 vote.Caltanissetta, February 20 - Italian police on Wednesday arrested a nursery school teacher for mistreating children in Caltanissetta in Sicily. The woman allegedly beat the kids and inflicted "cruel" punishments on them, police said.Turin, February 20 - Turin prosecutors on Wednesday opened a probe into a 20-day-old baby boy who died February 2 after being examined for strong attacks of coughing and fainting at the Maria Vittoria Hospital. Charges of culpable manslaughter have been posited.Milan, February 20 - "Kill the n**ger" was scrawled on the exterior wall of a family who have adopted an African man at Melegnano near Milan earlier this week. The phrase was accompanied by a swastika. The family, who have hosted the 22-year-old Senegalese for two years, said this was not the first incident of the kind. "What is happening in so many cases today in Italy is also amplified by politicians like (Interior Minister and anti-migrant League leader Matteo) Salvini," said the mother of Bakary Dandio, Angela Bedoni, who adopted him with her husband Paolo Pozzi. "We must build bridges, not close ports," she said referring to Salvini's closing Italian ports to NGO migrant rescue ships. She also said Salvini's recent migrants and security decree "is putting many people into difficulties today. And it is a question of culture too. It is important to understand what happened in Italy before 1945 and today".Rome, February 20 - Political tension bubbled in Rome on Wednesday after reports that the daughter of North Korea's former envoy to Rome, Jo Song-gil, was taken back to Pyongyang from Italy by force in November. The girl's father, Jo Song-gil, had gone missing in November in an act that was seen as an attempted defection. The operation to forcibly take the daughter back took place before she made an attempt to be reunited with her parents, according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap. "Did North Korean intelligence kidnap the daughter of Ambassador Jo Song-Gil? Very serious incident," tweeted Maria Edera Spadoni, a senior MP for the 5-Star Movement (M5S). Spadoni also called on Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, the leader of the League, the M5S's coalition partner, to report to parliament on the case "as soon as possible". Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Manlio Di Stefano, also an M5S member, compared the case to that of Alma Shalabayeva, the wife of Kazakh dissident Mukhtar Ablyazov who was abducted in Italy in 2013, allegedly with the help of Italian police. Shalabayeva and her daughter returned to Italy six months after their controversial deportation, which caused an international scandal. "If confirmed, the story of Jo Song-gil and his daughter, who was kidnapped by the North Korean intelligence in Italy, would be a case of unheard-of seriousness," said Di Stefano. "When something similar happened with the Shalabayeva case, I went directly to Kazakhstan to meet her and see what happened and we ascertained the direct responsibility of then Interior Minister (Angelino) Alfano. "Whoever is responsible will pay, you can be sure of that". Yonhap said the source for its report was Thae Yong-ho, the former number two at North Korea's London embassy who took refuge in Seoul in 2016. "I don't know how many children Jo had, but the one who was in Italy was taken back to North Korea," Thae was quoted as saying. "Jo is currently with his wife". ANSA sources said that the daughter is a 17-year-old high-school student. Jo started his diplomatic mission to Italy in 2015 and took over the functions of the ambassador after Ambassador Mun Jong-nam was expelled in October 2017 following North Korean nuclear tests. Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero said he could not comment at the moment as the ministry was still looking into what happened. "Afterwards we will draw the appropriate conclusions," he said. The Italian foreign ministry issued a statement saying the North Korean embassy in Italy on December 5 2018 informed the Italian foreign ministry that former charge d'affaires Jo Song Gil and his wife had left the embassy on November 10 and that their daughter, having asked to return to her grandparents in her country, returned there on November 14 2018, accompanied by embassy female staff. The Italian foreign ministry said it had "no other information on the affair".Rome, February 20 - The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) must "influence" government partner and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini on the issues that have traditionally been dear to its heart, M5S founder Beppe Grillo said Wednesday. Grillo, a stand-up comic who started the M5S 10 years ago, cited "the environment, ecology, mobility and how this latter will evolve over the next 10 years". Grillo said these and other key issues had been "neglected", leading to some disaffection among supporters as signalled by recent electoral losses. Grillo urged supporters to have a "bit of patience" with M5S political leader Luigi Di Maio, the deputy premier and labour and industry minister. He pointed out that "he's only 32 and has major ministries." The M5S is the senior partner in Italy's populist government, along with Salvini's anti-migrant and Euroskeptic League party. The League has almost doubled its support in opinion polls from the 17% it got in the March 4 general election while the M5S has dropped by around 10 percentage points from the 33% it gained last march.Prato, February 20 - Italian police on Wednesday impounded two illegal nurseries hosting children under three years of age without proper authorisation in the Tuscan city of Prato. All the children were Chinese, sources said. The nurseries were located in the headquarters of two Chinese cultural associations. In one case the children were laid down to sleep in a room without windows and in the other they were made to play in a storeroom, sources said.Milan, February 20 - Milan fashion week has opened its doors after runway shows in New York and London. Over 170 collections for fall-winter 2019-2020 will be debuted until February 25 during fashion shows, presentations and special events by key houses for an increasingly international and restructured fashion extravaganza. Milan fashion week opened Tuesday with the runway debut of the United Colors of Benetton collection designed by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. The designer took his first bow on the catwalk as creative director of the knitwear company with a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, who died on Tuesday. Castelbajac said he hoped to emulate at Benetton what Lagerfeld did for Fendi and Chanel by breathing new life into the DNA of the fashion houses, debuting a collection that paid homage to the brand's colorful heritage. A 'rainbow machine' was the inspiration of Benetton's co-ed presentation with the label's logo and trademark octopus symbol giving a fresh branding message to paired-down looks as well as more dressed-up pieces. In another debut, Sweden's Gunn Johansson presented his first collection for Milan Schon, which is owned by the Itochu group. The designer, who previously worked at Agnona, debuted a clean aesthetic with coats playing the lead role. In particular, a typical "city coat" with gold buttons and a kimono model embodied the designer's "clean, essential" vision "in the respect of the brand's DNA, which I find in the work done by Milan Schon in the 1960s and 1970s", said Johansson. The fusion of men's wear and women's wear, of oversized and slim silhouettes dominated at Aspesi with typical masculine fabrics like Glen plaid and herringbone, softened by a feminine palette and floral motifs. The house's icons, from trench coats to blazers and silk shirts stole the limelight while a women's wear staple - the skirt - was long and pleated. Brunello Cucinelli's collection was called 'Minimal allure'. Craftsmanship and neutral colors highlighted the impact of sophisticated details of pieces including a tuxedo and a cashmere bomber jacket that required 20 hours of handmade work. A 1970s vibe gave pizzazz to knits while 1990s minimalism echoed in the black-and-white pieces and the generous use of nappa leather, including in an ankle-grazing statement skirt.Vatican City, February 20 - Pope Francis said Wednesday that people who constantly accuse the Church of wrongdoing are friends of the Devil. "One cannot live a whole life accusing, accusing, accusing the Church," the Argentine pontiff said during an audience with pilgrims from the Italian diocese of Benevento. "Whom does the office of the accuser belong to? "Who is he that the Bible calls the great accuser? "I'm sorry, I did not understand... I cannot hear well... the devil! "And those who spend their lives accusing, accusing, and accusing are - I won't say children, because the devil doesn't have any - but they are the friends, cousins and relatives of the devil. "Well, when things are not right, one has to report the defects to correct, but when you report the defects, you make known the defects, you love the Church".Rome, February 20 - Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini on Wednesday dismissed reports that his League party could strike a deal with its government coalition partner, the 5-Star Movement, to team up for May's European elections. "I'm not reasoning in terms of single groups of alliances," Salvini told Rtl 102.5 radio. "The European elections will be an opportunity for change. "We in the League have clear ideas about how Europe must change. "We have our allies at the international level. "In the newspapers I discover that I think things that I never know I thought".Rome, February 20 - An association representing the victims of sexual abuse by members of the clergy said Wednesday that they will demand Pope Francis has zero tolerance for pedophiles in a encounter with him before a three-day meeting in the Vatican on the protection of minors. "What we will ask is for him to put zero tolerance into practice," Peter Isely, the spokesman for Ending Clergy Abuse, told the foreign press association in Rome before the meeting with the pontiff. "There are two points: kicking out the abusive priests and expelling the bishops and cardinals who covered them up. Resignations are not enough".Beijing, February 20 - A North Korean student and the daughter of the country's former envoy to Rome, Jo Song-gil, was taken back to Pyongyang from Italy by force in November, according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap on Wednesday. The girl's father, Jo Song-gil, went missing in November in an act that was seen as an attempted defection. Yonhap said the source for its report was Thae Yong-ho, the former number two at North Korea's London embassy who took refuge in Seoul in 2016. The operation to forcibly take the daughter back to North Korea took place before she made an attempt to be reunited with her parents, according to the Yonhap report. "I don't know how many children Jo had, but the one who was in Italy was taken back to North Korea," Thae was quoted as saying. "Jo is currently with his wife". ANSA sources said that the daughter is a 17-year-old high-school student. Jo started a diplomatic mission in Italy in 2015 and took over the functions of the ambassador after Ambassador Mun Jong-nam was expelled in October 2017 following North Korean nuclear tests.Rome, February 19 - The Senate's immunity panel on Tuesday voted against granting a request from criminal prosecutors to proceed with charges against Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini over the Diciotti case. Magistrates in the Sicilian city of Catania requested authorization from parliament to proceed against the leader of the anti-migrant League for alleged kidnapping over migrants held on board the Diciotti coast guard ship in a standoff with the EU last August. Salvini said the case should not be allowed to proceed as he was doing his job as minister. On Monday members of the 5-Star Movement (M5S), the League's coalition partners, voted for the group's lawmakers to vote against lifting Salvini's parliamentary immunity. It went the same way on the Senate panel on Tuesday, with 16 backing the line proposed by panel chair Maurizio Gasparri, while six were against. Some M5S supporters expressed unease about backing immunity for Salvini, saying the movement has traditionally been against MPs getting different treatment in such cases. Senators from the centre-left opposition Democratic Party (PD) shouted "shame, honesty" at the M5S Senators after the vote, referring to the movement's rallying cry when it emerged onto the political scene. The immunity panel's vote does not mean the final say over the case. There will now have to be a vote in the floor of the upper house. But with the M5S Senators having pledged to follow the lead of their members' online vote, it appears to be a foregone conclusion in favour of Salvini. The movement had appeared dangerously split on whether to vote for or against allowing the kidnapping charges against Salvini to proceed. But Salvini said: "I can guarantee that the government will not collapse". "I don't fear the court of the people". Salvini also said that "we're all in the same boat" referring to Premier Gisueppe Conte, fellow Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio, the M5S leader, and Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, also of the M5S, who wrote in statements to the panel that the interior minister was implementing the policy of the whole government. Di Maio also said the government would go ahead no matter what the result of the vote. "The government will go on. I have made a commitment to the Italian people and I intend to carry it out," he said. Salvini said he is "not asking for favours or help from anyone" in the vote. "If, to defend the borders of my country, the safety of Italians, to defend the national interest, it brings me and will bring me other charges and other investigations, I'm very ready to face them," Salvini said. Salvini has also threatened to take legal action if reports of a possible deal within the government over the Turin-Lyon TAV high-speed rail line and the Diciotti cases continue. "I'll sue the next person who talks about that," League leader Salvini said during a visit to the central city of Terni last week. Salvini says the project should go ahead but the M5S are opposed to it. Italy's centre-left and centre-right opposition parties, meanwhile, have accused the M5S Senators of ducking their responsibilities by delegating their decision to the party base.On a hot day, what classic summer treat not only cools you down but also brings back memories?A ninth grade student at Killeen High School was in juvenile detention and facing a felony charge Wednesday after scrawling threats against classmates on a restroom door.

Any student who makes a threat against the school will be charged with a felony and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Killeen Superintendent John Craft said.

Our students must understand we are serious about this.

Campus officers arrested the 15-year-old, whos facing a felony terroristic threat charge, Killeen ISD spokesman Terry Abbott said.

The schools principal, Kara Trevino, notified parents about the arrest in a phone call.

Parents, please help us by talking to your children about this serious crime, she said during the call.Firefighter Jason Baker of Great Falls died early Wednesday morning, after a long battle with lung cancer.

According to the Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters, Baker's cancer was a result of firefighting.

They said, Brother Baker's legacy of sheer determination and selfless devotion to his local, the IAFF, his brothers and sisters, and most of all his family, will be sorely missed.

Baker's death comes just one week after Senate Bill 160 passed through the Senate 35-15. SB 160 would provide worker's compensation for presumptive diseases of firefighters.

That bill is now making its way through the House. It's one that Baker spent several years fighting for.

Governor Steve Bullock released the following statement after learning of Baker's passing:

"I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Jason Baker. My thoughts are with his wife, his family and his colleagues. Jason and other firefighters across Montana put their lives in danger each and every day. We must in return give the respect and appreciation they and their families deserve. For every firefighter of today and who will one day be called to service, let's get the Montana Firefighter Health and Safety Bill to my desk for signature. We are all Baker's Warriors."

Jason leaves behind his wife Jill, and two children.ABC FOX Montana is partnering with the 16th annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival!

The event hosts award-winning, state-of-the-art documentaries in every subject imaginable. There's something for everyone at BSDFF!

Highlighted feature films include:

Fire on the Hill: The Cowboys of South Central L.A. Brett Fallentine, 2018, USA  86 minutes

Wednesday, Feb 20th @ 1:45 pm MCT Center for the Performing Arts -

Saturday, Feb 23rd @ 6:00 pm Wilma -

Wednesday, Feb 20th @ 1:45 pm MCT Center for the Performing Arts - Buy Tickets Here! Saturday, Feb 23rd @ 6:00 pm Wilma - Buy Tickets Here!

Montana Premiere

When a sudden and mysterious fire wipes out the Hill Stable, the last public horse stable in South Central, Los Angeles, a culture of urban cowboys come under threat. This western-documentary follows the life and struggles of three inner-city cowboys and the line they must walk between the gang-filled streets of LA and the path of an American Black cowboy.

My War Julien Frechette, 2018, Canada  97 minutes

Saturday, Feb 23rd @ 7:00 pm Elks Lodge - Buy Tickets Here!

United States Premiere

"Following several individuals who join the Kurdish YPG/J to fight ISIS in northern Syria, MY WAR asks why people from many walks of life would drop everything to volunteer for frontline combat in a far-away war."

Markie in Milwaukee Matt Kliegman, 2019, USA  92 minutes

Tuesday, Feb 19th @ 6:15 pm Elks Lodge - Buy Tickets Here!

Montana Premiere

"Assembled from over 10 years of footage, Markie in Milwaukee tells the story of a midwestern transgender woman as she struggles with the prospect of de-transitioning under the pressures of her fundamentalist church, family and community."

Click here for the event website with tickets and more info.After more than two years of construction, St. Vincent Pediatric Intensive Care Unit has been renovated. The renovations were unveiled Tuesday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The PICU cares for the sickest and little patients. Amber Pisk, the Nurse Manager for the unit explained, "We are the only pediatric ICU in Eastern Montana, so we have children travel here for critical care from the Hi-Line, from North Dakota, from Wyoming, even from the middle of Montana. They come here because we have intensivists, we have nurses who are ready to take care of them and we now have this brand new facility that's able to provide the best care possible for them."

One family, that is now in St. Vincent PICU, was staying at a hospital in Denver. The Brooks family explained that the updates to the PICU has helped their family so much. Their family members are able to visit their terminally ill son, Braxton. "He's on palliative care, it's kind of like hospice and we're from Glendive. So, we're closer to home, so our family can come and see him and get to know him before he passes," said Trista Brooks.

The bigger rooms have been very beneficial for the parents, as well. "The space is not so cluttered. They have a bathroom so if we wanted to stay the night, there's a shower, and we have our own private bathroom."

The $3.2M project was fully funded by the St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation and it has brought 5 brand new PICU rooms. Pisk said, "Something that we do that is very unique is we have a warmer for babies. Something that happens with babies is when they get really ill, they have trouble regulating their temperature so they can either be really hot or really cold. So, they have trouble keeping that temperature the way they should, so we have a warmer that can keep these babies nice and warm and keep them at the correct temperature while they are trying to heal and get better." The unit also has a specialty machine that works to keep babies cool.

The renovations include a play room for the patients. It's called Zoe's Therapy Room and it has toy zoo animals, games, and other toys for the children to play with.LAS VEGAS, NV - It was a close call for a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper when a suspected drunk driver plowed into his patrol car during a traffic stop.

In the newly released video you can see the moment the trooper sees the SUV coming his way.

That's when the officer jumps on to the car he pulled over as the SUV hits his patrol car.

Dash camera and body camera videos show the moment of impact that sends him flying.

The 8-year veteran trooper managed to get away without critical injuries, but his patrol car was severely damaged.

The driver is facing charges for DUI, failure to yield, reckless driving, and possession of firearm while intoxicated.BILLINGS, Mont. - Shoveling your driveway or sidewalk can be very tedious, especially if you don't have the time for it. One local business is helping people do that chore, whether it's first responders, city council members, or even veterans.

Megan Wilson is the co-owner of Drop-Tine Landscaping, an installation and design company for landscaping snow removal and maintenance. She and her husband wanted to find ways to give back to the community in a way that they felt like they were serving people. That's how they thought of the idea of providing their services for free to members of the community who were worthy of it.

So far, Drop-Tine Landscaping has served three community members. Wilson recalled the very last one the business served.

"The veteran that we were actually able to help had two back-to-back tours as a machine gunner for the United States Marine Corps," Wilson said. "While he was on his tours, he was actually directly hit three times with an IED with his convoy and so it left him with a traumatic brain injury. It left him with PTSD, spinal issues- he's back here with his wife and unfortunately, she had to go through some medical emergencies and then they have small children that caught the flu."

Wilson said she feels many people forget how many hours community members spend taking care of the Billings community, that they forget to take care of themselves or their homes. She said it feels nice to give back to people who are constantly proving for the community.

To nominate a community member, you can call Megan Wilson at 307-851-1782.The Billings Senior student council has created the first annual self-care month to encourage self-love.

Makayla Heiser is the vice president of the student council at Billings Senior High School. She said self-care month is aimed to promote the hygiene pantry at the high school, as well as, taking care of your mind, body, and spirit. She added every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this month, the students will announce a self-care tip and love quotes to others.

This idea came from Dax Wilson, a sophomore senator on the student council, who was looking to make a difference at his school.

"I just came up this idea because I know a lot of students that can't afford or don't have access to the products that they might need in their lives like deodorant or shampoo," Wilson said.

"We didn't want to make February, because it's about Valentine's Day, just like a relationship," Heiser said. "It was more like a self-love. So a love yourself theme to put out there."

Heiser said they have been receiving hygiene products, such as deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, laundry detergent, and anything else a student may need to get ready for school. She said these products are for any of the students, staff, or faculty at Senior High School. She also said once this month is over and there are still products left, the school will donate the products to Family Services in Billings.

If you'd like to donate, you can drop off hygiene products at their main office.Starting Wednesday evening, the Billings RV and Boat Show and Sale will begin. On Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at MetraPark's Expo Center, there will be a preview night for the show. According to Dustin Bretz, the Operations Manager for Bretz RV and Marine, Wednesday night's preview will have special factory incentives and dealership incentives.

2019 is the biggest year ever for the rv and boat show in the state of Montana. Admission is free and there will be 156 new rvs, boats, and motorhomes. Bretz explained that last year, customers wanted to see more motorhomes, and that is why they have added motorhomes to this year's shows.

Bretz added, "What's really neat is the factories. So, in order for the reps to be here from the factories, we'll have 15 to 18 factory reps representing over 50 products, 50 brands. They have to provide factory incentives for the show only. So, we've spent months negotiating with these guys to get the prices only available at the show."

Here are the times for the show:

Wednesday: 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Thursday thru Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.They say they were sexually abused by priests, then silenced. Now these women are speaking outBeing proud of being an American

Serving in the military or as a first responder

Being an honorable citizen

Freedom to speak your mind

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...LAKE WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING... ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Lake Wind Advisory, northeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph expected. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions are probable. Temperatures will rise into the middle to upper 90s by Monday, with triple digit heat expected for much of the rest of the week. Overnight lows in the mid 60s or higher will be common in several lower elevation areas. Daily record highs and monthly records for June may be broken. All time record highs and streaks of consecutive days at or above 100 may be threatened as well. The heat may last through the July 4th weekend. * WHERE...For the Lake Wind Advisory, American Falls Reservoir. For the Excessive Heat Watch, the Lower Snake River Plain including American Falls, Aberdeen, Pocatello and Fort Hall. * WHEN...For the Lake Wind Advisory, from 10 AM to 9 PM MDT Saturday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday evening. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft, especially near the dam. Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds and rough waves can overturn small craft. 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. &&FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2012, file photo, Sen. Jeff Kruse, R-Roseburg, speaks at the Capitol in Salem, Ore. Two former interns for the former Oregon state senator, Kruse, who resigned after being accused of sexual harassment have sued him, the Legislature, the Senate president and others, seeking millions of dollars. The lawsuit dated Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, says Kruse's long history of harassment in the state Capitol, including of two female senators who filed complaints against him, was met by "callous indifference." (Timothy J. Gonzalez/Statesman-Journal via AP, File)Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

Thunderstorms this evening with a few showers possible overnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening with a few showers possible overnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.Jon Gannon (R) and Devin McCollum (L), both of Troy, Mo., are charged with second-degree burglary and two counts of stealing.An enterprising child, Benton Stevens, is selling hot chocolate to help President Trump fund the border wallA Texas teacher came up with a creative way to stop her students from teasing a classmate. She chopped off her hair. Full credit: ct/Facebook(Adds company news items, analyst comment, updates share moves)

Feb 20 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 rose as Lloyds gained after promising to return cash to shareholders and optimism prevailed around the China-U.S. trade talks, while Sainsbury's slumped after regulators objected to its takeover of Walmart's Asda.

The FTSE 100 was up 0.1 percent and the FTSE 250 up 0.2 percent by 0951 GMT. A decline in shopping centre owner Intu limited gains on the mid-cap index.

Sainsbury's fell more than 14 percent after Britain's competition regulator said its deal with Walmart-owned Asda should either be blocked entirely or require the sale of a significant number of stores and possibly one of the brands. Shares in Sainsbury's were on track for their worst day since October 2008 and had given up all the gains accumulated since the deal was announced in April 2018.

Rival Morrisons tumbled 4.4 percent as well.

"Sainsbury's is the squeezed middle, losing market share to discounters and simultaneously losing out to more premium brands. The worry is it has no credible plan except this merger", said Neil Wilson, analyst at Markets.com.

Intu Properties dropped 8.4 percent after it scrapped its dividend, under pressure from several retail bankruptcies. Shares of rival Hammerson fell 4 percent.

Glencore rose 1.4 percent after announcing a $2 billion share buyback and an 8 percent rise in full-year adjusted core earnings. Lloyds Banking Group shares rose 2.8 percent and were among the biggest gainers. Britain's biggest mortgage lender raised its dividend and announced a share buyback, despite weaker-than-expected annual profit growth. "The slight rise in impairment provisions in Q4 is a worry given the slowdown seen in the UK economy in the last six months, which may suggest management concern that some consumers may be at the limit of their budgets," said CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson.

Miners , which hit an 8-month high, and financials boosted the main index. Investors were also betting on a breakthrough in the U.S.-China trade talks, as U.S. President Donald Trump said he was open to extending their March 1 deadline.

The domestically-focussed mid-cap index was buoyed by industrials and consumer stocks ahead of Prime Minister Theresa May's latest trip to Brussels as she hopes to find a way forward for her contentious divorce deal on exiting the European Union.

Among small-caps, McBride lost almost a third of its value after the cleaning products maker forecast full-year adjusted pretax profit to be about 10-15 percent lower than last year. Flybe soared 92 percent after saying it had received an alternative financing proposal from a new consortium, challenging a Richard Branson-backed group that agreed to buy out the regional airline.

(Reporting by Shashwat Awasthi and Muvija M in Bengaluru; editing by Gareth Jones)NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday terrorism was a common concern with India and that his country was ready to share intelligence to tackle it.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia was ready for political cooperation with India.

On the issue of extremism and terrorism, which is a common concern, we want to tell India that we will cooperate in every way, including intelligence sharing, the crown prince said.

The crown princes visit comes days after a militant attack in the disputed region of Kashmir which involved a bombing of a security convoy in which 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed. The attack was claimed by a Pakistan-based militant group.

During the press briefing, Modi said he had agreed with Saudi Arabia to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, naval and cyber security.

Earlier in the day, the crown prince received a ceremonial welcome at New Delhis imposing red sandstone presidential palace.Eskom supplies 90 percent of South Africa's electricity but is drowning in 420 billion rand ($30 billion) of debt after a decade of financial decline marred by corruption scandals and mismanagement.

It carried out some of the worst power cuts in several years last week and is cited by ratings agencies as the biggest risk to the economy as it no longer generates enough profit to meet its over 25 billion rand a year of finance costs. President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged to split Eskom into three entities this month and said financial support measures would be contained in Mboweni's speech. In December, Eskom's chairman asked the government to take 100 billion rand of the company's debt onto its balance sheet, but Ramaphosa said other options needed to be considered. "Eskom will obviously dominate the budget, and we remain of the view that the government is unlikely to agree to the 100 billion rand bailout that Eskom is hoping for," said Darias Jonker, director for Africa at the Eurasia Group consultancy.

Mboweni's room for manoeuvre is limited by a large fiscal deficit which means there is little spare cash in the budget.

He is also at pains to preserve South Africa's last investment grade credit rating from Moody's, which is expected to review the rating next month.

Mboweni's options include the state agreeing to pay some or all of Eskom's debt-servicing costs, or cash injections spread over a period of several years. The money could come from tax hikes, unspent money from previous budgets which the finance ministry has on deposit or government bond issuance.

Analysts have cautiously welcomed Ramaphosa's plan to split Eskom as a sign the government is finally addressing the firm's monopolistic structure, but they want to see evidence that officials will take tough decisions like trimming its bloated workforce.

($1 = 14.1093 rand)

(Writing by Alexander Winning; Editing by Angus MacSwan)* Stock market listings were the logical next step

LONDON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Commodities conglomerate Gupta Family Group (GFG) is assessing all parts of its business for possible stock market flotations and could make its first moves this year, Executive Chairman Sanjeev Gupta told Reuters this week.

UK-based GFG is an umbrella group for the Gupta familys investments in commodities trading, mining, metals manufacturing and power generation operations.

It has grown rapidly from its roots as a metals trader through the acquisition of often troubled metals manufacturing facilities in several countries from the United States to Australia.

Gupta said the group had managed to turn around the acquired assets and that stock market listings were the logical next step for some of the businesses as it would help improve transparency and governance and generate money to fund growth.

The group is interested in entering public markets generally and its assessing all its business to see which ones are most ready for stock markets, he told Reuters.

The intention is to do it as soon as possible. Our hope is that we will take our first steps in this space this year.

GFG does not publish group accounts but Liberty House Group Pte Ltd, which owns the core commodities trading operations and UK manufacturing plants, reported revenues of $7.86 billion in the year to the end of March 2018, up from $6.66 billion a year earlier.

Profit before tax was $76.1 million in the 2017-18 year, up from $61.0 million a year earlier, according to accounts provided to Reuters.

GFG said in January that it had appointed Credit Suisse to help it plan an initial public offering of Liberty Steel USA, which had just completed the purchase of Dallas-based Keystone Consolidated Industries, for $320 million from Contran Corporation. A group spokesman told Reuters in November that it was also mulling an IPO of at least part of Libertys Australian business.

(Reporting by Pratima Desai and Maytaal Angel; editing by Jane Merriman)(Kitco News) - Barrick Gold Corp. (NYSE: GOLD; TSX: ABX) Wednesday announced a proposal to settle long-running disputes between Acacia Mining Plc. and the government of Tanzania, with the plan including a $300 payment to Tanzania to settle outstanding tax claims.

The proposal also calls for the creation of a local company to manage Acacias operations in the African nation, with economic benefits to be shared with Tanzania on a 50-50 basis.

Barrick, which owns 63.9% of the shares in London-listed Acacia, said it acted as a facilitator in arriving at the proposal with Tanzanian officials. The gold-mining giant said it will present this proposal to the independent directors of Acacia in the near future. Barrick added that the proposed framework is consistent with an agreement announced in October 2017.

Significant amounts of real value have been destroyed by this dispute and, in Barrick`s view, this proposal will allow the business to focus on rebuilding its mining operations in partnership with their respective stakeholders, and most importantly long-suffering investors, including Barrick, said Mark Bristow, president and chief executive officer of Barrick.

Work is underway to finalize the definitive agreements needed to give effect to the proposal. To become effective, the proposal and those agreements must be approved by Acacia and the government of Tanzania, in keeping with applicable laws and regulations.

BMO Capital Markets called the proposal positive for Barrick.

In our view, the impact to Barrick comes in the form of lowering the company's overall risk profile and by future value creation as Acacia resumes full operations at Bulyanhulu, and in reinvesting in its Tanzania portfolio, BMO said in an early-morning research note.Jeff Mason, David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that trade talks with China were going well and suggested he was open to pushing off the deadline to complete negotiations, saying March 1 was not a magical date.

Tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports are scheduled to rise to 25 percent from 10 percent by March 1 if the worlds two largest economies do not settle their trade dispute, but Trump has suggested several times that he would be open to postponing the deadline.

They are very complex talks. Theyre going very well, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. I cant tell you exactly about timing, but the date is not a magical date. A lot of things can happen.

Trump said the real question would be whether the United States would raise the tariffs as planned.

I know that China would like not for that to happen, so I think theyre trying to move fast so that doesnt happen.

On Tuesday, the United States and China launched a new round of talks in Washington, with follow-up sessions at a higher level scheduled for later in the week. The negotiations followed a week of talks in Beijing that ended last week without a deal but which officials said had yielded progress on some key issues.

Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that the United States as part of a trade deal was seeking to secure a pledge from China that it will not devalue its yuan currency.

Officials from the two countries, which resumed talks on Tuesday in Washington, are discussing how to address currency policy in a Memorandum of Understanding that would form the basis of a U.S.-China trade deal, the news agency reported, citing unnamed people involved in and briefed on the discussions.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had told Reuters last October that currency issues must be part of U.S.-China trade negotiations and that Chinese officials told him that further depreciation of the yuan was not in their interests.

The Bloomberg report said the U.S. request for a pledge to keep the yuans value stable was aimed at neutralizing any effort by Beijing to devalue its currency to counter American tariffs.

Spokesmen for the U.S. Trade Representatives office, which is leading the talks, and the U.S. Treasury, which leads currency policy, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Two days of negotiations between deputy-level officials began on Tuesday, led by Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish on the U.S. side. Higher-level talks involving Mnuchin and led by USTR Robert Lighthizer, are expected to begin on Thursday.

This weeks talks were aimed at achieving needed structural changes in China that affect trade between the United States and China. The two sides will also discuss Chinas pledge to purchase a substantial amount of goods and services from the United States, the White House said in a statement issued late on Monday.

Trump, who is eager for a deal and has praised his counterpart, Chinese President Xi Jinping, while also insisting on structural changes to Chinas practices related to intellectual property and forced technology transfers by companies doing business there, emphasized that progress was being made.

I can only say that the talks with China on trade have gone very, very well, he said.

Additional reporting by Lisa Lambert; Editing by Susan ThomasRALEIGH, N.C. (Reuters) - North Carolina poll workers told election officials on Tuesday they illegally viewed early election results last year, the latest evidence in a probe of voting irregularities in a still-unsettled congressional race.

The investigation into the disputed Nov. 6 election for the states 9th Congressional District seat also uncovered an unlawful and well-funded absentee ballot scheme by an operative for Republican candidate Mark Harris, a State Board of Elections official said on Monday, the first day of the hearing in Raleigh, the state capital.

The seat has remained vacant since state officials refused to certify Harris apparent victory over Democratic rival Dan McCready by 905 votes out of 282,717 ballots cast. A finding of fraud could trigger a new election.

On Tuesday, in the latest admission of improprieties, poll worker Agnes Willis told the board she and other poll workers viewed results of the Bladen County sheriffs race before the general election.

North Carolina law prohibits running voting results before the general election. Bladen County is one of two counties at the center of the probe involving the congressional race as well.

State investigators were unable to determine if those results were shared with anyone outside the early voting site, said Kim Strach, executive director of the five-member elections board, which must decide if the evidence warrants calling a new election.

Among the dramatic revelations in Mondays testimony, Strach said Republican operative Leslie McCrae Dowless hired workers to collect absentee ballot requests from voters and then return to retrieve the ballots, in violation of state law.

In some instances, the paid workers falsely signed as witnesses and filled in votes for races left blank at Dowless home or office, Strach said.

Dowless declined to testify on Monday after the board said it would deny him immunity. His lawyer said afterward he had done nothing wrong.

Dallas Woodhouse, director of the state Republican party, told reporters on Tuesday the testimony did not indicate enough ballots had been affected to warrant a new election.

He said the board had only ordered a new election over fairness concerns in the past when the irregularities rose to the level of calling the race in question.

North Carolina Democrats want a new election, while Republicans have pushed for the board to certify Harris as the districts congress member. The U.S. House of Representatives would then determine whether to seat him.

If the Democrats pick up the seat, they would widen their 235-197 majority in the House after taking control of the chamber from President Donald Trumps Republicans in November.For those investors and traders who intrinsically believe that gold pricing should be higher than current pricing, a revival of optimism has emerged as market sentiment shifts to a much more bullish demeanor. This rekindled solid bullish market sentiment is based upon the perception that the current negotiations between the United States and China are making headway and moving closer to a resolution.

This newfound optimism has resulted in extremely strong price advances in the precious metals complex as well as U.S. equities. Today gold futures are experiencing a dynamic and robust rally, with the most active April Comex contract currently fixed at $1344.30. This is a direct result of todays increase of well over $22, a 1.68% gain.

The gains in gold as respectable as they are dwarfed by todays upside movement in palladium which has seen the greatest price advance both in dollars as well as percentage gains of any other precious metal. Palladium is at an all-time new record high, and with todays $47 price gain is currently fixed at $1454.40.

Although a 90-day tariff truce which has been in effect between these two superpowers is quickly approaching the point in time in which tariffs will ratchet up from 10% to 25%, recent statements by this administration have alluded to a much more flexible timeline.

According to MarketWatch on Sunday President Trump tweeted about the trade talks saying, big progress being made on sooooo many different fronts. He went on to tweet that, our country has such fantastic potential for future growth and greatness on an even higher level!

Add to the current optimism regarding the trade talks the dilemma currently in the European Union in regards to Brexit. British parliament will once again be forced to make a decision in approximately five weeks. Peter Hug, global trading director at Kitco metals said that the issues surrounding Brexit, has the potential to derail the entire continent, and dealers across the pond are seeing increased physical demand for gold. His commentary also mentioned the importance of the minutes from the Federal Reserves FOMC meeting which will be released on Wednesday.

Although the geopolitical issues that have sparked this substantial rally in the precious metals markets could move sideways at any point in time, until that occurrence, market participants have a renewed sense of optimism and have expressed that by bidding gold and palladium substantially higher and adding fuel to the current rally in U.S. equities.

Truly many traders believe that at least for now, happy days are in fact here again.

For those who would like more information, simply use this link.

Wishing you as always, good trading,If Decembers reported lull in retail spending was supposed to be a sign of waning consumerism, Walmart (WMT) didnt get the memo. The worlds biggest retailer posted blowout fourth-quarter numbers, topping earnings and revenue estimates on surprisingly strong same-store sales growth. That sparked a swelling of optimism in shareholders, who extended a strong year-to-date rally in WMT stock. For the quarter ended Jan. 31, Walmart turned $138.8 billion worth of revenue into per-share adjusted earnings of $1.41. Analysts were only modeling profits of $1.33 per share, a slight improvement on the $1.30 earned a year ago. Sales were up 1.9% year-over-year and topped analyst estimates of $138.7 billion. The absence of Toys R Us on the retailing landscape was a contributing factor in last quarters progress, though electronics sales were strong as well. The crowning achievements were Walmarts same-store sales growth of 4.2%  versus estimates of a 3.2% improvement  and 43% growth in e-commerce revenue that affirms the company is capable of competing with rival Amazon.com (AMZN). Indeed, the retailers Q4 numbers threw some shade on Amazons dominance of the e-commerce arena. E-Commerce Is Walmarts Key Growth Driver Walmart, once largely left behind on the e-commerce front, has spent the past couple of years and more than $2 billion to win back market share.

The first sign that the plan was working in earnest was the 63% surge in online sales recorded during the first quarter of calendar 2017. Although the pace has slowed in the meantime, it hasnt fallen off tremendously. Last quarters 43% increase in e-commerce revenue extends a long-standing, likely sustainable, pace of strong double-digit progress for WMT. For the full year, online revenue growth averaged 40%. At least some of that sustained growth can be attributed to more, and more thoughtful, e-commerce offerings. As part of the companys deeper penetration into the e-commerce arena, Walmart also has acquired higher-end brand names such as Moosejaw and ModCloth. The tactic appears to be working. Walmart is successfully broadening its online base of customers and is now attracting both younger and more affluent demographics, writes GlobalData Retails managing director Neil Saunders, who adds, These are early days, but Walmart is now a serious contender in the online space and presents a much more serious threat to Amazon than it did 18 months ago. Theres still lots of room for growth on the online-shopping front, too. While Walmart is now only behind eBay (EBAY) and Amazon.com in terms of e-commerce market share, after recently passing Apple (AAPL), eMarketer reports that the worlds biggest brick-and-mortar retailer still only controls less than 5% of the U.S. e-commerce market. Perhaps more important going forward, Walmarts e-commerce arm will be better positioned to add rather than subtract from the bottom line. CEO Doug McMillion commented during the quarterly earnings conference call that repeat visitors looking at a wider assortment of merchandise, as well as shipping costs improving, ultimately will result in better profitability.

While the strong Q4 report answers some questions, it raises others ... not the least of which has to do with the uncertainty surrounding last weeks retail sales report from the Census Bureau. Decembers Retail Spending Report in Question The U.S. Census Bureau on Feb. 14 indicated that Decembers adjusted level of retail spending fell 1.2% from Novembers figure. It was the largest month-to-month drop in nearly a decade and coincided with the beginning of what ended up being a record-breaking 35-day government shutdown. For some cautious observers such as Societe Generale economist Omair Sharif, that backdrop may only be coincidental. He responded to doubts about the alleged invalidity of the report, Its certainly possible that we see an upward revision when the January report is released, but its not clear to me that we should dismiss this report altogether, and none of what Ive seen/heard about why todays report is wrong holds much water. For most others, however, Decembers initial report  which is subject to revision  likely wont be an accurate status report for most retail stocks. Pantheon Macroeconomics analyst Ian Shepherdson opined of the December retail spending report, These data are so wild that we have to expect hefty upward revisions, but if they stand, they are very unlikely to be representative of the trend over the next few months. The consumer is no longer enjoying tax cuts or falling gas prices, but thats no reason to expect a rollover. His take echoed similar concerns voiced by other professionals. WMT Stock: Looking Ahead While Walmart is developing an e-commerce arm that could prove to be a true challenge to Amazon.com, the relatively new focus is only part of a much larger effort to reshape the company into a complete omnichannel entity.HAMPTON, Iowa - It was a packed room at the Franklin County Courthouse Tuesday morning as constituents gathered to speak with and hear from Senator Chuck Grassley, talking budget balancing, health care, the expansion of legalizing medical marijuana, and trade issues.

John Perkins and Cindy Dirksen feel passionate about one of the topics brought up during the forum - gun control.

"If there's a crime committed with a gun, and it's a criminal, they should be charged as such, but as a legal gun owner, you shouldn't have to go through all this stuff to own a firearm," Perkins said.

But the big story is President Trump's declaration of a national emergency in order to get necessary funding for a Southern border wall. Perkins and Dirksen say it's necessary, and they support the President.

"He's had to fight his party, he's had to fight the other party. It's hard to get actual results when you're fighting the people that should be thinking the same way you are," Dirksen said.

The Senator has concerns about the declaration, and expects a slow-moving battle on it in the courts.

"What he declared a national emergency on... I think you'll get a final hearing before the courts, assuming it goes to the Supreme Court, probably in a year and a half."

Catherine Crooks opposes the President's actions.

"I'd like to see common sense immigration reform, a way to deal with immigrants that are already here, have been living here for many years, contributing to society for many years, as well as a path for those who want to become citizens."

She appreciates the time the Senator took to visit with constituents.

"We don't get Senator Grassley in town very often for a public event, so it was good to have him in Franklin County, let people come out, ask their questions, let them know what's on their minds, and how they're feeling about the current state of things.

So far, 16 states have filed suit against the President for his declaration.CHARLES CITY, Iowa  A man and woman charged after a Nora Springs drug raid is pleading not guilty.

John Everette Green Jr., 27 of Mason City, and Artesian Ruby Ann Johnson, 28 of Detroit, Michigan, are charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and two counts of failure to use a drug tax stamp.

The Nora Springs Police Department says it searched a home where Green and Johnson were staying in September 2018 and found 29.41 grams of cocaine, 57 grams of marijuana, and a 9-milimeter handgun. Charges against Green and Johnson werent filed until test results on the drugs came back in January 2019.

Green and Johnson are now scheduled to stand trial starting April 2 in Floyd County District Court.KASSON, Minn.  Charges have been filed for the car/train collision Monday in Dodge County.

Scott Peder Olson, 32, is being held in the Steele County Jail on $30,000 bond for two 5th degree drug charges and two traffic violations.

The Dodge County Sheriffs Office says it got several 911 calls around 12:20 pm Monday about a train hitting a vehicle near the intersection of Highway 14 and County Road 9. Deputies found a Canadian Pacific train had truck a Toyota Corolla and the train conductor reporter the Corollas driver had run from the scene to the north.

A 911 call then came in from a semi driver on County Road 34, just north of the incident, who said he almost hit a man who ran out in front of him.

Deputies followed tracks in the snow to a property north of the collision and say they found Olson hiding in the snow. Deputies say when they searched Olson, they found $1,155.50 in cash, a small baggie of methamphetamine, and two glass pipe which tested positive for meth.

The Sheriffs Office says Olson admitted to being the driver of the Corolla and explained he ran away because there are four outstanding warrants for his arrest in Goodhue County. Olson was taken to the hospital in Owatonna for evaluation after the crash, then was taken to the Steele County Jail.DECORAH, Iowa  A northeast Iowa teen accused of forcing a woman into sex is pleading guilty.

Nathaniel Michael Darling, 18 of Decorah, has entered guilty pleas to assault and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. The Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office says a woman reported Darling forced her to have with him in his truck on July 22, 2018.

Darling has been sentenced to 30 days in jail, with credit for time served, and two years of probation. He will also have to sign up with Iowas Sex Offender Registry.MASON CITY, Iowa  A memorial to a former Mason City Councilman could be installed at the citys library this spring.

The family of Alex Kuhn sent a letter to the Mason City Public Library Board of Trustees, stating $44,540 of the $52,000 needed for the life-size statue has been raised. The sculpture, named Todays readers are tomorrows leaders will include a six-foot long bench where adults can sit and read to children.

The family is requesting the sculpture be installed on a patch of grass between some trees in front of the Mason City Public Librarys main entrance. The Board of Trustees has decided to wait until its March meeting to agree to that location or suggest an alternative.

502 individuals and businesses have contributed to the bronze sculpture project so far, and hopes are for it to be forged and in place by May.

Alex Kuhn, who died in 2016, was a known as a big supporter of the library and participated in the summer reading program with his two sons. To donate to the sculpture project, click here. Donations may also be dropped off at Mason City Hall or mailed to the Alex J. Kuhn Memorial Fund, 10 First Street NW, Mason City, IA, 50401-3224.WAUKON, Iowa  The Allamakee County Sheriffs Office says one man is dead after a single-vehicle accident Monday.

Marty Roger Melcher, 52 of Lansing, was driving west on Schweinfurth Road when he failed to stop at the intersection with Village Creek Road around 11:14 pm, went into the ditch and hit a tree. Melcher was taken to Veterans Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

This crash remains under investigation.

The Waukon Fire Department and the Veterans Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.DECORAH, Iowa  A Howard County man accused of driving through a crash scene and hitting a sheriffs deputy is going to jail.

Adam Wester Strand, 34 of Cresco, entered a guilty plea Tuesday to OWI-2nd offense. Strand was arrested in October 2018 after the Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office says he drove around a patrol vehicle with its lights on that was parked at an accident scene. The Sheriffs Office says Strand ran into a deputy who was trying to stop him and then crashed into an emergency management vehicle.

The deputy suffered minor injuries.

Strand has been sentenced to 30 days in jail, followed by two years of supervised probation, and must pay a $1875 fine.FOREST CITY, Iowa - A California teacher who's story was turned into a movie spoke with college and high school students in Forest City Tuesday.

Erin Gruwell was teaching at Wilson High School in Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, and had her students write about their troubles and life experiences in journals, which were later published in the book "The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them." The book was turned into a film that starred Hilary Swank in 2007.

Gruwell is sharing not only the experience, but also their story of tolerance, hope and how the power of storytelling can change the world. She hopes that the students she speaks to will go on to tell stories of their own.

"Our hope is that they see the movie, they're inspired to go back not only to read the book, but to write their own. Everyone has a story to write and a story to tell, so that's what our hope is, that movies and books are the launching pad for someone to write their own."

She's no stranger coming to Iowa to speak with groups, and has had a positive response wherever she went.

"When the book came out, we were blessed to have been able to travel to all 50 states and see how our story would resonate with a high school, a middle school, a college campus, and that's the universality of the human spirit."

Gruwell also spoke with students in Luther College in Decorah on Tuesday as well.

A new documentary coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the release of the book is upcoming.Weather Alert

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions will develop into this weekend and persist through much of next week. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho. Portions of Central, East Central, North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until 7 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Unprecedented heat and unusually warm overnight temperatures will make it difficult to control the build up of heat in homes without air conditioning. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This event will likely be one of the most extreme and prolonged heat waves in the recorded history of the Inland Northwest. Unprecedented heat will not only threaten the health of residents in the Inland Northwest but will make our region increasingly vulnerable to wildfires and intensify the impacts our ongoing drought. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. &&COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. -- At a town hall in Cottage Grove, Democrat Sen. Ron Wyden called the Trump administration's declaration of a national emergency a "horrible precedent," and many at the event cheered and applauded the statement.

"(President Trump) ought to cut his losses and work with us for sensible border security which includes fencing, drones, radar and technology that doesn't include a wall," Wyden said.

Cottage Grove husband and wife Steve and Mary Nicewander both attended the town hall, and both have different opinions about the wall.

"We need to do something, but I don't think it needs to be abrupt and evasive as he's heading," Mary said.

"I think there should be a wall mainly for the protection of the people trying to come across," Steve said. "I'd like to have them come in the right way and get inoculated and get sent to a place where they are safe."

RELATED: Protesters rally in Eugene after Trump declares national emergency

Wydens visit comes a day after people rallied outside of the federal courthouse in Eugene protesting the national emergency declaration. Demonstrators urged people to call their state representatives, and Wyden said hes listening.PORTLAND, Ore. -- Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow motorcyclists to lane-split, which lets them ride between lanes of traffic when the highway becomes congested.

House Bill 2314 gained support from local representative John Lively from District 12 in Springfield.

Bill Chatwin, a manager at European Motorcycles of Western Oregon, said lane-splitting mostly helps riders in big cities with immense amounts of traffic.

Chatwin said we probably wouldn't notice a difference in this part of the state.

"I think that there's some positives to it, but there's also drawbacks," he said. "When you're talking about freeways, unless there's a traffic jam, I don't really see that being a huge benefit."

Under this bill, lane-splitting would only be allowed on roads with a speed limit higher than 50 mph, and motorcyclists would only be allowed to do it when traffic is going slower than 10 mph.

The catch? Riders would only be allowed to go 10 miles per hour faster than the flow of traffic.

Some opponents of the bill worry that riders will "zig" and "zag" too fast through traffic, but Chatwin says that shouldn't be an issue.

"If people are following the law -- should it become a law -- if they're following the law as written, that wouldn't be an issue."'

One Eugene resident said he's concerned for his safety and the safety of others if this bill were to pass.

"I know I wouldn't be expecting a motorcycle to come by on my right and if I was changing lanes or something," they said. "I would just be afraid to hit and hurt someone else."

A similar version of this bill was introduced in 2015, but it didnt move through legislature.

Do you think motorcyclists should be allowed to lane-split? Let us know in the comments below.LEBANON, Ore. -- Lebanon fire officials are investigating a fire that caused explosions at a large shop Tuesday morning.

Fire crews responded at 8:26 a.m. to the fire at Lebanon's Aerostar towing yard building at 1046 F Street and requested assistance from units in neighboring fire districts. Firefighters worked to prevent the flames from spreading to a nearby office building.

Lebanon Fire District officials said the explosions that were heard were due to the acetylene, propane and gas tanks stored on site.

Using a ladder truck, crews managed to knock down much of the fire. Officials said the blaze was brought under control in about an hour and was contained to the shop. The last unit left the scene at 10:32 a.m.

No injuries were reported, and the cause is unknown at this time.

In total 27 firefighters were on the scene.77 Shares Share

We all have either experienced the fears of starting our first job or will eventually do so at some point in our careers. It only happens once for everyone. Those of us who are in the market for a job change will end up reliving some of the challenges in job hunting; hopefully, we all have learned from our past mistakes. As I am advising upcoming graduates during their job hunt, I decided to collate some of the mistakes I experienced when I was seeking out my first job:

Not understanding the options for academic medicine

Not all academic doctor jobs are created equally. Medical graduates only experience one or two academic scenarios from their training. What you might not like about your own experience of academic medicine may not necessarily be reality in all cases. Not all academic doctors conduct research. Not all academic doctors teach, believe it or not! How ones compensation in the academic world also isnt necessarily tied to academic productivity or clinical productivity. There are plenty of academic jobs that essentially function identically to that of private practice.

If your attending always seems to be jet setting across the world giving lectures and attending meetings in nice places, it doesnt mean that your life in the same setting would pan out similarly. You might not necessarily realize the sacrifices that they make to have that sort of lifestyle.

Not knowing what I could ask for

Nearly everything is negotiable. Period. The caveat is that you have to realize what authority your potential employer has in negotiations. If you are negotiating with a small medical practice, it is likely that anything and everything is negotiable, even a stipend for a nanny! If you are in talks with a large HMO company, it is possible that the department head may have less leverage than you realize no matter how much they want to recruit you. Having a relative sense of what a potential employer can control will give you a better sense of what can be discussed on the table.

Underestimating the time it took to get up to speed

One of the problems with finishing your residency or fellowship is feeling that youve mastered your trade. It gives you a false sense of security. This rings so true especially if your training spanned an inordinate length of time. Why wouldnt you feel confident about your skills if you spent the last six, seven, or more years doing the same thing?

In reality, you only are fluent if you remained at the same institution, and even then there with be hiccups with independent decision making. There is a difference between practicing medicine knowing that there is someone responsible for you and calling the final shots. When you take on a new job, you have to learn how the EHR works, who the hospital protocols are, where the parking garage is, and how to get from one wing of the hospital to the emergency room without getting lost.

Frankly, all of the hiccups involved with a new job can be overcome with time. It takes more time than what youd realize to become comfortable with a new gig. A rough estimate of the timeline to fluency is as follows:

Learn where the doctors lounge is: 1 week

Learn hallways of the hospital system: 3 weeks

Learn electronic health system: 4 months

Feel like work is second nature: 2 years

Expecting to make a whole lot of money

I must be getting old, but I get the sense that all of the new graduates want to work four days a week and make half a million dollars. Sure, medicine still does provide a relatively stable lifestyle, but theres no free lunch. Some doctors find ways to carve out additional green in creative ways, but I tell every new graduate (or anyone else whos asked for my opinion): Dont get greedy. If you do, you will ruin it for the rest of us.

Some specialties will have a better lifestyle or remuneration than others, but no specialty will be perfect. Some of us are OK moving out to the boonies to practice medicine in exchange for a better lifestyle or compensation. Only you (and your family) will be able to decide for yourself what is important. Dont chase the buck. Itll get old pretty quickly.

Not everyone is your friend

This speaks from my cynical side, but realize that there is still business in medicine. It doesnt matter if you are negotiating with a single doctor, medical group, hospital, or venture capital firm: The negotiations have to be profitable for both sides. While not every employer will be out to squeeze every penny and second of work out of a new doctor, there is always that possibility.

The world is full of sharks. Sometimes you have to deal with them. If you are unlucky enough to be suckered by one of them you still have a chance to learn from your mistakes. Sometimes the issues arise from negotiating pitfalls, where the junior associate ends up taking the bulk of the overnight calls, or simply limitations with growing her practice. Maybe the new doctor gets shipped out to satellite offices where there is limited volume initially. Some of the dealings Ive seen are so devious that it boils my blood to realize how much the world can take advantage of naive doctors.

Conclusion

Thats it for now. Make a checklist when you are in your job hunt. Figure out your priorities, and good luck!

Smart Money, MD is an ophthalmologist who blogs at the self-titled site, Smart Money MD.

Image credit: Shutterstock.comOther problems arose as well: Their tools were metric, but they needed U.S.-calibrated tools because they were working on an American-built truck.

Then their parts didnt arrive on time, first being delayed at an airport and then in Abu Dhabi.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Meanwhile the team had to do some prep work and team members had to take on some different roles in order to not lose too much time.

Working under a hot desert sun also was no day at the beach. To make up for lost time, the team had to put in long days, totaling more than 700 hours.

We had early mornings and late, late nights, Valenti said.

We knew we had to finish that truck within our deadline. We definitely did not want to do an incomplete vehicle. There was no way we had come 7,000 miles to fail. Failing was not an option.

Adding the cool factor was a mission, said Valenti. Carrying out the sinister theme called for a black finish including the trim.

They lowered the suspension to give it a low-riding look, but put on 18-inch wheels. The Valenti team also installed a turbo charger.A rose to ... people like Joe Kowalski of Loup City, Larry Brannagan of Shelton and Riley Space of Minden. These men are small-town grocers who provide a vital service in their communities and who spoke with the Kearney Hub about the challenges facing their businesses. Keeping the front door open takes customers, but as smaller towns fight to maintain their economies, more residents must find employment out of town. That trend is tough on local grocers and other merchants because residents may find it easier to shop after work in the city where theyre employed instead of the small towns where they live.

Competition is difficult, but for the survival of their businesses, Kowalski, Brannagan and Space set their prices as low as they can go and extend operating hours to accommodate busy, modern lifestyles.

They also do something the big-city stores cannot. They support local organizations. Space, 30, is a third-generation grocer, and understands the importance of community involvement. He donates time and money to the booster club and other local groups. Hes also a volunteer firefighter.McCollister says it would not prohibit an employer from asking about criminal history, but would just not allow it on the job application. In effect, the bill would remove criminal history from having any disqualifying impact if the applicant is otherwise qualified for the position. The bill would provide exceptions for jobs  such as those related to law enforcement, schools and child care providers  for which criminal history is a disqualifier under other state or federal laws.

The bill was introduced in 2017 as LB429, the ban-the-box law, which also would have eliminated a check box on the application asking about a prior criminal record. It was advanced to the full Legislature then, but languished there and died at the end of the 2018 session.

More than 150 cities and counties in 33 states and the District of Columbia have adopted a version of the ban-the-box law. Lancaster County deputy public defender George Dungan told the committee the bill could help reduce recidivism and give former inmates the ability to further their rehabilitation. Dungan said every individual deserves the dignity of being judged for who they are and not what theyve done. Keeping people from going back to prison can ease overcrowding and bolster the economy with more people earning a decent wage and buying things and paying taxes.GRAND ISLAND  Travis Fieldgrove of St. Paul pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning to incest at his arraignment in Hall County District Court.

Fieldgrove, 39, is accused of having an intimate relationship with 21-year-old Samantha Kershner. Police believe that Kershner is his daughter. The two were married Oct. 1 in Hastings.

Fieldgrove is charged with one count of incest, which is a Class 3 felony. The maximum penalty for such an offense is four years imprisonment and two years post-release supervision or a $25,000 fine, or both. The minimum penalty is no prison time and nine months post-release supervision if imprisonment is imposed. If found guilty, he would be registered as a Nebraska sex offender.

District Judge James Livingston scheduled a pretrial hearing at 1:30 p.m. April 1 and a jury trial for 9 a.m. May 7.

Livingston continued Fieldgroves $100,000 bond.

Fieldgrove was represented by Jeff Loeffler.

Kershners District Court arraignment will be at 9 a.m. March 5.

Both Fieldgrove and Kershner remain in Hall County Jail.

Fieldgrove and Kershner have also been charged in Adams County Court.ORD  A May trial has been scheduled for the Rev. John Kakkuzhiyil of Ord, the Catholic priest who is accused of sexually assaulting an Ord woman in November.

Kakkuzhiyil, 62, entered a written plea of not guilty Monday in Valley County District Court to a charge of forcible sexual assault.

Judge Karin Noakes scheduled a pretrial conference for 10 a.m. April 16 and a jury trial for 9 a.m. May 6.

Kakkuzhiyils attorney, Mark Porto of Grand Island, asked the court for a change of venue. He is seeking a location outside of Valley County for the reason that the defendant does not believe that a fair and impartial jury can be empaneled in Valley County, Porto wrote.

Noakes will hold a hearing on that request at 10 a.m. March 19.

The prosecutor in the case is Valley County Attorney Kayla Clark.

Sexual assault/forcible-first degree is a Class 2 felony.

Kakkuzhiyil was released on bond Jan. 30 after paying 10 percent of the $150,000 bond figure.

Kakkuzhiyil had been pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ord and Sacred Heart in Burwell. Earlier in his career, he worked at St. Marys Catholic Church in Grand Island.HOLDREGE  Three influenza-associated deaths have been reported in the Two Rivers Public Health Department District, which covers Dawson, Buffalo, Gosper, Phelps, Kearney, Harlan and Franklin counties.

According to a press release from Two Rivers, people especially at risk for flu-related complications are people 65 and older, pregnant women, children, Alaska Natives and American Indians.

The health department did not release names or cities where the deaths occurred.

Influenza symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and dry cough. Officials at Two Rivers remind people to stay at home for at least 24 hours after they are fever free and havent taken fever reducing medications in that time.

Two Rivers provides these tips for flu prevention:

- Stay home when you are sick, especially if you have a fever.

- Get vaccinated every year.

- Cover your cough.

- Wash your hands frequently using soap.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.EUGENE, Ore.  A 62-year-old Wisconsin man has been sentenced to four years, nine months in prison and ordered to pay more than $400,000 in restitution for his part in a Nigerian tax fraud scheme that drew attention from federal investigators after a victim in Medford reported it.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon released a statement on Wednesday outlining Curtis Sherman Pethley's sentence and his involvement in an illegal enterprise that would land him behind bars.

Court documents revealed that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began investigating the scheme in May of 2013, when a victim in Medford notified them of suspicious activity. Someone had electronically filed false federal and Oregon state tax returns using her and her husbands personal information  including their social security numbers and dates of birth.

That tip led the IRS to determine that the fraud scheme must have involved co-conspirators, working to gather "a large supply of stolen U.S. taxpayer identities," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office  grabbing IRS filing PINs using the victims' identities, stealing prepaid debit cards in the victims' names, using fake email addresses, filing false tax returns, and wiring the stolen funds to Nigeria.

Multiple fraudulent tax returns were filed using the identities of thousands of taxpayers in Oregon and Washington. The scheme went on for years, and brought in more than $11.6 million for the co-conspirators.

"Pethley, working along with his Nigerian contact, acquired numerous debit cards for use in the scheme including the card connected with the Medford, Oregon victim," the U.S. Attorney's Office said. "He helped his Nigerian contact by providing information about the preparation of federal income tax returns including how to calculate withholdings on a W-2 form."

Pethley then withdrew tax refunds from the prepaid debit cards and, after taking a 10-20 percent cut of the proceeds, wired the money to Nigeria. He also used those refunds to purchase merchandise and money orders and sent them to co-conspirators throughout the U.S., as instructed by the ringleaders of the scheme.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, IRS agents found about 150 prepaid debit cards and almost $50,000 in money orders upon searching Pethley's home.

Pethley is already in prison for distributing child pornography from a Wisconsin case. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft on August 27, 2018. The Court has ordered that 37 months of Pethleys Oregon sentence should run consecutively to the sentence he is currently serving.DUNSMUIR, Calif.  Personnel from multiple agencies rushed to the aid of a man struck by a train near the town of Dunsmuir in Siskiyou County on Monday, potentially saving the man's life.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) received a 911 call reporting the train versus pedestrian accident near Mossbrae Falls just after 11 a.m. Two deputies, plus local volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel from Mt. Shasta all responded to the area.

Responders found 33-year-old Kyle Hutchinson of Dunsmuir about 1.5 miles from the Shasta Retreat near the railroad tracks, SCSO said. Hutchinson was injured, but alive and responsive. He'd been struck by a Union Pacific train.

"A preliminary investigation into the incident determined Mr. Hutchinson was new to the area and was not aware the railroad tracks were in use at the time," SCSO said in a statement. "He was also wearing headphones, listening to music, and taking photographs at the time of the incident."

Investigators think that Hitchinson eventually heard the train and tried to get off the tracks. He was still struck by the front-right side of the moving train, "but his evasive action prevented more serious and potentially fatal injuries."

"According to the preliminary investigation, the Union Pacific train was moving at about 10 MPH at the time of the collision, in a northerly direction. According to the train crew, an audible warning horn was sounded several times prior to the collision," SCSO said.

Crews on the scene called in a H-16 helicopter crew from California Highway Patrol (CHP) to airlift Hutchinson to a hospital. In the meantime, firefighters and ambulance crews rendered emergency medical aid. Hutchinson was hoisted up and flown to Mercy Mt. Shasta Hospital for more treatment.

The public is reminded that Mossbrae Falls is a great attraction and worth visiting but citizens are reminded it is against the law to trespass on railroad property, including railroad tracks. Violations could result in a citation, arrest, and corresponding fines," said SCSO Deputy Mike Burns. "Illegal incursions on railroad property potentially endanger the violator and train employees. Always pay attention to your surroundings as well and be alert for changing environmental conditions, including moving trains and audible signals.

"We are grateful Mr. Hutchinson survived this potentially fatal encounter with a moving train," said Sheriff Lopey.ACROSS OREGON-- You don't have much time left to make sure your kids vaccination records are up to date. That's because exclusion day is Wednesday, February 20th. That's the deadline to get those updated documents or the exemption into your child's school or daycare. Oregon law requires all children in school or in daycare must have up to date documentation on their vaccinations or have an exception. According to the Oregon Health Authority, different health departments across the state sent nearly 25,000 letters reminding parents last year. The Assistant Principal at Central Point Elementary school said they've been preparing for exclusion day since the start of the school year. The school now only needs to make reminder calls to about three families.

We continuously monitor, said Assistant Principal Kristin Kostman. A lot of it is reminders and families forget to turn it in and that's usually what the case is."

If you do not turn in that up to date documentation to your kid's school or daycare by Wednesday, they won't be allowed to go back until that's all taken care of.A large storm that came through Thursday night has caused some damage at the Country Stampede Festival Grounds. Organizers say they will be assessing the damage and whether this will delay Friday's festival schedule.Opposition parties in Zambia said Wednesday they will report President Edgar Lungu to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for alleged political violence against his rivals.

Ten opposition figures told journalists in Lusaka Lungu was to blame for an increase in violent crackdowns on opponents, including main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema.

They showed an undated video of Hichilema fleeing police firing teargas. The footage also purported to show shell casings left over from the firing of live rounds.

Hichilema last week claimed he had survived an assassination attempt while campaigning in Sesheke in Western Zambia ahead of a recent by-election.

Lungu and Hichilema have a long and acrimonious history.

In 2017 Hichilema was arrested and charged with treason after his motorcade apparently failed to stop for the presidents.

We cannot sit idle as our citizens are maimed by ruling Patriotic Front (PF) cadres and so we have taken the decision to report certain individuals to The Hague for facilitating a wave of political violence, said Charles Milupi, the leader of a smaller opposition party.

In addition to Lungu, the coalition would also report the home affairs minister, Lungus presidential advisor, his press assistant, and the PF secretary general.

We have trust and confidence of the ICC and if they are not guilty they will be acquitted, added Milupi.

He claimed the footage showed police wanting to assassinate Hichilema so that he cannot contest elections in 2021.

Police appeared from nowhere. Hakainde and his supporters were forced to scamper and he ran in the bush for over eight hours. One thousand rounds of ammunition against Hakainde and his supporters were found in the bush. This was a clear indication that they wanted to assassinate him, Milupi said at the briefing, which was attended by Hichilema.

Lungus spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.

The ICC, based in The Netherlands, investigates and tries the gravest international crimes  genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and state aggression.

It can be requested to carry out an investigation by a state that has signed up to the courts founding Rome Statute, or by the UN Security Council. The ICC prosecution can also open a probe if it receives reliable information about crimes committed in a member state, which Zambia is.Vancouver, Canada / TheNewswire / February 19, 2019 - Nexus Gold Corp. ("Nexus" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NXS, OTC: NXXGF, FSE: N6E) is pleased to announce that due to strong investor interest, the board of directors of the Company has approved an increase in the size of the Company's previously announced private placement financing. The Company now intends to offer up to 26,086,957 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.115 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000. Each "Unit" will consist of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire an additional common share at a price of $0.18 for a period of twenty-four months.

The Company may pay finders' fees to eligible parties who have introduced subscribers to the placement. All securities issued in connection with the placement will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws. Completion of the placement remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

For further information regarding the intended use of the proceeds from the placement, readers are encouraged to review the Company's news release of February 12th, 2019.

OPTION GRANT

The Company also announces it will grant 1,300,000 incentive stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants to the Company. The options will vest immediately and will be exercisable at a price of $0.15 for a period of sixty months.

About the Company

Nexus Gold is a Vancouver-based gold exploration and development company with active projects in West Africa, and in Canada. The company is currently concentrating its efforts on establishing a compliant resource at one or more of it's four current Burkina Faso-based projects which total over 560-sq kms (56,000+ hectares) of land located on active gold belts and proven mineralized trends. For more information please visit www.nexusgoldcorp.com.

For more information on these projects, please visit the Company website at www.nexusgoldcorp.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

NEXUS GOLD CORP.

Alex Klenman

Chief Executive Officer

604-558-1920

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.nexusgoldcorp.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.VANCOUVER, Feb. 20, 2019 /CNW/ - Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX: NDM; NYSE American: NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") announces that the US Army Corps of Engineers (the "Corps") has posted on its website the Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DEIS") for southwest Alaska's Pebble Project, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA").

The US Army Corps of Engineers will facilitate a formal consultation and public comment process with respect to the Pebble Project DEIS this spring. Further information regarding the EIS process can be found on the Corps' website at www.pebbleprojecteis.com.

"Our preliminary review of the DEIS shows no major data gaps or substantive impacts associated with a mine at the Pebble site. We see no significant environmental challenges that would preclude the project from getting a permit and believe this shows Alaska stakeholders that there is a clear path forward for this project," said Pebble Limited Partnership ("Pebble Partnership") CEO Tom Collier. "I also commend the Corps for their efficient, comprehensive and transparent management of the process thus far."

"The DEIS is an important milestone and positive development for the Pebble Project," said Ron Thiessen, CEO of Northern Dynasty. "We want to express our appreciation to the Army Corps of Engineers, the State of Alaska and all of the cooperating agencies and communities."

About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly-owned Alaska-based US subsidiary Pebble Limited Partnership, is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 2,402 mineral claims in southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit. PLP is the proponent of the Pebble Project, an initiative to develop one of the world's most important mineral resources.

For further details on Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Project, please visit the Company's website at www.northerndynastyminerals.com or contact Investor services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114. Review Canadian public filings at www.sedar.com and US public filings at www.sec.gov.

Ronald W. Thiessen

President & CEO

Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future events that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of the ultimate size, quality or commercial feasibility of the Pebble Project or of the Company's future performance or the outcome of litigation.

Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements are that the Pebble project will be evaluated based on technical and scientific criteria free from undue political or legal interference. The likelihood of future mining at the Pebble Project is subject to a large number of risks and will require achievement of a number of technical, economic and legal objectives, including obtaining necessary mining and construction permits, approvals, licenses and title on a timely basis and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, the final outcome of any litigation, completion of pre-feasibility and final feasibility studies, preparation of all necessary engineering for surface or underground mining and processing facilities as well as receipt of significant additional financing to fund these objectives as well as funding mine construction. Such funding may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms or on any terms at all. There is no known ore at the Pebble Project and there is no assurance that the mineralization at the Pebble Project will ever be classified as ore. The need for compliance with extensive environmental and socio-economic rules and practices and the requirement for the Company to obtain government permitting can cause a delay or even abandonment of a mineral project. The Company is also subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Northern Dynasty does not have control over the contents of the USACE website and therefore Northern Dynasty cannot either endorse the contents or assume responsibility for the website's contents other than for submissions thereon actually made by Northern Dynasty. The National Environmental Policy Act EIS process requires a comprehensive "alternatives assessment" be undertaken to consider a broad range of development alternatives. Accordingly, the final project design and operating parameters for the Pebble Project and associated infrastructure may vary significantly from that currently being advanced. As a result, the Company will continue to consider various development options and no final project design has been selected at this time.All dollar amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Measured and Indicated Resource Estimates are quoted Inclusive of Mineral Reserves for all sites and projects

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2019) - IAMGOLD Corporation (TSX: IMG) ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") today announced its 2018 year-end mineral reserve and resource statement. (See attached table for more details.)

Total attributable Proven and Probable gold Reserves increased by 23% to 17.9 million ounces at the end of 2018 from 14.5 million ounces of gold at the end of 2017. The addition of 3.4 million ounces was primarily due to the previously announced conversion of Resources to Reserves at Saramacca in Suriname, Cote Gold in Ontario, and at Boto Gold in eastern Senegal, West Africa, coupled with the previously announced Reserve increase at the Essakane Gold Mine following the Pre-Feasibility Study. These increases were partially offset by depletion during the year given the Company's attributable gold production of 882,000 ounces. There was no change in the $1,200 per ounce gold price assumption for estimating Mineral Reserves at the Company's owned and operated mines and development projects.

Total attributable Measured and Indicated gold Resources (inclusive of Reserves) increased overall by 13% or 3.1 million ounces to 27.9 million ounces of gold at the end of 2018. Total attributable Inferred gold Resources remained at a similar level to the prior year at 8.7 million ounces at the end of 2018. There were no changes in the gold price assumptions for estimating mineral resources at Essakane, Rosebel, and resource-stage projects ($1,500 per ounce of gold) or at Westwood ($1,200 per ounce of gold).

Steve Letwin, President and CEO of IAMGOLD, commented, "In 2018, we continued our work to increase reserve ounces at the Company, adding another 3.4 million ounces on top of the 6.7 million ounces we added in 2017, on an attributable basis. Over the last two years, we have increased our attributable reserves by 129 percent, net of mine depletion. Once again, each of our owner-operated mines experienced a year over year increase in reserves, net of depletion, underscoring the strength of our core assets. At Rosebel, we declared initial reserves at Saramacca of 1.0 million attributable ounces while more than replacing depletion on the Rosebel concession. At Essakane, with the Prefeasibility study completed during 2017, we were able to add 0.9 million attributable ounces, after depletion in reserves. With the feasibility study completed at Cote Gold, we converted 3.2 million ounces to the Proven category while also adding 0.9 million ounces to the reserve base, on an attributable basis."

Mr. Letwin continued, "In 2019, we plan to continue our reserve and resource growth through both brownfield and greenfield exploration programs. At Rosebel, our goal is to add resources along the Saramacca-Brokolonko trend and test priority targets on the Rosebel concession. At Essakane, our 24 kilometre drill program is intended to support the ongoing heap leach and CIL optimization feasibility study, while we also continue to explore high priority regional targets to identify additional satellite resources. At Westwood, we continue to work on resource conversion and expansion, with another 65 kilometres of drilling planned for 2019. At our development projects at Cote Gold and Boto Gold, we will continue to advance exploration programs targeting resource expansions as well as new discoveries on adjacent concessions. Finally, at our greenfield projects, we will continue to advance our industry-leading pipeline, including the completion of a maiden resource estimate at Nelligan in Quebec."

Summaries of the changes in the Reserves and Resources estimate and 2019 development plans for each of the key assets are provided below.

Rosebel Gold Mine, Suriname: As announced on September 23, 2018, Rosebel was able declare increases in Reserves, before including the Saramacca satellite deposit. Incorporating those additions and mine depletion since that declaration date, Rosebel has realized a net, year-on-year increase in attributable Reserves of 0.3 million ounces or 8% to 3.6 million ounces, which was largely the result of upgrading resources at the Koolhoven deposit to reserves. Attributable Measured and Indicated Resources decreased 0.7 million ounces or 8% and attributable Inferred Resources decreased by 0.9 million ounces to 1.7 million ounces compared to the prior year as a result of revised deposit models and the impact of changes in the cost models.

Saramacca Gold Project, Suriname: On September 23, 2018, a maiden Reserve was declared for the Saramacca deposit, 25 km southwest of the Rosebel Gold Mine. Attributable Probable Reserves were estimated to be 1.0 million ounces. Attributable Indicated Resources of 1.2 million ounces and Inferred Resources of 182,000 ounces. In 2019, approximately 45 kilometres of diamond and reverse circulation drilling are planned to expand resources and test priority exploration targets on the Rosebel concession and along the Saramacca-Brokolonko trend.

Essakane Gold Mine, Burkina Faso: On June 5, 2018, Essakane completed a Pre-feasibility Study incorporating heap leach processing methods in addition to the existing CIL process. As a result, attributable Reserves for 2018 increased by 29%, net of depletion, to 3.9 million ounces versus the prior year. Attributable Indicated Resources increased by 917,000 ounces or 24% to 4.8 million ounces and attributable Inferred Resources increased by 76,000 ounces to 423,000 ounces. In the first half of 2019, Essakane expects to complete a Feasibility Study on the heap leach scenario which contemplates processing heap leach reserves subsequent to the existing CIL operation. On December 12, 2018, the Company announced a maiden Resource estimate for the Gossey satellite deposit, 15 kilometers to the northwest of the Essakane processing plant, which includes attributable Indicated Resources of 262,000 ounces and attributable Inferred Resources of 77,000 ounces.

Westwood Gold Mine, Canada: A net increase in Reserves of 35,000 ounces or 3% to 1.2 million ounces converted from resources, after depletion. Measured and Indicated Resources increased by 73,000 ounces or 5% to 1.5 million ounces. Inferred Resources declined by 158,000 ounces to 1.7 million ounces. Westwood is planning a further 65 kilometres of drilling during 2019 to continue building reserves through conversion of resources.

Sadiola Gold Mine, Mali: At Sadiola, there was a net decrease year-on-year in attributable Reserves of 67,000 ounces or 4% to 1.6 million ounces due to depletion. Attributable Measured and Indicated Resources decreased by 60,000 ounces to 2.8 million ounces. Inferred Resources remained unchanged at 0.4 million ounces. No significant exploration activity is planned for Sadiola in 2019 as we continue to work to reach an agreement with the Government of Mali for the path forward for the Sadiola Sulphide Project.

Cote Gold Project, Canada: On November 1, 2018, the Company announced positive results from a Feasibility Study. Attributable Proven and Probable Reserves increased by 0.9 million ounces to 4.7 million ounces when compared to the prior year. As part of the successful resource conversion, attributable Measured Resources of 3.4 million ounces were declared, with combined attributable Measured and Indicated resources increasing by 1.3 million ounces to 6.5 million ounces. In addition, attributable Inferred Resources were up 0.8 million ounces, or 97%, to 1.6 million ounces.

Boto Gold Project, Senegal: On October 22, 2018, the Company announced positive results from the Feasibility Study. For 2018, reserves are shown as 90% attributable to IAMGOLD with the remaining portion being attributed to the Government of Senegal upon grant of a mining concession. In 2018, attributable Probable Reserves increased 0.3 million ounces to 1.7 million ounces. Attributable Indicated Resources increased by 0.3 million ounces to 2.3 million ounces while attributable Inferred Resources decreased by 0.5 million ounces to 130,000 ounces as a result of resource upgrade to an indicated category.

Advance Exploration Projects: At Diakha-Siribaya in Mali, Indicated Resources increased by 539,000 ounces to 668,000, and Inferred Resources increased by 34,000 to 1.1 million ounces. Additionally, initial Resource estimates were declared at Monster Lake in Canada, including attributable Inferred Resources of 217,000 ounces, and at Eastern Borosi in Nicaragua, including attributable Inferred Resources of 414,000 ounces. An initial resource estimate at Nelligan in Canada is expected during 2019.

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding expected, estimated or planned gold production, cash costs, margin expansion, capital expenditures and exploration expenditures and statements regarding the estimation of mineral resources, exploration results, potential mineralization, potential mineral resources and mineral reserves) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "expected", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, failure to meet expected, estimated or planned gold production, cash costs, margin expansion, capital expenditures and exploration expenditures and failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, changes in world gold markets and other risks disclosed in IAMGOLD's most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Technical Information and Qualified Person/Quality Control Notes

The mineral resource estimates contained in this news release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The "Qualified Person" responsible for the review and approval of all mineral resource and reserve estimates for IAMGOLD contained herein is Lise Chenard, Eng., Director, Mining Geology. Lise has worked in the mining industry for more than 35 years, mainly in operations, project development and consulting. She joined IAMGOLD in April 2013 and acquired her knowledge of the Company's operations and projects through site visits, information reviews and ongoing communication and oversight of mine site technical service teams or consultants responsible for resource and reserve modeling and estimation.

She is considered a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of NI 43-101 with respect to the mineralization being reported on. The technical information has been included herein with the consent and prior review of the above noted Qualified Person. The Qualified person has verified the data disclosed, and data underlying the information or opinions contained herein.

The information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Craig MacDougall, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration for IAMGOLD. Mr. MacDougall is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Notes to Investors Regarding the Use of Resources

Cautionary Note to Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured and Indicated Resources

This news release uses the terms "measured resources" and "indicated resources". We advise investors that while those terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") does not recognize them. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.

Cautionary Note to Investors Concerning Estimates of Inferred Resources

This news release also uses the term "inferred resources". We advise investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

Scientific and Technical Disclosure

IAMGOLD is reporting mineral resource and reserve estimates in accordance with the CIM guidelines for the estimation, classification and reporting of resources and reserves.

Note: Mineral reserves and mineral resources for IAMGOLD's gold mines for the 2018 year-end statement were estimated using a $1,200 per ounce gold price (unless otherwise indicated in the notes in Table 1) for mineral reserves and a $1,500 per ounce price for mineral resources (unless otherwise indicated in the notes in Table 1). For open pit operations, gold resources are constrained within an economic pit shell.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors

The SEC limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. IAMGOLD uses certain terms in this news release, such as "measured," "indicated," or "inferred," which may not be consistent with the reserve definitions established by the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in the IAMGOLD Annual Reports on Forms 40-F. You can review and obtain copies of these filings from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml or by contacting the Investor Relations department.

The Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") requires mining companies to disclose reserves and resources using the subcategories of "proven" reserves, "probable" reserves, "measured" resources, "indicated" resources and "inferred" resources. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not demonstrate economic viability.

A mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A mineral reserve includes diluting materials and allows for losses that may occur when the material is mined. A proven mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. A probable mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of an indicated, and in some circumstances, a measured mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study.

A mineral resource is a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic material, or natural, solid fossilized organic material including base and precious metals in or on the Earth's crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. A measured mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity. An indicated mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed. An inferred mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

A feasibility study is a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed assessments of realistically assumed mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental considerations together with any other relevant operational factors and detailed financial analysis, that are necessary to demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified (economically mineable). The results of the study may reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project. The confidence level of the study will be higher than that of a Pre-Feasibility Study.

A Pre-Feasibility Study is a comprehensive study of a range of options for the technical and economic viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where a preferred mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, is established and an effective method of mineral processing is determined. It includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental considerations and the evaluation of any other relevant factors which are sufficient for a qualified person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the Mineral Resource may be classified as a Mineral Reserve.

About IAMGOLD

IAMGOLD (www.iamgold.com) is a mid-tier mining company with four operating gold mines on three continents. A solid base of strategic assets in North and South America and West Africa is complemented by development and exploration projects and continued assessment of accretive acquisition opportunities. IAMGOLD is in a strong financial position with extensive management and operational expertise.

For further information please contact:

Indi Gopinathan, Investor Relations Lead, IAMGOLD Corporation

Tel: (416) 360-4743 Mobile: (416) 388-6883

Martin Dumont, Senior Analyst Investor Relations, IAMGOLD Corporation

Tel: (416) 933-5783 Mobile: (647) 967-9942

IAMGOLD Corporation Toll-free: 1 888 464-9999 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mineral Reserves and Resources of Gold Operations as of December 31, 2018(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)

Measured and Indicated Resources are inclusive of Proven and Probable Reserves.

Tonnes

(000s) Grade

(g/t) Ounces Contained

(000s) Attributable Contained Ounces

(000s) Rosebel(3), Suriname (95%) Proven Reserves 29,776 0.6 587 558 Probable Reserves 100,583 1.0 3,208 3,048 Subtotal 130,359 0.9 3,795 3,606 Measured Resources 35,645 0.6 711 675 Indicated Resources 256,835 0.9 7,683 7,299 Inferred Resources 64,770 0.9 1,793 1,703 Saramacca(3), Suriname (66.5%) Probable Reserves 26,549 1.8 1,542 1,025 Subtotal 26,549 1.8 1,542 1,025 Indicated Resources 27,938 2.0 1,763 1,172 Inferred Resources 11,825 0.7 273 182 Essakane(3), Burkina Faso (90%) Probable Reserves 148,812 0.9 4,380 3,942 Subtotal 148,812 0.9 4,380 3,942 Indicated Resources 173,041 1.0 5,287 4,759 Inferred Resources 13,811 1.1 470 423 Gossey(4), Burkina Faso (90%) Indicated Resources 10,454 0.9 291 262 Inferred Resources 2,939 0.9 85 77 Westwood(5), Canada (100%) Proven Reserves 1,317 7.9 336 336 Probable Reserves 3,627 7.5 875 875 Subtotal 4,944 7.6 1,211 1,211 Measured Resources 1,007 11.9 385 385 Indicated Resources 3,169 10.8 1,101 1,101 Inferred Resources 5,494 9.5 1,680 1,680 Sadiola(6), Mali (41%) Proven Reserves 118 1.7 6 3 Probable Reserves 63,674 1.9 3,971 1,628 Subtotal 63,792 1.9 3,978 1,631 Measured Resources 118 1.7 6 3 Indicated Resources 117,647 1.8 6,904 2,831 Inferred Resources 17,643 1.7 956 392 Cote Gold(3), Canada (64.75%) Proven Reserves 153,700 1.0 4,640 3,004 Probable Reserves 79,300 0.9 2,644 1,712 Subtotal 233,000 1.0 7,284 4,716 Measured Resources 171,900 1.0 5,310 3,438 Indicated Resources 183,500 0.8 4,660 3,017 Inferred Resources 112,800 0.7 2,430 1,573 Boto Gold(3), Senegal (90%) Probable Reserves 35,060 1.7 1,926 1,733 Subtotal 35,060 1.7 1,926 1,733 Indicated Resources 48,045 1.6 2,487 2,238 Inferred Resources 2,483 1.8 144 130 Monster Lake, Canada (50%) Inferred Resources 1,110 12.1 433 217 Eastern Borosi(7), Nicaragua (51%) Inferred Resources 4,418 5.7 812 414 Pitangui(4), Brazil (100%) Inferred Resources 5,365 4.7 819 819 Diakha-Siribaya(4), Mali (90%) Indicated Resources 18,031 1.3 744 669 Inferred Resources 23,179 1.6 1,176 1,058 TOTAL(8) Proven & Probable Reserves 642,516 1.2 24,116 17,864 Measured and Indicated Resources 1,047,330 1.1 37,333 27,850 Inferred Resources 265,837 1.3 11,071 8,668

Notes:

(1) In mining operations, measured and indicated resources that are not mineral reserves are considered uneconomic at the price used for reserve estimations but are deemed to have a reasonable prospect of economic extraction.

(2) Although "measured resources", "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" are categories of mineralization that are recognized and required to be disclosed under Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize them. Disclosure of contained ounces is permitted under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC generally permits resources to be reported only as in place tonnage and grade. See "Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Disclosure of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates".

(3) Rosebel, Saramacca, Essakane, Cote Gold, and Boto Gold mineral reserves have been estimated as of December 31, 2018 using a $1,200/oz gold price and mineral resources have been estimated as of December 31, 2018 using a $1,500/oz gold price and have been estimated in accordance with NI 43-101.

(4) Gossey, Monster Lake, Pitangui, and Diakha-Siribaya mineral resources have been estimated as of December 31, 2018 using a $1,500/oz gold price and have been estimated in accordance with NI 43-101.

(5) Westwood mineral reserves have been estimated as of December 31, 2018 using a $1,200/oz gold price and mineral resources have been estimated as of December 31, 2018 using a 5.5 g/t gold cut-off over a minimum width of 2.4 metres and have been estimated in accordance with NI 43-101.

(6) Mineral reserves at Sadiola have been estimated as of December 31, 2018 using an average of $1,200/oz gold price and mineral resources have been estimated as of December 31, 2018 using a $1,400/oz gold price and have been estimated in accordance with the JORC code.

(7) Eastern Borosi mineral resources are disclosed as gold equivalent ounces calculated using the formula: AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + Ag (g/t) / 101.8; and have been estimated as of December 31, 2018 using a $1,500/oz gold price, and a $23/oz silver price and in accordance with NI 43-101. Underground resources are estimating using a cut-off grade of 2.0g/t gold equivalent with a minimum width of 2.4m and open pit resources are estimated using a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t gold equivalent over a 3.0m minimum width.

(8) Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this document may not add up precisely to the totals.

The Company's reserve estimate is comprised of in-place material, i.e., contained ounces of gold and metallurgical recovery factors must be taken into account in order to assess and quantify the recoverable material.

There are numerous parameters inherent in estimating proven and probable mineral reserves, including many factors beyond the Company's control. The estimation of reserves is a subjective process, and the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results from drilling, testing and production, as well as material changes in metal prices subsequent to the date of an estimate, may justify a revision of such estimates.TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Mining Inc. (OSK:TSX, "Osisko" or the "Corporation") is pleased to provide a mineral resource estimate for its 100% owned Garrison gold deposit, located along the Destor Porcupine Fault Zone in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Garrison Township, Ontario. This mineral estimate is the result of 1,115 drill holes (342,874 metres) in the resource area completed by previous operators on the project since 1985 and includes 197 new drill holes (87,251 metres) completed by Osisko between 2016 to July 2018.

Table 1 below outlines the mineral resource estimate for the Garrison gold deposit with grade sensitivity shown in Tables 2 and 3.

Table 1: Garrison Gold Deposit Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources by Zone and mining method

Zone Open pit (0.4 g/t cut-off) Underground (3.0 g/t cut-off) Tonnes(1)

(000 t) Grade

(g/t) Ounces Au(2)

(000 oz) Tonnes(1)

(000 t) Grade

(g/t) Ounces Au(2)

(000 oz) Garrcon Measured 13,259 0.88 377 - - - Indicated 7,388 1.09 259 64 4.10 8 Inferred 2,091 1.01 68 743 4.15 99 Jonpol Measured 4,027 1.67 216 58 3.83 7 Indicated 2,984 1.47 141 96 4.00 12 Inferred 335 0.99 11 136 4.00 18 903 Measured 4,862 1.27 198 - - - Indicated 10,862 1.00 349 10 3.21 1 Inferred 6,765 0.94 204 196 3.33 21 Total M&I 43,382 1.10 1,541 228 3.95 29 Total Inferred 9,190 0.96 283 1,075 3.98 138

(1) and (2) indicate that values are rounded to nearest thousand which may cause apparent discrepancies

Table 2: Garrison Gold Deposit Measured & Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource sensitivity table for open pit scenario (all zones)

Cut-off Grade Measured & Indicated Inferred Tonnes(1)

(000 t) Grade

(g/t) Ounces Au(2)

(000 oz) Tonnes(1)

(000 t) Grade

(g/t) Ounces Au(2)

(000 oz) 0.2 g/t Au 53,951 0.95 1.648 10,388 0.88 295 0.3 g/t Au 50,085 1.00 1,617 10,011 0.91 292 0.4 g/t Au 43,382 1.10 1,541 9,190 0.96 283 0.5 g/t Au 36,365 1.23 1,439 8,072 1.03 266 0.6 g/t Au 30,275 1.37 1,332 6,421 1.15 237

(1) and (2) indicate that values are rounded to nearest thousand which may cause apparent discrepancies

Table 3: Garrison Gold Deposit Measured & Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource sensitivity table for underground scenario (all zones)

Cut-off Grade Measured & Indicated Inferred Tonnes(1)

(000 t) Grade

(g/t) Ounces Au(2)

(000 oz) Tonnes(1)

(000 t) Grade

(g/t) Ounces Au(2)

(000 oz) 2.0 g/t Au 608 2.98 58 3,522 2.85 323 2.5 g/t Au 352 3.53 40 1,727 3.51 195 3.0 g/t Au 228 3.95 29 1,075 3.98 138 3.5 g/t Au 138 4.43 20 536 4.75 82 4.0 g/t Au 78 4.95 12 300 5.55 54

(1) and (2) indicate that values are rounded to nearest thousand which may cause apparent discrepancies.

Global non-pit constrained resources at a 0.4 g/t Au cut-off to 300 metres below surface are 1.87 million ounces gold at 1.06 g/t Au in the measured & indicated category and 0.61 million ounces gold at 0.92 g/t Au in the inferred category.

John Burzynski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Osisko, commented: "We are pleased with our mineral resource estimate at Garrison and the first mineral resource estimate for the 903 Zone. Our work continues to better define the gold-bearing zones and highlight areas for future expansion and exploration. We also have numerous targets that warrant follow-up on our claim package along the significant Destor Porcupine Fault Zone."

The mineral resource estimate has been prepared by RockRidge, from Vancouver, British Columbia, and has been reviewed and audited by Micon International Limited, Toronto, Ontario. The full technical report, which is being prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), will be available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under the Corporation's issuer profile within 45 days. The effective date of the current mineral resource estimate is February 19, 2019.

This mineral resource estimate reflects geological modeling of the Garrison deposit (Garrcon, Jonpol, and 903 zones) as lying at the confluence of the Destor Porcupine Fault and the Munro fault (a splay structure of the Destor Porcupine). Mineralization in the Garrcon Zone is in a brittle fault and fracture zone hosted within silicified metasediments. Mineralization in the Jonpol Zone is shear hosted with quartz-albite veins in sheared ultramafic volcanics within the footwall of the Munro fault. Mineralization in the 903 Zone is hosted in syenites within sheared ultramafics of the Destor Porcupine Fault.

Mineralized domain wireframes were constructed within lithological and structural boundaries modeled in Leapfrog using a 0.2 g/t Au grade shell. The estimate only considers mineralized zones potentially minable by open-pit or underground methods at lower cut-off grades of 0.4 g/t Au and 3.0 g/t Au, respectively. The cut-off calculation is based on the assumed parameters listed below:

Table 4: Parameters used for Resource Estimate Pit Optimization

Parameters Unit Value Gold Price US$/oz 1,300 Exchange Rate US$/C$ 0.76 Mill Recovery % 93.0 Open Pit Mining Cost C$/T milled 2.50 Underground Mining Cost C$/T milled 120.00 Overburden cost C$/T milled 1.96 G&A Cost C$/T milled 2.00 Processing Cost C$/T milled 11.00 Pit Slope in Rock Degrees () 50 Pit Slope in Overburden Degrees () 20 Selected Cut-off Grade Open pit* Au g/t 0.40 Selected Cut-off Grade Underground** Au g/t 3.00

*The parameters above resolve to a 0.26 g/t open pit cut-off. The QPs elected to report at 0.40 g/t.

** The parameters above resolve to a 2.60 g/t open pit cut-off. The QPs elected to report at 3.00 g/t.

Garrison Gold Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate Notes:

The Garrison mineral resource estimate has been prepared pursuant to CIM standards and guidelines for reporting mineral resources and reserves.

Resources are presented undiluted and in situ and are considered to have reasonable prospects for economic extraction.

The database comprised a total of 1,115 drill holes for 342,873.7 metres of drilling in the extent of the mineral resource, of which 197 drill holes (87,250.8 metres) were completed and assayed by Osisko as of July 31, 2018.

All NQ core assays reported by Osisko were obtained by analytical methods described below under "Quality Control and Reporting Protocols".

Geological interpretation of the deposits was based on the Garrison deposit (Garrcon, Jonpol, and 903) as lying at the confluence of the Destor Porcupine Fault and the Munro fault (a splay structure of the Destor Porcupine) and mineralization hosted in structurally controlled domains. Interpretation was initially made from cross-sections at 25 or 50 metre intervals, and then completed in Leapfrog Software, where selections of mineralization intervals were combined to generate mineralization wireframes.

The mineralized domains used for the mineral resource estimate were constructed in Leapfrog Software using 0.2 g/t Au interpolant grade shells with 0.5 ISO values limited by hard boundaries to modeled lithological and structural zones.

Samples were composited within the mineralization domains into 2.0 metre length composites for all areas except the Garrcon Main Metasedimentary zone, where 2.5 metre composites were more appropriate.

High grade capping was done on composite data and established using a statistical analysis on a per-zone basis for gold. Capping values of between 10 g/t to 40 g/t were used depending on mineralized domain.

Density values were applied on the following lithological basis (t/m 3 ): 2.79 for all metasedimentary units and 2.82 for all igneous units.

): 2.79 for all metasedimentary units and 2.82 for all igneous units. Ordinary Kriging (OK) based interpolation was used for the estimation of all zones of the Garrison gold deposit. Estimates are based on a block dimension of 10 metres NE, 2 metres NW and 10 metres height for all zones except the Garrcon Main Metasedimentary unit where 5 metre x 5 metre x 5 metre blocks were used. Estimation parameters were based on variography. Strong anisotropies were observed in all cases, and variograms were rotated to reflect the best major, semi-major and minor ranges. Spherical models were fitted to pairwise relative semi-variograms. Search radii reflected the orientations of the variography. Search distances were used in three passes, where the first pass equaled two thirds of the variogram range, the second pass was equal to full variogram range and the third pass was double the respective range.

The Garrison mineral resource estimate is categorized as Measured, Indicated and Inferred mineral resource as follows: The measured mineral resource category is generally based on a minimum number of six informing composites using a minimum of three drill holes located within the first estimation pass (two thirds variogram range) The indicated mineral resource category is largely based on using a minimum of four composites from two drill holes located in the second estimation pass The inferred mineral resource category is based on a minimum of four composites from two drill holes located in the third pass. After initial coding of each pass, results were further refined in Leapfrog to establish continuous volumes for each resource category.

Estimates use metric units (metres, tonnes and g/t). Metal contents are presented in troy ounces (metric tonne x grade / 31.10348).

Micon International Limited is not aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political or marketing issues, or any other relevant issue not reported in the technical report, that could materially affect the mineral resource estimate.

These mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they have not demonstrated economic viability. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred resources in this Mineral Resource Estimate are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred resources as indicated or measured. It is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration though not guaranteed.

Qualified Person

The Garrison gold deposit mineral resource estimate, with an effective date of February 19, 2019, was prepared under the direction of B. Terrence Hennessey, P.Geo., who is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Mr. Hennessey is an employee of Micon International Limited and is considered to be independent of Osisko for purposes of section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Ms. Alexandria Marcotte, P.Geo. Vice President Project Coordination for Osisko Mining Inc, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101).

Quality Control

True widths of the new exploration intercepts reported in this press release have yet to be determined, but are typically 65  90% of reported core lengths. Assays are uncut except where indicated, and calculated intervals are reported over a minimum length of 2 metres using a lower cutoff of 1.0 g/t Au. All HQ core assays reported were obtained by either whole sample rock metallic screen/fire assay or standard 30 gram fire-assaying with ICP finish at SGS Minerals Services in Cochrane, Ontario; and Bureau Veritas in Timmins, Ontario. The whole sample metallic screen assay method is selected by the geologist when samples contain coarse gold or any samples displaying gold initial fire assay values greater than 3g/t. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results is performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices. Standards and blanks are included with every 20 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Corporation as well as the lab. Approximately 5% of sample pulps are sent to secondary laboratories for check assays.

About the Garrison Project

The Garrison Project area is comprised of 4 cell mineral claims and 63 patent claims encompassing approximately 770 hectares within the larger Great Bear project area which totals 517 cell mineral claims, 25 mining leases, and 87 patent claims encompassing approximately 8,000 hectares. The Garrison Project area contains the Garrcon, Jonpol, and 903 zones.

Garrcon Zone

The Garrcon Zone has a shallow plunge eastward along the footwall of the Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone with the bulk of the resource in the western, more densely drilled area. The zone is exposed at surface and has potential for open pit bulk mining. There is potential for additional underground resources below the pit and along the easterly plunge of the zone, which is open for further exploration down dip and along strike.



The Garrcon shaft was sunk in 1935 and 1936 by the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Co. of Canada (Cominco) and the Shaft and South Zones were tested for high grade gold mineralization. Cominco drove approximately 1,430 metres of drifts and cross cuts, mining underground veins. Diamond drilling by Cominco and Lac Minerals Ltd. in the mid-to-late 1980s identified broad sections of low grade mineralization. In 2006-2007, ValGold Resources Ltd. conducted additional drilling confirming these zones. From 2009-2013 Northern Gold Mining Inc. conducted 97,000 metres of diamond drilling. In 2014, Northern Gold Mining Inc. was granted a trial mining permit allowing the extraction of up to 150,000 tonnes. Northern Gold Mining Inc. mined 73,534 dry tonnes which was processed at the nearby Holt mill facility recovering 3,516 oz at an average head grade of 1.55 g/t and recovery of 95.9%.

Jonpol Zone

Jonpol is situated in the Munro Fault Zone, a west striking splay off the north side of the Destor-Porcupine Fault. Hosted in a shear zone tens of metres wide in altered mafic volcanic rocks. Gold mineralization is hosted in quartz carbonate veins, in mafic and ultramafic host rocks, and is associated with intense albite and/or sericite alteration and pyrite mineralization.



In 1997, a 49,087 tonne bulk sample was extracted from the central part of the JP zone by Hillsborough Resources Limited with an average grade of 6.7 g/t which produced 9,476 ounces Au. From 1985-2013, over 130,000 metres of drilling was completed on the property by previous operators. Development work on the Jonpol zone included the sinking of a 184 metre shaft as well as development of a ramp to the 150 metres level with mining on six sublevels. The Jonpol infrastructure underwent reclamation in the late 1990s and was closed out in 2001, but the existing ramp and shaft are preserved.

903 Zone

This third mineralized zone present at Garrison was not included in the resource estimate reported by the previous operator in 2013. Mineralization at the 903 was discovered in 1945 by Wright-Hargreaves Mines Ltd. In 1988 Lac Minerals acquired the claims covering the current 903 Zone and completed 17 drill holes totaling 4,823 metres. The property was optioned in 1990 to Jonpol and T&H Resources and subsequently returned to Lac Minerals in 1991. The claims were acquired from a subsidiary of Barrick Gold in 2013.

About Osisko Mining Inc.

Osisko is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal resource properties in Canada. Osisko holds a 100% in the high-grade Windfall Lake gold deposit located between Val-d'Or and Chibougamau in Quebec and holds a 100% undivided interest in a large area of claims in the surrounding Urban Barry area and nearby Quevillon area (over 3,300 square kilometres), a 100% interest in the Marban project located in the heart of Quebec's prolific Abitibi gold mining district, and properties in the Larder Lake Mining Division in northeast Ontario, including the Jonpol and Garrcon deposits on the Garrison property, the Buffonta past producing mine and the Gold Pike mine property. The Corporation also holds interests and options in a number of additional properties in northern Quebec and Ontario.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Estimates of Mineral Resources

This news release uses the terms measured, indicated and inferred resources as a relative measure of the level of confidence in the resource estimate. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources are not economic mineral reserves and that the economic viability of resources that are not mineral reserves has not been demonstrated. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by geology, environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issues. The mineral resource estimate is classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's "CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" incorporated by reference into NI 43-101. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies or economic studies except for Preliminary Assessment as defined under NI 43-101. Readers are cautioned not to assume that further work on the stated resources will lead to mineral reserves that can be mined economically.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about the mineral resource estimate; the ability of future drill results to demonstrate potential for expansion of the previously defined Garrcon, Jonpol and 903 mineralized zones at the Garrison project; potential mineralization; the ability to realize upon any mineralization in a manner that is economic; the ability to complete any proposed exploration activities and the results of such activities; the continuity or extension of any mineralization; and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be forward-looking information. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as expects, or does not expect, is expected, interpreted, managements view, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, budget, scheduled, forecasts, estimates, believes or intends or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results may or could, would, might or will be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Corporation, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Osisko to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the ability of exploration activities (including drill results) to accurately predict mineralization; errors in managements geological modelling; the ability of Osisko to complete further exploration activities, including drilling; property interests; the ability of the Corporation to obtain required approvals and complete work on terms announced; the results of exploration activities; risks relating to mining activities; the global economic climate; metal prices; dilution; environmental risks; and community and non-governmental actions. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, Osisko cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Corporation that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither Osisko nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. Osisko does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

John Burzynski

President & Chief Executive Officer

(416) 363-8653Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 84F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 71F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.Hernandez said he has fond memories of chilaquiles when he was growing up. My mother would take the tortillas left at the end of the day and set them aside. Then we would put them on top of the house to dry out in the sun, he said. The dried tortillas would then be fried before being tossed in salsa and served with crumbled queso fresco.

Chilaquiles, preferably with green salsa, are a favorite of regular customer Elias Gomez, also native of Mexico. But the other day Gomez ordered a stack of pancakes for breakfast.

Gomez  speaking through Hernandez as interpreter  said he comes to Grille-Ville for the atmosphere as much as the food. Its good service, and a good mix of people, he said.

George Morales, a native of Colombia, said he eats here three or four times a week. He ordered the Colombian breakfast one day last week. And his companions  Mexican-Americans Miguel Garcia and Juan Herrera  ordered the Salvadoran and Mexican egg dishes, respectively.

To my knowledge, no other place is doing breakfast like this, Morales said. Thats why I come here.

Anthony Aken was digging into some waffles the other day, but said hes been eyeing the Hispanic dishes and plans to try them soon. I like it here, he said. They have good cooks.Shelter residents get meal help

The Salvation Army in Winston-Salem is again partnering with local restaurants to provide meals to residents of its emergency homeless shelter  the only one of its kind in Forsyth County.

12 Suppers at the Center of Hope is a program in which restaurants each donate a meal for a group of shelter residents. The Salvation Army enlists 12 different restaurants over the course of the year, for a total of 12 suppers.

So far this year, Spring House Restaurant cooked a meal in January and Providence Restaurant and Catering cooked a meal in February.

This is the fourth year for the 12 Suppers of Hope program.

The Salvation Armys Center of Hope provides shelter to mothers, fathers, single women and children as they work toward rebuilding their lives and returning to self-sufficiency.

For more information, visit www.SalvationArmy WS.org.

Any restaurants interested in participating in 12 Suppers at the Center of Hope can contact Bob Campbell at 336-245-2081.

Michael Hastings

Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.But what of Northam donning blackface in 1984? (Not to mention Virginias Democratic attorney general, Mark R. Herring, who recently admitted doing the same in 1980.) I attended college during the 1980s. It was not the 1930s. It is hard to conceive that 20 years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the news had not yet reached Eastern Virginia Medical School. Northam fails by this standard, as well.

Third, we often take the sincerity of an apology into account. In Northams case, a clear apology accompanied by a resignation would have been more credible. Northam first said he was deeply sorry for appearing in a racist yearbook photo but then, a day later, claimed he wasnt actually in it. He then admitted wearing blackface that same year in a dance contest. Such explanational dance is not usually the sign of sincerity.

Fourth, the nature of the offense matters. And on racial prejudice, the issue is sometimes complex. It is impossible to avoid the question: Should he or she have known better? An adult dressing as a Native American chief for Halloween in 2019? Bad judgment that may betray racial bias. An adult putting on blackface in 1984? What in Gods name could such a benighted fool have been thinking? It was and is raw racism and a pernicious form of bullying the vulnerable.But Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., told Fox Newss Bret Baier that she views the Green New Deal as merely aspirational. I see it as a jump-start. So I would vote yes on the resolution , but if it got down to the nitty-gritty of an actual legislation, as opposed to, Oh, heres some goals we have, that would be different for me.

One Democratic senator and potential presidential contender who has not endorsed the measure, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, insists that he, too, supports an aggressive effort to combat climate change. But he is no more explicit about what he would offer as an alternative: Im not going to get in the position of every time somebody has a really good idea or a big idea that I have to talk in great detail about my position on it.

Medicare-for-all gets 81 percent support from Democrats in a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Four senators already running have jumped aboard the Medicare-for-all legislation that Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced in 2017. But most remain leery of committing to details and trade-offs. Among them, only Kamala Harris, D-Calif., favors Sanderss hard-line proposal to get rid of the private insurance system in favor of having all Americans enroll in government-financed health coverage.A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll reports that by a huge 61-to-36 percent margin, voters disapprove of using an emergency declaration to build President Donald Trump's wall, including 63 percent of independents. Furthermore, "60 percent think his decision should be challenged in the courts, including 60 percent of independents. ... 58 percent do not think there is a national emergency at the border." Fifty-seven percent consider this a misuse of presidential power.

However, Trump's base seems to have embraced modern-day Caesarism. If the leader says a wall is needed, it is needed. If the leader says the lawsuits are filed by "open border" radicals (not 16 states), it must be so. And whatever Caesar ... er ... Trump says is legal is legal. Hence, 84 percent of Republicans and 90 percent of Trump supporters agree that there is a national emergency. Meanwhile, 80 percent don't think he is abusing power.

This cultish loyalty to Trump explains the hesitation of Republican lawmakers who are "concerned" or "troubled by the precedent" actually to cast a vote for the resolution to end the emergency declaration. While this vote might be the defining moment for them and the Republican Party - wherein they can declare country and Constitution matter more than loyalty to Trump - don't be surprised if relatively few Republicans cast votes against the president.WASHINGTON - When Frederick Douglass got home on the evening of Feb. 20, 1895, he was energized. A voluble storyteller prone to imitating his characters, the great man walked through the double doors at Cedar Hill, his elegant hilltop home in Washington's Anacostia neighborhood, bristling to talk about what had just happened to him.

The abolitionist titan had spent hours at a woman's suffrage meeting at a downtown hall. Despite decades of antipathy between Douglass and the group's leaders (he had at a critical moment prioritized the vote for African American men over their push to enfranchise white women; they had responded with an openly racist backlash), he was warmly welcomed.

They applauded him, Douglass told his wife after depositing his cane, getting out of his heavy coat and having a quick bite before heading out again. Susan B. Anthony herself had escorted him to the stage and sat beside him. He stayed for hours, immersing himself in their deliberations, kibitzing strategy for yet another freedom movement.

He was thrilled. One week after his 77th birthday (there was uncertainty about his actual age), Douglass was a retired diplomat, an acclaimed author, a revered icon and a wealthy man. Just the day before, his wife told the reporters who would rush to the house that evening, the couple had talked about Douglass's vigor and his plans to remain in public life for years to come. Here he was, flush with a day full of the righteous drive that had made him, as the next day's newspapers would put it, "the Most Eloquent and Distinguished of his Race."

Then, clasping his hands to his chest in a gesture that Helen Pitts Douglass first saw as part of his storytelling stagecraft, he sank to his knees in the front hallway, and then to the floor.

Frederick Douglass was dead.

"It was a shock to everyone, to the world," said David Blight, a Yale historian and author of the 2018 biography "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom."

"What is moving to me is that literally to his dying day, he never stopped fighting for full enfranchisement, for everyone" said Rebecca Traister, who recounted Douglass's last day in her history "Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger."

By the winter of 1895, Douglass was a uniquely American giant. His remarkable personal history and unparalleled record of achievement had long before made him an international celebrity: the Maryland slave who seized his own freedom by escaping, the self-taught child who became a philosopher warrior in the service of liberty for all, President Abraham Lincoln's conscience, and a moral touchstone for the nation.

Douglass rode his talent for soaring oratory to the top ranks of the abolitionist movement and embraced other radical reform campaigns along the way. He was a thundering voice for emancipation through the Civil War and for suffrage and equal treatment after it. By the 1870s, his fame was such that he became the first black American nominated for vice president, albeit without his approval.

His last years were a time of domestic harmony spent with Helen Pitts, his second wife, a white activist who worked in his office when Douglass was Washington's appointed registrar of deeds. Their marriage had shocked the nation - and caused Pitts to be alienated from much of her family - but by most accounts their life was one of love and mutual enjoyment. With his dog Frank, a mastiff, they lived on their 15-acre estate high above the sweep of Washington, writing, receiving admirers, playing croquet with the Howard University students Douglass mentored.

"He was quite a storyteller," said Kamal McClarin, who spends his days at the carefully preserved house as curator of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. In the dining room, McClarin points out the wheels Douglass had installed on his chair to make it easier for him to push away when spinning a yarn. "He was known to be very animated and would get up and mock and mimic the people he was talking about."

It was also a time of rhetorical renewal for the man who had written multiple autobiographies. His later years spent as a political appointee and diplomat had seen an ebbing of his great public activism, Blight said. But toward the end of his life, after a stirring speech at the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, he had returned to the circuit with vigor and a fiery anti-lynching lecture.

"In his 70s, he had found his voice again," Blight said. "He was scheduled to go speak at another church on the day he died."

That day started pleasantly with a morning carriage down from Cedar Hill. The Douglasses traveled together as far as the Library of Congress, where Helen stopped for a day of research of her own. Douglass went on to Metzerott Hall on F Street and a meeting of the National Women's Council.

Newspaper accounts - news of his death filled a third of The Washington Post's front page the next morning - suggested he hadn't been expected at the gathering. Douglass had been a champion for women's suffrage from an early age - he had been the only African American to attend the groundbreaking Seneca Falls Convention for women's rights in 1848 - but had split with the movement in the late 1860s during the fight to give African American men the vote through the 15th Amendment.

Attaching the woman's vote to the measure, as leaders of the suffrage movement wanted, would have sunk the effort, Douglass argued. Many, particularly Elizabeth Cady Stanton, responded with racial attacks on Douglass and the notion that African American men would be enfranchised before women.

Still, Douglass remained an advocate for suffrage and those many years later he was greeted at the convention as an honored elder statesman, given a standing ovation and welcomed to the stage.

"I think he was looking for those moments of reconciliation in his later years," said Blight, who noted that almost all reform movements are riven by fights among the big personalities leading them. "By this time, they had all been through so much it was basically a survivor's club."

He stayed until 5 p.m. and was, attendees reported, engaged and energetic. One participant, though, told reporters he seemed to be incessantly rubbing his arm, as if it were "benumbed."

Yet, according to Helen Pitts Douglass, he was notably eager to recount his day when he returned home that evening. Their servant was out, and the pair stood talking alone at the front of the house.

"We think it was right here," McClarin said, pointing at a spot between the two front parlors, at the foot of the stairs where Douglass is said to have fallen, stricken by undiagnosed heart disease.

Helen, the horror dawning on her, ran to the front door and called out to the carriage that was even then waiting to take Douglass to his next lecture. One of the men went for a doctor. But by the time one arrived with a "restorative injection," a great life was over.

The reporters, who frequently visited Cedar Hill to get Douglass's thoughts on the issues of the day, now came to hear about his end. A sculptor, Ulric Dunbar, arrived to cast a death mask (which is still on display at Cedar Hill). Someone took a deathbed portrait of Douglass, a final shot of the most photographed man of his century.

The obituaries, eulogies and elegies would continue for months, long after Douglass was buried in Rochester, N.Y., fixing in history the legacy of a man who was waging freedom's fight, literally, through his final sunset.

Traister, while careful not to assert that Douglass forgave the "fundamentally racist" insults he had endured from the feminist he had alienated, marveled at the man's commitment to the goals of radical reform, even when it got messy.

"What he understood to the end of his life was the struggle," she said.

Part of a continuing series about events of the past that remain relevant.His proposal would allow the SHP on Jan. 1 to begin paying about 61,000 providers based on a percentage above current Medicare rates, along with an additional and adjustable profit margin. Folwells goal is to have providers sign up for the new reimbursement payment system by June 30.

Some committee members tried to serve as mediators between state Treasurer Dale Folwell and health-care system executives, while others took sides with their questioning.

"We will be looking at all the facts and factors to determine if there might be some compromise to give us a chance to work with both sides with a solution," said Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, who took the mediator approach. Lambeth is former president of N.C. Baptist Hospital.

"But I am not optimistic that the two groups can work out a fair solution, so legislation may be introduced providing some direction," Lambeth said. "The positives were that all agreed there is a problem that needs a solution."

Medicare provides a standard reimbursement measurement that is transparent and adjusts for provider differences, Folwell said. This will treat the plan like a government payer, instead of a commercial payer.Forsyth County prosecutors alleged that on Jan. 23, 2018, Smith kicked and punched his girlfriend, Candice Monique Johnson, in the 200 block of West 23rd Street. Smith was initially convicted of the charge after a bench trial in front of District Judge George Bedsworth in May 2018. Smith and Johnson denied the allegations. Smith and Johnson have since had a child together.

Faustino Rodriguez testified that he lived across the street from the alleged assault and heard a woman cry loudly while he was inside his house getting ready to go to the gym. Rodriguez told Bedsworth that he saw Smith punch Johnson in the stomach and kick her several times while Johnson was on the ground. After he saw Smith hit Johnson a second time, Rodriguez said he called the police.

Rodriguez also testified that he picked up a piece of wood and approached Smith, telling him to stop hitting Johnson. When Winston-Salem police got there, Smith and Johnson appeared to start running away, Rodriguez said in court.

Two officers, J.T. Williams and C.M. Burks, testified that they saw Johnson with blood coming from her mouth. She also had injuries on her neck and chest.

Bedsworth gave Smith a suspended 120-day sentence and placed him on 12 months of supervised probation.E.Y.

Answer: According to Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr., it will cost the county approximately $30,000 to 35,000 per year. That is a total, not a per-prisoner cost.

Q: Why are radio broadcasters increasingly pronouncing the first letter of their call letters (here in the Eastern United States) as dubba-you? We learned in that kindergarten alphabet song that the letter W is pronounced double-U, as it literally looks like a DOUBLE U.

M.W.

Answer: Actually, more often it literally looks like a Double V than a Double U. More on that in a moment.

But first, according to Pronuncian.com, a website devoted to pronunciation in the English language, its acceptable to pronounce the letter W as double-you, dub-uh-you or dub-ya.

Most Americans dont say the L in the pronunciation of W, they write. Its okay to leave out, really!

Also, for many people, the other versions roll off the tongue more easily. We try to say double-you but sometimes our Southern kicks in and we say dubya, said Ken Hauser at WTOB 980 AM/96.3 FM.Local entrepreneur Michael Robinson is winning over soda fans one bottle at a time with his Bingo Bango fruit-based beverages.

Robinson, 31, started Bingo Bango Beverage Co. about a year and a half ago. Partly from working as a bartender for his brother and sister-in law  Chris Megginson and Kelli Roberts  at Carolina Vineyards & Hops, he noticed that a lot of bars and breweries didnt have much in the way of non-alcoholic craft beverages. I remember taking a trip to Asheville and marveling at all the breweries. But there didnt seem to be a craft non-alcoholic option besides kombucha, Robinson said. I saw a niche for an alternative that was natural and local, he said.

He experimented for some time to come up with sodas that satisfied him  he recalls his first batch exploding all over the inside of his refrigerator. My first attempts were terrible, he said with a laugh. For a while, everything in my kitchen was sticky.

Eventually, though he came up with a few flavors he liked. Bingo Bango now makes four regular flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Blueberry Mango, Pineapple Apple and Lemon Peach Pomegranate.The AHP market is a way for small businesses to pool together and purchase plans at a lower cost, said co-sponsor Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth.

This bill would put small businesses on a more level playing field with large companies, making it possible for them to offer more attractive benefits packages to recruit the best and brightest talent.

The AHP has to be offered by a nonprofit with at least 500 members. The nonprofit has to have been in business for at least two years for reasons beyond providing insurance, such as a chamber of commerce or a trade group.

Critics of AHPs say giving small employers access to the flexibility of larger employers could lead to those plans opting out of providing 10 essential health benefits required in the federal marketplace under the Affordable Care Act.

Those benefits are: ambulatory patient services for outpatient services; emergency services; hospitalization; maternity and newborn care; behavioral health services; prescription drugs; rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; laboratory services; preventive and wellness services, and chronic disease management; and pediatric services, including oral and vision care.The company is selling only tobacco, mint and menthol flavors at more than 90,000 convenience stores and vape shops. The four removed flavors remain available at www.juul.com, but with heightened age-restriction policies and age-21 verification.

The four flavors will return to locations that can meet the potential stricter policies on retail purchases.

Juuls e-cig dominance attracted a $12.8 billion investment from Altria Group Inc. on Dec. 23 for a 35 percent ownership stake.

A major component of the investment is Altria marketing Juul products through cigarette pack inserts and mailings to adult smokers via Altria companies databases. Juul also will gain access to Altrias sales support in 230,000 retail locations.

Those elements have Wells Fargo Securities analyst Bonnie Herzog saying the Juul market share drop is likely temporary.

We expect the market share to continue to moderate as Juul moves more of its sales online, Herzog said. But we dont expect the FDAs crackdown on Juul/e-cigs to dislodge the brand from its overall leadership position.

Herzog had projected $7 billion in e-cig sales in 2018. Her 2019 projection is $9 billion in sales.A new study has found that the states debt for teacher pensions is five times more than it was in 2000, and some educators who are contributiJoplin, MO (64801)

Today

Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near an inch.Register with JOC.com and receive 5 free pieces of content for the first thirty days. After thirty days, you will receive 3 pieces of content and after sixty days you will receive 1 piece of content. To receive full access, Subscribe Today . You can also subscribe to our daily newsletter.

RegisterPort of Guangzhou commands the number 5th Slot on the Top Global Ports with a 2018 record-breaking performance of 21.92 Million Teus, up 7.6% vs 2017. Port of Nansha, the only Deep-Water Port of the Guangzhou Port, contributed more than 70% of the total volume in Port of Guangzhou.

Port of Guangzhou business has grown consistently across all their ports especially their Deep-Water Port, Nansha. Moving up two slots in the Global Port Rankings reinforces their value proposition with room to expand further.

Propelling two slots in the global rankings to number 5 is a great accomplishment, noted Nansha Song, Vice General Manager. Our team has been very focused on the commercial side of the business engaging new customers and delivering results.

With new initiatives underway, such as On Dock Rail access, state of the art Cold Storage Facility, completing their 4th Terminal, and expanding global offices, Guangzhou Port (Nansha) is well positioned to move further. Additionally, expensive cross boarder truck moves, and heavy congestion has enabled Nansha to capitalize on the trend of manufacturing moving and shipping from the Western Side of the Pearl River Delta.

We truly appreciate the new support from many BCOs, 3pls, NVOs, and Shippers Associations...said John Painter, Pres/CEO of Guangzhou (Nansha) Port America...with over 60 Worldwide Services, yet only

3 North America Services to the West Coast we see the carrier community becoming more active in studying their options for additional calls and a much needed East Coast call based upon our growing volumes to North America.

About GuangzhouPort Group (Nansha):

Guangzhou Port Group Co., Ltd. established on Feb. 26, 2004, is a wholly state-owned company. Approved by Guangzhou Municipal Government, it was reformed from the former Guangzhou Harbor Bureau in accordance with relevant Chinese laws on modern enterprise mechanism.

Guangzhou Port Group Co., Ltd. covers business as: loading & discharging, storing, bonded warehousing for cargoes as containers, oil, coal, grain, chemical fertilizer, steel, ore, automobiles etc.; agencies for ships & cargoes from home and abroad, as well as for transshipment & passenger transportation; tuggage for domestic and foreign ships; waterway cargoes &passengers transportation; logistics services; and other relevant port business.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact John Painter at Guangzhou Port America 201-264-2775 or email at john.painter@portofnansha.comPage Content

The City of Johannesburg Metro Police Departments Bylaw Management Unit, which was established to combat illegal dumping, has arrested nine illegal dumpers who were caught in the act a week after coming into existence.





As part of the City of Johannesburgs plan to combat illegal dumping, the JMPD has increased resources and intensified deployment. A rapid response team of metro police officers in unmarked patrol vehicles have been deployed to monitor and clamp down on illegal dumpers.





Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety Cllr Michael Sun said: Illegal dumping is getting out of hand in the City. Many of the unscrupulous operators are collecting building rubble, industrial waste, plastic and other refuse to dump for a fee and the residents are suffering the pollution of illegal dumping.





We had to come up with an effective way to catch the illegal dumpers so we can maximise the deterrence to this kind of illegal behaviour. When illegal dumpers are caught or traced, a fine is issued and if the vehicle used in the illegal dumping is unroadworthy or unsafe, the vehicle will be impounded by the JMPD.





Residents are encouraged to use the Anti-illegal Dumping Hotline to report illegal dumpers. Residents are advised to take clear photos of the illegal dumping as well as the number plate of the vehicle then send these pictures together with the date, time and location of the illegal dumping to 082 779 1361.



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.Letters to the editor should be limited to 400 words, be signed and include a town of residence and a telephone number for verification. Letters are due by 5 p.m. Monday. No thank yous or political endorsement letters. Guest Shot columns are limited to 800 words. Email editor@jhnewsandguide.com.Cody Cottier covers town and state government. He grew up with a view of the Olympic Mountains, and after graduating Washington State University he traded it for a view of the Tetons. Odds are the mountains are where youll find him when not on deadline.Allie Gross covers Teton County government. Originally from the Chicago area, she joined the News&Guide in 2017 after studying politics and Spanish at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.Timeline

July 2017: Jackson Hole Classical Academy holds a pre-application conference with Teton County planning staff to discuss permanently conserving acreage elsewhere in the county to import density to South Park for a new school. The ratio of conserved to developed acres to allow use of this development tool is 90:10.

September 2017: The Teton County Planning Department proposes a land development regulation amendment to clarify whether that development tool can be utilized on noncontiguous parcels, or whether conserved acres can only grant bonus density when parcels are connected.

November 2017: Teton County Commissioners approve a new regulation clarifying that the development tool can indeed be used on noncontiguous parcels, allowing for permanently conserved acres in one area of the county to be utilized to access bonus square footage elsewhere in the county.

June 2018: The Academy files applications to amend Teton County regulations to allow for extended hours of operation (opening before 9 a.m.) and bigger buildings (a new maximum of 30,000 square feet for a gym and an auditorium) in rural zones, in order to pave the way for an application for a school.

April 2018: Jackson Hole Classical Academy hosts a public open house detailing its plans for a school site in South Park utilizing the density transfer tool.

June 2018: At the urging of the Classical Academy and other private school supporters, the town and county exempt private schools from new requirements that hike how much developers must pay for affordable housing.

September 2018: Teton County planners issue recommendations to deny the Academy's proposed new regulations regarding hours of operation and building size, saying the proposals don't adhere to comprehensive plan goals of creating predictability for what neighbors can expect in certain areas of the county.

October 2, 2018: South Park neighbors file an appeal of an environmental study conducted by the Classical Academy to assess natural resources and impacts of development at the proposed school site. The appeal places an automatic freeze on the Academy's plan to build a new school.

December 18, 2018: Following a daylong meeting and hours of public comments, Teton County commissioners approve the Academy's proposal to allow schools in rural zones to operate starting at 7 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.

December 20, 2018: County commissioners vote to dismiss South Park neighbors' appeal of the Academy's environmental study, lifting the freeze on the effort to build a new school.

December 28, 2018: Wyoming Senators introduce Senate File 49, a bill seeking to remove counties' zoning authority over private schools.

January 3, 2019: County commissioners vote 4-1 to deny the Academy's proposal to expand maximum building size in rural zones from 10,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet to accomodate a school gym and auditorium.

January 10, 2019: The Classical Academy hosts a legislative dinner in Cheyenne that features performances from students and encourages support for private schools.

January 15, 2019: Teton County commissioners vote to send a letter to Wyoming Legislators opposing Senate File 49 on the grounds that it seeks to preempt local zoning control.

January 23, 2019: Wyoming Senate passes Senate File 49 in a 23-6 vote.

February 12, 2019: The Wyoming House's Corporations committee approves Senate File 49 in a 6-3 vote.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.Jacksonville, TX (75766)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 74F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.Despite the US campaign against it and a subsequent big drop in North American business, Russian security firm Kaspersky Lab says it has increased its global revenue for calendar 2018 to US$726 million, a 4% year-on-year increase.

In a statement, the company characterised the year as one of "evolving market conditions and continuous geopolitical pressure", but said it had managed to grow because of "the trust customers and partners place in the company and its leading cyber security solutions and services".

In North America, its sales fell by 25%, but its market presence increased by 8% through sale of digital licences.

The US Government banned the use of Kaspersky's wares in the public sector in 2017 and appeals by the company against it were unsuccessful.

Business areas that drove growth in 2018 were the digital and enterprise segments. Digital sales were up by 4%, while the enterprise segment saw growth of 16%, In non-endpoint products and services there was 55% growth.

During the year, the company began the relocation of its IT infrastructure to Switzerland and opened its first Transparency Centre in Zurich.

Globally, the companys performance was driven by good results, especially in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (up 27%), as well as in Russia, Central Asia and the CIS (which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), APAC and Europe (all up 6%).

There was a slowdown in Latin America (down 11%), mainly caused by currency devaluation in the region. In Australia and Oceania the company demonstrated a growth of 11% year-on-year focused on net sales bookings.

Kaspersky Lab chief executive Eugene Kaspersky said: [The year] 2018 was a crucial year for us. After all the challenges and unsubstantiated allegations we faced in 2017, we had a responsibility to show that the company and our people deserve the trust of our partners and customers, and in turn, to continue to clearly demonstrate and prove our leadership.

"Our continued positive financial results are proof of this, demonstrating that users prefer the best products and services on the market and support our principle of protecting against any cyber threats regardless of their origin.The UK is able to manage any potential security risks posed by using equipment from Chinese telecommunications vendor Huawei, the chief of the country's National Cyber Security Centre has told a conference in Brussels, adding that there has been no indication of any suspicious activity by the company.

Ciaran Martin, the chief executive of the NCSC, told the meeting that Huawei's presence in British networks was subject to rigorous, formal oversight led by his organisation.

"Because of our 15 years of dealings with the company and 10 years of a formally agreed mitigation strategy which involves detailed provision of information, we have a wealth of understanding of the company," Martin said.

"We also have strict controls for how Huawei is deployed. It is not in any sensitive networks  including those of the government. Its kit is part of a balanced supply chain with other suppliers. Our regime is arguably the toughest and most rigorous oversight regime in the world for Huawei."

Martin's comments appear to confirmin the Financial Times that the NCSC had concluded any risk posed by Huawei to British networks could be managed.

The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is conducting a review of the country's telecommunications infrastructure.

Asked about this, a DCMS spokesperson told iTWire: "The security and resilience of UK's telecoms networks is of paramount importance.

"As part of our plans to provide world class digital connectivity through full-fibre connectivity and 5G mobile coverage, we are conducting a review of the supply chain to ensure a healthy, diverse and secure supply base, now and into the future."

iTWire understands that the review, which is expected to submit its report during the Western spring, is not a binary review about the country from which telecommunications equipment is sourced.

Martin said the NCSC had identified issues with Huawei's engineering and security processes last year.

"Last July, our annual Oversight Board downgraded the assurance we could provide to the UK government on mitigating the risks associated with Huawei because of serious problems with their security and engineering processes," he said.

"As we said then, and repeat today, these problems are about standard of cyber security; they are not indicators of hostile activity by China. The company has accepted these findings and pledged to address them, acknowledging that this will be a process of some years.

"We will monitor and report on progress and we will not declare the problems are on the path to being solved unless and until there is clear evidence that this is the case. We will not compromise on the improvements we need to see from Huawei."

As iTWire reported on Wednesday, Germany has indicated it may snub the US and allow Huawei to play a role in 5G networks in the country.

The US has been campaigning for nearly two years to get countries it considers allies not to use Huawei gear in their 5G rollouts. Australia and New Zealand have fallen in line, but Wellington has now indicated that the initial refusal for telco Spark to use Huawei gear is not the end of the matter.A senior associate fellow of the world's and the UK's oldest defence and security think-tank has said that, in his opinion the UK should ban Chinese telecommunications equipment vendor Huawei Technologies from participation in the country's 5G networks or risk being cut of intelligence-sharing by other Five Eyes countries.

In an occasional paper which was described as not being an academic research document, Charles Parton of the Royal United Services Institute, said given that the US, Australia and New Zealand had acted against Huawei, "worries about the security of UK networks following their exposure to Huawei may make the Five Eyes partners, and perhaps others such as France, Germany or Japan, less inclined to co-operate with the UK in the future".

His remarks come in the wake of a report in the Financial Times that the UK's National Cyber Security Centre had concluded that any risk posed by Huawei to British networks could be managed.

Parton wrote: "The maintenance of a Five Eyes standard of cyber security in telecommunications is a vital strategic and security interest, the loss of which would go far beyond a reduction in intelligence reports exchanged and might lead the UK being excluded from work on developing future technologies for intelligence collection."

According to its website, the RUSI isby "membership subscriptions, the sale of its various outputs and from research contracts, donations, and from events funded by a wide range of sources, private and governmental, UK-based and international".

Among its members are leading multinational defence companies, defence-related organisations, and government organisations.

In the paper, titled China-UK relations: where to draw the border between influence and interference, Parton cited a 2013 report from the Intelligence and Security Committee, which he said was scathing about Huawei's participation in current telecommunications.

"Among other criticisms, it pointed out that GCHQ could not be confident in finding insertions embedded in software containing over a million lines of code (or more, given frequent software updates), which would enable covert downloading of information," Parton said.

Huawei has already said that it is addressing these issues and the president of its Carrier Business Group, Ryan Ding, wrote to Norman Lamb, the chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, recently saying it would take between three and five years to fix these security concerns.

Parton said the UK should keep Chinese companies out of those parts of its critical national infrastructure "which would potentially give them access to data which might compromise national security, and from areas to which foreign companies are excluded in China, in particular, the telecommunications and power grid sectors".

He added that the UK should "maintain the same stance as the UKs Five Eyes intelligence allies, particularly over 5G".

iTWire has contacted Huawei for comment.More than 2.5 million Australians have opted against having a record in the My Health Record digital system, the Australian Digital Health System says in figures released on Wednesday.

The ADHA said in a statement that, based on the number eligible for Medicare  25,459,544  about 90.1% had opted to have records in the system which has been dogged by controversy. This means 2,520,494 people have opted out.

The ADHA said even though the opt-out deadline for the system had passed on 31 January, people could still cancel and have their records permanently deleted in the future if they decided to do so.

Similarly, individuals who had opted out already could decide to have records created, it said.

Commenting on the statistics released by ADHA, security firm WatchGuard Technologies ANZ country manager Mark Sinclair said: Healthcare is an attractive target for cyber criminals as we saw in Singapore last year when the personal data of 1.5 million healthcare patients was compromised.

"However, opting out of the My Health Record has been a personal decision and presented a great opportunity to remind Australians that good security is often way more about sustained behaviours rather than any one decision.

"Its about patching regularly, not sending payments based only on texts or emails, performing backup, using password managers, using free two-factor authentication whenever available and investing in security hardware or software, no matter what platform you use.

"One would hope that Federal government agencies have security policies in place, but My Health Record is now a timely reminder to us all to think about the security of our own individual digital identity.

The My Health Record system has been described as a disaster waiting to happen by a number of security experts.

Santosh Devraj, the chief executive of Secure Logic, a provider of cyber security services to the government, told iTWire last year that there were serious concerns about the security and privacy principles which the platform relied upon, as hundreds of thousands of medical practitioners would have access to the data.

And this would be with "limited access controls, including underage patients. This creates potential entry points for hackers which are subject to little-to-no security oversight", he said.

And earlier in 2018, Paul Shetler, a former head of the Digital Transformation Agency, said the My Health Record system could well end up as one of the many Australian Government tech wrecks.

He said the UK Government had built a similar system called care.data and it had failed.

"When it was introduced, it was introduced as an opt-out system. People there didn't particularly like it, they had concerns about the privacy of their data and ultimately it had to be stopped. And the government did stop it, it's not in production," he said.

The ADHA statement said: "There are strict rules and regulations about who can see and use your My Health Record to protect your information from misuse.

"My Health Record has multi-layered and strong safeguards in place to protect your information including encryption, firewalls, secure login, authentication mechanisms and audit logging."Soapbox.ai's founders are industry veterans, with particular experience in ITSM, chief executive Dion Williams told iTWire, and they were the team that introduced ServiceNow to Australia in 2007.

More recently, they realised that ITSM still largely depends on people doing repetitive tasks, so they sought to apply technology that could observe how experts work and then use that to augment less able individuals. This idea became Soapbox.ai.

The company has just launched a new version of the Soapbox platform with out-the-box support for both IT service desk and HR request management.

Vice-president of product marketing Paul Heath explained that traditional systems for handling IT and HR requests have only been scalable by adding more people, and the quality of service delivered in any instance depended on the individual handling the case.

Furthermore, there tends to be a high turnover rate in support centres because workers get tired of handling mostly routine requests with just a few more challenging issues. But churning through staff means experience is lost, and it takes time and money to get new hires up to speed.

But Soapbox can "level the playing field" by automating the most common requests and helping support staff by presenting them with the most likely resolutions for the issues that they do handle.

It combines a system of record (in IT terms, for configuration management, request management, incident management, etc; case management for HR; plus the ability to support other areas such as facilities management with drag-and-drop ease), a system of intelligence (which learns from interactions to determine how to route a request and what the likely responses), and a system of engagement (providing access to the information and knowledge via various channels such as email, Slack or Teams).



A key feature is intelligent search, using natural language rather than merely keywords, said Heath. It understands intent and context to identify the most relevant knowledge whether it is stored within Soapbox or in an external system such as SharePoint.

Soapbox's virtual agent Sofi (it can be renamed) can be made available via multiple channels, primarily to provide self-service for high volume requests. Heath stressed that Sophie is more than a simple chatbot, because it is able to search for relevant information if it doesn't already know the answer to a question, and it can follow processes to gather information from the caller and then hand over to an appropriate human.

Sophie can also trigger predefined actions, such as resetting passwords.

The Soapbox platform observes and learns from how agents use the system, he explained. It tracks the interactions between agents and customers, learning from the actions that are taken and the order they are applied. If a new issue arises, Soapbox initially sits in the background, watching what the agent does. From the fourth occurrence, it starts suggesting actions that have previously been successful.

Thus "agents are driving the improvement of the system," said Heath.

One downside is that if inexperienced agents keep picking a suggestion that in fact is not the best of the options presented, that recommendation will be reinforced. While this is offset by the system favouring the measure taken immediately before the issue is closed, there is still a need to apply people and process, for example by having experienced staff review Soapbox's recommendations.

The company says its research has found that intelligent process augmentation and automation can improve service desk productivity by 43%, increase first call resolution by 26% and reduce operating costs by 31%.

"Weve developed Soapbox targeting any employee that provides a support function to the business," said Heath.

"They typically still use email to manage internal work requests like HR and facilities or have implemented products from Zendesk, Freshservice, Ivanti, ServiceNow and BMC. Other organisations may also have business processes they wish to digitise as part of their digital transformation program but are unable to leverage existing tools and platforms due to cost."

A key part of Soapbox.ai's strategy is to support integration with these other products so that the Soapbox platform can augment them with its intelligence, he told iTWire. Customers may subsequently choose to migrate completely to the Soapbox platform.

The company currently provides out-of-the-box integration with ServiceNow, but customers can do their own integration with other systems. Additional prebuilt integrations may appear in future releases.

Melbourne-based Soapbox.ai is pursuing overseas markets though its sales office in Ireland. The Soapbox platform runs on AWS, so the company has the option of using data centres in the EU and the US, among other locations.

"The market reaction so far has been very positive," said Williams, adding that "AWS provides the scale to drive an international business fairly easily."

The Soapbox platform is aimed at medium to large organisations  those with at least 15 IT staff are usually big enough to need a support desk  but not large enterprises, Williams told iTWire. That equates to between 750 and 1000 employees, he suggested."Mr. Gauthier stole Matthew Murphy's life, and shifted the blame away from himself and onto the drugs he ingested," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. "The blame for Matthew's death lies solely with the man who picked up a pipe and smoked crack cocaine just moments before striking him with a 5,000 pound vehicle. Anyone who believes it is all right to use drugs while driving endangers us all.Ithaca, NY (14850)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. Low near 70F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.Huntsville, TX (77320)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low around 75F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.Each year, Sarahs House hold its annual fundraiser, a major tool in providing the means necessary for day-to-day operations of the facility. The ever-popular Shrimp and Bull Roast is held each spring at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Odenton. This years event takes place at St. Josephs on April 6 from 6  10 p.m. With 143 people attending last years Shrimp and Bull Roast, organizers would like to see that number increase to 175-200 attendees this year.World U.S. Wants Pledge For Stable Chinese Yuan as Talks Resume: Report

A China yuan note is seen in this illustration photo on May 31, 2017. / Reuters

WASHINGTON  The United States is seeking to secure a pledge from China it will not devalue its yuan as part of an agreement intended to end the countries trade war, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

Officials from the two countries, which resumed talks on Tuesday in Washington, are discussing how to address currency policy in a memorandum of understanding that would form the basis of a U.S.-China trade deal, the news agency reported, citing unnamed people involved in and briefed on the discussions.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had told Reuters last October that currency issues must be part of U.S.-China trade negotiations and that Chinese officials told him that further depreciation of the yuan was not in their interests.

The Bloomberg report said the U.S. request for a pledge to keep the yuans value stable was aimed at neutralizing any effort by Beijing to devalue its currency to counter American tariffs.

Spokesmen for the U.S. Trade Representatives office, which is leading the talks, and the U.S. Treasury, which leads currency policy, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Two days of negotiations between deputy-level officials began on Tuesday, led by Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish on the U.S. side. Higher-level talks involving Mnuchin and led by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, are expected to begin on Thursday.

The talks follow a round of negotiations that ended in Beijing last week without a deal but which officials said had generated progress on contentious issues between the worlds two largest economies.

The talks are aimed at achieving needed structural changes in China that affect trade between the United States and China. The two sides will also discuss Chinas pledge to purchase a substantial amount of goods and services from the United States, the White House said in a statement issued late on Monday.

U.S. tariffs on $200 billion in imports from China are set to rise to 25 percent from 10 percent if no deal is reached by March 1.News Military Warns of 'Battleground' if Constitutional Amendments Mishandled

Brig. Gen. Maung Maung speaks to reporters in Naypyitaw on Tuesday. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYITAW  Brig. Gen. Maung Maung on Wednesday warned of national instability if any one political party amends the Constitution with only its goals in mind.

Because our country is in a strategic position, it could become a battleground if a wrong position is taken. It is necessary to be aware of this, he told reporters in Naypyitaw.

The general, who leads the military-appointed lawmakers in the Union Parliament, said the Constitution should be amended in line with the law and accused the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) of using its parliamentary majority in a high-handed manner.

Speaking to Parliament on Tuesday, Lower House Deputy Speaker U Tun Tun Hein sought to allay fears that minority parties would be ignored.

We wont try to amend the Constitution through shortcuts. Rather than doing it with one party alone, we will try to cooperate [with others] to bring about amendments that reflect the real wishes of the people, he said.

Parliament approved the formation of a committee to draft amendments to the Constitution on Tuesday, defeating opposition from lawmakers with the military and the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).

Of the 593 lawmakers present for the ballot, 389 voted in favor, 192 voted against and three abstentions.

The approved plan is for a 45-member body with representatives from 14 parties: 18 from the NLD, eight from the military, two from the USDP, two from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), two from the Arakan National Party (ANP), one each from the other political parties, one independent, and the Parliament speaker and deputy speaker.

The distribution is in rough proportion to the number of seats the parties control in Parliament, though the smallest parties are overrepresented at the expense of the military and NLD.

The committee will submit a report on the proposed amendments as soon as possible. Then the Union Parliament will hold a debate on it, and there will be a result. This will be the basic points of the draft law to amend the Constitution, said lawmaker U Myat Nyana Soe, the committees secretary.

Then the committee will draft the law to amend the Constitution. Its term will be over then, he added.

U Tun Tun Hein said any disagreements with the draft will be submitted to Parliament along with the draft for debate.

The NLD says the procedure is in line with Chapter 12 of the Constitution.

USDP lawmaker U Thaung Aye, however, said the NLD was breaking with the law and accused the party of acting arrogantly.

The USDP has submitted its own bill to amend the Constitution, which proposes changing just one provision in Article 261. If approved, it would allow regional parliaments to elect their own chief ministers, who are currently appointed by the president.

Like many critics of the military-drafted Constitution, lawyer U Thein Than Oo said the charter needed a far more extensive overhaul, singling out Article 6 (f), which allows the defense services a leadership role in national politics.

He also noted that it was drafted while State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was under house arrest and many dissidents were behind bars.

There are 15 chapters with 457 provisions. It took 15 years [to draft], about 12 days per provision. It was drafted cunningly and does not represent the public interest. It just gives all the power and privilege to the military, U Thein Than Oo said.

Political analyst U Yan Myo Thein said the countrys civilian and military leaders should hold talks to address the Constitutions undemocratic provisions.

Unless and until an agreement is reached between the leaders, Myanmars democratic transition will not be on the right track, he said.

The parties given seats on the new committee are the NLD, USDP, SNLD, ANP, Wa Democratic Party, Zomi Congress for Democracy, Pa-O National Organization, Palang National Party, Kokang Democracy and Unity Party, United National Democracy Party, Mon National Party, National Unity Party, Kachin State Democracy Party, and Lisu National Development Party.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.Burma World Kachin Congress Awards Jailed Peace Activists

Anti-war activists speak to the press in Myitkyina, Kachin State, on April 30. / Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  The World Kachin Congress has given its first Kachin human rights awards to three Kachin community leaders serving six-month jail sentences over an anti-war protest.

They were sued for defamation in May by the Myanmar military after leading a sit-in protest against armed fighting in Kachin State.

Clashes had broken out between the military and the Kachin Independence Army in Kachin State the month before, displacing more than 6,000 people in Tanai, Injangyang, Mogaung and Hpakant townships. Thousands of them became trapped between the two sides and about 3,000 Kachin youth staged a sit-in near the state government office from April 30 to May 6 to call for a ceasefire.

The military accused three of the leaders  Zau Jat of the Kachin National Social Development Association, Htoi Gender and Development Foundation Director Nang Pu, and lawyer Lum Zawng  of using defamatory terms against the Tatmadaw during the protest.

In December, a court sentenced them to six months in jail and fines of 500,000 kyats ($328).

This [award ceremony] reflects the unity of the Kachin across the world and especially shows the support of Kachin people outside the country, said awards committee member U Steven Naw Awng.

Relatives of the three winners received the awards on their behalf in a ceremony at the Manau Grounds in the Kachin State capital, Myitkyina, on Wednesday morning. They each received a medal and 4 million kyats ($2,621).

U Steven Naw Awng said the award is intended to inspire Kachin youth to take an active part in promoting justice and human rights, and reflects the fact that Kachin across the world are working together for democracy in Myanmar.

Anyone who strongly supports justice and human rights deserves this prize, said Sut Seng Htoi, another member of the awards committee.

U Steven Naw Awng said one of the winners, Nang Pu, had been suffering from diabetes and tuberculosis before her arrest and was in poor health in prison.

They have suffered from cold weather, and after winter there are many mosquitoes. Because they are not allowed to use mosquito nets, we are concerned that they might catch malaria, he added.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners has labeled the three of them political prisoners.

Some of those who joined Aprils sit-in held placards reading Stop dropping bombs targeting civilians and Stop torture and killing of civilians. At a press conference, the three convicted leaders accused the military of preventing the trapped people from escaping, prompting the lawsuit.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.Burma Without Public Support, Military Risks Losing Five Townships to AA

AA cadets receive their military rankings during their passing out ceremony. / AA Info Desk

YANGON  Maj. Thet Oo Maung, a military representative in the Rakhine state parliament, has accused the Arakan Army (AA) of planning to take over five townships in northern Rakhine State by 2020, drawing on his analysis of the AAs recent series of offensives against the Myanmar military in the region.

The military major submitted a proposal to the Rakhine parliament on Wednesday in which he urged the Arakanese public to support the militarys operations in the region, saying the military always protects the lives of the public, and protects race and religion in Rakhine State and always protects the Arakanese from the danger of Muslim attacks.

They plan to stage a coup in Paletwa, Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U by 2020 as part of their mission called the 2020 Arakan Dream, Maj. Thet Oo Maung said during the parliament session.

He also accused the AA and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) of coordinating on operations in the Mayu region, referring to Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. AA leaders have rebutted similar accusations from the military several times.

AA spokesperson U Khine Thukha called the military MPs proposal in the Rakhine parliament ridiculous. He suggested that the military hold a referendum within Rakhine State to find out whether the Arakanese public stands on the AAs side or with the military, instead of trying to use parliamentary channels to sway the Arakanese public.

If they are ready to leave Rakhine, just go ahead with a referendum. Then we will see a clear outcome, said U Khine Thukha.

He pointed out that the military MPs proposal was unprecedented. He said that asking for public support through parliamentary channels means acknowledging the military great losses in the ongoing battles in northern Rakhine and is solid evidence of the lack of support the public holds for it.

Maj. Thet Oo Maungs proposal comes soon after a number of military soldiers were killed by the AA in three locations near the popular tourist destination of Mrauk-U on Tuesday. He also reiterated the accusations of his military superiors about the AAs collaborations with ARSA in recent attacks on the military.

The military-appointed MPs motion was voted down in the Arakan National Party (ANP)-dominant parliament. This is the second attempt to dissuade public support for the AA after the President Offices Spokesperson U Zaw Htay warned the Arakanese public against supporting the AA.

U Phoe San, an MP from the ANP, said in parliament that peace-related proposals shouldnt be brought up at regional level, saying they are mostly handled at Union level and thus the proposal would be ignored.

Since Tuesday morning, a number of clashes have erupted in three locations near the Sittwe-Yangon highway in Mrauk-U Township. Both the AA and the Office of the Commander-in-Chief confirmed Tuesdays battles via their respective announcement channels.

The military has claimed to have the bodies of nine AA rebel group members as well as a rocket propel grenade (RPG) as a result of clashes near Mrauk-U Townships Paung Tok Village. It did not mention its own causalities.

AA spokesperson U Khine Thukha acknowledged that at least three AA fighters were killed by military troops in the Mrauk-U clashes in which, he claimed, the AA column was ambushed by military troops near Yan Aung Pyin Village and that they lost one RPG. He said the Office of the Commander-in-Chiefs casualty figures were exaggerated.

U Khine Thukha explained that skirmishes had taken place near Kyauk Kyat, Zaydi Taung and Yan Aung Pyin villages. He said that the AA clashed with about 200 military troops under the 22nd Division in the morning and more fighting broke out near Ma Kyar Se Village in the afternoon and was ongoing as of Wednesday morning.

The AA spokesperson claimed that the AA shot down a military truck carrying about 20 soldiers near Kyauk Kya Village in Mrauk-U Township. The vehicle was completely blown out by the RPG attack, he said. At Ma Kyar Se and in Kyauk Kyat villages, the AA claims to have killed at least 10 military soldiers.

U Khine Thukha said that at least 30 government soldiers were killed during the clashes and that Mrauk-U locals had video evidence of blood stains on the Sittwe-Yangon highway where the remains of some government troops are still at the scene. He was referring to graphic footage which went viral on Facebook on Wednesday accompanied by a caption stating the remains included the ribs of some military soldiers. Locals at the scene verified to The Irrawaddy the authenticity of the video.

U Khine Thukha said AA fighters confiscated a large number of 60 mm mortar shells, some RPGs and machine guns belonging to the military column. According to him, fighting was ongoing at Ma Kyar Se village in Mrauk-U and Rathedaung Townships Myin Hpu Village as well as in upper Paletwa Township, Chin State as of Wednesday.

One government school teacher in Rathedaung Townships Myin Hpu Village announced on his Facebook page that military soldiers came into his school while the students were sitting their final exams on Wednesday.

He wrote, Everyone in the school had to lay down on the floor.

Under his post, a number of his colleagues wrote comments saying their mobile phones were seized by the military column and that they were out of signal as of this afternoon. Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief said that as of Wednesday evening he hadnt received updated information from the battlefield in Rakhine State. On Wednesday the military deployed at least four helicopters for attacks on the AA in Mrauk-U and Rathedaung townships.Burma Naga Rebel Group Warns of 'Problems' if Military Keeps Up Pressure

An NSCN-K soldier near the Myanmar-India border. / Reuters

Mon State  The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) says the Myanmar military has continued pressuring it not to provide any shelter or support for ethnic Kathe rebels from India it says have crossed the border into western Sagaing Region.

They kept pressuring us to stay away from the Kathe. They even told us that they will continue to search for Kathe in our area, U Kyaw Wan Sein, a member of the NSCN-Ks central executive committee, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday.

The NSCN-K has asked the military to stop the searches in areas the NSCN-K controls in order to preserve the peace.

We asked them to stop the military operations they launched in our areas and to withdraw. But they have not stop, U Kyaw Wan Sein said, warning that continued pressure could lead to fighting.

We are human. We do not know when we will not be able to control our minds. Our region will have problems if they do not stop their military operations in our area, he said.

State media on Tuesday reported that the military arrested four insurgents during operations in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Sagaing Region between Feb. 8 and 19, captured a camp and recovered 53 weapons and ammunition.

The military seized the NSCN-Ks headquarters inside the zone on Jan. 29 after receiving information that Kathe rebels were staying in the area.

State media said the military has since arrested six NSCN-K members and six other insurgents in all and seized 79 weapons.

U Kyaw Wan Sein said the NSCN-K has asked the government and military to return its headquarters.

The NSCN-K signed a region-level truce with the government in April 2012. The government has urged the group to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement as well. But the NSCN-K says it will only do so if it can negotiate a peace deal that covers all members of the Naga community in both western Myanmar and eastern India.Burma Mongla Official Denies Chinese Firm Permitted to Set Up Autonomous Digital Economic Zone

A nighttime street scene in Mongla, eastern Shan State, near the Chinese border / The Irrawaddy

YANGONThe general secretary of the rebel-controlled Mongla Special Administrative Region on the Chinese border has denied any knowledge of a Chinese companys plan to establish an independent political entity within its borders based on an e-citizenship system open to all with a digital economy supported by a cryptocurrency.

In a program titled Inside the Crypto Kingdom, Channel News Asia reported last week that Chinese company Shanghai Shellpay Internet Technology plans to construct the Yongbang Blockchain Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Shan States Mongla Special Administrative Region 4. In the video, Shanghai Shellpay Internet Technology CEO Zhang Hong said the SEZ will be an experimental digital economy exercising a high degree of autonomy, and vested with independent executive, legislative and judicial power. The zone would use an e-citizen system and a cryptocurrency, the Yongbang coin, Zhang said.

But U Kyi Myint, the general secretary of Mongla Special Administrative Region 4, told The Irrawaddy, Its impossible. We dont know what theyre talking about.

He added, According to the video, it would be such a huge project. If they launched such a project, we would definitely know. We dont know anything about it. It doesnt make sense.

Mongla is run by the former rebel army known as the National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA). The group was formed in 1989 after separating from the former Communist Party of Burma (CPB). The NDAA signed a ceasefire agreement in 1989, and eventually signed a Union-level ceasefire agreement with then-President Thein Seins administration in December 2011.

According to the CNA video, Zhang is also the director of the SEZs Digital Economy Bureau. She is seen telling an audience at a conference in Shanghai that, Today, Yongbang State is going to announce [its launch]. They are going to start a jurisdiction for a digital economy.

She said the SEZ would cover 220 square kilometers. The first step would be to launch the e-citizen program, which she said would be open to citizens of any country.

What we are trying to create is a government in Yongbang, a government without civil servants, she told the audience.

They [residents of the project area] are so poor because the [Myanmar] government did not give them ID cards. They are landlocked; they cant go anywhere because they dont have passports. We can issue everybody a digital ID, she said.

The Myanmar and Chinese governments have agreed to implement the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) as part of Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). According to Shellpay Internet Technologys website, the Shan State government has agreed to get involved with the SEZ as part of the BRI. It claims the SEZ would be established on the basis of constant strengthening of political mutual trust and bilateral relations between China and Myanmar and the continued advancement of the BRI.

Shan State Minister for Planning and Economy U Soe Nyunt Lwin told The Irrawaddy, The Shan State government has no knowledge of this project. We, the state government, did not make any agreement with them.

The Minister pointed out that Mongla is a Special Administrative Region of Shan State. All BRI projects, however, must be proposed at the Union level, pending scrutiny by the BRI Steering Committee, which will make the final decision on whether the project is suitable and will benefit the public.

Under the CMEC agreement, we have only agreed to construct border economic cooperation zones in Shan and Kachin. We have never heard of Yongbang SEZ, he said.

According to the companys website, Yongbang citizens will have the right to do business by issuing their own tokens using decentralized ledger technology. Citizens will be able to use one Yongbang coin to issue 100,000 of their own coins. Citizens can receive Yongbang coins through Apples AirDrop, or buy them from an exchange. The Yongbang authority will never charge tax, and business registration is replaced by tokenization of the Yongbang economy, according to the site, which adds that participation in the economy will be open to anyone in the world.

In the video, Zhang tells the audience, Well issue a currency called the Yongbang coin. This is a social experiment. In Yongbang, we will build a government for a digital economy. If you live in a society where all the laws, procedures and structures are already in place, its difficult for you to change the world.

According to the website, Shellpay previously helped Dubais General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (DNRD) to create a blockchain-based, non-passport control system in 2017.

On Facebook, the CNA video has gone viral among Myanmar people. It has drawn a largely negative response as a violation of Myanmars sovereignty. Many people have pointed out the risks that would arise from allowing the use of cryptocurrencies to form a digital government in that area.

Cryptocurrencies are virtual currencies that do not exist in a physical form. They are not backed or regulated by any central bank. The decentralized control of each cryptocurrency relies on distributed ledger technology, typically a blockchain, that serves as a public financial transaction database.

Cryptocurrencies came to popular attention with the inception of Bitcoin in 2009. Cryptocurrency networks lack of regulation has been criticized as enabling criminals who seek to evade taxes and launder money. Transactions involving such cryptocurrencies are independent from formal banking systems, making tax evasion simpler.

Bitcoin itself is often targeted by cyber hackings and thefts, which cost billions of dollars a year. In 2014, the worlds then-largest Bitcoin exchange, Mt. Gox, declared bankruptcy after losing US$473 million (about 720 billion kyats) of customers bitcoins to cyber theft. In January and June 2018, Tokyo-based Coincheck and the Korean exchange Coinrail were hacked and lost $400 million and $37 million worth of cryptocurrency respectively. The thefts triggered falls in the values of all major cryptocurrencies.

Myanmar has no specific mechanism or legal framework to regulate cryptocurrencies. However, the coins promoters have introduced various ways to invest in them. Last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs warned against trading in cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, after a wave of scams. The ministry warned that the coin promoters targeted people in rural areas who were uninformed about the market. It said cryptocurrencies are unstable and required careful study. It advised against investing in such currencies.

Shanghai Shellpay Internet Technologys website claims the Yongbang project also served as an experiment in minimizing the role of government as much as possible. Any infrastructure or public projects initiated would be open to public participation through the issuance of tokens, it says. For example, if citizens want a road to be built, a road chain will be established in which all citizen will be able to participate by buying coins. The road would be built with the proceeds from token sales. The road would be equipped with sensors so that every car using it is charged automatically, according to how far it travels. Coins would then be sent automatically to investors in the road. All of these transactions would be implemented and recorded on a fully transparent blockchain ledger. In other words, according to the site, citizens would use blockchain technology to manage themselves.

In the video, Liu Zhanbin, the Yongbang SEZ Committees secretary, said the company is also planning to launch such an SEZ in Kachin State. Liu mentions that Kachin produces the worlds highest quality jade.

According to the website, the Yongbang project will be located in Shan States Mongyawng, adjacent to Chinas Yunnan Province. Zhang told CNA, I dont think the Burmese government is aware that Shan State have given [us] a small [area in which to operate] the digital economy.

However, General Secretary U Kyi Myint said, That place is totally under our control. How could it be possible? Monglas leaders dont even know about it. They might be scammers.Burma Military, USDP, ANP Withhold Nominees For Constitution Amendment Committee

USDP and military-appointed lawmakers attend Parliament in Naypyitaw. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYITAW  The Myanmar military and two political parties have not submitted lists of nominees for a pending committee to draft amendments to the Constitution, which the Union Parliament is due to form on Tuesday.

U Myat Nyana Soe, a lawmaker for the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), said Parliament had yet to receive lists from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), Arakan National Party (ANP) and the military, which is guaranteed 25 percent of national and local legislative seats by the Constitution.

Twelve political parties and independent representatives have submitted lists of nominees. If those parties and that institution do not submit name lists, we can exclude them and share their quotas with the other parties to form the committee. But we wont do that, he told The Irrawaddy on Monday.

According to a draft plan distributed to lawmakers, the committee will comprise 44 members: 18 from the NLD, eight from the military, two from the USDP, one independent representative, and one each from ethnic minority parties.

USDP lawmaker U Thaung Aye told reporters on Monday that no decisions could be made at two preliminary meetings on how to form the committee and that the NLD was being arrogant in pushing ahead with it.

The Tatmadaw [military] is also not happy with it, and the Tatmadaw representatives and I held talks with the speaker and deputy speaker this morning. The speaker said he is just implementing the proposal by taking everything into consideration, U Thaung Aye said.

Mondays Lower House session was delayed about 20 minutes by the discussion.

U Thaung Aye said his party had yet to decide how to proceed.

U Myat Nyana Soe, who will serve as the committees secretary, said the body was being formed in line with parliamentary laws after legislators overwhelmingly approved a proposal to form the committee on Feb. 6.

This is the proposal approved by the Union Parliament. As Ive said, we cant switch into reverse gear. We have to implement the proposal. The other side says we are democratic dictators and that we bully democratically. It is not true, he told The Irrawaddy.

ANP lawmaker U Pe Than said his party did not submit a list of nominees because it was designated only one seat on the committee but wanted two.

In general we decided to join the committee. But we are confused about the tasks of the committee. We are still discussing about its tasks, he said.

U Pe Than cited a section of the Constitution that says amendments must be proposed to Parliament with the support of at least 20 percent of lawmakers. The military and USDP have cited it to object to the committees formation, but the NLD says the section has no bearing because the committee is only meant to draft amendments that would go into a formal proposal at a future date.

The NLD holds 59 percent of the seats in Parliament, ethnic parties hold 11 percent, the USDP holds 5 percent, and the military holds 25 percent.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.Burma Charges Against Aung San Statue Protesters Dropped, But Dispute Lingers

People opposed to a statue of Gen. Aung San in the Kayah State capital of Loikaw pose in front of the Loikaw Township Court on Wednesday. / PKPF

YANGON  The Kayah State government has dropped its lawsuits against all 55 people charged over the past year for protesting against the installation of a statue of late independence hero Gen. Aung San in Loikaw, the state capital.

Khun A Than, a member of the Karenni Youth Force, a local civil society group, said the Demoso Township Court on Friday dropped its cases against those charged under Section 505 (b) and (c) of the Penal Code for defamation. He said on Wednesday the Loikaw Township Court dropped its cases against those charged under Section 19 and 20 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law.

The charges were dropped thanks to an agreement the protest leaders and state government reached on Feb. 12, following mass protests in Loikaw against the statue over the previous weeks.

We dont need to give thanks for the charges being dropped. The youth didnt do anything they should be charged for. They were charged unnecessarily by the state government, which wants to oppress them, Khun A Than said.

He said the government dropped the charges not because of its good will but because of public pressure.

Dropping the cases is just a part of it. The root cause of this is the forced installation of the statue against the will of the people, despite the opposition of the people. What is important is how we solve the root cause of the problem, he added.

Since February 2018, authorities had opened 86 cases against 55 people for protesting against plans for the statue and its eventual installation on Jan. 31.

Protesters say hundreds of people also rallied in support of the statue on Feb. 2 and that several members of the ruling National League for Democracy attended, including Kayah State Chief Minister L Phaung Sho.

On Feb. 12 the government and protest leaders agreed not to hold any more rallies either for or against the statue for a month while the protest leaders hold negotiations with the committee behind the project.

The two sides met on Sunday but have yet to settle their differences.

It can be said that the talks failed. But since we have agreed to a one-month negotiation period, we will wait and see if the state government takes responsibility before Mar. 12. If not, there will be fresh protests; I dont know, said Khun A Than, who joined Sundays meeting.

U Win Aung, a member of the statue committee, said the bronze likes of the general on horseback could not be removed because it was built in part with public funds. But he added that the committee was open to more talks with the protesters.

The protesters want the statue removed and accuse the government of breaking a promise the chief minister made in July not to erect it without public approval.

The previous month, L Phaung Sho had announced plans to install and unveil the statue on July 19 to mark Martyrs Day, which commemorates the 1947 assassination of Gen. Aung San and his cabinet members. But the government shelved those plans in the face of strong opposition from locals and transferred to project to the statue committee.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.Asia India's Modi Breaks Protocol to Welcome Saudi's Crown Prince

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hugs Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival at an airport in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday. / Reuters

NEW DELHI  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke with government protocol to personally welcome Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to New Delhi on Tuesday.

Ordinarily, the prime minister would not receive a foreign dignitary at the airport, but instead send an official or a junior government minister.

A new chapter in bilateral relations, Raveesh Kumar, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, posted on Twitter, hailing Modi breaking protocol with a photograph of the pair warmly clasping hands by the steps of the princes plane.

Modi is due to hold talks on Wednesday with the crown prince, who has already visited Pakistan, where he also received a lavish reception.

The trip has taken on extra dimension after a bombing in the disputed Kashmir region on Thursday that India blamed on Pakistan. The neighbors are each keen to cement ties with Saudi Arabia even as tensions between them have risen sharply.

Saudi Arabia is Indias top supplier of crude oil, but the two countries have expanded ties beyond energy and their governments have agreed to build a strategic partnership, Indias Foreign Ministry said last week.

During the trip, India is expecting the crown prince to announce an initial investment in its National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, to help accelerate the building of ports and highways, an Indian official and Saudi state media has said.

He is also due to visit China, Malaysia and Indonesia during the tour, his first through the region since the outcry over the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

The crown princes trip began days after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir in an attack claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad militant group.

New Delhi has accused Pakistan of having a hand in the bombing and vowed to punish Islamabad, which denies involvement.

During his visit to Pakistan, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia had signed investment agreements worth $20 billion.

He is scheduled to leave New Delhi on Wednesday night, Indias Foreign Ministry said.Culture Archivist Salvages Myanmars Neglected Photographic History

Austrian photographer and archivist Lukas Birk discusses an image displayed at the Burmese Photographers exhibition he curated at the Secretariat building in Yangon in February 2018. / The Irrawaddy

Austrian photographer and archivist Lukas Birk collects vintage images by local photographers and exhibits them with the aim of reinterpreting Myanmars history and reviving the stories told by photographers of bygone eras.

His major project, the Myanmar Photo Archive, is an ongoing labor of love comprising more than 20,000 images so far. Lukas is himself a photographer but has devoted the past decade to working on historical research in various countries. He started his Myanmar project in 2015 after learning of the countrys rich photographic history.

What I found interesting in Myanmar is that there was such diverse photo production, actually. Incredibly interestingincredible studios that have been active here for the last hundred years. Its quite interesting to see that when you compare Burmese photography from the 1950s and 1960s; [its] very similar to anywhere in the world, Birk said.

But, theres very little known about it, he added. Theres very little you can read about it  [and few opportunities to] see photographs.

In museums, people can see many photographs by the British and German photographers who lived here in colonial times, but there are few opportunities for people to see the great job Burmese photographers were doing, he said.

That was my main interest in this project; to discover some of the stories, like [the one on display in] the Number One Amateur Burmese Photographer U Than Maung [exhibit], which is currently being shown in Maha Bandoola Park as part of the Yangon Photo Festival, he said.

Birk praised U Than Maung, saying, He is such an incredible photographer, such beautiful images he took, such a strong sensitivity for how to compose the photo and hand coloring; [theyre] very beautiful. You will see these at the exhibition.

He added, Thats really exciting, to bring out an exhibition or book with something that is hidden, but which has always been there.

To obtain the photos for his collection requires talking to many people and often paying antique dealers and photo studios. Some photos are located through the original photographers relatives, he said.

For the U Than Maung exhibition, his daughter came to talk to me at my exhibition last year, Burmese Photographers, at The Secretariat [in Yangon]. She gave me the photos and those are very nice. Now, Im making a book and exhibition, Lukas said.

At the Yangon Photo Festival exhibition, he displays a total of 25 vintage photos taken by U Than Maung.

I just wanted to show the small story of U Than Maung, and Maha Bandoola has so many exhibitionsits [just] one of them, he said.

Birks photo book about U Than Maung will be launched on Thursday with two of his other books at the Goethe Institut.

As part of the Yangon Photo Festival, Birk is also displaying the results of a five-day Photobook Workshop he conducted earlier this month.

Photobook culture is a new trend worldwide. There are very different ways to make a photobook, not just paper and print. You can do special binding techniques, use special materials. So, the workshop was about how to do it yourself, Birk explained.

At the workshop, all participants were young photographers. Some are already very skilled photographers and have come up with strong photo stories, but had never created a book before, he said. Some of the books they made will be shown on Feb. 21 at the Goethe Institut and in Maha Bandoola Park.

Another event of mine is a Digitization Station on Feb. 22-24 at Maha Bandoola Park. If your grandfather took interesting photos, if you still have them and you have a good story, we will photograph the photos and well record the story in the archive. Then, your family story becomes part of this big archive. Thats what we do at the digital station, Birk said.

He added that, The archive I have is all about the history of Myanmar. And actually, history doesnt mean what happened at the government level or what happened [involving] big things. Everyone has a history and its important. Thats the whole point of collecting family stories.

Birks project is growing rapidly and hes planning to present it as a large online archive in the future. All the photos will be online and people will be able to search in English and Burmese using key words.

Then, you will see a different history of Myanmarand thats my big dream, he said.President Vladimir Putin has sternly warned the United States against deploying new missiles in Europe, saying that Russia will retaliate by fielding new weapons that will take just as little time to reach their targets.

While the Russian leader did not say what specific new weapons Moscow could deploy, his statement further raised the ante in tense relations with Washington.

Speaking in his state-of-the-nation address, Mr Putin claimed that the US had abandoned a key arms control pact to free up its hands to build new missiles and tried to shift the blame for the move to Russia.

"Our American partners should have honestly said it instead of making unfounded accusations against Russia to justify their withdrawal from the treaty," Mr Putin said.

The US has accused Russia of breaching the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty by deploying a cruise missile that violates its limits - accusations Moscow has rejected.

The INF treaty banned production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (310 to 3,410 miles).

The intermediate-range weapons were seen as particularly destabilising as they take a shorter time to reach their targets compared with the intercontinental ballistic missiles.

That would leave practically no time for decision-makers, raising the likelihood of a global nuclear conflict over a false launch warning.

Mr Putin reaffirmed that Russia will not be the first to deploy new intermediate-range missiles but warned of a quick retaliation if the US puts such weapons in Europe.

"They will only take 10-12 minutes to reach Moscow," he said.

It's a very serious threat to us, and we will have to respond.

He did not directly mention the US, but noted that the Russian response will be "asymmetrical" and involve new weapons that will reach the enemy's decision-making centres just as quickly.

"Russia will be forced to create and deploy new types of weapons that could be used not only against the territories where a direct threat to us comes from, but also against the territories where decision-making centres directing the use of missile systems threatening us are located," he said.

"The capability of such weapons, including the time to reach those centres, will be equivalent to the threats against Russia."

The president did not specify which of the prospective Russian weapons will do the job, but he reported quick progress on an array of new weapons presented a year ago.

The Russian leader said the first batch of Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles will be deployed this year.

He added that the tests of the new Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile, the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone have been progressing successfully.

Mr Putin said the first submarine equipped to carry the Poseidon will be commissioned later this year.

He also announced the coming deployment of the new Zircon hypersonic missile for the Russian navy, saying it is capable of flying at nine times the speed of sound and will have a range of 1,000 kilometres (620 miles).

Mr Putin said the Zircon programme will not be too costly as the missile has been designed to equip Russia's existing surface ships and submarines.

He urged US officials to take into account the "range and speed of our prospective weapons" before making decisions that will threaten Russia.

While issuing a tough warning to the US, Mr Putin also claimed that Russia still wants friendly relations with Washington and remains open for arms control talks.

"We don't want confrontation, particularly with such a global power as the US," he said.

At the same time, he criticised what he described as the "destructive" US policy of targeting Russia with sanctions.

Russia's relations with the US have sunk to post-Cold War lows over Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, its support for the Syrian government in the war in Syria and the allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.

The menacing talk about new weapons and the tough warnings aimed at the US followed a speech that mostly focused on domestic issues.

Mr Putin promised Russians that he would raise welfare payments, improve education and the struggling healthcare system and remove toxic dump sites from cities.

Similar goals have been set before, but the progress has been slow as Russia has been buffeted by economic shocks caused by a drop in oil prices and Western sanctions.

- PABritish MPs Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston have resigned from the Conservative Party and joined the Independent Group.

Writing to the British Prime Minister, they said: "We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP.

"Brexit has re-defined the Conservative Party - undoing all the efforts to modernise it. There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hard-line ERG which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy."

The Tory trio said: "The final straw for us has been this Government's disastrous handling of Brexit.

"Following the EU referendum of 2016, no genuine effort was made to build a cross-party, let alone a national consensus to deliver Brexit. Instead of seeking to heal the divisions or to tackle the underlying causes of Brexit, the priority was to draw up 'red lines'. The 48% were not only sidelined, they were alienated."

They added: "The country deserves better. We believe there is a failure of politics in general, not just in the Conservative Party but in both main parties as they move to the fringes, leaving millions of people with no representation. Our politics needs urgent and radical reform and we are determined to play our part."

On joining The Independent Group, they added: "We intend to sit as independents alongside the Independent Group of MPs in the centre ground of British politics.

"There will be times when we will support the Government, for example, on measures to strengthen our economy, security and improve our public services. But we now feel honour bound to put our constituents' and country's interests first.

"We will continue to work constructively, locally and nationally, on behalf of our constituents."

It is with a heavy heart I have today resigned from the Conservative Party. pic.twitter.com/wzPUB84w5Z  Anna Soubry (@Anna_Soubry) February 20, 2019

Prime Minister Theresa May has said she was "saddened" by the resignations but insisted "we are doing the right thing for our country" by delivering Brexit.

"Of course, the UK's membership of the EU has been a source of disagreement both in our party and our country for a long time. Ending that membership after four decades was never going to be easy.

"But by delivering on our manifesto commitment and implementing the decision of the British people we are doing the right thing for our country. And in doing so, we can move forward together towards a brighter future.

"I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve."

The three former Conservative MPs have been among the most vocal Tory opponents of a hard Brexit:

Heidi Allen

Elected to Parliament as MP for South Cambridgeshire in 2015, Ms Allen made a name for herself from the start for her willingness to speak out against her own Governments policies where she felt they were damaging.

Conservative MP Heidi Allen spoke out in the Commons about the Governments welfare plans (PA Archive/PA Images)

And after campaigning for Remain in the 2016 referendum, she became one of the strongest voices on the Tory benches against a hard Brexit, calling for a second referendum and declaring she would quit the party if Jacob Rees-Mogg became leader.

After a corporate career with ExxonMobil and Royal Mail, 44-year-old Ms Allen has served on the Commons Work and Pensions Committee. She gave an emotional speech in a 2018 Commons debate on Northern Irish abortion laws about her own incredibly hard decision to have a termination.

She had a 2017 majority of 15,952 and her area voted 60% Remain.

Anna Soubry

A journalist and barrister, Anna Soubry was elected to Parliament in 2010 as MP for Broxtowe in her home county of Nottinghamshire, winning the seat from Labour.

She served in David Camerons coalition administration in ministerial jobs in the Department of Health and Ministry of Defence, where she was the first elected woman minister in the department. She moved to the Business Department after the 2015 election delivered a Conservative Government.

Anna Soubry was heckled by pro-Brexit protesters outside Parliament (Victoria Jones/PA)

She has repeatedly rebelled against the Government over Brexit, and earlier this month secured ministers agreement to show her economic advice on the risks of no-deal after tabling an amendment in the House of Commons.

Police launched an investigation last month after Ms Soubry was allegedly targeted for abuse by yellow jacket-wearing pro-Brexit protesters outside Parliament.

She had a 2017 majority of 863 and her area voted 55% Leave.

Sarah Wollaston

A GP by profession, Dr Wollaston was the first Conservative candidate to be selected by open primary, with postal ballot papers sent to every voter in the Totnes constituency.

Sarah Wollaston was the first Conservative candidate to be selected by open primary (Peter Byrne/PA)

Dr Wollaston, 57, was initially a support of EU withdrawal, but dramatically switched sides during the referendum campaign, complaining that Vote Leaves claim of extra money for the NHS after Brexit simply isnt true.

After rebelling against the Government over Brexit, she dropped plans to table an amendment to deliver a second referendum at the last minute in January, saying that Jeremy Corbyns failure to back a public vote doomed it to failure.

She had a 2017 majority of 13,477 and her area voted 53% Remain.

PAChina is preventing foreign travellers from visiting Tibet for several weeks amid a pair of sensitive political anniversaries questioning the legitimacy of Beijing's rule over the Himalayan region.

Travel agencies said foreign tourists would not be allowed back into Tibet until April 1.

A Tibetan Buddhist monk performs the Cham Dance ritual during the Monlam Great Prayer Festival, at Labrang Monastery, in Xiahe, an ethnically-Tibetan town in Gansu province, China, this week. Pic: EPA

It is not clear when the ban started, although some monitoring groups said it began this month.

The ban was confirmed by the online customer service portal of the Tibet Youth International Travel Service, as well as staff at the Tibet Vista and Go to Tibet travel agencies.

Both are based in the south-western city of Chengdu - the main jumping-off point for visits to Tibet.

An Ethnic Tibetan man holding a child looks at a huge thangka (sacred painting on cloth) depicting Buddha during the Monlam Great Prayer Festival, at Labrang Monastery, in Xiahe, an ethnically-Tibetan town in Gansu province, China, this week. Pic: EPA

March 10 is the 60th anniversary of an abortive 1959 uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, while anti-government riots occurred on March 14 in 2008, in the regional capital Lhasa.

Although the foreigner travel ban is an annual occurrence, the occasion of the 60th anniversary is drawing added attention.

Amid heavy security on the ground, Tibet is almost entirely closed to foreign journalists and diplomats and information about actual conditions there is difficult to obtain.

The 1959 uprising resulted in the flight of Tibet's traditional Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, into exile in India.

Nearly five decades later, anger exploded in a series of protests in and around Lhasa that culminated in attacks on Chinese individuals and businesses in which the government says rioters killed 18 people.

An unknown number of Tibetans were killed by security forces in the aftermath.

China claims Tibet has been part of its territory for more than seven centuries and regards the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist.

Many Tibetans insist they were essentially independent for most of that time and have protested against what they regard as China's heavy-handed rule imposed after the People's Liberation Army battled its way into the Himalayan region in 1950.Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 5:19PM

There's very little we don't know about Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S10 smartphones which are slated to be launched or unveiled soon despite various details and renders having been leaked. The latest fracas comes by way of a TV commercial of all things. Someone in Norway thought it would be hilarious to broadcast the entire 30 second advert for the new Samsung products including their new earbuds and Galaxy Gear smartwatches.

The Galaxy S10 will come with a triple-camera array. The ability to charge other devices wirelessly, have an ultrasonic fingerprint reader. Oh, and very tiny puncher-hole front facing cameras to mitigate any need for a notch.

Source: Thurrott.comThere is supposed to be ceasefire in Yemen but each day children are still dying, by bombing, gunfire, disease and starvation.

According to UN sources at least 85,000 children have died.

Like the Syrian conflict there are many internal and external factions involved but the main culprits include Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates supported by armaments supplied by US, UK, France and Germany.

They support the UN recognised Yemeni government that is not supported by the vast majority of Yemeni people. While Iran is accused of supporting the Houthi rebels any such support is small for geographical and logistic reasons.

The UAE is reported to be using mercenaries to carry out assassinations of politicians and Yemeni tribal and religious leaders, while the US has been carrying out assassinations by special forces and drone attacks from a US base called Camp Lemonier in Djibouti.

On February 4 and 5 an aircraft on contract to the US military was refuelled at Shannon airport on its way to and from the US to Camp Lemonier in Djibouti. In response to written questions by Clare Daly TD, our minister for transport confirmed that:

An exemption for the carriage of munitions of war under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989, was sought and granted for this flight.

Our minister for foreign affairs gave the following Orwellian reply. Consistent with our stated policy my department recommends against the carriage of munitions, with exceptions made for unloaded personal weapons or those intended for international crisis management and peace support operations. Regarding the civil aircraft detailed in this instance, my Department was asked for and duly provided its observations in accordance with that policy.

The US-supported war in Yemen is causing an international crisis rather than managing one, and it most certainly is not a peace support operation. Ireland is thereby complicit in the deaths of innocent Yemeni children.

Edward Horgan, Castletroy, Limerick

If you would like to have your say on the issue of the day then visit here or send your submission to digitaldesk@examiner.ieHis stated intention to decentralise the Catholic Churchs power and reform its central bureaucracy, the Curia, has not endeared Francis to traditionalists, says TP OMahony

The Pope turned to one of his closest advisers: Who is betraying me? The Church is not going in the direction I want it to go in.

This is actually dialogue from the Sky TV series The Young Pope, starring Jude Law as Pope Pius XIII. But it could be something a Vatican correspondent might overhear any day in exchanges between Pope Francis and one of his advisers in the Casa Santa Martha, where the 81-year-old Argentine resides.

One difference is that Piux XIIIs trusted adviser is a nun, Sister Mary (played by Diane Keaton), whereas there is no woman in Franciss inner circle. Many people, including some of his friends, believe that a female perspective might have steered him clear of some problems, including a few that were self-created.

This is a troubled papacy. The addition of a woman to its inner circle wouldnt undo the difficulties Francis is now saddled with, but it might provide a bulwark against others. And it is by no means a novel idea.

When Eugenio Pacelli was papal nuncio to Germany in the 1920s, he met a young Bavarian nun in a nursing home, while he was convalescing. And when he was recalled to Rome, in 1930, by Pope Pius XI, to take up the post of secretary of state, he arranged for the nun, Sr Pascalina, to follow him and to head his household in the Vatican.

She continued in that role in the papal apartments, when Cardinal Pacelli was elected Pope in April 1939, and would, in time, become Pius XIIs most trusted confidant. Such was her influence that her enemies referred to her as La Popessa.

It is not known how Pope Franciss enemies refer to him when he isnt present, but some are powerful and his sense of being betrayed is well-founded.

Many Catholics find the idea of sustained and planned internal Vatican opposition to a Pope difficult to comprehend. According to the textbooks, the Roman Curia (the Churchs central bureaucracy) exists to assist the Pope.

In his book, In The Vatican  an experts guide to an institution that is often baffling in its complexity  Peter Hebblethwaite reiterates this point: The Roman Curia is at the service of the Pope. Then, four sentences later, he adds: It does not invariably do what the Pope wants.

This is an understatement.

The Curia will sometimes pursue its own agenda and deliberately frustrate the papal agenda. This is especially true when it is perceived by senior Roman cardinals that their own status, power, and influence are being reduced or curtailed  which is very much the case with Francis, who, from the outset, listed reform of the Curia as one of the priorities of his papacy.

Decentralisation of authority away from Rome is one of the key objectives of his reform programme. The Argentine Pope made the first  and what is the most significant  reform of his pontificate in the very first days following his election, says Robert Mickens, the Vatican correspondent of the French Catholic newspaper La Croix.

It was his decision to shun the secluded papal apartments, deep inside the Apostolic Palace, and make his permanent home at the Casa Santa Marta, a residence for priest-employees of the Vatican and the place where the cardinals lodge during a conclave.

The choice of address was the beginning of Franciss slow, painstaking efforts to re-dimensionalise the scope and activities of the Roman Curia and decentralise its power. It was also part of his plan to demythologise the institution of the papacy and eliminate the lingering vestiges of the old papal court.

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) President Tim Lennon from Tucson, AZ, center, and SNAP members Esther Hatfield Miller from Los Angeles, CA, left, and Carol Midboe from Austin, TX, pose for pictures during interviews with the media in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican during Pope Francis' general audience, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Luigi Navarra)

As part of his promotion of synodal governance, Francis has strengthened and reformed the Synod of Bishops (which had been emasculated by John Paul II and Benedict XVI), and has brought forward legislation to bestow greater decision-making powers and doctrinal authority on national episcopal conferences.

His two predecessors, obsessed with centralised control, had sought to weaken and sideline these conferences.

On Thursday, the presidents of these same national episcopal conferences (over 110 worldwide) will assemble in Rome for a four-day summit. The Irish Church will be represented by Archbishop Eamon Martin, of Armagh.

The global summit was convened by the Pope in what the London-based Catholic weekly, The Tablet, has said could be a watershed moment in the history of the Catholic Churchs response to the scandal of child sex abuse within its ranks.

Already, Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, of Austria (who is now being included among the favourites to succeed Pope Francis), has said the sexual abuse crisis is the biggest challenge facing the Church, and warned that it threatens its mission to preach the Gospel.

In an interview with the German magazine Stern, he said: Francis has made the Joy of the Gospel his central topic. The message these perpetrators are sending out is the exact opposite. If we dont get down to reappraising the abuse, all talk of the Joy of the Gospel will go down the plughole.

The Joy of the Gospel (or Evangelii Gaudium) is the November 2013 apostolic exhortation in which Francis set out the programme for his papacy.

This summit is a crucial test for Francis. He has been slow to react to an ever-deepening crisis. The plague of clerical sex abuse has been accompanied by institutional mishandling, avoidance of responsibility, complicity, and cover-up. Unless this weeks summit acts decisively, there is every likelihood, as Cardinal Schonborn has warned, that the Popes central reform programme  and his efforts to move away from a monarchical papacy  will go down the plughole.

Pope Francis poses for a photo with a group of priests at the end of his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

And there is now a new dimension. After his recent historic trip to the Arabian Peninsula  making him the first Pope to visit the birthplace of Islam  Francis acknowledged, on the flight back to Rome, that nuns have been sexually abused by bishops and priests. The stories that have emerged so far, of young nuns being raped and forced to have abortions, do not give the full picture. The cover-ups are endemic.

The sexual abuse of nuns has been the hidden dimension of the wider sex abuse scandal, though we now know that a 1998 study revealed that 30% of nuns in the US had experienced some kind of sexual abuse.

Sr Charlotte Wagner, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the United States, told Jenny Murray, on Womans Hour, on BBC Radio 4, that the problem was global, though most widespread in Africa and Asia. A 1994 report, specifying cases of abuse from 20 countries (including Ireland) was sent to Rome, but the plight of nuns  who do not give up their rights as persons on entering a religious congregation  was never given much priority in the Vatican. Until now.

That, at any rate, is the hope of Sr Charlotte, who told the BBC that the practice of leaving complaints to individual dioceses is no longer good enough.

Asked about the factors behind the sexual abuse of nuns, she said it was: The culture of secrecy; A sense of entitlement among priests and bishops; Opportunity.

This is part of the culture of clericalism, taking advantage of young, naive nuns, who have been taught that the priest is someone who should never be questioned.

This all forms the background to this weeks landmark summit.

The Tablet, in an editorial, makes a very pertinent point: The suggestion that senior members of the hierarchy, such as archbishops, should be responsible for the investigation of junior members of it, favoured in some circles, sounds simply like an attempt to keep the scandal within the club. This obviously will not do.

At the weekend, however, Pope Francis made a move that signals a new determination to enforce a zero tolerance policy. He sanctioned the dismissal from the priesthood of a former cardinal, found guilty by the Vatican of sexually abusing minors.

Theodore McCarrick, 88, a former Archbishop of Washington DC and once one of the most prominent figures in the Church, was defrocked days ago. This makes him the most senior figure to be dismissed from the priesthood in modern times. McCarrick, who retired as Archbishop of Washington DC in 2006, was forced to resign as a cardinal last July.

Meanwhile, the publication of a new book  on the day the summit opens  will not help matters.

Entitled In the Closet of the Vatican, it claims that 80% of priests in the Vatican are gay, although not necessarily sexually active. According to the 570-page book, by French journalist and author, Frederic Martel, some of the most senior clerics in the Catholic Church who have vociferously attacked homosexuality are themselves gay.

From left, Rev. Hans Zollner, Mons. Charles Scicluna, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Vatican Spokesperson Alessandro Gisotti, Rev. Federico Lombardi and Sister Bernadette Reis give a press conference on a Vatican summit on preventing clergy sex abuse, at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The author spent four years researching it and, according to its British publisher, Bloomsbury, it is a startling account of corruption and hypocrisy at the heart of the Vatican.

Bloomsbury say the book reveals secrets about celibacy, misogyny, and plots against Francis.

We didnt have to await a new book to be convinced about the plots. The betrayal of Francis within the highest echelons of the Vatican has been going on for some time. No modern Pope has had to contend with such a level of opposition. Even the retired Pope Benedict XVI, 91, has become  unwittingly (from what we know)  a factor in this opposition. In an earlier report, Chico Harlan, of the Rome bureau of the Washington Post, put it as follows: Try as he might to stay out of the fray, Benedict has been used as a symbol of resistance for a segment of traditionalists who oppose elements of Franciss reformist papacy and see Benedicts vision of Catholicism as more aligned with theirs.

A few days after Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope, in March 2013, he received a phone call from an old friend in Buenos Aires: Remember, Jorge, the Borgias are still in the Vatican.Mike Pompeos partisan speech in Cairo is of a piece with Donald Trumps stance that he will not apologise for America, but wiser presidents have in the past, says Ruti Teitel

Earlier this month, academics at the American University in Cairo declared no confidence in the institutions president, following his decision to grant US secretary of state Mike Pompeo an uncontested platform for a partisan foreign policy speech last month.

Pompeo decried former US president Barack Obamas own pronouncements from the same stage a decade earlier, and implicitly endorsed the Middle Easts reigning autocrats.

Pompeos primary line of attack against Obamas famous Cairo speech, A New Beginning, is that it included a public admission of past missteps by the US in the region.

Unlike Donald Trumps administration, Obama and his advisers believed that there is much to be gained by acknowledging difficult political truths, even when doing so points to a radical change in course.

Accordingly, when Obama delivered his June 2009 speech, he admitted mutual misunderstandings between the West and the Arab and Muslim worlds.

He acknowledged that Western colonialism had denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and that modernity and globalisation had led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Touching on Americas response to the attacks of September 11, 2001, Obama conceded that fear and anger  in some cases  led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals.

But, most importantly, he said that we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors.

Only then could mutual trust, peace, democracy, and equality be achieved.

Pompeos vulgar re-enactment of Obamas appearance in Cairo reflected the foundational importance of the 2009 address. As it happens, Obamas address was followed, 18 months, later by the Arab Spring, which, despite its overarching failure, put more countries in the region  particularly Tunisia  on varying paths to democracy.

Obama also issued an overture to Iran, setting the stage for unprecedented negotiations and an eventual agreement that would forestall a regional nuclear arms race.

Implicit in Pompeos repudiation of Obama is the idea that American strength depends on never admitting any wrongdoing. Like many of the Trump administrations policy choices, Pompeos act of political theatre seemed to have been geared toward reversing or erasing Obamas legacy.

Whereas Obama opened his speech in Cairo with the Arabic greeting, Assalaamu alaykam, Pompeo began his with references to the Bible and to his own commitment to evangelical Christianity.

Categorically rejecting Obamas call for a new beginning, Pompeo touted America as a force for good in the region.

The age of self-inflicted American shame is over, he announced, and so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering. Now comes the real new beginning.

From its opening days, the Trump administration has expressed contempt for the idea that public confessions of American missteps can do anything but weaken the US. Hence, in his May 2018 commencement address at the US Naval Academy, Trump announced: We are not going to apologise for America. We are going to stand up for America. Because we know that a nation must have pride in its history to have confidence in its future.

In fact, Trumps rejection of historical introspection and atonement is at odds with a longstanding American tradition of deriving strength from conciliatory leadership on the world stage.

Since Americas founding, its best foreign policy moments have come when its leaders acted pragmatically, demonstrating the capacity for self- reflection.

For example, after the Revolutionary War, Americas first president, George Washington, pushed for reconciliation and a favourable peace settlement (a new beginning) with Great Britain.

Rather than dwell on colonial grievances and past British transgressions, his primary concern was to ensure political stability and sound economic relations for both countries well into the future.

Similarly, as the American Civil War was nearing its conclusion, the president, Abraham Lincoln, focused not on punishing the Confederacy, but on formulating an inclusive policy to reunite the country in a new birth of freedom.

In 1990, George HW Bush apologised to Japanese-Americans who had been interned during the Second World War on the basis of their ethnicity, and he issued them with reparations.

And that gesture was eventually followed by Obamas much-heralded speech in Hiroshima, where he reflected on Americas use of atomic bombs against Japanese civilians (though he stopped short of issuing a formal apology).

Finally, since the 1990s, the US has been reckoning with the legacy of the Cold War. In 1999, then president, Bill Clinton, apologised for the USs dirty war policies in Central America during the second half of the 20th century. Obama acknowledged similar US actions in Cuba, Peru, and Argentina.

These statements had uncertain political payoffs, but they demonstrated real political leadership, and presented America as an honest broker, despite its many imperfections.

As the recent faculty revolt at the American University in Cairo showed, the Trump administration risks finding itself on the wrong side of history. By repudiating past acts of American atonement, Pompeo was no doubt hoping to signal a break from Obama-era US foreign policy.

But he was also abandoning a tradition of American global leadership that has long served as a source of national strength. As is typical with the Trump administration, its partisan chest-thumping backfired.

Though Pompeo stood unchallenged in Cairo, the position he represents has become an increasingly lonely one on the world stage.

Ruti Teitel is the Ernst C. Stiefel professor of comparative law at New York Law School, a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and the author of Globalising Transitional Justice. Her forthcoming book from Oxford University Press is Righting Our Global Wrongs: The President and Justice for American Empire.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2019.Eddie Hobbs offers ten tips on how to manage winning a huge sum of money.

There are no guides on how to cope with a sudden windfall thats nearly five thousand times the average wage, like this weeks EuroMillions.

Overnight you are now responsible for assets larger than most transgenerational Irish businesses, but without the learning that comes from decades of triumphs and failures. Its no picnic. Lots of Lotto winners go broke and theres a reason for it.

Sure, there is a bullseye on your back and there are agendas everywhere, but there are also avoidable errors in thinking best learned in advance and not paid for along the journey.

Heres my top ten:

1. Firstly where to put it?

Theres a reason why Irelands 14bn Apple Tax windfall is not held in escrow at an Irish bank. Deposits can get decapitated when banks fail, just ask the Cypriots. The European banking system isnt out of the woods by a long shot. Thats why parking the loot across 50 global banks through an AAA Rated Euro Liquidity fund makes sense.

No Irish bank would qualify for inclusion in these top-rated funds, they are used to park institutional money and you should too, no matter how friendly the local branch manager has suddenly become.

2. Who should I tell?

As few as possible, even in the family. Let time pass for the frenzy to evaporate, then make moves carefully. This is a surprise, but expect many close friendships to fail, not because youve changed but because they have.

3. Can I lose it?

Look at personal safety and security especially from hacking, do an immediate review and get expert help.

Cyber criminals are stalking the unprepared and losses can be catastrophic if they intercept large scale money movements.

4. Will I stay or go?

Its a shock, but you are unlikely to be able to stay living where you are now without doing so in near isolation. Think about a long holiday or emigrate for a few years if necessary coming and going from Ireland while you reconstruct your life.

5. What about the kids?

Its an iron rule that handouts without conditions to your family creates dangerous dependencies and can wreck ambition. Think these through very slowly and carefully. Put off any major decisions for a year. Let everything reach chilling point before making any big moves with cash.

6. Who to trust?

Do not think that everyone is one your side, theyre not. Plans will be made to separate you from your win. Start with estate planning, get a good solicitor, pay special attention to the outer family and expect maneouvres. Huge money changes everything.

7. What to invest in?

Over the long run, do not concentrate your money in any single asset class like property or cash, spread very widely. Use top rated global custodians, to protect your money from the risk of asset managers going burst.

Capital preservation trumps risk at this level and timing is everything. Asset prices globally look very vulnerable to fresh global events just now so taking a year out fits neatly.

8. What to avoid?

Steer clear of retail financial products and salesfolk. With millions to invest you are in the institutional market, that means much cheaper prices, greater choice and specialisms.

It is why assembling a panel of asset managers makes sense, choosing horses for courses following advice not gut feeling.

9. What model will I use?

Theres no end of free commission-biased advice but its unreliable. Assemble a good professional team, solicitor, tax expert, investment advisor that will blend well together and task them with protecting you from capital losses, from tax waste, from making unsound decisions. Make sure you apply clear rules of engagement including for altruism and regular reviews and reporting.

10. Be careful of hubris.

Dont think you are equipped with natural financial talent, no one is equipped to go from near zero to squillions overnight. Youll need to learn how to manage, take it slowly, no need to rush, ask lots of questions, keep notes and add to your knowledge.

Look about the family to discern who is best to be on the inside team, to pass the learning to the next generation.

Eddie Hobbs is an Irish financial advisor and broadcaster.Domhnall ODonoghue tells Marjorie Brennan about the inspiration for his second novel, Colin and the Concubine

Acting may be Domhnall ODonoghues first love but he has many more strings to his bow.

ODonoghue has just wrapped filming for this seasons series of the TG4 soap Ros na Run, in which he plays Padraig O Loinsigh, and is in Venice when we speak  one of the great things about having an Italian boyfriend is that I get to come over here very frequently, he laughs.

ODonoghue is enjoying some downtime ahead of the publication of his second novel, Colin and the Concubine. As well as being an actor and novelist, he also has a sideline in journalism.

He tells me how such diversification has always been part of an artists life, something which particularly struck him on his Italian trip.

I was just in Milan, where they are celebrating the 500-year anniversary of Leonardo Da Vincis death  not that Im comparing myself to Da Vinci  but the tour guide told us this story that really resonated with me.

I didnt know Da Vinci was credited with having written the first resume/CV. He came to Milan from Florence where there was no work for him. He needed to earn money and at the time, the Duke, Ludovico [Sforza] was really interested in warcraft and architecture.

In Da Vincis resume, he listed all the things he could do and very last on that list was painting.

I thought it was extraordinary, this idea that he had the wherewithal to go ok, obviously painting is my thing, but the person who will pay me is interested in other things so I will present myself as someone who can help him with that.

Artists are always being asked to diversify, to upskill, to adapt because the thing about acting is, no matter how busy and successful you are, there is just not enough employment. You are always going to have to find different ways of earning a crust.

It's usually midwives who deliver babies but, today, it was the postman who delivered mine  After gestating for two long years, it's so good to finally cradle you in my arms 



@IrishPublisher @LBMActors @RosnaRun pic.twitter.com/vATv6DwtXk  Domhnall O'Donoghue (@Domhnall1982) January 18, 2019

Initially, ODonoghue, 36, thought that screenwriting would make the ideal companion career to acting. However, he soon realised getting a script on to the screen was going to be tougher than he thought.

The reason I ventured into screenwriting was because I thought anything must be easier than acting, then you become a screenwriter and you realise how difficult it is. It makes sense because essentially you are asking a network, a production company or a film board to give you a few million quid. I got very frustrated because I had allocated six or seven years of life to writing these scripts.

I decided to write a book because it costs nothing, all you need is your imagination, and discipline. Then I discovered I loved it.

Colin and the Concubine is a comic tale of sibling rivalry set against the backdrop of a brothel in the Meath town of Navan in the 1990s. While ODonoghue grew up in Navan in the 1990s, he is keen to assure me that the inspiration for the brothel in the book came from his time living in Dublin.

I make sure everyone in Navan knows its a fictional brothel, that Im not implying that were all sex-mad in Navan. We were actually sandwiched between two brothels in Dublin.

I had thought I was very worldly and that I cotton on to things quite quickly but it took me ages to realise what was going on. I just thought the neighbours were hosting a lot of friends every evening and I thought fair play to them but then I slowly realised what was happening when I saw the profile of friend that was calling.

I deal with it in a light-hearted way in the book but in reality, it is such an extraordinary situation that we are still ignoring.

ODonoghues role in Ros na Run has allowed him achieve the perfect balance in terms of his career and interests, he says.

Sin e an stuff ag an leicimeir sin!  pic.twitter.com/qr8G46XYk0  Ros na Run TG4 (@RosnaRun) February 12, 2019

We were speaking Irish at home from the age of three and we all went to the gaelscoil in Navan. I thank my parents for that because I have a career as an actor in English and a career as an actor in Irish. It is so wonderful that I can do that.

With a soap, it is such a luxury as an actor to be in front of a camera for six months and to be paid for six months. I also get to live in Connemara for six months of the year, and I have so much time in the evenings and at weekends to write. It works out perfectly .

Colin and the Concubine is out now, published by Mercier PressGardai in Co Cork have identified the woman who died this morning after being found on the side of the road in Macroom.

The woman was found at Annagannihy Bridge, Rylane.

Gardai have described the incident as a 'sudden death' and said a file will be prepared for the Coroners Court.

Earlier: Gardai try to identify woman who died after being found on Cork roadside

The woman found seriously injured on the side of the road in Macroom, Co. Cork has since died.

There will be a post mortem carried out at Cork University Hospital and gardai have said they are keeping an open mind on the case.

Gardai are now trying to establish what led to her death and have found a car which they believe she may have been driving.

The vehicle was parked in a farmyard two miles away from the scene at the Ivy Bridge in Annagannihy. The investigation will focus on how the woman got to where she was found.

Gardai had earlier put out an appeal to help identify the woman, who was then seriously ill in Cork University Hospital.

It is now understood that gardai are close to identifying her.

The woman was spotted at a bridge known locally as the Ivy Bridge, by a man passing in a car.

The man stopped and raised the alarm.

All options are being examined, according to Chief Supt Cadogan, including the possibility that she may have fallen or been hit by a vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Macroom gardai on (026) 20590.

Earlier: Gardai appeal for help in identifying woman found seriously injured in Co Cork

Gardai are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a woman who was found with serious injuries on the side of the road in Co Cork.

The woman, who is in her 70s, was found seriously injured at Annagannihy Bridge in Rylane, Macroom this morning at approximately 6.40am.

She has been removed to Cork University Hospital.

Anyone who may be able to assist gardai in identifying the woman is asked to can contact Macroom garda station on 026 -20590 or any garda station.

Additional reporting from the Evening EchoUpdate - 8.40pm: The Health Minister has described practices by a US anti-abortion group as both "chilling" and "manipulative."

It comes after an investigation by the Times Ireland found that a group was training people in Ireland to intercept women before they access abortion services.

It's claimed 'Sidewalk Advocates for Life' wanted to talk women out of having a termination.

Simon Harris has revealed that 274 GPs have signed up to provide abortion services in Ireland.

He said he is concerned about people attempting to undermine our democratic process.

"Last year the people of this country voted in overwhelming numbers to legalise abortion and take the decision to care for women here in our own country with compassion and without judgement.

I'm very concerned about what I've seen today in relation to those who would attempt to interfere with women in making what is always a difficult and personal decision.

Earlier: The National Women's Council of Ireland has called for a "zero tolerance approach" to any attempt to intimidate women aiming to access an abortion.

An undercover report for The Times Ireland Edition found an American anti-abortion group is planning to approach women in a bid to stop them from getting a termination.

It has led to calls for proposed legislation to introduce exclusion zones to be brought before the Oireachtas urgently.

Women's Health Co-ordinator with the National Women's Council of Ireland Cliona Loughnane said the tactics of the group do not come as a surprise.

Ms Loughnane said: "It is a tactic that we see across other countries where anti-abortion groups try and intimidate women or coerce women.

"So I suppose we have to be able to react to it and that's why I think we all knew that we would need safety zone legislation and that has just become much more urgent."

Earlier: American anti-abortion activists are making major plans to try and talk women in Ireland out of having an abortion.

Today's Times Ireland reveals Sidewalk Advocates for Life will target rape victims and couples who have gone through fatal foetal abnormalities.

File photo.

Katie O'Neill from the Times Ireland Edition said the group has plans to approach them at hospital car parks.

Ms O'Neill said: "In America, they already have exclusion zones in certain locations which ban protests within a certain radius of the hospital, so sometimes that's where they have to get them is within the car park, they won't be able to get them on their way into the clinic.

"They are already trying to get around exclusion zones in Ireland by using this tactic, so they will be wearing hi-vis jackets and stopping every car that they see on their way in.

"They are hoping that, as per their training material, they say that they hope that some people will mistake them for parking attendants on their way in."

Ms O'Neill also said the group is trying to find out which doctors provide terminations.

She said: "They advised an undercover reporter with the Times to pretend to be a pregnant woman and to call up a number of GP services in order to determine which doctors were providing abortions so that they would know what locations they could and should picket at."| BY Lynchy |

PHD Taiwan has appointed Geri Hsu as General Manager. She brings over 16 years of experience in both Taiwan and China, where she managed international clients across several different categories. In her new role, she will lead PHD Taiwan with her keen sense for new media trends and further cultivate the agencys talent.

Hsu (pictured) will report to Omnicom Media Group Taiwan CEO, Kelly Huang, who said, PHD is a very young brand in Taiwan, in comparison to other networks. However, its growth and expansion in recent years has defined the agency and differentiated it from the rest. The challenger brand truly epitomizes the agile thinking required from an agency partner to tackle ongoing disruption in the media landscape for its clients. Given Geris professional background and diverse experiences across Greater China, we are confident that she will lead the team to continue scaling new heights in Taiwan and achieve even greater success for our people, partners and clients.

James Hawkins, CEO of PHD APAC, added, PHD Taiwan has truly earned a reputation for Finding A Better Way within Taiwans communications industry, having been named Digital Agency of the Year at the Taipei International Digital Advertising Festival and emerging as Taiwans sole winner at the Cannes Lions last year. We are excited to welcome Geri onboard and have every confidence that she will continue to accelerate the agencys pace in the market.

Hsu commented, PHD is a very distinctive brand in the market, having earned a strong reputation for its strategy led product and future-facing approach for its clients. The agency is part of an incredibly strong global network, with extensive Group resources, and represents a new-age culture of highly diverse talent. I am excited to join the team and look forward to collaborating with them on continuing PHDs success story in Taiwan.Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has come under attack for radical proposals to punish families on housing lists, who refuse offers, by putting back their potential waiting time by five years.

The contentious proposal was debated in the Dail today and saw Opposition TDs round on the minister, with claims he was not living in the real world, and likely changes were very harsh.

Under the plan, social housing applicants who reject two home offers within 12 months will see their waiting period set back by five years. Currently, the sanction after two home rejections is a year extra.

Mr Murphy insisted the sanction of a one-year delay was not working and refusals by those on the list were impacting on efforts to reduce the 70,000 housing applicants on waiting lists.

But Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett claimed there was a type of victim blaming underway against the homeless. He cited comments by Dublin City Council CEO Owen Keegan who, last weekend, claimed better homeless services were attracting people.

The latest social housing proposal from the minister was an absolute disgrace, diverting attention away from delays and blaming victims, argued the Solidarity/PBP TD.

Mr Barrett said many families if offered a home, in a particular area, could "not uproot" their kids, especially if the offer for a home was in a location without transport or where the property was substandard, too small or not suitable in general.

He said the minister was willing to punish people who refused offers by making them wait another five years.

Mr Murphy, however, said the changes were part of a suite of measures, to be agreed by Government in the coming weeks. The new rules were fair for those on waiting lists and were intended to target people refusing to take up offers for frivolous or spurious reasons.

Labour's Jan O'Sullivan accused him of not living in the real world and said the changes were "very harsh". Despite assurances by the minister, Ms O'Sullivan said she believed local authorities would "not show flexibility" with the new rules.

Meanwhile, Mr Murphy advised that the government will still hold a referendum on whether water should be protected in public ownership but that the vote must not be rushed.

He told the Dail that wording for the referendum was still being worked on by the Attorney General, among others, before it is debated in Leinster House.

Fianna Fail's Darragh O'Brien pushed Mr Murphy to commit to when the vote could be held, further details about it, and when the transfer of water assets from local authorities to Irish Water would be completed.

Minister Murphy said that the government had decided against having the vote in May due to the need to get the language right over the contentious issue of group and private water schemes.

The decision to postpone the referendum has been viewed by Opposition TDs as a way to avoid any further controversy or backlash over water in the lead up to the May local and European elections.A young man socialising with friends was knocked unconscious and left lying in a pool of blood by the attacker in Cork City and yesterday the assailant was remanded in custody.

Adrian Heller, aged 28, of 68 Friars Walk, Cork, was before Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing yesterday for assault causing harm to a man on April 22, 2017, outside the Woodshed public house on Sheare St, Cork.

Judge Gerard OBrien said Heller clearly had a drink problem that he had not addressed and remanded him in custody until tomorrow.

Garda Ellen OHerlihy said she and Garda Brendan Ryan, responded to a call in relation to a man being unconscious on the ground outside the premises at 1.20am on that date. They arrived to find an ambulance was at the scene and the injured party was sitting in the back of the ambulance talking to paramedics but unable to say how he had been injured.

Gardai viewed CCTV and saw the injured party standing on the edge of the footpath, receiving one blow from the defendant and falling back to the ground.

Garda Herlihy said the accused came to the attention of other gardai later that morning in Cork and had to be pepper-sprayed in advance of being arrested for his aggressive behaviour.

The injured party said in his victim impact statement he could not forgive the defendant for the unprovoked assault and then walking away leaving him unconscious in a pool of blood. He said that only for the assistance of his friends afterwards, the consequences could have been worse.

Ray Boland, defending, said the accused was a hard-working young man who had been living in Ireland for 11 years. He is from Poland. He brought 2,000 compensation to court for the injured party. Mr Boland added, He says some words were exchanged between his girlfriend and this man.

Garda OHerlihy said the accused had 19 previous convictions, most of them for public order offences.

Judge OBrien said: This is clearly a massive escalation People are killed from one blow. One blow can kill someone.

The judge asked if he had addressed his drink problem. Mr Boland said: He tells me he did not believe he had a drink problem.Over 80,000 images of child pornography were found at the home of a Rochestown man who confessed to the crime yesterday.

Cynan Rees, aged 55, of The Residence, Old Belmont, Rochestown, Cork, was arraigned yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on three counts on the indictment. He pleaded guilty to all three counts which related to different external hard drives.

He admitted knowingly having in his possession child pornography at his home in Rochestown on May 1, 2014, in respect of each of the three hard drives.

Ray Boland, defending, said the defendant was anxious to get counselling. Mr Boland said he had recommended a specialist counsellor to the defendant in this regard.

Judge Sean O Donnabhain asked Imelda Kelly, prosecuting, why there had been such a delay from May 2014 in bringing the case to court.

Ms Kelly said that the number of images was a factor but not the only reason for the delay.

It is a case with a particular history and a significant number of images, Ms Kelly said. Over 80,000 child pornographic images were retrieved. Number of images is partially responsible for the delay.

There were 78,800 images of child nudity where the genital area is exposed. There were 2,280 images of children in sexual activity with adults or other children. And there were 360 videos of child nudity and 483 videos of children in sexual activity with adults or other children.

Across the images and videos, the total number of images amounts to over 81,000.

Turning to Mr Boland, the judge asked why the defendant had not gone to counselling or therapy since 2014. Mr Boland said the accused said in interviews that he was attending to the matter.

Judge O Donnabhain said that rather than adjourning sentencing until May 2019, he wanted to hear evidence sooner to decide what to do in the case.

I dont normally look at images. Given the large number and extent of images, I may seek to see a representative section of them. How that can be done I dont know.

Rees was remanded on bail until next Tuesday.A judge has warned gardai that if the book of evidence is not ready in a fortnight in relation to a man extradited from the UK to face a string of sex offence allegations, he will strike out the charges.

It came after the solicitor for the man said his client, who cannot be named, had been in custody for almost three months, with authorities in the United Kingdom detaining him for more than two months before he was extradited to Ireland.

Solicitor Plunkett Taaffe, acting for the man, also claimed that documents he had seen indicated that one of the two alleged victims had sought to have the charges withdrawn.

The man was arrested in the UK on foot of a European arrest warrant and appeared in court in West Cork on 42 charges, including for rape and sexual assault.

The 51-year-old unemployed man had been arrested at Dublin Airport and charged on January 31 in Bandon Garda Station.

At Clonakilty District Court yesterday, Sgt Trish OSullivan said the book of evidence was not ready, with Mr Taaffe stating that his client has been in custody since November 10 last.

The offences are alleged to have taken place almost a decade ago and more. 41 of the offences relate to one person. Mr Taaffe claimed documents he had seen showed one of the alleged victims had sought to withdraw the complaints last March.

He is in custody in a country that is not his country, Mr Taaffe said.

Gardai said they would object to bail but no application had been made and Mr Taaffe said his client had no money and no address or surety with which to apply for bail.

Judge James McNulty said he was not to blame for any delays that any have occurred in the UK but said he did not want the case to drift any further. Sgt OSullivan said the book of evidence would be ready in two weeks and the judge said: It will need to be. The next day the court would have to look at an alternative and accede to the request made today.

He remanded the man in custody until March 5 next, peremptorily against the State and said if progress was not made he would strike out the charges.A 12-year-old girl who went to rub two dogs at the back of a house was sexually assaulted by the owner, it was alleged in a trial by judge and jury yesterday.

A jury was sworn in to hear the case before Judge Sean O Donnabhain at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where a middle-aged man pleaded not guilty to a count of sexual assault.

Sinead Behan, prosecuting, outlined the allegations in the case at the outset of the trial.

She was rubbing his dogs, said Ms Behan. He was putting coal in a bucket. He sat her down and put her on his lap.

It is alleged he kissed her stomach, put his hand down her pants, and touched her vagina and then he put his finger in his mouth.

She said that he said to her if she left him do that more often, he would give her money. She was 12 at the time.

Specialist garda interviewers asked the child about what allegedly happened and this evidence was presented through pre-recorded evidence on video.

After describing the alleged incident, she said the accused said to her if I leave him do it more often he would give me money.

Asked how she felt she said: I was just confused. I did not know what was happening. When he was doing it, I was just confused.

I ran out and played with my friends for a while.

She then told a woman she knew and later told her mother.

John Devlin, defending, said in cross-examination of the complainant that the defendant denied the allegations and he said the girl approached him one day to say her bellybutton was bleeding after a piercing and that he put Savlon antiseptic cream on it. She said she could not remember him putting ointment on her.

The trial continues today.The family law courts are not fit for purpose for the victims of child sexual violence, Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) will tell the Oireachtas justice committee today.

The RCNI will tell the hearing on family law reform that the conviction rate in cases involving children is so low, the ill-equipped civil family law court becomes the avenue through which they are protected.

It will argue that having these cases before such civil courts means information that is in the public interest is never published  such as data on the number of cases that hear allegations of child sexual violence and domestic violence.

The RCNI will call for a special family court, with tailored authority, where all involved in handling cases would have domestic and sexual violence specialisation.

Cliona Saidlear, RCNI executive director, said it is calling for a commitment to a fit-for-purpose system to deal with child sexual violence in family law matters.

A specialist court is needed to ensure the best child protection response, said Ms Saidlear.

For many child victims the family is not a safe place, it is the location of the harm. Because the criminal justice system largely fails these children, with between a 90% and 96% failure rate, the protection of these children often becomes the subject of the family law courts, both publicly and privately. Protecting children in these circumstances requires specialisation.

Ms Saidlear said the RCNI will draw particular attention to familial sexual violence and incest.

Our RCNI rape crisis data showed that in 62% of child sexual violence against children under 13, it was a family member who committed the crime, said Ms Saidlear .

Of the 11,600 cases of guardianship, custody, and access going through our civil courts every year, we can expect a significant proportion to involve the rape and the sexual abuse of children by family members in the absence of a parallel criminal conviction.

We urgently need [the] Courts Services to make public how many of their cases involve child sexual violence as a matter of justice and public interest.

The fact is our family courts are currently handling criminal matters of the most sensitive child protection nature in unknown numbers, without criminal authority, without the appropriate tools, and with insufficient specialisation.

Todays committee will also hear submissions on family law reform from Conor OMahony of University College Cork, and representatives from the Law Society of Ireland and the Childrens Rights Alliance.

Keith Walsh, chairman of the Law Societys family law committee, will also appear and make a call for a specialist division of courts.

A specialist division of family law courts and judges would assist greatly in dealing with family law cases more efficiently as it would be likely that the same judges would be available to deal with cases which appear regularly before the courts, said Mr Walsh.

A greater degree of consistency could be established.

The call for a dedicated court echos recommendations by the special rapporteur on child protection, Geoffrey Shannon.

The message from other jurisdictions is unequivocal and that is that children and family services in the court are best managed by a dedicated and integrated family court structure that is properly resourced to meet the particular needs of people at a vulnerable time in their lives, Mr Shannon wrote in his 11th report to the Oireachtas last year.

The Law Society will also air concerns about the retention of solicitors in family law practice.

The Legal Aid Board appears chronically underfunded and it is not economically possible for solicitors to make a living from the private practitioner scheme which has led to a flight of solicitors from the district family court where it operates, said Mr Walsh.An environmental campaigner has successfully challenged the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency to alter the details of a licence governing the discharge of sewage in East Cork.

The High Court has ruled the EPA acted ultra vires in amending Irish Waters licence for the discharge of sewage in Youghal by using a technical amendment.

The ruling arose from a judicial review sought by Peter Sweetman, an environmental campaigner, who claimed the EPA was required to consult with the public about any changes to the licence.

Irish Water applied to the EPA in February 2017 for a technical amendment to its existing licence for Youghal, which was issued in 2012, to reflect the fact that there was no wastewater treatment facility for the town.

The 2012 licence stipulated that such a plant should be in place by December 2015. However, it only became operational in December 2017.

The amendment would allow Irish Water to temporarily use a different discharge point as the primary discharge point from any newly commissioned wastewater treatment plant.

Mr Justice Garrett Simons said the main effect of the technical amendment was that it allowed Irish Water to continue the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Blackwater estuary for an extended period of almost two years. He said it also meant the use of a location at Dunns Park as the primary outfall for sewage would continue on a temporary basis, until the construction and commissioning of a new outfall pipe at Ferry Point.

Lawyers for Mr Sweetman said the amendment sought to authorise an ongoing breach of a licence. The EPA said the amendment did not involve any change to the relevant environmental standards.

Mr Justice Simons said he did not accept the EPAs submission that the 2012 licence did not distinguish between treated and untreated discharges.

The precise purpose of requiring the completion of the wastewater treatment plant by December 31, 2015 was to ensure the treatment of the wastewater, he said.

It would not be consistent with EU law to allow what is more than a mere technical amendment to be made without any provision for public participation.

He claimed the extension of time to allow the new plant to be completed cannot be regarded as a mere technical amendment. He added that the matter should have been dealt with by either Irish Water applying for a new licence or by the EPA invoking a revision procedure.| BY Lynchy |

Fresh out of Chinese New Year, global prestige skincare brand SK-II premieres an online documentary film by Forsman & Bodenfors Singapore that further broaches the topic of marriage pressure with an emotional appeal to single women worldwide  Meet Me Halfway.

An extension of the SK-IIs ongoing #change destiny philosophy, Meet Me Halfway follows the real-life stories of three young single Chinese women as they bravely take on the daunting first steps of reaching out to their parents after years of avoiding and not returning home due to marriage pressure. Through sharing their stories and listening with an open mind, both sides meet halfway on mutual ground with a sense of understanding and unexpected liberation.

Millions of young single women in China experience a disconnect from their parents citing marriage pressure as one of the top reasons. Many find themselves having to choose between living up to their parents and societys expectations and timelines of marriage and their own dreams and aspirations.

Avoiding Chinese New Year has become a growing phenomenon among young single Chinese women as a result. For a young single Chinese woman, curious questions that arise from parents and relatives about boyfriends, marriage and even children during the week-long festivities create a suffocating and unbearable environment of pressure and urgency.

The film takes viewers to the heart of the matter, candidly showing the womens first attempts of opening up to their parents about their lives and the marriage pressure they have been dealing with.

Through meeting halfway, both literally and figuratively, daughters begin to see their parents in a different light and come to the realization that the questions from their parents causing their burden were coming from a place of love and genuine care. Through bridging daughters and parents and facilitating an open dialogue about marriage pressure, SK-II hopes to provide a platform where mutual understanding can be achieved to empower women to make their own choice, in their own time.

We want to tell women worldwide: Destiny can change, when you have the courage to take the first step to meet halfway, shares Sandeep Seth, Vice President, Global SK-II. We hope the stories of these three brave women can inspire other women to take the first step, start a conversation with their families about marriage pressure and in the process, empower them to live life on their own terms and shape their own destinies.

Credits 

Sandeep Seth, Vice President SK-II

Kylene Campos, Global Marketing Director SK-II

Creative Agency: Forsman & Bodenfors Singapore

Account Supervisor: Susanna Fagring, My Troedsson, Abbe Hale

Account Manager: Hongi Luo, Patrik Danroth

Art Director: John Bergdahl

Copywriter: Joakim Labraaten

PR-strategist: Amat Levin

Designer: Jason Feng

Planner: Leo Bovaller

Agency Producer, Film: Alexander Blidner

Production company: Tool of North America

Postproduction: Cabin Editing Company

Director: Floyd Russ

Producer: Andy Coverdale

Executive producer: Brad Johns/Nancy Hacohen

D.O.P: Christophe Collette

Music: Victor Magro/Future Perfect

Editor: Isaac Chen

Sound: Lime Studios

Activation Strategy & Orchestration: Mano Copenhagen

Strategy Director: Thor Otar

Client Lead: Jakob Stigler

Orchestration Lead: Liv Srensen

Distribution Partner: Verizon Media (Ryot Studio)

Account Director: Jesper Laumand

Distribution Strategy Director: Yangze Wang

Planner: Mads Linnebjerg

Editorial distribution: Sandra Rasmussen

Social distribution: Nicklas Fjelsted Holm

PR Distribution: Anna Taussi

Researcher: Troels RingstedIts the question on the lips of every office in Ireland this morning: What would you do if you won the EuroMillions?

Yesterday, it was revealed that the Euromillions single winning ticket of 175m was sold in Ireland.

The winning numbers were 1, 8, 18, 19 and 39. The lucky stars were 7 and 9.

It is the biggest ever Euromillions win by a single Irish person.

Just in case the winner is reading this and is stuck for a few ideas on how to spend it, weve dug up a few:

Buy an Island in West Cork

6,750,000

Horse Island is a spectacular, fully developed and entirely privately owned island situated in Roaring Water Bay off the coast of Schull, West Cork.

The Island extends to approx. 157 acres (approx. 63.5 hectares) and includes a small townland - casual.

The village is made up of the main house with 6 bedrooms, two 3 bedroom guest houses, two 2 bedroom guest houses and two 1 bedroom cottages.

All houses and cottages have amazing views to the bay and sea, along with extensive walkways through and around the island which provide access to the many sandy beaches and pastures.

Seven million afternoon teas and 11 million bottomless brunches

Notions, are a concept uniquely found in Ireland which loosely translate to delusions of grandeur, but probably more accurately delusions of the middle class.

A Childrens Hospital

.. *

Read More:

A Private Jet

8.8m

According to Mach.ie, you can purchase this 14-seater private jet outright for $9.8m.

Luggala estate, Wicklow

28m

Luggala, the famous ancestral family home of the Guinness brewing family tucked away in the Wicklow mountains, was put up for sale in 2017 with a price tag of $30 million.

The house, gifted from Arthur Guinness to his daughter Luggala, has hosted an eclectic range of guests over the years. From writers like Brendan Behan and Seamus Heaney to actors and directors such as John Hurt, Dennis Hopper and John Boorman, and above all musicians, including The Chieftains, Mick Jagger, Bono and Michael Jackson.

The Luggala estate comprises of the 7-bedroom 18th-century Luggala hunting lodge and some 5,000 acres.

Take a peek inside here:

Conor McGregors Car Collection

Its safe to say, nobody does flashy quite like Conor McGregor and his success, in and out of the octagon, has allowed him to splash out high-end luxury items.

And hes notorious for buying supercars.

Conor McGregor is the proud owner of a fleet of cars and at least one Rolls Royce Dawn said to be worth around 9m.

His current collection includes multiple Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces and Range Rovers, to name just a few.

The Euromillions winner could afford to buy him out, along with 2,187,500 worth of parking tickets.

Pints in Temple Bar

8 for a pint of Heineken!Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has accused People Before Profit TD Brid Smith of "getting it wrong" with her Climate Emergency Measures bill, which targets a ban on future oil and gas drilling in Irish waters.

It followed a new report claiming that a similar ban recently introduced by the New Zealand government could cost that country NZ$28bn (17bn) in lost revenue over the next 30 years.

Ms Smith used yesterday's leaders' questions session in the Dail to urge the Taoiseach to free the bill to help it towards select committee debate.

She said "procedural trickery" was at work in holding the bill "hostage" before the environment committee, which again this week failed to reach a clear vote on its progress.

Ms Smith said she had no confidence in the Government's ability to do "anything meaningful" on climate change, which she described as "the biggest challenge facing humanity".

The Taoiseach said action had been taken on a number of things including supporting renewable energy growth and removing coal and peat from the national grid. But, he said People Before Profit had "got it wrong" on the exploration issue.

"I think you've got it wrong in terms of climate action; I think you've got it wrong in terms of energy security; and I think you've got it wrong economically," Mr Varadkar said.

Most people interested in climate science understand natural gas is a transitional fuel and that we will need it as part of our energy mix for the foreseeable future if not for decades to come.

"If we have our own supply we should use it and not be dependent on Russia, the Middle East or Venezuela for our energy needs. We should use our taxpayers' money on public services rather than importing natural gas from other countries," he said.

Meanwhile, the Irish Offshore Operators' Association called the latest blocking of the bill's progress at committee level "an important outcome"

It recently estimated that a single commercial oil and gas find in Irish waters could deliver tax revenues of around 11bn to the State and create more than 1,500 jobs per year over the course of the project lifetime.

"Although we recognise the intent of the legislation... banning offshore exploration in Ireland would not reduce emissions, would threaten Irelands energy security and would impact our economy," it said.Nearly 350,000 square metres of office space was taken up in Dublin last year.

According to Savills, this is a record figure which is considerably ahead of anything seen in the city before.

In their latest Dublin Office Market in Minutes Report released today, they have found that lettings are getting bigger to meet demand, with the average letting size up 50% in five years.

Strong jobs growth in 2018 fed directly into a record year for Dublin office lettings. the report says, with office-based employment there increasing by 12,300.

Savills note that the vacancy rate in Dublins office market is now 8.1% - its lowest since 2000. This is despite 462,402 square metres of new office space being completed in the city since mid-2015.

Dr John McCartney, Director of Research at Savills, said: 2018 was a record-breaking year for Dublins office market with companies taking-up nearly 350,000 sq m of space. This was partly due to a continued increase in the average letting size.

"Transactions of 5,000 sq m or more were once a rarity in Dublin but there have now been 21 of these in the last 15 months.

The largest was the 80,826 sq. m pre-let to Facebook at Bankcentre in Ballsbridge. But even without this 2018 would have been the fourth strongest year of take-up in the history of the Dublin office market.

Mr McCartney says he expects continued inward investment, attracted to Ireland by a range of natural advantages and that foreign capital is driving larger space requirements;

The use of English as the main spoken language, the countrys strong cultural ties with the US, a business-friendly environment and policy choices that have consistently embraced globalisation are all leading to a continued inflow of foreign capital," he said.

"The incoming operations often serve a global audience from their Irish base and, as a result, their business space needs have decoupled from the size of the domestic economy.European chocolate lovers are about to get an injection of Japanese culture, as Nestles green-tea matcha KitKat launches across the continent.

The confectionery brand will begin to sell the green chocolate bar in Europe this month, 15 years after it was created in Japan.The long-mooted national broadband plan (NBP) will take up to 10 years to roll out even if started today, a broadband expert has claimed.

Chief executive of Cork-headquartered Nova Broadband and Nova Telecom, Dave Mc Donald said the complications of providing coverage to hard-to-reach homes and businesses around the country meant there was no "silver bullet" to solve the issue, which mostly affects rural dwellers.

Barriers to blanket coverage were prevalent, Mr Mc Donald said.

"Why the patchwork quilt, rather than blanket coverage? Why not one network to rule them all? The problem is, each broadband technology has distance limitations.

"Fibre is expensive and slow to roll out. Wireless/4G/5G has limited range and needs tons of masts.

So we end up with a patchwork quilt, one with lots and lots of holes in it. Barriers exist to blanket coverage, but this is no consolation to those who need it.

"Our politicians have been telling us that a blanket national network is on the way in the next two years for seven years," he said.

Such a claim was simply not physically possible, according to Mr Mc Donald.

"If fibre is to be rolled out to hundreds of thousands of dispersed buildings in Ireland, as promised by our Government, will it be done in two years from kick-off? No. This is going to take eight to 10 years," he said.

The NBP has been beset by problems since it was first mooted in 2012.

Eir followed Siro, a joint venture between Vodafone and the ESB, in dropping out.

Private investment fund Granahan McCourt is now leading the sole consortium bidding for the plan, which has faced numerous delays and political fallout.

The plan aims to bring high-speed broadband to more than 500,000 houses and businesses in the Republic, but a range of commercial operators have since signalled their intent to plough ahead with their own plans to reach thousands of homes in rural areas.

Mr Mc Donald said the NBP was contingent on being able to use Eirs poles for the infrastructure.

"Even if a deal is made where Eir generously gives preferential pricing for this, the NBP company will face bureaucracy and strict licencing conditions to access this infrastructure.

"In some cases, new poling, road closure licences, trenching, road opening licences and so on will be required. If ESB infrastructure is utilised, ESB make-safe works will be slow.

"These factors will inevitably cause delay at some point in the process," he said.

Mr Mc Donald was speaking as the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Review 2018 was published.

Chief executive of IE Domain Registry, David Curtin said the outline of the 2019 programme of work, which includes the deployment of free public wifi in towns and villages across the country, in the plan was to be welcomed.

"However, the Governments progress in making a decision on awarding the contract for the NBP remains important.

While we wait for private companies to move ahead with their own plans to roll out high-speed broadband, thousands of businesses and individuals in regional Ireland remain without access to an essential, 21st-century service.

The Government should focus on creating digital town hubs, prioritising the connection of regional towns with high potential for e-commerce growth and entrepreneurship," he said.Revenue has hailed progress in contacting exporters and importers as part of the Governments plans to prepare for Brexit.

However, accountants and hauliers who are anticipating major disruption in the event of the UK crashing out of the EU next month have said that much more needs to be done.

The number of traders who have applied for the Economic Operators Registration and Identification registrations has soared, Revenue said, as it urged more firms to engage in its Brexit plans.

Trader identification and product code numbers are required to ensure that the many firms involved in the hugely valuable trade between Ireland and the UK can conduct business as smoothly as possible whatever type of Brexit the UK chooses in the coming weeks.

Major disruption at Irish and British ports is widely predicted should the UK and the EU fail to clinch a transition deal by the end of March.

Ireland exported almost 14.1bn in goods to the UK last year and imported 18.3bn worth of goods.

We have engaged extensively with large economic operators, logistics companies, freight forwarders, haulage companies, customs agents, SMEs, and software providers, said Lynda Slattery, who is the head of the Revenues Brexit policy in its Customs Division.

Our message has been clear: You need to assess the impact of Brexit on your business and take the necessary action now, to mitigate the challenges that Brexit undoubtedly brings, she said.

However, Chartered Accountants Ireland said its members at the forefront of planning for Brexit are dealing with firms facing impossible confusion.

We are seeing first-hand the growing awareness of the risk of a no-deal Brexit from the increased demand in information from our members.

"There is no room for any government agency or business organisation to be complacent, its head of taxation and public policy, Brian Keegan said.

Mr Keegan said: I think it is premature for Revenue to welcome this uptake in Irish business tax registrations for future trade with the UK post-Brexit.

Aidan Flynn, head of Freight Transport Association Ireland, a business group of hauliers involved in Irish-British trade, predicted widespread tailbacks and logjams at Irish ports from April, if the UK crashes out. UK authorities will act unilaterally to alleviate holdups at English ports for imports into Ireland but EU authorities will seek to implement checks which could likely hold up Irish exports, Mr Flynn said.

He urges flexibility from officials on this side of the Irish Sea.

The real test will come on Day 1 No-deal where it is inevitable that there will be confusion, incorrect documentation, incorrect declarations and delays at ports.

"How revenue and the other regulatory bodies such as the Department of Agriculture officials deal with these issues will be the real test in keeping trade moving, Mr Flynn said.

Revenue said that its over-arching priority to make sure that trade flows regardless of Brexit.

Revenue is conscious of the priority for businesses to minimise costs associated with Brexit and is supporting them with clear and timely information, advice and guidance on preparing to trade with a non-EU country, it said.So thats Wednesday nearly wrapped up. Here are some of today's top stories which we hope will help you make sense of it all this evening.

TO INFORM

Regency Hotel: Patrick Hutch is to walk free from the Special Criminal Court after charges against him for the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin were dropped by the State.

No confidence: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has backed Simon Harris to continue in the role as the Health Minister survived this evening's no confidence motion with just five votes to spare.

EuroMillions jackpot: A large family syndicate from The Naul in North Dublin have been confirmed as winners of last nights 175.4m EuroMillions jackpot.

Brexit talks: Theresa May and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said they are seized of the tight timescale facing them after holding constructive Brexit talks.

Sigerson Cup: Sean OShea was to the fore as UCC claimed a 22nd Sigerson Cup and a first in five years in OMoore Park.

Glanbia surge: Shares in foods giant Glanbia surged 13% as it eyes 400m in further acquisitions on the back of better than anticipated results for 2018.

TO ENGAGE

Pope Francis: His stated intention to decentralise the Catholic Churchs power and reform its central bureaucracy, the Curia, has not endeared Pope Francis to traditionalists, says TP OMahony

Miscarriage: For many expectant parents, experiencing a miscarriage  whether it occurs early or late in pregnancy  can be devastating, write Ilaria Boncori and Charlotte Smith.

TO ENTERTAIN

Derry Girls: We finally know when Derry Girls is back on TV.

From Russia with gra: Meet the man from Moscow in charge of reviving Irish in the Kerry Gaeltacht.

MOST READ SO FAR TODAY

Have a break, have a Green KitKat: European chocolate lovers are about to get an injection of Japanese culture, as Nestles green-tea matcha KitKat launches across the continent.Here's your lunchtime bulletin.

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WORLD: British MPs Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston have resigned from the Conservative Party

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Read More:Gibraltar - February 20, 2019 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX), an institutional-grade, regulated and insured token sale platform and digital asset exchange, today announced the addition of the OST token to its Digital Asset Exchange (GBX-DAX), a state-of-the-art exchange created with the high expectations of professional crypto-traders in mind. OST has been brought to the GBX-DAX by Sponsor Firm KR1, and represents the sixth new token that has been listed on the exchange since the beginning of 2019, adding to the diverse range of tokens already listed on the GBX-DAX.

Nick Cowan, Managing Director and Founder of the GSX (Gibraltar Stock Exchange) Group Limited said, "The addition of OST to the GBX-DAX continues this extensive phase of activity we have been experiencing since receiving our full DLT licence from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) in November 2018. Extending access to quality tokens has been among our core ambitions since day one, while also providing a high-powered, secure trading experience for users. The OST project is a perfect fit within these parameters, and we are excited to introduce the OST token to our growing community."

OST was founded with the aim of accelerating the incorporation of blockchain technology into mainstream business practices, enabling businesses to deploy their own branded crypto-backed token economies without needing to know custom code on Ethereum smart contracts. OST is the simple token that allows any kind of business to tokenize their assets. The OST protocol supports the token economies in mainstream consumer applications.

Jason Goldberg, CEO of OST said, "Widespread availability of OST is critical to our plans to bring blockchain to the mainstream, and for us to reach companies and developers who want to make use of the OpenST Protocol and OST software. Listing on GBX is a great step towards empowering an even broader set of mainstream businesses and consumers to embrace and benefit from blockchain."

The GBX-DAX is a digital asset exchange built on institutional-grade best practices and good governance, derived from the capital markets experience gained through the GBX's parent company, the Gibraltar Stock Exchange (GSX), an EU-regulated stock exchange.

Keld van Shrevenrom, Co-Founder of KR1, the Sponsor Firm bringing OST to the GBX-DAX commented, "OST is one of the most credible companies globally building out blockchain with real businesses. OST partner projects have an audience size of 400 million users. In the blockchain space that is significant. We expect to see many well known global names work with OST on executing blockchain in the future and because of this we remain very bullish on the OST token."

"At the GSX Group, we have our finger on the pulse of the global blockchain ecosystem. One strand of our evolution has been fuelled by a deep appreciation of the expectations of traders, as well as the regulatory framework that we adhere to. The respective missions of the GSX Group and the OST team have many intersecting points of interest, particularly when it comes to widening the accessibility of digital assets and blockchain technology globally. I look forward to continuing this work in the months ahead with renewed vigour," concluded Cowan.

For more information, visit https://exchange.gbx.gi/

Nick Cowan, Managing Director and Founder of GSX Group Limited, is available for interview on request

Media Contact:

Liam Murphy

Senior Account Supervisor // Wachsman

+353 87 119 2107 // liam@wachsman.com

About the GBX

The Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX) is a world-leading institutional-grade token sale platform and Digital Asset Exchange that is a part of the GSX Group, which also includes the Gibraltar Stock Exchange (GSX), a European Union (EU) regulated stock exchange. The GBX is a global listing and token sales springboard for utility tokens that have satisfied a strict due diligence and admissions process as well as a high-quality Digital Asset Exchange. The GBX is setting a higher standard for token issuance and trading through best practices and good governance, for the benefit of all market participants. The GBX received its full Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Licence from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) in November 2018.

About OST

OST (Open Simple Token) is sometimes referred to as "The Simple Token Project." It is the token that drives the OpenST Protocol, a protocol and ecosystem designed to facilitate the simple creation and deployment of token economies in mainstream consumer applications. The OpenST Protocol establishes a bridge between two differently purposed blockchains: a value blockchain, holding cryptographically secured valuable assets; and a utility blockchain, which has utility tokens whose value is backed by staked crypto assets on the value blockchain. Using OST, businesses can create and deploy their own branded utility tokens on the utility blockchain, backed by digital assets on the value blockchain.

About KR1

KR1 is Europe's leading digital asset investment company supporting early stage decentralised and open source blockchain projects. Founded in 2016, KR1 has been a notable first investor in many key projects that will power the decentralised platforms and protocols that form the emerging Web3 infrastructure.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com

Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp| BY Lynchy |

Dentsu Thailand has appointed Jon Chalermwong as Chief Creative Officer. In his role, Chalermwong will oversee all creative communications across the agencys client roster, and undertake the task of bringing creative performance to the next level. Leveraging data and technology, he will lead the team to deliver the best creative solutions and business transformation for clients. Chalermwong will also have a key role in further developing the agencys creative talent.

Joining from VMLY&R Bangkok, where he was Deputy Chief Creative Officer, Chalermwong (pictured) created campaigns for international and local brands including BMW, Caltex, Watsons and Crystal Drinking Water. His work for Crystal Drinking Water set a new standard of marketing communication in Thailands water industry when the brand was named number one Thailands drinking water for the first time in 20 years.

Notably, Chalermwong was a key player in putting Creative Juice\Bangkok and Y&R Thailand on the world creative map. Together with his teams, they brought home their first Cannes Gold Lion in 2005 and 2011 respectively.

Chalermwong will report to Narong Tresuchon, CEO Dentsu Thailand.

We are very excited to welcome Jon to our team at Dentsu Thailand. He brings not only a strong focus on quality of creative business solutions, but also his valuable experience combining the power of business strategy with creative thinking. I believe that will give our clients a distinctive edge in todays disruptive competition landscape, said Tresuchon.

Jons appointment is Dentsu taking another step forward towards strengthening our talent bench to help our clients move people and business across the region. Jon is data, strategy, creativity and technology in one package. He is a great fit to the team as we continue to drive our commitment to delivering innovative business solutions, commented Ted Lim, Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Brand Agencies Asia Pacific.

On joining the team, Chalermwong shared, Im excited to come on board the team at Dentsu Thailand and its brand partners. Dentsus capability is beyond communication  it is about media buying, content, business transformation, data, tech, social media, experience design and innovation. And creativity is at the heart of it all.

As creatives, we take an idea and turn it into a reality. Ideas on the execution are just part of a consumers journey, and creativity should be integrated throughout the journey. I am ready to get started on this new journey, he added.

Chalermwong is a Thai creative veteran who is well known for his honest style of work. He believes that the trait of honesty placed at the core of a brands communication will win the hearts of consumers.February 19, 2019 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Global demand for disposable medical and laboratory gloves is forecast to climb 6.1% per year to $11.4 billion in 2022. An expanding volume of surgical procedures, hospital and nursing home admissions, and outpatient episodes will support gains for these products, as will an increase in the volume of life science research investigations and clinical laboratory tests. A shift in preference for higher barrier, higher priced gloves among medical professionals will also boost demand. These and other trends are presented in Global Disposable Medical Supplies, a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Surgical gloves will see the fastest rate of gains through 2022 for any disposable medical and laboratory glove type. Surgical gloves are generally composed of high-quality, high-priced materials, and they generate much greater demand per procedure than examination and laboratory gloves. Gains are also supported by the strengthening of healthcare infection prevention protocols throughout the world, which advocate double gloving and more frequent glove changes during patient operations.

Global demand for disposable medical supplies is forecast to expand 6.1% per year to over $314 billion in 2022. Growth in developed countries will reflect aging populations and evolving epidemiological trends  which will boost the amount of patient activity and medical product use  and greater adherence to infection prevention standards. In developing economies, demand will be supported by improvements to these countries medical systems.

Global Disposable Medical Supplies (published 01/2019, 420 pages) is available for $6500 from The Freedonia Group. Please link citations to https://www.freedoniagroup.com/World-Medical-Disposables.html

About The Freedonia Group, a division of MarketResearch.com

The Freedonia Group is a leading international industrial research company publishing more than 100 studies annually. Since 1985, we have provided research to customers ranging in size from global conglomerates to one-person consulting firms. More than 90% of the industrial companies in the Fortune 500 use Freedonia Group research to help with their strategic planning. Additional Healthcare & Life Sciences studies can be purchased at www.freedoniagroup.com, www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com

Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.aspChicago, IL, February 20, 2019  Prime Insurance Company has announced the addition of three top insurance companies to its roster of re-insurers. As a premier excess and surplus lines insurance carrier for specialty risks, Prime has longstanding strategic relationships with Lloyds of London, Gen Re, and RLI. Today, the company has the extra support of National Indemnity Co. (NICO), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.; AXA XL, a subsidiary of global insurance and reinsurance company AXA; and Transatlantic Re. We are pleased to have the added power and prestige of these re-insurers behind us, says Rick J. Lindsey, CEO, President and Chairman of Prime Insurance Company. We believe its a natural extension of our strength, stability and growth. Prime writes business in all 50 states up to $10 million limits in house, and up to $20 million through reinsurance partners. Prime is rated A by A.M. Best* and has developed a bold business model that has inspired 30 years of success and growth. Over the past few years, Prime has seen great expansion, especially with the introduction of All-In-One approach, which is customized coverage that encompasses specialty liability, property and casualty, professional, individual and commercial auto insurance. Prime provides fast, flexible underwriting and a partnership approach to specialty liability, professional, property and casualty insurance coverage. The companys proven partnership approach to underwriting, risk management and claims has inspired 30 years of success and growth. Adds Mr. Lindsey, We look forward to working with all our reinsurance partners and serving the specialty lines market with even greater support. Prime Insurance Company, Inc. is an excess and surplus lines insurance carrier with offices in Chicago, IL; Naples, FL and Salt Lake City, Utah. *For latest updates visit www.ambest.com Media Contact:

Barbara Malkowski

Sr. VP Marketing and Board Member

barbaram@primeis.com

312-884-5801.Illinois Union Insurance Co. has paid a $102,000 fine after Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ordered the company to cease underwriting self-defense policies branded by the National Rifle Association.

After an investigation, Kreidler ordered Illinois Union in January to stop underwriting the illegal policies in the state because they insure unlawful activity. The company agreed in a consent order to pay the fine.

The company reportedly sold 811 policies to Washington consumers, marketed through the NRAs Carry Guard program. The policies offered upfront money for covered costs and expenses related to criminal defense for gun owners, even if the insured subsequently pleads guilty to or is convicted of a crime.

Washington law prohibits insurance that covers intentional criminal activity by the policyholder.

Illinois Union is a subsidiary of Chubb Ltd. Group and had previously indicated it would stop selling the liability policies nationwide in October 2019. As a result of Kreidlers cease-and-desist order, Illinois Union immediately halted sales of the policies in Washington.

Kreidler is also seeking to fine Lockton Affinity LLC $75,000. Lockton Affinity is the licensed insurance producer that sold the illegal policies on behalf of the NRA. The company requested an extension until early March to decide whether to agree to the terms of the $75,000 fine or demand a hearing to contest it.

Fines assessed against insurance companies, agents and brokers are deposited in the states general fund to pay for state services.

Topics Carriers Washington IllinoisA volunteer firefighter from Nicholls, Ga., was arrested and charged with three counts of arson after a fire at a wood structure in Alma, Ga., according to a statement from the Georgia Department of Insurance (GADOI).

Investigators in Safety Fire Commissioner Jim Becks Office responded to a fire on Feb. 10 located at Old Dixie School Road in Alma. After further investigation, it was determined that the fire was intentionally sent upon the old wood structure.

As a result, volunteer firefighter Jamie Hutchinson, 32, of Nicholls was arrested and charged with three counts of arson in the first degree.

One of these counts is for the Bacon County fire investigators responded on Feb. 10. A juvenile has also been charged for the Old Dixie School Road fire.

Bacon County officials say that they have had approximately 13 fires in the last 40 days that could be attributable to Hutchinson. She is currently in the Bacon County jail.

The Georgia Forestry Commission is assisting with this investigation. Firstdegree arson is a felony with a penalty of five to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000.

Source: Georgia Department of Insurance

Topics Georgia ArsonThe month-long partial federal government shutdown likely further delayed aid grants to homeowners still trying to recover from the 2016 flooding, Louisianas top disaster recovery official said.

As many as 6,000 Louisiana residents who took out loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration after the March and August 2016 floods have been waiting to see if federal rules might change so they could access Restore Louisiana recovery grants.

Congress changed the law in October to allow SBA loan applicants to not have those count against the federally financed grants. But The Advocate reports state officials are waiting for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to issue new legal guidance.

Pat Forbes, the leader of Louisianas flood recovery effort, said HUD guidance that was expected in March could be delayed another month due to the shutdown.

The 35 days of shutdown probably adds at least 35 days to that timeline because those were days people were going to be writing this guidance, Forbes, director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development, told the Restore Louisiana Task Force on Friday.

HUD spokesman Brian Sullivan said the agency, which saw 97 percent of its workforce furloughed during the shutdown, still hopes to issue its new SBA loan rules done within the first quarter of the year. He said the agency has been gigantically busy working on recovery plans for other recent disasters.

Sullivan said he couldnt comment on whether HUD will give Louisiana the go-ahead to cut checks to pay off SBA disaster loans. But the spokesman did note that Congress law change, which was written by Republican U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, says SBA loans can never be considered a duplication of benefits.

Graves said the law change is clear. He said the holdup is the frustrating result of a slow-moving bureaucracy thats kept affected Louisiana homeowners in limbo too long. He said he was scheduled to speak Monday with HUD Secretary Ben Carson about the issue.

Ive spoken to attorneys from four different federal agencies that are all involved in this debacle that all agree the law fixes this problem, Graves said.

Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy said in a statement that regardless of the shutdown, HUDs delay is simply unacceptable.

Though the SBA issue remains outstanding, Restore Louisiana has otherwise nearly completed its homeowner grant-making process related to the 2016 floods. About 16,000 people have been offered $561 million in assistance.

Forbes said the state is holding enough money in its homeowner assistance program to accommodate a reading of the federal law that would allow the state to distribute the maximum amount of money to SBA loan holders, about $225 million.

But there will be money left over, because the homeowner assistance program drew fewer successful applicants than state officials anticipated. The task force has agreed to redistribute some of the money to other aid programs for landlords, housing developers and farmers.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics USA Louisiana Flood HomeownersA Texas woman owes just over $46,000 to the states largest workers compensation insurance carrier after being sentenced for workers compensation fraud in a Travis County district court.

According to Texas Mutual Insurance Co., Shannon Drew of Aubrey, Texas, reported a job-related injury while working as a clinical liaison for Denton Rehabilitation Hospital. She claimed she was unable to work because of the injury. Texas Mutual began paying income benefits to her but discovered she was working as a nurse for another company.

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers Compensation prosecutor in Travis County presented the case for indictment.

The court sentenced Drew to a Class A misdemeanor with two years deferred adjudication. She was ordered to pay $46,007 in restitution to Texas Mutual.

Source: Texas Mutual Insurance Co.

Topics Texas Workers' Compensation FraudCoalition, the San Francisco-based managing general agency that specializes in cyber insurance for small and mid-sized businesses, announced it is broadening coverage to include exposures to violations of the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Unlike other cyber insurance policies, Coalition said it is the first insurer to offer full-spectrum coverage to help businesses comply with regulations, protect against alleged violations, and pay resulting expenses and penalties. For the time being, said a company representative, the coverage is focused on U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The ramifications of GDPR are widespread, and can impact businesses regardless of their location, size, or financial health, said Coalition, explaining that if a company offers goods or services to, or collects data about, an EU citizen, it must comply with the law.

Failure to comply with GDPR can be a costly proposition: penalties may be assessed at 4 percent of an organizations annual global revenue or 20 million euros, whichever is higher.

GDPR is complex and violations can arise even when there has been no breach of protected information. Companies can be fined simply for failing to comply with the terms of their own privacy policy. Many cyber insurance policies miss this exposure, said Joshua Motta, co-founder and CEO of Coalition.

Coalitions policy will now not only respond with broad coverage for any resulting costs and liability, including GDPR violations, resulting from a security failure or data breach, but also protect organizations against their failure to comply with broader GDPR enforcement actions, he added.

Non-compliance with GDPR can cost a small or [mid-sized] business its livelihood. Our expanded GDPR offering, available with all Coalition cyber insurance policies, is designed to educate organizations on their obligations, assist with compliance, and ultimately provide financial protection from alleged violations, noted Motta.

With Coalition, any small or mid-sized business can protect themselves against cyber risk with comprehensive insurance coverage, free cyber-security tools, and access to a team of experts to assist with compliance, cyber security, and the response to a cyber incident.

Coalition provides companies with up to $10 million of cyber and technology insurance coverage in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Coalitions cyber risk management platform provides automated security alerts, threat intelligence, expert guidance, and tools to help businesses remain resilient in the face of cyber attacks.

To demonstrate the need for GDPR coverage, Coalition said businesses are estimated to spend more than $40 billion this year on efforts to comply with privacy and cyber-security regulations, including GDPR. Coalition gathered these statistics from Stamford, Conn.-based research firm Gartner Inc., which on Aug. 15, 2018 issued forecasts on worldwide information security spending.

Now, more than ever, businesses must work to implement controls to adhere to new regulations, and prepare themselves for any resulting penalties should the worst come to pass, said Coalition.

Launched in 2017 by Joshua Motta and John Hering, Coalition combines comprehensive insurance and free cyber-security tools to help businesses manage and mitigate cyber risk. Coalition is backed by Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and Argo Group.

Related:

Topics Legislation Cyber Europe Insurance Wholesale PrivacyJustice Clarence Thomas called for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the landmark 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan ruling, which protects news organizations from most libel suits when they write about public figures.

Adding to a list of far-reaching positions he has taken on constitutional questions, Thomas wrote Tuesday that the New York Times ruling and follow-up cases were policy-driven decisions masquerading as constitutional law.

Thomass position aligns him at least to some degree with President Donald Trump, who has called for overhauling the countrys libel laws to make it easier to sue.

Thomas, 70, has long stood out for his willingness to discard decades-old legal assumptions. In 1992 Thomas questioned whether the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment applied to prisoner abuse. In 2004 he wrote that the Constitutions prohibition on government establishment of religion restricts only federal officials, not the states.

Those positions stem from Thomass view that the original understanding of the Constitution should guide todays application of it.

The New York Times ruling says that news organizations and other speakers cant be sued for defaming a public figure unless they act with actual malice. The case involved an advertisement seeking donations for Martin Luther Kings legal defense and criticizing police tactics used against civil rights protesters.

Thomas, a 1991 appointee of President George H.W. Bush, said Tuesday the reach of defamation law was a matter for the states.

We did not begin meddling in this area until 1964, nearly 175 years after the First Amendment was ratified, he wrote. The states are perfectly capable of striking an acceptable balance between encouraging robust public discourse and providing a meaningful remedy for reputational harm.

Thomass 14-page opinion accompanied a Supreme Court order that refused to revive a defamation lawsuit against entertainer Bill Cosby. The suit was filed by Kathrine McKee, who said Cosby defamed her in the course of denying her allegations that he raped her decades ago. Cosby was convicted of sexual assault last year in a separate case.

Trump, who frequently attacks the news media as dishonest, called for a strong look at our countrys libel laws in January 2018 after the publication of a book depicted him as an inept leader of a dysfunctional White House.

During his campaign in February 2016 Trump said a rally, Were going to open up libel laws and were going to have people sue you like youve never got sued before.

Related:

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits New YorkCincinnati, Ohio-based Great American Insurance Group has promoted Anthony (Tony) J. Mercurio and David L. Thompson Jr. to executive vice presidents of its property/casualty group.

Mercurio will continue to serve as president and CEO of National Interstate  a position he has held since 2016. Since joining National Interstate in 1997, he has held a variety of leadership positions within the organization.

Mercurio led the acquisition of Vanliner Insurance Co. in 2010 and ultimately served as CEO of that organization. He has 24 years of industry experience.

Thompson has served as senior vice president of Great Americans P&C Group since 2016. He joined the company in 2006 and since that time, has held various positions of increasing responsibility within the organization, including divisional president for the AgriBusiness Division.

Thompson recently served as senior reporting officer with responsibility for six P/C businesses, oversight of the P&C Groups Predictive Analytics function and the Dempsey and Siders Agency. He has 13 years of industry experience.

Source: Great American Insurance Group

Topics Property Casualty| BY Lynchy |

Next month at AdFest 2019, Greys Graham Drew (pictured left) and Michael Knox (right) are going to lift the lid on Imposter Syndrome.

Drew is Grey Group Malaysias Executive Creative Director, while Knox is Chief Creative Officer, Grey Group Hong Kong  a role he took on in 2016 after relocating from Grey Group Australia, where he was Chief Creative Officer and Managing Partner of Grey, Melbourne. Both Michael and Graham are members of Greys Global Creative Council.

Despite their many successes, they both sometimes worry that they got where they are by dumb luck and are, in fact, total frauds.

Graham: You launched Resonate, then VCCP Kin, before moving to Grey in 2014. Whats been your proudest achievements at Grey over the past four years?

Finding my feet as an ECD has been a big jump that Im still growing into, but Id say that my proudest achievement is helping to grow a team that every year is making better and better work. There are the stand-out award winning ones, but I strongly believe these have a halo effect on everything else  2019 is going to be big for Grey Malaysia.

Your upcoming session at AdFest is all about Imposter Syndrome. Have you ever felt like a fraud as a creative?

Absolutely, too many times Ive felt my chair belonged to someone else  but finding out Im far from alone was the inspiration for this talk. A couple of years ago I was talking to a director at the end of a shoot day. He started telling me that many times hes actually unsure about what hes capturing  is it good enough? Is it original, or just a cheap rip off of other things hes seen on other peoples reels. ? Hed look around at the crew and wonder, How the hell did I get to tell them what to do?

That happens to me: in meetings, at pitchesand no, it doesnt go away. But I dont think thats a bad thing anymore.

How did you overcome your fear?

I dont think personally I will ever overcome it. You just get better and more accomplished at feeling and coping with it. If you ask a mountain climber if they fear heights, they will say absolutely yes (though more accurately its the ground that they really fear). If you dont feel some element of fear then either its not actually important or, far worse, youre complacent.

Why do you think fear is not to be feared?

Damn good question. I think this is the heart of the whole matter. Its not about defeating fear, its about changing your relationship with it. What lies at the heart of fear is uncertainty. You dont know whats going to happen next, youre on foreign territory. That self-doubt can be debilitating, especially at the mid-point of your career.

But, as a creative, you come to realise that foreign territory is where the gold is found. That feeling of uncertainty means that youre learning new things, or even better, discovering something new. My point is, if all you are seeking is the safe and familiar you wont be making good work. We all need to sit on the edge of uncertainty from time to time. You have to learn to admit that to yourself and be okay with it, rather than burying it under a toxic mound of insecurity.

You say that landed an ECD role in Malaysia without having a plan to get you there. How did you find yourself working in Kuala Lumpur?

Like most of the best things that have happened to me, its all down to my wife Liza. Shes a lawyer and came home one evening saying that she had been given the opportunity to lead a big project in Asia for a couple of years.

We took the plunge. I helped settle the kids into school while I interviewed and was lucky enough to get an opportunity at Grey. Totally new team, new way of doing things  Ive had to seriously change the way I work  and a complete absence of any ego (which I cannot say about anywhere else.)

The work we manage to pull off with the resources we have continually astonishes me. Its all down to the can do attitude of the team, 100% support from my CEO and we just find a way. Im making the most exciting work of my career here.

It was supposed to be a two-year adventure, but four years later and weve fallen in love with Malaysia and the people here. London is an amazing city of course, but KL is an incredibly rich and diverse place. I dont need to tell you about the food or the ethnic mix. Its got a passionate soul, its raw at the edges and it rocks.

Michael: What has been the biggest cultural shock in moving from Grey Melbourne to Grey Hong Kong?

I never truly understood the importance or meaning of team before moving to Hong Kong. Spend time with me these days and Ill bore you with my theories on ambition and loyalty.

It comes down to what you value most. Do you want to see your team succeed and are you prepared to work long and late with that team until everyone is done and then you can all go home or to dinner. Or is it another way for you?

Do you and your Art Director partner want to beat everyone else in the department?

See the other teams as competitors and threats to that job you want in New York? It would be naive to think I can change how people think.

Hopefully though I can do enough to promote a creative culture and provide an environment Creatives want to be a part of and contribute to.

You believe culture is at the root of all good ideas  how does living in Asia inspire you creatively?

Inspiration and motivation are dished out daily, just not in equal serves. I find the challenge motivating. This is not a comfortable industry. Were in less than comfortable times and creativity does not sit comfortably with a lot of clients.

If you dont believe me travel Hong Kongs MTR.

So were getting ourselves comfortable with uncomfortable. Were embracing the uncertainty and havoc but not the doom and gloom.

And while were holding tight to the challenges were starting to find inspiration in the

opportunity. The speed of change is energising.

And when thats not working I take a walk around the block. The stuff that happens on the streets here you could not script.

* Graham Drew and Michael Knoxs session is called, If you feel you dont belong, then you do. It takes place on Wednesday 20th March,15.05  15.40.The North Dakota House approved legislation that would expand the list of medical conditions for which residents can use medical marijuana, add health care professionals who can certify patients for the drug and increase the forms it can come in.

House members also endorsed a proposed change in state law that could make it easier for patients to get doctor approval for the drug. All the changes will need Senate approval before they can take effect.

Getting the necessary approval from doctors and advanced practice registered nurses has been a stumbling block for patients who want to apply for a state medical marijuana card, according to advocates. The medical community has cited several concerns , including that marijuana can be addictive, can have adverse side effects and is still technically illegal under federal law.

The House voted 90-3 in favor of removing a requirement in state law that health professionals who certify a patient attest that medical marijuana will help that person. The North Dakota Medical Association has said that puts many doctors in an uncomfortable legal and ethical position because research on the efficacy of medical marijuana is lacking.

Doctors are worried that if they would say this, they would risk losing their federal license and also their malpractice insurance, said Rep. Matthew Ruby, R-Minot.

Sheri Paulson, an eastern North Dakota farmer who suffers from multiple sclerosis, said she hopes removing the requirement would make doctors more willing to certify patients.

Maybe theyre not comfortable right now, and this might help alleviate that, she said.

Under the House-approved change, health professionals would need to assert only that a patient has a condition that legally qualifies for medical marijuana. The House also voted 89-4 in favor of expanding the list of legal conditions from 17 to 30, along with terminal illnesses. New approved conditions would include Tourette syndrome, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, opioid withdrawal and autism spectrum disorders.

The House also voted in favor of allowing cancer patients to have higher amounts of medical marijuana. And they approved a bill that would add physician assistants to the list of medical professionals who can certify patients. However, they rejected adding naturopaths, or natural healers.

North Dakota voters approved medical marijuana in November 2016, and the Legislature the following year crafted regulations for the drugs use. That included six forms of the drug, but one of them was not edibles. A bill passed by the House 72-21 on Monday would add edibles as an approved form, as long as it is not in a form such as gummy bears that could be marketed to children.

Some lawmakers wondered if children could still be at risk if edible marijuana was left in an accessible area, but others noted that it would be no different than other prescription drugs.

There has to be a certain level of parental responsibility, or adult responsibility, in the home, said Rep. Gretchen Dobervich, D-Fargo.

None of the bills include an earlier proposal that would have scrapped a requirement that there be a continuing care relationship between a certifying health professional and a patient.

We wanted to be sure we didnt have doctor-shopping, said Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield.

The Health Department hopes to have medical marijuana dispensaries operating in the states eight major cities by fall. Medical marijuana grown at a state-approved Bismarck manufacturing facility could be available at either the Grand Forks or Fargo dispensary within weeks. The state estimates that as many as 4,000 residents will legally be using the drug by summer 2021.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Cannabis Medical Professional Liability Drugs North DakotaFWD Group, the insurer backed by Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li, has hired former Deutsche Bank AG dealmaker Tan Boon-Kee as senior adviser for mergers and acquisitions.

Tan, who will be based in Singapore, started in her new role at the acquisitive Asian insurer last week, a representative for FWD said in response to Bloomberg queries. Tan was Asia-Pacific head of Deutsche Banks financial institutions group.

FWD has been hiring executives as it expands in Asias fastest-growing economies. Last year, it named Arthur Lee executive vice president for new markets and corporate governance and appointed Ken Lau as Greater China managing director and chief executive officer for Hong Kong and Macau.

The group agreed in October to buy control of Commonwealth Bank of Australias Indonesian life insurance arm. In 2017, it bought American International Group Inc.s Japanese life unit, after earlier making acquisitions in Singapore and Vietnam.

Backed by Swiss Re AG, FWD also has held preliminary discussions with investment banks about a possible IPO, people familiar with the matter said in June.

FWD, which manages more than $28 billion of assets, had over 3 million customers spread across eight Asian markets, according to its website. Li, the son of Hong Kongs richest man, formed the company after spending $2.1 billion to buy ING Groep NVs insurance and pension units in Hong Kong, Macau and Thailand in 2013.

Tan stepped down from her role at Deutsche Bank in August, people familiar with the matter said earlier. She was earlier interviewed by Singapore authorities on her role in the multi-billion 1MDB scandal, the troubled Malaysian state fund where $4.5 billion was allegedly siphoned off. Tan was not accused of any wrongdoing, the people said at the time.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Mergers CarriersBritains wholesale insurance brokers got a clean bill of health from the markets watchdog on Wednesday, providing some relief for an industry already spending millions of pounds on Brexit.

Londons insurance market, which spans the Lloyds of London market and brokers such as Aon, Willis Towers Watson, JLT and Marsh, controlled 60 billion pounds ($78 billion) in gross written premiums in 2017.

The Financial Conduct Authority announced a review in November 2017, saying there were concerns about how large players place business to earn larger fees.

But on Wednesday the FCA said in a statement it had not found evidence of significant levels of harm that merit the introduction of intrusive remedies and ended its review.

However, the watchdog said it identified areas for improvement, including how brokers manage conflicts of interest, the information they disclose to customers, and contractual agreements between brokers and insurers which, in a small number of cases, have the potential to limit competition.

The FCA said it intended to follow up bilaterally with the small number of firms who have clauses in their agreements with insurers which could potentially restrict competition, meaning no costly, sector-wide reform.

Steve White, chief executive of the British Insurance Brokers Association, said there were many positives to the FCAs report, such as the watchdog dealing with any follow up matters on a business as usual, supervisory-led basis.

The Association of British Insurers said it was right for the FCA to keep a close eye on the market to promote transparency for customers and to act on conflicts of interest.

A focus of the review was broker facilities, where a broker groups together different types of insurance business for different clients, and then allocates chunks to insurers.

This should make insurance cheaper for clients but can leave insurers with little scope to dictate their own terms. The FCA said conflicts of interest should be managed better.

London Safe for Now

The FCA found no evidence of excessive profitability, and said the largest brokers do not appear to be consistently earning the highest commission rates or client fees, with customers able to exert a reasonable constraint on brokers.

This will be welcome news for brokers who have been working hard to transform their business models in evolving and uncertain markets, David Miller, an insurance partner at consultancy KPMG, said.

There was also no evidence that pay-to-play exists on a scale warranting intervention, a reference to brokers forcing customers to buy consultancy services in return for insurance business.

The FCA said Britains planned departure from the European Union next month has led to smaller firms pulling out of the market, which may reduce competition and choice in future.

Given that Londons historical reputation and specialist skills are driving customer demand, it is unlikely to be affected by the withdrawal from the EU, at least for larger, more complex risks, the FCA said.

Lloyds of London, which has opened a Brussels hub, is ditching paper and digitalizing its business, which could also shrink potential demand for brokerage services, the FCA said.

($1 = 0.7671 pounds) (Reporting by Huw Jones; editing by Alexander Smith)

Related:

Topics Agencies Europe London UkEuropean insurer Allianz SE is increasing the size of its tech investment fund to 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion), making it one of the largest corporate-backed venture funds in Europe.

Allianz X was launched in 2016 with a 430 million-euro checkbook and has done about 15 deals, including an investment in Indonesian ride-hailing firm Go-Jek, German mobile bank N26, and U.S. insurance startup Lemonade.

The new funds will target startups where Allianz sees some future cross-selling or use case, the company said in a statement Wednesday. Prior to its investment last year, Allianz Indonesia was offering insurance products to Go-Jeks riders and customers.

Allianz X now has the option to make larger investments, said Chief Executive Officer Nazim Cetin, and has plans to hire new staff. The fund did not disclose any performance figures, but added that the current value of the portfolio exceeds the initial investment.

Some of Europes other major corporate-backed VC funds include that of BMW AG, which in 2016 announced it was creating an investment vehicle to spend up to 500 million euros over 10 years. The same year saw Siemens AG pledge 1 billion euros for startups via its next47 venture.

The increased appetite for venture deals mirrors the desire of Allianz Chief Executive Officer Oliver Baete to hunt out acquisition targets. Originally conceived as away of backing startups, Allianz X switched focus in late 2017 to later-stage firms in areas such as mobility, wealth management, and cyber security.

Insurers have been grappling with how technology will impact them. Deloitte, in its 2019 insurance outlook report, warned that most insurers have long struggled with innovative product development.

Allianz X is targeting how people may change their driving behaviors  and therefore how they take out policies  as a key market, investing in Nauto, a startup that makes technology to help develop autonomous cars, and Urgent.ly, an app-based startup that provides breakdown cover.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Europe InsurTech Tech Allianz Funding StartupsNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride last week issued a bulletin encouraging insurers and entities regulated by the department to work with and assist employees of the Marcal paper products facility who lost their jobs after a massive fire destroyed the historic factory.

The bulletin has been issued to all insurers, banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders and brokers, consumer lenders, insurance producers, real estate brokers and any other person or entity subject to licensure or regulation by the department.

The department is encouraging these entities to take into consideration the difficulties these individuals are facing and will continue to face until they begin to receive benefits or obtain other employment.

Last months fire left the factory in ruins and nearly 500 workers unemployed. The state is taking steps to assist displaced employees with getting benefits and seeking new employment. Earlier this month, several state agencies participated in a resources fair and a job fair for affected employees where they provided information about unemployment benefits, health care coverage options and other resources.

The fire that ravaged the Marcal plant was catastrophic, said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in a Department of Banking and Insurance press release. While we are thankful that no one was hurt, we now have nearly 500 people who suddenly find themselves without work. This is an incredibly difficult situation for these individuals and their families. The state has mobilized to assist these employees. We are asking banks, insurance companies and related entities to consider the circumstances and work with these individuals during this difficult time. Part of the recovery must include making sure affected workers are not harmed further because the jobs they once had no longer exist.

The Department is specifically encouraging the entities and individuals it regulates to assist those affected by taking actions such as relaxing due dates for premium payments, extending grace periods, waiving late fees and penalties, allowing forbearance with regard to the cancellation/non-renewal of policies, allowing payment plans for premium payments and exercising judicious efforts to assist affected policyholders and work with them to make sure that their insurance policies do not lapse.

It is also asking for banking entities to consider relaxing due dates for loan and mortgage payments, extending grace periods, modifying terms on existing loans, easing credit card limits, extending new credit, waiving late fees and other fees, allowing customers to defer or skip payments and delaying the submission of delinquency notices to credit bureaus.

The fire that destroyed the Marcal plant has left hundreds of workers unemployed and has put their livelihoods in limbo, Caride said in the release. This may affect their ability to pay their insurance coverage, mortgages and other loans, on top of their basic living expenses. The department strongly urges banks, insurance companies and other entities that it regulates to consider the financial strains facing these workers and their families and to work with them until they are able to receive new benefits and secure new employment.

Source: New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

Topics Carriers New JerseyWorkers compensation insurance will continue to cost less for most Vermont employers when new rates approved by the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) become effective on April 1, 2019.

This is the third rate decrease since Governor Phil Scott took office and represents $10.5 million in pricing relief for Vermont employers. When coupled with the two prior decreases, Vermont employers are paying about $40 million per year less in workers compensation premiums.

Governor Scott said this years decrease and the continued cost reduction trend is good news for Vermont workers, their employers and the job market in general.

I am pleased to announce this substantial decrease in workers compensation rates, which will directly lower the cost of doing business in Vermont, Scott said in a press release issued by his office. These considerable savings make Vermont a more affordable place to do business, which can allow businesses to hire more workers, increase salaries and expand operations in Vermont.

In the voluntary market  the open competitive market  loss costs will decrease by an average of 5.1 percent. Loss costs are the primary component of workers compensation rates. Approximately 90 percent of Vermont employers receive voluntary market coverage.

In the assigned risk market  the market for employers unable to obtain coverage in the voluntary market  rates will also decrease by an average of 9.2 percent.

This continued rate reduction is a clear indication that Vermonts workers compensation market is moving in the right direction, said DFR Commissioner Michael Pieciak in the release. This improvement is driven by the commitment of Vermont business owners to improve the safety of their work places and a renewed focus on rate filings by the department.

Rate changes vary by industry and classification. Of particular note are reductions to non-mechanized (decrease of more than 18 percent) and mechanized (decrease of more than five percent) logging operations, which have historically experienced high rates. Further, ski areas will see a reduction of 12.3 percent, craft brewing a reduction of 9.3 percent and many manufacturing industries will see decreases.

Further relief is in store for those in the logging industry. Under a new program established by Governor Scotts Workers Compensation Task Force, non-mechanized and mechanized logging operations who complete an onsite job safety program will see a 15 percent premium credit for their improved safety job sites.

Source: State of Vermont Office of Governor Phil Scott

Topics Trends Workers' Compensation Pricing TrendsFebruary is Insurance Careers Month and since insurance has been so good to my house, I feel compelled to participate. To paraphrase an old comedian, If it hadnt been for insurance, I would be in insurance today.

Our friends at Insurance Career Movement (www.insurancecareerstrifecta.org) have been beating this drum now since 2015. They are asking participants to write about insurance and how we impact the world. This weeks focus is about philanthropy and economic impact. Because of that, I think its time for a history lesson because we need to be reminded just how important this industry is to the rest of the economy. I may have a simple view of things, but the insurance industry impacts economies all over the world, but our primary impact is in the local economy.

A brief history of insurance

The concept of insurance dates back thousands of years and while the forms of insurance change over time and the written contracts change as well, the idea has remained the same.

The ancient Babylonian king Hammurabi recorded one of the earliest forms of insurance in his code of laws in the 18th Century BC (for those keeping score, thats over 3800 years ago). The code stated that when someone rented a field to farm it, if there were extreme weather conditions (draught, flooding) or great sickness that caused a failure of the crops or the inability to harvest them properly, the rents on that field were to be forgiven for that year.

Lets fast forward to a time that many of us are already aware of. If youve done any kind of study of insurance history, you know Edward Lloyd. You probably dont need me to tell the whole story, so Ill skip to the gist of it. By establishing his coffee house where he did and being willing to move it into the heart of the maritime industry, he created conditions where the basics of ocean marine insurance could be created and flourish.

We could tell insurance history stories all day, including how our old friend Ben Franklin established a pattern of fire insurance and fire protection that still exists today. We could talk about the Buffalo, NY doctor who bought the first recorded true automobile policy in 1989. We could even talk about how in 1929 a group of Texas teachers were able to contract with Baylor University hospital to provide them with pre-paid health care services.

What do all of these moments in history have in common?

A farmer cant work his fields.

A shipper seeks help from names to underwrite the risk of his shipment.

A group of people gather together to agree to protect one another against the risk of fire by forming a fire company and an insurance company.

Teachers seek help paying for the medical care that they might need.

In all of these cases, we are talking about people coming along side people and creating economic stability and opportunity in their communities. How does the insurance world support economic health?

Insurance reduces risk in commerce

If youve ever applied for a loan, you know that banks like to loan money when they think that they will be repaid. If youve ever been refused for a loan, or been asked to find a co-signatory, you can bet that the bank looked at your information and decided that the likelihood was that you wouldnt repay that loan.

One of the risks that a bank has is that something will happen to the item that the loaned money for. Bankers actually fear that something will happen to your car or your home. They fear that if your car is wrecked or your house burns, and you dont have insurance on it, youll stop paying for it. That kind of makes sense in a way. I mean, who wants to make payments on a wrecked car thats sitting in a part yard?

In order to let them sleep at night, they require insurance on those big purchases before they write the loan. That way they can rest, knowing that if something happens, youll keep paying. It makes writing loans easier for them and keeps the wheels of commerce moving.

Insurance reduces risks in community

Imagine that you and you family just went out to watch a movie. On your way home, three fire trucks speed past you. You think little of it until you realize that theyre on your street. Theyre not just on your street, but theyre in front of your house and a cascade of water is spraying from the top of one truck. By the time theyre done, the smoke still billows in spots; rivulets of water sprinkled with half burnt pictures wander down your driveway; you hold your dear ones, trying (uselessly) not to cry; and wonder what you are going to do tomorrow.

Now imagine that 2 months ago you wrote the check that paid off the mortgage and you called your insurance agent. She begged you not to cancel your homeowners policy, telling you that it covers more than just the house, but you were looking to save $3,000 next year. Besides, when was the last time a house burned down around here?

The family in this story needs clothes and food. They need a place to stay. They need someone to help them figure out which way is up so that they can find normal again and find it soon.

The homeowners policy that they used to have included coverage so that they could get a place to stay while they assess whats next. It included coverage for some new clothes so that they arent washing the same pair of jeans and underclothes every day. It included coverage to get a company out to clean up the rubble of their home and start the process of rebuilding it.

Without insurance, they dont have the money to get the debris removed so the city has a new hazard that they have to deal with. The neighborhood has a problem because the burnt house down the block drives property values down. Some neighbors want to move, but they cant sell their homes with that over there.

We havent even mentioned that with insurance, communities can have public parks and fun things for the kids to do. Insurance policies protect fire departments from the possible claims that could come against them.

Oh. Did I mention that insurance companies hire people who buy things and drive our economy forward? The insurance industry supports my local economy because Im about to go get some groceries.Sun Life Financial Canada president Jacques Goulet has announced a realignment to the Canadian operation  by creating a new client experience team and simplifying the structure of its individual insurance and wealth businesses.

The new client experience office will be led by senior vice-president, chief client experience officer Eric Monteiro. According to a release, the new team will be responsible for ensuring an integrated approach across all of Sun Lifes business units in Canada.According to the organisation, 51,100 South Australians are living with all types of cancer and every day, 26 South Australians are diagnosed with the deadly disease.

Read more: TAL brings Kiwi skin-checking app to Australia

The Cancer Council does such a wonderful job at raising vital funds for cancer patients, said Shaun Meehan, general manager for SA. The Relay for Life aligns to GBs Workplace Giving and were proud to be a part of it in 2019.

Ive personally been involved with the relay for the past 15 years with my family, said Lomond Freeman, human resources business partner. Cancer touches everyone, and this event allows us to remember and celebrate those who have battled this disease. This event allows us as a team to support individuals receiving treatment.Modelling revealed that flooding in Townsville is already about 20% more to likely to occur than previously thought, and that total flood risk in the region is likely to shoot up by 130% by the end of the century, putting the waterlogged region on track to become uninsurable, Guardian Australia reported.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of properties out there that planners in years past considered acceptable, but which homeowners may find are not insurable today or wont be very soon, Karl Mallon, director of science and systems at Climate Valuation, told the publication. Generally, insurance companies often draw a line in the sand at the frequency of a one-in-100-year flood event. This means that as the risks of flooding increase, many Townsville houses will be uninsurable, or the owners will find cover unaffordable.

A number of homes and businesses that have been impacted by the recent catastrophic flooding in Townsville said they did not have specific flood cover. The properties rated by city planning codes to be outside the one in 100 years flood zone, meanwhile, were reported to be effectively flood-free.

We strongly urge people to check with councils and insurers if their homes are in flood zones, and if they can expect long-term affordable cover, Mallon told Guardian Australia. If not, they should know they will have to plan for the risks on their own and think about adapting their homes for climate change.Woodbridge, VA (22192)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.| BY Ricki Green |

New Caledonia Tourism has teamed up with Verizon Medias RYOT Studio to launch its latest campaign, combining digital and OOH to tempt visitors to the South Pacific island.

As Australias closest South Pacific island neighbour (less than three-hour flight from Sydney) New Caledonia remains a favourite destination for adventurous tourists. Tasked with maintaining this momentum, RYOT developed an innovative and engaging campaign combining offline and online in a visually unique exciting and creative way.

In order to kick start conversation, whilst developing a visual identity for the campaign, RYOT engaged Sydney street artist, Blends, to paint a 2.3m high mural showcasing the beauty of New Caledonia in a high impact activation, perfect to encourage and engage social media interactions.

The impressive underwater scene, from first person perspective, is located alongside high traffic Victoria Road located in the Inner West Sydney suburb of Marrickville, en route to the citys international airport.

To complement the stunning wall art, RYOT has produced three exclusive online editorial features to appear natively on Yahoo Lifestyle via Oath Ad Platforms, delving into and highlighting New Caledonias intriguing cultural attractions including unique natural landscapes and delicious French cuisine.

Says Margot Deltour, director, New Caledonia Tourism in Australia: We know Aussies love New Caledonia, thanks to its rich culture, great cuisine, abundant natural landscapes and the huge array of activities you can do. However, we also know that holiday makers are spoilt for choice in our region, so we turned to RYOT to help showcase our beautiful country and the diverse range of experiences and activities on offer in a new, exciting and engaging way.

Through working with the RYOT team weve been able to reach a wide audience by harnessing both digital and out of home formats. The stunning mural and supporting native content will really help ensure New Caledonia is front of mind for Aussie travellers.

Says Zoe Cocker, head of studio, RYOT: The powerful combination of OOH and digital, powered by our content and world leading tech platform, captures the attention of people in a new and inspiring way.

Working with local artist Blends, weve been able to extend beyond RYOTs usual production capabilities to bring this campaign to life. Supporting Australian artistic talent is part of Verizon Medias ongoing dedication to investing locally in Australia.

GSM: Jennifer Wagner

Sales: Francesca Tichon

Head of RYOT: Zoe Cocker

Senior Project Manager: Leah YeungThe Latest from Barchart

Sign up to receive your Watchlist or Portfolio sent to you by email up to 4 times a day; available at market open, mid-day, market close or end-of-day. Premier Members can also receive the results of custom Screeners - alerting to price or trend changes during and after each trading day. Sign up for a risk-free 30-day Barchart Premier trial.Indian students hold placards and shout slogans against Pakistan during a procession to pay tribute to the Central Reserve Police Force personnel killed, in Chennai on Feb. 18, 2019, following an attack on a CRPF convoy in the Lethpora area of Kashmir. (Arun Sankar/AFP/Getty Images)The Sitka Tribe is seeking Indian Country's support as it seeks to protect the subsistence herring fishery in southeast Alaska.

The tribe filed a lawsuit against the state in December, seeking better management of the fishery. According to The Juneau Empire, the herring population has decreased dramatically in recent years.

"Our efforts have fallen on deaf ears," the tribe said in support documents distributed during the National Congress of American Indians winter session in Washington, D.C., last week. Leaders from the region also spoke about their efforts to hold the state accountable for "mismanagement of our herring," one official said.

Demonstrators today outside Juneaus court building showing support for Sitka Tribe of Alaskas lawsuit against the... Posted by Sealaska Heritage Institute on Tuesday, February 19, 2019

The lawsuit was filed in December. A hearing took place on Tuesday to discuss the tribe's request for an injunction against the state.

Its not just a Southeast thing, Sealaska Heritage Institute President Rosita Worl told The Empire in a rally outside of the courthouse. It affects the whole state, Alaska Natives wherever they live.

The Sitka Tribe has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the litigation.

Read More on the Story

Join the Conversation| BY Ricki Green |

This International Womens Day #LeadingLadies presented by Agency Iceberg is partnering with Isobar in an industry-first morning panel event and conversation around how to achieve true diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace.

The event will be held on Friday 8 March 2019, 7:30am to 9:30am at Isobar, 111 Cecil St, South Melbourne.

Limited tickets are available here.

Founder of recruitment firm Agency Iceberg and the #LeadingLadies series, Anna ODea, said the theme for this years event  #BalanceforBetter  is a business and cultural priority for ODea and her clients.

Says ODea: Were proud to partner with Isobar to address bridging the gap and smashing the glass ceiling, not just for women, but across gender identities, culture, age and ability inclusivity in all workplaces.

Its a privilege to have such strong talent on our panel and champions of diversity, including Alexandra Smith, group general manager PR, Crown Resorts and Enya Cai, Oceania diversity and inclusion coordinator at EY, alongside Cinnamon Pollard, CX and digital transformation lead at WorkSafeVictoria and Erik Hallander, national MD at Isobar to lead the important discussion.

Julia Birks, strategic design lead and training specialist at Isobar Melbourne, said the event on International Womens Day provides an opportunity to engage a wider audience on the importance of creating a diverse and human place to work.

Says Birks: At Isobar, weve introduced standardised benchmarking to promote fairness and transparency around how we reward our people. This also helps to reduce the impact of unconscious bias, which is one step towards addressing the divide.

Our guest panelists from Crown, WorkSafeVictoria and EY will shine a light on what organisations are doing from both a private and public perspective to address #BalanceforBetter in the workplace.

In supporting the theme of #BalanceforBetter, all ticket proceeds are going to The Good Samaritan Inn, who support women, children, and young people who are homeless, in crisis and experiencing family violence.By Acee Agoyo

The longest serving executive director in the history of the National Congress of American Indians is heading out the door after 18 years on the job.

Jackie Pata, a citizen of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes , lasted three U.S. presidential administrations and saw the U.S. Congress go through historic changes in power. But long-standing concerns about her management style finally caught up to her when a #MeToo scandal placed a cloud over the nation's largest inter-tribal advocacy organization.

The scandal led to the ouster of NCAI's highest-ranking attorney and to Pata's suspension on the eve of the organization's milestone 75th anniversary conference. Yet there was no hint of discord as NCAI President Jefferson Keel announced a changing of the guard early Tuesday evening.

During Jackies tenure, NCAI grew substantially as an organization, forged partnerships within Indian Country and among outside allies, and achieved significant successes in our advocacy with Congress, the executive branch, and in the federal courts, Keel said in a statement that started arriving in inboxes shortly after 6pm Eastern.

NCAI is appreciative of the leadership Jackie has shown in her stewardship of the organization, and we wish her well in her future endeavors, Keel added.

The action came exactly a week after Keel made his first public comments about the controversy since Pata had been placed on leave. During an address to NCAI's winter session in Washington, D.C., he divulged the broad outlines of what he said was a "comprehensive, independent review" into the organization's workplace environment, one that was initiated after women who were employed there came forward with complaints about the way they were treated.

"First, we wanted to make sure that NCAI is a safe place for women to work," Keel said of a process initiated at the request of tribal leaders following Indianz.Com's first report into the matter almost six months ago.

"Based on the findings of that review, I can assure you that it is indeed a safe place for women to work," Keel said last Tuesday.

In her address to the Alaska Federation of Natives on October 18, 2018, Jackie Pata shared an intensely personal story about being a survivor of abuse. Indianz.Com Video by Kevin Abourezk

At the time, Keel declined to be more specific about the review even as a prominent Indian woman attorney pressed NCAI to be "transparent" as it moves forward. The latest announcement was just as murky, allowing Pata to gracefully exit without addressing whether she contributed to an oppressive culture -- as one former senior staffer put it -- that has seen women leave the organization in droves over the past couple of years.

After having time for thought and reflection, I have decided to resign from my role as NCAI executive director, Pata said after emerging from a suspension that lasted almost four months.

Serving NCAI and tribal nations has been one of the greatest honors of my life," she said of a position she held for longer than anyone else in the organization's history. "I am proud of that service and know that I leave NCAI with a strong foundation for continued growth under new leadership.

Despite the lack of details, word of Pata's exit was welcomed by Nicole Hallingstad, who left her position as NCAI's director of operations last August. That resignation was the development that first brought staff dissatisfaction into the public light.

This is fantastic news," Hallingstad, who is also a citizen of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes, told Indianz.Com. "I believe it is the appropriate outcome after the lengthy suspension and investigation of NCAIs executive director Jackie Pata,"

"NCAIs employees had been pleading for help for years and being ignored by the executive director and the board officers," she added.

Nicole Hallingstad, a citizen of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes, served as director of operations for the National Congress of American Indians until August 24, 2018. According to a letter sent to tribal leaders, an oppressive culture at NCAI has contributed to widespread staff turnover in recent years. Courtesy photo

According to documents reviewed by Indianz.Com, some employee complaints had gone unresolved for years, with Pata playing a role by failing to follow internal policy in a way that would put such matters to rest. At least one of those incidents involved NCAI's former general counsel John Dossett, who was reassigned to a new position after an investigation into his treatment of women at the organization. He was eventually forced out of his job altogether.

"I personally spoke with Jefferson Keel and Aaron Payment in 2017 about staff safety concerns," Hallingstad said of Keel, who was elected president at NCAI's annual convention that year and of Payment, who was re-elected as vice president at the same conference. "They were aware of harassment issues nearly a full year before I finally turned in my resignation letter last August to the entire executive committee."

And though Hallingstad was encouraged by the outcome of the workplace review, she too is calling on NCAI to be more transparent about a situation that caused so many women to leave the nation's premier Indian organization in such a short amount of time.

"President Jefferson Keel assured tribes last week that NCAI is indeed a safe place for women to work,'" Hallingstad said, echoing what was divulged in public. "It wasnt safe before; what makes it safe now?"

"It would serve NCAI well to share the findings of their investigations, and how they are acting on any recommendations," Hallingstad said. "NCAIs tribal members deserve to know their executive committee is meaningfully improving the workplace beyond a change in the executive director.

Despite being placed on administrative leave on the eve of the 75th annual convention of the National Congress of American Indians, Jackie Pata attended the event as a delegate. She is seen here on the opening day of the convention in Denver, Colorado, on October 22, 2018. Photo by Indianz.Com (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Other women who had voiced complaints about the way they were treated also remain in the dark. They willingly participated in the workplace review -- speaking freely to Gregory Vistica , a Washington media consultant who was hired by NCAI as part of the audit -- but none so far have been told directly about the outcome, or even whether their concerns were validated. At least one former employee said she asked asked for a copy of the review but none has been provided.

Keel, who also serves as lieutenant governor of the Chickasaw Nation , has promised to deliver a "formal report" about the review to member tribes sometime in the future. But neither he nor NCAI has had anything to add since those first public comments last week.

"I think you'll see that as we move forward, we'll be completely transparent," Keel said.

NCAI's press team, when asked for clarification three days later, declined to provide details. The organization's communications department has been among the casualties of the turmoil -- every woman who was part of that staff has since left.

The longer NCAI waits to disclose, the harder it will be for the organization to move past the controversy, according to tribal advocates who work in Indian law and policy circles in Washington. Prior to the 75th annual convention, some member tribes had called for a broader investigation but had to settle for the more limited review that was overseen by an "ad hoc committee" consisting of members of NCAI's executive board , rather than an external and more independent entity.

The unrest has contributed to concerns about NCAI's effectiveness. At the 75th meeting, one leader challenged Keel to be a stronger advocate for tribes and their citizens, especially during a time of great uncertainty in Washington.

"I think all of us in Indian Country are fed up with the song and dance," council member Shaun Chapoose of the Ute Tribe said at that meeting in Denver, Colorado , where NCAI first came together in 1944 to address threats to their sovereign rights.

Yet those doubts persist, all the way through to the more recent meeting in D.C. Julian Bear Runner , the new president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe , told Indianz.Com that he was having second thoughts about rejoining NCAI after Keel told him he shouldn't have shown up to a White House listening session that had been billed as a historic meeting among sovereign nations.

I had a lot of hope, and I had a lot of faith in coming to NCAI as an entity to help to take on our challenges in the face of the United States government, Bear Runner said after that session, which was the first of its kind in the Donald Trump era. I have less there, with my faith and my belief in NCAI thrown at me.

Keel ended up apologizing to Bear Runner for his "choice of words" at the session, which was overseen by mid-level officials from the White House at the same hotel where NCAI held its gathering. He also said he would visit tribes in Great Plains states like South Dakota -- where dissatisfaction with Pata goes back to 2014 -- to "discuss their concerns and how we can work together to address the grave challenges Indian Country is facing."

Jackie Pata, a citizen of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes, served as executive director of the National Congress of American Indians since 2001. She is seen here at NCAI's mid-year conference in Spokane, Washington, in June 2016. John Dossett, the organization's former general counsel and former senior counsel, appears in the background. Photo: NCAI

The complaints about Pata haven't come from just one region, however. Tribal leaders in Montana, North Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and even some from her home state of Alaska previously called on her to step down, accusing her of going against their interests and failing to address their needs.

The tribal resolutions were part of a broader campaign to replace Pata in the months following NCAI's 2013 annual convention, when an entirely new slate of elected officers was eager to bring on a new executive director. The officers even began reaching out to potential replacements -- almost all of them women -- but quickly ran into some turbulence.

"I heard you are after my job," Pata told one of the potential candidates, according to two people were told about a phone call this prominent Indian woman advocate received from the executive director.

NCAI's leadership ended up dropping the matter altogether after realizing that replacing Pata was going to be more difficult than they had envisioned.

A few months later in 2014, Pata was suspended after she was accused of misusing her position in a highly controversial matter affecting her husband, who remains employed at NCAI , and his standing within his own tribe, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians . She firmly denied any wrongdoing in an email seen by Indianz.Com and was only placed on administrative leave for a week.

Her recent suspension, announced just as attendees were arriving in Colorado for the 2018 convention, ended up lasting longer. Yet just like the first one, she appears to have emerged unscathed, with the upbeat announcement on Tuesday opening the door for her to pursue other opportunities without a serious blemish on her record.

Articles written by a former NCAI staffer who worked for the organization for a brief period over a decade ago were posted on an obscure site based in New York, suggesting Pata was being recruited to run for U.S. Senate. No mention was made of her suspension.

But Pata, who decamped to Alaska after being placed on leave, appears to be looking for a different kind of opportunity. Tlingit and Haida sources told Indianz.Com that she has been interested in a job at their tribe's housing agency, where she previously served as executive director.

According to the sources, Pata was tentatively offered a much higher-level post -- that of president / chief executive officer -- at the Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority but it was contingent on her surviving the administrative leave. That hurdle appears to have been cleared when she unceremoniously returned to work following the conclusion of the winter session last week, and after President Keel declared NCAI to be a "safe place" for women to work.

Pata serves as an " ex-officio " member of the board of commissioners for the Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority , which receives millions of dollars in federal funds and oversees assets totaling tens of millions of dollars, according to a recent financial statement . She's due to participate in a meeting of the board on March 8, according to a notice

But for now, Pata -- who joined NCAI in 2001 following the ouster of her predecessor , another prominent Indian woman -- is staying put while the organization prepares for a new executive director, whoever that might be. The "transition" period is expected to last up to 90 days. Keel gave no indication of when a replacement might come on board.

New from Chairman Harold Frazier @CRSTChairman of Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe on the National Congress of American Indians: "A change in leadership is always good and I look forward to working with the next Executive Director." pic.twitter.com/G3nE024Q5C  indianz.com (@indianz) February 21, 2019 "I am hopeful that Tribal leaders would be free to speak and express themselves. Tribal leaders are the voice of their people and bring with them the desires of their sovereign nations."  indianz.com (@indianz) February 21, 2019

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Thank you for Reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.Shamita Shetty had a memorable experience shooting for the new season of the popular television show, Khatron Ke Khiladi (KKK) in Argentina and while she braved several challenging stunts, she suffered various injuries shooting for the adventure reality show.

In a recent episode, Shamita, being the leader of the team was given a bunch of tasks to execute. The actress had to get on to a machine that catapulted her in the air and threw her on the net which she had to hold and eventually drop the flags into the water. Unfortunately, the actress got severely injured while performing the stunt. It tore several tissues in her chest and the entire upper body was left into a spasm. But like a true blue pro, She just didn't show how much pain she was in.

Before leaving for the doctor, she had also volunteered to do the stunt but she was advised not to do it because it could have given her a whiplash and that could have worsened her neck injury. A source informs, "Shamita was badly injured in a stunt but continued to shoot till the end of her time on the show like a thorough professional, she took on every stunt bravely and did the best she could".CONCORD  Cabarrus County will host several community input meetings in February and March to set direction for the Library Systems strategic planning process.

Residents, businesses and organizations are asked to provide input through the sessions.

Cabarrus is using the strategic planning process to define what our community wants and needs in their library over the next five to 10 years.

The public forum schedule is as follows:

 Kannapolis Branch (850 Mountain St): Monday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

 Western Cabarrus Fire Station #9 Community Room (1020 Ivey Cline Rd): Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

 Mt. Pleasant Branch (8556 Cook St): Monday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m.

 Concord Branch (27 Union St N): Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m.

 Harrisburg Branch (201 Sims Parkway): Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Library Director Emery Ortiz says the plan will rely heavily on community input. The sessions are the second phase of the research process, which began with a public survey in the fall of 2018. She invites newcomers in particular.Families in recovery, an open support group for both individuals in addiction recovery and their family members, meet at 7 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 220 George Liles Parkway, Concord, Room 116 the entrance is on side of the building. For more information, contact: Debbie Lamm at 704-707-4277.

Wednesday

C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Outreach Ministries holds Bible Encounters through the study of Gods Word on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at 142 Maple St., Mooresville. Contact our church office if you have any questions or need directions at 704-662-8854.

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, 301 Mount Olivet Road will have a Bible discussion round table on Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. The study will be David Jeremiahs Facing the Giants in Your Life. Workbook is available. Come enjoy the lively discussions.

A Chair/Mat Yoga Class will be held at St. James Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall on Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m. (drop-in). Each class is $3 and all ages are welcome. The church is located at 104 Union St. S, Concord. Instructor is Angie Buchannan. For more information, call 704-467-3321.Forest Hill UMC Spaghetti Supper will be held from 5-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Center. Adults $9 and children $5. All you can eat spaghetti, salad, and bread. Drink is included. Our spaghetti sauce is homemade with our unique Forest Hill recipe. Delicious homemade desserts are available for $1.50 each. Questions? Call the church office at 704-782-1109.

Shiloh United Methodist Churchs UMW Annual Chicken and Dumpling Dinner will be held from 4-7 p.m. or until sold out at the church fellowship hall. This is a donation only meal that has been an ongoing tradition for more than 50 years. Dine in or carry out. Take out cartons of homemade chicken salad will be available for $6 a pint. Desserts will be available for $1 each. The church is located at 4149 Odell School Road, Concord.Second attempt: Bernie Sanders speaking at a rally in Los Angeles in May 2016 during his first campaign to be US president. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Bernie Sanders, the independent Vermont senator who was a runner-up to Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, yesterday announced a second White House bid.

He said one of his primary motivations is to oust President Donald Trump, who beat Ms Clinton in that election.

"I think the current occupant of the White House is an embarrassment to our country," Mr Sanders said in an interview with Vermont Public Radio. "I think he is a pathological liar. Every day, he is telling one lie or another, and it gives me no pleasure to say that.

"I also think he is a racist, a sexist, a homophobe, a xenophobe, somebody who is gaining cheap political points by trying to pick on minorities, often undocumented immigrants."

Mr Sanders (77) upended the party establishment three years ago by siphoning support from Democrats' liberal wing and young people, touching off a leftist movement that ushered progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez into office in the November midterm elections.

His stronger than expected challenge to Ms Clinton arguably weakened her ultimately unsuccessful candidacy.

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Mr Sanders starts his 2020 campaign with a long list of potential advantages, not the least of which include a massive email list of supporters, a proven track record of small-dollar fundraising and veteran aides who helped chart a path to victory in key states like New Hampshire.

But 2020, will be a very different campaign cycle. Many former Sanders supporters and aides are looking at other options in a diverse field of Democrats that could top 20 well-known names.

Several Democrats are already echoing his economic message at a time when the party is increasingly relying on a voting base made up mainly of women, minorities and young people.

In a year when Democratic voters have signalled an increased desire for racial and gender diversity, Mr Sanders would be only the second straight, white man in the field.

"This is a very different campaign for a lot of reasons. That's certainly one of them," Mr Sanders said, referring to the fact that at least several candidates have embraced parts of his agenda.

"The other reason is last time I ran against one candidate - Secretary Clinton.

"This time, there may be 10, 15, 20 candidates, so that makes it a very, very different campaign with a different set of challenges."

Mr Sanders' announcement comes after progressive groups launched an effort to encourage him to run by holding nationwide house parties to demonstrate the strength of his support following his last campaign.

Despite coming up short against Ms Clinton, the Vermont independent won about 13 million votes in Democratic primaries and caucuses on a platform criticising economic inequality and what he described as the greed of Wall Street, shifting Democrats to the left.

Mr Sanders popularised the term "democratic socialist" and made progressive policy dreams like government-funded universal health care and tuition-free public college more mainstream within the party.

The question now is whether Mr Sanders will be able to recreate that excitement around this campaign while also broadening his base beyond millennials and progressives. ( Bloomberg)A former White House ethics chief has insisted Donald Trump must be removed from office because the president is "not well at all mentally".

Richard Painter, who was George W Bush's ethics lawyer between 2005 and 2007, said that Mr Trump's national emergency declaration over illegal immigration was "clearly illegal" and a product of the president's state of mind.

"The president is not well at all mentally. I think he's an extreme narcissist," Mr Painter told cable network MSNBC.

"He has been denied what he wants, his wall, and he is having a hissy fit," said Mr Painter.

"He is out of control, and he will not take no for an answer from Congress.

"And he's going do this. He is going to insist on doing it.

"He is going to tear the country apart. It's unconstitutional, it's illegal.

"He is going to do enormous damage to the Republican Party which is going to split right down the middle over this, and we really need to keep in mind that this is because the president is not well."

Mr Painter cited Mr Trump's belief of Vladimir Putin over US intelligence officials as evidence of his irrationality.

"He is not capable of doing the job," he added. "He does need to be removed under the 25th amendment, but he stocked his cabinet with people who are unwilling to do that, and Congress is apparently unwilling to even try to remove him through impeachment."

The 25th amendment to the US constitution allows the president to be replaced in the event of death, removal, resignation or incapacitation.

On Monday, a coalition of 16 US states, led by California, sued the Trump administration over last week's emergency declaration giving the president powers to allocate federal funds for segments of a barrier across the US-Mexico border.

The move came after Congress refused to grant Mr Trump the $5.7bn (5.03bn) he initially demanded in wall funding, a row which led to a record 35-day government shutdown late last year.

"Today, on Presidents Day, we take President Trump to court to block his misuse of presidential power," California attorney general Xavier Becerra said in a statement.

"We are suing President Trump to stop him from unilaterally robbing taxpayer funds lawfully set aside by Congress for the people of our states.

"For most of us, the office of the presidency is not a place for theatre."

The White House has been contacted for comment on the issue.The newly appointed lawyer for former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn has said he believes the case against his client does not meet international standards and could scare international businesses away from Japan.

Junichiro Hironaka, who was appointed as part of Ghosns defence team last week, also said he believes his trial might not get under way until after the summer.

That could mean months more of detention for the Brazilian-born French car industry veteran, who has twice sought and failed to gain release on bail after his November 19 arrest.

Mr Hironaka said his gut feeling is that Ghosn, the former head of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Motors alliance, is innocent of all charges against him.

In court and in interviews, Ghosn has insisted he is innocent and said he wants to fight the case in court.

The lawyer questioned why Nissan chose to seek Ghosns arrest.

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I also found it bizarre why this became a case to start with. It feels more like an internal matter for Nissan  but somehow it was taken to the prosecutors, he said.

Nissan, based in Yokohama near Tokyo, issued a statement saying it was not in a position to comment on judicial matters and criminal charges, which must be resolved between the prosecutors, the courts, and the defendant(s). Put simply, we are not in a position to comment directly or specifically on Ghosns legal defence.

The statement reiterated Nissans earlier comments on such issues.

Mr Hironaka said that if prosecutors have a strong case against Ghosn, they could release him pending his trial instead of keeping him on the grounds he might tamper with evidence.

These issues cannot meet international standards, he said.

I think this case could present an opportunity to review and reform problems in the legal system, he added.

Mr Hironaka refused to say if Ghosn will try for a third time to gain release on bail, noting the defence team was still working out its strategy.

Ghosn hired Mr Hironaka and another new lawyer, Hiroshi Kawatsu, last week, beefing up his legal team ahead of his trial.

Mr Hironaka has a strong track record for winning rare acquittals in a country where the conviction rate is 99%.

Kawatsu is an expert on judicial reform who has studied and done research in the US.

Ghosn and another Nissan executive, Greg Kelly, were arrested just after landing at Tokyos Haneda International Airport.

Kelly was granted bail pending his trial on charges he allegedly helped Ghosn under-report millions of dollars of income.

The arrests out of the blue could frighten others doing business in Japan, Mr Hironaka said.

Like, if they come to Japan, they could face such a terrible situation, like suddenly they could be taken into the prosecutors custody, he said.| BY Ricki Green |

AdFest is proud to introduce this years Fabulous Five directors whose short film scripts were chosen from 49 entries representing 11 cities in the Asia Pacific and Middle East. FINCH director Josh Patrick Dawson is the only director chosen from Australia to participate in the Fabulous Five program.

Every year, AdFest invites emerging commercial directors to write a short film as part of its Fabulous Five program  one of the worlds most respected platforms for kick-starting the careers of commercial directors. This year, directors had the task of writing a five-minute script inspired by the theme of AdFest 2019, TMRRW.TDAY. Their scripts were then judged by some of the worlds top production executives who make up AdFests 2019 Film Craft Lotus & New Director Lotus Jury.

This years Fabulous Five include:

Jo Motoyo, Director from Taiyo Kikaku Co., Ltd., Tokyo

Josh Patrick Dawson, Director at FINCH, Melbourne

Mai Murata, Assistant Director from Dentsu Creative X Inc., Tokyo

Rin Soejima, Director from AOI Pro. Inc., Tokyo

Tomu Yamaguchi, Director from AOI Pro. Inc., Tokyo

Says Jimmy Lam, president, AdFest: This is the first time that female directors have outnumbered male directors in AdFests short film competition. In an industry that has traditionally been dominated by male directors, its exciting to see young female directors making their mark in the industry and having their stories heard.

Dawson, Murata, Soejima, Uzawa and Yamaguchi now have just weeks to cast, direct, shoot and edit their film scripts in time to premiere at AdFest 2019. The Fabulous Five 2019 film screening will take place during AdFest 2019 on Thursday 21st March, 3:40pm  5.25pm, in a session moderated by Ali Brown, Partner and Executive Producer at PRETTYBIRD in Los Angeles.

Says Brown, jury president of Film Craft Lotus and New Director Lotus at AdFest 2019: I loved reading this years Fabulous Five scripts. It was fascinating to see the various interpretations of the theme, TMRRW.TDAY, and I saw such inventiveness in the screenwriting. We judged each script anonymously  while there were many scripts that were in serious contention, ultimately a select group of 5 rose to the top. I cant wait to see how these scripts come to life between now and March.

Many new and emerging directors who have screened their films at AdFest have gone on to achieve great things. As a result, AdFest has expanded the program from Fabulous Four to Fabulous Five for the first time this year, giving more directors the chance to make their first big break.

Last year, Huixin Law from Reservoir World Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur won a Commendation for her Fabulous Four short film called, Bird on a Wire.

Says Law: AdFest 2018 provided me with the opportunity to showcase the passion that I have for filmmaking. It is truly an honour that my script was selected for the Fabulous Four program and to represent Malaysia. It was also very humbling to be recognised as the first Malaysian female to win the Fabulous Four Commendation because it reminded what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance.Defiant: President Nicolas Maduro is refusing to stand down in Venezuela despite international pressure and domestic opposition. Photo: REUTERS

US president Donald Trump has warned Venezuela's military of repercussions if it continues to stand with President Nicolas Maduro's government.

"You will find no safe harbour, no easy exit and no way out. You will lose everything," he said in a speech at Florida International University in Miami. He added: "We seek a peaceful transition of power, but all options are open."

The Venezuelan military could play a decisive role in the stalemate between the president and opposition leader Juan Guaido but has largely remained loyal to Mr Maduro.

In remarks broadcast on state television, Mr Maduro accused Mr Trump of speaking in an "almost Nazi style" and lashed out at his counterpart for thinking he can deliver orders to Venezuela's military.

"Who is the commander of the armed forces, Donald Trump from Miami?" he said. "They think they're the owners of the country."

Mr Trump said "a new day is coming in Latin America," as he sought to rally support among the largest Venezuelan community in the US for Mr Guaido.

The US recognises him as the country's rightful president and condemns Mr Maduro's government and its socialist policies.

Venezuelan troops have blocked the US from moving tonnes of humanitarian aid airlifted in recent days to the Colombia-Venezuela border.

The power struggle is heading for a potentially violent showdown on Saturday when Mr Guaido will try to run caravans of US humanitarian aid in from Colombia.

Mr Maduro denies a humanitarian crisis exists, blaming the Trump administration for mounting a coup against him.

He has support from Russia, China and Turkey. Mr Guaido is backed by leaders in Latin America and Europe, who are demanding that Mr Maduro holds elections or steps down.Venezuela on Tuesday shut the maritime border with nearby Dutch Caribbean islands ahead of an opposition effort to bring in humanitarian aid from foreign territories including neighboring Curacao despite the protests of President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro has rejected offers of foreign aid, denying there are widespread shortages and insisting that the countrys economic problems are the result of sanctions by Washington.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognized by dozens countries as the legitimate head of state, has said that food and medicine provided in part by the United States will enter Venezuela by land and sea on Saturday.

The closure blocks movement of boats and aircraft between the western Venezuelan coastal state of Falcon and the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, said Vice Admiral Vladimir Quintero, who heads a military unit in Falcon. He did not provide a reason.

Venezuelas Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Curacaos government, which has agreed to receive aid for Venezuela without being involved in its delivery, said in a statement that the closure was meant to prevent humanitarian aid from getting in.

Curacao will not force in the aid, but it will continue to function as a logistical center, it said.

The United States has sent tons of aid to Colombias border with Venezuela. Maduro has mocked the effort as a cheap show by the United States, insisting Washington should help his government by lifting crippling oil sector sanctions.

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Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino in a televised broadcast on Tuesday said Venezuelan troops would remain stationed along the countrys borders to prevent territorial violations.

Padrino, flanked by a cadre of top-ranked military officials, said opposition leaders would have to pass over our dead bodies to impose a new government. Guaido, who invoked articles of the constitution to assume the interim presidency, denounces Maduro as illegitimate.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday warned members of Venezuelas military who remain loyal to Maduro that they would find no safe harbor, no easy exit and no way out.

Padrino said officers and soldiers remained obedient and subordinate to Maduro.

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They will never accept orders from any foreign government. ... They will remain deployed and alert along the borders, as our commander in chief has ordered, to avoid any violations of our territorys integrity, Padrino said.

Maduro, who won a second term last year in an election that critics have denounced as a sham, retains the backing of Russia and China and control of Venezuelan state institutions.

Leaders of several Latin American nations plan to travel to Colombias border with Venezuela on Friday ahead of the delivery of aid, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said on Tuesday, adding that he had accepted an invitation from Colombias president, Ivan Duque.

It was not immediately clear which leaders would attend. Most Latin American countries now recognize Guaido as president, though Bolivia, Cuba and Nicaragua still support Maduro.

Billionaire businessman Richard Branson is backing a Live Aid-style concert on Friday in the Colombian border city of Cucuta with a fundraising target of $100 million to provide food and medicine for Venezuela. Maduros government has announced two rival concerts just across the border.Shamima Begum caught on CCTV as she left the UK to travel to Syria

Shamima Begum, who fled the UK to join the Islamic State terror group in Syria aged 15, has been stripped of her British citizenship.

British Home Secretary Sajid Javid ordered the move against the 19-year-old Londoner who wants to return to the UK with her newly-born child as the so-called caliphate crumbles.

She was part of a trio of girls from Bethnal Green Academy to travel to the war-torn nation to support the terror group in February 2015.

Her family's lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, described them as "very disappointed" over the move and said they were "considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision".

The UK's Home Office said such decisions are "not taken lightly" and are carried out "in order to protect this country".

ITV News reported a letter from the department was received by Ms Begum's mother on Tuesday.

"Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship," it read.

"In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretary's decision has been served of file today (19 February), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made."

The letter asked the mother to inform her daughter of the decision, as well as her right to appeal.

The move comes after the teenager returned to the public eye when she was found heavily pregnant living in a refugee camp in northern Syria.

She gave birth to a boy over the weekend, having already lost two children, and made pleas for forgiveness and to be accepted back in the UK.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has signalled she could be arrested and investigated if she returns to Britain.

When Ms Begum left the UK, the then chief of counter-terror policing Sir Mark Rowley suggested that she might be treated as a victim of grooming.

But on Tuesday Ms Dick said: "We're a long way down the road since then."

International law forbids nations from making people stateless by revoking their only citizenship, but it is possible Ms Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, held dual citizenship.

UK Government guidance from 2017 states that their Home Secretary has the power to order the deprivation if it would be "conducive to the public good", as long as they are not left without any citizenship.

A spokesman said: "In order to protect this country, he has the power to deprive someone of their British citizenship where it would not render them stateless.

"We do not comment on individual cases, but any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly."

Earlier, Mr Javid told the House of Commons he had the power of "stripping dangerous dual nationals" of their British citizenship, adding: "Over 100 people have already been deprived in this way."

Conservative former minister George Freeman criticised the move as a "mistake" that will set a "dangerous precedent".

The MP for Mid Norfolk tweeted: "She was born here, educated here & is our responsibility. We should defend our system & she should be brought back to face the UK courts."

The Liberal Democrats called for Ms Begum to be allowed to return to the UK to face a prosecution for membership of a terrorist group.

"It is not only hard to see Ms Begum and her baby as constituting a serious threat to national security, but it also seems a huge wasted opportunity," home affairs spokesman Ed Davey said.

"We can learn lessons as to why a young girl went to Syria in the first place, lessons which could improve Britain's security by helping us prevent this happening again."

Human rights campaign group Liberty said revoking a person's citizenship was a power that "must not be wielded lightly".

A spokesman said: "The government has an array of powers available to it to deal with people suspected of involvement in terrorism - including the criminal law. Taking away a person's citizenship is one of the most serious among them and must not be wielded lightly.

"The Home Office must act proportionately and in accordance with its obligations under international law. Crucially, its response must include a serious look at how a 15 year-old girl was apparently able to leave the country to join a proscribed group without effective action being taken to safeguard her."

Robert Halfon, Conservative MP for Harlow and chairman of the Commons Education Committee, backed the Home Office move, tweeting: "Absolutely the right decision from @ukhomeoffice @sajidjavid".

On Monday, in an interview with the BBC, Ms Begum compared the Manchester Arena bombing to military strikes on Isis strongholds, calling the terror attack "retaliation".

There are currently plans to change the law to make travelling to certain terror hotspots a criminal offence, but this would not apply retrospectively to Ms Begum.

Around 425 suspected jihadi fighters are thought to have returned to the UK from Syria so far.MP Joan Ryan, who has announced she is quitting the UK Labour party Photo credit: Katie Collins/PA Wire

THE eighth MP to quit the British Labour party to join the breakaway Independent Group has accused Jeremy Corbyn of repeatedly failing to deal with anti-Semitism in the party.

In a furious broadside, Joan Ryan, who chaired Labour Friends of Israel, claimed that Corbyn had ignored calls to tackle the problem and was not fit to be prime minister.

"We never had this problem in the party before he was the leader. It comes with him, it is part of his politics, I am afraid," she told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

"He has introduced or allowed to happen in our party this scourge of anti-Semitism. It has completely infected the party and at every opportunity to deal with it he has not done so.

"We have had a whitewash report, we have had unprecedented actions of Jewish people feeling they have to demonstrate against the Labour Party in Parliament Square.

"We have had endless calls on him to deal with the most virulent, vile anti-Semitism - bullying, abuse and aggression - and he has turned away from doing that."

Ms Ryan, who has represented Enfield North since 1997, with a break from 2010-15, and served as a minister in Tony Blair's government, also attacked Mr Corbyn's position on the EU.

"The other huge problem is that I think Jeremy Corbyn is aiding and abetting a hard Brexit," she said.

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Her announcement comes amid growing speculation that the group may take some members from the Conservatives.

It came as Labour launched a consultation on changes to allow voters to force MPs to seek re-election if they swap parties.

The proposed right to recall comes after the launch on Monday of the Independent Group by seven ex-Labour MPs including former shadow ministers Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger and Chris Leslie.

Members of the new group have indicated they will resist demands from the leadership, including shadow chancellor John McDonnell, to step down and seek a fresh mandate from voters in a by-election.

Ms Ryan said there was a "large number" of Labour MPs who were unhappy with the leadership and she hoped there would be further defections to the Independent Group - including from other parties.

"I hope that all like-minded MPs from whatever party will want to join this group. It is early days. It is about trying to change the political weather," she said.

With a poll taken the day after the Independent Group's launch putting the breakaway MPs on 10% support to Labour's 26 per cent nationally, Mr Corbyn's party would be hopeful of seizing back most if not all of the seats in by-election contests.

Although the Independent MPs may benefit from some personal support, all of their constituencies - with the exception of Angela Smith's Penistone and Stocksbridge and Ms Ryan's Enfield North - are rock-solid Labour seats which would need a substantial swing to change hands.

In an indication that Labour expects to hold on to much of its support in any by-election, party sources said one of the key reasons for allowing recall when an MP crosses the floor is because people cast their vote primarily for the party and its platform rather than the candidate.

At present, recall petitions can only be launched in a handful of circumstances, such as a serious breach of UK parliamentary rules or a criminal conviction. A by-election is forced if the petition is signed by 10pc of constituents - usually around 7,000 people - within six weeks.

Labour will consult on extending the principle to cover MPs who switch political allegiance.

UK Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said: "Power comes from the people but for too long the overwhelming majority have been shut out. That's why trust in politics and in elites is rightly falling.

"Communities should not have to wait for up to five years to act if they feel their MP is not properly representing their interests, especially with the restrictions of the Fixed Term Parliament Act.

"This proposed reform has the dramatic potential to empower citizens and will be one of many measures the Labour Party is planning to consult on and announce that will change the way politics in this country is done."

The developments are likely to reignite internal disagreements over the best response to the departure of MPs from the party's centrist wing with a long record of dissent over Mr Corbyn's stance on Brexit and his handling of anti-Semitism allegations.

Deputy leader Tom Watson has called for a shadow cabinet reshuffle to better reflect the breadth of opinion in the party and ensure that "all the members of our broad church feel welcome in our congregation".

At a stormy meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party on Monday, the leadership was repeatedly criticised for failing to deal with anti-Semitism within the party.

Mr McDonnell accepted the need for the leadership to carry out a "mammoth, massive listening exercise" to address concerns.Tragic: Irishwoman Ciara Glennon, whose body was found 18 days after she went missing near Perth, Australia

The man suspected of murdering Irishwoman Ciara Glennon 20 years ago in Australia is socially awkward with an "obsessive sexual interest" in abduction, a court has heard.

For the first time, prosecutors in Perth have revealed disturbing details about why they believe Bradley Robert Edwards is the man responsible for abducting and murdering Ms Glennon (27) and two other young women in the 1990s.

The pre-trial hearing of the accused, from Claremont, Western Australia, began on Monday after its proceedings were delayed on a number of occasions.

Ms Glennon, whose family are from Westport, Co Mayo, disappeared on March 14, 1997, after a night out celebrating St Patrick's Day in the Perth suburb of Claremont.

Her body was discovered in bushland 50km north of Perth and had to be identified by her parents.

The court heard DNA taken from Ms Glennon's body, including from under her fingernails, was consistent with Mr Edwards's DNA.

Expand Close Accused: Bradley Edwards Roberts charged with three murders / Facebook

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Fibres in her hair also corresponded with the same fibres found inside Mr Edwards's car.

The 27-year-old's body was found 18 days after she vanished and she died as a result of her neck being cut.

The court heard that on the night of Ms Glennon's disappearance, the accused had been due to spend the night with friends.

But when he turned up the next morning, Mr Edwards said he was trying to reconcile with his then partner.

Mr Edwards is also accused of murdering Sarah Spiers (18), and Jane Rimmer (23) in 1996 and 1997.

He previously pleaded not guilty to all charges, which also include raping a 17-year-old girl in 1995 and breaking into an 18-year-old woman's bedroom in her home in 1988.

Prosecutor Carmel Barbagallo argued Mr Edwards was "an introverted, socially awkward man who had a long-standing tendency for the collection and wearing of women's underwear".

She said all the allegations against Mr Edwards, as well as pornography and "violent and erotic stories" seized after his arrest, showed he had an "obsessive sexual interest in the abduction, imprisonment and forcible rape of women in degrading and violent circumstances".

She claimed it showed that his "sexual interests were extreme, abnormal and depraved".

Ms Barbagallo also outlined that boxes had been found at his home after his arrest, which contained women's underwear with holes cut in them.

Following Mr Edwards' arrest in 2016, Ms Glennon's father Denis described the murder charge as a "bitter-sweet moment".

Mr Edwards will go on trial in the Supreme Court of Western Australia for an estimated nine months starting from July 22.A year ago, Daisy Demetre was promised by her dad that she would be the most inspiring double amputee that ever lived.

On Saturday, as she literally cartwheeled down the runway at London Fashion Week, even he couldnt believe everything that had happened in the previous 12 months.

When he said the words, neither Alex Demetre, 36, nor eight-year-old Daisy had any kind of plan.

I promised she was going to be the most inspiring double amputee that ever lived without knowing how, he told the Press Association. Then we found modelling.

In the intervening time, Daisy  who was born with fibula hemimelia, a birth defect which causes babies to be born with some or all of their fibular bone missing  has done more then Alex imagined possible.

She has modelled all over the country and even overseas, for brands like River Island, Boden, Primark, Matalan and more. Shes even done a TEDx talk.

Over the weekend she made her third Fashion Week appearance. Not content with simply walking down the catwalk, she threw in a cartwheel for good measure.

Alex said: To have the confidence to do that was just amazing. If she wants to be a supermodel, who am I to tell her she cant?

Birmingham-based Daisy was modelling for Panda London, a childrens clothing brand which puts diversity at the heart of everything they do.

Panda co-owner Jen Jones said they put out a call actively encouraging children who are differently abled to apply.

She told the Press Association: We also wanted children who represented the brand personally so we also invited children from council estates and children from diverse backgrounds.

We believe everyone needs to be represented and we will always provide a platform for inclusive diversity.

Alongside Daisy on the catwalk was Katie Renshaw, an 11-year-old model with cerebral palsy who was unable to walk until life-changing surgery a year ago.

On Saturday, she needed only a stroller for support to help her navigate the catwalk in her second show for Panda.

She loves it, Katies mum Clare Millerick told the Press Association. She said it was just the best weekend of her whole life.

Both Katie, from Cheshire, and Daisy are represented by Zebedee Management, an agency that specialises in representing diverse models.

And Jen believes that displaying diversity in their shows is essential for brands.

This is the real world, she said. These people are out there and they deserve a platform.

If youre not representing them, if youre not putting them in your clothing, I dont see why they should shop in your store.Chinese businesswoman Yang Feng Glan, dubbed the "Ivory Queen", is escorted by a prison warden at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Photo: REUTERS

A court in Tanzania yesterday convicted a notorious Chinese trafficker known as the 'Ivory Queen', dealing a significant blow to the Asian crime networks behind much of the slaughter of Africa's elephants.

Yang Fenlan, a 69-year-old businesswoman who for years passed herself off as a respectable member of Tanzania's Chinese expatriate community, was jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of smuggling the tusks of more than 350 elephants to Asia. She faces an additional two years in prison if she fails to pay a fine equivalent to 3.2m.

The verdict was welcomed by conservationists, who said it would send a strong message to other Chinese smugglers.

"It's hugely significant," said Tom Milliken, of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. "These large shipments of ivory... are almost inevitably being moved by Asian transnational criminal syndicates. The prospect of spending that long in an African jail is going to be a deterrent for certain individuals."Designer Louise Kennedy took a trip down memory lane yesterday to launch her new season collection at Ballyfin Demesne, Co Laois.

Her top clients were treated to lunch and a catwalk show at the historic house which dates back to the 1820s.

The lavish building and estate holds many memories for Louise, who as a young girl went there to debate and attend dances.

"My sister Caroline and I attended the Brigidine Convent in Abbeyleix, and for a period Ballyfin was home to a boarding school for the Patrician Order," she said.

"The two schools were twinned, and we had many great debating nights and exiting school dances in these magnificent rooms.

"Coming back to the grand entrance hall, I had a powerful sense of history.

"When clients of mine from around the world heard that I was doing my SS19 shoot here, I was really surprised at how many of them had already come to Ireland to experience Ballyfin."

This season, Louise has introduced a new femininity in the form of the playful, oversized polka dot 'Liv' dress in a very fine tulle.

The dropped waist and dreamy, floaty shape is lined with pure silk, which gives the dress structure while still allowing it to "float and ripple as you move".

Other highlights include the 'Tess' in a striking deep pink with a flattering cocoon shape, and the 'Carrie' fit and flare style with pockets in a glamorous Parisian tweed.

"We love our fabrics and have worked on all our colours for months with lab testing and going back to our mills until we tweak the colours to what we hope our clients will enjoy," said Louise. "It's also about the clashing of colours. I think it's joyous.

"Colour can be really elevating, and we have all our classics too because I could never do a spring-summer collection without a beautiful navy and white story."

A new look for spring is a lean, flattering trouser suit with the softly tailored 'Eliza' blazer and 'Rachel' trousers.

The fluid 'Casey' shirtwaister dress falls to the knee and is tied with a suede leather tassel belt for a sophisticated look.

The 'Marina' kaftan was inspired by a Georgian fan window at Louise's Merrion Square home and salon and features a deep V-neck.

The kaftan is hand-embroidered with delicate pearls, and along the outer edge, the pattern of railings is expressed in delicate beading.

The luxurious piece is part of the Merrion Square collection, which has been created to mark the 21st anniversary of Louise's flagship Dublin store.

The gathered audience reacted very positively to the introduction of a vibrant orange lace bomber jacket in geometric lace.

The 'Kiko' shape is softly tailored and was accessorised with the flared 'Piper' trouser.The fashion world has paid heartfelt tributes to Karl Lagerfeld, who has died after more than three decades at the helm of Chanel.

The acclaimed German fashion icon died yesterday morning at the age of 85 following a period of ill-health.

Since the news of his death was first reported by French media, members of the fashion world and celebrity fans have been paying their respects.

Irish couturier Peter O'Brien, a friend of Lagerfeld's, described his death as "the end of an era".

"Karl was the last of that type of designer in that golden age in Paris in the 1960s and 1970s," he said.

"He took those identifiable coats, the tweeds, the camelias and made Chanel the monster it is today. It was genius, the man was an utter genius.

"The wonderful thing about him is that he didn't design by committee. He did it all himself, it was extraordinary," he said.

Irish designer Louise Kennedy recalled meeting Lagerfeld about 20 years ago at a dinner in Dublin. "He's always been a hero of mine," she said.

"The man constantly reinvented himself. I was privileged to meet him many, many years ago. I've watched how he was always moving forward. I think he always brought a very young perspective. He was influenced by some incredibly vibrant musicians. He was always ahead of the trend."

Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive of LVMH, said: "With the passing of Karl Lagerfeld we have lost a creative genius who helped to make Paris the fashion capital of the world and Fendi one of the most innovative Italian houses."

Spice Girl-turned-designer Victoria Beckham paid tribute to the German-born 85-year-old on Instagram. "So incredibly sad to hear this," she wrote. "Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP."

Italian designer Donatella Versace wrote that Lagerfeld touched the lives of so many.

"We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you," she wrote on Instagram.

Actress Diane Kruger also paid her respects on social media: "Karl, I cannot tell you how much you meant to me and how much I will miss you. I will never forget your kindness towards me, your laughs, your imagination."

The acclaimed fashion designer had been at French luxury brand Chanel since 1983. His death comes after he missed the Chanel haute couture show in Paris in January.

He was also creative director of LVMH-owned Italian fur and fashion house Fendi.| BY Ricki Green |

News Corp Australia has today unveiled a national commitment to its readers as part of the next stage of its highly successful Were For You campaign via Big Red.

The campaign includes personal letters from the editors of each of its metro newspaper brands, published across the first two pages of todays newspapers. A similar letter of commitment from editors will appear in the Sunday newspaper network this weekend and in the regional mastheads next week.

Each message is tailored specifically to its local audience and reflects the editors personal connection and the mastheads overall commitment to its community.

View the Ben English letter  Ben English DT Day 1 Feb 20.pdf

View the Damon Johnston letter  DAMON JOHNSTON  DAY 1  FEB 20 DPS Herald Sun.pdf

View the Sam Weir letter  Sam Weir  Day 1 Feb 20 DPS Courier Mail.pdf

View the Matt Deighton /Jessica Leo-Kelton letter  Matt Deighton AA Day 1 Feb 20.pdf

The in-paper messages coincide with the return of the Were For You TVC on screens nationally.

Todays messages are the first in a broader series which will appear in coming months, incorporating editors and writers across sport, opinion, business and lifestyle.

In Sydney, The Daily Telegraph editor Ben English (who outed himself as a Sea Eagles fan) wrote: As editor, Im entrusted to continue a conversation between The Daily Telegraph and you, our loyal readers that has endured nearly 140 years. You can trust that the stories we tell are the stories that touch your lives, that the issues we care about are the same as yours, that we love your city and state as deeply as you do.

Unlike the digital giants that revolutionised the access to global information but have no reporters to heart the stories from the streets or real communities, The Daily Telegraph has lived in the same suburbs, the same city and the same state as its readers and you can trust we always will.

Our news will never be fake. It will never be insincere. And it will never be contrary to what we know to be the facts. Our news will always be from the heart and delivered with consideration and conscience.

In Victoria, Herald Sun editor Damon Johnston wrote: Trust has never been as important as it now is in this information age and its frenetic 24-hour news cycle. But trust is not simply given, it must be earned.

Being accurate, being first, delivering the most comprehensive coverage and insight, being relevant  these are foundation tests the Herald Sun sets itself every day to inform and engage with the Victorian community.

In Queensland, The Courier-Mail editor Sam Weir wrote: Were for you whether we live in a ramshackle old Queenslander in the burbs or a shiny new skyscraper in Brisbane or the Gold Coast. We live in the same streets as you, get to work on the same roads and droughts and hope for a food future for our kids, just like you.

In Adelaide, The Advertisers editor Matt Deighton and deputy editor Jessica Leo-Kelton wrote: Trust is a two-way street. Its built over time. Its not easily won.

You can trust us to break the stories that people dont want told and trust us to hold authority to account. You can trust us to be balanced. You can trust us to get to the truth. Every single decision we make, every single day, must pass through this one filter  what does this mean for our readers?

This newspaper is written, sub-edited, printed, photographed and published online by people living in the very same city as you.

The Advertiser lives for South Australia and its people. It always has and it always will. And that is our commitment Were for you.

Client: News Corp Australia

General Manager Marketing, Communications & Creative Services: Bettina Brown

Agency: Big Red

Print and Digital Production: News Corp Australia Creative Services

Editor of The Advertiser: Matt Deighton

Editor of The Daily Telegraph: Ben English

Editor of Herald Sun: Damon Johnston

Editor of The Mercury: Chris JonesAlex Wong/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Last week, on a rainy and bitterly cold night in Washington, D.C., a senior Trump administration official at the Justice Department, Stephen Boyd, trudged to a Capitol Hill bar to meet with a powerful Democrats top investigator.



The meeting, described to ABC News by a Justice Department official, came after a dramatic showdown days earlier between the Justice Department and House Democrats  a dispute allegedly supercharged by a leak from inside the attorney general's office.



"He has the worst job in Washington," another Trump appointee recently said of Boyd, who as Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legislative Affairs acts as the Justice Department's go-between to Congress.



Less than 24 hours before then-acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker was set to testify to the House Judiciary Committee, Democrats prepared a subpoena that could be delivered on live TV if he didn't offer details about private conversations with the president.



In a rapid exchange of letters, Boyd accused Democrats of trying to create "a spectacle" and insisted Whitaker wouldn't show up unless they ruled out, in writing, a subpoena the next day. But the committee's chairman, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., only offered a vague response.



They were at an impasse  until Boyd picked up the phone and made a promise to Nadler's aide: If Nadler penned a letter vowing no imminent subpoena, then the letter would not be made public.

In essence, Boyd's promise meant Nadler could avoid even undeserved criticism that he caved to Whitaker's demands, and the much-anticipated hearing could go on as planned, according to the Justice Department official, who does not work in Boyds office but was told of the internal discussion.



Based on Boyd's assurance, Nadler privately sent a new letter to Whitaker, clearly stating, "[T]here is no need to issue a subpoena tomorrow."



The letter, however, was soon posted online by Rep. Doug Collins, a Georgia Republican, the committees top Republican. Collins later mocked the committee chairman's "full-blown cave.



Nadler's office was blindsided.



And after Whitaker dodged several questions at the hearing the next day, Boyd asked the Democratic investigator to meet face-to-face, hoping to salvage their working relationship. At the Capitol Hill bar, Boyd relayed a surprising discovery: One of Whitaker's own senior aides forwarded Nadler's private letter to Collins' office, behind Boyds back.



That's how the letter became public, the Justice Department official told ABC News.



In some ways, Boyd's meeting at the bar reflects a time when Republicans and Democrats regularly mingled  and found compromise  away from the office. But the circumstances behind the meeting also underscore how distant those days have become.



Nearly two years ago, as Boyd was preparing to take over the Office of Legislative Affairs, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, warned him how treacherous his job would be.



"Mr. Boyd, you're about to run into a buzz saw. You do know this, don't you?" Graham asked during Boyd's Senate confirmation hearing in May 2017.



"That's what I'm told," Boyd responded.



Since being confirmed, Boyd has been at the center of some of the Trump era's most contentious political battles, under pressure not only from Democrats but also fellow Republicans and  as recently illustrated  some of his own Justice Department colleagues.



"Every day is a four-alarm fire," according to Ron Weich, who held Boyd's post at the Justice Department under the Obama administration.



Boyd is on "the front line of the struggle" between two branches of government, and he "needs to protect the [Justice] Department from legislative interference, but also needs to smooth the way for legitimate congressional oversight," Weich said.



Graham  the one who warned Boyd about running into a buzz saw  is now the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and one of his self-professed priorities is to "hold accountable" anyone who exhibited "blatant political bias" during the FBI's investigation of possible ties between Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russian operatives.



That federal probe has dogged Boyd for the past two years, with Republican House members threatening to hold Boyd's bosses in contempt of Congress for refusing to hand over classified documents or secret information about human sources used during the FBI's investigation.



In letters to those lawmakers, Boyd insisted they were seeking information so sensitive that it was stored only at the FBI, not even in secure rooms at the Justice Department designed to protect classified information.



Conservatives jumped on Boyd  a solid conservative himself  claiming Boyd's response wreaked of "arrogance," as then-congressman Dave Brat, R-Va., put it.



"Stephen Boyd is ... as much responsible for the slow-walking as anybody else," bemoaned Fox News Channel's senior judicial analyst, Andrew Napolitano.



Meanwhile, Boyd has also frustrated some Democrats for what they see as his lack of responsiveness.



But people on both sides of the aisle still describe Boyd as a positive, smart force inside the Justice Department who acts in good faith. One Democratic staffer even called him "very nice," and Weich praised what he sees as Boyd's "calm, sensible approach."



That approach could be tested now that Democrats control the House and wield subpoena power again.



"It's a whole new level of tension when the opposing party takes over," and Boyd should prepare for "one hostile hearing after another," Weich insisted.



Nadler and his fellow Democrats are already pressing the Justice Department on an array of issues. Among the questions they have: Are investigative decisions being improperly influenced by the White House? Why has the Justice Department curtailed certain protections against discrimination? What is the Justice Department doing to stop gun violence across the country or fix the nation's broken immigration system?



Boyd, now 40, has been navigating - and at times taking part in -- thorny issues for nearly 15 years.



Years before he joined the Justice Department under attorney general Jeff Sessions, Boyd worked as a spokesman for then-senator Sessions. And during that time, at the start of Barack Obama's presidency, Boyd helped promote Sessions' opposition to immigration reform efforts and his rejection of Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor as nominees to the Supreme Court.



Boyd also helped Sessions push for terrorism suspects to be prosecuted at the U.S. military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the alleged masterminds of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks are still waiting for their trial to begin.



Like Sessions, Boyd is an Alabama native. Boyd attended the University of Alabama and then graduated from law school there. After his time with Sessions in the Senate, he spent several years as chief of staff to Rep. Martha Roby, another conservative Republican from Alabama.



That type of Capitol Hill experience is key to Boyd's job now.



"Federal prosecutors and members of Congress speak two different languages, and [he] needs to speak both," Weich said.



Through a spokeswoman, Boyd declined to comment for this story.



Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.It is to be hoped that at some point in a probably distant future, we will all be able to sink back on soft cushions; and should a child in Britain ask "what does Brexit mean?", there will be a grown-up in the room who can answer. Sadly, both grown-ups and answers seem in short supply.

And right now Brexit exists only as a euphemism for excruciating uncertainty, political turbulence, and economic immolation.

We will soon be able to count the number of weeks to go on one hand. A hard Border, tariffs and disruptive change in almost every facet of life in these islands, now looks more likely than not.

Donald Tusk got a scalding for saying those who presented Brexit without planning for it merited a cosy corner of hell. But the anger and bemusement in the voices of some of the 3,500 Swindon Honda workers about to be laid off suggests they would probably agree with him.

Nissan and Ford are also reported to be looking at pulling out of the UK. With chaos reigning in Westminster, the focus must swiftly turn to scenario planning for a crash-out.

Yesterday, the Cabinet approved the key features of the Brexit Omnibus Bill. This is the Government's legislative response to a no-deal Brexit situation. It has seemed as if all involved believed that merely talking about it would be enough to make "the bad outcomes" go away.

Calendar years of meaningless meetings were scheduled and opportunities squandered.

Fiction is always more palatable than cold uncomfortable fact, but the fantasy has spun dangerously out of control.

Agatha Christie, once the most popular writer of mystery in Britain, could hardly have contrived a plot with so many feints and false leads.

From the outset, it was as if those charged with the delivery of Brexit in the UK were speaking one language, everyone else another. In one of the 'Parker Pyne Investigates' stories, Christie creates a scene which captures just such a scenario adroitly: "The German pilot had come up and was standing by smiling as Mr Parker Pyne finished answering a long interrogation which he had not understood.

"What have I said?" he asked of the German.

"That your father's Christian name is Tourist, that your profession is Charles, that the maiden name of your mother is Baghdad, and that you have come from Harriet."

A similar level of mutual misunderstanding, confusion and double-speak has characterised dialogue between London and Brussels for the past two-and-a-half years.

With so much lost in translation, and trust, it is hard to imagine any managed outcome.

Issues of national interest have been ignored as both the Conservatives and Labour put their own agendas first.

Brexit was always going to be a challenge. But as the doomsday clock counts down, there is nothing to suggest that either Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn is capable of rising to it.One party has become more ideologically extreme, embracing bigotry and erratic, self-defeating positions on foreign policy. As a result, seven members leave the party, citing their moral objections to their party's descent into craziness.

Don't get your hopes up - that was all about Britain's Labour Party, which has fallen under the spell of Jeremy Corbyn.

For now, those seven sit as independents in parliament, but perhaps they can revive the moribund Liberal Democrats or force Labour to re-evaluate its descent into quackery.As international state craft goes, a bilateral agreement between the UK and Ireland to honour pensions and social welfare arrangements is about as dull as it gets.

But when it comes to Brexit, dull is a good thing.

The deal provides reassurance and clarity to tens of thousands of people on both sides of the Irish Border and Irish Sea - particularly on their vitally important pension income.

Nothing is changing. And in the context of Brexit, that is by far the best we can hope for.

Getting a deal done also shows that, behind the noise and confusion at Westminster, the UK's administrative system rolls on, well capable of implementing policy once officials are given a clear mandate for action.

That will be important once the UK really does cut loose from the EU.

The pensions deal, struck directly between the UK and Ireland, also shows we don't need Brussels to take the lead on every element of Brexit, even if the core aspect of withdrawal and future relations have to be hammered out at EU level.

For now, though, our pensioners have far greater clarity around their position than a UK ex-pat retired to Spain, or a Polish retiree living in the UK.

The best analogy for Brexit is divorce. Or maybe the best analogy for EU membership is marriage. By and large, marriage allows a couple to enter through a single contract into a mass of overlapping legal agreements to establish something close to absolute clarity around their conjoined status.

At a stroke, complex issues like inheritance, property rights, shared responsibilities towards children are all put on a sound legal footing.

EU accession is a less exciting courtship - but member state status is cast-iron and clear.

Having the UK outside the EU will mean a more complicated relationship; a more fraught friendship with fewer definable benefits.

Meanwhile, we have the divorce. Being in the EU is great while it lasts but when it unravels the whole complex web of interlocking contracts is thrown into doubt and unpicking the relationship is infinitely more difficult than getting hitched in the first place.

But it has to happen before we all get on with our lives, step by step. The pensions deal suggests that, with a bit of goodwill on both sides, rebuilding doesn't have to be a battle all the way.There is an incoherence at the heart of the Irish negotiating position on Brexit that is becoming increasingly untenable with every passing day.

In the same breath, Irish Government TDs tell us the British absolutely need to sign up to a deal to avoid a hard Border but, even if they don't, there will be no physical infrastructure at that Border.

Both of these statements cannot be true. A hard Border, by definition, requires infrastructure to denote it as such. So, which is it?

Is the Irish Government desperately attempting to get an agreement to avoid a hard Border, or does it matter if that agreement is reached at all by the March 29 deadline?

Constructive ambiguity, on the most sensitive issue impacted by these negotiations, may have made sense at the start of this process.

It allowed both sides to use soothing words and nebulous platitudes to avoid fomenting fear, anger and panic, in the hope a solution could be found before it was too late.

That hope has now curdled and died. It is time for the adults in the room to accept their negotiating partner, the British government, is a busted flush that cannot be relied on.

At this late stage, it's hard to imagine Theresa May being able to get consensus on a lunch order among her government, never mind mediating a solution to the greatest political and economic crisis to engulf the UK in generations.

Last week, she couldn't even win a parliamentary vote which essentially only called on MPs to wish her luck with her negotiating strategy.

Her position is pitiful, her 'game of chicken' tactics deplorable and her mutinous hard-right colleagues abominable.

Anyone in Leinster House who still believes the British are going to be able to pull a rabbit out of a hat is too naive for a career in politics.

The best that can be hoped for now is for the British to request an extension of time to try to get their act together - but with EU elections set to take place in May, any postponement will not be lengthy.

While the ongoing pantomime in the House of Commons descends from farce into acrimony and recrimination, the inherent contradiction in the Irish position is not helping matters. It is making them worse.

The continual insistence by Irish ministers that they will not countenance a hard Border being erected, even if there is no deal, is just serving to embolden the Eurosceptic fanatics propping up Mrs May's government.

DUP MP Sammy Wilson has been beating this drum for a while, alleging the notion of a hard Border is a "con trick" being propagated by Irish and EU negotiators in an effort to force the UK into submission.

In a recent statement, he pointed to a number of conflicting statements coming from the Irish and EU camps - and was particularly derisive of comments Leo Varadkar made at Davos, when he warned soldiers could return to the Border.

"The Taoiseach claimed there will be no checkpoints along the Border but then within a few days he was sending troops to guard installations which don't even exist," he said.

Meanwhile, remarks made in January by European Commission chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas that it was "obvious" there would be a hard Border in Ireland in the event of no deal, were swiftly walked back within 24 hours, following protestations from the Irish Government.

These mixed messages prompted Mr Wilson to exhort Mrs May to "exploit the cracks which are emerging in the illogical position of the EU and the Irish".

Much as it pains me to admit it, Mr Wilson has a point. If the prospect of a hard Border on the island of Ireland is supposed to be the doomsday outcome that jolts responsible politicians into action, then why continually undermine the reality that a no-deal Brexit will require a hard Border?

When apocalyptic forecasts about the damage that would be done to Britain's economy from a no-deal scenario were made during the Brexit referendum, the claims were ridiculed by the Leave campaign as 'Project Fear'.

Economists who made those predictions didn't revise or dilute them in the face of this criticism. They remained resolute.

Now, as hundreds of companies move operations abroad, business investment in the UK stalls and car makers such as Honda announce the closure of manufacturing plants, it is clear who was correct and who was engaging in self-serving propaganda.

With a little over five weeks to go until the UK crashes out, it is time the reality of what no deal means for the Irish Border was also writ large - so even the most dense and intransigent Brexiteer is capable of getting the message.

People like Sammy Wilson may continue to scoff and label warnings of a return to customs checks and violence on the Border as Project Fear, but let him. At least the message coming from Dublin will have been clear and unequivocal. Mr Wilson will not be able to say he wasn't warned.

The reluctance of the Irish Government to accept that negotiations are failing, and that a hard Border looms, is understandable. Brexit wasn't the fault of the Irish Government and neither is the shambles the negotiations have descended into.

But, with time now running out, the Irish Government can no longer continue to stick its head in the sand and insist everything will be all right on the night. That position is not credible. In fact, it is the same sort of magical thinking that Brexiteers have become infamous for.

Some uncomfortable truths have to be faced in the coming weeks, one of which is that the Irish Border is not solely an Irish concern.

As the only land frontier between the EU and a soon-to-be third country, the EU will insist on checks to protect the integrity of the single market.

Speaking on 'Morning Ireland' yesterday, Simon Coveney attempted to skirt around this eventuality by stating the EU may not be prescriptive about where those checks would occur. But this is wishful thinking.

Without a deal in place, or an enforceable commitment that Northern Ireland will retain regulatory alignment with this jurisdiction in the event of no deal, then a hard Border is unavoidable.

The Government has five weeks to try to prevent this from occurring. Denying the reality of what is about to happen is not helping, but hindering, those efforts.DUBLIN Airport is celebrating its busiest January on record after more than two million passengers passed through its doors in the first month of 2019.

It marks the first January in the airports 79-year history that passenger numbers surpassed two million.

The figure for the month - just under 2.1m - was up 5pc on the same month last year.

Passenger volumes to and from continental Europe grew by 8pc, with more than one million passengers travelling to and from European destinations.

UK traffic remained static in January as almost 745,000 passengers travelled on routes between Dublin and the UK during the month.

Meanwhile, passenger volumes to and from North America increased by 14pc with almost 211,000 passengers taking transatlantic flights to and from Dublin in January.

Other international traffic - mainly to the Middle East, North Africa and the Pacific Asia region - increased by 4pc, as almost 85,000 passengers travelled these routes last month.

The number of passengers using Dublin Airport as a hub to connect to another destination increased by 22pc with almost 108,000 passengers connecting through Dublin Airport last month.

Almost 6,000 passengers travelled on domestic routes last month - up 1pc on January last year.

Dublin Airport will welcome 21 new routes/services this year to 14 short haul and seven long haul destinations.

Three new airlines will launch services from Dublin Airport this year - TAP will operate a 14 times weekly summer service to Lisbon, Air Baltic will fly four times per week to the Latvian capital Riga and Sun Express will operate a weekly service to Izmir in Turkey, which is a gateway for sun holidays in the region.

Dublin Airport welcomed a total of 31.5 million passengers during 2018, setting a new record for the airport.

Passenger numbers were up 6pc with an additional 1.9 million passengers welcomed at the airport during 2018.

Dublin Airport has flights to almost 200 destinations in 43 countries, operated by 56 airlines and is the 11th busiest airport in the European Union.

It comes as the sod was turned last week on the new 320m North Runway project at the airport .Nicola Brady finds four spectacular National Parks in Tennessee, Colorado, Florida Keys and Alaska for your next US trip.

Denali

Where: Alaska

Why: It's difficult to pick just one favourite, as 13pc of Alaska is made up of national parks (that's 54 million acres in total). But Denali (above) is surely a top contender. Six million acres of stark wilderness are split by just one winding road, surrounded by mountain ranges and the highest peak in North America, Mount McKinley. It's the ultimate in pure, unbridled solitude.

Why: Fly to Anchorage via Chicago with United (united.com). Stay at the Denali Park Village from $329/293.

See: nps.gov/dena, denaliparkvillage.com

Great Smoky Mountains

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Where: Sevierville, Tennessee

Why: It's no wonder they've inspired countless country songs. The Great Smoky Mountains roll like water, covered in a thicket of forestry. This is the most visited of all of America's national parks, and home to the highest point of the Appalachian Trail. Get inspired by reading Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, which sees him hike the fabled "AT".

How: Stay at Leconte Lodge from $136/121pp including meals. Fly to Knoxville via Chicago with Aer Lingus (aerlingus.com).

See: nps.gov/grsm, lecontelodge.com

Dunton Hot Springs

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Where: Dunton, Colorado

Why: OK, so it mightn't technically be in a national park, but this Old West retreat is in the heart of the San Juan National Forest, and right by the Mesa Verde National Park. What was a ghost town is now a luxury resort, where you can dip into hot springs either at their source or in the bathhouse. Accommodation is in charmingly chic log cabins.

How: Nightly rates start at $700/625 for two people, all-inclusive. Fly to Denver via London with American Airlines (aa.com), before a one-hour flight to Cortez.

See: duntonhotsprings.com

Dry Tortugas

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Where: Florida Keys

Why: Think that National Parks are all vast mountains and expansive deserts? Think again. The Dry Tortugas are made up of seven small islands in the Florida Keys, including Fort Jefferson, which was used as a prison during the Civil War. Nowadays, visitors take to the translucent waters with snorkels to spot turtles, live coral and stingrays. You can even sleep under the stars - though camping spots are limited.

How: Day trips cost $170/151, camping trips $190/170. Fly to Miami via Paris with Air France (airfrance.com)

See: drytortugas.com

NB: Prices subject to availability/change

Read more:Renault's Paddy McGee is convinced there should be a ban on all car imports that are not Euro 6 compliant

The drive to have 'dirty diesel' imports banned takes on an additional dimension today as figures comparing new-car and used-car emissions are highlighted again.

Renewing the call for the government to intervene and clamp down on older diesels coming in from the UK, Renault's Paddy Magee says the current scenario is self-destructing.

The country operations director for the Renault Group quotes a simple set of numbers to underline the damage that many in the industry say is being done.

Mr Magee says that last year Irish new-car emissions (CO2) averaged 113grammes per kilometre (131g/km).

In contrast, the figures purport to show that used-car imports averaged 121grammes per kilometre (121g/km) - or eight grammes more for every kilometre driven.

On the figures, he comments: "But worse (was the fact that) almost 30,000 used cars aged six years or more were imported - with an average CO2 of 140grammes per kilometre (140g/km)."

He is convinced there should be a ban on all imports that are not Euro 6 compliant.

Generally speaking that would embrace cars that were first registered on, or before, 2014.

His call adds to growing demands for action from some key industry figures, particularly James McCarthy of Nissan.

A government spokesman has said they are in the process of looking at all aspects of motoring in the context of public health and Exchequer revenue. The latter is expected to become ever more relevant as more people buy lower-tax electric or electrified cars.

Mr Magee told Motors: "While the current levels of imports (more than 100,000 a year) are a temporary Brexit-driven issue, they are unsustainably high for the motor industry, and environmentally for the state."

He says the challenge for Ireland to meet transport emissions targets is "extremely difficult" as we face a carbon tax and potential restrictions to curb levels.

"In this context, importing higher-emitting used cars doesn't make sense and is moving us backwards."

New cars have been moving toward a 50pc diesel/petrol split over the past couple of years but the used imports are more than 75pc diesel.

"We must highlight this madness of allowing environmental dumping in Ireland from another member state."

He says the motor industry will be blamed and "potentially burdened" with additional restrictions if we cannot meet our emissions targets. "Yet it is being made impossible at current levels of older imports."

He concludes: "The state needs to protect our own environment and prevent those more polluting cars from being dumped here. We believe the state does not have to accept such high-polluting cars and should only allow those that meet the highest standards to be re-registered in Ireland."The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has launched its latest Regional Centre of Excellence at Talasey Group in Doncaster.

The growing network of BMF Regional Centres of Excellence is making training courses and regional meetings more accessible to BMF members around the UK and Ireland. The latest centre, based in Talasey Groups excellent premises, will serve BMF members in the Yorkshire region.

The origins of Talasey Ltd, operating as Talasey Group is founded in the history of its leading product brand, Natural Paving, which was established in 2004. Natural Pavings commitment to excellent quality and customer service has led to its current ranking as the number one independent supplier of natural stone to the UK landscaping industry, with full UK coverage, activities in Europe and a sister company in America, Natural Paving USA. Due to the continued growth of Natural Paving and diversification into new landscaping products, Talasey Group was created in 2017, to be the umbrella company and distributor of all the brands including: Natural Paving, Pavetuf, Vitripiazza, Baksteen, Luxigraze and Resiscape.

John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive, said: The centre was opened at our BMF Young Merchants meeting on 19 February. This is an excellent centre that is well used by Talasey Groups clients. We are extremely grateful that they are opening the centre to our members too, as localisation is an important strategy for the BMF. We look forward to holding future meetings and training courses here for members in the region.

Malcolm Gough,Group Sales and Marketing Director at Talasey Group said We are thrilled to be able to share our purpose built Talasey Training Academy and Talasey Group head office facilities with the BMF as a Regional Centre of Excellence. We are proud to be partnering with the BMF and are pleased to have the opportunity to further support the merchant industry with upskilling, training and development, something we are passionate about as a business.

For details of all the BMF Regional Centres of Excellence around the UK and Ireland please visit www.bmf.org.uk/membership and for more information about Talasey Group visit www.talasey.co.uk.Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald is coming under heavy criticism for her controversial remarks suggesting there is nobody in the PSNI worthy of being appointed chief constable.

The comments were branded as "wholly irresponsible" and "very dangerous" by Fianna Fail TD Darragh O'Brien, who accused her of "undermining" the PSNI and said the remarks should be retracted.

Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin said her remarks shouldn't have been made and the process to replace the current chief constable, George Hamilton, should be allowed take its course "uninfluenced by any politicians".

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland, which represents rank and file officers, said Ms McDonald's comments were "wholly inappropriate and offensive".

Mr Hamilton is due to retire in June. Ms McDonald refused to apologise for the remarks or to retract them. She cited a meeting with the Police Ombudsman in which she heard details of information allegedly withheld by the PSNI in relation to the Graham's bookmakers attack. The gun assault carried out by the UFF in 1992 left five people dead. The ombudsman has opened new inquiry lines after finding out about more material linked to the attack.

"I cannot describe to you the level of distress of these families because they were expecting a report from the ombudsman and he discovered by accident that critical information was withheld from him," she said.

"Any comments that I have made are reflective of exasperation and real upset from real people. Any comments I will ever make will be in the interests of delivering credible policing services that people can support."

Ms McDonald did express confidence in Garda Commissioner Drew Harris who was a deputy chief constable in the PSNI before moving south last year. Asked whether her condemnation of the PSNI was reasonable given that Sinn Fein representatives will have a role in selecting the next police boss, she said her position stood.

She said: "I was asked could I identify somebody from the senior team who I thought ought to be [chief constable] and the truth is I can't."

Ms McDonald said members of the Policing Board act in accordance with its rules and regulations when it make PSNI appointments. "I would expect and insist that any Sinn Fein appointee behaves in that manner," she added.

One Sinn Fein Policing Board member, Gerry Kelly, said any party members on selection panels "will act on the basis of objectivity and merit, whether those candidates are from within the PSNI or outside". Ulster Unionist Party MLA Alan Chambers said Mr Kelly's comments hadn't "repaired the damage" caused by Ms McDonald.The collapse of the prosecution case against Patrick Hutch for the alleged murder of drug dealer David Byrne undoubtedly represents a major setback for the gardai who have been battling valiantly to end the gangland feud between the Kinahan and Hutch crime families.

The decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions to enter a nolle prosequi  the decision not to pursue the case any further  was the denouement of one particular chapter in this story of gangland betrayal, hatred and murder which has so far claimed up to 18 lives.

Theoretically a nolle prosequi suggests that the State may, at some stage in the future, resurrect the case for a second hearing. But this rarely happens and considering the circumstances of this particular case, Patrick Hutch can be confident that he will not face another trial for the murder of David Byrne.

This means that Patrick Hutch is a wholly innocent citizen in the eyes of the law  but not, unfortunately, in the eyes of the Kinahan cartel.

And the cold brutal truth is that while Patrick Hutch is legally innocent of the murder of David Byrne, he left the Special Criminal Court with a suspected life sentence of a different kind, imposed under the primeval laws of the gangland jungle.

Or to use the underworld vernacular, Hutch is a dead man walking with a hefty bounty suspected to be on his head, who will be forced to spend every hour of his life looking over his shoulder for as long as this unprecedented gang war rages on.

In reality he has been under sentence of death, just like the rest of his family, since the day three years ago that a five-man hit team stormed the Regency Hotel  including three who were wearing garda combat fatigues and armed with AK47s - and David Byrne was gunned down.

It was the murder of his brother Gary in Spain in September 2015 by former associates in the Kinahan cartel that kicked off this completely disproportionate blood fest, which has claimed a total of 18 lives including two completely innocent men.

Amongst the dead were two cousins, and an uncle of Patrick Hutch.

And despite what he may have been in life, David Byrne was still a human being and no human being deserves to be gunned down without mercy.

The anger and grief expressed by the victims family, which compelled them to protest outside the gates of the Dail bearing placards demanding justice for his murder, is totally understandable in the circumstances.

But while members of the family placed their hopes of getting justice in the legitimate courts, the same cannot be said for Byrnes former friends and associates, the psychopathic thugs who have been responsible for 16 of those 18 murders.

The Kinahans can no longer try to claim that they are merely seeking an eye for an eye  they have been engaged in what amounts to a deliberate attempt to wipe out an entire family.

The DPPs decision to abandon the case against Patrick Hutch was the result of the tragic death on February 10 last year of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox, the lead investigation officer in the Regency Hotel attack.

Colm Fox had a long and distinguished service behind him when, for reasons no one will ever really understand, he tragically took his own life.

It is understood that Colm Fox left correspondence behind including one in which he admitted being responsible for a grave error of judgement.

This resulted in an immediate adjournment of the Hutch trial while a major investigation took place to establish what those words meant.

My sources tell me that nothing was found that was capable of confirming any serious error of judgement but it did create a doubt: and in the criminal law someone can only be convicted of a crime if the jurors are convinced of guilt beyond all reasonable doubt.

So, in such circumstances the DPP was left with no choice but discontinue the trial.

While we must acknowledge the pain and suffering of the family of David Byrne, it is equally important that we remember a brave and dedicated garda and the heartbroken family he left behind.

They are victims of the collateral damage wrought when two murderous, lawless tribes go to war.

Colm Fox is one of the people on the very thin blue line who stood in the gap, honouring his oath to protect and serve the people of Ireland.

This unconscionable tragedy should serve as a reminder to everyone, especially the highest ranks of An Garda Siochana and their Government masters, of the sometimes overwhelming pressure placed on the shoulders of the few on that front line.

The only explanation for this tragedy lies in what is called cognitive disturbance; an exaggerated, irrational thought that things are much worse than they actually are, causing the victim to catastrophise.

The release of Patrick Hutch has meanwhile upped the ante in this ongoing blood feud: he and his father, Patsy and Uncle Gerry, the Monk, are still the prime targets of the murderous Kinahan machine.

This feud will only end when all the principles on each side are either dead or serving life sentences behind bars.

In the meantime we should remember that if it wasnt for the likes of Colm Fox whose investigations have prevented at least 50 more planned revenge hits, the body count in this gang war would be much higher.The father of a man who suffered life-changing injuries in a motorbike crash in Thailand has thanked the public for their support as they try to bring him home.

Mike Johnston (30) - who moved from Co Antrim to Thailand in January to teach English - is in hospital in Bangkok, where he is recovering after an operation to amputate part of his badly damaged leg.

It was just one of the injuries he suffered on February 10.

Mr Johnston's parents, Michael and Jillian, flew to Thailand to be with their son, but they face the huge financial burden of his medical care and flights back to Northern Ireland.

The couple launched a gogetfunding appeal to help raise 25,000 (29,000) and, thanks largely to the generosity of people from their Co Antrim hometown, they have reached 35 per cent of their target.

Mr Johnson senior is sending regular updates to family and friends in Ballymena about his son's condition and thanked them for their continuing help.

In his latest post from Bangkok on Monday, Mr Johnston senior wrote: "I just want to update you on Mike's current situation. He is now three days post-operation and although in a lot of pain and under the influence of pain relief and other meds, he is a little bit better.

"We still have a long way to go on the path to rehab and recovery, but it all starts from here.

"Getting Mike home is our first priority and I will keep everyone updated as this plan progresses over the coming days.

"This of course is a very fluid situation, which is being assessed on an ongoing basis by the medical team in Bangkok.

"Mike has asked me to thank everyone for their good wishes and very kind campaign support.

"He is really very appreciative of all this help from friends here in Thailand and from everyone back home in Ballymena."

Jim Allister MLA, who knows the family, said that people in Ballymena were deeply shocked to hear of the tragedy.

He said: "Like so many other people from Ballymena I was saddened to hear about this and send my thoughts and prayers to the Johnston family.

"At times like these people will want to do what they can and the best thing people can do is to support the fundraising campaign the family have set up and I would encourage as many people as possible to do that.

"Understandably, Mr and Mrs Johnston will want their son back home as soon as he is medically fit to travel."A new route for the Metrolink aimed at pacifying residents in south Dublin could see the Luas Green Line closed for up to four years, the Irish Independent has learned.

The proposal put forward by the National Transport Authority (NTA) is understood to involve bringing the metro underground through Ranelagh using a "cut and cover" technique.

However, the idea sparked such alarm in the Department of Transport that Transport Minister Shane Ross recently sought an immediate crisis meeting with the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to discuss it.

The route is being remodelled following complaints from some residents in Ranelagh who object to the closure of a road from Dunville Avenue to Beechwood Road to facilitate the metro.

The 'Rethink MetroLink South City' group says the plan would mean a "Berlin Wall" segregating communities.

The campaigners are backed by a number of high-profile politicians, including Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy.

A route from Swords to Sandyford, announced almost a year ago, proposed to have the underground line come above ground at the Luas Charlemont stop and then continue along what is currently the Green Line.

It is understood the NTA delivered alternative proposals to the minister in recent days.

Sources said Mr Ross met with the NTA and TII to "advise them both against the updated proposals which could see the Green Line closed for up to four years".

"Any plans which brings the Green Line to a standstill would be unacceptable," an insider said.

Under the original plan, the Luas would be disrupted for 18 to 24 months.

A spokesperson for Mr Ross declined to comment last night, saying it would be "inappropriate" at this stage.Controversy: Princess Latifa and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson at their meeting in Dubai in December

Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson will not publish a letter she issued to the United Nations which contains a report of her controversial visit to Princess Latifa in Dubai last December.

Yesterday, the UN confirmed to the Irish Independent that - rather than an official report from Ms Robinson - it had received a letter from her following the trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, a spokesperson for the former President insisted that the letter she sent did contain a report of her visit.

It is understood the contents of the letter were similar to what Ms Robinson has said in the media since the visit.

Ms Robinson also met with UN high commissioner for human rights, Michelle Bachelet, in January and spoke to her about the visit.

"Immediately following her visit to Dubai in December, Ms Robinson sent the OHCHR [Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights] a letter containing a report of her visit," the spokesperson said.

"She subsequently verbally briefed the high commissioner during a meeting in Geneva on January 16."

Asked if the letter would be available, the spokesperson said: "The letter and verbal briefing were for the high commissioner's information, not for public distribution."

The UN said that it would be up to Ms Robinson to release the letter or not and added that it did not request a report from her.

Ms Robinson - a former UN high commissioner for human rights herself - was criticised by a number of human rights groups following the visit to Dubai when she described Latifa as a "troubled young woman".

The princess - who is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime minister of the UAE - reportedly tried to flee the UAE last year.

Her presumed escape attempt was thwarted in controversial circumstances after it was alleged security forces from the UAE snatched her from a yacht off the coast of India in March.

A photograph of Ms Robinson and Princess Latifa was released by the UAE government on December 24, 2018.

On Monday, Ms Robinson said: "I gave a written report just after I went.

"Then I saw her [Ms Bachelet] in mid-January when I went to Geneva for a meeting on sustainable development goals and human rights.

"I gave her a full account, and I asked that her office would follow up on it.

"That's what should happen in so far as possible."

Ms Robinson added that she did not regret the visit.

"No, because I went to help a friend, and she's the only member of the royal family that I met or that I know, and we're friends," she said.

"I have spoken out before about human rights in the UAE,

"I haven't changed my spots. I will speak out again where appropriate. Nothing has changed."The Euromillions winner Dolores McNamara who collected her cheque for over 115 million at the National Lottery Headquarters in Dublin.

An Irish winner has scooped the largest ever EuroMillions jackpot with an astounding 175m win.

While the identity of the Ireland's newest millionaire is yet to be disclosed, they will become the 14th Irish person to scoop the EuroMillions prize since the launch in 2004.

But who were they - and have they spent the money yet?

The first and previous biggest winner was Dolores McNamara from Limerick in 2005. Her whopping 115 million prize instantly put her on the list of the top 100 richest people in Ireland. Since the win, Dolores spent 3.5 million on Lough Derg Hall in Clare along with houses for her six children.

A lucky couple won a 15 million jackpot in July 2008, followed by a family syndicate who took home 29.4 million in June 2009. Both groups remained anonymous.

A ticket sold in Beaumont split the prize with a winner from Belgium in June 2013, with each ticket winning almost 94 million. The winner stayed anonymous but said in a statement that they were excited about the new opportunities open to them. They instantly became one of Irelands 100 richest people.

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Whatsapp The Euromillions winner Dolores McNamara who collected her cheque for over 115 million at the National Lottery Headquarters in Dublin.

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An Irish man from the Southeast split a 25.6 million jackpot in September 2013  by accident. The anonymous winner admitted after his win that he had marked the number 32 by mistake and said I wouldnt mind making a few more of those mistakes.

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A family who wished to stay anonymous picked up 15 million in April 2014 in Castlebar. They had been playing for a number of years and said the result was overwhelming. Taoiseach Enda Kenny called into Stauntons Costcutter on Main Street to say congratulations to the shop that sold the ticket.

A syndicate from Dublin took home 86.7 million with a ticket sold in Ballybrack in September 2014. The shop owner told media at the time that he knew the winners, but he never gave up their identities.

A group of friends split the jackpot and picked up 66 million in January 2016 from a ticket sold in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow.

Also in 2016, a syndicate of 22 Dublin Bus drivers won a 23.8 million jackpot in July. They arrived in a double decker to collect their cheques and said they would all be back in work the next day despite picking up a cool million each. Craig Shearer, one of the lucky winners, said winning the lotto after beating leukemia was like winning twice.

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"This is like a second win for me. I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia two years ago. And I want to thank Dr Michael Fay in the Mater Hospital in the haematology ward and his team, without whom I would not be here today doing this.

In 2017, there were two Irish EuroMillions winners. Asyndicate from the West of Ireland won a 29 million EuroMillions jackpot. The ticket was sold in Garryduff XL Store on Pound Road, Castlebar in Co. Mayo. Also in December 2017, a small family syndicate from Dublin won 38.9 million on a ticket purchased in The Village Shop in Malahide Shopping Centre.

Last year, there was just one winning Irish ticket which was bought by 32 colleagues from Stakelums Hardware store in Thurles Co. Tipperary. They shared a 17 million EuroMillions jackpot with a ticket they purchased at Easons Store in Thurles Shopping Centre in Co. Tipperary.

Earlier this year, in January, Frances and Patrick Connolly, from the village of Moira in Co Down, won 130 million from a ticket they bought on New Years Day.The revamped HSE will aim for more accountability according to proposed legislation to come before the Oireachtas health committee today.

The Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2018 will see the return of a HSE board and the appointment of a chief executive.

The last board was abolished by former Health Minister James Reilly and since then the HSE has been headed by a director-general.

Under the overhaul, the HSE chief executive will be accountable to the board, and the board to the Health Minister for the performance of its functions.

Health Minister Simon Harris has already announced eight new appointees to the board on an administrative basis, chaired by Dublin-born UK charity chief Ciaran Devane.

However, Fianna Fail spokesman on health Stephen Donnelly said there needs to be wider representation.

He is due to propose that the board include a patients' advocate, two clinical experts and one financial expert.

Priority issues for the new HSE board include developing and implementing an effective performance management and accountability system in the HSE, as well as creating a plan for building public trust and confidence in the HSE and wider health service.

The minister has secured Cabinet approval to bring forward a number of amendments to the bill.

One is a requirement for the minister to give a three-year strategic direction statement to the HSE board, to inform the preparation by the HSE of its three-year corporate plan, to be supplemented by yearly statements of priorities.

Another is to designate specific functions to the board and the chief executive, with a focus on performance and accountability.

The amendments will also require the board to establish arrangements for managing the chief executive's performance.

The HSE is currently searching for a new chief executive following the stepping down of former director-general Tony O'Brien.Women caught up in the CervicalCheck scandal are having to pay up to 2,500 to have their slides independently assessed to determine if they were originally misread due to negligence, the Dail has heard.

Social Democrat TD Catherine Murphy raised the issue and called on the Government to give the women promised ex-gratia payments.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said a memo on the payments would be brought to Cabinet in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, a study suggests that cervical cancer could be eliminated as a public health problem in most countries by the end of the century.

It is thanks to rapid expansion of existing interventions, according to a report in the 'Lancet Oncology' journal.

The assessments, which include Ireland, are the first of their kind on a global scale.

They indicate that combining a high uptake of the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) and high HPV-based cervical screening rates in all countries from 2020 onwards could prevent up to 13.4 million cases of cervical cancer within 50 years.

Around 3,004 cases of the cancer could be averted in Ireland with a 70pc uptake of the HPV vaccine and HPV testing in cervical screening in the next 50 years.

Teenage girls in Ireland have been offered the HPV vaccine for a number a years, and it will be extended to boys next autumn.

It is also planned to introduce HPV testing into cervical screening.

The study, led by the Cancer Council New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, showed the average rate of annual cases across all countries could fall to less than four cases per 100,000 women by the end of the century.

This is a potential threshold for considering cervical cancer to be eliminated as a major public health problem.

Without expanding prevention programmes, however, the study predicts 44.4 million cases in 50 years.Fathers involved in child access disputes can be unfairly treated in the courts, family law experts have warned.

The Law Societys child and family law committee said it appears fathers who wish to have extensive access to their children face an uphill battle unless they have the agreement of their spouse or the backing of expert reports.

In a submission to the Oireachtas Justice Committee, the society said shared parenting on a 50/50 basis was not widespread. It questioned whether the rights of fathers were being protected within the family law system.

Fathers are being respected, but in relation to children they may not always be fairly treated, the submission said.

The Oireachtas committee is due to hear from Law Society representatives and other experts on family law issues today. The societys child and family law committee chairman, Keith Walsh, said the concerns expressed on the rights of fathers in the submission were not necessarily unanimous but were those of experienced practitioners.

Traditionally, he said, a standard access arrangement would see a father having access to their children every second weekend and possibly also having overnight access on a midweek night as well.

But Mr Walsh said fathers now tended to be more hands on than in previous generations and there was a need for the courts to be more creative in terms of deciding parent access arrangements.

The matter was just one of several issues of concern identified in the societys submission.

Pointing to an incident which led to the arrest of a man last December, it criticised inadequate security in family law courts and described the environment for litigants and working conditions for court staff, lawyers and judges as unsafe.

The situation is particularly bad in Dublin as regards premises as childcare courts are currently housed in Victorian criminal law courts which are not fit for purpose, the submission said.

A proposed new family law and childrens court at Hammond Lane in Dublin appears to have stalled, it said.

The submission also warned of unintended consequences flowing from new regulations regarding expert reports which take into account the view of children in custody and access disputes.

The regulations limit the maximum payment an expert can receive for compiling such reports to between 240 and 325. But lawyers say these fees are nowhere near adequate for the level of work needed to compile a comprehensive and robust report.

In its submission, the society said there was already a shortage of experts, resulting in delays preventing the timely resolution of family law disputes.

It said the fee regulations would result in a flight of experts and make a bad situation much worse.An engineering company working on the National Children's Hospital (NCH) Tallaght satellite centre has rejected a claim that its performance was not up to standard.

The NCH project has been hit by controversy after it emerged construction costs spiralled by 450m to 1.4bn.

Health Minister Simon Harris faces a no-confidence motion in the Dail today over his handling of the issue and other crises in the health service.

Now it has emerged engineering company Actavo was criticised during a meeting of a sub-committee of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) which is overseeing the construction project.

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The NCH will eventually comprise the main facility at the St James's Hospital site in Dublin city and satellite centres in Tallaght and Blanchardstown.

A meeting of the construction and finance sub-committee of the NPHDB was given a construction update on October 31, 2018.

In relation to Tallaght, the minutes of the meeting said "issues are ongoing with the creche and decant building".

A decant building is one where staff are relocated during the construction of the main centre.

It was noted "the project is currently five months behind schedule" and "the performance of Actavo has not been up to standard".

It had been expected the Tallaght satellite centre would open this year, but it was revealed in December it won't receive patients until 2020.

An Actavo statement said the company was appointed as a sub-contractor for the main builders, BAM Ireland.

It was to construct modular decant and creche buildings following a competitive tendering process.

Diligent

"Actavo wholly rejects any comments regarding its performance not being up to standard.

"The company progressed its works regularly and diligently and the project has been successfully completed and handed over," it said.

A statement from the NPHDB did not address a question about what aspect of Actavo's performance was considered not to be up to standard.

It said the decant and creche building was completed in November, allowing construction to start on the paediatric outpatients and urgent care centres, which will open in 2020.

Mr Harris is expected to survive today's vote of no confidence being tabled by Sinn Fein, as Fianna Fail TDs will abstain.

Senior Fianna Fail TD Michael McGrath argued it would be "national sabotage" if his party supported the no-confidence motion which he argued would cause an election as the country faces the threat of Brexit.

Responding to suggestions by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald that the minister should go, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar defended the Government's performance and claimed that Sinn Fein was using the children's hospital controversy for political gain.

"Probably what has happened here is that the cost of building this project was underestimated. It's not a case of taxpayers' money being wasted," Mr Varadkar said.

"This is a case of the real cost of the project being underestimated.

"We have seen examples of that in the past with other projects, although not in the last decade," he said.

The Taoiseach added that it was part of Sinn Fein's "spin" to claim that projects have been delayed because of the 450m overspend at the hospital.TWO senior Kinahan cartel members have been given three weeks to get out of their Dublin homes after the High Court found the properties were bought with the proceeds of crime.

The ruling against Liam Byrne (38) and close associate Sean McGovern (33) is the latest strike against the international crime group by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB).

The High Court on Monday appointed a receiver over a property bought by Byrne in Clondalkin and the Crumlin home of McGovern.

McGovern was injured in the 2016 Regency Hotel shooting in which Byrnes 32-year-old brother, David, was killed.

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A stay was put on the order until March 11, meaning the two men and any of their associates living there must be gone by then.

The court previously ruled that the two houses were bought with the proceeds of crime and later seized them, along with 1.4m worth of assets from the Byrne Organised Crime Gang.

An affidavit by chief bureau officer Pat Clavin stated that no payments have been made on the Clondalkin property, at Grange View Road, since June 28, 2017.

It was bought in 2006 for 270,000, but as recently as January 23 was in arrears.

A cousin of Simoan McEnroe, Byrnes partner, currently lives there.

The court heard Ms McEnroe's cousin had 17 previous convictions, including two under Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Counsel for the CAB said that to date there has been no satisfactory response regarding insurance of the property, a vital aspect of the preservation of the home.

The second property, belonging to McGovern, on Kildare Road, has had hundreds of thousands of euro worth of renovations carried out on it after being bought for 155,000.

Work valued at 247,000 was done, and the CAB established the purchase was financed by James Mulvey, a British drug trafficker involved in shipping cocaine to Ireland.

Around 150,000 was transferred from an Investec Bank account in Mauritius in the name of the Mule State Foundation.

A solicitor appointed by Mulvey to the trust later wrote off the loan, claiming McGovern was dead.

McGoverns partner currently lives there on an intermittent basis, the court heard, and that as the property is not subject to a mortgage or lending institution it does not have to be insured.

Counsel for the CAB made an application under Section Seven of the Proceeds of Crime Act, where a receiver can be appointed when an interim or interlocutory order is in place.

Judge Carmel Stewart said the affidavit before the court from the chief bureau officer followed on logically from the Section Three order already made and made the March 11 order appointing a receiver over the two houses.

It is understood Byrne and McGovern have not returned to Dublin in recent months and have been spending most of their time in Birmingham and Dubai respectively.

Detailed evidence was previously given against what was described in court as the Byrne Organised Crime Gang led by Liam Byrne.

That organisation is currently central to the feud with the Hutch gang, the dispute which has claimed up to 19 lives to date.

The 1.4m assets being seized from Byrne and his associates targeted under Operation Lamp include 29 high end vehicles worth more than 500,000, designer jewellery valued at more than 100,000, a bank account containing 36,760 and 34,840 in cash.

Other items seized by investigators included a 12,000 dune buggy and three electric bicycles worth 4,200.

The assets in question belong to McGovern, who is Byrnes best friend; his criminal cousin, Liam Roe; McGoverns partner, Anita Freeman; David Byrnes girlfriend, Kelly Quinn; and Liam Byrnes parents, Sadie and James Jaws Byrne.

The lengthy CAB investigation uncovered how the gang went to extra lengths to disguise its proceeds of crime.

On one occasion, Byrne and a senior criminal associate were driving around Dublin wearing bulletproof vests.

They were stopped in a BMW 430, valued at 45,000 and still registered to a UK company.

It emerged that a system of sale or return was being exploited to obscure and obfuscate the beneficial ownership of the vehicles and to avoid an inquiry into any issue concerning how the person in possession of the vehicle was in a position to buy it when it has not actually been bought at all.

The Operation Lamp inquiry into the gang found that it originated in Dublin but now has interests in Spain, the Netherlands, South America and Dubai.

The court heard the gang was previously led and directed by Christopher Kinahan Snr, but that the day-to-day operations are now managed by his sons, Christopher Jnr and Daniel.A ghost broker who sold fraudulent insurance policies to motorists is a small part of a much bigger operation, a court has heard.

Martin Hanudel (26) of Tubberclaire Meadows, Athlumney, Co Meath is facing 12 charges of fraud under section 6 of the Criminal Justice Act in relation to the sale of fraudulent motor insurance policies.

He is the first person to be prosecuted for 'ghost broking' offences in Ireland.

Trim Circuit Court heard how ghost brokers act as a middleman to falsify details to bring the price down of genuine policies and then sell them to customers for a fee.

Investigating Garda George Thurlow told the court how Mr Hanudel had been advertising cheap policies in various Facebook groups, describing him as the face of the operation.

Mr Hanudel charged each person a fee of 500 and then obtained policies through underwriters after giving false information.

He gave incorrect details regarding no claims bonuses to get cheaper premiums and then sold the policies to foreign nationals from Romania and Slovakia.

Mr Thurlow said the 12 policies were subsequently voided, representing a potential loss of 10,000.

Mr Hanudel - who pleaded guilty to all charges - was on bail for firearms offences when he sold the fraudulent policies.

He was also before the court today over the possession of four stun guns which were delivered to his home in February 2016.

During a search of his home, gardai also found six gas canisters, knuckle dusters and 150 worth of cannabis.

Mr Hanudel pleaded guilty to possessing the stun guns and the court heard how this case was adjourned due to the ongoing investigation into the ghost broking activities.

He was arrested in April 2018 and initially denied selling the fraudulent policies, but later presented himself and admitted to being involved.

Breffni Gordon BL, for the defendant, said it was fair to say, based on Garda Thurlow's evidence, that Mr Hanudel was a "small cog in a big wheel" and was "operating for a bigger man" within an organisation.

He used his real name and phone number when advertising the policies in online groups targeting the Slovakian and Romanian communities.

Garda Thurlow said Mr Hanudel "manipulated his knowledge of the insurance industry" in a bid to make financial gain.

The court heard how he has two previous convictions - including one for having no insurance, which he was fined 750 for.

The case was adjourned until March 19 for sentencing.Paddy Lyons, who was found dead in his home near Lismore, Co Waterford. PHOTO: PROVISION

A man accused of murder rang a family relation and told her that he had hit a 90-year-old man because he would not give him money, a jury has heard.

Ross Outram (28) is on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of murdering Paddy Lyons (90) at his home in Co Waterford nearly two years ago.

Mr Outram, of Ferryland, Waterford Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, has pleaded not guilty to murdering the retired farmer at Loughleagh, Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co Waterford, at a time unknown between February 23 and 26, 2017.

Giving evidence yesterday, Sandra Walsh told prosecution counsel John O'Kelly SC that her partner is Gary O'Brien. Mr O'Brien's nephew is Ross Outram, the court heard.

Ms Walsh testified that she would only meet Mr Outram when she went to see his mother.

The witness agreed with Mr O'Kelly that she had received a phone call from Mr Outram on Facebook Messenger at 6.19pm on February 26, 2017. Mr Outram was looking for a number for her partner Mr O'Brien who was in the UK at the time, she said, as he [Mr Outram] wanted to go there.

Ms Walsh said she asked Mr Outram what was wrong and he replied by asking her if she had seen "about the man" on the news. The witness told Mr Outram that she had seen the news on Facebook.

Mr Outram told Ms Walsh that he would ring her back on another number, she said, adding that he rang her back again at 6.30pm.

Ms Walsh said she asked the accused on this phonecall what was wrong or what was going on. The witness said Mr Outram had replied: "I hit the man because he wouldn't give me money." She asked the accused if this was the man that had died in Waterford and he said it was, she explained.

Ms Walsh told the court that she later rang a sergeant stationed in Clonmel to report what Mr Outram had told her.

Ms Walsh said she went to Mr Outram's house the next day and he asked her to bring him into town to get something to eat.

Ms Walsh was driving back towards Ferryland with Mr Outram when her car was stopped by gardai and he was arrested, she said.

Under cross-examination by Michael O'Higgins SC, defending, Ms Walsh agreed that Mr Outram was "effectively reared" by his grandmother. She further agreed that Mr Outram's grandmother was very close to Mr Lyons and she had died in 2005.

Mr O'Higgins told the court that Mr Outram's mother reacted badly to her own mother's death and "took to the drink".

Mr O'Higgins put it to Ms Walsh that his client was concerned that Mr Lyons was giving his mother money which "she used to take drink".

The witness replied that she did not know anything about this.

Sergeant Ger Falvey told Mr O'Kelly that he got a call to attend Mr Lyons's house on February 25 and had used a flashlight to observe the deceased's body. Mr Lyons was not wearing trousers, had on only a pair of boxer shorts and was sitting in a chair which faced the front door of the house, he said. A trail of urine was coming from his seat and there was soot on his legs as well as some "red marks", possibly blood, Sgt Falvey said.

The trial continues.An 11-year-old schoolboy, who had become a carrier of latent tuberculosis as a result of an infection picked up by his father from contaminated prisoners in his work as a prison officer, has been awarded 35,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Judge Eoin Garavan heard that the boy, who is not being identified by the media to protect him from peer bullying, had, prior to treatment, became part of the one third of the world population who, unknowingly, are carriers of the disease.

Barrister Karen Nolan, who appeared with Naas solicitor Liam Moloney for the boy and his mother, told Judge Garavan there had been an outbreak of tuberculosis at Cloverhill Remand Prison in 2010 and the boys father was diagnosed with TB in 2015.

Ms Nolan said it was believed to be associated with his work with infected prisoners at the prison towards the end of 2010 and early 2011.

She told the court that the boy, who is now 14, had been diagnosed with TB in 2016 and had to undergo treatment stretching over six months and after a full recovery was no longer a carrier although he remains at increased risk of developing full-blown TB.

Judge Garavan said it was a highly unusual case in that the boys father, by reason of his occupation in the prison which brought him into daily close contact with infected prisoners, had himself later developed full-blown tuberculosis.

Ms Nolan said the boys mother had also developed latent TB. She said a third of the worlds population have LTB and dont know they are carriers and their condition seldom develops into full tuberculosis.

She told Judge Garavan that the Irish Prison Service and the Minister for Justice and Equality, who were defendants in the case taken by the boy and his mother, had taken a very proactive responsible attitude to discovery of the outbreak and prisoners and prison officers had undergone active progressive treatment and protection treatment against the disease, side effects of which can interfere with liver function. The boys father had afterwards, and prior to his diagnosis, been transferred to another prison where the Irish Prison Service had been equally proactive in taking precautions with regard to other prison officers and prisoners.

Ms Nolan said that although the defendants had entered a full defence to the boys claim it was highly unlikely, given the timing of developments, that the infection had been picked up from another source.

Judge Garavan, approving a 35,000 settlement offer from the defendants, said the boy clearly had been successfully treated for the problem. The court would not be entirely worried about any liability issue in the case and the problem was something for the prison authorities to look at.

He said the boy had suffered a nasty little life experience but had fortunately fully recovered.Back in 1996 Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, having had enough of the Messianic vibes of Michael Jacksons rather OTT Earth Song performance at the BRITs, bounded on stage, bent over, and made a wafting gesture with his hand across his backside, indicating exactly what he thought of the whole thing.

The moment has gone down in BRIT Awards history, and epitomised the ceremonys reputation, during that Britpop era, for being a little shambolic, a little rowdy, unpredictable and, at times, anarchic.

Who could forget Best British Band winners (along with Simply Red) The KLFs shenanigans at the BRITs almost three decades ago? In 1992 they opened the show and invited extreme metal band Extreme Noise Terror to join them on stage, complete with flame-throwers. They had planned to throw buckets of sheep blood over the audience at the end of the performance, but the BBCs lawyers reportedly vetoed that particular plan. Instead, frontman Bill Drummond fired machine gun blanks over the crowd, which was perhaps deemed more acceptable. Could it happen today? In light of the Paris and Manchester attacks, its unthinkable. The group also sent a dead sheep to one of the after parties with the words, I died for ewe  bon apetit tied to it, and they later buried their BRIT Award at Stonehenge, just to drive the message,. presumably about their abhorrence of the music industry etc, home.

The 90s also saw the Gallaghers in full droll attack mode. Noel and/or Liam can always been relied upon to provide some drama  theyve taken pops at Michael Hutchence (1996) and Robbie Williams (2000) as well as the Spice Girls (1997). As Oasis received the award for Best Video from Hutchence, Noel said, Has-beens shouldnt present awards to gonna-bes while Robbie Williams challenged Liam to a fight after Liam called him the "fat one" from Take That. Would Liam survive fat-shaming Robbie in this age of social media warriors or would he be, in the parlance of Twitter, cancelled?

Back in 1998 the UK Deputy Prime Minister of the time, John Prescott, attended the awards with his wife, only to end up drenched from head to foot after Chumbawamba's Danbert Nobacon chucked a bucket of iced water over him. If John Prescott, as a representative of the Government, has the nerve to turn up at events such as the Brit Awards in a vain attempt to make Labour seem cool and trendy, then he deserves all we can throw at him said a statement released by the band. Nobacon was handed over the police but later released after Prescott decided not to register a formal complaint. His office also released a statement, Mr Prescott thinks it is utterly contemptible that his wife and other womenfolk should have been subjected to such terrifying behaviour.

In recent years, the BRITs, which kicked off n 1977, have evolved into a rather more polished, some would say sanitised, affair. ITV broadcasts live with a 30 second delay in case anything untoward or distasteful, like an expletive, arises unexpectedly. If anyone does say anything deemed distasteful or offensive, they are silenced. In 2017 the decision was taken to mute segments of British Solo Male Artist nominee Skepta's performance of 'Shutdown' for the audience at home, thanks to some colourful language. Rock'n'roll.

Last year Male Solo Artist and British Album of the Year winner Stormzy came the closest to a genuine moment of good old-fashioned rebellion when he called out the British government on the response to the Grenfell Tower fire and the treatment of survivors. Yo Theresa May, wheres the money for Grenfell? You think we forgot about Grenfell? he asked during his performance. Stormzys mini-rant (he also targeted the Daily Mail) was the pinnacle of the drama on the night.

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Elsewhere, during his first stint presenting, English comedian Jack Whitehall threw major shade (according to some media reports) at Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield among others. This was headline news. His ascerbic wit was at least a little naughtier than the jovial patter of Dermot OLeary and Emma Willis the previous year, but still hardly the kind of thing to make you spit out your tea, or even compel you to tune in live. In the UK, last years show drew just 4.5m, a drop of 900,000 on the previous year. This year organisers are ramping up the digital offering with a YouTube live stream and Facebook live stream of the red carpet and behind-the-scenes offerings from Twitter and Instagram where the vast majority of their intended youth market reside.

Expand Close Holly Willoughby preens Philip Schofield's hair as Jack Whitehall looks on at the Brits / Facebook

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Tonights show, which airs on ITV/UTV from 8pm live from Londons O2 Arena, offers an impressive line-up of nominees and performers. Among the latter will be Hugh Jackman, who will perform a song from The Greatest Showman (rumoured to duet with P!nk) to Little Mix, Jess Glynne, George Ezra, The 1975, and Sam Smith. We can probably expect a nice, polished, controversy-free offering.

With diversity in the industry the buzzword on everyones lips, its refreshing to see that the nominees do not reflect the dearth of female names in the charts. Women dominate this years shortlist, with female solo artists Dua Lipa and Anne-Marie both earning four nominations apiece while Jess Glynne is up for two prizes and Jorja Smith has three nominations. Pink, meanwhile, will be the first international artist to be honoured with the outstanding contribution to music prize. With Jackman opening and Pink closing its going to be an impressive show.

Will there be spontaneity, or naughtiness, or controversy? Perhaps we no longer have an appetite for in-your-face anti-establishment KLF style shenanigans, or Jarvis Cocker and his juvenile bottom wafting, or indeed fat-shaming courtesy of a Gallagher. Hugh Jackman and the Greatest Showman feels are exactly what we need.

Brit Awards, ITV/UTV, 9pm tonight.The planned 12bn Sainsbury's-Asda merger has been thrown into serious doubt after the competition watchdog said it could block the deal unless the pair sell off significant stores or even one of the brands.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it found "extensive" concerns over their planned tie-up, warning it could lead to higher prices and reduce quality and choice for shoppers across the UK.

In damning provisional findings of its in-depth probe, the CMA said it would be "difficult for the companies to address the concerns it has identified".

It has found 629 areas where there could be a substantial reduction in competition in supermarkets and a further 290 areas where online competition could be reduced.

The CMA said options to address concerns could include blocking the deal altogether, or forcing the chains to sell off a "significant" number of stores and assets, potentially including either the Sainsbury's or Asda brand.

Sainsbury's boss Mike Coupe vowed to continue fighting for the takeover and claimed the CMA has "moved the goalposts".

But its shares slumped by up to 16pc as one retail expert said the deal "looks to have suffered a mortal blow".

Shares in Morrisons also fell 5pc as investors fretted over the outlook for consolidation in the grocery sector and the prospect for rivals to snap up offloaded stores.

The CMA said its in-depth investigation had so far found the merger could push up prices and reduce quality in store and online, while it could also lead to higher fuel costs at more than 100 locations where Sainsbury's and Asda petrol stations overlap.

Stuart McIntosh, chairman of the independent inquiry group carrying out the CMA investigation, said: "These are two of the biggest supermarkets in the UK, with millions of people purchasing their products and services every day.

"We have provisionally found that, should the two merge, shoppers could face higher prices, reduced quality and choice, and a poorer overall shopping experience across the UK."

The watchdog said selling one of the two brands could "recreate the competitive rivalry lost through the merger", though experts said the actions to address its concerns would leave the deal dead.

Clive Black, retail analyst at Shore Capital, said the CMA looks "minded to reject the proposed merger".

"Whilst we need to see if Sainsbury and Asda can argue and legally challenge the CMA's findings, the deal looks to have suffered a mortal blow; the CMA struggles to see how remedies can deliver its view of a competitive UK market," he added.

The CMA is consulting on the provisional findings and also the possible remedies, with responses due by March 13 and March 6 respectively.

It will publish its final report by April 30, having recently extended the original deadline by almost two months.

Mr Coupe told the BBC the findings were "outrageous" and "fundamentally flawed".

A spokesman for Sainsbury's and Asda added: "We are surprised that the CMA would choose to reject the opportunity to put money directly into customers' pockets, particularly at this time of economic uncertainty.

"We will be working to understand the rationale behind these findings and will continue to press our case in the coming weeks."

Under the merger plans unveiled last April, the combined group would be bigger than market leader Tesco with combined revenues of 51bn and a network of 2,800 Sainsbury's, Asda and Argos stores.

Sainsbury's has insisted the merger group would lower prices by around 10pc on products customers buy regularly.A BOOM in construction jobs fuelled a 50,500 surge in the numbers at work in Ireland last year.

But employment in the building industry has not bounced back to Celtic Tiger levels.

New figures reveal that the number of people at work grew by just over 2pc, or 50,500 people, while unemployment plummeted by more than 10pc last year.

The number of people at work rose to 2.27 million - an all-time high.

However, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar came under fire as Fianna Fail accused him of failing to foster job creation outside the M50. Fianna Fail said a regional employment imbalance has deepened - as more than half of all jobs were created in Dublin.

And business groups warned that the move towards full employment is triggering skills shortages.

They demanded more work permits and investment in housing and education to fill gaps for highly sought talent.

New data also shows that the public service workforce has grown by 20,000 in the last three years. There were increases in all sections of the state workforce, except the defence forces according to the Central Statistics Office's latest Labour Force Survey.

Numbers in the sector, including semi-state bodies, rose from 379,700 three years ago to 399,700 last year.

Civil service numbers rose from 38,100 to 41,700, while garda numbers increased from 12,800 to 14,200, and staff employed in the health service jumped from 122,200 to 133,300. However, the numbers working in defence slumped from 9,500 to 9,300.

In contrast, the private sector workforce rose from 1.28 million to 1.45 million - a hike of 171,300.

The number of self-employed workers slumped by almost 4pc or 12,100 people over the year to 319,600. Many of these were farmers, according to statistician Jim Dalton.

Employment grew in most sectors of the economy, with the biggest growth of almost 13pc in administration and support service activities - where numbers rose by 11,900. There was a surge of just under 8pc or 10,600 employees at work in construction. Some 144,000 workers were working in construction at the end of last year - but this is well short of numbers before the property bubble burst. There were 237,300 working in the industry in 2006, and 232,600 a year later. The number fell dramatically in the recession, with just 85,100 working in it by the end of 2012.

Ibec economist Alison Wrynn said some members of the employers' group are operating below capacity because they can't find the workers required, and that increasing the number of employment permits was necessary.

She said employment continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the EU.

However, it slowed towards the end of last year and it is likely this trend will continue even if a deal on Brexit is reached, she added.A mediation has failed to resolve the marathon dispute between businessman Sean Quinn's five adult children and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) concerning loans of 2.34bn, the High Court has heard.

The mediation, held over two days last week, followed an earlier previous mediation.

Mr Justice Michael Twomey had urged the sides to consider further mediation before embarking on a hearing next month which could last some six months, incurring costs of several million euro.

Yesterday, the judge was told by Bernard Dunleavy SC, for the Quinns, the mediation had taken place but he was sorry to report it had proven unsuccessful.

That means the children's action will proceed on March 5 with an opening statement on behalf of the Quinns, followed by a statement on behalf of the IBRC.

One of the five children, Brenda Quinn, will be the first of about 49 witnesses who also include former Anglo Irish Bank CEO David Drumm.

He is among 42 witnesses to be subpoenaed to give evidence.

In their action, the five children dispute any liability for loans of some 2.34bn advanced by Anglo Irish Bank, IBRC's predecessor in title, to Quinn companies.

The case was initiated in 2011 and the hearing costs will be on top of costs of tens of millions already incurred in the family's case and in parallel litigation by the bank against members of the Quinn family and various companies in the Quinn international property group (IPG).

The bank's case, in which IBRC alleges a conspiracy to strip some 455m assets from IPG companies in several countries, is due for hearing after the children's action.

Both cases were put on hold for several years pending the hearing of criminal proceedings against various Anglo executives and officials, including Mr Drumm.

The core issue in the Quinns' case is the validity of securities provided by them concerning loans advanced by Anglo to Quinn companies.

Yesterday, Mr Justice Twomey held a further case management hearing where he was told of the failed mediation.

He was also given a demonstration of technology to be used during the hearing which will involve documents being uploaded onto computers so as to make the hearing paper-free.

The children's case is against IBRC and receivers who were appointed over assets of the Quinns.

Sean Quinn Sr and two former Quinn group executives, Liam McCaffrey and Dara O'Reilly, were previously joined as third parties in the context of the bank's claims they acted as agents for the children in relation to disputed securities.

That claim is denied.THE Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal over An Bord Pleanala's approval of the planned 138-kilometre North-South electricity interconnector.

The appeal was brought by North East Pylon Pressure Campaign Ltd (NEPPC) and a local landowner, Maura Sheehy, following the High Court's August 2017 decision rejecting their challenge to the Board's permission.

Eirgrid's interconnector project, comprising an overhead power circuit between Co Meath and Co Tyrone, is planned to provide a second high-capacity all-Ireland interconnector alongside an existing line between Co Louth and Co Armagh.

In agreeing to hear an appeal, the Supreme Court said the case raised issues of general public importance. Those included whether An Bord Pleanala was lawfully designated by the State as a "competent authority" under an EU regulation and whether its functions in that role created a conflict in respect of its role in approving the proposed development.

Yesterday all five judges agreed, for the reasons set out in a judgment of Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan, the appeal should be dismissed.

While four of the judges disagreed with Ms Justice Finlay Geoghegan's view the board was not lawfully designated a competent authority because the designation was not done by primary legislation, all five agreed that did not vitiate, or impair, the Board's approval decision.

All five also agreed the planning decision issued by the Board in December 2016 was not vitiated by an apprehension of objective bias on the board's part.Datalexs products help airlines to boost revenue by enabling them to offer additional services and products to passengers when theyre booking their tickets

Dublin-based travel software firm Datalex's chief financial officer is to step down.

Donal Rooney will leave the company and the board in April. The former Nama executive only joined the company last December, succeeding David Kennedy.

Last month, shares in Datalex collapsed more than 60pc after it warned shareholders that it may have misstated its first-half results from 2018, that were reported in August, and expected to post a loss for the year.

Brokers previously expected adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of $16.2m (14.3m) for 2018.

Last week, Datalex said it would cut an unspecified number of jobs to save up to $10m a year as the embattled firm deals with the aftermath of spiralling costs on a project with Lufthansa.

"Donal will remain with Datalex as CFO until April 2019 to assist with the transition to a new CFO and to advance a number of critical ongoing organisational projects," said Datalex.

"I am grateful to Donal for his support, hard work and dedication through what has been a most challenging period for the group. I would like to wish him every success in his future career," said Datalex CEO Aidan Brogan.

The company added that a search has already begun for Mr Rooney's successor.

Prior to joining Datalex, Mr Rooney was CFO with hotel group Amaris Hospitality, which was owned by US private equity giant Lone Star until last year. Lone Star sold the remaining hotels in the group, and the Amaris platform, to a Cyprus-based fund that's controlled by Israeli investor Yehuda Barashi.

Billionaire financier Dermot Desmond owns a 26.8pc stake in Datalex, and is its single biggest shareholder.

Shares in the firm were changing hands yesterday afternoon at just 71 cent, giving it a market capitalisation of about 54m.

The shares had slumped to a low of 65 cent after the firm announced that it may have misstated its first-half 2018 results. That was the lowest they'd been at any point in the preceding five years. The company had a market capitalisation of more than 210m almost a year ago.

Other shareholders in the group include its chairman, businessman Paschal Taggart.

Datalex has offices in Dublin, Manchester, Beijing, Amsterdam and Atlanta and employs a total of about 500 people, including staff and contractors.

The company expects to generate savings of between $8m and $8.5m this year as a result of its planned headcount reduction, and between $9.5m and $10m a year thereafter. It said the implementation of the redundancy exercise will cost it about $2m.Building on success: An Bord Pleanala chairman Dave Walsh says it will continue to prioritise housing applications

The Government's fast-track planning rules last year delivered permission for 7,102 housing units and 4,479 student bed spaces.

In the first full year of the legislation, concerning so- called Strategic Housing Development (SHD) applications, An Bord Pleanala last year granted planning permission to 3,284 houses and 3,818 apartments along with the 4,479 student bed spaces.

Thirty-nine SHD applications were decided in 2018 with planning permission granted in 27 cases - a grant rate of 69pc.

By the end of December last, 52 applications for SHDs had been received and decisions in respect of 21 applications are due for decision over the next three to four months.

"An Bord Pleanala's performance in relation to Strategic Housing Developments has been very strong, with 39 cases decided during 2018, all well within the 16-week target," said chairman Dave Walsh.

"We expect a significant increase in housing applications in 2019, and we will continue to prioritise these cases and deal with any large-scale housing appeals expeditiously."

Michael O'Flynn, one of the country's best-known developers, said: "I'm very positive on the Strategic Housing Development process as we now have the certainty of planning if we do our business right."

The Cork developer said that local authorities work with developers in advance, along with the planning board giving critical guidance. Mr O'Flynn said that the new process "is a game-changer for all involved as we all meet together and this takes away some of the frustration under the old system when you were often second-guessing what the board wanted".

But he added that "there has to be more flexibility on densities as one size does not fit all. National densities guidelines might work in central Dublin but they won't always work outside Dublin or in the region.

"This has to be reviewed in conjunction with the board."Czech authorities will inspect all beef imported into the Czech Republic from neighboring Poland following the discovery of salmonella in a 700 kg batch of imported Polish beef, news agency CTK said on Wednesday.

The agency reported that Agriculture Minister Miroslav Toman had said the government was also considering a ban on Polish imports.

The order follows a January food scare sparked by a TV documentary showing a Polish abattoir killing sick cows. Poland produces about 560,000 tonnes of beef a year, with 85pc exported.

The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has confirmed that Ireland was not one of the countries affected by a recent meat scandal in poland after a TV report showed a company killing sick cows and selling the meat for human consumption.

The European Commission said recently that it will send a team of inspectors to Poland.

Poland produces about 560,000 tonnes of beef a year, with 85pc exported to countries within the European Union including Britain, Spain, Italy and Germany.

Consumer concerns about food safety were raised after a reporter from private broadcaster TVN got a job in a slaughterhouse around 113km (70 miles) east of Warsaw where he was ordered to kill cows and butcher their meat.

The footage showed sick cows being transported to the slaughterhouse where they were mistreated and killed.

Polands chief veterinary officer said on Thursday that Polish police had launched a criminal investigation into two companies after the report.

A team of European Commission auditors are being deployed to Poland to assess the situation on the ground, a Commission spokesperson told a daily news briefing, adding that the problem may concern 14 EU countries in total.China will deepen reforms of its agriculture sector to promote its rural economy, the government said in its first policy statement of 2019, as it seeks to bolster growth and offset trade challenges.

Beijing's statement, released late on Tuesday, comes after the world's second-largest economy saw its weakest growth in 28 years in 2018 and remains entangled in a trade war with Washington.

"Under the complicated situation of increasing downward pressure on the economy and profound changes in the external environment, it is of special importance to do a good job in agriculture and rural areas," the government said in the document issued by the State Council and published by official news agency Xinhua.

Known as the "No. 1 document", this year's policy reiterated a rural rejuvenation strategy first laid out in 2017 to improve income levels and living standards in China's countryside.

It also highlighted a plan to boost domestic soybean production but did not offer further details. Industry analysts said on Wednesday they were eagerly awaiting further details to assess the impact of the plan, which had already been flagged by Agriculture Minister Han Changfu earlier this month.

China has been overhauling its crop structure in recent years, reducing support for corn after stocks ballooned, and seeking to promote more planting of oilseeds that it mostly imports.

That goal has become increasingly important since a trade war with the United States, which led China to slap tariffs on soybean imports, tightening domestic supplies.

Han has previously urged authorities in China's northeast to support soybean production through subsidies and called for rotating of soybeans with other crops including corn and wheat.

Beijing also aims to support the production of rapeseed in the Yangtze River Basin, according to the document.

As in previous years, it also called for stable grain production, but also an increase in imports of agriculture products where there are shortages in the domestic market.

"The focus now is on retaining production capacity, in the form of high quality farmland, and using the international market to make up production shortfalls," said Even Rogers Pay, an agriculture analyst at China Policy, a Beijing-based consultancy.

The reference to imports is positive for trade partners like the United States, said Cherry Zhang, analyst with Shanghai JC Intelligence Co. Ltd, who said it raised the likelihood that China will buy more U.S. agriculture products.

Shares of Chinese livestock companies, along with pig and poultry breeders, rose on Wednesday following the release of the policy paper.

The document also outlines plans to accelerate development of a new farm subsidy policy system and further crack down on the smuggling of agriculture products.

Additionally, the government said it plans to strengthen the monitoring and control of African swine fever outbreaks, after more than 100 cases were reported in China since August.

Other plans include continuing to tackle rural pollution and promoting recycling of agricultural waste such as manure and agricultural film.Almost three in every four calves born within the dairy herd are now going for beef production

The calving date in the dairy herd has been significantly pushed back by several weeks, after farmers faced extreme hardship with weather and fodder difficulties last spring, the latest official figures show.

Dairy farm representatives are putting the slippage in the calving date nationally for 2019 at three to five weeks, which was mainly due to a planned change by farmers in the sector.

The official dairy calf registrations are down by 13pc to mid-February, compared to 2018.

The ICBF registrations for dairy calf births have put the stats for the year to date at 277,742 compared to 319,733 for the same period in 2018, a drop of 29pc without taking into account the increase in the national dairy herd.

Last week 117,880 dairy calves were registered compared to 131,287 for the same week in 2018.

Gerald Quain, ICMSA dairy chair, said that the figures are broadly in line with the situation in herds generally.

"Following the fodder crisis in the spring of last year, farmers who didn't want a repeat of the experience took the decision to push back the calving date by three to five weeks to calve closer to grass for the average spring," he said.

"I am getting that message from dairy farmers all over the country because of the hardship and extra costs that they experienced last year.

"They are trying to alleviate a repeat and delayed putting cows back in calf last year.

"Some cows were in poor condition coming into May last year and didn't hold to the first service, which has also contributed."

In the suckler beef sector, the latest figures show that the weekly decline in registrations is accelerating.

The number of calves are back 23pc for last week, compared to the corresponding week in 2018.

Peadar Glennon, secretary of the Irish Simmental Cattle Society, said that the numbers are falling, with the weakening confidence of breeders in the future of suckler farming.

"It is hard to know yet how much of a decline there is," he said.

Breeders

"It will take a few more weeks to see where it is going. There is a decline in numbers, and some breeders may have put back the calving date. I think it is a bit of both."

The ICBF figures show that the year to date registrations for pedigree animals is down by 15pc, while the latest weekly figures are showing a decline of 16pc.

Registrations for last week were 1,400 less than the same week in 2018 while year to date pedigree registrations are 4,000 lower than last year.

Total beef births for the year to date are down by 11,000 or 15pc, while the registrations for the week ending on Friday last showed a decline of 4,004 for the week, equivalent to 23pc less than the same week last year.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has urged beef farmers to apply for the 20m Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP) scheme before the deadline of Friday, February 22.

The one-year pilot scheme was announced as part of Budget 2019 in October as a method of supporting the suckler cow, through a payment of up to 40/calf once weights of the live calf and its dam are recorded and submitted to ICBF as per the terms and conditions of the pilot.

Mr Creed said it is aimed at further improving the economic and environmental efficiency of beef production.Michael Gove's comments illustrate the many contradictions in the pro-Brexit position. It is at odds with the pro-free-trade ideology espoused by many Brexiteers.

Michael Gove's comments illustrate the many contradictions in the pro-Brexit position. It is at odds with the pro-free-trade ideology espoused by many Brexiteers.

The problem for Irish farmers is that it crystallises the worst outcome of a no-deal Brexit. Tariffs on beef imports to the UK will hit Irish farmers in the no-deal scenario.

We are looking at 58pc additional cost on our beef exports and 52pc extra on cheese exports, at WTO tariff levels. The Government costs these tariffs at 1.7bn a year.

Here in Brussels, there is widespread frustration with the UK position. There is little sign of EU concessions on the Withdrawal Agreement, which is a logical response to the incongruity of Theresa May voting against her own agreement.

Moreover, the likely position of Brussels is to impose tariffs on UK imports as well, in the absence of an agreement outcome.

Meanwhile, Gove must decide whether to impose such tariffs on all UK food imports - which will cost UK consumers - or selectively apply tariffs to non-EU food imports. This is potentially illegal under WTO rules but might be justified on the grounds of national emergency and a calculation a WTO appeal could take years.

Either way, he risks antagonising countries such as Australia and Canada, which are prime targets for UK trade deals.

Gove's comments will further intensify the pressure for a package to avoid a catastrophe for our farmers. ICSA has been pushing for such a package in Brussels. However, while the EU Commission is ready to help, the question of funding is not so simple.

Options could include a Brussels rescue package modelled on the support given in the aftermath of the Russian ban on EU food exports, but the scale of EU exports to the UK suggests a higher sum in the region of 10bn. This is complicated by the fact that most of current expenditure is accounted for and, critically, that the EU Commission budget proposals for the period 2020-27 have not been agreed by EU heads of state.

Another possible source of support would be to allow exceptional state aid. This could involve allowing Ireland to exceed its EU Budget Deficit rules. Even the form of a rescue package is difficult. Traditional instruments such as buying into intervention or export refunds are problematic to say the least.

Some form of compensatory payment to farmers is likely the most appropriate but by no means a straightforward mechanism.

Already, Irish beef farmers in particular, are suffering massive losses. Beef price to farmers is down up to 50c/kg year-on-year and this equates to 200 on a 400kg carcass. In a sector notorious for tight margins, such losses are not sustainable by Irish farmers.

It is still not too late to hope a compromise - probably involving some form of extension of Article 50 or a transition period - can be agreed. It is no exaggeration to say the future of beef farming in Ireland is on the line.

Eddie Punch is General Secretary, Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers' AssociationGlanbia today announced two new members to its board, as independent non-executive directors, as it announced plans to reorganise the composition of its Board of Directors.

The move was previously agreed as part of its Relationship Agreement between the Society and Glanbia, that the co-op's representation on the board would reduce.

The reorganised Board will be comprised of 16 members: two Executive Directors; Group Managing Director and Group Finance Director; six Independent Non-Executive Directors; and eight Non-Executive Directors nominated by Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited.

The PLC board will be joined by Mary Minnick (59), a previously partner of Lion Capital LLP, a consumer-focused private equity firm and Richard Laube (62), former CEO of Nobel Biocare, a Swiss listed medical device business.

Minnick was involved in a number of successful investments in well-known retail and consumer branded companies, several of which she chaired.

Prior to that, Ms. Minnick had a 23-year career with The Coca-Cola Company, where she held a variety of senior management positions, including Chief Operating Officer of the Asian region, Division President roles in the Japan, South Pacific and Asian regions, and ultimately as the companys Chief Marketing Officer and Global President of Strategy and Innovation.

Richard Laube (62) was CEO of Nobel Biocare, a Swiss listed medical device business, from April 2011 to April 2016.

Prior to that he served as Executive Board Member of Nestle SA, from April 2005 to September 2010, and served operationally as CEO of Nestle Nutrition.

Before Nestle, Laube served as Executive Committee member of Roche Holding AG and was operationally responsible for Roche Consumer Health. Earlier in his career he held positions of increasing responsibility in brand and general management at Procter & Gamble, including international assignments in Switzerland, the USA, Japan, Germany and Brazil. Mr. Laube is an experienced company director, having served as Chairman of Atkins Nutritionals Inc.

To facilitate this reorganisation and the broadening of the external perspective of the Board, Hugh McGuire and Brian Phelan will not be putting themselves forward for re-election at the 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Their key executive roles are unaltered and they will continue in their executive leadership positions as CEOs of the Groups two global growth platforms, Glanbia Performance Nutrition and Glanbia Nutritionals respectively.

Paul Haran, Senior Independent Director, will retire immediately upon completion of the appointment of a third new Independent Non-Executive Director which is expected to be completed during 2019.

The Company will announce the appointment of the Independent Board Director to replace Mr Haran and changes to the composition of the Committees (which will continue to comprise only of Independent Non-Executive Directors) in due course.

Following Mr Harans retirement, Dan OConnor will take up the position of Senior Independent Director. The role of Donard Gaynor, an Independent Non-Executive Director, has been expanded to include oversight of workforce engagement to further improve Board involvement in this area.The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, today announced the early opening of the application process for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the Greening Scheme.

The Minister commented I am delighted to announce that the online application system for applications for the 2019 BPS is now open. Farmers will now be receiving a BPS information pack in the post containing terms and conditions of the scheme as well as maps and land details.

Under the EU regulations, all applications must be submitted online. Last year saw all Irish farmers apply online and this is reflective of the range of benefits that online application brings for farmers.

The Minister confirmed that the closing date for BPS applications in 2019 is Wednesday 15th May and urged all farmers and advisors to avail of the early opening of the application process now rather than waiting until nearer the closing date.

To help farmers to submit their application online in 2019, I have ensured the early opening of the BPS application facility. This will provide ample time for farmers to familiarise themselves with the online application facility and to submit their applications before the deadline.

Officials from my Department will also be providing a range of supports to farmers over the coming weeks and months, including a series of BPS clinics in locations throughout the country. Further supports, such as telephone helplines, will also be in place. These supports will ensure that all farmers are able to access these important payments.

Among the benefits available to online applicants is the availability of preliminary checks for online applications. These preliminary checks allow online applicants to be advised of certain errors at an early stage and to correct any such issues without penalty. The Minister noted that preliminary checks have proved very successful in previous years, and they represent one of the many advantages for farmers that the BPS applications online system offers.

All elements of the Direct Payments Schemes (BPS, Greening, Young Farmers Scheme, National Reserve, transferring of entitlements, and the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme) are now online. This helps to ensure that the Department can process all applications under these schemes as efficiently as possible.

The Minister concluded by stating I would urge all farmers to avail of the opportunity to apply for the BPS at this early stage via the online system. It is open for farmers to do this either as individuals or through an agent. Online applications allow my Department to continue to build on the success of the delivery to farmers of essential payments under schemes such as BPS and the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme.Food producers and farmers will see their businesses decimated by tariffs and quotas that the UK is planning in a no-deal Brexit scenario.

The multi-billion-euro beef trade will be worst affected while the overall impact on rural Ireland looks set to be worse than previously feared.

It comes after the British government indicated it will apply extra taxes on sheep, meat, beef, poultry, dairy and pig meat in order to protect its own farmers.

New tariffs will also hit consumers in the pocket, with predictions suggesting the price of bread and flour could rise by 30pc. Milk, cheese and eggs could see a 46pc hike.

The Department of Agriculture here has estimated the cost of tariffs for the sector as a whole would amount to 1.7bn, based on Irish agri-food exports to the UK of 4.8bn in 2016.

The Irish Independent understands Agriculture Minister Michael Creed also warned Cabinet colleagues yesterday that a major backlash from farmers is on the way unless swift action is taken.

Sources say he predicted issues for Irish exports as British trucks held up at Dover are unlikely to move aside to let them through.

And he noted that there are serious questions to resolve over the fishing industry.

The Government is set to dramatically up its preparation for a no-deal scenario in the first week of March.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) estimates the imposition of World Trade Organisation tariffs in a no-deal Brexit will impose a direct cost of 800m per year on the beef sector alone.

Farmers believe that for every 5c/kg change on the price, Mr Creed needs to secure 20 per head additional direct payment compensation.

IFA president Joe Healy said Irish beef farmers were already counting their losses.

He urged the minister and EU Commissioner Phil Hogan to come forward immediately with a plan for comprehensive market supports.

With just six weeks to go until the UK leaves, Cormac Healy from Meat Industry Ireland said any Brexit outcome would have negative trade and market implications.

"However, a no-deal Brexit, in which Irish meat exports are not only faced with logistical chaos and additional trading costs but also with the imposition of import tariffs in the UK, would decimate trade and seriously damage production in Ireland, resulting in jobs losses and a major hit to rural economies," said Mr Healy.

Irish beef exports are worth 2.5bn, with half destined for UK consumers. Other produce particularly exposed to the uncertainties in the UK marketplace include the mushroom industry, while 25pc, or 1bn, of total dairy exports goes to the UK.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Richard Bruton has offered assurances the Government is not anticipating blackouts or power outages on either side of the Border in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

However, he told a Dail committee that emergency legislation is needed to deal with any "unexpected market activity".

The energy regulation is to be given the power to alter licences in the event of certain things happening.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's public water company is stockpiling purification chemicals ahead of Brexit.

Northern Ireland Water said: "Our priority is to provide clean, safe drinking water to everyone in Northern Ireland."THREE Conservative MPs have quit the party over the British government's "disastrous handling of Brexit", in a blow to Prime Minister Theresa May's attempts to unite her party around plans to leave the European Union.

The MPs, long critical of May's Brexit strategy to leave the EU which they believe is being driven by Conservative eurosceptics, said in a statement they would join the new Independent Group set up by seven former opposition Labour politicians.

May said she was saddened by the resignations, but signalled she would press on with her attempts to win a deal before Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29.

But the resignations put May in an even weaker position in parliament, where her Brexit deal was crushed by lawmakers last month when eurosceptics and EU supporters voted against an agreement that both sides say offers the worst of all worlds.

They could also undermine May's negotiating position in Brussels, where she is going later on Wednesday for talks with Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to try to secure an opening for further technical work on revising the agreement.

With only 37 days until Britain leaves the EU, its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit are redrawing the political landscape. The resignations threaten a decades-old two-party system.

"The final straw for us has been this government's disastrous handling of Brexit," the three lawmakers, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston, said in a statement.

"We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP," they said, referring to a group of Conservative pro-Brexit lawmakers and the Democratic Unionist Party which props up the government in parliament.

Ms Soubry said the Conservative Party has been taken over by right-wing, anti-EU lawmakers who will force out more moderate colleagues

"The truth is, the battle is over and the other side has won. The right-wing, the hard-line anti-EU awkward squad that have destroyed every leader for the last 40 years are now running the Conservative Party from top to toe," Soubry told reporters.

Soubry said most local Conservative Party associations had been infiltrated by anti-EU activists and that she hoped other Conservative lawmakers would join her in leaving the party.

May acknowledged that Britain's membership of the EU "has been a source of disagreement both in our party and in our country for a long time" adding that leaving the bloc "was never going to be easy".

"But by delivering on our manifesto commitment and implementing the decision of the British people we are doing the right thing for our country. And in doing so, we can move forward together towards a brighter future," she said.

INDEPENDENT GROUP

The three said they would now sit with a new grouping in parliament that broke away from the Labour Party earlier this week over increasing frustration with their leader Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit strategy and a row over anti-Semitism.

Another former Labour lawmaker joined their ranks late on Tuesday, and several politicians from both the main opposition party and Conservatives said they expected more to follow from both sides of parliament.

For May's Brexit plan, the resignations are yet another blow to more than two years of talks to leave the EU, which have been punctuated by defeats in parliament, rows over policy and a confidence vote, which she ultimately won.

Britain's 2016 EU referendum, when 52 percent voted to leave versus 48 to remain, has split not only British towns and villages but also parliament, with both Conservative and Labour leaders struggling to keep their parties united.

Trying to unite her party around her Brexit plan has been a difficult balancing act for the prime minister. Eurosceptic members of her party want a clean break with the bloc, pro-EU lawmakers argue for the closest possible ties, while many in the middle are increasing frustrated over the lack of movement.

Those who have resigned have long accused May of leaning too far towards Brexit supporters, sticking to red lines which they, and many in Labour, say have made a comprehensive deal all but impossible to negotiate.

But May will head to Brussels hoping that her team may get the green light to start more technical negotiations on how to satisfy the concerns of mostly Brexit supporters over the so-called Northern Irish backstop arrangement.

The "backstop", an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland if the Brexit negotiations fail to come up with a future relationship to prevent it, is the main point of contention in ongoing talks with Brussels.

British officials are hoping they can secure the kind of legal assurances that the backstop cannot trap Britain in the EU's sphere to persuade lawmakers to back a revised deal.

But May's argument that she can command a majority in parliament if the EU hands her such assurances is getting weaker every day. A government defeat by eurosceptics on a symbolic vote last week showed their muscle, while the departure of some pro-EU lawmakers also undermines her position.Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has admitted he is concerned that the Brexit fall-out could impact on extradition and the European Arrest Warrant system in the UK.

Mr Flanagan issued a blunt warning that, irrespective of the form Brexit ultimately takes, Ireland and the UK must ensure that the closest possible security co-operation remains in place.

"I believe it is important that a strong bond of working together between the PSNI in Northern Ireland, outside of the EU, and the Garda Siochana here continues," he said.

"I would be concerned to ensure, for example, that we continue to have a robust extradition process.

"I would hope that Britain would continue to sign in to the very important and necessary European Arrest Warrant [system].

"That we could ensure there is no delay in fighting crime on either side of the Border and, of course, east and west between Britain and Ireland, having regard to the continuation of the Common Travel Area and the freedom of movement for people."

The UK has warned that in the event of a 'no-deal Brexit' there could be security implications.

Mr Flanagan added: "I met with my [UK] colleague the home secretary [Sajid Javid] earlier this week and I believe the urgency now is for the British Government and Parliament to finalise their ask on the Withdrawal Agreement. My concern is that it does appear to be unravelling."The governments of Ireland and Britain have guaranteed the continued payment of state pensions, child benefit and other social welfare payments in the event of the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal.

Thousands of people living here get pensions and other payments from Britain, while Ireland also pays people who live in the UK.

Now a legally binding agreement has been signed by the two governments.

It is estimated that around 133,000 people living here, mainly Irish citizens, are recipients of pensions from the UK.

The Irish Government pays contributory pensions to 29,000 people living in Britain.

Child benefit payments from here also flow to the UK.

Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty and her UK counterpart, Amber Rudd, the UK secretary of state for work and pensions, signed a convention at the start of the month to ensure the "reciprocity of social welfare rights and entitlements".

These rights currently exist under what is known as the common travel area.

Ms Doherty said: "Under the terms of the agreement, all existing arrangements, with recognition of, and access to, social welfare entitlements will be maintained in both jurisdictions.

"This means that the rights of Irish citizens domiciled in Ireland to benefit from social insurance contributions made when working in the UK and to access social insurance payments if resident in the UK are protected."

The deal has to be ratified by the Dail, but that is thought to be a formality.

A spokesperson for Ms Doherty said the Government had been planning for a no-deal Brexit, ahead of the March 29 deadline for the UK's exit from the EU.

However, there are still fears for the continued smooth payment of British private pensions after Brexit.

Correspondence from one pension provider advised its Ireland-based recipients to open UK bank accounts to avoid the loss of payments.

Pension Insurance Corporation told members here: "As it stands, insurance providers may not be able to continue paying out to overseas bank accounts after Britain leaves the EU in March 2019."

The massive insurer, which pays pensions to 150,000 people in the UK and Ireland, said if a deal on future banking arrangements is not reached by March, it "will need to pay your pension into a UK bank account".

Asked why people here could not be paid by cheque, a spokesman for Pension Insurance Corporation said: "We are investigating contingency plans and talking to the appropriate regulators."

Jerry Moriarty, chief executive of the Irish Association of Pension Funds, said people here with private pensions from the UK should still get paid if there is a no-deal Brexit as it is their legal entitlement to receive the payments.

However, some British insurers may not continue to pay the pensions into an Irish bank account.

Mr Moriarty said: "Under European Union rules, you have a right to have your pension paid into any member state, but no one has a clue how this will work out when Britain leaves the EU."

He added that this was because having a pension coming from another EU country paid into an account in the EU state where you live was an entitlement bound up with EU membership.On the go: Aviva is shifting billions of assets out of the UK

England's High Court has given Aviva, the UK's second-largest insurer, approval to transfer around 9bn (10.35bn) in assets to a new Irish company ahead of Brexit.

The transfer is timed for 22.59 GMT on March 29. Brexit formally takes effect at 23.00pm that night. It is part of a wider withdrawal of business and money by financial companies seeking to keep contracts and policies within the EU after Britain departs.

Banks and insurers are shifting hundreds of billions in assets and reversing decades of European financial market integration and chipping away at London's dominant role.

London's High Court approved Aviva's transfer after a hearing last week to move life insurance assets. It previously secured approval to move 1bn in general insurance assets.

"The current state of extreme and intensifying uncertainty regarding the terms of United Kingdom's departure from the European Union renders the need for certainty of provision all the more pressing," Martin Moore, Aviva's counsel, told the court.

ReutersRelatives of David Byrne. who was murdered at the Regency Hotel in Dublin in 2016. react outside the Special Criminal Court in after charges were dropped against his alleged killer, Patrick Hutch (Niall Carson/PA)

The family of a man murdered at a boxing weigh-in event in Dublin have held a protest outside court following the collapse of the case against his alleged killer.

David Byrne was shot dead at the Regency Hotel in Dublin in February 2016.

Expand Close Relatives of David Byrne react angrily outside the Special Criminal Court in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Relatives of David Byrne react angrily outside the Special Criminal Court in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

Patrick Hutch walked free from the Special Criminal Court on Wednesday after the State withdrew the charges against him.

The 26-year-old had been accused of murder and firearms offences.

Expand Close Angry relatives asked Wheres the justice? after the charges against Patrick Hutch were dropped (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Angry relatives asked Wheres the justice? after the charges against Patrick Hutch were dropped (Niall Carson/PA)

After he was discharged, family and friends of the 34-year-old victim gathered on the steps of the court building, where they shouted No justice done.

There was a heavy police presence as Mr Byrnes relatives, including his mother Sadie, held placards, with one displaying a picture of the victim.

Expand Close Sadie Byrne, mother of murder victim David Byrne (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sadie Byrne, mother of murder victim David Byrne (Niall Carson/PA)

One woman told the media: Wheres the justice?

Thats all we ask for. Patrick Hutch walks free. Wheres the justice?

Two other men were injured in the same attack, which was part of a feud between two Dublin criminal gangs.Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin accused the health minister of attempting to destroy the reputation of the CervicalCheck team.

The leader of the opposition party has accused the health minister of attempting to destroy the reputation of the CervicalCheck team.

Micheal Martin said Simon Harris comments about those overseeing the screening programme were unacceptable and mean-spirited.

The Fianna Fail leader said the CervicalCheck team has carried out exceptional work in helping to save thousands of lives over the last 10 years.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, however, defended the Minister for Health and said the people managing the cancer screening programme made a lot of mistakes.

The degree to which the minister dumped on them last Saturday morning, attempting to destroy their reputation is unacceptable (and) is mean-spiritedMicheal Martin

Speaking during Leaders questions, Mr Martin said: I listened to the Ministers (RTE) interview last Saturday and I must say I was taken aback when he launched an attack on the CervicalCheck team, saying he had lost confidence in the people running the CervicalCheck because of the decision around managing the audit.

The degree to which the minister dumped on them last Saturday morning, attempting to destroy their reputation is unacceptable (and) is mean-spirited.

Mr Varadkar said he acknowledged that the people who built the programme did a good job.

Cervical Check is a good programme and those who have managed it did a good job and saved a lot of lives.

But they also made a lot of mistakes too and among those mistakes was a botched audit, which had had a significant retrospection bias and they did not share information about that audit with the women affected.

Mr Martin also pressed the Taoiseach on the chief medical officers (CMO) support for the free out-of-cycle smear tests.

He asked Mr Varadkar whether the CervicalCheck team voiced its opposition to a senior official at the Department of Health over the decision to offer the free tests to women last year.

Mr Martin said: Did the CMO recommend this or not?

Expand Close Minister for Health Simon Harris (Lorraine OSullivan/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Minister for Health Simon Harris (Lorraine OSullivan/PA)

I believe what we are getting here is covering tracks because we need to learn from this.

Mr Varadkar said the free smear test was offered because a very large number of women were concerned their smear test was wrong.

He added: The decision was made to give free out of cycle smears to tens of thousands of women who were concerned about the accuracy of their smear tests the reassurance that they sought.

It was called for by opposition deputies.

When it was decided upon it was welcomed by some doctors.

It caused problems (and) there is a backlog in slides awaiting analysis.

Its not just because of the free test, its also because of the increase in attendance for screening.The governments decision to strip Shamima Begum of her citizenship is a step in the right direction. Shamima and her fellow young jihadis have been turned ideologically, and become moving ticking bombs. It is a difficult judgment to make. As a committed defender of human rights, and a migrant myself, my first thoughts were for a fair trial for Begum in the UK. But as a Muslim, I understand too the radically dangerous implications of remaining silent.

Allowing Begum and other radicalised Britons a safe path back home from areas previously controlled by Isis in Syria and elsewhere is naive and will put our society at severe risk. I learnt that through personal experience.

A couple of people in my extended family have been turned in the past. They paid allegiance to Osama bin Laden, carried weapons and fought the authorities in the Middle East. That happened more than 20 years ago. They were young and brainwashed (just like Begum), and they paid a heavy cost for it. However, up until now they have not witnessed any ideological or mental change  not one bit.

Arab societies have been dealing with radicalised returnees since the 1980s, long before the UK had even given the issue any thought. Egypt, for example, paid a heavy toll after allowing al-Jihad and al-Qaeda hardened fighters, together with their wives and children, to come back from Afghanistan after participating in guerrilla warfare against the Soviet Union. A second wave of returnees took place after the end of the first Chechen war in 1996.

Timeline of the Isis caliphate Show all 19 1 /19 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Timeline of the Isis caliphate ISIS began as a group by the merging of extremist organisations ISI and al-Nusra in 2013. Following clashes, Syrian rebels captured the ISIS headquarters in Aleppo in January 2014 (pictured) AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi declared the creation of a caliphate in Mosul on 27 June 2014 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis conquered the Kurdish towns of Sinjar and Zumar in August 2014, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Pictured are a group of Yazidi Kurds who have fled Rex Timeline of the Isis caliphate On September 2 2014 Isis released a video depicting the beheading of US journalist Steven Sotloff. On September 13 they released another video showing the execution of British aid worker David Haines Timeline of the Isis caliphate The US launched its first airstrikes against Isis in Syria on 23 September 2014. Here Lt Gen William C Mayville Jnr speaks about the bombing campaign in the wake of the first strikes Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis militants sit atop a hill planted with their flag in the Syrian town of Kobani on 6 October 2014. They had been advancing on Kobani since mid-September and by now was in control of the citys entrance and exit points AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Residents of the border village of Alizar keep guard day and night as they wait in fear of mortar fire from Isis who have occupied the nearby city of Kobani Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Smoke rises following a US airstrike on Kobani, 28 October 2014 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate YPG fighters raise a flag as they reclaim Kobani on 26 January 2015 VOA Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis seized the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on 20 May 2015. This image show the city from above days after its capture by Isis Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces are stationed on a hill above the town of Sinjar as smoke rises following US airstrikes on 12 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces enter Sinjar after seizing it from Isis control on 13 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi government forces make the victory sign as they retake the city of Fallujah from ISIS on 26 June 2016 Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi forces battle with Isis for the city of Mosul on 30 June 2017 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of the Iraqi federal police raise flags in Mosul on 8 July 2017. On the following day, Iraqi prime minister Haider Al Abadi declares victory over Isis in Mosul Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim Square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria in January 2019 They were among the last civilians to be living in the ISIS caliphate, by this time reduced to just two small villages in Syrias Deir ez-Zor Richard Hall/The Independent Timeline of the Isis caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate, on Saturday 26 January 2019 Richard Hall/The Independent

Like Begum, these fighters and their families pleaded to be allowed to come back. They reached out to authorities and managed to sign peace agreements with high officials in the government. By these agreements, they would drop their weapons and engage in a wider programme of deradicalisation in prisons and mosques. Some of them became the security and intelligence services eyes and ears too.

Recommended Muslim women are being ignored about Shamima Begum

But it was not enough. In November 1997, Egypt witnessed the worst attack on tourists in its modern history: 58 mostly western tourists were slaughtered in Luxor by the very same jihadis the government had given a second chance just one year earlier. Egyptians did not comprehend the extent of the returnees radicalisation, even after they had called for the sphinx at Giza to be demolished because it is a statue. Then they turned on freedom of speech, attempting to assassinate the world-renowned and Nobel prize-winning novelist Naguib Mahfouz.

Allowing Shamima Begum into the UK will give an impression to the whole world that the UK is fighting terrorists but not terrorism; that they are ignoring Islamist ideology and the threat it poses, despite getting bogged down in a never-ending war with people holding them.

In her interview with BBC this week, Begum called the Manchester Arena bombing a fair justification and claimed that she still has the Dawla mentality. When I read her statement, I remembered my relatives who went through Murajaat, a deradicalisation scheme like Britains Prevent  and yet they still sound like Bin Laden.

Yes, I know my take on this is unpopular. As a liberal journalist, I am told I should be more committed to Begums right to come home. But I cannot let my commitment to the rights of one individual stand in the way of the rights of the entire British people.

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It is not true that the governments iron-fist approach will have a negative influence on younger Muslims and fuel further radicalisation in Britain. This is a pessimistic and uneducated fudge. Quite the contrary: it would put an end to the online radicalisation trend, defusing the vigorous recruitment processes that al-Qaeda and other militant groups are rubbing their hands to take over, post-Isis. Every jihad sympathiser will now have to think twice before joining other jihadis abroad.

This case shows that the governments fist should sometimes be made of iron.

Yes, the government is making a public example out of a young woman, but it is the right thing to do. Many of my like-minded liberal British friends simply do not understand how dangerous Shamima Begum is, but the people on the streets seem frightened of her. My landlady told me this morning she will not feel safe if her grandchildren went to the same school as Shamimas son. Can you blame her?I am a 15-year-old British Muslim girl around the same age of Shamima Begum when she joined Isis. Whilst I could never contemplate doing what she did, I can understand how people can be easily influenced and groomed these days through technology and organisations such as Isis  who have nothing to do with Islam.

Grooming is grooming whether it is far-right organisations or other extremist organisations.

I do not agree with what Begum did and could never do that myself, especially as I believe Islam is a religion of peace which promotes tolerance and respect for all. As a British Muslim I am lucky that I can practice my religion freely in the UK, and I believe there is no contradiction between British and Muslim values.

However, youngsters face a lot of challenges these days and if they do not feel wanted or a sense of belonging they can easily be misled. Being confident in who you are, your beliefs and having good role models helps. If this support structure is not there then you can easily go down the wrong track.

Timeline of the Isis caliphate Show all 19 1 /19 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Timeline of the Isis caliphate ISIS began as a group by the merging of extremist organisations ISI and al-Nusra in 2013. Following clashes, Syrian rebels captured the ISIS headquarters in Aleppo in January 2014 (pictured) AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi declared the creation of a caliphate in Mosul on 27 June 2014 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis conquered the Kurdish towns of Sinjar and Zumar in August 2014, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Pictured are a group of Yazidi Kurds who have fled Rex Timeline of the Isis caliphate On September 2 2014 Isis released a video depicting the beheading of US journalist Steven Sotloff. On September 13 they released another video showing the execution of British aid worker David Haines Timeline of the Isis caliphate The US launched its first airstrikes against Isis in Syria on 23 September 2014. Here Lt Gen William C Mayville Jnr speaks about the bombing campaign in the wake of the first strikes Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis militants sit atop a hill planted with their flag in the Syrian town of Kobani on 6 October 2014. They had been advancing on Kobani since mid-September and by now was in control of the citys entrance and exit points AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Residents of the border village of Alizar keep guard day and night as they wait in fear of mortar fire from Isis who have occupied the nearby city of Kobani Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Smoke rises following a US airstrike on Kobani, 28 October 2014 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate YPG fighters raise a flag as they reclaim Kobani on 26 January 2015 VOA Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis seized the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on 20 May 2015. This image show the city from above days after its capture by Isis Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces are stationed on a hill above the town of Sinjar as smoke rises following US airstrikes on 12 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces enter Sinjar after seizing it from Isis control on 13 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi government forces make the victory sign as they retake the city of Fallujah from ISIS on 26 June 2016 Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi forces battle with Isis for the city of Mosul on 30 June 2017 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of the Iraqi federal police raise flags in Mosul on 8 July 2017. On the following day, Iraqi prime minister Haider Al Abadi declares victory over Isis in Mosul Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim Square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria in January 2019 They were among the last civilians to be living in the ISIS caliphate, by this time reduced to just two small villages in Syrias Deir ez-Zor Richard Hall/The Independent Timeline of the Isis caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate, on Saturday 26 January 2019 Richard Hall/The Independent

Should Begum be allowed to return to the UK? This stirs up different emotions and responses from people. As a young teenager of a similar age, I think our response has to be a considered and measured one.

Of course what she did was wrong, but if she was groomed or radicalised, then is she at fault? On the other hand we need to make sure she does not pose a risk to the security of our country. Whatever the wrongs or rights, her child is innocent.

This issue, while it may seem to some as straightforward, is a complex one. I think we should show some compassion for the sake of her child.

I think we should take the moral high ground and not act in the same way as these extremists. This may even have a positive effect and bode well for the future.

As for Begum, it is only right that if she returns, she is investigated and if any crime has been committed she should be charged and sentenced accordingly. Given what she has done, she should be monitored carefully and have strict restrictions so that she can not cause harm to our country or any individual.

Fateha Aftab

Address supplied

Why doesnt anyone care about the grooming?

I recall clearly the reports of three schoolgirls from Bethnal Green Academy going off to Syria to marry (be sexually abused by) men theyd met online.

Now we hear that at least one of them is still alive, albeit in a refugee camp.

Politicians waited a couple of days to take the temperature of public opinion and listen to Twitter twaddle and the gutter press and now are taking a stance. We no longer, of course, expect something we used to call leadership.

As a mother of three daughters (now a granny) I can only say I am aghast at the idea that a teenager, who was groomed and sexually and mentally exploited at an age when most girls are screaming at their parents because they arent allowed to stay out past 11pm, should be further abused by her own government.

Get her home now, take responsibility for this home-grown problem and start doing something useful like finding out HOW and WHY this happened.

Amanda Baker

Edinburgh

Bangladesh shouldnt have to take Begum

If someone called Jane Smith, born in the UK to two British parents, were to join a terrorist organisation as a non-combatant, would it be acceptable for the government to take away her British nationality on the grounds that one of her parents/grandparents was born in Italy, making her eligible for Italian nationality?

And what would Italy have to say about being sent a British subject who the British government considered to be a criminal, despite them never having been there before?

I think we know the answer, so why should Bangladesh act any differently? What is the Conservative government trying to achieve? Could it be to appeal to the hard right?

John Simpson

Ross on Wye

Brit awards for Brits only

I completely agree with David Listers piece about giving a Brit Award to Pink (Im not even sure who she is or if I would recognise any of her music  and I often listen to BBC 6 Music).

It is truly ridiculous and somewhat insulting that she (I just realised I had assumed her gender from the name/colour reference) is singled out for this award when so many others that Lister lists are passed over.

But anyway, I dont care too much as I wont be watching the show.

Peter Cole

Alnwick

Tom Watsons amnesia

I was interested in Tom Watsons comments about Jeremy Corbyn including a wider range of views in his appointments to his front bench.

Surely thats what he did as soon as he became leader? Some point blank refused to serve, and others staged that mass walkout. Has Watson forgotten all that?

M Hutchins

Christchurch

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Whats keeping the other Labour MPs from leaving?

I wholeheartedly back the Independent Group splitters. Jeremy Corbyns Labour is a pro-Brexit, antisemitic party that allies itself with the worlds worst tyrants.

Luciana Berger, Chuka Umunna and the other six MPs are courageous heroes for standing up against the bigotry and bullying of the militant hard left.

I resent Corbyn and his shambolic leadership of a once great party; sadly, though, he and his fellow cronies have taken over Labour.

All decent Labour MPs should therefore look long and hard in the mirror, and decide whether they can, hand on heart, remain in a repugnantly racist political party.

Sebastian Monblat

Address suppliedIt was the deadliest single attack in three decades of guerrilla conflict. Now, people of Kashmiri origin living and working across India are watching with growing terror as a car bombing back home in the far north threatens to turn their lives upside down.

Last Thursdays attack was months in the planning, officials believe, but unfolded in moments. A car bomber who had sworn allegiance to a Pakistan-based militant group was able to overtake the back of a convoy carrying 2,500 Indian soldiers and detonate a jerrycan full of explosives.

In one massive explosion so large that pieces of an armoured bus were thrown more than a kilometre from the road, 40 paramilitary officers were killed and dozens more injured.

It is hard to overstate how much the attack has dominated the news agenda in the four days since. Even in rural Uttarakhand, where I was travelling at the weekend, the Pakistan terrorist attack in Kashmir was the first topic on our taxi drivers lips. India has a reputation for consumption of newspapers but few stories achieve such pervasive penetration.

Clearly, people have taken on board the Indian governments stance that Pakistan is to blame for harbouring the militants behind the attack, despite Pakistans firm rejection that it was involved. Yet they have also noted that the bomber himself was a young Kashmiri man born and raised no more than six miles from the scene where he wrought such devastation.

Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Show all 13 1 /13 Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Indian muslims in Mumbai burn posters of Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, center, and Hafiz Saeed, chief of Pakistani religious group Jamaat-ud-Dawa, during a protest against Thursday's attack on a paramilitary convoy in Kashmir that killed at least 40 AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Policeman walk past vehicles set on fire in Jammu by a mob during a protest against Thursday's attack on a paramilitary convoy AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Vehicles are set on fire in Jammu during protests following the attack AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Indian Muslims hold a protest in Mumbai the day after the terrorist attack AFP/Getty Images Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Mourners gather for the cremation of Central Reserve Police Force soldier Mahesh Yadav, who was killed in Thursday's bombing in Kashmir AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Protestors in Jammu throw stones during a clash between communities while protesting against Thursday's attack on a paramilitary convoy that killed at least 40 in Kashmir AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Indian police men keep vigil next to a barbed wire fencing during the third day of curfew in Jammu AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party workers in Mumbai burn a symbolic effigy of Pakistan as part of protest against Thursday's attack on a paramilitary convoy in Kashmir, AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers pay tribute to their colleague Maneswar Basumatary, who was killed in Thursday's bombing in Kashmir AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Indian army soldiers patrol during a curfew in Jammu on February 16, 2019 AFP/Getty Images Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack A crowd carries a victim's coffin during a cremation ceremony AFP/Getty Images Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack A relative of Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper Sudip Biswas mourns over his coffin at Kolkata airport AFP/Getty Images Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Mourners gather for the cremation of Central Reserve Police Force soldier Mahesh Yadav, who was killed in Thursday's bombing in Kashmir AP

Sure enough, reports of bigotry and hate-fuelled threats towards ordinary Kashmiri Muslims, usually from Hindus who make up the overwhelming majority, have sprung up across India in the past few days at an alarming rate.

Among the most high profile is the hounding out of hundreds of Kashmiri students from colleges and universities in the northern city of Dehradun. The dean of one college, himself a Kashmiri, was suspended on Saturday after a mob of Hindu nationalists demanded he be removed from his post.

In Panipat, Haryana, police were forced to step in after villagers marched on an engineering college shouting slogans demanding the expulsion of its 25 Kashmiri students, according to the Indian Express newspaper.

Widely shared posts on Twitter, which are then also circulated on WhatsApp, have shown shops with signs reading Dogs allowed  but Kashmiri not allowed. A video viewed hundreds of thousands of times purports to show Kashmiri traders being beaten with sticks in Bihar.

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Perhaps most alarmingly, posts making wild and spurious generalisations about Kashmiris, or explicitly endorsing a boycott on Kashmir, have been made by some high profile and influential individuals. These include figures with close links to the ruling Hindu nationalist BJP party of prime minister Narendra Modi.

One, the BJP-supporting academic Madhu Purnima Kishwar, wrote to her 2 million Twitter followers that she believed with confidence that Kashmiri handicraft shops in five-star hotels were fronts for jihadist groups.

Tathagata Roy, the BJP governor of Meghalaya state, said he was inclined to agree with a boycott of everything Kashmiri, including the Kashmiri tradesmen who come every winter.

Even in metropolitan Delhi, often derided for its out-of-touch intelligentsia, Kashmiris who identify as Indian first are fearing for their futures.

A Kashmiri doctor friend who works at one of the citys top hospitals told me they fear a repeat of the anti-Sikh pogrom witnessed by the capital in the aftermath of the 1984 assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi, when more than 8,000 were killed in four days of bloodshed.

He describes how, since Thursdays attack, he can feel the menace in the air. Rooms fall silent when he enters, he says, and for the first time in his life he is being made to feel like an outsider in the city he has made his home.

He is considering moving away for his familys sake. He says that, unlike the Sikhs, there are just a few thousand Kashmiris among Delhis population of 20 million. If the mood turns any further, it would take a matter of hours to wipe them out, he says.

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With an election looming and Modis reputation as a strong leader at stake, the Indian government has focused almost entirely in its response to the attack on Pakistans role  how it must do more to stop militant groups from operating within its borders, and even suggesting that Pakistans spy agency was controlling the group in question.

It has called for unity in the face of what it describes as its neighbours attempts to sow division.

But what has been absent is any firm message of communal cohesion, as  for instance  was issued by then-prime minister Manmohan Singh in 2008 when Muslims were threatened in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks.

Internationally, all the attention has been on the escalating rhetoric between India and Pakistan at a diplomatic level  the pair have fought three wars over Kashmir, after all, though not on a large scale since 1971.

Yet domestically, there is at least as much concern that rising anti-Kashmiri sentiment will spill over and see the country turn on itself. If he is to prove himself worthy of re-election in a few months time, Modis job must be to keep all of his citizens safe  Kashmiris included.Concerns have been raised about relations between New Zealand and China following several tourism-related incidents.

Earlier this month, a Shanghai-bound Air New Zealand jet was forced to turn around mid-flight and return to Auckland after it was discovered that the plane did not have permission to land in China.

While the incident was largely dismissed as an administrative error, it follows New Zealands decision to bar the Chinese firm Huawei Technologies from its wireless networks, according to a report by Skift.

A Chinese newspaper reported that some Chinese tourists were cancelling plans to visit New Zealand as a consequence of the decision regarding Huawei and subsequent strained political relations.

The formal launch of the 2019 Year of Tourism between the two countries was also postponed due to senior Chinese officials being unable to attend.

Traveller's Guide: New Zealand Show all 6 1 /6 Traveller's Guide: New Zealand Traveller's Guide: New Zealand 642824.bin Traveller's Guide: New Zealand 642642.bin Traveller's Guide: New Zealand 642643.bin Traveller's Guide: New Zealand 642644.bin Traveller's Guide: New Zealand 642645.bin Traveller's Guide: New Zealand 642646.bin

According to the official website, the partnership aims to strengthen economic ties through tourism.

The tourism industry, which has usurped dairy as New Zealands biggest earner, was initially bolstered by a boom in Chinese visitors, although this growth has begun to decelerate over the past two years.

Last May, financial forecasts were revised to reflect the slower than expected increase, although the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment predicts that spending by Chinese visitors will rise to NZ$2.82bn (1.49bn) in 2023.

Todd McClay, the opposition National Party foreign affairs spokesperson, expressed concerns in a New Zealand Herald article: The prospect of a deteriorating relationship with China is a major risk. It hampers certainty in the economy and creates uncertainty for our exporters and tourism operators, he said.

Stephen England-Hall, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand, told The Independent: China continues to be an important market for New Zealand tourism, with growth in visitor arrival numbers from China is continuing at a moderate rate.

Tourism New Zealands focus is on ensuring New Zealand remains an attractive destination to high-value visitors in this fast-developing, highly competitive market.

Prime Minster Jacinta Arden has rejected any suggestions of tension between the two countries.Night trains were a popular way to cross Europe in the golden age of rail travel, but in recent years competition from low-cost flights has seen many routes cut back.

Now a new service hopes to lure passengers back to the railways with restaurant cars, bar carriages and onboard performances by top jazz musicians by offering a more pleasurable way of travel.

The Jazz Night Express will run from Rotterdam and Amsterdam through to Berlin  with the first service planned for June.

With fares starting at 149, passengers will effectively be buying a ticket to a jazz festival on rails, with sleeping cars for accommodation  and two of Europes coolest cities at either end.

The organisers say the train will feature three stages, a dining car, a bistro, and several bars. Musicians booked for the first journey include Jesse van Ruller, Thomas Pol & Joost Patocka, Ntjam Rosie, Dorona Alberti, Oene van Geel and Mark Haanstra.

The idea came about a year ago from the frustration that there are no night trains to or from The Netherlands at the moment, organiser Chris Engelsman tells The Independent.

By day Engelsman works for the regional transport authority in Amsterdam; but his passion for night trains led him to examine how recent EU rules allowing open access operators could allow for a new kind of charter service.

The first return trip is planned for June 28-30, but depending on the success of the trial run, he hopes the service could eventually run weekly.

We definitely intend to go again next year. And preferably more times it all depends on the success of the first rides, but our long time ambition is to have a train every week, he said.

Passengers will be able to reserve space in one of the three stages to ensure a seat, but will be able to freely access other parts of the train and catch other concerts where there is space.

As on most continental night trains, passengers can choose between a cheaper shared couchette cars with five beds and a shared washroom, or more comfortable but pricier sleeper cabins with just three beds and their own facilities.

The train itself uses refurbished sleeper carriages that were previously in service between Germany and the Netherlands. Chartering a train, it turns out, is also not too difficult.

Since the liberalisation of the train travel market in Europe, it is possible for anyone to run their own train, Engelsman says.

Of course, this requires all manner of permits and licences, as well as payment for train track usage. Luckily, we do not have to take care of all of this, ourselves, because chartering a train and hiring certified transport companies, is relatively easy.

We are working with Euro Express from Germany and they are organizing the exact timetables, train staff and track using permits.

Tickets went on sale for the service on 20 January and can be booked on the companys website. It departs Rotterdam Centraal at 19:15, picks up more passengers in Amsterdam Centraal at 20:30, and then after a nights party (and maybe some sleep) arrives at Berlin Zoo station at 7:30 the next morning.

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It will make the return journey back to the Netherlands the evening of the same day  leaving time for passengers doing both legs to do a spot of sightseeing. Fares can be booked in either or both directions.

In 2016, Germanys national railway operator Deutsche Bahn closed all of its sleeper routes and Frances SNCF, shut down three  both citing poor patronage.

Since then, however, the Austrian state railways OBB have taken over a number of routes  and appear to be making a success of them, with plans for new trains and further expansion. Surviving routes for the more conventional sleeper trains include Munich to Rome and Cologne to Vienna.The troubled regional airline Flybe has rejected an alternative rescue plan  saying its preferred bid from Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Air and a US hedge fund is the only viable option.

The loss-making carrier put itself up for sale in November 2018 after warning of heavy losses through the winter.

On 15 January the consortium of Virgin, Stobart and Cyrus Capital Partners  named Connect Airways  made a bid of just 2.2m. The offer valued each share at only 1p, compared with a prevailing price of 16p and a peak valuation of 2.95 shortly after Flybes flotation in 2010.

Flybes board accepted the offer and Connect Airways pumped 10m into Flybe to keep it running  10 days later, Flybe drew down on another 5m.

But a number of Flybe shareholders are incensed their holdings should be written down so sharply. They include pilots whose pay package had Flybe shares, and Stobart Airs former chief executive, Andrew Tinkler, who bought around one-tenth of the shares shortly after the Connect Airways deal was announced.

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Mr Tinkler has been involved in an acrimonious battle with his former company over his sacking after 10 years as Stobart Airs chief executive.

On Tuesday Flybe received what it calls a preliminary and highly conditional outline contingency proposal from an investor group led by Bateleur Capital LLC and Mesa Air Group Inc, with indicative support from Mr Andrew Tinkler and other unnamed institutional shareholders.

The alternative bid requires the sale of Flybe to Connect Airways not to take place; for agreements being reached with Flybes credit card acquirers, banks, lessors, equipment manufacturers and pension fund trustees  and for the Civil Aviation Authority to give its consent.

Flybe said: The board does not believe that the indicative proposal is executable in the timeframe required to enable Flybe to continue to trade.

Accordingly, the board emphasises to shareholders that it continues to regard the arrangements entered into with Connect Airways as being the only viable option available to the company which provides the security that the business needs to continue to trade successfully.

The arrangements with Connect Airways preserve the interests of Flybes stakeholders, customers, employees, partners and pension members.

Bateleur Capital is, like Cyrus Capital Funds, a New York fund. It says its business model combines a long-term patient investment approach with the ability to invest opportunistically in order to take advantage of market inefficiencies and dislocations.

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The Connect Airways deal for Flybe is due to be finalised on Friday.

Flybmi, another UK regional airline unrelated to Flybe, went into administration on Saturday citing uncertainty over Brexit as a reason for its collapse.Shamima Begum, who fled the UK to join Isis in Syria aged 15, has suggested she is being treated differently to others in similar situations who wish to return to Britain.

Ms Begum has been stripped of her British citizenship in a move her lawyer said makes her and her baby effectively stateless.

When she was read a letter from the Home Office obtained by ITV News in which home secretary Sajid Javid made the order, Ms Begum told the broadcaster it was kind of heart-breaking to read and hard to swallow.

The 19-year-old said: I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. Its a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like its a bit unjust on me and my son.

Its kind of heart-breaking to read. My family made it sound like it would be a lot easier for me to come back to the UK when I was speaking to them in Baghouz. Its kind of hard to swallow.

Timeline of the Isis caliphate Show all 19 1 /19 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Timeline of the Isis caliphate ISIS began as a group by the merging of extremist organisations ISI and al-Nusra in 2013. Following clashes, Syrian rebels captured the ISIS headquarters in Aleppo in January 2014 (pictured) AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi declared the creation of a caliphate in Mosul on 27 June 2014 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis conquered the Kurdish towns of Sinjar and Zumar in August 2014, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Pictured are a group of Yazidi Kurds who have fled Rex Timeline of the Isis caliphate On September 2 2014 Isis released a video depicting the beheading of US journalist Steven Sotloff. On September 13 they released another video showing the execution of British aid worker David Haines Timeline of the Isis caliphate The US launched its first airstrikes against Isis in Syria on 23 September 2014. Here Lt Gen William C Mayville Jnr speaks about the bombing campaign in the wake of the first strikes Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis militants sit atop a hill planted with their flag in the Syrian town of Kobani on 6 October 2014. They had been advancing on Kobani since mid-September and by now was in control of the citys entrance and exit points AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Residents of the border village of Alizar keep guard day and night as they wait in fear of mortar fire from Isis who have occupied the nearby city of Kobani Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Smoke rises following a US airstrike on Kobani, 28 October 2014 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate YPG fighters raise a flag as they reclaim Kobani on 26 January 2015 VOA Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis seized the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on 20 May 2015. This image show the city from above days after its capture by Isis Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces are stationed on a hill above the town of Sinjar as smoke rises following US airstrikes on 12 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces enter Sinjar after seizing it from Isis control on 13 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi government forces make the victory sign as they retake the city of Fallujah from ISIS on 26 June 2016 Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi forces battle with Isis for the city of Mosul on 30 June 2017 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of the Iraqi federal police raise flags in Mosul on 8 July 2017. On the following day, Iraqi prime minister Haider Al Abadi declares victory over Isis in Mosul Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim Square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria in January 2019 They were among the last civilians to be living in the ISIS caliphate, by this time reduced to just two small villages in Syrias Deir ez-Zor Richard Hall/The Independent Timeline of the Isis caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate, on Saturday 26 January 2019 Richard Hall/The Independent

Discussing other returnees, she said: I heard that other people are being sent back to Britain so I dont know why my case is any different to other people, or is it just because I was on the news four years ago?

Ms Begum, who was born in the UK and is of Bangladeshi heritage, was deprived of her British citizenship after she was found heavily pregnant and living in a refugee camp in northern Syria.

She gave birth to a boy over the weekend, having already lost two children.

Since she was found, Ms Begum has made pleas for forgiveness and asked to be accepted back in the UK.

However, in media interviews she has said she had no regrets about joining Isis and called the Manchester terror attack justified.

Shamima Begum being shown a copy of the Home Office letter which stripped her of her British citizenship by ITV News security editor Rohit Kachroo (ITV News/PA)

Her lawyer told The Independent she had been a British national and never had a Bangladeshi passport.

Tasnime Akunjee said although Bangladeshi law affords citizenship to foreign residents with parents from the country, the government in Dhaka does not know who she is.

 Shamima Begum says Manchester bombing was 'fair'

Ms Begum told ITV News said she might explore a potential citizenship through her Dutch husband.

Maybe I can ask for citizenship in Holland, she said. If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison.Israels acting foreign minister should apologise to Poland for accusing the country of being antisemitic, the US ambassador to Warsaw has said.

Georgette Mosbachers advice came after an escalating diplomatic row between Israel and Poland saw a key summit in Jerusalem cancelled.

On Wednesday, she said the partnership between the two countries was too important for the wider region to be damaged by rhetoric.

Just days ago, the US held a major conference in Warsaw on Middle East security in an attempt to cobble together support for Washingtons attempts to isolate Iran. But the spat between Poland and Israel threatens to overshadow and undo the US manoeuvring.

Ms Mosbacher had earlier written on her Polish-language Twitter account that comments by Israel Katz, Israels acting foreign minister, were offensive and out of place.

She said: I just felt that two strong allies like Israel and Poland, of course they are strong allies of the United States, shouldnt be using that kind of rhetoric.

We are too important to each other not to work these things out, she added.

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 Katz, Israels top diplomat, had sparked fury among Poles when he told local news outlet i24 on Monday that as a son of Holocaust survivors he would never forgive and never forget  there were many Poles who collaborated with the Nazis.

He went on to quote former Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Shamir, saying: Every Pole suckled antisemitism with his mothers milk.

His comments followed controversial remarks made by Israelis prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent visit to Warsaw where he was quoted as saying the Poles collaborated with the Nazis.

Mr Netanyahus office said later that he was misquoted and had not implicated all Poles or the Polish nation in the Holocaust.

But Poland was outraged by the comments. Commentator Boguslaw Chrabota likened Mr Katzs remarks to the equivalent of an atomic bomb and hate speech, in an opinion piece in the centre-right newspaper Rzeczpospolita.

Polish officials risked the wrath of both trading partner Tehran and its close EU partners by hosting the anti-Iran summit, and viewed Mr Netanyahus commentary on Polish soil as incendiary, insulting, and ungrateful.

The Israeli statements triggered Poland to pull out of the Visegrad summit of central European leaders, which was due to be hosted in Jerusalem this week. The collapse of the talks dealt a damning blow to the Israeli leader, who is looking to shore up support abroad ahead of elections in early April.

Mr Netanyahu was due to meet the leaders of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in the first meeting of the so-called V4 group to be held outside of Europe. Instead, he held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a press conference of Visegrad leaders in Budapest in 2017 (AFP/Getty)

Mateusz Morawiecki, the Polish prime minister, said the Israeli remarks were racist and unacceptable, adding: This is not something that can be left without a response.

He later downgraded its participation in the meetings, saying he would send his countrys foreign minister.

Relations worsened on Tuesday when Polish deputy foreign minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek said that Warsaw was still waiting for Israels government to apologise for the shameful, scandalous and slanderous statements, which require an unequivocal and definite reaction.

Mr Szynkowski vel Sek added that it was up to Israel to choose the form the apology takes and how it is delivered, adding that more education was needed about what happened during the Second World War on Polish soil.

The cancelling of the summit came at a terrible time for Mr Netanyahu who is losing popularity in the polls ahead of the election as he battles possible indictment on corruption charges.

Mr Netanyahu, who come July will be Israels longest serving premier, had been favourite to win after a string of political successes last year. The first was Donald Trumps decision to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, thereby recognising the contested city as Israels capital.

The US embassy in Israel was moved to Jerusalem in December 2017 (Reuters)

Mr Trump later slashed funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, a move which was welcomed in Israel and added to Mr Netanyahus popularity.

On Tuesday, a US official announced that its consulate general in Jerusalem, which serves Palestinians, will be absorbed into the new US embassy to Israel between in March. The merger was condemned by Palestinians, who see it as another blow to their chance of building a nation with parts of Jerusalem as their capital.

Secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced the decision to create a single diplomatic mission last October but failed to give a date.

The status of Jerusalem is one of the thorniest issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and according to the UN is supposed to be determined in any final peace deal.The foreign secretary has written to the German government to ask it to start selling arms to Saudi Arabia again, after the country halted exports due to concerns about human rights.

Jeremy Hunt said he was concerned about the impact the recently imposed embargo would have on arms manufacturers balance sheets.

Germany has joined other EU countries including Denmark and Finland in ending arms sales in the wake of evidence of war crimes being committed by Saudi coalition forces in Yemen.

Human rights groups say Saudi warplanes have bombed schools, hospitals, weddings and food factories  contributing to 13 million civilians facing starvation and the worst famine in 100 years, according to the United Nations.

The high-profile killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi also spurred a number of countries to impose arms embargoes on the oil-rich autocracy.

Recommended Ministers were told by top civil servant to stop bomb sales to Saudi

In a letter obtained by German newspaper Der Spiegel, Jeremy Hunt wrote to his counterpart Heiko Maas, telling him: I am very concerned about the impact of the German governments decision on the British and European defence industry and the consequences for Europes ability to fulfil its Nato commitments.

A number of House of Commons committees and the European parliament have called for the UK to follow Germanys example and impose an arms embargo, while internal advice shows UK civil servants had also recommended an end to the sales as early as February 2016  stating it would be prudent and cautious to do so.

Government statistics show that since the bombing of Yemen began in 2015, Britain has licensed 4.7bn worth of arms to Saudi Arabia, including 2.7bn worth of aircraft and 1.9bn worth of bombs and missiles.

Yemen is gripped by famine (Unicef/Huwais) (Unicef/ Huwais)

Asked about his lobbying efforts at a speech in Berlin, Mr Hunt said he wanted to keep selling Saudi Arabia weapons so there was a European voice at the table doing everything we can to press for peace.

Britain and Germany has complete agreement on the overriding need to find a solution to the terrible war in Yemen, which is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today, he said.

Jeremy Hunt speaking at the Konrad-Adenauer foundation in Berlin (AFP/Getty)

Over 80,000 children have died of starvation, there are about a quarter of a million people starving at the moment, and around 20 million people dont have food security  they dont know whether theyre going to be able to get the food they need in the days ahead. So this is a totally critical situation.

Britains policy with respect to arms exports is one of the strictest in the world: we follow the European guidelines, we have an independent assessment of whether our arms exports are likely to be used in breaches of international law. At the moment we dont make that judgement.

The children wounded in Yemen's war Show all 15 1 /15 The children wounded in Yemen's war The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Save the Children

But when I talk to Heiko Maas what I say is that strategic relationship that the UK has with Saudi Arabia is what allows us to have a huge influence in bringing about peace in Yemen. In fact I would go as far as to say that without that strategic relationship it wouldnt have been possible to proceed with the Stockholm agreement, which his the first ray of hope  though others were extremely important in making that happen as well.

Andrew Smith from the campaign group Campaign Against Arms Trade said: Jeremy Hunt is meant to be a statesman, not an arms dealer. He should not be using his position to push for arms sales or lobby other governments on behalf of BAE Systems.

UK-made fighter jets and bombs have had a devastating impact on Yemen. They have played a central role in creating the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Its time for Hunt to follow his German counterparts and finally end the arms sales.Three Green MEPs, including one from the UK, have been arrested after breaking into a Belgian military airbase to protest against the stockpiling of US nuclear weapons there.

The MEPs, Molly Scott Cato from the UK, Michele Rivasi from France, and Tilly Metz from Luxembourg, scaled the 3.5-metre perimeter fence at Kleine Brogel airbase in the countrys Flemish northeast.

They blocked the bases runway holding a large banner which read: Europe free of nuclear weapons, before they were detained.

I have been arrested for breaking into a Belgian military airbase to protest against the stockpiling of American nuclear bombs, Ms Scott Cato tweeted after the action.

Another Green MEP, Austrian representative Thomas Waitz, was also arrested as part of a dozen-strong demonstration outside the base, organised by peace campaigners.

In a statement written ahead of the protest, Ms Scott Cato MEP said: Our action is intended to challenge EU countries to remove US nuclear weapons from European soil.

Each B61 bomb is 23 times more powerful than the bomb that devastated Hiroshima. These apocalyptic weapons should find no home in Europe.

We demand that Europes nuclear nations immediately sign up to the landmark global Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and begin the process of decommissioning their nuclear arsenals.

Nuclear weapons are obsolete in an era of asymmetric warfare and cyber warfare and have no place in a European defence policy for the 21st century. Britain and France have ignored their obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons for far too long.

Kleine Brogel airbase is home to Belgiums 10th Tactical Wing, which operates US-built aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons. It is also home to a US munitions support squadron, which is thought to maintain the nuclear weapons at the base.

The French MEP Ms Rivasi said: We are demanding the withdrawal of nuclear bombs at Kleine Brogel and also from Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. We urge all EU member states to sign and ratify the treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons. Our first objective is a Europe without nuclear arms.

Earlier this month, Donald Trump pulled the US out of the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, which restricts some nuclear weapons. Activists warned of the possibility of a new nuclear arms race, while the US accuses Russia of violating the treaty.

Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, applauded the actions of the MEPs.

We are in desperate need for a new era of diplomacy, she added. The British government could lead the way by supporting efforts to rescue the INF treaty and fully engaging with the UNs treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons.

Our country is in a strong position to demonstrate how the nuclear states can work together to reduce and abolish nuclear weapons. The alternative is to sit back while the US president tears up all restraints on nuclear weapons and rapidly moves the world closer to nuclear war.

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 protest by the MEPs, which has made headlines in Belgium, comes in the context of the Belgian Greens making significant gains in Octobers Belgian local elections. They are expected to do well in the countrys coming federal elections scheduled for May of this year.

Ms Scott Cato is far from the first Green politician from the UK to be arrested for direct action. In August 2013, Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas was arrested at a non-violent protest against fracking in Sussex. She was found not guilty of obstructing a public highway the next year.

Baroness (Jenny) Jones, who was at the time the deputy chair of the London Assemblys police and crime committee, was arrested at an Occupy London protest in 2014. She was later de-arrested, according to reports at the time.Buffalo, WY (82834)

Today

Partly cloudy and windy with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 68F. Winds NNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

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Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 56F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph.Saudi Arabia committed to invest $100bn in Indian infrastructure and services during a visit to Delhi on Wednesday by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, in talks that were partly overshadowed by the diplomatic fallout to the major bomb attack in Kashmir last Thursday.

The prince met with prime minister Narendra Modi for one-on-one talks and at a joint news conference. Later the pair spoke of the links between their two countries and exchanged hugs and handshakes for the cameras.

Bin Salman was stopping in India between trips to Pakistan and China, his first tour of the region since the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul frayed many international relations.

India, which did not take a stance on the Khashoggi killing, rolled out the red carpet for the Saudi delegation as it seeks allies in an escalating row with Pakistan over the Kashmir attack.

Inevitably, comparisons will be drawn between the Saudi princes visits to the two ill-at-ease neighbours. Indian officials were keen to talk up the $100bn figure, five times larger than the $20bn investments agreed by Prince Mohammad and Pakistans Imran Khan, even if it was light on specifics and lacked a precise timeframe.

Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Show all 13 1 /13 Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Indian muslims in Mumbai burn posters of Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, center, and Hafiz Saeed, chief of Pakistani religious group Jamaat-ud-Dawa, during a protest against Thursday's attack on a paramilitary convoy in Kashmir that killed at least 40 AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Policeman walk past vehicles set on fire in Jammu by a mob during a protest against Thursday's attack on a paramilitary convoy AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Vehicles are set on fire in Jammu during protests following the attack AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Indian Muslims hold a protest in Mumbai the day after the terrorist attack AFP/Getty Images Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Mourners gather for the cremation of Central Reserve Police Force soldier Mahesh Yadav, who was killed in Thursday's bombing in Kashmir AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Protestors in Jammu throw stones during a clash between communities while protesting against Thursday's attack on a paramilitary convoy that killed at least 40 in Kashmir AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Indian police men keep vigil next to a barbed wire fencing during the third day of curfew in Jammu AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party workers in Mumbai burn a symbolic effigy of Pakistan as part of protest against Thursday's attack on a paramilitary convoy in Kashmir, AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers pay tribute to their colleague Maneswar Basumatary, who was killed in Thursday's bombing in Kashmir AP Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Indian army soldiers patrol during a curfew in Jammu on February 16, 2019 AFP/Getty Images Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack A crowd carries a victim's coffin during a cremation ceremony AFP/Getty Images Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack A relative of Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper Sudip Biswas mourns over his coffin at Kolkata airport AFP/Getty Images Fire on the streets as Indians react to the Pulwama bombing attack Mourners gather for the cremation of Central Reserve Police Force soldier Mahesh Yadav, who was killed in Thursday's bombing in Kashmir AP

Conversely, Saudi Arabia committed to free thousands of Pakistani prisoners it holds in prisons across the kingdom. While India also has many citizens jailed in Saudi Arabia, and the topic was brought up during Wednesdays talks, no similar announcement was made.

During the talks, both countries strongly condemned the Kashmir attack in which 40 Indian paramilitary officers were killed by a car bomber, Indias foreign ministry said.

Mr Modi has said Pakistan is to blame for last weeks attack, the deadliest in Kashmirs three-decade insurgency. The bombing was carried out by a local Kashmiri man but claimed by the Jaish-e-Muhammad militant group, based in Pakistan. Pakistans government has denied any involvement in the attack and said it will retaliate to any attempt at revenge by India.

Standing at Mr Modis side after their talks, Prince Mohammad told reporters he shared Indias concern on terrorism, without making any direct reference to Pakistan.

We face similar challenges, chief among them extremism and terrorism and we reaffirm to India that we are ready to work in the intelligence and political arenas to coordinate our efforts, the crown prince said.

Ties between India and Saudi Arabia, where millions of Indians are employed as migrant workers, have strengthened since Mr Modi visited Riyadh in 2016 for the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with intelligence-gathering on money laundering and terrorism financing.

Mr Modi and Prince Mohammad met then in 2016, even though the latter was at the time only deputy crown prince. And they reaffirmed their personal relationship with talks on the sidelines of the G20 as recently as November.

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In the past two years, the prince said, Saudi Arabia has invested $44bn in India, and he described a vision of further potential in sectors like energy, agriculture, technology, culture and social services.

India had played an important part of building Saudi Arabia in the past 70 years, Prince Mohammad said. Since we remember ourselves, we know Indian people as friends, he said.

The prince was due to leave Delhi late on Wednesday, Indias foreign ministry said. He will begin a two-day visit to China on Thursday.Prince Mohammed bin Salman was presented with a gold-plated machine gun by his Pakistani hosts when he arrived in the country earlier this week. It was, perhaps, a gift in dubious taste considering that the heir to the Saudi throne has been accused of being involved in the killing of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey.

The kingdom has, of course, vociferously denied that the Crown Prince had anything to do with the murder and dismemberment at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, blaming, instead, close aides who had been overzealous.

Nevertheless MbS, as he is known, is unlikely to repeat his highly publicised visit to the west last summer  which included lavish receptions with Donald Trump, Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron  in the near future, with opprobrium and controversy still swirling over the Khashoggi affair.

The crown prince has, instead, turned east; publicly seeking to forge stronger ties with China and India, two economic and military powers whose leaders have said little about the journalists death and avoided pointing the finger at the Saudi royal family.

MBSs pledge of $20bn investment to Pakistan, during a stop on his current tour, would be welcome to a country long dependent on Saudi largesse and seeking its 13th IMF bailout since independence after another economic meltdown.

Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Show all 10 1 /10 Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Street protests greeted Mohammed Bin Salman during his visit to Tunisia AFP/Getty Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit A mural depicting Mohammed Bin Salman washing his hands of blood Simon Speakman Cordall Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit A protester holds a banner accusing Mohammed Bin Salman of being a war criminal AP Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Protesters pass down Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis Simon Speakman Cordall Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit A Tunisian man holds up a cartoon that depicts Donald Trump assisting Mohammed Bin Salman in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi AP Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit A poster depicting a war ravaged Yemeni child Simon Speakman Cordall Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Protesters hold up saws in reference to the reportedly gruesome manner in which Jamal Khashoggi was disposed of AFP/Getty Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Protesters pass down Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis Simon Speakman Cordall Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Protesters chant slogans as they move down Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis Reuters Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Protesters pass down Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis Simon Speakman Cordall

Unlike many other leaders, Prime Minister Imran Khan did not stay away from an economic summit in Riyadh which took place soon after Khashoggis killing.

As he told me at the time in an interview in Islamabad: The reason I have to take this opportunity is because we are a country of 210 million people and we have the worst debt crisis in our history.

We are desperate for money, he added. Unless we get loans from friendly countries of IMF, we actually wont have foreign exchange to either service our debts or to pay for our imports.

The issue of violence remains as a backdrop to Prince Mohammeds visit to the Indian subcontinent. Forty Indian soldiers were killed in a suicide bombing in Kashmir last week. The Pakistan-based separatist group Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed credit for the attack.

The group is among those sponsored, it has been claimed, by the Pakistani military and the secret police, ISI, to carry out attacks in India and Afghanistan. The Indian government, which says there is evidence of Pakistani complicity in the lethal blast, has threatened military retaliation.

However, the options for Narendra Modis government are limited, with deep international concern that skirmishes between two nuclear armed powers could quickly escalate to a highly dangerous level.

The Trump administration has supported Indias right to take action. But, at the same time, it does not want an armed conflict in the region while it is in the process of holding talks with the Taliban, another group largely controlled by the Pakistani security establishment, over Afghanistan.

For Delhi, attempts to proscribe Jaish-e-Mohammed as a terrorist organisation at the UN and subject its leader Maulana Masood Azhar, currently in a Pakistani military hospital, to international sanctions have failed, blocked by Pakistans traditional ally China.

Prince Mohammed was strong in his backing of India following the bombing, saying in Delhi: The common concern is terrorism and extremism. We will cooperate with India and neighbouring states to ensure future generations are safe. We applaud Indias role in this matter.

He said all necessary intelligence will be provided to India. Delhi claims that the Saudis are now much more sceptical of the Pakistani narrative over Kashmir.

But the kingdom is certainly not going to end its overall support for Pakistan, financial or otherwise. The Indian opposition Congress party pointed out that as well as the $20bn injection, the crown prince had praised the Pakistani governments supposed anti-terror efforts.

MbS did not receive a golden gun on his arrival in India. But the reception was sumptuous. The crown prince described Modi as his elder brother and Saudi officials talked of an even stronger relationship in the future. This relationship looks to be mainly economic, with the kingdom committing to deals worth $100bn, $11bn of that on a massive petrochemical project.

Economic ties will also be at the centre of the next leg of his Asian tour  MbS is due to land in China on Thursday. Defence equipment is likely to be one of the important sectors under discussion. Germany has joined a number of European countries, including Denmark and Finland, in banning arms sales to Saudi Arabia over the Yemen war.

Berlins move on this is particularly important because German parts are found in weapons manufactured with other European states, including Britain.

 Saudi crown prince says Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei is 'very much like Hitler'

Last year the US Senate only very narrowly rejected an effort to stop the sale of $500m of American weaponry to the kingdom. A similar blocking move, with Republican members of the congress now more willing to challenge Donald Trump, may succeed in the future.

China is Saudi Arabias largest trading partner with $42.4bn worth of bilateral trade last year. But Beijing exported only $20m of arms to the kingdom. Both countries are said to want to significantly increase that figure, with the kingdom keen to lessen its dependence on the west.

There is unlikely to be much purely political traction from MbSs trips to China and India. Both countries maintain relatively strong relationship with Iran, Sunni Saudi Arabias Shia arch-rival in the Middle East, and neither is willing to end that.

The Saudi crown princes visit to Beijing has been preceded by a high level delegation from Tehran, with the Chinese hierarchy praising, among other things, a combative speech made by the Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at last weekends annual Munich security conference. China emphasised it is determined to deepen strategic trust with Iran.

The visits to the east do not mean that a fundamental shift will take place in Saudi foreign policy  the US in particular will remain ultimately supportive due to economic and strategic imperatives. But the Saudi crown prices journey is, however, a signal that the kingdom will not lack allies at times of future tension with the west.Thousands of women have walked 10,000 kilometres (6,200 miles) across India  covering 200 districts in 24 states  to raise awareness about the prevalence of rape.

The Dignity March, which started in Mumbai in December and ends in Delhi on Friday, has drawn sexual assault survivors from across the subcontinent.

They have been joined by family members, activists, politicians, lawyers, police and actors. The historic march has strived to shine a spotlight on a culture of victim shaming and blaming, which campaigners say has allowed perpetrators to evade punishment. It also aims to highlight the obstacles women and children face in accessing justice.

Rape is one of the most under-reported crimes in India  with some estimates indicating 90 to 95 per cent of rape cases remain unreported.

The conviction rate for crimes against women overall in India is very low  only 18.9 per cent and the lowest in a decade  according to the latest official crime statistics from 2016. Whereas, the average conviction rate for all crimes is 47 per cent.

20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling Show all 20 1 /20 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling Someone celebrates underneath a rainbow-coloured flag as the Supreme Court in India rules that gay sex is longer a crime. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling People celebrate in the street following the ruling. The Chief Justice of India stated that the outlawing of gay sex had been "irrational, arbitrary and indefensible". AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling Up until now, gay sex in India had been punishable by up to 10 years in prison under Section 377 of the Indian constitution. AFP/Getty 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling The law was originally imposed during the Victorian era while India was still under the rule of the British Empire. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling "Any consensual sexual relationship between two consenting adults - homosexuals, heterosexuals or lesbians - cannot be said to be unconstitutional," said Dipak Misra, Chief Justice of India. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling Members and supporters of the LGBT+ community in India were overjoyed by the decision, with the celebrations awash with rainbow-coloured paraphernalia. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling "They have opened the door to discussing rights," Anjali Gopalan, founder of the Naz Foundation charity that has been fighting against Section 377 told The Independent. "They have apologised to the gay community, and they have said copies of the judgement will be handed to every police station. It is the best judgement we could have hoped for." AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling People were dancing and smiling as the Supreme Court's ruling was announced. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling Bismaya, an activist with the Delhi brand of LGBT+ advocacy group Impulse, told The Independent: "I'm so happy, it's overwhelming. I cried when we heard the news. I'm gay and I'm not afraid of that. It's something I used to say, but now for the first time I have the legal backing." AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling The rain did little to dampen people's spirits as they celebrated the historic ruling in New Delhi. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling A woman exclaims with joy as she holds hands with others on the day of the ruling. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling Members of the LGBT+ community in India hold a placard reading "Love is genderless" while standing outside the Supreme Court in New Delhi. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling The celebrations in India were bright, colourful and full of happiness. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling Bismaya, activist for LGBT+ advocacy group Impulse, said: "It's great for me but it's also a great day for the whole of India. Acceptance in wider society will take time, because we cannot expect change overnight. It has been a battle for two decades for this judgement. If now we get full acceptance in a couple of years, that would be great." AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling Members and supporters of the LGBT+ community in member celebrate the landmark ruling in Siliguri with a cake and confetti. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling People join in the jubilant festivities in Kolkata. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling A woman cries with happiness in Chennai as the ruling made by the Supreme Court in India is announced. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling The celebrations in Kolkata were full of happiness and energy. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling A group of people stand in heavy rainfall in New Delhi as they celebrate the outlawing of the outdated ban on gay sex in India. AFP/Getty Images 20 best pictures of India celebrations following gay sex court ruling The movement to reconsider Section 377 started in 2001 with a legal challenge made to the Delhi High Court from the Naz Foundation. AFP/Getty Images

We are marching to change societys attitudes to sexual assault, Divya Srinivasan, an Indian lawyer who specialises in womens rights, told The Independent.

Every day, survivors are silenced, discriminated against, threatened, intimidated, and coerced into settling or dropping their cases, she said. An intersectionality of vulnerabilities creates even more difficulties for women and girls who are further marginalised on the basis of class, caste, religion and disability.

Ms Srinivasan said she had attended an emotionally charged event in Ahmedabad, the largest city in the western Indian state of Gujarat, which was on the march route.

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A number of survivors shared stories about how they were stigmatised by society after being raped and also discussed their experiences with the judicial system and medical system and how all these systems worked against them.

In a lot of cases, they were not able to get justice. A lot of members of the audience were crying but people were also chanting to support them. There was a lot of energy and positivity.

Ms Srinivasan, who works for the South Asia branch of Equality Now, a non-government organisation (NGO) which aims to promote the rights of women and girls, said she hoped they could recreate the event on a larger scale.

The campaigner said one speaker shared a story about the alleged mistreatment and corruption her daughter suffered at the hands of the police after being raped.

A mother, whose daughter was raped, said they went to the police to report it but the rapist was colluding with the police and offered them a bribe, she said. They offered her the money from the rapist to settle the case but she said No I want justice.

Ms Srinivasan said the police were believed to have then taken the bribe themselves and had refused to investigate the case since. They have not moved it forward and nothing has happened. The mother was really angry, she added.

The laywer called for better implementation of existing laws, a more sensitive and accountable police force, and more money to be allocated to end gender-based violence.

There also needs to be better implementation of guidelines for medico-legal examination, particularly in regards to ending the two-finger test, which involves a medical practitioner inserting two fingers into the vagina in an attempt to determine if the hymen is broken and to test laxity, she added.

Unscientific, traumatising and a violation of women and girls human rights, the practice was banned by Indias Supreme Court in 2013 and guidelines were released clarifying that it has no bearing on cases of sexual violence. Despite this, the test is still being performed to declare sexual assault survivors habituated to sex, although sexual history is irrelevant in a rape trial.

(Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan (Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan)

She said the march had gained substantial coverage in the national and local and Indian press and she would be going to the final event in Delhi on Friday which is expected to draw five thousand people.

Ms Srinivasan said events involving local NGOs had been held at every stage of the long march  with some districts staging events in schools and also with police officers and doctors.

The march also sought to raise awareness around commercial sexual exploitation. The latest National Crime Record Bureau statistics, dating from 2016, report 15,379 victims trafficked in India, of which 58.7 per cent were minors. Most of these children were trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation, according to Equality Now.

Kashi Bai, who was representing her daughter because she is a minor, said: We are alone. There is no-one who supports the poor. The man who did this to my daughter, he is a pundit, he is powerful. It is all a money game. He has bought over the police. The village is too scared to speak against him. I am fighting this battle alone.

A woman who suffered sexual violence said: Sharing my story with a supportive audience and the togetherness with other participants has given me courage and self-respect to overcome my fear and sorrow.A scientist who raised early alarms about climate change and popularised the term global warming has died. Wallace Smith Broecker was 87.

The longtime Columbia University professor and researcher died Monday at a New York City hospital, according to a spokesman for the universitys Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Kevin Krajick said Mr Broecker had been ailing in recent months.

The renowned scientist brought the term global warming into common use with a 1975 article that correctly predicted rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere would lead to pronounced warming. He later became the first person to recognise what he called the Ocean Conveyor Belt, a global network of currents affecting everything from air temperature to rain patterns.

Mr Broecker said it is possible that warming caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases could be enough to affect ocean currents dramatically.

In 1984, he told a Congressional subcommittee that the buildup of greenhouse gases warranted a bold, new national effort aimed at understanding the operation of the realms of the atmosphere, oceans, ice and terrestrial biosphere.

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We live in a climate system that can jump abruptly from one state to another, Mr Broecker said in 1997. By dumping into the atmosphere huge amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels, we are conducting an experiment that could have devastating effects.

Were playing with an angry beast  a climate system that has been shown to be very sensitive, he said.

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Mr Broecker received the National Medal of Science in 1996 and was a member of the National Academy of Science. He also served a stint as the research coordinator for Biosphere 2, an experimental living environment turned research lab.

Broecker was born in Chicago in 1931 and grew up in suburban Oak Park.

He joined Columbias faculty in 1959, spending most of his time at the universitys laboratory in Palisades, New York.

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He was known in science circles as the Grandfather of Climate Science and the Dean of Climate Scientists.

The Associated Press contributed to this reportThe FBI developed a backup plan to protect evidence in its Russia investigation soon after the firing of FBI director James Comey in the event that other senior officials were dismissed as well, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions.

The plan was crafted in the chaotic days after Mr Comey was fired, when the FBI began investigating whether President Donald Trump had obstructed justice and whether he might be, wittingly or not, in league with the Russians.

The goal was to ensure that the information collected under the investigations, which included probes of Trump associates and possible coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, would survive the firings or reassignments of top law enforcement officials. Those officials included special counsel Robert Mueller, who was appointed eight days after Mr Trump fired Mr Comey in May 2017.

Andrew McCabe, who became acting director after Mr Comey was fired, asked investigators to develop a plan to ensure evidence would be protected, said the person, who was not authorised to talk about those discussions publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. A plan was then created, according to the person, who would not provide specifics.

A second person familiar with the talks, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, also said the FBI discussed preserving evidence so that it would outlast any firing or effort to stymie the investigation.

Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Show all 7 1 /7 Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate President Trump Donald Trump, whose firing of the FBI director James Comey in 2017 sparked concerns among senior government officials Getty Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate James Comey The former director of the FBI, James Comey, whose firing by Mr Trump sparked the crisis in 2017 EPA Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate James McCabe James McCabe, the former acting director of the FBI, who has made the explosive accusations in a TV interview AFP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Rod Rosenstein The deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who allegedly discussed which cabinet members might back invoking the 25th Amendment Reuters Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Lindsey Graham Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a key Trump ally who has pledged to hold an investigation into the affair AFP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Christopher Wray The new director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, who took over after Mr Trump fired Mr Comey AP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Mike Pence The vice-president Mike Pence, who has dismissed suggestions Mr Trump is not capable of discharging his duties AFP

A spokesperson for the FBI declined to comment on Tuesday.

Asked about the AP report when he appeared on Tuesday on CBS' The Late Show, McCabe would not elaborate on what the backup plan entailed. "That's our job. That's our job to prepare for eventualities," he told host Stephen Colbert.

Mr McCabe added: "We needed to know what we would do if director Mueller was suddenly fired and his team was disbanded, and what we needed to do in that circumstance was to be able to take our cases back and continue those investigations. That's kind of what we thought through."

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Mr McCabe hinted at the anxiety over possible firings, even his own, in an interview that aired on Sunday with CBS News' 60 Minutes, saying he met with investigators after Mr Comey's firing.

"I was very concerned that I was able to put the Russia case on absolutely solid ground, in an indelible fashion," Mr McCabe said. "That were I removed quickly, or reassigned or fired, that the case could not be closed or vanish in the night without a trace."

He added, "I wanted to make sure that our case was on solid ground and if somebody came in behind me and closed it and tried to walk away from it, they would not be able to do that without creating a record of why they made that decision."

Mr Trump has repeatedly decried the Mueller probe as a "witch hunt" and has suggested that investigators themselves should be investigated. Attorney general Jeff Sessions was forced out last year amid the president's anger over his recusal from the Russia investigation.

Mr McCabe himself was fired last year after the Justice Department's inspector general concluded that he had misled officials about his role in a news media disclosure. Mr McCabe has denied the allegations, described his firing as politically motivated and, in a series of interviews this week, has said he plans to sue the Justice Department over it.

Associated PressDonald Trump's partial government shutdown is over, but the haunting effects are not.

Perhaps nowhere is that demonstrated more than in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), one agency that affects all Americans.

Listen to the words of advocate Nina Olson, an independent official within the IRS. Her latest report describes an agency with a "shocking" level of service, suffering a "cycle of frustration," and one beset with long-standing problems made worse by the 35-day partial shutdown.

She described an agency so damaged that taxpayer trust and confidence in our tax system have been crippled.

"It is irresponsible for an agency that touches all aspects of people's lives to be underfunded, understaffed, and at the mercy of shutdowns," she wrote. "It is making strategic decisions that ultimately burden taxpayers, increase its own rework, and create distance and distrust between taxpayers and the tax agency, thereby undermining voluntary compliance."

Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures The US Capitol on the first morning of a partial government shutdown in Washington EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures President Trump speaks with children who called the North American Aerospace Defense Command Santa tracker in the State Dining Room of the White House. He earlier in the day, tweeted that he was 'all alone in the White House' waiting for Democrats to make a deal on border security EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Furloughed federal workers pick up free food at a pop-up store of Kraft Heinz Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Hundreds of federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Reuters Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures From left, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Dick Durbin and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi walk to speak to reporters after meeting with President Donald Trump about border security in the Situation Room of the White House. Trump declared he could keep parts of the government shut down for "months or even years" as he and Democratic leaders failed in a second closed-door meeting to resolve his demand for billions of dollars for a border wall with Mexico Evan Vucci AP Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures A sign alerts visitors to the closure of the National Archives on the fifth day of a partial government shutdown EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Hundreds of federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Visitors read signs announcing the closure of the White House Visitor Center EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures President Donald Trump speaks during a round-table discussion on border security and safe communities with State, local, and community leaders in the Cabinet Room of the White House Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures A sign alerts visitors to the closure of the White House Visitor Center on the first day of a partial government shutdown EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Furloughed federal workers show their IDs for entering a pop-up store of Kraft Heinz Getty Images

The report provided a slew of statistics demonstrating the depth of the problem. For the last week of the shutdown, ending 26 January, 12.8 per cent of taxpayer calls on instalment agreements and balance-due questions were answered. Those that were answered waited 93 minutes. The day before the shutdown stopped, the IRS had:

"Over 5 million pieces of mail that had not been batched for processing."

"80,000 responses to FY 2018 Earned Income Tax Credit audits that had not been addressed."

"87,000 amended returns waiting to be processed."

Metrics like these "translate into real harm to real taxpayers," Ms Olson said. "And they represent increased rework for the IRS downstream, at a time when the IRS is already resource challenged."

IRS officials responded with a statement that said the agency "successfully reopened operations following the shutdown, and the agency is seeing a good start to the 2019 filing season.

It added: "We are continuing to assess the impact of the shutdown on our various operations across the agency and remain proud of the many IRS employees who have risen to the resulting challenges."

The full impact of the shutdown will not be known for "months, and even years, down the road," Ms Olson predicted.

She praised IRS employees who "returned to work with energy."

National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) president Tony Reardon said "in some cases, employees are being asked to work overtime specifically to get the agency caught up. Orientation for new hires and refresher training for employees is also behind schedule in some areas. These are all signs of an agency still grappling with a record five-week shutdown on the eve of a tax filing season that was already going to be challenging because of the new tax law."

Despite its many difficulties, the IRS remains the lifeblood of the federal government. Tax collectors raise about 93 per cent of the national budget.

They do so on a relative shoestring. The $3.5 trillion (2.7 trillion) collected in fiscal 2018 was on an $11.43 billion IRS budget, a return on investment of about 300 to 1.

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"I don't know how anyone can read this report," Mr Reardon said, "and not be alarmed at the massive amount of damage that has been done to the agency's workforce and the taxpayers they want to serve."

The damage did not begin with the shutdown. Years of taxpayer-advocate reports, congressional testimony, taxpayer protests and employee complaints have chronicled an agency that suffered at the hands of Republican appropriators who wanted to punish the tax collectors. Republicans charged the IRS with unfairly scrutinising conservative nonprofit organisations under the Obama administration, despite evidence that progressive groups were also scrutinised.

The IRS still has not recovered. The title of the report's list of "Most Serious Problems" is illustrative - "The Taxpayer's Journey."

The problems, which cause "extreme frustration" for taxpayers and employees, include "antiquated technology systems" that if not replaced will "increasingly harm taxpayers and impair revenue collection," according to the report.

Ms Olson also cited agreements between private tax collectors (PCA) and low-income taxpayers "to make payments they cannot afford." Of "taxpayers who made commissionable payments while their debts were assigned to PCAs," she added, "24 per cent had incomes at or below the federal poverty level."

Because of the shutdown, employees estimate "it may take them almost a year to catch up, but many taxpayers cannot wait that long because they need their responses" by 15 April, when 2018 taxes are due, said David Carron, a revenue agent speaking as president of NTEU Chapter 6 covering Louisiana and Arkansas.

"We would relate this to an assembly line that has been stopped for over a month, but the same amount of products have to be produced" by then.

The Washington PostSenior Trump administration officials pushed a project to share nuclear power technology with Saudi Arabia over the objections of ethics officials, according to a congressional report, in a move that could have benefitted a company which has since provided financial relief to the family of Jared Kushner.

Citing whistleblowers within the US government, the report by the Democrat-led House oversight and reform committee alleges abnormal acts in the White House regarding the proposal to build dozens of nuclear reactors across the kingdom.

The committee on Tuesday opened an investigation into the allegations, which include concerns over whether White House officials in the early months of the Trump administration sought to work around national security procedures to push a Saudi deal that could have financially benefited close supporters of the US president.

According to the report, the nuclear effort was pushed by former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who was fired in early 2017 and is awaiting sentencing for lying to the FBI in the Russia investigation.

Derek Harvey, a National Security Council official brought in by Flynn, continued work on the proposal, which has remained under consideration by the Trump administration.

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Relying on the whistleblower accounts, email communications and other documents, the committees report details how National Security Council and ethics officials repeatedly warned the actions of Flynn and a senior aide could run afoul of federal conflicts of interest law and statutes governing the transfer of nuclear technology to foreign powers.

The report also notes one of the power plant manufacturers that could benefit from such a deal includes Westinghouse Electric, a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, a company which struck a deal in August to rescue the Kushner familys 666 Fifth Avenue tower in Manhattan from massive debts.

Detailing the White Houses continued efforts to promote the deal, the report highlights how in May, energy secretary Rick Perry told a congressional committee he tried to really drive home to Saudi Arabia how you have to use Westinghouse for the best reactors in the world.

It also notes Mr Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and adviser, allegedly remains directly involved with those efforts, and that he would be travelling to Saudi Arabia in late February to share elements of the economic plan of a US peace proposal in the Middle East.

The White House and Mr Kushner did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The report comes at a time when lawmakers are increasingly uneasy with the close relationship between the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia, which has raised alarms even among members of the presidents party in Congress.

Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns that Saudi Arabia could develop nuclear weapons if the US technology were transferred without proper safeguards.

Mr Trump has made the kingdom a centrepiece of his foreign policy in the Middle East as he tries to further isolate Iran. In the process, he has brushed off criticism over the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi and the Saudis role in the war in Yemen.

 Former White House ethics chief, Richard Painter: Donald Trump is 'mentally unwell'

Congressional investigators are also probing the role of Tom Barrack, a proponent of the nuclear proposal who ran Trumps presidential inaugural committee, which is under separate investigation by federal prosecutors in New York. Rick Gates, a former Barrack employee and cooperator in Mr Muellers investigation, was also involved in advocating for the nuclear proposal.

A spokesman for Mr Barrack said in a statement he will cooperate with the House probe.

Mr Barracks engagement in investment and business development throughout the Middle East for the purpose of better aligned Middle East and US objectives are well known, as are his more than four decades of respected relationships throughout the region, the statement said, noting that Mr Barrack never joined the Trump administration.

Mr Harvey did not immediately return a request for comment.

According to the report, the whistleblowers came to the committee because they had concerns about efforts inside the White House to rush the transfer of highly sensitive US nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia in potential violation of the Atomic Energy Act and without review by Congress as required by law  efforts that may be ongoing to this day.

A 2017 article by the nonprofit news outlet ProPublica detailed some of the concerns raised inside the National Security Council about the nuclear proposal  known as the Marshall Plan for the Middle East  advocated by a company called IP3 International.

IP3 is led by a group of retired US military officers and national security officials, including retired rear admiral Michael Hewitt, retired Army general Jack Keane and former Reagan national security adviser Bud McFarlane.

IP3 and other proponents of nuclear power in the Middle East argue the US needs to be involved because otherwise it will lose out to Russia, China and others on billions of dollars in business. They also say that US involvement - and the limits on nuclear fuel that come with it - are essential to stem an arms race in the region.

The only way to address concerns over development of weapons of mass destruction is for the US to participate in the introduction and secure operation of international nuclear power plants, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. It also said it looks forward to sharing what we know with the House committee.

Up until the month before he joined the Trump administration, Flynn listed himself on public documents as an adviser to an iteration of Mr Hewitts company advocating for the nuclear power proposal.

Last year, IP3 told the Washington Post that Flynn was offered a role in the company but never formally came aboard. On Tuesday, the company said Flynn was never an advisor to IP3 or its affiliate, he had no stake in the company and was never compensated or reimbursed for expenses by IP3.

Still, according to the report, Flynn served as a conduit for IP3 inside the White House.

Just days after Mr Trumps inauguration, the company sent Flynn a draft memo for the presidents signature that would have appointed Mr Barrack as a special representative in charge of carrying out the nuclear power proposal and called on the director of the CIA and the secretaries of state, energy, treasury and defense to lend him support.

The report also quotes former deputy national security adviser KT McFarland as saying Mr Trump personally told Mr Barrack he could lead the plans implementation.

The report also catalogs the actions of Mr Harvey, the Flynn confidant who was put in charge of the NSCs Middle East and North African affairs.

According to the report, upon entering the White House in January 2017, Mr Harvey saw his mission as getting Mr Trump to adopt the nuclear proposal despite the objections of ethics and national security officials.

Even when HR McMaster, who replaced Flynn as national security adviser, and NSC lawyer John Eisenberg directed that work stop on the proposal because of concerns about its legality, Mr Harvey continued pursuing the proposal, according to the report.

Mr Harvey was fired from the NSC in July 2017. He then joined the staff of Republican congressman Devin Nunes of California, a Trump ally and the former Republican chairman of the House intelligence committee.

Additional reporting by APA seven-year-old boy in Texas was reportedly called little Hitler last week while he was selling hot chocolate to raise money for President Donald Trumps wall on the border of the United States and Mexico.

Jennifer Stevens, the boys mother, told a local NBC affiliate that a man drove by and likened her son to the leader of the Nazi party.

She also said she didnt understand why people thought Benton, her son, who is fundraising money for a president who called Mexicans rapists and ordered family separation policies for migrants, hates brown people.

He was called a little Hitler yesterday, Ms Stevens said. A guy pointed at him in his car and then he said that we didnt like brown people. I dont understand that at all.

Ms Stevens said Benton came up with the idea of selling hot chocolate to raise enough money for the border wall after watching Mr Trumps State of the Union address in early February.

Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures The US Capitol on the first morning of a partial government shutdown in Washington EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures President Trump speaks with children who called the North American Aerospace Defense Command Santa tracker in the State Dining Room of the White House. He earlier in the day, tweeted that he was 'all alone in the White House' waiting for Democrats to make a deal on border security EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Furloughed federal workers pick up free food at a pop-up store of Kraft Heinz Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Hundreds of federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Reuters Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures From left, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Dick Durbin and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi walk to speak to reporters after meeting with President Donald Trump about border security in the Situation Room of the White House. Trump declared he could keep parts of the government shut down for "months or even years" as he and Democratic leaders failed in a second closed-door meeting to resolve his demand for billions of dollars for a border wall with Mexico Evan Vucci AP Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures A sign alerts visitors to the closure of the National Archives on the fifth day of a partial government shutdown EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Hundreds of federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Visitors read signs announcing the closure of the White House Visitor Center EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures President Donald Trump speaks during a round-table discussion on border security and safe communities with State, local, and community leaders in the Cabinet Room of the White House Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures A sign alerts visitors to the closure of the White House Visitor Center on the first day of a partial government shutdown EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Furloughed federal workers show their IDs for entering a pop-up store of Kraft Heinz Getty Images

It should be noted that the cocoa tree was domesticated in Mexico and Central America 4,000 years ago.

He wanted to know about the wall so we explained what it was about and he was like, I want to raise money for the wall, she added.

Ms Stevens, a Trump supporter, said critics accused her of brainwashing her son. She calls it parenting.

People think hes brainwashed, Ms Stevens added. Well, of course he supports Trump, because we do, and he hears how we talk and this and that. Call that brainwashing, but I call it parenting, because we instill our values in him.

Benton raised more than $1,400 from the hot chocolate sales and donations. The president is demanding $5.6bn for the construction of the border wall.

Ms Stevens said there is a GoFundMe page for her Bentons fundraiser and claimed her family is connected with the Republican National Committee (RNC), allowing them to ensure the funds will be used for the border wall.

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Theres a GoFundMe page and were also part of the RNC, and were pretty connected there, so we will 100 per cent make sure it goes towards the wall, she said.

Although many people did not appreciate his cause, Ms Stevens said Benton raised $231 within an hour outside a mall in Saturday

I guess some liberals  or whatever you want to call them  they were griping at the owner [of the store] and going in and yelling at him and slamming him on Facebook, the mother of the seven-year-old boy said, before adding that she and her husband reluctantly decided to shutdown Bentons hot cocoa stand.

Ms Stevens said Benton and her family were shamed online after photos of his hot cocoa stand appeared online, but she seems unfazed by the backlash.

Thats the price you pay when you make a political stance.CNN has appointed a former Trump administration official with no journalism experience as a political editor, provoking consternation among the broadcasters staff and Democrat politicians.

Sarah Isgur Flores, who served as chief spokeswoman and senior adviser for the US Department of Justice under attorney general Jeff Sessions, is to join the network to coordinate coverage of the 2020 presidential election.

Ms Isgur Flores has previously been communications director for Republican National Committee and worked on the campaign teams of former presidential hopefuls Carly Fiorina and Ted Cruz.

CNN employees have reportedly been unsettled by the appointment of an outspoken conservative and long-time Republican political operative to a senior editorial position.

The reaction has been strong, said Brian Stelter, the networks chief media correspondent. CNN employees are concerned, according to numerous people who reached out to me on Tuesday.

They are asking what Isgur's role will be and questioning whether her sudden leap from the Trump administration to the CNN newsroom is an ethical breach.

Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Show all 23 1 /23 Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Joe Biden The former vice president - poised to be a frontrunner - has announced his run. He recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Bernie Sanders The 2016 runner-up has announced that he will be running again in 2020 Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Hillary Clinton The 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and former Secretary of State says she is still considering whether she will run again. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Pete Buttigieg The Indiana mayor and war veteran will be running for president. If elected, he would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kamala Harris The former California attorney general will be running for president in 2020. Introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony, she has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts Senator has formally launched her bid for president in 2020. A progressive Democrat, she is a major supporter of regulating Wall Street. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Beto ORourke The former Texas congressman told Oprah Winfrey that he has been thinking about running for presidency, but stopped short of formally announcing his bid to run in 2020. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam has announced his bid. He intends to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Vice News Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has announced that he will be running for the presidency in 2020. If he secures the nomination he said finding a female vice president would be a priority. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but is likely to face tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Andrew Yang The entrepreneur has announced his presidential candidacy, and has pledged that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual advisor has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Kerry The former secretary of state has said he is still thinking about whether to run. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Michael Bloomberg The entrepreneur and former New York mayor with a net worth of around $50bn  has said he will decide by the end of February whether to seek the presidency. AFP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Howard Schultz Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has not yet ruled out running for president in 2020, despite criticism that his bid could help re-elect Mr Trump by dividing the Democrat vote. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Holder The former attorney general has said he will decide in the next month or so whether to run as a 2020 presidential candidate. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Swalwell The California congressman said he is ready to do this and will decide before April whether to run. MSNBC Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Terry McAuliffe The former Virginia governor, who worked to elect Democratic governors during 2018 midterms, said there was a 50 per cent chance he would run. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Sherrod Brown The Ohio senator is still undecided about whether to run for president in 2020. Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Mitch Landrieu The former New Orleans mayor said he doesnt think he will run for president, but never say never. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

A CNN staffer told The Daily Beast the decision to hire Ms Isgur Flores was extremely demoralising for everyone. Another said employees were generally confused and described her arrival as very bizarre.

Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticised the appointment in light of the wave of job losses in newsrooms in recent weeks.

The New York representative tweeted: Sorry, didnt get the latest memo after 1,000 experienced + qualified journalists of all stripes were let go w/o warning a few weeks ago and still looking for work: are we still pretending that hires like these are evidence of a meritocracy?

Adam Blickstein, a former Democrat strategist, added: Central problem with CNN hiring Sarah Isgur Flores is it degrades and devalues the work of all the solid journalists who work there. If I were them I'd be livid.

While it is not unusual for former government workers to move into the media, they typically do so as analysts or commentators rather than editors.

CNN said Ms Isgur Flores, who has previously appeared as a talking head on news programmes, would help manage teams in the field and coordinate the use of stories between the network's television and digital arms.

Based in Washington, she will be one of several editors supervised by political director David Chalian and will not be in a policy-making role.

She will have no involvement in coverage of the justice department, given her previous position, the broadcaster added.

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Ms Isgur Flores has previously derided CNN as the Clinton News Network, defended Mr Trumps Muslim travel ban, and attacked the medias coverage of the president as biased.

However, she was also repeatedly critical of Mr Trump during his election campaign, describing his threat to prosecute Hillary Clinton as scary and dangerous.

The president is said to have subsequently objected to her appointment to the justice department and according to The Washington Post required her prove her loyalty to him before Mr Sessions was allowed hire her.

CNN has been the prime target of Mr Trumps attacks on the media he regularly lambasts as fake news and the enemy of the people.

The network has been approached for a comment.Special counsel Robert Muellers report on his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election could be delivered to Congress as early as next week, CNN reports.

The report would mark an end to the nearly two-year investigation, which has been attacked with fervour by Donald Trump as a witch hunt and stirred repeated political controversy in Washington and around the world.

Should attorney general William Barr announce next week that the investigation has concluded, it is unlikely that the details would immediately be made public. It is also not clear how much of the report Mr Barrs office receives will then be handed over to Congress, as the report is only legally required to go to the Justice Department upon conclusion of an investigation.

The exact date and time that the end of the investigation might be announced remains unclear, and could be subject to change.

Mr Barr has previously indicated that he wants to be transparent with Congress and the public regarding the report, so long as that remains consistent with the rules and the law.

Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Show all 7 1 /7 Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate President Trump Donald Trump, whose firing of the FBI director James Comey in 2017 sparked concerns among senior government officials Getty Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate James Comey The former director of the FBI, James Comey, whose firing by Mr Trump sparked the crisis in 2017 EPA Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate James McCabe James McCabe, the former acting director of the FBI, who has made the explosive accusations in a TV interview AFP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Rod Rosenstein The deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who allegedly discussed which cabinet members might back invoking the 25th Amendment Reuters Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Lindsey Graham Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a key Trump ally who has pledged to hold an investigation into the affair AFP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Christopher Wray The new director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, who took over after Mr Trump fired Mr Comey AP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Mike Pence The vice-president Mike Pence, who has dismissed suggestions Mr Trump is not capable of discharging his duties AFP

The conclusion of Mr Muellers investigation will not put an end to the impact seen by the probe, which has resulted in dozens of indictments including charges brought against close allies of the president.

There are several ongoing court cases that would proceed, some of which were referred by Mr Muellers office to different jurisdictions including the Southern District of New York. Other investigations may be picked up by the DC US District Attorneys office.

In addition ot the special counsel investigation, at least two probes are ongoing in Congress.

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That includes a recently restarted probe in the House of Representatives, led by Democrats after the party retook control of the chamber in the 2018 midterm elections.

Another investigation in the Senate Intelligence Committee is reportedly wrapping up, and Republicans in that committee have said they have found no evidence of collusion between Mr Trumps campaign and Russian officials.

Those investigations could still unearth important information, too. On Wednesday, it was announced that Mr Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen  who has pleaded guilty to several charges stemming from Mr Muellers probe  will not have to report to prison until May, in part so that he can testify to Congress.Campus News

STARS report helps UB get a handle on sustainability efforts

By DAVID J. HILL

For Pete Logiudice, sustainability at UB means a lot of things. Its the 70 percent natural light that filters into Kapoor Hall on South Campus. Its the group of employees who meet once a week to go for a lunchtime walk. Its the GRoW Home, which produces more energy than it consumes. These are all facts that Logiudice, who works in human resources, loves to share when he leads new employee orientation sessions.

Theyre also among the many sustainability pride points noted in a report UB Sustainability recently filed. At more than 260 pages, the report doubles as an in-depth look at sustainability at the university and a roadmap for the next several years by equipping every unit on campus with data that shows how UB can continue to move the needle.

Simply put, sustainability at UB is focused on building a better world for future generations, says President Satish K. Tripathi. We are committed to creating sustainably literate leaders through our teaching, research and engagement.

The report was filed as part of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Educations Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. More than 900 colleges and universities around the world file the report, typically every three years. Each universitys full submission is available on the STARS website.

Participating institutions compile points across five broad categories  Academics, Engagement, Operations, Planning and Administration, and Innovation and Leadership  to earn one of the following designations: platinum, gold, silver, bronze, reporter. UB has again received gold designation, earning a total of 69.58 points, an improvement over its 2015 STARS submission. The university received a silver designation in 2012. Only five institutions have achieved platinum: Colorado State University; Stanford; Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, Canada; University of California, Irvine; and the University of New Hampshire.

Compiling the STARS report is a comprehensive and integrated endeavor that requires cross-campus collaboration by working with and obtaining information from nearly 100 individuals and departments throughout the university.

UBs score maintains its status as a leader in the SUNY system when it comes to sustainability, along with the University at Albany and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. UB peer-reviewed its latest STARS submission with Albany.

All of our efforts are built on a foundation that supports greater efficiency and cost savings in areas such as, but not limited to, procurement, financial reporting, budgeting and overall financial decision-making, Tripathi says. This integrated approach leads not only to economic efficiency, but also to better levels of service to students, faculty and staff as we decrease our carbon emissions and adverse environmental footprint.

While garnering gold again is nice, the bigger benefit lies in the wealth of data contained within the STARS report. This report provides the university with a foundation for how to think more strategically about how we move forward, says Laura Hubbard, vice president for finance and administration. Sustainability touches every corner of UB, and we need everyone to do their part to help us continue to improve.

The STARS report identifies areas in which UB excels, and where theres room for improvement. UB fares well in its sustainability-oriented research. For example, nearly one-quarter of the universitys faculty are engaged in sustainability research. It also earns high marks in public engagement, thanks to strong community partnerships  including the Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable, the One Region Forward initiative and the Western New York Environmental Alliance  as well as collaboration across campuses.

On the operations side, UB accumulated nearly all of the available points in the subcategory on curbing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as for new or renovated buildings certified under a green building rating system.

The STARS report also measures diversity and affordability, two areas in which UB was especially strong, earning 8.4 out of a possible 10 points. This point was recently highlighted in SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnsons State of the University System address, during which she said: And the University at Buffalo alone  one single SUNY campus  serves as many students from low-to-moderate income families as the entire Ivy League  all eight schools  combined.

Of course, theres room to grow, and it ranges from the simple to the complex. Easy fixes include encouraging more units on campus to purchase recycled office paper, as only 35 percent of UBs expenditures on office paper are 90 to 100 percent post-consumer recycled and/or agricultural residue content and/or FSC Recycled label. (View the universitys paper products purchasing policy.)

A more long-term fix would be electrifying the universitys fleet of buses and shuttles to make them more efficient and cut down on carbon emissions.

Food and dining is one area in which UB fares very well in some subcategories but not so great in others. UB scores highly in sustainable dining by offering low environmental impact dining events, hosting local harvest dinners, the availability of made in/grown in New York vending machines on campus, and outreach through the Food Systems Planning and Healthy Communities Lab in the School of Architecture and Planning. The university, however, receives poor marks in food and beverage purchasing, especially locally sourced products.

Whether positive or negative, the information contained within the STARS report provides UB with a platform to update and enhance the universitys sustainability strategic plan. Toward that end, UB Sustainability will be working across UBs campuses to see how it can assist in achieving existing decanal, unit and office goals.

For Logiudice, it all comes back to everybody on campus doing their part. Ive always been very conscious of my efforts, but coming here and seeing what a good steward the university is for the community in whole, its just so exciting for me to be a part of that, he says.

To me, its everything counts. Do what you can.

His story is one of thousands across UB. Over the next two months, in the run-up to sustainability month, UB Sustainability will be releasing 11 additional stories. Visit the UB Sustainability website to see the first two.US Border and Customs Protection (CBP) are holding a truck driver in custody after officers found $13m worth of methamphetamine hidden in a trailer of frozen strawberries he was hauling from Mexico to the United States.

CBP officers stationed at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility encountered the 42-year-old truck driver, a Mexican citizen, who was delivering a commercial shipment of frozen strawberries from Mexico on Saturday, the agency said in a statement.

During its inspection of the shipment, CBP officers uncovered 350 packages of alleged methamphetamine hidden within the strawberry-filled trailer.

Law enforcement seized 906 pounds, or 411kg, of methamphetamine that was worth approximately $12.7m, CBP said. It also seized the trailer.

This was an outstanding interception our officers accomplished this weekend, David Gonzalez, the port director of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, told CNN.

Smugglers hide drugs in food Show all 11 1 /11 Smugglers hide drugs in food Smugglers hide drugs in food Methamphetamine in chocolate bar This July 2012 photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows methamphetamine disguised as a chocolate candy bar in Los Angeles. Officials said a California man tried to smuggle more than 4 pounds of methamphetamine out of the country disguised as 45 individually wrapped chocolate bars at Los Angeles International Airport. AP Smugglers hide drugs in food Cocaine in coffee This October 2015 photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a packet of cocaine hidden in a bag of ground coffee in Miami. Three bags of roasted, ground coffee arriving at Miami International Airport in a package from Guatemala in October were actually filled with more than 3 pounds of heroin, customs officials said. AP Smugglers hide drugs in food Cocaine in powdered milk This November 2014 photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows bags of powdered dairy product that contained cocaine in New York. A woman arriving at Kennedy International Airport in New York from Guyana was found with six bags of milk and custard powder that were filled with cocaine. AP Smugglers hide drugs in food Cocaine in custard powder This November 2014 photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows bags, marked as holding powdered dairy products, that hold cocaine in New York. A woman arriving at Kennedy International Airport in New York from Guyana was found with six bags of milk and custard powder that were filled with cocaine. AP Smugglers hide drugs in food Cocaine in various foods This October 2015 photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows an array of food products concealing cocaine in Newark, N.J. A U.S. citizen arriving from Peru at Newark Liberty International Airport in October had an assortment of food in his luggage that customs officials found also included 10 pounds of cocaine. AP Smugglers hide drugs in food Cocaine in vanilla wafers This April 2015 photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows vanilla wafers filled with cocaine in Houston. AP Smugglers hide drugs in food Cocaine in vanilla wafers A Guatemalan citizen arrived at George Bush Intercontinental Airport from Guatemala City in April with packages of vanilla wafers. But when customs officials opened them up, they said they found they were filled with cocaine instead of cream filling. AP Smugglers hide drugs in food Liquid cocaine in rum bottles This December 2014 photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows rum bottles filled with liquid cocaine in New York. A man arriving from Guyana at Kennedy International Airport in New York was found to be carrying the bottles that customs officials said were filled with 18 pounds worth of liquid cocaine. AP Smugglers hide drugs in food Cocaine paste in chocolate syrup This February 2012 photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows plastic packets of chocolate syrup and salad dressing concealing cocaine paste in Los Angeles. A mother and daughter traveling from Spain were carrying bags of condiments that customs officials at Los Angeles International Airport decided felt unusually thick. They opened it up to find a plastic bag with cocaine paste placed inside, and then found another syrup packet in their checked-in luggage that contained more cocaine paste. AP Smugglers hide drugs in food Opium in cinnamon packets This June 2012 photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows packets of opium covered in cinnamon hidden inside a rice cooker in Los Angeles. Officials found the rice cooker stuffed with 3 pounds' worth of black opium, which had been coated in cinnamon and wrapped in plastic, being transported by a man arriving at Los Angeles International Airport from Iran. AP Smugglers hide drugs in food Cocaine in frozen meat This undated photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in October 2015 shows a block of cocaine concealed in a package of frozen meat in New York. A man arrived at Kennedy International Airport from Trinidad with three large packages of frozen meat in his suitcase. AP

Our officers astute sense of awareness and tenacity is unparalleled and truly commendable.

The truck driver is under the custody of Homeland Security Investigations agents as they conduct further investigation.

The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, where the trailer containing $13m worth of methamphetamine was discovered, is a major entry port near the southern border. It oversees both commercial and passenger vehicles.

Texas officials estimate that about 175,000 vehicles cross the bridge in one month.In a startling remark from a top US intelligence official, former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe says that it is possible that Donald Trump is a Russian asset.

Mr McCabe made the comments on Tuesday, when he said that the FBIs Russia investigation was launched to suss out the presidents ties to Moscow, and that he is eager to see what special counsel Robert Muellers investigation uncovers.

I think its possible, Mr McCabe told CNNs Anderson Cooper. I think thats why we started our investigation, and Im really anxious to see where Mueller concludes that.

Mr McCabe is promoting his new book, The Threat, and has given several shocking interviews detailing his views on the president and his oversight of the US government.

In response, the president has attacked Mr McCabe alongside prominent members of the Trump administration. White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway, for instance, responded soon after Mr McCabes comments in a later show.

Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Show all 7 1 /7 Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate President Trump Donald Trump, whose firing of the FBI director James Comey in 2017 sparked concerns among senior government officials Getty Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate James Comey The former director of the FBI, James Comey, whose firing by Mr Trump sparked the crisis in 2017 EPA Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate James McCabe James McCabe, the former acting director of the FBI, who has made the explosive accusations in a TV interview AFP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Rod Rosenstein The deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who allegedly discussed which cabinet members might back invoking the 25th Amendment Reuters Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Lindsey Graham Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a key Trump ally who has pledged to hold an investigation into the affair AFP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Christopher Wray The new director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, who took over after Mr Trump fired Mr Comey AP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Mike Pence The vice-president Mike Pence, who has dismissed suggestions Mr Trump is not capable of discharging his duties AFP

Hes a liar and a leaker, Ms Conway said.

Before his CNN appearances, Mr McCabe had said on 60 Minutes that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein had raised the idea of wiring himself to record the president, and that there had been talks in the highest levels of US government about invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Mr Trump from office.

Mr McCabe said that they did not ultimately use a wire to record the president.

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The former intelligence official took over at the FBI after former FBI Director James Comey was fired suddenly by Mr Trump.

The president later said on national television that he had fired his former FBI chief in part because he did not like his handling of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.Donald Trump has announced his intentions to nominate Jeffrey Rosen to replace Rod Rosenstein as the next deputy attorney general.

Mr Rosen, a 60-year-old longtime litigator and the current deputy transportation secretary, serves as the Department of Transportation (DOT) chief operating officer and is in charge of implementing the department's safety and technological priorities.

He rejoined DOT in 2017 after previously serving as general counsel from 2003 to 2006. Mr Rosen lacks any sort of prosecutorial experience and has never held a post within the Justice Department  a reportedly unusual trait for the departments second most powerful employee.

From 2006 until 2009, Mr Rosen was the general counsel and a senior policy adviser at the White House Office of Management and Budget. He also worked as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Centre.

Mr Rosen held a variety of positions, including senior partner, at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, the same law firm as the new attorney general, William Barr. He spent nearly 30 years at Kirkland & Ellis in a variety of management roles, including acting as the co-head of the firm's Washington office, he told senators at his confirmation hearing in March 2017.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

His years of outstanding legal and management experience make him an excellent choice to succeed Mr Rosenstein, who has served the Department of Justice over many years with dedication and distinction, Mr Barr said in a statement.

Mr Rosenstein is expected to leave his post in mid-March. The deputy attorney generals departure had been expected since Mr Barr was confirmed as attorney general last week. Mr Rosenstein has served as deputy for almost two years and it is common for new attorneys general to have their own deputies.

Mr Barr told people close to him that he wanted his own No. 2 as part of taking the job.

Mr Rosenstein began overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation after then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the investigation. Mr Barr now has control of Mueller's investigation, which is probing Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and contacts with the Trump campaign.

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Mr Rosen, a Virginia resident who is married with three adult children, is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

Additional reporting by APA married lesbian couple in Indiana were turned away by a tax preparer when they attempted to file their taxes jointly last week, making them one of many victims of the states anti-LGBTQ laws.

Bailey and Samantha Brazzel got married last July and decided to file their taxes jointly for the first time.

The couple went to Carter Tax Service in Russiaville to meet with Nancy Fivecoate, a tax preparer Ms Bailey used for the last four years.

We went in there and sat down just like we always would, and then she said, How are you filing this year?, and I said married joint, and thats when it went downhill, Ms Bailey Brazzel said.

When Ms Fivecoate discovered that the same-sex couple will be filing jointly, she refused to file their taxes based on religious grounds.

The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe Show all 15 1 /15 The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 15. Italy Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 14. Macedonia The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 13. Poland Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 12. Liechtenstein The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 11. Lithuania The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 10. Latvia This content is subject to copyright. The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 9. San Marino The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 8. Moldova The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 7. Belarus Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 6. Ukraine Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 5. Monaco The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 4. Turkey Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 3. Armenia The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 2. Russia Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 1. Azerbaijan Getty/AFP

In 2015, Vice President Mike Pence, then-governor of Indiana, signed the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) into law, prohibiting the government from infringing on the religious freedoms of Indiana citizens. In result, RFRA also allowed businesseslike Ms Fivecoatesto discriminate against LGBTQ persons under the guise of religious freedom.

Ms Fivecoate, who also owns Carter Tax Service, told WTHR that her issue with the Brazzel couple is not with their sexual orientation.

She claims her issue is not with them being gay, but its being married.

As a Christian, Ms Fivecoate said she could not accept their business. She said she gave them suggestions for other tax preparer services.

I have prepared her taxes for several years, Ms Fivecoate, referring to Ms Bailey, told NBC affiliate WTHR in a statement. This year she came in with her wife and I declined to prepare the taxes because of my religious beliefs. I am a Christian and I believe marriage is between one man and one woman. I was very respectful to them. I told them where I thought she might be able to get her taxes prepared.

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Ms Fivecoate alleges that the same-sex couple is trying to destroy her business. Since news broke out that she allegedly discriminated against a married lesbian couple, Ms Fivecoate said she received harassing calls and emails.

The Brazzel couple said their intention with going public about their experience is bring awareness to the lack of LGBTQ protections in Indiana. Although there are some cities across the midwestern state that passed ordinances protecting LGBTQ residents from discrimination, there is no state-wide law prohibiting discrimination based on an individuals sexual orientation or gender.

I dont need anyone to agree with my lifestyle or things that I do, Ms Bailey said. But if youre going to run a business, you should be able to work with all types of people.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has refused to endorse Bernie Sanders for the 2020 Democratic nomination, despite working on the senators first presidential campaign.

A spokesperson for Ms Ocasio-Cortez, like Mr Sanders a self-described democratic socialist, refused to comment directly on the 77-year-olds Tuesday announcement he is running for a second time.

Were excited to see so many progressives in the race, spokesperson Corbin Trent said. Were not thinking at all about the next election.

Any endorsement by Ms Ocasio-Cortez is likely to be influential on the outcome of the race, thanks to her massive support among the grassroots of the party.

But the 29-year-old, a congresswoman for New York, is unlikely to offer an endorsement before her state's Democratic primary next year, and may even permanently withhold any explicit support for a single candidate.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez greets fellow lawmakers ahead of the State of the Union address Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez participates in an event with Democratic members of Congress EPA Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures The Democrat senator speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol January 30, 2019 Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow Democrat Rashida Tlaib AP Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Senate chamber to watch two votes on January 24, 2019 Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arrives with Chellie Pingree at a House Democratic Caucus meeting Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Ocasio-Cortez during Donald Trump's State of the Union address Reuters Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures New York State Assembly member Catalina Cruz with Ocasio-Cortez AFP/Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Nydia Velazquez talks with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Reuters Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Ocasio-Cortez casts her vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House EPA Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez poses with a campaign worker during a whistle stop in the Queens borough of New York Reuters Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Ocasio-Cortez outside the US Capitol AFP/Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Ocasio-Cortez after casting her ballot in the 2018 midterm general election at a polling site in New York EPA Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez looks on during a march organised by the Women's March Alliance in Manhattan Reuters Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Ocasio Cortez looks on at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 16, 2019 AFP/Getty

But even without Ms Ocasio-Cortez's support, Mr Sanders team is setting the bar for victory in the crowded 2020 Democratic field will be relatively low.

Along with an extraordinary small-dollar fundraising operation, it suggests Mr Sanders is poised to maintain his status as a political force in 2020 whether most of his party wants him to or not.

He is showing no desire to change his approach to broaden his appeal, as is sometimes the case with ambitious second-time candidates.

Nina Turner, president of Our Revolution, the political arm of Sanders expansive network, said the 2020 campaign is really about him finishing what he started.

In a sign of the scale of the support, Mr Sanders raised more than $4m (3.1m) from nearly 150,000 individual donors in the first 12 hours after launching his bid, his campaign said.

 'We have a system that is fundamentally broken' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez plays 'lightning round game' during hearing

Previously, the biggest first-day fundraiser in the race had been Kamala Harris, who raised $1.5m (1.2m) in the first 24 hours of her campaign.

Even before Tuesdays fundraising haul, however, Mr Sanders had more cash in the bank than any of his competitors. He entered the contest with roughly $15m (11.5m) to devote to his 2020 campaign, a combination of his senate campaign fund and what is left over from his 2016 presidential bid.

Bernie Sanders is the frontrunner, tweeted former Hillary Clinton staffer Zac Petkanas. Lets see how he likes it.

Additional reporting by APDonald Trump has said he was behind the decision not to allow Isis bride Hoda Muthana back into the US.

The president claimed responsibility for the move announced by Mike Pompeo on Wednesday. Ms Muthana, of Alabama, left the country to join Isis in Syria in 2014 when she was a university student.

Mr Trump tweeted: I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!

In a statement released on Wednesday, Mr Pompeo said Ms Muthana does not have any legal basis, no valid US passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the United States. He gave no details on how the Trump administration had made its judgment on Ms Muthanas citizenship status.

Hassan Shibly, a lawyer representing Ms Muthanas family, said she had been born on US soil and that he intended to file a lawsuit challenging the decision.

He told CNN: Hoda Muthana had a valid US passport and is a citizen. She was born in Hackensack, New Jersey in October 1994, months after her father stopped being diplomat.

Timeline of the Isis caliphate Show all 19 1 /19 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Timeline of the Isis caliphate ISIS began as a group by the merging of extremist organisations ISI and al-Nusra in 2013. Following clashes, Syrian rebels captured the ISIS headquarters in Aleppo in January 2014 (pictured) AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi declared the creation of a caliphate in Mosul on 27 June 2014 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis conquered the Kurdish towns of Sinjar and Zumar in August 2014, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Pictured are a group of Yazidi Kurds who have fled Rex Timeline of the Isis caliphate On September 2 2014 Isis released a video depicting the beheading of US journalist Steven Sotloff. On September 13 they released another video showing the execution of British aid worker David Haines Timeline of the Isis caliphate The US launched its first airstrikes against Isis in Syria on 23 September 2014. Here Lt Gen William C Mayville Jnr speaks about the bombing campaign in the wake of the first strikes Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis militants sit atop a hill planted with their flag in the Syrian town of Kobani on 6 October 2014. They had been advancing on Kobani since mid-September and by now was in control of the citys entrance and exit points AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Residents of the border village of Alizar keep guard day and night as they wait in fear of mortar fire from Isis who have occupied the nearby city of Kobani Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Smoke rises following a US airstrike on Kobani, 28 October 2014 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate YPG fighters raise a flag as they reclaim Kobani on 26 January 2015 VOA Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis seized the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on 20 May 2015. This image show the city from above days after its capture by Isis Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces are stationed on a hill above the town of Sinjar as smoke rises following US airstrikes on 12 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces enter Sinjar after seizing it from Isis control on 13 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi government forces make the victory sign as they retake the city of Fallujah from ISIS on 26 June 2016 Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi forces battle with Isis for the city of Mosul on 30 June 2017 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of the Iraqi federal police raise flags in Mosul on 8 July 2017. On the following day, Iraqi prime minister Haider Al Abadi declares victory over Isis in Mosul Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim Square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria in January 2019 They were among the last civilians to be living in the ISIS caliphate, by this time reduced to just two small villages in Syrias Deir ez-Zor Richard Hall/The Independent Timeline of the Isis caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate, on Saturday 26 January 2019 Richard Hall/The Independent

The Pompeo announcement came a day after the UK said that it had stripped Isis bride Shamima Begum, 19, of her British citizenship and ignited a fierce debate over whether it had made her officially stateless.

Ms Muthana, who joined Isis group after becoming radicalised, told ABC News she deeply regrets joining the terror group and is pleading to be allowed to return to the US with her 18-month-old son.

The young mother said she now rejects the extremist ideology that convinced her to abandon her family.

Ms Muthana gave a puzzling answer when asked why she left her parents home in Hoover, Alabama in 2014 to join Isis, which has a documented history of gendered violence and oppression of women. The 24-year-old said she abandoned her family and joined Isis because she yearned for a more Americanised life.

I had a good relationship with my family but I wanted a more Americanised life, she said. I just wanted to go out, I wanted to have, like, friends, go to places. I didnt get any of that.

She added: The only way out for me was to become practising...to become more religious.

Ms Muthana, who left the US when she was 19, insisted that she was an innocent woman manipulated by extremists.

Im a normal human being who has been manipulated, she added. I hope America doesnt think I am a threat to them and I hope they accept me. I hope they excuse me because of how young and ignorant I was.

Before joining Isis, Ms Muthana was allegedly involved in a network of young Muslims who used Twitter to read up on extremist ideas.

The mother is one of 1,500 foreign women and children, many of whom are spouses and children of Isis militants, held in a Kurdish-operated detention camp in northern Syria. She is prohibited from leaving the camp and has armed guards protecting her from Isis supporters.

Ms Muthana  who fled Isis three weeks ago  said the father of her 18-month-old baby is dead. Her two previous husbands, both of whom were militants, are also dead.

Her first husband, Suhan Abdul Rahman, an Australian national, died in battle.

 Shamima Begum reads Home Office letter revoking her British citizenship

She defended her deceased husbands by claiming they were brainwashed by predatory Isis leaders who were very wrong.

Like other Isis brides, Ms Muthana said she chose her three husbands by picking them from a list of men in the terrorist group. She was kept in a room with 200 other brides at one point and asked to pick a potential husband from the list.

Before Mr Pompeos statement, Ms Muthana told ABC News that she cried herself to sleep almost every night at the thought of being jailed in the US.

Jail time, I dont know if that has an effect on people, Ms Muthana said. I need help mentally as well, I dont have the ideology any more but I am just traumatised by my experience.

When asked what reasonable form of punishment she might receive for joining a terrorist group and urging for more violence against the US in social media, she said: Maybe therapy lessons, maybe a process that will ensure us that well never do this again.

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Mr Shibly, the family lawyer, told USA Today the US government had a responsibility to engage with Ms Muthana, and troubled or impressionable women like her.

The government needs to engage with her, but not just her; all of these people [from North America and Europe] who joined Isis, Mr Shibly said. If she broke the law, then the justice system can deal with her, and if she didnt break the law, she should come back anyway, so it can be determined if she is a threat.Donald Trump has reportedly spent his time in recent weeks crafting nicknames for a slate of 2020 Democratic candidates, requesting the counsel of his White House aides to weigh in on potential epithets for his new opponents.

Inside the West Wing and in conversations with outside allies, the president has been workshopping other attempts to imprint his new adversaries with lasting labels, according to two people on whom the president has tested out the nicknames. They spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations with the president.

He is also testing out lines of attack in public rallies, they said, exploring vulnerabilities he could use against them should they advance to the general election.

Mr Trumps commentary reflects a peculiar sense of disengagement from the events of the day, as though he were a panelist on the cable news shows he records and watches, rather than their prime subject of discussion. In an interview with The New York Times, the president assessed Kamala Harris campaign like a talk show regular, declaring her opening moves as having a better crowd, better enthusiasm than the other Democrats.

Crowd size was also at play last week when he held a rally in El Paso, Texas, that was countered a few blocks away by one led by Beto ORourke, a potential 2020 candidate.

Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Show all 23 1 /23 Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Joe Biden The former vice president - poised to be a frontrunner - has announced his run. He recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Bernie Sanders The 2016 runner-up has announced that he will be running again in 2020 Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Hillary Clinton The 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and former Secretary of State says she is still considering whether she will run again. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Pete Buttigieg The Indiana mayor and war veteran will be running for president. If elected, he would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kamala Harris The former California attorney general will be running for president in 2020. Introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony, she has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts Senator has formally launched her bid for president in 2020. A progressive Democrat, she is a major supporter of regulating Wall Street. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Beto ORourke The former Texas congressman told Oprah Winfrey that he has been thinking about running for presidency, but stopped short of formally announcing his bid to run in 2020. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam has announced his bid. He intends to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Vice News Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has announced that he will be running for the presidency in 2020. If he secures the nomination he said finding a female vice president would be a priority. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but is likely to face tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Andrew Yang The entrepreneur has announced his presidential candidacy, and has pledged that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual advisor has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Kerry The former secretary of state has said he is still thinking about whether to run. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Michael Bloomberg The entrepreneur and former New York mayor with a net worth of around $50bn  has said he will decide by the end of February whether to seek the presidency. AFP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Howard Schultz Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has not yet ruled out running for president in 2020, despite criticism that his bid could help re-elect Mr Trump by dividing the Democrat vote. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Holder The former attorney general has said he will decide in the next month or so whether to run as a 2020 presidential candidate. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Swalwell The California congressman said he is ready to do this and will decide before April whether to run. MSNBC Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Terry McAuliffe The former Virginia governor, who worked to elect Democratic governors during 2018 midterms, said there was a 50 per cent chance he would run. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Sherrod Brown The Ohio senator is still undecided about whether to run for president in 2020. Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Mitch Landrieu The former New Orleans mayor said he doesnt think he will run for president, but never say never. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

So we have lets say 35,000 people tonight, and he has 200 people, 300 people, Mr Trump observed at the time, wildly exaggerating both numbers. Not too good. In fact, what I would do is, I would say, that may be the end of his presidential bid.

When Amy Klobuchar announced her candidacy on a frigid day in her home state of Minnesota, Mr Trump anointed her with a nickname of sorts, and a benign one at that: By the end of her speech she looked like a Snowman(woman)! the president wrote in a tweet.

But no candidate has drawn more commentary and criticism from Mr Trump than Elizabeth Warren, the liberal Massachusetts Democrat. Ms Warrens past claims of Native American heritage prompted Mr Trump to brand her Pocahontas and he has shown no qualms about deploying racially charged barbs harking back to some of the nations darkest abuses.

Wading into a Twitter frenzy over an Instagram video Warren posted after she announced her exploratory committee while sharing a beer with her husband at their kitchen table, Mr Trump jeered: Best line in the Elizabeth Warren beer catastrophe is, to her husband, Thank you for being here. Im glad youre here Its their house, hes supposed to be there!

Presidents traditionally ignore their potential opponents as long as possible to maintain their status as an incumbent floating above the contenders who are auditioning for a job they already inhabit.

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Mr Trump, however, has show he is eager to shape the debate, sow discord and help position himself for the general election. Its just one more norm to shatter, and a risky bet that his acerbic politics will work to his advantage once again.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Donald Trump has welcomed crazy Bernie Sanders to the 2020 presidential election race.

Crazy Bernie has just entered the race. I wish him well! Mr Trump tweeted on Wednesday morning, more than 24 hours after the Vermont senator announced his second bid for the presidency.

Mr Trumps dubious welcome for Mr Sanders came sandwiched between tweets attacking former acting FBI chief Andrew McCabe and the dishonest media, who he accused without providing evidence of writing stories with no basis in fact.

The crazy moniker for Mr Sanders is nothing new  Mr Trump first used the nickname during the 2016 presidential race, when Mr Sanders failed to beat Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries.

If Crooked Hillary Clinton cant close the deal on Crazy Bernie, how is she going to take on China, Russia, ISIS and all of the others? Mr Trump tweeted in May of that year.

Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Show all 7 1 /7 Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate President Trump Donald Trump, whose firing of the FBI director James Comey in 2017 sparked concerns among senior government officials Getty Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate James Comey The former director of the FBI, James Comey, whose firing by Mr Trump sparked the crisis in 2017 EPA Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate James McCabe James McCabe, the former acting director of the FBI, who has made the explosive accusations in a TV interview AFP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Rod Rosenstein The deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who allegedly discussed which cabinet members might back invoking the 25th Amendment Reuters Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Lindsey Graham Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a key Trump ally who has pledged to hold an investigation into the affair AFP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Christopher Wray The new director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, who took over after Mr Trump fired Mr Comey AP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Mike Pence The vice-president Mike Pence, who has dismissed suggestions Mr Trump is not capable of discharging his duties AFP

The presidents resurfacing of the insult against Mr Sanders comes amid a reported workshopping in the White house of nicknames for his potential 2020 Democratic challengers.

Before airing them publicly, Mr Trump has been testing monikers for his likely opponents on aides and advisers, according to the Associated Press.The Trump administration has announced it plans to launch a global effort to end the criminalisation of homosexuality with a new campaign to be spearheaded by openly gay US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell.

The initiative, confirmed to NBC News by administration officials, will begin with a dinner in Berlin on Tuesday, where LGBTQ+ activists from across Europe will be tasked with coming up with a plan of action.

The goal is to push for decriminalisation in parts of the world where it is still illegal to be gay, such as a handful of nations in the Middle East and Africa.

In 2017, research by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) found that same-sex relations were still illegal in 72 countries and punishable by death in eight countries.

The new campaign will likely be carried out alongside organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation.

LGBT+ rights around the globe Show all 9 1 /9 LGBT+ rights around the globe LGBT+ rights around the globe Russia Russias antipathy towards homosexuality has been well established following the efforts of human rights campaigners. However, while it is legal to be homosexual, LGBT couples are offered no protections from discrimination. They are also actively discriminated against by a 2013 law criminalising LGBT propaganda allowing the arrest of numerous Russian LGBT activists. AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Brunei Brunei recently introduced a law to make sodomy punishable by stoning to death. It was already illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Mauritania Men who are found having sex with other men face stoning, while lesbians can be imprisoned, under Sharia law. However, the state has reportedly not executed anyone for this crime since 1987 Alamy LGBT+ rights around the globe Sudan Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sudanese law. Men can be executed on their third offence, women on their fourth Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Saudi Arabia Homosexuality and gender realignment is illegal and punishable by death, imprisonment, whipping and chemical castration Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Yemen The official position within the country is that there are no gays. LGBT inviduals, if discovered by the government, are likely to face intense pressure. Punishments range from flogging to the death penalty Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Nigeria Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal and in some northern states punishable with death by stoning. This is not a policy enacted across the entire country, although there is a prevalent anti-LGBT agenda pushed by the government. In 2007 a Pew survey established that 97% of the population felt that homosexuality should not be accepted. It is punishable by 14 years in prison Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Somalia Homosexuality was established as a crime in 1888 and under new Somali Penal Code established in 1973 homosexual sex can be punishable by three years in prison. A person can be put to death for being a homosexual Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Iraq Although same-sex relationships have been decriminalised, much of the population still suffer from intense discrimination. Additionally, in some of the country over-run by the extremist organisation Isis, LGBT individuals can face death by stoning Getty

However, while the Trump campaign is undeniably admirable, it comes in stark contrast to President Trumps treatment of LGBTQ+ citizens and their rights in his own nation.

Since taking office in January 2017, Mr Trump has supported numerous anti-LGBTQ+ policies and withdrawn other protections for homosexual American citizens.

These are eight of the anti-LGBTQ+ things Mr Trump has done during his time as president of the United States.

1. In February of 2017, the administration withdrew guidance that helped public schools implement Title IX, under which discrimination on the basis of sex was illegal. The withdrawal left transgender students unprotected.

2. Donald Trump nominated judge Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court. Gorsuch previously wrote a dissent arguing against a ruling that required states to list same-sex parents on birth certificates.

3. In April 2017, under President Trump, the Justice and Labor Departments cancelled conference calls with LGBTQ+ organisations, which for years gave the LGBTQ+ community a voice.

4. On 26 July 2017, President Trump announced on Twitter that transgender individuals would not be allowed to serve in any capacity in the US Military.

5. The Trump administration attempted to expand circumstances in which federal contractors and private employers could cite religious freedom as a reason for discrimination.

6. The Department of Education said it would dismiss complaints from transgender students who were not allowed to use school bathrooms that matched with their gender identity, according to The Washington Post.

7. Under President Trump, the Justice Department rolled back protections for transgender inmates that were put in place by President Obama.

The new guidelines introduced by the US Bureau of Prisons would see inmates housed by their biological sex rather than the gender they identify with.

8. Mr Trump has repeatedly failed to recognise June as Pride Month.

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Additionally, Karen Pence, the wife of Vice President Mike Pence, has recently returned to teaching at a school that opposes LGBTQ+ rights and refuses admission to homosexual students.

While the Trump administrations push for the decriminalisation of homosexuality around the world is important, the president should consider advocating on behalf of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States as well.A man punched his own lawyer after a judge sentenced him to 45 years in prison.

David Chislton had just been jailed for pistol-whipping his girlfriend and setting his apartment complex on fire at the court in Cleveland, Ohio.

After the sentence had been read out, the 42-year-old hit his lawyer, Aaron Brockler, in the face with both of his handcuffed fists, Cleveland.com reports.

Both men fell on the floor and police deputies jumped on Chislton to restrain him, a witness told the site.

Chilston also bit Mr Brocklers leg before the lawyer was dragged away from the confrontation.

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

It was pretty fun, Mr Brockler, who sustained a small cut on his face, said.

One witness, a lawyer who was in the courtroom waiting for a different trial to begin, described the attack as pretty heinously violent.

Chislton was sentenced to nearly two dozen charges, including multiple counts of aggravated arson and felonious assault.

He pistol-whipped his girlfriend in 2017 and threatened to kill her after she accused him of sexually abusing her 15-year-old daughter.

He then set fire to the building during an hours-long standoff with police.

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Chislton was sentenced to 45 years in prison and is likely to have additional charges filed against him.UB retains Gold designation with higher ed sustainability organization

Simply put, sustainability at UB is focused on building a better world for future generations. 

BUFFALO, N.Y.  The University at Buffalo is Gold again when it comes to sustainability.

UB received the designation after filing its latest Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) report.

Simply put, sustainability at UB is focused on building a better world for future generations, said UB President Satish K. Tripathi. We are committed to creating sustainably literate leaders through our teaching, research and engagement.

A program of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.

More than 900 colleges and universities around the world file the report, typically every three years. Participating institutions can compile up to 100 points across five categories  Academics, Engagement, Operations, Planning and Administration and Innovation and Leadership  to earn one of the following designations: platinum, gold, silver, bronze, reporter.

UB improved upon its 2015 score, accumulating 69.58 points. A gold rating is awarded to any institution that achieves a minimum overall score of 65. Only five institutions have achieved platinum, which requires a minimum score of 85: Colorado State University; Stanford; Thompson Rivers University (Canada); University of California, Irvine; and the University of New Hampshire.

UBs score maintains its status as a sustainability leader in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, along with the University at Albany  with which UB peer-reviewed its latest STARS submission  and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

At more than 260 pages, UBs STARS report doubles as an in-depth look at sustainability at the university and a roadmap for the next several years that equips every unit on campus with data that shows how UB can continue to move the needle. Nearly 100 individuals and departments from across the university contribute to the report.

This report provides the university with a foundation for how to think more strategically about how we move forward, said Laura Hubbard, UBs vice president for finance and administration.

The STARS report identifies areas in which UB excels, and where theres room for improvement. UB fares well in its sustainability-oriented research. For example, nearly one-quarter of the universitys faculty are engaged in sustainability research. It also earns high marks in public engagement, thanks to strong community partnerships  including the Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable, the One Region Forward initiative and the Western New York Environmental Alliance  as well as collaboration across campuses.

On the operations side, UB accumulated nearly all of the available points in the subcategory on curbing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as for new or renovated buildings certified under a green building rating system.

STARS also measures a universitys diversity and affordability, and UB scored highly in this combined subcategory, earning 8.4 out of 10 points.

UB also scored highly in sustainable dining through such offerings as low environmental impact dining events and local harvest dinners, in addition to the availability of made in/grown in New York vending machines on campus, and outreach through the Food Systems Planning and Healthy Communities Lab in the School of Architecture and Planning.

Each universitys full submission, including UBs, is available on the STARS website.Visitors to the Grand Canyon may have been contaminated with unsafe radiation, according to officials.

A host of unmentioned buckets of dangerous uranium ore had been sitting in a research facility for decades, as people visited the building.

The five-gallon buckets have now been taken out of the building that is home to the park's archives and artefacts, according to National Park Service spokeswoman Vanessa Lacayo, and disposed of safely.

But they had been left there for nearly 20 years and meant the roughly 600 people who tour the facility each year had been exposed to them.

Ms Lacayo said the agency is working with Arizona health and workplace safety officials on the 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 Arizona Republic cited the Grand Canyon's safety director in saying the park did not warn workers or the public of the potential harm that existed for years.

Uranium can be harmful depending on the amount, how people interact with it and the exposure time.

Additional reporting by agenciesA man faces death for the rape, murder and dismemberment of his girlfriends 14-year-old adoptive daughter.

Jacob Sullivan, 46, pleaded guilty to all charges in the 2016 death of Grace Packer in Pennsylvania.

A jury outside Philadelphia will now decide whether he will be face life in prison or the death penalty.

The victims adoptive mother Sara Packer, 44, is accused of watching Sullivan act out a rape-murder fantasy they shared.

She has agreed to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence, according to her attorney Keith Williams.

Activists protest the death penalty in Texas Show all 6 1 /6 Activists protest the death penalty in Texas Activists protest the death penalty in Texas Family and friends of Jeff Wood and anti-death penalty activists march from the Texas State Capitol to the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to deliver a petition with over 10,000 signatures asking the governor and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to commute Wood's sentence on August 18, 2016 in Austin, Texas. Jeff Wood is scheduled to be executed by the state of Texas on August 24, 2016 under what is referred to as the "law of parties" for a criminal act he committed on January 2, 1996. The Texas law says that if a person, " acting with intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense, he solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid the other person to commit the offense;" then they are criminally responsible for the conduct of another, as well. Tamir Kalifa/AFP/Getty Images Activists protest the death penalty in Texas Carla Harvey adds her name to a petition with over 10,000 signatures asking Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to commute Jeff Wood's sentence, during a demonstration outside of the Texas State Capitol on August 18, 2016 in Austin, Texas. Family and friends of Jeff Wood and anti-death penalty activists delivered the petition to the Office of the Governor after the demonstration. Jeff Wood is scheduled to be executed by the state of Texas on August 24, 2016 under what is referred to as the "law of parties" for a criminal act he committed on January 2, 1996. The Texas law says that if a person, " acting with intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense, he solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid the other person to commit the offense;" then they are criminally responsible for the conduct of another, as well. Tamir Kalifa/AFP/Getty Images Activists protest the death penalty in Texas A massive explosion guts Mexico's biggest fireworks market in Mexico City, on December 20, 2016. The explosion killed at least 31 people and injured 72, authorities said. The conflagration in the Mexico City suburb of Tultepec set off a quick-fire series of multicolored blasts that sent a vast cloud of smoke billowing over the capital. Tamir Kalifa/AFP/Getty Images Activists protest the death penalty in Texas Darius Broussard adds his name to a petition with over 10,000 signatures asking Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to commute Jeff Wood's sentence, during a demonstration outside of the Texas State Capitol on August 18, 2016 in Austin, Texas. Family and friends of Jeff Wood and anti-death penalty activists delivered the petition to the Office of the Governor after the demonstration. Jeff Wood is scheduled to be executed by the state of Texas on August 24, 2016 under what is referred to as the "law of parties" for a criminal act he committed on January 2, 1996. The Texas law says that if a person, " acting with intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense, he solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid the other person to commit the offense;" then they are criminally responsible for the conduct of another, as well. Tamir Kalifa/AFP/Getty Images Activists protest the death penalty in Texas Family and friends of Jeff Wood and anti-death penalty activists march from the Texas State Capitol to the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to deliver a petition with over 10,000 signatures asking the governor and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to commute Wood's sentence on August 18, 2016 in Austin, Texas. Jeff Wood is scheduled to be executed by the state of Texas on August 24, 2016 under what is referred to as the "law of parties" for a criminal act he committed on January 2, 1996. The Texas law says that if a person, " acting with intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense, he solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid the other person to commit the offense;" then they are criminally responsible for the conduct of another, as well. Tamir Kalifa/AFP/Getty Images Activists protest the death penalty in Texas Mark Clements (L), who was imprisoned for 28 years before being released and exonerated, encourages passersby to sign a petition with over 10,000 signatures asking Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to commute Jeff Wood's sentence, during a demonstration outside of the Texas State Capitol on August 18, 2016 in Austin, Texas. Clements joined family and friends of Jeff Wood and anti-death penalty activists to deliver the petition to the Office of the Governor after the demonstration. Jeff Wood is scheduled to be executed by the state of Texas on August 24, 2016 under what is referred to as the "law of parties" for a criminal act he committed on January 2, 1996. The Texas law says that if a person, " acting with intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense, he solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid the other person to commit the offense;" then they are criminally responsible for the conduct of another, as well. Tamir Kalifa/AFP/Getty Images

The former foster parent and county adoptions supervisor is also expected to testify against Sullivan during the penalty phase of his trial.

Graces death raised questions about whether child welfare agencies could have done more to protect her.

Sara Packer, left, and Jacob Sullivan. (AP/Bucks County District Attorney)

Packer and her husband at the time, David Packer, cared for dozens of foster children before David was arrested in 2010 and sent to prison for sexually assaulting Grace and a 15-year-old foster daughter at their home in Allentown, about an hour north of Philadelphia.

Packer lost her job as a Northampton County adoptions supervisor in 2010 and was barred from taking in any more foster children.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services launched an investigation after Graces murder but its findings have not been made public.

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Sullivan beat and raped Grace, and she was bound, gagged and left to die in a sweltering attic, authorities have said.

Returning the next day and finding Grace was still alive, Sullivan strangled her, court documents said.

The couple stored her body in cat litter for months, then chopped it up and dumped it in a remote area where hunters found it in October 2016, police have said.

Sullivan, whose attorney claimed Sara Packer masterminded the killing, entered his plea as jury selection was about to get underway.

However his plea hearing was interrupted Tuesday afternoon after he fell ill and was taken to hospital.

The hearing was scheduled to resume Wednesday.

Packers trial is expected to begin next month.An employee working on an airport jet bridge in California was killed after a tyre exploded during maintenance.

Airport spokeswoman Deanne Thompson confirmed the accident happened at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana late Tuesday night in a workshop. Jet bridges are used to connect terminals to aircraft doors.

Two employees were working on the tyre at the time of the explosion, according to Ms Thompson. The the was about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in diameter.

The force of the explosion set off a fire alarm that summoned airfield rescue crews.

One worker was pronounced dead. The other did not seek treatment.

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The warehouse is located near Gate Three at the airport, officials said. Authorities said flights and airport operations were not affected during the incident.

Ms Thompson said both employees worked for a company that maintains the Orange County airport's luggage handling system and jet bridges.

Recommended Rome Ciampino airport closed due to fire

The luggage system and jet bridges feature moveable passenger-loading structures that connect terminals to airliner doors.

The state's workplace safety agency, known as Cal-OSHA, will investigate.

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The employees names have not yet been released to the public.

Additional reporting by APEconomic uncertainties after Brexit could make the UK more vulnerable to Chinese interference, with Beijing using a variety of means to infiltrate Britains power structures, a leading think-tank has warned.

There has been little focus in Britain on how China preys on targeted countries and there is a need for a cohesive programme to counter it, according to a report by the Royal United Services Institute, which charts the tactics used by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to achieve its aims.

The report examines the concerted strategy allegedly used by Beijing, ranging from spreading surreptitious technological reach through mega-corporations like Huawei, to the elite capture of people in important positions and opinion-formers by the placing of advisers.

Most western European states have resisted Beijings efforts to join Chinas Belt and Road scheme which has been used, say critics, to spread economic and political hegemony in parts of Asia and Africa.

But the UK, seeking post-Brexit trade, has agreed to join the controversial initiative with David Cameron leading a $1bn private fund, supported by the British government.

The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty

Last year, 27 of the 28 EU-member-state ambassadors in Beijing (Hungary being the exception) signed off a report saying the Belt and Road project runs counter to the European Unions agenda for liberalising trade and pushes the balance of power in favour of subsidised Chinese companies.

The British ambassador was one of the signatories. But Philip Hammond, on a subsequent visit to Beijing, declared: I was privileged earlier this year to represent the UK at the first Belt and Road forum and one of the things we will discuss is the opportunity for closer collaboration in delivering the ambitions of the Belt and Road programme.

The Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) report  UK Vulnerable to Chinese Influence and Interference Operations  calls for scrutiny of the risk of financial dependencies being set up through consultancies offered to retired politicians, who the CCP hopes will push a sympathetic narrative.

The case of former British prime minister David Cameron, who is involved in a large China fund which aims to invest $1bn in BRI projects, has gained some attention.

The question of elite capture by the CCP has not been closely examined. It should be, including the issue of how much time should elapse between government service and working for Chinese state or quasistate organisations.

There is no suggestion in the report that the Chinese have tried to influence Mr Cameron.

The Rusi document, compiled by Charles Parton, a former diplomat, states: The UKs departure from the EU may increase the Chinese Communist Partys desire to interfere, as it seeks to implement further a divide-and-rule strategy, aimed at imposing its global vision and promoting its interests.

The report calls for the development of systems to prevent non-transparent financing of political activities and lobbying by CCP-backed individuals and organisations; the ultimate donor should be clear, even when monies are channelled through British citizens.

There are differences, on the whole, between the types of interference by the Kremlin and Beijing, according to the report.

Except in the sphere of espionage and cyberattacks, CCP interference is not of the Russian kind, which is more deliberately hostile, even destructive. It is more subtle, incremental and often under the radar, although it is occasionally brazen.

The main goal, it is held, is to promote a ruthless advancement of Chinas interests and values at the expense of those of the west, including through actions which encourage self-censorship and self-limiting policies.

It points, as an example, to universities and research centres where junior academics often self-censor to avoid having access to research opportunities withdrawn. Chinese interference in academic freedom also extends to putting pressure on academics, born in China and working in the UK to support the CCP line.

There must be great caution, the report maintains, in allowing Chinese participation in the UKs critical national infrastructure.

CCP interference is not of the Russian kind, which is more deliberately hostile, even destructive. It is more subtle, incremental and often under the radar, although it is occasionally brazen Rusi report

Were there to be a decision in favour of allowing Chinese operator Huawei to offer fifth-generation mobile networks [5G] in the country it would be at best naive, at worst irresponsible. This is not least because [Chinese] national security laws require Huaweis Chinese staff to accede to requests from government departments.

The search for an optimistic post-Brexit future must not blind the UK to the risks involved, the report cautions. The UK needs to realise that behind the enticing, but essentially meaningless, language of win-win or shared future for mankind lies a ruthless CCP agenda to advance its and Chinas interests.

The UK will not change that, but its aim must be to channel it into a genuinely balanced relationship. In achieving that, language is important: if there must be talk of the Golden Era (and within China, the phrase does help UK interests), the UK should not allow it to cloud its perceptions. The UKs goal must be genuine reciprocity and an equal, mature and comprehensive relationship.Three Conservative MPs have announced they are resigning from their party to join ex-Labour members in the new Independent Group in the House of Commons.

Heidi Allen, Sarah Wollaston and Anna Soubry left Theresa Mays Tories after being heavily critical of her approach to Brexit and the growing influence of eurosceptics in the party.

It means the Independent Group now has eleven members, as many as the Liberal Democrats, including the eight MPs who have walked out of Jeremy Corbyns party in recent days.

Recommended Eighth Labour MP resigns from party to join Independent Group

In a joint statement, the three MPs leavng the Tories said they had wanted their party to broaden its appeal to young people and reflect the diversity of British communities.

They indicated that their frustration with Ms May had instead been exacerbated by her reliance on the support of the Brexiteer dominated European Research Group, headed by Jacob Rees-Mogg and Steve Baker, and her Northern Irish DUP partners in government,

The three MPs said: Sadly the Conservative Party has increasingly abandoned these principles with a shift to the right of British politics.

We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and the DUP.

The said that the final straw was what they claimed had been the governments disastrous handling of Brexit with red lines that alienated almost half of the population.

Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Show all 12 1 /12 Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Change UK Details on the individual MPs are in the following photos Reuters Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Heidi Allen Anti-Brexit MP for South Cambridgeshire resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham since 2010 and prominent People's Vote supporter PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Anna Soubry The prominent anti-Brexit MP for Broxtowe resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, resigned from the Labour Party over bullying and anti-semitism PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Sarah Wollaston Anti-Brexit MP for Totnes resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Joan Ryan MP for Enfield North resigned from the Labour party on February 19 citing its tolerance of a "culture of anti-Jewish racism" PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Ann Coffey MP for Stockport since 1992 Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South since 2010 Getty Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East since 2010 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South since 1992 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Angela Smith MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge since 2010

Announcing that they would sit with the new group, they went on: The country deserves better. We believe there is a failure of politics in general, not just in the Conservative Party but in both main parties as they move to the fringes, leaving millions of people with no representation. Our politics needs urgent and radical reform and we are determined to play our part.

The three confirmed their intention to sit as independents in the centre ground of British politics, explaining that there would be times when they would support the government on measures to strengthen the economy, on security and improving public services.

Shortly before prime ministers questions, the three MPs crossed the floor of the commons to sit with the Independent Group, which soon tweeted to welcome them, adding: Both our parties are broken.

In one daunting sign for Ms May, the three received support from one of her closest allies, home secretary Amber Rudd, who said on Twitter that it was a great shame they were leaving.

She added: I look forward to continuing to work with them on a number of important issues, including a Brexit deal that works for the whole country.

Downing Street appeared ready for the announcment, with the prime minister releasing an immediate statement saying that she was saddened by this decision, adding that they are people who have given dedicated service.

 Jeremy Corbyn 'regrets' that MPs have left the Labour party to form independent group

She went on: Of course, the UKs membership of the EU has been a source of disagreement both in our party and our country for a long time. Ending that membership after four decades was never going to be easy.

But by delivering on our manifesto commitment and implementing the decision of the British people we are doing the right thing for our country. And in doing so, we can move forward together towards a brighter future.

I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve.

Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party James Cleverly said it was particularly disappointing that they left over Brexit because it was a policy issue that would be resolved soon.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable said his party would hold out the hand of friendship to the independents, saying: There is clearly some very radical changes now afoot as both the Conservatives and Labour have been taken over by militant groups, driving out more moderate MPs.

He went on: In the short term we will be concentrating on securing a Peoples Vote, with an option to stay in the EU.Labour is calling for constituents to be given greater powers to trigger by-elections if their MP defects from the political party whose banner they were elected under.

The defiant action comes in response to an eighth MP - Joan Ryan - quitting the party in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's leadership as she claimed Labour had become "infected" by antisemitism and had "aided and abetted a hard Brexit".

Under existing legislation, voters can call for a petition for the recall of their MP, but only under certain circumstances, including an MP receiving a jail sentence of a year or less.

A successful recall petition, which would trigger a by-election, must be signed by 10 per of constituents in any given area with six weeks.

But after the biggest schism in Labour since the formation of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 1980s, the party now wants to extend this legislation so that voters can start the process should an MP change the political allegiance under which they were elected.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Jon Trickett, said: "Power comes from the people but for too long the overwhelming majority have been shut out. That's why trust in politics and elites is rightly falling."

He continued: "Communities should not have to wait for up to five years to act if they feel their MP is not properly representing their interests, especially with the Fixed Term Parliament Act.

"This proposed reform has the dramatic potential to empower citizens and will be one of many measures the Labour Party is planning to consult on and announce that will change the way politics in this country is done."

Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Show all 12 1 /12 Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Change UK Details on the individual MPs are in the following photos Reuters Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Heidi Allen Anti-Brexit MP for South Cambridgeshire resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham since 2010 and prominent People's Vote supporter PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Anna Soubry The prominent anti-Brexit MP for Broxtowe resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, resigned from the Labour Party over bullying and anti-semitism PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Sarah Wollaston Anti-Brexit MP for Totnes resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Joan Ryan MP for Enfield North resigned from the Labour party on February 19 citing its tolerance of a "culture of anti-Jewish racism" PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Ann Coffey MP for Stockport since 1992 Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South since 2010 Getty Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East since 2010 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South since 1992 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Angela Smith MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge since 2010

It follows a surprise press conference on Monday during which the MPs Chuka Umunna, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes, Chris Leslie, Luciana Berger, and Ann Coffey, and Angela Smith announced their resignations from the Labour Party - but refused to cave in to demands to hold a by-election in their constituencies.

Speaking just hours after joining their ranks on Wednesday, Ms Ryan delivered a withering attack on the Labour leader, telling the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "I can no longer ask people to vote for Jeremy Corbyn to be prime minister of this country because I don't believe he is fit to be the prime minister of this country."

She said that Mr Corbyn has "introduced or allowed to happen in our party this scourge of antisemitism", adding: "It has completely infected the party and at every opportunity to deal with it he has not done so.

"We have had a whitewash report, we have had unprecedented actions of Jewish people feeling they have to demonstrate against the Labour Party in Parliament Square."An eighth Labour MP has quit the party to join the Independent Group in the House of Commons, accusing Jeremy Corbyn of presiding over a culture of anti-Jewish racism and hatred of Israel.

Joan Ryan, the MP for Enfield North, described the decision to quit Labour after four decades as terribly difficult  but promised to continue to represent and speak up for her constituents as a member of the new independent grouping in parliament.

In a statement outlining the reasons behind her resignation, Ms Ryan said she had become horrified, appalled and angered by the partys failure to tackle antisemitism, adding that no previous Labour leader would have allowed this huge shame to befall the party.

She said Mr Corbyn and the Stalinist clique that surrounds him have also failed to offer adequate opposition to the governments Brexit plan, and have instead been purging their perceived ideological enemies within and obsessing over issues that are of little interest to the British people.

Her announcement came as Labour launched a consultation on changes to allow voters to force MPs to seek re-election if they swap parties.

The proposed new right to recall comes after the launch on Monday of the Independent Group by seven ex-Labour MPs including former shadow ministers Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger and Chris Leslie.

Members of the new group have indicated they will resist demands from Labour bigwigs, including John McDonnell, to step down and seek a fresh mandate from voters in a by-election.

Ms Ryan, who has represented Enfield North since 1997 with a break from 2010-15 and served as a minister in Tony Blairs government, made clear she is hoping for further defections.

In a letter to constituents, she said she hoped her actions would act as a wake-up call and others will join us.

Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Show all 16 1 /16 Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter Labour split: the reaction on Twitter

Ms Ryan said that under Mr Corbyn, Labour had developed a cult around the leader, driven by an all-consuming narrative founded on rage, betrayal and the hunt for heretics.

She added: Jeremy Corbyn has enabled and allowed a toxic culture to develop in too many parts of the Labour Party.

And I cant be a part of it any longer. Which is why, with a heavy heart, I have left it.

Ms Ryan, who served as a government whip under Tony Blair, follows Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes, Luciana Berger, Ann Coffey, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker and Chris Leslie in quitting the party.

Reacting to Ms Ryan's resignation, Mr Leslie said he was "proud to stand with her" while Mr Shuker added: "Such respect for Joan. I know how hard this is. But were building something powerful together."

Additional reporting by Press AssociationAn ex-Tory MP who left the party for a breakaway group has said that the battle for the Conservative Party was over because hard-right Brexit extremists have won.

Anna Soubry, a former minister, said the right wing, the hardline anti-EU awkward squad was running the party from top to bottom.

Speaking hours after she announced her resignation from the Conservatives alongside Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston, the Broxtowe MP also launched a scathing attack on Theresa May, saying she had failed to reach out to moderate Tory MPs.

The three MPs will join the Independent Group established by seven Labour MPs on Monday. They will also be joined by former Labour MP Joan Ryan, who resigned from Jeremy Corbyns party on Tuesday night, meaning the new group now has 11 MPs.

Speaking at a press conference in Westminster, Ms Soubry said she had made the decision to resign after concluding that the right-wing shift in the Conservative Party was not reversible.

She said: As my friend [ex-Labour MP] Chuka Umunna said on Monday, you dont join a political party to fight and you dont stay in it and skirmish in the margins when the truth is the battle is over and the other side has won.

The right wing, the hardline anti-EU awkward squad that have destroyed every leader for the last 40 years are now running the Conservative Party from top to tail  they are the Conservative Party.

Urging other Tory MPs and "like-minded Lib Dems" to "come and join us", she continued: Dear friends and now former colleagues who share those one-nation values and principles will of course today deny it, but I believe in their heads and in their hearts they know its over.

And the reason they know its over is because we lost the referendum and Brexit now defines and shapes the Conservative Party.

In a lengthy attack on Ms May's leadership, Ms Soubry said the prime minister had pandered to Brexiteers in the European Research Group [ERG] while ignoring mainstream Conservatives.

She said: When the prime minister lost [the vote on] her withdrawal agreement, she said she would reach out to build a consensus. Of course, she should have done that from the beginning of all of this, not at the eleventh hour.

But in that spirit, the first people that she invited into No10 were the ERG  the very people who just weeks beforehand had called a vote of no confidence in her leadership and had delighted in calling out her failures to any passing microphone.

In contrast, Ms Soubry said, mainstream Conservatives with a fine record of loyalty who have served at the highest level in government...are still waiting for a call.

Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Show all 12 1 /12 Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Change UK Details on the individual MPs are in the following photos Reuters Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Heidi Allen Anti-Brexit MP for South Cambridgeshire resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham since 2010 and prominent People's Vote supporter PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Anna Soubry The prominent anti-Brexit MP for Broxtowe resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, resigned from the Labour Party over bullying and anti-semitism PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Sarah Wollaston Anti-Brexit MP for Totnes resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Joan Ryan MP for Enfield North resigned from the Labour party on February 19 citing its tolerance of a "culture of anti-Jewish racism" PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Ann Coffey MP for Stockport since 1992 Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South since 2010 Getty Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East since 2010 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South since 1992 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Angela Smith MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge since 2010

Ms Allen also hit out at Ms May's leadership of the Conservatives, saying serving as a Tory MP had left her "tired of feeling numb".

Criticising the government's welfare policies, the South Cambridgeshire MP said: "I believed I was part of a party who worked collaboratively, welcomed knowledge and had the empathy to feel, but I have slowly but surely realised that I am not.

"I can no longer represent a government and a party who can't open their eyes to the suffering endured by the most vulnerable in society - suffering that we have deepened while having the power to fix."

She said Ms May had been "bullied into submission by the ERG" and was "dragging the country kicking and screaming to the edge of a no-deal abyss".

Ms Allen also claimed that a "significant number" of MPs were considering quitting their parties to join the Independent Group.

She said: "Having the courage to do what you know is right is hard but are there a number of colleagues in all parties who are keen to join us? Absolutely, but everybody has to get there in their own time.

"I think everybody will get there in their own time but yes, we do believe there are a significant number of colleagues [considering joining]."

 Rebel MPs from Independent Group arrive in Commons ahead of PMQs

Ms Wollaston, who chairs the Commons health committee, said Theresa May "simply hasn't delivered on the pledge she made on the steps of Downing Street to tackle the burning injustices in our society".

She added: "I think that what we now see is the party that was once the most trusted on the economy and business is now marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit."

Announcing their resignation in a letter to Ms May, the three MPs wrote: Sadly the Conservative Party has increasingly abandoned these principles with a shift to the right of British politics.

We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and the DUP.

They said that the final straw was what they claimed had been the governments disastrous handling of Brexit with red lines that alienated almost half of the population.The new centre-ground Independent Group made up of former Labour and Tory MPs enjoys backing within Theresa Mays cabinet, it was claimed today.

Heidi Allen MP said the grouping have the support of ministers at all levels after she and two other Conservative colleagues quit their party to join up.

Ms Allens claim comes after home secretary Amber Rudd, who has threatened to resign in the event of a no-deal Brexit, made sympathetic statements about the MPs who had left her party.

In comments likely to enrage other former Tory colleagues, Ms Allen also indicated the new group could not only bring down the government, but aimed to see the destruction of the Conservative Party.

She and others in the group said there could be further resignations from both Tory and Labour parties in the coming days, with one Labour member openly admitting she agreed with much of what the new group stood for.

Ms Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston crossed the floor from the Tory benches to join the Independent Group shortly before prime ministers questions, but also held a series of press events throughout the day.

With the group now numbering 11, as many MPs as the Liberal Democrats, Ms Allen told a Westminster briefing: There are sympathetic ministers at all levels.

Hours earlier Ms Rudd had posted on Twitter that it was a great shame to have lost the commitment and undeniable talent of three Conservative colleagues.

Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Show all 12 1 /12 Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Change UK Details on the individual MPs are in the following photos Reuters Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Heidi Allen Anti-Brexit MP for South Cambridgeshire resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham since 2010 and prominent People's Vote supporter PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Anna Soubry The prominent anti-Brexit MP for Broxtowe resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, resigned from the Labour Party over bullying and anti-semitism PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Sarah Wollaston Anti-Brexit MP for Totnes resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Joan Ryan MP for Enfield North resigned from the Labour party on February 19 citing its tolerance of a "culture of anti-Jewish racism" PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Ann Coffey MP for Stockport since 1992 Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South since 2010 Getty Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East since 2010 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South since 1992 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Angela Smith MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge since 2010

She then went on: I look forward to continuing to work with them on a number of important issues, including a Brexit deal that works for the whole country.

The tweet led to speculation that Ms Rudd could consider joining the group at some stage, with her previously having indicated she could resign her job if Ms May pursued a no-deal Brexit.

If we do our jobs right, there wont be a Tory Party to go back to. We are about creating something better that is bang smack in the centre-ground of British politics Ex-Tory MP Heidi Allen

Ms Allen said there were Tory MPs who were keenly interested in joining the group but we cant bring the government down right now because of Brexit.

Asked if she could envisage returning to the Tories in future, she told reporters at Westminster: I cant imagine it, I just cant. Not least because, if we do our jobs right, there wont be a Tory Party to go back to.

We are about creating something better that is bang smack in the centre-ground of British politics, that people out there  I am convinced, we are convinced  want.

In a joint statement, the three MPs leaving the Tories said they had wanted their party to broaden its appeal to young people and reflect the diversity of British communities.

 'Anti-EU squad that have destroyed every leader for 40 years now running the Conservative Party,' says Anna Soubry

They indicated that their frustration with Ms May had instead been exacerbated by her reliance on the support of the Brexiteer-dominated European Research Group, headed by Jacob Rees-Mogg and Steve Baker, and her Northern Irish DUP partners in government.

The three MPs said: Sadly the Conservative Party has increasingly abandoned these principles with a shift to the right of British politics.

We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and the DUP.

They said that the final straw was what they claimed had been the governments disastrous handling of Brexit with red lines that alienated almost half of the population.

Among other names being talked about as possible defectors were Conservatives Nick Boles, Philip Lee and Jonathan Djanogly.

 James Cleverly reacts live on air to news that three Conservative MPs have left party to join Independent Group

On the Labour side, Siobhain McDonagh, Jess Phillips, Ian Austin and Ian Murray are among those thought to be possible defectors in future.

Ms Phillips said: I was born Labour and I felt like Id die Labour but when I listen to my colleagues speaking, as they did before they left, I found it very hard to disagree with a lot of what they were saying.

So now I pass that baton on to Jeremy Corbyn and expect him to really listen and take action. If those people dont feel welcome in the Labour Party any more, we have a problem.

If people like me are made to feel unwelcome going forward then, of course, you have to think, has the party left you behind?Jeremy Hunt will today tell EU leaders that they share a "heavy responsibility" to help finalise a Brexit deal.

Speaking in Berlin, the foreign secretary will warn that the UK leaving the EU without an agreement would be "deeply damaging, economically and politically".

Mr Hunt is on a tour of European capitals in a bid to help convince European leaders to offer the UK fresh concessions on the Northern Ireland backstop.

As the government steps up its lobbying of EU leaders, Theresa May will meet with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in a last-ditch attempt to convince Brussels to agree to changes ahead another Commons vote on Brexit next week.

And he will stress that the blame for failure would not be borne solely by the UK, but by all those involved in the negotiations between Britain and the remaining 27 EU states.

Mr Hunt will say: "At this momentous time, a heavy responsibility falls upon all of us.

"We do not want historians in the future to puzzle over our actions and ask themselves how it was that Europe failed to achieve an amicable change in its relationship with Britain - a country that is not simply a partner but a friend and ally in every possible sense."

He will add: "None of us should have any doubt that failing to secure a ratified withdrawal agreement between Britain and the EU would be deeply damaging, economically and politically.

"In the vital weeks ahead, standing back and hoping that Brexit solves itself will not be enough.

"The stakes are just too high: we must all do what we can to ensure such a deal is reached."

Mr Hunt has previously insisted that the UK would "flourish and prosper" even if there is a no-deal Brexit.

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The foreign secretary will meet German foreign minister Heiko Maas and economic minister Peter Altmaier in Berlin, as well as Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is predicted to take over from Angela Merkel as the next German chancellor.

He held talks with Danish ministers in Copenhagen on Tuesday and met other EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.Lansdale, PA (19446)

Today

Showers early, then cloudy in the afternoon. High 84F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.Former Militant firebrand Derek Hatton has been suspended from the Labour Party just two days after his readmission was confirmed.

The controversial ex-deputy leader of Liverpool City Council announced his return to Labour ranks on Monday after being expelled 34 years ago by Neil Kinnock for belonging to the hard-left faction.

However he has now been suspended again while party bosses investigate a tweet he posted in 2012, which said Jews with humanity should criticise Israel. The post has since been deleted.

Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner, a close ally of Jeremy Corbyn, said he had lodged a formal complaint with general secretary Jennie Formby and described the move as appalling.

His return to the fold came as eight Labour MPs left to form a breakaway party in protest at Mr Corbyns leadership, including over antisemitism.

Mr Gardiner told MPs he had lodged a formal complaint with party bosses, during an impassioned speech against anti-Jewish hate in the Commons.

He said: This morning I saw the reports about not just the readmission of Derek Hatton but the tweets he has mentioned.

I wrote to the general secretary of our party, I lodged a formal complaint. I understand that action has since been taken in respect of the complaint and Im sure that I will be looking out to see precisely what appropriate action is taken in due course.

He added: I think it was a travesty that, at least I think many of us knew for some while that he had applied to rejoin the party, but for the news of his readmission to come to public attention on the very day when some members of our party were forced out  I think it was appalling.

Mr Hatton was thrown out of the party for belonging to the Militant faction and for overseeing an illegal deficit budget in protest at Margaret Thatchers Conservative government.

He also caused controversy in the 1980s over the move, and clashed with the Labour leadership over stunts such as sending redundancy notices to council workers via taxis.

The tweet first came to light after Mr Hatton boasted of his return on Monday, when it was flagged by Labour MP Ian Austin.

The Dudley North MP, a vocal critic of his partys handling of antisemitism, said: Keen to address the Jewish communitys concerns and widespread worries that the Labour Party has been taken over by a sectarian hard-left faction, the party yesterday readmitted Derek Hatton.

A Labour source told The Independent: The party wasnt aware of the tweet when Derek Hatton applied to rejoin.

The party is taking action and decided to do so after we became aware. This happened before Barry [Gardiner] and Tom [Watson] wrote to the general secretarys office.The president of the European Commission has poured cold water on the possibility of a breakthrough in Brexit talks as he met with Theresa May in Brussels.

The prime minister travelled to the EU capital on Wednesday night to meet Jean-Claude Juncker and try to convince the bloc to change the agreement to make it more palatable to Tory MPs.

Senior Tories were reportedly upbeat ahead of the meeting, trailing the prospect of the prime minister returning to London with concessions, but the message was not matched by officials in Brussels.

I have great respect for Theresa May, for her courage and her assertiveness. We will have friendly talk tomorrow but I dont expect a breakthrough, Mr Juncker said ahead of the meeting.

Asked about the visit, a spokesperson for the European Commission told reporters in Brussels on Wednesday: Each time that the prime minister expresses her wish to come we will always be happy to listen to her and see what she has to say.

He confirmed the leaders were not planning to hold a press conference or take questions during the trip.

Following the meeting, the UK and EU leaders released a joint statement. It said the pair discussed what extra reassurances could be given to MPs, and both reconfirmed their commitment to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland and to respect the integrity of the EUs internal market and of the United Kingdom.

Speaking on her way out of the meeting, the UK prime minister told reporters: Ive had a constructive meeting with President Juncker this evening. Ive underlined the need for us to see legally binding changes to the backstop which ensure it cannot be indefinite, thats what is required if a deal is going to pass the House of Commons.

Weve agreed that work to find a solution will continue at pace, time is of the essence and its in both our interests that when the UK leaves the EU it does so in an orderly way. And so weve made progress and the secretary of state for exiting the EU, the Brexit secretary, and the attorney general will be in Brussels tomorrow for further talks.

Previous visits from the prime minister have also broken up without significant progress. Theresa Mays ministers Stephen Barclay and Geoffrey Cox also visited on Monday and are expected to return this week.

Speaking in Berlin ahead of the meeting Jeremy Hunt, the UK foreign secretary, said the EU would share responsibility for a damaging failure if there was a no deal.

He insisted that the UK government could get its Brexit deal through parliament despite a string of defeats, but only if there were legally binding changes to the backstop.

Mr Hunt said the only way through the current situation was for the EU to agree a change to the Irish backstop.

The foreign secretary added: At this momentous time, a heavy responsibility falls upon all of us.

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

We do not want historians in the future to puzzle over our actions and ask themselves how it was that Europe failed to achieve an amicable change in its relationship with Britain  a country that is not simply a partner but a friend and ally in every possible sense.

He said a failure to have reached a deal would mean the parties had thereby afflicted grave and avoidable damage to our continent.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is expected to try his own luck in Brussels on Thursday, hot on the heels of the prime minister's visit. He and his Brexit chief Keir Starmer will meet with Michel Barnier, Martin Selmayr, and Guy Verhofstadt.

The visit will come after a string of senior EU figures have spoken out to welcome Labours proposals for a softer Brexit than the one planned by Theresa May.

Mr Barniers deputy Sabine Weyand said last week that Labours plans deserved to be examined, while European Council president Donald Tusk is said to have spoken well of the proposals in a previous private meeting with Theresa May.

Mr Verhofstadt also said he welcomed Mr Corbyns letter to the prime minister, which called for a cross-party compromise that included a customs union, close alignment with the single market, adherence to EU workers rights, and shared institutions and obligations.

The Conservative Government is running down the clock in an attempt to blackmail Parliament into accepting Theresa Mays bad deal over a chaotic no deal, Mr Corbyn said ahead of the trip.

We are saying loud and clear that there is no majority for no deal, and Labour will be working with politicians across the house to prevent a no deal outcome which would be so damaging to our economy and communities. Labour respects the result of the referendum, but we do not support the Prime Ministers damaging approach which is focused more on appeasing factions of her party than finding a sensible solution that works for the whole country.

With just 37 days until Brexit, Theresa May must accept that her historic defeats in Parliament and complete failure to reach a new deal mean her approach has failed. She should abandon her damaging red lines and finally work with Labour to reach a deal which works for our country. Close 'We now all need to hold our nerve and deliver Brexit on time' Theresa May says Brexit talks are at 'cruicial stage'

Theresa May was dealt a major blow ahead of a crucial trip to Brussels when three Conservative MPs dramatically quit the party over Brexit.

Pro-European Tories Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen resigned minutes before prime ministers questions on Wednesday, citing Ms Mays disastrous handling of Brexit as their motivation for joining the new Independent Group.

In an emotional press conference, Ms Allen said the prime minister had been bullied into submission by the European Research Group (ERG) and was dragging the country and parliament kicking and screaming to the edge of a no deal abyss.

She also claimed ministers at all levels of government were sympathetic to their project, which saw the 11-strong group reach equal footing in the Commons with the Liberal Democrats and overtake the DUP, who prop up Ms Mays administration.

Meanwhile, Ms May said she held constructive talks with European Commission boss Jean-Claude Juncker as she scrambles to secure changes to her Brexit deal. She said that we have made progress and that talks would continue at pace.

And Labour was plunged into fresh controversy when it suspended ex-Militant member Derek Hatton over an allegedly antisemitic tweet  just two days after he was allowed to rejoin the party.

Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load...The European Union has a shared responsibility to prevent a deeply damaging no-deal Brexit for Britain, the Foreign Secretary has said.

Speaking in Berlin on Wednesday morning Jeremy Hunt said historians of the future would puzzle at how Europe failed to achieve an amicable change in its relationship with Britain.

None of us should have any doubt that failing to secure a ratified Withdrawal Agreement between Britain and the EU would be deeply damaging, economically and politically, he said in a speech at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

In the vital weeks ahead, standing back and hoping that Brexit solves itself will not be enough. The stakes are just too high: we must all do what we can to ensure such a deal is reached.

He said the only way through the current situation was for the EU to agree a change to the Irish backstop so that the withdrawal agreement could pass the House of Commons  where it is currently blocked.

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The Foreign Secretary added: At this momentous time, a heavy responsibility falls upon all of us.

We do not want historians in the future to puzzle over our actions and ask themselves how it was that Europe failed to achieve an amicable change in its relationship with Britain  a country that is not simply a partner but a friend and ally in every possible sense.

He said a failure to have reached a deal would mean the parties had thereby afflicted grave and avoidable damage to our continent.

Senior EU figures have previously decried the blame game in the UK press and Westminster. Brussels says the current deal is the only one on the table and that it will not renegotiate the withdrawal agreement.

To be very frank with you I do see this blame game starting against the European Union in the case of no deal, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier told an audience last year.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

But the European Union is not going to be impressed by that kind of blame game, everyone should understand that.

Theresa May is travelling to Brussels on Wednesday evening for talks with Jean-Claude Juncker. Downing Street has been briefing that talks are going well, though Mr Juncker himself said on Tuesday night that there would be no breakthrough at the tete-a-tete.

The UK will crash out of the EU without a deal on 29 March 2019 if the withdrawal agreement is not ratified. Mr Hunt said: I think we can meet that 29 March deadline  though he did not explicitly rule out an extension.Jeremy Corbyn and his supporters have launched a series of attacks on the new political grouping in the commons, mainly made up of former Labour MPs.

The Labour leaders spokesperson accused the new Independent Group of being an establishment coalition that backed austerity, corporate tax cuts [and] privatisation.

As three Conservative MPs also left their party to join the new centre-ground set, the Corbyn-backing Momentum activist group branded them a Blairite-Tory coalition that would represent the super rich.

Meanwhile pro-Corbyn MPs questioned their ex-colleagues motives, with one suggesting Jewish MP Luciana Berger had not tried to bring antisemitism to the leaders attention, saying it takes two to tango.

It came as the party announced it would consult on plans to force by-elections on MPs who changed sides mid-term, though they were not cleared with the shadow cabinet and deputy leader Tom Watson later branded them spiteful.

In a further sign of Labour turmoil, shadow trade secretary Barry Gardiner made a formal complaint about the re-admittance of Derek Hatton, expelled from the party by Neil Kinnock in the 1980s.

The attacks on those who have left Labour from Corbyn-backers struck a markedly different tone from a previous commitment to hold a mammoth listening exercise in response to the eight resignations over antisemitism, Brexit and Mr Corbyns leadership.

Speaking after prime ministers questions, at which neither of the two main party leaders addressed the departures, Mr Corbyns spokesperson said it regretted MPs had left Labour.

Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Show all 12 1 /12 Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Change UK Details on the individual MPs are in the following photos Reuters Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Heidi Allen Anti-Brexit MP for South Cambridgeshire resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham since 2010 and prominent People's Vote supporter PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Anna Soubry The prominent anti-Brexit MP for Broxtowe resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, resigned from the Labour Party over bullying and anti-semitism PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Sarah Wollaston Anti-Brexit MP for Totnes resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Joan Ryan MP for Enfield North resigned from the Labour party on February 19 citing its tolerance of a "culture of anti-Jewish racism" PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Ann Coffey MP for Stockport since 1992 Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South since 2010 Getty Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East since 2010 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South since 1992 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Angela Smith MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge since 2010

But then added: The fact is they have formed what is effectively an establishment coalition based on the failed and rejected policies of the past  austerity, corporate tax cuts, privatisation.

And its precisely because those policies were seen to have failed and been rejected that the direction of the Labour Party changed when Jeremy was elected and we demonstrated that a different approach has mass electoral appeal and we will continue to pursue those policies and that approach.

Its clear that the new party is a Blairite-Tory coalition aimed at resurrecting a dead agenda of privatisation, deregulation and tax cuts for the super rich Momentum's Laura Parker

Those who left Labour on Tuesday include Ms Berger, Chuka Umunna, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Ann Coffey, Mike Gapes and Chris Leslie. They were then joined by Joan Ryan Later that day.

Momentums national coordinator Laura Parker also piled in, accusing those who quit of acting in an unfair, undemocratic and dishonest way.

She said: Its clear that the new party is a Blairite-Tory coalition aimed at resurrecting a dead agenda of privatisation, deregulation and tax cuts for the super rich.

This is not what their constituents voted for. Umunna, Leslie and Smiths constituents overwhelmingly voted Labour and have ended up with an MP in coalition with the Tories.

 Luton South Constituency Labour Party chair comments on Gavin Shuker and the Labour split

Corbyn-ally Chris Williamson was asked in a television interview if it was acceptable that the leader had not met Ms Berger since 2017, despite her having been on the receiving end of substantial antisemitic abuse.

He replied: Jeremy has reached out to Luciana. I dont know the details. But obviously it takes two to tango.

Obviously the opportunity was there for somebody who was feeling abused in that sense to approach Jeremy.

Jeremy Corbyn leaving his house to attend PMQs (AFP/Getty)

A senior Labour source confirmed that a consultation had been launched by shadow cabinet office minister Jon Trickett with leadership approval on a plan to allow voters to stage recall petitions when MPs switch sides.

Mr Trickett said: Communities should not have to wait for up to five years to act if they feel their MP is not properly representing their interests, especially with the restrictions of the Fixed-term Parliament Act.

 Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May clash as Prime Minister calls out Labour party antisemitism

This proposed reform has the dramatic potential to empower citizens and will be one of many measures the Labour Party is planning to consult on and announce that will change the way politics in this country is done.

But it emerged later in the day that the measure had not been signed off by the shadow cabinet, and Mr Corbyns deputy Mr Watson said he did not agree with it.

He said: I didnt know he was going to do that but it seems to me that whatever the merits of the position that he is putting on recall elections and resigning from parties, it just looks spiteful.

Those people that left the Labour Party did so with a heavy heart, and it looks like we are kind of reflexive and trying to be knee-jerk about it, rather than looking at the actual issue which is Brexit and the state of British politics.

After it emerged that former Militant leader Mr Hatton had been allowed to rejoin the party, shadow cabinet member Mr Gardiner wrote to general secretary Jenny Formby to complain.

He said: I think it was a travesty that, at least I think many of us knew for some while that he had applied to rejoin the party, but for the news of his readmission to come to public attention on the very day when some members of our party were forced out  I think it was appalling.

Labour has since confirmed Mr Hatton has once again been suspended over a tweet posted in 2012.Britains biggest teachers union has urged the government not to bring in measures that would make them criminally responsible for not reporting a students forced marriage.

The Home Office also looked into the possibility of introducing such measures for health and social workers in a consultation that ended last month.

But the National Education Union (NEU) has warned the proposals to make teaching staff criminally responsible is the wrong approach.

Amanda Brown, the unions deputy general secretary, said such a law increases the stakes without providing the required training for its members.

She said: The idea of criminal sanctions does raise the stakes for professionals but without [giving them] the training, knowledge and understanding.

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The NEU, which has over 450,000 members, is against any form of mandatory reporting.

We need a longer-term approach, ensuring ... that young people understand they can raise their concerns with their teachers, Ms Brown added.

Teachers have raised alarm bells that training around the issue is poor  with research from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) finding less than half of teachers said they had been given training to recognise the signs of forced marriage.

Forced marriage is defined as occurring when one or both parties do not consent to the marriage, or when consent is extracted under duress. This can include physical, psychological, financial, and sexual pressure.

The Home Office did not say when its consultation findings would be published.

Laws making it illegal to force someone into marriage in England and Wales were implemented in 2014. Anyone found guilty of doing so can be imprisoned for up to seven years.

But Home Office figures show there have been only four convictions in England and Wales since it was made a criminal offence in 2014.

The practice of forced marriage sees girls taken abroad to be married off to strangers  with young girls often told they are going back to their country of origin to visit family and unaware of what is happening until they arrive. This can result in their education being cut off and them being trapped in a cycle of poverty.

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: The consultation was open to everyone and encouraged victims and survivors of forced marriage, those with expertise in the area of forced marriage, and relevant professionals, including those working in social care, education, the police and healthcare to come forward and share their expertise on this crime.

We will give careful consideration to all the responses received and will publish the findings of the consultation in due course.

We know that forced marriage is often a hidden crime and so it is essential that everyone knows the law and how to spot the signs, and that victims have the confidence to come forward.The governments use of controversial powers to remove British citizenship has soared by more than 600 per cent in a year.

Shamima Begum is one of more than 150 people subjected to the measure for the public good since 2010.

The removal of citizenship means the 19-year-old has no right to enter the UK or gain a British passport, and cannot request assistance to leave the Syrian camp where she is currently detained with her newborn son.

Ms Begums family are to launch a legal challenge, and their lawyer said the teenager, who could have automatic Bangladeshi citizenship through her mother, was born in the UK and had never been to Bangladesh or possessed a Bangladeshi passport.

Official statistics show citizenship deprivations were used only a handful of times a year, until they rocketed from 14 people in 2016 to 104 in 2017.

The Home Office declined to give a reason for the dramatic increase, and said it could not provide a breakdown of how many Isis members were involved or the justification for each case.

Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Show all 14 1 /14 Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Men who fled the last Isis-held area of Syria line up to be questioned by American and Kurdish intelligence officials Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate A young girl pulls her belongings after arriving Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate An SDF fighter hands out bread to women and children after they arrive Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Sita Ghazzar, 70, after fleeing from the last Isis-held territory in Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate A family from Russia who recently fled the last Isis-held area of Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent

The government has argued that citizenship deprivations protect the public, but critics accused it of abdicating responsibility and setting a dangerous precedent.

Lord Anderson, the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said Ms Begum could have automatic Bangladeshi citizenship through her mother but her status would have to be proven at any appeal.

Shes got no real connection to the country to which the home secretary is saying she now exclusively belongs, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

We should take responsibility for our own citizens, at least in circumstances where they have spent their lives here.

We are responsible for dealing with the consequences, however unpalatable that might be.

Lord Anderson suggested that stripping citizenship was a far simpler option for the government than letting Ms Begum return, adding: You dont need the permission of the court, you sign an order and you dont have to deal with them. You simply pull the rug out from under them and they cant come back.

The crossbench peer, who is also a practising barrister, warned: It could be seen as an abdication of responsibility to remove citizenship from someone who was radicalised in our country, who left when she was a child, and who we are relatively well-equipped to deal with, whether by prosecution or deradicalisation.

(Statista (Statista)

Ms Begum told ITV News she was shocked by the move and suggested she would explore how to gain Dutch nationality through her husband, who is an Isis fighter from the Netherlands.

Her familys lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, told The Independent they would launch a legal challenge and accused the government of leaving Ms Begum effectively stateless.

Another lawyer, Fahad Ansari, who represented two alleged Islamists of Bangladeshi origin who won appeals against being stripped of British citizenship last year, said Ms Begum was a British problem.

Recommended Government strips Isis bride Shamima Begum of British citizenship

She was not born or raised in Bangladesh, she was not radicalised in Bangladesh, it all happened in the UK, Mr Ansari said.

It just seems that its an easy way out for the home secretary without having to prove her criminality in a court of law.

The British Nationality Act 1981 gave home secretaries the power to deprive people of British citizenship if their presence was not conducive to the public good or if their nationality was gained fraudulently.

But in 2014 the government extended the law to let the power be used even when people would be made stateless, if they have conducted themselves in a manner seriously prejudicial to the vital interests of the UK.

In practice, this power means the secretary of state may deprive and leave a person stateless if that person is able to acquire (or reacquire) the citizenship of another country, official guidance states.

Hailing the change in November 2014, the then home secretary Theresa May said the power had been used because of terrorist activity in the overwhelming majority of cases.

However, the revoking of British citizenship in the case of Shamima Begum has been widely criticised.

Diane Abbott MP, Labours shadow home secretary, said fundamental freedoms do not need to be compromised for public safety.

If the government is proposing to make Shamima Begum stateless, it is not just a breach of international human rights law but is a failure to meet our security obligations to the international community, she said.

Conservative former minister George Freeman criticised the move as a mistake that will set a dangerous precedent.

 UK can't make runaway Isis bride Shamima Begum 'stateless' says justice secretary David Gauke

The Liberal Democrats called for Ms Begum to be allowed to return to the UK to face prosecution and learn lessons as to why a young girl went to Syria in the first place.

Human rights campaign group Liberty said revoking a persons citizenship was a power that must not be wielded lightly.

A Home Office spokesperson said: In recent days the home secretary has clearly stated that his priority is the safety and security of Britain and the people who live here.

In order to protect this country, he has the power to deprive someone of their British citizenship where it would not render them stateless.

We do not comment on individual cases, but any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly.Isis bride Shamima Begum has never had a Bangladeshi passport and will fight the decision to strip her of her British citizenship, her lawyer says.

The 19-year-old Londoner, who fled to Syria aged 15 to join the Isis terror group, now wants to return to the UK to raise her new-born child.

However the Home Office wrote to her family this week, informing them that Home Secretary Sajid Javid made an order revoking her British citizenship.

This means she is now effectively banned from entering the UK.

The move came after the teenager from Bethnal Green was thrust back into the public eye when she was found heavily pregnant in a refugee camp in northern Syria.

Timeline of the Isis caliphate Show all 19 1 /19 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Timeline of the Isis caliphate ISIS began as a group by the merging of extremist organisations ISI and al-Nusra in 2013. Following clashes, Syrian rebels captured the ISIS headquarters in Aleppo in January 2014 (pictured) AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi declared the creation of a caliphate in Mosul on 27 June 2014 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis conquered the Kurdish towns of Sinjar and Zumar in August 2014, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Pictured are a group of Yazidi Kurds who have fled Rex Timeline of the Isis caliphate On September 2 2014 Isis released a video depicting the beheading of US journalist Steven Sotloff. On September 13 they released another video showing the execution of British aid worker David Haines Timeline of the Isis caliphate The US launched its first airstrikes against Isis in Syria on 23 September 2014. Here Lt Gen William C Mayville Jnr speaks about the bombing campaign in the wake of the first strikes Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis militants sit atop a hill planted with their flag in the Syrian town of Kobani on 6 October 2014. They had been advancing on Kobani since mid-September and by now was in control of the citys entrance and exit points AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Residents of the border village of Alizar keep guard day and night as they wait in fear of mortar fire from Isis who have occupied the nearby city of Kobani Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Smoke rises following a US airstrike on Kobani, 28 October 2014 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate YPG fighters raise a flag as they reclaim Kobani on 26 January 2015 VOA Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis seized the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on 20 May 2015. This image show the city from above days after its capture by Isis Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces are stationed on a hill above the town of Sinjar as smoke rises following US airstrikes on 12 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces enter Sinjar after seizing it from Isis control on 13 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi government forces make the victory sign as they retake the city of Fallujah from ISIS on 26 June 2016 Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi forces battle with Isis for the city of Mosul on 30 June 2017 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of the Iraqi federal police raise flags in Mosul on 8 July 2017. On the following day, Iraqi prime minister Haider Al Abadi declares victory over Isis in Mosul Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim Square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria in January 2019 They were among the last civilians to be living in the ISIS caliphate, by this time reduced to just two small villages in Syrias Deir ez-Zor Richard Hall/The Independent Timeline of the Isis caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate, on Saturday 26 January 2019 Richard Hall/The Independent

She says she has already lost two children to illness in the war-torn country and wants to return to the UK with her son whom she gave birth to at the weekend.

Ms Begums lawyer Tasnime Akunjee told The Independent her family planned to launch a legal challenge against the home secretarys decision.

Mr Akunjee said Ms Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, was born in the UK, has never had a Bangladeshi passport, and does not have dual citizenship.

Shamima Begum, then 15, pictured far right alongside friends Amira Abase, 15, and Kadiza Sultana, 16, before catching a flight to Turkey in 2015 to join the Islamic State group. (Metropolitan Police)

Our position is that to all practical purposes she has been made stateless, he said.

The lawyer also accused the government of making Ms Begums days-old son stateless, and leaving them both stuck in a Syrian detention camp.

He added: This is a delaying tactic. The government is not going to win this, there is case law saying people in these circumstances are stateless and we will win but how long will that take.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

The Home Office declined to comment on Mr Akunjees allegations on Tuesday but said: We do not make people stateless.

In a letter addressed to Ms Begums mother, the Home Office asked her to inform her daughter of its decision, as well as her right to appeal.

Lord Carlile, former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said Ms Begum could challenge the decision, but that she could be stuck in Syria for at least two years during the process.

It could run for a very long time through the courts, he told BBC Breakfast. I suspect that the result is going to be that she will stay where she is for maybe two years at least.

Ms Begums family is of Bangladeshi descent and she married a Dutch foreign fighter but the citizenship of their child is unclear.

In a previous case a baby born to a female Isis supporter in Syria was only given British citizenship after a DNA test proved her parentage. The nationality of the baby's father in that case has not been made public.

Government guidance states that the home secretary can deprive citizenship for the public good if a person can apply for alternative nationality.Shamima Begums child will remain a British citizen despite the governments decision to strip her UK nationality, Sajid Javid has suggested.

While insisting he could not discuss individual cases, the home secretary told MPs: Children should not suffer, so if a parent does lose their British citizenship that does not affect the rights of their child.

Ms Begums son, Jarrah, was born on Saturday  three days before relatives were sent a letter telling them the home secretary had made an order removing her British citizenship.

Although the babys father is a Dutch Isis fighter who Ms Begum married in Syria, a lawyer told The Independent he is automatically a British citizen by descent.

Chris Cole, head of immigration at Parker Rhodes Hickmotts, said British citizenship is passed down one generation to children born abroad.

Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Show all 14 1 /14 Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Men who fled the last Isis-held area of Syria line up to be questioned by American and Kurdish intelligence officials Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate A young girl pulls her belongings after arriving Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate An SDF fighter hands out bread to women and children after they arrive Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Sita Ghazzar, 70, after fleeing from the last Isis-held territory in Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate A family from Russia who recently fled the last Isis-held area of Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent

In theory either of her parents could apply for a British passport for him and he could come to the UK, he added.

There are practical difficulties, but once the child is old enough to make their own application for a passport there is nothing to stop them coming here.

Mr Cole said the child could also be entitled to Dutch citizenship, depending on whether the Netherlands recognises the parents marriage.

Ms Begum and her baby remain detained in a camp controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, while her husband is imprisoned elsewhere.

Kurdish officials told The Independent she would not be able to leave without governmental assistance, and Bangladesh has not made any move to give any help.

Chiranjiv Sarker, head of dual nationality issues at Dhakas foreign ministry, said the government was aware of the case but had not been approached by Ms Begums representatives.

He said the ministry would need to try to verify Ms Begums Bangladeshi heritage to assess any possible eligibility for citizenship.

Her familys lawyer told The Independent the UK had made her to all practical purposes stateless and vowed to launch a legal challenge, but Mr Javid insisted he had complied with international law when challenged by MPs.

 Shamima Begum reads Home Office letter revoking her British citizenship

Liberal Democrat former minister Sir Ed Davey highlighted two previous cases where the government was found to have acted unlawfully by removing British citizenship from two men of Bangladeshi heritage.

The shadow home secretary Diane Abbott asked: Why is he going forward with the same strategy now?

She highlighted Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which says everyone has the right to a nationality and that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of their nationality.

Joanna Cherry, a Scottish National Party MP, said Ms Begum was our problem and could provide valuable intelligence and insight into how she was radicalised.

Why is [Mr Javid] washing his hands of this problem? she asked. Is he more interested in playing to the populist gallery than respecting the rule of law?

Home Affairs Committee chair Yvette Cooper questioned how the British government would react to other countries taking the same step to make former dual nationals the UKs responsibility.

(Statista (Statista)

Addressing the House of Commons, Mr Javid said that in each deprivation case he looks at the evidence to determine the threat that individual may pose to the country, but will also make sure that if we go ahead that they will not be left stateless.

I have to be  in every case  absolutely confident that it is not only conducive to the public good but legally proper and correct, and compliant with both international and any relevant domestic law, the home secretary added. To keep this country safe, we must be prepared to make tough decisions.

The government estimates that of around 900 people of national security concern who left the UK to engage with the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, around 40 per cent have returned and 20 per cent have been killed.

Those who came back have all been investigated, and the majority have been assessed to pose no or a low security risk, Mr Javid said.

Those who stayed include some of the most dangerous, including many who supported terrorism  not least those who chose to fight or to raise families in the so-called caliphate, he added.

They turned their back on this country I have been resolute that, where those people pose any threat to this country, I will do everything in my power to prevent their return.Shamima Begum is not a Bangladeshi citizen and cannot enter the country, its government has said, meaning the UK has made her stateless.

This is a matter of the British government  Bangladesh has nothing to do with this, said the countrys home affairs minister Asaduzzaman Khan.

Shahriar Alam, the state minister of foreign affairs, said the Bangladeshi government had only learned of Britains attempt to strip Ms Begum of citizenship through news reports.

The government of Bangladesh is deeply concerned that she has been erroneously identified as a holder of dual citizenship, said a statement.

Bangladesh asserts that Ms Begum is not a Bangladeshi citizen. She is a British citizen by birth and never applied for dual nationality with Bangladesh there is no question of her being allowed to enter into Bangladesh.

Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Show all 14 1 /14 Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Men who fled the last Isis-held area of Syria line up to be questioned by American and Kurdish intelligence officials Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate A young girl pulls her belongings after arriving Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate An SDF fighter hands out bread to women and children after they arrive Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Sita Ghazzar, 70, after fleeing from the last Isis-held territory in Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate A family from Russia who recently fled the last Isis-held area of Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent

Chiranjiv Sarker, head of dual nationality issues at Bangladeshs foreign ministry, said the government had not been contacted by Ms Begums family.

He said that, if approached, the ministry would need to try to verify Ms Begums Bangladeshi heritage through her mother to assess possible eligibility for citizenship.

Bangladeshi intervention came after Sajid Javid, the home secretary, told MPs the UK removed British citizenship only where it will not leave that individual stateless, where they are a dual national or, in some limited circumstances, where they have the right to citizenship elsewhere.

Deprivation is a powerful tool that can be used only to keep the most dangerous individuals out of this country, and we do not use it lightly, he added.

I have to be, in every case, absolutely confident that it is not only conducive to the public good, but legally proper and correct, and compliant with both international and any relevant domestic law.

The number of people stripped of British citizenship for the public good has soared by more than 600 per cent in a year.

Ms Begum is one of more than 150 people subjected to the measure since 2010, with the number rocketing from 14 people in 2016 to 104 in 2017.

She told ITV News she was shocked by the move and suggested she would explore how to gain Dutch nationality through her husband, who is an Isis fighter from the Netherlands.

(Statista (Statista)

Mr Javid suggested that her baby will remain a British citizen, telling MPs: Children should not suffer. So, if a parent does lose their British citizenship, it does not affect the rights of their child.

Ms Begums son, Jarrah, was born on Saturday  three days before relatives were sent a letter telling them the home secretary had made an order removing her British citizenship.

A lawyer told The Independent he is automatically a British citizen by descent and may also be eligible for Dutch nationality.

Ms Begums family lawyer previously said the UK had made her to all practical purposes stateless and vowed to launch a legal challenge.

Tasime Akunjee said the 19-year-old was born in the UK and had never visited Bangladesh or held a passport from the country.

This is a delaying tactic, he added. The government is not going to win this, there is case law saying people in these circumstances are stateless and we will win, but how long will that take?

Lord Anderson, the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that stripping citizenship was a far simpler option for the government than letting Ms Begum return, adding: You dont need the permission of the court, you sign an order and you dont have to deal with them.

The crossbench peer, who is also a practicing barrister, warned: It could be seen as an abdication of responsibility to remove citizenship from someone who was radicalised in our country.

 Shamima Begum reads Home Office letter revoking her British citizenship

In parliament on Wednesday, Liberal Democrat former minister Sir Ed Davey highlighted two previous cases where the government was found to have acted unlawfully by removing British citizenship from two men of Bangladeshi heritage.

The shadow home secretary Diane Abbott highlighted Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which says everyone has the right to a nationality and that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of their nationality.

Joanna Cherry, a Scottish National Party MP, accused Mr Javid of washing his hands and playing to the populist gallery rather than following the rule of law.

Ms Begum and her baby remain detained in a camp controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, while her husband is imprisoned elsewhere in Syria.

Kurdish officials told The Independent she would not be able to leave without governmental assistance.A deadly nerve agent was used to poison dozens of guinea pigs during tests that left them writhing, gasping and shaking at the Porton Down laboratory, an investigation has found.

Nearly 70 animals were given the chemicals that caused blurred vision, drooling, excessive sweating, eye pain, nausea and vomiting at low doses in humans. Higher doses can cause fits, paralysis, breathing failure and death.

Some were given a second chemical, an antidote known as a bioscavenger, to test its effectiveness.

In one test, all the guinea pigs that did not receive the trial cure died within 10 hours, while those that received it took up to two days to die, according to the research by the Animal Aid organisation.

It is the first time details of the 2017 experiments have been revealed.

In pictures: secret germ and chemical warfare trials Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: secret germ and chemical warfare trials In pictures: secret germ and chemical warfare trials Germ and chemical warfare trials Results of a chemical warfare experiment at Porton Down, 1953 Imperial War Museums In pictures: secret germ and chemical warfare trials Germ and chemical warfare trials A ladys powder box used to hold some of the Bacillus globigii bacteria dispersed by government scientists in the London Underground in 1964 National Archives In pictures: secret germ and chemical warfare trials Germ and chemical warfare trials A Porton Down mobile laboratory, code named Golden Arrow, photographed in 1963 Imperial War Museums In pictures: secret germ and chemical warfare trials Germ and chemical warfare trials Field trial personnel in 1956. The masks had to be worn to allow the collection of proxy warfare substances that had been sprayed from aircraft Imperial War Museums In pictures: secret germ and chemical warfare trials Germ and chemical warfare trials HMS Ben Lomond was used in 1948-49 by British government scientists and their North American colleagues to conduct a series of biological weapons trials off the coasts of Antigua and St. Kitts. Some of the tests involved the use of live pathogens such as anthrax and plague. More than 500 scientists and naval staff were involved University of Sussex In pictures: secret germ and chemical warfare trials Germ and chemical warfare trials Equipment for the isolation of patients in a germ free atmosphere, which was developed at Porton Down in collaboration with the Institute of Child Health J. Wilds/Keystone/Getty Images In pictures: secret germ and chemical warfare trials Germ and chemical warfare trials A volunteer testing the latest S6 respirator and protective clothing for military personnel at the government laboratories at Porton Down Jimmy Sime/Getty Images

Nearly 4,000 animals were experimented on that year at the governments weapons-research laboratory.

Of those, 73 were monkeys, 3,400 were mice, 240 rats, 126 guinea pigs and 26 pigs.

Defence chiefs say protecting the UK and Armed Forces cannot be done without animals in research.

Its already known that in 2017 pigs were wrapped in body armour material at Porton Down before being seriously injured or killed by explosives to test body armour for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the first experiment, 32 guinea pigs were tethered to a pump via tubes, before the chemical agent VX was applied to their backs in a dose higher than necessary to kill them, the researchers said.

They were given various injections, then scored for effects including no meaningful voluntary movement, gasping, continuous tremor, production of tears and writhing.

They were killed after the study, when they became too cold or had lost too much weight, the research found.

A second VX experiment was done on 37 guinea pigs.

One analysis said: The conditions of animals treated with atropine alone [a chemical antidote] continued to deteriorate throughout the study until death and they died between two and six hours post-poisoning.

Nearly 70 guinea pigs had the nerve agent put on their backs to test an antidote (Getty)

VX is a highly toxic chemical compound developed for military use.

Animal Aid cited a 2007 academic paper that said guinea pigs may not be a suitable animal model for the evaluation of nerve agent antidotes.

Jessamy Korotoga, of Animal Aid said: There is something especially dark and troubling about warfare experiments. To deliberately expose live animals to compounds, simulated blasts and biological pathogens known and developed to cause extreme suffering and death is morally unconscionable.

A civilised society, in the 21st century, should not be involved in such macabre and terrible practices.

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But over the last 10 years its believed at least 100,000 animals have died at Porton Down in Wiltshire.

Animal-rights group Peta says defence chiefs should use technology such as human organs on chips, high-speed computer models and human-patient simulators that can breathe and bleed instead of live animals.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is responsible for developing and creating indispensable technology and equipment to protect the UK and its armed forces. This could not, currently, be achieved without the use of animals in research.

The ministry says less than 0.5 per cent of the total number of animals used in experimentation in the UK are used at Porton Down.An elderly man drove his mobility scooter along a busy road into oncoming traffic without a care in the world.

The pensioner was caught on camera as he made his way through a red traffic light before slowly making his way under a bridge into the path of a queue of cars.

The person who filmed the footage, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the man just didnt seem to have a care in the world as he drove along the road in Worcester last week.

Wed actually heard that he does this type of thing quite frequently but I was gobsmacked when I saw him doing it, he said. He just ran a red light and started driving the wrong way under the bridge.

I couldnt believe how dangerous he was being, because he got quite close to cars as they were coming towards him. There isnt a drop kerb there, so I think he was just getting to where he wanted to go with no real thought about how to get there safely.

The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage Show all 10 1 /10 The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage 10 - Leeds Leeds Town Hall - 46 per cent of people in the city regularly experienced road rage Creative Commons The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage 9 - Birmingham Birmingham University - 46 per cent of people in the city regularly experienced road rage Creative Commons The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage 8 - Canterbury Canterbury Cathedral - 47 per cent of people in the city regularly experienced road rage Getty Images The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage 7 - Bristol A general view of Bristol - 51 per cent of people in the city regularly experienced road rage Matt Cardy/Getty Images The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage 6 - Wolverhampton St Peter's Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton - 52 per cent of people in the city regularly experienced road rage Creative Commons The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage 5 - Exeter The University of Exeter - 54 per cent of people in the city regularly experienced road rage Rex Features The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage 4 - Hull Hull - 54 per cent of people in the city regularly experienced road rage Getty The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage 3 - Peterborough Peterborough Cathedral - 54 per cent of people in the town regularly experienced road rage Commons/Wikipedia/Dzlinker The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage 2 - Portsmouth The HMS Illustrious sails into her home port of Portsmouth - 60 per cent of people in the city regularly experienced road rage Nathan Dua/PA Wire The UK's top ten worst towns and cities for road rage 1 - Lincoln An exterior view of Lincoln Cathedral - the city is the worst culprit for road rage in the UK, with 61 per cent of people in the city regularly experienced road rage Getty

He added: I just want other mobility scooter users to be aware of the dangers and not to attempt something like this in future.

It was a very dangerous and reckless thing to do but as far as Im aware he was absolutely fine.Todays forecast from the Resolution Foundation makes for gloomy reading. The think tank warns that the proportion of children living in relative poverty is on course to hit 37 per cent  more than one in three youngsters across the country  by the end of the current parliament.

The figures speak for themselves. Going to school hungry, having to go out without a proper winter coat or living in insecure and unsuitable homes are not just damaging for children in their immediate future, but also highly damaging for their long-term development.

How can a child be expected to flourish academically if they are deprived of basic needs such as breakfast in the morning?A man who daubed "No Blacks" on the home of a family from Africa has been remanded in custody "for his own protection" before he is sentenced next month.

Vaughan Dowd painted the front door of the home the 38-year-old, just five days after he moved from a neighbouring block to the same flats where the defendant lived in the city of Salford.

After seeing the graffiti the victim said his 10-year-old son became tearful and he had been left fearful and angry.

Dowd, who lived close to the victims in Irlam Square, covered his face during the attack but was caught by the CCTV installed in the flats and by police checking the record of key-fob entries to the housing association apartment block, Manchester Magistrates' Court heard.

The 54-year-old pleaded guilty to a single count of racially aggravated criminal damage on February 8 and was remanded into custody for sentence on 21 March.

Brexit racism and the fightback Show all 9 1 /9 Brexit racism and the fightback Brexit racism and the fightback Demonstrators protest against an increase in post-ref racism at London's March for Europe in July 2016 PA Brexit racism and the fightback These cards were found near a school in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, the day after the EU referendum Twitter/@howgilb Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback Romford, Essex, June 25 @diamondgeezer Brexit racism and the fightback A worker at this Romanian food shop was asleep upstairs at the time of this arson attack in Norwich on July 8, but escaped unharmed. Hundreds later participated in a love bombing rally outside the shop to express their opposition to racism and their support of the shop owners. JustGiving/Helen Linehan Brexit racism and the fightback This neo-Nazi sticker was spotted in Glasgow on June 26 Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback But after news emerged of neo-Nazi stickers appearing in Glasgow, some in the city struck back with slogans of their own. Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback More signs began to appear in some parts of the UK, created by people who wanted to show their opposition to post-referendum racism Courtesy of Bernadette Russell

District Judge Mark Hadfield told him: "I'm satisfied a remand in custody is necessary for your own protection."

The incident which made headlines after the victim complained on social media about police inaction five days after it appeared.

He had only moved into the flat, along with his son and a friend five days before the vandalism took place on 8 February.

The victim posted a picture of the graffiti on Twitter complaining Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had yet to take action.

My front door in Salford was painted over a week ago with this abhorrent racist graffiti - after reporting it to @gmpolice they still haven't been here to investigate, he wrote. How do I assure my traumatised 10 year old that he is safe in his home?

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He later thanked the community after they rallied round in support.

The Salford Reds rugby league team has offered them special guest tickets to a home game and invited them to meet the team.The leader of a dog fighting gang who tried to breed the "ultimate dog" has been convicted for the third time after eight animals were found with serious injuries during a raid on one of his premises.

Police and RSPCA officers also found items commonly used by people involved in dog fighting at the Sleaford, Lincolnshire property owned by ringleader John Herbert Knibbs during the September 2017 raid.

A "flirt pole", a long pole with a rope attached, and a "break stick" used to separate the animals were among the items found.

Detectives also uncovered messages and photos on Knibbs' mobile phone, which showed dog fights which lasted up to 45 minutes and dogs being trained on a treadmill.

The 55-year-old who lives in Sleaford, was first prosecuted for dog fighting in 2009 and disqualified from keeping animals for life.

RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues Show all 14 1 /14 RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A goat who got her head stuck between the bars of a metal fence in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A fox cub who got his head stuck in the hole of an abandoned car wheel in Leyton, London PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A muntjac deer trapped upside down between two walls in Bedworth, Warwickshire PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues The dog with his head stuck in the TV cabinet PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes with a dog after it got his stuck in a TV cabinet in Birkenhead, Merseyside PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A snake on a diswasher in Sheffield, Yorkshire PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A squirrel stuck in a toilet in a house in Southwark, London PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A cat who got wedged inside a tumble dryer air vent at her home in Kidderminster PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A cat after falling onto metal railings in London PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A badger wedged between branches in Harefield, London PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A fox was found wedged in a front car grille more than 12 hours after being hit in an accident PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A cat stuck in a gap between two electric doors at the Premier Inn in Luton PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A tiny handcrafted ladder made to get a hamster out of a pipe in Bridgwater in Somerset PA RSPCAs most unusual animal rescues A hamster who got wedged in the tiny pipe for almost a week PA

He was convicted of breaching his ban in 2016 but changed his name to John Donaghy in an attempt to evade police.

As they investigated the second breach of ban, police and the RSPCA obtained a warrant in September 2017 to search a premises in Sleaford.

It was here that they found eight dogs including an American bulldog, a bully kutta cross presa canario, and a pitbull terrier.

A dog fighting gang which tried to breed the "ultimate dog" has been convicted after a police and RSPCA raid discovered eight dogs, some with horrible injuries. Messages and photos uncovered on ringleader John Herbert Knibbs mobile phone showed fights lasting up to 45 minutes. (RSPCA)

A dog fighting gang which tried to breed the "ultimate dog" has been convicted after a police and RSPCA raid discovered eight dogs, some with horrible injuries. Pictured is an image uncovered by the investigation. (RSPCA)

The messages found on Knibbs phone also led detectives to two other addresses in Lincolnshire and the Welsh island of Anglesey, where a bull terrier called Panther was found with scars from fighting.

Adam Scott of Amlwch was subsequently convicted of possessing two pitbull terrier type dogs contrary to Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

He was also convicted of aiding and abetting a disqualification order for Knibbs.

A warrant is also out for the arrest of Stephen John Gardner, 58, of Bloxholm, Lincolnshire, who failed to attend court.

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Knibbs was convicted of a number of allegations in his absence, including keeping and training dogs for fighting, ear cropping, and causing unnecessary suffering to two bull terriers called Baddy and Panther by failing to provide veterinary care for their injuries.

Kimberleigh Steele, 29, also of Sleaford was convicted in her absence for aiding and abetting Knibbs who was already in breach of a disqualification ban.

A warrant is now out for their arrest for sentencing.

RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Withnall said: Although we never found the body of Baddy, the pictures and subsequent text messages about the fight revealed that there were severe puncture wounds to his head and the enforced fight between Baddy and a much larger presa canario was gruelling, lasting a total of 45 minutes.

The videos also showed further evidence of this cruel and barbaric practice and the suffering of these dogs would have been horrendous.

She added: This was an organisation involved in keeping and breeding of dogs for fighting, owned and run by Mr Knibbs, a convicted dog fighter who had changed his name to John Donaghy to try and remain undetected. The court heard that this group were set on breeding a very large dog, possibly for fighting which they referred to as the ultimate dog.

Scott was sentenced and ordered to pay 3,000 in costs, 80 victim surcharge, and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work.A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead following a house fire.

The man, believed to be in his late 60s, was found dead inside a property in Genever Close, Chingford, northeast London, at about 1.12pm on Tuesday.

The woman, who police believe to be in her 50s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.

She was taken to hospital to be treated for burns but her injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

She remains in hospital in a stable condition and police say she will be questioned in due course.

Stafford Fire: photos from the scene Show all 5 1 /5 Stafford Fire: photos from the scene Stafford Fire: photos from the scene The house suffered extensive fire damage PA Stafford Fire: photos from the scene Bird's eye view of emergency services on the scene SWNS Stafford Fire: photos from the scene Staffordshire fire fighters cover burned windows with a tarpaulin AFP/Getty Stafford Fire: photos from the scene Emergency services at the scene Anita Maric / SWNS Stafford Fire: photos from the scene Bird's eye view of emergency services on the scene SWNS

The man has not yet been formally identified and inquiries continue to trace his next of kin.

A crime scene remained in place on Wednesday and detectives continued to investigate.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or via Twitter @MetCC, quoting CAD3212/19FEB.

To give information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.It seemed like a no-brainer: lower Germanys embarrassingly high carbon emissions at no cost, and save some lives in the process.

But when a government-appointed commission in January dared to float the idea of a speed limit on the autobahn, the countrys celebrated motorway, it almost caused rioting.

Irate drivers took to the airwaves. Union leaders menacingly put on their yellow vests, hinting at street protests. And the far-right opposition used the opportunity to rage against the stranglehold of the state.

A speed limit was contrary to every common sense, the transport minister, Andreas Scheuer, swiftly declared, contradicting his own experts. And that was that.

As far as quasi-religious national obsessions go for large portions of a countrys population, the German aversion to speed limits on the autobahn is up there with gun control in America, whaling in Japan and sovereignty in Britain.

With few exceptions, like Afghanistan and the Isle of Man, there are motorway speed limits essentially everywhere else in the world.

But this is Germany, the self-declared auto nation, where Karl Benz built the first automobile and where cars are not only the proudest export item but also a symbol of national identity.

Its also the country where, in darker times, Hitler laid the groundwork for a network of multilane roads that in the postwar years came to epitomise economic success  and freedom. Call it Germanys wild west: the autobahn is the one place in a highly regulated society where no rule is the rule  and that place is sacred.

Its a very emotional topic, says Stefan Gerwens, head of transport and mobility at ADAC, an automobile club with 20 million members, which is opposed to any speed limit. So emotional, apparently, that facts and figures count for little.

Germany is woefully behind on meeting its 2020 climate goals, so the government appointed a group of experts to find ways to lower emissions in the transport sector. Cars account for 11 per cent of total emissions, and their share is rising.

An autobahn speed limit of 75mph, could cover a fifth of the gap to reach the 2020 goals for the transport sector, environmental experts say.

Of all the individual measures, it is the one that would be the most impactful  and it costs nothing, says Dorothee Saar, of Deutsche Umwelthilfe, a nonprofit environmental organisation that has lobbied for a speed limit. But when it comes to cars, Saar sighed, the debate tends to become irrational.

There are already speed limits on almost 30 per cent of roughly 8,000 miles of autobahn, imposed to regulate noise near urban centres and reduce safety risks on roads deemed unfit for unlimited speeding. The number of deadly accidents on stretches of autobahn that have a speed limit are 26 per cent lower than on those without. In 2017, 409 people died on the autobahn and in almost half the cases, the reason was inappropriate speeding, according to the German statistics office.

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But that hasnt swayed public opinion. About half of Germans remain opposed to autobahn speed limits, a proportion that has not budged in the last decade, according to Michael Kunert, director of the polling company Infratest Dimap.

An autobahn speed limit would make a significant minority of people take to the barricades, says Kunert. Or at the very least it would stop them from voting for a party that passed one.

Once, during the oil crisis in 1973, a German transport minister took his chances and imposed a speed limit. Road deaths stood at over 20,000 a year at the time (six times todays level), and with oil prices skyrocketing, Lauritz Lauritzen thought Germans might reasonably see the benefits of saving some lives and some money on petrol, too. The speed limit lasted four months, and Lauritzen not much longer.

The experiment gave birth to the freie fahrt fur freie burger campaign  or freedom to drive for free citizens  the car lobbys most powerful slogan to this day, and one used by political parties and car companies alike, a sort of unwritten second amendment.

Its all about freedom, says John C Kornblum, a former US ambassador to Germany, who first arrived in the counrty in the 1960s, and has been living (and driving) there on and off ever since In that sense it really is like gun control, Kornblum added, albeit with far fewer deaths. All the rational arguments are there, but there is barely any point in having a rational debate.

All the rational arguments are there, but there is barely any point in having a rational debate John C Kornblum, former US ambassador to Germany

The first autobahn was built in 1932 between Cologne and Bonn, but after the Nazis took power, they downgraded that stretch of motorway to a mere overland road so Hitler could claim credit for building the autobahn.

In 1937, a 20-year-old John F Kennedy wrote a giddy letter home about his experience of driving on the autobahn with no speed limit. A year later, Bernd Rosemeyer, a German racing driver and SS member, used the autobahn for setting speeding records until he crashed into a bridge at over 250mph and died a national hero.

A speed limit was imposed during the Second World War to save petrol, but swiftly scrapped after.

To many people, the idea of a speed limit feels like an affront to masculinity, like were getting softer, were degenerating, says Erhard Schutz, a retired professor and expert on the autobahns history.

Today, catering to wealthy visitors from around the world who want to enjoy the thrills of German-style speeding is a big business for tour companies.

Youre dreaming of driving full-throttle over the German autobahn in a supercar that will blow your mind with absolutely NO SPEED RESTRICTIONS? one provider asks on its homepage. On offer: an 80-minute drive in a Porsche at 699 (610), complete with a driving instructor and fully comprehensive insurance.

Even a marketing campaign by the German government, long a die-hard supporter of the auto industry, lists a drive on the autobahn as one of seven things you must do while in Germany, right up there with visiting Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria and listening to the Hamburg philharmonic.

Helpfully, the German foreign office also provides a 10-point survival guide to the autobahn. Chief among them: know your limits.

The left lane is for driving fast, extremely fast, the guide explains. Mind the cars bullying slow movers out of the way with indignant honking and incessant headlight flashing.

To avoid accidents, it continues, always keep a safety distance. Whats a safe distance at, say, 200mph? That, the guide explains, can easily be calculated by dividing the speed at which you are going by two and leaving that amount in meters between yourself and the car in front of you. Easy, right?

Kornblum, the former ambassador, remembered taking terrified visiting American diplomats for a drive. The first reaction is to start screaming, were going to die, he says. They just cant handle it. Or as the actor Tom Hanks once put it: No matter how fast you drive in Germany, someone is driving faster than you.

At the US military airbase at Ramstein, Senior Airman Sara Voigt from Ohio recalled driving on the autobahn for the first time two years ago. Her friend kept telling her she was a safety risk to herself and others  because she was going too slow. We had to pull over and I switched to the passenger seat, says Voigt. It was scary.

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Off the autobahn, Germany remains rife with rules. Some local authorities even dictate the color of sun umbrellas.

Germany is terribly regulated, for reasons which have to do with the past, with a fear of uncertainty, a fear of being overwhelmed, says Kornblum. But then people look for their little spaces of freedom and the autobahn is one of them.

And speeding isnt the only freedom the autobahn offers. Driving naked in Germany is legal, too. But if you get out of the car nude, you face a 40 fine.

 The New York TimesNurses and trade union members in a busy Italian emergency department have been accused of releasing an infestation of cockroaches in a bid to be transferred elsewhere or discredit officials.

Local media have been following the suspected sabotage since a video emerged on social media of an infestation in a bathroom of the Vecchio Pellegrini Hospital in Naples last week.

An investigation into the outbreak was opened after experts identified the cockroaches were not typical of pest infestations but were readily available in pet shops as food for exotic reptiles.

Local Green party councillor Francesco Emilio Borrelli reportedly told local radio that the cockroaches were native to Madagascar, and this had raised suspicions with the hospitals director, Maria Corvino.

For this reason an investigation was opened, he told Radio Cusano Campus. Its very serious: nurses and trade unionists appear to have sabotaged the Pellegrini to get a transfer from the hospital.

London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Show all 5 1 /5 London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals PB the tokay gecko 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Nasi the big-headed turtle 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Cornelius the corn snake 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Marion the large hairy armadillo 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Jill the Gila Monster 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA

Napoli Today reported that the initial video shared on social media was taken by a Dr Marina Romano, who reportedly said the incident left her speechless.

Italian news agency Ansa reported the outbreak comes a month after another hospital in the region, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, made headlines after ants were filmed crawling on patients.

It also reported Mr Borrelli saying the issue has been reported to the NAS hygiene police agency who had said the outbreak appeared to be sabotage.

The hospital has been approached for comment.Doctors, nurses and other frontline NHS staff should be allowed to jump long queues to access mental health treatment ahead of the general public, according to proposals backed by the health secretary.

Matt Hancock has pledged immediate access to mental health support for NHS staff and on Wednesday will set out his priorities from a new report. This includes "fast-tracked mental health referrals for NHS employees" if they're identified as a priority by a GP or an occupational health clinician.

Mr Hancock said the mental and physical wellbeing of NHS staff was an utmost priority but the Department of Health and Social Care could not say when or if the proposals would be implemented.

Mental experts said patients are also put at risk if staff are struggling, but warned the proposals alone would not address widespread staff shortages and underfunding which are driving burnout.

The recommendations come from a report by the Health Education England NHS Staff and Learners Mental Wellbeing Commission, set up by former health secretary Jeremy Hunt last year.

Nurse who loved the NHS let down Show all 5 1 /5 Nurse who loved the NHS let down Nurse who loved the NHS let down The O'Connor family - Julie, Kevin and their two children Kevin O'Connor/Facebook Nurse who loved the NHS let down A photograph of Julie posted on Facebook by husband Kevin O'Connor Kevin O'Connor/Facebook Nurse who loved the NHS let down A photograph of Julie posted on Facebook by husband Kevin O'Connor on the day she passed away Kevin O'Connor/Facebook Nurse who loved the NHS let down Julie was a dedicated NHS nurse Kevin O'Connor/Facebook Nurse who loved the NHS let down Kevin OConnor with his wife Julie Kevin O'Connor/Facebook

It comes after the NHS staff survey found fewer than a third of staff thought their organisation was taking steps to look after their mental health.

Theresa May has said mental health is one of her top priorities. However shortages of psychiatrists and mental health nurses mean people with serious mental health needs can wait up to 14 weeks just to be assessed, according to charity Rethink Mental Illness, and many struggle to access support in the community.

The NHS long term plan, released last month, pledges 2.3bn for mental health improvements, in addition to a commitment to making the NHS a better employer to work for. But critics have said key pressure points, like workforce, were left unaddressed.

Many staff, often young staff, see the horrors of extreme trauma; they see the aftermath of major road traffic accidents, suicide, and they see children in distress or dying and they help families cope with the loss of a loved one, the Mental Wellbeing Commission report said.

The emotional labour required to manage this rollercoaster for NHS staff and those learning in the NHS is often taken for granted by the individual and by the NHS itself."

Mr Hancock's priorities which he envisioned would make up a future mental health scheme include a 24-hour mental health support service, assessments or peer support after traumatic event, and a workforce wellbeing guardian in every NHS organisation.

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There is also a call for basic facilities such as lockers, or space for staff to rest and shower when theyre on call.

The Commission said it was concerned by the extent to which the provision of basic support...has been eroded over time and said NHS capital budgets should earmark funding for staff facilities. These budgets, intended for buildings and equipment, have been raided by the government in each of the past four years in order to keep frontline services running.

"Failure to properly prioritise [NHS staff] mental wellbeing can have dire consequences that affect service users and employees, said Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, welcoming the recommendations.

"None of its promisis will become reality unless we invest not only in the mental health of current staff but also recruit a larger workforce," he added.

The proposals will now be considered as part of a wider review of NHS workforce, and if supported would need funding at the next spending review, the Department of Health confirmed.

Im so proud of the service NHS staff give, so the mental and physical wellbeing of the people who work in our health service must be our utmost priority, Mr Hancock is due to say in London later on Wednesday.

Todays important report helps guide how we can do that, from creating the right culture of support to giving everyone somewhere to turn in the toughest times.Sainsburys and Asda have reacted angrily to competition watchdogs findings that a proposed 12bn merger could push up supermarket prices and reduce choice.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it had found very significant concerns about how a tie-up between Asda and Sainsbury's would affect prices at supermarkets, online and in petrol stations.

Analysts said the deal had been dealt a hammer blow by the CMA while Sainsburys boss Mike Coupe accused the regulator of moving the goalposts.

Asda and Sainsburys

Asda and Sainsburys accused the CMA of fundamentally misunderstanding how people shop.

When the CMA first assessed the deal it had concerns over supermarkets in around 400 but this rose to 629 in the new findings despite the inclusion of Aldi and Lidl in its second assessment.

Aldi and Lidl have eaten up market share from the big supermarkets and now directly compete in some locations. The supermarkets had hoped that the rise of the discounters would help persuade the CMA that competition in the sector was strong.

Sainsburys chief executive Mike Coupe said the company was considering all options to keep the deal alive. That could potentially include legal proceedings against the CMA after the competition procedure finishes.

Moving the goalposts

The CMA has faced criticism before over what has been seen as a lenient approach but Sainsburys and Asda have accused the regulator of taking a more stringent approach than to previous mergers. Tescos 2016 tie-up with wholesaler Booker was waved through with no concerns, for example.

Jobs

Tim Roache, GMB general secretary, said the CMAs findings were staggering and called for the merger to be blocked as it puts thousands of jobs in doubt, he said.

GMB Union will absolutely oppose any merger that would see hundreds of stores and scores of depots put at risk.

People are waking up today worried about what this means for them.

Whats often lost in talk of share prices and divestment packages is that this is also peoples lives, livelihoods and communities were talking about. The price shoppers and workers face paying for this merger is simply too high.

Many GMB members have worked at Asda for decades and will continue to support the company as a standalone business, Mr Roache said.

'Completely doomed'

Richard Lim, chief executive of Retail Economics said the findings deliver a hammer blow to Sainsburys and Asdas tie-up ambitions.

Protecting the interests of consumers is paramount and the CMA chose not to mix its words with the second phase finding extensive competition concerns. The scope of any potential recommendations in the final stage may be too much to swallow for the deal to survive.

There's no doubt that the industry is amid a painful readjustment. Competition in the industry is fiercer than ever before and at the heart of this proposed deal is the need to drive further efficiencies through scale.

Least ethical supermarkets Show all 11 1 /11 Least ethical supermarkets Least ethical supermarkets 11) The Co-operative With an 11.0 rating, the Co-op comes out as the most ethical supermarket Rex Least ethical supermarkets 10) M&S At 10, Marks and Spencer is relatively high Rex Least ethical supermarkets 9) Ocado Delivery service Ocado's motto is "quality food that doesn't cost the earth" Least ethical supermarkets 8) Waitrose Waitrose was the 4th most ethical on the list Least ethical supermarkets 7) Aldi Aldi surprisingly beat some of its up-market rivals Least ethical supermarkets 6) Sainsburys Sainsburys received a score of 9 for environmental ethics Rex Least ethical supermarkets 5) Morrisons Morrisons is the 5th least ethical supermarket in Britian AP Least ethical supermarkets 4) Tesco was the 4th least ethical, with an environmental score of 7 Least ethical supermarkets 3) Iceland Iceland was the third least ethical Least ethical supermarkets 2) Lidl Lidl was Britain's second most unethical supermarket for its impact on the environment and its reputation for throwing away unused food. Least ethical supermarkets 1) Asda Asda is the least ethical, Ethical Consumer added: "In most cases your local independent grocery or wholefood shop will be the most ethical place to shop."

Mr Lim said he expects plentiful conversations between retailers, wholesalers and large-scale logistics companies about how to achieve that efficiency.

Jordan Hiscott, chief Trader at ayondo markets said the future of the merger now looks almost completely doomed meaning Sainsburys will have to reassess its next move.

Private equity bids

The CMAs warning could mean that Walmarts plan to sell Asda and exit the UK groceries market is less likely to come to fruition, investment firm Jeffries said in a note.

Despite this, Jefferies said it believes Walmart still wants to sell Asda, and that the business will represent an attractive target for private equity firms.

If we are correct, an alternative offer with no obvious regulatory concerns is likely to emerge quickly, Jeffries said.

A sale to private equity would be positive for the wider UK grocery market, and particularly Morrisons which has stores in many of the same areas as Asda.A barber in Hanoi, Vietnam, is offering customers Donald Trump- and Kim Jong-un- inspired hairdos ahead of the summit set to take place between the president of the United States and the North Korean leader next week.

The haircuts are being offered at Tuan Duong Beauty Academy in the Vietnamese capitol, the Associated Press reports  and they are free.

To achieve the President Trump look, customers undergo hair-bleaching to mimic the yellow-orange blonde seen on the US leader.

Those opting for the Kim Jong-un option have the sides of their hair buzzed short, with the hair on top kept long and shaped into a square-like shape.

According to Le Tuan Duong, the hairdresser giving customers the infamous hairdos, he wanted to come up with a way of showing the two leaders that the people of Hanoi are supportive of the summit intended to improve relations between the two countries.

Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting Show all 25 1 /25 Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in raise their hands after signing on a joint statement Korea Summit Press Pool via AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting Kim Jong-un heads towards Moon Jae-in to shake his hand between the military demarcation line, at the Joint Security Area on the Demilitarized Zone in the border village of Panmunjom in Paju EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hold hands as they cross the military demarcation line EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Koreans react while watching a screen reporting the Inter Korean Summit Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un chat as they arrive at the Peace House Reuters Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un was escorted by bodyguards from the North to the Military Demarcation Line that divides the two Koreas to meet with his South Korean counterpart at the truce village AFP/Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un crosses the military demarcation line to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in shake hands Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in shake hands after Kim crossing the military demarcation line Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Joint Security Area EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un speak with two South Korean children who presented Kim Jong-un with a bouquet of flowers EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting Moon Jae-in Kim Jong-un pose for photographers at the Joint Security Area (JSA) EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signs the guest book as South Korean President Moon Jae-in looks on Getty Images Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-uns entry in the guestbook. The writing reads A new history starts now. An age of peace, from the starting point of history Korea Summit Press Pool/Pool via Reuters Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-In and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talk during their summit meeting at the Peace House EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un smiles AFP/Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un poses with South Korean President Moon Jae-in for a photo inside the Peace House AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un talks with South Koreas President Moon Jae-in AFP/Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in prepare to plant a pine tree near the military demarcation line AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un applaud after planting a tree at the truce village Korea Summit Press Pool/Pool via Reuters Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un and South Koreas President Moon Jae-in take a walk after they planted a tree AFP/Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un talks with South Koreas President Moon Jae-in at a bench on a bridge next to the military demarcation line at the truce village of Panmunjom AFP/Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in sign on a joint statement Korea Broadcasting System via AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in embrace each other after signing on a joint statement Korea Summit Press Pool via AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, left, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in shake hands after their joint announcement AP

Hanoi is a city of peace. When Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un decide to come here to talk about restoring peace, I think I should do something to show that Hanoi people welcome the summit, Duong said.

People in Hanoi are getting hairdos inspired by US and North Korean leaders (AP)

The haircuts are being offered for free (AP)

And the hairstyles have already proven to be a hit with clients, as nine-year-old To Gia Huy, who chose the North Korean dictators style, told the AP: Many people say that I look like Kim Jong-un, especially when I have this hairstyle.

Huy also said he is often referred to by the nickname Un because of his resemblance to Mr Kim.

The second summit will take place in the Vietnamese city of Hanoi (AP)

As for what each hairstyle represents, Duong said that Mr Kims style is more youthful and a lot more popular among customers, but that Mr Trumps hair displays power.

The barbers promotion will continue through the end of the summit, which is scheduled to take place on 27-28 February.

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The second summit between the two leaders comes after the pair first met in June 2018 to discuss peace and denuclearisation.Adolescent female blood donors are more likely to develop an iron deficiency compared to older donors and non-donors, new research has found.

This means they might be at a higher risk of fainting and feeling unwell after donating blood, but the researchers stress this shouldn't dissuade people from becoming donors, rather encourage them to take the necessary precautions, such as iron supplements.

The study was carried out by the John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, and also suggests that such deficiencies could have an adverse effect on brain development in these women.

In the US, an estimated 6.8 million people donate blood each year and a large proportion of them are adolescents, according to the American Red Cross.

For this study, researchers looked at 9,647 female participants between the ages of 16 and 49, all of whom provided blood samples and a history of their blood donations. Out of this group, 2,419 were teenagers.

The authors explain that donating blood, which typically sees the removal of 200-250 milligrams of iron from the donor, could pose a threat to young womens health specifically because adolescents have lower blood volume, but higher iron levels, which means that when they have blood drawn they lose more iron for the same volume of blood than older adults.

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According to the NHS, symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, as it's called, include tiredness, shortness of breath, pale skin and heart palpitations. It can usually be treated by taking iron tablets or by eating iron-rich foods, such as lentils, nuts and green vegetables.

There are some regulations in place in the US to protect blood donors from iron deficiencies, such as minimum weight requirements and compulsory eight-week intervals between donations, but the studys author say more policies are needed to support the health of young women.

In England, however, the minimum age to donate is 17 and there is a 16 week minimum period between donations.

NHS Blood and Transplant, the government agency that manages blood donation in England, also carry out iron level screenings pre-donation to check someone doesnt have a deficiency before donating.

"We're not saying that eligible donors shouldn't donate, said lead author of the study Aaron Tobian, director of transfusion medicine at The John Hopkins Hospital and pathology professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

There are already issues with the lack of blood supply [in the US]. However, new regulations or accreditation standards could help make blood donation even safer for young donors."

The study was published in the journal Transfusion.

Speaking to The Independent, Professor Dave Roberts of NHS Blood and Transplant explained that the findings of this study cannot be directly applied to donors in England.

The study is based on US donors who can give blood every eight weeks. In England the minimum period between donations is 12 weeks for men and 16 weeks for women. This is because women have lower iron levels and take longer to rebuild them.

We know that younger donors are more at risk of iron deficiency than other groups, and unlike the US, we do not permit 16-year-olds to give blood. Donors in England must be of a minimum weight and female donors under 20 are subject to blood volume checks.

We recently carried out research involving 50,000 male and female English donors into whether the frequency of giving blood has any impact on health. This showed that donors giving blood at the standard intervals had the same overall quality of life, physical activity and mental function of those donating at shorter intervals.

We are continuing to study iron levels in donors but there is no evidence showing that donors in England, with the criteria and measures we already have in place, have reduced quality of life, physical activity or mental function compared to non-donors.

You can register to become a blood donor through NHS Blood and Transplant here.Samsung has managed to keep details of its Galaxy Fold phone relatively secret  at least compared to its forthcoming Galaxy S10 flagship.

But with just hours to go until its expected unveiling, a slew of leaked images appear to have revealed key details of the ground-breaking device.

Both devices are set to be officially unveiled at Samsung's Unpacked event on 20 February, alongside a new Galaxy Watch smartwatch and wireless Galaxy Buds headphones.

Samsung previously teased the foldable phone  originally thought to be called the Galaxy X  in November, during an event that largely took place in the dark.

The device was described by Samsung Senior Vice President Justin Denison as "the foundation of the smartphone of tomorrow".

Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Show all 12 1 /12 Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Samsung Unpacked A range of Galaxy smartphones are expected to be released on 20 February, 10 years on from the release of the first Galaxy S-series phone Samsung Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Samsung Galaxy S10 A new flagship phone is expected to be the main event, with the Galaxy S10 expected to come in three different variants TS Concept/ YouTube Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Galaxy S10e The entry-level Galaxy S10 is rumoured to be called the S10e, featuring a single front-facing camera and a double lens rear camera SlashLeaks Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Galaxy S10 The standard Samsung Galaxy S10 will add an extra camera lens to the rear, as well as improved specs and storage capacity WinFuture Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Galaxy S10+ The most premium Galaxy S10 is expected to be called the S10+. It will be both bigger and better than the other versions but also more expensive. A prototype of the premium device was papped on a bus in South Korea Reddit/ hissick27 Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours In-screen biometrics Leaks suggest that both the S10 and S10+ will feature an in-screen fingerprint scanner, allowing Samsung to maximize screen space while keeping the security feature conveniently at the front of the phone Getty Images/iStockphoto Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Bitcoin wallet All three Samsung Galaxy S10 devices could also come with in-built cryptocurrency wallets, cashing in on a trend being pushed by other smartphone makers like HTC Getty Images/iStockphoto Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Reverse wireless charging Another stand-out feature could be the inclusion of reverse wireless charging, meaning Galaxy S10 owners can share their battery power with other devices Getty Images Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Galaxy Buds This next-generation charging could prove useful for the companion earphones, expected to be called Galaxy Buds WinFuture Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Galaxy Watch Alongside the Galaxy S10 smartphones, Samsung is likely to launch a brand new smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch is expected to ditch the dial of previous Gear smartwatches in favour of two circular side buttons 91Mobiles Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Galaxy X Samsung has already teased a foldable phone at an event in November, and some expect the company's Unpacked event on 20 February to provide the perfect launching pad for the innovative device Samsung Samsung Galaxy smartphone rumours Foldables Little is known about the foldable phone  expected to be called the Galaxy X  though rendered images based on leaks suggest it could include a camera that pops out from behind the screen LetsGoDigital

It will feature an Infinity Flex Display, which was shown in a since-deleted video published to the Samsung Vietnam YouTube channel.

The screen is expected to fold inwards, with another smaller screen on the front of the device.

One intriguing detail revealed by the latest image is the inclusion of an asymmetric notch on the main screen that holds a camera and other front-facing technologies.

Images of the Samsung Galaxy Fold appeared online just hours ahead of its expected launch (MobiFlip)

The exact price for the Galaxy Fold is not yet known, though the Korea Times has previously reported that the phone is anticipated to cost around 2 million won (1,380).

The same publication reported the inclusion of 5G technology within the device, though this would only be available in regions that support the next-generation mobile communications network.

Samsung has managed to keep details of its Galaxy Fold foldable phone largely under wraps, unlike its Galaxy S10 smartphone (MobiFlip)

Samsung is not the only phone maker to have developed a folding smartphone, with Huawei and Xiaomi among the major manufacturers to hint at similar devices.

Chinese startup Royole has already unveiled its own version of the technology with its FlexPai smartphone.

It is unclear how much consumer demand there is for folding smartphones, though Royole CEO Bill Liu claimed during the launch of the FlexPai that it will "forever change" the smartphone industry.Astronomers have revealed a vast map of the sky that shows hundreds of thousands of previously unknown galaxies  and accounts for just a tiny percentage of what is waiting to be discovered.

An international team of more than 200 astronomers has published the first piece of a huge new radio survey of the entire sky. It looks deep into the universe with more sensitivity than ever before, using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope.

It found hundreds of thousands of previously undetected galaxies. That huge array of stars could in turn shed light on some of the biggest mysteries of the universe, including black holes and how galaxy clusters evolve.

Radio astronomy allows scientists to look at processes in the universe that normally we would not be able to see. As part of the new study the researchers looked at a quarter of the northern hemisphere with such technologies, and have published about 10 per cent of that data.

The new research maps three hundred thousand sources, almost all of which are galaxies in the distant universe. The radio signals picked up in the new maps have travelled over billions of lightyears before arriving on Earth and being catalogued in the new research.

Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Show all 30 1 /30 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An image from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shows a 200,000 mile long solar filament ripping through the Sun's corona in September 2013 Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa Celebrates 50 Years of Spacewalking For 50 years, NASA has been "suiting up" for spacewalking. In this 1984 photograph of the first untethered spacewalk, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless is in the midst of the first "field" tryout of a nitrogen-propelled backpack device called the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Hubble Cosmic Couple The spectacular cosmic pairing of the star Hen 2-427  more commonly known as WR 124  and the nebula M1-67 which surrounds it ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Veil Nebula Supernova Remnant Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled in stunning detail a small section of the Veil Nebula - expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago Nasa's most stunning pictures of space The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launch The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, carrying three new astronauts to the International Space Station. It also took caviar, ready for the satellite's inhabitants to celebrate the holidays Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth from the ISS From the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry W. Virts took this photograph of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Gulf Coast at sunset Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Black Hole Friday Nasa celebrated Black Friday by looking into space instead  sharing pictures of black holes Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space NuSTAR X-rays stream off the sun in this image showing observations from by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, overlaid on a picture taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Cassiopeia A c A false colour image of Cassiopeia A comprised with data from the Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-Ray observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Orion Capsule splashes down The Orion capsule jetted off into space before heading back a few hours later  having proved that it can be used, one day, to carry humans to Mars Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth Observations From Gemini IV in 1965 This photograph of the Florida Straits and Grand Bahama Bank was taken during the Gemini IV mission during orbit no. 19 in 1965. The Gemini IV crew conducted scientific experiments, including photography of Earth's weather and terrain, for the remainder of their four-day mission following Ed White's historic spacewalk on June 3 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Frosty slopes of Mars This image of an area on the surface of Mars, approximately 1.5 by 3 kilometers in size, shows frosted gullies on a south-facing slope within a crater. The image was taken by Nasa's HiRISE camera, which is mounted on its Mars Reconaissance Orbiter Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Yellowstone from space NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman shared this image of Yellowstone via his twitter account Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Saturn This near-infrared color image shows a specular reflection, or sunglint, off of a hydrocarbon lake named Kivu Lacus on Saturn's moon Titan Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Worlds Apart Although Mimas and Pandora, shown here, both orbit Saturn, they are very different moons. Pandora, "small" by moon standards (50 miles or 81 kilometers across) is elongated and irregular in shape. Mimas (246 miles or 396 kilometers across), a "medium-sized" moon, formed into a sphere due to self-gravity imposed by its higher mass Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An X1.6 class solar flare flashes in the middle of the sun in this image taken 10 September, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy An image of the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy seen in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory. Regions of space such as this are where new stars are born from a mixture of elements and cosmic dust Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Mars Rover Spirit Nasa's Mars Rover Spirit took the first picture from Spirit since problems with communications began a week earlier. The image shows the robotic arm extended to the rock called Adirondack Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Morning Aurora From the Space Station Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured this photograph of the green lights of the aurora from the International Space Station Nasa/Scott Kelly Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Launch of History - Making STS-41G Mission in 1984 The Space Shuttle Challenger launches from Florida at dawn. On this mission, Kathryn Sullivan became the first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk and Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space. The crew of seven was the largest to fly on a spacecraft at that time, and STS-41G was the first flight to include two female astronauts Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Fresh Perspective on an Extraordinary Cluster of Galaxies Galaxy clusters are often described by superlatives. After all, they are huge conglomerations of galaxies, hot gas, and dark matter and represent the largest structures in the Universe held together by gravity Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Sees a Galactic Sunflower The arrangement of the spiral arms in the galaxy Messier 63, seen here in an image from the Nasa Hubble Space Telescope, recall the pattern at the center of a sunflower ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Pluto image Four images from New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) were combined with colour data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced colour global view of Pluto Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Fresh Crater Near Sirenum Fossae Region of Mars The HiRISE camera aboard Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired this closeup image of a "fresh" (on a geological scale, though quite old on a human scale) impact crater in the Sirenum Fossae region of Mars. This impact crater appears relatively recent as it has a sharp rim and well-preserved ejecta Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Peers into the Most Crowded Place in the Milky Way This Nasa Hubble Space Telescope image presents the Arches Cluster, the densest known star cluster in the Milky Way NASA & ESA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space An Astronaut's View from Space Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted this photo from the International Space Station on 2 September 2014 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Giant Landform on Mars On Mars, we can observe four classes of sandy landforms formed by the wind, or aeolian bedforms: ripples, transverse aeolian ridges, dunes, and what are called draa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Expedition 39 Landing A sokol suit helmet can be seen against the window of the Soyuz TMA-11M capsule shortly after the spacecraft landed with Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Jupiter's Great Red Spot Viewed by Voyager I Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and perhaps the most majestic. Vibrant bands of clouds carried by winds that can exceed 400 mph continuously circle the planet's atmosphere Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Chandra Observatory Sees a Heart in the Darkness This Chandra X-Ray Observatory image of the young star cluster NGC 346 highlights a heart-shaped cloud of 8 million-degree Celsius gas in the central region

Taken together, the new map could help researchers uncover the mysteries behind some of the strangest parts of the universe. It could help them track down the location and beginnings of black holes, for instance, and uncover the dramatic ways they eat.

"If we take a radio telescope and we look up at the sky, we see mainly emission from the immediate environment of massive black holes," said Huub Rottgering, from Leiden University, in a statement. "With LOFAR we hope to answer the fascinating question: where do those black holes come from?

"What we do know is that black holes are pretty messy eaters. When gas falls onto them they emit jets of material that can be seen at radio wavelengths."

Recommended Nasa launching new mission to find the origins of the universe

It could allow them to track down the mysterious radio emissions that can link clusters of galaxies  which often reach millions of light years across the universe. These strange emissions are thought to come from particles that get accelerated as the galaxies merge.

Clusters of galaxies are ensembles of hundreds to thousands of galaxies and it has been known for decades that when two clusters of galaxies merge, they can produce radio emission spanning millions of light years. This emission is thought to come from particles that are accelerated during the merger process.

"With radio observations we can detect radiation from the tenuous medium that exists between galaxies," said Amanda Wilber, from University of Hamburg, in a statement. "This radiation is generated by energetic shocks and turbulence. LOFAR allows us to detect many more of these sources and understand what is powering them."The price of bitcoin has broken above $4,000 for the first time since early January, as cryptocurrency markets continue their recent surge.

The latest gains come amid rumours that Samsung is planning a cryptocurrency wallet in its forthcoming Galaxy S10 range of smartphones, set to be unveiled on 20 February.

In January, a leaked photo of the iPhone rival suggested the handset will come with an in-built cryptocurrency wallet that support both bitcoin and ethereum.

Several other smartphone makers have included in-built cryptocurrency wallets in their phones, such as the HTC Exodus and the Sirin Finney.

If the South Korean electronics giant features a wallet, it could signal a major shift towards such technology being standard on smartphones, helping cryptocurrencies achieve mainstream adoption.

Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Satoshi Nakamoto creates the first bitcoin block in 2009 On 3 January, 2009, the genesis block of bitcoin appeared. It came less than a year after the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto detailed the cryptocurrency in a paper titled 'Bitcoin: A peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System' Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin is used as a currency for the first time On 22 May, 2010, the first ever real-world bitcoin transaction took place. Lazlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins  the equivalent of $90 million at today's prices Lazlo Hanyecz Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Silk Road opens for business Bitcoin soon gained notoriety for its use on the dark web. The Silk Road marketplace, established in 2011, was the first of hundreds of sites to offer illegal drugs and services in exchange for bitcoin Screenshot Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The first bitcoin ATM appears On 29 October, 2013, the first ever bitcoin ATM was installed in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada. The machine allowed people to exchange bitcoins for cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The fall of MtGox The world's biggest bitcoin exchange, MtGox, filed for bankruptcy in February 2014 after losing almost 750,000 of its customers bitcoins. At the time, this was around 7 per cent of all bitcoins and the market inevitably crashed Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Would the real Satoshi Nakamoto please stand up In 2015, Australian police raided the home of Craig Wright after the entrepreneur claimed he was Satoshi Nakamoto. He later rescinded the claim Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's big split On 1 August, 2017, an unresolvable dispute within the bitcoin community saw the network split. The fork of bitcoin's underlying blockchain technology spawned a new cryptocurrency: Bitcoin cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's price sky rockets Towards the end of 2017, the price of bitcoin surged to almost $20,000. This represented a 1,300 per cent increase from its price at the start of the year Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures What goes up... Bitcoin price crashes spectacularly, losing half of its value in a matter of days Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin plunges The cryptocurrency eventually bottoms out below $4,000 in 2019 before slowly rebuilding momentum to outperform more traditional assets Getty Images

Market experts say the latest gains are the result of increased positivity surrounding cryptocurrencies in recent days.

These gains are clearly creating a wave of optimistic sentiment throughout the crypto community, with market volume up by $8 billion in the last 24 hours," Mati Greenspan, senior market analyst at the online trading platform eToro, told The Independent.

"Market volume is now above $36 billion and we havent seen these levels since April 2018. But, until Bitcoin breaks above the much-needed psychological level of $5,000, the bear market is still very much in play.

Samsung is expected to confirm the cryptocurrency wallet feature at its Unpacked event this week.Melania Trump was among those paying tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld after it was announced that the designer died at the age of 85.

To pay her respects to the controversial yet immensely talented designer  who served as creative director of Chanel and Fendi before his death on Tuesday  Ms Trump shared a sketch of a design Lagerfeld created for the outfit she wore for her first official appearance as First Lady.

Ms Trump shared the photo alongside another of her wearing the outfit and one of herself and Lagerfeld on social media, where she wrote: Today the world lost a creative genius. We will miss you Karl!

The First Lady wore the outfit designed by Lagerfeld, a white peplum suit jacket and matching skirt, when she and President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at the White House in February 2017, according to People magazine.

The designer also dressed the First Lady in Chanel for the state dinner in April 2018 honouring French President and his wife Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron.

Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs Show all 13 1 /13 Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs 70s chic at Chloe Before he worked at Chanel, Lagerfeld designed for bohemian-inspired label Chloe. Here, he's pictured alongside a model ahead of showcasing his spring ready-to-wear collection in 1974 for the French fashion house. While there, Lagerfeld became renowned for cementing the label's romantic roots via bold prints and flowing dresses. Rex Features Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs His first collection for Chanel Lagerfeld presented his first collection for Chanel in January 1983, which was widely praised by the press at the time for reinvigorating the brand by bringing hemlines up and adding some pizzazz to the label's accessory line. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The power suit Thanks to Chanel, the suit has become one of the most adored silhouettes during the 21st Century, with a focus on bolero jackets, tweeds, and chiffons. Following years experimenting with denim, faux rips, hot pants, and concrete beads on the suits, for his spring/summer 2016 haute couture collection the designer hinted at the brands focus on sustainability, adorning one suit from the collect with finely cut pieces of wood. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The interlocking logo It's one of the most recognisable logos in the world, but the famous interlocking "C" logo might not be on Chanel's products today had it not been for Lagerfeld. The designer modernised the label when he took over as artistic director in 1983, proceeding to put the now-iconic logo on a whole host of Chanel garments and accessories. Some believe the double "c" stands for Coco Chanel, in reference to the brand's founder. But others claim it was inspired by a visit by Chanel herself to Chateau de Cremat in Nice, where she's believed to have attended several parties hosted by her friend, socialite Irene Brez. Here, the logo is seen on one of Chanel's most sought-after products: the chain-strap handbag. Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The pink ruffle gown It was the gown that sparked a thousand "oohs" and "aahs". Lagerfeld ended his spring/summer 2017 show with a thrilling ruffled pink gown as modeled by Lily Rose Depp, whose casting in the show was made all the more significant given that her mother, Vanessa Paradis, was also a model for the brand. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The Fendi 'baguette' It is probably Fendi's most famous item. The slim, baguette bag was designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, who is the only family member still working at the Italian label. But under Lagerfeld's reign, it has become a cult fashion item, having been reworked season to season with new designs continuously emerging. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs CC-logo-ed guitar At Chanel's spring/summer 2009 ready-to-wear collection, the designer sent one model down the runway carrying a CC-logo-ed guitar and matching case. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The Dying Swan dress Lagerfeld might be better-known for his fashion designs, but he also dabbled in costume and produced this tutu for the English National Ballet in 2009 as part of a special production by the dance company Ballets Russes, for whom Coco Chanel was a benefactor. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The 'lampshade' dress Keira Knightley struck a distinctive silhouette in this Chanel dress, which she wore to Paris Fashion Week in 2014 to attend the brand's autumn/winter show. The corseted layer dress was from the brand's couture spring 2014 collection. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The multi-layered pearl necklace One of Lagerfeld's most contemporary contributions to Chanel was accessories. The multi-layered pearl necklace continues to be a prominent feature of his collections, and have been firm favourites among celebrities, too. In 2006, it even made an appearance in the cult fashion film "The Devil Wears Prada", in which it was worn by lead actor Anne Hathaway to illustrate her character's newfound fashionable taste. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The Karl Lagerfeld x H&M collaboration In 2004, Lagerfeld was the first designer to collaborate with the Swedish retailer, who has been partnering with major fashion brands ever since. The collection prompted huge excitement among Lagerfeld's fans as they reveled in the fact that they could now purchase his designs as a lower price point. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The pregnant bride For the Chanel autumn 2014 couture show finale, Largerfeld walked hand-in-hand with a seven-month pregnant model down the catwalk. The model was dressed in a crepe de Chine dress with a gold, brocade cape and a line of buttons along the bodice. The models hair was teased into a quiff. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs Cara Delevigne's space-age outfit for the Met Gala The model has been a Chanel muse for several years and chose to support the brand at the 2017 Met Gala by wearing a dramatic sci-fi-inspired suit. The suit featured a plunging neckline and bold shoulders, contrasting with the star's smooth metallic-painted silver bald head. The model-turned-actor accessorised the look with a dusting of silver body glitter and a wide silver belt at the waist.

Lagerfelds designs for the First Lady are notable because they were created at a time when many other designers such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen and Christian Siriano refused to dress the First family.

But despite the boycott from the fashion world, Lagerfeld, who was born in Germany and lived in Paris, said his willingness to work with Ms Trump was because fashion transcends politics.

Fashion people are fashion, they are not politics, the designer told the Wall Street Journal in 2017.

He was joined by equally controversial design duo Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce of Dolce & Gabbana.

At the time, Jacobs told Womens Wear Daily of his decision not to dress the First Lady: I have no interest whatsoever in dressing Melania Trump. Personally, Id rather put my energy into helping out those who will be hurt by Trump and his supporters.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Posen also referenced President Trumps policies, telling The Daily Beast that he was staying away from bringing my brand into politics because of the presidents treatment of issues such as LGBT rights, immigration, funding for the arts, Planned Parenthood, and womens rights.To many fashion fans, the immortalised image of the late Karl Lagerfeld, will always consist of his white ponytail, high collared shirts and signature black sunglasses.

But, there was one element of Lagerfelds well-regarded wardrobe that he was almost never seen without; a pair of leather fingerless gloves.

From black and red, to those that came studded and punctuated with zips, gloves became the designers signature accessory.

So much so, that he even sold reimagined versions under his eponymous fashion line.

Youd be forgiven for assuming, then, that Lagerfelds decision to wear gloves was aligned solely to fashion.

Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs Show all 13 1 /13 Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs 70s chic at Chloe Before he worked at Chanel, Lagerfeld designed for bohemian-inspired label Chloe. Here, he's pictured alongside a model ahead of showcasing his spring ready-to-wear collection in 1974 for the French fashion house. While there, Lagerfeld became renowned for cementing the label's romantic roots via bold prints and flowing dresses. Rex Features Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs His first collection for Chanel Lagerfeld presented his first collection for Chanel in January 1983, which was widely praised by the press at the time for reinvigorating the brand by bringing hemlines up and adding some pizzazz to the label's accessory line. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The power suit Thanks to Chanel, the suit has become one of the most adored silhouettes during the 21st Century, with a focus on bolero jackets, tweeds, and chiffons. Following years experimenting with denim, faux rips, hot pants, and concrete beads on the suits, for his spring/summer 2016 haute couture collection the designer hinted at the brands focus on sustainability, adorning one suit from the collect with finely cut pieces of wood. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The interlocking logo It's one of the most recognisable logos in the world, but the famous interlocking "C" logo might not be on Chanel's products today had it not been for Lagerfeld. The designer modernised the label when he took over as artistic director in 1983, proceeding to put the now-iconic logo on a whole host of Chanel garments and accessories. Some believe the double "c" stands for Coco Chanel, in reference to the brand's founder. But others claim it was inspired by a visit by Chanel herself to Chateau de Cremat in Nice, where she's believed to have attended several parties hosted by her friend, socialite Irene Brez. Here, the logo is seen on one of Chanel's most sought-after products: the chain-strap handbag. Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The pink ruffle gown It was the gown that sparked a thousand "oohs" and "aahs". Lagerfeld ended his spring/summer 2017 show with a thrilling ruffled pink gown as modeled by Lily Rose Depp, whose casting in the show was made all the more significant given that her mother, Vanessa Paradis, was also a model for the brand. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The Fendi 'baguette' It is probably Fendi's most famous item. The slim, baguette bag was designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, who is the only family member still working at the Italian label. But under Lagerfeld's reign, it has become a cult fashion item, having been reworked season to season with new designs continuously emerging. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs CC-logo-ed guitar At Chanel's spring/summer 2009 ready-to-wear collection, the designer sent one model down the runway carrying a CC-logo-ed guitar and matching case. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The Dying Swan dress Lagerfeld might be better-known for his fashion designs, but he also dabbled in costume and produced this tutu for the English National Ballet in 2009 as part of a special production by the dance company Ballets Russes, for whom Coco Chanel was a benefactor. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The 'lampshade' dress Keira Knightley struck a distinctive silhouette in this Chanel dress, which she wore to Paris Fashion Week in 2014 to attend the brand's autumn/winter show. The corseted layer dress was from the brand's couture spring 2014 collection. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The multi-layered pearl necklace One of Lagerfeld's most contemporary contributions to Chanel was accessories. The multi-layered pearl necklace continues to be a prominent feature of his collections, and have been firm favourites among celebrities, too. In 2006, it even made an appearance in the cult fashion film "The Devil Wears Prada", in which it was worn by lead actor Anne Hathaway to illustrate her character's newfound fashionable taste. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The Karl Lagerfeld x H&M collaboration In 2004, Lagerfeld was the first designer to collaborate with the Swedish retailer, who has been partnering with major fashion brands ever since. The collection prompted huge excitement among Lagerfeld's fans as they reveled in the fact that they could now purchase his designs as a lower price point. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The pregnant bride For the Chanel autumn 2014 couture show finale, Largerfeld walked hand-in-hand with a seven-month pregnant model down the catwalk. The model was dressed in a crepe de Chine dress with a gold, brocade cape and a line of buttons along the bodice. The models hair was teased into a quiff. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs Cara Delevigne's space-age outfit for the Met Gala The model has been a Chanel muse for several years and chose to support the brand at the 2017 Met Gala by wearing a dramatic sci-fi-inspired suit. The suit featured a plunging neckline and bold shoulders, contrasting with the star's smooth metallic-painted silver bald head. The model-turned-actor accessorised the look with a dusting of silver body glitter and a wide silver belt at the waist.

But it seems there was actually much more to them that.

In an interview with Lagerfeld in the inaugural issue of M Magazine in 2012, the designer spoke candidly about his personal style, discussing everything from his aversion to flip-flops to his view on socks.

He also gave insight into his love of gloves, revealing a number of reasons for wearing them so fervently.

In the old protocol, it is impolite to say hello to somebody who is wearing gloves, Lagerfeld said.

It also makes the arm longer. And you know what it means in French to have a long arm?

It means you are influential.

The late designer also explained that he preferred fingerless versions because he could still sketch while wearing them.

However, Lagerfeld's fascination with gloves may be aligned to his lifelong dislike for his hands from a young age.

When I was 14, I wanted to smoke because I wanted to look grown-up, he once said.

But my mother said: 'You shouldn't smoke. Your hands are not that beautiful and that shows when you smoke.

The German designer also admitted he avoided wearing hats because of something else his mother had said.

I love hats, in a way, but when I was a child, I'd wear Tyrolean hats, and my mother  I was something like eight  said to me, 'You shouldn't wear hats. You look like an old dyke.'

Do you say such things to children? She was quite funny, no?

On Tuesday 19 February, Chanel confirmed that Lagerfeld had passed away at the age of 85 in Paris.

The company has since announced Virginie Viard  Lagerfelds right hand woman  as his successor.Karl Lagerfelds cat Choupette is reportedly set to inherit some of the formidable fashion designers 150m fortune following his death.

Chanel, where he had been creative director for more than three decades, confirmed that Lagerfeld passed away in Paris aged 85 on Tuesday.

While the fashion world mourned the loss of a great talent, it wasnt long before attention shifted to Lagerfelds famous pet, who is almost as much of an icon in the fashion industry.

An Instagram account dedicated to documenting the intricacies of Choupettes life boasts 120,000 followers and the famous feline also has a popular blog, both of which are run by digital marketing expert Ashley Tschudin.

According to French newspaper Le Figaro, Choupette might be entitled to Lagerfelds multi-million pound fortune under German law if she had been nominated as his heir.

Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Show all 17 1 /17 Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Gigi Hadid Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Melania Trump Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Victoria Beckham Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Donatella Versace Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Stella McCartney Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld David Beckham Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Edward Enninful Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Diane Kruger Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Bella Hadid Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Alexa Chung Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Hari Nef Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Rob Delaney Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Charlie Puth Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Lindsay Lohan Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Lewis Hamilton Celebrities pay tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld Kris Jenner

She has her own little fortune, shes an heiress, Lagerfeld famously said of his beloved pet in an interview in 2015.

He repeated the statement in an interview with Numero in 2018 when he was asked to address the rumour that hed named Choupette as an heir to his vast fortune.

Among others, yes, he replied before adding, dont worry, there is enough for everyone, implying that others close to him may also receive an inheritance.

Such was Lagerfelds love for his cat, that he told CNN in 2013 that he would marry the blue-eyed rag doll if it were legal.

There is no marriage, yet, for human beings and animals, he lamented. I never thought that I would fall in love like this with a cat.

He also once told Vanity Fair that he and Choupette communicated with the expression of our eyes.

Its not yet clear who will take care of Choupette now, but its rumoured that the late designers male model muse Brad Kroenig and his son Hudson, to whom Lagerfeld is godfather, may receive the call-up.

According to Debbie Ugbo, an experienced member of the Wills and Probate team at law firm Slater and Gordon, its not uncommon for people to make provisions for pets in their wills. But there are certain rules and regulations in place in the UK with regards to how this works.

Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs Show all 13 1 /13 Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs 70s chic at Chloe Before he worked at Chanel, Lagerfeld designed for bohemian-inspired label Chloe. Here, he's pictured alongside a model ahead of showcasing his spring ready-to-wear collection in 1974 for the French fashion house. While there, Lagerfeld became renowned for cementing the label's romantic roots via bold prints and flowing dresses. Rex Features Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs His first collection for Chanel Lagerfeld presented his first collection for Chanel in January 1983, which was widely praised by the press at the time for reinvigorating the brand by bringing hemlines up and adding some pizzazz to the label's accessory line. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The power suit Thanks to Chanel, the suit has become one of the most adored silhouettes during the 21st Century, with a focus on bolero jackets, tweeds, and chiffons. Following years experimenting with denim, faux rips, hot pants, and concrete beads on the suits, for his spring/summer 2016 haute couture collection the designer hinted at the brands focus on sustainability, adorning one suit from the collect with finely cut pieces of wood. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The interlocking logo It's one of the most recognisable logos in the world, but the famous interlocking "C" logo might not be on Chanel's products today had it not been for Lagerfeld. The designer modernised the label when he took over as artistic director in 1983, proceeding to put the now-iconic logo on a whole host of Chanel garments and accessories. Some believe the double "c" stands for Coco Chanel, in reference to the brand's founder. But others claim it was inspired by a visit by Chanel herself to Chateau de Cremat in Nice, where she's believed to have attended several parties hosted by her friend, socialite Irene Brez. Here, the logo is seen on one of Chanel's most sought-after products: the chain-strap handbag. Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The pink ruffle gown It was the gown that sparked a thousand "oohs" and "aahs". Lagerfeld ended his spring/summer 2017 show with a thrilling ruffled pink gown as modeled by Lily Rose Depp, whose casting in the show was made all the more significant given that her mother, Vanessa Paradis, was also a model for the brand. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The Fendi 'baguette' It is probably Fendi's most famous item. The slim, baguette bag was designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, who is the only family member still working at the Italian label. But under Lagerfeld's reign, it has become a cult fashion item, having been reworked season to season with new designs continuously emerging. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs CC-logo-ed guitar At Chanel's spring/summer 2009 ready-to-wear collection, the designer sent one model down the runway carrying a CC-logo-ed guitar and matching case. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The Dying Swan dress Lagerfeld might be better-known for his fashion designs, but he also dabbled in costume and produced this tutu for the English National Ballet in 2009 as part of a special production by the dance company Ballets Russes, for whom Coco Chanel was a benefactor. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The 'lampshade' dress Keira Knightley struck a distinctive silhouette in this Chanel dress, which she wore to Paris Fashion Week in 2014 to attend the brand's autumn/winter show. The corseted layer dress was from the brand's couture spring 2014 collection. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The multi-layered pearl necklace One of Lagerfeld's most contemporary contributions to Chanel was accessories. The multi-layered pearl necklace continues to be a prominent feature of his collections, and have been firm favourites among celebrities, too. In 2006, it even made an appearance in the cult fashion film "The Devil Wears Prada", in which it was worn by lead actor Anne Hathaway to illustrate her character's newfound fashionable taste. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The Karl Lagerfeld x H&M collaboration In 2004, Lagerfeld was the first designer to collaborate with the Swedish retailer, who has been partnering with major fashion brands ever since. The collection prompted huge excitement among Lagerfeld's fans as they reveled in the fact that they could now purchase his designs as a lower price point. Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs The pregnant bride For the Chanel autumn 2014 couture show finale, Largerfeld walked hand-in-hand with a seven-month pregnant model down the catwalk. The model was dressed in a crepe de Chine dress with a gold, brocade cape and a line of buttons along the bodice. The models hair was teased into a quiff. AFP/Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld's most iconic designs Cara Delevigne's space-age outfit for the Met Gala The model has been a Chanel muse for several years and chose to support the brand at the 2017 Met Gala by wearing a dramatic sci-fi-inspired suit. The suit featured a plunging neckline and bold shoulders, contrasting with the star's smooth metallic-painted silver bald head. The model-turned-actor accessorised the look with a dusting of silver body glitter and a wide silver belt at the waist.

A cash gift left directly to a pet upon death will fail as animals cannot own cash or legally receive an inheritance, she tells The Independent. The Executors/Trustees of an estate can however hold money assigned to pets on trust with the direction that the money is used to pay for the pets care, maintenance and other expenses.

Ugbo added that her firm regularly helps clients leave sums of money to their pets to ensure theyre properly cared for after their death.

This can be achieved by leaving a cash gift to a friend, relative or trusted person, on the understanding that the money will be used to look after an animal, she clarifies.

For anyone thinking of doing that, we always recommend they speak to the person first and get their consent that they are happy to take on that responsibility.Burberry has apologised for featuring a jumper with a noose around the neck as part of its Autumn/Winter 2019 collection at London Fashion Week.

The British brand also said it would be removing the jumper after Liz Kennedy, a model who walked in the show, expressed her concerns with the item.

Kennedy pointed out the issues with the item on Instagram, where she posted a photo of the hoodie and wrote a lengthy caption explaining why suicide is not fashion.

Riccardo Tisci and everyone at Burberry it is beyond me how you could let a look resembling a noose hanging from a neck out on the runway, Kennedy wrote. How could anyone overlook this and think it would be okay to do this especially in a line dedicated to young girls and youth.

In addition to suicidal imagery, the model said the noose, which was featured on the runway during Sundays show, also highlights the horrifying history of lynching.

London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 Show all 19 1 /19 London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images London Fashion Week: Burberry autumn/winter 2019 AFP/Getty Images

According to Kennedy, who said she left her fitting extremely triggered after seeing this look, she attempted to raise her concerns at the show  but was told its fashion and to write a letter.

After sharing the post, Burberry and chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci removed images of the hoodie from Instagram.

In a statement to The Independent, Burberry CEO Marco Gobbetti said: We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by one of the products that featured in our A/W 2019 runway collection Tempest.

I called Ms Kennedy to apologise as soon as I became aware of this on Monday and we immediately removed the product and all images that featured it.

Though the design was inspired by the marine theme that ran throughout the collection, it was insensitive and we made a mistake. The experience Ms Kennedy describes does not reflect who we are and our values. We will reflect on this, learn from it and put in place all necessary actions to ensure it does not happen again.

Tisci also expressed his regret over the incident, acknowledging that the item was insensitive.

It was never my intention to upset anyone, Tisci said. It does not reflect my values nor Burberrys and we have removed it from the collection.

I will make sure that this does not happen again.

According to Mental Health Foundation associate director of research Dr Antonis Kousoulis, the incident highlights the need for brands to consider the impact of certain images.

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There are thousands of people who have been impacted by suicide. At the very least, brands should be thoughtful that images can be triggering, Dr Kousoulis told Huffington Post.

The brand is the latest to find itself embroiled in controversy over harmful imagery after Gucci was accused of selling a jumper that resembled blackface, which has since been removed.

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.Men are less likely than women to believe weather has changed as a result of climate change, a study has found.

According to a study conducted by YouGov, 75 per cent of women are likely to believe that the climate has changed since they were younger, in comparison to 64 per cent of men.

Despite the increase of research into climate change in recent years, the belief that the weather has been affected by changes in global or regional climate patterns isnt universal.

The lesser number of men who believe the weather has altered since their youth could be down to "climate change scepticism", explains YouGov lead data journalist Matthew Smith.

"Previous research has shown that men tend to be more sceptical about the existence of man-made climate change than women," he writes.

10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke  filled with the carbon that is driving climate change  drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan

In 2011, a study conducted by Cardiff University found that sceptism with regards to climate change is "strongly determined" by several factors, including gender.

"The tendency for men to be risk-sceptical appears to be linked to their higher propensity to hold anti-egalitarian and individualistic worldviews," the study stated.

The YouGov study also discovered that 70 per cent of Brits are of the opinion that British weather has changed since their youth.

This percentage is consistent across all age groups, except among 18 to 24-year-olds, with only 54 per cent of them sharing the same sentiment.

Smith explains that this statistic shouldn't be surprising, considering their shorter lifespan to date.

On Friday 15 February, thousands of schoolchildren across the UK took part in a coordinated school strike to protest the lack of action being taken to combat climate change.

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In December 2018, the Met Office stated that climate change made 2018's summer heatwave 30 times more likely than it would have been under natural conditions.

Temperatures peaked at 35.6C on 27 July in Felsham, Suffolk.

In October 2018, the UN published a report stating that the world has just 12 years left to avoid the worst possible effects of global warming, which could include record-breaking droughts and rising sea levels.A species of giant tortoise thought to be extinct for over a hundred years has been found on the Galapagos island of Fernandina, according to Ecuadors government.

An adult female individual of the appropriately named Chelonoidis phantasticus was found by an expedition led by the Galapagos Parks authority and the Galapagos Conservancy group, the environment minister Marcelo Mata said.

In a post on Twitter he added a photograph of the large tortoise, which has a relatively smooth shell and a pale pink snout.

There has only ever been one previous confirmed sighting of the species, which is also known as the Fernandina Island tortoise, a single individual was collected from the island as a specimen in 1906 during a huge expedition by the California Academy of Sciences.

During the 18-month trip 78,000 specimens were taken from the archipelago and brought the academy in San Francisco where they have formed the basis for vast amounts of research.

Insects at risk of extinction Show all 12 1 /12 Insects at risk of extinction Insects at risk of extinction Wasps Wasps are of the order Hymenoptera, one of the most at risk Getty Insects at risk of extinction Dragonflies Dragonflies are of the order Odonata, one of the most at risk Getty Insects at risk of extinction Bees Bees are of the order Hymenoptera, one of the most at risk Getty Insects at risk of extinction Butterflies Butterflies are of the order Lepidoptera, one of the most at risk Getty Insects at risk of extinction Ants Ants are of the order Hymenoptera, one of the most at risk Getty Insects at risk of extinction Dung Beetles Getty Insects at risk of extinction Caddisflies Caddisflies make up the order Trichoptera, one of the most at risk Getty Insects at risk of extinction Stoneflies Stoneflies are of the order plecoptera, one of the most at risk Getty Insects at risk of extinction Saw-Flies Saw-Flies are of the order Hymenoptera, one of the most at risk Getty Insects at risk of extinction Moths Moths are of the order Lepidoptera, one of the most at risk Getty Insects at risk of extinction Damselfly Damselflies are of the order Odonata, one of the most at risk Getty Insects at risk of extinction Mayflies Mayflies are of the order Ephemeroptera, one of the most at risk Getty

But the Fernandina tortoise, which was already very rare, was subsequently thought to be extinct due to volcanic eruptions over the centuries.

Fernandina is the youngest island in the Galapagos archipelago and remains the most volcanically active.

Despite the indications the tortoise was extinct there have been anecdotal observations indicating that there may indeed still be a very few left on the island, according to the Galapagos Conservancy website.

A 2015 assessment by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published in 2017 listed the species as critically endangered (possibly extinct).

Fernandina habitat is largely dry xeric brushland at lower elevations, but much of that habitat has been destroyed by extensive recent lava flows, the IUCN said.

The single distinctive holotype of the species, a large male and the only Fernandina tortoise ever collected, was found alive in 1906 by Rollo Beck of the California Academy of Sciences. No other Fernandina tortoises have been documented since, but in 1964 helicopter-assisted surveys of remote areas on Fernandina documented several large tortoise scats and a few Opuntia cactus pads with tortoise bite marks at a location 6 km from the shore at an altitude of 360m.

In 2009 an airplane survey of the inaccessible higher-altitude mesic forest habit surrounding the central volcano cone yielded a possible unconfirmed sighting of a tortoise.

In 2013, during vegetation monitoring, a scat and some footprints were found, the IUCN said, adding: These sightings and signs, though needing verification through more extensive surveys, indicate the possibility that the species may remain extant in exceedingly small numbers.

At least 14 species of giant tortoise once lived on nine of the Galapagos islands, all differing in size and shell shape. Today, only ten species living on six islands remain.When Tom Middendorp  then the highest ranking military official in the Dutch armed forces  declared climate change a threat to the worlds security in 2016, he was mocked in the press and among colleagues.

The first reaction was very fierce, the retired general said on Wednesday at a conference on climate change in The Hague. They started calling me the green general.

He took it as a compliment. Less than three years later, the security threats posed by climate change are no longer fringe notions.

This week, Mr Middendorp launched a global network of senior military leaders to drive policy on the security implications of climate change.

The International Military Council on Climate and Security, chaired by Mr Middendorp, includes former US Deputy Undersecretary of Defence Sherri Goodman, former US Navy Captain Steve Brock, former Royal Netherlands Army officer Michel Rademaker, and several researchers affiliated with US and European think tanks.

Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here Show all 29 1 /29 Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 AFP/Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 EPA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Manchester on February 15 Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Manchester on February 15 Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Brighton on February 15 Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 AFP/Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 AFP/Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 PA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 PA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 PA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 PA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 PA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 AP Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 AP Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 AP Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 AP Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 AP

We are concerned because our territories regularly get hit, Numa Durbec, a French defence official who has overseen naval operations in the south Pacific, said at a panel in the Netherlands. We are threatened by climate change, and we have to be ready for all the factors: health risks, the vulnerability of our infrastructure. Were still at the beginning of it.

Senior military officials said they were preparing for ever more dire security crises as climate change, rising sea levels, and worsening storms impacted their forces, bases and missions.

We see climate change as a security threat, and its an important threat, said James Clayden, a Dutch defence ministry official.

Just a short while ago, discussing the effects of global weather effects of carbon emissions was mostly the domain of tree-hugging environmentalists or aid and development professionals. Thats changed. At the Planetary Security Conference in The Hague this week, men and women in crisp military uniforms mingled with haggard environmental activists in gnatty sweaters and aid workers from Africa and Latin America.

The White House last year issued a report warning that fossil fuel emissions would impact the safety of Americans. US intelligence agencies have warned that climate change threatens the stability of nations.

Policymakers hope drawing the armed forces into the debate on countering the potentially devastating effects of climate change will strengthen arguments for decreasing carbon emissions. Armed forces tanks, fighter jets, and warships are also a major contributor to carbon emissions, which scientists consider the primary driver of climate change. Military leaders have begun to scale back their use of fossil fuels.

Climate-related water, energy and food insecurity are on the rise in Europes neighbourhood, and this needs to be included in risk analysis, foresight, preparations for missions and during military operations, said Louise van Schaik, head of Clingendael, a Dutch think tank. She is also a member of the International Military Council on Climate and Security. She added: European climate targets also demand that the military step up its contribution to reducing the carbon footprint.

Some also hope recruiting respected security officials to their cause will bolster the legitimacy of environmental activists and advocates fighting against climate-change sceptics. They are also trying to convince commerce and government to change consumption and industrial habits.

There are moments when people in uniform  particularly people who are not climate-change professors  have the power to cut into public awareness, said Richard Clarke, of the UKs Department for International Development, speaking on a panel at The Hague.

Some are worried that bringing security forces into the management of climate change might carry ominous implications, promoting military solutions to a crisis that is rooted in global consumption and industrial habits.

Militaries globally can be aware of the human security impacts of climate change, but [we need to be] really focusing on how the militaries can support other agencies in terms of helping alleviate potential human security risks, said Jane Neilson, an official of New Zealands Ministry of Defence.

Military officials admit there has been little analysis of the environmental impact of bombing campaigns, such as the recent bombardment of Syrian and Iraqi targets during the war against Isis, though there are some studies on developing environmentally friendly munitions. Militaries rarely consider the environmental consequences of their operations before engaging in a conflict.

 Russia: Fresh footage of airstrikes on isis oil field

Theres no climate assessment at this point, said Mr Clayden, the Dutch defence official. Theres a crisis and you need to react. So we focus on the security part and air support and troops on the ground. Theres no mitigation thinking behind it.

Others noted that the armed forces were already on the frontlines of climate change, sometimes contributing to the problems because of their lack of awareness.

Our defence establishment is the biggest fuel user in the world, has the biggest budget of any organisations in the world, said Mr Brock, who previously served in the White House. To embark on tackling this global challenge and not potentially doing our part, well never get there.

UN military bases in Mali, for example, draw well water from parched aquifers also used by townspeople, while also hiking demand for fuel and driving up prices.

Mr Middendorp, speaking to an audience at The Hague conference, said that the impact of climatic or environmental change was already being felt on the ground by soldiers. He recalled a hard-won battle to take over territory controlled by the Taliban during a stint in Afghanistan. The US-led coalition forces won, only to watch the territory taken back by the Taliban soon thereafter.

It took us a year to figure out what the problem was  a fight between groups over water, he said. We brought water engineers and solved the problem. And the Taliban left.An Australian rodent is believed to be the first mammal to have been made extinct by man-made climate change.

The Bramble Cay melomys, which has only ever been recorded living on a small island off north Queensland, resembles a small brown rat and has not been sighted since 2009.

The low-lying island in the Torres Strait, south of Papua New Guinea has been repeatedly flooded by the sea since the turn of the millennium, and this is believed to have destroyed the melomys habitat.

It has now been officially recognised by Australia as having been eradicated.

The recognition follows the same conclusion reached by the state of Queensland in 2016 in a report detailing failed efforts to find the rodent.

Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here Show all 29 1 /29 Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 AFP/Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 EPA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Manchester on February 15 Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Manchester on February 15 Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Brighton on February 15 Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 AFP/Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 AFP/Getty Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 PA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 PA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 PA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 PA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The protest in Parliament Square, London on February 15 PA Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 AP Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 AP Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 AP Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 AP Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 Reuters Climate strike: See the best signs from the protest here The march in Brussels, February 14 AP

In 2014, researchers reported that a survey effort involving 900 small mammal trap-nights, 60 camera trap-nights and two hours of active daytime searches produced no records of the species.

The state government report said: The key factor responsible for the extirpation of this population was almost certainly ocean inundation of the low-lying cay, very likely on multiple occasions, during the last decade, causing dramatic habitat loss and perhaps also direct mortality of individuals.

The report blamed man-made climate change for the increased flooding of the island.

The authors said: Available information about sea-level rise and the increased frequency and intensity of weather events producing extreme high water levels and damaging storm surges in the Torres Strait region over this period point to human-induced climate change being the root cause of the loss of the Bramble Cay melomys.

RIP Bramble: Authorities in Queensland determined the Bramble Cay melomys was extinct in 2016, and the Australian government has now officially recognised its eradication (Ian Bell, EHP)

The paper added: Significantly, this probably represents the first recorded mammalian extinction due to anthropogenic climate change.

One glimmer of hope remains for the species. Scientists have hypothesised the Fly River delta of Papua New Guinea could be a possible source of the original melomys population, and it is thought pockets of the species, or a closely related species may survive there, however the regions small mammalian species have not been closely studied.

Australia has one of the worlds very highest rates of animal extinction according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and is home to large numbers of some of the worlds most endangered species.

The IUCN lists 40 Australian species as extinct, 106 critically endangered, 196 endangered and 590 as vulnerable.

Despite worsening heatwaves, destructive wildfires and mass coral bleaching of the Barrier Reef, Australian politicians have struggled to implement policies to address climate change.

Last year the country pulled out of global climate change agreements agreed in Paris, and an attempt to introduce an emissions reduction programme ultimately contributed to former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull losing the leadership.

The current government has asserted its focus is on cheap power generation ahead of action to address climate change.

The countrys Climate and Health Alliance said last year the Australian government was still projecting an increase in carbon emissions to 2030.Cardi B has reacted to Jussie Smolletts claims that he was the victim of a racist, homophobic attack - after Chicago news media outlets reported that detectives are reviewing whether the attack was a hoax.

The rapper shared her take in an Instagram Live video, alleging that if the claims are corroborated, then Smollett f***** up Black History Month and gave Donald Trump immunity.

Police said on Saturday that the investigation had shifted after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them without charges. Smollett said in an interview on Good Morning America that he is pissed off at people who question his narrative, and his lawyers say the actor feels victimised by reports that he played a role in the assault.

Im really disappointed in Jussie Smollett, whatever the f*** his name is, Cardi B said.

Im really disappointed in him. I feel like he f***** up Black History Month.

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. 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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 rapper made it clear that she doesnt know for certain where to stand on the issue, that she doesnt want to completely blame [Smollett], and that she wants to know the truth.

She added that if the reports that Smollett was somehow involved in the attack are true, then bro, you f***** up.

You gave f****** Donald Trump immunity to f****** laugh and make motherf****** look bad, she said.

Last month, Smollett told police he had been attacked by two men who yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him, poured a chemical substance on him and wrapped a rope around his neck.

He said they also yelled he was in MAGA Country, an apparent reference to President Donald Trumps campaign slogan.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

A spokeswoman for Smolletts laywers told AP that Smollets attorneys will keep an active dialogue with Chicago police on his behalf.

Additional reporting by agencies.Bonnie and Clyde's rampage across America ended on 23 May, 1934, when they were ambushed and killed on a rural road in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.

A new Netflix film tells the story of the men caught them. Directed by John Lee Hancock (Saving Mr Banks, The Blind Side), The Highwaymen will follow the two detectives, Frank Harner and Maney Gault, who tracked the infamous duo down.

The full plot synopsis reads: "The outlaws made headlines. The lawmen made history... The Highwaymen follows the untold true story of the legendary detectives who brought down Bonnie and Clyde."

When the full force of the FBI and the latest forensic technology arent enough to capture the nations most notorious criminals, two former Texas Rangers must rely on their gut instincts and old school skills to get the job done."

Filmed on location in Texas and Louisiana, the film sees Kevin Costner star as Harner and Woody Harrelson star as Gault. Kathy Bates and Kim Dickens also feature.

The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever Show all 10 1 /10 The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever How Green Was My Valley Beat: Citizen Kane to Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography, 1941 : Citizen Kane to Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography, 1941 It takes a bit of searching these days to find someone who has a) seen John Fords Welsh melodrama How Green Was My Valley and b) did not do so out of a morbid curiosity to understand what it had that made it better than Citizen Kane. Still, there are loyal fans in Wales where it is set, willing to overlook the somewhat shaky accents in recognition of its portrayal of the hard lives of coal miners and its generally affecting love stories. But this film didnt have anything close to the seismic effect of Orson Welless masterpiece on generations of filmmakers that followed, and in retrospect is a bizarrely safe, sentimental choice. Getty Images The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever Oliver! Beat: 2001: A Space Odyssey to Best Director and Best Art Direction in 1968 : 2001: A Space Odyssey to Best Director and Best Art Direction in 1968 Credit where its due: Carol Reeds take on the musical version of Oliver Twist is a largely peppy affair that isnt afraid to dip into darkness where necessary to give Fagin and Bill Sikes their edge. But Stanley Kubricks film was  as must have been obvious even at the time  a towering achievement, depicting several million years of evolution. The good news is that Kubrick won an Academy Award for his special effects work on the film, his only competitive Oscar, but he was robbed of Best Director and his film of Best Art Direction. Getty Images The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever March of the Penguins Beat: Enron: The Smartest Guys In the Room to Best Documentary in 2005 : Enron: The Smartest Guys In the Room to Best Documentary in 2005 If more people watched Enron and fewer people watched fairy tales about penguins, the world would be a better place. Luc Jacquets Antarctic nature documentary features some stunning photography amid hostile conditions, but it is handicapped by a trashy, unscientific voice-over that keeps emphasising the family love that drives these birds  despite the fact that they only mate for a season and never see their young again, once theyre weaned. Alex Gibneys look at the shocking crash of a Wall Street darling, on the other hand, manages to make dry financial matters feel vital and immediate, and avoids making cutesy claims that the Enron board just couldnt help being motivated by a near-mystical devotion to money. Rex Features The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever Crash Beat: Brokeback Mountain in 2005 : Brokeback Mountain in 2005 Even Crash director Paul Haggis doesnt think his film should have beaten Ang Lees delicate, tragic cowboy romance. And yet the Academy went for the fragmentary ensemble piece rather than the heartbreaker. Maybe they werent ready for a film about a gay couple; maybe the voters thought it was more important in some way to reward a film about race issues in LA (something close to their everyday experience that may have felt more immediate, perhaps). But whenever people gather together to moan about bad Oscar choices, this will be mentioned within the first five minutes. Rex Features The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever Driving Miss Daisy Beat: Born On the Fourth of July, Field of Dreams, Dead Poets Society and the not-even-nominated Do the Right Thing to Best Picture in 1989 : Born On the Fourth of July, Field of Dreams, Dead Poets Society and the not-even-nominated Do the Right Thing to Best Picture in 1989 If you turned on TV one Sunday afternoon and found Driving Miss Daisy, you might think it was a cute, minor picture with some odd, awkward things to say about racism. If someone told you it's a Best Picture winner, you would rightly scoff. And yet it is, beating four films that have all aged considerably better than the winner. Worst of all was the failure of the Academy to even nominate Spike Lees blistering Do the Right Thing, which had to make do with a Best Original Screenplay nod and a nomination for Danny Aiello in the Supporting Actor category. Lee would not be nominated for Best Director or Picture until last years BlacKkKlansman. Rex The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever The Greatest Show on Earth Beat: High Noon, The Quiet Man and the not-even-nominated Singin In the Rain to Best Picture in 1952 : High Noon, The Quiet Man and the not-even-nominated Singin In the Rain to Best Picture in 1952 Another embarrassing choice: the Academy rewarded Cecil B De Milles circus extravaganza over Fred Zinnemanns classic Western, High Noon, and John Fords Irish favourite The Quiet Man. Worse, they didnt even nominate Singin in the Rain for the top prizes, presumably because it wore its excellence too lightly. The award for Greatest Show tends to be explained away as a sort of career prize for De Mille, but the irony is that he would go on to make The Ten Commandments just a few years later in 1956, which would in turn have made a much better Best Picture winner than Around the World in 80 Days, which beat it that year. But then the winner that year should have been The Searchers, so perhaps that doesnt solve much. Getty Images The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever Roberto Begnini for Life Is Beautiful Beat: Edward Norton for American History X, Tom Hanks for Saving Private Ryan to Best Actor in 1998 : Edward Norton for American History X, Tom Hanks for Saving Private Ryan to Best Actor in 1998 As a film, Life Is Beautiful gets a lot of abuse, but it might have escaped unnoticed if its comic leading man had not won Best Actor at the Oscars and clambered over several rows of the most expensive audience in the world to collect his prize. Its not a terrible performance, but its not even the best Second World War-set performance that year  see Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan, and tip your hat to The Thin Red Line along the way. The winner, however, should probably have been Edward Norton on terrifying, terrific form in American History X. Rex Features The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever Peter Pau for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Beat: Roger Deakins for O Brother, Where Are Thou? to Best Cinematography in 2000 : Roger Deakins for O Brother, Where Are Thou? to Best Cinematography in 2000 This is not to say that Peter Pau didnt do beautiful things with Ang Lees wuxia epic. But Roger Deakins did pioneering work on the Coens O Brother, transferring the whole film to a digital intermediate to process and change the colours of the movie to give it a sepia tone. His process became a new Hollywood standard and led to two decades of highly stylised, carefully coloured digital films. In retrospect, his was the greater innovation  and an award in 2000 would have saved the Academy nearly two embarrassing decades of not having given Roger Deakins a cinematography Oscar. Rex Features The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever Helen Hunt for As Good As It Gets Beat: Judi Dench for Mrs Brown and Kate Winslet for Titanic to Best Actress in 1997 : Judi Dench for Mrs Brown and Kate Winslet for Titanic to Best Actress in 1997 Helen Hunt is charming opposite Jack Nicholson in this comedy drama, but even at the time viewers would have struggled to remember her characters name (it was Carol, for the record). If the win was for supporting actress, the role might have passed muster, but as a lead it has far too little substance to stand against the likes of Judi Denchs Queen Victoria or even Kate Winslets blockbuster action heroine Rose. Through no fault of Hunts own, its symbolic of the rubbish female roles that abounded  even at the Oscars  at this time. Rex Features The Greatest Oscar Injustices Ever Amy Adams Hasnt beaten: Anyone yet, despite six nominations : Anyone yet, despite six nominations It only took five nominations for Leonardo DiCaprio to go from bright young thing to its his time. Well, Amy Adams has had six nominations across Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, and she should have been nominated for Arrival as well in 2016, so we need to start an its her time narrative. She was nominated for Vice last year, but lost out, as predicted, to Regina King, whose performance in If Beale Street Could Talk was heartbreaking. It wasn't quite Adams's time yet. Getty Images for Turner

You can check out the poster for the film below.

(Netflix (Netflix)

The Highwaymen will have a limited theatrical release from 15 March and will launch globally on Netflix from 29 March.Rebel Wilson has apologised for previously claiming that she is the first plus-sized woman to play the lead in a romantic comedy.

Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show last to promote Isn't it Romantic?, Wilson said: "I'm proud to be the first-ever plus-sized girl to be the star of a romantic comedy."

Critics were quick to point out that Queen Latifah (Just Wright, Last Holiday) and MoNique (Phat Girlz) had both appeared in multiple romcoms.

I obviously misspoke in that situation, she told Variety. I was so sincerely sorry for doing so because my intention was never to offend anyone. It was purely to lift my fellow plus-size women up, so I was sad when I had a different reaction from some people.

"But at the end of the day, I think this movie is so positive, it has such a sweet message, and the representation in it is really positive.

47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Show all 47 1 /47 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination American Psycho (2000) Starring future Oscar-winner Christian Bale, Mary Harrons adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel  in which the Vice star plays the psychopathic Patrick Bateman - didnt receive a single nomination. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Before Sunrise (1995) While the final two chapters of Richard Linklaters Before trilogy earned screenplay nominations, the film that introduced the world to future married couple Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) was criminally overlooked. Columbia Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Big Heat (1953) Fritz Lang had a number of films overlooked by the Academy; this noir, starring Glenn Ford, Lee Marvin and and Gloria Grahame, was one of them. Columbia Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Big Lebowski (1998) The Academys generosity to the Coen brothers peaked when No Country for Old Men beat There Will Be Blood in one of the ceremonys closest Best Picture races of all time. It remains surprising that one of their few films to evade any nominations is this endlessly quotable mistaken identity comedy starring Jeff Bridges as The Dude. PolyGram Filmed Entertainment 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Blow Out (1981) Brian De Palma doesnt exactly make films in the hope of winning award, but his political thriller - based on Michelangelo Antonionis Blow Up  would have deserved any Oscar it was nominated for. Filmways Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Breathless (1960) Breathless' failure to receive a nomination is proof that the Oscars cant be trusted. Despite being one of the most studied films in the world, Jean Luc-Godards French masterpiece has an Academy Award tally of zero. Films Around The World 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Bringing Up Baby (1938) The Academy rewarded many notable screwball comedies, though this Howard Hawks-directed standout starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn - whod go on to hold the record for most wins - wasn't one of them. Courtesy of BFI 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Don't Look Now (1973) Nicolas Roeg, who directed this Venice-set chiller, is one of the most unfairly overlooked directors in Oscars history. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Donnie Darko (2004) Richard Kellys science-fiction mind-bender, which made a star of Jake Gyllenhaal, was a festival favourite upon its debut in 2004. Many expected a screenplay nomination to manifest. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) It wouldnt be until the 1990s that western films found favour with the Academy. It was ironically thanks to Unforgiven, a film directed by Clint Eastwood whose career flourished after starring in this Sergio Leone film that many consider to be the genres peak. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination La haine (1995) Mathieu Kassovitzs black-and-white drama  translated in English as Hate  follows three young friends and their struggles living in the suburbs of Paris. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Halloween (1978) The Academy may not be frothing at the mouth to nominate horror films, but do have previous (see: The Exorcist and The Silence of the Lamb), which makes the absence of John Carpenters influential Halloween a glaring oversight. Aquarius Releasing 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Harold and Maude (1971) This offbeat romantic drama was a critical and commercial flop at the time of release, which probably accounts for its lack of Oscar nominations. Today, though, its cult following ensures it remains in good favour with film fans. Paramount Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Heat (1995) On paper, the big screen union of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in Michael Manns cop drama was a shoo-in for awards, but no Oscar nominations manifested. Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination His Girl Friday (1940) Yet another Howard Hawks screwball comedy starring Cary Grant that criminally failed to secure a single Oscar nomination. L/Columbia/Koba/Rex/Shutterstock 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Insomnia (2002) While falling short of Christopher Nolans best, modest drama Insomnia  made years before Batman Begins  had enough strong performances (Al Pacino, Robin Wiliams, Hilary Swank) to warrant acting nominations. Alas, it received none. Warner Bros Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Local Hero (1983) Bill Forsyths beloved comedy-drama follows the mishaps of an American man sent to buy up a Scottish village where the oil company he works for wants to build a refinery. Forsyth won the Bafta for Best Director, but the film received no such love from the Academy. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination M (1931) Youd be mistaken for thinking the M stands for masterpiece in Fritz Langs German drama that follows the manhunt for a serial killer - not that the Academy agreed. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination A Man Escaped (1956) Robert Bressons adaptation of Andre Devignys memoirs charts the French Resistance members time as prisoner of the Germans during World War II, and is even more enthralling considering Bresson himself was held captive years before. Gaumont Film Company 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Margaret (2011) Kenneth Lonergan would go on to win an Oscar for Manchester but he Sea, but Margaret - his three-hour plus drama featuring a searing performance from Anna Paquin - failed to secure a single nomination. Fox Searchlight Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination In the Mood for Love (2000) Wong Kar-wai set the benchmark for romance in film with his acclaimed Hong Kong drama following a man and woman (Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung) who develop feelings for one another after suspecting their respective spouses of having an affair together. defd Deutscher Fernsehdienst 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The King of Comedy (1982) It may have taken him decades to win an Oscar, but the Academy has rarely balked at nominating Martin Scorsese films  especially for films starring Robert De Niro. The King of Comedy was an exception. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Long Goodbye (1973) Robert Altmans superior thriller stars Elliott Gould as Raymond Chandlers private investigator Philip Marlowe in one of the directors most entertaining films. The director would go on to be the recipient of the Honorary Award in 2006. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Man With Two Brains (1983) He may have hosted several times, but Steve Martin has never been nominated for an Oscar. One film he deserved recognition for was Carl Reiner's 1983 sci-fi comedy, The Man with Two Brains. Warner Bros. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination A Matter of Life and Death (1946) The Academy Film Archive may have preserved A Matter of Life and Death in 1999, but voters failed to recognise the Powell & Pressburgers fantasy-romance at the time of its release in 1946. Eagle-Lion Films 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Mean Streets (1973) It may not be credited as his debut, but Mean Streets is very much the first true Martin Scorsese film. The director would go on to win a belated Oscar for The Departed in 2007, but hed have to wait until 1975 for his first nomination (Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore). Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Melancholia (2011) No Lars von Trier film has ever been nominated for Best Picture, though Dancer in the Dark came close (it settled for a Best Original Song nomination). He came close with Melancholia, but ultimately, the drama didn't get Canal+ 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Miller's Crossing (1990) Despite being revered as a Coen brothers favourite, not to mention its notable performances from Gabriel Byrne and Albert Finney, Millers Crossing is one of few Coen brother films not to receive a single Oscar nomination. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Once Upon a Time in America (1984) Though it's by no means a masterpiece, its staggering to think that Sergio Leones gangster epic - starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci - didnt acquire any Oscar nominations (the film's music was disqualified from consideration after Warner Bros accidentally omitted the composer's name from the opening credits when trimming the films lengthy running time for its American release). Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Paterson (2016) Critics assumed Jim Jarmuschs Paterson would have been a shoo-in for awards recognition - most notably in the Best Actor category, thanks to a quietly fantastic performance from Adam Driver - but no such luck. Amazon Studios 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Paths of Glory (1957) Stanley Kubrick never won Best Director despite being nominated four times. One of his films that didnt make the Oscars cut in any category was his black-and-white anti-war film, Paths of Glory. United Artists 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Play Misty for Me (1971) Clint Eastwood would go onto become something of an Oscar darling thanks to Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby and Mystic River, but his directorial debut was ignored by the Academy. Univeral Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Reservoir Dogs (1992) Reservoir Dogs may not touch Quentin Tarantinos best, but it remains a surprise that the filmmakers debut didnt get recognised in the screenplay category, at least. Miramax Films 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Rider (2018) Of all the 2018 films to be snubbed at this years Oscars, Chloe Zhaos drama - which stars a real-life rodeo cowboy and his family - smacks as the most unfair. Sony Pictures Classics 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Searchers (1956) The role of Civil War veteran Ethan Edwards might be considered John Waynes best role, but the Academy didnt agree: he would win his sole Oscar for True Grit in 1970. Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Shining (1980) Another Kubrick film that was completely ignored by the Academy is the directors Stephen King adaptation, The Shining. Today, its considered one of his finest works as well as being one of the most revered horror films of all time. Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Shop Around the Corner (1953) It may have endured as one of the best loved romcoms of all time, but it has zero Oscar nominations to its name. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Still Walking (2008) Japanese director Hirokazo Kore-eda's portrait of a family over roughly 24 hours as they commemorate the death of the eldest son was a glaring oversight by the Academy. IFC Films 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Swingers Before he became Disney's go to, Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Jungle Book and the forthcoming live-action Lion King) wrote this independent film about the lives of single, unemployed actors living in Hollywood, California during the 1990s swing revival. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination This Is England (2006 The 2007 ceremony would have been far better had Shane Meadows' coming-of-drama been in contention for awards. Optimum Releasing 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Three Kings (1999) The Academy deemed Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle worthy of nominations, but not David O Russells Three Kings, which remains one of his greatest films to this day. Warner Bros Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Tokyo Story (1953) Tokyo Story is deemed Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu's masterpiece and was named Sight & Sound's best film of all time in 2012. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Touch of Evil (1958) Orson Welles' classic noir wasn't as well loved at the time of release as it is today. BFI 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Tyrannosaur (2011) Olivia Colman may be in contention for Best Actress at this years ceremony, but the fact she failed to earn a nomination (or Bafta, for that matter) for her role in Paddy Considines hard-hitting drama Tyrannosaur is one of the biggest oversights in awards history. StudioCanal UK 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Walkabout (1971) Another exceptional achievement in filmmaking from Nicolas Roeg that somehow failed to receive any Oscar nominations. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination You Were Never Really Here (2018) Notch it down to bad timing, but Lynne Ramsays You Were Never Really Here - starring Joaquin Phoenix - is a sensational piece of work worthy of reward. Amazon Studio 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Zodiac (2007) Three years later, David Fincher would go head-to-head with The King Speech's Tom Hooper for The Social Network. In truth, serial killer drama Zodiac is every bit as good as the Facebook drama. Warner Bros Pictures

Wilson had previously addressed the criticism on Twitter, writing on social media at the time: "I, of course, know of these movies but it was questionable as to whether: 1. Technically those actresses were plus size when filming those movies or 2. Technically those films are categorised/billed as a studio rom-com with a sole lead. So theres a slight grey area."

"I fully take all the comments onboard though so thank you," she added.

Mo'Nique herself tweeted at Wilson to say: "Hey my sweet sister. Lets please not allow this business to erase our talent with giving grey areas and technicalities. Take a moment and know the history. DONT BE A PART OF ERASING IT. I wish you the best."

Wilson replied: "Hi Monique, it was never my intention to erase anyone elses achievements and I adore you and Queen Latifah so so much x I support all plus size ladies and everything positive we are doing together."

Isn't it Romantic?, directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, stars Wilson as Natalie, an Australian architect based in New York, who doesn't belive in romantic comedies  until, of course, she wakes up in a universe ruled by the genre's most cliche tropes and must find her way towards her own happily ever after.The first trailer for Leaving Neverland, the Michael Jackson documentary that has stirred controversy for weeks, has been released.

The clip, which lasts just under two minutes, features James Safechuck and Wade Robson, the documentaries two subjects. Both say Jackson befriended them and abused them as children.

Safechucks and Robsons wives, mothers and siblings also appear in the documentary, and some of the loved ones are heard sharing their insight in the trailer.

Robson says in the video that he was seven years old when Jackson invited him and his family to visit his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California.

The days were filled with magical childhood adventure experiences. Playing tag, watching movies, eating junk food... anything you could ever want as a child, Robson says.

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

Robson then adds: He told me if they ever found out what we were doing, he and I would go to jail for the rest of our lives.

Safechuck states: Secrets will eat you up. You feel so alone.

Leaving Neverland is set to premiere on HBO on 3 and 4 March in the US, and on Channel 4 on on 6 and 7 March in the UK.

The documentary, according to HBOs synposis, crafts a portrait of sustained abuse.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Jacksons estate has vocally condemned the documentary. Earlier this month, the estate called HBOs decision to air the film disgraceful.

Leaving Neverland caused a stir when it premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival. In a review, Varietys Owen Gleiberman deemed Robson and Safechucks testimonies overwhelmingly powerful and convincing.Keira Knightley has revealed her one hope for film fans who watch her new film, The Aftermath.

The new drama, produced by Ridley Scott, follows Knightley's Rachael Morgan who learns, after being reunited with her husband (Jason Clarke) in postwar Hamburg, they'll be sharing the house with its previous owner - a German widower named Stefan (Alexander Skarsgard).

In an exclusive new featurette, Knightley and Clarke share details about their characters, alongside Scott who says the film's story exists in a 'fresh arena.

I hope that when people see it they're as moved as I was when I read the script, Knightley says in the clip, adding that the themes in the piece really stuck with her.

The Aftermath is directed by James Kent and was adapted by Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse from Rhidian Brooks's 2013 novel of the same name.

47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Show all 47 1 /47 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination American Psycho (2000) Starring future Oscar-winner Christian Bale, Mary Harrons adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel  in which the Vice star plays the psychopathic Patrick Bateman - didnt receive a single nomination. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Before Sunrise (1995) While the final two chapters of Richard Linklaters Before trilogy earned screenplay nominations, the film that introduced the world to future married couple Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) was criminally overlooked. Columbia Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Big Heat (1953) Fritz Lang had a number of films overlooked by the Academy; this noir, starring Glenn Ford, Lee Marvin and and Gloria Grahame, was one of them. Columbia Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Big Lebowski (1998) The Academys generosity to the Coen brothers peaked when No Country for Old Men beat There Will Be Blood in one of the ceremonys closest Best Picture races of all time. It remains surprising that one of their few films to evade any nominations is this endlessly quotable mistaken identity comedy starring Jeff Bridges as The Dude. PolyGram Filmed Entertainment 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Blow Out (1981) Brian De Palma doesnt exactly make films in the hope of winning award, but his political thriller - based on Michelangelo Antonionis Blow Up  would have deserved any Oscar it was nominated for. Filmways Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Breathless (1960) Breathless' failure to receive a nomination is proof that the Oscars cant be trusted. Despite being one of the most studied films in the world, Jean Luc-Godards French masterpiece has an Academy Award tally of zero. Films Around The World 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Bringing Up Baby (1938) The Academy rewarded many notable screwball comedies, though this Howard Hawks-directed standout starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn - whod go on to hold the record for most wins - wasn't one of them. Courtesy of BFI 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Don't Look Now (1973) Nicolas Roeg, who directed this Venice-set chiller, is one of the most unfairly overlooked directors in Oscars history. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Donnie Darko (2004) Richard Kellys science-fiction mind-bender, which made a star of Jake Gyllenhaal, was a festival favourite upon its debut in 2004. Many expected a screenplay nomination to manifest. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) It wouldnt be until the 1990s that western films found favour with the Academy. It was ironically thanks to Unforgiven, a film directed by Clint Eastwood whose career flourished after starring in this Sergio Leone film that many consider to be the genres peak. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination La haine (1995) Mathieu Kassovitzs black-and-white drama  translated in English as Hate  follows three young friends and their struggles living in the suburbs of Paris. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Halloween (1978) The Academy may not be frothing at the mouth to nominate horror films, but do have previous (see: The Exorcist and The Silence of the Lamb), which makes the absence of John Carpenters influential Halloween a glaring oversight. Aquarius Releasing 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Harold and Maude (1971) This offbeat romantic drama was a critical and commercial flop at the time of release, which probably accounts for its lack of Oscar nominations. Today, though, its cult following ensures it remains in good favour with film fans. Paramount Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Heat (1995) On paper, the big screen union of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in Michael Manns cop drama was a shoo-in for awards, but no Oscar nominations manifested. Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination His Girl Friday (1940) Yet another Howard Hawks screwball comedy starring Cary Grant that criminally failed to secure a single Oscar nomination. L/Columbia/Koba/Rex/Shutterstock 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Insomnia (2002) While falling short of Christopher Nolans best, modest drama Insomnia  made years before Batman Begins  had enough strong performances (Al Pacino, Robin Wiliams, Hilary Swank) to warrant acting nominations. Alas, it received none. Warner Bros Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Local Hero (1983) Bill Forsyths beloved comedy-drama follows the mishaps of an American man sent to buy up a Scottish village where the oil company he works for wants to build a refinery. Forsyth won the Bafta for Best Director, but the film received no such love from the Academy. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination M (1931) Youd be mistaken for thinking the M stands for masterpiece in Fritz Langs German drama that follows the manhunt for a serial killer - not that the Academy agreed. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination A Man Escaped (1956) Robert Bressons adaptation of Andre Devignys memoirs charts the French Resistance members time as prisoner of the Germans during World War II, and is even more enthralling considering Bresson himself was held captive years before. Gaumont Film Company 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Margaret (2011) Kenneth Lonergan would go on to win an Oscar for Manchester but he Sea, but Margaret - his three-hour plus drama featuring a searing performance from Anna Paquin - failed to secure a single nomination. Fox Searchlight Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination In the Mood for Love (2000) Wong Kar-wai set the benchmark for romance in film with his acclaimed Hong Kong drama following a man and woman (Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung) who develop feelings for one another after suspecting their respective spouses of having an affair together. defd Deutscher Fernsehdienst 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The King of Comedy (1982) It may have taken him decades to win an Oscar, but the Academy has rarely balked at nominating Martin Scorsese films  especially for films starring Robert De Niro. The King of Comedy was an exception. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Long Goodbye (1973) Robert Altmans superior thriller stars Elliott Gould as Raymond Chandlers private investigator Philip Marlowe in one of the directors most entertaining films. The director would go on to be the recipient of the Honorary Award in 2006. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Man With Two Brains (1983) He may have hosted several times, but Steve Martin has never been nominated for an Oscar. One film he deserved recognition for was Carl Reiner's 1983 sci-fi comedy, The Man with Two Brains. Warner Bros. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination A Matter of Life and Death (1946) The Academy Film Archive may have preserved A Matter of Life and Death in 1999, but voters failed to recognise the Powell & Pressburgers fantasy-romance at the time of its release in 1946. Eagle-Lion Films 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Mean Streets (1973) It may not be credited as his debut, but Mean Streets is very much the first true Martin Scorsese film. The director would go on to win a belated Oscar for The Departed in 2007, but hed have to wait until 1975 for his first nomination (Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore). Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Melancholia (2011) No Lars von Trier film has ever been nominated for Best Picture, though Dancer in the Dark came close (it settled for a Best Original Song nomination). He came close with Melancholia, but ultimately, the drama didn't get Canal+ 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Miller's Crossing (1990) Despite being revered as a Coen brothers favourite, not to mention its notable performances from Gabriel Byrne and Albert Finney, Millers Crossing is one of few Coen brother films not to receive a single Oscar nomination. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Once Upon a Time in America (1984) Though it's by no means a masterpiece, its staggering to think that Sergio Leones gangster epic - starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci - didnt acquire any Oscar nominations (the film's music was disqualified from consideration after Warner Bros accidentally omitted the composer's name from the opening credits when trimming the films lengthy running time for its American release). Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Paterson (2016) Critics assumed Jim Jarmuschs Paterson would have been a shoo-in for awards recognition - most notably in the Best Actor category, thanks to a quietly fantastic performance from Adam Driver - but no such luck. Amazon Studios 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Paths of Glory (1957) Stanley Kubrick never won Best Director despite being nominated four times. One of his films that didnt make the Oscars cut in any category was his black-and-white anti-war film, Paths of Glory. United Artists 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Play Misty for Me (1971) Clint Eastwood would go onto become something of an Oscar darling thanks to Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby and Mystic River, but his directorial debut was ignored by the Academy. Univeral Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Reservoir Dogs (1992) Reservoir Dogs may not touch Quentin Tarantinos best, but it remains a surprise that the filmmakers debut didnt get recognised in the screenplay category, at least. Miramax Films 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Rider (2018) Of all the 2018 films to be snubbed at this years Oscars, Chloe Zhaos drama - which stars a real-life rodeo cowboy and his family - smacks as the most unfair. Sony Pictures Classics 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Searchers (1956) The role of Civil War veteran Ethan Edwards might be considered John Waynes best role, but the Academy didnt agree: he would win his sole Oscar for True Grit in 1970. Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Shining (1980) Another Kubrick film that was completely ignored by the Academy is the directors Stephen King adaptation, The Shining. Today, its considered one of his finest works as well as being one of the most revered horror films of all time. Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Shop Around the Corner (1953) It may have endured as one of the best loved romcoms of all time, but it has zero Oscar nominations to its name. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Still Walking (2008) Japanese director Hirokazo Kore-eda's portrait of a family over roughly 24 hours as they commemorate the death of the eldest son was a glaring oversight by the Academy. IFC Films 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Swingers Before he became Disney's go to, Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Jungle Book and the forthcoming live-action Lion King) wrote this independent film about the lives of single, unemployed actors living in Hollywood, California during the 1990s swing revival. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination This Is England (2006 The 2007 ceremony would have been far better had Shane Meadows' coming-of-drama been in contention for awards. Optimum Releasing 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Three Kings (1999) The Academy deemed Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle worthy of nominations, but not David O Russells Three Kings, which remains one of his greatest films to this day. Warner Bros Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Tokyo Story (1953) Tokyo Story is deemed Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu's masterpiece and was named Sight & Sound's best film of all time in 2012. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Touch of Evil (1958) Orson Welles' classic noir wasn't as well loved at the time of release as it is today. BFI 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Tyrannosaur (2011) Olivia Colman may be in contention for Best Actress at this years ceremony, but the fact she failed to earn a nomination (or Bafta, for that matter) for her role in Paddy Considines hard-hitting drama Tyrannosaur is one of the biggest oversights in awards history. StudioCanal UK 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Walkabout (1971) Another exceptional achievement in filmmaking from Nicolas Roeg that somehow failed to receive any Oscar nominations. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination You Were Never Really Here (2018) Notch it down to bad timing, but Lynne Ramsays You Were Never Really Here - starring Joaquin Phoenix - is a sensational piece of work worthy of reward. Amazon Studio 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Zodiac (2007) Three years later, David Fincher would go head-to-head with The King Speech's Tom Hooper for The Social Network. In truth, serial killer drama Zodiac is every bit as good as the Facebook drama. Warner Bros Pictures

It will receive its premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival on 26 February ahead of its UK release in cinemas on 1 March.As a general rule, the financial sector is not one to move quickly. Economic systems really haven't evolved all that dramatically over the past few centuries, but recently the seemingly un-disruptable financial sector has been making some surprising shifts. And that's thanks in large part to blockchain technologies.

Slowly but surely, cryptocurrency proponents are onboarding traditional institutions to the opportunities offered by blockchain tech. Numerous platforms now exist to bridge old and new financial structures, and they're leading the way toward a more global, democratized banking system.

Mt Pelerin represents one vision for this financial future. The company has issued an ambitious plan to become the first blockchain bank in the world. It intends to merge old and new banking structures by bringing the bank's balance sheet on-chain and granting customers freedom in selecting banking services through a modular and open-source framework.

Here's how the Swiss-based company is striving to unlock the potential of an open banking system with the underlying foundation of Ethereum's blockchain--along with a glimpse into what that might mean for our collective financial future.

Bridging an Aging Banking Industry and the Digital Era

The modern financial landscape is enormously complex. It spans a wide range of institutions with complicated entanglements, hinges on legacy IT systems that may not integrate easily with new digital platforms, and includes a patchwork of regulatory buffers intended to mitigate market risks. As a result, many conventional banks are limited in their capacity to meet customer demands for better services.

The growing movement towards open-source protocols and decentralized infrastructure (which hinges on blockchain tech) has vast potential to enable banks to offer better services and more of a plug-and-play architecture for various financial instruments. Companies such as Polymath are already demonstrating this potential by providing a blockchain-based platform for issuing regulatory-compliant financial securities.

Mt Pelerin is looking to unlock even more integrated financial tools by bringing traditional banking services (and the entirety of their balance sheets) on-chain. Rather than providing one tool to complement existing banking structures, the company envisions an entirely open-source and modular banking system for tokenized assets of all varieties.

It's an ambitious goal, sure, but Mt Pelerin is already making big strides. By proposing the integration of old and new systems (as opposed to the complete annihilation of old ways of banking), the organization may have hit on a strategy for effectively enacting change within a notoriously un-changeable system.

Envisioning a New Way of Banking

In seeking to become a bridge between traditional financial and crypto assets, Mt Pelerin is focused on the broader scope of the financial ecosystem and not solely on becoming an IT provider. Instead, the idea is to bring an entire banking system onto the blockchain, enabling assets and liabilities (from national currencies to bonds) to be reflected as ERC20 tokens.

That might sound far-fetched, but Mt Pelerin has already developed a concrete vision for the features and benefits involved:

By tokenizing assets and liabilities, Mt Pelerin intends to unlock better liquidity for customers.

The automated structure of the platform will reduce costs, creating a much lower fee structure for customers.

Mt Pelerin will hold customer funds in 100 percent reserve (as opposed to investing them back into risky portfolios).

By building applications on top of the platform, Mt Pelerin intends to provide markets for service providers to connect directly with customers.

The company seeks to provide an open-source marketplace where issuers including small- and medium-sized businesses can leverage products for fundraising in ways that are largely precluded by conventional commercial banking services.

Third-party loan providers will be able to connect with the infrastructure via API calls, allowing customers to collateralize loans with providers using cryptocurrencies on the platform. As a result, cryptocurrencies could become much more useful investment vehicles.

If you're still having a hard time envisioning this kind of bank, that's understandable. It's a dramatic departure from banking as we've always known it. And that's exactly the point.

Mt Pelerin's vision is undoubtedly an ambitious one, but its emphasis on recreating a fairly traditional banking structure on the blockchain rather than forming a decentralized, autonomous bank represents a meaningful compromise between the cypherpunk narrative of removing all trusted third parties and connecting banks to digital assets in a regulatory-compliant manner.President Donald J. Trump is Establishing Americas Space Force

Washington, DC - "Our destiny, beyond the Earth, is not only a matter of national identity, but a matter of national security." ~ President Donald J. Trump

ESTABLISHING THE SPACE FORCE: President Donald J. Trumps Space Policy Directive-4 is a bold, strategic step toward guaranteeing American space dominance that sets the framework for establishing the United States Space Force.

Space Policy Directive-4 calls on the Secretary of Defense to develop a legislative proposal establishing the Space Force as the sixth branch of the Armed Forces. The Space Force will initially be established within the Department of the Air Force.

The legislative proposal will embody President Trumps vision for the Space Force by requiring this new branch of the Armed Forces to: Strengthen Americas ability to compete, deter and win in an increasingly contested domain. Organize, train and equip our space warfighters with next-generation capabilities. Maximize warfighting capability and advocacy for space while minimizing bureaucracy.



A VITAL NATIONAL INTEREST: Our use of space is necessary to keep our country safe, protect lives, and support our way of life.

The United States is the best in space, and our adversaries know it. Space is a key source of strategic advantage for the United States, and potential foreign adversaries are determined to restrict our access to it. America has the most capable military in the world, but we must address the looming threats from foreign adversaries in space to maintain our leadership and outpace competitors.

America will always seek peace through strength, and we will work with our allies and partners to secure that peace in space. United States space forces will be ready to win in a competitive multi-domain environment against increasingly competitive adversaries.

To meet and deter challenges in space, Space Policy Directive-4: Launches a joint interagency review by the National Space Council and the National Security Council to recommend changes to space operational authorities in order to address the threats posed by foreign adversaries. Requires the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community to create collaborative mechanisms to improve space capabilities and operations.



LEADING IN A NEW WARFIGHTING DOMAIN: President Trump knows warfare is changing  space is now a warfighting domain just like the air, land and sea.Imperial Valley News Center

Space Policy Directive-4: Establishment of the United States Space Force

Washington, DC - Space Policy Directive-4: Establishment of the United States Space Force...

SUBJECT: Establishment of the United States Space Force

Section 1. Introduction. Space is integral to our way of life, our national security, and modern warfare. Although United States space systems have historically maintained a technological advantage over those of our potential adversaries, those potential adversaries are now advancing their space capabilities and actively developing ways to deny our use of space in a crisis or conflict. It is imperative that the United States adapt its national security organizations, policies, doctrine, and capabilities to deter aggression and protect our interests. Toward that end, the Department of Defense shall take actions under existing authority to marshal its space resources to deter and counter threats in space, and to develop a legislative proposal to establish a United States Space Force as a sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces within the Department of the Air Force. This is an important step toward a future military department for space. Under this proposal, the United States Space Force would be authorized to organize, train, and equip military space forces of the United States to ensure unfettered access to, and freedom to operate in, space, and to provide vital capabilities to joint and coalition forces in peacetime and across the spectrum of conflict.

Sec. 2. Definitions. For the purposes of this memorandum and the legislative proposal directed by section 3 of this memorandum, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) The term United States Space Force refers to a new branch of the United States Armed Forces to be initially placed by statute within the Department of the Air Force.

(b) The term Department of the Space Force refers to a future military department within the Department of Defense that will be responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the United States Space Force.

(c) The term United States Space Command refers to a Unified Combatant Command to be established pursuant to the Presidential memorandum of December 18, 2018 (Establishment of United States Space Command as a Unified Combatant Command), that will be responsible for Joint Force space operations as will be assigned in the Unified Command Plan.

Sec. 3. Legislative Proposal and Purpose. The Secretary of Defense shall submit a legislative proposal to the President through the Office of Management and Budget that would establish the United States Space Force as a new armed service within the Department of the Air Force.

The legislative proposal would, if enacted, establish the United States Space Force to organize, train, and equip forces to provide for freedom of operation in, from, and to the space domain; to provide independent military options for national leadership; and to enhance the lethality and effectiveness of the Joint Force. The United States Space Force should include both combat and combat support functions to enable prompt and sustained offensive and defensive space operations, and joint operations in all domains. The United States Space Force shall be organized, trained, and equipped to meet the following priorities:

(a) Protecting the Nations interests in space and the peaceful use of space for all responsible actors, consistent with applicable law, including international law;

(b) Ensuring unfettered use of space for United States national security purposes, the United States economy, and United States persons, partners, and allies;

(c) Deterring aggression and defending the Nation,

United States allies, and United States interests from hostile acts in and from space;

(d) Ensuring that needed space capabilities are integrated and available to all United States Combatant Commands;

(e) Projecting military power in, from, and to space in support of our Nations interests; and

(f) Developing, maintaining, and improving a community of professionals focused on the national security demands of the space domain.

Sec. 4. Scope.

(a) The legislative proposal required by section 3 of this memorandum shall, in addition to the provisions required under section 3 of this memorandum, include provisions that would, if enacted:

(i) consolidate existing forces and authorities for military space activities, as appropriate, in order to minimize duplication of effort and eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies; and

(ii) not include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Reconnaissance Office, or other non-military space organizations or missions of the United States Government.

(b) The proposed United States Space Force should:

(i) include, as determined by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, the uniformed and civilian personnel conducting and directly supporting space operations from all Department of Defense Armed Forces;

(ii) assume responsibilities for all major military space acquisition programs; and

(iii) create the appropriate career tracks for military and civilian space personnel across all relevant specialties, including operations, intelligence, engineering, science, acquisition, and cyber.

Sec. 5. United States Space Force Budget. In accordance with the Department of Defense budget process, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a proposed budget for the United States Space Force to be included in the Presidents Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request.

Sec. 6. United States Space Force Organization and Leadership.

(a) The legislative proposal required by section 3 of this memorandum shall create a civilian Under Secretary of the Air Force for Space, to be known as the Under Secretary for Space, appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) The legislative proposal shall establish a Chief of Staff of the Space Force, who will be a senior military officer in the grade of General or Admiral, and who shall serve as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Sec. 7. Associated Elements.

(a) A Unified Combatant Command for space, to be known as the United States Space Command, will be established consistent with law, as directed on December 18, 2018. This command will have all of the responsibilities of a Unified Combatant Command in addition to the space-related responsibilities previously assigned to United States Strategic Command. It will also have the responsibilities of the Joint Force provider and Joint Force training for space operations forces. Moving expeditiously toward a Unified Combatant Command reflects the importance of warfighting in space to the Joint Force. The commander of this command will lead space warfighting through global space operations that may occur in the space domain, the terrestrial domains, or through the electromagnetic spectrum.

(b) With forces provided by the United States Space Force and other United States Armed Forces, the United States Space Command shall ensure unfettered access to, and freedom to operate in, space and provide vital effects and capabilities to joint and coalition forces during peacetime and across the spectrum of conflict.

Sec. 8. Relationship with National Intelligence. The Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence shall create and enhance mechanisms for collaboration between the Department of Defense and the United States Intelligence Community in order to increase unity of effort and the effectiveness of space operations. The Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence shall provide a report to the President within 180 days of the date of this memorandum on steps they have taken and are planning to take toward these ends, including legislative proposals as necessary and appropriate.

Sec. 9. Operational Authorities. In order to ensure that the United States Space Force and United States Space Command have the necessary operational authorities, the National Space Council and the National Security Council shall coordinate an accelerated review of space operational authorities. Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of Defense shall present to the National Space Council and the National Security Council proposed relevant authority changes for the Presidents approval. The National Space Council and the National Security Council shall then conduct an interagency review of the Secretarys proposal and make recommendations to the President on appropriate authorities, to be completed no later than 60 days from the date the Secretary of Defense presents his proposal to the councils.

Sec. 10. Periodic Review. As the United States Space Force matures, and as national security requires, it will become necessary to create a separate military department, to be known as the Department of the Space Force. This department will take over some or all responsibilities for the United States Space Force from the Department of the Air Force. The Secretary of Defense will conduct periodic reviews to determine when to recommend that the President seek legislation to establish such a department.

Sec. 11. General Provisions.

(a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and United States national and homeland security requirements, and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d) The Secretary of Defense is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

DONALD J. TRUMP(The Center Square)  There are a few more weeks for landlords and their tenants in Illinois who havent paid rent because of the eviction moratorium to apply for some of more than $1.5 billion in rental assistance, but not every situation is eligible.The Illinois Housing Development AuthoriNote: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation2@journalnet.com for help creating one.Community Information

If you would like to submit an upcoming event or community announcement, please contact our staff at 208-232-4161 or send an email to cjohnson@journalnet.com. We will also accept news from local clubs and engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements. You can post your community or club events on our calendar.

Obituaries

Submit an obituary/notice All obituaries must be placed by your mortuary or onlineDeadline is 3 p.m. for publication the next day. The ISJ is not responsible for spelling, grammar, or basic mistakes.Daylight Savings Timeline

The U.S. first adopted daylight savings in 1918, but it was shortly repealed in 1919. Between 1945 and 1966, CNN reports that there was no federal law regarding Daylight Saving Time. Later, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 created a uniform daylight savings system across the U.S. In 1986, daylight savings begins on the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October, which continued until 2005, according to CNN.We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@idahopress.com for help creating one.Cambodians go traditional in annual fishing ceremony

by Suy SE

Wielding handmade bamboo baskets and nylon nets, hundreds of people waded thigh-deep into a muddy lake in eastern Cambodia for an annual fish-catching ceremony where only traditional tools are used.



The ceremony is held each year in eastern Tboung Khmum province after the crop harvest to commemorate the countrys proud fishing history, said local chief Uch Yoeun.



The event  held in Choam Korvean commune, about 250km (155 miles) from the capital Phnom Penh  attracts hundreds of farmers from surrounding villages.



They carry weaved baskets of different shapes, eager to try their hand at trapping the freshwater catfish and snakehead fish in the muddy Boeung Kroam lake.



It has been a tradition since our ancestors time, Uch Yoeun said, adding that only one rule applies in this mass fishing event.



We only allow traditional fishing tools to be used.



Authorities guarded Boeung Kroam lake for more than a month before the event  to prevent illegal fishing and ensure there would be enough to catch at event.



It kicked off in the early morning with hundreds of villagers racing to the lake, sporting straw hats and traditional scarves to shield themselves from the blazing sun.



The mood was light-hearted and many opted to grill the mornings catch by the lake over a smouldering fire.



But for villagers who had attended the event for several years, the days haul proved disappointing.



Before, there were bigger fish, said Chin Khoung, 50. Now the fish are small and theres less (of them).



The Southeast Asian country, which boasts the mighty Mekong river and its many tributaries, is heavily reliant on fish as a major source of protein for its population.



About 40% of the population depend on fishing for their livelihoods. But fish stocks have declined in recent years due to hydropower dams built upstream in Cambodia and neighbouring countries, and the increase of illegal fishing methods, said Om Savath, who heads the Fisheries Action Coalition Team (FACT), which promotes sustainable resource management.



Using techniques like electrocution, they can catch a lot of fish in a short time, but it is disastrous in the long term, Savath said.



The fish-catching ceremony in Choam Krovean is important because it helps to raise awareness in communities about the use of family methods in fishing, he said.

 All Rights Reserved  Gulf Times

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.UN officials criticises Ireland govt's scheme for fishermen from outside EEA

by Ingrid Miley

February 18,2019 | Source: RTE

Four top United Nations human rights officials have strongly criticised the Government's scheme governing protection and labour rights for migrant fishermen from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).



The criticism of the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) is contained in a letter to Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan.



It was signed by the four Special Rapporteurs of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights dealing with migrants, racism, discrimination, slavery and human trafficking.



They come as the International Transport Workers Federation is engaged in legal proceedings seeking the suspension of the scheme until alleged flaws are addressed.



In their letter, the rapporteurs raise concerns about the AWS, which was established in 2016 in response to allegations of exploitation and trafficking of migrant fishermen, and the scheme's "alleged shortcomings according to international law standards".



The rapporteurs criticise "barriers" for non-EEA workers trying the access the scheme.



These include the short time frame for applications, a general lack of awareness of the scheme, the failure to provide information in appropriate languages, and "considerable" costs related to the required certification by a solicitor.



They highlight that once a work permit is granted, the worker may only work for that employer, "...effectively tying migrant fishermen, their livelihood and immigration status to such employer and allegedly giving excessive power to potentially abusive employers over workers".



They note that as far back as July 2017, the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) also criticised the "tied visa" locking the migrant worker into a potentially abusive employer.

 Raidio Teilifis Eireann, Ireland's National Public Service Broadcaster

Theme(s): Others.Page Content



Montreal, 7 February 2019  In addressing the 11th Meeting of ICAOs Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP/11) currently underway in Montreal, ICAO Council President Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu underscored how the global importance of environmental protection has grown immensely over recent decades, and with it the significance and relevance of the work of ICAO in minimizing the effects of global civil aviation on the environment.

Dr. Aliu reminded the assembled experts that ICAO Member States have been pursuing a long-term environmental strategy aimed at limiting or reducing the number of global citizens affected by significant aircraft noise, the impact of aviation emissions on local air quality, and the effects of aviation greenhouse gas emissions on the global climate.

He stressed to them that the ICAO Basket of Measures for Environmental Protection includes activities and solutions focused on new airframe and engine technologies, more streamlined operations, sustainable aviation fuels, and global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA, and while appreciating the significant progress made in all of these areas, congratulated the CAEP for its recent work leading to the ICAO Councils June 2018 adoption of the new Volume IV of Annex 16 to the Chicago Convention on CORSIA.

The Council President stressed that the ICAO Council was looking forward to the outcome of your discussions here on the CORSIA emission units and its Technical Advisory Body (TAB), as well as on important issues concerning the sustainability criteria for CORSIA eligible fuels, and lastly its sustainability certification schemes.

On the issue of standards permitting the re-entry into service of new model supersonic aircraft, Dr. Aliu expressed the Councils hope that CAEP/11 will maintain the momentum in this area, advancing efforts to address several gaps in the related ICAO emissions and noise standards, while setting a firm basis for further progress during the CAEP/12 cycle.

He also took time to highlight that the CAEP will not only need to look at supersonics, but also other emerging technologies and innovations that are arising in response to environmental challenges, such as hybrid and electric aircraft. Understanding their environmental impacts and benefits, and defining the groundwork for their certification, will be an important challenge for CAEP in its next cycle.

Among other important topics being considered during the two-week meeting includes options for new non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) emissions standards. Dr. Aliu appreciated how CAEP/10 had analyzed how cost-effective the new nvPM guidance would be across a wide range of applicability and stringency options, recognizing that this technical effort has required the CAEP to overcome important modelling and measurement challenges.

President Aliu lastly noted that the ICAO Council was looking forward to the new trends assessment update on greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and local air quality, being produced by CAEP/11, appreciating that they represented a vital pillar in related discussions to take place at ICAOs upcoming 40th Assembly this September.

The Council President also took time to congratulate the CAEP on the golden anniversary of the adoption of the first volume of Annex 16, Volume I. Significant progress has been made over the past 50 years, with aircraft today being 75 per cent quieter than in the 1960s, however aircraft noise still remains an important subject for ICAO, he said.

CAEP/11 is taking place at ICAO headquarters from 4 to 15 February 2019.

Resources for Editors

About ICAO



A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 192 Member States.

Environmental Protection, a strategic objective for ICAO

ICAO and Aviation Development

ICAO's No Country Left Behind initiative



Contacts



Anthony Philbin

Chief, Communications

aphilbin@icao.int

+1 514-954-8220

+1 438-402-8886 (mobile)

Twitter: @ICAO



William Raillant-Clark

Communications Officer

wraillantclark@icao.int

+1 514-954-6705

+1 514-409-0705 (mobile)

Twitter: @wraillantclark

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raillantclark/



Dean Tagliaferro alleviated many of the city councilor's concerns with the ongoing monitoring at the sites.

EPA Calms City Council's Concerns Over Hill 78, Building 71

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The nerves of some city councilors were put at ease Tuesday after a review of the latest monitoring tests at Hill 78 and Building 71.

The council raised a stink in October over the toxic waste sites near Allendale School after reviewing the spring data that revealed two wells tested above benchmarks. The council called for increased monitoring and communication.

After meeting with Dean Tagliaferro on Tuesday, those concerns were quelled when he reported that the two wells above benchmarks have done so historically but pose no health concerns. He said they are not near any buildings or drinking water sources and the benchmarks are just a base numbers used to compare from year to year.

"It doesn't look like an increasing trend, which is good," Tagliaferro said.

Tagliaferro and two others from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were joined by representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the local Board of Health for a discussion on the data per the request of the City Council.

The ongoing monitoring in the area of the two GE landfills has been ongoing for two decades and Tagliaferro said none of the tests have been close to the actionable levels. There are three inspections done twice a year  a physical inspection of the site, air testing, and groundwater tests.

"We think it is pretty stable right now and there are no changes that need to be made," Tagliaferro said.

Hill 78 sits on six acres of land and was originally a landfill for General Electric. During the cleanup, material was added to that landfill and it was capped in 2009. Building 71 sits on 4.4 acres and was created for that material. It was capped in 2006.

The most recent tests were completed in October. During a physical inspection last year GE was told to reseal and repair fissures in an access road to the south of the property, Tagliaferro said, and to fill in a dozen woodchuck holes, and has GE increasing the frequency of inspections of the leachate handling system.

The last of those was recommended after alarms were found to have been malfunctioning and while GE replaced them, Tagliaferro said there was no follow up to ensure the new alarms were working properly. He said GE increased the inspection of that equipment in 2019 to lower the potential gaps in time from when a piece of equipment fails and it is discovered.

In the past, Tagliaferro said there had been some issues with erosion and washouts but new piping was put in and there haven't been any required repairs to the drainage system in years.

As for air monitoring, Tagliaferro said the results are still 10 times below the action level. Meanwhile, tests at the school were even less.

For groundwater, Tagliaferro said there are 16 wells tested biannually, three of which are between the landfills and Allendale School. He said there were no PCBs in any of the wells in the fall but there were traces of PCE and TCE. Tagliaferro again said none of those wells tests approached actionable levels of the chemicals.

The concern with the compound PCE (perchloroethylene) usually found in dry cleaning and the degreasing solvent TCE (trichloroethylene) is that they vaporize into the air and eventually get trapped in buildings. He said very few of the wells are close to buildings, alleviating any concern there.

He said the groundwater tests tend to have more variations from test to test and from season to season. But, he doesn't have any concerns with the numbers.

"It is not really getting worse, groundwater is just highly variable," Tagliaferro said.

At Allendale School, which is the biggest concern for councilors, Tagliaferro said throughout the history of the testing there was only one positive finding in one of the three wells closest to the school. That finding of PCE was "extremely low," he said, and there was no finding in the latest test. He added that the water flows away from the school.

The City Council's Public Health and Safety Committee was happy with those results. But, members still want increased communication. The council discussed the best timeliness with Tagliaferro for holding similar meetings in the future to ensure all of the results are in.

"It is good that we have a city council subcommittee meeting to have this conversation," said City Councilor Peter Marchetti.

Marchetti said he would also like the meeting to be "more informative."

The meetings had been held annually at Allendale School and were filled with parents concerned about their children's well-being. However, Tuesday's meeting was very lightly attended.

OPCA Presentation by on ScribdThe bill would eliminate a tipped minimum wage.

Farley-Bouvier Pushes Bill to Raise Tipped Workers Minimum Wage

BOSTON  State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier is calling for the elimination of a lower wage for tipped workers.

The Pittsfield Democrat joined other lawmakers and Restaurant Opportunities Center this past Wednesday at the State House to introduce a bill that will gradually raise the minimum wage for tipped workers until it matches the minimum wage for all other industries.

"This bill will raise the minimum wage to the prevailing wage by 2027 in Massachusetts. In doing so, it would bring thousands of workers out of poverty, reduce sexual harassment in the workplace, and decrease the wage gap between male and female tipped workers," Farley-Bouvier said at the press conference.

So far, seven other states have made such moves to eliminate the practice of paying tipped workers a lower wage. Farley-Bouvier said poverty among tipped workers and harassment cases have decreased in those states. She added that restaurant sales have increased.

"Paying our workers does not equate to hurting the restaurant industry, it is actually the opposite," Farley-Bouvier said.

The press conference was held on Feb. 13 to symbolize the $2.13 current federal minimum wage for tipped workers. That is a figure that hasn't changed in decades. Massachusetts' current tipped wage is $4.35 an hour.

The "One Fair Wage" bill has numerous co-sponsors. Second Middlesex state Sen. Patricia Jehlen filed the bill on the Senate side.

"There are thousands of food service workers in Massachusetts who struggle to make ends meet for themselves and their families because they are living off tips. And if youre dependent on tips, you depend on your manager for good shifts, you depend on cooks and other staff members to help you do your job, and you depend on customers' whims," said Jehlen in a statement.

"The sub-minimum wage creates too many opportunities that can be exploited by predators. This needs to end."

The legislators said nearly 70 percent of the tipped workforce are women and that they are earning 70 percent of the wages men get and that for African-American women, the disparity is even greater.

"The women who put food on our tables cannot afford to put food on their own family's tables," Farley-Bouvier said. "This is an issue that disproportionately affects women, as well as people of color and immigrants."

The lawmakers also said the tipped wage system leads to increase sexual harassment, discrimination, and economic instability

"Wearing lipstick or not wearing lipstick should not determine our wages. Having short hair, long hair, or no hair should not determine our wages. The color of a woman's skin should not be the factor in earning a livable wage versus an unlivable wage. Someone not liking the way you look should never determine what you go home with in wages. Point blank: being a woman should not play a factor in whether or not we can afford to thrive independently or provide for our families," said server Emma Ruff at the press conference.

Similar bills are being introduced in 15 states and on the federal level. U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy filed a similar bill on the federal level.

"Tiered worker protections are a hallmark of deeply unequal economies. A living wage should not be conditional based on the career you choose," said Kennedy. "In a commonwealth that prides itself on progress and a tireless work ethic, it is time that we address these systemic inequities that plague too many of our communities."Amazon, Google & The Morality Of Driving Fans To Big Tech

While many artists have some serious moral quandaries about driving their fans to YouTube given Google's suspect data practices, Chris Castle here looks at why Amazon is in fact a far guiltier culprit.

____________________________

Guest post by Chris Castle of Music Technology Policy

When Hearst Artist Frederic Remington, cabled from Cuba in 1897 that there will be no war, William Randolph Hearst cabled back: You furnish the pictures and Ill furnish the war. Time Magazine

Many artists I speak to have a serious moral problem driving their fans to YouTube knowing that the artists are simply feeding Googles data bombing with collateral damage in the form of their music and their fans. Yet Googles beachhead in the data apocalypse is nothing compared to Amazonas far as I know, which I hesitate to say too categorically given that its Google.

But Amazons super groovy Alexa comes with many Intelligence Community connections that on balance are more destructive to society than the carbon footprint of Amazon trucks creating the inverse of the efficiency of the shopping center, brutalizing employees or destroying small retailers.

What does Amazon do with your fans Alexa data (or your data for that matter)? Belle Lin reports in the Intercept:

At the beginning of October [2018], Amazon was quietly issued a patent that would allow its virtual assistant Alexa to decipher a users physical characteristics and emotional state based on their voice. Characteristics, or voice features, like language accent, ethnic origin, emotion, gender, age, and background noise would be immediately extracted and tagged to the users data file to help deliver more targeted advertising. The algorithm would also consider a customers physical location  based on their IP address, primary shipping address, and browser settings  to help determine their accent. Should Amazons patent become a reality, or if accent detection is already possible, it would introduce questions of surveillance and privacy violations, as well as possible discriminatory advertising, experts said. The civil rights issues raised by the patent are similar to those around facial recognition, another technology Amazon has used as an anchor of its artificial intelligence strategy, and one that it controversially marketed to law enforcement. Like facial recognition, voice analysis underlines how existing laws and privacy safeguards simply arent capable of protecting users from new categories of data collection  or government spying, for that matter. Unlike facial recognition, voice analysis relies not on cameras in public spaces, but microphones inside smart speakers in our homes. [Emphasis mine]

Whats the connection to the Intelligence Community? Its all in the cloud, babyaccording to Frank Konkel writing in The Atlantic:

The intelligence community is about to get the equivalent of an adrenaline shot to the chest. This summer, a $600 million computing cloud developed by Amazon Web Services for the Central Intelligence Agency over the past year will begin servicing all 17 agencies that make up the intelligence community.

And of course the next step after the old IC is the largest employer in Crystal City. According to many sources, Amazon is competing to win a $10 billionthats with a Bcontract from the Department of Defense to provide cloud services to the entire U.S. military, called the Joint Enterprise Defense Initiative or JEDI. (Oh, please.) The Pentagon, by the way, is essentially next door to Amazons HQ2 site in Crystal City/Alexandria. There are many interesting twists to this particular Amazon grab at the taxpayers money, but one story that caught my eye is Reuters reporting that Google dropped out of the competitionwhy you may ask?

Alphabet Incs Google said on Monday it was no longer vying for a $10 billion cloud computing contract with the U.S. Defense Department, in part because the companys new ethical guidelines do not align with the project, without elaborating. Google said in a statement we couldnt be assured that [the JEDI deal] would align with our AI Principles and second, we determined that there were portions of the contract that were out of scope with our current government certifications.

Yes, thats right. Too corrupt even for Google. (And CNN reports that Amazon is being investigated by the Pentagon for illegal government contracting practices.) Thats rightJeff Bezos, JEDI master, wants those big bucks from John Q. Public.

Amazon is looking more and more like Halliburton, and Jeff Bezos is looking more and more like the Charles Foster Kane of the data apocalypse. YouTube looks tame by comparison, which tells you how bad it really is.

And then theres this braying about Amazons Rekognition AI-driven facial recognition application:

Amazon Rekognition today announces three new features: detection and recognition of text in images, real-time face recognition across tens of millions of faces, and detection of up to 100 faces in challenging crowded photos. Customers who are already using Amazon Rekognition for face verification and identification will experience up to a 10% accuracy improvement in most cases.

And who among us will find it useful to use this tool for detection of up to 100 faces in challenging crowded photos. Welldepends on who you mean by us as Ava Kofman reports in The Intercept:

Police in Lancashire, a county in northwest England, have rolled out a program to broadcast crime updates, photos of wanted and missing people, and safety notifications to Amazon Echo owners. Since February, the free app has been available to those using Alexa, a cloud-based voice assistant hooked up to the Echo smart speaker. The first of its kind in the U.K., the program was developed by the police forces innovations manager in a partnership with Amazon developers. The program marks the latest example of third parties aiding, automating, and in some cases, replacing, the functions of law enforcement agencies  and raises privacy questions about Amazons role as an intermediary. Lancashire County will store citizens crime reports on Amazons servers, rather than those operated by the police.

And once Amazon uses Alexa to collect this biometric and other data, who do you think has access to it, hmmm? And then theres Ring, but what happens when Ring meets Alexa is a story for another day, or perhaps an Amazon Prime original series.

So are you still sure you want to promote Alexa penetration? Just ask herAlexa, deliver my file and see what happens.

Share on:When Do We Become Uninterested In Discovering New Music?

While music discovery has, in many ways, become easier than ever, a new study suggests that there's a limited period of time in the average consumer's life when they're actually finding new music, and at a certain age 'musical paralysis' sets in and the discovery ceases.

________________________

Guest post by Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media Strategies

Believe it or not, I still have friends in the record label community, despite my lurid past as The Classic Rock guy.

And just about every conversation is another Kabuki dance about whether radio plays enough new music versus whether there's any good music to play. It's a chicken-egg thing. Stations are loath to play new music they don't believe in. And labels won't continue to discover, sign, and record artists that aren't going to receive airplay.

Of course, I'm talking about the world of Rock music. With Country, Hip-hop, and other genres, it's a totally different story as we saw the other night on the Grammy Awards show.

Like many rock programmers of a certain age, I vividly remember the days when we didn't have enough current slots to accommodate all the great new music coming out. Scores and scores of artists had developed strong followings. The really good stuff by established groups had to get played  now. Cutting-edge stuff debuted at night or overnights. Everything else had to wait its turn.

The debut of a new album from Floyd, Journey, or AC/DC signaled their respective fan bases to come alive, often waiting in line at record stores to be among the first to buy it. The announcement of a new single by the Stones, U2, or Bob Seger actually helped stations set occasions that would have been powerful had PPM been around during those halcyon days of Album Oriented Rock radio  or as it was known as back then, AOR. As a PD, getting your hands on that new song  even a minute ahead of the competition  served as a little victory.

Back then, AOR excelled with 12-34 year-olds  the sweept spot of Baby Boomers. They were the target, long before the sweeping dictates of 25-54 buys clamped down on radio in the Eighties. They had money, interest, and enthusiasm for new music. And radio had their attention.

Obviously, this was a completely different universe than the Rock format finds itself in today. Everyone made a lot of money. And played a lot of new music because it was plentiful, and the audience demanded it.

Fast-forward to today. A research study conducted last year by Deezer, a streaming music company, reveals a condition they call musical paralysis. That's when consumers lose their interest in new music.

Deezer interviewed 5,000 adults in the UK, the USA, Germany, France, and Brazil. And while the onset of musical paralysis varies considerably by country, the average fans hits the wall at around 28 years-old.

Covered in Digital Music News by Daniel Sanchez, the Deezer study shows that in America, most people's peak music discovery period occurs when they're 24 years-old. But paralysis sets in around the time they reach they're 30th birthday.

Interestingly, the top excuse for gravitating away from the new music scene is a lack of time, demanding jobs, and a sense of music overload.

Yet, there's an important caveat. A majority of respondents  60%, in fact  say they'd love to hear more new music if they just had more time.

So, where do consumers who have an interest in new music and new artists do their discovering?

Our Techsurveys tell an evolving story. Now, keep in mind that most respondents are radio listeners to begin with  mostly members of station email databases.

That said, there's a pattern when we look back at the role broadcast radio plays in the discovery of new music. In our survey, radio is well ahead of other sources  satellite radio, streaming services, YouTube, and even friends and family. That's the good news.

But its primacy over these other platforms is slipping. Just three years ago, a majority of Techsurvey respondents pointed to radio as their go-to source.

Here in our brand new, yet-to-be-released 2019 study, we see radio's advantage is fading:

Part of the new music erosion radio may be experiencing could be emanating from the aging of the medium and its audience. And while no one is tracking this, chances are good that less new music is collectively being played since the dawn of the PPM Era.

But the Deezer study suggests something potentially interesting. If there was a way for a service, a platform, or a medium to efficiently expose audiences to new bands, new genres, and new releases  a clear, simple, and trustworthy curation process  you wonder whether there could be a there there for broadcast radio. Many stations also have credible personalities who can also provide much-needed guidance for the listening audience  new music Sherpas, if you will.

When it comes to spins and conventional exposure, many radio stations may not provide enough support to facilitate discovery. But given the growing on-demand nature of media consumption, broadcasters could be providing web and app tools and features that could make it seamless and easy for the harried, multi-tasking consumer to play catch-up with the new music scene.

It might also give radio brands a better chance to simply and inexpensively create web content that's sticky, attractive, and marketable. The fact the Deezer points to lack of time, rather than lack of interest as the driver behind musical paralysis makes you wonder if the music industry world has slipped into the same type of jumbled overcrowded that has retarded podcasting's growth.

Too much choice, too many sources, too many gadgets  and not enough time. Those are problems that someone really smart could solve.

Back when I was a programmer, you discovered new music from one or two local radio stations  and then you read about the artists in Rolling Stone. Today, discovery has become democratized  and that's a good thing. But it has also become ubiquitous, scattered, and undependable, making the new music terrain overly abundant, confusing, and impossible for someone with a job, a family, or a life to navigate.

Radio performed a valuable service in the last century when American audiences coveted new music discovery.

Could it play a different  but very key role  in the new music environment today?

-

Fred Jacobs founded Jacobs Media in 1983, and quickly became known for the creation of the Classic Rock radio format.

Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.

In 2008, jacapps was launched  a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,200 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created  a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.

Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.

Fred was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.

Share on:Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.Weather Alert

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING... The Flash Flood Watch continues for * Portions of southeast Kansas, including the following areas, Bourbon, Cherokee and Crawford. Portions of Missouri, including the following areas, Barry, Barton, Benton, Camden, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Lawrence, Maries, McDonald, Miller, Morgan, Newton, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, St. Clair, Stone, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Webster and Wright. * Through Sunday morning. * Additional rainfall is expected to occur over areas that have already received 1 to 5 inches of rain. * Expected rainfall rates of 3 to 4 inches per hour in areas that are already saturated will lead to rapid rises and flash flooding in low lying areas. Low water crossings, creeks and streams will be susceptible to flooding. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. &&Nigeria, Moldova, Nepal, China  as dean of the Santa Fe, N.M., campus of St. Johns College I announce the home countries and names of all freshmen at our annual convocation ceremony. This year, more than 20 percent of them are citizens of other countries here on student visas. Ten years ago, almost none were. This growth caught our college by surprise, driven by a surge in interested students, not by targeted recruiting.

Their arrival is not just the most dramatic change in our students campus experience in the last 50 years  its a shift, or clarification, in the very meaning and purpose of liberal education.

I remember the moment I realized the implications of the change. In fall 2012, a Singaporean student at our Great Books college, Christine Kng, asked if she could write her capstone senior essay on Tocquevilles Democracy in America and Sun Yat-sens Three Principles of the People, in order to explore how Tocquevilles views of liberty and equality might be differently - more fully, perhaps - realized in the Chinese context.

The founders of the program of study at our college could hardly have foreseen a student like Kng. Back in the 1930s, they abandoned specialization into majors to design an all-required, four-year course of study focused exclusively on Western texts that reflected the shared heritage and tradition of their American students. Our undergraduates are asked to read, discuss and interpret these texts directly, without the filter of secondary literature or professorial authorities.

Kngs senior essay was a first of its kind for us: She combined a reading of a modern Chinese author  beyond the required texts of our program  with a reading of a seminal text of Western political philosophy. Her essay signified to me that the Western ideals of liberal education are no longer essentially Western. Every nation on Earth has been decisively touched by the movement toward greater social equality that Tocqueville identified as underlying democracy.

More broadly, Kngs social, political and economic world, like my own, has been shaped by Hobbes and Rousseau, Hegel and Marx, even as her physics and technology have been shaped by Newton and Einstein. Of course, other cultures and traditions have their own distinct rich, nuanced perspectives on the roots of our shared modern world, but in 2019, there is no meaningful sense in which Western thinkers, texts and ideas are any more rightfully mine than hers.

One might go further and say the ideals of liberal education were never Western to begin with. The essence of philosophy has always been its claim that permanent scientific and ethical truths are accessible to all human beings. The international students who find St. Johns demonstrate this; they defy the stereotype of such students flooding our business schools and computer science departments because they prioritize economic success above all. Instead, at our college, theyre taking up a careful study of Platos Republic, Newtons Principia and Kants Critique of Pure Reason.

In doing so theyre developing habits of mind of enduring relevance, and theyre stepping back from the deluge and transience of information in the digital age. They are realizing and renewing the deep power and promise of higher education, and they are reinvigorating our college with an overdue ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity. Every day, they force our American students and faculty to revise an inherited map of the world into a more accurate and nuanced reflection of reality.

Its not only St. Johns that has benefited. From 2010 to 2018, the enrollment of international students at U.S. colleges has increased to 1.1 million from 700,000. But current policy trends may reverse these gains.

For the first time since the 2008 recession, the number of visas issued to international students has decreased. In June, student visas were eliminated for certain types of Chinese students, and President Trump reportedly considered eliminating all of them. The administrations approach to the H-1B visa process for skilled workers renders postgraduate career opportunities in America more doubtful. Prospective international students fear the prejudice and abuse that they may encounter amid high-profile anti-immigration enforcement and intensifying American xenophobia.

In May, I watched our international students pack their bags to go home for the summer. Two years ago, they would have said, See you next year; now some say, Thank you and goodbye, doubtful they will be able to secure another visa or unwilling to gamble with their future by returning. I leave it to others to audit the economic costs and risks of this brain drain. I lament the risk to the ideals of liberal education, ideals that lie at the heart of the Western and American democratic and humanist experiment.

We can hope that Americas inward turn is a passing moment and that politicians will listen to the chorus of voices in higher education that has been impressively unequivocal in its defense of our international students. It is in the nature of truth to defy the arbitrary exclusion of the other. The foundation of knowledge and education, especially liberal education, is that nothing human is foreign to me.

Sterling is the dean of St. Johns College in Santa Fe, N.M.

---

2019 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.When times are hard, hope matters.

In our nation, the level of political conflict, demonization and breaching of past norms has raised our anxiety level to new heights. In our state, political leaders wrestle with major issues about the funding of public education and appear not to have adequate solutions. In the Southern Baptist Convention and Roman Catholic Church, reports of sexual misconduct by leaders and inadequate responses to that misconduct have eroded trust and led to questions about the adequacy of our Christian organizational systems.

In my own United Methodist Church, delegates will soon begin a three-day General Conference in St. Louis, Mo., seeking a way forward after four decades of debate about homosexual practices and the proper roles for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer persons in the church.

Our denomination currently welcomes LGBTQ persons as members and affirms that they are persons of sacred worth who are entitled to civil rights in our society, though, since 1973, we have maintained our current stance on human sexuality in The Book of Discipline, which prohibits the church from blessing and performing same-gender marriages and allowing self-avowed practicing homosexuals to be ordained.

Because our church has both progressive and evangelical members and clergy, these beliefs have been both questioned and challenged over the last decade, ultimately creating much strife within our denomination.

Our debate has too often mirrored the worst of American secular conversations. There have been public discussions about the possibilities of one part of the church leaving to form a new denomination. We have been distracted from our mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world, and we long for a new focus on reaching the unchurched in our communities.

In such times, many of us seek signs of hope.

As a church leader, I am hopeful about the future of our country, our churches and the world.

Our nation has strong institutions, a time-tested constitution and the checks and balances that will correct abuses of power and change leaders as necessary.

Our pledge of allegiance notes that we are one nation under God and our currency carries the motto In God we Trust. I am confident God will lead us to make the changes we Americans need to make.

Leaders in our sister churches are promising decisive action to address their systemic failures. All churches need to be continually reforming and renewing, and the identification of systemic failures requires systemic solutions.

The United Methodist Church will be embracing some sort of change and may not look the same in structure or scope at the conclusion of this process. Change isnt necessarily bad, if it results in a stronger organization in the end.

I expect some persons will leave the United Methodist Church either to join another denomination or form new branches of the Wesleyan movement. This may be necessary in order to move forward in unity, but I hope that such departures are small and carried out amicably.

Regardless of what is decided at the General Conference, the most important outcome must be for the United Methodist Church to offer the transforming love of God to everyone within their reach. A recommitment to our mission is the foremost issue before us.

My hope is based on my trust that God will guide our leaders to new forms of unity that will make our witness even stronger. We know that Christ is the head of the church and that in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17-18).

We need to remember the powerful words of Scripture, the Constitution and our purposes in order to focus on our ultimate reality. However uncertain, scary and difficult our current situation appears to be, we must know that God is the ground of our hope and the promise of our deliverance. America has come through difficulties in the past, and so have various parts of the Christian church.

During the 2008 economic downturn, a wise older woman made it clear to me. She said, Scott, for those of us who lived through the Depression and World War II, these problems look quite manageable.

Hope can come from such a broad historical perspective. It can come from a recommitment to fundamental principles. For me, hope comes from my faith in God who has guided his people for centuries. As the Apostle Paul said, Faith, hope and love abide. While all three matter, uncertain times call for an extra dose of hope.

Jones serves as the resident bishop of the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church with an office in Houston.Texas anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) law opposing commercial boycotts against Israel is being challenged on the basis that it violates the First Amendments guarantee of freedom of speech.

We at the Zachor Legal Institute disagree with this position and also reject the notion that the BDS campaign is a civil rights movement.

RELATED: Texas' anti-BDS law is popular. That doesn't mean it's constitutional.

ALSO: I support Israel, but laws banning BDS are wrong

Zachor Legal Institute supports the First Amendment and encourages states and the federal government to implement and enforce anti-discrimination laws that focus on combatting BDS. These laws are narrowly tailored anti-discrimination laws similar to many other anti-discrimination laws that protect, among other categories of people, women, racial minorities and LGBTQ individuals. All of these laws balance the right to free speech with the governments obligation to protect classes of people from discrimination.

In a recent case, an Arkansas federal judge ruled that Arkansas anti-BDS law is constitutional and not a violation of free speech. This judge, for the first time in a challenge to a state anti-BDS law, analyzed relevant case law and subsequently came to the correct conclusion.

In response to the BDS movements discrimination against Israel, Texas and other states enacted laws that generally prohibit the state from using taxpayers money to contract with or invest in businesses that engage in commercial discrimination against Israel. Twenty-six states currently have anti-BDS laws, and additional states are considering adopting similar laws.

Anti-BDS laws do not and are not intended to restrict an individuals right to speak against Israel. Rather, the laws target the discriminatory commercial nature of the BDS boycott campaign. To reinforce this point, a bill  House Bill 793  has been filed in the Legislature to remove sole proprietorships from the coverage of the Texas current anti-BDS law .

These state anti-BDS laws do not infringe upon the First Amendment. There are many Supreme Court decisions that allow states to choose whom they do business with and to exclude discriminatory actions from First Amendment protection.

People who argue that state anti-BDS laws violate the First Amendment generally cite the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case of NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware Co., which protected the rights of African-American citizens in Mississippi to engage in a commercial boycott against white business owners who were directly discriminating against African-American citizens. However, this U.S. Supreme Court case does not represent the BDS boycott model. In the Claiborne case, the people boycotting were the injured parties and the businesses that were being boycotted were the ones doing the damage  thus making that boycott a primary boycott to vindicate the boycotters Constitutional rights.

Those who engage in BDS activity in the U.S. are participating in a secondary boycott  a boycott that is not directly between the aggrieved party and the party they are seeking redress from. Their goal is to influence U.S. foreign policy. The Supreme Court case International Longshoremens Association, AFL-CIO v. Allied Intl, Inc . involved a secondary boycott where workers refused to unload Soviet cargo to protest the Soviet Unions war in Afghanistan. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment did not protect the workers, since they nor the ships owners nor the American consumers who were being penalized by the boycott were a party to the foreign dispute.

Furthermore, the Israeli government recently issued a report Terrorists In Suits detailing the ties between nongovernmental organizations promoting BDS and terrorist organizations. Anti-Israel terrorist groups, such as Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, were involved in the formation of BDS and continue to manage BDS activity worldwide. Though a person has a First Amendment right to express a political opinion, the Supreme Court has ruled that this right does not include the right to engage in advocacy that constitutes material support to terror.

BDS supporters may claim they are a civil rights movement, but that does not make it so.

Finally, the BDS campaign against Israel and the previous boycott of South Africa differ legally in a critical way. At the time of apartheid in South Africa, the U.S. officially sanctioned South Africa via a U.S. government-mandated boycott. The case with Israel is the opposite. The U.S. government maintains friendly relations with Israel, which is a strategic partner of the U.S.

Properly constructed anti-BDS laws are fully protected by the First Amendment, as the recent Arkansas ruling clearly states. We believe that Texas law will fully withstand the current legal challenge.

Machol is the COO of Zachor Legal Institute, an organization using the law to combat BDS; he can be reached at ron@zachorlegal.org. Pulman is a Texas attorney; he can be reached at cpulman@meadowscollier.com.Those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth -1 Sam. 2:9-10

I am unashamedly Southern Baptist. It was in a Southern Baptist church that I was raised and became a pastor. I attended two Southern Baptist seminaries and have been an employee of one for the last seven years. I participate annually in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and this year will serve as vice-chair on the resolution committee. My closest friends are either employed by a Southern Baptist entity or pastors in a Southern Baptist church. This is my family.

The past 12 months have been a heart-rending season, with a handful of dismissals surrounding sexual misconduct and one for the mishandling of cases of sexual misconduct. Now another shoe has dropped: The Houston Chronicle published three articles  Abuse of Faith, Offend, Then Repeat, and Preying on Teens  on more than 700 abuse cases that occurred in Southern Baptist churches over the past 20 years. The banner graphic is a chilling mosaic of mug shots of Southern Baptists who were convicted or pleaded guilty to sexual abuse, faces that represent only a portion of the 220 known perpetrators since 1998.

It is devastating to realize that many of these accounts have been known for years. These survivors and many others have attempted to tell their stories, but their voices have been silenced. At times, their pleas have been ignored. In other instances, the accusations have been handled in house to protect the reputations of churches and leaders. Some survivors were even encouraged to forgive and forget those who victimized them. These responses are unacceptable, reflect complicity in the abuse of the vulnerable and provide a place for predators.

As Southern Baptists, we have to face reality: These reports show a systemic problem spanning decades of neglect in handling abuse cases in our local churches and through our cooperative structures. While some of these same issues may be present in churches outside the SBC, this is the moment the Lord has appointed for us to deal with them in our cooperative family of churches. The SBC faces a moral crisis as big (if not bigger) than the theological crisis we faced over the battle for the Bible in the 1970s and 1980s. The theological crisis called us to protect the faith; this challenge calls us to live it.

I believe there are five key systemic reasons for our negligence that allowed for the disturbing scope of the abuses outlined in the Chronicles report.

First, we have lived in denial of the problem. Wittingly or unwittingly, for some, the denial served to protect our reputation as a body of churches with a storied theological resurgence. Others lived in denial because they could not envision a way to stop it, and the difficulty of facing the reality was too great. Still others insist theres not a major problem because the percentage of offenders is a relatively small number of Southern Baptist members. This issue is not primarily about math, but about neglect in how cases were handled. Regardless of the reasons, denial creates a safe haven for abusers and silenced for decades what could have been a loud and unified voice of churches defending the weak and vulnerable.

Second, weve failed to understand the power dynamics of abuse and have often viewed these instances through the lens of sexual sin. This led to abusers being superficially reprimanded and penalized, while the survivors were simultaneously overlooked and/or treated as complicit. Such a reductionist understanding gave rise to unrighteous sympathy that sought to protect the future of the perpetrator at the expense of justice and protection of the victim. Then, when survivors would not let the injustice go, they were characterized as troublemakers  unwilling to forgive their abusers.

A deficient doctrine of humanity is also to blame. We have neither appreciated nor affirmed the profound, lasting psychosomatic pain and damage caused by abuse. The human person is not a bifurcated soul and body, but an integrated whole. Sexual abuse violates not merely the body; it violates a whole person. Theological distortions failed to generate both the profound empathy required to fittingly address abuse accusations and the righteous grief over the trauma-filled future that survivors face.

Weve also acted arrogantly in thinking these situations can be effectively handled solely within the context of a local church. This protocol seems to have protected the reputations of the churches and their leaders, while effectively permitting the cycle of abuse to continue. This fails to give abuse survivors what they deserve: protection and an advocate for justice. We need to involve the proper professional authorities in every step of the process  reporting to the police, counseling the victims, training church staff to recognize instances of abuse, etc.

Finally, weve hidden behind false fronts and convenient excuses. Appeals to the autonomy of Southern Baptist churches have derailed various proposals, like creating a Southern Baptist offenders registry. While our polity may render some proposals nearly impossible to carry out, the appeal to autonomy doesnt justify inaction. Rather, we must use our autonomy to covenant with one another, to stir one another to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:31). Our family of churches must find a meaningful and culture-shaping mechanism that leads us to commit to best practices as we strive to prevent abuse in our churches and entities.

Southern Baptists are proud of our Conservative Resurgence of 1979, when we reaffirmed that we believed the words of Scripture were the Words of God and should be the authoritative basis for truth. But now Southern Baptists require a Moral Resurgence to drive us to apply the teachings of the inerrant Word of God regarding who we are as human beings. This resurgence must include the exorcism of the idols of self and the social demons that have swirled around us, including the pure evil of misogyny, to borrow the characterization of our convention president. The test of our faithfulness before us right now is whether we will live by these Words of the Just One, who is near to the broken-hearted (Ps. 34:18), who instructs us to act with justice and righteousness and to deliver those who have been attacked (Jer. 22:3) and who warns against causing little ones to forsake the faith (Matt. 18:6).

Our battle is for the soul of our family. The choices we make as the SBC in the days and weeks to come will either lead our convention of churches into the light of repentance or cause us to cry Ichabod in the wake of continued destruction.

Whitfield is associate professor of theology, dean of graduate studies and vice president for academic administration at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. This originally ran in First Things.More than 200 Southern Baptist pastors, church leaders and youth ministers have been convicted, imprisoned or punished in some way for sex abuse crimes. Seven hundred victims of rape, molestation or unwanted and inappropriate sexual advances.

The tally of wrecked lives, busted trust and shattered faith revealed in excruciating detail by investigative journalists at the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio News-Express is enough to break ones heart.

The very people entrusted to facilitate believers relationships with God put them in a living hell. Thats the thing about sex offenders. They thrive on trust, a prosecutor in Anderson County, Texas, told our reporters for a series of stories that began Sunday.

The shoe-leather reporting and data-journalism of Robert Downen, Lise Olsen, John Tedesco and multimedia journalist Jon Shapley led to findings that have drawn gasps across the country, especially throughout the Southern Baptist churches, conventions and seminaries that form the biggest subset of Baptist churches, Americas largest Protestant denomination.

The reporters unearthed outrageous examples of abusive clergy in some of the nations most prominent Christian churches, including at Houstons Second Baptist Church, and in some of the smallest. More than 100 of the abusers were youth ministers, and many others were ordained preachers or pastors. They preyed on vulnerable adults, teenagers and younger children, too.

Especially disturbing are the deep similarities shared with well-known scandals that have plagued the Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic Church. As in those other cases, when allegations of systemic abuse began, top leaders refused to take steps to weed it out, to alert others or to provide necessary support for the victims.

Southern Baptist leaders were warned years ago that ministers were preying on vulnerable church members. They seemed more worried about their reputations than meaningful reforms or holding abusers accountable. Their inaction allowed abusers to expand their hunting grounds from one church to another.

Southern Baptists have no central authority resembling that of the Catholic Church.. But that distinction, raised repeatedly within the Southern Baptist Convention to explain why no blanket sex abuse policies existed , is a pitiful excuse.

The SBC didnt need a thick bureaucracy to protect its flock. It needed a simple act of transparency.

Southern Baptists must do two things urgently: create a nationwide database of offenders who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse so that each church weighing the hiring of a new leader can screen candidates for trouble. This wont threaten the autonomy of local churches. It will empower them with the knowledge to make responsible decisions. It just might save some people from soul-shattering abuse.

Southern Baptist churches must also pool resources to provide counseling and care to the 700 victims and however many others who have yet to come forward.

One impact of these devastating revelations, among Baptists and Catholics, will be to reduce the moral authority of the men who lead the denomination. And yes, they are almost all men in the Southern Baptist hierarchy.

Southern Baptists must act now to end the culture of silence and acceptance and do whatever is required to help the suffering members of their flock begin to heal.Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention vowed last week not to tolerate sexual abuse and to enact reforms after an investigation by the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News revealed that more than 700 people had been molested by Southern Baptist pastors, church employees and volunteers over a span of two decades.

But the question remains: What will leaders of the largest coalition of Baptist churches in the United States actually do about the problem?

SBC President J.D. Greear, a North Carolina pastor, said he was broken by what he read in the newspapers. He hasnt offered specific solutions, but he ordered a study of sexual abuse in Southern Baptist churches last summer and is expected to unveil proposals when SBC leaders meet in Nashville, Tenn., this coming week.

ABUSE OF FAITH: Investigation reveals 700 victims of sex abuse in Southern Baptist church

Other prominent SBC officials are calling for changes that include creating a registry of church employees and volunteers credibly accused of sexual misconduct and aggressively removing from the convention churches that knowingly hire predators.

Reactions to Abuse of Faith: "I will pursue every possible avenue to bring the vast spiritual, financial, and organizational resources of the Southern Baptist Convention to bear on stopping predators in our midst." - J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention. "I know a lot of people are shocked with the amount of victims and amount of predators there were. But I know - I know for a fact that there are so many more." - Anne Marie Miller, who said she was sexually abused as a teenager by a 25-year-old seminary student, on National Public Radio. "You are great to bring all this to light. As hard is was to go over it all, I feel like (my daughter) is looking down and feeling proud of you and everyone that has come forward." - Gwen Casados, who shared the story of her daughter, Heather, being sexually abused as a 14-year-old inside Houston Second Baptist church in 1994. Her daughter later died. "This is nothing short of a scandal and a crisis. There should be no tolerance for, or covering up of, sexual abuse of the vulnerable ever, especially within the church of Jesus Christ." - Russell Moore, president of the SBC's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. "We thank you for bringing this issue to the light of day. It is our belief that when churches refuse to take action for the ungodly conduct of those in church leadership, God will use those outside of the church to expose their evil deeds. It is a sad day when this happens but we applaud your work." - Dan Wilson, member of a Southern Baptist church in Oklahoma City. "Those of us that represent victims are each aware of specific incidents, but it has been difficult to get a full picture as to the extent of the crisis. With the recent reporting regarding the degree of rampant sexual abuse it is clear an independent investigation is needed in order to protect the many innocent children vulnerable to sexual exploitation within the Southern Baptist Convention." - Cris Feldman, Houston lawyer who has litigated abuse cases within the Southern Baptist Convention. See More Collapse

Russell Moore, president of the SBCs Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, praised the newspapers investigation and said people with functioning consciences have been filled with rage by the findings.

The two papers really did a service to churches by collating together this information, doing the hard work of going through and talking to people who have experienced awful, awful trauma, said Moore, a former professor and dean at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

The idea that somehow this shouldnt be out there in public is exactly the mentality that leads to these predators being able to carry out their actions, he said.

The three-part series, Abuse of Faith, was produced by a team of journalists at the Chronicle and Express-News who found 380 allegations of sexual misconduct against pastors, employees and volunteers at SBC churches in the past 20 years.

More than 700 people  most of them children  reported being sexually abused. In at least 35 cases, Baptist churches hired men who had exhibited predatory behavior in the past or were registered sex offenders, the investigation found.

The paper published an online database of 220 Southern Baptist church leaders and volunteers who have been convicted of sex crimes or reached plea deals. Since the series was published, local news outlets across the country have used the database to discover cases of sexual abuse in their communities.

Readers reached out to the newspapers with their own stories of being sexually assaulted by someone they trusted in a Southern Baptist church.

Over the years Ive learned to cope with this and Ive also realized that I am not alone, wrote one adult survivor who, as a boy, was molested by former Southern Baptist pastor Doug Myers. Your article reaffirms this and I feel more empowered knowing that more people will now better understand what is really going on.

Myers served in Baptist churches in three different states and his conduct around boys raised suspicions  but he still managed to find work as a pastor. Myers was finally arrested and convicted of sex crimes against multiple victims in Maryland and Florida, and he is serving a 15-year prison sentence in Maryland.

A core group of activists and sex-abuse survivors have spent years calling for reforms at Southern Baptist churches, and theyre skeptical of the response from SBC leaders.

Its a temporary P.R. Band-Aid on a hemorrhaging problem, said Amy Smith, a victims advocate in Dallas who blogs about allegations of sexual abuse in Southern Baptist churches.

Smith and other critics point out that some of the same SBC officials who called for action last week had previously expressed support for C.J. Mahaney, former leader of a network of Christian churches called Sovereign Grace who was closely allied with SBC leaders.

Read the entire ABUSE OF FAITH series on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com.

A class-action lawsuit filed in 2012 by church members accused Sovereign Grace of covering up allegations of sexual abuse. Mahaney denied any wrongdoing and the suit was later dismissed because of the statute of limitations. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, had voiced support for Mahaney.

Mohler, in an interview last week, said he now realizes that was a mistake and expressed remorse.

C.J. was a friend, Mohler said. I believe in retrospect I erred in being part of a statement being supportive of C.J. and being dismissive of the charges. And I regret that action, which I think was taken without due regard to the claims made by the victims and survivors at the time.

Mohler called for the SBC to take action against churches that have mishandled allegations of sex abuse.

The first concern has to be for survivors, the first response has to be heartbreak, Mohler said. The moral verdict of what has been done and what has been allowed to be done has to be taken at full force. And then the obvious question, is what Southern Baptists are going to do about this?

Advocates and survivors said theyve paid a heavy personal toll for speaking out against sexual abuse in Southern Baptist churches.

Smith said her father, a former deacon at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, ostracized her when she raised concerns about John Langworthy, a former music minister at Prestonwood who was fired in the summer of 1989 after behaving inappropriately with a teenage student.

Smith had attended Prestonwood and knew Langworthy. She grew concerned years later when she learned Langworthy was working around children at a public school and a church in Mississippi.

Smith alerted the school superintendent and church officials in Mississippi, raising questions that eventually led to Langworthys resignation. Smith obtained a video of a sermon Langworthy delivered to the congregation. In it, he admitted to sexual indiscretions with younger males in Mississippi and Texas.

The video helped bolster a criminal case against Langworthy, and in September 2011 he was charged with eights counts of gratification of lust involving multiple boys in Mississippi from 1980 to 1984.

Langworthy pleaded guilty in a deal that allowed him to avoid prison, but he is now a registered sex offender.

Smith said she believes she did the right thing. But she had no idea speaking out would be so difficult.

Victims face this when they come forward in churches, Smith said.

Prestonwood, one of the largest Southern Baptist churches in Texas, is led by former SBC President Jack Graham.

In a statement Friday, Prestonwood said church leaders learned of concerns about crude and inappropriate behavior by Langworthy in 1989, weeks after Graham became pastor. It wasnt apparent that this behavior involved any form of molestation, the church said.

Smith disputed the statement. She said that the church was downplaying the severity of Langworthy's behavior, and that church lawyers were called in to address the situation.

Wade Burleson, a Southern Baptist pastor who has asked the SBC to establish a registry of credibly accused offenders that churches could use to vet job applicants, said he expects the newspapers investigation will lead to tangible change at the SBCs annual meeting in June at Birmingham, Ala.

I think its a guarantee, he said. In other words, it wont just be, Read this study, read this book. It will be, This is what we are doing.

Burleson first pushed for the offender registry at the 2007 annual SBC meeting in San Antonio. A year later, an SBC committee rejected the idea, saying the convention had no authority to compel member churches to use the registry.

After publication of Abuse of Faith, SBC leaders joined Burleson in supporting a database of offenders. Like Burleson, Mohler said the SBC should fund the effort and an independent nonprofit should oversee the data.

Two other leaders of SBC seminaries said they supported the idea, as did Thom Rainer, the CEO of the SBCs publishing arm, LifeWay Resources.

I think this is the loudest Ive ever heard it, Rainer said of calls for an offender database. That is absolutely huge. Weve definitely had people advocating it up to this point, but it has never been at the crescendo that it is now.

Chronicle staff writer Lise Olsen contributed to this report.

***

Abuse of Faith

Part 1: Southern Baptist sexual abuse spreads as leaders resist reforms

Part 2: Churches hired dozens of leaders accused of sex offenses

Part 3: More than 100 youth pastors convicted or charged in sex crimes

Search the database: We compiled 20 years of convictions



Help us investigate: Do you have information about sexual misconduct in Southern Baptist churches? Fill out our confidential questionnaire here.

Support our journalism:

Help our journalists uncover the big stories. Subscribe today.Nine Southwest Airlines flights out of Houston's Hobby Airport have been canceled as the airline deals with mechanical issues on hundreds of planes in its fleet.

The cancellations could be related to both the mechanical issues and a winter storm spreading its way across the Midwest to the east, according to a Southwest spokesperson. The airline said it "proactively" canceled more than 350 flights across the Midwest, Ohio Valley and the Northeast between late Tuesday and Wednesday morning.

MORNING REPORT: Sign up to have a curated list of the day's top news stories sent directly to your email. Start the day right with HoustonChronicle.com.

According to fly2houston.com, the cancelled flights in Houston were scheduled to depart for Baltimore (two flights), Dallas, Oakland, Washington D.C., Austin, San Antonio and New York (two flights).

You can check exact departure times here.

Southwest said on Tuesday that there is "no common theme" among the mechanical issues, according to Bloomberg. Planes nationwide have been taken out of service at more than twice the daily average of 20, Bloomberg reported.

The airline said Wednesday morning that they working to utilize their mechanics as much as they can.

"The airline continues to operate under a staffing protocol enacted late last week to maximize availability of mechanics across all scheduled shifts to address maintenance items so that we may safely return aircraft to service," the spokesperson said.

According to USA Today, the airline canceled 191 flights and delayed 858 flights on Tuesday alone. A spokesman told the news outlet that half of those cancellations were related to maintenance issues.

USA Today said the delays are related to a long-running labor dispute at the Dallas-based airline.

Southwest Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven issued a statement on Tuesday suggesting that the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, an independent union representing aircraft maintenance technicians, is the reason for the disruption, USA Today reported. The union has been in contract talks with Southwest since 2012, according to USA Today.

"We apologize to our customers who have been inconvenienced by this disruption,'' Van de Ven said.

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | 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.Six of the 10 churches targeted for scrutiny by Southern Baptist Convention leader J.D. Greear are in Texas  and all of them employed pastors or volunteers who were accused of committing sexual abuse.

Four of the pastors, in fact, are still working in churches.

All 10 of the cases involving those pastors were detailed in a joint investigation by the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News, Abuse of Faith. The report has sparked upheaval and soul-searching among Baptists nationwide and led to Greears speech late Monday at the SBCs Executive Committee meeting in Nashville.

The SBC, with 47,000 affiliated churches, is the largest group of Baptist churches in the United States.

At least three of the Texas churches listed by Greear employed youth pastors who ultimately ended up as convicted sex offenders  including Houstons Second Baptist and Arapaho Road Baptist Church in Garland and the smaller First Baptist Church in Bedford, Texas.

Both Arapaho Road and Second Baptist were sued and reached settlements with victims families who claimed they failed to protect young teens in youth groups targeted by predators. The Bedford church hired a young music minister who had already been charged with sex crimes in another state.

In Houston, officials with the enormous Second Baptist Church quickly promised to cooperate. A statement outlined its training and screening policies for employees and volunteers.

Second Baptist Church wants to assure the Southern Baptist Convention and our community that we have long adhered to strict policies and guidelines dealing with sexual conduct and abuse, the church said. First and foremost, we grieve with each and every child, individual, their families and everyone affected by sexual abuse. Period.

Nicole, whose last name is not being published by the Chronicle because she was a victim of former Second Baptist youth pastor Chad Foster, said she was unimpressed by the summary of policies Second Baptist released Tuesday.

She said she and her mother both volunteered at the church years ago but werent screened, contrary to the policy Second Baptist outlined to the SBC. She also noted that the church says it started training staff on sexual abuse prevention four years after Foster was sentenced to prison for sexual abuse.

Arapaho Road, the church in Garland, issued a statement saying it welcomed a conversation with Greear about how it handled past incidents of abuse and what it learned from them.

From the moment we learned of the allegations, our church has been and remains committed to pushing everything into the light and being transparent, wrote Carolyn Alvey, a spokeswoman for the church. That is the only way for true healing to happen for everyone involved and we continue to pray for and be available for pastoral care for those impacted.

Other Texas churches listed by the SBC did not respond to phone calls Tuesday from the Chronicle.

Tougher bylaws coming?

The newspapers investigation found 380 cases of sexual abuse at Southern Baptist churches over the span of 20 years. More than 700 people  most of them children  reported being abused, according to hundreds of documents reviewed by the newspapers.

The SBC has never expelled a church from its convention for knowingly employing a sex offender or for covering up allegations of sex abuse, leaders told the Chronicle in an interview for the series. Churches have been asked to leave for other reasons, including employing an openly homosexual pastor.

In Nashville, the SBCs executive committee approved changes Tuesday to bylaws that would more clearly allow for churches that concealed abuses or sheltered predators to be removed from the convention.

Churches seeking to be in friendly cooperation with other SBC churches are already required to care for the vulnerable. But the new amendment would, if approved by the full convention during two annual meetings, explicitly prohibit churches that have evidenced indifference in addressing sexual abuse that targets minors and other vulnerable persons.

That includes those who employ a convicted sex offender or allowed one to work with minors, and those who employ a person who concealed abuses or who willfully disregarded compliance with mandatory child abuse reporting laws.

Nationwide, at least four of 10 churches held up for scrutiny and potential expulsion from the convention still employ pastors who years or decades ago were publicly accused or civilly sued for sexual abuse. That includes Bolivar Baptist Church in Sanger, Texas, where online reviews indicate that sermons are still regularly delivered by Dickie Amyx, a pastor who long ago admitted to impregnating Debbie Vasquez, a teenage member of a different church that he pastored.

Amyx has not responded to repeated requests for comments. No one answered the telephone at the church on Tuesday.

As an adult, Vasquez became an activist and has, for more than a decade, demanded reforms from the SBC to help protect other church members. She was one of several activists who called for the church to create an online registry of known abusers to help churches screen out potential predators.

The newspapers investigation includes the first publicly available searchable list of Southern Baptist workers and volunteers who were charged with sex crimes and were either convicted or reached plea agreements. The database contains the names and records of 220 people, almost all of them men.

SBC leaders have repeatedly rejected proposals by Vasquez and others to create a registry of Baptist employees and volunteers who faced credible accusations of sexual misconduct.

A painful lesson

Greear was moved to speak out by the newspapers investigation, calling himself broken by what he read. One Houston church on his list, Cathedral of Faith, was founded by Pastor Michael Lee Jones, who is a registered sex offender. Jones did not return phone calls.

Another Houston church that was listed, Brentwood Baptist, is pastored by Joe Ratliff, whose church has been civilly sued three times in cases that allege that he and another church employee abused adults. Two of those cases involve claims that Ratliff sexually abused an adult who sought counseling. One case has been settled and Ratliff was given a two-month leave of absence before returning to the pulpit. Ratliff did not return phone calls.

Another church on Greears list was Eastside Baptist Church near Atlanta, Georgia. In 2016, a former volunteer youth pastor named Alexander Edwards was arrested on charges of sexual battery involving an 11-year-old boy he had met at the church. The church had allowed Edwards to volunteer there despite a prior arrest on his record  he was charged in 2013 with using the internet to find a child for a sex act.

Pastor John Hull said he had recently been hired at Eastside when the allegations against Edwards surfaced in 2016. He said the church learned a painful lesson from the episode and it has strengthened its policies.

We are trying to firmly and valiantly respond to it and work very hard to make sure no child is ever hurt again at Eastside, Hull said.

Hull invited the SBCs leadership, based in Nashville, to visit Eastside to learn what the church has done to prevent sexual abuse and protect children.

While this may be new for our friends in Nashville, weve been down the road on this, Hull said.

lise.olsen@chron.comA man is dead after crashing into a tree in north Houston, police said.

The man was driving a gray Honda Civic northbound in the 1300 block of Northborough Drive around 3:20 a.m. Tuesday when he started to veer into oncoming southbound traffic, according to Houston Police Department Sgt. J. Uribe.

A southbound driver told investigators that the Civic driver appeared to have overcorrected, swerved off the roadway and crashed into a tree just off the curb.

Now Playing: Houston police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred at 1330 Northborough Drive about 3:20 a.m. on Tuesday. Video: Houston Chronicle

He was pronounced dead on scene. His identity has not been released.

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A message in a bottle dropped in the Gulf of Mexico by a Galveston laboratory was found by a Corpus Christi, Texas, couple in January, 57 years after it was tossed into the water.

Candy and Jim Duke discovered the artifact on the Padre Island National Seashore.

"My husband and I go out there almost every Saturday morning. We get there before sunrise to take photos, and then drive down the beach to search for treasure," Candy Duke told Chron.com. "That's where we found the bottle, at around marker 22."

Now Playing: A message in a bottle dropped in the Gulf of Mexico by a Galveston laboratory was found by a Corpus Christi, Texas, couple. Video: Candy Duke

Hope for vaccine: Methodist Hospital researchers find flesh-eating bacteria genetic roadmap

At first glance, the Dukes weren't sure if the clear glass container was a worthy addition to their bottle collection.

"This one wasn't colored ... my husband almost didn't pick it up," she said. "But I told him to pick it up anyway."

After inspecting the bottle, the Dukes realized there may be something special about their find. "My husband looked at it and said, 'there's something down in here,'" Candy Duke said.

As it turns out, the bottle, with a message inside, was part of a 1962 "drift study" by the Galveston Laboratory of the U.S. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, now known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA). The research was an effort to determine the direction and rate of flow of surface waters in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

"The study was done in the early days of shrimp management. It looked at where adult shrimp live, offshore, versus where juvenile shrimp live, inshore. The idea was, if you look at surface currents, you could connect the two," NOAA acting lab director Matthew Johnson, Ph.D., told Chron.com.

Scientists dropped approximately 1,796 bottles across the western half of the Gulf of Mexico over the course of several days between 1962 and 1963, according to NOAA, which is currently working to retrieve more records on the drift study from an out-of-state storage facility.

"After the hurricane, we moved the records to D.C.," Johnson said. "But May 1962 is about when we think this bottle was dropped."

"Someone mentioned that the last bottle found was in 2000 but we haven't been able to confirm that yet," he added.

And the message inside? Each bottle contained a bright reddish-orange card that reads in part:

"These releases are part of a study to determine the role that water currents play in the movement of young shrimp from offshore spawning grounds to inshore nursery grounds. The person finding this bottle should complete the enclosed postcard and mail it at the first opportunity. A fifty cent reward will be sent for each completed return."

Not wanting to break the bottle to get the message out, the Dukes took the relic home and posted a Facebook video with how they managed to pop the cork and slide the card out.

As per the instructions, they mailed the card to the Galveston lab. "I told them not to send us the 50 cents," Candy Duke noted. Before returning it, however, she took a photo of it to keep as a memento. "I want to make a shadow box with the bottle and photo to hang in our house."

At NOAA in Galveston, the card landed in the hands of Johnson, who has been in touch with the Dukes several times since. "We've talked about it and they've sent me reports on the findings," Candy Duke said.

These days, drift studies by NOAA are rare. "With the development of satellite technology, we don't do many bottle studies anymore," Johnson said.

Current projects at NOAA include research on turtle rearing. "It's for restocking efforts. We travel to Mexico or Florida to collect eggs, grow and hatch them, then release them back into environment," Johnson said. "We give them a jumpstart."

NOAA is located at 4700 Avenue U, Galveston, Texas, at the former site of the U.S Army's Fort Crockett.

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DALLAS (AP)  Southwest Airlines is lashing out at the union representing its mechanics, suggesting that they are purposely grounding planes in order to gain leverage in new contract negotiations.

Separately, Southwest said Wednesday that the partial shutdown of the federal government will cost it $60 million in lost revenue during the first quarter  far more than the airline's previous estimate of a $10 million to $15 million.

Southwest said it has continued to see softer bookings that it blames on the shutdown, which ended officially on Jan. 25. The earlier estimate covered the period through Jan. 23.

CALLING IT QUITS: Southwest discontinues one of its new international flights. Details can be found at HoustonChronicle.com.

Southwest shares tumbled $3.12, or 5.4 percent, by midday Wednesday. Shares of several other U.S. airlines were down about 1 percent.

On the labor front, Southwest is fighting the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, which represents nearly 2,400 Southwest mechanics.

Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven said Southwest saw an increase in aircraft being declared out of service on Feb. 12, "just days after our last negotiations session with AMFA." The surge, concentrated at four maintenance shops, occurred even though there were no changes in the maintenance programs, he said.

The airline issued an emergency all-hands order to the union last week, but delays and cancellations from grounded planes have persisted  even worsened.

Southwest had canceled more than 400 flights  10 percent of its schedule  by late morning Wednesday.

TEXAS INC: Business news. Company profiles. CEO interviews. Delivered to your email. Sign up at HoustonChronicle.com.

Van de Ven said "AMFA has a history of work disruptions"  Southwest has two pending lawsuits against the union  and the airline is considering all options to fix its operation.

The union counted that Southwest is "scapegoating" mechanics, and it warned that the conflict "does not bode well" for safety at one of the nation's biggest airlines.

"For Southwest's leadership to connect the airline's self-declared 'operational emergency' to collective bargaining negotiations is simply an attempt to divert attention away from the airline's safety issues," the union said in an unsigned statement.

AMFA accuses Southwest of pressuring mechanics to approve planes for service too quickly because planes that are grounded do not make money for the airline.

___

David Koenig can be reached at http://twitter.com/airlinewriter

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.When chef Chris Shepherd decided to close his award-winning Underbelly in Montrose to concentrate on new projects, he said people thought he was crazy.

And, to be honest, it was, Shepherd wrote on Facebook on Tuesday after learning that his decision led to incredible accolades for his restaurants.

Texas Monthlys annual list of 10 Best New Restaurants in the state included three of Shepherds post-Underbelly efforts  One Fifth Mediterranean, UB Preserv and Georgia James steakhouse  all listed as No. 1. But the top ranking is not based on a collective effort of the three restaurants. Each essentially tied for first place  the first time there was a tie in the 18 years the list has been published, and certainly a first for a chef/owner.

In less than six months, the James Beard Award-winning chef opened not one, not two, but three restaurants, the magazines executive editor and restaurant critic Patricia Sharpe wrote. And did I mention that each one is a smashing success?

Sharpes list also found plenty of love for other Houston restaurants. Three others  Nancys Hustle in EaDo, Poitin at the new Sawyer Yards development, and Indigo in a nondescript storefront in the citys north side  landed on the list, contributing to Houston besting all other Texas cities.

On HoustonChronicle.com: The best new restaurants in Houston according to Alison Cook

Nancys Hustle, the buzzy sophisticate from partners Sean Jensen and executive chef Jason Vaughan, came in at No. 3. In November Esquire magazine named it one of the 13 Best New Restaurants in America for 2018.

With uncanny intuition, Nancys Hustle delivers just what todays urban diners want in a restaurant, Sharpe wrote.

Poitin, the international cuisine restaurant named for Irish moonshine, found itself at No. 6 on the list. The global menu at Poitin checks off so many countries you wonder if the next stop is the moon, Sharpe wrote about owner Ian Tuckers restaurant, whose kitchen is run by chef Dominick Lee.

And Indigo, the 13-seat neo-soul restaurant, came in at No. 8. Chef Jonny Rhodes and his general manager/sommelier wife Chana are giving soul food a sophisticated spin, Sharpe wrote. Rhodes serves his prix-fixe courses with lessons on African American foodways. Some of Rhodess spiels are literal, others are lyrical, Sharpe writes. All are insightful.

Austin is represented on the list with two spots, No. 2 Suerte and No. 5 Intero. Dallas clocks in with three spots, No. 4 Marcellaio, No. 7 Petra and the Beast, and No. 10 Tulum. San Antonio takes the No. 9 spot with Clementine.

Houstons dominance on Sharpes list was underscored by the news that for the first time the James Beard Foundation will announce nominations for its 2019 awards  considered the Oscars of the food world  from Houston, the foundation and Houston First announced Tuesday.

The nominations will be announced during a live press conference on March 27 hosted at Hugos restaurant, and will be attended by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. Hugos in Montrose makes a good location: chef Hugo Ortega won Best Chef Southwest in 2017.

What does the choice of Houston for the prestigious nominations mean for local chefs possibly winding up as finalists for the award that recognizes the top culinary talents in America? That wont be known until the 27th, but the nominations will bring even more recognition to the citys diverse and vibrant dining scene, Reichenbach said: The city of Houstons dedication to cultivating and embracing its local restaurants and culinary talent make it the perfect community for such an occasion.

In addition to Ortega, Houston chefs Justin Yu was honored as Best Chef Southwest in 2016 for his work at Oxheart, and Shepherd took the same award in 2014 for Underbelly, breaking a long drought since Cafe Annies Robert Del Grande first brought home the award in 1992.

These latest accolades for Shepherd are the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year timeframe when he totally reshaped his business, which was then centered on the intensely regional, whole-animal butchery-focused Underbelly.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Alison Cooks review of One Fifth Steak

It was tempting to think Shepherd was nuts  or at least crazily ambitious  when he announced in the autumn of 2016 that he would open five concepts over five years in the old Marks space, a 1920s church on Westheimer. But One Fifth Steak, his first concept, was a runaway hit right out of the starting gate.

A little over a year later, he shocked the Houston dining world again by announcing he would close the celebrated Underbelly, where he had made his national reputation, and open steakhouse Georgia James in its stead, capitalizing on the success of One Fifth Steak.

He placated distraught Underbelly fans by opening UB Preserv, its smaller and looser spiritual heir, right down Westheimer, so that the blocks between Dunlavy and Waugh began to feel like Shepherdville.

The remarkable string of openings Shepherd brought off last year, including the switchover from One Fifth Romance Languages to the current Mediterranean iteration, is not just a feat of logistics, but one of human resources. Shepherd was adamant when kicking around One Fifth ideas that he wanted to focus more on being a teacher at this point in his career, as he entered his mid-40s.

With his latest projects, he has done just that: nurturing such talents as Nick Fine, who came into his own as chef de cuisine of One Fifth Steak and now serves as culinary director for all Shepherds restaurants. Nick Wong, who came from David Changs Momofuku Ssam Bar, has plunged with verve into Houstons varied food culture as chef de cuisine at the freewheeling UB Preserv. Matt Staph and Greg Peters are now making their marks as chefs de cuisine at One Fifth and Georgia James, respectively.

The consolidation of new talent hasnt stopped there. Shepherd, who once bought and sold wine at Brennans, has long partnered with Matt Pridgen to pioneer small-producer and natural wines in Houston. Now theyre setting a pace with cocktails as well, thanks to the inventive work of Westin Galleymore, whose drinks at all three new restaurants are precise and thematically apt.

All these developments are likely to influence Houstons dining scene for years to come.Theres a dog named Borras who plays a small but important, if messy, role in Alfonso Cuarons movie Roma, the directors reflection on his growing up in the Mexico City neighborhood that lends the film its name.

Borras, in reality a brown-and-black mix who was found in an abandoned lot and rescued by the films dog trainer, is emblematic of my time living in Colonia Roma in 2008. Dogs are an integral part of the tapestry of the area, tightly woven into the clatter and clutter of daily life in one of the worlds most crowded, colorful cities.

The Oscar-nominated film is breaking barriers of representation all across the film world but one of my favorite scenes has nothing to do with that. Its when a car is pulling into a carport and rolls over a lump of dog feces. Its not a pivotal shot, but the image of dogs, their remains and our attachment to the creatures runs through the film like a fault line.

And looking back on my time there, along with the friends I made and things I experienced, helping a dog live a better life without even trying was one of my best memories (and I met my wife there, but she already knows shes more special than Beba).

My purpose for being in Roma wasnt to make friends with dogs but the draw for me was the expat-friendly vibe and the creative electricity generated by all the writers, artists and other creative types. I landed in Roma after a photographer from California was moving on and left me his room in a two-bedroom, one-bath apartment.

The apartment was on Avenida Alvaro Obregon, above a bar, a general store, a stationery store, a restaurant  and Beba.

I was never sure of Bebas breed, though it was probably something in the golden retriever range. Her bushy, wiry fur was often so matted with soot, car exhaust, gum and whatever else that landed on her that when she eventually got baths she shone like a little furry sun.

Her job  because for a street dog to be in the same place every day, they need a job  was security for the parking lot, though whoever owned the lot didnt see her as their responsibility. That was actually her nighttime occupation, during the day she would lumber around the block and relax, sunning on the sidewalk. She was only really heard at night and her bark was deep and long, almost a howl.

Once we were friends, she would follow me around the city. To the movie theater. To a friends house. This unexpected companionship always made me uncomfortable though. I never invited her along and people would automatically think this mangy thing was mine. I mean, she was, but she really wasnt.

It wasnt long before I started letting her into my apartment. I would feed her little treats or Id buy her dog food. I washed her and all the months  or years  of grime and grit flowing down the drain. She was my project. I wasnt a dog person, but there I was.

The oddest thing to people who might have witnessed this friendship was that I allowed the dog into my home, into my girlfriends car for joyrides, and everywhere else. While dogs are common in Mexico City, giving them access to your living quarters in the style of us gringos isnt all that common.

But it took a gringa named Grace to change Bebas life forever.

Grace is a Southern California transplant to Mexico City and she knew the value of a dog. She lived upstairs and when she saw the street dog was actually a good friend, she took over for me, taking her to the groomers and paying for trips to the vet. Beba became the mascot of her bar, Legion Americana, in the nearby neighborhood of Condesa.

It was sad news when a couple of years ago Grace sent me a message saying that Beba had cancer. Beba fought it for a while and lived her best life possible, sleeping on fancy rugs and developing her own fanbase on Facebook, until her death in 2017.

According to an article in Mexicos El Universal around 70 percent of the dogs in Mexico live on the street, making it the place in Latin America with the most strays. So in a lot of ways, Beba  though her life ended sooner than we expected  made it against the odds to live a charmed life indeed. Just like Borras.

Camilo Hannibal Smith is a Houston-based writer.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 814-368-3173 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com.The energy services company Schlumberger is partnering with the Milwaukee firm Rockwell Automation to form a new company in Houston to sell equipment and services to advance digital technology and automation in the oilfield.

The new company, called Sensia, aims to combine the automation and analytics technology of Rockwell with Schlumberger's oilfield expertise and tools to help producers churn out more oil and gas with fewer workers, an increasing focus of an oil and gas industry looking to cut costs and stay profitable when oil prices fall. Schlumberger, which has one of its principal offices in Houston, is the world's biggest energy services player.

The new company will employ about 1,000 people initially, including 200 in Houston, when it starts up this summer. The joint venture will specialize in sensor-measuring technology with intelligent automation, or IA, hence the Sensia name.

FUEL FIX: Energy news delivered to your email. Sign up at HoustonChronicle.com.

Oil companies are drilling deeper, faster and more cost effectively, but there's still a lot to be desired when it comes to digital connectivity so all the equipment in the oilfield can communicate with each other and operate as more than just "dumb iron," said Allan Rentcome, Rockwell's director of global technology who will become the chief executive of Sensia.

Burgeoning market

"On the technology side, there's a lot of disconnected assets and equipment in the field," Rentcome said. "The most successful companies combine automated equipment and digital software with the best people."

Several companies are targeting the oil and gas industry as potentially lucrative market for digital technology and services. Schlumberger's archrival, the Houston oilfield services company Halliburton, for instance, has its Landmark business that offers digital solutions in the oilfield. Another top rival, Baker Hughes offers digital software for communicating with oilfield equipment and assessing problems.

RELATED: Fewer jobs in oil patch as automation picks up

Technology companies such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon are even shopping cloud-computing and analytics services to energy companies.

Essentially, Sensia aims to offer technology and engineering services so drilling operations can run automated schedules and different pieces of equipment can communicate with each other, assessing the health of the tools. The company also will offer software, equipment and services to help companies assess the mountains of data from drilling and improve operations.

Sensia meshes with Schlumberger's "rig of the future" technologies that allow more digital connectivity at the rig and deep below the surface, company officials said.

"This joint venture is the next step in our vision to offer our customers smart, connected devices with rich diagnostic capabilities, coupled with measurement, automation and analytics that improve oilfield operations," said Schlumberger CEO Paal Kibsgaard.

Location TBD

Rockwell Chairman CEO Blake Moret said he sees Sensia as a foothold to expand Rockwell's presence in the energy sector. Rockwell will own 53 percent stake in Sensia, paying Schlumberger $250 million to gain majority control.

Moret said the idea is to headquarter Sensia in Houston's Energy Corridor, although the details for office locations are still being worked out. In Houston, about 120 of the 200 Sensia workers will come from Schlumberger. Rockwell will provide the rest.

Rockwell employs about 300 people in the Houston area.

p>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.Houston oilfield service giant Halliburton has added a Texas A&M University vice chancellor and a health care industry veteran to the company's board of directors.

Katherine Banks and Patricia Hemingway Hall were named to the board effect Feb. 13 and will both stand for election by stockholders during the company's annual meeting on May 15.

Banks vice chancellor of engineering and national labs at Texas A&M University in College Station while Hemingway Hall has held numerous executive roles in the healthcare industry for more than four decades.

"With Katherine and Pat, we strengthen our board with one leader who has extensive experience in engineering and technology and another who served as a CEO in the rapidly changing healthcare industry and has substantial corporate governance experience," Halliburton CEO Jeff Miller said in a statement. "These women both possess proven leadership skills and bring diverse backgrounds that will serve Halliburton well as we continue our mission to collaborate to maximize asset value for our customers and deliver industry-leading returns for our shareholders."

Halliburton Turns 100: From mules and wagons to 21st century tech

Banks and Hemingway Hall will become the 10th and 11th people on the Halliburton's current board of directors, who hail from a variety of industries.

Founded by legendary oilman Erle P. Halliburton in 1919, the Houston oilfield service company is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Halliburton started the company with a borrowed wagon and two mules and later pioneered hydraulic fracturing technology, which unlocked vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas in shale geological formations around the United States decades later.

Fuel Fix: Get daily energy news headlines in your inbox

Employing more than 60,000 people in 80 nations, Halliburton closed 2018 with a $1.66 billion profit on nearly $24 billion of revenue.The national drama over which community would win Amazons second hub has taken an unexpected turn, revealing a new undercurrent in national politics and leaving one of the worlds most valuable companies with only 1  headquarters.

No one should doubt that New Yorkers protests and Amazons subsequent retreat have forever changed the battlefield over tax incentives. Savvy Texas politicians should take note, lest they find themselves on the wrong side of a deal that blows up in their face.

Major corporations have made a game out of relocation. They announce their readiness to invest in a new community, and then like a rich man among beggars, they test which city, county and state will hurt itself the most in return for a reward.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Why Houston failed to score with Amazon

"We get $27 billion in revenue, they get $3 billion back," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Feb. 8 while trying to save the deal that would allegedly bring 25,000 jobs to New York City. "I would do that all day long."

Rebates, AKA kickbacks, are part of doing business. But the flaws in Cuomos logic led to the protests, and they are the same flaws found in most arguments for tax incentives.

First, Amazons headquarters in Queens would create additional strain on both city and state services. The new construction and 25,000 new commuters would levy significant costs on taxpayers. By relieving Amazon of paying $3 billion in taxes, regular New Yorkers would have to make up the difference.

Second, Cuomo assumes that others would not make a similar investment between now and 2028. I once lived in that part of Queens, it is ripe for development, and if Amazon does not move in, others will go there without $3 billion in tax breaks.

Third, Queens does not need Amazon-scale disruption. Tens of thousands of people live in those neighborhoods and hundreds of businesses operate in that area, many of them threatened by Amazons predatory business model.

Ask anyone who lives in Seattle; Amazon brings in outsiders who cause enormous displacement and create financial burdens on those who remain. Ask any retailer in Queens if Cuomo is giving him or her a kickback.

Lastly, a decade is a long time in business. In June, Wisconsin promised $4.5 billion to Foxconn, the Chinese electronics manufacturer, to build a television factory. By January, company executives were already trying to rewrite the deal to make the facility into a far less expensive and far less significant research and development center.

Foxconns sudden change of heart is sadly typical. Repeated investigations into whether companies fulfill their promises show that they often do not. Sometimes they pay back the incentives they have received, but oftentimes they get local politicians to sign off on so-called modifications to the deal and hope no one notices.

Since Texas does not have a state income tax to waive, former Gov. Rick Perry convinced the Legislature to create the Texas Enterprise Fund in 2003, so he could hand out cash to companies interested in Texas.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Amazon is becoming too pervasive, anti-competitive

The State Auditor called Perry out in 2014 when it found that 44 percent of the total fund disbursements - $222 million over 10 years - went to entities that never submitted a formal application or were not required to create jobs. Perrys office also failed to claw back cash from companies that did not meet contractual expectations.

Gov. Greg Abbott says hes fixed all that and wants an additional $90 million in taxpayer dollars to hand out. But lawmakers should first make him explain why a state with such a strong economy and massive inflows of people, as well as insufficient funding for schools and roads, should bribe companies to locate here.

Abbott could make a case for incentivizing a company to set up shop in rural, economically-struggling parts of the state. But with Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and the Rio Grande Valley already growing fast and suffering from rising property taxes, major metropolitan areas do not need his help.

The same goes for Texas property tax abatements offered by communities and school districts. The state should help pay the property taxes of a company making a significant capital expenditure in a part of the state that needs investment. But the state should not offer anything to a tech company like Amazon so that it will locate in downtown Dallas or Austin.

Many CEOs will tell you that tax incentives are rarely the key factor in deciding where a company will locate. Good roads, quality schools, affordable housing and skilled workers are far more important.

Taxpayer money should go to those things before giving money to wealthy companies.

Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and policy.

chris.tomlinson@chron.com

twitter.com/cltomlinsonOffending people is apparently the trend in fashion these days. For some reason, there have been a few brands that decided to release offensive pieces of clothing which have immediately faced backlash. Following Gucci's blackface scandal, T.I. declared that he was boycotting the brand and urged other People Of Colour to boycott the brand as well. T.I. additionally declared that he was also boycotting Prada and Moncler for releasing other clothing that's been deemed offensive. Following Burberry's recent scandal, T.I. has added them to his list.

T.I. took to Instagram to blast Burberry over there recent hoodie that caught major backlash. The rapper listed off Gucci, Prada, and Moncler in the post before adding, "and now... Burberry." The rapper pointed out the frequency in which these scandals have been happening, saying, "These arent coincidences."

Earlier today, Burberry issued an apology after catching heat for a hoodie that had a noose around the neck. Model Liz Kennedy, who was featured in the runway show, said that her concerns about the noose were dismissed. Burberry Chief Executive Officer, Marco Gobetti, issued a statement after social media began criticizing the company for the product.

"We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by one of the products that featured in our A/W 2019 runway collection," Gobetti said. "Though the design was inspired by the marine theme that ran throughout the collection, it was insensitive and we made a mistake."Artists often have to deal with rowdy fans getting out of control and throwing objects at them onstage. While many choose to continue performing, others like T-Pain, choose to cut things short. On Sunday, T-Pain was approximately 30 minutes into his set, performing at the B'Nai B'Rith Youth Organization (BBYO) Convention in Denver. During his performance of his smash hit "Bartender," someone tossed a beach ball at him onstage, hitting him on the head.

TMZ released footage of the incident, and while it was fun and games for fans, T-Pain wasn't having it. He had reportedly made an announcement specifically asking the audience not to toss beach balls in his direction after they previously sent a few his way, warning them that he would leave if they continued. After the ball banked him on the head, the rapper made a quick exit without hesitation and didn't return.

T-Pain's crew allegedly tried their best to get him to back to the stage to finish his set but he wouldn't budge. In a similar incident, back in March 2018, someone threw water at Lil Wayne as he performed at the Jumanji Festival in Sydney, Australia. Wayne, too, threatened to cancel the show if he was attacked again, but thankfully that crowd knew how to follow directions.

Isaac Brekken/Getty ImagesSlick Woods cried tears of joy after reuniting with her mother after being separated for close to two decades. She shared the good news on social media with a photo of the smiling mother-daughter duo. View the happy family photo after the jump.

"Being a gang member, everyone expected her to not be the best mum," Woods said in an interview with Elle Magazine back in 2018. "But my mum was very hands-on with me as a child. My mummy read to me in the womb."

"And she's proud because she knows that everybody expected me to be exactly what she was," the model continued. "She went to prison when she was 19. I became a model at 19. And I can take care of my mother when she gets out."



Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Woods was raised by her grandmother from the age of four after her mom was sentenced to prison for manslaughter. Her upbringing was not easy, and the young model eventually became homeless and spent some time in prison, become yet another statistic. Thankfully, Slick was able to choose a different trajectory and rose to become of the most recognizable faces in fashion.

"I was in a place where I didn't believe in anything, so I was susceptible to evil energy," Woods said in an interview with E.S. Magazine in 2018. "I'm so easily turned. It's not something I'm proud of," she continued. "And when everyone in the world is telling you that you're going to be just like your mother, and then you're behind bars..."Nas has been steadily expanding his brand to maintain a worldwide presence and his latest project is the perfect example of that. While he's a household name in America, Nas is looking to impact a major market by transitioning to India's mainstream. He is the executive producer of Gully Boy, a new film that was inspired by Divine's career as one of the most well-known rappers from India. Coinciding with the Bollywood release of Gully Boy, Nas released a new track with Divine, Naezy and Ranveer Singh last week.

Divine has listed Nas as one of his major influences growing up, so it makes sense for the two to team up on a new single. "NY Se Mumbai" starts out with a verse from Nas before heading into sections from Divine, Naezy and Singh. Mixing between English and Hindi, this new track is one of the most original ones you'll hear today.

Quotable Lyrics:

I'm still mourning losses, still traumatized

My psychological trauma is now monetized

My life in a rap song is idolized

The price of that rap song at Spotify

People opinion don't faze me

Dislikes don't dissuade me

Even when they try to paint me

Out to be something I'm not, I stay meThe fashion world is mourning the loss of one of its major players today. Karl Lagerfeld, the celebrated fashion designer who revived Chanel in the 80s, passed away in Paris at the age of 85. Many have taken the time to express their love for the creative luminary since hearing of his death. Kim Kardashian took to social media with her own message of love in honor of the icon.

The reality television star uploaded photos of herself with the man she calls a legend. A few behind-the-scenes shots and personal photographs came with an affectionate caption. We lost a true legend!!!! You were such an inspiration to the world! You shot my first fashion shoot and I was so nervous to work with such an icon," she recalled fondly. "The world is so much chicer because you existed! I am beyond honored to have met you and had the opportunity to work with you. You are so loved and will be so missed "



Unfortunately, Kim's tribute to Karl Lagerfeld was not satisfactory, according to naysayers on social media. They pointed out how she managed to include pictures that featured herself more prominently than the designer, effectively diminishing the genuine nature of her mourning. She also didn't mention his name...

RIP Karl.Jussie Smollett received an outpouring of compassion when reports of his alleged attack went viral. While his peers and the general public were mostly supportive, suspicion lingered around the details of his testimony. Three weeks after the incident, the Chicago Department confirmed a "shift in trajectory" in their investigation. They have also started referring to Smollett as "the individual who reported the incident," rather than "victim." The following breaks down the events leading to this development that implies Jussie's possible indictment for filing a false police report.



Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Fox Studios' Chicago Offices Receive A Threatening Letter

On January 22, a letter addressed to Smollett arrived at Fox's Cinespace Studios, where the show is filmed. Chicago Police Department Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed the letter's existence on February 1 and told CNN the mail had prompted an intervention by a HAZMAT team, as it contained a potentially harmful white powder. The suspicious substance was ultimately identified as aspirin. At the time, Guglielmi did not offer any additional details.

Reports later revealed the letter also contained racist and homophobic language threatening Smollett's life.

Smollett Files A Police Report

On January 29, Jussie Smollett received medical attention after being attacked in downtown Chicago. He filed a police report detailing the incident and qualified the assailants as MAGA supporters. Two "unknown offenders approached him and gained his attention by yelling out racial and homophobic slurs towards him," the Chicago Police Department said. "The offenders began to batter the victim with their hands about the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim." A rope was also tied around Smollett's neck, like a noose.

Police Identify Two Suspects

Finding visual evidence of the incident proved to be difficult for investigators due to "gaps" in surveillance footage. On January 30, Anthony Guglielmi tweeted an update: "ChicagoPolice detectives located a surveillance camera that shows potential persons of interest wanted for questioning in reference to the assault & battery of Empire actor." An image of showing two figures walking on a sidewalk was released to the public.

Smollett & His Family Break Their Silence

Jussie's siblings issued a statement supporting their brother on January 31. "We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime," they said. "Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice."

The Empire star shared his first statement the following day. "Let me start by saying that I'm OK," he said. "My body is strong but my soul is stronger. More importantly, I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words."

"I am working with authorities and have been 100 percent factual and consistent on every level," Smollett added. "Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served."



Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Smollett Makes His First Onstage Appearance

Only days after the incident, the entertainer decided to follow through on a previously-scheduled gig. On February 2, he performed at the Troubadour in Los Angeles where he addressed the crowd. He affirmed his strength and grit, calling himself "the gay Tupac."

Smollett Turns In His Phone Records To Legal Authorities

A PDF file of redacted phone calls was given to the police rather than "a download of the phone or a digital record." On February 12, a Smollett rep said this version was offered "to protect the privacy of personal contacts or high-profile individuals not relevant to the attack," adding, "Jussie has voluntarily provided his phone records from within an hour of the attack and given multiple statements to police. Chicago PD has repeatedly informed us that they find Jussie's account of what happened that night consistent and credible."

Smollett Gives His First Televised Interview

On February 15, Jussie Smollett's interview with Good Morning America hit the web. The entertainer became emotional as he recalled the events surrounding his alleged assault.

I want that [surveillance] video found so badly for four reasons, he said. Number one, I want them to find the people that did it. Number two, I want them to stop being able to say alleged attack. Number three, I want them to see that I fought back. And I want a little gay boy who might watch this to see that I fought back. It does not take anything away from people who are not able to do that, but I fought back. They ran off, I didnt.

Learn to fight. Learn to be a fighter, he continued, addressing young gay men. I am not advocating violence at all, so lets be clear about that. If youre going to die, fight until you do. If you dont fight, you have no chance. I have fought for love. Im an advocate. I respect too much the people  who I am now, one of those people  who have been attacked in any way.

Police Detain Two Men As Suspects

Two Nigerian brothers, Ola and Abel Osundairo, were taking in for questioning. Chicago PD's Guglielmi confirmed their identification on February 14. "Detectives have probable cause that they may have been involved in an alleged crime and we are working to corroborate the allegations and investigative timeline as our investigation continues."



On February 15, their release without charges was announced. "Due to new evidence as a result of today's interrogations, the individuals questioned by police in the Empire case have now been released without charging and detectives have additional investigative work to complete," Guglielmi tweeted.

The two former suspects issued a statement on the same day. Their lawyer, Gloria Schmidt, also commented. When they first learned about what happened to him they were horrified. This is someone they know. This is someone theyve worked with, so they dont want to see somebody go through that, Schmidt said.

Former Suspects Continue To Cooperate With Police

On February 17, detectives confirmed their investigation's focus had shifted following the interrogations of the Osundairo brothers. At this point, the possibility of Smollett's own involvement in his attack became a consideration. The Osundairos are said to have admitted to attacking Smollett at his request. He is reportedly accused of hiring them after the threatening letter failed to gain the public's attention. Apparently, the trio rehearsed the attack days before the incident.

A CPD spokesman said, "While we are not in a position to confirm, deny or comment on the validity of what's been unofficially released, there are some developments in this investigation and detectives have some follow-ups to complete which include speaking to the individual who reported the incident."

A statement issued by Smollett's team dismissed the reported theory. One of these purported suspects was Jussies personal trainer who he hired to ready him physically for a music video," the statement said. "It is impossible to believe that this person could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussies complicity."

Civil Rights Activist Calls For Smollet's Prosecution

Najee Ali called a press conference on February 17 to condemn Jussie Smollett's alleged dishonesty. "We believe Jussie Smollett Lied about being the victim of a hate crime and being assaulted," he declared, "And for us, it's a slap in the face." The social and political activist said the actor should be held accountable in the court of law for inciting hatred with false claims, adding that the hate crime story could have caused a race war given its high-profile nature.

Smollett Refuses Follow-up Interview With Police

After acquiring the new evidence from the former suspects, the Chicago PD requested a follow-up interview with Jussie Smollet in order to cross-check his story with the Osundairo brothers' testimonies. "There are no plans for Jussie Smollett to meet with Chicago police today," his attorneys said. "Any news reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate. Smollett's attorneys will keep an active dialogue going with Chicago police on his behalf."Jordan Brand's year-long celebration of the Air Jordan 4's 30th anniversary continues this weekend an all-new "Splatter" (AKA "Silt Red" Air Jordan 4, which is set to launch at sneaker shops, including Foot Locker, on Friday, February 22.

The "Splatter" Air Jordan 4s feature a marbled, light pink upper accompanied by hits of black on the midsole, toe cap, wings, heel tab, inner lining and laces. Gold detailing rounds out the look.

The kicks, releasing in grade school sizes, are expected to retail for $190.

If you're a fan of Air Jordan 4s and this particular colorway ain't cutting it for you, there are plenty of other options on tap for 2019. In celebration of the iconic sneaker's 30th anniversary, Jordan Brand will be rolling out several classics, such as the "Bred" and "Cool Grey" iterations, as well as some all-new styles, like the "Do The Right Thing" colorway.

Check out some detailed photos of the "Splatter" AJ4 below, courtesy of Sneaker Politics.If you're a hip-hop artist, chances are you don't have any interest in being associated with Donald Trump. That is unless you've got a diss track against him like YG. When he was first brought in as President, it felt like we had reached an all-time low in the United States. We went from Barack Obama to Donald Trump... Trump had difficulty securing the votes of black Americans, which shouldn't be a surprise to anybody, and he wanted to boost his support numbers by bringing a few well-known faces in the rap world to his inauguration. During an appearance on James Corden's late night show, 50 Cent said that he was offered half of a million dollars just to appear in the crowd.



Todd Williamson/Getty Images

He wasn't asked to perform or anything. He'd secure the bag just for showing up. It seems like easy money but Fif wouldn't go against his morals like that, backing out and explaining that he doesn't know how he'd repair his image if he did attend. When asked if a politician has ever courted him, Curtis said that Trump offered him $500K to go to the inauguration. "I didn't do it because I didn't know if I could fix the damage," said Fiddy with Elizabeth Warren by his side. "To be honest with you, all money is not good money. You gotta be careful what you're doing publicly because I don't know how you fix that."

The rapper then offered some political advice to Senator Warren on reaching young voters, saying that she should just relax and when she becomes President, hang out with him.The past month has been rough for 21 Savage. The rapper spent nine days in ICE's detention center after the agency arrested him for overstaying his visa. Two days after being released from ICE's custody, the rapper had to turn himself in to the police in Southern Georgia. His mugshot was released earlier today via TMZ and as you could probably imagine anyone in 21's position, he looked like he was tired of this whole legal mess.

21 Savage turned himself in last week after he was booked on charges of theft by deception after he failed to perform at a 2016 concert. Karen Smith, the concert promoter, accused the rapper of bailing on the show and making off with $17K. She claimed the rapper demanded that he be able to carry a gun onstage which she ultimately agreed to. However, she said the rapper left the venue because he was annoyed with the opening act -- a local rapper.

Karen previously stated that 21 Savage attempted to get the venue's DJ to cut the local act's set shorter which the DJ refused to do.

The warrant for the rapper's arrest was sitting for two years and he surrendered himself to the Liberty County Sheriff's Department on Friday. The rapper was booked and released from the precinct within half an hour.

Peep the rapper's mugshot below.Transaction volume expected to moderate by 10 percent in 2019 as real estate market performance fundamentals diverge.

Investor attention is increasingly shifting to liquid and secure markets and asset types. Following three consecutive years of decline, the proportion of transactions activity in primary markets turned the corner and marked an increase in 2018. Buyers are shifting their focus to lower-risk markets, pursuing longer-term hold assets that can weather cyclical changes.

According to JLLs Q4 2018 U.S. Investment Outlook, 2018 volumes surpassed expectations. Full-year transaction totals last year reached nearly $483 billion, increasing 16.4 percent over 2017 and marked the third highest year on record behind 2015 ($486 billion) and 2007 ($503 billion).

However, real estate transaction activity around the U.S. in 2019 is expected to moderate by 10 percent as investors continue to be selective and develop new strategies to deploy capital, against the backdrop of slower growth, said Jonathan Geanakos, President, Americas Capital Markets. Fundamentals are still strong and there are pockets of growth, but that growth is not consistent across all sectors, and were starting to see some defensive positioning creep in.

Meanwhile, inbound capital is extending its reach beyond the office sector. While office was still the most targeted class for foreign investors in 2018, garnering $19.2 billion (representing 14.5 percent of total office volumes), investment into office fell 7.9 percent due to a pullback of Asian capital. At the same time, cross-border investors are showing increased focus on multifamily assets, with volumes growing by 29.3 percent, and industrial, where cross-border purchase volume marked the second highest annual total in 2018.

Following a pull-back in cross-border liquidity for Trophy office assets, topping foreign investors targets are operating platforms and industrial portfolios, particularly for investors focused on building scale in the U.S. market. There is also increased interest in multifamily assets, said Sean Coghlan, Senior Director, Americas Investor Research.

Interest in real estate not wavering, but investors to contend with more pressures

Led by a record year in the industrial, multifamily and retail sectors underpinned by entity-level trades, 2018 proved to be a year of immense liquidity. Looking forward, however, the factors that drove that liquidity may be difficult to repeat.

One reason is entity-level transactions reached their highest point since 2007, totaling nearly $70 billion. Mega-deals such as Brookfields purchase of GGP, Prologis purchase of DCT, and Unibail-Rodamcos purchase of Westfield helped boost retail and industrial volumes. With fewer opportunities in the pipeline, that activity is expected to slow in 2019.

Dry powder is at an all-time high of $187 billion. Closed-end fundraising continues to favor higher-yielding strategies, with value-add and opportunistic strategies accounting for 69.2 percent of fundraising in 2018. But limitations to the amount of available investable stock in the value-add space will continue to challenge investors ability to efficiently deploy this capital.

Industrial, multifamily set records

The industrial sector beat out 2015s total to set a new record for transaction volume at $78.2 billion  a 24 percent year-over-year increase. The new record underscores the continued influence of e-commerce and the need to be closer to customers. The increase was led by several entity-level transactions that pushed deal sizes to new highs. More than 30 percent of industrial transactions by volume were valued at $500 million and above.

Meanwhile, the multifamily sector remains the most actively traded asset classsurpassing officeas investors recognize the sectors outperformance and defensive characteristics. Transaction activity totaled $167.5 billion in 2018. That represents a 15.1 percent year-over-year increase and a 9.3 percent increase over the previous record in 2016.

Multifamily investors focused their attention to primary markets in 2018 after several years of eschewing them for the upside of secondary, burgeoning markets. New York saw a remarkable 73.3 percent year-over-year increase in multifamily investment, while Los Angeles (36.3 percent) and Houston (42.5 percent) also saw considerable jumps over 2017 levels.

The multifamily sector is expected to see the most favorable year-over-year investment trends of the real estate asset classes in 2019, underpinned by solid wage growth and what continues to be an undersupplied housing market at the national level, said Coghlan.

For more capital markets content, visit The Investor, an online news source providing real-time commercial real estate news to asset buyers and sellers around the world.

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 2021 Hotel News ResourceMessian, a French national, accomplished his studies at the famed Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, before taking on senior positions at key five-star luxury hotels across the world stage.

Emirates Palace announced the appointment of Nicolas Messian as its new Hotel Manager. He will be working closely with General Manager Martin Cramer, who has been at Emirates Palace since 2018.

Messian will be overseeing the daily operations at the iconic Abu Dhabi hotel, and will play an active role in implementing key strategies and new initiatives.

We are delighted to welcome Nicolas to Emirates Palace, says Cramer. With an illustrious career highlighted by quick growth, and experience holding senior positions in prominent global properties, it is befitting that Nicolas joins us at Emirates Palace. He is a proven operations leader, and I am confident that he will contribute greatly to the success of the Palace for our guests and owners.

Messian, a French national, accomplished his studies at the famed Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, before taking on senior positions at key five-star luxury hotels across the world stage. Messian a married father of three, brings over a decade of experience in the luxury hospitality industry to his new role and states Its an honour to join the amazing team at such an iconic hotel, one of the worlds best. He joins the Emirates Palace team from The Ritz Carlton Toronto, where he held a similar position. Prior to Canada, Messian held the same position at The Dorchester in London and Dubais One and Only Royal Mirage.

Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe

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You should upgrade or use an You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browserSupplier News

20 February 2019

IDS Next, a leading global provider of next-generation technology solutions for the hotel industry, today released its impressive list of company sales and accomplishments across the world, having closed 39 deals in January alone.

As a pioneer in emerging markets, IDS Next demonstrates unrivalled domain expertise and creates solutions that assist hotels in increasing revenues, optimizing costs, and exceeding operational and guest engagement goals. For decades, IDS Next has been at the forefront of innovation. They provide leading-edge technology to all hotel market segments, from enterprise to single property, with offerings that include highly integrated hotel management software, restaurant management software, central reservations, hotel channel management, and mobile apps.

"For 2019, we project another strong year with increased emerging markets growth and market share," says Binu Mathews, CEO of IDS Next. "We set aggressive goals, and our team did an amazing job executing the plan. We're honored to be trusted by a rapidly increasing number of hotels looking for an innovative property management solution that not only meets their operational needs, but also drives guest engagement and optimizes profits."

In January 2019, IDS Next achieved sales in the following regions:

Successfully closed 26 deals in India including the 120-room Royal Hometel & Suites Hotel (Sarovar Hotels)

Signed 2 deals in Sri Lanka at Pearl 111, a luxury cruise ship and Liyya water villa

Signed deals in Nepal with Himalayan Front Resort, Hotel Diyalo Private Limited and Aagantuk Resort Pvt. Ltd.

Signed 5 deals in the Middle East, including a 305-room Royal Swiss

Signed deal in Ethiopia with Melka Plaza Hotel, Addis Ababa

Signed a deal in Arusha, Tanzania with Escarpment Luxury Lodge

Signed a deal in Kenya with Ciala Resort, Kisumu

IDS Next software and technology solutions are trusted by over 4800+ hotels in 40 countries across South Asia, South-East Asia, Africa, Middle East, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Oceania. With decades of experience, IDS Next sees no barriers to how far they can grow to become the number one most preferred hospitality technology vendor worldwide.

To learn more, please visit www.idsnext.com.Supplier News

20 February 2019

Alongside its sister property Hotel Ella, South Congress Hotel has selected ALICE to optimize staff efficiency, organization, and communication for a flawless guest experience in the heart of Austin's iconic South Congress shopping, dining, and entertainment district. ALICE is the hospitality industry's leading operations technology, connecting every department of the hotel with one platform for all staff communication and guest requests.

Prior to using ALICE, staff at the South Congress Hotel communicated primarily via Google Hangouts. While a useful consumer app, Hangouts is not optimized for integrated communication on such a large operational scale; at times, managers could find themselves a part of as many as 10 Google Hangout groups between departments. On some occasions, key requests could be missed if managers were away or out of the office, and there was no way to easily track items discussed in Hangouts, which challenged accountability. Moreover, if a past message needed referencing, the amount of scrolling back to find it could become both tedious and overwhelming.

ALICE was launched at South Congress Hotel in August of 2018 and many transformative changes have been noted since. Now, staff can enjoy user-friendly workflow tracking, as well as internal messaging included directly on each task. These improvements have increased productivity, accountability, and improved the flow of interdepartmental communication. This enhanced organization and efficiency has revolutionized the process of task management and the ability to pinpoint the status of any request at any given time with ease.

Moreover, the calendar feature within ALICE is a welcomed improvement in time and information management for South Congress Hotel, ensuring events or schedules don't get lost in the scrolling of previous messages. Scheduled events no longer need reminders and stand-ups, they are now logged directly and tracked via the calendar, meaning expectations can be met consistently and without headache.

Guest service and engagement has been positively affected by this communication revolution, and staff now feel empowered by the use of the platform. Across the board, staff are confident using the new tools and seeing how they improve the guest experience. With operations inefficiencies largely removed, staff find themselves better informed and more accountable to one another, enabling them to better serve their guests.

Furthermore, as reception agents double as concierge staff at South Congress Hotel, ALICE's digitized vendor database has revolutionized the way staff interact with guests. "We've been able to input every preferred vendor; we can input the menu, hours, walking distance, the map feature is incredible--- just the ability to say 'You know what, give me one minute' instead of having to go dig around a filing cabinet for a list. We don't have to then waste more time looking around for a resolution, we can quickly find one in ALICE. It's heavily impacted our guest experience and concierge capability," explains Jennifer Bumgardner, Assistant Front Office Manager.

South Congress Hotel leaders shared that they were happy to get everything on a single platform. Their favorite thing about ALICE is the customization it offers, reflecting the needs of the property. The adaptability of ALICE has also proven to be a key component for South Congress Hotel.

Of the ALICE support team, Amanda Wasnock, Front Office Manager, notes, "there's the aspect of the team recognizing what could work best for our property and then bringing new ideas in for development with future implementation. It helps us understand that our needs are being met by the ALICE support team, and that really speaks to itself."Supplier News

20 February 2019

Virtually every consumer-facing travel brand is capturing critical data constantly from their site visitors but many are struggling to maximise its value says EyeforTravel and Datumize's new Understanding Customer Behaviour Through Demand-Based Analytics white paper. This is because of the reams of information that are being constantly created across multiple channels and the need to be always on and live. These factors often prevent travel companies from getting down to the key metrics that matter and being able to fully extract and study them.

"Travel companies normally only have access to converted sales and aren't able to track all the requests that customers are making though channels," explains Datumize's head of marketing Carlota Feliu.

"Some of them they can do tracking , for example, through their own website. But the vast majority they are not capable of tracking this data with the technologies they are using. Everything that you want to do in demand forecasting starts with good data and good knowledge of your customers - without this, you won't be able to understand demand, predict it, or increase it," says Feliu.

She points to several key areas where brands can start to interrogate their data:

Inventory: Do you have the right offer at the right price in each area?

Availability: Do you have the stock available to action all requests, and in the right price range?

Experience: Are all software links in the chain performing as they should for a quick, smooth booking?

Vueling Airlines, a Spanish, low-cost provider, has around five million search queries a day, 50% of which come directly from customers and 50% from online travel agencies and other tour operators. But since its business goal is to answer all enquiries for a flight in a second or less, it was struggling to store and make use of all this demand data.

Jonathan Guerrero Corcho, innovation manager, explains that a Datumize solution - which monitors everything without adding any code to the main process or slowing anything down - means that the business can now understand more which kinds of routes and dates are most in-demand, with negligible noticeable effects to end users.

"We can see if a route is being asked for more times than we are operating on for those days and we can not only adjust the current schedule but we can adjust the next schedule," he says. "We can say 'this route is better to operate on Tuesday than Monday, as the numbers are saying that this route is more requested on Tuesday.'"

This kind of learning is particularly important for a business that does not operate the same flights each day, but a limited number of times a week.

For more case studies of brands that have driven performance gains from better utilisation of data, download the free white paper now.

Demand-based analytics promise a step-change in travel brands' capabilities, unlocking huge insights that will allow brands to better target consumers, build superior products and adjust faster to changing patterns. To understand how to unlock the value contained in demand-based data, download the Understanding Customer Behavior Through Demand-Based Analytics white paper now! It includes:

Real-world examples and case studies

Industry survey data

Data-based techniques and areas of focus that can improve business performance immediately

Expert insight.

This white paper features insights from:

Europcar

IHG

The Travel Corporation

Thomas Cook Hotels & Resorts

Vueling

Click here to download your copy of the white paper for free!Pipeline

20 February 2019

Melia Hotels International, Spain's largest hotel brand, unveils the new INNSiDE Charles de Gaulle located at Paris' international airport.

Opening in February 2019, the 266 room and 10 loft hotel will perfectly embody INNSiDE by Melia's refreshed identity, providing a design-led urban hotel for travellers looking to combine work and pleasure. Consumers are looking for flexibility and freedom when they travel, and ultimately hotel brands that fit seamlessly with their lifestyle. Relaunching this year, INNSiDE by Melia is adapting its business strategy to captivate the younger generation of business and leisure travellers, as well as strengthening its leisure and wellness offering.

INNSiDE Charles De Gaulle's striking exterior has been developed by Parisian architects SCAU, whilst renowned French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel has created the interior utilizing natural, raw materials such as wood and concrete throughout. The property's open-plan invokes feelings of freedom, echoed in the printed Acrobats on staff's uniforms created by French artist Sabrina Chess. Chess said: "The idea was to illustrate a universe that offered the possibility of telling several stories of travellers. I imagined them as acrobats moving aroundfree and happy."

Interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel has developed this unique airport hotel for guests to recharge their batteries whilst in transit, where guests can work, workout, rest and play, with open lobby spaces ideal for meetings, whether social or business. Guests can relax and unwind in one of the many large armchairs, designed by the Parisian design studio Bouroullec brothers, or enjoy the spacious outdoor terrace.

The lounge features a contemporary glass bar, with mixologists on hand to prepare classic cocktails, such as the bourbon and cherry combination "Catch Me". Guests can also enjoy DJ sets every Thursday - Sunday nights, whether they are relaxing in the hotel or heading out to experience the 'City of Light'.

Visitors with business in mind can let their imagination run wild in one of four meeting rooms, named "Big Ideas Spaces". Innovatively designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and positivity, these meeting rooms feature ping-pong tables, breakout areas, complimentary snacks and the largest of the four offers panoramic views of the Concorde and the airport.

Rooms are contemporary with white furnishings, featuring cosy in-room amenities, including bathrobes and slippers, as well as a luxurious coffee machine, complimentary minibar, with fresh juices and local beer. Smeg fridges will be available to Superior+ guests, packed full of healthy treats, drinks and snacks. Superior+ rooms will also have high-end sound systems and complimentary streaming services.

INNSiDE Charles De Gaulle's restaurant, The Olivine, stays true to Melia Hotels International's Spanish roots, showcasing the best of Mediterranean fare alongside classic French cuisine. The diverse menu includes quintessentially Spanish dishes such as Iberian Ham with Tumaca, with French favourites including Poached Foie Gras and Parsnip. With health and wellness at the heart of INNSiDE, the 24-hour gym offers InFit classes and is fully equipped with the latest fitness machines, supported by virtual fitness classes, powered by Wexer.

In line with the INNSiDE brand's commitment to sustainability, INNSiDE Charles De Gaulle does not use single use plastic within the hotel; the bar does not use plastic straws, coasters and business cards are made from recycled card. Bedrooms feature organic cotton linens and towels, kraft paper laundry bags and wooden "do not disturb" signs.Times-Mail

The Times-Mail

FRANKFORT, Ky.  A Bedford man died in a crash near Frankfort, Kentucky, Monday.

Allen Robey, 64, and a woman from Berea, Kentucky, were killed in the multi-vehicle crash, according to multiple news agencies. The crash occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Interstate 64.

Missing dogs

A woman reached out to the Times-Mail this morning to report two dogs that fled the scene of the crash were found and taken to the Franklin County Humane Society. Miche Branscum, who helped search for the dogs, said the dogs possibly belonged to a person from Bedford, and that they are looking for the owner. For more information, call 502-875-7297.Enter the Once Upon A Child Spring Style Sweepstakes today for the chance to WIN! Refresh your child's wardrobe! You could be the LUCKY WINNER of $200 in Store Cash!The Reporter Times

MARTINSVILLE

The Martinsville Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominations for various awards to be handed out at this years State of the City Dinner.

The State of the City Dinner is hosted by both the chamber and Martinsville Rotary Club, but chamber president Jamie Taylor noted that the awards are just presented by the chamber.

Awards include the Outstanding Business Professional, Outstanding Business and Ruth Rusie Spirit of Service Award.

We look forward every year to presenting these awards to deserving recipients, Taylor said.

The Outstanding Business Professional award recognizes individuals for achievement in their profession and community involvement.

The Outstanding Business award acknowledges businesses in the Martinsville area for community involvement and accomplishments.

As for the Ruth Rusie Spirit of Service award, named after local volunteer Ruth Rusie, is given to an individual for contributions to volunteer, philanthropy and other community endeavors throughout the community.

According to Taylor, the nominees do not have to be a chamber member in order to be nominated.

And then we will evaluate all of the nominations before we make a choice, Taylor said.

Each award will be chosen by a committee after all nominations are received.

Nominations forms can be found online at http://martinsvillechamber.com/nominations/ and are due by the end of business on Friday, Feb. 22, and can be submitted online at info@martinsvillechamber.com or to the Chamber office at 460 S. Main St., Martinsville.

Martinsville Rotary and the chamber is also looking donations of silent auction items for the night of the event.

Sponsorship are also available at various levels, which include different features.

The platinum-level sponsor, at $1,000, includes six complimentary dinner tickets, sponsorship banner, and business name listed at event tables and signs.

Gold-level sponsorship will cost $500, Silver level is $250 while Bronze level is $100.

This years State of the City dinner is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on March 12 at the Martinsville High School cafeteria.Ernest Rollins

Hoosier Times

BLOOMINGTON  U.S. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth believes there is a crisis at the nations southern border.

However, he disagrees with President Donald Trump declaring a national emergency to raise billions to secure sections of the U.S.-Mexico border.

I agree there is a crisis on the border, Hollingsworth said early last week at the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce federal focus luncheon at Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union. But I do not agree that the answer is more executive power.

Bypassing Congress last Friday with a national emergency declaration, Trump plans to spend around $8 billion to build a border wall, a move thats already facing legal challenges.

Funding sources would include the $1.4 billion Congress approved as part of a recent spending bill that ended the most recent government shutdown. This is much less than the $5.7 billion Trump initially requested last year. An impasse between Trump and Congress regarding providing those funds led to the latest government shutdown  which was the longest in U.S. history at 35 days.

Trump also plans to siphon money from other areas to achieve his secure border goal. This includes reallocating up to $3.6 billion from Department of Defense military construction projects; up to $2.5 million in DOD funds supporting counterdrug activities; and about $601 million from the Treasury Forfeiture Fund.

Whether you agree or disagree with the order, I want to see Congress, the body most responsive to the will of the people, ultimately to start any bill that has to do with funding, Hollingsworth said.

Hollingsworth said Congress needs to step up and do its job. He said weighing spending Department of Defense funds on border security or other military projects should be a discussion that happens publicly. To Hollingsworth, the forum for that would be Congress.

Hollingsworth said Americas governmental system was designed to be skeptical of the executive branchs powers.

We need to step up as your representatives and do the hard work of legislating, so that we dont continue to delegate more and more responsibilities to an executive branch, Hollingsworth said.

While Hollingsworth made it clear that he disagreed with the use of executive power to secure the border, he did not say Tuesday whether he supports building physical barriers as part addressing border security.

However, his voting record indicates he supports having physical barriers on the border.

In December, when the first vote to avoid a government shutdown took place on the House floor, he voted in favor of that bill. It included $5 billion for a border wall.

After Democrats took control of the House in January, there were other bills introduced to reopen the government, some without the border funding or not as much as Trump requested.

Last week, the bill that eventually reopened the government after being closed for a record-breaking 35 days, passed the House and was ultimately signed into law. Hollingsworth voted no on that bill.

In a Facebook post following that vote, Hollingsworth said Hoosiers deserved a government that is both fully funded and spends tax dollars in ways that reflect their values.

The fifth short-term spending bill of this fiscal year alone accomplishes neither; the issue of securing our border isnt addressed and the overspending by Washington isnt tackled, Hollingsworth wrote. While this deal avoids another looming shutdown, it is not an agreement worthy of Hoosiers support.Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Botswana Power Corporation Dr. Stefan Schwarzfischer has offered to resign from his role at the corporation; Botswana Guardian has been reliably informed.

The offer must now be considered by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Eric Molale; the appointing authority. It is alleged that Schwarzfischer will leave around March which is the financial year so that he can assist with the audit as the accounting officer. Reports reaching this publication indicate that the hunt for Schwarzfischers replacement has already started to enable a smooth transition.The German national Schwarzfischers contract runs until October 2021. It is not yet known why the CEO is terminating his lucrative contract.

Sources say he allegedly approached the Board sometimes in January and proposed to part ways with the BPC, a state-owned company for electrical power generation, transmission and distribution. Board chairman Bonny Thebenyane declined to comment on the matter but Botswana Guardian understands that the board has already passed Schwarzfischers request to minister Molale to make the final determination. Minister Molale claimed ignorance of the matter. He told this publication, I have not been briefed. I am not aware. If there is something of that sort the board still has to brief me about it if indeed it is true, Molale said Wednesday evening.

Schwarzfischer becomes the second member of the executive management to leave the company folowing the alleged forced resignation a fortnight ago of general manager for Human Resources, Kamogelo Chiusiwa. Schwarzfischers management will be remembered for the roadmap it set for itself to transform BPC into a profitable and leading power utility in the region by 2020 under the strategy known as Masa 2020. To achieve this management started with an internal restructuring exercise in 2015 to improve efficiency and productivity.

Last year Schwarzfischer announced that BPC has made its first profit in ten years highlighting that they have performed above expectation. BPCs financial report indicated that the corporations operating income grew by 34 percent which stood at P138 604 million in the 2018 financial year against P103 544 million recorded in 2017.Click here to find out where to get a COVID-19 vaccine or test.

To find out how many local residents have been vaccinated for COVID-19, click here. Use the map to find numbers for individual counties.

Find detailed statistics about COVID-19 tests, cases and deaths by county and for the state as a whole on the Indiana State Department of Health's online dashboard.This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong!Lima, OH (45805)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, becoming more isolated later in the day. High 87F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi has promised that the time to tell the nation the whole truth pertaining to the standoff between his government and his predecessor Lt. Gen. Dr. Ian Khama will come and is not too far.

Masisi was responding to a question on Tuesday evening during a press conference he addressed at the airport on his return from the African Union general assembly that was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Masisi was asked whether it was by design or a coincidence that Carter Morupisi, the permanent secretary to the president engages in a heated exchage of words with Khama every time Masisi is out of the country. To this, Masisi said he has just arrived and has not heard of anything during his absence about Morupisi and Khama exchanging heated words.

But then he added: But you know to address the issue more broadly, time will come, and it is not too far where we need to settle all this. Settling it is just telling the whole truth and nothing else but the truth and sharing with you the public of Botswana the whole truth so that we can decide on who is and what you know. Among some of the biggest challenges he said is the interpretation of the law of the benefits given to retired presidents. For example, what the Act means when it says that a former president is entitled to use air transportation on a case by case basis as approved by the president.

We need help with that. I will tell you what I interpret that to mean as president and others can interpret it in other ways and everything else will follow. Le gone ga go tsewa ga di maids can be fully explained in a non-emotional manner so that we can finish with all those things and get on the business of finding jobs for you and other citizens. That should be what we are concerned about.



African Peer Review Mechanism

As to what informed Botswanas accession to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) which former President Festus Mogae had been against - Masisi said he could not answer for Mogae because at that time he was not even in government.

However, he said his government was motivated by the fact that Botswanas record as demonstrated by the indicators and public pledges of commitment to good governance had no parallel in Africa. He emphasised that Botswana is a member of the African Union and that the African Peer Review Mechanism offers members an opportunity to share their developmental challenges and opportunities and to be reviewed by peers.

I do not see why if we are a responsible government and member of the AU, we cannot offer that of ourselves. It should be mutually beneficial of-course there maybe teething problems, but you do not let the problems of the strategy deny you the opportunity of exploring that opportunity. He said by so doing Botswana is also helping to develop Africa just as Africa is helping to develop us. There are some extremely good people in countries that we may assume to be far less privileged than our own, extremely smart people. So Botswana must be open to become part of the continent, Dr. Masisi said.



AU and SADC

On Zimbabwe Dr. Masisi said the AU and SADC are not trying to interfere in Zimbabwe but are trying to give support to the country to be orderly and peaceful. But in order to do so, he said one needs to fully appreciate the historical dynamics of Zimbabwe. It is a very complex situation in Zimbabwe, it is not easy and the call that we made which is the view of Botswana as, difficult as it might be, is that there must be a full respect for the rule of law, there must be a commitment to peace, commitment to protecting the rights (of citizens) as enshrined in Zimbabwe constitution.

He said they engaged President Emerson Mnangagwa in Addis Ababa and that he gave them a progress report of the loss of lives; destruction of property; rape; beatings and shootings that happened during the protests in Zimbabwe.

He said they took comfort in Mnangagwas assurance that his government had enlisted faith-based organisations to receive reports of rape, beating and shooting allegedly committed by police and monitor them.



Lift sanctions on Zimbabwe

Masisi said that SADC was preparing a communique, which Botswana fully ascribes to, urging the rest of the world to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe. If you are denied access to credit, participation in the finance system of the world, it is extremely difficult to operate a model economy.

You cannot pay for your imports. You would not have ability to trade with others in a manner that brings confidence to them. You will not be able to pay, to buy machinery, technology and then hold them to account as all of us are responsible for our behaviours. It is only fair for Zimbabwe that sanctions get lifted and I support that entirely because a prosperous and stable Zimbabwe is good for Botswana, because we too get affected.

Dr. Masisi recalled that in the past Botswana citizens sent their children to study in Zimbabwean schools at very affordable prices. We got extremely good education that is good for us, that is trading education, but you know because of the hardships, those are limited, you cannot do it as easily as before, he said.Support local journalism

Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution.

ContributePetty Officer 2nd Class Mindy Dauby, of Thatcher, poses next to a Boeing EA-18G Growler jet inscribed with her name. Her name was put on the plane as part of her receiving the Navy's Plane Captain of the Year Award. Dauby, 21, is an aviation structural mechanic who has been stationed around the world in places like Japan, Korea Australia, Guam and Turkey.Please be aware that Cache Valley Publishing does not endorse, and is not responsible for alleged employment offers in the comments.

Recommended for youThree pro-EU lawmakers from Britains governing Conservatives quit over the disastrous handling of Brexit on Wednesday, in a blow to Prime Minister Theresa Mays attempts to unite her party around plans to leave the European Union.

The lawmakers, long critical of Mays Brexit strategy to leave the EU which they believe is being driven by Conservative eurosceptics, said in a statement they would join a new group in parliament set up by seven former opposition Labour politicians.

The resignations put May in an even weaker position in parliament, where her Brexit deal was crushed by lawmakers last month when eurosceptics and EU supporters voted against an agreement that both sides say offers the worst of all worlds.

They could also undermine Mays negotiating position in Brussels, where she is going later on Wednesday for talks with Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to try to secure an opening for further technical work on revising the agreement.

With only 37 days until Britain leaves the EU, its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit are redrawing the political landscape. The resignations threaten a decades-old two-party system.

The final straw for us has been this governments disastrous handling of Brexit, the three lawmakers, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston, said in a statement.

We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP, they said, referring to a group of Conservative pro-Brexit lawmakers and the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party which props up the government in parliament.

Earlier this week, seven former Labour lawmakers announced a new movement, the Independent Group, after quitting their party over increasing frustration with their leader Jeremy Corbyns Brexit strategy and a row over anti-Semitism.

Another former Labour lawmaker joined their ranks late on Tuesday, and several politicians from both the main opposition party and Conservatives said they expected more to follow from both sides of parliament.

For Mays Brexit plan, the resignations are yet another blow to more than two years of talks to leave the EU, which have been punctuated by defeats in parliament, rows over policy and a confidence vote, which she ultimately won.Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a warm welcome in India Wednesday, with Riyadh eager to demonstrate it is not an international pariah after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October.

The killing of Khashoggi, a fierce critic of the prince, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul tarnished the image of the kingdom and the prince, who is staging a high-profile Asian tour to demonstrate he still has allies.

Prince Mohammed predicted good things will come out of talks with Indian leaders as he started a landmark visit to the worlds largest democracy Wednesday.

Watch: Saudi prince gets ceremonial welcome, hopes for improved ties with India

Follow LIVE updates here.

Today we want to be sure this relationship is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries, the crown prince said in comments to reporters after full ceremonial welcome in Delhi.

I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India, he added after inspecting a guard of honour at the presidential palace.

The crown prince said the two countries were in each others DNA, highlighting the importance of Indian labour and experts in Saudi Arabia over the past 70 years as well as a longstanding Saudi presence in India.

Also Read | Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman gets ceremonial welcome, talks with PM Modi today

Prince Mohammed arrived late Tuesday for a 36-hour visit that was to be dominated by economic ties. But it has risked being overshadowed by rising tensions between India and Pakistan -- where the Saudi royal was on the first leg of his Asian tour -- over a suicide attack in Kashmir.

The attack last week left at least 40 Indian paramilitaries dead and India has blamed Pakistan, which has denied any involvement.

Saudi officials have offered to help de-escalate tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad on Monday that the delegation would see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully.

Saudi Arabia currently supplies about 20 percent of Indias crude oil and wants to definitively push aside arch-rival Iran as a source.

Iran at one stage last year overtook Saudi Arabia among Indias suppliers but US sanctions since have severely hit the Islamic republics oil business.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also wooed Saudi investment in recent years for flagship infrastructure programmes.

The two leaders are to hold talks later Wednesday.Foreign tourists will not be allowed to visit Tibet until April 1, rights groups and tour operators have said with the government tightening security ahead of the 60th anniversary of 1959s abortive uprising against Beijing coming up on March 10.

There was no formal announcement of the closure by the government but travel agencies operating in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) said that foreigners planning to visit the region should come before April 1, citing permit restrictions.

For foreign travelers who want to travel in Tibet, we would suggest you begin the Tibet trip no earlier than April 1 because of the Tibet permits restriction policy recently. If your travel destination covers Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, youd better enterTibet no earlier than April 17, the Visit Tibet travel agency said on its website.

Access to the Himalayan region  one of the biggest provinces of China  is almost always restricted with special permits required to visit it; diplomats and foreign journalists are banned from visiting Tibet without government permission and handlers.

Rights groups say there is more security in Tibet this year as March 10 will be the 60th anniversary of the uprising against the government.

It was during 1959 that Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama  branded as a separatist by the Communist party  escaped to India, impacting bilateral ties between Beijing and New Delhi.

Every year since 2008, the TAR has been closed off to tourists for at least one month, coinciding with the anniversary of the March 10 Uprising in 1959 and protests in 2008. In 2018, authorities closed the TAR to foreigners from February 10 to April 1, the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet said in a statement.

The group said the ongoing ban on foreign tourists is part of the overall policy of the Chinese government to restrict access to Tibet for independent observers.

On its part, Beijing this year marks the 60th anniversary of democratic reforms in the region. The government recently said it has taken a clear-cut stance against separatism, allegedly incited by the India-based Dalai Lama.

Chinas TAR has taken a stance against the Dalai Lama clique and resolutely safeguarded national security and core interests, a top Tibetan official said in January.

Tibet has firmly curbed and cracked down on secession, infiltration and sabotage activities by hostile forces at home and abroad, Qizhala, chairperson of the regional government, said in a work report released last month.

Qizhala said the region has taken resolute measures to safeguard the stability of the region on certain occasions and strengthened social management governance across the region.

The region received more than 30 million tourists, majority from within the country, last year.Television star Kapil Sharma has opened up about his struggle with alcoholism and what helped him ditch the habit. Kapil was at the Drug Free India event in Chandigarh on February 18 where he spoke about his own experiences.

Kapil spoke about how he was consumed by the bottle. He recalled seeing his mother break down. Thats when he decided to kick the habit, a source told DNA. Kapil was out of work for almost a year when his show, The Kapil Sharma Show, was cancelled in September 2017 after he reportedly failed to show up for shoots.

It was later reported that he was in rehab (an ashram) for a while, recovering from ill health. Media reports suggested that Kapil was struggling with alcoholism. Kapil was even reported to have physically assaulted his co-star from the show, Sunil Grover on a flight in a drunken state. Their clash made Sunil walk out of the show and other actors followed him too. The shows TRPs took a nosedive in Sunils absence.

Also read: Ananya Pandays Koffee With Karan appearance is now a meme

Also present at the event was actor Sanjay Dutt, whose ordeals with drug addiction were chronicled in his recent biopic, Sanju. I appeal to everybody to join this important movement and save the future of our youth, he said at the event.

Kapil also shared pictures from the event. Thank u Chandigarh for the overwhelming support for #DrugFreeIndia dont stop until its finished, he captioned the pictures. Kapil is currently seen on Sony with a new season of his show The Kapil Sharma Show. It began airing late last year.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreKalyani Priyadarshan, daughter of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, made her acting debut with Telugu film Hello (2017). Now she is set for her Tamil debut.

On Tuesday, it was officially announced that Kalyani has been signed for Sivakarthikeyans next yet-untitled outing with director PS Mithran. The announcement was made via a poster by the films makers 24 AM Studios.

Sharing the information, the makers tweeted: Proud to introduce @kalyanipriyan for her Tamil debut as a female lead for our #SK15.

While there have been rumours that she plays one of the leading ladies in Dulquer Salmaans upcoming Tamil film Vaan, Kalyanis manager refuted such rumours.

Since her debut, she has signed two Telugu projects and out of which she has already completed shooting for one film with Sharwanand. She has also completed shooting her portion for her fathers upcoming Malayalam historic drama Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham which stars Mohanlal as Kunjali Marakkar.

Meanwhile, director Mithran is on a roll. After making a splash with his debut film Irumbu Thirai last year, Mithran is gearing up to commence work on this project.

Also read: Ananya Pandays Koffee With Karan appearance is now a meme and the actor is having the last laugh

In September 2018, Mithran told Times of India that Siva and he had worked on a short film and since then have been planning to collaborate on a feature film. Apparently, they were supposed to work on a project even before Irumbu Thirai.

Id written a story for him long ago, and we were supposed to do a film even before Irumbu Thirai released, sometime in 2017. After the release of my film, we met and decided to work together. This project will be a racy thriller. Thats how Ive planned it for now. Just like Irumbu Thirai, this film will also have a social message.

The film also stars Arjun Sarja, who played the antagonist in Irumbu Thirai, in a crucial role. George C Williams has been confirmed to crank the camera.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktopActor-writer Adivi Sesh, last seen playing a spy on the run in Telugu action-thriller Goodachari, has refuted rumours about his marriage with actor Supriya Yarlagadda. Rumours about them dating each other and are planning to tie the knot has been doing the rounds for few weeks now.

Sesh took to Twitter to clarify these reports and said that his focus right now is only on movies.

Guys and gals, the only big thing happening in my life right now is movies. Acting. Writing. Trying to live the dream by doing what I love. Trying to keep my head down. Work hard. Keep getting better. Keep doing my best. Nothing else. Love, Sesh (sic).

Guys n gals, the only big thing happening in my life right now is movies. Acting. Writing. Trying to live the dream by doing what I love. Trying to keep my head down. Work hard. Keep getting better. Keep doing my best. Nothing else.

:)

Love, Sesh  Adivi Sesh (@AdiviSesh) February 19, 2019

Sesh has neither denied nor accepted if he is dating Supriya, who made her acting debut with Pawan Kalyans 1996 Telugu film Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi. The two starred in Goodachari together, a film which was also marked her return to acting after a hiatus.

Reports claim that Samantha Akkineni, who is close friends with Sesh and Supriya, introduced them to each other a few years ago and theyve been dating each other since then.

Also read: Ananya Pandays Koffee With Karan appearance is now a meme and the actor is having the last laugh

Sesh is currently busy wrapping up 2 States, the Telugu adaptation of Chetan Bhagats book of the same name. The film marks the debut of actor Shivani, daughter of popular Telugu actors Rajasekhar and Jeevitha.

Recently, he announced that a sequel to Goodachari is in the offing, and that it will be shot on a grander scale.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktopThe Mumbai crime branch will send to the Maharashtra home department next week its formal proposal to extradite gangster Ravi Pujari, who is under judicial detention after his arrest in Dakar in Senegal on January 9.

The officials will send a letter of request, with a dossier on the antecedents of the criminal, who is wanted in 51 cases of murder, extortion, shoot-outs, intimidation in the city over the past three decades. The additional chief secretary (home) will then send the documents to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Delhi.

A top source in the crime branch told HT on Tuesday the dossier is being compiled, with details of 17-18 of the 51 cases. The selected cases are mostly those filed under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), in which Pujari is named as the main accused. While a majority of these cases have been decided and the arrested accused convicted, courts have issued warrants for Pujari to face trial, sources said, adding, The warrants and the case history will be added to the dossier. We are currently translating the documents from Marathi to English.

A senior crime branch official said the urgency of the situation necessitated the selection of these 18 cases. Pujari could be kept in judicial custody in Senegal for a maximum period of 60 days, following his arrest based on the Interpol warrant. We have to file our appeal with proof within that period in order to initiate the extradition process. Otherwise, he may be set free, the official said, adding, The remaining case details will be submitted in the second phase.

Sources said similar extradition requests and case files on Pujari are also being submitted to the MHA by the police in Karnataka, Gujarat and Kerala, where he is wanted in scores of serious criminal offences.

Pujari had been arrested only once in Mumbai in connection with an attempted murder and rioting case in 1994. He then worked under Chhota Rajan operative Guru Satam. He is suspected to have sneaked out of the country in 1996, after coming out on bail. This case also figures in the crime branch dossier on the fugitive.While the BJP and Shiv Sena sealed an alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the smaller allies are sulking as according to them, they were not consulted during negotiations.

The Republican Party of India (RPI-A), the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP), Rayat Kranti Sanghatana (RKS) and Shiv Sangram, who are all allies of the ruling BJP, seem to be in dark about their role in polls.

According to RKS chief Sadabhau Khot, who is a state minister, the deal was an injustice to his party. Our party was expecting to contest the Hatkanangale seat and as a minister I undertook lot of developmental work in that constituency. My workers are feeling let down , said Khot.

Currently, the seat is being held by Raju Shetti of the Swabhimaan Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), of which Khot was a member,before leaving it to form RKS.

Similar is the reaction of RPI group, headed by union minister Ramdas Athawale. Athawale had announced that he would be contesting from the Mumbai South Central constituency, currently is represented by Sena MP Rahul Shewale. The Sena is unlikely to leave the seat for Athawale. In 2014, there used to be joint meetings of BJP-Sena and smaller parties, but this time we are completely isolated. It seems, the BJP-Sena are not interested in our votes, said RPI general secretary Avinash Matekar.

In 2014, smaller parties played a crucial role in BJPs win both in the Centre and state elections. However, after the elections, they have been complaining of getting a raw deal. Athawale was made the union minister after lot of haggling, but was given an insignificant portfolio. Other allies  RSP and RKS  were accommodated in the state ministry, but Shiv Sangram chief Vinayak Mete was not made a minister. Mete was given the post of chairman of Shivaji Memorial steering committee. Even promises to accommodate leaders of smaller parties in various state corporations were not honoured by the BJP.

The RSP, led by state minister Mahadev Jankar, also seems to be angry. We will hold a massive rally on Sunday and spell out our stance, said Jankar. Party workers said Jankar was again preparing to contest the Baramati seat against NCP MP Supriya Sule. In 2014, Jankar lost from Pawars bastion by just 69,719 votes, giving a fright to Sule who always won by large margins.Earlier this week I had lunch with restaurateur Priyank Sukhija at Lazeez Affaire in Delhis Chanakyapuri. Priyank is the citys top restaurateur and owns such brands as Lord of the Drinks, Tamasha, Flying Saucer Cafe and Plum By Bent Chair (Indias most Instagrammable Restaurant). Lazeez Affaire is one of his earliest successes and retains a special place in his heart.

It is, to be frank, the sort of place I had always heard of but had never been to. So I was surprised to find a large 3-storey restaurant that was packed to capacity (for Monday lunch!) and had people waiting on the street outside for tables.

What was most surprising was the nature of the clientele. On the ground floor where we sat, every single table was occupied by foreigners. Most were in large groups and many seemed to speak no English. The vast majority, it seemed, were members of groups and had been bussed there by guides and travels agents, eager to give them a taste of good North Indian food.

I asked Priyank how he secured this clientele. He said that when the restaurant had just opened, he went to travel companies and hotels and told them about Lazeez Affaire. Most sent one or two groups as an experiment. When the guests returned saying they liked the food, the travel operators put it on their itineraries. On every group tour-schedule, there is usually a slot reserved for an authentic Indian meal. Priyank ensured that this meant lunch at Lazeez Affaire.

Rarely, said Priyank, are foreign guests disappointed because the food manages the difficult task of appealing to both local and non-Indian palates. At lunch, we had galouti kababs, which had gentle spicing followed by an excellent black dal, butter chicken and saag meat. Remarkably, none of the dishes had the oiliness that I normally associate with Punjabi restaurant food and all were spiced moderately so that nobody left with that burning-in-the-stomach sensation that butter chicken meals often leave you with.

At dinner too, said Priyank, foreign groups dominated the restaurant between 7 to 9 pm. It was only after 9 pm that local lovers of butter chicken began to throng the restaurant.

All this makes Lazeez Affaire one of Delhis most profitable restaurants and Priyank says he does not need to spend a penny on advertising or PR now. He does not even need to keep lobbying the travel agents. The restaurant is so firmly established on the tourist/foreign traveller trail that people who have never heard of say, Moti Mahal, regard it as the best place to eat North Indian food in Delhi. Though Lazeez Affaire is not cheap, it is less than a third of the price of Delhis most famous North Indian restaurant, Bukhara.

The more I thought about Lazeez Affaires success, the more sense it made to me. All over the world, there are restaurants that visitors love but which are relatively less popular with locals. Every foreigner who comes to Mumbai wants to go to Trishna. The restaurants Crab in Butter, Garlic, Pepper and Whatever Else Sauce is world famous and is often regarded as an iconic dish of Indian cuisine. (Actually, it is unknown in the coastal regions whose food Trishna claims to serve. I think it began life on the Chinese section of the Trishna menu.)

Concierges at Mumbais hotels tell me that the most requested reservation is Trishna. And if Trishna has a room available on any given night, it is the one restaurant that concierges will try and push.

Sometimes, such places as Trishna which are packed out with tourists put off locals. In Mumbai, for instance, even though Trishnas Chinese-Malvani crab is as good as anybody elses, local foodies will recommend Gajalee or Mahesh Lunch Home instead and harshly describe Trishna as a Tourist Trap.

Over the years there have been similar attempts to put down Bukhara. Annoyed by the prices and the long waits for tables, Delhi locals routinely try and find alternatives to Bukhara. Its just hype, they say. Go to __. It is much better.

I say __ rather than any one alternative because many rivals to Bukhara have come and gone (Frontier, Baluchi, Kandahar, etc.). None of the rivals was bad (and some are still around) but none of them managed to sustain their quality, the way that Bukhara does, year after year. It is still the one restaurant in Delhi where both locals and foreigners will have to wait for a table at dinner (when it doesnt take reservations).

Just because tourists like a restaurant, it doesnt follow that it is necessarily bad though too many famous names in the business coast along on their reputations long after quality has dipped and locals have moved on. Moreover, todays reality is that most of the worlds great restaurants are full of global foodies. At Osteria Francescana, rated the worlds top restaurant this year, something like three-quarters of the guests are foodies from abroad. At El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain (number two this year), two-thirds of the dining room was occupied by foreign visitors the day I went.

Canny restaurateurs have recognised that the foreign visitor segment can be immensely profitable. A large part of central London (the super-expensive Mayfair area) turns into a Brit-free zone once the offices close and an entire industry has grown up around foreign visitors and rich expats who are keen to pay fortunes to eat out.

I imagine that the trend began with Hakkasan, which opened in 2001 in an unglamorous (a former car park) but relatively central location. The restaurant tried to do for Chinese food what Nobu had done for Japanese and it was an instant hit. Within a year though, over half the guests were non-Brits (many of them were rich Indians) and I imagine that the proportion of foreigners has greatly increased over the years.

Within that decade after Hakkasan opened, a whole Mayfair scene quickly developed around rich foreigners. Such places as Novikov (favoured by Russian oligarchs) helped kick-start the trend but now the area is full of places that are packed out even though few locals ever go there: Park Chinois, for instance, is Foreigner Central. Hakkasan opened in Mayfair (a new branch) in 2015 and Nobu opened a Bond Street branch which is more foreigner-friendly. Richard Caring, the former rag trade mogul who bought Caprice Holdings (The Ivy, Le Caprice, J Sheekey, Scotts etc.), which is a collection of restaurants favoured by Brits, has now taken a chunk of the foreigner market by opening the glossy Sexy Fish. Wolfgang Puck has opened Cut (so-called, perhaps because all the locals have been cut out of the place) on Park Lane. And most of Londons expensive Indian restaurants are located within this square mile (Tamarind, Banaras, Indian Accent, Gymkhana, Matsya, Jamavar, etc.)

And yet, even within this area, you will find restaurants with only a tiny proportion of foreigners. There will not be more than 10 to 15 per cent of tourists in the dining room at the Wolseley (Londons most difficult reservation), for instance.

It is almost as though London has neatly divided itself into two. If you are invited to dinner by somebody who says you are going to Londons best Chinese restaurant, then this will mean Hakkasan or Park Chinois if your host is a foreigner and somewhere like A Wong if he is a Brit.

I dont imagine that this is a purely London phenomenon; in most great cities of the world, there will be places that are so popular with visitors (Bangkoks Sky Bar, for example) that its nearly impossible to get a table or find room.

And then, in each city, there will be the local places which, even if they are chains, will focus on domestic guests: Indias Farzi Cafe or Mainland China chains, for instance.

I reckon thats okay. The world is now so global that there is room for restaurants that cater mainly to foreigners, for those aimed at locals and those like Bukhara which are popular with anyone who can afford them.

As long as the food is good, do you really care what the nationality of the clientele is?

To read more on The Taste With Vir, click here

Follow more stories on Facebook and TwitterSupreme Court judge, Justice L Nageswara Rao, on Wednesday recused himself from hearing a contempt plea by CBI against three Bengal officials alleging obstruction in its probe into the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam.

Justice Rao said he had appeared for Bengal as a lawyer and therefore cannot hear the case. The Supreme Court has now posted the matter for hearing on February 27.

The court had issued the contempt notices against West Bengal Chief secretary Malay Kumar De, DGP Virendera Kumar and then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on the CBIs allegations that electronic evidence was tampered with in the Saradha chit fund case.

The three officers have refuted the CBIs allegations in their affidavits. The tendered unconditional apology to the court but said that the Bengal government and the state police never denied cooperation to CBI or obstructed probe.

The Bengal police has said that the CBI forcefully tried to enter the then Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumars residence on February 3 without valid papers.

The Supreme Court had Tuesday decided not to pass any order directing personal presence of the chief secretary, DGP and Rajeev Kumar.

Rajeev Kumar was on Monday shifted as Additional Director General of Police (ADG) and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), West Bengal.China Jiangsu International has been found to be involved in massive corrupt practices says a minisrty communique released this week and warning government departments not to engage the company in their projects.

The communique signed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Cornelius Dekop and bearing February 13th 2019 date was issued to all Chief Executive Officers under the ministry. These include Debswana Diamond Company, Okavango Diamond Company, Botswana Oil Limited, Botswana Power Corporation, Botswana Geo-Science Institute and Morupule Coal Mine. The chief executives are told in no ambiguous terms not to engage the company. China Jiangsu International Botswana is currently working on several projects including the construction of the Police Forensic Science Laboratory at the tune of almost P270 million.

Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Vincent Seretse confirmed to Botswana Guardian that his Permanent Secretary, Dikagiso Mokotedi, has also made him aware of the latest developments regarding the Chinese company. Seretse stated that this statement forms the position of government and not only the selected entities.

PSs being technical operators would be the ones with the details of such an issue, he said in an interview Wednesday evening. He however, stated that the ongoing project under his ministry is nearing completion and there are contractual obligations binding them to continue. Seretse also maintained his satisfaction with the work that China Jiangsu International is currently doing.

There has been monitoring and we are happy with the progress, and the workmanship. The allegations do not translate to poor work, Seretse said. Just recently media reports stated that the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Service (DIS) had stopped a P900 million tender to China Jiangsu International Botswana after it emerged that a former cabinet minister was to receive a P30 million bribe for the tender.

The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) was later instructed to cancel the tender it awarded to the Chinese company after it uncovered the illegal deal.The Supreme Court will begin hearing the Ayodhya case on February 26. The five-judge bench of the apex court led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi will hear the Ram-Janmabhoomi Babri Masjid land dispute matter at 10.30am.

Besides the CJI, the other judges on the bench are Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S Abdul Nazeer.

The hearing of the Ayodhya title suit case was deferred on January 27 following the non-availability of one of the five judges on the constitution bench, Justice S A Bobde.

The constitution bench will hear the appeals against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land in Ayodhya be partitioned equally among three partiesthe Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

The Ayodhya matter has been pending before the top court since 2010. Last year, a bench led by the then chief justice Dipak Misra had indicated that the dispute would be heard on a day-to-day basis.

Also read: In Ayodhya case, over 30,000 pages, Awadhi and Persian scripts, videos

But it then had to adjudicate upon a preliminary issue raised by Muslim parties who demanded that the Supreme Court first constitute and decide the question as to whether a mosque was an integral part of Islam. They wanted the court to revisit a 1994 judgment.

On September 27, the Supreme Court settled the question by rejecting the contention by a 2-1 majority and refused to refer the matter to a Constitution Bench. With CJI Dipak Misras retirement, a new bench had to hear the land dispute case.

On October 29, a bench led by current CJI Ranjan Gogoi fixed the case for the first week of January before the appropriate bench.

Also read: Clerics question timing of Centres Ayodhya petition in Supreme Court, Shia board hails it

A delay in settling the Ayodhya dispute has led to demands for an ordinance, or executive order for the early construction of a majestic Ram temple on the disputed site.

In an interview, Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated that any decision on such an ordinance could be taken only after the completion of the judicial process.Seven people were killed while half a dozen were injured when an ambulance rammed into a divider and later collided with a car on the other side of the road on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura on Tuesday morning.

According to police, the accident took place around 7am near Sukhdev Burj village after the driver of the ambulance apparently dozed off and lost control over the vehicle, which was also carrying a corpse. All the seven persons  four men, two women and an eight-year-old girl  died on the spot. Six of the deceased were in the ambulance while one was travelling in the car, police said.

The ambulance was going from Jammu to Patna and carrying the body of one Zakir Ansari. The driver, Hari Singh from Jammu, was killed in the accident, said SP Sharma, in-charge of Baldeo police station in Mathura.

Police have been able to identify five of the deceased. These included Jehangir Alam 36, Mohd Tahir Ansari, 32, Suhail Ahmad, 30, and ambulance driver Hari Singh, police said.

Those in the car on the other side of divider were from Tundla town in Firozabad. They were moving towards Delhi when their car was rammed by the ambulance. Saroj Devi, 67, one of those travelling in the car, died on the spot, Sharma stated.

Family members of those coming from Tundla had arrived in Mathura while those related to the occupants of the ambulance were yet to turn up, police said. The injured were admitted to different hospitals, Sharma said.

The exact reason behind the accident is yet to be ascertained. But it is believed that the ambulance hit the divider after driver Hari Singh apparently fell asleep and lost control over the vehicle. The ambulance landed on other side of the divider leading to a collision with the car, the police officer said.Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned the Pulwama suicide attack but refrained from naming Pakistan for backing anti-India terror in a joint statement, which spoke in generic terms of the need for dismantling terrorist infrastructure and countering terror financing, while announcing investments potentially worth more than $100 billion.

The statement, issued almost nine hours after the end of formal talks between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, called on all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. It made no mention of Pakistans role in this regard  something India has been pushing for with its key allies after the February 14 attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers.

Against the backdrop of a fresh effort to sanction JeM chief Masood Azhar at the United Nations, the statement emphasised the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN.

WATCH: Will cooperate on all fronts to combat terror: Saudi Crown Prince to Modi

Kinnaur deputy commissioner Gopal Chand said the body of one Army jawan had been recovered but the other five were still missing

People familiar with developments said this helped address apprehensions created by a reference to the politicisation of the UN listing system in the Saudi-Pakistan joint statement earlier this week during the princes visit to Islamabad.

The Saudi prince appreciated consistent efforts by Modi since May 2014, including his personal initiatives, for friendly relations with Pakistan. The two sides agreed on the creation of conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan, the statement said.

READ | Delhi programme hosted by Saudi body features wrong India map

Modi and the prince condemned in the strongest terms the Pulwama attack and called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures... and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists perpetrating terrorism from all territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice, it added.

India rolled out the red carpet for the Saudi prince, who was received at Palam airport on Tuesday night by Modi with a warm hug. During a media interaction with Modi, the prince described terrorism as a common concern for both countries and said: I want to state we are ready to cooperate with India in every way, including through intelligence-sharing.

READ | Pakistan has shown no interest in addressing terror concerns

Modi referred to the Pulwama attacks and said the two sides agreed on the need to increase all possible pressure on countries supporting terrorism and to eliminate the terror infrastructure and stop support to terrorists.

The Congress on Wednesday attacked the Prime Minister for receiving the crown prince at the airport. Breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistans anti-terror efforts. Is it ur way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama? Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said on Twitter, a statement that received a sharp reaction from Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who blamed the Congress for belittling the bilateral engagement.

Amid considerable focus on the prince making no reference to Pakistan in his public remarks, people familiar with developments said he had expressed solidarity with India and spoken of the need to fight terrorism during his talks with Modi. The people also pointed to other measures agreed on to elevate the strategic partnership between the two countries, including the creation of a Strategic Partnership Council led by the Indian premier and the prince, which cement the existing strategic partnership by acting as a high level monitoring mechanism, the setting up of a comprehensive security dialogue by the National Security Advisers of the two countries to enhance counter-terrorism efforts and real-time intelligence-sharing and the establishment of a joint working group on counter-terrorism. They also agreed to hold summit meetings every two years.

The two sides also agreed to hold their maiden joint naval exercise and to continue cooperation on other security issues, including maritime security, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, and transnational organised crime. They agreed to promote cooperation in preventing the use of cyberspace for terror and radicalism.

Modi welcomed the princes announcement about investments in energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals, manufacturing, education and healthcare that would potentially be worth in excess of $100 billion, Indian officials said.

In Pakistan, the Saudi side signed agreements for investments worth $20 billion, building on financial aid it has provided to the economically crippled government.

They expressed satisfaction at the first joint venture west coast refinery and petrochemical project estimated to cost $44 billion and agreed to expedite the implementation of the project, which is expected to be the worlds largest greenfield refinery. Though the refinery was earlier to be set up at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, Indian authorities are now looking for an alternative location due to opposition to land acquisition efforts.

Modi also welcomed Saudi Arabias planned investment in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). A MoU on investing in the NIIF was among five agreements signed on Wednesday.

India also welcomed Saudi Arabias participation in its Strategic Petroleum Reserves and the decision to join the International Solar Alliance. At Indias request, Saudi Arabia increased the quota for Haj pilgrims from 175,000 to 200,000.

The Indian government agreed to increase the seats of Saudi Arabian airlines from 80,000 seats a months to 112,000 seats a month, while Saudi Arabia ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners from its jails.Locals in Uttar Pradeshs Kairana were taken by surprise on Wednesday when a small convoy stopped at a roadside dhaba near the towns Yamuna bridge. The four people who got off for tea were Congress president Rahul Gandhi, and party leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Babbar.

The four were on their way to Shamli and Meerut to visit to the families of two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel killed in a suicide car bombing in south Kashmirs Pulwama on February 14. Since their trip was not publicised, locals came to know about it only when they were spotted at the restaurant.

A total of 40 CRPF troopers were killed in the attack for which the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility. Twelve of the victims were from Uttar Pradesh, prompting the visit from the Congress leaders  Priyanka Gandhi is a party general secretary and its east UP incharge, Scindia is a general secretary and its west UP incharge, and Raj Babbar is the state unit president.

The leaders later offered condolences to the families of Amit Kumar Kori and Pradeep Kumar Prajapati. India is a country of valour and warriors and we stand in solidarity with the families of the CRPF jawans. We are with you in this hour of grief, Gandhi said, paying tribute to the slain soldiers at a prayer meet.

He [Kori] sacrificed his life for the country. We are pained but also proud of him. We are here to share your pain, said the Congress chief. India is the country of brave people and no power in the world can push us back.

Referring to the assassination of his father and former PM Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, Gandhi said he and his sister Priyanka can empathise with the family.  We know what you are going through, he said. The Congress leaders also visited Prajapatis family in Banat village of Meerut to offer condolences and express solidarity with the family.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a joint press meet emphasised the need to fight terror in all forms. The two leaders agreed to put pressure on countries providing support terrorism in any form, PM Modi said after holding a delegation-level talks with Prince Salman in New Delhi.

Asserting that barbaric attack in Pulwama last week is another cruel imprint of terror, PM Modi said, We agreed that to fight this challenge, there is need to put pressure on countries extending any kind of support to terrorism.

Destruction of the infrastructure of terrorism, ending support to terror and bringing the supporters of terrorism to justice is essential, said PM Modi. The two leaders explored the ways to deepen strategic ties in the wake of Pulwama terror attack, in which at least 40 soldiers were killed last week.

Watch: Will cooperate on all fronts to combat terror: Saudi Crown Prince to Modi

Saudi Prince Salman said, Extremism and terrorism are our common concerns. We will cooperate with you (India) in all possible ways including intelligence sharing to counter terrorism. We will work with all the countries to ensure a brighter future for the coming generations.

Later, briefing the media, TS Tirumurti, a secretary in MEA, said, The two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian forces in Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir.

Both leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations, said Tirumurti.

According to news agency ANI, Tirumurti further said, The complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama attacks was very much underlined (during talks between PM Modi and Prince Salman). They agreed on the need for creating necessary conditions for any resumption of talks.

Tirumurti denied that Saudi Arabia offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to de-escalate tension in the backdrop of Pulwama terror attack. Both sides agreed on the need for creation of conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue...At this point in time, no mediation has been offered, ANI quoted Tirumurti as saying.

The Saudi Prince arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday evening on a two-day visit, which followed his Pakistan tour. The prince returned to Riyadh from Islamabad and after spending a few hours back home, took a 3,000-km flight back to the Indian subcontinent.

In Pakistan, a joint statement by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan made reference to the need for avoiding politicisation of the UN regime for listing terrorists. The statement also referred to the princes praise for Pakistani premier Imran Khans efforts for dialogue with India and opening the Kartarpur corridor.

However, people familiar with developments said Indias relations with Saudi Arabia shouldnt be compared with those of Pakistan. During the princes visit, the two sides emphasised to deepen their strategic partnership on the back of growing security cooperation and intelligence-sharing on terrorism.

During his press meet with Prince Salman, PM Modi said India-Saudi Arabia ties have strengthened since his 2016 visit to Riyadh for the signing of an agreement on cooperation in intelligence-sharing on terror financing. PM Modi said Saudi Arabia is the most valuable strategic partner of India in the Middle-East.

India describes Saudi Arabia as a key pillar of its energy security and the kingdom is home to 2.7 million Indians with annual remittances of more than $11 billion.A Pakistani prisoner serving a life term in the Jaipur Central Jail was allegedly killed by four other inmates on Wednesday afternoon after a brawl over watching television, said a jail official.

A Pakistani prisoner, who has been in Jaipur jail since March 2011, was killed by four men in a barrack after they had arguments over television channel and volume, said director general (prisons) NRK Reddy.

Seven prisoners were watching television at about 1.45 p.m. when the argument broke out. Shakir Ullah was the only Pakistani among them, said another prison official who didnt want to be named.

Jaipur police commissioner Anand Srivastava said Ullah, 44, asked the inmates to lower the volume when four prisoners  Ajeet Jaat, Manoj Pratap Singh, Kulwinder Gurjar and Bhajan Meena  hit him with a marble slab on which the TV was kept. He died on the spot, he said.

After initial questioning, the police booked the four, of which two are murder convicts. All four have been booked for killing Ullah and a magisterial inquiry has been ordered.

Ullah, also known as Mohammad Hanif, was native of Sialkot in Pakistan, and was arrested in 2010 in Ferozepur, Punjab, for his allegedly recruiting locals for Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and sending them to Pakistan for training.

Ahead of his arrest, the Rajasthan anti-terror squad (ATS) had intercepted his phone calls to some locals in Jhalwar in south-east Rajasthan while coordinating for LeT terror activities in the region, an officer of the ATS said requesting anonymity. In 2011, he was brought to Jaipur.

He was found guilty of recruiting for LeT, sending the recruits for training to Pakistan and arranging funds for terror activities on December 6, 2017, the officer said. Seven other persons were also convicted with him, said the ATS officer said.

Two of the convicted, Asgar Ali and Mohammad Iqbal, also lodged in Jaipur Central Jail, are Pakistanis. The other convicted Hafiz Abdul Ali, Qabil Khan, Arun Jain, Babu alias Nisha Chand Ali and Pawan Puri are Indian nationals. In all, there were six Pakistanis in the jail including Ullah.

Reddy said the union home ministry and external affairs ministry had been informed about the death of the prisoner Ullah. Further action on his body will be taken on directions of the Central government, he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ONIndia on Wednesday questioned the functioning of Pakistans notorious military courts and urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul Kulbhushan Jadhavs death sentence, which is based on an extracted confession.

Jadhav, 48, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

Annul the decision of the military court and restrain Pakistan from giving effect to the (death) sentence. Release Jadhav and ensure his safe passage to India. If not then direct a trial under normal law before civilian courts with full consular access, Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, the ministry of external affairs, told the ICJ judges.

Making the final submission in the ICJ on the third day of the hearing, Mittal requested the top UN court to declare that Pakistan acted in breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention, failed to inform Jadhav of his rights and declined consular access to him.

India requests this court to adjudge and declare that Pakistan acted in egregious breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention, he said.

Harish Salve, who was representing India in the case, also said that the time has come for the ICJ to make Article 36 a potent weapon for protecting human rights.

Salve said Pakistan has continued to misuse the opportunity provided by the ICJ in the Jadhav case.

Read more| India objects to Paks use of abusive language in Jadhav case at ICJ

Apart from showing propaganda, Jadhav has become a pawn in Pakistans tool to divert international scrutiny from itself, Salve said in his arguments during which he mentioned the dastardly terror attack in Pulwama and another in Iran last week by Pakistan-based terror groups.

He also said that Pakistan is under pressure from the Financial Action Task Force over terror financing.

Salve said that Pakistan is used as a safe haven by UN proscribed terrorist entities like al-Qaeda, LeT, JeM, Haqqani Network and individuals like Hafiz Saeed and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

He also cited Pakistans former prime minister Nawaz Sharifs interview to a newspaper in which he acknowledged his countrys role in the 2008 Mumbai attack in which 166 people were killed by 10 LeT terrorists.

This interview has not been denied, Salve said.

On Pakistans military courts, he said the International Commission of Jurists and European Parliament have criticised their functioning and added that anything diluting provisions of Vienna Convention must fail.

Indias criticism of military courts, the manner in which they function has been documented even by the European Parliament. If the military courts dont measure up to due process then domestic statutory law is irrelevant...

India submits that this court should not sanctify trial by military courts of civilians, especially trial by Pakistan military courts. Fair and public hearing? Absent. Competent and independent tribunal? Absent. Counsel of own choice? Absent. Court will have to decide for itself whether it considers that such a system can be sanctified, Salve said, as he tore apart Pakistans notorious military courts.

Jadhavs trial was completed in 4-6 months or weeks...What happened to more than 150 people killed in the Mumbai terror attacks? Salve asked as he raked up the Ajmal Kasab case to highlight the meaning of judicial review.

In Kasab case, the LeT terrorist who was apprehended and caught red handed by brave police officers, the Supreme Court of India examined materials on record first-hand since it was the case of death sentence. This is called review, he said.

On Pakistans argument that India did not provide proof of Jadhavs nationality, Salve said Pakistan had no doubt when it arrested Jadhav that he was an Indian national.

Pakistan is aware that to be an officer of RAW, the primary requirement is to be a citizen of India, he said.

He said Pakistans claims that Jadhav was an Indian terrorist, sent by India, this is a flying leap of faith. Possessing a passport doesnt make you party to those offences, your role in those offences gets you conviction. Jadhav is being sent to the gallows on the basis of an extracted confession, Salve said.

Pakistan has been reluctant to share with the world and the ICJ the judgement in which Jadhav was convicted. That judgement would show basis for conviction...There could no threat to existence of Pakistan if these documents are made available to India, he said, adding that he has little doubts that there was any substantive evidence of Jadhavs involvement. Salve said three attempts made by Pakistan to derail proceedings in the ICJ have failed. He also objected to the abusive language used by Pakistans counsel in the case.

There was a time when the world respected Pakistan, today the world doesnt have the same respect for Pakistan in its own incarnation, Salve said, taking a dig at Pakistans counsel Khawar Qureshi, who on Tuesday said he has great respect for India but not its present incarnation. India moved the ICJ in May 2017 for the egregious violation of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to Jadhav.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress on Wednesday asked whether according a grand welcome to those who praised Pakistans anti-terror efforts was his way of remembering the martyrs of the Pulwama attack.

In a special gesture, the prime minister received the Saudi crown prince at Palam airport on Tuesday night. The visit comes five days after a suicide bomber belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group killed 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

National interests V/S Modijis hugplomacy.

Breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistans anti-terror efforts. Is it ur way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama? Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter.

The Congress spokesperson was referring to the crown princes visit to Pakistan, during which the two countries signed investments agreements worth USD 20 billion. Surjewala also tagged photographs of Modi hugging the crown prince and sharing a laugh at the Palam airport.

Follow updates here

He urged Modi to show courage and ask Saudi Arabia to undo its joint statement with Pakistan, in which they called for avoiding politicisation of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

Modiji, Is asking for a terrorist to be designated as such politicisation of UN listings? Would you show courage to ask Saudi Arabia to undo their Joint Statement with Pak virtually rejecting Indias demand for designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? he said.

After being received at the Islamabad airport by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Saudi leader said in a Saudi-Pak joint statement that dialogue was the only way to resolve outstanding issues between India and Pakistan.

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma tweeted, PM Modi seems to be eager to compete with and emulate the Pakistan PM Imran Khan in breaking protocol and receiving Saudi Crown Prince... without any need or justification.

Worse, the joint statement does not refer to the ban on either Jaish or Masood Azhar, he said.

Sharma added, The fact that the Crown Prince has visited Pakistan after the dastardly attack and refused to endorse the ban on Masood Azhar and the declaration of Jaish E Mohammed as a terrorist organisation seems to have been lost on the Prime Minister.

He called it a glaring diplomatic failure for which Modi must answer to the nation.Asserting there is no scandal in the Rafale deal, Dassault Aviation, makers of the fighter jet, Wednesday said it was also in the race for 110 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, for which the government had floated an RFI last year.

The RFI (Request for Information) or initial tender for the deal was issued by IAF in April 6 2018, the first mega procurement initiative for fighter jets.

This was after the government scrapped the process to acquire 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) around six years ago.

Instead, the NDA government, in September 2016, signed an Euro 7.87 billion (approx Rs 59,000 crore) deal with the French government for purchase of 36 Rafale twin-engine fighter jets.

There is no scandal in the Rafale deal. We are going to deliver 36 aircraft. If the Government of India wants more aircraft, we will be pleased to deliver. There is also an RFI for 110 aircraft and we are in the race because we feel Rafale is the best aircraft and we have our footprint here in India. So we feel confident here in India, Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier told reporters in Bengaluru.

Asked why Dassault had partnered Reliance despite that companys lack of experience in making defence equipment, Trappier said: Yes. But I have the experience. I am transferring this know-how and experience to the Indian team.

The Indian team has been appointed by a new company Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DARL). They are good for India and the company. So where is the problem? The deal had raised a political row with Congress relentlessly accusing the Narendra Modi-led government of extending the benefit to industrialist Anil Ambani owned Reliance by firming up an overpriced deal of Rafale jets.

The opposition has been keeping the pot boiling over the deal and made it their electoral campaign for the coming 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

India had signed a deal with France in 2016 for 36 Rafale fighter jets.

Asked the reasons for Dassault going ahead with partnering Reliance despite that companys financial problems, Trappier said, They have their own matters, but we are working together. Our teams, both Indian and French, are working well. So I have no worry for the time being. Trappier also said they chose Reliance as he wanted to be in charge of the industrial process in the company that manufactures parts of the French aircraft in India.

I invested my money to have facilities here in India and I found partners, he added.

On Rahul Gandhis charge that Rafale prices were escalated during NDA rule compared to UPA rule, Trappier said both nations made a rebate of about nine per cent compared to the original pricing.

The CAG report saying that the Rafale pricing was 2.8 per cent cheaper during NDA rule compared to UPAs showed that the pricing was better, Trappier said.

Also, the Supreme Court had said that the deal was totally transparent and hence he was very much pleased with these two observations.

To a query, Trappier said it was sad that politics has taken a front seat in the Rafale deal. Instead, discussions should have been around the importance of having the fighter aircraft for Indias defence needs, he said.

Rafale has high performance capacity. The air force officials have examined the aircraft. This fighter will be one of the backbones of the defence of this country, he said.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday took over the probe into the February 14 terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama from the Jammu and Kashmir police, officials said.

The suicide bombing killed 40 CRPF troopers and injured five at Lethpora Pulwama last week.

An NIA spokesman confirmed that the NIA has transferred the Pulwama suicide bombing case. Top NIA officials including its Director General NIA, Y C Modi also visited the spot on Wednesday.

The Director General of NIA along with a team of officers including two IGs, DIG and SP visited the place of occurrence of the Feb 14 incident. He was briefed by the officers about the progress made in investigation so far, the spokesman said.

On Thursday, a 22-year-old Adil Ahmad Dar from Gundibagh Pulwama rammed an explosive laden Maruti Eeco van into a bus in the CRPF convoy. Since then police and NIA has jointly been investigating the case. Officials said that soon after the suicide attack, police had registered a case before it was transferred to the NIA on Wednesday.

The place where the suicide bomber rammed the vehicle into the convoy is still closed for the traffic and forces are not allowing anybody to go near the spot. DG NIA also met top army, police and CRPF officials.

Soon after the attack, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and NIA teams visited the spot and collected crucial evidences about the attack and also came to conclusion that militants had used RDX in the vehicle which was the main reason for the high causalities. In a joint press conference, Army, Police and CRPF officials on Tuesday said that they have got certain leads into the attack.

After the attack, police and army started rounding up people in south Kashmir and police sources said that more than two dozen youths were picked up from different parts of the region.

A team from automobile manufacturer Maruti Suzuki is also helping the NIA to determine the model and year of production of the Maruti Eeco vehicle that was used in the suicide bombing, officials said.

Also read: Will kill anyone who picks up gun in Kashmir Valley, says Army

On Tuesday, 15 Corps commander, Lieutenant General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon said that in less than 100 hours (from Thursdays attack), the forces had eliminated the Jaish e Mohammad leadership, mostly Pakistanis, in the Valley which was being handled by JeM from Pakistan.Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti has been facing non-stop criticism from leaders of former ally BJP. Union minister Giriraj Singh joined the attack on Wednesday, telling the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister that she must stop praising Imran Khan, the Pakistan prime minister. But Mehbooba Mufti stood her ground and called for giving Imran Khan a chance to prove that he sincerely intend to combat terror emanating from Pakistani soil.

Mehbooba Mufts comment came in the wake of Imran Khans statement on Pulwama terror attack saying that under his government Pakistan is working with a new mindset towards terrorism. Imran Khan promised to take action against the perpetrators of Pulwama terror attack if there is proof that they acted from Pakistani soil.

Its true that whether it was Pathankot attack or Mumbai attack they (Pakistan) were given proof but they didnt take action. But because Imran Khan is a new prime minister and he is talking about a new start, he should be given a chance. We should give proof and see what they do, Mehbooba Mufti was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Also Read | Five days after Pulwama incident, Hizbul Mujahideen warns of suicide attacks by local men

However, it appears that Mehbooba Muftis call to give new Pakistan prime minister a chance did not go down well with the BJP leader and Union minister Giriraj Singh. According to ANI, he said, I would like to tell Mehbooba Mufti that she must put an end to her love for Pakistan.

Bharat ka khaati hain, Bharat ka gayein. Aasteen ka saanp na bane (You eat here, so praise this land. Dont be a backstabber), ANI quoted Gririaj Singh as responding to Mehbooba Muftis comment.

Earlier on Tuesday, Mehbooba Mufti had rejected Imran Khans claims that Pakistan was ready to act against the perpetrators of terror. Responding to Pakistan prime ministers televised statement, she wrote on Twitter: Disagree. Pathankot dossier was given to them but no action was taken to punish the perpetrators. Time to walk the talk.

Also Read | Easy to start war: Imran Khans pitch for talks with India after Pulwama

She, however, stated that Pakistan PM deserved a chance to prove that in the wake of Pulwama terror incident, the Imran Khan government would punish the culprits responsible for attack on a CRPF convoy carrying more than 2,500 soldiers. At least 40 jawans were killed in the terror attack in south Kashmirs Pulwama district.

The convoy came under attack by of a suicide bomber, who rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the CRPF convoy. The impact was such that one of the buses of the convoy was reduced to a heap of mangled iron on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, other terrorists and those financing terrorism should be sanctioned by the UN Security Council if there is evidence against them, Saudi Arabias deputy foreign minister Adel Al-Jubeir said on Wednesday.

Two days after a Saudi-Pakistan joint statement issued during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans visit to Islamabad opposed politicisation of the UN listing regime, al-Jubeir clarified to the Indian media this wasnt a reference to efforts to sanction Azhar through the UNs 1267 Committee.

Our policy on listing individuals is very clear, if someone is engaged in terrorism, if someone belongs to a terror organisation that is responsible for murdering people, if somebody finances terrorism...that person...ought to be punished and if you cant capture that person, he or she has to be designated so that they cant roam the world freely and when they are captured, they are brought to justice, he told NDTV.

His remarks came against the backdrop of efforts led by France to sanction Azhar at the UN Security Council after the Pulwama terror attack, which was claimed by JeM.

Asked if India needs to provide evidence on the involvement of JeM and Azhar in terror attacks, al-Jubeir said this was the subject of an ongoing dialogue with Saudi Arabia and other nations.

Responding to disappointment at the Saudi prince not referring to the Pulwama attack or Pakistan-backed terror in his public remarks, al-Jubeir said: We were one of the first countries to very strongly condemn the terrorist attack...We have very good relations with India in terms of counterterrorism (and) when it comes to exchanging information against terrorists, including information that led to stopping terrorist attacks.

He called for dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad, saying, Pakistan is an important country to Saudi Arabia and India is important to Saudi Arabia and so it pains us to see conflict between two countries we believe to be two friendly nations. We believe instability in this part of the world is a danger to rest.

He told PTI Saudi Arabia wont mediate between the two nations without being invited by both.Mumbai: After questions were raised over its decision to revive the alliance with the BJP, Shiv Sena on Wednesday clarified why it did a U-turn on its decision to go solo in elections.

The Sena said that it is not helpless and no adjustment was reached for power and that it gave another chance to the alliance after differences were sorted between the two parties.

The BJP and the Sena announced an alliance for Lok Sabha and Assembly election on Monday.

The Sena in an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana said that it looked at the numbers and the new arrangement like any other political party.

In a parliamentary democracy, numbers have got more importance than it should. Therefore, like others, look at their numbers, we too have to do it, the editorial said. However, it added that it has not turned the way the wind was blowing and said that the wind is now in favour of the Sena.

The Shiv Sena justified that it never left the National Democratic Alliance. Even a trusted ally like Nitish Kumar has quit the NDA twice. Nitish, who had attacked on Ram temple and Godhra, was not acceptable to Modi... if Nitish Kumar can come back into the NDA, then Shiv Sena has been an equal member of the NDA, the editorial said.

The Sena has been at the receiving end after its U-turn to ally with the BJP which came after almost five years of constant criticism.

The editorial in the Marathi daily added, The oppostion has a question on why the alliance happened... Amit Shah came to Matoshree. We told him what we wanted to convey in Thackeray style. It was unanimously decided that what mistakes were committed earlier will not be repeated. The Sena added that it maintained its dignity and will continue to do so.

It added that the 2014 wave is gone and the 2019 elections will have to be fought on ideology, work and the future. There are new challenges before the NDA. It seems difficult that the BJP will be able to cross the majority mark on its own, and it has realised it two years back, the Sena said through the mouthpiece.A five-year-old male leopard was killed after being hit by a speeding car on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway in Maharashtras Palghar district on Tuesday night, forest department officials said on Wednesday.

Harikumar Jagjivandas Prajapati, a resident of Sanjan in Gujarat, was going to the Mahalaxmi Temple in Dahanu with his wife and their son in his Maruti Dzire car when it collided with the leopard near Gotipada village in Udhwa of Talasari area, leading to its instant death, range forest officer (RFO) of Udhva Reshma Varkate said.

Prajapati has been arrested by the forest department in Dahanu division and wife and his son, who were injured in the accident, were taken to a hospital.

We have arrested Prajapati under Sections 9 and 36 of the Wildlife Protection Act,1972 and will produce him before the Dahanu court on Thursday, Varkate said.

Varkate said locals contacted Dhawal Kansara, an animal rights activist, who reached the accident spot. Kansara informed us and we reached the spot, she said.

The leopard was hit on the right shoulder and may have died due to a cardiac arrest due to trauma.

We have sent the leopards body for a postmortem at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) Borivali and the report is awaited, she said.

She said the spot is an active leopard crossing area and that the department had put up signboards on the highway cautioning motorists to go slow and be alert for the animals crossing the highway in search of prey.

But motorists ignore the warnings and continue to speed up on the highway, resulting in such deaths, said Varkate.

Maharashtra saw the second-most leopard deaths (90) in the country in 2018, according to the year-end data collated by a Delhi-based wildlife group, Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI).

There are 12,000 to 14,000 leopards across India, according to a 2016 census and the animal is listed as a schedule 1 species. At 460, India saw most leopard deaths in the past five years in 2018.

WPSI said the rise in deaths can be attributed to growing conflicts and accidents as a result of linear infrastructure projects. The group collates data from their field representatives and different state forests departments.One Army jawan died and five others are trapped under the snow after a massive avalanche hit the Shipka La sector of Himachal Pradeshs Kinnaur district. Sixteen jawans had gone towards the Shipki La border post from Namagya to repair a damaged water supply line when the avalanche hit them, burying six of them alive. One of them was rescued, but he later died.

A team of about 150 persons, including Army and ITBP personnel, is searching for the trapped jawans, along with the police. The search was called off for the night and will resume Thursday morning. An Army spokesperson said the search-and-rescue operation would go on till the last man was retrieved.

The avalanche occurred at around 11 am near the Shipki La border post.

Kinnaur deputy commissioner Gopal Chand said the body of one Army jawan had been recovered but the other five were still missing.

The jawan was identified as Rakesh Kumar, 41, of Ghumarpur village in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, Kinnaur Superintendent of Police (SP) Sakshi Verma told PTI, adding that the jawans belonged to the 7 JAK Rifles unit of the Army.

The avalanche was triggered by fierce snow blizzards in the area. Shipki La is at a height of around 12,000 feet and is located around 300 km from state capital Shimla.The Theresa May government is reflecting on the long-standing demand that Britain tender an official apology for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre when its centenary is marked on April 13, the day hundreds of people were killed in an event that is seared into Indian memory and history.

Responding to a debate in the House of Lords on Tuesday evening on Amritsar Massacre: Centenary, Annabel Goldie, baroness-in-waiting and government whip, said she is aware how passionately the issue is felt, and noted that the government at the time had condemned the atrocity.

Goldie recalled that foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, when asked by the Foreign Affairs Committee in October 2018 if 2019 might be an appropriate moment to formally apologise, had said: That is a very profound thought; let me reflect on that, but I can understand why that could be a potentially very significant gesture.

Goldie added at the end of the debate: The Foreign Secretary is currently doing that - reflecting on the situation - and I can say that the views expressed in this debate are certainly noted and will be conveyed back to the department.

I understand that the reason is that governments have considered that history cannot be rewritten and it is important that we do not get trapped by the past. We must also look forward to the future and do all we can to prevent atrocities happening, she added.

During a visit in 1997, Queen Elizabeth had said at the memorial: History cannot be rewritten, however much we might sometimes wish otherwise. It has its moments of sadness, as well as gladness. We must learn from the sadness and build on the gladness.

But there has never been an official policy or statement of regret, Kenneth Morgan (Labour) pointed out, recalling that the Duke of Edinburghs off-the-cuff remarks questioning the number or casualties during the 1997 visit had made matters somewhat worse.

Karan Bilimoria, a cross-bench lord, said: It is not too late for the British government to apologise.... The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did just that in 2016, when he apologised for Canadas actions in the atrocities a century earlier, when the Indian immigrants on the Komagata Maru were denied permission to land in Vancouver, thereby sending many of them to their deaths. Why can Britain not do this?

Meghnad Desai (Labour) noted that the House of Lords had passed a motion condoning Gen Reginald Dyer, who had ordered troops to open fire on the unarmed gathering. The House of Commons had criticised his actions, but not the upper house.

Instead, Desai noted that the House of Lords debated and passed this motion in July 1920: That this House deplores the conduct of the case of General Dyer as unjust to that officer, and as establishing a precedent dangerous to the preservation of order in face of rebellion.

He told the House: I think we ought to reflect on this, when we get the chance.... (We) should ask ourselves whether we should not apologise to the world for what this House did. That at least we can do ourselves - we do not need the permission of the government.

Speakers during the debate included Raj Loomba, Sandip Verma and Ranbir Singh Suri.Britain is reflecting on the long-standing demand for an apology over the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre ahead of the centenary of the bloodbath on April 13, government whip Annabel Goldie has said.

Hundreds of people were killed when British troops under Brig-Gen Reginald Dyers command fired on a crowd of unarmed Indians at Amritsars Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919.

The Foreign Secretary [Jeremy Hunt] is currently reflecting on the situation and I can say that the views expressed in this debate are certainly noted and will be conveyed back to the department, Goldie said on Tuesday. Goldie was responding to a debate in the UK Parliaments upper house  the House of Lords  on the massacres centenary. Indian-origin British parliamentarians, Lord Meghnad Desai and Lord Raj Loomba, had initiated the debate.

In Chandigarh, the Punjab assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution seeking an apology from Britain for the massacre. ...it is high time for India to prevail upon the British government to tender an apology to assuage the bruised psyche of our countrymen and the Indian diaspora across the globe, said Punjabs parliamentary affairs minister Brahm Mohindra, who moved the resolution.

Goldie said she is aware how passionately the issue is felt and noted that the government at the time had condemned the atrocity. She cited Hunts remarks when Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee asked him in October if 2019 might be an appropriate moment to apologise. That is a very profound thought; let me reflect on that, but I can understand why that could be a potentially very significant gesture, she quoted Hunt as saying.

Goldie underlined history cannot be rewritten and added it is important not to get trapped by the past. We must also look forward to the future and do all we can to prevent atrocities [from] happening.

Several Indian-origin parliamentarians participated in the debate and cited instances when Britain has apologised. They demand an apology for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, too.

British leaders have over the years visited Amritsars Jallianwala Bagh Memorial but have stopped short of apologising. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron called the carnage a deeply shameful event in the British history during his visit to the memorial in 2013.

Queen Elizabeth visited the memorial 16 years earlier in 1997. History cannot be rewritten, however much we might sometimes wish otherwise. It has its moments of sadness, as well as gladness. We must learn from the sadness and build on the gladness, she had said.

During the debate, Labour lawmaker Kenneth Morgan recalled Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeths husband Prince Philips off-the-cuff remarks questioning the number or casualties during the 1997 visit. He said that had made matters somewhat worse.

Karan Bilimoria, another lawmaker, said, The Canadian PM Justin Trudeau did just that in 2016, when he apologised for Canadas actions in the atrocities a century earlier, when the Indian immigrants on the [Japanese steamship] Komagata Maru were denied permission to land in Vancouver, thereby sending many of them to their deaths. Why can Britain not do this?The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday downgraded or withdrew the security cover provided to 18 separatist leaders from the Hurriyat, including SAS Geelani, days after a similar move followed a suicide bombing in Pulwama that killed 40 troopers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The security detail of 155 political personalities and activists who did not require it as per a threat assessment was also withdrawn, a home department statement said. Those affected by the move included Shah Faesal, who recently resigned from the Indian Administrative Services.

The statement said the administration felt that providing security to the separatist leaders was wastage of scarce state resources which could be better utilised elsewhere.

Among the leaders whose security was downgraded or withdrawn were Geelani, Yaseen Malik, Abdul Gani Shah and Mohd Musadiq Bhat. The administration said after the move, about 1,000 police personnel and 100 vehicles were freed up to be redeployed.

On Sunday, the administration withdrew the security cover of four Kashmiri separatists, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, amid protests and growing calls for action following the suicide bombing in Pulwama.

Home minister Rajnath Singh last week issued a veiled warning to separatist leaders, saying officials were asked to review the security provided to those who take money from Pakistan and ISI [Inter-Services Intelligence].Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti said on Wednesday that New Delhi should provide proof of Pakistani involvement in the Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 troops, to Islamabad and see what they do.

Her statement supports that of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who on Tuesday offered to help with the Pulwama investigation if India shared actionable evidence. Khans comments prompted a sharp reaction from New Delhi, which said Khans comments were a lame excuse.

It is true that Pakistan didnt act on evidences of Mumbai and Pathankot attacks but since Imran Khan is the new prime minister there and talks about a new beginning, he should be given an opportunity. We should provide proof and see what they do, said Mufti.

Mufti said Pakistan was plauged by many problems and in the given circumstances, it would be in the best interest of both countries to talk to each other. If we have to save J&K and its people then dialogue is the only way. War is not a solution to any problem, she said and added that only illiterate people can talk of war.

BJP had agreed upon adopting Vajpayees policy on Kashmir. The BJP was on the same page with us like talks with Pakistan, separatists, opening new routes with Pakistan, maintaining status-quo on Article 370, reducing the foot print of security forces from peaceful civilian areas but why are they opposed to everything today, she asked.India on Wednesday strongly objected to the abusive language used by Pakistans counsel in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging the UN court to draw a redline to prevent its repetition.

Harish Salve, the former solicitor general of India while presenting Indias case before the ICJ, drew the courts attention to the abusive language used by Pakistan through its counsel Khawar Qureshi on the second day of the hearing.

The language echoed in this court... perhaps this court may lay down some redlines. The transcript is peppered with words such as shameless, nonsense, disgraceful, arrogant... India takes exception to being addressed in this fashion in an international court. Indian culture prevents me from using similar language.

India strongly objects to abusive language of Pakistans counsel, Salve said as the International Court of Justice began the second round of public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

He said that the criticism of a sovereign state of the case made out of the other state must be in a language consistent with the dignity of other states, he said.

Humpty-Dumpty has no place in this court, Salve said.

He said that when you are strong on law you hammer the law, when you are strong on facts you hammer the facts and when you are strong on neither you hammer the table... Pakistan has hammered the proverbial table. India has hammered facts.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

On Wednesday, India had a maximum of 90 minutes to submit its final arguments in the case. Pakistan will also get 90 minutes to respond to Indias arguments on Thursday.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.The Congress will contest nine Lok Sabha seats and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) will field its candidates along with smaller parties for the remaining 30 constituencies in Tamil Nadu, as the two parties sealed an alliance for this summers general elections a day after the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) returned to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold for the electoral battle.

The Congress will also contest the lone Lok Sabha seat in Puducherry. The DMK  a key constituent of the Oppositions mahagathbandan formed to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)  is in talks with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) to finalise the seat-sharing pact for 30 seats.

The announcement came after DMK MP Kanimozhi and Tamil Nadu Congress president KS Alagiri met Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday in Delhi and returned to state on Wednesday.

Out of total 40 seats, nine Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and one seat in Puducherry have been given to the Congress. The constituencies to be given to Congress will be decided in due course of time after holding talks with the alliance partners, said DMK president MK Stalin.

Read more| DMKs MK Stalin announces Tamil Nadu poll pact, Congress gets 10 seats

The negotiations were transparent and held at our party headquarters rather than in secrecy at a private hotel, Stalin said in an apparent dig at the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) discussions over its seat-sharing pact in Tamil Nadu that was announced a day earlier.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finalised its alliance with the AIADMK and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) for the parliamentary elections on Tuesday, with the BJP deciding to contest five seats, and the AIADMK 25. The PMK will contest seven seats in the alliance. Tamil Nadu sends the fourth highest number of representatives to the Lok Sabha after Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress did not win any seat in Tamil Nadu. The DMK and its allies also drew a blank. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said he was confident of the DMK-led alliance sweeping the Lok Sabha elections in the state. The alliance will make a clean sweep bringing in change of government at the Centre.

When asked about parties such as the IUML, VCK, Vaikos Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and the Left, Stalin said: Those parties who have stood by us in the last two years are our allies.

Out of the 235 members in the Tamil Nadu assembly, the AIADMK has 115 legislators followed by the DMKs 88, Congresss eight, the IUMLs one and one independent. The numbers are made up by the Speaker and 21 vacant seats (18 of these on account of disqualification).

Stalin said seat-sharing discussions for 21 assembly bypolls in the state have not happened so far. Let the bypoll date for the 21 assembly seats be announced. We will cross the bridge when we come to it, the DMK chief said.

AIADMK minister M Manikandan said the DMK-Congress combine will not be a formidable force. The AIADMK-BJP-PMK tie-up is the winning alliance Two Leaves and Lotus are natural allies. When the DMK-Congress combine was in the power, Tamil Nadu did not benefit, Manikandan said.

Tamil Nadu BJP general secretary Karuppu Muruganandham, too, said the DMK-Congress alliance did not present a challenge to the party. We have formed a grand alliance in Tamil Nadu. The people of TN have understood that the BJP is the only party that is committed to the development of the state.

Political analyst K Elangovan said the DMK-Congress alliance stands a good chance. The DMK-Congress alliance is a mature and stable alliance. Since the anti-incumbency feeling against the state and central government is high in Tamil Nadu, the DMK-Congress combine has a good chance to win seats. However, both the BJP and AIADMK are the ruling parties at the Centre and the state respectively, which gives them some advantage.A hotel in Uttar Pradeshs Agra has said it will not give rooms to Kashmiris in their establishment, days after the Pulwama attack, drawing criticism from representatives of tourism bodies who have sought intervention by the police and administration against the step.

The decision of the hotel came after the attack on February 14 by a 22-year-old Pulwama resident Adil Ahmad Dar, who blew up his car bomb next to a CRPF bus, killing 40 troopers in the deadliest terrorist incident in the region in decades.

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group claimed responsibility within hours of the attack, triggering calls for India to take tough measures against the neighbour. Jaish founder Masood Azhar lives in Pakistan and India has repeatedly sought his custody.

Manager of the hotel Firdaus Ali justified the pamphlets issuing the restriction and said he took the step as Kashmiris were against Indias defence forces and pelt them with stones in Kashmir.

How can we welcome those who attack our army jawans? We are open to them if they change their attitude towards our army men in Kashmir, Ali, who runs the hotel at Idgah area in the city of the Taj Mahal with his bother, said.

Ali said he was not the only one as about a dozen hotels in the area had taken similar decisions.

Rakesh Chauhan, the president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Agra, condemned the move. Chauhan admitted he had come to know about two hotels in Idgah area which had decided to deny rooms to Kashmiris.

He said he has asked the local police and district administration to intervene.

Kashmiris are our brothers and in no way, the move can be justified. Terrorism is affecting Kashmir but residents there cannot be blamed for violence. We have to act against terrorists and not against Kashmiris there, Chauhan said while speaking to the Hindustan Times.

Agra Sadars additional superintendent of police, who is responsible for the Idgah area, Uday Raj Singh he is unaware of the pamphlets.

We are yet to come across any such restriction placed by hotels, Singh said.

The police official said he was not clear if police could intervene in such a matter.

Kashmiris in some parts of the country have reported threats and intimidation since the attack. Several Kashmiri students have been arrested and suspended from their colleges for alleged anti-national activities. Some have even alleged they were harassed and asked by their landlords to vacate accommodations, fearing attacks on their properties after the strike in Pulwama.The Haryana forest department has recommended that all parts of the Aravalli range in Gurugram, including the Aravalli Biodiversity Park, be categorised as natural conservation zone (NCZ) where construction is not allowed, in a move that will be cheered by activists, nature lovers and birders.

But another decision by the Haryana Town and Country Planning department could leave large stretches of Aravallis in Faridabad (over 15,000 acres) out of the NCZ.

The regional master plan 2021 restricts construction in NCZs, but Town and Country Planning department officials say they will go by a notification issued by the union environment ministry in 1992 to define the Aravallis.

That notification limited Aravallis only to Gurugram in Haryana, and Alwar in Rajasthan.

If the forest departments submission of including all Aravalli areas in Gurugram  such as gair mumkin pahar (uncultivable land of Aravalis) areas -- under NCZ is accepted by Haryanas Town and Country Planning department, then the move will ensure protection to areas such as Gurugrams Aravalli Biodiversity Park from infrastructure and real estate projects.

The NHAI proposed two link roadsfrom Ambience Mall to Aya Nagar on Gurgaon Mehrauli road (NH 236), and another from Vasant Kunj to Aya Nagar on Gurgaon- Mehrauli road (NH 236) -- on its website as part of a plan to decongest Delhi. Both proposed roads would have cut across the park as per the current design. The projects were deferred following a public outcry but the forest departments recommendation, if accepted, will provide the park a more permanent protection.

We have internally communicated to the Town and Country Planning Department that all Gurugram plantation areas, including gair mumkin pahar areas, are in confirmed NCZ, but it will review our submission and then take a call, a senior forest department official said on condition of anonymity.

Makarand Pandurang, director, Town and Country Planning Department said his department recently decide which parts of the state were Aravallis based on the Aravalli notification of 1992. There is no legal document to say there are Aravallis in Faridabad or other districts. As per the 1992 notification, they are limited to Gurugram in Haryana.

This could open up large parts of Aravallis in Faridabad for real estate development, activists fear.

Recommending which area is to be categorised in NCZ is not the job of the forest department. It is a planning issue that the Town and Country Planning department is dealing with. Divisional forest officers have been included in a committee, which is conducting the ground-truthing exercise but that committee also includes planners, officials from mining department and others, added Pandurang.

Ground truthing is an exercise where map or remote sensing data is matched with features on the ground.

The NCR Regional Plan 2021 has categorised the extension of Aravalli ridge in Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, forest areas, rivers and tributaries of Yamuna, Ganga, Kali, Hindon and Sahibi, sanctuaries, major lakes and water bodies such as Badkal lake, Surajkund and Damdama in the Haryana sub-region and Siliserh lake in Rajasthan as NCZ. But Haryana government in 2014 reopened the status of these areas and directed district level authorities to conduct a ground-truthing exercise .

There are two categories of NCZ areas which are being reviewed by the Haryana government: confirmed NCZ and those areas that Haryana government kept in status yet to be decided . On January 4, Haryana Town and Country Planning Department in a meeting with district town planners and forest officials recommended that NCZ areas with built-up structures should be excluded from NCZ category. It also directed district level committees to submit their ground-truthing reports by January 31. Another meeting on finalisation of NCZ was slotted for February 12 but it has been deferred.

The Haryana government last week proposed to amend the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), a move which will open up more land for real estate development. The amendment involves excluding tracts of land included in the final development plans or town improvement plans from the ambit of PLPA. This development could affect the Aravalis, catchments of the Badhkal, Surajkund and Damadama lakes, and other forest areas in the state. Activists are concerned about the delay in finalising NCZ areas and the PLPA amendment as both could spell doom for the biodiversity rich Aravallis.

Amending the PLPA Act is an underhand attempt to remove the tag of forest and therefore the protection of the forest conservation act to Aravallis. If Haryana also succeeds in its claim that there are no Aravallis outside Gurgaon -- then Aravallis in Faridabad and rest of Haryana will not be classified as natural conservation zone either. This will legalise illegal farmhouses banquet halls built in the past as well as open the floodgates to future construction, said Chetan Agarwal, a Gurugram -based environmental activist.Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani in the Gujarat legislative assembly was suspended for a day on Wednesday from ongoing budget session his comments on the Statue of Unity.

Congressman Dhanani described the Statue of Unity as one made from scrap where Sardar Patel has been caged, triggering angry response from the ruling BJP. Along with many BJP legislators, chief minister Vijay Rupani also demanded Dhanani to withdraw his statement which he refused.

Later with the majority vote, the BJP got him suspended from the house for a day. He would be able to attend the assembly only for a day of remaining two days.

Sardar Patel has been caged in the statue made from scrap, Dhanani remarked came during question hour. The 182-meter tall structure at Kevadiya in central Gujarat, it is the tallest statue in the world and fast becoming a major tourists attraction since its inauguration in October 2018.

Later Dhanani told media, I borrowed words only from official website of the Statue of Unity.

The Congress claimed that Dhananis suspension was a ploy by the BJP not to face questions.

The BJP anyhow wanted our MLAs to miss the session so that they do not have to face question over real issues and problems, senior Congress legislator Vikram Madam said.

Energy Minister Saurabh Patel refuted Dhananis claim and said the website mentioned no such thing.

The website says the agriculture tools from across India were collected, along with soil and water. The iron tools were melted and used in the project. Nowhere the site says that statue was built from scrap, the minister said.

The incident has given the BJP a vantage point ahead of coming general elections against the Congress when in past two elections-2015 local body elections and 2017 assembly elections - influential Patels or Patidars were seen drifting away from it in the backdrop of agitation for the OBC quota.

The BJP has said that protest against Dhanani, who is also a Patidar, will be organized across the state.

The website the statueofunity.in says: The Loha Campaign was a unique initiative at the rural level, in which various social engagement organizations and volunteers worked to collect used iron farming implements from the villages of the country for use in the construction of the Statue of Unity.A West Bengal court on Wednesday found former Viswa Bharati vice-chancellor Dilip Sinha and registrar Dilip Mukherjee guilty of criminal charges related to conspiracy and forgery.

The other person to be found guilty was Mukti Deb, a former lecturer of mathematics in the university, who produced the documents to land a job as a lecturer of mathematics. Significantly, Deb got the job without producing original testimonials but on the basis of photocopies attested by Sinha.

The prime minister is the chancellor of Viswa Bharati, a central university founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The marksheet scandal blew up on the institution just a few weeks after the theft of Tagores Nobel medallion in March 2004.

Judge Arvind Mishra will pronounce the quantum of punishment on Thursday, said Naba Kumar Ghosh, special public prosecutor for Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Sinha, who served as the VC of the university between 1995 and 2001, was arrested by the CID in June 2004 from his residence but subsequently was granted bail. In March 2005, CID submitted the chargesheet against the trio at Bolpur court.

The accused were charged under IPC Sections 466 (forgery of record of court or of public register), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 469 (forgery for purpose of harming reputation), 471 (using as genuine a forged document) and 474 (possession of document knowing it to be forged and intending to use as genuine).

The punishment for these sections varies between seven years in jail to life imprisonment.

The Case

On January 16, 1997, Mukti Deb was interviewed for the post of lecturer for mathematics. She furnished certificates of BSc from Calcutta University and MSc and MPhil from Jadavpur University. These documents were proved to be forged.

The authorities of both institutions said that the certificates and marksheets were forged. She had appeared for part-1 exam of BSc but failed in it, said Ghosh. During the interview, she produced photocopies of the testimonials that were attested by Dilip Sinha, said the CID counsel.

Five years after she joined Vishwa Bharati, Deb wrote to the university authorities seeking permission for enrolling for a PhD programme. When the authorities asked her to submit original documents, instead of furnishing them, she said she was not interested in pursuing PhD, said the CID counsel.

In end May 2004, Sunil Kumar Sarkar, former registrar of the university, lodged a complaint with Bolpur police station. Former chief minister Buddahdeb Bhattacharjee handed over the investigation to the CID. Deb taught the students of Visva Bharati for seven years before she was sacked in 2004.

Sinha attested all the photocopies. No one raised a question as he was chairman of the universitys selection committee. Deb was selected as a scheduled caste candidate, R K Mohanty, additional director general, CID told the media in June 2004 after Sinha was arrested.

CID officers said Sinha was known to Deb and her family.Kashmiri separatist militant organisation Hizbul Mujahideen on Tuesday warned of fidayeen (suicide) attacks by young boys as it has become a do-or-die situation for them.

This is the first time that an indigenous militant group in Kashmir has warned of suicide attacks. Till now, such attacks, though few, were carried out by the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terror group active in Kashmir.

The warning comes five days after a suicide bomber of JeM rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus in a CRPF convoy on Srinagar-Jammu highway at Lethpora, Pulwama, killing at least 40 troopers.

In a 17-minute audio message released on social media groups, Hizbul Mujahideen operational commander Riyaz Naikoo said whatever was happening in Kashmir was the result of atrocities committed on the people.

You will have to cry till the time you are here. The coffins of your soldiers will continue to fill till your army is here. We are ready to die but wont allow you to live as well, Naikoo, who is based in south Kashmir, said.

Naikoo, who keeps on releasing such audio messages, said freedom was a passion for Kashmiri youths. We will keep on sacrificing our lives. We prefer to die than surrender. The day is not far when our 15-year-old children will strap explosives on their bodies and barge into your army vehicles. We prefer death over slavery, he said.

One of the most wanted militants currently operating in the valley, Naikoo blamed the Indian government for not fulfilling promises made to the people of Kashmir. The person responsible for the fidayeen attack on forces was a Kashmiri and the atrocities committed on him by the army forced him to carry out the attack. No power in the world can stop this type of attacks.

The attacks will continue till Indian forces remain in Kashmir, he added.

Meanwhile, security forces are wary of the challenges such attacks could pose to them.This type of suicide car bomb attack happened after a long time in Kashmir. We are alive to it and keeping all our options open to deal with it in future, Lt General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, corps commander of Srinagar-based 15 Corps, said. Earlier, 17-year-old Afaq Ahmed Shah blew himself, along with his Maruti car, to attack the 15 Corps headquarters In May 2000.Thousands of farmers will once again stage an eight-day march from Nashik to Mumbai to protest, what they say, the failure of the BJP government in Maharashtra in keeping the promises it made after their last agitation.

Farmers outfit All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) had held a similar protest in March last year to press for the same demands. Nearly 30,000 farmers, including children, women and the elderly, had started from Nashik on March 6 and walked six days to reach Mumbai to highlight their demands. They ended their protest over loan waivers, prices and land rights after the state government agreed to meet their demands.

Also read: What Maharashtra farmers demanded, and got, from the Fadnavis govt

And this time, the march will start on February 20 from Nashik and end in Mumbais iconic Azad Maidan on February 27. They have been demanding a revision of the river linking agreement to ensure that water is not diverted to Gujarat, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations, transfer of forest land to tribals and pension scheme for farmers.

AIKS state secretary Ajit Navale said the BJP government seems insensitive to the demands of the farmers. The organisation is affiliated to the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

We have no option but to agitate and secure our rights. It is better than committing suicide. Farmers are currently in bad shape, especially due to the drought, said Navale.

He said that the assurances that were given to farmers during the last march remained on paper and were not implemented by the state government. He said one of the main issue this time would be to force the government to revise the river linking agreement, where it is proposed to divert water to Gujarat.

How can we divert our state water to Gujarat when we ourselves are facing drought? Navale asked.

The AIKS has also demanded the construction of small catchment dams to ensure water to the drought-affected areas of the state.

The AIKS also expressed fear that the government will crack down on the march especially when the parliamentary elections are all set to be held in the next few months.

In November last year, Lok Sangharsh Morcha  an outfit that works for the rights of tribals and farmers in Maharashtra and Gujarat - held a similar march to demand, among other things, transfer of land rights to 2.31 lakh eligible tribals and relief to drought-affected farmers.

They withdrew their protest following a written assurance from the state government that their demands would be met within three months.

Also read: Temporary truce: Maharashtra tribals, farmers withdraw stir on governments written assurancesUttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress during his Odisha visit, accusing the Congress of following policies that, he alleged, had fuelled terrorism. Yogi Adityanaths pitch was that the country could only remain safe under PM Narendra Modis leadership.

Addressing a meeting of BJPs booth-level workers in Bhawanipatna town of Kalahandi district, Adityanath said the Manmohan Singh government had said minorities have first claim over countrys resources.

Terrorism is the result of this appeasement. Till the appeasement policy is there, this country cannot be saved. This is why PM Modi said we would work for all classes of people, said the UP CM.

Every Indian knows that only Narendra Modi-led government can give befitting reply to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, he said. The firebrand BJP leader lashed out at previous governments saying earlier forces were asked to wait till terrorists fired but that is not the case anymore.

The bullets of terrorists do not wait for the bullets of our jawans. But in last 4 and half years of our government everyone know that if anyone plays with the integrity of the nation then they would get a befitting reply and each of the terrorists would be eliminated. The jawans at the borders of our country are giving befitting replies to the terrorists.

Also read ; Will kill anyone who picks up gun in Kashmir Valley, says Army

He hailed 15 Corps commander Lt Gen KS Dhillon, who said in Srinagar on Tuesday that anyone who takes up the gun in Kashmir Valley will be killed and eliminated, unless they surrender.

This statement inspires a new confidence in every Indian. Pakistan and Pak-sponsored terrorists are now dumb-founded. The fight against terrorism is not of an individual, it is of a nation. Every individual of the country should help Modi in this, he said as he pitched for Modis re-election at the polls.

Comparing the achievements of his government to that of Naveen Patnaik government, he said despite not completing 2 years. UP has constructed 20 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Grameen Awas Yojana while Naveen Patnaik in last 19 years has completed only 17 lakh houses.

Later addressing another meeting of booth-level workers in Nachuni area of Khurda district, Adityanath accsued the Patnaik government of deliberately not sending the list of beneficiary farmers for the Pradhan Mantri Kishan i Samman Nidhi to Centre.

The Prime Minister would launch the Pradhan Mantri Kishan Samman Nidhi on February 24 in which farmers would get Rs 6000 per year. But Odisha government is not sending the farmers list to Centre. They are scared that if they send the list, then the poor farmers would get money. When Odisha farmers get money, then the Naveen Patnaik government will not be able to fool them.Coinciding with the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday ordered release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in its jails.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the decision was taken on the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Another big deliverable! At the request of the PM, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails, he said in a tweet.

He said Prince Mohammed has also announced an increase in the quota for Indian Haj pilgrims to 2 lakh at the request of Prime Minister Modi. The present quota is about 1.75 lakh.

During his visit to Pakistan two days back, Prince Mohammed had agreed to release over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi jails.

Read more| After PM Modi meeting, Saudi Crown Prince talks about $100 bn investment opportunity in IndiaA couple of months ago, citizens were protesting the governments decision to build a six-lane expressway through Gurugrams Aravalli Biodiversity Park. The expressway was promoted as the solution to vehicular congestion between Delhi and Gurugram. Only God knows, how a road that can transport equivalent of 6,000 cars per hour solve the congestion between the two cities! Anyways, looking at the resistance from citizens, the administration decided to put the proposal on the back burner, at least for now. However, the respite was short lived for the Aravallis as it was reported in the media that the Haryana government has decided to amend the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA).

This will have a serious repercussion. Why? Well, because parts of the Aravallis range, especially those surrounding the National Capital Region (NCR) will be excluded from the Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ). The NCZ is an ecologically sensitive area demarcated for conservation only. Therefore, real estate projects which were earlier denied, will be allowed now.

So, why are we treating our forest and landscape in this manner, especially those around the cities? Let me highlight three things that we tend to ignore about forests around our cities.

The economic opportunity

We all know that trees and forests provide immense benefits to our cities and its inhabitants. But is there a real economic case for trees and forest in our cities? Yes, if we go by some of the research done it this field. Professor TM Das from the University of Calcutta published an interesting study, way back in 1979. He found that the value of timber, fruit or biomass that we usually associate with tree is only 0.3% of the real value of the tree. The real value of a tree is far more.

For instance, if one values the carbon dioxide that the tree absorbs, of the oxygen it produces or the soil erosion that it prevents of even the shade it provides, then what will be the value of a tree? Therefore, taking six different parameters and assigning a monetary value to each of the parameters, it was found that the total value of a 50-year-old tree is in excess of Rs 15 lakh.]

Read | Haryana forest department recommends putting all of Gurugram Aravallis in conservation zone

The health benefits

Cities are often linked to cramped spaces, be it home, work or even school. This is applicable to majority of the population. This often results in lack of personal spaces, which has an adverse impact on mental health, resulting in stress and fatigue. Traffic noise, safety and security issues further aggravate the situation.

Studies have shown that mental health issues such as mood swings, anxiety, schizophrenia etc. have gone up by more than 50% in urban areas than rural areas. Therefore, to address these issues, some of the progressive cities around the world are now looking at building parks, forests and green spaces around them.

Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, which is nothing but spending time with nature has been a common practise in Japans Tokyo in the last four decades. And studies have shown that it helps reduce stress levels and thus, blood pressure.

Fighting climate change

Forests and parks also help in addressing the issue of climate change. On the one side, they help in mitigating the impacts of climate change. On the other, they help in reducing the quantum of greenhouse gases by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees also help in reducing the heat island effect in cities by providing the much-needed shade. While exact temperature reduction may be difficult to predict, but studies have shown that a city that has large parks or urban forests sees a daytime temperature reduction by almost 5C, compared to cities that dont have such areas.

They also help in recharging ground water and this is critical to cities like Gurugram, which is already staring at rapid groundwater depletion.

It is not only that cities benefit from urban forests, in fact the forest also derives a huge benefit from its proximity to urban area(s). This is because cities are places where people live and work. They are the engines of economic growth. Therefore, in order to keep this engine moving, cities are realising the importance of restoration, conservation and management of forests. In fact, many progressive cities treat forests and parks as green infrastructure, similar to any traditional infrastructure projects.

The road though the bio diversity park would have taken 22 hectares of forest area. This would have resulted on loss of around 22,000 trees. Taking Prof Dass value of Rs 15 lakh per tree, the loss would be a staggering 3.3 lakh crore. This cost would be much higher if the PLPA is amended. Therefore, its time to consider trees and forests as green infrastructure and plan for them as well.

(Amit Bhatt is the director- integrated transport, WRI India)Sara Ali Khans style has continued to evolve into that of a bona fide style star since she made her acting debut in Kedarnath in December. Sara takes more risks than many Bollywood celebs but sticks to her signature youthful, feminine style. Her sartorial skills were on display once again on Tuesday, when she wore a refreshing dress by fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra  a favourite of Saras, she wore him for her Koffee With Karan debut. Need a major midweek pick-me-up? Allow us to present Sara Ali Khan in a delightfully colourful look. The Simmba actor attended an event in Mumbai wearing a bright abstract-print mini dress and promptly put a smile on our faces. Check out Sara Ali Khans dress from the New York-based designers fall-winter 2018 collection.

Watch: Sara Ali Khan looks colorful in mini dress

Sara Ali Khan looked radiant in the sleeveless dress with a pleated style that boasted a bright colour palette featuring fiery red, steel grey, ivory and fuchsia. She amped up its bold pattern with a pair of deliciously bright red and black heels. Going somewhere special? Take inspiration from this Sara Ali Khan look. Between the bold hues and print and the flirty, floaty shape, Saras dress is understatedly charming. It is wearable for both day and night. Sara kept her make-up simple with fresh skin and a trend-forward glossy pink lip, letting her striking dress be the focal point of her look. She paired it with tousled locks for a pretty and polished look.

Follow more stories on Facebook and TwitterKarl Lagerfelds cat Choupette was already the most famous cat in fashion. Now the white fluffy Burmese cat that the late fashion designer doted on could be about to become the richest feline on the planet.

The pampered eight-year-old puss has enjoyed a jet-set lifestyle eating off silver platters since Lagerfeld kidnapped her in 2011 from his young friend, male model Baptiste Giabiconi. Now she could be about to inherit a slice of his estimated $200-million (176-million-euro) fortune. Long before his death on Tuesday, Lagerfeld said he had made sure that Choupette would go on living in the style that she had become accustomed to, with her own personal bodyguard and two maids.

Choupette is a rich girl, he once told French television, hinting that had written her into his will.

She has her own fortune, he added, thought to be at least three million euros ($3.4 million) which she earned with him doing adverts for a German car firm and a Japanese cosmetics brand.

If anything happens the person who looks after her will not go without, said Lagerfeld, who designed for Chanel, Fendi and his own brand right up to his death aged 85.

Karl Lagerfeld poses next to a photo of himself and his cat Choupette during a visit to the workshops that work for Chanel in Pantin, outside of Paris. (AFP)

Choupette - who the designer they called the Kaiser compared to the enigmatic star Greta Garbo - is something of a cult figure in the fashion world, with more than 170,000 followers on social media.

She is also the hero of a book, Choupette: The Private Life of a High-Flying Fashion Cat, where she was photographed in arms of supermodel Linda Evangalista and snuggling with model turned actress Laetitia Casta.

Caviar and king crab

Unlike them, the spoiled feline has never had has to watch what she eats. The book includes recipes for her favourite meals prepared by some of the best restaurants in Paris. One typically lavish repast is a mix of king crab, smoked salmon and caviar.

And unlike ordinary cats, Choupette eats at a table. She is like a human being, only with an extra quality - silence, Lagerfeld quipped.

Despite her reputation as a gastronome, the designer forbade her from doing ads for cat food.

She is too sophisticated for that, said the legendary wit, who lived alone and admitted that Choupette is the centre of my world.

She has something unforgettable in the way she moves -- Im inspired by her elegance and her attitude, he said.

Adored godson

Lagerfeld - an incorrigible collector of art and fine furniture -- also famously showered his friends with gifts and money.

Choupettes big rival for the Lagerfeld millions is likely to be his godson Hudson Kroenig, who the designer utterly adored, seeing something of himself in the blond 10-year-old son of his muse, US model Brad Kroenig.

I consider them like my family, Lagerfeld said of the Kroenigs, using Hudson and his brother Jameson in many of his spectacular Chanel shows at the Grand Palais in Paris.He often appeared at the end to acknowledge the applause holding Hudsons hand.

Yet Lagerfeld thought so highly of Choupette that if she had died before him, her wanted to have her ashes scattered with his own and his mothers. Under French law, Lagerfeld could not leave his millions to a cat.

Thats OK, he told reporters who once questioned him on the subject, because I am not French, hinting that the money could be left in trust.

Even so, Choupette - who has not tweeted since Lagerfelds death - was sometimes used to deliver stinging swipes at her master. French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot wrote her a letter in 2015 asking her to purr in the ear of her owner so he would stop using fur in his collections.

Follow more stories on Facebook and TwitterParents in Gurugram say that the use of technology, which has become an intrinsic part of school life and academics for children, should be moderated during preparations for the upcoming board exams.

An indicator of the increased reliance on technology is a tech-savvy letter to students sent by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) last week, using technology-infused lingo. Face (your) books. Insta your studies. Do your best. Stay sharp, read CBSEs letter addressed to students of class 10 and 12.

While some parents said that they had restricted the use of gadgets to avoid distractions from social media, others are using technology positively to help with board preparation.

Maryam Syeda, the mother of 16-year-old Sanaa Shaikh, said, Gadgets can be addictive and its best if they are kept away, to avoid diversion from studies. My daughters iPad has been switched off and she isnt allowed to use it during the board preparations. She has her mobile phone, but only in the good faith that she will not get distracted. TV viewing time has also been reduced significantly.

Syeda, however, said that regulated use of technology is important as children often end up spending hours chatting or surfing the internet. Usage of technology needs to be disciplined, especially at this crucial juncture. While using social media or chatting, a lot of time is wasted. This needs to be avoided. Most schools also tend to have online outreach platforms. So, students are anyway staying in touch with the school for clearing doubts. But beyond that, I feel the need to keep an eye on my daughter since boards cannot be taken lightly, she added.

We take away gadgets like phone and laptop during the night as there is no adult supervision. Its important to make sure that children sleep through the night without getting distracted, said Deepti Jalota, whose son Aryan is appearing for class 10 board exams.

Jalota added that complete removal of technology is not possible since children are dependant on it for academics. My son uses online tutorials to understand and revise concepts in biology. Many children prefer these online tutorials. The key is to strike a balance while using these online platforms, she added.

Parents said that the current generation of students has grown up with technology and understand subject concepts explained in apps well.

While my son doesnt spend a lot of time on gadgets and online platforms, we, as parents, sometimes need to remind them to control the usage. However, technology is also being used creatively by students now. My son uses technology for group study sessions that take place virtually through Skype. Moreover, he also uses the school interface to email teachers whenever he has a doubt, said a mother of a student who is set to appear for class 10 boards.

The CBSE class 12 board examinations started from February 15 and will conclude on April 3, while the class 10 board examinations will be held from February 21 to March 29.Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan chose to talk about the brazen suicide attack at Pulwama only five days after the assault claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, attributing the timing to his countrys preoccupation with a crucial visit by the Saudi crown prince.

Mr Khan then trotted out his countrys stock offer of assisting in the investigation into the attack, taking action on the condition that India provides actionable intelligence, even holding talks on terrorism.

He also called for introspection in India on the Kashmir issue and concluded his brief pre-recorded address by warning Pakistan would have no option but to retaliate if India carries out any attacks over the Pulwama attack. Equally important was what he didnt say  there was no condemnation of the attack or a mention of Jaish-e-Mohammed, whose top leadership, including its founder Masood Azhar, is based in Pakistan.

That his speech was greeted with scepticism in official quarters in New Delhi was hardly surprising. The Indian government hasnt forgotten what emerged from Pakistans previous offers to help investigate the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2016 assault on Pathankot airbase, which too was blamed on Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Mr Khans supporters could say he was not in power when those attacks occurred, but they will do well to remember Mr Khan has shown no alacrity in getting things moving in the investigations into these attacks or the prosecution of the seven men arrested for the Mumbai carnage.

It is understandable that the external affairs ministry dismissed Mr Khans offer of assistance by saying there is already sufficient evidence for Pakistan to act and his pledges of action ring hollow in light of Islamabads track record. Clearly, Mr Khans advisors didnt give much thought to preparations for his address as it didnt touch on most of Indias stated concerns.

Mr Khans course of action appears half-hearted, given that his predecessor Nawaz Sharif at least resorted to the usual Pakistani ploy of placing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under protective custody for some months after the Pathankot attack. Pakistan should note moves by Western powers to keep up the pressure on terror groups and terrorist financing as well as mounting domestic pressure on the Indian government to respond in some way to the Pulwama attack.

Given all the talk from Islamabad of Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa desiring normal relations with India, and the civilian government and military establishment being on the same page  something Mr Khan never fails to reiterate when talking about ties with India  Pakistan should start walking the talk before it is too late.The owner of Hotel Arpit Palace, RK Goel  who arrested on Sunday  has told police that the building plan for the establishment was not approved by the municipal corporation and that he was using the basement to run a banquet hall.

A major fire had broken out at the Karol Bagh hotel on the morning of February 12 in which 17 people were killed.

RK Goel was nabbed by the crime branch of Delhi Police on February 17, after he arrived in Delhi from Qatar. The 63-year-old was sent to two day police custody by a Delhi court the same day. On Tuesday, police arrested Goels brother, Sharadendu, on whose name the licence to run the hotel had been issued.

Police said RK Goel had bought the property in 1988 as a two-and-a-half storey residential building. Police said Goel then demolished the building and constructed the hotel there. The hotel is built on a 400 yard plot. The building plan was never approved by the municipal corporation. The hotel has six floors and a basement, from where he was running a banquet hall. Half the hotels basement has a sewage treatment plant, said an officer.

Varsha Joshi, the commissioner of North Delhi Municipal Corporation, confirmed that the owner of Hotel Arpit Palace did not have a sanctioned building plan, because of which the civic agency had initiated action nearly 10-12 times.

The north civic body had repeatedly booked, in terms of registering an FIR, the hotel in 1993-94. Several demolition activities were also conducted. However, our records show that the demolition had to be stopped as the owner had managed to get a stay order. There were two such court cases. After 2007, because the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act came into force, the agency was prohibited from taking any action. Our inquiry states that there was no fresh construction after 2007, she said.

Joshi said the internal report of the corporation, however, did not cover the point highlighted by the police that the basement was being used as a banquet hall.

We know that there was one illegal kitchen operating on the terrace of Hotel Arpit Palace. The north corporation should have issued notices to the owner in this regard, Joshi said.

Delhi Police spokesperson Madhur Verma said, For years, the hotels trade licence was being renewed by the corporation and the no-objection certificate was being issued by the fire department. Until any agency flags any lapse in the two clearances, there was no reason for us to investigate.

Delhi Police had issued the licence to Hotel Aprit Palace to run the guest house, which was renewed annually.

An officer from polices licensing unit said, In my knowledge, at no point the corporation or the fire services flagged any illegality into the buildings map. After all the clearances by other agencies, police give the guest house licence.

The officer said that now several other parameters have been added but at that time, the three main parameters for granting a licence were Area Suitability Report (ASR) from the local police, trade licence from municipal corporation and NOC from fire department. Licence was granted after all these were acquired, the officer said.

Atul Garg, chief fire officer, Delhi Fire Services said once the No Objection Certificate (NOC) was given, during its renewal, the question of the buildings authorisation is usually not checked.

It is the corporations concern. In 2001, the hotel got its first NOC from fire department. At that time, guests houses were not covered under the Delhi Fire Services Act. The Delhi Police sent us a letter following which we inspected the place and the NOC was given as per the rule prevailing at that time, he said.

Another officer from the Delhi Fire Services added that they are contacted only for fire safety clearance and the fire safety act does not authorise them to check the map of a building.Delhis three municipal corporations are preparing decongestion plans for 61 of the 206 metro stations in the national capital, which have become the choke points owing to haphazard parking and encroachments.

The move comes over a month after chief secretary Vijay Dev formed 12 committees to identify the most congested stations and prepare area-specific plans to unclog public spaces around the citys transit modes.

The Multi Modal Transport Integration Plan (MMT) will cover the busy Blue, Yellow and Red Lines apart from the Violet, Green and Pink Lines, which have comparatively lower ridership. Municipal officials said the plan involves mapping the station complexes, identifying problem areas and preparing parking and traffic movement plans for each. These plans will be submitted by March 31.

HT, on January 7, had reported that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs headed by former minister P Chidambaram had sought from the Delhi government its plans to decongest traffic. HT, on January 9, had reported on the CS forming the committees to prepare decongestion plans.

The South MCD said it is targeting 49 metro stations in Phase I that span from Delhi Gate to Badarpur Border, INA to Hazrat Nizamuddin and Nehru Enclave to Kalindi Kunj, among others.

With Delhi Metros popularity growing, managing traffic and the crowd around stations has become tough. As a result, even regular commuters are shifting to private modes of transport, said Prem Shankar Jha, deputy commissioner, remunerative project cell, South MCD.

The plan includes designating lanes for app-based cabs, taxis, e-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, DTC buses, DMRC buses and bikes at each station. We are focusing on both mobility and walkability by fixing pedestrian and cycle pathways too, he said.

The north MCD is aiming five stations as of now  Shalimar Bagh and Netaji Subhash Place Metro Station in their Keshavpuram Zone, and Inderlok and Red Fort Metro Stations in City Zone. A senior officer in the north MCD said, Apart from designating lanes for various vehicles, we will focus on creating vendor lanes and zones. This is because, at stations like Red Fort, we have dozens of vendors hawking eatables, balloons, souvenirs, etc.

The east MCDis focusing on the Red and Blue lines. In the former, two stations are on agenda, East Azad Nagar and Krishna Nagar, and on the Blue Line, the stations from Laxmi Nagar to Anand Vihar.

Aman Rajput, assistant commissioner, remunerative and project cell, EDMC, said, We have maximum traffic on Vikas Marg and in Gandhi Nagar due to the presence of commercial hubs, markets and metro stations.

To decongest these areas, we have invited tenders for newly identified authorised parking sites. Also, we have put up maps of our existing parking sites on the EDMC mobile app, he said.

For effective implementation of the project, each committee will have representation from eight agencies the DMRC, PWD Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Traffic Police, New Delhi Municipal Council and MCDs.

Sewa Ram of Delhis School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), said, This is a very important exercise. As such, DMRC has not focused on creating organised parking outside its stations except those at terminals like Dwarka. This is because they dont own land like DDA and traffic is not their priority.A Jaguar XE car belonging to a 52-year-old businessman was damaged after two unidentified car-borne assailants opened fire on the vehicle while it was parked in a lane outside its owners house northwest Delhis Pitampura on Tuesday afternoon. At least seven bullets were fired on the hood of the car, said the police.

The incident took place around 2 pm and it was captured in a few CCTV cameras installed in the lane where the car was parked. The Jaguar XE is priced around Rs 40 lakh in Delhi.

Deputy commissioner of police (northwest) Vijyanta Arya said a case under sections 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 427 (mischief causing damage) of Indian Penal Code was registered on the complaint of the businessman, Inderjeet Bhatia.

The complainant told us that two unidentified men came in a white Santro without number plate and fire seven bullets on the car parked near his house. We are trying to identify and nab the suspects. Their interrogation would reveal the reason behind the firing, she said.

Police are probing personal enmity, business rivalry, and extortion attempt angles in the matter.Police on Tuesday recorded the statement of Asees Singh Chadha, the 19-year-old nephew of deceased liquor baron Ponty Chadha, who was allegedly involved in a mishap that resulted in the death of a woman from Turkmenistan.

Three others were seriously injured in the incident involving Asees Bentley car t that happened in Chanakyapuri on Monday, but are now out of danger.

Police had secured a one-day custody of 19-year-old Asees and recreated the accident scene on Tuesday.

Asees, said police, claimed he was not negligent and was not driving over 70kmph at the time, but admitted to error in judgment while overtaking.

Asees told us that the autorickshaw suddenly came in his way while he was overtaking a cab, said an investigator in the case, requesting anonymity. However, we have witnesses that say he was driving recklessly and that the speed of his car was more than the limit. The way the autorickshaw and Aseess vehicle, a Bentley, were damaged suggests that he was driving more than 100kmph.

Asees is a British citizen, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder and also holds a valid Indian driving licence, they said. Authorities are now verifying his documents and will corroborate his statement with that of the injured and witnesses.

However, the statement of the injured persons, including two other women from Turkmenistan, could not be recorded on Tuesday as doctors had not declared them fit for giving their version.

Police said that the three women from Turkmenistan were in India on a tourist visa valid for a year. This was not the first visit to India for them. However, we are yet to ascertain why were they in India, DCP Madhur Verma said.The GST Council on Wednesday deferred a decision on rationalisation of tax rates on real estate and lottery till February 24 as some opposition-ruled states demanded that a meeting, where members are physically present, be convened for deciding on such crucial issues.

The 33rd meeting of the Council, held through video conferencing, also decided to extend the deadline for filing summary sales return  GSTR-3B  for January by two days till February 22.

Considering the speed at which returns are getting filed, thousands of returns being filed every hour, the suggestion before the GST Council was to extend the deadline by two days for all states; and since some areas are facing disturbance, for Jammu & Kashmir it be extended till February 28. So we took that decision, finance minister Arun Jaitley said.

The GST Council, headed by Jaitley and comprising state counterparts, was also slated to discuss the reports of the group of ministers (GoM) on under-construction housing property and lottery. Ministers from all states attended the meeting.

Briefing reporters after the meeting of the Council, Jaitley said the report of the GoM on real estate was considered, and since some states wanted a physical meeting before a final decision is taken on the issue, hence, a final decision would be taken after a physical meeting on February 24.

However, GST on lottery was not be taken up for discussion by the Council on Wednesday.

The discussion which remained incomplete today through video conferencing... Few ministers expressed their opinion and the rest will express their opinion and we will try and take a decision on this issue on Sunday. So the meeting stands adjourned as of day for Sunday, Jaitley said.

During the meeting, opposition-ruled states like Delhi and Kerala demanded that a physical meeting be held to decide on crucial issues like real estate and lottery, while the representative from Punjab flagged a technical point relating to land cost being included while deciding on GST rate.

I have always followed an approach of moving as per consensus, and since some of the states wanted a meeting where members are physically present, keeping the idea of consensus in mind, I adjourned the meeting to Sunday so that a physical meeting can be held and the same issue will be discussed on Sunday, Jaitley said.

The GoM on real estate sector, headed by Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, had earlier this month suggested cutting GST on under-construction residential properties to 5 per cent without input tax credit (ITC), from 12 per cent, currently. On affordable housing segment, it suggested that GST be slashed to 3 per cent, from 8 per cent.

At present, GST is levied at 12 per cent with ITC on payments made for under-construction property or ready-to-move-in flats where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale.

During the Council meeting on Wednesday, the representative from Bihar suggested that GST on affordable housing segment be brought down to 1 per cent. It also suggested that where 90 per cent area of a property is used for residential purposes and 10 per cent is used for commercial purpose, it should be treated as residential property for GST purposes.

The GoM on lottery, under Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, favoured a uniform GST rate of either 18 per cent or 28 per cent. Currently, a state-organised lottery attracts 12 per cent GST while a state-authorised lottery attracts 28 per cent tax.

The GoM favoured hiking GST rate on the state-organised lottery to either 18 per cent or 28 per cent and lowering rate on state-authorised lottery to 18 per cent or retaining it at 28 per cent.

On Tuesday, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac had strongly objected to the suggestion of the GoM saying this would benefit lottery mafia and that a decision should be taken only during a physical meeting.

I will walk out of the February 20 Council meeting if any decision is taken on lottery. Also I will henceforth not attend any Council meetings till the elections are over. This is not cooperative federalism, Isaac had said.

Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia had also written to Jaitley on Tuesday, seeking that a meeting be held where all members are physically present. The two GoMs were set up by the GST Council last month.

PwC India Partner and Leader Indirect Tax Pratik Jain said restricting the input credit is not a good idea for any sector, particularly real estate which requires more formalisation.

If at all the final decision is to introduce a 5 per cent levy without input credit, it is important that other related issues such as reduction in GST rate on cement and on construction contracts are also deliberated in detail, along with aspects such as treatment of input credit which may already be accumulated in the books, Jain said.Actor Tushar Pandey is one of the many college students who were seen auditioning for Sues play in Rang De Basanti. Last seen in Pink, the actor has now returned as a village lad in Rajshri Productions Hum Chaar and is as one of the four protagonists. In an exclusive interview with HT, the actor spoke about the film, his character and his upcoming film Chhichhore. Excerpts:

How Hum Chaar is different from other college romance films?

Its about the idea of friendship and what it can it do to people. The film spans between two age groups  it starts in college when our characters are around 21-22 and when they are nearing 30 and a lot has changed in their lives. The idea of college and friendship is very different from other films. It is a drama revolving around how some incidents make a group of friends fall apart and how they eventually come together.

It is a very grounded film, set in Noida. The film is about realising that a time comes when friends are equivalent to family.

Tell us about your character in the film.

My character is different from others in the film. He comes from a small village in Uttar Pradesh. While he has aspirations of becoming an engineer and settle down abroad, his father is a pradhan and wants him to become a doctor who can help people in his village. He is a guy who doesnt have a very strong command over English. He is a very grounded and enthusiastic man and then something happens.

The graph of the character is very different. From a guy who is full of dreams during college days to a bitter man leading a mundane life, a lot changes for him.

How was it different from you real self. Could you relate with it?

I was born and brought up in Delhi and then went to London for three years to study. My graph is also very different. I have spent a lot of time conditioning myself in theatre. The role was a challenge but I got to explore something that I wasnt accustomed to.

Also read: Ananya Pandays Koffee With Karan appearance is now a meme and the actor is having the last laugh

Tushar (extreme right) in Chhichhore poster.

You are also working on Chhichhore.

That film also spans two different age groups. I am one of the protagonists in the film and its a very exciting subject. It is still five-six months away from the release. I am so fortunate to be working with Nitesh Tiwari.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreAs more and more star kids make their foray into Bollywood, next in line is actor Sanjay Kapoors daughter Shanaya Kapoor. It was revealed that the 19-year-old would be making her debut as an assistant director and has already flown to Lucknow to begin work on a film. According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Shanaya is assisting on the film  the Gunjan Saxena biopic starring her cousin Janhvi Kapoor. She will be learning the ropes of filmmaking before her big acting debut in 2020.

A source said in the report, The team will be shooting in Lucknow for the next two weeks before moving to other locations. While Shanaya has made up her mind about being an actress, her parents wanted her to experience life behind the scenes first. She had been making regular rounds of Karan Johars Andheri office to work on the project.

The film is being directed by debutant Sharan Sharma, who assisted Karan Johar on 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Janhvi will be playing Gunjan, one of the first Indian female helicopter pilots and the first woman to be honoured with the Shaurya Chakra, who had evacuated soldiers injured in the 1999 Kargil War.

Also read: Step inside Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoors luxurious Pataudi Palace with these pictures

A few days ago, Sanjay had broken the news on the social media by sharing a throwback picture of the father-daughter posing together, with the caption, All the best Shanaya #newbeginnings #newjourney.

Her mother Maheep Kapoor had also shared a picture and a message that read, My babys gone to Lucknow for 2 weeks #MissYouAlready #AssistantDirectorsLife #LoveYou @shanayakapoor02 #ProudMama.

Neerja actor Sonam Kapoor was the first among the Kapoor cousins to make her acting debut. She was followed by cousin Arjun Kapoor, then Harshvardhan Kapoor and later cousin Janhvi Kapoor, who made her acting debut with Dhadak last year. While Sonam and Harshvardhan are Anil Kapoors kids, Janhvi and Arjun are Boney Kapoor children. Sonam had also entered into Bollywood by assisting Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Black before starring in her debut film Saawariya.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreActor Deepika Padukones Instagram page might just be the most aesthetically pleasing ever. Fans wait for her posts every week and this time, she has rewarded them with a beautiful new picture.

Deepika shared a stunning new picture of herself on Wednesday as she attended the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards. She is seen wearing a white saree, her glossy hair tied in a bun and she completed her look with large golden earrings. Like always, Deepika chose not to share a caption with the picture.

The gorgeous picture won over her fans instantly. That signature pose is so mesmerising, wrote a fan. Your pictures are always so elegant, wrote another.Did I save this picture or did this picture save me,commented a fan.

Others are still waiting for her husband Ranveer Singh to leave a quirky and cute response on the picture, like he usually does. A weird Ranveer Singh comment missing, a fan commented.

Also read: Vicky Kaushals Uri is second Hindi film on IMDbs list of top Indian films after Amitabh Bachchans Anand

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty and actors Vicky Kaushal and Riteish Deshmukh also attended the event. Check out the pictures:

Deepika Padukone at the awards ceremony. (Varinder Chawla)

Deepika also shared a picture with her mother earlier on Wednesday. Trying to get her to smile...but shes such a natural... #motheranddaughter, she captioned the picture. Deepika and Ranveer recently attended an event where her father and former badminton player Prakash Padukone was honoured with lifetime achievement award.

She married Ranveer in Italy in 2018 end, and while her husband has already been seen in Simmba and Gully Boy in the post-wedding scene, Deepika is yet to make a silver screen appearance after tying the knot. She will be next seen in Meghna Gulzars Chhapaak based on the life of an acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Asked about the film, Deepika said: I cant reveal much. I can just say that we have already started preparation. In fact we will start filming from next month.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreAnshula Kapoor has revealed that she hates brother Arjun Kapoors Finding Fanny that also starred Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. Speaking at a chat show, Anshula also said she would pick Arjun bhaiyya over Sonam Kapoor, media reports said. Arjun, sitting next to Anshula, quipped, Nahi bolti toh mujhse maar bhi khaati.

Asked to name one of Arjuns exes whom she likes the least, Anshula said, I have actually liked all his girlfriends. I am friends with all of his exes also. Arjun, who is often spotted with rumoured girlfriend Malaika Arora, revealed that he was 19 when he first started dating. He also reportedly dated Salman Khans sister Arpita Khan once, a relationship which began almost a decade ago and lasted for only two years.

Also read: Ananya Pandays reaction to Kartiks look in Pati Patni Aur Woh. See memes

Arjun had revealed in an interview that Arpita was his first and only serious relationship. My first and only serious relationship so far was with Arpita Khan. We started seeing each other when I was 18 and it lasted for two years. I was also already attached to Salman bhai, but it was during the shooting of Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya that our relationship started, he had told a tabloid in 2014.

Recently, while praising Sonam and promoting her film Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Arjun had revealed she was the first girl in his life. Me trying to get this Ladkis attention since childhood & her finally noticing then looking straight at the camera & not me !!! @sonamakapoor from the time I remember u will always be the first ladki in my life that I loved hanging out with. So proud of u & @AnilKapoor for going out on a limb & choosing a script u believed in beyond the perceptions of the world. U r courageous & beautiful. Proud to have a sister like you. Stay the child at heart that you are & all the best for 1st feb.#EkLadkiKoDekhaTohAisaLaga, he wrote in a series of tweets.

Me trying to get this Ladki's attention since childhood & her finally noticing then looking straight at the camera & not me !!! @sonamakapoor from the time I remember u will always be the first ladki in my life that I loved hanging out with... (1/2) pic.twitter.com/9vzt1l57Pm  Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) January 29, 2019

so proud of u & @AnilKapoor for going out on a limb & choosing a script u believed in beyond the perceptions of the world. U r courageous & beautiful. Proud to have a sister like you. Stay the child at heart that you are & all the best for 1st feb.#EkLadkiKoDekhaTohAisaLaga (2/2)  Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) January 29, 2019

Arjun is extremely attached to his sisters and keeps sharing adorable pictures with Sonam Kapoor, Anshula Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreAmong the many star kids who are set to make their Bollywood debut, Ananya Panday is the only one to have openly confessed on Koffee With Karan of not being deserving enough to be a part of the show. Ananya is the daughter of actor Chunky Panday and is set to make her acting debut with Student of the Year 2. The star kid not just impressed with her innocent confession but also went on to share several memes circulating on the social media, making fun of expressions.

Ananya shared the couch with co-stars Tiger Shroff and Tara Sutaria in the latest episode of the show hosted by Karan Johar. The debutant actor later shared several memes on her Instagram stories while relating to some and laughing at others.

Watch: Ananya Panday on Koffee With Karan

She shared a meme referring to her reaction to Kartik Aaryans onscreen portrayal of Chintu Tyagi in the film Pati Patni Aur Woh.

Ananya Panday reacted to her memes circulating on the social media.

Ananya also revealed that she has a crush on Kartik and called him damn cute. On being told that Sara Ali Khan also has a crush on him, she went on to add that she would watch them on their date. Ananya has bagged her second film Pati Patni Aur Woh starring Kartik and Bhumi Pednekar.

Ananya Panday reacted to her memes circulating on the social media.

Also read: Koffee With Karan 6: Tiger Shroff wants Disha Patani as his bae, says Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria are fake with each other

On being told by Karan that there might be a certain section that may ask why she is on the show, Ananya had replied, I agree with that section of the people because I havent done anything. I dont deserve to be here. She had candidly accepted that there are more talented and hardworking actors than her and that she has got the film because her father is an actor.

She later shared a picture with the Koffee hamper on her Instagram handle and captioned it, And I won the hamper!!! itni shiddat se maine tumhe paane ki koshish ki he I hope you guys enjoyed!!!! KoffeeWithKaran.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreAishwarya Rai Bachchan may have reduced the number of films she signs these days but that doesnt mean her standing as a top-billed actor in Bollywood has dimmed even a bit. From her pictures with her family members to her select modelling assignments, the Bollywood actor enjoys a huge fan following.

The actor was snapped on Tuesday night at the Mumbai airport and looked beautiful in a black satin and lace blouse, a pair of matching leggings and boots. To add a dash of colour to her clothes, she had paired it with a red, pink and orange, geometric patterned overcoat and red and brown tote bag.

The actor will be seen at the opening of this years Qatar Show 2019 where she has been invited along with other international celebrities.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be working in Mani Ratnams next.

The actor, who was supposed to feature along with husband Abhishek Bachchan in an Anurag Kashyap production Gulab Jamun, will now be working in a Mani Ratnam directorial. Said to be a historical period drama, she will be united with her Ravan co-star, Tamil star Vikram. According to a report in DNA, the film may also star her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan. A source quoted in a report said, Its a big-budget historical drama, which is being planned on the lines of the Baahubali franchise. Its likely to be a bilingual project and star several other big names from the South Indian film industry.

Also read: Step inside Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoors luxurious Pataudi Palace with these pictures

Though it hasnt been confirmed, reports suggest that Aishwarya has pulled out of Gulab Jamun. The actor, meanwhile, continues to charm her fans with her Instagram posts. On Valentines Day, the actor posted a sweet picture with her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan and another one with Abhishek and daughter.

The actor routinely puts up pictures on Instagram, a bulk of them are of family and festivals they celebrate together.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreKashmirs first suicide bomber, a young 17-year-old, Afaq Ahmed Shah, hit the headlines in the year 2000. The state had been in the grips of an insurgency since 1989 but never before had any from the Valley turned their bodies into guided missiles. That was left to foreign mercenaries who sneaked in from across the line of control.

After 22-year-old Adil Ahmad Dar rammed an explosive-laden car into a CRPF bus on Thursday, security officials, on the condition of anonymity, point out that South Kashmir is full of Adils, conceding that the trend is extremely worrying.

Neither Shah, nor Dars family had any inkling that either would blow himself up. I visited the Shah home, in 2000, and his father, Yusuf Shah, a school teacher said that his son was a shy and introverted child, who preferred the solace of his room to the chatter of his friends. The father recalled that his son usually spent his time studying so that he could become a doctor. Afaq had even got himself photographed wearing a doctors coat and a stethoscope and kept the framed picture in his room.

The youngest of three brothers, none in the Shah family thought his behaviour had changed when Afaq started spending nights in the local mosque next door. It was good, his parents thought, that he was taking an interest in religion. They were not overly worried either when on some evenings at home Afaq would read the Quran by candlelight even when there was power. The flickering flame and the Quran soon became a routine. Afaq would read out aloud and cry.

Theres always a back story. And, like with many young men and women who get radicalised all over the world, the family either didnt see or didnt want to see what was happening.

Then one day, Afaq just left home. Three weeks later, he called his father to say he was leaving. A few hours after the phone call, the Shahs heard security vehicles screech to a halt outside their door. Their son, they were told, had blown himself up at the Badami Bagh gate in Srinagar, the armys 15 Corps headquarters.

He had driven a stolen red Maruti -- laden with explosives -- to the high-security barrier. What remained of him were several pieces, his body having been blown over a distance of 100 metres.

Dars family too got a phone call soon after the attack on the CRPF convoy, the worst attack in the states three-decade long insurgency. They knew when he left home in March last year, to resurface holding a weapon on social media sites, that he would die. Why did he choose the path of violence?

His father recounts an incident that left a mark on his sons psyche. In several interviews since the attack, the father narrates how his son was deeply affected by how he was made to rub his nose on the ground by security officials while on his way back from school. After that, he dropped out of Class 12 and started engaging in what his family called pro-freedom politics.

Adil was one among the hundreds  if not thousands  who took to the streets after the killing of poster-boy militant commander Burhan Wani. Kashmir was angry, not only because Wani was eliminated in an encounter, but because the trust deficit between the Valley and Delhi had eroded over the years and reached break point. For too long, Kashmiris believed that the Centre would address their grievances politically.

There was a glimmer of hope in 2010 when Delhi tried to address the anger then by sending a team of interlocutors who painstakingly spoke to several stakeholders and turned in a report that referred to Kashmir as a dispute. No one, however, paid attention to the recommendations.

The eruption of anger after Wanis killing in 2016 was a consequence of 2010. If 2010 was a long period of unrest, 2016 saw an uprising that gave birth to new-age militants, including Dar. If the number of locals joining militancy began to steeply rise, it was because they appeared fed-up with Delhis unwillingness to accept the very political nature of the Kashmir problem.

The protests in 2016 were deeply symptomatic. So too is Dars wilful act of blowing himself up. Oppression fuels our jihad, is what he said in a video recorded before last Thursdays terror attack. The fear among the security establishment now is that many in South Kashmir believe that. As a security official said: The weapon is now in the mind and the bodies.

harinder.baweja@hindustantimes.comWhy such Gandhigiri for sympathizers of jihadi terrorists ? Actually Army should also fire bullets at these civilians who want to assist terrorists as these people are also as danger as them !  Editor, Hindujagruti

Srinagar : The forces suffered heavy casualties  five men, including Major V S Dhoundiyal died during the 18-hour operation at Pinglan in South Kashmirs Pulwama on Monday  in order to avoid civilian casualties, GOC 15 Corps, Lt-Gen K J S Dhillon, said at a press conference here.

A JeM operational commander and his aides, who were involved in the February 14 terror attack on a CRPF convoy, were killed in the battle.

We did not want civilian casualties. We took it on our chin. Brigadier Harbir Singh, who was injured during the gun battle, was on leave. When he realised the operation had been launched, he cut short his leave and went straight to join the operation. He was leading from the front, and so was DIG Amit Kumar, because we wanted no collateral damage, Lt Gen Dhillon said.

The Army on Tuesday appealed to the mothers of Kashmiri militants to ask their sons to give up guns + , or they would die holding them.

In Kashmiri society, a mother has a great role to play. I would request the mothers of Kashmir to please request their sons who have joined terrorism to surrender and get back to the mainstream. Anyone who has picked up the gun will be eliminated, unless he surrenders, said the corps commander.

#ArmyCdrNC and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of our brave officer and soldiers & offer deepest condolences to the families. @adgpi @PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/qo8TzBJF89  NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) February 18, 2019

While security forces had a tough time on Monday handling the operation, a massive, violent civilian mob was trying to rescue the terrorists at the Pinglan encounter site. I request Kashmiri youths to stay away from operation sites before and after the encounter for their own safety. Anything can go wrong due to crossfire and leftover explosives, Lt-Gen Dhillon said.

J&K inspector general of police S P Pani said the local recruitment of youth into terrorism has dipped in the last few months. However, Lt-Gen Dhillon said infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan into Kashmir has continued even through the harsh winter months. The commander said the Pakistan army and its spy agency ISI were involved in the Pulwama terror attack. I would like to inform that in less than 100 hours of the Pulwama terrorist attack we have eliminated the JeM leadership in the Valley, which was being handled by JeM from Pakistan, he said.

Source : TOIA man who escaped a Lincoln County Sheriffs Office vehicle on Sunday was found and arrested Tuesday afternoon, according to a release from the sheriffs office.

Clarence Jackson Crutchfield, 50, was first arrested on Sunday when deputies spotted him in the drivers seat of a car parked near the scene of a breaking and entering, according to the release.

Crutchfield did not have a valid license. Two other people were also in the car.

Deputies learned that Crutchfield had a number of outstanding felony warrants. The deputies handcuffed Crutchfield and put him in the patrol car.

A deputy left the car to search for another suspect. When the deputy came back, Crutchfield was gone, according to the release.

The search for Crutchfield ended shortly after noon on Tuesday when deputies found him at a residence on Burnhurst Trail in Denver. Crutchfield was still wearing handcuffs, but the chain was cut, according to the release.KIRA HAMMAN

The Herald-Mail

As I was headed into a recent meeting, I got a call from the principal at my sons high school. For unfathomable reasons, my son had stuck a quarter between the prongs of an iPod charger that was plugged into the wall, causing a massive electrical discharge.

He wasnt killed, or even hurt, and neither was anyone else, and the building didnt catch on fire, and it appears that the incident didnt even trip a circuit. The charger was fried, and the quarter was melded to it rather impressively, and I havent seen the damage to the outlet, but Im sure its nontrivial. Still, all things considered, it was probably the best possible outcome of an action so spectacularly foolish and irresponsible. Seriously, even 3-year-olds know better, right?

What were you thinking? I asked him, less kindly than I probably should have, when I got to the school to deal with his well-deserved removal from class.

Well, he wasnt, obviously. Hes an adolescent boy, and impulse control is not his strong point. Does he need to learn to think before he acts? Of course he does, and the sooner the better. Was he intentionally being destructive? Absolutely not. He was horrified, embarrassed and more than a little scared. Im sure the noise and the shower of sparks were plenty scary in the moment, but by the time I saw him, his fear was of the considered-too-late potential consequences.

At that point, the question of consequences fell largely to the principal and vice principal. They could quite defensibly have suspended him, or even expelled him from the highly sought-after magnet school he attends. But they recognized that his actions, while dangerous and stupid, were not harmfully intended, and they chose not to be excessively punitive. He got an in-school suspension, to which I added writing a letter of apology to the teacher in whose class this happened and reimbursing the school for the charger out of his own money. We went home. He wrote the letter. At dinner, he explained to his father what had happened. We talked about thinking before acting. Later that week he spent the day in the principals office, bored and alone. And then he moved on. We all did.

The difficulty of balancing the often competing demands of justice and compassion has been much in evidence in the political arena of late. As new and disturbing information about the past racist actions and sexual violence of various elected officials comes to light almost daily, we are faced with making judgments about those officials based on incomplete and contradictory accounts. To judge such things fairly is a difficult task even in the best of times. In our current hyperpolarized political environment, it is nearly impossible.

Certain politicians have, for the last several years, chosen to judge with what they call zero tolerance. They believe all accusations, regardless of the strength of the evidence. They deem all such actions unforgivable, no matter how long ago or how isolated, and no matter how repented. They look, quite rightly, at the arc of history and see that it has always erred on the side of the powerful. In a well-intended but ultimately misguided attempt to balance the scales, they choose to err on the side of the powerless.

The problem with this approach is that unfairness compounds unfairness, it does not correct it. And, while the binary simplicity of the guilty-not guilty construct is seductive, it is also insufficient to the task. Zero tolerance, like Three Strikes laws and mandatory minimum sentencing, ignores the fact that every situation is different. It trades the difficult work of case-by-case evaluation of the evidence for the false moral certainty of absolutes. It may sound to some ears like justice, but in reality it lacks the core of compassion that all true justice requires.

This is not to say that those accused of these abhorrent actions should automatically be forgiven. On the contrary, they must be held to account. But if those accountings are to be fair, they will necessarily be complicated, because human beings are complicated. Our feelings are complex and nuanced and often unknown, even to ourselves. Our behavior is unpredictable  just ask an economist, or my sons principal.

Fairness, in any form, must be highly contextualized. This is hard work that requires a high tolerance for imperfection, but it is not a slippery slope. Or, perhaps more accurately, it is the slippery slope on which we live our entire lives, in all their messy complexity, and the human mind is capable of making the judgments and distinctions that keep us from sliding down.

A quote frequently attributed to Albert Einstein asserts that everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. Judging human behavior is not simple, and pretending that it is constitutes an ethical cop-out disguised as the moral high ground.Matthew Umstead

mumstead@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  The West Virginia House of Delegates voted 86-12 to pass legislation Tuesday night that would allow Sunday retail sales of liquor in in the state, excluding Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.

The Eastern Panhandle delegation in the 100-seat house voted unanimously in favor of the bill, except Del. Larry D. Kump, R-Berkeley/Morgan, who was absent.

If House Bill 2481 becomes law, Sunday retail sales of liquor would be allowed beginning at 1 p.m., but the current prohibition of retail sales on Christmas Day would remain in effect.

In passing the bill on Tuesday, the House of Delegates accepted a Senate amendment to the house bill to prohibit Easter Sunday sales.

Barring a veto of the bill by the governor, West Virginia stands to join 42 other states that have adopted Sunday alcohol sales legislation, including 20 that have passed laws since 2002, the Distilled Spirits Council announced last week in its 2018 economic-briefing presentation in New York.Matthew Umstead

mumstead@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey in Martinsburg on Tuesday announced the filing of a human rights action against three former employees at a Martinsburg elementary school, where they allegedly verbally assaulted two nonverbal children with autism.

The complaint for injunctive relief and civil penalties filed against former Berkeley Heights Elementary School teacher Christina Lester and teacher aides June Yurish and Kristin Douty asks a circuit judge to declare that they violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

The civil action also asks the court to order each defendant to pay a $5,000 penalty for each violation and to impose injunctions to block Lester, Yurish and Douty from holding any position, paid or volunteer, in which they could supervise or care for children.

The complaint also seeks to block the former staff members from having contact with the students in question or their family.

Now, this action is just the first step, Morrisey said in announcing the civil action outside the Berkeley County Judicial Center in Martinsburg. But our investigation continues and we reserve the right to add more defendants (to this case), both individuals and organizations, once our investigation is complete.

Morrisey said he is working with Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney Catie Wilkes Delligatti on an investigation.

We have other entities and individuals who we are investigating. Were going to leave the names out at this time, Morrisey said. But its my intent to ensure that justice is delivered, that all appropriate parties are addressed in this matter.

Delligatti announced on Feb. 8 that a police investigation could not prove that a criminal offense occurred after reviewing an audio recording of numerous instances of verbal abuse in the classroom. The recording was made in early October with a device that Amber Pack, a mother of one of the special needs students, hid in her childs hair.

Pack said last week that she became convinced something wasnt right in late September. She went to pick up her child for a doctors appointment and discovered she had been crying a lot before she arrived.

Her daughter and at least two other children in the classroom were placed at other schools in the district. The mothers all of three said last week that their children improved substantially since they were transferred.

Delligatti, who was on hand for Morriseys announcement, confirmed in a short interview that she is cooperating with the attorney generals investigation.

Should Morriseys investigation provide further evidence, Delligatti said, her office would take that into account and bring any prosecution allowable under the law to keep these kids safe.

Delligatti reiterated that verbal abuse of a child is not a crime in state law, but she has been working with state lawmakers to address the issue.

Morrisey noted that comments by the former teacher and teacher aides included talk about busting in someones teeth, tearing out their ears and other barbaric comments made by people in a position of trust.

He said the comments are particularly heinous because autistic children perceive comments quite literally.

If there are credible allegations where a teacher or a teacher aide is inappropriately threatening someone under the statute, we will step in, we will take action and we will work to make sure you never teach in West Virginia ever again, Morrisey said.

The action by Morriseys office came less than 24 hours after dozens of people crowded into the Berkeley County Board of Education meeting room to voice their concerns about the handling of the abuse allegations.

Some who attended the meeting called for the resignation or termination of Berkeley County Schools Superintendant Manny Arvon, Deputy Superintendent Margaret Kursey, the elementary school principal and other administrative staff.

Others questioned why the teacher and aides were not removed from the classroom more quickly and terminated, instead of being allowed to resign.

Lesters resignation was effective Dec. 4. The resignations of Douty and Yurish was made effective on Thursday, when the Berkeley County Board of Education voted 4-1 to accept them.

Board member Michelle Barnes-Russell voted against the personnel action. She was praised Monday night by some in the audience who perceived her vote to be against allowing Douty and Yurish to resign.

Barnes-Russell declined to comment about her vote last week.

The school board, per its policy, did not respond to audience questions Monday night. Board President William F. Bill Queen, after hearing comments from more than 30 people, told the crowd that he appreciated everyone who shared concerns and opinions.

I respect that, Queen said.

School board member Pat Murphy pointed to pages of notes that he took while listening to comments. He said he could tell there is a lot of frustration in the community.

I think this is going to have an impact on our (school) system, Murphy said.Staff reports

The Herald-Mail

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  A 14-year-old boy was wounded in a drive-by shooting Tuesday night on Plaza Court near Martinsburg, the Berkeley County Sheriffs Office said.

The shooting happened shortly before 11 p.m., when the boy and two homes were struck by gunfire in the 100 block of Plaza Court, according to a news release from the sheriffs office.

Deputies said the boy was treated at Berkeley Medical Center and released.

Witnesses told investigators that the shooter could have been driving a gray Ford Crown Victoria or a Mercury Grand Marquis sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to call Cpl. C. Thompson at 304-267-7000, or Berkeley County Crime Solvers at 304-267-4999.Matthew Umstead

mumstead@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  Berkeley County Schools announced Tuesday evening that schools remain closed on Wednesday due to approaching wintry weather, although a statewide work stoppage by teachers and service personnel continues for a second day.

Schools in Jefferson and Morgan counties are also closed.

The strike continues despite the 53-45 vote Tuesday by the Republican-led House to table Senate Bill 451 indefinitely, an action that prompted cheers from unions and their members who have objected to the omnibus bill.

Aside from proposals to allow public charter schools and education savings accounts in West Virginia, SB 451 also would have provided more than $5.6 million in additional local share funding to Eastern Panhandle school districts. Pay raises for teachers and personnel also were part of the legislation, which supporters said provided school districts greater flexibility with personnel and local funding decisions and provided parents with greater school choice.

While picketing Tuesday along South Queen Street near Martinsburg High and Martinsburg South Middle schools, teachers emphasized that the work stoppage wasnt about their salaries or benefits. They said it is rooted in their objection to proposed legislation to allow public charter schools in West Virginia.

Although charter schools are allowed in more than 40 states, that doesnt make them the best option, said Martinsburg High School English teacher Erin Munley, who cited instances in other states where charter schools have closed since being authorized.

Not one of us wants to be out here today, said Amy Egress, a career and technical education teacher.

Egress readily acknowledged that not everything in Senate Bill 451  which was postponed indefinitely Tuesday by the House of Delegates  was bad.

There are parts that are very good, Egress said.

Egress said teachers are not opposed to reform, but we need to have a seat at the table when discussing the proposed reforms.

I want people to know, we love our students, said Egress, who added that public schools are the heart of the community.

Melissa Elliott, who serves as the co-building representative for the Berkeley County Education Association at Martinsburg High School, said she doesnt need the additional money to do her job, but wants to make sure money isnt drained from existing schools.

Elliott was more critical of Senate Bill 451, suggesting the proposal was rooted in greed in the state Senate.

The Legislature doesnt respect us, Elliott said.

Berkeley County Schools Superintendent Manny Arvon said Tuesday that legislative proposals to give teachers a pay raise and address insurance benefits are important for recruiting and retaining teachers.

But he also emphasized the importance of preserving a separate legislative proposal in Senate Bill 451 that would provide additional funding for the fast-growing county.

With the developments Tuesday in the House, the latter could be lost in this shuffle, Arvon said.

Among the Eastern Panhandle members of the House of Delegates voting to postpone Senate Bill 451, were Dels. John Doyle and Sammi Brown, both D-Jefferson, and Del. Jason Barrett, D-Berkeley.

The regions Republican delegates voted unanimously against the move, except Del. Larry D. Kump, R-Berkeley/Morgan, who was absent.

The House Finance Committee is scheduled to take up a pay raise bill for teachers, service personnel and the West Virginia State Police Wednesday morning.Dave McMillion

davem@herald-mail.com

A winter storm that will start moving into the Hagerstown area early Wednesday could leave at least 3 inches of snow in the city, according to a weather official.

The forecast for Hagerstown area calls for 3 to 6 inches of snow, but it appears unlikely that the city would receive the maximum amount, said AccuWeather meteorologist Alyson Hoegg.

Accumulations up to 6 inches will be more likely in higher elevations, Hoegg said.

Hoegg said snowfall in Hagerstown will probably start around dawn Wednesday. It will continue into mid-day before changing to sleet, she said.

Although the evening commute could be complicated by freezing rain, the storm will probably be out of the area between 9 and 10 p.m., Hoegg said.

The forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of snow overnight Tuesday, followed by a 100 percent chance until 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Ed Plank, director of the Washington County Highway Department, said the countys road workers are standing by to battle the storm.

Were in good shape for material, he said of the countys salt supply.

Plank said he hopes the storm drops more snow than freezing rain. Snow is easy to remove, he said.

Freezing rain is another story.

The ice will cause branches and power lines to fall, Plank said. The bottom line is, Id like to see it snow.

Wednesdays high temperature is expected to reach a high of 32 degrees, then climb to 46 degrees on Thursday.

Thursday night will be cloudy with a low of 30.

Friday will be mostly cloudy. The high will reach 44 degrees, and the low will dip to slightly below freezing.

A 40 percent chance of rain or freezing rain is forecast for Friday night.

Rain is expected Saturday, with a high near 41.

A total of 22.1 inches of snow has fallen in Hagerstown so far this year, according to i4weather.net, a website operated by local weather observer Greg Keefer.

Hagerstown has received 6.6 inches of snow so far this month.

To follow traffic conditions across the state, visit https://chart.maryland.gov/incidents/index.php.Dan Dearth

ddearth@herald-mail.com

A Washington County man is accused of molesting a girl over the course of four years.

Robert Eugene Burns Jr., 48, is charged in an indictment with sex abuse of a minor and sex abuse of a minor as a continuing course of conduct.

Burns appeared for a hearing Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court.

About a dozen people showed up to support Burns during the hearing. Among those was the mother of the victim, who told Washington County Circuit Judge Brett Wilson that her daughter lied about being sexually assaulted and didnt want to go forward with the case.

Washington County Assistant States Attorney Leon Debes said that despite the mothers comments, there was sufficient evidence that the assaults occurred.

Debes said Burns had the financial means to flee if he were free on bond.

Wilson said there was no evidence that the victim recanted her story. He said there was a big difference between recanting and the victims mother saying the girl didnt want to go forward.

Wilson ordered that Burns continue to be held without bond, saying the court will not take a chance at this point.

Online court documents show the alleged assaults were reported to have happened from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 10, 2018.

A warrant was issued on Friday for Burns arrest. The warrant was served Tuesday.

The most serious of the charges, sex abuse of a minor as a continuing course of conduct, carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.The Herald-Mail

ANNAPOLIS  It has been the winter of his discontent, perhaps, but he hasnt been idle.

Sen. Andrew Serafini, R-Washington, hit the ground limping a little this week after a lengthy absence recovering from knee surgery, but with a sheaf of new bills for colleagues to ponder.

They range from more tax-reform bills  Serafini already had filed several  to a grant program to help pay for workforce skills assessment to the weighty issue of late-term abortion.

The abortion bill, called the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, would prohibit abortions except under certain circumstances after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The bill contends that medical evidence shows that unborn children will be able to react to painful stimuli at no later than 20 weeks.

Serafini said he filed the bill in response to recent actions in various states to expand abortion laws, including New Yorks new Reproductive Rights Act, which allows abortion within 24 weeks of the start of a pregnancy or at any time when necessary to protect a womans life or health.

I just thought, I cant sit by, Serafini said. I just can no longer sit still.  I cannot do it. I have my second grandchild coming in March, and I cannot see that image and, were gonna go that far? Its absurd. How many people do we know that have struggled to have children and would do anything to adopt?

Serafinis bill is one of 13 dealing with abortion to be considered by the Maryland General Assembly this year. A companion bill was filed in the House by Del. Robin Grammer, R-Baltimore. Its scheduled for a hearing on March 8.

Another bill to be heard that day would let voters decide whether to codify abortion rights in an amendment to Marylands constitution. That bill is sponsored by House Speaker Mike Busch, D-Anne Arundel.

Serafinis bill for a grant program is part of an effort spurred by new Hagerstown Community College President Jim Klauber to develop a skilled, certified workforce in Washington County and elsewhere in Maryland.

Klauber has been advocating WorkKeys Assessments developed by ACT  which administers college readiness tests  to help people develop their skills. The grants would help employers pay for such assessments.

A Serafini bill for a scholarship program targeting WorkKeys is scheduled for a hearing Wednesday.

For now, Serafini has five bills awaiting their fate in the Senate Rules Committee because they were submitted after the filing deadline, which came and went while Serafini was out.

In the meantime, Serafini was greeted with applause in the Senate upon his return Monday, and on Tuesday, he received five unsolicited votes from the General Assembly for state treasurer. That placed him fourth behind Treasurer Nancy Kopp, who was re-elected; Del. Ben Brooks, D-Baltimore, who got 24 votes; and official treasurer candidate William H. Campbell, who got six.Alexis Fitzpatrick

afitzpatrick@herald-mail.com

More than 100 students will move from neighboring facilities to the new Sharpsburg Elementary School if the school board approves the redistricting recommendations of an advisory committee.

The volunteer Facilities Enrollment Advisory Committee met six times since being charged with developing a new attendance zone for the replacement Sharpsburg Elementary, according to Senior Project Manager and Planning Supervisor Chad Criswell.

The new $21.75 million Sharpsburg Elementary School officially broke ground in early January next to the current 31,684-square-foot, 80-plus-year-old facility on Shepherdstown Pike, which it will replace.

Currently, Sharpsburg Elementary has a state-rated capacity of 229 kindergarten through fifth-grade seats and 20 prekindergarten seats. The new three-round, 60,054-square-foot building can hold 431 K-5 seats and 40 for prekindergarten.

Set to open for the 2020-21 school year, it is the only full replacement school in the works for WCPS. The board approved Waynesboro Construction Companys bid at its Oct. 16 meeting.

Criswell and advisory committee representatives presented the same recommendations in the final report Tuesday as they did to the board in November.

Originally, the committee considered eight different attendance-zone realignments using available enrollment data and projections through 2021 for Sharpsburg, Boonsboro, Pleasant Valley, Rockland Woods and Fountain Rock elementary schools.

The options were pared to three after meeting with various departments. None of the final recommendations included changes to the Rockland Woods or Fountain Rock attendance zones.

Committee co-chairs Jennifer Ashbaugh and Caren Cramer said the group kept in mind how the changes would affect middle school and high school assignments for the children and attempted to keep students going to the same secondary schools with children they grew up around.

The committees report also included its one item of public feedback, a question from a parent asking if feeder school patterns would be changed. Criswell said they would not as part of the recommendations.

Superintendent Boyd Michael said, per district policy, rising fifth-graders during the 2020-21 school year could apply to continue attending their home school instead of the new Sharpsburg Elementary.

The committees recommendations include reassigning approximately 112 students in two western portions of the Boonsboro Elementary attendance zone as defined by the existing Sharpsburg Elementary attendance zone to the west.

Affected roads include Antietam Drive, Appomattox Court, Audubon Way, Bedrock Circle, Bedrock Lane, Bell Lane, Bunny Lane, Coffman Farms Lane, Columbine Drive, Farragut Drive, Felfoot Drive, Hardwood Lane, Hoot Owl Court, Main Street, Millrace Lane, Mount Hebron Road, Mount Vernon Drive, Rebel Lane, Rockingham Drive, Skyline Court, Stonecrest Circle, Sumter Drive, Taylor Drive, Turkey Tract Place, Village View Court, Wyand Drive, Yankee Drive and portions of Coffman Farms Road, Dogstreet Road and Shepherdstown Pike.

The recommendations also include reassigning approximately 18 Pleasant Valley Elementary students from Bobcat Ridge Lane, Flintlock Court, Ginseng Lane, Hawks Hill Lane, Nick Road, Outpost Road, Rocky Road, Solomons Gap Lane and portions of Chestnut Grove Road and Rivergate Road.

The projected 2021 results of the committees recommendations would put Boonsboro Elementarys enrollment at 100 percent of capacity, Pleasant Valley Elementarys enrollment at 101 percent of capacity and Sharpsburg Elementarys at 93 percent capacity.

Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Proulx said the next steps in the process include disseminating the report to affected schools, holding at least one public hearing and voting on the recommendations within 60 days of public hearings.

The board must vote at least 90 days before implementing attendance zone changes, he said, but WCPS practice has been to give a year of notice.Dan Dearth

ddearth@herald-mail.com

A Jefferson, Md., man will remain held without bond after he was indicted earlier this month on murder charges.

Antonio Cane Arana is accused of killing a Hagerstown man in the citys West End.

Washington County Circuit Court Judge Brett Wilson said during a hearing Tuesday that he believed the charges against Arana, 19, were too severe to consider setting a bond.

This event is a very serious matter, Wilson said. We know that a man is dead.

Arana is charged in an indictment with first-degree murder, second-degree murder and 15 other counts in connection with the shooting death of 27-year-old Christopher Turner.

Hagerstown police allege that on Jan. 20, Arana fired the shots that killed Turner inside an apartment at 1021 W. Washington St.

Turners family reported him missing on Jan. 23. His vehicle was found the next day in the citys West End.

Police said Turners body was dumped in a wooded area near Gerrardstown, W.Va., where a resident of the Round Top Estates subdivision found it on Jan. 30.

Turners body was taken to Charleston, W.Va., for an autopsy.

Officer Heather Aleshire, a spokeswoman for the Hagerstown Police Department, said the autopsy confirmed that Turner was shot, but the official cause of death had not been determined.

Arana was extradited to Washington County after he was arrested Sunday morning in Frederick, Md.

Erica Shatiena Earl, 21, and Dakota Daniel Paugh, 19, both of Hagerstown, also are charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder in connection with Turners death.

Police said Paugh was arrested Sunday in Washington, D.C., and Earl was arrested Friday in Jacksonville, Fla.

They are awaiting extradition to Washington County.Don Aines

daines@herald-mail.com

A Hagerstown man charged last month with attempted murder for allegedly stomping a man in a city apartment has now been indicted on two counts of murder after the victim died.

Clayton Lee Pendergrast, 28, was charged with attempted second-degree murder and other offenses in connection with an attack that left Carter Walker Hester unconscious in an apartment at 216 N. Locust St. on Jan. 25.

Hester, 32, of 24 1/2 W. Franklin St., died on Feb. 1 at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

Last week, a Washington County Circuit Court grand jury indicted Pendergrast on charges of first- and second-degree murder, assault, theft and other offenses connected to Hesters killing.

On Tuesday, Pendergrast went before Circuit Judge Brett R. Wilson, who ordered him to remain held without bond. Pendergrast could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder.

This was a particularly brutal homicide in which the victim was stomped to death, Assistant States Attorney Leon Debes said at Tuesdays bond hearing before Wilson.

The charging document showed a West North Avenue address for Pendergrast, but at the Jan. 28 hearing, a prosecutor said Pendergrasts identification showed he was from Baltimore.

At that hearing, Pendergrast told a district court judge that he was defending himself.

Hagerstown police were called to the North Locust Street apartment house at 8:33 p.m. on Jan. 25 for a disturbance. They found Hester lying face down, half-naked and covered with blood, in the buildings entryway. Police found a large pool of blood at the foot of a bed and blood spatter on the walls in the apartment of Linda Knapp.

One witness told police about hearing an argument with one man demanding my money. Another witness told police he saw Pendergrast yelling about being owed money and Hester on the floor when he looked through the open apartment door.

Knapp told police she awoke to see a man she knew as Showtime, later identified as Pendergrast, kicking Hester in the head. Pendergrast pulled her out of bed, punching her on the side of the face and kicking her in the ribs, she told police.

Knapp told police Pendergrast was upset over $25 a woman owed him for marijuana that was supposedly taken by Hester, the charging document said. He also was angered that Knapp was seeing Hester, she told police.

Pendergrast was arrested at 12:10 a.m. on Jan. 26 on Jonathan Street. Police saw an injury on his face and cuts on his hands. Pendergrasts shoes were covered with blood.

In November 2018, Knapps son, 22-year-old Cody Brian Lynn, was shot dead in the same apartment while visiting her. Two men and a woman have been charged in the killing.Mike Lewis

mlewis@herald-mail.com

Hendershots Sporting Goods plans to move from its store near Hagerstown back to downtown Hancock.

According to General Manager Michael Faith, the 59-year-old family-owned business was at 110 W. Main St. in Hancock from 1961 to 2012, when it moved to its current location at 19828 National Pike, east of Hagerstown.

We have a building picked out in Hancock, Faith said. He declined to specify the location, however, saying some details remain to be finalized.

It will not be in the old Hendershots building. ... Weve already been in contact with Mayor (Ralph) Salvagno and members of the town council, he said.

In an email message, Salvagno wrote, We are excited and pleased to welcome Hendershots back to Hancock. This family-run business was a respected and valuable member of our community for generations.

The town has already reached out to offer our assistance, and we look forward to renewing a relationship that dates back almost 60 years.

Hendershots, which sells guns, ammunition and related items, will have a sale on Friday and Saturday, Faith said. Retail operations at the current store will end at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Its going to take us 30 to 45 days to move out of the building, Faith said.

During that time, he said, staff members will field customers phone calls, fill online orders and keep in touch with customers about licensing issues, range memberships, and pending and future purchases.

The business is asking customers with guns on layaway to pick up the firearms within the next 30 days.

A date for reopening in Hancock has not been set.

Faith said the decision to move to smaller quarters has been in the works for a little while.

We had a good run. ... We were treated well. Everyone was great, Faith said. We decided this was the best time to make the move. ... Its just a changing business.

Faith said many factors played into the decision.

Like other brick-and-mortar retailers, he said, gun stores face pressure from online transactions, including their own online sales. Online sales do not require as much retail floor space and inventory, he said.

The online sales and online ammunition sales are doing really well for us, Faith added.

Changing lifestyles also have made an impact.

Maryland is not really a hunting state anymore. Hunting has been on the decline for years, Faith said.

In addition, he said, Maryland gun dealers and purchasers have to comply with state regulations that dont apply to similar businesses and customers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and other states.

Hendershots has had an indoor gun range since 2015, he said, but that also now faces competition from other facilities.

The new location in Hancock will not have a gun range, Faith said, but the business will continue to offer the same products and services.

The store is owned by Lance Hendershot, the third generation of his family to run the business.

Hendershots has been leasing the space in the building off National Pike.

The property is owned by the Hagerstown-based Twigg Family Limited Partnership, according to records maintained by the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation. The records show that an 8,700-square-foot retail store sits on the 1.06-acre site.Don Aines

daines@herald-mail.com

A loaded handgun left at the scene of a December home invasion in Funkstown led to the arrest of two West Virginia men.

But a charging document raises questions about whether they  or the victims  had a sawed-off shotgun found at the scene.

Nicholas Robert Foster, 20, and Cody Gedon, 21, both of Hedgesville, W.Va., are charged with home invasion, armed robbery, assault and other offenses in the Dec. 17 incident in an apartment in the first block of West Baltimore Street, according to a charging document.

The handgun and sawed-off shotgun were found in the apartment when Washington County sheriffs deputies arrived.

A woman called 911 to report a home invasion involving two men  one of whom she said had a handgun and the other with a backpack, from which he pulled the shotgun, according to the document.

The weapons were left behind when the other occupant of the apartment, a man, got in a fight with the intruders and they dropped the firearms before fleeing.

The woman told police the men entered through the apartments unlocked door as she and the man were in bed. One of the intruders had his face covered, the document said.

Police had video from a nearby tavern showing two men going down the sidewalk, one with what appeared to be blood on his face, the document said.

The serial number of the handgun was reported to the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, which reported in late December that it was purchased in 2016 in Martinsburg, W.Va. The owner told police she sold it to a man in March 2017.

The man told police he sold the gun to another man in January. That buyer told police he, in turn, sold the gun to Gedon.

The victims picked Gedons picture from a photo array, the document said.

This month, Gedon and Foster turned themselves in to the Berkeley County Sheriffs Office. When questioned by Washington County investigators, they gave a somewhat different account.

They said they went to meet the man in the apartment to buy $500 worth of marijuana, the document said. They said the man in the apartment pulled the shotgun on them and a fight ensued.

During the fight, Gedon tried to unholster his handgun and it was knocked to the floor, the document said.

On Tuesday, Washington County District Court Judge Mark D. Thomas set bail at $10,000 for Gedon and $5,000 for Foster. Neither man had a previous criminal record.Dan Dearth

ddearth@herald-mail.com

CASCADE  A two-story house on Springdale Avenue sustained more than $200,000 in damage when fire spread through the home Wednesday morning, fire officials said.

One occupant injured his wrists when he jumped from the second story to escape the fire, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshals office.

The fire started in an interior wall in the living room, and investigators have concluded that a preliminary cause was an electrical event in wiring, according to a news release from the fire marshals office.

There were smoke alarms in the house at 25303 Springdale Ave., but an occupant discovered the fire before the alarms were activated, the release said.

A family of five was displaced. The fire marshals office said the weather prevented the American Red Cross from immediately helping the family.

The fire resulted in $170,000 in damage to the home and $50,000 in damage to contents, the fire marshals office said.

The home is owned by Kimberly Brooks.

Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Co. Chief Danny Gibson said two adults and three children were home when the fire started at about 6 a.m.

He said at least one person was taken to Waynesboro (Pa.) Hospital to be treated for a minor injury.

A kitten was also rescued from the house. It was turned over to the Humane Society of Washington County for treatment and seemed to be doing well, Gibson said.

Fire crews from Washington and Frederick counties in Maryland and Franklin and Adams counties in Pennsylvania responded. Nearly 50 firefighters battled the blaze.

It took about 45 minutes for firefighters to bring the fire under control, Gibson said.

Gibson said firefighters had no problems getting water to the scene. There was a hydrant nearby, and at least one tanker truck also responded.

A portion of the roof in the center of the house collapsed, and it appeared the second floor was gutted.

Gibson said the fire also burned several holes in the floors.

Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours to ensure the fire was out.

In addition to Smithsburg, firefighters from Fountaindale, Waynesboro and Blue Ridge Summit responded to the scene.

Staff writer Dave McMillion contributed to this storyStaff reports

The Herald-Mail

HARRISONBURG, Va.  The Eastern Mennonite University University Choir and Emulate Chamber Ensemble are taking a March spring break tour to Ohio and Indiana.

The following students are among those touring:

 Stephanie Kniss of Chambersburg, Pa., a graduate of Shalom Christian Academy

 Ally Mankamyer of Shippensburg, Pa., a graduate of Shippensburg Area Senior High School

Their programs will include pieces by Randall Thompson, Eric Nelson, Moses Hogan and A.R. Rahman. Both groups will also premiere choral works by juniors Elliot Bowen and Kaleb Branner.

The University Choir, which includes approximately 50 students, will tour with 43 members, with a subset of 13 students comprising Emulate, including Mankamyer, a first-year student who is majoring in mathematics.Don Aines

daines@herald-mail.com

Nine months after a crash injured Wendy Liller of Fairplay and four months after she died, a Boonsboro woman has been indicted on charges she fatally injured Liller by hitting and dragging her moped.

Julia Lynn Smoot, 20, was indicted by a Washington County grand jury on charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving death, criminally negligent vehicular manslaughter and other offenses for the May 1, 2018, crash that injured the 50-year-old Liller.

Liller died in October. The grand jury indictment was handed up last week.

A visibly shaken Smoot appeared before Circuit Judge Brett R. Wilson on Tuesday. He set bond for her at $20,000, which she could meet by posting 10 percent of that figure.

"This has been hanging over her head since May 1," attorney Eric Andrews told Wilson. Andrews told the judge his client initially believed she struck a deer on Lappans Road (Md. 68), not Liller's moped.

Andrews said Smoot had no prior record.

Assistant State's Attorney Leon Debes told Wilson that Maryland State Police interviewed her a short time after the crash and indicated alcohol was not involved. Smoot's cellphone records showed she was not using the phone when the crash occurred, Andrews said.

However, Debes said the state disputed Smoot's contention that she thought she struck a deer. Smoot's Honda Civic dragged the moped several hundred feet before the moped caught fire. Liller was on the windshield or hood of the vehicle for "a couple of hundred feet" before falling to the side of the road, Debes said.

Debes told the judge that Smoot initially told her mother someone struck her car.

Maryland State Police said Liller was struck from behind on the night of May 1 while she was riding a moped in the eastbound lane of Lappans Road.

Emergency responders found her on the eastbound side of the roadway.

A state police helicopter flew Liller to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. She was later transferred to MedStar Montgomery General Hospital in Olney, where she died.

After her daughter's death, Judith Liller told Herald-Mail Media that Wendy Liller was partially paralyzed by the crash.

"She had a tube in her stomach," Judith Liller said. "She could move her arms a little. She couldn't feed herself, but her mind was all right."

Smoot's mother called 911 on the night of the crash and reported that her daughter struck something on Lappans Road near Downsville Pike.

Troopers drove to the address and found a Honda Civic with extensive damage to the hood, front bumper and windshield.

The most serious charge Smoot faced carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.Provo, UT (84601)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low around 60F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.A short distance from bustling Interstate 81, a country road lined with dense woods takes many twists and turns before one final curve delivers visitors on top of a hill overlooking a vast estate of nearly 12 acres of grapevines and an inn reminiscent of a modern farmhouse. The land is beautiful. The resources are beautiful, said Tariq Zaidi, who manages marketing for Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. In many ways, [its] a very cultural, lifestyle-type property that is going to become a destination.Her list includes $90,000 for the demolition of old jail cells in the basement of the County Courthouse, where the countys jail used to be housed; $50,000 to replace the animal shelter roof; $40,000 to renovate the second floor bathrooms in the courthouse; $25,000 to replace three 30-year-old HVAC units at the Kingsport Health Department; and $20,000 for renovations of the Blountville trustees office.

Stewart said she hopes to fund some of the renovations with this fiscal years funds. Accounts and Budgets Director Larry Bailey said if the increase is funded, Stewart should be able to work out a way to pay for the remaining $68,000 within the departments 2019-20 budget.

Solid Waste Department Supervisor Lynn Johnson has requested an additional $44,000 to his $2 million budget to make repairs at the Bristol and Kingsport transfer stations and to purchase two trucks and a trailer.Obesity, tobacco use and substance abuse were all identified early on as the regions greatest health challenges, based on a 2017 report Ballad filed with the state of Tennessee. It showed that 31 percent of all adults in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia were listed as obese with county rates ranging from 28 percent to 34.5 percent. In addition, roughly a third of adults in each state reported engaging in no physical activity outside their jobs.

Adult smoking rates ranged from 21 percent to nearly 40 percent across the region from 2006 to 2012  all exceeding the U.S. average of 16.8 percent, according to the report. Youth smoking rates were also above state averages.

Substance abuse rates were high among both adults and youth, including abuse of prescription and illicit drugs, plus alcohol. The region has seen dramatic increases in abuse of opioids.

Masters said they hope to take the best existing programs and ideas, extend them across the region and develop new strategies.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email customercare@heraldandnews.com for help creating one.Parents in Dublin 15 are calling for an autism-specific school, after two in three principals in the area said they had pupils in an inappropriate educational setting.

At least 54 children would be better placed in an autism-specific school, the principals told a survey.

The Autism School Dublin 15 Committee held a survey in December of all primary and second-level schools in the area.

It found that 103 out of 177 (59pc) children in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) classes never accessed mainstream education, one of the aims of the classes when they were set up.

Committee spokesperson Sile Parsons said special classes in mainstream schools were there to support children with ASD who had the ability to access mainstream class, but children with more complex needs were being forced into an educational environment not able to cope with their needs.

"As such, up to 20 students are on continually reduced hours, with others being excluded from school altogether," she said.

Vulnerable

She said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who represents the area, told the Dail that the National Council for Special Education believes that a special school is warranted, but its report had not yet been published.

Local Labour Party TD Joan Burton said the survey confirmed that the needs of vulnerable children were not being met.A new route for the MetroLink aimed at pacifying residents in South Dublin could lead to the Luas Green Line being closed for up to four years, the Herald has learned.

The proposal from the National Transport Authority (NTA) is understood to involve bringing the metro underground through Ranelagh using a 'cut and cover' process.

However, the idea sparked such alarm in the Department of Transport that Transport Minister Shane Ross sought an immediate crisis meeting with the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

The route is being remodelled following complaints from some residents in Ranelagh who object to the closure of Dunville Avenue and Beechwood Road to facilitate the metro.

The 'Rethink MetroLink South City' group claimed the original plan would impose a "Berlin Wall" in South Dublin.

The group is backed by a number of high-profile politicians, including Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and senator Michael McDowell.

Standstill

A route from Swords to Sandyford announced almost a year ago proposed having the underground line come above ground at the Luas Charlemont stop and then continue along what is currently the Green Line.

It is understood the NTA delivered alternative proposals to Mr Ross in recent days - but these were quickly shot down.

A source said the minister met with the NTA and TII to "advise them both against the updated proposals which could see the Green Line closed for up to four years".

"Any plan which brings the Green Line to a standstill would be unacceptable," the source added.

Under the original plan, the Luas would be disrupted for 18 to 24 months.

A spokesperson for Mr Ross declined to comment last night, saying it would be "inappropriate" while work on a new proposal was still ongoing.

Politicians on the north side of the city have expressed concerns that the southside wrangling could delay the metro to the airport.Dublin Airport had its busiest January on record after more than two million passengers passed through its doors.

It marks the first January in the airport's 79-year history that passenger numbers surpassed the two million mark.

The exact figure - just under 2.1m - was up 5pc on the same period last year.

Passenger volumes to and from Europe grew by 8pc, with more than one million people travelling through Dublin.

UK traffic remained static in January as almost 745,000 passengers travelled on routes between Dublin and Britain.

Passenger volumes to and from North America increased by 14pc, with nearly 211,000 people taking transatlantic flights.

Other international traffic - mainly to the Middle East, North Africa and the Pacific Asia region - increased by 4pc with nearly 85,000 passengers.

Hub

The number of travellers using Dublin as a hub to connect to another destination increased by 22pc, with almost 108,000 people connecting through the airport last month.

Nearly 6,000 passengers travelled on domestic routes last month, up 1pc on 12 months ago.

The airport will welcome 21 new routes this year, comprising 14 short-haul and seven-long haul.

Three new airlines will launch services - TAP will operate a 14-times-weekly summer service to Lisbon, Air Baltic will fly four times a week to the Latvian capital Riga and Sun Express will operate a weekly service to Izmir in Turkey, which is a gateway for holidays in the region.

Dublin welcomed a total of 31.5m passengers last year, setting a new record for the airport.

Passenger numbers were up 6pc, with an additional 1.9m people welcomed during 2018.

Dublin Airport has flights to nearly 200 destinations in 43 countries, operated by 56 airlines and is the 11th busiest airport in the EU.

The statistics come a week after the sod was turned on the new 320m North Runway project at the airport.A shop raider armed with a piece of wood was later identified by gardai by the pink gloves he was wearing during the attempted robbery.

Scott Grant (31) held the piece of timber while threatening staff in a Costcutters shop on Hampton Street in Balbriggan, north Dublin, and demanded money.

He ran away when the shop manager, Eugene Brown, confronted him with a wooden sweeping brush during the raid on December 11, 2016.

Later that month, Grant was spotted damaging a parking meter to get coins from it to feed his drug habit.

A witness told gardai he was wearing black clothes and pink gloves and a garda later arrested a man fitting that description.

Grant had a hammer down his pants when arrested.

He was released and was still out on bail on September 26, 2017, when he held up another shop armed with a tree branch.

During this robbery of his local shop in Balbriggan, the shopkeeper knew Grant and refused to hand over cash. Grant then made off after grabbing 100 worth of scratch cards.

He was identified a short time later when he went into a nearby newsagent to cash in the winning scratch cards. He was arrested and told gardai he needed to clear a drug debt.

Grant, of Pinewood Green Court, Balbriggan, admitted attempted robbery in December 2016, robbery in September 2017 and an attempted robbery on Clonard Street, Balbriggan, last April 17.

Garda Harry Thompson told Sinead McMullan BL, prosecuting, that during the last offence Grant tried to pull the handbag from a woman walking home after dark.

Shaken

The victim held on to the bag but fell and was very shaken.

The court heard that Grant was out on bail for the first two offences when he carried out the mugging. His previous convictions include one for attempted robbery.

Pieter Le Vert BL, defending, said his client received a two-year jail sentence for this and got clean of heroin while in custody. After his release, Grant relapsed, counsel said.

The judge adjourned the case to April 10 and ordered a Probation Services report.The family of Charlie McCarthy has said it feels like "he has died all over again" after a man accused of killing him was found not guilty.

Andrew Doan (35) was accused of fatally stabbing the Cork father-of-two in the head with a screwdriver during a fight in Australia in 2017.

Jurors found Mr Doan not guilty of both murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter in a trial in the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

Speaking to the Herald about the verdict, Charlie's heartbroken sister Karina Dolan said Australia is "operating a legal system, not a justice system".

Tragic

"We're just in shock. My mother is in pieces... it's like he has died all over again. Charlie was so loved, not only by us, but by the whole Aghada community here in Cork," Ms Dolan said.

"The whole family is devastated by the verdict, as we feel nobody will ever be brought to justice over his death.

"It was the rarest night out, Charlie was only out as it was a Christmas do. He would normally only go out two to three times a year, max.

"It's just so tragic, as he was so amazing, so genuine and had such love for his family and friends.

"He was constantly in contact with us at home, he was in a stable job, had a beautiful family... he had everything going for him."

Ms Dolan said the last year has been a "horrible time" for the family, and that her sister Michelle was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer.

Charlie came from a family of seven and many of his siblings flew over to join his wife Nicole and their children for the trial.

"I stayed at home to be with Mam, Dad, John and Michelle and we have been struggling to come to terms with it over the past few days," Ms Dolan said.

"In the court, nobody was allowed to be Charlie's voice or give evidence about what an incredible person he was."

Ms Dolan criticised how Mr Doan interpreted a "throwaway comment" by Charlie's friend as "racist".

The court heard how Mr Doan had been fishing with his friend Tien Vu Huynh in East Fremantle in the early hours of December 23, 2017, when Mr McCarthy, his wife, and friend Jason Mikel Curran walked by.

Mr Doan said that when the men saw him and Mr Huynh emerging from the water, they asked: "Have you caught much?"

He mumbled "Not much" in reply and they shot back "Bit of s**t luck", according to Mr Doan. Their next comment - along the lines of "Fisheries are going to come and get you" - upset him and Mr Huynh, who are both Asian, and it was interpreted as racist.

The trio walked off but Mr Doan pursued them to argue.

Mr Doan reached into his pocket, pulled out a screwdriver he used for crabbing and held it above his head, saying: "Get back or I'll stab you."

The court was told that Mr McCarthy then impaled himself on the screwdriver, which Mr Doan was still holding.

He remained at the scene until emergency services arrived, telling police "it was me", and claiming self-defence.

Ms Dolan said while the family has been left heartbroken, the support of their local community has offered some comfort.

"The GAA hall here was full of his pictures and memories when we held a special walk for him back in December and the boys in the local club sang Caledonia, which was his favourite song," Ms Dolan said.

We want justice for Charlie and we're not going to give up."A cash-strapped father-of-four shoplifted nearly 300 worth of clothes for his children because he could not afford to buy any, a court has heard.

Alberts Nabokovs (40) was arrested after security caught him trying to leave a west Dublin store with the goods.

Nabokovs, of South Circular Road, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared at Blanchardstown District Court. He was fined 150.

The court heard gardai were called to a reported theft at Marks & Spencer in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre last October 26.

They were taken into a back room, where the accused and a woman were being detained. The accused gave his name and address.

Security said Nabokovs had put 286 worth of clothing into bags and passed all points of payment.

Recovered

He was arrested and taken to Lucan Garda Station, where he was charged.

Nabokovs had no previous convictions and the goods were recovered intact, the court heard.

The accused was from Latvia and had been living in Ireland with his partner for the past three years, his lawyer said.

He was not working, was in receipt of 190 per week and could not afford to buy clothing for his children, the lawyer added.

Judge Paula Murphy told Nabokovs to make a donation of 100 to the Society of St Vincent De Paul if he wanted to avoid a fine and conviction.

She said if he did this, she would dismiss the charge under the Probation of Offenders Act, leaving the accused without a recorded conviction.

However, the money was not paid and she instead fined him.

The charge was under Section Four of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WV News)  His childhood was as difficult as anyone you will ever meet or hear about and that is part of the reason why NoeThe codes have been inconsistently enforced. In 2013, only one person was cited for violating the law. In 2012, none were. But in 2011, a whopping 541 citations were issued, thanks to the city's being particularly "proactive in the commercial districts" that year, according to a Baltimore Housing spokeswoman. In 2016, members of the Baltimore City Council criticized the Rawlings-Blake administration's plan to give citations to businesses and some homeowners who had not shoveled their sidewalks during the record storm.COMPOSER Nigel Hess, whose work includes a number of well known television theme tunes, is giving a workshop hosted by the Earley-based Trinity Concert Band next Saturday (February 23), writes Matthew Wilson.

A spokesman for the group said: Were hugely excited to be welcoming Nigel Hess to take our 2019 workshop day.

Nigel is an award-winning British composer and conductor of music for TV, film, theatre and the concert platform. His scores for TV and film include Maigret, Hetty Wainthrop Investigates, Wycliffe, Dangerfield, Ladies in Lavender and many more.

His Concerto for Piano and Orchestra was commissioned by HRH the Prince of Wales in memory of his grandmother and was nominated for a Classical Brit award.

We have been great fans of hs works for a long time, most recently performing his Lochnagar Suite at the National Concert Band Festival finals and his Christmas Overture at our 2018 Christmas concert.

Following the workshop, members of the public are invited to listen to the fruits of the bands labours  in the form of a free 30-minute concert conducted by Hess at Trinity Church in Chalfont Close, Earley, starting at 3.45pm. All are welcome.

For more information, visit www.trinityband.co.ukBrantley honored as top assistant manager

Amy Brantley was named assistant manager of the year by the N.C. City and County Management Association

Amy Brantley, assistant county manager for Henderson County, has been honored as assistant county manager of the year in North Carolina. The N.C. City and County Management Association presented the award to Brantley during its annual convention on Feb. 7 in Winston-Salem.

A graduate of Illinois State University with a masters degree in public administration from Western Carolina University, Brantley worked her way up from her first job as deputy clerk to the board, a post that Commissioner Grady Hawkins gave her 19 years ago. She was a budget analyst when County Manager Steve Wyatt promoted her to assistant manager five years ago.

The award was "a recognition from her peers based on many applications," Wyatt said. "I can certainly say it's well deserved. She has been a great person to work beside, to work with ... We're very fortunate to have her."

Hawkins also praised Brantley.

"Every day you're doing something keeping the county running and we're very fortunate to have you," he said.

Known for her ability to instantly find and report to the penny the most arcane budget facts, Brantley has been a loyal second-in-command under Wyatt, taking on special projects, mastering the financial side of things and occasionally enduring her boss's cracks about her budget skills.

Brantley told the board it was the people around her, from Wyatt to the elected commissioners and department heads, that account for her success.Edwards introduces bill for small business health insurance

State Sen. Chuck Edwards joined three other senators on Tuesday to announce a proposal that they said would allow small businesses to cover employees at a lower cost.

Edwards, a Republican from Hendersonville, Joyce Krawiec (R-Forsyth), Dan Bishop (R-Mecklenburg), and Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) announced the Small Business Health Care Act, which they said would provide a cost-effective way for small businesses to offer their employees health insurance plans that would include many state and federal consumer protections, including the requirement to cover those with preexisting conditions.

The bill would loosen the current restrictions on Association Health Plans, which allow groups of small businesses to band together for insurance policies. This would allow those small businesses to receive the same health benefits as large corporations.

Between reducing the tax burden and improving the states business climate, we have instituted a number of policies since 2011 that have allowed small businesses to thrive, yet so many of them are still unable to afford health insurance, Bishop said. This bill is the missing piece of that puzzle that makes high-quality health coverage for employees an affordable option for small business owners.

A June 2018 ruling by the U.S. Department of Labor paved the way for the changes by loosening Obama-era restrictions on AHPs that were designed to force more small businesses onto the costly small-group market. The Small Business Health Care Act would take advantage of these loosened restrictions and amend North Carolinas insurance code by doing the following:

Allow small employers, including people who are self-employed and sole proprietors, to join an AHP

Allow small businesses from the same or different industries to join an AHP

Allow small businesses located in North Carolina, and business located in bordering states to join the same AHP.

Reduce the period of time that an AHP has to be in existence in North Carolina to offer health benefits to its members from five years to two.

This bill would put small businesses on a more level playing field with large companies, making it possible for them to offer more attractive benefits packages to recruit the best and brightest talent, Krawiec said.

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the modifications to North Carolinas insurance code could potentially benefit up to 110,000 North Carolinians.Havre City Council Ordinance Committee took no action on a proposed vacant property registration ordinance Tuesday after numerous people spoke and some complained about the language of the proposed ordinance.

The proposed ordinance would require people to register properties deemed vacant under its definition, and show they are working to improve, rent or sell the properties or face fees or fines.

Committee chair Caleb Hutchins said ordinance development is still very early in the process, and the committee need time to finalize the document before it goes to the council. He added that th...$18 million grant to benefit 12 counties affected by last springs historic flooding

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said he helped secure almost $18 million to help repair flood-damaged roads in Montana, including more than $1.8 million for Hill County.

Last years flooding did real damage to Montanas roads and infrastructure, Tester said in a press release. These resources will help boost jobs and repair the damage  making travel safer and keeping our communities open for business.

The release said Tester helped secure a grant for the Montana Department of Transportation to help fix roads damaged in those floods. The grant, worth $17,937,061, was awar...Havre City Council approved Tuesday a lease and of property behind the Havre Ice Dome to the Havre Dog Park Club.

I think it is another way to grow as a community, Council President Terry Lilletvedt said. I think the dog parks in other communities have been a positive thing in those communities.

Club member Bob Bergren told the council that he stands in support of the dog park.

It has been a very interesting venture to get involved with, and there are not a lot of people against. It usually has a pro and a con, but there are not a lot of cons on this, Bergren said.

Council member Erik Meis, who voted to approve the lease, said he walks his dog on the Baltrusch Nature Trail regularly and sees no real need in having a dog park.

Im not against the dog park, but I dont see a need for it with the Baltrusch Trail, said Meis, who was appointed last fall to take the place of Andrew Brekke who resigned when he moved to a new residence outside of his council district.

He said he has concerns about the park not having a restroom area for people to use while at the dog park as well as snow removal on the property during the winter months.

He added that he commends the group for their effort but has some concerns.

Im just a little flabbergasted, Meis said.

The lease agreement specifies that the Dog Park Club is responsible for snow removal and maintenance on the property, Havre Mayor Tim Solomon said.

Havre Dog Park Club was created April last year. The club is open for any new members and meets the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the District 4 Human Resources and Development Council building. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has held several fundraisers over the past year as well as having a website, Facebook page and a GoFundMe page.

Club member Bill Lanier told the council that one of the fundraisers the club has done was a calendar photo contest last fall. He said the organization received more than 400 photos for the calendar.

He added that since the Dog Park Club was created, its Facebook membership has grown to 579 members, and the club has raised more than $4,000 for the dog park project.

Dog Park Club President Chad Stewart told the council they are about half-way to their goal for phase one of their building plan.

This plan will include fencing and lawn care, he said Monday during the clubs monthly meeting.

There is extreme interest in Havre for this, and we would really appreciate your support, Lanier told the council Tuesday.

Lanier said Solomon has been working with the club to get this lot of land and the entire club is excited to get started on the project.

Stewart said Monday that Solomon told the club about the lot of land behind the Ice Dome last month and the club worked on drafting the a lease agreement with the city in order to obtain the property.

Lanier told the council that now that they have the property, they will hopefully receive more donations, supporters and sponsors.

He added that with the property they will be able to design plans for what the dog park will look like to show invested parties that the club is moving forward. He said he also encouraged everyone on the council and in the Havre area to attend the meeting.

Club Member Greg Kinholt, who brought his service dog, Copper, to Tuesdays meeting, said he has already taken Copper to the property to check it out.

As far as (Copper) is concerned it is ready to be finished, Kinholt said.

He added that he already has 10 people ready to contribute to the dog park, although they were waiting for the club to get the property. He added that he is grateful to the city for including the dog park on the city insurance as well as for the $1 a year lease agreement.

Solomon said Havres insurance plan already covers dog parks, so the approval of the lease would also include the dog park on the insurance.

Stewart said the club plans to have a fully enclosed area for the dog park and have it be a designated area for dogs to be social. He added that the trail is not specific to dogs, with Baltrusch Trail being open to bikers, joggers and walkers.

Kinholt added that some people will appreciate the dogs having their own specific place separate from the trails for other users.

He said the Dog Park Club has begun to develop rules people will have to follow including planning to divide the dog park into two separate sections, one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs. The club also plans to require all dogs that will be going to the park to be licensed and up-to-date on all of their shots and vaccinations.

The Dog Park Club is also planning to eventually install a dual water station, a water fountain for both people and dogs, and a restroom on the property.

In the beginning, Kinholt said, it may just be a port-a-potty, but in the future, if people want to contribute or sponsor the dog park, they might be able to build a permanent bathroom.

Club member Juanita Sanborn said that the park is also beneficial to elderly dog owners who may be unable to walk their animals. The club plans to have benches at the park for people to sit on, she said, so elderly people can sit and still be able to have their dog get exercise and be social with other dogs.

The lease agreement was approved unanimously.

I think, honestly, I am so supportive of this dog park; I think it is a great idea, Lilletvedt said. I think it is great for the community. I think it is a great opportunity for dog owners.Company takes extra steps to assure it is safe and secure

Press release

CHS Inc. said in a press release is is honored by receiving certification from ResponsibleAg.

The ResponsibleAg Certification Program is the only program in the nation that provides a voluntary comprehensive assessment of agricultural facilities that store and handle farm input supplies such as fertilizer, crop protection products, seed and fuel. Certification requires that a facility meet stringent regulatory-based criteria, implement industry-leading safety and security measures and uphold facility safety as one of its highest priorities.

ResponsibleAg certification demonstrates to our community and our customers that we are a safe and responsible partner within the community, Don Soper of CHS said. The ResponsibleAg assessment was very thorough and an excellent mechanism for ensuring that we are complying with the federal requirements. We take great pride in this third-party certification. It reinforces our commitment to our employees and the community.

Participation in ResponsibleAg is voluntary, Tim McArdle, chairman of ResponsibleAg Inc., said. It is incumbent on all to ensure we are a safe, responsible and proactive industry. Our hope is to engage our entire industry in this beneficial program over the next few years.

There are hundreds of regulations from different regulatory agencies that an agribusiness such as ours must follow, Soper added. Voluntarily participating in the program and attaining certification helps ensure we are making our facility and our daily practices safer for our communities, our customers and employees. We must repeat and pass the assessment every three years to maintain our ResponsibleAg certification.

Each ResponsibleAg certification is a significant milestone for all of us who have been involved in creating ResponsibleAg, and CHS, Inc. should be proud of this achievement, said Daren Coppock, president and CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Association, which helped develop and launch the program. The commitment of retailers to responsibility and safety is evident in this success, and in the thousands of facilities that have already signed up to participate and are working toward certifications of their own.

The fertilizer and agricultural industry is, and always has been, dedicated to operating safely within our communities, said Chris Jahn, president of The Fertilizer Institute, which partnered with ARA to create ResponsibleAg. This certification is a rigorous assessment that assures each community just how committed we are to their safety and security.

More information about ResponsibleAg and its certification process, including a list of agribusinesses that have been successfully certified, are available at http://www.responsibleag.org/.Last updated 2/19/2019 at 10:22am

William Bill H. Hinebauch, age 77, of Havre, passed away on Monday, February 18, 2019, at Northern Montana Care Center.

Holland and Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Bills online memorial page at http://www.hollandbonine.com and leave a message of condolence for his family.Press release

The Havre High School speech and debate team is holding a team awards dinner Thursday at 6 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.

Team and National Speech and Debate Association awards earned this year will be presented to the team members after the dinner.

Team members are invited to bring their family and friends to the dinner.Lodge plans to re-launch drug awareness program

Press release

Havre Elks Lodge #1201 announced the lodge and Havre Pizza Hut are teaming up on Thursday to help communities in Hill, Blaine and Chouteau counties.

On Thursday, Feb. 21st, Pizza Hut is donation 20, percent of all orders that day, between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., when people tell them they want to donate to the Havre Elks Lodge, Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Kyle Leeds said. This offer applies on all dine-in, carry-out, and delivery orders placed on Thursday.

Havre Elks Lodge #1201 plans to utilize the funds raised  at Pizza Hut to continue assisting area youth, area veterans, and our communities as a whole, Leeds added. Our lodge area consists of all of Hill County, all of Blaine County, and Chouteau County on U.S. (Highway) 87 to the town of Big Sandy.

This is a very large geographic area and the more funds the Havre Elks Lodge can raise the more money we have to invest back into the communities our lodge serves, he said.

Leeds said one program the Elks is excited to re-start will help all communities in their lodge area. The Elks Drug Awareness Program, he said, is the only program in the United States endorsed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

Drug abuse is a major problem across the United States and in Montana, Leeds said. We have a new lodge chairperson and are really looking forward to relaunching this program to assist the communities in our lodge area with the drug abuse problems that are specific to their communities.

If anyone would like to find out more about this program the Elks offers they are welcome to call me at 1-406-945-2524, he addded.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is celebrating 151 years as a premiere charitable and patriotic organization in America. Locally, Havre Lodge #1201 has 231 members

People can find out more about Havre Elks and the work they do by contacting Leeds at 945-2524 or lodge secretary Brandy Kurtz at 390-0091.One of two bull elk shot last week lies in a field about 30 miles south of Chinook. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking information about the person or people who poached the elk.

Press release

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 6 game wardens are seeking any information regarding a two dead bull elk found south of Chinook in Blaine County last week.

Region 6 Havre wardens received a TIP-MONT call last Thursday about a dead bull elk approximately two miles north of Cow Creek Reservoir off Lloyd Road in Blaine County, about 30 miles south of Chinook. Wardens responded to the area and located a seven-by-seven bull elk. Another dead six-by-six bull elk was then found nearby. After further investigation, wardens determined both elk were shot and left to waste on the hillside.

Wardens are reaching out to the public for any information about the person or persons responsible in this wanton waste of two bull elk. This is not hunting, this is a crime that occurred well-outside established hunting seasons. These elk are believed to have been shot anywhere from Sunday, Feb. 11, to last Wednesday.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Chinook-area Warden Haden Hussey directly at 406-942-2191 or call FWP's 24-hour wildlife tip line at 1-800-TIP-MONT - 1-800-847-6668.

The 1-800-TIP-MONT program is a toll-free number where one can report violations of fish, wildlife or park regulations. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 for providing information that leads to a conviction.Havre Police Department

Justin James Martin of Havre, 41, was arrested on charges of partner or family member assault and "other" after a 10th Street West caller reported a domestic disturbance Monday at 10:01 a.m. This morning the jail roster listed Martin with an additional pending charge of strangulation.

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Monday at 10:30 a.m. a 15th Avenue facility requested assistance from officers.

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A U.S. Highway 2 West business reported a stolen tire Monday at 2:11 p.m.

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Officers Monday at 4:07 p.m. to assisted another agency with a medical call.

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Monday at 6:11 p.m. a Fifth Street caller requested to speak with an officer about suspicious activity.

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A Fifth Avenue caller reported receiving possible hacking messages Monday at 7:02 p.m.

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Isabelle Gertrude Doney of Havre, 20, was arrested on a Justice or City court warrant after a First Street Northwest caller reported an assault Monday at 8:24 p.m.

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Monday at 11:15 p.m. a Fifth Avenue caller said she believed someone was in her backyard.

Hill County Sheriff's Office

Andreya Marie Taylor of Havre, 28, was issued a summons on a charge of failing to stop for a school bus, during a vehicle stop on U.S. Highway 2 Friday at 7:19 a.m.

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A vehicle crash was reported at 11th Street West and 16th Avenue Friday at 9:23 a.m.

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Michael Jay Stump Jr. of Havre, 21, was arrested on a Justice or City court warrant Friday at 1:19 p.m. at Hill County Detention Center.

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Leslie Annette Crazyboy of Havre, 39, and Gloria Jean Crazyboy of Havre, 42, were each arrested on a state District Court warrant, and Kate Alanna Lambourne of Havre, 20, was arrested on two state District Court warrants, Friday at 1:23 p.m. at the detention center.

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Friday at 4:21 p.m. a Chevy 2500 with a trailer was reported crashing into a sign at the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 West and U.S. Highway 87. No injuries were reported and Montana Highway Patrol was notified.

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A vehicle crash between a car and a deer was reported Friday at 6:41 p.m. on U.S. Highway 2 half-a-mile east of 24th Avenue.

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Sunday at 8:58 a.m. Northern Montana Hospital reported a dog bite.

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Sunday at 5:32 p.m., a Box Elder caller on U.S. Highway 87 reported an assault.

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A caller on U.S. Highway 2 East reported an eastbound flatbed pickup speeding, running people off the road and almost hitting people head on Sunday at 6:50 p.m. Blaine County Sheriff's Office and Montana Highway Patrol were notified.

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Monday at 10:42 a.m. Justin James Martin of Havre, 41, was arrested on charges of possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia at the detention center.

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A caller at the emergency room asked to speak with deputies about an animal control issue in Rudyard Monday at 1:37 p.m.

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A summons was issued after a caller at Northstar Schools in Rudyard reported a juvenile status offense Monday at 1:49 p.m.

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A vehicle crash at Airport Road and U.S. Highway 2 West was reported Monday at 3:55 p.m.

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Monday at 9:05 p.m. a Quill Drive caller reported an assault. Rocky Boy Police Department was notified.

Havre Fire Department

Emergency medical personnel responded to four calls Monday.

Havre Animal Shelter

The Havre shelter this morning held two medium-hair cats, two long-hair 7-month-old kittens, one long-hair 9-month-old kitten and a medium-hair 6-month-old kitten all of unknown gender, one medium-hair female cat, four medium-hair male cats and one long-hair male cat; as well as two cats for its trap-spay/neuter-release program.

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The Havre shelter also held this morning a female mixed-breed dog, a male 21-week-old mixed-breed puppy, female shepherd-Labrador retriever dog, a male golden retriever dog, a male border collie dog, a male mixed breed 12-week-old puppy, two male pit bull terrier dogs and a male 23-week-old puppy.Editor: It appears Kandi Finfrock has got it right again; you can tell by the respMcDonalds employee Gabby Saenz, of northern Mohave County, said she gets a good vibe working with her crew, but isnt sure about the benefits of a minimum wage increase.A case can be made that those who suffer the most from never-ending immigration are the most recently arrived aliens. NPR, in a piece that ostMichigan City, IN (46360)

Today

Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. High 83F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.By William Schwartz | Published on 2019/02/19

Life imitates art as Mattacco Chicken releases a new flavor of sticky chicken which appeared in "Extreme Job". The flavor, Suwon Galbi, is based on a regional form of barbeque cooking.

Advertisement

In the context of "Extreme Job", the creation of Suwon Galbi Chicken is an act of random desperation by the police team. Only one of them knows how to cook, and he only knows how to make Suwon Galbi sauce because his parents manage a Suwon Galbi restaurant. The success of the odd flavor is a surprise for the main characters, who are almost immediately comically inconvenienced by it.

A spokesman from Mattacco Chicken claims that the similarity is a coincidence, and that the new flavor had been in development far before "Extreme Job" became popular. Whether this is true is difficult to tell. Unusual flavors are commonly developed in South Korea's competitive fried chicken market, where fried chicken brands are often desperate to distinguish themselves.

Written by William Schwartz



Haiti - News : Zapping...





Only 4 rooms occupied at Hotel Karibe, dismissals in sight

For the first time since the opening of the Karibe Convention Center, we have only four rooms occupied, said Richard Buteau CEO of the hotel. "With 4 rooms occupied, I can no longer support my 250 full-time employees and my other 80 part-time employees." See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-26982-icihaiti-tourism-moulin-sur-mer-temporarily-stops-its-activities.html



Opposition announces new demonstrations

The Opposition announced new demonstrations Friday, February 22, across the country to continue to demand the resignation of Jovenel Moses, the PetroCaribe Trial and the Sovereign Haitian National Conference.



The Dominicans open the binational market on Wednesday

The municipal and military authorities of Dajabon agreed yesterday to extend the operation of the binational market, between Haitians and Dominicans, so that it also works on Wednesday, to address the serious problems of shortage facing Haiti. The measure aims to find an urgent solution to end the food shortage felt by Haitians.



Canadian Embassy reopened

The Canadian Embassy was open to the public and resumed normal operations as of Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Please note that it is open from 8:00.



Mexican consular section temporary opening

On Tuesday, the consular section of the Mexican Embassy restored its service provisionally. If you had an appointment for a visa that you have not attended in recent days, you can go there from 10:00 to 12:30. Appointments for legalization will be served on Fridays, as long as he has service.



Blocking of the RN 6

Tuesday at Cap-Haitien the road leading to the Caracol Industrial Park in Kafou Lanmo on the National Road #6, was blocked by buses on the orders of threatening individuals.



HL HaitiLibre





















Haiti - RD : Haitians furious against the militarization of the Dominican c





On Tuesday morning, incidents were reported between the Dominican military and Haitians in Dajabon because of the militarization of gas stations, while Haitian motorists on the side of Ounaminthe, in protest blocked the traffic on the bridge separating the two countries.



The incidents occurred when Haitians threw stones at soldiers, who responded by firing in the air to disperse angry protesters who were unable to obtain supplies freely at will.



This has had the effect of significantly reducing the fuel supply capacity and cutting off a major source of income for Haitians. Indeed, they bought the gallon of gasoline on the Dominican territory around 200 pesos ( 324 Gourdes) and the gallon of diesel around 185 pesos ( 300 Gourdes) to resell illegally in Haiti respectively 700 and 550 Gourdes because of the fuel shortage aggravated by the demonstrations.



Remember that before this measure Haitians crossed the border every day with vehicles with large tanks and containers, which they filled in the Dominican petrol stations before returning to Haiti, a very lucrative market but also a transport of dangerous fuels.



As a result of this traffic, long queues at gas stations making access difficult for Dominican residents...



However, this measure benefits Dominican smugglers who sell clandestinely through the mountain oil products to Haitians...



SL/ HaitiLibre





















Haiti - Politic : Prelude to the national dialogue, Moise met with Jocelerme Privert





Tuesday, February 19, as part of the dialogue process launched on February 14 during his speech to the Nation https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26937-haiti-flash-jovenel-moise-leaves-his-silence-and-addresses-the-nation.html President Jovenel Moise met with the former provisional President, Jocelerme Privert.



Fruitful exchanges that have reinforced the conviction of the Head of State that compatriots who have had the opportunity to serve the Republic can, through their experiences, contribute to the search for adequate answers to the evils that gnaw at the Nation convinced that "Another Haiti is really possible through a sincere dialogue between all the girls and all the sons of the common homeland."



The same day, Moise, met with the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Eugene Martin Nugent, on the need to engage in an inclusive dialogue with all sectors of national life, with a view to finding a peaceful and democratic solution to the problems social, economic and political aspects of the country.



The opportunity for the Head of State to reiterate his determination to work with the support of international partners, for the establishment of a serene climate, likely to promote the socio-economic development of the country and offer a better-being to the Haitian population as a whole.



The Apostolic Nuncio has renewed his desire to continue working to strengthen the historical relations between the Republic of Haiti and the Vatican.



The day before, the Head of State received at the National Palace the members of the "Economic Forum" with whom he exchanged on the social, political and economic situation of the country and pledged to make every effort to ensure that the dialogue can start in the best time. During this meeting the Forum representatives shared with the President their point of view on the appropriate methodology for conducting this national dialogue.



HL/ HaitiLibre





















Haiti - Taiwan : The project to build an electricity grid in Port-au-Prince temporarily suspended





The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan (Republic of China) said on Tuesday that the progress of the electricity grid project in Haiti had been temporarily suspended due to the socio-political unrest that the country has been experiencing since February 7th..



As anti-government protests continue in Haiti, Alexander Yu, the Director General of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, told a press conference that the construction of the electricity grid planned for Port-au-Prince would only begin after the political situation has been resolved. Recalling "We have signed a contract for the loan and construction of the project and must wait for Parliament's approval for construction to begin."



Remember that this project, which aims to help alleviate the energy supply problems of the capital, includes the construction and renovation of substations and transmission towers including training for local staff maintenance and is financed to tne tune of US $ 145.89 million by a Taiwanese bank in the form of a commercial loan to the Haitian government [the first official Official Development Assistance loan granted by Taiwan to a diplomatic ally]. The project will be under the responsibility of Taiwan's Overseas Engineering and Construction Co. and could take about two years to complete.



Note that Taiwan issued a second "orange" warning on February 16 for travel to Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26968-haiti-security-taiwan-issues-a-second-travel-warning-orange-for-haiti.html after several deaths and many injuries since the beginning of the demonstrations...



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26968-haiti-security-taiwan-issues-a-second-travel-warning-orange-for-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26457-haiti-politic-government-borrows-$150m-from-taiwan-for-electricity.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25139-haiti-flash-taiwan-will-build-an-electricity-grid-for-port-au-prince.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24648-haiti-politic-electricity-taiwanese-experts-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25570-haiti-taiwan-last-step-for-the-construction-of-a-electricity-grid-to-pap.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25139-haiti-flash-taiwan-will-build-an-electricity-grid-for-port-au-prince.html



SL/ HaitiLibre





















Haiti - FLASH : Mess at the Palace around the commandos of foreigners arrested at PAP





On Tuesday, Me Reynold Georges, the Legal Avider of the President of the Republic who spoke on a radio of the capital, vigorously denied the statements of the opposition and rumors that the commandos of 8 men heavily armed 7 foreigners (5 Americans, a Serb and a Russian) arrested Sunday, February 17 in the capital https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26963-haiti-flash-a-mysterious-commando-of-heavily-armed-foreigners-arrested-in-port-au-prince.html , worked for the Government, asserting that the Head of State has no connection with these individuals neither near nor far.



According to the version of the Presidential Adviser, these individuals would be a band of professional thieves of high level, came to rob the Central Bank of Haiti (BRH) . According to him, these individuals went Sunday to the BRH to try to have access to the basement where the vault is located under the pretext of verification of security. Their unregistered car aroused suspicion by Bank security officers who alerted the police. [note that the police speak of an arrest during a routine check and do not mention a call from the BRH signaling these individuals...]



In addition, Me Georges rejected opposition accusations that members of the executive tried to press for the release of these individuals, described by the opposition as "mercenaries" at the service of "a State murderer, terrorist and mafia" who would have come to Haiti, according to the opposition, to eliminate embarrassing political figures, including opposition leaders.



He confirms that one of the vehicles used by this commando belonged to the former Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister in charge of electoral matters Fritz Jean-Louis, stating "I suppose it is a vehicle stolen by these armed men on their arrival in the country."



However, this version of a gang of thieves who came to rob the Central Bank disagrees with that of Prime Minister Jean Henry Ceant who said in an interview with CNN journalist Miguel Marquez, about the armed individuals arrested in Port-au-Prince "These mercenaries were not coming to rob the BRH. BRH officials did not recognize them. They wanted to go up on the roof of the institution in order to dominate the Prime Minister's office and the Parliament as well." Words that imply that the Prime Minister and Parliament could have been the target of this commando...



For his part, the Port-au-Prince Government Commissioner, Paul Eronce Villard, the head of the prosecution in this case, during a press briefing on Tuesday, categorically denied the rumors and allegations of the opposition that they claim that he was under pressure from the Executive and Minister of Justice Jean Roody Aly, to release the men from this commando.



Commissioner Villard stated that he will act independently and impartially in this case and that he will conduct his investigation safely under the law. Stating that there is material to keep in custody these individuals but also to prosecution.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26972-haiti-flash-the-mystery-remains-around-the-mission-of-the-commando-of-foreigners-arrested-to-pap.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26963-haiti-flash-a-mysterious-commando-of-heavily-armed-foreigners-arrested-in-port-au-prince.html



SL/ HaitiLibre

















A mid-level restaurant, like Chilis, Red Robin or Panera.

Light industry to keep jobs in the area.

More retail so we don't have to go to Tucson.

Better and more mass transit options.

All of the above.

Vote

View ResultsJACKSON, Miss. -- African American families in Jackson, Hancock and Harrison Counties will benefit from a grant from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention centered on improving the health of their families.

The Mississippi Public Health Institute (MSPHI), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage in partnerships and activities that improve Mississippis health, was recently awarded a five-year, $3.4 million grant from the CDC.

The grant is one of only 31 awards from CDCs Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program and will support collaborative efforts to improve the health and well-being of African American families, mothers and babies in Jackson, Hancock, and Harrison Counties.

According to MSPHI CEO Roy Hart, this partnership is centered on focusing on the health of families across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and health care providers.

We believe this is a tremendous opportunity to make a positive long-term impact on the health of thousands of families on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and demonstrate the impact of building stronger relationships between public health organizations, health care providers, and community-based organizations, Hart said. Everything we learn over the next five years will benefit every Mississippi community, and we are excited about sharing the insights we gain and new information we learn that will ultimately help improve health across the state.

The collaborative project will focus on increasing community support for breastfeeding and educating the community on the health effects of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.

MSPHI has engaged several local and state partners to support these efforts, including the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Office of Women Infants and Children (WIC) and Office of Tobacco Control (OTC), Mississippi State University Social Science Research Center (SSRC), Coastal Family Health Center, Gulf Coast Healthy Communities Collaborative (GCHCC), Gulf Coast Breastfeeding Center, Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE), and several hospital primary care systems along the Gulf Coast.

Funding from the grant will support community-based activities that will directly involve coastal residents and connect African American mothers and families to resources that support and promote healthy lifestyles.

The projects multi-sector coalition of local community stakeholders will focus on advancing population health in the three counties, providing a full-time community resource coordinator at the Coastal Family Health Center. Furthermore, the coalition will link individuals with a range of services, including Baby Cafes and tobacco cessation resources.

As a safety net health care provider in a state challenged by many health disparities, Coastal Family Health Center is grateful to be a partner in this exciting initiative that focuses on the very core of where sustainable change occursthe family, specifically mothers and babies, said Angel Greer, Chief Executive Officer of Coastal Family Health Center. This initiative is a stepping stone for partners across our Gulf Coast to create a network to strengthen and empower families and improve our health outcomes."

The community-based coalition, coordinated by GCHCC, will be facilitated by a manager who will engage community members and stakeholders in program planning, implementation, and evaluation utilizing local data to ensure the project is responsive to the current and emerging needs of the community and African-American mothers, families, and babies.

The Gulf Coast Healthy Communities Collaborative exists to bring together partners across multiple sectors to catalyze data-driven action at the intersection of community development and health, said Tracy Wyman, healthy communities liaison for GCHCC. We look forward to supporting the work of the Healthy Families Mothers & Babies Initiative through the Community ExCHANGE online data platform and working together to connect organizations and programs for a healthier Mississippi Gulf Coast.The Xiaomi Mi 9 just went official with the companys first triple camera and the fastest wireless charging of any phone yet.

The star of the camera is the 48MP module, a Sony IMX586 with a Quad Bayer filter. Its a large 1/2 sensor with 0.8m pixels, which can be combined into 1.6m Super pixels. Note that the Redmi Note 7 from the sub-brand uses the Samsung 48MP sensor instead.

Anyway, the Mi 9 also offers a 16MP ultra-wide camera with 117 field of view. It has 1.0m pixels and an f/2.2 lens with autofocus, which allows it to shoot macros from 4cm distance. The Mi 8 lacked an ultra-wide cam. It did have a 12MP 2x telephoto camera, but the Mi 9 trumps it with a brighter aperture (f/2.2).

The screen grew up to 6.39-inches but is still a Super AMOLED panel with 1080p+ resolution. Xiaomi claims 90.7% screen-to-body ratio, in part thanks to the smaller waterdrop notch. The screens High brightness mode can reach 600nits. Alternatively, Dark Mode can be used to reduce power usage by up to 83%. The Always-On Display now supports colorful patterns to spruce up the look of the phone.



The Mi 9 has a larger, higher resolution sensor compared to the Mi 9  Faster chipset too

The smaller notch required modifications to the 20MP selfie camera (f/2.0, 0.9m). In some regions, there will be AI-powered face unlock. AI is also used to reduce the distortion in the ultra-wide camera and will prompt you to switch between cameras when it thinks you can get a better shot.

The other biometric unlock option is the in-display fingerprint reader. It can be used with Google Pay thanks to the NFC connectivity. Theres also a dual-frequency GPS and an IR blaster.

Back to the screen for a moment, its guarded by Gorilla Glass 6. The back gets Gorilla Glass 5 and the triple camera has even more protection with a sapphire glass lens cover. If theres one sort of protection the Mi 9 lacks, it is water resistance.

The Xiaomi Mi 9 brings a major improvement in fast charging. The company calls it Charge Turbo and it can deliver up to 27W over USB-C. However, the standard retail package comes with an 18W charger instead (matching the Mi 8).

Theres a fast wireless charger  up to 20W, the fastest weve seen yet  which comes bundled with a 27W wired charger. A 20W wireless car charger will also be available. Charge Turbo has been certified by TUV, by the way, so it matches the Huawei's solutions in terms of safety. With all this, the battery capacity is essentially the same, 3,300mAh (thats 100mAh down compared to the Mi 8).

Xiaomi picked the Snapdragon 855 chipset to power the Mi 9, no surprise here. Its paired with 6GB of RAM and you can choose between 64GB and 128GB of storage. Game Turbo mode will tune the CPU and GPU to deliver a smoother gaming experience.

There will be a transparent version (you see decals rather than the real components). This model will pack 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage. This one will be available only in China at first. Also only in China, the phones will use Xiao AI instead of the Google Assistant.

The standard Xiaomi Mi 9 will be available in Lavender Violet, Ocean Blue and Piano Black. The pricing for the 6/128 GB variant is CNY2,999, which is about $455/395. The 8/128 GB option is CNY3,299 ($490/430), while the Transparent option with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage will cost CNY3,999 ($595/525).The Chinese manufacturer vivo announced a sub-brand named iQOO earlier this month. The company hasnt revealed any phone until today but finally posted a teaser on Weibo, announcing March 1 as the launch date. We will see the Monster Inside at an event, taking place in the city of Shenzhen, China.



The official vivo iQOO teaser

The vivo iQOO phone will be the most powerful ever if we can trust the image. We already know it will have 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage and 44W fast-charging, allegedly named vivo FlashCharge, making it the second fastest standard after the 50W SuperVOOC. Since an UD fingerprint scanner was also teased, the front is likely to have an AMOLED screen.

The vivo FlashCharge in action

Previous rumors suggested the vivo iQOO will be a foldable phone, but with every single day, we are leaning to our initial guess that this will actually be a gaming handset with a massive 4,000 mAh battery and three cameras on the back.

Source (in Chinese) | Via 1  Via 2 (in Chinese)Today Samsung made the jump to 5G and foldable, phones, showed its latest Galaxy S flagship line which consists of 4 phones, but it also took the time to refresh its wearable ecosystem with a smartwatch, two smart bands and new truly wireless ear buds.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active breaks away from the familiar design  theres no rotating bezel! However, the watch walks the fine line between stylish and sporty and is quite thin, just 10.5mm (the Galaxy Watch is 12.7mm). The whole watch is rather petite with a 40mm diameter.



Samsung Galaxy Watch Active

The hottest new feature is Blood Pressure Monitoring, the watch also supports the usual heart rate monitoring and aims to track your stress level. It can automatically track 39 activities with the help of GPS/GLONASS, accelerometer, gyroscope and barometer.

The Galaxy Watch Active is waterproof up to 5ATM, so you can hop in the shower and even jump in the pool. You can customize its look with 20mm interchangeable bands.

The watch features a 1.1 AMOLED display (360 x 360px) with Gorilla Glass 3 on top. The software is Tizen OS 4.0 running on an Exynos 9110 chipset with 768MB of RAM and 4GB of built-in storage.

The watch has a 230mAh battery that can be charged wirelessly from a Galaxy S10 (or any other Qi-based charger).



Galaxy Watch Active color options

The Galaxy Watch Active costs $200/250.

Samsung Galaxy Fit and Fit e

Surprisingly enough, the Galaxy Fit and Fit e smart bands can track even more activities than the watch  90  covering everything from rowing to an elliptical trainer. Both are water resistant up to 5ATM and super lightweight (the Fit is 24g, the Fit e is just 15g).

Both have heart rate monitors and will track your sleep and stress levels. They dont run Tizen like the Watch, but you can still get alarms, calendar events and weather info from your phone.

The main difference between the two is the screen. The Galaxy Fit has a 0.95 color AMOLED with 120 x 240px resolution (282ppi). The Fit e settles for a smaller 0.74 black and white PMOLED with 64 x 128px resolution (193ppi).

The Galaxy Fit e starts at $100/100.

Samsung Galaxy Buds

AKG tuned the Galaxy Buds for a premium sound, but they goes beyond music. The Adaptive Dual Microphones system places one mic on the outside and one on the inside, so your voice will be loud and clear in every environment.



Samsung Galaxy Buds

Speaking of, Enhanced Ambient Sound that keeps you alert and aware of your surroundings by mixing in ambient sound.

The Galaxy Buds by themselves can play music for 6 hours or handle voice calls for 5 hours. The carrying case adds up to 7 more hours. If the Buds battery goes flat, putting them in the case for 15 minutes pumps in 1 hour and 40 minutes worth of charge. Of course, you can charge the case using the Wireless PowerShare feature of the Galaxy S10 phones.

The Galaxy Buds integrate with your phones smart assistant, including Bixby if you have a Galaxy. You can make a call or send a text, all without touching your phone.

The price of the Buds is $130/150.Back in December, Lenovo introduced the Z5 Pro GT as the first smartphone with Snapdragon 855 in the world, but with the company only catering to the Chinese market it's not a popular phone globally. Two months later the company is apparently ready for a new launch, this time of the Lenovo Z6 Pro. The new handset will arrive at MWC 2019, according to the company Vice President.



The invitation from the Lenovo VP

The image does not reveal much, but the circles suggest a circular coil for wireless charging. There are also the MWC dates between February 25 and February 28, meaning the phone will be at the booth, but it's unclear if there will be a launch event for it earlier.

The Lenovo Z5 Pro was introduced with a slider mechanism back in November and we are curious to see if the Z6 Pro will follow suit or the Chinese company has something else in mind. It could also be a global iteration of the Z5 Pro GT with Snapdragon 855 and hopefully the X50 modem by Qualcomm, enabling 5G connectivity.

Source (in Chinese) | ViaConnecticut can only realize its full economic potential when we upgrade our infrastructure to 21st century standards using 21st century financing. Fast, reliable trains and highways are essential to a thriving economy and Connecticut is crippled by having neither. As Gov. Ned Lamont and his economic chiefs court Amazon and other companies, the rest of us should be asking: what are we doing to help? While both parties claim to be pro-business the truth is more complex. Slow trains and congested highways are costing us billions. So instead of reducing this situation to a simplistic yes/no on tolls, we should ask the bigger question: what are we doing to bring businesses to Connecticut? Giving away corporate tax breaks is not the answer. Cutting back existing transportation projects is not the answer. Tackling our infrastructure crisis with a clear and bold plan is the answer. And if we have the courage to embrace proven methods of financing and fixing our infrastructure, Connecticut will become the premier destination for world-class companies it should be.

Businesses rely on transportation infrastructure to move their goods, services and employees expeditiously. Connecticuts infrastructure is among the worst in the nation (ninth worst according to U.S. News & World Report). And we have the third-highest rate of truck congestion according to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). So its no surprise that companies are reluctant to locate here.At first glance, "Trotsky" is not so different from Netflix's other foreign acquisitions. This eight-part miniseries, which originally aired on Russia's leading state-run television channel on the centenary of the Bolshevik Revolution, stars a male anti-hero - Marxist Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky - and features plenty of violence, raunchy sex, special effects and action.

But a closer look at the show's production and content suggests that it's something more than the latest binge-watch. Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election have dominated headlines, but the country's soft-power efforts were underway long before that. "Trotsky" is the latest effort by Russian state-run media to sell its worldview abroad. In building its massive streaming platform, outlets such as Netflix should be explicit about the source of its content to viewers, rather than passing it off as just the latest television series.

Syndicating a miniseries is hardly Russia's first, or most ambitious, attempt to sell its worldview in the West. The English-language news channel RT, which aims to compete with CNN and the BBC, is so closely tied to the Russian state that it had to register as a foreign agent under U.S. lobbying laws. Multiple investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections have revealed how the Internet Research Agency of St. Petersburg blasted out crude memes on social media channels about American politics, making democracy look messy, divisive and ultimately not worth the trouble.

By contrast, "Trotsky" is much less outwardly propagandistic than these efforts - and much more appealing to a general audience. That doesn't mean the program lacks an agenda. One of the show's producers is Konstantin Ernst, the head of Channel One, Russia's leading state-run channel, which regularly runs flattering coverage of President Vladimir Putin. And "Trotsky" is an attempt to advance Russia's opposition to any effort to challenge existing regimes and the country's criticism of Western decadence. The series sent that message first to Russians at home. Now it's being delivered to foreign Netflix viewers.

Trotsky, the Russian revolutionary who was a leader during the Bolshevik Revolution but later fell out with Joseph Stalin only to be assassinated by a Soviet agent in Mexico in 1940, is a perfect vehicle for this vision. The show depicts him as daring, literate and foreign, reading Freud in Paris and going to a cocaine-fueled soiree, but ultimately violent and destructive. Ernst even promoted the show to potential buyers, including Netflix, in Cannes in October 2017 by jokingly comparing Trotsky's sexual exploits to Harvey Weinstein's misconduct.

Trotsky, whose Jewish heritage the show refers to over and over, is not an ethnic Russian like Vladimir Lenin. The message is clear: Revolutionaries may be fun, but watch out - they might destroy everything.

The show, at times, seems to be speaking in the Kremlin's language of contemporary events. In one scene on the day after the October Revolution overthrowing the provisional government, Lenin angrily confronts Trotsky, diminishing his actions of the previous day as a "coup" and rejecting Trotsky's contention that what he did was actually a revolution. This dialogue seems to echo events in Ukraine in 2014, with Russian state media calling the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych a "coup" and not a revolution. The dialogue is also one of the several instances in which the show distances Lenin, who actually led the Soviet Union that ultimately became a superpower, from Trotsky, who did not become its leader and was later forced into exile by Stalin.

Moreover, in keeping with the contemporary Kremlin theme that revolution is a Western plot, the show includes scenes featuring a prominent Marxist known as Alexander Parvus. Parvus takes an envelope of cash from a person who appears to be a German agent and speaks with the agent about how to promote Trotsky within the Bolshevik party. The show's writers apparently felt the need to include these scenes to hammer home the idea that revolutionaries consort with Western governments and take their money.

It makes sense why Netflix wanted to run "Trotsky." The show cleaned up at the Russian equivalent of the Emmys, winning awards including best series, and is a slickly produced historical drama. And it makes even more sense why Ernst, who has been instrumental in shaping the image of Putin's Russia, would want the show to run on Netflix: The service is effectively laundering the show's provenance and ideas. Channel One may have a large domestic platform in Russia, but Netflix has a large global platform with 139 million subscribers in more than 190 countries. Western viewers watching the show on Netflix, unless they read Cyrillic or are otherwise familiar with the show, would not be aware that the show is a presentation by Channel One simply by watching it.

Yet "Trotsky" unmistakably aligns with the Kremlin worldview. The show is taking contemporary Russia's anti-revolutionary ideology global. RT is not CNN. The 2016 Facebook memes from the Internet Research Agency were not ordinary social media content. "Trotsky" is not merely another Netflix show. Audiences should know what they're watching. And Netflix should think carefully about whether it wants to be in business, however indirectly, with Russia's propaganda channels.Let it not be said that President Donald Trump failed to create work for lawyers. A suit challenging his emergency declaration has been brought by 16 states, and another was brought by Public Citizen on behalf of the Texas-based Frontera Audubon Society and three landowners. A third was filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife and Animal Legal Defense Fund, and a fourth filed by Protect Democracy and the Niskanen Center on behalf of El Paso County and the Border Network for Human Rights. The American Civil Liberties Union filed its own lawsuit on Tuesday on behalf of the Southern Border Communities Coalition and the Sierra Club.

The ACLU, like other litigants, alleges that the declaration is a charade and, in any event, the statute under which Trump claims authority to move money is inapplicable:

"On its face, the declaration does not meet the requirements of the statutory authorization that the President invokes, 10 U.S.C. Section 2808. That law, duly enacted by Congress, provides that the President may declare an emergency to deploy military construction funds "that are necessary to support such [emergency] use of the armed forces." The declaration does not set forth any actual emergency, any use of the armed forces required to address such an emergency, or how a diversion of military construction funds is necessary to support the use of the armed forces of the United States. The President has also instructed his subordinates to divert additional sources of Departments of Defense and Treasury funds that Congress restricted for other purposes,in an effort to secure the appropriations that Congress denied him for the border wall."

Let a thousand lawsuits bloom! They serve as both a means of educating the public and of engaging the judicial branch in the task of constraining an out-of-control executive. The lawsuits should not, however, serve as the be-all and end-all of opposition to Trump's declaration.

Congress has a legislative role in bringing forth a joint resolution. That is not a legal evaluation of the constitutionality of Trump's move, although many members could conclude that Trump violated the Constitution. That determination is the job of the courts. Rather, Congress has a separate, political decision, the opportunity to conclude that this move is unwise, sets a bad precedent, deprives the troops and states (where construction projects are underway) of funds, and is based on a bald-faced lie that an emergency exists at all. Congress by resolution can also decide to stop another egregious misuse of the military, the politicization of troops to operate on American soil for partisan purposes.

Congress also has the powers of oversight and impeachment that could come into play. However, even Congress' important role and the issues it could address should not obscure a larger point: Trump's lying to the American people about a nonexistent emergency (which he acknowledged as much in his remarks!) and willingness to wreck our constitutional system to cover up a humiliating political loss should in and of itself be grounds for denying him a second term.

The declaration is not the only lie, nor the only abuse of power Trump has perpetrated. Nevertheless, it is among the most serious. What justification can there possibly be for Republicans to renominate him? They can get conservative judges from another GOP nominee. They can get deregulation or whatever else they want from any one of dozens of governors or senators who can run.

The vote for a resolution to disable the declaration amounts to dousing the flames. By contrast, renominating the president who set fire to the Constitution would make the GOP the party of constitutional arsonists. Republicans collectively would be saying that it's important to us, more important than truth and fidelity to the Constitution, to have Trump for another term. Indeed, it would be an affirmative statement that the GOP prefers a liar and constitutional anarchist to every other potential candidate.

I would encourage Democrats to make the case that Trump has now disqualified himself from serving another term (whatever we find in the special counsel's report). However, it is Republicans who need to decide whether the leader of their party should be the guy who paid hush money to women, lied to the voters about his business dealings with Russia, hired a bunch of Russian flunkies for his campaign and administration, continued to take foreign monies and use his office to enrich himself, and hired arguably the most incompetent and ethically challenged Cabinet in history.

On this they don't get to say, "Well, the alternative is Hillary Clinton" or "If not Trump, we'll get a socialist." No. This is about their own nomination, not what happens in the general race, And in that regard, they cannot even make the expediency claim that Trump will be the best defense against a socialist. (Trump trails a whole slew of candidates.)

In sum, beyond the courts and beyond the resolution, the GOP has to decide if it wants a liar and power abuser, if Trump is the best representative of the party. Candidly, I'm beginning to think he is exactly what the GOP wants and perfectly embodies a nativist, authoritarian party that has come to resemble the right-wing governments popping up in places such as Hungary and Poland. I would, however, be ecstatic to be proved wrong.President Donald Trump's administration is slated to make a global push for countries to stop criminalizing homosexuality.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Trump administration is launching a "new push with our European allies to end this human rights outrage." The move seeks to end dozens of countries' laws that make being gay illegal, NBC News reported.

Leading the effort is the U.S. ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, an openly gay conservative.

Grenell previously wrote to the German news outlet Bild that Iran's hanging of a 31-year-old man for violating the country's homosexuality laws should "be a wake-up call."

"In Iran, where children as young as nine can be sentenced to death, gay teenagers are (publicly) hanged in order to terrify and intimidate others from coming out," Grenell said in the commentary.

"Being gay is a death sentence in eight countries and criminalized in 70 more," he added. "LGBT status or conduct means arrest, imprisonment, and violence for people who are simply dating or falling in love."Safe consumption spaces allow medical professionals to step in and intervene when an apparent overdose is taking place, for instance by administering the overdose reversing drug Narcan. They can take care of medical issues, such as infections. And just as important, doctors, nurses and counselors can connect users to social services, mental health counseling, housing support and other services that might help addicts get their lives together and eventually off of drugs. Now, doctors dont have a way to reach drug users unless they come for an appointment. This is not a population that frequently makes it to the doctor.President Vladimir Putin says Russia will target new weapons at the United States should it deploy new intermediate-range missiles in Europe following Washington's withdrawal from a key arms control pact.

Putin, speaking in Wednesday's state-of-the-nation address, rejected the U.S. claim that its withdrawal from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty was prompted by Russian violations of the pact. He charged that the U.S. made false accusations against Russia to justify its decision to opt out of the pact.GREENWICH  U.S. Rep. Jim Himes is making the most of his time during a Congressional recess by meeting with constituents of all ages in Greenwich.

On Wednesday, Himes spoke before the Retired Mens Association of Greenwich and then went to Western Middle School to address an assembly of seventh-graders and visit the Spanish classes.

Himes, a Democrat from Greenwich, offered his most extensive comments at the RMA to a packed crowd, which included his father. Much of his talk focused on the state of the country under President Donald Trump.

A member of the Houses Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, he discussed the ongoing investigations into Trump, particularly by special counsel Robert Mueller. Himes said he did not have any insight into Muellers work, but said he did not expect a Hollywood blockbuster ending.

There are critics of the president that hope it does end up showing that there was some secret deal with the passage of a bag of money in exchange for some videotape or something, he said. It doesnt end that way. I dont actually think the Trump administration has the people or capability to pull off a conspiracy like that, and I know the Russians dont operate that way. Russians are too smart to do something so obvious.

Himes said he agrees with the intelligence community, which believes the Russians interfered by creating chaos and a sense in the American public that the system is rigged. When the Russians decided Trump could actually win, they changed strategies to hurt the Hillary Clinton campaign directly, he said.

However, Himes stressed that it was not clear that there was a conspiracy. But it is bizarre and bad for Trump to bad-mouth the investigations, he said. If Trump believes he is innocent, he should encourage it, Himes said.

When it comes to Congress, Himes touched on areas that need progress, particularly the nations infrastructure, which Trump campaigned for in 2016. Fly into LaGuardia, like Himes did recently, spend time on Interstate 95 or travel Metro-North to see how urgent the needs are, he said.

This is something the Democrats who now control the House of Representatives completely agree with the president on, Himes said. We must make that investment. While there are people in my party who say, Dont work with this president on anything, I reject that. I am employed to try and improve the lives of the people in my district. If the president gets serious about that, I will go to the White House and, to a guy I dont want to spend time with, I will say, Mr. President, we are here to say yes.

Admitting it might surprise some, Himes said he would give Trump at least mixed praise when it comes to foreign policy, pointing to the progress made with North Korea. But he also called the way Trump expresses policy bizarre.

He has some instincts I think are good, but he expresses those instincts in a destructive way, Himes said. I dont think hes wrong about his approach to Afghanistan and Syria. In Afghanistan, we are spending $60 billion a year. Its a war that has been going for 18 years and it is an uglier situation today than it was five years ago, 10 years ago and 15 years ago.

To put that into context for you, if we chose to provide essentially free education to every American who needed it, that would be about $60 billion a year, he said.

But Trump expresses his skepticism about military engagements in a bad way, Himes said, like when he announced a withdrawal from Syria without first informing the Department of Defense. Himes said that sent a signal to the Kurds, who have been Americas allies there, that the country was leaving them behind.

When it came to NATO, Himes said Trump was not wrong to tell the other countries to abide by their obligations to fund defense. But it was catastrophic in the way he expresses that, Himes said.

NATO should never worry the United States, which was the reason for the founding of NATO, is somehow going to turn on its NATO allies, he said.

Himes strongly criticized the Trump administrations withdrawal from the nuclear deal formed with Iran under President Barack Obama. It was a tragic mistake, said Himes, who believes the president is surrounded by people who want a war there.

Afterward, he headed over to Western Middle School, where he spoke at a half-hour-long assembly and took questions from students. He urged the kids to reach out to him on social media or visit his office in Stamford. The students asked about the Second Amendment, equal pay for women, immigration and climate change.

Climate change is such a big problem that government needs to do more on, Himes told the students. We need to encourage a faster change away from electricity that is made by burning coal in favor of making electricity in ways that dont burn coal. Were not doing enough.

And this is one issue where you guys, when youre my age, are going to be dealing with our failure to address this problem if we dont get our act together pretty quick, he said.

The topic also came up at the RMA, where Himes was asked for his thoughts about the Green New Deal, which has been championed by U.S. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez of New York and other progressives.

We should mobilize in a very substantial way around climate change. It doesnt mean that were going to stop cars or make cows go away, Himes said. It means were going to do a fully refundable carbon tax or cap and trade. We should do those things.

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Himes will continue to meet with constituents as he speaks before Indivisible Greenwich and Indivisible Stamford at Eastern Middle School. The public is invited to attend.

The Himes address before the RMA was recorded and will be posted at www.greenwichrma.org.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.comGREENWICH  The staff at New Lebanon School greeted students with sunny smiles despite the bitter cold and the threat of snow Wednesday morning. But one greeter saw faces she often does not see in the morning.

Paraprofessional Bernadette Christie knows every child by name, but only gets to say Good morning to the first- through fifth-graders, because the kindergartners have been going to class off-site to lessen the over-crowded conditions in their old building.

But that all changed Wednesday as all of the schools students headed for class in their new home, located right next door to their old one.

Im happy the kindergarten gets to join us, Christie said. It was tough. We dont get to know the kindergartners the same way we get to know the others.

The students saw the inside of their new building for the first time Wednesday morning, inaugurating the day with pom-poms, school cheers and a dance party in the cafeteria, where they all gathered and sat on the floor to open the school day.

Theresa Knuth, the student body president, celebrated the unity that the new building will bring.

For years, all of us had to persevere with no space and no room, but we did it, she said. Now in this new building, we can finally bring in pre-k and kindergarten students..  Now, we can be a big and amazing IB community together.

She turned to her principal, Barbara Riccio  who parents describe as the face of the school and the building project  and who will be retiring this June.

Mrs. Riccio, your presence will be felt. Your legacy will live on. Thank you, Mrs. Riccio, she said.

Her vice-president Tristan Bates shared his experience coming to New Lebanon two years ago.

When I came to New Lebanon, I felt nervous and I missed my school in Harrison, he said. My brothers were my only friends; but in no time, I felt at home. Im proud and excited for this new adventure, Im grateful for our principal Mrs. Riccios persistence. Thank you for making this dream a reality.

Other students peppered their principal with practical questions: Where is my room? But how do we know where our rooms are? Where are the bathrooms? Where are the tables?

New Lebanon, an elementary International Baccalaureate magnet school for students from preschool to fifth grade, was built to accommodate a population in the school attendance area that had outgrown the walls of the old school. The additional space also provides for preschool classes and magnet seats, two components of the district racial balance plan.

For years, the state Department of Education has cited the school for the racial imbalance in the student body, with a population of minority students that far exceeds the population of white students.

The next generation school, equipped with flexible furniture and state-of-the-art technology, allows students to learn in many kinds of environments. The building is designed to meet the sustainability goals established by the Educational Specifications and to achieve a gold-level LEED rating from U.S. Green Building Council.

The building is open, but the checklist is far from completed. The temporary certificate of occupancy was issued Tuesday for the new school.

Building committee chair Stephen Walko said he hopes to get the temporary certificate of occupancy for the gym by the end of the day Wednesday. There is plenty of work to finish up at the site, too, which will be done throughout the spring. Also, the old school will be razed, and the parking, playground and playing field need to be developed in its place.

It was a lot of hard work, but we maintained that it would be on time and under budget, and there is nothing to suggest that will change, Walko said.

The school is on track to receive $24 million from the state of Connecticut and $13 million from the town to cover construction costs, he said.

Mike Bocchino  himself a graduate of New Lebanon and a past co-president of the PTA  fought for funding for the new school in Hartford when he served as a state representative for the district.

When we were up in Hartford, we had some people tell us they were never going to allow this school to come to fruition, and because of you guys  and because I had a fantastic team behind, we were able to overcome all the odds to make sure we got the money to be able to build this brand-new, beautiful building for you guys, Bocchino told students.

This is family, this is community, so for you guys, we say, Welcome home, he said.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in December 2017, and the project stayed on schedule with a topping-off ceremony last June and major construction completed at the end of 2018.

As a first-year teacher, Carol Sutton remembers teaching Bocchino. Now the president of the Greenwich Education Association, she represents a new generation of teachers.

The whole community has been waiting for this for a long time, especially teachers, she said. During the waiting period, they approached each day with optimism and did their best. Now that theyre in a new building, theres no place this community cannot go.

Peter Blechner, the father of a kindergartner named Berty, is also a New Lebanon alumnus. He was glad that his daughter, who drew many pictures of her new building, got to experience the gym he played in and the cafeteria he ate in before she moved.

Next year, he will have a preschooler, kindergartner and first-grader in the building.

Im really happy now that all my kids can come here, he said.

jo.kroeker@hearstmediact.comGREENWICH  The attempt to renew an existing property tax credit for low-income Greenwich seniors encountered another delay Tuesday night as the Board of Estimate and Taxation postponed its vote on the issue.

Citing confusion about the legal language in the ordinance, the BET put off the vote. The BETs Law Committee is expected to meet Thursday morning to work on the language and submit a new draft to the full BET, which will likely bring it up for a vote at its special meeting Feb. 26.

It seems we would all benefit from another read of this ordinance, BET Chair Jill Oberlander said.

But there is a deadline looming: The existing tax credit expires June 30. The town Commission on Aging wants the renewal approved and in place before then.

The Representative Town Meeting must approve the ordinance, too. The commission hopes to get the item on the RTMs call for the March or April meeting. The RTMs meeting in May is entirely about the municipal budget and no other matters are considered.

If we get to the April meeting and there has to be more debate, we will still have another month to finalize it, whereas if were June and theres debate this will expire, Kip Burgweger, a member of the Commission on Aging and the RTM, told the BET on Tuesday.

BET members said they were aware of the time issue, and all indicated they were willing to support the renewal. But members said they wanted the language to be as clear as possible on how and when the tax credit is applied.

This is a very, very serious matter before the BET, board member Tony Turner said. We have 11,000 people in town living at or below the poverty line. And given the difficulty we are having with this, we should give the appropriate people ample time to get the correct version and wording in front of us.

The latest delay came after months of work to get the tax credits renewal through the Board of Selectmen. The selectmen had also pushed back a vote several times in an effort to adjust the language to make more residents eligible for the credit. But ultimately it moved forward to the BET with the possibility of the selectmen revisiting the issue later.

After Tuesdays meeting, Lori Contadino, director of the Commission in Aging, indicated she was not frustrated with the waiting and wanted to make sure everything was done correctly.

We just want the absolute best ordinance going forward, Contadino said. If that takes another week so everything can be fine-tuned, then absolutely we will take that week.

Under the proposed ordinance, the tax credit would cover Greenwich seniors as well as people who are permanently disabled, which the selectmen wanted. Residents who qualify would be eligible for a property tax credit if they earn less than $24,000 in household income per year. There is a sliding scale up of eligibility, with the highest category for residents who earn between $50,001 and $66,000.

The goal is to make it possible for Greenwich residents on limited incomes to afford to stay in their homes, according to the Commission on Aging.

The focus of Tuesdays meeting was on the delay. There was no discussion of the remaining question over the length of the renewal. The Commission on Aging has recommended 10 years, but the BETs Budget Committee has recommended reducing that to five years to allow for continued evaluation of the credit.

The Budget Committee had earlier added language, changing the eligibility for those with one year of residency in Greenwich to five years of residency.

Contadino said last week the commission had no problem with the change and said most resident who apply for the credit have lived in town for more than five years.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.comGreenwich police have a new post up warning people about phone scams  this one from bogus utility companies.

The warning, posted on Facebook this morning, reads: Its an old scheme. Someone calls and pretends to be from your local utility. You are informed you are behind on your bill and if you dont pay immediately, service will be cut off. If you fall for the ruse you immediately pull out your credit card and give them the billing information. Worse still, you might give them a way to access your bank account.

Utilities companies, police remind residents, do not usually call someone who is overdue in payment.

Someone who demands immediate payment over the phone is probably scamming you, they warn.

Scams like the one described above are very common. Police departments in the region frequently release reports of complaints about scammers.

Last week, one emerged out of Stamford. A North Stamford grandfather was out $7,000 after being taken in by the Grandfather Scam.

Stamford Sgt. Robert Shawinsky said the grandparent filed a compliant with police Feb. 13 after a he was called earlier in the week by a man purporting to be a Florida attorney named John Rodriguez. The attorney told the city man that his grandson had just hit a pedestrian while driving drunk in Florida. He said he needed $15,0000 to keep the mans grandson out of jail. The Stamford man told police that he began negotiating with the attorney and was able to get the price down to $7,000. He then wired the money to an account and thought the episode was behind him.

But the man could not reach the attorney after wiring the money and became suspicious. Shawinsky said the man called his son, who told him that his grandson was not in Florida and was not involved in an accident.

Earlier in the month, two Bronx men were arrested in Stamford as part of a similar scam. They allegedly tried to swindle a Virginia grandparent out of thousands of dollars.

Police said they had contacted a Fraquier County, Virginia man and claimed that mans grandson was in jail and needed $7,500. The Virginia man sent the money but was told $15,000 more was needed to get the grandson out of jail.

The man was told to send the money to an address on Avery Street in Stamford. Stamford police were told about the scam and picked up the two men - Eduardo Santos-Cruz, 25, and Hector Rivera, 24 - while they allegedly were waiting for what they thought was an envelope full of cash. Police charged them with conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny.GREENWICH  Greenwich Public Elementary Schools will welcome and register incoming kindergarten children and their parents Thursday with a kindergarten orientation program at each of the schools.

The snow date is Friday.

Parents should also make an appointment for kindergarten registration in March, depending on school-specific dates. That day is to verify residency and register incoming kindergartners.

On May 16, incoming kindergartners are also invited to experience classrooms in their school on the visitation day.

Families who have registered or are known to have incoming kindergarten students will receive invitations for visitation day by mail. Parents and guardians who have a child entering kindergarten this fall who do not receive a letter from the school in their attendance area should contact that school office for information.

Children who turn 5 years old on or before Jan. 1, 2020, are eligible for kindergarten in the 2019-20 school year.

Dismissal and buses for this years kindergarten classes will be at noon on May 16.

Connecticut State Law and Greenwich Board of Education Policy require students in Greenwich Public Schools to verify their residency in Greenwich. Families may verify residency at the registration appointment, however, residency must be verified before registration can be completed.

The documents required to verify residency with instructions for all types of residency are available on the Greenwich Public Schools website at greenwichschools.org/residency.

For more information on the registration process, visit the Greenwich Public Schools website.

jo.kroeker@hearstmediact.comAt this point, we should not have to point out how President Trumps single-minded pursuit of a border wall and his disdain for the Constitution are not only a matter of personal and political interests overcoming reason and the rule of law, but clearly unsupported by facts. No, the nation isnt facing a crisis at the border, as illegal crossings and apprehensions are down around 1970s levels and far below those of 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. And no, a wall isnt effective at screening out illegal drugs or criminal gang members. This is not an entryway for terrorism. And, if theres a crisis at all, its the Trump administrations failure to deal humanely with asylum seekers including families with young children who are neither criminal gang members nor even illegal. Thats why Mr. Frosh isnt alone among Marylands leaders in saying the declaration needs to be challenged; Gov. Larry Hogan does too.Support local journalism

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Seventeen years after the Short family was murdered, their house has burned to the ground.

The former home of Michael, Mary and Jennifer Short, at 10820 Virginia Ave. in Oak Level, was destroyed by fire Wednesday morning. The roof no longer stands; interior walls are largely gone; and the front of the house is leaning forward at an angle.

Michael and Mary Short were found in their home on Aug. 15, 2002, each with a single gunshot wound to the head. The remains of their 9-year-old daughter, Jennifer, were found Sept. 25 in a ditch near Madison, N.C., also with a gunshot wound to the head. No arrests have been made in the case.

Ron Morris, the news director for radio station WZBB-FM watched the fire from the radio station, which is across the highway from the house.

It was on fire when he got to work around 5:15 a.m., he said, adding, Its totally gutted.

There was so much smoke that it also had an effect on the traffic that was coming both ways, he said. The northbound lane of the highway was closed for several hours.

Morris said he wasnt sure if anyone had been living in the house, but three or four weeks ago he had seen several places on the property where someone had set fires burning, trash and things.However, a close friend of the Rose family said Monday that the Rose siblings were not arguing, but simply waiting in the vehicle while their female driver popped in to visit her friend at the motel.

The family friend said the SUV driver had no connection to Blanks and that Rose and McKinney had never seen or heard of Blanks before he allegedly shot them.

They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, the friend said.

Chavis said his pit bull alerted him to conflict, and he saw a gunman pull out a pistol and fire at least 16 shots into the SUV.

Describing the shooter as about 40 years old, Chavis said the assailant reloaded his gun with a clip after exhausting his first round of ammunition. He was stone cold ... killer face like he did not care, he said.

After the gunman sped away, Chavis rushed out to the victims and found McKinney unresponsive and bleeding in the front passengers seat, he said.

Rose, who appeared deceased, was in the back seat, said Chavis, who gave a formal statement to Eden police.Greear presented a list of recommendations to a meeting of Southern Baptist leaders in Nashville, Tenn. They include a call for Baptists to repent for the inaction and to address the problem of abuse seriously at their annual meeting in June.

Among proposed changes are providing free training for ministry leaders, to re-examine the process of ordaining ministers and to consider removing churches that dont take steps against abuse from the convention.

Southern Baptists face a different challenge in dealing with the sexual abuse problem than Catholics and many other denominations. Each church is autonomous. Churches make their own decisions about ordaining ministers and hiring clergy.

Now some prominent Baptists are suggesting that some of that should change. Maybe, for example, there should be background checks for ministers and a database of people who have worked in churches who have been credibly accused of offenses. Greear raised the possibility that churches that dont take abuse seriously might be expelled from the Convention. Other leaders have suggested that any church that wont participate in reasonable policies to prevent abuse shouldnt be a member.Both plans fail to articulate a long-term plan for addressing our needs.

They would give the state an even larger role in financing school facilities. For decades, school facilities had been the statutory responsibility of localities. Further centralizing control of the distribution of capital funds at the state level would subject distribution to the whims of politicians and special interest groups.

Moreover, our state needs to think about ways to renovate and build schools in response to enrollment and demographic changes. Enrollment is dropping in most school districts, so any infusion of funds must require districts to streamline operations through school mergers and closures. On the other hand, charter school enrollment is booming. It may be time to consider including charters, which currently do not receive capital funding from counties or the state, in the conversation.

Finally, North Carolina school districts will not address school facility needs unless they work closely with the private sector to explore new ways of financing and building schools.

Given the tremendous demands on limited state and local taxpayer dollars, school districts may need to make public-private partnerships the rule, rather than the exception.Time was, socialism meant thorough collectivism: state ownership of the means of production (including arable land), distribution and exchange. When this did not go swimmingly where it was first tried, Lenin said (in 1922) that socialism meant government ownership of the economys commanding heights  big entities. After many subsequent dilutions, todays watery conceptions of socialism amount to this: almost everyone will be nice to almost everyone, using money taken from a few. This means having government distribute, according to its conception of equity, the wealth produced by capitalism. This conception is shaped by muscular factions: the elderly, government employees unions, the steel industry, the sugar growers, and so on and on and on. Some wealth is distributed to the poor; most goes to the neglected middle class. Some neglect: The political class talks of little else.A U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant and self-identified white nationalist has been arrested after federal investigators uncovered a cache of weapons and ammunition in his Maryland home that authorities say he stockpiled to launch a widespread domestic terrorist attack targeting politicians and journalists.

Christopher Paul Hasson called for "focused violence" to "establish a white homeland" and dreamed of ways to "kill almost every last person on earth," according to court records filed in U.S. District Court in Maryland. Though court documents do not detail a specific planned date for an attack, the government said he had been amassing supplies and weapons since 2017 at the latest, developed a spreadsheet of targets that included House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and searched the internet using phrases such as "best place in dc to see congress people" and "are supreme court justices protected."

"The defendant intends to murder innocent civilians on a scale rarely seen in this country," the government said in court documents filed this week, arguing that Hasson should stay in jail awaiting trial.

Hasson, of Silver Spring, is expected to appear before a judge for a detention hearing in federal court in Greenbelt on Thursday.

Hasson was arrested on illegal weapons and drug charges on Friday, but the government says those charges are the "proverbial tip of the iceberg." Officials with the U.S. attorney's office in Maryland outlined in court documents Hasson's alleged plans to spark chaos and destruction, describing a man obsessed with neo-fascist and neo-Nazi views.

"Please send me your violence that I may unleash it onto their heads," Hasson wrote in a letter that prosecutors say was found in his email drafts. "Guide my hate to make a lasting impression on this world."

A magistrate judge ordered that the Office of the Federal Public Defender represent Hasson; the office declined comment Wednesday.

Hasson has been working at the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters in Washington since 2016, according to court documents filed by prosecutors. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1988 to 1993 and in the Army National Guard for about two years in the mid-90s.

Agents with the FBI field office in Baltimore and the Coast Guard Investigative Service arrested Hasson on Friday, FBI Baltimore spokesman Dave Fitz confirmed.

A Coast Guard spokesman, Lt. Cmdr. Scott McBride, said Wednesday that Hasson no longer works at Coast Guard headquarters.

"An active duty Coast Guard member stationed at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., was arrested last week on illegal weapons and drug charges as a result of an ongoing investigation led by Coast Guard Investigation Services, in cooperation with the FBI and the Dept. of Justice," McBride said in a written statement. McBride declined to comment further, citing the open investigation.

Court documents do not detail what prompted federal law enforcement to begin investigating Hasson, but they say Hasson has been studying the 1,500-page manifesto of right-wing terrorist Anders Behring Breivik, who unleashed two attacks in 2011 that killed 77 in Norway. They say Hasson's attack preparations resembled Breivik's.

The manifesto outlined how Breivik planned and prepared his attacks with the aim of providing an outline for others planning similar terrorist operations, the U.S. court filings say.

Breivik took steroids and narcotics, believing it would heighten his abilities to carry out attacks. When law enforcement raided Hasson's apartment, they said they found a locked container loaded with more than 30 vials of what appeared to be human growth hormones. He has also ordered more than 4,200 pills of the narcotic Tramadol since 2016, along with synthetic urine to allegedly bypass possible random drug screenings at work, they said.

Breivik encouraged identifying targets and traitors. In recent weeks, they said, Hasson developed a spreadsheet of targets that included top Democratic congressional leaders and media personalities. The list includes "JOEY," what prosecutors say is a reference to former Rep. Joe Scarborough, R-Fla., who works for MSNBC; "cortez," an alleged reference to freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York; and "Sen blumen jew," presumably about Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

The filing was first reported Wednesday afternoon by the Program on Extremism at George Washington University.

Authorities seized 15 firearms, including several long guns and rifles, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition from his basement apartment after executing a search warrant this month. Over the past two years, he had made nearly two dozen purchases of firearms or related equipment and made thousands of visits to websites that sell weapons or tactical gear.

Authorities said Hasson harbored extremist views for years.

"The defendant is a domestic terrorist," the government said in court filings, "bent, on committing acts dangerous to human life that are intended to affect governmental conduct."

In an email he drafted in June 2017, he contemplated biological attacks and targeting food supplies, according to court filings. He considered the merits of a "bombing/sniper campaign" and included a "Things to do" list that included purchasing land "out west or possibly NC mtns" for family and researching tactics used during the civil war in Ukraine.

"During unrest target both sides to increase tension," Hasson wrote in the email, according to the court filings. "In other words provoke gov/police to over react which should help to escalate violence. BLM protests or other left crap would be ideal to incite to violence."

In another letter drafted months later to an American neo-Nazi leader, Hasson called for a "white homeland." He sent the letter to himself nearly two months after the neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where torch-carrying white-supremacists clashed with anti-racist protesters.

"I never saw a reason for mass protest or wearing uniforms marching around provoking people with swastikas etc.," Hasson said in the letter, according to court filings. "I was and am a man of action you cannot change minds protesting like that. However you can make change with a little focused violence."

Hasson's commitment to destruction appeared to increase in recent weeks, according to details from prosecutors. He created a list of "traitors" and targets on Jan. 19 in a spreadsheet on his work computer, they said, which was created two days after he conducted a series of internet inquiries:

8:54 a.m.: "what if trump illegally impeached"

8:57 a.m.: "best place in dc to see congress people"

8:58 a.m.: "where in dc to congress live"

10:39 a.m.: "civil war if trump impeached"

11:26 a.m.: "social democrats usa"

The arrest marks the second time that the Coast Guard has responded to an incident involving alleged white supremacy in recent months. In September, the service reprimanded a worker who flashed what some people identified as a white-supremacy sign in the background of a televised interview with another officer during the response to Hurricane Florence.

"We are aware of the offensive video on twitter - the Coast Guard has identified the member and removed him from the response," the service said at the time in a tweet. "His actions do not reflect those of the United States Coast Guard."

That individual was not identified.

The Washington Post's Dan Lamothe contributed to this report.BURLINGTON  A witness told authorities a gate blocked by a ball at a North Carolina animal preserve allowed a lion to reach three people at the start of a fatal attack, biting one intern's ankle and pulling her into the enclosure, according to a medical examiner's report.

A Caswell County sheriff's lieutenant advised that animal trainer Ashley Watts reported separating the 14-year-old lion named Matthai into a section of an enclosure at the Conservators Center in Burlington on Dec. 30, according to the report first published by WRAL-TV. Watts said the gate securing that section was blocked by a large ball and the lion entered the area that Watts, 22-year-old intern Alex Black and a second intern were cleaning, the report said. Before she could close the gate, the lion bit Black's ankle, pulling her into the enclosure, the report said.

The sheriff's official, Lt. Eugene Riddick, said fire department personnel used a firehose to separate the lion and Black without success, the report noted. The lion dragged Black around the enclosure by her neck "for an extended amount of time." After attempts to sedate the lion with darts failed, deputies shot the lion eight times, killing the animal, the report said.The zoo was closed for the event, but exhibits featuring the fishing cats, penguins and reptiles were open.

Visitors were given a map showing which areas had loud sounds (though softened for the event), bright or dim lighting and even strong smells (near the cafe)  all of which can trigger negative responses. Backpacks containing items to help participants better cope with exhibits, such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget spinners and a timer with instructions for a breathing exercise, were available.

Quiet areas were designated for visitors who needed to take a break. One of these rooms featured a weighted lap blanket, a Hokki stool  designed to encourage children with the wiggles to sit  and puzzles.

A penguin mascot also was present, but hung out at the end of a long hallway to allow visitors time to decide if they wanted to approach the figure or not.

We want them to have a feeling of control, to have strategies, Regester said. Several employees and docents, who received special training from UNCs TEACCH Autism Program, were stationed throughout the museum to explain exhibits and answer questions.

Kamala Jones had her hands full keeping up with her 5 year old, Micah, as he raced from one exhibit to another. Micah has Down syndrome.Council members learned the measure would authorize city inspectors to investigate nonresidential buildings for compliance with basic safety and health standards.

The proposed ordinance would set civil penalties and fees for building owners who failed to comply with those standards, but allow variances for historic structures and vacant manufacturing buildings or warehouses.

Councilwoman Tammi Thurm said she generally supports a good repair ordinance because not having such standards is unfair to business owners who do keep up their properties.

But Thurm said she wanted to give the business community time to adapt to any major changes with a reasonable grace period.

I dont know whether thats a 4-month or a 6-month grace period, she said.

Councilwoman Sharon Hightower said that she also supported the general concept but did not want it to be enforced in a way that could force out of business small companies that are struggling to survive.

City Manager David Parrish said his staff could have a draft ready for the council to review next month and a final version for the council to consider at its April business meeting.Winston-Salem police are asking for the public's help identifying a man who robbed a woman in November.

The crime happened on Nov. 14, about 6:10 a.m., in Kings Plaza Shopping Center at 3067 Waughtown St., police said. Detectives are asking for the public's assistance now because they've had difficulty identifying the man, said Lt. Brian Dobey.

The 46-year-old female victim was arriving for work at Que Pasa Media when a man walked up to her speaking in Spanish, police said. After getting the woman's attention, the man grabbed her purse and, after a brief struggle, stole it. He then fled on foot.

Police ask that anyone with information call (336) 773-7700, Crime Stoppers at (336) 727-2800 or En Espanol (336) 728-3904. Crime Stoppers may also be contacted at Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem on Facebook.A Los Angeles man will spend the next three years in federal prison for stealing nearly $2 million from Appalachian State University through an elaborate scheme that involved creating a fake company and posing as a construction company employee.

Ho Shin Lee, who was 31 when he was arrested, pleaded guilty on Aug. 2, 2018 in U.S. District Court in Charlotte to one count of money laundering. He was indicted in March on 14 counts of money laundering. Federal prosecutors voluntarily dismissed on Tuesday the 13 remaining indictments as part of a plea agreement.

Chief U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney sentenced Lee on Tuesday to three years and one month in federal prison. Whitney also ordered Lee to pay Appalachian State University $1.96 million, the amount of money Lee was accused of stealing from the school. Its unclear whether Lee will have to pay all of that money back to the school.

Appalachian State University got back $1.54 million of the stolen money through civil forfeiture proceedings against the bank accounts that prosecutors said Lee set up to launder the schools money.I dont know what its going to look like down the road, Hogan said. Today it would be very difficult. Nobodys successfully challenged a sitting president in the same party in a primary since 1884, soWe keep going down this line. Whether its a passport or its a birth certificate, this is an identification card, this is to identify you, and there are certain scientific things that they are what they are.  We want to be sympathetic, but these are ID cards, Serafini said. And the question is: Where will it go next?Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@skagitpublishing.com for help creating one.GOSHEN-Renetta L. Ulch, 74, passed away June 15 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born March 6, 1947, in Goshen, to Earl and Gloria (Cranston) Comstock. On May 27, 1979, in Goshen, she married Roy Ulch. He survives along with two children, Cynthia Williams, David Ulch; two graFASU puts on their 12th annual festival in Cataldo Hall. The festival is filled with filipino dishes, dancing, and games.Five things you need to know now/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES./

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2019 - Mandalay Resources Corp. ("Mandalay" or the "Company") (TSX: MND, OTCQB: MNDJF) announced today, further to its news releases dated February 11, 2019 and February 12, 2019, that the Company has completed its underwritten marketed public offering of subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of C$0.12 per Subscription Receipt (the "Offering Price"). A total of 359,400,000 Subscription Receipts were sold for gross proceeds of approximately C$43M (the "Public Offering"), which included a partial exercise of the over-allotment option granted by the Company to the underwriters to purchase up to an additional 15% of the number of Subscription Receipts offered pursuant to the Public Offering at the Offering Price.

Concurrent with the closing of the Public Offering, the Company has also closed the US$8M convertible bridge loan (the "Bridge Loan" and collectively with the Public Offering, the "Financing") from an affiliate of CE Mining Fund III L.P. ("CE Mining"), an investment fund advised by Plinian Capital Limited, which is controlled by Brad Mills, Chairman of Mandalay's board of directors.

The Subscription Receipts were issued pursuant to a subscription receipt agreement. The gross proceeds of the Public Offering less 50% of the underwriters' commission payable in connection with the Public Offering (the "Escrowed Proceeds"), are being held in escrow in an interest bearing account with Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as subscription receipt agent. Upon satisfaction or waiver of certain escrow release conditions (the "Escrow Release Conditions"), including the receipt of all required shareholder approvals at a special meeting of Mandalay's shareholders to be held March 29, 2019 (the "Special Meeting"), the remaining 50% of the underwriters' commission and the underwriters' expenses will be released to the underwriters, the remaining Escrowed Proceeds will be released to the Company and each Subscription Receipt will be exchanged for one common share of the Company (a "Common Share"), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

If the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied by April 30, 2019, holders of the Subscription Receipts will receive an amount per Subscription Receipt equal to the Offering Price together with a pro-rata share of any interest earned on the Escrowed Proceeds. If the Escrowed Proceeds (plus accrued interest) are not sufficient to make such payment, the Company will contribute such amounts as are necessary to satisfy any shortfall.

The Bridge Loan has a term of one year, bears interest at a rate of 10% and, following the Special Meeting, will be convertible at CE Mining's option into Common Shares at a price per share equal to C$0.108, subject to adjustment. If the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied, the Bridge Loan will automatically be converted into Common Shares concurrently with the exchange of Subscription Receipts for Common Shares. For further details regarding the terms of the Bridge Loan, please refer to the Company's February 11, 2019 press release.

In connection with the closing of the Bridge Loan, the Company obtained a waiver from HSBC Bank Canada ("HSBC") under the Company's revolving credit facility with HSBC (the "HSBC Facility"). HSBC has waived any current breaches of the HSBC Credit Facility by the Company as well as any failure by the Company to comply with the financial covenants set out in the HSBC Credit Facility as at December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019. Notwithstanding these waivers, the Company is not permitted to draw any further amounts under the HSBC Facility until it is in compliance with the financial covenants. In addition, from and after the date on which the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied or waived, the aggregate of any undrawn portion of the HSBC Credit Facility (which is currently US$5 million) plus the aggregate of the Company's unrestricted cash (as defined under the HSBC Credit Facility) must at all times be not less than US$10 million. As a result of this additional requirement, CE Mining has agreed to amend the terms of the Bridge Loan such that the amount of the proceeds of the Financing that the Company must hold in reserve in respect of its obligations under the senior exchangeable gold bonds issued by Gold Exchangeable Limited from US$20 million to US$15 million.

The net proceeds of the Financing are intended to fund working capital requirements (including capital development work at Costerfield, and tailings upgrade and capital development requirements at Bjorkdal), debt restructuring (including establishing a cash reserve relating to the US$24.1 million principal amount outstanding of senior exchangeable gold bonds); future planned exploration activities at high potential areas including at Costerfield, the Youle lode and deeper hole targets, and the emerging Aurora Zone at Bjorkdal; and for general corporate purposes.

About Mandalay Resources Corporation:

Mandalay is a Canadian-based natural resource company with producing assets in Australia and Sweden, and care and maintenance and development projects in Chile. The Company is focused on growing production at its gold and antimony operation in Australia, and gold production from its operation in Sweden to generate near term cash flow.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. There can be no assurance that Mandalay will be able to continue to operate as a going concern even with the completion of the Financing and satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. The factors identified above are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Mandalay. A description of additional risks that could result in actual results and developments differing from those contemplated by forward-looking statements in this news release can be found under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mandalay's annual information form dated March 29, 2018, a copy of which is available under Mandalay's profile at www.sedar.com and in the prospectus supplement filed on February 12, 2019 by Mandalay pursuant to its (final) short form base shelf prospectus dated February 12, 2018 in connection with the Public Offering. Although Mandalay 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 forward-looking 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.

SOURCE Mandalay Resources Corp.VANCOUVER, February 20, 2019 - Nevada Clean Magnesium, Inc. (TSXV: NVM; Frankfurt-M1V; OTCQB: MLYFF) (the "Company").

It is with great sadness that we report to you the passing of our CFO and good friend Denny Mee. Denny joined the company in 2017 and has worked hard not only to support the vision of our Executive Chairman, Mr. Edward Lee, but to also ensure that each of our shareholders' financial contributions were managed and accounted for in a most professional manner.

Mr. Sam Ataya, CEO, stated, "On a personal note I am very thankful to Denny for welcoming me into the Company with an open mind and an open heart. Denny supported me through his professional work ethic and his advice was always timely.

I would like all to know how committed Denny was not only to his profession but to this Company and he worked tirelessly as our CFO until a week before his passing. This type of dedication not only inspires me and I'm sure it will inspire you as we build this vision moving forward. I'm honoured to have worked with Denny even though it was for a short period of time his work ethic, dedication, mentorship and his friendship shall remain with me for the rest of my days. I ask you at this time to join me in sending your thoughts and prayers to Denny's family."

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

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include that we will conduct and close a private placement and that we can become a major U.S. producer and distributor of primary, high grade, low cost magnesium metal. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including the Company's dolomite reserves may not be mined because of technical, regulatory, financing or other obstacles, the market price for magnesium may make our resources uneconomic, we may not be able hire and retain skilled employees, and other risks associated with being a mineral exploration and development company. We may not be able to close with interested investors on our intended private placement because of perceived risks or market conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release.

To Reach Nevada Clean Magnesium Please Contact:

John Ulmer at (778) 994-6453

For additional information please visit our website at http://www.nevadacmi.com or view our profile at http://www.sedar.com.

You may also follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Copyright (c) 2019 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.Vancouver, February 20, 2019 - Max Resource Corp. (TSXV: MXR) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D1) ("MAX" or the "Company") is pleased to report it has signed a non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI"), whereby Tasca Resources Ltd. ("Tasca") will purchase a 100% interest in the 7 mineral license applications comprising the North Block of MAX's Gachala Copper Project, 60 km east of Bogota, Colombia.

The North Block consists of 7 mineral license applications covering 48-line kilometres of the Devonian - Permian / Cretaceous contact believed to be highly prospective for sedimentary copper deposits.

Two of the license applications are contiguous to area where historical exploration returned rock sample values ranging from 1.6 to 7.82 percent copper. MAX cautions investors it has not yet verified any of the historical data.

Clive Massey, Tasca's Chief Executive Officer, commented: "I am extremely bullish on the future price of copper. When Max Resource Corp.'s gold discovery in Choco unexpectedly made the Gachala Project available I felt Tasca had to pounce on the opportunity." He added: "We are very fortunate to have Brett Matich, Max's President and CEO, prepared to assist our technical team, as both the team and Mr. Matich are convinced a concentrated exploration effort in the underexplored Gachala region has the potential to define the world's next copper frontier."

Mr. Matich commented: "I am looking forward to assisting Tasca's technical team in advancing the Gachala Project, as we see the region as a highly prospective area for a massive copper discovery."

Two of the seven mineral license applications comprising the 13,280 hectare North Block cover the western limb of the Anticlinal Montecristo in the area adjacent to and immediately north of the Sinai property where Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Ltd. completed stream sediment and limited rock sampling in 1999. Rio Tinto took a total of 47 rock samples with 12 returning values in excess of 1 per cent copper, ranging from 1.6 per cent to 7.82 per cent (source: E.E. Vargas Ruiz, 1999; Exploracion Geoquimica Chivor Colombia Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Ltd.). Max cautions investors that mineralization on the Sinai property is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on its licence applications. Another two of the license applications cover a 4-kilometre-long cobalt anomaly identified by the Colombian Geological Survey. This metal is of extreme interest to the Company as cobalt is one of the key accessory metals for sedimentary copper deposits.

The 7 North Block mineral license applications form part of the 53,538-hectare Max's Gachala sedimentary copper project. The Gachala project lies with a northeast trending 250km-by-120km belt of Devonian-through-Cretaceous-age rocks in a geological setting conducive to hosting sedimentary copper deposits. Research by Rodriguez and Warden has found similarities between the sedimentary basin in Colombia and the sedimentary basin hosting the Zambian copper belt of Africa (source: C. Rodriguez and A.J. Warden (1993); "Overview of some Colombian gold deposits and their development potential"; Mineralium Deposita, Vol. 28, pages 47 to 57).

In total, the 30 mineral license applications of the Gachala Project cover an aggregate 107-line kms of the highly prospective contact between the Devonian-Permian red beds and overlying Cretaceous reducing black shales, one of the settings typical of these copper deposits.





Figure 1: Gachala Copper Project Location



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/42935_Max2.jpg

A detailed review of the Colombian Geological Survey reports documents a number of historical copper occurrences within or adjacent to a number of the Gachala mineral license applications. Most of these occurrences consist of locations marked on the map with no descriptions in the literature. The Tasca exploration team will immediately commence examination and evaluation of the occurrences in the North Block area to attempt to verify the historical data.

Infrequent historic exploration throughout the central 5,625 sq. km of the sedimentary belt has identified several zones and areas copper mineralization, a number of which appear to lie on or proximal to the Gachala project mineral license applications.

MAX further cautions investors it has not yet verified any of the historical data.

About the Transaction

MAX has entered into an LOI whereby Tasca proposes to acquire from MAX 100% of 7 mineral license applications comprising the 13,280-hectare known as North Block of the Gachala Project located in Colombia, South America. Under the terms of the LOI, Tasca has agreed to issue a total of 6,000,000 post-consolidation common shares to MAX. The LOI is subject to conditions, including the completion of the Tasca consolidation, execution of a definitive agreement, TSX Venture Exchange approval and other conditions.

The transaction and the consolidation are subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval and customary corporate and other approvals.

About Max Resource Corp.

Max Resource Corp.'s focus is to explore and consolidate gold and platinum group mineral assets in the richly endowed Choco mineral district of Colombia and to explore the Gachala sedimentary copper hosted mineral belt of Colombia.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MAX RESOURCE CORP.

"Brett Matich"

Brett Matich, CEO and President

Tim Henneberry, P. Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource Corp. Advisory Board, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release on behalf of the Company.

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.maxresource.com or the Company's profile at www.SEDAR.com

If you would like to be added to Max Resources' news distribution list, please send your email address to info@maxresources.com

For more information contact:

Investor Relations

Tel: (+1) 604 365-1522

info@maxresource.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.

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed as "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements pertaining to completion of the Transaction and any approvals required in connection with the Acquisition. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: changes in market conditions, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in the price of commodities (particularly copper), unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general social, economic or geo-political conditions. Mining exploration and development is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42935NYSE American: UEC

CORPUS CHRISTI, Feb. 20, 2019 - Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE American: UEC, the "Company" or "UEC") is pleased to announce that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has issued the Radioactive Material License for the Burke Hollow Project, completing the last of the four major permits needed for uranium extraction. The Burke Hollow Project will be developed as part of the Company's hub-and-spoke strategy, designed for low-cost in-situ recovery ("ISR") of uranium with final processing to occur at our nearby and fully permitted Hobson Plant.

Craig Wall, Vice President Environmental, Health & Safety, stated: "This accomplishment is extraordinarily rewarding for the UEC team, despite very challenging conditions in the uranium sector over the past six years. We're excited to advance Burke Hollow toward becoming a modern, low-cost and environmentally friendly ISR operation."

Amir Adnani, President & CEO, stated: "The drilling and permitting advancements at Burke Hollow have positioned UEC to create the newest, near-term, production ready ISR project in the United States. We are in an optimal position to provide the U.S. a reliable and low-cost source of domestic uranium. The Company's 2019 drilling campaign is scheduled to begin in early March and will consist of approximately 20 delineation holes and the installation of approximately 120 monitor wells to prepare for development of the Project's first production area."

The license boundary includes 5,385 acres, encompasses multiple production areas and authorizes construction of the satellite facility. In addition to the Radioactive Material License, the Burke Hollow Project now has an 11,000 acre Mine Area permit, approved in December 2016, two disposal well permits, issued in July 2015, and the aquifer exemption, issued in March 2017.

About Uranium Energy Corp

Uranium Energy Corp. 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.

Stock Exchange Information:

NYSE American: UEC

Frankfurt Stock Exchange Symbol: U6Z

WKN: AJDRR

ISN: US916896103

Safe Harbor Statement

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-receives-radioactive-material-license-for-the-burke-hollow-isr-project-in-south-texas-300798318.html

SOURCE Uranium Energy Corp.Vancouver, February 20, 2019 - Rise Gold Corp. (CSE: RISE) (OTCQB: RYES) ("Rise Gold") announces that further to its news release dated February 15, 2019 announcing its intention to raise up to C$2.0 million through the issuance of up to 20,000,000 units at a price of C$0.10 per Unit, with each Unit comprising one share of common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant (the "Offering"), the Corporation wishes to make additional Canadian prospectus exemptions available for wider participation by investors in the Offering.

The Offering will be conducted pursuant to available prospectus exemptions including sales to accredited investors, family members, close friends and business associates of directors and officers of the Corporation, to purchasers who have obtained suitability advice from a registered investment dealer pursuant to the exemption set out in BC Instrument 45-536 (Exemption from prospectus requirement for certain distributions through an investment dealer) (the "Investment Dealer Exemption") and to existing shareholders of the Corporation pursuant to the exemption set out in British Columbia Securities Commission BC Instrument 45- 534 (Exemption from prospectus requirement for certain trades to existing security holders) (the "Existing Shareholder Exemption").

There is no minimum Offering size and the maximum offering is 20,000,000 units for gross proceeds of $2,000,000. Assuming the Offering is fully subscribed, the Corporation plans to allocate the gross proceeds of the Offering to: (i) exploration on its Idaho-Maryland Gold Project ($1,800,000) and (ii) general working capital ($200,000).

If the Offering is not fully subscribed, the Corporation will apply the proceeds to the above uses in priority and in such proportions as the Board of Directors and management of the Corporation determine is in the best interests of the Corporation. Although the Corporation intends to use the proceeds of the Offering as described above, the actual allocation of proceeds may vary from the uses set out above depending on future operations, events or opportunities.

If the Offering is over-subscribed, subscriptions will be accepted at the discretion of the Corporation; therefore, it is possible that a subscriber's subscription may not be accepted by the Corporation even though it is received within the Offering period unless the Corporation determines to increase the size of the Offering.

The Existing Shareholder Exemption is available to shareholders residing in all Canadian jurisdictions. Shareholders of record of the Corporation as at February 15, 2019 (the "Record Date") are eligible to participate under the Existing Shareholder Exemption. To rely upon the Existing Shareholder Exemption, the subscriber must: a) have been a shareholder of the Corporation on the Record Date and continue to hold shares of the Corporation until the date of closing of the Offering, b) be purchasing the Shares as a principal and for their own account and not for any other party, and c) may not subscribe for more than $15,000 of securities from the Corporation in any 12 month period unless they have first received advice from a registered investment dealer regarding the suitability of the investment. Existing shareholders interested in participating in the Offering should consult their investment advisor or the Corporation directly.

In accordance with the requirements of the Existing Shareholder Exemption and the Investment Dealer Exemption, the Corporation confirms there is no material fact or material change related to the Corporation which has not been generally disclosed.

The Offering may be closed in one or more tranches as subscriptions are received. There is no minimum subscription amount

All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to statutory hold periods in accordance with applicable United States and Canadian securities laws.

The securities offered have not been 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 absent registration or compliance with an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

About Rise Gold Corp.

Rise Gold is an exploration-stage mining company. Rise Gold's principal asset is the historic past-producing Idaho-Maryland Gold Mine located in Nevada County, California, USA. The Idaho-Maryland Gold Mine is a past producing gold mine with total past production of 2,414,000 oz of gold at an average mill head grade of 17 gpt gold from 1866-1955. Historic production at the Idaho-Maryland Mine is disclosed in the Technical Report on the Idaho-Maryland Project dated June 1st, 2017 and available on www.sedar.com. Rise Gold is incorporated in Nevada, USA and maintains its head office in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Benjamin Mossman

President, CEO and Director

Rise Gold Corp.

For further information, please contact:

Rise Gold Corp.

Suite 650, 669 Howe Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 0B4

T: 604.260.4577

info@risegoldcorp.com

www.risegoldcorp.com

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur.

Although Rise Gold believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to certain factors including, without limitation, obtaining all necessary approvals, meeting expenditure and financing requirements, compliance with environmental regulations, title matters, operating hazards, metal prices, political and economic factors, competitive factors, general economic conditions, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, technological change, industry practices, and one-time events that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information contained in this release. Rise undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42932Vancouver, February 20, 2019 - - Desert Mountain Energy Corp. (the "Company") (TSX.V: DME) announces that the City of Flagstaff ("Flagstaff") has terminated the Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU") for mutual cooperation and strategic development of helium and hydrocarbon resources in the greater Flagstaff region and Coconino County, Arizona. The newly elected City Council determined that it had not had sufficient opportunity to address community concerns and elected to serve the Company with a written 10-day termination notice in accordance with the terms of the MOU. At the same time, the Council terminated the related license agreement providing the Company with limited access to City-controlled ground at Red Gap Ranch for purposes of seismic studies. The license agreement will continue for a period of six months during which time the Company may complete seismic studies if it elects to do so, subject to sharing the results of such studies with Flagstaff.

According to Irwin Olian, CEO of the Company, "We are disappointed that the City of Flagstaff has determined to pull back from its cooperative strategic relationship with the Company under the MOU, but understand that development of helium resources is outside the scope of their expertise and experience and there has been little opportunity for study by the new City Council. We hope to have the opportunity in the near future to provide additional information and make a full presentation that addresses all concerns."

"Helium has now been designated a strategic commodity by the U.S. Government and it is a green commodity that is in great demand by the high tech community and new economy. It is now used in hard drives of computers at the big data centers to increase efficiency by allowing the computers to run smoother and cooler, lowering energy costs. It is used in MRI's throughout the world to cool their big magnets. It is used to cool the cores of nuclear reactors to prevent meltdowns. It is being used by Google in its Project Loon to bring internet to remote areas all around the world through a series of helium balloons in the upper atmosphere. It is used as a lifting gas and a host of other everyday uses like bar code readers in supermarkets. Even here in Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University scientists were advocating the use of helium in autonomous vehicles as a coolant to create energy efficiency for electric vehicles, thereby increasing range. Helium is inert, non-flammable, non-combustible and is a great boon to mankind, whilst free of any of the negative side effects of other gases and chemicals. It is so safe that divers regularly breathe it in their scuba tanks where it is mixed with oxygen. Helium extraction is minimally invasive and is done through shallow wells with very narrow pipes rather than mining operations, so there is no mine or unsightly scarring of the ground."

"All of the Company's helium leases were obtained on ground leased by the State of Arizona and the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management. Hence, termination of the MOU will not impact existing exploration and development plans on the Company's leases.

We do hope, however, that over time Flagstaff will reconsider its position and recognize the opportunity which helium development could create locally for significant cash flow, job and infrastructure development with little or no footprint on the environment or local communities."

About Desert Mountain Energy

The Company is an exploratory resource company engaged in exploration and development of helium, oil & gas and mineral properties in the Southwestern United States. Until September 5, 2018, the Company also owned the Yellowjacket Gold Project in Atlin, British Columbia, which it had been developing. The Company has its executive offices in Vancouver, Canada. The Company was incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, on April 30, 2008, and was formerly named African Queen Mines Ltd. It initially received certain southern African assets in a spin off transaction related to the acquisition of Pan African Mining Corp. by Asia Thai Mining Co., Ltd.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

Desert Mountain Energy Corp.

"Irwin Olian"

Irwin Olian

Chairman & CEO

For more information, contact:

Irwin Olian, President and CEO E-mail: tigertail@desertmountainenergy.com Phone: (604) 788-0300 Carrie Howes, Corporate Communications Email: carrie@desertmountainenergy.com Phone : U.K. - +44 (0) 870 490 5443 Canada - +1 416 837 0075

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of the information contained herein. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations.

Copyright (c) 2019 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.Wade Collins has joined the team of Fire Safe Inc. as director of operations.

The Danville company specializes in fire safety.

Collins has more than 30 years of experience in the emergency response community.

He served in the Navy to begin his career. Collins attended the northern Virginia Community College and Averett University.

He is a certified hazardous materials specialist and has an extensive background in industrial safety.Gloucester, MA (01930)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. High near 80F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.Ukraine President Signs Constitutional Amendment On NATO, EU Membership

By RFE/RL February 19, 2019

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a constitutional amendment committing the country to becoming a member of NATO and the European Union.

Addressing parliament on February 19, Poroshenko said he saw securing Ukraine's membership in NATO and the EU as his "strategic mission."

Ukraine should "submit a request for EU membership and receive a NATO membership action plan no later than 2023," the president told the Verkhovna Rada.

However, he acknowledged that his country needs to come a "long way" to meet the criteria of joining both institutions.

European Council President Donald Tusk attended the signing of the constitutional amendment in the parliament building.

Addressing the lawmakers in Ukrainian, Tusk, who is Polish, said that "there can be no Europe without Ukraine."

He also warned Ukrainian politicians against using populist and nationalist tactics ahead of the March 31 presidential election, in which Poroshenko is running for a second five-year term.

"Go around temptations of radical nationalism and populism, as you have done so far," Tusk said in his speech.

The EU official also warned lawmakers against "internal conflicts," which he said only benefit "that third country," hinting at Russia.

Tusk is on a three-day visit to Ukraine, which is commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Euromaidan protests, which led to the ouster of Moscow-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014.

Following Yanukovych's downfall, Russia seized and annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in March 2014.

Moscow is also supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict that has killed more than 10,300 people since April 2014.

With reporting by dpa, AFP, and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine- president-signs-constitutional-amendment-on- nato-eu-membership/29779430.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.Cross-strait peace pact bill not targeted at any person: Premier

ROC Central News Agency

2019/02/19 17:53:26

Taipei, Feb. 19 (CNA) The government's push to prioritize a bill during the Legislature's current session that would subject any peace agreement with China to a national referendum was not targeted at any person, Premier Su Tseng-chang () said Tuesday.

The proposed amendment will be applied to all people and parties in the country, Su said, warning that China has not renounced the use of force against Taiwan, and that "we should be careful."

The proposal was one of 47 bills the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government and party legislators agreed Monday to prioritize for review during the session, which started last Friday.

It would amend the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area to require that a national referendum be held before any cross-Taiwan Strait peace agreement can be formally signed.

The push to get the amendment passed early this session came after opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Wu Den-yih () said on Feb. 14 that the KMT could sign a peace treaty with Beijing in accordance with the law if the KMT regains the presidency in 2020.

On Monday, Wu reiterated that if the KMT were to regain power, the party would be willing to negotiate a peace agreement with China on the premise of safeguarding the rights and sovereignty of the Republic of China.

The KMT argued that the proposed legislation targeted Wu because Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) head Chen Ming-tong () said the MAC decided to raise the threshold for signing such an agreement after Wu made his proposal.

Chen on Tuesday defended the bill, which was proposed by his agency, saying that political issues related to China require high degrees of social consensus, and the bill would ensure that a cross-strait peace treaty would be backed by such a consensus.

The opposition KMT argued, however, that even more pressing than a bill governing the establishment of a cross-strait peace treaty was one designed to oversee all cross-strait agreements.

(By Yu Hsiang and Evelyn Kao)

Enditem/lsTwo safe corridors opened for displaced Syrians at Rukban camp

Iran Press TV

Tue Feb 19, 2019 02:04PM

Russian and Syrian coordination centers on returning refugees have managed to open two humanitarian corridors for thousands of displaced Syrians stranded in a camp near the Jordanian border to leave the site toward government-controlled areas.

"In accordance with the February 16 joint statement by the Russian and Syrian coordination centers on opening the humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of Syrians from the Rukban camp, two checkpoints at Jleb and Jabal al-Ghurab opened today," the chief of Russia's National Defense Control Center, Major General Mikhail Mizintsev, said in a statement on Tuesday.

He added that the Syrian refugees will be provided with voluntary, unimpeded and safe exit from the camp to places of their choice of residence within 24 hours.

"The situation in al-Rukban camp is catastrophic, and civilians are being held hostage by terrorist groups under the auspices of the United States. They are hovering between life and death. They continue to live in appalling conditions despite the arrival of humanitarian convoys to the camp," Mizintsev said.

The Russian official added, "The camp is suffering from lack of basic healthcare. The fact is that women, children and people with disabilities do not receive the lowest level of medical assistance. Eight children suffered food poisoning last month alone."

Russian officials have accused the US and Washington-backed militants of holding people in Rukban hostage.

"We call on the American command and leaders of illegal militant groups in the al-Tanf region to put an end to the forcible keeping of women and children, mostly affected by cold, illness and malnutrition in the camp. All of them will be given necessary assistance," Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said on February 15 as a humanitarian convoy of the United Nations and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) delivered aid, including medical supplies and basic commodities, to Rukban.

Konashenkov added that Russia and Syria would jointly establish a temporary housing area for refugees from the camp.

The UN says about 45,000 people, mostly women and children, are trapped inside Rukban, where conditions are desperate. This is while Geneva-based international aid agency Doctors Without Borders has put the number there at some 60,000.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that US forces are unlawfully deployed to al-Tanf region in southern Syria, training terrorists, who carry out acts of terror across Syria and prevent the return of displaced people in the Rukban refugee camp to their hometowns.

On January 12, a Syrian mother attempted to torch herself and her children to death in the camp after she failed to find food for her family for three straight days.

In October, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said people in Rukban had been without access to food and humanitarian aid for several months, highlighting that the tough situation was further complicated with a closed border by Jordan.

The area where Rukban is located is controlled by the former US-backed Shuhada al-Qaryatayn militant group. The extremists were supposed to evacuate to northern Syria in accordance with a Russian-backed deal, but refused to do so.

UN: 200 families under Daesh siege in eastern Syria

Meanwhile, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has warned that some 200 families are trapped in a shrinking area in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr, which is controlled by Daesh Takfiri terrorists.

Many of the families in the village of Baghouz "continue to be subjected to intensified air and ground-based strikes by the US-led coalition forces and their [Syrian Democratic Forces] SDF allies on the ground," Bachelet said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We understand that ISIL [Daesh] appears to be preventing some of them if not all of them from leaving. So that's potentially a war crime on the part of ISIL [Daesh]," her spokesman Rupert Colville told a news briefing.

Bachelet also voiced concern for some 20,000 people, who have fled Daesh-held areas in Dayr al-Zawr province over the past few weeks.

They are being held in makeshift camps run by the Kurdish armed groups, including the SDF, who are reported to be preventing the internally-displaced people from leaving the camps, she said.

"Particular care needs to be taken with the civilians and if possible they should be treated humanely, and allowed to leave the camps. They shouldn't be held in detention unless they are suspected of committing a particular crime," Colville said.Hundreds of Thousands of Rohingya Refugees at Risk From Looming Cyclones

By Lisa Schlein February 19, 2019

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns that hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, have little to protect themselves from the ravages of the upcoming cyclone season.

Red Cross officials say most of the 700,000 Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar will have difficulty withstanding the heavy rains and winds almost certain to hit them in a few weeks.

Red Cross spokesman Matthew Cochrane told VOA the refugees are living in squalid, fragile housing, with only rotting bamboo and shredding plastic to protect them.

"When the rains start, they are going to have very little protection. And, if there is a direct hit from a cyclone, which is not unheard of in Cox's Bazar, they will have next to nothing to protect them against the wind," Cochrane said.

The cyclone season begins in April and runs through May. Then it reappears in October. Red Crescent staff and volunteers on the ground are racing to protect as many people as possible from potential disaster.

Cochrane said so far, they have distributed tarpaulins, ropes and tools to some 200,000 people. He says they have trained thousands to make their shelters sturdier and safer. He said refugees are receiving training on early warning and on emergency evacuation.

Unfortunately, that is unlikely to be of much use, as there is nowhere for the refugees to go to escape a disaster.

Another concern, he said, is that of waterborne diseases like dysentery and cholera.

"A risk of water-borne diseases or other vector-borne diseases, these are wider concerns in an emergency situation like this, particularly where there is inadequate sanitation or inadequate access to clean water. And, particularly during flooding when sanitation systems are flooded out and you can see large areas of stagnant waters sitting for weeks on an end," he said.

Cochrane said the first priority is to rebuild, repair, and strengthen existing shelters as quickly as possible.

He said cyclone preparedness training and emergency drills are ongoing. He said water and sanitation, as well as health care facilities are available to assist those in need.Bomber, 2 other terrorists in Iran attack were Pakistanis

Iran Press TV

Tue Feb 19, 2019 11:32AM

A senior Iranian military commander says a suicide bomber and two other terrorists involved in a recent deadly attack that targeted members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) have been identified as Pakistani nationals.

"The suicide bomber and two elements of the terrorist team targeting IRGC forces were Pakistanis," Commander of the IRGC's Ground Force Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said on Tuesday, identifying the bomber as Hafiz Mohammad Ali.

The IRGC personnel were traveling between the cities of Zahedan and Khash, in Sistan and Baluchestan Province on Wednesday, when their bus was targeted in a suicide car bomb attack.The so-called Jaish ul-Adl terrorist group claimed responsibility for the bombing, which left 27 dead and 13 others injured..

Following the incident, Pakpour said, wreckage of the car, which had been used to carry out the attack, was delivered to police for further investigation.

Once the vehicle's registration was identified, members of the Quds Force launched an operation to arrest the terrorists and dismantle their support team, he explained.

Pakpour, who was speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony commemorating the martyrs of the terror attack, also said that three other members of the terror team were from Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan, two of whom were in detention and the third one was still at large.

The IRGC general said the terrorist team was well equipped and had been working on massive attack schemes inside Iran.

Meanwhile, Iranian Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi on Tuesday pledged that a harsh response will be delivered to the perpetrators.

Iran has so far received dozens of messages of condemnation and condolence from foreign governments and international bodies, including the European Union. The US and its regional allies have so far remained silent.

The US and Persian Gulf Arab countries on Thursday gathered in the Polish capital of Warsaw to attend an anti-Iran conference ironically entitled "Peace and Security in the Middle East."

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said it was not coincidental that the terrorists attacked on the same day that the anti-Iran summit, organized by the United States, kicked off in Poland.Insurgents behind Zahedan terror attack detained

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Tue / 19 February 2019 / 15:44

Tehran (ISNA) - Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Ground Forces, Brigadier-General Mohammad Pakpour announced that insurgents involved in the recent Zahedan terror attack have been detained and the suicide bomber of the attack is a Pakistani citizen named Hafiz Mohammad Ali.

"After the terror attack, we started our investigations and took necessary measures toward detaining the elements involved in the Zahedan terror attack. Following the identification of the suicide vehicle, we started operations for detaining the terrorists and destroying their supportive team and the group that had prepared the suicide vehicle," the commander said Tuesday.

According to the General, Iranian forces have detained a woman on Sunday which was their first clue in the case and they have used it to reach the other terrorists.

"Two members of the terror group are Pakistani and the suicide bomber was a Pakistani citizen named Hafiz Mohammad Ali," Pakpour, who was speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony commemorating the martyrs of the terror attack, said.

Three members of the group are from Sistan and Baluchestan Province, which two of them have been arrested and the forces are working on detaining the other suspect, according to the commander

Pakpour also said that the terror group had prepared a lot of weapons and equipment to conduct terror attacks in the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran and other events.

The IRGC personnel were traveling between the cities of Zahedan and Khash, in Sistan and Baluchestan Province on Wednesday, when their bus was targeted in a suicide car bomb attack, killing 27 security forces and injuring 13 others.The so-called Jaish ul-Adl terrorist group claimed responsibility for the bombing.

End ItemTrump: 'No Rush' to See North Korea Denuclearize

By Steve Herman February 19, 2019

U.S. President Donald Trump is downplaying expectations for his second summit next week with North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, but is predicting "it'll be a very exciting couple of days."

Trump said he spoke on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in about the upcoming talks and he will also be phoning Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday.

Moon told Trump that Seoul "is ready to play that role by reconnecting inter-Korean railways and roads and launching inter-Korean economic cooperation projects if asked by President Trump and said it was a way to lessen the United States' burden," said the South Korean Blue House in a statement.

Trump is to meet Kim in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, on Feb. 27 and 28 as a follow-up to their first summit last June in Singapore.

Some critics contend that the initial encounter resulted in nothing binding beyond a historical handshake, and Pyongyang has taken no steps to rid itself of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile arsenal.

"I think a lot can come from it. At least I hope so  the denuclearization ultimately," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday afternoon, declaring his relationship with Kim to be "very strong."

'No rush' on denuclearization

The president said as long as there is no testing of rockets, missiles or nuclear weapons by Pyongyang, he is in "no rush" to see North Korea denuclearize.

"A lot of the media would like to say: 'What's going on? Speed, speed, speed.' No rush whatsoever. We're going to have our meeting. We'll see what happens. I think ultimately we're going to be very successful," Trump said.

The president said there is now "a lot of sane thinking" coming out of Pyongyang, a reversal from early in his administration when Trump threatened to unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea and belittled Kim as "little rocket man."

Trump emphasized that as long as Kim maintains his moratorium on testing his nuclear arsenal, "I'm in no rush. If there's testing, that's another deal."

The U.S. special representative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, was traveling to Vietnam on Tuesday to prepare for next week's summit there, according to the State Department.

"Those commitments made at the Singapore summit will be fulfilled," said Robert Palladino, the deputy spokesperson at the State Department, in response to a question from VOA as to whether the president's latest remarks denote a U.S. policy change.

"This is a top-down approach" with Kim and Trump meeting directly that, if successful, "could fundamentally transform relations between our two countries," Palladino told reporters.

"I'm not going to get ahead of diplomatic conversations or ahead of the president," Palladino replied, when asked about a CNN report that Washington and Pyongyang are in discussions about exchanging liaison officers. "A lot of things are being discussed."

Two months ago, National Security Adviser John Bolton said North Korea had not lived up to its commitments made at the Singapore summit and that is why Trump wanted a follow-up summit.

Ballistic missile program

Independent analysts say satellite imagery indicates North Korea is moving forward with its ballistic missile program.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington published a report last Friday on what it said was the third undisclosed missile base it had spotted since November.

At the first meeting with Trump, Kim committed to work toward complete denuclearization but that was left undefined with no timetable.

Bolton, who was in the Oval Office on Tuesday for Trump's remarks, back in December said if North Korea follows through on its commitments then "President Trump will deserve the Nobel Peace Prize."

Trump said last Friday that Abe had nominated him for the prize but, "I'll probably never get it," adding that his predecessor, Barack Obama, who was awarded the honor in 2009, "didn't even know what he got it for."

Trump said the Japanese leader nominated him because there were North Korean "rocket ships and he had missiles flying over Japan. And they had alarms going off. ... Now, all of a sudden, they feel good. They feel safe. I did that."

Nike Ching at the State Department contributed to this report.Trump Signs Space Force Directive

By Carla Babb February 19, 2019

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a directive on Tuesday to outline the establishment of the Space Force as the newest branch of the military.

Space Policy Directive 4, which VOA obtained a copy of ahead of the signing, says the force will adapt U.S. national security "to deter aggression and protect our interest" in space.

"Potential adversaries are now advancing their space capabilities and actively developing ways to deny our use of space in a crisis or a conflict," the directive states.

Last week, the Defense Intelligence Agency released a report that found China and Russia "have taken steps to challenge the United States" in space by developing weaponized satellites, energy weapons and surveillance networks.

The administration's 2019 Missile Defense Review also sounded this alarm and called for space-based missile interceptors to counter potential threats from rogue nations like North Korea.

Senior administration officials told reporters in a conference call Tuesday that the Space Force will serve a different security function than the new Space Command, which was directed by Congress and will be established by the Pentagon "in the spring."

The officials said the Space Force will organize, train and equip troops devoted to space security, while the new combatant command will organize operations and direct combat power, much like U.S. Central Command oversees U.S. combat operations in the Middle East or the U.S. Special Operations Command directs American special operations forces across the globe.

"We need both. I don't think one will hurt the other," one senior administration official said.

The directive orders that the Pentagon provide a budget for the new Space Force within 180 days and proposes changes in operational authorities for Space Command within 90 days.

Two U.S. defense officials told VOA the legislative proposal for Congress to create the Space Force is expected as early as next Monday. A draft of that proposal, which VOA has obtained, estimates the Space Force will cost about $73 million per year over five years.

Not Trump's initial vision

Acting Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan announced last month that the new force would fall under the Air Force service branch, contrasting President Donald Trump's calls for a Space Force that is "separate, but equal" to that branch of the military.

Administration officials said Tuesday a completely separate force is "still a goal" in the future, but for now, the administration had heard the concerns of Congress and was most focused on "war fighting."

"We haven't abandoned that goal, and in fact, we're achieving it with this directive, the president's No. 1 objective, which is a separate armed service," one senior administration official said.

Congress has the final say over whether the Space Force will become a reality. The Space Force would be the first new military branch since the U.S. Air Force was established out of the Army Air Corps in 1947.It will be organized much like the Marine Corps is organized under the Navy.US Air Force Starts Detailed Planning for Space Force Set Up  Chief of Staff

Sputnik News

21:00 19.02.2019

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The US Air Force has begun preparations for establishing a new military branch for space within the department, Air Force Chief of Staff General David Goldfein said on Tuesday.

"Now, we are into the detailed planningbecause there are now a thousand decisions that have to be madeof how we move forward in establishing the service [Space Force] within the Department of the Air Force," Goldfein said during a discussion at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC.

US President Donald Trump will sign a directive later on Tuesday to establish the Space Force within the Department of the Air Force.

"We are the best in the world in space and our adversaries know it," Goldfein said. "They've been investing in ways to take away that capability in crisis or conflict  and we, as a nation, cannot let that happen."

Goldfein also noted that from a war-fighting perspective, the most important step is to promptly establish US Space Command as a combatant command.

His remarks come after on December 18, Trump issued a memorandum for then-Secretary of Defence James Mattis ordering the Pentagon to establish a US Space Command as a unified combatant command.

US Vice President Mike Pence said last year that the Space Command would integrate space capabilities across all branches of the military. He added that the administration was working with leaders of both parties in Congress to stand up the Space Force before the end of 2020.

 SputnikTrump: 'Absolute Right' to Build Border Wall

By VOA News February 19, 2019

U.S. President Donald Trump asserted Tuesday he had an "absolute right" to declare a national emergency to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border without congressional approval of funding for it.

Sixteen states sued Trump late Monday in federal court in California where judges have overturned other Trump initiatives during his 25-month presidency.

But the U.S. leader said at the White House, "I think we're going to do very well with the lawsuit."

As he announced the national emergency last Friday, Trump said he expected to lose the initial legal fights over the declaration, especially if the lawsuits disputing his decision were filed in the 9th Circuit of western state courts, which is where the 16 states sued. But Trump said he expects to ultimately prevail with a favorable Supreme Court ruling overturning any adverse lower court decisions.

In earlier Twitter comments, the U.S. leader targeted California Tuesday for its leading role in the multi-state lawsuit.

Trump cited California Gov. Gavin Newsome's cancellation last week of a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco, claiming, without evidence, the cancellation was due to "world record setting" cost overruns. Trump also claimed the project was "hundreds of times more expensive than the desperately needed Wall!"

The states' complaint alleges Trump's emergency declaration is illegal and unconstitutional, and harms the states and their residents by taking money away from anti-drug programs, military construction projects and other law enforcement efforts. Trump is planning to reallocate $8 billion in funding from various U.S. agencies to build the border wall.

The lawsuit asks the court to permanently prohibit the Trump administration from diverting the funds from elsewhere in the government, or to build a wall without Congress appropriating money for that purpose.

"President Trump treats the rule of law with utter contempt," California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said. "He knows there is no border crisis. He knows his emergency declaration is unwarranted, and he admits that he will likely lose this case in court."

Becerra accused Trump of engaging in "theater" and hyping a crisis because he failed to get Congress or Mexico to pay for the wall, a favorite campaign vow of Trump during his successful 2016 run for the presidency.

An environmental group and three Texas landowners across whose property the wall would be built have also already filed lawsuits.

The White House has not yet responded to the states' lawsuit. But it had anticipated court challenges to the emergency declaration.

Trump said he declared the national emergency because he was unhappy with the amount of money Congress authorized for border security  $1.375 billion for barriers but not a wall.

"I want to do it faster," he said when he announced his declaration last week. "I could do the wall over a longer period of time. I didn't need to do this. But I'd rather do it much faster"  words that could come back to haunt the administration in court.Nigerian Opposition Candidate: Military Should Have 'No Role' in Elections

By VOA News February 19, 2019

Nigeria's main opposition candidate declared Tuesday that the military "has no role to play" in the country's presidential and parliamentary elections.

Atiku Abubakar spoke on national television a day after President Muhammadu Buhari ordered Nigeria's armed forces to be "ruthless" with anyone who interferes in the polls.

Buhari warned that anyone who meddles in the voting process "will do so at the expense of his own life," eliciting praise from members of his ruling All Progressives Congress party.

Nigeria's elections were initially planned for last Saturday but officials, citing logistical issues, abruptly delayed them one week just hours before the polls were set to open.

Election campaigns, which were halted and have since resumed, have been marred by acts of violence, further raising political tensions in Africa's most populous country.

Some 84 million Nigerians are registered to vote and turnout is expected to be high for Saturday's elections. The presidential contest is widely seen as a tight race between President Buhari and Abubakar, a former vice president who vows to "get Nigeria working again."

After ruling briefly as a military dictator in the 1980's, Buhari won the 2015 election, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo spoke with both leading presidential candidates, and welcomed their signing of a public commitment to renounce violence. He said the U.S. supports "the Nigerian goal of free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people."Pakistan Launches Diplomatic Push to Counter India After Attack

By Ayesha Tanzeem February 19, 2019

Pakistan launched an intense diplomatic push to repel India's efforts to isolate it after India blamed a Pakistan based group for an attack Friday in Kashmir killing more than 40 security personnel.

At least 70 to 80 ambassadors in Islamabad were briefed since Friday by Pakistan's foreign office, according to diplomatic and other sources.

In the briefings, Pakistan questioned India's motives for blaming it without a proper investigation, indicating that the attack may have been carried out by a group within India.

"There are people in India who want to make Pakistan and Kashmiris look bad," some of the diplomats were told by Pakistani officials.

The officials briefing the ambassadors questioned the timing of the attack, insisting it was more damaging for Pakistan than India.

Friday's attack came a day before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman was expected to arrive in Islamabad with billions of dollars in investment to help the fledgling economy. It also came right before the meeting of an international Financial Action Task Force in Paris that is already scrutinizing Pakistan for its lax laws on terrorism funding.

Pakistan also told the ambassadors that the current Indian administration was trying to use anti-Pakistan rhetoric to gain votes in the upcoming elections and warned of the possibility of more attacks before polling starts in April.

India, for its part, has briefed at least 25 diplomats, including those representing the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council (China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States), on Pakistan's alleged support of Jaish-e-Mohammed, the group that claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, according to Indian media.

Masood Azhar, the leader of the group who was released from Indian custody in 1999 in return for the passengers of a hijacked Indian plane, has since been living in Pakistan.

Pakistan banned JeM in 2002 but security experts say it is allowed to operate under different names. The group is also on the Security Council sanctions list. However, efforts by India to have Azhar added to that list have been blocked by China, Pakistan's longtime ally.

After the attack, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton tweeted that "Pakistan must crack down on JeM and all terrorists operating from its territory," whereas Secretary of State Michael Pompeo tweeted, "Pakistan must not provide safe haven for terrorists to threaten international security."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised an appropriate response to the attack.

"The terrorists and their supporters can try to hide all they want, but they will be punished," he said at a rally. His administration has also indicated it had given the security forces "full freedom" to respond.

In 2016, after another attack on Indian security forces in Kashmir blamed on JeM, India carried out "surgical strikes" across the Line of Control, the de-facto border in the disputed region. While the strikes were considered cosmetic in their impact by most analysts on both sides, many fear a stronger response this time.

"The current situation has all the making of an India-Pakistan crisis. It's election year and Prime Minister Modi is going to use this attack to the hilt for domestic political gains," according to Moeed Yusuf, the Associate Vice President for Asia in the Washington based U.S. Institute of Peace.

In a letter Monday to the U.N. secretary-general, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on the United Nations to intervene.

"It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India."

The two countries have fought four wars, three of them over Kashmir, and fears of another conflict between the two nuclear armed neighbors are high.

"There is a lot of outrage and anger in India," said Prabhu Dayal, a former Indian diplomat who has served in Pakistan, adding that Indians were aware of the "well established linkage" between JeM and Pakistan's intelligence agencies.

"Things have been so tense between India and Pakistan for the past few months that the room for error is literally zero," said Yusuf.

Both India and Pakistan have recalled their high commissioners "for consultations."

Meanwhile, Indian media reported attacks on Kashmiri students or businesses in various parts of North India. The Indian newspaper The Hindu reported that at least 100 Kashmiri students were forced to flee to Kashmir from other parts of India.Georgia's Ex-President Saakashvili Resorts To Swiftian Satire

By Farangis Najibullah February 19, 2019

A day after announcing that he is an almost pure-blood Georgian, former President Mikheil Saakashvili had people scratching their heads after he updated his Facebook cover photo to show himself depicted as Gulliver enslaved by Lilliputians, a reference to Jonathan Swift's classic 18th century novel.

In the new cover photo, the ex-Georgian leader lies on the sandy shore, taken prisoner by the tiny Lilliputians and surrounded by watch towers. Saakashvili's official Facebook account has more than 1 million followers.

The photo was originally created by Nugzar Metreveli, who is known for his photoshopping skills and political satire. The mocked-up image is based on the 2010 film version of Swift's satirical novel, starring Jack Black.

Saakashvili posted the picture after sharing on February 17 what he described as his DNA test results, which he said showed his ethnic makeup was 98.3 percent Georgian and 1.1 percent Greek and Balkan.

His decision to share the test results was an apparent attempt to end long-standing rumors and conspiracy theories that said he was actually of Armenian origin and that his real surname was Saakian.

"It seems that my ancestors didn't mix with anyone else besides Georgians over many centuries, and I became the first person to break with this tradition, by marrying a European," Saakashvili wrote in the same Facebook post, referring to his marriage to a Dutch citizen.

Saakashvili publishing his DNA results echoes the case of U.S. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has announced she will run for U.S. president in 2020. In October 2018, Warren said that she had taken a DNA test that indicated she had some native American ancestry. She has been criticized by U.S. President Donald Trump, who questioned her claims of tribal heritage.

Whatever his ancestry, however, Saakashvili is effectively stateless after losing both his Georgian and Ukrainian citizenships.

Saakashvili was issued a Ukrainian passport in 2015, before he served as the governor of Ukraine's Odesa region. That meant he automatically lost his Georgian citizenship.

But Saakashvili was stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship by ally-turned-foe Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in July 2017 after the two politicians fell out.

Saakashvili, who reportedly lives in the Netherlands, has said he will return to Georgia in the future.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Georgian Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-s-ex-president-saakashvili- resorts-to-swiftian-satire/29779460.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.Preliminary Hearings Into Kyrgyz Officials' Corruption Case Begin

By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service February 19, 2019

BISHKEK -- Preliminary hearings have begun in Kyrgyzstan into a high-profile corruption case against eight close allies of former President Almazbek Atambaev, who was in power from 2011 to 2017.

They include former Prime Ministers Sapar Isakov and Jantoro Satybaldiev, and six other former senior members of government and energy officials -- Osmonbek Artykbaev, Olga Lavrova, Aibek Kaliev, Jenishbek Nazarov, Salaidin Avazov, and Temirlan Brimkulov.

The closed-doors hearings are held in the Sverdlov district court in the capital, Bishkek.

The eight defendants have been charged with corruption and abuse of office that led to the state budget's being deprived of $111 million and also caused an accident at the Bishkek Thermal Power Station that left thousands of households in the capital without heat in the bitter cold in January 2018.

The accident occurred just months after the modernization works were officially completed.

Prosecutor-General Otkurbek Jamshitov said on February 14 that the former officials on trial are suspected of accepting a $386 million loan from China for the modernization project, when in fact, the total cost came to $275 million.

The investigation into the case, which was launched last year, led to a stand-off between Atambaev and his successor, Sooronbai Jeenbekov.

Atambaev had backed Jeenbekov in the October 2017 presidential election, but has criticized his successor in recent months.

The Supreme Court ruled in October that granting immunity to former presidents is unconstitutional.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/preliminary- hearings-into-kyrgyz-officials-corruption- case-begin/29778817.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.Maduro slams Trump's 'Nazi-like' rhetoric

Iran Press TV

Tue Feb 19, 2019 06:25AM

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has denounced US President Donald Trump's "Nazi-style" rhetoric in which he threatened the Latin American country's military forces with dire consequences if they continue to stand with Maduro's elected government.

Speaking to a crowd in Miami on Monday, Trump urged the Venezuelan military to drop their allegiance to Maduro; otherwise, he said, they would "find no safe harbor, no easy exit, and no way out. You'll lose everything."

Maduro responded to Trump's "arrogant orders" to the Venezuela military in a televised speech on Monday, asking, "Who is the commander-in-chief of the Bolivarian national armed force? Donald Trump from Miami?"

"They believe with their arrogance and their contempt of us... they believe themselves to be owners of the country, and Donald Trump believes in the power to give orders and that the Bolivarian national armed forces will carry out the orders [by] him," Maduro said.

He said he had authorized Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez "to respond with all the morality of our national Bolivarian armed forces to Donald Trump, the head of the empire."

The Venezuelan military has remained loyal to Maduro  who won a second six-year term in the presidential election last year  amid a political and economic crisis gripping the country.

Maduro has repeatedly accused the Trump administration of pushing for a coup d'etat in Caracas.

The US administration has offered strong backing for Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Guaido, who has declared himself "interim president" of Venezuela and welcomed US threats of potential military intervention in the Latin American country.

Trump once again said on Monday that his administration stood behind Guaido and called on the military to allow humanitarian aid into the country.

Maduro, however, said that what Washington and the Venezuelan opposition call a humanitarian crisis "is nothing but a cover-up for military plans of the Trump government."

Trump has already threatened Venezuela with military action.

Cuba: US seeking war of oil plunder

Trump's speech in Miami also drew a response from Cuba, whose Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez took to Twitter, saying Trump's "offensive" rhetoric only "confirms the threat of military aggression against Venezuela."

"Humanitarian aid is a pretext for a war of oil plunder," he added.

Rodriguez also accused Trump of trying to install a "puppet" president in Venezuela.

Russia to legally deliver aid to Caracas

Maduro said on Monday that Russia would deliver 300 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Caracas on Wednesday.

"We receive humanitarian support every day," the Venezuelan president said. "On Wednesday, 300 tonnes of Russian humanitarian aid will be legally delivered to the international airport of Caracas."

The oil-rich country is facing an economic crisis, including in the form of shortages of foodstuff and medicine. The government has acknowledged the shortages and has been trying to adequately resupply those items.

Argentinians slam US meddling in Venezuela

Meanwhile, hundreds of Argentinians on Monday denounced US interference in Venezuela by marching on the American Embassy in Buenos Aires.

Demonstrators called on Washington to keep its hands off Venezuela. A speaker read out a statement which warned that "people will severely judge any new imperialist military intervention in the region."

'US hypocrisy affecting all of Latin America'

In an interview with Press TV, David Yaghoubian, a professor of history at the CSU San Bernardino University said Washington was seeking regime change in Venezuela "to control the resources of an oil producing country."

"The United States is truly all over the map here in terms of its hypocrisy," Yaghoubian said.

He further said the Trump's administration's push to oust the government of Venezuela is apparently "affected by the United States engaging in some bizarre interpretation and incorrect interpretation of the Venezuelan constitution as if the United States values foreign countries' sovereignty or their constitutions."US attempted to create new Mideast dividing lines at anti-Iran Warsaw forum: Russia

Iran Press TV

Tue Feb 19, 2019 06:57AM

Russia has denounced a recent US-organized conference in Poland  which had a highly hostile anti-Iran agenda -- as yet another America-style attempt to create new "dividing lines" in the Middle East and impose its own "unilateral recipes" on the conflict-ridden region.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday that the Americans used the meeting in Warsaw mainly to bring their allies closer together on the "destructive agenda of total counteraction to Tehran," which the US sought to portray as the "main source of instability" in the Middle East.

"Regrettably, it must be said that the conference in Warsaw was yet another illustration of the course of the US administration to create new 'dividing lines' in a Middle East already saturated with conflicts and contradictions," she said.

Zakharova also described a decision made at the conference to create working groups on the Middle East issues as a fresh American attempt at solving regional woes unilaterally.

"The conference was planned and held not for the sake of serious discussion of the Middle East problems. Its main outcome is creation of several special working groups to discuss a number of global challenges and threats.... What is that, if not an attempt to launch a parallel process that will work on developing unilateral decisions?" she asked.

'Unilateral recipes for Mideast'

The Russian official further cited US President Donald Trump's yet-to-be-unveiled proposal on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as an example of "unilateral recipes" for Middle East issues.

"This is the signature style of Washington that has been staking since long on imposing unilateral recipes, like the notorious 'deal of the century' [on the Palestinian-Israeli settlement]."

She also condemned Washington's "practice of building coalitions based on common interests - like, for example, the designed 'Middle East NATO' on the anti-Iranian basis."

Such an approach, she added, "leads away from the goal of achieving long-term stabilization in the region" and "complicates prospects for the settlement of the conflict situations."

Zakharova stressed that Moscow's approach to resolving the Mideast is based on "truly collective" decision-making "developed under the auspices of the UN and complying with the norms and principles of international law, including those respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries."

The Warsaw meeting was held on February 13-14. The US had initially said the forum would focus on the "important element of making sure that Iran is not a destabilizing influence."

Later, as officials from various countries indicated their refusal to participate, Washington claimed the meeting was "not a venue to demonize or attack Iran," in an apparent about-face.

The event has, however, been widely viewed as a failure for the US as most global leaders snubbed the meeting, making American Vice President Mike Pence sit and interact with foreign officials well below his diplomatic stature.

On the sidelines of the conference, which was supposed to discuss ways to promote "peace" in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu startled the international community and even his allies in the White House by openly speaking of a "common" Israeli-Arab "interest" of "war with Iran."

Tehran slammed the confab as a "circus" and said the low levels of participation and the attendees' reluctance to support any decision against Iran had turned the final statement of the event into "a useless document."

The US has stepped up its pressure campaign on Iran under the Trump administration.

The US president's hostile approach intensified last year, when he unilaterally withdrew America from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and unleashed the "toughest ever" sanctions against the Islamic Republic in defiance of the world community and its own allies.Pakistan's spy agency involved in Kashmir bombing: India

Iran Press TV

Tue Feb 19, 2019 09:25AM

A senior Indian military commander in Kashmir says Pakistan's main spy agency was involved in a deadly bomb attack in the disputed region that killed more than 40 Indian troops last week.

The car bomb attack, which was claimed by the Pakistan-based militant group the so-called Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), killed the Indian paramilitary troops on the outskirts of the main city of Srinagar on Thursday.

Indian Commander General K.J.S. Dhillon said on Tuesday that the attack "was being controlled from across [the frontier] by ISI and Pakistan and JeM commanders," using a shorthand for the Inter-Services Intelligence, which is Pakistan's main spy agency.

"The JeM is a child of the Pakistan army and the ISI. The attack was masterminded by Pakistan, ISI, and JeM," he said.

Dhillon said New Delhi had tracked the masterminds of the attack but added that he could not be more specific about the suspected role of the Pakistani spy agency.

Responding to the deadly attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that those behind the bombing "have to pay a heavy price."

"We will give a befitting reply; our neighbor will not be allowed to de-stabilize us," Modi said.

"I want to tell the terrorist groups and their masters that they have committed a big mistake. They have to pay a heavy price," he said after an emergency cabinet meeting.

'Starting a war is in the hands of humans'

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has denied Islamabad's involvement in the attack, saying New Delhi has "blamed the Pakistan government without any evidence... If you have any evidence, we will act."

"It is in our interest that nobody from our soil spreads violence. I want to tell Indian government that we will take action if evidence is found against anyone from Pakistan," Khan said on Tuesday.

The prime minister also warned that in the event of an attack by India, Islamabad would not waste time thinking about retaliation. "We will retaliate," he said.

"We all know starting a war is in the hands of humans, where it will lead us only God knows. This issue should be solved through dialog," he added.

Pakistan demands open investigation by India

Separately, in a letter to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi demanded that India conduct an open and credible investigation into the bombing.

"Attributing it to Pakistan even before investigations is absurd," Qureshi said, calling on the UN to help "defuse tensions" in the region.

"It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India," he wrote.

Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed region located between India and Pakistan. The two nuclear-armed rivals have fought four wars since their partition in 1947, three of them over Kashmir.

Pakistan is widely accused of arming and training militants.

Last Wednesday, an explosives-laden car rammed into a bus carrying Iranian security personnel in Sistan-and-Baluchestan Province  which borders Pakistan  killing 27 of them and wounding 13 others. The so-called Jaish ul-Adl terrorist group, which is linked to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the assault.

Various civilian and military Iranian officials have in the wake of the Wednesday terrorist attack used unprecedented rhetoric against the government in Islamabad for harboring terrorists, who routinely stage attacks against Iran from inside Pakistan and then retreat into Pakistani territory.Yemen targets southern Saudi Arabia with missile

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 19, IRNA -- The Yemeni army and the popular committees fired a Zelzal-1 missile to Saudi aggressors positions near Alab killing and injuring some Saudi forces.

According to Yemeni media 'Al-Masirah', Yemeni forces targeted Saudi positions in Asir and Najran with missile and artillery shells.

Meanwhile, in another operation, Yemenis foiled Saudi forces attempts to advance Al-Hamad base and killed or injured a number of aggressors.

In the meantime, Yemeni forces shot a missile to Saudi's positions in Al-Jasher desert.

Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched a devastating military campaign against Yemen in March 2015, with the aim of bringing back the government of Mansour Hadi back to power.

Some 20,000 Yemenis have been killed and thousands more injured since the onset of the Saudi-led aggression.

The assaults of the Saudi-led coalition forces have failed to stop the Yemenis from resisting the aggression.

9376**1771Former Russian Intelligence Officer Released From Prison

By RFE/RL February 19, 2019

Former Russian intelligence officer Vladimir Kvachkov, known for his radical views about the Russian leadership, has been released from prison after his conviction for incitement to hatred was annulled following the partial decriminalization of extremism in the Criminal Code.

Relatives, journalists, and supporters met Kvachkov at the gates of a penal colony in the Russian region of Mordovia on January 19.

Asked about his state and mood, the 70-year-old former colonel replied, "I am ready for a mission and a fight!"

Kvachkov was initially arrested in December 2010 and sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2013 after a Moscow court 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 an additional two years in prison.

The additional conviction stemmed from a video in which Kvachkov called for the government to be toppled and which was smuggled out of prison.

He was released 12 days after a court in Mordovia canceled the conviction due to the amendment to the extremism-related article in the Criminal Code.

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.

In 2008, Kvachkov was acquitted of planning to kill former Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Chubais.

With reporting by REN-TV

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/former- russian-intelligence-officer-released- from-prison/29778498.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.Indian Ex-Naval Officer On Death Row Is A 'Terrorist,' Pakistan Tells UN court

February 19, 2019

An Indian citizen on death row in Pakistan for alleged spying committed "terrorist" acts on New Delhi's orders, lawyers representing Islamabad told the UN's top court on the second day of a hearing over the fate of the man.

Pakistani Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan told judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on February 19 that former naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav ran a network "to carry out despicable terrorism and suicide bombing, targeted killing, kidnapping for ransom, and targeted operations to create unrest and instability in the country."

Another lawyer representing Pakistan, Khawar Qureshi, urged the court in The Hague to dismiss India's case to save Jadhav from execution, accusing New Delhi of "political theater."

On the first day of the hearing on February 18, Deepak Mittal, joint secretary at India's External Affairs Ministry, told the ICJ that the proceedings against Jadhav were based on a "farcical case" and "malicious propaganda."

A lawyer representing India, Harish Salve, said that Jadhav's trial "hopelessly failed to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process."

Pakistani authorities say Jadhav, now 48, was arrested in March 2016 in the southwestern province of Balochistan, which has been plagued by sectarian violence, Islamist militant attacks, and a separatist insurgency that has led to thousands of casualties since 2004.

A military court in Pakistan sentenced the man to death in April 2017 on charges of espionage.

In May 2017, New Delhi won an injunction from the ICJ to stay Jadhav's execution.

The ICJ hearing comes amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan after dozens of Indian paramilitary troops and army soldiers were recently killed in the disputed Kashmir region.

The UN court's decision is expected to come months after this week's hearings.

Pakistan says it will put the man on trial on terrorism charges if the court orders his convictions overturned.

With reporting by AFP and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/indian-ex-naval- officer-on-death-row-terrorist-pakistan- tells-un-court/29779270.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.Dear Editor,

Recently a friend handed me a Letter to the Editor written by Ed Butcher, a former State Senator, retired teacher, and outspoken critic of the American Prairie Reserve  the subject of that letter. "Read this, Stan, and tell me wha...Judy Quinlivan passed away on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, after a year-long battle with cancer.

She was the daughter of Donald and Lorraine Quinlivan, the original owners of Town & Country Furniture in Glasgow, Mont.

After cheering on the Glasgow Scotties through high school, she attended Gonzaga University where she graduated with bachelor and master degrees in sociology and a masters in human resource management.

She worked for the city of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department for 27 years and was the Division Manager of Riverfront Park at the time of her retirement. After retirement from the city, she worked at Barrister Winery, where she loved to see so many old friends and make new ones.

She loved life, wine and especially her many, many friends. She will be sorely missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents and older brother Denis "Skeeter."

She is remembered with love by her devoted soulmate, Jim McLaughlin, Borrego Springs, Calif .; two brothers, John (Celeste) Quinlivan, Burlingame, Calif., and Mick (Terri) Quinlivan, Kalispell, Mont .; two sisters, Susan (Bill) Sander, Glendale, Ariz., and Patti (Brad) Claiborn, Boise, Idaho; as well as many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held for Judy at the Barrister Winery in Spokane, Wash., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gonzaga University Alumni Scholarship Fund or the American Cancer Society.Gerald Lee Borgen, 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and neighbor went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Lee was born March 24, 1937, in Wolf Point, Mont., to Helen (Janzen) and Gerhard Borgen. He attended grade school in the Cottonwood Community north of Frazer and graduated from Frazer High School in 1956. While a lifelong farmer, rancher and musician, he was a family man first.

Lee took his future bride, Barbara Kay Bjorgo, on their first date on Valentines Day 1957 and they were married seven months later on Sept. 8, 1957. They had four children: Eva Jean Jeannie, Dale Lee, Verlin Anerd, and Doreen Marie. He and Barb loved spending time with their 11 grandchildren and many sleepovers were had at their home. As his health declined, his 14 great-grandchildren never failed to bring a smile to his face.

Lee took over the farm in 1955, as a high school senior, after his father, brother and grandmother had been killed in a car accident. He farmed and ranched throughout his life. Lee worked at Glasgow Ready Mix in the fall after graduating high school, pouring concrete for the Glasgow Air Force Base. He worked there during the winter months for seven years, while farming in the summer. He and Barb settled on a farm in the Grain Community north of Nashua where they raised their children. He was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church of Grain since 1961, serving on the board and playing an active role in church leadership. He was a member of the Valley Ridgerunners Saddle Club and the Elks Club for many years. Lee was a cultivator of the land, growing wheat, raising cattle, and harvesting around Montana and eventually the Great Plains throughout his life. He was a talented mechanic and fabricator, building trailers and a self-propelled grain cart. He loved tinkering in the shop and found an artistic calling as a welder and woodworker. He learned guitar early and began playing for dances in eighth- grade. His love of music continued throughout his life and he was often heard singing in church and jamming with friends and relatives He passed his love of music to his children and grandchildren and taught several family members how to play guitar.

He is preceded in death by his parents Gerhard and Helen Borgen; and two brothers, Verlin and Norbert.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; daughter Jeannie (Paul) Malek; son Dale (Donna) Borgen; son Verlin Borgen; daughter Doreen (James) McKenney; 11 grandchildren, Janie, Justin, Whitney, Alan, Blair, Haylee, Roy, Logan, Brittany, Darbi, and Kelsey; and 14 great-grandchildren, Keagan, Finley, Alanna, Heaston, Hunter, Kila, Chloe, Kelden, Rowen, Emma, Kaylan, Grace, Nolan, Saylor and one more on the way.

Funeral services for Lee were held on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow with burial in Highland Cemetery.The Montana Department of Revenues Property Assessment field office in Wolf Point will close permanently on Thursday, Feb. 28. This closure is part of the departments move to streamline operations and best use its limited resources.

After th...Glasgow resident Andrew McKean loves the outdoors and has worn many hats within the outdoor industry. He has been a hunter, an independent journalist writing about the outdoors and even as former editor-in-chief of Outdoor Life magazine. It's only...Makes Case for Budget Resolution and Border Security

Senator Steve Daines hosted a town hall at the Glasgow VFW Post 3107 l Feb. 15 to meet with and take questions from constituents. The stop was one of many on a total tour of the Big Sky State that included a stop in all 56 counties.

In front of a very friendly crowd that applauded much of what Daines discussed, he opened his speech with a recap of his recent trip to the Rio Grande Valley along the Mexico border where he met with border patrol agents and did a ride along during an evening patrol. Daines claimed that the trip involved the detention of two males attempting to cross the border illegally.

"As a matter of fact they tackled a guy in the field," stated Daines after commenting on the border situation saying, "They are capturing, literally, hundreds of illegal immigrants every day." Daines claimed that border patrol had been intercepting drugs, including methamphetamine which he noted for its unique predominance as a drug problem in Montana.

Daines said of border patrol agents, "They'll tell ya' if you give them technology, boots on the ground and a physical barrier; now that's the politically correct term that's being used, I call it a wall, but call it a physical barrier, call it whatever you want; it's a way for law enforcement, for border patrol [that's] important to help stop the flood of drugs and illegal immigrants coming into this country." Daines further claimed that border patrol agents say that if given the right tools they could stop illegal immigration by 90 to 95 percent.

Daines said he had supported Congress' deal to avert another shutdown even though it only included a fraction of the money the President requested for the wall and even less money then a deal that was struck in December before the government shutdown for 35 days.

"I'm glad we're not going through another shutdown," commented Daines about the deal. He added later, "Nobody wins with that." Daines did say that he felt what the President received in the deal was "a good down payment" on the border wall adding at the time that he felt the President was going to declare a national emergency to fund the wall. Daines did not say whether he supported that declaration but did say, "I support what President Trump is doing on the border."

Daines transitioned into briefly touching on the drug epidemic in Montana. He discussed a recent tour of the Rimrock Health Center and a personal experience regarding the intervention of a friend. Daines highlighted what he referred to as the "Willow House" at Rimrock where mothers and their children can be treated for addiction. The Senator said, "You ask them, they'll [staff] tell you the number one issue they're dealing with is meth."

Daines tied the drug problem back to the border issue by pointing out that meth today had changed from home-cooked meth to meth that is being transported in bulk across the border with Mexico.

About the change from home-cooked to mass-produced meth Daines stated, "That's shifted now to Mexican cartels. These Mexican cartels are producing the meth. This meth is far more potent, it is decreasing in price and increasing in distribution and I think it is one of the under-told stories that is going on in Montana."

Daines finished his remarks before taking questions by expressing his views about the courts, specifically the 19th Circuit Court based in California. Daines referred to the court as an "activist court." He also railed against other court decisions made in Montana such as the Keystone XL injunction and the Yellowstone River Diversion project near Sidney, which had been stalled in court proceedings until recently.

Daines pointed out the importance of appointing judges and how it is one of the few decisions made by Congress that cannot be undone by future Senators. Daines stated that his most significant action over the last few years was confirming over 30 new circuit court judges and two Supreme Court judges. He stated, "When I cast a vote for a judge it's a lifetime appointment."

Daines concluded by taking questions from the crowd. Many of the questions reinforced comments that were already made regarding border security and illegal immigration. He joked about seizing the assets of the recently convicted drug cartel leader Joaquin Guzman to pay for the wall.

One gentleman in participation told a personal account of how Senator Daines' office helped his Canadian wife with acquiring her permanent residency after they were married in Canada and he returned to the United States. He stated that they had been attempting to get the residnecy for years and each time they were rejected or delayed for months on end. After reaching out to each Senator and Congressman in Montana, the man said that Daines' office was the only one to respond and after their involvement the residency was approved.

Daines appreciated the comments and stated, "That's what we are here to do. We're all about customer service."

The gentleman offered his account of the legal immigration process then stated, "I just thought I would add one more thing. It took us two years and around $4,000 to get her permanent residency. So, I mean I say that in a sense of, for anyone else from a third-world country to try to come to the United States, it's a big jump."

Daines responded to the sentiment saying, "There is a legal way to come to the United States, and we need to reward those people. That's the problem, why do you get the run around when your trying to follow a legal process and do it the right way," asked Daines rhetorically before adding, "So, that ought to be accelerated for people who want to do it the right way."

Daines also discussed land management and his support for the recent federal lands bill that passed the Senate restricting mining in Yellowstone. That bill had bipartisan support and was supported by all three of Montana's elected officials in Washington, D.C.Even with modern medicine and vaccination schedules, the measles are making the rounds throughout the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control, from Jan. 1 through Feb. 14 of this year, 127 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 10 states, with the closest being Washington and Oregon. Even though there are no confirmed cases in Montana, as of yet, precautions need to be put in place to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

Measles is a highly contagious disease and can be very serious for young children, according to the Valley County Health Department. It can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and another person inhales the disease. Another way its spread is through infected surfaces, by an individual touching an infected surface and then their eyes, nose or mouth. If one person has it, there is a 90 percent chance the people close in proximity to that person, who are not immune, will also be infected.

Director of the Valley County Health Department Crystal Alvarado states the best course for prevention is vaccination. The Health Department recommends that people get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine to protect against the trio of diseases. Mumps has made an appearance in Bozeman schools with three confirmed cases this month. This is the second outbreak of the mumps disease following five cases reported last December.

The first dose of the vaccination is typically given between 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose is given to children between four and six years of age. Montana state law requires public school students receive the MMR vaccine, however parents can seek a medical exemption or request a religious exemption. Alvarado states the MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of the vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles while one dose is about 93 percent effective.

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. If insurance doesnt cover the vaccine or there is no medical insurance coverage, the Vaccines for Children Program may be able to help. The program helps families of eligible children who might not otherwise have access to vacination. More information can be found at http://www.center4research.org/vaccines-children-program-vfc/.

The Valley County Health Department offers a walk-in vaccination clinic on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. For more information on the MMR vaccine or the measles, contact them at 406-228-6261.Not many people have the opportunity to travel to Africa once, let alone twice within their lifetime. Josh Christensen, of Gladwin, shares witSamsung Galaxy S10 preview events in India to be hosted on February 21 in eight cities News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Here are the venues for the Samsung Galaxy S10 preview events in India.

Samsung is all set to host the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 20 at San Francisco, US to unveil this flagship Galaxy S10 series smartphones. In just one day of its global unveiling, the Samsung fans in India will be able to get their hands on these smartphones. We say so as the company will be hosting a preview event in the country on February 21 for fans to experience the 'Next Galaxy' smartphones - Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10 Plus and Galaxy S10e.

Well, Samsung Galaxy S10 preview events will be hosted in eight major cities all over India. Fans interested in these phones can visit the Samsung experience store from 5:30 PM on February 21 to use these smartphones. Interestingly, there is no registration to experience these devices and it is open for all.

Samsung Galaxy S10 preview events in India

Here are the venues of the preview events for the interested Samsung fans.

Samsung Experience Store - DLF Cyberhub, Cybercity, Gurugram

Samsung Opera House - Brigade road, Bangalore

Samsung Experience Store - Ambience Mall, Gurugram

Samsung Experience Store - Select City Walk, Delhi

Samsung Experience Store - Elante Mall, Chandigarh

Samsung Experience Store - 21 Parkstreet, Kolkata

Samsung Experience Store - CMH Road, Bangalore

Samsung Experience Store - Phoenix Market Citymall, Chennai

Samsung Experience Store - South Extension, Delhi

Samsung Experience Store - The Pavilion Mall, Pune

Samsung Experience Store - Golden Chambers, Link Road, Andheri West

Samsung Galaxy S10 series

Notably, this time Samsung is expected to take the wraps off three smartphones - the flagship Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus and the affordable Galaxy S10e. Going by the leaked reports that reveal the pricing of these upcoming Samsung smartphones, the Galaxy S10e is believed to be priced at 749 euros (approx. Rs. 60,500). And, the low-end variant of the Galaxy S10 is said to be priced at 899 euros (approx. Rs. 73,000).

Recently, the cost of the Galaxy S10+ Ceramic Black variant likely to feature 12GB RAM and 1TB storage space has been leaked. This one is said to be priced at a whopping 10,000 yuan (approx. Rs. 1,05,000). But there are contradictory reports suggesting relatively lower pricing for all these Galaxy S10 smartphones as well.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow NotificationsGoogle Maps expose Taiwanese secret military base in 3D view News oi-Vishal Kawadkar Google Maps' recent update spills beans for the Taiwanese military.

The latest update for Google Earth 3D maps might have accidentally spilled the beans for Taiwan by exposing their secret military base to the public. Some of the locations in full three-dimensional detail include a facility that is the home to Patriot missiles, and Taiwan's National Security Bureau, reports The South China Morning Post.

The update was meant to show public locations in Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung, and officials in Taiwan formed a task force to work with Google to blur out the new maps.

As of now, these layouts are still visible on the Google Maps app. The reports suggest that the Taiwanese military also "take examinations" to help prevent this from happening again.

While the exposure looks a major mistake from Google, officials hint there's no need for panic. "Actually, the confidential parts are all inside the structures which would be highly difficult to expose through the 3D maps," said Taiwan's Defence Minister Yen Te-fa to The South China Morning Post.

Taiwan and Google have had a history with such mapping data. Back in 2016, Taiwan asked Google to censor a military base on Taiping Island in the South China Sea.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications

Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.Gillette, WY (82718)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. High 66F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 51F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.A young woman from Croatia disappeared when she was only 23 years old, and now, 18 years later, the terrible truth has come to light.

This case of a young woman found dead in her sister's home in Croatia, 18 years after she went missing, has given many people goosebumps.

It has been 18 years since, according to local sources, young Jasmina Dominic disappeared in 2000, when she was 23 years old. However, it was not until 2005 that authorities were alerted to her disappearance.

How is this possible? According to her family, before her disappearance, Jasmina studied at the University of Zagreb, in the capital of Croatia, but had warned her relatives that she was going to study in Paris. For this reason, for 5 years, her family say that they did not realise that something bad had happened to her.

And now, after so long, it looks like the truth may have finally been uncovered, as Jasmina's body was discovered by police stashed in a freezer in her sister's family home.

Take a look at the video above for more on this disturbing case.Equipment theft  2:20 p.m. Sunday, 25000 block Starr Creek Road, Corvallis. A deputy was dispatched for a burglary report. Sometime during the past week, the property owner said, someone had cut the chain securing a gate and stolen a 25-ton Countyline wood splitter valued at $1,400.

Runaway truck  4:40 p.m. Sunday, Hyak Park, 5000 NW Highway 20. A deputy was dispatched for a public assist. A man reported he had parked his 2015 Jeep Compass at the bottom of the boat launch to look at the Willamette River but had neglected to set the parking brake. When he and his passenger got out, the vehicle began rolling toward the water. Both men tried to get back in the Jeep and stop the vehicle, but it was too late and the current carried it downstream. The deputy advised the owner he should contact his insurance company about removing the vehicle from the river.

Forgery  4:17 p.m. Monday, Gathering Together Farms, 25159 Grange Hall Road, Philomath. A deputy responded to a forgery complaint. The farms bookkeeper reported that a $4,800 business check had been forged in the name of a former employee using a mobile phone application. The ex-employee said her online bank account had been hacked. She was able to close the account before the check was cashed.

CORVALLIS POLICEThe lawsuit names Trump and several Cabinet secretaries as defendants. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra took the lead on the project.

Rosenblum said ever since Oregon joined with other states to block Trumps ban people traveling from a handful of majority Muslim countries, her staff has stayed in communication with other attorneys general. Rosenblum said work on this lawsuit started a few weeks ago when Trump started threatening the use of executive power to fund his wall.

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This is the 20th lawsuit against the Trump administration in which Oregon has been a party. In her proposed budget for 2019-2021, Gov. Kate Brown is asking for $2 million for lawsuits against Trump.

Rosenblum said her office has been fiscally responsible in joining these lawsuits, only using department resources while leaning on states like New York and California that have large staffs. To date, she said, the office has spent less than $1 million to fight Trump.

The basis for the lawsuit is that Trump violated the appropriations clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress must approve the presidents spending. Since the National Emergencies Act was passed in 1976, it has been enacted 60 times, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.The bank will utilize a courier service to send any hard-copy documentation back and forth. Otherwise, DeGuzman said a lot of that paperwork can now be taken care of electronically.

The nine-person department currently crams seven processors into a single room with separate spaces for the manager and loans operations officer.

So itll be nice to have us all together in a nice community space, said DeGuzman, who will be promoted to the departments lead position following the current managers retirement at the end of this month. Well have room for training, meetings, conference space. An updated space with new paint and windows will be a huge plus.

Another benefit that employees will enjoy involves parking their car.

Currently as employees downtown (in Corvallis), were not allowed to park in the free blocks and so all of our employees park a minimum of two, three blocks away, De Guzman said. Itll just be nice that theyll be able to pull right up and be able to park right in front of where they work.One of the first things on her to do list is to adopt a risk-assessment model for evaluating criminal defendants for pretrial release based on the risk they pose to the community and the types of services they need to avoid reoffending.

This is a movement thats taking place across Oregon, Augerot said.

The new approach would add a layer of supervision by the Parole & Probation Office in a bid to lower the countys failure-to-appear rate, which is far higher than the national benchmark.

Augerot said shell also start pushing for the creation of a sobering center to house highly intoxicated people until they can be transferred to a jail cell or safely released. The idea is to free up resources at the Benton County Jail and Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, which currently act as de facto sobering centers.

Finally, Augerot plans to delve deeper into the issue of frequent fliers, the 12 percent of offenders who account for roughly one-third of all jail bookings. She believes there may be a way to bring those numbers down by tailoring a combination of sanctions and services to the needs of this problem population.

All these steps, she said, could probably be funded through the countys budget process.Trips to Central Oregon in the winter arent as frequent as I would like. So on this particular weekend, as we headed to one of our favorite cross-country ski trails, my husband and I werent about to let freezing temperatures stand in the way of a good time. We slapped on extra layers of clothing and hoped that wed soon generate enough body heat to appreciate what a good time we were having.

For the first mile up McKenzie Pass, getting warm meant THINKING warm. I employed every high school drama class technique I knew: I was a toasting marshmallow, a lizard in the Sahara, a beach bum in the Bahamas. By the time we reached the lava flow at Windy Gap, all my fingers and toes had resumed working, but werent happy.

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We unclamped our skis and scurried out to the bluff for a quick look. Clouds swirled about us, filmy and shredded from the lashing wind. Through the surging mist the alabaster landscape seemed ghostly  a strange emptiness flowing through the forest. After a moments appreciation, Steve handed me half a candy bar. But the unrelenting chill was already upon us, making my face so cold I could barely chew. Time to get moving.

Once back at the trail head, a single thought played through my frosted brain: must have cocoa!LEBANON  Bud Kingsberry left work to get coffee Tuesday morning when a friend called him to say black smoke was coming from his shop at Aerostar Towing and Wrecking, 1046 F St.

According to Lebanon Fire Division Chief Jason Bolen, the call came in at 8:26 a.m.

Neighbor Cecilia Ruiz had just finished breakfast with her 1-year-old daughter when she heard sirens and joined a small crowd watching the scene.

I didnt hear anything until I heard the sirens, she said.

Bolen said the investigation was still ongoing but the fire appeared to be accidental. He said the shop was deemed a total loss, and the main building sustained minor cosmetic damage.

According to a statement released by the Lebanon Fire District, explosions could be heard [on scene] due to the storage of acetylene, propane and gas tanks.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

By late Tuesday afternoon, Kingsberry was still trying to "let it sink in."

He said he was unsure if the building was insured and estimated the loss of tools and equipment inside at $70,000.Roma was the odds-on favorite to win the 2019 Oscar for Best Picture but Green Brook is providing some nice competition and would promise a $30 payout for every $10 bet.



BET THE OSCARS HERE - LOW MINIMUM BETS - TOP CASH BONUSES

Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, who also produced, shot, and co-edited it, the semi-autobiographical film is set in 1970 and 1971 in the colonial Roma neighborhood of Mexico City.

The film had its world premiere at the 75th Venice International Film Festival on 30 August 2018, where it won the Golden Lion. It has received 10 nominations at the 91st Academy Awards. Netflix had acquired distribution rights to the film.

While most books were offering odds of Roma winning at 1/4, Ladbrokes in the UK featured odds of 1/2.

From RottenTomatoes:

ROMA follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young domestic worker for a family in the middle-class neighborhood of Roma in Mexico City. Delivering an artful love letter to the women who raised him, Cuaron draws on his own childhood to create a vivid and emotional portrait of domestic strife and social hierarchy amidst political turmoil of the 1970s. Cuaron's first project since the groundbreaking Gravity in 2013.

Green Brook certainly has some value this year with odds as long as 4-1 some books for a payout potential of $40 on every $10 bet.

From RottenTomatoes:

When Tony Lip (Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Ali), a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on "The Green Book" to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger-as well as unexpected humanity and humor-they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime.

- Jordan Bach, Gambling911.comNews

Flood control district's $2M bid hits a legal snag

FRIENDSWOOD

The Harris County Flood Control Districts $2 million bid to purchase 50 acres of land along Dixie Farm Road is temporarily on hold as the developer and owner of the property fight in court over splitting proceeds of the sale.

Officials with the flood control district have been negotiating since June with property owners to acquire the land as a possible stormwater detention site for Clear Creek, officials said.

The land became controversial in June when nearby residents began objecting to a proposed shopping center at the site because they worried piles of dirt might worsen flooding in an area that had been inundated during Hurricane Harvey less than a year before.

The worrisome dirt should never have been piled at the site in the first place, flood control district officials said in November.

But a recent court filing paint a complicated picture of the development and ongoing negotiations since June.

Attorneys for John Carlew and Remington Homes, the developer of Westover Plaza, on Jan. 28 filed a lawsuit in Harris County against property owners Robert Wood, James Wood and Doris Wood, asking the court to enforce an agreement between the two sides.

Neither the attorneys nor representatives for the flood control district responded to a request for comment by deadline Tuesday. The Woods could not be reached for comment.

Essentially, Carlew in 2016 approached the Robert Wood about purchasing property at 2811 Dixie Farm Road and the two sides eventually reached a contract to develop 6 acres of the property, court filings assert. James and Doris Wood then conveyed the property to Westover for construction and Robert Wood and Carlew obtained dirt and development permits from the flood control district, filings assert.

During that same period, Robert Wood also asked Carlew about helping to sell the remaining property, the lawsuit asserts. Carlew initially said he would do so, but would charge $50,000 a month, before later proposing he would help if he received 50 percent of the sale proceeds.

During the entire process of creating the two contracts, but after an agreement was reached with HCFCD to ship fill dirt onto the development property from one of HCFCDs local dig sites, there were local protests from residents regarding the addition of the fill dirt, the lawsuit asserts.

The dirt is from the excavation of the Mud Gully detention pond, a Harris County Flood Control District project.

A contractor working on that project had taken the dirt to the Dixie Farm Road property after flood control district officials had approved a request to do so, officials said in November. District officials approved the request because the contractor had attached 1999 flood insurance rate maps instead of 2007 maps when he filled out the paperwork.

The site shouldnt have been approved because it fell in a 100-year floodplain, officials said.

The defendants became dejected as to the possibility of a sale and made the comment that the property was worthless without the ability to obtain permits, the lawsuit asserts.

Carlew argued the flood control district shouldnt be allowed to remove the dirt and that perhaps it would then buy the land, the lawsuit asserts.

Westover then deeded the land back to the Woods and eventually the flood control district offered more than $2.7 million to purchase the property, the lawsuit asserts.

All sides reached an agreement in October, but the Woods contacted Carlew and asked whether he would reduce his 50 percent interest and he declined, the lawsuit asserts.

Robert Wood then emailed that he set a tentative closing date for the property for Dec. 3, upon which the plaintiffs said they would reduce the 50 percent interest in the sale proceeds by taking a 6 percent adjustment of the total sale, netting $1.19 million at closing, the lawsuit asserts.

Robert Wood then rejected the offer and said future communication should be directed to an attorney, the lawsuit asserts.

The Woods are now refusing to honor the agreement and delaying the closing to thwart the contracted percentage of the sale proceeds, the lawsuit asserts.Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds. Low 82F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.Fort Wayne, IN (46808)

Today

Cloudy with gusty winds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.Hospitals also render discounted medical services to patients insured by Medicare and Medicaid, which reimburse at rates below the true cost of providing that care.

In 2017, Virginia hospitals absorbed more than $1.7 billion in losses from charity care and reimbursement shortfalls. That doesnt include $550 million in unpaid medical services.

In 2016, Mary Washington Healthcare provided over $53 million in charity care in our local community. Its difficult to think of another industry thats required by government to provide free or discounted services to customers.

I dont want to be misunderstood: Virginia hospitals willingly provide services to patients in need, regardless of their ability to pay. That is the foundation of our community-based mission, of which we are proud.

But in order to keep the health system functioning, it is essential to preserve COPN, which has been the target of repeated attacks.

The justification for those attacks centers around an argument that ending COPN will increase access and lower costs. The problem is that those claims dont match up with reality. Other states that pursued similar health care deregulation have experienced unintended consequences that didnt lower costs, expand access, or benefit patients.The Democratic caucus in the Virginia House of Delegates said Tuesday that the sexual assault allegations against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax should be investigated by law enforcement outside of the political arena.

On Monday, The Washington Post published on op-ed from Meredith Watson, one of the two Fairfax accusers, who has called for the General Assembly to hold public hearings at which both Fairfax and his accusers could testify. Watson criticized the legislature for inaction in response to her allegation and suggested a law enforcement investigation could invite attacks on her character and end with inconclusive results.

Watson has accused Fairfax of raping her in 2000 at Duke University. A second woman, California professor Vanessa Tyson, has said Fairfax sexually assaulted her in 2004 in a Boston hotel room.

Fairfax has said both encounters were consensual. He has called on the FBI to investigate and has said a legislative probe would be politicized and unlikely to get to the truth.

On Tuesday, House Democrats made clear they think the allegations, which Fairfax has adamantly denied, are primarily a law enforcement matter."We're sorry if Joe has been too busy dealing with his various legal issues and attempted political comebacks to notice," Rubenstein said. At the same time, Rubenstein also said that the party does not take sides in primaries.

Dance, who was elected to the Senate in 2014 after serving nine years in the House, said in a statement that she has "not had an opportunity to focus on potential opponents."

Morrissey, who is white, is popular in Richmond's working-class black neighborhoods, where he is known for his relentless campaigning and for his work as a criminal defense lawyer. Dance is African American.

Morrissey served three months in jail in 2015 as a result of his Alford plea. From behind bars, he won a special election to the House of Delegates, a seat he gave up soon after to challenge Dance, then a first-term state senator.

He eventually aborted that campaign, citing health issues. He was leading Richmond's 2016 mayoral race until a law client accused him of exposing himself to her, a charge he denied even as he acknowledged that the two had exchanged lewd text messages.

At the time of his texts with the client, Morrissey was engaged to his now wife.The Virginia Department of Transportation says roads in the 14-county Fredericksburg District have improved, ranging from wet to "some isolated slick spots."

But with temperatures expected to hover near or below freezing overnight, VDOT warns drivers to be especially aware tonight and Thursday morning, because "isolated slick spots" could arise, especially on bridges, ramps, turn lanes and lightly used secondary roads.

Crews will monitor roads and treat any slick areas with salt, sand and abrasives.

Virginia State Police say they responded to hundreds of traffic crashes and disabled vehicles during the winter storm that hit the state Wednesday night.

State police say from midnight to 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, troopers responded to 477 traffic crashes and 318 disabled vehicles across Virginia. Seventy-six of those crashes were in the Richmond district, which includes Fredericksburg and surrounding counties; another 101 were in the Culpeper District.

State police say most involved only damage to vehicles and few injuries have been reported. Troopers are at the scene of a single-vehicle fatal crash in Lee County, but it is not yet know whether that is weather-related.The convention of states is the lesser-known procedure by which amendments can be made to the constitution. It has never been used. Congress has instituted all of the amendments.

There have been 27 amendments to the Constitution since it was signed by a majority of legislators in 1787 (the document was ratified in 1788 and became the law of the land in 1789). But there has been a growing movement in the past year, driven by conservatives.

Ross, a Republican, and Dahmen said the movement is not a partisan issue.

I think all political parties should be concerned about our debt and Congress doesnt appear to have it in them to take action, regardless of what party is in control, Ross said in an email this week.

According to Common Cause, a government watchdog group considered liberal by some, conservative advocates are just six states short of reaching the constitutionally-required 34-state goal needed to convene a convention of states.

Spotsylvania is the third Virginia county to pass a resolution supporting a convention of states, following Prince William and New Kent.STAFF REPORT

Former teacher and PTO president Lorita Rita Daniels has announced plans to run for the Salem District seat on the Spotsylvania County School Board this fall.

Daniels, who taught in Texas and was a substitute teacher in Spotsylvania, is now pursing a Ph.D. in public administration and policy. She also served as the Parent Teacher Organization president of Spotsylvania Middle School and on the Parent Advisory Committee for the School Board and is on the board of directors for the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Daniels said her priorities are making sure all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential, recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and funding education as if our future depends on it, because todays students are tomorrows workforce.

Daniels is married to a retired Air Force officer and has three sons, one of whom graduated from the Spotsylvania school system and a third who is in kindergarten now. She is seeking to fill the seat now held by Bill Blaine, who is not seeking re-election.

Daniels said her work as a substitute teacher during her husbands military career gave her a passion for public education and showed her the importance of good teachers and parental involvement.The man accused of killing a 19-year-old woman inside a Spotsylvania County residence during the summer unleashed a stream of profanity Tuesday in Spotsylvania Circuit Court after a judge denied his request to be moved to another jail.

David Weston Newton, 21, is charged with murder and multiple other charges in connection with the July slaying of Megan Metzger. Newton is accused of shooting Metzger in the face, then being part of an attempted cover-up that included the grisly mutilation of Metzgers body.

Newtons attorney, Alex Raymond, recently filed a motion asking that Newton be transferred from the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Raymond said Newton feels threatened in the local jail and said an inmate had already told him that hes been green lit, which means he is a target to be hurt or killed.

Raymond said Newton is especially concerned about the Killa Mafia gang and said staff members at the jail are mistreating him and denying him treatment he needs.

Because the Metzger slaying is such a high-profile case, Raymond said things will only get worse for Newton in the regional jail.United Franchise Group Announces Promotions for Promotional Marketing Services Brand - Fully Promoted

Michelle Longueira and Monica Markulin Promoted to New Roles

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - February 20, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ - Fully Promoted, a brand of the United Franchise Group (UFG), has announced that Michelle Longueira and Monica Markulin have been promoted to the positions of Vice President of Operations for the Business Retail Division, and Corporate Trainer, respectively. Longueira, has been with UFG for 11 years, and recently served as the Director of Support, while Markulin, an 18-year employee, previously held the position of Support Specialist.

"Michelle and Monica are essential to the success and growth of Fully Promoted and I am very confident they will be exceptional in their new roles," said Mike Brugger, president of Fully Promoted "They have been important contributors to the growth, expansion, and success of the Fully Promoted brand. In these new roles, they will be able to further leverage their many years of industry knowledge towards initiatives that make positive impacts on the bottom lines of our franchisees."

Longueira is working closely with franchisees to streamline business operations so that Fully Promoted franchise owners can deliver competitive costs and excellent results to the clientele they serve. "Michelle began her career as an independent business owner in 1992, and has grown up in the industry," said Brugger. "She has walked the same path as many of our franchisees and her first-hand knowledge is exactly the kind of tactical advantage our franchisee network is looking for."

"I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together," said Longueira. "My own journey and lessons learned can be applied to each franchise's own unique business experience. I have a love, passion, and respect for Fully Promoted and UFG, and I'm looking forward to providing solutions that enable our franchisees to meet and exceed their goals."

Nearly 30 years ago, Longueira began an embroidery business out of the family garage with a single-head embroidery machine. Learning through trial and error, the business grew and expanded to include locations at two retail mall locations. She added a warehouse with a multiple-head embroidery machine and screen-printing equipment to become a top supplier in her community.

Markulin expertise lies in providing high-quality training geared toward increasing a franchise's productivity and individual store sales. "The Fully Promoted brand is one of the most successful in the world, and it underscores the importance of support training," she said. "I want to enrich the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our franchisees, because when our franchise is successful, we're all successful."

Markulin began her career in 1986, screen-printing tee shirts at retail mall kiosks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and eventually started an in-line retail store in Philadelphia, PA. "I've been a retail owner operator of a promotional products business so I can relate to our franchisees," said Markulin, who has worked as a technical support specialist, field support advisor, and provided all aspects of training school.

After moving to Florida, she became the first employee hired by EmbroidMe (now Fully Promoted), managing the original store in West Palm Beach, FL. "I am eager and enthusiastic to share my 33 years of hands-on industry knowledge with franchisees and be a part of their growth and success," she said. "Monica has an excellent teaching approach, and her sincerity and compassion helps create strong long-term relationships," said Brugger. "She is definitely an integral part of our brand's success."

Fully Promoted, one of five UFG brands named to Entrepreneur Magazine's 2019 Franchise 500 list. It has more than 300 locations worldwide. As the world's largest branded products and marketing services franchised company, it is the dedication and commitment of outstanding employees like Michelle Longueira and Monica Markulin that make a difference.

About Fully Promoted

Fully Promoted has more than 300 locations across the globe and plans to have 400 by the end of 2019. Fully Promoted operates a full-service branded products and marketing services business, and is the place to go to get customers. From promotional products and embroidery to expert printing services, we can help take your business to the next level. Most recently, Fully Promoted introduced an office-based model that will allow you to operate your business using a developed network of resources. To find the Fully Promoted nearest you, visit www.FullyPromoted.com.

About United Franchise Group

Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimax, Jon Smith Subs, Venture X, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors, Accurate Franchising, Network Lead Exchange, and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. With more than three decades in the franchising industry, and 1,600 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Media Contact:

Kim Miller

Ink Link Marketing

Miami Lakes, FL

United States

Voice: 305-631-2283

SOURCE Fully Promoted

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DisqusTWO MEN AND A TRUCK Opens in 44th State After Landing on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 Ranking

The largest franchised moving company in North America welcomed 14 new franchisees into the system, with plans to award 13 new territories in 2019.

LANSING, Mich. - Feb. 20, 2019 // PRNewswire // - TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, the leading moving company franchise, had a great 2018 which included welcoming 14 new franchisees into the system to open five new locations and take over nine existing territories.

Franchisee Mike Reps opened the company's first location in North Dakota, putting TWO MEN AND A TRUCK on the map in 44 U.S. states. Reps saw great success with his Rochester, Minn., location and opened his second territory early 2019.

The 380 unit brand also ranked in Entrepreneur's 2019 Franchise 500 for the 23rd year, among other large rankings such as being named a 2018 Top Multi-Unit Franchise by Franchise Business Review and securing a spot on the Military Times' 2018 Best for Vets list.

"Accolades like this give credibility to the fact that TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has grown steadily for more than 30 years, and we have no intention of slowing down anytime soon," said Jon Nobis, CEO of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.

In addition to its ongoing business growth, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK continued putting a high priority on its team members and moving their careers forward. This included the annual Mary Ellen's Moving People Forward Scholarship program, which awards a deserving manager in the system financial support to help them open their own franchise in partnership with their current franchisee. In 2018, the brand awarded four scholarships, and the overall winner Liz Friedmann will open her location in Clifton, New Jersey in spring of 2019. Friedmann's location will be the third in the state, with capacity for 11 more throughout New Jersey.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK also provided cash donations and donated moving services to its numerous charity partners including Operation Finally Home, Convoy of Hope, and Cheeriodicals. To date, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has also donated more than $3 million to charities across the country.

"Giving back to the communities we serve is part of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK's DNA," said Randy Shacka, president of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. "Our Founder, Mary Ellen Sheets, started this precedence with her charitable spirit  at the end of her first year in business, she donated her first $1,000 in profits to 10 different local charities. This has since grown into system-wide programs that provide support to veterans, children, pets, and those affected by natural disasters. We look forward to continuing our established partnerships with charitable organizations while looking for even more opportunities to give back in 2019."

Looking ahead to 2019, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK plans to award 10-13 new territories, including three mini-markets, the brand's lower investment option that gives franchise owners flexibility to work with less staff and fewer trucks in smaller territories. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is looking for franchise owners to grow the brand's footprint in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Virginia, Rhode Island, Maryland, Seattle, Pennsylvania, California and Vermont.

About TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Headquartered in Michigan, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the largest franchised moving company in North America. Currently, there are more than 375 locations and 2,900 trucks operating in 44 U.S. states in addition to Canada, Ireland, and the UK. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has performed more than 7 million moves since its inception in 1985 and has seen consistent monthly growth dating back to December 2009. In 2018, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked TWO MEN AND A TRUCK as one of the top 500 franchises in the U.S for the 23rd year and ranked the company No. 1 in the moving/junk removal category for the third year in a row. In 2017, the company also made the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America for the fourth time. Each location is independently owned and operated.

Media Contact:

Lauren Kaminski

No Limit Agency

312.526.3996

lauren@nolimitagency.com

SOURCE TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

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DisqusHi-Land Properties Named HomeVestors National Franchise of the Year

Award-winning We Buy Ugly Houses Company Continues to Help Maintain Affordable Local Housing Supply While Also Providing Hundreds of Local Jobs

February 20, 2019 // Franchising.com // WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Hi-Land Properties, a West Palm Beach franchise of HomeVestors, has been named the We Buy Ugly Houses Franchise of the Year for the fourth time in eight years. Last year, Hi-Land Properties bought 176 houses, and has purchased more than 1,100 in the area since becoming a franchise in 2005. HomeVestors has been Americas number one homebuyer for several years.

We dont just buy ugly houses, we also provide homeowners solutions for ugly situations, said Don Cameron, owner of Hi-Land Properties. The individuals and families that sell to us appreciate that we meet with them personally to make a fair cash offer and buy their property as-is, and that we always operate in an honest, straightforward manner. We write every purchase contract with the FAR-BAR As-Is contract, which is approved by the Florida Associations of Realtors and the Florida Bar.

There are more than 32 independently owned and operated HomeVestors franchises like Hi-Land Properties in south Florida that are helping drive neighborhood improvement, as well as providing business opportunities for investors.

HomeVestors has purchased more than 95,000 houses since it began franchising in 1996, and averages about 8,000 houses each year. The houses are deemed ugly in advertisements, with the term applying not just to their condition, but also to the ugly situations sellers often themselves in. More than 80 percent of houses purchased by HomeVestors franchisees are less than 1,400-square feet and were built before 1980. Houses purchased are generally rehabbed, then sold or held as investment properties, helping raise real estate values and drive community revitalization.

Few builders are selling new single-family homes for less than $300,000, added David Hicks, CEO of HomeVestors. But franchises like Hi-Land Properties here in West Palm Beach are reintroducing properties that might not otherwise be available, delivering a supply of desirable homes that first-time home buyers can reasonably afford. We pride ourselves on providing a needed service to these sellers while also bringing the progress of new development and an affordable housing supply to the communities where our franchises live and work.

About HomeVestors of America, Inc.

Dallas-based HomeVestors of America, Inc. is the largest professional house buying franchise in the U.S. with more than 95,000 houses bought since 1996. HomeVestors recruits, trains and supports its more than 1,000 independently owned and operated HomeVestors franchisees that specialize in building businesses based on buying, rehabbing, selling, and holding residential properties. Most commonly known as the "We Buy Ugly Houses" company, HomeVestors strives to make a positive impact in each of its 168 markets. The company ranked on the 2018 Inc. 5000, has appeared for 12 consecutive years on the prestigious Franchise Business Review's "Top Franchises, and for six years on the annual Dallas 100. HomeVestors was also recognized in 2018 as the third fastest-growing franchise in America on the Franchise Times Top 200, as the 20th fastest-growing franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine, and in 2019 ranked 30th on Entrepreneurs Franchise 500. For more information, visit www.HomeVestors.com.

Media Contact:

Ariel Herr

aherr@calisepartners.com

469-235-2708

SOURCE HomeVestors of America, Inc.

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DisqusExpress Tops Off Monumental Year with $3.56 Billion in Sales

Express Employment Professionals releases record 2018 sales numbers and reflects on a year of accolades and innovation.

OKLAHOMA CITY (PRWEB) February 19, 2019 - Express Employment Professionals 35th year of business proved to be one of shattered records, innovative technology and topping lists.

The staffing firm saw a record $3.56 billion in sales in 2018, up 5 percent from the previous year and found jobs for more than 566,000 people, a 5 percent increase year-over-year. Every time Express places a job seeker with a quality client company, that paycheck helps support four other people on average. In 2018, roughly 2.2 million people were positively impacted because of employment alone through Express.

Our franchise owners, their teams and everyone at Express International Headquarters work tirelessly day in and day out to help make sure families can put food on the table, said Express CEO Bill Stoller. What sets Express apart from other companies is our culture of servanthood. We believe our continued success comes from the idea that if we put people first, everything else will fall in line.

Express now boasts more than 800 franchise locations in the United States, Canada and South Africa, and made it easier than ever for job seekers in North America to connect with local offices through the rollout of the ExpressJobs app. This much anticipated app was a significant step in the digital transformation of the company, offering real-time, location-based services for job seekers and current Express associates.

Technology is an extremely vital component in todays modern workforce, but we wanted to utilize it in a way that maintained a personalized recruiting process, Stoller said. At the end of the day, job seekers want to know their applications dont disappear into a black hole, and we are proud to say the ExpressJobs app streamlines that process, quickly matching top talent with exceptional companies.

As Express constantly strives to provide the best applicant experience possible, the company was recently rewarded with ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Talent Award for the third consecutive year. This distinction is the only award in North America that recognizes staffing agencies based solely on ratings provided by clients and job seekers.

Express also received several other awards throughout the year, including being named one of Forbes Best Franchises to Buy and landing on Staffing Industry Analysts Largest Global Staffing Firms list. Entrepreneur recognized Express as the top staffing franchise on its annual Franchise 500 Ranking for the eighth consecutive year, as well as one of the top five business services franchises and top franchises to buy under $150,000.

By placing a priority on job site safety, the company also earned the Safety Standard of Excellence mark, which is part of a national program developed by the American Staffing Association and the National Safety Council to promote industry-wide safety best practices.

In December, Express International Headquarters was recognized for its exemplary company culture as one of The Oklahomans Top Workplaces and CEO Bill Stoller was further recognized with a leadership award from the media outlet. The corporate headquarters provides 100 percent health insurance coverage for employees and 75 percent for dependents and prides itself on being the only entity in Oklahoma to subsidize up to $5,000 annually per dependent for dependent care. New this year, Express will also provide up to $10,000 in adoption assistance for corporate employees to help make the process more affordable.

Whether at our international headquarters or at one of our more than 800 offices, we had an incredible 2018 with so many milestones and successes, Stoller said. We have big plans for 2019, which include technology upgrades, associate appreciation programs and continuing to strive to put a million people to work, annually, just to name a few. This is an exciting time to be part of the Express family!

Express Employment Professionals offers a full range of employment solutions, including evaluation hire, temporary staffing, professional search and human resources. Designated a World-Class Franchise by FranSurvey for the past 13 years, the staffing company has available territories in Boston, Miami, Toronto, Columbus, Milwaukee, and Los Angeles.

For more information about Express Employment Professionals, visit ExpressPros.com.

About Bill Stoller

William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has more than 800 franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Since its inception, Express has put more than 7.7 million people to work worldwide.

About Express Employment Professionals

Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated $3.56 billion in sales and employed a record 566,000 people in 2018. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

Media Contact:

Sheena Karami

Express Employment Professionals

(405) 840-5000

SOURCE Express Employment Professionals

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DisqusAmerican Dairy Queen Corporation Serves Nation A Sweeter Franchise Opportunity

World-Leading QSR Concept Outlines 10 Target Growth Markets for 2019; Launches Four Incentive Programs to Attract Motivated Multi-Unit Operators

February 20, 2019 // Franchising.com // MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Striking the perfect balance between everything that is sweet and savory in franchising, American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) recently announced a strategic plan to intensify its growth initiative for DQ Grill & Chill restaurants. The highly calculated approach includes targeting 10 major metro markets and new incentive programs, positioning the company for an impressive growth year ahead.

Maintaining its recipe for success throughout more than 75 years, ADQ currently has more than 7,000 locations worldwide and is initiating a plan to add more than 70 new restaurants in the United States in 2019. The brand is targeting 10 growth markets including: Sacramento, California; Baltimore; Orlando, Florida; Milwaukee; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Memphis, Tennessee; Albany, New York; Fresno, California; Charlotte, North Carolina; and New Orleans. Beyond these U.S. target markets, ADQ is franchising in territories across Canada and other international countries.

For decades, the Dairy Queen brands staying power has resonated with talented franchise ownership groups. Its an iconic brand that evokes tradition and comfort for people worldwide, said Julie Davis, ADQ franchise development director. By highlighting our brands sustainability and tremendous room for growth, there are increasing opportunities for strong multi-unit operators who want to diversify their portfolios and be a part of this development phase.

After perfecting the DQ Grill & Chill design prototype and adding new executives to its franchise development leadership team, ADQ is launching four incentive programs to attract motivated multi-unit operators who are eager to grow with a timeless brand and move through the development process at an advanced pace.

The four franchise incentive programs include:

Timeline Incentives - ADQ will give franchisees a fixed incentive payment of $30,000 if they open a new DQ Grill & Chill restaurant within 32 weeks of signing their franchise agreement; ADQ will give franchisees who open within 40 weeks a fixed incentive payment of $15,000.

- ADQ will give franchisees a fixed incentive payment of $30,000 if they open a new DQ Grill & Chill restaurant within 32 weeks of signing their franchise agreement; ADQ will give franchisees who open within 40 weeks a fixed incentive payment of $15,000. Multi-Unit Opening Incentives - Franchisees opening multiple DQ Grill & Chill restaurants within the same calendar year are eligible for an additional $10,000 per opening.

- Franchisees opening multiple DQ Grill & Chill restaurants within the same calendar year are eligible for an additional $10,000 per opening. Year on Year Incentives - Franchisees opening new DQ Grill & Chill restaurants in consecutive years are eligible for an additional $10,000 incentive on their first opening in the second calendar year.

- Franchisees opening new DQ Grill & Chill restaurants in consecutive years are eligible for an additional $10,000 incentive on their first opening in the second calendar year. Re-Purpose Incentives - Franchisees that develop and open a DQ Grill & Chill restaurant by expediting the conversion of a closed, former DQ or other QSR restaurant facility will be eligible for a fixed incentive payment of $10,000.

These incentives are designed to attract elite franchisees with a fast-track mindset, added Davis. Were a determined, innovative team and we have the processes and systems in place to support this development vision for years to come.

ADQs industry-leading DQ Grill & Chill business model, made up of extensive site selection procedures, seasoned business consultants and ongoing marketing support, is designed to attract individuals and operating teams with a strong business acumen, proven ownership experience and an interest in multi-unit franchising. DQ Grill & Chill restaurants offer a full line of fresh, high-quality food and frozen treats to delight fans of all ages. Moving forward, ADQ is focused on building more freestanding drive-thru restaurants. The investment for this model ranges from $1,090,225 to $1,849,525, which includes the initial $35,000 franchise fee but does not include the cost of land.

About International Dairy Queen, Inc.

International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,000 locations in the United States, Canada and 25 other countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire. For more information visit www.DairyQueen.com.

Media Contact:

JoeyLauren Jiracek

All Points PR

Public Relations Account Lead

Office: 847-897-7496

SOURCE International Dairy Queen, Inc.

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DisqusGREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) - Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol said one person has died and another is in the hospital after a crash in Greenville County.ASHEVILLE, NC (FOX Carolina)- The North Carolina Department of Public Safety says that the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice is searching for an offender that was serving part of his sentence outside of prisonRed Rock Search & Rescue said volunteers were searching for Johnathan Hall, 30, who was last seen on Feb. 13.Thirty-three years after a child went missing in Nevada, the mother has been arrested in Palm Beach County.Please either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.MOBILE, Ala. -- The Mobile Area Democratic Legislators will hold a Town Hall & Listening Tour meeting this week.

The event is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Williamson High School, at 1567 E. Dublin St.

Organizers say the meeting will provide legislators an opportunity to connect with local citizens about their priorities and concerns ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

Legislators who will participate are Rep. Adline Clarke, Rep. Napoleon Bracy Jr., Rep. Sam Jones, Rep. Barbara Drummond and Sen. Vivian Figures.MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -- It was just after the first of the year, when Mobile Police say two women went to town at the Victoria's Secret Pink Store at the Shoppes at Bel Air.

Surveillance video from several different angles showed both women stuffing clothes into their shopping bags. According to police they made away with more than $2,000 worth of merchandise.

The surveillance images were so good police were able to identify both women and arrest 27-year-old Tasha Burgess. She's charged with theft of property 2nd degree.

Meanwhile, there's an active warrant out for her alleged partner in crime -- 23-year-old Sheronica Norwood. If you know where she is turn her in to Mobile Police.

If you have video of someone "Caught In The Act" - we want to see it. Email it to us at fox10reportit@fox10tv.com.11 Jun 2021 --- One-third (33 percent) of consumers admit to snacking more when people arent around, according to a new study commissioned by Glanbia Nutritionals. With more... Read More22 Jun 2021 --- The UKs food system stakeholders are flagging a plethora of oncoming Brexit and COVID-19 impacts, while forecasting what is likely to play out over the next... Read MoreQualcomm, back in 2017 has announced the Mesh Networking Platform to provide customers with support for smart devices into their homes. The company has expanded its ability with the introduction of the Qualcomm Mesh Networking Development Kit for Amazon AVS.

Qualcomms vision for supporting the advanced voice services in the Mesh Networking Platform is to build a platform that provides corner-to-corner coverage, intelligence to connect any smart home device, and the ability to control the entire network by voice. With the introduction of this kit, it is making it even easier for designers to build Wi-Fi mesh networking systems that integrate voice. Its the result of integrating Meeami Technologies ClearVoice far-field voice enhancement software, which helps deliver superior user experiences, even in noisy environments around the home.

The Qualcomm Mesh Networking Development Kit is qualified for the Alexa Voice Service by Amazon and is designed to offer manufacturers the necessary building blocks to quickly and cost-effectively create mesh Wi-Fi systems with Alexa built-in.

Nick Kucharewski, vice president and general manager, Wireless Infrastructure and Networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc said:

Mesh networks have become the new standard to support the best possible connected experience in the home. By adding Amazons advanced voice capabilities through the Alexa Voice Service, we are unlocking new opportunities for customers to enable exciting new smart home experiences controlled with the simplicity of voice. By integrating our mesh platform with Alexa, we create a powerful development kit that is designed to enable device manufacturers to quickly and economically bring innovative new products to market and meet the development speed of this fast-growing market.

Priya Abani, Director of the Alexa Voice Service for Amazon said:Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was amongst the best selling devices launched in 2017 in India, despite launching in 2017 it was launched with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and was updated to Android 7.0 (Nougat) in August 2017. Redmi Note 4 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 mobile platform, the same processor that powers Mi A1 which received Android 9.0 (Pie) update along with Dual 4G VoLTE support couple of months ago. Xiaomi has already announced the list of smartphones eligible for Android Oreo/Pie update, but Xiaomis best seller from 2017 is not included in the list and now we can assume that Redmi Note 4 will not receive any Android update.

In case you wish to enjoy the latest version of Android on your Redmi Note 4, you can use custom ROM on your device. Earlier, we tried Arrow OS and crDroid ROM on Redmi Note 4 both of which were based on Android Pie. Oxygen OS is another Android skin that is popular amongst users for the customizations it offers without adding bloat, developers have ported Android 9.0 (Pie) based Oxygen OS to Redmi Note 4.

We tried it on our unit and here are the first impressions,

Performance and Benchmarks:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 is almost three year old now, we obtained AnTuTu score of 69444 which is lesser as compared to 81212 on Arrow OS but day to day performance was just fine. By default, PUBG runs on low graphics and it was playable on the default settings.

Software, UI, and Apps:

Oxygen OS Beta 26 is ported from One Plus 5, it is based on Android 9.0 (Pie) and runs on January 2019 security patch. Out of 32 GB internal storage, 10.32 GB is occupied by the system and users get around 21 GB of free storage, and there are only few Google and OnePlus apps preinstalled.

All the Oxygen OS features like Quick Gestures are present here, but navigation gestures are missing here since the ROM is ported from One Plus 5 which also lacks Oxygen OS navigation gestures.

Fingerprint Sensor:

The fingerprint works just fine on this ROM, users can add up to five different fingerprints to unlock the phone. The fingerprint unlock animation is slow as compared to stock MIUI Global ROM but during our usage, it was accurate and reliable.

Camera:

It features stock Oxygen OS camera app which keeps on crashing, but Cam2API is enabled by default, unlike MIUI. Users can use ported GCam to enjoy Portrait mode and Night sight, a working GCam apk can be downloaded from here, for more ported GCam apks users can visit this website.

Battery Life:

The battery performance on this ROM is similar to what you get on stock MIUI ROM, it lasts for a whole day with heavy usage. On moderate usage, the device can easily last for more than a day. I was able to get more than 5:30 hours screen on time on a busy day with 29% charge left on my device and device lasted for 2 days on moderate usage.

It also offers Adaptive battery similar to what you get on any Stock Android phone running Android Pie.

Conclusion:

If youre still using Redmi Note 4 (mido) and want to stay updated along with good performance without compromising much on battery life, and some neat customization features, you should try Oxygen OS port.

Pros

Fluid day to day performance

System-wide themes and accent colors

Bloat-free UI

Cam2API enabled

Cons

Average battery life

Slow Fingerprint unlock animation

No sound via earpiece during calls (Can be fixed by turning off Noise Cancellation under Phone Settings)

During the calls the sound output is routed via earpiece even if the device is connected to headsets via Bluetooth, media playback works fine over Bluetooth devices.

Jio VoLTE working only in Sim slot 1.

Requirements

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 with an unlocked bootloader  To Unlock the bootloader of your device, apply here.

OrangeFox Recovery for Redmi Note 4  You can download the recovery file from here.

Oxygen OS Port  Download the latest ROM ZIP file from here and extract it in your PC.

GApps  Included in ROM.

ADB software (For Windows) / Android zip file (For Mac)

If you are on a Mac you need to

Extract the Android zip and place the folder on your Desktop.

Open Terminal

Type cd Desktop/Android

Enter ./ADB-Install-Mac.sh

Follow the procedure mentioned below to flash the ROM on the device,

Switch off the phone and boot it into Fastboot mode by long pressing Power and Volume down buttons simultaneously. Connect your phone to PC by a USB cable, open command prompt on your PC and navigate to the folder where you have downloaded OrangeFox Recovery ZIP. Type fastboot devices in command prompt and check if the device is detected by the system. If the system detects the phone, type fastboot flash recovery redwolf_twrp_filename.zip and hit enter, the process will be completed in seconds. Now long press the Volume up and Power Button to boot the phone in recovery mode. It will ask to allow modifications, Slide towards the right to allow Modifications. Go to Backup and take a backup of any small file, for example, we have taken backup of Persist, following which select Reboot System.

Now navigate to Fox folder in the File Manager and choose Backups, and paste the extracted ROM inside the folder. Now Power off the device and boot to Recovery by holding Power and Volume up buttons simultaneously. Select Wipe, and choose Advanced Wipe, tick on Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Cache, Vendor and then swipe towards the right to Wipe.

Go back and click on Restore, navigate to the location where you have pasted the Oxygen OS Port.

Swipe towards the right to restore, within 10 minutes device will boot with Oxygen OS Port.

Thanks, Shreyas Ochani for helping with the installation.

Warning disclaimer: Bootloader unlocking and flashing ROM may void the warranty of Xiaomi devices, FoneArena is not responsible for any damage or loss caused to your device. Credits for Oxygen OS Port and OrangeFox Recovery go to their respective developers.worth paying multiplex prices for

worth a look, but wait for DVD, unless your favorite actor is in it

give it a miss

my reaction under consideration

my reaction under gag order for now

not yet seen by meThe theme of 2019 World Day of Social Justice is If You Want Peace & Development, Work for Social Justice. The United Nations has stated how pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of its global mission to promote development and human dignity

To promote equal rights and opportunities among people within a country and between nations, 20 February is observed annually as the World Day of Social Justice. The United Nations General Assembly had approved the day on 26 November, 2007 and every year since 2009 social justice day is observed to raise awareness about social injustices throughout the world. This day is aimed at encouraging people to look at how social justice affects eradication of poverty, enhances employment and bring forth communal integration.

The theme of 2019 World Day of Social Justice is If You Want Peace & Development, Work for Social Justice. The United Nations has stated how the pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of its global mission to promote development and human dignity.

According to the International Labour Organisation estimates around two billion people still live in fragile and conflict-affected situations, of whom more than 400 million are aged 15 to 29.

How did this day come about?

The World Summit for Social Development was held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1995 which resulted in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. The Summit was the largest gathering ever of world leaders at that time. More than 100 political leaders in this summit pledged to fight poverty, promote full employment and to provide safe and stable societies. They also agreed on the need to put people in the centre of development plans.

Ten years later, the UNs member states reviewed the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action when they gathered at a session of the Commission for Social Development in New York in February, 2005. Social advancement was one of the key commitments made by all the members there. Subsequently, the UN General Assembly later proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice in 2007. It invited member states to devote the day to promoting national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development and the 24th session of the General Assembly.

The UN also stated that creation of employment, better quality of work and access to jobs for the bottom 40 percent of a populace has the potential to increase incomes and contribute to more cohesive and equitable societies. This, in effect, helps to prevent violent conflicts as well as address post-conflict challenges.

The global body also maintains that observance of a social justice day should support efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.

Across India, too various organisations observe this global day. The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Hyderabad will conduct a national seminar on Sustainable Development and Social Justice: Issues and Way Forward on 20 and 21 February, reported The Hindu.A sprawling storm dumped several inches of snow from the Midwest to the East Coast and deluged the South with rain Wednesday as it closed schools, snarled air travel and littered highways with crashes.

New York: A sprawling storm dumped several inches of snow from the Midwest to the East Coast and deluged the South with rain Wednesday as it closed schools, snarled air travel and littered highways with crashes.

Only a few inches of snow fell along the Interstate 95 corridor from New York to Washington, but it was enough to put a scare into an area that has seen little of it this winter. Schools and government offices around the region closed early.

New Jersey's governor declared a state of emergency, even though only 4 inches (10 centimeters) of snow was expected before turning to rain Wednesday night. State and local government offices in Delaware closed early, and so did local offices in Philadelphia.

But the evening commute started out on a good note. A spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic had said earlier in the afternoon it appeared motorists heeded warnings to stay off roads.

Nationwide, more than 2,200 flights were canceled and more than 5,500 were delayed, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware. The mid-Atlantic region was especially hard hit as airlines pulled flights ahead of the storm. Washington's Reagan National Airport led the pack.

"Travel anymore is not easy, so you expect the unexpected," said Stacy Flye, trying to get home to Florida. "And you know, we knew the weather was going to be bad, but sometimes you just have to take your chances."

Amtrak made changes to its Keystone service between New York and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Multiple crashes, including a jackknifed tractor-trailer, shut down westbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Lancaster County.

Farther west, snow forced Minneapolis and St. Paul schools and scores of other districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin to cancel classes as up to 10 inches of snow fell on the region.

Schools, businesses and government offices in Kansas closed or announced plans to start late. Several school districts closed in Missouri, where officials said many roads across the northern half of the state were partially or completely snow covered.

The storm produced heavy rain and flash floods in parts of the Deep South. Water covered roads in parts of eastern Mississippi and northern Alabama.

Creeks swelled in Tennessee, and about 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain fell Tuesday and Wednesday at Nashville International Airport. As much as 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain is expected through Saturday.The case points to a dilemma facing many European countries, divided over whether to allow jihadists and IS sympathisers home to face prosecution or barring them over security concerns as the so-called 'caliphate' crumbles.

London: Britain will strip citizenship from a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria but now wants to return home with her newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said on Tuesday. Shamima Begum's fate has stirred controversy since she and two friends fled London to join the terror network four years ago when she was aged just 15.

The case points to a dilemma facing many European countries, divided over whether to allow jihadists and IS sympathisers home to face prosecution or barring them over security concerns as the so-called "caliphate" crumbles.

A lawyer for her family, Tasnime Akunjee, said on Twitter that they were "very disappointed with the Home Office's intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship," and that they were considering "all legal avenues". ITV News reported that the Home Office has sent a letter to Begum's mother, received on Tuesday, notifying the family of the decision which it said the teen had the right to appeal. Britain's Home Office reportedly believes that Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, is entitled to claim citizenship there.

"In order to protect this country, (the home secretary) has the power to deprive someone of their British citizenship where it would not render them stateless," the Press Association reported the Home Office as saying, adding it would not comment on individual cases. Begum is currently in a refugee camp in northeast Syria where she fled to escape fighting in the east of the country along with hundreds of other people with links to IS.

At the weekend she gave birth to her third child and appealed to British authorities to show "compassion" by allowing her to raise the baby in Britain  while expressing no regret over having joined IS. She has previously given birth to two other children after marrying in Syria. Both children have died, apparently from illness and malnutrition. "I'm afraid he might even die in this camp," Begum said of her newborn. "I feel a lot of people should have sympathy for me, for everything I've been through," she told Sky News, adding that "I didn't know what I was getting into when I left".

However, in an interview with the BBC on Monday, she compared the Manchester Arena bombing to military strikes on IS strongholds, calling the terror attack "retaliation".

European countries have been grappling with what to do with foreign fighters detained in Syria by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who have warned they may not be able to guard their jails once US troops leave. The British government on Monday rebuffed US President Donald Trump's call to take back alleged UK jihadists captured in the war-ravaged country.

Trump had called on Britain, France, Germany and other European allies "to take back over 800 IS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial". Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said the fighters should instead face justice in places where they committed their crimes.By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A United Nations Security Council sanctions committee has approved the travel of a North Korean delegation to Vietnam next week for a summit between U.S.

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A United Nations Security Council sanctions committee has approved the travel of a North Korean delegation to Vietnam next week for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on denuclearisation.

The 15-member Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

Under the sanctions, 12 North Koreans are subject to a global travel ban and asset freeze. While it was not known if any of them will travel to Vietnam, the council's North Korea sanctions committee approved Vietnam's request for a blanket exemption, according to an internal document dated Tuesday seen by Reuters.

The approval allows the participation of the North Korean delegation in the Feb. 27 and 28 summit and preparation work in Vietnam beforehand.

Trump and Kim first met in Singapore in June, but the summit produced only vague commitments from Kim and little concrete progress since toward denuclearisation.

A confidential report to the Security Council by U.N. sanctions monitors earlier this month found that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain intact and the country is working to make sure those capabilities cannot be destroyed by any military strikes.

Washington has been demanding that North Korea give up a nuclear weapons program that threatens the United States, while North Korea has been seeking a lifting of punishing sanctions, a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War and security guarantees.

Since the Singapore summit, Russia and China suggested the Security Council discuss easing sanctions on North Korea as a reward and encouragement toward denuclearisation. But the United States and other powers say sanctions must be enforced until there is full denuclearisation.

Russia has also blamed U.N. sanctions for creating "serious humanitarian problems" in North Korea.

"We need to encourage humanitarian supplies to North Korea. We think that it is appropriate to encourage them economically and that might necessitate lifting, at least partially, some of the sanctions," Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters on Wednesday.

He said Moscow hoped the Vietnam summit would end with a positive result but added: "You cannot expect to solve it at a two-day meeting, this is a long road."

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. federal officials have decided to end negotiations with California over the Trump administration's plans to roll back fuel economy rules designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a government official said on Wednesday.

California and 19 other states have demanded the Trump administration abandon a proposal made in August to freeze fuel efficiency standards after 2020 and strip California of the ability to impose stricter rules.

Aside from the threat of increased pollution, Detroit automakers have the greatest financial interests at stake.

General Motors, Ford Motor Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles generate most of their global profits from sales of fuel-thirsty large pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles in the United States. All three have discontinued or planned to drop small and medium-sized sedans from their lineups to focus on trucks and SUVs.

The rules to require automakers to roughly double average fuel efficiency by 2025  with a corresponding decline in carbon dioxide emissions  were one of the Obama administrations most significant climate policy actions.

Since taking office, Trump has worked to roll back a broad range of Obama environmental policies that were opposed by the oil and coal industries.

As the 2020 election cycle heats up, the fight over automotive emissions promises to be a dividing line between Trump and Democrats, many of whom are embracing a platform of aggressive action to curb climate emissions in what they call the Green New Deal.

Scrapping the talks also comes as power struggle between California and Trump grows. The Trump administration on Tuesday cancelled $929 million in federal funds for a California high-speed rail project. California's governor quickly linked that move to California leading a 16 state coalition challenging Trump's national emergency to obtain funds for building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), Californias top clean air regulator, has been meeting with officials from the White House, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Department over Trump administration efforts to stop California from tightening vehicle emissions rules in the state.

The government official offered no further details on the end of the talks and it was not immediately clear when an announcement would be made.

California officials already have filed suit to block the Trump administration proposal to roll back federal fuel economy targets for 2022-2025. It is not clear how the industry would respond to the formal adoption of Trumps proposed freeze, and likely litigation by California and other states.

CARB Chair Mary Nichols last year said the state was willing to give automakers more flexibility to comply with vehicle greenhouse gas limits.

EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Nichols met two weeks ago in San Francisco but there were no substantive discussions, said CARB spokesman Stanley Young.

"The administration broke off communications before Christmas and never responded to our suggested areas of compromise -- or offered any compromise proposal at all. We concluded at that point that they were never serious about negotiating," Young said.

A source familiar with those discussions said EPA officials did not work on the rule during the government shutdown. "There was no real effort to get to yes," the source said.

Trump's EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a rule in August that would maintain emissions standards at 2020 levels rather than requiring that they improve.

Scientists have linked rising fossil fuel emissions to higher temperatures that have worsened drought conditions in California blamed for devastating fires.

California officials and environmental groups have said the Trump administration proposal would deal a blow to efforts to contain that damage.

Ford Motor Co on Wednesday said it was "disappointed" in reports the talks had fallen apart. "The auto industry needs regulatory certainty, not protracted litigation," Joe Hinrichs, Fords president of global operations said in a statement.

Fiat Chrysler declined comment. General Motors and the Alliance for Automobile Manufacturers did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

Trump's proposed freeze would result in 500,000 barrels per day more oil consumption by the 2030s. The administration says it would reduce regulatory costs for automakers by more than $300 billion over the next decade.

The administration was supposed to finalise the new rules by the end of March in order for the softer requirements to take effect by the 2021 model year, but some automakers and officials have questioned if it will meet that deadline.

Most automakers oppose freezing the requirements but also want relief from standards approved during the Obama administration that called for a roughly 5 percent annual reduction in carbon emissions - targets that translate to fuel efficiency requirements for various classes of vehicles.

(Reporting by Steve Holland, David Shepardson, Valerie Volcovici, Ben Klayman and Joe White; Writing by Diane Bartz; Editing by Tim Ahmann, Bill Trott and Susan Thomas)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.Three lawmakers from Britains governing Conservatives quit over the governments disastrous handling of Brexit.

London: Three lawmakers from Britains governing Conservatives quit over the governments disastrous handling of Brexit on Wednesday, in a blow to Prime Minister Theresa Mays attempts to unite her party around plans to leave the European Union.

The lawmakers, who support a second EU referendum and have long said Mays Brexit strategy is being led by Conservative eurosceptics, said they would join a new independent group in parliament set up by seven former opposition Labour politicians.

The resignations put May in an even weaker position in parliament, where her Brexit deal was crushed by lawmakers last month when both eurosceptics and EU supporters voted against an agreement they say offers the worst of all worlds.

While the three were almost certain to vote against any deal, the hardening of their positions undermines Mays negotiating position in Brussels, where she heads later to try to secure an opening for further work on revising the agreement.

With only 37 days until Britain leaves the EU, its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit are redrawing the political landscape. The resignations threaten a decades-old two-party system.

The final straw for us has been this governments disastrous handling of Brexit, the three lawmakers, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston, said in a letter to May.

Soubry later told a news conference that the Conservative Party had been taken over by right-wing, pro-Brexit lawmakers.

The truth is, the battle is over and the other side has won. The right-wing, the hard-line anti-EU awkward squad that have destroyed every (Conservative) leader for the last 40 years are now running the ... party from top to toe, she said.

May said she was saddened by the decision and that Britains membership of the EU has been a source of disagreement both in our party and in our country for a long time.

But by ... implementing the decision of the British people we are doing the right thing for our country, she said, referring to the 2016 referendum in which Britons voted by a margin of 52-48 percent in favour of leaving the EU.

Asked what May would say to others considering resigning, her spokesman said: She would, as she always has, ask for the support of her colleagues in delivering (Brexit).

Independent group

The three sat in parliament on Wednesday with a new grouping which broke away from the Labour Party earlier this week over increasing frustration with their leader Jeremy Corbyns Brexit strategy and a row over anti-Semitism.

Another former Labour lawmaker joined their ranks late on Tuesday, and several politicians from both the main opposition party and Conservatives said they expected more to follow from both sides of parliament.

What unites most of the group of 11 is a desire to see a second referendum on any deal May comes back with, now that the terms of Brexit are known in detail - something the prime minister has ruled out.

For Mays Brexit plan, the resignations are yet another knock to more than two years of talks to leave the EU, which have been punctuated by defeats in parliament, rows over policy and a confidence vote, which she ultimately won.

Britains 2016 EU referendum has split not only British towns and villages but also parliament, with both Conservative and Labour leaders struggling to keep their parties united.

May has faced a difficult balancing act. Eurosceptic members of her party want a clean break with the bloc, pro-EU lawmakers argue for the closest possible ties, while many in the middle are increasing frustrated over the lack of movement.

Those who have resigned have long accused May of leaning too far towards Brexit supporters, sticking to red lines which they, and many in Labour, say have made a comprehensive deal all but impossible to negotiate.

But May will head to Brussels hoping that her team will get the green light to start more technical negotiations on how to satisfy the concerns of mostly Brexit supporters over the so-called Northern Irish backstop arrangement.

The backstop, an insurance policy to avoid a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland if London and Brussels fail to agree a deal on future ties, is the main point of contention in talks with Brussels.

British officials are hoping they can secure the kind of legal assurances that the backstop cannot trap Britain in the EUs sphere to persuade lawmakers to back a revised deal.

But Mays argument she can command a majority in parliament if the EU hands her such assurances is getting weaker. A government defeat last week showed the eurosceptics muscle.

One pro-Brexit Conservative lawmaker, Andrew Bridgen, said: I would find it very difficult to accept a legal document from the same (party) lawyer whose definitive advice four weeks ago was that we could be trapped in the backstop in perpetuity.The motion followed condemnation of Pulwama terror attack from a host of political parties, NGO's and the public.

Johannesburg: In a rare move, South African lawmakers have unanimously passed a motion in Parliament condemning the Pulwama attack and called on Pakistan to find the perpetrators of the "dastardly" terror strike.

Member of Parliament Sandy Kalyan from the Opposition Democratic Alliance moved the motion which called on the House to note "with shock and dismay" the terrorist attack by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The motion also condemned the "cowardly act of terrorism, the likes of which had not been seen in three decades in Kashmir."

It called on the government of Pakistan to find the perpetrators of this dastardly act as it also saluted the fallen jawaans "who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and conveyed condolences to the families and the nation of India for this tragic loss."

The motion followed condemnation from a host of political parties, NGO's and the public.

Earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a statement declaring South Africa's solidarity with India.

"Acts of terrorism have no place in society and constitute a threat to development, peace and security. The South African Government wishes to reiterate its solidarity with the Government of India in confronting the scourge of terrorism and will continue to support regional and international efforts to address terrorism in all its forms," Ramaphosa said in a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

"We condemn in the strongest terms terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," Kingdom of Lesotho Prime Minister Motsoahae Thomas Thabane said in a letter of condolence to the High Commissioner for India, Ruchira Kamboj.

"All the peace-loving people of the world must unite to not only condemn these wanton attacks, but bring an end to such acts of terrorism wherever they are being perpetrated," said the Gandhi Development Trust, headed by Eli Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi.

"We are with you in solidarity during this time of grief," Gandhi reassured the nation.

"Our strongest support goes to the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to find ways of arresting and prosecuting those who were behind this carefully orchestrated heinous act," said Narend Singh, Chief Whip of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

Hundreds of locals and expatriates on Sunday paid tribute to the slain soldiers at memorial services held in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.Experts claim the increasing Indian and international pressure on Pakistan following the Pulwama attack which killed over 40 CRPF personnel may have led to the cancellation of a meeting between US and Taliban

Islamabad: Strong opposition by the Government of Afghanistan may have prompted Pakistan to cancel a meeting with the US and Taliban on 18 February, 2019. The meeting was scheduled between Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives, in Islamabad.

While both Pakistani and Afghan officials have confirmed the cancellation of the meeting, no further details have been released by either government. The US administration has also not made any official announcement about the same.

Pakistani officials, requesting anonymity, revealed that Khan cancelled the meeting with Taliban representatives due to strong opposition from India and Afghanistan. Explaining further, they said that India never opposed Pakistans bid to facilitate talks. However, following the recent Pulwama attack that killed over 40 CRPF jawans, the increasing Indian and international pressure on Pakistan led to the cancellation of talks.

A few days before the scheduled meeting, the Government of Afghanistan had approached the United Nations opposing Pakistan's role in backing and holding meeting with the Taliban.

Sensing a reaction from the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan may have cancelled the meeting, an Islamabad-based Western diplomat, requesting anonymity, said.

The letter, written by Afghanistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to United Nations Nazifullah Salarzai, states, the "recent official engagement of the Government of Pakistan with Taliban... constitutes a violation of national sovereignty of Afghanistan".

"These engagements, which are taking place under the pretext of support for peace efforts in Afghanistan, are void of any degree of coordination and consultation with the Government of Afghanistan.

"Most recently, we have learnt the intention of Government of Pakistan to invite a Taliban delegation for a meeting with its high-level authorities, including Prime Minister Imran Khan. The initiative is a source of deep regret and concern to the people and Government of Afghanistan as it amounts to the official recognition and legitimization of an armed-groups that poses a serious threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan, and whose members are sanctioned by provisions of the UN Security Council's 1988 Committee's Sanctions Regime, it adds

Members of the Taliban delegation include Sher Mohammad Stanekzai, Ziauddin Madani, Salam Hanafi, Shahabuddin Delawar, Abdul Latif Mansur, Amir Khan Motaqi, Fazl Mohammad Mazloom, and Nurullah Nuri. All these individuals are currently on a highly sensitive sanctions list by the United Nations Security Council, making them persons of interest internationally. This list comprises individuals from around the world who have been on the radar for alleged criminal activities.

Pakistans perspective

With the US deciding to pull troops out of Afghanistan, Pakistan plans to increase influence in Kabul by maintaining close contact with the Taliban. Not only will this give Islamabad power in the region, but will also help counter Indian influence in Afghanistan.

A former Pakistani intelligence officer, requesting anonymity, claims India has set up base in Kabul through RAW and TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan), which the current Afghanistan government "refuses" to accept.

"Pakistan believes if Taliban comes into power, they can become a voice in Afghanistan's power corridors," he explains, adding that this is one of the reasons Pakistan is trying hard to make US-Taliban talks successful.

Taimur Shamil, an Islamabad-based expert on defence with a PhD in international relations, believes peace and political stability in Afghanistan will contribute towards boosting Pakistans economy. "Pakistan has used its links to promote intra-Afghan dialogue which addresses the political stability in Afghanistan," he says.

Speaking about Pakistans position on Indias presence in Afghanistan, Shamil agrees with the intelligence officer. Indian presence in Afghanistan is a concern for Pakistan and this issue has been raised by Pakistan with the US. Pakistan believes that India uses Afghan soil and terrorist organisations like TTP and Jamat-Ul-Ahrar to carry out attacks in Pakistan, he says.

Their aim, he adds, is to ensure Afghan soil is not used by Indian authorities against Pakistan.

If the Taliban comes to power, or even gets a share in the next government in Afghanistan, it will be a major blow to Indian interests in the country," said a Pakistani official, requesting anonymity.

Afghanistan has long accused Pakistan of aiding and abetting terrorists and members of the Taliban, a charge denied by Pakistan several times. In February 2018, Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani accused Pakistan of failing to move against the Taliban and pledged a new security plan for Kabul, after around 100 people were killed and wounded in a deadly attack on the capital in January.

Last year, US President Donald Trump asked Khan for help and cooperation in formulating peace talks with the Taliban. Following the US presidents requests, Pakistan brokered direct talks between the US and Taliban in December 2018, in Doha, Qatar. The second round of peace negotiations was to be held in February this year, which were cancelled.

In 2015, a meeting between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Taliban were postponed following the surprise announcement of the death of the Talibans founding commander, Mullah Mohammed Omar.

The author is a Rawalpindi-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reportersBy Gabriella Borter (Reuters) - The son of the Republican candidate in a disputed congressional race in North Carolina said on Wednesday he warned his father to be suspicious of a political operative now accused of running an illegal ballot operation to sway the November 2018 election. A state probe into the election for the 9th Congressional District has uncovered the fraudulent scheme by a consultant working for the campaign of candidate Mark Harris. The probe could lead to a new election to fill the seat, which has remained vacant since state officials refused to certify Harris' apparent victory over Democratic rival Dan McCready by 905 votes out of 282,717 ballots cast.

By Gabriella Borter

(Reuters) - The son of the Republican candidate in a disputed congressional race in North Carolina said on Wednesday he warned his father to be suspicious of a political operative now accused of running an illegal ballot operation to sway the November 2018 election.

A state probe into the election for the 9th Congressional District has uncovered the fraudulent scheme by a consultant working for the campaign of candidate Mark Harris.

The probe could lead to a new election to fill the seat, which has remained vacant since state officials refused to certify Harris' apparent victory over Democratic rival Dan McCready by 905 votes out of 282,717 ballots cast.

The five-member State Board of Elections heard evidence this week that the political consultant, Leslie McCrae Dowless, hired workers to solicit and collect absentee ballots from voters in violation of state law.

Harris's son, John, told the board on Wednesday he suspected Dowless had run a similar scheme in a 2016 primary election while working for Republican U.S. House candidate Todd Johnson.

John Harris expressed these concerns about Dowless and "his people" in an email to his father, he said. He also told his father that collecting ballots was a felony.

"The key thing that I am fairly certain they do that is illegal is that they collect the completed absentee ballots and mail them all at once," he wrote in an email to his father on April 7, 2017, a day after Mark Harris met with Dowless.

John Harris gave the board a copy of his email, which was then distributed at the public hearing.

Harris said he did not believe his father or anyone in his family was aware that Dowless had engaged in any illegal ballot collecting behaviour on behalf of his father.

Dowless served six months in jail after he was convicted of felony fraud in 1992, court records show. Media have reported that it was insurance fraud.

Andy Yates, founder and partner of consultancy Red Dome Group and Harris' top strategist, earlier this week testified that he did not know of Dowless' past criminal record when Red Dome hired him in 2017.

Yates said Dowless hired workers to collect absentee ballot requests, among other duties pertaining to the 2018 election, but that he never paid Dowless to collect actual ballots.

Dowless' lawyer has said he did nothing wrong.

State Republicans have pushed for the board to certify Harris as the district's representative. The U.S. House of Representatives would then determine whether to seat him.

McCready's lawyer, Marc Elias, considered one of the nation's top election law specialists, said earlier this week the testimony had revealed "massive election fraud" that justified a new election.

If Democrats pick up the seat, they would widen their 235-197 majority in the House after taking control of the chamber in November.

(Reporting by Gabriella Borter in New York; Editing by Colleen Jenkins, Jeffrey Benkoe and Sonya Hepinstall)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.In honour of an upcoming summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un on 27-28 February, a Hanoi barber is offering free haircuts to anyone wanting to copy their distinctive locks.

Hanoi: For those who like to push the cutting edge of style, two of the worlds most talked-about haircuts are now available for free, in Vietnam.

In honour of an upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on 27-28 February, a Hanoi barber is offering free haircuts to anyone wanting to copy their distinctive locks.

"I feel happy with this haircut because people will think I look like the leader of North Korea," said nine-year-old To Gia Huy, whose hair had been moulded to perfectly match the slicked-back top and shaved sides of Kims unique coiffure.

Tuan Duong Beauty Academy is running the promotion to 28 February as thousands of officials and journalists descend on the Vietnamese capital for the second summit between Trump and Kim since their historic first meeting in Singapore in June, 2018.

"I was doing this for fun only, but was surprised at how people have responded" said Le Tuan Duong, who owns the salon.

"I love peace. I hate war so much. So many people in my family have died, so I support this summit very much," said Duong, who lost two of his uncles during the Vietnam War.

Le Phuc Hai, 66, said he was relaxing by a nearby lake when Duong asked if he would like to get his hair cut, and dyed, like Trumps. Hai agreed, out of curiosity.

"Im not afraid of this bright orange hair colour because after this promotional campaign, the hair salon owner said he would return my hair to normal," Hai said.

"I like Donald Trumps haircut. It looks great and it fits my age," said Hai.

Although warmly welcomed by some, publicity stunts at the expense of the North Korean leadership have the potential to get hairy.

North Korea is very sensitive about anything that could be construed as an insult to the dignity of its "supreme leadership", a phrase it uses to refer to the ruling Kim family.

In 2014, officials from the North Korean embassy in London complained to a barber who had used the phrase "Bad Hair Day?" under a photograph of the portly Kim to offer discounts on haircuts.

Huy, the nine-year-old Kim lookalike, said he was happy with his haircut though none of his schoolmates would be able to pull off the look.

"No one in my class is as fat as me," Huy said.US House Democrats will file a resolution Friday aimed at blocking the national emergency declaration that President Donald Trump has issued to help finance his wall along the Southwest border, teeing up a clash over billions of dollars, immigration policy and the Constitution's separation of powers.

Washington: House Democrats will file a resolution Friday aimed at blocking the national emergency declaration that US President Donald Trump has issued to help finance his wall along the Southwest border, teeing up a clash over billions of dollars, immigration policy and the Constitution's separation of powers.

That could set up a vote by the full House by mid-March, if not sooner. The battle is over a declaration that Trump, whose border wall was the most visible trademark of his presidential campaign, is using to try spending billions of dollars beyond what Congress has authorized to start building border barriers.

Passage by the Democratic-run House seems likely. The measure would then move to the Republican-controlled Senate, where there may be enough GOP defections for approval.

Trump has promised to veto the measure. It seems unlikely Congress could muster the two-thirds majorities in each chamber needed to override a veto.

Aides to Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, were circulating a letter Wednesday to other congressional offices seeking additional co-sponsors to his one-page resolution. "We are planning to introduce it on Friday morning," said the letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

Castro's measure, which described Trump's emergency declaration, says it "is hereby terminated." Castro chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Congress approved a vast spending bill last week providing nearly $1.4 billion to build 55 miles of border barriers in Texas' Rio Grande Valley while preventing a renewed government shutdown. That measure represented a rejection of Trump's demand for $5.7 billion to construct more than 200 miles.

Besides signing the bill, Trump also declared a national emergency that he says gives him access to an additional $6.6 billion that would be taken from a federal asset forfeiture fund, Defense Department anti-drug efforts and military construction projects.

Democrats and some Republicans say there is no emergency at the border and say Trump is improperly declaring one to work around Congress' rejection of the higher amounts.

The Dems' resistance is not the only wall Trump is up against. A group of 16 states, including California, New York and Colorado, filed a lawsuit Monday against Trump's emergency declaration. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges Trump's declaration is unconstitutional.

All the states involved in the lawsuit have Democratic attorneys general.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he expected to do "very well" against the suit, adding that he had an "absolute right" to make the declaration. "I think in the end we're going to be very successful with the lawsuit," Trump said. "I actually think we might do very well, even in the 9th Circuit, because it's an open and closed case."By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. special representative for North Korea is travelling to Hanoi on Tuesday to continue preparations for a second summit between U.S

By David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. special representative for North Korea is travelling to Hanoi on Tuesday to continue preparations for a second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be held next week in Vietnam, the State Department said.

State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told a news briefing he had no details of the meetings Stephen Biegun would have in Hanoi.

Biegun spent three days in North Korea from Feb. 6-8, a trip he said was aimed at agreeing on "concrete deliverables" for the Feb. 27-28 summit. The State Department said after those talks that Biegun agreed to hold further meetings with his counterpart Kim Hyok Chol ahead of the summit.

Biegun said after that trip his talks in North Korea had been "productive" but there was "hard work to do" before the summit.

The United States has been demanding that North Korea give up a nuclear weapons program that threatens the United States, and Trump has been eager for a second summit even though a first meeting in Singapore in June meeting produced only vague commitments from Kim and little concrete progress since.

North Korea has been seeking a lifting of punishing U.S.-led sanctions, a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War and security guarantees.

Asked whether the United States would consider lifting sanctions, Palladino said: "We've been clear on sanctions. These are the world's sanctions and that is something that ... will continue to be maintained until we've achieved our final result of a fully, finally, verified denuclearisation."

However, he then added: "But I don't want to get ahead on ... any further details on what's being negotiated regarding that question."

Palladino did not respond directly when asked about reports that the two sides were discussing the exchange of liaison officers and declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korean War.

"I am not going to get ahead of diplomatic conversations, or ahead of the president. A lot of things are being discussed and we are very much looking forward to next week," he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said of Kim last week it was "time for him to deliver," but the Trump administration has moved away from demands that North Korea give up its nuclear weapons immediately and has appeared to adopt a more gradual, reciprocal approach Pyongyang has insisted on.

On Tuesday, Trump reiterated that he wants North Korea to end its nuclear program, but he is in no rush and has no pressing time schedule for Pyongyang to ultimately denuclearize.

Pompeo said the United States aimed to "get as far down the road as we can" with North Korea in the next two weeks and that Biegun's team would discuss all issues covered in Singapore.

Asked on Thursday how important a formal end of the Korean War was in the discussions, Pompeo said: "It's something we've had a lot of talks about."

He said Trump and Kim would also be looking at the "denuclearisation pillar they agreed to" in Singapore and how to reduce tension and military risk "so we can get peace and security on the peninsula as well."

(This story corrects spelling of Pompeo in paragraph 11)

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and David Alexander; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Tom Brown)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.By John Whitesides and James Oliphant WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont progressive whose 2016 White House campaign garnered fervent grassroots support and pushed the Democratic Party sharply to the left, said on Tuesday he would again seek the party's presidential nomination in 2020. Sanders, 77, announced his candidacy in an email to supporters, vowing to build a vast movement to confront the special interests that he said dominate government and politics.

By John Whitesides and James Oliphant

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont progressive whose 2016 White House campaign garnered fervent grassroots support and pushed the Democratic Party sharply to the left, said on Tuesday he would again seek the party's presidential nomination in 2020.

Sanders, 77, announced his candidacy in an email to supporters, vowing to build a vast movement to confront the special interests that he said dominate government and politics.

Sanders said he would push for many of the same issues that powered his 2016 run and resonated with younger voters, including universal healthcare, raising the hourly minimum wage to $15, and free public college tuition.

"Our campaign is about creating a government and economy that works for the many, not just the few," Sanders said, asking for 1 million people to sign up to kick off his bid.

Sanders' insurgent 2016 candidacy against front-runner Hillary Clinton ended up capturing 23 state nominating contests, but generated tension between the party's establishment and liberal wings that split the Democrats in 2016 and still plagues the party.

He joins an already-crowded Democratic race featuring candidates touting many of the ideas he brought into the party mainstream. They include fellow Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Sanders has been among the leaders in early opinion polls of prospective 2020 Democratic candidates, but a broad range of progressive candidates could make it harder for Sanders to stand out and generate the same level of support as four years ago.

In an interview with SiriusXM radio, Sanders said voters "might want to look at who was there first, and who raised these issues in the past."

He condemned Republican President Donald Trump in his statement as "the most dangerous president in modern American history," labelling him "a pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe."

'SOCIALISM'

Trump's campaign responded that voters would ultimately reject Sanders' agenda of higher taxes and government-run healthcare.

"Bernie Sanders has already won the debate in the (Democratic) primary, because every candidate is embracing his brand of socialism," Trump campaign spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said.

Sanders enters the race with clear strengths, including broad name recognition, a proven ability to raise money from small-dollar donors and a committed set of passionate supporters.

But he is also likely to face questions about his age and relevance in a party that is increasingly advancing more diverse and fresh voices, including those of women and minorities - groups that Sanders struggled to win over in 2016.

A former mayor of Burlington, Vermont, he won a U.S. House of Representatives seat in 1990, making him the first independent elected to the House in 40 years. In 2006, Sanders won a U.S. Senate seat and in 2018 was voted in for a third six-year term.

His push against Clinton, a former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state, was notable because few Democrats seemed inclined to challenge her claim on the nomination. Sanders' candidacy swiftly became a phenomenon, as he spoke to swelling crowds and garnered passionate support on social media.

Unlike Clinton, he refused to take money from corporate political action committees, or PACs, relying on a flood of small-dollar donations.

When he ultimately conceded and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Clinton, he was jeered by some of his supporters. At the time, Sanders said his populist platform would endure.

The primaries and caucuses that determine the party's nominee will begin in February 2020 in Iowa, and the Democratic winner is likely to face Trump in the general election in November.

(Reporting by James Oliphant and John Whitesides; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey and Makini Brice; Editing by Colleen Jenkins, Jonathan Oatis and Bernadette Baum)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.By John Whitesides and James Oliphant WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont progressive whose 2016 White House campaign garnered fervent grassroots support and pushed the Democratic Party sharply to the left, said on Tuesday he would again seek the party's presidential nomination in 2020.

By John Whitesides and James Oliphant

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont progressive whose 2016 White House campaign garnered fervent grassroots support and pushed the Democratic Party sharply to the left, said on Tuesday he would again seek the party's presidential nomination in 2020.

Sanders, 77, announced his candidacy in an email to supporters, vowing to build a vast movement to confront the special interests that he said dominate government and politics.

Sanders said he would push for many of the same issues that powered his 2016 run and resonated with younger voters, including universal healthcare, raising the hourly minimum wage to $15, and free public college tuition.

"Our campaign is about creating a government and economy that works for the many, not just the few," Sanders said, asking for 1 million people to sign up to kick off his bid.

Sanders' insurgent 2016 candidacy against front-runner Hillary Clinton ended up capturing 23 state nominating contests, but generated tension between the party's establishment and liberal wings that split the Democrats in 2016 and still plagues the party.

He joins an already-crowded Democratic race featuring candidates touting many of the ideas he brought into the party mainstream. They include fellow Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Sanders has been among the leaders in early opinion polls of prospective 2020 Democratic candidates, but a broad range of progressive candidates could make it harder for him to stand out and generate the same level of support as four years ago.

In an interview with SiriusXM radio, Sanders said voters "might want to look at who was there first, and who raised these issues in the past."

He condemned Republican President Donald Trump in his statement as "the most dangerous president in modern American history," labelling him "a pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe."

'I LIKE BERNIE'

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump dismissed Sanders' chances but said at least the senator, like Trump, has been tough on free-trade deals.

"Personally, I think he missed his time, but I like Bernie," said Trump, who in the past has labelled Sanders "crazy Bernie."

Sanders enters the race with clear strengths, including broad name recognition, a proven ability to raise money from small-dollar donors and a committed set of passionate supporters.

But he is also likely to face questions about his age and relevance in a party that is increasingly advancing more diverse and fresh voices, including those of women and minorities - groups that Sanders struggled to win over in 2016.

His campaign reported that Sanders raised more than $1.2 million from 42,000 donors in all 50 states in the first four hours after he announced his run on Tuesday morning. More than 250,000 people had signed on to support Sanders, the campaign said.

Sanders also has hired Faiz Shakir, an experienced Democratic operative who was the national political director at the American Civil Liberties Union, as campaign manager for 2020, the campaign said. He was previously a senior adviser to former Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, and worked at the liberal Centre for American Progress think tank.

A former mayor of Burlington, Vermont, Sanders won a U.S. House of Representatives seat in 1990, making him the first independent elected to the House in 40 years. In 2006, Sanders won a U.S. Senate seat and in 2018 was voted in for a third six-year term.

His run against Clinton, a former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state, was notable because few Democrats seemed inclined to challenge her claim on the nomination. Sanders' candidacy swiftly became a phenomenon, as he spoke to swelling crowds and garnered passionate support on social media.

Unlike Clinton, he refused to take money from corporate political action committees, or PACs, relying on a flood of small-dollar donations.

When he ultimately conceded and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Clinton, he was jeered by some of his supporters. At the time, Sanders said his populist platform would endure.

The primaries and caucuses that determine the party's nominee will begin in February 2020 in Iowa, and the Democratic winner is likely to face Trump in the general election in November.

(Reporting by James Oliphant and John Whitesides; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Susan Heavey and Makini Brice; Editing by Colleen Jenkins, Jonathan Oatis and Bernadette Baum)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.tech2 News Staff

Richard Branson-owned Virgin Galactic has announced that it has plans of launching its newest SpaceShipTwo rocket called VSS Unity on 20 February, which will be the company's fifth rocket-powered test.

As per Space.com, this will be the first test for Unity after making a sub-orbital journey back in December with two pilots on board. This happened to be the first crewed mission launching from the US soil, since NASA grounded the space shuttle fleet in 2011.

For today's launch, VSS Unity will house six astronauts on a small trip to sub-orbital space.

"We are now at the stage where we can confirm some of the aspects of the customer cabin, and this will be a continuing theme as we enter this final stage of flight test," Virgin Galactic representatives said in a statement.

Talking about SpaceShipTwo, which is an air-launched suborbital spaceplane type designed for space tourism, it will be taken to an altitude of about 50,000 feet (15,000 meters) by a custom built plane called the WhiteKnightTwo. The spaceplane's engines then fire it into space for tourists to experience weightlessness and see the Earth's curvature (for all you flat Earthers out there).

Richard Branson believes that commercial flights will begin this year.Agence France-Presse

President Donald Trump on Tuesday directed the Pentagon to develop plans to create a new Space Force within the Air Force, accepting less than the full-fledged department hed wanted.

Before signing a document instructing the defense secretary to draft proposed legislation, Trump said space is the future and the next step.

We have to be prepared, he said in the Oval Office, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan and other top officials.

Trump initially said he wanted a Space Force that was separate but equal to the other military services. The current proposal falls short of that goal and faces some skepticism among lawmakers.

If approved by Congress, the Space Force would be part of the Air Force, just as the Marine Corps is part of the Navy. It would not have its own full-blown bureaucracy, including a civilian secretary. It would instead have a Senate-confirmed undersecretary for space within the Air Force.

It would be the first new uniformed military service since 1947, when the Air Force was created after World War II.

The presidents lofty vision for a Space Force became a hit at his campaign rallies last year, with supporters cheering and applauding the mere mention of a military force devoted to policing outer space. But the idea encountered resistance both inside and outside the administration among those who questioned the need and the potential costs.

Before Trump ordered the Pentagon in June 2018 to begin laying the groundwork for a Space Force, then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had publicly questioned the wisdom of adding a separate service for space. Mattis agreed, however, that the Pentagon needed a more effective way of defending its interests in outer space.

Mattis lack of enthusiasm for creating a sixth military service  after the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard  was among his many differences with Trump. He has since resigned.

The House has been supportive of creating a Space Force within the Air Force, along the lines of what Trump proposed on Tuesday. Senate support is less clear but seems likely to swing in Trumps favor. Rep. Mac Thornberry of Texas, the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, said Tuesday that Trumps approach is an important step toward real reform of national security space.

Shanahan, a former longtime Boeing Co. executive who took over as acting defense secretary on Jan. 1, had spearheaded Pentagon planning for a Space Force in his previous role as deputy defense secretary. Shanahan has not shifted from the path that was set before Mattis resigned, and has stressed his interest in keeping the Space Force as economical as possible.

Its going to be small, as small as possible, Shanahan said last month, explaining his recommendation to Trump that a Space Force be part of the Air Force.

Some questioned whether having a Space Force would increase the odds of armed conflict in space.

There are much better ways to protect satellites, said Laura Grego, a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Space security cannot be achieved unilaterally or solely through military means. It will require coordination and cooperation with other spacefaring nations. That means diplomacy.

Under a legislative proposal being reviewed by the White House, the Space Force chief of staff would work within the Air Force and also be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the group of top uniformed military leaders who advise the president and defense secretary. A civilian undersecretary of the Air Force for space would be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

Cost estimates were not provided Tuesday. They are to be included in the 2020 budget proposal Trump is expected to send to Congress next month.

White House officials said seeing the Space Force become a separate military department remained a goal. But they said that, after hearing concerns from Congress, a decision was made to avoid going that route at the outset since it would have meant spending a lot of time building a bureaucracy and not focusing on the mission.

The directive requires the defense secretary to conduct periodic reviews to determine when it would make the most sense to propose a stand-alone Space Force department.Press Trust of India

Four e-learning and education technology start-ups from India are among 30 global finalists to compete for the Next Billion EdTech Prize, to be announced next month.

India's Augmented Learning, Aveti Learning, Utter and Dost were chosen to compete for the prize, which will involve them competing in a pitch contest at the annual Global Education and Skills Forum (GESF) in Dubai on 22-24 March.

Six of the 30 start-ups will be selected to return to the main GESF stage for the grand final in front of judges and a live audience, with the best three awarded USD 25,000 each and the winner being presented with the Next Billion Prize trophy.

"There's no doubt India is set to be a leading player on the global EdTech stage, with innovation currently sweeping across its education sector, said Vikas Pota, CEO of Tmrw Digital, which runs the Next Billion Prize.

"Falling mobile data prices and high mobile penetration are opening up opportunities for mobile learning that can reach even the most disadvantaged students, and the online learning market alone is set to hit USD 2 billion by 2021. Our four Indian finalists are part of this wave of innovation, and we're excited to hear their stories come March, he said.

The Next Billion Prize was named to remind the world of a billion young people a number growing every day that are being denied an education, the organisers said.

"The Next Billion Prize was created to shine a light on those gifted entrepreneurs that are not only ingenious but also bold and persistent enough to bring forward the revolutionary ideas that are desperately needed to transform education in those parts of the world where there is limited access to high-quality teaching, added Pota.

Among the shortlisted Indian start-ups, Augmented Learning runs a digital platform to develop 21st-century skills and competencies with a daily stream of current affairs and personalised interest areas, incorporating adjustable reading levels and engaging activities.

Aveti Learning Limited offers Shikhya as a flagship e-learning program aimed at providing high-quality digital education to underprivileged students in India in more than 15 regional languages.

Fellow-finalist Utter is a mobile platform that blends chatbots and live tutoring for training in English and workplace skills and Dost works to empower parents of any literacy level to take charge of their child's early education, creating short, friendly audio content.

"The Next Billion Prize highlights technology's potential to tackle the problems that have proven too difficult for successive generations of politicians to solve, said Indian-origin entrepreneur Sunny Varkey, founder of the Next Billion Prize.

"The power to change education systems at all levels no longer lies exclusively in the hands of the political and business elite through the traditional models of global policymaking. Changemakers can be those who work away from the spotlight in start-ups located across the world, he said.

The 30 finalists will pitch to an expert panel of judges, made up of venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, educators, and experts in EdTech and learning sciences. They will also pitch to a live audience of GESF delegates, made up of leading education figures from public, private and social sectors.

The annual GESF event brings together over 1,500 delegates from around the world to deliberate on some of the pressing issues in global education, culminating in the award of the Next Billion Edtech Prize and the USD 1-million Global Teacher Prize.Press Trust of India

A four-day Agricultural Science Congress that aims to deliberate on doubling farmers income by 2022 with a spotlight on transformation through farm innovation will commence Wednesday in the national capital.

Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh will inaugurate the event being organised by the National Academy of Agricultural Science (NASS), Indian Council of Agriculture Research(ICAR) and Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) here at Pusa complex.

"The theme of the Congress is 'Innovations for Agricultural Transformation' which is highly topical at the juncture when the government is making all efforts to lessen the agrarian crisis and improve welfare of farmers through enhancing income," NASS President Panjab Singh told reporters.

The Congress provides a single platform for the agri-scientific community to discuss the problems and plan out a new strategy at a time when the prime minister has given a target of doubling farmers' income by 2022, said ICAR Director General Trilochan Mohapatra.

"We have to increase the production of crops and animals. We also have to use our natural resources efficiently. This has to be done despite the challenge of climate change and still ensure better returns to the farmers," he said.

The Congress, which is organised once every two years, will showcase agriculture not only as the main source of employment and livelihood security for nearly 50 percent of the country's population but also as a business opportunity, service provider, industry and ecosystem protector.

Reflecting on the journey from green revolution to gene revolution, the Congress will underpin the need for innovation to drive the congruent acceleration of productivity, profitablility, sustainability and inclusivity.

About 2,000 delegates from 17 countries are expected to attend the event that will end on February 23. A convention hall will also be unveiled on the occassion.Agence France-Presse

The known Universe just got a lot bigger.

A new map of the night sky published Tuesday charts hundreds of thousands of previously unknown galaxies discovered using a telescope that can detect light sources optical instruments cannot see.

The international team behind the unprecedented space survey said their discovery literally shed new light on some of the Universe's deepest secrets, including the physics of black holes and how clusters of galaxies evolve.

"This is a new window on the universe," Cyril Tasse, an astronomer at the Paris Observatory who was involved in the project, told AFP.

"When we saw the first images we were like: 'What is this?!' It didn't look anything at all like what we are used to seeing."

More than 200 astronomers from 18 countries were involved in the study, which used radio astronomy to look at a segment of sky over the northern hemisphere, and found 300,000 previously unseen light sources thought to be distant galaxies.

Radio astronomy allows scientists to detect radiation produced when massive celestial objects interact.

The team used the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope in the Netherlands to pick up traces  or "jets"  of ancient radiation produced when galaxies merge. These jets, previously undetected, can extend over millions of light years.

"With radio observations we can detect radiation from the tenuous medium that exists between galaxies," said Amanda Wilber, of the University of Hamburg.

"LOFAR allows us to detect many more of these sources and understand what is powering them."

The discovery of the new light sources may also help scientists better understand the behaviour of one of space's most enigmatic phenomena.

Black holes  which have a gravitational pull so strong that no matter can escape them  emit radiation when they engulf other high-mass objects such as stars and gas clouds.

Tasse said the new observation technique would allow astronomers to compare black holes over time to see how they form and develop.

"If you look at an active black hole, the jets (of radiation) disappear after millions of years, and you won't see them at a higher frequency (of light)," he said.

"But at a lower frequency they continue to emit these jets for hundreds of millions of years, so we can see far older electrons."

'Universe's oldest objects'

The Hubble telescope has produced images that lead scientists to believe there are more than 100 billion galaxies in the Universe, although many are too old and distant to be observed using traditional detection techniques.

The map created by the LOFAR observations, part of which was published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, contains data equivalent to ten million DVDs yet charts just two percent of the sky.

The LOFAR telescope is made up of a Europe-wide network of radio antenna across seven countries, forming the equivalent of a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) diameter satellite dish.

The team plans to create high-resolution images of the entire northern sky, which they say will reveal as many as 15 million as-yet undetected radio sources.

"The oldest objects in the Universe are around 11-12 billion light years old," said Tasse. "So we are going to see lots more of these objects."tech2 News Staff

It hasn't been a year since Xiaomi launched its flagship Mi 8 series but the company's already all set to launch three new smartphones as part of its Mi 9 lineup later today.

What comes across as a little surprising is the fact that Xiaomi's chosen 20 February, the day of the Samsung Galaxy S10 launch to announce its phones. However, this isn't a global unveiling of the Mi 9 series but an event exclusive to China. So how does one watch it?

Scheduled to begin at 2.00 pm CST which is 11:30 am in India, the event will be streamed (fortunately!) on Xiaomi's China website. But because the event won't be streamed on say a video platform like YouTube, your chances of finding the stream anywhere else apart from the Xiaomi China website are limited.

Since the launch will be Chinese, there is a possibility that Xiaomi will have a translator narrating throughout the event, however, you can also head to Xioami's official Twitter handle for updates.

If you're wondering about the Mi 9's international availability, Xiaomi is expected to make an announcement on that at Mobile World Congress 2019 which is set to begin in Barcelona on 24 February.

Wondering what the Mi 9, Mi 9 SE and the Mi 9 Explorer Edition will have to offer? Here's a roundup of all the leaks and renders of the Mi 9 series so far.tech2 News Staff

Samsungs tenth anniversary Galaxy phone launch almost mirrors Apples recent iPhone event. The new phones are stunning, vaguely exciting and a bit boring, and they all come with astronomical price tags. Apple, however, managed to pull a rabbit out of the proverbial hat with the truly spectacular Apple Watch Series 4. Samsung has attempted to do the same with the new Galaxy Watch Active. Heres what its all about:

As with the Apple Watch, the Galaxy Watch Active features several health monitoring tools including a blood pressure monitor and the now standard heart-rate monitor. The Watch Active can track 39 different activities including sleep, swimming, etc., has an in-built GPS unit for tracking and even NFC for mobile payments.

Specs include a 1.1-inch 360x360 display, 230 mAh battery, Exynos 9110 SoC, 768 MB of RAM, 4 GB of storage, wireless charging support and water resistance.

Colours include silver, black, rose gold and sea green.

The Galaxy Watch Active retails at $199.99 and, like the phones, will arrive on 8 March following a 21 February pre-order date. Pre-orders receive a free wireless charging pad.Devika Agarwal

It was recently reported that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group, which is suspected to be behind the Pulwama terror attacks used peer-to-peer software service YSMS to coordinate the attack.

This brings into focus the recent debate surrounding State regulation of encryption products/services and whether laws should mandate access to encrypted communication on grounds of national security.

Incidents involving the use of encryption by terrorists

Encryption, being a secure method of communication, is used for a number of purposes ranging from securing financial transactions online, storage of sensitive personal data such as Aadhaar and in online messaging apps like Whatsapp and Telegram.

Terrorists are increasingly relying on communication services which use encryption to avoid detection by law enforcement bodies and intelligence agencies. For instance, in the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, attackers used Blackberry phones to communicate with their handlers. During an investigation, the Indian intelligence agencies asked Research in Motion (RIM) (the then developer of BlackBerry phones) to break the encryption of the BlackBerry devices used by terrorists. While RIM was initially reluctant to concede to the governments demands, RIM allowed the government partial access to encrypted information, in the face of a prospective ban on BlackBerry in India.

In the 2017 London Bridge terror attack in the UK, the perpetrators used Whatsapp, which features end-to-end encryption, to communicate securely; this led the British government to consider a ban on encryption and compel State access to encrypted communication.

Similarly, in 2015 the FBI recovered an iPhone belonging to Syed Rizwan Farook, the suspect in the San Bernardino terror attacks. The iPhone was locked using a combination of encryption software and hardware; this led to a legal dispute between the FBI and Apple to access the iPhone data.

In the Pulwama terror attacks, the JeM group communicated through YSMS messages, which uses an ultra-high radio frequency model for sending encrypted messages. Unlike popular messaging apps like Whatsapp and Telegram which also use encryption, very little is known about YSMS other than the fact that it involves discrete hardware (radios) and an Android app. In fact, the app is said to be available only through the Dark Web.

Encryption may be both hardware or software-based. Today, one of the most popular methods of encrypted communication between terrorists includes the use of messaging apps like Whatsapp and Telegram. The use of encryption by terrorists has resulted in governments wanting access to any encrypted information; this may require companies to deposit the decryption key with the government or deliberately build weaker encryption products, giving the governments a backdoor into the encryption system.

National security vs privacy and innovation

Any attempt by the State to regulate encryption is often met with opposition by civilians and companies which offer encrypted products/services. Internet users fear that if governments frame laws allowing the State access to encrypted messages, it would adversely affect the citizens right to privacy. Government snooping and State surveillance received worldwide attention after former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employee, Edward Snowden, leaked information that the US and the UK governments were carrying out wide-scale internet and phone surveillance.

Internet companies are reluctant to give States access to the encrypted data of their users, or incorporate weaker encryption in their products, as this would make their products less appealing to their consumers, namely, internet users. From a security point of view too, companies argue that building products with weak encryption would result in their products/services being more vulnerable to attacks by malicious hackers.

Historically, States have sought to regulate the export of encrypted technology due to national security concerns through an international agreement known as the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA). The WA restricts inter alia the export of weapons and technologies which are dual-use in purpose and on the agreed list of the WA; this includes certain cryptography products. One of the goals of the WA is to prevent the acquisition of controlled goods by terrorists. In December 2017, India became the 42nd Member of the WA. In the 1990s, the US witnessed crypto-wars when the National Security Agency (NSA) tried to introduce the Clipper Chip (an encryption device to be incorporated by telecommunications companies for voice and data messages which contained a built-in backdoor). This move was successfully opposed by civil society activists and companies on grounds of violation of privacy and fear that it would make US encryption products in foreign markets less competitive.

Encryption laws in India

India does not have a law dedicated to governing encryption. The RBI and SEBI have laid down encryption standards for online banking and securities trading over a mobile phone and a wireless application platform respectively. Similarly, telecom licences also contain provisions on encryption.

Section 69 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 applies inter alia to over-the-top (OTT) communication services like Whatsapp and other messaging apps. Under section 69, a government agency has the power to intercept any information transmitted through any computer resource on the grounds of sovereignty or integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence. Upon the governments request under section 69, a person in charge of a computer resource (including data) will have to extend all facilities and technical assistance to decrypt information. Section 69 is implemented through the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring and Decryption of Information) Rules, 2009.

Under section 84A of the IT Act, the Central Government may prescribe the modes/methods of encryption for security of the electronic medium and the promotion of e-governance and e-commerce.

The draft Information Technology [Intermediaries Guidelines (Amendment) Rules] 2018 (draft intermediary guidelines) were released by MeitY recently to tackle fake news incidents in India. Under Rule 3(5) of the draft intermediary guidelines, a government agency can require an intermediary to enable tracing out of the originator of content on its platform; the grounds for a government order under Rule 3(5) are State security, cyber security or investigation/detection/prosecution/prevention of offence(s). The traceability clause has been decried by certain companies and civil rights organisations as it may require companies like Whatsapp and Signal to break their encryption, which hampers a users privacy.

In 2015, the government released a draft encryption policy, which was withdrawn shortly after concerns that the draft policy was too totalitarian.

Approach towards regulating encrypted apps in other jurisdictions

While others countries have surveillance programmes in place to ensure State security, it appears that only Australia has formally passed laws compelling internet companies to build features into their products which lets the government access encrypted communication; companies are exempt from this requirement if the features risk causing systemic weaknesses.

It was reported in 2016 that the US government and Whatsapp were involved in a legal case to allow the US government to read/eavesdrop on conversations on Whatsapp. While this was not a terrorism case, the case highlights the technical difficulty which governments face in accessing encrypted information even with a judicial order allowing wire-tapping; encryption by communication apps makes it nearly impossible for the government to read encrypted information as even companies do not have the means to decrypt that information.

Need to dig deeper

While encryption by internet companies is desirable as it keeps sensitive user data (financial information, medical health records, etc.) safe, encryption can be problematic when it hampers law enforcement. On the other hand, users are wary that weak information security will not only result in a data breach but can also lead to the misuse of their personal data for political reasons.

A deeper concern is that even in cases where State access to encrypted information is allowed, companies claim that they themselves have no means of decrypting that information. However, some argue that this is not true, and Whatsapp (which uses end to end encryption) can, in fact, access its users chats.

Some suggest that a viable solution is for the government to engage in hacking (also known as, equipment interference) to break encryption. To address concerns that State-sanctioned hacking is an attack on users privacy, the government should engage only in targeted hacking and only after obtaining a warrant. For this, the government can develop an in-house team of cryptographers and hackers to decrypt communications in cases of terrorism.

The answer to fighting encryption related problems may lie in the technology itself. Quantum computers, which are expected to become commercially viable in a few years, are considered to be capable of breaking encryption instantly. It may be worthwhile for the government to invest in such technologies to remove any hurdles in law enforcement efforts when deciphering encrypted information.

At the same time, States should be mindful of the alternative ways in which terrorists communicate, for instance, through online gaming platforms (which are not primarily communication platforms).

Any approach to regulating encryption, including through State-sanctioned hacking or the use of quantum computing, should be taken only after an extensive study of the underlying issues involved; this is because encryption is an esoteric subject and there is a need for greater clarity on the technical aspects of encryption. This will ensure that any measure to regulate encryption is, in fact, effective in countering threats to national security.

The author is a Policy Analyst at Nasscom. The views expressed in the article are personal and should not be attributed in any way to Nasscom or any of its members.Reuters

Qualcomm Inc is urging U.S. trade regulators to reverse a judges ruling and ban the import of some Apple Inc iPhones in a long-running patent fight between the two companies.

Qualcomm is seeking the ban in hopes of dealing Apple a blow before the two begin a major trial in mid-April in San Diego over Qualcomms patent licensing practices. Qualcomm has sought to apply pressure to Apple with smaller legal challenges ahead of that trial and has won partial iPhone sales bans in China and Germany against Apple, forcing the iPhone maker to ship only phones with Qualcomm chips to some markets.

Any possible ban on iPhone imports to the United States could be short-lived because Apple last week for the first time disclosed that it has found a software fix to avoid infringing on one of Qualcomms patents. Apple asked regulators to give it as much as six months to prove that the fix works.

Qualcomm brought a case against Apple at the U.S International Trade Commission in 2017 alleging that some iPhones violated Qualcomm patents to help smartphones run well without draining their batteries. Qualcomm asked for an import ban on some older iPhone models containing Intel Corp chips.

In September, Thomas Pender, an administrative law judge at the ITC, found that Apple violated one of the patents in the case but declined to issue a ban. Pender reasoned that imposing a ban on Intel-chipped iPhones would hand Qualcomm an effective monopoly on the U.S. market for modem chips, which connect smartphones to wireless data networks.

Penders ruling said that preserving competition in the modem chip market was in the public interest as speedier 5G networks come online in the next few years.

Cases where the ITC finds patent violations but does not ban the import of products are rare. In December, the full ITC said it would review Penders decision and decide whether to uphold or reverse it by late March.

In filings that became public late last week ahead of the full commissions decision, Apple for the first time said that it had developed a software fix to avoid running afoul of Qualcomms patent. Apple said it did not discover the fix until after the trial and that it implemented the new software last fall.

But Apple said that it would need six months to verify that the fix will satisfy regulators and to sell its existing inventory. Apple asked the full commission to delay any possible import ban by that long if the commission reverses the judges decisions.

In a filing late on Friday, Qualcomm argued that Apples disclosure of a fix undermined the reasoning in Penders decision and that the Intel-chipped phones should be banned while Apple deploys its fix.

Pender recommended against a remedy on the assumption that the (Qualcomm) patent would preclude Apple from using Intel as a supplier for many years and that no redesign was feasible, Qualcomm wrote. Apple now admitsmore than seven months after the hearingthat the alleged harm is entirely avoidable.tech2 News Staff

It seems the Chinese microblogging site Weibo has become the most sought host for Chinese OEMs flagship teaser posts lately. The newly launched Xiaomi Mi 9 had been subject to several teasers prior to its official debut and now consumer tech company Huawei has taken to the platform to reveal details about its flagship P30 series.

The Chinese handset maker just recently confirmed that Huawei P30 lineup, successor to the P20 series will officially debut next month in Paris. While the teaser emphasized on the new smartphone series cameras zoom, Huaweis consumer business group CEO has now revealed that the P30 Pro could quip four camera array on the rear side.

A watermarked photograph of the moon supposedly clicked with the Huawei P30 Pro was shared by Richard Yu on Weibo. The photo, first spotted by GSMArena, revealed a few details of the phone it was shot on. The watermark on the photo although poorly blurred, explicitly showed Pro and 'Leica Quad Camera.'

Huawei previously implemented a rear telephoto lens on its triple camera P20 Pro phone, but while the company is expected to give a similar treatment on the P30 Pro, the functionality of the fourth camera sensor remains a mystery.

Rumours earlier suggested that Huawei P30 Pro might include periscope-style rear imaging hardware to assist lossless optical zoom. A few days ago, renders of the purported P30 Pro showed off the arrangement of the quad camera array. The Leica-branded triple camera lenses were stacked vertically at the top left corner with a fourth lens placed on the right side.

While Huawei P30 Pro is seemingly confirmed to have a quad camera setup, it wont be the first phone to offer four camera sensors. Samsung last year brought mid premium smartphone Galaxy A9 2018 Edition with four camera array. HMD Global is likely planning to take a step ahead with its upcoming Nokia flagship phone, the Nokia 9 PureView. Rumours heavily suggest that the new Nokia smartphone could include a penta-lenses aka five camera sensors at the back.

Specification details of the P30 Pro havent been revealed yet, however, the rumour mill is expected to share information ahead of the upcoming P30 series launch. Huawei P30 series will mark its debut in Paris on 26 March.Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies.

Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence in Mumbai.

On Monday, Shiv Sena and BJP, the sparring ruling allies, announced that they would contest the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections together. "I experienced the change in the way they treat people, hence I decided to join hands with the BJP," Thackeray said.

He also reiterated that the BJP's proposal that chief minister will be from the party which will send more MLAs to the Assembly was not acceptable to the Sena.

"I want to see a Sena chief minister and I will work for it," he said. "I have already won in the treaty, now we should win the real battle of election," Thackeray said.Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi attended a prayer meeting of CRPF jawan Amit Kumar Kori, who was killed in the recent Pulwama terror attack, in Uttar Pradeshs Shamli

Lucknow: Congress president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday attended a prayer meeting of CRPF jawan Amit Kumar Kori, who was killed in the recent Pulwama terror attack, and paid tributes to the slain soldier.

Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present at the prayer meeting held in Shamli district. "Congress President @RahulGandhi and General Secretary In charge UP East Smt. @priyankagandhi attend the prayer meeting of martyr Amit Kumar Kori and share their grief with the family," the party said in a tweet.

Rahul and Priyanka were seen consoling the members of the bereaved family. Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Minister Suresh Rana also attended the prayer meeting.

Speaking on this occasion, Rahul said, "In these moments of grief, we are with you... His (Kori's) father told us that he is sad, but at the same time proud (of his son). And I want to say that we are sad, but at the same time we are proud that a family of this country gave love to its son and educated him. The son gave his love, body and heart to the country. We can never forget this thing."

"My sister said that in a way our father (former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi) had also met the same fate. We understand your pain and agony. We are here to sit only for five minutes with you and to tell all of you that we want to share your grief," he added.

The Congress president said India is a country of bravehearts and no power in the world can push it backward. "From the bottom of our heart and on behalf of the country, I thank you, your son and the entire family," Rahul said. "This is one country. This is a country for everyone (of us) and this is a country of love and brotherhood. This is the message of India," he added.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed on 14 February, when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Among the CRPF personnel killed in the attack, 12 hailed from Uttar Pradesh, including two from Shamli.Mamata Banerjee, not surprisingly, has taken the lead in shattering the veneer of rare political unity over Pulwama terror attacks.

Mamata Banerjee, not surprisingly, has taken the lead in shattering the veneer of rare political unity over Pulwama terror attacks. This isnt the first time the West Bengal chief minister has indulged in incendiary political rhetoric, but the timing of her statement and the serious nature of her allegation risk lowering the political discourse further on a sensitive topic at a very sensitive time for national security.

The West Bengal chief minister must remember that there is a time and place for everything, including politics that seems to have consumed her to a point of paranoia. Her recent comments and insinuations over the terror strikes (carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed) that took away the lives of 42 CRPF jawans are not only an insult to the memory of the deceased but jeopardise Indias diplomatic position at a time when New Delhi is trying to isolate Pakistan for its direct role in the assault.

It is not as if Mamata  a shrewd politician and administrator  doesnt understand the implications of her statement. But her priorities are so skewed that even national security can be sacrificed at the altar of political opportunism.

Elections and power are temporal factors in politics. India has suffered the worst terror strike in Kashmir for decades. It is no less than another act of war by Pakistan which has been using nuclear deterrence as a leverage to wage a perpetual sub-conventional war against the Indian state. At a time when New Delhi is exploring all the diplomatic, economic and kinetic options at its command to punish Pakistan, the least political parties can do is to show a semblance of solidarity and back the government in its actions. This issue goes beyond politics, or it ought to be.

Sadly, Mamata perhaps feels insecure at the rush of nationalistic fervour and outrage sweeping the nation since the attack took place and resulted in the loss of 42 lives, and fears that an outpouring of grief may somehow benefit the BJP in the upcoming elections. This is a myopic and misleading view, but nobody can hold Mamata guilty of showing political maturity.

She seems to be hinting at a bizarre conspiracy theory that the Narendra Modi government has somehow orchestrated (either directly or tacitly) the terror strike carried out by JeM for political gains. During a media briefing at the state secretariat on Monday, Mamata said, What actions have been taken in the past five years to stop Pakistan? How did you allow Pakistan to do it? From where did Pakistan get such encouragement? Why did this happen when elections are round the corner, and just after the Parliament session has ended?

She went on to suggest that the Centre is trying to launch a shadow war for electoral gains.

When election is knocking on the door, you have felt a need to wage a war. You have felt there is a need to engage in a shadow war. You have felt the need to play with the lives of the people.

She accused the prime minister of creating war-like hysteria and called for his resignation. Amit Shah and Narendra Modi are delivering political speeches. Even after such a big mishap, you do not resign taking responsibility and are instead delivering political speeches, she said.

She also suggested that the government was complicit in the death of jawans for allegedly failing to act on intelligence inputs and not airlifting the paramilitary jawans instead of transporting them in buses. And she also accused the Centre of tapping her phones.

I have intelligence reports that my phone is always tapped. I have evidence and I will share it when the time is right. My phone is also being recorded.

The reason behind Mamatas paranoia is not known. But it is possible that the Trinamool Congress chief feels that the terror strike has come at an opportune time for the BJP since the issue of nationalism is likely to solidify public opinion and override caste and community calculations that certain parties hope to exploit.

Animosity towards Pakistan is among the rare issues that cut across geographical, sociological and ethno-cultural boundaries and bind this diverse nation. Mamatas nervousness on this score is evident when she expresses displeasure at flag-waving, candle-light processions being taken out in different parts of the state  as in many parts of the country.

She sees an RSS and BJP conspiracy in it, claiming that they are trying to trigger communal riots by taking out late night processions with national flags. They are trying to exploit the tragedy for political dividend. It is a planted game of the RSS, VHP and the BJP. We will resist attempts to take political advantage of the situation.

Mamatas paranoia is unfounded. There is no direct correlation between war and electoral gains. Winning a war doesnt guarantee electoral benefits but losing it may result in a backlash. And in any case, kinetic action against a nuclear-armed neighbour that doesnt cross Rawalpindis nuclear threshold is a hard act to pull off. It is therefore a double-edged sword for the Indian government. Modi has delivered a stern warning to Pakistan, and has promised retribution. If he fails to match his actions to words, public opinion may turn against him. It is preposterous and cynical to suggest that this was a grand conspiracy of some sort.

But what Mamatas ridiculous statement has done is create space for Pakistan to exploit. It is not known whether Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was aware of Mamatas comments when he suggested in the video message that Indias sabre-rattling over Pulwama was an electoral compulsion.

Incidentally, Trinamool Congress had raised objections against the statement released after the all-party meeting on Saturday. Media reports indicate that Mamatas party had an objection to the last line of the joint resolution that was subsequently toned down at TMCs behest. One BJP leader has accused her of diluting the statement where Pakistans name found no mention.

According to a report in NDTV, the last line was drafted to say, Today, we all resolve to stand with our security forces and efforts of the Centre and State Govt to ensure that these challenges are suitably and firmly responded to. This suggested a plan of action that TMC was apparently uneasy with. The action points were removed from the resolution at the insistence of Trinamool, states the report.

It is nobodys case that TMC is backing Pakistan, or trying to shield it. What is apparent, however, that as the election dates near, Mamata is showing greater signs of paranoia and nervousness. For a party that boasts it will win 42 out of 42 seats in Bengal, whats the need for such insecurity?

Apart from the external damage that her statement has caused, it has also created precedent for other parties to exploit, as Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has predictably done.

Mamata should take a long, hard look at her politics. She aspires to be a national leader and move to the seat of power of Delhi. This self-obsession doesnt match her ambition.Winning Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat is crucial for BJP as it will not only end the party's long wait for a Lok Sabha member from Kerala but could also trigger an exodus of people from both the Congress and CPM to BJP

With Congress Shashi Tharoor getting ready for his third term in Keralas Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, BJP and CPM-led LDF are on a mad hunt to find the best candidate against him.

The BJP is confident to wrest the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency from Tharoor, who defeated BJP veteran O Rajagopal by a whisker in the last election. Even pre-poll predictions by psephologists suggest near-sure victory of the BJP in the crucial constituency.

Winning the Thiruvananthapuram constituency is crucial for the BJP because it will not only end the party's long wait for its maiden Lok Sabha member from the state but could also trigger an exodus of people from both the Congress and CPM to BJP.

Moreover, the win will enable the state BJP leadership to keep Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah in good humour since it will prove that their frequent visits of the state during the past couple of years havent gone futile.

The Modi-Shah duo that has succeeded in hoisting the BJP's flag in the politically tough terrain of Kashmir is said to be upset with the Kerala BJP as Modi and Shah's efforts to penetrate the Left citadel hasn't produced any tangible results. The outcome of the constituency, therefore, is the litmus test for the BJP's Kerala strategy too.

The Sabarimala episode is certainly going to bring a windfall for the BJP in the state capital city. The dastardly killing of two young Congress workers, allegedly by CPM, its recent harassment of two young upright woman officers  IAS and an IPS officers  and the anti-incumbency factors against the LDF government are likely going to bring in some extra votes for the saffron party. The ground condition, it would seem, is very much conducive for BJP.

The daunting question facing the saffron party, however, is: which BJP leader can win the seat for the party? Who can beat Tharoors larger than life image?

Making things difficult for the BJP, Tharoor has already enlarged his footprint in the constituency. He is highly visible in all the mega-state functions in the state capital, where he plays the role of the state ambassador. Unlike the last election, there are no allegations against Tharoor either to mar his image. Congress will certainly project him as a potential Cabinet minister candidate if Congress wins the election.

The ever-smiling BJP state president PS Sreedharan Pillai, however, prefers to laugh it off.

"We know the strength and weakness of the Congress candidate. BJP has a good pool of leaders, who are strong enough to take on any opposition candidate. We will announce our Thiruvananthapuram candidate at the appropriate time, Pillai said.

The RSS faction in the state unit, however, doesn't seem to agree with Pillai. It insists the state leadership bring a big-ticket national leader if no one in the state is capable of giving Tharoor a run for his money.

"Last time, the seat slipped through our fingers. This time we cannot afford to lose it. Now we are more comfortable. If we miss the bus this time just because of the candidate, it will be a crippling blow to the party. So, a winnable candidate should be the focus. If no one cannot be found from the state, bring in from outside," a state-level RSS said.

Various power centres in the BJP state unit have proposed different names. A string of names including those of defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, maverick BJP leader Subramanian Swami, BJP Rajya Sabha member and millionaire-businessman Rajiv Chandrasekhar, Meghalaya governor Kummanom Rajasekharan, superstar Mohanlal as well as Pillai is doing the round as potential candidate against Tharoor.

The indication is that Sitharaman tops the list. The party's state leadership was impressed by her handling of an unruly crowd in a coastal village near Thiruvananthapuram nearly two years ago during her visit to villages affected by Cyclone Ockhi. Hundreds of fishers had lost their lives after officials failed to alert them in advance on the looming cyclone.

The death of the kin and the inaction of officials turned the people so violent that their villages became inaccessible even for the state ministers. Sitharaman was greeted by a ferocious crowd during her visit to one of the cyclone-affected villages. Her repeated request in chaste Tamil to let her listen to their woes finally worked wonder. The crowd became silent and a fruitful interaction took place. She won the heart of the locals and established a rapport with their community leaders.

In the last election, Tharoor was trailing behind Rajagopal till the last moment. He managed to win only due to the votes from the coastal areas. The BJP thinks that Sitharaman can win at least a portion of the coastal votes and thus the seat can be grabbed by the party.

If Sitharaman says no to their request, the party will look at Swami. They rely on his sharp brain and words to checkmate Tharoor. This apart, Swamis stance in the Sunanda Pushkar death case, the Kerala BJP hopes, would make a psychological impact on Tharoor. And the combined effect would tilt the balance in their favour.

Rajiv Chandrasekhar is a known Keralaite and owns the most viewed Malayalam news TV channel.

The BJP state leadership has also put out feelers to superstar Mohanlal who was recently decorated with Padma Vibhushan by the Modi government. The actor is half-minded on the offer. Though Mohanlal, the five-time winner of National Film Award, reiterates that he has no plan to contest an election, sources close to him hint that he is weighing all the pros and cons of the offer.

If the Kerala BJPs efforts to rope in Mohanlal don't materialise, its next choice is Suresh Gopi, the partys nominated MP from the state. Gopi, however, claims he is not aware whether his name has been shortlisted.

"I am frankly saying I havent been told by anyone in the party that my name is being considered. I have come to know about it from the media," he told reporters.

The MP, however, says that he is a disciplined party worker and duty bound to shoulder any responsibility assigned to him by the party.

Gopi, however, is yet to fully metamorphose into a seasoned politician. His public speeches, though remind one of his film dialogue deliveries, often give enough fodder for his critics to troll him. Besides, a large section in the BJP state unit sees him as an imported leader. He has not been much visible in party functions and does not have grassroots support either. Many senior state BJP leaders still frown over the central leadership's decision to grant him a Rajya Sabha membership. The state leaders believe that the central leadership must have been misguided on the advantages of bringing him into the party leadership.

Meghalaya governor Kummanam Rajasekhara, the former party chief in the state, is a clean, straight and silent politician but not a strong player in parliamentary politics. He is said to have been thrown out from the party post as he could not become as aggressive as his big boss in Delhi demanded. His track record in electoral politics too is pretty bad. He lost all the polls he had contested. But the former VHP leader is backed by some senior RSS leaders.

Enjoying the support of a strong section in the party and RSS, Pillai also managed to find a place in the list. He too couldnt win an election, though he came a close second in the last Assembly election at his home constituency of Chengannur.

"I have sent all the names with the state leaderships comments to the Centre. Now the ball is in their court. They have a system in place by which they will calibrate the winnability of each of them and accordingly take the final decision, Pillai said.

Meanwhile, the LDF is in utter confusion. Since the inception of the LDF, the seat was allotted to CPI, the second largest partner of the front. But victory has eluded it most of the times in the constituency. The last time CPM won the seat was in the 2005 bypoll. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, CPI not only brought a humiliating defeat for the LDF by finishing a poor third behind Congress and BJP but also kicked up an ugly row. It was alleged that the CPI had sold the seat. The truth is not yet fully unravelled.

The party candidate Bennet Abraham, a doctor by training and an investor by profession, was not a party man. It was only when he was made the candidate that many, even in the party, heard about him. These facts added credence to the allegation. Now the air is thick with rumours that CPM is eyeing the seat. Whereas, the CPI says that it has no plan to swap the seat. Perhaps, unable to withstand the big brothers arm-twisting tactics, CPI may concede the demand. Whether it is CPM or CPI, the option is limited. They have to bring in an outsider to effectively check Tharoor in the battle of the ballot.

"What is the benchmark of the candidate? If it is only politics there are several people in both the Communist parties. But if they are looking for an all-rounder, I am not able to spot anyone in either of the two parties. They have no option, but to field a popular figure as an Independent candidate," said Joseph Mathew, political commentator and IT advisor of former chief minister VS Achuthanandan.

CPM is not sure of getting the seat from CPI, yet it has started shortlisting names, say party insiders. Superstar Mammootty is their first priority. Dubbing artiste and woman activist Bhagyaleskshi is also in their radar. Mammootty who is not even a CPM sympathiser is very close to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The actor has been the chairman of the board of the partys TV channel, promoted mainly with funds from party comrades, for the past several years.

CPI, however, is not in haste to kick-start its operation to identify the candidate. "Let us finish the seat-sharing talks first, was the reaction of CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran.

BJP is under more pressure than Congress and LDF to win the race. But the victory for the party solely depends on the candidate they chose to field against Tharoor.For the Maharashtra Assembly polls, BJP and Shiv Sena have decided to contest an equal number of seats after accommodating the allies.

Mumbai: Though the BJP and the Shiv Sena have inked a seat-sharing pact for upcoming polls, top leaders of both the parties seem to be speaking in different voices over which party will get the post of chief minister after the Maharashtra Assembly elections, due later this year.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has been vocal about its demand for the post of chief minister post the elections.

As per the tie-up announced on Monday for elections to Lok Sabha and state Assembly, the BJP will contest 25 seats and Sena 23 of total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

For Assembly polls, the two parties will contest an equal number of seats after accommodating the allies.

The BJP and the Sena had contested the 2014 Assembly elections separately. Of the total 288 seats, the BJP had won 122 seats and the Sena 63.

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday night told select party workers at his residence in Mumbai that he had rejected the poll formula proposing that the party winning maximum number of seats in Assembly elections would get the post of chief minister.

Thackeray said he had demanded that both the parties get equal number of posts.

"This formula was used by both parties (Sena and BJP) in the last 25 years. I have rejected it. What I have demanded is that both the parties get to share all posts equally," Thackeray told the party workers.

"The BJP has agreed to this, hence I have decided to forge an alliance," he said.

On the contrary, state revenue minister Chandrakant Patil said the BJP's stand is that the party winning more number of seats would get the post of chief minister even though "we (Sena and BJP) will contest on equal number of seats in Assembly polls".

Sources in the BJP, however, said the party has achieved its objective to secure a section of votes in Lok Sabha polls by tying up with Sena.

According to sources, the Sena's main focus during negotiations with BJP mainly remained on the Assembly elections.Amid all talk on the formation, health and probable success of a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) against the Bharatiya Janata Party, the BJP itself has gone about strengthening its owns ties to parties that could be key in securing a return for Narendra Modi in 2019.

Amid all the debate about the formation, health and potential success of a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) against the Bharatiya Janata Party, the BJP itself has gone about strengthening its owns ties to parties that could be key in securing a return for Narendra Modi in 2019.

The polls of 2019 are not the polls of 2014. If there is at all a pre-poll wave this time, then it is certainly not a Modi wave. With no Ram temple in sight, a fractured consensus on the Goods and Services Tax, a grandstanding on terror that has proven ill-equipped to handle real disasters, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, fewer jobs and angrier farmers, the BJP government has often been criticised in the recent past, both by its allies and its non-allies.

But no one can accuse the BJP brass of being blind to turns of fortune, and one of the reasons why they cannot is the hard work the party has put in (often eating several humble pies in the process) to make sure these crucial alliances do not slip away in the anti-incumbency wave.

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, BJP made use of the vacuum created by the 2016 death of J Jayalalithaa and swooped in for a seat-sharing deal that it would probably not have imagined possible even a few years ago.

Jayalalithaa's party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), is no longer the behemoth that had swept the 2014 Lok Sabha election, winning 37 of the 39 seats in Tamil Nadu. Moneycontrol notes that apart from the faction-riddled AIADMK losing the trust of Tamil Nadu voters with its continuous infighting, the state government it has formed has failed to address a sentiment that it has not been able to protect Tamil Nadus interests  whether on the NEET entrance exam, the Cauvery water dispute or the Sterlite plant protests.

BJP was wise enough to maximise the possibilities of this juncture for the AIADMK. On Tuesday, it announced a decision to form a pact with AIADMK. Not only did it secure a five-seat agreement  the most it has ever received in a tie-up with a Tamil Nadu party  but it also managed to add the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) into the mix. The PMK not only has a huge support base among the Vanniyars, it is also notoriously anti-Dravidian, making the BJP's orchestrations to sew together two parties on two opposing points of the Dravidian pole, noteworthy.

This union could not have been the result solely of the BJP's natural aura. On 15 February, Union minister and BJP's Tamil Nadu in-charge Piyush Goyal was quite frank about the hard work going to the party's poll preparations.

"I have come here to discuss how we will proceed in the elections and discuss with party leaders and other friends to chart out a path for the future," he had said and then held long meetings with AIADMK leader and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami, The News Minute had reported.

On Tuesday, Goyal appeared with both and said that the NDA will fight and "win" in all 40 seats (in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Maharashtra

Announced days before the Tamil Nadu development and invoking far more surprise, even considering that the ally in question is a longtime one, the BJP and the Shiv Sena arrived at a seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The Sena had been cranking up the criticism against the BJP for a while now and had just days earlier demanded that the BJP share seats with it according to the formula the two parties followed over two decades ago, in 1995. In that year, the Sena had contested 171 seats  60 percent of the total 288  while the BJP contested 117 seats. It was a demand both parties knew would not be fulfilled, especially now that the BJP has 122 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly and the support of 16 other MLAs, but it did take rumours of the two going solo to a crescendo.

Uddhav Thackeray's party has also been angling for the chief ministerial chair, which looks unlikely to be fulfilled. The Shiv Sena will now fight on 23 seats, while the BJP will fight on 25 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Clearly, the BJP and Sena have an understanding of decades. But clearly their constant bickering too is for the long haul. A day after announcing the seat-sharing pact with the BJP, the Shiv Sena asked the NDA government not to leverage the Pulwama attack to influence poll results. Riots and terror attacks should not be used for "political gains", the Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana.

That the BJP is willing to put up with ritual strikes to its rank and file is also reflective of the importance it attaches to winning in Maharashtra.

Bihar

When asked by The Print if the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance was an unlikely one at this stage, Sena MP and spokesperson Arvind Sawant said, "If Nitish Kumar's party can form an alliance with the BJP, then ours is the holiest alliance possible."

The comment should give an idea on how hard fought the alliance between Nitish's Janata Dal (United) and BJP probably is. Though neither as rocky as the one with the Sena, nor as sudden as the one with AIADMK, the BJP-JD(U) combine and is resilience is surprising as one half of it is lead by one of the BJP's worst onetime critics.

Yet Nitish is an ally to treasure in a state which can ensure 40 Lok Sabha seats, and so it is no surprise that one of the first seat-sharing announcements the BJP made was that of its agreement in Bihar.

In late December of 2018, after BJP's defeats in the states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and after some initial hurdles, the BJP announced that Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party had agreed to contesting six of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, with Paswan getting a bonus Rajya Sabha ticket. The BJP and JDU will contest 17 seats each in the state, in accordance with an agreement announced as early as October.

Having set the stage in Bihar, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are keen to use it too, to kick off the National Democratic Alliance's poll campaign from Patna's Gandhi Maidan on 3 March. In a measure that will clearly keep the members of the alliance happy, both Nitish and Paswan will be present too.AIADMK, PMK and BJP have announced a pre-poll alliance in Tamil Nadu for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. DMK and Congress are expected to announce their alliance today.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, things are getting heated up. Tamil Nadu remains one of the very few states where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has found it very hard to gain a foothold. Going by the recent political developments in the southern state, which has a long history of Dravidian politics, it seems the BJP may have breached the last bastion this time. Since the demise of their dynamic leader, former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, the political situation in Tamil Nadu is such that the BJP has been able to flex its muscles to reduce the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) to nothing but a puppet in its hands.

As has now been finalised, the AIADMK, with little other choice, has formed an alliance with the BJP. The national party will contest from five Lok Sabha seats this year, more than it has ever received from a Dravidian partner. In a bid to boost its chances, the AIADMK has also successfully incorporated the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), which has a formidable presence in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu among the Vanniyars, who fall under the Most Backward Class category. This alliance was finalised on Tuesday, with PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss signing an agreement with the AIADMK following a hard bargain that got him seven Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat.

One is not sure whether AIADMK is at an advantage here, but PMK's highly opportunistic politics has gained much attention in this era of proliferating social media. The PMK has not only been vociferously campaigning against the Dravidian parties, but has also asserted at numerous press meets and meetings that it would never align with any Dravidian party. They had even contested the last Assembly polls on their own, with the party founder's son and former Union minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss having been in the fray as a chief ministerial candidate. After its alliance with AIADMK was announced, PMK's opportunistic politics has been trolled on social media with a lot of popular hashtags critiquing their stance.

While critiquing PMK's opportunistic politics, one should not forget that even the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which will head the other major alliance in Tamil Nadu, had been holding talks with PMK until recently.

Why is PMK the most-sought-after party despite its virulent and staunch criticism of Dravidian politics? The answer lies not in mere electoral arithmetic but in the politics of caste. For more than three decades, PMK has been instrumental in organising a conglomeration of castes, now collectively referred to as Vanniyars. Since its foundation in the late 1980s, PMK has established itself as a key player in the northern districts and has been an important ally of the major Dravidian rivals at different points of time. They have also built a very formidable presence in some of the major constituencies in the northern districts.

Despite their anti-Dalit stance and rivalry with Tamil Nadu's largest Dalit-led political party, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), PMK has always made its presence felt through its politicking and pressure politics. This has been possible purely because of its solid foundation in the northern districts and among Vanniyars, a consolidation that parties like VCK have failed to achieve. VCK, notwithstanding the fact that it was a long-time DMK ally and a sympathiser of Dravidian politics, was kept at bay as both main parties wooed PMK. Now, with an alliance signed between PMK and AIADMK, VCK leader Thirumavalavan can heave a sigh of relief as his party can strike a deal with DMK. However, the takeaway from this lesson for VCK is that it is not the first choice for Dravidian parties because it has failed to create strongholds in terms of its presence in constituencies.

At the moment, the AIADMK-BJP-PMK alliance looks strong and may prove tough competition for the DMK-Congress alliance. Historically, clientelist politics has been key to victory in Tamil Nadu, with both main parties competing to hand out welfare measures and 'freebies' to voters. AIADMK has already set out its stall with cash handouts of Rs 2,000 to 60 lakh households in the state. It remains to be seen how DMK will respond. In the past few elections, extravagant election manifestos have made a significant difference to the outcome.

However, for the first time, both Dravidian parties are competing without their experienced and familiar leaders, which means both parties have to establish their reputations afresh. If AIADMK has the advantage by virtue of being in office, it may be that political ideas play a larger role in these elections. It indeed looks as though secularism will be the key word in this election. If the latter can exploit the former by pointing out the politics of hatred that these parties  BJP and PMK in particular are engaged in, then DMK and its allies can prevent the saffronisation of Tamil politics.A day after the designer's passing, prominent personalities from the Indian fashion fraternity spoke of the impact Karl Lagerfeld had had on them.

"Luxury should be worn like you're going to the supermarket. It's the pop art of the 21st century."

When Karl Lagerfeld passed away on 19 February 2019, at the age of 85 (most likely, since the year of his birth is disputed), he left behind a somewhat troubled legacy.

On the one hand, Lagerfeld was a giant in the world of fashion  having headed the houses of Fendi (since the 1960s) and Chanel (from 1983 onwards) as creative director. He was both an inspired designer and shrewd businessman  he made collaborations a staple of the fashion industry, and propelled the 108-year-old Chanel brand to a $10 billion company in 2018. He did this by achieving a delicate balance between accessibility and exclusivity. Alongside, he pursued a range of creative endeavours (a publishing imprint and photography, for instance), and the shows he helmed for Chanel were nothing short of a spectacle or performance art. Tributes poured in from Donatella Versace and Victoria Beckham among others.

However, as several thinkpieces after his death have noted, Lagerfeld's publicly expressed views were at times racist, lookist and misogynistic; last year, he spoke dismissively of the #MeToo movement.

A day after the designer's passing, prominent personalities from the Indian fashion fraternity spoke of the impact Lagerfeld had had on them.

Smita Lasrado, the co-founder of modelling and casting agency Feat. Artists, had walked for Chanel's much talked about 'Paris-Bombay' show in 2011. She recounted: "Working with Karl was definitely a wonderful experience. His attention to detail was unparalleled. He worked with so many different brands with so many different sensibilities. And they were all successful. Clearly he was exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable."

"I only exchanged a few words with him during my fittings for the show. However, it is interesting to note that he introduced himself to each new model and asked us how we felt in our assigned look. Its not something he needed to do, but I believe he knew how important it is to make people feel special. And I think thats why he had so much love in the industry. Its a sad day but we must continue to celebrate the man who contributed so much to the world of fashion," Lasrado added.

In 1954, Lagerfeld had entered a fashion competition called the International Wool Secretariat and won the top prize in the coat category. More than 60 years later, designer Nachiket Barve was named the regional winner for 2016-17 of the International Woolmark Prize, as the competition is now known.

For Barve, Lagerfeld is unparalleled in terms of the longevity and prolific-ness of his career. "To design for houses such as Chanel and Fendi over many, many decades and be so relevant and so driven even in his mid-eighties  I dont think that is ever going to happen again," Barve said. "Most people look at retiring in their 60s! The secret to his longevity was that he took so much interest in his own self. His famous sweat pant quote comes from there, I think."

Barve noted Lagerfeld's ability to "take something, shake it up and make it irreverent". He also contrasted Lagerfeld to Chanel's legendary founder and pointed out: "In the strangest way, in his personal style, Lagerfeld was an anti-thesis to Coco Chanel, but also very much like her. She had her tweed suit, pearls, camellia and he had his white collar, Chrome Heart jewellery etc."

Professing that the name (of Lagerfeld) is one that "both inspires and intimidates", designer Nikhil Thampi said, "Karl Lagerfeld is an icon, he is an emotion, he is an aspiration, and he is now eternal".

Among the facets of Lagerfeld's persona that Thampi admired were "his love for monochrome, his version of power dressing, his obsession with sunglasses  and the fact that he loved to give his audience an experience through his art".

Delhi-based designer Anupama Dayal said Lagerfeld, for her, embodied individualism and fearlessness in expressing one's opinions ("which is really what fashion is about," she said) and irreverence.

"Fashion is all about responding to the moment and dressing is ammunition to address the moment," Dayal said. "What inspired me would be the continuity of his work. He never paused, there were no long breaks. He showed a great deal of diversity, responsiveness and adaptation. He worked till the end. In that sense, it was a very full life and a full contribution to fashion."Asked why no woman found a ministerial post in the cabinet expansion on Tuesday, Reddy, who was given the education portfolio, reportedly said they are backing the TRS and are at home.

Hyderabad: Telangana minister G Jagadish Reddy is facing flak from his own party TRS and Opposition leaders for reportedly saying that no woman got a ministerial berth in the state as they are at home. Asked why no woman found a ministerial post in the cabinet expansion on Tuesday, Reddy, who was given the education portfolio, reportedly said they are backing the TRS and are at home.

A newspaper also quoted him as saying Tuesday that there should be no special consideration on gender, caste, religion or region basis except for merit in picking up persons for ministerial positions. Talking to ANI, TRS spokesperson Abid Rasool Khan said, "I strongly deny that any such remarks were made by any minister, and even if they have been made, the party does not stand by such remarks. He said, TRS has the greatest respect for women leaders. In further induction of ministers which will be done in due course, I am sure that an important ministry would be handled by a woman in Telangana.

Khan said, Women support us. The schemes of the government are women centric. We have also launched many programmes for the women empowerment." Slamming Reddy, Nerella Sharada, TPCC Mahila-wing chief and All India Mahila Congress Secretary, alleged that the K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR)-led government is not doing enough for the uplift of women, TRS is only promoting the chief minister's daughter Kavitha, she claimed.

"In India, we have 29 states and I don't think there is any state where we do not have a woman minister in the cabinet, but in Telangana it is a different scenario. For the past five years, the Mahila Congress has been demanding that at least one woman minister should be there. But except promoting the daughter of KCR, they are not doing anything for the women of the state," Sharada said. "He (KCR) disrespects women all the time. He once distributed cheap sarees to women, we opposed it. He is not understanding the issue. I want KCR and Reddy to answer to my questions. Do you really feel that there is no women in Telangana who could hold the charge of a ministry? I feel women are capable of doing everything," she added.

Reacting to Reddys remarks, BJP spokesperson Kolli Madhavi said, "It is very unfortunate to see that we do not have representation of women in the government. In last four to five years, KCR did not give any priority to women. Women of Telangana do not want sarees or gifts, they want to be part of the decision making. In Telangana, we see that women are deprived. She said, This government has a different attitude toward women. They have double standards. On the one side they raise their voice for 33 per cent seats to women, on the other they do not induct any woman in the cabinet. Reddy had held the charge of the energy department in the previous KCR-led government.Bhargav Rajan, who had ordered food from anearby eatery in Chennai recently took to Twitter to inform Swiggy about the glitch in their app matrix as even though the delivery man was showing as picking up his order all the way up in north-India, Bhargav's order was en route and the etimated delivery time was was only a dozen minutes away from the destination.

A Chennai-based customer of popular food delivery app, Swiggy was in for a rather strange surprise when he traced his delivery boy's location to Rajasthan.

Bhargav Rajan, who had ordered food from a nearby eatery in Chennai recently took to Twitter to inform Swiggy about the glitch in their app matrix as even though the delivery man was showing as picking up his order all the way up in north-India, Bhargav's order was en route and the estimated delivery time was only a dozen minutes away from the destination.

Amused by this, Bhargav tagged Swiggy in his tweet along with a screenshot from the app and asked, "Wow Swiggy, what are you driving?"

However, Swiggy acknowledged the possible bug in its app and responded to Rajan with a dash of humour and assured appropriate action to fix the glitch.

Earlier as well, glitches in app-based interfaces of ride-hailing companies like Uber have shown incorrect or rather impossible locations of drivers as the customers tried to locate them through the application on their phones.External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met Saudia Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed ways to add further momentum to the strategic ties between the two nations besides deepening engagement in the areas of trade and investment.

New Delhi: External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met Saudia Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed ways to add further momentum to the strategic ties between the two nations besides deepening engagement in the areas of trade and investment.

The crown prince arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday night on a visit scheduled to last fewer than 30 hours. In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him at the airport.

After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the powerful Saudi leader talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding ties further.

"The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is in our DNA....Today, we want to be ensured that the relationship is maintained and improved for sake of both the countries and with the leadership of Mr President and the Prime Minister, we can create good things for both the countries," bin Salman told reporters.

The Saudi crown prince also talked about the contribution of lakhs of Indians in the overall development of Saudi Arabia.

He arrived here a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

After the meeting between Salman and Swaraj, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said ways to expand strategic dimension of the ties were discussed.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on HRH Crown Prince of #SaudiArabia Mohammed Bin Salman. Discussed adding momentum to strategic dimension of our relationship in various fields - from trade & investment to defence & security, and regional cooperation," the spokesperson tweeted.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 pm on Wednesday.

His visit comes in the backdrop of escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in which 40 CRPF were killed.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

The joint statement said the Saudi crown prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

Saudi Arabia is also a key pillar of India's energy security, being a source of 17 per cent or more of crude oil and 32 per cent of LPG requirements of India.

Recently, Saudi ARAMCO in partnership with ADNOC of UAE has agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd which is a joint venture of $ 44 billion. The Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and HPCL.

The crown prince is expected to travel to China from India.On 30 May, 2018, an 18-year-old BJP worker named Tirlochan Mahato was found hanging from a tree in Purulia's Balarampur district. After this incident, another BJP worker, Dulal Kumar was found dead in a similar manner in the same district. On 28 July, 2018, one more BJP leader, Shaktipada Sardar was hacked in West Bengal's Diamond Harbour area

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Wednesday will hear a plea filed to demand a CBI probe into the murder of three BJP workers in West Bengal. The apex court is hearing a petition filed by BJP leader and lawyer Gaurav Bhatia, who sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

During Tuesdays hearing, Supreme Court lawyer Gaurav Bhatia had argued for a CBI investigation of the murders.

The brutal murder of three West Bengal BJP workers is a fit case for CBI probe and if this case is not fit for a detailed investigation by CBI, then no case comes under the ambit of CBI probe, argued Bhatia.

On 30 May, 2018, an 18-year-old BJP worker named Tirlochan Mahato was found hanging from a tree in Purulia's Balarampur district. After this incident, another BJP worker, Dulal Kumar was found dead in a similar manner in the same district.

On 28 July, 2018, one more BJP leader, Shaktipada Sardar was hacked in West Bengal's Diamond Harbour area.

The deaths of three BJP leaders had sparked an outrage in the state with the BJP blaming the Trinamool Congress for the attack.With each passing year, the concept of aerial combat changes and the old dogfight in the sky is no longer central to aerial supremacy.

In the case of Rafale, India did not really look elsewhere and was prepared to wait three years for the first delivery. There has to be some cream in the cake that is not yet known. Just as it is still up for grabs why India stopped at 36 aircraft and not 126 when there is a shortage of over 100 aircraft, compelling India recently with great irony to knock on Moscows door for 21 more NATO codenamed Fulcrum MiG29s urgently. That is how vulnerable India is in the air.

After Pulwama and what lies ahead on this rocky road even more so.

The more things change the more they stay the same. And it is difficult to put this jigsaw together and make total sense.

In all the muck that has been flung around over the Rafale deal, the basic question has gone unanswered. What compelled India to choose this French manufactured aircraft over others? Is it a better aircraft than the other nine odd fourth generation fighters up for grabs?

Neither the UPA nor the NDA governments have given an adequate answer. Perhaps because there isnt any to give since we are not privy to all the codicils and clauses that have come with the deal. It would be utterly naive to state that the Rafale is a bad aircraft. No one makes poor fighter aircraft. One do not spend several billion dollars on research and design and development to make a low calibre plane.

Ergo, the question then is what was the benefit?

With each passing year, the concept of aerial combat changes and the old dogfight in the sky is no longer central to aerial supremacy. Fighters are now more missile delivery systems and their speed and range are of the essence. Perhaps the offer of state of the art Meteor and Scalp missiles with technology was the deciding factor. For India another point in favour of the Rafale could well have been predicated to exercising an option for the naval version because it gives us an advantage.

On an aircraft carrier deck in less than 75 meters, the navy version of Rafale instantly and automatically rotates to the correct angle of attack. This critical operation is made possible by the aircraft's innovative jump strut" nose landing gear. So if this first batch is destined for the flight deck and is the only delta winged carrier fighter in the world then maybe we have a leading edge in this deal. Why this factor is kept under wraps is a mystery because this capability is well known.

Other contenders were Boeing's F/A-18s, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Sweden's Saab's JAS 39 Gripen. Chicago-based Boeing, the Pentagon's No. 2 supplier by sales and the top US exporter, says it sees big opportunities for its F-15 and F/A-18 fighters even into the future. Yes, India could have gone back to Russia and loaded up with the MiG 29s and MiG 35s (marketed as a 4th ++ generation choice) and Sukhoi 35s and other variations at a cheaper price. Lockheed Martins hugely successful F16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon which has lasted longer than any other modern fighter was also on the cards.

The Russians moved into the global arena in the past decade and fought hard to lose the poor PR image of dumpy and dangerous aircraft. While Russian aerodynamism has never been in question there had been doubts expressed over its limited success with power plant technology. But by advocating a blend of western knowhow and manufacture the Russian aero-industry declared itself open to co-operative ventures and brought to the table its own expertise.

The Russians are keen to market their Sukhoi range especially since it comes with an advanced trainer. Exports of Su-27 fighters enabled Russia to preserve its operational air force. This aircraft, considered the most capable fighter aircraft in its class, may well point the way to a fifth generation of air fighters. The Su-27 is a dogfighter's dream. It has dazzled pilots with its ability to attack in the middle of screaming dives and ascents, setting 36 world records. Compared to the Rafale the Su-27 with its many variants including the Su-37 multirole, all-weather fighter kicks in at 45-$60 million. It is also seen as the Russian answer to the US F22 which rings the till at $150 million per aircraft. The F16 Block 70 offers a 50 percent longer lifespan than its predecessors which in 1998 were going at $14 million a jet. Today the Block 70 recently purchased by Bahrain would clock in at $130 million. The Eurofighter Typhoon clocks in at $90 million but it would rise in cost once the armament was selected. The Rafale was sold to India for just over $200 million.

What India got back in offset agreements, delivery, weaponry and spare parts over the longterm would shave and balance out some of this cost. If one may recall, the Germans were ready in 2016 to give us the Typhoon and even indicated readiness to steal aircraft from other nations like Britain, Italy and themselves to shore up Indias fleet op immediately with no delay delivery.

At that time MiG 21s were falling out of the sky being labelled flying coffins and India had a spare parts problem.

They even agreed to drop the price of each plane by 20 percent. India did not pick up the offer and that has always been a point of argument. By initiating talks with Germany India could have put some pressure on Dassault to drop its price. Common sense.

There are so many variables that go into the costing. The breakdown of the base cost or what is called the Program Unit Cost. According to naval carrier pilot John Baker, This is the total cost (including R&D, spare parts supply, special tools, techical representatives, flight trainers, etc.) of developing and supplying an aircraft model divided by the number of actual aircraft purchased. Naturally, this PUC number is considerably higher than the actual cost of acquiring just one aircraft."

This PUC number becomes problematic when discussing the cost of an aircraft that is lost due to an aircraft accident. Just because one airplane crashed doesnt mean that the air force fleet lost all the spare parts and tools and stuff.

There are several other methods of computing price, each created for a specific purpose or to emphasise (or maybe to hide) a specific aspect.

Frequently when military aircraft are sold to other countries, they may not be equipped with precisely the same weapons systems capability as the US version. This also could skew the cost of that tranche of aircraft.

So, we are not much wiser as we wade through figures and options about why we went for this aircraft. Much the same occurred with the much maligned Bofors gun purchase. The British, the French and the Austrians were also in the final cut ahead of the Swedes. The Mayadas committee plumped for the Austrian GHN 45. The then army chief General Arun Shridhar Vaidya wanted the French TR howitzer. Overnight, all the contenders were knocked off the chessboard.

Here we played with only one piece. Still dont know if it was a queen or a pawn.The avalanche occurred at around 11 am near Shipkala on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, where six Indian soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles unit were feared dead.

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): One jawan of the Indian Army's Jammu and Kashmir Rifles unit died and five others are trapped in an avalanche on the India-China border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Wednesday, officials said.

"The body of one jawan had been found, whereas five bodies were yet to be traced," Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Gopal Chand said.

"The avalanche occurred at around 11 am near Shipkala on the India-China border," he added.

Several jawans of the India-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were also trapped in the avalanche. However, they had been rescued, Chand said.

According to Army officials, 16 jawans were patrolling the India-China border area when the avalanche struck, burying six of them alive. One of them was rescued, but he succumbed to his injuries subsequently.

A spokesperson of the Army said the search-and-rescue operation would go on till the last man was retrieved. A team of about 150 persons, including Army personnel, is searching for the trapped jawans, along with the police.A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Rao and Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the hearing on pleas of the CBI, saying that one of the judges was not inclined to be part of the bench to hear the matter. Justice Rao said he had appeared for the state as a lawyer and therefore cannot hear the case. The bench has now posted the matter for hearing on 27 February before an appropriate bench of which Justice Rao is not a part.

New Delhi: Supreme Court judge, Justice L Nageswara Rao, on Wednesday recused himself from hearing the CBI's plea alleging obstruction in its probe into the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam probe by West Bengal authorities.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Rao and Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the hearing on pleas of the CBI, saying that one of the judges was not inclined to be part of the bench to hear the matter. Justice Rao said he had appeared for the state as a lawyer and therefore cannot hear the case. The bench has now posted the matter for hearing on 27 February before an appropriate bench of which Justice Rao is not a part.

On 18 February, West Bengal Chief secretary Malay Kumar De, DGP Virendera Kumar and then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar had filed separate affidavits in the apex court on the contempt petition moved by the CBI in connection with the scam and had tendered "unconditional and unambiguous apology". The West Bengal government and its police had refuted CBI allegations in the apex court that they obstructed the investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam cases, with the state cops charging that the central agency forcefully tried to enter the Kolkata police commissioner's residence on February 3 without valid papers. The trio maintained that the West Bengal government and the state police at no point of time obstructed investigation nor any official denied cooperation to CBI.

The officers had opposed the contempt petition against them in which CBI alleged that they were tampering with evidence and not complying with the apex court's various orders relating to the probe by asserting that there was a need for directions to the probe agency not to make any vague allegations without substantial and cogent evidence.

Referring to the 3 February incident, Kumar had said in his affidavit that CBI "forcibly" tried to enter his house without valid papers. The contention has been supported by the DGP in his affidavit. They had also claimed that no police official went on 'dharna manch' where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee sat to protest the CBI action. The DGP and Kumar had said no police officer, in uniform or otherwise at any given point in time, ever sat or joined the dharna along with Banerjee.

Kumar had said it was "very intriguing" as to why a major decision by the CBI was taken to interrogate him on 3 February, which was the last day in office of the then interim CBI director M Nageswara Rao. Kumar, against whom CBI has alleged tampering of electronic evidence including call detail records, had said he was never in direct possession of evidence, material or documents. They had responded to the notices issued on 5 February by the apex court which had asked them to clarify their stand on the allegation that evidence was tampered with and the state police was not cooperating with the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The apex court had on 4 February said that "if the police commissioner is even remotely trying to destroy evidence, we will come down so heavily on him that he will regret".Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly known as MBS, received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Wednesday, where he met Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind. Modi and Crown Prince Salman will now hold bilateral talks on a number of subjects.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly known as MBS, received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Wednesday, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind. Modi and Crown Prince Salman will now hold bilateral talks on a number of subjects.

"Today, we want to be sure that this relation is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. With the leadership of the president and prime minster, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India," he said.

Delhi: Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/dLJZXQdWSo  ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019

MBS arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday night with his ministers and a large business delegation at the end of his two-day visit to Pakistan. Modi broke protocol to receive the crown prince himself instead of sending a diplomat or junior minister to the airport, signifying importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the powerful Gulf nation.

The crown prince had flown back to Riyadh from Islamabad after New Delhi had expressed reservations about him travelling to India from Pakistan, in the wake of the heightened tensions between the neighbours after the terror attack in Pulwama. A suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) drove an explosives-laden truck into a CRPF convoy on Thursday, killing 42 troops and critically injuring several.

MBS' day-long visit will be closely watched as Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, endorsed Pakistan's "achievements" in "combating terrorism", the very concern India plans to raise at the meeting between the crown prince and Modi in the backdrop of the Gulf nation infusing Islamabad's coffers with financial aid. Saudi Arabia, during MBS's two-day trip to Islamabad, had vowed to "de-escalate" the rising India-Pakistan tensions.

During their talks on Wednesday, Modi and Salman are also expected to look at ways to enhance defence ties, including having a joint naval exercise. They will also focus their talks on terrorism and trade.

In recent years, there has been significant progress in bilateral cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia in key areas of mutual interest, including energy security, trade and investment, infrastructure, defence and security.

The bilateral trade was $27.48 billion during the 2017-18 financial year, making Saudi Arabia India's fourth largest trading partner.

Saudi Arabia also contributes significantly to India's energy security needs by supplying about 20 percent of crude requirements of the country.

With inputs from PTIRobert Vadra has been questioned by the ED in this case for 23 hours over three days of deposition earlier this month. He has been asked by a Delhi court to cooperate in the probe being conducted by the central probe agency.

New Delhi: Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case probe, officials said.

He reached the agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:30 AM along with his lawyers, they said.

Delhi: Robert Vadra arrives at Enforcement Directorate (ED) office for questioning by ED in money laundering case linked to purchase of his London based property. pic.twitter.com/R9tbJdEFwz  ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019

This is a scheduled appearance of Vadra before the investigating officer (IO) of the case in a criminal complaint, related to allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad. He had skipped the summons Tuesday, citing bad health.

Vadra has been questioned by the ED in this case for 23 hours over three days of deposition earlier this month. He has been asked by a Delhi court to cooperate in the probe being conducted by the central probe agency.

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, which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency had 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 and the other valued at 4 million, 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 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 (PMLA).

His first appearance before the ED earlier this month acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on one day while she picked him up after questioning the next time.

Vadra had similarly deposed before the ED twice in Jaipur in another money-laundering case related to an alleged land scam in Bikaner.Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra moved the resolution to seek an apology from the British government for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and political parties, cutting across party lines, supported it.

Chandigarh: The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution, seeking an apology from the British government for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra moved the resolution and political parties, cutting across party lines, supported it.

"The tragic massacre of innocent protesters in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on 13 April, 1919 remains one of the most horrific memories of British colonial rule in India. This shameful military action against locals peacefully protesting against the oppressive Rowlatt Act has since received worldwide condemnation," the resolution said.

"However, its proper acknowledgement could only be by way of a formal apology by the British government to the people of India as we observe the Centenary of this great tragedy," the resolution said.

"This August House thus unanimously recommends to the state government to take up this matter with the government of India to impress upon the British government to officially apologise for the massacre of innocent people at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, " the resolution said.

Opposition parties AAP, SAD-BJP and Lok Insaaf Party supported the resolution.

Troops of the British Indian Army, under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer, had fired on civilians who had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh for a peaceful protest on 13 April, 1919 and scores of people had died.The United States' ambassador to India, Kenneth I Juster, said the Pulwama incident in Jammu and Kashmir has bolstered its resolve to cooperate with India on counter terrorism matters and work with it to get to the bottom of the terror attacks.

Bengaluru: The United States Tuesday said the Pulwama incident in Jammu and Kashmir has bolstered its resolve to cooperate with India on counter terrorism matters and work with it to get to the bottom of the terror attacks.

The US also called on Pakistan to end immediately its support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil.

"We are working closely with the government of India in terms of getting to the bottom of the terrorist attacks," US Ambassador to India Kenneth I Juster told reporters here.

Noting that the US had been cooperating with India on the issue of terror, he said, "We have condemned them; we have previously condemned terrorist sanctuaries that exist in Pakistan and we have suspended military assistance to them. This incident bolsters our resolve to cooperate with India on counter terrorism matters and work with them to get to the bottom of what occurred last week," he said on the Pulwama incident,in which 42 CRPF personnel were killed in one of the deadliest terror strikes in decades in Jammu and Kashmir.

Juster described the Pulwama attack as "horrific."

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), headed by Masood Azhar, has claimed responsibility for the attack in which a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying explosives into a bus

in the CRPF convoy.

The US ambassador is leading a high-level US delegation for the five-day Aero India event beginning on Wednesday with the largest-ever US participation in Asia's premier air show.

Asked if he would foresee Pakistan ordering a crackdown on terror groups operating from its soil with more pressure from the US, Juster said "I don't want to get ahead of the situation that is developing, we have condemned the existence of terrorist sanctuaries and we are urging Pakistan to crackdown on those and we will have to see what the factual... in terms of exactly how this incident occurred."

On US' defence relationship with India, Juster said it continued to undergo a rapid expansion as part of the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.

He said the US and India were committed to strengthening defence cooperation in line with India's status as a major defence partner and added that defence acquisition was a key element of "deepening our bilateral relationship."

The US delegation to Aero India includes Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Alan Shaffer and Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency Lieutenant General Charles Hooper.The PDP visit followed after reports about alleged harassment of Kashmiri students in Uttarakhand in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack began doing the rounds on the social media

Dehradun: A delegation of Peoples Democratic Party from Jammu and Kashmir visited Uttarakhand for a first-hand assessment of the situation in the state following alleged harassment of Kashmiri students after the recent terror attack in Pulwama.

The delegation consisting of Rajya Sabha member Faiyaz Ahmed Mir, former MLA Aijaz Ahmed Mir and other party leaders reached on Tuesday to assess the situation, Inspector General of Police (Garhwal) Ajay Rautela said.

"The delegation interacted with Kashmiri students studying in different institutions and returned after expressing satisfaction over their safety," he said.

The PDP leaders also took some of the students along with them who expressed a desire to go home with their colleges being closed, the IG said.

The visit followed after reports about alleged harassment of Kashmiri students in Uttarakhand in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack began doing the rounds on the social media, the IG said.

"However, they had a first-hand assessment of the situation in consultation with the Kashmiri students themselves and have returned perfectly satisfied," Rautela said.After learning about the Pakistani national in Jaipur Central jail, senior administrative and police officials have rushed to the spot.

A Pakistani national lodged in Jaipur Central Jail was allegedly lynched to death by fellow inmates on Wednesday, Inspector General (Jail) Rupinder Singh said.

"A Pakistani prisoner has allegedly been murdered in the central jail," Singh said.

#Breaking pic.twitter.com/LcgZrupAl4

"A Pakistani prisoner was allegedly murdered today in the central jail. The matter will be investigated by a judicial magistrate and also by the police," Rajasthan Director General of Police Kapil Garg told PTI.

According to an official, Shakrullah (50) was from Pakistan Punjab's Sialkot and was hit with a large stone during the skirmish.

Singh informed that Shakrullah was lodged in the jail's special cell since 2011 and was serving life sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

This comes days after the worst-ever terror attack in Pulwama, where over 40 CRPF jawans lost their lives after a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle on the security forces' convoy.

Singh said the post mortem will be conducted on the jail premises under judicial supervision. More details awaited.

With inputs from PTIDefence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday slammed Pakistan for seeking proof of its involvement in the Pulwama terror attack and said it was India which has been providing evidence but the neighbouring country has not taken any action on it.

Bengaluru: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday slammed Pakistan for seeking proof of its involvement in the Pulwama terror attack and said it was India which has been providing evidence but the neighbouring country has not taken any action on it.

She was reacting to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's message to India to share 'actionable intelligence' if his country was involved in the terror attack for any action.

"Since the Mumbai attacks, not just this government, the earlier government also had sent dossiers after dossiers, evidence after evidence, what action has Pakistan taken on them?" she asked.

Also, at every level India has been following the process of law and the Mumbai attackers had been brought to book and punished by court of law, she told a press conference here.

"In Pakistan not even the first court is doing its job. There is nothing for Pakistan to show," she added.

Reacting to Khan's comments over the attack, Sitharaman said she would not want to say how the government was going to respond to it as no word is sufficient enough to assuage the anger and disappointment of every person of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already allowed the Indian Army to respond at any given time and as they see fit, Sitharaman said.

On the defence forces morale following the Pulwama terror attack, Sitharaman said "The morale is not affected at all, they are absolutely ready to do their job. The response the people of India have shown, has brought greater motivation to them," she said.

Asked what the government is doing to avoid a repeat of Pulwama type attacks, Sitharaman said India was gathering more information to prevent any such incidents in future.

"The security agencies are working tirelessly to gather more information from the ground. Every effort will be taken to prevent any future incidents such as Pulwama terror attack," she said.

India on Tuesday rubbished Imran Khan's comments on the attack, saying disclaiming Pakistan's link with terrorist attacks is an oft-repeated excuse by the "nerve centre" of terrorism.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said India was not surprised that Khan refused to acknowledge the attack on India's security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism, adding his offer to investigate the attack if provided proof is a "lame excuse".The Parliament of New Zealand on Wednesday unanimously passed a motion condemning the terror attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on 14 February.

The Parliament of New Zealand on Wednesday unanimously passed a motion condemning the terror attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on 14 February. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters had moved the motion in Parliament without notice, but it was passed with an absolute majority.

"I move the motion that this House condemn the 14 February act of terrorism on Indian CRPF leading to large loss of life. We express condolences to the people and the Government of India and offer solidarity with the Government of India in this difficult time as well as offer our deep sympathies to those affected," said Peters, who is also the Foreign Minister of New Zealand.

Significant. New Zealand is the very first country to pass a motion in their parliament against the Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir in support of India. Global consensus growing in support of New Delhi. More to come soon. pic.twitter.com/Luant8jCwH  Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) February 20, 2019

This makes New Zealand the first country to official pass a resolution condemning the Pulwama terror attack.

Around 3.20 pm on 14 February, a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group rammed an explosives-laden truck into a CRPF convoy, killing 42 troops and critically injuring several. Days later, on Monday, an encounter broke out merely 12 kilometres from the site of the suicide attack. The mastermind this terror attack, JeM commander Kamran alias Rasheed Ghazi, was killed in this gunfight, along with another member of the terrorist group.Betrayed by the government at central and state levels, farmers began a protest march from Nashik to Mumbai on Wednesday to press for demands

Over 50,000 farmers from across 23 districts of Maharashtra are expected to gather outside the Maharashtra Assembly in Mumbai on 27 February, to remind the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government of its promise to fulfil their demands following a protest march in March 2018.

Farmers began their protest march from Nashik on Wednesday and will reach Mumbai on 27 February in order to press for demands, including loan waiver and minimum support price. According to PTI, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) announced that 50,000 farmers from 23 districts will take part in the march. After covering a distance of around 180 kilometres on foot in a span of eight days, the farmers will gather outside the Maharashtra Assembly in Mumbai, which will be in session.

In Mumbai, the farmers will raise long-standing demands like loan waiver, minimum support price, provision of pension for farmers, revision of the river linking agreement to ensure that water is not diverted to Gujarat, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations and transfer of forest land to tribals.

AIKS held a similar protest march less than a year ago, in which over 30,000 farmers walked for six days to reach Mumbai on 11 March. The protest ended when the government gave in writing that the farmers demands would be met in three months.

"A year has passed, but the state government has not fulfilled promises. Hence, the long march would be taken out against the betrayal of farmers by the BJP-led state and Central governments," the AIKS said in a statement on Tuesday.

AIKS state secretary Ajit Dhawale told Hindustan Times, We have no option but to agitate and secure our rights. It is better than committing suicide. Farmers are currently in bad shape, especially due to the drought.

A report in The Indian Express also claimed that Nashik police has denied permission to AIKS for the march. Leaders from the farmers body said that they will go ahead with the march nevertheless. Dhawale said that not a single untoward incident was reported when farmers staged a similar protest in March last year.A leopard was spotted around the Korum Mall in Thane, early on Wednesday and search operations are being conducted by forest officials to locate it.

Korum Mall in Thane had an unusual visitor early on Wednesday  a leopard was caught on camera loitering around the mall in the early hours of the morning. After forest officials launched a hunt for the big cat in nearby neighbourhoods, it was caught after a six-hour-long search operation.

Watch: A leopard entered a Mall in Thane, early morning. pic.twitter.com/Avm07Ha2fc  Singh Varun (@singhvarun) February 20, 2019

CCTV camera footage showed the leopard, believed to have scaled the walls of Korum Mall, leaving the premises around 5.30 am, reported Hindustan Times. Several Twitter accounts posted a video of the CCTV clip, which shows the leopard around the mall.

Officials of the Maharashtra Forest Department, along with those of the Regional Disaster Management Cell of Thane, jointly attempted to track the leopard through the day. After leaving the mall, the animal ventured into the residential Vasant Vihar neighbourhood.

A rescue team of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park had also reached the spot, according to The Times of India. The forest officials finally managed to tranquilise the leopard in the basement of Hotel Satkar Residency before taking it away, a forest officer told PTI, adding that the animal will be released in the national park after an examination.

The latest leopard spotting came days after another big cat was seen near a bungalow in Nashik on Sunday, reported PTI. Forest and police officials rushed to the site and eventually caught the animal after a daylong operation.'India strongly objects to abusive language of Pakistan's counsel,' Harish Salve said as the International Court of Justice began the second round of public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

The Hague: India on Wednesday questioned the functioning of Pakistan's notorious military courts and urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Deepak Mittal to annul Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, which is based on an "extracted confession".

Jadhav, 48, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

"Annul the decision of the military court and restrain Pakistan from giving effect to the (death) sentence. Release Jadhav and ensure safe release forthwith. If not then direct a trial under normal law with full consular access," said Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs, making the final submission in the court on the third day of the hearing.

He requested the court to declare that Pakistan acted in breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention and failed to inform Jadhav of his rights.

"Government of India requests this court to adjudge and declare that Pakistan acted in egregious breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention," he said, asserting that Pakistan repeatedly denied consular access to Jadhav.

Harish Salve, who was representing India in the case, also said that the time has come for the ICJ to make Article 36 a potent weapon for protecting human rights.

"Jadhav has become a pawn in Pakistan's tool to divert international scrutiny from itself," Salve said in his arguments during which he mentioned the "dastardly" terror attack in Pulwama and another in Iran last week by Pakistan-based terror groups targeting security forces in both countries.

Salve said that Pakistan is used as a safe haven by UN proscribed terrorist entities like al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Haqqani Network et al and individuals like Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

"There was a time when the world respected Pakistan, today the world doesn't have the same respect for Pakistan in its own incarnation," Salve said, taking a dig at Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi, who on Tuesday said 'he has great respect for India but not its present incarnation.'

Salve said that Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of "extracted confession".

"Jadhav's trial was completed in 4-6 months or weeks... What happened to the 150 people killed in the Mumbai terror attacks?" Salve asked as he raked up the Ajmal Kasab case to highlight the meaning of judicial review.

"In Kasab case, the LeT terrorist who was apprehended and caught red handed by brave police officers, the Supreme Court of India examined materials on record first-hand since it was the case of death sentence. This is called review," he said.

He also objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the case, urging the UN court to draw a redline.

Qureshi's transcript is "peppered with words such as shameless, nonsensical, laughable, breathtaking and arrogance. India takes exception to being addressed in this fashion. I would let the matter rest as Indian culture prevents me from indulging in a similar language of insults," he said.

India moved the ICJ in May 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to Jadhav.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

On Thursday, Pakistan will submit its final arguments.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.Tired of being heckled and threatened by right-wing fundamentalists, around 200 Kashmiri students studying in MM University, Ambala, are making their way home.

Ambala: Reports of harassment of Kashmiri students in Uttarakhand havent stopped pouring in; amid that, there is more bad news, this time from Haryana.

Kashmiri students from a university in Ambalas Mallana village are the latest to follow their Dehradun peers and return home as the aftermath of the 14 February Pulwama terror attack continues to worsen.

Tired of being heckled and threatened by right-wing fundamentalists, around 200 Kashmiri students studying in MM University, Ambala, are making their way home.

Ground reality

A student said, Our family members are worried about us since the terror attack. We plan to return to college within 10 days, but right now, its imperative that we leave. The situation is extremely precarious.

So far, more than 148 students have left for safer places while those staying put are not stepping out alone and moving around in groups.

The local administration, however, tried to downplay the exodus and said students have been going home for regular visits and that it has nothing to do with any threats being issued to them.

After the blast last week, which killed 42 CRPF personnel, security was beefed up across the country, especially in places where Kashmiris are studying or working. However, in spite of the local polices claims about a tight vigil, students in Ambala are far from feeling safe. Its true that additional personnel have been deployed on the ground; yet, the students continue to live in fear of being attacked.

In Ambala, many Kashmiri students stay in hostels, while others have taken up PG or rented accommodations.

Blame game

Ever since the attack, Hindu organisations have become active in areas with a dense Kashmiri population, be it students or shopkeepers or traders. It seems every Kashmiri is on their hit list; also, these hardliners have even threatened locals of dire consequences if they entertain anyone belonging to Jammu and Kashmir. This includes sub-letting accommodation to Kashmiris as well as giving them shelter in their own homes.

On Monday night, some youths descended at the flats of some Kashmiri students and not only threatened them but also beat them up and recorded a video of the assault. Scared Kashmiris say this is just one of the many such incidents that make the polices claims of extra security arrangements sound completely hollow.

Members of Hindu organisations, however, have justified their actions on the grounds that Kashmiri students have been rejoicing after the tragic attack, thereby displaying an anti-national sentiment. The students, on the other hand, have vehemently denied this allegation.

Police bandobast

After being alerted about the assault video, which went viral, the Ambala police registered two different cases in the matter.

Station Officer, Mullana, Harbhajan Singh said, Two different cases  one of the students being assaulted and the other on shooting the video  have been registered. We have taken cognisance of the intensity of the incident and are carrying out a thorough investigation. We are doing our level best to identify the culprits and will arrest all of them at the earliest.

The overall situation is peaceful. In fact, district administration officials camped here for the whole night. Those who are leaving are just going to visit their families, said Sudhir Taneja, DSP, Ambala police.

According to Mullana sarpanch Naresh Chauhan, We have made public announcements about ensuring the security of Kashmiri students in and around the entire university area. We have made sure to protect each and every pupil. Not just this, we have even met all of them and assured them of the best possible protection.

As per the data available from police records, there are around 490 Kashmiri residents in this district. In the 11 educational institutions here, there are 146 Kashmiri students in Yamuna Institute, 103 in Ganpati Institute, 57 in Galaxy Global Institute, 46 in Haryana Engineering College, 34 in Maharishi Ved Vyas Engineering College, 20 in nursing college, 14 in JMIT, 10 in JP College, six in DAV Dental College, four in National Polytechnic and one in Khalsa college.

A student from Ganpati Institute, Bilaspur, said, All hailing from Kashmir have left, only those from Jammu are left at the moment. We dont know when they will come back. A friend of mine spoke to some of them, and they all said they will return only after things normalise and there is no threat for them. Its for the best; they will be safe with their families.

Chairman of the institute Manish Bindra seconded the student and blamed social media for fuelling more negativity and fear. The sad part is that their studies are getting affected. They will definitely come back, but no one knows when, he said.

According to the police, all police stations in the district have prepared a list of Kashmiri students studying in their respective areas. While the police are increasing vigil to protect youngsters from the Valley, its a fact that most of them have already left.

The author is a Chandigarh-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com.Public Prosecutor said man forced wife to advertise her sexual services online 'to ensure that she fulfilled daily quota of customers'.

The sentence was more than the 22 years sought by state prosecutors because of the gravity of the offences, including punching his wife to coerce her into prostitution so they could provide for their infant son. (Representational Image)

Singapore: A Singaporean man described as a monster by prosecutors was sentenced to 25-and-a-half years in jail Tuesday for forcing his wife into prostitution and sexually abusing their six-year-old daughter and a niece.

The sentence was more than the 22 years sought by state prosecutors because of the gravity of the offences, including punching his wife to coerce her into prostitution so they could provide for their infant son.

A High Court judge also sentenced the unemployed man, who cannot be named due to a court-issued gag order, to 24 strokes of the cane and a fine of Singapore Dollar 12,000 (USD 8,845).

The 27-year-old accused is a monster, Deputy Public Prosecutor Eunice Lau said in court.

The sordid sexual depravity of his transgressions is unprecedented and involves him sexually exploiting the three most vulnerable women in his life - whom he had every responsibility to protect, Lau said, naming the wife, their daughter and his wifes 13-year-old niece.

The man forced his wife to advertise her sexual services online using physical and emotional violence to ensure that she fulfilled a daily quota of customers, Lau added.

He also coerced her into secretly filming herself having sex with customers, the prosecutor said.

The court heard that the man sexually abused his six-year-old daughter and molested his wifes teenage niece.

Over a period of three months in 2016, the mans wife provided sexual services to more than a hundred male clients, earning close to Singapore Dollar 11,000 which she gave to him.The Congress had initially refuted reports of the scuffle between the two lawmakers. However, after Anand Singh filed an FIR against JN Ganesh on charges of attempting to murder him, Karnataka Congress' general secretary VY Ghorpade suspended the Kampli MLA.

The Karnataka Police arrested suspended Congress MLA JN Ganesh on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting fellow legislator Anand Singh during a brawl at Eagleton Resort in Bidadi, according to several media reports. The incident reportedly occurred on 20 January after which Ganesh absconded and Singh was admitted to a private hospital for treatment.

CNN-News18 reported that disgruntled Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi was seen leaving Ganesh's house in Kampli on Tuesday, which raised suspicion among the police who then traced the "missing" MLA.

#NewsAlert -- @INCKarnataka MLA J. Ganesh arrested for assaulting Anand Singh. The two got involved in a brawl at the Eagleton Resort. @StacyPereira89 with more details. | #MLAPoachingRow pic.twitter.com/fBQ1BJDegH  News18 (@CNNnews18) February 20, 2019

The Bidadi police reportedly arrested Ganesh outside Karnataka, and is likely to bring to him to Bidadi by night. TV9 Kannada earlier said that Ganesh was to file his application for anticipatory bail on Wednesday.

Around 76 Congress MLAs were made to camp in the resort in January when the party feared attempts by BJP to lure them in its alleged bid to destabilise the coalition government. The Congress initially refuted reports of the scuffle between the two lawmakers. However, after Singh filed an FIR against Ganesh on charges of attempted murder, Karnataka Congress' general secretary VY Ghorpade suspended the Kampli MLA.

The party also constituted a special committee under the chairmanship of Karnataka deputy chief minister G Parameshwara to investigate the issue.

Ganesh apologised to Singh's family after the latter was hospitalised, but claimed he was also injured in the brawl. "I would like to apologise to Singh's family, if they're hurt. Whatever the media is reporting is false. We had a heated argument. The quarrel snowballed. He slipped and he has suffered these injuries," Ganesh had said.

"I, Bheema Naik and Anand Singh had a confrontation but we did not beat each other up. Whatever is reported in the media is false. Something happened and I apologise," he further asserted. He later went missing and special police teams were formed to track him down.

Ganesh was booked under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.

With inputs from agenciesA week after Pulwama terror attack, thousands of Kashmiri youth swarmed the army recruitment rally in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir

Baramulla: A week after Pulwama terror attack, thousands of Kashmiri youth swarmed the army recruitment rally in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir to apply for 111 different posts.

At least 2,500 young men in the state on Tuesday took part in Army recruitment rally held in Gantamulla area in the district. Tariq Aziz, an army aspirant told ANI that Kashmiri youth will chose the Army to earn a livelihood of respect and serve the nation.

"We are happy and thankful to the Army that they are providing us an opportunity to serve our country. Due to financial issues, we cannot go out of Kashmir for work, hence, they (Army) are giving us an opportunity to work. The Army behaves very well with people of Kashmir. It is very sad that some youth are distracted and are choosing the wrong path. I would like to appeal youth of Kashmir to shun violence and chose the right path. The Kashmiri youth who understand things will chose the Army, to serve the nation," Aziz said.

Another aspirant thanked the Indian Army for giving an opportunity to serve the country. "I would like to thank the Army for keeping their trust on us and giving us an opportunity to get recruited and serve the country," another aspirant said.

The huge turnout shows that the youth are upbeat following the 14 February Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

While speaking to ANI, one of the Army aspirants said, "By joining the Army, we can serve the nation and also protect our families and take care of them as we hardly have any employment opportunities in the Valley."

"We cannot go outside Kashmir. This is a great opportunity for us. We wish that more vacancies are offered to us. If Kashmiri personnel will be deployed in the sensitive areas then they can talk to the people and deal with the ongoing crisis," another applicant said.

This comes amid reports of harassment of students from the Valley in various states of India after the Pulwama terrorist attack. As many as 300 Kashmiri students studying in different states are returning to their home owing to attacks and threats reports.

Following this, the safety and security of the students from Jammu and Kashmir, studying in different states was reviewed by the Advisor to Governor, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai on Sunday. Baseer informed that he was in constant touch with authorities in different States which have assured of adequate security to the students, adding that helplines have been set up to register queries from students and parents and to provide any help in real time.

Meanwhile, Corps Commander of the Army's 15 Corps Lieutenant General Kanwaljeet Singh Dhillon yesterday during a press conference requested Kashmiri youths to not join terrorism. "I request all the mothers of Kashmir to please request their sons who have joined terrorism to surrender and get back to the mainstream. Anyone who has picked up the gun in Kashmir will be eliminated, unless he surrenders," he said.

Dillon further added that the government's surrender policy will help youths to return to the mainstream.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber, driving a car laden with explosives, attacked their convoy in Kashmir's Pulwama district. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, claimed the responsibility for the attack.Under the instrument of accession, Jammu and Kashmir surrendered only three subjects  defense, external affairs and communications  to the Union of India and earned an assurance from India that the people of Jammu and Kashmir through their own constituent Assembly would draft their own constitution

The killing of over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on 14 February by a Kashmiri youth who was a member of Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad, has renewed demand for the repealing of Article 370 in the Constitution of India, which accords special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. But repealing Article 370 may not be as easy as being portrayed, especially since it's linked to the Instrument of Accession under which its ruler Maharaja Hari Singh had agreed to accede Jammu and Kashmir with India. Here's why:

With the end of British Rule and India gaining independence on 15 August, 1947, Jammu and Kashmir along with other princely states became independent as well.

Initially, Jammu and Kashmir ruler Hari Singh decided not to join either India or Pakistan and chose to remain independent. However, on 22 October, 1947, thousands of armed men backed by Pakistans army attacked the state from the north forcing Singh to seek help from the Indian state and deciding to accede to it.

This led to the signing of the instrument of accession between Singh and then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 26 October, 1947. It was accepted by the then Governor General of India Lord Mountbatten on 27 October.

This accession was legally valid as the Indian Independence Act of 1947, which was signed by both India and Pakistan, gave sovereignty of the state to Maharaja Hari Singh after the lapse of British paramountcy and Singh could make his sovereign decisions.

The US representative Warren Austin seconded this view in the Security Council where he said that with the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India, this foreign sovereignty went over to India.

Under this instrument of accession, Jammu and Kashmir surrendered only three subjects, which was defense, external affairs and communications to the Indian state and earned an assurance from India that the people of Jammu and Kashmir through their own constituent Assembly would draft their own constitution.

In this respect an important point as highlighted by DD Basu in his magnum opus Commentary on the Constitution of India was that while allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to draft their own constitution it was promised that the nature and the extent of the jurisdiction of the Union of India over the state and until the decision of the constituent Assembly of the state, the Constitution of India could only provide an interim arrangement regarding the state.

And from this instrument of accession and in the pursuance of the above-mentioned committeemen Article 370 was incorporated in the Constitution of India.

The most important point of the instrument of accession was that its ruler and formal head Singh decided and declared that the state of Jammu and Kashmir accede to the Dominion of India with a clear result that from here on "governor-general of India, the dominion legislature, the federal court and any other dominion authority established for the purposes of the dominion" will be legally authorised to carry out any function in respect to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, as vested in them by or under the Government of India Act, 1935.

However, to retain its special status it added two important clause which states:

"The terms of this my Instrument of Accession shall not be varied by any amendment of the Act or of the Indian Independence Act, 1947, unless such amendment is accepted by me by an Instrument supplementary to this Instrument.

"Nothing in this Instrument shall empower the Dominion Legislature to make any law for this state authorising the compulsory acquisition of land for any purpose, but I hereby undertake that should the Dominion for the purposes of a Dominion law which applies in this state deem it necessary to acquire any land, I will at their request acquire the land at their expense or if the land belongs to me transfer it to them on such terms as may be agreed, or, in default of agreement, determined by an arbitrator to be appointed by the Chief Justice Of India."In the joint address, Modi raised the issue of Pulwama terror attack and how there was a need to isolate those nations who perpetrate terror on their soil. He called for all possible impositions on nations promoting terror and pressurising them to elminate terror while highlighting the need to act on terror jointly.

India and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday inked five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) after talks between the Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Agreements were signed in the fields of infrastructure, housing and broadcasting.

In light of the Pulwama attack and its aftermath that has put considerable strain on India's relationship with its neighbour Pakistan, the Saudi prince's visit to the nation before visiting India was being seen as a dealbreaker. However, Narendra Modi received the Saudi leader with much warmth at the airport and later hugged him post their joint press conference.

In the joint address, Modi raised the issue of Pulwama terror attack and how there was a need to isolate those nations who perpetrate terror on their soil. He called for all possible impositions on nations promoting terror and pressurising them to eliminate terror while highlighting the need to act on terror jointly.

Modi said that India and Saudi Arabia's relationship goes back several centuries, and has been rich and fulfiling historically as well as culturally. He said that their relations have always been good and that over the years the trade relations have only improved. "In 2016, during my visit to Saudi Arabia, we signed agreements in the energy sector," Modi said. he further said that India and the West Asian nation have agreed to build a strategic partnership council and that this will only deepen their ties.

The prime minister said that he welcomes Saudi investment in India and hopes that the bond between the nation will only grow stronger in times to come as he looked forward to their financial cooperation being strengthened. Modi announced that Saudi Arabia has made investments in the infrastructure sector and shown support for India's 'Make in India' and 'Start-up India' programmes. The two nations also announced a strategic partnership in the energy sector which Modi termed as 'Akshay Urja'. Further, cooperation in the international solar alliance, the use of nuclear energy for purposes like desalination of water were some of the other things agreed upon in the joint statement.

Modi called Saudi Arabia a valuable strategic ally and called for strengthening of financial ties as he thanked the Saudi government for increasing the haj quota/subsidy for India and for taking care of 2.7 million Indian nationals who live in the West Asian country. The Indian government, meanwhile, announced e-visas for Saudi Arabian citizens.

Whereas, the crown prince said that he stands with India on its stance on terrorism as extremism and terrorism are their common concerns. He said that Saudi Arabia was ready to share intelligence to fight terror.

Salman then praised the Indian IT sector calling it the nation's strength and said that his own country has benefitted dearly from investments in IT. He said that India is a more than $100-billion opportunity and he is looking for mutually-beneficial ties with the South Asian country.

The Saudi prince announced that he would like to diversify in petrochemical and storage in India continuing on the lines of the $44 billion investment done in India so far.In 2016, the then BJP govt in Chhattisgarh awarded 608 hectares of Baghmada mines to Vedanta group to mine around 2.7 tons of gold, without consulting the traditional dwellers

Editor's note: A network of 60 reporters set off across India to test the idea of development as it is experienced on the ground. Their brief: Use your mobile phone to record the impact of 120 key policy decisions on everyday life; what works, what doesn't and why; what can be done better and what should be done differently. Their findings  straight and raw from the ground  will be combined in this series, Election on the Go, over a course of 100 days.

Read more articles from the series here

***

Sonakhan: Drive 150 kilometres north-east from Raipur, cross the lush, dense forests of Barnavapara Sanctuary, and you reach the aptly named village of Sonakhan. This is the land of tribal leader Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, who lost his life fighting the British. The entire population of Sonakhan, comprising 18 tola panchayats of Kasdol Block, take pride in two things, said Rajendra Singh Diwan, great-grandson of the freedom fighter: One, that they belong to the land of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh and two, that their land spews gold.

Till a few years back, during the monsoons, and at other times too, men and women of Sonakhan village could be seen sieving gold flakes from the muddy waters of the Jonk river which flows close to the Baghmada mines. Bhikhari Lal Bariha of Baghmada village said, "people have earned Rs 100-15,000 a day by sieving and selling the gold to the goldsmiths of Mahasamund."

The villagers had always believed that the land and the gold belonged to all the people of the 24 villages of the area. But suddenly a sense of confusion, hopelessness and frustration clouds their expression, as they fear being forcibly evicted from their land by a faceless global conglomerate who wants their gold.

The fear may be real. In 2016, the then Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) government led by Raman Singh awarded 608 hectares of Baghmada mines to Vedanta group to mine around 2.7 tons of gold. Then mining secretary Subodh Kumar Singh had justified the auction saying it would generate royalty payments of over Rs 80 crore and reduce the countrys dependence on gold import.

But to the villagers of Sonakhan and Baghmada, the move depriving them of their traditional lifestyle and parental land, is a cruel joke.

The villagers complain that they were kept in the dark about the government's plans to auction the mines. No notices were served before the auction process started. The affected villagers learnt about the mining lease only when social activist Rajim Tandi, president of Dalit Adiwasi Manch, informed the villagers after reading a media report.

Now, the threat of eviction hangs over the 10,000 plus tribal villagers of the area besides, the potential degradation of the region's diverse flora and fauna, which they have protected and nurtured all their lives.

But they are fighting back.

Since 24 March, 2016, the villagers of all the 24 affected villages have jointly opposed the government's move to lease out the mines. They have organised numerous protests, 100-kilometre-long padayatras and various dharnas to explain their cause. They now want the new Congress government in Raipur to rethink and reverse the previous government's decision.

They have got support from then the Chhattisgarh Congress president Bhupesh Baghel. Tandi, a village resident and Dalit activist who is spearheading the movement, said, "before the elections, Bhupesh Baghel appealed to us to help Congress form the government. We campaigned and supported Congress actively and as a result, the party won a landslide victory." She now hopes that Baghel will return the favour.

A delegation of villagers from Sonakhan also walked to the Chhattisgarh State Secretariat in Raipur on 23 January, 2019, and met the newly sworn in chief minister, demanding cancellation of the lease. But all that Baghel could say was that the decision is being reviewed and it will take time to take a final decision.

Company's activities on the land continue

However, Baghel's claim that the decision is being 'reviewed' rings hollow on the ground. If the government is revisiting its decision, it has zero effect for the residents of Sonakhan because the mining companys work on the leased land continues unabated, local social activist Devendra Baghel said.

The villagers are still worried that the lease hasn't been cancelled, or even put on hold, and the company's activities in the area are yet to cease. They complain, for instance, about the boundaries of traditional land holdings being redrawn. A week ago, some men accompanied by forest officials entered my field and without informing me changed the position of pillars," said a woman farmer Rambai Bariha. "I am not going to give them even an inch of my land."

The sentiment is echoed by Chandar Singh Bariha, a priest in Baghmada. "It is our ancestors' land, we have cultivated it for centuries, we will fight for it and die for it but we will not pass it to anyone at any cost," he vowed. He too complained that employees of Balco Vedanta Company had installed a pillar in his field without his consent.

In fact, many said the company's activities were adversely affecting the lives of villagers in the eight village panchayats of Sonakhan. Villagers of Daldali village of Maharaji Panchayat said work under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has been put on hold. Bhogbai, 50, of Daldali said after five years they were given the job of deepening a pond, but after working on it for two weeks, forest officials suddenly turned up and told them that they were not entitled to work there as the land falls under forest area.

"Ever since Vedanta was leased the land, we see regular intervention from forest and other government officials that you cannot do this or that," said sarpanch Pati (husband) Govardhan. "We have land pattas, yet occasionally we receive threats of eviction. Some months ago some officers told us that the minerals under our lands belong to the government and we have to vacate."

"We are not leaving our lands, we will fight back," the villagers say.

Social activists' views

Social activist Alok Shukla, president, Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, and supporter of Chief Minister Baghel said that as the lease has not been cancelled, the company doing work on the land is not illegal. "But the lease granted to the company is illegal," he said. "The proposed excavation will cause huge destruction and displacement in the area. It will impact wildlife and the Barnavapara sanctuary which is a protected zone."

Social Activist Laxmi Chouhan who works on mining issues in Korba said the issues raised by tribals' are genuine concerns. He also felt that Balco Vedanta rarely delivers on the compensation package as promised. He pointed out how after setting up the Balco Bauxite mines in Korba hills, the Pahadi Korwas were driven out without proper compensation and the whole community is paying the price; it remain under-developed, poor and illiterate.

Both the company and Dinesh Mishra, under secretary, Mineral Resource Department, refused to comment on the ongoing activity in the Sonakhan area. But, the political impact of ignoring the villagers and tribal's sentiment cannot be underestimated. As political reporter Manish Singh argued, the BJP faced a drubbing in the last Assembly election as it had lost its connection with voters in rural areas. "Political parties often have to pay a heavy price for apathy towards public issues," he said. Perhaps there is a lesson here for the new Congress government.

The author is a Raipur-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.Reuters

Germanys government is still in talks on whether Chinas Huawei will be allowed to participate in building the countrys high-speed internet infrastructure, German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said on 19 February.

Asked to comment on a Wall Street Journal report saying that a preliminary decision had been made by a group of relevant ministries to allow Huawei, the worlds biggest producer of telecoms equipment, to participate, Altmaier said:

I explicitly cannot confirm this report, because we are still in the process of discussing this with other ministries.

Huawei is facing intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and allegations of enabling state espionage, which it denies. The United States has called for its allies not to use Huawei technology.

The Wall Street Journal report said that the decision to give Huaweis involvement in Germanys 5G network the go-ahead was due to be discussed by leading members of Chancellor Angela Merkels conservatives later.

A German government source told Reuters earlier on Tuesday that Berlin would probably not take a quick decision on whether to let Huawei participate in building its next-generation mobile infrastructure.

An auction for the 5G mobile network is due to start in the second half of March amid growing signs that the government may not exclude Huawei altogether.

Berlin plans to tighten security requirements for telecoms firms wanting to join the 5G build-out in Germany, Altmaier told Reuters last week, effectively making tighter oversight of Huawei possible.

And Huaweis head in Germany told Handelsblatt that the Chinese government did not get involved in its business, adding the firm would work on being open and transparent.

The state does not have a stake in Huawei and it keeps out of our business, Dennis Zuo told the newspaper.

Ulrich Kelber, Germanys data protection commissioner, told Handelsblatt he had no indications that Chinese products were taking significant amounts of data through the backdoor, adding that China might be doing things that were not compatible with European law.

Therefore we should have some technological autonomy - from hardware right up to software solutions, Kelber said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday held extensive talks in New Delhi after which the two leaders inked five agreements in various fields, including tourism and enhancement of bilateral investment relations.

"A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on investing in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund between the Government of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the MEA statement read. Among other MoUs, the two sides also inked an agreement for cooperation in the field of housing, it said.

The two leaders explored ways to further deepen strategic ties against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack, as per the statement. Both Modi and Salman condemned in "strongest terms" the Pulwama terror attack in which 42 CRPF jawans were killed by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), in the joint statement.

Calling terrorism and extremism a "common concern", the Saudi prince said his country will "cooperate with India and neighbouring states" on the matter.

Here is the full text of the statement by the Ministry of External Affairs:

1. At the invitation of Honble Prime Minister of the Republic of India Shri Narendra Modi, and under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia paid his first State visit to India from 19-20 February 2019, where he was received at the airport by the Honble Prime Minister. The visit follows the official visit of Prime Minister Modi to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in April, 2016 at the invitation of the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

2. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was accorded a ceremonial welcome on February 20, 2019 at the Forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. President Kovind also hosted a banquet dinner in honour of His Royal Highness.

3. Prime Minister Modi and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held delegation level talks at Hyderabad House on February 20, 2019. External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj called on His Royal Highness.

4. India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and friendly relations reflecting the centuries old economic and socio-cultural ties. Close geographical proximity, civilizational links, cultural affinity, natural synergies, vibrant people to people contacts. Common challenges and opportunities have added momentum to this robust engagement.

5. The bilateral discussions were held in the spirit of strong friendship that binds the two countries and their leaders. They expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation, which are marked by trust, mutual understanding, goodwill and respect for each others interests. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress made in diverse fields including trade, energy, security and cultural spheres since the landmark visit of the Prime Minister to Riyadh in April 2016  a visit which served to enhance our engagement and take our relations to the next level.

6. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the recent changes initiated by His Royal Highness Crown Prince to bring in moderation and openness in Saudi Arabia while His Royal Highness the Crown Prince conveyed his appreciation for Indian model of ethos of inclusiveness, pluralism and tolerance.

7. The two sides re-affirmed their deep commitment to strengthen the strategic partnership envisaged in the Riyadh Declaration of February 2010 and reiterated during the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in February 2014 and the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia in April 2016.

8. The two sides agreed to cement the existing Strategic Partnership with high level monitoring mechanism by the creation of Strategic Partnership Council led by the Honourable Prime Minister and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, supported by ministerial representation covering the whole spectrum of strategic relationships.

9. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the Workshop between NITI Aayog and Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnership (SCISP) organised recently in Riyadh. The Workshop has identified more than 40 opportunities of joint collaboration and investments across various sectors.

10. The following MoUs were signed during the visit:-

(I) MoU on investing in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund of India.

(II) MoU on cooperation in the field of Tourism.

(III) MoU on cooperation in the field of Housing.

(IV) Framework cooperation programme between Invest India and Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (SAGIA).

(V) MoU for cooperation on Broadcasting for exchange of Audio-Visual Programmes.

(VI) Agreement for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched by Honourable Prime Minister Modi.

11. Taking note of the positive trend in the bilateral trade over the recent years, the two sides acknowledged the huge untapped potential available in the merchandise trade, particularly in the non-oil trade. The two sides appreciated the positive deliberations held during the 12th session of the India-Saudi Joint Commission Meeting held in Riyadh in February 2018, for enhancing cooperation in economic, commercial, investment, cultural and technological fields.

12. The two sides stressed the importance of increasing trade volume between the two countries, and eliminating export barriers.

13. The two sides agreed on further deepening trade and investment cooperation between the two countries by aligning the KingdomsVision 2030 and its 13 Vision Realization Programs with Indias flagship initiatives of "Make in India, "Start Up India, "Smart Cities, "Clean India, and "Digital India. The Saudi side expressed its readiness to attract Indian private/ public sector investments and expertise, in the upcoming mega projects in Saudi Arabia. The two sides acknowledged positive transformation of economies of India and Saudi Arabia.

14. Both sides welcomed the key initiatives taken by both Governments to improve the ease of doing business, simplify and rationalize existing rules and relax the foreign direct investment norms in key areas.

15. Both sides welcomed the positive change in investment climate after the signing of the Framework Cooperation Agreement between the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Invest India during Prime Minister Modis visit to Riyadh in 2016. The two sides urged the business communities to utilize the investment opportunities in both countries, especially in the fields of infrastructure, mining, energy including renewables, food security and technology transfer, and to further consolidate cooperation in the areas of skilled human resources in information technology, electronics and telecommunications.

16. Recognizing the availability of sophisticated infrastructure and logistical services in the Kingdoms industrial cities and ports, His Royal Highness welcomed investments by Indian companies in the Kingdom for domestic and regional market access.

17. The Prime Minister welcomed the announcement of His Royal Highness to invest in the areas of energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and mining, manufacturing, education and health potentially worth in excess of $100 billion.

18. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the first Joint Venture West Coast Refinery and Petrochemical Project estimated to cost US $ 44 billion and both sides agreed to expedite the implementation of the project, which will be the largest green field refinery in the world to be implemented in one phase. In addition, $10 billion through the Public Investment Fund and its technology partners, and other investments opportunities potentially worth $26 billion being explored.

19. The Prime Minister of India welcomed the investment from Saudi Arabia in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and other key sectors in India. In this context, both sides appreciated the signing of the MoU on investing in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) as it will pave the way for expanding bilateral economic cooperation.

20. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the intent by Saudi side towards investments in India, especially in the areas of energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and mining, manufacturing, education and health.

21. The two sides welcomed the signing of MoU for Cooperation in the field of Housing and encouraged Indian companies to participate in the housing projects in Saudi Arabia.

22. His Royal Highness Crown Prince welcomed Prime Ministers initiative on Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and hailed it as an important step towards disaster management.

23. Recognizing the importance of the energy security as a key pillar of the strategic partnership, the two sides expressed desire to grow bilateral trade in the energy sector, acknowledging Saudi Arabia as the worlds most reliable supplier of oil & gas and the key supplier to India. The two sides stressed on continuation of the India-Saudi Arabia Energy consultations. The two sides agreed to transform the buyer-seller relationship in the energy-sector to strategic partnership focusing on investment and joint ventures in petrochemical complexes.

24. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince reiterated the Kingdoms commitment to meet Indias growing needs for crude oil and petroleum products and substitute for any shortages that may arise as a result of any disruptions from other sources.

25. The Prime Minister also welcomed the Kingdoms participation in the Indias Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs).

26. The Prime Minister of India welcomed the decision of the Saudi side to join the International Solar Alliance. Both sides noted the potential cooperation in the renewable energy sector not only in investment but also in Research and Development.

27. The two sides also agreed to cooperate in the areas of space, science and technology, including remote sensing, satellite communication and satellite-based navigation.

28. The two sides agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on Skill Development to identify areas of cooperation, where the two countries can benefit from each others core competencies in important fields such as manufacturing, information technology, communications, and programming.

29. The two sides welcomed the recent developments in India-Saudi co-operation in the defence sector, particularly in the fields of exchange of expertise and training, especially after the MoU on Defence Cooperation signed during the visit of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India in February 2014. In this context, they welcomed the outcomes of the recently held 4th Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation in Riyadh on 2-3 January, 2019.

30. The two sides agreed to hold the inaugural joint naval exercises at the earliest and agreed to further expand bilateral exercises in other domains.

31. Noting the potential and mutual benefit, the two sides agreed to cooperate and collaborate in joint defence production of spare parts for Naval and Land systems as well as supply chain development, in line with Make in India and Vision 2030.

32. The two sides agreed to work together with other Indian Ocean Rim Countries for enhancing maritime security, vital for the security and prosperity of both countries and safe passage for international trade.

33. With regards to regional connectivity projects, both sides agreed that they should be based on international law including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

34. The two sides stressed the importance of regional stability and good neighbouring relations. His Royal Highness appreciated consistent efforts made by Prime Minister Modi since May 2014 including Prime Ministers personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan. In this context, both sides agreed on the need for creation of conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan.

35. Affirming that the menace of extremism and terrorism threatens all nations and societies, the two sides rejected any attempt to link this universal phenomenon to any particular race, religion or culture. Both sides called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists perpetrating terrorism from all territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice. The two sides also noted the need for concerted action by the international community against terrorism including through early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN.

36. Both sides called up on all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. They also called upon all states to deny access to weapons including missiles and drones to commit terrorist acts against other countries.

37. The Prime Minister and His Royal Highness condemned in the strongest terms, the recent terrorist attack on Indian security forces on 14 February, 2019 in Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir.

38. The two sides discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the security situation in West Asia and Middle East, in the light of their common interest in the regional and global peace, security and stability. Both sides emphasized Security Council Resolution (2254) with regard to the solution in Syria, and Security Council Resolution (2216), the GCC initiative, and the outcomes of the Yemeni National Dialogue with regard to the solution in Yemen.

39. The two sides expressed their hope for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant UN resolutions, to guarantee the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

40. To enhance further cooperation in the Counter-terrorism efforts and benefit mutually from real-time intelligence sharing, the two sides agreed to constitute a Comprehensive Security Dialogue at the level of National Security Advisors and set up a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.

41. The Prime Minister and His Royal Highness reiterated to continue the ongoing close cooperation on a range of security issues, particularly on maritime security, law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration, and other transnational organized crimes.

42. Expressing serious concerns at the misuse of cyber space as a medium to promote subversive and extremist ideologies, the two sides welcomed the signing of MoU on Technical Cooperation in Cyber Space and Combating Cyber Crime. Both sides agreed to promote cooperation including prevention of the use of Cyberspace for terror, radicalism and incitement to disturb social harmony.

43. The Indian side thanked the Saudi leadership for hosting a large Indian community and for ensuring their continued welfare and well-being.

44. Prime Minister thanked the Saudi leadership for designating India as the Guest of Honour in the 32nd Saudi National Festival of Heritage & Culture  Janadriyah 2018. The two sides emphasized on further enhancing people to people contacts and strengthening the cultural cooperation by organizing Cultural weeks - India Week in Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia Week in India at regular intervals.

45. Prime Minister expressed his thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to Highness the Crown Prince for increasing the quota for Hajj pilgrims from India to 200,000 to reflect the latest census.

46. Prime Minister expressed his thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to His Royal Highness for ordering the release of 850 Indian prisoners from Saudi jails.

47. Both sides expressed the desire to broaden people-to-people interactions and to increase two-way tourism by addressing challenges with regard to consular and immigration related issues.

48. The Indian Government has agreed to increase the seats of Saudi Arabian Airlines from 80,000 Seats/Months to 112,000 Seats/Month and studies underway to increase that number substantially.

49. Both sides look forward to the integration of migration platforms of both the countries viz., e-Migrate and e-Tawtheeq to create a robust migration environment.

50. Both sides agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in the area of payment systems including RuPAY for the benefit of Indian community in general and more particularly the Hajj/Umrah pilgrims. The Prime Minister thanked His Royal Highness Crown Prince for sorting out the issue of "Iqamah for the Indian Labour who were stranded in Saudi Arabia for no fault of their own, and resolving this humanitarian issue.

51. Both sides committed themselves to promoting reformed multilateralism through enhanced cooperation at multilateral fora and in international organisations, including in UN, G-20, WTO, etc. In this context, they emphasised the need for reform in global governance architecture such as UN Security Council, WTO, international financial systems, etc.

52. Both sides emphasized the importance of an effective reformed multilateral system, centred on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. They stressed upon the urgent need to pursue UN reforms, including of the Security Council.

53. The two sides also reiterated their commitment to working together to address fugitive economic offenders including through international organisations and institutions.

54. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of India for the warm hospitality extended to him and the accompanying delegation.

New Delhi

February 20, 2019

The full text has been reproduced from website of Ministry of External Affairs and has not been edited by Firstpost for style and clarity.In a major boost to India's efforts to get JeM chief Masood Azhar on the list of global terrorists, France will be moving a proposal at the UN in a 'couple of days' to ban the head of the UN-proscribed group,

New Delhi: In a major boost to India's efforts to get JeM chief Masood Azhar on the list of global terrorists, France will be moving a proposal at the UN in a "couple of days" to ban the head of the UN-proscribed group, French sources said on Tuesday.

Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility of the Pulwama terror strike that left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

The proposal, when moved, will be fourth such bid at the UN in past ten years. In 2009 and 2016, India moved the UN's Sanctions Committee 1267 to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016.

India was joined by P3 countries  the US, the UK and France  in the 2016 proposal.

In 2017, these P3 countries moved a similar proposal at the United Nations. However, China has always blocked the proposal from being adopted by the UN.

According to sources, this time around also, France, a permanent member of the UN, is expected to be joined by other countries in the proposal.

"At the UN, France will lead a proposal to put Masood Azhar on the terrorist list... It will happen in a couple of days," a senior French source told PTI.

The French sources also said that the country will insist on maintaining Pakistan on the "grey list" of countries at the ongoing meet of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris. Pakistan was placed on the FATF grey list in June 2018 and put on notice to be blacklisted by October 2019 if it did not curb money laundering and terror financing.

The French decision was discussed between Philippe Etienne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval this morning, sources added.

While expressing his sincere condolences, the French leader, who called Doval, also emphasised that the two countries should coordinate their diplomatic efforts.

The proposal will be a boost to New Delhi's efforts to designate Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN.

After the Pulwama attack, New Delhi reached out to the international community, most of which condemned the terror strike, to highlight the role of Pakistan in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

China expressed deep "shock" over the Pulwama attack carried out by a Jaish suicide bomber, but did not give an assurance to India that it will back New Delhi's appeal to list its chief as a global terrorist.

Significantly, a day ahead of his visit to India, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a joint statement with Prime Minister Imran Khan in Pakistan on Monday also called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime, a position that may not go well in New Delhi.The handset is the worlds first to sport a 32MP pop-up selfie camera and a triple rear camera configuration.

The Vivo V15 Pro is a camera centric handset but also has the processing power to back it up.

At an event in New Delhi, Vivo addressed the media and took the wraps off the Vivo V15 Pro. The handset comes loaded with some interesting features chief of which being the 32MP pop-up selfie camera. It also boasts some flagship specifications such as a triple rear camera configuration comprising of a 48MP primary shooter backed by an 8MP sensor and a 5MP tertiary sensor, an in-display fingerprint scanner as well as fast charging.

The Vivo V15 Pro sits in the upper mid-range segment with the brand aggressively pricing it at Rs 28,990 and available in two colour options Ruby Red and Topaz Blue. The handset goes on sale on March 6 with pre-orders already starting on Flipkart from today, February 20.

The Vivo V15 Pro is a camera-centric handset but also has the processing power to back it up. The model will launch in a single configuration and is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 SoC thats paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage. The storage can be expanded to a further 256GB by way of a micro SD card. The front-facing 32MP pop-up selfie camera is the highlighted feature here but the triple rear camera setup is by no means a slouch as it features a 48MP Quad Pixel sensor thats assisted by an 8MP and a 5MP sensor. Vivo has used a 6.39-inch Super AMOLED Ultra View Full HD+ display thats protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.

The Vivo V15 Pro runs on FunTouch OS 9 thats based on Android 9.0 Pie and includes all the nifty tricks that are available with Googles latest and greatest OS. Featuring an in-display fingerprint sensor thats of the fifth generation, Vivo claims that it can unlock the handset in 0.37 seconds. Lastly, to keep the handset alive, the brand has added a 3700mAh battery that supports Dual Engine Fast Charge.

With Vivo pricing the V 15 Pro aggressively in India at Rs 28,990, it goes head to head with the likes of the Nokia 8.1 and Samsung Galaxy A9.A massive fire broke out on Wednesday at a six-storey godown of footwear company Paragon in Kerala's Kochi. The godown is located at Chittoor road near the Ernakulam South railway station.

A massive fire broke out on Wednesday at a six-storey godown of footwear company Paragon in Kerala's Kochi. The godown is located at Chittoor road near the Ernakulam South railway station.

Four rescue teams and at least seven fire tenders are at the spot, trying to douse the flames, India Today reported. As per primary reports from fire and rescue officials, there are no casualties yet.

Kerala: Fire breaks out at a warehouse in Ernakulam. Fire tenders present at the spot. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/Q2ZTVQmHDr  ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019

The cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained, and workers in the godown, as well as surrounding buildings, have all been evacuated.

According to The News Minute, rescue teams are having trouble fighting the blaze because of the aluminium sheets covering three levels of the building and the presence of raw rubber materials in the godown. Firefighters have sought the help of the navy as the units are unable to stop the flames from spreading , The Week reported.Even though India's army is larger than Pakistan's, the capability of India's 'conventional forces is limited by inadequate logistics, maintenance and shortages of ammunition and spare parts'.

New Delhi: Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply after a suicide bombing in the disputed region of Kashmir killed 40 Indian paramilitary police, an attack claimed by Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has vowed a strong response to the attack and said he had given the military a free hand. Pakistan will retaliate if attacked, his counterpart, Imran Khan, has warned.

The neighbours have twice gone to war over Kashmir since Independence in 1947. Here is how their militaries stack up.

Military budget

In 2018, India allocated Rs 4 trillion ($58 billion), or 2.1 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), to support its 1.4 million active troops, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

Last year, Pakistan spent 1.26 trillion Pakistani rupees ($11 billion), about 3.6 percent of its GDP, on its 653,800 troops. It also received $100 million in foreign military assistance in 2018.

Between 1993 and 2006, more than 20 percent of Pakistans annual government expenditure was spent on the military, according to estimates from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The military accounted for 16.7 percent of government spending in 2017, it said.

By comparison, Indias military spending as a percentage of its government expenditure remained under 12 percent during the same period, according to SIPRI. It was 9.1 percent in 2017.

Missiles and nuclear weapons

Both nations have ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. India has nine types of operational missiles, including the Agni-3 with a range of 3,000 kilometres to 5,000 kilometres, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington.

Pakistans missile programme, built with Chinese assistance, includes mobile short- and medium-range weapons that can reach any part of India, CSIS said. The Shaheen 2 has the longest range, of up to 2,000 kilometres.

Pakistan has 140 to 150 nuclear warheads, compared with Indias 130-140 warheads, according to SIPRI.

Army

India has a 1.2 million-strong army, supported by more than 3,565 battle tanks, 3,100 infantry fighting vehicles, 336 armored personnel carriers and 9,719 pieces of artillery, according to IISS.

Pakistans army is smaller, with 560,000 troops backed by 2,496 tanks, 1,605 armored personnel carriers, and 4,472 artillery guns, including 375 self-propelled howitzers.

Despite its larger army, the capability of India's "conventional forces is limited by inadequate logistics, maintenance and shortages of ammunition and spare parts", IISS said in a report this month.

Air force

With 127,200 personnel and 814 combat aircraft, Indias air force is substantially larger but there are concerns about its fighter jet fleet.

India's defence plans require 42 squadrons of jets, about 750 aircraft, to defend against a two-pronged attack from China and Pakistan. With older Russian jets like the MiG-21, first used in the 1960s, retiring soon, India could have 22 squadrons by 2032, officials say.

Pakistan has 425 combat aircraft, including the Chinese-origin F-7PG and American F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. It also has seven airborne early warning and control aircraft, three more than India, IISS said.

"The (Pakistan) air force is modernising its inventory while improving its precision-strike and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) capabilities," IISS said in its 2019 assessment.

Navy

India's navy consists of one aircraft carrier, 16 submarines, 14 destroyers, 13 frigates, 106 patrol and coastal combatant vessels, and 75 combat capable aircraft. It has 67,700 personnel, including marines and naval aviation staff.

Pakistan, which has a significantly smaller coastline, has nine frigates, eight submarines, 17 patrol and coastal vessels, and eight combat capable aircraft.The dossier will contain evidence gathered on how JeM is being funded and aided by Pakistan as well as other details of terror attacks carried out by the outfit in the past. India will also push to blacklist the neighbouring country so that appropriate actions can be taken against it

Imran Khan's 'Naya Pakistan', one that does not fund or spread terrorism, is a promise that has failed to live up to its reputation. Terror has spread its tentacles deeper into the nation's soil even as it has tried to upset the stability of neighbouring countries. The Pakistan military has not shown any serious commitment to counter terrorism thus far. The recent Pulwama terror strike by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in which over 40 members of CRPF personnel were killed is yet another example of the country's continuing support.

In all, 58 countries have condemned the dastardly attack, including the US. But Khan failed to criticise it, in a televised address on Tuesday, five days after one of the bloodiest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Even as India's attempts to blacklist JeM chief Masood Azhar have been thwarted by China, a dossier is now being prepared to nail Pakistan's culpability in the Pulwama attack to be submitted to the international terror financing watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Attempts will also be made to blacklist the neighbouring country.

The dossier given directly to FATF is a wiser act than handing it over to Pakistan directly. Previous experiences have shown how the neighbouring country has failed to act on several dossiers submitted by India detailing the role of both Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the 26 November, 2008 Mumbai attacks. In as many as three dossiers, India had submitted telephonic evidence, DNA reports of terrorists and forensic analysis of ammunition among other items as evidence.

The mastermind of the 26/11 attacks, Hafiz Saeed, who is a UN-designated terrorist, continues to roam free in the country. AK Dogar, the lawyer for Saeed, was quoted by India Today as saying that the Pakistan government did not provide India's 26/11 dossiers as evidence against Saeed after a court there ordered his release from house arrest in 2017 .

While yet another dossier is being prepared, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, on Tuesday, reiterated Pakistan's failure to act on the Pathankot files  on the 2016 attack in an Indian Air Force base that left as many as seven soldiers dead.

Disagree. Pathankot dossier was given to them but no action was taken to punish the perpetrators . Time to walk the talk. But Pak PM deserves a chance since hes recently taken over. Of course the war rhetoric has more to do with the impending elections than anything else. https://t.co/QIOxkzuSth  Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 19, 2019

The attack was orchestrated by the JeM and India once again had submitted a dossier on Azhar that detailed his fund-raising mechanism.

Similarly, India has submitted dossier after dossier on gangster Dawood Ibrahim's presence in Pakistan in a bid to hand him over. One of them that included Dawood's addresses in the neighbouring country was also backed by the United Nations. The global body had confirmed six out of the nine addresses of Dawood given by India to be correct. According to reports by the intelligence bureau, Dawood's associates and relatives had shifted from these addresses to unknown locations in Pakistan. Yet, the man himself and his associates remain out of bounds for the Pakistani security officials till date.

No wonder then that the Pakistan Army has recently asked Azhar and Saeed to "limit their public appearances" in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, according to intelligence reports.

The dossier on Pulwama, therefore, needs to go all the way to FATF since relying on Pakistan to act against terror cannot be bought at face value with most of its commitments ringing hollow over the years. Giving a befitting reply to the neighbour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reiterated that the sacrifice of jawans "would not go in vain" and that the neighbouring country should remember that this is a "new India". India has already raised customs duty to 200 percent for goods imported from Pakistan following the Pulwama carnage as well as revoked the Most Favoured Nation status given to Pakistan.

How will the dossier to FATF affect Pakistan?

The dossier will contain evidence gathered on how JeM is being funded and aided by Pakistan as well as other details of terror attacks carried out by the outfit in the past. India will also push to blacklist the neighbouring country so that appropriate actions can be taken against it.

Coming under the Paris-headquartered FATF's blacklist will designate it a "non-cooperative" nation in the global fight against money laundering and terror financing. It may further lead to downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union and also a reduction in risk rating by Moodys, S&P and Fitch. Pakistan has already been on the grey list of the anti-terror finance watchdog since July 2018.

The FATF has 35 members and two regional organisations  European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. North Korea and Iran are in its blacklist.

In a recent meeting with IMF chief Christine Lagarde in Dubai, Khan was promised monetary support to Pakistan to help resurrect its flailing economy, reported The Wire. However, if the FATF blacklists the country, the IMF promise for economic support to Pakistan would be jeopardised. The World Bank's aid to Pakistan (in terms of International Development Assistance credits) to Pakistan stood at a little over $1 billion. But further help from the World Bank or its affiliates such as the International Finance Corporation could also be "negatively impacted". Islamabad, has however been promised help by nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).If strong condemnation were to suffice, close to 50 nations, including some strategic Pakistan allies, have come out in support of India and criticised the powers behind the attack. However, there is a reason India depends on US to do more than just condemn the attack

"I have watched... It was a horrible thing... It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along"

Seasoned with optimism of a better future, and peppered with deep disdain for our belligerent neighbour, this was pretty much the essence of Donald Trump's reaction to the Pulwama terrorist attack. We, in turn, celebrated the statement, 'naming and shaming Pakistan' amid loud cheers. However, as India recovers from what was arguably the worst terror attack in the Kashmir Valley, it becomes more evident that it will need as many allies as it can gather on its side to pressure Pakistan into pulling the plug on terrorism.

If strong condemnation were to suffice, close to 50 nations, including some strategic partners of Pakistan, have come out in support of India and criticised the powers behind the attack. However, there is a reason India depends on the US to do more than just condemn the attack.

Why does India rely more on the US to put pressure on Pakistan?

After the erstwhile Soviet Union, pulled out completely from Afghanistan, China and United States have been the only two world powers openly competing for influence in the Indian subcontinent region. With China squarely behind Pakistan, India looks to the US for whatever tacit support and proverbial backing it can offer. On its part, US has strategic interests in exiting Afghanistan, and Pakistan's unwillingness or incapability to deal with terrorists operating from its soil irks Washington as much as it drains New Delhi.

Besides, with the US now looking to pull out of over sixteen-year-long battle in Afghanistan, while trying to plug the leaks in its resources, it needs Islamabad to step up and stop Haqqani Network and Taliban from gaining a safe haven on its soil. It sorely needs to push Taliban into a spot where it agrees to dialogue, but not from a position of strength. That can only happen if Taliban finds its route to gather funds, and a potential safe haven (read Pakistan) from US drone strikes blocked. Therefore it is both in India and US' strategic interests that Pakistan gets its house in order and the civilian leadership gathers enough strength to control militant and extremists groups, those directed at India and at Afghanistan.

Another angle to this symbiotic India-US relationship is the latter's ambition to compete with Chinese influence in the subcontinent. After decades of friendship with Pakistan, US started inching closer to India only after in its efforts to counterbalance Chinas growing influence in Asia. A recent report by a US think-tank dubs India a "key piece in the jigsaw" for the US, given the advancements that China has made both economically and militarily. The Atlantic Council, a US think-tank said in a policy paper that the US will need to channel considerable resources to assert its global and regional primacy lest it solidifies its ties with New Delhi and help it compete with China.

Meanwhile, India in turn seeks US' backing in dealing with China stonewalling its efforts to put any kind of diplomatic or financial pressure on Pakistan to mend its ways.

What has the US done so far against Pakistan?

US first recognised terrorism as a global threat when it brutally disrupted the local political narrative following the 11 September, 2001 attacks. However, according to an article published on Brookings Institute's website, even then the focus was on Al-Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban. Kashmir was at best viewed as an 'Indian problem' However, this changed in the aftermath of the suicide attack on Indian Parliament in 2002 when it threatened Pakistan with war unless it stopped cross-border terrorism.

The first even action against US ally Pakistan was initiated by the then George W Bush administration to to avert a fourth war between the two nuclear-powered nations. Washington banned the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammad, the two groups which were nursed by Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI and the Pakistan Army. It also put enormous pressure on the regime of President Pervez Musharraf to crack down on terrorist groups operating from Pakistan.

Come 2018, and the US cut over $700 million in military aid that was meant to reimburse Pakistan's efforts against militancy. Due to a lack of Pakistani decisive actions in support of the South Asia Strategy, the remaining $300 (million) was reprogrammed," the US said.

Another setback for Pakistan came in a more strategic sense, when Trump revealed his first National Security Strategy Doctrine. The foreign policy document separated partners from adversaries and it put Pakistan in the latter category.

However, it can be argued that while the fund cuts were part of a existing trend where US aid was already drying up, harsher terminology against Islamabad in a foreign policy document and repeated public statements is unlikely to have any major impact. In 2016, Obama administration refused to release a portion of Pakistani military aid, having provided nearly $33 billion since 2002.

Unfortunately, neither of these strategies are likely to have any effect on Pakistan. Its military establishment and intelligence agencies consider militant sponsorship an important mechanism for maintaining Pakistans sovereignty and national identity. It is the only way Islamabad perceives it can combat the 'India threat'. In such a scenario, India would expect US to adopt more potent tools available at its disposal, including withdrawing MFN status, declaring Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, sanctioning specific entities in Inter-Services Intelligence, curtailing coalition support funds and enlarging drone strikes to target terror hotbeds that aren't located in heavily-populated areas.Today's top stories: MEA says it is not surprised by Imran Khan's Pulwama attack response ignoring Pakistan's role in terrorism; India likely to secure investments in meet with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman; Congress to announce pact with DMK; and more

Differences sharpened as MEA slams Imran Khan's response to Pulwama attack

Hot in the heels of Imran Khan's much awaited response to the Pulwama attack on 14 February, India has lashed out at the Pakistan prime ministers countercharge on the attack.

The Ministry of External Affairs has rejected Khans offer to probe the act of terror, saying: "In the horrific attack in Mumbai on 26/11, proof was provided to Pakistan. Despite this, the case has not progressed for more than 10 years."

Imran had said that he hoped "better sense will prevail" on the Indian side as he believes that only dialogue and talks are the solutions to the Kashmir issue which has long since been the bone of contention between the two countries. The ministry said that India is not surprised by his refusal to acknowledge the reality of Pakistani terror activities.

Responding to Imran's demand for proof of a Pakistani national's involvement in the Pulwama attack, the MEA said, "It's a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action."

India likely to bring up Pakistan's terror role in talks with Saudi crown prince

Saudi Arabias crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is in New Delhi for his first ever visit to the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who received him at Palam airport on Tuesday, in a special gesture signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the powerful Gulf nation. Modi is likely to raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terror in bilateral talks with the prince on Wednesday.

Bin Salman visited Pakistan on Monday. India and Saudi Arabia also look to enhance their defence ties and the former hopes of at least a $1-billion investment in the country's infrastructure and farming sectors.

The visit by bin Salman, who is also the vice-president of Saudi Arabia's council of ministers, follows the "highly-successful" trip of Modi to that country in April 2016, during which the two sides agreed to further elevate existing strategic partnership, the MEA had said.

Congress to announce poll pact with DMK

A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) announced their alliance and seat-sharing pact for Tamil Nadu, the Congress is set to announce its alliance deal for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, while addressing the media along with Tamil Nadu chief minister E Palaniswami and deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam, said that the NDA will fight and "win" in all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The two parties subsequently also brought the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) into the fold.

Aero India show to take off today

The 12th edition of Asia's premier air show, Aero India 2019 will begin at Bengalurus Yelahanka on Wednesday. The five-day long biennial event, which will showcase India's air defence prowess, will also act as a platform for aviation companies, the defence sector and the government to forge new alliances and contracts.

The Sukhoi SU-30, the Rafale, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the mighty B-52 Stratofortress bomber will be part of the air show. On Tuesday, a pilot died after two Indian Air Force Surya Kiran jets crashed mid air during a practice run ahead of the show.

India to counter Pakistans submission at ICJ

Pakistan on Tuesday had urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss India's plea in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, as it accused India of using the top United Nations court to enact a "political theatre".

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case had opened on Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers. On the first day of hearing, India had urged the ICJ to annul Jadhav's death sentence.

"India, I am sorry to say, has demonstrated a lack of faith throughout these proceedings... good faith is part of international law," lawyer Khawar Qureshi said on Tuesday.

India will make a counter argument in reply on Wednesday.

Barcelona held by Lyon; Liverpool-Bayern Munich play out goalless draw

Barcelona were unable to break down Lyon in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League encounter late on Tuesday. The Catalan giants had 25 shots, yet a goal evaded them.

Elsewhere at Anfield, Liverpool managed to hold Bayern to a goalless draw as well.

Delhi, Kerala demand no major decision in GST Council meet today

Kerala and AAP-ruled Delhi on Tuesday demanded deferment the GST Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, saying a decision on "crucial issues" of GST rates on real estate sector and lottery should not be taken through a video conference meet. The finance ministry, however, has issued a media advisory stating that the 33rd GST Council meeting will be held on 20 February.

In a letter to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said that such "crucial issues" cannot be discussed through a video conference and convening a physical meeting is important to take a consolidated decision.

Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac too said that decision on the important issue of GST on lottery cannot be taken without a fair discussion and the lottery being included in Council agenda only a day before the meeting is unfair.

Three major smartphones to launch today

Xiaomi, Samsung and Vivo are all going to be unveiling their respective smartphones on Wednesday.

For Samsung, it is their flagship S10-series smartphone lineup and the event will be held in San Francisco.

Xiaomi will be announcing its first flagship of 2019, called the Mi 9 in China and Vivo will be launching its second pop-up camera smartphone, called the Vivo V15 Pro, which will be announced at an event in Delhi.

We will be doing comparisons, live blogs and opinion pieces for all these smartphones so stay tuned to Firstpost.

Chanel names Virginie Viard as successor following Karl Lagerfeld's death

Chanel announced that Virginie Viard, director of Chanel's Fashion Creation Studio, will take over as Karl Lagerfeld's successor after the German-born designer's death at the age of 85 on Tuesday. Viard has worked alongside the legendary designer for close to 30 years and was considered Lagerfeld's right hand woman at Chanel.

The news of Lagerfeld's death left many in the fashion and cinema industry heartbroken.Mohammed bin Salman, who is on a two-day visit to India, arrived on Tuesday night with his ministers and a large business delegation, a day after he concluded his trip to Pakistan. Narendra Modi embraced the crown prince as he disembarked the royal aircraft at the Indira Gandhi International Airport

Hours after Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, was received with a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, Congress lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter for "breaking protocol" and welcoming the dignitary in person at the airport on Tuesday who had "promised billions to Pakistan".

India-Pakistan relations have faltered drastically after the Pulwama terror attack on 14 February in which 42 CRPF men were killed after a suicide bomber, owing allegiance to Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), rammed his car into one of the buses of a CRPF convoy.

At a time when the event has sparked outrage among individuals from a cross-section of society and politicians across the political spectrum, the party blamed Modi for disrespecting the sacrifice made by the soldiers. MBS is said to have signed investment agreements worth $20 billion with Pakistan.

By breaking protocol and welcoming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman with such abundance - only hours after he promised billions to Pakistan - PM Modi has shown the country, the martyrs and every soldier in India what he thinks of their service & sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/YPJa2Q1cFT  Congress (@INCIndia) February 20, 2019

MBS, who is on a two-day visit to India, arrived on Tuesday night with his ministers and a large business delegation, a day after he concluded his trip to Pakistan. Modi embraced the crown prince as he disembarked the royal aircraft at the Palam airport. The prime minister broke protocol to receive the crown prince himself instead of sending a diplomat or junior minister to the airport, signifying importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the powerful Gulf nation.

The crown prince had flown back to Riyadh from Islamabad after New Delhi had expressed reservations about him travelling to India from Pakistan, in the wake of the heightened tensions between the neighbours after the Pulwama attack. Modi and Crown Prince Salman will hold bilateral talks on a number of subjects.

With inputs from PTIWhile the Odisha government requested NNKS to refrain from the bandh in view of the annual HSC examination, the farmers' body said it was forced to call the bandh after their demands were ignored.

Bhubaneswar: The Opposition Congress and BJP extended their support to the state's leading farmers' outfit's call for a 12-hour Odisha bandh on Thursday. The Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) has given the call for the bandh demanding proper minimum support rice on paddy, pension and prestige for the farmers.

Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik Tuesday announced his party's support to the NNKS's bandh call. "Farmers are our top priority," Niranjan said.

BJP Odisha unit president Basant Panda said the saffron party will extend support to NNKS, which has been demanding pension and proper price of the agricultural produce. Panda on Monday said: "The farmers have rights to express their opinion and protest in a democracy. The state government has time and again tried to throttle their voice. We will protest the anti-farmer policies of the state government."

Meanwhile, the NNKS convenor Akshya Kumar told PTI on Tuesday that the outfit has rejected the state government's appeal to refrain from organising a 12-hour bandh on 21 February in view of the annual high school examination. "We have given a 12-hour bandh call on Thursday. The government's plea is aimed to foil our agitation. The NNKS is sensitive towards the examination and therefore vehicles carrying examination-related materials will not be detained," Kumar said.

The state government in an appeal to the agitating farmers' body had requested it to refrain from the bandh in view of the annual high school certification examination. The NNKS said it was "forced" to call an Odisha bandh after the state government ignored their "genuine" demands like price, pension and prestige for farmers. They have been demanding proper minimum support price (MSP) on paddy and other agricultural produce.

As question and answer sheets will be transported to different places on 21 February, the bandh may affect the examination process, the government said requesting the NNKS to refrain from its bandh in the interest of six lakh students who will appear in the examination.

Kumar, however, said that they will not halt the vehicles carrying examination related papers. "As such our bandh will be observed during the day time and they can transport the examination materials after 6 pm," he said.

The CPI(Maoist) have also supported the NNKS's bandh call. The police have recovered banners at Baliguda in Kandhamal district where, the Maoists appealed to the people to support the NNKS bandh call and termed the state's BJD government as "anti-farmer."

With the NNKS adamant with going ahead with the strike, the Odisha government on Tuesday said it would take action as per law. "If the Sangathan still persist with their planned Bandh programme, the state government will be compelled to take all necessary measures to ensure smooth conduct of the examination. Action will be taken as per provisions of the law," a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office said.

The statement said the state government hoped that the organisers of the strike will realise their action could cause inconveniences to the public, especially the student community, and withdraw their call citing larger public interest.Seven islands in the Andamans and Lakshadweep have been identified for seaplane operations while private sector participation has been invited for tourism-based projects in the two archipelagos, the Home Ministry said Tuesday.

New Delhi: Seven islands in the Andamans and Lakshadweep have been identified for seaplane operations while private sector participation has been invited for tourism-based projects in the two archipelagos, the Home Ministry said Tuesday.

The fifth meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA), chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, also reviewed the progress made towards the holistic development of islands.

Four islands (Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Hutbay and Long) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and three islands (Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy) in Lakshadweep have been identified for seaplane operations, a statement issued by the home ministry after the hour-long meeting said.

Key infrastructure projects such as operationalisation of Diglipur airport for civilian aircraft and construction of a new airport in Minicoy Island have been accorded high priority by the government while Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance has been accorded for 'Middle Strait Bridge' on Andaman Trunk Road. All these measures will improve inter-island connectivity significantly.

Bids for private sector participation in three tourism-based projects have already been invited by the Andaman and Nicobar administration. They include eco-tourism projects in Smith Island and Long island and tent city project in Aves island. Bids will be invited shortly for one more project in Neil island of Andaman and Nicobar.

Three projects in Lakshadweep have been identified for issue of bids. These include tourism projects in the islands of Kadmat, Minicoy and Suheli Cheriyakara. Environmental Clearance (EC), CRZ clearance and all other clearances required for these projects are being obtained upfront, on priority, to attract more number of reputed bidders, the statement said.

The Ministry of Commerce has issued a notification extending tax incentives for investments made in manufacturing and service sector in islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep.

The tax incentives are Central Capital Investment Incentive for access to credit (CCIIAC), Central Interest Incentive (CII), Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (CCII), Goods and Services Tax (GST) reimbursement, Income Tax (IT) reimbursement, Transport Incentive (TI) and Employment incentive (EI).

Expeditious implementation of the above-mentioned projects will provide high economic return to the private sector, satisfactory jobs and additional income to the islanders and enhanced revenue to the government, a win-win situation for all.

Above all, stability of the island eco-system will be maintained with effective execution of well-planned environmental safeguards.

A detailed presentation was made by CEO, NITI Aayog highlighting the current status of planned projects being implemented for islanders' benefits. The status of implementation of decisions taken in the last meeting was also highlighted in the presentation.

In order to sustainably utilise the potential of tuna fish, ten deep-sea modern fishing vessels are being procured by Lakshadweep administration from Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Export of sea food and coconut products is being encouraged to generate more employment opportunities in the islands.

The home minister expressed satisfaction at the progress made since its last meeting held on June 30, 2018 when directions were given to focus on creation of recreational facilities along-with tourism infrastructure; implementation of renewable energy projects; incentives for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); development of a film city in an island etc.

The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Andamans Admiral DK Joshi (retired), Administrator of Lakshadweep Farooq Khan, Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha, CEO of NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant and top officials from ministries of Home, Commerce, Tribal Affairs, Environment and Forest, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Telecommunications, Shipping, Water Resources, Earth Sciences, New and Renewable Energy.Post Pulwama, the question that security experts are asking is who should be held accountable for both policy and intelligence failures in Kashmir.

The past few years have been witness to a series of intelligence failures, with the body count increasing with every lapse. Uri saw the death of 19 soldiers and Pathankot, seven security personnel. The Pulwama tragedy was the single deadliest attack on our security forces, killing 42 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to accuse Pakistan of masterminding the attack and claim, in his public statement, that he would give a "moohtod jawab" (retaliation in equal measure). He also said Indian security forces were committed to carrying out a retaliatory attack on Pakistan at a time and place of their choosing, and that India would work 24x7 to isolate Pakistan by launching an international campaign.

However, it is obvious that the Pakistan military and civil establishment are not paying any heed to these warnings. Five days after the attack on the CRPF convoy, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan denied, in a statement broadcast live, any Pakistani hand in the Pulwama massacre. He also dared India to attack Pakistan, claiming they were braced for any Indian attack.

Data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs shows that between 2014 and 2018, there was a 93 percent rise in the number of security personnel killed in terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. These five years also saw a 176 percent rise in the number of terror attacks in the state  according to government data, Jammu and Kashmir suffered 1,708 terrorist strikes from 2014 to 2018, which works out to 28 terrorist incidents every month the past five years.

The question that security experts are now asking is who should be held accountable for both policy and intelligence failures in Kashmir. To mute the tide of criticism against the United Progressive Alliance government after the horrendous 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, former prime minister Manmohan Singh had asked the then home minister, Shivraj Patil, to resign.

With whom is the buck going to stop for the successive lapses under the government of the National Democratic Alliace? Defence experts share their views on the matter of accountability.

Former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing AS Dulat is of the opinion that Home Minister Rajnath Singh should take responsibility for what is going on, "except that he does not have much of a say".

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is perceived to be the most powerful person in the ruling establishment after the prime minister and BJP president Amit Shah. Dulat said: "Of course, Doval should take responsibility. The buck has to stop somewhere. As far as I am concerned, it stops at his office."

In the same breadth, he added, "Doval is a friend. He is a colleague. But the government thinking needs to change. They need to engage with Kashmiris."

Dr Radha Kumar, a former interlocutor in Kashmir and author of a comprehensive book on the dispute titled Paradise at War, is equally forthright. "The only policy being pursued in Kashmir is one of alienation and hatred. What results will you get when, in the past four and a half years, we have not seen a single positive initiative in the state?"

"Pulwama was a major intelligence failure. But why don't you provide your troops with adequate equipment to defend themselves? Militancy has been in the Valley for more than two decades and troops don't have fortified vehicles against such attacks. What are you up to? It is absolutely outrageous," she asserted.

Kumar is equally critical of Doval's muscular policy in Kashmir. "The so-called muscular policy is not muscular but just a combination of petty vindictiveness that puts our security forces in harm's way without any adequate safeguards. The government needs to accept responsibility for both security and policy failures  they already have egg on their faces after the Saudi-Pakistan joint statement. They don't even know what coercive policy means," she said.

Dr Bharat Karnad, one of India's most noted strategic defence experts, minces no words in castigating the present defence policy. "What is all this talk about the Doval doctrine? There is no Doval doctrine. Where is the doctrine? He doesn't have any doctrine. He is an implementor of what the boss wants. He is just a cop. The prime minister is the progenitor."

Commenting on Modi's "moohtod jawab" statement, he said: "India can't do much in military terms unless they launch a major operation. The attempts to isolate Pakistan are laughable, begging other nations to help them isolate it. Pakistan cannot be easily isolated."

Karnad believes there are two factors that have emboldened Islamabad to stay with its enormously successful strategy of covert warfare against India. The United States cannot risk alienating Pakistan because it needs the country as its frontline state for its policy of military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Similarly, China has stood by Pakistan for decades now, having nuclear missile-armed the neighbour and cultivated it as a near perfect hindrance to India's regional ambitions and as a means of keeping the India militarily preoccupied with the subcontinent.

AG Noorani, lawyer and commentator, spelled out the Doval doctrine, claiming it is based on three principles. "The three themes of the Doval doctrine are irrelevance of morality, extremism freed from calculation or calibration, and reliance on military might," Noorani said.

Omar Abdullah, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, had accused his rival Mehbooba Mufti of following the so-called Doval doctrine to "crush Kashmiris". He had said the strategy that the PDP-BJP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir had pursued had been "nothing but the rehashing of a plan suggested by NSA Ajit Doval way back in 2010".

Pravin Sawhney, editor of FORCE, believes that the muscular policy adopted by the government has created a situation where the Kashmiri youth are looking to Pakistan for help. "Why are we refusing to talk to our people? Why are we refusing to talk to political stakeholders in Kashmir? Why are we denying that we have a political problem that needs resolution?" asks Sawhney.

"India's security apparatus needs urgent military reform to be able to cater to modern warfare. Unfortunately, we do not have war fighting capability because of the great scarcity of ammunition across the three services. Pakistan may be facing an economic crisis. but that does not apply to the Pakistani Army. With China's Belt and Road Initiative running through Pakistan, the Chinese have taken on the responsibility of providing security to Pakistan, and its army is supported by the Chinese Army," Sawhney explained.

"The Indian Army, with 13 lakh troops, is twice the size of the Pakistan Army of six lakh soldiers, but it is our officers and jawans who are dying. Their army is not bleeding," Sawhney noted.

Defence specialist Mukul Shukla believes the political leadership has not invested in developing India's military capabilities. "The CRPF has been unable to control left-wing extremism. For them to take on a highly-motivated and well-armed group of militants is no easy task, especially as they lack resources. Our enemies have fourth-generation fighter aircraft, whereas our infantry has yet to be given modern assault rifles," he pointed out

"The biggest problem is that we have not been able to build our own indigenous military capabilities. In the past 60 years, we have failed to create infrastructural capability to produce a pistol or even a trainer . How are we expected to compete with a nation that has acquired cutting-edge military technology from China and the US?"

"The present government had a rare and opportune moment in 2014 to introduce policy changes and build India's indigenous capabilities. They failed to do. The result is for all to see," Shukla remarked.

The consensus among defence experts seems to be that heads must roll if there is to be a policy turnaround. Post Pulwama, it cannot be business as usual.Ministry of External Affairs secretary TS Tirumurti said that Narendra Modi and Mohammed bin Salman underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations.

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack, Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to condemn "in the strongest terms" the 14 February Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) strike on a CRPF convoy.

"They expressed strong condemnation of terrorism of all its forms and manifestations. They called on all States to cut off any kind of support to terrorists to all territories of other states. They call upon all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as instrument of State policy," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary TS Tirumurti said during a press conference after the two leaders held a one-on-one meeting. "Both leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations."

This comes after the Pakistan-Saudi joint statement spoke about avoiding "politicisation" of the UN's listing regime. MbS concluded his high-profile tour of Pakistan on Monday.

"The complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama attacks was very much underlined. They agreed on the need for creating necessary conditions for any resumption of talks," the MEA said.

However, when asked if Saudi Arabia has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, Tirumurti said, "At this point in time, no mediation has been offered."

According to CNN-News18, in an apparent reference to JeM chief Masood Azhar, Tirumurti also said that India had "some anomalies" in listing of terrorists (in UNSC 1267 sanctions committee). "Therefore, it was important for us to mention this and Saudi side completely agreed," he said.

The Saudi crown prince arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday night, and was received by Modi at the airport. During the Wednesday meeting, the Saudi prince "appreciated consistent efforts" by Modi since 2014, including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan. "Both sides agreed on the need for creation of conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue. The crown prince highlighted terrorism and extremism as matters of great concerns," Tirumurti said.

Earlier at a joint press event, Modi called the Pulwama attack a "cruel symbol" of the scourge of terrorism and sought punishment for the terrorists and their backers. The crown prince, however, did not mention the strike. "Last week's barbaric Pulwama attack was a symbol of the shadow of the inhuman danger hovering over the world. To deal with the scourge, we have agreed that there was a need to ramp up pressure on countries extending any sort of support to terrorism," Modi said, without naming Pakistan.

On his part, the visiting dignitary said, "As far as terrorism and extremism are concerned  which are common concerns  I want to tell India that we will extend all cooperation to you  be it intelligence sharing... not only with India but also with other countries."

Earlier on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met MbS and discussed ways to add further momentum to the strategic ties between the two nations besides deepening engagement in the areas of trade and investment. The crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 pm on Wednesday.

Adding new dimensions to historical ties 5 documents were exchanged in the presence of PM @narendramodi & HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information & broadcasting. Full list at https://t.co/A3Wpe6fbXQ pic.twitter.com/8LByASxvgz  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 20, 2019

With inputs from ANIOn 18 February, a group of students in Agra held a protest march demanded the repealing of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gives special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir

On 18 February, a group of students in Agra held a protest march demanding the repealing of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gives special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The demand from the young students was in reaction to the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on 14 February by a Kashmiri youth who was a member of Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The young students felt that giving a special status to Jammu and Kashmir is the root cause of the problem in Kashmir. The same sentiment has been shared by number of people on Twitter and other social media platforms.

Now, the angst against the special status given to the Jammu and Kashmir has moved beyond the streets and social media space. While on one hand spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev had demanded that the Narendra Modi government revoke Article 370, the Supreme Court has also agreed to consider a plea that sought urgent hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the constitutional validity of the Article.

The PIL was filed by advocate and BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay in September last year.

Upadhyay, in his submission, had argued that "The maximum life span of proviso of the Article 370(3) was only till the existence of Constituent Assembly. It can be clarified from perusal of the Constituent Assembly debates and the Article 370(3) itself. Hence, as on today, it is illegal and unconstitutional".

This is a plea that is usually taken by those favouring the repealing of the Article 370.

However, it is important to note here that in April 2017, the Delhi High Court had dismissed a similar petition filed by Kumari Vijayalakshmi Jha that sought a declaration that Article 370 is 'temporary' in nature.

Jha had made a plea similar to Upadhyay that Article 370 was a temporary provision that had lapsed with the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly in 1957.

Following the dismissal of the petition by the Delhi High Court Jha moved the Supreme Court. While hearing the appeal, the apex court held that Article 370 of the Constitution which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir is not a temporary provision. The bench of justices AK Goel and RF Nariman that heard the appeal said that in its earlier verdict of 2017 in the SARFESI case, it has been already held that Article 370 was not a temporary provision.

Notwithstanding that, Upadhyay filed a PIL in September last year, which challenges Article 370 on following grounds :

1. The maximum life span of proviso of the Article 370(3) was only till the existence of Constituent Assembly. It can be clarified from perusal of the Constituent Assembly debates and the Article 370(3) itself. Hence, as on today, it is illegal and unconstitutional.

2. The Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir is invalid mainly for the reason that it has not yet received the assent of the President of India, which is mandatory as per provisions of the Constitution of India.

3. From the perusal of Article 370 as a whole ie Clauses 1, 2 and 3, it becomes clear that the said provision was valid only till the Constituent Assembly, ratified the instrument of accession and/or in alternative till framing the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, in conformity with/in consonance with the Indian Constitution, with the approval of the president. The Constituent Assembly was not in operation on the day of coming into force of the Indian Constitution ie 26 January, 1950.

Therefore, Article 370 deems to be lapsed in 1954, when it ratified accession or maximum in 1957, when the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir dissolved. It is also pertinent to mention that as per provision of Article 370 read with Schedule I of the Constitution and even as per provision of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, the State of Jammu and Kashmir, is an integral part of the Union of India. This court has held that Constitution of India is supreme and India is a sovereign country, not the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

4. It is also argued that even the president cannot declare the Article 370 operative, because it can be done only with the consent of the Constituent Assembly.

While there are several arguments in favour of repealing Article 370, those against it contend that abrogating Article 370 will weaken the legal basis for the existence Jammu and Kashmir to be part of India, as the accession was linked to getting special status.

However, Upadhyay in his PIL, has submitted that challenging Article 370(3) does not amount to "questioning/challenging the agreement/instrument of accession dated 26 October, 1947, signed by the Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union, nor any order passed by the president under Article 370".

The PIL states, "It is also pertinent to mention that the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir was adopted on 26 January, 1957, much after the Constitution of India came into force. Therefore, the Article 372 is also not applicable in the present matter. Furthermore, the instrument of accession dated 26 October, 1947 does not talk, even remotely about the Constituent Assembly or about a separate Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir."

The Supreme Court that formulated the basic structure doctrine in famous Kesavananda Bharati versus State of Kerala, while on one hand gave itself immense power to review all decisions of the Parliament, at the same time reviewed its earlier judgment in IC Golaknath versus State of Punjab and held that the Parliament has the power to abridge and amend any part of the Constitution including any of the Fundamental Rights, with a rider that its reasonability will be open to challenge and review by the Supreme Court on the altar of the basic structure doctrine formulated by it.

In the case of Article 370, it has been contended by the petitioner, and those favouring its repealing, that the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir is against the supremacy of the Constitution of India and contrary to the dictum of "One Nation One Constitution One National Anthem and One National Flag".

While the Parliament can amend the Constitution to abrogate Article 370 and ensure 'unity and integrity', it will be the apex court that will scrutinise the legality the Article.The missing man formation is an aerial salute performed as part of a flypast of aircraft at a funeral or a memorial event, typically in memory of a fallen pilot, or a well-known military service member or veteran

As the mega aviation exhibition Aero India Show 2019 began on Wednesday in Bengaluru, three Indian Air Force aircraft with a Su-30MKi in lead as the leader flew in the missing man formation at the Yelanhanka Air Force Station as a tribute to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who lost his life on Tuesday in a mid-air collision during rehearsal in a Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team's aircraft.

The Hawk jets were performing a manoeuvre in which one aircraft was flying inverted, carrying a pilot, and the other below it with two pilots, moments before they hit each other and spun out of control, according to police and eyewitnesses. Among the three aircrews of the aircraft, Wing Commander VT Shelke and Squadron Leader TJ Singh ejected but Gandhi sustained fatal injuries.

The missing man formation is an aerial salute performed as part of a flypast of aircraft at a funeral or a memorial event, typically in memory of a fallen pilot, or a well-known military service member or veteran. A custom observed in the air force of various countries, the flypast in this formation has one aircraft position which is left vacant or a gap between two aircraft in the formation to depict the 'Missing Man'.

In September 2017, three Sukhoi-30 MKIs conducted a flypast in this formation to honour Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh.

Meanwhile, the Surya Kiran jets were to make a comeback after eight years with a nine-aircraft formation. However, due to the mishap, the aircraft will not be participating in the event. Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria told the media on Tuesday, "We had an unfortunate incident and an investigation will take place. Suryakiran won't be a part of display."The tickets can be booked on the BookMyShow app on a mobile phone or on the Aero India official website www.aeroindia.gov.in. Only one ticket can be bought per account. The foreign nationals can buy the tickets on the Aero India website only.

The four-day long Aero India Show 2019 begins on Wednesday in Bengaluru. The mega air aviation and air defence exhibition, which started in 1996, will see participation by 28 companies this year, along with strong support from the United States of America (US) which is sending a bevvy of its fighter aircraft to the event.

In 2017, there were over 60,000 business visitors with more than 1,00,000 general visitors, who attended the Aero India programme. Whereas this year, the Defence Exhibition Organisation, Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is hosting the event at Yelahanka Air Force station in North Bengaluru. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and several other ministers and top rank personnel will be present to experience the event on 20 February and the tagline of this year's edition is: 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities'.

Tickets prices

For Indian visitors, the ticket is priced at Rs 600 per day, while for foreigners it is $25. For children under five, the entry is free. There will be a Rs 1,800 denomination ticket for general visitors and $35 overseas nationals. This pass gives access to the exhibition area from 23 to 24 February in addition to access to the static display and flying display zones.

Timings of the show

The general visitors will have no entry on first two days (i.e. 20 and 21 February) and will be allowed to enter the venue in the afternoon and enjoy aerial display only after 2.00 pm.

From 22 to 24 February, the gates will be opened for the general public in the morning at 9.30 am. The visitors can enjoy the two sessions of flying display, from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm, as the event will close for the day at 5.30 pm.

Where and how to buy tickets

The tickets can be booked on the BookMyShow app on a mobile phone or on the Aero India official website www.aeroindia.gov.in. Only one ticket can be bought per account. The foreign nationals can buy the tickets on the Aero India website only.

Once you register, you get a confirmation mail. This can be shown at the counter at Yelahanka airbase (where the show is being held) to get the ticket. You need to carry your photo ID proof to get a pass.

What is on display

In total, there will be 57 aircraft on display. And there will be flying aerobatic displays on all four days by world's top aerobatics teams including the Helicopter Dhruv-powered Sarang Team of Indian Air Force, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI (cobra manoeuvre), the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and US air force's Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet. Dassault Aviation will also be showing off the Rafale fighter jet both in a flying sortie and static display.

Further, the show will also have a display of Indian-made helicopters, fighter jets, drones, transport carriers (Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III), and even private jets such as Embraer SA for business enterprise owners.

The Aero India 2019 will also host Drone Olympics for start-ups and young adults on Day 2 (21 February) in the afternoon, for the first time ever.Reddy even pitched for an alternative for farm sector freebies in the form of an agricultural distress fund contributed by both the states and Centre, rather than the ongoing measure of arbitrary scheme announcements.

Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor YV Reddy finds the ongoing spree on farm sector freebies a disturbing trend, which, he said, can cause 'irreversible fiscal deterioration' and generate conflicts between both Centre and states.

Reddy even pitched for an alternative for farm sector freebies in the form of an agricultural distress fund contributed by both the states and Centre, rather than the ongoing measure of arbitrary scheme announcements.

Reddy is the latest expert joining the list of economists and central bankers warning against the dangerous politics of populism using taxpayers money. Reddys comments are significant in the context of a series of announcements on farm sector doles from both the Congress party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led government ahead of the 2019 general elections.

While Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced his partys intention to offer minimum income to all if voted to power in 2019 and made farm loan waivers happen in most of the Congress-ruled states, the BJP followed it up with a Budget announcement to give an income support of Rs 6,000 for every small and marginal farmer in a scheme based on a similar one announced in Telangana.

No political party can miss the warnings Reddy has issued, the main aspect of which is the recurring nature of the fiscal burden on Centre should it go for minimum income scheme, which is estimated to be around Rs 70,000 crore during fiscal 2020.

In other words, this will put enormous tax burden on taxpaying middle-income class. Such a fiscal burden will have catastrophic impact on government finances already grappling with major income-revenue mismatch. Rating agencies like Fitch Ratings have already warned about Indias weak fiscal position.

Indias the sovereign rating profile would be evaluated based on the medium-term outlook in the post-election Budget, the agency recently said. Already India has missed the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) road map on fiscal deficit targets for the three consecutive years. This year too, the target has been revised to 3.4 percent from 3.3 percent earlier.

A report by India Ratings had shown that the farm debt waivers announced by the five major states  Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Karnataka  together will balloon the combined fiscal deficit by Rs 1,07,700 crore or 0.65 percent of GDP this financial year. This sort of degradation in the states finances on account of populist policies has been cautioned by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its recent annual report.

In its report titled, State Finances: A Study of Budgets, the RBI revised estimate for GFD-GDP for FY18 to 3.1 percent as against 2.6 percent earlier.

With states continuing announcements and roll-out of farm loan waivers, the budgeted gross fiscal deficit (GFD) could be at risk, and the additional borrowing requirement could produce a concomitant impact on the already elevated borrowing yields, the RBI said in its report.

But, the risk of farm sector doles doesnt end with fiscal mess, as Reddy says. It extends to Centre-state spats as most states already have some kind of support schemes for the economically weaker sections and such schemes are considered to be vital for vote bank politics of regional parties as well. Who would want to give away the political credit that easily?

Then comes the actual impact of farm loan waiver on farmers. Does it really benefit the needy. As this writer argued in the previous articles, the waiver carrot doesnt really help. Waivers extended so far by governments (whoever is in power) have only offered temporary relief to the farmer. At the time of the next agricultural season, he goes in for another debt trap if there are no rains. Naturally, loan waivers can be a recurring solution every year.

On the other hand, loan waivers deal a body blow to banks. The moment a farm loan waiver is announced, even the honest ones stop repayments in the hope that their liabilities will be included in the waiver package too. This causes a spike in the non-performing asset (NPA) levels. In the aftermath of every loan waiver announcement, this has been observed.

Beyond a short-term period, freebies will not serve farmers well. In fact it leads them to recurring problems. Reddys idea of an agricultural distress fund is worth discussing, but isnt a new idea as such.

What is required here is an overhauling of farm sector infrastructure and policies. The dangerous politics of populism, as experts like Reddy alluding to, can inflict irrevocable damages on the larger economy and is actually the biggest enemy of the farmer.Tata Motors manufactures electric buses at its Dharwad facility in Karnataka with an initial capacity of producing 125 units a month, which can be ramped up to 200, the official said.

Kolkata: Tata Motors Ltd is eyeing big business from electric buses after it bagged orders for supplying 255 units to various state transport unions across the country, a company official said on Wednesday.

Rohit Srivastava, product line head (passenger commercial vehicles) of Tata Motors said that the commercial vehicles business of the company is seeing considerable growth and presently enjoying a market share of 45 percent in the segment.

"We have seen growth in the past. Now, we are developing products to address the segments where we are not present," Srivastava told reporters here.

He said that the Centre has been giving 60 percent subsidy to the state governments for purchasing electric buses while the balance is to be paid by the respective states.

"We see e-buses as a segment getting a lot of boost. We are in touch with all the states," he said.

Tata Motors manufactures e-buses at its Dharwad facility in Karnataka with an initial capacity of producing

125 units a month, which can be ramped up to 200, the official said.

The company is in the process of supplying 80 e-buses to the West Bengal Transport Corporation, he said.Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil exporter, on Wednesday said it is in talks with Reliance Industries and other Indian companies for investing in petrochemicals and refinery projects in the country

New Delhi: Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil exporter, on Wednesday said it is in talks with Reliance Industries and other Indian companies for investing in petrochemicals and refinery projects in the country.

The Saudi national oil company, which along with its partner UAE's Adnoc has taken a 50 percent stake in a planned $44-billion mega refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Maharashtra by state-owned oil companies, has a bullish outlook on India's energy demand; and is keen on investing here.

Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Al-Nasser said he remains positive on the firm's investment in India, and is working with partners.

Indian partners, he said, are "assuring us that things are going very well."

He was replying to a reporter's question, on the sidelines of Saudi India Forum, about the fate of the 60 million tonnes-a-year refinery project after ruling BJP and Shiv Sena agreed to shift the project from Ratnagiri district.

"I think if there is any delay, we can catch up. All we hear lately is that things are progressing well and we should be optimistic about it going forward," he said when asked if the search for an alternate site may delay the project beyond the agreed deadline of 2025.

He said Saudi Aramco continues to stay invested in the project, agreements for which were signed last year.

Saudi Aramco, he said, is also in discussions with other companies about investing in India.

"We are not limited to that investment (Ratnagiri refinery), which is the mega refinery...we are looking at other opportunities," he said.

India is an investment priority for Saudi Aramco, he said. "There is a lot of growth potential. We are looking at additional investments in India. We are in discussions with other companies as well, including Reliance Industries."

He said Saudi Arabia is "very happy with demand" in India.

"It shows growth in India. 8,00,000 barrels are exported by Saudi Aramco to India. We are very happy with the demand growth we are seeing from India," he said.

The discussions with Reliance Industries first came to light in December when Saudi Oil Minister Khalid al-Falih visited Mukesh Ambani.

Al-Falih, who has known Ambani for over a decade now, travelled to Udaipur that month to attend the pre-wedding festivities of Ambani's daughter Isha's marriage with Ajay Piramal's son Anand.

During that visit, he also held talks with Ambani and he later tweeted: "we discussed opportunities for joint investments and cooperation in petrochemical, refining and communications projects."

Last month Aramco CEO met Ambani, possibly as a follow-up of that meeting.

Reliance operates two refineries at Jamnagar with a total capacity of 68.2 million tonnes per annum.

Reliance plans to expand its only-for-exports special economic zone (SEZ) refining capacity to just over 41 million tonnes from current 35.2 million tonnes, but does not have any plans to set up a new refinery in the country.

It is presently focused on expanding petrochemical and telecom business, industry sources said.

Crude oil is the basic raw material for the manufacturing of petrochemicals.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is keen to get a foothold in the world's fastest-growing fuel market to get a captive customer for the crude oil it produces.

Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil company, and its partner Abu Dabhi National Oil Co (ADNOC) have picked up 50 percent stake in a planned $44-billion refinery in Maharashtra but the project is facing problems in acquiring land due to protests from local politicians.

Aramco and ADNOC will together hold 50 percent stake in the 60 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) refinery and adjacent 18 MTPA petrochemical complex planned to be built at Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra by 2025.

The two will supply half of the crude oil required for processing at the refinery.

Like other major producers, the two are looking to lock in customers in the world's third-largest oil consumer through the investment. Kuwait too is looking to invest in projects in return for getting an assured offtake of their crude oil.

Saudi Aramco is also keen on retailing fuel in India. A refinery in India can also be a base for it to export fuel to deficit countries in Europe and the Americas.

India has a refining capacity of 247.6 million tonnes, which exceeded the demand of 206.2 million tonnes.

(Disclosure - Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd)The Saudi Arabia crown prince arrived in Delhi on a less than 30-hour visit Tuesday night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan.

New Delhi: Oil-rich Saudi Arabia sees an investment opportunity of $100 billion in India in various sectors, said visiting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Wednesday in Delhi.

Addressing the media along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia has already invested $44 billion in India since the Modi's visit in 2016 to the Gulf nation.

He also lauded India's strength in the information technology (IT) and said Saudi Arabia too was investing a lot in the sector.

"We understand that there are opportunities for more than $100 billion investment in India...We want to strengthen investment and economic ties to ensure useful returns for both countries," the crown prince said.

He informed that Saudi Arabia has invested in India in petrochemicals and diversifying into other sectors.

"We want to increase cooperation with India as it will give a new direction to our relationship," he said.

Later TS Tirumurti, Secretary (ER) in Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters that there is a commitment by Saudi Arabia to invest $100 billion in sectors like energy, petrochemicals and manufacturing.

When asked by when investments would be made, the Secretary said there was no timeline.

The crown prince arrived here on a less than 30-hour visit Tuesday night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

In a special gesture, Modi received Salman at the airport in Delhi, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the Gulf nation.Anirban brings to PayU two decades of experience in global payments, credit, and digital banking gained in the US, India, and broader Asia-Pacific region.

Naspers-owned PayU, an online payments service provider, on Wednesday announced the appointment of Anirban Mukherjee as chief executive officer of PayU India, reporting to Laurent Le Moal, CEO, PayU Global.

As well as leading PayUs Indian business, Anirban joins PayUs global leadership team to support its ambitious plans to unlock innovative credit and financial services for underserved populations in high-growth markets.

Anirban brings to PayU two decades of experience in global payments, credit, and digital banking

gained in the US, India, and broader Asia-Pacific region.

In his new role, Anirban will be responsible for all the operations and business lines of PayU India. In

addition, he will identify investment opportunities to build out Naspers fintech ambitions, helping

these companies scale by leveraging existing assets and infrastructure.

Anirban will also lead PayU into new fintech product categories that are aligned with PayUs global strategy, such as remittances and credit.

"I am thrilled to join PayUs global leadership team during such an extraordinary growth period of the fintech industry, in general, and the company in particular. I can't wait to lead PayU India into our next phase of growth, where we will combine business and product innovation to unlock future growth opportunities and build a robust credit ecosystem in India, he said.

Most recently, Anirban was part of the leadership team at Jio, where he drove payments, merchant services, and digital financial services, serving as the co-CEO of Reliance Payments Solution Ltd.

Prior to Jio, Anirban worked with Standard Chartered Bank in India and APAC and with CapitalOne as a senior executive leader in the US.

He has an MBA degree from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and is an alumnus of IIT, Kharagpur.He said Saudi Arabia has been requesting India to grant electronic visa facility to its businessmen, to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

New Delhi: India and Saudi Arabia will set up a high cooperation council to provide huge impetus to bilateral ties between the nations, Saudi Indian Business Council chairman Kamel S Al-Munajjed said on Wednesday.

Munajjed said the 'Saudi Indian High Cooperation Council' will be headed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The mechanism will enable the two nations to discuss any problem and engage directly on various aspects including business, politics and defence.

In an interview to PTI here in the backdrop Mohammed bin Salman's visit to India, Munajjed said terrorist action should not deter Saudi Arabia from having good relations with India or any other country, amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack.

"As soon as this terrorist attack (Pulwama) happened, Saudi Arabia issued a very strong statement condemning terrorism. The Saudis have suffered a lot in the last 20-30 years due to terrorism.

"We should not let terrorist action stop us from having good relations with India or with any other country in the world. We should be stronger than that," he told PTI.

He said Saudi Arabia has been requesting India to grant electronic visa facility to its businessmen, to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

"We hope it will be discussed between the two governments. We have asked that the e-visa system be applied to all businessmen. Be it Indian or Saudi," Munajjed said.

He estimates bilateral trade to reach $50 billion in the next five years, from $28 billion at present. According to him, the real quantum of mutual trade is $35 billion currently, taking into account shipments from India to the UAE which are re-exported to Saudi Arabia.

Munajjed outlined non-oil sectors like pharmaceutical, agriculture, education, renewable energy and real estate for diversifying bilateral economic and investment cooperation.The finance ministry, however, issued a media advisory stating that the 33rd GST Council meeting would be held on 20 February.

New Delhi: Kerala and AAP-ruled Delhi on Tuesday demanded deferment the GST Council meeting scheduled for 20 February, saying a decision on "crucial issues" of GST rates on real estate sector and lottery should not be taken through a video conference meet.

The finance ministry, however, issued a media advisory stating that the 33rd GST Council meeting would be held on 20 February.

In a letter to Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that such "crucial issues" cannot be discussed through a video conference and convening a physical meeting is important to take a consolidated decision.

Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac too said that decision on the important issue of GST on lottery cannot be taken without a fair discussion and the lottery being included in Council agenda only a day before the meeting is unfair.

"I will walk out of the Council meeting if any decision is taken on lottery. Also, I will henceforth not attend any Council meetings till the elections are over. This is not cooperative federalism," Isaac told PTI.

The Council meeting is scheduled to be held via video conference with Union Finance Minister joining from North Block, while state finance ministers connecting from their respective states.

Rationalisation of rates of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on real estate and lottery are on the agenda of the Council meet.

Sisodia in his letter said: "I would, therefore, request to kindly postpone the proposed 33rd meeting through video-conference and call for a physical meeting at an appropriate date".

Isaac, further, said that discussions on serious issues cannot take place through video conference and stressed that it was unfair for the Group of Ministers (GoM) on lottery to meet when two senior ministers were not able to attend it.

"Meeting though video conference should be held only when some urgent matter has to be decided. This is being done to avoid collective response. We will protest tomorrow," Issac said.

The eight-member GoM, under Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, set up to look into the taxation of lottery in a meeting favoured a uniform GST rate of either 18 percent or 28 percent, but left it to the GST Council to take a final call.

Currently, a state-organised lottery attracts 12 percent GST while a state-authorised lottery attracts 28 percent tax.

The other members of the committee are West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Goa Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, Karnataka Finance Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Arunachal Tax and Excise Minister Jarkar Gamlin.

While Isaac had sought deferment of the GoM meeting on medical ground, Badal was not present as he had to present the state budget in Punjab Assembly

Besides, tax officers from West Bengal flagged the issue of rate rationalisation in the light of the general election slated to be held by May.

However, states, like Maharashtra and Assam, favoured a uniform GST rate.

The GoM favoured hiking GST rate on the state-organised lottery to either 18 percent or 28 percent. While the GST rate on state-authorised lottery would be retained at 28 per cent or brought down to 18 per cent.

"When you reduce GST rate on lottery the only person to gain is lottery mafia. There is some corruption involved," Isaac said.

With regard to real estate sector, a state ministerial panel on GST rates for real estate sector had earlier this month suggested cutting GST on under-construction residential properties to 5 percent without ITC, from 12 percent currently. On affordable housing segment, it suggested that GST be slashed to 3 percent, from 8 percent.

Currently, GST is levied at 12 percent with input tax credit (ITC) on payments made for under-construction property or ready-to-move-in flats where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale.BERLIN (Reuters) - Britain has urged Germany to exempt big defence projects from its efforts to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia or face damage to its commercial credibility, the German magazine Der Spiegel reported on Tuesday. Germany said last November it would reject future arms export licences to Saudi Arabia over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

BERLIN (Reuters) - Britain has urged Germany to exempt big defence projects from its efforts to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia or face damage to its commercial credibility, the German magazine Der Spiegel reported on Tuesday.

Germany said last November it would reject future arms export licences to Saudi Arabia over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It has not formally banned previously approved deals but has urged industry to refrain from such shipments for now.

Germany accounts for just under 2 percent of total Saudi arms imports, a small percentage internationally compared with the United States and Britain, but it makes components for other countries' export contracts. That includes a proposed 10-billion-pound deal for Riyadh to buy 48 new Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from Britain.

"I am very concerned about the impact of the German government's decision on the British and European defence industry and the consequences for Europe's ability to fulfil its NATO commitments," British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt wrote in a letter to his German counterpart Heiko Maas, Spiegel reported.

Hunt said British defence firms would not be able to fulfil several contracts with Riyadh including the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Tornado fighter jet, both of which are made with parts affected by the German halt in deliveries to Saudi Arabia.

"This letter shows how Germany's arms export practices are costing it the ability to partner with its closest European allies," Hans Christoph Altzpodien, head of Germany's defence industry association BDSV, told Reuters.

Reuters has not seen the letter and a spokesman for the German foreign ministry declined to comment.

LOSSES

In his letter, Hunt also wrote that the German government's decision to halt arms exports to Saudi Arabia would cost German defence firms 2.3 billion euros in revenues by 2026.

The German move is also holding up shipments of Meteor air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia by MBDA, which is jointly owned by Airbus, BAE Systems and Italy's Leonardo, since the missiles' propulsion system and warheads are built in Germany. MBDA has declined to comment on the issue.

"Germany can't expect to be a part of the European defence industry and various cooperation projects if it behaves so unilaterally on this," said one European diplomat.

A top Airbus official said on Friday that the German halt in exports to Saudi Arabia was preventing Britain from completing the Eurofighter sale to Riyadh, and had delayed potential sales of the A400M military transport and other weapons.

Hunt's letter comes as Britain prepares to leave the European Union on March 29, in the biggest shift in its commercial and diplomatic relations with the continent in decades. It has still to reach a deal with the EU on the terms of its exit, raising the risk of serious economic disruption.

(Reporting by Tassilo Hummel, Sabine Siebold and Andrea Shalal; Writing by Michelle Martin and Thomas Escritt; Editing by Madeline Chambers and Gareth Jones)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.The RCom chairman and others will have to purge contempt by paying Rs 453 crore to Ericsson in four weeks, the Supreme Court said.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday held Reliance Communication (RCom) chairman Anil Dhirubhai Ambani and others guilty of contempt in a plea filed by Ericsson India over not clearing its dues of Rs 550 crore.

The Supreme Court said that Anil Ambani did not willfully pay Rs 550 crore dues it owed to Ericsson India. He had a cavalier approach, the court observed.

The apex court held that the RCom chairman and Reliance Telecom chairman Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel chairperson Chhaya Virani breached the undertaking given to the apex court and the related orders.

The apex court asked Reliance Telecom and Reliance Infratel to pay Rs 1 crore each in four weeks to apex court registry.

Supreme Court Holds Anil Ambani guilty of contempt in Ericsson case pic.twitter.com/mEzkCoGd5k  CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) February 20, 2019

A bench comprising of Justices RF Nariman and Vineet Saran said that if the contemnor failed to make the payments within the specified period, they they will undergo a jail term of three months.

The RCom chairman and others will have to purge contempt by paying Rs 453 crore to Ericsson in four weeks, the Supreme Court said.

The court directed that Rs 118 crore already deposited by Reliance Group in apex court registry be disbursed to Ericsson.

From undertakings given by Reliance Group's top brass, it appears they have willfully not paid the amount to Ericsson despite orders, said the court.

The Supreme Court said that any unconditional apology given by Reliance needs to be rejected as they have breached the undertaking and order.

Soon after the court order, Reliance Communication said it respects the Supreme Court judgment and the company shall comply with same, reported CNBC-TV18.

On 13 February, a bench of Justices RF Nariman and Vineet Sharan said it was reserving the verdict after hearing all the parties  Anil Ambani, RCom, Ericsson and others.

Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi appearing for Ambani then countered that no contempt of court was made by Ambani. Rohatgi contended that there was no violation and no wilful defiance of the apex court's order.

He further added that allegations of RCom having received Rs 5,000 crore from Jio was incorrect.

The counsel told the court that RCom is a public listed company with lakhs of shareholders and neither an individual director nor the entire group can be made liable for liability of the company.

Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for Ericsson, argued that Anil Ambani has personal assets worth thousands of crores and must pay the balance of Rs 550 crores dues as per court undertaking.

They (Anil Ambani and two others) live like emperors...No one has the intention to honour the order of the SC...They think they are god's gift to mankind. They have money to be invested in Rafale. But he doesnt want to honour the SC order, Dave said.

Anil Ambani-led RCom had earlier agreed to deposit Rs 118 crore but the Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson refused to accept. The top court had asked the RCom chief to deposit the amount in its registry.

Ericsson had also requested the home ministry to issue directions to prevent Ambani, Reliance Telecom Ltd chairman Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel Ltd chairperson Chhaya Virani from leaving the country.

On 23 October last year, the top court had asked RCom to clear the dues by 15 December, 2018, stating that delayed payment would attract interest of 12 percent per annum.

In 2014, Ericsson India had signed a seven-year deal to operate and manage RCom's nationwide telecom network. Ericsson India had alleged that RCom had not been paid dues of over 1,500 crore. It challenged the debt-ridden firm before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

Perusing the NCLAT May last year order, the apex court had noted that Ericsson India was willing to settle its debt of over Rs 1,500 crore for a sum of Rs 550 crore, and it has to be paid by RCom within 120 days.

 With inputs from agenciesThe apparent reason why individual responsibility has not been fixed in case of IL&FS is it was promoted by a clutch of public sector insurance companies

A Moneycontrol report on Tuesday said that banks are staring at a distinct possibility of having to write off a massive amount owed by a single entity or group---Rs 30,000 crore to IL&FS and its byzantine maze of subsidiaries and associates. The IL&FS crisis has been brewing for the last couple of years, yet the villain of the piece has not been recognised.

Contrast this with the Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) banking scam of Rs 9,000 crore perpetrated by the liquor baron Vijay Mallya, the promoter of KFA. He was quickly identified as the villain of the piece and full force of the law brought on him including his extradition from the UK where he is a fugitive now.

The apparent reason why individual responsibility has not been fixed in case of IL&FS is it was promoted by a clutch of public sector insurance companies and banks and financial institutions with no body to be kicked and no soul to be damned. But if Mallya could be identified as the brain behind KFA owned substantially by United Breweries Holding Ltd (UBL) then there is no reason why the men behind the IL&FS fiasco cannot be identified and brought to book.

It is common knowledge that private sector is characterised by corruption and sleight of hand deals whereas the public sector is by sloth and inefficiency. The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) owns 25.34 percent stake while State Bank o India (SBI) owns 6.42 percent in IL&FS. Orix Corporation of Japan is also one of the largest shareholders of IL&FS with 23.54 percent stake. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, HDFC and Central Bank of India also hold 12.56 percent, 9.02 percent and 7.67 percent stake respectively.

Promoted in the year 1987, it has been used as a handmaiden by bureaucrats and politicians to line their own pockets through SPVs for various road and other infrastructure projects skewed in favour of the joint venture partner with IL&FS bearing the brunt and getting the rough end of the stick. That this was indeed so is manifest from ex-bureaucrats finding a berth at the helm in most of the SPVs funded by IL&FS.

Strange as it might sound, the public hates corruption but is tolerant of sloth and inefficiency although the bottom line, as hinted by the above Financial Express story, is bureaucratic sloth hid something more sinister. In the event, to expect banks and financial institutions to gird their loins and brace for a massive Rs 30,000 crore hit stoically smacks of throwing in the towel without an offensive against the schemers and perpetrators of IL&FS scam.

Provident and pension funds too put in their money in IL&FS bonds enticed as much by heightened rates of interest as by the AAA rating awarded blithely by Ivy League credit rating agencies. Some 15 lakh employees who are members of these funds are having sleepless nights.

What has brought about this disquiet to the fore is the recent report submitted by Uday Kotak to NCLT that out of the mammoth Rs 91,000 crore debt piled up by the IL&FS group as much as Rs 65,000 crore belongs to the red category meaning even secured creditors cannot be paid off. The urgency with which the Fugitive Economic Offences law proceeds against the assets of the perpetrators of the fugitives is not matched by either the Companies Act, 2013 or by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

In KFA scam, Vijay Mallya was its face and he stood out for everyone to see. IL&FS alas has turned out to be a faceless scam, as it were. But if it was a spoils system promoted by politicians and bureaucrats, it needs to be investigated and the guilty brought to book even if they turn out to be hundreds of individuals. It is very easy to ask banks to gear themselves for a haircut. IBC in its single-minded focus on quick recovery of dues even at the expense of huge sacrifices by banks is not suited to deal with loot and plundering responsible for the NPAs of banks. Fugitive law is all right for those fleeing the country but for those who stay put, there is no effective mechanism.

(The author is a senior columnist and tweets @smurlidharan)The F-21 provides 'unmatched' Make in India opportunities and strengthens India's path to an advanced airpower future, the firm said.

A day after Swedish defence firm Saab AB said it could offer to produce Gripen fighter planes in India, American Defence giant Lockheed Martin on Wednesday unveiled the F-21 multi-role fighter jet for the country, to be produced locally, said media reports.

Lockheed Martin is eyeing a multi-billion dollar military order from India as well.

Specifically configured for the IAF, the F-21 provides "unmatched" Make in India opportunities and strengthens India's path to an advanced air power future, the firm said announcing the plan on the opening day at the Aero India 2019 air show in Bengaluru.

The #F21 demonstrates our commitment to delivering an advanced, scalable fighter to India that provides unmatched industrial partnership opportunities. #ForIndiaFromIndia #MakeInIndia #AeroIndia2019

Know more: https://t.co/p2pQB4Xl5A pic.twitter.com/UtgC5wqjHD  Lockheed Martin India (@LMIndiaNews) February 20, 2019

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems would produce the F-21 in India, for India, it said in a statement.

The US defence major, which had earlier offered its F-16 fighter to India, said the F-21 addresses the IAF's unique requirements and integrates India into the world's largest fighter aircraft ecosystem.

"The F-21 is different, inside and out," said Vivek Lall, vice president of strategy and business development for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

"The new (F-21) designation highlights our commitment to delivering an advanced, scalable fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force that also provides unrivaled industrial opportunities and accelerates closer India-US cooperation on advanced technologies," he said.

This "unprecedented" Make in India opportunity combines the strength of the world's largest defence contractor with India's premier industrial house to deliver "a historic win-win" for India and the United States, the statement said.

On Tuesday, Saab said ahead of the 'Aero India 2019' in Bengaluru that it was considering locally manufacturing 96 of the 114 Gripen fighter jets it wanted to sell to the country.

Saab is seeking to sell its Gripen fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Saab is expected to face competition from rivals such as Boeing Co, Lockheed Martin Corp and Dassault Aviation SA to supply about 110 fighter jets to the IAF, in what could be a deal worth more than $15 billion.

Saab has tied up with resources conglomerate Adani Group to sell the single-engine planes to fulfill the condition of bidders having an Indian partner to be considered for the order.

Any manufacturing facility in the country could also become an export hub, Saabs Indian unit chairman and managing director Ola Rignell told Reuters.

The cities of Bengaluru and Hyderabad would be the natural choice for any plant.

 With inputs from agenciesCAPE MAY, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / Lund's Fisheries Inc. is excited to welcome two new hires, Jeff Lang and Donna Pimental. Jeff will be joining our Sales & Marketing team, while Donna will be joining our Customer Service team.

"As a 30 year veteran of the industry, Jeff's expertise in scallop imports is recognized throughout the seafood business, and we look forward to his input in expanding our imported scallop and squid offerings," said Randy Spencer, Director of Sales & Marketing.

Jeff will also bring his extensive scallop sourcing knowledge to his role in providing sales advice in retail, wholesale, and commodity situations.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of expanding the presence of Sea Legend brand products domestically and internationally," said Jeff.

Donna Pimental, a seafood industry veteran herself, will be joining Lund's Fisheries Inc. on our Customer Service team. Donna will be heading up the support functions at our New Bedford location, as well as integrating sales and purchasing functions with our corporate office in Cape May, New Jersey. Donna brings a wealth of knowledge in facilitating imports, domestic supply chain logistics and order fulfillment.

Jeff Lang can be reached at (508) 878-7474 or via email at JLang@LundsFish.com and Donna Pimental can be reached at (508) 994-8600 or via email at DPimental@LundsFish.com.

About Lund's Fisheries

Lund's Fisheries Inc. is a vertically integrated family owned and operated business, supplying the globe since 1954 in Sea Legend branded quality products. Operating processing facilities and vessels in California and New Jersey, with a focus on Squid, Scallop and Pelagic species, Lund's Fisheries Inc. has a long history of quality and integrity. "With the addition of Jeff and Donna, Lund's will continue to focus on building and maintaining long term relationships with customers as well as suppliers. Trust and confidence are integral to our success" added Wayne Reichle, President of Lund's Fisheries Inc.

SOURCE: Lund's Fisheries Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536265/Lunds-Fisheries-Welcomes-New-Faces-to-Sales-and-Customer-Service-TeamsWeekly net asset value ("NAV") is calculated as of the close of business on each Tuesday and posted on the following business day. In the event that Tuesday is not a business day, the Company will calculate the close-of-business NAV as of the business day immediately preceding that Tuesday. The end-of-month NAV is calculated as of the close of business on the last day of the month and posted on the following business day. For weeks that include a month-end NAV report, PSH will provide only the month-end NAV and not report the Tuesday NAV. Monthly NAVs are published in accordance with the Decree on Conduct of Business Supervision of Financial Undertakings under the Wft (Besluit Gedragstoezicht financiele ondernemingen Wft).

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.In recent years, increased shareholder activism and an overall heightened awareness of companies' governance practices, has led to the need for greater transparency of exposure to governance and reputational risks.

CGLytics, a leading corporate governance analytics provider, is continuing to drive transparency of good governance practices for better informed decision-making, by expanding its global coverage. Part of the expanded global coverage for its powerful, cloud-based governance platform includes an increase of company data from 3,300 to 5,500 listed companies across North America, Europe and Australia. This increase provides companies and investors with the deepest global governance data set in the market to date.

For Investors, this increase in coverage will permit a substantially broader reach when analysing the potential governance risk in their portfolios, allowing for better engagement, decision-making and stewardship. Moreover, Issuers will gain a more in-depth capacity to understand how their own governance practices benchmark against their peers, as well as receive access to an even wider director database of professional connections and their networks.

To support the expanded coverage, CGLytics has opened new research hubs in Arlington, VA to cover the Americas and Sydney, Australia, to cover the APAC region. CGLytics has also expanded the research team in Amsterdam, Netherlands to provide greater in-depth coverage of the European markets.

To oversee the continued data coverage expansion, CGLytics is also proud to announce that Jonathan Nelson has joined the team as Head of Research. Beginning his career at ISS, Jonathan has worked with institutional investors on both sides of the Atlantic, to help them shape their own personalised custom voting policies. In the same role, he also served in a consulting capacity to keep institutional investors up to date on developments in the ever-changing governance space. After leaving ISS, Jonathan joined Sustainalytics as a manager in their newly inaugurated Corporate Governance team. After serving as both a Research and Product Manager for Sustainalytics' corporate governance product, Jonathan joins CGLytics to oversee the research teams and content for the company's innovative corporate governance solutions.

Aniel Mahabier, CEO of CGLytics explained, "We're delighted that Jonathan has joined CGLytics at this exciting time as we continue to expand our coverage, depth of data, and intuitive benchmarking and risk monitoring tools. The experience Jonathan brings to the team will enable us to continue to deliver the highest quality data and service at scale, while also providing additional insights and tools to our clients".

About CGLytics

CGLytics is transforming the way corporate governance decisions are made. Combining the broadest corporate governance dataset with the most comprehensive analytics tools in one system, corporations, investors and advisors are able to instantly perform a governance health check and indicate red flags in seconds, for effective governance oversight.

Offering an award-winning, cloud-based platform, CGLytics provides an independent analysis of governance practices of listed companies across the globe. From unique Pay for Performance analytics and peer comparison tools, to board effectiveness insights, companies and investors have access to the most comprehensive source of governance information at their fingertips.

With a dedicated team of specialised market research analysts, in combination with machine learning, all CGLytics data goes through rigorous checks to guarantee best quality data and is standardised for clear comparisons and consistency.

With intuitive and cost-effective solutions, CGLytics provides access to the same powerful data and analytics used by the world's leading proxy advisory firms and investors.

CGLytics is a signatory member of the UNPRI.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005814/en/

Contacts:

Rob Alport, +44 2071474541Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2019) - Castle Peak Mining Ltd. ("Castle Peak" or the "Company") (TSXV: CAP) is pleased to announce that on February 15, 2019, it has entered into an Definitive Agreement with Wononuo Investment Limited ("Wononuo"), a Ghana based company, to purchase a prospecting license from Wononuo for a mineral deposit located in Ghana (the "Kunsu PL") for $2,000,000 USD.

Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, but not limited to: completion of satisfactory due diligence by Castle Peak; completion of satisfactory exploration exercises by Castle Peak; acceptance of the transaction by the TSX Venture Exchange; approval of the transaction by the shareholders of Castle Peak; and other actions necessary to complete the transaction.

On successful completion of the transaction, Castle Peak will pay a finder's fee of $90,000 USD (the "Finder's Fee") to JDS & Associates Limited. Payment of the Finder's Fee is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

ON THE KUNSU PROPERTY

The Kunsu PL is located approximately 35 Km Northwest of Kumasi and 240 Km Northwest of Accra. The property which is situated in close proximity to the Sefwi gold belt is strategically placed on the Asankragua Manso Nkwanta gold belt. The Kunsu concession is about 27 Km north of Asanko Gold's mine, and even closer to the Asanko Esaase gold prospect, all of which are inferred to be underlain by similar geology regionally as Kunsu.

HIGHLIGHTS

336 line-kilometres of geophysics made up of Induced Polarization (IP) and Resistivity geophysics as well as 3,600 soil geochemical samples collected over a combined strike length of about 18 km revealed four (4) major NE-SW trending anomalies;

North Grid Anomaly - strike length of about 3.5km

Central Grid Anomaly - strike length of about 4km

South East Grid Anomaly - strike length of about 1km

South West Grid Anomaly- strike length of about 0.5km

NORTH GRID ANOMALY

Historic reconnaissance drilling within the North grid anomaly, followed-up by limited supplemental due diligence field work as carried out by Geoman Consult include:

4m @ 2.68g/t from 62m in KUDD0002, 2.4m @ 2.41g/t from 37.6m in KUDD0005, 28m @ 5.5g/t from 62m in KURC0021, 20m @ 2.16g/t from 18m in KURC0023 and 36m @ 4.08g/t from 86m in KURC0029;

318.8 m of core diamond drilling of two historical drillhole sites reported Au grades of 3 m @ 1.32 g/t from 88.5 m, 6 m @ 0.45 g/t from 109.5 m including 1.47 g/t at 115.5 m and 1m @24.80g/t at 154.5m in GKUDD001. 5.5 m @ 0.93 g/t from 62 m including 2.34 g/t at 63.5 m and 12.8 m @ 0.42 g/t from 80.5 m including 2m @ 1.35 g/t from 85.5 m in GKUDD002

Reopening of 211.9 m of two old trenches from Newmont's work, of which a total of 178 m sections were sampled, and the excavation of 94.4 m of one new trench (GKUTR003). The notable and significant intersections in the trenches (GKUTR001 and GKUTR002) are: GKUTR001: 16m @ 0.35g/t including 1 m @ 1.30 g/t, and GKUTR002: 65m @ 0.22g/t including 1m @ 5.06 g/t. The new trench results confirm Newmont's reported results, with even some improvement.

WAY AHEAD

The approved 145 days follow-up staged exploration exercise will comprise a geophysical survey, trenching and drilling work program that focuses on the North Grid zone of the property. The exercise has been designed to in the end deliver to CAP information on the extent and prospectivity of gold mineralization and to provide reliable and sufficient data to define an inferred resource base.

Commenting on the update, Allan Green, Chairman and CEO, said: "The high potential Kunsu prospecting license provides an exciting new exploration target for the business. By signing the Definitive Agreement and approving a follow-up staged exploration exercise we show our commitment to further explore for new gold opportunities in Ghana."

TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE

Castle Peak's technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Prof. Prosper Mckenzie Nude, P.Geo., who serves as a Qualified Person under the definition in National Instrument 43-101 ('NI 43-101').

ABOUT CASTLE PEAK

Castle Peak Mining Ltd. is a Canadian-based junior exploration company focused on advancing greenfields and early stage gold projects. Castle Peak has successfully discovered and sold the high grade Apankrah deposit with an associated strategic land package. The Company is in process of acquiring the Kunsu prospecting license strategically placed on the Asankragua Manso Nkwanta gold belt in Ghana, West Africa.

For additional information contact:

Iyad Jarbou

Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 604.345.1926

Email: iyadj@castlepeakmining.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING AND OTHER CAUTIONARY INFORMATION

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts,that address the planned operations are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices for metals, the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses, the timely renewal of key permits, lower than expected grades and quantities of resources, mining rates and recovery rates and the lack of availability of necessary capital, which may not be available to the Company on terms acceptable to it or at all. The Company is subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's Annual Form 40-F filing with the United States Securities Commission and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com.















Figure 1: Location of the Kunsu PL



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4071/42947_fig1.jpg



Figure 2: The four identified anomalies on the Kunsu property



To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4071/42947_70356ac79479fa95_002full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42947Flanigan will moderate panel to discuss debt strategy and risk-return profiles

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / Am Law 100 firm POLSINELLI's Dan Flanigan, Managing Partner of the firm's New York office, Founder of the firm's Financial Services Department, and Chair Emeritus of POLSINELLI'S Real Estate & Financial Services Department, will be among top industry thought leaders as moderator of a panel titled, 'Strategy: Analysis of Debt Across the Risk-Return Spectrum,' at the PERE Debt Forum to be held March 5th in Hong Kong. The debt strategy-focused panel will include a discussion of the role of debt in real estate portfolios, among other key topics.

Date: Tuesday, March 5th, 2019

Time: 10:10 AM (HKT)

Panel Title: ' Strategy: Analysis of Debt Across the Risk-Return Spectrum'

Location: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

The PERE Debt Forum precedes the twelfth annual PERE Asia summit March 6th-7th, also at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

In commenting on POLSINELLI's participation at the PERE Asia events and the industry landscape, Flanigan said: 'My involvement in PERE Debt and PERE Asia simply confirms our continuing commitment to helping Chinese and other Asian investors who are now investing or contemplating future investing in U.S. real estate assets, both dirt and debt. In addition, I will be able to use the trip to visit existing China-based clients who, by the way, are doing deals in the U.S. Most of the headlines about the Chinese retreat from U.S. real estate is about the huge players and the huge deals. Yes, overall investment is down, but there is still plenty of it, especially in the middle market. We are certain that patience and persistence, staying the course, and playing the long game will continue to reward us.'

About POLSINELLI

POLSINELLI is an Am Law 100 firm with more than 825 attorneys in 22 U.S. offices. Ranked #30 for Client Service Excellence1 and #10 for best client relationships2 among 650 U.S. law firms, POLSINELLI was also named among the top 30 best-known firms in the nation3. The firm's attorneys provide value through practical legal counsel infused with business insight, and focus on health care, financial services, real estate, intellectual property, mid-market corporate, labor and employment, and business litigation. www.polsinelli.com | In California, POLSINELLI LLP

12019 BTI Client Service A-Team Report

22017 BTI Industry Power Rankings

32018 BTI Brand Elite

For more information, contact:

Cathy Loos at cathy@adam-friedman.com, +1-347-334-4135

SOURCE: POLSINELLI

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536174/Dan-Flanigan-of-POLSINELLI-to-Speak-at-Inaugural-PERE-Debt-Forum-on-March-5th-in-Hong-KongRegulatory News:

Genkyotex (Paris:GKTX) (Brussels:GKTX) (Euronext Paris Brussels: FR00011790542 GKTX), a biopharmaceutical company and the leader in NOX therapies, today announced that members of management will present a corporate overview at two upcoming conferences, the Berenberg NASH Day, and the Global Engage 2nd Annual Global NASH Congress.

Berenberg NASH Day

Date: Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Time: 09:30 AM EST

Location: Berenberg Offices, New York, NY

Global Engage 2nd Annual Global NASH Congress

Date: Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Time: 2:20 PM GMT

Location: London Heathrow Marriott Hotel, London, United Kingdom

About Genkyotex

Genkyotex is the leading biopharmaceutical company in NOX therapies, listed on the Euronext Paris and Euronext Brussels markets. A leader in NOX therapies, its unique therapeutic approach is based on a selective inhibition of NOX enzymes that amplify multiple disease processes such as fibrosis, inflammation, pain processing, cancer development, and neurodegeneration.

Genkyotex's platform enables the identification of orally available small-molecules that selectively inhibit specific NOX enzymes. Genkyotex is developing a pipeline of first-in-class product candidates targeting one or multiple NOX enzymes. The lead product candidate, GKT831, a NOX1 and NOX4 inhibitor is evaluated in a phase 2 clinical trial in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC, a fibrotic orphan disease) and in an investigator-initiated Phase 2 clinical trial in Type 1 Diabetes and Kidney Disease (DKD). A grant from the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) of $8.9 million was awarded to Professor Victor Thannickal at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to fund a multi-year research program evaluating the role of NOX enzymes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease that results in fibrosis of the lungs, the core component of the program will be to conduct a Phase 2 trial with the GKT831 in patients with IPF. This product candidate may also be active in other fibrotic indications. Its second product candidate, GKT771, is a NOX1 inhibitor targeting multiple pathways in angiogenesis, pain processing, and inflammation, currently undergoing preclinical testing.

Genkyotex also has a versatile platform well-suited to the development of various immunotherapies (Vaxiclase). A partnership covering the use of Vaxiclase as an antigen per se (GTL003) has been established with Serum Institute of India Private Ltd (Serum Institute), the world's largest producer of vaccine doses, for the development by Serum Institute of cellular multivalent combination vaccines against a variety of infectious diseases. This partnership could generate approximately 150 million in future revenues for Genkyotex, before royalties on sales.

For further information, please go towww.genkyotex.com

Disclaimer

This press release may contain forward-looking statements by the company with respect to its objectives. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs, estimates and expectations of Genkyotex's management and are subject to risks and uncertainties such as the company's ability to implement its chosen strategy, customer market trends, changes in technologies and in the company's competitive environment, changes in regulations, clinical or industrial risks and all risks linked to the company's growth. These factors as well as other risks and uncertainties may prevent the company from achieving the objectives outlined in the press release and actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, due to various factors. Without being exhaustive, such factors include uncertainties involved in the development of Genkyotex's products, which may not succeed, or in the delivery of Genkyotex's products marketing authorizations by the relevant regulatory authorities and, in general, any factor that could affects Genkyotex's capacity to commercialize the products it develops. No guarantee is given on forward-looking statements which are subject to a number of risks, notably those described in the registration document (document de reference) registered by the French Markets Authority (the AMF) on 27 April 2018 under number R.18-037, and those linked to changes in economic conditions, the financial markets, or the markets on which Genkyotex is present. Genkyotex products are currently used for clinical trials only and are not otherwise available for distribution or sale.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005720/en/

Contacts:

INVESTORS

NewCap

Dusan Oresansky, Tristan Roquet Montegon and Emmanuel Huynh

+33 1 44 71 94 92

genkyotex@newcap.eu



MEDIA

NewCap

Nicolas Merigeau, Arthur Rouille

+33 1 44 71 00 15

genkyotex@newcap.eu



US

LifeSci Advisors, LLC

Brian Ritchie

+1-212-915-2578

britchie@lifesciadvisors.comSpendEdge, a well-known procurement intelligence solution provider, has announced the completion of their latest category management study for a food retail companyThe study provides a holistic overview of how rising global population and increasing purchasing power is impacting food retail companies. It also provides detailed insights on how category management process can facilitate an effective category planning cycle.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005716/en/

Category management study for a food retail company. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The recent shift in customer choices has raised pressure on food retail companies to scrutinize their store and brand portfolios. To address this pressure, companies are focusing on a broader scope and complete lifecycle of products and services. They are opting for strategies that can enhance customer management and support their business objectives. With a category management strategy in place, companies can easily evaluate sourcing destinations, monitor supplier performance and maximize their savings.

According to the procurement experts at SpendEdge, "The entry of new food retail companies in emerging economies is escalating pressure for existing companies to conduct an in-depth analysis and assessment of the supply market and leverage demand across the enterprise for sustainability."

The Business Problem: The client is a leading firm in the food retail industry with annual revenue of over $17 billion. Being one of the largest companies in the United States, the company wanted to address the aggressive expansion plans of its competitors by implementing effective supply chain management and sourcing strategies. They were also interested in identifying opportunities to improve their sales and margins. Hence, they felt the need to leverage SpendEdge's expertise and modify their category management strategy that can address changes in the food retail sector.

Is the rapidly evolving market is hindering the sales and margins for your organization? Talk to our experts and know how our portfolio of category management solutions can help you.

The Solution Offered:Our procurement experts analyzed the key cost drivers in the food retail industry and devised a potent category management strategy for the client. The category management strategy helped the client to manage spend and make informed business decisions. This reduced their source-to-pay cycle times significantly. Furthermore, the implementation of category management strategy helped category managers to achieve an annual savings of $20 million for the company.

An effective category management strategy directly impacts the savings of a company. To know how you can improve savings for your organization, request a free proposal today

SpendEdge's category management strategy helped the client to:

Gain an annual savings of $20 million.

Minimize source-to-pay cycle times.

Want to know how you can devise an effective strategy that can help you reduce source-to-pay cycle times and attain substantial savings? Request a free demo and leverage our category management services now.

SpendEdge's category management strategy also offered predictive insights on:

Analyzing the key cost drivers in the industry.

Extracting relevant information and providing actionable insights to category managers.

Read the complete article to know more: https://www.spendedge.com/casestudy/food-retail-category-management

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/20190220005716/en/

Contacts:

SpendEdge

Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

US: +1 630 984 7340

UK: +44 148 459 9299

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-usArtprice: the Top 10 of Surrealism

Artprice posts an auction ranking to help you apprehend the Art Market's leading trends. This week, Artprice takes a look at the 10 most expensive Surrealist artworks ever sold at auction A ranking very clearly dominated by Miro.

Thierry Ehrmann: "The Catalan Surrealist artist Joan Miro, the subject of a major retrospective at the Grand Palais in Paris (ended February 4, 2019), is also very clearly the leading Surrealist artist on the auction market with seven out of the Top-10 results. The other three places are currently occupied by Rene Magritte and Salvador Dali". Awaiting the next Surrealist Auction next week in London (read further).

The Top 10 of Surrealism by artprice.com

Rank Artist Hammer Price ($) Artwork Sale 1 Joan MIRO (1893-1983) 36,955,821 Peinture (Etoile Bleue) 19/jun/2012 Sotheby's London 2 Joan MIRO (1893-1983) 31,461,029 Femme et oiseaux 21/jun/2017 Sotheby's London 3 Rene MAGRITTE (1898-1967) 26,830,500 Le principe du plaisir 12/nov/2018 Sotheby's New York 4 Joan MIRO (1893-1983) 26,590,650 Painting Poem 07/feb/2012 Christie's London 5 Joan MIRO (1893-1983) 23,413,412 Painting (Women, Moon, Birds) 04/feb/2015 Christie's London 6 Joan MIRO (1893-1983) 23,375,000 Peinture 13/nov/2017 Christie's New York 7 Joan MIRO (1893-1983) 22,590,000 Femme dans la nuit 15/nov/2018 Phillips New York 8 Joan MIRO (1893-1983) 21,687,500 Femme entendant de la musique 15/may/2018 Christie's New York 9 Salvador DALI (1904-1989) 21,673,806 Portrait de Paul Eluard 10/feb/2011 Sotheby's London 10 Rene MAGRITTE (1898-1967) 20,562,500 L'empire des lumieres 13/11/2017 Christie's New York Copyright  2019 artprice.com

[https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2019/02/andre-breton.jpeg]

Andre BRETON,

Portrait by thierry Ehrmann , courtesy of Demeure du Chaos/Abode of Chaos, HQ Artprice.

As thierry Ehrmann recalls, Andre Breton (then a medical student), father of surrealism, declared: "Madness is the first material of Surrealism".

Miro, the most sought-after Surrealist

Miro is undoubtedly one of the leading artists on the Western Art Market, first because his unbridled imagination made him one of the most interesting artists of the Surrealist scene, "the most Surreal of us all  according to Andre Breton, and secondly, because he was particularly prolific: among the approximately one thousand Miro works that change hands at auction each year, there are always a couple of treasures that deserve a place in the world's top museums.

In concrete terms, Joan Miro is known to have produced at least 2,000 paintings, 5,000 drawings, 500 sculptures, a few hundred ceramics and a large quantity of prints which represent 91% of his lots sold at auction every year. The prices of his canvases are extremely variable, depending on the historical and artistic importance of the work. Among the 17 Miro paintings sold so far this year, some smaller works (roughly 30 cm) have fetched around $250,000 whereas others with similar dimensions have fetched well over a million dollars.

A good quality work by Miro will fetch a high price but when quality combines with size the prices rocket. His best works sell for over $20 million, a threshold crossed eight times so far with a notable acceleration in the last 12 months. Indeed four of those results above the $20 million line have been hammered in the last year for Peinture (1933), Femme dans la nuit (1945) and Femme entendant de la musique (1945), all three in this Top 10, as well as for Mural I / Mural II / Mural III (1933) which fetched $ 20 million last May at Christie's in New York.

His turnover total for the year 2018 is therefore outstanding (so far $ 107.6 million since January) placing him among the world's most successful artists. In our provisional ranking for 2018 Miro currently occupies 13th place. Considered universal, his work has appealed to Western and Japanese collectors, but it has not yet penetrated the world's largest marketplace China.

Magritte, two new records in 12 months

Magritte's double appearance in this ranking is all the more remarkable because his two latest records were hammered in the past 12 months. The first in November 2017, for a painting from his emblematic series L'Empire des Lumieres. It's interesting to trace the series' price history: in 1996, a major canvas from this famous series reached $3.5 million in London. In 2002, another, dated 1952, fetched $12.6 million in New York. That was a new peak for a Surrealist artist at the time.

In 2017, that peak was almost doubled when The empire of lights (1949) sold for $20.5 million in New York. That record, coming just after two other new records during the same year 2017, marked the most successful year in the Belgian Surrealist's auction history, with an annual turnover of $77.8 million. The strong demand was almost certainly fanned by "cultural news', particularly by the exhibition La trahison des images at the Pompidou Center in Paris and the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt (2016-2017).

The effervescence has continued this year. In February, Magritte elicited the highest bid during London's Surrealist sales (Christie's and Sotheby's) ahead of Miro, with a pioneering 1926 work Le groupe silencieux that fetched $10 million. Then, on 12 November, Sotheby's set a superb new record for the artist at $26.8 million.

The most expensive Magritte ever sold, the work bears the poetic and enigmatic title Le principe du plaisir and is a portrait of Edward James, an English heir to an American railroad fortune turned eccentric poet and influential patron of Surrealist art who invited Magritte to reside and paint in his London residence for two years.

Le principe du plaisir exceeded its low estimate by more than $10 million. The painting was acquired by the seller 40 years earlier for just $74,000.

Surrealist love

The third Surrealist in this ranking is none other than the great Salvador Dali with a work whose price might seem excessive compared to its modest size: 33 x 25 centimeters. The Portrait of Paul Eluard is a small oil-on-cardboard whose price went from $2 million in 1989 (Christie's New York) to $21 million in 2011 at Sotheby's (against an estimate of just $5-8 million!).

The price of this work therefore multiplied by 10 in twenty years, setting Dali's all-time auction and it still stands . Painted at the same time as the Great Masturbateur, Portrait of Paul Eluard condenses the Dalinian iconography of the time, especially with the roaring lion's head symbolizing desire.

It was 1929 when Dali painted this delirious portrait of the poet who came to visit him in Cadaques with his wife at that time.. a certain Gala. Dali immediately fell in love with Gala, who become his principal inspiration. The work is not only the portrait of Paul Eluard, it also marks the beginning of the most famous couple in Surrealism. Faced with such a powerful love story, the bidding escaped from the limitations of the work's format

Surrealism

Surrealism* is a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, and is best known for its visual artworks and writings. Artists painted unnerving, illogical scenes with photographic precision, created strange creatures from everyday objects, and developed painting techniques that allowed the unconscious to express itself. Its aim was to "resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality into an absolute reality, a super-reality".

Works of surrealism feature the element of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions and non sequitur; however, many surrealist artists and writers regard their work as an expression of the philosophical movement first and foremost, with the works being an artifact. Leader Andre Breton was explicit in his assertion that Surrealism was, above all, a revolutionary movement.

Surrealism developed out of the Dada activities during World War I and the most important center of the movement was Paris. From the 1920s onward, the movement spread around the globe, eventually affecting the visual arts, literature, film, and music of many countries and languages, as well as political thought and practice, philosophy, and social theory.

(*Source: wikipedia.org)

Upcoming auctions

February 26, 2019: Surrealist Art Evening Sale - Sotheby's London

https://www.artprice.com/sale/292467/surrealist+art+evening+sale

February 27, 2019: The Art Of The Surreal Evening Sale - Christie's London

https://www.artprice.com/sale/296145/the+art+of+the+surreal+evening+sale

Copyright 2019 thierry Ehrmann - www.artprice.com

Try our services (free demo):

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About Artprice:

Artprice is listed on the Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF.

Founded by thierry Ehrmann (see Who's who certified Biography ) (c) https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2018/10/bio-2019-whos-who-thierry-ehrmann.pdf ).

Dicover Artprice in video: https://www.artprice.com/video

Artprice is the global leader in art price and art index databanks. It has over 30 million indices and auction results covering more than 700,000 artists. Artprice Images gives unlimited access to the largest Art Market resource in the world: a library of 126 million images or prints of artworks from the year 1700 to the present day, along with comments by Artprice's art historians.

Artprice permanently enriches its databanks with information from 6,300 auctioneers and it publishes a constant flow of art market trends for the world's principal news agencies and approximately 7,200 international press publications.

For its 4,500,000 members, Artprice gives access to the world's leading Standardised Marketplace for buying and selling art. Artprice is preparing its blockchain for the Art Market. It is BPI-labelled (scientific national French label) Artprice's Global Art Market Annual Report for 2017 published last March 2018: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2017

Artprice is associated with Artron Group the Chinese leader in the Art Market, its solid institutional partner.

About the Artron Group:

"Artron Art Group (Artron), a comprehensive cultural industrial group founded in 1993 by Wan jie, is committed to inheriting, enhancing and spreading art value. Based on abundant art data, Artron provides art industry and art fans with professional service and experience of quality products by integrated application of IT, advanced digital science and innovative crafts and materials.

Having produced more than 60,000 books and auction catalogues, Artron is the world's largest art book printer with a total print volume of 300 million a year. It has more than 3 million professional members in the arts sector and an average of 15 million daily visits, making it the world's leading art website."

Artron's Web: www.Artron.net

Artprice's Contemporary Art Market Annual Report for 2017 - free access at: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2017

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Discover the Alchemy and the universe of Artprice http://web.artprice.com/video, which headquarters are the famous Museum of Contemporary Art, the Abode of Chaos:

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Communique integral et original au format PDF:Telecharger le PDFWashington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2019) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged Gladius Network LLC with conducting an unregistered initial coin offering (ICO), which the company self-reported to the SEC.

According to the SEC's order, Gladius conducted an ICO in late 2017, after the Commission had warned in its DAO Report of Investigation that ICOs can be securities offerings. Gladius, a Washington, DC-based company, raised approximately $12.7 million in digital assets to finance its plan to develop a network for renting spare computer bandwidth to defend against cyberattacks and enhance delivery speed. Gladius did not register its ICO under the federal securities laws, and the ICO did not qualify for an exemption from registration requirements.

Gladius self-reported to the SEC's Enforcement staff in the summer of 2018, expressed an interest in taking prompt remedial steps, and cooperated with the investigation. The SEC did not impose a penalty because the company self-reported the conduct, agreed to compensate investors, and will register the tokens as a class of securities. The case follows the Commission's two recent ICO registration cases, in which companies agreed to pay penalties for similar registration violations and agreed to similar undertakings.

"The SEC has been clear that companies must comply with the securities laws when issuing digital tokens that are securities," said Robert A. Cohen, Chief of the SEC's Cyber Unit. "Today's case shows the benefit of self-reporting and taking proactive steps to remediate unregistered offerings."

Pursuant to the order, Gladius undertakes to return funds to those investors who purchased tokens in the ICO and request a return of funds, and register its tokens as securities pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Gladius also will file required periodic reports with the Commission. Gladius consented to the order without admitting or denying the findings.

The investigation was conducted by Laura K. D'Allaird and Marc E. Johnson of the Enforcement Division's Cyber Unit and was supervised by Mr. Cohen.The combination of van line networks will create capacity and growth for agents, drivers and customers

INDIANAPOLIS, IN / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / In a move to expand the Wheaton Van Lines network, Wheaton is acquiring Stevens Worldwide Van Lines. The new partnership will immediately expand the capacity and capabilities of the four brands under the Wheaton group umbrella:

Wheaton World Wide Moving

Bekins Van Lines

Stevens Worldwide Van Lines

Clark & Reid

The Stevens family will continue to own and operate Stevens International Forwarding and Focused Logistics. Their three local agencies will continue to be agents of the Stevens Worldwide Van Lines brand in Saginaw, Mich., as well as Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio and will maintain a significant hauling fleet within the new network.

'I think this partnership is a huge opportunity for all parties involved,' said Morrie Stevens, Sr., Stevens Van Lines Chairman of the Board and CEO. 'Joining the Wheaton Van Lines network gives all of the drivers and agents in the Stevens network more opportunities for growth. I'm particularly excited for our corporate clients that will gain access to more capacity when they need it the most. I've admired the Wheaton network for a long time. Wheaton has proven to be a steady, stable, smart and consistent network that understands how to build upon the success it's had for the past 74 years.'

Wheaton will continue to operate all four of its brands throughout the United States. This is Wheaton's third acquisition since 2012 when it acquired Bekins Van Lines and, a year later, Clark & Reid, making it the fourth largest van line group in the country.

'Stevens and the agents in the Stevens network are a stellar fit for our growing company,' said Mark Kirschner, Wheaton Van Lines, Inc., CEO. 'It's clear that our philosophies align and that we both see this as an opportunity to bring more to our drivers, agents and customers. I'm excited for our partnership moving forward.'

About Wheaton Van Lines, Inc.

Wheaton Van Lines, Inc. is one of the world's most highly regarded providers of transportation services. Wheaton Van Lines Inc., owns four household goods relocation brands, Wheaton World Wide Moving, Bekins Van Lines, Stevens Worldwide Van Lines and Clark & Reid. The van line is the fourth largest household goods carrier. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., through its brands Wheaton offers private and corporate domestic and international household goods relocation services as well as special commodities and logistic services. The United States military is one of the company's largest customers. The van line is partner to approximately 400 Wheaton, Bekins, Stevens and Clark & Reid agents nationwide. To learn more, visit www.wheatonworldwide.com/why-wheaton/partners.

Media Contact:

Jaymie Shook, Director of Marketing Communications

Wheaton World Wide Moving | Bekins Van Lines | Stevens Worldwide Van Lines

317.558.0728 | jaymie_shook@wvlcorp.com

SOURCE: Wheaton Van Lines, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536127/Wheaton-Van-Lines-Inc-Acquires-Stevens-Worldwide-Van-LinesToronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2019) - Osoyoos Cannabis Inc. ("the Company" or "Osoyoos Cannabis") will commence trading on the Canadian Stock Exchange ("CSE") on February 21, 2019, under the symbol "OSO".

There have been a number of significant developments within the Company leading up to our public debut that we wish to highlight to our valued investors.



Osoyoos Cannabis is advancing on a pathway to become a world-leading cannabinoid extraction company. Consequently, the Company has amended its original application for a Cultivation License under the ACMPR, to a Standard Processor License under the Cannabis Act. This application has been submitted through the Indigenous Navigator Program, which is expected to expedite the licensing process. Our application is currently in the review stage.

In furthering this strategy, Osoyoos Cannabis has secured a lease, with the option to purchase, a 10,410 ft2 facility on the Osoyoos Indian Band's lands in the Senkulmen Business Park in Oliver, BC. The building and its location are perfectly suited for the purposes of cannabinoid extraction. The facility is a former storage warehouse that is in excellent condition and has the ideal dimensions to allow for a phased retrofit. Phase One of this retrofit is approximately 3,500 ft2. The initial architectural designs have been completed and the Company is advancing the build out.

To implement the operating model, Osoyoos Cannabis has purchased and taken possession of four Vitalis Supercritical CO 2 Extraction Systems, which will operate within the footprint of the Phase One retrofit. These Systems will allow for the processing of up to 50,000 kilograms of dried flower annually, which is expected to produce approximately 4,900 kilograms of winterized output per year.

The ongoing execution of our plan will allow Osoyoos Cannabis to pursue four core business lines:

1) Contract processing for third-party licensed producers, by performing tolling services for the extraction of pharmaceutical-grade, purified oil from cannabis or hemp;

2) Extraction and production of oils to be sold through wholesale contracts to third-party licensed producers;

3) Leverage our extraction expertise for the development of cannabis concentrates, product formulations and processing and packaging for ready to sell white-labelled products for third-party licensed producers; and

4) Manufacturing and distribution of our own proprietary Osoyoos Cannabis branded products for retail, allowing us to create greater margins upon sale and to build a lifestyle brand along the way.

Subsequent to the Phase One facility retrofit, which is expected to be completed in summer 2019, Osoyoos Cannabis will commence its Phase Two retrofit. This Phase will entail retrofitting the balance of the facility, adding more packaging equipment and doubling extraction capacity. Doing so will allow for the processing of up to 100,000 kilograms of flower annually which is expected to produce approximately 9,800 kilograms of output per year.

In addition to Osoyoos Cannabis' application for a Standard Processing license, the Company is also in the process of negotiating a letter of intent relating to 100 acres of neighboring land with the intention of cultivating cannabis outdoors. The Okanagan Valley is the hottest and driest place in Canada, which is the ideal location to establish an outdoor grow. This low-cost cultivation method, combined with high-margin processing and product development expertise, will allow Osoyoos Cannabis to operate with some of the best economics in the industry.

Osoyoos Cannabis is excited to pursue these two fundamental strategies that capitalize on current industry themes: namely the production of cannabis concentrates and access to low cost input materials.

For a full description of the Company, readers are encouraged to review its Listing Statement dated February 20, 2019 which may be viewed at: www.SEDAR.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

OSOYOOS CANNABIS INC.

"GERRY GOLDBERG"

Interim CEO and Executive Chairman

For further information contact:

Gerry Goldberg | ggoldberg@osoyooscannabis.com | (416) 460-3000

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 "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "may", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the intention of the Company to become licensed in Canada to produce and sell cannabis extracts. 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 material factors and assumptions include the parties being able to obtain the necessary corporate, regulatory and other third-party approvals; licensing and other risks associated with Cannabis Act (Canada) operations. 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. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company 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.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42944TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / SusGlobal Energy Corp. ("SusGlobal Energy" or the ("Company") (OTCQB: SNRG), the developer of SusGro, a revolutionary pathogen free organic fertilizer, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, SusGlobal Energy Belleville Ltd. ("SusGlobal Belleville"), has executed a non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI") for certain assets (the "Assets"), including 39.44 acres of property (the "Property") located at 704 Phillipston Road, in Belleville, Ontario.

Subject to the execution of an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "APA"), the LOI sets forth the terms, including the purchase price of USD$1,332,153 (CAD$1,767,250) in cash to be paid on closing, less the sum of USD$54,274 (CAD$72,000) advanced by the Company to seller on February 5, 2019.

If the APA is signed SusGlobal Belleville will become the owner of the 39.44 land parcel and no longer a lessee of the existing 13.88-acre portion. SusGlobal Belleville will be expanding the site capacity to 70,000 tonnes per annum from the current 35,000 tonnes per annum composting facility to continue producing its Earth's Journey Compost, with an additional 50,000 tonnes per annum organic processing and transfer site approved under the existing Environmental Compliance Approval ("ECA") and Site Plan. The expansion and integration of processing equipment into the existing facilities will also allow for treating of source separated organics ("SSO") and industrial, commercial and institutional ("ICI") organic wastes to produce a high yield organic slurry which will be sent to local anaerobic digesters to produce energy, while continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ("GHG") by diverting organic waste from landfills.

"We are very pleased to be able to enter into an LOI to purchase this large parcel of land with the ECA attached in order to expand our Belleville site to bring the Ontario, Quebec and New York State organic waste management systems to a sustainable level by diverting from landfills" stated Marc Hazout, Executive Chairman and President of SusGlobal Energy Corp.

The details of the LOI are found in the Current Report on Form 8-K that the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2019.

About SusGlobal Energy Corp.

SusGlobal Energy Corp., the developer of SusGro, a revolutionary pathogen free organic fertilizer is a renewables company focused on acquiring, developing and monetizing a portfolio of proprietary technologies in the waste to energy and regenerative products application globally. It is management's objective to grow SusGlobal into a significant sustainable waste to energy and regenerative products provider, as Leaders in The Circular Economy. For more information, please visit the Company's website at: www.susglobalenergy.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company's objectives. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, lack of sufficient financial resources; variations in market conditions, currency and our stock; the Company's ability to obtain any necessary permits, approvals, consents or authorizations required for its activities; the Company's ability to produce energy, biogas, compost or organic fertilizer from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, or to be fully able to implement its business strategies and other risk factors described in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which may be viewed at www.sec.gov .

CONTACT:

SusGlobal Energy Corp.

Marc Hazout, President

(416) 223-8500 or Toll Free: 1-866-512-7374

Email: info@susglobalenergy.com

SOURCE: SusGlobal Energy Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536084/SusGlobal-Signs-Letter-of-Intent-to-Purchases-Assets-Including-3944-Acres-for-Expansion-Plan-at-Belleville-SitePALM BEACH, Florida, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian cannabis companies are ramping up their operations and are also looking to take their expertise to nations around the world. A recent article in an industry publication, Cannabis Business Times, published a list of what to do and not do while expanding to other countries. The article stated: "Cannabis's future is clearly global. It seems every few months a different country proposes new regulations to allow medical or recreational use in some form. Investors and operators with successful businesses in the U.S. and Canada are understandably interested in continuing this activity abroad, and many are aggressively investigating and pursuing those opportunities, moving into an international market is not always seamless. Cultural, environmental and governmental challenges may outweigh the benefits of expanding internationally. Active companies in the cannabis industry includes: Weekend Unlimited Inc. (CSE: POT) (OTC: WKULF), Aphria Inc. (NYSE: APHA) (TSX: APHA), Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. (TSX-V: XLY) (OTC: CBWTF), The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (TSX-V: FIRE) (OTC: SPRWF), MedMen Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMEN.) (OTC: MMNFF).

Weekend Unlimited Inc. (CSE: POT) (OTCQB: WKULF) (FSE: 0OS1) BREAKING NEWS: Weekend Unlimited having announced the signing of a definitive agreement on 13 February 2019 to acquire R&D Pharma's Jamaican interests, has completed the arms-length acquisition of R&D Pharma.



"We are thrilled to join the tremendous team at Weekend Unlimited under Paul Chu's leadership. With our Tier-3 cultivators license, our active focus is on medical tourism in Jamaica, having designed and constructed the first of our 'Ganja Cafe's' within a short tour bus ride from the cruise ship terminals in Ocho Rios," said Richard Bailey, President of R&D Pharma.



"We just completed a harvest last week on our 98-acre property to stock the Ganja Cafe for first tourism visits beginning on May 15th. The Ganja Cafe will be stocked with branded Jamaican strains, extracts, and infused products that will serve as a precursor to our future wholesale distribution in Jamaica and internationally," added Mr. Bailey



Weekend issued 80 million shares at a deemed price of $0.25 as well as making available 25 million warrants to the shareholders of R & D Pharma. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional share for $0.35 for a period of 2 years. Approximately 49 million shares are subject to a voluntary escrow agreement that sees 20% released at closing and the balance in 6 equal instalments over 3 years. Read this full announcement and more news for Weekend Unlimited at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-pot/



Additional cannabis industry related developments from around the markets:

Aphria Inc. (NYSE: APHA) (TSX: APHA) On February 19 the company announced that independent members of its Board of Directors consisting of Shlomo Bibas , John Herhalt , Tom Looney and Irwin Simon , unanimously approved the early termination and liquidation of a promissory note, option and other agreements (the "Early Termination and Liquidation") related to the Company's previously announced divestment of all interests in Liberty Health Sciences, Inc. ("Liberty").

As detailed on September 6, 2018 , the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with a group of buyers, wherein it completed the sale of the shares making up 100% of its outstanding interest in Liberty, in exchange for a five-year promissory note due September 6, 2023 , bearing interest at 12% per annum and in the amount of $59,097,986 . Aphria retained an irrevocable option to repurchase its shares in Liberty from the buyers for a period of up to five years, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.

Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. (TSX-V: XLY.V) (OTCQX: CBWTF) recently announced the appointments of Brian Schmitt as Chief Financial Officer, Jason Sonshine as Vice President, Strategy, and Carla Nawrocki as Vice President, Investor Relations of the Company.

Chuck Rifici noted "We are delighted that Brian, Jason and Carla have joined the Auxly family and look forward to their insight and contributions as we continue to execute on our strategic plan. We are very pleased with the strength of the management team that we've assembled here at Auxly."

The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (TSX-V: FIRE.V) (OTCQX: SPRWF) last week announced the release of its financial and operating results for the three and six months ended December 31, 2018. "We're pleased with our second quarter results, which show meaningful revenue growth quarter-over-quarter and continues to reflect our strong operational execution," said Navdeep Dhaliwal, CEO of Supreme Cannabis. "Since Supreme received its license over two years ago, we have been one of the fastest scaling Licensed Producer's in Canada, demonstrated by one of the strongest first years of revenue in the sector."

"During the second quarter we made our first shipments of 7ACRES-branded product to adult-use markets in six provinces. The consumer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Cannabis enthusiasts are vocal about their passion for high-quality cannabis. We believe 7ACRES has quickly established itself as Canada's only premier cannabis producer at scale. With construction on the flowering room at 7ACRES scheduled to be completed by the end of March, we're looking forward to increasing our production capacity to help meet consumer demand and drive further revenue growth throughout the year. This quarter validated many aspects of our consumer driven market thesis and demonstrates the strength of our intellectual property around scaled cultivation."

MedMen Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMEN.CN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) recently announced that it has closed its previously announced acquisition (the "Acquisition") of Kannaboost Technology Inc. and CSI Solutions LLC, collectively referred to as "Level Up," two vertically-integrated operations in Arizona. The acquisition includes retail locations in Scottsdale and Tempe, as well as 25,000 square feet of cultivation and production capacity in Tempe and Phoenix. The acquisition also includes a 40 percent stake in top-selling brand K.I.N.D. Concentrates, which is currently distributed in over 90 percent of the dispensaries in Arizona. The Company paid a combination of cash and stock valued at an aggregate of $33.5 million.

With the closing of the Acquisition and following the completion of the pending acquisition of PharmaCann, LLC, MedMen will be licensed for three medical-use cannabis dispensaries in Arizona. The flagship Level Up location in Scottsdale is one of the highest-grossing dispensaries in the state.

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 Weekend Unlimited Inc. 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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+1(561)325-8757- 210 Hotels Across the Globe Achieve Coveted Five-Star Award; 21 New Hotels Receive Top Honors for First Time

- The Peninsula Hotels Becomes the World's First All Five-Star Hotel Company

- Awards Launch in 11 New Destinations; Malaysia, Portugal, South Korea, Turkey,

Vietnam Earn First Five-Star Ratings

- Middle East Expansion Continues with New Five-Star Hotel in Abu Dhabi,

New Four-Star Properties in Bahrain, Oman

ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes Travel Guide today debuted its 61st annual list of Star Rating winners, recognizing the world's finest properties and rewarding gracious, intuitive service.

The 2019 award recipients include 21 new Five-Star hotels, 49 new Four-Star hotels and 62 new hotels in the Recommended category. Other first-time recipients include six Five-Star restaurants, eight Five-Star spas and 21 Four-Star spas. See the complete list of winners here.

A standout was The Peninsula Hotels, which made Forbes Travel Guide history by becoming the world's first all Five-Star hotel company. The Peninsula Manila earned its fifth star this year, which pushed the Hong Kong-based brand's tally to 10 Five-Star hotels.

Forbes Travel Guide rates properties in 76 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Newly added destinations for 2019 include: Anguilla, Bahrain, Belize, Danang, Doha, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Istanbul, Oman, Perth, the Swiss Alps, Tel Aviv and Uruguay.

Several countries captured their first Five-Star hotel: Malaysia (Crockfords at Resorts World Genting), Portugal (Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon), South Korea (The Shilla Seoul), Turkey (Raffles Istanbul) and Vietnam (Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An).

London unseated Macau as the city with the most Five-Star hotels, thanks to four new additions (Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London; The Langham, London; Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London; Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London). London finished with 13 top-ranking hotels, with Macau at a close 12.

The U.S. added two Five-Star hotels (Hawaii's Four Seasons Resort Lanai and the D.C. area's Salamander Resort & Spa). These countries gained one new Five-Star hotel: Canada (Fairmont Pacific Rim), China (Bulgari Hotel Beijing), France (Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel), Indonesia (Bulgari Resort Bali), Mexico (Rosewood San Miguel de Allende), the Philippines (The Peninsula Manila) and United Arab Emirates (Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island).

"At Forbes Travel Guide, we verify luxury. Our independent inspection process is the gold standard in the hospitality industry," said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. "Discerning travelers can trust that each winner is the best of the best. We are pleased to honor the 2019 Star Rating recipients, an exceptional collection of hotels, restaurants and spas dedicated to guest service."

The company will honor winners at Verified, The Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Summit at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on February 26 and 27.

For highlights and trends from our 2019 Star Awards, click here.

For details on how FTG compiles its Star Ratings, click here. For the complete list of 2019 winners, click here.VICTORIA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / GoldON Resources Ltd. ("GoldON" or the "Company") (TSX-V: GLD) is pleased to announce that Perry English has agreed to join the Company as a strategic advisor.

Raised in Red Lake, Ontario, Mr. English has focused his prospecting career on northwestern Ontario having staked thousands of claims and sold hundreds of properties over the last 35 years. He received the Ontario Prospectors Association's Prospector of the Year Award in 2007 as well as the Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.

"I have worked with Perry for many years and am thrilled that he has agreed to join the GoldON team. He has been referred to as a one-man project generator and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and contacts to the Company," said Michael Romanik, president of GoldON."

About GoldON Resources Ltd.

GoldON is an exploration company geographically focused on discovery-stage properties located in the prolific gold mining belts of Ontario, Canada. Our flagship project is the Slate Falls property in northwestern Ontario where at least 18 Au-Ag mineralized zones have been identified over 7 kilometers of the property. Slate Falls is fully permitted for exploration and drilling. GoldON currently has 8,954,370 shares issued. To learn more about the Company visit our website and view our latest presentation by clicking here.

For additional information contact Michael Romanik.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "Michael Romanik"

Michael Romanik, President

Direct line: (204) 724-0613

Email: info@goldonresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: GoldON Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536066/Perry-English-Joins-GoldON-Resources-as-Strategic-AdvisorToronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2019) - Black Iron Inc. (TSX: BKI) (OTC Pink: BKIRF) (FSE: BIN) ("Black Iron") is pleased to announce the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU") with a subsidiary of Glencore plc ("Glencore"), pursuant to which the parties agree to engage in formal negotiations to finance the construction of the Shymanivske Iron Ore Project (the "Project").

The MOU contemplates Glencore making an investment to help fund construction of the Project in exchange for securing the offtake of up to the full phase one planned annual production of four million tonnes with the terms and amount still to be negotiated. Additionally, the MOU outlines cooperation between Black Iron and Glencore to leverage their relationships to source the balance of funds required to construct the Project.

The MOU also allows for allocation of offtake to other equity investors subject to the investment terms offered being equal or superior to those proposed by Glencore. Black Iron is currently in discussion with other companies that have expressed strong interest in securing supply of the ultra high-grade iron ore concentrate expected to be produced from the Project in exchange for providing construction financing.

Matt Simpson, Black Iron's CEO, commented: "I am excited to welcome Glencore as an offtake investor for construction of the Shymanivske Project as well as their agreement to work with us to help secure additional financing. Glencore's involvement significantly strengthens our capability and draws on their extensive international network, experience and market knowledge."

Securing the complete finance package in addition to the required surface rights are the two main areas of focus for Black Iron management. As previously indicated, debt finance discussions are ongoing with international finance institutions and European based banks who really like the projected robust economics of the Project due to its low operating cost and construction capital intensity.

The Project is located in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, a highly developed iron ore mining region with well-established infrastructure located well away from the conflict zones. The Project's proximity and access to major infrastructure including paved roads, railway, powerlines and port as well as highly skilled low-cost labour force allow for a phased development approach at significantly reduced initial capital requirements and operating costs.

Black Iron plans to produce a 68% iron content pellet feed concentrate with very low levels of trace elements that can be used to produce high-quality iron ore blast furnace pellets or premium direct reduction grade pellets. It can also be used as a sweetener in the feed for sinter production which is then processed to iron in blast furnaces.

About Black Iron

Black Iron is an iron ore exploration and development company, advancing its 100% owned Shymanivske project located in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. The Shymanivske project contains a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimated to be 646 Mt Measured and Indicated mineral resources, consisting of 355 Mt Measured mineral resources grading 31.6% total iron and 18.8% magnetic iron, and Indicated mineral resources of 290 Mt grading 31.1% total iron and 17.9% magnetic iron, using a cut-off grade of 10% magnetic iron. Additionally, the Shymanivske project contains 188 Mt of Inferred mineral resources grading 30.1% total iron and 18.4% magnetic iron. Full mineral resource details can be found in the NI 43-101 compliant technical report entitled "Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Re-scoped Shymanivske Iron Ore Deposit" effective November 21, 2017 under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Shymanivske project is surrounded by five other operating mines, including ArcelorMittal's iron ore complex. Please visit the Company's website at www.blackiron.com for more information.

The technical and scientific contents of this press release have been prepared under the supervision of and have been reviewed and approved by Matt Simpson, P.Eng., CEO of Black Iron, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

Cautionary Statement

The PEA is preliminary in nature, and it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.

For more information, please contact:

Black Iron Inc.,

Matt Simpson

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +1 (416) 309-2138

info@blackiron.com

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, opinions and estimates of the date such statements are made based on information available to them at that time, including those factors discussed in the section entitled 'Risk Factors' in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2017 or as may be identified in the Company's public disclosure from time to time, as filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Project, the MOU and the transactions contemplated therein, the relationship between Glencore and the Company, the mineralization of the Project, the results of the PEA, the realization of the PEA, and future plans for the Company's development. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; the actual results of current exploration activities; other risks of the mining industry and the risks described in the annual information form of the Company. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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 forward looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Corporate Communications:

NetworkWire (NW)

New York, New York

www.NetworkNewsWire.com

212.418.1217 Office

Editor@NetworkWire.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42926The allocation of a new Opel/Vauxhall B-SUV* was made possible by the initiatives taken to enhance performance at the plant

Investments realised since 2016 have made of Poissy plant the first one of Groupe PSA to assemble on the multi-energy CMP** platform

Regulatory News:

The Poissy plant has been working on its transformation project since 2016 to strengthen its competitiveness. The Groupe PSA (Paris:UG) manufacturing concept of multi-vehicle and multi-energy assembly line has been implemented with success. The new production line with the new multi-energy CMP platform is already operational with the launch this year of DS 3 Crossback in both electric and internal combustion versions. The resulting improvement of its manufacturing performance enabled the Poissy plant to secure production of the new Opel/Vauxhall B-SUV model that will join its new production line.

The advanced process of production on the same line of ICE*** and BEV**** for vehicles based on CMP platform, as well as PHEV and ICE models in other plants for EMP2 platform, is a key asset of Groupe PSA to remain flexible with energy transition and accompany customers shift in demand.

"Poissy employees are proud to lead the way this year with the first implementation of this state of the art manufacturing process for our Group. Having an additional vehicle is the clear recognition of our performance improvement and I would like to thank all the teams that created the conditions to make it happen" said Frederic Przybylski, who manages the Poissy plant. "It's also a big responsibility and we are committed to achieve the highest levels of efficiency and quality for the satisfaction of our customers."

"Our multi-vehicle, multi-energy production advanced concept, that we are developing accross our plants, will enhance our agility in the context of energy transition. This is a key asset that will make the difference in the coming years and a strong lever to support our electrification offensive" added Yann Vincent, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing Supply Chain. "We're right on track to meet our objective of having an electrified version of all our new vehicles starting in 2019 and offering electric or plug-in hybrid versions for 100% of our models for our 5 brands by 2025."

Poissy plant facts figures

Built in: 1938

Located in: Greater Paris region, Yvelines (78), France

Surface area: 155 hectares

Certifications: ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

Environment: 98% of waste recovered and recycled

Production: 175,000 vehicles in 2018 at a rate of 38 vehicles per hour

Models: Peugeot 208, DS 3 and DS 3 Crossback

*B-segment sport utility vehicle

**CMP: Common Modular Platform

***ICE: Internal Combustion Engine

****BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle

About Groupe PSA

Groupe PSA designs unique automotive experiences and delivers mobility solutions to meet all customer expectations. The Group has five car brands, Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall, and provides a wide array of mobility and smart services under the Free2Move brand. Its 'Push to Pass' strategic plan represents a first step towards the achievement of the Group's vision to be "a global carmaker with cutting-edge efficiency and a leading mobility provider sustaining lifetime customer relationships". It is an early innovator in the field of autonomous and connected cars. It is also involved in financing activities through Banque PSA Finance and in automotive equipment via Faurecia.

Media library: medialibrary.groupe-psa.com @GroupePSA_EN

Communications Department www.groupe-psa.com/en - +33 6 61 93 29 36 @GroupePSA_EN

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005542/en/

Contacts:

Media contact:

Clarisse Grignard

clarisse.grignard@mpsa.com

+33 6 61 64 03 83PALM BEACH, Florida, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent update on the expected Canadian and U.S. cannabis markets sales, exceeds prior projections. An article on CNBC's website quoted Vivien Aze's recent update on the U.S. and Canadian markets. "We expect continued growth in newly established U.S. states, and more robust growth in Canada as more supply comes online," Cowen'sVivien Azer writes." CNBC called Azer: "Wall Street's top cannabis analyst" and quoted her as saying: "We expect continued growth in newly established U.S. states, and more robust growth in Canada as more supply comes online," Cowen'sVivien Azer writes." She believes that: "The U.S. market opportunity is valued at around $40 billion to $50 billion and expected to grow to $80 billion by 2030 assuming national availability, Azer adds. Her previous forecast for U.S. cannabis sales by 2030 was $75 billion. She continued" Cannabis represents a "opportunity" for big tobacco as more and more U.S. states join those that have already OK'd the adult recreational use of cannabis. Cowen looks to North Dakota, Louisiana and West Virginia to come online and highlights Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania as additional key states to watch. Active Companies from around the market with current developments this week include: Pyramidion Technology Group, Inc. (OTC:PYTG), Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE:CGC) (TSX:WEED), Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE:ACB) (TSX:ACB), Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc. (OTC: LBUY), 1933 Industries Inc. (OTC: TGIFF) (CSE: TGIF).

"After passage of the Farm Bill, CBD will clearly be one of the most topical areas within cannabis over the coming year," Azer wrote. "We expect the category could generate $1.6 billion in revenues over the next year or two, depending on the timing of FDA commentary and the pace of retail acceptance."

Pyramidion Technology Group, Inc. (OTCPK:PYTG) BREAKING NEWS: Pyramidion Technology Group acquired NxGen Brands, LLC and became the proud owner of LeafyWell (LeafyWell.com), and shortly thereafter announced the finalization of a contractual agreement to provide custom cannabidiol (CBD)-product formulations to Emergent Health, Corp., including the first product of its kind for both companies consisting of an ingredient trifecta designed to aid in sleep, anxiety, and mood: CBD, Melatonin, and GABA. Additionally, during the final quarter of 2018, PYTG announced the execution of a binding letter of intent to acquire Renaissance Health Publishing, LLC. - a private Florida-based company specializing in health and wellness supplements.

During the same quarter, PYTG, by way of LeafyWell (LeafyWell.com), officially launched a full line of CBD-infused pet treats in addition to their already-established line of hemp-based CBD-infused supplements such as tinctures/oils, creams, lotions, edible gummies, available at both wholesale and retail levels. CBD should be considered a notable discussion topic in the medical community, the research community, and the patient community. CBD research has provided evidentiary findings demonstrating its potentially beneficial symptomatic relief for vast range of ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, alcoholism, post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, antibiotic-resistant infections, neurological disorders, chronic pain, and muscular dystrophy, among others.

PYTG announces today that revenues of LeafyWell (LeafyWell.com) products online, wholesale, distributors, formulating, and private labeling, to date in the first fiscal quarter of 2019 alone, are expected to officially surpass all revenues during the final calendar-year quarter of 2018. Carlos Hurtado, CEO of PYTG, stated, "We are enthused with the rising success of LeafyWell branded products and the performance of PYTG as a whole. We are certainly pleased to remark on this record-breaking news for LeafyWell and we are looking forward to what is to come for the following fiscal-year quarters. All of us at PYTG are hard at work including our phenomenal Board of Advisors who are guiding us through patient-based needs and related product formulations."

The Board of Advisors for PYTG includes currently-practicing medical professionals such as board-certified cardiologist and board-certified internal medicine physician, Dr. Mark Sabbota, family medicine specialist, Dr. Michael McKenzie, MD, Dr. David M. Feldbaum MD, FACS, certified in vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Javier J. Canasi, with a specialization in internal medicine who is advocate of alternative medicine including the inclusion of both hemp-based CBD products, marijuana-based CBD, and medicinal marijuana, when appropriate for the particular medical condition that ails some patients, and in addition to other industry-specific board members.

Mr. Hurtado, continues to explain, "We anticipate that our current shareholders will be equally elated to learn the news that we are on target to successfully surpass our final-quarter 2018 revenues of our CBD hemp-derived supplements, including those manufactured by LeafyWell, solely during this short period of time in 2019. Read this and more news for PYTG at http://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-pytg

In the industry developments and happenings in the market this week include:

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) (TSX: ACB) On February 11, the company announced its financial and operational results for the second quarter ended December 31 st, 2018. " Aurora continues to execute strongly across all of its market segments, as demonstrated by the 83% revenue growth over last quarter and the significant increase in confirmed production results," said Terry Booth , CEO of Aurora. "Our brands continue to resonate extremely well in the consumer market, our patient numbers continue to increase steadily, and we have maintained our market leadership in Germany and other key international markets. We are experiencing exceptional demand for our Canadian medical and consumer products, as well as sustained strong demand internationally. With our Aurora Sky and MedReleaf Bradford facilities ramping up production as anticipated and our other licensed facilities operating at full capacity, we are reiterating our earlier guidance of achieving sustained EBITDA positive results from the second calendar quarter of this year (our fiscal Q4)."

Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: LBUY) recently announced that its quarterly sales rose 68% in the quarter ending December 31, 2018. The increase reflects the revenue booked in the quarter versus the same quarter of the previous year.

"This announcement of record-setting growth follows the Company's major industry moves, including the launch of both the Leafbuyer Wallet and Leafbuyer Loyalty, as well as the acquisition of California-based, order-ahead application Greenlight in the last quarter," said Mark Breen, COO of Leafbuyer. "Our cannabis dispensary and product customers see the exceptional value in the services we offer, and we will continue to diversify our platforms to more thoroughly serve their needs."

1933 Industries Inc. (OTCQX: TGIFF) (CSE: TGIF.CN) On February 19, the company, a licensed cultivator and producer of cannabis flower and concentrates and manufacturer of hemp-derived CBD wellness products, reported that it has engaged CB1 Capital Advisors LLC, a New York -based advisory firm focusing on health and wellness through cannabinoids, as strategic business advisors for a one-year term. CB1 Capital Advisors is an advisory firm that focuses on companies in the supply chain of cannabinoid-based wellness solutions, products and therapies that have therapeutic or commercial use-cases. As an adviser focused on cannabinoid-based wellness strategies, CB1 Capital Advisors will provide strategic and business development advice to the Company, including analyzing investment and partnership opportunities.

Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED.TO) recently announced that it intends to increase its total investment in Canopy Rivers Inc. ("Canopy Rivers") (RIV.V) by $30 million (CDN). The investment will be made through a private placement of subordinated voting shares in the capital of Canopy Rivers (the "Subordinate Voting Shares") concurrent with Canopy Rivers bought deal offering of Subordinate Voting Shares for gross proceeds of approximately $55 million . This investment is being co-led by CIBC Capital Markets and Eight Capital and is expected to close on or about February 27, 2019.

"The advantage of a strengthened Canopy Rivers/Canopy Growth relationship is that it accelerates and derisks execution for invested companies," said Bruce Linton , Founder and Co-CEO, Canopy Growth.

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 thirty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press release issued by Pyramidion Technology Group, Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

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DENVER, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Several years of impressive growth are expected to continue in the cannabis sector in 2019, and companies are making the most of it through mergers and acquisitions.

The cannabis industry has seen growth in acquisitions over the past two years.

A large part of this comes from the emergence of the hemp/CBD market.

Industry commentators expect these trends to continue.

SinglePoint Inc. (OTC:SING) (SING Profile) is tapping into this exciting potential through a strategy of well-financed acquisitions and investment in other cannabis companies. PotNetwork Holdings Inc. (OTC:POTN) has built up a series of subsidiaries and is now reaching out to mainstream markets with its products. KushCo Holdings Inc (OTC:KSHB) has recently established new supply arrangements that will increase its already growing profits. Following the legalization of hemp farming, CV Sciences Inc. (OTC:CVSI) has become one of the United States' first certified hemp producers. And Green Organic Dutchman (OTC:TGODF) (TSX:TGOD) (TGOD Profile) is building improved cultivation facilities to meet the demand of cannabis's growing customer base.

To view an infographic of this editorial, click here.

The Cannabis Merger Boom

Over the past year, the cannabis industry has seen a significant new trend emerge. So far, the industry has mostly been made up of small businesses, but a series of mergers and acquisitions have started to change the layout of the land. The larger, more confident cannabis businesses have started to absorb their smaller competitors, creating businesses with greater efficiency, vertical integration and increased market shares.

This boom in cannabis mergers and acquisitions extends beyond committed cannabis companies. Top-tier businesses have started paying attention to the sector, buying substantial holdings in cannabis companies. Cannabis companies themselves have encouraged this interest, seeking outside help to fuel their growth.

The Merger Market

For companies building a strategy around cannabis acquisitions, such as SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB:SING), current trends are legitimizing what they already held to be true - that there's great potential in building larger, more diverse cannabis companies through mergers and acquisitions.

The numbers are clear. Eighty-six cannabis companies in the United States were targeted for mergers and acquisitions in 2017, and that number rose to 140 in 2018. That's a significant increase two years in a row for an industry that's previously been driven by small start-ups, and commentators expect the trend to continue. In Canada, recreational legalization has triggered an intensive period of ambitious growth. In the United States, the illegality of transporting cannabis across state lines has discouraged expansion beyond the state level, but companies are starting to overcome that barrier, finding ways to run nationwide businesses in a state-by-state market.

For SinglePoint, this means making moves such as the company's recent significant investment in TorusMed, an organization working on finding new ways to grow industrial hemp. Hemp is an important subset of the cannabis industry - and one that looks set to expand, thanks to federal legalization of the crop under the 2018 Farm Bill.

The bill allows cultivators to grow hemp for cannabidiol (CBD), an increasingly popular component, without the restrictions placed on other forms of cannabis. SinglePoint's work with TorusMed is aimed at producing more consistent crops of high-CBD hemp with lower costs because of TorusMed's greater efficiency. The investment appears to provide an effective way for SinglePoint to gain an advantage in the cannabis sector across the United States and beyond.

SinglePoint's investment in TorusMed isn't an isolated example. SinglePoint has built a solid strategy around acquisitions and investment. SinglePoint President Wil Ralstonappeared on MoneyTV to discuss the company's financing options for acquisitions, and in November, SinglePoint announced that it had raised $5 million in fresh funding from its own investors for the explicit purpose of fueling this approach. Thanks to the confidence of the market in the future of cannabis, SinglePoint has had no trouble raising funds or gaining attention for its work.

A Growing Industry

One of the reasons SinglePoint has seen such success in finding funding is the wider growth of the cannabis sector.

In the United States, where SinglePoint is based, cannabis legalization has steadily been spreading on a state level. Thirty-three states have now made the drug legal for medical purposes, while 10 have made recreational cannabis legal. North of the border, Canada has become the first G8 country to legalize cannabis nationally, not only setting an international precedent but also generating interest from American companies. The spread of public health solutions to cannabis use over prohibitory ones has become an international trend, creating a global cannabis market.

Over the past five years, this trend has led in a surprising direction: hemp and CBD. Hemp is a form of cannabis that doesn't contain THC, the chemical that produces a high in users. Related to that trend, researchers have found growing evidence that CBD, a nonpsychoactive ingredient found in all strains of cannabis, may be beneficial for health and well-being.

This promising research has led to a surge in hemp cultivation and even the legalization of hemp farming in the United States, a move that is expected to provide a lifeline for many struggling farmers. Hemp cultivation is an increasingly large portion of the cannabis market, and one that the deal with TorusMed will help SinglePoint access.

Based on both this shift for hemp and wider trends, commentators are predicting even greater growth in 2019 and beyond; one report has calculated that the industry will be worth $146.4 billion by 2025. Even half that growth would provide a huge opportunity for companies such as SinglePoint, and if the industry actually reaches that figure, current players could be big winners.

Positioning for Advantage

It is in this context that SinglePoint, a company whose other work lies in the tech sector, has made the move to expand its position in cannabis. Through its SingleSeed subsidiary, SinglePoint has become a distributor of hemp-derived CBD products at a critical moment.

"It seems like two years ago I started to hear a little bit about CBD and what it was doing for people," said SinglePoint CEO Greg Lambrecht. "Momentum has really been building for CBD. People are using it for a variety of things. As CBD becomes legal, you're going to see this product sold in more traditional stores like Walgreens and 7-Eleven. We're really excited about our online presence, but we're also very focused on putting this product into retail too."

The cannabis market has already been seeing steady growth. The legalization of hemp is likely to continue this promising trend. Companies such as SinglePoint that have raised funding and established a foothold in the hemp sector appear to be well positioned to take advantage of that change.

Lining Up for Growth

Of course, It's not just a matter of making mergers and acquisitions, it's making the right ones. Several other companies join SinglePoint in making those sound decisions. Among the companies making significant mergers and acquisitions in cannabis are holding companies such as PotNetwork Holdings Inc. (OTC:POTN). PotNetwork's subsidiaries cover various parts of the cannabis industry, including production, sales and support; its subsidiaries include Diamond CBD Inc., which produces a line of CBD-based oils, creams and edibles.

Like SinglePoint, KushCo Holdings Inc. (OTCQB:KSHB) has entered the cannabis sector from elsewhere through an interest in providing other services to cannabis companies. In KushCo's case, this was packaging solutions, the sort of unglamorous but important service that any industry needs. KushCo has since expanded its work in the sector, creating a one-stop shop for cannabis products. This approach paved the way for KushCo to secure new long-term supply arrangements with three large companies, agreements expected to be worth $75 million. Having already seen its quarterly revenues rise 186 percent on the same period last year, 2019 is off to a strong start for KushCo.

CV Sciences Inc. (OTCQB:CVSI) has a business rooted in the fundamentals of the cannabis market, with two distinct business segments: research and development, and consumer products. Following the recent founding of the U.S. Hemp Authority certification program, CV Sciences has become one of the country's first certified hemp manufacturers. This certification provides CV Science customers assurance about the quality and safety of the company's products, including verifying that its products are made entirely from hemp and not from other cannabis strains.

Green Organic Dutchman (OTC:TGODF) (TSX:TGOD) produces organic, sustainably grown cannabis, catering to the substantial part of the cannabis market concerned with the environment and ethical farming. The company is building two new growing facilities and has been looking for ways to improve its designs as it builds. Recent improvements will increase production capacity from 156,000kg of cannabis to 202,500kg.

While improvements in technology, techniques and certification are helping companies tap into the growing cannabis sector, mergers and acquisitions are also allowing companies to access all of these while increasing their market share. Those who make the right moves now could benefit from dramatic growth over the next few years.

For more information about Singlepoint, please visit SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB:SING).

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+1-(954)345-0611Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2019) - Gunpowder Capital Corp., (CSE: GPC) (CSE: GPC.PR.A) (OTCQB: GNPWF) (FSE: YS6N) ("Gunpowder" or the "Corporation") announced today that it its partner in its USA Home Rehabilitation Market Pilot Programme (the "Programme") has successfully closed the sale of the fifth rehabilitated property the partnership has worked on together.

Gunpowder fully financed the purchase, and the renovation costs associated with this property which amounted to One Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand Dollars ("$183,000.00") USD. The Corporation earned Nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty Dollars ("$9,660.00") USD in interest and an additional Fourteen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Dollars ("$14,850.00") USD in profit on the sale of the property. Gunpowder has now earned approximately Seventy-Six Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ("$76,500.00") USD in total profit which was generated via both interest earned, and via net profit earned, from the combined sale of all previous properties part of the Corporation's Rehabilitation Market Programme. With the completion of the sale of the fifth property, the Corporation currently no longer has any remaining rehabilitation projects in its portfolio.

As previously stated in the Corporation's Dec 21st, 2018 press release, the Corporation may elect to exit this business in early 2019 unless the inventory of available projected profitable projects increases significantly, as the changing economic conditions, and lack of inventory of potential profitable projects, have prevented the Corporation in achieving the critical mass it had hoped to achieve. The Corporation will announce, via press release, if it acquires another property to rehabilitate.

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.

- 30 -

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42923VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / BTU METALS CORP. ("BTU" or the "Company") (BTU-TSX:V) announces preliminary findings of an ongoing, in-depth assessment of geophysical data covering BTU's Dixie Halo project, in addition to the surrounding region by well known geophysicist Mr. Alan King of Sudbury, Ontario. Initial findings of note include the existence of multiple zones of major D2 fold disruption (see Fig 1). The D2 fold within the Dixie Halo boundaries is of particular interest to BTU as these have been successful indicators for neighboring Great Bear Resources Ltd. (GBR-TSX:V) at its Dixie Project. Additionally, the Red Lake-Campbell complex (Red Lake gold mine) also occurs proximal to a regional D2 fold where shear zones developed and acted as primary hydrothermal fluid conduits.

Mr. King's experience includes posts as manager of geophysics at Inco with responsibility for global exploration as well as chief geophysicist for Vale Global Exploration working on geophysical applications and target generation using regional and global data sets. Since 2012 he as been working as a consultant specializing in integrating earth science data in gold and other commodities.

"After reviewing the property and regional geophysical data it is apparent, mainly from recent (2016) OGS magnetic data, that there are two major East- West disruptions in what has been interpreted (Great Bear Resources 2018) as a large D2 (Deformation event 2) fold that extends across the Great Bear property and south onto the BTU claim block. This is considered significant as the northern structure hosts the new Great Bear high grade gold discovery and the second similar structure, about 2000 meters to the south, is located mainly on the BTU claims. This environment has some similarities to the Red Lake mines area where the two major parallel Dickenson and Campbell shears disrupt an F2 fold (Folding event 2) structure and host high grade gold mineralization (Dube 2001 Preliminary report on the geology and controlling parameters of the Goldcorp Inc. High Grade zone, Red Lake mine). This structure on the BTU claims is considered a priority target for followup.

Several other structures at various scales are apparent on the interpreted large D2 fold on the BTU property and these may be of interest for exploration as well." stated Mr. King.

A full report on Mr. King's findings will be posted on the BTU website once complete.

"We are very encouraged by Mr. King's initial findings - D2/F2 folds have been excellent indicators in the Red Lake complex so naturally this is tremendous news for BTU and a great place to focus and define drill targets." stated Paul Wood, CEO of BTU Metals Corp. "This also follows closely with BTU Advisor and retired Red Lake resident geologist, Dr. Pryslak's interpretation and concepts covering our Dixie Halo project."

Figure 1: Colour mag 1VD data of BTU Metal's property surrounding that of Great Bear Resources is shown in black outline with location of Great Bear Resources Hinge Zone Discovery shown.

Fig. 1

To view reports and maps of the Dixie Halo Project please visit https://www.btumetals.com/?project=3. The drill hole intersection reported on the property location map is not on the Company's Dixie Halo Property. Mineralization that may be hosted on adjacent properties is not representative of mineralization that is, or may be, hosted on the Company's Dixie Halo Property.

The technical contents of this release were approved by BTU's VP Exploration Mr. Doug Hunter, P. Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Paul Wood"

Paul Wood, CEO, Director

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Telephone: 1-604-683-3995

Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward -looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at WWW.SEDAR.COM).

SOURCE: BTU METALS CORP.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536106/BTU-Finds-Multiple-Structures-on-D2-Fold-at-Dixie-HaloHigh Integration MCUs Simplify Application Development with Secure Cryptographic Engine and Synergy Software Package

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today extended its high integration Renesas Synergy S5 microcontroller (MCU) series with the introduction of the entry-level S5D3 MCU Group. The four new S5D3 MCUs join the mid-range S5D5 and high-end S5D9 MCU Groups with similar S5 Series features-integrated 120 MHz Arm Cortex-M4 core and advanced security-as well as general-purpose features that simplify designing cost sensitive, low power Internet of Things (IoT) endpoint devices. The entry-level S5D3 MCUs target a broad range of industrial, building automation, and office equipment, as well as smart metering, and home appliances employing a capacitive touch human-machine interface (HMI).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005346/en/

Renesas Synergy Low Power S5D3 MCUs with Advanced Security for Industrial IoT Endpoint Devices (Graphic: Business Wire)

The Renesas Synergy Software Package (SSP) supports the S5D3 MCUs with HAL drivers, application frameworks and real-time operating system. Embedded system designers can use either of the Renesas Synergy development environments--e studio or IAR Embedded Workbench--to build and customize their designs. Based on a 40nm process, the S5D3 MCUs integrate a secure cryptographic engine (SCE7) with key protection that safeguards the MCU boot code and IoT endpoint device communication with a root of trust. This capability eliminates the need for external security functions and reduces BOM cost. The SCE7 features encryption hardware accelerators like RSA, DSA, AES, ECC, SHA and true random number generator (TRNG) to provide a secure system connection to the cloud. Each S5D3 MCU offers superior power consumption of 100 A/MHz in active mode, ultra-low 1.3 A in standby mode, and 900 nA for a V BATT supply that keeps the integrated real-time clock running, making these devices ideal for applications that require low power and high performance.

The S5D3 MCUs offer 512 KB flash memory and a large 256 KB SRAM memory. This unique 2:1 ratio of embedded flash to SRAM supports intensive communication stacks utilization for robust IoT connectivity, and the 8 KB data flash enables more read/write cycles than the competition. Each S5D3 MCU integrates several analog components including two 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), a 2-channel 12-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), high-speed 6-channel comparator, temperature sensor, and a 6-channel programmable gain amplifier (PGA). The S5D3 MCUs also offer a scalable set of 13 independent 32-bit general-purpose timers, and communications interfaces such as USB, CAN, I2C, SPI, SDHI, and SSI.

"The S5D3 MCUs beat the competition with superior security, memory performance, MCU scalability, and Synergy Platform support," said Daryl Khoo, Vice President, Product Marketing, IoT Platform Business Division, Renesas Electronics Corporation. "The cost-optimized and pin-compatible S5D3 MCUs are scalable up through the S5D5, S5D9 and S7G2 MCU groups if customers later require additional features, more memory, or higher performance."

About the Renesas Synergy Platform

The Renesas Synergy Platform is a fully supported software/hardware platform that accelerates time to market and removes the obstacles engineers face designing IoT products. By enabling development to begin at the application programming interface (API) level, Renesas reduces the complexity with designing security-aware connected devices and HMI systems with graphical user interfaces and capacitive touch.The Synergy Platform is accessible from the Renesas Solutions Gallery, and consists of integrated software, development tools, and scalable Arm Cortex-M-based Synergy MCUs fully accessible through the software APIs. There are no upfront licensing fees or back-end royalties everything is included in the purchase price of the MCU.

Pricing and Availability

The Renesas Synergy S5D3 MCU Group are available now from Renesas Electronics' worldwide distributors, and are priced from $5.10 USD to $5.40 USD in 10,000-unit quantities.

S5D3 Group MCUs Flash SRAM Package R7FS5D37A2A01CLJ 512 KB 256 KB 100-pin LGA R7FS5D37A3A01CFP 512 KB 256 KB 100-pin LQFP R7FS5D37A3A01CFM 512 KB 256 KB 64-pin LQFP R7FS5D37A3A01CNB 512 KB 256 KB 64-pin QFN

The TB-S5D3 Target Board Kit, priced at $34.00 USD, allows customers to evaluate the S5D3 and start their system development using an on-chip debugger, through-hole pin header access to all MCU pins, USB port, LEDs, and capacitive touch buttons. The kit comes with users guide, design files, schematics, PCB layout and bill of materials (BOM) cost.

Watch the video "Design your next IoT solution using the Synergy S5D3 MCU", and learn more about the new S5D3 MCUs in Booth 1-310 (Hall 1) at embedded world, February 26-28, 2019 in Nuremberg, Germany.

About Renesas Electronics Corporation

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) delivers trusted embedded design innovation with complete semiconductor solutions that enable billions of connected, intelligent devices to enhance the way people work and live. A global leader in microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC products, Renesas provides comprehensive solutions for a broad range of automotive, industrial, home electronics, office automation, and information communication technology applications that help shape a limitless future. Learn more at renesas.com.

(Remarks) Renesas Synergy is a trademark of Renesas Electronics Corporation. Arm and Arm Cortex are registered trademarks of Arm Limited in the EU and other countries. IAR Embedded Workbench is a registered trademark of IAR Systems AB. All other names of products or services mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005346/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Americas

Mark Alden

Renesas Electronics Corporation

+ 1-408-546-3402

mark.alden.eb@renesas.comSeattle-based wireless innovator platform updates will provide financial efficiencies to mobile operators

Opanga Networks, an industry-leading provider of Big Software innovations for mobile network densification, announced today the next-generation N2000, which will provide even greater financial efficiencies to mobile operators via a software update, enabled quickly within a maintenance window. N2000 is the lowest cost mobile capacity expansion in the world and the newest generation is increasing network efficiencies by an additional 50 percent.

Opanga's N2000 is a machine learning platform capable of identifying large data flows such as video streams-Elephant Flows-and enabling them to self-organize intelligently in the mobile core, preventing them from overwhelming the wireless network. These video applications are the primary driver of RAN CAPEX, OPEX and network quality for mobile operators today.

"Operators need to embrace new strategies to densify their networks and maintain customer experience," said Dave Gibbons, CEO, Opanga. "Big Software-enabled machine learning technology deployed in the mobile core is the answer. Most mobile operators are spending a lot of their shareholders' money trying to absorb the impact of video on their networks by building more network. Software is a much more effective cure to the impact of video on mobile networks. Video is a software problem that is best addressed with a software solution."

The Seattle-based company's first-generation solution has been deployed globally in 3G and 4G networks, providing operators with vital network efficiency improvements, and will be equally applicable to operators who are paving the way for 5G. Operators have consistently measured on average a 50 percent increase in user throughput over existing network infrastructure where N2000 is deployed, and with this new release those increases reach up to 75 percent faster throughput.

"Our customers have launched N2000 and immediately reduced their network build plan," said Gibbons. "They have realized keeping up with growing traffic demands and providing better experience and data speeds can be achieved in short order at massively lower costs using software intelligence in the mobile core."

Opanga's solution comes at a time when the market is ripe with inefficiency, creating the opportunity for competitive disruption by deploying machine learning Big Software. Traditional network deployment strategies to deal with traffic growth have been to add network infrastructure, sizing networks to current and expected traffic load by adding cell sites and deploying additional spectrum, which is both an expensive and time-consuming endeavor.

In an environment where ARPU is in decline while costs are on the rise, traditional strategies are unsustainable and CFOs are demanding CAPEX containment and EBITDA growth to satisfy stock valuation and dividend performance.

"Operators need to make their capital dollars go further by increasing the efficiency of their already deployed wireless network assets," said Gibbons. "Our customers are becoming more and more focused on reducing CAPEX and the associated OPEX of the never-ending RAN build outs. They are demanding software solutions which allow more traffic to be delivered over the network and spectrum they have already deployed."

As mobile operators shift their culture and mindset away from building bigger physical networks to using Big Software for managing data growth, they open the door to achieving next-level financial performance. Ultimately, Big Software supplants the "build bigger networks" strategy of the past and opens the door to massive efficiency gains and the financial benefits of CAPEX containment and EBITDA growth.

About Opanga Networks

Opanga Networks is a software solutions company conquering network densification, leveraging the mobile core through innovative machine learning techniques to create virtual capacity and decrease CAPEX. Opanga is the first company to introduce solutions that mitigate the negative impact of Elephant Flows on network performance without decreasing video experience, and to deploy network upgrades in the mobile core that do not require additional hardware capacity. Opanga offers the only RAN densification solution that can be deployed network-wide in a matter of hours.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005335/en/

Contacts:

Business Contact for Opanga Networks:

Bobby Axe

bobbya@opanga.com

(o) +1.253.260.5609

Media Contact for Opanga Networks:

Kelsey Richardson

PR/Content Manager, The Summit Group

krichardson@summitslc.com

(o) +1.801.990.1161

(c) +1.801.913.9454Innovation has accelerated with the rapid development of the RISC-V ecosystem

The RISC-V Foundation, a non-profit corporation controlled by its members to drive a new era of processor innovation via the adoption and implementation of the free and open RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA), today announced that the RISC-V Foundation's membership has surpassed 235 organizations, individuals, academics and universities from 27 countries and six continents around the world. The RISC-V ecosystem has experienced explosive growth since the RISC-V Foundation's inception in 2015, with more than 100 percent membership growth over the past year. There has been an increased commercial adoption and a growing number of implementations, including an expanding footprint in China and the wider APAC region.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005273/en/

RISC-V Foundation membership growth (Graphic: Business Wire)

"RISC-V is changing the way companies innovate, reshaping the silicon landscape through open standard collaboration. We've reached a critical mass of companies adopting RISC-V and actively contributing to the ecosystem," said Martin Fink, interim CEO of the RISC-V Foundation and Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Western Digital. "It's exciting, we're at a point where we have a viable alternative to general purpose compute architectures. Based on our growth over past year, it is evident that other organizations are embracing RISC-V.

Companies around the world are taking advantage of the flexibility, scalability and extensibility of RISC-V as an alternative to closed, proprietary ISAs. RISC-V has been designed into a wide variety of applications including graphics engines, machine learning and AI, networking, storage, security, embedded and general purpose processors. There is also a growing ecosystem of OS support, development tools, FPGA softcores, IP and design services. The expansive RISC-V ecosystem includes Platinum RISC-V Foundation members Antmicro, Berkeley Architecture Research, Bluespec, C-SKY, Cortus, Google, Marvell, Microchip Technology, Micron Technology, NVIDIA, NXP, Orion, Qualcomm, Rambus Inc., Samsung, Sanechips Technology Co., SiFive, Thales and Western Digital.

This membership milestone follows a year of significant RISC-V ecosystem momentum. In 2018, the RISC-V Foundation formed the Security Standing Committee to bring together industry leaders to share findings, develop consensus around best security practices and identify potential security improvements for RISC-V based Internet of Things (IoT) devices, embedded systems and machine learning implementations. To build on the RISC-V Foundation's growing footprint in China across more than 25 companies and universities, the organization formed the China Advisory Committee to further accelerate adoption of the RISC-V ISA in the region. The RISC-V Foundation also announced a joint collaboration with the Linux Foundation to grow the RISC-V community with improved support for the development of new applications and architectures across all computing platforms.

Last year the RISC-V Foundation held a number of successful events across Asia, North America and Europe, including the RISC-V Summit in Santa Clara, Calif. where more than 1,100 attendees from over 20 countries gathered to discuss RISC-V implementations and share findings. The next RISC-V Foundation event, the RISC-V Workshop Taiwan, will be held in Hsinchu, Taiwan from March 12-13, 2019. The RISC-V Workshop Zurich will take place in Zurich, Switzerland from June 11-13, 2019.

To learn more about the free and open RISC-V ISA, please visit: https://riscv.org. To become a member of the RISC-V Foundation, please visit: https://riscv.org/membership-application/.

About RISC-V Foundation

RISC-V (pronounced "risk-five") is a free and open ISA enabling a new era of processor innovation through open standard collaboration. Founded in 2015, the RISC-V Foundation comprises more than 235 members building the first open, collaborative community of software and hardware innovators powering a new era of processor innovation. Born in academia and research, the RISC-V ISA delivers a new level of free, extensible software and hardware freedom on architecture, paving the way for the next 50 years of computing design and innovation.

The RISC-V Foundation, a non-profit corporation controlled by its members, directs the future development and drives the adoption of the RISC-V ISA. With support from the Linux Foundation, members of the RISC-V Foundation have access to and participate in the development of the RISC-V ISA specifications and related HW SW ecosystem. More information can be found at www.riscv.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005273/en/

Contacts:

Allison DeLeo

Racepoint Global for RISC-V Foundation

Phone: +1 (415) 694-6700

risc-v@racepointglobal.comWEST PALM BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / March 18, 2019 / Ozop Surgical Corp. (OTCQB: OZSC), a provider of premium surgical devices in the rapidly growing field of minimally invasive spine surgery, today released the following corporate update and outlook for 2019 from Michael Chermak, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman.

As a way of introduction; Ozop Surgical Corp invents, designs, develops, manufactures and distributes innovative endoscopic instruments, surgical implants, instrumentation, devices and related technologies, focused on spine, neurological and pain management procedures and specialties.

I began this endeavor a few years ago spurred by the convergence of several factors driving the healthcare industry. First, rising costs showing little sign of slowing down and second, demographics portend increased demand as demand rises exponentially with age. Concurrently, the average operating margin for hospitals is 2.8%1, while nearly 44% of rural hospitals are losing money2. This reality places great stress on hospitals while reimbursement schemes are increasingly placing the financial risk on provider organizations. We believe that strategies that can measurably reduce cost in the healthcare industry without sacrificing patient care or outcomes will be rewarded and, in some cases, may be critical to the financial viability of provider organizations. Concurrent to these trends, surgery is inexorably moving toward minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Witness the impact over the last 20 years in general surgery (gall bladder, appendix) cardiothoracic (stents, valve replacement and bypass procedures) and orthopedics (knees, shoulders and hips). The impact of MIS is well documented including lower cost, fewer complications, faster recovery and less pain. Spine surgery is lagging for the simple reality that most procedures call for rather large objects (interbodies) to be placed inside the human body. A large object historically called for a large opening. But what if we could place an object through a small opening, that can be enlarged after inserted? This is routinely done in millions of patients per year using medical quality balloons, whether it is for the opening arteries or the fixing of broken bones. Fortunately for us we were able to secure a compelling IP portfolio created by a brilliant neurosurgeon to repurpose existing technologies, material and procedures, to solve a significant and costly problem - spinal fusion. This update lays out or most recent past milestones, while laying out our 2019 operating objectives.

Our corporate strategy revolves around combining spinal access and interbody implantation using a less invasive approach than what is currently available to spine surgeons. The goal is to combine single use sterile packed implants with disposable approach instruments such as endoscopes, shavers, and other ancillary prep instruments. The use of disposable instrumentation which is sterile packed is becoming the standard due to the ease of use with disposable kits and concerns about resterilization, especially in the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) setting. Each kit will be specific to the procedure, eliminating waste and allowing for a more efficient procedure. Performing the whole procedure through a small working channel has the potential to decrease operative time and the risk of infection while allowing for a faster return to activities of daily living. The potential cost savings are substantial and measurable.

Key events 2018

Went public - after years as an EU based company we redomiciled in Delaware in February of 2018, and subsequently acquired Spinus LLC. This gave us exclusive licensing rights to a rich IP portfolio as well as an FDA approved spine product line. In April we merged into a public entity and changed our symbol to OZSC.

During 2018, we expanded our management team and engaged advisors. We added Thomas McLeer as Chief Operating Officer. Tom has over 30 years of experience in the spine industry at the senior operating level. We also added advisors in public markets and investment relations.

We began development of an enhanced expandable ALIF (anterior lumbar interbody fusion) implant with initial designs and prototypes completed. This product is easier to insert and use than other competitive products. We will complete design and testing in the first half of 2019 and anticipate FDA approval in the second half of 2019.

In late 2018 we began the process of ordering a variety of spine fusion sets in order to evaluate any needed enhancements and begin surgeon evaluations. These sets have begun to arrive in Q1 2019, and are being strategically placed and should begin to be used in surgeries during Q2 2019. These sets include the traditional ALIF instruments needed for such surgeries.

In December 2018 we successfully uplisted to the OTCQB on OTC Markets. This was an important step for us as a "34 Act, fully reporting public company.

Key planned events 2019

As we continue to evaluate our IP portfolio, we plan to broaden the scope of our claims as it relates to balloon technology for fusion and motion preservation in the disc.

Initiate IR program to build liquidity in our stock - we will kick off our investment relations program to build investor and market awareness of our company.

Upcoming trade shows/presentations - we plan to present our company at select and targeted venues, starting with the MicroCap conference April 1 and 2 in New York City. We believe it is important to raise our visibility with brokers, investment bankers and market makers. Other events are in the planning stages and will be announced as they come up.

Begin core spine fusion sales, including the new expandable ALIF and scale this program using our existing surgeon/distributor relationships. This includes evaluating our implant offering to insure it meets surgeon needs and upgrading the instrumentation as needed. Depending on the complexity of the changes we will file for additional FDA 510K approvals as needed.

Determine focus and strategy for spine scope program.

Build out our Clinical Advisory Board with nationally recognized spine surgeons.

Independent board of directors, in the future, we will build our board of directors by adding independent members with critical experience in the Nasdaq uplist process, deep experience in public markets, and senior level experience in our industry. Uplist to Nasdaq is our ultimate goal to enable us to access the institutional investor sector and further enhance the liquidity of our stock.

Ongoing Balloon Lumbar Interbody Fusion ("BLIF") Development (2019/2020)

Broad milestones for the development of our BLIF technology include:

Ongoing filing of additional IP as development continues

Establish an experienced team of surgeons and industry experts to develop the approach, delivery, and the implant for the BLIF system

Finalize the list of appropriate polymers for the balloon and the interbody implant and begin testing

Develop prototypes and conduct testing and labs as needed to validate the concept from incision to closure

Complete all necessary testing for FDA submission and identify appropriate substantially equivalent devices.

Upon approval we will build sets, finalize a robust training regimen, and begin our alpha launch at key centers.

In summary, we are happy with our accomplishments to date and realize we have a lot of work ahead of us to achieve our goals and objectives for 2019 and beyond. I thank all of our shareholders and investors for the confidence they have shown in our Company and I look forward to not only growing our shareholder base and other relationships, but to also make a significant impact on those suffering back pain as well as on the healthcare industry as a whole.

About Ozop Surgical Corp.

Ozop Surgical, Corp. (www.ozopsurgical.com) invents, designs, develops, manufactures and distributes innovative endoscopic instruments, surgical implants, instrumentation, devices and related technologies, focused on spine, neurological and pain management procedures and specialties. Our focus is on economically disrupting the market with clinically equivalent or superior existing and new products resulting in immediate and significant savings for providers, payors and consumers. For more information please visit www.ozopsurgical.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Investor Relations:

Ted Haberfield

President

MZ Group - MZ North America

(760) 755-2716

thaberfield@mzgroup.us

www.mzgroup.us



(1) Beckers Hospital Review

(2) National Rural Health Association 2018 Rural Health Policy Institute

SOURCE: Ozop Surgical Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/539339/Ozop-Surgical-Corp-Provides-Corporate-Update-and-Outlook-for-2019HERZLIYA, Israel, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- XM Cyber, the multi-award-winning breach and attack simulation (BAS) leader, today unveiled new capabilities and features for its fully automated purple team platform HaXM. XM Cyber has significantly expanded the capabilities of HaXM, which now enables customers to perform real exploits on demand, conduct automated social engineering, integrate directly with their SIEM systems and more. The company has also achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification. XM Cyber will demonstrate the new capabilities in booth N4218 at RSA Conference 2019, taking place March 4-8 in San Francisco.

HaXM, the leading breach and attack simulation (BAS) platform, continuously exposes attack vectors from breach point to any organizational critical asset. This continuous loop of automated red teaming is completed by ongoing and prioritized actionable remediation of security gaps. In effect, HaXM operates as an automated purple team that fluidly combines red and blue teams' processes to ensure that organizations are always one step ahead of the attack.

New Capabilities and Features

XM Cyber's platform is newly enhanced with the following additions:

Validation Module - Customers can now perform on-demand exploitation of their networks and hosts, using MITRE ATT&CK and threat actor aligned tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP).

- Customers can now perform on-demand exploitation of their networks and hosts, using MITRE ATT&CK and threat actor aligned tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP). Social Engineering Integration - Customers can now view the complete attack path starting from a social engineering breach point such as a phishing email, all the way to the crown jewels.

- Customers can now view the complete attack path starting from a social engineering breach point such as a phishing email, all the way to the crown jewels. MITRE ATT&CK Framework Alignment - XM Cyber is now aligned with MITRE ATT&CK, a curated knowledge base and model for cyber adversary behavior.

- XM Cyber is now aligned with MITRE ATT&CK, a curated knowledge base and model for cyber adversary behavior. CISO Dashboard - This new dashboard exposes at-a-glance risk scoring, as well as the organization's security posture changes over time.

This new dashboard exposes at-a-glance risk scoring, as well as the organization's security posture changes over time. SIEM Integration - HaXM now seamlessly connects with SIEM systems, allowing customers to take advantage of XM Cyber's insights while working within their standard security flows.

- HaXM now seamlessly connects with SIEM systems, allowing customers to take advantage of XM Cyber's insights while working within their standard security flows. "What-If" Capability - Customers can now answer the question, "What happens if I follow the remediation plan?" In other words, they can measure the impact of the remediation by running a new simulation that assumes the remediation was performed.

"We are proud to unveil this robust new version of our award-winning HaXM platform," said XM Cyber CEO Noam Erez. "With its unparalleled breadth and depth of capabilities, HaXM offers enterprises a continuous 360 view of at-risk critical assets and key security issues, along with in-depth remediation guidance for each."

Achieving Certification ISO/IEC 27001:2013

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system within the context of the organization. It also includes requirements for the assessment and treatment of information security risks tailored to the needs of the organization.

"By achieving this globally recognized certification, XM Cyber has demonstrated a commitment to maximizing our customers' security defenses," said Erez. "We strive to protect our customers' data as well as our systems. We are following top information security standards and best practices, to which all XM Cyber's employees are committed."

About XM Cyber

XM Cyber provides the first fully automated breach and attack simulation (BAS) platform to continuously expose attack vectors, from breach point to any organizational critical asset. This continuous loop of automated red teaming is completed by ongoing and prioritized actionable remediation of security gaps. In effect, HaXM by XM Cyber operates as an automated purple team that fluidly combines red team and blue team processes to ensure that organizations are always one step ahead of the attack. XM Cyber has already received over 16 industry awards, including being recognized as a "Technology Pioneer" by the World Economic Forum. XM Cyber's customers include leading financial institutions, critical infrastructure organizations and manufacturers across North America, Europe, and Israel.

XM Cyber was founded by the highest caliber of security executives from the elite Israeli intelligence sector. Together they bring a proven track record in both the offensive and defensive cyber security domain. The company is headquartered in Israel and has offices in the US, UK and Australia.

For more information: www.xmcyber.com

Social Networks: Follow us on Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Press contacts:

Maya Schirmann, VP Marketing, XM Cyber

+972-3-978-6668

media@xmcyber.com

Mark Prindle, Fusion PR

+1-646-452-7109

mark.prindle@fusionpr.comMontreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2019) - Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: MGM) (OTCQB: MGMLF) (FSE: M3G) ("Maple Gold" or the "Company")has added $1.9M to its treasury after receiving its full 2017 tax credit refund from Revenu Quebec. An upcoming winter 2019 drill program will test refined higher-grade targets generated from recently reported 3D modeling work. Mapping and gold deportment work will continue through the summer of 2019. A new resource update is expected in late Q1 and the Company plans to begin a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") in late 2019.

The Company has designed a 10,000 metre program and plans to drill a minimum of 5,000 metres this winter focused on the following targets (see Figure 1).

Extensions of higher-grade mineralised bodies within the Douay resource area , particularly at the geologically similar (intrusive-hosted and contact style) Nika and Porphyry Zones: DO-18-218 (azimuth 002, dip -46) intersected 50m of 1.77 g/t Au starting at 214m in the Nika Zone, which remains open to surface and to depth. In the Porphyry Zone, DO-18-216 (azimuth 341, dip -49) returned 21m of 7.87 g/t Au starting at 303m and DO-18-247 (azimuth 360, dip -65) gave 21m of 3.49 g/t Au starting at 275m; these two holes were collared about 1.3km apart and mineralisation is also open in several directions.





, DO-18-218 (azimuth 002, dip -46) intersected 50m of 1.77 g/t Au starting at 214m in the Nika Zone, which remains open to surface and to depth. In the Porphyry Zone, DO-18-216 (azimuth 341, dip -49) returned 21m of 7.87 g/t Au starting at 303m and DO-18-247 (azimuth 360, dip -65) gave 21m of 3.49 g/t Au starting at 275m; these two holes were collared about 1.3km apart and mineralisation is also open in several directions. Depth extensions at Douay West (target depth about 530m vertical), as well as at the geologically similar 531 Zone (target depth about 400m vertical) ; there has been little drilling since 1993 at the 531 Zone (1992 drill-hole 70531-2 (azimuth 360, dip -65) intersected 55.7m of 2.6 g/t Au from 313m), and only limited drilling since 2014 at Douay West.





at Douay West (target depth about 530m vertical), as well as at the geologically similar 531 Zone (target depth about 400m vertical) there has been little drilling since 1993 at the 531 Zone (1992 drill-hole 70531-2 (azimuth 360, dip -65) intersected 55.7m of 2.6 g/t Au from 313m), and only limited drilling since 2014 at Douay West. Exploration outside the resource area, where several intervals of high-grade (up to 17.5 g/t Au over 1.5m) contact-style mineralisation similar to that at the Porphyry Zone was intersected in a historical hole (Figure 1).

Click here to watch brief 3D video highlighting proposed drill-holes for the 2019 campaign.

Disclosure notes: Assays listed above are uncut and down-the-hole lengths, with true widths approximately 90% of down-the-hole lengths. Intercept depths are reported as vertical depth from surface.

Matthew Hornor, Maple Gold's President and CEO, commented: "We have ranked and prioritized all of our drill targets and with more than $4M in the treasury we are now in position to test top priority drill targets, while concurrently working with RPA on our new resource estimate for Douay."

Hornor added, "With the support of our strong shareholder base and an improving gold environment, we feel that it is of utmost importance to continue building value at the project with a highly-focused drilling campaign. Our winter drilling and other exploration work in 2019 will contribute to the first ever deposit-wide PEA at the project, which we anticipate starting near year-end."

Plans for winter 2019 include high-priority drilling and geophysics; the Company has outlined ~10,000 metres of top-priority drilling to test numerous targets on the Douay property at Douay West, Nika, Porphyry and 531 Zones. A minimum of 5,000 metres will be drilled during the 2019 winter campaign, with final meterage subject to market and weather conditions. The Company also plans to conduct limited metallurgical work and further refine the 3D model in support of the planned PEA.

Drill bids from prospective contractors are currently being evaluated and the Company anticipates selecting a contractor very shortly. Concurrent with the winter drilling, a ground geophysical program is planned to test one of the targets generated during the summer 2018 mapping program (see press release of November 14, 2018). New mineralised zones defined at Nika, and areas with higher-than-expected grade intercepts at the Porphyry Zone obtained during 2018 drilling, both offer significant opportunities to add to the deposit resource base at higher-than-deposit-average grades. Drilling at the Douay West and 531 zones, where mostly higher-grade intercepts were obtained in historical holes, is meant to test possible depth extensions of the mineralisation as well as to better understand the structural controls for these complex areas.





Figure 1: Proposed winter 2019 holes in a 2D representation of a 3D model, also showing syenite and higher-grade gold mineralisation. Drill-hole locations for the full ~10,000m of drilling are shown, with a minimum of 5,000m for phase 1.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/42940_75430779a4dfdaa2_001full.jpg

Note close spatial association of higher-grade gold zones with syenite bodies in Figure 1, with the syenite bodies forming a dense dyke swarm in the resource area, but also extending well beyond it notably north and south of the Porphyry Zone. One of these areas (Figure 1: Exploration Target) will be tested in winter 2019 drilling; a 2013 drill-hole in the Exploration Target gave several intercepts ranging from 2.1 to 17.5 g/t Au, that have not been followed up. Observations from recent relogging indicate that gold in this hole is associated with a contact style of mineralisation that is very similar to that observed in the Porphyry Zone - discovery potential in this area is considered excellent.





Figure 2: EW long section through Nika Zone

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/42940_75430779a4dfdaa2_002full.jpg

The above figure shows several high-priority 2019 drill-hole traces designed to test depth extensions of DO-18-218 and DO-12-05. Note subparallel orientation of several segments of higher-grade mineralisation, with the trace of Douay faults - these and other structures as well as syenite intrusion morphology and their contact zones are important mineralisation controls. There is currently no conceptual pit in the Nika Zone, located in the NW Gap area between Douay West, Northwest and Porphyry Zones; the definition of Nika mineralisation is expected to represent a step towards potentially tying these three zones together.

Corporate note

The Company announces that subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company has agreed to issue 568,182 common shares in the capital of the Company at an issue price of $0.11 in settlement of certain outstanding obligations. Upon issuance, such shares will be subject to a four-month hold period.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Fred Speidel, M. Sc, P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration, of Maple Gold. Mr. Speidel is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Speidel has verified the data related to the exploration information disclosed in this news release through his direct participation in the work.

Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)

Maple Gold implements strict Quality Assurance ("QA") and Quality Control ("QC") protocols at Douay covering the planning and placing of drill holes in the field; drilling and retrieving the NQ-sized drill core; drill-hole surveying; core transport to the Douay Camp; core logging by qualified personnel; sampling and bagging of core for analysis; transport of core from site to the analytical laboratory; sample preparation for assaying; and analysis, recording and final statistical vetting of results. For a complete description of protocols, please visit the Company's QA/QC page on the website at: http://maplegoldmines.com/index.php/en/projects/qa-qc-qp-statement

About Maple Gold

Maple Gold is an advanced gold exploration and development company focused on defining a district-scale gold project in one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions. The Company's ~392 km Douay Gold Project is located along the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone (55 km of strike) within the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt in northern Quebec, Canada. The Project benefits from excellent infrastructure and has an established gold resource3 that remains open in multiple directions. For more information please visit www.maplegoldmines.com.

ON BEHALF OF MAPLE GOLD MINES LTD.

"Matthew Hornor"

B. Matthew Hornor, President & CEO

For Further Information Please Contact:



Mr. Joness Lang

VP, Corporate Development

Cell: 778.686.6836

Email: jlang@maplegoldmines.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 PRESS RELEASE.

Forward Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada, including statements about the prospective mineral potential of the Porphyry Zone, the potential for significant mineralisation from other drilling in the referenced drill program and the completion of the drill program. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimate of future events. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations and projections. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding timing and completion of the private placement. When used herein, words such as "anticipate", "will", "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on certain estimates, expectations, analysis and opinions that management believed reasonable at the time they were made or in certain cases, on third party expert opinions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, and uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual events, results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future events, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Maple Gold Mines Ltd.'s filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company's website at www.maplegoldmines.com. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42940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.President Manuel Goncalves Lourenco is pursuing an elite accused of syphoning off Angola's wealth. In a new report, A2 Global Risk assesses whether his ambitions can be matched by an ability to recover assets, and what this means for foreign companies seeking opportunities there.

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / When Manuel Goncalves Lourenco was elected president of Angola in 2017, he surprised many observers by going after family members and associates of his predecessor, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, as part of his pledge to eradicate corruption.

There is indeed much scope for tackling graft in developing countries, where USD20-40 billion is lost each year through corruption, according to the United Nations' Office on Drugs and Crime. The sums involved often exceed payments received in overseas development assistance.

Ensuring that businesses transactions are transparent reduces uncertainty and lowers the risk of uncompetitive practices. Protecting state institutions against corrupt practices can also ensure that all citizens are equal before the law and that taxpayers' money is used correctly.

But Lourenco's efforts could be stymied by the complex and lengthy process of tracing, freezing, confiscating and returning stolen assets to the country. Repatriation is complicated by the involvement of multiple jurisdictions and technical, legal and political barriers.

Questions have also been asked about why the president has excluded certain figures from his clampdown, which seems at odds with his public rhetoric.

With politically exposed persons who have joined the new elite will still likely dominate Angolan businesses until Lourenco's efforts bring returns, where does this leave foreign companies seeking investment opportunities in Angola?

In ASSET RECOVERY IN ANGOLA: Between ambition and capacity A2 Global Risk looks behind the headlines and provides an independent assessment of the business risks likely to affect companies looking to enter the Angolan market over the next three years.

Read ASSET RECOVERY IN ANGOLA: Between ambition and capacity

About

A2 Global Risk is a full-service consultancy offering information services, protective security and logistics services. Founded in 2006, Allan & Associates has offices around the world, including London, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

For more information call A2 Global Risk's Information Service on: +44 (0) 207 300 7252

Email: informationservices@a2globalrisk.com

SOURCE: A2 Global Risk

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536121/Angolas-Corruption-Crackdown-Can-Reality-Match-AmbitionCHICAGO, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --According to the new market research report "Automotive Logistics Market by Activity (Warehouse, Transport), Logistics Service (Inbound, Outbound, Reverse, Aftermarket), Mode of transport (Roadways, Railways, Maritime, Airways), Distribution, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Automotive Logistics Market is estimated to be USD 284.1 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 472.9 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 7.55%. Increasing vehicle production and infrastructure development in emerging countries will drive the market during the forecast period.

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=132940404

Browse in-depth TOC on "Automotive Logistics Market"

65 - Tables

50 - Figures

167 - Pages

Transportation is estimated to be the largest segment of the Automotive Logistics Market during the forecast period

Increasing global vehicle production has increased the demand for logistics services for the transportation of automotive components, accessories, spare parts, and finished vehicles. Due to low labor costs and taxes, Asia has become the hub of automotive production. It accounts for 55% of the global passenger car and LCV production. In the automotive logistics supply chain, transportation of components, accessories, spare parts, and finished vehicles is more expensive. These vehicles and components are exported to Europe and North America and require a multimodal mode of transport. According to experts, the introduction of electric vehicles will cause major changes in the automotive logistics supply chain. The logistics services for transportation and handling of batteries are expected to account for significant part of inbound logistics.

Maritime logistics is estimated to be the fastest growing mode of transport in the Automotive Logistics Market

The transportation of cargo through waterways is more economical than roadways and railways. It does not require a huge capital investment in construction and maintenance, except in the case of canals. Various countries such as France, Germany, Spain, China, India, and Brazil are working toward increasing the share of maritime transport in the logistics industry through investments and favorable policies. For instance, the European Union is working on 5 priority infrastructure projects that include 3 rail-marine projects and 2 inland waterways projects. Thus, marine logistics is estimated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.

Increased vehicle production and the presence of key OEMs would drive the Asia Oceania Automotive Logistics Market

Asia Oceania has emerged as a hub for automotive production in recent years because of changing consumer preferences, increasing disposable income of the middle-class, and cost advantages for OEMs. China and Japan have the largest vehicle production in the region. Vehicles are exported from China, Japan, and South Korea to Europe and North America. China is the largest market for automotive logistics because of its huge vehicle production. With the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, China plans to improve infrastructure connectivity in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and Europe. The OBOR project bodes well for the automotive logistics industry as it would lead to seamless connectivity from Asia to Europe.

Inquiry Before Buying:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=132940404

The Automotive Logistics Market is consolidated and dominated by a few global players. The key players in the market are DHL (Germany), XPO (US), SNCF (France), Kuehne + Nagel (Switzerland), and DSV (Denmark).

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/automotive-logistic-market.asp

Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com20 February 2019

Acacia Mining plc

LSE: ACA

("Acacia" or the "Company")

Update on Discussions in Tanzania

Acacia notes today's announcement by Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick"), Acacia's majority shareholder, regarding an update on the ongoing discussions with the Government of Tanzania ("GoT").

Acacia has not yet received any proposal from Barrick regarding a comprehensive resolution of the Company's disputes with the GoT. Any proposal received by Acacia will be subject to review by the Independent Committee of the Acacia Board of Directors.

A further update will be provided when appropriate.

ENQUIRIES

For further information, please visit our website: www.acaciamining.com or contact:

Acacia Mining plc +44 (0) 20 7129 7150

Sally Marshak, General Manager - Investor Relations & Communications

Camarco +44 (0) 20 3757 4980

Gordon Poole / Nick Hennis

About Acacia Mining plc

Acacia Mining plc (LSE:ACA) is the UK holding company of the Acacia Group, Tanzania's largest gold miner and one of the largest producers of gold in Africa. The Acacia Group has three mines, all located in north-west Tanzania: Bulyanhulu, which is owned and operated by Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Limited, Buzwagi, which is owned and operated by Pangea Minerals Limited and North Mara, which is owned and operated by North Mara Gold Mine Limited.

The Acacia Group also has a portfolio of exploration projects in Kenya, Burkina Faso and Mali. Acacia is a UK public company headquartered in London. We are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange with a secondary listing on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange. Barrick Gold Corporation is our majority shareholder.

Disclaimer and forward-looking statements

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of Acacia in any jurisdiction. This announcement includes "forward-looking statements" that express or imply expectations of future events or results as opposed to historical facts. These statements include, financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future production, operations, costs, projects, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates" and other similar expressions. All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Acacia, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences between the actual results, performance and achievements of Acacia include, but are not limited to, changes or developments in political, economic or business conditions or national or local legislation or regulation in countries in which Acacia conducts - or may in the future conduct - business, industry trends, competition, fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold or certain other commodity prices (such as copper and diesel), currency fluctuations (including the US dollar, South African rand, Kenyan shilling and Tanzanian shilling exchange rates), Acacia's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, Acacia's ability to recover its reserves or develop new reserves, including its ability to convert its resources into reserves and its mineral potential into resources or reserves, and to process its mineral reserves successfully and in a timely manner, Acacia's ability to complete land acquisitions required to support its mining activities, operational or technical difficulties which may occur in the context of mining activities, delays and technical challenges associated with the completion of projects, risk of trespass, theft and vandalism, changes in Acacia's business strategy and ongoing implementation of operational reviews, as well as risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development, mining and production and risks and factors affecting the gold mining industry in general. Although Acacia's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, Acacia cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Accordingly, investors should not place reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this announcement. Any forward-looking statements in this announcement only reflect information available at the time of preparation. Save as required under the Market Abuse Regulation or otherwise as may be required under applicable law, Acacia explicitly disclaims any obligation or undertaking publicly to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast or estimate and no statement made should be interpreted to mean that Acacia's profits or earnings per share for any future period will necessarily match or exceed its historical published profits or earnings per share.NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

Transaction includes retail and distribution operations in four of GODIVA's 100 plus markets: Japan , South Korea , Australia and New Zealand , along with the production facility supplying these regions located in Brussels, Belgium

, , and , along with the production facility supplying these regions located in The transaction will produce cash flow and provides financial flexibility for more agile action in high growth areas globally including expansion into new product categories, acceleration of distribution in all channels, entry into new geographies, and the build out of 2000 cafes

GODIVA Chocolatier will retain brand ownership in all global markets granting a perpetual license to MBK Partners and continue to own and operate in the remaining 100 plus markets

GODIVA will continue to source products from the Belgian facility, which will now be owned by MBK Partners

Deal structure preserves Belgian origin and heritage while GODIVA continues to invest in the Belgian market and maintains its European headquarters, Center of Excellence for R&D, retail boutiques, CPG and Travel Retail in Brussels

GODIVA Chocolatier, owned by Yildiz Holding, today announced a transaction for the sale of select GODIVA assets to MBK Partners as part of a global strategy to grow the business fivefold. Under the terms of the transaction, MBK Partners will purchase the retail and distribution operations in four of GODIVA's 100 plus markets: Japan, South Korea, Australia and the future rights to develop New Zealand. This includes Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), digital-commerce, travel retail (for Japan and South Korea) and more than 300 retail stores. The transaction also includes the GODIVA production facility in Brussels that supplies product to these markets. All remaining 100 plus markets will continue to be owned and operated by GODIVA. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The agreement executed today has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both parties and the transaction is anticipated to close in mid-2019, subject to the customary closing conditions of completion of standard Belgium employee works council consultations and expiry of the relevant competition authority waiting period.

Post-close, GODIVA Chocolatier will retain exclusive brand ownership in all global markets granting a perpetual license to MBK Partners and will continue to own and operate the remaining markets in over 100 countries. GODIVA will continue to source its products from the Belgian facility together with the production facility it owns in PA, USA, and its affiliate facilities in Istanbul, Turkey.

"Since 2008 we have been very pleased with the performance of GODIVA, having nearly doubled its revenue and the number of stores operating globally, and continue to see tremendous upside for this brand moving forward," said Murat Ulker, Chairman of GODIVA and Yildiz Holding. "Realizing the potential ahead, together with GODIVA leadership, we conducted a strategic review to explore new ways for generating the necessary cash flow to fuel the robust growth. This transaction is an ideal solution that provides the momentum to fuel expansion in other high potential areas of our portfolio."

Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO of GODIVA Chocolatier added, "We believe this deal is a win-win for everyone. It gives us the financial flexibility we need to execute our 5x growth strategy by accelerating efforts in new and existing markets and supporting the plan of opening of more than 2,000 cafes globally while preserving our Belgian legacy, quality, and craftmanship that have helped to make our brand iconic."

"We received remarkable interest from a dozen blue chip investors, many of whom were actively engaged in the negotiation until the last rounds," said Nurtac Afridi, Head of Strategy and M&A in Yildiz Holding. "We have long treasured the GODIVA brand and believe it represents significant upside for any investor. The know-how of the GODIVA team and its R&D excellence coupled with MBK Partners' expertise in these markets will deliver the next level of exponential growth and value creation for the brand."

Strategic Business Rationale

Among GODIVA's 100 plus markets, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand collectively have some of the strongest brand equity today and include more than 300 retail stores, making these regions the most compelling areas for monetization. In Japan, GODIVA has almost 90 percent aided brand awareness and is the number one retail brand in the country with the highest premium time spent in stores*.

At the same time, there is significant unrealized opportunity for the brand that, when coupled with the infusion of capital, infrastructure and capabilities from MBK Partners, is expected to deliver a strong return on investment.

Continued Commitment to Belgium Operation and Heritage

The structure of the deal will ensure the preservation of GODIVA's Belgian legacy as it continues to invest in the Belgian market. GODIVA will maintain its European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium; it will continue to own and operate its Belgium retail stores, travel retail and CPG channels; and it will continue its Brussels-based Center of Excellence for R&D. GODIVA will also maintain exclusive rights to its iconic recipes, continue the development of chef-inspired creations, and uphold its commitment to the Belgian craftmanship that defines its premium brand. The factory in Brussels will continue to produce and export GODIVA products globally under the ownership of MBK Partners. GODIVA will retain its prestigious Belgian Royal Warrant to supply goods to the royal court, an honor it has had for the last 50 years.

*Based on research by the Nikkei Marketing Journal in 2017.

Morgan Stanley acted as the exclusive financial advisor and Baker McKenzie acted as the exclusive legal counsel to Yildiz Holding and Godiva on this transaction.

About GODIVA Chocolatier

GODIVA Chocolatier is the global leader in premium, artisanal chocolate. The company was founded in Brussels in 1926 by Belgian Chocolatier, Pierre Draps. Nearly a century later, every piece of GODIVA chocolate is still bursting with quality, Belgian craftsmanship, and the world's finest ingredients. GODIVA has distribution in more than 100 countries across the globe. Customers can experience GODIVA at the iconic brand's chocolate boutiques, travel retail, cafes, digital commerce, and at many fine retailers. GODIVA is committed to innovative and delicious food and beverage products that exceed consumer expectations and create wonderful moments. From its famous truffles and shell-moulded chocolate pieces to its European-style biscuits, individually wrapped chocolates, gourmet coffees, hot cocoa, soft serve and other indulgences, GODIVA is dedicated to bringing the ultimate chocolate experience to the world. As a socially responsible business, GODIVA has global practices and programs designed to provide meaningful support to cocoa farmers, safeguard our environment, and empower the communities where we live and work.

About Yildiz Holding

Yildiz Holding, headquartered in Istanbul, has over 300 brands available in more than 120 countries. The company, which is 100 percent owned by the Ulker Family, operates globally and serves a population of 4 billion. It has 80 factories and 60,000 employees worldwide. The company is focused on confectionary (chocolate, biscuits, cakes, gum, candy) and retail businesses. Yildiz Holding is the largest food manufacturers in CEEMEA (Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa). It increased its share in global markets with iconic brands like GODIVA, Ulker, and McVitie's. In addition to GODIVA retail operations, Yildiz Holding also owns two leading retail chain stores that are based in Turkey - Sok Marketler and Bizim Toptan. Sok Marketler is the fastest growing retail chain in Turkey and Bizim Toptan is the country's biggest cash & carry brand in terms of the number of stores. In addition to snacks and retail business, the company also produces food, frozen food, vegetable oils, margarines, processed meat, personal care products and packaging material. Gozde Girisim, a private equity fund that is listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, is also owned by Yildiz Holding. Yildiz Holding has seven companies listed in Borsa Istanbul Stock Exchange. Among them, Ulker and Kerevitas have been listed among the first three largest listed public food companies. The company and its brands contribute to society through its social responsibility and sustainability activities in the areas of environment, sports, education, health and art.

CONTACTS

GODIVA Chocolatier Carmen Chiu Head of Global Corporate Communications (+1) 212-984-6468 carmen.chiu@godiva.com Amy Rosenberg H+K Strategies - New York (+1) 212-885-0581 amy.rosenberg@hkstrategies.com H+K Strategies - Belgium godivabelgium@hkstrategies.com (+32) 472-967-257 Yildiz Holding Alper Yilmaz Yildiz Holding Corporate Communication Supervisor +90 533 254 22 45 alper.yilmaz@yildizholding.com.tr Jochen Legewie Kekst CNC - Japan jochen.legewie@kekstcnc.com (+81) 3-5156-0185

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/823939/GODIVA_Chocolatier_cafe_in_Brussels.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824126/GODIVA_Chocolatier_Logo.jpgVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / Coral Gold Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: CLH; OTCQX: CLHRF) ("Coral" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a productive year by Barrick Gold at the Robertson gold property in Nevada. Barrick has reported that the Prefeasibility study work is on schedule and Phase II metallurgical work is in progress.

Coral Gold holds a sliding scale 1% to 2.25% net smelter returns royalty (NSR) on the Robertson Property, payable quarterly, subject to potential advance royalty payments. Under the agreement, concluded in June 2017, Barrick paid US$15.75 million (approximately Cdn $21.2 million based on the exchange rate at the time) to Coral. Barrick also returned 4,150,000 common shares of Coral, representing approximately 8.7% of the Company's basic common shares outstanding for cancellation by the Company.

Overview of Robertson Work Completed by Barrick in Q4 2018

Barrick recently reported on their work at Robertson during Q4 2018. Their activities and progress included:

Completed the Robertson 2018 core drilling program

Modified sample program utilized large volume samples to overcome analytical variability

Geological and metal models updated with new 2018 data

Baseline studies are on schedule

Phase II metallurgical testing is in progress

Geotechnical work completed on 2018 holes

Prefeasibility study work is on schedule

"Barrick invited Coral's management to visit the property in November of 2018, and we were very pleased at the way Barrick is advancing the property," said Coral's President and CEO David Wolfin. "Barrick has shown determination and a steady, methodical approach to completing the prefeasibility work while utilizing state-of-the-art evaluation technology. We're confident that, considering Barrick's world-class expertise and reputation for bringing projects to production, we will realize the value of Robertson for our shareholders."

Coral Shares Acquired Under the Normal Course Issuer Bid

Pursuant to the Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) announced on July 30, 2018, as of January 31, 2019 Coral had purchased 2,781,000 Coral common shares at an average cost of $0.3694. Under the NCIB, Coral may purchase up to 3,938,462 common shares, representing approximately 10% of the total current public float (being the total issued shares, less shares held by insiders, and their associates and affiliates). Purchases are made at the discretion of Coral at prevailing market prices, for a 12-month period. Coral intends to hold all shares acquired under the Bid for cancellation.

Looking Ahead: 2019 and Beyond

With over Cdn $18 million in cash and only 48 million shares outstanding, Coral is well-positioned for the coming year and beyond. These factors have helped the Company maintain its value during ongoing market headwinds.

"Looking ahead to 2019 and beyond, we will continue to evaluate our three gold properties in the Cortez region: the Norma Sass, JDN and Eagle," said Wolfin. "At the same time, we will also investigate other opportunities, both in Nevada and beyond. We will also report quarterly on Barrick's progress during this prefeasibility stage at Robertson."

"I would like to thank our entire team for their persistence and drive during the past year. We continue to build Coral into an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to reporting more good news in the coming months."

About Coral Gold Resources Ltd.

Coral Gold Resources is a precious metals exploration company, where it has explored one of the world's richest gold districts in Nevada for over 30 years. The Company's primary asset is a sliding scale net smelter returns production royalty on Barrick Gold's Robertson Property in Nevada. Robertson is located within Barrick's rich Pipeline/Cortez mine land holdings. The Company also holds a portfolio of nearby exploration projects located near Barrick's ground. Our overall objective is to generate long-term wealth for shareholders.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"David Wolfin"

__________________________________________

David Wolfin

President & Chief Executive Officer

Coral Gold Resources Ltd.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This release contains statements that are forward-looking statements and are based on numerous assumptions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks inherent in mineral exploration and development, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any projected future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE: Coral Gold Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536067/Coral-Gold-Provides-Outlook-for-2019-Including-Prefeasibility-Work-by-Barrick-Gold-at-Robertson-ProjectTechnological advancements in mass spectrometry, rise in concerns related to food & environmental welfare, and wide scope of applications drive the growth in the global market.

PORTLAND, Oregon, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Mass Spectrometry Market by Technology (Hybrid Mass Spectrometry [Triple Quadrapole, Quadrapole TOF, and Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry], Single Mass Spectrometry [Ion Trap, Quadrapole, and Time-of-Flight], and Other Mass Spectrometry) and Application (Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Industrial Chemistry, Environmental Testing, Food & Beverage Testing, and Other Applications) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023." The report provides an extensive analysis of key winning strategies, drivers & opportunities, market size & forecasts, and competitive landscape. According to the report, the global mass spectrometry market garnered $4.98 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach at $7.92 billion by 2023, registering a CAGR of 8.0% from 2017 to 2023.

Technological advancements in mass spectrometry, rise in concerns related to food & environmental welfare, and wide application areas are currently driving the market. However, high costs related to mass spectrometry equipment and scarcity of trained professionals restrain the market growth. On the other hand, untapped potential in developing countries and miniaturization of mass spectrometry devices create new opportunities in the industry.

Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2639

Hybrid mass spectrometry to be a lucrative segment

Hybrid mass spectrometry contributed to more than half of the total market share in 2017 and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. This segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 8.2% from 2017 to 2023. It is a lucrative segment, owing to higher level of performance as compared to other types of spectrometers, technological advancements, miniaturization of spectrometers, user friendliness, and ability to offer sensitive data in short period of time. The report also analyzes single mass spectrometry and others.

Pharmaceuticals to maintain its leadership status by 2023

Pharmaceuticals accounted for more than nearly one-fourth of the total market share in 2017 and is expected to maintain its leadership status by 2023. This is due to massive utilization of mass spectrometry in the pharmaceuticals industry for different applications during the drug discovery processes and clinical trials. However, food & beverage testing is expected to grow at the highest growth rate, registering a CAGR of 10.0% from 2017 to 2023, owing to surge in awareness among population about food safety and increase in concerns related to food and environment welfare. The research also analyzes biotechnology, industrial chemistry, environmental testing, and others.

For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2639

North America to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period

North America contributed to nearly two-fifths of the total market share in 2017 and is expected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is due to increase in adoption of technologically advanced spectrometry techniques and integration of advanced software and hardware processes in spectrometry devices. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 8.7% from 2017 to 2023, owing to increase in food and beverage testing procedures by major food & beverage manufacturers, rise in demand for advanced devices, and surge in awareness of in developing nations.

Key market players

Leading market players analyzed in the research include Agilent Technologies, Inc., Waters Corporation, Danaher Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Bruker Corporation, Shimadzu Corporation, Perkinelmer, Inc., Dani Instruments S.P.A., Kore Technologies, Ltd., and Leco Corporation.

Access KNOWLEDGE TREE (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/knowledgetree

Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas.

Similar Reports:

DNA Diagnostics Market

Pharmaceutical Pellets Market

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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.

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Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.comDETROIT, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratview Research announces the launch of a new research report on Aero-Engine Coatings Market by Aircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft, Military Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, General Aviation, and Helicopter), by Engine Type (Turbofan Engine, Turbojet Engine, Turboprop Engine, and Turboshaft Engine), by Process Type (Spray Process, EBPVD Process, and Others), by Form Type (Powder Coating, Liquid Coatings, and Wired Coatings), by Application Type (Turbine Section, Combustion Section, Compressor Section, Afterburner Section, and Bearings & Accessories), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of The World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2019-2024.

This 290-page strategic assessment report, from Stratview Research, studies the coatings market in the global aircraft engine industry over the trend period of 2013 to 2018 and forecast period of 2019 to 2024. The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner in order to provide panoramic view of the market. The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for the market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available as well as to formulate the growth strategies in order to expedite their growth process.

Aero-Engine Coatings Market: Highlights

Aero-engines are getting hotter day by day in order to address the airlines' ever-lasting demand for aircraft that consumes lesser fuel and emits lower carbon oxide and nitrogen oxide. Aero-engine sections, especially, turbine and combustor, are experiencing temperatures above 3,000-degree Fahrenheit. Superalloys used in these sections generally melt at temperatures hundreds of degrees lower. Here, coatings play a pivotal role in the surviving of these parts from such extreme temperatures. The purpose of a coating is to not only protect engine parts from such high temperatures, but also protect them against oxidation, corrosion, wear, erosion, and fouling. In an aero-engine, different types of coatings are applied to different components. For example, turbine blades are coated with thermal barrier coatings to allow them to operate at higher temperature while limiting the thermal exposure of components and providing oxidation resistance to the parts, leading to its increased lifespan.

As per Stratview Research, the coatings market for aero-engines is projected to grow at an excellent rate in the coming five years to reach an estimated value of US$ 1.2 billion in 2024. Development of high-thrust engines coupled with the requirement of high-performance coatings and coatings on complex-shaped engine parts are driving the suppliers to develop new coating systems as well as sophisticated deposition techniques. Other factors include organic growth of the aerospace industry, incorporation of advanced materials in the crucial sections of engines, and advancements in the coating systems and techniques.

Click Here to Browse the Detailed TOC of the Report

The research's findings suggest that commercial aircraft is likely to remain the growth engine of the market during the forecast period. Increasing production rates of key aircraft programs, such as B737, B787, A320, and A350XWB to support rising passenger traffic; introduction of variants of the best-selling aircraft programs (A320neo, B737 Max, B777x, and A330neo); advancements in the fabrication process of different aero-engine components; and market entry of new aircraft (C919 and MC-21) are primarily driving the demand for aero-engine coatings in the commercial aircraft segment.

Based on the form type, powder coatings are expected to remain the dominant and fastest-growing segment of the market during the forecast period, other forms being liquid and wired coatings. Powder coatings deliver cost-effective solutions with improved performance. Further, these coating materials are free from volatile organic compounds unlike solvent-based coatings, which results in its significant demand in the aero-engine coatings market.

Based on the application type, turbine section is expected to remain the dominant and fastest-growing segment of the market during the forecast period. High-pressure turbines of an aero-engine rotate at more than 10,000 rpm. In these extreme conditions, turbine blades may suffer from oxidation and corrosion. In order to avoid degradation of blades, oxidation resistance coatings and thermal barrier coatings are applied on them as well as in other components of the turbine section.

Register Here and Ask for a Free Sample of the Exclusive Report

In terms of region, North America is projected to remain the largest market for aero-engine coatings during the forecast period. All the major aero-engine suppliers, such as GE Aviation, CFM International, and Pratt & Whitney, have their engine assembly plants in the region to address the teething issues of aircraft OEMs. However, Asia-Pacific is likely to witness the highest growth during the same period, driven by a host of factors including increasing demand for commercial aircraft to support rising passenger traffic, opening of assembly plants of Boeing and Airbus for B737, A320, and A330 in China, upcoming indigenous commercial and regional aircraft (COMAC C919 and Mitsubishi MRJ), and increasing aircraft fleet size.

The key players in the aero-engine coatings market are Praxair Inc., OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC, PPG Industries Inc., Akzo Nobel N.V., and DowDuPont Inc. Development of high-performance coatings, expansion in untapped and growing markets, and execution of mergers & acquisitions are the key strategies adopted by the major players to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights on the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:

Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.

Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.

Market trend and forecast analysis.

Market segment trend and forecast.

Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, product portfolio, product launches, etc.

Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.

Emerging trends.

Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.

Key success factors

This report studies the coatings market in the global aircraft engines industry and has segmented the market in six ways, keeping in mind the interest of all the stakeholders across the value chain. The following are the six ways in which the market is segmented:

Aero-Engine Coatings Market, By Aircraft Type:

Commercial Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Regional Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

General Aviation (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Helicopter (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Military Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Aero-Engine Coatings Market, By Engine Type

Turbofan Engine (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Turbojet Engine (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Turboprop Engine (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Turboshaft Engine (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Aero-Engine Coatings Market, By Process Type

Spray Process (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

EBPVD Process (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Others (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Aero-Engine Coatings Market, By Form Type

Powder Coating (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Liquid Coating (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Wired Coating (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Aero-Engine Coatings Market, By Application Type

Turbine Section (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Combustion Section (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Compressor Section (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Afterburner Section (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Bearings & Accessories (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Aero-Engine Coatings Market, By Region

North America (Country Analysis: The USA , Canada , and Mexico )

Europe (Country Analysis: Germany , France , The UK, Poland , and Rest of Europe )

Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: China , Japan , Singapore , and Rest of Asia-Pacific )

Rest of the World (Sub-Region Analysis: Latin America , Middle East , and Others)

Stratview Research has number of high value market reports in the global aerospace & defense industry. Please refer to the following link to browse through our reports:

Click Here for Other Reports from Stratview Research in the Aerospace & Defense Industry

Some of our other premium market reports in the aerospace & defense industry:

Aircraft Fastener Coatings Market by Aircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, General Aviation, Helicopter, and Military Aircraft), by Application Type (Engine, Aerostructures, Interiors, and Others), by Coating Type (Cadmium Coating, Dry Lubricant, Silver Coating, Aluminum Coating, and Others), by Process Type (Spray Coating, Dip Coating, Electroplating, and Others), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest o2023f the World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2018-2023.

Aerospace & Defense Coatings Market by Resin Type (Epoxy, Polyurethane, and Others), by Aircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft, Military Aircraft, and General Aviation), by Technology Type (Liquid and Powder), by End-User Type (OEM and MRO), by Application Type (External and Internal), 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.

For enquiries,

Contact:

Ritesh Gandecha

Stratview Research

E-mail: sales@stratviewresearch.com

Direct: +1-313-307-4176FELTON, California, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The global cold forged products market is expected to reach USD 17.25 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 5.0% from 2017 to 2025. Growth in the automotive sector of emerging economies including China and India as a result of planned production capacity expansion by vehicle manufacturers is projected to increase the utility of cold forged products.

Furthermore, improvement in the aviation sector of countries such as the U.S. and Germany as a result of supportive government programs for funding on defense aircraft is expected to promote the forging metal forms in the near future.

Aluminum is a preferred metal for manufacturing of lightweight parts particularly in industries such as aerospace and automobile as it has low density, high strength, and is corrosion resistant. Furthermore, high performance is obtained by forged aluminum wheels as compared to cast version used in heavy trucks and automobiles.

Cold forged aluminum engine mounts are increasingly replacing cast iron, resulting in weight reduction by more than 60.0%. The increasing usage of aluminum in end-use industries is expected to drive demand in the market in the coming years.

Access full research report with ToC on "Cold Forged Products Market Size and Forecast, By Material (Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Copper), By Application (Industrial, Aerospace, Automotive, Building & Construction, Consumer Goods) And Segment Forecast, 2015 - 2025" at: https://www.hexaresearch.com/research-report/cold-forged-products-market

In 2017, the U.S. held more than 85.0% share in the North America cold forged products market. Aircraft and automobile manufacturing are among the major demand generators for the market in the country. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), in 2017, the aerospace industry contributed USD 143 billion in the U.S. economy through exports.

The growth in the aerospace industry coupled with the regulations advocating a reduction in carbon footprint is expected to drive demand for light weight cold forged products in the coming years.

In the Asia Pacific region, China's automotive industry is growing with a significant rate and the country is the largest automotive market in the world. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the domestic automotive sales in the country stood at 28.0 million units in 2017 and is expected to reach 30 million units by 2020, growing further to reach 35 million units by 2025. This significant growth in automotive manufacturing will surge the demand for the cold forged products in the country in the foreseeable future.

As a result of favorable government initiatives, the global construction & building market is expected to witness significant growth. Construction & building is a key growth sector for cold forged products and is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 5.5% from 2015 to 2025.

The market is fairly competitive with manufacturers investing in modernizing their production facilities to reduce operational cost and gain a competitive edge. For instance, in December 2015, Kalyani Forge planned to invest USD 28.1 million on modernization and value addition at its manufacturing facilities in Pune, India, over the following three to five years.

To gain a competitive edge in the market, the companies are investing in R&D to introduce advanced products. For instance, in 2017, Nedschroef introduced high productivity fastening solution called TICnut (thin sheet inner clinch nut) which finds its use in applications such as heat shields, aluminum frame for doors, control units and wiring harness connectors.

Some of the key companies in the market include Bharat Forge Limited, Amtek Group, Kalyani Forge Ltd., and Ace Forge Pvt Ltd. Other active companies in the market include Daiichi Kiko Co., Ltd., Hiyoshi Kogyo Co., Ltd., Nedschroef, Miyama Precision (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Li-Hsing Forging Enterprise Co., Ltd., and Indo Schottle Auto Parts Pvt. Ltd.

Browse related reports by Hexa Research:

Alloy Tubes Market - Global alloy tubes market is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period on account of the multiple applications of alloy tubes in various industries

Antimony Tin Oxide Market - Global antimony tin oxide (ATO) market is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period on account of increasing demand from its end-users industries

Paperboard Packaging Market - Global paperboard packaging market size is expected to increase significantly over the next eight years with respect to the growing packaging and manufacturing industries, consumer awareness for sustainable packaging, recyclability

Tissue Paper Market - Global tissue paper market is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period on account of its multiple applications in the growing markets.

Hexa Research has segmented the cold forged products market report based on material, application and region:-

Segmentation by material

 Stainless Steel

 Aluminium

 Copper

 Other

Segmentation by application

 Industrial

 Aerospace

 Automotive

 Building & Construction

 Consumer Goods

 Others

Segmentation by region

 North America

 Europe

 Asia Pacific

 Central & South America

 Middle East & Africa

Key players analyzed

 Kalyani Forge Ltd.

 Daiichi Kiko Co., Ltd.

 Hiyoshi Kogyo Co., Ltd

 Nedschroef

 Miyama Precision (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

 Li-Hsing Forging Enterprise Co., Ltd

 Indo Schottle Auto Parts Pvt. Ltd

 Ace Forge Pvt Ltd.

About Hexa Research

Hexa Research is a market research and consulting organization, offering industry reports, custom research and consulting services to a host of key industries across the globe. We offer comprehensive business intelligence in the form of industry reports which help our clients obtain clarity about their business environment and enable them to undertake strategic growth initiatives.

Contact:

Michelle T.

Corporate Sales Specialist

Hexa Research

Phone: +1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-800-489-3075

Email: sales@hexaresearch.com

Web: https://www.hexaresearch.com/VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / Tasca Resources Ltd. ("Tasca", "TAC" or the "Company") (TSX Venture: TAC) (Frankfurt: 3TA) is pleased to report it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent with Max Resource Corp. ("Max") to purchase a 100% interest in 7 mineral license applications comprising the North Block of Max's Gachala Copper project 60 km east of Bogota, Colombia:

The North Block consists of 7 mineral license applications covering 48 line kilometres of the Devonian - Permian / Cretaceous contact believed to be highly prospective for sedimentary copper deposits.

Two of the license applications are contiguous to areas where historical exploration returned rock sample values ranging from 1.6 to 7.82 percent copper.Tasca cautions investors it has not yet verified any of the historical data.

Clive Massey, chief executive officer, commented: "I am extremely bullish on the future price of copper. When Max Resource Corp.'s gold discovery in Choco unexpectedly made the Gachala project available I felt Tasca had to pounce on the opportunity." He added: "We are planning to implement an aggressive exploration programme for this year and are very fortunate to have Brett Matich, Max's President and CEO prepared to assist our technical team, as both the team and Mr. Matich are convinced a concentrated exploration effort in the underexplored Gachala region has the potential to define the world's next copper frontier."

Mr. Matich commented, "I am looking forward to assisting Tasca's technical team in advancing the Gachala project, as we see the region as a highly prospective area for a massive copper discovery."

Two of the seven mineral license applications comprising the 13,280 hectare North Block cover the western limb of the Anticlinal Montecristo in the area adjacent to and immediately north of the Sinai property where Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Ltd. completed stream sediment and limited rock sampling in 1999. Rio Tinto took a total of 47 rock samples with 12 returning values in excess of 1 per cent copper, ranging from 1.6 per cent to 7.82 per cent (source: E.E. Vargas Ruiz, 1999; Exploracion Geoquimica Chivor Colombia Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Ltd.).Tasca cautions investors that mineralization on the Sinai property is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on its licence applications. Another two of the license applications cover a 4 kilometre long cobalt anomaly identified by the Colombian Geological Survey. This metal is of extreme interest to the Company as cobalt is one of the key accessory metals for sedimentary copper deposits.

The 7 North Block mineral license applications form part of the 53,538 hectare Gachala sedimentary copper project. The Gachala project lies within a northeast trending 250km-by-120km belt of Devonian-through-Cretaceous-age rocks in a geological setting conducive to hosting sedimentary copper deposits. Research by Rodriguez and Warden has found similarities between the sedimentary basin in Colombia and the sedimentary basin hosting the Zambian copper belt of Africa (source: C. Rodriguez and A.J. Warden (1993); "Overview of some Colombian gold deposits and their development potential"; Mineralium Deposita, Vol. 28, pages 47 to 57).

In total, the 30 mineral license applications of the Gachala Project cover an aggregate 107 line kms of the highly prospective contact between the Devonian-Permian red beds and overlying Cretaceous reducing black shales, one of the settings typical of these copper deposits.

Gachala Copper Project Location

A detailed review of the Colombian Geological Survey reports documents a number of historical copper occurrences within or adjacent to a number of the Gachala mineral license applications. Most of these occurrences consist of locations marked on the map with no descriptions in the literature. The Tasca exploration team will immediately commence examination and evaluation of the occurrences in the North Block area to attempt to verify the historical data.

Sporadic historic exploration throughout the central 5,625 sq km of the sedimentary belt has identified several zones and areas of copper mineralization, a number of which appear to lie on or proximal to the Gachala project mineral license applications.

Readers are cautioned that a "qualified person" (as defined by National Instrument 43-101) has not yet completed sufficient work to be able to verify the historical information contained in this press release. Management also cautions that past results or discoveries on adjacent properties may not necessarily be indicative to the presence of mineralization on the Company's properties.

Consolidation

The Company intends to consolidate its issued and outstanding common shares on a two (2) pre-consolidation shares for one (1) post consolidation share. As the Company currently has 51,944,542 common shares outstanding, it expects that it will have approximately 25,972,271 common shares outstanding after the consolidation. The Company intends to complete the consolidation within the next two weeks and does not intend to change its name in connection with the consolidation.

About the Transaction

Tasca has entered into a non binding letter of intent with MAX Resource Corp. whereby it proposes to acquire from MAX 100% of 7 mineral license applications known as the North Block of the Gachala project located in Colombia, South America. Under the terms of the letter of intent, Tasca has agreed to issue a total of 6,000,000 post consolidation common shares to MAX in consideration of the acquisition of a 100% interest in the 7 North Block claims. The letter of intent is subject to customary closing conditions, including due diligence of the parties, completion of the Tasca consolidation, execution of a definitive agreement, receipt of all third party consents and regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange approval and other customary closing conditions for a transaction of this nature. The transaction is at arms-length and there is no assurance the transaction will be completed as planned or at all.

R. Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. (BC) and Tasca's geologist, is the Qualified Person who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.

For additional information regarding the above noted property and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.tascaresources.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Clive Massey"

Clive H. Massey

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Tasca Investor Relations

Phone: (604) 644-6794

Email: info@tascaresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future.

Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this news release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements that are preceded by, followed by, or that include such words as "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "plan" or "expect" or similar statements are forward-looking statements. This forward-looking information includes, or may be based upon estimates, forecasts and statements of management's expectations with respect to, among other things, the completion of the proposed transaction with Max, the issuance of permits, the size and quality of mineral resources, future trends for the company, progress in development of mineral properties, future production and sales volumes, capital costs, mine production costs, demand and market outlook for metals, future metal prices and treatment and refining or milling charges, the outcome of legal proceedings, the timing of exploration, development and mining activities, acquisition of shares in other companies and the financial results of the company. Other risks include risks associated with seeking the capital necessary to complete the proposed transaction, the regulatory approval process, competitive companies, future capital requirements and the Company's ability and level of support for its exploration and development activities. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to complete the proposed transaction, that the Company's exploration efforts will succeed or the Company will ultimately achieve commercial success. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance those beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consider all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosed in the Company's periodic reports filed from time-to-time.

SOURCE: Tasca Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536105/Tasca-to-Purchase-100-of-the-Max-Resource-Corp-Gachala-Copper-Project-North-BlockENDEAVOUR REPORTS THAT WET COMMISSIONING

IS UNDERWAY AT ITS ITY CIL PROJECT

View News Release in PDF (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880216.pdf)

HIGHLIGHTS

Over 8 million man-hours have been worked without a lost time injury

Construction is on-budget & two months ahead of schedule with first gold pour expected in early Q2-2019

Dry commissioning has been completed and wet commissioning has commenced; demobilization of the construction team has also commenced

Ity is expected to produce 160 - 200koz in 2019 at an AISC of $525 - 590/oz, with the bottom-end of production guidance corresponding to the nameplate capacity

Aggressive exploration program underway with seven drill rigs active on the La Plaque target with the aim of publishing an updated resource in Q2-2019

Abidjan, February 20, 2019 - Endeavour Mining Corporation (TSX:EDV)(OTCQX:EDVMF) ("Endeavour") is pleased to announce that excellent progress continues to be made at its Ity CIL project in Cote d'Ivoire, as wet commissioning has commenced. Construction is progressing on-budget with over 97% of the total project complete and the first gold pour expected to occur two months ahead of schedule in early Q2-2019.

Sebastien de Montessus, President & CEO, stated: "We are proud of the key milestones achieved in recent months as the project construction has been significantly de-risked. We are excited to have commenced the commissioning phase several months ahead of the initial schedule and look forward to the first gold pour in early Q2-2019.

The start of production at Ity will be a transformative moment for Endeavour. It will become, alongside Hounde, our second flagship mine, and marks the end of several years of large capital-intensive projects which will allow us to focus on cash flow generation and generating returns on our capital employed.

With seven drill rigs currently operating in the Le Plaque area, we expect our additional exploration activity to further demonstrate the potential of Ity."

Key milestones achieved to date include:

Over 8 million man-hours have been worked without a lost time injury.

Overall project completion stands at more than 97%, tracking approximately two months ahead of schedule.

The project remains on-budget with the remaining cash outflow for 2019 amounting to $50 - $60 million.

Wet commissioning has commenced and, in preparation for production, ore is expected to be introduced into the process plant milling circuit in the coming days.

Image 1: Process Plant - Wet Plant (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880217.jpg)

The dry plant has been successfully commissioned.

Image 2 : Process Plant - Dry Plant (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880218.jpg)

Image 3 : Site Aerial View (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880219.jpg)

The tailings storage facility construction is complete.

Image 4: Tailings Storage Facility (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880220.jpg)

The 11kV switch room and 11kV overhead power line have been commissioned, the 90kV transmission line construction is nearly complete, and the back-up power station has been commissioned.

Image 5 : Switchyard and Power Station (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880221.jpg)

The Daapleu haul bridge construction and river diversion have been completed.

Image 6: Haul Bridge (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880222.jpg)

The resettlement of Daapleu is complete and the official ceremony of handing over the houses took place on December 10, 2018.

Image 7: Village Resettlement (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880223.jpg)

Construction of the 312-room permanent employee camp, messing, and staff recreation facilities are complete.

Image 8: Employee Permanent Camp (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880224.jpg)

Pre-stripping commenced at the Bakatouo and Ity Flat deposits in late 2018.

Image (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880225.jpg)9: Mining Activity (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880225.jpg)

Demobilization of construction personnel has begun following the completion of key construction milestones, and operating teams are in place with training programs well underway.

Ity is expected to produce 160 - 200koz in 2019 at an AISC of $525 - 590/oz, with the bottom-end production guidance corresponding to the nameplate capacity while the top-end factors possible upsides such as an earlier start date, a quicker than expected ramp-up and the plant producing above its nameplate.

An aggressive exploration program is underway, with seven drill rigs active on the La Plaque target with the aim of publishing an updated resource in Q2-2019. For 2019, a total of 70,000-meters are planned to be drilled in the Le Plaque area and on other nearby targets.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

Jeremy Langford, Endeavour's Chief Operating Officer - Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy - FAusIMM, is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Martino De Ciccio



VP - Strategy & Investor Relations

+44 203 640 8665

mdeciccio@endeavourmining.com (mailto:mdeciccio@endeavourmining.com) Brunswick Group LLP in London



Carole Cable, Partner

+44 7974 982 458

ccable@brunswickgroup.com (mailto:ccable@brunswickgroup.com)

ABOUT ENDEAVOUR MINING CORPORATION

Endeavour Mining is a TSX listed intermediate African gold producer with a solid track record of operational excellence, project development and exploration in the highly prospective Birimian greenstone belt in West Africa. Endeavour is focused on offering both near-term and long-term growth opportunities with its project pipeline and its exploration strategy, while generating immediate cash flow from its operations.

Endeavour operates 4 mines across Cote d'Ivoire (Agbaou and Ity) and Burkina Faso (Hounde, Karma) which are expected to produce 615-695koz in 2019 at an AISC of $760-810/oz.

For more information, please visit www.endeavourmining.com (http://www.endeavourmining.com).

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including but not limited to, statements with respect to Endeavour's plans and operating performance, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of future production, future capital expenditures, and the success of exploration activities. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts", and "anticipates". Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the successful integration of acquisitions; risks related to international operations; risks related to general economic conditions and credit availability, actual results of current exploration activities, unanticipated reclamation expenses; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; fluctuations in prices of metals including gold; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, increases in market prices of mining consumables, possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; delays in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations, and political and economic developments in countries in which Endeavour operates. Although Endeavour has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Please refer to Endeavour's most recent Annual Information Form filed under its profile at www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks affecting Endeavour and its business. AISC, all-in sustaining costs at the mine level, cash costs, operating EBITDA, all-in sustaining margin, free cash flow, net free cash flow, free cash flow per share, net debt, and adjusted earnings are non-GAAP financial performance measures with no standard meaning under IFRS, further discussed in the section Non-GAAP Measures in the most recently filed Management Discussion and Analysis.

Corporate Office: 5 Young St, Kensington, London W8 5EH, UK

Image 5: Switchyard and Power Station (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880221.jpg)

View News Release in PDF Format (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880216.pdf)

Image 2: Process Plant - Dry Plant (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880218.jpg)

Image 3: Site Aerial View (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880219.jpg)

Image 4: Tailings Storage Facility (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880220.jpg)

Image 7: Village Resettlement (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880223.jpg)

Image 6: Haul Bridge (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880222.jpg)

Image 8: Employee Permanent Camp (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880224.jpg)

Image 1: Process Plant - Wet Plant (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880217.jpg)

Image 9: Mining Activity (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2235709/880225.jpg)



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: Endeavour Mining Corporation via Globenewswire

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The global automotive airbag and seat belt market size is expected to reach USD 73.45 billion by 2025, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. Various federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to the installation of basic passive safety systems is one of the major factors driving the market. Growing awareness among consumers about the importance of implementing safety systems in vehicles is also responsible for propelling the market growth.

Key suggestions from the report:

Knee airbags segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.7% over the estimated period due to added protection offered by these airbags

The three point seat belt segment is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period and is projected to remain the preferred choice in a majority of commercial and passenger vehicles

The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is anticipated to register the highest CAGR over the forecast years due high product demand

Presence of emerging nations including China and India who are expected to exhibit a significant growth, in terms of GDP and disposable income, will also boost APAC market

Some of the key companies in the global automotive airbag and seat belt market include Autoliv, Inc.; Key Safety Systems (KSS); Robert Bosch GMBH; Continental AG; Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.; Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.; and ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

Read 122 page research report with TOC on "Automotive Airbag And Seat Belt Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End Use (Passenger, Commercial), By Type (Curtain, Knee, Side, Two Point, Three Point), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/automotive-airbag-seat-belt-market

Increasing consumer disposable income levels, particularly in emerging nations of Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, are expected to have a positive impact on the market. Furthermore, the automotive market in these regions is witnessing considerable progress. Rising profitability of the automotive market consequently promotes the growth of the airbag and seatbelt market. Technological advancements and continuous product development have also augmented the demand for products, such as airbag and seat belts, thereby supporting market expansion.

The introduction of enhanced fabric technologies, new coating application, and inflatable and motorized seatbelts, are expected to drive the market further. As technologies mature over the forecast period, it would only act in favor of the industry players, since technological maturation would lead to lower prices, subsequently promoting the adoption of these products.

Grand View Research has segmented the global automotive airbag and seat belt market on the basis of type, end use, and region:

Automotive Airbag and Seat Belt Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Airbag Type



Curtain Airbag





Front Airbag





Knee Airbag





Side Airbag



Seat Belt Type



Two Point





Three Point





Others

Automotive Airbag and Seat Belt End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

AirbagEnd Use



Passenger Vehicle





Commercial Vehicle



Seat Belt End Use



Passenger Vehicle





Commercial Vehicle

Automotive Airbag and Seat Belt Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

North America



U.S.





Canada



Europe



U.K.





Germany





France



Asia Pacific



China





India





Japan



Latin America



Brazil





Mexico

Find more research reports on Automotive & Transportation Industry, by Grand View Research:

Automotive Heat Exchanger Market - The global automotive heat exchanger market is projected to grow at a significant rate owing to increase in demand for automotive components in engineering industrial and commercial applications.

Automotive Finance Market - The global automotive finance market is poised to witness a significant growth owing to factors such as decreasing unemployment rate and higher per capita income levels.

Agricultural Machinery Market - The global agricultural machinery market is projected to witness significant growth from 2016 to 2022 and is expected to be valued over USD 200 billion by 2024 on account of upcoming technologies in the industry

Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: +1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com

Web : https://www.grandviewresearch.com

Follow Us: LinkedIn | TwitterThe Sigfox network is available in 60 countries, covering all of Europe, and 1 billion people worldwide

The planet is set to be fully covered starting with satellite launch this year

Sigfox protocol becomes public

2018 was marked by strong growth for Sigfox, the first global 0G network, confirming its leadership in small data collection. The French-based company has now validated its unique standard with major industries and key players trusting Sigfox as the world's leading small data provider.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005403/en/

Raouti Chehih, Marion Moreau and Franck Siegel, members of Sigfox Exco (Photo: Sigfox)

Significant, measurable milestones have been reached by the company such as:

The expansion of its network to 60 countries through new Sigfox Operators joining the largest IoT ecosystem in the world. More than 500M have been invested by Sigfox and Sigfox Operators to create this unique network.

of its network to through new Sigfox Operators joining the largest IoT ecosystem in the world. More than 500M have been invested by Sigfox and Sigfox Operators to create this unique network. The latest milestone was reached at the end of December 2018, with Poland joining the Sigfox Operators family allowing Sigfox to become the only operator offering full European coverage

1 billion people are now covered by the network. This represents a huge milestone since the beginning of the company's epic adventure, which started with the first antenna installation in France in 2011

are now covered by the network. This represents a huge milestone since the beginning of the company's epic adventure, which started with the first antenna installation in France in 2011 Data services activity is now successfully growing with more and more significant deals secured: 6,2 million devices are connected to Sigfox network as per last year's objective (+148%), and 13 million messages are collected every day.

Overall, the company's total revenue has increased by 20% since 2017, bringing it to 60 million euros. Connectivity revenue has increased by almost 100%. In just 4 years, Sigfox's revenue has increased by 400%.

The dynamic market has been enhanced with Sigfox's unique value proposition based on robust technology and plug-and-play solutions. In 2018, Sigfox signed major deals with industry leading companies including Dachser, Getrak, Michelin, NEC, Netstar, PSA/IBM and Total for asset tracking, demonstrating that Sigfox is 100% a viable solution to digitalize industrial patrimony. Tier one manufacturers in the automotive and mobile industries, Alps and LiteOn also joined the Sigfox ecosystem.

Sigfox is also playing a remarkable role in the back up of connectivity services. 0G technology has been chosen and integrated into the innovative FreeBox Delta, through a strategic partnership with Free, Iliad Group led by Xavier Niel, with the use case showcased during its latest keynote in Paris, France.

Indeed, Sigfox technology is a reliable alternative service of communication for security devices. Over the last 5 years, 2.8 million Securitas alarms have been linked to the Sigfox network.

The adoption of Sigfox is growing tremendously with more than 200 universities, and partners as well as more than 1.200 startups developing the future with Sigfox's simple technology. The first Hacking House is now open in San Francisco to accelerate emerging solutions across industries.

Sigfox technology is now being democratized with the recent opening of its specifications for devices. This major step will empower the whole ecosystem of device makers as well as academic communities to develop new solutions connecting the unconnected.

The World is not enough!

As part of its ambitious 5 year strategy referred to as "1B23", Sigfox is naturally working towards its target of connecting 1 billion devices to its 0G network by the end of 2023.

The execution of the strategy, driven by an international Exco team and backed by its two co-founders, is structured around the following initiatives:

Achieving a global footprint of its 0G network by expanding in strategic countries: India, Russia, China.

Partnering with Eutelsat, Sigfox will test its first Satellite in H2 2019: The two companies will finetune their offer to prepare for the commercial launch of the "ELO" constellation in 2020. The key objective is to cover the entire planet under one single umbrella with simplicity and high capacity as a result of a combination of ground and satellite networks. The Sigfox ecosystem and customers will experience satellite usage without modifying their existing devices.

"With its unique coverage and large quantity of connected devices, Sigfox definitely demonstrates its performance and relevance. Tier one customers around the globe acknowledge our value proposition with a high level of satisfaction. It's no longer a dream to track assets across continents with a few dollar trackers with years of autonomy. Only a 0G network can deliver such performance. But it's never enough, save the date for Sigfox Connect in Singapore" said Ludovic Le Moan, CEO and Co-Founder of Sigfox

About Sigfox www.sigfox.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005403/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Sigfox

Antoine Mege, PR Content Manager

antoine.mege@sigfox.comVancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2019) - Nano One Materials Corp. (TSXV: NNO) (OTC Pink: NNOMF) (FSE: LBMB) is pleased to announce that Dr. Stephen Campbell, Nano One's Chief Technology Officer, has been invited to speak at the Bank of Montreal's 28th Global Metals and Mining Conference in Hollywood, Florida. Dr. Campbell will be speaking alongside Kimberly Berman, BMO's Special Projects Analyst specializing in battery chemistry, as part of the "Battery 101 - Intro to New Technology Session" in Ballroom C from 12:30pm - 1:30pm EST on Sunday, February 24th 2019. This session will introduce attendees to trends in lithium ion battery technology and raw materials.

The annual conference brings together metals and mining industry leaders and institutional investors from around the world - more than 1,500 professionals representing approximately 500 organizations from 35 countries and 6 continents. The event is one of the premier conferences in the world as it relates to metals and mining.

"Ms. Berman's reports on the lithium ion battery supply chain are insightful and informative," said Dr. Campbell. "I am excited to be speaking to BMO's audience about Nano One and the influence of next generation technologies on battery metals and the supply chain."

Nano One's Paul Matysek (Chairman), Dan Blondal (CEO) and John Lando (President) will also be attending the conference meeting with institutional investors from February 24th - 27th.

Nano One Materials Corp.

Dan Blondal, CEO

For information with respect to Nano One or the contents of this news release, please contact John Lando (President) at (604) 420-2041 or visit the website at www.nanoone.ca.

About Nano One

Nano One Materials Corp ("Nano One" or "the Company") has developed patented technology for the low-cost production of high performance lithium ion battery cathode materials used in electric vehicles, energy storage and consumer electronics. The processing technology addresses fundamental supply chain constraints by enabling wider raw materials specifications for use in lithium ion batteries. The process can be configured for the full range of cathode materials and has the flexibility to shift with emerging and future battery market trends.

Nano One has built a pilot plant to demonstrate high volume production and to optimize its technology across a range of materials. The pilot plant is being funded with the assistance and support of the Government of Canada through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and the Automotive Supplier Innovation Program (ASIP) a program of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Nano One also receives financial support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). Nano One's mission is to establish its patented technology as a leading platform for the global production of a new generation of battery materials. www.nanoone.ca

Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the execution of the Company's plans. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'believe', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'plan', 'intend', 'continue', 'estimate', 'may', 'will', 'should', 'ongoing', or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or 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 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. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that is incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42938LONDON, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Proxima, the UK's leading provider of specialist procurement services and consultancy, today announced the appointment of Claire Foxall as Executive Vice President, Public Sector. Foxall is appointed to the Board with responsibility for strategy, growth and delivery within the Public Sector Business Unit.

"Claire brings a wealth of procurement consulting and public sector experience to the Proxima family," said Gareth Evans, CEO of Proxima. "Our Public Sector Business Unit is experiencing rapid growth, Claire's appointment is further evidence of our desire to invest in UK Government's procurement effectiveness."

Foxall brings 17 years of consulting experience to the role, specialising in business strategy and transformation. During the last decade, she has worked closely with several public sector clients, majoring on business change and stakeholder engagement within shared services, procurement and commercial.

"As the UK's leading procurement specialist, Proxima has unparalleled capability, knowledge and tools," said Foxall, "I'm excited to be harnessing this capability in offering thought leadership, market knowledge, capability and capacity to our public sector clients."

About Proxima:

Proxima is an aggregator of knowledge with a specialist delivery engine. We use procurement to enable better performance and deliver value for money.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/823920/Claire_Foxall.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/771428/Proxima_Logo.jpgLONDON and NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The one-day event, hosted at the historic Altman Building, will feature some of the industry's most distinguished speakers on the challenges and opportunities in using data for investing.

Asset managers and hedge funds will shed light on the data, tools and systems they are putting in place to gain useful and actionable insight in a world flooded with information.

Workshops and one-to-one networking sessions will give attendees the opportunity to hear from a host of service providers about their efforts to provide new data sources, and to refine them into products that are easy to use and that fit traditional discretionary investment processes.

The overarching theme of the event will be "Going Quantamental" - how fundamental firms can integrate alternative data into their process.

"Quantitative firms, and a small subset of fundamental firms have been using alternative data for over a decade, to gain significant advantages in the markets. 2018, though saw a step change in investment in data and people by fundamental firms", said Rado Lipus, founder and chief executive officer of Neudata. "Our conference will address some of the main challenges that portfolio managers and research directors face in differentiating between thousands of providers of data, analysis and signals, and integrating these new sources to produce long-term, consistent insight."

For enquiries about attendance, press accreditation, sponsorship and exhibiting, please email info@neudata.co or call +44-2036-082-162.

About Neudata

Neudata was founded in 2016 in London by Rado Lipus, a 20-year veteran of the investment management industry with extensive experience in sales, fintech and data innovation.

The company's team of analysts in London and Asia sources and evaluates unique, granular and often hard to find information from over a thousand providers on a daily basis, enabling investors globally to make their best-informed decisions about what data to buy, and how to use it.

Neudata works with all types of alternative data, from sentiment to social, weather to web-tracking, and economic to environmental. Providers are based in dozens of countries and range from small entrepreneurial start-ups to multinational conglomerates.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/neudatalab

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neudata

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC45eYGfZyKbThDUgWrBPeQ/featuredWith Tier-3 Cultivator's Licence, Jamaican tourism and export markets to be active in Q2, 2019

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Weekend Unlimited Inc. ("Weekend" or the "Company") (CSE: POT) - (FSE: 0OS1) - (OTCMKTS: WKULF) having announced the signing of a definitive agreement on 13 February 2019 to acquire R&D Pharma's Jamaican interests, has completed the arms-length acquisition of R&D Pharma.

"We are thrilled to join the tremendous team at Weekend Unlimited under Paul Chu's leadership. With our Tier-3 cultivators license, our active focus is on medical tourism in Jamaica, having designed and constructed the first of our 'Ganja Cafe's' within a short tour bus ride from the cruise ship terminals in Ocho Rios," said Richard Bailey, President of R&D Pharma.

"We just completed a harvest last week on our 98-acre property to stock the Ganja Cafe for first tourism visits beginning on May 15th. The Ganja Cafe will be stocked with branded Jamaican strains, extracts, and infused products that will serve as a precursor to our future wholesale distribution in Jamaica and internationally," added Mr. Bailey

Weekend issued 80 million shares at a deemed price of $0.25 as well as making available 25 million warrants to the shareholders of R & D Pharma. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional share for $0.35 for a period of 2 years. Approximately 49 million shares are subject to a voluntary escrow agreement that sees 20% released at closing and the balance in 6 equal instalments over 3 years.

About Weekend Unlimited Inc.

Weekend Unlimited is capitalizing on its vast industry relationships to establish a lifestyle brand featuring premium products and delivering life's highest moments. The company aggregates and scales small to medium brands, primarily in the categories of flower, extracts and edibles. Weekend Unlimited brands have best of class operations, distribution and strong revenue trajectories, making them ideal candidates for the deployment of capital and expertise through access to technologies, infrastructure and centralized systems. Learn more at www.weekendunlimited.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.The Dutch group acquires the capital of the Spanish retail chain specialising in optical products and services and hearing aids.

The agreement will provide new growth opportunities for Optica2000 and strengthen GrandVision's market share in Spain.

The workforce will not be affected by the operation and it will continue to provide its professional services in the usual establishments.

GrandVision, which particularly values the know-how of the Spanish chain and its positioning in the national market, will retain the Optica2000 brand next to its existing +Vision brand.

Madrid, 20 February 2019. El Corte Ingles and GrandVision have reached an agreement for the Dutch group to acquire the optical retail chain Optica2000. This will enable the Spanish brand to embark on a new phase of growth as part of the world leader in optical retailing. Following the acquisition of Optica2000, GrandVision became the preferred optical retail partner within the El Corte Ingles network.

GrandVision, which particularly values Optica 2000's positioning in the domestic market, will retain the Spanish brand, in addition to its already existing +Vision brand. The operation will enable the Dutch group to generate synergies by integrating its operations and supply chain, while at the same time boosting the development of Optica2000. This combination will significantly strengthen GrandVision's position in the Spain market.

For El Corte Ingles, this agreement represents another step forward in its strategy of specialisation, by transferring the management of these spaces to the leader in optical retailing. GrandVision has agreed to modernize and refurbish existing Optica2000 stores and to open new stores within the El Corte Ingles network in the coming years.

Optica2000 was founded in 1976 in Barcelona and it is the fourth largest optical retailer in the Spanish market, with a network of 106 stores throughout Spain and two in Portugal. The majority of those establishments are in El Corte Ingles department stores, with a strong presence in Madrid and Catalonia. In financial year 2017, Optica2000 generated a revenue of 83 million euros. Its business model focuses on offering high-quality optical products and hearing aids, with a high-end positioning, as well as specialised eye and hearing tests.

Stephan Borchert, CEO of GrandVision, says: "Optica2000 is a well-established business with a very loyal customer base, and its acquisition, together with our business +Vision, enables us to offer high-quality eye care solutions in all the segments of the Spanish market. We are very enthusiastic about strengthening our position in the important Spanish market through this acquisition, and we will also benefit from the strong loyalty of El Corte Ingles customers and the excellent locations of the stores".

Victor del Pozo, CEO of El Corte Ingles commented: "this operation is a good opportunity to advance in our commitment to specialisation, as the management of Optica2000 will be in the hands of one of the world leaders in the sector, which will enable the chain to embark upon a new phase of growth. It will also make it possible to increase the range offered to customers, as the entire catalogue of the new operator will be available within the El Corte Ingles Marketplace, thereby expanding our commercial offering in the online channel".

Optica2000 Press Release (http://hugin.info/167729/R/2235694/880191.pdf)



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: GrandVision N.V. via Globenewswire

ECO (ATLANTIC) OIL & GAS LTD. ("Eco", "Eco Atlantic", "Company" or, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") Appointment of Joint Corporate Brokers

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Ltd. (AIM: ECO, TSX-V: EOG) the oil and gas exploration company with licenses in highly prospective regions in Guyana and Namibia, announces the appointment of Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited ("Stifel") and Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG ("Berenberg") as the Company's joint corporate brokers with immediate effect.

Berenberg and Stifel will work alongside the Company's existing corporate broker Pareto Securities Limited and Strand Hanson, the Company's nominated adviser.

Gil Holzman, CEO of Eco Atlantic commented:

"We are delighted to add two of the leading UK and international investment banks as our joint brokers. We want to thank Brandon Hill Capital for their good service during the past two years. Given our upcoming work flow, we feel it is the right time to broaden and strengthen our brokerage and market making services with great names such as Stifel and Berenberg. Eco is entering a year full of corporate and operational activities, with at least two wells to be drilled on our Orinduik Block in Guyana with our partners Total and Tullow (operator) starting in June 2019. Following our farm out deal with Total, the Company is fully funded for our planned 2019-2020 work programme and is looking forward to a year of great promise."

For more information, please visit www.ecooilandgas.com or contact the following:

Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas +1 (416) 250 1955 Gil Holzman, CEO Colin Kinley, COO Strand Hanson Limited (Financial & Nominated Adviser) James Harris Rory Murphy James Bellman +44 (0) 20 7409 3494 Berenberg (Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 3207 7800 Matthew Armitt Detlir Elezi Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Joint Broker) Callum Stewart Nicholas Rhodes Ashton Clanfield +44 (0)20 7710 7600 Pareto Securities Limited (Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 7786 4370 Sren Clausen +44 (0) 20 7786 4382 Davide Finelli Matilda Makitalo +44 (0) 20 7786 4398 +44 (0) 20 7786 4375 Blytheweigh (PR) +44 (0) 20 7138 3204 Tim Blythe Julia Tilley Jane Lenton

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014.

Notes to Editors:

Eco Atlantic is a TSX-V and AIM listed Oil & Gas exploration and production Company with interests in Guyana and Namibia where significant oil discoveries have been made.

The Group aims to deliver material value for its stakeholders through oil exploration, appraisal and development activities in stable emerging markets, in partnership with major oil companies, including Tullow, Total and Azinam.

In Guyana, Eco Guyana holds a 15% working interest alongside Total (25%) and Tullow Oil (60%) in the 1,800 km2 Orinduik Block in the shallow water of the prospective Suriname-Guyana basin. The Orinduik Block is adjacent and updip to the deep-water Liza Field and Snoek, Payara, Pacora, Turbot, Longtail and Hammerhead discoveries, recently made by ExxonMobil and Hess. The partners' latest discovery, Pluma-1, increases the estimate of recoverable resources for the Stabroek Block to more than 5 billion barrels of oil equivalent, making it one of a handful of billion-barrel discoveries in the last half-decade.

In Namibia, the Company holds interests in four offshore petroleum licences totalling approximately 25,000km2 with over 2.3 billion barrels of prospective P50 resources in the Walvis and Luderitz Basins. These four licences, Cooper, Guy, Sharon and Tamar are being developed alongside partners Azinam and NAMCOR. Eco has been granted a drilling permit on its Cooper Block (Operator).

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536099/Eco-Atlantic-Oil-and-Gas-Ltd-announces-Appointment-of-Joint-Corporate-BrokersASCHHEIM, Germany, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

Chinese payment solutions to be introduced in Tyrolean businesses thanks to Wirecard

150 Tyrolean merchants are already on board with the implementation to expand their service offering

Wirecard, the global innovation leader for digital financial technology, and Tirol Werbung, the tourism organization of the Austrian state of Tyrol, are launching a new China Pay Initiative together with partners Innsbruck Tourism, Kitzbuhel Tourism, the Kufsteinerland Tourism Association, Otztal Tourism, the St. Anton Tourism Association and the Swarovski Kristallwelten. The initiative will enable a state-wide coverage of Wirecard's mobile payment solution, integrating the most popular Chinese mobile payment methods into numerous Tyrolean companies. Initially, 150 businesses in the region will be equipped with the solution.

According to a Nielsen study, around 91 percent of Chinese tourists would be willing to spend and buy more abroad if more merchants accepted Chinese mobile payment methods. With this initiative, Wirecard and Tirol Werbung are therefore addressing the preferences of this target group. The state of Tyrol wants to offer Alipay, among others, as a payment option in as many businesses as possible. Wirecard is responsible for the entire payment integration and processing operations.

A 2018 report found that total spending by Chinese tourists in Austria had increased by 28 percent over the previous year, making China the top spending country for tax-free purchases in the Alpine nation among non-European countries. With a share of 30 percent of all tax-free sales in Austria, China clearly ranks first, ahead of Russia (10 percent) and Switzerland (8 percent). While the average non-European tourist spent 508 euros, visitors from China spent an average of 616 euros per purchase.

Holger Gassler, Market Manager of Tirol Werbung, said, "We expect to gain a competitive advantage as the first Austrian province to introduce Chinese mobile payment methods on a large scale. Payment convenience plays a major role for this target group in particular and can make both the region and participating merchants more attractive to Chinese tourists. The introduction of Wirecard's digital payment platform is also one of the first projects within the scope of Tyrol's digitization campaign."

Roland Toch, Managing Director CEE at Wirecard, added, "Experience shows that accepting Alipay as a new payment method can lead to an increase in transaction volume with travelers from China of more than 350 percent within one year. We are proud to partner with Tirol Werbung to offer our digital payment solution to hundreds of companies and to continue the digitization of their payment processes. We look forward to expanding our partnership with Tyrol and other European regions in the future."

About Wirecard:

Wirecard (GER: WDI) is one of the world's fastest growing digital platforms in the area of financial commerce. We provide both business customers and consumers with a constantly expanding ecosystem of real-time value-added services built around innovative digital payments by using an integrated B2B2C approach. This ecosystem concentrates on the areas payment & risk, retail & transaction banking, loyalty & couponing, data analytics & conversion rate enhancement in all sales channels (online, mobile, ePOS). Wirecard operates regulated financial institutions in several key markets and holds issuing and acquiring licenses from all major payment and card networks. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (DAX and TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060). Visit us on www.wirecard.com, follow us on Twitter @wirecard and on Facebook @wirecardgroup.

About Tirol Werbung:

With 12.3 million guests arriving from more than 50 countries and 49.4 million overnight stays in the year 2017/18, Tyrol is one of the leading holiday destinations in the Alps with 34 regional associations. Tirol Werbung GmbH, based in Innsbruck, is the regional tourism organization. The organization focuses on further enhancing Tyrol's image and international status, as well as the positioning the region as the most sought-after destination in the Alpine world. In addition, Tirol Werbung GmbH carries out basic tourism support, such as market research, manages the tourism marketing system, assists guests, and supports market partners. Visit us at www.tirolwerbung.at

Wirecard media contact:

Wirecard AG

Jana Tilz

Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1363

Email: jana.tilz@wirecard.com

Media contact Tirol Werbung:

Tirol Werbung GmbH

Florian Neuner

Tel.: +43(0)664-80532320

Email: florian.neuner@tirolwerbung.atRegulated Information

Press Release

Mid-Stabilisation Period Announcement

Ghent, BELGIUM - 20 February 2019 - Within the framework of the initial public offering of new shares of Sequana Medical NV ("Sequana Medical" or the "Company"), with the admission of all of its shares to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels under the symbol "SEQUA" (the "Offering"), KBC Securities NV/SA has been appointed by the Company as stabilisation manager (the "Stabilisation Manager").

Further to the start of the Stabilisation Period on 11 February 2019, KBC Securities NV/SA (contact person: Stephanie Van Heyste, telephone number: +32 2 429 98 43) hereby gives notice that the Stabilisation Manager undertook stabilisation (within the meaning of Article 3.2(d) of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014)) of the following securities within the framework of the Offering:

Issuer: Sequana Medical NV Securities: Common shares (BE0974340722) Size of the Offering: 3,235,294 common shares without nominal value Offer price: EUR 8.50 per share Regulated market: Euronext Brussels Ticker: SEQUA Stabilisation Manager: KBC Securities NV/SA

Stabilisation transactions(1):

Date Quantity Price (EUR) Number of transactions Stabilisation Trading Venue 11/02/2019 300 8.500 4 Euronext Brussels 11/02/2019 200 8.420 2 Euronext Brussels 11/02/2019 150 8.400 2 Euronext Brussels 11/02/2019 796 8.300 9 Euronext Brussels 11/02/2019 73 8.280 1 Euronext Brussels 11/02/2019 150 8.240 1 Euronext Brussels 11/02/2019 100 8.200 1 Euronext Brussels 11/02/2019 27 8.180 1 Euronext Brussels 11/02/2019 400 8.100 3 Euronext Brussels 11/02/2019 323 8.000 2 Euronext Brussels DAY TOTAL 11/02/2019 2,519 8.227 26 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 100 8.200 1 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 50 8.180 2 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 400 8.100 3 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 466 8.000 5 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 74 7.980 2 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 200 7.940 1 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 200 7.900 2 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 100 7.820 2 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 210 7.800 5 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 200 7.700 1 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 300 7.600 1 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 100 7.480 1 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 500 7.460 3 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 600 7.400 4 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 50 7.380 1 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 300 7.340 4 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 200 7.320 3 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 300 7.300 3 Euronext Brussels 12/02/2019 200 7.200 1 Euronext Brussels DAY TOTAL 12/02/2019 4,550 7.644 45 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 100 7.380 2 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 50 7.360 1 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 950 7.300 5 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 20 7.280 1 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 125 7.240 2 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 200 7.200 2 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 200 7.100 2 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 200 7.060 3 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 500 7.000 3 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 284 6.940 2 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 129 6.920 1 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 487 6.900 3 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 350 6.800 3 Euronext Brussels 13/02/2019 100 6.700 1 Euronext Brussels DAY TOTAL 13/02/2019 3,695 7.074 31 Euronext Brussels 14/02/2019 25 7.240 1 Euronext Brussels 14/02/2019 20 7.160 1 Euronext Brussels 14/02/2019 350 7.000 3 Euronext Brussels 14/02/2019 250 6.900 2 Euronext Brussels 14/02/2019 50 6.860 1 Euronext Brussels 14/02/2019 200 6.800 1 Euronext Brussels DAY TOTAL 14/02/2019 895 6.930 9 Euronext Brussels 15/02/2019 428 6.800 5 Euronext Brussels 15/02/2019 469 6.740 4 Euronext Brussels 15/02/2019 28 6.720 1 Euronext Brussels 15/02/2019 550 6.600 5 Euronext Brussels DAY TOTAL 15/02/2019 1,475 6.681 15 Euronext Brussels 18/02/2019 150 6.880 2 Euronext Brussels 18/02/2019 200 6.640 2 Euronext Brussels 18/02/2019 300 6.600 2 Euronext Brussels 18/02/2019 300 6.500 2 Euronext Brussels 18/02/2019 250 6.400 1 Euronext Brussels 18/02/2019 250 6.300 3 Euronext Brussels DAY TOTAL 18/02/2019 1.450 6.528 12 Euronext Brussels 19/02/2019 61 6.580 1 Euronext Brussels 19/02/2019 139 6.540 2 Euronext Brussels 19/02/2019 50 6.500 1 Euronext Brussels 19/02/2019 200 6.460 3 Euronext Brussels 19/02/2019 100 6.440 3 Euronext Brussels DAY TOTAL 19/02/2019 550 6.494 10 Euronext Brussels

Note

All data contained in the table above has been provided by the Stabilisation Manager.

Banks involved in the Offering:

KBC Securities NV/SA and Kempen & Co N.V. acted as Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners in the Offering, with Mirabaud Securities Limited as Lead Manager.

For more information, please contact:

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. For further information, please visit www.sequanamedical.com .

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 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.

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 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.

In connection with the Offering, KBC Securities NV/SA acts as Stabilisation Manager on behalf of itself and the Underwriters, and may engage in transactions that stabilise, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the shares or any options, warrants or rights with respect to, or other interest in, the shares or other securities of the Issuer for up to 30 calendar days from the Listing Date (the "Stabilisation Period"). These activities may support the market price of the shares at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. Stabilisation will not be executed above the Offer Price. Such transactions may be effected on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels, in the over-the-counter markets or otherwise. The Stabilisation Manager and its agents are not required to engage in any of these activities and, as such, there is no assurance that these activities will be undertaken; if undertaken, the Stabilisation Manager or its agents may discontinue any of these activities at any time and they must terminate at the end of the 30 calendar day period mentioned above. Within one week of the end of the Stabilisation Period, the following information will be made public in accordance with article 5, 2 of the Belgian Royal Decree of 17 May 2007 on primary markets practices: (i) whether or not stabilisation was undertaken; (ii) the date on which stabilisation started; (iii) the date on which stabilisation last occurred; (iv) the price range within which stabilisation was carried out, for each of the dates on which stabilisation transactions were carried out; (v) the trading venue(s) on which the stabilisation transactions were carried out (where applicable) and (vi) the final size of the Offering, including the result of the stabilisation and the exercise of the Over-allotment Option and the Increase Option, as the case may be.Combination trial to evaluate safety and anti-tumor activity of agents that target B-cell cancers

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Feb. 20, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ADC Therapeutics, an oncology drug discovery and development company that specializes in the development of proprietary antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), today announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase I clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor activity of ADCT-402 (loncastuximab tesirine) in combination with Pharmacyclics LLC's ibrutinib in patients with advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).



ADCT-402, an ADC designed to target and kill CD19-expressing malignant B-cells, is also being evaluated in an ongoing pivotal Phase II clinical trial in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) DLBCL and a Phase I clinical trial in combination with IMFINZI (durvalumab) in patients with multiple types of R/R non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Ibrutinib, a small-molecule inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase that is jointly developed and commercialized by Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company, and Janssen Biotech, Inc., is a mediator of the B-cell-receptor signaling pathway implicated in the pathogenesis of B-cell cancers. Ibrutinib is approved for use in patients with R/R MCL and has shown some activity in R/R DLBCL.

Jay Feingold, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at ADC Therapeutics, said, "At the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, the data we presented from our 183-patient first-in-human clinical trial of ADCT-402 demonstrated its encouraging safety profile and anti-tumor activity as a single agent against relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Now, in our second combination trial of ADCT-402, we look forward to exploring whether ADCT-402 and ibrutinib, both of which target B-cell cancers with different mechanisms of action, may increase the response rate and durability of response compared to the effects of these compounds as single agents."

Julien Depaus, MD, an investigator for the trial at CHU UCL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium, said, "Unfortunately, a significant number of patients with B-cell malignancies will relapse after initial treatment. As the prognosis for these patients is poor, it is important to evaluate potential viable new treatments for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma, such as the combination of ADCT-402 and ibrutinib we are studying in this Phase I trial."

The open-label, single-arm trial will include a dose-escalation part, followed by a dose-expansion part. The dose-expansion part may have up to two cohorts, one for DLBCL and one for MCL, in order to obtain additional safety and preliminary anti-tumor activity information at the maximum tolerated dose. Approximately 60 patients will be enrolled in the trial. For more information, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov (identifier NCT03684694).

ADCT-402 Interim First-in-Human Data

Updated data from the ongoing 183-patient Phase I clinical trial of ADCT-402 were presented at the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. In a subpopulation of 139 evaluable patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who had failed or were intolerant to established therapies, ADCT-402 demonstrated manageable toxicity. At doses >120 g/kg, the overall response rate (ORR) was 43.3 percent (55/127 patients with DLBCL), comprising 23.6 percent complete responses and 19.7 percent partial responses. In a subgroup of 15 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), ADCT-402 demonstrated manageable toxicity, and ORR was 46.7 percent (7/15) and median duration of response was not reached after a median follow-up time of 8.7 months.

About ADCT-402

ADCT-402), a Phase I clinical trial in combination with IMFINZI) and a Phase I clinical trial in combination with ibrutinib in patients with R/R DLBCL or mantle cell lymphoma). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted orphan drug designation to ADCT-402 for the treatment of DLBCL and MCL.

About ADC Therapeutics

ADC Therapeutics SA is an oncology drug discovery and development company that specializes in the development of proprietary antibody drug conjugates.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 19, 2019 / EastWest Bioscience Inc. (the "Company" or "EastWest") (TSXV: EAST) is pleased to announce that Ms. Ciska Asriel has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Ms. Asriel has degrees in Economics, Finance and Computer Science with an MBA in International Business. Before joining EastWest as a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Asriel worked as consultant, senior analyst and project manager for small companies as well as major firms including Deloitte. Her career experience is with project management, data analysis and business development in industry sectors including information technology, retail franchise operations, automotive franchise operations and insurance, global shipping and most recently software engineering and the development of mobile applications. Ms. Asriel's appointment is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About EastWest BioScience Group

EastWest Bioscience is a seed-to-sale organization that offers world class manufacturing and premium hemp-based consumer goods. Since it was founded in 2016, EastWest continues to grow as a high-quality producer, manufacturer and distributor of multiple lines of premium hemp products. EastWest is strategically positioned in mainstream consumer markets with wholistic natural products and has developed distribution channels into mainstream stores and markets in Canada. The Company has a Health Canada licensed, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified manufacturing facility and produces premium brands offering natural products for a preventive care lifestyle. EastWest consumer product lines are divided into four distinct brands: 1) Natural Advancement - natural biopharmaceutical health supplements; 2) Earth's Menu - all-natural hemp superfoods; 3) Natural Pet Science - pet food and pet supplements; and 4) Chanvre Hemp - all-natural health and beauty products. The organization will continue to focus on ongoing development of innovative, hemp-based consumer products through advanced science with clean, natural ingredients to complement its current product offerings.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EASTWEST BIOSCIENCE GROUP

"Rodney Gelineau"

Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

For further information, please visit www.eastwestbioscience.com or contact EastWest Bioscience Investor Relations at 1-647-394-7383 or email us at investors@eastwestscience.com.

Reader Advisory

This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the 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.

SOURCE: EastWest Bioscience Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/536107/EastWest-Announces-Appointment-of-New-Chief-Operating-OfficerMeitu, Chinas biggest selfie app operator by user number, is set to conduct the largest acquisition in the companys history as it tries to diversify away from its struggling core business.

The Hong Kong-listed company said on Wednesday that it has entered into an agreement to purchase a 31% stake in Canadian video game developer Dreamscape Horizon. Meitu plans to pay HK$2.7 billion $342 million in shares to purchase the stake from Chinese game developer Leyou Technologies.

Wednesdays announcement did not come as much of a surprise since Meitu has made it clear that it wants to restructure its business due to the increased competition faced...La pubblicazione di contributi, approfondimenti, articoli e in genere di tutte le opere dottrinarie e di commento (ivi comprese le news) presenti su Filodiritto e stata concessa (e richiesta) dai rispettivi autori, titolari di tutti i diritti morali e patrimoniali ai sensi della legge sul diritto d'autore e sui diritti connessi (Legge 633/1941). La riproduzione ed ogni altra forma di diffusione al pubblico delle predette opere (anche in parte), in difetto di autorizzazione dell'autore, e punita a norma degli articoli 171, 171-bis, 171-ter, 174-bis e 174-ter della menzionata Legge 633/1941. E consentito scaricare, prendere visione, estrarre copia o stampare i documenti pubblicati su Filodiritto nella sezione Dottrina per ragioni esclusivamente personali, a scopo informativo-culturale e non commerciale, esclusa ogni modifica o alterazione. Sono parimenti consentite le citazioni a titolo di cronaca, studio, critica o recensione, purche accompagnate dal nome dell'autore dell'articolo e dall'indicazione della fonte, ad esempio: Luca Martini, La discrezionalita del sanitario nella qualificazione di reato perseguibile d'ufficio ai fini dell'obbligo di referto ex. art 365 cod. pen., in "Filodiritto" (https://www.filodiritto.com), con relativo collegamento ipertestuale. Se l'autore non e altrimenti indicato i diritti sono di Inforomatica S.r.l. e la riproduzione e vietata senza il consenso esplicito della stessa. E sempre gradita la comunicazione del testo, telematico o cartaceo, ove e avvenuta la citazione.Salman Approved Sidhus Ouster; Will He Take Action On Kapil?

According to reports, Sidhu has been sacked from the show, which was approved by Salman Khan. Well, it has to be seen will he take action on Kapil as well!

We Have To Be Careful Before Commenting

Meanwhile, Archana Puran Singh, who shot for a couple of episodes in Sidhu's absence, told TOI, "Clearly, the online media has become so big today that one has to be very careful before commenting or expressing their opinion on any issue today. It is important that people's sentiments are not hurt. Whatever you wish to express should be expressed in a responsible manner."

Archana On Replacing Sidhu!

"I don't know if I am replacing Sidhu permanently. I had shot for two episodes because he was busy with his political commitments. In the past too, many times when Sidhu had other commitments, I had stepped in for him on the show."

Archana Is Ready To Replace Sidhu?

"Kapil and I go back a long way; I have known him since the time when he was a participant on Comedy Circus. Kapil and his entire team and the channel are family for me. So, when your family needs you, you can't say no to them. If the channel and makers want me to step in, I will do so."

No Comments On Kapils Statement On Sidhu!

Regarding Kapil's comment on Sidhu, Archana said, "I would not like to express my views on what happened and whether someone should have commented on the current situation in the country, but I have a strong stand."

I Will Not Have Any Other Stand But To Support My Country

"Whenever our country is in conflict with any other nation, I will strongly stand by what my country, the government, the Prime Minister and opposition leaders feel is in the best interests of the nation. And this is not because the concerned person has said something, this is my belief that I will not have any other stand but to support my country."

Krushna Says, The Country's Atmosphere Is Not Right

At a recent media event, when Krushna was asked about Archana replacing Sidhu, he said, "I don't know what's going on but currently the country's atmosphere is not right. Everyone is mourning. We have already shot a few episodes with Archana. But, Archana has told some media house that she hasn't yet signed the full contract. I would only be able to comment after having a word with the channel."

Krushna Not Aware of Kapils Statements On Sidhu!

When asked about Kapil's statement on Sidhu, Krushna was quoted by DNA as saying, "I don't know what statement has Kapil given. I even don't have any knowledge about Kapil's boycott from Twitter."

Krushna Fully Supports Salmans Stand

The actor also reacted to ban Pakistani artistes in India. Apparently, Salman Khan had asked his production house to replace Atif Aslam, who was roped in to sing a song in Notebook. Regarding the same, Krushna said, "It's good. Ashok Pandit and team have made the right decision. If Salman Khan has decided to drop Atif Aslam from his film then I fully support his stand."The Kapil Sharma Show: Sunil Grover to enter in Kapil Sharma Show due to this reason | FilmiBeat

The Kapil Sharma Show has been in news since the inception. But of late, the show has been in news because of Navjot Singh Sidhu and Kapil Sharma's comments. It has to be recalled that after Sidhu made controversial statements against Pulwama terrorist attack, netizens asked the makers and the channel to boycott Sidhu. It was even said that the makers might replace Sidhu with Archana Puran Singh. When Kapil was asked about the controversy surrounding Sidhu and his replacement, he took a stand for Sidhu. This didn't go well with fans, who started trending #BoycottKapilSharma on social media.

Now, the show is yet again in news! According to the latest report, Sunil Grover, who grabbed headlines for his show Kanpur Wale Khuranas, might appear on The Kapil Sharma Show, not as a performer, but as a guest. As fans are aware, Salman is part of TKSS' production team and the show is being produced by Kapil Sharma's production house K9 Films in association with Salman Khan Films (SKF).



Earlier, Sunil himself had revealed that Salman tried to clear the air between him and Kapil. He was quoted by PTI as saying, "He (Salman) did speak to me briefly about it (bringing two of us together). We had a very casual chat about it but nothing much. Time will tell, God will tell. Right now I am concentrating on my show and hope I am able to bring a smile on everyone's faces."

It is a known fact that Sunil is part of Salman Khan's film Bharat. Hence, Sunil might appear on the show to promote the film along with Salman, Disha Patani, Katrina Kaif and other cast members of Bharat.

Most Read: Sting Operation KARAOKE Exposes Celebs; Netizens Praise Saumya Tandon For Not Selling Her Soul!Shruti Seth

Shruti Seth shared Kapil Sharma's video that was shared by Sidhu and captioned it as, "Thank you @KapilSharmaK9 for making a logical statement. Sadly the morons are blinded by rage & stupidity."

Mahhi Vij

Mahhi Vij wrote, "#KapilSharma said nothing wrong I stand by him because he is right.stop this people just bcz u hv hashtag with stupidity."

Kavita Kaushik Asks People Not To Boycott Kapil

Kavita Kaushik shared a lengthy note and wrote, "#DontBoycottLoyalty @KapilSharmaK9." The note read as, "iss Kapil Sharma ne apni personal life mein rotey hue bhi TV pe apne fans jo hasaaya...aaj aap uski baat ka, lehze ka galat matlab nikaal rahe hain?"

Kavita Writes

"He was already a billionaire before this controversy he could have married a hot blonde n settled abroad but he chose his childhood loyalty to marry and came back to please his Indian fans with his Indian colloquial rural humour with his new show!"

Try And Understand What He Is Saying

"At least try and understand what he is saying! Pakistan will be laughing at us right now for boycotting our nation humour jewel because he won't throw out an important member of the team because of his political views, it's the government and our brilliant army's decision of what call to take in such serious matters and we are nobody to make judgments sitting on our couches with our diseased gadgets in our hands! Aapas mein mat jagdo please #DontBoycottLoyalty."

Kapil Reveals How He Quit Alcohol!

Meanwhile, Kapil was seen at the Drug Free India event in Chandigarh. A source told DNA, "Kapil spoke about how he was consumed by the bottle. He recalled seeing his mother break down. That's when he decided to kick the habit." The rest of the story is known to all!Seems like Sathish Ninasam's Chambal has gotten into trouble with regard to representation of former IAS officer D.K. Ravi. The officer's mother Gowramma has filed request for Right to Information at the Karnataka High Court. She, along with her husband Kariyappa have pointed that Chambal has sequences that defame their son and show him in a bad light, blaming the filmmaker. They have requested a stay order against the release of the film from the High Court. The film was scheduled to release on February 22, 2019.

According to Deccan Chronicle reports, on Tuesday, Karnataka High Court issued notices to central Secretariat of Department of Publicity and Information, state Home Department, the Regional Officer, Central Board of Film Certification, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, director of the film and the star cast, looking forward to their response.

D.K.Ravi's parents also said that the filmmakers refused to arrange a preview for them despite requesting and neither did the film chamber respond to their petitions. They have also decided to withdraw the certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification for the film, hence stopping the commercial release of the same.

MOST READ : Pailwaan's Shooting To Wrap Up With This Duet Song! Sudeep Has The Sweetest Message For His Team

However, the director of Chambal, Jacob Varghese and lead actor Sathish have told D.K.Ravi's parents that the film is not based on the life of their son, who passed away in 2015 by committing suicide. Jacob told Bangalore Mirror, "I cannot say that this is somebody's story. A child which draws a tree or a bus, is inspired by watching a tree or a bus. You cannot say it is the same bus and the same tree that the child drew."Imran Khan Has Thrown A No Ball, Says Javed Akhtar

"Imran has thrown a no ball. Every time they ask what makes you think its our doing. After the Mumbai terrorist attack a Pak TV anchor asked me why you are so sure it is Pakistan it can be any country. I said fine I will give you 3 you choose one - Brazil, Sweden and Pakistan," tweetd Javed Akhtar suggesting the news anchor was out of words.

I Have A Special Relationship With The CPRF Jawans!

I Have A Special Relationship With The CPRF Jawans!

"I have a special relation with CRPF. I have written Their anthem Before putting the pen to paper. I met a number of CRPF officers n what ever I learned my respect admiration and love for these braves increased by many a fold. Today I share the grief of the dear ones of the martyrs," he tweeted after the Pulwama incident.

Javed Akhtar Backed Out Of The Karachi Literature Conference

"Kranchi art council had invited Shabana and me for a two day lit conference about Kaifi Azmi and his poetry. We have cancelled that. In 1965 during the Indo Pak war Kaifi saheb had written a poem "AUR PHIR KRISHAN NE ARJUN SE KAHA"

Ali Fazal Feels Imran Khan's Speech Was Good

However, actor Ali Fazal seems to be impressed with Imran Khan's speech as he tweeted, "Listen with an open heart and mind devoid of ego, bias or hatred. If can't, listen again after a few days in a moment of peace. #love #peace # #humanity #togetherness above all. PM Imran Khan Address To The Nation | Pulwama Attack | 19 Feb 2019."Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif are all set to reunite for Ali Abbas Zafars Bharat. Other than sharing screen space in the film, Salman and Katrina will also be recreating Khans hit 90s song O O jaane jaana from Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya. Excitedly, we were waiting for the superstars to shoot the song. But the latest we hear is that the shoot of the same has been postponed.

Earlier, a Mumbai Mirror report suggested that the song will be recreated for Time To Dance, which marks the debut of Kats sister Isabelle Kaif opposite Sooraj Pancholi. Now as per a latest report, the shoot of the reprised version of O o jaane jaana has been pushed. Confirming the same, a source close to the project told a leading portal, Two versions of the song were supposed to be shot  one with the films younger leads and one with Salman and Katrina. But after Kat hurt her ankle, she has been advised to take rest and not aggravate her injury.





The source further added, They will still shoot the track, but only at a later date. The plan has been pushed by a few weeks now. Once Katrinas injury heals, she will get back to rehearsals and perform.

Helmed by Remo DSouza, Time to Dance stars Isabelle Kaif and Sooraj Pancholi in the lead and is slated for release later this year.





Meanwhile, Ali Abbas Zafar directorial Bharat is an adaptation of the South Korean film, Ode To My Father and is slated for Eid 2019 release.A decade ago, Bread & Butter Concepts founder and CEO Alan Gaylin opened his first restaurant. BRGR Kitchen + Bar opened inside Corinth Square in Prairie Village, Kansas, at the start of the gourmet burger craze in Kansas City.

After successfully expanding his burger business to three locations across the metro, he announced this week he would be selling all of his BRGR restaurants, along with his single Taco Republic restaurant and matching food truck. Yet Gaylin plans to keep his legacy local: He sold the concepts to another local restaurateur, Whitney VinZant of Louie's Wine Dive and Prasino restaurants.

Im excited to play a part in the next chapter of these wonderful restaurants, the tremendous people who operate them, and most especially the many residents in greater Kansas City who enjoy them, VinZant said in a release.

The sale of both BRGR and Taco Republic creates new opportunities for both groups, and continues the legacy of local, community-focused dining experiences in Kansas City.

Kansas City was an important consideration for both Alan and me, VinZant said. By keeping BRGR and Taco Republic local, each will continue its mission of serving the community, and partnering with the charities and events doing important work and making Kansas City a better place to live.

BRGR Kitchen & Bar and Taco Republic will operate as independent entities of a portfolio of restaurants created and operated by VinZant, including Louies Wine Dive and Prasino (St. Charles, Missouri) restaurants, as well as Extra Brut, a private events venue (St. Louis, Missouri).

Loyalty and gift cards will be made transferable among the restaurants, and our increased capabilities will include catering and private events through our restaurants and the Taco Republic truck, VinZant said.

After selling BRGR and Taco Republic, Gaylin will still retain ownership of Bread & Butter's seven remaining restaurants, catering and event space concepts including Urban Table, Gram & Dun, The Oliver, Happy Belly Food Truck, Cherry Hall, Bread & Butter Catering and Stock Hill  which was recently named one of the 31 best steakhouses in America and four-diamond ranked by AAA for the second consecutive year.

For Gaylin, the sale of his two most casual concepts will give him the flexibility and time to focus on the more upscale side of his restaurant group  something he has been wanting to do for a while.

The overall dining experience at Stock Hill is really taking hold, and we continue to see more and more recognition for the innovative things were doing there, Gaylin said. Cherry Hall, our new event space, has really taken off, and Im looking forward to whats happening at Gram & Dun, Urban Table and The Oliver.

The purchase is schedule to close no later than the end of March 2019.

BRGR Kitchen + Bar, multiple locations, brgrkitchen.com

Taco Republic, 500 County Line Road, Kansas City, Kansas, 913.262.8226, eattacorepublic.comThe Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike.

We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve.Warrenton, VA (20186)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 69F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.It is mainly the JeM and Lashkar-e-Tayyaba which have been involved in such attacks in Kashmir.

Srinagar/New Delhi: Kashmiri militant outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen has warned of more Pulwama-type attacks on the security forces by young local Kashmiris as it has become a do-or-die situation for them. On February 14, a 22-year-old Kashmiri, Adil Ahmed Dar alias Waqas Commando, detonated a sedan laden with at least 60 kg of deadly RDX after driving it parallel to a fully-occupied bus that was part of a large CRPF convoy at Lethapora on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. As many as 49 CRPF personnel were killed and several others injured in the suicide attack, for which terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility.

The Hizb, the main indigenous militant outfit, has so far stay-ed away from carrying out suicide attacks, that are often referred to as fidayeen (devotional) attacks by separatists. It is mainly the JeM and Lashkar-e-Tayyaba which have been involved in such attacks in Kashmir.

But now the Hizb too has threatened to carry out such attacks. The outfits operational commander, Reyaz A. Naikoo, in a 17-minute audio which surfaced on the social media on Tuesday, said: We will keep on sacrificing our lives. We prefer to die than surrender. The day is not far when our 15-year-old children will strap explosives on their bodies and barge into your Army vehicles. He added: We prefer death over slavery... Whatever is happening in Kashmir was the result of atrocities committed by India on the people. India has failed to fulfil its commitments to the people of Kashmir.

In the audio, Naikoo is also heard saying: You will have to cry till the time you are here. The coffins of your soldiers will continue to fill till your army is here. We are ready to die but wont allow you to live as well. He claims freedom is a passion for Kashmiri youths, and says the person responsible for the February 14 attack was a local Kashmiri and the atrocities committed on him by the Army had forced him to carry out the attack. No power in the world can stop these types of attacks, he added.

In New Delhi, meanwhile, the Centre made it clear that it will not submit any evidence to Pakistan on the role of the Jaish-e-Mohammed in the Pulwama terror strike, but give all such facts to friendly nations to unmask the role of elements based in Pakistan in the attack, a senior official said. There is no question of giving any evidence to Pakistan. Rather, we will share them with friendly countries to expose the role of Pakistan-based elements in Pulwama and other terror attacks on Indian soil, the official said. Pakistan PM Imran Khan had said on Tuesday that he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack if India shares actionable intelligence with Islamabad.

In Jammu, former J&K chief minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said on Wednesday that the proof of Pakistani involvement in the February 14 attack in Pulwama should be given to Islamabad as sought by Imran Khan to see what they do. She said: No doubt the Pathankot dossier was given to them but no action was taken. They didnt act on Mumbai attacks either. But Prime Minister Imran Khan deserves a chance as he has recently taken over and talks about a new start, she told reporters in Jammu.15m NI farm business grant scheme sees strong uptake

94% of offers have been accepted by farmersThe Welsh government has been told to 'reinforce' Wales' position as a 'world-leading brand' synonymous with 'high-quality and sustainable food production'.

NFU Cymru has urged government to work with farmers to design a new agricultural policy that emphasises local food production.

During a speech at the NFU Conference on Tuesday (19 February), NFU Cymru President John Davies outlined the unions ambitions for the future of Welsh food.

He said: We have a unique opportunity to come together to position Wales as a country of high quality food production underpinned by a strong natural asset base under the Brand Wales umbrella.

We have an opportunity to market and promote the full range of goods and services that Welsh farmers provide; food, environment, landscape and tourism.

We want to develop a truly comprehensive and fully integrated policy providing stability to help family farming businesses so that they can drive their businesses forward; delivering efficient food production systems, meeting our climate change obligations whilst maintaining and enhancing our environment, Mr Davies said.

The new food and drink strategy along with a post-Brexit agricultural policy is seen as an opportunity to bring the Wales' agriculture and food strategies together.

Mr Davies also said farmers need to be 'totally focussed' on working with the wider industry to push the boundaries on new technologies.

I want us to be totally focussed on working with our research institutes pushing the boundaries on technology, breeding and genetics; working with our colleges and universities to educate and challenge our next generation to drive our industry forward; collaborating with our levy bodies to grow market share for our fantastic produce and working with our Government to put in place an enabling policy and regulatory framework, he said.

I firmly believe that by doing this we have a unique opportunity to deliver a productive, progressive and profitable food and farming industry for Wales.Sheep farmers are challenging proposals to release white-tailed sea eagles on the Isle of Wight due to concerns they could kill livestock.

The Roy Dennis Foundation and the Forestry Commission have formally lodged an application to Natural England to release the birds during the summer of 2019.

Both organisations want around 30 pairs released across the next five years. The birds were last present in the UK in the early 20th century.

Responding to concerns raised by its members, the National Sheep Association (NSA) said the move is 'completely irresponsible'.

The organisation is concerned about any plans to release large apex predators into the UK environment when habitats and food availability have changed 'immeasurably' since when the species lived before its extinction in the UK.

It comes as the government refuses Lynx UK Trust's application to reintroduce Euasian Lynx in Northumberland, saying it did not meet the necessary standards.

NSA Chief Executive, Phil Stocker said: The idea of releasing these large predators into our environment may sound very appealing  but as any livestock farmer will tell you, you dont buy a batch of animals without first being confident you have the right conditions for them and you can feed them.

It would be completely irresponsible to do so otherwise. We are told the white-tailed sea eagle was last present in the early 1800s, some 200 years ago, and no one can dispute our environment has since changed to the extent that it would be unrecognisable now.

Prey on sheep

Farmers feel strongly that the birds, if introduced, would prey on sheep and affect the livelihoods of small-scale businesses due to a lack of wild prey.

NSA said that successful sheep farming is essential in maintaining grassland environments and their related ecosystems.

Mr Stocker added: The built-up environment along the south coast of England, the traffic, the human pressure and light pollution raise big questions as to how this area could be considered suitable for a population of some 30 pairs across the next five years.

But the food situation raises even more questions and I seriously doubt our wildlife is abundant enough to support this species sustainably without them having to scavenge for food in ways that may not be natural for them.

If they turn to prey on our farmed livestock, then the welfare implications completely contradict societys expectations for high animal welfare, he said.

Opposition to the proposals is based on the work of NSA Scottish Region. There, sheep farmers on the west coast of Scotland are struggling with high lamb losses from re-introduced white-tailed sea eagles, with some saying they question the viability of continuing farming sheep.

Laser beam technology is being trialled in Scotland as a method to deter the birds from kidnapping lambs.ALLETE, Inc. operates as an energy company. The company operates through Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy, and Corporate and Other segments. It generates electricity from coal-fired, biomass co-fired / natural gas, hydroelectric, wind, and solar. The company provides regulated utility electric services in northwestern Wisconsin to approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas customers, and 10,000 water customers, as well as regulated utility electric services in northeastern Minnesota to approximately 145,000 retail customers and 15 non-affiliated municipal customers. It also owns and maintains electric transmission assets in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. In addition, the company focuses on developing, acquiring, and operating clean and renewable energy projects; and owns and operates approximately 1,000 megawatts of wind energy generation facility. Further, it is involved in the coal mining operations in North Dakota; and real estate investment activities in Florida. The company owns and operates 158 substations with a total capacity of 10,066 megavolt amperes. It serves taconite mining, paper, pulp and secondary wood products, pipeline, and other industries. The company was formerly known as Minnesota Power, Inc. and changed its name to ALLETE, Inc. in May 2001. ALLETE, Inc. was incorporated in 1906 and is headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota.

Read MoreSociedad QuAmica y Minera de Chile S.A. produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals, and other products and services worldwide. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers for crops, such as vegetables, fruits, and industrial crops. It also provides iodine and its derivatives for use in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications comprising x-ray contrast media, polarizing films for LCD and LED, antiseptics, biocides and disinfectants, pharmaceutical synthesis, electronics, pigments, and dye components. In addition, the company offers lithium carbonates for various applications that include electrochemical materials for batteries, frits for the ceramic and enamel industries, heat-resistant glass, air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, primary aluminum smelting process, pharmaceuticals, and lithium derivatives. Further, it supplies lithium hydroxide for the lubricating greases industry, as well as cathodes for batteries. Additionally, it offers potassium chloride and potassium sulfate for various crops, including corn, rice, sugar, soybean, and wheat; industrial chemicals, including sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, and solar salts; and other fertilizers and blends. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.

Read MoreBanco de Chile, together with its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services to customers in Chile. The company operates through four segments: Retail, Wholesale, Treasury, and Subsidiaries. It offers deposit products, such as checking accounts, current accounts, demand deposits and accounts, saving accounts, and time deposits; commercial, mortgage, consumer, working capital, syndicated, and installment loans; and credit and debit cards. The company also provides leasing, factoring, and foreign trade services; international and treasury banking services; and financial advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, debt restructuring assistance, and payments and collections services. In addition, it offers liquidity management services, debt instruments, and derivative contracts and leases, as well as financial transactions business and currency trading services; and securities brokerage, mutual funds management, wholesale customers, investment banking and management, insurance brokerage, and securitization services. It serves individuals, small and medium-sized companies, corporate clients, and large companies. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated through a network of 334 branches and 1,766 automatic teller machines. Banco de Chile was founded in 1893 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.

Read More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.

Read MoreForum Energy Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures, and distributes products to the oil and natural gas industry in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Drilling & Downhole, Completions, and Production. The Drilling & Downhole segment designs, manufactures, and supplies products, and provides related services to the drilling, downhole, and subsea markets, as well as other markets, such as alternative energy, defense, and communications. This segment offers drilling technologies consisting of capital equipment and a line of products consumed in the drilling; downhole technologies, such as cementing and casing tools, and protection products for artificial lift equipment and cables; and subsea remotely operated vehicles and trenchers, specialty components and tools, and complementary subsea technical services. The Completions segment provides products and related services to the coiled tubing, stimulation, and intervention markets. This segment offers pressure pumping, hydraulic fracturing and flowback services markets, including hydraulic fracturing pumps, cooling systems, flow iron, wireline cable, and pressure control equipment, as well as related recertification and refurbishment services; and coiled tubing products, such as coiled tubing strings and line pipes. The Production segment designs, manufactures, and supplies products, and provides related equipment and services to the production and infrastructure markets. This segment supplies production equipment, including well site production and process equipment; and a range of industrial and process valves. The company was formerly known as Forum Oilfield Technologies, Inc. and changed its name to Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. in August 2010. Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Read MoreModi said, 'Saudi Arabia is one of India's most valuable strategic partners. Our relations have grown stronger.'

Prior to joint statement, both the nations confirmed the signing of 5 Memorandum of Understanding agreements, including infrastructure, housing, cooperation on broadcasting and the enhancing bilateral investment relations. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday issued a joint statement in New Delhi.

While addressing the media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Saudi Arabia is one of India's most valuable strategic partners. Our relations have grown stronger. I welcome Saudi investment in Indian infrastructure.

The attack on Pulwana is indicative of the danger that has spread shadow above the world. We are united in the though that those who support terrorism should be put under continuous pressure (Pulwama mein hua barbar hamla duniya par chhai khatre ki nishani hai, hum is baat par sahmat hain ki atankwaad ko samarthan dene waale deshon pe sambhav dabav banane ki avyashkata hai), Modi added in his joint statement.

Following PM Modi's statement at the joint press conference, Mohammed bin Salman says, "Terrorism and extremism is a common concern - we will cooperate with India on intelligence sharing. We will cooperate not just with India but with our neighbours as well. We thank India for the positive role in it."

The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is over thousands of years old. It is even older than history, and this relationship has grown stronger in the last 50 years. Our objectives are similar be it in energy, agriculture or technology, Crown Prince said.

Prince Salman called for a common planning between India and Saudi Arabia to tackle various issues. PM Modi visited Saudi Arabia in 2016 and we have achieved success in these years. We have invested around USD 44 billion in India, said the Saudi Prince.

Prior to joint statement, both the nations confirmed the signing of 5 Memorandum of Understanding agreements, including infrastructure, housing, cooperation on broadcasting and the enhancing bilateral investment relations.BRIDGEPORT - A local teenager, who police said was repeatedly sexually assaulted by his special education teacher, claims local school officials negligently allowed the assaults to occur.

In a lawsuit filed in Superior Court in Bridgeport, the now 18-year-old teen, whose name is not being disclosed, claims school officials should have been aware of the inappropriate relationship between the student and his teacher, Laura Ramos, but took no action to prevent it.

City officials said they were aware of the lawsuit but could not comment on it. Ramos lawyer, Edward Gavin, also declined comment on the suit.

As an attorney and parent, I am very upset at the proliferation of these incidents where students are victimized by the people who should be protecting them, said the teens lawyer, Marisa Bellair. We are looking forward to addressing these claims in a court of law.

Last month the 32-year-old Ramos, a former teacher at Central High School, was sentenced to five years in prison after she pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two of her students in 2016 and 2017.

The lawsuit, brought by one of the young men in the criminal case, is against Ramos, the Board of Education, Central High School Principal Eric Graf and the city of Bridgeport.

The suit states that in 2013, the teen was a freshman at Central, and Ramos was assigned as his special education teacher to assist him with his severe dyslexia.

Ramos and the teen worked together regularly during the next four years, the suit continues.

Beginning in my junior year she (Ramos) began to shift our relationship from a teacher-student relationship to something else, the suit states. My mom had passed away and my dad remarried, and these events were very difficult for me, and in that vulnerable state I welcomed the attention of Ms. Ramos,

They subsequently had sex in a parking lot, a Shelton restaurant and at a Fairfield beach.

In school she would touch me, including in the hallway and would also sometimes touch me in an intimate way when I was in class, the suit states.

It continues that the teen later learned Ramos was involved with another student.

I felt betrayed and heartbroken, as I had been under the impression that she loved me, the suit states.

It contends that Graf often visited Ramos work area when the teen was present and should have been aware of the relationship, but took no action to prevent it from going on or to notify other school officials.

As a result of the sexual assaults by Ramos, the suit claims, the teen has suffered and will continue to suffer mental anguish, frustration and anxiety.For a second consecutive night, San Antonians discussed the citys draft climate plan and whether its aggressive enough  or goes too far  to both adapt to and slow down global warming.

More than 150 residents packed the Central Library on Tuesday for discussions about SA Climate Ready, the citys draft climate action and adaptation plan, or CAAP, that sets a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The document is an aspirational plan that, if adopted by the City Council, sets out broad goals and strategies for both the municipal government and the community to end greenhouse gas emissions.

The scientific studies on which the 84-page plan relies predict a hotter, drier city with more extreme weather events if emissions continue to rise. The change in climate will impact community health, air quality and the quality of life, among other things, said Doug Melnick, the citys chief sustainability officer.

Residents spent nearly two hours around a dozen round tables, each staffed with someone whod served on the steering committee or technical working committee that oversaw the creation of the SA Climate Ready plan. The objective was to gather questions and input from those who attended, a process that could lead to modifications to the plan.

Environmental advocates dominated the meeting, though several opponents of the plan attended as well. Generally, environmentalists are seeking a more aggressive plan than whats been proposed while business leaders are pushing for more time and financial details before the document is adopted. Theyve worried that it could harm the local economy.

Peter Bella, a member of the steering committee, said business leaders request for cost estimates is eminently reasonable, but delaying action is not an option.

How do we value the future? he said. Thats the question.

The conversations that unfolded across the room varied.

Greg Harman, another member of the steering committee, said several students sat at his table and expressed concern about their future. There was anxiety about the implementation of some of the plans elements, he added, along with requests that the city do more to educate residents about how to prepare for a warming climate.

At another table, climate plan opponents, including a GOP precinct chairwoman, immediately went on the offensive, suggesting that SA Climate Ready was nothing more than a politically driven document.

Nathan Morgan, who described himself as a public policy advocate, was not there to advocate for the CAAP, a document he said he hadnt read.

It is a solution looking for a problem, he said. Its a bunch of enterprising individuals seeking to shape opinion and shift the sensibilities of society for no particular, valid reason.

Morgan continued, saying in an interview that he doesnt believe that Earth is warming or that the climate in San Antonio has changed.

Councilman John Courage, whod listened to Morgans remarks, said he doesnt believe that there will ever be consensus on climate issues, but the majority of San Antonians  and Americans  expect their government to take action.

The citys plan calls for myriad strategies to reach carbon neutrality, such as CPS Energy retiring its coal-fired and natural-gas power plants and increasing its reliance on renewable resources. It calls for increasing energy efficiency in both existing and new buildings and transitioning to all electric vehicles by 2050.

City officials often remind people that the plan wouldnt regulate private-sector vehicle purchasing, but industry experts believe the free market will shift to electric vehicles over the coming decades. Those areas  generating electricity, and building consumption, along with transportation  generate 86 percent of all emissions in the area.

Environmentalists have called on CPS Energy to move completely away from fossil fuels by 2025, something the utility is not currently planning. Courage said Monday hes told CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams that he believes the utility can retire one of its two coal plants by 2025 and the second by 2030, and end its reliance on natural gas before 2040.

Josh Baugh covers environmental issues in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jbaugh@express-news.net | Twitter: @jbaughA San Antonio man who confessed to being a serial killer was sentenced Tuesday to two life terms in the rape and strangulation deaths of five women.

Johnny Joe Avalos, 32, was arrested in April 2015 and charged with raping and strangling 15-year-old Natalie Chavez, whose naked body was found under the Vera Cruz Street bridge over Apache Creek on the citys West Side in December 2014.

Authorities would eventually find three others: Rosemary Perez, 28, in January 2015; Genevieve Ramirez, 46, in March 2015; and Celia Lopez, 29, in April 2015.

In 2016, Avalos was linked to the death of Vanessa Lopez, 25, whose body was found four years earlier in October 2012.

With the exception of Chavez, the victims had engaged in prostitution in neighborhoods where Avalos lived, according to a statement from the Bexar County District Attorneys Office.

After the sentencing in the 437th state District Court, prosecutor David Lunan did not mince words when he spoke of the horrific things Avalos did to his victims.

He would prowl the streets of the West Side and South Side, isolate and strangle (his victims) and have sex with their dead bodies, he said.

Lunan said they were able to link Avalos to all of the deaths through DNA found on the women and at the scenes of the crimes.

Avalos admitted to a role in some of the killings in a jailhouse interview with KENS5-TV. He also told a Bexar County jail inmate and an acquaintance about his actions.

Avalos was first indicted on capital murder charges on Nov. 29, 2016. He has a criminal record for a variety of offenses, ranging from making terroristic threats to criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance.

Lunan said some of his victims were found not far from where Avalos lived, in the 200 block of Wahrmund Court on the South Side, near Hot Wells, according to public data.

On ExpressNews.com: A fourth capital murder charge adds to grim list facing San Antonio man

Former Bexar County District Attorney Nicholas Nico LaHood initially pursued the death penalty against Avalos, but dropped it after the mans mental capacity was challenged. He was found to be competent to stand trial, court records indicate.

He is intellectually disabled, Lunan said. Its considered cruel and unusual punishment, so we decided we would not seek the death penalty.

Standing before Judge Lori Valenzuela, Avalos pleaded guilty to two counts of capital murder and admitted killing all five women. Valenzuela sentenced him to life in prison on both counts.

Because the state did not seek the death penalty, each term will be served at the same time, without the possibility of parole.

Authorities said the victims were either left dead or near death in public spaces, like a sidewalk, an alley, and a vacant lot.

Perez was found wrapped in a sheet along a sidewalk in the 2100 block of San Fernando Street on the West Side in January 2015.

Ramirez was alive when she was found in an alley in the 100 block of Avondale on April 3, 2015. She died two months later from her injuries.

Celia Lopezs family had reported her missing on April 12, 2015. Three days later, her decomposed body was found partially clothed in a vacant lot in the 4400 block of South Presa Street.

Then in 2016, Avalos was linked to the death of Vanessa Lopez. Her body was left in San Pedro Creek, but because of a series of storms, her remains ended up on the South Side at Espada Dam, Lunan said.

Authorities never used the term serial killer in reference to Avalos as they investigated the killings.

But on Tuesday, Lunan acknowledged it when asked if Avalos was a serial killer. Bexar County District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales also referred to him as such in a statement.

I hope todays plea and sentence of life without parole brings some closure and peace to the families of these victims, Gonzales said. Justice in this case means this serial killer will spend every day of his life where he belongs: in prison.

The victims families filled one side of courtroom Tuesday morning.

The families of Celia Lopez and Vanessa Lopez, who are not related, addressed Avalos in open court. Their statements, delivered through tears, were mostly inaudible in the courtroom.

Chavezs stepfather, Carlos Johnson, said he waited four years to face the man who killed his daughter.

We are here today for Natalie, not you, he said. Shes our daughter, sister, cousin, granddaughter.

Natalie was the most kindest person to walk the face of the earth, he told Avalos, who stared at him, emotionless. Every night when youre in your cell by yourself, I want you to think of that, and I hope it haunts you the rest of your life.

There havent been many serial killers in San Antonio or South Texas over the years, but a few cases stand out.

Genene Jones, 68, is known as the Angel of Death after the former nurse was convicted in 1984 and sentenced to 99 years in prison for killing Kerrville toddler Chelsea McClellan, 15 months, with an overdose of a muscle relaxer. Authorities believe she is responsible for the deaths of at least 40 and up to 60 children. She is awaiting trial on five new murder charges of San Antonio children in the 1980s.

Serial killer Tommy Lynn Sells, a drifter who was tied to the killings of more than a dozen people  including a 9-year-old San Antonio girl  was executed in April 2014. A jury in Val Verde County sent him to death row in 2000 for the killing of Kaylene Harris, 13, in Del Rio. He pleaded guilty in Bexar County to strangling Mary Beatrice Perez, who was abducted from a Fiesta event at Market Square in 1999.

In September, Agent Juan David Ortiz, a 10-year veteran of the Border Patrol, was arrested and charged in the deaths of four people, and for trying to kill a fifth, in less than two weeks. He pleaded not guilty to capital murder and is awaiting trial in Webb County, where the district attorney is seeking the death penalty.

Elizabeth Zavala covers county and state courts in San Antonio. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863The clearest sign of the blue wave that hit Bexar County last November could be found way down on the ballot, and all the way across the courthouse.

All 22 of the contested district and county court elections went to Democratic candidates, most of them by margins so similar to each other that the results practically screamed straight-ticket voting.

In the middle of their victory celebrations, however, a few local Democrats privately paused to concede that the Bexar County Courthouse had lost some valuable institutional knowledge; that several gifted, experienced GOP judges had been casualties of the wave and would be missed.

PODCAST: An interview with Joe Gonzales, Bexar County district attorney

The loss of that judicial talent was not lost on Joe Gonzales.

Bexar Countys new district attorney is a Democrat who won with a progressive, reform-minded platform focused on cite and release for minor offenses and a bail system that doesnt unfairly penalize poor people.

He also benefited from nearly $1 million in funding help from billionaire Democratic sugar daddy, George Soros. But Gonzales recognizes that no political party has a monopoly on courtroom acumen.

So, at a time when bipartisanship is often celebrated but rarely demonstrated, Gonzales has made a true bipartisan move. He has gone out of his way to find positions on his staff for six of the GOP judges who lost their jobs in the 2018 midterms.

Its just the reality of Texas politics, that we have to run on party labels. And I thought that it was unfortunate that we were losing some very seasoned jurists, Gonzales said.

I didnt want to lose them completely, so I jumped on the opportunity to offer them jobs and I was very happy that they accepted. Theyre making a fantastic contribution to our office.

Melisa Skinner will get to utilize the expertise she gained as a first-chair felony prosecutor before her 2010 election to the 290th District Court.

Skinner defeated Democratic candidate Jennifer Pena in 2014 (a Republican wave election), but lost a rematch to Pena last November by nearly 14 percentage points.

Gonzales also hired Lorina Rummel, the former 144th District Court judge. Rummel won acclaim for her work supervising the Bexar County Esperanza Court, which provides an intensive program designed to help prostitutes turn their lives around.

OnExpressNews.com: Gonzales recruited old colleagues to serve under him

One of Gonzaless campaign promises was to create a stand-alone Family Violence Unit in the DAs office. When it came to finding someone to run that unit, Gonzales turned to Crystal Chandler, a Republican who is the former judge of County Court at Law No. 13.

Chandler comes to the job with more than 15 years of experience as an assistant district attorney, with part of that time spent as a felony prosecutor for Bexar Countys Family Justice Victim Protection Division.

Gonzales also brought in three more former Republican county court-at-law judges: Jason Garrahan, Scott Roberts and Jason Wolff.

In a better world, judicial and DA races would be non-partisan affairs, because there really shouldnt be a place for political ideology in the administration of justice. The party label serves as a shorthand for voters who might not know anything else about the candidates, but it also diminishes those candidates by making their credentials secondary to the ticket they joined.

If Gonzales had to see past party labels when staffing his office, the Republicans he hired had to do the same when they decided to work for him.

They all knew what my platform of reform was, Gonzales said. But they understood that what I had been saying is that I was going to not be tough on crime, but be smart on crime.

While I was going to attack domestic violence and violent crime, I was going to institute some reform measures at the misdemeanor level. They all seem to have embraced that philosophy.

During Gonzaless Democratic primary race last year against incumbent District Attorney Nico LaHood, LaHood portrayed him as a pawn of the radical left who is weak on crime and condones prostitution.

LaHood emerged from his overwhelming primary defeat convinced that the Democratic Party had moved so far to the left that that there was no room for him anymore under the party tent.

Less than two months into his new job, Gonzales sounds like someone who values professionalism more than partisanship.

Really, when youre looking at trying to keep a community safe, safety is not a Democrat or a Republican issue, he said.

Its an issue of common sense. Democrats want to keep our streets safe just like Republicans do. So everyone is doing their part in my administration to ensure the safety of this community.

@gilgamesh470Lawyers for the state defended Texas controversial program to scrub non-citizens from voter rolls, as testimony Tuesday showed the attempted purge is not uniform, confusing to some voters and was rushed into conception.

The state knew it could have problems as far back as April 2018, according to testimony in an email that Betsy Schonoff, the programs point person in the Texas Secretary of States Office, sent to other state officials.

Schonoff resigned on Feb. 6, with no public explanation, after the claims of her boss interim Secretary of State David Whitley, began to crumble. On Jan. 25, Whitley issued a news release and advisory to local election administrators claiming that 95,000 registered voters might not be U.S. citizens. He also claimed 58,000 of them had already voted and he asked county elections officials to request proof of citizenship from those voters.

Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a news release echoing Whitleys, saying he was prepared to prosecute illegal voters.

Schonoff had worked with DPS to compare voter information with drivers license data in a process that ended up wrongly flagging thousands of U.S. citizens as potential illegal voters.

During a court hearing Tuesday in a lawsuit brought by the League of United Latin American Citizens, plaintiff witness and voting rights expert George Korbel testified that Schonoffs email discussed whether the state was relying on outdated information, which turned out to be the case.

The email, Korbel said, asked whether the list of suspected non-citizens should be checked again against a Homeland Security database before being sent out to counties because state officials believed many had become U.S. citizens since getting their drivers licenses.

So the state knew there were U.S. citizens on that list? asked Luis Vera Jr., LULACs national general counsel.

Yes, they did, Korbel answered.

Gayatari Vasan, an analyst in the DPS drivers license section, testified there had been discussions with Schonoff about checking for citizenship in drivers license records, but Vasan said she took instructions from her boss, made modifications and sent them up the bureaucratic chain.

She said, speaking only for herself, no one asked me to analyze whether people who were on the list as non-citizens might have become naturalized later. She testified that Whitleys office was in a rush to get the information, and at one point, her team was told to prioritize the project ahead of all others.

We still dont know if we made the correct refinements, Vasan testified. Were still working on that.

In other testimony, Jose Tellez, interim elections administrator for Webb County testified that there has been confusion and belief that the list suppresses the Hispanic vote.

Its like a red scare thing here, Tellez testified. Theres a concern from people of where is this going to lead to.

Of 1,200 people on the list his office received, 300 have been found to be wrongly on it, Tellez said.

There is a concern (from) people, they believe it is targeting primarily the Hispanic community, Tellez testified. They view it as an attempt to chill their right to come out and vote.

Bob Reeves, Kerr Countys tax collector and elections administrator, said he did not read Whitleys advisory in full, nor did his office do its own investigation. He testified that he relied on the years of experience his staff had before sending out notices to 68 people on the list the state provided, the same day Kerr County received the list.

Twenty people have been removed from the list after they brought in proof of citizenship, but Reeves said his office has not heard from the rest.

If they do not respond within 30 days, Reeves said they will be removed from the county voter rolls.

In questioning Reeves, Assistant Attorney General Chris Hilton noted the advisories from Whitleys office said local election administrators could chose to do nothing. It also said, Hilton claimed, that they should do an investigation first if they chose to send out notices to prove the eligibility of the people on the list.

Sending these notices out without an investigation, in fact, is against state law, Hilton told Reeves. Unfortunately, your office has acted contrary to state law.

Reeves looked baffled at that comment, but said nothing and the hearing continued.

In Blanco County, seven people were on the list, and voter registrar Kristen Spies said she relied solely on the information provided by Whitley.

We didnt have anything to investigate on our end, to be honest, Spies testified.

Whitleys office later informed Spies that one person was wrongly on the list; three people have since proven their citizenship and the other two have not responded.

The lead plaintiff in the LULAC suit, Julie Hilberg, testified she felt wronged when the program was announced. Hilberg, now chair of Atascosa Countys Democratic party, is married to a retired U.S. naval officer and was naturalized in 2015.

I was absolutely horrified, the London native testified, crying, as she recalled finding out that her name was on the list. I actually felt like a criminal.

She said she tried to iron out the matter with her local election administrator  she said she has voted in every election since she was naturalized  but still has fears of a SWAT team coming to arrest her or being taken into custody at the airport for alleged illegal voting.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Disher argued that Whitley cant strike voters from the rolls, only the county registrars.

He told the counties to treat the names on the list as weak matches, Disher argued. Even if a notice of examination is sent, eligible voters can respond by mailing proof of citizenship to county offices. Even if they dont respond, they can provide proof at anytime and their (voter) registration can be reinstated immediately.

Disher also argued that Hilbergs case exemplifies how this process is working because her county registrar noted she is eligible to vote.

She has not suffered any particularized injury, nor is she in danger of suffering particularized...injury, Disher told the judge.

But Lupe Torres, director of LULAC Texas, said the rollout and the way the state announced it, caused a high volume of calls with concerns about the program and questions. Torres said it appears to be a means of intimidation by state officials over anger that so many Latinos voted in the 2018 election.

The damage has been done, Torres testified. The air of fear and confusion is there.

Testimony before U.S. District Judge Fred Biery continues Wednesday.

Guillermo Contreras covers federal courts in San Antonio and international legal issues. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | gcontreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedlandPolitics briefly inflamed the second day of negotiations between city officials and the firefighters union representatives Tuesday, but the two sides ultimately agreed to several noncontroversial parts of a new contract.

Those passages addressed items such as nondiscrimination clauses and a prohibition on strikes, which already are illegal for public employees by state law.

Those parts of the contract were signed in the same form as they were written in the contract that expired in September 2014. One item regarding parking was struck because it involved substations that no longer are in use.

OnExpressNews.com: City of San Antonio and local fire union renew icy negotiations with sniping match

The contentious debates on wages and health care are expected to begin next week.

City officials and the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association ended a yearslong standoff earlier this month, meeting for the first time last week to begin ironing out a new contract. Tuesdays session at the Convention Center marked the first real progress on the actual document.

The two sides did trade a few blows on Proposition C, an amendment to the city charter approved by voters in November. That amendment gives the union sole authority to declare an impasse and bring negotiations to arbitration.

After the first negotiating session last week, city negotiator Jeff Londa told reporters there was an open question about how the proposition meshes with state law, which prescribes procedures for how cities and public safety unions negotiate collective bargaining agreements.

Ricky Poole, the unions attorney, said he was concerned when he read Londas comments in the media. The union called a news conference Monday to emphasize its members unease, an approach the city vociferously opposed.

It seems like you call press conferences more often than you call me, City Attorney Andy Segovia told Poole during a tense exchange. If were going to have productive discussions, I think that should be the avenue of communication.

Poole said he sent numerous emails and it was disingenuous for city officials to imply there was a lack of communication. Both Segovia and Londa said they would have appreciated a phone call.

You dont want to put it in writing, said Mark Black, the unions negotiations chair, letting out a laugh.

Ultimately, the sides agreed to include language in their ground rules saying the negotiations would comply with both Proposition C and state law.

On ExpressNews.com: City of San Antonio and local fire union renew icy negotiations with sniping match

The issue resurfaced when Londa said the city was proposing to cut an evergreen clause in the new agreement from 10 years to 60 days, with the goal of expediting future negotiations so a deal is reached before the new contract ends.

OnExpressNews.com: Fire union support will be mixed blessing for Brockhouse

The evergreen clause, which keeps most provisions of a contract intact until a new one is negotiated, was the the subject of a lawsuit by the city seeking to invalidate the clause.

The city lost its long-running and bitterly contested suit at every level, eventually dropping the case last year after the Texas Supreme Court refused to hear it.

Londa argued the passage of Proposition C makes a lengthy evergreen unnecessary because it gives the union an avenue to head to arbitration that their counterparts in police dont possess.

The firefighters union wasnt buying it.

I cant imagine that were going to go from a 10-year evergreen clause to a 60-day evergreen clause, but were going to look at everything the city puts forward, Poole said after the negotiations ended Tuesday.

The bargaining teams will resume discussions about relatively agreeable articles Friday at the union hall. Theyre expected to unveil their first substantive economic proposals next Tuesday.

Thats when firefighters likely will seek pay raises that remedy their four-year wage freeze, and the city will seek to amend the firefighters health care plan to rein in costs that city officials have said are not sustainable.He reached the agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:30 am along with his lawyers.

Vadra has been questioned by the ED in this case for 23 hours over three days of deposition earlier this month. (Photo: PTI | File)

New Delhi: Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case probe, officials said.

He reached the agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:30 AM along with his lawyers, they said.

This is a scheduled appearance of Vadra before the investigating officer (IO) of the case in a criminal complaint related to allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad. He had skipped the summons Tuesday, citing bad health.

Vadra has been questioned by the ED in this case for 23 hours over three days of deposition earlier this month. He has been asked by a Delhi court to cooperate in the probe being conducted by the central probe agency.

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 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 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 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 (PMLA).

His first appearance before the ED earlier this month acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on one day while she picked him up after questioning the next time.

Vadra had similarly deposed before the ED twice in Jaipur in an another money-laundering case related to an alleged land scam in Bikaner.There isnt much that can ring a dinner bell in the heart of Texans like brisket. The iconic, rugged and tough cut of beef can become tender and delightful in the right hands.

These days, brisket almost always means pit-smoked barbecue, but the versatile cut is good for so much more, and restaurants and home cooks alike already grind it into sausages, dice it for a pot of chili and shred it to ribbons for a steaming bowl of birria, which is like menudo but with brisket.

And theres a good reason for that diverse range of applications, says San Antonio chef and butcher Paul Morales. The cut of beef we call brisket is really two distinct muscles. One, commonly called the point or deckle, is intensely marbled with fat. The other muscle, typically labeled the flat, is lean and tough.

The two pieces are well suited to distinct recipes. If you want results that are easy to shred, as in a tangled mound of ropa vieja, go for the point. Need clean slices from your corned beef? Then the flat is for you.

On ExpressNews.com: 52 Weeks of BBQ

Brisket has just the right amount of fattiness, Morales said. The thing as a whole, the lean end and the fat end, you kind of get the best of both worlds.

We love brisket any time of year, but now is a good one to be thinking about the cuts uses beyond barbecue. St. Patricks Day is about a month off, and Passover will come shortly after that.

Of course, you dont need a holiday to get cooking right away. This week we have a batch of recipes that feature brisket in a wide range of applications and flavors that will, at least for a minute or two, make you forget just how good barbecue is.

However you use it, be ready for at least one big surprise. No matter how you prepare a brisket, Morales said, youre going to lose about 40 percent of the starting weight as the meat cooks.

That fact is an easy one to capitalize on. Slow cooker pot roast, soups, braises and any other method of cooking that captures the briskets lost moisture and fat will be all the more flavorful for it.

On ExpressNews.com: Crawfish and seafood boils make for an instant party

And then theres the time factor.

This is one where the kitchen cook has a distinct advantage over the pitmaster. Barbecue experts often brag about the extremely long times their briskets cook  occasionally in excess of 15 hours or more. Even the slowest of slow cooker recipes will be done in about six hours. If the brisket is braised in a Dutch oven, you can have dinner ready in three hours or less.

We know its a big ask of any Texan to step out of the smoke and into the kitchen. But this week were doing just that, and we dont think youll be disappointed.

Recipe: Beef Brisket Soup with Daikon and Leek

Recipe: Slow Cooker Chipotle Brisket

Recipe: Brisket Corned Beef

Recipe: Vaca Frita Sandwiches

Paul Stephen 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. | pstephen@express-news.net | Twitter: @pjbites | Instagram: @pjstephenYou can learn something new every day, but this one was a stunner: Barbecue and beauty shops can make a lovely pairing.

Bulverde pitmaster Doug Scheiding, a champion cook who is a brand ambassador for Traeger Wood-Fired Grills, had an epiphany during one of his trips for a snip.

As she starts spritzing my hair, its like I could hear angels singing, Scheiding said.

Scheiding discovered that those same professional salon-grade spray bottles that delivered a refreshing fine mist to the back of his skull could do the same job on a cut of meat  and they were a massive upgrade to the cheap $1 bottles that distribute liquids unevenly and have a tendency to break down after a few uses.

A consistent spritz of liquids, applied every 30 minutes or so, is often one of the keys for keeping chicken, ribs and brisket moist during the cooking process.

On ExpressNews.com: Barbecue lessons from the 2019 S.A. Stock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Off & Festival

Scheiding passed the tip onto me a few months ago during a barbecue demonstration, and I had to get some. The salon spray bottles, available online or at any beauty supply store, sell from $5 up to $20 depending on the brand and size of the bottle. Im still using the first bottle I purchased six months ago, a Sam Villa brand bottle.

Another bonus to the fancy spray bottles: they come with a pressurized chamber that delivers a lengthy burst of continuous mist with one press of the trigger. The bottle can even be placed upside down and it will deliver a full spray.

On ExpressNews.com: 52 Weeks of BBQ: Naming the best of the best San Antonio barbecue

The small drawback is the mist is so fine, you cant get fancy by adding anything that isnt pure liquid into the bottles or they will jam up. Ive played around with apple cider vinegar, beef and chicken stocks and filtered pickle juice without any issues.

Chuck Blount is a food writer and columnist covering all things grilled and smoked in the San Antonio area. Find his Chuck's Food Shack columns on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com, or read his other coverage on our free site, mySA.com. | cblount@express-news.net | Twitter: @chuck_blount | Instagram: @bbqdiverRoberta Nina Hassele, executive director for Contemporary Art Month, has said she gives people seeking advice on what to see the same suggestion every year.

Grab the CAM calendar in the print (format), circle all the people you know and go see something different, Hassele said. See an artist you havent seen before, see an emerging artist thats showing on Second Saturday, or an artist thats going to be in one of the artist run spaces during First Friday, First Thursday or one of the pop-ups. Theres a a lot of pop-ups happening during March.

Sarah Fox, CAMs new board chair, has even simpler. advice.

Dont make plans for March, she said. Just go see art.

The CAM calendar lists around 200 events, including gallery openings, lectures, performances, pop-ups and readings. There is something happening nearly every day, Hassele said. Heres a look at a few promising possibilities:

Capturing the Moment: Photographs from the Marie Brenner and Ernest Pomerantz Collection: The show is drawn from a gift of more than 850 photographs that Brenner and Pomerantz donated to the museum. It includes images capturing events within the Depression, World War II and the civil rights movement. Opens Friday. Through May 12, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. samuseum.org; 210-978-8100.

On ExpressNews.com: McNay show pairs classic cars with paintings

Ghostly Demarcations: This is the CAM Perennial show, and it was pulled together by guest curator Kevin Burns, education and curatorial associate with the El Paso Museum of Art. Half of the artists are based in San Antonio; the other half are based in El Paso and neighboring Juarez. The opening is also part of the CAM Kickoff. Reception 6 p.m. March 1. Through May 5, Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star. bluestarcontemporary.org; 210-227-6960.

Cicatrices: Jose Villalobos, who grew up on the U.S.-Mexico border, uses found objects to explore identity and the toxicity of machismo. The show includes content that may not be suitable for all ages. Reception 6 p.m. March 1. Through March 30, Presa House Gallery, 725 S. Presa. presahouse.com.

Contemporary Art 101 Panel Discussion: Blue Star Contemporary hosts a discussion about creating, collecting and preserving video art. 6 p.m. March 7, Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star. Free; register at bluestarcontemporary.org; 210-227-6960.

CRASS: Cultural Re-Appropriation Show of San Antonio: The one-night exhibit features works by more than 20 up-and-coming visual artists as well as performers, all dealing with cultural appropriation. 6 p.m. March 7, Brick at Blue Star, 1414 S. Alamo.

On ExpressNews.com: Artpace shows protest banners

CuerposUnidos: The exhibit is a collaboration between Clamp Light Studios and Poca Madre Arts. Curated by Michael Anthony Garcia and Jose Villalobos, the show spotlights how local, regional and national artists deal with the human form. The show will be presented in two sections  titled Anterior and Posterior  during CAM, then will be shown in June at the Museum of Human Achievement in Austin. Anterior opens 7 p.m. March 8; Posterior opens 7 p.m. March 22, Clamp Light Studios,1704 Blanco. clamplightsa.com.

Late Bloomer: The exhibit features the work of James LeFlore, public art manager for Public Art San Antonio, the citys public art program. LeFlore recently started making art of his own again following a long break. Reception: 6 p.m. March 9. Through March 29, Lone Star Art Space, 107 Lone Star Blvd. 210-884-8100.

The Rowdy Women Take Over!: The evening features female bands, including Heather Leather, as well as female visual artists and vendors. 7 p.m. March 23, South Texas Museum of Popular Culture, 1017 E. Mulberry Ave. Admission is by donation. stpcc.org; 210-792-1312.

No Necessary Time Axis on Evolutionary Novelties: The solo exhibit of new works by Leigh Anne Lester continues her exploration of how the natural world evolves and changes. Reception: 6 p.m. March 27. Through May 25, Ruiz-Healy Art, 201-A E. Olmos. ruizhealyart.com; 210-804-2219.

Visit contemporaryartmonth.com for the complete calendar.

dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN

Deborah Martin is an arts writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinENWednesday, February 20, 2019

The Herman Trend Alert

February 20, 2019

Hotel of the Future Here Today

Located in the city of Hangzhou, 170 km southwest of Shanghai, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. sited their first futuristic hotel. Called "FlyZoo", the leading-edge property is within walking distance of Alibaba's headquarters. The name derives from a pun in Chinese for 'it's a must to stay here'. The 290-room FlyZoo which formally opened to the public last month, is an incubator for technology, including artificial intelligence, Alibaba wants to sell to the hotel industry.

Check-in at kiosks



The lobby has softly-lit white paneled walls reminiscent of spaceships in films. Guests may check in and choose their own rooms at kiosks that can scan their faces, passports, or other ID. Visitors with Chinese national IDs may scan their faces using their smartphones to check in ahead of time, like the apps for Marriott and Hilton.

Using facial recognition to keep guests safe



To reach their floor, elevators scan guests' faces to verify their appropriate access, and hotel room doors are opened with another facial scan. Not only can guests check in and get into their rooms in record time, they also feel safer knowing that no one else is able to enter their rooms.

Technology in the rooms



Once in the rooms, guests use Alibaba's voice command technology, called "Kimo Geni", to change the temperature, close the curtains, adjust the lighting, operate the television, and even order room service. Sorry, for the time being, the Echo-like device only recognizes Chinese. Furnished in a minimalist style, rooms have hardwood floors

Robots deliver towels and mix cocktails



Gliding silently throughout the property, eight black disc-shaped robots about a meter in height deliver food or drop off slippers or fresh towels. Alibaba says their robots significantly reduce labor costs and eliminate the need for guests to interact with other people. At the hotel's bar, guests who order one of 20 different cocktails may watch a large robotic arm mix their cocktails. The robots' facial recognition cameras add charges to the room rate automatically.

Digital checkout



Ready to check out? Simply press a button on the app after which the room locks and through Alibaba's online wallet, you are automatically charged. Once checked out, the guests' facial scan data are immediately erased from Alibaba's systems. Moreover, data are saved in the cloud, not on local servers.

Privacy issues not a big deal to the Chinese



The hotel is also an experiment to test consumer comfort levels with digital commerce in China---a country where intrusive data-sharing technology is already accepted---often enthusiastically. There seems to be a greater attraction to advanced technologies involving personal data, like facial recognition, in China where regulation is minimal, and "the government has rolled out public surveillance projects that use biometric data."

One answer to the shortage of hospitality professionals



For guests unwilling to have their faces scanned, the lobby does feature a human "service ambassador" to assist with conventional check-in procedures and issue electronic key cards. The property does employ humans, as chefs and cleaners, though Alibaba declined to say exactly how many.

Normal for a high-end hotel room in China



Room costs start at 1,390 yuan ($205 USD) per night---not expensive for Shanghai, but probably on the high end for Hangzhou. In spite of the "Wow" factor of the hotel, guests are clearly paying a premium to interface with this leading-edge technology. We suspect that Generations Y and Z will happily pay the difference.

The shape of things to come?



Alibaba is still working on advancing their capabilities , however there is no doubt that those of us who love embracing the future will be drawn to properties with these kinds of technologies. And the good news for hoteliers is that they will be able to function with fewer human employees while delighting the younger generations who enjoy interacting with machines.

To watch a 2-minute video on this futuristic hotel, visit here.

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More funding is being put into pre-arrival settlement services for people moving to Canada to provide them with the information they need to find a job and a place to stay.The Canadian Government is providing $18.4 million to Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CICan), one of four intake service providers.The aim of pre-arrival services is to directly connect people with the information they need through a streamlined process so that they can apply for jobs before they move.Pre-arrival services provide permanent residents with information and settlement support so they can make informed decisions about their new life in Canada and begin the integration process before they arrive, said Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen.Services are provided in English and French. In an increasingly globalized world, the pre-arrival services are essential to empower newcomers to successfully integrate in Canada, thus having a positive impact on the Canadian economy. CICan is thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to work with newcomers, helping them to succeed in Canada, said Denise Amyot, chief executive officer of Colleges and Institutes CanadaAs part of the programme there will also be in-person services offered in China, India, and the Philippines, along with a pilot project for in-person Francophone services in Morocco.Meanwhile, the Canadian Government has also announced the creation of a five-year pilot programme aimed at helping newcomers settle in rural and Northern parts of the country.It will test community driven approaches to address the diverse labour market needs of smaller communities and Hussen said that it builds on the success of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot that was launched in March 2017 to help drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada.Immigration is a central pillar of Canadas economic success. The economic and social benefits of immigration are apparent in communities across Canada. By creating an immigration pilot aimed at rural and Northern communities, were looking to ensure that the benefits of immigration are shared across the country, he explained.Removing barriers to economic development and promoting growth in local communities across the country is a priority, according to Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development Canada. This Pilot will support the economic development of smaller communities by testing new, community-driven approaches to address their diverse labour market needs, she said.Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development said it will help the economy grow. Communities throughout rural and northern Canada are important to the growth and prosperity of our country. Regional economic development is a priority of our government, and we will continue to seek out innovative solutions like this pilot project to help our economy grow for all Canadians, he pointed out.UPDATE: The Pound to Euro (GBP/EUR) was propelled to a fresh three-week high on Thursday, with the pairing rising to 1.1526 on the back of some gloomy Eurozone PMI figures.

Of most concern for EUR investors was a shock contraction in the blocs manufacturing sector this month, with the factory PMI dropping to just 49.2, the worst reading since June 2013.

Commenting on the data Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit warned that the Eurozone economy is 'close to stagnation'.

UPDATE: The Pound-to-Euro exchange rates traded flat into Thursdays session around the 1.15 level despite better-than-forecast French manufacturing and services PMI releases and worsening political turmoil in the UK in the wake of further Westminster resignations.

Given the governments reduced working majority in parliament, some analysts see the probability of a snap general election being called as rising.

Chief currency strategist at RBC Capital Markets, Adam Cole commented An early election would presumably be fought under a different Conservative leader (May has committed not to fight the next election) and likely under a more Eurosceptic one.

Cole added that either of the two most likely outcomes could weigh on the GBP, It is hard to argue either an election victory for a more Eurosceptic Tory party, or a Labour-led government would be anything other than negative for GBP.

Data-wise, Wednesdays session will see Eurozone PMI figures released with the manufacturing purchasing managers index forecast to edge lower to 50.3 while the services PMI is expected to tick 0.2 points higher to 51.4.

European Central Bank monetary policy meeting accounts are also due alongside UK public sector net borrowing figures. On the Brexit-front, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond said MPs might be given the opportunity to vote on the PMs revised deal next week, progress-permitting. Speaking to the BBC, Hammond said "There may be an opportunity to bring a vote back to the House of Commons - there may be an opportunity, but that will depend on the progress that is made in the next few days," following "good and constructive talks (with the EU) yesterday.

PREVIOUSLY: The Pound vs. Euro exchange rates are currently trading in the region of 1.1490, down slightly from the days opening levels.

This mornings German PPI data came in slightly stronger than expected but still marked the slowest pace of price growth since July 2018.

Both Pound and Euro investors will be focusing on the meeting between UK Prime Minister Theresa May and the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, today, in which they will discuss the Northern Irish backstop and the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

Sterling traders, however, are remaining cautious following Junckers sobering statement yesterday, in which he said:

We will have friendly talks but I dont expect a breakthrough.

Euro Pound Exchange Rate Creeps Higher despite ECB Lending Concerns

While the EUR/GBP exchange rate has posted very modest gains today EUR investors remain cautious with recent European Central Bank (ECB) data signifying a slowing down in lending to non-financial companies. Aline Schuiling, a Senior Economist at the Dutch bank ABN AMRO, commented:

In addition, given that developments in the bank lending tend to lag economic activity, it is likely that these trends will deteriorate going forward.

This came following a speech by Peter Praet  a member of the ECBs executive board  today, who hinted at a further slowing down of credit lending.

Praets comments further point to a slowing of the Eurozone economy, and this is leaving many EUR investors feeling jittery.

Sterling Falls as Traders Brace for May-Juncker Brexit Discussion

There are no notable UK economic data releases today, with Brexit remaining in the spotlight instead.

Any signs that the Brexit deadlock can be broken between the EU and the UK could prove Pound positive, however, the continuing divide between Brussels and Parliament is likely to weigh on GBP sentiment today.

The GBP/EUR exchange rate will likely remain sensitive to political developments surrounding Brexit this week, however the Pound could suffer if public sector borrowing increases tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Euro could benefit from better-than-expected manufacturing PMI figures for February tomorrow.GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Skyrockets, RBA to Deliver Two Rate Cuts in 2019?

UPDATE: The Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate traded at AU$1.8404 on Thursday morning after the pairing soared almost two cents to strike a fresh three-week high in overnight trade.

This comes after Australias Westpac bank became the first of the Big Four to predict that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) could cut interest rates up to two times in 2019.

Further buoying GBP/AUD was also the release of the UKs latest public finance figures after the UK registered a record surplus in January.

UPDATE: After trading flat throughout Wednesday, overnight the Pound Sterling Australian Dollar exchange rates came under bilateral pressures, first dipping sharply in favour of the Aussie (AUD) in the wake of upbeat labour market statistics then spiking in response to downgraded Westpac interest rates forecasts and a Chinese ban on Australian coal imports.

At the time of writing, the Pound-to-Dollar exchange rate was last seen at AU$1.83355, up 0.67%.

Data-wise, UK public sector net borrowing figures are due (0930 GMT) with a positive forecast of -11.1B compared to the previous 2.1B.

For the night owls, Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor, Philip Lowe, is due to provide economic commentary before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics. Early February saw the RBA governor state the next adjustment in rates could be in either direction.

Commenting on the AUD in response to the RBAs change in stance, senior Barclays strategist, Shin Kadota wrote It is difficult for the Aussie to keep rising indefinitely when the RBA has seemingly switched to a dovish stance.

Pound Sterling Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) Exchange Rate Struggles to Hold Best Levels as Brexit Optimism Lightens

Despite some underwhelming Australian wage growth data, the British Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate has slipped slightly today as Brexit jitters weigh on the Pound and the Australian Dollar finds some support in lingering market demand for riskier trade-correlated currencies.

After plunging last week on Brexit jitters and a risk-rally, GBP/AUD has been climbing this week so far. GBP/AUD opened the week at the level of 1.8050 and has since gained round a cent and a half  reclaiming most of last weeks losses. While GBP/AUD has been unable to hold its overnight high of 1.8258, the pair trends strongly near the level of 1.8212 at the time of writing.

Investors bought the Pound yesterday on hopes for Brexit process, but those hopes largely ran out of steam.

Instead investors sold the Pound, though the Australian Dollar struggled to capitalise amid disappointing Australian wage data.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Slide as Investors Doubt Major Breakthrough in Brexit Talks

With under 40 days until the formal Brexit date is set to take place, the UK government is still making last-ditch attempts to renegotiate its UK-EU Brexit withdrawal deal.

The government  and markets  hope that if the EU can be persuaded to shift its stance or even change its wording on the issue of Irelands backstop, it would make the deal more appealing in UK Parliament and help a soft Brexit to pass.

However, while hopes for some kind of breakthrough drove the Pound higher yesterday, the Pound quickly ran out of steam as investors reassessed the chances of a breakthrough today.

Some analysts argued that even if the EU changed its wording on the deal somewhat, it would be difficult for the deal to gain that much support. According to Marshall Gittler, Chief Strategist from ACLS Global:

I think they [the EU] could tinker with the language [of the deal] a bit, but whether it would be enough to convince 51 percent of MPs in parliament to vote for it is dubious, Id go short on the Pound,

Todays UK industrial trends orders stats from CBI beat expectations, but ultimately had little impact on Sterling which slipped versus most major rivals.

Australian Dollar (AUD) Exchange Rates Losses Limited as Australian Wage Results Disappoint

While the relatively risky trade-correlated Australian Dollar is benefitting from this weeks risk-on movement, its strength is being limited by domestic news.

Economists are becoming more confident that the US and China are nearing some kind of agreement over trade, after most of the past year was dominated by trade tensions between the worlds two biggest economies.

As a result, investors are more willing to take risks and the risky Australian Dollar is seeing stronger demand.

However, the Australian Dollar fell versus the Pound yesterday and its recovery attempt today was limited by poor Australian ecostats.

Australias Q4 wage growth results met expectations year-on-year, but the quarterly figure unexpectedly slowed to 0.5% despite being expected to remain at 0.6%.

GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Forecast: Federal Reserve News and Australian Job Stats in Focus

Unless there are notable Brexit developments today, the Pound to Australian Dollar exchange rate is more likely to be driven by Australian Dollar movement in the coming days.

Wednesday evening will see the publication of the Federal Reserves latest meeting minutes report. If the bank is more dovish than expected on its policy outlook, it could make investors more willing to take risks and bolster Australian Dollar demand.

Domestically, Australian Dollar investors are looking ahead to tomorrows Australian job market report for January. Following todays underwhelming wage price stats, employment change and unemployment figures will be published tomorrow.

If the stats beat expectations despite the underwhelming wage data today, the Australian Dollar could see a rise in demand.

Of course, potential developments in US-China trade negotiations are likely to influence Australian Dollar movement too.

The Pound, on the other hand, is unlikely to see much rise in strength unless there is some kind of breakthrough in Brexit deadlock, but if there is no progress on Brexit at all the Pound to Australian Dollar exchange rate is more likely to tumble.The agency has re-registered the case and formed a team to investigate the terror strike, an NIA spokesperson said.

The NIA has already gathered explosive material from the blast site in Lethpora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir and has been involved in the questioning of around a dozen people detained by police following the bombing, officials said.

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday took over the probe into the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama from the Jammu and Kashmir police, officials said.

The agency has re-registered the case and formed a team to investigate the audacious terror strike in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, an NIA spokesperson here said.

NIA Director General Y C Modi, accompanied by senior officers of the agency, visited the site of the attack, 33 km from Srinagar, where he was briefed by local police and the CRPF.

The state police had registered a case at the Awantipora police station on February 14 after a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a CRPF bus, which was part of a 78-vehicle convoy carrying over 2,500 personnel on their way from Jammu to Srinagar.

The NIA has already gathered explosive material from the blast site in Lethpora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir and has been involved in the questioning of around a dozen people detained by police following the bombing, officials said.

The agency has also met senior police, intelligence and army officers to gather whatever evidence they have, they said.

The NIA will probe the planning and execution of the terror attack, the second such in three decades of militancy in the state.

In 2000, a 17-year-old Kashmiri boy had blown himself outside the Srinagar-based army cantonment in the year 2000, killing two Army men.

On Monday, three Jaish terrorists were killed in a 16-hour operation in Pulwama's Pinglan area, 12 km from the spot of the February 14 attack. An Army major and four security personnel also lost their lives. Police and the Army announced Tuesday that these terrorists were responsible for last Thursday's attack.BREXIT LIVE UPDATE 20-02 11:35: After paring gains from the multi-week exchange rate highs posted against both the Euro and US Dollar during Tuesdays session, Sterling remained firm during Wednesday trading despite growing divides in the UK political landscape.

GBP markets reacted with a very limited dip to the latest reports of further resignations. Following the resignation of a Labour party MPs to form an independent group in the House of Commons, three Conservative Party MPs followed suit on Wednesday, further dividing an already factional parliament at a time when UK consumers and business are clamouring for a united political front to see Brexit through to a successful conclusion.

Among the latest wave of resignations, Anna Soubry cited a general shift to the hard-right among the Conservative Party as a cause for her defection to the new Independent Group.

It is with a heavy heart I have today resigned from the Conservative Party. pic.twitter.com/wzPUB84w5Z  Anna Soubry MP (@Anna_Soubry) February 20, 2019

In her letter, Soubry wrote This shift to the right has been exacerbated by blatant entryism. Not only has this been tolerated, it has been actively welcomed in some quarters. A purple momentum is subsuming the Conservative party, as much as the hard left has been allowed to consume and terminally undermine the Labour party.

In a response from the Prime Minister, May said she was saddened by this decision adding these are people who have given dedicated service to our party over many years, and I thank them for it, while reaffirming her commitment to carry on with her current Brexit agenda.

UK Manufacturing Output Drops, Brexit Cited as Key Concern

Meanwhile on the data front, a surprise rebound in the latest Confederation of British Industry (CBI) industrial order expectations held muted impact for GBP markets, masking an underlying decline in overall output from UK manufacturers in the three months to February.

CBI head of economic intelligence, Anna Leach commented on the need for UK and EU politicians to reach a deal as soon as possible. Leach wrote UK manufacturing activity has moderated at the same time as headwinds from Brexit uncertainty and a weaker global trading environment have grown.

Leach added The time for Brexit compromise to support the UK manufacturing industry is now. The clock is ticking quickly towards crisis point. It is of critical importance that politicians of all stripes and on both sides of the channel come to agreement on the terms of a Brexit deal as soon as possible, to allow our manufacturers to continue to create, make and trade their goods with certainty.

Pound Sterling Exchange Rates Boosted as Government Abandon Malthouse Compromise as Nonviable

Despite worsening political turmoil within the UK with the Labour party fractures in the wake of the now eight resignations and speculation over the formation of a new centrist party, the Pound Sterling rallied strong against peers to see out the session at multi-week highs against both the Euro and US Dollar.

The Pound to Euro exchange rate extended gains kick-started by robust UK labour market statistics, regaining the 1.15 level for the first time in three weeks. At the time of writing, the GBP/EUR cross was last seen at 1.1484.

The Pounds to Dollars conversion saw similar gains, surging through $1.3. The Cable was last seen at $1.30270, drifting lower into Wednesdays session.

Following speculative reports earlier in the day, late Tuesday saw chancellor of the exchequer, Phillip Hammond, confirm the government no longer intend to pursue the so-called Malthouse compromise which would see the Irish hard border issue solved by a theoretical technological solution

In a speech, Hammond commented that the Malthouse compromise was no longer a viable solution; he said It is clear that the EU will not consider replacing the backstop with such an alternative arrangement now.

Nomura analyst, Jordan Rochester commented that the recent GBP rally may be attributed to markets factoring in a more realistic approach from the UK government, reducing the probability of a no-deal outcome. Rochester wrote By default seeing both sides take action at this stage lowers the markets hard Brexit probability by a small margin.

Optimism Limited as PM May Pitches Fresh Proposal to EU Officials

Wednesday will see the Prime Minister return to Brussels to meet with European Commission President, Jean-Claude Junkcer, where its expected she will present fresh legal proposals aimed at resolving the disputed Irish backstop component of the withdrawal agreement.

Given the EUs continual rejections of pleas to alter the withdrawal agreement, expectations of progress are low with some even suspecting the PM is only interested in running down the clock to force MPs to choose between her deal or no deal.

Cabinet ministers earlier in the week called on the PM to stop using the threat of an no deal as a negotiating tactic.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Juncker intimated limited expectations of progress. Speaking in Stuttgart, Jucnker said There isnt enough movement for me to be able to expect this to be a discussion with a concrete outcome I dont know what Mrs May will communicate to me tomorrow.

Earlier in the week, Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay and attorney general Geoffrey Cox met with the EUs top negotiator Michel Barnier to discuss legal steps which could be taken to reduce MPs concerns over the Irish backstop.

Following the meeting, a spokesperson for Barnier stated We cannot accept a time limit to the backstop or a unilateral exit clause and further talks will be held this week to see whether a way through can be found that could gain the broadest possible support in the UK parliament and respect the guidelines agreed by the European council.

Outlining the banks projections, Danske Bank chief strategist, Valtteri Ahti, sees a deal as the most likely outcome: We stick to our view that the two most likely outcomes are Mays deal passing eventually (40%) or a second EU referendum (30%). A no deal scenario would probably only happen by accident and we attach a 15% probability to that scenario.- Pound Sterling was best performer on Tuesday's currency markets but analysts are baffled.

- The Pound to Euro exchange rate is -0.24% lower @ 1.14884 today

- The Pound to US Dollar exchange rate is -0.21% lower @ $1.30321 today

OVERNIGHT REVIEW

British Politics is dominating headlines as it seems the chaos in the Conservative party has spread to Labour as deep-seated resentment between pro-Brexit and pro-remain MPs has sown the seeds for the disintegration of the opposition party.

While these resentments have been brewing for some time, Jeremy Corbyns handling of an alleged case of anti-Semitism within the party has pushed 8 members to say it is the final straw and move to an independent group.

Reading between the lines, we are probably seeing pro-remain MPs separating themselves from Labours vague and apparently pro-Brexit official position.

The British Pound maintained a positive tone above $1.30, perhaps enjoying the potential removal of Jeremy Corbyn as opposition leader, given the market perception of his far left, anti-business stance.

While May has been able to survive two confidence votes, it appears that Labours ability to take the high ground over party unity has evaporated. In the US the Trump administration has continued to cite progress with China, with news breaking that they are looking for an agreement that the Yuan will be more stable and not used to provide an unfair edge to Chinese goods.

Foreign exchange markets are cautiously taking an upbeat note, hoping for good news on March 1st, but are not getting too carried away.

THE DAY AHEAD

Today sees little in the way of economic data, but with Theresa May presenting some alternatives to the EU over the Irish Border issue, there could be some Brexit related volatility in the British Pound and Euro.

The data schedule is light with little to move major FX, but nonetheless, a breakthrough in talks would clearly move Pound Sterling if it was a game changer.

12:30am AUD Wage Price Index q/q - RESULT: 0.5%

7:00am EUR German PPI m/m - RESULT: 0.4%

11:00am GBP CBI Industrial Order Expectations

3:30pm AUD CB Leading Index m/m

7:00pm USD FOMC Meeting Minutes

10:00pm AUD Flash Manufacturing PMI

10:00pm AUD Flash Services PMI

Analyst Preview: Lloyds Bank

"It is a quiet day once again on the data front, with CBIs UK industrial trends survey released this morning, Eurozone consumer confidence for February out this afternoon, and the FOMCs January meeting minutes this evening. UK CBI trends are anticipated to show that both the orders and pricing components suffered a slight decline in February. The out-turns will be taken in the context of building price pressures, and indications that stockpiling is being used as a hedge against future supply-chain uncertainty. We forecast Eurozone consumer confidence to slide further to -8.3 from -7.9, a further indication that a bounce-back for the blocs economy in Q1 2019 may not be forthcoming. Producer-focused sentiment indicators later this week (Thu) are expected to show similar results. These come after a slight uptick in yesterdays ZEW survey of analyst expectations. Despite that rise, the measure still sat near its six-year low."

FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS

The British Pound was the best performer on Tuesday, apparently buoyed by resilient jobs numbers and stubbornly positive wage growth, the Pound to Dollar exchange rate (GBP/USD) managed to outperform G10 FX to almost reach 1.31 on the day.

The British Pound (GBP) managed to seriously outperform the Euro (EUR) on Tuesday, as the  to  exchange rate dropped below 0.87.

"The best performing currency today was sterling, which jumped more than 1% against the greenback ahead of tomorrow's meeting between May and Juncker" noted Kathy Lien, Managing Director of FX Strategy at BK Asset Management.

"The strength of sterling throughout the Brexit crisis has astounded us and today is no different.

"Although the European Commission continues to say they will not accept a time limit to the backstop, investors remain hopeful that a deal will be reached or an extension will be requested before the March 29th deadline.

"Juncker expects the talks to be friendly but the EU has been firm on denying changes to the withdrawal agreement and its wishful thinking to assume he will budge tomorrow.

"The EU's strategy from day 1 is to run down the clock and force the government to accept the current deal or hold a second referendum."

Demand for the Pound Sterling also strengthened on the back of the latest UK average weekly earnings figures, which showed a continued acceleration in wage growth.

"UK data was marginally negatively for the pound, which sold off initially but recovered quickly" says Lien.

"Jobless claims increased but less than the previous month and while average weekly earnings held steady instead of rising like economists hoped, excluding bonuses, November wage growth was revised slightly upwards.

"Fundamentally, the UK economy is weak and Brexit uncertainty persists but technically, GBP/USD is exceptionally strong, especially after today's move which took the pair above all major moving averages.

"Sentiment is certainly on the side of sterling bulls but if tomorrow's talks between May and Juncker end with no concessions from the EU, we could see GBP/USD slide back below 1.30 quickly."

Analyst View: Marshall Gittler, Chief Strategist & Head of Education, ACLS Global

"GBP got little support from the labor market data, which was largely in line with expectations. Employment rose more than expected, but the previous month was revised down. Furthermore, most of the rise in employment is in people over 50  apparently living conditions are so difficult that many older people are having to come back into the workforce."

A strong day for metals ensued as there were strong moves in Gold and Silver, while Palladium continued to soar towards $1500 on concerns over limited supply (the wild performance of XPD has started to draw some bubble talk).

Given the recent drama in the Labour party, analysts at ING are sceptical that the moves will have a lasting impact on the British Pound as are unlikely to change their votes based on party affiliation,

GBP: Labour splinters, little direct impact on Brexit. The departure of seven Labour rebels to potentially form a new party shouldnt have a material impact on Brexit voting metrics  since they were already defying their leadership in parliament.

However, ING does see a tail risk here if more significant names were to join the splinter group. From a forecasting perspective, ING also expect 1.30 to prove the peak of Cables rally at this point,

Were big names, such as Deputy Labour Leader Tom Watson to join them, sterling could get more of a boost in that it could: a) see Labour take a less pro-Brexit line and b) splinter the Labour vote further UK wage data could see cable at best press 1.30, but gains should be temporary.

Headlines will be dominated by developments in Brussels, as Theresa May attempts the impossible, but Labour shifting to a more pro-remain stance could also be significant for the Pound.

Pound Sterling traders will be waiting for headlines so it seems prudent to be patient at this time, as Brexit still sits on a knife-edge.

Pound Sterling Exchange Rates on 20/02/2019

GBP/AUD 1.81931 (-0.15%)

GBP/CAD 1.71817 (-0.41%)

GBP/CHF 1.30489 (-0.22%)

GBP/CNY 8.76242 (-0.73%)

GBP/CZK 29.50586 (-0.21%)

GBP/EUR 1.14884 (-0.24%)

GBP/HKD 10.22922 (-0.2%)

GBP/ILS 4.71076 (-0.41%)

GBP/JPY 144.45897 (+0.03%)

GBP/MXN 24.98191 (-0.14%)

GBP/NOK 11.17578 (-0.16%)

GBP/NZD 1.89701 (-0.1%)

GBP/PLN 4.97747 (-0.2%)

GBP/SEK 12.13653 (-0.2%)

GBP/SGD 1.76200 (-0.26%)

GBP/TRY 6.90377 (+0.02%)

GBP/USD 1.30321 (-0.21%)

GBP/ZAR 18.37552 (+0.18%)Hoboken, N.J--February 20, 2019--The Wiley Foundation today announced the 18th annual Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences will be awarded to Svante Paabo and David Reich for sequencing the genomes of ancient humans and extinct relatives, revealing the origin and ancestry of contemporary humans and our diverse populations.

Svante Paabo, PhD, is Director at the Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany.

David Reich, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and an Associate Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

"The 2019 Wiley Prize recognizes Drs. Svante Paabo and David Reich for their pioneering studies of ancient human DNA that revealed the origin and migration of contemporary humans and our relationship to extinct relatives," said Dr. Titia de Lange, Chairperson of the Awards Jury for the Wiley Prize at The Rockefeller University in New York City.

"The Wiley Foundation honors research that champions novel approaches and challenges accepted thinking in the biomedical sciences. The work of the 2019 Wiley Prize recipients, Svante Paabo and David Reich, truly upholds this mission," said Deborah Wiley, Chair of the Wiley Foundation. "We honor them for their pioneering studies of ancient and extant hominid DNA that is detailing the story of human evolution across both time and geography."

First awarded in 2002, the Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences is presented annually to recognize contributions that have opened new fields of research or have advanced concepts in a particular biomedical discipline. Among the many distinguished recipients of the Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences, nine have gone on to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and two have gone on to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

This year's award of $50,000 will be presented to the winners on April 5, 2019 at the Wiley Prize luncheon at The Rockefeller University. The winners will then deliver an honorary lecture as part of The Rockefeller University Lecture Series. This event will be live streamed via the Current Protocols' Webinar Series and registration is free.

###

Additional Information

Media Contacts

Wiley: Josh Glickman (US) +1 201-748-6572

newsroom@wiley.com

Follow us on Twitter @WileyNews

About the 2019 Prize Winners

Svante Paabo has developed techniques and approaches that allow DNA sequences from archaeological and paleontological remains to be determined. This has allowed ancient DNA from extinct organisms, humans, animals and pathogens to be studied. His research group has determined high-quality Neandertal genome sequences, allowing for the reconstruction of the recent evolutionary history of our species and the realization that Neandertals contributed DNA to present-day humans who live outside Africa. By studying DNA sequences from a small Siberian bone they discovered Denisovans, a previously unknown hominin group distantly related to Neandertals. Paabo also works on the comparative and functional genomics of humans and apes, particularly the evolution of genetic features that may underlie aspects of traits specific to humans.

David Reich focuses on realizing the potential of ancient DNA to shed light on biology, and his work has established the central role of population mixture in our species. He led the analyses of the Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes proving interbreeding between archaic and modern humans. By implementing a series of technical improvements, his lab has produced more than half of the world's published ancient genomes. His team's analyses have highlighted the power of ancient DNA to reveal previously unknown events, for example showing that "whites" are a mixture of four groups as different as Europeans and East Asians; that Europe and South Asia were both impacted by massive migration from the Eurasian Steppe after 5,000 years ago; and that there were equally large population turnovers in East Asia, the Americas and Africa. He also works on using ancient DNA to track how biological traits evolved in the last 50,000 years, and on making ancient DNA technology accessible to all scholars interested in using it.

About WileyInfants may be more sensitive to non-native speech sounds than previously thought, according to a study published in the Journal of Memory and Language. The findings shed light on the way babies begin to understand language.

The study, coauthored by Jessica Hay, an associate professor in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Department of Psychology, and Ryan Cannistraci, a PhD student in experimental psychology, looks at how lexical tones can affect an infant's ability to associate words with objects.

Lexical tone is the manipulation of a word's pitch contour. Although English words do not make use of pitch contours within words to convey meaning, many languages--such as Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and Thai--do.

For example, by changing the pitch contour, the Mandarin word ma can mean either "mother," "horse," "hemp," or "to scold."

What differentiates Hay and Cannistraci's study from others in the field of infant language learning is its focus on these non-English sound structures.

"Most research on early word learning has focused on what is referred to as intonation languages, where pitch changes are used at the phrase level but not to mark changes in word meaning," Hay said. "However, over half of the world's languages use pitch contours to communicate meaning."

The researchers based their experiments on a cognitive skill called task switching--the ability to unconsciously shift attention between different tasks. The research involved presenting 14-month-old subjects with two novel objects paired with a novel pseudoword. The babies had English as their primary household language.

Once the infant was used to the association between the object-label pairs they underwent two sets of trials. In the "same" trials, infants were presented with objects along with their correct label. In the "switch" trials, the labels were reversed. By measuring average attention for both trial types, researchers were able to gauge whether the subjects had truly learned the object-label association. It may seem intuitive that the infants would have an easier time discerning between two objects when the labels differ greatly in tone, but this is not always the case.

In fact, the researchers found that the babies were able to learn the association between an object and its label more easily when they heard a sound with a high-pitch contour, just as babies that have Chinese as a primary household language would hear.

"We think it may be the case that English-learning infants are able to learn from the rising pitch contour in our experiment because they hear rising pitch contours in their everyday life," Cannistraci said. "In English, rising pitch contours are prevalent in infant-directed speech, and are also often used to solicit attention and to mark questions."

The experiments pave the way for a more inclusive approach to understanding how language is learned.

"In order to be able to generalize what we know about how children learn languages, it is important to study all sorts of different languages," Hay said. "By incorporating non-native lexical tones into our studies, we have learned that infants are able to apply what they know about their own language when learning words in a new language. This suggests that infants are motivated to learn language and will use any potentially relevant information available to them."

###

Learn more about the Infant Language and Perceptual Learning Lab and the Child Development Research Group.

CONTACT: Andrea Schneibel (andrea.schneibel@utk.edu, 865-974-3993)

Will Wells (wrw@vols.utk.edu)A new way of protecting concrete from fire damage using materials recycled from old tyres has been successfully tested by researchers at the University of Sheffield.

The team used fibres extracted from the textile reinforcement commonly embedded into tyres to guarantee their performance. Adding these fibres to the concrete mix was shown to reduce the concrete's tendency to spall - where surface layers of concrete break off - explosively under the intense heat from a fire.

Using man-made polypropylene (PP) fibres to protect concrete structures from damage or collapse if a fire breaks out is a relatively well-known technique. Many modern structures, including large scale engineering projects such as Crossrail, have used concrete that includes PP fibres for protection against fire spalling.

The Sheffield study is the first to show that these fibres do not have to be made from raw materials, but can instead be reclaimed from used tyres. The results are published in the journal Fire Technology.

"We've shown that these recycled fibres do an equivalent job to 'virgin' PP fibres which require lots of energy and resources to produce," explains lead author Dr Shan-Shan Huang, in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Sheffield.

"Using waste materials in this way is less expensive, and better for the planet."

The fibres melt under the intense heat from a fire, leaving networks of tiny channels. This means that moisture trapped within the concrete is able to escape, rather than becoming trapped, which causes the concrete to break out explosively.

"Because the fibres are so small, they don't affect the strength or the stiffness of the concrete," says Dr Huang.

"Their only job is to melt when heat becomes intense. Concrete is a brittle material, so will break out relatively easily without having these fibres help reducing the pressure within the concrete."

Protecting the concrete from fire spalling means that steel reinforcements running through the concrete are also protected. When the steel reinforcements are exposed to extreme heat they weaken very quickly, meaning a structure is much more likely to collapse. The Liverpool Waterfront Car Park suffered this kind of damage during a fire in 2017, leading to the entire structure eventually having to be demolished.

Collaborating with Twincon, a Sheffield-based company that develops innovative solutions for the construction industry, the researchers have also developed technologies for reclaiming the fibres from the used tyres.

This involved separating the fibres from the tyre rubber, untangling the fibres into strands, and then distributing them evenly into the concrete mixture.

The team plan to continue testing the material with different ratios of the fibres to concrete, and also using different types of concrete. They also plan to find out more about how the materials react to heat at the microstructure level. By scanning the concrete as it is heated, they will be able to see more precisely the structural changes taking place inside the material.

###Health-related internet searches doubled during the week before patients visited an emergency department, according to a new study from researchers at Penn Medicine who examined consenting patients' Google search histories in relation to their electronic health records (EHRs). The study, published today in BMJ Open, is believed to be the first of its kind to link private search data to EHRs at the individual level. The study also shows that patients--roughly half--are willing to share their search histories and combine them with their personal health records.

"Even though we're in the early stages of this research, we've learned a lot about the questions patients ask before making the decision to visit an emergency department (ED), as well as questions they have about their care after their visit," said lead author Jeremy Asch, an innovation strategist in the Penn Medicine Center for Digital Health. "Knowing what patients look for before visiting an ED can help us anticipate their needs and direct them to the best sources of care. And knowing what they search for afterward tells us how we can communicate better and help patients on their paths."

Between 2016 and 2017, the researchers approached adult patients in a large, urban emergency department to determine whether they would be interested in sharing their Google search histories and electronic health records for the study. Of more than 300 patients who reported having a Google account, almost half (49 percent) were willing to share access to their search histories and health records with researchers.

Google searches for health-related information doubled among patients in the week before an ED visit, with more than half searching for clinical information related to the reason for their visit, such as the symptoms they were experiencing or potential illnesses they believed they might have. Another 15 percent searched for the location of the emergency department or other logistical information. Patients often searched health-related terms multiple times before heading to the hospital.

The results also revealed gaps in communication that clinicians may not realize they've created. One participant in the study first searched, "How big is a walnut?" followed by "What is a fibrous tumor?" The medical records revealed that the patient had been told she had a "walnut-sized fibrous tumor."

"The physician caring for that patient might have believed effective communication took place," said Asch. "But if the patient then had to look up the two key terms--'walnut' and 'fibrous tumor'--it's clear that the patient communication wasn't effective enough."

Senior author Raina Merchant, MD, director of the Center for Digital Health and an associate professor of Emergency Medicine, pointed out that this type of data can "reveal what patients are uncomfortable asking about," along with what they might not understand. Through this, physicians can adjust how they present information or approach certain topics.

"Rather than sending patients to 'Dr. Google,' we wonder whether we can provide more useful information in their appointments based on what they really care about," Merchant said.

Other studies examining social media have turned up promising results, such as one by Merchant and her colleagues showing that terms in Facebook posts can predict the diagnosis of depression three months before doctors put it in the medical record. But search histories are hidden and may reveal what people are truly wondering or might be too embarrassed to bring up. In this way, the search histories examined in this study are potentially more revealing than Tweets or Facebook posts.

"When you read Facebook posts, you are listening to what people want to tell you, but when you read search histories, you learn what people want to know," said Merchant. "In the end, really understanding what people want to know may be the most beneficial for impacting care."

Asch said that the rate of people who consented to have the researchers analyze their search histories was actually consistent with previous studies examining social media posts.

"When the study began, we wanted to understand more about patients' willingness to share online search data," Asch said. "As it turns out, people are fairly willing to share this information for health research. And with the right privacy and use protections, it's a great thing. People use digital resources constantly, and we want to know what the data says about us and how it can help."

###

This study was funded by a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Pioneer Award (72695). Other Penn co-authors include David A. Asch, Elissa Klinger, Justine Marks and Norah Sadek.

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $7.8 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top medical schools in the United States for more than 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $405 million awarded in the 2017 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Medicine Princeton Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine, and Princeton House Behavioral Health, a leading provider of highly skilled and compassionate behavioral healthcare.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2017, Penn Medicine provided more than $500 million to benefit our community.A female stickleback fish, nick-named 'Mary', has produced offspring from eggs that appear to have been fertilised while they were still inside her, according to scientists at the University of Nottingham.

The team of researchers from the School of Life Sciences collected Mary on an expedition to the Outer Hebrides to gather wild sticklebacks which are fully genome-sequenced models for a wide range of scientific research.

In a paper published in Scientific Reports they present the first ever discovery of internal fertilisation and development of babies inside a normally egg-laying species, and their successful delivery.

The three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, is a small fish that is common to both fresh and coastal waters in the Northern Hemisphere. In normal reproduction, the male stickleback builds a nest and, by performing a zig-zagging dance routine, lures a female to lay her eggs inside it. The male then chases the female away and fertilises the cluster. He then guards and takes care of the eggs by fanning them with his fins to aerate them for around 2 weeks until they hatch.

Mary's unusual pregnancy meant that the 'virgin' stickleback was egg-bound and close to death when her predicament was noticed so the decision was taken to save the lives of her young, by putting her to sleep and delivering the near-complete embryos by Caesarean section. 54 embryos were successfully delivered, hatched into fry and grew to adulthood in the aquaria in Nottingham where around 20 still survive nearly three years on. The team has also successfully bred from Mary's offspring in normal aquarium conditions.

Dr Laura Dean, from the School of Life Sciences, said: "We were astounded at what we found when we examined Mary in our lab in the Outer Hebrides. She looked like an ordinary egg-bound fish so we couldn't believe it when we found she had almost completely developed embryos inside her ovaries. This is pretty much unheard of in an egg laying species. The embryos were perfectly healthy, not deformed in any way, and most have gone on to live a normal adult lifespan."

This discovery is currently the only record of this kind of fertilisation and delivery of live offspring in any fish ever so the research team was very keen to investigate how this might have happened. There are three known mechanisms by which abnormal type of reproduction in fish can occur. The first is parthenogenesis which is where the fish clones herself, the second is that she could be hermaphrodite with both male and female sex organs.

Laura said: "We were able to rule these two possibilities out because, in parthenogenesis, her offspring would have been genetically identical to the mother, or, if hermaphroditism, they would have only had versions of genes that she had, with no genetic input from anywhere else. So, we did some very simple genetic testing on the offspring and found that they had versions of genes that Mary didn't have and so must have had a father.

"Our theory is that somehow sperm had got into the fish, fertilised the eggs and they developed into normal two-parent embryos. What has probably happened is that she has gone into a nest to lay her eggs where another female had already laid her eggs which had been covered with sperm by a male stickleback. Somehow some of the sperm in the nest must have got into Mary, presumably through her egg tube, and fertilised the eggs inside her but she never laid the eggs."

Andrew MacColl, Associate Professor of Evolutionary Biology, said:" Although this almost accidental find revealed a vanishingly rare phenomenon, it might help us to understand a really important change that has happened throughout the tree of life. Most animals lay eggs, but some (including almost all mammals, but few fish) retain their eggs inside and give birth to live young. Although this appears to be a difficult thing to achieve in evolution, this one little fish seems to have got there almost by itself!"

The finding of fertilised eggs inside a stickleback has only been recorded once before, in a paper published in the 1950s, but it was just recorded as a picture of the fish with no delivery of the embryos.

The researchers are now actively looking, on subsequent fishing expeditions to Scotland, for more female sticklebacks who may display the same phenomenon to see if there is a chance it may not just be a freak incident but could be an indication of an evolutionary or genetic change in the reproductive mechanism of the species.

They are also hoping to secure funding to investigate the internal mechanisms which allowed the embryos, which would normally have developed in water and been fanned and cared for by the father, to develop within ovarian fluid and without this care.

###Is evolution predictable? What are the mechanisms that allow different fish to respond to the same environmental challenge in slightly different ways? When the same jaw bones and muscles change to produce the same feeding behaviour, are the morphologies of these fish that evolved independently from one another modified in an identical way? What is the genetic basis for this kind of convergence? These are some of the questions that Dr C. Darrin Hulsey and Professor Axel Meyer from the Department of Biology at the University of Konstanz and their international colleagues from the University of California in Los Angeles (USA), Tel Aviv University and the Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat (Israel) are trying to answer.

Their paper "Pleiotropic jaw morphology links the evolution of mechanical modularity and functional feeding convergence in Lake Malawi cichlids" is due for publication in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B on 20 February 2019.

Lake Malawi cichlids are extremely diverse both in how they feed and what they feed on. As Darrin Hulsey, lead author on the study, explains: "One thing about that diversity is that these groups have evolved to eat the same things repeatedly". While the Maylandia species and their close relatives have evolved to eat algae off of rocks, another major group commonly feeds on plankton, other fish or snails. However, one lineage in this second group, Protomelas taniolatus, has also evolved to graze algae. These two lineages have therefore independently evolved to exploit the abundant algal resources in Lake Malawi rapidly relative to most evolutionary timescales, i.e. in less time than the two million years this African lake has existed. This instance of repeated evolution holds particular potential for the study of evolution: "The fact that there are so many species that exhibit so many forms and the fact that this ecological specialization has evolved again and again allows us to ask questions about evolution in a more statistically rigorous way", says Hulsey.

To learn more about the evolution of these converging feeding habits, the researchers studied the anterior jaws of the cichlids, which are characterised by a complex mechanism often found in human-engineered objects such as umbrellas or the pistons of steam engines. This mechanical system is known as a "four-bar linkage" and allows the fish to protrude their jaws to bite off algae. Jaws and teeth are particularly interesting to evolutionary biologists because they have a clear connection to ecology, whereas other changes in the phenotype of an organism - such as chang-ing colours - are much less easy to interpret.

Building evolutionary trees that use large parts of the fish genome, the researchers found out that the bones that make up cichlid jaws can achieve this feeding specialization in multiple ways, a phenomenon that is known as many-to-one-mapping. "Ecologically, both groups of fish are doing the same things. The way that they push their jaws out seem to be very similar. The underlying mechanical aspects of how the bones work are similar. But there are very different morphologies of the bones that underlie these feeding abilities". The fact that two cichlid species have converged on similar jaw protrusion abilities as well as four-bar linkage mechanics, but have evolved these similarities via non-convergent four-bar morphologies suggests that very different morphologies might often translate into overlooked similarities in ecology. Phenotypic complexity could thus fundamentally influence both how organisms diversify and how we understand this diversity.

This line of research also has wider implications. As Hulsey points out, Lake Malawi is the most species-rich lake in the world. But due to hybridization, species are collapsing. One of his goals is to understand how the collapse of species generates diversity in the long term. Another is to study convergence as a way of predicting evolution. "If we can understand on the genetic level how differences as well as complex convergence come about, we may be able to better predict if and when these things will happen".

###

Facts:

Original publication: Hulsey CD, Alfaro ME, Zheng J, Meyer A, Holzman R. 2019 Plei-otropic jaw morphology links the evolution of mechanical modularity and functional feeding convergence in Lake Malawi cichlids. Proc. R. Soc. B 20182358. http://dx. doi. org/ 10. 1098/ rspb. 2018. 2358

Researchers from the University of Konstanz, the University of California-Los Angeles (USA), Tel Aviv University and the Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat (Israel) gain new insights into how phenotypic complexity influences diversification among Lake Malawi cichlid fish.

Lead author Dr C. Darrin Hulsey and co-author Professor Axel Meyer from the Depart-ment of Biology at the University of Konstanz identify instance of repeated evolution in Lake Malawi cichlids: Independently from one another, the closely related Maylandia and Protomelas taniolatus species have evolved similar feeding behaviours and mechanics.

The study suggests that very different morphologies can translate to similar ecological specializations.

Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Note to editors:

An image is available for download here: https:/ / cms. uni-kon-stanz. de/ fileadmin/ pi/ fileserver/ 2019/ Bilder/ New_insights_into_phenotypic_complexity_and_diversity_among_cichlids. jpg

Caption: Diversity of Lake Malawi cichlids.

Image credit: C. Darrin Hulsey

Contact:

University of Konstanz

Communications and Marketing

Phone: + 49 7531 88-3603

Email: kum@uni-konstanz.de

- uni.kn/enA team of biologists, physicists and mathematical modellers in Cambridge have studied the genetic activity of over 100,000 embryonic cells to establish the molecular blueprint of mouse early embryo development. This new research provides fundamentally important information on how mammalian embryos develop during gastrulation, a key stage of development, and paves the way for new understanding of the earliest stages of life.

The eminent biologist Lewis Wolpert famously stated that "It's not birth, marriage or death, but gastrulation that is truly the most important time in your life". Gastrulation represents the process in animal (and human) development whereby precursor cells in the embryo become genetically programmed to generate all of the different organs in the body, including the brain, heart, lungs, gut and muscles. Gastrulation is a critically important step in embryo development, however, detailed understanding of this process at the molecular level has, until now, been limited.

In a study published in Nature, Cambridge scientists have generated the first comprehensive molecular map of gastrulation in mammals. Measuring the genetic activity in 116,312 single cells within the mouse embryo between 6.5 to 8.5 days after fertilisation, the researchers have established the molecular blueprint for mammalian embryonic development.

The researchers used cutting-edge single-cell technology to measure which genes are activated in the mouse embryo across a number of sequential time-points. Beginning with only a small number of distinct cell-types detected at the start of gastrulation, the cells branch out into over 30 different cell types with different genetic profiles, all within a time span of only 48 hours.

Computational analyses enabled the scientists to generate "interactive maps" where each cell is represented by a dot, and cells with similar molecular profiles are positioned close to each other. These new maps, which are freely available online for other researchers to use, illustrate the trajectories of cellular development from one cell type to the next, and show the precise genetic processes that enable all of the cells and organs of the body to develop from their early embryonic origins.

"Our new map provides a molecular blueprint to outline how embryonic development proceeds under normal conditions. It allows us to see which different sets of genes are activated when unspecified embryonic cells proliferate and diversify into all the specific cell types across the body" said Professor Bertie Gottgens, group leader at the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. "The map is also an invaluable reference point to understand how genetic mutations can disrupt embryo growth and cause developmental disorders and diseases."

The researchers tested the new molecular map by investigating Tal1, a gene that is essential for normal blood development, yet if activated in the wrong cells, can cause leukaemia. By comparing the reference atlas to over 10,000 Tal1 mutant cells, the researchers were able to decipher the consequences of the Tal1 genetic mutation.

"To investigate the role of Tal1 in blood development, we mixed embryonic stem cells carrying the mutated Tal1 gene with very early normal embryos to make chimaeras," explained Professor Jenny Nichols, group leader at the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. "Because these chimaeras could still make blood from their normal cells, we were able to study the mutant cells in their proper biological context."

Dr John Marioni, group leader at EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute said: "By comparing our experimental data with the data collated within the molecular map, we were able to decipher precisely what was going on within the cells with mutant Tal1 genes. We could see that the mutant cells weren't simply getting stuck, or deciding to become a different cell-type, but instead the cells started expressing a wide range of different genes, as if they were confused about what cell type they should mature into."

Investigating the genetic basis of blood development is just one way the new molecular map could be used to understand normal and disease processes. The extensive nature of the map, which contains molecular information on all of the developing cell types in the embryo, will allow other researchers to gain a deeper understanding of how a whole range of organs develop. This in turn will enable scientists to develop new protocols for the production of authentic cell types for drug screening, as well as therapies aiming to regenerate diseased or ageing organs.

Dr Sheny Chen from Wellcome's Cellular and Developmental Sciences team said: "By piecing together this 'molecular map' of how cells develop in a mouse embryo, the researchers have created an important and useful resource for the research community. Science is a collaborative effort and this team of biologists, physicists and mathematicians have been able to gain new understanding of gastrulation, a pivotal process in development which generates the three cell layers that give rise to all the organs of the body."

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The support of Wellcome, the Medical Research Council, Bloodwise, Cancer Research UK, National Institutes of Health, and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory are gratefully acknowledged by the team.Scientists learned in recent years why zebras have black and white stripes - to avoid biting flies. But a study published today in the journal PLOS ONE probes the question further: What is it about stripes that actually disrupts a biting fly's ability to land on a zebra and suck its blood?

UC Davis Professor Tim Caro and Martin How of the University of Bristol led a series of new experiments to better understand how stripes manipulate the behavior of biting flies as they attempt to come in to land on zebras.

Taking place on a horse farm in Great Britain that kept both zebras and horses, the experiments entailed:

Close-up observation of zebras as flies attempted to land on them

Detailed videos to record flight trajectories as the flies cruised close to the zebras

Dressing the horses and zebras sequentially in black, white and then black-and-white striped coats.

STRIPES MAKE LOUSY LANDING STRIPS

In the study, flies were just as attracted to zebras as they were to horses, indicating that stripes do not deter flies at a distance.

"Once they get close to the zebras, however, they tend to fly past or bump into them," said Caro, a professor in the UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. "This indicates that stripes may disrupt the flies' abilities to have a controlled landing."

Compared to rates at which flies landed on the white and the black coats, hardly any landed on the striped coats.

"Stripes may dazzle flies in some way once they are close enough to see them with their low-resolution eyes," said How.

ZEBRAS SWISH AND RUN, HORSES TWITCH

The study also noted that zebras and horses respond very differently to the presence of flies. Zebras swish their tails almost continuously during the day to keep flies off; they stop feeding if bothered by them; and if the flies are particularly persistent, the zebras will run from them. Horses, on the other hand, primarily twitch and occasionally swish to ward off flies. As a result, any flies that actually contacted zebras were soon dislodged compared to horses.

Researchers do not yet understand why zebras evolved these sophisticated defense mechanisms. A possible explanation is zebras may be highly prone to infectious diseases carried by African biting flies, although that hypothesis requires further study.

###

The study's co-authors include Yvette Argueta from UC Davis; Emmanuelle Sophie Briolat, Maurice Kasprowsky, Matthew Mitchell and Sarah Richardson of the University of Exeter; Joren Bruggink of the Netherlands' Aeres University of Applied Sciences; and Jai Lake from the University of Bristol.Curfew was clamped in entire Jammu city after massive anti-Pak protests and incidents of violence broke out.

On Monday, curfew was relaxed for two hours in the jurisdiction of three police station areas of Jammu from 2 pm to 5 pm. (Photo: File | PTI)

Jammu: Authorities on Wednesday relaxed for five hours curfew in Jammu city where it was imposed following violence in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Curfew relaxation was extended till 1:00 pm Wednesday in Jammu.

Curfew was clamped in entire Jammu city on Friday after massive anti-Pakistan protests and sporadic incidents of violence broke out over the terror attack in Pulwama district of south Kashmir which left 40 CRPF personnel dead on February 14.

On Monday, curfew was relaxed for two hours in the jurisdiction of three police station areas of Jammu from 2 pm to 5 pm.

"Relaxation has been given in curfew in Jammu city between 8 am to 11 am today," Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar told ANI.

A review of the situation will be carried out later today, he added. Kumar also said that all educational institutions in Jammu will remain closed today.

Authorities have also warned of strict action against those who upload fake, inflammatory posts and pictures on social media.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber, driving a car laden with explosives, attacked their convoy in Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were traveling from Jammu to Srinagar.

JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, claimed the responsibility for the attack.Hike around the natural habitats of San Diego County and it becomes abundantly clear that honey bees, foreign to the area, are everywhere. In a study published last year, researchers at the University of California San Diego found that honey bees are the most widespread and abundant pollinators of wild plants in the world, with the San Diego region having exceptionally high honey bee visitation on native plants--roughly three-quarters of all observed pollinators.

New research from the same team found that honey bees focus their foraging on the most abundantly flowering native plant species, where they often account for more than 90 percent of pollinators observed visiting flowers.

The new study by Keng-Lou James Hung, Jennifer Kingston, Adrienne Lee, David Holway and Joshua Kohn of UC San Diego's Division of Biological Sciences is published on Feb. 20 in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

"To have a non-native species that removes the lion's share of pollen and nectar in a diverse ecosystem such as ours is stunning" said Kohn, a professor in the Section of Ecology, Behavior and Evolution. "Think about if we had an invasive plant that covered 75 percent of the region's land area--it's similar to that level."

The honey bees' monopoly over the most abundantly blooming plant species may strongly affect the ecology and evolution of species that are foundational to the stability of the region's plant-pollinator interactions, the researchers said.

"It's concerning enough that a non-native species reaches an overall 75 percent numerical dominance--what's more, we now show that their numerical dominance is even higher on the plant species that supply the largest amounts of pollen and nectar," said Hung, a former student of Holway and Kohn who is now a postdoctoral researcher at The Ohio State University. "This finding suggests that honey bees are disproportionately removing resources from the plant species that likely support the greatest diversity and abundance of native pollinator species."

From an ecological perspective, the new assessment could help habitat and wildlife management evaluate pollination services and native pollinator conservation in natural areas where non-native honey bees have become established.

"Our study is a first step in figuring out which plant and pollinator species may be most susceptible to interference from honey bees," said Hung. "This is also a great example of the importance of understanding the natural history of a non-native species when we attempt to evaluate its ecological impacts--both positive and negative."

Native to Europe, the Middle East and Africa, honey bees were introduced to North America in the 1600s. They spread in California after the state's gold rush in the mid-1800s. In San Diego, the great majority of honey bees foraging in natural systems are both feral and Africanized (an aggressive hybrid of the Western honey bee).

Behind the honey bees' ability to preferentially target the most rewarding plant species is the fact that they employ social communication to "spread the word" when flowers with rich pollen and nectar resources are available in abundance. Most pollinating insects native to the area are solitary, and thus not capable of such communication.

"Honey bees are thought to have the most sophisticated communication of all invertebrates. They can communicate the distance and direction of a high quality food source," said Kohn. "Native bumble bees are also social and are thought to communicate that there is a worthwhile floral resource and what it smells like, but they can't communicate distance and direction the way honey bees can."

Native bumble bees made up only 0.2 percent of insect visitors to flowers, perhaps due to competition with honey bees. These findings highlight the importance of considering the honey bee's unique foraging behavior when evaluating its ecological impact on native species.

San Diego County is considered a global biodiversity hotspot where researchers have documented more than 600 species of native bees, numerous other pollinating insect species and more plant species than any other county in the United States. According to the researchers, the high biodiversity, coupled with the fact that many plant and pollinator species in the region are threatened by habitat loss and climate change, means that any ecological impact of honey bees on native species could be especially consequential.

"There is little doubt that honey bees currently play an important role in pollinating native plants here in San Diego," said Hung, "but we need to also consider how honey bees may be impacting native pollinators by competing with them for limited food resources."

The researchers also point out that non-honey bee pollinators are known to increase the pollination success of many crop plants in California and elsewhere, even when honey bee hives are brought to fields by the truckload. So the maintenance of healthy populations of native insects is an important aspect of stable food production.

In addition to possible negative effects of honey bees on native pollinating insects, honey bees may negatively affect native plants as well. Studies in other systems have shown that too many visits by comparatively large and super-abundant pollinators such as honey bees can hinder plant reproduction because of damage caused to flowers. In addition, honey bees are known to visit more flowers on a plant before moving to the next plant than native pollinators. This may increase self-fertilization, which often leads to lower-quality seeds due to the negative effects of inbreeding.

The researchers are now investigating these and other possible ramifications of honey bee dominance in San Diego, although their true impact is difficult to assess since there are no available baseline data from before honey bees were introduced into the area.

"In general, the threats that honey bees may pose to native biodiversity have not been explored very thoroughly, but we are now headed that way," said Kohn, who first became interested in honey bee dominance while hiking in local wilderness areas. "No matter how far away from agriculture or urbanized areas I was, if something was blooming heavily, it was just swarmed with honey bees. I thought it was odd that there were so many honey bees here."

###

The research data was collected in habitats managed by the University of California Natural Reserve System, open space parks in the cities of San Diego and La Mesa and the Otay-Sweetwater Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.Exercise can shift the human body clock, with the direction and amount of this effect depending on the time of day or night in which people exercise. That's according to new research in published in The Journal of Physiology. These findings suggest exercise could counter the effects of jet lag, shift work, and other disruptions to the body's internal clock (e.g. military deployments) helping individuals adjust to shifted schedules.

The circadian "body"' clock is the 24 hour cycle that regulates many physiological processes including sleeping and eating. Many factors affect this internal body clock including light and time cues. Exercise has been known to cause shifts in the circadian clock however very little is known about this effect.

This study found that exercising at 7 am or between 1 and 4 pm advanced the body clock to an earlier time, and exercising between 7 and10 pm delayed the body clock to a later time. Exercising between 1 and 4 am and at 10 am, however, had little effect on the body clock, and the phase-shifting effects of exercise did not differ based on age nor gender.

The researchers at University of California, San Diego and Arizona State University examined body clocks following exercise in 101 participants for up to five and a half days. The baseline timing of each participant's body clock was determined from urine samples collected every 90 minutes to measure the time of the evening rise in melatonin and the peak of melatonin several hours later. Participants then walked or ran on a treadmill at a moderate intensity for one hour per day for three consecutive days. They exercised at one of eight different times of day or night, but each individual exercised at the same time on all three days or nights. The timing of the body clock was re-assessed following the third exercise session.

Given that the subjects tested were more physically active than average, the results might not translate to the average person. Further research will look at combining exercise with bright lights and melatonin to see what impact this has on body clocks, as well as examining the effect of changes in exercise duration and intensity on the body clock.

Shawn Youngstedt, first author on the paper, said:

"Exercise has been known to cause changes to our body clock. We were able to clearly show in this study when exercise delays the body clock and when it advances it. This is the first study to compare exercise's effects on the body clock, and could open up the possibility of using exercise to help counter the negative effects of jet lag and shift work."

###When a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind careens onto the Moon's surface at 450 kilometers per second (or nearly 1 million miles per hour), they enrich the Moon's surface in ingredients that could make water, NASA scientists have found.

Using a computer program, scientists simulated the chemistry that unfolds when the solar wind pelts the Moon's surface. As the Sun streams protons to the Moon, they found, those particles interact with electrons in the lunar surface, making hydrogen (H) atoms. These atoms then migrate through the surface and latch onto the abundant oxygen (O) atoms bound in the silica (SiO2) and other oxygen-bearing molecules that make up the lunar soil, or regolith. Together, hydrogen and oxygen make the molecule hydroxyl (OH), a component of water, or H2O.

"We think of water as this special, magical compound," said William M. Farrell, a plasma physicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who helped develop the simulation. "But here's what's amazing: every rock has the potential to make water, especially after being irradiated by the solar wind."

Understanding how much water -- or its chemical components -- is available on the Moon is critical to NASA's goal of sending humans to establish a permanent presence there, said Orenthal James Tucker, a physicist at Goddard who spearheaded the simulation research.

"We're trying to learn about the dynamics of transport of valuable resources like hydrogen around the lunar surface and throughout its exosphere, or very thin atmosphere, so we can know where to go to harvest those resources," said Tucker, who recently described the simulation results in the journal JGR Planets.

Several spacecraft used infrared instruments that measure light emitted from the Moon to identify the chemistry of its surface. These include NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft, which had numerous close encounters with the Earth-Moon system en route to comet 103P/Hartley 2; NASA's Cassini spacecraft, which passed the Moon on its way to Saturn; and India's Chandrayaan-1, which orbited the Moon a decade ago. All found evidence of water or its components (hydrogen or hydroxyl).

But how these atoms and compounds form on the Moon is still an open question. It's possible that meteor impacts initiate the necessary chemical reactions, but many scientists believe that the solar wind is the primary driver.

Tucker's simulation, which traces the lifecycle of hydrogen atoms on the Moon, supports the solar wind idea.

"From previous research, we know how much hydrogen is coming in from the solar wind, we also know how much is in the Moon's very thin atmosphere, and we have measurements of hydroxyl in the surface," Tucker said. "What we've done now is figure out how these three inventories of hydrogen are physically intertwined."

Showing how hydrogen atoms behave on the Moon helped resolve why spacecraft have found fluctuations in the amount of hydrogen in different regions of the Moon. Less hydrogen accumulates in warmer regions, like the Moon's equator, because hydrogen atoms deposited there get energized by the Sun and quickly outgas from the surface into the exosphere, the team concluded. Conversely, more hydrogen appears to accumulate in the colder surface near the poles because there's less Sun radiation and the outgassing is slowed.

Overall, Tucker's simulation shows that as solar wind continually blasts the Moon's surface, it breaks the bonds among atoms of silicon, iron and oxygen that make up the majority of the Moon's soil. This leaves oxygen atoms with unsatisfied bonds. As hydrogen atoms flow through the Moon's surface, they get temporarily trapped with the unhinged oxygen (longer in cold regions than in warm). They float from O to O before finally diffusing into the Moon's atmosphere, and, ultimately, into space. "The whole process is like a chemical factory," Farrell said.

A key ramification of the result, Farrell said, is that every exposed body of silica in space -- from the Moon down to a small dust grain -- has the potential to create hydroxyl and thus become a chemical factory for water.

###

Goddard physicist Rosemary Margaret Killen and Dana M. Hurley, planetary scientist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, contributed to the simulation research, which was funded by NASA's Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute.CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - A new platform developed by MIT and Harvard University researchers ensures that web services adhere to users' preferences on how their data are stored and shared in the cloud.

In today's world of cloud computing, users of mobile apps and web services store personal data on remote data center servers. These data may include photos, social media profiles, email addresses, and even fitness data from wearable devices. Services often aggregate multiple users' data across servers to gain insights on, say, consumer shopping patterns to help recommend new items to specific users, or may share data with advertisers. Traditionally, however, users haven't had the power to restrict how their data are processed and shared.

In a paper being presented at this week's USENIX Networked Systems Design and Implementation conference, the researchers describe a platform, called Riverbed, that forces data center servers to only use data in ways that users explicitly approve.

In Riverbed, a user's web browser or smartphone app does not communicate with the cloud directly. Instead, a Riverbed proxy runs on a user's device to mediate communication. When the service tries to upload user data to a remote service, the proxy tags the data with a set of permissible uses for their data, called a "policy."

Users can select any number of predefined restrictions -- such as, "do not store my data on persistent storage" or "my data may only be shared with the external service x.com." The proxy tags all the data with the selected policy.

In the datacenter, Riverbed assigns the uploaded data to an isolated cluster of software components, with each cluster processing only data tagged with the same policies. For example, one cluster may contain data that can't be shared with other services, while another may hold data that can't be written to disk. Riverbed monitors the server-side code to ensure it adheres to a user's policies. If it doesn't, Riverbed terminates the service.

Riverbed aims to enforce user data preferences, while maintaining advantages of cloud computing, such as performing large-scale computations on outsourced servers. "Users give a lot of data to web apps for services, but lose control of how the data is used or where it's going," says first author Frank Wang SM '16, PhD '18, a recent graduate of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. "We give users control to tell web apps, 'This is exactly how you can use my data.'"

On that thread, an additional perk for app developers, Wang adds, is establishing more trust with users. "That's a big thing now," Wang says. "A selling point for your app would be saying, 'My app's goal is to protect user data.'"

Joining Wang on the paper are PhD student Ronny Ko and associate professor of computer science James Mickens, both of Harvard.

Creating "universes"

In 2016, the European Union passed the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which states that users must consent to their data being accessed, that they have the right to request their data be deleted, and that companies must implement appropriate security measures. For web developers, however, these laws provide little technical guidance for writing sophisticated apps that need to leverage user data.

In the past, computer scientists have designed "information flow control" (IFC) systems that allow programmers to label program variables with data policies. But with so many variables and many possible interactions between variables, these systems are difficult to program. Thus, no large-scale web services use IFC techniques.

Primarily, Riverbed leverages the fact that the server-side code of an app can run atop a special "monitor" program -- programs that track, regulate, and verify how other programs manipulate data. The monitor creates a separate copy of the app's code for each unique policy assigned to data. Each copy is called a "universe." The monitor ensures that users who share the same policy have their data uploaded to, and manipulated by, the same universe. This method enables the monitor to terminate a universe's code, if that code attempts to violate the universe's data policy.

This process incorporates a custom interpreter, a program that compiles programming language into code that's understood by a computer. Interpreters are also used to help runtime programs implement low-level commands into an original program as it runs. The researchers modified a traditional interpreter to extract defined policies from incoming user data and labels certain variables with specific policy direction. Labels will, for instance, denote whitelisted web services for data sharing or restrict persistent storage -- meaning the data can't be stored when the user stops using the web service.

"Say I want my data to be aggregated with other users. That data is put into its own universe with other user data with the same policy," Wang says. "If a user doesn't want to share any data with anyone, then that user has their own whole universe. This way, you don't have any cross-pollination of data."

For developers, this makes it much easier to comply with GDPR and other privacy laws, Wang says, because users have given explicit consent for data access. "All users in each universe have the same policies, so you can do all your operations and not worry about what data is put into an algorithm, because everyone has the same policy on data in that universe," Wang says.

Efficient copying

In the worst-case scenario, Wang says, each user of each service would have a separate universe. Generally, this could cause significant computation overhead and slow down the service. But the researchers leveraged a relatively new technique, called "container-based virtualization," which allow the Riverbed monitor to more efficiently create multiple universes of the same program. As a result, universe management is fast, even if a service has hundreds or thousands of universes.

In their paper, the researchers' evaluated Riverbed on several apps, demonstrating the platform keeps data secure with little overhead. Results show that more than 1,000 universes can squeeze onto a single server, with added computation that slows down the service by about 10 percent. That's fast and efficient enough for real-world use, Wang says.

The researchers envision the policies as being written by advocacy groups, such as Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), an international nonprofit digital rights group. New policies can be "dropped in" to a Riverbed-run service at any time, meaning developers don't need to rewrite code.

###

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

ARCHIVE: Private browsing gets more private

ARCHIVE: Protecting web users' privacyIn a strategic search, Johns Hopkins scientists created and screened a library of 45,000 new compounds containing chemical elements of widely used immune system suppressants, and say they found one that may prevent reperfusion injury, a tissue-damaging and common complication of surgery, heart attack and stroke.

The Johns Hopkins team dubbed its newly discovered compound rapadocin and has filed patents on it and its family of 45,000 chemical cousins. It also has licensed the drug to Baltimore-based biotechnology company Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals, which was co-founded by the study's leader, Jun O. Liu, Ph.D., a professor of pharmacology and oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The researchers caution that any commercialization or clinical use of the drug must await substantial further safety and benefit studies in people.

A report on the method used to create and identify rapadocin, as well as laboratory tests of it in mice with reperfusion injuries in their kidneys appeared Dec. 10 in Nature Chemistry.

"Reperfusion injuries are a common complication after surgery, especially in the elderly," says Liu who oversees a library of thousands of the world's ever-used medicines banked at the Johns Hopkins Drug Library.

The injury occurs when, after surgery, doctors release clamps on blood vessels and a surge of oxygenated blood flows back into tissues that were temporarily starved of it. The wave of blood can shock the tissues causing inflammation and organ damage. The condition can also happen when clogged arteries are opened after heart attacks and strokes. Currently, there are a number of drugs being studied to treat reperfusion injuries, and some treatments, such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, can be mildly effective for certain types of the condition.

To find the new drug, Liu, who co-directs the Cancer Chemical and Structural Biology Program at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, recalled his postdoctoral training years studying how a drug called rapamycin works. Essentially, it suppresses the immune system and is often prescribed to kidney transplant patients to prevent rejection of their new organs.

"I have always thought that rapamycin had interesting qualities," says Liu. "It's very stable and cells can absorb high quantities of it, particularly because of its chemical structure."

Chemically, rapamycin and another immunosuppressant drug, called FK506, contain a unique scaffold that forms nearly half of a ring. That half of the ring, called the FKBP-binding domain, is nearly identical between the two drugs, and the other half, the so-called effector domain, is unique to each of them. The FKBP-binding domain of the drugs confers a number of advantages, including stability and greater distribution throughout the body. The effector domain is what makes each drug target a different protein to suppress the immune system or inhibit cancer cell growth.

Inspired by the unique chemical architectures of rapamycin and FK506, Liu wondered whether it was possible to build similar ring-shaped molecules by swapping out the effector domain of rapamycin and replacing it with new building blocks to target other proteins involved in human diseases.

To do so, Liu and his team made 45,000 combinations of compounds with a FKBP-binding domain and different effector domains. "We could have made many more combinations, but only had a certain amount of resources to work with," recalls Liu.

Liu and his team divided the massive pool of 45,000 compounds into 3,000 smaller groups and tested each group for those that blocked a chemical pathway associated with reperfusion injury.

That pathway is a pump system called equilibrative nucleoside transporter, or ENT, which transports a molecule called adenosine, an important biological messenger, into the cell. Tissues starved for oxygen produce large quantities of adenosine. Adenosine protects cells from damage by connecting with receptors on the surface of cells. To control how much and how long adenosine connects with its receptor, cells can dampen the activity of adenosine by swallowing it into the cell through the ENT transporter. "So the goal is to keep adenosine outside of the cell longer to treat reperfusion injuries," says Liu.

To keep adenosine outside the cell, the scientists looked for the compounds that blocked ENT activity and kept the most adenosine outside the cells to have its tissue-protective effect for as long as possible. One compound rose to the top of their experiments, and they named it rapadocin.

In laboratory studies of 25 mice, the scientists injected them with rapadocin, removed one of their kidneys and clamped the other for 45 minutes; 24 hours later, they sampled their blood for levels of creatinine and nitrogen, which are markers of reperfusion injury.

The animals given rapadocin had one-third less creatinine (0.4 milligrams per deciliter compared with 0.6 milligrams per deciliter on average) and less than half of nitrogen levels (40 milligrams per deciliter compared with 90 milligrams per deciliter on average) than control mice that were given a drug to cancel the effects of rapadocin.

###

Currently, rapadocin is being developed by Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals as a potential treatment for kidney reperfusion injury.

Other scientists involved in this research include Zufeng Guo, Sam Y. Hong, Hanjing Peng, Shridhar Bhat, Brandon Peiffer, Chung-Ming Tse and Zhaoli Sun of Johns Hopkins; Jingxin Wang of The Scripps Research Institute; Shahid Rehan and Ville O. Paavilainen of the University of Helsinki, Finland; Wukun Liu of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China; Manisha Das of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Wei Li of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Brett R. Ullman of Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals; Zlatina Tarmakova and Imogen Coe of Ryerson University, Toronto; and Cordelia Schiene-Fischer and Gunter Fischer of Martin Luther University, Germany.

Under a license agreement between Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals Inc. and The Johns Hopkins University, Drs. Guo, Peng, Bhat, Sun, Liu, and the University are entitled to royalty distributions related to technology described in the study discussed in this publication. Dr. Liu is also a founder of Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals Inc. and a member of its scientific advisory board. This arrangement has been reviewed and approved by The Johns Hopkins University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.

DOI: 10.1038/s41557-018-0187-4Leipzig, Halle. The biodiversity of our planet is one of our most precious resources. However, for most places in the world, we only have a tiny picture of what this diversity actually is. Researchers at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) have now succeeded in constructing, from scattered data, a world map of biodiversity showing numbers of tree species. With the new map, the researchers were able to infer what drives the global distribution of tree species richness. Climate plays a central role; however, the number of species that can be found in a specific region also depends on the spatial scale of the observation, the researchers report in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution. The new approach could help to improve global conservation.

Around the world, biodiversity is changing dramatically and its protection has become one of the greatest challenges mankind is facing. At the same time, we still know very little about why some places are biologically diverse while others are poor, and where are the most biodiverse places on Earth. Also, the reasons why some areas are more species-rich than others are often unclear: what role do environmental factors like climate play, and how important are historical factors like past ice ages for the biodiversity we are observing today? Our knowledge is based on scattered local surveys and is full of gaps; especially in tropical regions, where biodiversity can be particularly high. Closing all gaps by comprehensively surveying the whole planet, is, however, simply impossible.

Satellite imagery can close some data gaps; for example, when collating information on forest cover, but these techniques have their limits. "We don't have to just count the trees, we also need to identify what species they are," explains Dr Petr Keil, lead author of the new study. "In the tropics, we find hundreds of different tree species in a single hectare. We can identify these only on site. Therefore, most areas haven't been surveyed for biological diversity - and probably never will be." Keil and co-author Prof Jonathan Chase are scientists at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.

Despite the patchy data, Keil and Chase wanted to create a world map of tree species richness. In a first step, they compiled well over 1,000 lists of tree species. These came either from small forest plots which had been surveyed in previous studies, or from whole countries. For most countries in the world, it is known which tree species can be found there, but not where exactly, and also it is often unclear whether specific species are rare or common. In order to be able to calculate the number of tree species for the extensive blank spaces on the map, the researchers developed a statistical model. The trick is that the model combines the available patchy information on the surveyed plots with the information on the country level and also integrates established data on environmental factors like climate. The result is a complete map of biodiversity in all the forested areas in the world.

"It was like a 1000-piece puzzle that we only had a few pieces of, and we didn't even know what the big picture was," says Jonathan Chase. "With our approach, we were able to calculate the missing pieces and put the puzzle together." Using the new method, the researchers can calculate the number of tree species for areas of different sizes; a nature reserve, a country or an entire continent. This enabled them to investigate the underlying causes of the variation of tree diversity on our planet. Their analysis revealed that climate is the most important factor; the highest number of tree species can be found in the hot, humid tropics. Nevertheless, the number of tree species also varies across different places with the same climate, in some cases quite substantially. In southern China, for example, the researchers see a much higher diversity than in other regions with a similar climate.

Importantly, however, just how much 'extra' diversity one finds in places like China depends on the view of the observer. "If you're standing in a forest counting the number of species around you, you might not even notice the difference between China and other climatically similar areas. However, when you move from one site to the next and add up species observed across many sites, the difference really pops out", Jonathan Chase says.

This disparity between adjacent areas is called beta diversity. Within a larger region it leads to a high total diversity. Keil and Chase have shown in their analysis that this measure of diversity is particularly high in the dry (not wet) tropics, especially in mountainous areas like in southern China, Mexico, or in the Ethiopian highlands. One reason for this high beta-diversity might be events in the geological past, like ice ages. "During the last glaciation, the trees could survive only in mountain valleys, and different populations were isolated from each other as a result," explains Petr Keil. "If you stand in one of these valleys today, you see a medium number of tree species. But if you climb over the ridge and hike down into the neighbouring valley, you find different tree species, and still others in the next valley."

Keil and Chase are primarily concerned with understanding how biodiversity is distributed on the planet and what factors are driving it. But their model can also be useful for developing strategies for conservation, especially in forests where tree diversity has not been heavily influenced by humans. For example, in the case of the mountains of China, protecting only one valley is not enough; it is the diversity of different valleys which gives this area its high biological value. "In order to really understand and protect biodiversity, we have to look at the local and regional scale at the same time," says Keil. "That is, we need both the perspective of a naturalist standing in a forest and the big picture of an entire country. Our approach now enables that".

###

Original publication:

Keil, P., & Chase, J. M. (2019). Global patterns and drivers of tree diversity integrated across a continuum of spatial grains. Nature Ecology & Evolution. doi:10.1038/s41559-019-0799-0

Contact:

Dr Petr Keil

German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig

Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

Phone: +49 341 9733232

Email: petr.keil@idiv.de

Web: http://www. idiv. de/ en/ groups_and_people/ employees/ details/ eshow/ keil_petr. html

Prof Jonathan Chase

German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig

Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

Phone: Please contact iDiv Media and Communications for mobile number.

Email: jonathan.chase@idiv.de

Web: http://www. idiv. de/ en/ groups_and_people/ core_groups/ synthesis. htmlResearchers at the Center for Infection and Immunity (CII) at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, provide new evidence supporting an association between elevated levels of enteroviruses in the intestinal tracts of children and islet autoimmunity, a precursor to Type 1 diabetes. The paper appears in the journal Scientific Reports.

Approximately 40,000 cases of Type 1diabetes are diagnosed each year in the U.S. In Australia, where the study cohort originated, almost 60 percent of newly diagnosed cases are in children and people younger than 25 years.

Researchers examined blood and feces collected from 93 children as part of the Australian Viruses In the Genetically at Risk study (VIGR), a prospective birth cohort of children with at least one first-degree relative with Type 1 diabetes. The study used Virome-Capture-Sequencing for Vertebrate-infecting viruses (VirCapSeq-VERT), a viral sequencing tool developed at the CII that is up to 10,000 times more powerful at identifying viruses than conventional high-throughput (next generation) sequencing methods.

A test of fecal samples found 129 viruses that were more abundant in the guts of children with islet autoimmunity versus age and gender-matched controls, including five enterovirus-A viruses significantly more abundant in cases. The enterovirus A species includes viruses that are the source of common infant infections such as hand, foot and mouth disease, but also encephalitis; in most cases, however, infections are asymptomatic or mild. Researchers say further study is needed to pinpoint the specific virus or viruses that can lead to islet autoimmunity and Type 1 diabetes.

Blood samples did not show an association between enteroviruses and islet autoimmunity, a finding the researchers say is in keeping with the fact that the body clears viruses from the bloodstream more quickly than from the gut.

"These findings strengthen the model that enteroviruses can spread from the gut into a child's pancreas and trigger autoimmunity in the cells that regulate blood sugar," says Thomas Briese, PhD, associate professor of Epidemiology and CII lead on the project. "Knowing the virus types involved is a critical step toward developing new strategies for prevention and treatment of Type 1 diabetes."

###

The study's first author is Ki Wook Kim of the University of New South Wales. Co-authors include Jessica L. Horton, Chi Nam Ignatius Pang, Sonia R. Isaacs, William D. Rawlinson, Maria E. Craig, Preston Leung, Rowena A. Bull, Fabio Luciani, and Marc R.Wilkins, also of the University of New South Wales; Jacki Catteau, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia; and Komal Jain , W. Ian Lipkin, and Thomas Briese of the CII at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health.

The study was supported by the Diabetes Australia Research Grant, Rebecca L. Cooper Medical Research Grant, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, Practitioner Fellowship, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (Center for Research in Diagnostics and Discovery, U19AI109761). The authors declare no competing interests.

About VirCapSeq-VERT

VirCapSeq-VERT, a streamlined version of unbiased sequencing, references a library of sequences selected from among approximately 2 million genetic pieces, representing all viral taxa known to infect vertebrates. These genetic pieces are used to constitute a probe, which is mixed with the material taken from the sample being tested. Magnetic beads are then used to "pull out" the segments from the sample that match the probe; only these segments are finally analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. A 2015 study reported that the method resulted in 100 to 10,000-fold increases in viral matches compared with conventional high-throughput tests. The test has been used in studies of Chikungunya in Brazil, respiratory disease in Uganda, and unexplained illness in Tanzania.(Boston)--Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) has been awarded a five-year, $482,400 T35 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to bolster the development of physician-scientists.

The funds will support the Medical Student Summer Research Program in Heart, Lung and Blood Disease, a 10-week summer program for 12 first-year medical students. "This project will provide meaningful research experiences in settings characterized by excellence in investigation and mentoring.

It takes advantage of BUSM's long history of funded and excellent research and the willingness of a select group of mentors in these disciplines who are committed to supporting medical school graduates in careers as physician-scientists," explained Alan Fine, MD, a professor of medicine at BUSM and co-principal investigator on the grant.

The other co-principal investigator of the award is Suzanne C. Sarfaty, MD, associate professor of medicine and assistant dean of Medical Education for Enrichment at BUSM.

Over the past decade, fewer medical school graduates are pursuing careers as physician-scientists. If this trend continues, the research culture will lose critical input from physicians' perspectives. To address this complex issue, the NIH is supporting summer research experiences for medical students at the end of their first year.

Students will be selected after careful review of a research application. Accepted students will receive a stipend, research budget and travel funds to present their completed work at national conferences.

###BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has selected Binghamton University Community Schools (BUCS) to receive a five-year, $1.7 million contract to become one of three regional Technical Assistance Centers (TAC) for the development and sustainability of community schools throughout New York state. These TACs will be overseen by the Office of Student Support Services.

Each TAC will provide school personnel and community partners with quality resources, guidance, training and professional development. The Binghamton University Community Schools Technical Assistance Center will support 316 districts located across the Central/Western New York regions, serving 629,858 students.

The contract is a part of a NYSED initiative to support community schools ? schools that emphasize family engagement, have strong community partnerships, and provide additional supports for students and families designed to counter environmental factors that impede student achievement.

"We are delighted to receive this award and to be in a position to support Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Commissioner MaryEllen Elia's vision for expanding community schools across New York state," said Laura Bronstein, dean of Binghamton University's College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA). Bronstein is the principal investigator for the contract and oversees Binghamton University Community Schools.

"Community schools are among the most effective means to promote equity so that all New York students have the supports they need to graduate and succeed in college, life and career," Bronstein added.

Using schools as hubs, community schools bring educators, families and community partners together to offer a range of opportunities, supports and services to children and youth, as well as their families and communities. Community schools:

provide expanded learning opportunities that are motivating and engaging during the school day, after school and in the summer;

offer essential health and social supports and services; and

engage families and communities as assets in the lives of their children and youth.

"Community schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone. They have a climate and culture that enable students to develop cognitive, social, emotional, physical, civic and ethical competencies and the capacity to thrive in college, career and life," said Elizabeth Anderson, director for the Central/Western Region Community TAC and CCPA associate professor.

A new website has been established to provide a centralized location for resources and support to all involved in community schools work. "We are excited to have a website that provides a centralized location for resources and support for all of those involved in Community Schools," said Luann Kida, director for Binghamton University Community Schools. "Not only will this website offer support, it will help make connections throughout New York state and beyond."

###Fossil fuel combustion is the main contributor to black carbon collected at five sites around the Arctic, which has implications for global warming, according to a study by an international group of scientists that included a United States team from Baylor University.

The five-year study to uncover sources of black carbon was done at five remote sites around the Arctic and is published in the premier journal Science Advances, a publication of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The Baylor team used radiocarbon to determine fossil and biomass burning contributions to black carbon in Barrow, Alaska, while their collaborators used the same technique for sites in Russia, Canada, Sweden and Norway.

Baylor research was led by Rebecca Sheesley, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental science in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Tate Barrett, Ph.D., former student of Sheesley and now a postdoctoral scholar at the University of North Texas. Their interest in the research resulted from a desire to understand why the Arctic is changing and what pollutants should be controlled to mitigate that change.

"The Arctic is warming at a much higher rate than the rest of the globe," Sheesley said. "This climate change is being driven by air pollutants such as greenhouse gases and particles in the atmosphere. One of the most important components of this atmospheric particulate matter is black carbon, or soot. Black carbon directly absorbs incoming sunlight and heats the atmosphere. In snowy places, it also can deposit on the surface, where it heats the surface and increases the rate of melting."

Findings showed that fossil fuel combustion (coal, gasoline or diesel) is responsible for most of the black carbon in the Arctic (annually around 60 percent), but that biomass burning (including wildfires and residential woodsmoke) becomes more important in the summer.

The site at Barrow, Alaska, which was the focus of the Baylor team, differed from other sites in that it had higher fossil fuel contribution to black carbon and was more impacted by North American sources of black carbon than the rest of the Arctic. Since 2012, Sheesley has been expanding this work to investigate how combustion and non-combustion sources impact different types of atmospheric particulate matter across the Alaskan Arctic.

###

*This Baylor University research received support from the U.S. Department of Energy (Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Field Campaign no. 2010-05876) and Baylor's C. Gus Glasscock Jr. Endowed Fund for Excellence in Environmental Sciences.

ABOUT THE RESEARCHERS

Dr. Sheesley is interested in understanding local to global impacts of atmospheric particulate matter. Her work on air quality spans several continents, with studies in Texas, the Upper Midwest, Southern California, Scandinavia, South Asia and the North American Arctic. Carbonaceous aerosols in the atmosphere are a continually changing complex mixture that interacts with the biosphere, impacts climate change and can have negative effects on human health. She has focused her efforts on refining methods for the analysis of the chemical and isotopic composition of particulate matter and understanding sources and transport of particulate matter in urban and remote environments.

Sheesley is also a faculty fellow with Baylor's Institute of Ecological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (TIE3s), an interdisciplinary and Ph.D.-granting institute that brings together researchers from biological, chemical, atmospheric and geological sciences, with statisticians, anthropologists and engineers to address the most challenging problems facing ecosystems and the environment.

Barrett is a TIE3s Ph.D. graduate of Baylor, where his research focused on trends, optical properties and source contributions to elemental and organic carbon influencing the North American Arctic.'Both leaders underlined importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by UN,' MEA said.

On being asked if Saudi Arabia offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, the ministry official said that at this point, no mediation has been offered. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs addressed the media on Wednesday.

The two leaders (PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian forces in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Both leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations, Ministry said.

TS Tirumurti, MEA secretary said, "The Saudi Crown Prince appreciated consistent efforts made by PM Modi since May 2014, including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan. Both sides agreed on the need for creation of conditions necessary for resumption of dialogue.

On being asked if Saudi Arabia offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, the ministry official said that at this point, no mediation has been offered.BINGHAMTON, NY - New research from Binghamton University, State University of New York, highlights the importance of considering cold temperature variability, and not just warming temperatures, when evaluating the impact of climate change.

A team of Binghamton University researchers including Jessica Hua, assistant professor of biological sciences, and George Meindl, assistant professor of environmental studies, investigated the effect of climate change on amphibian health and their susceptibility to contaminants and parasites. When it comes to climate change, public attention often focuses on the effect of rising average temperatures. In contrast, this study focused on the effect of cold and variable temperatures, which are also consequences of climate change. The researchers discovered that cold temperatures make amphibians more susceptible to road salt but less susceptible to parasites. These findings reveal the importance of considering cold-temperature variability, and not just warming temperatures, when evaluating the impacts of global climate disruption, said Hua.

"There is a lot of misconception that global climate change only refers to an increase in warming temperatures," Hua said. "We feel that the research in this paper is important because it highlights that global climate change is more complex than just an increase in average temperature. In fact, global climate change is also predicted to increase the prevalence of extreme cold temperature events, as well as increase the amount of variation in temperature fluctuations."

Lead author Matthew Wersebe from the University of Oklahoma agreed and said that many people overlook the impact of climate change on plants and animals.

"We all recognize that climate change [is] one of the most serious issues facing us today," said Wersebe. "However, as much as it is recognized as [a] serious concern for people, the impacts to animal and plant populations is much less front and center. Along with this, many studies only consider warming, or changing patterns of water availability on natural systems, and not the impact of the variability in the short-term that is also expected with climate change. Studies like these are critical to understanding the full impacts of climate change."

Due to the rising temperatures from climate change, organisms begin breeding earlier in the spring, which paradoxically leads to an increased risk that these organisms are exposed to heightened fluctuations in temperature during early development, including harmful cold-temperature regimes. It is important to note that while these cold temperatures may not always be deadly, they may alter the susceptibility of amphibians to other stressors, including contaminants and parasites. By placing wood frog embryos in various cold temperature regimes, researchers looked specifically at the consequences of exposure to these lower temperatures.

The research team discovered that amphibians exposed to constant cold conditions as embryos were more susceptible to road salt contamination, but were able to recover as they aged. This is particularly relevant as road salt use is predicted to increase during extreme cold temperature events. The team also found that amphibians exposed to cold temperatures as embryos were generally smaller as they aged, and developed slower, which ultimately made them less prone to parasites because their miniature size made them less attractive. However, these results were not anticipated.

"We initially predicted that exposure to cold temperatures would be stressful to developing embryos. As a consequence, we expected that exposure to stressful conditions early in life would make amphibians less able to deal with other stressors later in life (i.e. parasites)," Hua said. "We were also surprised because past studies have found that cooler temperatures can increase amphibian susceptibility to another parasite (the fungus, chytrid). In this case, the negative effects of the cooler temperatures on amphibians are driven by the fact that the fungus survived better in cooler temperatures."

Ultimately, the study concluded that variation in cold temperatures can lead to unique consequences on amphibian growth, development and responses to other stressors, such as contaminants and parasites. Whether the impact from the cold was harmful or helpful for the amphibians is difficult to gauge.

"In some cases, exposure to cold temperatures was harmful. For instance: exposure to cold temperatures during the egg phase made young tadpoles more susceptible to road salt," said Wersebe. "However, if we allowed these tadpoles to grow older, we found that exposure to cold temperatures during the egg stage no longer mattered for their susceptibility to road salt (i.e. older tadpoles were able to overcome the negative effect of embryonic exposure to cold). Exposure to cold also made amphibians smaller--this is potentially harmful to amphibian populations because smaller amphibians have fewer offspring and this can over time potentially contribute to populations declines. Amphibian populations are declining globally, so considering the effects of cold temperatures may be important in understanding how to protect this imperiled group of animals."

With further research, Hua hopes to test other amphibian species and look closer at why cold temperatures make amphibians more susceptible to salt during their egg phase.

###

Contributing to this research were former and current Binghamton University students in the Hua lab: Matthew Wersebe (now at University of Oklahoma), Paradyse Blackwood, Ying Tong Guo, Jared Jaeger (now at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Dyllan May, Sean Ryan (now at University of Connecticut), and Vivian Wong.

The paper, "The effects of different cold-temperature regimes on development, growth, and susceptibility to an abiotic and biotic stressor," was published in Ecology and Evolution.WASHINGTON -- Total human carbon dioxide emissions could match those of Earth's last major greenhouse warming event in fewer than five generations, new research finds.

A new study finds humans are pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at a rate nine to 10 times higher than the greenhouse gas was emitted during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), a global warming event that occurred roughly 56 million years ago.

The results suggest if carbon emissions continue to rise, the total amount of carbon dioxide injected into the atmosphere since humans started burning fossil fuels could equal the amount released during the PETM as soon as 2159.

"You and I won't be here in 2159, but that's only about four generations away," said Philip Gingerich, a paleoclimate researcher at the University of Michigan and author of the new study in the AGU journal Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology. "When you start to think about your children and your grandchildren, and your great-grandchildren, you're about there."

Scientists often use the PETM as a benchmark against which to compare modern climate change. But the new study shows we're on track to meet this benchmark much sooner than previously thought, as the pace of today's warming far outstrips any climate event that has happened since the extinction of the dinosaurs.

"Given a business-as-usual assumption for the future, the rates of carbon release that are happening today are really unprecedented, even in the context of an event like the PETM," said Gabriel Bowen, a geophysicist at the University of Utah who was not connected to the new study. "We don't have much in the way of geologic examples to draw from in understanding how the world responds to that kind of perturbation."

The exact environmental consequences of PETM-like carbon levels are unclear, but the increased temperatures will likely drive many species to extinction with the lucky ones being able to adapt or migrate, according to Larisa DeSantis, a paleontologist at Vanderbilt University who was not connected to the new study. In addition, it will take thousands of years for the climate system cool down, she said.

"It's not just about 100 years from now; it's going to take significant periods of time for that carbon dioxide to make its way back into the Earth's crust," DeSantis said. "It's not a short-term event. We're really committing ourselves to many thousands of years of a warmer world if we don't take action quickly."

Studying past climate change

The PETM was a global warming event that occurred roughly 56 million years ago. Scientists are unsure what caused it, but during the event massive quantities of carbon dioxide were released into Earth's atmosphere, rapidly spiking global temperatures by 5 to 8 degrees Celsius (9 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit). Average global temperatures during the PETM peaked at about 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit), about 7 degrees Celsius (13 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than today's average.

Scientists think that during this time and the warm period that followed, the poles were ice-free and the Arctic was home to palm trees and crocodiles. It's not the hottest Earth has ever been, but the PETM was the warmest period since the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

Scientists can't pin down exactly how much carbon was injected into the atmosphere during the PETM or exactly how long the event lasted. But their best estimates say between 3,000 and 7,000 gigatons of carbon accumulated over a period of 3,000 to 20,000 years, based on ocean sediment cores that show changes to carbonate minerals laid down during this time.

The massive carbon release and temperature spike drastically altered Earth's climate, causing a major extinction of organisms in the deep ocean that are a key link in the marine food web. Land animals got smaller and migrated north to cooler climates. Some groups of modern mammals, including primates, appeared for the first time soon after the PETM, but scientists are unsure whether this happened as a direct result of the rapid environmental change.

Comparing past with present

Climate scientists use the PETM as a case study for understanding what environmental changes might happen under current human-caused climate change and when those changes might take effect. But they can only average carbon emissions during the PETM over the whole duration of the event - thousands of years. They don't know what those emissions rates were like on a yearly basis, so it's difficult to compare them to the pace of carbon emissions today.

In the new study, Gingerich found a way to mathematically compare modern carbon emissions to PETM emissions on the same time scale. The results showed current carbon emission rates are nine to 10 times higher than those during the PETM.

"To me, it really brought home how rapidly and how great the consequences are of the carbon we're producing as a people," Gingerich said.

Projecting current emissions into the future, Gingerich found that if emissions continue to rise, we could be facing another PETM-like event in fewer than five generations. The total carbon accumulated in the atmosphere could hit the lowest estimate of carbon accumulated during the PETM - 3,000 gigatons - in the year 2159. It would hit the maximum estimated emissions - 7,126 gigatons - in 2278, based on Gingerich's calculations. Humans have emitted roughly 1,500 gigatons of carbon as of 2016.

"The fact that we could reach warming equivalent to the PETM very quickly, within the next few hundred years, is terrifying," DeSantis said.

The findings suggest scientists may not be able to predict the environmental or biological changes that will happen in the coming years based on what happened during the PETM because today's warming is occurring so much faster, according to DeSantis. What makes predictions harder is that today's climate starts from a cooler baseline than the PETM and the species that inhabit Earth are different than those of 56 million years ago.

"It's hard to compare biotic effects because the world during the PETM was quite different," DeSantis said. "We live in a very different world today, with different groups of animals, with humans being the dominant species... but we know there are many negative consequences of dramatic warming on vast numbers of species, including our own."

###

Founded in 1919, AGU is a not-for-profit scientific society dedicated to advancing Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. We support 60,000 members, who reside in 135 countries, as well as our broader community, through high-quality scholarly publications, dynamic meetings, our dedication to science policy and science communications, and our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, as well as many other innovative programs. AGU is home to the award-winning news publication Eos, the Thriving Earth Exchange, where scientists and community leaders work together to tackle local issues, and a headquarters building that represents Washington, D.C.'s first net zero energy commercial renovation. We are celebrating our Centennial in 2019. #AGU100

Notes for Journalists

This paper is freely available through March 31. Journalists and public information officers (PIOs) can download a PDF copy of the article by clicking on this link: https:/ / agupubs. onlinelibrary. wiley. com/ doi/ epdf/ 10. 1029/ 2018PA003379

Journalists and PIOs may also request a copy of the final paper by emailing Lauren Lipuma at llipuma@agu.org. Please provide your name, the name of your publication, and your phone number.

Neither the paper nor this press release is under embargo.

Paper Title: "Temporal Scaling of Carbon Emission and Accumulation Rates: Modern Anthropogenic Emissions Compared to Estimates of PETM-Onset Accumulation"

Authors: Philip D. Gingerich: Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.

This press release and accompanying images can be found at: https:/ / news. agu. org/ press-release/ earth-may-be-140-years-away-from-reaching-carbon-levels-not-seen-in-56-million-years/

Earth may be 140 years away from reaching carbon levels not seen in 56 million years

AGU press contact:

Lauren Lipuma

+1 (202) 777-7396

llipuma@agu.org

University of Michigan press contact:

Jim Erickson

+1 (734) 647-1842

ericksn@umich.edu

Contact information for the researcher:

Philip Gingerich

+1 (734) 660-4468

gingeric@umich.eduCheese fondue is an icon of Swiss cuisine and a dinner party staple. While it may seem like a simple dish, getting the texture right can be a challenge for optimal mouthfeel, dipping and flavor release. This requires the perfect balance of cheese, wine and starch. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Omega reveal how to use these key ingredients to produce deliciously melted fondue.

Once a fad of the 1970s, fondue has made a resurgence in recent years. And on a cold winter night, there's nothing better than dipping a piece of bread into warm, gooey cheese. But that's only part of the picture. Traditional versions also include wine and seasonings, as well as starch for cohesion. Chemically speaking, fondue is a multiphase system of colloids that require just the right inputs to achieve cheesy perfection. One wrong move could leave the preparer with an unappetizing bowl of separated cheese solids and oils. So, to gain further insight into the flow of fondue, Pascal Bertsch, Laura Savorani and Peter Fischer wanted to assess the effect of starch and wine on the dish.

The researchers started with equal amounts of two traditional fondue cheeses -- Gruyere and Vacherin -- in water. The addition of a potato starch slurry prevented irreversible separation of the dish. To mimic the effects of wine, they added a mixture of water and ethanol. This decreased the viscosity of the fondue, which is required for optimal mouthfeel and dipping coverage. They also incorporated acid to study the effect of lowering the pH, and this generally had the effect of lowering the fondue's viscosity. The researchers also explored alternative thickening agents. Less carrageenan and xanthan gum were required compared to the amount of potato starch needed, but it was carrageenan that provided the creamiest results. Overall, the study shows that a few minor tweaks can result in cheesy perfection every time the fondue pot is brought out.

###

The authors acknowledge funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation.

The study is freely available as an ACS AuthorChoice article here.

The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org.

Follow us on Twitter | FacebookENID, Okla.  Enid High Schools cafeteria was filled Tuesday for Islander Night, Enids annual celebration of the Marshallese community and culture, which featured a special guest from the Field Museum in Chicago and the start of a new partnership.

Ryan Schuessler develops exhibits for the Field Museum of Natural History. Hes looking to put one together showcasing Islander culture, focusing heavily on the Marshall Islands. It must be accurate and authentic, but hes no Islander himself, so Schuessler is turning to the Marshallese of Enid to get it just right.

None of us are going to pretend were experts on Marshallese culture, Schuessler said. So weve come to where the experts are.

Its not particularly wise to put together an exhibit representing another culture without any input from members of that culture, he said.

Across the museum world there are stories of things being put on display wrong, upside down, things that are sacred and that should never have been put on display at all, so thats what were trying to avoid, he said, adding that aside from potential embarrassment, it is mainly a matter of ethics.

Schuessler said the goal is to have the exhibit open by December. When completed, it will take a prominent position in the museum, he said.

Currently, the plan is to take a group of four to six students from the EHS Islander Club, plus some chaperones, to Chicago in March or April, and have them work alongside museum staff to put together the exhibit, Schuessler said.

Theyll get to handle the pieces, theyll get to talk about what it is they want to say about the community and their culture in this exhibit, he said. Were tossing a lot of the decision making to them, if they want it.

The group has not yet been assembled, Islander Club sponsor Lori Palmer said, but EHS administrators soon will decide on the best volunteers for the job.

After the Chicago trip, Schuessler said he and others from the museum will come to Enid again to meet with more members of the Marshallese community.

Students had been told to expect a special announcement Tuesday night, Islander Club president Ezola Hong said, but there was no anticipating what she heard.

I knew Enid had a big Marshallese population ... but Im pretty surprised they chose Enid out of everywhere else, Hong said.

She wants a spot on the team headed to Chicago, she said, but thats something to worry about later.

She and the other seniors took to the floor last, finishing out the night with a dance that drew cheers and yells and thumping from the crowd.

Hong has been going to Islander Night since she was a freshman, and her final one was the biggest she had seen, she said. Still, turnout could have been better, she said, but sleet and snow will do that.

I think it was a success, she said, at least by the most important metric. I think everyone had fun.The Memorial Services celebrating and honoring the life of Shirley Jane Katelnikoff, 62, of Enid, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 28, 2021, in the Brown-Cummings Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Ron Wilson officiating. Complete cremation care and services are under the direction of BrCheryl Davis Bruce, 79, of Athens, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Athens-Limestone Hospital surrounded by her family. Mrs. Bruce was born July 26, 1941, in Limestone County to Arch Davs and Aurelia Glanton Davis. She is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, PUS-based MESA Air Group puts an offer to Flybe

A US airline is backing a deal to secure the future of Flybe.

Arizona based Mesa Air Group is part of a consortium which has put forward a 65M equity offer.

It would be accompanied by new debt facilities and potential asset sales, which in total would provide new funding worth 120M.

Stobart Air has operated Flybe routes to and from the Isle of Man for a number of years, mostly to Liverpool and Manchester with a daily flight to Birmingham, but that deal ends on 31st March.Injured worker rescued by Coastguard

Peel Coastguard rescued a worker who slipped and dislocated his knee.

The incident happened on the Peel to St John's railway line at just before 3pm on Monday.

The Coastguard assisted paramedics with the medivac. The man was taken to an ambulance before heading to hospital for further treatment.'Statehood' is an issue that the ruling AAP is expected to raise in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls in an emphatic manner.

The Aam Aadmi Party Tuesday said it will hold a door-to-door campaign to tell people how the BJP had done them 'injustice' on the statehood issue. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant full statehood status to Delhi, an issue that the ruling AAP is expected to rise in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls in an emphatic manner.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Tuesday said it will hold a door-to-door campaign to tell people how the BJP had done them "injustice" on the issue.

Reacting to the PM's greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day on Twitter, Kejriwal tweeted, Sir. Delhi is also waiting for its statehood day. U had promised to the people of Delhi that you wud grant full statehood to Delhi. Kindly do it, sir. People of Delhi have faced injustice for 70 years now.

Sir. Delhi is also waiting for its statehood day. U had promised to the people of Delhi that you wud grant full statehood to Delhi. Kindly do it sir. People of Delhi have faced injustice for 70 years now. https://t.co/qj9AyIrL8X  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 20, 2019

According to its strategy for the general election, the AAP will distribute the BJP's manifestoes for previous elections, including that of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, in which, it said, the saffron party had supported the demand for full statehood to Delhi.

The BJP's Delhi unit, however, said the campaign was a "new drama" by the AAP and its chief Arvind Kejriwal.

Recently, in a major setback to the AAP government in Delhi, two judges of the Supreme Court agreed that the Centre should have the final word on posting and transfer of bureaucrats in the national capital administration, but their disagreement on finer details resulted in a split verdict and the matter got referred to a larger bench.

"We will go door-to-door, telling people how the BJP has done them injustice on the issue of full statehood," Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai had said on Tuesday.Post Office Strike: Contingency plans worked well

Isle of Man Post Office says its contingency plans in place during last week's three day strike worked extremely well.



The Post Office received and processed mail from three sea containers and three mail planes and undertook its full range of collections on all strike days, processing 100% of that work and successfully dispatching two planes of mail back into the UK postal network.



A total of 5,671 Special Delivery, Royal Mail Tracked, Parcelforce 24, Yodel and HaysDX trackable packets/parcels were delivered along with thousands of machineable letters to large business customers.

In addition, more than 500 flower bouquets were delivered on Valentines Day.



Following the latest round of negotiations held last week, IOMPO will be providing a further counter proposal to the CWU by the end of this week.At this year's TechDays of Arm in San Jose, California, Arms' chief architects presented the long-awaited IP components under the brand "Neoverse" for the infrastructure cloud universe. In addition to two new Neoverse CPUs, the focus was on the system solution approach.

Under the Neoverse brand, products are to be offered ranging from primary CPUs in data centers to edge computers and storage media. To date, the IP portfolio for the infrastructure market has not differed significantly from consumer IP, e.g. for smartphones. The new IP portfolio is now called "Arm Neoverse".

Even though the successes in servers in particular have so far been limiert, Arm has been able to gain a significant market share in infrastructure devices overall in recent years. These are all types of non-end user devices, such as network devices, switches, base stations, gateways, routers and, of course, servers. In these markets together, Arms licensees have achieved a market share of up to 28% to date. For example, top-of-rack switches are also listed. Those who build software-defined networks of the current generation generally use x86 CPUs.

As expected, poor has already brought many partners on board, because without sufficient support from the ecosystem Neoverse would be doomed to failure right from the start. In addition to semiconductor manufacturers such as Qualcomm, Broadcom and Marvell, the cloud side includes Alibaba, Tencent and Microsoft, the platform side Nokia, ZTE, Ericcson, Huawei and CISCO, and the telecommunications providers Softbank, Vodafone, Orange and Sprint. On the software side, 18 companies have joined forces, from OS vendors to virtualization, languages&libraries to development tool vendors. Although some key players are still missing, poor was able to get some big names on board before the announcement.

The Neoverse N1 CPU

The undoubtedly most important piece of the puzzle in the new Neoverse universe is a new CPU called N1. In the benchmark SpecInt2006 it achieves a value of 37 per core in its target process of 7 nm of the tawanian Foundry TSMC with the GCC compiler of version 8, in a 64-core hyperscale reference design with 64 cores a value of 1310 is reached and that with a server TDP of only 105 W.

A comparison with Intel's Xeon CPUs, which dominate data centers today, is not easy because SpecInt2006 numbers with GCC compilers are usually not published. What we have found is a figure for the Xeon 8156 from the obsolete 14 nm skylake generation with 24 cores/48 threads, which comes to a SpecInt2006 value of 37 per core as well. The power consumption of the Xeon 8156 is 205 W in a 24-core/48-thread configuration, without the Intel necessary additional chipset. It remains to be seen to what extent the future Intel products of the 10 nm generations Cannon Lake and Ice Lake can achieve the energy efficiency of the Neoverse N1.

The N1 was presented by Mike Filippo, Fellow and Lead Architect at Arms Development Center in Austin, Texas. The development centers for arm CPUs are, as already mentioned several times, located next to Austin at Arms headquarters in Cambridge and in the beautiful Sophia-Antipolis near Nice, where Texas Instruments designed its OMAP processors 10 years ago. Arm's last consumer processor, the Cortex-A76, was designed in Austin, as was the Cortex-A72.

 Frank Riemenschneider, DESIGN&ELEKTRONIK Mike Filippo, Fellow and Lead Architect at Arms Development Center in Austin, Texas, and his team have designed the Neoverse N1 CPU after the Cortex-A72 and Cortex-A76.

The Neoverse N1 microarchitecture was designed with high performance and energy efficiency in mind and incorporates many elements introduced with the Cortex-A76. However, it has been optimized for infrastructure workloads rather than smartphones. Compared to the Cosmos generation, the Cortex-A72, the N1 achieves 2.5 times the computing power for server workloads with NGINX (a web server under BSD license used by 62.7% of the top 10,000 sites), 1.7 times the performance for Java-based benchmarks (OpenJDK V 11, which alone brought a 14% increase over JDK8), and another 2.5 times the performance for the memcached cache server.

The N1 microarchitecture at a glance

The superscalar out-of-order CPU comes with 4 command decoders and 8 execution units and has a total 11-stage integer pipeline (Fig. 1). In the frontend, Arm has built a new unit for jump prediction and instruction loading (fetch) called "predict-directed fetch" because the jump prediction feeds data directly into the command fetch unit. This is a new approach that results in higher data throughput and lower power consumption.

Like the Cortex-A76, the jump predictor uses a hybrid indirect predictor. The predictor is decoupled from the fetch unit and its most important structures work independently from the rest of the CPU. It is supported by 3-stage branch-target caches: a nanoBTB with 16 entries, a microBTB with 64 entries and a main BTB with 6 k entries. The hit rate regarding correctly predicted branches in the program flow is said to have increased again compared to its predecessor.

The branching unit can process eight 16-bit instructions per clock cycle, which lead to a fetch queue before loading a command. This queue contains 12 blocks. The fetch unit itself only works with half the data throughput, i.e. a maximum of four 16-bit instructions are loaded per clock cycle. In the event of an incorrectly predicted branch, this architecture can hide it from the rest of the pipeline without blocking the fetch unit and the rest of the CPU.

Even if the N1 has an 11-stage pipeline, latency is reduced to that of a 9-stage pipeline. How is this possible? In critical paths, the steps can overlap, such as between the second clock cycle of the jump prediction and the first cycle of the fetch operation. While nominally 4 pipeline steps have to be processed, the actual latency time is only 3 cycles due to the overlap. The decoding and register renaming blocks can process 4 commands per clock cycle, in the decoding unit 2 clock cycles are required.

At the output of the decoders there are so-called macro ops, which are on average 1.07 times larger than the original commands. Register renaming is performed separately for integer/ASIMD/flag operations in separate units, which are cut off from the clock supply with clock gating when they are not needed. This leads to enormous energy savings. If the decoding of the N1 requires two clock cycles, the register renaming has been shortened from 2 to 1 clock cycle compared to e.g. the Cortex-A73/A75. The macro ops are extended with an average ratio of 1.2 per instruction to micro ops, at the end of the stage up to 8 micro ops are output per clock cycle.

The commit buffer size of the N1 is 128 entries, whereby the buffer is divided into two structures for command management and register recovery - poorly called "hybrid commit system".

 Arm The pipeline of the Neoverse-N1-CPU.

The execution units

The integer part contains 6 queues and execution units, specifically two load/storage units with decoupled address generation and data path, a branch pipeline, two ALUs capable of performing simple arithmetic operations, and a complex pipeline for multiplication, division, and CRC operations. The three integer pipelines and the branch pipeline are served by 16 entry queues, while the two load/storage units are fed by two 12 entry queues. All queues comprise 3 pipeline stages, with the first stage overlapping with the register renaming or micro-ops dispatch. Thus, a further clock cycle was saved in total, so that the total latency is only 9 instead of 11 clock cycles. The part responsible for floating point and 128-bit vector operations (ASIMD) contains two pipelines that are served by two queues containing 16 entries. Both vector pipelines can process 128-bit data. Using floating-point numbers with half accuracy and 8-bit scalar products, the benchmark DeepBench (an open source benchmarking tool that measures the performance of basic operations performed in training deep neural networks such as matrix multiplications) increased the score by a factor of 4.7 over a Cortex-A72 score.

What about the backend with command throughput and latency? On the integer side, the N1 reduces multiplication and MAC operations to 2 clock cycles. The much larger and more important improvements can be found in the vector pipelines responsible for floating point and ASIMD. For floating-point arithmetic, the latency is 2 clock cycles and for MAC commands 4 clock cycles.

Loading and Saving Data

The cache architecture of the N1 has been optimized for infrastructure workloads that have large data structures and usually many branches in the code. The two pipelines for loading and storing data each have their own queues with 16 entries. The data cache is fixed at 64 KB and is 4-fold associative. The latency time is 4 clock cycles. The I-TLBs/D-TLBs with 48 entries operate a separate pipeline. Like the Cortex-A76, the N1 got a completely redesigned prefetcher with 4 different prefetching engines that run in parallel and look at different data patterns and load data into the caches. The 64 KB L1 command cache is the first arm CPU on the N1 to be coherent, accelerating the setup/deletion of virtual machines in hypervisor virtualized environments. It reads up to 32 bytes/clock cycle, as does the L1 data cache in both directions. The L1 is a writeback cache.

The 8-fold associative L2 cache per core is configurable in 512 KB or 1 MB size, twice the size of the Cortex-A76, its latency for read access is between 9 and 11 clock cycles. A L2-TLB with 1280 entries offers so-called page aggregation, in which four small memory pages of 4 KB can be combined by the microarchitecture in 16 KB, 16 KB in 64 KB and 64 KB in 256 KB.

All cores share a system level cache (SLC) with any hardware accelerators and I/Os below the L2 caches, which, e.g. in a 64 MB configuration in 32 memory banks and a 64 core configuration, enables an average loading time of 22 ns for the data. It is connected via CoreLink CMN-600, a coherent mesh network according to the AMBA-5-CHI specification, which can contain up to 32 coherent CHI slave interfaces.

The entire memory architecture has been optimized by Arm for low latency, high bandwidth and scalability, but especially for extremely high parallelization in memory access. In the end, 68 in-flight loading operations and 72 in-flight memory operations are enabled.

The power consumption of an N1 CPU including 512 KB L2 cache is only 1.0 or 1.8 W (at 2.6 or 3.1 GHz clock frequency and a core supply voltage of 0.75 V or 1.0 V). The silicon area in TSMC's 7 nm implementation per core and 512 KB or 1 MB L2 cache is only 1.2 or 1.4 mm2.

 KVM Switching between privilege level EL1 and EL2 within the hypervisor takes a lot of time.

Platform for infrastructure applications

Of course, a suitable CPU is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the infrastructure sector. Rather, the entire platform must fit.

An Activity Monitoring Unit (AMU) for each core controls the prioritization of the dynamic adaptation of supply voltage and clock frequency (DVFS). Power virus scenarios are also actively combated. A power virus is a computer program that executes a specific machine code to achieve maximum CPU power consumption. Computer cooling systems are designed to derive performance up to Thermal Design Performance (TDP) rather than maximum performance, and a power virus could overheat the system if it has no logic to stop the processor. The Neoverse N1 uses hardware throttling to lower operating conditions to TDP levels in a power virus scenario. For non-virus workloads, this has negligible effects. The power supply of the SoC must therefore only be designed for TDP conditions and not for virus conditions.

 KVM Arms virtualization extensions allow type 2 hypervisors to operate at a privilege level.

Another important feature is the Armv8.2 Virtual Host Extensions (VHE). They not only allow scaling up to 64 K virtual machines, but above all the unmodified operation of a host operating system in Exeption Level 2 (EL 2). Figure 2 shows a conventional scenario when using a type 2 hypervisor such as KVM with a host OS Linux in EL 1. EL 2 runs the so-called KVM LowVisor, which receives calls both from the VMs and from the KVM located in EL1. Using the VHE, it is possible to run the host OS Linux as well as KVM completely in EL 2 (Fig. 3), whereby the cross EL calls between KVM and the LowVisor with corresponding latencies become simple function calls within an EL. Since the EL1/EL2 transitions between VMs and host cannot be avoided, Arm has minimized overhead and optimized the MMU for virtualized nested paging.

Of course, RAS support is also required. The Armv8.2 RAS architecture not only provides ECC error detection (2 errors) and correction (1 error) using Hamming codes in all caches, but also allows the system to continue running without errors until the corrupted data is actually used.

 Arm The statistical profiling of the N1 CPU allows information about cache hits and cache misses and software optimizations based on them.

Software analysis per hardware

A world novelty in the arm universe are the statistical profiling extensions (SPE). They can be used to log detailed information such as jump prediction, cache hit/miss rate, or latency when reading data to help the developer optimize his software (Figure 4). The information is written directly to memory.

To scale to systems with 128 CPUs (or more, there is no fundamental limitation), Arm, like Intel, uses a network of double crosses (Mesh, #) that provides very low latencies and high bandwidth while connecting processor cores, caches, memory controllers, and I/O components. The shorter because often direct paths, which are also more diverse and can change direction at any time via intersections, eliminate many of the problems expected with other topologies such as the Cortex-A72 ring bus. Each node in the network is responsible for the communication in the network, there are no dead ends. It also helps scalability to even more processor cores without falling into large penalty periods for latency.

As caches grow larger, the mesh network is also superior, since data can be accessed faster over shorter distances, even to those that are not directly adjacent to the core. This helps to address, among other things, the system level cache as an actually scattered solution over the entire die as a unified solution. This in turn has further consequences for access to the memory controller and the I/O interface if data has to be accessed from it. The SLC has a bandwidth of more than 1 TB/s.

The coherence of the command cache implemented for the first time as mentioned above reduces data traffic dramatically, especially in large installations, because when a VM is restarted from a secured state, the contents of the command cache no longer have to be declared invalid. Helpful for synchronizing multi-core systems are the atomic instructions introduced with Armv8.1 and system-level cache stashing to preload the CPU caches before the data is requested. SmartNICs - a network interface card with its own processor that outsources processing tasks that the system CPU would normally perform, such as encryption and decryption, firewall, TCP/IP, and HTTP processing, making it ideal for high traffic web servers - allows further scaling.

Impact on performance

As mentioned at the beginning, the computing power of the http server NGINX increased by a factor of 2.5, which is due to 2x fewer L1 cache misses, 3x fewer TLB misses and 7x fewer false jump predictions. The 1.7-fold performance in Java-based benchmarks is due to a factor 2.4 faster object/memory allocation, a factor 5 faster object/array initialization and a factor 1.6 faster copy char function. The cache misses and jump predictions were reduced by a factor of 1.4 and the number of L2 accesses by a factor of 2.25 thanks to the optimized cache architecture.

For Memcached, the number of jump predictions was reduced by a factor of 3, while the hit rate for the L1 cache increased by a factor of 2.

The Neoverse N1 CPU is poor in 64-128-core configurations in hyperscale data centers (150W or higher power budget), 16-64-core configurations in edge computing (35-105W power budget), and 8-32-core configurations in network storage security (25-65W power budget).

Disclosure: DESIGN&ELEKTRONIK participated in the TechDays in San Jose at the invitation of Arm, the travel expenses were paid in full by Arm. Our reporting is not influenced by this and remains neutral and critical as usual. The article, like all the others on our portal, is written independently and is not subject to any specifications by third parties.

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1.2. The Neoverse-E1-CPU 3. Neoverse Reference Designs 4. Neoverse-N1 Hyperscale-Reference Design 5. Neoverse Development Board 6. Conclusion

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ARM Germany GmbHGuglielmo Marconi - short biography of his life - short biography of the life and history of Guglielmo Marconi, father of radio or wireless, with facts about his work and quotes of things he said.

Guglielmo Marconi Biography Includes:



Guglielmo Marconi Spanning the Atlantic Technology developments Last days Facts & quotes

Guglielemo Marconi is often called the "Father of Radio" for the many developments he made to radio, and although he probably did more than any other person to advance radio technology, he freely admitted that he did not invent it.

However Marconi left behind a great legacy, his biography shows that he pushed forward radio technology in a way that nobody else did. He achieved milestones that nobody thought possible at the time. Many thought his ideas were too far-fetched and could never be achieved.

In fact the whole of Marconi's life was full. Although he was not a theoretical scientist he had a very inventive mind. He also never let the obstacles that stopped others, prevent him from reaching his goal. It was these qualities that enabled him to achieve greatness, and receive his rightful place in history.



Guglielmo Marconi in 1901

Courtesy Marconi plc Courtesy Marconi plc

Marconi's childhood

Guglielmo Marconi was born on 25th April 1874 in Bologna in Northern Italy.

Marconi's, father, Guiseppe, was a widower and wealthy Italian. His mother came from a Scottish and Irish family of brewers and distillers, and she ran away from home to marry him.

Marconi's mother loved to travel and the young Guglielmo accompanied her on many of her trips. As a result the young Marconi received private tuition, this gave him further insight into some of the fundamental concepts he would require later. He later attended a school in Florence, but found his work difficult. Nevertheless Marconi still managed to progress to the Technical Institute of Leghorn where he was more successful, and developed an interest in physics.

Unfortunately Marconi left the Institute without any formal qualifications. This displeased his father, but despite this he returned home and continued to perform various scientific experiments.

Marconi's mother was very loyal to her son, and she arranged that one of their neighbours, a noted physicist named Professor Righi acted as an adviser. It was through this contact that Marconi's interest became focused on the newly discovered radio or Hertzian Waves.

Marconi's wireless experiments

With Marconi's interest fired with ideas of Hertzian Waves. He started by repeating the experiments of Heinrich Hertz who had discovered their existence. These experiments used a spark in a transmitting circuit to induce a second but smaller spark in a receiving circuit placed a short distance away.

Like Hertz he only managed to achieve ranges of a few metres. Later he managed to improve the distance over which the spark could be detected by using a device called a coherer in the receiver. A Frenchman named Edouard Branly was the first to observe the effect behind the coherer and this was later improved and popularised by Oliver Lodge in its use for detecting Hertzian wave transmissions.

Marconi realised that the sensitivity of the coherer was crucial to the range that could be achieved. As a result he set about trying to improve its sensitivity. At this time the way in which the coherer operated was not understood, and so Marconi set about improving it by trial and error. His experiments lead to a much improved device which used 95% nickel filings and 5% silver filings in an evacuated tube.



Coherer as used by Marconi

Marconi did not restrict his activities to the investigations of the coherer, he looked beyond this as well. He discovered that by using an antenna consisting of a combination of an earth and a vertical conductor, significant improvements in the signal strength could be made. This enabled him to increase the range of his transmissions even further. In one experiment he performed Marconi operated the transmitter in the house whilst the receiver was taken into the fields. Confirmation of a signal was indicated by the operator waving a white handkerchief. However when the receiver was taken over a hill the report from a hunting rifle had to be used.

Eventually Marconi was able to detect signals at distances up to about two kilometres. Realising the possibilities this offered for communications, he offered the idea to the Italian authorities. Unfortunately they were not impressed and they dismissed the idea.

Move

History shows that Guglielmo Marconi was not deterred by his rejection, but in order to be able to exploit his idea he moved to England with his mother in February 1896.

On their arrival, Marconi and his mother were met by his cousin, Henry Jameson-Davies. He was an engineer himself, and gave the young Marconi an introduction to A.A. Campbell Swinton, Scottish consulting electrical engineer who was interested in communications and had been following some of the experiments performed by Hertz. As a result he had some connections who were of use to Marconi, introducing him to William Preece the Chief Engineer of the Post Office. Preece was keenly interested in wire-less forms of communications and had performed a number of wireless experiments himself.

Following up on his new introduction, Marconi undertook a number of demonstrations. The first was set up on the rooftops of two buildings in London in July of that year. Communication was successfully made over a distance of a few hundred yards. This impressed all that were present, especially because there were buildings in the line of transmission, and wire-less communication was still very new and a great novelty.

As a result of the success of the first demonstration a further test was requested on Salisbury Plain at the beginning of September. This time representatives from the War Office and the Admiralty were also present. In view of the additional observers, Marconi used parabolic reflectors at the transmitter and receiver to show the directional properties of the waves. This was important to show that secrecy could be maintained during transmissions. The use of this technology limited the range to only about two and a half kilometres. Further tests six months later used balloons to raise the height of more conventional antennas. This time a range of over seven kilometres was achieved.

The next demonstration was made to the press. This was very successful, partly because of the novelty of being able to communicate electrically without any intervening wires. The effect was also enhanced by the showmanship used in the performance as both transmitter and receiver were housed in black boxes. As a result Marconi became an instant celebrity.

Up until this time the new Hertzian or radio waves used by Marconi had not been put to any real use. Then in 1897 it was decided to test the new system and see if it could provide a reliable link across various stretches of water. If this were successful it would save on the installation of expensive submarine cables. In some of the first of these tests across the Bristol Channel, Marconi's system proved to be very successful, further enhancing his image.

Marconi opens for business

With the success of these tests interest in the possible uses of radio grew, and in July 1897 Marconi decided that he had to launch his own company. Named the "Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company Limited" its foundation allowed him to borrow further money to allow further tests and development to be performed. With financial backing behind him he continued his developments and tests.

Little was still understood about Wireless or Hertzian waves and therefore further tests were needed. In late 1897 Marconi erected masts over 40 metres high outside the Needles Hotel on the Isle of Wight. From here he made transmissions which he received on a boat which steamed up and down the Solent to test reception over the sea. From this site he managed to achieve a range of over 30 kilometres and also confirmed that transmissions could be reliably made over water. As evidence of this anyone visiting the Needles today can see a plaque in the car park commemorating the site of these transmissions.

With these further increases in range it was decided to attempt to make the first international radio link by transmitting across the English Channel. To achieve this, masts were set up at South Foreland and at Wimereux near Boulogne and the first successful international wireless transmissions were made in 1899. In view of its importance this test received a large amount of press coverage, and was very successful. However it also enabled new discoveries to be made because the transmissions were picked up over 130 kilometres away in Chelmsford. This discovery was very significant because until this time it was only thought that transmissions could be made over line of sight paths.

The same year brought another success for Marconi. He received his first order from the British Navy. Up until this time he had spent large sums of money on research, but had received very few orders. If his company was to survive, then he needed more orders of this nature.

More Famous Scientists in Electronics and Radio:

Volta Ampere Armstrong Appleton Babbage Bardeen Brattain Edison Faraday R A Fessenden Fleming Heaviside Hertz Ohm Oersted Gauss Hedy Lamarr Lodge Marconi Maxwell Morse H J Round Shockley Tesla

Return to History menu . . .Georg Simon Ohm - a summary of the life of Georg Simon Ohm, the man who discovered electrical resistance and gave his name to Ohm's Law.

Ohm is a name which is synonymous with the most basic electrical and electronic theory.

In fact every person who has studied physics will have heard of Ohm's Law and will be familiar with the ohm as the unit of resistance.

Yet behind the unit and the law was a very real man. Someone who performed experiments with phenomena which were at the forefront of the science of the time. Despite being ridiculed by many, Ohm brought understanding to the phenomenon of electrical resistance.

Ohm was also a person who had a great insight, he was able to develop his theories with only the most basic measuring techniques and equipment.

Georg Ohm

Ohm's birth

Georg Simon Ohm was born on the 16th March 1789 in a town called Erlangen which is relatively close to Nuremburg and around 200km north of Munich. In those days it was in an area known as Brandenburg-Bayreuth, but is now Germany.

Georg Ohm was the eldest of three children born to Johann Wolfgang and Maria.

His father was a locksmith who had a keen interest in the science of the day. He taught his children a lot of what he had learned and this was to pay dividends for some of them in the years to come.

Johann taught Georg and his brother Martin at home until Georg was 11.

Then young Georg entered secondary school and he showed he was a bright student. He went on from the secondary school to University at Erlangen in Bavaria in 1805.

Ohm made a good start here, but like so many young people today the social life seemed to have far greater attractions and his studies took second place. After just over a year he had to leave and bear the anger of his father who had so many hopes for his eldest son. This was particularly annoying because the family had struggled to provide the finances for his education.

Ohm had a rather chequered career. He took up teaching as he had a firm grounding in the science and mathematics of the day from his earlier years. He started in Switzerland and remained here for five years.

Ohm returned to Erlangen having learnt some of the hard truths about life. This time he set to work and soon obtained a PhD, although to fund his studies, Ohm took on several teaching posts in both Germany and Switzerland.

Having graduated, Ohm decided that he wanted to make something of his career. He continued his teaching but with the aim of becoming a University professor. He spent a few years moving from one post to another without any real degree of success.

To try to break his lack of progress, Ohm decided to publish a book on geometry to gain more recognition. This he did and it worked as he soon became a teacher in Cologne at the Jesuit's College which was very well respected.

Electrical experimentation starts

It was 1820 and the phenomenon of electromagnetism had only just been discovered. Ohm was fascinated by them and started to experiment. He was still teaching at the Jesuit's College and undertook this experimentation in his own time.

He performed many experiments and measured the various effects associated with them. It was a very different science to that of today. At this time, even the most basic measurements were difficult to make with any degree of accuracy. In order to measure current there were no meters as we know them today. Instead the magnetic force around the conductor was measured.

By doing this Ohm noticed that the type of conductor had an effect on the magnetic flux. He performed many experiments to try to determine any relationships that might exist. Despite the many difficulties, Ohm came up with a relationship between the current, voltage and the properties of the wire. Unfortunately it was not Ohms Law as we know it today because it even included a logarithms.

Ohm continued his work and refined his results. He managed to improve the batteries which were a major source of error in his results and he also used several pieces of similar wire, but of different lengths. Using this set up he was able to derive a new relationship and this turned out very much like the form which we all know today.

As he was now certain of his findings he published a paper. In doing this he hoped he would be able to gain recognition. However there were inevitably some of the established scientific community who treated his findings with a great deal of scepticism. They even ridiculed him in the scientific press. Even so a few people recognised his work, and he was able to move onto Berlin to proceed with further research.

Ohm's researches continue

Much of Ohm's time was now devoted to his research. He also wanted to become a professor at a leading university and he accordingly set out to do this.

The first step which Ohm took was to publish a book summarising his work. This he did in 1827 in a book called "Die GalvanischeKette Mathematisch Bearbeitet", (The Galvanic Circuit Investigated Mathematically). He also invited offers of a job from the academic institutions but as his work was received so indifferently none were forthcoming.

In this book he stated that the electromotive force acting between the extremities of any part of a circuit is the product of the strength of the current and the resistance of that part of the circuit.

As a result of this Ohm decided to resign from his post as teacher at Cologne and take up temporary teaching. This would enable him to take up any appointments if they did arise. During this time he found that his work was just beginning to be accepted, but even so nobody wanted to offer him the job he wanted.

Then in 1833 Ohm did manage to secure a better post. It was as professor of physics in Nurnberg at what we would call a polytechnic today.

The true importance of Ohm's work slowly began to be recognised, and with this came a number of honours. In 1839 he became a member of the Berlin Academy. Then in 1841 the Royal Society in London awarded him the Copley Medal and a year later he was made a foreign member.

Ohm's final years

Finally in 1852 he was appointed professor of physics at Berlin University. Unfortunately he was not able to enjoy this for long as he died shortly afterwards on 16th July 1854 in Munich. Little is actually know about the cause of his death, and he was interred in the Alter Sudfriedhof - The Old South Cemetery in Munich.

After his death Ohm's work was fully accepted. Many societies and organisations saw the need for a unit of resistance. In fact it was in Britain that the unit of resistance was first named after Ohm. Then in 1881 the unit was adopted by international agreement and Ohm's name was made immortal.

Finally he had achieved the recognition he wanted during his life time. Today there are statues of him, one notable one is at the Technical University of Munich in Bavaria, Germany.

More Famous Scientists in Electronics and Radio:

Volta Ampere Armstrong Appleton Babbage Bardeen Brattain Edison Faraday R A Fessenden Fleming Heaviside Hertz Ohm Oersted Gauss Hedy Lamarr Lodge Marconi Maxwell Morse H J Round Shockley Tesla

Return to History menu . . .Charles Babbage Biography & History A short biography of the life and history of Charles Babbage inventor, mathematician and philosopher who developed calculating machines that were the first computing machines.

Charles Babbage Biography & History Includes:

Babbage biography Inventions Facts & quotes

Charles Babbage was an English scientist: a mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer.

Out of all his work, Babbage is best remembered for originating the concept of a programmable computer.

As a result, Charles Babbage is often given the title: the Father of Computing.'

In his life, Babbage detailed plans for mechanical calculating engines, difference engines, and analytical engines. Although not the computers we know today, these were some of the first computers that were made.

Babbage's birth & early life

Charles Babbage was born on 26 December 1791 and was most likely to have been born at 44 Crosby Row, Walworth Road, London, England. There is some dispute about the date of his birth because The Times newspaper in their obituary of him gave his date of birth as 1792, but as the local parish register shows he was baptised in early 1920, the date given in The Times is probably incorrect.

When the young Charles Babbage was eight years old he attended Alphington near Exeter to recover from ill-health and to receive schooling. Then he moved to King Edward VI Grammar School located in Totnes South Devon, but poor health meant he needed to be taught by private tutors.

The fact that the Babbage family was wealthy meant he was able to receive a considerable amount of private tutoring.

The next move in Babbage's education was to a small educational academy located in Enfield, in Middlesex just outside London. This institution had a library where Charles Babbage spent many long hours reading about mathematics - this is where his love of mathematics started to grow.

While Babbage was attending the academy, he was also being tutored by two other people - here he learned about the classic mathematical methods that enabled him to be admitted to Cambridge University.

Charles Babbage at Cambridge

Charles Babbage went up to Cambridge in October 1810. His previous studies had prepared him very well for his time there. In fact he was already ahead of much of the instruction he received there in many aspects.

While at Cambridge, Babbage made links with other people whose names were to become widely known in the scientific community including John Herschel, and George Peacock.

Babbage was a brilliant mathematician, although he did not graduate with honours, but received his degree in 1814 without having the need to sit any examinations.

Babbage marries

In 1814 - the same year that Babbage graduated from Cambridge, he married Georgiana Whitmore. They had eight children together, but only three lived beyond childhood.

A year after their marriage, in 1815, Charles and Georgina moved to a home in London off Portland Place.

1827 was a tragic year for Babbage. His father with whom he had had a troubled relationship, his second son (Charles), his wife Georgiana and a new born son all died.

Being close to breakdown as a result of these personal tragedies, Babbage went on an extended trip on the Continent.

In 1828, a year after the death of his wife, Babbage moved to another home at 1 Dorset Street, Marylebone. This remained his home until his death.

Then around 1834, only a few years later, Babbage's daughter, Georgiana, of whom he was particularly fond, died while still in her teens.

As a result of all these personal tragedies, Babbage immersed himself in work and he never remarried.

Babbage after Cambridge

After he had graduated at Cambridge, Babbage was taken on by the Royal Society - an august scientific society in London. His appointment entailed lecturing on Calculus. He was very successful and after two years he was elected a member.

In addition to his activities at the Royal Institution, Babbage linked up with some University friends and he was instrumental in setting up the Astronomical Society in 1820.

He was also invited to take up a position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge.

Babbage's computers

Charles Babbage is chiefly known for his work on computers. In the 1820s, he worked on what he called his 'Difference Engine.' The initial machine used six wheels and could perform mathematical calculations. He used this machine to demonstrate the principle to a number of audiences.

Following on from this, Babbage worked on plans for a second, larger and better machine which he called his 'Difference Engine 2.' Babbage also devoted even more time to a further development of the principles in a machine he referred to as an 'Analytical Engine.' This was a much more complex machine that was able to perform any mathematical calculation. The design used punched cards to deliver instructions and it also incorporated a memory unit to store numbers as well as having several other items, all of which form the basis of today's computers.

A British mathematician named Ada Lovelace wrote a programme for the Analytical engine. As a result of this work, Ada Lovelace is often regarded as the first computer programmer.

Sadly, neither the Analytical Engine, nor the Difference Engine 2 were completed in Babbage's lifetime.

Charles Babbage: later life

From the descriptions of the life of Charles Babbage it can be seen that diplomacy was not Babbage's strong point. He was a proud and principled man, but he was often savage in attacking the scientific establishment. As a result, he offended many whose support he needed.

Charles Babbage died on Oct. 18, 1871. He is buried in the Kensal Green Cemetery in London. One half of his brain is preserved in Hunterian Museum in the Royal College of Surgeons while the other half can be viewed in the London Science Museum.

More Famous Scientists in Electronics and Radio:

Volta Ampere Armstrong Appleton Babbage Bardeen Brattain Edison Faraday R A Fessenden Fleming Heaviside Hertz Ohm Oersted Gauss Hedy Lamarr Lodge Marconi Maxwell Morse H J Round Shockley Tesla

Return to History menu . . .Ham Radio Callsigns: Amateur Radio Call Signs Ham radio callsigns are used to idenfy a particular station - but the amateur radio call sign can give far more information . . . .

Ham radio call signs includes:

Callsigns UK callsigns

Every amateur radio or ham radio station has a call sign. The reason for ham radio stations being given callsigns is that it is necessary to identify each station around the globe. With world wide radio communications possible, ham radio stations can be heard from many hundreds of different countries. In fact it was quickly found after radio started to be used that there was a need to organise radio communications. Part of their efforts to achieve this included assigning a call sign (callsign) to every radio station including amateur radio stations.

Even today many radio stations use call signs, and this forms an essential part of the communications protocol. Obviously it is not necessary for applications such as cellular phones, or wi-fi use call signs as such, but even these forms of communication use various identifiers. If they did not, then it would not be possible to route the data and telephone conversations to the correct destination. However the maritime and aeronautical services use call sign along with ham radio operators and this enables the station to be uniquely identified.

Ham radio call sign structure

All callsigns have an internationally agreed structure, and in this way it enables not only the station to be identified, but it also gives an indication of the country in which the radio station is located. Call signs for the maritime, aeronautical and fixed radio services along with those used for ham radio operation have a slightly different format, but despite this it is possible to identify what sort of station is being heard by its call sign and its country of origin.

A ham radio call sign consists of two elements: Prefix

Callsign serial characters

As the name suggests, the prefix is the first part of the call. It consists of up to three characters and it is that part of the call up to and including the last number. In other words in the ham radio call sign G3YWX, the prefix is G3. For VP8ANT it is VP8, and for 2E9QQQ it is 2E9.

The remainder of the call sign may consist one to three letters. These are effectively the "serial number" of the call. These days most ham radio call signs have three letter, although in countries where there are very few stations, one or two letters may be used. Also very old amateur radio callsigns may only have one or two letters.

Countries, prefixes & call signs

Each country is allocated prefixes for the radio call signs which it can use, and by reference to a list it is possible to identify the country and sometimes a district within the country where the station is located.

An example of a typical ham radio call sign is G3YWX. In this ham radio call sign, the prefix is G3 and from the list of amateur prefixes it can be seen that the station is located in England. Similarly the station VP8ANT is either in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands, South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands or the Antarctic. In fact this particular station was located in the Antarctic.

During contests or when stations are on the air from special events, stations may use different prefixes in their callsigns so that they can attract more attention. Whilst these prefixes may not be within the normal amateur radio callsign lists they still fall within the internationally agreed prefixes allocated to countries for all types of stations.



QSL card showing the contest ham radio callsign ZP50Y

The normal callsign for the station is ZP5JCY The normal callsign for the station is ZP5JCY

Call sign area codes

Sometimes the authorities within a country that issue ham radio callsigns further subdivide the callsign blocks they are able to issue so that it is possible to determine the actual area within the country where the amateur radio station is located or where the callsign was issued. A prime example of this is the USA where the last numeral in the prefix for stations on mainland North America indicates the state in which the call sign was issued. Canada also adopts a similar approach with their call signs, along with many other countries.



QSL card showing the callsign ZA1A (Albania)

Ham radio call sign suffixes

Often suffixes are added to a ham radio call sign. When a station is operating from an automobile it will use the suffix /M for mobile. The suffix /P may be used for portable operation, and /MM for maritime mobile. Occasionally /AM will be heard when a station is aeronautical mobile.

With international travel more common these days radio amateurs often want to set up stations in other countries. If they anticipate being there for some while a totally new call sign for the country in question is usually allocated. However if a short stay is envisaged the station is often not given a new call sign. Instead the home callsign is used with the prefix of the country where the station is located. Traditionally this additional prefix was added after the main call sign. For example G3YWX/VP9 would be located in Bermuda. However new international regulations suggest that and additional prefix is placed before the call sign. In this way F/G3YWX would be located in France.

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Return to Ham radio menu . . .Los Angeles, Feb 20 (epa-efe).- Learning that her mother died after jumping off a bridge holding her in her arms made Bertha Loaiza realize that the loved ones of a person afflicted by depression and suicidal impulses are also victims and led her to embark on a mission to promote mental health awareness among Hispanics in the United States.

Though her voice still breaks a little when talking about it, the 37-year-old Latina said she felt that she had to tell the world how the lack of attention to signs of depression marked her life since she was only 3.

On Aug. 4, 1985, Angelica Gomez, Loaiza's mom, jumped from San Diego's monumental Coronado Bridge, which stands 75m (246ft) tall.

But Gomez, 24, was not alone. She made the leap into the cold Pacific Ocean waters with 3-year-old Bertha in her arms.

Two fishermen witnessed the scene and tried to save the mother and daughter. Though they managed to revive Bertha, Angelica was beyond help. It was 5:00 p.m.

Loaiza has no memories of that tragic day, nor of how she was dubbed the "miracle baby" and how people from across the United States send cards and letters wishing her a speedy recovery from the injuries she received in the fall, including a collapsed lung, crushed knee and hip and trauma to her right eye.

Authorities concluded that Gomez's body hit the ocean first and cushioned the impact for her daughter.

The investigation showed that Gomez was suffering from severe depression in the midst of getting a divorce.

Loaiza knew none of this while growing up in the home of her maternal grandparents, where the presence of Angelica took the form of photos that were all over the house.

"I grew up thinking that my mom had died in a car accident," Loaiza told EFE.

"My story is a miracle and I think that this miracle can be repeated in many families. You have to seek help," the mother of two said.

Bertha was 17 when she discovered the truth by watching a recording of news reports from that fateful day in 1985.

"There was a lot of confusion, anger, I also felt guilty. My family apologized and I understood that it was the right time for me to know," Loaiza said.

The following years were not easy. Loaiza needed therapy to process not only the suicide, but the fact that Angelica had meant for her to die as well.

In time, Bertha understood that depression is often hard to detect.

"It's not like cancer, that you can diagnose how severe the problem is. Here, you can reach the point of suicide and nobody notices," Loaiza said.

Ten years after learning the truth, the Californian began to think that her story had a purpose: to transform her into a crusader for mental health, especially among Latinos.

Loaiza knows that the issue remains taboo for Hispanics, and that talking about mental problems evokes the specter of madness, something nobody wants in their family.

It took a few more years for Loaiza to find the strength to speak out publicly.

Once she did, she decided the best place to start was where her mother's life ended, joining the Coronado San Diego Bridge Collaborative For Suicide Prevention to advocate for construction of barriers on the span.

More than 400 people have leapt from the bridge since it opened in 1969.

The incidence of suicide has increased 30 percent in the United States over the last 30 years, according to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

"There are ways to talk to children and educate them on this topic, because we need a lot in the field of suicide prevention for adolescents," Loaiza said.

To broaden her knowledge, she enrolled in Kaiser Permanente's campaign "Encuentra que decir" (Find the Words).

Psychiatrist Luis Manuel Sandoval, who works with the campaign, says that Bertha's message is very important, especially in reaching out to the immigrant community and to teens.

He cites CDC statistics showing that Latino teens are more likely to think about and attempt suicide than there non-Hispanic peers.

"I hope my story motivates Latinos to learn about the signs of depression and suicide and to know that there is help," Loaiza said.Stalins DMK is likely to contest 20 to 25 seats. The rest may go to other alliance partners.

According to sources, the Congress wants to make it a round 10 seats in Tamil Nadu but DMK believes that one extra seat will backfire for the alliance. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: A day after AIADMK-BJP announced an alliance, the Congress is likely to formalise their partnership for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections with MK Stalins DMK today. The party may get 9 seats out of 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry.

Stalins DMK is likely to contest 20 to 25 seats. The rest may go to other alliance partners.

According to sources, the Congress wants to make it a round 10 seats in Tamil Nadu but DMK believes that one extra seat will backfire for the alliance.

Earlier, in 2004, Congress has contested 10 seats in Tamil Nadu as part of the DMK-led alliance and in 2009, the Congress contested 16 seats.

However, in 2014, the two parties contested separately.

Congress leader KC Venugopal and Mukul Wasnik are expected to visit the state on Wednesday to seal the deal with Stalins party.

DMK's Kanimozhi met Congress president Rahul Gandhi twice, on Monday morning and Tuesday evening, to finalise the seat-sharing formula.

Sources said, Kanimozhi had met Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday morning and proposed 9+1 seat sharing formula between DMK and the Congress.

The DMK made it clear that it wants to contest 25 seats, which would mean a smaller share for the Congress, with seven smaller parties in the alliance.

Initially, Stalin's party offered eight seats, but the Congress reportedly wanted 11.

The two finally agreed on middle ground.

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram and former Union Minister EVKS Elangovan were among the leaders at the meeting.Effingham, IL (62401)

Today

Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.Wallace Broecker, the groundbreaking scientist responsible for popularizing the term "global warming," died in New York Monday at the age of 87.

Broecker spent almost 67 years researching at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, which confirmed his death, Columbia's Earth Institute reported.

"One of the last of the giants of our field no longer walks among us," Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Director Sean Solomon wrote in an email to colleagues shared with NPR.

Global Warming



Broecker brought the term "global warming" into common usage with a 1975 paper titled "Climatic Change: Are We on the Brink of a Pronounced Global Warming?" The paper argued that the impacts of carbon dioxide on the global climate were being obscured by a natural 40-year cooling period. Once the period ended, the impacts of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide would begin to be felt in earnest. Temperature increases since 1976 largely proved him correct.

"Wally was unique, brilliant and combative," Princeton University professor Michael Oppenheimer told the Associated Press. "He wasn't fooled by the cooling of the 1970s. He saw clearly the unprecedented warming now playing out and made his views clear, even when few were willing to listen."

The Great Ocean Conveyor

Another one of Broecker's great climate-related achievements was describing how the circulation of warm and cold water through the earth's oceans helps regulate climate. Warm, shallow water travels from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean, around Africa and into the North Atlantic, where it hits cold water from the Arctic, sinks and returns to the Pacific. It then warms and restarts the motion, The Earth Institute explained.

Broecker realized that changes in the climate could disrupt this system, leading to dramatic climate shifts within decades. He theorized that a European deep freeze 12,000 years ago might have been caused by an initial warming trend that melted northern ice sheets and disrupted ocean circulation with cold water. He thought modern climate change could have similar consequences.

"The climate system is an angry beast, and we are poking it with sticks," he often said.

His ideas about rapid climate shifts inspired the 2004 film The Day After Tomorrow, although the movie's depiction is far from realistic.

Broecker was born in Chicago in 1931 and joined Columbia's faculty in 1959, according to The Associated Press. He was awarded the National Medal of Science in 1996, among other honors.



While colleagues have referred to him as the "grandfather of climate science" or the "father of global warming," he has rejected such titles for himself, saying other scientists have more claim to them, The New York Times reported.

"It is my hope that the title 'Father of Global Warming' does not appear on my tombstone," he once wrote, according to The New York Times.

He asked Lamont colleague and geochemist Sidney Hemming to scatter his ashes on the ocean during her next research trip, according to the Earth Institute.

A Conversation With My Grandfather, Wallace Broecker youtu.be



By Daniel Ross

Hurricane Florence, which battered the U.S. East Coast last September, left a trail of ruin and destruction estimated to cost between $17 billion and $22 billion. Some of the damage was all too visiblesmashed homes and livelihoods. But other damage was less so, like the long-term environmental impacts in North Carolina from hog waste that spilled out over large open-air lagoons saturated in the rains.

Hog waste can contain potentially dangerous pathogens, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. According to the state's Department of Environmental Quality, as of early October nearly 100 such lagoons were damaged, breached or were very close to being so, the effluent from which can seep into waterways and drinking water supplies.

Rather than an isolated problem, however, the story of North Carolina's failure to properly manage its hog waste opens a door to what critics say is a much wider national and global issue: the increasingly extensive and varied impacts on our water resources, air and soils from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).

"The big problem with this model is the waste management problem that it creates, generating so much waste in such high concentration," said Will Hendrick, staff attorney with the Waterkeeper Alliance, a network of organizations monitoring U.S. waterways. "We haven't really improved the technologies for managing this waste beyond what we were using centuries ago."

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

In recent decades, livestock numbers have soared in the U.S., while the number of actual farms has shrunka dynamic fueled in part by the government's acquiescence to industrial farming mega-mergers. In 2015, for example, just four companies accounted for 85 percent of the nation's beef packing industry. This has given rise to what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calls CAFOs, livestock operations where animalsprimarily cows, pigs and chickensare kept and raised in confined spaces.

The amount of animal feces and urine produced in these facilities is staggeringmore than 40 times the waste generated in wastewater treatment plants. Most CAFO waste is spread over farmland as fertilizer. But unlike strictly regulated human waste, the waste generated by CAFOs isn't held to the same standard and is largely untreated. "The basic legal theory, which is basic legal fiction, is that the waste will be kept on site and applied to adjacent cropland and [will] never enter our water-bodies," said Hendrick.

What actually happens is that potentially toxic chemicals, drugs and bacteria in untreated animal wastes drain off or leach through the soils, making their way into the nation's rivers, streams, groundwater and drinking water at alarming rates, directly impacting communities. Iowa's largest municipal water utility provider, for example, recently sued a number of upstream drainage districts for excessive drinking water nitrate levels caused by farmland runoff. The lawsuit, however, was subsequently dismissed, the judge ruling it a problem for the state legislatures to tackle.

CAFO wastes are regulated to some extent. Under the Clean Water Act, for example, operators must file a nutrient management plan with their state environmental agencies. "Whether spread next to the CAFO or on neighboring fields, that manure spreading is done only after a careful analysis of both the manure itself and the land it's applied to. There are legal penalties attached to violating those plans," said Will Rodger, a spokesperson for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in an email. The bureau is a powerful lobbying organization that has championed efforts to weaken the Clean Water Act.

Enforcement of these management plans, however, varies from state to state, said Tom Pelton, spokesperson for the Environmental Integrity Project, a nonprofit environmental watchdog. "In reality, there's not much enforcement, and they're also difficult to enforce," he added.

Soil Oversaturated With Animal Manure

The prevalence of veterinary drug use in industrial farming, and the associated health risks when humans are exposed to these drugs, is another factor that critics highlight. Antibiotics, for example, make their way through the waste-streams at these facilities and out into the environment, leading to fears of increased antibiotic resistance in humans, not to mention their damaging impacts on sensitive ecosystems.

There's also the question of what to do with excess animal waste when the available agricultural land surrounding CAFOs is limited, leading to oversaturation of soils with animal manure. "There are still some states that have not banned applying this waste on frozen ground," said Patty Lovera, assistant director at Food & Water Watch, a consumer advocacy organization that has called for an end to factory farms. "That's not about growing crops. That's about disposal."

Animal waste doesn't only impact valuable water resources. Industrial livestock production generates huge quantities of methane, an especially potent greenhouse gas. According to the EPA, all national agricultural processes, including livestock production, accounted for 9 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2016. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization pins the percentage share from livestock production on overall anthropogenic global greenhouse emissions much higherat 14.5 percent.

Despite the fact that the EPA has long known about high levels of CAFO-produced air pollution, the agency is seeking to exempt these facilities from having to report toxic air emissions like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide under a federal right-to-know law, though a group of environmental organizations filed a lawsuit last year to halt that proposed rule.

Air quality issues from industrial farming can also be more locally felt. In North Carolina, for example, neighbors of a hog farm operated by Murphy-Brown filed a lawsuit in 2014 against the owners complaining of nuisance noises and odors, worsening their quality of life. Theirs was one of a number of lawsuits against Smithfield Foods, Murphy-Brown's parent company. The plaintiffs from that particular suit were recently awarded $473.5 million. But the state legislature also passed a law limiting the legal action that residents can now take against neighboring CAFOs.

Agricultural Chemicals

More animals, of course, means that more crops must be grown to feed them, which leads to broader industrial farming impacts, including runoff from agricultural chemicals like those found in fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. What kinds of impacts do these chemicals have? A recent study out of New Zealand finds that certain bacteria develop antibiotic resistance up to 100,000 times faster when exposed to common herbicides like Roundup and Kamba. Agricultural runoff also helps feed harmful algae blooms.

According to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) analysis of data from 2014 and 2015, the drinking water in 1,700 individual systems (affecting approximately 7 million people) contained nitrogen at levels higher than 5 parts per million (ppm), an amount the National Cancer Institute says increases the risk of colon, kidney, ovarian and bladder cancers. The EWG also found that nearly 32,000 Americans received drinking water containing nitrogen at levels exceeding the EPA's threshold of 10 ppma limit set more than 55 years ago.

Nor is it cheap for consumers to filter out chemicals like nitrates themselves, explained Anne Weir Schechinger, EWG's senior economic analyst. As an example, the Iowan utility tackling elevated drinking water nitrate levels is reportedly spending $15 million to expand its filtration technology. "That's why we want to make sure our audience has more [information] resources so they can protect themselves if the EPA isn't going to," Weir Schechinger said, pointing to EWG's drinking water database.

The American Farm Bureau Federation disputes EWG's findings, and points to what it regards as "inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity" in drinking water. "We are not impressed with this effort, nor the quality of EWG's reports across the board," said Will Rodger in an email. In response, Weir Schechinger explained how for decades, "peer-reviewed studies have shown a clear link between an increased risk of cancer and nitrate levels in tap water that are lower than EPA's legal limitand no amount of lobbying from special interest groups will change the science."

Indeed, the health risks associated with living in close proximity to CAFOs are becoming increasingly clearer. A recent study out of Duke University found that North Carolinians who live near hog farms have higher death rates from a variety of health issuesincluding anemia, kidney disease, septicemia, tuberculosis and infant mortalitycompared to those who live further away from such facilities. And who are the people most affected? CAFOs disproportionately impact low-income rural communities, African Americans, Latino Americans and Native Americans.

What Can Be Done?

The regulatory framework existsin federal laws like the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Actto force CAFO operators to properly dispose of their waste, said Sacoby Wilson, associate professor at the University of Maryland's School of Public Health. The problem is, "They [CAFO operators] have a very strong hook in the legislature," he said, pointing to the political clout that large agricultural organizations wield. That's why CAFO operators have for so long circumvented more stringent waste disposal laws, according to Wilson.

But Wilson stressed that in the event CAFOs are held to tougher laws in the future, the costs associated with modernizing these facilities should be absorbed by the large conglomerates driving the CAFO industry, rather than the smaller farm operators, many of whom struggle financially. "In the process of compliance, there would have to be some modifications made to make sure the costs are internalized by the corporations," said Wilson. "We're not anti-farmers, we're pro-farmers. We're not anti-development, we are pro-sustainable development."

Experts point to other things that CAFO operators can do to minimize their environmental footprint. Greater use of cover crops would promote healthier soils and reduce erosion. Buffer strips and terracesnatural devices that intercept pollutantshelp reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff. But other proposed changes are more controversial. Methane digesters might sound like a good way of transforming methane emissions into renewable energy, but critics pick holes in such technologies, arguing that they do little to nothing to tackle the sheer volume of animal waste generated. More broadly, critics highlight ethical issues inherent in CAFOs, pointing to instances of animal abuse and cramped living conditions.

At the end of the day, though CAFOs are the "dominant model of agriculture," said Lovera, "we didn't vote" for this system. "If I could wave the magic wand, everybody would be using different agricultural techniques, but it's going to take some steps to get us there."

This article was produced by Earth | Food | Life, a project of the Independent Media Institute, and was originally published by Truthout.



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Google must remove search results about medical regulators' conditional suspension of a Dutch physician in the first "right to be forgotten" case of its kind in the European Union.

After Google and Dutch data privacy watchdog Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens rebuffed the doctor's initial attempts to get disciplinary actions purged from online search results, a district court in Amsterdam sided with the surgeon.

The physician had an interest in preventing her full name from appearing in Google search engine links connected to a blacklist of doctors, the court found.

The surgeon's right to be left out of Google's search results outweighed the public's right to use the search engine to find the information, the court maintained.

Although the court acknowledged that information at the blacklist site was accurate, it stated that the pejorative name of the site suggested the surgeon wasn't fit to treat people, which was not supported by the regulators' findings.

Google as Censor

Because the blacklist site contained accurate information, it would have been an uphill battle for the surgeon to force it to take down the offending information about her.

"They didn't go after the site because they had no grounds," said Adam Holland, a project manager at the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University in Boston.

However, "if they could render it invisible in Google, that's practical obscurity, which is the next best thing to taking the information down," he told TechNewsWorld.

Right-to-be-forgotten cases have placed Google in the role of a censor, observed French Caldwell, CFO of The Analyst Syndicate, an IT research and analysis group in Washington, D.C.

"The reason is it's much easier to deal with Google from a regulatory enforcement standpoint than it is to deal with millions of source sites," he told TechNewsWorld.

"Google has been made the de facto censor of Europe," Caldwell said. "That's an awful lot of power to hand over to a private company."

The European Union has been asking Google to exercise judgment in circumstances that didn't require it before, Robert E. Cattanach, a partner in the Dorsey law firm in Minneapolis, told TechNewsWorld.

"Once you put that power in the hands of a platform, where's the accountability?" he asked. "Who's going to say to Google, 'Take this down but leave this up'?"

Precedent for Professions

Without its search findings, people would have trouble finding relevant information on the medical regulator's Big Register, where its public records are available online, Google argued in the case.

However, the notion that consumers depend on Google search results to choose doctors is questionable.

"I don't think consumers are googling names, clicking on links and saying, 'Here's an unverifiable database of names. I'm going to make my doctor decisions based on that,'" suggested the Berkman Center's Holland. "That seems pretty tenuous to me."

The court initially handed down its ruling in the case last summer, but up to now, legal wrangling over whether it should be made public prevented its release.

Since then, the surgeon's attorney has tried to remove from the blacklist the details of 15 doctors who have been involved in disciplinary actions.

"This sets a precedent," Holland said, "especially for any profession that is often reviewed and likely to have these third-party sites collecting disciplinary information about the profession."

Missing Misdeeds

It's worrisome not only that important information about this particular doctor will be difficult for consumers to find, but also that other information will be obscured, said The Analyst Syndicate's Caldwell.

"I think there is a danger that people who commit deeds consumers should know about are going to have their information blocked," he said.

"It's going to have a negative impact on consumers," said Dorsey's Cattanach. "We all depend on online, reputable resources to make decisions. If you start denying that information, we aren't going to make as many good decisions."

In the United States, this decision rubs against prevailing trends toward transparency, to provide consumers with information about everything from police actions to sexual harassment violations, to rent charged in rent control areas, observed Timothy Toohey, an attorney with the Greenberg Glusker law firm in Los Angeles.

"Europeans believe a person is entitled to a fresh start," he explained.

That can be very hard in the digital age, when "one remark broadcast on the Internet can destroy a person," Toohey remarked.

Right to Be Forgotten

The "right to be forgotten" originated in a 2014 decision by the European Court of Justice in a case involving Mario Costeja Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, a Spanish man, filed a lawsuit with the court after a newspaper in Catalonia refused to delete a 1998 auction notice about his repossessed home. He argued the matter had been settled and no longer should appear in Google's search results.

The court sided with Gonzalez and ordered Google to erase links to the pages at the newspaper that contained the auction information.

In its ruling, the court noted that European citizens had the right to ask search engines to remove search result links that were "inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant or excessive ... in the light of the time that had elapsed."

Since the decision, some 3 million Europeans have made right-to-be-forgotten requests.

However, the right applies only to European searches, a principle recently affirmed by the ECJ after France tried to expand the right globally.

A number of UK and international free speech groups opposed France's move, arguing that extending the power would encourage censorship in countries like China, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Ignored Potential Problems

The ECJ adopted a black-and-white position on the right to be forgotten, Cattanach said.

"They knew there would be places on the margin where ... it would make no sense, but they were intimidated by the prospect of creating exceptions, and exceptions to the exceptions, and getting bogged down forever in debate and drafting," he explained.

"So they made it an absolute right, and it trumps the rights, among others, of consumers to be given important public information about service providers," Cattahach noted. "They decided to go with that even though they knew it would create some problems."

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.

Not only is Sidhu being called a traitor, Kapil Sharma too is being branded the same.

By tacitly supporting his friend Congress parliamentarian Navjot Singh Sidhu, popular standup comedian Kapil Sharma faces a huge uproar of protest that he may find impossible to handle.

Reacting to (wrong) reports of Sidhus sacking from the Kapil Sharma Show, Kapil said sacking Sidhu is not the solution to the terror attack from Pakistan. Following this, huge welters of protest have erupted against Kapil on social media.

Not only is Sidhu being called a traitor, Kapil Sharma too is being branded the same.

Matters have reached a flashpoint and Salman Khan who is the producer of the Kapil Sharma Show has been asked to intervene.

Says a source, Salman who has his own reputation to protect may dissociate himself from the Kapil Sharma show. This may be a huge setback for Kapil.Lloyds pilot scheme to boost the number of retailers offering cashback

Lloyds Banking Group in partnership with Visa has announced a new pilot scheme designed to boost access to cash, which will see local retailers paid to offer cashback to customers in their stores.

Currently business owners do not receive a fee when providing cashback to their customers. The new fee will offer more support to retailers and increase the number of places where people can withdraw their money.

This is not a substitute for ATMs or branches. The scheme is aimed at creating more availability where access to cash is challenging and customers will still have the choice to pay with their cards and mobile devices as they do today.

The cashback incentive will target areas of the UK where access to cash has been identified as being more difficult, such as rural or less-affluent areas which often rely on a very small number of ATMs.

Its hoped that the initiative will also give customers more reasons to visit local shops at a time of unprecedented challenges for British high streets.

Protecting access to cash

Despite the use of coins and notes declining significantly in recent years, millions of people across the country continue to rely on cash. This is especially true for certain groups in society such as the elderly.

For the vast majority of the population, cash remains easily accessible via 50,000+ free-to-use ATMs, 7,000+ bank branches and 11,500+ Post Offices. However, for those looking to access cash in more remote or isolated locations, the options available to withdraw money are often less convenient.

Meanwhile there are tens of thousands of local high street shops which have the infrastructure in place to offer a cashback service but may not see it as a viable option  especially without a purchase  as they do not receive a fee for providing cashback.

Vim Maru, Group Director Retail, Lloyds Banking Group said: Our new cashback pilot, in partnership with Visa, aims to increase the number of places where people can withdraw their money, particularly in those areas which are currently under-served by free-to-use ATMs where a customers access to cash may be more vulnerable.

The unlocked potential of cashback is obvious, as there are literally tens of thousands of local shops up and down our high streets that already have all the infrastructure in place to offer this service. We need to make it more viable for them to offer cashback to all customers, whether making a purchase or not.

Were excited to be launching our cashback incentive pilot this spring, and we hope that all banks and card companies will back the scheme and work alongside us and Visa to create a cashback system that rewards retailers and protects access to cash.

Jeni Mundy, Managing Director, UK & Ireland, Visa said: Although digital payments continue to grow in popularity across the UK, we know that many people still rely on cash to manage their day-to-day expenditure. This is why were extremely pleased to partner with Lloyds Banking Group to increase access to cash.

This is another important measure to ensure that nobody is excluded from the financial system and underlines our commitment to working with our partners to give people a choice in how they pay  be that with cash, cards, mobile devices or other means.

Lloyds Banking Group remains an active supporter of LINKs programme for Protected ATMs, as well as their longstanding Financial Inclusion programme. However it also recognises the need for new and innovative solutions to ensure that access to cash is provided for consumers as and when they want to secure it.Where are the best places to shop? Who gives the best haircut? Who cooks the best burger? Join our readers in selecting the "Best of Windham."

Make your picks!Bollywood is bleeding for the soldiers but they are bleeding from their revenues as well.

Following on the lines of Total Dhamaal and Luka Chuppi, other big Bollywood films like Badla and Kesari will also not release in Pakistan.

Other big filmmakers are also expected to follow suit. But that has now placed a new challenge before the filmmakers  Bollywood is bleeding for the soldiers but they are bleeding from their revenues too.

The trade is buzzing with the news that filmmakers will now look to make more money from other deals and by selling other territories to offset the losses created by not selling the Pakistan territory rights.

We have to agree that we need to place the country before everything else. So if there is a shortfall in the monies to be recovered from the sale of the films  filmmakers are now re-negotiating with the channels and digital platforms asking for a higher price from the satellite and digital sales of the film because they will not be able to recoup a certain sum of money for films that have already been made and sold for all territories including Pakistan. So, if the Pak deal is off, how does the recovery happen? asks a trade expert.

A film like Bharat which is about the Partition was also expected to release in a grand way in Pakistan by virtue of its subject. When a huge Salman Khan project is mounted, every territory is sold at that very moment. So, unless the impasse ends and relations between India and Pakistan do not become better, filmmakers will bleed and look for better monies from other deals, says the source.

 Sanskriti MediaReaders Survey

As our valued readers, we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out the survey below. - Thank you, Eastern Arizona Courier Click HereDigital technology and cloud services are so ubiquitous today we often take easy access to services for granted without considering our information security first. As we begin 2019, its time to start making more informed choices about security to prevent a data breach before it happens.

What are we not informed about?

Cheap and easy access to technology cant be that bad, can it? Lets take a cursory look at what many people are notinformed about when it comes to fancy devices and seemingly helpful services.

Some of the security choices we dont know we are making are seen with cheap smartphones, voice assistants and lax practices such as using the same password for a multitude of cloud services.

Problems arise when malware steals data from your phone; voice assistants snoop on you and share conversations with marketers and law enforcement; and one password compromise leads to all your cloud services being accessed without your knowledge.

We dont need to be paranoid about digital or shun it completely, we just need to be more aware of the choices we make and implications of them. By being better informed, we can avoid or mitigate security issues before its too late.

The free illusion

If it sounds too good to be true it probably is, or so the saying goes.

A huge problem today is many people rely on free IT services without considering the security implications.

Consider the free Wi-Fi conundrum. When people  including business people  travel overseas it is not uncommon for them to use a free Wi-Fi service operated by a hotel or coffee shop.

I know of one case where a traveller in an Asian country decided to connect to a free Wi-Fi service instead of a paid-for option. The problem was the free Wi-Fi was operated by criminal syndicate (access points can have exactly the same name) which siphoned all the network traffic from the persons notebook stealing sensitive information.

If the person was better informed of the cost-risk equation for using free Wi-Fi then paying for a more trusted service would have been an easy choice. Is $10 per day a lot compared with a sensitive data breach? No, it isnt.

There is another saying we should all think about when weighing up our security choices: If the product is free then you are the product.

Free services, including all our favourite social networks, do a good job of talking you into signing up to a free service and take that as an agreement to share your data.

They are trying to coerce you into not make a rational choice about your data security. Similar to when people choose to use the same passwords, they are not understanding what making that choice means. Handing over sensitive information to a social network can result in a lot more inconvenience to you rather than the provider.

Dont throw in the towel

A question Im often asked is why should I bother about security if even big companies are suffering from data breaches?

The same way we make choice to own care with airbag or alarm, being sure about the choices you make and the ramifications of them can go a long way to minimising harm. The companies offering online services understand we might not make the choice to use the service if we are properly informed, so its our right to protect our information wherever possible.

We also shouldnt wait for government legislation to force companies to act. Australia now has data breach legislation, but there have already been cases where companies have not acted on the advice and been breached. For many companies, security can be a tick in the box for compliance reasons rather than keeping data safe.

In 2019 we need to be able to understand we are making sensible security choices and use technology and services to minimise our exposure.

People will still not keep things secure and, however astonishingly, will still be surprised when breaches happen or digital assistants start speaking out offers to you.

Resist as long as possible because its not fun when youre the victim of a data breach.

Dont wait until its too late to make better security choices. While we might never live in a world free from cyber attacks and the resulting fraud, making it all too easy for attackers only proliferates the problem.

About the author

Phil Kernick, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at CQR ConsultingDundalk Soup Kitchen is finally due to open its doors this weekend after a three-month delay as the charity waited for ESB crews to hook up the premises.

Owner Mark O'Neill, who also runs soup kitchens in Navan, Drogheda, and Balbriggan, told the Democrat: "We had the ESB in today after a few delays with getting supplies hooked up. We have our machines and fridges all hooked up now. So we'll be in there tomorrow cleaning the place out and hope to have it open this Friday or Saturday. We're gearing up to open on Friday."

Mark also added that whilst the premises was marred by delays he has been busy delivering food parcels to families across Dundalk since late December.

The Soup Kitchen, which is located at 18 Bridge Street, will serve free meals between the hours of 9am to 4pm Mondays to Saturdays and from 10am to 3pm on Sundays and also provide a free food parcel to locals who are struggling to make ends meet.

The owner, Mark can be contacted on 085 881 1112 if you are in need of a food parcel or if you would like to volunteer with the soup kitchen.

ESB crews installing electricity at the Soup Kitchen on Bridge Street today

PIC: NIALL MCEVOY

Speaking to the Democrat last December Mark explained: "Everyone is welcome. Some people don't understand that our service is completely free, you don't need to pay a cent to come into us. That's the message we're trying to get across.

We want to give people the full restaurant experience so that people can keep that piece of dignity intact. A few years ago the person might have enjoyed going out to a restaurant and ordering food but they might not have the funds now. You don't have to have anything in your pocket to dine with us.

He added: "In the mornings, up to about 12pm, we serve a full Irish breakfast, cereals, a boiled egg, and toast - whatever people ask for we can make it. In the afternoons we serve up a choice of dinners - everything from chicken breast, cottage pie, lasagne to fish and chips. People are also welcome to call in for an evening coffee and sandwiches. We will accommodate people whatever time they come in."

READ MORE: Dundalk Soup Kitchen owners' vow: "I won't see anybody go hungry this Christmas"22 Louth drivers purchased an electric vehicle last year and qualified for a 5,000 grant, up to 5,000 off VRT and cheaper tolls, according to figures shared today by Dundalk Fine Gael cllr John McGahon.

"There are excellent support schemes available to help people adapt to a more climate sensitive lifestyle", Cllr McGahon said. .

Range anxiety is a problem for Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers, but the government has just awarded a 10m grant to the ESB.

The upgrading of standard chargers to fast chargers at 50 locations and the replacement of 528 standard chargers that are currently in use with new standard chargers will significantly improve the reliability of the charging network.

The expanded network will support 40,000 EVs, about four times the present number. By 2025, every employer with more than 20 parking spaces will also be required to have an EV charger.

As a community we need to think more about choices like these. I am seeking to develop momentum for Climate Action in a plan which is now in preparation.

Focusing then on energy efficiency, Cllr McGahon continued:

Many of our homes have very poor building energy ratings. Big savings in energy, in greenhouse gases and in comfort can be achieved by taking up these schemes.

According to Cllr McGahon, over 1,221 Louth Homes, the fourth highest figure in the country after Dublin, Cork and Meath, homes availed of the 20-30% grant for better energy efficiency in their home. Availing of the Warmer Homes initiative, which is confined to home owners who qualify for the Fuel Scheme, this covers the entire cost for eligible families.

All of these schemes are administered by SEAI and funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment", said Cllr McGahon.

I would encourage everyone to consider availing of a scheme most suitable to your needs, more on how to avail of these grants can be found on www.seai.ie

We are a small country but we have a big role to play in meeting this challenge at home and on the world stage, the Fine Gael Councillor concluded.Tickets are now on sale for Louth Contemporary Music Society's Summer Festival Stations of the Sun, which will take place on the weekend of June 21 and 22.

A spokesperson for Louth CMS said: "On the evening of Friday, June 21 and through the whole next day, as the sun shines longest on our northern hemisphere, new music will burst forth in Dundalk. The midsummer sun brings some of the most exciting composers and outstanding musicians from around the globe to the town for Louth Contemporary Music Societys annual festival of new music. This year, in the image of a ritual journey, Stations of the Sun will follow the solar cycle in a sequence of five concerts.

"The path begins and ends with music by the Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, making her first visit to Ireland. Internationally esteemed for her sonic imagination and expressive power, Saariaho works with contemporary digital means and ancient scales to create dreamlike music, loaded with a strong feeling for nature and with primal human emotion. In Dundalk, vocal and instrumental pieces from throughout her career will be performed by musicians including Aliisa Neige Barriere, Meta 4 String Quartet, Jakob Kullberg, Camilla Hoitenga and Raphaele Kennedy with whom she collaborates closely.

"Stations of the Sun is also proud to present a new work by the Hungarian composer Gyorgy Kurtag, who, at the age of 92, has recently been acclaimed worldwide for his first opera, setting Samuel Becketts Endgame. There will also be a performance of Kurtags Bach-inspired HiPartita for solo violin, given by the musician for whom it was written: the extraordinary Hiromi Kikuchi.

"Music by three diverse composers will follow in the atmospheric and resonant space of the old Dundalk Gaol. Linda Caitlin Smiths new work comes out of North American minimalism, carrying a care for detail that is uniquely hers and intensely telling. Peter Garland, coming from something of the same background but going very much his own way, arrives with a new piece for string quartet and tenor voice. Pascale Criton uses special tunings to explore very small intervals in music that is mesmerizing.

"Also to be heard for the first time in Ireland are the sonorous voices of the Moscow Russian Patriarchate Choir, in new pieces and venerable chants. The Moscow Russian Patriarchate Choir, with conductor Anatoly Grindenko, led the way in the rediscovery of Orthodox church music in the late years of the Soviet regime. At this time - when the music was far from approved by the government - the choir spent years decoding ancient manuscripts and giving the first performances of works that had lain in obscurity for centuries."

Further details available from www.louthcms.org

Tickets available from www.eventbrite.ie/e/ stations-of-the-sun-21-22- june-2019-tickets-53509632752

This festival is funded by the Arts Council and Create Louth.Indian govt has not taken a position on such deployments, and asserted that the company will comply with the rules of the country.

Last year, Idea and Vodafone completed the merger of their India operations to create the country's largest telecom operator.

New Delhi: India's largest telecom operator Vodafone Idea Ltd said Wednesday that the auction of 5G spectrum should not be held before 2020 as the industry needs time to develop India-specific use cases for the next-generation technology.

Vodafone Idea Chief Technology Officer Vishant Vora told reporters that the full integration of the two telecom networks post the mega merger last year is "on track" and expected to be completed by June 2020.

On the globally contentious issue of use of communications equipment of Chinese vendors, Vora said that the Indian government has not taken a position on such deployments, and asserted that the company will comply with the rules of the country.

"Within Indian context, the government has not taken a position unlike some other countries....Australia, New Zealand, and the US...have taken a clear position...Of course, we will follow whatever the Indian government decides and we will work with the government to ensure that India's strategic needs and security are fully looked after," he said.

Last year, Idea and Vodafone completed the merger of their India operations to create the country's largest telecom operator to take on competition from rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.

British telecom major Vodafone holds 45.1 stake in the combined entity, while Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Aditya Birla Group controls 26 per cent and Idea shareholders own 28.9 per cent.

"We, at the time of merger, had said it will take three years for completing the integration of the network. We have since then revised that estimate and said we will complete this by June 2020 which is half the time. We are on track for that," Vora said.

Asked whether the company is in favour of auction of radiowaves this year, Vora said that the company has the capability of near-5G services even with its current spectrum holding. "

The 2020 and spectrum issue is different. It is not about us running out of spectrum. It is more related to developing India specific use cases for 5G. And given the current focus on giving high speed broadband services across vast geography of India, we believe industry needs to stay focused on that mission and 5G is something much more suitable that can come after 2020," he said.

Vora added: "The most appropriate time to hold auctions will be somewhere after 2020". On whether the company would participate in auctions if they were to be held this year, Vora declined to comment.Duncan, OK (73533)

Today

Thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low near 70F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.Home Four wheelers Nissan Livina MPV Unveiled In Indonesia  Should The Nissan Livina Launch In India? oi-Abhinand Venugopal

Nissan has unveiled the all-new Livina MPV in Indonesia. Based on the new-generation Mitsubishi Xpander MPV, the Nissan Livina features the Japanese brand's latest design philosophy which includes the sharp body lines and the signature V-Motion grille. From the looks of it, we think the seven-seater Nissan Livina should launch in India.

Equipped with Nissan's Intelligent Mobility features, the Livina MPV "drives the company's vision to transform the way people live and drive". The all-new Nissan Serena MPV was also unveiled at the same venue.

Speaking at the event, Isao Sekiguchi, President Director of Nissan Indonesia shared, "Today marks the next step in our 50-year journey of delivering safe, smart and sustainable mobility to more people in Indonesia. We build on this heritage by launching two new MPVs, with Indonesia being the first market worldwide to receive the all-new Nissan Livina."

"Nissan's customers demand advanced technologies, strong safety features, as well as comfort and convenience to suit the whole family. We are meeting these demands through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which is embedded in both vehicles," he further added.

The Nissan Livina comes with smartphone connectivity, navigation, hill-start assist, stability control and traction control. To improve its practicality, the MPV features 12V power outlets in all three rows, while also boasting best-in-class cabin insulation levels. The seats can be titled or folded to create space for more stuff.

Powering the Nissan Livina seven-seater MPV is a 1.5-litre Twin VTC (Variable-valve Timing Control) four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 103bhp and 141Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

If the Nissan Livina comes to the Indian market, it will most probably sport the existing 1.5-litre K9K DCi diesel found in the new Nissan Kicks (read the review) and various other Renault-Nissan products sold in the country.

Thoughts On The New Nissan Livina

It is too early to comment on whether the Nissan Livina will be launched in India at some point in the future. However, from the looks of it, the Nissan Livina could be a worthy alternative to the likes of the Mahindra Marazzo and the segment-leading Toyota Innova Crysta. What are your thoughts on the Nissan Livina? Let us know in the comment section below.

Most Viewed VideosAfter several presentations outlining future revenue needs, retiring Houston County Chief Administrative Officer Bill Dempsey responded to a key question: what have you done with my money lately?

If Im a taxpayer, I know I would ask, Well, why dont you cut costs? he said during a Houston County Commission work session Tuesday. Over the past 10 years, weve made cuts just to keep our head above water. Weve reduced the workforce from 443 to 406, most of those in Road and Bridge. Thats $1.9 million. The safety program  saves us $459,000 in premiums a year.

Dempseys presentation concluded several from county and local school officials listing the financial challenges many departments face. Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver said the governing body organized the meeting to inform the public about the impact growing expenses could have on future services.

This commission is committed to trying to do something, he said. We cant put our heads in the sand and expect the same services. We want the citizens to understand what is at risk, what we need. If were going to provide these services, we have to have this conversation.A former Gordon mayor will spend a year in jail followed by two years probation for his conviction on two counts of voter fraud last month.

On Wednesday, Houston County Circuit Judge Kevin Moulton sentenced Elbert Melton to a three-year split-sentence.

States attorney Mark Johnson recommended Melton receive a 10-year sentence per count to run consecutively, but to no avail. Johnson also opposed Meltons appeal bond. Moulton approved the appeal bond at $5,000 for each count, said defense attorney Billy Joe Sheffield.

A Houston County jury found Melton guilty last month on two counts of voter fraud after a 45-minute deliberation.

Sheffield did not represent Melton during his trial. He was hired following Meltons jury trial to represent Melton during his sentencing and appeal.

I have reviewed the case transcripts, Sheffield said. I have seen numerous errors throughout the case, Sheffield said.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Sheffield believes the errors in Miltons case will benefit his client during the appeal process.

While on probation, Melton cant participate in any capacity in any elections or campaigns.When a defect might be beneficial

In the quest to design more efficient solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a team of engineers has analyzed different types of defects in the semiconductor material that enables such devices to determine if and how they affect performance.

Rohan Mishra, assistant professor of mechanical engineering & materials science in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, led a widespread team of researchers  including Washington University, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee and at the University of Missouri-Columbia  that studied the structure and properties of the commonly occurring planar defects at the atomic scale, which spans only a few tenths of a nanometer.

Mishra's team studied lead-halide perovskites, a new class of high-performance semiconductors that are being explored for the next-generation of low-cost solar cells to enable conversion of solar energy into electricity with high efficiency.

When these materials are made, defects can occur where different crystals meet, known as grain boundaries. In conventional semiconductors, these defects can decrease their electrical conductivity and the solar energy-to-electricity conversion efficiency; however, in lead-halide perovskites, there are differing experimental reports on the activity of grain boundaries. In some cases, they are found to be harmful, while in other cases they either have no impact on performance or are even beneficial. But, to date, no one understood why. Mishra's team explained why in Advanced Materials, on 3 December.

Using atomic-resolution electron microscopy, Arashdeep Singh Thind, a graduate student in Rohan Mishra's lab, studied grain boundaries in crystals (see arrows).

"A tiny defect at the atomic scale has a big impact on the solar cell," Mishra said. "If one specific atom is missing at these grain boundaries, your cell won't work well."

At Oak Ridge National Lab, Arashdeep Singh Thind, a doctoral student in Washington University's Institute of Materials Science & Engineering who works in Mishra's lab, performed the imaging with one of the most powerful electron microscopes to look at the atomic structure of the grain boundaries.

Guangfu Luo, a former research scientist in Mishra's lab who is an assistant professor at Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzen, China, then used quantum-mechanical calculations performed on some of the fastest supercomputers to understand the electronic properties of these grain boundaries.

In silicon semiconductors, grain boundaries wreak havoc, but in lead-halide perovskites, they may not. And that depends on concentration of the halide ions, a critical element to the properties.

"If you grow the crystals in a halide-poor environment, then the grain boundaries are terrible for performance," Mishra says. "But if you can grow them or anneal [heat and recombine] them in a halide-rich atmosphere, the grain boundaries are fine."

Thind also looked at another type of planar fault known as Ruddlesden-Popper faults, in which the planes of crystals stack incorrectly; for example, instead of being lined up in neat rows, one of the rows is shifted slightly left or right by an atomic column. Again, by using quantum mechanical calculations, Luo and Mishra found that by having a large density of such stacking faults, it might be possible to obtain bright optical emission from large and more stable nanoparticles of certain lead-halide perovskites, which could potentially pave the way for LEDs with longer lifetimes.

"The challenge for experimentalists is to engineer stacking faults at periodic distances," Mishra said.

In related research published in ACS Applied Nano Materials 16 October, Mishra's team worked with University of Missouri-Columbia researchers, who found a new chemical route for promoting growth of lead-halide perovskites with a high density of such stacking faults. By removing surface ligands, an ion or molecule that binds to a surface atom of a nanocrystal, smaller lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals fused and grew from about 8 nanometers to 60 nanometers in 48 hours.

These new nanocrystals had significantly enhanced optical properties due to the stacking faults formed during the fusion process, which Thind found using atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the nanocrystals were more stable when exposed to light, had sharper emission lines and a higher quantum yield.

With these defects, the new nanocrystals are expected to improve light emission properties of the lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals, resulting in better LEDs and other optoelectronic devices.

This new information gives engineers such as Mishra and Thind more information to find alternatives for lead in solar cells, which not only contain toxic lead, but also are unstable in light, moisture and heat and break down in a matter of days, leaking lead into groundwater. Mishra is studying whether a nontoxic element -- bismuth, lead's neighbor on the periodic table -- is a safer and equally efficient substitute for lead in perovskites.Tinier and less power-hungry quantum atomic clock push toward intelligent IoT

Scientists at Tokyo Tech, Ricoh co and The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology have developed an ultra-low-power atomic clock (ULPAC) for small satellites to enable future communication systems beyond 5G. The proposed device outperforms the current industry standards in various benchmarks, such as size, stability, and power consumption.

As current telecommunication technologies continue to evolve, the speed and sheer amount of data required by users worldwide increase accordingly. One promising method for satisfying this ever-growing demand is by deploying a constellation of nano- or micro-scale satellites that circle the planet in low earth orbit. However, such a swarm of satellites requires extremely precise synchronisation to a global time standard, for which a very precise atomic clock on board each unit is necessary.

Because conventional atomic clocks are too large (155-755 cm3) and consume too much power (up to 10 W) to be employed on small satellites, researchers have developed quantum atomic clocks with greatly reduced size and power consumption by employing a method called coherent population trapping. Based on this method, researchers at Tokyo Tech, together with Ricoh Co. Ltd. and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), have recently designed a fully functional atomic clock that surpasses the current industry benchmarks. In terms of power consumption, the phase-locked loop of their device, which is an essential component in quantum atomic clocks, consumes an order of magnitude less power than that of previously reported devices.

In addition to its low power consumption, the proposed atomic clock outshines currently reported devices in two other critical aspects: volume occupied and Allan deviation. Because effective use of the available space on board nano/micro-scale satellites is of the essence, so is making sure that the final design can be made to fit a very small volume.

As for Allan deviation, it is a measure of the stability of the frequency of a clock; a low Allan deviation implies a very stable and reliable clock. The atomic clock developed by the team is also looking good in these two fronts as well. "The prototype of our atomic clock achieves a long-term Allan deviation of 2.2x10-12 at =105 second (the industry standard is 3.0x10-10 at =1 second) while occupying a volume of only 15.4 cm3 (slightly smaller than the smallest currently available atomic clock)," explains Associate Professor Kenichi Okada from Tokyo Tech.

According to the research team, there is room for improvement. "The total power consumption is 59.9 mW, which is mainly because of the microcontroller unit in this prototype and can be further reduced by using custom logic circuitry," explains Okada.

Ricoh and AIST worked on improving the Allan deviation of the device, whereas the researchers at Tokyo Tech focused on lowering its power consumption. The final result of this collaboration is a prototype of a very promising atomic clock that pushes current benchmarks further so that future telecommunications systems, such as those beyond 5G, can become a reality.New company to market Isro technology spin-offs

The union cabinet on Tuesday approved the setting up of a new company under the Department of Space (DoS), to commercially exploit the research and development work carried out by the various centres of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and constituent units of DOS.

The new company will be licensed by the DoS/Isro, which will in turn sub-license the technology and products to industries.

Private sector will thus actively collaborate with Isro in bringing to life new ideas and technologies, helping to market space-based products and services, including launch and applications.

The areas/avenues that provide opportunities for commercial exploitation of Isro programmes include:

Small satellite technology transfer to industry;

Poduction and marketing of space-based products and services, including launch and applications;

Production of polar SLV;

Production and marketing of space-based products and services, including launch and applications;

Transfer of technology developed by Isro centers and constituent units of DoS;

Marketing of some spin-off technologies and products, both in India and abroad; and

Any other products/technology which the government deems fit.

Private sector and state-run companies are already manufacturing 80-90 per cent of work relating to launch vehicles and only, critical components are manufactured by Isro.

Isro hopes to integrate major suppliers into the system through joint ventures.

Isro had, on 11 January this year, signed an MoU with its strategic partners Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and L&T for production of industry-made PSLV.

On the SSLV or min-PSLV project, Isro has been working for quite some time. This mini-PSLV can be assembled in 3-4 days as compared to 40 days for a normal-size rocket. The first test of SSLV, which will be used to launch small satellites weighing less than 500 kg, is due in June-July. Isro had plans to rope in private companies for its production. With the cabinet decision, the privatisation of the SSLV project will also get a boost.In India, Saudi ruler supports fight against terrorism

Days after Pakistan Prime minister Imran Khan hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and got assurance of financial support, the Saudi strongman landed in New Delhi, offering support to Indias fight against terrorism.

Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Delhi on Tuesday for a two-day visit. He was received by Prime Minister Modi and minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh at the Delhi airport.

The Crown Prince had visited Islamabad on Sunday, 16 February, at the start of his South Asian tour.

Issuing a joint statement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today brought up the Pulwama terror attack, saying that they have agreed on the need to put pressure on countries harbouring terrorism.

"Extremism and terrorism are our common concerns. We would like to tell our friend India that we'll cooperate on all fronts, including intelligence sharing," the Saudi crown prince said later.

Mohammed bin Salman received a ceremonial welcome on Wednesday by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Saudi Arabias MoS for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir said that Riyadh will try to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan called for avoiding politicisation of the UN listing regime at a time when India is stepping up its efforts to brand JeMs Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

The Crown Prince is expected to travel to China from India Modi, on his part, called Saudi Arabia among India's most important strategic partners. We held extensive and successful talks, vowed to take our economic ties to a new level... The time has come to transform our energy cooperation into strategic partnership.

The PM also welcomed Saudi Arabia for joining the International Solar Alliance and the country's investment in Indian infrastructure.

"We also discussed how to further strengthen our defence cooperation," he said.

The Congress on Wednesday slammed PM Modi for welcoming the Saudi crown prince, indicating that by doing so, the former has disrespected the martyrs and soldiers of India.

Addressing the media after the ceremonial welcome, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said, Today we want to be sure that this relation is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. With the leadership of the President and the Prime Minister, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India.

He also said that the ties between India and the Arabian Peninsula are in our DNA," adding that he hoped the relations are maintained for the sake of both countries  Saudi Arabia and India.

The two countries also signed a number of agreements on cooperation across various fields, including investing in Indias National Investment and Infrastructure Fund; cooperation in the field of tourism; cooperation in the field of housing; framework cooperation programme between Invest India of the Republic of India and Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority.

The two countries also signed an MoU for cooperation on broadcasting between Prasar Bharati, New Delhi, India and Saudi Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), Saudi Arabia for exchange of audio visual programme.Lockheed Martin unveils F-21 multi-role fighter jet for `Make-in-India'

US defence major Lockheed Martin today unveiled the F-21, a multi-role fighter jet, an upgraded version of its F16 fighter jets, which it claimed will be produced in India with support from Tata Advanced Systems.

The offer comes as a sequel to Indias multi-billion dollar programme to acquire 114 beyond-fourth generation fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Lokheed Martin, which is vying with other global majors, including Frances Dassault, Swedens Swaab, and Russian defence majors, had earlier offered its F16s, which did not find favour with the IAF.

Lokheeds proposal to manufacture the F16s in India did not find favour as the aircraft is already being operated by the Pakistan Air Force and is being phased out by the US Air Force.

The company said the new plane highlights its commitment to delivering an advanced, scalable fighter aircraft to the IAF, while also providing industrial opportunities locally.

The new plane will be specifically configured for the Indian Air Force (IAF), a Make in India opportunity that no other firm had offered earlier, it added.

Announcing this at the Aero India show in Bengaluru, the firm said it would partner with Tata Advanced Systems to produce the F-21 in India.

Lockheed, which is among the seven firms that have responded to IAF's RFI for fighter planes, said the F-21 will be completely different from the F16 and would be scalable, while also providing industrial opportunities locally.

The US firm had offered the F-16 Block 70 as part of the MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) deal which was bagged by Dassault's Rafale.

Lockheed said that the Make in India opportunity the F-21 offers combines the strength of the world's largest defence contractor with India's premier industrial house to deliver a 'win-win' situation for India and the US.

Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 1.05 lakh people worldwide.The art of Japanese whisky is complex but simple in its delivery. Consistently challenge the long reigning Scottish kings of single malt with whiskies of immense nuance and meticulous precision.

At a time where Japanese aged whisky is all but dried up thanks to international demand, weve decided to take a look at the other end of the spectrum of relatively available Japanese whisky (for now) as opposed to the stuff youll never be able to find.

But before we get into the current list of Japanese whiskies you need to try right now, a quick history lesson is in order.

Suntory & Nikka: A Tale Of Two Whisky Houses

For a nation of such committed whisky makers and drinkers  Japan is the worlds third largest producer behind Scotland and the US  only around ten distilleries currently operate in the country. The industry itself is less than a century old, and owes its existence to two men: Masataka Taketsuru and his original employer, Shinjiro Torii.

Torii, who started Suntory and founded Japans first distillery in 1923 in Yamazaki, is best described as the man who sought to give Japanese whisky its own identity.

Suntorys staple and most well known whisky, the Hibiki 12 Year Old, is an exquisitely smooth blend of a number of Suntorys malts and a grain whisky to meld everything together. A perfectly balanced whisky built for the Japanese palate (and a favourite cocktail base of bartenders).

The Rise Of Nikka Whisky

Toriis apprentice Masataka Taketsuru, who would found the other giant of Japanese distilling Nikka, sought to embody in his whiskies the austerity and traditions of Scotland, a land which gave him both his education (he was the first Japanese person to study whisky scientifically) and his wife.

On their return to Japan the newly married Mr and Mrs Taketsuru established a still on Hokkaido island, in Japans far-north, seeking to replicate the conditions and traditions of the finest Scotch.

Nikkas Yoichi 15 year old single malt is an embodiment of this vision. An austere and rigorous drop, with a flinty peat characteristic which arrives seemingly from nowhere and evolves into a long, salty, spicy finish. Such is the pursuit of purity in its production, the Yoichi stills are still coal fired; a technique barely practiced in even the oldest of the Scottish stills.

Taketsuru also found the pure air and high humidity of the Scottish highlands on the eastern coast on the main island of Honshu, where he established his Miyagikyo still. The Miyagikyo 12 Year Old Single Malt uses steam to heat the stills instead of coal and is finished in Bourbon barrels, giving it a lighter, more floral nose, with dried fruits and a nutty Sherry finish. Hard to find but worth seeking out.

Why Japanese Whisky Is Expensive

We asked Jason Ang of Sydneys Tokyo Bird to explain the basic economics of Japanese whisky.

The better the whisky the more expensive it is because its simply harder to find, he says.

Its purely supply and demand. So the way I would justify it [price] is to look at the whole package. If youre going out for whisky, ask if youre getting the service that the Japanese whisky deserves. Is the environment and atmosphere there to enjoy the whisky as its supposed to be?

He also says to pay attention to bottle designs. Theres some other expressions of whiskies that have elaborate bottles  some are good, but there are elaborate bottles that are also bad.

What Japanese Whisky Experts Say

These days countless Japanese whiskies have reached collectors status, fetching well over $300,000 for a single bottle in some extreme cases. Were all for coveted expressions but were also glad to know that not every whisky lover out there has a quarter of a million to drop on liquid gold. Thats why we went straight to the experts in Japanese whisky to find out what the best ones are to buy and try right now.

The general perception amongst whisky pundits is that there arent as many reasonably priced Japanese whisky these days due to their current state of hype and low supplies. Those looking for coveted age statement Japanese whiskies will either be disappointed with its astronomical price tag or general availability.

According to Jason Ang who runs three of Sydneys most popular Japanese bars  Tokyo Bird, Bancho and Osaka Trading Co., look close enough and you shall find the (relatively) affordable and readily available.

Japanese Whisky FAQ

What makes Japanese whisky different? Molded after the Scotch tradition, Japanese whisky undergoes double distilling before aged in wood barrels. The flavors tend to be drier and smokier compared to the sweeter American bourbons and ryes. How to best enjoy Japanese whisky? Other than the usual neat and on the rocks, Japanese whisky is best enjoyed with water or mizuwari. Oyuwari or Japans version of hot toddy, is also a popular way of drinking Japanese whisky. What is a Japanese whisky highball? The Japanese whisky highball is the fizzier version of mizuwari. Instead of water, you mix the liquor with sparkling water or chilled soda (around three or four parts to one part whisky), then finish off with a twist of grapefruit or lemon.

Read Next

GALLERY BEGINS AFTER THIS ADVERTISEMENTSubscriber content preview

SEATTLE  A small commercial building at 4860 Rainier Ave S. in Columbia City has sold for almost $2.8 million, according to King County records.

The seller was RAM Columbia LLC, which acquired the property in 2000 for $850,000.





. . .Subscriber content preview

SEATTLE  A commercial property at 1541 S. 96th St. has sold for a little over $3.8 million, according to King County records.

The seller was JLR Sea-West Holdings LLC, a family group that had owned the property for decades.





. . .Highlights:

Xiaomi will launch Mi 9 X Alita Edition at MWC.

This variant may have 5G capabilities.

It will come with a transparent back panel.

Xiaomi will launch a special edition of the Mi 9 smartphone called the Mi 9 X Alita Edition at MWC 2019. Xiaomi's launch event is slated to be held in Barcelona on February 24. The Mi X Alita is a product of a partnership between Xiaomi and the movie Alita: Battle Angel, which will release on February 22 in China. Xiaomi made the announcement on its official Twitter handle and Qualcomm also teased the same on its social media platforms. The phone was recently teased in a video which shows the device sporting a transparent back and wireless charging. A separate Mi 9 Transparent Edition was also announced by Xiaomi at its launch event today, sporting 12GB RAM and 256GB local storage. It is possible that the Mi 9 X Alita Edition could have 5G capabilities to differentiate it from the Mi 9 and the Mi 9 Transparent Edition. Xiaomi has been long rumoured to launch a 5G-ready smartphone. However, word has it that the company may unveil a 5G variant of the Mi Mix 3, since the same was recently teased by Xiaomi Founder and CEO, Lei Jun.

Apart from the possible inclusion of 5G on the Mi 9 X Alita, Xiaomi could keep the rest of the specs of the phone same as the Mi 9. You can check out specifications of the Mi 9 below.

Xiaomi Mi 9 Specifications

Just like the regular Mi 9, the Mi 9 X Alita Edition will sport a 6.39-inch FHD AMOLED display with a Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection. Provided by Samsung, the display has a 103.8 per cent NTSC super wide colour gamut and up to 600 nits brightness. Owing to a waterdrop notch and 40 percent slimmer bezels that the predecessor, the Mi 9 will have a 90.7 percent screen-to-body ratio. Xiaomi says it is using the fifth generation of optical in-display fingerprint sensor which is 25 percent faster than the previous generation.

The phone is powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor clocked at 2.4GHz. It will offered in 12GB RAM and 256GB local storage configuration. Chances are that the Mi 9 X Alita Edition comes with 5G capabilities. The phone will ship with a 3300mah battery that supports 27W fast charging and 20W wireless flash charging. The phone has NFC, and a dedicated Google Assistant button. In the Mi 9 X Alita Edition, the company will incorporate a red-coloured button.

As far as the camera is concerned, the Mi 9 X Alita Edition will ship with the same triple camera configuration as the regular Mi 9. The primary camera of the setup has a 48MP Sony IMX586 sensor and it supports image binning with the 4-in-1 super pixel. It comes with f/1.75 aperture, a 6P lens and 1.6 um large pixel size. There is a 16MP ultra-wide sensor with 117-degree point of view, and a 12MP camera is for depth sensing with 2x optical zoom support. The Mi 9 supports super slow-motion video at 960 fps. On the front is a 20MP sensor.

Related Read:

Xiaomi Mi 9, Mi 9 SE, Mi 9 Transparent Edition go official in China, Mi 9 X Alita launching on February 24 at MWCHighlights:

Qualcomm X55 5G Modem announced ahead of MWC 2019.

The new chip features integrated 5G to 2G multi-mode support.

It is touted to deliver peak 5G download speeds of 7Gbps and upload speeds of 3Gbps.

The latest mobile platform by Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 855, can be paired with the companys X50 modem to enable 5G. The new processor with the modem is yet to be made available commercially for consumers. However, the company has already announced the second generation of the X50 modem, the 7nm Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G modem, which is a Radio Frequency front-end (RFFE) solution for 5G multi-mode mobile devices. The new chip will enable 5G for a range of devices beyond smartphones like hotspots, Wi-Fi routers, laptops, tablets, XR devices, Always Connected PCs, and connected cars. It also supports high-power fixed wireless access (FWA) services and equipment.

The Qualcomm X55 5G Modem is a single-chip multi-mode chip that features integrated 5G to 2G multi-mode support. This means that it can virtually support any available spectrum band, mode or combination. It works for both, sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, and features 5G/4G spectrum sharing. The new chip is touted to deliver peak 5G download speeds of 7Gbps and upload speeds of 3Gbps, while for LTE, the max download and upload speed are 2.5Gbps and 316Mbps respectively. It also adds support for additional network bands in regions like North America, Europe and Australia.

OEMs face a range of formidable design challenges when it comes to 5G. The need to support multimode operation from 5G to 2G, along with an ever-increasing number of band combinations, brings unprecedented complexity, says Cristiano Amon, President of Qualcomm Incorporated. Discrete modem or RF solutions are no longer sufficient. Qualcomm Technologies is unique in the mobile industry by offering a comprehensive modem-to-antenna solution, and we are pioneering efforts in all aspects of 5G and ready to enable our customers with these capabilities to help them commercialize the first wave of 5G devices this year.

Alongside the Snapdragon X55 modem, Qualcomm also launched the 5G 100MHz envelope tracking solution, QET6100, and a range of integrated 5G/4G power amplifier (PA) and diversity modules, and the QAT3555 5G adaptive antenna tuning solution. Qualcomm says that the chip and its other new solutions will be made available for OEMs in the first half of 2019 and we can expect them in commercial devices by late 2019.

Related Reads:

Qualcomm skips India on 2019 5G roadmap, here's why

Qualcomm working on QM215 chipset for Android Go devices: ReportHighlights:

Lenovo Z6 Pro could be a successor to Z5 Pro GT.

It could also be a global variant of the Z5 Pro GT.

The phone could be launches with wireless chardging capabilities.

After launching the first phone with the Snapdragon 855 chipset in China - Lenovo Z5 Pro GT - the company is now reportedly planning to showcase the Lenovo Z6 Pro at MWC in Barcelona. The information has reportedly been shared by Lenovo's VP Chang Cheng, who was transferred to the companys Mobile Business Group last year for developing new products.

Unlike most smartphone launches at MWC, the Lenovo Z6 Pro is not expected to receive a big show and tell at the event. Instead, a poster teasing the smartphone on Weibo suggests that it will be showcased on the Lenovo booth between February 25 - February 28, spanning the entire course of the event. Not much is known about the Lenovo Z6 Pro as of now, but going by specs of its predecessor, we expect it to house the Snapdragon 855 chipset. The device could also come with support for wireless charging, as hinted by the poster.

It could also be speculated that the Lenovo Z6 Pro is a global variant of the Z5 Pro GT, since the latter was a China-specific smartphone and never saw the day of light outside that country.

Related Reads:

Lenovo Z5 Pro GT with Snapdragon 855: First ImpressionsMoS McEntee statement to Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs

Speech

Statement by Ms. Helen McEntee T.D.,

Minister of State for European Affairs, to the

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs

Wednesday, 20 February 2019

Chairman,

I am delighted to be here again today to update the Committee on developments. As usual, it has been a busy time since I was last here with you in December, not least in relation to Brexit. Yesterday, I attended the General Affairs Council. At the meeting, we focused on the MFF, preparations for the March European Council and the Commission proposal Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030. Ministers also discussed on the Rule of Law in Poland and Values of the Union in Hungary.

With your permission, Chairman, I propose to focus on four headline issues. They

are 

Our preparedness and contingency plans for Brexit;

The next Multiannual Financial Framework;

An update on the other issues discussed during yesterdays meeting of the General Affairs Council

Finally, I will give the Committee an overview of the work Ireland is undertaking on building alliances across the EU

Brexit

Mr. Chairman,

Let me update the Committee on Brexit.

A no deal Brexit would be highly disruptive and would have profound political, economic and legal implications, most seriously for the UK, but also for Ireland and the rest of the EU. In light of the ongoing political uncertainties in the UK and the Brexit deadline of 29 March, the Government agreed that greater priority should be given immediately to preparations for a no deal Brexit.

Since then, the Government published its Brexit Contingency Action Plan on 19 December, setting out detailed sectoral analyses and approaches to mitigating the impact of a no deal Brexit. The plan is designed to be consistent with and complementary to the approach being taken at EU27 level to prepare for the UKs withdrawal.

The legislative provisions envisaged in that Plan are due to be published this Friday and will be introduced in the Dail next week.

I will now focus on the non-legislative preparedness measures being taken. To ensure that East-West trade continues as smoothly as possible, we are developing the additional physical infrastructure needed at our ports and airports. At Dublin and Rosslare Ports, sites suitable for temporary infrastructure have been identified and refurbishment work has begun. Space for truck parking is being secured in both locations. At the same time, plans are advanced for the development of permanent infrastructure in both ports. At Dublin Airport, existing facilities can cater for the volumes of traffic involved in the event of a no deal Brexit.

Revenue will have 400 additional customs staff trained and in place by the end of March and they can recruit an additional 200 by the end of this year. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is implementing the necessary steps to facilitate more Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls. Veterinary personnel and 70 other support staff are now being recruited to implement animal and health (SPS) checks, as are 61 extra Environmental Health Staff.

In Budgets 2017, 2018 and 2019, the Government put in place a supports to help businesses prepare for Brexit. These include a 300 million Future Growth Loan Scheme and a separate 300 million Brexit Loan Scheme for Business.

Ireland is also preparing for Brexit as part of the EU27 and with the full support of the European Commission. Many of the actions aimed at mitigating the effects of a no deal outcome will be taken at EU level, as they involve sectors regulated by EU law. The European Commission published a contingency action plan in November and a communication on contingency in December. These contained guidance on planning for Brexit and outlined their approach in key areas. The EU has also published over 80 Brexit Preparedness notices.

The Commissions contingency action plan emphasises that it stands ready to engage with the Member States that will be most affected by a no deal withdrawal and states that the Commission will support Ireland in finding solutions addressing the specific challenges of Irish businesses.

The EU has agreed to facilitate basic connectivity in air transport and road haulage between the UK and the EU on an interim basis in a no deal scenario, and the Government continues to engage in intensive discussions with the European Commission and with EU partners.

MFF

Chairman,

The European Council had it`s first substantive discussion of the MFF proposal in December, following a number of policy discussions by the General Affairs Council in the autumn. The ground was well prepared by the Austrian Presidency which presented a draft Negotiating Box. This document outlines the key issues that will require political decisions. We welcomed that work as balanced and fair and see it as the basis for ongoing work in the Council. The Heads of State and Government also said that the Council should aim to reach agreement on the MFF in the autumn of this year.

As Council President Tusk has highlighted, there is still a lot of work to be done to reach a common position. Each Member State has its own priorities, as does the European Parliament, which is also part of the negotiating geometry. Negotiations on the MFF are always difficult, but these negotiations have an added complexity due to the uncertainties surrounding Brexit. The European Parliament election will also have an impact. Hence the likelihood is that agreement will not be reached in Council until the latter half of 2019.

Since December, the General Affairs Council has had two discussions on the subject, the latest just yesterday in Brussels. Yesterday, the Romanian Presidency presented Ministers with a State of Play report including a work programme for the months ahead. The Presidency will focus now on narrowing down the range of options contained in the Negotiating Box and their aim is to have a revised Negotiating Box prepared ahead of the June European Council. It is expected that the General Affairs Council will hold a series of thematic discussions in the meantime to provide the Presidency with political guidance on some of the cross-cutting aspects of the budget. Work is also underway on agreeing the sectoral programmes which the new budget will fund, either at Council level or in some cases in trilogue with the European Parliament, while that is still possible. Consideration of the proposed EuroArea budget is also underway.

The Irish position has not changed since I last addressed the Committee. As the Taoiseach emphasised at the December European Council, we want a well-funded Common Agricultural Policy. The Taoiseach also underlined the need to protect the Structural and Cohesion Funds for countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Ireland, as we know, benefited enormously from the investment in our infrastructure that was made possible by these funds.

In the current climate, we need to ensure continued funding for the INTERREG and PEACE programmes, which are particularly important for Northern Ireland and the Border region. It is essential that we continue to fund other Programmes that work well such as Erasmus Plus, which is particularly valuable to young people. Another example is Horizon Europe, which will support the necessary investment in research and development to create the jobs of the future.

Update on other issues on the GAC agenda

I will now mention the other topics discussed at the meeting yesterday.

Ministers discussed the agenda for next months European Council. The March meeting will discuss climate change, by providing guidance on the overall direction of an EU long-term strategy to be submitted under the Paris Agreement. They will also prepare for the EU-China Summit which will take place in April. In preparation for the next EU Strategic Agenda, the March Council will focus on jobs, growth and competiveness. We welcome the inclusion of this topic on the European Council agenda and we are looking forward to a substantive discussion at the meeting.

Ireland has consistently been a strong supporter of the Single Market, of removing restrictions to trade in goods and services within the EU, and, in particular, of the need to make greater progress on Services in the Single Market. This is essential for the competitiveness of all Member States, and for Europe to remain competitive with other global trading blocs. Ireland, and four other Member States, commissioned an analysis of the potential economic benefits of greater liberalisation of the cross-border provision of services in the EU Single Market. The findings of the Copenhagen Economics report  Making EU Trade in Services Work for All - clearly show how the strength of the Single Market is linked inextricably with Europes competitiveness on the world stage and with European prosperity.

My colleagues and I also exchanged views yesterday on the Commissions reflection paper, Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030. The paper outlines how EU policy is contributing towards achieving the SDGs and where further action is required. Ireland welcomes the reflection paper as another confirmation of the EUs ongoing commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, we support the papers reaffirmation that sustainable development is deeply rooted in the European project. Many Member States, including Ireland, have already adopted national SDG implementation strategies. The EUs focus should now be on ambitious practical implementation.

Rule of Law/Values of the Union

Finally, two important topics have been preoccupying the General Affairs Council - namely the Rule of Law in Poland and Values of the Union in Hungary. The GAC held five hearings on Poland last year and the Romanian Presidency updated Ministers on the issue yesterday.

As the Committee will be aware, the central issue is the rule of law and its application there. In October, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued an interim ruling, ordering Poland to adopt measures to temporarily suspend the application of Polish legislation which had lowered the retirement age for sitting and future judges. Poland has since adopted legislation to amend the Supreme Court law and enable the return to work of judges forced to retire. This move was in response to the interim ruling and a final judgement, from the European Court, is due within the next few months.

Chairman, ours is a Union based on shared values, including democracy, human rights and the rule of law and Ireland has consistently supported the Commission in this matter. In my intervention yesterday, I urged Poland to continue its engagement with the Commission on concerns that have been aired. The Presidency concluded that the Council will remain seized of the issue.

The Presidency also updated Ministers on Hungary yesterday. As you know the Parliament referred an opinion on the values of the European Union to the Council, following the adoption of the Sargentini report. The Commission has since prepared a paper on the values-related infringement procedures that it has taken to address concerns about the situation in Hungary. Ireland has previously made its concerns known in relation to issues surrounding the rule of law generally and recent legislation targeting non-governmental actors in Hungary. Several Member States, including Ireland, expressed concerns yesterday about the current situation in Hungary and the Presidency promised to return to the issue in due course. At this time of many challenges facing the Union, it is more important than ever that we stand by our shared values.

Alliance Building to strengthen the EU

Lastly, I would like to say a word on alliance building. Ireland has always been an outward looking country and recognised that our influence grows through cooperation with others.

As we were reminded during the Dail 100 celebrations, one of the first acts of the Dail was to send a message to the free nations of the world to ask for their support in our search for independence.

The presence of so many of our friends and EU partners at the anniversary celebrations and the remarkable solidarity we have experienced throughout the Brexit negotiations is a testament to Irelands message being heard and to our place at the heart of Europe.

Solidarity is built on understanding, shared perspectives and reciprocity.

It is a priority for us to thank our European partners for the solidarity they have shown to us, but it is also essential that we understand their perspectives on the full range of issues we face in our shared union and to discuss our priorities for the future.

To do this, we have strategically increased the range and intensity of our contacts with other Member States and the EU institutions. We have intensified our political and official level engagement, strengthened our diplomatic presence and undertaken joint initiatives to help to shape the EU agenda in a way that best reflects the interests of the Irish people.

The Taoiseach, the Tanaiste and I have stepped up bilateral engagement with our European counterparts. Last year, I managed to visit nine other EU capitals, as well as the European Parliament in Strasbourg and I am looking forward to meeting my Latvian and Lithuanian counterparts in Riga and Vilnius later this month. The Governments ambitious programme of visits for St Patricks Day will serve as a platform to underline Irelands commitment to and membership of the European Union. Ministers will visit all 27 European capitals over the St Patricks Day period.

Extra personnel have been added to key missions and more will follow in this summers rotation. A Consulate General will open in Cardiff shortly and, on foot of a root and branch review of our relations with Germany, a new Consulate will open in Frankfurt in the autumn. The Ambassador in Paris is due to make proposals to the Tanaiste in April as part of a wider review of our excellent relations with France.

I also want to recognise the very important role that this Committee plays in strengthening our engagement with both current and prospective Member States. I am heartened to see this reflected in your work programme for the coming year. I thank you for your efforts.

I would like to thank you for the invitation to address the Committee and for your attention this afternoon. I am happy, Chairman, to take any questions the Committee may have.

ENDS

 Previous Item | Next Item Tele2 Russia has launched SunTechs SunVizion Network Inventory and Planning solution to store and manage information about logical and physical network elements and optimise the processes related to network management.

With 40 million subscribers, Tele2 Russia is one of the biggest mobile operators in the Russian Federation. The SunVizion system stores and manages all data related to logical and physical transport network assets. Through its in-built powerful workflow engine, SunVizion optimises processes related to network maintenance, network planning and management of services.

Using intelligent auto-discovery and reconciliation mechanisms SunVizion captures data from all Network Monitoring Systems used by Tele2 Russia. By processing data downloaded from the various systems of different vendors, SunVizion works as an umbrella solution, delivering to the user the holistic and complete picture of network topology. Intelligent processing of data related to the current load of radio-lines allows network planners to optimise the transmission network and to detect problems with network load before they happen.

Thanks to innovative architecture, the SunVizion system enables smooth mapping of the information between logical and physical layers of our network said Evgeny Starodubtsev, Head of Transport Network Planning and Development Department. The information is mapped from one layer to another so that each logical connection can be assigned to a specific connection in physical network - we can easily detect which data gathered manually is not correct. If the logical connection doesnt have its physical counterpart, we know that the data about the network has to be corrected or completed.

SunVizion will utilise gathered data about the network to indicate the precise failure location, which will significantly reduce the time taken to remove it. If a network segment requires a planned disconnection, SunVizion analyses which network elements will be affected by this disconnection and which services will not be available.

There is no successful network management without optimisation of workflows related to network processes, said Olga Rakevich, Project Manager at Suntech. The workflow engine downloads data from the inventory system, starts the process, assigns tasks to employees and supervises their implementation. After finishing the process, it loads the new data back into inventory system, which via auto discovery mechanisms can quickly verify if the result of a given process complies with what was supposed to be done.Reliance Communications (RCom) chairman Anil Ambani has been found guilty of contempt of court by Indias Supreme Court, leaving him facing a potential jail sentence.

The countrys highest court ruled that Ambani had deliberately avoided paying Ericsson service charges worth INR5.5 billion ($77.3 million). Along with two other RCom directors, Ambani was given four weeks to pay the Swedish company INR4.5 billion or face a three-month spell in jail.

RCom has stated that it will defer to the court and plans to respect its orders. The ruling was welcomed by Ericsson, which filed a lawsuit against RCom in 2018 after the operator failed to pay due service charges. The vendor had been managing and operating RComs network since signing a deal with them in 2014.

However, RCom proceeded to miss extended payment deadlines, incurring further action from Ericsson with the vendor calling for Ambani to be arrested. Since the initial lawsuit, Ericsson has thrice requested that Ambani face contempt of court charges, as well as calling for him to be barred from leaving India and have his personal assets frozen.

RCom had planned to pay back Ericsson using the proceeds from selling its assets to Reliance Jio. However, the Indian Department of Telecom refused to approve the sale, causing RCom to miss its initial payment deadline. While the operator was able to make an upfront payment of more than INR1 billion to Ericsson in January, later that month its deal with Jio collapsed, leading RCom to take steps towards insolvency.Kumkum Bhagya has been one of the favourite shows of Tv. Audiences love the Abhi-Pragya love story so much that this show has ruled the TRPs not just for months but years. In fact, its spin-off, Kundali Bhagya too has enjoyed equal love from the viewers.

But looks like the makers of Kundali Bhagya have taken a major decision that might affect the show. They have decided to take the show on a leap of 25 years! Yes, you read it right! We know how dicey leaps can be given a number of shows had their downfall post a leap. And for Kumkum Bhagya, there seems to be a bigger blow.

Apart from the characters of Abhi and Pragya played by Shabbir Ahluwalia and Sriti Jha, most other characters are also going to disappear. That is because most of the actors have decided to quit the show post the leap. Here are 5 major actors of Kumkum Bhagya who will not be seen anymore after the leap takes place on the show:SALT LAKE CITY  After hearing personal testimony on both sides of the issue, the House Judiciary Committee voted 7-5 to recommend a bill that would prohibit abortions after 18 weeks.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Cheryl Acton, R-West Jordan, said HB136 still preserves a woman's right to have an abortion but limits it to the first 18 weeks.

"HB136 changes only one thing, really, about Utah abortion law and that is the window of opportunity for a woman to have an elective abortion. It still preserves her right to choose for 18 weeks," Acton said.

She said the procedure for 95 percent of second trimester abortions is called D&E, or dilation and evacuation, which involves dismemberment of the fetus.

"I just find that interesting that we cant do those things to a dead human being but (to) a pre-birth human being it is done routinely, in our state and elsewhere," Acton said.

She also discussed the risks for the mother in an abortion, which she said escalate the later in the pregnancy an abortion takes place. These include risks to future fertility, mental heath issues and suicide.

"My first major concern is the health of women," Acton said.

According to Acton, the bill is different from those in many other states because of exceptions including pregnancy resulting from rape and when the fetus has a lethal defect or severe brain abnormalities.

Dr. Cara Heuser spoke against the bill on behalf of Intermountain Healthcare, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine. She said an ultrasound where doctors would begin to find abnormalities occurs between 18 and 20 weeks of gestation.

"I am a doctor who cares for women with complicated pregnancies. My entire career is based on having healthy moms and babies. Sadly that is not always possible," Heuser said.

She said the requirements for the exceptions in the law are confusing and show a lack of understanding.

"In practice, a unifying diagnosis beyond a few specific abnormalities can be very difficult, despite extensive testing," Heuser said.

Heuser said D&E is sometimes chosen because it can be safer for the mother and controls bleeding, but it is only done during a certain time frame. She estimated vaginal abortion occurs in about 75 percent of cases. She said many times when termination is chosen early labor is performed and the family is given an opportunity to say goodbye to the baby.

"These circumstances are gut-renching for families and their decision process is thoughtful and deep. Their autonomy and their ability to decide what is best for their individual circumstances is one of the only things that makes these unbearable situations a bit more bearable," Heuser said.

Mary Taylor, president of Pro-Life Utah said the emotional anguish after an abortion is very real.

"I had an abortion, I was only 12 weeks along, I shudder to think what I would have gone through had it been a later term abortion. Ive spent 40 years coming to terms with that," Taylor said.

Acton said the fiscal note for the bill is zero, but concerns were raised about litigation costs if the bill is questioned in court.

Marina Lowe, legislative counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, said courts continue to strike down state laws banning abortion based on elements other than viability, including a Utah law with a 20 week ban in 1996.

"HB136 directly contradicts long-standing precedent holding that a woman should be free from unwarranted governmental intrusion when deciding whether to continue or terminate a pre-viability pregnancy," Lowe said.

House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, said he was troubled about the arbitrary timeline and the issue with detecting abnormalities before 18 weeks, but that it is a question of constitutional protections.

"I dont think any of us, taking the oath of office that we did to uphold and sustain the United States and the Utah state constitution, can in the name of reflecting Utah values lightly cast a vote that is contrary to what our office of legislative and general counsel said is highly likely to be unconstitutional," King said.

Rep. Eric Hutchings, R-Kearns, said he was in favor of the bill citing the language in the Declaration of Independence which discusses life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

"I personally believe that the Founders put these as a very specific order  we cannot pursue happiness if we dont have liberty, we cant have liberty unless we have life, and today were talking about life, and so I think we need to protect life and give these unborn babies an opportunity to pursue happiness," Hutchings said.

Acton said New York and Virginia now have the abortion laws they want, but Utah doesn't. She said Utah should be the safest place for women and children as the state with the highest birth rate.

"I believe that we should be able to enact reasonable abortion laws that reflect the wills of the people of Utah," Acton said.

Acton first introduced a bill which would set the limit at 15 weeks. She said she changed it to 18 weeks because of the scientific material. More doctors were willing to testify to the higher limit. She said there is no connection between viability and 18 weeks, but says a fetal human being at 18 weeks reacts to pain.

"I brought the bill because we, as a society, are failing women. When we have information about the serious, and often irreversible, risks of abortion that we continue to pretend that abortion is a harmless-victimless procedure that empowers and liberates women," Acton said.SALT LAKE CITY  Parents, teachers and young professionals who were alumni of M. Lynn Bennion Elementary School urged the Salt Lake City Board of Education Tuesday to spare the school from a building utilization committee's recommendation to close the school.

The school board took no action but agreed to engage in a public process to conduct a review of elementary school boundaries, which would likely postpone any decisions until December.

"I would like to hear from more of the community. It doesn't feel like we've heard enough yet," said board member Heather Bennett.

The district's policy, which outlines a process, includes conducting informational open houses to discuss options for boundary changes.

According to a presentation to the board, Bennion Elementary, which is a Title I school, has a declining enrollment, has relatively high fixed costs, and it was recently placed under school turnaround for declining academic performance. Next year, the school's anticipated enrollment will be just over 200. A number of elementaries in the school district serve three-fold that many students.

But several community members urged the board to consider its unique characteristics. The school serves children who live at the YWCA's crisis shelter and its transitional housing program.

Devon Musson Rose, the YWCA's chief domestic violence services officer, said the nonprofit agency has forged a trusted relationship with the school. Of the 139 children it is serving, 86 are school age.

The staff at Bennion understand the instability of the population that the YWCA serves, she said. "They understand protective orders and make sure our children are not exposed to risk.

Bennion's current enrollment is 213 students  65 percent who are minorities, 24 percent who are homeless, 37 percent who are English learners, and 98 percent who receive free or reduced-price school lunch.

Others raised concerns about the transparency of the building utilization committee's work and its recommendations, which it arrived at after intensive study, said Salt Lake City School District Superintendent Lexi Cunningham. The committee included teachers, administrators, parents and classified employees representing all parts of the school district, she said.

"I had no clue Bennion was looking at closing until maybe two weeks ago," said Lauren Bergen, who teaches at the school.

School Community Council Chairwoman Carrie Chalverus said the committee had such a benign-sounding name. "In no way did I interpret that as possible closure of my school," she said.

She urged the school board to dig deeper and look at actual usage of Bennion's facilities, its demographics and equity.

Several people who addressed the board asked them to consider academic research on the toll of school closure, particularly among students who are already vulnerable because of instability in their lives.

"We have a number of our students from Bennion who do live at the Y, as we heard tonight. I'm just wondering, the numbers are the people behind them, if that cost outweighs the risk that we may be venturing down when it comes to our vulnerable students at Bennion," said board member Nate Salazar.

The committee recommendations included reviewing boundary options to accommodate the closing of an elementary, with the committee recommending Bennion, said Cunningham.

It also recommended that the school board review the placement of sixth graders at Glendale Middle School.

Curtis Lee Dorsey-Maestas, who attended the school as a child but is now college educated and works as a supervisor for the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City, said Bennion Elementary helped him become a successful adult. Bennion students need those role models, he said.

He started his address to the school board ticking off the names of his former teachers.

"Why do I remember those names? Because each of those names has been a hero to me," he said.WEST JORDAN  When Berkeley Perschon was little, she says talking to her peers and teachers "terrified" her.

No visible trace of that shyness remained Tuesday as Perschon sat in the Copper Hills High School lunch room preparing to share her passion for public speaking with judges of the 2019 Deseret News/KSL Sterling Scholar program for the Wasatch Front region during semifinal judging.

"I wouldn't talk to my classmates, my teachers, so I threw myself into public speaking as a way to kind of overcome my fear. And over the years, it's kind of become something that I've become incredibly passionate about," Perschon told the Deseret News with a smile.

Now, she's seeing the culmination of years of practice. Perschon recalled a memory from two years ago, when she went to her cousin's high school graduation and saw one of her debate competitors.

"When I saw that he was a Sterling Scholar, and there was a Sterling Scholar category for speech and debate, I knew that was something that I wanted to pursue. And so I spent kind of all throughout high school saying, 'OK, this is my goal,'" Perschon explained.

When she won her school's nomination in the Speech/Theater Arts/Forensics category, she became the first nominee in eight years in that category at Taylorsville High School whose emphasis is debate rather than theater arts.

Likewise, Awais Ahmad's passion for science started young.

"I've always had a passion for science because growing up, my parents wanted me to become a doctor or engineer. And at first, I was like really hesitant about everything, but as time went on, I realized that I had a passion for science and I wanted to become a surgeon. So science is just really interesting to me," Ahmed said.

"I've always wanted to be a role model for my siblings, so Sterling Scholar is a way to do it," he said.

Perschon and Ahmad were just two of dozens of the Beehive State's brightest who swarmed the halls of the high school Tuesday, nerves running high as they readied to showcase their skills. Some carried instruments, some wore dance apparel and others wore suits.

The top scholars in each category move on to the final judging later this month. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony March 15 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference Center's Little Theater.

The program, which was started by the Deseret News in the 1960s, encourages academic excellence by awarding scholarships and publicly recognizing some of Utah's top high school seniors. Nominees are judged for their academic achievements as well as their leadership and service to their communities.

Eden Starks, a West Jordan High School student, hopes to someday help teach the next generation American Sign Language.

Her category in the competition is World Languages. She says sign language helps her "learn about new cultures, and so being able to use ASL and get involved in deaf culture has been really exciting and unique."

She became interested in the topic as a child. The mother of one of her best friends was deaf, she said, and the language sparked her interest. She plans to begin studying ASL and deaf studies education at Utah Valley University.

"And hopefully, my end goal, would be to get ASL in middle schools," Starks said.

Michael Delgado, from the Academy for Math, Engineering and Science, and a candidate in the English category, said he hopes to use his skill to help others.

"I've always liked to write, and I like to tell stories. I find that underprivileged people who miss the opportunity to talk about their stories and where they come from, need a voice. I think that, for me, writing has been that voice," Delgado explained.

As Ava Oertle, a student at Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts, warmed up ahead of her dance solo in front of judges, she explained how her love for dance has kept her on her toes for 15 years.

"I just really like being in the studio, and I think it's a lot about self-improvement and how you have to motivate yourself to improve, and I really like to perform. Performing is one of the highlights," she said.

Oertle said she hasn't thought about how it will feel if she wins the title. "It'll be crazy. I don't know, it's just, I haven't really thought about getting all the way. I just kind of go one step at a time."

Similarly, Olivia Olschewski, a pianist who attends Hunter High School, said to win a scholarship will be "nice" but participating in the competition has been a reward in and of itself.

"Just being able to say, you know, that I went for it, whether or not I go further. Just to be able to say that I did it," Oschewski said.

Correction: A previous version incorrectly said the Sterling Scholar semifinals took place on Monday. They were on Tuesday.Can you imagine the USA without its inspired Constitution? What if we had 50 Supreme Court justices? What if the states could call themselves into a constitutional convention whenever they wanted, creating a third national governing body dominated by New York, California and the large states?

Article V of the Constitution says that when two-thirds of state legislatures apply to Congress, that Congress shall call a convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution. A resolution, SJR9, calling for a convention, has been introduced in the Utah Legislature.

This bill will allow unlimited amendments to be passed at the convention and is of grave concern because it is incredibly broad and vague. It could leave the Constitution open to a complete rewrite.

The Convention of States, or COS, is an organization whose sole purpose is to convince state legislatures to pass their model legislation. The group has proposed over 20 amendments, which by their own words is intentionally vague. Organization attorney Robert Kelly said, our application is fairly broad ... it opens up all the articles, thats true!

He said Article V needs to be amended, so that states dont have to go through this convoluted process in the future so that if three-quarters of the states agree in advance, they could propose amendments to the constitution. This change to Article V would completely eliminate Congress from the process and change the intent of the founders who intentionally made the amendment process very difficult.

Michael Farris, the founder of Convention of States said, "I would propose reconfiguring the Supreme Court after the model of the European Court of Human Rights. There are 46 nations in the court's jurisdiction, and every nation appoints one judge. We should expand the Supreme Court to 50 justices and have the states appoint the justices for a specific term (six to eight years) with no right of reappointment.

The convention could bring up a broad range of subjects: from election law to energy policy, education and health care. What about religious freedom, marriage equality, gender identity or the Equal Rights Amendment? Conservatives, liberals, Libertarians, Republicans and Democrats will each have long lists of amendments. The list would be endless. How is that not a rewrite of the Constitution? In 228 years since the Bill of Rights, there have only been 17 amendments. They could pass three times that many amendments in just one convention. The convention will last weeks, maybe months. Who is going to pay the millions of dollars necessary for this convention?

Justice Antonin Scalia said, I certainly wouldnt want a Constitutional Convention. Who knows what would come out of it?

Sen. Mike Lee said, I dont look upon todays leaders in the same way that I look upon George Washington and James Madison.  I dont think we are there yet.

Gov. Gary Herbert said, I am against an Article V Convention. I am not convinced that a runaway convention is impossible.

Because Congress calls the convention, it will decide where, when and the number of delegates from each state. Will the large states have the majority of delegates? Will small states like Utah even have a voice?

Everyone agrees that Congress doesnt obey the Constitution. Why will Congress obey a new Constitution? The Constitution is not the problem. The problem is that our elected representatives dont follow it, and we dont hold them accountable. Benjamin Franklin warned us that when the founders gave us a republic, it was our responsibility to preserve it, meaning we are responsible for replacing our representatives when they violate our trust. There is no quick fix.SALT LAKE CITY  Gov. Gary Herbert told Utahns that the state sales tax rate could drop to just 1.75 percent under what he's calling a tax modernization plan that imposes new taxes on services on top of a tax cut.

But the GOP lawmakers putting the plan into an as-yet unseen bill continued Tuesday to say the governor's goal is not realistic and would require new sales taxes on everything from real estate transactions to health care to gasoline.

In fact, a slide shown to Senate Democrats during an open caucus meeting Tuesday by Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, warned, "Overall, to get to 1.75 percent, you must find an additional $100 billion to tax."

Fillmore, who will carry the tax reform bill in the Senate, said he doesn't think it's "realistic to hit that target." Responding to a question about why the governor believes it is, Fillmore said he couldn't "speak to his motivation."

Herbert's deputy chief of staff, Paul Edwards, said the sales tax base will need to be expanded from the current $70 billion to $160 billion, along with a more than $200 million tax cut, to reach the 1.75 percent rate.

"It's very simple math," Edwards said. "This is a huge ask. We know that."

The Republican governor, he said, "put out a very bold, very ambitious, and what we said would be a very difficult standard to match. But it's the one that makes the best sense economically and logically because it provides for the lowest possible rate with the fairest, broadest distribution of the burden."

Herbert announced in his State of the State speech the first week of the session that combining a $225 million cut in the state's 4.7 percent sales tax rate could drop it "to a mere 1.75 percent" while 9 out of 10 Utahns would pay less overall.

House Republicans also questioned Herbert's proposal.

The first week of the session, Rep. Tim Quinn, R-Heber City, told members of the House GOP caucus that 1.75 percent "is not a reality. The math does not add up." Quinn, the sponsor of the tax bill, said then that rate "is not going to happen."

After a closed caucus Tuesday, House Majority Whip Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, said, "Basically, it's impossible to get to that point" because of how much would end up being subject to taxes.

So far there are no alternative tax rates being discussed and few specifics about either what services Republican lawmakers believe should be taxed or what sales tax exemptions should be repealed.

Fillmore told Senate Democrats the sales tax base should be broadened "in all sectors," adding an excise tax  a fixed amount similar to taxes on cigarettes and gasoline  "where practical," such as for medical care.

He also said he's considering calling for the repeal of 16 of the state's 88 sales tax exemptions as part of the bill. The exemptions add up to $119 million, Fillmore said, but are mostly "pretty small potatoes," including some car washes.

Quinn told House Democrats Tuesday that the legislative plan will be "very sensitive to health care, where we think there's an affordability crisis," as well as to the impact of housing costs.

"We haven't left those segments completely out. We wanted to make this as broad as possible," he said. "But we certainly didn't want to make health care less affordable and housing less affordable."

When is comes to housing costs, Quinn said the materials used to build a house account for about 30 percent of the cost and is already being taxed. Reducing the sales tax rate would reduce that by several thousand dollars.

That would allow for taxing more services related to real estate without adding to the overall costs of buying or renting, he said, acknowledging that "housing is not left harmless in this."

Quinn's bill, which could be introduced by the end of the week, comes as lawmakers are getting bad news about the size of the state's surplus as the final revenue estimates of the session are being calculated.

Senate Budget Chairman Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, said the $1.3 billion in additional revenues that had been anticipated is down by about $300 million, likely due to income taxes being paid later than expected.

The Utah State Tax Commission's monthly revenue summary shows income tax collections dropped 10 percent below projections in December and 7.7 percent in January.

"This isn't a real pretty picture," Stevenson said, noting about $350 million of the extra funds have already been set aside for the new Utah State Prison under construction near the Salt Lake City International Airport.

What's still available must cover an increase in public school funding, raises for state employees and any new spending by lawmakers this session from a wish list that already exceeds the $1.3 billion estimate from late last year.

Even if the money ends up being collected, Stevenson said lawmakers have to base the budget passed before the session ends in mid-March on the updated revenue estimates that should be finalized by the end of the week.

He said the new numbers could "let the air out of the balloon" when it comes to a tax cut. "With the revenue numbers being what they are, it certainly could have an effect on what we do."

Contributing: Katie McKellar, Emily AshcraftSALT LAKE CITY  A handful of gun laws top the agenda for a House committee on Wednesday as the 2019 legislative session hits its halfway point.

The House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee is scheduled to discuss four bills that touch on firearm safety and liability when it meets at 8 a.m.

HB17 would require the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to implement a firearm safety program and a suicide prevention education course.

HB87 makes it a criminal offense to store a firearm in a place that the gun owner knows or has reason to believe a minor or person legally restricted from possessing a firearm has access.

HB152 defines "owner cohabitant" for the purpose of the voluntary commitment of a firearm to law enforcement.

HB190 addresses liability when the gun is fired, holding an owner liable for personal injury or property damage if the weapon is used in a felony, regardless of whether the individual who engages in the conduct is charged with a felony. It makes exceptions for guns taken without an owner's permission

READ MORE: Two proposed Utah gun laws  including 'Lauren's Law'  stall, while others advance to House floor

Other issues on the agenda at the Statehouse during the day include:

The House Judiciary Committee will review HB136, which prohibits an abortion from being performed after the unborn child reaches 18 weeks gestational age except under certain circumstances. The bill was recently modified from the 15-week restriction originally proposed.

READ MORE: Utah House committee OKs bill to ban abortions after 18 weeks

House Judiciary is discussing HB136, bill to ban abortions beginning at 18 weeks. Legislators questioned Dr. Cara Heuser representing @Intermountain who spoke against the bill stating many complications cannot be determined until after 18 weeks. #utleg #utpol  Emily Ashcraft (@emilyjaneen3) February 20, 2019

The House Revenue and Taxation Standing Committee voted 6-4 on Wednesday to hold the Hygiene Tax Act. HB113 adds a sales tax exemption for certain incontinence care items, feminine hygiene products and diapers.

READ MORE: Utah committee halts bill to decrease sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products

The House Government Operations Committee will debate HB259, which would end the option of straight-ticket voting.

A bill on radioactive waste disposal received initial approval Wednesday in the Senate but needs another vote to clear that body and Utah Gov. Gary Herbert's signature before it becomes law. It could allow disposal of depleted uranium waste.

READ MORE: Radioactive waste bill gets preliminary approval in Utah Senate

While coworking spaces have exploded along the Wasatch Front in recent years, rural Utah has been mostly left out of the mix on the new, flexible office space opportunities that are often equated with tech startups and outboard employment known as "remoting." But a proposal that won the unanimous support of a Utah legislative committee this week and passed onto the House's third reading calendar Wednesday is aiming to kickstart interest in the concept for cities and towns off the I-15 corridor via a new $2 million grant program.

READ MORE: Could coworking space jump-start rural Utah economies? Proposal aims to find out

The Senate Education Committee has endorsed a bill that would allow teachers to give class credit to students for their efforts on standardized tests.

READ MORE: Utah Senate panel backs incentives for students to do well on standardized tests

HB101, supported on a unanimous House vote on Wednesday, would allow for operation in Utah of all levels of autonomous vehicles, which are rated from 0, designating a vehicle with no automated assistance whatsoever, to a 5, which is a vehicle that can pilot itself regardless of conditions.

READ MORE: Driverless vehicle bill wins Utah House approval

Although its sponsor was wary of a fight in the House, the bill that would leverage state transportation dollars to encourage more cities to pave the way for affordable housing has cleared its next legislative hurdle without major changes.

READ MORE: Bill that leverages Utah dollars to urge cities to plan for affordable housing heads to House floor

Here's what happened on Feb. 19, the 22nd day of the 2019 session:SALT LAKE CITY  The House approved unanimously HB191, which would require physicians or nurse practitioners to discuss the risks of addiction, dangers of mixing opioid medication with other substances, reasons why the prescription may be necessary and other options for treatment with their patients when prescribing opioids.

"Last year we had 360 deaths resulting from overdoses, our goal is to continually drive that number lower," said Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, who is sponsoring the bill.

Eliason said a doctor prescribed an opioid recently for his son and there was no discussion of the risk of addiction or alternative options. His son questioned if he should take the entire bottle since that is what the doctor prescribed.

READ MORE: The Hidden Plague: Utah's opioid epidemic

Eliason also talked about a constituent recovering from an addiction after receiving an opioid prescription from a dentist who did not talk to the patient or his mother about the medication.

"This bill is simply meant to enhance the discussion that happens between a physician or nurse practitioner prescribing an opioid and with a patient," Eliason said.

Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, noting that the bill does not have any enforcement mechanism, commented that it is the right way to raise awareness.

"As we move into the future, having something like this in place lets the rest of the medical establishment take that line and let them put in place the rules and the procedures to bring it forward," Ward said.

According to Eliason, 80 percent of the Utahns who die from an overdose started their addiction with a prescription opioid. The purpose of this bill is to prevent people from getting addicted.

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.SALT LAKE CITY  A Taylorsville man who made headlines 3  years ago for breaking into a house where a 15-year-old girl was home alone is now accused of threatening to kill his son's friend.

Heath Miller, 39, was charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon by a restricted person, both third-degree felonies.

On Jan. 9, Miller, who allegedly stole a backpack and a gun from one of his son's friends, pointed a gun at the friend, then called him multiple times after he left stating that he was going to kill him, his family and his friends, according to charging documents.

The friend's mother later called Miller and told him to leave her son alone. Miller told her "not to 'bring a knife to a gunfight' and said he was going to come over and kill" both of them, the charges state.

Miller, who has a lengthy criminal history, made headlines in 2015 when he and another man burglarized a home in Sandy not knowing that a 15-year-old girl was still inside the house and hiding.

The girl called for help and police arrived before the men had left. The man Miller was with, Niklus Beauchaine, sped away and crashed into two other vehicles after running a red light, according to charging documents.

In 2016, Miller was sentenced to one to 15 years in the Utah State Prison for his conviction in that case, according to court records. He was paroled in December of 2017, according to the Utah Department of Corrections.SALT LAKE CITY  Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and 2016 Democratic primary runner-up, announced Tuesday he would once again throw his hat into the ring for the countrys highest office.

"I am asking you to join me today as part of an unprecedented and historic grassroots campaign that will begin with at least a million people from across the country," he wrote in an email to supporters following an interview on Vermont Public Radio Tuesday morning.

In his announcement, Sanders described President Donald Trump as "a pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe and someone who is undermining American democracy as he leads us in an authoritarian direction. He also set out ambitious goals for his campaign.

Im running for president so that, together, we can create a nation that leads the world in the struggle for economic, racial, social and environmental justice. https://t.co/Gkf4ji3N6U  Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 19, 2019

"Our campaign," he said, "is about transforming our country and creating a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice.

Powerful special interests may have the money, but we have the people. Supporters from all 50 states have donated to our unprecedented grassroots campaign. Say you're in: https://t.co/4YhCuNlKEk pic.twitter.com/d32UxxRi9q  Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 19, 2019

Trump fired back later Tuesday, saying his time had passed for a successful run for the White House.

Watch: Trump reacts to Bernie Sanders running for president: "Personally, I think he missed his time. But, I like Bernie." pic.twitter.com/OQjA0cIGHh  Newsweek (@Newsweek) February 19, 2019

"Personally, I think he missed his time," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I wish Bernie well. It will be interesting to see how he does."

The 77-year-old self-described democratic socialist joins a crowded Democratic primary field of candidates. The bid could test whether Sanders can retain the anti-establishment appeal he enjoyed with many liberal voters in 2016, according to The New York Times.

Here are the challenges he could face this time around:

A victim of his own success?

The Democratic primary landscape looks far different than the one in 2016, The New York Times reported.

Sanders enters the 2020 as a frontrunner  far different than his position three years ago, when he was seen as a "protest candidate from the political fringe," according to CNN.

"I can tell you very happily, and I think any objective observer would confirm what I'm saying, is that in the last year and half or so, the Democratic party has moved in a far more progressive direction than they were before I ran for president," he said in an interview with CNN last year.

But his efforts to move to Democratic party to the left could make him a victim of his own success.

This time, Sanders will not be the only progressive candidate facing off against an establishment frontrunner. Instead, the Democratic primary field is already crowded with candidates, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.

Some of his fellow candidates have embraced the policy agenda Sanders championed in 2016  such as progressive proposals to broaden social security, expand health care, and make higher education affordable  making it more difficult for Sanders to stand out.

Ironically, Bernies agenda for working families will be the Democratic Partys message in 2020, but he may not be the one leading the parade, Bill Press, a talk show host who backed Sanders in 2016, said last year.

What could derail him

Sanders weak track record with black voters  an important Democratic party voter base  could threaten his candidacy, according to CNN.

Interviews with nearly two dozen current and former campaign staff revealed an uneven commitment to mobilizing black voters during his 2016 campaign, The New York Times reported Sunday.

Sanders has also faced allegations from women who say they were mistreated or harassed while working as staff on the 2016 campaign.

After The New York Times investigated complaints by female staff in January, Sanders apologized publicly.

In the aftermath of the allegations, both critics and allies of Sanders will pay close attention to his early campaign hires, CNN reported.

Sanders announced Tuesday that he tapped 39-year-old Faiz Shakir to serve as his campaign manager, according to The Daily Beast. Shakir joins the Sanders operation from the American Civil Liberties Union, where served as the national political director since 2017. Shakir identified as Muslim.

NEW: Bernie Sanders hires ACLU National Political Director Faiz Shakir to be his 2020 campaign manager, @ABC News confirms https://t.co/C87D5ZA3io pic.twitter.com/pYWHwLoZpa  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 19, 2019

Shakir is almost certainly the first campaign manager of a major presidential campaign who identifies as a Muslim, The Daily Beast reported.

I believe Bernie Sanders campaign manager, @fshakir, will be America's first Muslim campaign manager of a major presidential campaign.  Waleed Shahid (@_waleedshahid) February 19, 2019

Shakir, only 39, is likely the first campaign manager of a major presidential campaign who identifies as Muslim. And he's working to elect a Jewish candidate https://t.co/iaIjUGEvSl  Gideon Resnick (@GideonResnick) February 19, 2019

How people are reacting

Meghan McCain, "The View" co-host, said not to underestimate Sanders during the 2020 presidential race, describing him as a truly formidable" candidate.

The thing I will say about him is dont underestimate him, McCain said on the talk show after Sanders announced his bid for the White House.

Harris distanced herself from Sanders on Tuesday. When asked by Fox News if she would run as a democratic socialist (how Sanders describes himself), the California Democrat answered: I am not a democratic socialist.

Tension between supporters of Hillary Clinton and Sanders also resurfaced Tuesday, according to The Associated Press.

Clinton aide Philippe Reines tweeted that the media has given Sanders a WELCOME BACK! reception while telling Clinton to go away.

Hillary Clinton, 70

Won 2016 Popular Vote by 2,864,903

Won 2016 Primaries by 3,708,294

Media: go away.



Bernie Sanders, age 77

Lost 2016 Primaries by 3,708,294 votes

Media: WELCOME BACK!  Philippe Reines (@PhilippeReines) February 19, 2019

Jess McIntosh, communications adviser to Clinton on the 2016 campaign, focused on Sanders statement on Vermont public radio that we have got to look at candidates, you know, not by the color of their skin, not by their sexual orientation or their gender and not by their age.

If Bernie is going to start this contest telling us hes at a disadvantage as a white man it is going to be a LONG year.  jess mcintosh (@jess_mc) February 19, 2019

McIntosh fired back on Twitter: If Bernie is going to start this contest telling us hes at a disadvantage as a white man it is going to be a LONG year.SALT LAKE CITY  The sponsor of a bill that would have given Utah one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country has revised the bill to allow abortions up until 18 weeks gestation rather than 15 weeks.

Rep. Cheryl Acton, R-West Jordan, announced her revision in the House Republican caucus meeting Tuesday, saying she made the change for "some strategic reasons"  including aligning it with a similar bill being proposed in Arkansas  and to give the law better chances of surviving a legal challenge if passed by the Utah Legislature.

"Utah is known as a pro-family state. We have the nation's highest birth rate," Acton said. "So we should be the safest place in the nation, born and unborn."

Currently, Utah law allows abortions up to 22 weeks gestation, but many Utah doctors draw the line at 21 weeks to avoid risk of violating the law, Acton said.

Acton's bill, HB136, is expected to be heard Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. in the House Judiciary Committee.

A day before her bill's debut committee hearing, Acton presented the bill to House Republicans, describing the "dismemberment" process of late-term abortions, as well as negative physical and emotional impacts abortions can have on women.

Acton said "it really bothers me" that Utah law "protects a corpse" from dismemberment, "but not a living baby in the womb."

She also cited studies that indicated increased rates of suicide and infertility linked to abortions.

"The data shows there are legitimate interests (to protect women)," Acton said. "We all suffer as a society from a lot of the problems that stem from abortion."

Acton said while the bill shortens the legal abortion window, it still "preserves a woman's right to have an elective abortion." It would also allow exceptions for rape, incest, life of the mother and fatal fetal defects.

"It's not a dramatic shift," she said.

Acton also noted 18 weeks is longer than abortion limits in "most of the world's countries," including in Western Europe, where she said most are limited to 12 weeks.

"We are the outliers in the U.S.," she said.

New efforts are brewing to challenge Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that established abortion as a constitutional right. Mississippi last year passed a 15-week abortion law, with exceptions for medical emergency or severe fetal abnormality, but a federal judge blocked it.

"If and when" the 18-week law is challenged in court, Acton said the Utah Attorney General's Office will defend the law.

The bill's fiscal note is listed at $0, yet Acton said if Utah loses the challenge, there's a possibility of the state having to foot "reasonable" attorneys fees.

"Which is what?" Rep. Craig Hall, R-West Valley City, asked. "Two-hundred-dollars an hour for three years?"

Acton said a legal challenge may cost between $1 million to $3 million.

"We are the only ones who can challenge abortion law," she said.WEST VALLEY CITY  A West Valley man was charged Tuesday with murdering his girlfriend in front of her 5-year-old son.

Darren Fitzgerald Byrd, 50, is charged with murder, a first-degree felony; obstructing justice, a second-degree felony; committing domestic violence in front of a child, a third-degree felony; and possession of a weapon by a restricted person, a class A misdemeanor.

On Feb. 9, a 12-year-old boy called 911 saying that a woman was lying down "covered by blood" in a trailer home at 3292 W. Chester Park Drive. Belinda Thomas had suffered multiple stab wounds to her neck and chest, according to charging documents.

The boy, a neighbor, had gone to Thomas' trailer to invite her over to a birthday party. He spotted Byrd on his way over standing by the back of a car. He told the boy he "had been in a fight with Belinda and the police were coming," the charges state.

When the boy went to Thomas' trailer, her 5-year-old son answered the door. The older boy asked if his mother was home.

"Yes, I think she is dead," the 5-year-old said, according to the charges.

The older boy then picked up the toddler and took him back to his home.

The 5-year-old boy later told police that Byrd "climbed on his mom, poked his mom with a knife, and killed his mom," the charges state.

He also told police that Byrd "chased him around the house" and told him he was going to kill him, too, but the boy was able to hide in the house, according to a police affidavit.

Byrd was found by police later that night sleeping in Thomas' car near 5400 West and 2350 South.

A neighbor told police that Thomas had lived in the trailer for about eight months, and that Byrd had moved in about two months earlier, the charges state.

Earlier in the day, Byrd had talked to his former employer on the phone and told him that he'd had a fight with his girlfriend and that he should "just take me to jail," according to the charges.

Byrd was convicted of three counts of forgery in 1995, two counts of attempted illegal use of a bank card in 1993, and another forgery charge in a separate case in 1993, according to court records.

The 5-year-old boy was taken into state protective custody.SALT LAKE CITY  The Green New Deal was making headlines even before it was introduced as a resolution in the House and Senate earlier this month by sponsors Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass.

The resolution's ambitious goals to eliminate all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and launch progressive policies such as Medicare for all, free higher education, and a federal jobs guarantee have sparked excitement and concern on both sides of the political aisle. Recent polls indicate that a majority of prospective 2020 voters approve of most of the Green New Deal's ideas, and young people are especially galvanized by the resolution's dual commitment to environmental and social justice.

As a result, many leading Democratic presidential candidates have also expressed their support for their resolution, including Sens. Bernie Sanders, Kirsten Gillibrand, Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker and Amy Klobuchar  some of whom had already vocalized support for ideas central to the Green New Deal.

At the same time, the resolution has received considerable pushback from the right. Several powerful conservatives, including President Donald Trump, have opined that it would put an end to cows, airplanes and cars, although there is no language in the official resolution to support this.

I think it is very important for the Democrats to press forward with their Green New Deal. It would be great for the so-called Carbon Footprint to permanently eliminate all Planes, Cars, Cows, Oil, Gas & the Military - even if no other country would do the same. Brilliant!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2019

Let's take a look at what the Green New Deal calls for and the likelihood it will be implemented.

Why is the Green New Deal being introduced now?

The Green New Deal is a response to an October 2018 report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which found that in order to avoid catastrophic consequences worldwide, the global temperature must be prevented from increasing by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius over the next 12 years. To reach this goal, global greenhouse gas emissions need to be 45 percent below 2010 levels by 2030 and be net zero by 2050, Vox reported.

This will require, in a very limited timeframe, "extraordinary transitions in transportation; in energy, land, and building infrastructure; and in industrial systems," Vox reported.

What is the Green New Deal?

The Green New Deal resolution is a 10-year blueprint for creating a more environmentally and socially just society, according to Vox's David Roberts. Its name is an homage to former President Franklin Roosevelt's progressive New Deal.

In regard to the environment, the resolution focuses on several key areas: Expanding and upgrading renewable power sources and "smart" power grids; updating building infrastructure; growing clean and renewable energy manufacturing; and overhauling the agricultural and transportation industries to minimize pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

In order for our society to transition from a fossil-fuel-dependent economy to one centered on clean energy, the resolution argues, every worker needs to be able to participate in and contribute to the transition. The Green New Deal thus calls for free higher education; a federal jobs guarantee; universal affordable housing; the right of all workers to unionize; and Medicare for all. It also contains an anti-monopoly clause so that "every businessperson" can compete in the marketplace.

How much would the Green New Deal cost?

It's unclear. The resolution doesnt clarify the mechanisms by which its programs will be funded or how much they will cost. However, Bloombergs Noah Smith estimated it would cost about $6.6 trillion per year to fund most of the promises in the Green New Deal, which is about three times more than the federal government collects annually in tax revenue. Most of the deal would be funded by deficit spending, Smith wrote. This has sparked disdain from conservatives, who point to the fact the U.S. already has a national debt of over $22 trillion.

However, Scott Lehigh argued in the Boston Globe, the cost of ignoring climate change may well prove more expensive over time than implementing the Green New Deal. Lehigh quoted Markey, who said the costs of storms, fires, droughts, destruction and displacement due to climate change will have an infinity sign next to them.

Who supports the Green New Deal?

The Green New Deal resolution currently has 68 House and 11 Senate co-sponsors, including the Democratic presidential candidates who have endorsed the resolution.

Other powerful Democrats haven't been as supportive. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told Politico the Green New Deal 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 theyre for it, right? She hasn't endorsed the resolution or expressed an intention to bring it to the House floor for a vote, despite pressure from House Republicans to do so, Bloomberg reported.

In a recent poll from think tank Data for Progress shared with HuffPost, a majority of 3,496 people likely to vote in the 2020 election supported Green New Deal policies such as "improving drinking water infrastructure, reforesting land, providing job training and insurance to displaced workers and guaranteeing clean-energy jobs," although that support varied based on projected costs. However, a majority of voters disapproved of time-restrictive policies, such as requiring all cars to be electric by 2030 or eliminating all fossil fuel plants by 2035.

Whats the likelihood the Green New Deal will become law?

In order for the Green New Deal to become a law, it will need to pass the House and Senate and be signed by the president.

Because of the controversial nature of many of the resolutions progressive promises, such as Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee, its highly unlikely that the Green New Deal will pass the House, Ella Nilsen wrote in Vox. House Energy and Commerce Chair Frank Pallone told Nilsen the plan was too ambitious and unlikely to generate consensus among moderate Democrats in the House, never mind the Senate.

Jeff Stein and David Weigel opined in The Washington Post, "The proposal could not pass the current Congress, where Republicans control the Senate, and would be vetoed by President Trump, but its an effort to galvanize the left and move the Democratic Party toward a commitment to stronger, broader and more direct action to address climate change."

On Feb. 12, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced he wants to bring the Green New Deal to the Senate floor for a vote, NPR reported. This would force Democrats to pick a side on the controversial resolution  with the idea that it would die on the Senate floor.

In response, Markeys office released a statement arguing it was unfair to call for a vote without committee hearings, expert testimony, or a true national debate, NPR reported.

The proposed Senate vote has not yet been scheduled.OGDEN  The alleged triggerman in the shootings of two brothers in Ogden  killing one and critically injuring the other  has been charged.

Daniel Ross Viegas-Gonzalez, 28, of Farmington, was charged Tuesday in 2nd District Court with aggravated murder (aiding and abetting), attempted aggravated murder and aggravated robbery, all first-degree felonies. He was also charged with obstructing justice, a second-degree felony, and possession of a firearm by a restricted person, a third-degree felony.

With the exception of the weapons charge, they are the same counts that Theron Nelson Farmer, 23, was charged with last week.

On Feb. 11, just after 5:30 p.m., Kameron Johnson, 18, was shot and killed and his brother, Eric Johnson Jr., 20, was shot and critically injured. The shootings happened at the brothers' home, 862 W. Lake St. in Ogden. Both men were shot multiple times, according to charging documents.

At the hospital, Eric Johnson told police that "his one-time friend, Theron Farmer" and another man arrived at their house, displayed guns, and Viegas-Gonzalez opened fire, charging documents state.

A SWAT team tracked down Farmer the next day in Layton and arrested him. When interviewed by detectives, he said he and Viegas-Gonzalez "had gone to the home to purchase drugs and that the other male shot both Johnsons and that they looted the house and took Xanax, a small unknown amount of cash, a pair of pants and a coat," according to the charges.

On Thursday, Viegas-Gonzalez was taken into custody in Farmington by the Davis County Metro SWAT team.

"He admitted that he and Theron planned to rob the Johnsons and to being at the homicide robbery. He admitted to shooting the male in the living room but tried to say that Theron had shot the male in the back room," the charges state.

The charges come on the heels of another alleged violent incident less than two months ago in which Viegas-Gonzalez was accused of pointing a gun at a 15-year-old boy, according to charging documents.

He was charged Dec. 31 in 2nd District Court with aggravated assault and being a restricted person in possession of a firearm, both third-degree felonies.

In that case, Viegas-Gonzalez told police he was under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine when he got into an argument with a teen about a girl, and "may" have pointed a weapon at him, according to charging documents.

Police noted in the charges that Viegas-Gonzalez did not have a criminal record in Utah at that point, but had "a lengthy history of drug related convictions out of California that were reported as felonies."

His next court date in that case is scheduled for Wednesday.SALT LAKE CITY  After a previous version of the bill failed in front of a committee, the Utah House of Representatives voted Tuesday to approve a watered-down bill to allow cities slightly more power to enforce anti-idling ordinances.

The previous version of HB148 would have repealed provisions of Utah law that the bill's sponsor, Rep. Patrice Arent, D-Millcreek, said renders local idle-free ordinances virtually toothless, including the requirement that police give violators three warnings before they can issue a citation.

Because warnings are impossible to track, Arent argued the rule overly restricts cities and attempted to remove that requirement but was met with pushback from some lawmakers in the House.

After Arent revised the bill to keep a one-warning requirement, it advanced out of a House committee to the House floor.

"Vehicle emissions, as we know, cause almost half of our air pollution, and idling is a significant problem," Arent said, noting that other states have made efforts to allow anti-idling restrictions.

"No state has made it more difficult for local governments to restrict idling," Arent said.

The Legislature in 2012 passed a law to restrict what cities can or can't do to outlaw idling after Salt Lake City enacted its anti-idling ordinance.

The new version of HB148 was met with some resistance from the full House but passed with a 40-29 vote. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.SALT LAKE CITY  A new petition on Change.org has called for Montana to be sold to Canada so the U.S. can start paying off the national debt.

Ian Hammond, who started the petition, wants to sell Montana for $1 trillion.

"We have too much debt and Montana is useless. Just tell them it has beavers or something," the petition description reads.

More than 7,600 people have already signed the petition, which hoped to garner at least 7,500 total signatures, Fox News reports.

"We have too much debt and Montana is useless," the petition reads.

The petition says the U.S. should tell Canada that Montana "has beavers or something" to convince the neighbors to the North to buy the state.

The national debt is about $22 trillion (and counting).

People who signed the petition shared their support for the sale, according to the New York Daily News.

"MT resident here that will gladly join Canada. The U.S. is a mess and POTUS is an embarrassment," said one commenter.

Another wrote, "I live in Montana. I want to live in Canada but I don't want to move."

Canadians even jumped in on the fun.

"I'm Canadian and we will take you," said one commenter.

So could the U.S. sell a state to another country? Back in 2012, a writer for The Washington Post opined that the U.S. should sell Alaska to cure the national debt.BEIJING  The Iranian foreign minister's passionate defense of his country's interests at the Munich Security Conference has made him "a famous person" in China, his Chinese counterpart told him Tuesday, as the sides met amid efforts to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is leading an Iranian delegation to Beijing that includes parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani and the ministers of finance and petroleum, as well as the CEO of the country's central bank.

Germany, Britain, France, China, Russia and the European Union have been trying to preserve the 2015 deal meant to keep Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief after the unilateral withdrawal of the United States last year.

"Yesterday evening I saw on TV how you defended the rights of Iran loud and clear at the Munich Security Conference," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Zarif. "I think an audience of hundreds of millions of Chinese also watched what you said and you are a famous person now."

A perception held by many Chinese that the U.S. seeks to contain their nation's global rise generates sympathy among the public for Iran and other countries, such as Venezuela, identified by Washington as hostile powers.

Zarif told the Munich conference on Sunday that a barter-type system known as INSTEX set up last month by France, Germany and Britain to allow businesses to skirt direct financial transactions with Iran, and thereby evade possible U.S. sanctions, fell short of commitments to save the nuclear deal.

He addressed the conference a day after U.S. Vice President Mike Pence prodded Germany, France and Britain to follow Washington in withdrawing from the deal and to "stop undermining U.S. sanctions."

Wang made no direct comments on China's position on the deal in opening remarks before reporters on Tuesday, but said he was "really delighted" to meet with Zarif "given the major changes in the Middle East and the international landscape."

"I would like to take this opportunity to have this in-depth strategic communication with my old friend to deepen the strategic trust between our two countries and to ensure fresh progress of the bilateral comprehensive and strategic partnership," Wang said.

Zarif responded by saying Iran's relationship with China "is very valuable to us."

"We consider the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China as one of our most important relations," he said.

Prior to parliamentary speaker Larijani's departure from Tehran, China's official Xinhua News Agency quoted him as saying that Iran and China have "close and amicable" relations in diverse areas, and that both sides have enjoyed the support of each other in the international arena.

Asked about China's position on the Iran deal and Washington's re-imposition of sanctions, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had made clear its disapproval.

"We have always opposed unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction," Geng said, referring to U.S. efforts to compel other countries to adhere to measures it imposes outside the United Nations.

China has long sought to balance its relations in the Middle East between rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia  one of its chief suppliers of crude oil  whose de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is due to visit Beijing on Thursday and Friday for meetings with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese officials.

Iran is also an important source of crude imports to China, which has also invested in manufacturing and other industries in Iran.

At the same time, China has sought to remain a friend to Israel  which Iran regards with hostility  partly to avail itself of the country's cutting-edge technologies.

Yin Gang, a retired researcher formerly with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China was feeling a greater sense of urgency and may press Iran to take a "practical attitude" in light of U.S. concerns over its missile program, support for Syria's embattled leader and other U.S. concerns.

The Saudi crown prince's visit imposes pressure from the opposite direction, however, Yin said.

"For many years, Saudi Arabia has expressed its hopes that China not do anything to block sanctioning Iran," Yin said.SALT LAKE CITY  The Trump administration announced the approval of two coal mining projects in southern Utah, including one nestled between two national parks in the state's red rock region.

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced the mining projects in a news release Thursday, declaring "the war on coal is over," touting new jobs the projects will create and saying they will further the administration's goal of "energy dominance."

A $12 million project to expand a mine run by Alton Coal Development LLC will produce an estimated two million tons of coal each year on land about 10 miles west of Bryce Canyon National Park and about 25 miles northeast of Zion National Park.

The mine is near the original boundaries of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, but it is not in lands cut from the monument in 2017 by Trump. So far, no coal mining has been done on those lands, according to state officials.

The other project was for lease modifications at a Sufco mine in Utah's Sevier County in the central part of the state, which the agency says will extend the mine's life by five years. The mine produces about five million tons of coal per year and has been in operation since 1941.

"American coal jobs matter," said acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt in the news release. "By approving these projects today, we will ensure that these mines are operational for years to come, providing well-paying jobs and affordable energy to the people of Utah."

The Trump administration's pro-coal policies to date have failed to stop the industry's ongoing slide, as electric utilities across the U.S. continue to turn to cheaper and cleaner alternatives such as natural gas, solar and wind. Coal production nationwide totaled about 750 million tons in 2018. That's a 3 percent drop from the prior year and down about 35 percent from the industry's 2008 peak.

"The Interior rhetoric is completely off base," said Jeremy Nichols, climate and energy director at WildEarth Guardians. "There's no war on coal. It's just coal's inability to compete with cleaner and more affordable ways to generate electricity."

Nichols' organization has opposed the Sufco project all along and is considering a lawsuit to challenge the project, he said.

The approval to expand the Alton mine near the national parks could impact air quality, clear and dark night skies and pristine quiet for visitors who come from around the world, said Cory MacNulty, associate director for the National Parks Conservation Association's Southwest region. Additional trucks and equipment on the narrow highways used by tourists could also negatively impact their experience, she said.

"This in the heart of this really incredible protected landscape that draws millions of visitors to Utah," MacNulty said.

Republican members of Utah's congressional delegation expressed their support for the coal projects in the news release. U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney said "responsible energy development is important to Utah's energy industry and rural economies."

The Interior forecasts 100 new jobs at the Alton mine.

Correction: The Associated Press erroneously reported the amount of coal produced at the two mines. The Alton Coal mine is expected to produce an estimated 2 million tons of coal each year and the Sufco mine produces about 5 million tons each year, not two tons and five tons respectively.A bill that would open access to higher education for thousands of students is on the floor of the Utah House of Representatives, where it deserves a favorable vote on its way to becoming a law that could have a long-term impact on breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

House Bill 260 would create the Access Utah Promise Scholarship Program, offering students unable to afford a college education two years worth of tuition and fees at state universities, colleges and technical schools. The bill passed the House Education Committee by a unanimous vote, which we hope bodes well for its chances of final passage and the governors signature.

The law includes a $30 million one-time appropriation to start the program, which would eventually replace a current system of merit-based scholarships administered by the State Board of Regents. Those grants tend to favor high-achieving students capable of receiving private scholarships. The Access Utah program would focus on needs-based students who may otherwise be unable to afford entry into higher education.

As a way of addressing the problems of wealth inequality and perpetual impoverishment, the bill is straight on point and an example of forward-thinking legislation that could be a game changer in helping more kids access the ladder of social and economic ascendancy. It appears to enjoy widespread support among lawmakers, including one who worried it doesnt go far enough by limiting aid to only two years, which could leave some students hanging before they graduate  a concern we share.

The growing opportunity gap between wealthier Americans and those in middle- and lower-income classes is quickly becoming a defining political issue of the times. Progressives on the left-leaning side of the aisle have mustered calls for government programs to provide free college education for all  an aspirational but largely impractical goal. HB260, on the other hand, is tailored after successful programs already in place at Weber State University and Salt Lake Community College. In the experience of Weber State, the graduation rate among recipients of the schools needs-based assistance program is 73 percent, compared to 44 percent who are not part of the program.

HB260, sponsored by Rep. Derrin Owens, R-Fountain Green, would also aid adults returning to college and would facilitate partnerships with private businesses in making financial assistance available. As many leaders of industry have come to argue in recent years, it is in the best interests of leading businesses to help reverse trends that have made it difficult for large classes of society to participate in the nations overall economic prosperity.

In supporting Rep. Owens measure, the presidents of Utahs public colleges and universities and the commissioner of higher education wrote jointly, Nothing has been proven to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty like a college education. Indeed, the states Department of Workforce Services says 7 percent of Utah children live in state of poverty that has extended beyond a single generation, and that 23 percent are at risk of remaining in poverty as adults. The departments data show the financial inability to obtain a higher education is a common denominator among those groups.

There are few, if any, objectives more important for policy makers to focus on than trying to break that cycle. HB260 effectively addresses and executes an essential step in reaching that goal.Customer For 10 Years, Worst Experience

I've been a customer with Unitus for over 10 years. My card was stolen on November 21st and I asked for a new card right away. They told me it would take 7-10 business days and I told them my new address. I called them on the 7th business day and they said it should arrive by Friday. When I called on the 10th day because it hadn't arrived they said they sent it to my Oregon address instead of the address in Colorado I had provided to them three times. They apologized and said they would issue a card out to me within two days (Friday) so I didn't have to wait any longer. They asked me to be home all of Friday, because I would have to sign for it. I waited all day Friday and my card didn't arrive, wasting my entire day. When I called them again they told me usually the card will arrive before 7pm even though they said it would arrive before 4pm. I was called on Saturday by them saying that expeded cards usually take up to 5 days so I should get my card December 9th. They said they had no notes of all these conversations that were occurring. Mind you, I don't have any other money source because my whole wallet was stolen and I don't have a check book. I've been late on my car insurance payments, and other automatic payments because I don't have a card. I'm getting late fees. I had to borrow money to pay for my broken out window, groceries, and gas for weeks now. I told them they needed to repair with me, but so far its been insult to injury several times so I will not be continuing services with Unitus in the future.This is the winning map of Drexel Hill's Philip Hensley in the first Draw the Lines PA competition sponsored by the Committee of Seventy.Politics

Pipeline foes cry foul at ties of candidates for judge posts with SunocoThe 19-year-old East London native joined ISIS in Syria in 2015 along with two classmates. (Photo: AFP)

London: Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined ISIS in Syria and wants to return home with a new-born baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday.

"Family is very disappointed with the Home Office's intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship," their lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said on Twitter.

"We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision," he wrote.

ITV News reported that the Home Office has sent a letter to Begum's mother, received Tuesday, notifying the family of the decision, which it said Begum had the right to appeal.

The Home Office -- Britain's interior ministry -- did not immediately reply to a request for comment from AFP.

The 19-year-old East London native joined ISIS in Syria in 2015 along with two classmates.

She is currently in a refugee camp in northeast Syria where she fled fighting in the east of the country along with hundreds of other people with links to IS.

At the weekend she gave birth to her third child, and asked the British authorities to show "compassion" by allowing her to raise the baby in Britain while expressing no regret over having joined IS.

Her other two babies died, apparently from illness and malnutrition.

Begum's case points up a dilemma facing many European countries, divided over whether to bar jihadists from returning home over security concerns, or allowing them to return to face prosecution.The Galaxy S10 will be unveiled later on today and immediately after it, Samsung will be hosting preview events in eight Indian cities. This will give audiences in these select cities to preview the handset first hand before it is made officially available next month.

Samsung will hold preview events in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurgaon, Pune and Chandigarh. At Gurgaon, it will be previewed at the Samsung Experience Store in Cybercity and Ambience Mall. In Bangalore, it will be shown off at Samsung Opera House in Brigade Road as well as in the Samsung Experience Store in CMH Store. In Delhi, the two places it will be showcased in are at Select City Walk and at the Samsung Experience Store in South Extension. At Chandigarh, it can be previewed at the Samsung Store in Elante Mall and in Chennai at the Phoenix Market City Mall. In Kolkata, you can see the handset at Parkstreet and in Mumbai at the Samsung Experience Store on Link Road, Andheri. Lastly, if you are from Pune, you can experience the handset at Pavillion Mall.

Image Credit: SamMobile

Apart from the new Galaxy S10 smartphones, Samsung is expected to announce its Galaxy Buds earphones and these will most likely be on display as well.

At the Samsung Unpacked event, apart from the Galaxy trio of handsets, the brand will also announce a smartphone from a brand new segment which is a foldable handset that when launched is going to be called the Galaxy Fold. Last year, Samsung demoed a cloaked version of the Galaxy Fold at an event but today we will see the handset in all its glory for the first time ever.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.Twitter said its political campaigning ads policy, introduced during the US midterm elections, will also be launched in India and Australia.

Twitter on Tuesday rolled out tools in Europe which will make it easier for voters to identify political campaign ads tied to crucial European Parliament elections in May amidst fears of Russian disinformation campaigns and threats of regulatory action.

Social networks such as Twitter and Facebook have come under pressure to do more to combat fake news and the spread of extremism and propaganda online. The European Union is concerned about Russias role. Russia has repeatedly denied any such actions.

Twitter said its political campaigning ads policy, introduced during the US midterm elections, will also be launched in India and Australia, both of which are also heading to the polls.

In essence, it means that anyone can view ads put on Twitter endorsing a party or a candidate on its Ads Transparency Center, with details on billing information, ad spending and demographic targeting data. The ads will be available indefinitely.

A visual label and disclaimer information on promoted content will allow users to identify political campaign ads and who paid for them.

Our political campaigning ads policy is being expanded to cover #EUElections2019, providing the general public with an additional layer of insight into who is running a political campaign ad on Twitter, the company said in a blog post.

It said candidates or organisations will have to go through a certification process with proof of identity before they can run political campaigning ads on its site. This policy will kick off on March 11.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.Ren said in a separate interview with the BBC that the technology company would not undertake any spying activities.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltds founder and chief executive pledged not to share any customer information with the Chinese government and said the company had never done so, in an interview with CBS News that aired on Tuesday.

Asked if it had shared data with Chinas government, Huaweis Ren Zhengfei said in a translated interview with the television news outlet: For the past 30 years, we have never done that. And (for) the next 30 years to come, we will never do that.

Ren also said the company did not have a back door to share customer data with Beijing without his knowledge.

It is not possible, he told CBS, saying if there were such an opening the United States would have uncovered it already.

On Monday, Ren said in a separate interview with the BBC that the technology company would not undertake any spying activities and that it could shift its business investments to other countries amid an ongoing US pressure campaign.

The United States is calling on its allies not to use technology from Huawei, the worlds biggest producer of telecommunication equipment, amid concerns over its relationship with the Chinese government and allegations it has enabled state espionage.

Huawei has repeatedly denied such claims.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.In this countrys fractious political landscape amid the possibility of a fractured mandate forcing the formation of a coalition government again at the Centre, pre-poll alliances have assumed greater importance. The numbers will become important enough to affect the Lok Sabha seat arithmetic to be presented to the President. The series of alliances sealed in the past few days by both the national parties, the BJP and the Congress, the largest Opposition party, points to the urgency behind the pre-poll pacts. After Uttar Pradesh (80 seats), Maharashtra (48) and West Bengal (42) come Tamil Nadu (39 plus one in Puducherry) and Bihar (40). The significance of Tamil Nadu in national politics is stressed once again as a flurry of activity led to the two national parties joining regional alliances. While the Congress staying with the DMK-plus was predictable given the circumstances, the BJP returns to a Dravidian poll alliance after 15 years.

The BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led UPA (or possibly Peoples Progressive Alliance) may be national power centres, but when it comes to Tamil Nadu, these parties tend to join the regional party-led alliances as a junior partner. This trend, established decades ago with the fading of the Congress as the predominant national party, gave way to regional satraps like Karunanidhi and MGR-Jayalalithaa becoming major influencers of Union government formation. It is understandable that both the BJP and the Congress were prepared to accept as low as five and 10 seats, respectively. This is on the premise that Tamil Nadus leaders dont necessarily nurture prime ministerial ambitions even if they bring a chunk of the 40 Lok Sabha seats. In fact, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry voters have twice chosen decisively, giving 40 seats in 2004 to UPA-DMK+ and 37 to the AIADMK in 2014. The significance of such numbers is obvious.

The nature of coalition politics is such that parties have been known to freely cross over from one alliance to another before the polls, suggesting that ideological considerations are insignificant whereas judging which way the wind generated by the popular vote will blow is more important. The phenomenon isnt unknown in Tamil Nadu either, though these are the first alliances to have coalesced after the death of AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa in 2016. Having flirted with the Third Front in 2009, her decision to go it alone in 2014 with the line Its Modi versus Lady paid dividends in dramatic fashion with the saffron party-led Tamil Nadu alliance winning just two seats out of 39 while DMK blanked. The void Jayalalithaa leaves in Tamil Nadus theatrical politics might see the pendulum swing in Dravidian land, in which both national parties can expect to pad up their fortunes only in piggybacking a ride on the back of one of the Dravidian majors.Bengaluru: Ending speculation about her entering the Lok Sabha fray, Sumalatha Ambarish, widow of former minister M.H. Ambarish, on Wednesday met former CM Siddaramaiah and expressed her desire to contest the polls from Mandya on a Congress ticket.

The yesteryear popular actress met the senior Congress leader to convey the sentiments of fans of her late husband that she should contest from Mandya, represented by Ambarish twice. These fans and local Congress leaders felt she was the best choice to carry forward the work done by her husband in the constituency.

"Although I never wanted to enter politics, there is constant pressure from friends and well-wishers of my husband to contest. As a first step, I am putting forth my request before the Congress party with which my husband had a long association, to consider my name for Mandya since no decision has been taken on giving that seat to the JD(S). Besides, the Congress has a strong base in Mandya. If the party says it is helpless, I will go by the people's decision but there is no question of going to another party".

Ms Sumalatha also explained to Siddaramaiah the support she was sure to receive from the film fraternity if she contested. Ill visit Mandya on Thursday to meet the family of martyred CRPF soldier Guru and also of former MLA late K.S. Puttanaiah," she said.CPM national general secretary Sitaram Yechuri speaks to the media along with the partys state secretary T. Veerabhadram at MB Bhavan on Wednesday.

Hyderabad: CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury alleges that the Pulwama terror attack was being utilised by the BJP to benefit in the upcoming elections.

Criticising the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the all-party meeting, Mr Yechury said the nation was united as far as security was concerned.

Speaking to mediapersons on Wednesday Mr Yechury said, The entire nation has strongly condemned the terror attack in Pulwama. It is sad that the Prime Minister himself was absent in the all-party meeting when all political parties stood with the BJP to support the country. The BJP government should teach a lesson to the terrorists immediately.

He appealed to the youth of Kashmir not to fall into the trap of terrorists. The highest number of armed forces were killed in the tenure of this government, Mr Yechury said.

He said that a Grand Alliance at the Centre before the general elections will be premature.

Mr Yechury said, There are many insignificant political parties, and an alliance after the elections is a better idea. Federal Front type of alliances are seen before every election, he said.Bengaluru: The state BJP is getting ready to kick off its month long Vijay Sankalpa Yatra in Devanahalli on Thursday with national president, Amit Shah, arriving in the city to inaugurate it.

The yatra, which is part of the BJPs elaborately designed campaign for the coming Lok Sabha poll, will culminate in Chikkamagaluru district on March 19.

Besides BJP state chief, B.S.Yeddyurappa, former Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna, Union Ministers, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Ramesh Jigajinagi and Ananth Kumar Hegde, and senior leaders, Srinivasa Prasad, Jagadish Shettar, K.S. Eshwarappa, Govinda Karjol, Kota Srinivasa Poojari, R. Ashok, Prahalad Joshi, and Sreeramalu are expected to attend the event.

Mr Shah is also scheduled to meet party leaders and workers in a village on the outskirts of Bengaluru as part of the BJPs preparations for the coming Lok Sabha poll. He will address Shakti Kendra pramukhs at Avati village and party legislators and MPs at a hotel near Yelahanka, according to party sources. The BJP president is expected to meet the partys state office bearers, those in- charge of the Lok Sabha constituencies, and divisional organising secretaries as well.

State party leaders will submit their reports to him on the spadework done for the election so far and inform him about the series of meetings planned for the next two months, according to a senior BJP leader.

Going by Mr Shah's itinerary, he will stay the night in Yelahanka before leaving for New Delhi on Friday.Chennai: Non-resident Indians of Tamil origin have been contributing to the development of Tamil Nadu with their regular remittance, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit said. Addressing a big group of NRI donors supporting the efforts of the Tamil Nadu Foundation (TNF), in Chennai on Wednesday, Purohit said the state had been seeing perennial prosperity thanks to remittances by them. He said the achievements of Tamils living in foreign countries were unparalleled.

He said Tamils were among the early settlers in different parts of the world, including Singapore and Malaysia, and they were doing very well in various disciplines. They command tremendous respect because of their eminence and sincerity. The TNF has rightly focussed on the development of students from government schools in rural areas and it would directly benefit farmers' children and those hailing from poor families. The Governor launched TNF's new initiative, 'Mann Vaasanai' in the annual conference. The project aims to generate USD 8 million as corpus and deposit Rs 175 lakh each for all 33 districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Interest accruing from the deposits would be used for helping identified slow learners in select government schools. And under 'Mann Vaasanai', the NRI Tamils in the US would be able to choose to contribute to the development of schools and students in their hometowns and districts.

Lauding the efforts of TNF, Purohit said, "This is the only service organisation allowed by the Tamil Nadu government to work directly in coordination with government schools." Appealing to the NRIs to resolve to divert funds for social causes, he said, "You should divert funds for noble causes, not for politics." Earlier, former IAS officer and TNF's state chapter chairman S. Rajarethinam said more than 4,500 students studying in 51 government schools in eight revenue districts benefitted every year from various skill development programmes and academic bridge courses of TNF. Chairman, Kasthuri and Sons, N. Murali said, "Governance, transparency and probity that TNF is known for should be the role model for other NGOs in the country. Such models should be replicated in other states." Industrialist and philanthropist Palani G Periasamy said the TNF was born at his home in Baltimore and it was incorporated under provisions of the US Internal Revenue Code in 1975.New Delhi: Tamil Nadu on Wednesday strongly opposed in the Supreme Court the Karnatakas government proposal for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposal to construct Mekedatu dam in the Cauvery river basin.

The state made this submission before a Bench of Justices A.M. Kanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi hearing an application challenging the Karnataka governments move to go ahead with the preparation of DPR.

TN has sought a direction to CWC to withdraw the letter dated November 22, 2018 granting permission for the preparation of DPR with regard to the proposed project The Bench after hearing counsel for the Centre and the States granted time to Centre, Karnataka and Kerala to file their response and posted the matter for further hearing after three weeks.

Tamil Nadu pointed out that in the letter of Central Water Commission dated Nov 22, 2018 it is clearly stated that while preparing the DPR, the views of other co-basin States would also be taken into consideration, so that inter-State issues can be resolved amicably. However, Karnataka has not sought the views of the co-basin States. In such an event, when the matter is being examined by this Court and is sub-judice, it is not open to Karnataka to contend that DPR having being filed, application no longer survives.

The said submission is wholly misplaced and untenable. Karnataka has filed the DPR without complying with conditions imposed in the letter and without considering the objections of the co-basin States and the clearance from the Cauvery Water Management Authority.

The State reiterated that the Mekedatu Reservoir proposal of Karnataka should not be considered as Karnataka is drawing water from Netkal Balancing Reservoir to meet the drinking water to Bengaluru City. There is no need for a reservoir at Mekedatu by Karnataka. The proposed reservoir would impound the uncontrolled intermediate flows between KRS, Kabini and Billigundulu.

Further Tamil Nadu would be deprived of receiving monthly flows for irrigation in the crucial months from June to September. This would be against the Final Order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal as modified by this Court. The existing storage facilities available in the Cauvery basin is adequate for storing and distributing water to lower riparian States for release of water on monthly / 10 day basis by Karnataka from its reservoirs.

The State contended that it is a ploy to increase the storage capacity and enhance Karnatakas irrigation, which is a gross violation of the decisions of the Tribunal as modified by this Court. Tamil Nadu has filed detailed objections to the project to CWC and made out a case before this Court that the proposed scheme would seriously affect the adjudication rendered by the Tribunal and affirmed by this Court and that the proposed project is a device to impound the flows from the uncontrolled catchment.

TN rejected Karnatakas stand that there is no need for Karnataka to get the concurrence of the applicant State and of co-basin States for preparation of Detailed Project Report. It said the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in a letter dated January 25 to the Prime Minister reiterated that the unilateral action of Karnataka proposing to construct the Mekedatu reservoir would affect lakhs and lakhs of farmers in Tamil Nadu, and that the project is in violation of the judgment of this Court dated Feb. 16, 2018. The CM requested the PM to direct Ministry of Water Resources to instruct CWC to reject outright and return the DPR submitted by the State of Karnataka.

Tamil Nadu made it clear that Karnataka being an upper riparian State cannot plan / propose to construct a dam, reservoir etc., without the concurrence of co-basin States and Cauvery Water Management Authority. In the absence of consent of the co-basin States and the clearance from the Cauvery Water Management Authority for the Mekedatu Project, the question of considering the Feasibility Report/DPR will not arise, TN said and urged the court to quash the nod given by the Centre for the DPR.New Delhi: A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will hear on February 26 a batch of 13 appeals against an Allahabad High Court verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit in the disputed site in Ayodhya, granting two-thirds of land to Hindus and one-third to Muslims.

In September last year, a three-judge bench headed by the then CJI Dipak Misra had rejected the plea that the 1994 verdict that Mosque is not an essential part of Islam and Muslims can do their prayer anywhere should be revisited.

Thereafter the present CJI Ranjan Gogoi directed the matter to be heard by five judges. But as Justice S.A. Bobde was on leave the matter could not be heard. On Wednesday, the Registry notified that the Constitution bench would hear the appeals on February 26. The Bench will also hear the Centres application seeking permission for return of the excess land acquired in Ayodhya In and around the make shift temple of Lord Ram.

Petitions have also been filed questioning the Constitutional validity of The Acquisition of Certain area at Ayodhya Act, 1993 on the ground that Parliament has no legislative competence to take over/acquire the property.

In a writ petition advocate Shishir Chaturvedi and seven others contended that the Centre had acquired about 67 acres of land in 1993 though such a vast extent of land was totally unconnected with the property in dispute, which is only 0.313 acres of land. This plea is likely to be heard by a five-Judge Constitution Bench hearing the appeals relating to the title dispute on the 2.77 acres of Ram Janmabhoomi land.

It is not disputed that the property in question situated at Ayodhya has not been declared as ancient and historical monument by any law made by Parliament. This property in dispute at Ayodhya is important for pilgrimage. The UP Legislature has power to enact law on those subjects and Parliament cannot encroach upon the state.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud witness the exchange of MoU files between external affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Saudi Arabias minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources, Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Wednesday. (PTI)

New Delhi: Terrorism and extremism are common concerns and Saudi Arabia will extend all cooperation to India and other countries in the region to deal with them, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday after holding extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Asserting that a close contact between people of Saudi and India was a living bridge for the two countries, Mr Modi also welcomed the Crown Princes announcement of potential investment of $100 billion in India in areas like energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing etc.

Briefing reporters on the Saudi Crown Princes visit and issues discussed during his meeting with Mr Modi, T.S. Tirumurti, secretary (ER) in the ministry of external affairs said they also underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of not just terror organisations, but also terrorists by the United Nations, in an apparent reference to New Delhis demand for JeM head Massod Azhars listing by the global body.

The reference to the listing issue assumes significance as in a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding politicisation of the UN listing regime, at a time India is stepping up efforts to brand the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror groups chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

In an interview to PTI, Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir on Wednesday said any terrorist or anyone who supports and finances terrorism must be proscribed by the United Nations. He rejected suggestions that Riyadh was opposed to Indias efforts to get Azhar banned by the global body.

Modi and the Crown Prince during their talks also called for concerted action by the international community against terrorism and early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, Tirumurti said.

He said the Crown Prince lauded Mr Modi for the consistent efforts made by him since May 2014, including Modis personal initiatives, to have friendly relations with Pakistan. In this context, both sides agreed on the need for creation of conditions necessary resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan, Tirumurti said.

Mr Modi said, last weeks barbaric Pulwama attack was a symbol of the shadow of the inhuman danger hovering over the world. To deal with the scourge, we have agreed that there was a need to ramp up pressure on countries extending any sort of support to terrorism.

He said dismantling terror infrastructure, eliminating support to terrorism and punishing terrorists and their supporters are very necessary, adding that the two countries have also agreed to establish a biennial summit and a strategic partnership council.

On his part, the Crown Prince said,As far as terrorism and extremism are concerned  which are common concerns  I want to tell India that we will extend all cooperation to you  be it intelligence sharing...not only with India but also with countries around us.

On the Saudi-Pakistan statement calling for avoiding politicisation of the UN listing regime, Tirumurti said the Saudi side agreed that comprehensive sanctioning not only of terror organisations, but also the terrorists by the UN.

So, it is both because we have had a couple of anomalies and that is why it was important for us to emphasise the fact that it is not just the terrorist organisation, it is also important that terrorists are sanctioned, he said.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kasaragod is set to witness a pitched battle for the Lok Sabha elections with the intense churning occurring there in the wake of the murders of two Youth Congress workers, Sarath Lal and Kripesh, the other day.

The Congress has sensed a golden chance emerging to wrest the seat from the CPM banking on the rising tide of resentment among the voters against the killings.

The odds are apparently packed against the Congress as Kasaragod has remained a Left bastion. The last time a Congress candidate won from there was in 1984 when I. Rama Rai defeated CPMs E. Balanandan. Later, CPM's Ramana Rai (1989 & 1991), T. Govindan (1996, 1998 & 1999) and P. Karunakaran (2004, 2009, 2014 LS elections) were elected.

KPCC leadership has over the last several years fielded Muslim candidates (T. Siddique, Shahida Kam-al and N. A. Mohammed) from the seat. The BJP, which plays the caste card, fields a Hindu candidate.

Senior Congress leader K. Sudhakaran told DC that this time the party may field a non-Muslim candidate. With the brutal killings of the two youths with the connivance of the Kannur CPM lobby headed by P. Jayarajan, the situation is turning against it. The Kannur CPM lobby has taken political violence across the neighbouring district too, said Mr Sudhakaran who had contested from Uduma Assembly seat unsuccessfully in 2016.

Over two dozen local CPM leaders have disowned the murder politics and would join the Congress, he claimed. The CPMs murder politics will boomerang on it across the state, he said.

The Congress hopefuls for Kasaragod seat include Mr B. Subbaiah Rai and Ms Jebi Mather. Mr Subbaiah is the son of former Congress MP Rama Rai and son-in-law of former CPM MP Ramanna Rai. Ms Jebi, 40, is the national secretary of Indian Youth Congress and has the advantage of being a Muslim. She was also a two-time municipal councillor from Aluva and comes from an illustrious Congress background. Her maternal grandfather was former KPCC president T. O. Bava and paternal grandfather K. C. A. Methar was the KPCC treasurer. Her father K. M. I. Mather is the KPCC general secretary.

The Congress candidate will be decided only after the bilateral talks with the UDF allies on February 26.New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred hearing on the contempt plea filed by the CBI against the West Bengal state police in the Saradha Chit Fund scam till February 27. The hearing was deferred following the recusal of Justice L. Nageswara Rao, one of the judges, hearing the matter.

My brother (Justice Rao) does not wish to hear the matter. He has earlier appeared for the West Bengal government, said Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and posted the matter for further hearing on February 27 before a bench of which Justice Rao is not a member.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna was the other judge on the bench.

On February 5, the bench had issued notice to the Chief Secretary of the state of West Bengal, the DGP and the Police Commissioner on CBIs contempt plea, requiring the officials to file their responses on or before February 18 and accordingly replies were filed.

On Wednesday, Senior Counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the state, objected to an additional affidavit filed by CBI in the contempt proceedings.

He told the court this is very, very serious and important. The additional affidavit of the CBI has been filed without any orders of the court.

However, Attorney General K. K. Venugopal justified the filing of additional affidavit and said It is a very serious matter. Give us an opportunity to respond.Hyderabad: In a major development, the Raidurgam police has registered a case against mutawalli (caretaker) Syed Saifullah Hussaini of the Dargah Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali, and his sons Syed Jani Hussaini, S.M. Gesudaraz Hussaini and others for alienating properties of the Wakf institution that holds over 1,600 acres of land in Manikonda.

The case was based on a complaint lodged by Wakf Board chief executive officer Shahnawaz Qasim who had received a complaint from one Mr Afzal Ahmed Khan.

Prior to this, Mr Qasim had constituted a team comprising the executive officer, inspector-auditor and surveyor to study the allegations. The team reported back that there were prima facie fraudulent transactions involving the dargah land.

On Mr Qasims complaint, the police has registered a case (Crime No. 101 of 2019) against the trio and others under IPC Section 447 (criminal trespass) and 427 (causing damage) and 52 (A) of Wakf Act.

The Abids police had recently arrested four persons, including the former chief executive officer of the Wakf Board, for creating a fake no-objection certificate declaring that a piece of land belonging to the Dargah Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali was not Wakf property.

Dargah Hussain Shah Wali is a gazette notified Wakf institution with 1,654 acres and 52 guntas of land in Manikonda. The Nazim-e-Atiyat had declared the land inam and meant for the service of the dargah. This was confirmed by the High Court in 1961.

Complainant Afzal Ahmed Khan alleged that mutawalli Hussaini, upon his retirement, had constituted a managing committee and remained sajjada nashin (hereditary administrator). He and his sons, who are members of the managing committee, executed several documents alienating the land in the name of one Sheetal Singh by receiving Rs 2.5 lakh. They executed development agreement on November 4, 2003, along with registered power of attorney.

Later, they executed a memorandum of agreement on December 20, 2013, in favour of one Mohd Ahmed Ansari and three others, alienating 60 per cent of land in Manikonda village and land in villages mentioned in Muntakhab No. 98/1958 issued by the Nazim-e-Atiyat and executed general power of attorney in his favour a week later.

They executed irrevocable general power of attorney cum memorandum of understanding on December 27, 2006, in favour of Mohd Imran and another person, alienating the Manikonda Wakf land mentioned in the Muntakhab.

On December 12, 2012, they executed another GPA in favour of Mohd Imran with respect to the Manikonda land. The complainant alleged that the retired mutawalli filed a petition (WP No. 13534/2014) against the AP government regarding land in Surveys No. 185 to 196, 247 to 251, 59 and 65 of Manikonda village by treating the Wakf land as his ancestral patta land.

Speaking about the case, Mr Qasim said, We are taking action swiftly. No one will be allowed to cross the line. He promised departmental action against the mutawalli and his sons.

Wakf Board chairman Mohd Saleem said the board would not hesitate to take action against anyone who was damaging the cause of the Wakf. He said neither mutawalli Syed Saifullah Hussaini nor the Wakf Board had the authority to alienate the Wakf properties for their gain. We are keen on protecting Wakf land. It is a prime property worth of crores of rupees.

Mr M.K. Hasan a Wakf activist, demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the transactions and unearth the mafia behind the transactions. He asked the government to transfer the case to the Vigilance and Enforcement Department and cancel the all agreements and MoUs made so far with regard the the Dargah Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali land.Before carrying out the drive, two personnel from every traffic police station will go to shops and garages and warn them against selling flashy and dazzling lights.

Bengaluru: Beware of using dazzling or flashy headlights and even riding or driving with high beam as the traffic police will be conducting special drives similar to the recent ones, which were carried out against modified silencers and registration number plates.

Before carrying out the drive, two personnel from every traffic police station will go to shops and garages and warn them against selling flashy and dazzling lights.

A senior traffic police officer said, The high beam and power LED lights has become a nuisance in the city. We were penalising people for using high beam while driving or riding. But now, we have noticed that the motorists are also using high-powered LED lights, fancy ones and other type of lights, which blind those coming from the opposite direction. This is an offence and we have taken note of it.

He added that they will be informing traffic police stations to warn shops and garages selling or fitting such lights. We will give them a couple of weeks time and if they continue selling, we will book them. It is dangerous to use such lights as it results in accidents because motorists from the opposite direction are blinded, he said.

Another officer mentioned that we carried out similar drives against modified silencers and registration number plates and it has been effective. Similarly, we will carry out drive against the lights and the drives will be carried out during night time, as that is when we can find out if the motorist is using high power lights. Once we catch the motorists using these lights, we will dismantle it on the spot and impose fine, he said.

The officer also pointed out that the drive against usage of high beam will also be intensified and we want to ensure that the motorists are educated on when to use high beams. Most of them are not aware on when to use high beam lights and there is a need for awareness, he added.Chennai: The DMK on Wednesday sealed a poll pact with the Congress by which the national party will contest nine seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone constituency in the Union Territory of Puducherry in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

Announcing the Congress score at a crowded press conference at the DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam in the evening, DMK president MK Stalin said his partys share of seats would be decided very shortly after consultations with the other allies in the large secular front he was trying to forge to take on the AIADMK-BJP front in the state. He refused to indicate the number of seats that the DMK would get ultimately, while saying the Congress constituencies too would be announced later.

Stalin said the DMK would take the decision on the by-elections to 21 Assembly constituencies after the Election Commission announces the poll dates. He dismissed reports that DMDK of Captain Vijayakant was interesting in joining the DMK alliance.

The DMK is in talks with the two Left parties, Vaikos MDMK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), besides indicating its doors are open for other parties too to come in.

Flanked by the Congress general secretary Mukul Wasnik in charge of the Tamil Nadu Congress affairs, another AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, TNCC president KS Alagiri and other senior leaders of the Congress and the DMK, Stalin insisted that the negotiations with the Congress had moved in a transparent manner.

"It is a very transparent pact held at the DMK headquarters and not in secrecy at a star hotel", he said, taking a dig at the AIADMK-BJP-PMK deal that fructified at the Crown Plaza Hotel on Tuesday.

Sources said the Congress had earlier pitched its demand rather high, wanting 15-16 seats out of the total 40, but the DMK rightly argued that the chances of the alliance scoring big in Tamil Nadu would be ruined by such over-ambition on the part of the national party that has a low vote share in the Dravidian state. Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi played a major role in convincing the AICC leadership, even meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his residence on Monday morning and again on Tuesday evening to clinch the final seat-sharing pact.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, who was part of the negotiation team at Anna Arivalayam, predicted that the alliance would sweep the polls in TN-Pondy. "We are looking at full number of seats from Tamil Nadu, a very strong result", he declared. "We have been having informal talks in Chennai and Delhi the last two to three days. Rahulji has given us clear direction. The country very much needs this alliance to fulfil people's desire for change", he said, reiterating the Congress charge that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had failed to deliver any of his promises.

"How many people lost jobs in Tamil Nadu because of the Modi Government and this AIADMK Government? We are confident of total score in Tamil Nadu", said Venugopal.

The DMK and the Congress failed to win any seats in the state in the 2014 general elections.

While the Congress had gone alone in that poll, the DMK had VCK, IUML, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and Puthiya Tamizhagam. The DMK and the Congress have been allies since 2004, except between 2013 and 2016.In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him at airport. After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the powerful Saudi leader talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding ties further. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a warm welcome in India on Wednesday, with Riyadh eager to demonstrate it is not an international pariah after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October.

The killing of Khashoggi, a fierce critic of the prince, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul tarnished the image of the kingdom and the prince, who is staging a high-profile Asian tour to demonstrate he still has allies.

Prince Mohammed predicted good things will come out of talks with Indian leaders as he started a landmark visit to the worlds largest democracy Wednesday.

Today we want to be sure this relationship is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries, the crown prince said in comments to reporters after full ceremonial welcome in Delhi.

I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India, he added after inspecting a guard of honour at the presidential palace.

The crown prince said the two countries were in each others DNA, highlighting the importance of Indian labour and experts in Saudi Arabia over the past 70 years as well as a longstanding Saudi presence in India.

Prince Mohammed arrived late Tuesday for a 36-hour visit that was to be dominated by economic ties. But it has risked being overshadowed by rising tensions between India and Pakistan -- where the Saudi royal was on the first leg of his Asian tour -- over a suicide attack in Kashmir.

In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him at airport. After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the powerful Saudi leader talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding ties further.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met Saudia Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and discussed ways to add further momentum to the strategic ties between the two nations besides deepening engagement in the areas of trade and investment.

After the meeting between Salman and Swaraj, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said ways to expand strategic dimension of the ties were discussed. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on HRH Crown Prince of #SaudiArabia Mohammed Bin Salman. Discussed adding momentum to strategic dimension of our relationship in various fields - from trade and investment to defence & security, and regional cooperation," the spokesperson tweeted.

Vibrant & forward-looking ties



EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on HRH Crown Prince of #SaudiArabia Mohammed Bin Salman. Discussed adding momentum to strategic dimension of our relationship in various fields - from trade & investment to defence & security, and regional cooperation. pic.twitter.com/VYqNW9lMp5  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 20, 2019

The attack last week left at least 40 Indian paramilitaries dead and India has blamed Pakistan, which has denied any involvement.

Saudi officials have offered to help de-escalate tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad on Monday that the delegation would see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully.

Saudi Arabia currently supplies about 20 per cent of Indias crude oil and wants to definitively push aside arch-rival Iran as a source.

Iran at one stage last year overtook Saudi Arabia among Indias suppliers but US sanctions since have severely hit the Islamic republics oil business.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also wooed Saudi investment in recent years for flagship infrastructure programmes.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 pm on Wednesday. The crown prince is expected to travel to China from India.Prior to joint statement, both the nations confirmed the signing of 5 Memorandum of Understanding agreements, including infrastructure, housing, cooperation on broadcasting and the enhancing bilateral investment relations. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday issued a joint statement in New Delhi.

While addressing the media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Saudi Arabia is one of India's most valuable strategic partners. Our relations have grown stronger. I welcome Saudi investment in Indian infrastructure.

The attack on Pulwana is indicative of the danger that has spread shadow above the world. We are united in the though that those who support terrorism should be put under continuous pressure (Pulwama mein hua barbar hamla duniya par chhai khatre ki nishani hai, hum is baat par sahmat hain ki atankwaad ko samarthan dene waale deshon pe sambhav dabav banane ki avyashkata hai), Modi added in his joint statement.

Following PM Modi's statement at the joint press conference, Mohammed bin Salman says, "Terrorism and extremism is a common concern - we will cooperate with India on intelligence sharing. We will cooperate not just with India but with our neighbours as well. We thank India for the positive role in it."

The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is over thousands of years old. It is even older than history, and this relationship has grown stronger in the last 50 years. Our objectives are similar be it in energy, agriculture or technology, Crown Prince said.

Prince Salman called for a common planning between India and Saudi Arabia to tackle various issues. PM Modi visited Saudi Arabia in 2016 and we have achieved success in these years. We have invested around USD 44 billion in India, said the Saudi Prince.

Prior to joint statement, both the nations confirmed the signing of 5 Memorandum of Understanding agreements, including infrastructure, housing, cooperation on broadcasting and the enhancing bilateral investment relations.An official said Shakrullah (50), who was from Pakistan Punjabs Sialkot, was hit with a large stone during the prison fight. (Representational Image)

Jaipur: A Pakistani national lodged in Jaipur central jail was allegedly killed on Wednesday in a brawl with other prisoners.

A Pakistani prisoner was allegedly murdered today in the central jail. The matter will be investigated by a judicial magistrate and also by the police, Rajasthan Director General of Police Kapil Garg told PTI.

The killing in Jaipur prison has been reported amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack. An official said Shakrullah (50), who was from Pakistan Punjabs Sialkot, was hit with a large stone during the prison fight.

Inspector general (Prisons) Rupinder Singh said Shakrullah was lodged in the jails special cell since 2011 and was serving life sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Senior administration and police officials rushed to the jail after learning about the death.

Singh said the post mortem will be conducted on the jail premises under judicial supervision.On being asked if Saudi Arabia offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, the ministry official said that at this point, no mediation has been offered. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs addressed the media on Wednesday.

The two leaders (PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian forces in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Both leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations, Ministry said.

TS Tirumurti, MEA secretary said, "The Saudi Crown Prince appreciated consistent efforts made by PM Modi since May 2014, including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan. Both sides agreed on the need for creation of conditions necessary for resumption of dialogue.

On being asked if Saudi Arabia offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, the ministry official said that at this point, no mediation has been offered.Actress Shobana, tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran, tourism secretary Rani George and tourism director P Bala Kiran during the launch of Human by Nature in New Delhi

New Delhi: Kerala Tourism has unveiled the global premier of a new brand campaign, Human by Nature, which encapsulates the states enticing charm in dramatic visuals and offers refreshing insights.

The three-minute destination campaign film, part of a marketing blitzkrieg to refurbish Keralas touristy appeal beyond the Indian shores, not only showcases the states signature assets, but also celebrates local people as heroes.

The global brand campaign was launched on Monday by Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran in the presence of Tourism Secretary Rani George and Tourism director P Bala Kiran. The film was unveiled by famed classical danseuse and actress Shobana.

The sleek film packs soul-stirring images of the state where life moves at a leisurely pace in tranquil environs, where culture flourishes in syncretic traditions, where tradition complements modernity in the context of everyday life, all strung together in a visual tapestry.

Alongside, it offers a spectacular snapshot of the state  tranquil backwaters, beaches, houseboats, catamarans, Theyyam artistes, hill stations, exotic wildlife, magical festivals, and scrumptious cuisines, and there is a surreal feel to it that is both real and fantastical for tourists. In essence, Human by Nature presents Kerala as the courtyard of the world, where no one is an outsider, not even the traveller.

Describing the latest campaign as a powerful multi-media outreach, Mr Surendran said it would act as a trigger to put Kerala Tourism on a higher pedestal in a competitive global marketplace.

I am sure it will strike an emotive chord with travellers and position Kerala as an essential fixture on the international travel circuit. It will appeal to both high spenders and backpackers, said Mr Surendran.

The film was conceived and scripted by Stark Communications and directed by Vivek Thomas, Director of Miramar Films. It was shot in the enchanting locations like Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Arthungal, Chellanam, Fort Kochi, Munambam, Wayanad, Kannur and Taliparamba.

The premiere also witnessed a scintillating performance by Avial, the alternative Malayali rock band, besides a presentation of the states folk art forms Pulikali and Theyyam.

The film can be viewed on Kerala Tourisms Facebook page.'We send our condolences and deplore terrorism wherever it takes place. Our commitment with India remains extremely strong,' said Asquith. (Photo: ANI/ Twitter)

Bengaluru (Karnataka): British High Commissioner Dominic Asquith said to India on Wednesday that the UK and India have suffered from terror attacks but commitments over investments between the two countries should not be affected.

UK and India have suffered from terrorist attacks. So, what happened in India last week in Kashmir is something that we regret. We send our condolences and we deplore terrorism wherever it takes place. Our commitment with India remains extremely strong, said Asquith, while talking to ANI exclusively.

But we would never expect that because of these terrorist attacks the investors from the UK go away. Our commitment to India remains very strong and we will be successful partners even in the future as we have remained in the past, he said.

India is the second biggest defence exporter in the world and the UK is particularly interested in the possibilities that exist here, Asquith said while expressing investment plans in the defence sector of India.

Meanwhile, Russian Minister Denis Manturov also extended condolences to the victims of the Pulwama terror attack, which took place on January 14, claiming the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans.

Definitely, we would also like to convey our condolences about the terrorist attack that happened. Russia supports India in its fight against terrorism, said Manturov.Chennai: Living in a paradoxical state infamous for caste-related violence but also for anti-caste politics, a five-member group in Trichy have decided to lend a helping hand by constructing a shelter home for intercaste couples in the city.

The humble home, with a single room, stocked with books of Ambedkar and Periyar in Trichys Navalpattu Police Colony has a board that proudly says 'Saadhi madham ozhiya kalappu mannamey theervu', which translates to 'For caste and religion to be banished, intercaste marriage is the solution'.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Retd police inspector Pitchai Tamizh Sudar, one of the five members of Adhalinal Kaadhal Seiveer (AKS), a registered NGO that is active in counselling and providing shelter for just-married or yet-to-be married intercaste couples across the state says that they decided to set this shelter up as a go-to for intercaste couples. "We have put up our numbers on the board of this house in Police colony. If an inter-caste couple calls us, we will give them the keys and they can stay there for as long as they need to with free food and accommodation in addition to counselling and guidance on how to register their marriage, and find employment.."

The shelter, located within close distance to the police training centre is a safe location, Pitchai assures. "We will work closely with the couple to ensure they receive education and help them with getting work so that they can fend for themselves. The police station is only a kilometre away and the All-Women's police station is less than five kms" he says.

The shelter was Se Gunashekar's dream, says Pitchai. "He used to run a magazine called Kalapu Thirumanam years ago. Gunasekar, an active Periyarist, has performed over 150 intercaste marriages in the past ten years, offering shelter for couples in his own house or at his office space in Tirupur."

They understand the struggles intercaste couples have to go through, says Pitchai. "I myself had an inter-caste marriage in 1970. All others too, Porkodi from Madurai, Ilamathi Chinnasami from Thanjavur, Angaiyar Kanni from Chennai and Se Gunashekar have all had intercaste marriages."

The shelter was inaugurated on February 10 and Kaushalya, whose husband Shankar was hacked to death in Udumalaipettai in Tirupur district by her family members took part in the event. She expressed her appreciation for such a safe space and said that it would help a lot of couples who need help and don't know where to go.The Rajendranagar police seized from the accused Patlavath Mohan, 4.5 tolas of gold worth about Rs 1.5 lakh and the two-wheeler used in the crime. (Representational Image)

Hyderabad: Borrowing ideas from videos of chain-snatching incidents on You-Tube, an Ola cabbie who had snatched several chains was tracked down using CCTV images and arrested on Wednesday. The Rajendranagar police seized from the accused Patlavath Mohan, 4.5 tolas of gold worth about Rs 1.5 lakh and the two-wheeler used in the crime. Two incidents of chain-snatching and an attempt to snatch a chain were reported to the Rajendranagar police last month. The police constituted a special team which on examining CCTV footage from the vicinity of the spots found that the suspect had used a Honda motorcycle without a registration number.

A rider on a bike matching the description was stopped at Laxmi-guda. Upon questioning, police realised he was the accused, Sham-shabad DCP N. Prakash Reddy said.

Mohan had dropped out from degree college and worked in private companies at Rajendranagar and Shamshabad from 2017 before joining as a driver with Ola, Mr Reddy said.If the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale has eminent artist Anita Dube as its curator, she had found critical hands-on support from her assistants Anushka Rajendran and John Xaviers. The duo began their assignment in May last year from Dubes studio in the national capital, and went on to receive crucial back-up from the rest of the members in the production team.

Anushka and John worked closely with Dube in not just the travel and placement of the exhibits, but in finalising the artists as well. We used to work at her Delhi studio with big layouts of each venue. The chief drill was to plan which artist will be slotted where  going by her curatorial note, rewinds Anushka, completing her PhD in visual studies at the School of Arts and Aesthetics of Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

And there will be these last-minute shuffling, alterations points out John, who holds a doctorate from JNU in cultural politics. The current biennale features work by no less than 100 artists. The host team had to understand well the requirements of the artists and make prompt arrangements. She speaks about South African Sue Williamsons work, which has now turned out to be a big hit among the visitors at Aspinwall. We knew she was going to recreate her older works for our biennale with new data and information. The work (One Hundred and Nineteen Deeds of Sale) required over 2,000 identical bottles with a specific style of engraving. We were told of it in advance, so it all went off well.

Similarly, Australian artist Brook Andrew had recreated one of his earlier works, this time taking references from Kerala and its history. Initially, we were planning to showcase one of his large-scale installations. But the space allotted was insufficient, so he suggested recreating the work, says Anushka.

Adding to her point, Pavneet Pal Singh, coordinator  exhibition design & production, states the team has been lucky in some works too. South African William Kentridges video work required a space which was like a black room. But the space allotted to him, has natural light seeping in from the roof in different angle. We were a little apprehensive in the beginning because covering the roof would have meant the budget going haywire. But, it worked in our advantage because Kentridges production team loved the locale, stating the natural light was acting as an element for the work.

The monsoon catastrophe had a telling effect on the biennale ideas of some installations. For, a few artists chose to change their work in a way that lent focus on the biggest Kerala calamity in a century. Bangladeshi artist Marzia Farhanas work, for instance, ended up as a reflection of what she saw when she came to Kochi, points out Anushka. Adds John: Jun Nguyen Hatsushibas was earlier just a video installation. Later a water element was added to it. Thats how people now walk into the waters to view the work.

Jith Joseph A, Operations Assistant who worked closely with Marzia at the biennale, states the work was therapeutic for him, having affected by the flood. According to production manager Anil Xavier and coordinator Jayesh L. R., it gives them great satisfaction when the common people come and enjoy the works installed by them.Washington: Iconic Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld, who became synonymous with luxury fashion and created concepts like fun fur, was once inspired by Indian aesthetic in fashion. Lagerfeld, who breathed his last on Tuesday, is also known for his eclectic designs and mysterious personal life.

The creative director of Chanel since 1983, Lagerfeld was designing an average of 14 new collections a year, ranging from couture to the high street. In a show entitled Paris-Bombay Metiers dArt Show, that he had organised in 2011, the designer took inspiration from India and incorporated heavy silks and traditional South Aisan teekas on the women who walked the ramp.

According to the fashion website Nss Magazine, the designer had told Wall Street Journal after the show that in India, even the poor have dignity and that even poor women own three gold bracelets.

The show saw Indian influences being kept to the traditional, with the incorporation of churidar-style leggings as well as ornate teekas. In keeping with traditions, the show had even used the old moniker for Mumbai.

The news of Lagerfeld's death was announced on Instagram by Chanel, writing: "The House of KARL LAGERFELD shares, with deep emotion and sadness, the passing of its artistic director, Karl Lagerfeld, on February 19, 2019, in Paris, France. He was one of the most influential and celebrated designers of the 21st century and an iconic, universal symbol of style. Driven by a phenomenal sense of creativity, Karl was passionate, powerful and intensely curious. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the greatest designers of our time, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed."

During his long career, Lagerfeld's signature combinations attracted a host of celebrities including Rihanna; Princess Caroline of Monaco; Christine Lagarde and Julianne Moore among others.Hyderabad: Women-driven Bollywood films raking in the money at the box-office has become a trend, says actor Pooja Hegde, hoping that heroines would now start getting paid as much as their male counterparts.

The "Mohenjo Daro" and "Housefull 4" actor says it's very sad to see the way the industry operates in a way that women are putting in equal amount of effort as the men, but do get paid less.

When pay disparity issue was used to be raised, the argument was that the men are bringing the audience in and they are making the money for the producers, according to her. "But now, if you look at the trend that's going on female-driven films are doing very well," Pooja told PTI, citing "Raazi" and "Veere di wedding" as examples.

"They (female-driven films) are all doing really well. So, I am hoping that now that the women are also pulling in hundred crore films...I think they are going to get paid as much as the men," she said. "But we need more female producers also to help us out here...something that has to be collective effort (to achieve wage parity)," Pooja added.

Producers have now realised that women-driven films are making money. "2018 definitely belonged to women, and I am hoping 2019 will also be the same. People are making female-oriented films," she said.

Pooja, who has done Telugu films such as "Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava", "Sakshyam", "Rangasthalam", "Duvvada Jagannadham" and "Oka Laila Kosam", said it was a great experience shooting with Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh for "Housefull 4". "They are so good at comedy. To learn from them was the best thing and I was like a baby on the set like a newcomer because I have not done this before, it was great," she said.

"It was a good experience (working with Akshay Kumar)...so fit, inspiring to see...comic timing of it, that's something I am learning from him. He (Akshay) is always fun on sets," she said. Pooja also revealed that she has bagged a Bollywood film, but it is yet to be announced by producers. She said shooting for Telugu movie "Maharshi" with Mahesh Babu is almost getting done, and it should be ready for release in April.

2018 has been a busy year for her. "I love being single right now. It's been a crazy year, no time for anything, not even family. It's year of my career, I would say. And I am hoping that this year would be equally crazy," Pooja said. "God is my godfather. It gets harder and tougher I would say to breakthrough (without godfather) but I think if you are talented, work hard and with a little bit luck, you can reach further," the actress said.

Pooja said her burning ambition is do great films and challenging roles. "I am learning how to play the guitar. By the end of the year, I really want to be good at playing the guitar, a good guitar player," she added.Mumbai: Shraddha Kapoor who has been on trips with friends and family to London is now shooting for the first time in the city for her upcoming dance flick.

The actress is running a hectic schedule and is leaving no stone unturned in gearing up for Street Dancer.

Currently in London, Shraddha is on a no break mode as she is not only shooting for the film but rehearsing till late hours post her shoot.

London being one of Shraddha's favourite holiday destinations, the actress is missing out on visiting her much loved spots in the city due to rehearsals.

Shraddha who blew everyone with her electrifying performance in the previous instalment of the dance franchise is now all set to treat the masses with her dance moves.

In fact, the actress trains for 1.5 hours every day without any break and is doing dance rehearsals for 3 hours.

Shraddha has been treating the audience with a sneak peek into her London schedule of Street Dancer a proof of which is seen on her social media.

While in Mumbai, Shraddha was traveling back and forth from the hometown to Hyderabad to shoot for Saaho. The actress is also learning new language to shoot for Saaho which is a multilingual film.

On the work front, after the success of Stree Shraddha will be seen essaying varied characters in her upcoming films Saaho, Chhicchore, Street Dancer 3D and Baaghi 3.The growth was aided by the highest tech spending in the last five years.

Mumbai: IT industry body Nasscom said it has done away with annual guidance even as it sounded cautiously optimistic about industry prospects this year. It said Indian IT-BPM (business process management) sectors have beaten growth expectations in 2018-19.

Addressing the media here, Nasscom President Debjani Ghosh said the sector has grown 9.2 per cent in 2018-19, exceeding a forecast of 7-9 per cent.

This growth has come about as companies in the $155-billion sector has started to embrace digital transformation and increase the use of automation and bots. Digital grew 30 per cent on a yearly basis and has raked in estimated revenues of $33 billion.

The growth was aided by the highest tech spending in the last five years.

However, fear is that global macroeconomic factors such as a no-deal Brexit, US-China trade wars and increased government uncertainties around regulation will pose risk for the sector.

On doing away with guidance, Rishad Premji, chairman, Nasscom and chief strategy officer, Wipro, said this would be the new norm as the past is very different from the future.Last November the Cabinet had approved establishing additional 6.5 million tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves involving an investment of over Rs 10,000 crore.

New Delhi: The Centre will shortly consider a proposal to create 5.5 million tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) to insulate the economy from volatility in global energy markets.

The proposed underground rocky cavern reserves will be in addition to 6.5-million tonnes SPRs being created to provide 12 days of supply at Chandikol in Odisha and Padur in Karnataka.

Already, India has achieved 9.5 days of SPRs with 5.3 million tonnes in the first phase of its campaign to ensure energy security that includes storages at caverns in Mangalore.

A fresh review of SPR will be done after the second phase of strategic crude oil reserves is completed during the next few months. We may have to undertake the third phase with yet another 5.5 million tonnes, said a top government official on condition of anonymity.

Last November the Cabinet had approved establishing additional 6.5 million tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves involving an investment of over Rs 10,000 crore.

The second phase SPRs is being implemented in partnership with global oil majors like Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Six other top oil companies have been in the reckoning to bag the SPRs deal. As per the partnership deal being clinched for the second phase, the oil majors would be entitled to sell at least 35 per cent reserves in the open market. On the rest 65 per cent, the government will exercise its right to utilise for its own purposes.

Together with commercial reserves for 65 days held by oil refining companies, the total reserves will now touch about 87 days. However, the government is contemplating crossing the 90-day mark with the third phase of 5.5 million tonnes SPR.

This will provide extra cushion for the government to manage its crude requirements that are currently imported from various sources in the Middle East and far-eastern countries.

Apart from providing fallback arrangement in terms of volatility in crude markets, the government will also use these reserves in times of exigencies like conflicts and war.

The Petroleum Ministrys special purpose vehicle (SPV), Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPL), will be the nodal point for dealing with strategic reserves. While Petroleum Secretary is the Chairman of ISPL, he would act under the Prime Ministers directive.

Till date, crude from SPR has not been drawn to tame domestic petrol and diesel prices. On the contrary, US President Donald Trump had decided to draw on American SPRs worth over 518 million tonnes to negate the mpact of sanctions on Venezuela and consequent disruption in oil supplies.

The final decision to create 5.5 million tonnes additional SPR will have to be approved by the Union Cabinet before the Election Commission notifies the Lok Sabha polls schedule.

India is the third largest importer of crude after the US and China and meets about 82 per cent crude requirements by sourcing oil from global partners.

Strategic crude oil reserves that are funded by the government will allow India to counter short-term supply disruptions. International Energy Agency (IEA) members, including India, have been striving to maintain emergency oil reserves equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports.After this tranche of capital infusion, Rs 5,000 crore will remain to be infused in PSBs for the current financial year.

Mumbai: The government on Wednesday announced recapitalisation of Rs 48,239 crore in 12 public sector banks in this fiscal to help them manage balance sheet stress and deal with the Reserve Bank prompt corrective action (PCA) framework.

Financial services secretary Rajiv Kumar said the government will infuse Rs 9,086 crore in Corporation Bank and Rs 6,896 crore in Allahabad Bank  the two better-performing banks currently under the PCA supervision of the Reserve Bank of India.

Further, Rs 4,638 crore and Rs 205 crore will be provided to Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra.

These two banks have recently come out the RBIs PCA restrictions and the capital infusion will help them to remain above the PCA triggers.

Kumar said Punjab National Bank will get Rs 5,908 crore, Union Bank of India Rs 4,112 crore, Andhra Bank Rs 3,256 crore and Syndicate Bank Rs 1,603 crore.

The government will pump in Rs 12,535 crore in four other banks under PCA  Central Bank of India, United Bank of India, UCO Bank and Indian Overseas Bank.

The government in December had infused `28,615 crore into seven public sector banks (PSBs) through recapitalisation bonds.

After this tranche of capital infusion, Rs 5,000 crore will remain to be infused in PSBs for the current financial year.

It (the pending Rs 5,000 crore) may be used for any contingency or for growth capital wherever its necessary, including amalgamated entity of Bank of Baroda, Kumar said.

In a tweet, Kumar said, govt approves Rs 48,239 cr recap to 12 PSBs (Rs 1 lakh in FY) to equip 2 better performing PSBs to be above reg prompt corrective action triggers, ensure PSBs brought out remain above PCA triggers, avoid PCA for PSBs in breach, and minimum regulatory capital for all PCA PSBs.

According to experts, the capital allocation takes care of weaker public sector banks, ensuring that some like Allahabad Bank and Corporation Bank exit the PCA framework while others remain outside the PCA or meet regulatory capital ratios.

Anil Gupta, Vice-President, Sector Head- Financial Ratings, Icra, said, We expect a large portion of this capital to be utilised for provisioning for NPAs and hence growth capital is expected to be limited with banks. The government has also not announced any capital infusion for FY2020 in its interim budget and with limited growth capital, the ability of PSBs to support credit growth will remain dependent on their ability to raise fresh capital from markets or government announcing more capital in budget after general elections.The funds will be used for lending to individual women entrepreneurs in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, services and manufacturing. (Photo: File)

Mumbai: The World Bank, the Small Industries Development Bank (Sidbi) and the UN Women, along with 10 wealth management firms and leading corporates on Tuesday announced to a new social impact bond to offer credit to rural women entrepreneurs.

To be raised by Sidbi, the Women's Livelihood Bonds (WLB), will offer an annual coupon of 3 per centand will have a tenure of five years.

The fund to be raised through this bond will be around Rs 300 crore in multiple tranches over the next three months.

"Over the next three months, we will be able to raise about Rs 300 crore and put it through Sidbi into the micro-finance industry for small and medium women entrepreneurs," World Bank's country director Junaid Ahmad told reporters while launching the fund here.

The funds will be used for lending to individual women entrepreneurs in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, services and manufacturing.

Sidbi chairman and managing director Mohammad Mustafa said, "we are going to ensure that the credit cost to the women entrepreneurs will not be more than 13 per cent and the ticket size will be Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh.

Some of the wealth management firms that are on board include Centrum Wealth, Ask Wealth Advisors, Ambit Capital and Aditya Birla Capital, among others and they have already reached out to high networth individuals and impact investors to raise funds, Ahmad said.

Five companies from Tata Group-Tata Communications, Tata Chemicals, Tata Trent, Voltas and Titan have also expressed interest in investing, he added without disclosing whether other corporates are also in the fray.New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday held Anil Ambani, chairman of Reliance Communications, guilty of contempt of court for disobeying the orders to pay Rs 550 crore to Ericsson as per the undertakings given to the court.

The Bench asked the Registry to give it to Ericsson Rs 118 cr deposited by the contemnors in the court.

The contempt petitions have been filed alleging that Reliance companies violated the undertaking made before court to pay off debts due to Ericsson worth Rs 550 crore.

The company failed to honour the two deadlines of September 30 and December 15, 2018 fixed by the court leading to the filing of two contempt petitions.

Ericsson alleged that Reliance group has wilfully and consciously defied the order dated August 3, 2018, and the undertaking given before it to pay up by September-end. The apex court had on October 23, 2018 as last opportunity to RCom for clearing the settlement amount, by setting December 15 as the deadline. When this deadline was also missed, contempt notice was issued to Ambani on January 6.

Writing the judgment, Justice Nariman said, We are of the view that any unconditional apology given that there was no intention to make any wrongful undertaking or that the undertaking was submitted bona fide must be rejected. Their reply clearly demonstrates the cavalier attitude of the deponent of this affidavit to the highest court of the land.

The Bench said, We have seen that right from the beginning, the sum of `550 crore was undertaken to be paid, without having to depend upon any act or omission of a third party. To say that the sum of `550 crore would be paid only out of sale of assets of the three Reliance Companies is a deliberate misstatement made in the undertakings as well as the applications for extension of time filed before this Court, which was done with the purpose of circumventing the orders of this Court.

The Bench said it is clear that the three Reliance Companies had no intention, at the very least, of adhering to the time limit of 120 days or to the extended time limit of 60 days plus, as was given by way of indulgence, by the order dated 23.10.2018.

The undertakings given on the footing that the amount of `550 crore would be paid only out of the sale of assets was false to the knowledge of the three Reliance Companies. This itself affects the administration of justice, and is therefore, contempt of court.

The court held that this is also not a case of accidental or unintentional disobedience. As is clear from the letter dated 21.01.2019, the Reliance Companies are able to pay this amount, but are willfully refusing to do so.

This was written by the advocates of the three Reliance Companies, who stated that on 09.01.2019, Rs 118 crore had already been deposited with the Registry of this Court, and that the total outstanding, as on date, together with interest, would be roughly `570 crore.

This letter specifically states that the net figure of Rs 453 crore would be paid by 31.01.2019.

There was clear contempt in disobeying the undertakings and held the three companies and their chairmen guilty of contempt which can be purged by paying Rs 453 cr in four weeks.The report stated, Vijaya Bank had seen a sharp rise in write offs i.e 243 times y-o-y to Rs 487 crore in Q3FY19, followed by IDBI, which experienced a 4,783 per cent y-o-y increase in write offs to Rs 562 crore in Q3FY19. (Photo: DC)

During the December quarter of FY19 the rate of bad loans written off by a set of 19 large and mid  scaled public sector banks (PSBs) had climbed up to 34 on a year on year basis (y-o-y) to around Rs 41,000 crore, resulting in decline in their non performing resources (NPAs). The banks had written off loans valuing just Rs 33,259 crore in Q2FY19, hopping 24 per cent y-o-y, showing a moderate however consistent pace in writing off the loans, the Financial Express reported.

The report stated, Vijaya Bank had seen a sharp rise in write offs i.e 243 times y-o-y to Rs 487 crore in Q3FY19, followed by IDBI, which experienced a 4,783 per cent y-o-y increase in write offs to Rs 562 crore in Q3FY19.

Sources told the Financial Express, State Bank of India (SBI), Indias top performing bank, wrote off loans, nearly amounting to Rs 10,000 crore during Q3FY19, rising 7 per cent from Rs 9,312 crore, one year back. In spite of the fact that, it was lesser than Rs 13,537 crore SBI wrote off during Q2FY19.

Only five PSBs  Punjab National Bank (PNB), Organization Bank, UCO Bank, Allahabad Bank and Andhra Bank  were the five PSBs among the 19 PSBs that registered a y-o-y decline in write-offs during the December quarter.

PNB wrote off Rs 3,082 crore in Q3FY19; declining 50 per cent y-o-y, whereas loans written off by Corporation Bank dropped 28 per cent y-o-y to Rs 2,843 crore. Allahabad Bank had written off loans worth Rs712 crore and Andhra Bank wrote off Rs 55 crore, falling 13 per cent y-o-y and 78 per cent y-o-y, respectively. UCO Banks write-offs slipped 61 per cent y-o-y to Rs 622 crore, the Financial Express reported.

As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rules and policy mandated by banks boards, NPAs, counting those in regard of which full provisioning has been made on completion of four years, are withdrawn from the balance sheets of banks using write-offs.

Write-offs are portion of a regular exercise by banks to clean up their balance sheets and get tax benefits. Borrowers of written-off loans continue to be liable for reimbursement and banks keep up efforts to recoup them. If In any case recuperations are made by written-off accounts, they are shown in banks non-interest income.

During FY18, loans written off by 21 PSBs had leapfrogged to 57 per cent y-o-y and crossed the milestone of Rs 1-lakh-crore. However it is probable banks may recoup some amount of this money; the write-offs can be substantial in the current fiscal too.

(With agency inputs)Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Al-Nasser said he remains positive on the firm's investment in India, and is working with partners. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil exporter, on Wednesday said it is in talks with Reliance Industries and other Indian companies for investing in petrochemicals and refinery projects in the country.

The Saudi national oil company, which along with its partner UAE's Adnoc has taken a 50 per cent stake in a planned USD 44-billion mega refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Maharashtra by state-owned oil companies, has bullish outlook on India's energy demand; and is keen on investing here.

Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Al-Nasser said he remains positive on the firm's investment in India, and is working with partners.

Indian partners, he said, are "assuring us that things are going very well.?"

He was replying to a reporter's question, on the sidelines of Saudi India Forum, about the fate of the 60 million tonnes-a-year refinery project after ruling BJP and Shiv Sena agreed to shift the project from Ratnagiri district.

"I think if there is any delay, we can catch up. All we hear lately is that things are progressing well and we should be optimistic about it going forward," he said when asked if search for an alternate site may delay the project beyond agreed deadline of 2025.

He said Saudi Aramco continues to stay invested in the project, agreements for which were signed last year.

Saudi Aramco, he said, is also in discussions with other companies about investing in India.

"We are not limited to that investment (Ratnagiri refinery), which is the mega refinery...we are looking at other opportunities," he said.

India is an investment priority for Saudi Aramco, he said. "There is a lot of growth potential. We are looking at additional investments in India. We are in discussions with other companies as well, including Reliance Industries."

He said Saudi Arabia is "very happy with demand" in india.

"It shows growth in India. 8,00,000 barrels are exported by Saudi Aramco to India. We are very happy with the demand growth we are seeing from India," he said.

The discussions with Reliance Industries first came to light in December when Saudi Oil Minister Khalid al-Falih visited Mukesh Ambani.

Al-Falih, who has known Ambani for over a decade now, travelled to Udaipur that month to attend the pre-wedding festivities of Ambani's daughter Isha's marriage with Ajay Piramal's son Anand.

During that visit, he also held talks with Ambani and he later tweeted: "we discussed opportunities for joint investments and cooperation in petrochemical, refining and communications projects."

Last month Aramco CEO met Ambani, possibly as a follow-up of that meeting.

Reliance operates two refineries at Jamnagar with a total capacity of 68.2 million tonnes per annum.

Reliance plans to expand its only-for-exports special economic zone (SEZ) refining capacity to just over 41 million tonnes from current 35.2 million tonnes, but does not have any plans to set up a new refinery in the country.

It is presently focused on expanding petrochemical and telecom business, industry sources said.

Crude oil is the basic raw material for the manufacturing of petrochemicals.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is keen to get a foothold in the world's fastest-growing fuel market to get a captive customer for the crude oil it produces.

Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil company, and its partner Abu Dabhi National Oil Co (ADNOC) have picked up 50 per cent stake in a planned USD 44-billion refinery in Maharashtra but the project is facing problems in acquiring land due to protests from local politicians.

Aramco and ADNOC will together hold 50 per cent stake in the 60 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) refinery and adjacent 18 MTPA petrochemical complex planned to be built at Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra by 2025.

The two will supply half of the crude oil required for processing at the refinery.

Like other major producers, the two are looking to lock in customers in the world's third-largest oil consumer through the investment. Kuwait too is looking to invest in projects in return for getting an assured offtake of their crude oil.

Saudi Aramco is also keen on retailing fuel in India. A refinery in India can also be a base for it to export fuel to deficit countries in Europe and the Americas.

India has a refining capacity of 247.6 million tonnes, which exceeded the demand of 206.2 million tonnes.?It also plans to set up two OYO Skill Institutes, one in Riyadh and another in Jeddah to train Saudi graduates in hotel management, it added. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Hospitality firm OYO on Wednesday said it has launched operations in Saudi Arabia with signing of deals for 50 hotels having more than 3,000 rooms across seven cities.

These properties will be operated under the franchise model with full inventory control similar to other markets like India and China, OYO said in a statement.

The company plans to create jobs for over 5,000 Saudi citizens by 2020. It also plans to set up two OYO Skill Institutes, one in Riyadh and another in Jeddah to train Saudi graduates in hotel management, it added.

OYO has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia, attesting to the business potential it sees in the market there, the statement said.

"The company obtained its foreign investment licence from Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) few months ago and plans to invest significantly in Saudi Arabia, and expand to over 17 cities across 6 provinces by 2020," SAGIA Governor Ibrahim bin Abdul Rahman Al-Omar said.

OYO Hotels in Saudi Arabia will employ over 300 local citizens by end of 2019, and generate employment for over 5,000 Saudi citizens by 2020, the statement said.

Commenting on the development, OYO Hotels & Homes Group CEO and Founder Ritesh Agarwal said: "We are committed to creating quality, affordable living spaces, and thousands of jobs for the young people of Saudi Arabia. It has been our long-standing belief that provided with the right direction and tools, smaller assets can also generate positive returns."

This expansion, therefore, is in line with company's quest to support Saudi Arabia's blossoming hospitality ecosystem and creating infrastructure for asset owners to grow and run successful businesses, all of this while ensuring high standards of quality, he added.

"We are honoured and delighted to support the Saudi government's vision 2030 for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and are committed to continuing investing in the multi-billion dollar opportunity in the hospitality industry in the country," Agarwal said.

With this launch, OYO is now present in nine countries -- India, Nepal, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UAE, the UK, Philippines and Saudi Arabia.

The company currently has over 13,000 franchised or leased hotels and over 6,000 homes as a part its network.Against the established brands like Honda City and Hyundai Verna, Toyota has introduced its brand new Yaris sedan in India that has seen a long time to be introduced in India.

Against the established brands like Honda City and Hyundai Verna, Toyota has introduced its brand new Yaris sedan in India that has seen a long time to be introduced in India. During the time of its arrival the Yaris was also considered as the most anticipated car, but its launch was dropped generation after generation for one reason or another. The new Toyota Yaris has finally been launched along with serial production at its plant in Bidadi near Bengaluru, and it is only available with a petrol engine. However, it has both manual as well as automatic versions right from its base variant. Toyota Yaris was already available in the International market and in India the car stacks up against Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

Design

The Yaris took its design inspiration from its most popular sedan, the Toyota Corolla. It gets a soft and subtle treatment at the front. The wide lower front grille and some muscle on the bonnet which further try to give an aggressive look. The sides of Toyota Yaris gets some nice character line which makes the car look premium and more appealing. The headlamp cluster with projector is very different from that of the Corolla sedan and is being offered as a standard feature. However, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are available only on the top VX variant of Toyota Yaris. Overall, there is no striking design feature that you get away with.

Interiors

Inside the cabin, Toyota Yaris gets several first-in-class features including roof-mounted air vents with ambient illumination, acoustic and vibration control glass, 4.2-inch TFT MID with Eco wallet, hand/air gesture control for the infotainment system, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and tail lamps with LED line guide. Other highlights include projector headlamps with LED line guide, LED DRLs, Shark-fin antenna, piano black interior, rear power outlets, rear sunshade and more.

Engine and Performance

Yariss 1.5- litre engine is very quiet and soft at idle. As soon as you hit the pedal, the Yaris becomes very responsive, which means, you can drive it in a relaxed manner and its performance feels effortless.

When we talk about mid-revs, the Yaris builds pace at relaxing speed, which could be disappointing to some. Power and performance do eventually begin to trickle in, and by 4,000rpm the engine is pulling much harder. But one thing's for sure  midrange performance isn't a strength here, especially in this state of tune.

At high revs, the harder you rev, the engine becomes a little noisy. Still the Yaris performs pretty decent when you push your right foot to the floorboard, and though performance is behind its competition, like Honda City and Hyundai Verna, It is sufficient for a normal driver.

Ride and Handling

This is where the Yaris impresses the most. Its ride and handling package is one of the most balanced ones in the segment as not only does the car boast excellent bump-absorption abilities, but it also offers a sporty, confident and planted feel. The Yaris does not lose composure even when going fast over broken roads and doesn't unsettle occupants either. The experience over potholes is also quiet, with almost no thuds at all. That said, the cabin is prone to letting road and tyre noise into the cabin and sound insulation could have been better to offer a quieter in-cabin experience at highway speeds.

Safety and Features

In terms of safety, Toyota has decided to load the Yaris to the brim with a segment-leading safety kit. The Yaris is equipped with an all-wheel disc brakes, seven airbags (including a driver knee airbag), Hill-start Assist Control (HSC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), front parking sensors ABS, EBD and ESP. Toyota Yaris with similar specs was awarded five stars in ASEAN NCAP crash tests.

Verdict

Toyota Yaris may not be the best car in the segment but there is nothing wrong with the car as well. Its price begins from Rs 8.75 lakh for the base variant, but if high equipment levels are your thing, you will need to look at the V variant at least, which is priced at Rs 12.85 lakh. These prices are on the higher side, but the V variant gets features and equipment which the competition does not offer even as option, making it a lucrative package for buyers, if in the market for a midsize sedan.

Toyota Yaris G (MT Rs 10.56 lakh / CVT: Rs 11.76 lakh)

Power folding mirrors with integrated turn indicators

Chrome trim on grille

Instrument cluster with

TFT multi-info display

Push-button start

7.0-inch infotainment system with four speakers

Steering-mounted audio controls

Fog lamps (Front and rear)

Dual rear parking sensors

Rear defogger

Toyota Yaris V (MT: Rs 11.70 lakh / CVT Rs: 12.90 lakh)

Four wheel disc brakes

Automatic headlamps with follow me home feature

Rain sensing wipers

15-inch alloy wheels

Tail-lamps with LED inserts

7.0-inch infotainment system with six speakers

Dual front parking sensors

Quad rear parking sensors

Cruise control

Toyota Yaris VX (MT: Rs 12.85 lakh / CVT: Rs 14.07 lakh)Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription and are still unable to access our content, please link your digital account to your print subscription If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.Three people were dismissed in the case against the Darien Board of Education and a group of educators.

Nicole Ruospo, Marc Marin and Carleen Wood were dismissed on April 4, according to court documents.

The case against the Board of Education charges that a 14-year-old boy with Down syndrome was sexually assaulted by former paraprofessional Zachary Hasak at Tokeneke Elementary School in October 2009.

In October 2011, the student and his parents, referred to as John Doe and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doe, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the Darien Board of Education, the Town of Darien and Hasak, as well as Robin Pavia, Melissa Bellino, former superintendent Donald Fiftal, former superintendent Stephen Falcone, Mary Lee Fisher, Ruospo, Marin, Assistant Director of Special Education Wood, and John Woodring, all of whom were employees of the Darien Public Schools during the time of the alleged incident.

Ruospo, Marin and Wood were dismissed because there was not enough sufficient evidence to support the plaintiff's claims, according to Catherine Nietzel, an attorney representing all the defendants except Hasak.

According to the lawsuit, Hasak, Pavia, Bellino, Fiftal, Falcone, Fisher, Ruospo, Marin, Wood and Woodring were involved in the days following the incident or were aware of the alleged abuse toward the student a year later at Middlesex Middle School.

Fisher, who died in 2013, is no longer named in the case.

On March 19, 2014, the defendants filed a motion for a mental examination of Doe.

More Information Fact box See More Collapse

The parents claim that their son, who is no longer in the Darien school system, "has suffered permanent and emotional harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and will require treatment and enhanced supervision for the rest of his life."

The lawsuit states that "while in the classroom, alone with the student, defendant Hasak exposed himself to the student, made sexual advances toward the student and encouraged the student to engage in sexual activity with him."

The defendants deny the allegation.

According to the lawsuit, the student "refused to engage in sexual activity" with Hasak, whom the parents claim threatened to hurt him if he told anyone about the alleged advances, which the defense denies in its response filed March 20, 2013.

The parents claim Hasak was not supposed to be alone with their son for any length of time "without direct supervision from a certified teacher or special education teacher."

When their son was a student at Middlesex Middle School the following year, the parents claim that Ruospo, his special education teacher, abused him by "shoving him, by kicking his feet out from under him, by knocking him to the floor and preventing him from getting up by kicking his feet out from under his when he tried to stand up and by secluding him," some of which, the parents claim, Marin, the assistant principal, saw.

Neitzel said there was not enough evidence to provide a "good-faith basis" to continue with the case against Ruospo, Marin and Wood.

The defendants are being sued for liability of the board for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act; violation of Title IX by the board; violation of due process; violation of procedural due process; assault and battery and reckless and wanton conduct against Hasak; negligence; and statutory liability.

The parents are seeking relief for compensatory and punitive damages and changes to Department of Children and Families policies.

mspicer@bcnnew.com; 203-330-6583; @Meg_DarienNewsAnnouncing Nasher Public | Cameron Schoepp at the Nasher Store Gallery For Nasher Public, Schoepp has created Twist, a loop of industrial chain suspended from the ceiling on a motor. The motor turns the chain, at first very slowly, incrementally increasing in...

Philanthropist and Podcast Host to Give Away $1,000 and Up Monthly With New #Learn2Earn Cash Giveaway Fredrick D. Scott announced today the launch of the #Learn2Earn Cash Giveaway a financial support initiative being rolled out to his #GetRealWoke Podcast LiveChat CommunityItaly providing aid to Syria, Yemen - Del Re Our technological excellence for humanitarian purposes

(ANSAmed) - ROME, FEBRUARY 20 - Deputy Foreign Minister Emanuela Del Re has said that ''Italy contributes with significant financial and human resources to the ongoing global effort to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian and Yemeni people, in particular through the promotion of its technological excellence for humanitarian purposes''. Del Re spoke after chairing a meeting with Italian NGOs working in Syria and Yemen.



''The humanitarian crises in Syria and Yemen are absolute emergencies that have social, economic and human costs that are very high'', Del Re also said. ''In Syria, 12 million people need humanitarian assistance. In Yemen, humanitarian access is limited and the emergency involves 80% of Yemenis, according to the United Nations''.



''I am satisfied of the outcome of the meeting with Italian NGOs working on the ground in Syria and Yemen'', she added. ''We believe that sharing information, listening to verified problems and to proposals advanced by operators on the ground are a vital tool to carry out Italian action that is as effective as possible in these conflict areas''. (ANSAmed)ANSAmed - Tomorrow's events in the Mediterranean

(ANSAmed) - ROME, FEBRUARY 20 - These are the main events scheduled for tomorrow in the Euro-Mediterranean area: BELGRADE - Tourism Fair kicks off (up to 24).



MADRID - Arab House, 7.30pm - Conference titled 'Politics of Neighborhood with the Mediterranean' with the Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, Nasser Kamel.



PODGORICA - Visit by EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Johannes Hahn (also 22).



ANKARA - The 13th Ankara Book Fair continues with Italy as guest of honor (until February 24). ABU DHABI - Exhibition 'Rembrandt, Vermeer and the Dutch Golden Age: Masterpieces from the Leiden collection and the Musee du Louvre' (until May 18).



ROME - Exhibit titled 'Shapes of the Soul' in the Dali Room of the Cervantes Institute with works of painting, sculpture, photography, video and installations by 14 Spanish artists continues (to March 30). (ANSAmed).



Abbas says Palestine won't accept taxes collected by Israel After cut to amounts PNA sends its prisoners and families

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, FEBRUARY 20 - Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, said the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) will no longer accept the remittance of taxes collected on its behalf by Israel.



Abbas made the announcement following Israel's decision to freeze remittances allocated by the PNA to support Palestinian prisoners and their families.



"We refuse the taxes, we don't want them," Abbas said, cited by WAFA agency.



"Frankly, if we remain with just 20 or 30 million shekels, we'll give them to the families of the martyrs," he said.



Based on the Oslo Peace Accords and subsequent agreements, Israel collects Palestinian taxes on the PNA's behalf in both the West Bank and Gaza, and then sends them to the PNA.



Media sources said the taxes amount each month to 222 million dollars (about 198 million euros), including deductions for electricity, water, medical and other services provided by Israel.



Last Sunday, the Israeli government decided to apply a law that had been approved by the Knesset last summer but never enacted, which freezes and holds sums from the taxes allocated by the PNA to support Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons and the families of the "martyrs" - those who were killed during attacks on Israelis.



Based on the Palestinian budget, Israel calculated 138 million dollars for 2018 (123 million euros), and froze the amount.



The Israeli government said the reason for its decision is that it considers the funds an incentive to those responsible for terrorist attacks.



Another factor that pushed towards enacting the law was the recent brutal murder of an Israeli girl in Jerusalem by a Palestinian from Hebron.



The Palestinians immediately criticised the Netanyahu government's decision harshly, calling it "an unacceptable act of piracy of our money". The final move was made on Wednesday by Abbas in refusing the entire amount of taxes collected by Israel.



The choice will likely weigh heavily on the Palestinian state budget, which has already been decimated by the reduction of US aid.(ANSAmed).



RABAT - Police clashed with demonstrators in Rabat on Wednesday during a strike called by labour unions and workers to protest against lacking reforms.

Eight years after the Arab Spring protests, Morocco is demonstrating again and the 20 February Movement is regaining strength. During the Arab Spring demonstrations in 2011, Rabat avoided the revolt that swept across the Maghreb, with its king conceding a constitutional charter.

Teachers are now calling for reforms, and gathered for an authorised sit-in at the education ministry, dressed in the white shirts that teachers in the country traditionally wear.

They attempted to gain ground by marching towards the Royal Palace but police intervened using water hoses and clubs.

Several people were injured in the clashes, including some journalists.

Teachers in Morocco, who earn about 400 euros per month on average, are calling for raises and are particularly upset that their contract hasn't been renewed for years.

BEIRUT - An evacuation of civilians and ISIS militants began on Wednesday in Baghuz, the last pocket of territory controlled by the jihadists in southeastern Syria, Kurdish sources at the evacuation site told ANSA.

At least 16 lorries departed for undisclosed locations, with about a thousand people - militants, women, and children - in all, sources said.

Sources said there were also men not belonging to ISIS among the civilians, many of whom were Kurdish and Arab fighters imprisoned by ISIS in recent months and years.

In addition to the 16 lorries, another seven vehicles arrived at the evacuation site and were loading another hundred people.

The first convoy of 16 lorries was allowed to pass, without being stopped, through the first military checkpoints set up around the camp where the jihadists had barricaded themselves prior to their surrender.

In recent days, according to the evacuation procedure, civilians or militants who managed to leave the area controlled by ISIS had to pass through three different checkpoints.

The first checkpoint was manned by Kurdish and US forces looking for jihadists, who had to be stopped; the second for initial humanitarian aid to civilians; and the third for sorting civilians prior to their departure for refugee camps in eastern Syria.

BRUSSELS - EU border agency Frontex said in a statement that in 2018 the Central Mediterranean migrant route to Italy saw the lowest number of migrant arrivals since 2012.

It said the number of departures from Libya decreased 87% compared to 2017, departures from Algeria were down about half, and departures from Tunisia remained stable.

Frontex said a total of 23,300 migrants arrived in 2018 along the Central Mediterranean route, with a total of 150,114 migrants across the entire EU.

"On the Eastern Mediterranean route the number of arrivals to Spain doubled in 2018 for the second consecutive year, rising to 57,000," Frontex said.

It said the Eastern Mediterranean route is now the most active route to Europe for the first time since Frontex began collecting data, and Morocco is the main country of departure.

In 1924, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Racial Integrity Act. The Virginia Bureau of Vital Statistics, under the directorship of Dr. Walter Plecker until 1947, enforced the law until 1967. Every baby born in Virginia was listed on the birth certificate as either black or white. Never was a child listed as Native American.

In 2008, Anthony Guy Lopez, then a student in anthropology at the University of Virginia, stated in The Daily Progress about the Lewis and Clark statue, which includes Sacajawea: I think most people would describe [her position] as demeaning and hurtful in terms of the way women were portrayed, first of all, and the way Native Americans are portrayed (Council OKs marker and speeding fines).

In 2009, the city of Charlottesville hosted visiting Shoshone, including members of Sacajaweas family. The city had a panel discussion, and then a ceremony around the statue. Several Native Americans from Virginia tribes were present.

As Gov. Ralph Northam makes his reconciliation tour around Virginia, I hope he will see and correct the situation of the Native Americans. They live quiet and unobtrusive lives in our communities.

Carol Hogle Hill, Albemarle CountyInjuries from a lawnmower can be devastating. There was one incident several years ago where a lawnmower hit a screwdriver and sent it over the house and it struck a child in the head."White respondents, by a 46-to-34 percent margin, were against Northams resignation. Black respondents were opposed by a 38 percent to 24 percent margin, though more declined to state a firm opinion.

A smaller number of Virginians, 21 percent, said Northam should be removed from office by impeachment.

There was stronger interest in Fairfaxs resignation, with 35 percent of all respondents in favor of resignation, 25 percent not in favor and the remainder stating that they werent sure one way or the other.

White respondents expressed opinions fairly similar to the overall sample, but only 8 percent of black respondents said Fairfax should resign and 29 percent of black respondents said he shouldnt. The rest said they didnt know or declined to comment.

Twenty-eight percent of all respondents said they believed Fairfax should be impeached.

Herring faired best on the questions; only 19 percent of respondents believed he should resign and 14 percent favored impeachment.Watson's lawyer blasted the Democrats' stance in a new statement Tuesday evening.

"Ms. Watson is counting on the General Assembly to do the right thing and hold hearings now," said Watson attorney Nancy Erika Smith. "These nonstop efforts to duck their role is pure cowardice. Sympathy is welcome, but action is needed."

Watson has accused Fairfax of raping her in 2000 at Duke University. A second woman, California professor Vanessa Tyson, has said Fairfax sexually assaulted her in 2004 in a Boston hotel room.

Fairfax has said both encounters were consensual. He has called on the FBI to investigate and has said a legislative probe would be politicized and unlikely to get to the truth.

In their statement, House Democrats said the allegations, which Fairfax has adamantly denied, are primarily a law enforcement matter.

"Given the allegations, it is appropriate that the Suffolk County District Attorney in Massachusetts has offered to investigate. We would hope any other jurisdictions involved would follow Massachusetts lead," the Democrats said.In an interview, Lopez said he doesn't feel the scandals have hurt Democrats' ability to press for their priorities.

"I think what he said is incredibly misguided," Lopez said of Gilbert's response.

Though the bill probably won't become law, the exchange on the House floor offered a preview of how Republicans could use the Democratic scandals in the election-year messaging war. All 140 General Assembly seats are up for election, and Democrats could flip control of the legislature by picking up just a few more in each chamber.

Virginia Democrats have repeatedly called for Gov. Ralph Northam to resign over the scandal surrounding his 1984 medical school yearbook page, which includes a photo showing one man in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan hood. After initially apologizing for appearing in the photo, Northam said the next day that he didn't believe he was in it. But the governor admitted he wore blackface for a Michael Jackson dance contest that same year.

Attorney General Mark Herring, who admitted he wore blackface to dress as a rapper at a 1980 party while at the University of Virginia, has faced less pressure from elected Democrats. But Herring has said he would consider whether he could remain in office, and some progressive activists have said he should step down.ROME - Qatar's Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has said that the emirate is ready to invest 10 billion euros in Germany over the next five years, the Gulf Times reports.

''We see many possibilities for investment here'', the minister said. ''We are discussing projects''.

This further investment worth 10 billion euros would bring Qatar to become the main Arab investor in Germany for a total of 35 billion euros of investments in the European country.It came with thunder and lightning, but temperatures hovering near freezing limited the snowfall of the winter storm that swept into Central Virginia on Wednesday.

Between 3 to 5 inches of snow fell across the region beginning early Wednesday morning, but precipitation turned to rain, limiting the snows impact on traffic.

A winter storm warning issued Tuesday was scheduled to last until 10 p.m. Wednesday, but it was lifted in the afternoon by the National Weather Service.

Warm air has spread across the region today, with most precipitation now mainly in the form of sleet, freezing rain and plain rain where temps have risen above freezing, meteorologists said. Precipitation should clear the region, but low clouds may linger into the [Thursday] morning hours.

The weather service is predicting a warm Thursday with highs near 60 and possible rain Thursday night."I want to say tonight that any governor or legislator, Democrat or Republican ... that has chosen Dominion over this community is scandalous," Barber said.

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline would run 600 miles and carry fracked natural gas from West Virginia into Virginia and North Carolina.

Opponents are concerned that exhaust from the 54,000-horsepower compressor station would hurt low-income and elderly residents living in Union Hill. Supporters say it will boost development.

Compressor stations are used to power interstate natural gas pipelines, moving gas through the system.

Dominion Energy, Virginia's most powerful corporation, has said it chose Union Hill for the compressor station because the community had enough land for sale and it intersects with an existing pipeline.

The company has also said that most air emissions at the station will be 50 to 80 percent lower than at any other compressor station in Virginia.The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates in four segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, Wholesale Gas Services, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy and battery energy storage projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, wholesale gas services, and gas pipeline investments operations. It owns and/or operates 30 hydroelectric generating stations, 24 fossil fuel generating stations, 3 nuclear generating stations, 13 combined cycle/cogeneration stations, 44 solar facilities, 13 wind facilities, 1 fuel cell facility, and 1 battery storage facility; and constructs, operates, and maintains 75,924 miles of natural gas pipelines and 14 storage facilities with total capacity of 157 Bcf to provide natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The company serves approximately 8.6 million electric and gas utility customers. It also provides products and services in the areas of energy efficiency, and utility infrastructure. In addition, the company offers digital wireless communications and fiber optics services. The Southern Company was incorporated in 1945 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Read MoreNational Bank of Canada provides various financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services, such as credit, and deposit and investment solutions, as well as international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services. The Wealth Management segment provides investment solutions, trust and estate services, banking services, lending services, guaranteed investment certificates, mutual funds, notes, structured products, and other wealth management solutions through internal and third-party distribution networks. The Financial Markets segment offers risk management products and services; and debt and equity underwriting; advisory services in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, and financing. The U.S. Specialty Finance and International segment provides specialty finance expertise; financial products and services to individuals and businesses in Cambodia; and the activities of targeted investments in certain emerging markets. The company also offers credit cards. It provides its services through a network of 483 branches and 1,573 banking machines. The company was founded in 1859 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.

Read MoreOwens & Minor, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a healthcare solutions company in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Global Solutions and Global Products. The Global Solutions segment offers a portfolio of products and services to healthcare providers and manufacturers. Its portfolio of medical and surgical supplies includes branded products and its proprietary products. This segment also offers services to healthcare providers, which include supplier management, analytics, inventory management, and clinical supply management; and various programs to provide logistics and marketing solutions to its suppliers. The Global Products segment manufactures and sources medical surgical products for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections across the acute and alternate site channels. This segments products portfolio includes sterilization wraps, surgical drapes and gowns, facial protection products, protective apparel, medical exam gloves, custom and minor procedure kits, and other medical products. The company provides its products and services to multi-facility networks of healthcare providers, independent hospitals, surgery centers, physicians' practices, and networks of hospitals directly, as well as indirectly through third-party distributors. Owens & Minor, Inc. was founded in 1882 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

Read MoreOil States International, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides oilfield products and services for the drilling, completion, subsea, production, and infrastructure sectors of the oil and gas industry worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Well Site Services, Downhole Technologies, and Offshore/Manufactured Products. The Well Site Services segment offers a range of equipment and services that are used to drill for, establish, and maintain the flow of oil and natural gas from a well throughout its lifecycle. It also provides services, including wellhead isolation, frac valve, wireline and coiled tubing support, flowback and well testing, pipe recovery, gravel pack and sand control, blowout preventer, and drilling services. The Downhole Technologies segment provides oil and gas perforation systems, and downhole tools in support of completion, intervention, wireline, and well abandonment operations. This segment also designs, manufactures, and markets its consumable engineered products to oilfield service, and exploration and production companies. The Offshore/Manufactured Products segment designs, manufactures, and markets capital equipment utilized on floating production systems, subsea pipeline infrastructure, and offshore drilling rigs and vessels; and short-cycle and other products. Its products include flexible bearings, advanced connector systems, high-pressure riser systems, deep water mooring systems, cranes, subsea pipeline products, and blow-out preventer stack integration products. This segment also provides short-cycle products, such as valves, elastomers, and other specialty products that are used in the land-based drilling and completion markets; and other products for use in industrial, military, and other applications. In addition, it offers specialty welding, fabrication, cladding and machining, offshore installation, and inspection and repair services. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Read More(ANSA) - Rome, February 15 - A European Commission spokesperson on Friday called on the Italian government to clarify its stance with regard to the TAV Turin-Lyon high-speed rail link project. The Italian transport and infrastructure minister this week published a new cost-benefit analysis of the TAV that gave the project the thumbs down. The 5-Star Movement (M5S) has long been against the TAV and wants it ditched. But Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, the head of the League, the M5S's coalition partner, has said he thinks the project should go ahead and is not convinced by the new analysis. So the future of the project is uncertain.

"We have no comments about the content of the cost-benefit analysis but the Commission was clear with the Italian authorities about the need for further clarification about how Italy intends to respect the financing agreement," said a spokesperson for Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc. "It remains an important project for Italy, France and the EU as a trans-European project and to reinforce cohesion".

The spokesperson also said it was impossible to rule out the hypothesis that Italy could be asked to return the European funding it has received for the project if it is halted.

Carlisle Companies Incorporated operates as a diversified manufacturer of engineered products in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, Africa, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Carlisle Construction Materials, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Carlisle Fluid Technologies, and Carlisle Brake & Friction. The Carlisle Construction Materials segment produces building envelopes for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, including single-ply roofing products, rigid foam insulations, spray polyurethane foam, architectural metal products, heating, ventilation and air conditioning hardware and sealants, waterproofing products, and air and vapor barrier systems. The Carlisle Interconnect Technologies segment produces wires and cables for the commercial aerospace, military and defense electronics, medical device, industrial, and test and measurement markets. It also offers sensors, connectors, contacts, cable assemblies, complex harnesses, racks, trays, and installation kits, as well as engineering and certification services. The Carlisle Fluid Technologies segment produces engineered liquid products, powder products, sealants and adhesives finishing equipment, and integrated system solutions for spraying, pumping, mixing, metering, and curing of coatings used in the automotive manufacture, general industrial, protective coating, wood, and specialty and automotive refinishing markets. The Carlisle Brake & Friction segment provides duty brakes, and clutch and transmission products for the construction, agriculture, mining, aircraft, on-highway, and other industrial markets. The company sells its products under the Carlisle, Binks, DeVilbiss, Ransburg, BGK, MS Powder, Hawk, Wellman, Thermax, Tri-Star, LHi Technology, Providien, SynTec, Weatherbond, Hunter Panels, Resitrix, Hertalan, Insulfoam, and Velvetouch brands. Carlisle Companies Incorporated was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Read MoreFBL Financial Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, sells individual life insurance and annuity products. The Annuity segment sells various traditional annuity products that primarily consist of fixed rate and indexed annuities, and supplementary contracts. The Life Insurance segment offers whole life, term life, and universal life policies. It also involved in the property-casualty business; and provision of wealth management, investment advisory, and marketing and distribution services for the sale of mutual funds and insurance products, as well as leasing services. The company markets its products to Farm Bureau members, and other individuals and businesses through exclusive agents and agency managers under the consumer brand name of Farm Bureau Financial Services in the Midwestern and Western sections of the United States. The company was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Read More(ANSA) - Rome, February 20 - Italian police told parliament Wednesday that driving licenses should be seized after the first use of smartphones causing a crash and not as at present the second one.

The main cause of car accidents, said Polstrada chief Santo Puccia, "is distraction, and the improper use of smartphones or other devices is the top cause of distraction".

Today, he said, license are only confiscated when there is a recurrence of the offence "and this has been shown not to be effective in terms of deterrence".

Puccia was reporting to the Lower House transport committee.

Fomento EconAmico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages, including low-sugar or sugar-free carbonated beverages; refreshing juices, nectars, and fruit-based drinks; purified, and carbonated and flavored water; coffees, teas, and sports and energy drinks; and dairy products and products based on vegetable protein. It also operates small-box retail chain stores in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, the United States, Chile, and Brazil under the OXXO name; retail service stations for fuels, motor oils, lubricants, and car care products under the OXXO GAS name in Mexico; and drugstores in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico under the Cruz Verde, Fybeca, SanaSana, YZA, La Moderna, and Farmacon names. In addition, the company is involved in the production and distribution of coolers, commercial refrigeration equipment, and plastic cases; food processing, preservation, and weighing equipment; and provision of logistic transportation and maintenance, point-of-sale refrigeration, and plastics solutions, as well as distribution platform for cleaning products and consumables. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 19,566 OXXO small-format stores; 3,368 drugstores; and 558 OXXO GAS service stations. Fomento EconAmico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico.

Read MoreIntrepid Potash, Inc. produces and sells potash and langbeinite products in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Potash, Trio, and Oilfield Solutions. The Potash segment offers muriate of potash or potassium chloride for use as a fertilizer input in the agricultural market; as a component in drilling and fracturing fluids for oil and gas wells, as well as an input to other industrial processes in the industrial market; and as a nutrient supplement in the animal feed market. The Trio segment provides Trio, a specialty fertilizer that delivers potassium, sulfate, and magnesium in a single particle. The Oilfield Solutions segment sells water for use in the oil and gas services industry; and offers potassium chloride real-time mixing services on location for hydraulic fracturing operations and trucking services. The company offers salt for use in animal feeds, industrial applications, pool salts, and treatment of roads and walkways; magnesium chloride for use in the deicing and dedusting of roads; brines for well development and completion activities in the oil and gas industry; and metal recovery salt, a combination of potash and salt to enhance the recovery of aluminum in the aluminum recycling processing facilities. Intrepid Potash, Inc. was founded in 2000 and is based in Denver, Colorado.

Read MoreChevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in integrated energy, chemicals, and petroleum operations worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas; processing, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as operates a gas-to-liquids plant. The Downstream segment engages in refining crude oil into petroleum products; marketing crude oil, refined products, and lubricants; transporting crude oil and refined products through pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment, and rail car; and manufacturing and marketing commodity petrochemicals, and fuel and lubricant additives, as well as plastics for industrial uses. Chevron Corporation is also involved in the cash management and debt financing activities; insurance operations; real estate activities; and technology businesses. The company was formerly known as ChevronTexaco Corporation and changed its name to Chevron Corporation in 2005. Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is headquartered in San Ramon, California.

Read MoreTelefAnica Brasil S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides mobile and fixed telecommunications services to residential and corporate customers in Brazil. Its fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance, and international long-distance calls; and mobile portfolio comprises voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G, and 4.5G, as well as mobile value-added services and wireless roaming services. The company also offers data services, including broadband and mobile data services. In addition, it provides pay TV services through direct to home satellite technology, IPTV, and cable, as well as pay-per-view and video on demand services; network services, such as rental of facilities; other services comprising internet access, private network connectivity, computer equipment leasing, extended service, caller identification, voice mail, cellular blocker, and others; wholesale services, including interconnection services to users of other network providers; and digital services, such as entertainment, cloud, and security and financial services, as well as sells wireless devices and accessories. Further, the company offers multimedia communication services, which include audio, data, voice and other sounds, images, texts, and other information, as well as sells devices, such as smartphones, broadband USB modems, and other devices. Additionally, it provides telecommunications solutions and IT support to various industries, such as retail, manufacturing, services, financial institutions, government, etc. It markets and sells its solutions through own stores, dealers, retail and distribution channels, door-to-door sales, and telesales. The company was formerly known as TelecomunicaAAes de SAo Paulo S.A. - TELESP and changed its name to TelefAnica Brasil S.A. in October 2011. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in SAo Paulo, Brazil.

Read MoreArchrock, Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services. The company engages in the designing, sourcing, owning, installing, operating, servicing, repairing, and maintaining its owned fleet of natural gas compression equipment to provide natural gas compression services to customers in the oil and natural gas industry. It also offers various aftermarket services, such as sale of parts and components; and provision of operation, maintenance, overhaul, and reconfiguration services to customers who own compression equipment. The company was formerly known as Exterran Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Archrock, Inc. in November 2015. Archrock, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Read More(ANSA) - Rome, February 20 - Mediaset said Wednesday that, for the first time in Italy, Facebook has been found guilty of breaching copyright.

Silvio Berlusconi's TV network said the case regarded a page set up by an anonymous user in 2012 and devoted to a cartoon screened by its Italia Uno channel, Kilari.

The page featured links to content illegally uploaded to Youtube and denigratory comments about the people involved in the show. Mediaset said it took action after Facebook ignored repeated requests for the page to be deleted.

It said a Rome court had ruled that Facebook had breached copyright and was guilty of defamation by hosting this page. Mediaset said the case had "modest economic value" but was "crucial in principle".

7 hours ago

| June 26th | 2021 6:00 AM

What to Do When Your Portfolio Bores You: Go Skydiving Instead

You're allocated, diversified and saving 10% or more for retirement. You (or your robo-advisor) have the rebalancing thing down pat. But you're a little bored. Life isn't all that exciting. And when Bobby next door makes money in some obscure cryptocurrency, you might feel a little, well, put out. Your returns aren't 400% like his. And so, you look into tweaking your portfolio.KAR Auction Services, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides used vehicle auctions and related vehicle remarketing services for the automotive industry in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The company operates through two segments, ADESA Auctions and AFC. The ADESA Auctions segment offers whole car auctions and related services to the vehicle remarketing industry through online auctions and auction facilities. It also provides value-added services, such as auction related, transportation, reconditioning, inspection, title and repossession administration and remarketing, vehicle research, and analytical services, as well as data as a service. This segment sells its products and services through vehicle manufacturers, fleet companies, rental car companies, finance companies, and others. As of December 31, 2020, this segment had a network of 74 whole car auction facilities in North America. The AFC segment offers floorplan financing, a short-term inventory-secured financing to independent used vehicle dealers; and sells vehicle service contracts. The company provides wheel repair and hail catastrophe response services. It serves vehicle manufacturers, vehicle rental companies, financial institutions, commercial fleets and fleet management companies, and dealer customers. The company was formerly known as KAR Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to KAR Auction Services, Inc. in November 2009. KAR Auction Services, Inc. was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.

Read More(ANSA) - Brussels, February 20 - EU border agency Frontex said Wednesday that the number of migrants who arrived in European via the central Mediterranean route towards Italy dropped to its lowest level since 2012 last year. "On the Central Mediterranean route, departures from all third countries dropped in 2018," Frontex said in a report.

"Noteworthy, Tunisia replaced Libya as the main country of departure for migrants detected on the Central Mediterranean route in September, October and December (in the other months it was Libya). "Importantly, departures from Libya, having fallen by 87%, accounted for the vast majority of the drop in detected migrants on this route. "Departures from Algeria fell by almost half compared with 2017, while departures from Turkey via the Aeagan and Ionian Sea fell by 37%. "The route hence recorded its lowest number of intercepted migrants since 2012. "The share of claimed minors on this route increased slightly in 2018 compared with 2017, recording a share of 19% (84% of them unaccompanied).

"Tunisians and Eritreans were the two most represented nationalities on this route, together accounting for more than one third of all detected migrants".

Wall Street Legend Who Picked Bitcoin in 2016 Shares #1 Pick for the 2020s (Ad)

Picking the right investment of the decade can transform your life



Microsoft in the 80sAmazon in the 90sApple in the 2000sBitcoin in 2016...



Any one of these could have made you a millionaire many times over. Today, the Wall Street legend who picked the last investment of the decade

The answer will surprise you.Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., an offshore energy services company, provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry primarily in Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, the Asia Pacific, and West Africa regions. The company operates through three segments: Well Intervention, Robotics, and Production Facilities. The company engineers, manages, and conducts well intervention operations that include production enhancement and abandonment, and construction in water depths ranging from 200 to 10,000 feet; and offers remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), trenchers, and ROVDrills for offshore construction and well intervention services. It also provides intervention engineering; inspection, repair, and maintenance of production structures, trees, jumpers, risers, pipelines, subsea equipment, and related support services. In addition, the company offers reclamation and remediation services; well plug and abandonment services; pipeline abandonment services; and site inspections. Further, it engages in the installation of flowlines, control umbilicals, and manifold assemblies and risers; trenching and burial of pipelines; installation and tie-in of riser and manifold assembly; commissioning, testing, and inspection activities; and provision of cable and umbilical lay, and connection services. Additionally, the company offers oil and natural gas processing facilities and services to oil and gas companies; and fast response system. It serves independent oil and gas producers and suppliers, pipeline transmission companies, renewable energy companies, and offshore engineering and construction firms. The company was formerly known as Cal Dive International, Inc. and changed its name to Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. in March 2006. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Read More8 hours ago

| June 26th | 2021 6:00 AM

What to Do When Your Portfolio Bores You: Go Skydiving Instead

You're allocated, diversified and saving 10% or more for retirement. You (or your robo-advisor) have the rebalancing thing down pat. But you're a little bored. Life isn't all that exciting. And when Bobby next door makes money in some obscure cryptocurrency, you might feel a little, well, put out. Your returns aren't 400% like his. And so, you look into tweaking your portfolio.The following companies are subsidiares of DaVita: Aberdeen Dialysis LLC, Accountable Kidney Care LLC, Adair Dialysis LLC, American Fork Dialysis LLC, American Medical Insurance Inc., Animas Dialysis LLC, Arcadia Gardens Dialysis LLC, Ashdow Dialysis LLC, Atlantic Dialysis LLC, Austin Dialysis Centers L.P., Barnell Dialysis LLC, Barrons Dialysis LLC, Barton Dialysis LLC, Bastrop Dialysis LLC, Beachside Dialysis LLC, Beck Dialysis LLC, Bellevue Dialysis LLC, Bemity Dialysis LLC, Beverly Hills Dialysis Partnership, Birch Dialysis LLC, Bladon Dialysis LLC, Bliss Dialysis LLC, Bohama Dialysis LLC, Bowan Dialysis LLC, Braddock Dialysis LLC, Bridges Dialysis LLC, Brimfield Dialysis LLC, Brook Dialysis LLC, Brownsville Kidney Center Ltd., Brownwood Dialysis LLC, Bruno Dialysis LLC, Buckhorn Dialysis LLC, Buford Dialysis LLC, Bullards Dialysis LLC, Bullock Dialysis LLC, Calante Dialysis LLC, Campton Dialysis LLC, Canyon Springs Dialysis LLC, Capes Dialysis LLC, Capital Dialysis Partnership, Capron Dialysis LLC, Carlton Dialysis LLC, Carroll County Dialysis Facility Inc., Carroll County Dialysis Facility Limited Partnership, Cascades Dialysis LLC, Caverns Dialysis LLC, Cedar Dialysis LLC, Centennial LV LLC, Central Carolina Dialysis Centers LLC, Central Georgia Dialysis LLC, Central Iowa Dialysis Partners LLC, Central Kentucky Dialysis Centers LLC, Channel Dialysis LLC, Cheraw Dialysis LLC, Chicago Heights Dialysis LLC, Chipeta Dialysis LLC, Churchill Dialysis LLC, Cinco Rios Dialysis LLC, Clark Dialysis LLC, Clayton Dialysis LLC, Cleburne Dialysis LLC, Clinica Central do Bonfim S.A., Clinton Township Dialysis LLC, Clyfee Dialysis LLC, Columbus-RNA-DaVita LLC, Conconully Dialysis LLC, Continental Dialysis Center Inc., Couer Dialysis LLC, Court Dialysis LLC, Cowell Dialysis LLC, Cowesett Dialysis LLC, Crossings Dialysis LLC, Crystals Dialysis LLC, Cuivre Dialysis LLC, Culbert Dialysis LLC, DC Healthcare International Inc., DNP Management Company LLC, DPS CKD LLC, DV Care Netherlands B.V., DV Care Netherlands C.V., DVA Healthcare - Southwest Ohio LLC, DVA Healthcare Renal Care Inc., DVA Healthcare of Maryland LLC, DVA Healthcare of Massachusetts Inc., DVA Healthcare of New London LLC, DVA Healthcare of Norwich LLC, DVA Healthcare of Pennsylvania LLC, DVA Healthcare of Tuscaloosa LLC, DVA Holdings Pte. Ltd., DVA Laboratory Services Inc., DVA Renal Healthcare Inc., DVA of New York Inc., DaVita - Riverside II LLC, DaVita - Riverside LLC, DaVita - West LLC, DaVita APAC Holding B.V., DaVita Brasil Participacoes e Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita Care (Saudi Arabia), DaVita Dakota Dialysis Center LLC, DaVita Deutschland AG, DaVita Deutschland Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, DaVita El Paso East L.P., DaVita Germany GmbH, DaVita HK Holdings Limited, DaVita HealthCare Brasil Servicos Medicos Ltda., DaVita International Limited, DaVita Nefromed Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita Nephron Care Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita Rien Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita S.A.S., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Asa Sul Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Distrito Federal Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Guarulhos Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Jardim das Imbuias Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Taubate Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia de Araraquara Ltda., DaVita Sp. z o.o., DaVita Sud-Niedersachsen GmbH, DaVita Transrim Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita UTR Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita VillageHealth Inc., DaVita of New York Inc., Dallas-Fort Worth Nephrology L.P., Damon Dialysis LLC, Dialysis Holdings Inc., Dialysis of Des Moines LLC, Dialysis of Northern Illinois LLC, Dierks Dialysis LLC, Dolores Dialysis LLC, Dome Dialysis LLC, Doves Dialysis LLC, Downriver Centers Inc., EURODIAL - Centro de Nefrologia e Dialise de Leiria S.A., East End Dialysis Center Inc., East Ft. Lauderdale LLC, Ebrea Dialysis LLC, Edisto Dialysis LLC, Eldrist Dialysis LLC, Elgin Dialysis LLC, Elk Grove Dialysis Center LLC, Empire State DC Inc., Etowah Dialysis LLC, Ettleton Dialysis LLC, Eufaula Dialysis LLC, Falcon LLC, Family Health Care of Central Florida, Fanthorp Dialysis LLC, Federal Way Assurance Inc., Fields Dialysis LLC, Five Star Dialysis LLC, Fjords Dialysis LLC, Flagler Dialysis LLC, Flamingo Park Kidney Center Inc., Forester Dialysis LLC, Freehold Artificial Kidney Center L.L.C., Fremont Dialysis LLC, Frontier Dialysis LLC, Fullerton Dialysis Center LLC, GDC International LLC, Gambro Healthcare, Ganois Dialysis LLC, Garner Dialysis LLC, Garrett Dialysis LLC, Gaviota Dialysis LLC, Gebhard Dialysis LLC, Genesis KC Development LLC, GiveLife Dialysis LLC, Glassland Dialysis LLC, Glosser Dialysis LLC, Goliad Dialysis LLC, Grand Home Dialysis LLC, Greater Las Vegas Dialysis LLC, Greater Los Angeles Dialysis Centers LLC, Green Country Dialysis LLC, Green Desert Dialysis LLC, Griffin Dialysis LLC, Groten Dialysis LLC, Harmony Dialysis LLC, Hart Dialysis LLC, Hawn Dialysis LLC, Healthcare Partners, Helmer Dialysis LLC, Hennepin Dialysis LLC, Hewett Dialysis LLC, Hilgards Dialysis LLC, Hochatown Dialysis LLC, Home Kidney Care LLC, Honeyman Dialysis LLC, Houston Kidney Center/Total Renal Care Integrated Service Network Limited Partnership, Hummer Dialysis LLC, Hunter Dialysis LLC, Huntington Artificial Kidney Center Ltd., Hyde Dialysis LLC, IDC -International Dialysis Centers Lda, ISD Bartlett LLC, ISD Corpus Christi LLC, ISD I Holding Company Inc., ISD II Holding Company Inc., ISD Las Vegas LLC, ISD Lees Summit LLC, ISD Renal Inc., ISD Schaumburg LLC, ISD Spring Valley LLC, ISD Summit Renal Care LLC, Iroquois Dialysis LLC, Jacinto Dialysis LLC, Jenness Dialysis LLC, Kamiah Dialysis LLC, Kanika Dialysis LLC, Kavett Dialysis LLC, Kenai Dialysis LLC, Kershaw Dialysis LLC, Kidney Home Center LLC, Kimball Dialysis LLC, Kingston Dialysis LLC, Kinnick Dialysis LLC, Kinter Dialysis LLC, Kiowa Dialysis LLC, Knickerbocker Dialysis Inc., Lakeshore Dialysis LLC, Landing Dialysis LLC, Landor Dialysis LLC, Lassen Dialysis LLC, Leasburg Dialysis LLC, Leawood Dialysis LLC, Lees Dialysis LLC, Legare Development LLC, Liberty RC Inc., Lifeline Pensacola LLC, Lifeline Vascular Center-Albany LLC, Lincoln Park Dialysis Services Inc., Livingston Dialysis LLC, Llano Dialysis LLC, Lofield Dialysis LLC, Logoley Dialysis LLC, Lone Dialysis LLC, Long Beach Dialysis Center LLC, Lord Baltimore Dialysis LLC, Lory Dialysis LLC, Lourdes Dialysis LLC, Lyndale Dialysis LLC, MVZ DaVita Alzey GmbH, MVZ DaVita Aurich GmbH, MVZ DaVita Bad Aibling GmbH, MVZ DaVita Bad Duben GmbH, MVZ DaVita Cardio Centrum Dusseldorf GmbH, MVZ DaVita Dillenburg GmbH, MVZ DaVita Dinkelsbuhl GmbH, MVZ DaVita Dormagen GmbH, MVZ DaVita Duisburg GmbH, MVZ DaVita Elsterland GmbH, MVZ DaVita Emden GmbH, MVZ DaVita Falkensee GmbH, MVZ DaVita Geilenkirchen GmbH, MVZ DaVita Gera GmbH, MVZ DaVita Iserlohn GmbH, MVZ DaVita Monchengladbach GmbH, MVZ DaVita Neuss GmbH, MVZ DaVita Niederrhein GmbH, MVZ DaVita Nierenzentrum Aachen Alsdorf GmbH, MVZ DaVita Nierenzentrum Berlin-Britz GmbH, MVZ DaVita Nierenzentrum Hamm-Ahlen GmbH, MVZ DaVita Prenzlau-Pasewalk GmbH, MVZ DaVita Rhein-Ahr GmbH, MVZ DaVita Rhein-Ruhr GmbH, MVZ DaVita Schwalm-Eder GmbH, MVZ DaVita Viersen GmbH, Madigan Dialysis LLC, Magney Dialysis LLC, Magoffin Dialysis LLC, Makonee Dialysis LLC, Marlton Dialysis Center LLC, Marseille Dialysis LLC, Mason-Dixon Dialysis Facilities Inc., Mazonia Dialysis LLC, Mellen Dialysis LLC, Melnea Dialysis LLC, Memorial Dialysis Center L.P., Meridian Dialysis LLC, Mermet Dialysis LLC, Milltown Dialysis LLC, Minam Dialysis LLC, Minneopa Dialysis LLC, Mountain West Dialysis Services LLC, Mulgee Dialysis LLC, Nansen Dialysis LLC, Natomas Dialysis LLC, Nauvue Dialysis LLC, Navarro Dialysis LLC, Nephrology Medical Associates of Georgia LLC, Nephrology Practice Solutions LLC, New Bay Dialysis LLC, Nicona Dialysis LLC, Norbert Dialysis LLC, Norte Dialysis LLC, North Austin Dialysis LLC, Northwest Physicians Network, Oasis Dialysis LLC, Ohio River Dialysis LLC, Okanogan Dialysis LLC, Olive Dialysis LLC, Ordust Dialysis LLC, Owyhee Dialysis LLC, Palo Dialysis LLC, Palomar Dialysis LLC, Panther Dialysis LLC, Parkside Dialysis LLC, Pattison Dialysis LLC, Patuk Dialysis LLC, Pearl Dialysis LLC, Pendster Dialysis LLC, Percha Dialysis LLC, Pershing Dialysis LLC, Pfeiffer Dialysis LLC, Philadelphia-Camden Integrated Kidney Care LLC, Physicians Choice Dialysis LLC, Physicians Choice Dialysis Of Alabama LLC, Physicians Dialysis Acquisitions Inc., Physicians Dialysis Ventures LLC, Physicians Dialysis of Lancaster LLC, Physicians Management LLC, Pible Dialysis LLC, Pinson Dialysis LLC, Pittsburgh Dialysis Partners LLC, Piute Dialysis LLC, Plaine Dialysis LLC, Platte Dialysis LLC, Pluribus Dialise - Benfica S.A., Pluribus Dialise - Cascais S.A., Pluribus Dialise S.A., Prairie Dialysis LLC, Prineville Dialysis LLC, Purity Dialysis, RMS Lifeline Inc., RNA - DaVita Dialysis LLC, RV Academy LLC, Ramsey Dialysis LLC, Rayburn Dialysis LLC, Red Willow Dialysis LLC, Redcliff Dialysis LLC, Refuge Dialysis LLC, Renal Center of Beaumont LLC, Renal Center of Fort Dodge LLC, Renal Center of Lewisville LLC, Renal Center of Morristown LLC, Renal Center of Newton LLC, Renal Center of Port Arthur LLC, Renal Center of Tyler L.P.L.L.L.P., Renal Center of West Beaumont LLC, Renal Center of the Hills LLC, Renal Life Link Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - California Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Illinois Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Mid-Atlantic Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Northeast Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Southeast LP, Renal Treatment Centers - West Inc., Renal Treatment Centers Inc., Renal Ventures Management LLC, RenalServ LLC, Riddle Dialysis LLC, River Valley Dialysis LLC, Rocky Mountain Dialysis Services LLC, Rollins Dialysis LLC, Roose Dialysis LLC, Rophets Dialysis LLC, Roushe Dialysis LLC, Routt Dialysis LLC, Royale Dialysis LLC, Rusk Dialysis LLC, Rutland Dialysis LLC, SAKDC-DaVita Dialysis Partners L.P., Saddleback Dialysis LLC, Sahara Dialysis LLC, San Marcos Dialysis LLC, Santiam Dialysis LLC, Sapelo Dialysis LLC, Saunders Dialysis LLC, Seabay Dialysis LLC, Secour Dialysis LLC, Sensiba Dialysis LLC, Shadow Dialysis LLC, Shayano Dialysis LLC, Shelling Dialysis LLC, Sherman Dialysis LLC, Shetek Dialysis LLC, Shining Star Dialysis Inc., Siena Dialysis Center LLC, Simeon Dialysis LLC, Skagit Dialysis LLC, Soledad Dialysis Center LLC, Somerville Dialysis Center LLC, South Central Florida Dialysis Partners LLC, South Fork Dialysis LLC, Southern Hills Dialysis Center LLC, Southlake Dialysis LLC, Southwest Atlanta Dialysis Centers LLC, Sprague Dialysis LLC, Springpond Dialysis LLC, Star Dialysis LLC, Stevenson Dialysis LLC, Stewart Dialysis LLC, Stines Dialysis LLC, Storrie Dialysis LLC, Sugarloaf Dialysis LLC, Sun City Dialysis Center L.L.C., Sunapee Dialysis LLC, Sunset Dialysis LLC, TRC - Indiana LLC, TRC El Paso Limited Partnership, TRC West Inc., TRC of New York Inc., TRC-Georgetown Regional Dialysis LLC, Talimena Dialysis LLC, Terre Dialysis LLC, The Woodlands Dialysis Center LP, Tortugas Dialysis LLC, Total Renal Care Inc., Total Renal Care Texas Limited Partnership, Total Renal Care of North Carolina LLC, Total Renal Laboratories Inc., Total Renal Research Inc., Toulouse Dialysis LLC, Transmountain Dialysis L.P., Tross Dialysis LLC, Tugman Dialysis LLC, Tunnel Dialysis LLC, Turlock Dialysis Center LLC, Tustin Dialysis Center LLC, Twain Dialysis LLC, Tyler Dialysis LLC, USC-DaVita Dialysis Center LLC, Unicoi Dialysis LLC, University Dialysis Center LLC, Upper Valley Dialysis L.P., Valley Springs Dialysis LLC, Victory Dialysis LLC, VillageHealth DM LLC, Villanueva Dialysis LLC, Vively Health LLC, Vogel Dialysis LLC, Volo Dialysis LLC, Waddell Dialysis LLC, Wakoni Dialysis LLC, Walker Dialysis LLC, Walton Dialysis LLC, Watkins Dialysis LLC, Weldon Dialysis LLC, West Elk Grove Dialysis LLC, West Sacramento Dialysis LLC, Weston Dialysis Center LLC, Whitney Dialysis LLC, Willowbrook Dialysis Center L.P., Winds Dialysis LLC, Wood Dialysis LLC, Woodford Dialysis LLC, Wyandotte Central Dialysis LLC, Yards Dialysis LLC, Ybor City Dialysis LLC, Yucaipa Dialysis LLC, and Zephyrhills Dialysis Center LLC.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Wednesday explored ways to further deepen strategic ties, in talks taking place in the backdrop of India's escalating tension with Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack.

The crown prince arrived here on a less than 30-hour visit Tuesday night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

In a special gesture, Modi received Salman at the airport here, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the Gulf nation.

During the delegation level talks, New Delhi would strongly take up the issue of cross border terrorism and the support Islamabad was extending to terror groups carrying out attacks on India, government sources said.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

The joint statement said the Saudi crown prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, the crown prince talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding the ties further.

"The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is in our DNA....Today, we want to be ensured that the relationship is maintained and improved for sake of both the countries and with the leadership of Mr President and the Prime Minister, we can create good things for both the countries," he told reporters.

He also talked about the contribution of lakhs of Indians in the overall development of Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met the crown prince and discussed ways to add further momentum to the strategic ties between the two nations besides deepening engagement in areas of trade and investment.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on HRH Crown Prince of #SaudiArabia Mohammed Bin Salman. Discussed adding momentum to strategic dimension of our relationship in various fields - from trade & investment to defence & security, and regional cooperation," the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson tweeted.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 PM on Wednesday.The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) remains deeply concerned by the actions and statements of the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) which are outside the bounds of his remit as the Head of an international organisation.



His Tweet of 7 February 2019, associating himself with a suggestion that Dominica will not conduct free and fair upcoming elections is the latest manifestation of his inappropriate behaviour. Further, it is disturbing that without first consulting with the Government of Dominica, which is a Member State of the Organisation, he, as Secretary-General, should be associating himself with such an inference.



The Community once again calls on the Secretary-General to refrain from actions and statements which are beyond the competence of the Office and affect the impartiality of the Organisation which he has the privilege to lead.

-End-

Note: Former Foreign Minister of Uruguay Luis Almagro Lemes is the current Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the period 2015 to 2020.In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India was a victim of terrorism "sheltered and supported" from across the border, as he demanded that all nations reject the use of terrorism against others, dismantle the terror infrastructure and stop its financing.

In an interview published in Wednesday's editions of Arabic-language newspaper 'Okaz' and the English newspaper 'Saudi Gazette', Modi said India strongly condemns extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The interview coincided with the maiden state visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, days after the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group. The attack, one of the worst in Jammu and Kashmir, killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

"India has been a victim of terrorism sheltered and supported from across the border for over decades, claiming thousands of innocent lives," the prime minister said, without mentioning Pakistan, a close ally of Saudi Arabia, by name.

Modi said the menace of extremism and terrorism threatens all nations and societies, and reject any attempt to link this universal phenomenon to any particular race, religion or culture.

"We also call on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures and stop its financing," he said, adding that India strongly condemns extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its motivations whenever, wherever and by whosoever committed.

Asked about the possibility of India-Saudi Arabia cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism and in ensuring safety and security of sea-lanes of communications and freedom of navigation, Modi said bilateral cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism, security and defence has intensified over the years.

The two countries have close cooperation on a range of security issues, particularly on maritime security, law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration and other transnational organised crimes.

To further enhance our bilateral cooperation in the counter-terrorism efforts, the two countries could initiate comprehensive security dialogue mechanism at the level of the National Security Advisors who will interact at regular intervals, the prime minister suggested.

"We also share the vision of peace and security in the Indian Ocean region," Modi said on the need to ensure safety and security of sea-lanes of communications, safety and freedom of navigation in the shipping lanes and trade routes.

Commenting on the Indo-Saudi strategic ties, the prime minister said, "We attach high priority to our friendly relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

He said the traditionally close ties are anchored in the shared interests based on centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties and vibrant people-to-people contacts.

"Our leadership has been working closely with the Saudi leadership towards further deepening our multifaceted ties for the common benefit of our two countries. The political commitment at the leadership level has been reflected by the fact that India has been identified as one of the eight strategic partners by Saudi Arabia," he said.

Modi noted that the two countries were also progressing towards establishing the IndiaSaudi Arabia 'Strategic Partnership Council' which focuses on consolidating bilateral cooperation in specific areas under the Kingdom's newly constituted Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnership (SCISP).

"India and Saudi Arabia ties will be a factor for stability, peace and security in our region and the world," the prime minister said.

Highlighting the areas of cooperation Modi said energy security remains a key pillar of strategic partnership.

Through the established bilateral mechanism, India and Saudi Arabia have been holding energy consultations for past few years to explore the joint investment opportunities and cooperation between the two countries and also to encourage the Saudi private sector companies to invest in oil and gas sectors in India.

"We welcome the Saudi Aramco's committed 50 per cent partnership in the USD 44 billion Ratnagiri Refinery project as an enhancing factor to our strategic partnership. We also welcome the interest of the Saudi Basic Industries Corp to invest in India," he said.

"During my visit to Riyadh in 2016, the two countries concluded the Framework Cooperation Agreement between Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Invest India. We welcome greater investment of Saudi Arabia in our infrastructure and other areas including NIIF (National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, India's first sovereign wealth fund)," Modi said.Taking a leaf out of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Mann ki Baat radio programme, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will hold a programme named Yuvaon ke Mann ki Baat, Mukhya Mantri ke Saath to interact with students and youth on Friday.

The programme will be co-ordinated by Bharatiya Janata Partys youth outfit Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and will be held in all parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh.

BJYM state president Subhash Yaduvansh said the first of the series of this programme would be held in Yuva Town Hall on Engineering College campus in Lucknow on Friday.

Over 1,000 students are expected to take part in the programme. Peoples representatives, including Members of Parliament and legislators have also been invited to the programme.

Yaduvansh said that the Chief Ministers objective was to interact with the youth.

We have a young Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh. He will share his views with the youth and tell them how his government has helped the youth through various policies, the BJYM leader said.

The BJYM will organise such programmes in all the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state. Students from all over the district and the city will be asked to take part in the Yuvaon ke Mann ki Baat, Mukhya Mantri ke Saath.

The BJYM held a preparatory meeting at Engineering College on Wednesday and assigned roles to the members of the outfit.

We are expecting a crowd of over 1,500 students in the inaugural programme, said Yaduvansh.The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has launched a nationwide campaign calling the traders across the country to boycott Chinese goods. The CAIT has also declared that trade associations will burn Chinese goods on 19th March a day before Holi festival.

The traders body said that it will also rope in national organisations of transport, consumers, small industries, farmers, hawkers and other sections to make it the campaign successful.

The CAIT has also demanded the Government to scarp Article 370 and 35A of the Constitution to bring Jammu and Kashmir in parity with rest of the states of the country.

CAIT National President BC Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said that now the time has come when the China should suffer due to its proximity with Pakistan in terms of providing all kinds of assistance including finance and such resources are used against India. Therefore, the CAIT has launched a national campaign to boycott Chinese goods among trading community of the country calling the traders not to sell or buy Chinese goods and on the other hand will make their consumers aware about not to purchase Chinese goods, they said.

Chinas export to India stands about 75 billion dollars per year and if this is brought down considerably by boycotting Chinese goods, it will certainly affect the economy of China since India is largest market for China over the globe, they said.

The CAIT has demanded the Government to levy custom duty from 300 to 500 per cent on import of Chinese goods to discourage imports from China.The Pulwama attack has put India in a frenzy, and rightly so. Everyone is crying for 'revenge', no matter how. Social media has become so active as never before and the mainstream media has not bothered to look away from Pulwama'. TV channels are organizing round-the-clock talk shows on what happened and what should have happened and what should happen. The critics keep screaming intelligence failure' without realising one bit that suicide explosion attacks have been very difficult to sniff or sense because of its very nature. Such plans are known to a miniscule number of madly dedicated individuals. Even the mighty USA sleuths and sniffers could not get the slightest smell of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. The IRA and the LTTE et al have carried out many such deadliest attacks without having been caught planning. The suicide guys are trained like that, with brains more washed than any tamable dog.

Striking back is not as easy as the ordinary masses imagine. First of all, its not so simple to blame a country like Pakistan squarely and attract international sympathy or provoke wrath in the people against the rogue nation. Prime Minister Imran Khan has to save his skin by being politically correct despite the fact that Pakistan has not for a day turned a democracy ever since its independence. Its out and out a military state and the elected executive is only a puppet in the hands of army generals with regard to international affairs, tackling declared enemies and planning and determining warfare strategies. Except the judiciary to a limited extent, no other Constitutional institution has any say above the military in Pakistan.

Ever since the beginning, India has never been able to resolve any single contentious Indo-Pak issue conclusively. Wars have been fought and Pakistan subdued, but the joys of victory have not come Indias way. India was primarily instrumental in creating Bangladesh, but the new nation has never turned a blind India admirer'. It keeps settling scores with India when it comes to its individual benefits.

The ground realities are very simple and glaring. The Kashmir issue has been brewing ever since the day Maharaja Hari Singh merged the Muslim-majority kingdom with India. Pakistan would never have dared venture against India if only Nehru had not been in a hurry to pacify rebellious factions with the help of Sheikh Abdullah and take over as Prime Minister of Union of India. Nehru and his team agreed to the special status condition which resulted in Article 370 that was only for a temporary period but turned impossible to abrogate later as situation became politically dangerous. This most terrible Article guarantees special status to J&K, restricting the Central Governments power to only three subjects -- defence, foreign affairs and communication. The provision mandates that no act of the legislature coming under it can be challenged for violating the Constitution or any other law of the land. Similarly, an offshoot Article 35A came in 1952 by way of a Presidential order in 1954, by which only the permanent residents can settle permanently in the State, acquire immovable property, avail government jobs, scholarships and aid.

All this apart, insurgency in J&K has become easy with provocative baits hung by the agents of Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence, an outfit composed of military masterminds who decide what actions be taken by the elected political executive. If the political community acts smart, the military grabs power instantly through routinely-staged coups. Hence, Pakistanis have been rules more by the military than by civilian statesman. Bhuto was jailed and killed; Nawaz Shariff has been banished and later again jailed for corruption by the judiciary. The civilian regimes there come only to make money and go home because they know there is not much interesting or critical state activity they can indulge in. The military calls all big shots. This status will not change for another two to three generations, at least until the retirement of the 'crop' of army personnel recruited during and before General Zia-ul-Haq's presidency. Hence, the Indian government should not feel compelled to get into any kind of political negotiations until Islamabad demonstrates its 'reasonableness' and stops exporting terrorism.

There is no doubt of New Delhi's mishandling of the situation for a long time. It is fine to imprison some Hurriyat leaders as there is enough proof of seditious activities carried out under the guidance and financial support of Pakistan. It is a fact that most Kashmiris who want to live in peace and development, do not shed one drop of tear for any subversive forces. If there is no letup in Pakistan's export of terrorism across the border, there must be well-deliberated retaliation, both diplomatically and militarily.

Most significantly, it is the civilian mass that has turned suspicious of the armed and security forces across the valley mainly because young people Kashmir, who dream of a happy future at home, are constantly in trouble with the forces. Misguided due to want development and prospects of productive engagement, they are persuaded to believe Indian administration is out to exterminate anyone to annex the whole undivided Kashmir with the Indian Republic. The Kashmiri youths wrongly perceive the security forces as mindlessly ruthless, which has to be dispelled as soon as possible by persuasive methods and guaranteeing productive engagement of some kind to them. The day the youths realise the noble intentions of the Indian Government, nearly all the violent civil disobedience would vanish.

NA Prasad, a former Research and Analysis Wing officer, is of the view that India must recognise that it is not worth to nurture any pretensions of 'reasonableness' of the Pakistani establishment to negotiate a settlement other than full transfer of the Kashmir valley. Their policy will not change for another two to three generations, at least until the retirement of the 'crop' of army personnel recruited during and before General Zia-ul-Haq's presidency. Hence, the Indian Government should not feel compelled to get into any kind of political negotiations until Islamabad demonstrates its 'reasonableness' and stops exporting terrorism. The Kashmir problem can't be termed as a sole creation of Pakistan.

There is no doubt of New Delhi's mishandling of the situation for a long time. It is a border State and should be handled a little more delicately.

It is fine to imprison some Hurriyat leaders belonging to Syed Ali Shah Geelani's group as there is enough proof of seditious activities carried out under the guidance and financial support of Pakistan. But blaming Pakistan for every drop of an unpleasant stone better not be attributed to Pakistan as it is perpetually under turmoil and terror attacks and activities are routinely witnessed across the country. An ordinary Kashmiri would not shed one drop of tear for the elimination of any terrorist as most Kashmiris want to live in peace.

What most Indians do know but forget to link with terror is the fact of unconditional Chinese support to Pakistan for its own trade and larger economic interests. India is fast becoming an economic superpower, thereby turning a potential threat to China now enjoying so much of trading benefits due to its huge human population making labour exceptionally cheap. Thus, the Indian Government has to also look at the covert and mostly tacit support to Pakistan for disturbing activities across India so as to keep the latter away from international competition in trade and commerce.

Each action of Pakistan should be well documented and publicised before any retaliatory counteraction is taken. Consistent policy of talks with the Kashmiris and a stick for the Pakistanis would prove effective and productive in the long run. Containing China in Pakistan affairs and minimising civil casualties in Kashmir by sensitive planning of operations against the militants would yield fantastic results for the Indians.

Most importantly, the political will has to be truly strong to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A leading to mass entry of Hindus into the valley and ultimately balancing the Hindu-Muslim demographic mix, which will being down militancy and facilitate joyful annexation of POK with the Union of India.

(The writer is a core member of Transparency International, Odisha)Not getting any firm assurance on the desired number of seats for the Lok Sabha polls from Bahujan Samaj Party-Samajwadi Party alliance till now, the Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal has opened channels of communication with the Congress for a possible tie-up ahead of the crucial elections.

Congress has assured 10 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh and one in Rajasthan to the RLD. The Jat dominated party has been an old ally of the Congress in Rajasthan.

Leaders of both Congress and RLD feigned ignorance about the ongoing talks between the two parties for a possible alliance but they did not deny possibility of their coming together ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Sources in Congress said that a major coalition may take place ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The RLD is unhappy with the BSP-SP coalition and hence the Congress is gearing up.

A Congress leader said, It can be called Operation Priyanka as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had asked Jyotiraditya Scindia to meet Ajit Singhs son Jayant Chaudhary. Since then, the two leaders have met twice.

Confirming his meetings with Congress general secretary in-charge of west UP, Jyotiraditya Scindia, RLD vice president Jayant Chaudhary said, Talks are underway with the BSP-SP alliance and the common goal of all three parties is to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party from coming to power. It is too early to make any comment about possibility of aligning with the Congress. Scindia and I have been in Parliament and I have deep regards for him.

Congress spokesman Akhilesh Singh said, I do not know about the Scindia-Chaudhary meeting but politics is a game of possibilities.

The Congress has already made inroads in west UP by poaching Gujjar MLA of BJP from Muzaffarnagar, Avatar Singh Bhadana, who recently resigned from the ruling party and the UP Assembly.Congress general secretary in charge of east Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, made her maiden public appearance in Shamli on Wednesday by driving down to the town from Delhi to attend a prayer meeting for CRPF jawan Amit Kumar Kori, who was martyred in the recent Pulwama terror attack.

She was accompanied by brother and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, party general secretary in charge of west UP, Jyotiraditya Scindia and UPCC chief Raj Babbar.

The Gandhi siblings reached Raghunath Mandir, the venue of the prayer meeting, around 2:30 pm where they paid tributes to the slain CRPF jawan for making the extreme sacrifice for the country and met the martyrs family members and consoled them. Priyanka spoke with the women, children and others during her short visit.

Both Gandhi siblings in their brief addresses referred to the martyrdom of their grandmother Indira Gandhi and father Rajiv Gandhi saying that they understood and shared the grief of the bereaved family as they had undergone similar trauma.

We are with the martyrs family in their hour of grief. You are not alone. The entire nation is sad and the people are with you. I have gone through this sad experience so I can understand your agony, Priyanka said in her address.

She took the phone numbers of the female members of the Kori family and assured them of all possible assistance by the party.

Amid chants of Amit Kori amar rahe and Bharat Mata ki Jai, Rahul Gandhi said, We are with you and share your grief and will never forget the supreme sacrifice of Amit Kori. My father also met the same fate. I am here to sit with you for some time, but I want to assure the CRPF jawans and their kin that no power on earth can do any evil to India.

The entire country wants to thank you for the sacrifice your son has made. I and my sister want to say that we are with you in your hour of grief, Rahul added.

The Congress chief, however, refused to speak to the media, saying that he had come to express condolence to the martyrs family.

Rahul and Priyanka then visited the house of Pradeep Kumar, another martyr who lost his life in the Pulwama terror attack.

On their way to Shamli, the high profile Congress convoy stopped at a dhaba in Kairana for a cuppa. Their visit surprised everyone as the visit was kept under wraps till the last moment.

At the dhaba, Priyanka, showing her real connect with the people, spoke to the women and children and allowed them to click selfies with her. The Congress team had pakoras and chai at the dhaba and also offered snacks to the women and children who thronged the place.Hundred years after thousands of innocent Indians were gunned down by the British army At Amritsars Jallianwala Bagh on the fateful Baisakhi day, Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution to pressurise the British Government to officially apologise for the massacre way back in 1919.

The resolution comes on a day the UK Government maintained that it was reflecting on demands for a formal apology for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in April 1919 during the British Raj.

As per reports, the UK Minister Baroness Annabel Goldie told the House of Lords during a debate to mark the centenary of the attack titled Amritsar Massacre: Centenary on Tuesday evening also confirmed plans to mark 100 years since the tragedy in the most appropriate and respectful way.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha, in a befitting tribute to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh massacre during its centenary year, come together to pass the resolution, moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra, to mount pressure on the Centre for seeking a formal apology from the British Government for one of the worst ever bloodbaths in the world.

Moving the resolution, Mohindra said that it was a dastardly act perpetrated upon the innocent people who had converged at the Jallianwala Bagh on the fateful day of Baisakhi on April 13, 1919, to protest against Rowlatt Act of the Imperial rulers.

Even the British Government of the time had realised the gravity of the irresponsible act, as evident in the premature superannuation of General Dyer from the British Army, said the Minister, pointing out that Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore had returned the title of Knighthood in protest.

Urging the Speaker Rana KP Singh to put the resolution to voice vote by the Assembly, Mohindra said that in light of these facts it was high time for India to prevail upon the British Government to tender an apology to assuage the bruised psyche of our countrymen and fellow Indian diaspora settled across the globe.

Later, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh expressed hope that the resolution would strengthen the case of others who were fighting for the apology in the House of the Lords, where a debate on the issue was going on.Reacting on expected lines the entire Opposition snubbed the ruling given by Speaker Dinesh Oraons Court that stamped six former JVM MLAs as of the BJP on Wednesday.

JVM general secretary and legislator of party Pradeep Yadav using tough words denounced the decision of the Tribunal outrightly and pledged to knock the doors of the highest court of the country.

The ruling given by the Assembly Speaker is against the spirit of the 10th Scheduled of the Constitution which clearly says that 2/3 of all the elected members and other party office bearers are required to merge to validate it. This has not happened. This is clearly like murder of democracy. It is unfortunate that Jharkhand would again be perceived as a laughing stock before the nation, said the JVM MLA.

He also rapped the BJP and said that it was expected from it while alleging that the decision of the Speakers Court has come under duress. It was expected from the BJP. We were expecting that they would pressurise the Tribunal to get a favourable order.

We oppose the verdict and would soon move to the Supreme Court to get the order corrected, added Yadav. JVM spokesperson Yogendra Singh termed it a black day and alleged the BJP for running all the Constitutional institutions through remote control.

Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajoy Kumar also criticised the decision terming it the one establishing opportunists and turncoats into politics. Eyes of entire State and its people were on the Speaker but he tore apart the legacy attached with punch-parmeshwara office. The Speaker says that it was not a defection but merger of one party into the other. This is unfortunate and wrong. He has ruled this just to be in power and to protect the Government and was well anticipated, said the State Congress chief.

He added that the order is a disrespect of the anti-defection law and has weakened the democratic setup and alleged that the Speaker was under great deal of pressure to pronounce a suitable decision.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha also reacted adversely to the judgment. The Speaker has been and was acting under pressure from the Government. This is not an impartial decision which anyone can understand and feel.

This way the BJP is running amok and running down every institution of the country which is a great danger for democracy, said party general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya.BJD Keonjhar VP joins Congress

Bhubaneswar: BJD Keonjhar district vice-president Pravakar Nayak along with his supporters joined the Congress in the presence of Pradesh Congress Committee president Niranjan Patnaik here on Wednesday. Nayak said he quit the BJD as he felt lack of democracy in the party. He said he has no ambition to become an MLA or an MP and would work to strengthen the Congress.

ICAI, BBSR Chapter bags awards

Bhubaneswar: The Institute of Cost Accountants of India-Bhubaneswar Chapter bagged the Best Chapter Award in Eastern Region under Category A and Best Chapter at All India Level in Brand Building/Capacity Building at Mysore. On behalf of the Bhubaneswar Chapter, Damodar Mishra, chairman, Tapas Ranjan Swain, secretary, and Himoj Mishra, treasurer, received the awards.

SBI Life pays insurance amount to martyr

Bhubaneswar: To support the family members of martyr Manoj Kumar Behera at the time of their crisis, the SBI Life Insurance Company on Wednesday settled the personal insurance (Subh Nivesh policy) amount of Rs 3,17,400 without insisting on any documents from the legal heirs and even before the claim could be lodged. The amount was handed over to the martyrs mother Sabitri Behera by SBI Bhubaneswar Zone-1 DGM RK Sinha and Regional Manager JN Mohanty at her residence at Ratnapur, Niali.

Sainik School pays homage to CRPF Jawans

Bhubaneswar: The Sainik School and its Old Boys Association organised a candlelight march here on Tuesday and paid homage to the martyred CRPF Jawans. School Principal Captain (IN) Kanchan Mukherjee, employees, cadets, association president Amitabh Swain, secretary Dr Niranjan Padhi, Pritish Basha, Lt Gen NP Padhi, Madhusudan Padhi, Colonel Susant Kumar Mishra, Partha Sarathi Nayak, Basab Bhanja, Dillip Sahoo, Staya Sahoo, Sarat Das, Shiv Kumar Das and Swapendu Das were present.The visiting team of the Union health ministry has directed the health department of Uttarakhand not to give credence to the Swine flu report prepared by the molecular laboratory of the Mahant Indiresh Hospital.

The three-member team consisting of the public health expert Dr Pranay Verma, chest and respiratory diseases expert Dr Amit Suri and microbiologist Dr Rushika Saxena visited different hospitals of Dehradun and inspected treatment facilities for Swine flu.

In its report submitted to the director general (DG) health services, Dr T C Pant on Wednesday, the team observed that molecular lab of Mahant Indiresh Hospital is not working as per the norms firmed up by the Centre.

The report further said that the registration of lab has not been renewed with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi. The team found that the five percent samples which as per norm should be sent to NCDC for cross checks have not be sent by the hospital.

The team in its report also found glaring anomalies in infection control system and ICU management.

The Mahant Indiresh Hospital has, however trashed the report submitted by the Union health ministry team.

The chief public relations officer of the hospital Bhupendra Raturi said that NCDC, New Delhi, which had approved the lab has made no objection regarding quality and authenticity of the lab. He clarified that a normal pathology lab has to seek NABL accreditation and renew it annually.  But a Swine flu lab does not have to renew NABL accreditation annually, he said and added that the management of the NCDC Lab in New Delhi has clarified that it has no problem with the authenticity of the Swine flu reports prepared by Mahant Indiresh Hospital.The demand for catching big fish in the drug cases was, once again, heard loud and clear in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday with the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh assuring the House to act asking the leaders to give him names.

Claiming that the government has been successful in breaking the backbone of the drug mafia, Capt Amarinder challenged all those who had been pointing fingers at the Government for not acting against the big fish.

You give me names if you have...we would catch them, said Capt Amarinder, in reply to debate on the Governors address to the Vidhan Sabha.

Citing figures of the arrests and seizures in the drug cases, Capt Amarinder said: We know one-two people who are out if the country, and we will also catch them, said Capt Amarinder while vowing to continue to fight the battle against drugs from the front, not resting till it is completely eliminated from the State.

Earlier, Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) MLA Simarjeet Singh Bains asked why no action has been taken against the persons whose names have been mentioned in the report submitted by the Special Task Force (STF) on drugs, then headed by Harpreet Sidhu.

The names were mentioned in the STF report...your own cabinet minister had read the entire report before the media. Why no action has been taken against that? Every day, youngsters are dying due to overdose, he asked.

Bains urged the Government to prepare the cases of the big fish and sent them to the courts so that they should know what wrong they have done to the Punjabi youth  a statement attracted thumping of benches from the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs.

Congress MLA Fateh Jung Bajwa also demanded to act against the persons named in the STF report.

Appreciating the State Government for paving way for conviction of Jagdish Bhola and Raja Kandola in multi-crore drug cases, Bajwa said that the STF report clearly mentioned who are the political people involved in the drug mafia, and we should act against them.

It may be recalled that the STF, then headed by Harpreet Sidhu, had submitted a sealed report in the Punjab and Haryana High Court during the hearing of the drugs case, which was later leaked in the media.

Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu held a press briefing with his wife Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu to target his arch rival SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia highlighting the portions where his names were appeared in the report. Sidhu couple had demanded Majithias immediate arrest claiming that the government now has enough evidence to act against him.

The issue was raised in the Vidhan Sabha during previous budget session, but the Chief Minister closed the chapter with the promise of looking into the leaking of the sealed STF report.

Before that, about 40 Congress MLAs had written to the Chief Minister seeking action against Majithia for his alleged involvement in drugs case.

Reportedly, a sense of resentment is prevailing among the Congress MLAs as their own government is unable to act against Majithia despite evidence.

A trailer of growing anger amongst the Congress legislators was seen on Monday when a war of words erupted between Sidhu and Majithia during the budget speech. Cabinet Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa had expressed unhappiness, in the presence of Capt Amarinder, that their own government is not acting against Majithia when the Speaker had adjourned the House for few minutes during budget speech.Haryana State lawmakers on Wednesday resolved to donate one months salary each to the next of kin of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers martyred in the terrorist attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

The State Government also passed a resolution, strongly condemning the terrorist attack in Pulwama district and urged the Central Government to give a befitting reply to the enemy for the ghastly act.

Leader of the House and Chief Minister Manohar Lal moved the resolution condemning the attack on brave jawans of CRPF in Pulwama which was unanimously passed by the House.

The House strongly condemns the terrorist attack and salutes these great soldiers for their supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives for the nation, read the resolution.

The members of House also observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to the departed souls. Haryana Assembly has a strength of 90 MLAs. One MLA of INLD Jaswinder Singh Sandhu had passed away recently.

Leader of Opposition and senior INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala said that his party MLAs have decided to donate one-month salary to the next of kin of the CRPF soldiers killed in Pulwama attack.

After this, Congress Legislature Party leader Kiran Chowdhary too announced that her party legislators will donate one-month salary for the family of the CRPF martyrs. Condemning the attack, she said there has been a steady escalation in terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan, and time has come that they be given a befitting reply. It is the time when talks should be stopped with Pakistan and the neighboring national should be given a befitting reply, she said.

Supporting the opposition's move, Chief Minister Manohar Lal moved a resolution that the legislators will donate a month's salary.

Later, he also moved another resolution strongly condemning the Pulwama terrorist attack, which was unanimously passed by the House.

The House also paid tributes to Sepoy Hari Singh of Rajgarh village in Rewari district, who was killed in an encounter between security forces and militants in J&K's Pulwama.

Notably, 44 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad group rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Assembly pays tribute to former Union Minister George Fernandes

On the first day of budget session of Haryana Assembly, the state legislators on Wednesday paid tributes to prominent personalities including former Union Minister George Fernandes, MLA Jaswinder Singh Sandhu, former Ministers Sita Ram Singla and Ved Singh Malik, freedom fighters and martyrs, who lost their lives during the inter-session period.

The members of the House observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to the departed souls.

The Chief Minister Manohar Lal, who is also the leader of the house, paid tributes to former Union Minister, former Minister of State and member of Haryana Vidhan Sabha, freedom fighters, martyrs of Haryana and close relatives of members of Haryana Vidhan Sabha.

Speaker Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Kanwar Pal also read out the obituary resolutions and paid tribute to the departed souls.

Leader of Opposition Abhay Singh Chautala and Leader of Congress Legislative Party (CLP) Kiran Choudhry also read obituary resolutions on behalf of their parties.

The House also placed on record its deep sense of sorrow on the sad demise of five members of a family of village Kasni district Jhajjar who died in a tragic road accident near village Raiya.

Tributes were paid to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi, who hailed from Hisar and died in a mid-air collision between two aircraft of Indian Air Force's aerobatic team Surya Kiran near Bengaluru on Tuesday.A Pakistan national belonging to the terror group Lashkar-e-Tayyeba was allegedly murdered on Wednesday in a brawl with other prisoners at the Central Jail in Jaipur, jail officials said.

A police official said the prisoners fought over the volume of a TV set and hit Shakrullah (50) with a large stone. The police said three or four prisoners were responsible for killing the life convict, who is from Sialkot in Pakistans Punjab. A murder case has been registered.

The incident comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack in which a car bomb killed 44 CRPF personnel.

A Pakistani prisoner was allegedly murdered today at the Central Jail. The matter will be investigated by a judicial magistrate and also by the police, Rajasthan Director General of Police Kapil Garg told PTI.

Inspector General (Prisons) Rupinder Singh said Shakrullah had been lodged in the jails special cell since 2011.

Earlier, he and seven others were held in a Punjab jail, accused of radicalising young people. The module operated under the directions of its handlers in Pakistan, Jaipur Police Commissioner Anand Srivastava said.

Rajasthans anti-terrorist squad had brought the eight accused from Punjab for interrogation in similar charges and booked them under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the official added.

In 2017, the LeT operative was sentenced to imprisonment for life. Srivastava said the fight on Wednesday was over reducing the volume of a TV set in the jail.

Senior administration and police officials rushed to the jail after learning about the death.

Rupinder Singh said the post-mortem will be conducted on the jail premises under judicial supervision.In an incident unprecedented in the history of the Campus, Vice Chancellor of prestigious Jadavpur University, Suranjan Das, on Tuesday got injured and had to be hospitalised after hundreds of students mobbed him during an agitation, demanding students council election.

Das a noted Scholar of History said the matter was unprecedented in a highly esteemed educational institution like Jadavpur University. He however would not call in the police as a matter of policy saying he always respected freedom of educational institutions and that was against using force against the students.

Das was reportedly pushed by the students who resorted to vehement sloganeering outside his office.

They had reportedly come to give a deputation but had not give it even after the executive council meeting, a senior University officer said adding they students who were raising slogans charged at the VC when he came out of his office.

JU a hotbed of Left politics had been at the centre stage of controversy following restive students movements leading the State Government to often allege presence of ultra-Leftist elements inside the campus.Deb Mukharji has been traversing mountains for six decades and, for him, trekking and taking pictures have been parallel exercises

Most serious photographers have love affairs. The subjects can range over a wide spectrum from people, events, unfolding action to cities, forests, the wilderness, lakes, oceans and mountains. William Henry Jackson (1843-1942) was in love with the American West and his photographs helped to set up the Yellowstone National Park sprawling over the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Carleton Watkins (1829-1916) loved the Yosemite and his shots of it, taken in 1861, perhaps contributed more than anything else to the United States Congresss decision to constitute the valley into a national park. Ansel Adams (1902-1984), whose photographs of Yosemite like the Half Dome, under the Moon, El Capitan in winter, Merced river under the Cathedral Rock cliff and the Mirror Lake with the Half Dome in the background have become iconic, was also known for his love of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. It was his book of photographs of them that strongly influenced President Franklin Delano Roosevelts decision to establish the Kings Canyon National Park in southern parts of the range in Californias Fresno and Tulane counties.

In India, too, photographic exploration of the Himalaya mountains began in the 19th century. In three expeditions to the mountain between 1863 and 1866, Samuel Bourne  of the famous Bourne and Shephard studios in Kolkata, Simla and Mumbai (then Bombay) and by all accounts not a very nice person  collected a large number of prints that brought him reputation and money. John Claude White, an engineer by training and a political officer in sensitive areas of Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Tibet by employment, was an avid photographer. He has left behind striking images of Kanchenjunga, glaciers on the Langpo Valley, Siniolchu at 22,370 feet in Sikkim and so on.

A number of other examples can be cited. In our time, Deb Mukharji, a retired member of the Indian Foreign Service, has been in love with mountains and has, for the last 60 years, combined a passion for high altitude trekking with photography. His footfalls have ranged from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim in India to Nepal, Chinas Tibet Autonomous region and places like Yosemite. The result has been an enormous collection of images, 75 of which have recently been on display in an exhibition entitled Tall Tales from the Himalaya at the India International Centres Kamaladevi Complex in New Delhi. Mostly in black-and-white, but some in colour, these are generally stunning, and some breathtaking.

To say that light is the most critical element in photography is to emphasise the obvious. Even shadows are creations of light, being the products of obstacles to its flow, and would not have existed without it. Light, however, matters more in the mountains where it becomes the defining elements of photography, affecting the colours of the three principal components of a landscape  snow, the mountains and the clouds. The former, bathed in a reddish glow at pre-dawn, and turning pink and golden as the day progresses, acquires a dazzling luminosity when the Sun is in mid-sky, once again increasingly turns crimson with the evening until it sets behind the mountain crests.

Besides snow, mountains have the changing colours of the forests, from deep to faded green, and their stark and craggy flanks of bare stone. The clouds have their own colours ranging from the very dark, almost black, to slate grey and white when it is bright, and sometimes even glowing, but does not dazzle and radiate light like snow. They have their own sizes and shapes  small and resembling giants powder puffs to masses blotting out the sky.

Not surprisingly, mountains provide multitudinous arresting images, brought to life by the play of light and shadows  contrasting and contrapuntal. Of course, with apologies for using a much-used cliche, everything depends on the photographer. Like all genres of photography, the one relating to mountains has its unique set of demands  physical fitness among them. Treks can be taxing and hazardous. As important is the ability to use light. Taking advantage of the golden hour, which is immediately before dawn and sunset respectively, is a part of it. Varying light and shadows cast by meandering clouds can lend a touch of magic to any scene at any time. This is where the need for a discerning eye, which tells a person at a glance what should be in his/her camera frame, becomes critically relevant. Without it, one could pass by the subject of an iconic photograph without noticing.

Deb Mukharji has been traversing mountains for six decades and, for him, trekking and photographing have been parallel exercises. As his photographs of Siniolchu, of a miniature forest on the trunk of a tree in a dense jungle in Garwhal and of a view from the Valley of Flowers and so on, show, he has an excellent understanding of what light does and how he can use it to his advantage. And he had to have a finely-honed photographers eye to produce the images he has. His achievements are all the more significant because unlike many other photographers who patiently wait to take pre-determined shots, he shoots while trekking. But then eternal alertness is a pre-requisite of good photography.

(The writer is Consultant Editor, The Pioneer, and an authorMBS came, MBS smiled, Modi ji hugged. Even as the country is still mourning and seething over the Pulwama attack, India is playing enthusiastic host to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman.

#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival in India. pic.twitter.com/huwzGrPhFG  ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019

Mohammad bin Salman, who, a day ago, was in Pakistan, has given Pakistans economy a new lease of life by agreeing to deals worth $20 billion, and affectionately announced that he cant say no to Pakistan.

Since arriving in India, MBS has so far neither condemned, nor condoled over the Pulwama attack, even after PM Modi mentioned it during their joint press briefing.

As the government serenades him, where are all the Virat Hindus now?

And more importantly  their Virat patron, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)?

Saudi Arabia and China literally bankroll Pakistan, which then uses this money to sustain and nourish the terrorists who carry out attack after brutal attack on India.

In fact, Saudi money reportedly funds much of the Islamic terrorism around the world.

While the Virat Hindus are quick to criticise, demonise  even physically attack  ordinary Kashmiris and other Indian Muslims, why are they so silent on our governments public display of affection for MBS?

Jinhein naaz hai Hind(utva) par, woh kahan hain?

The RSS is a body with considerable clout, which even the government listens to. Surely it could have at least issued a statement against this Prince of Arabia, who, till a day ago, was hob-nobbing with Pakistans Prime Minister?

Such bonhomie everywhere. RSS, are you seeing this? (Photos: ANI/Reuters)

The case of the RSSs silence, however, is curiouser than that.

Ever since the Pulwama attack, the RSS and its affiliate, the VHP, have been an odd picture of restraint. There has been just one statement from both  the RSS strongly condemned the attack and urged the government for action, while the VHP has expressed faith that the government will respond to the attack resolutely, firmly and effectively.

Meanwhile, some VHP and Bajrang Dal men have reportedly vandalised a Basic Shiksha Adhikaris office in Muzaffarnagar, over an alleged social media post on the Pulwama attack.

So, is this the new strategy?

Violence and vandalism against easy targets within our country  but silence where it truly matters?

In February 2018, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had said, Sangh will prepare military personnel within three days which the Army would do in 6-7 months. This is our capability. Swayamsewaks will be ready to take on the front if the country faces such a situation and Constitution permits to do so.

Has anyone recently heard Bhagwat apply for permission to prepare military personnel and let them help the Army?

No?

We wonder why.

At a time when the wounds of Pulwama are so fresh, its unfortunate that the government is having to show such warmth to the reputed chief financer of jihadi terror globally. The government is bound by geo-political concerns, but now, if ever, Indian civil society needs a strong voice to register our displeasure with Saudi Arabia and its seemingly undying love for Pakistan.

Where's the bravery and bombast now? (Photo: PTI/file)

The RSS is in a good position to be this voice.

But, at this of all moments, the Sangh has fallen silent.

Maybe it does not want to further embarrass the BJP government, already in a tough spot after Pulwama.

Or maybe, it just likes to pick on smaller opponents.

Either way, its doing its image  or its claim to be the true champion of Hindu interests  no favours.

Also read: Sorry, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: You just can't match our 'Sultan' Salman KhanSilicon Valley, the exalted home of Google, Facebook and Twitter, is over 7,000 miles away from India. Yet, it is imperative for Silicon Valley, and its engineers sitting in its slick offices made of glass and aluminium, that they take note of what India is going through after the Pulwama attack.

The aftermath of the attack is not just a moment of reckoning for India, its government, its security apparatus and its people. It also ought to be a moment of reckoning for Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Google.

Everything that is wrong  and a few bits that are right  with social media and the flow of information on the web is on full display in Twitter feeds, in Facebook posts, in WhatsApp forwards and in Google trends in the last few days. Fake photos have been widely shared and posted on social media feeds. Fake trends like "best toilet paper in the world" have been pushed through Google Search, with the search algorithms automatically converting the queries into a trend by giving them an automatic push. Fake videos  including one from Iraq, for example  have been passed off as those from the Pulwama attack.

After Pulwama, fake photos have been widely shared and posted on social media feeds. (Photo: Reuters)(Photo: Twitter)

Then there are war hounds, rabble-rousers, trouble makers, the people who like to watch the world burn. Rumours have been spread through WhatsApp and its groups have been turned into tinderboxes that can set real fires. Anyone calling for some sanity, anyone not baying for blood, has been hounded on Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp with abuses, the threat of rape and murder, often accompanied by sexually explicit images and messages.

It is not the first time that India has suffered a terrorist attack like the one in Pulwama. But, in the aftermath of the attack, it is the first time we are seeing reactions unfold on smartphones through apps like WhatsApp. Some of these extreme reactions are deliberate. The mix they have produced is vitriolic.

The result is utter chaos, at least in the social media space of India. There is no longer a sense of what is noise and what is voice. It is no longer possible to identify information from misinformation. That photo you are seeing of a wrecked car, is that really from Pulwama?

In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, social media has become a prime source of misinformation. (Photo: PTI)

That announcement this agency made  is that real? Are people actually hounding Kashmiri students in that north Indian town? Did the Kashmiri student really make that Facebook post in this south Indian town? The people who we saw harassed in that video, are they really from India? And is that video of wrecked buses from the Pulwama attack or not? It is nearly impossible to know for certain.

Everyone shares the blame for this, including the people who use apps like Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp. This extends as well to the companies that have made it possible for people to run riot with these apps. Take the example of the "best toilet paper in the world". This was the search query on Google about which some people tweeted. They said, and their tweet had a screenshot of Google Image search, a screenshot that Google says is fake, that showed a Pakistani flag in response to this query.

The tweets went viral, the trend went viral.

Now instead to figuring out that this is fake, instead of countering misinformation with information, Google's smart algorithms automatically legitimised it.

As more people searched for this query, and websites wrote about it, Google's algorithms started sending emails to people who subscribe to Google Trends alerts, telling them that "best toilet paper in the world" was trending.

It only fuelled more misinformation.

The aftermath of Pulwama ought to be a moment of reckoning for Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Google because it shows that the platforms and apps these companies run aren't ready to handle a few hundred million people when something in a society goes wrong. If a terrorist attack can create such chaos imagine what an even more grievous event, like an all-out war, will do to a populous society like India.

No, you haven't done enough. Silicon Valley needs to do much more to counter the challenge of fake news. (Photo: Reuters)

For far too long, Silicon Valley companies have operated in a bubble. The bright engineers and product managers at Silicon Valley have created slick apps and convenient services and unleashed them on the world. But they have rarely given a thought to what these apps will do in the hands of people who aren't engineers, who aren't product managers, who have not gone to Ivy League institutions.

Much has been written and theorised about how big tech and social media have disrupted societies across the world. What we are witnessing in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in the Indian social media space is this theory demonstrated in practice  in a manner that has left this underbelly of social media exposed.

Let's hope Silicon Valley is also seeing this.

Also read: In grief and anger: Open letter to Imran Khan from Rajdeep SardesaiThis nation needs a polite reminder.

We did not have to go to war with the British to drive them out of this country. This, despite the fact that they were bigger and bolder  compared to the ethically-challenged and fragile nation named Pakistan.

This nation has the resilience to bring a terror-sponsoring country like Pakistan to its knees  without putting a finger on the bomb. So, can we just step back and work towards a rational plan of action  diplomatic, economic, internal  that will break the enemys back. Of course, diplomatic and economic pressures are already building up, but it is the internal push that needs to be a little more aggressive.

To begin with, its time we stopped playing to the global gallery. Either you aim at winning the global popularity vote  or you pay heed to the pressing need of calling a spade, a spade.

We can teach them a lesson  but we need to learn one internally too. (Source: Reuters)

People pelting stones during an army operation is not 'democracy in action'  its obstruction of a mission, a critical terror operation. If stone pelters have human rights, so do the soldiers who are in Kashmir  away from their loved ones and families, guarding our borders. If their safety requires giving them the right of way while their convoys are moving, please make way.

After all, we do make way for VIP movement in Delhi, and more importantly in the Valley, to protect politicians in motion!

And for the nations sake, Kashmir's locals hanging photos of an anti-national Jaish-e-Mohammed recruit like Adil Ahmed Dar with an AK-47 in their 'baithak'  showcasing it almost as a badge of honour  have to be called out. Locals congratulating Dars father for his sons feat have to be labelled as accomplices in terror mongering.

This is neither freedom of expression, nor is it democracy at play  this is called 'sedition'.

And here is my request to the armchair war-mongers as well who are getting louder and more unruly by the hour. If you do not have a son or a daughter or a loved one stationed at the border, check the broken needle of your moral compass when you cry 'War!'. Stop war cries coming from within studios and drawing rooms if you do not have a loved life at stake. Only the soldiers have the moral right to decide the right time to go to war. You cannot build national character by building a narrative for war  hiding in those cosy armchairs of opinion.

So, please stop!

National character cannot be built by building a heated narrative for war. (Source: Reuters)

Next, please contain this nauseating nationalism born out of opportunism. It should not take the death of 40 soldiers who didn't even get a chance to fight to make you rediscover your patriotism. The feeling cannot be sporadic. It should be a consistent strain running through the DNA of the nation, not just in times of crisis but in times of peace too. That is what gives everyone time and space to think through a stable and sustainable policy for fighting terror.

Finally, anyone using the Pulwama attack as a reason to harass Kashmiris living in their neighbourhood, across India, should, in my view, be thrown behind bars. They should not be allowed to see daylight till they apologise for being so small-minded  and till they develop a heart big enough to be eligible to be called Indian.

Let us fight these internal battles first to win the larger war.

Also read: Terror calls for a hard martial response. And that should entail no guiltNepal was home to me for four years during one of the most tumultuous times of its history.

It was the period when Maoists insurgency was at its peak. We were there during the royal family's massacre. Had a close shave with the IC-814 hijack  and witnessed its aftermath. I was at the receiving end of anti-India riots when our office was attacked and ransacked. Yet, Nepal is a country one easily falls in love with. And so did we.

Going back to a place after a long interval can be fascinating. The break-in timeline lends a perspective not only to the present but also to what one left behind. Sans distracting details, one is able to make better sense of the past, while being more empathetic of the present.

Of course, nothing in life is constant. Though some places are more constant than others. The Tribhuvan International Airport remains just the same and as chaotic even after nearly 20 years. Except that the number of flights has increased exponentially. Now there are over 40 international flights and 27 odd international airlines fly daily in and out of Kathmandu  not surprisingly, the big jump has come from connections to China and the Gulf region.

Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

With over 40 operating airstrips across Nepal, there are more than 400 take-offs and landings at Kathmandu TIA every day. India is talking of Udaan with people in Hawaii Chappals flying on "Hawai Jahaz  but Nepalis have been doing that for a long time now. Though Nepals air safety record has been patchy and the longevity of domestic airline companies remarkably low, airways have been a lifeline for the common people and helped mountain tourism at the same time.

Roads in Kathmandu have broadened, but not enough to cope with a surge in the number of cars and two-wheelers, despite the high import duty and jump in the price of fuel. So, traffic snarls are rampant. High-rises have started coming up. The spurt in construction activity has added to the dust in the air. Pollution 'masks' are now more commonly seen than the traditional Nepali Dhaka (cap).

Pokhara looks much cleaner and tastefully developed. The strip along the Phewa lake with a wide array of restaurants and bars can compare with many tourist destinations in South East Asia. Some excellent hotels have come up in the area, making it far more upmarket than before.

But I am told the real change can be seen in the interior and remote parts of the country that were out of bounds during the Maoist insurgency. In the last few years, they have opened up to rural tourism with some excellent lodges.

Reconstruction work after the 2015 earthquake is still going on at many places. The Boudhanath Stupa, one of the landmarks of Kathmandu, that suffered major damages, has been restored to its pristine form. But renovation of the more intricate structures of Patan and Bhaktapur has some way to go. Obviously, this has had an impact on cultural tourists.

Reconstruction work after the 2015 earthquake is still going on at many places. (Photo: PTI)

However, this is on the surface  there is a deeper change in the people, especially the young Nepalis. Unmistakably, they are hugely more confident. No more does one hear boys and girls bemoaning the lack of opportunities. Part of this could be the new millennial and post-millennial mindset. But, I suspect, a lot has to do with the changed political climate.

The transition to the republic and now, the steady progress towards federalism has given a sense of empowerment. The fact that the nation could negotiate this difficult patch with minimum dislocation and disruption has restored faith in democracy and people power.

Despite the ups and downs and musical chairs at the helm of government notwithstanding, people are perceiving a sense of direction  some changes are beginning to show on the ground.

This is evidenced in the accelerated pace of development, especially in the Terai Region (much of it with Chinese assistance) which has boosted morale. To meet project requirements, the Chinese have invested in two large integrated cement plants. The local cement players are either augmenting or putting up new capacities to cater to the demand for the housing and infrastructure sector.

Other green shoots are also visible. The pharma industry is picking up, following the Bangladesh model. The first step would be to develop self-sufficiency, the next to begin exports of generics and bulk drugs. The arrival of Chinese pilgrims on the Buddhist circuit, earlier dominated largely by Japanese and South East Asians, is also steadily picking up.

Nepal is also cashing in on growing Buddhist tourism. (Photo: Facebook)

There is much optimism with the new border transit points opening with China, backed up by road and rail links. However, there is a remarkable change in attitude. Earlier, Nepalis would have flaunted this development as a 'lesson' for India. But now, there is a discernible maturity and equanimity about it. No longer is it seen as 'tit for tat' but something that should have logically happened long back.

Therefore, though the Nepali people have not forgotten the apparent 'blockade' of 2015, the memories are no longer raw. Some see it as a blessing in disguise, which forced Nepal to look beyond India more seriously.

This is the realisation that seems to have touched the younger generation most. To some extent, this was already the case among affluent Nepalis. Nepalis rank tenth in the headcount of expatriate students in US universities.

But now, interestingly, this is also noticeable among the middle class and lower economic strata.

The number of Nepali boys and girls going to China has exploded. A taxi driver in Pokhara thinks of sending his son to Australia for undergraduate studies. The boy works part-time to recover his tuition fees and will in all probability stay back there.

Nepalis have over the ages gone abroad for employment. But now, they aspire to better-paying skilled jobs. Foreign language institutes have mushroomed in Kathmandu. This trend is creating gaps in local manpower availability, which is being filled by reverse migration from India. I was told an estimated 6,00,000 Indians (including some probably from Bangladesh as well) are employed in low-skilled jobs within Nepal.

With Modi, the Nepali leadership has struck an underlying rapport. (Photo: Reuters)

So, how does all this add up for the Indo-Nepal relationship? There is no doubt that the early euphoria and goodwill generated after Narendra Modis initial visit dissipated after the 'blockade'. But one did not feel any rancour or anger. In a statement on the first anniversary of his government, the Prime Minister of Nepal KP Oli said that India-Nepal relations have reached new heights in the last one year. There is no reason to think that he was just being polite.

Nepal, particularly the younger lot, appears to have moved on. Expectations have been reset and a new equilibrium seems to have been established. But they wish to engage with India now from a position of confidence and not as an over-dependent neighbour. India, too, they feel, has recognised this sentiment.

In this backdrop, many people I spoke to would like Narendra Modi to get a second term.

They are apprehensive of equations going haywire if a coalition comes to power in Delhi. With Modi, the new leadership has struck an underlying rapport  built on healthy mutual respect that should work to the advantage of both countries, if it continues uninterrupted.

Also read: Pulwama attack: Why SVBIEDS are favored by terror groups for mass casualty attacksPolice are investigating a burglary at the home of Liverpool forward Sadio Mane while he was on Champions League duty for his team.

Raiders broke into the property in Allerton, south Liverpool, between 6pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday as the Senegal international was at Anfield for the first leg of the last-16 tie against Bayern Munich.

A number of items including watches, mobile phones and car keys were stolen.

Forensic examinations are being carried out and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

Detective inspector Phil Mahon, of Merseyside Police, said: We are appealing for anyone with information in relation to this burglary to please come forward and assist our inquiries.

While the occupants were not present at the time of the incident this will no doubt be a distressing experience for them and I would ask the offenders to do the right thing and return the stolen items to the owner in any way possible.

Sadio Mane was playing against the German side on Tuesday (Peter Byrne/PA)

We know the watches in particular are of significant monetary value and I would also like to appeal to anyone who might have been offered the items for sale since the burglary to contact police.

Anyone who has any information should contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref 19100062098 or @CrimestoppersUK.

Mane, 26, was previously burgled in November 2017 while he was at Anfield for another Champions League game against Maribor.

A gang was thought to have broken into his home first before smashing a patio door at the nearby address of team-mate Dejan Lovren before they fled when a woman shouted she was calling the police.An effort to clean up space of debris from old rocket launches not only helps astronauts but everyone else back on Earth, a British engineer leading tests to clear space junk has revealed.

RemoveDEBRIS is a mission exploring ways using nets and harpoons to catch some of the 16,000 to 20,000 pieces being tracked orbiting Earth, which pose a risk to the increasing number of spacecraft being launched.

The issue is also a potential problem for the satellites that provide everything from GPS to weather data on the ground.

Simon Fellowes, who works at the University of Surreys Surrey Space Centre in Guildford, said space junk will become an urgent problem unless it is dealt with now.

Its becoming urgent and I think its one of those things that if you deal with it now appropriately, it shouldnt become too urgent, but it does need dealing with, and it does need dealing with now, he explained.

Everything that we know and love about technology today is potentially at risk from being damaged, degraded or completely destroyed, so you could lose things like GPS and the internet on your mobile phone, and everything that goes with it.

(PA Graphics)

Mr Fellowes said that even the launch of RemoveDEBRIS had to be delayed slightly because of an object overhead.

The engineer also explained that space agencies had been helpful during the project but were naturally cautious as well.

Theres common agreement that this is a problem and needs to be dealt with  dealing with the agencies, theyve all been really helpful and really supportive of what weve done, but obviously they are naturally cautious because were starting to use space in ways that weve not done before.Major changes to the ticketing system for train travel in Britain have been proposed to end the need for split ticketing.

Here are some of the key questions around the plan:

 What is split ticketing?

Split ticketing involves buying multiple tickets covering different parts of a journey, rather than one ticket.

 Why does this happen?

Passengers do this to save money. Britains complicated rail ticketing system means it can be cheaper to buy tickets from A to B and B to C, even if you are travelling on a single train from A to C.

 How easy is it?

Consumer website MoneySavingExpert.com says it normally takes five to 10 minutes for passengers to find the price of different combinations of fares to check if it is worth splitting tickets for their trip.

It can be much quicker to use one of a number of websites which search the fares database to find the cheapest option. Some of these take a cut of the savings.

 What savings are possible?

Examples of trips where passengers have reported savings include:

 Manchester to Edinburgh split at York (150 fare reduced to 92.20)

 Doncaster to Southampton split at London (50 fare reduced to 20)

 Taunton to London split at Pewsey (105 fare reduced to 42.70)

(PA Graphics)

 How complicated is it?

In one extreme case in 2017, a Newcastle United supporter bought 56 tickets to cover a return journey for him and his girlfriend to travel to Oxford for an FA Cup match, saving him 30.

 Is it legal?

Split ticketing does not break the railways conditions of travel, but a train must call at the stations where tickets are bought for.

 What is being proposed?

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train companies and Network Rail, has published a plan to simplify the rail ticketing system.

It says this would mean that split ticketing would no longer be necessary because people would automatically be offered the lowest price for their journey.

 Why is it doing this?

Passenger research commissioned by the RDG found that 73% of people want the need to split tickets to save money to be eradicated.

 Does this mean the end of split ticketing?

The RDG has submitted its plan to the Williams Review, which is evaluating the entire network.

But it says it needs the support of the Government to make any changes.

Until that happens, savvy travellers will continue to save cash by splitting tickets.Speculation is mounting that several Labour MPs could be about to quit the party.

Key figures believed to be on the verge of leaving did not respond to requests for comment.

Former shadow cabinet minister Owen Smith said he was not commenting on the rumours, linked to anger over how the party is dealing with Brexit and allegations of anti-Semitism.

Labour MP Stephen Kinnock told BBC Radio 4s The Westminster Hour on Sunday: The talk has been going on so long that I say with great regret that yes, there probably will be some kind of splintering.

It just seems to have been in the rumour mill so long that its unlikely that wouldnt be the outcome.

On Sunday morning, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said he did not see any need for anybody to split from the party.

Jeremy Corbyn is rumoured to be facing resignations (Aaron Chown/PA)

Mr McDonnell also revealed Labour would look at a proposal put forward by backbenchers Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson to back a second Brexit referendum in the next round of Brexit votes on February 27.

Former Labour vice chairman Michael Dugher said at the weekend that he is intending to leave the party, saying he regards it as institutionally anti-Semitic.

Mr Dugher, who was elected as MP for Barnsley East in 2010 and left Parliament in May 2017, claimed the party he joined nearly three decades ago no longer exists.

He served as vice chairman of the party under Ed Miliband between 2011 and 2014 and later became shadow secretary for transport and culture.

Labour disclosed last week it had received 673 allegations of anti-Semitism by its members over the past 10 months, leading to 12 individuals being expelled.

Writing in the Sun on Sunday, Mr Dugher said the Labour Party had repeatedly failed to adequately tackle anti-Semitism.

The now chief executive of UK Music said: I will continue to have lots of dear friends in the Labour Party, including many talented MPs and hard-working local councillors who are fantastically dedicated public servants.

Yet in all good conscience, I can no longer justify paying subs to a party which I now regard as institutionally anti-Semitic.Runaway schoolgirl Shamima Begum features on several front pages again on Monday.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the teenager has appealed for public sympathy following the birth of her son.

The Daily Mirror says Ms Begum told of good times as a jihadi bride and spoke fondly of joining Islamic State in an interview with Sky News.

The Sun takes a firm stance on the 19-year-olds plea for sympathy.

Tomorrow's front page: Teenage jihadi bride begs for public sympathy and a return to Britain after giving birth to an IS fighter's son https://t.co/lmKTXaWnFI pic.twitter.com/EMq5bYA07w  The Sun (@TheSun) February 17, 2019

And the Metro reports that Ms Begum said she was just a housewife during her time with IS.

Meanwhile, The Times, which had tracked Ms Begum down, claims another teenager who was caught as she headed to Syria was never prosecuted despite police finding extremist material.

What the papers say - February 18 (PA)

The Times 18/2/2019

Gabriella Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 4, daughter of Nazanin, who is imprisoned in Iran. She wears a beret knitted by her Mum in prison, and has lived in Tehran with family since 2016. Photo : Catherine Philp for The Times.#thetimes #tomorrowspaperstoday @thetimes pic.twitter.com/EKP1x1unkV  The Times Pictures (@TimesPictures) February 17, 2019

In other news, the i reports universities are facing a funding black hole, and says a minister admitted institutions would be worse off because of rising pension costs.

The Guardian leads on the report by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee which calls for Facebook to be subject to statutory regulation.

Guardian front page, Monday 18 February 2019: MPs call for tough new powers to curb Facebooks digital gangsters pic.twitter.com/sCVnJRBolx  The Guardian (@guardian) February 17, 2019

Health matters make the front of the Daily Express, which says a new heart pill to treat the most common form of arthritis could soon be available for millions of Britons.

Tomorrow's Daily Express front page:

- New pill to halt agony of arthritis

- Jihadi bride gives birth and says: 'I deserve sympathy'

- Dolly back on 9 to 5 duty pic.twitter.com/X71ZHRZem7  Daily Express (@Daily_Express) February 17, 2019

The Daily Mail reports that Britains biggest online betting firm gives cash rebates to big losers to keep them gambling.

And the Daily Star claims February will be the hottest since records began.Holidaymakers have been stocking up on euros as Brexit draws nearer, new figures suggest.

Post Office Travel Money, which accounts for one in four UK foreign exchange transactions, said there has been strong demand for euros in recent months, suggesting there is still a significant appetite among holidaymakers to travel to Europe in the months ahead.

Euro sales are up 3% year-on-year in 2019 so far compared with January to mid-February in 2018, figures provided by Post Office Travel Money to the Press Association showed.

(PA Graphics)

Sales of the euro also surged by 5% year-on-year in November and December 2018 compared with the same months in 2017.

As well as planning holidays to Europe, some holidaymakers may be considering changing their money now because they are unsure about potential future currency swings in the uncertain political and economic climate.

Sterling remains resilient against the euro, around 2% up on its position a year ago.

Those travelling overseas for half-term will find sterling has strengthened against many currencies compared with a year ago, making holidaymakers cash go further on their getaways.

Post Office Travel Money said sterling has strengthened over the past year against 18 of its top 40 best-selling currencies.

Sterling has strengthened particularly against the Turkish lira, with holidaymakers seeing their money go the equivalent of 98 further on a 500 currency transaction compared with a year ago.

Visitors to Iceland will get the equivalent of nearly 50 more on a 500 currency purchase than a year ago.

Andrew Brown, Post Office Travel Money expert said: There is little doubt that the strength of sterling will exert some influence on holiday choice in the coming months and that is why it is important for people to do their homework before booking.

Our research has shown that over two-thirds of holidaymakers bust their budget by nearly 100 on their last trip abroad.

Choosing a destination where sterling is performing best and where the cost of meals, drinks and other tourist staples is low could help to prevent that.

Sterling has also strengthened compared with a year ago against the South African rand, the Swedish kronor, the Russian ruble and the Brazilian real.

But those travelling to some long haul destinations may find their spending power has weakened compared with a year ago, with sterling having weakened against the US dollar, the Thai baht and the Hong Kong dollar.Social media sites should face a compulsory code of ethics in order to tackle harmful or illegal content online, a Commons committee has said.

The report comes after a parliamentary inquiry into fake news by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

Here are some key questions around what it all means.

Our final @CommonsCMS report on disinformation and fake news has now been published and can be found here on the committee website. We make a large number of recommendations including statutory regulation for social media to protect users from online harms https://t.co/9qlRsY9G03  Damian Collins (@DamianCollins) February 18, 2019

 What is the fake news inquiry?

MPs began looking into the issue of fake news in 2017 after a rising tide of hoaxers and propagandists spread misinformation on social media, either to push an agenda or make money.

As time went on, the inquiry expanded to investigate wider issues around the effect huge technology companies such as Facebook can have on citizens and society, how some individuals and companies try to manipulate people through social media, and whether Russia had a role in influencing voters in the EU referendum.

Most people use social media to connect with their loved ones, the report found (Yui Mok/PA)

MPs from across the House of Commons heard from dozens of academics, executives, political operatives and experts between October 2017 and July 2018 before producing an interim report last year, followed by this final report.

 What does the final report say?

MPs warned that democracy was at risk from the malicious and relentless targeting of citizens with disinformation and adverts from unidentifiable sources, delivered through social media.

Much of this is directed from agencies working in foreign countries, including Russia, said committee chairman Damian Collins.

He added that big tech companies were failing in the duty of care they owe to their users to act against harmful content, and to respect their data privacy rights.

The report also said electoral law was not fit for purpose and should be updated to reflect the move to microtargeted online political campaigning.

Meanwhile, MPs rounded on Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg, who was accused of showing contempt towards the committee by choosing not to appear before it last year.

 So what does the report recommend?

The committee said ethics guidelines were needed to set out what is and what is not acceptable on social media. The latter includes harmful and illegal content that has been flagged to the platforms by users or identified by the companies themselves.

If tech companies fail to meet their obligations under the code, then an independent regulator should be able to launch legal proceedings against them and have the power to issue large fines, the MPs said.

The committee also called for a comprehensive review of the current rules and regulations surrounding political work during elections and referenda, and separately urged the Government to put pressure on social media companies to publicise instances of disinformation.

 What happens next?

The Government is expected to publish a white paper later this year on proposals to reform laws to make the internet and social media safer.

A Government spokesman said the Culture Secretary would travel to the United States to meet with tech giants including Google, Facebook, Twitter and Apple to discuss many of the issues raised in the report.A sophisticated state actor was behind a cyberattack on the Australian parliaments computing network, the countrys prime minister has said.

Scott Morrison did not identify the state behind what he described as a malicious intrusion, that also affected the network of major political parties, on February 8.

A joint statement from House of Representatives speaker Tony Smith and Senate president Scott Ryan said at the time there was no evidence that data had been accessed in the breach, but lawmakers were advised to change passwords.

Mr Morrison revealed on Monday that the computer networks of the government parties  the Liberal Party and the Nationals  as well as the opposition Labour Party had also been affected.

Australias security agencies were securing those systems and protecting users, he said.

Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity

Scott Morrison did not identify the state behind what he described as a "malicious intrusion" (AP/Rod McGuirk)

Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity, Mr Morrison told reporters.

Let me be clear, though  there is no evidence of any electoral interference. We have put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of our electoral system, he added.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre, the governments main cyber security agency, had briefed federal and state election authorities, Mr Morrison said.

New South Wales, Australias most populous state, will hold elections on March 23. A federal election will be held on a date to be set in May.

Although Australian officials have not blamed any country, in 2011 it was reported that China was suspected of accessing the email system used by lawmakers and parliamentary staff.

Election interference has been high on the international agenda ever since Americas 2016 presidential vote.

Russian hackers stole and published more than 150,000 emails from various Democratic targets in what US spymasters and senior lawmakers described as a wide-ranging effort to help elect Donald Trump.Veteran Labour MP Paul Flynn was a man of real courage and integrity who was respected across the political divide, fellow politicians have said following his death at the age of 84.

The MP for Newport West died on Sunday after representing his constituency for more than three decades.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among the first to pay tribute to a man he described as an independent thinker.

Im very sad at the passing of my good friend Paul Flynn. He had such love for Newport, knowledge of radical South Wales history and a dry wit. He was an independent thinker who was a credit to the Labour Party. He will be greatly missed.  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 17, 2019

Im very sad at the passing of my good friend Paul Flynn, he tweeted. He had such love for Newport, knowledge of radical South Wales history and a dry wit.

He was an independent thinker who was a credit to the Labour Party. He will be greatly missed.

Jayne Bryant, Welsh Labour Assembly Member for Newport West, described Mr Flynn as a wonderful friend and mentor, and shared some poignant memories of first meeting the politician at the age of nine.

Newport West MP Paul Flynn has died at the age of 84 (PA)

He brought politics alive to me then and has done so ever since, she said.

Never bland or boring, Paul proved that politics was about people and wanted young people to be as passionate about it as he was all his life. He was forever optimistic.

Incredibly sad about the death of my wonderful friend and mentor @PaulFlynnMP pic.twitter.com/xX9GGeffq2  Jayne Bryant MS (@JBryantWales) February 17, 2019

Describing him as a politician who was respected across the political divide, she added: Undoubtedly, Paul spoke truth to power.

He was far ahead of his time on issues which others found too controversial. He was proved right on so many of them.

First Minister of Wales and Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford said Mr Flynn was a giant of the Welsh Labour movement.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague Paul Flynn MP.



First Minister and Welsh Labour Leader @MarkDrakeford speaks for us all as we remember a giant of our movement pic.twitter.com/0sbRiDXo5H  Welsh Labour (@WelshLabour) February 17, 2019

He added: Todays news will be a source of great sadness to all those who knew him.

He was one of the most effective communicators of his generation  inside the House of Commons and outside. But it was Pauls willingness to speak up for causes beyond the political mainstream which marked him out as a politician of real courage and integrity.

I first met him more than 35 years ago, and it has been a privilege to have worked with him, in the run-up to the devolution era and beyond.

Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq shared a photograph on Twitter of herself with Mr Flynn, and said they had served on the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee together.

Deeply saddened to hear of passing of Paul Flynn MP. We served on @CommonsPACAC together and he was fearless promoter of cannabis legalisation private members bill - pictured here with @THTCCLOTHING hemp t-shirt. Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time pic.twitter.com/iRiY03QFOS  Rupa Huq MP (@RupaHuq) February 17, 2019

She added: He was fearless promoter of cannabis legalisation private members bill  pictured here with @THTCCLOTHING hemp t-shirt. Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time.

Shadow foreign minister Liz McInnes said Mr Flynns book, How to be an MP, published in 2012, was the definitive text for any newbie.

He leaves behind him a great legacy, she added.

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said Mr Flynn will be missed, tweeting: Very sad to hear about the passing of Paul Flynn. Sending deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Very sorry to hear of Paul Flynns passing. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.He was an exceptional constituency MP & it was a privilege to work with him taking the Wales Bill through Parliament when he was Shadow SoS for Wales.We always had a warm & friendly relationship  Alun Cairns (@AlunCairns) February 18, 2019

Conservative MP Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, also shared his thoughts, saying: Very sorry to hear of Paul Flynns passing. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.

He was an exceptional constituency MP & it was a privilege to work with him taking the Wales Bill through Parliament when he was Shadow SoS for Wales. We always had a warm & friendly relationship.

Conservative Party Chairman Brandon Lewis said he was sad to hear of the death of someone who gave so many years of public service.

And Conor Burns, Tory MP for Bournemouth West, added: Very sorry to learn of the death of @PaulFlynnMP I got to know him when we were both on the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. Unlike so many current politicians he had real convictions. I disagreed with him on almost everything but respected him.Proposals for a sweeping overhaul of rail ticketing in Britain aim to stop passengers having to buy split tickets to get the cheapest fares for some journeys.

Industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) has published a series of measures to simplify the fares system.

The Easier Fares For All plan represents the industrys first major contribution to the Government-commissioned Williams Review, which is evaluating all aspects of the rail network.

(PA Graphics)

Some fares would go up and some would go down under the RDGs proposals, which are designed to be revenue neutral.

Split ticketing is currently used by savvy travellers to pay less than the price of a single ticket on some routes at certain times.

The loophole involves buying multiple tickets for different sections of the same journey.

The RDG claimed its plan would remove the need for split ticketing as passengers would always be charged the best value fare.

Britains rail ticketing system is underpinned by regulations which are unchanged from the mid-1990s, and have not kept pace with technology or how people work and travel.

Several layers of complexity have been added through individual franchise agreements over the past three decades, meaning around 55 million different fares exist.

A KPMG survey commissioned by the RDG found that only one in three (34%) passengers were very confident they bought the best value ticket for their last journey, and just 29% were very satisfied with the ticket-buying experience.

The RDG is calling for a switch to a single leg pricing structure which would allow passengers to mix and match the types of tickets they buy.

It believes this would reduce the need for passengers to commit to travelling at specific times and make it easier for them to change plans.

The existing regime means some single tickets for long distance trips are just 1 cheaper than getting a return.

Single leg pricing would help with the roll out of pay as you go systems and the use of mobile phones to pay for travel.

The RDG is also keen to see regulations around peak and off-peak pricing changed to spread demand for train travel across the day.

The plan follows a public consultation which received responses from nearly 20,000 people.

Paul Plummer, chief executive of the RDG, said: Reconfiguring a decades-old system originally designed in an analogue era isnt simple, but this plan offers a route to get there quickly.

Ultimately, it is up to governments to pull the levers of change.

So this report is a call on them to work with us to update the necessary regulations and subsequently the system of fares.

Watchdog Transport Focus, which carried out the consultation in partnership with the RDG, welcomed the proposals and declared that the time for piecemeal change has gone.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: RDGs contribution to the Williams Review is welcome.

In the short term, we are ready to work with the industry on how their proposals might work and be tested in the real world.

Trials of changes to the fares system are expected to begin later this year. The new system could be rolled out on an operator by operator basis over the next three to five years.The Irish business minister has issued an appeal to firms to ensure continuity of supply of goods and services after Brexit.

With six weeks to go until the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union, Heather Humphreys has urged Irish businesses both large and small to contact their suppliers and service providers to get assurances about the continuity of the supply of their goods and services.

The United Kingdom has not yet secured a deal with the European Union ahead of Brexit, with talks between the two sides expected to continue next week.

Backstop arrangements to guarantee there will be no hard border on the island of Ireland remain one of the sticking points in the negotiations.

Whether a business is a construction company, local beauty salon, bakery or even an Irish base of a multinational medical device company, it is crucial that they check their supply chains for vulnerabilities to Brexit impacts, Mrs Humphreys said.

If a business hasnt already done so, there are a number of steps they need to take. Firstly, they should make contact with their UK suppliers, service providers, logistics companies, wholesalers or distributors, to seek assurances about the continuity of the goods and services they rely on to do business.

Next they should check to see if their suppliers use the UK as a landbridge to move their goods. If they do, this might cause delays and increased costs after Brexit. If they have any doubts about continuity in their supply chains, they should contact their Local Enterprise Office who can point them in the right direction to avail of Government supports and advice, the Minister added.

Meanwhile Irelands trade minister Pat Breen has recommended businesses avail of the Irish governments financial supports and advice available through InterTradeIreland, the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland.Top-level Brexit negotiations between the UK and the European Union will resume this week as the Prime Minister prepares to return to Brussels to gain concessions on her withdrawal deal.

Theresa May will meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in the coming days, while Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will hold talks with the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday.

The pair are expected to discuss the proposals of the Alternative Arrangements Working Group of Tories, who have been seeking a compromise solution to avoid the need for the controversial Irish backstop.

And in a speech on Tuesday, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will set out what changes would be required to eliminate the legal risk of being indefinitely trapped in the insurance policy to avoid a hard border.

It comes after Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright suggested Mrs May might not seek to reopen the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement to make changes to the backstop  prompting anger from Eurosceptic Tories.

Jeremy Wright, talking about the backstop changes, said it wasnt the mechanism that matters but the objective (Jeff Overs/BBC)

Mr Wright implied the agreement could be amended via a codicil, saying the objective mattered more than the mechanism.

He told BBCs Andrew Marr Show: I think whats obvious is that Parliament, and I think probably people well beyond Parliament, are concerned about the potential indefinite nature of the backstop  thats what weve got to do something about.

If this is the only way of doing it then thats the way we will pursue. If there are other ways of doing it that are just as effective that perhaps we havent yet explored then we will do that too.

But Tory Brexiteer Sir John Redwood said it was not possible to gloss the Withdrawal Agreement.

It needs significant changes, Im not saying a little change would be sufficient, it requires a renegotiation, he told the Press Association.

(PA Graphics)

Sir Bill Cash, Conservative chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, said if the changes were just flowery words then the deal wont wash.

The backstop is unacceptable because it means that we remain in the EU indefinitely and also would do immense damage to relations with Northern Ireland  and therefore as far as Im concerned unless the wording actually has legal force and has substance it isnt going to work.

Speculation that around half a dozen Labour MPs could quit the party this week mounted on Sunday night.

Key figures believed to be on the verge of leaving did not respond to the Press Associations requests for comment.

Former shadow cabinet minister Owen Smith said he was not commenting on the rumours.

Labour MP Stephen Kinnock told BBC Radio 4s The Westminster Hour: The talk has been going on so long that I say with great regret that yes, there probably will be some kind of splintering.

It just seems to have been in the rumour mill so long that its unlikely that wouldnt be the outcome.

On Sunday morning, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said he did not see any need for anybody to split from the party.

Mr McDonnell also revealed Labour would look at a proposal put forward by backbenchers Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson to back a second Brexit referendum in the next round of Brexit votes on February 27.A stroke survivor has described how she felt lost when she was discharged from hospital.

Rosemary Brown suffered a stroke in 2017 and said while she was grateful for the great care she received in hospital, she felt lost when she was sent home.

She was speaking as the Stroke Association launched a new report at Stormont on Monday which finds stroke survivors in Northern Ireland are struggling to recover.

My brain had just had the biggest shock of its life and I was feeling shell shocked, she said.

Stroke survivor Rosemary Brown with her partner Martin. (Stroke Association/PA)

I didnt know where to turn and felt a bit abandoned for a few weeks.

When I was sent home from hospital I was given a few leaflets but I dont think my brain could really process that information at the time. It was just all too much.

The Stroke Associations Struggling to Recover report finds that around half of all stroke survivors in Northern Ireland feel abandoned when they leave hospital.

It also found they are unable to make a full recovery due to a lack of rehabilitation and on-going support.

The report finds that stroke survivors in Northern Ireland receive approximately one third of the recommended 45 minutes of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy per day.

Other findings include that 45% of stroke survivors feel abandoned when they leave hospital, 90% feel their emotional needs are not met, 78% feel the care and support they receive at home is poor or very poor and 98% of family carers say they sometimes find it difficult to cope.

Ms Brown added: Stroke survivors need quick access to physiotherapy and speech therapy which can help them make the best recovery possible.

Referring people from the health service to services that can help should be as seamless as possible. It should happen automatically so people can get the support they need, instead of waiting too long for help.

Ahead of the upcoming public consultation on reforming hospital stroke services, the Stroke Association is calling for the creation of an appropriately funded regional stroke pathway to reduce the postcode lottery of stroke care and help all stroke survivors to make the best recovery they can.

Ursula Ferguson, head of stroke support at the Stroke Association, said rehabilitation and long term support for stroke survivors has long been identified as the Cinderella of stroke services.

We cannot enter another decade of unmet need and chronic underfunding of community based stroke care. Everyone affected by stroke in Northern Ireland has the right to make the best possible recovery, she said.

No stroke survivor should be abandoned.

Every year around 4,000 people in Northern Ireland have a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke) and there are around 1,000 stroke related deaths.

There are more than 37,000 stroke survivors in Northern Ireland.A hate crime in Salford where racist graffiti was daubed on the door of a father and sons home is being investigated by police, who apologised for their delayed response.

Jackson Yamba said he reported the abhorrent crime more than a week ago, but Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had not yet visited to investigate.

He shared a photograph of a flat front door with the words NO BLACKS visible in dripped white paint on Twitter on Saturday evening.

My front door in Salford was painted over a week ago with this abhorrent racist graffiti - after reporting it to @gmpolice they still haven't been here to investigate. How do I assure my traumatised 10 year old that he is safe in his home? @BBCBreaking @RLong_Bailey @guardian pic.twitter.com/WjGEz9rT7e  Jackson Yamba (@JacksonYamba) February 16, 2019

Alongside the image, he asked: How do I assure my traumatised 10 year old that he is safe in his home?

The following morning, chief constable Ian Hopkins said he had only just become aware of the appalling crime and apologised for the lack of response.

When Mr Yamba said he was told there were not enough staff when he contacted GMP on February 8, Mr Hopkins replied: That is frankly just not good enough.

Greater Manchester Police officers on patrol (Dave Kendall/PA)

There may have been other issues at the time, but we should have followed up quickly. Its an appalling crime you and your family have suffered.

That is frankly just not good enough. There may have been other issues at the time, but we should have followed up quickly. It's an appalling crime you and your family have suffered.  Ian Hopkins (@CCIanHopkins) February 17, 2019

GMP later said it was aware of concerns about its response to the reports of racist graffiti at the flat in Irlams o th Height, north east Salford.

The force added that it was sorry Mr Yamba had received a service below what we would seek to provide and that they had visited him on Sunday morning.

Since Mr Yamba tweeted the image, messages of support have flooded in to the father and son.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help the pair replace their door, and exceeded its 1,000 target in less than six hours.

And they were invited to be special guests at a local rugby match and meet the Salford Red Devils.

MP for Salford and Eccles, Rebecca Long-Bailey, replied to Mr Yambas post asking him to email her.

We are investigating a report of a hate crime in Salford in which racist graffiti was painted on the front door of a flat in Irlams o' th' Height on Friday 8 February 2019. pic.twitter.com/gnTZM45Irp  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) February 17, 2019

In response to the messages, Mr Yamba tweeted: I am really grateful for the amount of support across the country.

There is no word to describe my gratefulness. My son and I want to thank you all.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.Detectives investigating the New Years Eve stabbing of bouncer Tudor Simionov in central London have charged a fourth man with murder.

Nor Aden Hamada, 23, of no fixed address, was arrested on Sunday at Gatwick airport as he returned to the UK, the Metropolitan Police said.

Hamada was quizzed at a London police station before he was charged with murder, four counts of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder.

Nor Aden Hamada (Met Police/PA)

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday.

Police said in a statement they are still hunting Ossama Hamed, 25, in connection with the murder.

Three men have already been charged over the killing.

Haroon Akram, 25, was arrested on January 28 on suspicion of murder.

He was charged the following day with the murder of Mr Simionov, four counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of violent disorder.

Adham Khalil, 20, was arrested on January 29 and charged the same day with the murder of Mr Simionov, four counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of violent disorder.

Adham Elshalakany, 23, was also arrested on January 29 and charged with Mr Simionovs murder, four counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of violent disorder.

The Met said anyone with information about Hamed or the investigation, including any footage from that morning, can contact 0208 358 0300 and quote 3276/1Jan or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For an immediate sighting of Hamed dial 999, police said.Drummers, dragons and dancers have paraded through New Yorks Chinatown to usher in the Year of the Pig.

Thousands of spectators lined the route of the Lunar New Year Parade in lower Manhattan.

New York has the biggest population of Chinese descent of any city outside Asia.

The pig year is one of my favourite years, because it means lucky  everybody likes lucky  and, for me, a relationship or family and a better life, Eva Zou said as she awaited the marchers.

Members of a dragon dance group parade in Manhattan (Andres Kudacki/AP)

Because I just moved here several months ago, so its a big challenge for me, but I feel so happy now.

Theres an animal associated with every year in the 12-year Chinese astrological cycle, and the Year of the Pig started on February 5.

Some marchers sported cheerful pink pig masks on top of traditional Chinese garb of embroidered silk.

Others played drums, banged gongs or held aloft big gold-and-red dragons on sticks, snaking the creatures along the route.

A reveller celebrates the Year of the Pig in New York (Andres Kudacki/AP)

Someone in a panda costume marched with a clutch of well-known childrens characters, including Winnie the Pooh, Cookie Monster and Snoopy.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, both Democrats, were among the politicians in the line-up, where Chinese music mixed with bagpipers and a police band played 76 Trombones, from classic musical The Music Man.

The lunar year is centred on the cycles of the moon and begins in January or February. Last year was the Year of the Dog.

Dancers perform during the Chinese Lunar New Year parade (Andres Kudacki/AP)

While some parade-goers were familiar with the Chinese zodiac, others said they were just there to enjoy the cultural spectacle or partake in a sense of auspicious beginning.

Were here to get good luck for the year, said Luz Que, who came to the parade with her husband, Jonathan Rosa.Firefighters have rescued a mountain lion from a tree outside a house in the southern California desert.

The homeowner called authorities after spotting the cougar close to his home near the edge of the San Bernardino Mountains.

San Bernardino County firefighters found the large cat perched on a branch about 50ft high.

The mountain lion was tranquillised before being rescued (Rick Fischer/AP)

State wildlife personnel tranquillised the animal and firefighters lowered it to the ground using a rescue harness.

A biologist evaluated the cougar before it was released back into the wild.

State Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden Rick Fischer said it is not uncommon for mountain lions to wander outside their habitat in the nearby mountains.

Attacks on humans are rare but the big cats will prey on pets and livestock.Firefighters have been tacking a blaze at a farm in Moray that left one man with burns and suffering from smoke inhalation.

Fire crews, with six engines, were called to the fire at Rhynagarrie Farm near Aberlour, at 1.40pm.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman explained that two farm buildings were on fire, in addition to several bales of hay.

The spokesman said: One person was treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation, so the ambulance service was called.

By 7.30pm, firefighters were still at the farm dampening down the area, he added.

The cause of the fire is not yet know and fire investigation officers will be visiting the scene on Monday.Tributes have been paid to Dionissis Arvanitakis, a baker who provided free bread to refugees on a Greek island, after his death at the age of 77.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker released a statement expressing his respect for an exemplary European citizen who showed rare generosity and sensitivity towards the hundreds of unfortunate immigrants.

Mr Juncker said: My Europe is the one Dionissis Arvanitakis symbolised.

Raised in a poor family of 10, Mr Arvanitakis emigrated to Australia at the age of 16 and eventually returned to Greece, settling on the island of Kos in 1970. He opened a bakery with his savings.

In March 2015, he started giving away 100 kilos of bread a day to the large number of refugees arriving in Kos.

Mr Arvanitakis said at the time: I know what it feels like to have nothing.Sinn Feins president is set to outline her partys approach to reconciliation to a gathering of civic unionism.

The event at Queens University on Monday evening has been described as a meeting of civic unionism to discuss the implications of Brexit and how best to fill the democratic deficit left in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly.

Northern Irelands devolved government at Stormont has not sat for more than two years (Niall Carson/PA)

Former Ulster Unionist Party chairman Terry Wright, who has been involved with organising the event, said it will be a chance to listen to Mrs McDonald.

I personally dont agree with her analysis but I am very happy to discuss it with her and share my thinking with her, he said.

I think there is a leadership deficit in political unionism, in many ways the community is ahead of the politicians.

A Sinn Fein spokesperson said the event will be part of an ongoing dialogue that Mary Lou McDonald has engaged in over her first year as party leader.

She will discuss Sinn Feins approach to reconciliation, healing the past and dealing with the challenges of the present such as tackling sectarianism and ending segregation, he said.

Mary Lou McDonald will outline our vision for a new and united Ireland and encourage others to engage in the debate.The BBC has bowed to pressure to provide viewers with information about abortion after being criticised following a row sparked by an episode of Call The Midwife.

Concerns were raised following an episode of the BBC One programme on February 3, which dealt with a backstreet abortion.

No advice was then offered to viewers on the broadcasters Action Line.

Medical professionals wrote to the BBC with concerns and pro-choice charity British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) claimed the BBC was mistakenly treating abortion as a fraught political matter, stigmatising the medical professionals involved.

Trixie Franklin in Call The Midwife (Sophie Mutevelian/BBC/PA)

The Action Line page now refers to information about abortion, with the BBC saying they were added to reflect different legal frameworks of abortion law in the UK.

A spokesperson said: There continues to be debate about abortion in the UK.

The Abortion Act 1967 reformed the law relating to abortion but does not apply in Northern Ireland, where the framework for abortion therefore differs from other parts of UK.

Given these differences we have added a direct link to the relevant NHS page, which has information on abortion for England, Scotland and Wales.

As with some other widely debated issues, the Action Line does not link to all organisations.

BPAS previously claimed that by treating abortion as a political rather than medical issue, the corporation had already become partisan.

The BBC responded saying it could not refer viewers to help without sending them to organisations that take a particular stance on abortion, something it could not do given the contentious nature of the issue.

In a later statement, the BBC said that response did not characterise our position correctly, but we have updated the website to provide a link now.

Penny Mordaunt, the women and equalities minister, and Jackie Doyle-Price, a health minister, also this week wrote to the BBC to complain.

A spokesperson for the corporation said on Sunday it had added the links on Friday, before it had became aware of any letter from MPs.

Diana Johnson, a Labour MP, also organised a letter signed by nearly 100 MPs to be sent to Lord Hall, the BBCs director-general.

it criticised the decision to withhold information about womens reproductive healthcare services which have been legal and have been part of the NHS for over 50 years, according to The Times.

An anti-abortion group, Right To Life UK, said the BBC had given in to the tactics of abortion pressure groups to further skew their coverage on this issue.The father of two British teenagers killed fighting for Islamists in Syria has told of his great shock at losing a third son in a stabbing.

Abdul Deghayes from Brighton died in the early hours of Sunday morning after he was attacked in a car that had crashed, Sussex Police said.

The 22-year-old was found just before 9.30pm on Saturday in the passenger seat of a silver Volkswagen Polo, which had crashed into other cars.

A 26-year-old man from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody after handing himself in at a police station, the force said on Sunday night.

The man is believed to have been present at the incident but detectives are still looking to trace others who may have been involved, a spokesman added.

Forensics officers at the scene where Abdul Deghayes was found injured in the passenger seat of a Volkswagen Polo (Gareth Fuller/PA)

He had a number of stab wounds and died from his injuries at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in the city, a force spokesman said.

Speaking to Press Association, his father Abubaker Deghayes said: As a family we are in mourning. It is a great shock.

Adul was very popular with his friends. He loved Brighton a lot. He was a cheerful guy.

We just know he was found in a car, there was a lot of blood and he was brought to hospital.

They tried to keep him alive and he died in the morning. I dont know exactly what happened. We are still waiting for more information.

I cant even think of who would take such a step to do this to Adbul.

If you were in the area of Elm Grove and The Level in #Brighton on Saturday evening (16 February) you may be able to help us with our enquiry into the murder of a man found stabbed in a car following a collision with several others around 9.30pm. https://t.co/CbJet5YIB5 pic.twitter.com/qG13THUcYk  Sussex Police (@sussex_police) February 17, 2019

Abdul  who was jailed in 2017 for drug dealing  is the twin brother of Abdullah who was killed fighting in Syria in 2016 aged 18.

Their brother Jaffar, 17, was killed in 2014 while trying to overthrow Bashar Al-Assads government.

They are survived by fourth brother, Amer, a former finance student, who also travelled to Syria where he is understood to be continuing to fight the cause.

Speaking to the Press Association from Syria, he said he did not want to discuss his brothers death but described him as someone who stood up for the weak.

Elm Grove remained cordoned off on Sunday afternoon. It is thought the attack may have taken place in nearby Wellington Road, police said.

Officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries.

A large team of forensics investigators wearing white suits arrived on the scene and have been inspecting the road leading up to a row of cars as well as searching underneath vehicles.

Fire crews have also arrived and have started to search drains.

Police tape surrounds the silver Volkswagen Polo (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Chief Inspector Andy Bennett appealed for witnesses to come forward and said: We are trying to establish the exact circumstances of what has led to this young mans tragic death.

We are aware the car was in collision with other vehicles shortly before he was found to have suffered these injuries, which we are satisfied were caused maliciously and not as a result of the collision.

A serious case review published in 2017 found professionals missed opportunities to prevent the two teenage British Muslims being radicalised before they were killed after travelling to fight in Syria.

There was no recognition Abdullah, Jaffar and their three siblings were becoming vulnerable to radicalisation in Brighton, the report said.

There was also little understanding of the part religion played in the lives of Abdullah and Jaffar, who were believed to have been with the al Qaida-affiliated Al-Nusra Front when they died, the review added.

After the review their uncle Omar Deghayes  who was arrested in Pakistan in 2002 and spent five years in Guantanamo Bay  hit out at police claiming they took no action whatsoever while his radicalised young nephews were being racially abused.

The report also revealed the family had been the subject of racial abuse for more than a decade  with Omars detention thought to be a factor.

The publicity around his release appeared to have sparked a persistent and prolonged campaign of racial hatred, according to the report.

It said they were targeted by organised right wing groups and at one point the message Behead all Muslims was daubed in 12 inch-high letters near their former home in Saltdean near Brighton.

Asked if police are considering whether the attack on Abdul was racially motivated, a spokesman said: At this stage of the investigation there is nothing to suggest that this is a hate crime but we are keeping an open mind at this time.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer accepts Manchester Uniteds quest for FA Cup glory will have to be earned the hard way as he prepares for a fifth-round clash at Chelsea on Monday.

Uniteds reward for overcoming Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the last round is a second trip to London to take on another of their Premier League top-four rivals.

But Solskjaer pointed out that the first of his two triumphs in the competition as a player  as part of Uniteds memorable treble in 1999  was equally as onerous.

Uniteds interim manager said: In 99 we beat them down at Stamford Bridge to get to the final. And we beat Arsenal and Liverpool as well.

We did it the hard way then and well have to do it the hard way again if we want to get to the final. Im looking forward to it.

Solskjaer suffered his first defeat in his 12th match as United caretaker in midweek after Paris St Germain clinched a 2-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 fixture.

Unless they stage a remarkable comeback at the Parc des Princes in the second leg then the FA Cup will be the only chance Solskjaer has of winning silverware.

The Norwegian will be without key pair Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial at Stamford Bridge  both of whom suffered injuries against PSG  and is not about to take Chelsea lightly despite two humiliating away defeats recently.

Solskjaer on Chelsea: "I went to see them against Manchester City and City were clinical of course, but [Chelsea] have some fantastic players as well  they could have easily scored two or three in that game. They will be a tough team to play." #MUFC  Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 15, 2019

Solskjaer was in attendance as the Blues were hammered 6-0 by Manchester City last Sunday, a loss that came less than two weeks after a 4-0 humbling at Bournemouth.

Solskjaer added: I went to see them against City and City were clinical, of course. But theyve got some fantastic players, Chelsea as well.

They could have scored two or three easily in the first half as well in that game. There are fine margins. They could easily have been two or three up against Bournemouth as well when they lost 4-0.

Its those little things that decide games. They have been up and down, but down there theyre a tough team to play.

Former United winger Angel Di Maria provided both assists in PSGs victory on Tuesday night, returning to haunt his old club after a largely uninspiring 12 months at Old Trafford.

Angel Di Maria was an expensive misfit at Manchester United (Martin Rickett/PA)

United paid a then British record 59.7million for the Argentinian in August 2014 and have since spent heavily on the likes of Paul Pogba, Martial and Romelu Lukaku.

The trio have had varying degrees of success and, when asked whether Uniteds challenge was not their outlay but finding a way to accommodate all their talent, Solskjaer responded: You want to get the best out of your best players, of course.

Thats a challenge all the time because weve got so many players. You dont just put every single good player in their preferred position, we need to have a system that we start from.

But there are a couple of players that you might want to build your team around.No Brexit deal is better than a bad deal, a leading Democratic Unionist MP has told his party conference.

Nigel Dodds was speaking just days after MPs voted down Prime Minister Theresa Mays approach to the Brexit talks.

MPs voted by 303 to 258 against a motion endorsing the governments negotiating strategy.

Updating DUP members on the latest Brexit developments.



The Union of the United Kingdom remains non-negotiable. pic.twitter.com/mlglYBYm2I  Nigel Dodds (@NigelDoddsDUP) February 16, 2019

With just over 40 days to go until the United Kingdom is scheduled to leave the European Union, the DUP deputy leader said Mrs May will have their support if necessary changes are made to the backstop.

He told his partys spring conference in Omagh, Co Tyrone, that they want a Brexit deal, but we are very clear that a no-deal is better than a bad deal.

As we leave the EU  for us the guiding star is the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, he said.

DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds says no Brexit deal is better than a bad deal (Liam McBurney/PA)

Our slogan for the election will be three words which sum up the Party and our team.



It will be Strength to Deliver.@DUPleader pic.twitter.com/vYkNv6WiL1  DUP (@duponline) February 16, 2019

We will do nothing to undermine that Union.

The only way to a majority in the House of Commons is with DUP votes. With necessary changes to the backstop, the Prime Minister will have our support.

In her speech to the conference, Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster said her party will say no when the deal is not suitable, but will also not be afraid to yes when the deal is right.

We will measure any new draft Withdrawal Agreement against our own tests of both protecting the Union and respecting the referendum result, she said.

Mrs Foster added: We must work for a sensible deal which works for every part of the United Kingdom.Pope Francis has defrocked former US cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession and sexual crimes against minors and adults, the Holy See said on Saturday.

The punishment for the once-powerful prelate, who had served as the Archbishop of Washington, was announced five days before Francis is to lead an extraordinary gathering of bishops from around the world to help the Catholic Church grapple with the crisis of sex abuse by clergy and systematic cover-ups by church hierarchy.

The decades-long scandals have shaken the faith of many Catholics and threatened Franciss papacy.

Vatican officials found McCarrick guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, files)

Defrocking means that McCarrick, 88, who now lives in a friary in Kansas after he lost his title of cardinal last year, will not be allowed to celebrate Mass or other sacraments.

The Vaticans press office said that, on January 11, the Holy Sees doctrinal watchdog office, the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, had found McCarrick guilty of solicitation in the Sacrament of Confession, and sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power.

The officials imposed on him the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state.

The Sixth Commandment regards sexual behaviour.

In addition, McCarrick, when he was ordained a priest in 1958, took a vow of celibacy, in accordance with church rules on priests.

McCarrick took a vow of celibacy when he was ordained (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

McCarrick appealed against the penalty, but the doctrinal officials earlier this week rejected his recourse, and he was notified on Friday, the Vatican announcement said.

The Pope has recognised the definitive nature of this decision made in accordance with (church) law, rendering it as res iudicata, the Vatican said, using the Latin phrase for admitting no further recourse.

That meant McCarrick, a one-time prince of the church, as cardinals are known, becomes the highest-ranking churchman to be laicised, or dismissed from the clerical state.

It marks a remarkable downfall for the globe-trotting powerbroker and influential church fundraiser who mingled with presidents and popes but preferred to be called Uncle Ted by the young men he courted.

The scandal swirling around McCarrick was even more damning because it was apparently an open secret that he slept with adult seminarians.Campaigners calling for funding to help families bereaved in Northern Irelands troubled past to get the truth have taken to the streets of Belfast.

The latest move by the Time For Truth campaign comes days after the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was criticised after it emerged it failed to disclose all the information it held over an infamous Loyalist shooting in Belfast to a watchdog.

The Police Ombudsman found that the PSNI withheld significant information over the shooting at a bookmakers in the Ormeau Road in 1992.

PSNI Deputy Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin apologising on behalf of the organisation for failing to disclose information to the Police Ombudsman about a notorious Loyalist shooting (Rebecca Black/PA)

Five people were killed on February 5 1992, when members of the Loyalist Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) opened fire on the Sean Graham shop on the lower Ormeau Road.

PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin apologised on behalf of the police, and said they never sought to withhold the information from the ombudsman investigators, putting the incident down to human error.

However some families whose loved ones murders are also affected by the material questioned his statement.

Marian Walsh, the mother of teenage murder victim Damien Walsh, said she does not accept Mr Martins apology, and accused police of a sham and excuses.

In February around 2,000 people took part in a Time For Truth march in Belfast city centre, calling for legacy mechanisms to be put in place.

Survivors, victims and relatives of those killed in Troubles-related incidents take part in the Time For Truth campaigns march in Belfast in February (Brian Lawless/PA)

On Saturday activists canvassed in a number of locations across Belfast, calling for three demands to be met.

These include the implementation of legacy mechanisms negotiated in the Stormont House Agreement, adequate funding of legacy inquests, and of the Police Ombudsmans office to allow it to complete outstanding historical investigations.

The locations included the Ormeau Road close to the Sean Graham shop on Saturday morning.

Billy McManus who father William was killed in the Sean Graham bookies shootings and Tommy Duffin whose father Jack was killed in the same attack took part in the Time for Truth campaign collecting signatures for a petition to implements mechanisms to deal with Northern Irelands troubled past. (Rebecca Black/PA)

Tommy Duffin, whose 66-year-old father Jack was the oldest of those killed in the UFF shooting, was among the activists.

The ombudsmans report into that atrocity had been due to be given to the family, but will now be reviewed in light of the fresh information from police.

The Stormont House Agreement has to be put in place, and the legacy inquests and ombudsman need to be properly resourced, he said.

Not just for us but all the families waiting to get the answers they need.

This is our final opportunity to deal with the legacy of the past. Dark forces are ranged against families seeking a modicum of truth and justice. Have your say today in Belfast - sign the petition. https://t.co/KCvminsSEK  Time for Truth Campaign (@tftcampaign) February 16, 2019

Activists also petitioned for support at the Short Strand in east Belfast, Kennedy Centre and Dairy Farm in west Belfast, and the New Lodge in north Belfast, among other locations.

Time For Truth spokesman Ciaran MacAirt urged people to sign the petition in solidarity with victims and survivors.

We call on citizens to sign the petition and show their support for victims and survivors across the community who are still denied their basic human rights, he said.

Just look at the news this week. Families from the Ormeau Road have been failed yet again by police investigating atrocities in the past.

Hundreds of other families are experiencing the same and are being re-traumatised on a daily basis.

This could be our final opportunity to deal with the past for families across the community.A 63-year-old man fighting for his life after thieves ran him over while stealing his car is a nice bloke who lives in a mecca for stealing.

Police arrested two people after the man was struck in Nook Lane, Ashford-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, by his own car on Friday morning.

His neighbour, Kenneth Cooper, 66, who lives in Rushmere, the street where the theft happened, said: Hes a nice bloke, hes a really nice family guy. Hes a pretty quiet bloke and a nice bloke  he doesnt deserve whats happened to him.

(This area) is a mecca for stealing.

A 46-year old man and a 45-year old woman have been arrested after a man was struck by his own car as it was being stolen in Ashton-under-Lyne. https://t.co/sgnErvXqlh  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) February 16, 2019

Detectives arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and a 45-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender after the incident at about 7.20am.

Both were in custody on Saturday morning as the victim remained in hospital in a critical condition with serious head injuries.

The theft happened in a cul-de-sac before the victim was hit near a mini roundabout in an adjacent street, which is also connected to the cul-de-sac by a footpath.

A 63-year-old man is fighting for his life after suffering serious head injuries when he was hit by his own car in Nook Lane, Ashton-under-Lyne, as it was being stolen (Peter Byrne/PA)

Mr Cooper, a retired former soldier, added: I saw the car going down the road and it was not going at breakneck speed or anything. I thought it was him going to work, he normally did at that time.

Hes run down the ginnel (alleyway) at the bottom while the cars going around the corner.

The victim has lived in the street for about 10 years, Mr Cooper said.

Its not unusual at all. Im sick to death of my car being broken into if I ever leave it open, he added.

They (thieves) try your car doors.

Police at the scene on Friday were also asking neighbours in surrounding streets for CCTV of the incident.

The theft happened in Rushmere (Peter Byrne/PA)

Several streets were sealed off by police tape for several hours as forensics officers searched for evidence.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said the suspects, driving the victims red Citroen C1, fled the scene after the collision.

The car was later discovered about a mile away.

Detective Inspector Benjamin Cottam, from the forces major incident team, said: The man remains in a critical condition in hospital, and my thoughts are with him and his family at this truly awful time.

Although we now have two people in custody, this investigation is very much ongoing and I would urge anyone with information to please come forward to police if you havent done so already.

Id like to appeal to anyone who saw the red Citroen C1 in the area at the time, or anyone with dashcam footage, to please get in touch with us as soon as you possibly can.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9289 or 101 quoting incident number 363 of 15/02/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.Police are investigating a report that a shot was fired on a west Belfast street.

The alleged incident took place on Amcomri Street on Friday night.

A PSNI spokesman said officers received a report that a man heard someone at his front gate at around 10pm, and then saw a man dressed in black carrying a small firearm.

The man said he dropped to the floor before hearing what he described as a shot being fired.

No injuries or damage to property have been reported.

The PSNI has urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information likely to be of use to their investigation to call detectives in Musgrave Station on 101, quoting reference 1649 15/02/19.The ex-wife of Paul Hollywood has denied verbally abusing the Great British Bake Off judges new partner during an incident at a supermarket.

Alex Hollywood, 54, and Summer Monteys-Fullam, 23, met one another by chance at a Marks & Spencer store in Canterbury, Kent, and became embroiled in a dispute, according to reports in The Sun.

A representative of Alex denied she had verbally abused Monteys-Fullam during the incident, to which police were called. However, they did confirm the pair met on Tuesday.

They said a shocked Alex had maintained a dignified position since she and Hollywood announced their split in November 2017.

The statement read: Alex was shocked to bump into Summer in her local supermarket but even in that difficult situation, she still did not and would not ever verbally abuse anyone.

Alex has kept a dignified position throughout the last 14 months which have been extremely challenging, and continues to do so.

Paul Hollywoods ex-wife has denied verbally abusing his new partner (Ian West/PA)

In a subsequent statement posted to Twitter, Alex said she would continue to stand tall, continue to be me, keep my integrity

Alex took Hollywood, 52, back following a brief separation in 2013 after he admitted having an affair with Marcela Valladolid, his co-star on the US version of Bake Off.

Their marriage came to an end four years later. It lasted 19 years and they share a teenage son.A 16-year-old boy who was stabbed outside his sixth form college in Birmingham on Wednesday has died.

The student suffered a serious stab wound to his chest and had been in a coma since the attack outside Joseph Chamberlain College in Balsall Heath.

West Midlands Police said in a statement on Saturday: Sadly the 16-year-olds life support system was switched off last night and he passed away in hospital with his family around him.

A student from Joseph Chamberlain College has died after being stabbed on Wednesday afternoon. Sadly the 16-year-olds life support system was switched off last night and he passed away in hospital with his family around him. https://t.co/GcRt5BZYKF pic.twitter.com/Omd5CIf20T  Birmingham Police (@brumpolice) February 16, 2019

A 16-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder on Friday when he appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court and was remanded to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday.

Birmingham East Commander, Chief Superintendent Kenny Bell said: This is a tragic outcome and a dreadful loss of another young life to knife crime.

My sympathies are with this young mans family in their time of grief.

A 16-year-old stabbed outside his sixth form college in Birmingham has died in hospital (PA)

This serves as another stark reminder that knives have no place on our streets and we must all play a part in deterring our young people from carrying them.

Police said officers would be increasing patrols in the area over half term to offer reassurance to residents.

Phone footage posted on social media appeared to show the attacker being led away in handcuffs by police after being detained at the scene.

Police said two other teenagers were injured in the incident at around 4pm on Wednesday. A 19-year-old was left with minor cuts to his back and hand, and a 18-year-old was treated for a cut to his hand.

The college was closed for the rest of the week following the attack.A 39-year-old has been arrested after a man and a woman were attacked in their north Belfast home during a burglary.

The incident took place at a house on the Ligoniel Road on Friday night.

It was reported that around 8.25pm, two masked men, one of whom was reported to have been carrying a suspected firearm, entered a house in the area and assaulted the man and woman inside.

Police have arrested a 39 year old male on suspicion of aggravated burglary following an incident at a house on Ligoniel Rd in north Belfast shortly before 8.25pm last night. Witnesses asked to call 101 quoting 1472 15/02/19.  Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) February 16, 2019

They were not left seriously injured.

The culprits then fled along the Ligoniel Road in the direction of Thornberry.

The 39-year-old suspect was arrested a short time later on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

A man has been arrested (PA Archive)

A PSNI spokesman has urged anyone who witnessed the incident or who can help with the investigation to call detectives in Musgrave on 101, quoting reference 1472 15/02/19.A probation services provider has gone into administration after what union bosses called a disastrous privatisation programme under former justice secretary Chris Grayling.

The collapse of Working Links, which owns three Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) delivering probation services in Wales, Avon and Somerset, and Devon and Cornwall, should be a wake-up call for the Government, unions said.

GMB, the union for probation workers, added that private companies involvement in the sector was an expensive waste.

And Unison, the UKs largest union, called it yet another catastrophe to be added to Chris Graylings growing record of failure.

Under Mr Grayling, ministers overhauled the arrangements for managing offenders in 2014 in a partial privatisation known as Transforming Rehabilitation.

The National Probation Service was created to deal with high-risk cases, while remaining work was assigned to 21 CRCs.

The beleaguered Transport Secretary is facing calls for his resignation after a string of mishaps including the Brexit ferry controversy and train timetabling issues.

Unison national officer for police and justice Ben Priestley said: He was repeatedly warned when justice secretary that privatisation would fail. The collapse of these contracts is proof.

Despite the chaos, the Ministry of Justice is still planning to award more probation contracts to private firms.

Is there something we want breaking, can we put Grayling in charge of that?  Jess Phillips MP (@jessphillips) February 15, 2019

GMB national officer Kevin Brandstatter said: The failure of three community rehabilitation companies in the South West of England and Wales should serve as a wake-up call to the Ministry of Justice.

There are 18 other contracts, including a number held by Interserve  a company which totters from financial crisis to financial crisis.

The involvement of private companies in the justice sector is an expensive waste; services remain undelivered while thousands of jobs are sacrificed in an attempt to deliver profits.

It comes as a deeply troubling report by Dame Glenys Stacey, HM Chief Inspector of Probation, revealed that staff at one of the companies was under-recording the number of riskier cases because of commercial pressures.

Devon and Cornwall was the first CRC to be rated inadequate by HM Inspectorate of Probation in 2018-19, last November, when it was also found that staff were completing sentence plans to meet performance targets, without meeting the offender involved.

Dame Glenys said: The professional ethos of probation has buckled under the strain of the commercial pressures put upon it here, and it must be restored urgently.

The Government has agreed that Seetec, owner of Kent, Surrey and Sussex CRC, will take over the Working Links CRCs.

Napo, a union campaigning for probation services to be returned to public ownership, said it had repeatedly warned the Government of the situation.

General secretary Ian Lawrence said: This is exactly what we warned the Government about from day one of this disastrous privatisation programme that has seen an award-winning service fall into total chaos in just four years.

They admit it has failed and are ending the contracts early but the situation with Working Links is beyond the pale.

They are avoiding their responsibility to staff and the public by not intervening and allowing the company to go bust rather than bring it back into public ownership and step up the liabilities of their own making.

Justice Secretary David Gauke described Dame Glenyss report as damning (Aaron Chown/PA)

Justice Secretary David Gauke said Dame Glenyss report was damning and it was unacceptable if offenders were being classified on the basis of trying to meet a target.

The actions there clearly unacceptable, it is right that  Working Links have gone into administration and their position is being taken over by another company that will be running that.

But clearly its not acceptable what weve seen and it is important that we make changes in this individual case, which I think is particularly bad, but we also stepped in in the summer to make changes to bring these contracts to an end and to reform them.

Weve consulted on that and were considering our response to that consultation.

Shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon said the system was clearly broken, adding: This is yet another public service severely damaged by Chris Grayling and the Conservatives obsession with privatisation.

We need a probation system that prioritises keeping the public safe rather than boosting the profits of private companies.Runaway schoolgirl Shamima Begum fears her unborn baby will be taken away from her as her family pleaded for the teenager to be allowed back to the UK as a matter of urgency.

Ms Begum said she understood the controversy and intense media scrutiny a return to the UK would bring, but said she did not want to be separated from her child.

Speaking to The Times at a refugee camp in northern Syria, she said: What do you think will happen to my child?

Because I dont want it to be taken away from me, or at least if it is, to be given to my family.

She also said she had been taken to hospital after having contractions following her arrival at the refugee camp, and could give birth any day.

The pregnant 19-year-old was tracked down by the newspaper four years after she travelled to Syria as a 15-year-old to join Islamic State, and she told how she would do anything required just to be able to come home and live quietly with my child.

Her case has been the subject of intense debate over what should happen to the teenager.

In a statement issued by their lawyer, her family urged the Government to help her return to Britain to protect the welfare of her baby.

Given Shamimas four-year ordeal, we are concerned that her mental health has been affected by everything that she has seen and endured, they said.

Now, we are faced with the situation of knowing that Shamimas two young children have died  children that we will never come to know as a family.

This is the hardest of news to bear.

The welfare of Shamimas unborn baby is of paramount concern to our family, and we will do everything within our power to protect that baby who is entirely blameless in these events.

Ms Begum told The Times she understood she could face a police investigation on her return, admitting: I knew that coming back to the UK wouldnt be a quiet thing. Its uncomfortable.

If I ever do go back, itll be a long time before the cameras stop and all the questions stop.

The former east London schoolgirl had previously admitted that she did not regret travelling to IS-controlled Syria, and asserted she was not the same silly little 15-year-old schoolgirl who ran away from Bethnal Green four years ago.

The statement her family issued on Friday evening said they were shocked by her comments in the interview, but her words were those of a girl who was groomed.

We are also mindful that Shamima is currently in a camp surrounded by IS sympathisers and any comments by her could lead directly to danger to her and her child, they added.

Her family said her unborn child had every right as a total innocent to have the chance to grow up in the peace and security of this home.

We welcome an investigation in what she did while she was there under the principles of British justice and would request the British Government assist us in returning Shamima and her child to the UK as a matter of urgency, the statement said.

Meanwhile, the head of MI6 warned that Britons returning from Islamic State were likely to have acquired potentially very dangerous skills and connections.

Ms Begum left Britain as a 15-year-old to join the Islamic State group (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Alex Younger, who did not comment specifically on the case of Ms Begum, said UK nationals have a right to come home but that public safety was the first priority.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid warned he would not hesitate to prevent the return of Britons who travelled to join IS, while security minister Ben Wallace said runaways who now wanted to come back must realise that actions have consequences.

The head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, said anyone returning from a conflict zone having gone to support a terrorist group should expect to face a police investigation.

Any investigation is carried out with an open mind and based on the evidence available, he said.

This is to determine if individuals have committed any terrorist or other criminal offences, regardless their motivation, and to ensure that they do not pose a danger to the public or the UKs national security.

Sajid Javid said he would not hesitate to prevent the return of Britons who leave the UK to join IS (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Any hopes of a rescue mission by British officials were also swiftly quashed on Thursday as the Government ruled out an effort inside Syria to assist Ms Begum.

While refusing to comment on individual cases, Mr Wallace told the BBC: Im not putting at risk British peoples lives to go and look for terrorists or former terrorists in a failed state.

Theres consular services elsewhere in the region and the strong message this Government has given for many years is that actions have consequences.

Questions have been raised over whether Britain would be able to prevent Ms Begums eventual return to the UK.

Former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation Lord Carlile told the BBC that if Ms Begum has not gained a second citizenship of another country, she will have to be allowed back to her homeland because under international law it is not possible for a person to be made stateless.

Meanwhile, Richard Barrett, a former director of global counter-terrorism at MI6, suggested it would be unreasonable to expect the Syrian Defence Force to look after her indefinitely.

He also warned that summary execution is the most likely outcome for such captured foreign nationals who are handed over to Syrian or Iraqi authorities.

Ms Begum was one of three schoolgirls, along with Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, from Bethnal Green Academy who left the UK in February 2015.

Another girl, Sharmeena Begum, also from Bethnal Green but not related to Shamima, had travelled to Syria two months earlier.

Ms Sultana was reported to have been killed in an air strike in 2016.

Shamima Begum said she had recently heard second-hand that the other two girls may still be alive.The security minister has ruled out launching a rescue mission to Syria after an east London schoolgirl declared that she wanted to return to the UK four years after she joined Islamic State.

Ben Wallace said he would not put British lives at risk to go and look for terrorists or former terrorists, adding that actions have consequences.

His comments came after Shamima Begum gave an interview from a refugee camp in northern Syria saying she wanted to come home.

She was one of three schoolgirls, along with Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, from Bethnal Green Academy who left the UK in February 2015.

They flew from Gatwick Airport to Turkey and later crossed the border into Syria.

Another girl, Sharmeena Begum, also from Bethnal Green but not related to Shamima, had travelled to Syria two months earlier.

Ms Sultana was reported to have been killed in an air strike in 2016.

Amira Abase, Kadiza Sultana and Shamima Begum before catching a flight to Turkey in 2015 to join Islamic State (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Shamima Begum said she had recently heard second-hand that the other two girls may still be alive.

She told The Times that I dont regret coming here, adding: Im not the same silly little 15-year-old schoolgirl who ran away from Bethnal Green four years ago.

Now 19, she said she was nine months pregnant with her third child. Her other two children have died.

In the end, I just could not endure any more, she said. I just couldnt take it.

Now all I want to do is come home to Britain.

Shamima Begum (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Ms Begum was married 10 days after arriving in Raqqa in 2015 to a Dutchman who had converted to Islam.

She said: Mostly it was a normal life in Raqqa, every now and then bombing and stuff.

But when I saw my first severed head in a bin it didnt faze me at all. It was from a captured fighter seized on the battlefield, an enemy of Islam. I thought only of what he would have done to a Muslim woman if he had the chance.

The couple left Raqqa in 2017 and two weeks ago they escaped from Baghuz, ISs last territory in eastern Syria.

Ms Begums husband surrendered to a group of Syrian fighters, while she is now one of 39,000 people in a refugee camp in the north of the country.

Mr Wallace said: The UK advises against all travel to Syria and parts of Iraq.

Everyone who returns from taking part in the conflict in Syria or Iraq must expect to be investigated by the police to determine if they have committed criminal offences, and to ensure that they do not pose a threat to our national security.

While refusing to comment on individual cases, he later told the BBC: Im not putting at risk British peoples lives to go and look for terrorists or former terrorists in a failed state.

Theres consular services elsewhere in the region and the strong message this Government has given for many years is that actions have consequences.

Ms Begums brother-in-law Mohammed Rehman told Mail Online that the family had spoken to her on the phone.

He said: It was very emotional. Theres a mixture of elation and sorrow. We are happy that shes alive but sad that things have come to this.

Shes lost two children and put us all through a lot of heart ache. Shes also gone through a very difficult time herself.

Shamimas mother broke down when she heard her voice. Until the interview with her appeared in the newspaper we didnt know if she was alive or not. So you can imagine, this has come as a shock to us all.

At one stage we thought she was dead. There has been no contact with her in almost two years. Shamimas mum just cried and told her to come home. She promised to make her her favourite food.

We want her to come back so that she can be re-educated. As a family we cant understand how her head was turned like this and why she thought going to Syria was a good idea.

I can understand why people in this country are angry and dont want her back. What shes done doesnt portray Islam in a good light. But she was only 15 when she went to Syria. We are appealing for compassion and understanding on her behalf.

The former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Lord Carlile, told BBC Radio 5 Lives Emma Barnett that Shamima Begum will have to be accepted back into the UK if she has not become a national of any other country.

The question of how authorities manage the return of UK nationals who travelled to IS territory has been the subject of fierce debate since the group came to prominence.

In 2017, then Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation Max Hill QC, who is now the most senior prosecutor in England and Wales, suggested allowances could be made for the return of individuals such as the Bethnal Green schoolgirls.

Shamima Begum (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Speaking around a year before his appointment as Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Hill said it was right for security services to leave space for those who travelled out of a sense of naivety, at a young age and who return in a state of utter disillusionment to be diverted away from the criminal courts.

Clarifying his comments shortly after, Mr Hill stressed that he had at no time said that returning foreign fighters should be welcomed rather than prosecuted.

He said: I indicated that we should allow some space for individuals who do not fit into the categories requiring the legal sanctions I have listed, but who may be very young and naive; by which I mean for example the teenage girls who left a London Academy school in order to travel to Syria via Iraq.

Even such teenagers would not escape prosecution if there is evidence that they have committed serious criminal offences, but if not, surely we should make an allowance for their return in circumstances where they were simply brainwashed, as immature and vulnerable teenagers.

The Government estimates that around 900 people of national security concern travelled from the UK to engage in the conflict in Syria and Iraq.

Of these, approximately 20% have been killed while overseas, and around 40%  roughly 360  have returned to the UK.

Tasnime Akunjee, a lawyer who was instructed by the Bethnal Green girls families after they ran away, said he was glad (Ms Begum) is alive and safe.

He told the Press Association that, at the time of the girls disappearance, the position of the Metropolitan Police was that they should be treated as victims, so long as they hadnt committed any further offences while they are out there.

Mr Akunjee said he had spoken to the girls families, who had expressed the position that they want time and space to process whats happened.COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - The Faeroe Islands, an 18-island archipelago midway between Iceland and Scotland, is closing for tourists for a weekend in April - unless they want to help locals keep the rocky isles clean and unspoiled.

Gudrid Hoejgaard, head of the local tourist board, says about 100,000 people visit the islands every year.

Hoejgaard said Wednesday that "tourism is not all about numbers," adding that "our aim is to preserve and protect the islands."

Some 100 visitors will be able to join the Faroese Maintenance Crew in exchange for free room and board in late April, when they will work with locals "to keep their green islands unspoiled."

The windy islands, inhabited by about 50,000 people and 80,000 sheep, draw visitors to their dramatic scenery, with waterfalls and abundant birdlife.BAGHOUZ, Syria (AP) - Young girls and boys stared out of the back of trucks, their faces dirty, their eyes filled with terror, exhaustion and uncertainty, as hundreds of men, women and children were evacuated from the Islamic State group's last enclave in eastern Syria on Wednesday. The evacuation may signal an imminent end to the territorial rule of the militants self-declared "caliphate" that once stretched across much of Syria and Iraq.

Their condition pointed to the squalor that IS has been reduced to in the tiny tent camp on the banks of the Euphrates River. Food and water have been running out in the pocket, where some 300 IS militants along with hundreds of civilians - believed to be mostly their families - have been under siege for more than a week by U.S.-backed forces. Conditions have been so bad that at least 60 people previously evacuated from the militants' shrinking territory subsequently died of malnutrition or exhaustion.

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces surrounding the patch of land have been unable to carry out a final assault on it because of the presence of the civilians. It was unclear how after days of militants preventing civilians from leaving, the organized evacuation of hundreds was possible. SDF officials did not say how many were in the convoy or how many remain in the pocket.

Adnan Afrin, an SDF spokesman, said a number of IS fighters were hiding among the civilians evacuating the enclave and were later arrested. He didn't elaborate.

SDF officials said clashes overnight, airstrikes and special operations facilitated the movement of the hundreds of civilians toward exits already designated by the SDF and trucks that had already been sent for evacuation. Witnesses said there were overnight strikes in the enclave. SDF officials said earlier that some militants asked for an exit, a request they declined. Instead, they said a military operation would follow the evacuation and separation of civilians.

The enclave's recapture by U.S.-backed Syrian fighters would spell the territorial defeat of IS and allow President Donald Trump to begin withdrawing American troops from northern Syria, as he has pledged to do, opening a new chapter in Syria's eight-year civil war.

Children ride in the back of a truck that is part of a convoy evacuating hundreds out of the last territory held by Islamic State militants, in Baghouz, eastern Syria, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. The evacuation signals the end of a week long standoff and opens the way to U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recapture the territory. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Few believe, however, that ending the group's territorial rule will end the threat posed by an organization that still stages and inspires attacks through sleeper cells in both Syria and Iraq.

In past weeks, nearly 20,000 have walked for hours through a humanitarian corridor to exit the militants' last patch of territory along the river. Many paid smugglers and some have come under fire from the militants for attempting to leave. Evacuations had been halted last week when the militants closed all the roads out of the tiny area.

But on Wednesday, at least 22 trucks normally used to transport livestock emerged from enclave. Inside the truck beds of corrugated metal and iron slats, families huddled, the adult women hidden under long black robes and veils, some with crutches next to them. A wheelchair stood empty in a crowded truck bed, where a dozen children mixed with their mothers. Some of the women and men turned their backs to journalists along the road to avoid being photographer. Girls as young as nine were wearing headscarves.

Many of the children looked terrified. One little girl with a stony look cradled a younger sister, who buried her face in her chest, her eyes tightly shut. Another frightened girl in the lap of a woman covered her ears as if trying to muffle the sound of an explosion. Some boys hung onto the metal as they leaned out the back, staring in confusion. One boy covered his face in the ground of the truck.

The exiting civilians were not screened and it was not clear if they included militants. Some of the men with thick beards, their heads wrapped in checkered keffiyeh scarves, defiantly looked out at journalists along the road. One man wore camouflage gloves and a backpack. SDF fighters escorting the convoy did not allow journalists to speak to the civilians.

But one man, responding to a shouted question how things are, shouted back, "It will remain, God willing" - a reference to the Islamic State group's slogan, "Remaining and Expanding."

The civilians who were in the enclave were believed to be mainly family members of IS militants, many of them foreigners. For months they have been fleeing as the militants' bastions fell one after another until ending up in the tent enclave near the town of Baghouz. In Wednesday's evacuation, they filtered out through a gap in the earthen berm surrounding the camp - with IS fighters watching from one side, SDF fighters from the other only a few dozen meters (yards) away - and then they boarded the trucks, one of the drivers told the AP.

"There are many civilians inside, regrettably," said Mustafa Bali, spokesman for the SDF said. "I think there are still many more. Our (special forces) units are doing their job to complete the evacuation."

He said the militants have two options: either to surrender or "the battle will continue to the end."

Some 300 IS militants - many of them foreign fighters - are believed to be holed up in the enclave in the remote village of Baghouz, along with several hundred civilians believed to be mostly family members.

The Islamic State group has been reduced from its self-proclaimed "caliphate" that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq at its height in 2014 to a speck of land on the countries' shared border.

There were reports of IS militants surrendering, but the U.S.-led coalition said those reports could not be independently verified. In a tweet, it said the SDF continue to receive civilians attempting to escape to safety and the most hardened IS fighters still remain in Baghouz.

Children ride in the back of a truck that is part of a convoy evacuating hundreds out of the last territory held by Islamic State militants in Baghouz, eastern Syria, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. The evacuation signals the end of a week long standoff and opens the way to U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recapture the territory. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Women and children ride in the back of a truck that is part of a convoy evacuating hundreds out of the last territory held by Islamic State militants in Baghouz, eastern Syria, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. The evacuation signals the end of a week long standoff and opens the way to U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recapture the territory. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Men ride in the back of a truck that is part of a convoy evacuating hundreds out of the last territory held by Islamic State militants in Baghouz, eastern Syria, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. The evacuation signals the end of a week long standoff and opens the way to U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recapture the territory. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter watches as a convoy evacuating hundreds of men, women and children drives out of the last territory held by Islamic State militants, in Baghouz, eastern Syria, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. The evacuation signals the end of a week long standoff and opens the way to U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recapture the territory. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Women and children ride in the back of a truck that is part of a convoy evacuating hundreds out of the last territory held by Islamic State militants in Baghouz, eastern Syria, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. The evacuation signals the end of a week long standoff and opens the way to U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recapture the territory. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli police say they have arrested 19 Palestinians as clashes broke out at a contested Jerusalem holy site.

Police say dozens of Palestinians participated in a prayer protest Tuesday, attempting to breach a section of the compound that has been closed by Israeli court order for years.

Palestinian medics reported that several protesters were injured in the standoff.

The incident follows a similar scuffle on Monday in which Palestinians tried to break the gate that Israel placed on the closed area last week.

The compound, revered by Jews as the Temple Mount and by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary, is considered the holiest place in Judaism and the third holiest in Islam. Any trace of Israeli security interference in the shrine, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, can ignite violence.

Medics move a wounded protestor to the field clinic tent after he was shot during a protest near the fence of the Gaza Strip border with Israel, near Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Medics help a wounded youth protestor to the field clinic tent after he was shot at, during a protest near the fence of the Gaza Strip border with Israel, near Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Medics treat a wounded protestor after he was shot, during a protest near the fence of the Gaza Strip border with Israel, at the field clinic tent near Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Medics treat youth protester in a field clinic tent after he was shot during a protest near the fence of the Gaza Strip border with Israel, near Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Medics move a wounded youth protester to the field clinic tent after he was shot during a protest near the fence of the Gaza Strip border with Israel, near Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Medics treat a wounded youth protester in a field clinic tent after he was shot during a protest near the fence of the Gaza Strip border with Israel, near Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Medics move a wounded protester to the hospital by an Ambulance after being shot during a protest near the fence of the Gaza Strip border with Israel, near Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Medics move a wounded protester to a field clinic tent after being shot during a protest near the fence of the Gaza Strip border with Israel, near Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - The daughter of a Swedish publisher detained in China says two Chinese businessmen she met in Stockholm said her father could be released if she stopped talking to the media.

Angela Gui says that when she questioned the plan, the mood "became really threatening."

Gui spoke Sunday to Swedish broadcaster SVT about the meetings with the men, which were arranged by Sweden's ambassador to China, Anna Lindstedt.

The Swedish Foreign Ministry was not informed in advance of the meetings, and has summoned Lindstedt for an investigation.

Gui said Lindstedt was "very much engaged" in her father's case and "I don't think she had any evil intentions, but it was poor judgment."

Her father Gui Minhai, a naturalized Swede, co-owned a Hong Kong store which sold gossipy books about Chinese leaders.BERLIN (AP) - Germany's foreign minister says President Donald Trump's demand that European countries take back Islamic State group militants held in Syria would be "extraordinarily difficult" to fulfill.

In a weekend tweet, Trump urged Britain, France and Germany and others to take back and try militants.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told ARD television late Sunday that German nationals have a legally guaranteed right to return, but there's no way at present of checking that in Syria.

Maas said that "humanitarian cases," women and children, already have returned, but it would only be possible in other cases if court proceedings can immediately be launched.

He added: "We need information, we need investigations, all that is not in place, and as long as it isn't, I think this is extraordinarily difficult to implement."QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) - Pakistani police say militants in two attacks on security forces killed six paramilitary troops in the southwestern Baluchistan bordering Iran.

Local police officer Hidayat Ullah said Monday that four troops were killed Sunday when gunmen opened fire on security forces in the town of Turbat. Two troops were killed in the southwestern town of Loralai a day earlier.

No one immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion fell on militants and the Islamic State group, which emerged as a major force behind violence in the region in recent years.

Sunday's two attacks on Pakistani troops came days after an attack on Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard killed 27.

Iran claims that attack was "planned and carried out from inside Pakistan." Pakistan rejected the charge and condemned the violence in Iran and offered cooperation.CHICAGO (AP) - The victims of an employee who started shooting after hearing he was being fired at a suburban Chicago industrial warehouse were co-workers that included a plant manager whose wife says he texted her "I love you, I've been shot at work," and an intern in his first day on the job. A look at the victims:

JOSH PINKARD

Terra Pinkard says it all started with a text from her husband, Josh: "I love you, I've been shot at work."

The Chicago Tribune reported that she later learned he was among the five victims of Friday's shooting at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora.

She wrote in a Facebook post Sunday that she read the text message several times before it "hit me that it was for real." She called Josh's phone, texted him and FaceTimed him, but got no response.

She called Henry Pratt, where he had been plant manager since the spring of 2018, and a woman answered and said she was "barricaded in her room with police everywhere."

Crosses are placed for the victims of a mass shooting Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., near Henry Pratt Co. manufacturing company where several were killed on Friday. Authorities say an initial background check five years ago failed to flag an out-of-state felony conviction that would have prevented a man from buying the gun he used in the mass shooting. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

"Of course my heart dropped," Terra Pinkard wrote.

She loaded her and Josh's three children into her car and drove toward the plant. When an officer stopped her at a street that had been closed and couldn't provide information, she headed to two of the nearest hospitals.

Hours later, police told her about a staging area for victims' families. An officer there read Josh's name among the fatalities.

"I want to shout from the rooftops about how amazing Josh was! He was brilliant! The smartest person I've ever met! My best friend! The man I would have leaned on during devastation like this who would tell me it's ok Terra, it is all going to be fine," she wrote in the Facebook post. "The man who was dying and found the clarity of mind for just a second to send me one last text to let me know he would always love me."

Josh Pinkard, 37, had attended the meeting where the gunman was fired.

A native of Alabama, Josh joined the parent company 13 years ago at its Albertville, Alabama, facility.

He earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Mississippi State University and a master's degree from the University of Arkansas, according to his LinkedIn account.

TREVOR WEHNER

The 21-year-old Northern Illinois University student was on his first day as an intern in human resources at Henry Pratt and also was at the fateful meeting.

Jay Wehner said his nephew grew up about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Aurora in Sheridan and was expected to graduate from Northern Illinois University in May with a degree in human resource management. He was on the dean's list at NIU's business college.

"He always, always was happy," Jay Wehner said. "I have no bad words for him. He was a wonderful person. You can't say anything but nice things about him."

RUSS BEYER

Ted Beyer said his son had a "big heart" and tried his best to make his office a better place. He told the Chicago Sun-Times that's why the 20-year mold operator and union chairman sat in on Gary Martin's termination meeting Friday afternoon. Ted Beyer said his son had helped Martin win back his job months earlier.

Russ Beyer was shot outside the meeting.

"He was a hard worker, just like I was," Ted Beyer, 71, said of his son. "I loved him ... We were close. He was my first kid."

Russ Beyer had followed in the footsteps of his father, a previous union chairman who worked at Henry Pratt for four decades. Ted and his 46-year-old son enjoyed camping, fishing and swimming together, usually at Taylorville Lake in central Illinois.

They also shared one more connection: Ted Beyer had also previously vouched for Martin in grievance meetings with management. Beyer remembered Martin as a kind, caring man who brought him coffee and walked with him following back surgery.

But, Beyer said, that doesn't take away the pain of losing Russ, the oldest of three children, who also had two adult children of his own.

"Anybody who knew him knew he had a big heart," Ted Beyer said of his son. "I just recently lost my sister and now this and, you know, it hurts. It's just like somebody reached in there and took your heart out."

CLAYTON PARKS

The 32-year-old from Elgin, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Aurora, had joined Henry Pratt in November 2018 as HR manager responsible for operations in Aurora, Illinois; Hammond, Indiana; and Denver, the company said. He also was in the meeting where the gunman was being fired.

Parks was married and had an infant son Axel, according to a Facebook post by his wife Abby.

"Every time I've closed my eyes over the last twelve hours, I've opened them hoping to wake from a terrible dream, but that's not the case," Abby posted. "I'm living my worst nightmare. My husband, my love, my best friend."

Parks was a 2014 graduate of the Northern Illinois University College of Business.

VICENTE JUAREZ

Neighbors remembered Vicente Juarez as a hardworking grandfather and rock of his tight-knit family.

Juarez was shot outside the meeting where the gunman was being fired. Juarez had been employed at Henry Pratt since 2006 and was a member of the shipping and warehouse team in Aurora. He had held several other jobs previously in the warehouse, the company said.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Juarez lived with his wife, adult daughter and four grandchildren in a subdivision in Oswego, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Aurora.

Relatives declined comment, saying they appreciate the support but are still dealing with the shock. Neighbor Julie Zigman called Juarez "the patriarch of the family" and said "everyone looked to him."

Neighbor Joven Ang said anytime he was working outside Juarez asked him if he needed help. "That's the kind of person he was," Ang said.BEIJING (AP) - A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves:

___

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a weekly look at developments in the South China Sea, the location of several territorial conflicts in the region.

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ASEAN-CHINA TALKS SLATED FOR END OF THE MONTH

Singapore's defense minister says the latest round of South China Sea conduct talks between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will be held later this month.

FILE - In this Oct. 25, 2018, file photo, Singapore's Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen speaks during the Xiangshan Forum, a gathering of the region's security officials, in Beijing. Ng said Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that confidence building measures were helping "minimize the risk of miscalculations and build trust and confidence among militaries." (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

Ng Eng Hen said Saturday at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that confidence building measures were helping "minimize the risk of miscalculations and build trust and confidence among militaries."

While in Germany, Ng also attended the launch of the first of four new submarines for Singapore's navy.

The sides have claimed progress on concluding a code of conduct in the South China Sea, long touted as a way of avoiding volatile confrontations in the disputed waters.

Chinese President Xi Jinping in November said negotiations on the code could be concluded in three years and promised that any differences would be dealt with peacefully.

Negotiations on the code formally began in March, after the adoption in 2017 of a framework agreement. In 2002, the sides signed a non-binding Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea as a precursor.

Observers are watching closely whether China will agree to binding conditions in a future COC, given its past refusal to be held to international rulings over a region in which it asserts full freedom of action due to its territorial claims.

China rejected a 2016 ruling by an arbitration tribunal in The Hague that invalidated its sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea based on historical grounds.

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CHINA JOINS IN ANNUAL DRILLS HOSTED BY THAILAND, U.S.

Thailand and the United States kicked off the annual Cobra Gold military exercise, the biggest activity of its type in the Asia-Pacific region with 29 nations taking part as participants or observers - including China.

Seven nations in addition to Thailand and the United States are active participants: Singapore, Japan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea. About 4,500 U.S. personnel, on land and sea, are taking part.

The exercise, first held in 1982 and running through Friday, aims to strengthen cooperation and inter-operability through military field training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training.

Its goals include "enhancing maritime security, preventing and mitigating emerging disease threats, and responding to large-scale natural disasters," a U.S. statement said.

___

U.S. TO MAINTAIN FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION OPERATIONS PACE

The naval commander in the Indo-Pacific region says the U.S. will maintain the recent pace of freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea aimed at challenging China's territorial claims.

Adm. Phil Davidson told the Senate Armed Services Committee last Tuesday that China's effort to extend its territorial and economic influence was a bigger long-term threat to the free movement of trade and people in the region than North Korea.

"Through fear and coercion, Beijing is working to expand its form of ideology in order to bend, break and replace the existing rules-based international order," Davidson was quoted as saying by the U.S. Naval Institute News.

"In its place, Beijing seeks to create a new order, one with Chinese characteristics, led by China, an outcome that displaces the stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific that has endured for over 70 years," Davidson said.

Davidson said allies and partners in the region, including the U.K, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and France, are stepping up their South China Sea operations in cooperation with the U.S. showing the international community's "willingness to push back."

Britain has said it plans to deploy its new aircraft carrier, the HMS Queen Elizabeth with its two squadrons of F-35 Lightning fighters, to the South China Sea. China is belied to have canceled a meeting with Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond in response to the announcement earlier this month.

___

U.S. WARSHIPS SAIL NEAR SPRATLY ISLANDS

Two U.S. warships sailed nearby to Chinese-controlled islands in the Spratly group in the second freedom of navigation operation staged by the Navy this year.

The guided missile destroyers USS Preble and USS Spruance sailed inside the 12 nautical mile (22 kilometer) territorial waters limit surrounding the islands as they passed through the area.

The operation aimed "to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law," Cmdr. Clay Doss, a spokesman for the US Navy's 7th Fleet, said in a statement.

"All operations are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," Doss said. That, he said, "is true in the South China Sea as in other places around the globe."

China routinely objects to such missions and dispatches vessels and aircraft to warn off the American warships. Beijing says such missions fuel tensions and does not recognize their validity under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea - or UNCLOS- which defines the rights and responsibilities of nations sailing the world's oceans.

At last week's Munich Security Conference, top Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi said China was "resolute in defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."

"We firmly oppose any activity that undermines China's sovereignty and security interests under the pretext of freedom of navigation," Yang told participants.

FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2019, file photo, U.S. soldiers land with an amphibious assault vehicle and secure the beach head during the ongoing U.S.-Thai joint military exercise titled "Cobra Gold" on Hat Yao beach in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand. Thailand and the United States kicked off the annual Cobra Gold military exercise, the biggest activity of its type in the Asia-Pacific region with 29 nations taking part as participants or observers, including China. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Indonesia's presidential candidates debated some of the most pressing issues facing the world's third-largest democracy: dilapidated infrastructure, struggling farmers, forest fires - and unicorns.

When President Joko Widodo, who is seeking a second term, asked challenger Prabowo Subianto about his policies for supporting unicorns - tech start-up companies worth at least $1 billion - a look of bafflement passed across the former general's face.

Wondering aloud, he replied: "What are unicorns? You mean those online things?" Widodo sagely nodded in the affirmative before Subianto explained he supports online businesses.

Subianto was probably not alone in his ignorance, but Widodo supporters on social media gleefully seized on Sunday night's exchange as proof of Subianto's lack of qualification to be president.

Indonesia has several unicorns and they are transforming areas of the national economy such as transport and shopping.

Twitter and Facebook were awash with unicorn memes after the debate.

Indonesian presidential candidate Joko Widodo, left, deliver his speech and his contender Prabowo Subianto, right, listen during a televised debate in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Indonesia is gearing up to hold its presidential election on April 17 that will pit in the incumbent against the former general. (AP Photo / Achmad Ibrahim)

In one, juxtaposed photos of Widodo and Subianto with thought bubbles above their heads showed Widodo projecting tech start-up logos and Subianto imagining the magical horned horse creature.

Sunday night's debate was the second of five televised face-offs between the opposing campaigns before April's election.

Opinion polls show Widodo about 20 percentage points ahead of Subianto. The former general, who is campaigning on a Trump-style Indonesia First platform, narrowly lost to Widodo in the 2014 election.

After the debate started, smoke and the sound of an explosion caused panic near the venue in central Jakarta. City police are investigating and said it was probably firecrackers. No one was injured.

Indonesian presidential candidate Joko Widodo delivers his speech during a televised debate in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Indonesia is gearing up to hold its presidential election on April 17 that will pit in the incumbent against the former general. (AP Photo / Achmad Ibrahim)

Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Indonesia is gearing up to hold its presidential election on April 17 that will pit in the incumbent against the former general.(AP Photo / Achmad Ibrahim)

Indonesian presidential candidate Joko Widodo walks during a televised debate in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Indonesia is gearing up to hold its presidential election on April 17 that will pit in the incumbent against the former general.(AP Photo / Achmad Ibrahim)

Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto walks during a televised debate in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Indonesia is gearing up to hold its presidential election on April 17 that will pit in the incumbent against the former general. (AP Photo / Achmad Ibrahim)

Officers stand guard at the site where an explosion that police said came from a firecracker, near the venue of the presidential candidates debate in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Indonesia is gearing up to hold its presidential election on April 17 that will pit in the incumbent against the former general.(AP Photo / Achmad Ibrahim)

Members of bomb squad examine the site where an explosion that police said came from a firecracker, near the venue of the presidential candidates debate in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Indonesia is gearing up to hold its presidential election on April 17 that will pit in the incumbent against the former general.(AP Photo / Achmad Ibrahim)

Officers stand guard at the site where an explosion that police said came from a firecracker, near the venue of the presidential candidates debate in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Indonesia is gearing up to hold its presidential election on April 17 that will pit in the incumbent against the former general.(AP Photo / Achmad Ibrahim)

Officers stand guard near the venue of the presidential candidates debate in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Indonesia is gearing up to hold its presidential election on April 17 that will pit in the incumbent against the former general.(AP Photo / Achmad Ibrahim)LOS ANGELES (AP) - Researchers have discovered a group of rare owls thriving in a nature preserve near Los Angeles International Airport, according to a newspaper report Sunday.

The 10 burrowing owls are the most seen at LAX Dunes Preserve in 40 years, the Los Angeles Times reported. Among the raptors are a breeding pair that stand guard over a nest.

"This is very exciting - a real stunner," said Pete Bloom, a biologist and avian expert who helped conduct a wildlife survey this month.

Scientists attribute the return of the migratory owls to ongoing restoration work at the 300-acre (120-hectare) preserve that used to be the beachfront community of Surfridge. The neighborhoods disappeared decades ago as the jet age boomed and have been reclaimed by sand, native brush and invasive weeds.

"For biologists, the preserve has become an ecological hot spot sandwiched between a popular beach and the third-busiest airport in the nation," said Robert Fisher, a U.S. Geological Survey biologist. "We aim to make sure things stay that way."

The range of biodiversity in the landscape, which is off-limits to the public, underscores the difficulty that government wildlife biologists face ensuring the survival of rare species in an urban setting, the newspaper said.

This Thursday, May 24, 2007 photo released by the U. S. Geological Survey shows a burrowing owl in the Salton Sea, Calif. Researchers have discovered a group of rare owls thriving in a nature preserve near Los Angeles International Airport, LAX. The Los Angeles Times says Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 that the 10 burrowing owls are the most seen at LAX Dunes Preserve in 40 years. Scientists attribute the return of the migratory owls to ongoing restoration work in the area. (Douglas Barnum, U. S. Geological Survey via AP))

Biologists believe there is a chance that juvenile burrowing owls might become permanent residents of the preserve, which is just one small fragment of a dune system that once stretched along the Pacific Coast from Point Conception, west of Santa Barbara, to Mexico.

It is already home to 900 species of plants and animals, including thousands of federally endangered El Segundo blue butterflies, whose numbers were in steep decline due to habitat loss.

Other species on the rebound in the isolated dunes include native evening primrose and California gnatcatcher. A recent survey of the federally protected bird found three pairs and six juveniles.

Federal scientists are discussing proposals to reintroduce animals that roamed the dunes a century ago but are no longer there, the Times said. One candidate could be the Pacific pocket mouse, a critically endangered mammal previously found only on a gun range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, about 115 miles (185 kilometers) south.

___

Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/CHICAGO (AP) - The Latest on the reported attack on "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett (all times local):

4:30 p.m.

Chicago police say they still want to do a follow-up interview with Jussie Smollett about a reported attack that the "Empire" star says included his attackers yelling racial and homophobic slurs.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Saturday the investigation had "shifted" after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them without charges.

Guglielmi said Sunday police have told Smollett's attorneys they want to do a follow-up interview with the actor. He said he couldn't comment on reports that police believe the actor staged the assault or that a grand jury may hear evidence in the case.

A spokeswoman for Smollett's lawyers said Sunday she couldn't comment on whether Smollett had agreed to another interview.

Smollett's lawyers said Saturday the actor felt "victimized" by reports he played a role in the assault. They also said Smollett would continue cooperating with police.

___

2 p.m.

Chicago police and representatives for Jussie Smollett aren't speaking publicly about the investigation into a reported attack on the "Empire" actor.

Police said Saturday that the investigation had "shifted" after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them without charges. Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said police had reached out to Smollett's attorney to request a follow-up interview with him.

Pam Sharp, a spokeswoman for Smollett, said Sunday that there were no updates "as of now." Another spokeswoman, Anne Kavanagh, said she couldn't comment on whether Smollett had agreed to another interview.

Smollett reported last month that he was attacked by men who yelled homophobic and racial slurs.

Smollett's lawyers said late Saturday that the actor felt "victimized" by reports that he played a role in the assault. They also said Smollett would continue cooperating with police.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the spokeswoman's last name is Kavanagh, not Kavanaugh.SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) - Police in North Macedonia say two vehicles carrying 22 migrants who allegedly planned to enter Serbia illegally and travel on to European Union countries were stopped in separate weekend incidents.

Police said Sunday that nine Pakistanis were found in a car in the country's south late Saturday, near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria. The driver was arrested and placed in custody.

They say 13 Syrians were discovered Sunday, but their driver ran away.

Authorities said both groups would be deported to Greece, where they had been before.

North Macedonia police said they also broke up a migrant trafficking ring Saturday in which a police officer allegedly was involved.

A 2016 deal between the EU and Turkey was meant to close off the Balkans land route from Greece to western Europe.MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) - President Daniel Ortega's government announced it held talks on restarting a long-stalled dialogue following political violence that left more than 300 dead last year, but the proposal was swiftly met with a raft of preconditions from opposition groups and civil society Sunday.

The government said late Saturday that it had an "exchange" with a group of private businesspeople in the presence of two Roman Catholic Church figures on resuming talks over matters important to the country.

"The need for an understanding to begin a negotiation was confirmed, through an inclusive, serious and frank encounter," the official statement said.

It did not identify those who took part from the business sector, but said Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes and Apostolic Nuncio Waldemar Stanislaw Sommertag attended. The Archdiocese of Managua confirmed the encounter.

Brenes said Ortega and Rosario Murillo, Ortega's powerful vice president and first lady, participated, along with business magnate Carlos Pellas and representatives of two private banks.

"It was not a dialogue. It was an encounter that the businesspeople wanted to have with the president," Brenes told journalists before celebrating Mass on Sunday. He added that "they are going to continue to talk" and that the church is open to participating "when we are invited."

FILE - In this May 20, 2018 file photo, a pro-government billboard featuring Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega and his wife, first lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo is destroyed by protesters, near a "Tree of Life" sculpture, a pet project of Murillo, in Managua, Nicaragua. Ortega's government says it has held talks on restarting a long-stalled dialogue following political violence that left more than 300 dead in 2018, but the proposal was swiftly met with a raft of preconditions from opposition groups and civil society on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix, File)

Government opponents said they were open to talks but set preconditions including the release of more than 700 people they consider "political prisoners," complete freedom for the media and demonstrations, and the disbanding of armed, pro-government militias that partnered with security forces in last year's deadly crackdown on protesters who were demanding Ortega leave office.

The government has shuttered some media outlets and non-governmental organizations, arrested some journalists and effectively barred anti-Ortega protests.

Violeta Granera of the Blue and White National Unity opposition group told The Associated Press she sees a possibility for talks "in a context where the regime understands that it is alone and weak."

Any dialogue must "pass through a negotiation for the exit of the government," Granera said. "That negotiation, if it happens, must count on an atmosphere of peace that primarily signifies the release of the political prisoners and a halt to repression, with guarantees."

Jose Adan Aguerri, president of the influential business group COSEP, which is part of the opposition Civic Alliance that took part in talks last year, called the meeting an important step toward "opening a door that has been closed for a long time."

The unrest began last April as protests against a social security overhaul that would have lowered benefits and raised taxes on workers and employers, but amid the heavy-handed crackdown the protests expanded in scope and scale.

Talks on ending the dispute were begun May 16 and suspended July 9 with no true progress. Ortega's opponents demanded he leave office and for elections scheduled for 2021 to be held early. The government rejected both, and instead quashed the protests by force.

In recent days the government affirmed that the elections will take place as scheduled in 2021.

Kevin Sullivan, U.S. ambassador to Nicaragua, tweeted Saturday that Washington "welcomes this effort to reestablish negotiations. ... The negotiations will require good faith efforts to achieve real solutions in real time for the Nicaraguan people."

Spanish lawmaker Ramon Jauregui, who recently headed a European Parliament delegation to Nicaragua, said the European Union should be prepared to help any talks but called on Ortega's government to make a show of goodwill by "releasing the political prisoners or substituting house (arrest) for prison."

The government has said that those behind bars had "been given due process."

The Committee for Freedom of Political Prisoners of Nicaragua also demanded as a prerequisite for any talks the immediate and unconditional release of all 770 people it says have been locked up for political reasons. It also demanded a halt to "kidnappings, harassment and persecution" of government opponents and "the disarming and dissolution of para-police groups."

The political crisis has battered the economy in Nicaragua, already one of the poorest countries in the region, particularly in tourism, commerce, infrastructure and investment. GDP contracted 4 percent last year, according to the World Bank, after years of averaging annual growth of about 4.5 percent.

An estimated 50,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country. The opposition Sandinista Renewal Movement called for guarantees for exiles to come home and for the return of property and equipment seized from NGOs and media outlets.SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) - El Salvador police say they've arrested a man convicted of participating in the 1981 killing of two American labor advisers and the head of the country's land reform agency - a case that shook U.S. relations with a Central American nation then embroiled in civil war.

Police said Sunday they had arrested Jose Dimas Valle Acevedo, who had been a corporal in the now-disbanded National Guard.

He was one of two men who confessed to gunning down land reform chief Jose Rodolfo Viera, as well as Michael Peter Hammer and Mark David Pearlman, U.S. citizens working with the AFL-CIO.

Both gunmen were freed under a 1987 amnesty law that was overturned in 2016.

A U.N. truth commission said the slaying apparently was ordered by prominent businessmen, but charges were dropped.LONDON (AP) - Officials in the English city where a former Russian double agent was poisoned with a nerve agent last year have denounced the placing of a huge Russian flag on the city's cathedral.

Workmen were seen removing the flag early Sunday from scaffolding on the side of Salisbury Cathedral.

Salisbury's representative in Parliament, John Glen, said the "stupid stunt" mocked the serious events that took place in the city. Ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, were poisoned with the military grade nerve agent Novichok in March 2018.

The local police department said in a statement it was aware of the flag but said it was "not a police matter."

Both Skripals survived after weeks in the hospital. British officials have blamed their poisoning on Russian military intelligence. Moscow has denied wrongdoing.ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Dionissis Arvanitakis, a Greek baker who provided free bread to refugees who arrived on a Greek island, has died of unspecified causes. He was 77.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker released a statement Sunday expressing his respect "for an exemplary European citizen" who showed "rare generosity and sensitivity towards the hundreds of unfortunate immigrants."

Juncker said: "My Europe is the one Dionissis Arvanitakis symbolized."

Raised in a poor family of 10, Arvanitakis emigrated to Australia at age 16 and eventually returned to Greece, settling on the island of Kos in 1970. He opened a bakery with his savings.

In March 2015, he started giving away 100 kilos of bread (220 pounds) a day to the large number of refugees showing up on Kos.

Arvanitakis said at the time: "I know what it feels like to have nothing."CLINTON, Miss. (AP) - A man who shot and killed four people he held hostage in a Mississippi home has died from gunshot wounds he received during the 12-hour standoff, authorities said Sunday.

Two small children were released unharmed from the home in Clinton several hours after the standoff began, police said. Not long afterward, TV cameras captured the sounds of a barrage of gunfire. Police used a battering ram to force their way into the house and found four people dead and the suspect wounded, authorities said.

Nam Le, 34, later died from his wounds at a hospital, said Hinds County Coroner Sharon Gresham Stewart.

The standoff began around 2:30 a.m. Saturday when officers checking on a domestic call were fired upon, according to authorities. The suspect went back inside the home and refused to come out, authorities said. Officers fired shots during the standoff, but a statement from Mississippi Public Safety Department spokesman Capt. John Poulos did not say if Le shot himself or was wounded by officers.

"When our officers arrived, they received fire from the suspect. The suspect then retreated into his home, and it is with a saddened heart that I report multiple fatalities," Clinton Police Chief Ford Hayman was quoted afterward as telling broadcast outlet WAPT.

Stewart told WAPT that all four killed in the home were shot multiple times.

The coroner identified the four killed in the home as 30-year-old Lan Thi My Van, 28-year-old Le Thi My Van, 65-year-old Cho Thi Van, and Phung Minh Le, local broadcast stations reported. Stewart did not immediately specify the relationships among them.

Authorities have not given any further details about the domestic disturbance call that preceded the standoff.

Police tape still surrounded the one-story house Sunday afternoon. Several windows and the front door appeared to be blown out. The house is in a large subdivision in Clinton that backs up to the Nachez Trace Parkway, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Jackson.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation said Sunday that it is investigating what it called an officer-involved shooting. Its statement said a crime scene unit and agents of that state law enforcement agency were gathering evidence and that the findings of the investigation would be presented to the corresponding District Attorney's office for review.KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - The Taliban has postponed an unscheduled round of peace talks with the United States set for Monday in Pakistan saying "most" members of their negotiating team are unable to travel because they're on the U.S. and United Nations' blacklists.

The statement Sunday offered no other details. It did not explain how several members previously were able to travel to meetings in the United Arab Emirates and Moscow.

The Taliban maintain a political office in Qatar, where members of the negotiating team reside. The Islamabad talks were seen as significant, coinciding with the visit of the Saudi crown prince to Pakistan.

The Taliban 14-member team includes five former inmates of the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, and Anas Haqqani, the jailed younger brother of the leader of the militant Haqqani network.AYER, Mass. (AP) - Disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner has been released from federal prison after being convicted of having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old girl in 2017.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons website shows the 54-year-old New York Democrat is currently in the custody of its Residential Re-entry Management office in Brooklyn, New York.

It's not immediately clear when Weiner was transferred and where he's staying now, but Weiner will have to register as a sex-offender and spend three years on supervised release under the terms of his sentence.

The prison bureau and Weiner's lawyer didn't respond to emails seeking comment Sunday. Federal prosecutors in New York referred an inquiry to the prison bureau.

Weiner began serving a 21-month prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center Devens, located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Boston in Ayer, Massachusetts, in November 2017.

The bureau website shows Weiner is slated to complete his sentence May 14, a few months earlier than scheduled because of good conduct in prison.

FILE - In this Sept. 25, 2017 file photo, former Congressman Anthony Weiner leaves federal court following his sentencing in New York. Weiner has been released from federal prison in Massachusetts. The New York Democrat, a once-rising star who also ran for mayor, was convicted of having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old North Carolina girl in 2017. The Federal Bureau of Prisons website now shows Weiner is in the custody of its Residential Re-entry Management office in Brooklyn, New York. It's not immediately clear when he was transferred and where he's currently staying. The bureau, federal court in New York and Weiner's lawyer didn't immediately comment. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

A once-rising star in the Democratic Party who served nearly 12 years in Congress, Weiner had a dramatic and sordid fall from grace after he sent a lewd picture of himself to a college student over Twitter in 2011.

Weiner initially claimed his account had been hacked, then admitted he'd had inappropriate online interactions with at least six other women while married to top Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin.

Weiner resigned from Congress that year but mounted a campaign for New York City mayor in 2013.

But his personal behavior was again his undoing after it was disclosed he sent explicit photos under the alias "Carlos Danger" to at least one woman after resigning from Congress.

Weiner ultimately garnered less than 5 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary.

His final fall came in 2017 after prosecutors say he sent a series of sexually explicit messages to a North Carolina high school student. Weiner pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor.

At his sentencing, he said he'd been a "very sick man for a very long time" because of his sex addiction.

Weiner's attorney said the ex-lawmaker likely exchanged thousands of messages with hundreds of women over the years and was communicating with up to 19 women when he encountered the teenager.

Abedin also filed for divorce from Weiner in 2017. But the two, who have a young son together, later agreed to discontinue the case in order to negotiate their separation privately.VATICAN CITY (AP) - Roman Catholics who were sexually abused by clergy are insisting that decisive actions to confront the decades-long problem of pedophile priests and church cover-ups must come out of an upcoming Vatican summit.

A founding member of the advocacy group Ending Clergy Abuse, Peter Isely, contended Sunday that Pope Francis is "facing resistance" from top Vatican officials as he prepares to convene bishops from around the world.

"Let me tell you what it was like to try and have to resist that priest when I was a boy who was sexually assaulting me," Isely said. "So whatever difficulty for him or discomfort this is for anybody in the papal palace, it is nothing compared to what survivors have had to undergo."

Isely offered his perspective in an interview with The Associated Press near St. Peter's Square shortly before Francis spoke of the importance of the Feb. 21-24 event on protecting children and teenagers in the church,.

Addressing faithful in the square, Francis asked for prayers for the gathering of the heads of Catholic bishops' conferences worldwide.

Francis said he wanted the summit, to be "an act of strong pastoral responsibility in the face of an urgent challenge of our time."

Pope Francis delivers his blessing during the Angelus noon prayer In St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Revelations in many countries about priests raping and committing other kinds of sexual abuse against children and a pattern of bishops hiding the crimes have shaken the faith of many Catholics.

They also test the pontiff's ability to ensure the safety of children and punishment for the abusers as well as any complicit superiors.

The Vatican announced Saturday that Francis approved the expulsion from the priesthood for a former American cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, for sexual abuse of minors and adults.

But survivor advocates also have demanded that Francis say what he and other top Vatican officials knew about the prelate's sexual wrongdoing, which spanned decades.

"You abuse a child, you have to be removed from the priesthood," Isely said. "If you cover up for abusing a child, you have to be removed from the priesthood, and this is the only thing that is going to turn the corner on this global crisis."

Another founding member of the group, Denise Buchanan, a native of Jamaica, said a priest raped and assaulted her when she was 17.

"That rape actually resulted in a pregnancy, and the priest arranged for an abortion," Buchanan said.

Veteran Vatican watcher Marco Politi told the AP he also sees the pope facing inside resistance.

"There is a struggle going on between the pope and his supporters who want a change, and a lot of people among the bishops and among the clergy who don't want transparency and applying law and order in the abuse issue in the world," Politi said.

Some of Francis' critics contend that as a product of the Catholic Church's hierarchical culture, he, too, has been slow to recognize the hierarchy's role in perpetuating abuse by pedophile priests.

Francis has tried to temper expectations for the summit, saying in January the "problem of abuse will continue" because "it's a human problem." Isely of Ending Clergy Abuse said the bar should be high and the participants "have to deliver for survivors."

Pope Francis delivers his blessing during the Angelus noon prayer In St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. The pontiff is asking for prayers for this week's sex abuse summit at the Vatican, calling abuse an "urgent challenge of our time." (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis delivers his message during the Angelus noon prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. The pontiff is asking for prayers for this week's sex abuse summit at the Vatican, calling abuse an "urgent challenge of our time." (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful arrive in St. Peter's Square to attend Pope Francis' Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Peter Isely, founding member of the ECA (Ending Clergy Abuse) is interviewed by The Associated Press in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Pope Francis is asking for prayers for this week's sex abuse summit at the Vatican, calling abuse an "urgent challenge of our time", and told pilgrims and other visitors Sunday in St. Peter's Square that beginning Thursday, the heads of episcopal conferences worldwide will discuss "protection of minors in the church." (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)BLUEFIELD, Va. (AP) - Authorities say a Virginia police officer has been shot and seriously wounded after making a traffic stop.

State police say a Bluefield officer was shot after stopping a 2008 Toyota Yaris for an equipment violation on Route 460 shortly before midnight Saturday.

Authorities say a passenger in the vehicle began shooting at the officer.

The officer and another Bluefield officer, who had responded to assist with the traffic stop, returned fire. The Toyota's driver surrendered but the passenger got into the driver's seat and drove off.

The Toyota was found abandoned a few hours later in Bluefield, West Virginia. The search for the passenger continued Sunday.

The wounded officer was being treated for serious injuries that were not considered life threatening at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.ISLAMABAD (AP) - Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman began his four-day regional visit on Sunday, arriving in Pakistan where Saudi officials signed agreements worth $20 billion to help the Islamic nation overcome its financial crisis.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and top government and military officials greeted him at Islamabad's airport, where he received a 21-gun salute. Earlier, Pakistan Air Force jets escorted Prince Mohammad's flight when he entered the country's airspace.

At the airport, a young boy and girl in traditional Pakistani dress handed the prince flowers. He was greeted by a host of Pakistani Cabinet ministers and the country's powerful army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Khan himself drove the prince to the prime minister's residence, where he was met by an honor guard.

During his two-day stay in Pakistan, the crown prince will hold formal talks with Khan to find ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. Saudi Arabia will invest in the energy sector across the country, including setting up an oil refinery in the southwest near the border with Iran. The move will likely irk Tehran as Iran is Saudi Arabia's regional foe.

Shortly after his arrival, Prince Mohammad, accompanied by a high-powered delegation including leading businessmen and Cabinet ministers, attended a signing ceremony for the investment agreements worth $20 billion.

Pakistani motorcyclists pass by a billboard welcoming Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman displayed on the occasion of the visit by Saudi Arabia's crown prince to Pakistan, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will arrive in Islamabad on Sunday evening on an official visit that is expected to include the signing of agreements for billions of dollars of investment in Pakistan. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

"This is first phase," he said, at the ceremony, adding that he hoped the future would bring even more Saudi investment in Pakistan.

"Saudi Arabia has always been a fiend of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has been a friend in need," Khan said.

Pakistan is in the grip of a major debt crisis and is seeking a $12 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund but has yet to sign the deal which comes with tough conditions.

Prince Mohammad will later travel to neighboring India amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi over this week's attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir that killed 41 troops.

This week also saw an attack in Iran that killed 27 Revolutionary Guard soldiers that was claimed by the Pakistan-based militant Jaish al-Adl group.

Pakistan condemned the attacks, but India and Iran blame it for the violence.

Pakistan enjoys close ties with Saudi Arabia. It maintains a balancing act between Riyadh and Tehran.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday that the visit by the crown prince will take their countries' bilateral relations "to new heights."

Pakistan voiced support for the prince during the international outcry after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents. Khan attended an investment conference in Saudi Arabia in October that saw a wave of cancellations linked to the Khashoggi killing.

The crown prince has called the killing a "heinous crime that cannot be justified."

Khashoggi, who had written critically about the prince, went missing on Oct. 2 after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. After denying any knowledge of his death for weeks, Saudi authorities eventually said that he was killed in an operation aimed at forcibly bringing the writer back to the kingdom.

Saudi prosecutors say the plan was masterminded by two former advisers to the crown prince.

The kingdom denies the crown prince knew of the plot.

A Pakistani army soldier patrols at a checkpoint near presidency to ensure security ahead of Saudi Arabia's crown prince visit to Pakistan, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will arrive in Islamabad on Sunday evening on an official visit that is expected to include the signing of agreements for billions of dollars of investment in Pakistan. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

A Pakistani army soldier stands guard while police officers search a vehicle at a checkpoint near presidency to ensure security ahead of Saudi Arabia's crown prince visit to Pakistan, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will arrive in Islamabad on Sunday evening on an official visit that is expected to include the signing of agreements for billions of dollars of investment in Pakistan. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

In this photo released by the Press Information Department, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, centre, greets Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, upon his arrival at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman began his four-day regional visit on Sunday, arriving in Pakistan where he is widely expected to sign agreements worth billions of dollars to help the Islamic nation overcome its financial crisis. (Press Information Department, via AP)

Pakistani police commandos and paramilitary soldiers stand guard at a highway to ensure security ahead of Saudi Arabia's crown prince visit to Pakistan, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will arrive in Islamabad on Sunday evening on an official visit that is expected to include the signing of agreements for billions of dollars of investment in Pakistan. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

A man with his son waits for transport next to huge portraits of Saudi leaders and a Pakistani prime minister displayed on a highway on the occasion of the visit by Saudi Arabia's crown prince to Pakistan, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will arrive in Islamabad on Sunday evening on an official visit that is expected to include the signing of agreements for billions of dollars of investment in Pakistan. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

In this photo released by the Press Information Department, visiting Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, center left, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, center right, witness the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Petroleum, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman began his four-day regional visit on Sunday, arriving in Pakistan where he is expected to sign agreements worth billions of dollars to help the Islamic nation overcome its financial crisis. (Press Information Department via AP)

In this photo released by the Pakistan's Press Information Department, visiting Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, fourth left, holds official talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, fifth right, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman began his four-day regional visit on Sunday, arriving in Pakistan where he is expected to sign agreements worth billions of dollars to help the Islamic nation overcome its financial crisis. (Press Information Department via AP)The Latest on the Democratic presidential candidates (all times EST):

11:15 p.m.

Amid music from video games and the ringing of pinball machines and the sound of cans of domestic and craft beers cracking open, Booker talked policy with local Democrats at a "barcade" in Manchester, New Hampshire.

"I have done events in basements, I have done house parties, I have done union halls," Booker said as he surveyed the colorful arcade cabinets lined up behind him, including Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat. "I have never done a barcade."

That didn't stop Booker from trying his hand at a number of games, including a newer, four-player Pac-Man game, and a vintage arcade game - Q(asterisk)bert- after taking questions for a half-hour.

Old games mixed with newer ones. Reflecting on the nostalgia, Booker said he saw his childhood "beckoning him back" and that he would challenge "anybody in the Senate to any of these games."

Presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks at an organizing event Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

He lingered for more than an hour for selfies and to answer individual questions.

___

8 p.m.

Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren described a squeeze on working families as she made her first appearance before Nevada voters since declaring her candidacy.

Warren reminded the crowd in Las Vegas on Sunday of her work a decade ago monitoring the bailout of banks during the financial crisis and how it brought her to the gaming city to witness the epicenter of the mortgage crisis.

The Massachusetts senator told the crowd how her own family almost lost their home when she was growing up and described Washington, D.C., as a place that works well for corporations and lobbyists but not families.

She also spoke about strengthening unions and passing comprehensive immigration reform. Both are big issues in Nevada, which has politically powerful labor organizations and a population that's about 29 percent Latino.

___

1:05 p.m.

Sen. Cory Booker, who called the alleged attack on Jussie Smollett a "modern-day lynching" after the actor reported it, is withholding judgment on reports alleging Smollett is under investigation for possible involvement in his own assault.

Booker told reporters after meeting with hundreds of voters in Rochester, New Hampshire, that he would reserve judgment "until all the information actually comes out from on-the-record sources."

The Democratic presidential candidate turned his focus back to combating hate crimes broadly. Booker called for a unified pushback against "attacks on people because they're different."

The Chicago Police Department is acknowledging that the Smollett case has "shifted" after ruling out two potential suspects. Smollett's attorneys have denied reports of his potential involvement in the alleged attack and said he will cooperate with police.

___

10:45 a.m.

The first Republican to move toward a primary challenge against President Donald Trump plans to campaign on what he calls Trump's reckless spending and lack of preparation in helping workers shift to jobs in a more automated economy.

Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld tells ABC's "This Week" that Trump is racking up $1 trillion a year in debt that will crush taxpayers.

Weld says the government should be preparing workers to shift to jobs in "artificial intelligence and robotics and drones and machine learning and autonomous vehicles."

But he says policymakers aren't paying attention to that because "they're so busy with divisiveness and trying to make everyone feel awful."

Weld announced on Friday that he was forming an exploratory committee for president.

___

10:30 a.m.

Democratic presidential candidate Cory Booker is greeting hundreds of voters in Rochester, New Hampshire, as he starts the second day in a weekend swing through the state that will hold the first primary next year.

The New Jersey senator is promoting his work on criminal justice legislation. Booker played an important role in shaping the bipartisan deal to overhaul federal sentencing and prison laws, working with Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican.

Booker says he could write a "dissertation" on his general disagreements with Grassley, but says the two were able to find common ground. The criminal justice deal was backed by President Donald Trump. He signed it into law in December.

___

8:20 a.m.

Democratic presidential candidates are courting voters in states with influential early roles in the 2020 primary as the busy pace of campaigning over the holiday weekend shows that the contest to challenge President Donald Trump is fully underway.

The brisk pace of the candidates' stops Sunday in New Hampshire, Iowa and Nevada points to the up-for-grabs state of the race in its early stages. And Congress' Presidents Day recess gives the senators already running some extra time to promote their agendas.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey is continuing his swing through New Hampshire. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (KLOH'-buh-shar) of Minnesota is set to visit Iowa. And Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts plans to be in Nevada, the first Western state to vote in the primary.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., addresses a gathering during a campaign stop in Portsmouth, N.H., Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld addresses a gathering during a New England Council 'Politics & Eggs' breakfast in Bedford, N.H., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Weld announced he's creating a presidential exploratory committee for a run in the 2020 election. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Two brothers from Ecuador wanted in the South American country on charges that they stole millions of dollars from a now-defunct bank have been detained in Florida by U.S. immigration authorities.

William and Roberto Isaias were arrested Wednesday in Miami and detained pending deportation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Nestor Yglesias said in an email late Saturday.

Ecuador's government has sought the brothers' extradition for years, but it was not clear what prompted their arrests. Yglesias only said the men were "unlawfully present" in the U.S.

The bank, Filanbanco, was the largest in Ecuador, and its failure in the late 1990s contributed to an economic collapse. The brothers were charged with embezzlement but fled the country before trial. They were found guilty in absentia and sentenced to eight years in prison in 2012. The brothers' deny the allegations and have been fighting for the return of businesses and assets seized by the Ecuadoran government.

Their arrests were inconsistent with the U.S. government's treatment of their case thus far, the brothers' Miami-based spokesman, Freddy Balsera, told The Associated Press on Sunday. He noted that their extradition has been denied three times over the past two decades, under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

"I don't think this was targeted. We think this was just the way the current immigration policy is being applied," Balsera said, adding that the brothers' were seeking release from detention and a review of their case.

He said the brothers were grateful to the U.S. for giving them refuge from the regime of former Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa, who governed from 2007 through 2017.

Roberto Isaias, 74, was arrested at his doctor's office, while William, 75, was arrested at home, Balsera said. Both men were being held at ICE's Krome Detention Center outside Miami.

The Ecuadoran government's attorney in Miami did not respond to emails or a phone message left over the weekend.ROME (AP) - Should senators from Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement strip the firebrand leader of the far-right League of his immunity from criminal prosecution, possibly jeopardizing the populist government in which the two parties are coalition partners?

The decision has them in a bind.

If they vote no, they risk alienating supporters by betraying a sacred principle of the Movement: politicians deserve no privilege beyond the ones shared by all citizens. If they vote yes, they risk worsening internal tensions already testing the 8-month-old government's viability.

So leaders of the 5-Stars, who bill the party as an internet-based democratic movement, have kicked the verdict down the line. They are asking supporters to vote online Monday on whether to lift or maintain League leader Matteo Salvini's parliamentary immunity as a senator.

Prosecutors in Catania, Sicily, are investigating Salvini, the interior minister in the coalition government, on a possible kidnapping charge over the treatment of 177 migrants in August.

The migrants were rescued by a private aid ship and transferred to an Italian coast guard vessel. Salvini refused for five hot days to let them disembark in Sicily. The anti-migrant minister contends private rescue boats essentially help human traffickers.

Activists lie on the ground as they take part in a protest against Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's migrant and security decree, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Matteo Bazzi/ANSA via AP)

The Italian Senate commission on immunity is scheduled to vote on Salvini's immunity Tuesday. Whatever the recommendation, the full Senate would have the final say next month. If charged and convicted, Salvini could face a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

Movement lawmakers sounded defensive Sunday when asked about how they were opting to put their egalitarian principle on the line - or in this case, online, too.

"This isn't synonymous with weakness" 5-Star Senate whip Stefano Patuanelli said of Monday's polling of supporters. "This is the participatory democracy that all of us of the Movement have always wanted and hoped for."

Meanwhile, Salvini dismissed speculation that he cut a deal with 5-Star leaders: keeping his immunity in place in exchange for Salvini dropping his support for completing a high-speed rail line in northern Italy the Movement has vowed to block.

"We're not at a fish market" haggling, Salvini told reporters.

"I'm convinced I defended the security and borders of our country," he said, adding that as far as the 5-Stars go, "Everyone votes according to conscience."

Both in opinion polls and a recent regional election, the popularity of the 5-Stars dipped while the League gained. If the League finishes strongly in May's European Parliament elections, Salvini could be tempted to pull the plug on the current governing coalition in a bid for an early national election.

Meanwhile, critics of the 5-Stars delighted in the Movement's dilemma.

"The 5-Star Movement can be coherent with the principles for which it was born (and for which it got votes) or fudge it in order to survive (for a few months)," tweeted former Democratic Party Premier Enrico Letta. If the 5-Stars block Salvini's prosecution, "it loses its DNA."

Ultimately, the opposition Forza Italia party of Silvio Berlusconi, who lost his own Senate seat in a previous legislature after being convicted of tax fraud, could come to Salvini's rescue.

While criticizing the online vote strategy, Forza Italia contends prosecutors who target lawmakers are politically motivated. The party's leadership says its senators will oppose removing Salvini's immunity.

Italian Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini holds a a press conference in the Lower House after the centre right won Sunday's regional elections in Abruzzo, Rome, Italy, Monday, Feb. 11, 2019. "Nothing changes for the government - no reshuffle, work continues," Salvini said. Marco Marsilio, a Senator for the rightwing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, is the new governor of Abruzzo after the centre-right candidate won almost half of the vote in Sunday's elections in the central Italian region. (Angelo Carconi/ANSA via AP)

Deputies Premier Matteo Salvini, right, and Luigi Di Maio read a document during question time at the Chamber of Deputies, in Rome, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. (Fabio Frustaci/ANSA via AP)

Activists lie on the ground as they take part in a protest against Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's migrant and security decree, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Matteo Bazzi/ANSA via AP)

Demonstrators display a banner reading ''The new desaparecidos. Let's stop the massacre on borders'', as they take part in a march to protest Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's migrant and security decree, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Matteo Bazzi/ANSA via AP)RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Evidence collected over months and being unveiled Monday could reveal whether the nation's last undecided congressional election was either tainted by so much ballot-tampering that a winner cannot be declared - or that that the actual winner was unfairly denied the seat.

North Carolina's state elections board - reassembled last month after an unrelated legal challenge found the previous version unconstitutional - holds at least two days of hearings when investigators will describe their findings into allegations that a political operative may have tampered with or even discarded mail-in ballots.

The State Board of Elections said it could decide after hearing the evidence whether to certify Republican Mark Harris as the winner over Democrat Dan McCready. It also could order a new election in the 9th Congressional District.

The previous elections board twice refused to declare Harris the winner after hearing reports of irregularities just before the November 2016 election in rural Bladen County, home of a political operative named Leslie McCrae Dowless Jr.

Dowless' vote-getting work has drawn attention for years. But with Harris leading McCready by only 905 votes out of nearly 278,000 cast, Dowless has come under intense focus.

"You likely wouldn't know as much about these allegations if it hadn't been such a close race," said Martin Kifer, the political science department chairman at North Carolina's High Point University.

FILE - In this Dec. 5, 2018 file photo, Leslie McCrae Dowless Jr. poses for a portrait outside of his home in Bladenboro, N.C. The Republican in the nation's last undecided congressional election said Monday, Feb. 11, 2019 he recruited a political operative now at the center of a ballot fraud investigation because he produced election results in his rural North Carolina county and other Republicans vouched for him. Mark Harris said he didn't know before November's election that state elections board investigators found evidence that operative Dowless Jr. may have illegally handled ballots in 2016. (Travis Long/The News & Observer via AP, File)

One of the methods participants said Dowless used was to hire workers to collect absentee ballots from voters who received them and then turn them over to Dowless, according to an elections board investigation of the 2016 campaign.

One witness interviewed by investigators last year said he saw Dowless handling a sheaf of blank ballots and others that may have been completed and held to turn in later. Workers took the ballots, whether completed or not, and handed them over to Dowless, according to sworn affidavits signed by multiple voters after the November election.

In addition, two Bladen County women told WSOC-TV in Charlotte last fall that Dowless had directed them to do the same.

State election law prohibits anyone other than a guardian or close family member to handle mail-in ballots.

Former Bladen County sheriff's deputy Kenneth Simmons told The Associated Press that he met Dowless at a meeting of local Republicans ahead of the May 2018 primary. Simmons said he was given a list of voters to approach on behalf of the candidate for sheriff he supported. He said he was also handed blank absentee ballots with sections highlighted in yellow that Dowless said needed to be completed.

"He highlighted it, for where to fill it out, and he said as long as they got that much of it he'd do the rest," Simmons said in a phone interview.

Dowless declined an interview request and his lawyer did not respond to messages.

Harris' team said in a legal briefing submitted to the elections board last week that the board should certify him the winner no matter what Dowless did for the campaign.

"Technical irregularities -like ballot harvesting - do not provide enough reason to order a new election," the attorneys said.

The elections board also is expected to hear about the unusual number of absentee ballots that voters requested but never returned. A Harvard University elections expert is expected to testify that absentee ballots in Bladen and neighboring Robeson counties disappeared at a rate 2  to three times higher than the rest of the congressional district or elsewhere in North Carolina.

Of the absentee ballots that were returned, Harris "greatly overperformed" in Bladen and Robeson counties when compared to what might have been expected based on patterns elsewhere in the state. McCready "greatly underperformed," said Prof. Stephen Ansolabehere.

"Statistical tests show that these deviations are extremely unlikely to have arisen by chance," Ansolabehere said in an affidavit filed on behalf of McCready.

Dowless' activities could lead the state elections board to "order a new election if the results are in doubt even if the candidates had nothing to do with any malfeasance," or wrongful conduct, said Rick Hasen, an election law expert at the University of California at Irvine.

Four of the five members on the board - composed of three Democrats and two Republicans - would need to agree a new election is necessary.

If that doesn't happen, McCready's lawyers said state officials should send their findings to the Democrat-dominated U.S. House and let it decide whether Harris should be seated - arguing that the U.S. Constitution gives the House authority over the elections and qualifications of its members.

___

Follow Emery P. Dalesio on Twitter at http://twitter.com/emerydalesio. His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/emery%20dalesio .

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2018 file photo Republican congressional candidate Mark Harris applauds during a Habitat For Humanity building event in Charlotte, N.C. Harris, the Republican in the nation's last undecided congressional election, said Monday, Feb. 11, 2019 he recruited a political operative now at the center of a ballot fraud investigation because he produced election results in his rural North Carolina county and other Republicans vouched for him. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, file)WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Jaroslaw Kaczynski, Poland's most powerful politician who has built his position on a reputation of honesty and anti-communist convictions, suddenly finds himself embroiled in revelations over his involvement in complex business dealings and the presence in his inner circle of people with alleged communist ties.

The stakes are high, given two crucial elections this year - for the European Parliament in May and for the national parliament in the fall.

The scandal broke when Gazeta Wyborcza, a daily newspaper critical of ruling Law and Justice party that Kaczynski leads, published transcripts of secretly recorded business negotiations between Kaczynski and an Austrian developer about plans Kaczynski had to build twin skyscrapers on a plot of land in Warsaw. The plans have been abandoned and the disgruntled developer claims he has not been paid for the work he did.

The plot is owned by a foundation that is linked to the ruling party and Kaczynski sits on its board. The foundation, the Lech Kaczynski Institute, is focused on political debate and is named after Kaczynski's twin brother, Poland's president who was killed in a plane crash in 2010.

Reacting to the scandal, Kaczynski said in an interview that the towers were aimed at making profit and financing the foundation, in line with the law. Commentators say they were also to finance Kaczynski's political circle and the party.

The revelations raise questions because Polish law bans political parties from doing business or drawing profits from it. They also put in doubt the almost ascetic image of integrity Kaczynski has cultivated. The 69-year-old has suddenly been revealed as a shrewd and skilled business negotiator - a far cry from the lifelong bachelor who funds food for stray cats, reportedly had no bank account until a few years ago and is known for saying that "one does not go into politics for money."

FILE- In this photo taken April 12, 2017 in Warsaw, Poland, is seen Poland's ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski before a news conference. Kaczynski, whose public image is of restraint and honesty, is at the center of a scandal involving him negotiating a multi-million euro construction project, even though the law bans political parties from doing business.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

In the latest development, Gazeta Wyborcza on Friday quoted testimony that, it said, the Austrian developer, Gerald Birgfellner, recently gave to prosecutors. It quoted Birgfellner as saying that Kaczynski had advised him to give 100,000 zlotys (23,000 euros) to another member of the foundation's council to obtain his permission for the launch of the construction. The paper quoted Birgfellner as saying he delivered an envelope with half of the amount to Kaczynski's office and saw him holding it.

A government member, Jacek Sasin, called the publication "fake news" aimed at "hunting down an honest politician that Jaroslaw Kaczynski is."

Opposition parties, though, are demanding an investigation into the allegations by prosecutors and by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau that was set up in 2006 by a government that Kaczynski led at the time.

The troubles follow separate allegations of corruption of a party appointee, the head of the State Financial Supervision Authority, and of surprisingly high earnings of aides to the head of the state-owned National Bank of Poland.

"The party that was to be the yardstick of ethics in politics is mixing business with politics like none other," Boguslaw Chrabota, chief editor of the Rzeczpospolita daily, wrote in a recent commentary. He said that the latest scandal amounts to a "serious crisis of image" because it "hits at the party's very heart and brain." He was referring to Kaczynski, who is considered the most powerful person in the country, guiding the government even though formally he is only a lawmaker.

The revelations have exposed Kaczynski as having the decisive voice in the multimillion-euro project to build the skyscrapers, dubbed K-Towers. They also showed Kaczynski as being reluctant to pay Birgfellner for some 14 months of preparatory work on the project that never materialized.

Birgfellner, who is the son-in-law of Kaczynski's first cousin, recorded the talks in Kaczynski's tightly guarded office.

He requested payment of millions of zlotys (hundreds of thousands of euros), but Kaczynski said Birgfellner needed to provide detailed invoices or seek a court order for the payment. The developer felt cheated and notified prosecutors, who questioned him this week.

Gazeta Wyborcza published one of Birgfellner's invoices for almost 1.6 million zlotys (euro 370,000.)

Kaczynski canceled the project last year, telling the Austrian he was fearing it might become a political burden at the time of key elections.

In the recordings, Kaczynski is heard saying he is afraid people might assume that he is the one building the skyscrapers "so I must be a very rich man. We cannot allow that."

In an interview for the pro-government Sieci weekly, Kaczynski insisted that "there is nothing there" to blame him for. He said that "no regulation has been broken" and that a lawmaker and party leader is allowed to sit on a foundation board and hold business negotiations. He argued that there are no financial ties whatsoever between the party and the foundation. He is demanding a public apology from Gazeta Wyborcza and threatening a court case.

It is the first time that Kaczynski and his party, which stormed to power in 2015 elections on a generous social agenda, find themselves on the defensive. Still, the party remains Poland's most popular political force with strong support.

High on the party's agenda is the removal from public life of people who collaborated with communist-era secret security. But media have also revealed that a close Kaczynski associate and former head of the foundation, Kazimierz Kujda, who also negotiated with Birgfellner, was an active collaborator in the 1980s.

Party members reacted with surprise and Kujda resigned.

A spotlight is also on Kaczynski's most trusted head of office, Barbara Skrzypek, who has some shares in a company owned by the Kaczynski foundation. In the late 1980s she worked as a secretary in the office of communist-era Prime Minister Zbigniew Messner, and later in the office of Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski, when he served as democratic Poland's first president.

In the past, Kaczynski has reacted quickly to nascent scandals, removing officials in cases of wrongdoing, an approach that has helped maintain his upright image.

A prominent party lawmaker, Janusz Sniadek, said party members are taking the media publications "seriously," especially because they come ahead of the elections, but added that they are nothing but "desperate attempts to show Jaroslaw Kaczynski in a bad light, but in fact they became a certificate of his honesty and adherence to the regulations of law."

"The result of Gazeta Wyborcza's publication is the opposite of its intentions," Sniadek told The Associated Press.

Rzeczpospolita chief editor Chrabota said he does not fully agree that the tapes show Kaczynski as an honest person because "in business it is a norm that agreements are signed and work done is paid for, rather than a court trial sought."

FILE-In this photo taken April 10, 2018 in Warsaw, Poland, the leader of the ruling party Jaroslaw Kaczynski speaks in front of the Presidential Palace during ceremonies marking eighth years since his twin brother, then-President Lech Kaczynski, and 95 others were killed in a plane crash. Kaczynski, whose public image is of restraint and honesty, is at the center of a scandal involving him negotiating a multi-million euro construction, even though the law bans political parties from doing business. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

A plot of land and an old building that would have to be torn down if a foundation headed by Poland's ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski was to go ahead with its plan to build twin towers there, in Warsaw, Poland, Monday, Feb. 11, 2019. The plan has put Kaczynski in political dire straits. Kaczynski's public image being that of restraint and honesty, he is at the center of a scandal involving him negotiating the multi-million euro construction project, even though the law bans political parties from doing business. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

A plot of land and an old building that would have to be torn down if a foundation headed by Poland's ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski was to go ahead with its plan to build twin towers there, in Warsaw, Poland, Monday, Feb. 11, 2019. The plan has put Kaczynski in political dire straits. Kaczynski's public image being that of restraint and honesty, he is at the center of a scandal involving him negotiating the multi-million euro construction project, even though the law bans political parties from doing business. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

The run-down metal-and-glass headquarters of Poland's ruling Law and Justice party that also holds the heavily-guarded office in Warsaw, Poland, Monday, Feb. 11, 2019 of the party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski. Kaczynski, whose public image is of restraint and honesty, is at the center of a scandal involving him negotiating a multi-million euro construction project, even though the law bans political parties from doing business. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)CAIRO (AP) - Extremists attacked an army checkpoint in the troubled northern Sinai peninsula on Saturday at dawn, causing 15 casualties among the armed forces including at least one officer shot dead, Egypt's military spokesman said.

The army managed to kill seven of the extremists during the firefight, but did not give any further information on the army's own casualties, according to a statement by Col. Tamer Rifai.

Two other officers in the area who gave a more detailed account said the officer and all the other 14 troops had been killed.

The attack involved some 200 fighters storming in from nearby olive groves, hitting the outpost with sustained heavy gunfire before entering the compound, which is near an airport, they said. The men seized weapons and then fled back through the groves, they added, speaking on condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to brief journalists.

The army has for years been battling a long-running insurgency in North Sinai that is now led by an Islamic State affiliate. The fighting intensified after the military overthrew an elected but divisive Islamist president in 2013.

Authorities heavily restrict access to the northern Sinai, making it difficult to verify claims related to the fighting.SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) - Health authorities say the death toll from a bus crash in North Macedonia has risen to 15 after a man died early Saturday at a clinic in the capital, Skopje.

Authorities are still trying to determine how the bus carrying 51 passengers drove off a highway embankment and overturned west of Skopje on Wednesday.

Prosecutors said that tests showed the driver had not been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Authorities have requested assistance from telecommunications operators to see whether the driver, who survived the crash, had been on his cell phone at the time of the accident.

Five people are still hospitalized in life-threatening condition. The bus had been carrying mostly students and office workers from Skopje to Gostivar, 65 kilometers (40 miles) to the southwest.KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Saturday that previously unscheduled peace talks between the Taliban and the United States in Pakistan risk engulfing the country in regional rivalries.

In an interview with The Associated Press in the capital Kabul, Karzai worried that the accelerated peace process was being hijacked by competing territorial interests in Afghanistan, even as the country's neighbors and powerful Persian Gulf states jockey for influence after U.S. troops are gone.

The talks are aimed at finding a negotiated end to Afghanistan's destructive 17-year war - America's longest.

Previously scheduled talks are slated for Feb. 25 in Qatar. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are Gulf enemies and the Pakistan meeting on Monday will be held as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman wraps up a two-day visit to Islamabad.

"We don't want the peace process to become hostage to competing powers for influence in Afghanistan or over the process," said Karzai. "No. We have suffered because of that and we don't want that."

Karzai led a delegation of prominent Afghans from Kabul, including former politicians and tribal elders, to a significant first round of talks with the Taliban last week in Moscow. The meeting was sharply criticized by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who said they would have been better suited to Saudi Arabia, repeating his longstanding demand that the Taliban talk directly to his government.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai adjusts his hat during an interview with The Associated Press in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Karzai expressed fears that a previously unscheduled meeting between the Taliban and the United States in Pakistan on Monday risks engulfing Afghanistan into regional rivalries, as its neighbors and powerful Persian Gulf states jockey for influence in a post- U.S. Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Karzai said the Taliban are ready to talk to the government, but as part of a larger collection of Afghan representatives, adding that it "eventually will lead to direct talks with the Afghan government as the executive arm of the country."

The former president urged Ghani to show flexibility.

"Keeping this great great desire ... to bring an end to the bloodshed of the Afghan people ... I think it is time for the government to reconsider their position and to try to find solutions," Karzai said. "For the sake of peace we must be flexible, we must find ways out and that's my advice to the government."

Karzai also warned Washington and its peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad against leveraging Afghanistan and the peace process against its own rivals China and Russia and handing off influence over Afghanistan to neighbor Pakistan.

Karzai said he is concerned that Monday's meeting in Pakistan could be the first step down a slippery slope to the past when Pakistan wielded influence over his country.

"We don't want Afghanistan to be back under the influence of Pakistan under the name of the peace process and clearly I have told the Americans that we see a difference between peace for Afghanistan and the United States making a deal with Pakistan on Afghanistan," he said. "The danger is the repetition of the past misery for Afghanistan, support to extremism, support to radicalism, support to terrorism."

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were the only countries to recognize the Taliban government that was ousted by the 2001 U.S.-led invasion.

Yet in an effort to find an end to the country's lengthy war, the United States last year acquiesced to the Taliban's longstanding demand for direct talks. As Washington's envoy, Khalilzad focused talks on U.S. troop withdrawal and guarantees that Afghan territory would not again be used to threaten America.

Karzai, however, warned against U.S. anti-terrorism activity to verify and enforce Taliban promises or track down suspected terrorists following a withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Previously, Khalilzad said the U.S. would not take the Taliban at their word alone but would verify that Afghanistan was not harboring terrorists that could attack the U.S. He did not offer specifics.

Karzai, however, said U.S. special forces who are not directly controlled and approved by a larger Afghan council of elders would not be welcome in a post U.S. Afghanistan.

"We don't want any anti-terrorism U.S. activity in Afghanistan that leads to them going to Afghan homes and bombing Afghan villages," said Karzai, whose final years in power were characterized by bitter criticism of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. He refused to sign a bilateral security agreement, which Ghani, his successor signed.

"If an anti-terrorism force means the continuation of the current U.S. military policy in Afghanistan. No," Karzai said.

The cacophony of competing interests highlights the complexity of finding a way out for Afghanistan.

Andrew Wilder, vice president of Asia Programs at the Washington-based U.S. Institute of Peace, said "there is now a clear recognition of the need to use our troop presence as political leverage in a negotiation to get a political settlement amongst Afghanistan's major political factions, in exchange for accepting the major Taliban demand that foreign forces withdraw."

The withdrawal of U.S. troops without an agreement would be disastrous, he said.

"The big fear remains that we'll wake up to a tweet that U.S. troops will be withdrawn unilaterally, rather than in the context of a peace agreement, and that Afghanistan will descend again back into the anarchic days of the early 1990s," he said.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Karzai expressed fears that a previously unscheduled meeting between the Taliban and the United States in Pakistan on Monday risks engulfing Afghanistan into regional rivalries, as its neighbors and powerful Persian Gulf states jockey for influence in a post- U.S. Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Karzai expressed fears that a previously unscheduled meeting between the Taliban and the United States in Pakistan on Monday risks engulfing Afghanistan into regional rivalries, as its neighbors and powerful Persian Gulf states jockey for influence in a post- U.S. Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Karzai expressed fears that a previously unscheduled meeting between the Taliban and the United States in Pakistan on Monday risks engulfing Afghanistan into regional rivalries, as its neighbors and powerful Persian Gulf states jockey for influence in a post- U.S. Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)YOLA, Nigeria (AP) - The Latest on Nigeria's postponed presidential election (all times local):

11:10 a.m.

Nigeria's president says he is "deeply disappointed" by the last-minute delay of Saturday's election until Feb. 23 and says he is going back to the capital to hear the electoral commission's explanation.

President Muhammadu Buhari's statement says the commission had "given assurances, day after day and almost hour after hour that they are in complete readiness for the elections. We and all our citizens believed them."

His statement also appeals to Nigerians for calm, urges the commission to protect already distributed voting materials and stresses that his administration does not interfere in the commission's work.

He calls this a "trying moment in our democratic journey."

Nigerians discuss the overnight developments at a newspaper stand selling copies of papers that printed before the postponement was announced, in the morning in Kano, in northern Nigeria Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Nigeria's electoral commission delayed the presidential election until Feb. 23, making the announcement a mere five hours before polls were set to open Saturday. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

___

11:05 a.m.

The top challenger to Nigeria's president in the now-delayed election is urging Nigerians to be patient and says he is heading back to the capital to consult with other "stakeholders" on the way forward.

Atiku Abubakar spoke to reporters outside his home in northern Adamawa state.

When asked if he was "dampened" by the last-minute postponement by the electoral commission, he said "absolutely not."

Both his party and the ruling party have condemned the last-minute decision to delay the vote.

___

10:55 a.m.

A civic group monitoring Nigeria's now-delayed election says the last-minute decision to postpone the vote a week until Feb. 23 "has created needless tension and confusion in the country."

The Situation Room statement expressed shock and disappointment after assurances by the electoral commission that "everything was ready." It said the delay casts a "cloud of doubt" on the body's credibility and competence.

It called on political parties to avoid incitement and misinformation and called on the electoral commission to explain how Nigeria will pay for the costly election delay.

The commission in its early-morning statement cited unspecified "challenges" and said it would give more details Saturday afternoon.

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Nigerians have awakened to find the presidential election delayed a week from Saturday until Feb. 23 because of what the electoral commission has called unspecified "challenges." The country's top two political parties condemn the last-minute postponement.

Some bitter voters in the capital, Abuja, and elsewhere who traveled home to cast their ballots say they cannot afford to wait another seven days.

A spokesman for top opposition challenger Atiku Abubakar in Delta state said the electoral commission "has destroyed the soul of Nigeria with this act."

Abubakar is expected to speak to reporters later Saturday from his home in the north.

One ruling party campaign director said it is better to give the electoral commission time to conduct a credible vote.

The commission is to give more details in the afternoon.

A Nigerian man pushs his wheelbarrow by the closed central market in Kaduna, Nigeria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Nigeria's electoral commission delayed the presidential election until Feb. 23, making the announcement a mere five hours before polls were set to open Saturday. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

A man reads a copy of a newspaper which managed to print the news of the postponement in time, in the morning at a newspaper stand in Kano, in northern Nigeria Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Nigeria's electoral commission delayed the presidential election until Feb. 23, making the announcement a mere five hours before polls were set to open Saturday. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Nigerians check voters' lists at a polling station in Kaduna, Nigeria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Nigeria's electoral commission delayed the presidential election until Feb. 23, making the announcement a mere five hours before polls were set to open. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

A police officer keeps guard over electoral materials still stacked in boxes at the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Kano, in northern Nigeria Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Nigeria's electoral commission delayed the presidential election until Feb. 23, making the announcement a mere five hours before polls were set to open Saturday. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Nigerians check voters' lists at a polling station in Kaduna, Nigeria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Nigeria's electoral commission delayed the presidential election until Feb. 23, making the announcement a mere five hours before polls were set to open. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

A police officer keeps guard over electoral materials still stacked in boxes at the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Kano, in northern Nigeria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Nigeria's electoral commission delayed the presidential election until Feb. 23, making the announcement a mere five hours before polls were set to open Saturday. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Newspaper sellers bring copies of a newspaper which managed to print the news of the postponement in time, in the morning at a newspaper stand in Kano, in northern Nigeria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Nigeria's electoral commission delayed the presidential election until Feb. 23, making the announcement a mere five hours before polls were set to open Saturday. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Newspaper distributors take hot drinks from a roadside stall in the morning next to a newspaper stand in Kano, in northern Nigeria Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Nigeria's electoral commission delayed the presidential election until Feb. 23, making the announcement a mere five hours before polls were set to open Saturday. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Nigerian police officers guard the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Kaduna, Nigeria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Nigeria's electoral commission delayed the presidential election until Feb. 23, making the announcement a mere five hours before polls were set to open Saturday. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)PARIS (AP) - French authorities have filed preliminary charges of complicity in crimes against humanity against a Syrian suspected of involvement in a bloody secret police crackdown on opposition activists.

A judicial official said Saturday the man is being held in custody pending further investigation, after being detained Tuesday near Paris as part of an international probe. The official was not authorized to be publicly named discussing an ongoing investigation.

Two other suspects were detained in Germany on Tuesday, also suspected of carrying out or aiding crimes against humanity.

Human rights groups hailed the arrests. They mark the first major breakthroughs of international investigators who are trying to track down individuals they think are responsible for atrocities committed on behalf of the Syrian government during the country's eight-year civil war.ISFAHAN, Iran (AP) - Dozens of comrades circled caskets on the back of trucks on Saturday as thousands of mourners attended a mass funeral for 27 elite Revolutionary Guard soldiers killed in a suicide car bombing this week in Iran's Sistan and Baluchistan province.

Men rhythmically struck their chests, a traditional way of showing grief, as women in long black chadors wept. Shouts of "Death to America," and "Death to Zionism" could be heard from the crowd gathered in Bozorgmehr Square in the central city of Isfahan, where the soldiers were based.

The head of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, threatened to retaliate against neighboring Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates over the attack. Earlier, he claimed, without providing evidence, that the United States and Israel ordered Saudi Arabia and the Emirates to carry out the attack, which also wounded 12.

"The treacherous government of Saudi and Emirates should know that the patience of the Islamic Republic about your hidden support for criminals and Takfiri groups has come to an end and Iran will not tolerate it anymore," said Jafari in a speech to the crowd.

"We will get revenge for the blood of our martyrs from Saudi Arabia and Emirates," he said. He asked President Hassan Rouhani to give the Guard the freedom to retaliate.

Pegah Mohammadi, 19, a student, said she attended the funeral to say goodbye to heroes who sacrificed to provide security to the Iranian people. "They gave their blood to protect our borders, to bring us security and peace," she said.

FILE - In this Oct. 31, 2017, file photo, the head of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari speaks to journalists after his speech at a conference called "A World Without Terror," in Tehran, Iran. Jafari has threatened to retaliate against neighboring Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates over a suicide car bombing on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019 that killed 27 members of the elite organization. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

Family members accompanied the bodies of their loved ones to Isfahan's Bagh Rezvan cemetery. Five of the dead Guard members will be buried there and the rest will be buried in nearby cities and towns in Isfahan province.

Wednesday's attack, claimed by Baluch separatists, killed both seasoned officers and younger soldiers, including a 20-year-old in the Isfahan-based Guard's forces. The assault killed members of the Guard's Imam Hussein division, which played a significant role in various battles during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war.

The bombing could lead to Iranian retaliation against the militant Sunni group Jaish al-Adl, who claimed responsibility. The group largely operates across the border in nuclear-armed Pakistan. Recent militant assaults inside Iran have sparked retaliatory ballistic missile strikes in Iraq and Syria.

Attacks by Jaish al-Adl, or "Army of Justice," have increased in recent years. Since its founding in 2012, it has abducted or killed border guards in hit-and-run assaults from its havens in Pakistan. It kidnapped 11 Iranian border guards in October. Five later were returned to Iran and six remained held.

Jafari said Iran expects Pakistan to "punish" the group, which allegedly has taken refuge in the country's southwest. "If they do not punish them, our retaliatory measures will be carried out," he said. Jafari said the Pakistani government knows where the attackers are harbored and accused Pakistan security forces of supporting them.

Tehran immediately linked Wednesday's attack to a U.S.-led conference in Warsaw largely focused on Iran, just two days after the nation marked the 40th anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The bomb struck a bus traveling on a road between the cities of Khash and Zahedan, a mountainous region along the Pakistani border that is also near Afghanistan. Images after the blast published by semi-official news agencies showed the explosion tore the bus apart, as passers-by used the light of their cellphones to illuminate the debris.

The Guard, which answers only to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a statement saying a vehicle loaded with explosives targeted a bus carrying border guards affiliated with its force.

___

Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran contributed to this report.GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio (AP) - Police near Cleveland say a woman who went out with a man she met on a dating website came back to his house two days later and robbed and killed him.

Members of a U.S. Marshals task force arrested 24-year-old Shakira Graham on Wednesday in Shaker Heights.

She's charged with aggravated murder in the December shooting death of Meshach Cornwall.

Graham was arraigned Thursday and is being held on a $3 million bond. Court records don't list an attorney for her.

Police say she met Cornwall on a dating site and stayed over at his home in Garfield Heights.

Investigators say she returned to the home, shot and killed Cornwall and stole guns, a TV, several cellphones and a car.

Authorities say Cornwall had been shot multiple times.SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) - The foreign ministry of newly renamed North Macedonia says it has formally informed the United Nations, U.N. member states and international bodies that its new name has come into effect under a historic deal to end a long dispute with neighboring Greece.

The ministry said in a press release late Thursday it submitted relevant notes to "the United Nation's Protocol, member and observer states, and to all international, multilateral and regional organizations."

The country was officially renamed North Macedonia on Tuesday, and as a first move to reflect the change, authorities have replaced road signs on the border with Greece.

The move is a precursor to a series of steps that the renamed country will take as part of the agreement, including changing airport signs, web pages and printed materials.

A truck driver waits behind a new road sign with the name Republic of North Macedonia in the southern border with Greece, near Gevgelija, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. Workers in the newly renamed North Macedonia have begun replacing road signs to reflect the change in their country's name, following a deal with neighboring Greece to end a nearly three decade-long dispute and secure NATO membership. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)WASHINGTON (AP) - The chemical compounds are all around you. They're on many fabrics, rugs and carpets, cooking pots and pans, outdoor gear, shampoo, shaving cream, makeup and even dental floss. Increasing numbers of states have found them seeping into water supplies.

There's growing evidence that long-term exposure to the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, or PFAS, can be dangerous, even in tiny amounts.

The Environmental Protection Agency released a plan Thursday that includes moving toward setting a maximum level for PFAS in drinking water nationwide.

At hearings around the country last year, local and state officials said such an action would be needed to stop contamination and hold polluting parties responsible.

But environmentalists, Democratic members of Congress and state officials said the agency wasn't moving quickly enough to address the issue.

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FILE - In this May 16, 2018 file photo the Rogue River flows underneath Algoma Ave. NE in Algoma Township, Mich. The Michigan DEQ is asking Wolverine World Wide to expand perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, or PFAS, testing in the area. There's growing evidence that long-term exposure to the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, or PFAS, can be dangerous, even in tiny amounts. The Environmental Protection Agency is looking at how to respond to a public push for stricter regulation of the chemicals, in production since the 1940s. A decision is expected soon. (Garret Ellison/The Grand Rapids Press via AP)

WHAT ARE PFAS?

Industries use the chemicals in coatings meant to protect consumer goods from stains, water and corrosion.

DuPont says its scientists invented the earliest form of the nonstick compound in 1938. They were impressed with how water and grease slipped off the new substance and how it seemed never to break down - winning it the name "forever compound." Various types soon were on the market, first in Teflon products. Thousands of variants have been produced since then, for a host of uses.

By the 1970s, manufacturers conceded that PFAS were building up in the bodies of employees who worked with them. Recent scientific reports have estimated that nearly all people in the U.S. have some PFAS chemicals in their blood. Studies of workers exposed on the job and people who drank contaminated water, in addition to lab analyses of animals, have pointed to ties between some PFAS types and human illness.

Industries have phased out two of the most-studied versions of PFAS. Manufacturers say newer forms are safer and don't remain in the human body as long as older types. Some researchers say too little is known about them to be sure of that.

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WHAT DOES THE SCIENCE SAY?

DuPont agreed to a court-supervised public health study after a farmer in Parkersburg, West Virginia, brought a lawsuit blaming runoff from a PFAS facility for the deaths of his cattle. The 2005-2013 study monitored and tested nearly 70,000 people who had been drinking water tainted with PFOA, one of the two kinds of PFAS since phased out of production.

The study found "probable links" between high levels of PFOA in the body and excessive cholesterol levels, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular and kidney cancer, and problems in pregnancies.

The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry said last year that medical studies pointed to "associations" between the industrial compounds and those ailments, and also to liver problems, low birth weight and other health issues.

The federal toxicology report also says EPA's "advisory level" of 70 parts per trillion of PFOA and PFOS - the two older, phased-out versions - in drinking water is too weak. Before the report was released, a White House email disclosed by Politico called it a "potential public relations nightmare."

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HOW WIDESPREAD IS EXPOSURE?

EPA-mandated testing of about 5,000 of the roughly 150,000 public water systems in the U.S. that was completed in 2016 found dangerous levels of the same two PFAS compounds in 66 systems. Local and state testing since then has identified high levels in scores of additional systems.

Contaminated materials are disposed of in landfills and sewage treatment systems. Firefighting foams are sprayed on the ground. The chemicals seep into soil, waterways, sediments and groundwater; some are incinerated, generating air pollution.

Many states aren't waiting for the EPA, particularly regarding groundwater and, more recently, drinking water.

New Jersey and Vermont are among those that have set standards more stringent than the EPA's; New Hampshire may join them.

New York is considering the toughest standard yet. In December, a state drinking water commission recommended a maximum limit of 10 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS. That follows revelations of widespread PFAS contamination in several communities.

Other states are trying to determine the extent of the contamination, according to the National Conferences of State Legislatures. North Carolina lawmakers approved money for monitoring and treatment. Washington state's health department plans to test hundreds of water systems for any trace of the chemicals.

Legislation in other states has proposed things such as banning use of PFAS in food packaging and prohibiting its use in firefighting foam.

Dozens of military installations have been affected. Tests found drinking water contamination exceeding the EPA's health advisory for a lifetime of exposure for two PFAS compounds, PFOS and PFOA.

__

WHAT ABOUT WILDLIFE?

Unsurprisingly, the chemicals have turned up in a variety of wildlife species, including fish, bald eagles and mink.

Michigan agencies plan to sample a variety of wild game, such as ducks and other waterfowl, for the chemicals. They already test fish and deer. The state issued a "do not eat" advisory last October for deer taken near a marsh polluted with PFAS - probably from a former Air Force base - after one of the animals registered 5,000 parts per trillion in its body.

Michigan, Minnesota and New Jersey include PFAS chemicals in fish advisories, warning people to limit consumption of such popular game species as bass, walleye and brook trout.

"If it's affecting human beings, it will be affecting wildlife as well," said Cheryl Murphy, a Michigan State University biologist.

The harm to wildlife is unclear, partly because PFAS chemicals don't necessarily accumulate in animals the way other chemicals do, she said. Older, larger fish have higher levels of mercury and PCBs because those contaminants are passed up food chains, from smaller species to bigger ones. But high levels of PFAS are being found in medium-sized fish such as bluegill.

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Casey reported from Concord, New Hampshire, and Flesher reported from Traverse City, Michigan.

FILE - In this Aug. 16, 2017 file photo, a "No trespassing" sign is displayed at an old tannery waste dump used by Wolverine World Wide in Belmont, Mich. Some private wells in the area have tested positive for elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances called PFAS, also called perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs. There's growing evidence that long-term exposure to the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, or PFAS, can be dangerous, even in tiny amounts. The Environmental Protection Agency is looking at how to respond to a public push for stricter regulation of the chemicals, in production since the 1940s. A decision is expected soon. (Neil Blake /The Grand Rapids Press via AP)NEW YORK (AP) - A prominent New York City art dealer once accused by Alec Baldwin of fraud was sentenced to 2 years in prison Thursday for evading over $3 million in federal taxes, a crime that left her rejected in some art circles and saying she feels like a pariah.

Mary Boone, 66, dropped her face into open hands as U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein announced the sentence in a Manhattan courtroom packed with supporters, many of them artists.

Her lawyer had requested home incarceration at most, saying she may have to close Mary Boone Gallery's two Manhattan addresses. Boone said outside court she didn't know whether they would be closed.

In court, Boone apologized, saying she was "very remorseful."

"I feel like a pariah," she said. "My colleagues look at me different."

She pleaded for "a second chance" but said she knew she "will have this scar on me forever and be branded a felon."

Prominent New York City art dealer Mary Boone leaves court in New York, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, after being sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison after admitting she evaded paying over $3 million in federal taxes. (AP Photo/Larry Neumeister)

In announcing the sentence, Hellerstein cited the tax fraud's size and duration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Olga I. Zverovich said a history of mental illness and substance abuse cited by Boone's lawyer was no excuse for her failure to pay over $3 million in taxes.

Boone, she said, paid no taxes in 2009 and 2010 on millions of dollars in revenues and only $335 in taxes in 2011, when she should have paid over $1.2 million.

"It's brazen. It's deliberate. It's expensive and clearly motivated by greed," Zverovich said.

Prosecutors said Boone all but eliminated her taxes in 2011 by using business funds to pay about $1.2 million in personal expenses, including $793,000 to remodel her Manhattan apartment, $120,800 for rent and $300,000 in personal credit card charges.

Prosecutors said Boone fooled her accountant by mischaracterizing personal expenses.

For instance, they said, she called a $500,000 payment to a contractor for apartment remodeling a commission, and she withdrew over $560,000 in cash from gallery accounts from 2009 to 2011, listing them as business payments to a printing company or failing to report them at all.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said in a statement that her personal tax returns "were more a work of impressionism than realism."

"Seemingly in order from afar, the picture Boone painted of her profits, losses, and expenses was, upon closer inspection, a palette of lies and misrepresentations mixed together to avoid paying over $3 million in taxes," he added.

Hellerstein also ordered Boone to provide 180 hours of community service, instructing high school teachers in New York City in the arts and helping expand art education programs to underprivileged youths.

Restitution of $3.09 million to the IRS has already been paid.

Hellerstein ordered her to report to prison May 15, a date requested by Boone's lawyer, Robert Fink, who said she "has to attend to the gallery closing."

Minutes afterward, the lawyer hedged as he spoke to reporters.

"It's not certain," he said. "But the gallery's run by her, nobody else. I don't see how they can function without her."

Baldwin, the actor, in 2017 settled a lawsuit against Boone in which he accused her of fraud involving a Ross Bleckner painting.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Texas' embattled election chief has apologized over an inaccurate list of 95,000 people on the voter rolls flagged as possible non-U.S. citizens, and a Senate committee postponed a vote Thursday on his nomination - a signal his job could be in jeopardy.

Secretary of State David Whitley had previously refused to acknowledge mistakes in the three weeks since his office gave election fraud prosecutors a voter list that included tens of thousands of U.S. citizens who were wrongly flagged .

Whitley was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott but is still awaiting confirmation from the GOP-led Senate. Uproar over the botched rollout has cast rare uncertainty over whether Whitley will survive confirmation.

The voter list was released in January and suggested that of the 95,000 possible noncitizens on the Texas voter rolls, as many as 58,000 may have illegally cast ballots since 1996. President Donald Trump seized on the reports out of Texas to renew unsubstantiated claims of rampant voter fraud, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose office prosecutes election fraud cases, sent a campaign fundraising email to supporters with the headline, "VOTER FRAUD ALERT."

In a letter to lawmakers sent late Wednesday, Whitley said his office "could have been communicated better" and that "more time should have been devoted" to vetting the names.

"I recognize this caused some confusion about our intentions, which were at all times aimed at maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the voter rolls," Whitley wrote. "To the extent my actions missed that mark, I apologize."

Secretary of State David Whitley, left, arrives for his confirmation hearing, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Austin, Texas, where he addressed the backlash surrounding Texas' efforts to find noncitizen voters on voter rolls. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

The letter was first reported by the Texas Tribune.

The apology went further than Whitley's defense during a rocky two-hour confirmation hearing last week, when he told Senate Democrats that "the data is what the data is." Days prior to the hearing, when asked by an Associated Press reporter whether his office had made mistakes, Whitley responded no.

Whitley's confirmation is in the hands of the Republican-controlled Texas Senate but he will likely need more than GOP votes. Democrats have sharply criticized Whitley but have so far not said they will try to block his nomination.

Texas officials say they matched registered voters against records of noncitizens with state IDs. But they failed to exclude scores of people who legally cast ballots only after becoming U.S. citizens.

The ACLU and other civil and minority rights groups have sued the state in an effort to stop counties from using the list to try identifying noncitizens. The first federal court hearing set for next week.

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Follow Paul j. Weber on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pauljweberLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's habit of booting mayors and county commissioners out of office before their terms end could be in jeopardy under an unusual proposal that would end the state's status as one as one of the nation's most prolific users of recall elections.

Voters have attempted to oust local officials at least 45 times since 2008 - proportionally more than Arizona, California and other states where voters can recall their elected leaders, an analysis by The Associated Press shows. Nebraska ranks sixth nationally in the number of recall elections held over the last decade, adjusting for the state's small population.

That could change this year under a bill in the Legislature that would abolish recall elections. Sen. Curt Friesen, a former mayor, said he introduced it because he believes activists are using recall campaigns to retaliate against officials who make decisions they oppose.

"It's getting to the point that I think it's going to be difficult to get people to run for elected offices," Friesen said. "Every time you make a decision, you're going to be looking over your shoulder."

Nebraska doesn't require any specific grounds for a recall campaign, like 16 other states. Some states only allow recalls for officials accused of neglect, incompetence or unethical behavior. Friesen said he was open to changing the bill so recall elections could only take place for specific reasons.

Recalls in Nebraska are initiated through petition drives. With a few exceptions, circulators usually must gather voter signatures equal to at least 35 percent of the total votes cast for the targeted office in the last election.

In this Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019 photo, courthouse staff in York, Neb., prepare to count the ballots cast in the recall election of Mayor Orval Stahr. Stahr was ousted Tuesday in a recall campaign that accused him of violating the trust of city department heads and neglecting the city's interests. Nebraska ranks sixth nationally in the number of recall elections held over the last decade, adjusting for the state's small population. Under a bill proposed by Neb. State Sen. Curt Friesen voters will lose the power to boot Nebraska mayors, county commissioners or school board members out of office before their terms end. Friesen says frequent recall elections in Nebraska could discourage good candidates from seeking public office. (Melanie Wilkinson/The York News-Times via AP)

Friesen said his bill was inspired by a successful recall campaign against Hamilton County Commissioner Gregg Kremer, who faced intense criticism from local union officials for leading an effort to end the county's management of a local ambulance service. Kremer lost his seat on Tuesday.

Aurora resident Tanner Greenough, a former Hamilton County paramedic, alleged in the campaign that Kremer was biased in favor of privatizing the service even though the public didn't want it to be done. Kremer said the recall effort was a personal attack.

In the nearby city of York, Mayor Orval Stahr was also ousted Tuesday in a recall campaign that accused him of violating the trust of city department heads and neglecting the city's interests.

Stahr denied the accusations. York city officials have been struggling with a major budget crisis that led to tax increases and cuts in services.

Nebraska is one of at least 29 states that allow voters to recall local elected officials, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Wendy Underhill, the group's elections and redistricting director, said none in recent memory have tried to abolish recall elections.

"It is unusual for a state to consider making a change," she said.

The Nebraska bill's prospects are unclear. Some lawmakers said they oppose it because voters should be able to recall elected officials as they see fit.

"If people are unhappy, it gives them an avenue to express their unhappiness," said state Sen. Carol Blood, a former Bellevue City Council member.

Kent Bernbeck, an Omaha businessman and petition-drive activist, said voters should have the right to recall elected officials if they can get enough signatures.

"There are times when somebody steps out of line with policy," he said.

Friesen said senators should allow themselves to be recalled if they believe in the process. Nebraska's law applies to local officials such as mayors, city councilors and school board members, but lawmakers have exempted themselves and other statewide officeholders.

"When you recall good people who are trying to do the right thing, you hurt the system," he said.

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Follow Grant Schulte on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte

FILE- In this Jan. 8, 2018 file photo, Neb. State Sen. Curt Friesen smiles at his desk, in the Legislative Chamber in Lincoln, Neb. Nebraska ranks sixth nationally in the number of recall elections held over the last decade, adjusting for the state's small population. Under a bill proposed by Friesen, voters will lose the power to boot Nebraska mayors, county commissioners or school board members out of office before their terms end. Friesen says frequent recall elections in Nebraska could discourage good candidates from seeking public office. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)NEW YORK (AP) - The nine companies and organizations tasked with servicing the accounts of the nation's 30 million student loan borrowers repeatedly failed to do their jobs properly over a period of years and their regulator neglected to hold them responsible, a new report finds.

The report released Thursday by the Department of Education's independent inspector general's office shows some borrowers weren't getting the guidance and protection they needed as they sought the best plan for paying off their student loans. The nation's student loan debt now stands at $1.5 trillion.

The Inspector General's report focused on the operations of Federal Student Aid, a part of the Department of Education that oversees student loans, from January 2015 to September 2017. FSA also oversees student loan servicers, making sure they are in compliance with their contracts with the federal government.

The report found, in many cases, FSA was not holding student loan servicers accountable when they failed to follow the rules. For example, the report says FSA found a problem at a student loan servicer six out of 10 times the regulator did a formal observation, with some servicers having the same issue repeatedly. Instead of ordering changes at the servicers, FSA often let the company off with a slap on the wrist.

"In most cases ... FSA did not take actions stronger than correcting the accounts of those affected (and) rarely did the FSA require the servicer to conduct a full file review," the report said. "FSA also rarely penalizes servicers for recurring noncompliance."

In its response to the inspector general, the FSA disagreed with the report's conclusions but agreed to follow its recommendations.

FILE- In this Oct. 23, 2018, file photo, students walk on the campus of Miami Dade College, in Miami. The nine companies and organizations tasked with servicing the accounts of the nation's 30 million student loan borrowers repeatedly failed to do their jobs properly over a period of years and their regulator neglected to hold them responsible, a new report finds. The report released Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, by the Department of Education's independent Inspector General's office shows some borrowers weren't getting the guidance and protection they needed as they sought the best plan for paying off their student loans. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

"We fundamentally disagree with the (Inspector General's) assertion that we do not have processes and procedures in place to ensure loan servicing vendors provide high-quality, compliant service to borrowers," said Liz Hill, a spokeswoman for the Department of Education. "That said, we also are continuously looking for ways to improve."

The federal government does not manage student loans on its own. FSA outsources student loan accounts to a handful of private companies and state-run loan authorities. Navient, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Nelnet Servicing and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency are the largest. The companies are paid a monthly fee per account and are responsible for making sure borrowers pay on time, and that the borrower is in the correct repayment plan.

In its report, the inspector general highlighted two recurring problems in particular: Loan servicer representatives failed to inform borrowers of all their repayment options and they miscalculated a borrower's monthly payments under certain types of repayment plans.

"The report makes clear that the issues borrowers have been facing in the student loan market are far more pronounced and more significant than we even realized," said Seth Frotman, president of the Student Borrower Protection Center and a former government official who oversaw student loans at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Under its contracts with the servicers, FSA can penalize them in cases of noncompliance. But investigators found FSA only required servicers to return $181,000 in revenue for failing to properly handle student loans. In its response to the Inspector General, FSA said the financial penalties have grown to $2 million since September 2017. The Inspector General noted that amount is still a fraction of the $1.7 billion FSA paid student loan servicing companies between 2018 and 2019 for managing loan accounts.

The Inspector General's report concludes that FSA's pattern of not holding student loans servicers to account may have "harmed students" and may have hurt taxpayers because student loans servicers were paid for services they provided poorly.

"FSA's not holding servicers accountable could lead to servicers being paid more than they should have (and) borrowers might not have been protected from poor services," the report says.

One servicer, Navient, has been sued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and five states on allegations that the company failed to put borrowers into the correct repayment plans. But the report found that all nine companies monitored by FSA failed to some degree to properly advise borrowers.

The inspector general looked at two months of call records: April and May 2017. In those months, Navient was among the better performers of all the servicers, receiving a failing grade on fewer than 1 percent of calls in both months. In a statement, Navient said, "This report shows that Navient had among the highest compliance rates."

Navient also said it refutes conclusions made in the inspector general's report that it sometimes fails to inform borrowers about all their repayment options, a critique also made in an earlier report from the FSA.

Some servicers were worse than others. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Authority, which is known better as FedLoan Servicing, was given failure ratings on 10.6 percent of its calls that FSA monitored in April 2017. The next month was no better, with FSA given a failure rating to 8.6 percent of the authority's monitored calls.

A spokesman for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Authority was not immediately available for comment.

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AP Education Reporter Collin Binkley contributed to this report from Boston.

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Ken Sweet covers banks, student loans and other financial issues for The Associated Press. Follow him on Twitter at @kensweet.GENEVA (AP) - Swiss authorities said Thursday they have indicted a woman who allegedly persuaded dozens of people to provide their online banking details over the phone from the Netherlands.

Federal prosecutors said the woman managed to use the banking details to steal more than 2 million Swiss francs ($1.98 million) between March 2016 and July 2018.

Prosecutors said about 50 people fell victim to the scam, known as "voice phishing." They provided no further details on how she managed to sweet talk her victims into divulging their details.

They said the woman, who was not identified, was working with an "internationally active group" that also used spam emails in the scheme.

She was among two people arrested in the Rotterdam area last June. Dutch authorities extradited the woman to Switzerland.

The scam involved emails purporting to be from banks being sent to people who then "logged into" a fake banking website. Those details were then transmitted to the culprits, who then sent another email to the customers asking them to read out security numbers over the phone.

Andre Marty, a spokesman for the Swiss attorney general's office, said prosecutors were urging people not to provide their banking details in response to emails or phone calls.

___

Associated Press writer Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report.Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on July 11, 2018

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have postponed a planned meeting Thursday in Moscow for talks on Iranian military activity in Syria, an Israeli official said.

The two leaders would speak by phone on Thursday instead, the official said on condition of anonymity Wednesday, adding that a new date for the meeting would be set as soon as possible.

It was described as a postponement of several days.

The official gave no reason for the postponement, but Israeli media said it was related to Netanyahu's strategizing with allied right-wing parties for April 9 elections ahead of a Thursday deadline for electoral lists to be submitted.

Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov told Russian state news agency Ria Novosti that the meeting was postponed due to Israeli internal political reasons.

The meeting would have been their first extensive face-to-face talks since a friendly fire incident in September that led to a Russian plane being downed by Syrian air defences during an Israeli raid, which angered the Kremlin.

Netanyahu and Putin, who have spoken by phone several times since the incident, met in Paris in November on the sidelines of World War I commemorations.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria against what is says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets, and the Jewish state and Russia have set up a "de-confliction" hotline to avoid accidental clashes.

Netanyahu has pledged to stop Israel's main enemy Iran from entrenching itself militarily in the neighbouring country.

Both Russia and Iran are allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and have helped his forces inflict numerous defeats on rebels and jihadists.US President Donald Trump said he's in "no rush" for results on North Korea denuclearization

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that while he hoped his next meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would yield much progress, he was also in "no rush" for results.

"I'd like to see ultimately denuclearization of North Korea," he told reporters, just over a week out from the February 27-28 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam.

"I think that North Korea and Chairman Kim have some very positive things in mind and we'll soon find out, but I'm in no rush," he said, adding that sanctions were continuing in the meantime.

"I hope that positive things are going to happen. I think it'll be a very exciting couple of days."

At their landmark summit in Singapore last year, the mercurial US and North Korean leaders produced a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work toward "the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."

But progress has since stalled, with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Trump, who spoke on Tuesday with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in, said he would do the same on Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

A State Department statement meanwhile said the US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun was traveling to Hanoi in preparation for the summit.Bo Burnham (L), pictured during a discussion of his film "Eighth Grade" at the Beverly Hills WGA Theater in July 2018, was an upstart winner for his first-time feature

"Eighth Grade," a first-time feature about an introverted teen's school experience, won surprise top honors at the Writers Guild of America Awards Sunday, a week before Hollywood's award season climaxes with the Oscars.

Bo Burnham's comedy-drama took the prize for Original Screenplay, beating out "Green Book," "Vice" and "Roma" -- whose screenplays are all nominated for Oscars -- as well as "A Quiet Place."

Burnham was also an upstart winner earlier this month at the Directors Guild of America awards where "Eighth Grade" won for best first-time feature.

In another upset, the top prize for Adapted Screenplay went to "Can you Ever Forgive Me?" written by Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty about a biographer who turns to a life of crime.

Melissa McCarthy plays Lee Israel, the writer whose memoir is the basis for the film of the same name.

Holofcener and Whitty, who are nominated for an Oscar, beat out "BlacKkKlansman" and "A Star is Born" -- also contending for Hollywood's biggest prize in the adapted screenplay category next week -- as well as "Black Panther and "If Beale Street Could Talk."

Best documentary screenplay went to "Bathtubs Over Broadway." Ozzy Inguanzo and Dava Whisenant won for their chronicle of "Late Show with David Letterman" writer Steve Young's fascination with corporate musicals produced only for company employees.

In the television category, FX's "The Americans" won for best drama, while Prime Video's "The Marvelous Mrs Maisel" took the comedy prize and HBO's "Barry" topped the New Series category.

The WGAs are one of Hollywood's last major prize giving ceremonies ahead of the Academy Awards.

They are not considered as reliable a predictor of Oscars glory as the other guilds' prizegiving nights, as members can only shortlist scripts written under WGA guidelines or those of several international partners.Activists protested in Bangladesh after the grisly 2015 murder of atheist blogger Avijit Roy. Police said on Monday they had charged siux people with his killing

Six people have been charged with the gruesome murder four years ago of a controversial atheist blogger, Bangladesh police said Monday.

Avijit Roy, a Bangladesh-born US national, was hacked to death on a busy road outside Dhaka University in February 2015. His wife was critically injured in the attack.

Police investigators said 11 of the 12 militants from the outlawed Ansar al Islam group implicated in the murder took part in the street killing.

"Six people have been charged over the murder of Avijit Roy. Of the six, two are on the run," Dhaka police spokesman Masudur Rahman told AFP.

A sacked army major who masterminded the attack was one of those still on the loose, Rahman said, adding police could not identify the other five involved.

One suspect was killed by police in a crackdown that followed the murder.

Roy, who migrated to the United States two decades ago, was known in Bangladesh for his Mukto-Mona (Free-mind) blog, where he railed against all forms of organised religion.

One of his books, "The Virus of Faith", became a controversial bestseller in Bangladesh, which is officially secular even though 90 per cent of the population is Muslim.

Ansar al Islam has been accused of the 2013-14 murders of atheist and secular bloggers and gay activists that prompted many to flee the country.

The government launched a crackdown on Ansar and other radical groups after an attack on a Dhaka cafe in July 2016 left 18 foreigners dead.

Nearly 100 extremists have since been killed by police while hundreds have been arrested.Most Taiwanese deported to China are involved in lucrative boiler room style phone scams whose victims tend to be mainland Chinese

Taiwan hit out at Spain on Monday after two Taiwanese fraud suspects were deported to China over objections from the government in Taipei and human rights groups.

Returning Taiwanese criminals to China has become a major source of friction between Beijing and Taiwan -- and illustrates the island's isolated diplomatic status.

Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau says more than 400 Taiwanese fraud suspects arrested abroad have been deported to China since April 2016.

Most are caught operating lucrative boiler room style phone scams whose victims tend to be mainland Chinese.

Beijing views self-ruling Taiwan as a breakaway part of its territory.

Since the election of Taiwan's China-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, it has begun insisting scammers should be deported to the mainland, where they often serve lengthy sentences.

Analysts say the policy is designed to pressure Taipei which has condemned the deportations as "abductions".

But Taiwan -- which is only diplomatically recognised by 17 countries -- has often found itself powerless to persuade countries over the clout of China.

On Monday Taiwan's foreign ministry said it had "expressed grave concerns and strong regret" after Spain deported a pair of Taiwanese suspects to the mainland on Friday.

The move, it said, "disregards China's human rights conditions".

The two suspects were part of 219 Taiwanese arrested in Spain in 2016 on fraud charges.

Madrid had previously vowed to return the Taiwanese passport holders to the Chinese mainland.

Spanish lawyers and local rights groups fought in the courts to halt the deportations.

But in May 2018 two suspects were deported, a move which the UN's human rights watchdog said contravened Madrid's international commitments not to return people to places where they face torture, forced labour or the death penalty.

It is unclear how many of the group of 219 have since been deported to mainland China.

In recent years more than 2,000 Taiwanese fraud suspects have been arrested in more than a dozen countries.

Beijing has justified its demands that the suspects be deported to the mainland rather than Taiwan because the majority of the phone fraud victims are mainland Chinese.India insists Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav, a former navy officer, was not a spy and that he was kidnapped in Pakistan

India will on Monday renew its bid to persuade international judges to take an alleged spy off death row in Pakistan, in a controversial court case as fresh bloodshed in Kashmir sends tensions between the neighbours soaring.

Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav, a former Indian navy officer, was arrested in the restive southwestern Pakistani province of Baluchistan in March 2016 on charges of espionage and sentenced to death by a military court.

India insists Jadhav was not a spy and that he was kidnapped in Pakistan. New Delhi is asking that the International Court of Justice order Islamabad to annul the sentence, according to in court documents.

The country's lawyers will on Monday renew their arguments on their broader case for Jadhav's release before the ICJ, which in 2017 ordered Pakistan to stay Jadhav's execution.

The rare foray into the international courts for the nuclear-armed rivals could be another flashpoint after Thursday's massive suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 41 troops.

Indian troops suffered new losses Monday in a fierce battle with Kashmir militants that left at least seven more dead.

The latest confrontation piled more pressure on the Indian government, which has blamed Pakistan for Thursday's suicide attack on a paramilitary convoy that sparked widespread calls for action against the country's neighbour.

Jadhav was accused of working for the Indian intelligence services in the province bordering Afghanistan, where Islamabad has long accused India of backing separatist rebels.

After a closed trial he was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on April 10, 2017, on charges of "espionage, sabotage and terrorism".

- 'Release forthwith' -

India accused Islamabad of violating the Vienna Convention by failing to provide him with consular access, as well as breaking human rights law.

If Pakistan does not quash Jadhav's death sentence, Islamabad should be found in violation of international law and treaties, and be told to "release the convicted Indian national forthwith", India said.

Islamabad reacted coolly to the ICJ's urgent order to stay Jadhav's execution at the time, saying it "has not changed the status of commander Jadhav's case in any manner".

The ICJ's decision will likely come months after this week's hearings.

The death row spy case comes as the troubled ties between India and Pakistan risked taking a dangerous new turn following the Kashmir unrest.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned last week that Pakistan would pay a "heavy price" after local media reported that the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed Islamist group claimed responsibility for Thursday's bombing.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947 with both countries, which have fought three wars, claiming it as their own.

India and Pakistan also routinely accuse each other of sending spies into their countries and it is not uncommon for either nation to expel diplomats accused of espionage, particularly at times of high tension.

Death sentences however have been rarely issued in recent years.(Image source from: Telugubullet.com)

Nani And Koratala Siva To Team Up?:- Top director Koratala Siva is on a break and is penning the script of his next film that will feature Megastar Chiranjeevi in the lead role. The regular shoot commences during the second half of this year once Megastar wraps up his work for Syeraa. As the project got delayed, Koratala Siva is busy penning new scripts and started working on them. He even is keen on producing films along with his friend Sudhakar Mikkilineni on Yuva Sudha Arts banner.

Koratala Siva recently met Nani and narrated him an interesting script. Impressed with the content, Nani gave his nod and the film starts next year once Koratala Siva and Nani turns free from their current committments. The top director will now draft the script and will narrate it to Nani. The actor recently completed the shoot of Jersey that will release during summer this year. Nani started Vikram Kumar's film and he will soon work with Mohankrishna Indraganti for his next.The shooting occurred on the edge of New Orleans' historic French Quarter, where people are pictured riding a horse-drawn carriage

A gunbattle between police and a suspect on the edge of New Orleans' French Quarter tourism district left five bystanders wounded Sunday evening, police said.

Police shot and killed the suspect during the incident, which occurred almost two weeks before the Louisiana city's renowned Mardi Gras festival.

All of those injured were at a bus stop and one was left in critical condition, New Orleans Police Chief Shaun Ferguson told reporters.

Ferguson said officers tried to question a man in connection with recent robberies when he pulled a weapon and opened fire at Canal and Elk streets.

The police shot back, "causing a gunfire exchange" that left the five "innocent bystanders" injured, said the chief.

Gunfire continued down Elk street toward Tulane Avenue where the gunman shot at a police officer, who returned fire at the suspect, who died later in hospital, Ferguson said.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and an independent monitor were called in to investigate, he added.

It was the latest case to highlight the prevalence of firearms in the United States, where guns were linked to more than 40,000 deaths in 2017.

On Friday on the outskirts of Chicago a US man being sacked from his job shot dead five co-workers at a factory. He also wounded five police officers before being gunned down himself.Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reviews a guard of honour at the Pakistan Prime Minister's House in Islamabad. Pakistan has rolled out the red carpet for the Saudi royal in exchange for economic deals worth over $20 billion

Pakistan will confer its highest civilian honour on the Saudi crown prince on Monday, a day after he signed investment deals worth $20 billion on the first stop of an Asian tour clouded by his alleged role in the grisly murder of a dissident journalist.

President Arif Alvi will award Mohammad bin Salman the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), the foreign office said in a statement, before the crown prince leaves the country for his next stop, Islamabad's arch-rival India.

Pakistan is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the huge deals signed over the two-day visit -- seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding -- will boost its struggling economy.

The tour coincides with a spike in regional tensions: India and Saudi Arabia's arch-rival Iran -- both bordering Pakistan -- have accused Islamabad of backing militant groups which have carried out bloody suicide attacks on their soil in recent days.

Hours ahead of the crown prince's arrival Sunday, Pakistan dismissed Delhi's accusations as "well-rehearsed tactics from (the) Indian playbook after such incidents in the past".

The crown prince, widely known as "MBS", got a warm welcome in Pakistan, including a 21-gun salute and an honour guard.

He is staging the visit just five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

The Saudis, after initially denying any knowledge of Khashoggi's disappearance, finally acknowledged that a team killed him inside the consulate, but described it as a rogue operation that did not involve the crown prince.

Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and tarnished the crown prince's reputation.

Analysts have said the tour is part of a Gulf pivot to rising Asia as a growing oil market, but also a timely demonstration to the West that MBS is not an international pariah.

The crown prince's tour is expected to finish with two days in China on Thursday and Friday.This decades-old Murray cod was among millions of fish which died in mass kills in December and January in the Darling river

The viability of a key river that feeds into Australia's biggest water system is under threat if poor conditions that killed millions of fish are not improved within six months, scientists warned Monday.

The management of the Murray-Darling River system, which stretches thousands of kilometres across several states and supplies Australia's food bowl, has been under close scrutiny following three mass fish deaths in December and January.

Authorities said millions of fish died in the Darling River events, blamed on low water flow and oxygen levels in the river as well as possibly toxic algae.

Leading scientists who studied the three bouts of kills said that while a severe drought plaguing inland eastern Australia contributed to the deaths, there were also "serious deficiencies in governance and management" of the river network.

"Our review of the fish kills found there isn't enough water in the Darling system to avoid catastrophic outcomes," said Craig Moritz, chair of the independent expert panel commissioned by the opposition Labor Party to investigate the deaths.

He said an analysis of rainfall and river flow data over recent decades points to "excess water extraction upstream" in the agricultural regions of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) states.

If urgent steps are not taken within six months to increase the flow of water, the expert report said, the "viability of the Darling" as well as the communities that depend on it for their livelihoods would be under threat.

Authorities in 2014 launched a vast Murray-Darling Basin Plan to manage water sharing and usage along the length of the system, which runs through five states and territories.

Last month a Royal Commission launched by South Australia state accused officials of "maladministration", "negligence" and "unlawful" actions in implementing the plan.

Environmental activists and many residents living along the lower reaches of the Murray-Darling system have put much of the blame on abusive water extraction for irrigation by agribusinesses, including major cotton farms in Queensland and NSW.

But officials of Australia's conservative federal government have focused on the impacts of prolonged drought and an unprecedented heat wave during this southern summer as the primary causes of low water flow in the Darling River.

Federal Environment Minister Melissa Price said Monday that "significant rainfall" was needed to alleviate the poor water quality and that release of more water into the system from upstream dams would not improve the conditions.Indian government forces have launched a massive hunt for militants in parts of Indian-administered Kashmir just four days after a suicide bomber killed 41 paramilitaries in the troubled territory

At least four soldiers died Monday in a fierce gunfight with rebels in Indian-administered Kashmir just four days after a suicide bomber killed 41 paramilitaries in the troubled territory, officials said.

One soldier and one civilian were also critically wounded in the shootout as troops launched a search operation in Pulwama district where the suicide bomber struck on Thursday.

"Four soldiers were killed during the shootout and another one is injured," a senior police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The official said the soldiers fired warning shots and the militants fired back, unleashing the firefight in the district 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the main city of Srinagar.

The official added that the rebels were believed to have escaped.

Government forces have launched a massive hunt for militants in parts of the disputed region since Thursday's bombing that India has blamed on Pakistan.

An explosives-packed van rammed a convoy transporting 2,500 security forces in the deadliest attack in Kashmir in 30 years.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947. Both countries, which have fought two wars over the territory, claim all of Kashmir.

Tens of thousands of people, mainly civilians, have died in Kashmir since an armed rebellion broke out in 1989.Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki hopes an Academy Award will not only complete her film's impressive harvest of distinctions but also boost its impact at home

For Lebanon's Nadine Labaki, whose social-realist epic "Capernaum" is an Oscar contender for best foreign film, the toughest battle is only just beginning.

Her heart-wrenching story of poverty and survival in Beirut's wretched underclass won a 15-minute standing ovation and the Jury Prize in Cannes last year.

A former election candidate in Beirut, Labaki now hopes an Academy Award will not only complete the film's impressive harvest of distinctions but also boost its impact at home.

"So the conversation is starting now and that was my aim, to create this shock, and to create this debate," Labaki told AFP in her Beirut office.

The 45-year-old has arguably become Lebanese culture's most prominent export and she is bent on making good use of her growing celebrity.

"I feel it like a duty, it's not a choice even, and this is what we're going to start doing, very, very soon: show the film to the government and organise these round tables with judges and lawyers," she said.

"Maybe it's going to have a big influence and maybe it won't, but we have to try," Labaki said.

The film has already changed the lives of its cast members, many of whom were experiencing the same struggles as their characters during the gruelling six-month shoot.

"Capernaum" follows the travails of Zain, a malnourished boy who runs away from his family when his 11-year-old sister Sahar is sold into marriage.

He is sheltered by an undocumented African worker named Rahil and ends up looking after her baby boy Yonas when she is arrested and jailed.

The parallels between the film's script and what happened to the actors in real life are uncanny.

- 'No make believe' -

Baby Yonas's on-screen and real-life mothers were arrested together during filming and both were in jail when the scenes of the two children being left to their own devices in the streets of Beirut were being shot.

In the film, Zain keeps dreaming that he will one day escape his misery and move to Sweden.

The Syrian refugee child who plays Zain's character was recently resettled by the United Nations in Norway, where he now lives with family in a house overlooking the sea.

"I don't know why those things kept happening, maybe because the script was inspired by so much reality that it was actually bound to happen," Labaki said.

Zain is now going to school as are his parents as well as several other of the film's children.

Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki is bent on making good use of her growing celebrity

Capernaum has already achieved new milestones for Lebanese cinema and received glowing endorsements from media mogul Oprah Winfrey and others.

Some critics however argued the film was unsubtle in rubbing the viewer's nose in social squalor, telling the audience when to smile and when to cry.

But restraint, Labaki retorts, is just not in her culture.

"It's as if people, especially critics, want all cinemas coming from all parts of the world to look the same way," she said. "Let each country bring its own identity."

"It's really very hurtful to hear words like 'poverty porn' or 'emotional manipulation'," Labaki said. "Especially when there's no big make believe in the film, everything that is in the film is a reality."

The activist in her wanted to jolt her audience into action and mobilise decision-makers in Lebanon, a country where Syrian refugees account for a quarter of the population but where faith in the government is rock-bottom.

"People come to me in tears, people say 'You changed me forever', 'I'm not looking at the child I see under the bridge every day in the same way', 'I want to do something about it', 'How can we help?'," Labaki said.

She said an Oscar on February 24 would further increase her chances of making a difference.

"Why do we use the word influencers? A celebrity is an influencer whether they like it or not, so they need to use this influence in the best way possible."More than two million women a year have abortions in Pakistan

Pregnant, desperate, and poor, Pakistani mother Zameena faced a stark choice: risk her life by having a secret abortion, or risk her life bearing her husband a sixth child.

In the end, she opted for the former, one of more than two million women a year to do so in a country where religious leaders are critical of family planning measures and there is a lack of sex education and access to contraception.

Almost half of all pregnancies in Pakistan -- around 4.2 million each year -- are unplanned and around 54 percent of those end in termination, according to a report by US research firm Guttmacher Institute.

"Three years ago, when my daughter was born, the doctor told me that I should stop having babies because it would be bad for my health," said Zameena, using an assumed name, from her home in the northwest city of Peshawar.

"But whenever I say that to my husband, he tells me to trust God," the 35-year-old added. "My husband is a religious man... he wants to have a line of sons."

Decades ago, a family planning campaign with the slogan "do bache hi ache" or "two children is good" was rejected by religious leaders as well as nationalists who wanted a bigger population to rival the 1.2 billion people in neighbouring India.

Today with a population of around 207 million, Pakistan's baby boom is stretching resources beyond capacity and experts warn of trouble ahead.

Zameena said she frequently suggested to her husband that they practice family planning, but he refused.

"My mother-in-law had nine kids," said Zameena. "When I complain to my husband that I can't have more babies, he answers: 'If my mother didn't die, you should also stay alive'."

Abortion is allowed in Pakistan if the health of the mother is in danger. But many doctors invoke their Muslim faith and refuse to carry them out.

As a result, some women abort illegally and authorities largely turn a blind eye to the situation.

The preferred method is by ingesting Misoprostol, an over-the-counter drug used to treat ulcers, which causes the expulsion of the embryo. It can also cause serious complications for the mother.

NGO Aware Girls counsels those who call its hotline on how such drugs should be used safely and when to seek emergency or professional treatment at a clinic.

"Most of us know women who have died of an abortion," said Aware Girls co-founder Gulalai Ismail.

- 'Willing to do anything' -

Zameena was one of the lucky ones -- she knew where to go for help once she decided to terminate her latest pregnancy.

At the other end of the Aware Girls hotline, counsellor Ayeesha reassured and advised her on what medicines to take and in which dosage.

They insist that women must never be alone when they attempt such procedures.

"My work saves women's lives. When they call, they are willing to do anything to have an abortion," explained the 26-year-old.

Ayeesha estimated that she fields around 350 calls a month. Most women who contact the NGO know very little about contraception. Access to condoms, the most well known option, is limited and even when they can be bought, it requires the man to agree.

In Pakistan, religious leaders are critical of family planning measures and there is a lack of sex education and access to contraception

According to official statistics, only around 35 percent of Pakistani women use any form of non-abortive birth control despite them being inexpensive.

Birth control pills cost just 20 rupees (0.12 euro), for example, while an IUD is available for 400 rupees (2.5 euros).

But population control is a controversial issue in Pakistan, where large families are prized.

"Authorities have not been able to make this issue an emergency for Pakistan. It is all rhetoric and political gibberish," says Dr Haroon Ibrahim of the family planning NGO Greenstar,

Zeba Sathar, a demographer in charge of another NGO, the Population Council, branded the nation's negative attitude to contraception a "systemic failure".

- 'Women are dying' -

Prime Minister Imran Khan in December acknowledged the lack of political will on the issue and promised pro-contraception campaigns using the media, cell phones, schools and mosques.

"The mullahs have a key role to play," he insisted.

But the Council of Pakistani Islamic Ideology, a religious body which advises the government, says otherwise, insisting that family planning is against Islam.

"The birth control campaign at the government level should be immediately stopped and the birth control program should be removed from the economic planning," the council told AFP.

The charity Marie Stopes, whose clinics provide post-abortion care, has profiled a typical client in Pakistan: aged in her thirties, married at 18, she is poor, uneducated and already has three children.

Such women approach the agency when backstreet abortions go wrong.

"Women are just dying... for the lack of knowledge," said Xaher Gul, an executive at Marie Stopes.

In 2012, the year of their last study, the Guttmacher Institute estimated there were 2.25 million abortions in Pakistan with 623,000 women treated for post-abortion complications.

"We have failed women in this country," warned Hassan Mohtashami, former head of the United Nations Development Programme in Pakistan.

He added: "Abortion is not a family planning method."Istanbul officials are increasing efforts to ensure the good health of street animals

Concerned for the health of a black cat roaming around the university campus where she works, Mevlude dropped off the feline at the veterinary clinic for street animals run by the Istanbul municipality.

Visitors to the Turkish city, who admire its centuries-old mosques and Ottoman palaces, are often surprised to see cats and dogs making themselves at home on the streets, and watch them taking the best seats in cafes and restaurants without a care for the world.

Like Mevlude, many Istanbul residents try to help these four-legged friends in their neighbourhood, putting out bowls of food and offering shelter by their doors or windows.

Now Istanbul officials are increasing efforts to ensure the good health of the street animals, and thereby of the residents who come into contact with them.

That care can be seen at the "Vetbus", where Mevlude brought the black cat because one of its eyes had been closed for several days.

The bus is a mobile clinic stationed for several days in different neighbourhoods around the Turkish metropolis.

"We often get in touch with the municipality when we see animals who are in need of care," Mevlude said, once reassured over the cat's health whose eyes were now wide open.

The "Vetbus" is a mobile clinic stationed for several days in different neighbourhoods around the Turkish metropolis

"People generally bring the animals that they take care of... so that they are given anti-parasite" treatment, said Nihan Dincer, a veterinarian working for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB).

And "because people are in constant contact with them, they are also protected", she added.

- Islamic tradition -

In Istanbul, as well as the mobile clinic, there are six health centres

The attention given by Istanbul residents to caring for street animals partly "comes from the Islamic tradition, and part of it... comes from the structuring of the public space in the Ottoman Empire," Mine Yildirim, a doctoral candidate at the New School for Social Research in New York, said.

In Ottoman times, people moved between home, the mosque and the market. The streets were the space for the dogs, the researcher said.

Then in the early 20th century there were extermination policies like in the West, and even in the 1990s city officials would put poison on the streets to kill animals, said Yildirim, coordinator of the collective "Dort Ayakli Sehir" (Four-legged City).

But an animal protection law passed in 2004 forced municipalities to take care of street animals.

In Istanbul, as well as the mobile clinic, IBB maintains six health centres.

The aim is to vaccinate, sterilise and take care of around 130,000 dogs and 165,000 cats who live on the streets, according to the municipality.

The animals, fitted with a microchip, are then taken back to where they were found, except those which are adopted by individuals during their stay at the health centres.

Due to the development of these services, the municipality has cared for 73,608 animals in 2018 -- that compares with only 2,470 back in 2004.

There hasn't been a single case of rabies in Istanbul since 2016, according to the municipality which employs 100 veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

An animal protection law passed in 2004 forced municipalities to take care of street animals

While the municipality refused to say how much the services cost, Agriculture and Forests Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said last month that his ministry has provided 31 million Turkish lira (around $6 million) of support to local authorities across Turkey for the care of street animals between 2009 and 2018.

"If people knew how much money was spent on these services, maybe people would be more upset, but these figures are not disclosed," Yildirim commented.

- Puppies -

Animals living on Istanbul's streets are often well fed but in the forests surrounding the city there is little food available

While animals living on Istanbul's streets are often well fed, in the forests surrounding the city, "animals don't have a place to feed themselves," Umut Demir, also a veterinarian at IBB, said during a patrol in Belgrade Forest on Istanbul's European side.

So around a tonne of food is distributed each day by vans dispatched full of dry food, towards which dogs come running after hearing the horn.

Once examined and chipped, dogs are put up for adoption and their picture displayed in the Vetbus

According to Tugce Demirlek, chief veterinarian at Sultangazi district health centre, the fact that the animals are well fed and cared for ensures that they are calm and limits any aggressive behaviour.

But the number of dogs has remained fairly stable in the past few years despite sterilisation efforts. "We sterilise them systematically, but the animals that we do not catch continue to reproduce," she explained.

Puppies continue to be born every year in Istanbul, like a small golden puppy only 40 days old, that was found alone, whimpering, on the side of a road.

Once examined and chipped, the dog is put up for adoption, its picture displayed in the Vetbus.

One recent afternoon, the puppy attracted a lot of attention, but it still has not found a home.

"We will try our luck again tomorrow," Dincer said.While authorities remain reluctant to bring home adult civilians, Russia has notably pioneered the return of dozens of their children to date

As the end nears for the IS enclave in Syria and the fate of jihadists' family members becomes a prescient issue, Russia can be seen as a pioneer in systematically returning children of Islamist fighters home.

A potential homecoming of the many foreign women who have gone to live in the IS "caliphate" and their children, many of whom were born there, has been a subject of debate in Russia, with some security chiefs seeing them as potential threats.

Earlier this month, 27 children, from four to 13 years old, were flown from Iraq to the Moscow region.

Clutching stuffed toys and bundled in winter jackets, the children were carried off the cargo plane to face the Russian winter after years in the desert.

After health exams, they would be given into the care of their uncles, aunts, and grandparents in the Russian North Caucasus, the majority-Muslim territory in the south of Russia that is home to most of the Russians that had joined the Islamic State group.

Another 30 children were brought back in late December.

"They attend school and kindergarten. Volunteers work with them and talk to them about what they have been through, explaining how they have been indoctrinated," said Kheda Saratova, an advisor to Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who has assumed a central role in the process of repatriating Islamists' relatives.

- An 'honourable' deed -

Russian authorities have given sometimes conflicting figures of returnees. Saratova said that about 200 children have been brought to Russia, but nearly 1,400 are still stuck in Iraq and Syria.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has assumed a central role in the process of repatriating Islamists' relatives

Kadyrov, a longtime Kremlin protege with vast resources, began efforts to bring back fighters' children in 2017. Diplomatic negotiations are often led by Aleppo-born Chechnya senator Ziyad Sabsabi.

Endorsing Kadyrov's efforts, President Vladimir Putin in late 2017 called the drive to return the children "a very honourable and correct deed" and promised to help.

"It's very good for the image of Kadyrov. He seems somebody who doesn't just use violence against terrorists but who builds mosques and hands out humanitarian aid," said Grigory Shvedov, who edits a Caucasus-focused news website Caucasian Knot.

When he began Russia's intervention in Syria in 2015, Putin justified it by the need to kill jihadists before they come to Russia.

Although some regions have tried rehabilitation programmes for Islamic extremists, these have failed to catch on at the national level. Young men who returned from Syria or Iraq and turned themselves in have faced harsh punishment.

This month Russia's Supreme Court confirmed a 16-year-term for a young man who went to Syria as a 19-year-old student and worked as a cook and driver on IS-controlled territory for six months.

- The promise of amnesty -

Returning the wives of jihadists is also complicated by the absence of an extradition agreement between Russia and Iraq, where many have been sentenced, sometimes to life, in prison.

But there is also reluctance by Russia's powerful security services to bring home adult civilians.

FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov in November noted that many women with children exiting conflict zones have been used by jihadists as suicide bombers or recruiters.

"The FSB sees them as dangerous, even though many of these wives purchase their freedom from the Kurds and will eventually return one way or another," said Saratova.

Any affiliation with Islamic State jihadists is a crime, since the group is banned under Russian law.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2017 called the drive to return children "a very honourable and correct deed" and promised to help

"Some sort of amnesty has been promised to many, but it doesn't actually happen," said Shvedov. "They are put on trial, (charges) sometimes trumped up and sometimes real."

Last year, two women returned from Syria to their native Dagestan and were swiftly convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison. The court eventually ruled to delay their time in prison until their children are older.

The children themselves face a difficult reintegration process into life in Russia, a country they barely know, after spending formative years in the "caliphate".

Russian authorities hope that bringing them back into their extended families can minimise risks of radicalisation once they reach adulthood in the Caucasus, a region with a history of Islamic extremism.The Australian government has come under pressure in recent years over its treatment of asylum-seekers who try to reach the country by boat

Australian officials Monday defended awarding lucrative contracts to an obscure firm with a beach shack as its registered office, saying they were in a hurry to find a company to provide services at Pacific refugee camps.

The Singapore-registered Paladin Holdings was awarded more than Aus$420 million (US$300 million) -- about Aus$17 million a month -- in contracts to provide security at three transition centres for refugees on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island.

The operations are part of Canberra's harsh policy of processing asylum-seekers who try to reach Australia by boat at remote offshore Pacific camps, where hundreds of refugees have been stranded for five years.

But questions have been raised about why Paladin was given the contracts after local media reported the firm had little experience, was thinly capitalised and had ties to a senior PNG politician.

The Australian Financial Review said Paladin's registered office in Australia was a beach shack on Kangaroo Island, a sanctuary for native wildlife off the coast of South Australia.

After the reports surfaced last week, Paladin changed its registered address to an office in Canberra, the newspaper said Monday.

Home Affairs officials grilled about the issue at parliamentary hearings Monday said they resorted to a closed tender -- only approaching one firm to bid -- as PNG suddenly pulled out in mid-2017 from plans to manage the process.

With the Australian-run camp due to close by end-October 2017 after a PNG court ruled it was unconstitutional, the officials said they had to act quickly to find a company to manage three replacement transition centres.

Paladin emerged as the main contender as it served as a subcontractor to previous PNG detention service providers, the officials said.

They added that other firms which previously bid for contracts indicated there was too much "noise" over running Canberra's asylum offshore detention facilities.

"We were dealing with an urgent situation," Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo told the parliamentary committee.

Companies involved in managing the contentious camps, including Spanish construction giant Ferrovial, had been under pressure from human rights campaigners to divest from the projects amid reports of abuse and poor conditions.

Ferrovial and other service providers later said they would not tender for future contracts in the wake of the criticism.

Rights activists and refugees have since also complained about conditions in the replacement transition centres.

Attorney-General Christian Porter on Sunday defended the contracts but said reports of links between Paladin and the Manus-based family of a senior PNG politician would "have to be investigated thoroughly".

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, whose portfolio encompasses the offshore detention regime, last week distanced himself from the tender process, saying it was managed by lower-level officials.

PNG Immigration Minister Petrus Thomas said in a statement that his country had no involvement with the awarding of the contracts.Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld CEO and Founder Aaron Muderick, whose company has been hit by US tariffs on raw materials, fears the US-China trade war could also damage his growth prospects in the Chinese consumer market.

The US-China trade war has dealt a glancing blow to American toys, hitting putty and arts and crafts items, while sparing superhero action figures, toy cars and most best-selling offerings.

Yet uncertainty about the trading relationship between Beijing and Washington hangs over this weekend's Toy Fair, dampening the festive mood amidst giant balloon cartoon figures and karaoke cars as some 30,000 industry representatives survey the latest and greatest in play.

China manufactures around 85 percent of the toys and games sold in the United States and is also home to a growing consumer market estimated to overtake the US play market in 2022.

Aaron Muderick, founder of "Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld," a Pennsylvania company, has seen profits hit by US tariffs on raw materials to make his colorful putty and on steel cans, which bear the made in the USA mark.

But Muderick is most worried about losing momentum in the booming Chinese market where he has worked to establish distribution channels and build brand identity.

"We've invested a lot of time and dollars," he told AFP. "If it creates a market where the product is not welcome, where there are retaliatory tariffs that make it impossible for me to reach that consumer, then I lose."

Two children interact with a giant doll during the annual New York Toy Fair, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on February 16, 2019 in New York City.

About 40 Chinese booths are displaying with China Toy & Juvenile Products Association, including companies selling stuffed bears, trampolines, magnetic building blocks and flashing beads.

"Some members feel uncertain, but the business is so far going okay," said the group's president, May Liang in an interview.

Company representatives have reported no drop in interest among their US buyers, said May, who expressed skepticism that the US would impose broad tariffs on toys.

"We believe toys are really consumer-focused especially at holiday season, so we think toys should not be on the tariff list because it will harm consumers.

"But we feel we should closely watch it," she added.

- Bigger tariffs ahead? -

A trip to a US toy store shows the near-ubiquity of "Made in China" on any number of gadgets, games and super hero dolls, but the country's playworld dominance sometimes surfaces in unexpected ways.

For example, youth-oriented books on display by the Quarto Group at Toy Fair about black role models like Nelson Mandela and gay and lesbian icons such as Freddie Mercury were printed in China -- another testament to the country's competitiveness.

The toy industry dodged a bullet last September, when finished toys were left off the list of expanded US tariffs.

Toy Association Chief Executive Steve Pasierb said such broad tariffs look unlikely at this point US President Donald Trump has spoken more optimistically of a trade deal with Beijing.

But "this is a tweet-driven scenario we're in here... so you could see that come back," added Pasierb, whose association, the hosts of Toy Fair, has aggressively lobbied on trade.

Toy industry consultant Richard Gottlieb considers US tariffs on finished toys "highly unlikely" and doesn't expect the current trade conflict to fundamentally change China's position in US toys.

An exhibitor sleeps at a booth in the China Pavillon of the annual New York Toy Fair, at the Jacob K. Javits.

"People think we make it in China to make more money," he said. "The reason is because if we made it America, it would be five times more expensive and people wouldn't buy it."

But the US industry is still worried about Trump administration plans to lift tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on raw materials. That increase was scheduled to take effect March 1, but Trump on Friday reiterated that he could delay the increase if a deal is close.

Companies have mostly eaten the hit from a 10 percent hike, but a 25 percent tariff would be much more painful.

A woman is surrounded by a giant soap bubble during the annual New York Toy Fair, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on February 16, 2019 in New York City.

Putty maker Muderick, for example, saw 2018 profits hit by the tariff on steel but suffered no real hit last year from tariffs on rubber silicone because he bought supply ahead in anticipation of the levy. But he expects more of a profit hit in 2019.

Some toymakers may be in long-term contracts with retailers that lock in price.

"If it goes to 25 percent, companies will go out of business, or they will cut back jobs," said Neil Helfand, an attorney specializing in trade whose clients include toy companies.

- US toymaker rebirth? -

The trade conflict has given impetus to major toy companies to shift more manufacturing to other markets, a trend that was already underway due to rising costs in China.

By 2020, Hasbro plans to source 60 percent of its toys from China, compared with 69 percent in 2018 and 86 percent in 2012, with the company shifting more production to the US, Mexico, Vietnam and India, Hasbro executives said Friday.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have all enjoyed double-digit annual toy manufacturing growth between 2012 and 2017, according to data from Euromonitor International, a market research provider.

Still, those three countries plus Thailand accounted for just nine percent of China's toy output as of 2017, said Euromonitor senior industry analyst Justinas Lasinskas.

Significant additional production is "unlikely" in the United States, "where production would be still more expensive even with the introduced tariffs," Lasinskas added in an email.(Image source from: Instagram.com/faroutakhtar)

So Much Love: Farhan Akhtar And Shibani Holidaying In Mexico:- Bollywood top actor Farhan Akhtar broke up with his wife and is staying single from the past two years. There are strong speculations that he is dating model Shibani Dandekar who is a sensation across social media. The duo has been spotted in several public places and they are said to have been holidaying in Mexico currently. Farhan Akhtar himself took his official social media handle and posted a picture.

Though Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar did not make things official, they have been enjoying holidays across some beautiful locales of the world. Farhan Akhtar is currently busy with The Fakir of Venice, The Sky is Pink which will release this year. Shibani Dandekar is yet to make her debut as an actress but she is creating ripples with her sultry acts across social media.The redeployment from Hodeida is a critical part of a ceasefire deal reached in December in Sweden that calls on the government and Huthis to move forces away from ports and parts of city

Yemen's government and Huthi rebels have agreed on the first phase of a pullback of forces from the key city of Hodeida, in a deal the United Nations described Sunday as important progress.

The redeployment from Hodeida is a critical part of a ceasefire deal reached in December in Sweden that calls on the government and Huthis to move forces away from ports and parts of city.

The fragile truce deal marks the first step toward ending a devastating war that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

Following two days of talks in Hodeida city, the government and Huthis finalized a deal on the first phase of the pullback and also agreed in principle on the second phase, a UN statement said.

The talks were led by Danish General Michael Lollesgaard as chair of a redeployment coordination committee (RCC) that includes the government and the Huthis.

"After lengthy but constructive discussions facilitated by the RCC Chair, the parties reached an agreement on Phase 1 of the mutual redeployment of forces," said the UN statement.

The sides made "important progress on planning for the redeployment of forces" but no date was given to begin the demilitarization.

Members of the Yemeni pro-government forces walk through destruction in an industrial district in the eastern outskirts of the port city of Hodeida in November 2018

"The parties also agreed, in principle, on Phase 2 of the mutual redeployment, pending additional consultations within their respective leadership."

The first phase provides for a pullback from the ports of Hodeida, Saleef, Ras Issa and from parts of the city where there are humanitarian facilities.

Under the Stockholm agreement, the pullback was supposed to have taken place two weeks after the ceasefire went into force on December 18, but that deadline was missed.

- Getting aid into Yemen -

UN envoy Martin Griffiths (c), who brokered the Stockholm deal, is due to report to the Security Council

The United Nations is hoping that a de-escalation in Hodeida will allow desperately-needed food and medical aid to reach millions in need in Yemen.

The Red Sea port is the entry point for the bulk of imported goods and relief aid to Yemen, which the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

A new round is planned within a week to finalize details on the second phase of redeployment, the UN statement said.

The ceasefire and a Hodeida pullback agreed in Stockholm have been hailed as a breakthrough toward ending Yemen's nearly four-year war.

Yemen's rebels have been mired in a war with government forces backed since 2015 by a Saudi-led coalition.

The talks on Saturday and Sunday were the fourth meeting held to try to agree on the modalities of the pullback of forces since the ceasefire came into force on December 18.

The United Nations is also brokering a separate set of talks on an exchange of thousands of prisoners that is seen as a key confidence-building measure in the peace process.

About 10,000 people have been killed in the war, according to figures from the World Heath Organisation, but rights groups say the death toll is much higher

UN envoy Martin Griffiths, who brokered the Stockholm deal, is due to report to the Security Council on Tuesday.

About 10,000 people have been killed in the war, according to figures from the World Health Organization, but rights groups say the death toll is much higher.Libya has been mired in power struggles since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising

Thousands of Libyans took the streets Sunday to mark eight years since the uprising that ousted dictator Moamer Kadhafi, despite chronic political and security crises.

Waving flags and wearing the country's national colours of red, black and green, marchers poured into Tripoli's Martyrs' Square, where the late autocrat once gave speeches, to continue celebrations kicked off the day before.

The day's festivities were filled with fireworks, concerts and music blasted from loudspeakers.

In Benghazi, Libya's second largest city and the "cradle of the revolution", celebrations were dimmer.

Only a few dozen people gathered at the Benghazi court square where the first anti-Kadhafi demonstrations began.

Once a symbol of the uprising, it now lies in ruins, bearing the scars of a war against jihadists launched in 2014.

"This revolution was born in the streets and squares, carried by the youth... but some are trying to steal the dreams and desires of our people for a dignified life," said 32-year-old Benghazi resident Mohamad al-Agouri.

A Libyan man waves the national flag during a gathering in Benghazi to mark years since the uprising that ousted dictator Moamer Kadhafi

Libya has been mired in power struggles since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising, with militias and tribes vying for control of the country's resources.

The oil-rich country is torn between rival administrations, with the UN-backed Government of National Accord based in Tripoli and a parallel body in the east backed by strongman Khalifa Haftar and his self-styled Libyan National Army.

Basic public services are wanting and continued violence and divisions are fuelling uncertainty and desperation, especially among the country's youth.

"I'm impatiently waiting to see Libya stabilise and to be able to live in peace," pharmacist Abdelhamid al-Maghrabi told AFP.

"We've had enough of wars, massacres and destruction," said the father of four.Brady Portenier, a rideer from Caldwell, Indiana, tries to stay on a bull for eight seconds without being thrown

Anyone who doubts that some seconds last a lot longer than others should try riding a bull at the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour in El Paso.

As in all great rodeo classics, the rider has to hang on with just one hand as the bull bucks and kicks.

Australian rider Ben Jones being thrown by a bull named "Party Rock"

Some 25 contestants tried their luck and skill Saturday night in El Paso: the challenge was to ride a bull for at least eight seconds without getting thrown and without touching it with their free hand.

The Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour is named after a four time world bull riding champion, who today is retired.

Australian rider Ben Jones, looking downcast and scuffed up after being thrown by a buill at Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding in El Paso

The competition carries a $30,000 prize and cowboys come from far and wide to participate.

For instance, Ben Jones, who injured his face during the event, is originally from Australia.

- Inseparable from the American West -

Juan Alonzo, a rider from Texas, trained for the rodeo on a wooden barrel while serving in the US Army in Iraq

Juan Alonzo, a Texan, can also testify to the dangers of rodeo. He served in the US army for five years, and while on a tour of duty in Iraq, he trained on a wooden barrel.

The rider grips a leather handle attached to a flat braided rope cinched around the bull. The bulls can weigh a ton.

A bull being lassoed in El Paso's County Colisseum during Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour

Inseparable from the American West and the myth of the cowboy, but in reality owing much to Spanish and Mexican vaqueros, rodeo celebrates balance and resistance to pain.Doctors Without Borders if often known by its French-language acronym of MSF, which stands for Medecins Sans Frontieres

Doctors Without Borders said Sunday it had suspended non-essential work in part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after gunmen abducted two of its local staff there earlier this month.

The agency, known by its French-language acronym of MSF, told AFP it was acting after the February 8 incident in the Masisi health zone in North Kivu province.

"Out of concern over the safety of its teams, Doctors without Borders has decided to cut back its staff on site," said MSF spokeswoman in DR Congo, Francine Kongolo.

"The organisation will nevertheless continue to provide emergency care at Masisi's main hospital," she added.

"This measure comes after the abduction on February 8 of two local MSF agents by unidentified armed men," she added.

Cosmas Kangakolo, administrator in the Masisi territory, told AFP that for him, MSF had taken the action to force local people to better assure the safety of their staff.

Masisi lies some 100 kilometres (60 miles) northwest of North Kivu's provincial capital of Goma.

Armed groups in this troubled province frequently abduct foreigners and Congolese nationals working for aid organisations.

Mineral-rich eastern DR Congo has been torn by armed conflict fuelled by ethnic rivalries and territorial disputes, for more than 20 years.

MSF won the Nobel peace prize in 1999 for providing medical aid in troublespots around the world.Known to Israelis as Kerem Shalom and to Palestinians as the Kerem Abu Salem, the crossing in the south of poverty-hit enclave has been a lifeline for Gazans

Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas took control of the Palestinian side of the enclave's main goods crossing with Israel, the strip's interior ministry and an official news agency said Sunday.

Hamas seized the Gaza Strip in 2007 in a near civil war with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' Fatah party.

But it agreed to hand control of the crossings to the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority in 2017, as part of a since-failed reconciliation attempt between the two parties.

The PA administration at the goods crossing said Sunday that Hamas had "expelled (its) employees and banned them from entering the crossing", the official news agency Wafa reported.

Known to Israelis as Kerem Shalom and to Palestinians as the Kerem Abu Salem, the crossing in the south of poverty-hit enclave has been a lifeline for Gazans, who have lived under a crippling Israeli blockade for more than a decade.

Hamas confirmed PA employees had left the crossing.

Security forces "put in place procedures dictated by security imperatives", Gaza's interior ministry spokesman Iyad al-Bozum said in a statement.

"Palestinian Authority employees at the crossing have refused to cooperate on these procedures for a few days and today we were surprised by their departure," he added.

He said goods continued to pass through the crossing as normal.

The Israeli defence ministry body responsible for Palestinian civil affairs, COGAT, said "trucks were going through" into Gaza as usual.

Last month, Gaza's only crossing with Egypt was partially closed for some 20 days after PA employees withdrew from the border point, accusing Hamas of interference.

Hamas employees quickly retook control of the Rafah crossing, the only way for Palestinians to leave the enclave that bypasses Israel.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, including Hamas, have fought three wars since 2008.

Tensions have risen again since March as Palestinians have gathered at least weekly along the border with Israel for often-violent protests, calling for an end to the blockade.

At least 250 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since then, the majority shot during clashes, though others have been hit by tank fire or air strikes.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period.Le president de RDC Felix Tshisekedi au sommet de l'Union africaine a Addis Ababa le 10 fevrier 2019

DR Congo's recently elected president, Felix Tshisekedi, held talks on Sunday with his predecessor Joseph Kabila on forming a coalition government, a source in Kabila's entourage told AFP.

The talks would open the way to naming a prime minister who would form a coalition government to run the country, a member of Kabila's entourage, who asked not to be identified, said.

Kabila, although no longer president, is head of the majority group in the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The talks were confirmed by the Tshisekedi's office, which said the two men met at the president's residence and "even shared a meal in a family atmosphere".

According to provisional results, Kabila's supporters won 337 out of the parliament's 485 seats in the December 30 election, which took place on the same day as the disputed presidential vote that brought Tshisekedi to power.

Tshisekedi's own Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) only garnered 32 seats in the incoming National Assembly.

The prime minister's post, for the moment, remains vacant until the next government can be formed.

Tshisekedi's election marked DR Congo's first peaceful change of power since its independence from Belgium in 1960.

He took over from Kabila who had held the presidency for 18 years.

The talks on forming a coalition come after the runner-up in the presidential election last week proposed staging the poll again within six months.

In a letter to the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Martin Fayulu restated his allegation that the vote result had been rigged.White House advisor Stephen Miller, seen in a January 2019 meeting behind Donald Trump, says the president's declaration of a national emergency will allow construction of 'hundreds of miles' of border barriers before the 2020 election

A top adviser to Donald Trump said Sunday that the president's emergency declaration could allow "hundreds of miles" of barriers to be built on the Mexican border before the 2020 election.

"You're looking at hundreds of miles," Stephen Miller said on "Fox News Sunday," "probably a couple hundred miles" by September 2020, two months before the election.

Trump has made clear he plans to exploit the issue in his re-election campaign, even amid sharp criticism from Democrats, rights groups, border-state landowners -- and several prominent Republicans.

The president on Friday invoked a "national emergency" to justify tapping military and other funds for barrier construction, after Congress approved less than a fourth the $5.7 billion he had sought for border security.

Miller, echoing Trump's arguments, said that an unsecured border allowed drugs and criminals to pour into the country. He dismissed government statistics showing illegal entries had fallen.

"You cannot have uncontrolled, unsecured areas of the border where people can pour in undetected," he said.

But asked to cite an example of a past president invoking an emergency after being denied funds by Congress, Miller could not do so. "If people don't like that, they can address it," he said.

- An 'imminent' challenge -

Given the near-certainty of legal challenges and of a possible blocking move in Congress, it is far from clear how quickly barrier construction can advance on the 1,950-mile (3,140-kilometer) border.

Xavier Becerra, the attorney general of California, told ABC his state would be filing a lawsuit against the project "definitely, and imminently."

He said California and other states had legal standing in the case because they risked losing moneys intended for military projects, disaster assistance and other purposes. Several states "will be harmed," he said.

Another Democrat, Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, said she thought Congress could pass a resolution to block Trump's action but might not be able to summon the votes to override a likely Trump veto.

Miller stopped just short of predicting a Trump veto, saying simply, "He will protect his national emergency declaration -- guaranteed."

Several Republican senators have decried the emergency declaration, saying it establishes a dangerous precedent and amounts to executive overreach. How they might vote on a resolution is unclear.

But one well-known Republican, former Massachusetts governor William Weld, is even entertaining a 2020 primary challenge to the president.

While his chances would appear slim, he argued Sunday on ABC that Americans cannot afford six more years of a president who "wants to divide the country" and is "reckless" in running up trillion-dollar deficits.

He said the emergency declaration was an example of Trump trying to "make himself seem indispensable," then added, "He's not indispensable at all."Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is running for re-election in polls due in April

Israel said its security cabinet on Sunday decided to withhold $138 million (122 million euros) in tax transfers to the Palestinian Authority over its payments to prisoners jailed for attacks on Israelis.

A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the withheld cash would be equal to that paid by the PA last year to "terrorists imprisoned in Israel, to their families and to released prisoners".

Israel alleges the payments encourage further violence.

The PA says the payments are a form of welfare to the families who have lost their main breadwinner and denies it is seeking to encourage violence.

Many Palestinians view prisoners and those killed while carrying out attacks as heroes in their conflict with Israel. Palestinian leaders often venerate them as martyrs.

Senior Palestine Liberation Organisation official Ahmed Majdalani accused Israel and the United States, which has cut hundreds of millions of dollars in Palestinian aid, of an attempt at blackmail.

US President Donald Trump's White House is expected to release its long-awaited peace plan later this year that the Palestinians believe will be blatantly biased in favour of Israel.

The Palestinians cut off contact with the White House after Trump's 2017 declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

"The occupation government is seeking to destroy the national authority in partnership with the US administration of Donald Trump," Majdalani said in a statement.

- US aid cuts -

The move to withhold the money comes in response to an Israeli law passed last year allowing it to do so.

Israel collects around $127 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports, and then transfers the money to the PA.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu pledged to implement the law after a deadly Palestinian attack on a young woman.

He is running in an election scheduled for April 9, and has been seeking to shore up his security credentials in the eyes of voters ahead of polling day.

Earlier Sunday, Netanyahu said "today I will submit for cabinet approval the (legislation on) deducting of the terrorists' salaries from the Palestinian Authority funds."

"Security officials will brief the cabinet on the scope of the funds. This is an important law which we have advanced, and today we will pass it exactly as I promised."

The $138 million will likely be deducted incrementally over a 12-month period, according to local media reports.

Sponsors of the July law on Palestinian funds wrote at the time that the PA paid around $330 million a year to prisoners and their families, or seven percent of its budget.

It was not clear what caused the reduction in the amount.

The Palestinians have already facing a cut of more than $500 million in annual aid by Trump's administration, mostly to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

The Palestinian Authority also said in January it will refuse all further US government aid for fear of lawsuits over alleged support for terrorism due to a recently passed US law.

Israel has withheld payments in the past, notably in response to the Palestinians' 2011 admission to the UN cultural agency UNESCO as a full member.

The PA, which has limited sovereignty in parts of the occupied West Bank, relies heavily on outside financial aid.

mib-he-cmr-mjs/dvUS military vehicles on patrol in Syria's northern city of Manbij on December 30, 2018

President Bashar al-Assad warned Syria's Kurds Sunday that their ally the United States would not protect them against any Turkish offensive as Washington looks to withdraw it troops.

The US is set to pull out its soldiers from Syria after allied Kurdish-led forces capture the Islamic State group's last holdout in the war-torn country.

Any withdrawal risks leaving the Kurds exposed to a long threatened attack by neighbouring Turkey, which views Kurdish fighters as "terrorists".

"We tell those groups who are betting on the Americans that the Americans will not protect you," Assad said in a televised speech.

"The Americans do not hold you in their heart... They will put you in their pocket so you can be a bargaining chip."

Apart from fighting IS, the Kurds have largely stayed out of Syria's civil war, working towards semi-autonomy in the northeast of the country.

The looming prospect of a US withdrawal, announced in December, has sent them scrambling to rebuild ties with the Damascus regime, but talks so far have failed to reach a compromise.

"If you don't prepare yourselves to defend your country and resist, you will be nothing but a slave to the Ottomans," Assad warned, using a historic term for Turks.

"No one will protect you except your state. No one will defend you except the Syrian Arab army," he said.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which has fought IS with backing from the US-led coalition since 2015, on Sunday met to discuss "the future of relations with the Syrian government".

The SDF stressed the need for Damascus to recognise the "special status" of the Kurdish-Arab alliance, as well as the Kurdish semi-autonomous region.

In a statement, it also expressed a "willingness to solve problems with Turkey through dialogue," based on "mutual respect".

Nearly eight years into a war that has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions, Assad's forces control almost two thirds of the country.

Just two areas remain beyond its control: the jihadist-held northwestern region of Idlib, and around a third of the country under control of Kurdish-led forces.

"Every inch of Syria will be liberated," Assad said in Sunday's speech.Bangladesh has launched a Philippines-style anti-narcotics crackdown that has left nearly 300 dead since May last year

Some 102 Bangladeshi meth dealers have surrendered to authorities at a pre-scheduled ceremony in a coastal town, officials said Saturday, as a Philippines-style anti-narcotics crackdown sows fear among kingpins.

Bangladesh last year launched a "war" on drugs following a proliferation of illegal substances in the South Asian nation of 165 million people, mostly of cheap methamphetamine pills known as "yaba".

Police said 24 yaba "godfathers", as well as lieutenants and peddlers, surrendered to the country's home minister in Teknaf town -- the key gateway for smuggling yaba into the country from Myanmar, where the pills are manufactured by the millions.

The dealers also surrendered 350,000 vanilla-scented, small red yaba pills -- whose name comes from a Thai word meaning "crazy medicine" -- and 30 illegal firearms.

The country's police chief Mohammad Javed Patwary said authorities would advocate for lesser prison sentences for those who had surrendered, and would "assist" them in returning to normal life.

But he promised "harsh upcoming days" for those who had stayed away.

"Those who are in hiding, don't get carried away. You'll not be spared," he told the mass gathering of several thousand locals who came to witness the event.

Teknaf is situated in Cox's Bazar district -- home to around a million Rohingya refugees -- bordering Myanmar.

Cox's Bazar is flooded with yaba, with many of the Rohingya refugees used as "mules" for carrying the pills.

The pills have become an easy source of income for the Rohingya, some 740,000 of whom have poured across the border since Myanmar launched a military crackdown in August 2017 that the UN has described as ethnic cleansing.

The mass surrender comes during a concerted crackdown against drug traffickers, which has left nearly 300 people dead, including 40 from Teknaf, and seen about 25,000 arrested since May last year.

On Friday Bangladesh security forces seized 570,000 yaba pills in separate drives in the border region next to Myanmar's northern Rakhine state.

According to the Department of Narcotics Control, some five million people in Bangladesh are drug users with yaba the most popular substance. The country seized a record 53 million yaba pills last year.

In October, authorities made yaba a class-A banned substance and parliament passed a law allowing the death penalty for dealing the drug.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's highly controversial anti-drug crackdown has killed thousands of alleged users and pushers since 2016.Pay The Dues Or Go To Jail: Supreme Court To Anil Ambani:- Reliance Communications (RCom) Chairman Anil Ambani received a huge shock from the Supreme Court of India after it asked to repay Rs 550 crores to Ericsson, Swedish Telecom firm. A bench led by RF Nariman and Vineet Saran asked Anil Ambani to pay Rs 453 crores in four weeks and if he fails to do this, he will have to face jail terms for three months. Rs 118 crores have already been deposited by the contemnors with the SC Registry.

The court also asked the three Reliance companies to pay fine of Rs 1 crore each failing which Anil Ambani and the two other Directors will have to undergo jail term of one month each. Ericsson recently approached Supreme Court seeking contempt against Anil Ambani for not honoring them to pay Rs 550 crores. Though RCom defended that the amount will be paid after the sale of the assets, Supreme Court imposed a strict deadline to pay back the debts.

Supreme Court clarified that any unconditional apology in the future from RCom will not be accepted. Ericsson had argued that RCom had money to invest in Rafale jet deal but it did not clear the dues for them.Libya has been mired in chaos since the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising, as two rival administrations and numerous militias grapple for power

Militiamen have kidnapped a group of Tunisian workers near the Libyan capital Tripoli, demanding Tunis release a comrade, the foreign ministry and a rights activist said.

"The foreign ministry is following the case of the Tunisian citizens... kidnapped by armed Libyan elements near Zawiya", the ministry said on its Facebook page late Friday.

Rights activist Mustapha Abdelkebir said the armed group behind Thursday's kidnappings was demanding the release of one of its members held in Tunisia.

The kidnap victims were workers at Zawiya oil refinery, Tunisian media said. A diplomatic source told AFP that 14 workers had been taken hostage.

"The minister has spoken to his Libyan counterpart to insist on the protection of the detainees, accelerate their release and ensure that they return safe and sound", the ministry said in a statement.

Tunisia reopened a consulate in Libya in 2018, after shutting it three years earlier due to the kidnapping of 10 Tunisian diplomats.

The Libyan militia which carried out the 2015 kidnapping had demanded the release of one of its leaders, Walid Glib, detained in Tunisia as part of a counter-terrorism investigation.

The diplomats were released after several days and Walid Glib was later deported to Tripoli.

Libya's Tripoli-based Government of National Accord said it had no information on Thursday's abduction and that it was looking into the matter.

The country has been mired in chaos since the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising, as two rival administrations and numerous militias grapple for power.Syrian soldiers advance in an area on the eastern outskirts of Douma on April 8, 2018

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Saturday that Washington's plan to swiftly pull its soldiers out of Syria risks allowing Russia and Iran to boost their role in the region.

Islamic State group fighters have been boxed in to a scrap of land in the battle for their last remaining territory in northeastern Syria and their final defeat is expected imminently.

Once they are defeated, US forces are set to soon withdraw after President Donald Trump in December announced the pullout of around 2,000 troops.

Washington says it will maintain a presence in the region, with Vice-President Mike Pence pledging to carry on the fight.

"The United States will continue to work with all our allies to hunt down the remnants of ISIS wherever and whenever they rear their ugly heads," Pence said, using another name for the jihadists.

But Washington is struggling to convince allies to stay on in Syria after it leaves and Merkel warned of the risks of leaving a vacuum in the region.

"Is it a good idea for the Americans to suddenly and quickly withdraw from Syria? Or will it once more strengthen the capacity of Iran and Russia to exert their influence?" Merkel said at the Munich Security Conference.

Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan on Friday pledged ongoing backing for the fight against IS -- but kept allies guessing as to how that would be achieved once US forces pull out.

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said the US had told partners in the global anti-IS coalition that its soldiers would leave in "weeks rather than months".

The decision has stunned allies including France, which contributes artillery and about 1,200 troops in the region, including soldiers who train Iraqi forces.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian asked why the US would create a vacuum in Syria that could benefit its enemy Iran, calling the approach a "mystery".

And the US has won no solid pledges of support for a proposed observer force to stay on in northeast Syria when the US pullls out to ensure the safety of Syrian Kurdish fighters.

A French government source criticised the Trump administration's approach to the withdrawal as "we're leaving, you're staying".

"They're trying to manage the consequences of a hasty decision and making us carry the responsibility," the source said, adding that coalition members were united in rejecting the idea of staying on in Syria when the US leaves.A DF-5B missile is displayed in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on September 3, 2015

China must be involved in international disarmament efforts, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday, amid rising concern about Beijing's missile arsenal and the suspension of a key US-Russia arms treaty.

"Disarmament is something that concerns us all and where we would of course be glad if such talks were held not just between the United States, Europe and Russia but also with China," said Merkel.

The United States began pulling out of a landmark Cold War missile control agreement with Russia, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, this month in response to Moscow's deployment of the 9M729 missile, prompting Russia to announce its own withdrawal.

While pointing the finger at each other, both Washington and Moscow have also voiced concern that the INF -- a bilateral treaty between the US and Russia -- does nothing to constrain rapidly growing military power China.

According to a new report by the Institute for Strategic Studies, up to 95 percent of China's arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles would be in breach of the INF if Beijing were party to it.

Given this, "it is difficult to envision a scenario under which China would today enter a regime such as the INF Treaty," the report said.

Germany is organising an international conference in Berlin next month to start talks about how to create an arms control regime to replace the one forged in the bipolar Cold War era.Iranian mourners gather around coffins of Revolutionary Guards during their funeral in the city of Isfahan on February 16, 2019

Tens of thousands of Iranians called for "revenge" Saturday at the funeral of 27 Revolutionary Guards killed in a suicide attack perpetrated by jihadists that Tehran accuses Pakistan of supporting.

"The government of Pakistan must pay the price of harbouring these terrorist groups and this price will undoubtedly be very high," said Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, referring to jihadist outfit Jaish al-Adl ("Army of Justice").

"The Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer observe the previous reservations and will directly act to counter such acts," Jafari told mourners gathered at the city of Isfahan's Bozorgmehr Square.

The comments by Jafari, commander of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, came a day ahead of a planned two-day visit to Pakistan by Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Iran's regional arch-rival Saudi Arabia.

Jafari blamed Pakistan's army and Inter-Services Intelligence agency, saying that "sheltering and silence" amounts to supporting the perpetrators.

As he left the podium, people shouted "Commander of Sepah (Farsi for Revolutionary Guards) -- Revenge! Revenge!".

The Wednesday bombing targeted a busload of Revolutionary Guards in the volatile southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which straddles the border with Pakistan.

Jaish al-Adl was formed in 2012 as a successor to the Sunni extremist group Jundallah (Soldiers of God), which waged a deadly insurgency for a decade before it was severely weakened by the capture and execution of its leader Abdolmalek Rigi in 2010.

Iranians in Isfahan on Saturday mourned the victims of a Wednesday bombing that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards in the volatile southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan

Jafari also blasted "the traitorous governments of Saudi Arabia and (the) Emirates" and said Iran will no longer tolerate their "hidden support for anti-Islam thugs and Takfiri groups".

He called on President Hassan Rouhani and the country's Supreme National Security Council to give the guards more freedom to carry out "retaliatory operations," but did not elaborate.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has linked the perpetrators of Wednesday's attack to "the spying agencies of some regional and trans-regional countries".

- 'We will never submit' -

Black flags attached to lamp-posts adorned Isfahan as the city prepared for the funeral and two days of mourning.

When the bodies of the troops arrived on the back of Toyota vans -- the guards' signature vehicles -- their comrades, women in black veils and young men in jeans were there to greet them.

Tens of thousands chanted "Down with America!" and "We will never submit!"

Iran's flag could be seen at half-mast in Bozorgmehr Square's southeastern side, and the crowd chanted "Allahu Akbar" each time the speaker read the names of the dead.

The troops killed in the bombing belonged to the Guards' 14th Imam Hussein Division, which is based in Isfahan province, according to Tasnim news agency.

Members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards attend the funeral of fellow guards who were killed in Wednesday's suicide attack

Aged from 21 to 52, each will be buried in his hometown after the funeral.

A housekeeper originally from Khuzestan province, where a deadly attack killed 24 last year, told AFP of the thirst for revenge.

"We demand that the blood of these troops be avenged," said Tayebbeh Rezaee, 34. "They cannot weaken the Islamic Republic in any way -- not war, not economic attacks. So they have to stoop to such acts."

- Restive Sistan -

Sistan-Baluchistan has long been a flashpoint, where Pakistan-based Baluchi separatists and jihadists carry out cross-border raids.

A Revolutionary Guard was killed and five wounded in a February 2 attack claimed by Jaish al-Adl on a base of the Basij militia in the town of Nikshahr, some way from the border.

One of the wounded -- Khodarahm Heidari, who was critically injured in that attack -- died on Saturday, semi-official news agency ISNA reported.

Tens of thousands chanted "down with America" and "we will never submit" at the funeral of Revolutionary Guards killed in Wednesday's attack by a jihadist group Tehran accuses Pakistan of supporting

On January 29 three members of an Iranian bomb squad sent to the scene of an explosion in the provincial capital Zahedan were wounded when a second device blew up as they were trying to defuse it, police said at the time.

And in early December two people were killed and around 40 others wounded in the port city of Chabahar, also in Sistan-Baluchistan, in an attack which Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blamed on "foreign-backed terrorists" -- a reference to Sunni Muslim extremists.

In October, Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for abducting 12 Iranian security personnel near the border with Pakistan.Nigerian soldiers patrol in Maiduguri in Borno State northeast Nigeria on March 25, 2016

Boko Haram insurgents killed eight people in Nigeria during an attack on the northeastern city of Maiduguri, a civilian militia leader said on Saturday.

"We recovered a total of eight bodies of residents killed in the Boko Haram attack," late on Friday, Haram Abba Aji-Kalli of the Civilian JTF militia told AFP.

The attack came hours before Nigeria's electoral commission announced it was postponing Saturday's presidential and legislative vote for a week.

The delay has been condemned by both President Muhammadu Buhari, who is standing for a second term, and his chief opponent former vice-president Atiku Abubakar.

Boko Haram fighters shot residents while two suicide bombers blew themselves up in the Friday attack on Maiduguri's Jiddari Polo neighbourhood.

The killings came after the group overran a military base north of Maiduguri on Thursday, stealing an armored vehicle and torching buildings in an attack that left "several soldiers" missing, two military sources said on condition of anonymity.

The day before, at least four people were killed when the insurgents struck a convoy belonging to the governor of northeast Nigeria's Borno state, of which Maiduguri is the capital.

In the hard-fought presidential campaign, Atiku has seized on Buhari's failure to defeat the group while the president has claimed the insurgency is weakening.Li earned a position alongside Chairman Mao, focusing on industrial development, but fell out of favour and was later jailed

Mao Zedong's former secretary Li Rui, a bold critic of China's ruling Communist Party who spent a lifetime near the centre of elite politics, died Saturday at the age of 101, his family said.

Li was admitted to a Beijing hospital for a pulmonary infection last year and died of organ failure in Beijing, his daughter said in an email to AFP.

Li earned a position alongside China's paramount leader in the mid-1950s, focusing on industrial development.

But then he spoke up on the failures of Mao's Great Leap Forward policy -- which intended to boost China's economic output but instead unleashed havoc and famine across the country.

The Communist Party expelled Li and during the Cultural Revolution he was imprisoned for eight years in the infamous Qincheng prison near Beijing.

He was rehabilitated in 1979 when moderates took power and eventually rose to take a key position in the party's powerful Organization Department before he was again forced out of office in 1984.

Later he became an advocate for political reform, and in 2007 published articles calling for the party to become a European-style socialist party.

Li also opposed a constitutional change last year which removed presidential term limits and paved the way for current president Xi Jinping to stay in power indefinitely.

"Xi Jinping wants a lifelong system," Li said in an interview with Hong Kong-based newspaper Ming Pao.

As a well-known expert on Chairman Mao, Li published several books on the former leader.

Li said in an open letter last year that some of his works had been banned from publication in China.

"We should let the people speak, so as to enhance the party's trust in the people," Li said in the letter.

He continued to write in his final days, his daughter Li Nanyang said.

He wrote the same words over and over, she said: "Everyone should be subject to four kinds of restrictions in life: age, knowledge, ideological ability and personal character."

"The words inspire me to continue to push for an opening for constitutional government which my father and grandfather pursued their entire lives," she told AFP.Vigils were held across India to pay tribute to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel killed in a February 14 suicide attack in Indian-administered Kashmir

Thousands of mourners across India attended funerals on Saturday for some of the 41 soldiers killed in a suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir as a round-the-clock curfew remained in force in part of the restive region.

The paramilitary troops were killed on Thursday as explosives packed in a van ripped through a convoy transporting 2,500 soldiers in the disputed Himalayan region, the deadliest attack in a 30-year-old armed conflict.

TV stations showed coffins wrapped in Indian flags being carried by thousands of people across their hometowns, after the bodies were flown to New Delhi late Friday for a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian Kashmir

India has accused Pakistan of harbouring the militants behind the attack, which has sparked nationwide outrage and some public calls for war against the nuclear-armed arch-rival to avenge the killings.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947, with both the countries, which have fought three wars, claiming it in its entirety.

Two buses of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the 78-vehicle convoy were targeted by the bomber on a key highway in the Pulwama district, just outside the main city of Srinagar.

The Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility, and the vehicle was driven by a known local militant.

The powerful blast reduced one of the buses to a heap of mangled debris. Pictures showed bodies and body parts strewn all over the highway.

"I feel proud of the martyrdom of my son. I expect the government of India to avenge the killings," Brish Soreng, father of one of the soldiers, told reporters.

- Diplomatic support -

Modi on Saturday said that those behind the attack would be held responsible.

India is garnering diplomatic support after the attack and has vowed to "isolate" Pakistan diplomatically in the international community, saying it has "incontrovertible evidence" of Islamabad's role.

Pakistan has rejected the allegations.

Jaish-e-Mohammed is largely considered to be one of the most active Pakistan-based insurgent groups fighting in Kashmir.

Islamabad was battling another crisis on its western border Saturday after Iran accused Pakistan-based militants of killing 27 Revolutionary Guards in a suicide car bomb attack in Isfahan city.

Tehran asked Pakistan to crack down on militants or face consequences for "housing" them.

The warnings to Islamabad came ahead of Sunday's two-day visit by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan. He is expected to visit India a day later.

- Protests continue -

Street protests continued Saturday across several Indian cities with demonstrators burning effigies of Pakistani leaders and Muslim cleric Maulana Masood Azhar, who founded Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The shock attack has caused widespread anger across India and a violent backlash against Kashmiris elsewhere in the country.

Mob attacks on Kashmiri students and businessmen have been reported in the northern city of Dehradun, with some fleeing the city.

A curfew remained in place in Kashmir's Hindu-majority Jammu city after mobs on Friday attacked Kashmiri properties, set fire to vehicles and pelted housing complexes with stones, prompting counter-protests in Srinagar.

At least 12 people were injured in the city, local media reported, and internet access in the area was suspended.

A round-the-clock curfew was in force in parts of Indian-administered Kashmir after mobs attacked Muslim properties during a protest against the suicide attack

Angry Indian social media users furiously demanded retribution for Thursday's attack, while several hawkish TV channels called for all-out war with Pakistan.

The attack has put Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the back foot ahead of national elections due by May.

Modi's government in recent years has adopted an aggressive posture in Kashmir and shelved dialogue with Pakistan to boost its popularity after accusing the previous government of being soft on militants.

"Revenge is the only word that comes to my Mind," Modi government minister Babul Supriyo wrote on Twitter.

A meeting of political parties in New Delhi Saturday extended full support to the government in "fighting terrorism, defending India's unity and integrity".

India has stationed some 500,000 troops Kashmir, making it the most militarised zone in the world, following an armed rebellion that began in 1989.

Tens of thousands of people have died in the conflict with most casualties civilians. Last year was the deadliest in a decade with almost 600 killed.

Many separatist rebel groups are fighting for the independence of all of Kashmir, while some want the territory to become a part of Pakistan.Iranians mourn victims of a suicide bombing on a Revolutionary Guards bus in southeastern Iran, as the coffins arrive at Badr airport in Isfahan, some 400 kilometres south of the capital Tehran on February 14, 2019

Iran's Revolutionary Guards accused "Pakistan's security forces" of supporting the perpetrators of a suicide bombing that killed 27 troops on Wednesday, in remarks state TV aired Saturday.

"Pakistan's government, who has housed these anti-revolutionaries and threats to Islam, knows where they are and they are supported by Pakistan's security forces," said Revolutionary Commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, referring to jihadist group Jaish al-Adl ("Army of Justice").

"If (the Pakistan government) does not punish them, we will retaliate against this anti-revolutionary force, and whatever Pakistan sees will be the consequence of its support for them," he warned.

The general made the remarks in Isfahan City on Friday evening during a farewell ceremony held for those killed. Funerals are expected to follow on Saturday.

Jaish al-Adl was formed in 2012 as a successor to the Sunni extremist group Jundallah (Soldiers of God), which waged a deadly insurgency for a decade before it was severely weakened by the capture and execution of its leader Abdolmalek Rigi by Tehran in 2010.

The Wednesday bombing targeted a busload of Revolutionary Guards in the volatile southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which straddles the border with Pakistan.

The attack was one of the deadliest on Iranian security forces in recent years and came just days after Iran held more than a week of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the US-backed shah.

The commander also blasted "the support that the region's reactionary states Saudi Arabia and the Emiratis" maintain for "conspiracies" that he said were ordered by Israel and America.

"We will certainly follow retaliatory measures," he added, without elaborating.

Jafari's comments came ahead of a two-day visit by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan, which is set to begin on Sunday.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has linked the prepetrators of the attack to "the spying agencies of some regional and trans-regional countries".Thousands of North Koreans braved bitterly cold weather to pay tribute to late leader Kim Jong Il on his birthday

The Day of the Shining Star dawned bitterly cold in Pyongyang. But thousands of North Koreans lined up in temperatures of minus 8 degrees Celsius on Saturday to pay their respects to late leader Kim Jong Il on his birthday.

Kim, the son of the isolated North's founder Kim Il Sung and the father and predecessor of current leader Kim Jong Un, was born on February 16.

According to Pyongyang's orthodoxy, he came into the world in 1942, in a snow-covered hut at a secret camp on the slopes of Mount Paektu, the spiritual birthplace of the Korean people, where his father was fighting occupying Japanese forces.

Outside historians point instead to official Soviet records, which say he was born a year earlier in a Siberian village where Kim Il Sung was in exile.

Either way, it is a key anniversary in a nuclear-armed nation whose people are taught from birth to revere the "Paektu bloodline", as the Kim family which has ruled it for three generations is known.

Kim Jong Il's birthday is a key anniversary in North Korea, where people are taught from birth to revere the Kim family

Referred to as the Day of the Shining Star, the occasion is celebrated with flower shows, mass dances in the capital and elsewhere, and laudatory tributes in state media, all reinforcing the underlying narrative.

Driver Kim Chol Jun, 42, took his two boys to Mansu Hill, where giant statues of the two older Kims look out over the capital, to pay his respects to them and the current leader.

"No sons and daughters feel tired when they visit their parents," he told AFP. "The great leaders are regarded as our own parents, so I visit here to bow before our parents with my sons."

Ordinary North Koreans consistently express unequivocal support for the leadership and its policies when speaking to foreign media.

- Silver screen -

Snow dusted the two monumental panels -- one to the fight against Japanese occupiers, the other to the building of socialism -- that flank the statues, their faces bathed in the light of the rising sun as small children swept the steps clean.

Kim Jong Il's birthday is referred to as the 'Day of the Shining Star' in North Korea

In pride of place before the bronze effigies stood a large floral tribute emblazoned with the name of Kim Jong Un, who is due to hold his second summit with US President Donald Trump at the end of the month.

Pyongyang is under multiple international sanctions over its pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, which Washington is pressing it to give up. North Korea has rejected demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament.

At the statues, groups ranging from couples and families to hundreds-strong detachments of workers or soldiers assembled turn by turn in front of the images.

After placing individual blooms or flower baskets before the figures, they lined up as an announcer intoned: "Let us pay tribute", and bowed deeply, the military personnel saluting.

Kim Jong Il died in 2011 and his remains are preserved in a palatial mausoleum on the outskirts of Pyongyang, but officially he remains Eternal General Secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

Groups ranging from couples and families to soldiers and workers paid tribute to the late leader

Retired actress Ri Cho Ok, 77, instantly became emotional when asked about the late leader, her voice trembling as she described how much she missed him and how standing before the statues brought the incumbent to mind.

Kim Jong Il was a film director himself and renowned cinephile, to the extent he had a top South Korean director and actress kidnapped so they could develop the North's cinema industry. Pyongyang says their eight-year stay was voluntary.

"The great general taught me step-by-step as I was becoming an actress," Ri said, "and gave me many orders and medals."

But, she added, "it was like I received all the honours in the world when I met him".Shiite Indians disembark from an Air India flight at Najaf International Airport on February 14, 2019

Air India on Thursday resumed flights to Iraq after a 30 year gap, when a plane carrying Shiite pilgrims landed in the city of Najaf.

"This is the first time in the last 30 years" that a plane has come from India to Iraq, said Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, India's ambassador to Iraq, at the international airport that serves the Shiite holy city.

"We are very fortunate that the holy city of Najaf has been chosen as the first destination", he added, noting that attempts to restore direct air links had been ongoing for some time.

Flights were prevented by years of conflict in Iraq and sanctions against Saddam Hussein's regime after his invasion of Kuwait, as well as by the extended chaos that came in the wake of the former dictator's 2003 downfall.

The plane started its journey in Lucknow, the capital of India's Uttar Pradesh state, and upon landing the crew and pilgrims were welcomed by Iraqi officials.

Shiite pilgrims from around the world come to Najaf, some 150 kilometres (90 miles) south of Baghdad, to visit the tomb of Imam Ali, Prophet Mohammed's son-in-law and founder of Shiite Islam.TDP Curious About Nagarjuna - Jagan Meet:- Tollywood top actor Nagarjuna met YSRCP Chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy in his Lotus Pond residence last afternoon before YS Jagan headed to London along with his family. Nag meeting YS Jagan turned out to be a hot topic and there are talks that Nag was expecting Guntur MP seat from YSRCP to his close friend or his wife Amala Akkineni. AP Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu too responded on this asking what is the need for Nag to meet a corrupted leader like YS Jagan.

TDP leaders are left worried as Nagarjuna is enquiring about the Guntur MP Ticket. Jayadev Galla is the sitting MP from Guntur and hence TDP leaders are quite curious about Nag's meeting with YS Jagan. YSRCP sources revealed that YS Jagan responded on a positive note and Nagarjuna is quite happy for the meeting. The Assembly and Parliament elections in AP are expected to take place during April / May and the election notification will be out during the first week of March.

(Video Source: TV9 Telugu Live)More than 300 people have been killed iN Burkina Faso in four years of jihadist attacks, and the capital Ouagadougou has been hit three times, most recently in March 2018

More than a million people in Burkina Faso, a country plagued by jihadist violence, are in need of humanitarian aid, the UN and the government said Thursday as they launched a plan to raise $100 million for an emergency plan.

"Burkina Faso is facing an unprecedented humanitarian emergency caused by persistent insecurity in the Centre-Nord, Est and Nord regions," the government and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a joint statement, adding there were "1.2 million people in critical need of assistance."

More than 300 people have been killed in Burkina Faso in four years of jihadist attacks, according to an AFP count.

The capital Ouagadougou has been hit three times, most recently in March 2018.

"We must act now and work together to prevent this crisis from spiralling out of control," said OCHA coordinator Metsi Makhetha.

"The humanitarian community is collaborating closely with the government and will deepen cooperation with development, financial, private organisations and other actors in efforts to address the insecurity, and seek lasting solutions for communities to prosper," she added.

The government and OCHA announced an "emergency plan" to raise $100 million to provide food, water, housing, healthcare and protection to some 900,000 people hardest-hit by the ongoing crisis.

"Our common goal is to ensure dignity and protection for the affected population, and we are determined and committed to achieve this goal," said Helene Marie Laurence Ilboudo, Burkina Faso's minister of humanitarian action.

According to OCHA figures, about 676,000 people in the country risk food insecurity this year, and 130,000 children are threatened by severe malnutrition.

Some 83,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to the continuing violence. More than 1,000 schools have been closed, depriving 150,000 children of an education.

About 120,000 people do not have access to medical care in areas most affected by the violence.Sudanese protesters take part in an anti-government demonstration in Khartoum on February 14, 2019

Sudan on Thursday accused campaigners spearheading protests against President Omar al-Bashir's rule of threatening national security and advocating violence, as hundreds of demonstrators staged more rallies.

The country's acting Information Minister Mamun Hassan warned of taking legal action against protest leaders after campaigners vowed to push on with their "uprising" against Bashir's three-decade rule.

"It is confirmed what we always said that this... group is calling for violence," Hassan said in a statement.

Protest campaigners on Wednesday held their first news conference at the offices of the main opposition National Umma Party since demonstrations erupted in December.

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), which is leading the protests, and its allies called on other political groups to join their movement by signing a "Document for Freedom and Change".

The text outlines a post-Bashir plan including rebuilding Sudan's justice system and halting the African country's dire economic decline, the key reason for nationwide demonstrations.

A senior representative of the National Umma Party, which has thrown its weight behind the protests, said at the event that it would continue the "uprising until this regime is overthrown".

Party leader Sadiq al-Mahdi, a former prime minister whose government was toppled by Bashir in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, last month called for the president to step down.

- 'Systematic arrests' -

Protests first erupted in Sudan on December 19 in the farming town of Atbara after a government decision to triple the price of bread.

They quickly escalated into near-daily demonstrations across cities and towns that analysts say pose the greatest challenge to Bashir since he took power.

Officials say 30 people have died in protest-related violence so far, while Human Rights Watch says at least 51 people have been killed.

The authorities led by the feared National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) has launched a sweeping crackdown to quell the protests.

Rights groups say hundreds of protesters, opposition leaders, and activists have been arrested, while media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said Thursday that at least 79 journalists have been arrested.

"These systematic arrests have targeted not only reporters covering protests ... but also journalists who themselves dared to protest against the regime's policy of censorship," the press freedom group said.

Protesters have pushed on with their near daily rallies despite the clampdown.

Hundreds demonstrated Thursday in central Khartoum after campaigners called to show support for millions affected by conflicts in the country's three war-wracked regions of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan.

Protesters chanting "freedom, peace, justice," the rallying cry of the anti-government movement, demonstrated were quickly confronted by riot police with tear gas, witnesses said.

Police later broke up the rally, but demonstrators took to the streets in the northern district of Bahari, witnesses said, adding that they too were confronted with tear gas.

Crowds of people living in a camp for the displaced in conflict-wracked Darfur in western Sudan also staged a rally, residents said.

"The residents of camp Zam Zam, mostly young men and women, are chanting anti-government slogans in the centre of the camp," resident Mohamed Issa told AFP by telephone.

- 'We are one nation' -

Over the years, tens of thousands of people have been killed in Sudan's internal conflicts and millions more displaced, with hundreds of thousands still living in sprawling camps, especially in Darfur.

Tear gas rises after Sudanese security forces dispersed protesters in Khartoum on February 14

The war in Darfur erupted in 2003 when ethnic minority rebels took up arms against the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum, accusing it of marginalising the region.

"Those who are demonstrating across the country are saying that we are one nation," said Hassan Adam, a resident of Zam Zam camp.

"We want to build a new Sudan that does not differentiate between a Zurga (black African) and an Arab."

President Bashir -- indicted for war crimes in Darfur by the International Criminal Court -- has remained defiant in the face of the protests, promising to promote development and peace across the country, including in conflict-hit states.The federal government needs to explain how Christmas Island can provide adequate health treatment for asylum seekers, Labor deputy leader Tanya Plibersek says.

After the parliament passed laws making it easier for medical transfers from Manus Island and Nauru, the government announced it would reopen the Christmas Island facility which was mothballed last year.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison argues the reopening - at a cost of more than $1.4 billion - is a necessary step to deal with the expected influx of asylum seekers requesting medical transfers.

However, authorities on Christmas Island say there are barely enough health facilities on the island to cater for locals, let alone hundreds of asylum seekers with a wide variety of medical conditions.

Labor leader Bill Shorten told reporters on Tuesday when asked about Christmas Island: "If the medical treatment is required and it's delivered on Christmas Island and it makes people well, well that's fine."

Ms Plibersek said the government still had some explaining to do.

"It is up to the government to explain how people who cannot be adequately treated on Manus Island and Nauru can have adequate medical treatment on Christmas Island," she told the National Press Club.

"It is up to them to explain how they justify the extra expense of doing it this way given that this government has already brought hundreds of people from Manus Island and Nauru to Australia to the mainland for medical treatment."

She said she understood that in recent times about 400 people had been brought to the mainland for treatment, accompanied by about 500 family members.

"How can it be safe for those people to be brought here by Peter Dutton but we need to open Christmas Island for anybody else? I'd like the government to explain that."Corporate crooks could face 15 years' jail and dodgy companies could be fined more than $500 million under changes that have cleared federal parliament.

Labor's amendments to a government bill have passed the lower house on Monday, raising the penalties from 10 years' behind bars and $210 million in fines.

"We should not live in a country where if you steal from a bank you end up in jail, but if the bank steals from you they end up getting a promotion at the end of the year and a big fat bonus," Labor MP Clare O'Neil told parliament.ASIO boss Duncan Lewis has flatly rejected suggestions the security agency is targeting the Chinese-Australian community.

Several Chinese-language newspapers made the assertion at the weekend, while criticising Australia's treatment of exiled billionaire Huang Xiangmo, whose permanent residency has been cancelled.

"This is simply not so," Mr Lewis told a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Monday.

"ASIO does not investigate people based on their ethnicity, their religion, or their cultural background. ASIO's investigative focus is on individuals and their activities of relevance to security."

Mr Lewis highlighted the dangers of falsely suggesting ASIO targets specific communities.

"It's critical that we avoid commentary that will instil fear and taint such a community that makes such a positive contribution," he said.

"From a security point of view, the overwhelming majority of people with Chinese heritage here in Australia are of no investigative interest to ASIO, as they are not of any security concern.

"We should not impugn the many for the actions of a few."Australia's spy chief has stressed the "seriously damaging" impact of the intelligence agency's classified advice to the government being leaked to the media.

Duncan Lewis, the director-general of ASIO, also addressed the harm done by media outlets wrongfully attributing advice to the spy agency.

Mr Lewis is adamant his officers would never divulge ASIO advice to third parties.

"ASIO does not and will not use its position to influence the national debate on security-relevant issues through unauthorised disclosures," he told a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Monday.

"ASIO does not finalise policy or provide running public commentary on the effectiveness of policy proposals."

His statement appears to be in relation to recent media reporting about security advice on asylum seeker medical transfers.

The leaked advice was drawn from a Home Affairs briefing, not from ASIO.

"When reporting wrongly attributes advice from ASIO, or where our classified advice is leaked, it undermines all that we stand for," Mr Lewis said.

The Australian Federal Police is investigating the advice being leaked to The Australian newspaper.Small businesses will have more power to take on the big end of town after the Morrison government decided not to stand in the way of new laws.

The new measures, which Labor has tacked on to federal government legislation relating to managed funds, would let small businesses start a court case by seeking an order that they won't have to pay the other side's legal fees.

"That will mean if they lose, they'll pay their own legal bills, but they won't be bankrupted by the QC bills on the other side," opposition treasury spokesman Andrew Leigh told reporters on Monday.

Many small businesses are put off launching cases against anti-competitive behaviour by their larger rivals for fear of being bankrupted by court costs, he said.

Labor expects the legislation to be voted on for the final time in parliament on Tuesday.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Monday it would pass on the voices, meaning the government won't call for members' votes to be counted for or against.

Both Labor and the Nationals are claiming victory.

"We are actually going to bring about equality of access to justice where people get a fair outcome, not because of the size of their chequebook and their capacity to have a legal department, but because they have a just case," former National leader Barnaby Joyce told reporters.

"This is something the National Party has been fighting for for so long and it is great to see that this looks like it is going to prevail."

Dr Leigh said the prime minister and Liberals had been fighting against this access to justice for years.

"They voted against it in the Senate as recently as Thursday night, they voted against our bill," he said.

"If (Prime Minister Scott Morrison) backs Labor's access to small business amendment in the House ... he'll do not because he believes in it but because he's a desperate prime minister who is desperate to avoid Nationals crossing the floor against him."

Mr Frydenberg defended the coalition's record on helping small business, pointing to tax breaks.

"It is only one side of politics that is standing side by side with small businesses and that's the Liberal and National parties," he said.The NSW government has pledged to upgrade two Sydney hospitals and reduce the wait times for some elective surgeries as it gears up for the state election.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday promised $479 million for additional beds and to upgrade Ryde Hospital, plus $385 million for St George Hospital.

"These are two hospitals in the suburbs in growing communities which need that extra care," she told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

The premier also announced a $31 million funding boost to deliver an extra 10,000 cataract surgeries over the next four years.

"Cataracts impact the lives of so many of our senior citizens ... so we want to make it even easier to access," Ms Berejiklian said.

The funding will employ 46 clinical staff including nurses, surgeons and anaesthetists, and will reduce the time between surgery on a patient's first and second eye.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said an additional $45 million has also been promised to deliver 8000 more paediatric operations.

"This is a super Monday for health," Mr Hazzard said alongside the premier.

The funding is expected to reduce the time taken to receive non-urgent elective paediatric surgeries by around three months and halve the time taken to receive semi-urgent elective surgeries.

The announcement comes less than five weeks before the state election on March 23.Global health and safety manufacturer Ansell has posted a 91 per cent drop in first-half net profit to $US39.5 million (A$55.3m) as it tallies the cost of its ongoing transformation, but the company has slightly lifted its full-year earnings guidance.

Ansell's total revenue for the six months to December 31 fell by 5.4 per cent to $US725.3 million, but sales from continuing operations rose 0.4 per cent.

During the period Ansell bought protective glove manufacturer Ringers Gloves for $US70 million, and announced plans to shut three production facilities in Mexico and South Korea while expanding operations in Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

The company sold its condom business to a Chinese consortium in 2017.

Ansell chief executive Magnus Nicolin said the company, having also completed the $US265 million share buyback originally announced in May 2017, had overcome rising costs of raw materials, risks of US import tariffs, and emerging areas of demand uncertainty in the EMEA automotive sector.

"We have successfully navigated these challenges and have seen improving trends through the half in both organic revenue growth and margin," Mr Nicolin said.

"This, coupled with continued strong delivery against the transformation objectives, puts Ansell in a strong position to achieve further top and bottom line growth in the second half."

FY19 earnings per share for Ansell's continuing businesses is now expected in the range of 106 to 112 US cents, compared to 100 to 112 US cents.

Ansell has reported an interim dividend of US 20.75 cents, unfranked, up 0.25 cents from the previous year.

Ansell shares were flat at $24.20 at 1052 AEDT, slightly higher than a year ago, but down from July's near-historic peak of $29.11.Queensland Nationals senator Barry O'Sullivan says the government is considering a pollution tax to increase the take-up of electric cars but he remains fiercely opposed to the move.

Senator O'Sullivan said governments of all persuasions were heading towards taxing people so they would switch to battery-powered vehicles.

"I know that there's contemplation by my own government - which I'll resist until the minute I leave here - to start to put in place tax elements to tax people who use fossil fuels," he told a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Monday.Alpine, TX (79831)

Today

Some sunshine with a thunderstorm or two possible this afternoon. High 93F. WSW winds shifting to NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy with late night showers or thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.Greater protections for Australians taking out short-term, high-interest "payday loans" should no longer be put off, federal Labor believes.

The government introduced legislation in 2017 that would bring in stricter payday loan protections but it hasn't progressed, with the coalition suggesting it would wait until after the banking royal commission to deal with the issue.

"The findings of the royal commission are in. The time for sitting and waiting is over," Labor's Cathy O'Toole told parliament on Monday, after presenting the draft laws to the lower house again.Detectives are awaiting test results on the body of a home intruder who died following a struggle with a Sydney father inside his family home.

Harrington Park resident Johan Schwartz, 44, was quizzed for several hours by NSW Police after he confronted the man but was released on Sunday night without charge "pending further inquiries".

Investigators say Mr Schwartz was woken about 7.30am that morning by his dogs barking and "challenged a male intruder located in the lounge room".

The intruder, aged 35 but yet to be formally identified, collapsed and became unconscious following the confrontation. He could not be revived by paramedics.

A NSW Police source on Monday told AAP homicide detectives are assisting in the investigation and are awaiting the outcome of a post-mortem examination of the intruder's body to determine the cause of death.

It's believed Mr Schwartz's wife and young child were home at the time of the incident.

Police have already said Mr Schwartz was entitled to use "reasonable force" to protect his home and family.Bank of Queensland says it expects its earnings for the half-year to be down 6 to 9 per cent as it faces increased competition and regulatory costs in the wake of the financial services royal commission

The bank said in an update on Monday it expects to report earnings in the range of $165 million to $170 million, compared to $182 million a year ago.

Most of the decrease "is due to continued downward pressure across fee, trading, insurance and other income lines," Bank of Queensland said.

"Looking forward to the second half, market conditions are expected to remain challenging."

The bank expects to face increased costs complying with regulatory requirements and expectations from the financial services royal commission.

Bank of Queensland will on April 11 release its results for the half-year that ends February 28.An extra $1.5 million could be spent finishing off new entrances at Parliament House in Canberra after a sub-contractor went bust.

The new entrances on the Senate and the House of Representatives sides of the building were meant to be finished in July 2018, but now won't be completed until October this year.

Senate President Scott Ryan told an estimates hearing on Monday the delay was "embarrassing", but it occurred because sub-contractor Steelvision had gone into voluntary administration without completing the work.Labor and crossbench senators are preparing to grill bureaucrats over a contentious $423 million contract awarded to a security contractor on Manus Island.

A company called Paladin, which won the contract through a limited tender process, will be in the spotlight at Senate estimates on Monday with the opposition set to pursue the issue.

"I think the very biggest question to be answered is how on earth this tiny, unknown company with no track record ever gets $423 million in contracts from the Australian taxpayer," Labor senator Murray Watt told ABC radio on Monday.Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has an ambitious plan to eliminate road fatalities.

The transport minister on Monday will outline the government's plans to advance the 12 recommendations from last year's inquiry into the 2011 national road safety strategy, which set the goal to eradicate road deaths.

The strategy says no person should be killed or seriously injured on Australia's roads, setting the target for a reduction of at least 30 per cent by 2020.

"As has been put to me by stakeholders I have met, a vision for zero might sound ambitious, but in aviation, mining, and construction this is no longer a goal but an expectation," Mr McCormack will tell parliament on Monday.

About 64 per cent of deaths on Australia's roads happen in regional and remote Australia.

"This must change," Mr McCormack will say.

A meeting of state and territory governments will develop a plan to implement 12 recommendations from an inquiry into the strategy.

A governance review is underway to improve co-operation between different tiers of government on reducing the road toll.

"I intend to do more with my state and territory counterparts on education campaigns, better understanding behavioural influences to inform compliance, and what technological responses might be available," Mr McCormack will say.Federal Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has accused Attorney-General Christian Porter of making "highly offensive" comments about a possible royal commission into mistreatment of people with disabilities.

Mr Porter said such an inquiry would be backwards looking, noting the government had spent $200 million to set up a national protective agency for disability care, despite the coalition agreeing to support a non-binding motion on Monday calling for a commission.

"This was a highly offensive comment from the attorney-general. Let's be clear, the hundreds of millions of dollars that the attorney-general was referring is for a watchdog that is all bark and no bite," Senator Steele-John told the ABC on Monday.One of the Morrison government's remaining energy policy planks could be unconstitutional because of the way it's funded, new legal advice suggests.

Progressive think tank The Australia Institute commissioned the advice from Fiona McLeod SC and Lindy Barrett, who represented the Commonwealth in the royal commission into child abuse, to examine the government's plan to underwrite new investments in energy generation.

The legal opinion says the government either needs new legislation to underpin spending money on the program or to funnel the cash via the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, which cannot finance gas or coal projects.The chief executive of NSW Ports is concerned the consumer watchdog is taking the superannuation funds-owned business to court over an allegedly illegal anti-competitive deal it struck with the state government.

Marika Calfas says it's worrying the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in December instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against NSW Ports over a deal the watchdog claims limits competition.

"Of course we were disappointed to have the ACCC action and yes it is concerning that this has arrived," Ms Calfas told AAP.

The 2013 deal worth $5.1 billion contained provisions requiring the state government to compensate NSW Ports - which operates Botany and Kembla - if a rival container terminal was built at Newcastle.

The government then passed on those compensation requirements to the owners of Newcastle Port when it privatised that facility a year later in 2014.

Ms Calfas said it was disappointing the ACCC knew about that deal at the time but was only now proceeding with court action - and only against NSW Ports.

The watchdog isn't taking the state government on, arguing it wasn't "carrying on a business" when leasing the ports.

"Obviously, it's disappointing for us to hear that and then find that four years later that the ACCC has now formed a view that further action needs to be taken, and taken against us," the NSW Ports boss said.

The ACCC has previously told AAP that while it held concerns at the time of the sale they were "largely hypothetical".

Ms Calfas says there are more factors than the controversial compensation deal preventing a container terminal being built in Newcastle.

She points to a report that suggests a new container terminal would not be needed until the mid-2040s.

The KPMG report, commissioned by NSW Ports and released on Monday, also found Port Kembla would be the most viable candidate for a second container terminal given it was closer to Sydney's booming west.

"It's not the port commitment deeds that influence whether that (Newcastle) container terminal will be successful or not," Ms Calfas said.

"We are not saying Newcastle can't go build a terminal, we're absolutely saying they can go and build a terminal, we don't have an issue with that and the market will determine whether or not that terminal would be successful."

But Newcastle Port's chief executive Craig Carmody in January told a government inquiry into the deal that his consortium would only be able to attract private investment to develop into a container terminal if the compensation arrangement was scrapped.

"None of the investors in this are prepared to give me a single dollar until that port commitment deed is out of the way. Economically it just does not work," Mr Carmody told a NSW parliamentary inquiry.

Asked if NSW Ports would have paid the $5.1 billion for the two ports without the controversial - and for years secretive - compensation agreement, Ms Calfas said: "I honestly can't answer that question."

"I would say, though, that we have got a price that we paid based on all of the package that came with it."

The KPMG report found 80 per cent of containers were delivered within 40 kilometres of Botany with a container terminal in Newcastle costing the most money to get goods to Sydney.

The report suggested a container terminal at Newcastle would introduce thousands of heavy vehicles onto Newcastle roads and the Pacific Motorway.

NSW Ports is owned by an investor consortium comprising industry superannuation funds including Australian Super and Q SuperDeputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek has accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of making it easier for people smugglers as the political fight over border protection rages on.

Ms Plibersek said Mr Morrison had been dishonest about legislation passed in parliament last week, despite the government's opposition, which allows two doctors to recommend asylum seekers currently on Manus Island or Nauru to be transferred on medical grounds.

"He is the people smugglers' billboard right now when he's saying our borders have become weaker somehow - it's not true," she told Nine Network on Monday.Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan claims "professional activists" are "orchestrating" school student strikes against climate change.

The Daily Telegraph reports the Facebook page School Strike for Climate Action, which organised a strike in November, is being run by the taxpayer-funded Australian Youth Climate Coalition.

The Facebook site encourages students to sign up to the schoolstrike4climate website where they are given regular messages, scripts, posters, links to local groups and form letters to send to their teachers.

Another strike is planned for March 15, but the education minister has branded the campaign as an "appalling political manipulation".

"The Australian public will be cynical about a so-called student-led strike that is actually organised and orchestrated by professional activists," Mr Tehan told the newspaper.

"What is most appalling is this political group is organising their protest on March 15 when all schools and students across Australia are being asked to take part in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence to stand up to bullies and support the victims of bullying."

A spokeswoman for AYCC, which has reportedly received $786,524 in government grants over the past three financial years, insists the strike is an "independent movement".

"When asked by the core student leaders behind the strike, AYCC has provided logistical support and leadership training," she said.Today's Birthday, February 17: American actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt ( 1981 - )

He's appeared in everything from iconic 90s movies to huge blockbusters, but actor Joseph Leonard-Levitt is not a fan of fame.

"What I don't like [about acting] is: I guess since the heyday of Hollywood, there has been a merging of actors and royalty and celebrity," he told a roundtable for The Hollywood Reporter.

"It's tough to complain, because it's a really privileged life I get to lead, [but] the whole celebrity thing is unhealthy and I feel bad perpetuating it."

Gordon-Levitt was born in 1981 is Los Angeles to his father Dennis, a radio news director, and mother Jane, who once ran for congress.

From age four he was part of a musical theatre group and started to appear in commercials, including his first paid role at age six.

His first feature film came with a starring role in Disney's Angels in the Outfield in 1994.

The roles kept coming and in 1999 he starred in 10 Things I Hate About You with Heath Ledger and Julia Styles.

A year later he walked away from acting and started at Columbia University School in New York, studying history, literature and French poetry.

"I always loved acting but all my friends...were getting started in a way," he told The Off Camera Show.

"So what am I going to do? What am I going to be? - and I wanted that."

He dropped out four years later to concentrate on acting and took on a number of challenging roles. In Manic (2001) he played a prostitute and child sexual abuse victim, and in Brick (2005) he played a teen involved in an underground drug ring.

He was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in 2009's 500 Days of Summer.

This year he marked the film's 10-year anniversary by watching it with his former co-star Zooey Deschanel.

In 2010, he starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Christopher Nolan's Inception, followed by the director's The Dark Knight Rises.

Some of Gordon-Levitt's other film titles include Looper, 50/50, Snowden, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and more.

His directing debut came with the short film Sparks and in 2013, he wrote, directed and starred in Don Jon with Scarlett Johansson, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Outside of acting he runs a production company called HitRecord, which has created short films. He is married to Tasha McCauley and the couple has two children.In a bizarre twist to a protracted case that has seen surprising assertions, the lawyer representing hit-run driver Puneet Puneet has told a court in the Indian capital that Australia wants to have him extradited for 'political reasons'.

Kanhaiya Kumar Singhal told the court in New Delhi on Saturday the demand was 'political' in nature rather than 'judicial' and was being made because Australian politicians were eager to benefit from having Puneet extradited.

"This extradition is being called for only for political reasons and to give benefit to Victoria's politicians. Puneet is being targeted for this reason and this reason alone," Singhal said.

Puneet is fighting extradition to Australia where he faces sentencing for a fatal hit-run in Melbourne in 2008.

Singhal's main contention as he began his final arguments was that India's extradition law requires that the crime of the accused should be punishable with a jail term of one year in both countries and that this case failed to fulfill that criterion.

It's an argument that the prosecution counsel has strongly contested in earlier hearings.

After pointing out that Puneet had served two years in a New Delhi jail, Singhal went on to make his other main point that various documents had not been properly 'authenticated' as required under the extradition law.

Puneet fled to India to avoid being sentenced in Australia.

He was a 19-year-old learner driver when he killed Queensland student Dean Hofstee, aged 19, and seriously injured Clancy Coker in 2008.

Puneet smashed into them after drinking and driving at high speed in Melbourne.

He was on bail and awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to culpable driving when he fled Australia in 2009 using a friend's passport. He was arrested four years later in India, on his wedding day.

In court, Singhal has made various claims against his client's extradition.

They include arguing that Puneet is mentally ill, that he suffers from kidney and liver ailments and that he once swallowed pesticide in a suicide attempt.

The hearing was adjourned till March 14.It wasn't the official start of an election campaign but it sure felt like one.

Scott Morrison cuddled a baby, inspected plants and issued a rallying cry to party faithful on Saturday during a visit to northern Tasmania.

The prime minister's two-day trip started with a tour of a forest nursery at Somerset where he announced $12.5 million regional forestry 'hubs' to boost the industry around the country.

His second stop was the opening of Liberal Bass candidate Bridget Archer's office in Launceston where he told a packed room only his government could take the country forward.

"When I'm looking to the next election ... we will make Australia stronger, the Labor Party will make it weaker," he said.

The Liberals don't have a federal seat in Tasmania - Labor hold four and independent Andrew Wilkie holds the Hobart-based electorate of Clark, formerly known as Denison.

The seats of Lyons, Bass and Braddon were lost by the Liberals at the 2016 poll.

Bass, currently held by Ross Hart who won with a swing of six per cent, has gone back-and-forth between the two major parties over decades.

Ms Archer, a farmer and mayor of George Town, said the Liberals were gunning to win it back.

"Tasmania has never seen it so good. We want to keep that going. We don't want to see Tasmania go backwards. We need to take back Lyons, take back Braddon and take back Bass," she said.

Former soldier and businessman, Gavin Pearce, has been pre-selected for the Liberals in Braddon, a seat held by Labor's Justine Keay who defeated Brett Whiteley at a by-election in July after she was caught up in the dual-citizenship fiasco.

The federal government is expected to deliver its budget in April before a May vote.Brits' viewers were left cringing after eighties boy band Bros attempted to excite the crowd but were met with a less than enthusiastic response.

Host Jack Whitehall introduced the band by saying 'they were the biggest band of the 80s before Falling harder than Gemma Collins on Ice, but now they're back'.

Luke and Matt Goss, 50, then took to the stage, but ahead of their presentation the twin brothers attempted a back-and-forth with the audience.

Awkward: Brits' viewers were left cringing after eighties boy band Bros attempted to excite the crowd but were met with a less than enthusiastic response

The When Will I Be Famous hitmakers were cheered onto the stage by the the crowd, however the band clearly expected more from their audience.

Matt said: I'm a bit of a troublemaker and I want to hear you guys make as much noise as you can.', prompting a cheer from the crowd.

Luke then added: 'Come on O2', however it appeared that the audience had given all they had during the first cheer as the second cheer was rather lacklustre.

They're back! Host Jack Whitehall introduced the band by saying 'they were the biggest band of the 80s before Falling harder than Gemma Collins on Ice, but now they're back'

Fans were quick to comment on the awkward gaffe, with many suggesting that the audience were 20 years too young to recognise the group.

One Twitter user said: 'Bros wanting the crowd to go wild was so desperate and got exactly the response for anyone under 25... awkward turtle #Brits.'

Another user who dubbed the duo 'tragic', said:' Bros trying to get people to cheer... tragic! The crowd were born about twenty years too late to know who the hell you even are guys! #Cringe #nearlyascringeassamsmithsdancing #BritAwards2019 #BRITs.'

Reaction: Fans were quick to comment on the awkward gaffe, with many suggesting that the audience were 20 years too young to recognise the group

Another commented on how the attempt 'went down like a lead balloon', as they shared a meme along with the caption 'Bros on the #Brits.'

Earlier in the evening Jack chatted to Bros, who were rinsed over Christmas for their cringe-worthy documentary After The Screaming Stops.

In a sarcastic nod to the BBC Three hit, Jack asked the brothers what it was like to be H.O.M.E. at the B.R.I.T.S.

Luke replied  its always special to be here  while brother Matt echoed, we enjoy every second of it.

Game on! Earlier in the evening Jack chatted to Bros, who were rinsed over Christmas for their cringe-worthy documentary After The Screaming Stops

Conkers! Referring to the now-classic moment that saw Matt debating the safety of children playing conkers in the playground, Jack then whipped out a giant conker and asked to play a game

Preach, was Jacks reply.

He asked what they thought of the reaction to their documentary, to which Matt answered: The love that we have received has been amazing, we are so humbled!

Referring to the now-classic moment that saw Matt debating the safety of children playing conkers in the playground, Jack then whipped out a giant conker and asked to play a game.

Look at the size of that conker! Matt replied.Coronation Street fans got emotional when they watched 14-year-old Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) have a secret abortion in saddening scenes.

In a devastating sequence, the resident was heartbroken when the father of her unborn child insisted he wanted 'nothing to do' with the baby.

Viewers threw their support behind the young schoolgirl as they expressed their sadness at Amy's situation which led her to have the abortion.

So sad: Coronation Street fans moved to tears as 14-year-old schoolgirl Amy Barlow has a secret abortion in emotional scenes

'Awwww Amy's tears really got to me then #corrie.' One fan wrote, leading the troops on social media.

'Oh Amy what have you done #Corrie.' Another reported. 'Poor Amy #Corrie.'

Others revealed their feelings: '#Corrie Its sad that Amy went through with the abortion. Shell probably regret it.'

'Poor Amy in #Corrie She should talk to her parents. If she bottles it up she will make herself ill.'

Tearful: Viewers threw their support behind the young schoolgirl as they expressed their sadness at Amy's situation which led her to have the abortion

'Must be awful for Amy, such a big thing to keep to yourself #Corrie.'

Naturally the controversial topic sparked debate on social media as fans questioned whether or not it was legal for Amy to have a secret abortion.

However, this has been cleared up by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service who state girls under the age of 16 can have an abortion without their parents knowledge.

Doctors are said to advise the girls to speak to their parents but they will not force young people to confide in their carers or guardians.

What's going on? Naturally the controversial topic sparked debate on social media as fans questioned whether or not it was legal for Amy to have a secret abortion

Coronation Street teenager Amy made the drastic decision to abort her unborn baby in Monday's night show following a candid chat with Bethany Platt.

The underage mother-to-be dropped the bombshell after a chat with the baby's father and gang member Tyler (Will Barnett), who insisted he wants 'nothing to do' with the child.

As Amy admitted she will go ahead with the termination without telling mum Tracy and dad Steve, the episode ended on a cliffhanger with Bethany asking if it was truly the right decision.

In the episode, Amy came face-to-face with Tyler after discovering that she is pregnant, having already made a plan with her parents that they will adopt the child.

Knowledge is king: However, this has been cleared up by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service who state girls under the age of 16 can have an abortion without their parents knowing

Of course Amy is clueless that her mum Tracy (Kate Ford) offered Tyler 5,000 to stay away from her and the baby as he previously said he wanted to be in his child's life.

Tracy then called the police to report Tyler for underage sex, but despite Amy giving a formal statement she insisted their relationship was consensual.

When Amy discovered her mum's deception she furiously ran off to the station, where she was once again met by Tyler.

The gang member now insisted she should decide what to do with their child, and should she follow through with the pregnancy he wants 'nothing to do' with them.

Explosive: The teen reveals the dramatic move to Bethany Platt (above) after the baby's father Tyler insists he wants 'nothing to do' with the baby

This all led to Amy having a heart-to-heart with Bethany (Lucy Fallon), who herself has been through some rough times after being groomed as a teen.

Amy then dropped the ultimate bombshell - she had decided to abort her baby the following day and would not be telling her parents.

Despite Bethany questioning whether it was right to go ahead with the procedure in secret, Amy seemed adamant that she would not be going through with the pregnancy.

It now remains to be seen whether Amy will decide to go through with the abortion, though spoilers for next week - which see her refuse to attend a scan - suggest otherwise.The stars were out in force to help celebrate the launch of the second issue of TINGs magazine.

And Paris Jackson and Paris Hilton joined forces at the Los Angeles bash, hosted by former TOWIE star turned magazine boss Vas J Morgan at Hideaway by TMA fashion house in LA.

The 20-year-old model and actress was looking stylish as ever in a bohemian inspired dress as she posed alongside Hilton, 38, at the bash, where guests were treated to food by Greene St. Kitchen of PALMS Casino Resort in Las Vegas featuring Chef de Cuisine Lanny Chin.

Party pals: Paris Jackson and Paris Hilton joined forces at the TINGS magazine bash in Los Angeles, hosted by former TOWIE star turned magazine boss Vas J Morgan

Jackson was her typically boho chic self, going barefoot in her brown printed frock, which she accessorised with plenty of layered necklaces and bracelets.

The star accentuated her piercing blue eyes with bronze eye shadow and wore her brunette locks pushed back from her face.

The tattooed beauty proudly held a copy of the publication aloft as she showcased her fashion spread.

Boho beauty: The 20-year-old model and actress was looking stylish as ever in a bohemian inspired dress

Cover star: The tattooed beauty proudly held a copy of the publication aloft as she showcased her fashion spread

Hilton, meanwhile, showcased her svelte frame in a bodycon black dress with a cut-out at the waist.

The figure-hugging number was set off with silver chain detailing and a simple pair of ankle boots.

She coiffed her hair in soft waves and highlighted her pout with a slick of pink lipgloss.

Living it up: TINGS magazine, which celebrates popular culture and high fashion, sees Jackson cover the latest edition

TINGS magazine, which celebrates popular culture and high fashion, sees Jackson cover the latest edition.

Rita Ora was also in attendance at the bash, posing alongside her close friend Vas.

The event was in aid of ISSUE 02 of tings magazine staring 5SOS and Paris Jackson.She said she felt 'overwhelmed with sadness' at the death of 'King Karl' on Tuesday.

And Gigi Hadid looked forlorn as she arrived at the Fendi fashion house in Milan to leave flowers for the late designer Karl Lagerfeld.

The supermodel, who was regularly invited to walk in his catwalk shows, wore all black as she paid her respects one day after the sad news of his passing in Paris.

Paying tribute: Gigi Hadid was pictured taking flowers to the Fendi fashion house when she went for a fitting at Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday

Gigi was in town for Milan Fashion Week when she attended a fitting at Fendi, the fashion house where Karl was head designer.

She carried a huge bouquet upon leaving a florist in the city centre after dark.

The model covered her eyes in tinted sunglasses and covered her denim outfit with a long, dark trench coat and black heels.

She was later accompanied by her model sister Bella who was seen grabbing some food-to-go.

King Karl: Pictured here with Kaia Gerber last September, Gigi said she was 'overwhelmed with sadness' at the designer's passing on Tuesday

Gigi initially paid tribute to Karl on Instagram on Tuesday, when it was announced that the fashion icon had died, aged 85, following a short illness.

She wrote: 'Karl, I will miss your indescribable presence, watching your calm, quiet genius mind working, your little jokes, amazing stories, and experience the clothes, sets, and productions only you could dream up.'

'Thank you for believing in me and for the beautiful, incredible opportunities you brought to my career, but mostly thank you for giving me the honor of knowing the magic behind the myth.

Picking flowers: Gigi was pictured wearing all black as she went to the florist

All black: She carried a huge bouquet, picked out especially for her respects

'There will never be another Karl Lagerfeld. I am overwhelmed with sadness today, but also with so much love, admiration and gratitude for you.

'To all his beloved friends and colleagues, and his favourite girl Choupette, my heart is with you. Rest in Peace King Karl. I didn't want this day to come.'

Most recently, Gigi walked in the Chanel cruise 2019 runway show at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, alongside her sister Bella.

Heartache: In a tribute, Gigi wrote on Tuesday: 'I'm so heartbroken I almost don't have words'

She also returned to walk for Fendi at the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2019 showcase last September.

Ground-breaking designer Karl failed to take a final bow at his recent Chanel spring-summer 2019 couture show, raising eyebrows among fashion fans last month.

Director of the Creative Studio of the House Virginie Viard was asked to do the traditional greeting in Karl's place, because he was tired.

It was subsequently announced on Tuesday that Virginie would succeed Karl as creative director of Chanel.

Model sisters: Gigi and her sister Bella grabbed dinner in the city after their fitting

Bereft: Bella kept her head low as she carried a pizza to go on Wednesday nightForensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter has taken a peek behind the stroke that ended Rue McClanahan's life at the age of 76.

The Emmy-winning Golden Girls icon died in 2010 - despite being on Warfarin to prevent just such an outcome after a previous stroke months prior.

On the Reelz show Autopsy, Michael looked into the the reason the anti-coagulant failed to save her life and concluded: 'Rue had two different kinds of strokes.'

Revelations: Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter has taken a peek behind the stroke that ended Rue McClanahan's life at the age of 76 in 2010; she is pictured in 2007

In a clip from the episode posted by People, the doctor shared: 'Her first stroke was an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot.'

Michael, San Francisco's chief medical examiner, said: 'This type of stroke accounts for 87% of strokes in the United States, so it's by far the most common kind.'

He explained: 'Rue was at high risk for this kind of stroke, because she was female, over the age of 60, post-surgery, and I've also discovered she was a smoker. This in itself would have made her six times more likely to have a stroke.'

According to British self-help author Allen Carr, Rue visited a 2005 seminar he held in New York City that was meant to help smokers give up the habit.

Legend: The Emmy-winning Golden Girls icon died of a stroke in 2010 - despite being on Warfarin to prevent just such an outcome after a previous stroke months prior

Realization: On the Reelz show Autopsy, Michael looked into the the reason the anti-coagulant failed to save her life and concluded: 'Rue had two different kinds of strokes'

It was after the ischemic stroke that Rue - who according to the Reelz show was on anxiety medication as well at this time - was put on Warfarin.

Pals gossiped that when she did stand-up comedy, she would be nervous before going onstage - then vanish into her dressing room and emerge more confident.

'Anxiety can cause dramatic spikes in blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause blood clots. So, could this have increased Rue's chances of having a stroke?' Michael wondered aloud.

Coping: It was after her initial stroke, an ischemic one, that Rue - who according to the Reelz show was on anxiety medication as well at this time - was put on Warfarin

'So far Ive discovered that Rue had undergone knee surgery, which carries with it a risk of clotting. But, she came out of the surgery without complications. From reports, she was working hard in the months before her death and appeared to be fit and well,' said Michael on Autopsy, according to Closer.

'However, the chance of having a stroke increases with age and affects women more than men, and I can see from reports that Rue may have been even more susceptible to a stroke as a result of a debilitating illness that overshadowed her whole life.'

Rue, who was on her sixth husband at the end of her life, started her career in the New York theater during the 1950s and 1960s.

Quartet: She reunited with Maude's lead Bea Arthur (second from right) for The Golden Girls, which also starred Estelle Getty (second from left) and Betty White (right)

The Actors Studio member moved into TV soap operas in the 1970s and then became a sitcom star with the All In The Family spin-off Maude.

She reunited with Maude's leading lady Bea Arthur for The Golden Girls, which also starred Estelle Getty and the last surviving main cast member Betty White.

Rue starred on the series from 1985 to 1992 as Blanche Devereaux, an aging southern belle known for her ebullient personality and long track record with men.Kylie Jenner had her daughter Stormi's nursery decorated with butterflies because they're 'really important symbols' to her and Travis Scott.

The 21-year-old reality star and her Sicko Mode hitmaker boyfriend have a 'personal connection' with the winged insects, and so the couple decided to adorn the walls of their one-year-old daughter's nursery with butterfly-themed artwork in order to 'bring that energy' into the room.

Interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard - who worked on Kylie's home - said: 'Butterflies are really important symbols to Kylie and Travis so she wanted to bring that energy into Stormi's room. They have a very personal connection. I think it was because when they met there were butterflies around,' he said.

Wings: Kylie Jenner had her daughter Stormi's nursery decorated with butterflies because they're 'really important symbols' to her and Travis Scott her designer told People on Wednesday

Explained: Interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard - who worked on Kylie's home - said: 'Butterflies are really important symbols to Kylie and Travis so she wanted to bring that energy into Stormi's room. They have a very personal connection. I think it was because when they met there were butterflies around,' he said

So much love: Travis and Kylie kissed on the carpet at the 61st annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 10

The designer added, 'We have a beautiful theme with artwork of butterflies in the nursery. There is some colour in the nursery but it's mostly from the artwork.'

Stormi's playroom also has its own theme, completele with microfibre clouds that float across the ceiling.

Martyn added: 'There are giant clouds that float all across the ceiling and they all change colour. It looks like cotton candy floating across the ceiling.

Cute: The designer added, 'We have a beautiful theme with artwork of butterflies in the nursery. There is some colour in the nursery but it's mostly from the artwork. Here is Stormi's hand on one of her wall butterflies

More butterflies: Here is another butterfly themed item: 'They're made out of microfibre. They change colour and dim and brighten and they're the most magical thing. It's adorable. They're amazing,' said the designer

'They're made out of microfibre. They change colour and dim and brighten and they're the most magical thing. It's adorable. They're amazing.'

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star was already planning on redesigning her Hidden Hills mansion before she discovered she was pregnant.

And Martyn says they had to 'rework' the design plans in order to fit in a nursery and a playroom.

At home; Here is another look at the framed butterflies on the wall. The image was taken on Halloween

The theme is strong: They also had a butterfly floral arrangement made

Check it out: Kylie showed off her home inside Architectural Digest

Speaking to People magazine, he said: 'We just started the project and then she told me that she was pregnant.

'We reworked some of the design for the baby, of course.

'We had to make a proper nursery and change another room for a playroom, and just make the house somehow kid-friendly but still maintain the power and strength of the design Kylie wanted.'

This interview comes at a difficult time for Kylie.

On Tuesday it was revealed that her best friend Jordyn Woods had gotten intimate with Khloe Kardashian's baby daddy Tristan Thompson at a private party in Los Angeles over the weekend.

Drama: This interview comes at a difficult time for Kylie. On Tuesday it was revealed that her best friend Jordyn Woods had gotten intimate with Khloe Kardashian's baby daddy Tristan Thompson at a private party in Los Angeles over the weekend

All close: Khloe invited Jordyn to Tristan Thompson's birthday party at Beauty & Essex in March 2018. Also seen were Rich Paul, Simon, Lucas Newton, Kendall Jenner, Justine Skye, Jordan Woods and Kylie

At first Jenner found it hard to believe that Woods would perform this act of betrayal, according to E!

But since then the Kylie Cosmetics founder has stopped following the 21-year-old model on Instagram and it's likely she has asked her to move out of her gust house in Hidden Hills, California.

Kylie and Jordyn have been close friends since their teen years.

DONE: Khloe and Tristan are now broken up for good, according to E! News and TMZ. And UsWeekly claimed he is not too concerned with not seeing their daughter True, aged 10 months. It was added that he not trying to stay with Khloe anyhow. Seen on January 13

And it was Khloe who first made Woods famous by casting her in Good American ads.

Kylie had a hand in making Jordyn a star too as she co-starred with her in the spinoff Life Of Kylie then created the Kylie x Jordy line.

Also, Khloe's best friend Malika Haqq called Jordyn a 'ho' on social media.

Khloe and Tristan are now broken up for good, according to E! News and TMZ. And UsWeekly claimed he is not too concerned with not seeing their daughter True, aged 10 months. It was added that he not trying to stay with Khloe anyhow.She has been making the most of her idyllic retreat.

And before she returned to the snowy climes for work, Annabelle Wallis shared one last sun-drenched snap during her mysterious getaway on Instagram on Wednesday.

For the rare snap, the Peaky Blinders star, 34, showed off her peachy bottom in a string bikini which has been fastened with a neat bow at the hip.

Sneak Peak(y Blinders)! Annabelle Wallis slipped into minuscule string briefs for a rare bikini snap during her tropical getaway on Wednesday

She captioned the post: 'Back to work. See you later sunshine x.' (sic)

The snap captured the actress as she span around to face the sea and her crimped locks were sprayed out in a bouncy fashion.

No doubt the rare bikini photo was a treat for her legion of 293,000 admirers when she took to social media to share a glimpse of her holiday.

It is not known whether Chris Pine accompanied Annabelle on her trip abroad.

But it was back to reality for Annabelle as she soon shared snaps of herself filming in the snow after returning from her sunny holiday.

Filming commitments: But it was back to reality for Annabelle as she soon shared snaps of herself filming in the snow after returning from her sunny holiday

Annabelle and Chris went public with their relationship on a date night in London in July 2018 after first being romantically linked that April.

A source told US Weekly magazine at the time: 'They kept it casual for the beginning. Chris was very attentive and wooed her.'

Annabelle was previously in a long-term relationship with Coldplay's Chris Martin, 41; the couple dated for two years before calling times on their romance in June 2017.

Flying solo? It is not known whether Chris Pine accompanied Annabelle on her trip abroad (pictured in New York City, February 2019)

The Peaky Blinders actress has explained in the past that she prefers to keep her dating life private.

'It becomes hard when you know about someone's personal life - it's just distracting. It's a whole other job in itself if you go down that road,' she said in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in June 2017.

'I love the person I love, but it means so much to me that I like to keep it safe. I have nothing to hide.

'It's just that when you have people in your life that you care about, you get very protective of them, and it's not about you any more, it's about other people, and the ones you love are the ones you protect like a lioness.'

Chris was most recently linked to actress Sofia Boutella, 36, and in the past has dated model Dominique Piek, Big Little Lies star Zoe Kravitz and actress Olivia Munn.The Wendy Williams Show will stop airing new episodes starting next week and will go into reruns amid the host's continued break from her hit series.

Wendy, 54, has yet to host a single show in 2019 after announcing a hiatus due to medical reasons.

Now, a new report from RadarOnline claims that the series will now go into reruns for an undetermined amount of time.

Uncertainty: The Wendy Williams Show will stop airing new episodes starting next week and will go into reruns amid the host's continued break from her hit series, according to a new report

During her absence, several guest hosts have stepped onto the Jersey girl's iconic purple set in her stead, with Nick Cannon emerging as a pseudo-permanent fill in.

This current week's show featuring celebrity panels will wrap up on Friday and then old episodes will begin starting Monday, according to Radar.

Additionally, the outlet claims that the staff on the show remain nervous about job security.

'Staff have not heard from Wendy and are concerned for the future of their jobs,' an insider said.

Missing in action: Wendy has not hosted a single episode of her hit show in 2019

Adding: 'It has been a struggle.'

Last week a report surfaced claiming that Wendy and her husband Kevin Hunter were no longer involved in the day to day operations of the show.

'She is 100 percent not involved,' reported Us Weekly.

Despite she and her husband of 22 years initially being kept 'in the loop' on key changes to the show like guest hosts, that has now changed according to a source.

Big news: This current week's show featuring celebrity panels will wrap up on Friday and then old episodes will begin starting Monday, according to Radar

The network are 'no longer including [Wendy] on planning emails says the site.

'Every decision is now being made with zero conversations with Wendy.'

There is still no timeline for the veteran television personality to return at the helm of her eponymous series.

Pinch hitter: Nick Cannon, one of the guest hosts who've been covering for Wendy, recently said he spoke to her and she 'sounded amazing'

Mid January, the 54-year-old announced that she would be continuing her absence from The Wendy Williams show in an 'extended break' and cited medical 'complications' from a Graves' disease diagnosis as the reason.

Earlier this month her stand-in Nick Cannon directly addressed Wendy's continued hiatus, amid rumors that it may be linked to marriage trouble.

Said Nick: 'I talked to [Wendy] and honestly she sounded amazing y'all. We jumped on the phone and the first thing she said is, "Nick Cannon! How you doing?" And honestly I didn't know what to expect at first but her spirit was so big it was so amazing.'

Questions: Wendy cited health complications from Graves' disease as the reason for her absence but there are also reports of martial trouble with husband Kevin

Appearing to indirectly address reports of a marital split, he insisted she and her husband were as close as ever.

Continued Nick: 'You know what was also really awesome? I had a conversation with her and her whole family and she said she wanted to speak as a family unit,' he continued to cheers

Shortly after Cannon's declaration, photos of a weary-looking Wendy Williams emerged.

Out of the loop: A recent report claimed that Wendy and Kevin were '100 percent' not involved in the show anymore

Far from her usual polished self, the star was dressed down as she dropped by a CVS in Florida.

Before Christmas, Wendy missed a December 17 show appeared the next day with her arm in a sling under a pink sweater due to a hairline shoulder fracture.

During her December 20 show, she was criticized on social media for strange behavior including slurring her words.

Fans have been concerned about the star's health over the last year.

Scary: Fans began to grow concerned about Wendy's bizarre behavior on set after she fainted during a Halloween episode in 2017

Wendy fainted on live television during the Halloween episode of her show in 2017.

Dressed as the Statue of Liberty for the holiday, Wendy was speaking in front of her studio audience when she suddenly began to wobble and stagger backwards before dropping to the floor.

'That was not a stunt. I overheated in my costume and I passed out. I am a champ, and I am back,' said Williams a few minutes later when the show returned.She's known for her incredible sense of style.

And Salma Hayek looked sensational as she joined her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, and daughter, Valentina, on the front row at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday in Italy.

The actress, 52, showed off her flair for fashion as she wore a gorgeous purple floral silk wrap dress with bold orange fur arm cuffs and gold sequinned detailing on the front.

Stunning: Salma Hayek looked sensational as she joined her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, and daughter, Valentina, on the front row at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday in Italy

Salma completed her look with a red Gucci handbag, diamond necklace and gold heeled platform wedges to complete her glamorous look.

The Hollywood star styled her raven locks into a voluminous blow-dried curly hairdo, she added a slick of make-up which included dark eyeshadow and red lipstick.

Salma's 11-year-old daughter, Valentina, also rocked a head-to-toe Gucci ensemble of a pink and red branded jumper with black jewel-encrusted trainers.

Gorgeous: The actress, 52, showed off her flair for fashion as she wore a gorgeous purple floral silk wrap dress with bold orange fur arm cuffs and gold sequinned detailing on the front

Details: Salma completed her look with a red Gucci handbag, diamond necklace and gold heeled platform wedges to complete her glamorous look

Meanwhile, the actress' husband, Francois-Henri, looked dapper in a blue chequered suit with a navy jumper and black brogue shoes.

Also sitting front row at the star-studded fashion event were the likes of Lucy Boynton, Saoirse Ronan and Andrew Garfield.

Salma's billionaire husband, Francois-Henri, is the chairman and CEO of luxury conglomerate Kering.

The corporation owns a number of luxury brands, including Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent.

Yummy mummy: The Hollywood star styled her raven locks into a voluminous blow-dried curly hairdo, she added a slick of make-up which included dark eyeshadow and red lipstick

Salma and her husband Francois-Henri began their relationship in 2006 and were engaged less than a year later.

The actress gave birth to their daughter Valentina, now 11, in September 2007 in Los Angeles.

The pair wed in Paris on Valentine's Day in 2009, they put on a second wedding ceremony in Venice in April of the same year.

Salma also shares a stepdaughter, Mathilde Pinault, 18, and stepsons Augustin Evangelista, 12, and Francois Pinault, 21, with her husband.They've been in a loving relationship for nearly three years.

And Chloe Green, 27, still looked as smitten as ever with Jeremy Meeks, 35, as they celebrated the launch of deluxe streetwear brand EXTREMEDY at at Cavalli Club in Dubai.

The pair snuggled up to one another as they posed for pictures in the event, before Jeremy - famously dubbed the 'Hot Felon' after his mugshot went viral - whipped off his shirt to hit the dance floor.

Loved-up: Chloe Green, 27, still looked as smitten as ever with Jeremy Meeks, 35, as they celebrated the launch of deluxe streetwear brand EXTREMEDY at at Cavalli Club in Dubai

Chloe looked dazzling on the outing as she slipped into a black dress adorned with glittering silver detailing and featuring shoulder pads.

She kept her make-up neutral to highlight her natural beauty, whilst her glossy chestnut locks were styled in a slick centre parting.

Jeremy also looked stylish as he donned a forest green crew neck jumper, which he later ripped off to hit the dance floor - showing off his muscular physique.

Stealing the show!! Jeremy also looked stylish as he donned a forest green crew neck jumper, which he later ripped off to hit the dance floor - showing off his muscular physique

Chic: Chloe looked dazzling on the outing as she slipped into a black dress adorned with glittering silver detailing and shoulder pads as she chatted with Mohammed Hadid

Chloe and 'Hot Felon' Jeremy began dating in July 2017, first sparking romance rumours when they were spotted locking lips on her father's yacht last summer.

Their romance wasn't without controversy, as news of the duo dating left Meeks' ex-wife Melissa devastated.

Since then, Chloe and Jeremy's relationship has gone from strength to strength and the couple welcomed their first child together, son Jayden Meeks-Green, at the end of May.

Working it: Jeremy hit the runway to debut the new collection, showing off the clothing as well as his ripped six pack

Looking good: Jeremy went back to his model roots as he stormed the runway on the outing

He's not shy: The model ensured all eyes would be on him as he strutted down the catwalk

The pair announced their baby's arrival via social media, asking for 'privacy' while insisting both mother and baby were doing well. They shared a sweet snap of them both holding their son's hands - making sure to keep his face hidden from view.

Chloe had kept her pregnancy under wraps until the end of May, when she unveiled her baby bump during a holiday on her father Sir Phillip's super yacht in Monaco, confirming the baby rumours.

The arrival of Jayden saw Jeremy become a father for the second time, as he is already dad to nine-year-old son Jeremy Jr. whom he co-parents with his ex Melissa.

Two's company: Mohammed settled into his seat alongside a glamorous companion

Enthralled: Mohammed couldn't seem to keep his eyes off the runway as he watched the show

Loving life: The group seemed in high spirits as they settled in to enjoy a dinner at the show

The couple marked their one-year anniversary at the end of July, with Chloe revealing the pair had headed 'back to the place it all began' while sharing a holiday snap from Turkey.

Jeremy, meanwhile, gushed: 'We always have the most amazing time in Turkey love you Baby.'

Meeks has grafted a flourishing career in modelling, taking to catwalks all over the world, after his 2014 mug shot went viral on Facebook and Twitter with admirers gushing over his chiseled face and dreamy blue eyes.

Stockton Police Department shared the unlikely stunning snap after he was arrested on weapons charges amid a gang sweep and later handed a prison sentence of 27 months in connection with the incident.They've endured a busy fortnight at New York and London Fashion Weeks.

And supermodels Irina Shayk and Stella Maxwell jetted into Milan, Italy, as they prepared to rule the runway once again on Wednesday.

Irina, 33, looked stunning as she walked through the airport in a chic cream trench coat, teamed with a cream and brown pinstriped jumpsuit complete with gold button detailing.

Models on the move: Supermodels Irina Shayk and Stella Maxwell jetted into Milan, Italy, as they prepared to rule the runway once again on Wednesday

The Russian beauty added a pop of colour to her neutral look with a pair of pointed red stilettos which featured an edgy gold chain across the middle.

Completing her look, Irina opted for an array of stylish accessories including a brown, leather shoulder bag, gold hoops and a quirky patterned scarf.

Shielding her eyes against the Italian sun, Bradley Cooper's girlfriend rocked a pair of over-sized brown sunglasses.

Irina let her outfit do the talking by keeping her make-up neutral and scraping her hair back into a simple low bun.

Airport chic: Irina, 33, looked stunning as she walked through the airport in a chic cream trench coat, teamed with a cream and brown pinstriped jumpsuit with gold button detailing

Chic: Completing her look, Irina opted for an array of stylish accessories including a brown, leather shoulder bag, gold hoops and a quirky patterned scarf

Irina completed her look with a black Away suitcase and a Gucci holdall as she made her way through the terminal.

It was a much more casual affair for Stella Maxwell, 28, who also touched down at Milan airport for the event.

Opting for a more laidback flight attire, the Victoria's Secret model donned a classic black Nirvana t-shirt and camouflage cargo trousers.

She teamed her comfy look with a pair of black lace-up boots and black sunglasses.

Laid back: It was a much more casual affair for Stella Maxwell, 28, who also touched down at Milan airport for the event

Stella - Kristen Stewart's ex - teamed her ensemble with simple jewellery and had her blonde locks scraped back into a messy bun.

The Belgian-born beauty went hands-free through the airport, save for a simple black handbag.

Irina's stylish turn comes a week after she supported beau Bradley at the BAFTA Awards in London.

The star supported her other half who's film A Star Is Born picked up the gong for Best Original Music.Teresa Giudice has been seen spending time with a handsome younger man named Blake Schreck.

The reality star, whose husband Joe Giudice is in jail serving time for bankruptcy fraud, has been photographed holding hands with the 26-year-old former realtor in recent days.

It comes after rumors that Teresa, 46, wants to divorce her husband of 19 years if he is deported back to Italy following his jail term.

Flirting up a storm: Teresa Giudice has been spending time with a handsome 26-year-old realtor named Blake Schreck. The duo are pictured in Miami over the weekend

And it seems that Teresa is living like a single woman as the Real Housewives of New Jersey star spent a weekend in Miami hanging out with her hunky companion.

Us Weekly reports that the duo were spotted together as far back as New Year's Eve, where Teresa was 'aggressively flirting' with Blake.

Over the weekend an onlooker told the magazine Teresa and Blake 'looked really into each other.' as they spent time chilling at the beach together, enjoying some of the Miami nightlife and shopping together.

'They've been dating a while,' a source told InTouch who obtained photos of the duo holding hands on a night out over Presidents Day weekend.

The pictures also showed Blake placing his hand on Teresa's lower back during the evening.

Acting single? While he's not pictured here, Teresa was joined by her hunky young companion at this beach outing on Monday and also enjoyed a night out with him

'They've been dating a while,' a source told InTouch who obtained photos of the duo holding hands on a night out over Presidents Day weekend

Us Weekly reports that the duo were spotted together as far back as New Year's Eve, where Teresa was 'aggressively flirting' with Blake

Blake is pictured in an older snap from his realtor profile. He's been working as Business Development Manager at VectraCor since 2014

Other images saw the duo gazing at each other as they laid out on sun loungers together at the Delano South Beach.

Blake lives in Totowa, New Jersey, just nine miles from Teresa's mansion.

According to his LinkedIn page, he is now the Global Strategy & Business Development Manager at VectraCor.

Teresa's attorney James Leonard Jr. has denied the relationship is anything more than friends, telling People on Wednesday: 'Teresa was in Miami for a charity event with a large group of friends, both men and women,

'The photos show one of those friends helping Teresa out of the venue and to her car. She had some wine and she was wearing heels.'

'That's the real story, There is no cheating, no divorce,' he added.

Meanwhile, Joe, 46, is serving a 41-month prison sentence for fraud and a judge has ordered his deportation back to Italy when he is released in March.

During a Real Housewives reunion show yet to air, Teresa hinted that the couple would split if Joe - who never obtained American citizenship - is forced to leave the country.

'The only lawyers Teresa is talking to are her husband's immigration lawyers and those conversations are about bringing Joe home where he belongs' Teresa's lawyer said this month slamming reports she's been speaking to a divorce lawyer

But the mother-of-four's attorney was quick to shoot down the claims after rumors Teresa was already speaking to divorce lawyers.

'The only lawyers Teresa is talking to are her husband's immigration lawyers and those conversations are about bringing Joe home where he belongs. Nobody is talking about getting divorced,' Leonard Jr. said.

'Joe Giudice is a fighter and he wants to come home. His lawyers are putting up a hell of a fight in an effort to make that happen.'

The couple are parents to four daughters; Gia, 18, Gabriella, 15, Milania, 14 and Audriana, 10.

Teresa also served a little over 11 months in prison for her part in the scheme and was released in December 2015.Advertisement

They rarely put a foot wrong when it comes to their bold style choices.

And Lucy Boynton and Saoirse Ronan pulled out all the stops with their striking ensembles as they took to the FROW at Gucci's AW19 show during Milan Fashion Week in Italy on Wednesday afternoon.

Bohemian Rhapsody star Lucy, 25, commanded attention as she rocked a structured denim two-piece, featuring a trendy jacket and matching skirt.

Working it! Lucy Boynton (L) and Saoirse Ronan (R) pulled out all the stops with their striking ensembles as they took to the FROW at Gucci's AW19 show during Milan Fashion Week in Italy on Wednesday afternoon

Injecting even more pazzazz into her look, the screen star complemented her outfit with a red patterned ribbon, while boosting her frame in a pair of silver sandalled heels.

The blonde appeared to take items fresh from the collection as she toted quilted chain-strap handbag, while keeping accessories to a minimum.

With her chic bob styled into loose waves, the Miss Potter star accentuated her porcelain complexion with blush-swept cheeks, lashings of mascara and a slick of bright pink lipgloss.

Lady Bird actress Saoirse, 24, displayed her quirky style sense as she caught the eye in a burnt red waistcoat, tied in with a pair of orange wide-leg trousers and a longline navy jacket.

Bold: Bohemian Rhapsody star Lucy, 25, commanded attention as she rocked a structured denim two-piece, featuring a trendy jacket and a matching dress

Family outing: Salma Hayek, 52, joined husband Francois-Henri Pinault, 56, and their daughter Valentina at the starry event

Wow-factor! The Grown Ups actress ensured all eyes were on her as she rocked a purple kimono-style dress, featuring floral embroidery and red fluffy cuffs

Star-studded: Andrew Garfield (L) showed off his eye for fashion in a dapper varsity jacket and camel-toned trousers, while St Vincent (R) sported an oversized faux fur jacket

All in the details: The Amazing Spider-Man star, 35, displayed his bold sense of style in the accessory department as he donned a pair of yellow-lens frames

Italian fashion maven Alessandro Michele debuted the collection at the start of Milan Fashion Week, following on from the recent blackface sweater controversy.

Lucy's appearance comes after she put on a loved-up display with co-star Rami Malek, after the pair finally confirmed their real-life romance earlier this year.

During his winner's speech at the BAFTAs where he picked up the award for best actor, the 37-year-old screen star said: 'This is truly extraordinary. Thank you BAFTA for this gorgeous gift. I cannot believe I am included in this group of actors. Ive entered this would as an outsider. You Brits do it so well and its not lost on me how sacred your musical heritage is so thank you so much for including me'.

Their film is tipped as a hot contender at the Oscars later this month, having scooped nominations for Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Sound Editing, Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing.

Wow: The collection displayed the brand's fashion forward ways with its quirky accessories, as models stormed the runway in a selection of colourful masks

Patterns galore: Gucci's range also featured dresses and jumpsuits in monochrome houndstooth designs

Dazzle: Models hit the catwalk in an array of eye-catching numbers, including gold striped trousers, snake print bomber jackets and sporty knee pads

Rami confirmed his relationship with Lucy when he won the Breakthrough Artist Award at the 30th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival's Film Awards Gala.

He thanked the festival before directly addressing the London-raised actress: 'Thank you, Lucy Boynton. You have been my ally, my confidante, my love. Thank you so much,' he said.

Meanwhile, Saoirse recently revealed filming Mary, Queen of Scots was quite the emotional experience when, after settling into her role as the titular character as Queen Elizabeth I, she finally came face-to-face with co-star Margot Robbie, 28, after weeks of being kept apart.

Speaking on the BBC's Graham Norton Show, the actress explained: 'Mary and Elizabeth never actually met so we took a bit of artistic license and lied about what really happened!

Eccentric: Italian fashion maven Alessandro Michele debuted the collection, following on from the recent blackface sweater controversy

In theme: The brand stayed true to their signature theme of boxy suiting as models captivated onlookers with eccentric designs

'We only met once in the film and because of that Margot and I stayed apart so we didn't know what each other looked like. When we finally met for the scene we cried. It was very emotional.'

In the film, Ronan plays the titular Mary, Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, who defies pressure to remarry; instead, returning to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne.

But Scotland and England fall under the rule of her cousin Elizabeth I  played by Robbie.Richard E. Grant has warmed the hearts of fans once again, as he took to Twitter to eagerly tweet his invite to the Academy Awards.

The 63-year-old - who is nominated for the first time following his performance in Can You Ever Forgive Me? - posted a snap of his invitation for the grand ceremony, where he will compete for the Best Supporting Prize.

What followed was a slew of responses from fans rushing to wish Richard luck on the big night, as he prepared to journey to Los Angeles for the star-studded ceremony.

Giddy: Richard E. Grant has warmed the hearts of fans once again, as he took to Twitter to eagerly tweet his invite to the Academy Awards

Sweet: The actor, 61, took to Twitter to share a snap of his invitation to the ceremony, gushing that it was a 'once in a lifetime' chance to attend the ceremony

Alongside the snap of his grand invite, Richard wrote: 'Just opened this Once In My Lifetime envelope from @TheAcademy.'

He then quoted a line from the iconic 1960 track Goodness Gracious Me by Peter Sellers and Sophie Loren, adding: 'Making my heart go Boom Boody-Boom, Boody-Boom.'

Richard's post was quickly inundated with responses from fans, who shared their well-wishes with the veteran actor and added that they would be supporting him in the Oscars race.

Exciting: Richard is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Can You Ever Forgive Me? (above in the film with Melissa McCarthy)

Good luck! Richard's post was quickly inundated with responses from fans, who shared their well-wishes with the veteran actor

One fan wrote: 'That's so awesome, have a ball! Got everything crossed for you,' while another added: 'Truly thrilled for you, I'm sure you will enjoy every moment.'

'We're all chuffed to bits for you Dear Boy! All the very best of luck. Go @RichardEGrant.'

One fan sweetly shared their well-wishes by describing how they would be tuning into the ceremony, tweeting: 'Good luck, man. I've got everything crossed for you. There'll be two large gins and two pints of cider, with ice of course going down the hatch on the 24th.'

Richard will head to ceremony to compete for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, against Mahershala Ali (Green Book), Sam Elliott (A Star Is Born), Sam Rockwell (Vice) and Adam Driver (BlacKkKlansman).

Exciting: The veteran actor hasn't held back from sharing his excitement about being nominated, and as been documenting his awards adventures with a slew of social media snaps

The star hasn't held back from sharing his joy at being nominated for the prize, and has been documenting his awards season adventures with plenty of star-studded selfies.

Richard recently recalled his most bizarre awards show experience in an interview with Variety, saying that it was unreal 'going to the Governors Ball and while speaking to Emily Blunt for the first time in my life, being interrupted from behind by Tom Hanks saying, "Youre perfect in your movie, youre wonderful, you should win everything."

'That takes you by surprise. Standing directly next to Tom Hanks was Steven Spielberg. Then someone tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Do you want to meet Lady Gaga?" That was completely unbelievable.'

Going on to talk about his preparation for the Oscars, Richard revealed he hasn't prepared a speech because he thinks that it's a 'foolish' thing to do.

The Star Wars: Episode IX actor said: 'Most certainly not. That would be foolish. The man that has to have the speech planned is the man who has had to come up with four different speeches for the four different awards that hes already won.'

Tough competition: Richard will go up against Adam Driver for BlacKkKlansman, Mahershala Ali for Green Book, Sam Elliott for A Star Is Born and Sam Rockwell for Vice

Can You Ever Forgive Me? sees Melissa step into the stilettos of celebrity biographer Lee Israel who makes her living profiling A-listers in the dramatic thriller film.

The writer chronicles the lives of stars including Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estee Lauder and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen.

Yet in a shocking twist, Lee turns her art form into deception when she falls on hard times and her work is no longer able to get published.She is a dedicated actress who has been in the film industry since she was a little girl.

And Chloe Grace Moretz looked like she meant business as she continued promoting her new psychological horror film, Greta, in New York City on Thursday.

The actress, 22, was pictured arriving to Good Morning America in a navy blue coat and bold red trousers.

Dressed for success! Chloe Grace Moretz looked like she meant business as she continued promoting her new psychological horror film, Greta, in New York City on Thursday

Chloe showed off her quirky eye for style as she braved the Big Apple chill wearing a checkered blouse and leather ankle boots.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post actress wore her blonde locks down, while touching up her complexion with a trace of blush and bold red lips.

Chloe didn't let the chilly temperatures stop her from flashing a smile, giving fans a friendly wave as she headed inside the studio.

The actress seemed to have a spring in her step while making the rounds, not letting the frigid temperatures keep her down.

Hello sunshine! In spite of the chilly weather, Chloe looked in high spirits

Strike a pose: Moretz exuded confidence as she worked her magic ahead of her GMA appearance

In Greta, Chloe plays a young woman who befriends an older, eccentric French piano teacher with deadly intentions.

In spite of the film's dark story line, Chloe still found ways to lighten up the mood while filming.

'I think it's always important for me to try and break the scene and laugh as much as possible, and there was a moment in the movie - not to give anything away - but there is an appendage that is lost during filming, and we found it very funny to hide it in areas and put it in food and put in coffee cups, and continue to try and find this appendage covered in fake blood in various areas where it should not be,' she said on Good Morning America on Wednesday.

Greta also stars Isabelle Huppert and Maika Monroe and is set for release on March 1, 2019.

These boots were made for walking: The 22-year-old stood tall in her stylish leather footwearShe paid tribute to fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld on Tuesday following his death aged 85 from pancreatic cancer.

And model Kaia Gerber, 17, was pictured for the first time since learning of the sad news, as she headed back to work during Milan Fashion Week.

Kaia hid her eyes behind dark Oliver Peoples shades and wore a baggy T-shirt underneath a smart jacket. She wore leather leggings and cream lace-up boots.

Busy: Kaia Gerber headed back to work during Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday as she's seen for the first time since paying tribute to Karl Lagerfeld after his death the day before

The daughter of Cindy Crawford was one of designer Karl's muses and would regularly feature on his Chanel catwalks.

Kaia took to Instagram the day before, to share a sweet picture of herself with the iconic designer.

She wrote: 'This one hurts to write. my dearest Karl, you have taught me things that I am eternally grateful for.

Fashion: Kaia hid her eyes behind dark Oliver Peoples shades and wore a baggy T-shirt underneath a smart jacket. She wore leather leggings and cream lace-up boots

Tribute: Kaia penned some touching words about the designer and her close friend

'I cannot put into words how lucky we all are to have been gifted your vision. your girls love you so much. the world is more beautiful now because of you.

'Thank you for everything, no one will ever compare.'

Last August, Kaia and Karl released a collaborative range called KARL LAGERFELD X KAIA.

Glamour: Kaia walking the runway at the Chanel show back in January - Karl was unable to attend due to ill health

According to the Karl Lagerfeld website, the range: 'combined his timeless, Parisian chic aesthetic with her confident vision and L.A. style.

'The designs bring a relaxed, cool girl touch to Karls iconic wardrobe essentials like tuxedo blazers, biker jackets and little black dresses.'

Karl died in Paris, France, at the age of 85, after being rushed to hospital after suffering from weeks of ill-health.Switzerland Prosecutes Assyrian for Fighting Against ISIS in Syria

Swiss former army officer Johan Cosar (an Assyrian), center, arrives at the Federal Criminal Court of Switzerland together with his lawyer Yasar Ravi, right, and the assistant of the defence lawyer, left, In Bellinzona. ( Keystone) A former Swiss army officer who fought in a Christian militia against the Islamic State in Syria appears in a military court in Bellinzona today. He is accused of undermining Switzerland's defensive capabilities by joining a foreign army.

Born in St Gallen and raised in Ticino, Johan Cosar's family belongs to the Syriac minority, one of the oldest Christian communities in the East of Syria. He was also a sergeant in the Swiss army.

He has admitted to co-founding and participating in the activities of a private militia, the Syriac Military Council. The militia's mission is to defend the Christian populations of Syria, which are persecuted by the Islamic State.

After two years fighting for the militia, Cosar was arrested in Basel in 2015 upon his return to Switzerland, accused of illegally fighting for a foreign army.

Cosar who is now 37 is facing allegations that he undermined the defensive capabilities of the country by engaging in a foreign army, which is prohibited under Article 94 of the Swiss Military Penal Code.

In response to questions by Swiss public television SRF on Tuesday, Cosar rejected the accusations: "No, I do not consider myself guilty, absolutely not," he asserts. He said that he has "defended innocent people," and "I do not regret what I did - fighting a terrorist organisation - and if it happened in in Switzerland, I would be the first to commit myself to fight it."

He appeared on the stand alongside his cousin, accused of helping him recruit soldiers through social networks such as Facebook and Youtube.

Cosar faces up to three years in prison under the military penal code. In similar cases, the military court has typically imposed financial penalties.Advertisement

EastEnders star Louisa Lytton has given fans an inside look at her chic London abode, which she shares with beau Benny Bhanvra.

The stunning soap star, 30, is no stranger to sharing snaps of her gorgeous apartment on social media, having moved into with partner Benny after just four months of dating.

It seems that Louisa's apartment takes inspiration from a neutral colour palette, boasting cream sofas, a spiral staircase and an open plan beech-coloured kitchen.

Stunning: EastEnders star Louisa Lytton has given fans an inside look at her chic London abode, which she shares with beau Benny Bhanvra - who she moved in with after just four months of dating

Starting with the bedroom area, Louisa shares an enormous grey bed to match the charcoal wall finishing, where she can relax and enjoy an ice coffee before heading to the EastEnders set to film more scenes.

The boudoir sits on a balcony of sorts alongside the spiral staircase, which adds to the urban chic feel of the flat, alongside the white wood furniture and finishing.

Meanwhile the living areas continues to natural feel of the flat, featuring a classic cream sofa to match the walls and oak flooring, delicately furnished with a selection of flowers and a glass-topped table.

Picturesque: The soap star, 30, has shared several snaps of her London flat on social media, which boasts a neutral colour palette and quirky spiral staircase

Classic: The living room is perfectly formed with a plush cream sofa and oak wood flooring, furnished with plenty of flowers and a glass-topped table

Meanwhile Louisa's kitchen also boasts a sleek beech wood finish with slate marble worktops, and again seems open plan to add to the size of the space as her beau rustles up some romantic dishes.

Another snap also shows Louisa's picturesque living room perfectly decorated for a birthday celebration, complete with a special banner and table decorated with floral embellishments.

Louisa made a dramatic return to EastEnders late last year, as her character Ruby Allen made a dramatic return to Albert Square after a staggering 12 years away.

Chic: Louisa has also shown how she perfectly decorates the living room for a birthday celebration, complete with banner letters and confetti to line the table

Delicious: The open-plan also contains beech wood units with marble worktops, perfect for Louisa and her beau (seen here on the right) to rustle up some delicious dishes

Speaking on This Morning, Louisa previously revealed she was nervous about returning to EastEnders amid her character Ruby's harrowing rape storyline.

She said: '[Producer] John York rang me and said we'd love to bring your character back. Obviously I was a bit nervous, but so far, so good.

'I said to John about the storyline please can we have help from an organisation. You know, its not just another rape storyline on a soap.

'We are highlighting the difference between rape and consented sex its not black and white. Its a grey area.'

Host Phillip Schofield then went onto ask whether she would be sticking around on the soap, but the actress remained coy on her future in Albert Square.

Classic: Louisa's cosy flat is perfect decorated, as the soap star made a dramatic return to EastEnders last year, reprising the role of Ruby Allen after 12 years away



American rapper Eminem thrilled fans in Brisbane on Wednesday, as he performed his first show of his Rapture Australian tour.

The 46-year-old hitmaker took to the stage at the QSAC Stadium and got rave reviews from fans.

Performing some of his greatest hits and latest tracks, Eminem put on a lively show, with concertgoers flocking to social media to tweet about the star and share videos.

Slim Shady's still got it! American rapper Eminem, 46, thrilled fans in Brisbane on Wedneday night during his first show as part of his Rapture Australian tour (pictured at the concert)

'Eminem was f**king lit,' one fan tweeted after the show, while another added that his show was 'sick.'

Meanwhile, one wrote on Instagram: 'Eminem killed it in Brisbane tonight!'

Big fans: Performing some of his greatest hits and latest tracks, Eminem put on a lively show, with concertgoers flocking to social media to tweet about the star and share videos

'Eminem was f**king lit,' one fan tweeted after the show, while another added that his show was 'sick'

Coming up: The rap star will next perform at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on Friday, before heading to Melbourne on Sunday and Perth on Wednesday

For the performance, the rapper and producer - who is known for hits including Lose Yourself and Without Me - wore a white printed T-shirt and grey baggy trousers.

Eminem - whose real name is Marshall Mathers III - teamed the look with white sneakers and his signature black baseball cap.

The rap star will next perform at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on Friday, before heading to Melbourne on Sunday and Perth on Wednesday.

In December, Eminem made headlines when he divided fans with his new eleven minute song, Kick Off.

In the song, he raps about the Manchester Arena bombing during the Ariana Grande concert.She always looks preened to perfection on nights out.

And Rebecca Judd stayed true to her sartorial credentials on Wednesday, as she attended a dinner to celebrate MasterChef star Khanh Ong's partnership with the restaurant The George On Collins.

The 35-year-old WAG ensured she took centre-stage in a skintight LBD with lace-up detail as she posed at the starstudded bash in Melbourne.

Thigh's the limit! Rebecca Judd displays her svelte physique in a racy black dress complete with a daring lace-up split in Melbourne

The brunette beauty let her statement garment do all the talking and added height with a pair of towering stilettos.

Styling her glossy tresses in tumbling waves, she framed her features with taupe lipstick and smoky eyeshadow.

As well curating a new menu for The George on Collins, Khanh has become a partner in the business.

120 guests enjoyed a three-course dinner featuring a range of dishes from his new Vietnamese menu.

Glam: Styling her glossy tresses in tumbling waves, she framed her features with taupe lipstick and smoky eyeshadow

Hanging with the gals: Rebecca posed with Kylie Brown (far left) and Michelle Greene (right) at the bash

Guests included Havana Brown, Kylie Brown, Laura Henshaw, Michelle Greene, Jess Hatzis, Michelle Walsh, Andy Murphy, among others.

Rebecca's outing comes just days after she hit back at trolls who claimed she had 'spoiled' her daughter Billie with an 'overindulgent' fifth birthday party.

The mother-of-four faced a backlash after throwing an extravagant bash on Saturday featuring a customised cake, giant balloons and a huge bouquet of flowers.

But she furiously defended herself on Monday, insisting it was 'hardly lavish' as she had used 'Kmart accessories' and discount party supplies.

Taking centre-stage: Havana Brown stunned in a silky plunging blouse and mom jeans

Killer accessories: The DJ finished off her look with towering nude stilettos and a black leather clutch

Rebecca shared a screenshot to Instagram of an online article with the headline: 'Bec Judd's party for daughter branded excessive by angry parents.'

She accompanied this with the caption: 'Kmart accessories, homemade fairy bread and fruit skewers, a cake from the shop around the corner and party supplies from the Discount Party shop - hardly lavish.'

After sharing photos from her daughter's birthday over the weekend, social media trolls branded Billie 'spoilt' and said the party was 'overindulgent' for a five year old.

'Wow, she's spoilt,' one person wrote, before adding: 'Lol sorry I should have said very spoilt.'

Loving life: Havana wrapped her arms around Masterchef's Khanh on the night

Another follower described the decorations and theme as 'utterly disgusting'.

'What overindulgence for a five year old,' they commented. 'Would probably feed a hundred homeless people for a month. I'm out of here!'

The incredible spread at the party included fairy bread, cupcakes, boxes of popcorn and a gigantic birthday cake.

An abundance of brightly coloured, doll-shaped helium balloons surrounded the large table, along with a huge bouquet of flowers.Human Ken Doll Rodrigo Alves revealed he's been left in 'agony' after his chin implant ruptured leaving a huge dent, following his latest surgical procedure.

And the Celebrity Big Brother star, 35, was spotted stepping out in Milan on Wednesday, putting on a brave face in the midst of his surgery woes.

The dent was visible in Rodrigo's chin as he stepped out in style in the Italian city, deep in conversation on the phone.

Ouch: Human Ken Doll Rodrigo Alves was spotted in Milan on Wednesday after revealing his chin implant ruptured leaving a huge dent, following his latest surgical procedure

Rodrigo looked stylish as ever in a leather jacket and a silk shirt, teamed with skinny jeans.

The media personality completed his look with a pair of shiny patent loafers and a Hermes belt.

Rodrigo admitted to feeling 'very self-conscious' since the incident, as he's set to appear on TV to talk about his original song Plastic World, which he will be performing during the Eurovision opening party in May.

Unfortunate setback: The dent was visible in Rodrigo's chin as he stepped out in style in the Italian city

Dapper chap: Rodrigo looked stylish as ever in a leather jacket and a silk shirt, teamed with skinny jeans

Checking in: The surgery-loving star was completely engrossed in his mobile phone

Speaking exclusively for MailOnline, he said he was 'in tears' over the rupture, and lamented: 'How can I go there to talk about my song when I have a big dent in my chin?'

Despite the pain he's been in as a result of the rupture, the socialite put on a brave face as he updated his fans on Instagram during his journey to Milan for the city's upcoming fashion week.

His posts sparked a huge number of fans to send him messages, as they were concerned with what had happened to his chin.

Key details: The media personality completed his look with a pair of shiny patent loafers and a Hermes belt

Shock: Roddy revealed a huge dent in his chin after his implant RUPTURED, leaving him crying and in agony following latest surgery

Rodrigo told MailOnline he visited his friend and plastic surgeon Dr. Giancome Urtis to run a few X-Ray and CAT scans at the Clinica Villa Arbe in Milan to determine what can be done to help fix the rupture.

He explained: 'It looks [like] I will have to go back to Iran, Tehran, to have the chin replaced. Alternatively I could have some injections of Hyaluronic acid but it wont be a permanent fix.'

Earlier this month, Rodrigo enthused he was able to breathe for the first time in four years after 11 nose jobs during his 6,000 cosmetic surgery quest for perfection.

Concerned: The Celebrity Big Brother star admitted to feeling 'very self-conscious' since the incident caused him to develop a dent in his chin (R: Earlier this month on This Morning)

Assistance: Rodrigo told MailOnline he visited plastic surgeon Dr. Giancome Urtis (pictured) to run a few X-Ray and CAT scans at the Clinica Arbe in Milan to determine what can be done

Options: He explained he may have to 'go back to Iran, Tehran, to have the chin replaced' or alternatively he 'could have some injections of Hyaluronic acid, but it wont be a permanent fix'

During an appearance on This Morning he also divulged he was forced to keep his eyes open after having his fifth Canthopexy eye-lift surgery in recent weeks.

Following his 70th procedure, the Brazilian star, who has splashed out 600,000 on plastic surgery in total, claimed he is staying out of the operating room for the next few years but he didn't rule out going under the knife again.

He added: 'Plastic surgeons only perform on healthy people. I'm so healthy. I have lots of blood tests. I'm a very health person. If I was a smoker or had an illness, it would be a risk or a danger.

'I'm done with plastic surgery for the next few years and if I need to have surgery I can, my entire body has been modified.'

Powering through: Despite the pain he's been in, the socialite put on a brave face as he updated his fans on Instagram during his journey to Milan for the city's upcoming fashion week

Worried: His posts sparked a huge number of fans to send him messages, as they were concerned with what had happened to his chin

Last month, the TV personality revealed the results of his 70th plastic surgery, as he jetted to Iran for a procedure to re-shape his eyes.

He exclusively told MailOnline his recovery is going well after undergoing the procedure to 'look like a sexy cat,' and is now finally able to breathe through his nose after an eleventh rhinoplasty.

Following the surgery, normally used to tighten skin on the lower eyelid, Rodrigo said: 'It has been 24 hours since I had a Canthopexy eyelift, my eyes feel dry but I am loving the results.

'Having the eyes was never on my plans but after nearly a month here in Iran - the Mecca for face plastic surgery - I found out that it is a big trend, it can be easily done on sedation and the results are amazing!

Hopeful: Rodrigo said he intends to visit a clinic in Milan to see if they will be able to help, but told MailOnline that he might have to return to Iran to have Hyaluronic acid put into his chin

Upset: Speaking exclusively for MailOnline on Wednesday, he said he was 'in tears' over it, and lamented: 'How can I go there to talk about my song when I have a big dent in his chin?'

'I have being healing really well thanks for the intensive hyperbaric oxygen therapy and supplements that I have been given by my team of five doctors.

'It has been four years that I haven't been able to breath using my nose due to complications that I have had on the past. But now I am officially breathing again it is a great feeling, I feel human!'

Rodrigo's eye surgery came less than a week after he had a chin implant but went on to admit he already wants to get it removed.

He told MailOnline: 'My aim with my surgery stories is to bring the awareness that once one does so many plastic surgeries and aesthetic procedures - it is a commitment for life, my surgeries in the start was a want and now it has become a need.'They went their separate ways back in August following a 22 month romance.

And Kourtney Kardashian and Younes Bendjima proved they were friendly exes as they enjoyed a reunion in a coffee shop in Los Angeles on Tuesday, amid claims by TMZ they were 'handsy' and 'super flirty with one another.

In photos taken inside the shop, the reality star, 39, and her model ex, 25, were seen standing at the counter, looking relaxed in one another's company.

Reunited: Kourtney Kardashian and Younes Bendjima proved they were friendly exes as they enjoyed a reunion in a coffee shop in Los Angeles on Tuesday, amid claims they were 'handsy' and 'super flirty with one another

Kourtney flaunted her toned posterior in skinny jeans, paired with heels and a yellow jumper.

Younes looked hunky in a slate t-shirt, tartan shirt and baggy chinos, teamed with trainers as he looked at his phone and stood next to the beauty.

An insider told the website that Younes was in line ordering when Kourtney and a pal approached him.

The former couple were said to have got 'handsy' with one another, with Kourtney reportedly kissing him on the cheek when they bid farewell.

Friendly exes; In photos taken inside the shop, the reality star, 39, and her model ex, 25, were seen standing at the counter, looking relaxed in one another's company

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Kourtney and Younes for comment.

The former couple shocked fans when they reportedly split in early August.

Trouble seemed to brew after their trip to Italy when she posted a photo of her bottom. He posted a comment which read: 'Is that what you need to show to get likes?'

He later deleted the comments.

The racy picture was taken while they were travelling around Europe together with Kourtney's children Mason, eight, Penelope, six, and Reign, three.

Happier times: The pair started dating in October 2016 but they didn't make their relationship public until the following May out of respect for Kourtney's ex-boyfriend Scott Disick (pictured March 2018)

He was said to be fuming with her for flashing the flesh and parading her body around in front of the world as he believes her saucy pictures should be for his eyes only.

The pair started dating in October 2016 but they didn't make their relationship public until the following May out of respect for Kourtney's ex-boyfriend Scott Disick. (Disick had a history of cheating on Kourtney and was pictured with other women on numerous occasions during their long on-again off-again relationship.)

But in early August it seemed clear Kourt and Younes were over.

Younes was seen in Mexico with another woman on August 7. He was seen getting handsy with social media 'influencer' Jordan Ozuna.

Jordan has a history with the family - she was linked to Tyga following his split from Kylie Jenner last year.She recently rang in her 28th birthday with a sun-soaked Miami getaway.

But it was back to business for Jasmine Tookes as she visited New Bond Street's Victoria's Secret store to celebrate the brand introducing LIVY's lingerie collection in London on Tuesday evening.

The model put on an incredibly leggy display as she sported a sizzling black slip dress, embellished with a racy thigh-high slit.

Catching the eye: Jasmine Tookes visited New Bond Street's Victoria's Secret store to celebrate the brand introducing LIVY's lingerie collection in London on Tuesday evening

Showcasing her cleavage, the catwalk queen's satin ensemble featured a periously plunging neckline.

The California native ensured all eyes were on her as she boosted her modelesque physique in a pair of black strappy heels.

With her locks styled into glamorous waves, the IMG model opted for a soft pink make-up look, featuring blush-swept cheeks, glossy lipstick and lashings of mascara.

She's got it! The model, 28, put on an incredibly leggy display as she sported a sizzling black slip dress, embellished with a racy thigh-high slit

Wow-factor! Showcasing her cleavage, the catwalk queen's satin ensemble featured a periously plunging neckline

Standing tall: The California native ensured all eyes were on her as she boosted her modelesque physique in a pair of black strappy heels

The Jimmy Choo star appeared in high spirits as she was joined by Paris-based designer Lisa Chavy at the event.

Exclusive to the Victoria's Secret New York and London flagship stores, LIVY is featured within a branded shop-in-shop for a limited time.

Jasmine credits her incredible figure - and apparent limber frame - from years as an athlete; she did gymnastics for a decade and played volleyball and softball before she became a model at 15.

In good company: The Jimmy Choo star appeared in high spirits as she was joined by Paris-based designer Lisa Chavy at the event

Stunning: With her locks styled into glamorous waves, the IMG model opted for a soft pink make-up look, featuring blush-swept cheeks, glossy lipstick and lashings of mascara

Lifting the lid on her workout regime, she previously told Harper's Bazaar: 'I switch it up. I'll do one day with legs and abs, lower body.

'The next day I will do an upper body day. And then one day I always dedicate to my butt. A whole butt day for like an hour. And then I'll take a break on one day. And then the next day I do a full body. Then I am off the rest of the days', she added.

The brunette beauty's first commercial ad campaigns were in 2010 for UGG boots and Gap.

Exciting collection: Exclusive to the Victoria's Secret New York and London flagship stores, LIVY is featured within a branded shop-in-shop for a limited time

Impressive: Jasmine credits her incredible figure - and apparent limber frame - from years as an athlete; she did gymnastics for a decade and played volleyball and softball before she became a model at 15

She was one of 11 new models for the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2012 before she became a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2015.

Jasmine was selected to wear the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Fantasy Bra (worth $3 million in 2016) at the 2016 show in Paris.

Jasmine has appeared in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and W magazines, and has walked the runways for Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Carolina Herrera, Moschino, Ralph Lauren and DKNY.

Her biggest advertising campaigns are for Jimmy Choo, Calvin Klein, Lancome, DKNY, Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade.There wasn't a zombie in sight on Wednesday evening as The Walking Dead stars Danai Gurira and Sonequa Martin-Green made an appearance at the 21st Costume Designers Guild Awards (CDGA) sponsored by Audi in Beverly Hills.

The actresses joined a host of stars at Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the very best of television and film costume design and costume illustration were recognised for their off-camera achievements over the last 12-months.

Their appearances, while separate, served as a reunion of sorts following Sonequa's grisly departure from The Walking Dead in 2017.

Here they come: There wasn't a zombie in sight on Wednesday evening as The Walking Dead stars Danai Gurira (L) and Sonequa Martin-Green (R) made an appearance at the 21st Costume Designers Guild Awards

Audi Chauffeured celebrity guests included Judith Light, Ruth E. Carter, Ryan Murphy, Wilson Cruz, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, Jason O'Mara, Chris Lowell and more in Audi Q7 and A8 vehicles.

The actress, 33, looked worlds away from her former role as downbeat and ultimately doomed Sasha Williams after arriving in a sweeping peach-coloured gown.

With an off-the-shoulder detail and distinctive sheer overlay, the dress ensured Sonequa caught the eye as she mingled with guests inside the Los Angeles venue.

Strappy gold heels completed the look, while dusky make-up drew further attention to her naturally pretty features.

Looking good: Sonqua looked worlds away from her former role as downbeat and ultimately doomed Sasha Williams after arriving in a sweeping peach-coloured gown

Popular pair: Danai plays Michonne in The Walking Dead, while Sonequa played Sasha before she was killed off in 2017

Fancy meeting you here: Their appearances, while separate, served as a reunion of sorts following Sonequa's grisly departure from The Walking Dead in 2017

Striking: Danai, one of The Walking Dead's longest serving cast-members, opted for a sleeveless, soft pink evening dress on Tuesday evening

Joining her former co-star, Danai looked equally graceful in a sleeveless soft pink gown with striking floral embellishments.

The 41-year old actress added to her look with glossy silver heels, while a striking floral hair-piece served as a tasteful focal point.

Accessorising tastefully, Danai, best known for her role as sword-wielding Michonne in The Walking Dead, completed the ensemble with a series of intricately designed silver rings.

Blooming lovely: A striking floral hair-piece served as a tasteful focal point

Don't mind me: The actress was an engaging sight as she posed for photos at the Beverly Hilton Hotel

Say cheese: Danai looked slightly bemused as fellow guest Glenn Close attempted to take a picture at the star-studded event

One of the AMC show's longest serving cast-members having joined in 2012, Danai is currently in the midst of an all-out war with new enemy The Whisperers, led by celebrated British star Samantha Morton.

But after appearing in critically acclaimed film Black Panther, the actress has reprtedly signed on 'for her final season of the zombie drama.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, she will remain on the series for the course of the currently running season nine, but will only return in a limited capacity for season 10.

Side by side: Sonequa beamed as she posed for a photo alongside fellow guest Sarayu Blue

Rubbing shoulders: Danai also joined Sons of Tucson actress Sarayu at the annual event

High glamour: Both Sonequa and Danai looked equally stunning as they made their way across the red carpet on Tuesday evening

Cenntre stage: Danai addressed the audience after taking to the podium at the event

She joins the likes of Andrew Lincoln, who played the series' lead Rick Grimes, and Lauren Cohan, who both left the show over the past year.

This isn't suspected to end Danai's time as the beloved kimono-wielding character, however.

It's understood that that she will appear in the three Walking Dead movies being planned by AMC.

In good company: She was joined in the wings by Hollywood star Halle Berry, who presented an award

Well done: The pair embraced Ruth E. Carter, who won the Career Achievement Award

Plenty to smile about: (L-R) Mary Chieffo, Sonequa Martin-Green, Gersha Phillips, and Wilson Cruz

Joint effort: Sonequa and Wilson were also on hand to present an award on Tuesday evening

This is for you: The pair honoured Zaldy Goco with the Excellence in Variety, Reality-Competition, Live Television21 Savage's mugshot has been released as his felony theft case rages on.

The shot come after details surfaced days after he turned himself into authorities in connection with felony theft by deception, less than two weeks after he was arrested February 3 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

The felony theft by deception allegations stem from a September 2016 show in which the 26-year-old rapper was slated to play at Hinesville, Georgia's Bo'Maz Club.

Shocking: 21 Savage's mugshot has been released as his felony theft case rages on

Club owner Karen Smith said she paid the Bank Account artist $17,000 for a show, but he and his entourage left prior to the performance after he was upset about the local rapper who was his opening act.

He was also said to be frustrated at the club's request he not carry a firearm on his person, TMZ reported. Smith said she relented and permitted 21 Savage, real name is Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, to bring along his gun.

The London-born performer told club employees to cut off his opening act, but they refused, spurring he and his entourage to walk out.

In October 2016, Smith initially put in paperwork with authorities for a felony warrant against the rapper, which was granted, but dormant for years.

The latest: The shot comes amid claims he tried to bring a gun into a club and wanted club employees to cut off his opening act's set

Tough time: The artist turned himself into authorities in connection with felony theft by deception Friday, less than two weeks after he was arrested February 3 by ICE officials. The rapper was pictured in Brooklyn in November

Smith contacted Sheriff's officials following his February 3 arrest, in which he was taken into custody in Atlanta by ICE officials, coinciding with the Super Bowl being played in the city that day.

'During the time Mr. Joseph was arrested by ICE, the citizen wanted to make sure the warrant was still active and Mr. Joseph was picked up,' Liberty County Lt. Chris Reed told the Coastal Courier.

'During that time he learned he had the warrant here in Liberty County, his attorneys contacted the sheriffs office and made arrangements for him to surrender himself after he was released from ICE.'

Progress: The rapper faces potential deportation in the wake of his February 3 arrest by ICE

Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes told the paper that 21 Savage 'is trying to clean up his past as much as he can and rapper Jay-Z has been trying to help him.

'The warrant is from some years ago and he went through the process and addressed the issue.'

The rapper - who was released shortly after he was booked at the Liberty County jail in Hinesville, Georgia on Friday - faces potential deportation after the arrest.

An attorney for the artist, Abbi Taylor, told TMZ that 21 Savage has not committed any crimes.He has just returned from 10 days of filming in San Juan, Puerto Rico for his role in upcoming World War II movie Axis Sally.

And during his time off-set and back in the USA, Al Pacino, 78, has been spotted cutting a casual figure as he enjoyed some down time in Beverly Hills on Wednesday.

Looking relaxed, the Heat actor sported a grey cap and shielded his eyes in a pair of dark Ray-Ban shades.

Time-out : Al Pacino, 78, has been spotted cutting a casual figure as he enjoyed some down time in Beverly Hills on Wednesday

Al carried on his dressed-down look with a navy blue, padded jacket which had a bright orange zip and sported wide-leg, jersey trousers.

He kept casual in a pair of black leather trainers which featured a white sole and laces and ensured he was in ultimate comfort mode.

The Hollywood star wrapped up in a navy blue scarf draped around his neck.

Keeping away the sniffles, from switching to the colder climes after being in North America, he carried a box of tissues.

Under wraps: Looking relaxed, the Heat actor sported a grey cap on his head and covered his eyes in a pair of dark Ray-Ban shades

Axis Sally isn't due for release until 2020, directed by Michael Polish and produced by Lala Kent's fiance Randall Emmett, Pacino is set to have a big year in 2019 as well.

He plays Marvin Schwarzs, the agent of Leonardo DiCaprio's Rick Dalton, in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, hitting theaters July 26.

Pacino also reunites with Heat co-star Robert De Niro plus Goodfellas star Joe Pesci and director Martin Scorsese in Netflix's The Irishman, which doesn't have a date yet.

Comfortable: He wore a pair of black leather trainers that featured a white sole and the Hollywood star draped a navy blue scarf around his neck

Al is also set to star in a big-screen adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear for director Michael Radford (The Merchant Of Venice).

It was also announced in January via Deadline that Al will make his debut as the star of a TV series with Amazon's The Hunt, committing to a 10-episode season.

He plays a legendary Nazi hunter in 1977 whose group, The Hunters, have learned there are several high-ranking Nazi officials conspiring to create a Fourth Reich in America.She is one of Hollywood's most promising stars of the future.

And Billie Lourd, 26, also showed off her emerging style icon status as she arrived in style with Audi to the 21st Costume Designers Guild Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday.

The actress, who is the daughter of the late Carrie Fisher, absolutely stunned as she slipped her slender figure into a sensational metallic dress.

Wow: Billie Lourd, 26, showed off her emerging style icon status as she arrived to the 21st Costume Designers Guild Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday

Billie proved to be in her element as she worked her angles in the sensational garment which boasted stylish feathered straps.

The rest of the dress hugged onto her figure before falling into a thigh-high split which put focus on her honed legs.

The Scream Queens actress boosted her height in a pair of towering silver heels as she posed up a storm on the red carpet.

Billie's brunette locks were pinned back on both sides and she accessorised with dainty silver drop earrings, while her naturally striking features were defined with a glamorous slick of make-up.

Glamour: The actress, who is the daughter of the late Carrie Fisher, absolutely stunned as she slipped her slender figure into a sensational metallic dress

Like a pro! Billie proved to be in her element as she worked her angles in the sensational garment which boasted stylish feathered straps

The Billionaire Boys Club actress tragically lost her mother Carrie two years ago when she suffered a cardiac arrest on a plane on December 23, 2016 and passed away in hospital four days later on December 27.

And to honour the Star Wars star's two year anniversary, Billie took to Instagram two months ago to post a touching video, in which she performed an emotional song on the piano.

Billie captioned the clip: 'It has been two years since my Momby's death and I still don't know what the "right" thing to do on a death anniversary is (I'm sure a lot of you feel the same way about your loved ones).

'So I decided to do something a little vulnerable for me, but something we both loved to do together - sing. This is the piano her father gave her and this was one of her favourite songs.'

Sensational: The rest of the dress hugged onto her figure before falling into a thigh-high split which put focus on her honed legs

Standing tall: The Scream Queens actress boosted her height in a pair of towering silver heels as she posed up a storm on the red carpet

Beautiful: Billie's brunette locks were pinned back on both sides and she accessorised with dainty silver drop earrings

Duo: Billie joined forces with her American Horror Story co-star Leslie Grossman at the event

Rising in the ranks: The talented starlet is set to star in the comedy Booksmart this year, alongside Lisa Kudrow and Jason Sudeikis

Billie - who also lost her grandmother Debbie Reynolds one day after Carrie died - added her career as an actress helps her stay 'happy' in the wake of her mother's passing, and hopes the song can 'encourage' others who have lost someone to 'keep on moving'.

The talented starlet is set to star in the comedy Booksmart this year, alongside Lisa Kudrow and Jason Sudeikis.

Billie will also resume her role as Lieutenant Connix in Star Wars: Episode IX, set for release December 20, 2019.

Actress: Billie will also resume her role as Lieutenant Connix in Star Wars: Episode IX, set for release December 20, 2019

Squad goals: Billie posed with her AHS co-stars Sarah Paulson, Judith Light, and Leslie Grossman

Style: Chauffeured celebrity guests included Judith Light, Ruth E. Carter, Ryan Murphy, Wilson Cruz, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, Jason O'Mara, Chris Lowell and more in Audi Q7 and A8 vehicles



Swedish MP's Call for Kurdish Entity in Syria Draws Sharp Criticism From Assyrians

Lars Adaktusson. Stockholm (AINA) -- Assyrians in Sweden have raised concerns concerning an op-ed by MP Lars Adaktusson in the Swedish national daily Svenska Dagbladet calling for a de facto Kurdish zone in the northeastern part of Syria. In his op-ed Mr Adaktusson used the need for protection of Assyrians as an argument for establishing a Kurdish entity, implying Assyrians are better off under the rule of the PKK affiliated YPG militia in Syria.

The editor in chief of Assyria TV, a news channel based in Sweden, wrote a scathing response to Mr Adaktusson, which was also published by the paper. In his rebuttal Mr Dikran Ego described the systematic oppression Assyrians are facing by the Kurdish entity, urging the Swedish politician to "take the first step to be a voice for the Christians you claim to defend instead of calling for aid for their oppressors."

In a following interview with Assyria TV Mr Adaktusson reluctantly admitted the oppression of Assyrians by the YPG, contradicting his own words in the op-ed he wrote only a few days before.

The acts of Lars Adaktusson have drawn criticism by Assyrian groups before. He is accused of maintaining a pro Kurdish policy and failing to adequately address the extensive and systematic oppression by Kurdish groups against Assyrians in Iraq, Syria and Turkey.

Lars Adaktusson is became a member of parliament for the Swedish Democratic Party Kristdemokraterna after leaving his post as a member of the European parliament in 2018.Adut Akech has paid an emotional tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld, who she was 'hugging and kissing' just three weeks before his death.

The Sudanese-Australian supermodel mourned the loss of the 85-year-old 'icon' on Instagram after learning of his death from pancreatic cancer on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old shared a poignant post detailing her 'special' relationship with the fashion powerhouse, who made her the second black model to close the Chanel Couture Autumn 2018 show in Paris last July.

'He made me feel so special': Adut Akech mourned the loss of Karl Lagerfeld... who she was 'hugging and kissing' just three weeks before his death

Adut shared a series of candid photos of her and Karl from that show, as well the Spring/Summer 2019 Chanel show.

The Adelaide-based beauty wrote alongside them: 'Shocked doesn't even describe what I'm feeling right now, I just received the WORST NEWS that has passed away this morning after weeks of being so ill.

'It's so hard to believe that you're gone, I didn't think that three weeks ago would be the last time I saw, hugged and kissed you.'

She went on: 'Karl thank you so much for being one of the people in this industry that excepted me believed in me and took a chance with me. Working with Chanel had always been one of my biggest dream since I started modelling and you made that dream come true for me. I don't think I could ever thank you enough for the life changing experiences and opportunities that I received from you.

Horrified: She wrote: 'It's so hard to believe that you're gone, I didn't think that three weeks ago would be the last time I saw, hugged and kissed you'

'It makes me so proud and honoured to know that I got to be apart of your legacy. I got to be in front of your camera while you took some of the beautiful images of me. We got to make history together. It's moments like this that I will cherish for the rest of my life.'

Adut added: 'I truly love Karl so much not only for his incredible work as a designer and photographer but he made me feel so special in way no one else did. Every time I was in his presence he always made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the room. He gave me so much confidence and belief in myself. He will always hold a special spot in my heart.'

'Karl I love you, the world loves you and we will miss and think of you everyday. Thank you for everything you did for me and the industry.'

Made history together: The 19-year-old detailed her 'special' relationship with Karl, who made her the second black model to close the Chanel Couture Autumn 2018 show in Paris (pictured)

Adut, who moved to Adelaide with her family as a South Sudanese refugee when she was just six, concluded: 'My condolences and prayers go out to family and close friends.

'You came into this world, shared your gifted talent with us and inspired so many around the world. Now it's time for you to finally rest in peace legend your legacy will forever live on.'

Karl had been suffering from pancreatic cancer, and passed away on Tuesday after being rushed to hospital, a source said.

Heartbroken: The South-Sudanese model added: 'Every time I was in his presence he always made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the room. He gave me so much confidence and belief in myself. He will always hold a special spot in my heart.' (pictured during the Chanel SS19 show)

The German-born artistic director for Chanel had looked increasingly frail in recent months, and had did not come out to take a bow at Chanel's couture show in Paris in January, something the company attributed to him being 'too tired'.

'He hadn't gone on about his illness, but battled it very bravely,' said one source. 'Karl was very proud of his fitness and healthy living, so the pancreatic cancer came as a huge shock.'

Chanel issued a statement following Lagerfeld's passing, and the massive legacy he leaves in his industry: 'An extraordinary creative individual, Lagerfeld reinvented the brand's codes created by Gabrielle Chanel: the Chanel jacket and suit, the little black dress, the precious tweeds, the two-tone shoes, the quilted handbags, the pearls and costume jewelry.'Dakota Johnson has candidly discussed her monthly menstrual woes.

The Fifty Shades lead admitted how 'hormonal changes' during her period can feel like they're 'ruining [her] life' during a chat with InStyle beauty to promote her new fragrance partnership with Gucci.

The American actress, 29, confessed: 'If Im honest, my hormonal changes during my menstrual cycle are ruining my life. Every month. Its unbelievable.'

Intense: Dakota Johnson, 29, has candidly discussed her monthly menstrual woes and has admitted that her 'hormonal changes' during her period can feel like they're 'ruining [her] life'

Dakota said the monthly shifts to her 'body and brain' are so bad they border on 'traumatic.'

'Its really f***ing amazing,' she told InStyle. 'I cant get a grip on it. Im like, "what?" Every time, Im totally scandalized about what happens to my body and my brain.

'My boobs are like eight times the size they normally are. Its really a traumatic thing, and it happens every month. I just cant get used to it.'

Dakota also said her range of symptoms have made finding the right type of birth control a struggle.

'Its unbelievable': Discussed her monthly menstrual woes, Dakota admitted that her hormonal changes were 'ruining her life'

'I cant get a grip on it': Dakota said the monthly shifts to her 'body and brain' are so bad they border on 'traumatic'

'Its really, really insane. It's also very tricky to figure out what type of birth control youre meant to be on, and if its even healthy.'

Dakota's own period problems have informed her work with Global Citizen's Reproductive education efforts.

The girlfriend of Chris Martin said her experiences left her with more than a few questions about 'having a woman's body and honouring it in the right way.'

'Tricky': Dakota also said her range of symptoms have made finding the right type of birth control a struggle

Focus: The Suspiria star is now determined in understanding 'what's happening in my body, and what I'm putting into it.'

The Suspiria star is now determined in understanding 'what's happening in my body, and what I'm putting into it.'

Meanwhile, the California native has two new films in the can: the psychological horror film Wounds and the adventure film The Peanut Butter Falcon, both of which are expected to premiere in March.

The daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, Dakota certainly has acting in her blood but is working hard to carve out her own niche in the industry.

Famous family: The daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith (Pictured 1993), Dakota certainly has acting in her blood



She became a Love Island favourite thanks to her fiery personality last year, and was crowned runner-up with her now-ex Eden Dally.

And Erin Barnett has now shared juicy behind-the-scenes details of the Channel Nine show, explaining exactly what it was like to spend seven weeks in the Spanish villa.

From showering naked to having days off to watch films, the 23-year-old Melbourne beauty didn't hold back during a candid Instagram Q&A chat.

From showering naked to the unlikely romance and who is an 'absolute dog': Love Island's Erin Barnett revealed the show's behind-the-scenes secrets in a candid Instagram Q&A

Erin insisted that none of the show was scripted, but did admit that producers would sometimes initiate them to have 'chats' with each other.

'The only thing we were really ever told to do was to grab someone and sit down in a certain spot and have a chat,' she said.

'Because come on, if we werent told to do this you would have just watched us tan by the pool for seven weeks.'

She added that the cast were always woken up early, but she never knew when for certain because they 'weren't allowed to know the time'.

Baring all: In terms of the facilities, Barnett revealed they all had to share just one shower and two toilets - and all of them showered naked despite there being cameras in the stall

The blonde beauty also revealed that they weren't allowed to drink every night, and could only watch one or two films on their days off.

'Yes we were allowed to have two glasses of wine whenever we drank. But we werent allowed to drink every night. Just on birthdays and special occasions,' she said.

'On our off days we got to watch 1-2 movies and eat lollies. It was the best. And yes, even on our off days we were being filmed.'

Never again: She also ruled out rekindling a romance with Eden, as she's now dating single father Mick from her hometown of Melton, Victoria

Moved on: 'No way, as you can see Im extremely happy in my new relationship,' she said, before adding: 'I love Mick!' (pictured with Mick)

In terms of the facilities, Barnett revealed they all had to share just one shower and two toilets - and all of them showered naked despite there being cameras in the stall.

Erin also gave her opinions on her co-stars, revealing that she has no contact with rival Millie Fuller, thinks Grant Crapp is an 'absolute dog' and would never get back with ex Eden.

'Nope Millie and I dont talk. We have no need to talk to each other. She is living her life and so am I,' she wrote.

Discussing Millie continuing her relationship with Mark O'Dare outside of the villa, Erin added: 'At the time I didnt think they were each others type.

Who knew? The blonde beauty also revealed that they weren't allowed to drink every night, and could only watch one or two films on their days off

Sceptical: Erin said she had 'no reason' to speak to Millie Fuller now and admitted she thought it 'wouldn't last' with her and Mark O'Dare (pictured) once they left the villa

'Didnt think theyd last once they got out of the Love Island bubble. Obviously I was extremely wrong because they are still together today.'

She also ruled out rekindling a romance with Eden, as she's now dating single father Mick from her hometown of Melton, Victoria.

'No way, as you can see Im extremely happy in my new relationship,' she said, before adding: 'I love Mick!'

Barnett reflected on Grant's stringing along of Cass and Tayla Damir on the show, venting: 'I thought he was an absolute dog for what he did on Love Island.'

Discussing Tayla's romance with Dom Thomas, she said she never 'suspected' that they had chemistry but thinks they are 'cute together'.The stars were out in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

And Cara Santana lead a host of celebrities down the red carpet at the Vanity Fair and L'Oreal Paris' New Hollywood Party.

The 34-year-old actress stunned in a caramel-colored dress as she headed into the event with fiance Jesse Metcalfe, 40.

Cara Santana stunned in a caramel-colored dress as she headed into the event with fiance Jesse Metcalfe, 40

The ensemble featured a flowing jacket with sleeves stitched together boy bows and billowing high-waisted pants.

She sported a white top underneath and carried a bronze clutch in one hand.

Her long dark tresses were tucked behind her ears and she accessorized with dazzling gold earrings.

Jesse, meanwhile, opted for an all black ensemble that included a velvet jacket and shiny boots.

The 34-year-old actress lead a host of celebrities down the red carpet at the Vanity Fair and L'Oreal Paris' New Hollywood Party

Rachel Bloom, 31, flaunted her cleavage in a navy blue jumpsuit and added a couple extra inches with beige heels.

Yalitza Arapaicio, 25, oozed glamour in a floor-length, champagne-colored dress and she let her dark tresses fall unencumbered across her shoulders.

Henry Golding, 32, went casual chic in a grey suit with a deep red sweater on underneath.

Leggy lady: Chloe Bennet rocked a shimmering mini dress at the gala

Feeling blue: Rachel Bloom, 31, flaunted her cleavage in a navy blue jumpsuit and added a couple extra inches with beige heels

Golden: Yalitza Arapaicio, 25, oozed glamour in a floor-length, champagne-colored dress and she let her dark tresses fall unencumbered across her shoulders

Casual chic: Henry Golding, 32, went casual chic in a grey suit with a deep red sweater on underneath

Charlotte Hope, 27, looked divine in a black wrap dress with a few of her red tresses left out of an elegant bun to twirl down the side of her face.

Vanity Fair's West Coast editor Krista Smith donned a black and green dress with touches of yellow.

Danielle Macdonald, 27, sported a shimmering red number and added a couple inches with black heels.

Divine: Charlotte Hope, 27, looked divine in a black wrap dress with a few of her red tresses left out of an elegant bun to twirl down the side of her face

Her show: Vanity Fair's West Coast editor Krista Smith donned a black and green dress with touches of yellow

Shimmering: Danielle Macdonald, 27, sported a shimmering red number and added a couple inches with black heels

Cool: Amandla Stenberg, 20, sported a light grey suit with a colorful t-shirt and shiny black boots

Amandla Stenberg, 20, sported a light grey suit with a colorful t-shirt and shiny black boots.

Fiona Xie, 37, flaunted her cleavage in a black and dazzling ivory ensemble as she worked her way down the carpet.

Skai Jackson, 16, looked beautiful in a floral navy-to-charcoal dress and added a couple extra inches with black boots.

Louise Roe, 37, was majestic in a long purple dress as she let her brunette tresses fall across her shoulders in relaxed waves.

Jack Quaid, 26, opted for a casual chic look tucking a black button down shirt into black jeans and throwing a blue velvet blazer over top.

Beauty: Fiona Xie, 37, flaunted her cleavage in a black and dazzling ivory ensemble as she worked her way down the carpet

Floral: Skai Jackson, 16, looked beautiful in a floral navy-to-charcoal dress and added a couple extra inches with black boots

Purple majesty: Louise Roe, 37, was majestic in a long purple dress as she let her brunette tresses fall across her shoulders in relaxed waves

Heading in: Jack Quaid, 26, opted for a casual chic look tucking a black button down shirt into black jeans and throwing a blue velvet blazer over top

Nina Dobrev, 30, cut a chic figure in a white tresses and added classic red lipstick to complete the look.

Francia Raisa, 30, donned a striped black-and-white suit, which clung closely to her curves.

Finn Wittrock, 34, opted for an all-black ensemble and his hair was perfectly coiffed.

Dazzling: Model Taylor Hill caught the eye in a plunging cami and a velvet sparkly two-piece at the event

Stepping out: The 22-year-old hopped out a black car as she made her way to the event

Classic: Nina Dobrev, 30, cut a chic figure in a white tresses and added classic red lipstick to complete the look

Curve hugging: Francia Raisa, 30, donned a striped black-and-white suit, which clung closely to her curvesGeorgia Love is currently in the midst of an eight-week challenge with fitness franchise F45.

And thus far, things have been going swimmingly in the gym for the former Bachelorette.

Speaking with Confidential on Tuesday, the 30-year-old stated: 'My New Year's Resolution was to do a new task and stick to it. I'm three weeks in and it's been really easy for me me to follow.'

'It's been really easy!' Georgia Love spoke candidly with Confidential on Tuesday about embarking on an eight-week exercise challenge

Georgia says she signed up to the F45 program as a 'mental challenge', and wasn't motivated by weight loss or fitness goals.

'I don't have an issue with my body or feel any pressure to lose weight,' the Melbourne based beauty told Confidential.

'I know I'm a healthy and fit person, [so] it's more a mental challenge for me.'

Fit and fabulous! Georgia says she signed up to the F45 program as a 'mental challenge', and wasn't motivated by weight loss or fitness goals

Over the past few weeks, Georgia has been treating fans to glimpses of her workouts.

On Tuesday, she shared a photo of herself at pilates with her 208,000 Instagram followers.

She wrote beneath the image: 'Challenge Week 3; breaking up my @f45_training sessions with pilates @studiopp so my body and my mind don't get bored or slack'.

Mixing up her routine! On Tuesday, she shared a photo of herself at pilates with her 208,000 Instagram followers

Georgia shot to national fame after appearing on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette.

The beauty fell in love with 37-year-old plumber Lee Elliot, and the pair have been inseparable since.

Late last year, they moved into a Melbourne home together, accompanied by Georgia's cat Pawdrey Hepburn.She spent her Valentine's Day in New York City.

But Emma Roberts was back in her Los Angeles neighborhood on Tuesday as she stepped out with a friend.

The 28-year-old actress flaunted her slender stems in a pair of jean shorts and stockings while sauntering through Los Feliz.

Magic hour: Emma Roberts was back in her Los Angeles neighborhood on Tuesday as she stepped out with a friend

The American Horror Story star tucked a white button down top with red lining into the denim bottoms.

She kept warm with a long black pea coat that billowed in the wind behind her as she walked.

The niece of Julia Roberts was caught in a cinematic moment, as she Pretty Woman-ed her way through the street during sunset.

Emma added an inch with shiny black shoes and she tucked her red behind her ears.

Emma has been dating Evan Peters, 32, since 2012 and they were previously engaged, but Emma has been spotted on occasion without her ring on.

All smiles: The American Horror Story star tucked a white button down top with red lining into the denim bottoms

Back in 2013, the actress was arrested for domestic abuse in Canada after officers responded to a report of a fight in a hotel room.

Emma was taken into custody after they allegedly found One Tree Hill star Evan with a bloody nose and a bite mark.

He declined to press charges and she was released several hours later, with the couple saying in a joint statement that it was 'an unfortunate incident and misunderstanding.'

The pair have remained famously tight-lipped about their relationship since.She's known for her sophisticated style and incredible figure.

And Australian model Montana Cox flaunted her endless pins and a glimpse of cleavage for a beach outing on Monday.

Clad in a striking white swimsuit, the 25-year-old beauty was seen parading in the sunlight while accompanied by a mystery man.

Legs for days! Model Montana Cox (R) wore a pearl necklace while flaunting her endless pins and a glimpse of cleavage in this striking white swimsuit for a beach outing with a mystery man on Monday

Featuring a cinch at the waist and plunging neckline, Montana looked every inch the glamazon in the ensemble.

For a touch of glam, the brunette beauty teamed up the look with a dazzling pearl necklace.

Her chestnut tresses were slicked back into a neat bun for the sun-drenched occasion.

Hot to trot! Featuring a cinch at the waist and plunging neckline, Montana looked every inch the glamazon in the ensemble

At one point, the stunner strutted in the sand while flashing her pearly whites.

Meanwhile, the mystery man flaunted his gym-honed physique by going shirtless.

Opting for white board shorts, the hunk also accessorised the look with a collection of silver bangles and black sunglasses.

The outing comes after Montana told News.com.au in 2017 that Australia has a much more 'healthy' attitude towards body image compared to many other places.

Soaking up the sun in style: For a touch of glam, the brunette beauty teamed the look with this dazzling pearl necklace

'I've always found it is a bit more pressure [in the US]. Australia is very healthy body image, and really pushes that. Overseas is a bit of a different story,' she said at the time.

'I personally haven't had too many issues... but sometimes they will measure you up and ask you to lose an inch or two.

'You get told things all the time by different people, but I just see it as people want what they want and if you don't fit that criteria it's nothing against you. It's just not what the client wanted, so I've never taken it to heart.'Her latest film Greta opens in theatres on March 1.

And on Tuesday night, Chloe Grace Moretz attended a special screening of the movie in New York with the writer and director Neil Jordan.

The actress, 22, made a style statement in a short-sleeved black dress belted at the waist worn over a high-neck, long-sleeve colorfully patterned blouse.

New release: Her latest film Greta opens in theatres on March 1. And on Tuesday night, Chloe Grace Moretz attended a special screening of the movie in New York

Moretz, a former child star, went bare-legged in black sandal heels.

In Greta, she plays a naive young woman who strikes up a friendship with an older eccentric French piano teacher in New York City.

Having recently lost her mother, she grows close to the mysterious widow but the relationship starts to unravel in darkly disturbing ways.

Fashion forward: The actress, 22, made a style statement in a short-sleeved black dress belted at the waist worn over a high-neck, long-sleeve colorfully patterned blouse

He called the shots: Moretz was joined at the event by the film's writer and director Neil Jordan. Jordan, who won an Oscar for the screenplay for his 1992 film The Crying Game, shot the movie predominantly in his native Ireland with some additional filming in Toronto

Thriller: In Greta, the former child star plays a naive young woman who strikes up a friendship with an older eccentric French piano teacher in New York City. But nothing is what it seems

Icon: The piano teacher is played by French movie star Isabelle Huppert, pictured with Moretz in an image from the film

Jordan, who won an Oscar for his screenplay for the 1992 film The Crying Game, shot the movie predominantly in his native Ireland with some additional filming in Toronto.

The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last September.

Moretz's most recent big screen credits include Suspiria, The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Neighbors 2; Sorority Rising.Advertisement

Marisa Tomei, Sarah Paulson, and Christina Hendricks oozed glamour in sensational gowns at the 21st Costume Designers Guild Awards, which took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on Tuesday.

Marisa, 54, who was last seen discovering she was a distant cousin of Julianne Moore on PBS' Finding Your Roots, paraded her 5 ft 5 in figure in a plunging palm-print dress, selected by stylist Jen Rade.

Joining a further slew of a-list stars on the red carpet, the Oscar winner continued to wow in the number which featured a leggy split, large belt buckle, and puffed sleeves.

Jewel tone trio: Marisa Tomei (L), Sarah Paulson (M), and Christina Hendricks (R) donned glamorous gowns at the 21st Costume Designers Guild Awards, which took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on Tuesday

Stunning Tomei wore her long wavy brunette locks down for the ceremony and she only wore a touch of make-up.

The After Everything actress later warmly embraced Oscar best actress frontrunner Glenn Close, whom she co-starred with in Ron Howard's The Paper way back in 1994.

Meanwhile, Sarah debuted a sleek and severe look with a red metallic dress selected by stylist Karla Welch, which featured a flirty cut-out down the bodice.

Hairstylist Bridget Brager coiffed the 44-year-old Golden Globe winner's tiny top-bun on her blonde bob.

Evergreen: The Oscar winner paraded her fit 5ft5in figure in the plunging palm-print dress selected by stylist Jen Rade - which featured a leggy split, large belt buckle, and puffed sleeves

Talented: Marisa was last seen discovering she was a distant cousin of Julianne Moore on PBS' Finding Your Roots

Guests arrived in style with Audi who chauffeured celebrity guests included Judith Light, Ruth E. Carter, Ryan Murphy, Wilson Cruz, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, Jason O'Mara, Chris Lowell and more in Audi Q7 and A8 vehicles.

Single gal: Stunning Tomei wore her long wavy brunette locks down for the ceremony and she only wore a touch of make-up

Hey girl! The After Everything actress later warmly embraced Oscar best actress frontrunner Glenn Close, whom she co-starred with in Ron Howard's The Paper way back in 1994

Hilarious: Marisa let out a big laugh while taking table selfies out with Sarah, Glenn, and Michael Chiklis

Make-up artist Adam Breuchaud made sure Paulson's brows were outlined and her complexion was contoured for the fashion festivities.

Sarah was on hand to present the Distinguished Collaborator Award to her frequent collaborator, Ryan Murphy.

Once inside, the AHS: Apocalypse actress got very close with American Crime Story scene stealer Judith Light.

Speaking of Ryan Murphy muses, Sarah also reunited with her AHS castmates Billie Lourd and Leslie Grossman.

Ruby: Sarah debuted a sleek and severe look with a red metallic dress selected by stylist Karla Welch, which featured a flirty cut-out down the bodice

Ready for her close-up: Make-up artist Adam Breuchaud made sure Paulson's brows were outlined and her complexion was contoured for the fashion festivities

Presenter: Hairstylist Bridget Brager coiffed the 44-year-old Golden Globe winner's tiny top-bun on her blonde bob

Cheek kisses: Sarah was on hand to present the Distinguished Collaborator Award to her frequent collaborator, Ryan Murphy

Embrace: Once inside, the AHS: Apocalypse actress got very close with American Crime Story scene stealer Judith Light

Ryan Murphy muses: Sarah also reunited with her AHS castmates Billie Lourd (L) and Leslie Grossman (R)

The Bird Box actress is currently collaborating, yet again, with the 53-year-old producer on Netflix's 11-episode series Ratched, which is a 1947-set prequel of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

The star-studded ensemble for Murphy's Nurse Ratched series next year also features Sharon Stone, Judy Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Amanda Plummer, Corey Stoll, and Finn Wittrock.

Missing from Sarah's side was her 76-year-old girlfriend Holland Taylor, whom she knew in passing for a decade until they reconnected in 2015 over Twitter.

Meanwhile, Christina dressed her famously curvaceous 5ft7in figure in a blue gown with a galaxy-print overlay selected by stylist Lawren Sample.

'I cannot wait!' The Bird Box actress is currently collaborating, yet again, with the 53-year-old producer on Netflix's 11-episode series Ratched, which is a 1947-set prequel of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

'The Only One': Missing from Sarah's side was her 76-year-old girlfriend Holland Taylor, whom she knew in passing for a decade until they reconnected in 2015 over Twitter (pictured December 31)

Hairstylist Kat Thompson coiffed the 43-year-old Mad Men alum's signature ginger bob.

And make-up artist Vanessa Scali applied electric blue eye-liner and a red pout on the former teen goth's alabaster complexion.

Hendricks gave a big hug to costume designer Erin Benach, who dressed her in Nicolas Winding Refn's The Neon Demon and Drive, as well as Ryan Gosling's 2014 directorial debut Lost River.

The Tennessee-born beauty also posed on the red carpet with her The Romanoffs costume designer Janie Bryant and and creator Matthew Weiner, who also produced Mad Men.

Sapphire: Christina dressed her famously curvaceous 5ft7in figure in a blue gown with a galaxy-print overlay selected by stylist Lawren Sample

Presenter : Hairstylist Kat Thompson coiffed the 43-year-old Mad Men alum's signature ginger bob

Up close and personal: Make-up artist Vanessa Scali applied electric blue eye-liner and a red pout on the former teen goth's alabaster complexion

Hello again! Hendricks gave a big hug to costume designer Erin Benach (L), who dressed her in Nicolas Winding Refn's The Neon Demon and Drive, as well as Ryan Gosling's 2014 directorial debut Lost River

Collaborators: The Tennessee-born beauty also posed on the red carpet with her The Romanoffs costume designer Janie Bryant (M) and and creator Matthew Weiner (R), who also produced Mad Men

Christina will next celebrate the 41st birthday of her husband of nine years, Madam Secretary star Geoffrey Arend, later this month.

Fans can catch more of Hendricks as Beth Boland pursuing a life of crime with her fellow financially-strapped, lifelong best friends when the second season of Good Girls premieres March 3 on NBC.

The six-time Emmy nominee will also reprise her role as North Stream Oil VP Elizabeth Bradshaw in the second season of Tin Star, which starts streaming March 7 on Amazon Video.

The Umbrella Academy star Kate Walsh turned up with quite a spray tan wearing a black chiffon strapless mini-dress featuring a voluminous train.

Not having children: Christina will next celebrate the 41st birthday of her husband of nine years, Madam Secretary star Geoffrey Arend, later this month (pictured October 6)

Premieres March 3! Hendricks returns as the financially-strapped Beth Boland in the second season of NBC's Good Girls

Starts streaming March 7! The six-time Emmy nominee will also reprise her role as North Stream Oil VP Elizabeth Bradshaw in the second season of Tin Star on Amazon Video

The 51-year-old SAG Award winner - who was the host - changed into a Glinda the Good Witch costume before kicking off the CDGA ceremony.

Out of all of her numerous costume changes, the 13 Reasons Why star best pulled off her salute to Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction.

The 1987 erotic thriller scarred husbands all over the world into being more devoted to their wives with Close's portrayal of the stalking seductress Alex Forrest.

The white-haired 71-year-old actress was likely amused by the onstage tribute in her shiny metallic pantsuit selected by stylist Chloe Hartstein.

Golden girl: Halle Berry absolutely dazzled in a strapless gold number

High-low gown: The Umbrella Academy star Kate Walsh turned up with quite a spray tan wearing a black chiffon strapless mini-dress featuring a voluminous train

'I was going to enter in a bubble, but we didnt have the budget for that': The 51-year-old SAG Award winner - who was the host - changed into a Glinda the Good Witch costume before kicking off the CDGA ceremony

Nailed it! Out of all of her numerous costume changes, the 13 Reasons Why star best pulled off her salute to Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction

'I'm not going to be ignored, Dan': The 1987 erotic thriller scarred husbands all over the world into being more devoted to their wives with Close's portrayal of the stalking seductress Alex Forrest

In the flesh! The white-haired 71-year-old actress was likely amused by the onstage tribute in her shiny metallic pantsuit selected by stylist Chloe Hartstein

There may very well have been a small Walking Dead reunion backstage for Danai Gurira (who currently plays Michonne) and Sonequa Martin-Green (who played Sasha from 2012-2018).

The Tony-nominated playwright easily defied her 41 years in a sleeveless whisper pink dress selected by stylist Thomas Carter Phillips.

Hairstylist Vernon Francois coiffed the Iowa-born, Zimbabwe-raised actress' orchid-laden Afro.

And make-up artist Kim Bower made sure Danai's complexion was glowing for her presenting duties.

Glamour: The actress, who is the daughter of the late Carrie Fisher, absolutely stunned as she slipped her slender figure into a sensational metallic dress

Wow: Billie Lourd, 26, showed off her emerging style icon status as she arrived to the 21st Costume Designers Guild Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday

Like a pro! Billie proved to be in her element as she worked her angles in the sensational garment which boasted stylish feathered straps

Black girl magic! There was a small Walking Dead reunion for Danai Gurira (L, who currently plays Michonne) and Sonequa Martin-Green (R, who played Sasha from 2012-2018)

Thirties retro: The Tony-nominated playwright easily defied her 41 years in a sleeveless whisper pink dress selected by stylist Thomas Carter Phillips

Floral flair: Hairstylist Vernon Francois coiffed the Iowa-born, Zimbabwe-raised actress' orchid-laden Afro

And the winner is...: Make-up artist Kim Bower made sure Danai's complexion was glowing for her presenting duties

Onstage duties: 33-year-old Sonequa looked like a tangerine-dream as she and Star Trek: Discovery castmate Wilson Cruz (L) presented the excellence in reality competition trophy to RuPaul's Drag Race costumer Zaldy Goco

Black Lightning Actress Skye P. Marshall attended the the event in a red jacket pant suit combo.

Marshall will be seen in a guest-starring role this fall on ABCs new drama series 'The Fix', screening March 18th, will portray Angela Ashley, an ambitious young lawyer who becomes involved in the case. She will also star opposite Lucy Hale in the forthcoming feature film 'A Nice Girl Like You.'

The romantic comedy follows an Oxford graduation's explorations of her sexual fears after being labelled as 'sexophobic' by her significant other.

She recently starred in the indie feature opposite Actress Sarah Drew, who produced and will star in the film that premiered October 26th. Skye features as Sgt. Shonda Peterson in the extraordinary true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather, played by Sarah drew.

Lady in Red: Actress Skye P. Marshall arrived in style with Audi as chauffeured celebrity guests included Judith Light, Ruth E. Carter, Ryan Murphy, Wilson Cruz, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, Jason O'Mara, Chris Lowell and more in Audi Q7 and A8 vehicles

Sweetheart: The 45-year-old My So-Called Life alum looked every bit the dapper silver fox in his black turtleneck beneath a charcoal Christopher Bates suit

33-year-old Sonequa looked like a tangerine-dream as she and Star Trek: Discovery castmate Wilson Cruz presented the excellence in reality competition trophy to RuPaul's Drag Race costumer Zaldy Goco.

The 45-year-old My So-Called Life alum looked every bit the dapper silver fox in his black turtleneck beneath a charcoal Christopher Bates suit.

Killing it at the CDGAs were Lou Eyrich and Allison Leach, the winners of the Excellence in Contemporary Television award for FX's The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

A Series of Unfortunate Events costumer Cynthia Ann Summers - who was up for fantasy TV series trophy - looked sixties retro with her drapey dress and beehive hairdo.

Yassss! Killing it at the CDGAs were Lou Eyrich (L) and Allison Leach (R), the winners of the Excellence in Contemporary Television award for FX's American Crime Story

Werk! A Series of Unfortunate Events costumer Cynthia Ann Summers - who was up for fantasy TV series trophy - looked sixties retro with her drapey dress and beehive hairdo

Pretty as a petal: The Romanoffs assistant costume designer Tiger Curran fanned out her fabulous coral caped creation and rocked a bouffant for the function

Swedish sensation: Celebrity stylist and costume designer B. Akerlund brought her own eccentric flair for fashion in a red hat, fuchsia pants, and a blue patchy cape

The Romanoffs assistant costume designer Tiger Curran fanned out her fabulous coral caped creation and rocked a bouffant for the function.

Celebrity stylist and costume designer B. Akerlund brought her own eccentric flair for fashion in a red hat, fuchsia pants, and a blue patchy cape.

Wearing not-so-basic black attire were CDGA Career Achievement Award recipient Ruth E. Carter, actress June Diane Raphael, and actress Brooke Lewis.

Backstage, 39-year-old June reunited with her Grace & Frankie onscreen brother, Baron Vaughn for an artsy snap by a vanity mirror.

Black-clad: Wearing not-so-basic black attire were (from L-R) CDGA Career Achievement Award recipient Ruth E. Carter, actress June Diane Raphael, and actress Brooke Lewis

Netflix twosome: Backstage, 39-year-old June reunited with her Grace & Frankie onscreen brother, Baron Vaughn for an artsy snap by a vanity mirror

Mustard duo: Black Panther assistant costume designer Phoenix Mellow (L) sported a yellow leather dress with a fur collar as The Late Late Show wardrobe supervisor Lauren Shapiro (R) donned a shiny olive pantsuit

Pale looks: Other lovely lady attendees glamming up included (from L-R) I Feel Bad star Sarayu Blue, Happy actress Lili Mirojnick, and Snowbound costumer Ami Goodheart

Dapper dudes: Other gentlemen suited and booted included The Man in the High Castle hunk Jason O'Mara (L) and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actor Nolan Gerard Funk (R)

Black Panther assistant costume designer Phoenix Mellow sported a yellow leather dress with a fur collar as The Late Late Show wardrobe supervisor Lauren Shapiro donned a shiny olive pantsuit.

Other lovely lady attendees glamming up included I Feel Bad star Sarayu Blue, Happy actress Lili Mirojnick, and Snowbound costumer Ami Goodheart.

Other gentlemen suited and booted included The Man in the High Castle hunk Jason O'Mara and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actor Nolan Gerard Funk.

Top honor: Halle Berry and Judith Light flanked Ruth E. Carter, recipient of the Excellence in Sci-Fi / Fantasy Film award for Black Panther

Tender moment: Glenn Close and Halle also hugged on the carpet

A winner: The CDGA event honored Glenn with a Spotlight Award

Cool trophy: The 71-year-old actress clutched her trophy after winning the Spotlight AwardHe's known for his incredibly buff physique, having played Thor for years in the Marvel blockbusters.

And on Tuesday, Chris Hemsworth flaunted his famous figure during a film shoot at Skennars Beach on the NSW North Coast.

The 35-year-old went shirtless for the occasion, showing off his perfect pecs and bulging biceps while hitting the waves.

What a view! Topless Chris Hemsworth flaunted his perfect pecs and bulging biceps while hitting the waves for a film shoot on Tuesday at Skennars Beach on the NSW North Coast

Striking a fierce pose, Chris was seen holding on to a surfboard and splashing through the shallow end of the water.

The Hollywood heavyweight stripped down to a pair of black boardshorts for the shoot.

He accessorised the minimal look with a silver bracelet and large watch.

Beach hunk: The Hollywood heavyweight stripped down to a pair of black boardshorts for the shoot

Meanwhile, Chris launched his first business venture this year, with more than 100,000 people signing up to his Centr program and app.

Ward Blacket Investments - the investment arm of Hemsworth's management company Forward - claimed the Thor hunk took a risk to get it off the ground.

Speaking to The Weekend Australian, Trent Blacket, the managing director of Ward Blacket Investments, said the rumoured multi-million dollar deal has left the star 'heavily exposed' and forced him to 'learn quickly alongside us'.

Great shot! Striking a fierce pose, Chris was seen holding onto a surfboard and splashing through the shallow end of the water

'He has been in the weeds on this, the exact equivalent if it was a major motion picture. He has had to be because it's the first time it's his name (attached to a company),' Mr Blacket added.

Chris has become a shareholder in FLG (which includes Fitness First Australia), and FLG's chief executive Greg Oliver told the publication: 'There's been a lot of blood, sweat and tears building this.'

Chris fronts the Centr program, which sees members given access to world class trainers online, allowing them to train at home or in the gym.

Success: Chris launched his first business venture this year, with more than 100,000 people signing up to his Centr program and appShe's filmed a new comedy special for Netflix that drops in mid-March.

And now the streaming giant has erected a billboard publicizing Amy Schumer's stand-up show on Hollywood's Sunset Strip and it's garnering a great deal of attention.

That's because the huge image spoofs the one erected last month to publicize A Star Is Born and in particular Lady Gaga's Oscar-nominated role in the remake.

Looks familiar: Netflix has spoofed A Star Is Born's 'Ally' billboard by erecting one just like it on Hollywood's Sunset Strip to promote Amy Schumer's new stand-up comedy special

PR stunt: The Ally billboard on the Strip mirrored one that appeared in the movie showing star Lady Gaga in character. A Star is Born has received eight Academy Award nominations

The Ally billboard mirrored one that appeared in the movie and showed a close-up of Gaga's character against a neon-colored background and her name Ally in large yellow lettering underneath her.

Schumer's billboard shows her in the exact same way and with her name Amy in large white lettering.

Netflix tweeted out a photo of the billboard erected next to the famous Hollywood landmark Chateau Marmont.

The company said: 'There could be 100 billboards on Sunset Boulevard and 99 don't promote @amyschumer's new stand-up special  but one does.'

News: Schumer, who is heavily pregnant with her first child, took to Instagram a week ago to announce her Netflix comedy special titled Amy Schumer Growing in a funny video clip

Stand-up: The Netflix special was filmed in Chicago after Schumer had sufficiently recovered from the severe morning sickness that had dogged the first months of her pregnancy

Schumer, who is heavily pregnant with her first child, took to Instagram a week ago to announce her Netflix comedy special titled Amy Schumer Growing in a funny video clip.

She also poked fun at gender reveal announcements, telling her fans while eating a doughnut that she and husband Chris Fischer 'don't care what the gender is. Any way the baby identifies is cool with us, as long as it doesn't identify as a DJ. 'Cause that's heartbreaking.'

The comedy special was filmed before a live audience in Chicago after she had sufficiently recovered from the severe morning sickness that had dogged the first months of her pregnancy.

In a statement, Netflix said the comedienne 'gives a refreshingly honest and hilarious take on marriage, pregnancy and personal growth' in the show in which she ' talks about the joys of womanhood, settling into marital bliss, and yes also you guessed it, sex!'

Parents-to-be: Schumer and Fischer, a chef, married in Malibu in February 2018 and confirmed in October they're expecting a child together. They're pictured in New York City on January 22

Schumer and Fischer, a chef, married in Malibu in February 2018 and confirmed in October they're expecting a child together.

Netflix will make the show available on March 19.

Schumer is due to give birth to her baby in April.

A Star Is Born has been nominated for eight Academy Awards including best picture, best actor for Bradley Cooper, best actress for Gaga and best supporting actor for Sam Elliott.

The Oscars will be handed out this Sunday during a live telecast on ABC.

Gaga will also perform her nominated original song Shallow from the movie during the awards show.She's the self proclaimed 'Golden Barbie' who has walked on some of the most prestigious runways for some of the world's top designers.

And Jasmine Sanders is poised to add more to her impressive and growing resume as a top model.

The 27-year old just touched down in Italy ahead of Milan Fashion week; just in time to attend the Bvlgari - B.ZERO1 XX Anniversary Global Launch Event in Rome.

'Nothing better than a @bulgariofficial party! #20yearsBzero1,' Sanders shared shared in an Insta-Story video.

Golden arrival: Jasmine Sander attended the Bvlgari - B.ZERO1 XX Anniversary Global Launch Event in Rome, Italy on Tuesday, ahead of MIlan Fashion Week

The German-America beauty stunned on the red carpet for the much-anticipated bash in a sleeveless black sequin jumpsuit under a black sheer dress.

Keeping with her flashy-dark look, she matched the form-fitting number with a pair of black heels.

To round out the ensemble, she had her long blonde tresses pulled up into a stylish bun with some classic curls and swirls that would made a 1940s movie starlet proud.

Making a statement: The German-America beauty stunned on the red carpet for the much-anticipated bash in a sleeveless black sequin jumpsuit under a black sheer dress

Music Maestro: Sanders chatted it up with the house DJ for the night, Diplo, as he pumped up the volume and the beats from behind the mixing board.

Working it: The model documented some of the prestigious party on social media

Party time: The German-American model took a number of quick Insta-Story videos

After putting her sought-after modeling skills on display on the red carpet, Sanders strutted her way inside to the party to join the rest of the VIP guests.

At one point, she chatted it up with the house DJ for the night, Diplo, as he pumped up the volume and the beats from behind the mixing board.

'Diplo is here to turn this @bulgariofficial part up!' she wrote along with a selfie- video of the two enjoying the spoils of the festive night.

Casual stroll: The 27-year old began the day with a romp through the streets of Rome

Colorful: The blonde beauty wore an eye-catching green, black and orange patterned jumpsuit and brown sandals for her afternoon jaunt

Mates: Sanders walked around the city with her friend Robbie

Earlier in the day, Sanders enjoyed a little relaxing time strolling through the streets of Rome with a friend.

'Ahhh, I'm in Rome... with Robbie,' she said in another clip, with a big beaming smile on her face. 'It is so pretty here. I love it. I love it. I love it.'

For the afternoon romp, the blonde beauty wore an eye-catching green, black and orange patterned jumpsuit and brown sandals.

Relaxed: The pair took a bunch of selfie pics and videos

Baby got back: The jumpsuit showcased her shapely and toned derriere

Giddy: Sanders couldn't hold back her excitement when she hit the bustling streets

The day began on a much more serious and sad note: legendary German designer Karl Lagerfeld passed away in Paris following a short illness.

To pay her respects, Sanders shared a photo of her with the creative director for Chanel and Fendi.

'Another legend - So happy I had the pleasure of meeting laughing with you,' she captioned the snap. 'Your work will live forever! Such a sad day in fashion  May you Rest In Peace  #KarlLagerfeld'

Milan Fashion Week goes from February 19-25.A week after so-called canoodling with Keeping Up with the Kardashians alum Blac Chyna, rapper Soulja Boy publicly professed his love for Insta-model Tiona Fernan via social media.

'I love you @xttiona!' the 28-year-old Grammy nominee gushed on Tuesday. 'My heart.'

The curvaceous Fashion Nova brand ambassador replied: 'Love you more babe!'

Still going strong! A week after so-called canoodling with Keeping Up with the Kardashians alum Blac Chyna, rapper Soulja Boy publicly professed his love for Insta-model Tiona Fernan (pictured January 23)

Both Soulja (born DeAndre Cortez Way) and Tiona put on a united front by adding each other's linked Instagram handles on their respective pages.

The Cut Dat Check rapper - who boasts 22.5M followers - then Insta-storied stacks of cash captioned: 'Going shopping what u want babe?'

The Chicago-born ex-convict had previously tweeted on Monday: 'Ain't too many solid b****es out here so when you get one you better hold onto her.'

This, after Soulja spent Valentine's Day with 30-year-old Blac (born Angela White) shopping and holding hands at Saks Fifth Ave in Beverly Hills.

'I love you @xttiona!' the 28-year-old Grammy nominee gushed on Tuesday. 'My heart'

'Love you more babe!' Both Soulja (born DeAndre Cortez Way) and Tiona put on a united front by adding each other's linked Instagram handles on their respective pages

The Cut Dat Check rapper then Insta- storied stacks of cash captioned: 'Going shopping what u want babe?'

The Chicago-born ex-convict had previously tweeted on Monday: 'Ain't too many solid b****es out here so when you get one you better hold onto her'

According to TMZ, the 5ft7in hip-hop star's faux fling with the Lashed Cosmetics owner started as a 'total troll job' against his rap rival and her ex-fiance #1 Tyga.

Chyna was reportedly angry at the 29-year-old Grammy nominee (born Michael Nguyen-Stevenson) over not receiving child support payments for their six-year-old son King Cairo.

The Washington, D.C.-born ex-stripper also vented about her ex-fiance #2 Rob Kardashian with whom she has two-year-old daughter Dream Renee.

PDA: This, after Soulja spent Valentine's Day with 30-year-old Blac (L) shopping and holding hands at Saks Fifth Ave in Beverly Hills

'DrakoChyna': The 5ft7in hip-hop star's faux fling with the Lashed Cosmetics owner reportedly started as a 'total troll job' against his rap rival and her ex-fiance #1 Tyga

Babydaddy blues: Chyna was reportedly angry at the 29-year-old Grammy nominee (L) over not receiving child support payments for their six-year-old son King Cairo

'They don't give me s***, no child support!' The Washington, D.C.-born ex-stripper also vented about her ex-fiance #2 Rob Kardashian with whom she has two-year-old daughter Dream Renee (pictured Saturday)

'I have kids by two guys that f***ing tricked me, whatever,' Blac ranted via Insta-story last week

'And they don't give me s***, no child support, and I'm sick of that s***.'

Career-wise, Soulja is next scheduled to bring his Cut the Check Tour to the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Detroit on April 12.Pitch Perfect star Rebel Wilson has broken down during a reading with celebrity medium.

Rebel, 38, appeared on season four of Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry when she became very emotional about her sister, Liberty Wilson.

At the start of the reading, Rebel said Liberty had been going through 'a rough patch'.

'Should I call her?' Rebel Wilson (pictured) broke down about her sister, Liberty, during an emotional reading with celebrity medium Tyler Henry on Wednesday

Tyler, 23, then gave his message to Liberty, via her spirit guides, as Rebel watched on: 'With where you're at right now, it's going to get a lot better.

'They've been watching over you over the past year, and they want you to know that based on where you're at, that the best is yet to come with this.'

Rebel began to cry at this point.

Rebel, 38, appeared on season four of Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry when she became very emotional about her sister, Liberty Wilson (left). At the start of the reading, Rebel said Liberty had been going through 'a rough patch'

Tyler, 23, then gave his message to Liberty, via her spirit guides, as Rebel watched on and cried: 'With where you're at right now, it's going to get a lot better. 'They've been watching over you over the past year, and they want you to know that based on where you're at, that the best is yet to come with this'

Tyler continued: 'They're having me talk about how you feel about yourself, about your age, and where you're at.

'And they just want to let you know that you're fine, it's going to be good but they're having me acknowledge cutting this cord form the past and making sure that we don't re-involve ourselves in it.'

Earlier in the meeting, Rebel spoke candidly about the situation with her sister.

Earlier in the meeting, Rebel spoke candidly about the situation with her sister: 'Liberty has just been going through a rough... a rough patch,' Rebel said. 'So, I think as her sisters and as her family we all try to help her move past it and become the person she's supposed to be'

'Liberty has just been going through a rough... a rough patch,' Rebel said. 'So, I think as her sisters and as her family we all try to help her move past it and become the person she's supposed to be.'

At the end of reading, Rebel took her phone and asked Tyler, 'Should I call her?'

'Yeah!' he replied.

Get in touch! At the end of reading, Rebel took her phone and asked Tyler, 'Should I call her?' 'Yeah!' he replied



She has an edgy sense of style which she brings to every red carpet affair on attendance.

And Lady Mary Charteris looked incredible on attending Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning's P.E Nation VIP dinner at Nobu Shoreditch, in London on Tuesday.

The DJ, 31, showed off her jungle chic as she styled an animal print blouse at the gala celebrating the launch of the Bring it Home Collection.

Edgy vibe: Lady Mary Charteris took a walk on the wild side in an animal print blouse as she hit the party scene in London on Tuesday

Lady Mary highlighted her slender waistline by wearing a hot pink belt with a bejeweled oval buckle with her trendy wide-legged jeans.

Crimped curls were pulled into a half-updo hairstyle off the socialite's face to reveal her heavily made-up features and she added a tier of three necklaces.

Avoiding the February freeze, the musician showcased her taste for winter garb when she wrapped up in a cream furry jacket.

How to accessorise: Crimped curls were pulled into a half-updo hairstyle off the socialite's face to reveal her heavily made-up features and she added a tier of three necklaces

Time of her life! Lady Mary joined forces with Made In Chelsea's Oliver Proudlock and Chelsea Leyland inside the swanky soiree

Recently, Lady Mary attended Victoria Beckham's London Fashion Week party which showed that there's no animosity between herself and Victoria, 44.

Last year, reports suggested the designer found Mary's friendship with her husband David, 43, 'very worrying'.

David and Lady Mary met at Glastonbury last summer, with The Sun reporting that they then began enjoying 'late night parties' after they were introduced to each other by his best friend, Dave Gardner.

So stylish: Lady Mary highlighted her slender waistline by wearing a hot pink belt with a bejeweled oval buckle with her trendy wide-legged jeans by P.E Nation

Lady Mary is the daughter of an eccentric Scottish aristocrat, the 13th Earl of Wemyss and 9th Earl of March.

She was raised on an estate in Gloucestershire featured in the Harry Potter films.

Since launching herself as a model in her teens, Lady Mary has carved out a niche as the ultimate Sloane Raver.

What a gang! Nicci Hunter, Claire Tregoning, Henry Holland, David Hodson and Pip Edwards looked happy as they posed for a photo

She made money and a name for herself from various fashion endorsements, DJ-ing gigs and a near-naked wedding dress.

Her social diary is an enviable round of parties, festivals and fashion shows, with celebrity friends.

Rita Ora, Alexa Chung, the Delevingne sisters and Georgia May Jagger are among the handful of A-list stars she calls her friends.She recently wrapped the holiday spectacle of Love Actually Live.

So Rumer Willis was happy to have some time to herself on Monday, spotted spending an afternoon running errands and focusing on her workouts at the gym.

After a morning of fitness, the 30-year-old daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore showcased her chic style for some engagements around West Hollywood.

Gorgeous: Rumer Willis looked stylish during an errands run on Monday, showcasing her chic and effortless style whilst out and about Los Angeles

Rumer stunned in a cropped white T-shirt underneath a trendy plaid jacket.

She teamed the look with a pair of perfectly hemmed loose fitting trousers of a similar color and some fresh white sneakers.

The actress added a glittering Gucci belt to her look and carried a black bag over her shoulder.

Stylish: Rumer stunned in a cropped white T-shirt underneath a trendy plaid jacket

'Feeling Mah Self': At one point she took a moment to share a mirror selfie with her fans

Rumer accessorised with a newsboy cap and styled her short dark hair out and behind her ears.

She appeared to don a makeup-minimal look as she walked into an appointment.

At one point she took a moment to share a mirror selfie with her fans.

Tesla owner: Rumer was seen hopping into her 'Zero Emissions' parked Tesla, completing her look with some Birkenstocks

Gym ensemble: And prior to her chic ensemble, the beauty was seen rocking some grey tights and an oversized sweater following her gym session

'Feeling Mah Self,' she captioned the shot.

And prior to her chic ensemble, the beauty was seen rocking some grey tights and an oversized sweater while leaving an AM gym session.

Rumer was seen hopping into her 'Zero Emissions' parked Tesla, completing her look with some Birkenstocks.

Fit and feisty: Enjoying a break from work, Rumer Willis has been spotted spending more time running errands and focusing on her workouts at the gym

Focused: Rumer was seen completing some heavy squats and opted to go with no shoes

The workout saw her complete a series of heavy weighted squats, overhead plate holds, and assisted pull ups.

Rumer's latest project, One Upon A Time In Hollywood, directed by Quentin Tarantino, will see her play the role of Joanna Pettet.

The film as well as her other role in What Lies Ahead are currently in post-production.Weeks after canoodling with Kate Beckinsale, SNL star Pete Davidson was spotted hanging out with his ex-girlfriend Carly Aquilino backstage at The Paramount in New York on Monday.

The stand-up comics - who both did sets at the Huntington venue - posed on opposite sides of a cozy group which included Marcus Russell Price, Dave Sirus, and Derek Gaines.

'Pete seemed like he was in a great mood and was more organized with his jokes than usual,' a source told Us Weekly.

Reunited! Weeks after canoodling with Kate Beckinsale, SNL star Pete Davidson was spotted hanging out with his ex Carly Aquilino backstage at The Paramount in New York on Monday

Both did sets at the Huntington venue: The stand-up comics posed on opposite sides of a cozy group which included Marcus Russell Price, Dave Sirus, and Derek Gaines

'He didn't mention any ex-girlfriends during his set.'

25-year-old Pete goes as far back as April 2013 with 28-year-old Carly, and the on/off couple were last pictured together in a February 2015 Instagram snap at Medieval Times.

Davidson was last thought to be romancing British-born Kate despite their 20-year age difference, and they were last seen together leaving Largo at the Coronet in West Hollywood on February 2.

A source told Us Weekly: 'Pete seemed like he was in a great mood and was more organized with his jokes than usual. He didn't mention any ex-girlfriends during his set' (pictured in 2013)

Good old days: 25-year-old Pete goes as far back as April 2013 with 28-year-old Carly, and the on/off couple were last pictured together in a February 2015 Instagram snap at Medieval Times

Before meeting Beckinsale at a Golden Globes after-party on January 6, the 6ft3in funnyman was recovering from his broken engagement to pop diva Ariana Grande.

Eyebrows raised when Pete and the 25-year-old Grammy nominee split on October 14 - just four months after getting engaged and five months after they began their whirlwind romance.

Davidson met Grande at SNL in 2016 while he was in a two-year relationship with Larry David's 26-year-old daughter Cazzie, who had helped him remain 'happy and sober for the first time in 8 years.'

20-year age difference: Davidson was last thought to be romancing British-born Kate (L), and they were last seen together leaving Largo at the Coronet in West Hollywood on February 2

Live-in loves: Before meeting Beckinsale at a Golden Globes after-party on January 6, the 6ft3in funnyman was recovering from his broken engagement to pop diva Ariana Grande (L, pictured October 7)

Whirlwind: Eyebrows raised when Pete and the 25-year-old Grammy nominee split on October 14 - four months after getting engaged and five months after they began their romance (pictured August 20)

'BFFs': Davidson met Grande at SNL in 2016 while he was in a two-year relationship with Larry David's 26-year-old daughter Cazzie (L), who had helped him remain 'happy and sober for the first time in 8 years' (pictured May 3)

Here's hoping the girl-crazy comedian also has the time to devote to his untitled big-screen dramedy with filmmaker Judd Apatow, which has a scheduled release date of June 19, 2020.

Pete is slated to star and co-write the mystery movie, and he and the 51-year-old director did some location scouting for the project in his native Staten Island on Tuesday.

Fans can catch more of the Set It Up actor in the March 2nd episode of Saturday Night Live's 44th season with John Mulaney hosting and Thomas Rhett as musical guest.

Coming June 19, 2020! Here's hoping the girl-crazy comedian also has the time to devote to his untitled big-screen dramedy with filmmaker Judd Apatow (R, pictured Tuesday)

'Very excited to get started!' Pete is slated to star and co-write the mystery movie, and he and the 51-year-old director did some location scouting in his native Staten Island on TuesdayChampagne corks are popping at Channel Nine as Married At First Sight continues to be a huge hit with viewers.

Data released on Wednesday showed that the romantic reality show again won the ratings battle overnight, clocking up a massive 1,349,000 viewers in the all-important five metro cities.

MAFS was streets ahead of its 7.30pm rival, My Kitchen Rules on Seven, which managed 774,000 viewers - a whopping 575,000 less metro viewers than MAFS.

A match made in heaven! Married At First Sight scored its highest ratings this season according to data on Wednesday... as the drama continues to unfold on screen

The news comes hot on the heels of data from two weeks ago, which showed MAFS had smashed its own audience record, reaching an almost unheard of two million total viewers.

On February 6, it was revealed the total cross-platform average viewership during MAFS' first week had exceeded 2.139 million people.

These figures took into account VPM, or Viewer Player Measurement data, which includes all online video content streamed live or played on-demand ('catch up') after the initial air date.

The numbers are in! New data showed that the romantic reality show again won the ratings battle overnight, clocking up a massive 1,349,000 viewers in the five metro cities. MAFS was streets ahead of its 7.30pm rival, My Kitchen Rules on Seven, which managed 774,000 viewers - a whopping 575,000 less metro viewers than MAFS

High drama! On Tuesday's episode, Elizabeth Sobinoff very narrowly avoided busting Ines Basic (pictured), 28, leaving the hotel room after her clandestine 'affair' with Elizabeth's husband Sam Ball, 26. The 27-year-old blonde arrived from her trip away to meet Sam at their Gold Coast hotel, and she exited the lift seconds after Ines fled

It is expected that total viewer figures for Tuesday night's episode will reach similar heights.

Given all the drama on the reality show in recent weeks, it is not surprising that MAFS has been such a hit with viewers.

On Tuesday's episode, Elizabeth Sobinoff very narrowly avoided busting Ines Basic, 28, leaving the hotel room after her clandestine 'affair' with Elizabeth's 26-year-old 'husband' Sam Ball.

Made it! As soon as Ines left, the next lift along opened, and Elizabeth emerged with her pink suitcase in tow, just missing Ines

Oh dear! Inside the hotel room, Sam was rushing about hiding items belonging to Ines, including makeup wipes, a charger and toothbrush. pictured: Sam with Elizabeth Sobinoff

Taken by surprise, Sam said to camera later: 'My heart is beating out of my chest. If Ines (pictured) and I were in bed when Elizabeth showed up there would have been fireworks'

The 27-year-old blonde arrived from her trip away to meet Sam at their Gold Coast hotel, and she exited the lift seconds after Ines fled.

'I have to do the walk of shame and go hang out with my husband Bronson,' Ines said before departing the hallway and getting on an elevator.

As soon as Ines left, the next lift along opened, and Elizabeth emerged with her pink suitcase in tow, just missing Ines.

Behind her back: On Monday night's episode, Ines and Sam took their affair to the next level as they met up for secret drinks

Inside the hotel room, Sam was rushing about hiding items belonging to Ines, including makeup wipes, a charger and tooth brush.

He was utterly shocked when Elizabeth knocked on the door, scrambling to hide the toothbrush.

Sam rambled: 'Bulls**t, you're here. Wow. Where do we start? It's good that you're here'.

Shocking scenes: Ines and Sam were then seen kissing passionately on a bed. On Tuesday's episode, the pair are shown waking up in bed together, and Ines admits things got 'sexy'

Taken by surprise, he said to camera later: 'My heart is beating out of my chest. If Ines and I were in bed when Elizabeth showed up there would have been fireworks'.

Luckily the feisty blonde was none the wiser about what went on in the room moments before.

On Monday night's episode, Ines and Sam took their affair to the next level as they met up for secret drinks before they returned to a hotel room and kissed passionately on a bed.

Here she comes! Elizabeth arrived at the Gold Coast hotel to face off with 'husband' Sam

The couple had been exchanging flirtatious messages since the very early episodes of MAFS and things certainly escalated when they met up at a Gold Coast bar.

The twosome were then seen launching into a long and passionate kiss inside the empty bar, before returning to Sam's hotel room.

The camera then cut to black, suggesting that the couple then became even more intimate.

That is a shock! Ines was still in the room, scantily clad with Sam, as Liz arrived at reception

On Tuesday's episode, the pair are shown waking up in bed together, and Ines admits things got 'sexy'.

She quipped: 'Yes, it was a sexy night. The chemistry between Sam and I was really intense. All night we couldn't keep our hands off each other'.

Married At First Sight returns Wednesday 7:30PM on Channel NineShe hailed him as a 'genius' following his passing aged 85 from pancreatic cancer.

And Gigi Hadid cut a sombre figure as she stepped out during Milan Fashion Week on Tuesday, after the news of his death was confirmed on his Instagram page.

In tribute to the fashion powerhouse, Gigi wore a black turtleneck and oversized suit jacket which she teamed with a pair of pinstripe trousers.



Solem: Gigi Hadid cut a sombre figure as she stepped out during Milan Fashion Week on Tuesday, after the news of his death was confirmed on his Instagram page

She tied the look together with a leather belt and a pair of stylish shades, which shielded her face as she headed out after hearing the devastating news.

Gigi opted for a fresh-faced look, forgoing a glamorous coat of make-up in favour of a more natural look, while also opting to wear her locks in a natural loose style.

The model, who has led runway shows cultivated by Karl, taking to the catwalk in an array of his imaginative and utterly chic designs, paid tribute to 'King Karl'.

Tribute: In tribute to the fashion powerhouse, Gigi wore a black turtleneck and oversized suit jacket which she teamed with a pair of pinstripe trousers

Sharing a selection of photographs of them together, Gigi penned: 'Karl, I will miss your indescribable presence, watching your calm, quiet genius, genius mind working, your little jokes, amazing stories, and experience the clothes, sets, and productions only you could dream up.'

'Thank you for believing in me and for the beautiful, incredible opportunities you brought to my career, but mostly thank you for giving me the honor of knowing the magic behind the myth. There will never be another Karl Lagerfeld. I am overwhelmed with sadness today, but also with so much love, admiration and gratitude for you.'

'To all his beloved friends and colleagues, and his favourite girl Choupette, my heart is with you. Rest in Peace King Karl. I didn't want this day to come.'

Details: She tied the look together with a leather belt and a pair of stylish shades, which shielded her face as she headed out after hearing the devastating news

Karl had been suffering from pancreatic cancer, and passed away on Tuesday after being rushed to hospital, a source said.

The German-born artistic director for Chanel had looked increasingly frail in recent months, and had did not come out to take a bow at Chanel's couture show in Paris in January, something the company attributed to him being 'too tired'.

'He hadn't gone on about his illness, but battled it very bravely,' said one source. 'Karl was very proud of his fitness and healthy living, so the pancreatic cancer came as a huge shock.'

An official statement published on his Instagram said: 'The House of KARL LAGERFELD shares, with deep emotion and sadness, the passing of its creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, on February 19, 2019, in Paris, France.

'He was one of the most influential and celebrated designers of the 21st century and an iconic, universal symbol of style. Driven by a phenomenal sense of creativity, Karl was passionate, powerful and intensely curious.

'He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the greatest designers of our time, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed.The Married At First Sight brides hit the town for a wild girls night out on the Gold Coast during Tuesday night's episode of the reality show.

And now Martha Kalifatidis, 30, has shared outrageous unaired footage of the ladies getting 'pumped up' for their time away from their TV 'husbands'.

Wearing a large pink cowboy hat, Martha filmed her fellow reality stars putting on an animated and lively display before entering a venue on the 'glitter strip'.

Scroll down for video

'Girls gone wild!' Married At First Sight's Martha shared un-aired footage of the brides' wild Gold Coast night out on Wednesday (Pictured L to R: Martha and Melissa Lucarelli)

'We are just going in to our girls night,' Martha said to the camera, as co-star Melissa Lucarelli, 38, hovered by her side and adjusted her hair.

'Can we get a strut? Everyone strut!' Martha could be heard chanting as she pointed the camera at the ladies in their revealing frocks.

Blonde bombshell Jessika Power, 26, jumped at the challenge, giving a fierce stare as she walked off camera, while Cyrell Jimenez, 29, could be seen taking one last puff of her cigarette.

Also excited ahead of girls night was Melissa and Heidi Latcham, 38, who could be heard cheering and shouting 'woo-woo'.

However, the most outrageous part of the video is when Martha asked Jules Robinson, 36, to flash her sexy bra to the camera, and she obliged.

Serving looks! Blonde bombshell Jessika Power jumped at the opportunity to 'strut', giving a fierce stare as she walked off camera

Flash! Meanwhile Jules Robinson flashedher sexy bra to the camera

Meanwhile what did go to air was the explosive showdown between Elizabeth Sobinoff and Inis Basic, after Lizzie finally confronted Ines over her affair with her 'husband' Sam Ball.

The seething jewellery store manager, 27, stormed over to Ines, 28, screeching, 'Did you hook up with him?' after Cyrelle informed her of the rumours during a girls' night out.

A shocked Ines insisted she hadn't done anything with Sam, 26, despite being in bed with him the night before - and proceeded to call Elizabeth 'foul', 'pathetic' and a 'full-blown cockatoo' in a furious war of words.

Fuming: Meanwhile what did go to air was the explosive showdown between Elizabeth Sobinoff and Inis Basic, after Lizzie finally confronted Ines over her affair with her 'husband' Sam Ball

Dodging Elizabeth's questions, Ines said stubbornly: 'I think this is absolutely your problem.'

An enraged Elizabeth turned to face the rest of the girls and demanded: 'What has everyone heard? Speak up! Speak up!'

Married At First Sight continues on Wednesday at 7.30pm on Channel NineA Star Is Born is the world's hottest movie musical.

And on Wednesday, Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac paid tribute to the Oscar-nominated blockbuster by performing the film's signature song, Shallow.

Sam's hilarious cover of the track, originally performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, appeared too much to take for co-star Samantha Armytage, who was seen laughing hysterically during a live cross back to the studio.

Just beautiful!' Sam Armytage laughs hysterically as Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac performs HILARIOUS cover of Lady Gaga's smash hit Shallow

Sam performed the popular duet with Australian cabaret star Accordian Hans during a weather segment filmed at the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

The quirky cover certainly amused Sam, who later took to Twitter to share footage of the performance.

'Just beautiful!' she wrote, accompanied by a series of crying with laughter emojis.

A Star Is Born? Sam (right) performed the popular duet with Australian cabaret star Accordian Hans during a weather segment filmed at the Adelaide Fringe Festival

Don't give up your day job: Other Sunrise stars were also left in hysterics by Sam's singing skills

Meanwhile, other Sunrise stars were also left in hysterics by Sam's singing skills.

David 'Kochie' Koch writhed with laughter, while newsreader Natalie Barr completely lost her composure.

Sunrise and its stars certainly having reason to be in high spirits, as their show continues to outperform its struggling Channel Nine rival, the Today show.

Sitting pretty: Sunrise and its stars certainly having reason to be in high spirits, as their show continues to outperform its struggling Channel Nine rival, the Today show

On Tuesday, Sunrise garnered an metro audience of 273,000 , while Today trailed behind with just 188,000.

However, that figure was an improvement on Today's lacklustre ratings on Monday.

Only 168,000 metro viewers tuned in - the program's fourth lowest result ever in ratings period since OzTam ratings began.

It appears viewers have failed to warm to Today's new line-up which debuted last month.Kate Langbroek relocated to Bologna, Italy with her family last month.

And while it is not all play - Kate is continuing to host the Hughesy & Kate drive time show from a studio in Italy - she is certainly living her life in style.

On Wednesday, the radio host, 53, shared a photo of the beautiful piazza located just outside her dining room window on Instagram on Tuesday.

Bella vista! Radio host Kate Langbroek (pictured) revealed the view of the stunning piazza from the dining room of her new Italian home on Tuesday

Kate captioned the picture: 'As Oscar Wilde once said, all of us are in the gutter, but some of are looking at Piazza Miaggore [sic]... Here is my Italian table, ready for dinner for seven... Among other things I have learnt so far: Never get a glass-topped dining table (unless you can clean like an Italian!).'

The Piazza Maggiore is located in the centre of Bologna, Italy, and dates back to the 13th century.

As the town's main square, it is famous for its medieval and Renaissance era buildings, including the architectural complex of Palazzo d'Accursio, the Town Hall, Basilica San Petronio and Palazzo dei Banchi.

Kate captioned the picture: 'As Oscar Wilde once said, all of us are in the gutter, but some of are looking at Piazza Miaggore [sic]... Here is my Italian table, ready for dinner for seven... Among other things I have learnt so far: Never get a glass-topped dining table (unless you can clean like an Italian!)'

'She's having the time of her life!' Dave Hughes says his radio co-host Kate (pictured with her children) 'spends all afternoon on the pasta and wine' after moving to Bologna, Italy

Kate's radio colleague Dave Hughes revealed on Friday that she's 'having the time of her life' after moving to Europe.

During an appearance on Channel Nine's Today Extra, Dave joked that Kate was 'spending all afternoon on the pasta and wine'.

Dave, 48, insisted their working relationship hasn't really changed - even though they have to deal with a 10-hour time difference.

Business as usual! During an appearance on Today Extra on Friday, Dave (pictured) also revealed their working relationship hasn't really changed despite the 10-hour time difference

'She's on from 6.30am to 8.30 am and it's bizarre, you wouldn't know we weren't in the same room if we didn't tell anyone. No one would know,' he said

The Langbroek family made their big international move at the end of January.

Just days before flying out, Kate admitted she wasn't entirely sure why she was doing it in the first place.

Bologna bound! The Langbroek family made their big international move at the end of January

During an interview on The Project, she confessed: 'I can't tell you why because I've got NFI [no f**king idea].'

Kate was planning on resigning from her job before leaving for Italy, but her longtime co-host encouraged her to keep working.

She told News.com.au recently that Dave said she'd be 'crazy' to leave the show if she was only going overseas for a year.They announced they were filing for divorce on February 23, 2018 - nearly one year ago.

And it appears as though the negotiations are still happening with Eric Dane, 46, and Rebecca Gayheart, 47, seen leaving a meeting with their divorce lawyer on Monday.

While the Scream 2 star Rebecca appeared to leave the Studio City office with a smile, Grey's Anatomy alum Eric didn't appear as cheerful.

Didn't go the way he wanted? Eric Dane didn't look too happy following a visit to the divorce lawyer with his ex wife Rebecca Gayheart on Monday

Not having a good day: According to onlookers: 'Eric did not look too happy as he headed to his Porsche'

An onlooker told DailyMail.com: 'Eric did not look too happy as he headed to his Porsche.'

And perhaps the meeting didn't go all that smooth, with Rebecca posting a telling quote on her Instagram Stories.

'Girl, unless he wears a diaper, you can't change him,' it read - with the star adding the words 'facts' and 'truuu' to the post.

The pair's appearance comes after it was revealed one year ago that they had filed for divorce.

Still in negotiations: They announced they were filing for divorce on February 23, 2018 - nearly one year ago

Shining bright: Rebecca on the other hand was beaming in her checkered pint maxi dress underneath a long-line black blazer

They filed for joint legal and physical custody of their daughters, Billie, eight, and Georgia, seven.

Both Eric and Rebecca had sited 'irreconcilable differences' with The Last Ship star stating he would pay spousal support to his former love.

'After 14 years together we have decided that ending our marriage is the best decision for our family,' he said in a statement at the time.

Over: 'After 14 years together we have decided that ending our marriage is the best decision for our family,' he said in a statement at the time' (pictured June 2017)

'We will continue our friendship and work as a team to co-parent our two beautiful girls as they are the most important thing in the world to us. We kindly ask that you respect our privacy during this time as we navigate the next phase of our lives.'

Last October, Rebecca confessed that she did find it challenging co-parenting with her ex.

'We're doing our best. It isn't easy,' she told Us, adding: 'But we are trying and we are committed.'Married At First Sight groom Bronson Norrish has taken a stab at his 'wife' Ines Basic after her 'affair with Sam Ball came to light on the show.

The former stripper, 34, took to Instagram on Wednesday to reflect on the debacle, sharing a photo of himself sitting on the bed alone staring out of his hotel window.

'Star light, star bright... wonder who my wife is doing tonight?' the former stripper joked in the caption.

'Star light, star bright, wonder who my wife is doing tonight?' Married At First Sight's Bronson Norrish, 34, took a stab at his 'wife' Ines Basic after her 'affair' with Sam Ball was revealed on the show

He also shared a subsequent image of himself standing at the window of his hotel room, peering out at the night sky in a moment of solitude.

Bronson's cutting caption is at odds with the storyline which is playing out on the show currently, as Bronson has not yet discovered his wife's 'affair' with male model Sam.

On Tuesday's episode, the Perth-based entrepreneur was oblivious to Ines' night with Sam Ball where they enjoyed a drink at the bar before returning to his room to continue their rendezvous.

Deep in thought: The former stripper took to Instagram on Wednesday to weigh in on the 'affair', sharing this image of himself in a moment of solitude

'Falling for Sam just feels natural': On Tuesday's episode, the Perth-based entrepreneur was oblivious to Ines' night with Sam Ball where they enjoyed a drink at the bar before returning to his room to continue their rendezvous

'Falling for Sam just feels natural. It feels right. Like I can see myself with him outside of the experiment. Yeah, it was like my favourite date of all time,' Ines told producers.

After spending the evening with Sam, Ines returned to her room to get ready to spend the day with Bronson.

The tattooed hunk, unaware of her affair, told producers: 'Happy Ines is a great person. I want to know more about her, so I want to be around her more.'

'Everyday is getting better': The tattooed hunk, unaware of her affair, told producers on Tuesday's episode: 'Here (on the Gold Coast), Ines really shines. So whatever makes her shine here, I hope that she can bring back to Sydney'

'Every day it's getting better. She's happy today, she's glowing. I think she feels good about herself and that comes through. To our good holiday vibes.'

'Here, she really shines. So whatever makes her shine here, I hope that she can bring back to Sydney,' he added, 'it feels like a second honeymoon now.'

The couple's marriage was off to a rocky start at the wedding when Ines demanded he to 'get rid' of his eyebrow piercing.

Things escalated when she yelled out expletives to him during their honeymoon.

Married at First Sight continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel NineDavid Arquette has admitted 'full responsibility' for the disastrous hairdo his ex-wife Courteney Cox sported in their 2000 movie Scream 3.

The 47-year-old silver fox, who was newly married to Courteney when the film was made, recently revealed on social media that the wig was his idea.

When an Instagram account posted a photo of her in the film with the line: 'if you ever feel like s***, just remember Courteney Cox' hair in Scream 3,' David fessed up.

Identify the culprit: David Arquette has admitted 'full responsibility' for the disastrous hairdo his ex-wife Courteney Cox sported in their 2000 movie Scream 3

'I have to take the fall for this. I suggested a Bettie Page look. It just didnt work. I take full responsibility,' he commented on the meme.

Courteney, who obtained David's last name in her credit during part of the run of her iconic NBC sitcom Friends, recently expressed her distaste for the Scream 3 hairdo.

That film was her third outing playing Gale Weathers in the franchise, and 'I liked to change her hair every time,' she told People last month.

'I had these bangs and they were cut too short. At that time in my life, I wasnt the kind of person who would say: "You know what? These are too short. We need to get new bangs,"' Courtney dished to the magazine.

'It just didn't work': The 47-year-old silver fox, who was newly married to Courteney when the film was made, recently revealed on social media that the wig was his idea

'I was just like: "Oh, well, okay, oh God, they dont look great." In reality I should have said: "No, no, no we have to get new bangs." I did not stick up for myself and hence I look horrible. That was a big lesson - take care of yourself,' she explained.

Courteney did not mince words about her enduring dislike of the look, saying: 'The fact that people say "forever on film," that is really true and its so bad.'

David and Courteney co-starred in all four Scream movies, the first of which bowed in 1996 and the most recent of which was released in 2011.

The way they were: David and Courteney, who married in 1999 and divorced in 2013, are pictured in January 2010, nine months before going public with their separation

They married in 1999 in San Francisco and in 2004 welcomed their daughter Coco, whose godmother is Courteney's Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston.

The couple went public with their separation in October 2010, a month after Scream 4 wrapped filming and half a year before it bowed in theaters.

Within the next two years, the divorce was finalized, and Courteney has spent nearly the past half-decade engaged to Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid.

'We're not married. I'm married in my heart,' Courteney said in a People interview this past autumn, dismissing the legal title as 'a label.'Married At First Sight Martha Kalifatidis has been mercilessly mocked online after she wore a bizarre ensemble during Tuesday night's episode of the show.

Viewers flocked to Twitter to tease the 30-year-old over her bright pink cowboy hat with matching scarf.

The makeup artist had paired the bold accessory with a racy white mini dress which revealed her animal print bra for a raucous girls night out with the other MAFS brides.

'Who told her to wear her pimp hat?': Married At First Sight viewers mercilessly mocked the outfit Martha Kalifatidis wore during a wild girls night out on the Gold Coast

One fan jokingly tweeted: 'What is with Martha's hat?! She looks like she's just walked off the set of Pirates of the Caribbean... #MAFS'.

'Martha has successfully created a new line of fashion called 'Barbie - Dundee chic' #thatsnotahat #thisisahat #martha #MAFS,' another quipped.

Someone else wrote: 'Who told Martha to wear her pimp hat?'

LOL: One fan jokingly tweeted: 'What is with Martha's hat?! She looks like she's just walked off the set of Pirates of the Caribbean... #MAFS'

'That's not a hat, this is a hat': 'Martha has successfully created a new line of fashion called 'Barbie - Dundee chic,' another quipped. While one MAFS fan wrote: 'Who told Martha to wear her pimp hat?'

'Did Martha lose a bet? Is this some sort of drinking game hat? Where does one even buy something so hideous? #MAFS,' one viewer shared.

'I thought it was hens night right? Because of hat Martha is wearing,' tweeted another.

While one penned: 'Martha's hat started the rumour #mafs.'

Another social media user tweeted that raven-haired beauty must have taken inspiration from the Malibu Stacey Doll from The Simpsons.

Inspired: 'Did Martha lose a bet? Is this some sort of drinking game hat? Where does one even buy something so hideous? #MAFS,' one viewer shared. While one joked that the raven-haired beauty took inspiration from the Malibu Stacey Doll from The Simpsons

Seal of approval: However, there were few on social media who liked her outfit and gave their tick of approval, including one who wrote: 'Martha is SERVING #MAFS'

However, there were few online who liked her outfit and gave their tick of approval, including one, who wrote: 'Martha is SERVING #MAFS'.

'Martha's hat was flawless and I won't hear another word #mafsau #mafs,' another shared.

Meanwhile, there have been claims that the Greek Kim Kardashian lookalike and her husband Michael Brunelli have split.

Single already? Meanwhile, there have been claims that the Greek Kim Kardashian lookalike and her husband Michael Brunelli have split

According to NW, the bride is just keeping Michael around in order to achieve fame.

'She wants to be as famous as possible and having Michael on her arm is the best way she can achieve this goal,' an insider said.

'But in reality, their lives couldn't be further apart. While she's off living it up in Hollywood, he's in Melbourne teaching kids every day,' they added.

Married At First Sight continues on Wednesday at 7.30pm on Channel NineLauren Huntriss, 31, and Matthew Bennett, 30, decided to leave the show during Sunday's commitment ceremony on Married at First Sight.

And on Tuesday, the blonde bride claimed private conversations with the former virgin left her extremely concerned.

Speaking on KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie O show, Lauren said: 'I'm very sympathetic that Matt has issues, but there were a lot of things he said off camera that did concern me.'

Scroll down for video

'A lot of things he said concerned me': MAFS' Lauren Huntriss (left) claims former virgin Matthew Bennett (right) believes his 'brain was rewired' after he was 'abducted by aliens' in his teens

The makeup artist was asked by a radio listener if there was any 'weirdness with Matt that didn't air on the show'.

Lauren revealed that what Matt supposedly told her stuck in her mind.

'He actually said: 'Loz, I feel like I don't fit in on this earth and I believe I was abducted by aliens and they've done something to my brain, because my brain has been rewired differently. I feel like my brain hasn't been the same since I was 15.'

Bizarre: Lauren said, '[Matt] actually said: 'Loz, I feel like I don't fit in on this earth and I believe I was abducted by aliens'

She claims the conversation took place after they consummated their marriage.

'It really concerned me, because a part of me was like I'm concerned, I don't know what to do, I care about this guy. I really, really liked him,' she said.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.

Unusual: Lauren said she was lost for words when Matt made the alien claims

Meanwhile, Lauren also claimed that Matt's affection toward her on-screen was always prompted by producers and never came naturally.

'He's admitted to me that he's not capable of feeling affection, he was never shown affection and he doesn't know how to give affection,' she said.

She went on to say that their honeymoon felt like a 'stitch up', as Matt doesn't drink alcohol yet they were sent to a winery in Adelaide.

'What a great idea to send us to a winery. He's never touched alcohol in his life!' Lauren also said her Adelaide honeymoon felt like a 'stitch up', as Matt was a non-drinker

'What a great idea to send us to a winery, what a stitch up that was. He's never touched alcohol in his life!' she said.

Married At First Sight returns on Tuesday from 7.30pm on NineGigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski attended the opening of Nammos Villagea luxury shopping centerin Mykonos, Greece on Friday night.

The models, who wore vibrant draping dresses, participated in the evening's ribbon cutting ceremony.

Gigi, 23, and Emily, 27, were joined by fellow model Kate Moss.

Special guests: Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski attended the opening of Nammos Villagea luxury shopping centerin Mykonos, Greece on Friday night

Opening night: The models, who wore vibrant draping dresses, participated in the evening's ribbon cutting ceremony

Hadid arrived at the launch party in a pink cutout dress and clear heels.

Gigi's glam included a nude lip gloss, bright pink eye shadow, and a soft brow.

And she wore her golden locks styled in soft waves.

Strike a pose: Hadid arrived at the launch party in a pink cutout dress and clear heels

Pretty in pink: Gigi's glam included bright pink eye shadow and a nude lip gloss

Ratajkowski stepped on the red carpet in a burnt orange mini-dress and Reebok sneakers.

She paired her sexy, silk frock with layered gold necklaces and bracelets.

And her glam included a nude lip and heavily contoured cheekbones.

Fashionista: Ratajkowski stepped on the red carpet in a burnt orange mini-dress and sneakers

Accessorized: She paired her sexy, silk frock with layered gold necklaces and bracelets

Gigi and Emily wielded a pair of large scissors for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The two shared a laugh and a hug as they welcomed guests into Mykonos' newest shopping center.

Kate Moss, who wore a sparkling halter top, mingled with the two models over the course of the evening.

Special task: Gigi and Emily wielded a pair of large scissors for the ribbon cutting ceremony

Fast friends: The two shared a laugh and a hug as they welcomed guests into Mykonos' newest shopping centerShe's been showing off her sizzling figure in a number of saucy Instagram snaps.

And Emily Ratajkowski continued to show off her envy-inducing form as she continued her sun-drenched Mykonos getaway with her pals on Friday.

The model, 27, opted for a semi-sheer yellow cover-up which teased at her insane bikini body underneath as she strolled along.

On form: Emily Ratajkowski continued to show off her envy-inducing form as she continued her sun-drenched Mykonos getaway with her pals on Friday

Emily opted for a simple slick of make-up, complementing her long brunette locks for the sun-kissed outing.

The silhouette of her impressive physique was prominent under the yellow cut-out piece.

Earlier on in the day, Emily made sure to share a bikini shot with her 18.2 million Instagram followers while sunning herself on a boat on Friday.

The beauty posed with her back to the camera as she modeled a pair of high cut briefs and a strapless top.

Sun-kissed outing: The model, 27, opted for a semi-sheer yellow cover-up which teased at her insane bikini body underneath as she strolled along

Life's a beach: Earlier on in the day, Emily showed off her flawless figure in a snap from her vacation in Mykonos, Greece

'So happy': Earlier the Gone Girl beauty showed off a stylish two-piece dress

The Gone Girl star gazed out to sea as she stood towards the bow of the boat.

Hours earlier she posted another sun-drenched snap of her flashing her cleavage wearing a stylish two-piece dress with tie-detail.

'So happy to be back in [Greece]' the star captioned the snap.

Meanwhile Emily appears to be still loved up with husband Sebastian Bear-McClard, 31, as she shared a snap of them cuddling on Thursday.

Emily sat on her husband's lap as he nestled into her shoulder while sitting in front of several red chili peppers.

Sunset chic: The previous evening Emily enjoyed an evening at a taverna on the beach

'Husband AF': Emily Ratajkowski looked every inch the happy newlywed as she snuggled up to her husband in a sizzling snap posted to her Instagram stories on Thursday

'Husband AF,' she captioned the snap.

Emily wore a plunging black tank top with glittering gold accents as she snuggled up to her beau.

In February, Emily surprised friends and family with her courthouse marriage to producer Sebastian in New York.

The I Feel Pretty actress and Sebastian exchanged vows in a small ceremony with just a handful of friends in attendance.

I do! In February, Emily surprised friends and family with her courthouse marriage to producer Sebastian in New York (pictured May 2018 in New York)

Their marriage came as a surprise to Ratajkowski's 16.6 million followers as the two were only dating for a few weeks prior to the wedding.

They only became a couple a few weeks before the wedding but a source told UsWeekly that she'd known him 'for years'.

Emily had only split from boyfriend of three years Jeff Magid in January according to reports, and was first spotted with Sebastian in mid-February.Ryanair is to open a brand new base in Toulouse with the creation of 60 pilot and cabin crew jobs.

The no-frills airline will open the base, its third in France, in October with two aircraft based at the airport.

And as part of its new winter 2019 schedule, 11 new routes will begin from Toulouse to the likes of Alicante, Palermo, Tangier and Valencia.

Ryanair has announced it is to open a brand new base in Toulouse with the creation of 60 pilot and cabin crew jobs

Ryanair already flies in and out of the French city to nine destinations, but opening a base means staff will be permanently operating from the airport.

The Dublin-based airline hopes that establishing the base and new routes will help it to deliver one million passengers to Toulouse.

Ryanairs chief commercial officer, David OBrien, who is in Toulouse, said: 'We are delighted to announce a $200million [153million] aircraft investment at Ryanairs third French base in Toulouse Airport, which will deliver one million customers a year, create 60 Ryanair pilot and cabin crew jobs and support 750 airport jobs.

'We are also pleased to announce the launch of our biggest ever Toulouse winter schedule, with 20 routes, including 11 new routes to and from exciting cities such as Budapest, Oujda and Tangier.

'To celebrate we are releasing seats for sale on our network from 19.99 for travel in October, available for booking until midnight on Friday (February 22).

'Since these amazing low fares will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com to avoid missing out.'

The Dublin-based airline hopes that establishing the base and new routes will help them to deliver one million passengers to Toulouse

While Philippe Crebassa, chairman of the board of Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, said: 'We are very pleased that Ryanair is strengthening its presence in Toulouse.

'The opening of a base with two aircraft will allow us to develop the offer of the company from the Pink City.

'The 11 new routes announced by Ryanair are also excellent news for the attractiveness of Occitanie in Europe.'Advertisement

If you're looking for something to brighten your day, then these sunny photos of Cuba might fit the bill.

French photographer Helene Havard explored the capital of Havana in a bid to capture the city's 'dreamy' side.

Her colourful images show buildings painted in bold pastel shades, with vintage American cars transporting the viewer to a former era.

If you're looking for something to brighten your day, then these sunny photos of Cuba might fit the bill. French photographer Helene Havard explored the capital of Havana in a bid to capture the city's 'dreamy' side

A bold artwork shows the late Argentine Marxist revolutionary, Che Guevara, alongside the Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. The two men are symbols of the communist revolution

Helene's colourful images show buildings painted in bold pastel shades, with vintage cars transporting the viewer to a former era

A boy skateboards through the streets, while two young men strut their stuff

Other shots show palm trees basking in the heat and locals going about their day-to-day lives.

One particularly striking photo shows a young boy leaning against a wall adorned with graffiti.

The bold artwork shows the late Argentine Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara alongside the Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. Both men are symbols of the communist revolution in 1959.

Explaining what drew her to Cuba, Helene said: 'I wanted to visit as I have always wondered about a country that lives under communism.

Locals take a break on a curb side. Explaining what drew her to Cuba, Helene said: 'I wanted to visit Cuba as I have always wondered about a country that lives under communism'

The photographer said she took the pictures 'without thinking that much about it'. She said she was drawn to the colour and form of the buildings

The city of Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and due to its strategic location it served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the Americas, becoming a stopping point for treasure-laden Spanish galleons returning to Spain

The buildings of Havana seen in a mix of blue, orange and pink with intricate designs and arched pillars

'I fell in love with her decayed side. You can see different streets of Havana.'

The keen traveller said she snapped photographs 'at random while strolling in the streets'.

She added: 'I just took the pictures without thinking that much about it just because I liked it. I like the shape, colours and form.

'I've tried to show a dreamy vision of a place where it may be hard to dream under a communist regime.'

The city of Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and due to its strategic location it served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the Americas, becoming a stopping point for treasure-laden Spanish galleons returning to Spain.

Contemporary Havana can essentially be described as three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado and the newer suburban districts.

The city attracts over a million tourists annually. The Official Census for Havana reports that in 2010 the city was visited by 1,176,627 international tourists, a 20 per cent increase from 2005

Old Havana was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1982. The city is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments

The city attracts over a million tourists annually.

The Official Census for Havana reports that in 2010 the city was visited by 1,176,627 international tourists, a 20 per cent increase from 2005.

Old Havana was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1982. It's noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments.

Helene's photos of Havana have been compared to the aesthetics used by American filmmaker Wes Anderson in his surreal and dream-like movies.

'Some people like it and some don't as they think it is not the reality of Havana but this is my reality,' added Helene.

'I know some streets of Cuba are totally destroyed and different to the way I depicted them but I wanted to apply my personal touch to this city and I am glad if people are able to see beauty in them.'

Helene's photos of Havana have been compared to the aesthetics used by American filmmaker Wes Anderson in his surreal and dream-like movies

Helene says that some people don't like her photos as they don't think they show the real side of Havana. But she says in response: 'This is my reality'Advertisement

The Faroe Islands is closing for maintenance.

The Nordic nation  a group of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, halfway between Iceland and Norway - is restricting tourists for one weekend in April unless they wish to help locals care for their 18-island archipelago.

Why? The Faroese people are keen to keep their green islands unspoiled.

The Faroe Islands  a group of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, halfway between Iceland and Norway  is closing for maintenance

They welcome around 100,000 visitors each year - attracted by the country's dramatic scenery, including rugged cliffs, sea caves, spectacular waterfalls and an abundance of birdlife, not forgetting a population of just 50,000 Faroese people and their 80,000 sheep.

And while the Faroe Islands currently have no over-tourism problems, the fragile natural environment in a few popular tourist locations has felt the effects of an increase in visitors, according to a statement from visitfaroeislands.com.

These areas need a helping hand to ensure they remain pristine, the statement says.

The Nordic nation is restricting tourists for one weekend in April unless they wish to help locals care for their 18-island archipelago

Just 100 visitors will be able to sign up to join the Faroese Maintenance Crew. Pictured is the Mulafossur Waterfall

The destination's idea is, quite simply, to close for maintenance and open for voluntourism over the weekend of Friday 26 to Sunday 28 April, 2019  and to repeat and expand on this idea each year if it works well.

The Faroese have announced that only those prepared to work with locals over the maintenance weekend will be able to visit. There will be a raft of projects led by local people, aimed at delivering a touch of TLC to the Faroese countryside and to ready it for visitors in 2019.

Just 100 visitors will be able to sign up to join the Faroese Maintenance Crew. In return for their services to the country, they will be gifted both accommodation and food over the three-night maintenance period by the Faroese (Thursday 25, Friday 26 and Saturday 27).

Maintenance projects will take place on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 April. On the Saturday night, there will be a celebratory meal for all those who have joined forces to help - Faroese and overseas visitors alike. Maintenance Crew visitors can also choose to extend their trip to the Faroe Islands should they wish to do so.

The Faroe Islands welcome around 100,000 visitors each year - attracted by the country's dramatic scenery, including rugged cliffs, sea caves, spectacular waterfalls and an abundance of birdlife, not forgetting a population of just 50,000 Faroese people and their 80,000 sheep. Pictured is Streymoy island, known for its 1,600ft cliffs

The Faroe Islands has seen a growth of approximately 10 per cent in tourists in recent years

Projects will include creating walking paths in well-trodden areas, constructing viewpoints that help preserve nature and protect birdlife sanctuaries and erecting signs that help with wayfinding. Projects will be of various difficulty levels, meaning volunteers do not need to be highly skilled. A willingness to assist is the only criterion.

'We are delighted that more and more people are discovering how special our islands are - our scenery, our unique way of life, our food and our people,' says Guri Hjgaard, director of Visit Faroe Islands. 'You can find peace and quiet wherever you go, even in our lively capital city, Torshavn.'

She continues: 'For us, tourism is not all about numbers. We welcome visitors to the islands each year, but we also have a responsibility to our community and to our beautiful environment, and our aim is to preserve and protect the islands, ensuring sustainable and responsible growth.'

The Faroese hope that their new project may inspire other countries to follow suit. Pictured is the island of Kalsoy, home to about 150 people

The Faroes' Prime Minister, Aksel V. Johannesen, has joined the campaign by inviting volunteers to lend a helping hand.

The Faroese hope that their new project may inspire other countries to follow suit, and to set up their own Maintenance Crews, thereby encouraging tourists to help in whatever way is needed to deal with the particular problem/s affecting that destination.

The Faroe Islands have seen a growth of approximately 10 per cent in tourists in recent years and, while the country welcomes visitors with open arms, it also wishes to ensure that over-tourism never becomes an issue.

For more information, or to sign up to be part of the Maintenance Crew, visit www.preservefaroeislands.com.Advertisement

A Virgin Atlantic plane appears to have set a brand new speed record for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner after it was clocked reaching a very impressive 801mph over the US.

The VS8 service from Los Angeles International to London's Heathrow hit the top ground speed on Monday evening while flying at 35,000 feet over Pennsylvania, according to a flight tracking website.

It was pushed on its 5,449 mile journey by an extra strong jet stream that at times reached over 200mph over the eastern US states.

A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 Dreamliner appears to have set a brand new speed record after reaching 801mph over the US on Monday night (file picture)

However, the huge speed didn't last for long. When the plane started flying over the Atlantic, it dropped to around 710mph, according to FlightAware.

But it did mean that the flight landed at Heathrow's Terminal 3 at 8.22am on Tuesday - 48 minutes ahead of schedule. The gate-to-gate flight time was nine hours, 34 minutes, and wheels up to touchdown took just nine hours, 13 minutes.

Boeing is unable to confirm if the speed reached by the Virgin Atlantic plane is a record for the twin engine jet as it does not track aircraft speeds.

The usual cruising speed for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner is 561mph.

The journey created a stir on Twitter with commercial jet pilot Peter James writing: 'Almost 800mph, never seen this kind of tailwind in my life as a commercial pilot!! (200mph tailwind).'

Meteorologist Kevin Lighty added: 'Now that's some tailwind. A Virgin Atlantic flight from LA to London reached a speed of 801mph thanks to a roaring jet stream pushing the aircraft above normal speeds of around 550mph. Again this was ground speed and not air speed, but still very impressive.'

While David Priess tweeted: 'A Virgin Atlantic Los Angeles-to-London flight on Monday got a ride on an especially powerful jet stream, reaching a stunning 801mph while over Pennsylvania.

'This appears to be a record for the Boeing 787-9 twin jet, which ordinarily cruises at 561mph.'

Despite the speed achieved on Monday being more than the speed of sound (760mph), the flight didn't actually go supersonic because the plane was travelling in a body of air that was already fast-moving. This increased the velocity needed to break the sound barrier.

In addition, commercial aircraft aren't designed to handle the sudden drag and other effects that are created when breaking the sound barrier.

A screengrab of the flight path from online aircraft tracker FlightAware, which shows the Virgin Atlantic Dreamliner reaching the top speed of 801mph

The gate-to-gate flight time was nine hours, 34 minutes, and wheels up to touchdown took just nine hours, 13 minutes

Other flights hitting incredibly high speeds across the US due to the jet stream included a service from LA to New York on Monday night, which hit 678mph over Ohio, and a Boeing 737 plane en route from Chicago to New York, which went at 700mph on Tuesday morning.

The huge jet stream usually occurs in the winter months across the US when the differences in temperatures in north and south are at the greatest.

Earlier in the week, temperatures in eastern Canada were below freezing while in Florida, the mercury was over 80 degrees. The large differences in the temperature power the wind.

In February last year, a new record was set for the fastest ever transatlantic flight in a subsonic passenger aircraft from New York to London after the journey was completed in just over five hours.

The Norwegian Boeing 787 Dreamliner was able to reach a top speed of 799mph as it hurtled across the Atlantic Ocean after being pushed on the 3,458-mile journey by an extra strong jet stream that at times reached 202mph.

The huge jet stream over the US meant that the flight landed at Heathrow's Terminal 3 at 8.22am on Tuesday - 48 minutes ahead of schedule

In 1979 a VC-10 passenger plane, now preserved at Duxford Air Museum, completed a journey from JFK to Glasgow Prestwick in an even quicker time than Norwegian's Dreamliner - just five hours and one minute, the captain claimed. Though the journey was 243 miles shorter.

However, the fastest ever transatlantic crossing by a passenger plane was in February 1996, when a British Airways Concorde flight from New York to London took just two hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds.

That day, the supersonic jet was able to reach a top speed of 1,350mph as it hurtled across the ocean.

MailOnline Travel has contacted Virgin Atlantic for a comment.Holidaymakers travelling on Ryanair and Easyjet are set to face travel chaos in the wake of a proposed strike by French air traffic controllers.

The strike, which would have been the ninth weekend in the past 13 there has been industrial action involving French air traffic staff, was due to take place tomorrow but has now been called off.

But Ryanair said the announcement came too late to reinstate the flights that had been cancelled for Saturday and Sunday.

Ryanair has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights this weekend due to yet another wave of French air strikes

The airline said the announcement that the strike was being called off came too late

The Dublin-based carrier said that it has already cancelled up to 100 flights over Saturday and Sunday but that affected passengers have been informed.

'As the cancelled flights had been removed from the system and the crews reallocated to alternative duties, we are regrettably unable to reinstate these cancelled flights.

'We apologize sincerely to all customers affected by these ATC strike cancellations and call again on the EU Commission to act to protect overflights during national ATC strike events.'

Easyjet also warned passengers there could be disruption and asked customers to check before they travel.

The budget carrier said: 'Due to a French air traffic control strike starting on Saturday 30th June through to Sunday 1st July 2018, our flights could be affected.'

The airline also added on its website: 'We expect delays and cancellations to some of our flights across the network.

'Flights that do not operate through France may still be affected as 65 per cent of Easyjet flights operate through French air space and may be delayed before arriving for your flight.'

Air traffic controllers have announced industrial action at Marseille Airport on Saturday and Sunday as well as at Nice and Lyon airports

Irish airline Aer Lingus also said four of its flights will also be affected by the strike but added that affected passengers would be changed on to alternative services free of charge.

However, British Airways says it plans to operate a normal schedule.

The latest strike comes after Ryanair and British Airways owner International Airlines Group said last week that they would file a complaint to the EU over what they say is France's failure to tackle crippling strikes by air traffic controllers.

They say repeated strikes by French controllers, particularly in Marseille, are having a devastating impact on schedules, with more than 750,000 passengers having flights cancelled in the first five months of 2018 alone.

IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said passengers were being denied their right to free movement, which is enshrined in EU law.

'Both Ryanair and IAG plan to submit a complaint to the European Commission which will be against the French government because we believe that the French government is not adequately protecting the rights of Europeans to free movement,' Mr Walsh previously told a news conference in Brussels.

A series of tweets on Ryanair's Twitter page informed passengers of cancellations this weekend

Easyjet also warned passengers there could be disruption and asked customers to check before they travel

While Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's outspoken chief executive, said 2018 was on course to be the worst year ever for controller strikes, with 28 days lost already.

'You can't have the freedom of movement if a couple of hundred air traffic controllers in Marseille are going to shut down the skies over Europe on a regular basis,' he told reporters.

You can't have the freedom of movement if a couple of hundred air traffic controllers in Marseille are going to shut down the skies over Europe on a regular basis Ryanair chief executive, Michael O'Leary

The Marseille control zone is a particular problem because it covers part of the western Mediterranean that many flights from Barcelona and the Balearic Islands - major tourist destinations - pass through.

Walsh and O'Leary said they were disappointed at the lack of action from the European Commission, the bloc's powerful executive arm.

They called for air space above a certain height to be designated as European, so that planes flying over an area affected by a controller strike could be managed by authorities in neighbouring zones.

The suggestion was originally tabled by the commission, they said, but has not been acted on yet.Culture shock: U.S. tourist Christian DeBaun encounters a traditional telephone box

It is many a tourist's desire to find the road less travelled, a willingness to jump off the beaten track that often can pay unexpected dividends.

And for US photographer Christian DeBaun, this included an unexpected free return trip, courtesy of Scotland's tourist chiefs.

He was simply indulging his natural curiosity when he began compiling an online humorous list of cultural and social differences he had spotted while on a road trip around Scotland to celebrate his wife Rochelle's 50th birthday.

And his eye for unexpected Scottish customs and habits, such as the tradition of buying a round in the pub, caught the eye of bosses at VisitScotland.

They felt his blog was the perfect way to encourage his fellow Americans to cross the Atlantic to holiday here  so they invited the couple to make another trip, on them.

When Mr DeBaun began his blog, it was his first time in Scotland and he was keen to document some of our more endearing quirks, and poke gentle fun at our occasional faults, by shunning the popular selfie hotspots.

After covering more than 1,300 miles by hire car from the Central Belt to the Orkneys, he produced a blog highlighting the 'ridiculously rainy and windy' climate and the unwillingness of hotels to provide hairdryer sockets in bathrooms or a waste basket any larger than a 'coffee can' in their rooms.

His observations from that September 2016 trip went viral after he posted them on Facebook, revealing to a worldwide audience his preference for Glasgow over Edinburgh, his readiness to plunge wholeheartedly into the mayhem of an Old Firm day  and his delight at discovering virtual strangers standing each other drinks in the pub.

'I never imagined the response I would get to the list,' he says. 'My wife is a travel agent and has travelled extensively so that when she recommends places to her clients she has a better idea of the climate, the food, the culture, the music, the religion, everything.

Folk tradition: The pub - and the all important round - was a huge hit

'It just makes you a more wellrounded travel agent. Sometimes it makes it easier to notice different customs. We were immediately struck by the friendliness of Scottish people and we are honoured to be asked to work as 'travel influencers' for VisitScotland in the hope of introducing more Americans to the wonders of your great country.'

Last time, the couple headed from Edinburgh, taking in Pitlochry, Inverness, John O'Groats, Orkney, Skye, Glencoe and Glasgow. This time, they have revisited many of those places, but the focus has been on talking to locals rather than seeing the sights.

'I have been chatting to people about their lives and jobs and so forth,' Mr DeBaun says. 'I have avoided politics, but Brexit and Indyref 2 did come up once or twice, as did Trump. When people ask about him, I just say, 'I'm terribly sorry', and change the subject. People seem quite forgiving.

'We've been fly-fishing near Perth, then up to Kirriemuir so I could kiss the Bon Scott statue on the cheek because I'm a huge AC/ DC fan, then we did chocolate making with Cocoa Ooze's founder Jimmy Hutcheon in Aberdeen.'

Mr DeBaun's observations from his September 2016 trip to Scotland went viral after he posted them on Facebook

Mr DeBaun was overjoyed when he found a tiny pub in Edinburgh on his first trip to Scotland which was devoid of tourists

Getting into the Scottish swing of things, Mr DeBaun started his day off with a whisky tasting

Mr DeBaun, 56, was especially excited to return to Glasgow, sharing a fondness for Scotland's largest city with his countryman, the late lamented celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, who once memorably described it as 'notorious for its hard drinking, hard living, hard ass citizenry  and its uniquely merciless sense of humour'.

In 2016, the DeBauns found themselves touring Glasgow on an open-topped bus during the buildup to an Old Firm match.

He recalls: 'Every time we stopped outside a pub, the guys would start cheering and they would see me with a camera and they'd wave and hoot and holler. It wasn't until later that somebody said you have to be very careful what colours you wear to what pubs.'

Later that night, the couple braved an Irish bar close to the city's Central Station.

'It's kind of a dive and there was a whole bunch of yelling and shouting going on outside the place as Rochelle and I walked back to our hotel after dinner and

In 2016, the DeBauns found themselves touring Glasgow on an open-topped bus during the build-up to an Old Firm match

The DeBauns have visited dozens of stunning spots across Scotland, including the Isle of Skye on northwest coast

I said, 'Wow, that sounds like trouble  let's go in and have a drink!'

'There was a loud rock band playing and the floor was so sticky it would pull the tread right off the soles of your shoes.

'And if you've seen the movie Trainspotting, you can imagine what the toilets were like! We still had a wonderful time.'

His most cherished memory of Scotland  apart from the stunning vistas  was the warmth of welcome the couple encountered at the Clachaig Inn at Glencoe, a well-known haunt of the mountain climbing community.

On his blog, he posted: 'I wish America had the 'buy the next round of drinks rule'. I did it for some lads about to climb Ben Nevis the next day for charity, and it was one of the best memories from my trip. We are now friends!'

If you are ever in central Virginia, look me up. Dinner and a pint will be on me

He adds: 'Buying a round really doesn't happen in America. It might happen between two or three old friends, but in Scotland it seems to happen among groups, some of whom hardly know each other. Last time, when we were in the Clachaig Inn, there were a bunch of guys playing pool and I decided I wanted to get in on the action.

'I bought the next game of pool and pretty soon people were buying rounds of drinks. It was just a great example of the friendliness and camaraderie in the country. We'd love to see more of this in the States.'

Other observations would have his growing band of social media followers nodding enthusiastically, including his assertions that the Scots 'invented almost everything that is cool' and that 'driving in Scotland (especially down the side of Loch Lomond) is a terrifying death sport', while his exasperation with British electrical safety standards may leave them scratching their heads.

'In America, you just plug your device in and away you go. Why would I need a switch on the socket? It's like the shavers-only rule in the bathroom. When was the last time you saw anyone use a corded shaver? Rochelle's been driven mad because she cannot use a hairdryer in the bathroom.

Mr DeBaun's most cherished memory of Scotland - apart from the stunning vistas  was the warmth of welcome the couple encountered at the Clachaig Inn at Glencoe (pictured), a well-known haunt of the mountain climbing community

'Meanwhile, at the canal locks at Fort Augustus, the sides are totally unprotected. I mean, a little child could just fall into the water. In the States, there would be security cameras, railings, chain link fences, all these things, danger and warning signs all over the place, so the Scots live dangerously compared to Americans. But I just don't understand this shavers-only rule in the bathroom.'

Mr DeBaun is still collating a new list of observations from his latest trip, but says: 'I'm keeping them to myself right now, although one thing I will say is that Scots don't really go in for bumper stickers on their cars.

'I got a bunch of my own printed out with the words 'Haste Ye Back' and I've been passing them out to people. I think a couple of restaurant owners said they were going to put them on their front doors. I'm still not sure any will end up on cars, even though they're free.'

It seems that some things will never quite translate across the Atlantic, although Mr DeBaun is still hopeful the concept of the 'round' will catch on.

He reflects: 'We were always received with warmth and graciousness across this beautiful country. If you are ever in central Virginia, look me up. Dinner and a pint will be on me.'

On behalf of Scotland, we'll hold you to that!A group of Porsche cars in a rainbow of colours pass us as we drive from Inverness. Were used to it, says my taxi driver, with a shrug. This road, the A82, running from Glasgow to Fort William, is famously beautiful and performance cars have become part of the landscape.

Just after the Clansman Hotel, a 1960s pitstop, complete with fibreglass Nessie and souvenir shop, youll come across the entrance to Loch Ness Lodge. With nine rooms and suites, this B&B is a stylish place, a collection of rooms with deep-pile carpets and mattresses you feel you might need to wade into. Everythings superior, from the coffee machines to the rainfall showers and huge baths.

Still in touch with its Scottish roots, though, the water that comes out of the taps has a peaty element that feels almost spa-like.

Great Scot: Loch Ness Lodge is located on the banks of Loch Ness, 20 minutes from Inverness

Downstairs, theres a library and a drawing room, filled with log fires and an outdoor terrace to Nessie-spot from. Theres a spa with sauna and hot tub. Guests come from across the world; most are on driving tours of Scotland but realise that this is a great place to stop to appreciate the views.

The lodges name, inherited from the previous owners when it changed hands a couple of years ago, is slightly confusing for theres a Loch Ness Lodge Hotel a bit further along the road.

The current owners  two families, the Macmasters and the Campbells  also run the Clansman and own the posh Loch Ness Country House Hotel, which has two AA Rosettes. But theyre hands-on at the lodge, making sure guests feel welcome and sorting out practicalities.

Inviting: One of the B&B's comfy communal areas (pictured above)

The place: On the banks of Loch Ness, 20 minutes from Inverness, with all the water and wood vistas you might want. The jetty for the Jacobite cruises of Loch Ness is a short walk away.

The accommodation: It may look venerable, but the comfort levels and lack of draughts betray that it was built recently. The lodge is adults-only in name but there were a couple of well-behaved children during my stay.

The food: Its all about breakfast with scrambled eggs with salmon and kippers, delicious home-made granola, pancakes and smoothies. If youre around at tea time, there are cakes on tap.Down under: Neil in Australia in 1996 (above)

Continuing our series featuring the holiday memories of famous people, this week actor Neil Morrissey, 56, recalls his lifetime of adventures

First holiday I can remember:

Going to Anglesey in Wales. We all piled into a car that my dad must have borrowed as we didnt own one and we went camping, which was, of course, brilliant. I was very young and we ate lots of food cooked on the campfire, including sausages, and as we were four young boys, I am pretty sure we must have annoyed other people!

First time I went abroad:

Not until I was 20, to work on the film The Bounty with Mel Gibson. I was flying to Tahiti but we had to stop in Honolulu as our plane was having engine problems. Once in Tahiti, I thought I was in paradise because it was so incredible.

Top school trip:

Most tended to be to the theatre to places like the Royal Exchange in Manchester and the theatre in Sheffield. But I remember loving trips to Blackpool because it was all so different.

We all used to save up our pocket money for a whole year so we could go on one ride in Blackpool  because that is all we could afford.

My honeymoon:

I went to Italy with my then wife, Amanda. She didnt like flying so we took the train to Rome. We then hired a car but Id never driven in Rome before and, lets put it this way, it isnt that easy. It didnt help that the only words I knew were Wheres the autostrada?

First class treatment: Neil sips on Champagne during a flight in 2001

My most romantic trip with my long-term partner, Emma, was this year in Sri Lanka. We had a beautiful villa and spent our entire time either going to the jungle or lying on the beach. My idea of a perfect break always involves a beach (because I love to have some down time) and great food and wine.

Best holiday:

Gosh, weve had so many good ones, its difficult to choose. Emma and I love Barcelona. Weve stayed in apartments and hotels in the Cathedral quarter and the Olympic Beach areas.

We went to the city with friends as part of my 50th birthday celebrations, dubbed the Festival of Neil because they went on for about a month. I love the city because it is vibrant and every quarter has its fun bit. Ive also had some amazing holidays in the Caribbean. I love the white sand, the beaches and the temperature, and Ive been to pretty much every island in the West Indies now.

Special memories: The coastline of Anglesey in Wales (above) where Neil had his first holiday

Worst holiday:

I cant remember there ever being one. My view is we are the party and regardless of what is going on around us, lets try to have some fun.

But I can remember going on holiday many years ago to Slovakia. We were on a budget and changed our hotel three times because there were cockroaches. I am not bothered about them but the person I was with hated them. Eventually we found a hotel that didnt have them.

Essential holiday item:

I cant travel without a nail kit. I dont go anywhere without one.You'll probably instantly recognise them from the big screen.

But how about actually spending a night in some of your favourite movie locations?

Here's our pick of the best hotels around the world that have featured in blockbuster films.

1. HAVE A PRETTY GOOD TIME

Dramatic setting: The Beverly Wilshire where Richard Gere and Julia Roberts filmed Pretty Woman

BEVERLY WILSHIRE, LOS ANGELES

Pretty Woman was filmed here starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, and a special VIP Pretty Woman package includes a huge suite, a Rodeo Drive tour with a wardrobe consultant, lunch at The Boulevard, in-room dining and transport in a Mercedes Sedan.

From 452 (Pretty Woman for a Day Experience 11,325-30,860), fourseasons.com, 001 310 275 5200

2. GET LOST IN JAPANESE LUXURY

PARK HYATT, TOKYO

Overlook Tokyo like Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson did in Lost In Translation (he had the Diplomat Suite), drink cocktails in the New York Bar and swim in the rooftop pool.

From 573, tokyo.park.hyatt.com, 0081 3 5322 1234

3. SHAKEN AND STIRRED IN THE LAKE PALACE

Elegance: The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, India, was Octopussy's HQ

TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR, INDIA

Cross Lake Pichola and arrive at the 18th Century palace that was HQ to Octopussy (Maud Adams) and her ladies. Visit the lily pond where she first emerged when James Bond (Roger Moore) landed, and dine on the terrace where the couple shared drinks.

From 215, taj.tajhotels.com, 0091 294 242 8800

4. HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

MOUNTAIN LAKE LODGE, PEMBROKE, VIRGINIA

Swivel in the steps of Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey at Dirty Dancing Weekends held quarterly in the films Blue Ridge Mountain hotel location. Take dance lessons and tour the movie sites.

From 115 (335 for Dirty Dancing-themed weekend), mtnlakelodge.com, 001 540 626 7121

5. SHIVER YOUR TIMBERS

TIMBERLINE LODGE, MOUNT HOOD, OREGON

It was the Stanley Hotel at Estes Park, Colorado, that Stephen King had in mind when he created the Overlook Hotel in The Shining. Stanley Kubrick then based all the Elstree Studios interiors on the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Park and shot the exteriors at Timberline Lodge. From 125, timberlinelodge.com, 001 503 272 3311

6. MAKE IT A RIGHT ROYALE OCCASION

THE OCEAN CLUB, PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS

Valet-park your car like Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, check into an ocean-view villa (Bond stayed in 1085), and order a large Mount Gay rum in the library.

From 770, fourseasons.com, 001 242 363 2501

7. RAMSHACKLE ESCAPE IS SO EXOTIC

RAVLA KHEMPUR, KHEMPUR, INDIA

The hotel has been refurbished since starring in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel but its ramshackle nature remains. Accommodation is basic  gloriously authentic for film fans. From 60, ravlakhempur.com, 0091 75682 72852

8. HUNGVOVER IN THAILAND

Dizzy heights: The dazzling Bangkok cityscape pictured above

LEBUA, BANGKOK

You can stay in the three-bedroom Hangover Suite and sample the Hangovertini cocktail before ascending to the Sky Bar on the 63rd floor where, in Hangover 2, Chow met Kingsley.

From 82 (710 for the Hangover Suite that sleeps 11), lebua.com/state-tower, 001 66 2624 9999

9. HEAD FOR THE HEGHTS

HOTEL VERTIGO, SAN FRANCISCO

James Stewart met Kim Novak here in Vertigo. Hitchcock filmed the exterior of Hotel Empire (as it then was) and built a replica of room 401 on set. The hotel staircase inspired the stair sequence in the bell tower.

From 163, haiyi-hotels.com/hotelvertigosf, 001 415 885 6800

10. TAKE A ROOM WITH A VIEW

HOTEL DEGLI ORAFI, FLORENCE

To look out over the Arno as Helena Bonham Carter did in James Ivorys A Room With A View, you need a fourth-floor front room. Ivory picked 414 with a terrace.

From 275 (room 414 from 342), hoteldegliorafi.it, 0039 055 266 22Advertisement

Regular visitors know what to expect from most New York hotels: gloomy, thick-pillared lobbies, chintzy decor past its best, bell-boys in tired uniforms craving a little sunshine. In the bedrooms, vast desks youll never sit at, carpet scarred by misdeeds youd rather not imagine.

Fancy something a bit different? Enter Made, a striking new prospect, slap-bang in the heart of Manhattan on West 29th Street.

In years past, it was a part of town youd march through head down on your way to Macys or the Empire State Building a couple of blocks away. Lately, swish architects and hoteliers have given it a fresh lease of life and  as befits all upcoming neighbourhoods  a trendy nickname: NoMad, meaning simply north of Madison (Square).

Made hotel is a striking new prospect slap-bang in the heart of Manhattan on West 29th Street. 'Its one of the few New York lobbies [pictured] where youre actually tempted to linger,' writes James

Made in Manhattan: Pictured is the hotel's charming coffee shop Paper with its large communal table and earthenware tiles

Now, amid the shabby stores hawking fake shades, fake watches and fake jewellery, something refreshingly real has awoken. Its something youll notice in the artisan coffee shops, minimal restaurants, and most distinctly at the 18-storey Made.

Theres much that sets Made apart from everyday New York hotels. For a start its set back from the street and, given theres no great glowing sign  just a modest brass plaque on the sidewalk  it has a discreet quality, not needing to brag about itself the way so much does in this city.

Step inside, and the first thing that strikes you is how light it is, thanks to vast windows across its front (open wide on my visit in June) and an outdoor staircase at the back taking guests up to a private patio. The ceiling is big chunks of burnished cherry wood, like a giant gravity-defying game of Jenga. Its one of the few New York lobbies where youre actually tempted to linger, not least owing to the charming coffee shop Paper with its large, communal table, its earthenware tiles, and its plump pastries glistening with caramelised sugar. Thats breakfast sorted, then.

James writes: 'Theres much that sets Made apart from everyday New York hotels.' This image shows the lobby bar

The hotel contains something you rarely see in New York - greenery. Oodles of pot plants and hanging baskets everywhere. Pictured is the rooftop bar, Good Behavior

On lintels around the reception desk are hand-carved wooden figures and ceramics: not a speck of chintz in sight. Theres also a spacious bar with low-slung leather couches. It has the look of a very stylish living room: which of course is the point. They want you to feel right at home. And theres something else you rarely see in New York: greenery. Oodles of pot plants and hanging baskets everywhere.

Up in the bedrooms, theres no trace of tattered old carpets, with bright wood panelling instead. If the unadorned concrete ceilings may seem a touch too hipster, its a reminder of the overall endeavour to keep things honest and neutral. Gone too is the heavy furniture that cramps many such bedrooms: instead of cupboards and desks, theres a nifty racking system from which everything you need smartly unfolds.

Instead of the imperiously hefty beds you find in most Manhattan hotels, here your substantial mattress sits atop a low wooden pedestal, saving lots of space. Indeed, these are some of the only New York bedrooms where youd have room to swing a cat, if thats the kind of thing you like to do on holidays.

'Up in the bedrooms, theres no trace of tattered old carpets, with bright wood panelling instead,' writes James. 'If the unadorned concrete ceilings may seem a touch too hipster, its a reminder of the overall endeavour to keep things honest and neutral'

Enticing: A Made bathroom, which features a boulder-style sink and the obligatory rain shower

Made's Ferris restaurant (pictured), is in the basement. James sadly didn't get a chance to pay it a visit

My brief trip didnt give me chance to visit the acclaimed restaurant Ferris in the hotels basement, but I did enjoy its other treasure: up on the roof is Good Behavior, a bar seemingly designed for quite the opposite.

Boasting two balconies, a 22ft curved glass wall and a cute little tiki bar, this is the place I want to gather friends for my next milestone birthday. The DJ plays Cyndi Lauper and Rick Astley, and the bartender mixes a punchy, peppery tequila/mescal cocktail called a Dirty Finery.

On its website, the hotel declares itself a community of connected, consciously moving influencers. I never regarded myself as one of them till now, but  as the setting sun turns the neighbouring Empire State Building to gold  I order a second cocktail, happy to consider myself a Made man.The one word you should learn while on Vis is pomalo. Pomalo, says our smiling guide, when he meets us. Pomalo, nods an old lady in the street.

Its a greeting and a way of life on Croatias Dalmatian coast. It means relax, take it easy, no rush, maybe tomorrow. And its absolutely fitting. Nothing happens quickly on Vis.

But now it may be shaken from its slumber by the sound of Abba songs. Because Vis is the location for the new film, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, which opens on July 20.

Star quality: Vis (above) is the farthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland

Vis stars as the fictional Greek island where Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan sing and dance to the next round of Abbas favourite hits.

But the reality of life here couldnt be more different to the movie mayhem.

Vis is the farthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland, so getting there is fiddly. The flight to Split is only two-and-a-half hours from the UK and then its a 30-minute dash to the port in a cab.

From there, its two hours of sunbathing from the top deck of a huge ferry  hardly a hardship. The ferry  run by Jadrolinija  docks in the tiny capital Vis town, which sits in the middle of a horseshoe-shaped bay.

The shore is fringed with quaint stone buildings and theres not a high-rise hotel in sight. The bay is separated into two small towns  Vis and Kut  about 20 minutes walk apart.

We are staying in Kut at the small, family-run Hotel San Giorgio. Our room is on the first floor, with a patio overlooking a courtyard where you can dine surrounded by palm, lemon and orange trees.

After a couple of days practising pomalo, were ready to explore.

Because of its strategic importance, Vis has been fought over by most major powers.

As you wander through Vis town youll pass an ancient Greek cemetery and a Roman amphitheatre buried beneath a 16th-century monastery.

Walk 20 minutes further up into the hills and youll find Fort George, which was built by the British in 1811 and is now home to a restaurant, bar and club.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, which opens on July 20, was filmed on Croatia's Vis island

Most exciting of all are the secret bunkers, caves and tunnels built into the cliffs by the Yugoslav Peoples Army in the years following World War II when the island was officially closed to foreigners.

Its also well worth going out on a boat for the day. Viss biggest attraction is the very busy Blue Cave on the tiny island Bisevo a few miles off the coast of Komiza, which is a fisherman village on the western side of the island.

The entrance to the cave is so small everyone in the boat has to duck on the way in. Once inside, a natural phenomenon causes brilliant blue light to reflect out of the water and around the cave.

Less impressive but quieter is the Green Cave on the islet Ravnik. And unlike the Blue Cave you can swim here because there are fewer boats about.

The food on Vis majors on fresh fish of any variety. But the Italian influence means the pizzerias are also good.

For a traditional Croatian experience ask for peka  a process where your food is cooked slowly under a large metal bell. Bear in mind that many restaurants require at least a days notice.

Prices are reasonable. For a main meal in a good restaurant youre looking at about 15 to 20 per person. Vis is still new to tourism. But when the boats pour in to anchor for a night during July and August, it can get overcrowded quickly.

When the latest Mamma Mia! film airs next month, its likely to be even busier. So pick your moment. Get it right and youll be richly rewarded.Samsung's folding phone is no longer a thing of the future.

At the Korean tech giant's Unpacked event in San Francisco, it officially debuted the Galaxy Fold, a unique device that's part smartphone, part tablet.

The Galaxy Fold, which features an unprecedented six cameras and two batteries, starts at a whopping $1,980.

In a mesmerizing demonstration, Samsung showed how the Galaxy Fold transforms from a compact smartphone that 'fits in the palm of your hand' into a full-sized tablet with an uninterrupted screen, thanks to a hinge that's 'hidden' in the device.

Also at the event, Samsung debuted its new lineup of flagship Galaxy devices, including the S10e, S10 and S10+, alongside Galaxy earbuds, smartwatches and its first 5G-powered smartphone.

Samsung will start accepting pre-orders for the device on Thursday, and it will hit the shelves on April 26th.

Scroll down for video

GALAXY FOLD SPECS Starts at $1,980 7.3-inch main display with Infinity Flex technology 4.6-inch outer display when folded 512 gb of Universal Flash Storage 3.0 7 nanometer processor 12gb of RAM Three rear-facing cameras Two front-facing cameras on main display, one camera when folded 'App continuity' technology to run three apps at once Comes in cosmic Black, Martian Green, Astro Blue and Space Silver Advertisement

'To create the Galaxy Fold, we reinvented the display from the ground up and are launching a whole new smartphone category,' DJ Koh, CEO of Samsung's mobile business, said on stage.

When folded open, the device features a 7.3-inch AMOLED Infinity Flex Display with QXGA+ resolution.

It then folds closed to become a single, smaller 4.6-inch AMOLED display.

Amazingly, the full screen is almost entirely edge-to-edge and features no disruptive hinge down the middle, allowing it to 'open naturally' and giving it a 'seamless, elegant look.'

'The Galaxy Fold is unlike any that's come before it,' Justin Denison, Samsung's senior vice president of marketing, said on stage.

'With the galaxy fold were creating a new dimension for your phone and your life.'

'...When device opens up, your world does too, with a massive 7.3-inch infinity flex display.

'When closed, it fits in one hand, but of course sometimes you want a larger screen. With the Galaxy Fold, it gives it a premium, multimedia experience,' Denison added.

Samsung showed off how users can fold the phone open or closed without apps being disrupted, as a result of a new technology that it's calling 'app continuity.'

'As Galaxy Fold opens and closes, apps will automatically show up where you leave off,' the firm explained.

'When youre ready to take a photo, make in-depth edits, or have a closer look at the feed, open the display for a big screen and fuller canvas.'

Samsung's folding phone is no longer a thing of the future. At the tech firm's Unpacked event, it officially debuted the Galaxy Fold, a unique device that's part smartphone, part tablet

When folded open, the device features a 7.3-inch AMOLED Infinity Flex Display with QXGA+ resolution. It then folds closed to become a single, smaller 4.6-inch AMOLED display

Samsung President and CEO DJ Koh shows off the firm's new Galaxy Fold onstage at the Unpacked event on Wednesday. The futuristic smartphone starts at a whopping $1,980

Samsung said it worked with Google to help Android app developers optimize their apps for the revolutionary folding display design.

The interior screen is big enough that users can run three apps at one time.

The firm showed off how a user can watch a video, message their friends in WhatsApp and even complete a Google search while all three apps are running smoothly.

Users can drag and drop a certain window to make it appear largest on the screen, allowing for multi-tasking catered to your workflow needs.

What's more, it's packed with an eyebrow-raising six total camera lenses, or 'one for every angle.'

In a mesmerizing demonstration, Samsung showed how the Galaxy Fold transforms from a compact smartphone that 'fits in the palm of your hand' into a full-sized tablet with an uninterrupted screen, thanks to a hinge that's 'hidden' in the device

Amazingly, the full screen is almost entirely edge-to-edge and features no disruptive hinge down the middle, allowing it to 'open naturally' and giving it a 'seamless, elegant look'

There's three lenses on the back of the device, two inside lenses, as well as one on the small screen when it's folded.

The firm added that the Galaxy Fold's specifications make it one of the 'most powerful smartphones on the market.'

The Galaxy Fold features a 7 nanometer processor, 12gb of RAM and up to 512gb of onboard memory.

It also has Universal Flash Storage 3.0, which means the device can read data twice as fast as most other smartphones, 'making it incredibly responsive.'

Other futuristic features include a fingerprint scanner embedded onto the side of the device,

Samsung noted that its engineers built two separate batteries into the device.

The firm showed off how a user can watch a video, message their friends in WhatsApp and even complete a Google search while all three apps are running smoothly

The Galaxy Fold, which features an unprecedented six cameras and two batteries, starts at a whopping $1,980. The firm first teased its folding phone at an event late last November

It will come in four 'galactic' colors, Samsung says: Cosmic Black, Martian Green, Astro Blue, and Space Silver. The hinge itself will be customizable by color too.

Wednesday's launch answers the much-anticipated questions around whether or not Samsung would take the wraps off its folding phone.

Samsung first teased such a device at its developer event last November cloaked under a great deal of secrecy.

In the months since then, an avalanche of devicemakers have either alluded to or confirmed their plans to launch folding phones.

Samsung detailed the processes behind how it was able engineer its first-ever folding phone.

Wednesday's launch answers the much-anticipated questions around whether or not Samsung would take the wraps off its folding phone. Samsung first teased such a device at its developer event last November cloaked under a great deal of secrecy

'The internal screen does not merely bend. It folds,' the firm explained.

'Folding is a more intuitive motion, and a more difficult innovation to deliver.'

The firm said it invented its own polymers and a display that's '50 percent thinner' than a typical screen.

It allows the phone to be able to sustain repeatedly being opened and closed, while a 'sophisticated hinge' is housed in a hidden enclosure so that it's not an eyesore.Samsung has finally taken the wraps off its long-rumored new handsets, the Galaxy Fold and Galaxy S10.

The firm unveiled its radical flexible Fold device, which transitions from a 4.6-inch handset to a 7.3-inch mini-tablet, during the Unpacked Event at San Francisco's Bill Graham Civic Auditorium today.

Samsung also introduced the 6.1-inch Galaxy S10 and 6.4-inch S10+, which it says boast the 'most color-accurate display ever on a mobile device,' along with the 5.8-inch Galaxy S10e.

The unveiling event confirmed many of the rumors that have been circulating in the tech world over the last year, revealing the Galaxy S10 lineup will in fact feature an 'Infinity O' display  a laser-cut 'hole punch' in the screen.

Wearables were also on the roster at the launch event; Samsung debuted its new $199 Galaxy Watch Active, $99 Galaxy Fit, and $129 smart Galaxy Buds.

In an unusual move, the firm also revealed a partnership with Instagram that will bring a social media-specific camera feature to its S10 lineup dubbed Instagram Mode.

Scroll down for video

Samsung has finally taken the wraps off its long-rumored new device, the Galaxy Fold. The firm unveiled its radical flexible Fold device, which transitions from a 4.6-inch handset to a 7.3-inch mini-tablet, at the Unpacked Event in San Francisco today

GALAXY FOLD SPECS Starts at $1,980 7.3-inch main display with Infinity Flex technology 4.6-inch outer display when folded 512 gb of Universal Flash Storage 3.0 7 nanometer processor 12gb of RAM Three rear-facing cameras Two front-facing cameras on main display, one camera when folded 'App continuity' technology to run three apps at once Comes in cosmic Black, Martian Green, Astro Blue and Space Silver Advertisement

Samsung's Senior VP of Product Marketing Justin Denison took to the stage Wednesday morning in San Francisco to introduce the latest products, starting with the Galaxy Fold.

'Ten years after the first Galaxy, we didnt just change the shape of the phone, we changed the shape of tomorrow,' Denison said.

The new folding device relies on a hinge that runs right down the middle of its flexible display.

It will come in four 'galactic' colors, Samsung says: Cosmic Black, Martian Green, Astro Blue, and Space Silver.

The hinge itself will be customizable by color too, and app-continuity will allow you to switch from a closed display to open without losing your place.

And, the device will have six cameras - or, a 'camera for every angle.'

Three cameras are positioned on the back, two on the inside, and one on the front.

But, the phone won't be cheap. Samsung says the Galaxy Fold will launch April 26 at an eye-watering $1,980.

'As you saw, the Galaxy Fold is a device unlike any thats come before it,' Denison continued.

'At Samsung, were driven to invent meaningful breakthroughs. Our screens are the windows to our worlds.'

The new folding device relies on a hinge that runs right down the middle of its flexible display, allowing it to unfurl to become a small tablet

'But despite the progress weve made, the size of our screen is limited by the size of our devices,' Denison says.

'With the Galaxy Fold, were creating a new dimension for your phone and your life.

'With the Galaxy Fold, you get a powerful smartphone and a tablet in a single 4.6-inch display.'

According to the firm, this setup makes the Galaxy Fold 'compact and perfectly portable.'

'We left no stone unturned,' Denison said. 'One of the biggest challenges was building the backbone of the device, so we invented a sophisticated hinge system.'

Allows it to open naturally and the beauty is you dont even see it. The gears are hidden, giving it a seamless elegant look.'

The firm then moved on to its Galaxy S10 lineup, which it says is 'a triumph of Samsung innovation.'

DJ Koh, Samsung President and CEO of IT and Mobile Communications, holds up the new Galaxy Fold smartphone during the Wednesday event

Samsung also introduced the 6.1-inch Galaxy S10 and 6.4-inch S10+, which it says boast the 'most color-accurate display ever on a mobile device,' along with the 5.8-inch Galaxy S10e

Specification of the Samsung Galaxy S10 vs. Galaxy S10+ vs. Galaxy S10e Feature Galaxy S10e Galaxy S10 Galaxy S10+ Screen Size 5.8 inch

6.1-inch 6.4-inch Rear camera Wide-angle 12-megapixels, Ultra wide 16-mp Wide angle 12-mp, Telephoto 12-mp, Ultra wide 16-mp Wide angle 12-mp, Telephoto 12-mp, Ultra wide 16-mp Front-facing camera 10-mp 10-mp 10-mp, 8-mp RGB depth camera RAM 6GB or 8GB 8GB or 12GB 8GB or 12GB Processor Snapdragon 855 Snapdragon 855 Snapdragon 855 Storage 128GB or 256GB 128GB to 512GB 128GB to 512GB Battery 3,100mAh 3,400mAh 4,100mAh Price $749 $899 $999 Release Date March 8 March 8 March 8

The Galaxy S10 and S10+ are set to launch at $899.99 and $999.99, respectively, in a slew of colors, including Prism White, Prism Black, Prism Green, Prism Blue, Canary Yellow and Flamingo Pink.

They will also be available in the premium colors, Ceramic Black and Ceramic White.

A 5G version will launch, too, bringing 'hyper-fast speeds,' according to Samsung.

'Sensors are floating in a sea of individually placed pixels,' said Suzanne De Silva, Director of Product Marketing.

'The result is a revolutionary display that maximizes your viewing experience and minimizes the distractions.'

The display makes up the entire front of the phone, covering it 'from side to side.'

'The sensors on the front camera have been seamlessly integrated right into the display itself,' De Silva said.

This is a truly next-generation cinematic experience, with the worlds first Dynamic AMOLED display.'

Samsung unveiled the new Galaxy S10e, S10, S10+ and the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G (pictured) at its Unpacked event today

Its the most color accurate display ever on a mobile device,' De Silva said.

'This display also supports HDR 10+, which means you can enjoy your favorite content in stunning state-of-the-art detail, just like it was intended to be seen.

S10 uses dynamic tone-mapping so that even the smallest details are clear.

The devices also use an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which maps individual fingerprints using ultrasonic waves.

According to the firm, ultrasonic scanning will allow the system to work in various weather conditions, unlike optical scanning.

This 'makes unlocking your phone easier than ever,' De Silva said.

The Galaxy S10 devices are also equipped with an 'anti-spoofing algorithm' to identify fake fingerprints in both 2D and 3D.

According to the firm, it 'vault-like security' to keep your data safe.

The hinge itself on the Galaxy Fold will be customizable by color too, and app-continuity will allow you to switch from a closed display to open without losing your place. According to Samsung, the Fold (pictured) is 'compact and perfectly portable'

The unveiling event confirmed many of the rumors that have been circulating in the tech world over the last year, revealing the Galaxy S10 lineup will in fact feature an 'Infinity O'  a laser-cut 'hole punch' in the screen

Samsung also introduced the new Instagram Mode, which will be available on its S10 devices.

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri took to the stage to demonstrate how S10 owners will be able to access Instagram features directly from the camera itself.

This includes Stories, Stickers, music, and other tools that can be shared to the social media site; you'll even be able to add hashtags.

'S10 will be the best way to share on Instagram,' Mosseri said.

It wasn't all about smartphones at the Unpacked event. Samsung also lifted the lid on its new Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Fit, and and Galaxy Buds.

The firms new earbuds are equipped with adaptive dual microphones, which have smart capabilities to adapt to the noise around you during calls.

It wasn't all about smartphones at the Unpacked event. Samsung also lifted the lid on its new Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Fit, and and Galaxy Buds (pictured above)

When its quiet, it captures the sound of your voice. When its loud, the buds switch to the inner mic to pick up your voice, said Elina Vives, Marketing Director.

The earbuds are 30 percent smaller than their predecessors, but contain a high-efficiency chipset that will allow for up to 6 hours of streaming on a single charge, or 5 hours of call time.

Samsung's Galaxy Buds will also come with Bixby capability, so you can control them with your voice.

This will also allow you to control your phone without having to take it out of your pocket.

They will become available on March 8 for $129, in yellow, black and white.

The new Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Fit wearables will also launch March 8, at $199 and $99, respectively.

The firms new earbuds are equipped with adaptive dual microphones, which have smart capabilities to adapt to the noises around you. They will become available on March 8 for $129, in yellow, black and white

Both devices are water-resistant, and Samsung says the Fit is 'about as light as a single strawberry.'

The Watch Active features a touchscreen AMOLED display with up to 60,000 watch faces to choose from.

'Both can track your sleep, including REM and deep sleep, giving more insight into sleep than ever before,' Vives said.

'Both also Include heart rate monitors,' and can provide 'essential info about your health at a single glance.

With a long-lasting battery, Samsung says its wearables can last up to a week on a single charge.Facebook is serious about joining the AI assistant race.

The social media giant has been expanding its effort to create its own artificial intelligence chips, Yann Lecun, Facebook's chief AI scientist, told the Financial Times.

Facebook's hope is that its AI chips could one day power a voice assistant with the 'common sense' to carry out a full conversation with humans and even rival voice assistants created by the likes of Amazon and Apple.

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Facebook is serious about joining the AI assistant race. The social media giant has been expanding its effort to create its own artificial intelligence chips, Facebook's AI lead said

'In terms of new uses, one thing Facebook would be interested in is offering smart digital assistants - something that has a level of common sense,' Lecun told the FT.

'They have background knowledge and you can have a discussion with them on any topic.'

But he cautioned that this level of intelligence 'won't happen tomorrow.'

'Facebook has been known to build its hardware when required - build its own [Application-specific integrated circuit chips], for instance,' Lecun explained.

'If there's any stone unturned, we're going to work on it...There's certainly a lot of room at the bottom.'

Lecun envisions Facebook's AI chips being used for a variety of purposes.

Facebook's hope is that its AI chips could one day have the 'common sense' to intelligently interact with humans and even rival voice assistants created by the likes of Amazon and Apple

IS FACEBOOK BUILDING ITS OWN AI CHIP? Earlier this year, Facebook announced a partnership with Intel to design an AI chip that could be released later this year. The new chip will help with what researchers call inference. Interference is the process of taking an artificial intelligence algorithm and putting it to use, for example by tagging friends in photos automatically. It gives credence to previous rumors that the firm is building an AI chip in house. Facebook has been said to be developing AI chips that can process and filter real-time video footage. It would reportedly help Facebook better detect users who may show suicidal tendencies. The software scans for certain phrases that could be clues, such as the questions 'Are you ok?' and 'Can I help?' Advertisement

Chief among them is using AI to help manage the sprawling social network, by monitoring video in real time and helping human moderators sift through content and decide what is allowed on the site, the FT said.

The firm already uses AI in the facial recognition systems that analyze photos uploaded to the site.

Facebook is hoping its neural networks will be able to 'mimic human intelligence,' while being easier to interact with.

'You want machines like human beings or animals to understand what will happen when the world responds to your interactions with it,' Lecun said.

'Theres a lot of work were doing in causality. Being able to predict under uncertainty is one of the main challenges today.'

The firm is also conducting research on new designs for neural networks, which are the foundation of AI systems.

Neural networks are the basis of algorithms, which are supplied with large sets of data and trained to look for patterns in the information.

It comes as more and more tech giants, including Apple, Google and others have moved their chip production in-house.

Facebook has designed other types of hardware previously, like data center equipment, the FT noted.

Additionally, the firm rolled out its first AI-powered video chat device for the home, called Portal, last year.Google found itself at the centre of a new privacy scandal yesterday, after it emerged that it has buried a secret microphone in its Nest Secure alarm system.

The microphone is not listed on the specifications for the Nest device, which is designed to keep users safe and protect their privacy and belongings.

It came to light after Google launched a software update allowing users to control the Nest devices with their voices.

The voice activation requires a microphone to work.

Yesterday, the web giant insisted that it had kept the device a secret by accident, as it apologised to customers.

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Google found itself at the centre of a new privacy scandal yesterday, after it emerged that it has buried a secret microphone in its Nest Secure alarm system. The microphone is not listed on the specifications for the Nest device (pictured)

A spokesman said: 'The on-device microphone was never intended to be a secret and should have been listed in the tech specs. That was an error on our part.'

The tech firm added that the microphone was never switched on prior to the software update, but that it included the feature in order to have the potential to pick up the sound of glass breaking.

'Security systems often use microphones to provide features that rely on sound sensing,' a spokesman added.

'We included the mic on the device so that we can potentially offer additional features to our users in the future, such as the ability to detect broken glass.'

The Nest Security alarm system containing a microphone has been sold throughout the US, but is yet to go on sale in Europe.

The microphone came to light after Google launched a software update allowing users to control the Nest devices with their voices. The voice activation requires a microphone to work. This image shows the Nest Secure alarm system

Yesterday, security campaigners in Britain said that the scandal confirmed many of its worst fears.

Silkie Carlo, director of the privacy lobby group Big Brother Watch, said: 'This appears to be deceptive rather than a 'mistake', which is incredibly damaging for public trust in Google. Many of our worries about smart home devices appear to be proving true.

'This market is normalising the disturbing notion of tech giants constant listening within the privacy of our homes. Google should be held to account for wrongly advertising this product.'

She added: 'It is hard to believe Google cares about people's privacy after selling a security product with a secret microphone in it.'

The revelation that Nest Security contains a hidden microphone is not the first time that Google's smart home devices have come under fire.

Last year, a so-called 'white hat' a hacker who sets out to do good  managed to take control of another man's Nest Security device. The white hat then warned him about the breach by using the device to speak directly into his home.

Meanwhile, a mother in New York found that her Nest home monitoring system was hacked by a stranger  who started talking to her five-year-old son.

The stranger quizzed the boy on how he travelled home from school.A Nazi submarine sunk during WWII is rapidly being eaten away by bacteria feeding on oil released from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill.

German U-boat 166 (U166) has been submerged in 3,330 feet (one kilometre) of water on the Atlantic seabed since it was sunk in 1942.

The vessel, which was only discovered in 2001, lies on the seabed just off the US coast where the giant oil plume entered the Gulf of Mexico nearly a decade ago.

Waste products released by bacteria feeding on the giant oil plume have been corroding the vessel at an accelerated rate, scientists say.

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A deck gun of the sunken German U-boat U-166. The Nazi submarine which sunk during WWII is rapidly being eaten away by bacteria feeding on oil released from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill

Researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi found that the influx of crude oil has provided the area's anaerobic bacteria with carbon and sulphur to feed on, according to genetic analysis.

The team believes that these bacteria consume the oil, and their waste products corrode the metal.

Photos of the wrecked U166 taken before and after the Deepwater Horizon accident show that large holes have opened up in the hull and deck.

'The metal loss has accelerated after the spill and that's very unusual,' Professor Leila Hamdan told the New Scientist.

Corrosion rates of metal in the ocean usually peak in the early years of submersion, and then start to slow.

But analysis of photos of the submarine shows five times more of the vessel crumbled away in the four years after the spill than the six years before.

Professor Hamdan and her team placed metal discs on the seabed near the site of the Deepwater Horizon spill to test how fast the discs eroded.

After sixteen weeks the discs were covered with a slimy film and were heavily corroded.

They also placed identical discs 80 kilometres away. They found that the ones placed near the spill site lost three times as much metal as the others.

Genetic analysis of the film on the discs revealed many different types of bacteria, including some which are known to feed on carbon sources in crude oil.

Figure A shows the deployment of Biofilm monitoring platforms (BMPs) used to hold carbon steel discs (CSDs) at the bow of a different shipwreck, the steam yacht Anona, in the Gulf of Mexico, using the Orion 7-function manipulator arm of the ROV Global Explorer. Figure B shows a Biofilm monitoring platform (BMP)

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig burns in the Gulf of Mexico following an explosion in 2010. Scientists have found that since then seabed bacteria breeding in the giant oil plume has been corroding the historic submarine at a much more alarming rate

The team were then able to come to the conclusion that the bacteria feeds on the oil and their waste product then eats away at the metal.

'We can't say for sure what is in the sediment around the submarine,' says team member Jennifer Salerno at George Mason University in Virginia. 'But we do know the change was down to the oil.'

Oceanographers have not examined the U-boat since the most recent photos were taken in 2013 and Professor Hamdan is keen to go back and see what condition the wreck is in now.

The earliest she could do so is next year  and she says it is unlikely that the metal corrosion would have stopped.

'Given the historical and cultural significance of the U-166, we should go back,' she says. 'The deep sea is a place that not a lot of us can connect with and this gives us a reason to care.'

The findings were published in Frontiers in Maritime Science.A species of giant tortoise believed to have gone extinct more than 100 years ago has been spotted in the Galapagos Islands.

Ecuador's environment minister Marcelo Mata made the announcement that an adult female Fernandina Giant Tortoise had been discovered.

Many species of giant tortoises were over-hunted for their meat by European and other colonists who travelled to the Galapagos archipelago.

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A specimen of the giant Galapagos tortoise Chelonoidis phantasticus, thought to have gone extint about a century ago, is seen at the Galapagos National Park on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Archipelago (pictured)

An adult female female Fernandina Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis phantasticus) was discovered by members of the Galapagos National Park and the US NGO Galapagos Conservancy (pictured)

The sighting came during an expedition to the island of Fernandina in the western Ecuadorian region of the archipelago funded by Animal Planet for an upcoming documentary series titled 'Extinct or Alive'.

Expedition leader Forrest Galante crossed a three mile stretch of hardened lava flow and found the animal buried deep under a pile of brush.

'As a biologist and someone who has dedicated my life to the pursuit of animals believed extinct, this is by far my greatest scientific accomplishment and proudest moment,' said Mr Galante.

'Much like Lonesome George was an icon of extinction, I believe she can become an icon of wildlife hope. She's the rarest tortoise, if not animal, in the entire world and one of the largest discoveries in the Galapagos in the last century.'

Extinction looms large for the animal and its largest existential threat is considered to be volcanic activity and lava.

It is the youngest and most volcanically active of all the Galapagos islands.

The tortoise was found by members of the Galapagos National Park and the US NGO Galapagos Conservancy.

The Fernandina Giant Tortoise is one of 14 giant tortoise species in the Galapagos but only ten are thought to have survived human colonisation and over-hunting for food.

The female has a large body, smooth shell and a pink head but no other details have been revealed.

Susanna Dinnage, Global President of Animal Planet added: 'We are moved and excited about this historic news.

'As the rate of animal extinction is widely debated, it gives us great hope that some species are surviving against the odds and that at Animal Planet we can do our bit to celebrate and support them.'

A tweet from Mr Mata included an image of the reptile and the only other known specimen was collected in 1906.

A spokesman for Galapagos Conservancy said: 'While thought to be extinct due to volcanic eruptions in past centuries, there have been anecdotal observations indicating that there may indeed still be a very few left on the island.'

Anecdotal evidence and unconfirmed sightings have been reported ever since but it was formally listed on the IUCN red list as 'critically endangered (possibly extinct)'.

Surveys and expeditions have turned up evidence of scat previously.

'These sightings and signs, though needing verification through more extensive surveys, indicate the possibility that the species may remain extant in exceedingly small numbers,' IUCN said.

No other details have been revealed about the rediscovery of the species long-thought to be extinct. The female has a large body, smooth shell and a pink head

Anecdotal evidence and unconfirmed sightings have been reported ever since but it was formally listed on the IUCN red list as 'critically endangered (possibly extinct)'. Surveys and expeditions have turned up evidence of scat previously

The sighting came during an expedition to island of Fernandina in the western Ecuadorian region of the archipelago. It is the youngest and most volcanically active of all the Galapagos islands

Anecdotal evidence and unconfirmed sightings have been reported ever since but it was formally listed on the IUCN red list as 'critically endangered (possibly extinct)'. Surveys and expeditions have turned up evidence of scat previously

In 2015, Ecuador announced the discovery of a new species of tortoise on another island in the Galapagos, called Santa Cruz.

It was named Chelonoidis donfaustoi in honour of Fausto Llerena who took care of 'Lonesome George', a male Pinta Island tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdonii) and the last known individual of its species.

Lonesome George died in 2012 and scientists believe that tortoises first arrived in the Galapagos two to three million years ago after drifting 600 miles from the South American coast on vegetation rafts.

They were already large reptiles before arriving on the Islands.

Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos for five weeks on his second voyage and they appeared in his writings, playing a key role in the development of the theory of evolution.

He observed different finches on different islands but theorised they had evolved from the same species.

Differences in beak size and shape married up with the available food sources on the respective islands, birthing the theory of natural selection.Someone could be logging into your Facebook account for as little as 7 ($9), or tweeting as you for much less, according to the latest trading prices on the dark web.

Sale prices for stolen IDs, personal information, and hacked accounts in both the US and UK have emerged as part of a new online security study.

Login details for some sites are being traded for under 1 ($1.30), including Ticketmaster and Skype.

The most expensive uncovered were personal banking details, with bank card logins costing an average of 350 ($460).

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Someone could be logging into your Facebook account for as little as 7 ($9), or tweeting as you for much less, according to the latest trading prices on the dark web. Sale prices for stolen IDs, personal information, and hacked accounts in both the US and UK have emerged as part of a new online security study (stock image)

The revelations come from Top10vpn.com, which has just released its latest figures for stolen personal information prices on the 'dark web'.

It published the latest prices as a price index for both the US and UK.

Simon Migliano, Head of Research at top10vpn.com called the online market in personal data a 'thriving illicit trade in stolen personal information'.

He noted that while someone's 'full online identity' can cost as much as 800 ($1,050), individual account information are on sale for single figures.

In the UK, streaming sites have recently become popular targets for cyber-criminals, and their prices are increasing.

Netflix accounts are going for around 8 ($10.50), together with Uber and Fortnite data.

One of the cheapest was Twitter, which only costs 1.54 ($2), which is still a 28 per cent increase on last year's price.

Facebook saw an 86 per cent uptick in worth this year, but still only costing just under 7 ($9).

The price of data from British Airways has shot up since its mass data breach from September last year as well as Facebook following its Cambridge Analytica scandal.

Login details for some sites are being traded for under 1 ($1.30), including Ticketmaster and Skype. The most expensive uncovered were personal banking details, with bank card logins costing an average of 350 ($460) (stock image)

Dark web UK market price index February 2019 Name of website Average Price Avg. Price Change British Airways 31.94 +375% Morrisons 15.95 N/A Amazon 14.53 +114% Apple 8.67 -21% Netflix 8.19 +37% Uber 7.61 +52% Facebook 6.96 +86% Airbnb 4.78 -16% Nando's 2.44 N/A

Mr Migliano added: 'The short, scary answer is that some of your personal data is almost certainly already for sale on the dark web. The first step is to find out which of your accounts have been stolen.'

'Have I Been Pwned should be your first port of call, as itll help you find out which of your email accounts and old passwords have been compromised. If you have been breached, change your passwords'.

Referring to the situation of US price index, which is significantly different to the UK. Mr Migliano added: 'Hacked data is cheap on the dark web: most individual accounts sell for less than $15 (11.50), even big names like Apple, Fortnite, Netflix and Airbnb.

Notable exceptions to the rule include Facebook and Amazon accounts, which have soared in value since last year.'Uncooperative weather in the Mojave Desert has thrown a wrench in Virgin Galactic's plans to attempt its second supersonic flight to the edge of space today.

The test flight window for Richard Branson's aerospace firm opened early Wednesday morning, though Virgin remained characteristically guarded about exactly when the plane was slated to take off.

In a tweet just after 9:00 a.m. ET (6:00 a.m. PST), however, Virgin Galactic said it would not be flying today, after all.

Blaming the weather for the delay, Virgin says it will attempt flight again sometime 'in the next few days.'

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Virgin Galactic reached the edge of space for the first time in 2018 (pictured). The milestone accomplishment for Richard Branson's space tourism endeavours is now set to be repeated, if all goes according to plan

The firm went to space in December last year and its billionaire founder said he intends to be on-board one of the flights 'within six months'.

Virgin returning to altitudes exceeding 50 miles puts the company one step closer to conquering commercial spaceflight and beating commercial rivals SpaceX and Blue Origin in the race to ferry paying customers to space.

This journey will enable scientists working for Virgin to take detailed readings, including of the vehicle's centre of gravity, which will help inform future flights.

The precise launch time remains unknown but Virgin has said the 'window' for the test flight is now open.

Virgin Galactic plans to conduct two or three more tests of this kind, and move its operations to New Mexico before sending Branson flying more than 250,000 feet above Earth.

The aerospace firm's SpaceShipTwo craft reached a boundary more than 50 miles above Earth last year and today will hope to replicate that.

Branson said the achievement marks the first time a crewed craft designed to carry private passengers has made it to space.

The company's definition of the edge of space, however, sits lower than the widely accepted space boundary said to be at 62 miles high.

Virgin instead uses the altitude of 50 miles (about 80 kilometers), which is used by NASA and the US Air Force for awarding astronaut wings.

In any case, the achievement puts Virgin well ahead of its competitors - Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin - who have yet to carry crew to a point so high using their passenger craft.

This run will see the flight run for longer and the pane will be heavier - approaching its fully-laden commercial weight.

Virgin Galactic said: 'With the usual caveats that apply to all test flights, and with the added uncertainties of weather at this time of year in Mojave, the window for our fifth supersonic powered test flight opens tomorrow, Wednesday 20 February.'

The blog post also shed light on the scientific goals of the flight.

Virgin returning to space puts the company one step closer to commercial spaceflight and ferrying paying customers. This journey will enable scientists working for Virgin to take detailed readings which will inform future flights

It read: 'So, for this flight, we will be expanding the envelope to gather new and vital data essential to future tests and operations, including vehicle centre of gravity.'

'As we prepare for this next flight, we do so with meticulous care and great attention to detail.

'As always, there are no guarantees that everything will go to plan or work perfectly and the team's overriding priority is always to bring crew and spaceship home safely.

'Whether we complete all our objectives during the next flight or not, we remain committed to completing the final stages of flight test as quickly, but more importantly as safely, as possible.'

Virgin Galactic's SpaceshipTwo can be seen as it takes off for a suborbital test flight of the VSS Unity on December 13, 2018, in Mojave, California

During the test flight, VSS Unity will be co-piloted by Mike Masucci and Dave Mackay.

When the first milestone of spaceflight was achieved, the firm revealed its further goals in using the craft closer to its limits.

'We will now push on with the remaining portion of our flight test program, which will see the rocket motor burn for longer and VSS Unity fly still faster and higher towards giving thousands of private astronauts an experience which provides a new, planetary perspective to our relationship with the Earth and the cosmos,' Branson said after the flight.

Virgin has invested heavily in commercial space exploration and has had a chequered past.

'Ever since I watched the moon landings as a child I have looked up to the skies with wonder,' Branson said after the first successful flight to space. 'Today, as I stood among a truly remarkable group of people with our eyes on the stars, we saw our biggest dream and our toughest challenge to date fulfilled'

The company first promised to fly tourists into space by the start of 2009, but multiple delays and a fatal test flight crash in 2014 have pushed its first spaceflight back numerous times.

Virgin Galactic completed its first supersonic flight since the infamous crash, which killed one test pilot and severely injured another, in 2018.

It was a key step in bringing the company closer to its goal of offering commercial spaceflight to the 600 patrons who have paid $250,000 for a ride.

Branson said 'ultimately' he would like to see the price fall to around 30,000 ($40,000) or 38,000 ($50,000) over the next ten years.

Virgin has also partnered up with a variety of firms to sustain the programme.

Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson shared a stunning look from the cockpit a few hours after the first successful test flight, showing the pilots' view of Earth from miles above

Branson says the achievement marks the first time a crewed craft designed to carry private passengers has made it to space. The company's definition of the edge of space, however, sits lower than the widely accepted space boundary said to be at 62 miles high

The company's definition of the edge of space, however, sits lower than the widely accepted space boundary said to be at 62 miles high. Virgin instead uses the altitude of 50 miles (about 80 kilometers), which is used by NASA and the US Air Force for awarding astronaut wings

American apparel firm Under Armour is Virgin's 'technical spacewear partner' and is working on custom space suits and footwear for Virgin Galactic passengers and pilots.

It is also curating custom built programs to improve the physical preparation and recovery of astronauts ahead of the trips to space.

The demands of the flight on the human body mean paying passengers need to able to withstand the arduous journey's.

Under Armour is also providing uniforms for Virgin Galactic's team at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

Branson said: 'I have followed Under Armour's progress through a personal friendship with its CEO, Kevin Plank and via the great relationships it has established over the years with various Virgin companies.

'I've loved its determination to push technical boundaries in order to improve performance, so could not have been more pleased when Kevin and his talented teams stepped up to the considerable task of creating a range of space apparel and performance programmes for Virgin Galactic.'A Scottish stickleback fish has had a 'virgin birth' after fertilising its own eggs internally in a world first, scientists have revealed.

The team named her Mary in honour of the mother of Jesus Christ, after the 'miraculous' development of the babies inside the normally egg-laying species.

Normally a female would lay her eggs and a male fertilise them but it appears that Mary fertilised her's while they were still inside her.

A Scottish stickleback fish has had a 'virgin birth' after fertilising its own eggs internally in a world first, scientists have revealed. And they have named it Mary after the mother of Jesus Christ

The researchers, from the University of Nottingham, discovered Mary on an expedition to gather wild sticklebacks off the far north west of Scotland.

Mary appeared to be 'egg-bound', or unable through weakness or disease to expel her eggs and was close to death when they found her.

They made the decision to save the lives of her young by putting her to sleep and delivering the near-complete embryos by caesarean section.

The 54 embryos were successfully delivered and hatched into baby fish or 'fry', according to the researchers.

They then grew to adulthood in aquariums at the university where around 20 still survive nearly three years on.

The team has also successfully bred from Mary's offspring in normal aquarium conditions.

Dr Laura Dean, of the School of Life Sciences at Nottingham University, said: 'We were astounded at what we found when we examined Mary in our lab in the Outer Hebrides.

'She looked like an ordinary egg-bound fish - so we couldn't believe it when we found she had almost completely developed embryos inside her ovaries.

'This is pretty much unheard of in an egg laying species. The embryos were perfectly healthy, not deformed in any way and most have gone on to live a normal adult lifespan.'

The three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, is a small fish that is common to both fresh and coastal waters in the Northern Hemisphere.

Its DNA has been fully mapped as for a wide range of genetic research. Populations in lakes with more fish predators develop more bony plates.

Others lack spines or are much larger or smaller than the norm. The evolutionary basis is believed to be predation pressure.

It's the only record of this form of fertilisation and delivery of live offspring in any fish in the world.

So Dr Dean and colleagues said there are three known mechanisms by which this abnormal type of reproduction might have occurred.

And two were dismissed. The first was a process called 'parthenogenesis' where the fish clones herself and the second that she was a hermaphrodite - with both male and female sex organs.

Scientists delivered the near-complete embryos by caesarean section after coming across the stickleback fish on an expedition in Scotland. The 54 embryos were successfully delivered and hatched into baby fish. The footage shows them moving around shortly before hatching

Dr Dean said: 'We were able to rule these two possibilities out because, in parthenogenesis, her offspring would have been genetically identical to the mother, or, if hermaphroditism, they would have only had versions of genes that she had, with no genetic input from anywhere else.

'So, we did some very simple genetic testing on the offspring and found they had versions of genes that Mary didn't have and so must have had a father.

'Our theory is somehow sperm had got into the fish, fertilised the eggs and they developed into normal two-parent embryos.

'What has probably happened is she has gone into a nest to lay her eggs where another female had already laid her eggs which had been covered with sperm by a male stickleback.

'Somehow some of the sperm in the nest must have got into Mary, presumably through her egg tube, and fertilised the eggs inside her but she never laid the eggs.'

Stickleback breeding has been the subject of long-term research. Males change colour during the breeding season - becoming bright red below.

Females develop eggs and become swollen with them. A breeding male that encounters such a female immediately performs a zigzag dance.

The two enter into a complex interaction that ends with the male leading the female into an already prepared nest - where she lays her eggs and in turn he fertilises them.

Andrew MacColl, associate professor of evolutionary biology, said: 'Although this almost accidental find revealed a vanishingly rare phenomenon, it might help us to understand a really important change that has happened throughout the tree of life.

'Most animals lay eggs, but some - including almost all mammals, but few fish - retain their eggs inside and give birth to live young.

'Although this appears to be a difficult thing to achieve in evolution, this one little fish seems to have got there almost by itself.'

After normal stickleback births the male guards the young, taking them out for foraging and then leading them back to the nest if danger threatens.

The adults typically die after breeding, but with the larger females laying 300 eggs in a clutch, they are survived by a lot of young.

In a stable stickleback population, only two of those young must survive to maturity.

The finding of fertilised eggs inside a stickleback has only been recorded once before, in a paper published in the 1950s - as a picture of the fish with no delivery of the embryos.

The researchers are now actively looking, on subsequent fishing expeditions to Scotland, for more female sticklebacks who may display the same phenomenon.

This will show if there is a chance it may not just be a freak incident but could be an indication of an evolutionary or genetic change in the reproductive mechanism of the species.

They are also hoping to secure funding to investigate the internal mechanisms which allowed the embryos, which would normally have developed in water and been fanned and cared for by the father, to develop within ovarian fluid and without this care.

Sticklebacks eat small crustaceans and insects. During the breeding season, some males specialise in sneaking into nests and eating the eggs of other males! Others go around in schools and raid nests for the same purpose.A Cornish castle has received a 2.5 million cash donation to rebuild a connection that once allowed Uther Pendragon to sire his son, Arthur.

The crossing will link the separate parts of Tintagel Castle - on the mainland and on a rocky outcrop - via a bridge 187ft (57m) above sea level.

Sections of the castle are on both land masses and a medieval drawbridge once joined them together but disappeared centuries ago.

According to folklore, the castle was home to the king and the birthplace of Arthur, after the monarch enlisted the help of Merlin in crossing the gorge and bedding the wife of the Duke of Cornwall.

A 190 foot gorge separates the two locations and they are currently only accessible by foot via a rocky path. The solution, according to English Heritage, is to build a 98 foot (30 metres) long bridge made of two separate cantilevers

A 190 foot gorge separates the two locations and they are currently only accessible by foot via a rocky path.

The solution, according to English Heritage, is to build a 98 foot (30 metres) long bridge made of two separate cantilevers,

The two-pronged design is to leave a 1.5 inch (4cm) gap in the middle to allow people to appreciate the moment they step to the other side.

The original bridge that joined the two parts of the castle together crumbled some time between the 14th and 17th century and the modern day replacement will be built in the same location.

English Heritage is leading the project following the donation from philanthropists, and heir to the Tetra Pak fortune, Hans and Julia Rausing which adds to smaller contributions from more than 1,000 people.

Julia and Hans Rausing said: 'It is a pleasure to support English Heritage and Tintagel Castle.

'The new footbridge is a great feat of design, fitting into the landscape, and providing new views of the site's architecture, whilst improving access for many visitors.'

Tintagel show to fame and cemented itself in British folklore when Geoffrey of Monmouth declared it to be King Arthur's birthplace.

The crossing will link the separate parts of Tintagel Castle - on the mainland and on a rocky outcrop - via a bridge 187ft (57m) above sea level. Sections of the castle are on both land masses and a medieval drawbridge once joined them together but perished centuries ago

According to folklore, the castle (located here) was home to the king and the birthplace of Arthur, after the monarch enlisted the help of Merlin in crossing the gorge and bedding the wife of the Duke of Cornwall

English Heritage is leading the project following the donation from philanthropists Hans and Julia Rausing which adds to smaller contributions from more than 1,000 people. All contributors signed a piece of slate to mark their monetary donation

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT TINTAGEL CASTLE? The site of Tintagel Castle has been inhabited at least since the late Roman period, and a community flourished 5th to 7th centuries. The castle once spanned both the mainland and the tiny island jutting into the sea and the two sections were once united by a narrow strip of land. This connection no longer exists and now the island can only be reached via a steep and challenging staircase. Anew footbridge will follow the path of the original land bridge. The bridge has been designed by Ney & Partners engineers and William Matthews Associates Architectural Practice. It will be set 57 metres above sea level, and two separate sections will be built of 30 m in length from opposite sides to meet in the middle, but not quite touch. At the centre, a narrow gap (40mm) represents the transition between the mainland and the island, the present and the past. The bridge has been designed to be as unobtrusive as possible and to reflect the historical land bridge. The original narrow land access gave rise to the castle's name, with the Cornish Din Tagell meaning 'the Fortress of the Narrow Entrance'. Tintagel is known as the legendary place where King Arthur was conceived - according to Geoffrey of Monmouths book 'The History of The King's of Britain' Passages in Monmouth's book depict how Arthur was conceived at the castle by Uther Pendragon, King of Britain, after his magically assisted seduction of Queen Igerna (Igraine), wife of Duke Gorlois of Cornwall. Evidence from artifacts found at Tintagel suggest a fair amount of trading with the Mediterranean. Goods found include Mediterranean pottery, and high-quality tableware. The area has by far the largest quantity so far discovered. Map showing the trade that would have taken place between Tintagle and the Mediterranean in the 13th Century. Advertisement

Dr Jeremy Ashbee, Head Properties Curator at English Heritage, told The Telegraph: 'Historically Tintagel would have looked completely different to how it does now.

'Currently you have a third of the castle on the mainland and then a big big gap and then the castle resumes on the island. It's very hard for people to imagine that these two things facing each other were once part of something much larger.

'And it's not just a historic site, there is also the legend about the conception of King Arthur. That's all to do with the land bridge.

'Uther Pendragon conceives this terrifyingly intense lust for the wife of the Duke of Cornwall, and so the Duke places her in the most inaccessible spot available, the inner bit of Tintagel. But Merlin transforms him to look like the lady's husband and Arthur is conceived.'

During the reign of King Arthur and his father before him, the bridge at Tintagel was a key part of the fortress.

It is believed to have been extremely narrow, permanently guarded by three guards and have a drawbridge in the middle.

The ongoing project has raised concerns from locals of a 'disnification' of the site.

The charity widely refutes this and says it is simply rebuilding a historically and culturally significant site that has been lost from the Cornish coast.Advertisement

Stargazers across the world were treated to a stunning second showing of the 'Super Snow Moon' on Tuesday night.

The name refers to the fact that its appearance often coincides with with heavy snowfall around this time of year, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac reference book.

The lunar marvel was expected to be the largest and brightest full moon of 2019 due to the almost exact overlap of the moon's perigee - its closest point to Earth - and when it is at its fullest in the 28-day lunar cycle.

The point of true perigee is when the moon perfectly coincides with the fullest version of the moon, meaning it appears up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than normal.

After setting on Tuesday morning following it sensational debut Monday night, the Super Snow Moon became visible again overnight.

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An airplane silhouettes against the moon in Nuremberg. The event is the second of three supermoon events in the first three months of the year, which marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the mission that took the first humans to the moon

The supermoon sets over Mt. Fuji in Kanagawa, Japan. This year's largest full moon appeared to rest on the reddish summit of the Asian nation's highest peak in an event known as 'Pearl Fuji'

The moon sets behind the Les Jumelles Mountains in Plambuit, Switzerland. The name Super Snow Moon refers to the fact that its appearance often coincides with with heavy snowfall around this time of year

The moon is pictured above the Wiltshire Grand Centre in Los Angeles. Stargazers across the world were treated to a stunning second showing of the 'Super Snow Moon' last night

The full Moon shining over the RT-70 radio telescope near the village of Molochnoye in Saky District in Crimea, Ukraine. During the event, the moon appears up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than normal

Each month, the full moon carries a different name signifying what is most associated with that time. This is because centuries ago, lunar months were associated with the changing seasons rather than the solar year. Here, the moon in the sky above Rhode island

The Super Snow Moon rises behind One World Trade Centre and the Manhattan skyline shortly after sunset last night in New York City

One World Trade Centre is silhouetted against the backdrop of the moon in New York. The super snow moon is the second of three supermoon events in the first three months of the year

A view over Guadalajara, Mexico. Experts said that it would be the largest supermoon of the year with most experiencing clear skies

A supermoon rises over the city of London. According to experts, the best spots to have seen the moon would be from Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and Alexandra Palace

The snow moon seen from Trafalgar square just above Nelson's Pillar. In the UK, the supermoon began its rise in the east around sunset at 5.22pm GMT, before reaching its highest point towards the south around midnight

The super snow moon is the second of three supermoon events in the first three months of the year, which coincidentally marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the mission that saw the first human being walk on the moon.

'The February 2019 supermoon is special because it will be the largest full moon gracing our night skies until 2026,' said Emily Drabek-Maunder, astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich.

'This is because the moment the Moon is at its fullest phase is closer to the time the Moon is at perigee. Tonight, the Moon may seem brighter and will be up to 14 per cent larger than when the Moon is at apogee, or furthest away from Earth in its orbit.

In the UK, the supermoon began its rise in the east around sunset at 5.22pm GMT, before reaching its highest point towards the south around midnight, and then making its descent in the west around sunrise at 7.05am GMT.

The supermoon rose first in the US at 5.33pm Eastern in Providence, Rhode Island, followed by 5.46pm Eastern in New York, 5.43pm Central in Lutsen, Minnesota, 5.46pm Pacific in Las Vegas, 6.02pm Pacific in Los Angeles, and at 7.50pm Hawaiian-Aleutian in Amatignak Island, Alaska.

In Australia, it rose at 7.39pm in Sydney (local time), 6.21pm in Brisbane, 8.11pm in Melbourne, 8.03pm in Adelaide, 8.12pm in Hobart, 7.04pm in Darwin and 7.02pm in Perth.

It's the second of three supermoons to light up the skies this year, following the Super Blood Wolf Moon that took place on January 21 and precedes yet another due for March 21.

The moon is seen in the early hours of the morning above Rome. 'The February 2019 supermoon is special because it will be the largest full moon gracing our night skies until 2026,' said Emily Drabek-Maunder, astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Seen from Shandong Province in China, where it coincided with the Lantern Festival, a Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar

A family enjoys the view of the super bright moon over the river in Shandong Province, China. A supermoon occurs when the moon's orbit is closest (perigee) to the Earth at the same time it is full, according to NASA

A plane from travelling towards the Argentine city of Bahia Blanca, passes in front of the supermoon, as seen from Buenos Aires

Rising over Rio de la Plata. It's the second of three supermoons to light up the skies this year, following the Super Blood Wolf Moon that took place on January 21 and preceding yet another on March 21

Stargazers across the United States were treated to a stunning showing of the 'super snow moon' on Tuesday night, as the two-day event resurfaced on the east coast at 5.33pm in Rhode Island. The Empire State building is shown in the foreground as a super moon rises in New York on February 19

The moon was officially full at 10.53am Eastern, but the sun was above the horizon for most, meaning the fleeting moment was missed. A super snow moon rises over the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas on February 19

A supermoon is a phenomena that occurs when the moon's orbit is closest to Earth making it appear full, bright, and larger than life. A super snow moon rises over the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas on February 19

The name for the February supermoon comes from the fact that it often coincides with heavy snowfall around this time of year, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. A Super Snow Moon rises behind One World Trade Center and the Manhattan skyline shorty after sunset in New York City

The second in a trilogy of supermoons was its biggest and brightest on Tuesday night at the time of moon rise. A Super Snow Moon rises behind One World Trade Center

Tuesday's 'snow super moon' was the second in a trilogy of supermoons. A super moon rises over the ice on the shore of Lake Superior, in Lutsen, Minnesota on February 19

Although this moon was closer to earth than the last, it was not be as colourful as the 'Super Blood Wolf Moon' eclipse that wowed the skies in January. A Super Snow Moon sets behind The Statue Of Liberty shorty after sunrise on Tuesday

The moon rises over the Parthenon on the ancient Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece on the second evening of its appearance (Tuesday)

The full moon rises behind a steeple with crosses of an Orthodox church in Minsk, Belarus, last night. The phenomenon of 'supermoon' occurs when the moon is at its closest point to the earth making it appear larger than usual

The full Moon shining over the Moscow Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower. The best time to view the larger than normal moon on last night was shortly after moonrise

The full Moon shining over Moscow's Kremlin. It's the second of three supermoons to light up the skies this year, following the Super Blood Wolf Moon that took place on January 21 and preceding yet another on March 21

A super snow moon rises as people visit the Areios Pagos hill at the archaeological site of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, on Tuesday evening

A man rides a snowboard at Abali ski resort of Gevas district as supermoon is seen over Turkey. Supermoon is a full moon that almost coincides with the closest distance that the Moon reaches to Earth in its elliptic orbit, resulting in a larger-than-usual visible size of the lunar disk as seen from Earth

A plane flies in the sky in front of the largest Supermoon of 2019 in London, England, on Tuesday. The current supermoon, sometimes known as the Super Snow Moon

A Super Snow Moon sets behind The Statue Of Liberty shorty after sunrise on Tuesday. The super snow moon is the second of three supermoon events in the first three months of the year -- a packed lunar calendar for 2019, which marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11

The supermoon is seen behind a minaret in Van, Turkey, on Tuesday. Stargazers around the world will still be able to see the moon far brighter and larger than normal

The super snow moon can be seen rising above central London on Tuesday. It was officially full at 10.53am ET (3.53pm GMT), but the sun was above the horizon for most, meaning the fleeting moment was missedAdvertisement

Key features of the Mary Rose are set to go on display for the first time - 474 years after it was sunk during an attempted invasion of Britain by the French.

The ship's stem was discovered by divers in 2003 and has undergone significant conservation work in preparation of its addition to the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth.

It was crucial to the structure of the Mary Rose and is a piece of timber that curved upwards from the keel to define the ship's bow.

Mary Rose's stem will be added to the display alongside the ship's pump and another anchor.

The ship was King Henry VIII's main interest and provides a key insight into Tudor life during the reign of the infamous monarch.

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The ship's stem was discovered by divers in 2003 and has undergone significant conservation work in preparation of its addition to the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth

The stem (pictured) was crucial to the structure of the ship and is a piece of timber that curved upwards from the keel to define its bow

The display of the artefacts coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Mary Rose Trust.

Mary Rose is widely regarded as the pet project of Henry VII but was sunk during a battle with the French in 1545.

The battle saw the warship reside at the bottom of the English Channel for more than 400 years before concerted efforts were made to discover the vessel.

Of the 500 men on-board the ship, only 35 are believed to have survived the demise of the once-great warship.

Dr Alexzandra Hildred, Head of Research and Curator of Ordnance and Human Remains, joined the Mary Rose restoration project in 1979 and said: 'It is difficult to perceive that 40 years has passed since the formation of the Trust, it has gone in the blink of an eye.'

Dr Hildred adds that reuniting the newly conserved stem with the Mary Rose 'is an apt way to celebrate this important anniversary.'

The vessel, Henry VIII's flagship, was removed from the seabed 35 years ago and rests in a climatically controlled box in Portsmouth where conservation experts are removing the water and replacing it with a special polymer.

However, the drying process which started in 2013, has caused unwanted movement which they are now monitoring with special cameras as they try to prop up the ship using scaffolding.

The vessel, Henry VIII's flagship, went on display in the newly-revamped Mary Rose museum exactly 471 years after it perished in the Solent, just outside Portsmouth Harbour, on July 19, 1545.

After it was taken out of the water the ship was initially sprayed with water and wax to stop in rotting./

The ship was King Henry VIII's favourite hobby and provides a key insight into Tudor life during the reign of the infamous monarch. Mary Rose's stem will be added to the display alongside the ship's pump and another anchor

Divers found the Mary Rose in 2003 but conservation has been a long process. The display of the artefacts coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Mary Rose Trust, which was founded with The Prince of Wales as its President

Mary Rose is widely regarded a the pet project of Henry VII but was sunk during a battle with the French in 1545. The battle saw the warship reside at the bottom of the English Channel for more than 400 years before concerted efforts were made to discover the vessel

Dr Alexzandra Hildred, Head of Research and Curator of Ordnance and Human Remains, joined the Mary Rose restoration project in 1979 and said: 'It is difficult to perceive that 40 years has passed since the formation of the Trust, it has gone in the blink of an eye'Three Tory defectors faced a backlash last night as one of them threatened to destroy the Conservative Party.

Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen yesterday crossed the floor to join eight former Labour MPs in a new group demanding a second Brexit referendum.

The trio announced their bombshell resignations just as Theresa May prepared to enter a critical period that will determine whether she gets her Brexit deal over the line.

Asked if she could envisage returning to the Tories in future, Heidi Allen suggested they wanted to supplant their former party

In an extraordinary press conference, the rebels alleged that the Conservative Party had been taken over from top to toe by hard-Right Brexit extremists.

They accused the Prime Minister of a dismal failure to stand up to a Purple Momentum or Blukip movement they said had infiltrated and taken hold of the party. Asked if she could envisage returning to the Tories in future, Mrs Allen suggested they wanted to supplant their former party.

She replied: I cant imagine it, I just cant. Not least because, if we do our jobs right, there wont be a Tory party to go back to.

The defections were timed for maximum impact, less than an hour before Mrs May appeared in the Commons for Prime Ministers Questions and just a few hours before she flew to Brussels for the latest round of last-ditch negotiations with the EU.

Last night, the three rebels faced criticism for claiming they were being pushed out by anti-EU entryists and the threat of de-selection, when they were choosing to turn their backs on the Tory manifesto they stood on just two years ago, which pledged to honour the result of the Brexit referendum.

Critics also pointed out that their departure had handed a gift to Jeremy Corbyn as he fights his own battle to keep the Labour Party together.

Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen yesterday crossed the floor to join eight former Labour MPs in a new group demanding a second Brexit referendum

Simon Hoare, the Tory MP for North Dorset, said: Its another distraction from what is the main game in town, which is extricating Britain from the EU with a good deal. Everything else is a sideshow. I am sad at these departures because I believe in a broad church Conservative Party, but I dont accept their description of the party that they have put forward today.

However, the trio of former Tories who dubbed themselves the three amigos yesterday  claimed there were a significant number of MPs ready to follow them out of the door.

Their defections to The Independent Group are part of what is becoming the biggest shake-up of British politics for a generation. The group now has the same number of MPs as the Liberal Democrat party and one more than the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). On another extraordinary day:

- Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable offered to work with the new group, hinting at a possible electoral pact;

- David Cameron issued a statement hinting at his fears the Tory party could fracture over Europe and saying everyone must ensure that it could continue to accommodate different views;

- The new Independent Group surged to third place in the polls just three days after its launch;

- Jeremy Corbyn was accused of a stalinist response to MPs quitting Labour as he faced the threat of a fresh raft of resignations from party moderates;

- Derek Hatton was suspended from Labour just days after being welcomed back;

- George Galloway dismissed Labours anti-Semitism row as a lie as he applied to rejoin the party;

- Labour looks set to lose control of a city council after one if its councillors defected to the Tories over anti-Semitism;

- Mrs May defied the departures of the three, insisting she had made progress on the Brexit backstop. Miss Soubry, Dr Wollaston and Mrs Allen announced their decision to leave in a letter to the Prime Minister shortly after 11am. They wrote: We no longer feel we can remain in the Party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG (European Research Group) and DUP. Brexit has re-defined the Conservative Party  undoing all the efforts to modernise it.

Mrs Allen said if the rebels do their jobs right 'there wont be a Tory party to go back to

At a press conference later, Miss Soubry said the battle for the Conservative Party was over and the hard-Right Brexit extremists had won.

She appealed to fellow one nation Conservatives and like-minded Lib Dems to please, come and join us.

Mrs May last night said she was saddened by their decision to leave, but she stressed the importance of sticking to her promise to respect the Brexit result.

In Brussels, she said: Im determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that I believe the people of the UK deserve.

On a visit to Berlin, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: These are extremely talented people and I hope that one day we will be able to welcome them back into the Conservative family.Jussie Smollett, 36, is charged with felony filing a false police report in Chicago

Jussie Smollett's lawyers say he will fight the felony charge that he filed a false police report claiming two men attacked him last month, as the producers of Empire reportedly consider removing him from the show.

The Chicago Police Department announced on Wednesday night that the Cook County State's Attorney Office had approved criminal charges against 36-year-old Empire star.

His lawyers say he intends to 'mount an aggressive defense' against the class 4 felony, that could land him up to three years in prison if convicted.

Police suspect the actor, who is black and openly gay, staged a racist and homophobic assault against himself on January 29, which he claimed was carried out by white men who shouted 'this is MAGA country' as they put a noose around his neck.

As new of the charges against Smollett broke, Empire's producers were weighing whether to remove him from the Fox drama series, on which he portrays the musician Jamal Lyon, sources close to the show told Variety.

With his once bright career in seeming free-fall, Smollett is now expected to surrender for arrest and booking, police said.

'Detectives will make contact with his legal team to negotiate a reasonable surrender for his arrest,' police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.

Smollett is due in bond court on at 1.30pm CT on Thursday.

He was charged with filing a false police report, a Class 4 felony which carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Smollett's attorneys said that he would vigorously contest the charges.

'Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked,' attorneys Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson said. 'Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.'

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Video footage emerged Wednesday of Nigerian brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo buying ski masks, a red hat and gloves in a store the day before Smollett reported the attack

Earlier on Wednesday police announced that they were classifying Smollett as a 'suspect in a criminal investigation' and a grand jury was impaneled to hear evidence in the case.

Brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo, whom police believe participated in staging the attack, testified before the grand jury for about two and a half hours, their attorney said.

Addressing reporters outside the grand jury, attorney Gloria Schmidt said her clients had been granted no immunity deal, because they had done nothing wrong in the affair.

She said that Smollett was lying, and that she didn't know how his conscience could let him sleep at night.

The brothers' testimony came as video footage emerged of the Nigerian brothers buying ski masks, a red hat and gloves in a store the day before Smollett reported the attack.

The footage was obtained by CBS on Wednesday.

It was taken on January 28 and shows brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo inside what looks like a drug store buying the masks and one hat.

Attorney Gloria Schmidt, who is representing the two Nigerian brothers in the Jussie Smollett case, walks to a news conference at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago

Schmidt said that Smollett was lying, and that she didn't know how his conscience could let him sleep at night

Smollett told police that he was attacked by two masked assailants who punched him, poured bleach on him, tied a noose around his neck and called him 'Empire n****r f****t'.

No footage has ever emerged of the incident itself.

In the video taken inside the store the day earlier, the brothers look calm in the video as they bring the items to the register.

Abel, whose full name is Abimbola, is dressed in a blue plaid jacket. About 30 seconds into the video, he puts his hood up while standing at the register.

His younger brother Ola, who once appeared on Empire as an extra, is in a green jacket.

Once they had dumped their haul on the register, they looked at one another and waited to be served.

For four-and-a-half minutes, they stand and watch as the cashier bags up their items which included gloves, bobble hats and sunglasses.

Abel put his gloves on to leave the store and he paid cash for everything.

As they waited for the items to be bagged up, Abel got out his phone and appeared to be typing and looking through images.

He and Ola maintained conversation throughout.

The brothers were picked up by police at Chicago O'Hare Airport on Wednesday night as they returned from Nigeria.

Abel, who was dressed in a blue plaid jacket, put his hood up 30 seconds into it and then got out his phone. He appeared to type and swipe through photographs

Abel paid cash for the haul and his brother, who was wearing a purple bandanna, spoke to him as they stood at the cash register

Abel put on his gloves before he left the store. The video was taken a day before the alleged incident

The brothers walked out with two separate bags. The day after the attack, they fled to Nigeria

They flew there on January 29 hours after Smollett reported the attack and a day after they were filmed in the store.

Once in police custody last week, they reportedly told police Smollett paid them $3,500 to carry out the attack and that he also told them where to buy the rope that was put around his neck.

That was purchased in a separate store, according to police sources.

The video was shared on Wednesday as Smollett's attorneys met with prosecutors and police in Chicago.

Smollett, who claims he did not know his attackers and that it was a racist and homophobic ambush, maintains he was telling the truth.

The brothers, shown in a photo from the Instagram account they use that Smollett follows, told police he paid them to attack him

The brothers said Smollett also sent himself this letter to the Fox studio a week before the attack

Smollett follows the brothers' joint Instagram account where they post videos and photographs of themselves working out

Ola appeared on the second season of Empire as an extra. He is shown with Lee Daniels, the show's creator, on set in 2015

Police seized a red hat from the brothers' home along with ski masks when they raided it last week.

Smollett took himself to the hospital after the January 29 incident once police had left his apartment. He is shown above

Smollett said his attackers were wearing masks but there was not a description of a red hat in the initial reports.

Police have since shared their belief that at least one of them was wearing a red hat at the time of the attack.

Earlier on Wednesday, DailyMail.com learned that Kimberly Foxx, the Cook County State's Attorney in charge of the case, recused herself because she spoke with members of Smollett's family in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

'Shortly after the incident occurred in late January, State's Attorney Foxx had conversations with a family member of Jussie Smollett about the incident and their concerns, and facilitated a connection to the Chicago Police Department who were investigating the incident.

'Based on those prior conversations and out of an abundance of caution, last week State's Attorney Foxx decided to remove herself from the decision making in this matter and delegated it to her First Assistant Joseph Magats, a 28-year veteran prosecutor,' a spokesman for her office said.

Smollett being named as a suspect on Wednesday after it emerged he once lied to police by pretending to be his younger brother.

In 2007, when he was pulled over for a DUI, Smollett told the officers that he was his younger brother Jake.

Chicago PD released this image in the days after the attack which they now say shows brothers Abel and Ola on the night of the incident. For weeks, they did not know who they were but they honed in on the pair after tracking ride-sharing information from the night and the area

This was the scene after the police had 'searched' the brothers' home last week. Their relatives say they were asked about how the men knew Smollett. Police seized a number of items from their home including bleach - which was allegedly used in the attack - ski masks and a red hat

The brothers' names are included in this inventory list that police left with their relatives detailing all the items they took from the house as part of their investigation. The list included proof of residency for both brothers and bottles of LA's Totally Awesome bleach

Last Thursday, the actor wept as he said 'who the f*** would make that up' when addressing the skepticism surrounding his version of events during an interview on Good Morning America

He then wrote Jake's name on a form.

The actor, who was 25 at the time, pleaded no contest to providing police with false information, driving while intoxicated and driving without a valid license.

He was sentenced to two years probation and had to complete an alcohol awareness and education program.

Smollett's family, many of whom are also actors, have spoken out repeatedly in support of him since the January 29 attack as have many of his co-stars on Empire.

Among them is Gabby Sidibe, his roommate at one time, who said on Instagram on Wednesday: 'I know him. I believe him.'

Fox also insisted that he was not being written out of the show, as had been claimed, and called him a 'consummate professional' in a statement.

Smollett's lawyers include Mark Geragos, who has represented Michael Jackson and Colin Kaepernick, in the past.

Neither Geragos nor his other attorneys, Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson, responded to inquiries on Wednesday about the case.

Smollett being named as a suspect stands to further divide public opinion.

When news of the attack first emerged on January 29 and 30, he was inundated with support across the political spectrum.

Jussie Smollett told police in 2007 that he was his younger brother Jake (shown together) after being pulled over for a DUI

Jussie Smollett's Empire cast mate and close friend Gabby Sidibe (pictured with him on the show) supports him as does the show which said on Wednesday that he was not being written out despite the growing controversy

Among those who tweeted their condemnation of him were Democratic presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Cory Booker.

But as days went by with no suspects on the horizon, details about the case and the police's investigation into it began to cast doubt on Smollett's version of events.

One of the earliest sources of speculation was the fact that Smollett waited 42 minutes to call the police then refused to hand over his phone to the police for them to verify his story.

He then handed over redacted files that police described as 'insufficient'.

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx has recused herself because she spoke with a member of his family immediately afterwards and 'facilitated a connection' the police

Frustrated with the coverage of his case, he hit out at the media for reporting on leaked information coming from within the Chicago police department and insisted he was the victim.

He then went on Good Morning America to protest his innocence.

In an hour-long interview with Robin Roberts, he wept as he recalled the attack and abhorred the reaction to it.

Choking back tears, he explained when asked why it took so long for him to contact the authorities: 'There is a level of pride there. We live in a society where as a gay man you are considered somehow to be weak and I am not weak. I am not weak and we as a people are not weak.'

Later, he added how desperate he was for them to find footage of the attack.

'I want that video found so badly because, for probably four reasons.

'Number one, I want them to find the people that did it.

'Number two, I want them to stop being able to say 'alleged' attack.

'Number three, I want them to see that I fought back,' he continued, welling-up.

'I want a little gay boy who might watch this to see that I fought the f*** back. They ran off,' I didn't,' he said.

After it emerged that Smollett knew the brothers and may have been involved in the staging of the attack, the celebrities and politicians who rushed to support him walked back their claims.

Nancy Pelosi deleted her tweet about it and Cory Booker said he would now be 'withholding judgement' until more information emerged.

Kamala Harris said, when questioned about her tweet that it was a 'modern day lynching', that she was 'very concerned'.Theresa May insisted she had made progress on the Brexit backstop last night amid signs that her deal could be put back before MPs next week.

The Prime Minister spoke after flying to Brussels for talks on the legal assurances she believes she needs to secure parliamentary approval for her withdrawal agreement.

Mrs Mays official spokesman said she wanted to bring the deal back before Parliament as soon as possible.

Senior diplomats said last night Brussels was likely to accept additions to the agreement but any changes would fall short of putting a time limit on the backstop or giving Britain a unilateral exit from it. Instead, it is likely to be a legal assurance that the backstop is temporary.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker welcomes British Prime Minister Theresa May as she arrives at the EU headquarters in Brussels to hold a meeting on Brexit talks

Theresa May (pictured in the House of Commons during Prime Minister's Questions) lost three MPs who quit Britain's governing Conservative Party on Wednesday in protest at its "disastrous" hard line on Brexit

Downing Street announced yesterday that Mrs May would fly to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt on Sunday where EU leaders will discuss the way forward on the sidelines of a summit with Arab leaders.

Officials said it was unlikely a deal would be formally reached at the meeting because that would require a full council of all 27 EU countries.

But they hope enough progress on the backstop will be made to allow Mrs May to call a new meaningful vote in the Commons next week. She hopes a legal assurance that the Irish backstop will not be indefinite will be enough to secure parliamentary approval for her deal.

Speaking after her meeting yesterday with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, the Prime Minister said the pair had made progress.

Ive had a constructive meeting with President Juncker, she added. Ive underlined the need for us to see legally binding changes to the backstop which ensure it cannot be indefinite  thats what is required if a deal is going to pass the House of Commons.

Weve agreed that work to find a solution will continue at pace. Time is of the essence and its in both our interests that when the UK leaves the EU it does so in an orderly way.

Attorney General Geoffrey Cox and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will travel to Brussels today to continue work on an additional legal instrument to address concerns over the backstop.

Spains foreign minister, Josep Borrell, yesterday confirmed both sides were in the process of hammering out a solution.

He played down the idea of the EU reopening the current withdrawal treaty, saying: The EUs position is that the treaty wont be reopened but can be interpreted or complemented with explanations that may be satisfactory.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker points to a band aid on his face prior to a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at EU headquarters in Brussels

Last night senior diplomats in Brussels said it was possible the EU Commission could accept additions being made to the withdrawal agreement, but that they would not include a time limit on the backstop. They stressed they do not believe a breakthrough is imminent and that a resolution will not be reached before next week.

They added they do not believe the changes will satisfy Mrs Mays backbench Brexiteer MPs and that she will have to rely on trying to win Labour votes.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the key to getting a deal approved by MPs was securing changes that would allow Mr Cox to alter his legal advice that the UK could potentially be trapped in the backstop indefinitely.

Speaking in Berlin as part of the Governments intense diplomatic offensive, Mr Hunt said: I am confident that if we solve the issue of the backstop we can pass this deal through Parliament.

Senior officials said the PM will be attending a two-day EU-League of Arab States summit in Sharm el Sheikh starting on Sunday but stressed they were not expecting any decisions relating to the Brexit negotiations.Rebel MPs from the Independent Group will formally meet the Liberal Democrats to discuss Brexit.

The talks will raise the prospect of the two groups joining forces in the House of Commons as it takes a series of crucial votes on Britains departure from the EU.

A party source confirmed the Lib Dems, with 11 MPs, will stage weekly meetings with the Independent Group, which is formed of 11 ex-Tory and ex-Labour MPs.

If the 22 MPs were to secure an agreement to frustrate Brexit  for example, by demanding another referendum  it could cause huge problems for Theresa May as she attempts to win backing for her deal.

Change of scenery: Independent MPs (front L-R) Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen and Anna Soubry pose with former Labour Party members of The Independent Group of MPs, Joan Ryan (front row R), (middle row L-R) Angela Smith, Luciana Berger, Ann Coffey (top row L-R) Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna and Mike Gapes

Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable today made overtures to the splinter group and even pledged not to stand candidates against them in general elections.

The Independents share their anti-Brexit stance with the Lib Dems. A party source said they would now share whipping information and party resources where possible.

The source said they expected there would be some sort of joint Brexit agreement with the group.

Sir Vince said: We will hold out the hand of friendship to the Independent MPs with whom we already have a good working relationship.

In the short term we will be concentrating on securing a Peoples Vote, with an option to stay.

He also hinted at a possible electoral pact, telling the BBC: It would be foolish for my party and this Independent Group to fight with each other and compete with each other in elections. The first-past-the-post system means that we would damage each other very badly. It would be a foolish thing to do, so we have to co-operate.

He added: We totally share their views about Brexit. We are going to have to work with them and others to make sure the damage that Brexit could do is stopped.

Questions have been raised about what sort of policies the new Independent Group of MPs could offer, and where they stand ideologically.

The first divisions emerged yesterday after Anna Soubry was asked if she supported the Tories 2010 policy of austerity.

She defended the record of the coalition government in which she served  including the necessary austerity measures taken by former chancellor George Osborne.

Miss Soubry said: I think the things we did to the economy were absolutely necessary at the time, I dont have a problem with that.

However, when asked about Miss Soubrys comments, ex-Labour MP and Independent Chris Leslie said: Obviously I am anti-austerity.

He then added: We are all coming from different backgrounds, and [have different] voting records. We have a duty to keep focused on what happens from now on.

While the group is united in calling for a second referendum, it was not clear whether they would accept Brexit-supporting colleagues.

Labour MP Ian Austin, who was rumoured to be joining the group, has a Leave seat and supports Brexit. Mr Leslie yesterday said they would have to cross that bridge later.

The ideological differences have led commentators to question what sort of policies could unite the group. The Independents said they would not join the Lib Dems and instead called for them to defect and join them.

Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable made overtures to the splinter group and even pledged not to stand candidates against them in general elections

Mr Leslie said: Were not joining the Liberal Democrats. Well have to make that absolutely clear.

There are problems with all the parties. While the liberals havent had the problem with the ideological extremes, they have got a clear trust issue and its pretty fundamental.

Heidi Allen, who was elected as a Conservative before splitting away yesterday, added: It would be great if some of them wanted to join us.

This is new, this is clean, this is fresh... Were not jumping on your bandwagon, were starting again.

Earlier, Miss Soubry had urged like-minded Lib Dems to join them in breaking away from their parties.

On Monday Chuka Umunna, one of the former Labour MPs who broke away, also ruled out the splinter group joining another political party, saying: There are going to be no mergers. If there are other MPs who share our values were offering, then join our movement.

Yesterday it emerged French president Emmanuel Macrons digital guru is advising one of the groups preparing a new centrist political party, according to the Times.

Guillaume Liegey, who also worked on Barack Obamas 2008 presidential campaign, is said to have held talks with a group formed by Tony Blairs former chief of staff Jonathan Powell.

This group is in preliminary negotiations with MPs in the newly formed Independents about the launch of a new party, the paper claimed.An 18-year-old Mormon missionary from Utah has died after falling from an apartment building roof in the Dominican Republic.

Brennan Conrad died on Wednesday in Santo Domingo.

He had been serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dominican Republic at the time.

Brennan Conrad, 18, died on Wednesday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Utah teenager fell from an apartment building roof

The teenager was assigned to the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission and had been there since August.

It is not clear how he fell from the roof.

'He was a tremendous missionary. He was having great success, and (the other missionaries) loved it,' his local church president Mario Durrant told the Salt Lake Tribune.

He added that Conrad was a 'very bright, very happy, optimistic young man'.

He had been serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dominican Republic at the time

Conrad had managed to speak with his family on Monday after a rare change in missionary policy.

Previously, missionaries were only allowed to call or text relatives on Mother's Day and Christmas.

They can now contact their families weekly.

'It meant a lot to the family that they were able to talk to him by phone on Monday,' Durrant said.

'He was really happy - they kept saying that over and over.'Theresa May insisted she had made progress on the Brexit backstop last night amid signs that her deal could be put back before MPs next week.

The Prime Minister spoke after flying to Brussels for talks on the legal assurances she believes she needs to secure parliamentary approval for her withdrawal agreement.

She was even pictured sharing a rare laugh with Jean-Claude Juncker - when the EU Commission head showed her his plaster-covered shaving wound on his cheek.

Mrs Mays official spokesman said she wanted to bring the deal back before Parliament as soon as possible.

Sore point: Jean-Claude Juncker shows Theresa May where he cut himself shaving

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker welcomes British Prime Minister Theresa May as she arrives at the EU headquarters in Brussels to hold a meeting on Brexit talks

Senior diplomats said last night Brussels was likely to accept additions to the agreement but any changes would fall short of putting a time limit on the backstop or giving Britain a unilateral exit from it. Instead, it is likely to be a legal assurance that the backstop is temporary.

Downing Street announced yesterday that Mrs May would fly to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt on Sunday where EU leaders will discuss the way forward on the sidelines of a summit with Arab leaders.

May and Juncker share rare laugh after December row Theyve fallen out before  although never more than an ugly war of words. The way Jean-Claude Juncker showed Theresa May an injury to his left cheek tonight it seemed they really might have come to blows this time. However, the EU Commission head was simply pointing out where he had cut himself as a result of a shaving accident. You will have seen that I have on the side of my face the outcome of an unfortunate slip this morning, he said. I dont want you to think Mrs May is responsible for this injury on my face. At times, the pair have endured a frosty relationship during Brexit talks. Last December Mrs May confronted Mr Juncker after he was accused of branding her nebulous. Mr Juncker insisted theyd made up and Mrs May even kissed him. He claimed he had used the word nebulous to describe the Brexit debate in Britain generally. The leaders were today meeting in Brussels for more Brexit negotiations. Advertisement

Officials said it was unlikely a deal would be formally reached at the meeting because that would require a full council of all 27 EU countries.

But they hope enough progress on the backstop will be made to allow Mrs May to call a new meaningful vote in the Commons next week. She hopes a legal assurance that the Irish backstop will not be indefinite will be enough to secure parliamentary approval for her deal.

Speaking after her meeting yesterday with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, the Prime Minister said the pair had made progress.

Ive had a constructive meeting with President Juncker, she added. Ive underlined the need for us to see legally binding changes to the backstop which ensure it cannot be indefinite  thats what is required if a deal is going to pass the House of Commons.

Weve agreed that work to find a solution will continue at pace. Time is of the essence and its in both our interests that when the UK leaves the EU it does so in an orderly way.

Attorney General Geoffrey Cox and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will travel to Brussels today to continue work on an additional legal instrument to address concerns over the backstop.

Spains foreign minister, Josep Borrell, yesterday confirmed both sides were in the process of hammering out a solution.

He played down the idea of the EU reopening the current withdrawal treaty, saying: The EUs position is that the treaty wont be reopened but can be interpreted or complemented with explanations that may be satisfactory.

Last night senior diplomats in Brussels said it was possible the EU Commission could accept additions being made to the withdrawal agreement, but that they would not include a time limit on the backstop. They stressed they do not believe a breakthrough is imminent and that a resolution will not be reached before next week.

Juncker points to his cut as the leaders met in Brussels today for more Brexit negotiations.

Theresa May (pictured in the House of Commons during Prime Minister's Questions) lost three MPs who quit Britain's governing Conservative Party on Wednesday in protest at its "disastrous" hard line on Brexit

They added they do not believe the changes will satisfy Mrs Mays backbench Brexiteer MPs and that she will have to rely on trying to win Labour votes.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the key to getting a deal approved by MPs was securing changes that would allow Mr Cox to alter his legal advice that the UK could potentially be trapped in the backstop indefinitely.

Speaking in Berlin as part of the Governments intense diplomatic offensive, Mr Hunt said: I am confident that if we solve the issue of the backstop we can pass this deal through Parliament.

Senior officials said the PM will be attending a two-day EU-League of Arab States summit in Sharm el Sheikh starting on Sunday but stressed they were not expecting any decisions relating to the Brexit negotiations.Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd yesterday claimed he was living in great fear after receiving threats in jail.

The fugitive alleged that his family and lawyers had been subjected to warnings and psychological pressure.

Shepherd, 31, made the claims from prison in Tbilisi, Georgia, having fled the UK before being convicted of the manslaughter of Charlotte Brown, 24.

In a series of handwritten notes describing his time in prison in the former Soviet state, the web designer said he was living under very great fear.

Jack Shepherd, speed boat killer, is led into court in handcuffs for his appearance at Tbilisi Central Court, in Tbilisi, Georgia

One note read: My family, lawyers and people close to me have been subject to threats and psychological pressure.

Shepherd claimed he had received a threatening call after a court appearance. He wrote: I received a call, the man didnt say his name. He said my time in prison would be very bad. The killer linked the threat to Miss Browns father Graham, 55, a semi-retired Prison Service data analyst.

Shepherds lawyers have claimed his life would be in danger if he was returned to a British jail because of Mr Browns career. Mr Brown, of Sidcup, south-east London, has dismissed the fugitives claims as a preposterous fabrication.

Last month Shepherds Georgian lawyer, Mariam Kublashvili, indicated that he may no longer fight being returned to the UK if his safety here could be guaranteed.

It came after a judge in Georgia ruled against a petition to fast-track Shepherds extradition after his lawyers argued he would be tortured in Britain.

But in Shepherds notes, written during his stay at Gldani Number Eight maximum security prison and seen by The Times, he expressed a wish to remain in the country if Georgia will have me. Referring to his extradition battle, he said: I am still in conversation with my legal advisers about options. We need to consider every detail... for or against extradition.

Victim: Charlotte Brown who died after a speedboat crash. Web designer Jack Shepherd was found guilty of her death in an accident on the Thames

Despite the supposed threats against him, the killer said he had found life comfortable in Georgias notoriously tough prison system.

I am treated fairly and have no complaints, he wrote.

I have met interesting people and have plenty of time to read, mostly literature about philosophy and psychology. I am currently working on a bird-feeder to hang from the cell window.

In the documents, the fugitive claims that he was suffering from depression before being convicted of Miss Browns manslaughter in his absence at the Old Bailey.

The father of ones comments are likely to further infuriate his victims family, who have expressed disgust at Shepherds failure to apologise unreservedly for her death.

Jack Shepherd's Georgian lawyer, Mariam Kublashvili, indicated last month that he may no longer fight being returned to the UK if his safety here was guaranteed

Her mother Roz Wickens, 53, has urged him to stop lying and tell the truth about what happened.

Shepherd has claimed that Miss Brown was driving the speedboat when it flipped on the Thames in December 2015 following a date.

He fled the UK before a jury found him guilty in July last year of causing her death. He was sentenced to six years in prison in Britain.

He was condemned when he claimed legal aid to appeal his conviction while still a fugitive.

After ten months on the run, and following a Daily Mail campaign for justice, Shepherd turned himself in to police in Georgia last month.

He fled last March after his wife threw him out of the family home when she discovered he was on the tragic date with Miss Brown.

In the months before her death, Shepherd had entertained up to ten other women on the ageing and badly-maintained speedboat.A man who bashed his 97-year-old father and left him to die in a pool of his own blood as he went to bed has been spared jail.

Mark Carlisle Stevens, 66, downed an entire bottle of wine before going on a rampage at his parents' Glen Osmond home in Adelaide, South Australia in January 2018.

Filled with rage after an argument over an air conditioner, Stevens threw furniture around the house, leaving his father with a broken nose and ribs, and cuts and bruises to his face.

Stevens then left his father lying bleeding on the floor and went to bed, Perth Now reported.

Mark Carlisle Stevens, 66, escaped jail after brutally bashing his father over the use of an airconditioner and went to sleep as his father lay dying in a pool of his own blood (stock image)

It wasn't until the morning that the father was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital, spending several days in intensive care.

He died a month later from heart failure.

Despite calling the case 'quite tragic', District Court judge Jane Schammer was sympathetic towards Stevens, giving him a suspended prison term.

'It seems likely that you panicked after the incident as instead of calling for help you went to bed, leaving your father lying on the floor, bleeding and surrounded by fragments of glass and broken furniture,' she said in court.

The court heard that Stevens had moved in with his parents the previous year but had taken to a life of drinking after his mother died in September 2017.

Stevens had support from his psychiatrist, neighbours and sister who labeled him a 'big softie', 'loving and gentle' and said the assault was very out of character.

However the court heard that he was convicted for threatening police with a knife in 1991.

Taking into account the character assessments, the fact that Stevens may be suffering from early dementia and had no history of using illicit drugs, Judge Schammer handed him to a suspended prison term of two years and ten months.

Stevens will remain living at a supportive facility in Adelaide.One of Scotland Yards most senior black female officers has been charged with possessing indecent images of a child.

Superintendent Robyn Williams, 54, a widely respected trailblazer and role model in the police following the Stephen Lawrence murder case, is facing an uncertain future after being accused of having a moving image file of Category A severity.

Category A is the most serious level of child abuse images. Supt Williams has also been charged with one count of corrupt/improper exercise of police powers and privileges by a constable in failing to report the distribution of that image.

Superintendent Robyn Williams leads passing out Parade in parade square in Hendon, north London

In an unusual case, the senior officer with a highly distinguished career has been charged over a video she received as part of a group message sent on social media. Two other people, not police officers, have also been charged in connection with the case.

Colleagues of 80,000-a-year Supt Williams, who was appointed borough commander for the south London borough of Sutton in 2017, were left stunned after learning she had been charged with career-threatening offences. A source said she vehemently denies the allegations and would fight to clear her name.

Detectives launched an investigation into Supt Williams after a member of the public reported to police on February 4 last year that they had been sent an indecent video of a child.

As a result, two people were arrested on suspicion of possessing and distributing an indecent image of a child and subsequently released under investigation. The Metropolitan Polices Directorate of Professional Standards was then made aware of allegations relating to Supt Williams, who it was claimed had received the video in the group message. She was interviewed under caution by officers in March last year. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is conducting a separate misconduct inquiry into her.

Before joining the Metropolitan Police in 2008, Supt Williams was the first black woman to be promoted to sergeant and then inspector in Nottinghamshire Police. She has been awarded the Queens Police Medal for distinguished service in the pursuance of fairness and good police and community race relations.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan with Superintendent Robyn Williams, deputy head of training at the Metropolitan Police Service, during the force's first passing-out parade on the redeveloped grounds at the Peel Centre in Hendon, north London

She is a former general secretary and founder member of the National Black Police Association and also former chairman and founder member of the Nottinghamshire Black Police Association. She also sat on the Home Secretarys working group overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence public inquiry, after the teenager was stabbed to death in a racist attack.

A hugely popular figure in the Metropolitan Police, she is seen in pictures on her Twitter account rubbing shoulders with London mayor Sadiq Khan, ex-Scotland Yard Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe and former Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

In a local newspaper interview in November 2017, weeks after she took over as Sutton commander, she revealed details of her work in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire earlier that year.

She recalled: It has been one of the most emotionally charged and challenging experiences of my life but I have seen and had the privilege to share space with some of the most extraordinary individuals and communities.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said last night: Three people, including a serving Metropolitan Police officer, have been charged in connection with an investigation into indecent images of a child. Supt Williams was placed on restricted duties while the investigation was ongoing.House Democrats will file a resolution Friday aimed at blocking the national emergency declaration that President Donald Trump has issued to help finance his wall along the Southwest border, teeing up a clash over billions of dollars, immigration policy and the Constitution's separation of powers.

That could set up a vote by the full House by mid-March, if not sooner. The battle is over a declaration that Trump, whose border wall was the most visible trademark of his presidential campaign, is using to try spending billions of dollars beyond what Congress has authorized to start building border barriers.

Passage by the Democratic-run House seems likely. The measure would then move to the Republican-controlled Senate, where there may be enough GOP defections for approval.

President Donald Trump aims to keep his national emergey declaration in force, using uncommitted money from a few Cabinet agencies to build a border wall Congress has refused to bankroll

The president wants to extend existing walls like this one  separating Tijuana, Mexico from San Diego, Calidornia  for hundreds of mile, mostly in Texas

Trump has promised to veto the measure. It seems unlikely Congress could muster the two-thirds majorities in each chamber needed to override a veto.

Aides to Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat, were circulating a letter Wednesday to other congressional offices seeking additional co-sponsors to his one-page resolution.

'We are planning to introduce it on Friday morning,' said the letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

Castro's measure, which described Trump's emergency declaration, says it 'is hereby terminated.' Castro chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Congress approved a vast spending bill last week providing nearly $1.4 billion to build 55 miles of border barriers in Texas' Rio Grande Valley while preventing a renewed government shutdown.

That measure represented a rejection of Trump's demand for $5.7 billion to construct more than 200 miles.

Texas Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro (center) is spearheading the resolution to end Trump's declared emergency, circulating notices to other Democrats and soliciting their support for a vote next month

Top Trump adviser Stephen Miller warned Sunday that the president will protect his national emergency declaration with a veto if he has to

Besides signing the bill, Trump also declared a national emergency that he says gives him access to an additional $6.6 billion that would be taken from a federal asset forfeiture fund, Defense Department anti-drug efforts and military construction projects.

Democrats and some Republicans say there is no emergency at the border and say Trump is improperly declaring one to work around Congress' rejection of the higher amounts.

The plan for introducing the resolution was initially described by officials at three progressive groups who heard of them from congressional aides but were not authorized to discuss the plans privately.

A top Trump adviser confirmed on Sunday that the president will issue the first veto of his term in office if Congress votes to nullify his emergency declaration.

White House senior adviser Stephen Miller said on 'Fox News Sunday' that 'the president is going to protect his national emergency declaration.'

Asked if that meant Trump was ready to veto a congressional resolution, Miller added: 'He's going to protect his national emergency declaration, guaranteed.'Electricity bills would soar by 50 per cent, 336,000 full-time jobs would be lost and the average full-time wage would drop by $9,000 a year under federal Labor's plans to slash carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, experts have claimed.

New independent modelling has revealed the predicted economic impacts of the alternative climate change policy approaches proposed by the two major political parties in lead up to the federal election in May.

There would also be wages cuts and jobs losses under the federal Coalition's plan to cut emissions by 26-28 per cent drop over the next decade as part of the Paris Agreement.

Independent economic modelling has revealed the costs of federal Labor Opposition leader Bill Shorten's (pictured) energy plan

Authored by former Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics head Brian Fisher, the BAEconomics report released on Thursday states Australian climate policy is at a cross-road.

The average full-time wage is projected to be around $2,000 lower under the federal Coalition's 26-28 per cent emissions reduction target.

'At the same time this scenario is projected to result in an economy with around 78000 fewer full-time jobs,' the BAEconomics report states.

'With a 45 per cent reduction target the projected fall in real annual wages is around $9,000 per year by 2030 together with a loss of around 336000 full-time jobs, illustrating the extent of the economic adjustment required by the economy to reach the more stringent target.'

Labor's plans would result in economic losses of $472billion over the decade, with GDP $144billion a year lower by 2030.

Australian will pay more for electricity under both proposed government policy scenarios (stock image)

'Meeting a 26-28 per cent reduction target is projected to mean that by 2030 the Australian economy would be around $19bn smaller in terms of GDP than it otherwise would have been,' the report states.

Wholesale electricity prices would also skyrocket under both policy scenarios.

'Under the reference case the wholesale electricity price is projected to be $81/MWh in 2030. This is projected to rise to $93/MWh under the 26-28 per cent scenario and to $128/MWh under the 45 per cent scenario,' the report states.

The BAEconomics report released on Thursday was authored by former Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics head Brian Fisher (pictured)

A former chief advisor on climate policy for both sides of government, Dr Fisher accused both sides of politics of dishonest debate.

'I still get frustrated about how deficient and even outright dishonest the climate debate continues to be  regardless of the approach Australia adopts to reduce emissions, there is an inevitable cost to our economy as more emissions-intensive activities make way for less intensive industries,' Dr Fisher told The Australian.

He also described a recent ANU report which stated Australia could meet its Paris commitment by as early as 2025 without cost and using reductions in the electricity sector as 'appallingly' inaccurate.

The BAEconomics research is ongoing and will be updated as policy options become clearer.A goanna has been filmed struggling to escape from a Coles reusable grocery bag wrapped around its neck.

The video shows the goanna trying to walk past a shed in an Australian backyard as the bag drags behind and the handle tightens with each step.

The Coles Better Bag is an environmentally friendly plastic bag alternative introduced last year that aims to reduce the company's plastic output and improve the environment.

The video shows the goanna trying to walk past a shed in an Australian backyard as the bag drags behind and the handle tightens with each step (pictured)

What you can do to reduce your use of plastic? Choose products with no or minimal plastic packaging.

Buy reusable shopping bags and keep them at home.

Drink from reusable bottles and buy a keep cup for coffees.

Do not use plastic cutlery or straws.

Ask for compostable takeaway containers or bring your own when eating out.

Recycle all of your plastics. Source: WWF Advertisement

The bag appears to have something inside, weighing down the large goanna.

Viewers were quick to slam Coles and express concern for the animal.

'This sickens me as we have a plastic bag ban in place and people are making Coles millions of dollars by buying these bags. No excuse,' one woman commented on the video posted to Facebook.

'Awful! Poor animal, I hope it managed to free itself eventually,' another said.

Coles introduced the Better Bag on July 1 as part of an environmental initiative to reduce the company's plastic output.

The Better Bag is made from 80 per cent recycled material, is bigger and thicker than the standard plastic bag and costs 15c.

Coles received backlash from customers after making the swap because they did not want to pay when they forgot to bring their own bags from home.

The company offered the bags for free for a brief period of time before reinstating the fee.

Viewers were quick to slam Coles and express concern for the animal (pictured)California college student Collin Howard, 18, has been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges for allegedly using an app to sell cocaine and meth

A Northern California college freshman has been indicted on federal drug charges for allegedly creating an iPhone app he dubbed the 'Banana Plug' to sell cocaine, methamphetamine and hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Collin Howard on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to four federal felony counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine in San Jose.

Howard had earlier pleaded not guilty to similar drug charges in Santa Cruz County.

According to a statement from the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, the 18-year-old named the app Banana Plug and hung posters advertising it on the University of California at Santa Cruz campus.

The school's mascot is the banana slug and 'plug' is slang term for drug dealer.

Prosecutors say a campus police officer noticed the posters late last year and started an undercover operation with federal authorities.

World play: Howard named his app 'Banana Plug,' in an apparent reference to the University of California at Santa Cruz's mascot, a banana slug

Howard advertised the app on campus as a free game with the motto 'We Have What You Want'

Undercover officers set up four drug buys using the app and Howard was arrested in his dorm room on November 28, 2018.

An affidavit filed by a Homeland Security Investigations agent in connection with a search warrant alleges that Howard's app, which was available on the Apple App Store, offered for sale 'Molly' and 'Shrooms.'

The app, billed as a free game with the motto 'We Have What You Want,' also invited customers to make special requests.

After discovering the posters promoting the 'Banana Plug,' the UC police officer, working with federal officials, used the app to order marijuana and cocaine, and then reached out to Howard via Snapchat to set up the purchase.

A UC campus police officer noticed posters promoting Howard's app late last year and started an undercover operation with federal authorities

Howard, pictured above as a high school student, could faces decades in prisons and millions of dollars in fines, if convicted of the federal drug charges

An undercover HSI agent made that purchase and separately continued to communicate with Howard on Snapchat to set up three more drug buys, according to the statement. The third and fourth purchases were for more than 5 grams of methamphetamine.

At the fourth meeting, UC Santa Cruz police officers arrested Howard.

Howard made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, after which he was released. on bail. He is due back in court on Friday for a bail hearing.

If convicted of all the counts against him, the 18-year-old could face a maximum of up to 120 years in prison and $12million in fines.

UCSC spokesman Scott Hernandez-Jason said Howard is no longer a student UC Santa Cruz. Citing student privacy laws, Hernandez-Jason declined to say if Howard was expelled or voluntarily withdrew.Jailed: Baby killer Anne-Maree Lee

A mother who killed her one-year-old son after her boyfriend savagely bashed him could be released from jail in just five months.

Anne-Maree Lee failed to care for her son Mason after her boyfriend ruptured his intestines by punching him in the stomach at his home in Caboolture, Queensland in June 2016.

The boy died a 'slow and painful' death, spending his final days crying in agony and vomiting.

In the days after Mason was bashed, Lee took him to McDonald's for burgers instead of hospital.

On Wednesday she sobbed in court as she pleaded guilty to manslaughter and child cruelty and was sentenced to nine years in jail with a chance for parole after three years.

Because the 29-year-old has already served two years and seven months, she could be released in July.

The Queensland Attorney General is considering whether there would be grounds to appeal the sentence.

On Wednesday prosecutor Michael Byrne told the Brisbane Supreme Court that Mason would likely have survived if he were taken to hospital.

He said on Wednesday: 'Medical opinion is it would have been obvious that he was very sick and in urgent need of medical attention.'

The toddler (pictured) was found with extensive injuries at O'Sullivan's home in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, in June 2016

Anne-Maree Lee (left) failed to care for her son Mason (right) after he was found with extensive injuries at her boyfriend's home in Caboolture, north of Brisbane , in June 2016

The boy's stepfather William O'Sullivan, a violent ice user, was jailed for nine years in September over Mason's death.

Lee failed to remove her son from O'Sullivan's care despite knowing the man was prone to violence, the court heard.

'For reasons that are unknown, she left Mason at (O'Sullivan's) home,' Mr Byrne said.

The couple had been together for about a year but did not live together.

Lee (left) sobbed in court as she pleaded guilty to manslaughter and child cruelty. In September the boy's stepfather William O'Sullivan (right) was jailed for nine years

O'Sullivan's sentencing heard he had taken Mason to his home because he did not believe Lee was capable of caring for him.

Sentencing submissions in Lee's case have heard on Wednesday she was not a methylamphetamine user, but O'Sullivan was.

Months before his death, Lee and O'Sullivan failed to get Mason medical treatment for a broken leg and perianal injuries so severe a dermatologist who treated him said it was the worst case he had seen in his 40 years' experience.

His pain was so severe he required narcotic infusions.

He suffered 'physically and undoubtedly psychological harm' from the experience, Mr Byrne said.

MASON JET LEE'S EXTENSIVE INJURIES AND ILLNESSES Cellulitis - likely caused by an insect bite that became infected Prolapsed anus - likely due to internal pressure from abdominal passage or large, hard stools Jacquet's dermatitis - rare form of nappy rash Fractured leg - caused Mason to limp, likely caused by child's play Constipation Abscess Mouth ulcers Perforated duodenum (a segment of the small intestine) - caused death after vomiting, abdominal pain, fever. People who saw him described him as pale, looking unwell and having dark eyes staring blankly Peritonitis - inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal wall Septicemia - allowed faecal matter to fatally contaminate his bloodstream Fractured coccyx - found in autopsy. Prosecution speculated was caused by kicking Bruises - caused by fingertips to forehead, jaw, chest and abdomen Source - AAP Mason was so severely beaten he suffered anal injuries, a broken leg and a ruptured intestine, spending the last of his days vomiting, feverish and dehydrated Advertisement

O'Sullivan's parole eligibility was set for July 2022.

In September O'Sullivan pleaded guilty to four separate charges before the Queensland Supreme Court, including manslaughter and cruelty to a child under 16-years-old.

He failed to assist the toddler in his last days, instead yelling at him to 'shut up' when he cried as well as hitting and kicking him.

Mason, who was subjected to neglect and mistreatment in his short life, spent his final hours with blue lips, wrapped in a towel and making grunting noises.

In addition to the injuries, traces of methamphetamine were found in his blood.

In the months before his death, Mason was treated for multiple injuries and was admitted to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital for three weeks in February 2016, a court was previously told.

O'Sullivan tried to blame Mason's death on paramedics for responding slowly, despite arriving at the property six minutes after they were called by a friend.

Founder of Bravehearts, a leading child protection organisation in Australia, Hetty Johnson said O'sullivan's sentence - which gives him change for parole in four years - said was inadequate and shows the system is failing children.

'How can you kill a child and walk away after four years? It just defies any kind of logic, it doesn't set any example,' Ms Johnston said.

'I think they need to throw the whole sentencing regime out the window and start again.'

The Queensland Opposition's child safety spokeswoman Ros Bates said the system needs an overhaul.

'I'm sure that the public don't think that a sentence that lenient is sufficient for what that little boy went through,' she said.The death of a 75-year-old grandmother while she was a patient at a hospital stroke unit is being treated as murder, say police.

Valerie Kneale died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on November 16 last year and had what police called a suspicious 'unexplained injury'.

Two women and one man were previously arrested on suspicion of poisoning patients after Lancashire Police were informed in November by hospital bosses of allegations of mistreatment and neglect on the unit.

Valerie Kneale,75, died while a patient at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on November 16 last year and had what police called a suspicious 'unexplained injury'. They said a cause of death for Mrs Kneale had not yet been established but it was being treated separately as a murder inquiry

The hospital workers, who have all been suspended, were later released pending further inquiries as detectives ordered a number of post-mortem examinations.

One of those examinations involved Mrs Kneale.

Detectives said a cause of death for Mrs Kneale had yet to be established but it was being treated separately as a murder inquiry.

No arrests have been made and inquiries remain ongoing.

In a statement, Mrs Kneale's family spoke of their devastation at the loss of the 'precious' grandmother.

'We, as a family, are completely and utterly devastated and heartbroken to have lost Val in these circumstances,' they said.

'She was the most precious wife, mother and grandmother, our constant friend and problem solver who we will miss dearly.

Three hospital workers were previously arrested on suspicion of poisoning patients after Lancashire Police were informed in November by bosses at Blackpool Victoria Hospital of allegations of mistreatment and neglect on the unit

'We kindly ask our privacy is respected while we continue to come to terms with our loss.'

Detective Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police, said: 'A dedicated team of detectives are working on the investigation and we are still at the early stages of gathering evidence.

'We understand this is a concerning development but I would like to reassure people we are fully committed to carrying out as thorough an investigation as possible.

'Specially trained officers are providing support to Mrs Kneale's family and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

'They are being kept fully updated and supported throughout the investigative process.

'If you can assist our inquiries, please come forward.

'Any information provided to police will be treated in the strictest confidence.'

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting (0756 of February 20), or alternatively contact https://mipp.police.ukPresident Donald Trump said Wednesday that tariffs on autos imported from Europe are something 'we certainly think about' as the White House reviews a Commerce Department report on whether imported vehicles and parts pose a threat to U.S. national security.

Trump made it clear that any final decision on the matter hinges on trade negotiations between the United States and the European Union.

'If we don't do the deal, we'll do the tariffs,' Trump told reporters before a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

At age 31, Kurz is the youngest head of government in the world. He has served as chancellor since December 2017.

Trump hailed the young leader at the top of a Wednesday meeting, where he said, 'We have a great relationship and our countries have a great relationship. And he's a very young leader, I have to tell you. You are a young guy. That's pretty good.'

NICE TO SEE YOU: President Donald Trump shakes hands as he meets with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in the Oval Office of the White House

At age 31, Kurz is the youngest head of government in the world. He has served as chancellor since December 2017

'If we don't do the deal, we'll do the tariffs,' Trump told reporters before their meeting

Kurz told him, 'The problem with the age is getting better from day to day.'

The 72-year-old American president told him with a laugh, 'That's right. Someday you won't be saying it.

'But we have a very good relationship and we have a great trade relationship, and that's pretty much what we're going to be talking about today,' the U.S. president added.

U.S. automakers ostensibly would benefit from a tax on their foreign competitors. But many U.S. automakers depend on imported parts that could be subject to Trump's tariffs and could become more expensive.

In public hearings last year, the idea of imposing import taxes on autos drew almost no support, even from the U.S. auto industry.

They also could be subject to retaliatory tariffs, as occurred when Trump last year imposed a 25 percent tariff on imported steel and a 10 percent tariff on imported aluminum in the name of national security.

Trump described the U.S. and Austria as having a 'great trade relationship.' But he complained about the U.S. running a trade deficit with the EU that he estimated at about $151 billion annually. Trump said the EU is 'very tough to make a deal with.'

The Commerce Department has been investigating whether imported vehicles and parts pose a threat to national security.

The president could impose tariffs if the department concludes they are a threat. Trump was asked whether the department's report had changed his mind on imposing tariffs.

He described the Commerce Department report as a 'study that's underway,' but the 'bottom-line result is whether or not we can make a deal with the EU'

In addition to imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum, Trump has imposed tariffs on dishwashers, solar panels and hundreds of Chinese products. Targeting autos would further raise the stakes. The United States imported $340 billion in cars, trucks and auto parts in 2017.

A group representing Austrian Holocaust survivors meanwhile voiced outrage on Wednesday over staffing shortages in a government department dealing with Nazi-related crimes, calling on Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to take action.

A group representing Austrian Holocaust survivors meanwhile voiced outrage on Wednesday over staffing shortages in a government department dealing with Nazi-related crimes, calling on Kurz to take action in his home country.

Kurz, a conservative governing in coalition with a far-right party founded by ex-Nazis, has repeatedly denounced anti-Semitism and the Holocaust since taking office just over a year ago. His government has pledged to offer citizenship to the descendants of Austrians who fled the country under Nazi rule.

But a department at the main domestic intelligence agency that handles reports of Nazi-related crimes is understaffed to the point of having a large backlog, according to the Mauthausen Committee, which represents survivors of Austria's biggest Nazi-era concentration camp.

'The government - and in particular the chancellor - stresses at every opportunity that everything is being done to fight neo-Nazism and anti-Semitism effectively,' the committee said in a statement.

'In fact the Nazism-reporting department is being denied the necessary staff, to the point that it has a backlog of hundreds of pieces of evidence and some far-right crimes are falling under statutes of limitations,' it said, adding that it mainly gets no reply when it passes on information to the department.

BETTER WITH AGE: At age 31, Kurz is the youngest head of government in the world. He has served as chancellor since December 2017

The far-right Freedom Party controls much of Austria's security apparatus including the Interior Ministry, to which the main domestic intelligence agency belongs.

In Austria, which was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938, it is a crime to deny the Holocaust or give the Hitler salute.

As in several other European countries, cases of anti-Semitism appear to be on the rise. The leader of Austria's main Jewish organisation also says the far-right Freedom Party that is in power has failed to tackle anti-Semitism within its ranks, even after scandals involving party officials.

Israel refuses to deal directly with Freedom Party ministers even though the party says it has turned its back on its Nazi past, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Kurz for saying Israel's security is a major priority.The remote tribe who killed an American missionary in a deadly bow and arrow attack are unlikely to face any punishment, according to the State Department.

The U.S. government says it has 'not asked or pursued any sort of sanctions' after John Chau, 27, was killed trying to reach the North Sentinel Island in November.

Local fishermen reported seeing the tribe drag his body with a rope days after Chau paid them to take him as close as they would to the island.

But Samuel D. Brownback, the U.S. ambassador at large for International Religious Freedom, has said the reclusive islanders are unlikely to face any charges.

He said: 'The United States Government has not asked or pursued any sort of sanctions that the Indian Government would do against the tribal people in this case.

'That's not been something that we have requested or have put forward. It's a tragic situation and a tragic case of what's happened, but that's not something that's been asked.'

U.S. Christian missionary John Allen Chau, 26, was killed and buried by a tribe on a remote island in the Indian Ocean in November last year

The U.S. government says it has 'not asked or pursued any sort of sanctions' against those who killed Chau after local fisherman reported seeing the tribe drag his body with a rope

North Sentinel Island, off-bounds to visitors, is home to the Sentinelese people

In the letter to his parents, Chau told them not to hold the tribe responsible for his death if he did not come back alive.

'You guys might think I'm crazy in all of this, but I think it's worth it to declare Jesus to these people,' he wrote.

Indian authorities have already admitted that they will struggle to recover the body of Chau who was trying to convert the remote tribe to Christianity.

Chau, who grew up in Vancouver, Washington, was 'committed' to travelling to the remote island, deep in the Indian Ocean, to preach his religion to the tribesmen.

Friend Neil MacLeod, of Stornaway, Scotland, said he had been planning the trip for at least three years.

Earlier this month John's dad, Dr Patrick Chau, blamed 'extreme Christianity' for the death of his 'innocent child'.

The Sentinelese are considered one of the Earth's last uncontacted tribes and they are believed to number just several dozen people.

They have been described as an 'extremely isolated' tribe and the Indian government have banned access to North Sentinel Island as they are thought to be extremely hostile towards outsiders.

An anthropologist involved in the case told The Guardian in November: 'We have decided not to disturb the Sentinelese.

'We should not hamper their sentiments. They shoot arrows on any invader. That is their message, saying don't come on the island, and we respect this.'

John's body was never recovered from the island because it is so hostile. In a letter he told his parents to not hold the tribe responsible if he died

The Sentinelese are considered one of the Earth's last uncontacted tribes and are extremely hostile to outsiders

The Sentinelese tribe are an indigenous tribe who live on North Sentinal Island, which lies around 450 miles from the coast of Thailand and more than 745 miles from mainland India

In a letter he wrote to his parents before he traveled to the island, Chau had recounted seeing some islanders on the beach.

He paddled up to them and tried to preach, saying: 'My name is John, I love you and Jesus loves you,' according to the note.

The islanders then chased Chau into the surf. He saw the fishermen far away, waving their arms up and down, and swam to them.

The fishermen told the police that the following morning Chau swam to the island.

They returned to North Sentinel the following day to check on Chao. It was then that they saw natives on the beach dragging his body with a rope.

All five fishermen were later arrested, along with two others and were accused of helping lead Chau to his death.

In an Instagram post on his account in November, his parents Patrick and Lynda revealed they had forgiven the tribe and urged Indian authorities to release the local men who Chau paid to take him close to the island.President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that Andrew McCabe, the former deputy FBI director now touring the airwaves touting an aggressive tell-all book, is more perp than cop.

'I think Andrew McCabe has made a fool out of himself over the last couple of days, and he really looks to me like sort of a poor man's J. Edgar Hoover,' Trump lectured in the Oval Office as Austria's young right-wing chancellor listened.

'I think he's a disaster,' the president said. 'And what he was trying to do was terrible, and he was caught. I'm very proud to say we caught him.'

Then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired McCabe in 2018 less than two days before he was due to retire with a full government pension. He cited McCabe's 'lack of candor' to investigators probing press leaks about the FBI's investigation surrounding Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's classified email scandal.

'He is a disgraced man,' Trump said Wednesday, citing the inspector general report that resulted.

Donald Trump used his bully pulpit on Wednesday to marginalize former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, who is promoting on a book tour the idea that the president's ties with and lexity toward Russia may have made him a threat to national security

Trump called McCabe 'a poor man's J. Edgar Hoover, suggesting he was more lawbreaker than lawman after a Justice Department inspector general report concluded he lied to investigators about his role in press leaks about the Hillary Clinton classified email affair

'The IG report was a disaster, a disaster from his standpoint. Anybody reading the IG report would say: How could a man like this be involved with the FBI?'

McCabe maintains in his book, 'The Threat,' that Trump raised suspicions about this proximity to Russia by firing FBI director James Comey as he began asking uncomfortable questions, and by hinting that other axes might fall.

J. Edgar Hoover was the firs director of the FBI and ran it for 48 years; Trump's swipe at McCabe was meant to suggest that he couldn't live up to Hoover's standards

He said Tuesday night on CNN that 'it's possible' the president is secretly a Russian agent.

'I think that's why we started our investigation,' he said.

'This President is undermining the role of law enforcement, undermining the role of our intelligence infrastructure and negatively impacting the men and women of the FBI and across the intelligence agencies, [and their] ability to protect this country on a daily basis.'

McCabe said Tuesday morning in a 'Today ' show interview that the FBI opened a counterintelligence investigation into the president just weeks after he took office because 'we had information that led us to believe that there might be a threat to national security.'

'In this case,' he said, they feared 'that the president himself might, in fact, be a threat to the United States national security.'

Despite Trump's nonstop complaints about McCabe, or perhaps because of them, McCabe's book 'The Threat' became an instant bestseller this week  outperforming every other book in Amazon.com's massive inventory

McCabe said on Tuesday that he believes 'it's possible' that President Donald Trump is a secret Russian agent

As the FBI investigated the so-far unproven theory that Trump's campaign colluded with the Kremlin, McCabe claimed, the president was 'publicly undermining the investigative efforts. He's talking about it as a witch hunt. He's talking about it as a hoax.'

McCabe also recalled that Trump asked then-FBI Director James Comey 'to turn off' a probe of his national security advisor, Michael Flynn.

As his explosive memoir went on sale, McCabe declared that 'we thought it might be possible' that Trump was directly working on behalf of Russia during the early days of his administration.

He recalled briefing the so-called 'Gang of Eight' on Capitol Hill, a group of the top congressional leaders from both parties, about the investigation into Trump  and said neither Republicans nor Democrats raised any red flags at the time.

'The purpose of the briefing was to let our congressional leadership exactly what we'd been doing. Opening a case of this nature [is] not something that an FBI director, not something that an acting FBI director do by yourself, right?' he asked Tuesday.

'This was a recommendation that came to me from my team. I reviewed it with our lawyers. I discussed it at length with the deputy attorney general, and I told Congress what we had done.'

'No one objected,' McCabe said in the 'Today' show interview. 'Not on legal grounds, not on constitutional grounds, and not based on the facts.'

Hours later, in an MSNBC interview, McCabe declined to directly confirm that he had, in fact, briefed those congressional leaders about the nature of the counterintelligence case being assembled on Trump.

A reporter in the Oval Office asked Trump about the discrepancy Wednesday morning.

'The FBI has some of the greatest people, some of the finest people you'll ever meet. But this man is a complete disaster,' he replied.An attorney for the family of so-called ISIS bride Hoda Muthana warned Wednesday evening that President Trump is trying to turn his client into a birthright citizenship 'test case' by falsely claiming she has no legal rights within the United States.

Hassan Shibly, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations' Florida chapter, told DailyMail.com that the argument over Muthana and whether she can return to the United States has become much bigger than the New Jersey-born young woman who left to join ISIS and wants to come back.

Shibly said Trump is likely to 'try to use it against a much broader group of Americans, mostly Latino Americans' if he wins the citizenship dispute with Muthana.

'The Trump administration has been trying to limit birthright citizenship,' Shibly noted. 'He wants to strip away birthright citizenship.'

A suit will be filed in court on Thursday morning against the U.S. government, he said.

An attorney for the family of so-called ISIS bride Hoda Muthana warned Wednesday evening that President Trump is trying to turn his client into a birthright citizenship 'test case' by falsely claiming she has no legal rights within the United States

President Trump says he made the decision to bar the Alabama woman who left home to join ISIS in Syria from returning to the United States

Her family attorney said Trump is likely to 'try to use it against a much broader group of Americans, mostly Latino Americans' if he wins the citizenship dispute with Muthana

Proof? This is the letter which the ISIS bride's family says show that she is a natural-born U.S. citizen. They say the State Department is claiming that her father was a diplomat when she was born but this letter shows she was not. DailyMail.com has not verified the letter and the State Department declined to comment

President Trump said Wednesday afternoon that he was the one who made the decision to bar the young woman who fled the U.S. to join ISIS in Syria from returning to the United States.

After Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that Muthana is not a U.S. citizen and will not be allowed to reenter to the country, Trump said the banishment came at his direction.

'I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!' he tweeted.

Pompeo claimed that Muthana, who has an 18-month-old son and and wants to submit herself to the justice system, does not have 'any legal basis' for her claim that she is an American citizen, despite her prior status as a U.S. passport holder.

The statement contradicts those made by Muthana and her family's attorney, who say she was born in Hackensack, New Jersey and raised in Hoover, Alabama.

Shibly, an attorney for her family, said the U.S. government is trying to base their position on a claim that her father was a Yemeni diplomat at the time of her birth.

Diplomats' children do not get birthright citizenship in the U.S., but Shibly said that her father had left his diplomatic post by the time of her birth and produced a letter from the U.S. Mission to the U.N. as evidence.

He told DailyMail.com that the Trump administration is trying to 'strip citizenship' from Muthana and 'they cannot do that without process.'

Responding to a State Department spokesperson's suggestion that Muthana could have received a U.S. passport as a non-citizen, he said, 'That's garbage, literally garbage.'

He said Muthana has a Social Security Number and has always been and still is a U.S. citizen.

'Hoda is actually trying to engage the legal system and turn herself in,' he said but Trump wants to push the problem out of the United States' jurisdiction. 'I think that's insane.'

Pompeo did not say Wednesday afternoon how the State Department reached its determination Muthana is not a citizen, and a spokesperson for the State Department did not provide clarification in an email exchange.

'Ms. Hoda Muthana is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States,' Pompeo said. 'She does not have any legal basis, no valid U.S. passport, no right to a passport nor any visa to travel to the United States.'

President Trump later took credit for the decision. Spokespersons for the White House were also unavailable for comment.

Muthana, who left America four years ago to join ISIS, has previously been issued two U.S. passportsone when she was a child and another in 2014.

Her birth certificate, a copy of which was shared on Twitter her family lawyer and was not independently verified by DailyMail.com, shows that she was born Oct. 28, 1994 in Hackensack, New Jersey.

A State Department spokesperson did not address Shibly's claims directly but told DailyMail.com over email that Muthana 'was not born a U.S. citizen and she has never been a U.S. citizen' even though she was born in the United States.

'Passport applicants must establish their identity, citizenship and entitlement to a U.S. passport,' the person said. 'However, there are many reasons that an individual previously issued a passport may subsequently be found ineligible for that passport.'

For instance: 'If it is determined that the bearer was not entitled to the issued passport, the passport may be revoked and/or a renewal application denied.

'Ms. Muthanas citizenship has not been revoked because she was never a US citizen,' the person stressed.

Hassan Shibly, an attorney for her family, said the U.S. government is trying to claim she's not a citizen because her father was once a diplomat. He wasn't when she was born, though

Her birth certificate, a copy of which was shared on Twitter her family lawyer and was not independently verified by DailyMail.com, shows that she was born Oct. 28, 1994 in Hackensack, New Jersey

In the United States birthright citizenship is automatically awarded to anyone who his born in the country, with several exceptions.

One of those exceptions involves the children of foreign diplomats. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, children of diplomats who are born in the U.S. are exempt and are not considered U.S. citizens at birth.

Shibly claims that Muthana's father was discharged from his United Nations post one month before his daughter was born, which means the exemption is not valid in her case.

Shibly accused Trump of trying to strip her of citizenship and leaving her stateless.

The attorney challenged the president's 'power to strip citizens of their citizenship' in a response tweet that referred to Trump as the 'Dictator in Chief' and encouraged him to allow her to return and stand trial.

The administration's position could be challenged in court.

Shibly did say whether he would sue in response to an inquiry from DailyMail.com, following his call out on Twitter of the American president.

He told Trump, however: 'Sorry Dictator in Chief but you dont have the power to strip citizens of their citizenship.

'Our nation is a nation of laws and we must hold everyone accountable to them. Hoda is asking to be accountable to our laws and legal system and you are essentially giving a free pass.'

Trump has taken aim at birthright citizenship in the past. He claimed last year that he could unilaterally end it, although the executive order he threatened never came to pass.

Sources told the New York Times that U.S. authorities might not have enough to charge her and this is a 'legal dodge' in an attempt to offload her.

The Times wrote that Muthana's father provided proof that he had left his diplomatic post when he applied for his daughter's passport when she was a child.

U.S. authorities granted Muthana a passport as a child and gave her one again when she applied for renewal in 2014. She used her second U.S. passport to fly from Birmingham, Alabama to Istanbul, which she fled to join ISIS, her lawyer said.

Pompeo said Muthana, who left home to join the Islamic State group in Syria, is not a U.S. citizen and will not be allowed to return to the United States

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the 24-year-old does not have a U.S. passport and isn't a citizen

Trump's attempt to keep her from returning to the U.S. comes on the heels of a similar case in the U.K.

A British teen who joined ISIS in Syria also had her UK citizenship revoked on Wednesday. Shamima Begum, who traveled to Syria in 2015 and now wants to return to Britain after giving birth in a refugee camp in Syria last week, was denied entry.

Hoda's first husband was Australian extremist Suhan Abdul Rahman who was killed in battle in Syria

Prior to Pompeo's statement that the U.S. was revoking her passport, Muthana said in an interview with ABC News earlier on Wednesday that she hoped the U.S. government would pay for her to undergo therapy if she was allowed to return.

'I'm a normal human being who has been manipulated,' she said. 'I hope America doesn't think I am a threat to them and I hope they accept me...I hope they excuse me because of how young and ignorant I was.'

Asked what she would expect as a reasonable form of punishment for joining ISIS, she said: 'Maybe therapy lessons, maybe a process that will ensure us that we'll never do this again.

'Jail time, I don't know if that has an effect on people. I need help mentally as well, I don't have the ideology any more but I am just traumatized by my experience.'

She added that she cries herself to sleep 'almost every night' at the thought of being put behind bars.

'I know that when I do get back I probably will be sentenced to jail for I don't know how much time.'

Looking at her son, she said: 'Thinking that my last few moments with him is stuck in a prison before another prison...'

The lawyer said Muthana is putting herself at risk by speaking out against ISIS from a refugee camp where she has lived since fleeing the group a few weeks ago. She had to dodge sniper fire and bombs to leave.

She has married ISIS fighters twice in the time that she was overseas, both of whom are deceased. She said in a handwritten letter that her lawyer released that she realizes now that she erred in judgement.

'During my years in Syria I would see and experience a way of life and the terrible effects of war which changed me,' she wrote.

Prior to Pompeo's statement, Muthana said in an interview with ABC News earlier on Wednesday that she hoped the U.S. government would pay for her to undergo therapy if she was allowed to return

After fleeing her home in suburban Birmingham, Alabama in late 2014 and resurfacing in Syria, Muthana used social media to advocate violence against the United States.

In the letter, Muthana wrote that she didn't understand the importance of freedoms provided by the United States at the time.

'To say that I regret my past words, any pain that I caused my family and any concerns I would cause my country would be hard for me to really express properly,' the letter said.

The woman's father is willing to welcome her, but she is not in contact with her mother, Shibly told the Associated Press.

In her ABC interview, Muthana gave a confusing explanation for why she initially fled her parents' home to join ISIS, saying that it was because she wanted a more 'Americanized life' and no longer wanted to live under her parents' strict rule.

'I had a good relationship with my family but I wanted a more Americanized life. I just wanted to go out, I wanted to have, like, friends, go to places. I didn't get any of that,' she said. 'The only way out for me was to become practicing... to become more religious.'

Before she fled, she was part of a network of young Muslims who used Twitter to soak up extremist ideas. She said they were brainwashed and interpreted what they were told by predatory ISIS members 'very wrong.'An Iranian man arrested in an armed raid while allegedly plotting a bomb attack in Britain has appeared in court on terror offences.

Fatah Mohammed Abdullah, 33, is accused of encouraging another to drive a car into crowds, explode bombs and attack with a meat cleaver, between April 9 and December 11, 2018.

According to the charge, he incited another person to commit an act of terrorism, namely to drive a car into a crowd in Germany, attack people with a meat cleaver and use explosives with the aim of killing and/or causing serious injury to people.

Fatah Mohammed Abdullah, 33, is accused of encouraging another to drive a car into crowds, explode bombs and attack with a meat cleaver, between April 9 and December 11, 2018. The British Iranian appeared at Westminster Magistrates via video link from HMP Belmarsh

The charge follows a joint investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and the Bundeskriminalamt in Germany.

Abdullah appeared in Westminster Magistrates Court today via video link and wearing a black and white striped top, and spoke only to confirm his name, address and nationality.

Sending the matter to the crown court, judge Tan Ikram said: The allegation is that you encouraged another person to commit acts of terrorism.

You have another matter on the 1 March at the Old Bailey. What I propose is to send this case also to the 1 March.

Abdullah, of Phillips Place, Newcastle, was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Old Bailey on 1 March.

He appeared in court last month charged with preparing acts of terrorism - by allegedly searching online for components, including a pressure cooker and nails, to make a bomb..

The Iranian national came to the UK from Iran in 2005 and was granted leave to remain in 2010.The Scott Morrison government has pounced on a Labor MP who suggested a decline in the $25billion coal market is a 'good thing'.

Labor frontbencher Richard Marles told Sky News on Wednesday the world market for thermal coal - Australia's top export industry - had collapsed.

'At one level that's a good thing because what that implies is the world is acting in relation to climate change,' Mr Marles said.

Mr Morrison and his Liberal colleagues slammed Mr Marles and accused him of suggesting a supposed decline was 'wonderful'.

Labor frontbencher Richard Marles said on Wednesday the world market for thermal coal - Australia's top export industry - had collapsed

'He might think it's wonderful... we don't think it's wonderful. In all of those places [people] who depend on those jobs don't think it's wonderful,' the prime minister told Parliament.

Queensland-based federal minister Steve Ciobo reiterated the 'wonderful' line, telling parliament thermal coal produced $25 billion in export income for Australia and thousands of jobs each year.

'The Australian Labor Party thinks it is a wonderful thing that they get to junk-pile 55,000 jobs in the resources sector,' he told parliament.

Mr Marles later clarified his position and said he didn't properly articulate his point.

Sydney locals are seen holding a Stop Adani protest in Camperdown last week

'Coal clearly has an important and enduring role to play, even as we transition to more renewables, and I should have made that clear,' he said.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released this month showed coal export sales rose nearly 16 per cent in 2018.

Mr Marles earlier reiterated Labor's position that no money should be spent on the proposed Adani Carmichael coal mine in Queensland.

'There are lots of ways in which you can generate employment, but the important statement here is that no public money is going to be spent on it,' he told Sky.Islamic State bride Shamima Begum, who fled to Syria aged 15, is not a Bangladeshi citizen and will be barred from entering the country, its foreign ministry has said.

The 19-year-old from London said she wanted to return to the UK with her newborn baby, with the end of the so-called caliphate in Syria within sight.

But Home Secretary Sajid Javid revoked her British citizenship in a move only permissible under international law if it does not leave the individual stateless.

There had been speculation that Ms Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, may have citizenship there but its minister of state for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam denied this on Wednesday.

A statement tweeted by the minister said: The Government of Bangladesh is deeply concerned that she has been erroneously identified as a holder of dual citizenship shared with Bangladesh alongside her birthplace, the United Kingdom.

Bangladesh asserts that Ms Shamima Begum is not a Bangladeshi citizen. She is a British citizen by birth and has never applied for dual nationality with Bangladesh.

It may also be mentioned that she never visited Bangladesh in the past despite her parental lineage.

So, there is no question of her being allowed to enter into Bangladesh.

Shamima Begum (PA)

The statement added that Dhaka had only been made aware of the situation by the media.

Asked whether she had been left stateless by Britain, the Begum familys lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said: Its certainly something we will be adding to the mix in terms of our appeal.

He has said Ms Begum was was born in the UK, has never had a Bangladeshi passport and is not a dual citizen.

She was one of three schoolgirls to leave Bethnal Green to join the terror cult in 2015 and resurfaced heavily pregnant at a Syrian refugee camp last week.

On Wednesday, she was shown a copy of the Home Office letter that announced her British citizenship would be stripped.

She told ITV News: I dont know what to say. I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked.

Its a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like its a bit unjust on me and my son.

She went on to say she may try for citizenship in the Netherlands, where her husband is from.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Meanwhile, Mr Javid suggested the action to prevent Ms Begum returning will have no impact on her baby sons nationality.

While insisting he could not discuss individual cases, he told the Commons: Children should not suffer.

So, if a parent does lose their British citizenship, it does not affect the rights of their child.

He also delivered a staunch defence of the Governments ability to use the citizenship powers to prevent the return of dangerous individuals.

He told MPs that the step was never taken lightly, adding: But when someone turns their back on the fundamental values and supports terror, they dont have an automatic right to return to the UK.

We must put the safety and security of our country first and I will not hesitate to act to protect it.

Ms Begums comments sparked intense debate about the UKs responsibilities to those seeking to return from Syria.

Amira Abase, Kadiza Sultana and Shamima Begum before catching a flight to Turkey in 2015 to join the Islamic State group (Metropolitan Police/PA)

The case took a dramatic turn on Tuesday when it emerged Mr Javid had opted to strip Ms Begum of her British citizenship.

The British Nationality Act 1981 provides the Home Secretary with the power to take such action if it is conducive to the public good.

A protracted legal battle over the move is now looming with international law forbidding nations from making people stateless.

Lord Carlile, former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said Ms Begum could challenge the decision, and described it as a complex issue that could take a while to resolve.

It could run for a very long time through the courts, he told BBC Breakfast.

I suspect that the result is going to be that she will stay where she is for maybe two years at least.

Figures for 2017 show that 104 people were deprived of their British citizenship, up from 14 in the previous year.Ex-Militant leader Derek Hatton has been suspended from the Labour Party just a day after he was readmitted for the first time in decades.

The left-wing hardliner is understood to have been notified of his suspension today, pending an investigation into a tweet from 2012, in which he criticized the Israeli government and urged British Jews to publicly condemn its actions.

The tweet, which has now been deleted, said: 'Jewish people with any sense of humanity need to start speaking out publicly against the ruthless murdering being carried out by Israel.'

Left-wing hardliner Derek Hatton (pictured in 2016) has been readmitted to the Labour Party more than 30 years after he was expelled for his role in the Trotskyist Militant tendency

Hatton was expelled more than 30 years ago by then-leader Neil Kinnock but was handed a provisional membership yesterday - the same day as seven moderate MP quit the party.

His membership still needed to be approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC), which is the final stage of the process.

A Labour Party source said: 'Derek Hatton was given provisional membership, pending NEC approval.

'The Party was not aware of this material. Once this was brought to our attention he was suspended pending the NECs decision.'

Earlier today Hatton gloated 'it's good to be back' after having mocked the 'pathetic' MPs who quit Labour over anti-Semitism, bullying and hard-left politics yesterday.

The 71-year-old claimed they had 'run away' from disagreement.

His suspension followed a 'formal complaint' from Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade Barry Gardiner, who told the House of Commons earlier today he had taken up the matter with the Labour Party's general secretary.

Responding to a question on Hatton from Labour MP Neil Coyle, Gardiner said: 'This morning I saw the reports about not just the readmission of Derek Hatton but the tweets he has mentioned.

'I wrote to the general secretary of our party, I lodged a formal complaint.

'I understand that action has since been taken in respect of the complaint and I'm sure that I will be looking out to see precisely what appropriate action is taken in due course.'

Hatton was the ringleader of the Trotskyist Militant tendency in the 1980s which set an illegal budget in Liverpool - causing 'grotesque chaos' in the city - and brought about bitter divisions in the party.

He was thrown out in 1986 but the party's disputes panel is said to have readmitted him last week after he was 'inspired' to return by Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

The initial news of Hatton's return had caused upset on the same day that seven Labour moderates quit the party in protest at Mr Corbyn's handling of Brexit and anti-Semitism.

Hatton, pictured left on a Militant march in Liverpool and right speaking in 1985, was expelled from the party for his role in the Trotskyist movement

Mr Hatton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Of course it's good to be back, in fact in a way I've never left.

'For 34 years I've stayed absolutely solid with the Labour Party. Never joined any other party, never actually voted for another party. Never campaigned for another party.

'And, believe you me, during the times of the Blair era, the Iraq war, the ending of clause four, etc, it wasn't easy, and it was tempting to go.

'And that's why when you look at the seven who now have left you think, well, how pathetic is it, how really strong are you within the Labour movement to want to run away when there is something that you disagree with?'

Hatton confirmed last night he had re-joined the party after Corbyn ally Aaron Bastani welcomed him back on Twitter.

Hatton, then deputy leader of Liverpool city council, caused a bitter Labour row in 1985 by setting an illegal budget in a challenge to Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Government.

Refusing to carry out cuts, the council set a budget with spending higher than income, demanding that the Tory Government make up the difference.

The refusal to set a legal budget triggered the worst financial crisis in the city's modern history, leaving 30,000 council workers facing unemployment, until the council finally raised 30million in loans to balance the books.

The council famously hired taxis to hand out redundancy notices to thousands of its own workers after refusing to cut spending, a manoeuvre which Militant claimed would buy the council time to battle against the Government.

Militant also planned an all-out strike by Liverpool workers to put pressure on the Government but the plan was defeated in a ballot.

Hatton was accused of ordering the destruction of Liverpool greenhouses after workers there had refused to strike.

Liverpool had already caused a headache for the Thatcher government when the Toxteth riots in 1981 prompted the PM to send Michael Heseltine to the region as 'Minister for Merseyside'.

Cabinet papers released in 2011 revealed that some ministers had urged Thatcher to allow the city to fall into 'managed decline'.

Thatcher's government also feuded with Ken Livingstone - another Corbyn ally - and his Greater London Council, which was abolished in 1986.

A demonstration against Hatton and the hard-Left council in Liverpool in 1985, with one protester holding a banner which reads: 'Did Hatton write Animal Farm?'

A supporter of Derek Hatton holds up a banner at an anti-Militant rally in Liverpool in 1985

Derek Hatton, pictured in 1984, and the Militant leftists were widely blamed for keeping Labour in opposition during the Thatcher years

Hatton and other members of the Trotskyist group were widely blamed for making the party unelectable during the Thatcher years, as Labour remained in opposition for 18 years until Tony Blair's election victory in 1997.

Neil Kinnock's conference speech denouncing Militant in 1985 was hailed as a brave rebuke of the far Left and seen as a turning point in Labour's history.

Kinnock told the party faithful that he would not tolerate the 'grotesque chaos of a Labour council - a Labour council - hiring taxis to scuttle round a city handing out redundancy notices to its own workers'.

Hatton was expelled soon afterwards by a vote of 12-6 in the national executive, sparking protests for and against him in Liverpool.

He later ran a property empire in Cyprus, and spent some time living in a 1.5million interior-designed villa with a swimming pool and a view over the sea and mountains

Last year Hatton said he was 'inspired' by Jeremy Corbyn's leadership which has seen the hard Left reassert control over the party.

He said: 'In all my time I have never witnessed such passion, such energy and such powerful socialist leadership.

Derek Hatton and his wife Shirley at home in November 1990, after the former Liverpool deputy council leader's expulsion from the party. The couple separated in 2005

Hatton in 1986 after Labour's national executive voted to expel him by 12 votes to six. He has been readmitted to the party more than 30 years lafter

'Many people, myself included, probably never thought we would witness an unswerving socialist like Jeremy Corbyn at the helm.

'He stands there with a set of policies clearly aimed at benefiting the vast majority of people in this country and a strategy which will not be dictated to, or influenced by, the five billionaires who own 90 per cent of the country's media.'

He initially claimed he had rejoined the party last September, after having an application rejected in 2015.

A Labour Party spokesman said: 'We don't comment on individual membership statuses.'

Conservative MP Paul Masterton called it an 'incredible decision', saying: 'The timing of this announcement is unbelievable. Labour probably lining him up as a candidate for a by-election.'

His Tory colleague Chris Green said: 'Someone ought to tell Labour that that ejecting Luciana Berger and taking Derek Hatton back in is not an upgrade.'

Derek Hatton, who was deputy leader of Liverpool council when it was run by the hard-left Militant group. He was later expelled from the Labour party

Hatton was denounced by then-Labour leader Neil Kinnock at the 1985 party conference (pictured), seen as a turning point in the struggle between moderates and left-wing hardliners

From left: Anne Coffey, Angela Smith, Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Luciana Berger, Gavin Shuker and Chuka Umunna announce their resignation from the Labour Party on Monday

On Sunday Hatton said he had remained loyal to Labour even when moderates led by Tony Blair were in control of the party.

'Some of us even after expulsion have remained loyal to Labour Party as the political arm of the trade union movement,' he said

'Ending clause IV [committing to nationalisation], invading Iraq etc, temped to move away but never flinched.'

At last year's party conference Labour shadow minister Dawn Butler sparked a fresh row when she praised Militant for standing up to Thatcher.

'We are in Liverpool where over 30 years ago the council stood up to Thatcher and said, better to break the law than break the poor,' she said.

Chris Leslie, one of the MPs to resign from Labour, said at the time: 'I can only assume these remarks come from ignorance about the disastrous policies of the Trotskyist Militant tendency - whose mismanagement led to the issuing of thousands of redundancy notices to their own local council workers.'

Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey earlier quit the party in protest at Mr Corbyn.

Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson warned his party to change or face further damaging resignations.

Mr Corbyn said he was 'disappointed' by the announcement, while shadow chancellor John McDonnell challenged the seven to resign from Parliament and fight by-elections under their new independent banner.A former Mexican cartel boss dubbed the 'Bill Gates of cocaine' will serve the rest of his sentence for the assassination of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent behind bars after his request for house arrest was denied.

It is claimed Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, whose story is the focus of the Netflix hit series 'Narcos: Mexico', is almost blind and deaf.

But despite his ill-health, a court in Mexico City ruled the 73-year-old will not be receiving a 'get-out-of-jail-card'.

Instead, he will remain at the Big Bridge [Puente Grande] medium security penitentiary in Jalisco until his 37-year sentence comes to an end.

The former drug kingpin, known as El Padrino, The Godfather, was seeking home confinement due to his hearing and vision problems.

According to Infobae, Gallardo had lost between 50 to 70 percent of his hearing.

Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo (pictured) will have to serve the remainder of his 37-year sentence behind the bars of a jail in Jalisco, Mexico, after a court ruled that his health didn't warrant him being moved into home confinement. The 73-year-old was the leader of the Guadalajara Cartel in the 1980s, and in August 2017 a Mexican court found him guilty for the 1985 assassination of U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Camarena

DEA agent Enrique Camarena (pictured) led an investigation that seized and wiped out a marijuana plantation in Mexico belonging to the Guadalajara Cartel. The criminal organization sought out revenge and kidnapped him on February 7, 1985 before he was found dead a month later

'Because there is no means of proof that proves that the complainant can't serve the prison sentence imposed on him in detention - although due to his age he has a deterioration in his health - the suffering he presents doesn't show evidence [which won't allow him to comply] with the penalty imposed,' the magistrates' report read.

Gallardo, who attended college and had a business background, became an agent with Mexico's Federal Judicial Police and also worked for the Sinaloa governor which paved his way into the illicit world.

Gallardo spearheaded the Guadalajara Cartel in the 1980s, converting it into one of the most powerful in history as he was able to unite the country's drug traffickers.

Gallardo's cartel dominated the marijuana growth and shipping routes into the United States before his organization connected with the Cali Cartel and Pablo Escobar's Medellin Cartel and enriched itself through the trafficking of cocaine.

DEA agent, Enrique Camarena, led an investigation that toppled a marijuana plantation in Mexico and set of a chain of events that would lead to his assassination and the eventual demise of the Guadalajara Cartel.

Netflix's hit series 'Narcos: Mexico' zeroes in on the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel. Mexican actor Diego Luna (pictured) plays the role of Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo

Mexican-American actor Michael Pena interprets the role of DEA agent Enrique Camarena in 'Narcos: Mexico'

The leader of the Guadalajara Cartel was found responsible in August 2017 for the death of Camarena, who was kidnapped off a street in Guadalajara on February 7, 1985, and Alfredo Zavala Avelar, a Mexican pilot who had been working for DEA.

The body of DEA agent Enrique Camarena was flown in a casket from Mexico to an Air Force base in California a month after he was abducted and killed by the Guadalajara Cartel

Camarena's body, along with the pilot's, were found a month later showing signs of torture.

Gallardo has been in prison since 1989.

His story is the focus of the Netflix spin-off series 'Narcos: Mexico', which follows the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel.

Mexican actor Diego Luna plays the role of Gallardo while Camarena is portrayed by Michael Pena.

Gallardo, who was hailed as the 'Boss of all Bosses', ruled over an organization that included a number of individuals who would become key figures in the international drug trade.

Amado 'The Lord of the Skies' Carrillo Fuentes, Hector Luis 'El Guero' Palma Salazar, The Arellano Felix Brothers and Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman all reported to Gallardo during the Guadalajara Cartel's stronghold.

Gallardo, according to the book 'U.S. Border Security: A Reference Handbook, backed the Contras guerrilla group with weapons in return for security.These are the three Conservative MPs who quit the Tory party to join up with seven Labour politicians in a new Independent Group - citing the Prime Minister's 'disastrous' handling of Brexit.

Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston all quit today in a major blow to Theresa May's authority, claiming she'd failed to stand up to the 'hard line' European Research Group of Brexiteers.

The three - who will join the eight ex-Labour MPs who have formed The Independent Group - also cited concerns over a 'government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP.'

Sarah Wollaston, Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen held a press conference (pictured from left) to explain their historic defection out of the Tories and into the new Independent Group today

They said in a statement today: 'Brexit has re-defined the Conservative Party - undoing all the efforts to modernise it.

'There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hard line ERG which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy.'

They added: 'The final straw for us has been this Government's disastrous handling of Brexit.'

Former minister Ms Soubry, the MP for Broxtowe, Health Select Committee chairwoman and Totnes MP Dr Wollaston and South Cambridgeshire MP Ms Allen said they could 'no longer act as bystanders' as Mrs May continued with her Brexit strategy.

Anna Soubry: 'I'm not leaving the Conservative Party, it has left us'

Ms Soubry was a vocal and confrontational critic of Brexiteers in her former party and had been persistently linked with leaving.

Conservative MP for Broxtowe in Nottinghamshire since 2010 and a former health and defence minister under David Cameron

The Lincoln-born 62-year-old mother-of-two previously worked as a television journalist and a barrister

She was state educated and was a trade union representative while working for Central Television

Broxtowe votes to Leave by 54.6% in the 2016 Brexit referendum

Anna Soubry had been a vocal and at times visceral critic of Brexit who has faced well-publicised personal abuse.

A persistent rebel while int he Conservative Party, on Wednesday she blasted hardline 'entryism' into the Conservative Party.

She said: 'I'm not leaving the Conservative Party, it has left us.'

The MP attacked Theresa May, saying that since she became leader the party had shifted to the right and 'the modernising reforms that had taken years to achieve were destroyed'.

The result, the Nottinghamshire MP said, was 'tyranny' where MPs were more afraid of their local associations than their voters.

Ms Soubry said: 'Overwhelmingly the majority of associations are being infiltrated by a nationally-orchestrated entryism, blatantly designed to remove rebel MPs who they label 'traitors'.'

Hitting out at 'Blukip' or the 'purple momentum' phenomenon she added: 'It's a form of tyranny and it's ironic that Conservatives observe and condemn it in the Labour Party but it's happening in their own party.'

Ms Soubry attacked Theresa May today, saying that since she became leader the party had shifted to the right and 'the modernising reforms that had taken years to achieve were destroyed'

The firebrand critic of the Brexiteer wing of her own party made headlines earlier this year when she was barracked and branded a 'Nazi' by protesters while being interviewed on television outside Parliament.

Ms Soubry urged ministers to quit in order to vote against a no-deal Brexit, saying: 'I'm hoping that this will really concentrate some minds of colleagues in the Conservative Party that we know share our concerns and also share our values and our principles, and are very unhappy about the direction of travel.

'I also hope it gives courage to members of the government who are deeply concerned about this no deal becoming a real possibility.

'It will give them the courage next week to do what, frankly, some of them should have done a long time ago and be true to what they believe, and if they need to leave government and vote against the party line on Brexit, they have got to do it.'

Sarah Wollaston: Tories now 'marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit'

Dr Wollaston had previously warned that Government backing for a no-deal Brexit would see her quit the Conservative Party.

MP for the Totnes constituency in south Devon since 2010

The 57-year-old was previously an NHS doctor for 24 years and a police forensic examiner

Had repeatedly attacked hardline Brexiteers and warned a no-deal Brexit would see her quit the party

Totnes voted Leave by 54.1% in 2016

Dr Wollaston said she felt 'great sadness' at quitting the Conservative Party today.

She also tweeted a picture of the letter to Theresa May, adding that it is 'with regret' that she has resigned.

'I am afraid the Prime Minister simply hasn't delivered on the pledge she made on the steps of Downing Street to tackle the burning injustices in our society,' she said.

'I think that what we now see is the party, that was once the most trusted on the economy and business, is now marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit.'

Dr Wollaston, who was long rumoured to be among Tories ready to jump ship, said that no one from the Prime Minister's office or the party whips had attempted to convince her to stay.

Pro-Brexit Tories in Totnes had been making an attempt to have her deselected because of her pro-Remain stance.

She said: 'I don't think any effort has ever been made to reach out to those of us who are in the moderate centre ground of the party.'

Heidi Allen: A 'significant number' of MPs want to join us

Heidi Allen, who has represented South Cambridgeshire since 2015, has often clashed with her party on Brexit and welfare issues

Has been MP for South Cambridgeshire since 2015

The 44-year-old previously ran her own business and worked for the Royal Mail

Away from Brexit she had also criticised the Government over its record on welfare reform

South Cambridgeshire voted to Remain by 60% in the 2016 referendum

Heidi Allen was a Conservative MP for less than four years, having been first elected at the May 2015 election.

But the former business woman and entrepreneur had looked increasingly ill at ease in the party since the EU referendum the following year, in which she supported Remain.

As well as Brexit battles she also criticised the Government over its record on welfare reform and sat on the influential and often highly critical Work and Pensions Committee.

She told reporters on Wednesday that both had been a factor in her defection, saying:'I can no longer represent a government and a party who can't open their eyes to the suffering endured by the most vulnerable in society, suffering which we have deepened whilst having the power to fix.'

Ms Allen said that she would not rejoin the Tories in the future and there was a 'significant number' of MPs from different parties who were now interested in coming over to join The Independent Group.

She said the former Tory trio's resignations should come as a 'wake-up call' to the Prime Minister that she finally needed to take on and defeat the European Research Group (ERG) - the powerful and well-organised Brexiteer wing of the party.

'Her majority is now less than it was. She knows that the party is full of people that feel the way that we do, so she will have to finally, once and for all, see the ERG off,' she said.Buzz Aldrin's son is trying to stop his father from transferring assets from a trust in the latest dispute between the Apollo 11 moonwalker and two of his children over whether he is capable of managing his affairs.

Andrew Aldrin's lawyer sent a letter last month to an associate in Morgan Stanley's private wealth-management division with instructions not to transfer any assets from two financial accounts in the trust, which names the younger Aldrin as trustee.

Buzz, 89, has tried to terminate the trust and wants the assets distributed to him.

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Buzz Aldrin's (pictured at the State of the Union) son, Andrew, is trying to stop his dad from moving assets from a trust in the latest dispute between the former astronaut and his two children over whether he is capable of managing his affairs

Andrew Aldrin's (left) lawyer sent a letter last month to Morgan Stanley with instructions not to transfer any assets from two financial accounts in the trust. The filing is in connection with a lawsuit Buzz filed against Andrew and his daughter Janice (right) in June

The letter from Andrew Aldrin's lawyer warns Morgan Stanley that the son, acting as trustee, will seek damages if his instructions aren't followed. 'Please govern yourself accordingly,' the letter said.

Morgan Stanley asked a Florida court last week to decide if it should follow the instructions of Buzz Aldrin or his son. It doesn't list the accounts' value.

'Morgan Stanley cannot pay out or distribute the proceeds of the accounts without incurring conflicting claims to such proceeds by the parties in the instant action, including but not limited to Buzz Aldrin and Andrew Aldrin,' the financial firm said in a court filing.

The filing is in connection with a lawsuit Buzz filed against Andrew Aldrin, daughter Janice Aldrin and a business manager in June.

The suit accuses them of misusing his credit cards, transferring money from an account, and slandering him by saying he has dementia.

Buzz sued after the two children filed a petition claiming their father was suffering from memory loss, delusions, paranoia and confusion.

Morgan Stanley said it was seeking to intervene in the case 'to protect itself from exposure to liability.'

Buzz Aldrin was the lunar module pilot when he and mission commander Neil Armstrong became the first two humans to walk on the moon on July 21, 1969 during the Apollo 11 mission.

The suit accuses them of misusing his credit cards, transferring money from an account, and slandering him by saying he has dementia

Buzz (left in 2018 and right in July 1969) sued after the two children filed a petition claiming their father was suffering from memory loss, delusions, paranoia and confusion

Earlier this month, Aldrin attended the State of the Union address in Washington.

Buzz made a surprise appearance at the State of the Union, as President Donald Trump promised to resume the US manned space program.

Buzz was introduced near the beginning of the address, after three D-Day veterans were honored by the president.

'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,' Trump said.

'Half a century later, we are joined by one of the Apollo 11 astronauts who planted that flag, Buzz Aldrin.

'Thank you, Buzz. This year, American astronauts will go back to space on American rockets.'

Trump publicly proposed a Space Force in March 2018 as a sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Aldrin supported the initiative in a tweet in August, after a new law was passed to re-establish the US Space Command.

'One giant leap in the right direction,' Buzz wrote at the time.A former police officer has gone on trial accused of sexually assaulting 11 children and young adults in the 1970s and 1980s, including one in a holding cell.

Timothy Lively, a former sergeant and detective constable, has denied 26 separate offences against children as young as 10.

They were said to have happened in a children's home, a police station and during youth club camping trips.

'Predatory' ex-policeman Timothy Lively, 60, of Old School Mead, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, denies sexually abusing 11 children and young adults in the 1970s and 1980s

Prosecutors have alleged that 'predatory' Lively, now 60, groomed his victims, many of who were from broken homes, and made 'great use of his relative position of power' as an officer.

Opening the case on Wednesday, prosecuting barrister Rosina Cottage QC, said: 'This case involves a series of serious sex offences against children and young adults, committed some 40 years ago, between 1978-1985.

'The youngest complainant was 10 or 11-years-old and there are 11 complainants in total.'

Miss Cottage said: 'He took many of the complainants on rides in his police car and to his house to show them his police equipment.

'There are instances where, if the child was in trouble with the police, Mr Lively would threaten them, saying that they would be locked up if they refused to submit to abuse.'

Some of the children reported the abuse at the time, but were not believed by staff.

And in one case where Lively was present when police came to speak to the victim, the claim was later withdrawn.

Jurors at Warwick Crown Court also heard Lively left the police in 1988, following an internal disciplinary hearing into alleged sexual impropriety.

Described as a 'successful businessman' Lively, now 60, and wearing a suit and tie, sat in the dock flanked by a security officer as jurors heard the case against him.

He is facing 21 counts of indecent assault, three charges of buggery, one of rape and another of indecency with a child.

Lively, of Old School Mead, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, has pleaded not guilty to all the offences.

Lively allegedly carried out the abuse at in a children's home, a police station and during youth club camping trips. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges at Warwick Crown Court

The prosecution have alleged many of the offences happened at a Warwickshire children's home where Lively, then a cadet and still a teenager, started volunteering.

Miss Cottage said: 'The Crown alleges that during the time he served as a police cadet and (later) as a police officer, Mr Lively sexually abused the 11 complainants.

'The abuse in respect to the complainants took place across three locations; a children's home, a youth club and, in relation to one complainant, in the cells at a police station.

'Ten of those assaulted were all children, ranging from 10/11 into their teens.

'One was an 18-year-old police cadet who was young and naive, whom he threw himself on, leaving her weeping and terrified.'

Miss Cottage said the alleged abuse carried on even after Lively became a police officer, when he 'continued to volunteer' at the home, 'often attending in the evening after work and taking the resident children on trips'.

She added that his role in a linked youth club also 'enabled Mr Lively to have frequent and unrestrained access to vulnerable young people'.

Miss Cottage told jurors they would hear evidence of abuse claims from those at the children's home, of both boys and girls.

Reading one account, the Crown QC said: 'He would come into the room at night, get in bed with her, hold her arms and have sex with her.'

Mr Lively is facing 21 counts of indecent assault, three charges of buggery, one of rape and another of indecency with a child in a trial at Warwick Crown Court (pictured)

She added: 'He would come to her room at least once every week, and sometimes twice a week.'

A male resident, then a teenager, said Lively 'started messing about with me', while he was at the children's home, and that he took to drink 'because I knew what was going to happen to me'.

Another victim, under 16 at the time, was abused in a police station cell on several occasions, jurors heard.

Miss Cottage said that some of the 11 complainants 'do not know each other' but that they all disclosed 'the same pattern of abuse at the hands of the same man'.

She added that many of them were 'damaged' and had 'led troubled lives', urging jurors to put emotion to one side and consider each allegation separately.

She added: 'The issue is not whether they consented, but whether or not the incidents happened at all.

'Because the defendant says nothing happened at all sexually with any of these people.

'So your job will be whether or not any of these allegations, which the prosecution say happened, did happen, and to be sure they happened.'

The trial continues.The youngest survivor of the Michigan Uber driver shootings three years ago cannot remember her childhood and longs to feel 'normal' again.

But Abigail Kopf is grateful to be alive after a woman, who was like a grandmother to her, pushed her down in a move that she believes saved her life.

The girl  who was 14 years old when Jason Dalton fatally shot six people and injured two survivors in between jobs for the ride-sharing app February 20, 2016  speaks out in Friday's two-hour The Deadly Ride 20/20 special airing on ABC 9/8 Central time.

Scroll down for videos

Abigail Kopf says she cannot remember her childhood and longs to feel 'normal' again after the Michigan Uber driver shootings three years ago, in a 20/20 special titled The Deadly Ride

Friday's two-hour show reveals 'there's only a few things' Kopf can remember after being shot in the head in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel in Kalamazoo February 20, 2016

New interviews and fresh details from victims and those who were there appear on the show.

'There's only a few things' Kopf can remember after being shot in the head in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel.

She was with Barbara Hawthorne, 68, in Kalamazoo and the last thing Kopf remembers is seeing an acrobat show with the woman who died along with her three friends Mary Jo Nye, 60, Mary Lou Nye, 62, and Dorothy 'Judy' Brown, 74.

'There was this Chinese person who was climbing up chairs. He kept stacking them and doing like, summersaults and stuff, handstands on the chair. And finally he got so high that everyone screamed,' Kopf says.

Other than that her memory is 'long gone'.

'I almost died,' she says about Hawthorne. 'If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here.'

She was 14 years old when Jason Dalton fatally shot six people and injured two survivors in between jobs for the ride-sharing app. He is pictured January 7 when he pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder. He was sentenced life in prison

Kopf was with Barbara Hawthorne, 68, and the last thing she remembers is seeing an acrobat show. The woman, who was like a grandmother to her, pushed her down in the shooting incident which she believes saved her life

Kopf says her childhood memories before Dalton (pictured) injured her are 'long gone'

Kopf says she 'almost died' in the Cracker Barrel parking lot if it wasn't for Hawthorne

Kopf says she has an 80 per cent chance of making a full recovery but 'can't ride a normal bike' and 'can't do cartwheels like I used to yet'.

Living with a service pig named Snuffles, she hopes one day to work with animals.

Her mother Vicki is also interviewed in the show and revealed how she initially told doctors performing CPR to turn her daughter's life support machine off.

She received the devastating news about her daughterin a phone call and rushed to hospital. She was preparing to say goodbye to her teenage girl but was surprised to hear a heartbeat as she lay her head on her chest.

'The nurse said "Holy crap". She was smacking buttons on the wall and people were flying back in and they had her all hooked back up again,' Vicki tells 20/20.

'At that point I knew right there she was back, and that she was going to fight like holy hell.'

Kopf added: 'My mom was a basket case. She sat on my bed the whole eight days, five days, however long I was in a coma. She didn't sleep, she didn't eat, she didn't drink. She just sat there and waited for me to wake up.'

She says when her daughter woke and asked what happened to her she would cry when she head the answer. But the teen would forget, ask again and cry more.

Kopf's mother Vicki (right) is also interviewed in the show and revealed how she initially told doctors performing CPR to turn off her daughter's life support machine then heard a heartbeat

Kopf suffered a fractured skull and underwent surgery to have a plastic plate inserted. Doctors had to take it out due to an infection

Hawthorne's three friends (from left to right) Mary Jo Nye, 60, Mary Lou Nye, 62, and Dorothy 'Judy' Brown, 74, were also killed

It was six months until she could return home.

Kopf suffered a fractured skull head and underwent surgery to have a plastic plate inserted. Doctors had to take it out due to an infection.

However she has defied the odds and can walk, talk and eat although her brain surgeon predicted she would not be able to again.

The survivor added about her shooter, who gunned down Richard Smith, 53, and his 17-year-old son, Tyler, at a car dealership in the area: 'Sometimes I [think I'd] like to trade places with him, to where he could have the gunshot wound and I could be normal.'

Dalton, 48, was given a life sentence earlier this month after pleading guilty to murder and attempted murder.

Survivor Tiana Carruthers, who was shot and wounded in a residential area, also speaks on the show.

Tiana Carruthers, who was shot and wounded in a residential area, also speaks on the showAnna Soubry hailed the new Independent Group as the modern face of politics today after the three Tory defectors ensured it was majority female.

On Monday three of the ex-Labour group were women - Luciana Berger, Ann Coffey and Angela Smith - and there were joined last night by Joan Ryan.

It means seven of the 11 MPs to have abandoned their parties for the new centrist push are female - an unprecedented 63 per cent in a front line parliamentary force.

At the press conference to announce her defection and those of Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston, Ms Soubry said: 'That says a lot'.

Anna Soubry (right) hailed the new Independent Group as the modern face of politics today after the three Tory defectors ensured it was majority female

On Monday three of the ex-Labour group were women - Luciana Berger (back row second left), Ann Coffey (back row second right) and Angela Smith (back row centre) - and there were joined last night by Joan Ryan (right).

The Conservatives have twice been led by a woman but never had a majority female Cabinet - while Labour has never had a permanent woman leader.

The seven female members of the Independent Group posed alone today as well as alongside their male colleagues.

The Independent Group has said it hopes to be a full-blown political party within months - able to stand candidates and raise money.

The three ex-Tories today said they hoped going over the top would persuade colleagues to follow.

Ms Soubry said both main parties were 'broken' and said: 'I'm hoping that this will really concentrate some minds of colleagues in the Conservative Party that we know share our concerns and also share our values and our principles, and are very unhappy about the direction of travel.

'I also hope it gives courage to members of the government who are deeply concerned about this no deal becoming a real possibility.

'It will give them the courage next week to do what, frankly, some of them should have done a long time ago and be true to what they believe, and if they need to leave government and vote against the party line on Brexit, they have got to do it.'

It means seven of the 11 MPs to have abandoned their parties for the new centrist push are female - an unprecedented 63 per cent in a front line parliamentary force

Ms Allen said there was a 'significant number' of MPs from different parties who were now interested in coming over to join the group.

'Are there a number of colleagues in all parties who are keen to join us? Absolutely. But everybody has to get there in their own time,' she said.

Dr Wollaston urged ministers who were opposed to a no-deal Brexit to stand by their principles and resign rather then let it happen.

'What I would hope is that ministers would have the courage of their convictions to actually step down from their posts,' she said.

'We do expect people to really stand up for what they know is right for this country and not to allow no-deal to go ahead.'A self-styled 'Shotgun Chef' has appeared in court after he was accused of putting a bullet in a deer during a post-Bonfire Night trip to an east-London park.

William Alldis, 40, is alleged to have shot dead the animal with a Sako .243 rifle on November 6 last year, Barkingside Magistrates' Court heard today.

The restaurateur, of Epping, Essex, was charged with shooting a firearm in a public park when it was claimed he killed the deer in Dagnam Park, also known as The Manor, in Romford.

William Alldis, 40, who calls himself the 'Shotgun Chef' has been charged with shooting a firearm in a public park after he allegedly killed a deer

The restaurateur, of Epping, Essex, was charged with shooting a firearm in a public park when it was claimed he killed the deer in Dagnam Park

Alldis, who owns the Cart Shed restaurant in Epping, refers to himself as the 'Shotgun Chef' on his website.

He did not enter a plea at the short hearing before the case was sent to Snaresbrook Crown Court by chairing magistrate Janet Herbert.

The bearded chef, who wore a dark plaid jacket with a waistcoat and purple tie, is charged with possessing a firearm and suitable ammunition in a public place contrary to section 19 and schedule six of the Firearms Act 1968.

He was granted bail and will appear at a plea trial and preparation hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, March 20 at 9.30am.

Alldis (left) did not enter a plea at the short hearing at Barkingside Magistrates' Court today before the case was sent to Snaresbrook Crown Court



A 'dangerous' suspect wanted in connection with a sex attack in central London has been named.

Police warned people not to approach 41-year-old Michael Gowie.

Detectives want to question Gowie in connection with a sex attack on a woman in her 30s in Holborn, central London, in the week before Christmas.

The public have been warned not to approach 'dangerous' Michael Gowie, 41, who police want to question in connection with a sex attack on a woman in her 30s in Holborn, central London, before Christmas. They also want to speak to him about a burglary in the same area in October

They also want to speak to him about a burglary in the same area last October.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'Police in Camden are appealing for help from the public to trace Michael Gowie.

'Detectives wish to speak with Gowie, 41, in connection with a sexual assault on a woman, aged in her 30s, on Friday December 14th, 2018, in Holborn.

'Officers also want to speak with Gowie about a burglary which took place on Thursday, October 4th, 2018, at an address in High Holborn, Bloomsbury.

'For an immediate sighting, members of the public should not approach Gowie, who is considered dangerous. Instead, they should dial 999.'

He added: 'Anyone who has previously seen Michael Gowie or has information about his whereabouts is asked to call North East Command Unit on 101.'Intelligence chief Dan Coats is rumored to be on the Trump chopping block following a string of public clashes on national security issues with the president.

President Trump said Wednesday, however, that has no plans to get rid of him.

'I haven't even thought about it,' he told reporters in the Oval Office.

Intelligence Dan Coats is rumored to be on the Trump chopping block following a string of public clashes on national security issues with the president

Coats has openly pushed back on Trump's claims about North Korea's pledge to denuclearize and Iran's alleged efforts to skirt a 2015 nuclear pact.

Over the summer, he laughed aloud as he was informed during a live interview that Trump had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit the White House.

A source told The Washington Post that Trump has castigated Coats as 'not loyal' and 'not on the team.'

No one spoke of immediate plans to fire Coats, the Post reported. Some sources meanwhile suggested that Trump was frustrated with the former Republican senator but not to the point that he'd actually dismiss him.

A friend of the president's who owns a news organization said this week that he had not spoken to Trump about Coats, but he heard from top White House officials about the matter, and it was his sense that Coats' job is in danger.

'And I think generally there's a deep concern that on the eve of the North Korea (summit) to have your director of national intelligence in open hearings undercutting your position was very bad form,' Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy said Monday.

Testifying on Capitol Hill in early February alongside FBI Director Christopher Wray and CIA director Gina Haspel, Coats, the director of National Intelligence said North Korea has no intention of giving up its nuclear weapons.

President Trump has hailed his first summit with Kim Jong-Un as a success but Coats told the Senate Intelligence Committee that the young dictator is unlikely to give up his nuclear stockpile.

'We currently assess that North Korea will seek to retain its WMD (weapons of mass destruction) capabilities and is unlikely to completely give up its nuclear weapons and production capability because its leaders ultimately view nuclear weapons as critical to regime survival,' Coats said in his opening statement.

He said, 'Our assessment is bolstered by our observations of some activity that is inconsistent with full denuclearization.

Contradiction: Dan Coats (right), the Director of National Intelligence, told the Senate Intelligence Committee, that Kim Jong Un still wants nuclear weapons so his regime can survive. Coats testified beside (from left) Christopher Wray, the FBI Director, and Gina Haspel, the CIA Director

The intelligence chief also contradicted Trump on Iran in his testimony.

Trump says Tehran is in violation of the spirit of the 2015 nuclear agreement and remains a threat, because of its missile tests and terror funding.

But Coats said, 'We do not believe Iran is currently undertaking activities we judge necessary to produce a nuclear device.'

In tweets after the hearing, the president blasted his own intelligence leaders.

'The Intelligence people seem to be extremely passive and naive when it comes to the dangers of Iran. They are wrong! When I became President Iran was making trouble all over the Middle East, and beyond,' he said. 'Since ending the terrible Iran Nuclear Deal, they are MUCH different, but a source of potential danger and conflict.'

He warned that Iran is testing rockets and coming 'very close to the edge,' and the only line of defense was their crashing economy.

'Be careful of Iran. Perhaps Intelligence should go back to school!' he asserted.

Later in the day the president insisted that his intelligence chiefs were 'misquoted' in the hearing and he himself was reacting to media reports on their testimony.

'They said they were totally misquoted and totally taken out of context. What I do, I suggested you call them. They said it was fake news, which, frankly, didn't surprise me at all,' Trump said.

In a CBS interview days later, the president said that he doesn't 'have to agree' with U.S. intelligence briefings even if they include evidence that's contradictory to his viewpoint.

'I have intel people, but that doesn't mean I have to agree,' he said.

Look no further than George W. Bush and he WMD scandal in Iraq, he contended.

'President Bush had intel people that said Saddam Hussein in Iraq had nuclear weapons - had all sorts of weapons of mass destruction. Guess what? Those intel people didn't know what the hell they were doing, and they got us tied up in a war that we should have never been in,' he argued.

'I want them to have their own opinion and I want them to give me their opinion. But, when I look at Iran, I look at Iran as a nation that has caused tremendous problems.'

Trump shared a photo of a meeting with his intelligence team after he blasted them on Twitter

He suggested that their testimony had been taken out of context in media reports that he himself had negatively reacted to

Former deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe also suggested in his memoir, 'The Threat,' that Trump rejected his intelligence officials' read on North Korea.

He reportedly said it was his personal belief that North Korea had not developed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, because that's what Putin told him.

Trump has not responded to the assertion but has generally cast McCabe as a liar, a leaker and a dirty cop.

Trump also seemed to say during a news conference alongside Putin over he summer that he believed the Kremlin head over Coats and other intelligence officials when it comes to Russian election meddling.

'My people came to me  Dan Coats came to me, some others  they said they think it's Russia. I have President Putin. He just said it's not Russia,' Trump said in Helsinki. 'I will say this: I don't see any reason why it would be.'

The president said after the summit, as he came under widespread criticism from his own government, that he meant to say he had no reason to doubt Coats' information.

Shortly after, in a live interview, Coats laughed aloud as he learned that Trump had invited Putin to the White House. 'That's going to be special,' he said.David Cameron warned his party it must not drive out 'modern, compassionate conservation' tonight.

The ex-Prime Minister - who brought Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen into politics - paid tribute to the three defectors.

Anna Soubry, who served Mr Cameron as a health, defence and business minister, warned today the battle for the soul of the Tories had been lost by the 'One Nation' wing.

Mr Cameron's intervention will be seen as a warning to his successor to stem the tide of anger that prompted the trio to defect today.

David Cameron warned his party it must not drive out 'modern, compassionate conservation' tonight

The ex-Prime Minister - who brought Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen into politics - paid tribute to the three defectors

Mr Cameron's intervention will be seen as a warning to his successor to stem the tide of anger that prompted the trio (pictured after their defection) to quit the party today

He said: 'I am sad that three talented Tory MPs have left the party. I backed the open primaries that saw two of them elected and supported them all.

'I respect their decision, but disagree with the: we need strong voices at every level of the party call from the modern, compassionate conservativism that saw the Conservative Party return to office.

'Our party has long been able to contain different views on Europe. Everyone must ensure that can continue to be the case.'

In their resignation letter to Mrs May, the three MPs said: 'We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP.

'Brexit has re-defined the Conservative Party - undoing all the efforts to modernise it. There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hard line ERG which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy.'

They added: 'The final straw for us has been this Government's disastrous handling of Brexit.'

Mr Cameron's intervention will be seen as a warning to his successor Theresa May to stem the tide of anger that prompted the trio to defect today

At their press conference today, Ms Allen said it was the London riots in 2011 that brought her into politics - and Mr Cameron's modernisation of the Tories that made her a Conservative.

But she said: 'We have a prime minister [who] is now dragging the country kicking and screaming into the edge of a no-deal abyss. I'm done.'

She added: 'My constituents make my head and my heart fizz with possibilities, I want to feel that way in Westminster too. I am tired of feeling numb.'A High Court judge says he will ask Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt for help finding a 12-year-old British girl who has been missing for more than seven years and is thought to be in Egypt.Mr Justice Mostyn said he will ask Jeremy Hunt to use all 'diplomatic measures'

Mr Justice Mostyn said on Wednesday that he aimed to ask the Foreign Office to use all 'diplomatic measures' to find Elsa Salama.

Elsa is at the centre of proceedings in the Family Division of the High Court in London and Mr Justice Mostyn is overseeing the latest stage of the litigation.

Judges have heard how Egyptian former teacher Tamer Salama took Elsa from her English mother Naomi Button in December 2011 while all three were visiting his relatives in Egypt.

Elsa Salama (pictured above as a young child) - is now 12 years old. She vanished in December 2011 after her father Tamer Salama took her from her mother Naomi Button while all three were visiting Egypt, judges have heard

Ms Button, a leadership consultant from Leeds, was forced to return to England alone.

She has not seen Elsa since.

Ms Button launched litigation after arriving back in the hope of getting Elsa home and is continuing that fight.

Mr Salama, who is also in his 40s, says Elsa is under the control of his relatives in Egypt. He told a judge the youngster is now 3,500 miles from the UK and beyond his control

Salama, who subsequently returned to England without Elsa, was jailed in January 2012 for breaching judges' orders to arrange Elsa's return to England or to reveal where she was.

But a judge ordered his release in December 2013 after deciding that continuing to keep him in prison was no longer proportionate or justifiable.

Mr Justice Mostyn says he thinks that a formal approach to Mr Hunt should be made.

A judge has already made Elsa a ward of court - a move which gives judges the power to make decisions about a child's movements.

Judges have been told that Ms Button does not know where Elsa is but suspects that she is in Cairo with Salama's mother.

Salama, who lives in Manchester and has lived in Nottingham and Southampton, has told judges that Elsa is living with his mother in Cairo and beyond his control.

He says he does not know exactly where she is.

Ms Button a leadership consultant in her 40s from Leeds who was once married to Mr Salama, has not seen Elsa since and has launched family court action in England in the hope of getting her back, proceedings are now in the Family Division of the High Court in London

'The people who are in control are 3,500 miles away,' Mr Salama told Mr Justice Baker at the latest hearing in January 2017, 'The family is in control.'

He added: 'The family is not prepared to do anything (Elsa) is not willing to do.'

A judge overseeing the case in 2012 described Salama as 'shifty, evasive and plainly dishonest' and said his behaviour was 'cruel beyond imagination'.

He added: 'I am left in no doubt at all that the father knows a great deal more of the current whereabouts and circumstances of his child than he is willing to reveal.

'I am also in no doubt that, if he chose to do so, he could send instructions to Egypt requiring whoever it is who is caring for the child, to now cause her return to England.

'He has not made the slightest attempt to do so.'

Mr Justice Roderick Wood said, at a hearing in 2013, he had no doubt that Salama could 'cause' Elsa's return 'should he wish to do so'.

Elsa disappeared on December 27, 2011, after her parents, who had separated, took her on holiday to Sharm el-Sheikh to visit Salama's family. Salama sneaked her out of their apartment and texted Ms Button to demand she sign a contract giving up all parental responsibilities.

Elsa's mother Naomi Button had some contact with Elsa via Skype in November 2016 after they were put in touch by a judge - it is not known if they have had any contact since. Ms Button has traveled to Egypt several times to try and find her daughter with no success

Ms Button went to the British Embassy and the local police for help but was forced to return to the UK to get legal advice.

Meanwhile, Mr Salama also returned to England, where he had been training in Southampton to be a physics teacher.

He was detained by police and in January 2012 was jailed for contempt of court as he refused to reveal where he is hiding his daughter.

Ms Button met Mr Salama when he was working at an international school in Sharm el-Sheikh in 2005. The couple married in Egypt in 2006 and moved to England in 2007 following Elsa's birth.

They separated in 2009 but continued to live together in the family home in Leeds for Elsa's sake until Salama began a teacher training degree in August 2010.

Ms Button agreed in 2011 to go on holiday with him to Egypt so Elsa could see her grandparents.

Mr Salama said the youngster is now 3,500 miles from the UK and beyond his control

While they were there, she asked him to consider a divorce and admitted she had struck up a relationship with an ex-boyfriend. Furious, Mr Salama tried to make her give up Elsa by accusing her of adultery - a criminal offence in Egypt.

Ms Button made a global appeal in January 2013 after high court judges let her speak about the case for the first time to appeal for information on her daughters whereabouts.

She said: I cant describe what life been like since she was taken

'The worst times are when I wake up in the middle of the night. I worry that shes crying for me, I wonder that she thinks I just left her. I dont know what shes been told. I dont know if she thinks I dont want her and I just left her in Egypt.

The one thing I knew when I got on that plane [home from Egypt] without her is no matter what it took, no matter how long it took, I would find Elsa and she would find her life as it was. She found it very difficult being away from me for any length of time. I know that she wants to be back home with mummy and I hope that they do the right thing.

Ms Button has been back to Egypt numerous times to look for Elsa. She has kept her daughters bedroom as she left it, with her unopened Christmas presents by the fireplace.

Kate Banerjee of Jones Myers LLP, the lawyers acting for Miss Button, said: Elsa is without the love and care of either a mother or father in a country where she doesnt speak the language or understand the culture. We appeal to anyone who knows Elsas whereabouts to just pick up the phone and help us return this little girl to her mother.

Mr Salama failed in a bid to bar journalists from reporting litigation in January 2017.

He said detail aired at private family court hearings should remain private.

He has complained that previous media coverage has been partisan and has not given his side of the story.

But Mr Justice Baker said the case had previously been reported as a result of Mr Salama being jailed for contempt at a public hearing.

He said judges had made enormous efforts to reunite Elsa with her mother in recent years - and he said the media had assisted.January 29, 2019

Smollet is seen with a cut cheek on Jan. 29

Jussie Smollett tells Chicago police he was physically attacked by two men in downtown Chicago while walking home from getting food from a Subway restaurant at 2am.

The black and openly gay actor tells authorities the men used racial and homophobic slurs, wrapped a rope around his neck and poured an 'unknown substance' on him.

Smollett told detectives that the attackers yelled he was in 'MAGA country,' an apparent reference to President Donald Trump's 'Make America Great Again' campaign slogan, which some critics of Trump have claimed is a racist dog whistle.

January 30

Chicago police say they've reviewed hundreds of hours of surveillance camera footage, including of Smollett walking downtown, but none of the videos show the attack.

Police obtain and release images of two people they would like to question.

Reports of Smollett's attack draw outrage and support on social media, including from U.S. Senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, and Elizabeth Warren.

Both Booker and Harris called the incident a 'modern day lynching'.

Joe Biden said: 'We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts.'

Police released this image of 'persons of interest' taken near the reported attack

January 31

Trump tells reporters at the White House that he saw a story the night before about Smollett and that, 'It doesn't get worse, as far as I'm concerned.'

Smollett's family issues a statement calling the attack a racial and homophobic hate crime.

Smollett's family says he 'has told the police everything' and 'his story has never changed,' disputing assertions leveled on social media that he has been less than cooperative and changed his story.

February 1

Smollett issues a statement telling people that he is OK and thanking them for their support.

He says he is working with authorities and has been '100 percent factual and consistent on every level.'

February 2

Smollett gives sold-out concert in West Hollywood, California, opening with an emotional speech, saying he had to play the show because he couldn't let his attackers win.

At the end of the set, he announces that he fought back against his attackers, calling himself 'the gay Tupac'.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters is in attendance at the concert.

Smollet is seen performing on February 2, where he called himself 'the gay Tupac'

February 5th: Chicago PD releases incident report which reveals Smollett did not want to call police. There is no mention of the MAGA country remark which he gave in a follow-up interview

Brandon Z. Moore, his manager, gives police a screenshot to prove their call.

February 11th: Smollett finally hands over redacted phone records to prove the phone call but police label them 'insufficient'.

His neighbors say they don't believe his version of events.

February 12th: Smollett's rep releases statement to say he is the victim and that he has been telling the truth

February 14th: Good Morning America airs the full interview with Smollett, in which he blasts speculation that the attack was staged as itself racist and hateful.

Hours later, it emerges that two Nigerian brothers were picked up at Chicago's O'Hare Airport on their return from Nigeria the night before.

Cops identify the two men as the individuals seen in the surveillance images released from the night of January 29 but will not share their names.

Two television stations in Chicago simul report the widespread belief among investigators that Smollett staged the attack as a hate hoax.

Chicago's police superintendent later said that he had no evidence to prove that the attack was a hoax.

Producers of 'Empire' dispute media reports that Smollett's character was being written off the show.

High-powered criminal defense attorney Michael Monico reveals that he is representing Smollett.

Brothers Olabinjo 'Ola' Osundairo, 27, and Abimbola 'Abel' Osundairo, 25, were detained by police on February 13

Police logs show the items that cops seized from the Nigerian brothers' Chicago home

February 15

DailyMail.com confirms they are brothers Olabinjo 'Ola' Osundairo, 27, and Abimbola 'Abel' Osundairo, 25.

Later, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielimi says the two 'persons of interest' are now considered suspects. He says the men are in custody but have not been charged with a crime.

Chicago police release two men without charges after arresting them on suspicion of assaulting Smollett and holding them for nearly 48 hours.

A police spokesman said the two are no longer considered suspects and that investigators have 'new evidence' to consider as a result of questioning them.

February 16

A police spokesman said that the investigation had 'shifted' after detectives questioned the two brothers about the attack and released them without charges.

Smollett hired Michael Cohen's high-powered criminal defense attorney, Michael Monico, as the police investigation into the attack he reported last month took a sudden shift amid allegations of a hoax.

Smolletts lawyers said on Saturday the actor felt 'victimized by reports he played a role in the assault, and that Smollett would continue cooperating with police.

February 17

A police spokesman said that Chicago police have told Smolletts attorneys they want to do a follow-up interview with the actor.

A spokesperson for Smolletts lawyers said she couldnt comment on whether Smollett had agreed to another interview.

This is the letter Smollett allegedly received at the Fox studio, a week before the January 29 incident. No photographs of it emerged until after the alleged attack. He reported the letter to the police when he received it along with Empire producer Dennis Hammer

February 18

Stars and politicians who spoke out in support of Smollett walk back their condemnation of the attack amid growing suspicion that it is a hate hoax

February 19

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx recused herself from the Smollett case

The Osundairo brothers speak with police and prosecutors in Chicago but are halted at the last minute before going to testify before a grand jury.

Smollett hires Colin Kaepernick's attorney Mark Geragos and his legal team present a 'hail Mary' piece of evidence which stops the brothers' testimony

State's Attorney Kimberly Foxx recuses herself from the case citing her 'familiarity with potential witnesses'

Leaked information from the brothers' meetings with prosecutors and police emerges. They reportedly claimed Smollett was involved in sending himself the letter on January 22

February 20

Fox says Smollett is not being written out of Empire contrary to reports and Smollett's co-stars speak out in support of him.

Smollett in his February 21 mugshot

He is named as a suspect later in the afternoon and the brothers are seen entering grand jury offices at the courthouse.

Smollett is criminally charged with filing a false police report, a Class 4 felony which carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine.

February 21

Smollett hands himself in to police at 5am. He is later charged with filing a false police report and posts $10,000 - ten percent of his $100,000 bond - and is released from jail.

The actor then releases a statement through his attorneys insisting he is innocent and claiming the prosecutors' office 'trampled' on his presumption of innocence.DHAKA, Feb 20 (Reuters) - A teenager stripped of her British citizenship in Syria is nothing to do with Bangladesh and the matter is for the British to resolve, Bangladesh's interior minister said on Wednesday.

"This is a matter of the British government. Bangladesh has nothing to do with this," Asaduzzaman Khan said when asked about Shamima Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage.

Britain stripped the teenager, who travelled from London to join the Islamic State group, of her citizenship on security grounds, triggering a row over the ramifications of leaving a 19-year-old mother with a jihadist fighter's child to fend for herself in a war zone. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Stephen Addison)Robert Murgatroyd, 52, was found guilty of breaching numerous aviation laws today by a jury at Manchester Crown Court following a crash on September 7, 2017

A greedy pilot who left three passengers injured in a light aircraft crash after he 'grossly overloaded' his plane in pursuit of making 1,000 profit from the flight was found guilty by a jury today.

Robert Murgatroyd, 52, had been hired to fly three birdwatchers on a 800 mile round trip to the Scottish island of Barra on the Outer Hebrides but his single engine Piper Cherokee was 50 per cent above its maximum capacity.

The 1972 four seater aircraft which was overloaded by 29 stone due to the size of the men plus luggage and excess fuel, subsequently 'fell out of the sky' as it tried in vain to clear a row of 300 feet high pylons shortly after take off in bad weather from City Airport formerly known as Barton Aerodrome near Eccles, Greater Manchester.

The aircraft twice flew over the neighbouring M62 motorway as it made a mid-air U turn in an attempt to fly back to the airport. But it clipped a tree and crash landed in a potato field 160 yards from the motorway causing its left wing and undercarriage to be ripped away and its fuel tanks to become ruptured.

One of the 'Twitchers' suffered a serious cut to his forehead and whilst another was left with fractured ribs. In the moments before the impact, Murgatroyd was overheard saying: 'There's not enough power - we're not going to make it.'

Police arrested and quizzed Muragatroyd about the 9.30am accident near the Manchester Ship Canal on September 9 2017 but he claimed he was a 'hero' for avoiding any deaths.

He also joked Warner Brothers film studios had contacted him about a 'remake' of a Tom Hanks movie about the 2009 landing of a US Airways passenger jet on the Hudson River in New York - and rename it 'Miracle on the Ship Canal.'

Mugatroyd, who operated a commercial airline plus flying schools and clubs told police: 'Without blowing my own trumpet, if it hadn't been for me on that fight that day you have been collecting four dead people out of that field.'

But Henry Blackshaw prosecuting told a jury: 'He grossly overloaded the plane so that it crashed shortly after take-off, endangering the lives of those on board and those on the ground, in that it narrowly missed the M62 motorway on its descent into the field where it crashed.

'He was operating a small, old, low powered plane which, like all aircraft, is designed to operate within specific weight limits. He grossly exceeded them when he filled the plane with four large men and also filled his fuel tanks 'to the brim.'

'The effect of this, in combination with taking off from a short, wet grass runway was for the plane to have insufficient speed and performance to be able to climb safely away from the aerodrome and it fell out of the sky.

'It was sheer luck that the plane did not catch fire on impact. Had it done so there is a likelihood that the passengers would not have lived to tell the tale. Likewise, had it crashed onto that busy motorway there would have been a significant risk of death or serious injury to the road users on it.

'And why was he prepared to take such risk with all of those peoples' lives? Greed. The prospect of making 1000 from a day's work, which was only payable if he could get these men to Barra and back.'

Robert Murgatroyd crash landed his Piper Cherokee in a field after he decided to take off despite the aircraft being grossly overloaded

Murgatroyd agreed to fly three birdwatchers from Manchester to a Scottish island for 1,500 - even though his private pilots licence prohibited him from carrying passengers for hire

Investigators discovered Murgatroyd had failed to weigh his three passengers and their luggage before taking off meaning the aircraft was carrying too much weight

'He painted a picture of himself as the hero of the moment for executing a 'forced landing under power' in difficult circumstances and he disputed that he had crashed, stating that his definition of 'crash' only extended to hitting 'an object.'

'He resented that he had been arrested when in fact he should have been given a commendation. Indeed, joking no doubt, he said Warner Brothers had been in touch with a view to remaking 'Miracle on the Hudson' as 'Miracle on the Ship Canal'.

'He accepted that he had not weighed the passengers or asked them for their weights. But he worked on the principle that if they fitted through the door then they could fly with you.'

The accident occurred after Murgatroyd, who obtained his pilot's licence in 1986 and who had 15,000 hours of flying experience, was asked to fly the bird watchers to Scotland so they could join 110 other Twitchers to see the American Red Start which had been spotted on Barra - the first time it had seen in the UK since 1985.

He quoted 500 per passenger for the Piper PA-28 aircraft which can carry a maximum weight of 55 stone including fuel but the court heard the three bird watchers Alan Whitehead, Adam Archer and Ray Harrington had a combined weight of 45 stone and arrived with luggage including cameras and binoculars which they had to keep on their knees.

Shortly before the aircraft crashed, Murgatroyd claimed he did not have enough power

Firefighters who witnessed the attempted take off became so concerned they donned their protective equipment before the aircraft crashed

Murgatroyd who himself weighed 14 stone then filled the plane with 100 litres of highly flammable petrol-type fuel which was above the recommended level of a half-full tank for four passengers.

He initially attempted a 'practice takeoff' along the 641m grass runway which had puddles along it but despite the plane showing no signs of lifting off the ground during the acceleration test, he taxi-ed the aircraft into rough grass at the start of the runway and then went for actual take-off. Firefighters at the airport were so concerned they put on their protective clothing in anticipation of an emergency.

One of the passengers Alan Whitehead who was sat in the front passenger seat said: 'The pilot pulled the throttle and off we went. He didn't say what to do in an emergency or in a crash, no life jackets or procedures were given. Visibility was very poor, it was raining heavily and it was a small tiny windscreen.

'We were in the air and all of a sudden the plan banked to the left, it tilted, I looked below and I could see the motorway. I few more seconds went in and then I heard the comment: 'not enough power'. It wasn't very reassuring.

'Then I heard it hit something which sounded like the top of a tree then we crashed in the field. I banged my head. At first I didn't know where the blood was coming from and I was panicking. I was covered in blood and I could then smell petrol. It was all a bit of a blur.'

Adam Archer who was in the back said: 'When the plane was in the air, it wasn't too long before it sounded like when a car goes up a hill on a low gear and it's making a lot of noise, there seemed to be a loss of power on the aircraft - but there was no discussion or talking about it.

The court also heard Murgatroyd has a previous conviction from 2014 for flying an aircraft without a valid ceritificate of airworthiness

'We just seemed to lose power and I remember seeing pylons in the distance and I thought if we didn't get anymore power we're not going to make this. The plane banked sharply and we hit the top of the trees going over the motorway then we landed with a sudden jolt. There was a really strong smell of fuel and a lot of blood from Alan's injuries.

'As we hit the deck Alan and the pilot hit their heads on the dashboard of the plane. Alan was in quite a bad way and he was shouting: 'you have killed us! What have you done to us?!' When I smelt the fuel, I thought there was a chance it could burst into flames.'

Murgatroyd claimed he had allowed the bird watchers on his aircraft under a 'cost sharing' scheme despite rules saying the pilot cannot own the plane and said the overloading of the aircraft was an 'oversight.'

The court also heard Murgatroyd has a previous conviction from 2014 for flying an aircraft without a valid ceritificate of airworthiness.

He denied endangering the safety of a person and an aircraft, flying without the relevant licence, failing to comply with insurance regulations plus three other charges under the Air Navigation Order 2016 - but it took a jury at Manchester Crown Square just under three hours to find him guilty of all counts.

Murgatroyd will be sentenced on March 15, and was granted bail, but prohibited from piloting or co-piloting any aircraft. He was also ordered to live and sleep at his given address.

Judge Michael Leeming told him: 'The counts are significantly serious to cross the custody threshold, and the likelihood is you will receive a lengthy custodial sentence.'George Galloway accused broadcasters of engaging in Nazi-style propaganda today - as he denied that a Jewish MP had been driven to quit Labour by appalling anti-Semitic abuse.

The hard left former MP, booted out of the party in 2003, said claims made by Luciana Berger were a 'black op' by 'Blairites' opposed to Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

He accused broadcasters of 'Goebbellian propaganda' - a reference to Adolf Hitler's spin chief Joseph Goebbels - in a Sky News interview.

Liverpool Wavertree MP Luciana Berger, who is Jewish, quit the Labour party on Tuesday saying it has become 'institutionally anti-Semitic' under Jeremy Corbyn.

On Tuesday, Ms Berger, who was dubbed a 'dirty little Zionist rat' by pro-Corbyn activists, said she had become 'embarrassed and ashamed to remain' in a party which 'I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic'.

But Mr Galloway, who was thrown out of Labour under Tony Blair's leadership after controversial comments about the invasion of Iraq, said today he simply 'didn't believe' Ms Berger's statements and said they were designed to discredit Jeremy Corbyn.

He said: 'I think with the Blairites walking out the door hurling their slander at Corbyn and the Labour leadership it's really a black op that's going on here.

'I've been listening to [Sky News] and others all morning and this is pure Goebbellian propaganda  repeat a lie often enough and some people might believe it.'

Questioned further about Ms Berger's motives for leaving Labour after being the Liverpool Wavertree MP for nine years, Mr Galloway added: 'I don't believe she is leaving because of anti-Semitism.

'I believe you want people to believe that, and the Goebbels is you and The Times and the other organs that are pumping out this foul slander against the Labour Party, knowing that it's untrue.'

He added: 'Anti-semitism is less now than it was when Miliband was the leader - a Jewish leader.

'There was more anti-Semitism, according to the statistics of Jewish organisations themselves. So it's all a lie.

'Corbyn is not anti-Semitic. Not a fibre, not an atom, not a molecule of his mind or body could be so described. That is the Goebellian lie.'

Mr Galloway also attacked Enfield North MP Joan Ryan, another of the eight MPs who quit Labour to form The Independent Group, saying she was 'an agent of the Israeli embassy'.

Ms Ryan is the parliamentary chairwoman of the Labour Friends of Israel Group.

Mr Galloway also told Sky on Wednesday he had appealed to Labour to overturn his expulsion. He was ejected from the party in 2003 over comments he made regarding the invasion of Iraq.

Mr Galloway was ejected from the party in 2003 over comments he made regarding the invasion of Iraq

But a Labour source said that no application to rejoin the party had been received from former Respect MP George Galloway

Mr Galloway would not be eligible for membership, having stood against Labour in an election in the past five years, he said.

After being expelled Mr Galloway went on to become a staunch critic of Tony Blair and the War on Terror. He stood down as Glasgow Kelvin MP before the 2005 election but went on to win in the London seat of Bethnal Green and Bow, unseating its Labour MP Oona King.

He did not stand in 2010, but in 2012 he won the Bradford West seat for the Respect Party in a by-election.

He was defeated in 2015 by Labour's Naz Shah and later stood for mayor of London in 2016.

His attempt to rejoin the party came days after the party confirmed that Derek Hatton, a prominent member of the far left Militant group in the 1980s, had been re-admitted.

On Tuesday the firebrand former deputy leader of Liverpool City Council said the Labour MPs who had quit were 'pathetic'.

Derek Hatton, a former member of the hard left Militant group in Liverpool in the 1980s (right) , said it was 'good to be back' after being re-admitted to Labour, and branded MPs who had quit as 'pathetic'.

In Tuesday, in an interview with BBC radio Mr Hatton, who was expelled from Labour in 1986, said: 'Of course it's good to be back, in fact in a way I've never left.

'For 34 years I've stayed absolutely solid with the Labour Party. Never joined any other party, never actually voted for another party. Never campaigned for another party.

'And, believe you me, during the times of the Blair era, the Iraq war, the ending of clause four, etc, it wasn't easy, and it was tempting to go.

'And that's why when you look at the seven who now have left you think, well, how pathetic is it, how really strong are you within the Labour movement to want to run away when there is something that you disagree with?'A neo-Nazi terror group was on the rise due to a successful propaganda campaign before it was banned for supporting the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, a court has heard.

National Action engaged in a campaign of virulently racist, anti-semitic and homophobic propaganda in order to stir up a race war against ethnic minorities and race traitors since 2013, the Old Bailey was told.

Jack Renshaw, 24, has admitted preparation for a terrorist act by purchasing a machete to kill Labour MP for West Lancashire, Rosie Cooper, 68. But Renshaw has denied being part of National Action.

Jack Renshaw (left), 24, of Skelmersale, Lancashire, has admitted preparing for a terrorist act by buying a machete to kill Labour MP Rosie Cooper (right). But he denies being a member of National Action

He is on trial with Andrew Clarke, 34, and Michael Trubini, 25, accused of membership of the terror group.

The organisation is hostile to democracy and the British state and it sought to radicalise young people through violent imagery and hate-filled social media messages, as well as street demonstrations and intimidation of local communities.

National Action was declared a proscribed group by then-Home Secretary Amber Rudd on 16 December 2016 following the groups support of the murder of Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox.

PC Matthew Fletcher, an expert from the Counter Terrorism Unit, said before the ban National Actions membership numbers were growing.

He said: Before proscription the numbers had swelled due to media propaganda. To give an exact figure is very difficult.

In the context of street demonstrations you would see anything from 50-60 people.

Two National Action training videos under the brand name Sigurd were played to the court.

The first, from National Actions London branch, shows two white men sparring.

They keep their hands low and punch each others arms while dancing in a circle around each other.

National Action was declared a proscribed group in December 2016 following the groups support of the murder of Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox (pictured)

There faces are blurred and a hip hop beat plays in the background. A second training video from Sigurd was played entitled Sigurd MMA.

It shows white men wrestling and punching each other to the sound of heavy techno.

At the end a title appears across the screen asking viewers to Join the White Gang.

After the video finished Duncan Atkinson QC, prosecuting, asked PC Fletcher: After watching you were able to identify Christopher Lythgoe and Matthew Hankinson.

Mr Fletcher replied: That is correct.

A third video was played to the jury showing a banner reading An anti-racist is anti-white being spread out along a bridge in Birmingham.

In another, of a National Action speech in Newcastle on March 21 2015, the court heard the man speaking was Matthew Hankinson, who described 'the rape and abuse of our children in Rotherham.

He said that those who had failed to act in Rotherham were Traitors, adding they will end up hanging from lampposts' - at which point a black and white photograph of men being lynched flashed across the screen.

A video from the Liverpool National Action march in February 2016 began with an animation of a map of the UK, as Bachs Toccata and Fugue in D minor (better known as the Dracula theme music) plays. Then suddenly a swastika 'lands' on Liverpool like a meteorite, before the video cuts to footage of men clashing with police and performing Nazi salutes.

Mr Fletcher told the court that Renshaw was present at the march, although he was wearing a balaclava at the time.

Clarke, of Latham Close, Trubini, of Dutton Court, Warrington, Cheshire, and Renshaw, of Skelmersdale, Lancashire, all deny being members of a proscribed organisation.

The jury has heard that Lythgoe and Hankinson had previously been found guilty of membership of National Action.

Defendants in the National Action terror trial at the Old Bailey from left to right Garron Helm, Michal Trubini, Andrew Clarke, Matthew Hankinson, Christopher Lythgoe, and Jack Renshaw

Robbie Mullen, a former member of National Action, told the court he joined after after hearing about the group when he was a member of the National Front.

He said he contacted Christopher Lythgoe by email and met him at Warrington Central Station.

Asked him what the organisation stood for he replied: White Britain. Mr Atkinson asked him who or what National Action opposed.

Mr Mullen replied: Non whites and Jews mainly. Mr Atkinson asked: What did you want to happen to non whites and Jews?

The former National Action member replied: We wanted to get rid of them and the country to be all white.

The prosecutor asked him by what process did they want to get rid of non whites and Jews.

Mr Mullen replied: A race war.

He was asked what means they would use to achieve their goal.

The 25-year-old told the court: By any means. The prosecutor asked him if those means included force.

He replied: Yes. Mr Mullen told the jury that he became National Actions North West regional organiser in April 2016.

Renshaw is on trial at the Old Bailey in London (file picture) with Andrew Clarke, 34, and Michael Trubini, 25, who are all accused of membership of National Action

Asked what Andrew Clarkes role was he replied: He was just a member, he liked to help with the ideological side of things, he was good at that.

He told the court that he made contact with Matthew Collins, from Hope not Hate in late April, early May 2017.

The court heard that before the ban Clarkes role was ideological.

In a National Action document setting out roles Clarkes name also appeared under legal.

Mr Atkinson asked: It says legal, most legal experience: Andy.

Mr Mullen replied: Thats Andy Clarke.

The prosecutor asked Mullen how often he saw the three defendants before the ban.

He replied: At least once a week.

Mr Atkinson asked him if he carried on as a member of National Action after the ban.

He told the court: I carried on.

Mr Mullen confirmed Clarke, Trubini and Renshaw all carried on as members of National Action after the ban.A convoy of trucks carried civilians away from one of ISIS's last enclaves in Syria as a deadly siege enters its final stages in eastern Syria.

Hundreds of civilians, including men, women and children, left Baghouz on Wednesday, signalling a possible end to a standoff that has lasted for more than a week.

The tiny citadel on the banks of the Euphrates River is the final scrap of territory left to the extremist group, that only a few years ago controlled a vast 'caliphate' from Aleppo in Syria to Baghdad in Iraq.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have been forced to make painstaking progress through the fortification as some 300 jihadists remain cowering behind their wives and children.

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Men in keffiyehs and their families sit in the back of a truck as they leave ISIS's last holdout at Baghouz in Syria's northern Deir Ezzor province on Wednesday

An SDF fighter stands in a trench with a heavy machine gun directed towards a convoy of trucks as civilians are loaded onto the back of trucks

A diagram showing the last remaining ISIS territory in Syria in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, where U.S.-backed coalition forces have launched a bid to push them out

Victory for the US-backed Syrian fighters would spell the territorial defeat of IS and allow President Donald Trump to begin withdrawing American troops from northern Syria, as he has pledged to do.

Few believe, however, that ending the group's territorial rule will end the threat posed by an organization that still stages and inspires attacks through sleeper cells in both Syria and Iraq.

Last week dramatic footage emerged purportedly showing ISIS fanatics firing anti-tank missiles at US-backed forces in a bloody defence of the stronghold.

In another shot, a rocket destroyed a wall with a missile, while a man shouted 'Allahu Akbar' - 'God is great'.

Thousands of people have fled Baghouz as the fighting rages, including women and children but also suspected jihadists.

Last week the Kurdish-led SDF were advancing slowly towards hundreds of jihadists, with both sides locked in heavy clashes.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the US-backed fighters were making steady progress with mines scattered throughout the sector.

As well as the 300 ISIS militants - many of them foreign fighters - several hundred civilians believed to be mostly their families remain in the town.

A Humvee with an SDF flag flying from its turret sits behind a convoy of lorries packing men, women and children away from the last stand

Heavily shrouded women, typical of their interpretation of Sunni Islam, sit with their children and baggage as they wait for transportation under an armed guard

The presence of so many civilians intermingled with the militants in a crammed space halted the military offensive by the US-backed militia known as the Syrian Democratic Forces and led to a days-long standoff with the militants who refuse to surrender and prevented the civilians from leaving.

It was not immediately clear what prompted the evacuation on Wednesday, although food supplies and ammunition for the besieged militants have been fast diminishing.

Reporters counted at least 18 trucks that emerged through a humanitarian corridor used in past weeks to evacuate people from the militants' last patch of territory along the river.

A military plane with the US-backed coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group releases a bomb over the embattled village of Baghouz on Tuesday

Shrouded women with their children and men, some with checkered headscarves, or keffiyehs, could be seen through a flap opening on the flatbed trucks.

One man carried a crutch; the women were engulfed in the ultra-orthodox black garments covering their faces known as niqabs.

There were reports of IS militants surrendering, but the US-led coalition said those reports could not be independently verified.

In a tweet, it said the SDF continue to receive civilians attempting to escape to safety and the most hardened IS fighters still remain in Baghouz.

Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces, the US-backed militia spearheading the fight against IS in Syria, confirmed the trucks were carrying civilians out of the enclave.

The number of those evacuated was not clear, nor whether IS militants were also on board the trucks.

On Tuesday, Bali said a military operation aimed at ousting the extremists from the area will begin if they don't surrender, adding that such an operation would take place after separating or evacuating the civilians from the militants.

An SDF commander, Zana Amedi, said most of the militants remaining inside the enclave are seriously wounded or sick.

A former US Special Forces doctor David Eubank of the Free Burma Rangers is seen near Baghouz yesterday

An SDF fighter uses binoculars to inspect the embattled village of Baghouz on Tuesday

Civilians move among suspected fighters of the Islamic state in the last besieged neighbourhood on Monday

The Islamic State group has been reduced from its self-proclaimed 'caliphate' that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq at its height in 2014 to a speck of land on the countries' shared border.

The SDF has been encircling the remaining IS-held territory for days, waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

Nearly 20,000 civilians had left the shrinking area in recent weeks before the evacuation halted last week when the militants closed all the roads out of the tiny area.Friends of Joel Boyers, 39, told police they received strange texts from the Bellevue man admitting to taking drugs that 'increased his intelligence'

Tennessee police detained a pilot on public intoxication charges after he caused a scramble at a Nashville bar when he tipped servers $22,000.

Friends of Joel Boyers, 39, a pilot and flight instructor at a Tennessee flight school, first called police saying that they had received weird texts from the Bellevue man admitting to taking drugs that 'increased his intelligence.'

He also allegedly admitted to friends that he had been drinking and was carrying his gun at the same time.

Police found Boyers at the JW Marriot hotel on Eighth Avenue South. He admitted to drinking and smoking pot while carrying his firearm, the Tennessean reports.

Staff at the hotel told authorities that the man was causing a ruckus while making several high dollar tips - which amounted to $22,000. They also claimed that waitresses were competing to serve him and the spectacle created a disruption for bar service.

Boyers did give authorities his weapon, which was located in his front right pants pocket.

Police found Boyers at the JW Marriot hotel on Eighth Avenue South on Monday

Responding officers said that the man's eyes appeared to be bloodshot and they also watery.

Boyers was also charged with possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

He was booked into the Davidson County jail but posted bond after a couple of hours. The man is expected to appear in court next month.

The arrest affidavit did indicate that Boyers allegedly 'made bizarre statements about giving away his child on Facebook.'

The arrest affidavit did indicate that Boyers allegedly 'made bizarre statements about giving away his child on Facebook'

But the father took to his own social media account to dispel the 'rumors' and asserted that he was looking for a babysitter so that he could celebrate his birthday

But the father took to his own social media account to dispel the 'rumors' and asserted that he was looking for a babysitter so that he could celebrate his birthday.

'I messaged a few friends on Facebook to find a babysitter for my daughter Ella, (it was my birthday and I knew I would be drinking) and some person misunderstood and accused me of trying to "get rid of my daughter on Facebook,"' he said in the post.

'This rumor went out of control, causing someone to call the police, which questioned me at my hotel (where I had been celebrating) and then the cops released me right away.

'I have a carry permit so I had my firearm in my room.'An intern mauled to death by a lion at a North Carolina animal preserve fought back as the animal dragged her around by the neck, an autopsy report shows.

Alexandra Black, 22, suffered defensive puncture wounds to her right arm as she tried to fend off a male lion named Matthai which attacked her on December 30.

But the intern's attempts were in vain and she died from massive blood loss after Matthai bit through both of the arteries in her neck.

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Alexandra Black, 22, suffered defensive puncture wounds showing she fought back against a male lion as she was mauled to death at a North Carolina animal park in December last year

Zoo officials said the lion, a male named Matthai (pictured above), was able to attack Black because a large ball prevented the gate to his pen from closing properly

She also suffered deep cuts to her trachea and esophagus as the predator dragged her around for 'an extended period of time', WRAL reported.

Matthai's teeth managed to puncture Black's skull and the force of his bite fractured her spinal chord.

Black was part of the husbandry team helping an animal keeper who was doing a routine cleaning that day.

A large ball blocked the gate to Matthai's pen, preventing it from closing properly.

The obstruction allowed the lion to break free, enter the area where the team was cleaning and attack Black, according to the autopsy report.

He bit her ankle and pulled her into his pen where the rest of the attack took place.

Animal trainer Ashley Watts told investigators she tried to separate Matthai and Black by closing the pen, but her attempt failed.

She also used a hose in an attempt to scare Matthai away from Black, but that did not work either.

Matthai was shot and killed by responding authorities after several failed attempts to tranquilize him, according to CBS News.

In December, Black's heartbroken family told ABC News the recent college graduate died 'following her passion'.

'Our beautiful, intelligent, passionate Alex had worked, unpaid, at several animal-related ventures,' the family said in a statement.

'This was her fourth internship, because she really wanted to make a career of working with animals.'

Black's family went on to describe her as 'a beautiful young woman who had just started her career,' adding, 'there was a terrible accident, and we are mourning'.

Black (pictured) was a recent graduate of Indiana State University who had interned at the Conservators Center in Caswell County, North Carolina for just two weeks before her fatal animal encounter on December 30

In December, Black's heartbroken family said the recent college graduate died 'following her passion'

Zoo officials said several attempts were made to tranquilize the animal, but those failed.

The animal was then shot and killed so that the attacked worker could be retrieved.

Black was a recent graduate of Indiana State University originally from New Palestine, Indiana.

She had been interning at the Center for two weeks when the attack occurred, according to her family said.

Several attempts were made to tranquilize Matthai (seen above) before he was fatally shot by responding authorities

The center described Matthai, the lion, as 'more shy than his siblings Calvin, Katrina and Savik when it comes to visitors', adding that the animal was 'an enthusiastic recipient of attention from the people he knows best'.

The Center was founded in 1999 in Mebane before being relocated to its current 45-acre wooded lot in Caswell County.

The Center is home to more than 80 animals and 20 species, among them lions and tigers, according to its website.

An estimated 16,000 people visit the animal preserve each year.The funeral of comedian Jeremy Hardy (pictured) has taken place in Dorset after his death from cancer earlier this month

The funeral of comedian Jeremy Hardy has taken place 'by the sea in Dorset' after his death from cancer earlier this month.

The 57-year-old comic was laid to rest during a private ceremony attended by several well-known names including Labour leader and 'life-long friend' Jeremy Corbyn.

A regular guest of radio and TV panel shows such as Mock the Week, Hardy died on February 1 following a private battle with terminal cancer.

He was buried in Purbeck, a peninsula south of Bournemouth, on Monday.

Actress Juliet Stevenson wrote on Twitter: 'We buried Jeremy Hardy yesterday. By the sea in Dorset. No words for how missed he is, will always be.'

The comedian, from north Hampshire, began his stand-up career in 1984 and was a regular on BBC4's The News Quiz.

In a statement earlier this month, Mr Hardy's publicist Amanda Emery said: 'Friends and family of comedian Jeremy Hardy are immensely sad to announce that Jeremy died of cancer, early on Friday 1st February.

'He was with his wife and daughter as he died. He retained to the end the principles that guided his life; trying to make the world more humane, and to be wonderfully funny.

'He will be enormously missed by so many, who were inspired by him and who laughed with him. A fitting memorial will take place, details to be announced soon.'

Dozens of tributes were paid to the comedian online, with other stars in TV calling him 'a masterclass' and 'ground-breakingly brilliant.'

Actress Juliet Stevenson wrote on Twitter: 'We buried Jeremy Hardy yesterday. By the sea in Dorset. No words for how missed he is, will always be'

The 57-year-old comic was laid to rest during a private ceremony attended by several well-known names including Labour leader and 'life-long friend' Jeremy Corbyn (pictured)

Pointless star Richard Osman wrote: 'I was very lucky to work with Jeremy Hardy early in my career.

'Every day was a masterclass, a privilege. He was so naturally and brilliantly funny, and a man who chose to use his comedy to change the world, rather than to fill stadia. A very sad day. #RIPJeremy'

Jack Dee, who worked with the comedian on several projects, wrote: 'Jeremy Hardy was ground-breakingly brilliant, off the register funny, compassionate and caring.

'So privileged to have counted him as a dear friend. My love goes out Katie and Betty and all his wonderful family. x'

Mr Hardy won several awards throughout his career including the prestigious Perrier Award in 1988 and best live act at the ITV Comedy Awards in 1991.

He also appeared as Corporal Perkins in an episode of the BBC comedy Blackadder Goes Forth in 1989.

As well as comedy, Mr Hardy was an author and columnist. He wrote for London's ES Magazine and The Guardian newspaper.

Mr Hardy, pictured left with wife Katie Barlow in 2009, also wrote for the Guardian and had won several awards during his career including best live act at the ITV Comedy Awards in 1991

Mr Hardy sparked concern among fans when he tweeted radio presenter Danny Baker in January saying 'I'm dying. Cancer. Docs say anytime'

In January Mr Hardy sparked concern among fans when he tweeted radio presenter Danny Baker about 'dying' and having 'cancer.'

The comedian followed the worrying tweet with another saying he was 'fine' and just 'tweeting a tiny bit on nonsense from exhaustion.'

Two days later he then wrote: 'Dear All, I am fine. Sent dopey s**t out. Was half asleep watching NHS cancer drama with Alison Steadman called Care.

'People say I'm self-deprecating, but I don't think I'm very good at it': Jeremy Hardy's top one-liners 'It is a stupid observation, but the Labour Party are not an smart lot, are they? I mean, if all those people were born in the same town, you would blame bad parenting, wouldn't you all?' - The News Quiz, BBC Radio 4, July 1997 'Most harm is done by people who are awake.' - The News Quiz, BBC Radio 4, May 16, 2008 'The only way you can ever accuse a Conservative of hypocrisy is if they walk past a homeless person without kicking him in the face' - The News Quiz, BBC Radio 4, November 2008 'People say I'm self-deprecating, but I don't think I'm very good at it.' 'My daughter wanted a new pair of trainers. I told her 'You're eleven, make your own!'' - The News Quiz, BBC Radio 4, July 2002 'If you just took everyone in the BNP and everyone who votes for them and shot them in the back of the head, there would be a brighter future for us all.' - Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation, BBC Radio 4, 13 September 2004 'I may have a couple of squirts under my arms but I'm not Runcorn chemical plant am I?'' - In response to being told we're responsible for the ozone layer and global warming 'The Afghan War has clearly reached a stage similar to that moment at your child's party where you realise you've forgotten to give the other parents a pick up time.' - The News Quiz, BBC Radio 4, 23 January 2009 Advertisement

'Was waking and tweeting. My brain is now as sharp as it will ever be. The Prime Minister is Clement Atlee.'

Danny Baker announced he had beaten cancer of the mouth and throat in 2016 - six years after he was first diagnosed with the disease.

He had to undergo intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy on his mouth, which left him without saliva glands.

Today Mr Baker tweeted about what was shared online in January, saying he had missed the original post which he thinks was supposed to be a direct message.

He wrote: 'Just seen a tweet that the blessed Jeremy Hardy sent me a few weeks back. In it he tells me he hasn't got long, I think he meant it as a DM.

'I didn't see it at the time and so never responded. Nothing to be done now.'

The tweets came after Mr Hardy cancelled his 2018 UK tour due to 'due to personal circumstances.'

The comedian was planning to appear at several venues including Bristol Old Vic, the Pocklington Arts Centre in York and Nottingham Playhouse.

During his more than 30 years in comedy, Mr Hardy appeared on numerous sketch shows and programs, working with big names in show business.

In 1996 he teamed up with comedian Jack Dee to write Channel 4 sketch show Jack and Jeremy's Real Lives.

They later worked together again on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. He also appeared on Jack Dee's Helpdesk.

His political views were often evident in his work and he regularly expressed support for the Socialist Alliance.

In 2004, Burnley Council cancelled one of his performances after Mr Hardy said in an episode of Speaks to the Nation that supporters of the British National Party (BNP) should be shot, reports the BBC.

Mr Hardy was also one of the supporters of the early release of Danny McNamee, who was found guilty of the IRA's 1982 Hyde Park bombing.

His documentary, Jeremy Hardy v the Israeli Army, filmed in 2002 also challenged the military occupation of the West Bank.A woman suspected of murdering her own sister and keeping her in a freezer for 18 years has today appeared in court.

Smiljana Srnec, 45, was pictured arriving at a courthouse in Varazdin, northern Croatia, in a police van.

A one month's detention order was placed on the woman, who was spotted entering court in a hooded black puffer jacket and white trainers.

Smiljana Srnec (pictured) arrives at a courthouse in Varazdin, in the north of Croatia, on suspicion that she murdered her sister before she was declared missing in 2005

Srnec was seen wearing a hooded black puffer jacket and white trainers as she walked into court under police escort

The news came as hundreds attended the funeral on Wednesday for the missing woman, Jasmina Dominic, in her village of Palovec, northeast of Croatia's capital Zagreb.

Ms Dominic was reported missing in 2005 but was last seen in 2000 when she was 23 years old.

Local reports said a family member found her body Saturday in a freezer in the Dominic family home in Palovec.

The court in the northern town of Varazdin said the sister, Smiljana Srnec, must remain in detention because she could influence witnesses or flee during the investigation.

Jasmina Dominic went missing in 2000 at the age of 23, but her family didn't report her missing until 2005

Police said when they investigated the missing person case back in 2005, her family misled them by claiming that Dominic was living abroad.

Croatian media reported an autopsy showed that Dominic had suffered at least two blows in the head with a blunt instrument.

Reports suggest police found the body of Ms Dominic wrapped in cellophane, after a power outage caused the corpse to begin to smell.

The case has shocked Croatia, with many wondering how it was possible that the family had lived for so long with a body hidden in the house.

According to Croatian news website 24sata, police found the body wrapped in cellophane after a power outage caused the corpse to begin to smell.

Smiljana Srnec, 45, was detained in the case and a post-mortem examination is being conducted, police said.

Police spokesman Nenad Risak said the family had told police in the past that Ms Dominic was living abroad.

The case has shocked Croatia, with many wondering how it was possible that the family had lived for so long with a body hidden in the house.

'They (family) turned us in other directions,' Mr Risak said of the initial investigation into Ms Dominic's disappearance.

'We checked the house (during the investigation)... but didn't have information that anything could have happened at home.'The Mexican government is beefing up its security in a bid to quell the violence that has engulfed two of its most popular tourist destinations.

Residents and vacationers looking to enjoy the sandy beaches of Cancun and Playa del Carmen off the Caribbean coast will see a notable law enforcement presence as 1,100 military agents will reinforce security around the clock.

The streets of the tourist hotspots have become a war zone as the New Jalisco Generation cartel has battled local gangs for turf dominance.

The Mexican government will be deploying 1,100 military officers to safeguard residents and tourists visiting Cancun and Playa del Carmen and ward off the increasing violence

There are already 500 military officers assigned to 'Operation Cancun' and they are split into three, eight-hour shifts patrolling the vicinity of beaches in Playa del Carmen and Cancun

According to Miguel Angel Huerta Ceballos, the general of the Mexican Army, the additional military force will be bolster surveillance around commercial centers, which have been vulnerable to thefts, as well different locations that attract a high number of people on a regular basis.

'Seven criminal groups operating in regions of Mexico have found a huge paradise in Quintana Roo,' Huerta Cabellos said on Tuesday.

'That is a challenge we will achieve in an co-ordinated way.'

At present, there are already 500 military police officers assigned to 'Operation Cancun' that are split into three, eight-hour patrol shifts. Another 600 from nearby regional bases will be added soon.

The news of the elevated police presence comes just three days after gunmen opened fire inside a strip club located four miles away from the pristine beaches of Cancun.

The shooting, which took place shortly after midnight Saturday, left five dead and 12 injured.

News of the increase in military police agents in the state of Quintana Roo comes just three days after gunmen opened fire inside La Kuka (pictured), a strip club in Cancun, killing five people and injuring 12

Mexico's Ministry of Tourism reported Cancun's airport as the busiest in the nation in 2018 with an increase of domestic passengers (12.4 percent) and foreign visitors (6.8 percent)

Government officials revealed in January that 774 people were assassinated in the state of Quintana Roo in 2018, surpassing the 359 murders that were reported in 2017.

However, the United States has not imposed any travel restrictions or advisories to alert American travelers of the dangerous climate.

Despite the alarming figures, international and domestic tourists turned Cancun's airport as the busiest in Mexico in 2018.

The Ministry of Tourism reported an increase of 12.4 percent in domestic passengers and a 6.8 percent rise in foreign visitors.Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced plans to invest $100 billion in India after being welcomed with open arms by the country's leader.

India rolled out the red carpet for the 33-year-old royal, who received an enthusiastic bear hug from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in New Delhi.

The crown prince, whose country is facing frosty ties with Western countries after the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, was also given a lavish welcome this week in Pakistan where the two sides signed memoranda of understanding valued at about $20 billion to help prop up Pakistan's economy.

Salman said his country saw investment opportunities 'in various fields (in India) to exceed $100 billion'.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced plans to invest $100 billion in India after being welcomed with open arms by the country's leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi

India rolled out the red carpet for the kingdom's 33-year-old de facto leader, who received a bear hug from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in New Delhi

The crown prince, whose country is facing frosty ties with Western countries after the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, is pictured inspecting a guard of honour after arriving in New Delhi

In a joint press appearance after talks with Modi, the crown prince said terrorism was a common concern and Saudi Arabia was ready to share intelligence with India to tackle it.

The two countries will start a security dialogue at the level of national security advisors and set up a working group on counter-terrorism, said T.S. Tirumurti, who handles economic relations at India's foreign ministry.

'Both leaders called on all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy,' Tirumurti told a press briefing.

India blames Pakistan for not doing enough to counter militant groups that operate from its soil including the one that claimed responsibility for the Kashmir car bombing last Thursday.

Pakistan denies any involvement in cross-border terrorism and has said it would retaliate against an Indian attack.

'We face similar challenges, chief among them extremism and terrorism a and we reaffirm to India that we are ready to work in the intelligence and political arenas to coordinate our efforts,' the crown prince said.

Salman said his country saw investment opportunities 'in various fields (in India) to exceed $100 billion'

Modi has sought to use India's fast-growing economy to attract more investment from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations since he took office

Saudi Arabia's domestic security structure helped put down an al Qaeda bombing campaign over a decade ago. But the kingdom continues to face occasional attacks by Sunni Islamic State fighters and Shi'ite militants in its Eastern Province.

Riyadh leads a coalition of Arab states fighting in support of Yemen's internationally recognised government against the Iran-aligned Houthi fighters, who regularly fire rockets across the kingdom's southern border.

On trade relations, the crown prince said 'we expect the opportunities we are targeting in India in various fields to exceed $100 billion in the coming two years'.

Sectors of interest included energy, infrastructure, agriculture and manufacturing, Tirumurti said, adding that Saudi Arabia's focus was on expanding non-oil trade with India.

Giant petroleum and natural gas company Saudi Aramco said it was in talks with India's Reliance Industries Ltd for possible investments and was seeking other opportunities.

Both India and Pakistan had expected a scaling up of investments on the crown prince's first tour of the region since the storm over the murder of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi government, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

The killing has strained Saudi Arabia's ties with the West and battered the prince's image abroad. He is also visiting China on this trip.

The European Commission has added Saudi Arabia to an EU draft list of countries that pose a threat to the bloc because of lax controls against terrorism financing and money laundering, sources told Reuters last month.

Modi has sought to use India's fast-growing economy to attract more investment from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations since he took office.

The two countries signed agreements on investment in infrastructure, housing sector and tourism.A stepfather has been arrested by police in east China for savagely beating a four-year-old girl to death for soiling her pants.

The man had fatally hit the little girl's back, legs and bottom with a bamboo stick as punishment for dirtying her trousers, according to police in Anhui province. He then buried her body on a small hill.

Neighbours in the village of Wugang in Fengyang county where the family lived grew suspicious in January after the girl went missing for several days.

The stepfather had fatally hit the little girl's back, legs and bottom with a bamboo stick as punishment for soiling her trousers, according to police in Anhui province. Above, police officers recover the girl's body on a small hill near the village in Fengyang county

The man, identified as Wu Weibao, was arrested by police on January 31 after officers got wind of the rumours about the murder, according to a statement released by Anhui People's Procuratorate today.

'While one of our teams were on patrol in the village, a lot of residents came to us with their suspicion that Wu had killed his stepdaughter,' an officer told Anhui News.

Together with the village chief, policemen confronted Wu and demanded to see the little girl, surmaned Li. When he refused, officers detained the man.

Following investigations, it was revealed that the girl had soiled her pants twice on the same day in December, prompting a furious Wu to violently beat her with the bamboo stick, the statement said.

He also tied her onto a door before continuing the beating and put electrical tape over her mouth to muffle her cries, it added.

The little girl was found dead by Wu the next day at 6am, according to the report. In an attempt to cover his tracks, the man buried the her on a small hill near the village (pictured above)

The little girl was found dead by Wu the next day at 6am, according to the statement. In an attempt to cover his tracks, the man buried the her on a small hill near the village.

Wu was arrested for aggravated child abuse and remained in police custody amid investigations.

Net users were shocked by the brutality of the case, with many people slamming the parent's horrific actions.

'What a tragedy - that man does not deserve to have children,' one person said on Chinese microblogging site Weibo.

'That poor child - this makes my heart ache,' another comment read. 'What kind of world do we live in?'

'To me, this person deserves the death penalty,' one user said.

According to Chinese law, a person could be jailed for up to three years for abusing those under his/her care, including children, the elderly, patients and people with disabilities.Coming home: The body of missing Jabez Spann, 14, was found in Manatee County, Florida, on Saturday, 18 months after his disappearance

Police in Florida have recovered the remains of a 14-year-old boy who disappeared in 2017 a week after he witnessed a man's murder.

Sarasota Deputy Police Chief Pat Robinson told reporters on Tuesday that the body of Jabez Spann had been found over the weekend in a rural area in neighboring Manatee County.

The fully skeletonized body was identified by dental records.

No cause of death was announced, but the case is being investigated as a homicide.

'Today, I am sad to report that we were not about to recover Mr. Spann living and return him to his family,' Sarasota Police Deputy Chief Patrick Robinson said.

Spann disappeared on September 4, 2017, about a week after police say he witnessed the shooting of 31-year-old Travis Combs.

Police reports said on August 28, 2017, three men chased Combs into a field next to his home just as Spann was leaving a friend's house next door. Spann saw the men shoot Combs and flee.

Combs' body was found in a patch of grass near 22nd Street and Palmadelia Avenue, about 200 yards from Spanns home. The man left behind a toddler son.

Spann was last seen alive on the night of September 4 in the area of 22nd Street in Sarasota after attending a candlelight vigil for Combs, reported Herald-Tribune.

Spann (left) went missing on September 4, 2017, about a week after he witnessed the murder of 31-year-old Travis Combs in Sarasota (right)

At 4.30pm on Saturday, a man repairing a fence line in the area west of Interstate 75 came upon skeletal remains and called 911. The specific location was not released.

Officials said during Tuesday's news conference that it is unknown how long the remains were at the location where they were found.

Spann's family, including his mother, have been notified.

'Yes my baby has been found...' Tawana Spann posted on Facebook Tuesday.

In a follow-up post, the bereaved mother appealed for the public's help and seemed to be addressing the killer directly when she wrote: 'What a beautiful child that you took.'

Despite initial reports suggesting a link between Combs' death and Spann's disappearance, investigators said they are not speculating at this time about a possible connection between the two unsolved crimes.Police issued a warning today about an 'extremely dangerous' drug craze that sees youngsters sniffing the 'highly toxic' fumes of burning wheelie bins.

The bizarre trend, most recently seen in Bolton, Greater Manchester, sees young people setting fire to the plastic bins then inhaling the fumes to get high.

Certain dyes used in the manufacturing of waste bins, depending on the colour of the plastic, are thought to create the fumes which cause a buzz.

Remnants of a wheelie bin fire in a playground at Longsight Park in Bolton, Greater Manchester

Waste experts issued a warning in March 2017 but police have now confirmed further incidents in Bolton, where officers found a melted black wheelie bin at a park.

Greater Manchester Police have warned about the increasing popularity of the drug craze following several reports of incidents said to have taken place in recent weeks.

Anti-solvent abuse charities said inhaling the bin fumes could be more dangerous than sniffing glue or petrol.

A police spokesman said: 'Longsight Park has been subject to massive damage recently as a result of wheelie bins being set on fire in the middle of the children's play area.

'This type of damage has a widespread effect on communities and renders public spaces unusable.

The trend sees children setting fire to the plastic bins then inhaling the fumes to get high

'Intelligence from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue suggests that wheelie bins are being set on fire and fumes from the bins are inhaled.

'Both GMP and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have received several reports of bins being set on fire in recent weeks. This is extremely dangerous as the fumes from the plastic are highly toxic..'

The force has encouraged residents to avoid leaving their bins out unnecessarily and to keep them out of public view if possible.

The trend first surfaced for a short time in 2007 in South Yorkshire but it has made a revival in recent months.

There were a number of reports in Scotland, also in 2007, of vandals burning bus shelters to get high from the resulting fumes.

Police have confirmed the incident in Bolton, where officers found a melted black wheelie bin

In March 2017, officials at waste firm businesswaste.co.uk said they had reports from Wolverhampton, Hull, Glasgow and Swindon of youths burning wheelie bins.

A decade earlier, South Yorkshire Police had issued a warning to leave bins alone after 40 of them went up in smoke in the space of four months.

The risk of aerosol cans being contained in the rubbish, which could explode if they came into contact with fire, is high, particularly on business premises.

Anti-solvent abuse charities have said inhaling the bin fumes could be more dangerous than sniffing glue or petrol.

Wheelie bins are made from high density polyethylene - composed of double-bonded carbon and hydrogen molecules.

Burning an empty one releases carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These deadly gases starve the brain of oxygen, giving a headache-heavy short high.A 700-strong mob broke two teenage criminals out of a police station in Guatemala, before to publicly beating them and burning them to death.

Shocking video footage shows one of the teenagers crawling on the ground in agony next to his dead accomplice, as the flames lick his body.

The suspects, names as Oliver Francisco Gonzalez Gonzalez, 19, and Victor Armando Reyes Chachagua, 18, had been accused of blackmailing taxi drivers near Puerto Barrio, in the eastern Guatemalan department of Izabal.

Oliver Francisco Gonzalez Gonzalez, 19, and Victor Armando Reyes Chachagua, 18, had been arrested and accused of blackmailing taxi drivers in Guatemala, and were broken out of prison by a 700-strong mob - after which they were set alight

According to police spokesman Pablo Castillo, a group of residents caught the two teens collecting money from a blackmailed taxi driver and took him to the local police station.

However, later that day around 700 people gathered outside the station and demanded that the cops turn over the two suspects to them.

Reports said that the angry mob smashed down a wall and seized the teenagers, after which group of masked men beat up the suspects and set them alight.

Gruesome footage shows both youngsters burning on the ground as people stand around looking on.

One of the flaming teens is still alive and is seen crawling on his front in agony before collapsing.

Shocking video footage shows one of the teenagers crawling on the ground in agony next to his dead accomplice

One lynch mob member is heard saying: 'Ask God for your life, to be forgiven.'

Another angry resident told local media: 'This is a message for all criminals that bother honest people, we are working every day and we will not let criminals come here and steal from us.'

Local resident Oscar Villanueva said: 'We are fed up with criminals, the village has taken matters into its own hands.'

The father of one of the victims reportedly tried to save the pair by brandishing a machete, but he was eventually chased away.

According to the police, the young victims did not have criminal records.

The investigation is ongoing.This is the moment a pervert who tried to meet a child for sex after posing as a doctor fell over twice as he tried to outrun the paedophile hunters chasing him.

David Wilkinson posed with an NHS ID card around his neck during explicit internet conversations he thought were with a 13-year-old girl on the 'Teen Chat' platform.

But he had been duped by Dark Justice, whose activists were waiting for him instead of the young girl he had been expecting.

When he realised he'd been set up Wilkinson, who did work for the health service but was not the GP he claimed to be, ran for it.

He was filmed falling over twice as he tried to make his escape along a road and then through a field before the breathless 40-year-old gave up.

David Wilkinson fled the scene when he realised that he had been duped by paedophile hunters and then fell onto the floor twice before the breathless pervert gave up

The pervert is pictured falling over again as he tries to outrun vigilantes from Dark Justice who posed as a 13-year-old girl

During chats on the teen website and in vast numbers of private text messages, Wilkinson said he 'liked young girls', sent pictures of his penis and suggested having oral sex.

Prosecutor Alec Burns told Newcastle Crown Court: 'He told her a number of things, including that he had done this sort of thing a couple of times before with girls her age, that he liked girls that age and at one stage pretended to be a doctor and sent a photograph of him with an NHS identity around his neck. He wasn't a doctor but did work for the health service.'

Wilkinson arranged to meet the schoolgirl on a Saturday night in April 2017 but Mr Burns added: 'When he went to meet this person he was, of course, confronted by Dark Justice. He ran away and tried to escape but was caught.'

Wilkinson (pictured, left) posed as a GP as he sent explicit pictures and told the girl how much he wanted to meet her (pictured, right)

When police checked his internet search history they found terms including 'free teen sex'.

Wilkinson, of Newcastle, admitted attempting to meet a child after grooming. Miss Recorder Sophie Drake jailed him for 16 months behind bars and ordered him to register as a sex offender and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for a decade.

The judge told him: 'In order to gain her trust, you told her you were a GP and you showed her identity to that effect.

'Of course, that was a lie, you are not a GP but you wanted her to believe that. You engaged in this behaviour thinking she was a 13-year-old girl. She, in fact wasn't.

Wilkinson (pictured, left, as he realised he'd been duped) acknowledged that he believed he was talking to a young girl in sick messages (right)

'But, thinking she was a 13-year-old girl, and having engaged in sexual content with her, you arranged to meet her.'

The judge added: 'Your internet history clearly shows you have a sexual interest in children. The content of the messages you sent clearly shows you have a sexual interest in children but you deny that.'

Richard Bloomfield, defending, said Wilkinson has a good work ethic and has never been in trouble before.

Mr Bloomfield added: 'He has been in employment, that employment will go, without a shadow of doubt he will lose his job.

'The knock-on effect is he will lose his accommodation. So, as well as his good name, he has lost his job, his home, and will be held out to considerable public ridicule for what he has done.'Two Catholic cardinals claim homosexuality is to blame for the sexual abuse scandal engulfing the Church - not the clerics themselves.

American Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke and German Cardinal Walter Brandmueller wrote in an open letter on Wednesday that the approach to the paedophilia crisis was wrong.

They argue that Pope Francis' criticism of clerical power did not address the 'primary fault' which was a corruption of the absolute law, including by 'the plague of the homosexual agenda.'

Pope Francis has previously analysed the problem as a structural and cultural one which he calls, 'clericalism.'

American Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (left) and German Cardinal Walter Brandmueller (right) wrote an open letter to the heads of the bishops' conferences on Wednesday

'We turn to you with deep distress! The Catholic world is adrift,' the American and German cardinals wrote in their letter to the heads of the bishops' conferences.

'Sexual abuse is blamed on clericalism. But the first and primary fault of the clergy does not rest in the abuse of power but in having gone away from the truth of the Gospel,' they said.

They blamed a corruption of the 'absolute moral law', referring to homosexuality, which they described as the 'denial, by words and by acts, of the divine and natural law'.

'The plague of the homosexual agenda has been spread within the church, promoted by organised networks and protected by a climate of complicity and a conspiracy of silence,' claimed the cardinals, who belong to the church's conservative wing.

Pope Francis greets the faithful during his weekly general audience in the Paolo VI Hall at the Vatican on Wednesday

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (left) attends the annual 'March for Life' in Rome, an anti-abortion demonstration in 2015

The Catholic church considers the practice of homosexuality to be a sin.

The letter comes a day before Pope Francis opens a historical summit at the Vatican on the protection of minors in a bid to end a scandal which has dogged the Roman Catholic church for decades.

Burke and Brandmueller criticised Francis, saying they were 'among those who in 2016 presented to the Holy Father certain questions... (that) have not only not had any response, but are part of a more general crisis of the faith'.

They called on the head bishops 'to raise your voice to safeguard and proclaim the integrity of the doctrine of the church'.

Cardinal Burke is seen as being at forefront of the conservative wing of the Church and has previously clashed with Pope Francis publicly over homosexuality and feminism.

According to the New Catholic Reporter, Burke has stated that those priests who perpetrated abuse on children, 'were feminized and confused about their own sexual identity.'Theresa May lashed Jeremy Corbyn over anti-Semitism today warning him she never thought she would 'see the day' Jews were scared of their future in Britain.

The Prime Minister seized on warnings from MPs who quit Labour this week that the party suffered from 'institutional anti-Semitism' in a ferocious attack at PMQs.

Mrs May said Mr Corbyn had destroyed the 'once proud Labour Party' and vowed never to 'let him do it to our country'.

The Labour leader insisted his party 'takes the strongest action to deal with anti-Semitism wherever it rears its head'.

Mr Corbyn was warned to prepare for up to 50 new defections after the first seven MPs broke away on Monday. The first - Enfield North MP Joan Ryan - went last night.

His own deputy Tom Watson has refused to criticise the splinter group, saying only their move was 'premature' and warning Mr Corbyn to change if he wanted to avoid more defections.

But a Labour spokesman slammed the eight MPs today for forming an 'establishment coalition' in a signal the warnings to Mr Corbyn have fallen on deaf ears.

Theresa May lashed Jeremy Corbyn over anti-Semitism today warning him she never thought she would 'see the day' Jews were scared of their future in Britain

The Prime Minister agreed with MPs who quit Labour this week that the party suffered from 'institutional anti-Semitism' in a ferocious attack at PMQs

At Prime Minister's Questions, Mrs May said: 'I never thought I would see the day when Jewish people in his country were concerned about their future in this country.

'And I never thought I would see the day when a once proud Labour Party was accused of institutional anti-Semitism by a former member of that party.

'It is incumbent on all of us in this House to ensure that we act against anti-Semitism wherever and however it occurs - it is racism and we stand against it.'

As she finished the session today she added: 'What do we see from his Labour Party? Hamas and Hezbollah friends, Israel and the United States enemies, Hatton a hero, Churchill a villain - Attlee and Bevan would be spinning in their grave.

'That's what (Mr Corbyn) has done to a once proud Labour Party, we will never let him do it to our country.'

Mr Corbyn insisted he was tackling anti-Semitism in Labour following the resignation of eight MPs in protest at his leadership.

The Labour leader insisted his party 'takes the strongest action to deal with anti-Semitism wherever it rears its head'

He said 'anti-Semitism has no place whatsoever in any of our political parties, in our lives, in our society'.

He added: 'My own political party takes the strongest action to deal with anti-Semitism wherever it rears its head.'

Luciana Berger led eight MPs in walking out on Labour this week, admitting: 'I cannot remain in a party which I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic.'

Enfield North MP Joan Ryan followed last night, and said: 'We never had this problem in the party before he was the leader. It comes with him, it is part of his politics I am afraid

'Labour should be the bulwark against that - against the hard right and their views. Instead of that, inside Labour it is perpetuating anti-Semitism.'A Colorado fifth grader has been named Top Cookie CEO with a little help from Jason Momoa's shirtless image.

Charlotte Holmberg was rewarded with the title thanks to the brilliant idea of putting the Aquaman star front and center on the packaging of her Samoas.

The 39-year-old actor appears in a picture as the DC comic book character showing off tattoos and long wet-look hair. But even the angry look on his face has not scared off potential customers.

Scroll down for video

Boxes of Samoas were re-branded 'Momoas' with actor Jason Momoa's shirtless image

Charlotte Holmberg was honored Top Cookie CEO after re-branding the Girl Scout cookies

In fact, Holmberg said the move made her boxes of exactly the same vanilla cookies, coated in caramel, sprinkled with coconut, and drizzled with chocolate, more in demand.

'The moms are getting really excited and are saying they need them!' Holmberg told KUSA.

One mother posted on Facebook alongside some boxes of the treats: 'Got my Girl Scout stash for the whole entire year and of course some Jason Samoas.'

Holmberg added about the clever marketing scheme: 'Girls will want to buy some because he's on the front and boy will want to because he's their favorite character.'

Holmberg said the move made her boxes of the vanilla cookies, coated in caramel, sprinkled with coconut, and drizzled with chocolate, more in demand with mothers and children alike

Even fellow Girl Scouts wanted Holmberg to take their money for the Momoas.

Girl Scouts of Colorado praised the little girl who lives in Highlands Ranch on their Facebook page last week, saying they 'love that creativity' for the start of council booth sales.

Holmberg shifted a whopping 2,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies last year.

Her Momoas were created to shift even more for 2019 and it looks like she'll have no trouble beating the 2018 achievement.

Samoas are already the top-selling cookie for Girl Scouts and some people called her 'savvy' for the move.

'I don't even like Samoas but I'd totally buy those,' one person commented on an Instagram post of a woman who proudly showed off her purchase.

Holmberg's marketing professional mother was inspired by a meme and got to work gluing photos of Momoa to boxes of the coconut and chocolate treats

On the contrary, some social media users called out Holmberg's mother for it.

'This is ridiculous. If the Boy Scouts tried this with a woman, they would be called sexist. Way to push 'sex sells' on kids,' one Instagrammer commented.

A woman on the Girl Scouts of Colorado Facebook page said: 'This is wrong on so many levels. So can Boy Scouts put a half naked female model on their popcorn tins? The #metoo movement goes both ways.

'Girl Scouts used to be about helping others, this is sending the wrong messageSex shouldn't sell. Also, she didn't sell these cookies Jason did. Girls Scouts should be embarrassed & so should this mum.'

But it seems Holmberg wasn't the only Girl Scout using the idea that has been floating around on social media.

Another mother promoted her child's similar operation on the Facebook page. She posted: 'My daughter has been doing these as well.'EU countries have backed an overhaul of the bloc's copyright rules which would force Google and Facebook to filter out copyright-protected content on their platforms - including YouTube and Instagram - and pay publishers for news snippets.

The proposal, endorsed by EU members states on Wednesday, is unpopular with many Europeans who view it as an attempt to censor the web.

Thousands gathered in Cologne at the weekend to protest against the move, which they say will be a de facto 'meme ban' - as the internet jokes are often based on copyrighted images and video.

Protests: The move is unpopular with many Europeans who view it as an attempt to censor the web - and at the weekend a large protest gathered in Cologne against it (pictured)

Outrage worsened this week after the EU Commission was forced to take down an online post in which it called opponents of the controversial proposal a 'mob' and implied they had been hoodwinked by powerful tech companies.

The piece - titled 'How the mob was told to save the dragon and slay the knight' - was deleted and replaced with a message saying it had been taken down because people had not correctly understood it.

This only fueled the anger of its opponents, who felt they were owed an an apology.

The lobbying battle has raged since September 2016 when the European Commission proposed to modernise copyright for the digital age, sparking a major debate between tech giants, artistic creators and member states.

Negotiators for the European Council, which represents the EU's 28 member states, and for the European Parliament struck a provisional deal last week, but in a rare rebellion, several member states today voted against the compromise and two abstained.

Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Poland refused to back the deal and released a joint statement slamming the final text.

The reform's goal was 'to stimulate innovation, creativity, investment and production of new content,' the rebel countries said.

However, the final text 'fails to deliver' and 'is a step back' for the EU, they said.

The dissenting countries also said the proposed changes could hinder innovation and hurt the bloc's competitiveness in the digital market.

'We regret that the Directive does not strike the right balance between the protection of right holders and the interests of EU citizens and companies,' they said.

The new EU copyright proposals, which face a final vote in the European Parliament in March or April, would mean tech giants such as Facebook and Google (pictured) would have to sign licensing agreements with rights holders such as musicians, performers, authors, news publishers and journalists to use their work

The next step in the process is a vote by a committee of lawmakers next week and a final crunch vote at the European Parliament is expected in March or April with the outcome highly uncertain.

Powerful Germany backed the deal, but voiced concern that the reform faced a harsh test in the European Parliament with opposition growing, a European source said.

The biggest stumbling block has been a provision that calls for YouTube and other platforms to remove illegal content using automatic filters, or face massive liability.

Another bone of contention is a provision to create 'neighbouring rights' - that opponents call a link tax - for media publishers.

The revamp would require Google and other online platforms to sign licensing agreements with rights holders such as musicians, performers, authors, news publishers and journalists to use their work online.

Google's YouTube and Facebook's Instagram and other sharing platforms will have to install upload filters to prevent users from uploading copyrighted materials.

Google, which has lobbied against both features and has even suggested that it might pull Google News from Europe, said last week it would study the text before deciding on its next steps.The Jamaican father of Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris said last Friday that his daughter employed a 'fraudulent stereotype' of pot-smoking Jamaicans when she acknowledged last week that she had smoked marijuana decades ago.

'My dear departed grandmothers ... as well as my deceased parents, must be turning in their grave right now to see their familys name, reputation and proud Jamaican identity being connected, in any way, jokingly or not with the fraudulent stereotype of a pot-smoking joy seeker and in the pursuit of identity politics,' Professor Donald Harris said.

'Speaking for myself and my immediate Jamaican family, we wish to categorically dissociate ourselves from this travesty.'

Donald Harris is a retired Stanford University professor who has served as an economic consultant to the Government of Jamaica and economic adviser to at least two prime ministers there.

Retired Stanford University economics professor Donald Harris (left) condemned his daughter Sen. Kamala Harris (right) for justifying her pot-smoking days by chuckling in a radio interview that half her family is Jamaican

Sen. Harris is a California lawmaker whose father is Jamaican and mother is Indian; she is one of six Democratic senators running for president

The senator drew criticism for saying in a radio interview that she had smoked pot, because she was a tough-on-crime prosecutor in California who sent hundreds of people, largely black men, to prison on drug charges

His statement to Jamaica Global Online followed Sen. Harris' interview with The Breakfast Club, a New York City hip-hop radio program. She told the hosts that she wants weed legalized and remembers what it felt like to be high.

Mr. Harris complained about his daughter joking about the stereotype that Jamaicans are all marijuana smokers

'I have. And I inhaled. I did inhale. It was a long time ago, but yes. I just broke news!' Harris said,' through a cascade of laughter. 'You know, I joke about it  half joke  but half my family's from Jamaica! Are you kidding me?'

'It was a joint,' Harris recalled, adding: 'I think it gives a lot of people joy, and we need more joy!'

She courted controversy by saying she listened to Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur while she was high, after one of the program's hosts placed the episodes during her college years.

Harris graduated from Howard University in 1986 and finished law school in 1989. The two rappers didn't release albums to the public until 1993 and 1991.

By then, the future senator was a prosecutor in the Alameda County, California District Attorney's office. She served in that office for eight years.

Snoop Dogg (left) started releasing records in 1993 and Tupac Shakur (right) in 1991; Harris said she had listened to both shile she was high, suggesting that she was a drug user during her years as a prosecutor from 1990 to 1998

Her father Donald was a Stanford professor and adviser to the Jamaican government.

Born in Brown's Town, in the north of the Carribean island, he was educated at the University College of the West Indies and then studied for a PhD at Berkeley, where he met and married Harris' mother, also an academic at Berkeley at the time.

Harris is an economist specializing in economic development.

He was a professor at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, Chicago, the University of Wisconsin and from 1972, Stanford, retiring early in 1998 and becoming professor emeritus.

Professor Harris has advised the Jamaican government on development plans and was also a Fulbright scholar, and an adviser to the World Bank.

Although he has lived in the U.S. since 1960, he has kept close links to the island, publishing more than 30 academic papers on its economy, and also written for its local press.

WHO WAS KAMALA HARRIS'S MOTHER? Dr. Shyamala G. Harris, who raised Kamala Harris and her sister Maya as a single mother, died in 2009 at age 70. The daughter of an Indian diplomat, she earned her university degree at age 19 and had a U.C. Berkeley Ph.D in nutrition and endocrinology by the time she was 25. Shyamala Gopalan (center) was Harris's Indian-born mother; they're pictured with Harris's sister Maya (right) , who is now Kamala's presidential campaign chairman Most of her career was devoted to researching the role hormones play in breast cancer, including a 16-year posting at the Jewish General Hospital and McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She served at one point on the President's Special Commission on Breast Cancer and worked at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory during the last decade of her life. She met her husband Donald Harris, a Stanford economics professor, through an activist community during the 1960s civil rights movement in Berkeley. They separated when Kamala, the future U.S. senator, was 7 years old. Advertisement

It's unclear if his daughter was a marijuana user during her time as a deputy district attorney, while she was cultivating an image as a tough-on-crime crusader who sent hundreds of people to state prison following marijuana-related convictions.

Harris now says she has long been an advocate for states legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes, and wants it legalized in general.

'I think we need to legalize marijuana,' she told the radio hosts, adding that 'we need to move it on the schedule so that we can research the impact of weed on a developing brain.'

'Not all drugs are the same,' she insisted, while suggesting that criminalizing weed has disproportinately affected black men in America's criminal justice system.

'We have incarcerated so many, particularly young men  and young men of color  in a way that we have not for the same level of use, other young men. And we've got to deal with that,' she said.

Recreational marijuana use is legal in 10 states and the District of Columbia. Thirty-three states have legalized medical marijuana. But the drug is still illegal under federal law  turning the pot trade into a volatile cash-only business that can't use FDIC-insured banks for deposits.

Bill Clinton famously claimed in 1992 that while he had experimented with weed in college, he 'didn't inhale' it

Barack Obama proudly declared during his first presidential campaign that he had smoked pot in his youth and inhaled because 'that was the point'

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (right) said during a September 2015 presidential primary debate that he had smoked pot, later tweeting: 'Sorry Mom'; President Donald Trump has said he never partook of drugs or alcohol other than communion wine

It has been nearly 29 years since presidential candidate Bill Clinton admitted that he had smoked weed but insisted that he 'didn't inhale.'

Harris said in the radio interview that her pot delivery method of choice was a joint

More than a quarter-century later, Libertarian Party presidential nominee Gary Johnson, a former New Mexico governor, said he was a regular pot smoker but stopped during the campaign: 'I want to be completely on top of my game, all cylinders.'

President Donald Trump has softened his 1990s-era view that states should legalize marijuana. He has said he has never taken an illegal drug or drunk alcohol, with the exception of communion wine.

His predecessor Barack Obama was famously open about his drug use, recalling in a memoir his teenage friendships in a group he called 'The Choom Gang.'

'I inhaled frequently. That was the point,' he told NBC News in 2006.

Top 2016 Democrat Hillary Clinton continues to insist, despite her interactions with the 1960s counter-culture, that she hever smoked marijuana; Bernie Sanders (right) was never is denial

2016 Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson, a former New Mexico governor, is a regular pot user but paused his smoking in order to be sharp on the campaign trail

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton claimed in 2016 when she ran against Trump that despite surrounding herself with counter-culture figures in her twenties, she has never smoked marijuana.

'I didnt do it when I was young,' she said in a 2014 town hall. 'Im not going to start now.'

Other presidential hopefuls have admitted toking in the past, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. After letting the cat out of the bag during a 2015 primary debate, he tweeted: 'Sorry Mom.'

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's presidential campaign told DailyMail.com in 2016 that 'when he was a teenager, he foolishly experimented with marijuana. It was a mistake, and he's never tried it since.'

'Teenagers are often known for their lack of judgment, and Sen. Cruz was no exception,' the spokesperson said at the time.A California mom missing since the afternoon of Valentine's Day was last seen at a casino in El Dorado Hills, according to police.

Brooke Harris, 49, has not made contact with her family after calling her husband earlier that day. He later reported her missing.

Security cameras at Red Hawk Casino picked up Brooke's gray 2015 Toyota Highlander in the car park at around 4.30pm on Thursday. She appeared to be alone.

Her cell phone was later found at her home but police say there is no evidence of foul play. She was last seen in person by her daughter on February 13.

Sgt. Anthony Prencipe said: 'We located video surveillance at Red Hawk security in the parking structure on the 14th at about 4.30pm.'

It shows her 'apparently alone in her vehicle at the casino'.

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Brooke Harris was last seen alone on Valentine's afternoon at a casino. Her cell phone was later found at her home but police say there is no evidence of foul play

Brooke was last seen in person by her daughter on February 13 before making a call to her husband on Valentine's Day. He reported her missing later that day

Prencipe added: 'We later found her cellphone in the residence. There's no signs of foul play or anything like that at her home.'

Friend Kasey Frey told Fox40: 'I have known Brooke for two years through the dog rescue that Im a board member of. She started volunteering for us.

'She is a very loving person. We had an immediate connection, an immediate friendship. But this is nothing I would ever have thought would have happened.

'We love her and we want her home.'

Security cameras at Red Hawk Casino picked up Brooke's gray 2015 Toyota Highlander in the car park at around 4:30pm on Thursday

The sheriff's office posted new photos of her car on Facebook, pointing out distinctive stickers

Mom-of-two Brooke has been described as a white woman with blond hair and green eyes. She is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 140 pounds.

The sheriff's office posted new photos of her car on Facebook, pointing out a green and orange 'International Association of Firefighters' sticker on the rear windshield and a black paw-print sticker on the rear license plate.A woman was violently beaten for four hours on her first dinner date with a man she met online, Brazilian police claim.

Elaine Caparroz, 57, was allegedly subjected to the sustained attack by Vinicius Serra, 27, in her apartment in Rio de Janeiro.

The victim suffered multiple fractures to her face, including a broken nose, severe damage to the orbital bones around her eyes, lost teeth and injuries inside her mouth that needed over 40 stitches.

Elaine Caparroz was assaulted following a date and left brutally beaten in her Rio de Janeiro flat on Saturday

The businesswoman was punched, kicked and bitten on her arms and legs as she tried to protect herself and escape her aggressor.

Harrowing footage of the aftermath of the assault, which started around 1am on Saturday 16 and lasted until 5:30am, shows the flat in complete disarray with damaged furniture and blood smeared walls and floor, indicating that the victim was dragged around the flat during the attack.

Neighbours intervened when they heard her desperate screams for help and alerted the building's security guards.

She suffered multiple fractures to her face, including a broken nose, severe damage to the orbital bones around her eyes, lost teeth and injuries inside her mouth that needed over 40 stitches.

The agents broke into the flat but the suspect tried to flee the scene. However, all the exits had already been locked by the guards who managed to overpower and detain the assailant until police arrived.

When guards entered the apartment, they found the seriously injured victim lying on the floor with blood splattered throughout the rooms.

Ms Caparroz, who owns a landscaping business, revealed she invited Serra, a law student, for dinner last Friday. It was the first time they had met after eight months of chatting on social media.

She said: 'We talked online for a long time and I thought our friendship would evolve into something really good. When I invited him to my apartment, I felt confident and comfortable in doing so. I believed I knew him from our conversations.'

According to the victim the horrific attack began after the pair slept together. She claimed Serra suggested they 'cuddle up' and told her to: 'Lie on my shoulder so that we can sleep wrapped up together.'

She agreed but hours later she was woken up by the brutal assault.

Ms Caparroz had been speaking to a man online for around eight months for they met and he allegedly beat her in what he called 'a psychotic outbreak'

She claimed: 'I woke up with him punching me in the face. I raised my arms to protect myself but he bit me on my arms.

Under police questioning, Serra claimed that he had drunk a lot of wine and then fallen asleep. He reportedly told officers he freaked out when he woke up and suffered 'a psychotic outbreak' which 'forced' him to 'hit Elaine for four hours'.

Detective Adriana Belem to FocusOn News: 'We believed this is a case of attempted femicide. We still do not know the motivation for the crime and we are working on piecing the facts together.

'The aggression lasted for over four hours which leads us to believe the attack was premeditated. I find it inconceivable that he had a psychotic outbreak but he has already claimed that he doesn't remember anything.'

When she tried to defend herself by putting up her arms, it is alleged that Vinicius Serra bit her before continuing a four-hour assault

According to investigators, Serra apparently tried to disguise who he was when he arrived at the condominium. He allegedly gave the doorman a false name, identifying himself as Felipe. This was registered in the visitor's book.

Speaking from her hospital bed, the victim recalled the attack in harrowing detail.

She said: 'He tried to put me in a strangle hold. I put my hands up to prevent him from completing the move, but then he bit me on my arms. He was on top of me and he kept punching me again and again.

The walls of Ms Caparroz's Rio de Janeiro flat were left covered in blood and the furniture thrown about. It is believed the victim was dragged around the apartment during the assault

'He just kept on screaming and swearing at me. He was beating me so much, so hard. The punches were so strong. I tried to defend myself but each punch he gave me I thought I was going to die.'

'I begged him to stop but he wouldn't so I started to scream "help me, help me" and I kept shouting out the number of my flat so my neighbours would know which one to come to.

'Then I think I must have passed out because I don't remember much else except vaguely hearing someone asking how I was doing.'

On Monday, a judge ruled the perpetrator should be detained behind bars pending investigations.

'Releasing the suspect could generate more fear for the victim who is already shaken by such a serious crime being allegedly committed in her residence,' the magistrate said.

The accused has also been ordered to undergo psychiatric medical examination to assess his state of mind. He faces up to 30 years in prison if found guilty of the crime.

A medical report released on Monday said the victim had been transferred from the intensive care unit in Casa de Portugal Hospital and was in a stable condition.

After a series of examinations and scans doctors said she is recovering well and will not need to undergo surgery.

The single mother of one told well wishers she is 'making a recovery'.

'I will be fine. I will soon be in good shape,' she said.

Rayron Gracie, Ms Caparroz's son and Jiu-jitsu fighter, visited his mother in hospital after travelling from the United States where he lives and trains

However her brother Rogerio said: 'Psychologically she is still disorientated and confused. We don't know whether there will be long term consequences as doctors have not ruled out neurological damage.

'Unfortunately, she has begun to blame herself and to wonder if it was her fault.'

Detective Juliana Emerick, director of the women's police station in Rio told Brazilian media G1: 'It is common among victims of aggression to believe they have done something wrong and we are working hard to encourage those suffering domestic violence to come forward.

'We would also warn women that they should always take precautions when it comes to dating online.

Rayron Gracie posted this photo of his mother on social media with the caption 'Love you mom'

'The first meeting should always be in a public place, no matter how confident you feel, even though it may follow months of conversation in the virtual environment.'

She advised that a friend or relative should be told where and when the date is happening and that a contact number should be given to keep in touch.

The victim's son, Rayron Gracie, a Jiu-jitsu fighter, who lives and trains in the United States, posted a message of love for his mother on Instagram and thanked everyone for their support and prayers following the violence.

On Tuesday, the young martial arts expert who is a member of the Gracie family, famous for being one of the forerunners of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, arrived in Brazil and updated well-wishers with a picture of him lying on the hospital bed, hugging his mother.A Delaware trooper was caught on video pulling a gun on an unarmed black man during a traffic stop last Thursday.

In the clip, Mack Buckley is seen sitting in his car waiting on the officer to come over to his vehicle.

'Out of the car,' the officer orders Buckley, who tells the officer that he's not getting out.

This shocking video shows the moment a Delaware trooper (right) pulled his weapon on Mack Buckley (left) during a traffic stop last week

'Out of the car,' the officer orders Buckley, who tells the officer that he's not getting out. The officer is then seen trying to open Buckley's door (right)

'No, no, no. You cannot, you cannot pull me out of this...' Buckley tells the officer just seconds before the trooper pulled out his weapon.

The officer is heard telling Buckley that 'I'm not f**king with you,' as he pointed the gun at him.

'Why are you pulling the gun on me?' Buckley yelled at the officer before throwing his phone into his seat and putting his hands in the air.

During the incident, Buckley repeatedly asks the officer why he pulled the gun on him as the trooper continued to tell him to unbuckle his seat belt and get out the car.

'Stop reaching for sh*t,' the officer told Buckley, who attempted to grab his phone.

The chaotic scene continued to unfold with the officer and Buckley yelling at one another as Buckley questioned the need for the gun.

Buckley was subsequently arrested and charged with resisting arrest and several traffic violations, according to Delaware Online.

It's unclear why Buckley was stopped and authorities said they are investigating the incident.

Delaware State Police said 'the video is currently under review'.

Buckley shared the video on his Facebook page. It has been viewed more than 4,000 times and has more than 100 shares.

'No, no, no. You cannot, you cannot pull me out of this...' Buckley tells the officer just seconds before the trooper pulled out his weapon. The officer is heard telling Buckley that 'I'm not f**king with you,' as he points the gun at him

Buckley was subsequently arrested and charged with resisting arrest and several traffic violations

He also shared his account of the incident on his Instagram page.

'First off... I'm not a wanted person. I'm not on probation. 2nd... at the time of the stop I was not a suspect in any crime or offense,' Buckley wrote.

He said he was 'allegedly pulled over for speeding, but pulled over 2 miles from where I was allegedly speeding at'.

Buckley said he was driving his mother's vehicle at the time of his arrest.

'I am a human being... with rights... not a suspect. And it's disturbing that people would look at me and label me a suspect because I got pulled over by the police or the tone of my skin,' the father-of-three added.

Buckley is the founder and co-owner of Grynde Hawse, LLC and Print 25 Apparel.

He's also a self-published author.

No further information was available from police and authorities did not release the identity of the officer.

But Buckley said the officer in the video was Corp O'Neil of Troop 7 in Lewes, Delaware.

The incident occurred in the Slaughter Neck neighborhood of Sussex County, Delaware.A 15-year-old boy convicted of sexual assault against a girl in a classroom has been allowed to continue to attend the same school as his victim who is forced to 'pretend he is not there'.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons was put on the sex offenders register after being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault.

The boy was allowed to remain at the school whilst awaiting prosecution and was then tried at a youth court almost a year after the assault.

He was given a restraining order and told not to contact or approach his victim. The school said it followed all procedures correctly, however the victim now has to share corridors with the boy who assaulted her.

The young girl is now forced to attend the same school as her attacker (stock photo)

Speaking to the BBC the victim said: 'I have to just keep my head down, pretend he's not there, otherwise it makes me panic.'

'It was known that boy was very 'hands on' with girls. He started making comments about me, touching my legs and putting his hands on me.

'Then gradually he started putting his hands up my skirt, touching my chest and I kept telling him to stop.'

The victim said she wanted to leave but that she felt as though she couldn't do anything and that she was 'powerless'.

Now the victim's family, from Essex, has said that they do not believe the youngster should be allowed to stay at the school.

Her mother said: 'I think the day he was found guilty he should have been excluded. He should not be allowed near my daughter or any woman right now. I worry every single day, even now. I don't feel the boy was adequately punished at all.

'But we are so proud of her for standing up  theres not a day that goes by where I dont think Im so proud'.

Data from a freedom of information request put forward by the BBC revealed that at least 6,289 sexual assaults took place in and around schools between 2015 and 2017 - and there was a 60% rise across those three years.

This may include assaults on staff as well as pupils and was supplied by 26 of the 45 police forces from England and Wales, but excluded Scotland.

The victim said that her attacker was known to be 'hands on' with other female pupils at the school

Some forces said certain offences took place outside school, or on the bus on the way to school.

In terms of what restrictions the boy will face back at school, these would have been part of the court order which would have also set restrictions on the boy, which included him not approaching the victim.

How restraining orders work in the UK Restraining orders are used in various ways in the UK and can be used post-conviction and post-aquittal. Restraining orders are primary used in domestic situations, are implemented to protect named persons and can be made on conviction and on acquittal.

When sentencing for any offence the court can make a restraining order for the purpose of protecting a person (the victim or victims of the offence or any other person mentioned in the order) from conduct which amounts to harassment or which will cause a fear of violence. Restraining orders are usually applied when the defendant and the victim are known to each other and where there is a continuing risk to the victim of harassment or violence after the date of conviction. According to the CPS, these orders are intended to be preventative and protective. The guiding principle is that there must be a need for the order to protect a person or persons. A restraining order is therefore preventative, not punitive. Advertisement

The Department for Education issued guidelines in May last year as to show schools should deal with sexual assault and the approach they should take once a pupil is convicted. However, this is dealt with on a case by case basis.

Anna Cole, inclusion specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders, told the BBC she suspected the rise was down to better reporting by individuals and schools.

She said: 'These are really complicated decisions that schools have to make, there will be all sorts of competing pressures on schools to make these decisions.

'Schools know they can't take this lightly. It can't just be dismissed as 'banter' or a normal thing that happens anymore.'

Ms Cole was however, clear on the steps that schools should undertake following an assault.

'Schools should immediately remove the alleged perpetrator from the same classes and also consider how they travel in and out of school together and how they are in the corridors and the playground so they are kept separate.

'This isnt to make a decision of guilt on the alleged perpetrator its really to protect them both and safeguard them both.'

This is while the NSPCC said the number of its Childline counselling sessions for victims of sexual abuse carried out by other children increased by a third between 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Almudena Lara, head of policy, said: 'We are alarmed at the number of sexual assaults that are taking place inside school gates, where parents rightly expect that their children are kept safe.

'Children must be supported to recognise what constitutes abuse and harassment, teachers must ensure that victims understand they are not to blame.'

Speaking to the BBC ahead of Inside Out on BBC One which aired on Wednesday evening, the victim said the guilty verdict helped her to deal with the ordeal.

'It took a massive weight off my shoulders to be listened to. For most part I felt I was going mad. [I was] told in court I was a liar, but to be believed was a relief.'

She added that it had been hard to stay at school knowing that her convicted attacker had been allowed to continue with his studies.

'I thought I wasnt going to see him again, because I thought if they know he is a sex offender and the person he attacked is in the same school then they would take him out, but they just didnt.'

While a Department for Education spokesperson said: 'Sexual assault is illegal and can have a devastating impact on its victims. Schools are predominately safe places and pupils and parents rightly expect them to be so.

'In September last year, we strengthened our guidance on how all schools and colleges should support young victims of sexual assault, with additional advice on how to deal with allegations of child-on-child sexual assault and sexual harassment.

'We are also making Relationships Education universal in all primary schools and Relationships and Sex Education universal in all secondary schools from September 2020 - both of which will teach children about healthy, respectful friendships and relationships, alongside topics such as consent'Elizabeth Warren has a list of problem areas she says are national emergencies, although she stopped short of saying Tuesday night that she'd take executive action to resolve them.

Warren appeared on the 'Late Late Show' with James Corden to promote her candidacy for president, and the comedian brought Donald Trump's border emergency up.

Corden asked the Massachusetts senator what she would consider to be a national emergency, if she were in the Oval Office.

'Let's do the list,' she responded giddily. 'Climate change ... gun violence ... student loan debt, right off the top. That's what we oughta be working on.'

Elizabeth Warren has a list of problem areas she says are national emergencies, although she stopped short of saying Tuesday night that she'd take executive action to resolve them

NOT THE WALL: Democratic presidential candidates are grappling with the national emergency question. They all say that the wall isn't one of them

A fundraising email from 'Elizabeth Warren' but signed 'Team Warren' that went out the day after Trump's national emergency declaration mentioned gun violence and drug abuse as crises. It specifically referred to them as national emergencies

Warren did not say she would use executive action to address the issues she believes are emergencies.

'We ought to be working on it together,' she said, instead. 'Congress, the president, as a country, those are the things we should be working on.'

A fundraising email from 'Elizabeth Warren' but signed 'Team Warren' that went out the day after Trump's national emergency declaration mentioned gun violence and drug abuse as crises. It specifically referred to them as national emergencies.

'Lets be clear about a few things,' the email said. 'Gun violence is a national emergency. Climate change is a national emergency. The opioid epidemic is a national emergency. Building Donald Trumps border wall is not. And his decision to declare a fake national emergency at the border is fear-mongering of the worst kind.'

The email referred to the emergency declaration and other Trump orders as 'unconstitutional power grabs' and dedicated Warren to 'big, structural changes' in the nation 'to tackle our countrys real emergencies head-on.'

It asked recipients to donate money to Warren's 2020 campaign in its conclusion.

Warren again referred to the 'opioid crisis' as a 'national emergency' on Wednesday.

She said in a tweet: 'Donald Trumps ridiculous wall isnt a national emergency. But our countrys opioid crisis is. Rep. Elijah [Cummings] and I are proposing big, structural change to fix it.'

Democratic candidates have grappled for days with the question of what they would consider a national emergency, if elected, now that Trump has claimed the mantle in order to secure funding for the construction of his border wall.

President Trump signs his national emergency declaration on the wall, in this handout photo from the White House, last week in the Oval Office

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris called Trump's wall a 'vanity project' and said 'we should address the actual emergencies facing our country  everything from gun violence to the opioid crisis' in a tweet that proceeded his announcement.

She accused Trump on Tuesday of 'abusing his powers' and lying about the effectiveness of a border wall at stopping drug smugglers.

At a New Hampshire Institute of Politics breakfast, Harris said that the border emergency is a 'crisis of his own making' that Trump manufactured to validate his 2016 election to office.

'We don't need a multi-billion dollar wall. That wall ain't gonna stop them,' she said of drug traffickers.

Laughing aloud as she searched for the words she wanted to use to make her point, Harris said: 'The idea that he is trying to say that we have people that are trying to invade our country to commit mass crime is a crisis of his own making.

'We don't need a multi-billion dollar wall. That wall ain't gonna stop them. We need resources at our ports of entry,' she insisted.

Sen. Cory Booker said Sunday, as he embarked on his first weekend in the early voting state as a presidential candidate, that he believes that there's an 'urgency' to deal with gun violence in America.

He could not say whether he would declare it or climate change a national emergency.

'I think you declare a national emergency when there is a national emergency. Should I become president, I'll evaluate one of those emergencies, if they come up,' he told DailyMail.com at a house party in Manchester.

Pressed to say whether gun violence in America is a national emergency, Booker replied, 'Again, what we have right now in our country is an urgency to do something about gun violence.

'And we can do that if all Americans get more active and engaged, we keep fighting and keep pushing, like the Parkland students have, like activists in inner city communities like mine have. We can get that done through the political process, if we get more people engaged and more people active. I have faith in that.

He added, 'This idea now of trying to ask people who are future aspirants about some future time what the crises are going to be, I can't tell you what the crises will be in 2021.

'I can tell you right now, there's no crisis at our border, in the way that President Trump is characterizing [one]. This is a manufactured crisis in order for him to build a wall that we don't need, he said that Mexico would pay for.

'He's in the wrong right now, he's abusing the ideals of separation of powers,' he contended. 'What he's doing wrong, we will fight him through the legislative process, we fight him through the courts, what he's doing is wrong.'Spain has threatened to block British citizens from having visa-free travel throughout the EU after Brexit as the row over Gibraltar resurfaced.

Legislation to give British travellers a visa-exemption was being discussed by the European parliament, after it was agreed in principle by negotiators on both sides.

If agreed the deal would mean that until 2021 there would be no need for a visa to visit any EU member state, even if the UK left the bloc without a deal.

But the plan could hit the rocks after Spain dredged up the issue of Gibraltar and insisted the territory was described as a 'colony' in the agreement presented to the European parliament.

Last month Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez sought to use the Brexit stand-off as an opportunity to open discussions over joint sovereignty of The Rock after Britain leaves the EU.

The Rock of Gibraltar has been used as a pawn in the Brexit negotiations over the last two years

Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, threatened he would 'veto Brexit' over the issue of sovereignty of Gibraltar

Spain almost blocked the conclusion of the Withdrawal Agreement deal last November and repeatedly raised the issue during two years of negotiations.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez threatened he would 'veto Brexit' over Gibraltar.

But Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, rejected Spain's talk of power-sharing and Britain refused to listen to Madrid's threats.

Spain again raised the idea of Gibraltar being defined as 'disputed' earlier this month when a footnote defining Gibralar as a 'colony' was inserted into the visa-free legal documents.

Now the issue is threatening to derail visa-free travel between Britain and the bloc post-Brexit.

As the agreement is going through the European parliament, Madrid again insisted, with the support of the other 26 member states, the definition be used in the EU's documents.

Theresa May rejected Spain's calls for discussions over joint sovereignty of Gibraltar between Spain and Britain post-Brexit

The row started when the EU rules on visa free travel included a footnote which said: 'Gibraltar is a colony of the British Crown'

It would mean British travellers could have to pay 52 (60) for a visa to visit an EU members state for less than 90 days.

The proposed deal awaiting ratification in the parliament would mean this visa would not be necessary and UK nationals would need to pay 7 for three years visa-free travel after 2021.

But the European parliament today rejected the language proposed by the council of the European Union - which represents the member states and backed Spain's demands, the Guardian reported.

It is the third time Spain's proposal, supported by the member states, has been knocked back by MEPs and casts doubt over whether the legislation can be rescued before the Brexit deadline of May 29.

Petr Jezek, an MEP who was at the meeting, said the members states were 'playing with fire' by rejecting the deal, according to the Express.

He said: 'The member states won't sign off on it [visa-free travel] until the European Parliament accepts describing Gibraltar as a colony.

'The council is holding half a billion citizens to ransom on this folly.'

Downing Street has clashed with Brussels over its description of Gibraltar as a 'colony' following an European Council document setting out plans for visa-free travel for Britons after Brexit

A Spanish warship with its guns primed for action (highlighted in red) tried to order commercial vessels to leave Gibraltars British waters

The EU rules on visa free travel included a footnote which read: 'Gibraltar is a colony of the British Crown.

'There is a controversy between Spain and the United Kingdom concerning the sovereignty over Gibraltar, a territory for which a solution has to be reached in light of the relevant resolutions and decisions of the General Assembly of the United Nations.'

A spokesman for Number 10 said in an earlier statement: 'Gibraltar is not a colony and it is completely inappropriate to describe in this way.

'Gibraltar is a full part of the UK family and has a mature and modern constitutional relationship with the UK.'

The deal going through the EU was part of the Withdrawal Agreement which was rejected by the Commons last month and would have seen British nationals continue to be treated as EU citizens during the transition period of 21 months.

On Sunday it was reported that a Spanish warship with its guns manned tried to order commercial vessels to leave Gibraltar's British waters.

Royal Navy boats were deployed and confronted the ship, which then sailed along the Gibraltar coast 'with its weapons uncovered and manned'.

It comes weeks after Britain's Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson suggested in a meeting with top brass, that UK forces should pelt Spanish war ships with paintballs in a bid to humiliate them.

He made the suggestion off the back of a huge upsurge in Spanish vessels entering British waters off the Rock.

The Rock's 2006 constitution stipulates that there can be no transfer of sovereignty to Spain against the wishes of its voters and a 2002 referendum rejected joint sovereignty between the UK and Spain.

Free travel between Spain and Gibraltar was fully restored in 1985, but travellers continued to suffer delays at the border.

In the 2016 EU referendum, the Rock voted overwhelmingly against Brexit, but Gibraltar's leaders have made clear they prefer to follow the motherland out of the EU.The American ISIS bride who wants to come home to the US has told how she wants the government to pay for her to undergo therapy if it allows her to return - and says she is hopeful they won't send her to jail.

Hoda Muthana, 24, spoke on Wednesday in an interview with ABC News, her first since fleeing the terror group three weeks ago, from a refugee camp in northern Syria.

With her 18-month-old son balanced on her lap, she said she had given up the extremist 'ideology' that convinced her to leave her family and that she wanted to be welcomed home by the American people.

'I'm a normal human being who has been manipulated,' Hoda, who was 20 when she fled, said.

'I hope America doesn't think I am a threat to them and I hope they accept me...I hope they excuse me because of how young and ignorant I was.

'I can tell them that now I have changed, now I am a mother, I have none of the ideology and hopefully everyone will see it when I get back.'

Asked what she would expect as a reasonable form of punishment for joining the terror group and calling for bloodshed in the US on social media, she answered: 'Maybe therapy lessons, maybe a process that will ensure us that we'll never do this again.

Hoda Muthana, 24, spoke in an interview with ABC News, shown abve, with her 18-month-old son Adam on her lap. She wants to come back to the US and is hopeful the State Department will retrieve her from the northern Syrian refugee camp where she is

'Jail time, I don't know if that has an effect on people. I need help mentally as well, I don't have the ideology any more but I am just traumatized by my experience.'

She added that she cries herself to sleep 'almost every night' at the thought of being put behind bars.

'I know that when I do get back I probably will be sentenced to jail for I don't know how much time.'

Looking at her son, she said: 'Thinking that my last few moments with him is stuck in a prison before another prison...'

Hoda also gave a confusing explanation for why she fled her parents' home in Hoover, Alabama, in 2014 to join the oppressive Islamic State, saying that it was because she wanted a more 'Americanized life'.

'I had a good relationship with my family but I wanted a more Americanized life. I just wanted to go out, I wanted to have, like, friends, go to places. I didn't get any of that.

Hoda said she decided to flee after watching her son eat grass because they had run out of food

The 24-year-old said becoming a mother to Adam, her son with her second jihadi fighter husband, changed her

'The only way out for me was to become practicing... to become more religious,' she said.

Before she fled, she was part of a network of young Muslims who used Twitter to soak up extremist ideas.

Hoda's first husband was Australian extremist Suhan Abdul Rahman who was killed in battle

She said they were brainwashed and interpreted what they were told by predatory ISIS members 'very wrong.'

The young mother also described how she chose her three husbands, two of whom were killed in battle, by selecting them from a list.

Laughing, she said that she and '200 other brides' were kept in a room at a time and told who to pick from the list.

'They keep you in Raqqa with locks on all the doors and windows with a guard in front of the door and a guard in front of the guard.

'At a time there would be about 200 people. Everyone just gave their preferences on who they'd like to marry and you were given a list and you could choose.

'It sounds very crazy,' she said, adding they were all 'just young girls, married for the first time.'

Hoda said she had become increasingly disenchanted with the lifestyle over the last few weeks as they ran out of food.

The bloodshed was more severe in person, she said, than she could have ever imagined and becoming a mother made her more sensitive to it.

'We would see dead bodies in public, limbs splattered on the floor...when he was born I wanted to leave because I had a new motherhood instinct that I didn't have before.'

Sousa, the town where she was living, had become increasingly desolate in the weeks before she fled.

The woman is pictured in her high school yearbook. She said she fled to Syria because she wanted more freedom and that she thought she would get it by becoming 'more religious'

'There was nothing in the market, nothing in the shops... We just plucked grass from around our houses and fried it. Seeing my son eat grass, that was my last day,' she said.

After spending two nights in the desert, she was captured by Kurdish forces and taken to the refugee camp in Northern Syria where she is now.

The State Department has not confirmed whether she will be allowed to re-enter the country and it remains to be seen if she will face charges.

State Department deputy spokesman Robert Palladino said that the status of US citizens detained in Syria 'is by definition extremely complicated' but added: 'We're looking into these cases to better understand the details.'

Her lawyers say she could be useful to the government and the FBI because she is familiar with the terror group.

Among her extremist tweets was one which read: 'You have much to do while you live under our greatest enemy, enough of your sleeping!

'Go on drive-bys and spill all of their blood, or rent a big truck and drive all over them. Veterans, Patriot, Memorial etc Day parades..go on drive by's + spill all of their blood or rent a big truck n drive all over them. Kill them.' [sic]

She said in her interview that she 'can't believe' she ever held those ideas.

Hoda's first husband was Australian jihadist Suhan Abdul Rahman. After he died, she married a Tunisian fighter and had her son Adam.

She has not named her third husband, a Syrian fighter who is still believed to be there.President Donald Trump on Wednesday slammed a New York Times report he asked then-acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker if a U.S. attorney who was loyal to him could oversee the investigation into hush money payments as 'false' and proclaimed the newspaper the 'enemy of the people.'

'The New York Times reporting is false. They are a true ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!,' Trump tweeted.

Democrats pounced on the bombshell report from The New York Times with one lawmaker saying, if it were true, Trump was unfit for office and should resign.

President Trump slammed a New York Times report as 'false'

President Donald Trump asked then-acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker if a U.S. attorney he appointed could oversee a hush money probe

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker testifying before the House Judiciary Committee earlier this month

Trump wanted Geoffrey Berman (center), the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, to oversee the hush money investigation

'If this disturbing New York Times report is accurate, then the President of the United States committed obstruction of justice,' Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell said in a statement.

'That the President would seek to impede a criminal investigation in his home Manhattan makes abundantly clear, yet again, that Congress must see his business and personal tax records. Any leader of this nation that seeks to tamper with a criminal investigation is unfit to serve and must resign.'

Additional revelations in Times report The New York Times report on President Trump's reaction to the federal probes contained other interesting tidbits: Sean Spicer Implicated President Trump told then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer to say he asked for then National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to resign. Spicer asked if that were true. 'Say that I asked for his resignation,' Trump told him in response. Additionally, the White House Counsel's office found that Spicer overstated how much the White House had investigated Flynn and incorrectly stated the administration lawyers had concluded there were no legal issues around Flynn's conduct. Pardon Offers One of Trump's lawyers reached out to attorneys for Flynn and former campaign manager Paul Manafort to discuss possible pardons. The move raised the question of whether Trump was willing to offer pardons to influence their decisions about whether to plead guilty and cooperate with special counsel Robert Mueller. Both ended up doing so. GOP Lawmakers To The Rescue Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, Mark Meadows and Devin Nunes - staunch Trump allies - decided to investigate the investigators after GOP leaders praised Mueller's appointment as special counsel. With the GOP in control of the House at that time, they were able to use their oversight powers to force open some sensitive government files - including wiretaps and the existence of an FBI informant - that were part of the Russia inquiry. They also got the private texts between then-FBI agents Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, who were part of the Clinton email investigation, and were able to help Trump's legal team question the credibility of the investigations. Legal Aid Kevin Downing, the attorney for Manafort, shared with Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani the line of questioning the special counsel's team asked Manafort and angered Mueller's team when he did so. Cohen Raid When federal agents raided then-Trump attorney Michael Cohen's office and home in April, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein told the president it had to do with Cohen's business practices. Instead the information retrieved led to Cohen admitting to arranging hush money payments to women in the 2016 campaign. Trump has asked his advisers if Rosenstein was deliberately misleading him to keep him calm. Advertisement

And Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said the report on Trump's actions is part of a 'pattern of obstruction.'

'Dangling pardons. Attempting to get a prosecutor to unrecuse. Threatening a cooperating witness. False public statements. Encouraging congressional allies to investigate the investigators to protect him. All of it a pattern of obstruction. All of it dangerous to the rule of law,' he wrote on Twitter.

New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger responded that all presidents 'had complaints about their coverage and at times took advantage of the freedom every American has to criticize journalists.'

He added in a statement: 'But in demonizing the free press as the enemy, simply for performing its role of asking difficult questions and bringing uncomfortable information to light, President Trump is retreating from a distinctly American principle. It's a principle that previous occupants of the Oval Office fiercely defended regardless of their politics, party affiliation, or complaints about how they were covered.'

Sulzberger said 'the phrase 'enemy of the people' is not just false, it's dangerous. It has an ugly history of being wielded by dictators and tyrants who sought to control public information. And it is particularly reckless coming from someone whose office gives him broad powers to fight or imprison the nation's enemies. As I have repeatedly told President Trump face to face, there are mounting signs that this incendiary rhetoric is encouraging threats and violence against journalists at home and abroad.'

'Through 33 presidential administrations, across 167 years, The New York Times has worked to serve the public by fulfilling the fundamental role of the free press. To help people, regardless of their backgrounds or politics, understand their country and the world. To report independently, fairly and accurately. To ask hard questions. To pursue the truth wherever it leads. That will not change,' he concluded.

The New York Times report detailed how Trump asked Whitaker if Geoffrey Berman, the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York and a Trump ally who the president appointed to the job, could be put in charge of the federal prosecutors looking into the president's role in paying off women during the 2016 campaign.

Berman had already recused himself from overseeing the investigation and it's unclear what Whitaker did next.

Trump, however, soured on him the way he soured on Whitaker's predecessor, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, after Sessions recused himself from overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe.

Sessions became a target of Trump's fury and a frequent object of humiliation as the president publicly said he wished he hadn't appointed him and issued multiple tweets attacking his management of the Justice Department.

Sessions resigned after the midterms and Whitaker was named acting attorney general by Trump, who has made it clear he expects loyalty from those he puts in positions of power.

The inquiry into the hush money payments is run by Robert Khuzami, a career prosecutor who took over after Berman recused himself from the probe due to a conflict of interest.

There is no evidence Whitaker intervened, The Times reported, but he did tell some associates at the Justice Department that the prosecutors in New York required 'adult supervision.'

Last month, in his first and last congressional testimony as acting attorney general, Whitaker told the House Judiciary Committee the president had never pressured him over the various investigations focused on his conduct in the 2016 presidential race.

House Democrats are now looking into whether Whitaker committed perjury.

'Very concerning @NYTimes report about the President's conduct. One of the many reasons why Matthew Whitaker must come back to @HouseJudiciary to clarify his testimony,' panel chairman Jerry Nadler tweeted on Tuesday.

President Trump denied the New York Times report on Tuesday.

'No, I don't know who gave you that,' he told reporters in the Oval Office.

'I have a lot of respect for Mr. Whitaker. I think he's done a great job. Very very straight shooter,' he added.

A Justice Department spokeswoman also said the White House had not asked Whitaker to interfere.

'Under oath to the House Judiciary Committee, then-Acting Attorney General Whitaker stated that 'at no time has the White House asked for nor have I provided any promises or commitments concerning the special counsel's investigation or any other investigation,' spokeswoman Kerri Kupec told The Times. 'Mr. Whitaker stands by his testimony.'

Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said the report on Trump's actions is part of a 'pattern of obstruction'

William Barr was confirmed as the new attorney general last week

Attorney General William Barr was confirmed last week and now heads the Justice Department.

Barr wrote a memo last summer arguing a sitting president cannot be charged with obstruction of justice for acts well within his power - like firing an F.B.I. director.

And, the newspaper reported, rank-and-file at Justice hope Barr's good relations with Trump can help displace some of the fire the president has thrown at them and the FBI.

The president is the focus of three federal investigations: Mueller's probe of whether or not the Trump campaign colluded with Russia in the 2016 election and two investigations being run out of the Southern District of New York: one focusing on the hush money payments made or arranged by then-Trump personal attorney Michael Cohen, and another examining the flow of foreign money to the Trump inaugural committee.

Cohen was the central figure in a plot to buy the silence of pornographic actress Stormy Daniels, who claimed that she had an affair with Trump in 2006.

Daniels signed a nondisclosure agreement in exchange for $130,000 from Cohen, a transaction that he admitted was a violation of campaign finance laws since it amounted to an illegally large contribution benefiting Trump's White House hopes.

Trump is the focus of multiple investigations including special counsel Robert Mueller's (left) Russia probe and House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (right)

Nadler said his Judiciary panel needs to hear from Whitaker again

He said in court that Trump directed him to make the payment, suggesting the president was guilty of a crime.

In August Cohen pleaded guilty to eight separate charges related to tax dodges, falsifying bank documents and the campaign finance violations involving Daniels and another woman, former Playboy magazine model Karen McDougal.

Cohen claims that at Trump's request, he arranged for the publisher of The National Enquirer to pay McDougal  another self-described past Trump paramour  for the exclusive rights to her life story. The magazine never published anything, engaging in a practice known as 'catch and kill' in order to help Trump avoid new scandals in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign.

Trump has denied ever having a sexual relationship with either Daniels or McDougal.

Additionally, House Democrats are conducting their own presidential probes that include the role Russia played in the 2016 election but also focusing on Trump's immigration policy, security clearances for administration staff, and possible conflicts of interest.

Trump previously tried to influence the direction of investigations against him.

He fired FBI director James Comey in May after becoming frustrated Comey refused to say publicly that the president was not under investigation.

Michael Cohen, Trump's former fixer, plead guilty to arranging hush money payments

Cohen also played a role in hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels (left) and former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal (right)

A week later The New York Times reported Trump had asked Comey to end the investigation into his former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and what meetings Flynn had with Russian officials.

The next day Mueller was appointed special counsel.

The president's defenders argue he is acting in his role as head of the executive branch and additionally point out the president has been so public in his arder against his investigators that there couldn't possibly be a conspiracy.

One of Trump's favorite arguments - that he repeatedly tweets - is that he is the victim of a 'witch hunt.'

The Times report was part of a long look the paper conducted into the president's behavior during the investigations against him.An Iranian refugee who travelled to Australia in 2013 after he was forced to flee his home allegedly conspired to import $36million worth of meth into the country.

Hamid Ranjbarian starred in a CGU Insurance commercial in 2018 sharing his experience of fleeing his home in order to start a better life in Australia.

In the video, he detailed his ownership of a progressive painting business.

'CGU celebrates and supports all Australian small businesses and in our latest campaign, we celebrate the amazing contribution migrant small business owners make to Australia,' the company wrote alongside the campaign.

Hamid Ranjbarian (pictured) starred in a CGU Insurance commercial in 2018 sharing his experience of fleeing his home in order to start a better life in Australia

Mr Ranjbarian was arrested by Strike Force Decry at his home in North Parramatta on Wednesday and denied bail

The 37-year-old father-of-one has since been charged with conspiring to import $36million worth of methamphetamine into Sydney, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Police allege Mr Ranjbarian was at the centre of a syndicate planning to smuggle more than 40kg of ice into Australia by way of Asia and the Middle East.

The accusations come after the painter by trade said he 'wants to give back to Australia by employing people, growing my business and paying my taxes, because it has given my family a new life.

'I chose to move to Australia because it is a land of freedom and opportunity,' he said.

The Iranian refugee who travelled to Australia in 2013 after he was forced to flee his home allegedly conspired to import $36million worth of meth into the country.

'I have had so much support in Australia. Lots of people have helped me get my business up and running and I have never felt like I am in another country, I feel like I am in my country.

'I now employ fifteen people and have many painting projects coming up, which means I might be able to hire more painters too,' he said.

When Mr Ranjbarian arrived in Australia, he didn't speak any English at all and learned off those around him.

But he said the biggest adjustment was learning the different rules and regulations between Australia and Iran.

When Mr Ranjbarain arrived in Australia, he didn't speak any English at all and learned off those around him

Mr Ranjbarian was arrested by Strike Force Decry at his home in North Parramatta on Wednesday and has been denied bail.

A second Iranian man was also arrested from Wentworth Point in Sydney's west.

Saeed Bakhtiyari, 27, was charged with conspiracy to import among other drug related offences.

He was also refused bail.

Mr Ranjbarain is expected to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday for a bail hearing.

Daily Mail Australia have contacted CGU Insurance for comment.

A second Iranian man was also arrested from Wentworth Point in Sydney's westAn inquest has opened into the death of a British backpacker who became the first person ever to have died after being bitten by a sea snake in Australia.

Harry Evans, 23, died on October 4 last year while he was working on a relative's fishing trawler in the sea off the Northern Territory of Australia.

While he was lowering the fishing nets that had been hauled in onto the deck, he was bitten on the thumb by a sea snake.

Harry Evans, pictured here earlier on his trip, died while he was working on a relative's fishing trawler

Mr Evans (on the left) with his twin brother George, died after he was bitten by a sea snake in a net on board the boat

Mr Evans quickly fell ill and lost consciousness and despite the crew's frantic efforts to resuscitate him, he died on board.

His body was later repatriated to the UK and his funeral took place in November.

It is believed to be the first recorded death from a sea snake in Australia.

Shortly after his death, it was revealed how Mr Evans had told crew mates he felt fine before having a shower. But he then began drifting in and out of consciousness and died around an hour later.

His twin brother George, speaking shortly after his death last October, said: 'When you think about being bitten by a snake you go back to all these documentaries that your body shuts down and it is horrendous, but it wasn't.

'It was all very peaceful. He was in and out of consciousness. They did CPR, but he just went and never came back.'

A rescue helicopter was dispatched from Darwin, about 700km (435miles) away, but Mr Evans died before they had arrived.

A St John's Ambulance spokesman said there was little emergency services could do to help him in such a remote location

Mr Evans quickly fell ill and lost consciousness and despite the crew's frantic efforts to resuscitate him, he died on board

Mr Evans went to Poole High School and then trained for a year as a boat builder.

He flew to Australia in August after arranging to work on the fishing trawler through the skipper, who is a family relation.

He flew to Darwin in the Northern Territory and was meant to be at sea until November. He was due to fly back to the UK next February and had arranged to visit New Zealand next year.

Mr Evans' mother, Sharon, 48, said her son had called her the day before he died telling her what a wonderful time he had been having in Australia.

'Harry was the happiest he had ever been on that boat. He called me and said he was having the time of his life,' she said.

An inquest into his death was opened at Bournemouth Coroners Court today where it was heard Mr Evans was working on board the Ocean Exporter vessel.

A post mortem examination was carried out at the Royal Darwin Hospital in Australia and the cause of death was recorded as sea snake bite.

Coroner Brendan Allen adjourned the inquest until October 2 and requested reports from Mr Evans' family, GP and from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, who are liaising with the Australian authorities.Dramatic video footage shows the moment a Mexican actress was set upon by four women who beat her and ripped her hair extensions out in a brutal attack in a nightclub restroom.

Paola Villalobos, 25, was out with friends Saturday night at Republica, a trendy night spot in Mexico City's vibrant Polanco district, when she was attacked.

Cell phone footage shows Villalobos being dragged on the floor by her hair while one of her assailants fights off a bathroom attendant who tries to pull her away.

'They could have killed me,' Villalobos told Univision. 'I was very scared. At that moment I didn't know what was happening to me.'

Paola Villalobos, a Mexican actress and television host, was dragged and beaten inside the restroom of Republica, a trendy nightclub in Mexico City's vibrant Polanco district on Saturday night

A woman (left) rips off Paola Villalobos' hair extensions during the frightening attack

Another woman then steps in and rips a handful of the Mexican television host's hair extensions from her head.

Villalobos, who suffered facial and head bruises and other injuries including a broken blood vessel in her right eye, said two other women were filming the assault and warned others not to assist her.

Villalobos, who is a Televisa presenter, posted a video on Instagram on Monday and said she had no idea why she was attacked.

A restroom attendant (center in the left image) at a nightclub in Mexico City tries to restrain a woman (pictured in the left and right images with the beige dress) while Paola Villalobos (pictured to the right in the right image) tries to defend herself from her attackers

Villalobos shared some of the injuries she suffered in the attack. She suffered a broken blood vessel in her right eye as well as head and facial bruises

She told how her attackers jumped on top of her and hit her while they yanked her hair. She said she has no idea how long the attack lasted as 'everything was so fast'.

'It's super, super embarrassing and super sad to not even be able to go out with friends and go to the bathroom alone because you don't know if you might be attacked,' Villalobos said.

'It is unfortunate that there are such situations taking place among women and in society. It is outrageous,' she added.

Mexican Instagram blogger Chamonic posted an image of two of the alleged attackers but they have not been named.

Villalobos also said that her lawyers were working with local police on locating and pressing charges against two of the women that were identified through the video.

Mexican Instagram blogger Chamonic posted images of two of the alleged attackers (above)Specialists are increasingly worried children are 'going blind' as they're forced to wait up to two-years for eye treatments.

The head of ophthalmology at one of Sydney's major children's hospitals has voiced his concerns - as children with treatable conditions fall burden to his severely under-resourced department.

The Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick, in the eastern suburbs, has reportedly raised the issue over the past decade but struggled to receive additional resources, The Australian reported.

Specialists are increasingly worried children are 'going blind' as they're forced to wait up to two-years for eye treatments (stock image)

The Randwick ophthalmologists decided in September 2018 the Lions Eye Clinic for Children within the hospital was not able to safely treat new patients.

New patients were notified their appointments had been cancelled in a letter.

'Unfortunately, after many years of understaffing, the clinic cannot reliably provide adequate paediatric ophthalmic care to a level considered minimum standard for a developed country,' the letter obtained by The Australian said.

'The situation has reached the expected and forewarned clinical point where too many short cuts are risking patient safety.'

The head of ophthalmology at one of Sydney's major children's hospitals has voiced his concerns (stock image)

There were reportedly three cases where serious eye conditions were almost missed that led to the drastic decision.

Head of the paediatric ophthalmology department Kimberley Tan said their was a waiting list of 500 children who had been waiting between 18-months and two-years for an appointment.

'We are really worried that children are going blind unnecessarily with treatable diseases that should be picked up within an acceptable time frame,' he said.

The ten-year-old clinic received more than $1million of donations from Lions clubs when it was formed.A British MEP has been arrested with two other Green Party MEPs for breaking into a Belgian airbase in protest against the stockpiling of US nuclear bombs.

Molly Scott Cato and two others scaled the perimeter fence at the Kleine Brogel base and unfurled a banner reading 'Europe free of nuclear weapons' on the runway.

The protest came after US President Donald Trump's announcement that he was withdrawing from the intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) treaty earlier this month.

The base houses US F-16 fighter aircraft capable of delivering devastating explosives with the B61 and B83 nuclear bombs.

Molly Scott Cato holding a sign (second from left) with two other Green MEPs on the runway at the Kleine Brogel base in north eastern Belgium

The Green activists were protesting President Donald Trump's recent decision to pull out of a landmark Cold War-era nuclear treaty with Russia

Ms Scott Cato said: 'Our action is intended to challenge EU countries to remove US nuclear weapons from European soil.

'Each B61 bomb is 23 times more powerful than the bomb that devastated Hiroshima.

'These apocalyptic weapons should find no home in Europe.

'We demand that Europe's nuclear nations immediately sign up to the landmark global Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and begin the process of decommissioning their nuclear arsenals.

'Nuclear weapons are obsolete in an era of asymmetric warfare and cyber warfare and have no place in a European defence policy for the 21st century.

'Britain and France have ignored their obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons for far too long.'

Molly Scott Cato, MEP for South West England, addresses an audience in Liverpool in 2015

US Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets of the type stationed at Kleine Brogel on show during a recent air show in India

There are rumoured to be some 150 American owned nuclear bombs scattered at bases across Europe, according to the Guardian, and the activists claim Kleine Brogel is one of those locations.

This is in marked contrast to the many thousands of warheads thought to have populated Europe at the height of the Cold War.

Ms Scott Cato was joined by Tilly Metz of Luxembourg and Michele Rivasi of France in scaling the fence, the Guardian reported.

Green co-leader Sian Berry backed the protest, saying: 'We stand in full solidarity with our brilliant MEP Molly and her Green colleagues who have been arrested for taking a stand against nuclear weapons.

'These bombs have the potential to kill millions of people.

'They make us less safe, are obsolete in modern warfare and are a colossal waste of money.

'It is only right all US nuclear weapons are removed from Europe.

'Greens are never afraid to put their bodies on the line for what is right.

'These Green MEPs will be found on the right side of history for the principled actions they have taken.'A toddler has miraculously survived after falling from a fast van into the path of a heavy lorry on a highway in China.

The child flew out of the black van after a door suddenly slid open when the vehicle went around a corner at a high speed.

Seconds later, a woman jumped out of the van into the middle of the traffic lane to rescue the child.

The red lorry misses the toddler (circled) by inches after the child fell out of a van in China

A woman stands in the middle of the traffic lane after jumping out of the van to save the child

The lorry driver slammed on the brakes after seeing the woman, and the heavy vehicle missed the child by inches, according to the police.

A white car that was travelling right behind the van also stopped in the nick of time and the driver rushed out of the car to pick up the toddler.

The terrifying accident took place in the Wanzhou District in Chongqing City in south-west China.

It was unclear when the accident happened, but the Chongqing Police released the CCTV footage yesterday through its official account on video-sharing app Douyin.

The toddler was flung out of the van from the left door by momentum when the van was making a sharp right turn.

The lorry was travelling behind the van on the neighbouring traffic lane to the right.

It is understood the van driver had not locked the doors properly.

The driver of the car behind the van helps the woman pick up the child after stopping in time

Chongqing police have not identified the woman who, according to them, hopped out of the van to save the toddler, but social media users suggested that she could be the child's mother.

Some people pointed out that the child survived because of the woman.

They claimed the lorry driver had not seen the toddler and he carried out emergency braking after seeing the woman, which prevented the truck from running over the toddler.

The police urge parents to use car seats and ensure the doors of their cars are locked while travelling with their children.A brother and sister have been charged over the murder of a close family friend whose 'charred' remains were found 300km from her home.

Shaye Kotiau, 22, appeared before Melbourne's Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, charged with the murder of women's rights activist Tamara Farrell, 31.

His sister Kieahn, 19, was later charged with accessory to murder.

The siblings were earlier revealed to be long-time family friends with the anti-violence campaigner, who had only recently moved to Victoria, The Herald Sun reported.

Two siblings have been charged over the murder of activist Tamara Farrell (pictured)

Ms Farrell's badly burnt corpse was found on the side of a country road far east of Melbourne on Tuesday morning, only a week from her 32nd birthday.

She was last seen a day earlier at her Canadian home, near Ballarat, about 300km away.

Mr Kotiau and his sister were arrested hours after the grisly discovery, with the elder sibling charged quickly after.

That same day, detectives seized a canister of petrol from the boot of a Holden Commodore parked in front of their Altona home, west of Melbourne.

His sister spent Monday being questioned by police before she was charged a day later.

The 31-year-old women's rights activist (left, right) was reportedly a family friend of the brother and sister charged over her murder

Shaye Kotiau was arrested with his 19-year-old sister as detectives scoured their home

She faced court late on Wednesday afternoon where she was released on conditional bail.

Mr Kotiau was remanded in custody until June.

He reportedly appeared uneasy in his seat as his charges were read aloud.

His lawyer reiterated the claim she made a day earlier that her client was 'very mentally unwell' and struggling to cope with being held in custody.

'It's his first time in custody and he is vulnerable due to his youth,' she said.

The barrister also recommended her client be seen by a forensic nurse urgently due to his 'rapidly deteriorating condition'.

The woman's body was found on the side of a country road 300km from her home

The 31-year-old was an avid women's rights activist, lamenting the death of Aiia Maasarwe

While the remains are yet to be identified, police believe them to be that of the 31-year-old.

Posts to Ms Farrell's Facebook account show she was deeply passionate about ending violence against women.

She regularly shared posts from women's rights groups, and at the start of February reflected that four women had already died at the hands of men.

'Already there's been four women killed,' she wrote, adding a sad emoji. 'And we're only a month into the new year.'

After Aiia Maasarwe's death, Ms Farrell posted: 'Yet again', adding a crying emoji.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 3333 000.This is the shocking moment an Ohio man punched his own lawyer in the face after being sentenced to 47 years in prison for pistol whipping his girlfriend and arson.

David Chislton, 42, struck Aaron Brockler in the face despite being handcuffed, leaving him with a broken nose and a concussion.

Chislton, wearing an orange jumpsuit, had just been told by Judge Nancy Margaret Russo he faces 47 years in jail after being found guilty of numerous charges.

He turns and takes a swing at Brockler, who is standing to his left. Using both hands he then punches his attorney, knocking him down.

Officials and others in the court then rush to pull Chislton away as other can be heard screaming. The police body cam footage then shows an officer as he holds down the defendant before he is led away.

Another officer can be heard telling him: 'You calm? You know you messed up, right?'

In 2017 he held his girlfriend hostage at gunpoint and threatened to kill her. He then set fire to the Miles Landing apartment complex in Warrensville Heights which led to a police stand off.

After being told his sentence the Warrensville Heights man turned to hit Brockler before biting him during the violent outburst in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas courtroom, according to witnesses.

Brockler, who left the courtroom on a stretcher, joked 'it was pretty fun'.

The moment man punched his own lawyer in the face after being sentenced to 47 years in prison has been captured on camera from inside the court room

Using both hands he then punches his attorney, knocking him down before officers rush in to pull him off and lead him away

David Chislton, right, struck Aaron Brockler, left, in the face despite being handcuffed. Attonery Brockler suffered a broken nose and concussion

He told Fox 8: 'I turned in to talk to him, and I just felt a swoosh and saw stars. And I remember waking up underneath the trial table.

'I went to go turn to tell him "I'll come and see you privately to discuss what your options are," and before I could even get the words out, I just got sucker punched right in the side of the head.

'While his crimes were serious, I think it was just a big number for him and he lashed out against me for whatever reason.'

Victim Brockler said Chislton was left with a 'full range of motion' after he was handcuffed at the front.

He added: 'Typically the inmates are restrained behind their back, but from the minute he came out, he had his hands in front of him.'

Chislton was sentenced Tuesday morning in the Cuyahoga County courtroom, pictured

Chislton had just been told by Judge Nancy Margaret Russo he faces 47 years after being found guilty of numerous charges. In 2017 Chislton held his girlfriend hostage at gunpoint

Chislton then set fire to the Miles Landing apartment complex in Warrensville Heights

Defense lawyer Michael Goldberg and eyewitness told Cleveland.com: 'He just wheeled around and punched his defense lawyer. It was pretty heinously violent.'

Cuyahoga County Administrative Judge John Russo said: 'We thank the deputies and others who responded during the incident for their quick actions, and we encourage the sheriff's department to fully review safety protocols for Court proceedings.

'I'm lucky that he didn't get his hands around me and choke me out with the cuffs, or you know, he could've got to the judge. It's not a good situation to be cuffed in the front, in my opinion.'

It is understood Chislton will face additional charges over the attack.The aspiring California rapper killed by police after taking a nap in his car at the drive-thru of a Taco Bell was shot around 25 times and had his ear partially blown off, his attorney claims.

Shocking video footage emerged in the aftermath of Willie McCoy's death showing cops surrounding his car before opening fire.

It has now been revealed that the 20-year-old was hit in the throat, face, shoulders, chest and arms.

Images showed his windshield sprayed with bullet holes in the incident involving six law enforcement officers after staff called police around 10.30pm reporting the sleeping man who had his engine running.

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Cops fired through aspiring rapper Willie McCoy's throat, face, and blew off part of his ear, says his family attorney Melissa Nold

Photos of McCoy's vehicle shows at least 16 bullet holes in his windshield (pictured). Oakland attorney Nold says he was shot around 25 times. His cousin previously said it was 20 times

'Overkill is an understatement,' his family attorney Melissa Nold told NBC.

McCoy's cousin, David Harrison, shared a video on Facebook following the shooting.

'You can't just keep killing us in the street like this,' Harrison said. 'My cousin was asleep in the car and they shot him  20 times.'

A coroner's report has not been released.

Vallejo Police Officers declined to comment while the investigation is active.

McCoy, who is in the rap group FBG, had fallen asleep at the wheel of his car and was slumped over with a weapon on his lap.

Staff called police who surrounded the vehicle while he was still unresponsive.

Attorney Nold said McCoy had a broken side window that was simply covered with plastic and could have easily been removed in order to gain entry to the vehicle while he slept

The 20-year-old was sitting at the wheel of his car, asleep, with a loaded gun on his lap when the officers surrounded his vehicle. He was pulled unconscious from the vehicle after the six cops opened fire, apparently in fear for their lives because he started moving when he woke

McCoy's silver Mercedes was in the drive-thru lane of the restaurant, blocking other vehicles, but he was passed out. It remains unclear if he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Upon arrival to the Taco Bell at 974 Admiral Callaghan Lane, two officers (pictured, on the scene) approached the vehicle and 'noticed the driver was unresponsive'

Police say that after they had blocked his car in, McCoy suddenly woke up and reached for a gun placed on his lap, causing them to fear for their lives.

A hail of bullets rang out while other drivers waited nearby.

One filmed the incident in which law enforcement officers are said to have opened fire in only four seconds.

Seconds before opening fire, a cop can be heard yelling at McCoy but his remarks are not audible in the footage.

After the gunfire stopped, there was more yelling as the officers shouted repeatedly for the rapper to put his hands up.

Shortly afterwards, they had to reach into the Mercedes to unlock it. McCoy was pulled out unconscious and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

While police were securing the area, McCoy suddenly moved and reportedly reached for the gun on his lap

Police said a semiautomatic handgun found at the scene was reported stolen in Portland

Law enforcement said they considered reaching into the vehicle to remove the weapon before he woke but mentioned the locked door preventing them.

Attorney Nold questioned the decision because McCoy had a broken side window that was simply covered with plastic and could have easily been removed.

Police said they gave McCoy 'several commands to put his hands up'.

Speaking about the moment after the rapper was fatally injured, cops stated they then gave him CPR.

They stated: 'Officers continued to yell commands at the driver and ultimately reached through the broken glass of the driver's window to unlock the vehicle.'

Nold criticized the way the incident was handled and said the cops had an obligation to 'avoid use of deadly force'.

She hypothetically asked what if McCoy had been experiencing a medical emergency at the time and needed help?

McCoy's family said he was not threatening the cops.

'Willie was a good person he didn't deserve that,' his cousin, Levonte Cole, told KTVU. 'I have no words for Vallejo police. They're supposed to protect and serve. They're not supposed to shoot to kill.'

Police said a fully loaded 0.40 caliber semiautomatic handgun with extended magazine found at the scene was stolen from Oregon.

The six officers involved in the shooting have not been identified but all have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

It is not yet clear if he had any drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of the incident that may have caused him to pass out.

McCoy's (left) family attorney said 'Overkill is an understatement' about his gunshot woundsPresident Trump egged on a student a suing the Washington Post for its coverage of a confrontation in Washington with a Native American man that the teen says distorted reality.

Covington Catholic student Nick Sandmann, 16, is suing the Washington Post for defamation. He claims the newspaper falsely accused him of racist acts and instigating a face-off with a Native American activist in the January incident.

Trump gave Sandmann is his backing on Wednesday morning after watching a segment on the lawsuit, and other inaccurate media stories, on 'Fox & Friends.'

The president quoted Sandmann's suit and said, 'Go get them Nick. Fake News!'

In a another tweet, Trump, who routinely harangues the Post and other news outlets he believes are biased, predicted the end of the media as an industry in a half-decade.

Covington Catholic student Nick Sandmann, 16, is suing the Washington Post for defamation

The president quoted Sandmann's suit and said, 'Go get them Nick. Fake News!'

Trump gave Sandmann is his backing on Wednesday morning after watching a segment on the lawsuit, and other inaccurate media stories, on ' Fox & Friends'

In a another tweet, Trump, who routinely harangues the Post and other news outlets he believes are biased, predicted the end of the media as an industry in a half-decade

Trump often calls news outlets with which he has disputes 'fake news' and the 'enemy of the people' when he's particularly outraged.

The Washington Post is a favorite target of Trump's. The billionaire president has a beef with the paper's owner, Bezos, who happens to be significantly wealthier than him.

In a weekend tweet Trump repeated his claim that the media is not only 'rigged and corrupt' but the true 'enemy' of the American public.

Tweeting on Wednesday amid an winter snow storm, he said: 'The Press has never been more dishonest than it is today. Stories are written that have absolutely no basis in fact. The writers dont even call asking for verification. They are totally out of control. Sadly, I kept many of them in business. In six years, they all go BUST!'

Later in the morning he slammed another paper, The New York Times, for a report it ran on his conversations with recently departed acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker.

The paper claimed that Trump asked Whitaker to interfere in the federal case against Michael Cohen, a former fixer for him who flipped to receive a reduced jail sentence. Trump says Cohen is making stories up to fulfill his end of the bargain.

Raging about the report on Twitter, which he'd called 'fake' to reporters the day before, Trump said, 'The New York Times reporting is false. They are a true ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!'

Possibly taking a page out of the litigious president's book, Sandmann is suing the Post over its reporting on his confrontation on the National Mall with a Native American elder.

A viral video of the incident suggested that Sandmann was blocking the man's path, but subsequent video and testimony from Covington students called initial reporting into dispute.

The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Kentucky seeks $250 million in damages, the amount that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos paid for the Post in 2013.

The lawsuit claims that the newspaper 'wrongfully targeted and bullied' the teen to advance its bias against President Donald Trump because Sandmann is a white Catholic who wore a Make America Great Again souvenir cap on a school field trip to the March for Life pro-life rally in Washington, D.C. on January 18.

The Washington Post's Vice President for Communications Kristine Coratti Kelly said: 'We are reviewing a copy of the lawsuit and we plan to mount a vigorous defense.'

Sandmann (left) was accused of 'taunting' Phillips (right) and blocking his path while 'smirking', when video showed that Phillips waded into the group of boys to confront them

The Washington Post is a favorite target of Trump's. The billionaire president has a beef with the paper's owner, Bezos, who happens to be significantly wealthier than him

In a photo that went viral from the incident, Sandmann is seen standing face to face with Native American activist Nathan Phillips. Sandmann stares smiling at him while Phillips sings and plays his drum.

The incident sparked outrage on social media. In early articles, the Post reported that the schoolboys 'surrounded' and 'taunted' 64-year-old Phillips.

The newspaper claimed that a 'smirking' Sandmann had stood in Phillip's path, blocking him from moving.

More extensive video of the events told a radically different story, showing the boys were subjected to racist abuse by a group of Black Hebrew Israelites, before Phillips waded into the group of students and banged his drum directly in Sandmann's face.

In a statement, Sandmann's Atlanta-based lawyer, Lin Wood, said additional similar lawsuits would be filed against other parties in the weeks ahead.

A private investigation firm retained by Covington Diocese in Park Hills, Kentucky, found in a report released last week no evidence the teenagers provoked a confrontation.

Phillips (above) spread the claim that the boys had chanted 'build that wall' at him, when nothing of the kind could be found in extensive video of the incident

Sandmann defended his actions in an interview, saying he meant no disrespect for Phillips and smiled because he thought it would diffuse the situation

The students were met at the Lincoln Memorial by offensive statements from members of the Black Hebrew Israelites, the report said.

The investigation also determined that the students did not direct any racist or offensive comments toward Phillips although several performed a 'tomahawk chop' to the beat of his drum.

Phillips claimed in a separate video that he heard the students chanting 'build that wall,' during the encounter, a reference to Trump's pledge to build a barrier along the U.S. border with Mexico.

The investigators said they found no evidence of such a chant and that Phillips did not respond to multiple attempts to contact him.

In a letter to parents this week, Covington Bishop Roger Foys said the students 'were placed in a situation that was at once bizarre and even threatening'.

'The immediate world-wide reaction to the initial video led almost everyone to believe that our students had initiated the incident and the perception of those few minutes of video became reality,' the bishop wrote.

Students told investigators that they felt Phillips was coming into their group to join their own cheers, which were meant to drown out insults from the Black Hebrew Israelites.

They claimed that they were confused but did not feel threatened by Phillips, the report said.

'We found no evidence of racist statements to Mr. Phillips or members of his group,' the report said. 'Some students performed a "tomahawk chop" to the beat of Mr Phillips' drumming and some joined in Mr Phillips' chant.'

The investigators also reviewed related videos, including one made the same day in which a young person says: 'It's not rape if you enjoy it.'

The investigators say they determined that person was not a Covington Catholic student.British citizens who helped the Nazis are receiving pension payments from the German government for helping Hitler's forces during World War II, according to a group of Belgian MPs.

Olivier Maingain, Stephane Crusniere, Veronique Caprasse and Daniel Senesael told the Belgian parliament that British and Belgian citizens are among those believed to be receiving around 378.26 to 1,108.70 per month, according to RTBF.

National authorities are unaware of the identities of those receiving payments, and only the German ambassadors in each country know who they are, meaning the payments are tax free.

Among those receiving the payouts include former members of the SS, who carried out some of Hitler's most twisted commands (stock image)

Around 30 Belgians receive the plush pay-outs per month, while it is unclear how many in the UK are paid.

Among those receiving the payouts include former members of the SS, who carried out some of Hitler's most twisted commands.

It is unclear whether the people receiving the payments are British nationals who volunteered to help the Nazis, or if they are German nationals who emigrated to the UK after the war.

In a statement to DW, the Belgian MPs wrote: 'The situation is the same in the UK, where former SS members also receive pensions directly from Germany without the payments being either communicated to, or taxed by, the British authorities.'

It is noted that Germany pays 50 euros a month to people who were deported or subjected to forced labour during the war, Euronews reported.

Stormtroopers lined up on parade during a Nazi Party Congress in Nuremberg, Germany, 1936

Belgian MPs called on the government to 'restore justice - fiscal, social and memorial - befitting historic and moral commitments taken by the founders of Europe, including our country and Germany'.

The group called on the Belgian government to address the pensions with Angela Merkel's government, a move which was supported in parliament.

Ulla Jelpke, the German socialist leader, said the government's parties, in particular Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), had continually blocked attempts to stop the payments.

She told German news website DW: 'I think it's unacceptable that Nazi collaborators have been getting pension payments for decades, while victims of the Nazis had to fight for compensation

'This goes for foreign SS volunteers just as much as for domestic ones. Anyone who voluntarily participated in the murderous destructive policies of the Nazis should not get any reward.'

The pensions were the only degree Hitler issued which was not revoked at the Potsdam Conference in 1945.Todays official figures report a record 32.6 million people in work in the UK. Credit must go to the over-50s who are at the forefront of this increase. Over the past year, the total number of people in work in the UK has increased by 444,000. Seven in ten (70%) of these workers are aged 50 and over. There are now a record 10.4 million workers in the UK aged 50 and over. Aviva estimate that this age group will represent more than one-in-three workers in the UK in the coming decade. The number of people who define themselves as retired before the age of 65 is falling  down 39,000 in the past year. The number of women who define themselves as retired before the age of 65 is at a record low of 642,000. For many, an early retirement is increasingly a thing of the past as we look to fund longer retirements, while many continue to enjoy the satisfaction work can bring. Alistair McQueen, Head of Savings & Retirement at AvivaThere is a need for employers to support their growing army of older workers. For example, Aviva is introducing Mid-Life-MOTs for its workers aged 45 and above  helping them consider their longer-term wealth, work and wellbeing plans. In our ageing society, age must be no barrier to opportunity at work.A British plum has been given the same protected status as French Champagne, Italian prosciutto ham and Spanish manchego cheese.

The Denbigh Plum has been awarded protected designation of origin status by the European Union.

The scheme, authorised by the European Commission, recognises quality agricultural food and drink that are processed and prepared in a specific region using expertise.

The Denbigh Plum has been awarded protected designation of origin status by the European Union. It is given to recognise quality agricultural food and drink that are processed and prepared in a specific region using expertise

Nia Williams, secretary of the Denbigh Plum Group, said: 'This is the consequence of years of work by a group of volunteers from the Denbigh area to protect Wales' only native plum'

How to seek protected food status: Types of protection - Traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG): It must have a traditional name and characteristics that distinguish it from other similar products.

It must have a traditional name and characteristics that distinguish it from other similar products. Protected geographical indication (PGI): The item must be produced, processed or prepared in the area you want to associate it with.

Protected designation of origin (PDO): It must be produced, processed and prepared in one area and have distinct characteristics from this area. Who can apply - Individual food producers can apply or can form a group.

This can include as many people as needed.

Has to have a product name protected as well as a draft product specification.

Make specification as clear as possible - it needs to show how another producer in the area with the product could make the same product. Advertisement

There has been a lengthy fight to recognise the plum - Wales' only native variety - which is found in the market town in the Vale of Clwyd.

Nia Williams, secretary of the Denbigh Plum Group, said: 'This is the consequence of years of work by a group of volunteers from the Denbigh area to protect Wales' only native plum.

'It has far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of the food that is produced with the plums, but in terms of planting trees in the whole of the Vale of Clwyd, because it is important that the whole valley benefits from this.

'There will be opportunities for tourism, because everyone will have heard about the Vale of Clwyd due to this.'

The Denbigh Plum becomes the 16th item of food produced in Wales to be added to the protected name status lists.

It joins Anglesey sea salt, Conwy mussels and Caerphilly cheese among foods of protected status.

Britain has 86 products protected under the law.

Stilton cheese was recognised in 2007, Cornish Pasties were added in 2011 and London smoked cure salmon was granted status in 2017.

Food and drink products awarded the status receive Europe-wide protection against imitation, misuse and fraud.

The Denbigh Plum becomes the 16th item of food produced in Wales to be added to the protected name status lists. It joins Anglesey sea salt (left) and Caerphilly cheese (right) among foods of protected status

There are three categories people can apply to.

The traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG) category is where the product must have a traditional name as well as characteristics that distinguish it from other similar products.

Protected geographical indication (PGI) status needs the item to be produced, processed or prepared in the area the person wants to associate it with.

And protected designation of origin (PDO) requires a product to be produced, processed and prepared in one area and have distinct characteristics from the area.

The UK Government has said all produce currently protected by EU rules in Britain will make up the new list of goods with a protected geographic indication following March 29 and exiting the EU.

Officials said they anticipated that the new UK status would also be recognised by the EU, even in a no deal scenario.

Stilton blue cheese was granted protected designation of origin status in 2007 and Cornish Pasties were also added to the lists in 2011

In the European Union the name Champagne is legally protected by the Madrid system dating back to 1891An Australian lake has turned a fairy-floss shade of pink thanks to the summer weather.

The Instagram-worthy lake in Westgate Park, west Melbourne, is now glistening with a pink complexion thanks to the mixture of high salt levels, increased sunlight and warmer temperatures.

The deep pink colour is achieved when the algae, which is forming in the salt crust in the water, starts to produce red pigments.

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The Instagram-worthy lake (pictured) in Westgate Park, west Melbourne, is now glistening with a pink complexion

But while the rosy-shaded lake may look like it's changed its appearance, the natural phenomenon isn't all it seems.

The lake water is still completely clear, although very salty.

And the pretty pink illusion isn't a permanent fixture either.

The bright blushed look only lasts as long as the summer months, so tourists and locals should pay a visit to the lake while the pink hue lasts.

The bright blushed look only lasts as long as the summer months, so visitors should visit the lake (pictured) while it lasts

When the higher summer temperatures start to ease off, and rainfall begins to increase, the lake (pictured) will revert back to its usual transparent appearance

When the higher summer temperatures start to ease, and rainfall begins to increase, the lake will revert back to its usual transparent appearance.

'[The] small lake that turns a deep, dark pink when algae growing in the salt crust at the bottom produces a red pigment as part of its photosynthesis process,' Parks Victoria conservation manager Phil Pegler said.

'As the lake is currently pink, grab the kids and take them down so they can better understand and appreciate how fragile and beautiful our environment is,' he added.

But anyone who fancied a quick dip in the pink waters may be left a little disappointed.

Visitors have been advised to avoid all contact with the water as it could have adverse side-effects.

'We recommend people avoid coming into contact with the water as it is very saline, so can cause skin irritation,' Mr Pegler said.

However, it cannot be predicted as to when the lake will develop a pink glow.

The Westgate Park lake last turned pink in the hotter months of 2018.A snap poll has suggested the new Independent Group would be backed by 14 per cent of voters just three days after it launched.

The extraordinary figures in a YouGov poll for The Times suggest the centrist party is in third place.

Crucially, it appears to be pulling support from both the Tories, who score 38 per cent, and particularly Labour, who plunge to 26 per cent.

The last regular YouGov poll had the Tories on 41 per cent and Labour on 33 per cent.

The poll was carried out on Monday and Tuesday - when the group was only made up of ex-Labour MPs.

A snap poll has suggested the new Independent Group would be backed by 14 per cent of voters just three days after it launched

YouGov said: 'Compared to our current voting intention figures, its clear that the Independent Group are taking support from the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats - though its Labour who take the biggest knock.

'Note that much of the difference is not down to votes transferring to the new party, but because many current Labour voters say they don't know who they would vote for in that scenario.

'This is to be expected - while the split has happened, The Independent Group don't yet have a leader, don't yet have policies and are not yet even a political party.'

The pollster added: 'Its also worth bearing in mind that this poll was conducted on Monday and Tuesday, when the Independent Group was made up only of former Labour MPs.

'Todays subsequent defection of several Conservative MPs may well change how the nascent movement is seen by the public, and make it more attractive to disaffected Conservative voters.

'Its far too early to predict the fortunes of the Independent Group - their success or failure will depend not only on public support, but also their relationship with the existing Liberal Democrats: will they end up merging, coming to an agreement or competing against each other?

'Time will tell, too, how their support is distributed around the UK and how this relates to the unforgiving nature of Britain's electoral system.

'All these initial polls can give us is a baseline of support for the Independent Group.'

Three Tory MPs quit the party and defected to the Independent Group today in a humiliating blow for Theresa May. The group are pictured taking their new seats in the Commons. Heidi Allen is in black centre, following by Anna Soubry in bright Blue, and Sarah Wollaston right in a blue scarf.

Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Ann Coffey and Mike Gapes left in rage at Mr Corbyn's leadership to trigger the historic shift

In a sensational new development today, three ex-Tory MPs took their Commons seats opposite from Theresa May today after defecting to the new Independent Group.

Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen shook hands with their new colleagues before sitting on the Opposition benches for the first time at PMQs.

They shook the Prime Minister less than an hour before the bruising session warning the 'country deserves better' from its politics.

Vowing to stand in the 'centre ground' in a damning letter to Mrs May the group said they could not remain in the Tories while it was 'in the grip of the ERG and DUP'.

The move puts rocket boosters under the new political movement that was launched by a 'gang of seven' ex-Labour MPs on Monday. It is the biggest split in British politics since 1981 and could set in motion a total realignment of the party system.Cops have arrested the man behind the brutal murder of an 11-year-old Southern California girl, finally cracking the nearly 50-year-old case.

James Alan Neal, 72, was arrested in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 6.29am on Tuesday for the murder of Linda Ann O'Keefe, who disappeared on July 6, 1973 in Newport Beach, California.

Genealogical DNA coupled with 'old-fashioned' police work led detectives to Neal, according to Orange County District Attorney Public Administrator Todd Spitzer.

Following a genealogical submission to site Family Tree DNA, authorities were alerted to a DNA hit in the case in January. That pointer identified Neal as a suspect.

Investigators located him in Colorado and put him under surveillance and retrieved more DNA from the victim to corroborate their new findings.

'Our investigators used forensic DNA testing and an online genealogy website to identify the suspects DNA as being consistent with DNA left at the crime scene,' Newport Beach Police Chief John Lewis added.

James Alan Neal, 72, has been arrested as the suspect behind the decades-old murder of 11-year-old California girl Linda Ann O'Keefe whose body was found strangled to death on July 6, 1973

His DNA was found on the victim and placed into the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) database where it failed to yield a hit for decades, Orange County District Attorney Public Administrator Todd Spitzer said in a press conference Wednesday

Then in January following a genealogical submission, it finally made a hit and led police to Neal. He was tracked to Colorado and arrested Tuesday morning. Newport Beach Police held a press conference identifying Neal on Wednesday (above)

Investigators revealed Neal went by the name James Alan George Layton at the time of the murder when he lived in Orange County in the 1970s.

After the murder he fled to Florida, changed his name, and later ended up in Colorado.

O'Keefe vanished in 1973 while she was walking home from school in Newport Beach.

She was last seen near a turquoise van speaking to a white man in his mid-20s or early 30s, according to witnesses.

Her strangled body was found the following day in a grassy ditch in the Back Bay area. She was discovered by passing bicyclists who called police.

A DNA sample was recovered from the victim at the time of the crime and placed into the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) system, but it failed to yield a hit.

The CODIS system is the FBI's criminal justice DNA database.

'And so that sample remained in the system for a long period of time,' Spitzer said.

'However, because of innovations in science and technology, and the fact that these detectives were using every means available to them, they received a pointer indication through genealogical DNA,' he added.

Linda's murder joins a number of cold cases that have been solved through the use of modern DNA technology.

In August Golden State Killer Joseph James DeAngelo was arrested for a dozen murders and 50 rapes that took place back in the late 70s and 80s, after investigators used online genealogical sites like Ancenstry.com and 23andMe.

Just last week Minnesota man Jerry Arnold Westrom was arrested for the 1993 stabbing murder of a woman after he was tracked down using DNA testing and investigators tested a tissue he used to confirm it.

Linda disappeared as she was walking home from school on July 6, 1973 and her strangled body was found the following day

The case was cold for decades then in July 2018 police hired a DNA technology company to make composite sketches using the killer's DNA to determine what he looked like

The age progression photos predicted what the killer would have looked like today

Linda's case had been cold for years until last year Newport Beach police hired Parabon, a Virginia-based DNA technology company that specializes in the process of using genetic material to build composite sketches.

Exactly 45 years after her body was found, the Newport Beach Police Department announced a lead in her case and shared age progression images, generated through DNA, of the killer.

The police department launched a Twitter campaign retelling the story of her murder with her photographs and the age progression pictures, pleading for any leads.

Neal faces charges of murder, two special circumstances and kidnapping with the intent of lewd and lascivious acts with a child in her brutal murder.

He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal murder and the DA says they will consider asking for the death penalty.

He's expected to appear at a hearing on Wednesday.

Newport Beach Police took to Twitter last July to share a series of tweets in Linda's voice and announce a breakthrough in the case

At the time of the murder, a police bulletin (pictured) showed a sketch of person of interest

'As the Orange County District Attorney, I am committed to protecting the community. My office will never forget about cold case s,' Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement.

'Our hearts go out to the victim and the victims family in this case, having to endure decades without answers. We will make sure that the defendant is fairly and justly held accountable in a court of law,' he added.

Tragically, Linda's parents passed away before they ever learned of a suspect.

Investigators were able to share the news of an arrest in Linda's murder with her two sisters.

The ingenius Twitter campaign that the Newport Beach Police launched was a series of tweets told in Linda's voice, recounting her mysterious murder.

'Hi. I'm Linda O'Keefe...Forty-five years ago today, I disappeared from Newport Beach. I was murdered and my body was found in the Back Bay. My killer was never found. Today, I'm going to tell you my story,' the tweet said.

'Years have passed since this heinous murder, but the (department) remains dedicated to justice for Linda, and committed to finding her killer,' the department said.

Linda was a Girl Scout and went missing as she was walking home from school in 1973

Police also explain in chilling detail how a bicyclist found her body while he was looking for frogs among cattails

In one of the tweets, the police department tweet about the dress Linda was last seen inBrothers and sisters--

I am writing to let you know I have decided to run for president of the United States. I am asking you to join me today as part of an unprecedented and historic grassroots campaign that will begin with at least a million people from across the country. Please join our campaign for president on day one and commit to doing what it takes to win this election.

Our campaign is not only about defeating Donald Trump, the most dangerous president in modern American history. It is not only about winning the Democratic nomination and the general election.

Our campaign is about transforming our country and creating a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice.

Our campaign is about taking on the powerful special interests that dominate our economic and political life. I'm talking about Wall Street, the health insurance companies, the drug companies, the fossil fuel industry, the military industrial complex, the private prison industry and the large multinational corporations that exert such an enormous influence over our lives.

Our campaign is about redoubling our efforts to end racism, sexism, homophobia, religious bigotry and all forms of discrimination.

Our campaign is about creating a vibrant democracy with the highest voter turnout of any major country while we end voter suppression, Citizens United and outrageous levels of gerrymandering.

Our campaign is about creating a government and economy that work for the many, not just the few. We are the wealthiest nation in the history of the world. We should not have grotesque levels of wealth inequality in which three billionaires own more wealth than the bottom half of the country.

We should not have 30 million Americans without any health insurance, even more who are underinsured and a nation in which life expectancy is actually in decline.

We should not have an economy in which tens of millions of workers earn starvation wages and half of older workers have no savings as they face retirement.

We should not have the highest rate of childhood poverty of almost any major country on Earth and a dysfunctional childcare system which is unfair to both working parents and their children.

We should not have a regressive tax system in which large, profitable corporations like Amazon pay nothing in federal income taxes.

Make no mistake about it. The powerful special interests in this country have unbelievable power and they want to maintain the status quo. They have unlimited amounts of money to spend on campaigns and lobbying and have huge influence over the media and political parties.

The only way we will win this election and create a government and economy that work for all is with a grassroots movement  the likes of which has never been seen in American history.

They may have the money and power. We have the people. That is why we need one million Americans who will commit themselves to this campaign.

Stand with me as we fight to win the Democratic nomination and the general election. Add your name to join this campaign and say you are willing to do the hard work necessary to transform our country.

You know as well as I do that we are living in a pivotal and dangerous moment in American history. We are running against a president who is a pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe and someone who is undermining American democracy as he leads us in an authoritarian direction.

Im running for president because, now more than ever, we need leadership that brings us together  not divides us up. Women and men, black, white, Latino, Native American, Asian American, gay and straight, young and old, native born and immigrant. Now is the time for us to stand together.

Im running for president because we need leadership that will fight for working families and the shrinking middle class, not just the 1 percent. We need a president who understands that we can create millions of good-paying jobs, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and construct the affordable housing we desperately need.

I'm running for president because we need trade policies that reflect the interests of workers and not multi-national corporations. We need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage, provide pay equity for women and guarantee all workers paid family and medical leave.

I'm running for president because we need to understand that artificial intelligence and robotics must benefit the needs of workers, not just corporate America and those who own that technology.

I'm running for president because a great nation is judged not by how many billionaires and nuclear weapons it has, but by how it treats the most vulnerable  the elderly, the children, our veterans, the sick and the poor.

Im running for president because we need to make policy decisions based on science, not politics. We need a president who understands that climate change is real, is an existential threat to our country and the entire planet, and that we can generate massive job creation by transforming our energy system away from fossil fuels to energy efficiency and sustainable energy.

Im running for president because the time is long overdue for the United States to join every other major country on Earth and guarantee health care to all people as a right, not a privilege, through a Medicare-for-all program.

Im running for president because we need to take on the outrageous level of greed of the pharmaceutical industry and lower prescription drug prices in this country.

I'm running for president because we need to have the best educated workforce in the world. It is totally counterproductive for our future that millions of Americans are carrying outrageous levels of student debt, while many others cannot afford the high cost of higher education. That is why we need to make public colleges and universities tuition free and lower student debt.

Im running for president because we must defend a womans right to control her own body against massive political attacks taking place at the local, state and federal level.

I'm running for president because we need real criminal justice reform. We need to invest in jobs and education for our kids, not more jails and incarceration. We need to end the destructive "war on drugs," eliminate private prisons and cash bail and bring about major police department reform.

I'm running for president because we need to end the demonization of undocumented immigrants in this country and move to comprehensive immigration reform. We need to provide immediate legal status for the young people eligible for the DACA program and develop a humane policy for those at the border who seek asylum.

I'm running for president because we must end the epidemic of gun violence in this country. We need to take on the NRA, expand background checks, end the gun show loophole and ban the sale and distribution of assault weapons.

I'm running for president because we need a foreign policy which focuses on democracy, human rights, diplomacy and world peace. The United States must lead the world in improving international cooperation in the fight against climate change, militarism, authoritarianism and global wealth inequality.

That is why we need at least a million people to join our campaign and help lead the movement that can accomplish these goals. Add your name to say were in this together.

Needless to say, there is a lot of frightening and bad news in this world. Now, let me give you some very good news.

Three years ago, during our 2016 campaign, when we brought forth our progressive agenda we were told that our ideas were "radical" and "extreme." We were told that Medicare for All, a $15 an hour minimum wage, free tuition at public colleges and universities, aggressively combating climate change, demanding that the wealthy start paying their fair share of taxes, were all concepts that the American people would never accept.

Well, three years have come and gone. And, as result of millions of Americans standing up and fighting back, all of these policies and more are now supported by a majority of Americans.

Together, you and I and our 2016 campaign began the political revolution. Now, it is time to complete that revolution and implement the vision that we fought for.

So here is my question for you:

Will you stand with me as part of a million person grassroots movement which can not only win the Democratic primary, not only win the general election, but most importantly help transform this country so that, finally, we have a government that works for all of us and not just the few? Add your name to say you will.

Together we can create a nation that leads the world in the struggle for peace and for economic, racial, social and environmental justice.

And together we can defeat Donald Trump and repair the damage he has done to our country.

Brothers and sisters, if we stand together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. I hope you will join me. Thank you very much.

In solidarity,

Bernie SandersThe company of Prince William's brother-in-law is allowing Nazi propaganda and anti-Semitic hate mail to be peddled through it, MailOnline can reveal today.

The Nazi hate mail is being printed on personalised gift boxes at a company owned by Kate Middleton's younger brother, an investigation sparked by a former employee has revealed.

The whistleblower revealed how James Middleton's gift company Boomf - based in the Berkshire village of Ashampstead Common - shipped out a confetti-filled box with a swastika, even after it was pointed out that it could be a hate crime.

A news agency ordered this Boomf box featuring a swastika and other offensive imagery

The whistleblower had worked at Boomf, which boasts the founder of Moonpig.com as a director and Pippa Middleton's husband James Matthews as an investor, before she quit in disgust after seeing the gift box get sent out with the anti-Semitic image on it.

She said that despite taking the offensive box off the production line to show to senior staff and claiming that sending it could be a hate crime, she was ignored when a manager passed the box back down to another worker and she watched it get sent out.

Boomf founder James Middleton, pictured at a GQ awards event in Berlin last November

As part of an investigation, a news agency ordered a similar Boomf box featuring a swastika and other offensive imagery, which was received as requested last week.

The Boomf box was designed to be obviously unacceptable to test whether Boomf responsibly cancelled orders, which the firm's terms and conditions state it can do.

But the company still produced the box, which includes the image of a swastika, concentration camp gates, Jewish graves and the neo-Nazi slogan 'Blood and Soil'.

A Boomf spokesman told MailOnline: 'This should not have happened. We are a small company processing over half a million images a week, but we are reviewing our policies and processes to make sure this cannot happen again.'

It follows allegations made by the whistleblower, who was employed as an agency worker before Christmas and said she was 'disappointed' in the Middleton family.

In a freezing warehouse, the woman, aged in her 40s, was one of around 20 agency workers brought in to help the ten to 12 permanent employees at Boomf.

The Boomf box was designed to be unacceptable to test if Boomf responsibly cancelled orders

Boomf was processing about 5,000 orders per day at the time. T-shaped boxes would arrive in plastic trays, which workers would pick up and take away to assemble at a rate of three minutes per box.

James Middleton's company is situated alongside Carole Middleton's Party Pieces firm. Mother and son are pictured at Pippa and James Matthews's wedding in May 2017

The woman picked up a box to assemble on December 14, 2018 and was horrified when she started to put it together and gradually realised one of the four sides had an anti-Semitic symbol on it.

The whistleblower, who asked not to be identified, said: 'The pictures on the box were a homemade swastika cake which was coloured. One hundred percent it was a Nazi swastika. It was red, white and black. There were also a couple of emojis, one of them was the poo emoji.

'One of them was a toothless old man in black and white, and one of them was a gravestone. It was a shaped gravestone. I thought they looked like Jewish gravestones. Normally when the boxes come through, the pictures tell a story.

'A Christmas one could be a kiddie growing up, marriage proposals, will you be my bridesmaid, that sort of stuff.

'But on this one there was none, it was just odd. There wasn't any personal message, which was unusual. I wasn't sure if it was a joke, but there was nothing obvious to make it clear it was.

'I took it up to the office and gave it to one of the office staff - three young girls in their 20s. They didn't like any of the agency workers, some of whom were Eastern European. They tarred us all with the same brush. So when I went up there they did sort of look at me like I didn't have a brain cell in my body.

'I showed them the box and said the words, 'does this come under hate crime?'

The company still produced the box, which includes the image of a swastika, concentration camp gates, Jewish graves and the neo-Nazi slogan 'Blood and Soil'

'They said, 'we'll email the client', and the one supervisor, a former permanent employee who rose up the ranks, was there and they all conferred on it. But it still got sent out.

'Literally someone walked out of the door behind me, took it downstairs, and gave it to another worker to send out. They took it straight back to where I'd just been working and gave it to the person who was almost sat next to me.

'The person they gave it to put it in the envelope and I watched it go through the post rack. It then goes to post and the post gets collected twice a day. It went out, 100 per cent it went out.

'I doubt they'll even remember having a conversation with me about it, which is even worse. It was almost just like it wasn't worth the hassle of dealing with it. They've paid for it, the order's been done, just send it out.'

An analysis of Boomf's terms and conditions reveals the company has the ability to cancel orders if users on their website upload images they deem unacceptable.

James Middleton with his sister Pippa at Buckingham Palace in London in July 2013

The whistleblower worked for three weeks at Boomf, earning 8.12 an hour from 8am to 5pm during the run-up to Christmas. It is situated alongside Carole Middleton's Party Pieces firm.

After her experience she walked out of Boomf on December 15 and did not return, despite being asked to by her agency, because she felt disappointed with the Middleton family.

She said: 'It just bugged me, I left there and didn't bother going back. I don't feel as bad about it as I would if I'd actually put it in the envelope and sent it out myself, because then I've got that on my mind. That could land on some war hero's doorstep and I'd have been part of that.

'The person that owns it is James Middleton. These are the in-laws of our future King. Of all people I think they should be more aware of what's going in and out.

'Where we live, they do have quite a degree of stature around here, we know Carol Middleton from Party Pieces, you'd think they'd take that extra precaution of training their staff.'

James Middleton (back row, third from left) with royals including Prince William (front left), his sister Kate (front centre) and the Queen (front right) at Sandringham House in July 2015

Mr Middleton founded Boomf in November 2013 and is listed on the company website as 'Chief Wonka' and pictured with a mad-hatter style hat, a reference to Roald Dahl's eponymous chocolate factory owner. He is an active director and owns 32 per cent of the company.

The 31-year-old's company recorded losses of 3million between 2015 and 2018. The whistleblower said he only came in once from his Chelsea address in London to visit the site of Boomf while she was there.

She said: 'James came in once. He literally breezed in, I only know him because I Googled him. You could see when he came in, he came in with his posh Land Rover and his Chelsea boots.

'Swanned around for about five minutes and then left and in the three weeks we were there only ever saw him for about ten minutes.

'When he walked in the door, the first thing I said was that's gotta be James Middleton because he's still got his silver spoon in his mouth.

The box was ordered following allegations made by the whistleblower, who was employed as an agency worker before Christmas and said she was 'disappointed' in the Middleton family

'He had Louis Vuitton boots on and Armani jeans. The rest of us had 20 layers and woolly hats and thermal gloves on. He had a Ralph Lauren shirt and was all 'look at me', swinging his Range Rover keys about.'

Mr Middleton's business is situated in a barn which is split in half and has a shared tenancy with a pork scratchings company called Snaffling Pig, which secured backing from Nick Jenkins, the founder of Moonpig.com and a Dragon on the BBC show Dragons' Den, who is an active director of Boomf, after leading a round of investment in 2014. He owns 65,741 shares, or 4.6 per cent of the company).

The company also has the backing of James Matthews, the husband of Pippa Middleton, who owns 12,853 shares.

The whistleblower added: 'It was the worst place in the world to work around Christmas-time. I've worked in hospitality for 30 years and it was novel.

'Underneath all the desks they've got plug-in fan heaters which cut out all the time and the lights go and the electrics go because they're using too much power.

'By our second day there we learned to go in with thermals. We took blankets for our legs, the whole lot.'Shopkeepers in western Sydney have been left fearing for their lives as children as young as seven terrrorise a neighbourhood and target businesses with threats of violence.

Sinen Firat, who runs a kebab store at Willmot in Sydney's west, told A Current Affair children had targeted her shop as many as three times in a series of brazen robberies.

When a shaken Ms Firat threatens the thieves with police action, she said all they do is laugh in her face.

Shopkeepers say children as young as seven are terrrorising them and show no fear when the police are called

Shop owners Arvind Sahota and his wife Majit have fallen victim to the youngsters, who they say threaten their staff and customers

'Then the little ones say, "We're going to kill you", with showing the fingers,' she said.

'How can I work? How can I stay here?'

Arvind Sahota and wife Majit own the Friendly Grocer store next door to Ms Firat's business.

They have also had to deal with their fair share of crime and say the children even terrorise staff and customers.

'They always threaten us, they can bash up our cars,' Mrs Sahota said.

In one instance, one of their employees was pushed to breaking point and even quit his job as a result of the youngsters' crimes.

His resignation came after a rock was hurled at his head when he chased down a gang of children who had stolen bags filled with empty cans.

And residents say police have been no help.

Mrs Sahota said she had called authorities on numerous occasions, but they had not responded.

Willmot has previously been in the media spotlight over crime and police upped their presence as a result.

However, the shopkeepers say the police have since backed off.

Local MP Pru Carr lamented the current state of the suburb and said the residents of Willmot deserved 'to live in peace.'Sue Gray, a Royal Air Force engineer, who has been promoted to the rank of Air Marshal, making her the most senior female military officer in the British Armed Forces

An RAF engineer has become the most senior female military officer in the British Armed Forces in an 'historic moment' today.

Royal Air Force engineer Sue Gray has been promoted to the rank of Air Marshal, and will take up the role of director general of the Defence Safety Authority in March.

The 56-year-old said she was 'incredibly proud' to become the most senior woman in the UK armed forces and the first ever female three-star commander.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson welcomed the appointment of Air Mshl Gray, who joined the RAF in August 1985, as 'an historic moment'.

Air Mshl Gray said: 'I am incredibly proud to be the most senior female military officer in the British armed forces.

'Throughout my career I have been fortunate to have a job that was more of a way of life, working with like-minded people in an exciting and rewarding environment.'

Air Marshal Sue Gray (centre) said she felt 'delighted' and 'a little bit awestruck' on discovering she was in line for the promotion

She added that she has been 'privileged to lead highly successful teams in military and civil service, through some challenging situations on operations and back at home'.

The university graduate who joined the RAF and went on to become most senior female military officer in British Armed Forces Air Marshal Gray joined the RAF in 1985 after gaining a degree in electronics from Newcastle Upon Tyne Polytechnic. Commissioned as an engineer, she has climbed through the ranks during a 28-year career. She has twice served on the frontline in Iraq, in the First Gulf War in 1991 and again in 2003 as chief engineer for the Joint Helicopter Force. More recently she lead the department delivering engineering and logistics support for fighter, training and Remotely Piloted aircraft for all of the Armed Services. In June 2016 she was appointed Air Officer Commanding Number 38 Group, with responsibility for more than 3,000 personnel across disciplines including engineering, logistics, aviation medicine and catering. Air Marshal Gray takes up her new appointment in March. Advertisement

Air Marshal Sue Gray said she felt 'delighted' and 'a little bit awestruck' on discovering she was in line for the promotion and is looking forward to the challenge of the new job.

The 56-year-old she never imagined she would become a three-star commander when she joined the RAF in August 1985.

'I was grateful to be doing a job that was exciting, fascinating and rewarding from quite an early age, and I have just kept on enjoying it - 33 years later,' she said.

Asked where the promotion to a three-star commander ranks in her lengthy career, Air Mshl Gray said 'it is going to be a highlight' for her.

'I think it is going to be a challenge - not only being the first female at that rank, but this is the first time a non-pilot has taken on the role,' she said.

'So not only do they now have an engineer, but a woman to boot.'

Before her promotion, the highest rank held by a serving female officer in the modern day RAF was Air Vice-Marshal, which is a two-star post.

Asked if she would ever like to be head of the RAF, Air Mshl Gray said: 'I suspect that might be a bridge too far for me, only because the chief of the air staff is traditionally aircrew - a pilot or a navigator.

'So that would be an engineer and a woman ... but I suspect there will be, in the not too distant future, a non-pilot, but I suspect it won't be me.'

Quizzed on what she wants her legacy to be as the first-ever female three-star commander, she added: 'I think I want a legacy that encourages all women in all services to go for it, frankly.

Then-Air Vice Marshall Sue Gray with Air Marshall Sir David Walker, and Group Captain Mark Heffron accompanying the Queen on her visit to the Royal Air Force Club in London to mark its centenary year in October 2018

'I want more women to join, I want more female engineers because they bring such a variety to the mix.

'Every team that I have seen which has been a mixed team has been very successful, and they just work better together.

'I would absolutely like to have a legacy to encourage somebody that was either thinking of leaving or wasn't going to join, to join. Even if they only do it for a few years.'

Air Mshl Gray pictured with the Queen at the Royal Air Force Club in London last October, said she was 'incredibly proud'

Welcoming the appointment, Mr Williamson said: 'This is an historic moment as we see the most senior female appointment in the British military.

'Air Mshl Gray's career shows that with hard work, skill and determination, gender is no obstacle to achieving the top ranks in the armed forces.

'Having served in Iraq as the chief engineer for the Joint Helicopter Force, I hope that young girls will look up to Air Mshl Gray and see that a career in the armed forces will offer them every opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their gender and background.'

The head of the RAF, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, offered his congratulations and said he wishes her 'success in her important new role leading the Defence Safety Authority'.

'Her promotion is proper recognition of her outstanding contribution to the RAF and defence, as an engineer, as a leader and as a superb role model,' he added.A former chief of staff of China's military was sentenced to life in prison for corruption, state media said Wednesday, amid President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-graft crackdown.

Appointed to the People's Liberation Army's top post in 2012, Fang Fenghui was convicted of accepting and offering bribes, and having an unclear source of a huge amount of assets, official news agency Xinhua reported.

A military court sentenced Fang to life in prison, stripped him of political rights for life, and ordered the confiscation of all his personal assets, Xinhua said.

Appointed to the People's Liberation Army's top post in 2012, Fang Fenghui was convicted of accepting and offering bribes, and having an unclear source of a huge amount of assets

Fang was abruptly replaced in August 2017 amid a stand-off with India over a territorial dispute, and just days after he had met US President Donald Trump to discuss North Korea.

The general was transferred to the military prosecution authority on suspicion of bribery in January of last year, state media reported at the time.

Fang was one of two senior generals who did not appear on a list of delegates to the Communist Party's twice-a-decade congress in October 2017, sparking speculation he had run afoul of Xi's anti-corruption campaign.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Fang Fenghui, the then-chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army wait to meet with US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Joseph Dunford at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in 2017

Fang Fenghui also met with then-US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at a US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue on June 21, 2017 at the US Department of State in Washington, DC

The other, Zhang Yang, killed himself in Beijing later that year after being investigated over connections to two graft-tainted former senior military officers.

Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, both former vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission, were also investigated. Guo was jailed for life in 2017. Xu died of cancer in 2015 before he could face trial.

Xi has pledged to continue the anti-corruption crackdown, which since 2012 has brought down 1.5 million party officials at various levels - including top military leaders.

Corruption has long been an intractable problem for the country, but many experts argue that the campaign has the hallmarks of a political purge as the Chinese president consolidates his power.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sought to enhance his control over China's two-million-strong military, the world's largest, reshuffling its leadership and vowing to make it 'world-class' by 2050

Xi has sought to enhance his control over China's two-million-strong military, the world's largest, reshuffling its leadership and vowing to make it 'world-class' by 2050.

The military was ordered to pledge to be 'absolutely loyal, honest and reliable to Xi' in new guidelines released by the Central Military Commission in 2017.

All of Fang's recovered assets will be turned over to the state treasury, Xinhua said.

It is unclear whether Fang was allowed to retain a lawyer or who that person may be, Reuters reported.Small communities can have the biggest of hearts, as one proud West Virginian found out this week.

Tonjia Ray-Tompkins was in the funeral procession of her friend, driving through her home town of Oceana, WV, when she saw an incredible sight out her window.

A state trooper, later identified as Richard Paynter, had blocked off road traffic and stood saluting at the side of the road.

See here message below

To attention: Trooper Richard Paynter is seen saluting funeral cortege for a small business owner who was friends with Tonjia Ray-Tompkins

Moved by the thoughtful act, Tonjia shared her experience via Facebook to thank the officer and said 'Oceana... many people can say what they will but it will forever be my home!'

The post went viral and has since been shared almost one thousand times.

'I posted this because I wanted people to see my hometown for what it still is,' Ray-Tompkins the Daily News.

'It is a community where people care about each other. This loved one that was being laid to rest wasn't the mayor, she wasn't a town council member, she wasn't a member of law enforcement.'

Small town with soul: The funeral procession took place in Oceana, a small town of 1,394 people

Accompanying the photo, Tonjia said: 'When I am so frustrated with living in West Virginia and wondering why I came home. This is why I came home!

'Small towns that pull over and sit as your loved one is carried out of town to their resting place. The people on the streets even stood still as we passed.

'The people here are just different.'

Tonjia described her friend as a 'common community citizen' who ran a local business and wasn't a high profile official like the mayor or sheriff.

The officer led the funeral procession out of the town until the cars reached the grave site.

A West Virginia State Police spokesperson identified the man in the photo as state trooper Richard Paynter.

Oceana has a population of 1,394, according to American census data.Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted nearly $13million worth of methamphetamine inside a truck carrying frozen strawberries that crossed into the US from Mexico.

The agency on Tuesday said officers working at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility in Texas referred a vehicle, driven by a Mexican citizen, for further inspection.

CBP's Office of Field Operations used all available resources including imaging equipment and dogs to inspect the truck on Saturday.

Customs and Border Protection intercepted $12,700,000 of methamphetamine. There were 350 packages concealed in a trailer and 906 pounds of meth

With the help of non-intrusive imaging equipment along and assistance from a canine team they were able to locate $12,700,000 worth of the drug.

Officers discovered 350 packages concealed within the trailer and seized 906 pounds (411 kilograms) of meth.

The 42-year-old man driving the truck was arrested by CBP agents.

He was later turned over to Homeland Security agents for further investigation.

His tractor-trailer was also seized.

Port director David Gonzalez said: 'This was an outstanding interception our officers accomplished this weekend.'

Officers at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility in Texas used imaging equipment and dogs to inspect

Last year CBP seized 10,382 pounds of meth. Approximately 175,000 commercial and passenger vehicles cross the bridge every month (image shows meth packed in carrots)

Approximately 175,000 commercial and passenger vehicles cross the bridge every month.

Last year CBP seized 10,382 pounds of meth.

Gonzalez continued about Saturday's bust: 'Our officers astute sense of awareness and tenacity is unparalleled and truly commendable.'Art critics have been left infuriated after an expert claimed works allegedly painted by Adolf Hitler and worth 271,000 could be fakes.

Mullocks Auctioneers, based in Church Stretton, Shropshire, held 13 auctions between 2009 and 2018 to sell 77 lots of watercolours, oil paintings and sketches, apparently signed by the Nazi dictator.

But Dutch journalist Bart FM Droog, 52, has now alleged the paintings could be forgeries - as he claims most of the works attributed to Hitler worldwide are - because the style and materials of the works do not match.

The auction house said neither the vendors nor the auctioneers are responsible for the authenticity of works, as this falls to the purchaser, and said it was made clear before the sale the works might not be authentic.

An landscape of the town gate at Drnstein (left) and a village scene attributed to Adolf Hitler - which a Dutch journalist claims are forgeries

Hitler was a prolific artist before and during his rise to power having studied at art school in Vienna, Austria

Bart, who is now speaking out after a new 'Butterfly' Hitler watercolour is due to be sold by the auctioneers later this month, said: 'The majority of 'Hitlers' which surfaced after 1945 can be dismissed at first sight as forgeries.

'I don't want people to be buying this rubbish - almost all alleged Hitler artworks and other Hitler items offered by auction houses are fakes.

'Between 1910 and 1913 Hitler only produced watercolours depicting Viennese city sights, and only signed these works with 'A. Hitler' or 'A.H'.

'From his WWI period only one authentic Hitler work is known, a very clumsy watercolour portrait of one of his army buddies, made in 1915.

'But as far as we can tell, Hitler only ever painted in watercolour, whereas the portraits sold by Mullocks are also in oil and pencil.

'Auction houses get away with selling these pieces by saying they can't confirm whether it's authentic before anyone buys the artwork.'

An unsigned painting of the grave of Geli Raubels, Adolf Hitlers niece and possible lover, which is likely to have been painted by Hitler himself

Between 2009 and last year, Mullocks sold 77 lots of art which were apparently signed by Adolf Hitler, including watercolours, oil paintings and sketches.

This included two from the early 1900s, which bore the signature 'A.. Hitler' and were expected to sell for 7,000 each.

The other signed paintings were still life works showing fruit, flowers and a clock, an Alpine bouquet with edelweiss, and the town gate and a street scene at Durnstein in the Wachau valley, a popular tourist destination in his homeland of Austria.

There was also a fifth, unsigned painting of the grave of Hitler's half-niece Geli Raubal, which the auction house said he most likely painted.

The Fuhrer - a failed painter who was famously twice rejected by the prestigious Vienna Academy of Fine Arts as a young man - was said to be infatuated by Geli and his constant attentions drove her to suicide in September 1931.

An artwork attributed to Adolf Hitler of an Alpine bouquet with edelweiss

While the auction house accepted the paintings were most likely not authentic in pre-sale notes, as they didn't fit the general description of Hitler's watercolours, are in a different style to known authentic Hitler art and were accompanied by fraudulent certificates of authenticity, they still sold for a total of 271,000.

There are only three recorded privately-owned paintings Hitler completed himself, which were sold privately by Anni Winter, a former house keeper of his, in 1954.

Bart claims Hitler was only an active painter in Vienna between the years 1910 and 1913 and throughout this period, he only produced watercolours of the city's sights.

Discussing one of the oil paintings on offer, Ben Jones, a consultant at Mullock's, said in 2017: 'This is a remarkable painting in oil on canvas, showing Raubal's grave with floral tributes.

'However, this is unsigned so it is impossible to say whether it can be attributed to Adolf Hitler.'

In a new statement, a spokesman for the auction house added: 'We provide all information disclosed by vendors regarding history, provenance and how they obtained any item.

'We aim to answer any queries or questions with descriptive, sufficient responses so potential purchasers can establish their own opinion and bid accordingly or not at all.

'Should any issues or suspicions arise prior to any of our auctions, we of course act appropriately and with due diligence.'The man accused of murdering a woman 25 years ago at the University of Alaska using controversial new DNA techniques appeared in court for the first time Tuesday.

Steven Downs, 44, vowed to fight his extradition from Maine to Alaska so he can be tried for the 1993 rape and killing of Sophie Sergie.

Downs, who wore a tan prison jumpsuit, professed his innocence through his lawyer and said he sees no reason to go back to Alaska.

Sergie was found shot dead in a bathtub at the student dorms of University of Alaska Fairbanks in April 1993. She was 20 years old.

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Steven Downs, 44, vowed to fight extradition from Maine to Alaska to face trial for the rape and murder of Sophie Sergie in 1993, saying he is innocent

Downs was arrested Friday in his hometown of Auburn, Maine, in connection with the death of Sergie who was found shot dead in a dorm bathtub at University of Alaska Fairbanks

The judge ordered Downs to be held without bail until another hearing, which was scheduled for March 18.

Investigators linked Downs to the murder using the same cutting-edge genetic genealogy technique used to crack the notorious Golden State Killer cold case.

The technique involves using DNA databases created by ancestry firms such as 23andMe and comparing them against genetic profiles of unidentified criminals.

Any close matches that emerge will likely be relatives of the criminal, so police can then use their family tree to identify suspects.

Downs was a student at the university at the time while Sergie was a former student who was visiting a friend when she died.

The 20-year-old was last seen leaving her friend's dorm room to smoke a cigarette shortly after midnight, and a custodian came across her murdered body hours later.

Sergie (above), was a former student at University of Alaska Fairbanks who visiting a friend when she was killed on April 26, 1993. She was last seen leaving her friend's dorm room to smoke a cigarette just after midnight

A custodian came across Sergie's murdered body in a residence hall shower room hours later

A medical examiner concluded Sergie had been sexually assaulted and stabbed twice in the right eye while she was still alive before being killed by a single gunshot to the back of the head.

The bullet came from a .22 caliber handgun that was never found.

Downs and his roommate, a campus security guard, were both interviewed briefly during the initial investigation and denied having any knowledge of the murder, according to charging documents obtained by The Portland Press Herald.

Though DNA technology was not yet being used in Alaska at the time of Sergie's murder, investigators collected biological evidence from her body and were able to develop a DNA profile for the unidentified suspect in the late 1990s.

In 2000, the DNA was processed again using more advanced techniques and was entered into the FBI's national criminal database, but no matches turned up.

The case went cold as investigators ruled out several potential suspects who did not match the DNA profile.

Downs' name cropped up again when a newly-assigned Alaska cold case investigator re-interviewed the suspect's former roommate, who had been on duty the night of Sergie's murder.

The roommate was later fired for having a gun in the dorm, which was prohibited. He said that it wasn't a .22 caliber handgun like the one used in the murder, but claimed Downs kept an H&R model .22 caliber weapon in their room in 1993.

However, the investigator was unable to develop a concrete suspect, and the case stalled again when he retired.

Investigators linked Downs to the murder after 25 years with the same cutting-edge - and controversial - genetic genealogy technique used to crack the notorious Golden State Killer cold case, Alaska State Troopers revealed in a press release

Investigators submitted a DNA profile for the Sergie suspect to a private lab for genetic comparison in 2018, and the lab found a match from a female relative of Downs

The case began to thaw in 2018 after Sgt Randy McPherron, an Alaska State Troopers homicide investigator, learned of the emerging forensic technique called genetic genealogy that California authorities used to identify 'Golden State Killer' suspect Joseph DeAngelo.

The technique involves comparing DNA profiles from unidentified suspects to public genealogy databases, where users have voluntarily submitted their DNA for profiling by commercial companies such as 23andMe and Ancestry.com, in hopes of finding potential relatives.

How law enforcement use popular ancestry websites to track down cold case killers Investigators across the country have embraced genetic genealogy, a DNA-dependent forensic technique that identifies suspects through their relatives. The technique involves cross-referencing the DNA profile of an unidentified suspect with public databases containing DNA from users who've submitted samples to consumer companies such as 23andMe and Ancestry.com to explore their family tree and get informed about potential genetic health concerns. Genetic genealogy gained notoriety through decades-old cold cases like the Golden State Killer, and police are now using it on fresh cases as well. While many are excited by what genetic genealogy means for the future of forensic investigations, others have expressed concerns about genetic privacy and policy procedures. Advertisement

McPherron submitted the DNA profile for the Sergie suspect to private lab Parabon NanoLabs for genetic comparison, and the lab identified a match from a female relative of Downs, according to court documents.

Investigators then interviewed Downs in Maine, where he was living and working as a nurse. He allegedly told Maine State Police that he recalled hearing about a murder on campus but had never met Sergie, according to court documents.

'I remember the pictures, it's terrible, poor girl,' he said, maintaining that if he had known anything about Sergie's murder he would have disclosed it right away.

'I never knew or saw anything to begin with,' he added.

Downs pointed the finger at soldiers from Fort Wainwright, a nearby Army barracks, saying that they could be responsible because they often visited the residence hall.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for Downs' DNA, which matched the suspect profile, charging documents said. His DNA hadn't turned up in previous searches of the national criminal database because he had no prior arrests.

At a Friday press conference in Anchorage attended by Sergie's mother, brother and cousin, Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner Amanda Price said: 'This arrest is the culmination of years of effort and tenacious attention by this department to solve a horrendous murder  the impact of that murder was felt statewide.

'The many investigators who have continued to work this case never let the loss of Sophie leave their minds.'

Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner Amanda Price spoke at a press conference in Anchorage on Friday alongside Sergie's mother, brother and cousin

The practice of utilizing public genealogy sites to track criminal DNA is relatively new.

Investigations have long been limited to running DNA samples through state and federal databases that largely only contain DNA from convicted felons.

However, investigators are increasingly using the technique that involves uploading a genetic profile into an open source DNA database used by amateur genealogists searching for relatives, which provided a much wider pool of potential matches.

Some privacy advocates say they are concerned with the process and worry about future abuses, but detectives are excited about the possibility it brings of closing cases that have long been cold.China's state-run press agency has welcomed its first female AI anchor who will join its growing team of virtual presenters.

The female AI newsreader will make her professional debut during the upcoming meetings of the country's national legislature and top political advisory body in March, according to Xinhua at a press conference on Tuesday.

Modelled after the agency's flesh-and-blood journalist Qu Meng, the AI newsreader was jointly developed by Xinhua and search engine company Sogou.com and can 'read texts as naturally as a professional anchor'.

China's state-run press agency Xinhua on Tuesday unveiled its first female AI anchor, Xin Xiaomeng, who will join its growing team of virtual presenters

The female AI anchor is modelled after agency's flesh-and-blood journalist Qu Meng. Above, a screengrab of Qu presenting a segment in January 2014

'Hello everyone, I am the world's first female AI presenter developed by Xinhua News Agency and Sougu. My name is Xin Xiaomeng,' says the journalist in an introductory video.

She joins the digital doppelgangers of English-language anchor Zhang Zhao and his Chinese-language counterpart Qiu Hao, who were unveiled in November during the 2018 World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province.

Xinhua also on Tuesday unveiled an improved version of its AI presenter Qiu Hao, named Xin Xiaohao, who is able to gesticulate in a natural manner and read the news while standing up.

Tell the difference: China's state-run press agency Xinhua unveiled its first female AI anchor (left) based on one of this human presenters Qu Meng (right)

Xinhua also unveiled an improved version of its AI presenter Qiu Hao, named Xin Xiaohao, who is able to gesticulate in a natural manner and read the news while standing up

An AI system has been used to synthesise the presenters' voices, lip movements and expressions based on those of real presenters.

The digital anchors offer certain advantages over humans, Xinhua previously said. They are available to work 24 hours a day on its official website and various social media platforms.

This can reduce news production costs and improve efficiency during breaking news reports.

Xinhua said that its 'new employees' have taken to their roles with enthusiasm and have published more than 3,400 reports totaling over 10,000 minutes in length since November.

Xinhua previously unveiled its first AI anchor (right) based on human presenter Qiu Hao (left)

The improved AI version of presenter Qiu Hao can make hand gestures in a natural manner

Net users previously welcomed the new presenters while others questioned whether they would replace their human counterparts. Some complained that the AI newsreaders had a very robotic and unnatural voice.

China has become one of the leading global hubs for AI development in recent years.

Several fields such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing have adopted machine learning systems for commercial uses.

Automating workplaces in China with AI could add 0.8 to 1.4 per cent to gross domestic product (GDP) growth annually, depending on the speed of adoption, according to a report by McKinsey Global Institute.A story found on the accused Claremont serial killer's electronic devices has striking similarities to a graveyard rape he allegedly committed, a Perth court has heard.

Bradley Robert Edwards, 50, is charged with murdering Ciara Glennon, 27, Jane Rimmer, 23, and 18-year-old Sarah Spiers between 1996 and 1997.

He is also accused of attacking an 18-year-old woman in her family's Huntingdale home in 1988, when he was 19, and twice raping a woman abducted from Claremont and driven to Karrakatta cemetery in 1995.

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Bradley Robert Edwards (pictured), 50, is charged with the murders of three women in 1996 and 1997

Edwards cannot explain his DNA on the cemetery victim, a kimono found at the Huntingdale property or under Ms Glennon's fingernails, and the defence team is still deciding whether to challenge this evidence.

In a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday, the WA Supreme Court heard details about Edwards' alleged depraved obsessions, with prosecutor Carmel Barbagallo saying 'Chloe's Story' was 'strikingly similar' to the Karrakatta offences.

It involved meticulous planning before a 'blitz attack', fabric in the victim's mouth, handcuffs, a hood and driving the victim around.

'It can't be coincidental that a man who is forensically linked with rape, abduction, murder, with hoods and handcuffs, is subsequently found to have an obsessive interest in that sort of matter.'

Edwards is also accused of twice raping a woman abducted from Claremont and driven to Karrakatta cemetery (pictured) in 1995

(File picture) Ms Barbagallo said there was a theme in stories found on Edwards' devices, with some involving abductions and sexual assaults

Ms Barbagallo said there was a theme in stories found on Edwards' devices, with some involving abductions and sexual assaults 'often with the implication that the woman won't be leaving'.

Some women were incapacitated and pleaded for their attacker to stop.

One story evolved with at least 28 amendments between December 2015 and December 2016, when Edwards was arrested.

An issue is whether he authored, contributed or just accessed the stories.

'What is the chance of finding this material ... that identifies this obsessive reference to the behaviour, the kind of conduct that he is ultimately charged with?' Ms Barbagallo said.

Justice Stephen Hall said presumably more people had an interest in such behaviour than committed actual rapes.

While the Karrakatta allegations and Chloe's Story had similarities, some features were generic, defence counsel Paul Yovich argued.

The court heard the twice-married Edwards, who was previously convicted of assaulting a woman he tried to drag into a hospital toilet, also compiled a list of 3942 pornographic website addresses, including some containing extreme BDSM material.

Ciara Glennon (pictured left) vanished in March 1996 and Sarah Spiers (pictured right) disappeared in Claremont in 1996

Ms Barbagallo said there was a correlation between turmoil in Edwards' personal life and the alleged offending, but it was not causative.

'[As] his relationships become more tumultuous... the escalation in violence follows that path,' she said.

'All of the murders of the girls... are committed at a time when he is on his own.'

But Mr Yovich suggested 'the emotional upset factor' was a coincidence.

'No person is going to be on an emotionally even keel all the time.'

Mr Yovich also argued the two Huntingdale offences should be heard separately to the murders and Karrakatta cemetery offences.

Justice Hall has reserved his decision on that and whether the prosecution's propensity evidence will be admissible in a nine-month trial without a jury starting in July.Twelve other British jihadi brides have arrived at Shamima Begum's refugee camp since she started her campaign to return to Britain, it emerged today.

The dozen-or-so women have also fled ISIS' final battle in Baghuz and arrived at the al-Hawl settlement in northern Syria.

The Home Office will be forced to make a decision on whether they too should have their British citizenship taken away like Begum.

These British women have run away as the caliphate crumbles with their husbands either killed or captured.

Britain could be forced to take back dozens of these other jihadi brides fleeing their collapsing caliphate.

At least a dozen British jihadi brides are said to have arrived at the al-Hawl camp where Shamina Begum is in northern Syria in the past week

Shamima Begum and her friend fled to Syria by flying to Istanbul and getting a bus across Turkey to the Islamic State's capital, Raqqa. She moved to Mayadin with her jihadi husband Yago Riedijk but fled Baghuz when he was captured and is now in al-Hawl

Last week it emerged that 'tens' more jihadi brides are poised to come back to Britain as their medieval caliphate is finally driven into the ground.

Miss Begum was just 15 when she and three fellow pupils from Bethnal Green Academy tricked their parents four years ago and flew to Syria to marry ISIS fighters.

There is furious opposition to the idea of Britain welcoming them back when they chose to embrace a terror organisation that horrified the world with videos of hostages such as volunteer aid worker Alan Henning being beheaded.

UK taxpayers could face enormous costs in repatriating the women, who will need to be kept under security service surveillance as well as being given protection against potential vigilante attacks.

BBC correspondent Quentin Sommerville, who has interviewed Begum, revealed that the British jihadi brides have arrived in force.

He said: 'This whole issue of what to do with these IS women and other IS supporters isn't going to go away.

'We know that in the last week alone, 12 British women have arrived at displacement camps here in northern Syria. So for the British Government, this headache of what to do doesn't end with Shamima Begum.'

This is the moment ISIS bride Shamima Begum, pictured holding her baby son, learned that Sajid Javid has moved to revoke her British citizenship to stop her getting back to the UK

Shamima Begum could use her newborn baby to get back into the UK after Home Secretary Sajid Javid stripped her of her British citizenship as today she decried the decision as 'unjust and unfair on me and my son'.

The remorseless 19-year-old is in a Syrian refugee camp with her son Jerah - apparently named after a 7th century Islamic warlord - but Mr Javid has moved to stop her returning to London after she fled to join ISIS when she was 15.

Asif Salam, a London lawyer who runs the Salam Immigration firm, said today: 'Because of the child, the mother could by default get back her nationality or get a limited leave to remain - to be able to live with her child in the UK'.

The Home Office believes that because Begum's mother was born in Bangladesh her daughter is entitled to dual citizenship meaning she would not be left stateless, which is illegal under international law.

But Begum's family says she does not have a Bangladeshi passport and has never been there, making Mr Javid's decision illegal, they claim.

The news was broken to the teenager today, who insisted: 'It's unjust on me and my son. It's a bit upsetting and frustrating. It's kind of heartbreaking to read'.

But she admitted that if Britain won't have her Holland might because she is married to Dutch jihadi Yago Riedijk and said: 'Maybe I can ask for citizenship in Holland. If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison'.

Shamima Begum (right) has named her son Jerah (left being held by a friend), in what historians say is homage to an Islamic warlord, and could use him to get back into Britain

The letter obtained by ITV News asks Begum's family to inform her of the decision to revoke her citizenship and her right to appeal it

Shamima is pictured walking through Gatwick Airport on February 17 2015 as she left the UK to join ISIS

Begum's baby son Jerah is entitled to British citizenship - but could try to argue he is Dutch because of the nationality of its jihadi father Yago Riedijk. She may even try to get Dutch citizenship off the back of it

'My family made it sound like it would be a lot easier for me to come back to the UK when I was speaking to them in Baghouz. It's kind of hard to swallow'.

How Britain can strip citizenship from its enemies - as long as they are not 'stateless' Shamima Begum, who fled the UK to join the Islamic State terror group in Syria aged 15, has been stripped of her British citizenship. Home Secretary Sajid Javid ordered the move against the 19-year-old Londoner who wants to return to the UK with her newly-born child as the so-called caliphate crumbles. International law forbids nations from making people stateless by revoking their only citizenship. Britain appears to believe that Ms Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, holds dual citizenship. Under the 1981 British Nationality Act, any Briton can be deprived of their citizenship if it is 'conducive to the public good' - and they do not become stateless as a result. A 2017 government report on the issue said the Home Secretary has the power to 'deprive a person of British citizenship' if it would be 'conducive to the public good'. However, this only applies if the person would not be left stateless. If it is the case Ms Begum is a dual national, she could have her British citizenship stripped. Begum has the right to appeal the decision to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC). The SIAC is independent of the Government and allows individuals to appeal against immigration decisions by the Home Office, such as deportations and the removal of citizenship. Those who are outside of the UK have 28 days to lodge an appeal from the time they receive their Home Office letter. Amendments were made to British national laws in 2014 which made it easier to strip dual nationals of their British citizenship. These measures were primarily aimed at terrorists who could potentially undermine UK security, for example those who fled to Syria to fight and were attempting to return home. There are two other instances when British citizenship can be removed, which are permissible even if the person would be rendered stateless. Deprivation of citizenship can be made if a person obtained their citizenship through registration or naturalisation and the Home Secretary is 'satisfied that this was obtained by fraud, false representation or the concealment of a material fact'. Secondly, when citizenship is obtained through naturalisation and the Home Secretary believes that removing it would be 'conducive to the public good' because the person acted in way which is 'seriously prejudicial to the vital interests of United Kingdom, any of the Islands, or any British overseas territory'. Advertisement

Referring to other returnees handled by the government, she said: 'I heard that other people are being sent back to Britain so I don't know why my case is any different to other people, or is it just because I was on the news four years ago?'

She added: 'Another option I might try with my family is my husband is from Holland and he has family in Holland'.

Legal experts including Lord Carlile QC, Britain's former reviewer of terrorism legislation, have said that it appears the Home Office does have a genuine case to revoke her British citizenship and keep her in Syria.

But her newborn son Jerah is entitled to a British passport and could be used by his mother to fight to return to Britain on human rights grounds.

Immigration lawyer Asif Salam told the Mirror: 'The baby is British, so maintains his nationality. The child cannot possibly live without his mother, it's not in his best interest for the child to be in the UK without the mother'.

The teenager, who fled Britain with friends aged 15 and married a Dutch jihadi, has been unapologetic about ISIS' crimes and said the Manchester Arena suicide bombing could be considered 'retaliation'.

She also insists that the British public should be 'sympathetic' towards her and should be allowed back to London with her baby on human rights grounds.

But last night Sajid Javid last night moved to block her return to Britain arguing that taking away her British citizenship is 'conducive to the public good' on terrorism grounds.

Begum's family solicitor Tasnime Akunjee said Shamima said last night was 'surprised' Mr Javid had come to his conclusion.

He said the family will 'consider all legal avenues to challenge this decision' in response.

Lord Carlile QC believes that Britain does have a strong case to block her from Britain.

He said: 'The Home Office has had a good look at the law and the citizenship of Miss Begum. Under Bangladesh law if her mother is a Bangladesh national or a duel Bangladesh-British national then Miss Begum acquires Bangladesh nationality.

'She doesn't have a Bangladesh passport and apparently she's never been there but that doesn't effect that issue.

'If she is a Bangladesh national as well as a British national then the Home Secretary, on the face of it, is entitled to remove her British nationality because she does not then become stateless.

'Whether she wants to go to Bangladesh is another matter because they take quite a dim view of violent jihadism'.

He added: 'She can challenge the Home Office - she is entitled to do that - but the test will be one of reasonableness and proportionality so she would have to establish that the Home Secretary acted in an entirely disproportionate way in removing her nationality. That might be difficult for her because he appears to have acted within the law if she is entitled to Bangladeshi nationality'.

Begum's baby son Jerah is entitled to British citizenship - but could try to argue he is Dutch because of the nationality of its jihadi father Yago Riedijk.

He said: 'This is even more complicated. The baby is entitled to British nationality. The baby is probably entitled to Bangladesh nationality and the baby's father is Dutch.

'Dutch law is a little different. If the father, who is apparently still alive, says the baby is his then the baby can also receive Dutch nationality. So that means that the Home Secretary could exclude the baby from Britai because the baby would not be stateless'.

He added: 'This is going to drag on for months or even year'.Kirsten Gillibrand was interrupted while campaigning in a restaurant by a woman asking for ranch dressing.

The New York senator was on the campaign trail in Iowa when the comical exchange took place on Monday night.

The 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful was sitting on a booth seat giving a speech to restaurant customers, when a woman interrupted her.

Speaking at The Airliner eatery, the politician was stopped by University of Iowa student, Hanna Kinney.

She appeared desperate to get some ranch dressing for her food and had no time to wait while Gillibrand finished her point.

And here's video of the woman "just trying to get some ranch," while Senator Kirsten Gillibrand speaks to supporters in Iowa City. pic.twitter.com/6PRCVbbIQW  DJ Judd (@DJJudd) February 19, 2019

As student Hanna Kinney (center) pushed through the crowd to get some dressing Kirsten Gillibrand touched her on the shoulder to ease her though the mob

As Kinney said 'sorry, sorry, I'm just gonna get some ranch' the crowd at The Airliner restaurant in Iowa City burst out into laughter

In video footage tweeted by a CNN reporter who was at the event, Gillibrand touched Kinney's shoulder to help her get passed.

As she squeezed through the crowd listening to Gillibrand, Kinney could be heard saying, 'sorry, sorry, I'm just gonna get some ranch'.

The crowd then broke out in laughter, as Gillibrand replied, 'I'm sorry, go ahead', then carried on with her address.

Passing the senator, Kinney raised her hands in the air and pushed through the photographers and reporters in the restaurant.

Kinney told Fox News she did not know the senator was campaigning at The Airliner that evening, where she dines every Monday after bible study.

She added she 'definitely wasn't there' to listen to Gillibrand's caucus.

But the joke didn't end there, with Kinney having to walk back though the crowd standing around Gillibrand in the middle of the restaurant.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand speaking to guests during a campaign stop at the Chrome Horse Saloon in Cedar Rapids on Monday before later heading to Iowa City

Gillibrand addressing the crowd at the Chrome Horse Saloon on the campaign trail for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president

As she moved back through the mob again, the group gave out another cheer when she confirmed she successfully retrieved the condiment.

Before visiting The Airliner in Iowa City, Gillibrand made a stop at the Chrome Horse Saloon in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she addressed customers and met guests.

At The Airliner Gillibrand told supporters she was committed to, 'bold ideas that the base and the grassroots care about'.

She has launched a bit to become the Democrat presidential nominee in the hope of taking on Donald Trump in 2020.

The Democrats are set to have two stages at the first two presidential primary debates with a field of 17 confirmed candidates, with more thought to be joining them.

So far senators Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and veteran Bernie Sanders, who announced his candidacy yesterday, have entered the race.Garage forecourt tycoon Balraj Tandon, 59

A respected entrepreneur awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List apologised humbly to the court after being found guilty of being more than twice the drink-drive limit when he drove to buy more alcohol last month.

Garage forecourt tycoon Balraj Tandon, 59, mistakenly triggered his own burglar alarm when leaving in his Mini Cooper, prompting officers to attend his 1.8m house in Croydon.

When they arrived - shortly after he returned from the off licence - he was so drunk he fell backwards onto the boot of his car while stumbling towards the house.

A court packed with supporters of the charity trustee heard he felt deeply ashamed of the incident, which happened after he spent January 30 drinking alone after hearing his sister's throat cancer had taken a turn for the worse.

He was fined 200, with 85 costs, plus a 30 victim surcharge and disqualified from driving for 12 months rather than the 22 months recommended under the guidelines for his high blood alcohol level.

Balraj previously said he was 'absolutely overjoyed' upon receiving his MBE award for services to business and the community was announced.

He arrived in the UK as a Ugandan refugee in 1975 and said he was particularly thrilled because the award 'came from the Queen,' adding: 'We are royalists and we love her so much.'

The father-of-four admits he burst into tears on hearing of the honour.

'Clearly this offence is completely out of character,' announced District Judge Julie Cooper at Croydon Magistrates Court. 'I have to take into account your exceptional good character.

Mr Tandon's home in Croydon and the Mini Cooper from which police saw him emerge, stumbling and drunk

'Throughout your entire life you have exhibited a drive to help others and these actions are very much out of character, so I am stepping away from the guidelines.'

Tandon, of Croydon, co-owner of the nationwide 'Park & Shop' franchise, pleaded guilty to driving with 89 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath on January 30. The legal limit is 35.

Prosecutor Mr. Jason Seetal told the court it was 5pm when officers attended the address to reports of a burglar alarm going off.

'They noticed a Mini Cooper with the defendant inside and saw him stumbling out of the car so approached him and he fell backwards onto the boot of the vehicle.

'They noticed a strong smell of alcohol and as they tried to talk to the defendant he ignored the officers and tried to walk past them as they asked if he had been drinking.'

Tandon claims due to the noisy burglar alarm and his ear wax condition he could not hear the officers and was not deliberately ignoring them.

His lawyer Ms Williams told the court: 'There are no aggravating features, but significant mitigating features.

'His sister very sadly has cancer of the oesophagus. He found out that day she had surgery and there was an infection and was very unwell.

'He arrived home alone and was very distressed and started drinking some alcohol and then made the very short drive to his local off-licence to buy more alcohol.

'He did not set the security alarm properly so the alarm went off.'

The Croydon court was packed with friends and family in support of Tandon, who was tearful as his lawyer said: 'His whole community have come today and he feels he has let his community down and the police and the court down.

'He wants me to emphasise his own shame and the fact that he has stopped drinking since this.

'He is someone of exceptionally good character and runs fifty sites around the UK with his company model, investing in young people and investing in their careers and starting out in business.

'It is a family business started by his parents and because he has sites around the UK the disqualification will have a significant impact.'

After working for his father at a single garage the family now have a business with a 200m annual turnover.

She said he was is proud of raising more than 50,000 for cancer research by donating the 5p plastic bag charge his shops collect.

He is a trustee of charity the Friends of Baale Mane, founded in 2001 to combat the exploitation of girls' labour in India and a trustee of Wandsworth's Hindu Society Centre.

'What he has done is inexcusable and he has a determination never to be here again. This is wholly out of character,' said Ms Williams.

As he left the dock Tandon told the court: 'I am very sorry.'Advertisement

Horrifying images of Yemen's starving children have shined a light on the brutal reality facing millions of civilians due to famine caused by the ongoing conflict.

Parents were pictured cradling their severely malnourished children at the Al-Sabaeen Hospital in Sanaa as the Yemeni government's war against the rebels rages on.

In one of the disturbing images, a severely malnourished child who looks no more than a few weeks old, clings to life as his face is contorted in agony and wrinkles due to the lack of food and water.

UK-based independent research group Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project said the death toll in Yemen was around 60,000 in December.

A severely malnourished baby, who looks no more than a few months old, fights for his life at the Al-Sabaeen Hospital in Yemen

The little child's small limbs and face look devoid of muscle, fat and water as he clings to life at the Al-Sabaeen Hospital

The little baby cries as it writhes in agony at the Al-Sabaeen Hospital. His small limbs are so slender that the bones in his legs and arms are very prominent

Yemen's government and the Houthi rebels have agreed on the first stage of a mutual pullout of forces from the port city of Hodeida, a key entry point for humanitarian aid, the United Nations said.

The agreement came after two days of meetings in Hodeida, a UN statement said.

The warring parties agreed to a ceasefire in the city and a prisoner exchange during talks held in Sweden in December, but the implementation of both has been stalled.

The statement said both sides 'made important progress on planning for the redeployment of forces as envisaged in the Hodeida agreement'.

Yemen's government has been battling the rebels since 2014, when the Houthis swept down from the north and seized the capital Sanaa.

Another small child is given a gas mask at the hospital facility. The area has struggled to get foreign aid into the region and the Red Cross has warned if the war carries on, Yemen could see its worse famine for more than 100 years

Two million people displaced have been displaced by the conflict in Yemen, and those who have stayed behind have suffered hugely

A Saudi-led coalition entered the war on the side of the government in March 2015.

The stalemated conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and raised fears of famine.

'It's encouraging news that this has happened, as people had been losing faith in the process, causing fears that we'd soon see a return to combat in and around Hodeida,' said Peter Salisbury, a senior analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group.

He said the parties now need to implement the agreement, warning that 'there is plenty of room for them to play games here, so we shouldn't get overexcited'.

Many children are affected by the famine as a consequence of ongoing war and conflicts in Yemen

Yemen's government and the Houthi rebels have agreed on the first stage of a mutual pullout of forces from the port city of Hodeida, a key entry point for humanitarian aid, the United Nations said. Pictured: A child at the Al-Sabaeen Hospital

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt hailed their progress, tweeting that the agreement must be 'swiftly finalised & implemented' and urging progress on the prisoner release.

Under the UN-brokered agreement reached in December, both sides agreed on the redeployment of forces out of Hodeida, which is currently controlled by the Houthis.

Local authorities and police would run the city and its three ports under UN supervision.

The first stage of implementation, agreed upon over the weekend, would see both sides withdraw forces from the ports of Hodeida, Salif and Ras Issa, which handle about 70% of Yemen's imports.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths, meanwhile, departed from Sanaa on Monday, a day after meeting with rebel leader Abdul-Malek al-Houthi to discuss the 'complex situation' in and around Hodeida.Alesha MacPhail was found naked lying face down in woodland near an abandoned hotel

A woman who a teenager accused of murder blames for the death of a six-year-old girl felt 'jealous and threatened' by the child, a court was told today.

But Glasgow High Court also heard Toni McLachlan, 18, was said to 'love' Alesha MacPhail and be 'really good' to her.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denies abducting, raping and murdering Alesha. A charge he faced of attempting to hide evidence was dropped by the Crown today.

The schoolgirl's body was found in woods on the Isle of Bute on July 2 last year hours after she was reported missing from the home her father shared with his parents on the island.

The accused has lodged a special defence of incrimination, blaming Miss McLachlan, the partner of Alesha's father Robert MacPhail.

Earlier, the court also from Avil Lax, 67, a neighbour of the MacPhail family, who said she heard 'domestic abuse' between the girl's father and his girlfriend.

Witness Lynsey Calderwood, 20, told the court she was good friends with Miss McLachlan when Alesha went missing.

Alesha's mother Georgina Lochrane (left) and father Robert MacPhail (right) arrive at Glasgow High Court today

Witness Lindsay Calderwood, 20, was visibly upset as she left Glasgow High Court today. She had told the court she was good friends with Miss McLachlan when Alesha went missing

Questioned about Miss McLachlan's relationship with the schoolgirl, Ms Calderwood said: 'They were happy, they got on really well. Toni was really good to her and they both liked each other.'

A statement she gave to police on July 5 said: 'I always felt Toni was jealous and she felt threatened of the time and attention Rab (Robert MacPhail) gave to Alesha.'

Alesha's grandmother Angela King arrives at the High Court in Glasgow this morning

The witness told the court Ms McLachlan was a 'wee bit jealous' but not 'really jealous' of Alesha.

She also said that the day after Alesha went missing Toni said something to her along the lines of 'she's in a better place', which she thought was odd.

Her police statement had Ms McLachlan saying 'something like 'It's for the best''. Ms Calderwood said her friend had definitely said 'she's in a better place'.

Giving evidence last Wednesday, Miss McLachlan denied being responsible for Alesha's death, saying she 'loved' the girl.

She also denied suggestions by the defence that she had sex with the accused on July 2, then planted his semen on Alesha, before 'attacking and brutalising her' and murdering her.

Meanwhile neighbour Ms Lax told the court that she heard Miss McLachlan being 'beaten up over a period of a good few months'.

Called as a defence witness, retired voluntary worker Ms Lax claimed she heard Miss McLachlan screaming and 'the sound of hitting' and 'skin slapping'.

Alesha (left) with Mr MacPhail (centre) and his girlfriend Toni Louise McLachlan (right)

She said she once heard Miss McLachlan screaming 'Help, someone help'. Asked when she heard the abuse, Ms Lax said: 'The year previous to Alesha going missing.'

Mrs Lax said she then reported the abuse to Mr MacPhail's parents Angela King and Calum MacPhail, and claimed they told her 'she didn't hear anything'.

She said: 'They didn't want to blacken Robert's name, there was a court case coming up over custody of Alesha.'

Under cross-examination from advocate depute Iain McSporran QC, she said the sounds of abuse coming from the MacPhail home took place over a three month period.

Mrs Lax said: 'It was something unpleasant and I didn't want to take notes. I had just lost my husband and it was very upsetting.'

She claimed she 'just signed' the police statement and couldn't remember precise details from her initial statement.

Another defence witness, Laura Crawford, 38, told the court that she 'thought' she had seen the couple on July 1 and 'they looked like they had fallen out'.

Mrs Crawford got in touch with police on July 3 to report what she had seen.

She told the court: 'Robert was pulling on her arm as if she wanted her to talk to him. It looked like they had fallen out.'

Asked by defence lawyer Brian McConnachie about Miss McLachlan's 'demeanour' and whether she could tell anything from her body language, she said she couldn't.

In her statement she said: 'As we came round the corner the girl had her hands up with her palms facing forward, she looked upset, really upset. She looked as if she was about to start crying.'

Mr Macphail, who has been attending the trial in Glasgow, is pictured with his daughter Alesha

At the time Mrs Crawford claimed she didn't know who it was.

She said: 'I didn't even know Toni-Louise had a boyfriend. I know the MacPhail family and they're lovely people, but I didn't know they were together.'

She claimed she later realised the couple were going out because there was pictures of them together.

Asked by Mr McConnachie if there was 'any room for you being wrong about who you saw', she said: 'No.'

Under cross-examination by Mr McSporran, Mrs Crawford claimed the people were on the pavement behind parked cars on one side of the road and said she only 'got a glimpse' of the two people.

Mrs Crawford added: 'I didn't even know what Toni was wearing.' She said the male was wearing 'shades'.

She was questioned again by Mr McConnachie, who said: 'Do you think you would know the difference between a 13-year-old girl and Toni McLachlan?'

Mrs Crawford replied: 'From a glimpse, maybe not.'

In a closing speech, Mr McSporran QC described a 'mountain of evidence' against the accused, and said there was not a 'solitary piece of evidence' against Miss McLachlan.

A charge of defeating the ends of justice was dropped by the prosecution. Mr McSporran told the jury: 'You have to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt.

A police forensic team investigates at a house on the Isle of Bute outside Rothesay last July

'What does your common sense and experience of life tell you? There is so much evidence in this case that there is only one true verdict - of guilty.

'You must set aside any prejudices or feelings you may have. You must not be swayed or affected by the emotion of this case.

'I don't intend to show any more images, I believe there's been shown enough. This must be one of the very worst cases for a jury to have to come and sit in.

'The absence of his DNA in Alesha's bedroom is essentially neutral. The evidence proves the accused removed her from her house and raped her.

'If you look at the injuries caused to her it was obvious the injuries were caused in the same way.'

When Mr McSporran described details from the pathology report on Alesha's body, the girl's mother Georgina Lochrane left the courtroom.

Mr McSporran said: 'The fact of the matter is she [Alesha] left that house without anyone hearing. She had never even left the house before on her own.

'During the night whoever took her was able to do it without anyone in the house hearing. The pathologist showed her nose and mouth could've been clearly covered without her making a sound.

'He saw she was taken by someone strong enough to carry her, that someone being [the accused]. It is very odd someone is abducted, raped and murdered after someone is seen walking along that shoreline.

'The Crown position isn't that he was smoking, chatting and having sex with Toni McLachlan but abducting Alesha MacPhail.'

Describing the accused as a 'confident young man', Mr McSporran said he had told the police officers who interviewed him 'a pack of lies' and 'spun them a yarn' after his mother left the room.

Regarding allegations from the accused of Miss McLachlan 'fantasising' about killing Alesha, Mr McSporran said: 'Nowhere else in this case is there evidence about someone fantasising about killing anyone. He introduced that to the case.'

The prosecutor described the 'emotional turmoil' the island was in around the time of Alesha's death, where a young girl was found dead 'in the worst circumstances'.

A police cordon at Ardberg on the Isle of Bute where the six-year-old girl was found dead

Mr McSporran said: 'As the trial progressed it became clearer only one of two people could've been responsible for Alesha's murder, [the accused] or Toni McLachlan.'

He noted that accusations against Miss McLachlan were introduced by the accused, and no one else.

The brief said: 'What a risk to go out an rendezvous with a man who's not your boyfriend. Is that not a risk beyond worth taking?

'To return to the house wearing a stranger's hoodie, smelling of smoke and carrying a used condom. There's not one single solitary piece of evidence.'

Citing evidence against the accused, he referenced a knife from the boy's house and clothing found on a beach, the traces of DNA and clothing fibres discovered, and the 'lies' the accused told to his mother and the police.

In his closing words Mr McSporran said there was no evidence implicating Miss McLachlan, while there was 'a mountain of evidence' against the accused.

But defence brief Mr McConnachie urged the jury to acquit the teen - telling them the 16-year-old accused 'did not have to prove' that Toni McLachlan was responsible for the murder.

Mr McConnachie said: 'You can't let emotion get in the way, you will have to act like judges. It's entirely a matter for you.

'The prosecution don't just need to prove their case but they need to prove it to a particular standard - beyond a reasonable doubt.

'One of the things you need to understand is it's not for the accused to prove Toni McLachlan done this - it's not a who done it. You might believe Toni was involved or you might have a doubt.'

He questioned why Alesha did not scream when she was taken from her bedroom. Mr McConnachie said: 'This is a girl who would scream if somebody came into her room.

'The prosecution claim he took her out of the house, down all of the stairs then out of the property without her making a sound or him making a sound.'

Asking them to consider DNA evidence, he said: 'The Crown understandably makes something of that.

'When the police comes round and he [the accused] gives his statement he gives them the DNA quite willingly and quite happily.'

And Mr McConnachie referred to a Facebook conversation when the accused and a pal were both aged 14, and discussed killing.

He added: 'There are elements of this case where the crown are trying too hard to make something of nothing.'

He described the conversation as 'just rubbish' and 'teenage fantasy'.

Mr McConnnachie described the Snapchat video showing the teen 'claiming to have found who done it' as 'bad taste'. He said: 'There's no doubt it was in bad taste.'

And he said DNA and fibre sample evidence connecting the accused to the murder was 'irrelevent' due to the possibility of secondary transfer.

Mr McConnachie said: 'The verdict has to be one of acquittal.'

The trial has been adjourned until tomorrow when Lord Matthews will direct the jury.

The trial continues.

Revenue up 68%, EBITDA up 52%, NPAT up 48%, on Track to Deliver FY19

Sydney, Feb 20, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - WiseTech Global Ltd ( ASX:WTC ) ( OTCMKTS:WTCHF ) announces revenue up 68%, EBITDA up 52%, NPAT up 48%, on track to deliver FY19.Key statutory results 1H19 vs 1H18- Total 1H19 revenue of $156.7m, up 68%- Net profit attributable to equity holders of $23.1m, up 48%- Fully franked interim dividend of 1.5 cents per shareKey performance indicators 1H19 vs 1H18- Recurring revenue 100% for CargoWise One platform- Annual attrition rate of <1% by CargoWise One customers- EBITDA $48.5m, up 52%- EBITDA margin 31% (49% excluding acquisitions) (see Note 1 below)Strong growth in revenues while expanding global platformCEO, Richard White, said "We continued to deliver high quality growth in 1H19 with revenues up 68% to $156.7m and EBITDA up 52% to $48.5m, a reflection of our strategy to accelerate WiseTech's global growth and industry penetration, driven by geographic expansion, relentless innovation and deepening product capability, all of which saw usage by the world's largest logistics providers increase."The strength of our CargoWise One global platform is reflected in its 100% recurring revenue and annual customer attrition rate of <1% and our EBITDA margin is 49% (excluding acquisitions)- all delivered while enlarging our reach across key trade regions and significantly expanding our pipeline of innovation. CargoWise One continues to be a unique powerhouse technology changing global logistics for the better."Organic revenues from our existing and new customers delivered nearly half of our total revenue growth period on period. This 89% increase in growth on 1H18 reflects increased usage across our existing customer base. Continuing existing customers' revenue growth of $25.5m, delivered 84% of the 1H19 organic revenue growth. This growth was generated by:- our large customer base increasing their use of the CargoWise One platform, adding transactions, users and geographies and moving into more modules;- increasing usage by many of the world's largest freight forwarding groups. We now have 25 of the top 25 global freight forwarders as customers and seven of the top 25 are on, or have completed, global forwarding rollouts including DSV, DHL and Yusen;- continued transition of customer licensing (excluding acquisitions), with 99% of CargoWise One revenues generated from On-Demand licensing;- further growth in revenue from larger multi-region customers - 38 of the top 50 global 3PLs are now customers, yet our top 10 customers contribute only 25% of revenue (1H18: 28%); and- all of our top 20 customers have shown revenue growth year on year and each cohort of customers from FY06 to FY18 grew revenue in the period.Revenue from customers on acquired platforms increased by $32.8m, up over 150% period on period, including $30.6m from 26 acquisitions completed in FY18 and 1H19. Our strategic acquisitions bring seamless entry into new markets, local leadership, quality customer bases and local infrastructure and development teams which, over time, we will utilise to expand the reach of CargoWise One geographically and build globally scalable adjacencies.Customer attrition The attrition rate for the CargoWise One technology platform continued to be extremely low, at under 1%, as it had been for the previous six and a half years since we started measuring. Our customers stay and grow their transaction usage due to the productivity of our platform.EBITDA of $48.5m for 1H19 (more than doubled since 1H17) with a healthy margin of 31% including our acquisitions. EBITDA margin excluding acquisitions grew to 49% over the year - as we continue seeing the benefits of our disciplined and highly efficient commercial model for our core business.Highlights from execution of strategic growth initiativesIn 1H19, we continued to execute our powerful growth levers, prioritising relentless innovation to maximise the opportunities available to us from building out our global platform and accessing new addressable markets. In addition, we acquired a further 11 leading market positions in key geographic markets for the world's manufactured trade flows and valuable adjacencies to add to our innovation pipeline that can be grown to a global scale.As we expand geographically, we have also been widening our reach into, and across, the supply chain. Our vision is of a comprehensive global logistics execution solution for our customers, capable of managing from the first-mile road movement, connecting to long-haul air, sea, rail and road, crossing international borders, while navigating complex regulatory burdens with improved compliance, safety, visibility, predictability, manageability and productivity through deep and live data and device integration.Moving out from our stronghold of international logistics and complex cross border compliance, we are now leveraging our innovation pipeline and putting in place the key technologies and assets to start building unassailable ecosystems. We can now accelerate the network effect of our new geographic markets and dozens of new technology adjacencies with our integrated global CargoWise One platform across 130 countries, significant multi-year innovation pipeline and the 14,000 logistics organisations who currently use our solutions worldwide.Expansion of our global platformWe invested $51.2m and 47% of our people in product development, further expanding our pipeline of commercialisable innovations and delivering over 240 product upgrades seamlessly across the CargoWise One global platform. We are accelerating our development capability within our development teams across 20 countries.The hundreds of upgrades include initiatives such as:- completion of additional China solution interface and localised CargoWise One platform including forwarding, customs and accounting;- enhancement of global address validation (GAV), with additional countries (e.g. China), increased processing performance, simplified user interface and a new API extending GAV access to acquired applications;- extension of localisation of our comprehensive accounting solution to further countries (e.g. electronic invoicing active in Italy);- completion of the early adopter phase of our global netting solution with a large global 3PL;- increased rates automation and bookings including single sign-on integration with CargoSphere's global ocean rates solution;- real-time container and vessel visibility and process automation with full commercialisation launch to all CargoWise One customers globally in January 2019;- completion of US market border compliance engine, BorderWise, for development launch in 2H19;- expanded and embedded global automation across air freight platform globally covering air waybills movement, live flight tracking and process automation to increase visibility of the global supply chain, with full commercialisation in 2H19 across the top 50 airlines covering cargo carrying flights and air waybills;- addition of new features to denied party screening (DPS) including more lists, the ability to deal with local rules and changing requirements rapidly by customers, increased processing performance, simplified user interface and a new API extending DPS access to acquired applications; and- regulatory upgrades for a myriad of government changes including UK regulatory CDS platform replacement, Canada Trans-Pacific Partnership revisions, Malaysian uCustoms, Australian GST, EU Union Customs Code implementation, South Africa NCAP and German ATLAS release.We progressed our larger pipeline components including:- Master Data Control Portal for large multi-national logistics organisations, integrating global de-duplication capability, matching engine for address and phone number validation, relationship co-ordination, and data enrichment, to significantly reduce entry costs, errors and delays;- globally enabled spatial technology and land parcel data providing a foundation for automated geo-fencing, reporting zones, pricing zones, taxation and tariff application for local authorities, searching and visual mapping;- comprehensive global port integration for bookings, manifests, status terminal releases, container load plans and VGM to terminals, carriers, customs and agents. In addition to integration with all ports in the Netherlands and all automated ports across South Africa, this was completed for Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan covering the majority of ports in China (with the world's largest global forwarder, DHL GF, already live);- international e-commerce integrated fulfilment solution for high volume, low value e-commerce shipments from origin to door - completed a pilot test with development partner and commencing early adopter trials with US subsidiaries of global 3PLs;- additional machine learning, natural language and data robotics that monitor, retrieve and process data sets automatically, including airline schedules, sailing (ocean) schedules, container events, air waybill events, BorderWise regulatory content, and many other data sets across governments, carriers and myriad providers;- development partner launch of transit warehouse in the US, a key component of next-generation warehouse and e-commerce capability;- Universal Customs Engine designed to deliver complex, multi-year localisations in a fraction of time and cost;- developments for direct data integrations with ocean carriers, airlines, NVOCCs, freight wholesalers and rail and road carriers to advance productivity gains for customers and carriers alike;- further advancements in architecture engine, GLOW, which allows rapid product development across multiple operating systems on any device, applied to international e-commerce and warehousing with improved functionality to address adjacencies;- integration of acquired adjacencies and our innovation developments to build out the cargo chain ecosystem for rates, schedules and bookings; and- commenced scaling of database models (including new and non-SQL databases), sharding and decoupling projects to further scale WiseCloud infrastructure, increase redundancy and expand performance capacity.In addition, we have also invested resources into in-application machine learning, natural language processing, process automation and guided decision support, driven by vast volumes of transactional, carrier and border agency data sets to enable enhanced productivity, automation, visibility, predictability, compliance, due diligence, risk assessment and risk mitigation.Within our acquired strategic assets significant development work is progressing. A sample of activities include:- commencing integration between our specialist TMS adjacencies to expand the retailer omni-channel strategy (e.g. SmartFreight adds US parcel shipping to their omni-channel solutions and Pierbridge expands parcel shipping capabilities to Australia and UK, Pierbridge integration with SaasTrans will expand our carrier portfolio to include more freight whereas integration into CargoWise One allows international freight forwarders to access additional omni-channel, parcel, pallet and LTL solutions);- completing Softship's global liner and agency solution integration to the CargoWise One validation engine (global address and phone number);- completing development of Cargoguide's next generation air rate management solution, which includes a range of new functionalities and streamlined management processes from request to booking;- commencing simultaneous build-out of embedded customs utilising Universal Customs Engine for acquired geographies across Italy, Germany, Turkey, Taiwan, France and Spain, with non-native interface with CargoWise One complete for Italy, Germany and France, and expansion of local customs solutions to encompass bonded warehousing and landed costing;- SmartFreight commenced direct integration with Microlistics specialist warehousing and a proof of concept is underway for integration with CargoWise One e-commerce - development partner/client trials to complete in 2H19;- Pierbridge expansion of 'last inch' delivery service benefiting 1PL, 3PL and CargoWise One customers through integration with US local carrier network (Banyan) providing access for clients to ship via UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL and 1,500 local same day delivery and white glove freight couriers. In addition, stamp printing capabilities (2D barcode security) were released for shippers to send items via US mail to consumers without need for shipping labels, expanding transportation modes for all shipper sizes;- Taric in Spain were re-appointed European Commission content provider for the development of the commercial exchange of goods between the EU and other countries;- two of the top five global ocean carriers are now live on CargoSphere's global rates management system;- utilising our local acquired operations to swiftly build-out key regional components on global engines, e.g. Universal Ports building port messaging in Brazil and Spain with Bysoft and Taric teams, BorderWise build-out with South African team and DataFreight and CargoWise One UK teams, and constructing direct connection for early in-country adoption ahead of embedded customs electronic entry processing; and- establishing interface for extending all web-based CargoWise One capabilities to all acquired assets including Denied Party Screening, matching engine and international e-commerce.Greater usage by existing customersWe experienced continuing existing customer revenue growth of $25.5m, which delivered 84% of the 1H19 organic revenue growth. This growth was generated by:- our large customer base increasing their use of the CargoWise One platform, adding transactions, users and geographies and moving into more modules;- increasing usage by many of the world's largest freight forwarding groups. We have 25 of the top 25 global freight forwarders as customers and seven of the top 25 are on, or have completed, global forwarding rollouts including DSV, DHL and Yusen. The DHL Global Forwarding rollout commenced in FY17 and continues to make significant progress across EMEA and Asia;- continued transition of customer licensing (excluding acquisitions), with 99% of CargoWise One revenues generated from On-Demand licensing, an access-as-needed, monthly payment based on usage licence and select customers moving off static transition pricing arrangements to standard transaction-based licence arrangements;- further growth in revenue from larger multi-region customers - 38 of the top 50 global 3PLs are now customers, yet our top 10 customers contribute only 25% of revenue (1H18: 28%); and- all of our top 20 customers have shown revenue growth year on year and each cohort of customers from FY06 to FY18 grew revenue in the period.Increasing the number of new customers on the platformWe continue to bring new customers onto the platform with new regional customer deals including Crane Worldwide Logistics, Translink Shipping and Sino Connections amongst others. New customers take time to roll out and then transaction revenue grows over time. Our Delta team build relationships with global 3PLs and international freight forwarders. As we increase our global penetration, we also continue to sign new customer deals with customers where we have a pre-existing relationship - such customers add to our existing customers' revenue. We are seeing an uptick in larger potential customers engaging with us and we expect to see this trend expand into further major new customer contracts. Regardless, we are still in early penetration of both new and existing customers.Stimulated network effectsWe harness important natural network effects that exist because of the necessarily collaborative nature of supply chain execution and the inherent effect of our deeply integrated global software platform. We further stimulate these effects with targeted partner programs through WiseBusiness, WiseService and WiseTechnical partners, Wise Agent Referral Program, CargoWise Certified Professional and deeper WiseIndustry programs for freight forwarding network groups globally.In 2018, we added 23 WiseService Partner organisations, fortifying our capability to support growing customer bases in expanding markets such as the UK, France, Belgium, Spain, Canada, India, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Japan and China. Across these companies and our existing WiseService Partners, nearly one hundred new WisePartner Consultants embarked on the path to attain CargoWise One Certified Professional accreditation. In 1H19, we added more WiseEducation Partners, who committed to support the future of the logistics industry along with an additional seven global independent freight forwarding and industry trade networks as WiseIndustry Partners. The networks have committed to the value proposition of CargoWise One and are actively promoting these values to network members. These new partners increase the total number of partner networks to 38 with a collective member base of over 7,000 logistics service professionals (a 27.6% increase in members in six months).We currently have over 250 external WisePartner organisations across the world, actively referring, promoting or implementing our platform. We further leverage the extensive network effect of ~13,000 CargoWise One Certified practitioners who work within industry across our customer or partner organisations and whose proficiency in the CargoWise One platform forms an effective, highly efficient additional salesforce.In addition, each new geography and adjacency we acquire adds a valuable point on our strategic map, accelerates the network effects and makes CargoWise One even more compelling to local and global logistics providers and their customers. In 1H19, we continued to leverage our acquired business relationships with key global customers and explored connections between the adjacent acquisitions, CargoWise One and geographic footholds.Our reach now extends out from international freight forwarding and 3PL logistics, into the 2PL, 1PL and domestic global transportation management space. We also implemented development partnerships with large regional and global rollout customers on pilot technology developments that will drive network effects across the customer base.Accelerating organic growth through acquisitionsIn expanding geographically, we buy into market positions that would take years to build, and we then integrate the acquired industry and developer talent and customers over time to accelerate our organic growth. We further utilise acquisitions in key adjacent technologies to facilitate our development of globally scalable innovations, to fuel the convergence of technologies that add to our next generation of automations and machine learning and to grow and enhance our extensive global data and transaction sets.In 1H19, we have progressed product development in China, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Ireland and Australasia and across our global adjacencies including global rates management, border compliance, transport management solutions ("TMS") and land transport. In addition, since 1 July 2018, we have completed a further 11 valuable geographic and adjacent acquisitions across Turkey, North America, Spain, Italy, Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway.In 1H19 and to February 2019, our acquisitions for geographic expansion comprised:- on 2 July 2018, we completed the acquisition of Ulukom, a leading logistics and customs solutions provider in Turkey ? one of Europe's largest trading partners bridging Europe, the Middle East and Asia;- on 2 July 2018, we completed the acquisition of Fenix, a Canadian customs management solutions provider with specialised focus on cross-border road and rail movements;- on 19 September 2018, we completed the acquisition of Multi Consult, the leading Italian customs and freight forwarding solution provider with domestic TMS capabilities;- on 2 October 2018, we completed the acquisition of Taric, a leading provider of customs management solutions in Spain who will assist to accelerate the European development of our global BorderWise solution and extend customs and compliance capabilities for our recent acquisitions of freight forwarding solutions providers across Latin America;- on 1 November 2018, we completed the acquisition of DataFreight, a leading provider of customs, freight forwarding, and warehouse management software solutions in the United Kingdom who will strengthen our development capacity in preparation for Brexit;- on 1 November 2018, we completed the acquisition of CargoIT, a leading customs management and logistics solutions provider in Sweden; and- on 1 February 2019, we completed the acquisition of Systema, a leading customs management solutions provider in Norway.Throughout 1H19 and to February 2019, our acquisitions for adjacencies and technologies convergent with our innovation pipeline comprised:- on 2 July 2018, we completed the acquisition of SaaS Transportation, a specialist Less Than Truckload ("LTL") TMS provider in the United States with US LTL road rate capabilities which will expand our road booking and road rates offering;- on 2 July 2018, we completed the acquisition of Pierbridge, a leading parcel TMS provider whose enterprise-class, multi-carrier, parcel shipping solution, allows freight forwarders, warehouses and shippers, such as online retailers, to more efficiently manage high volumes of parcel shipments, and will enable our customers to ship with US-based global couriers;- on 1 October 2018, we completed the acquisition of Trinium, a leading intermodal trucking TMS and container tracking provider in the United States and Canada; and- on 1 November 2018, we completed the acquisition of SmartFreight, a leading parcel and LTL shipping software provider in Australia.These acquisitions are at various stages of integration and, once fully embedded over the coming years, they will expand the functionality, scope and value of our industry-leading technology and provide a strong base for further accelerating our long-term organic growth. Accordingly, we will continue to execute on our considerable pipeline of near-term, mid-term and long-term acquisition opportunities in our target areas of Asia, Europe and North America.OutlookWiseTech Global Founder and CEO, Richard White, said "Our strategy, which we have been executing on consistently, has set us on a strong trajectory of growth. With global trade constantly evolving, and growing exponentially in volume and complexity, efficient logistics execution through integrated, global data is vital. We will continue to build out our innovation lead at the same time as expanding our reach through the targeted acquisition of valuable geographic holds and adjacent technologies. We will continue to widen our reach across the supply chain into new customer segments, which can be connected through CargoWise One, and help us enhance logistics in a world that is changing and digitising increasingly rapidly.""The significant strategic actions we have taken in 1H19 will drive customers' growth, build long-term recurring revenue and accelerate global expansion in FY19 and for years to come".Guidance for FY19 revenue and earningsFounder and CEO, Richard White, said "The strong momentum and significant growth of the Group during 1H19, the power of the CargoWise One platform, annual customer attrition rate of less than 1% and continued relentless investment in innovation and expansion across our global business give us confidence to expect, subject to currency movements(see Note 2 below):FY19 revenue of $322m - $335m, revenue growth of 45% - 51%,EBITDA of $102m - $107m and EBITDA growth of 31% - 37%."Investor Presentation Please refer to the WiseTech Global 1H19 Results Investor briefing materials released today for detailed financial data and analysis.Analyst Briefing The results presentation webcast to discuss WiseTech Global's 1H19 financial results will be held at 10.30am (Sydney time) today. The webcast and briefing audio will be available at http://webcast.openbriefing.com/4965 Notes:1 Acquisitions are those businesses acquired since 2012 and not embedded into CargoWise One.2 Our revenue is invoiced in a range of currencies, reflecting the global nature of our customer base and as a result is impacted by movements in foreign exchange rates. Our FY19 guidance is based on rates provided within the Investor briefing materials released to the ASX on 20 February 2019.To view tables, please visit:To view the Investor Presentation, please visit:About WiseTech Global Ltd

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX:WTC) is a leading developer and provider of software solutions to the logistics execution industry globally. Our customers include over 17,000 of the world's logistics companies across 160 countries, including 41 of the top 50 global thirdparty logistics providers and all of the 25 largest global freight forwarders worldwide2. Our flagship platform, CargoWise, forms an integral link in the global supply chain and executes over 50 billion data transactions annually.

At WiseTech, we are relentless about innovation, adding over 4,000 product enhancements to our global platform in the past five years while bringing meaningful continual improvement to the world's supply chains. Our breakthrough software solutions are renowned for their powerful productivity, extensive functionality, comprehensive integration, deep compliance capabilities, and truly global reach.

For more information about WiseTech Global or CargoWise, please visit wisetechglobal.com and cargowise.comCops raiding a drugs den full of heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana have also found a baby alligator 'protecting' the drugs.

The three-foot-long gator was discovered 'guarding' over bags of illegal drugs in the 'stash-house' in South Coatesville, Pennsylvania,

Three men  31-year-old Irvin Gotti Hawkins, 35-year-old Aki Gathright and 40-year-old Tyrone Jackson  have been arrested on drug trafficking charges.

Baby alligator, nicknamed 'El Chompo' was found 'guarding' the gang's stashes of heroin, crack cocaine and fentanyl in the kitchen

Police raided this small home (centre) in South Coatsville, Penn., on February 8 to discovered the large drugs operation

Raiding cops named the gator 'El Chompo' in honor of last week's conviction of Mexican drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman.

'Quite frankly, as we can tell from these drug dealers, the alligator may have been the brains of the operation,' Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan told NBC affiliate WGAL.

The small reptile, which could grow to as large as 10 feet long, was kept in the kitchen to scare off possible intruders from rival drug gangs.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said the suspected dealers were using 'to protect their drugs and cash.'

'Some drug dealers use pit bulls or snakes,' said DA Hogan. 'These drug traffickers kept an alligator in the house.'

Irvin Gotti Hawkins, 31, (left) Aki Gathright, 35, (centre) Tyrone Jackson, 40, (right) were arrested following the raid and taken into custody at Chester County police station

'El Chompo' was transferred to the Brandywine Zoo in Delaware, where he will remain for the summer after he finishes quarantine, according to officials.

The runty gator will then be shipped to his final home in a Florida zoo.

Notorious Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman was last week convicted of running a drug trafficking empire for decades that had made millions of dollars in the US.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan joked that the alligator was probably the 'brains' behind the men's drugs trafficking operation

A Brooklyn court judge read out the jury's verdict of 10 guilty verdicts on all 10 counts of the indictment which they spent six days deciding on, and charges of operating a criminal enterprise, use of firearms and charges of conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

It is expected the 61-year-old will receive a considerable life sentence at his next court date on June 25 this year.Former employees of an engineering firm which was forced to shut as a result of a 'spelling mistake' made on a Companies House record believe they should receive some of the 9 million compensation their former boss won from the state agency.

In 2009 Companies House had mistakenly recorded Taylor & Sons Ltd as having wound up, instead of an entirely unconnected company, Taylor & Son Ltd.

The error forced businessman Philip Davison-Sebry to lay off his 250 staff - some of whom had worked for the firm for more than 40 years.

These workers, pictured were all made redundant a decade ago after an official in Companies House made an error which led to the collapse of Taylor & Sons Ltd in 2009. The workers, back row, from left to right, are Wayne Ferrell, 66, Kelvin Pugh, 67 and Robert Preston, 69 and Andrew Davies. Sitting on the front row are Graham Thornton and Hubert Davies

The engineering company from Neath, South Wales collapsed after an official mistook it for a completely unconnected company, Taylor & Son Ltd, which was being wound up. The typo saw 250 people lose their jobs

In 2015, a High Court judge ruled Mr Davison-Sebry should be awarded damages of up to 8.8million. But the court did not consider whether the workers who lost their jobs and wages over the past decade should be compensated.

The company in Neath, South Wales had been operating successfully for more than 150 years when the error destroyed its credit rating sending it rapidly out of business.

Now a group of former employees, all living in the Briton Ferry area of South Wales, have come together to fight their case.

They believe the Companies House error meant they had suffered in retirement. Some lost out in enhanced pension contributions.

Robert Preston, 69, worked in the stores at the engineering firm. He said: 'Companies House have never had to do anything like this before. I believe it's unprecedented.

'Companies House had a duty of care to the people who were affected, but the duty of care to the employees has been completely ignored.

'It's a travesty of justice.'

He calculated that he had lost out on 134k in earnings since he was laid off aged 59.

'Personally, I meant to finish working at 67,' he added.

Businessman Philip Davison-Sebry, pictured, received almost 8 million in compensation from Companies House as a result of their blunder. His former workers only received statutory redundancy after losing their jobs

Wayne Ferrell, 66, who was a manager and had worked at the firm for 41 years said the stress of losing his job affected his health.

He said: 'It was bad for me, because my wife Margaret worked for the company too in the accounts team.

'I'd worked there for 41 years, and it was too late to go out looking for another job.'

Andrew Evans, 57, said the first thing he knew about the collapse of the company was when people turned up looking around the office.

'We thought, "there's something going on here",' he recalled.

'Then Grant Thornton, the receivers, walked through the door and everyone was given their notice.'

The error caused catastrophic damage to the firm's reputation and caused orders to dry up and credit facilities withdrawn making it impossible to continue trading.

The former workers hope to be able to take a case against Companies House to reclaim some of the wages they lost out on as a result of the firm's collapse

Robert Emmanuel, 67, said: 'We worked for a week for nothing hoping the situation would get resolved.

'We gave them the benefit of the doubt to see if we could help matters.

'In the end, we had to shoot off taking all our tools with us because we thought the administrators would end up with them.

'I went to a lot of people for work and they said "how old are you? Is it worth sending you for training because you will be retiring in a couple of years' time".'

As well as the Neath site, there were around 200 people working in the Cardiff office who were also laid off.

The staff only received the statutory minimum redundancy payment.

Graham John, 69, who worked for the firm for 24 years said: 'I probably lost around 90k in wages,' said the 69-year-old.

'I suffered depression in the years after, and even now, it's always there in the background. It's surprising how it creeps up on you.'

Mr John is the spokesman for the group, which first got together at the Briton Ferry workmans club over a year ago.

At first they approached a solicitors in Swansea for legal advice, but said they couldn't afford the legal fees.

'We clubbed together for the first few meetings,' Mr Graham said, 'but after that, the costs just escalated.'

Kelvin Pugh, 67, worked for 10 years as a furnace operator at the Neath site. He said: 'We could end up losing our houses.

'It's not a clear cut case. We haven't got money to throw at it.'

A Companies House spokesperson said: 'The High Court did not consider whether the duty of care affects former employees of the company. Anyone who feels the judgment affects the position of former employees of the Company may wish to seek independent legal advice.

'The High Court found that a duty of care existed in relation to a company that was not in liquidation but was wrongly recorded on the register as being in liquidation. We have agreed confidential terms of settlement and this case has now concluded.'

The group of former employees hope someone with the right legal expertise will take their case on, which they say is a 'landmark case'.

Mr Preston said: 'We need someone who is not afraid of the establishment, someone who is prepared to stand up for us.

'This is a landmark case.'

Mr John agreed with him.

'The bottom line is it wasn't through lack of money or lack of orders that we all lost our jobs, it was just one letter,' he said.

Mr Davison-Sebry has been approached for comment.Vladimir Putin has promised to target more missiles at the US if America deploys new weapons to Europe in the wake of Washington's withdrawal from a key arms pact.

In his toughest remarks yet on a potential new arms race, Putin said Russia would deploy more missiles if the Trump administration put short or intermediate range missiles in Europe - after the President's decision this month to quit a treaty banning nuclear missiles with a range of less than 3,415 miles.

Putin said U.S. policy-makers, some of whom he said were obsessed with U.S. exceptionalism, should calculate the risks before taking any steps and said any new Russian missiles would target US 'decision-making centres'.

He said: 'It's their right to think how they want. But can they count? I'm sure they can. Let them count the speed and the range of the weapons systems we are developing,' Putin told Russia's political elite to strong applause this morning.

'Russia will be forced to create and deploy types of weapons which can be used not only in respect of those territories from which the direct threat to us originates, but also in respect of those territories where the centres of decision-making are located,' he said.

Putin also boasted about Russia's expanding array of new weapons and said it will deploy a new hypersonic missile for its navy as part of efforts to counter what he described as hostile U.S. moves.

Vladimir Putin (pictured this morning) says Russia will target weapons at the US should it deploy new intermediate-range missiles in Europe following America's withdrawal from a key arms control pact

The US repeatedly accused Russia of violating the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty by developing banned weapons and earlier this month Donald Trump (pictured) said Washington was starting a process to withdraw from the deal

America's withdrawal from the Cold War-era Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty has sparked fears of a new arms race (file picture)

How the INF played a key role in ending the Cold War The 1987 International Nuclear Forces Treaty signed the U.S. and the then-USSR up to a ban on mobile ground-based nuclear missiles with ranges from 310 to 3,415 miles. The immediate effect was to eliminate the U.S.'s Pershing II missiles - which had a range of 1,100 miles - and the Soviet Union's SS-20s, which had a range of 2,700 miles. Both were deployed in Europe and their removal under the pact - signed by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev - was a key part in ending the Cold War. However, no restrictions were placed on other major military actors such as China. During the 2014 crisis in Ukraine, the US accused Russia of violating the pact by deploying banned tactical nuclear weapons designed to intimidate Europe and Western-aligned former Soviet states. US officials say the Kremlin is deploying a prohibited 'SSC-8' land-based cruise missile. Alleging Russian violations, Washington said earlier this month it was suspending its obligations under the pact and starting the process of quitting it, untying its hands to develop new missiles. With the deal having banned either side from stationing short and intermediate-range, land-based missiles in Europe, its demise raises the prospect of a new arms race between Washington and Moscow. Russia denies violating the treaty and Putin responded to the U.S. move by saying Russia would mirror the U.S. by suspending its own obligations and quitting the pact. Advertisement

The new Zircon missile will fly at nine times of the speed of sound and have a range of 620 miles, he warned, adding that the missile is designed to equip existing surface ships and submarines.

Other new weapons announced last year, including the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone, have been undergoing tests successfully, he said.

Putin, facing an unprecedented fall in his approval ratings, made the remarks during his first address to both houses of parliament since he was elected to a fourth presidential term a year ago, extending his long rule until 2024.

In his toughest remarks yet on a potential new arms race, the Kremlin strongman warned the US against further missile deployments in Europe.

'Russia does not intend to be the first to deploy such missiles in Europe,' he said.

'If (the US) develops and deploys them in Europe... this will dramatically exacerbate the international security situation, creating serious threats to Russia.

'I'm saying this clearly and openly, Russia will be forced to deploy weapons that can be used... against the decision-making centres that are behind the missiles systems which threaten us.'

Putin said Russia was not seeking confrontation 'particularly with such a global power as the U.S'.

But he added that Russia's reaction to any deployment would be resolute and that U.S. policy-makers, some of whom he said were obsessed with U.S. exceptionalism, should calculate the risks before taking any steps.

'It's their right to think how they want. But can they count? I'm sure they can. Let them count the speed and the range of the weapons systems we are developing,' Putin told Russia's political elite to strong applause.

Signed in 1987 towards the end of the Cold War by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the treaty bans ground-launched missiles with a range of between 315 miles to 3,415 miles.

The deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.

The 66-year-old, facing an unprecedented fall in his approval ratings, is making his first address to both houses of parliament since he was elected to a fourth presidential term a year ago, extending his long rule until 2024

Zircon: Russia's feared hypersonic weapon Vladimir Putin used his speech today to give an update on Russia's new hypersonic missile - dubbed Zircon. The Russian leader said the weapon will be capable of flying at nine times the speed of sound and have a range of 620 miles. He said it would be designed to equip existing ships and submarines. In 2017, reports claimed Zircon's capabilities put Russia half a decade' ahead of the US'. One expert said that the missile could enter Russia's arsenal between 2018 and 2020'. Advertisement



Putin said he understood concerns about the INF agreement, namely that other countries could continue to develop weapons that are banned for the US and Russia.

'The current state of affairs of course raises questions,' he said during his annual state of the nation address.

'Our American partners should have been honest... and not use far-fetched accusations against Russia to justify their unilateral withdrawal from the treaty,' he said of the deal, during his annual state of the nation address.

Last year, Putin used the address to unveil a new arsenal of weapons in a nearly two-hour speech that stunned the West and many in Russia.

Speaking two weeks before his re-election, Putin promised Russians higher standards of living and hailed Moscow's military might as relations with the West reached post-Cold War lows.

In his toughest remarks yet on a potential new arms race, Putin said Russia was not seeking confrontation and would not take the first step to deploy missiles in response to Washington's decision this month to quit the INF treaty

The missile that can 'fly forever' and a nuclear-powered underwater drone Vladimir Putin warned today that successful tests have been carried out on a new nuclear-powered cruise missile and underwater drone as he talked up Russia's military capabilities. Putin, updating members of Russia's elite this morning, made reference to the Burevestnik cruise missile which is supposedly capable of flying for days on end. Russia's state news agency released a video just days ago claiming to show a test of the missile, which the Kremlin says is designed to strike over 'unlimited' range and with with unprecedented ability to manoeuvre. The Russian state news agency released a video claiming to show a test of the Burevestnik missile which the Kremlin says is designed to strike over 'unlimited' range and with with unprecedented ability to manoeuvre In theory, the Burevestnik could fly forever because it has a nuclear power source, potentially circling the globe until remotely ordered to approach a target and hit it with a nuclear warhead. Scientists claim to have developed a nuclear power plant small enough to fit inside the missile and power a turbojet engine - but these claims have been met with scepticism in the West. The missile is designed to use a conventional engine for takeoff, switching to a nuclear powered power source for flight - hence its theoretical ability to be in the air for days. If the Burevestnik actually works, the heat from the nuclear reaction inside the small reactor would be used to heat the air inside a jet engine, replacing the need for fuel. In March last year, Vladimir Putin spoke about the weapon. He said: 'One of them is a small-scale, heavy-duty nuclear energy unit that can be installed in a missile like our latest X-101 air-launched missile or the American Tomahawk missilea similar type but with a range dozens of times longer, dozensbasically an unlimited range. 'It is a low-flying stealth missile carrying a nuclear warhead, with almost an unlimited range, unpredictable trajectory and ability to bypass interception boundaries. It is invincible against all existing and prospective missile defense and counter-air defense systems.' A source in the missile program told the agency: 'A major stage of trials of the cruise missile of the Burevestnik complex - tests of the nuclear power unit - have been successfully completed at one of facilities in January.' The trials 'sustained stated specifications of the reactor ensuring the missile's unlimited range', claimed the source. No further details were given about the top secret trials. Last month, state media claimed Moscow was set to deploy more than 30 underwater drones capable of carrying a two megaton nuclear warhead. Four submarines fitted with the torpedo drones, named Poseidon, will join the Northern and Pacific Russian fleets, state news agency Tass reported. Each submarine can fit eight Poseidons, designed specifically to destroy 'enemy navy bases' and able to travel at up to 70 knots. Advertisement

After the speech he enjoyed his highest approval rating since he came to power in 1999.

But a year on, Putin has seen his popularity slide against a backdrop of economic problems.

A hugely unpopular reform raising the retirement age that Putin signed into law in October led to a major dip in his support.

A survey by Russia's independent Levada Center released in January found his approval rating at 64 per cent, the lowest since before Moscow's annexation of Crimea five years ago.

Another Levada poll in October found only 40 percent of Russians would vote for Putin if an election were held.A former Google boss has claimed British start-ups are being robbed of the chance to become 'UK champions' as they are being quickly bought up by US tech giants.

Patrick Pichette said promising companies, with talents nurtured and funded in Britain, are being acquired on the cheap before they can reach their full potential.

The Canadian businessman, who was Google's finance boss for seven years until 2015, said there were 'probably 25 Facebooks or Googles' in the UK at the moment.

But he raised concerns that the burgeoning firms would 'get taken out too early and don't really have a chance to become world champions'.

Patrick Pichette (pictured), who was Google's finance boss for seven years until 2015, said there were 'probably 25 Facebooks or Googles' in the UK at the moment

Google's acquisition of DeepMind is thought of as the poster child of British firms swooped on by US giants, but the process has become a well-trodden path

Mr Pichette oversaw in the region of 200 acquisitions for Google during his time in charge, including the sale of London-based DeepMind.

The artificial intelligence firm was sold to Google for 306million in 2014, the same year that it was named 'Company of the Year' by Cambridge University.

The British firms bought out by Google Plink (visual search engine) - bought for an unknown amount in April 2010 Phonetic Arts (speech synthesis) - bought for an unknown amount in December 2010 BeatThatQuote.com (price comparison site) - bought for $65,000,000 in March 2011 DeepMind (artificial intelligence) - bought for $625,000,000 in January 2014 spider.io (anti-click fraud) - bought for an unknown amount in February 2014 Rangespan (e-commerce) - bought for an unknown amount in May 2014 Dark Blue Labs & Vision Factory (artificial intelligence) - bought for tens of millions of pounds in October 2014 GraphicsFuzz (GPU reliability) - bought for an unknown amount in August 2018 Advertisement

'There's a pretty broad consensus that Google got DeepMind for a steal,' Mr Pichette told the Daily Telegraph.

'And there's a pretty broad consensus that this company, whether you like it or not, was basically funded by the UK, it was funded by the UK system of education that brought all these amazing minds together to do all these amazing innovations and now it's under the control of a US company.

'That's just the reality of what happened to DeepMind.'

The company has hit the headlines for a number of its creations, including software it created a that taught itself how to play and win at 49 completely different Atari titles, with just raw pixels as input.

In a world first, its AlphaGo program took on the world's best player at G, one of the most complex and intuitive games ever devised, with more positions than there are atoms in the universe - and won.

The acquisition of DeepMind is thought of as the poster child of British firms swooped on by US giants, but the process has become a well-trodden path.

Apple paid 300million for the music-recognition app Shazam in 2017, in what was its biggest purchase since buying out Beats Electronics for $3billion in 2014.

The Asian market has also made strides in the UK, with Chinese tourism group Ctrip paying 1.4billion for flight comparison site Skyscanner in 2016.

The same year, Japanese group SoftBank had an offer of 24.3billion accepted by chip designer ARM.

Mr Pichette oversaw in the region of 200 acquisitions for Google during his time in charge, including the sale of London-based DeepMind (pictured is DeepMind and Google's UK base)Labour is considering changing the law to allow voters to force their MP to stand down if they change party it emerged today.

Less than 48 hours after seven MPs triggered the biggest split in politics since 1981 by quitting Labour, the party launched a consultation on changing the Recall Act.

The proposal is to treat MPs who change party the same as those who are sent to prison or are found to have seriously broken Commons rules.

If the change happen, a defection would allow voters to 'recall' their MP and force a by-election if 10 per cent of them signed a petition.

The only recall petition to have happened before was on Ian Paisley, the DUP MP suspended for 30 days for failing to declare two holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan Government.

A second is expected on the Peterborough MP Fiona Onasanya after she was jailed for perverting the course of justice.

Jeremy Corbyn issued a stubborn response to the 'gang of seven' yesterday, saying he was 'disappointed' but jibing they were arrested on his manifesto.

Less than 48 hours after seven MPs (pictured) triggered the biggest split in politics since 1981 by quitting Labour, the party launched a consultation on changing the Recall Act

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured leaving home on Monday) issued a stubborn response to the 'gang of seven' yesterday, saying he was 'disappointed' but jibing they were arrested on his manifesto

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett announced the consultation this morning without direct mention of the seven MPs who quit Labour on Monday.

He said: 'Power comes from the people but for too long the overwhelming majority have been shut out. That's why trust in politics and in elites is rightly falling.

'Communities should not have to wait for up to five years to act if they feel their MP is not properly representing their interests, especially with the restrictions of the Fixed Term Parliament Act.

'This proposed reform has the dramatic potential to empower citizens and will be one of many measures the Labour Party is planning to consult on and announce that will change the way politics in this country is done.'

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett announced the consultation this morning without direct mention of the seven MPs who quit Labour on Monday

Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Ann Coffey, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker and Mike Gapes quit on Monday with an explosive attack on Mr Corbyn for letting anti-Semitism and a culture of bullying infect their party.

They were followed last night by Joan Ryan who said she could not stand by after a Jewish colleague was drummed out of the party.

Announcing their decision at Monday's sensational press conference, Miss Berger said: 'This morning we have all now resigned from the Labour Party. This has been a very difficult, painful, but necessary decision.'

She added: 'For my part, I have become embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party.

'I cannot remain in a party which I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic.'A driver was yesterday spotted dragging a dog behind his car as he drove on a road in eastern China.

The male motorist feared the pet would bite him if it had stayed inside the car, he reportedly told police.

The man, known by his surname Tang, said he was driving the dog from his parents' home to his home in Jiangsu Province.

A short clip of the disturbing incident was uploaded to the Chinese social media yesterday afternoon, causing an outcry.

Furious web users managed to track down the identity of the owner of the car after noticing the number plate.

However, the car's owner who lives in Changzhou City said he had lent his car to a friend.

It turns out that the owner's friend, Mr Tang, had driven the car to a nearby city Wuxi before the incident took place and was filmed by an eyewitness.

Mr Tang was caught dragging his parents' dog behind his car by a passing motorist in China

Mr Tang said the dog belonged to his parents, according to local newspaper Modern Express quoting Changzhou Police.

The man said his father had fallen ill and his mother had to look after his father in the hospital, therefore he was looking after the dog.

He claimed he had not intended to harm the pet. He also said he was not close to the dog and was worrying it would bite him.

The dog was dragged for about one kilometres (0.6 miles) before escaping from the rope restraints and running home, Mr Tang said.

Mr Tang has apologised to the public for his behaviour. He said the dog was not hurt.

Police in Wuxi are carrying out further investigation into the incident.

The Chinese government is yet to approve any law to prevent animal cruelty (file photo)

There is no law in China to protect animals from being abused though more and more people are urging Beijing to publish regulations to prevent animal cruelty.

In September 2009, animal rights activists and legal experts began circulating a draft Law on the Protection of Animals and in 2010, a draft Law on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the State Council's consideration, according to Human Rights in China, a Chinese non-governmental organisation based in New York.

The draft proposes a fine of up to 6,000 yuan (696) and two weeks' detention for those found guilty of animal cruelty, according to China Daily.

However till this day, no progress has been made.

Commenting on the distressing footage, a spokesperson from animal welfare organisation Humane Society International stressed the importance for the Chinese government to approve the draft law as soon as possible.

The spokesperson told MailOnline: 'For as long as China has no legal protection against acts of cruelty for animals like this poor dog, and no penalties for those who abuse animals, we will continue to see these heart-breaking scenes.'

She also raised doubts about the claim that the dog was unharmed. She said similar incidents in the past often saw the dragged animals having painfully scraped paws and lacerated skin, and 'at the very least he will have been terrified by the ordeal'.

A spokesperson from PETA agreed.

He said: 'Sadly, this animal abuse is only a violation of traffic laws in China.

'While much has changed in China with animal protection now being at the forefront of many young people's minds, this is yet another tragic example of why China needs an animal-protection law.'A terrified mother has spoken out about the extreme controlling violence that she was subjected to by her ex, after he tried to pour bleach over her 'intimate area'.

Kelly Watkins was constantly subjected to beatings, choking and daily death threats by her husband Keiron who had threatened to 'take off her jaw'.

The 25-year-old mother finally found the courage to dial 999 after her husband purchased a sledgehammer and bolt cutters from B&Q which he said he would use to cut off her jaw, telling her that doctors would have to 'wire it up so you won't be able to speak'.

The terrified mother from Norwich said she knew if she set foot in the house that day that she may not come out alive.

Brave Kelly Watkins (pictured above) has spoken out about the abuse she suffered

Keiron Watkins (pictured above) is now serving a 18 month jail sentence

The 999 call is heard on The Abused, a Channel 5 documentary which is airing this evening at 10pm.

Speaking to the Sun Online Kelly said that her 30-year-old husband always threatened that if she went to the police she would be dead before they arrived to help.

She said: 'I'd been too scared to call them before.

'You don't dare talk about it for fear. It's not just fear of the beatings, but what if they don't believe it?'

Just 11 weeks before the trip to B&Q where Keiron had purchased the items, police had responded to an anonymous tip off and found Kelly with a bruised and battered face.

Despite this she denied being attacked and said she had bumped her head herself, when in fact he had punched her and strangled her to the point of blackout, as well as telling her he was going to kill her, in front of her two-year-old son Reggie.

Kelly said: 'He just kept punching me in the face. I had Reggie in my arms and I put him down and then he strangled me and I kept looking at my little boy.

'Then he let go. He called his brother to come and get Reggie so I could dig myself a grave.

'But I still lied to the police and took him back. I didn't have the courage to speak up and say what he'd done. I thought they would take my little boy away.'

Unfortunately, Kelly's story is all too familiar for police dealing with domestic abuse on a daily basis. In the UK, two women a week are killed by their partners, while two million people are thought to be living with domestic abuse.

Kelly (pictured above pushing her little boy Reggie) stayed with Keiron even though he was in and out of prison during their relationship

On the new Channel 5 documentary Kelly reveals her ordeal and the 999 call when she finally called police to help he escape Keiron can be heard

Kelly met Keiron when she was 19-years-old and knew he had already been in prison for previous offences.

She said she fell head over heels from the start of the relationship but highlighted that it wasn't long before Keiron became controlling.

'I wasn't allowed to talk to my friends. I couldn't wear certain things because he'd accuse me of sleeping with people.

'He called me a whore, a slag, no good to no one. I had no confidence at all.'

Throughout their marriage Keiron was in and out of prison for offences including dangerous driving.

Kelly gave birth to her son Reggie in 2016, but the violence from husband Keiron didn't stop there and he would beat Kelly in front of him

Kelly (pictured above) now has hopes of becoming a police over and specialising in domestic abuse

The couple tied the knot while Keiron was still locked up in 2014. Their son Reggie was born in 2016, and Keiron was soon locked up again.

However, while he was in prison, Kelly found out that he had been unfaithful during the relationship.

Kelly ended the marriage before having a short relationship with another man. However, in November 2017 Keiron was released from prison and moved back into the family home.

'Within the first two weeks he'd attacked me three times. It would be strangling, hitting my head against a wall, that kind of thing. I tried to throw him out but he refused to go.'

After Keiron was initially arrested he continued to harass Kelly (pictured above) and would turn up at her mother's home

Kelly (pictured above) now suffers from PTSD and suspected schizophrenia

'He has hit my head against a railing, while he was holding my son. He picked me up by the neck while my son was crawling around the floor. He's threatened me with knives and bottles.

'You just have to not say anything because you know he's going to punch you.'

The violence continued to escalate, and on several occasions he chocked Kelly until she blacked out.

She said: 'When you wake up you can't remember what's gone on, you can't remember why this man is this close to your face with the scariest eyes. You're petrified.

'Another time, he poured bleach all over my intimate areas, tried to squirt it inside and make me drink it.

Keiron (pictured above posted a selfie on Facebook in front of a police car

'He told me I needed to be cleaned from the inside out.'

The attacks would occur every other day and the threat would hang over Kelly's every waking moment. On some occasions, Kelly said he was stand close behind her and squeeze her ribs, whilst telling her he was going to kill her.

'I would stand there and be physically sick, I was that scared.'

She added: 'He'd laugh. That was the worst thing. He laughed about how scared he made me. They break you until you're nothing.'

During Keiron's cruel reign over Kelly, many of the beatings took place in front of Reggie.

'He shouldn't have to see his mum like that. He'd scream. Keiron couldn't come near me without him crying because he thinks I'm going to get hurt.'

As the fear increased, Kelly became so desperate that she took an overdose. On discovering what she had done, rather than call her an ambulance, Keiron attacked her again whilst laughing.

'I called the ambulance because he wouldn't call one. Later I found a message on his phone from one of his mates which read 'You'd better give her one before she dies.'

On April 22 2018, Kelly called the police after a family outing to B&Q, where Keiron purchased bolt cutters and a sledgehammer, which he threatened to use to take Kelly's jaw off with.

'I was thinking 'How do I call the police while he's there?' When we got to the house I couldn't go in. I physically froze.

'He went inside with Reggie and I called the police.'

Police interviews aired on the Channel 5 documentary show how Kelly physically shakes while giving her accounts of the abuse she had suffered.

In the three days before Keiron was picked up by police, Kelly was given tools to protect her by police such as GPS trackers and alarms set off by powerful sensors, as well as panic buttons.

Keiron continued to make Kelly's life hell and would message her from fake Facebook profiles, send threatening text messages and on one occasion, called her 230 times in the space of six hours.

After being arrested Keiron pleaded guilty to harassment and was sentenced to seven weeks, but released in three.

Despite having previously been locked up for his offences, he continued to harass Kelly, turning up outside her home and approaching her outside her mother's property.

When police tried to arrest him, he went on the run for a month and continued to send threatening messages.

Kelly saidL 'I didn't want to give up my house. I didn't want to give him more control of me. Why should I give up my house to satisfy him again?

'This is my home, this is Reggie's home. It should be a place of safety. Why should I be scared to live in my own home? It's disgusting.'

After being caught again in May 2018, Keiron pleaded guilty to control and coercion and two assaults and is currently serving 18 months in jail.

Following the harrowing events, Kelly now suffers from PTSD and suspected schizophrenia. Reggie has delayed speech development which she also believes is connected to the abuse.

She now plans to become a police officer, specialising in domestic abuse.

'I feel safer than I did when he was out,' she said. 'But obviously he's going to get out one day and then I'll have to take more precautions.

'I get panic attacks. I'm on a lot of medication and seeing a psychiatrist.

'At the moment I'm just focusing on my little boy and trying to get myself mentally ready for anything.'

By highlighting her own case, Kelly hopes other victims will feel able to come forward.

'Leave, in any way you can. If you can't then message someone, let them know what's going on. There are ways out.

'I don't think I would be alive if I hadn't got out. He would have killed me.

'If I can do it anyone can.'A former maid who spent years working for Michael Jackson is claiming that his people threatened to kill her if she ever spoke about what she saw at Neverland Ranch.

Adrian McManus told 60 Minutes that she witnessed the King of Pop 'kissing and petting' young boys that visited Neverland, but was too afraid to speak out at the time.

'There was a kind side to him, and yet there was a dark side,' Ms McManus said.

'They told me if I ever came up on TV that they could hire a hitman to take me out, slice my neck, wouldn't ever find my body.'

Scroll down for video

Michael Jackson's former maid has chosen to break her silence on what she saw while working at his Neverland Ranch

Ms McManus started work at Jackson's Neverland Ranch in 1990, and after three months was trusted to clean his private suite

Adrian McManus (pictured) was once a trusted employee at the King of Pop's home, but she now says during her tenure she saw him fondling, kissing and predatory behaviour

In an exclusive interview with DailyMailTV earlier this month, McManus lifted the lid on the sick behavior she allegedly witnessed during the four years she worked at the Neverland ranch and is in no doubt her former employer was a 'pedophile'.

She claims the star - who has been accused of serious sexual abuse in a shocking new documentary - brought a long line of young boys into his bedroom and that she saw many troubling things while cleaning up after him.

McManus, 56, claims she often fished Jackson's and children's underwear from the jacuzzi and baths at the home, and witnessed kids walking around barely clothed.

She says she found Vaseline and tampons next to Jackson's bed and scattered around the house and recalls the singer having a strange obsession with photos of children.

'There was a lot of Vaseline around Neverland, a lot in Michaels bedroom,' she recalls.

'I didnt question it, because he was my boss and you just do what youre supposed to do, but I would wonder.

'And they had it all over in the main house, there was a rose room, it was up there. They had it in train room, which was kind of like an attic; they had that up there. It was in every room, the soldier room.

'It was in drawers. Sometimes it was on counters. Sometimes they would find it on the golf carts that Michael would take out to drive around.'

McManus would often have to clean up after Jackson had boys over for long weekends.

'I found underwear that were in the back of Michaels main room and one of the closets and it was in the back of the filing cabinets,' she recalls.

'They were very hard, and crunchy, and yellow, but I didnt know who they belonged to.

'When I would go in to pick up Mr Jacksons bedroom, many times when there were his special guests there, little boys, they were taking baths with him in his Jacuzzi. He had a Jacuzzi in the bedroom and I used to have to let the water out of the Jacuzzi, so I had to put hangers together in order to get to the middle of the Jacuzzi to let the water out.

'But Michael would have his underwear floating in the water and the little boys underwear floating in the water together. If they werent floating in the water, they were outside on the floor around the Jacuzzi. So I would find stuff like that.'

She added: 'With all the little boys he would hold their hands and kiss them. And they would fight for Michael's love. It was a strange environment to watch.'

From 1990, McManus spent four years as Jackson's personal maid - one of just a few staff to have access to the star's bedroom, bathroom and secret chambers

McManus' claims come in the wake of the release of Leaving Neverland - an HBO documentary detailing Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck's (pictured with the singer) allegations of long term abuse by Jackson

The maid claims she also saw books on masturbation in the bedroom and one time Jackson asked her to laminate photos of naked babies and have them put in his room for decoration.

But most disturbing was a large collection of VHS cassettes McManus believes contained 'intimate' footage the star filmed with children in the 1990s.

The maid believes the singer - who died a decade ago from drug abuse - hid the 'damaging' material from police by storing it in a movie projection theater away from the main house on the sprawling Neverland ranch.

Asked about the videos, she said: 'I think they were of Michael with boys doing inappropriate things that had to be hidden, or they would have put him in jail. I think they were sex tapes.'

While McManus admits she never actually saw the contents of the tapes, she says Jackson's behavior and the shroud of secrecy placed on the tapes has left her convinced of their more sinister nature.

'After watching Michael with the boys and dealing with the way he was and what I saw and then hearing what I heard, I believe it to be true,' she says.

McManus also points to the fact Jackson was obsessed with capturing everything on camera at Neverland and had a walk-in closet filled with expensive camera equipment and battery chargers.

'He had a lot of batteries charging, the chargers always charging and cameras, a closet full of cameras and battery chargers, so they were always ready for him to use,' she recalls.

'And when that one died, next, but he always had a camera on him taking pictures of the boys, kids. It was always the boys. Thats all thats really there.'

Her claims come in the wake of the release of Leaving Neverland - an HBO documentary detailing Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck's allegations of long term abuse by Jackson.

Producers for the show also claimed they were made aware of potential tapes, but never found them.

From 1990, McManus spent four years as Jackson's personal maid - one of just a few staff to have access to the star's bedroom, bathroom and secret chambers.

She says that as details emerged that Jackson could face criminal charges when former child companion Jordan Chandler alleged abuse, the tapes were hidden.

'I dont know where they went, but I did hear that one of the nephews of the man who ran the theater had got a hold of a lot of the videos and hid them,' she recalls.

'The rumor was the projectionist said that they were very damaging to Michael.

'I had heard that the man who ran the theater, he had mentioned that his nephew had come over there once in a while. His nephew would run the theater when the older man wouldnt. And rumors were that he packed them up in the trunk and took them off the ranch.'

In 1993, 13-year-old Jordan Chandler brought charges of sexual abuse against Jackson that ended in a reported $20 million cash settlement.

And a 2003 criminal case spurred by 13-year-old cancer survivor Gavin Arvizos accusations led to Jacksons arrest, trial and 2005 acquittal.

McManus' claims of the existence of videos were in part supported by Leaving Neverland producer Dan Reed, who says Safechuck was aware of 'sexual' videos Jackson had filmed.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMailTV, McManus lifted the lid on the sick behavior she allegedly witnessed during the four years she worked at the Neverland ranch and is in no doubt her former employer was a 'pedophile'

Speaking to Rolling Stone, British award winning creative Reed said: 'James mentioned to me at one point, "You know, Michael had a video camera and he recorded a sexual act." But he didnt go into detail. And then Jackson was like, "Oh, what did I do?" and taped over it.

'I have all the evidence that I need. And there was no video recording that exists of Michael having sex with [these] children.

'There was no flagrante delicto with these guys. We dont have the tapes.'

McManus, like Reed, is in no doubt that the superstar singer was a child molester - a claim which is yet to be proven.

These days she works as a carer in Nipomo, California, and says she 'is at peace' with branding her former boss a sex abuser, despite still suffering with anxiety and panic attacks as a result of the experience.

She adds that she was not shocked at the claims made by Robson and Safechuck, who were regular private guests in Jackson's bedroom during her years working for him

'Im not shocked. I already know what he is. I live with it. I know the truth. It wouldnt shock me. It is kind of what it is, what it was. I think it would be devastating to his fans, who are blindfolded by the reality. Thats what would hurt.'

She has previously claimed that she recalls Jackson accuser Safechuck being cajoled into playing dress-up with the King of Pop.

She says she always wondered about Jackson's relationship with Safechuck in early 1990s.

'Michael would be obsessed with Jimmy,' she said. 'They would go into the bedroom and play dress-up. Jimmy would take his clothes off, and Michael would let him wear his personal shirts, pajamas and famous black fedora hat.'

She said Safechuck was a regular guest at Neverland and his relationship with Jackson 'didn't feel right.'

She recalled how Jackson would get Jimmy alone and 'lock him away' for days at a time.

'He was always cuddling him, holding his hand or being amorous towards him more like a girlfriend than a friend,' she said.

McManus tried and failed to sue Jackson along with other employees in 1994 for their treatment during their employment.

Melanie Bagnall, Kassim Abdool, Ralph Chacon, McManus and Sandy Domz said they were harassed and threatened by security guards and fired or forced to quit in 1994.

In their depositions McManus and Chacon spoke about the singer's alleged sexual abuse of minors.

McManus was also called as a prosecution witness in his 2005 criminal trial.

The former maid says Jackson got away with the abuse for so many years because of the regime of fear and intimidation he ran.

She claims Jackson's private security team would issue death threats and intimidate staff and children to stay silent about what they saw in Neverland during the early 90s.

And the King Of Pop himself issued threats to staff who questioned his behavior.

'I knew Michael very, very well, and I was told that what I know you just dont say it, and that really concerned me.

'I was threatened by Michael when I took over his bedroom, so I was already scared with that and I was afraid for my family.

'At that point, I was thinking of my life and my familys life; something could happen to me.

'I was told by Michaels bodyguards that they could hire a hit man to take me out, that they could have somebody slice my neck and youd never find my body. So yeah, I was very concerned and its my life and I cared about my life.'

She continued: 'Nobody knew what these bodyguards were, and everybody was afraid of them. They carried guns and they would tell you little things and pet their guns. These guys were wicked and scary.'

McManus recalls how Jackson himself used intimidation tactics, calling her at home on Mother's Day in 1993, just as the pressure mounted around the Jordan Chandler case.

'He called me at home and he said he wanted to ask me something and I said "yeah, go ahead."

'And he asked me continuously "what do you know?" "What do you mean?, I said. "Michael I don't know what you want me to tell you."

'I think he knew that I was on to him, and he wanted to see if I was stupid enough to say that.

'He was concerned about what he was doing because after that the allegations popped up. He wanted to see how loyal I was to him.

'Michael was a manipulator and I was scared of him. I was programmed not to ask questions.'

McManus believes the star's staggering wealth - at the time an estimated $250million - meant the Bad singer felt untouchable.

Jackson spent millions of dollars on high profile lawyers and even employed notorious private detective Anthony Pellicano to protect his image - and muddy the names of any detractors.

McManus said: 'I think anybody who came into contact with him (Jackson) has been destroyed, and they suffered, because there was something not right with him. He was a pedophile.'

She added: 'I am happy the world is now questioning Michael, but there will still be unbelievers.

'I hope people take off their blinders and realize that he was a man. People have urges. I wish more people would have spoken up, because maybe today Michael would have been alive if they put him in prison. Maybe things could have gone different.'A kindergarten teacher in central China has been sentenced to eight months in prison for stabbing her students with paper clips during nap time.

The woman, surnamed Lan, used paper clips to prick more than 20 students on their arms, legs and buttocks at a pre-school in Xi'an city's Yanta district in Shaanxi province last June.

Lan, 22, told the Baqiao People's Court at a hearing that she was trying to scare the misbehaving students into taking their naps and regretted her actions.

The woman, surnamed Lan, used paper clips to prick more than 20 students on their arms, legs, and buttocks at a pre-school in Xi'an city's Yanta district in Shaanxi province last June

CCTV from June 29 shows Lan grabbing onto a boy and jabbing him on the thigh, arm, bottom and back as he squirms and tries to free himself. She was sentenced to eight months in jail

'I am very, very sorry. I understand that I mismanaged the children,' the young woman told the court on January 29 before she was sentenced on Tuesday.

According to a statement released by the Baqiao People's Court, the woman, who is a recent university graduate in education, grossly mistreated and abused the children under her care.

'As a parent myself, I am deeply angered by the defendant's behaviour,' the judge told the court.

Shocking surveillance footage from June 29 shows Lan holding down two students and stabbing them with an unknown object in an attempt to get them to take a nap. The object was later identified to be a paper clip.

According to a statement released by the Baqiao People's Court, the woman, who is a recent university graduate in education, grossly mistreated and abused the children under her care

Lan, 22, told the the Baqiao People's Court at a hearing that she was trying to scare the misbehaving students into taking their naps and regretted her actions

She was also seen grabbing onto a boy and jabbing him on the thigh, arm, bottom and back as he squirms and tries to free himself.

One of the parents started to raise concerns about children being mistreated after her daughter came home one day with needle marks on her arm.

The girl told her mother that the teacher jabbed her with paper clips. All the injured students were taken to hospital for treatment.

According to Chinese law, a person could be jailed for up to three years for abusing those under his/her care, including children, the elderly, patients and people with disabilities.Kevin Spacey's estranged brother fears the disgraced actor may take his own life in the face of growing sexual assault allegations made against him by more than 30 men.

Randall Fowler said he is concerned about how is younger brother is coping with the ongoing legal proceedings and his public fall from grace.

The 63-year-old Rod Stewart impersonator and limo driver worries the House of Cards star may even 'commit suicide' under the weight of the allegations, reiterating claims he made to DailyMail.com in a 2017 interview .

He also urged his sibling, who he has been estranged from for more than ten years, to plead guilty to the charges and 'take his punishment', when he goes to court in Nantucket, Massachusetts, next month.

Last month Spacey made his first court appearance in Nantucket where he was arraigned on a single count of Indecent Assault and Battery, where he pleaded not guilty.

Actor Kevin Spacey (left) with his older brother Randall Fowler (left) in their younger days. The pair have been estranged for more than a decade

Kevin Spacey (above in court) appeared for his first court hearing in Nantucket last month where he pleaded not guilty to one charge of Indecent Assault and Battery

The 59-year-old is alleged to have groped an 18-year-old man in the Club Car bar in Massachusetts in 2016.

The charge carries a sentence of up to five years in jail and Spacey was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim or his family.

His appearance in court came a year after the two-time Oscar winner was accused of sexually assaulting another alleged victim, aged 14 at the time, in his Manhattan apartment.

Spacey responded by coming out as gay and entering a rehab facility in Arizona, where he remained for weeks.

The incident that spurred Spacey's downfall allegedly took place at Spacey's apartment in 1986 when the actor invited the alleged victim to a party while they were both appearing on Broadway.

Randy, 63, now lives in Idaho and works as a Rod Stewart impersonator and a limo driver

More than 30 men have made allegations against the House of Cards actor. He will appear in a court in Nantucket over a single charge (above during his earlier arraignment) next month

After this allegation came to light Spacey was dropped from Netflix political drama, House of Cards, and his scenes in All the Money in the World where re-shot with Christopher Plummer playing Jean Paul Getty.

Spacey's brother, Randy, has previously accused their father, Thomas and who he referred to as The Creature, of sexual abuse.

He claimed The Usual Suspects actor 'had no feelings' and retreated into acting as an 'escape' from the problems at home.

But Randy said recently the American Beauty star might not be able to deal with the accusation against him.

He told The Sun: 'I'm worried about him committing suicide. But then you have to think, "Nah he's too narcissistic, he probably wouldn't do that".

'But you'd be surprised what people will do when they're faced with the truth and they can't deal with it. All your money isn't going to cure your damaged soul.

'The right thing to do go into court in Nantucket in March and plead guilty and be a man and take your punishment and be done with it.'

The Club Car in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where Spacey was alleged to have sexually assaulted an 18-year-old man

Two months ago the star responded to the allegations with a bizarre clip online in which he appeared as his House Of Cards character, the scheming US President Frank Underwood, and urged the public not to prejudge the case.

In the three-minute clip, he seems to be advocating for his return to the show, but many of the lines have uncomfortable echoes of his real life-turmoil.

Since 2017 dozens of men are understood to have alleged that Spacey made unwanted sexual advances towards them.

Six of the cases are currently being investigated by the Metropolitan Police and are believed to have taken place between 1996 and 2014.

He is the most high-profile name to be mired in scandal since the allegations of sexual assault against Hollywood film producer, Harvey Weinstein, first emerged in October 2017. Weinstein also denies the claims against him.KIWI: Sacredness of Being Contrary

Unable to fly, the kiwi probes about the forest floor looking for tasty bugs. The sensitive hairs around her bill help Her to sense the underground movements of worms. Also, at the end of her curved beak are nostrils for smelling. (This is unusual in birds).

This plump little bird has many features similar to mammals. Like the badgers, She lives in a series of underground burrows that She has dug. In addition, her bristly feathers resemble soft mammal fur. Furthermore unlike other birds, the kiwi has two working ovaries.

The Maori of New Zealand called the kiwi Te manu huna a Tane, (the Hidden Bird of Tane Mahuta, the God of the Forest). Making high ceremonial robes (kahu kiwi) out of her feathers, the Maori hold the kiwi in high regard. They tell of how She surrendered her fine feathers for the greater good. To save the trees, the kiwi chose to live on the forest floor hunting for harmful insects. Today the Maori are guardians (kaitiaki) of the kiwi, helping to save Her from extinction.

Many people think of the kiwi as a shy retiring bird. However, people of New Zealand know differently, and can attest to her bad temper. This feisty bird uses her sharp claws and strong legs to draw blood. Sometimes, this can be deadly since the kiwis heavy legs are filled with marrow. (This is similar to a mammals legs.).

In the 1880s, the kiwi became known outside New Zealand when She appeared on the regimental badges of New Zealand troops. During World War I, soldiers from New Zealand carved a giant kiwi (the Bulford Kiwi) in the chalk hill above Sling Camp in England. Today, people from New Zealand are known as Kiwis.

The kiwi is an example of the Contrary, which some cultures consider to be sacred. Contraries challenge our notions of what is proper and true. The Maori understood the kiwis sacredness. A bird who does not fly, the kiwi opens us to other ideas beyond our ordinary traditions. (But do not be so contrary that you hurt people as the kiwi can do with her sharp claws.)

------

Photo of Te Tuatahi a nui (a male kiwi) sitting on an egg. From Maungatautari Ecological Island TrustAdvertisement

Two letters by Sir Winston Churchill in which he moans about Army General Bernard Montgomery in one and invites him on holiday in another have come to light.

The extraordinary letters were written 10 years apart by the wartime Prime Minister. The first was typed up in 1947 while Churchill was furious with Field Marshall Montgomery for 'meddling' in political matters.

The political leader accused 'Monty' of being 'impudent' and said that he should 'mind his own business' in the scolding letter, penned two years after they worked together to defeat the Nazis.

The second letter was written in September 1957 and documents the time Churchill invited Monty to holiday with him at a villa in the South of France. Both notes are coming up for sale with auctioneers International Autograph Auctions.

Churchill (left) fell out with Field Marshall Montgomery (right) just two years after they defeated the Nazis in World War Two following the Army general's intervention in a National Service Bill he hoped the Tories would help pass smoothly through Parliament. When Churchill saw the letter written by his friend to a Conservative MP, he branded him 'impudent' in 1947. But another note has now surfaced showing how their relationship had improved by 1957

Pictured, left: Sir Winston Churchill's withering response to the Army General's intervention in the matter of the National Service Bill in 1947. Pictured, right: The 1957 letter in which the wartime leader invites 'Monty' to join him on holiday at a villa in the south of France

Richard Dave, of IAA, said: 'When you think of Churchill and Montgomery you think of the two leaders, one political and one military, who saw Britain through the war. You would imagine the two men must have got on fairly well.

'But clearly Churchill didn't have a high opinion of Monty's political nouse. He was very frank about it in the letter he wrote to a mutual acquaintance.

'The second letter that we have is quite the opposite and he talks about looking forward to seeing Monty on holiday. The two letters could not be more different.'

Churchill's scolding letter was written after the military supremo had approached a Conservative politician to lobby him to get the National Service Bill through Parliament.

Montgomerys initial letter to a Toy MP claimed if the National Service Bill gets delayed or hung up, we are completely sunk. He wrote: 'It is necessary to get it through the House quickly without a lot of argument and trouble.'

The general added: 'I do hope that the Conservative Party will lend a hand and will not be too troublesome. I also hope that they will not ask awkward questions about the Chiefs of Staff. Perhaps you could use your influence to help the show.'

The letter that earned Sir Winston Churchill's ire: This private note was sent by Field Marshall Montgomery as he hoped to secure safe passage through the House of Commons for the National Service Bill, lobbying the Conservative Party not to ask too many awkward questions about the legislation and saying that for the sake of the Army the bill should pass through 'quickly and smoothly'

After being forwarded the letter by MP Sir John Anderson, Churchill called Montgomery's note 'impudent' in his withering response.

In the note marked 'private', dated April 28, 1947, Churchill, then leader of opposition, writes: 'Thank you for sending me Montgomery's letter.

'I think he would do much better to keep clear of politics, of which he knows little. We do not require to be lectured by him, especially when so much of his recent conduct is unexplained.

Pictured: Churchill and Montgomery in 1951, shaking hands at the Empress Hall in London four years after the wartime leaders had a spat when the Army general weighed in on the National Service Bill

'It really might be wise for you to hint to Montgomery that he had much better mind his own business and leave politicians to mind theirs. Reading it again, I think his letter most impudent. Thank you for showing it to me all the same.'

The first letter is tipped to sell for 1,500 while the holiday letter is valued at 3,000. Montgomery commanded the British Eighth Army from August 1942 in the Western Desert until the final Allied victory in Tunisia in May 1943.

This included the Second Battle of El Alamein, a turning point in the Western Desert Campaign. He subsequently commanded the British Eighth Army during the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy, before taking charge of all Allied ground forces during the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy.

Montgomery was recognised as a brilliant commander but his brash personality could rub people up the wrong way.

In 1945, Churchill said of Montgomery: 'Indomitable in retreat, invincible in advance, insufferable in victory.' The auction takes place tomorrow.A Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang president accused of bashing a disabled pub patron is pleading with friends and family to foot the bill for his legal costs.

Gregory Pearce, 45, claims he has been mercilessly targeted by police and the media because of his affiliations with the Gold Coast chapter of the gang, costing him upwards of $100,000 in legal fees and impacting his ability to earn a wage.

He took to Facebook to plead with friends, family and sympathisers to help with his mounting legal fees as he prepares to stand trial over the bashing of a disability pensioner outside a Palm Beach hotel on January 9th, 2019.

Scroll down for video

Gregory Pearce (left), a senior member of the Hells Angels, has been charged over the brutal assault of a patron at a Gold Coast pub

Pearce told his Facebook friends: 'As many of you know, I have been smashed by the police and the media recently for being a Hells Angel'

Pearce told his Facebook friends: 'As many of you know, I have been smashed by the police and the media recently for being a Hells Angel.

'In past 4 years have been arrested and held in custody on charges which have been false or dropped at the last minute.'

He went on to say the legal battles have 'affected his ability to earn a living as a plumber and a builder'.

Pearce, 45, president of the notorious bikie gang's Gold Coast chapter, was charged over the January 19 incident

'I joined my club for the friendship and the comradery, not to the criminal the media and police have made me out to be.

'The constant scrutiny and harassment has come at a significant cost not only financially but to my family life.

'Those of you who know me know this is a hard thing for me to do but I have spent over $100,000 over the last 3 years to fight for the same rights many of you believe in.

'So I am asking all my FB friends and supporters to help support me to assist with my ongoing legal battle.'

He finished the Facebook appeal by claiming he just wants the right to support his family legitimately.

'If you're an 81 Supporter (Hells Angels supporter), a dear friend or someone who believes in everyday working Australians having the right to support their family by working legitimately I ask for your help.'

'It's tough out there for many working in today's climate so I ask you please do not contribute if you can't. But for the ones who can I sincerely appreciate your support.'

It is alleged the victim was knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked and punched until he lost consciousness

Pearce told contributors he would provide receipt of his solicitor fees to prove the money was being used correctly, and that any additional funds would go toward 'fighting for the freedom of others'

Pearce told contributors he would provide receipt of his solicitor fees to prove the money was being used correctly, and that any additional funds would go toward 'fighting for the freedom of others'.

He has currently raised $1,800 of is $10,000 goal.

CCTV at the Palm Beach Hotel captured the alleged attack on what police said was a 'defenceless' 42-year-old victim.

Queensland Police alleged in a statement the pair were known to one another.

'It is alleged the victim was knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked and punched until he lost consciousness,' they said.This was the morbidly satisfying moment a three and a half metre long Burmese Python shed its skin with the help of a vet in Chile.

The veterinarian lightly grips the body of the python, allowing the dead layer of scales to peel off slowly as it slithers out of its old skin.

In the three-minute clip the snake never seems to end as the skin is gently held by the vet while the python slides through his hands.

The vet explained that the snake did not have enough friction from where it was placed to shed properly.

The man behind the camera said: 'Since its on a stand, it doesnt have enough friction to slither the skin off, so the vet is grabbing the skin, allowing the python to move freely and shed the skin more efficiently.'

Snakes shed their skin regularly throughout their lives to get rid of any parasites that may have become attached.

The three and a half metre long Burmese python is held by the Chilean vet as it slithers through his hands

The shedding process can take up to two weeks and the snake will stop eating and find somewhere it can rub against a rough surface to help remove the old skin.

But this snake found itself in a tricky situation on a stand where a rough surface was not available.

While humans shed skin constantly snake skin comes away as one piece in a process called Ecdysis when even the eye caps will be removed.

When a snake cannot easily shed its skin or the skin does not come away as one piece it can cause health conditions and even death.A 33-year-old woman has avoided jail after she smuggled LSD into the Lost Paradise music festival in a jar of hand cream.

Elaine Augusto, from Dee Why on Sydney's Northern Beaches, admitted to putting three grams of the drug into a small resealable plastic bag then placing it into the jar.

The business student from Brazil, who is studying in Australia on a bridging visa, was arrested outside the festival in Glenworth Valley, north of Sydney on December 29.

Police say festival goers are becoming more creative when it comes to sneaking drugs into events, with contraband even found stuffed into a barbecue chicken and aerosol containers.

Elaine Augusto (pictured) admitted to putting three grams of the drug into a small resealable plastic bag then placing it into the jar

The business student from Brazil, who is studying in Australia on a bridging visa, was arrested outside the festival (pictured) in Glenworth Valley, north of Sydney on December 29

Officers found the jar of hand cream in Augusto's bag after a drug detection dog searched her car.

Augusto pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a prohibited drug at Manly Local Court.

The 33-year-old's solicitor Luana Torres told the court her client bought the psychedelic drug months before she was arrested, the Manly Daily reported.

'My client was in shock. It was the first time she had been arrested,' Ms Torres said.

'She is extremely embarrassed about appearing before court today.'

Magistrate Christopher Longley told Augusto she could have been jailed for up to two years.

No conviction was recorded and Augusto was released on a Conditional Release Order that she be of good behaviour for six months.

Augusto was told to 'be warned' by Mr Longley as she left the court.

Magistrate Christopher Longley told Augusto she could have been jailed for up to two years

Illicit substances still made their way inside the festival despite 40 police officers monitoring attendees and checking cars before they entered.

Brisbane Waters Police District Commander Acting Superintendent Rod Peet said festival-goers weren't carrying drugs in their pockets anymore because 'they aren't that careless'.

'We have found drugs in aerosol containers and other items. In one instance, the drugs were in a stuffed barbecue chicken,' he said.

'We tried to insulate the festival as best we could and I think we've done a good job at that. Unfortunately some of those drugs got through, and unfortunately some of those drugs have had fatal consequences,' Supt Peet said.An Orthodox Jewish Nursery has won an appeal over the sacking of a teacher after it was revealed that she was 'living in sin' with her partner.

The Gan Menachem Hendon nursery in north London has been cleared over religious discrimination over teacher Zelda De Groen who had worked for the nursery from 2012 until 2016.

Following a barbecue organised by the affiliated synagogue, Ms De Groen was dismissed after the nursery discovered that she had been living with her partner.

One of the nursery workers had overheard Ms De Groen's partner stating that they lived together and the teacher was then subsequently called into a meeting at the nursery and asked to confirm that she was no longer living with him, so that they could inform parents.

Zelda De Groen (left) had been dismissed by the nursery after it learnt she was living with her boyfriend

An employment tribunal found that the nursery wanted her to lie and tell them that she no longer lived with him, she refused and was dismissed.

In a letter detailing the allegations against her, the nursery said that she had acted in 'contravention of the nursery's culture, ethos and religious beliefs'.

It added: 'Your disclosure has potentially led to financial detriment of the nursery and loss of income on the basis parents have threatened to remove their children from the business.'

Gan Menachem nursery in north London, where Ms De Groen was dismissed from her position

An employment tribunal found that the nursery wanted Ms De Groen (pictured above) to lie about her living arrangements

In a dismissal letter (dated 27 July 2016) the nursery told Ms De Groen she was dismissed with immediate effect, with pay in lieu of notice. The letter explained that disciplinary allegations made against her had been considered by a 'panel', and that the panel had recommended that she be dismissed.

An employment tribunal in Watford in 2017 ruled that Ms De Groen had been discriminated against on the basis of her sex and religion.

At the time it was considered a landmark judgement and the nursery appealed.

Ms De Groen (pictured above) was dismissed after it had been revealed at a barbecue that she was living with her boyfriend

The Employment Appeal Tribunal has now concluded that Ms De Groen was not discriminated because of her religion, but because of her sex.

The judge overseeing the case, Mr Justice Swift, cited the case over the bakery in Belfast, that had refused to ice a cake with a slogan supporting gay marriage.

The Supreme Court ruled last year that the bakery had not discriminated against an individual's personal characteristics.

Mr Justice Swift said that while an employer was not allowed to act to the detriment of a worker based on their religious belief, it was however permitted to act based on its own beliefs.

However, the consideration of damages for harassment and sexual discrimination has been sent back to the tribunal in Watford.

The tribunal heard that bosses at the nursery expressed the view that co-habitation outside marriage was wrong and that having children outside marriage was wrong.

Ms De Groen was 23-years-old at the time and the tribunal heard that bosses at the nursery said that 'time was passing for Ms De Groen to have children', and that if Ms De Groen had problems with the idea of marriage she should seek counselling.

Speaking to The Times, the chairman of the Accord Coalition, which campaigns for inclusivity in education, Rev Stephen Terry, said that the ruling would leave teachers in faith schools vulnerable to religious discrimination.

'The government should remove exemptions from equality law that some faith schools believe grant them a broad ability to religiously discriminate in the recruitment and employment of teachers', he said.Theresa May and Jean-Claude Juncker said they are 'seized of the tight timescale' facing them after holding 'constructive' Brexit talks.

The PM flew into Brussels for a showdown with the European Commission president tonight, and warned she still needs 'legally binding concessions' to get her deal agreed.

Mrs May has given up hopes of persuading the EU to adopt the so-called 'Malthouse Compromise' hatched by Tory MPs to replace the backstop entirely.

A joint statement issued following the meeting said: 'The two leaders agreed that talks had been constructive and they urged their respective teams to continue to explore the options in a positive spirit.

'They will review progress again in the coming days, seized of the tight timescale and the historic significance of setting the EU and the UK on a path to a deep and unique future partnership.'

The statement said discussions had looked at 'which guarantees could be given with regard to the backstop that underline once again its temporary nature and give the appropriate legal assurance to both sides'.

Talks also covered 'the role alternative arrangements could play in replacing the backstop in future'.

The statement added: 'Both reconfirmed their commitment to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland and to respect the integrity of the EU's internal market and of the United Kingdom.'

The PM and Mr Juncker agreed to talk again before the end of the month.

After the meeting, Mrs May said: 'I have underlined the need for us to see legally binding changes to the backstop that ensure that it cannot be indefinite.

'That's what is required if a deal is to pass the House of Commons. We have agreed that work to find a solution will continue at pace.

Theresa May flew into Brussels for a showdown with Jean-Claude Juncker tonight (pictured) warning she still needs 'legally binding concessions' to get her deal agreed

'Time is of the essence and it is in both our interests that when the UK leaves the EU it does so in an orderly way. So, we have made progress.'

Mrs May will continue her diplomatic offensive at an EU-Arab summit on Sunday - but officials admitted tonight it would not be the scene for a dramatic 'deal in the desert'.

Other EU leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Council President will be in Sharm el-Sheikh and Mrs May will hold Brexit-related talks.

But no decisions will be taken in the absence of key powerbrokers, including French President Emmanuel Macron - possibly ending Mrs May's hopes of a new vote on her deal as soon as next week.

Mrs May faces a race against time to get her deal approved before exit day on March 29 and could face mass resignations next week to stop no deal.

Mr Juncker - pictured tonight sporting a plaster on his face - has warned Mrs May must be the one to find concessions to get a Brexit deal

Ahead of tonight's meeting, Mrs May's spokesman said the PM would be having 'detailed discussions' with Mr Juncker.

What is the 'Cox Codicil'? What is a 'codicil'? A legal term for an extra document attached to a treaty - a bit like an appendix. What does this one try to do? It won't be clear unless and until it is published, but reports suggest Attorney General Geoffrey Cox is negotiating a codicil on how the backstop works. The obvious intention will be to make clear the backstop can only be temporary. Will it work? Unclear. The EU already says the backstop is supposed to be temporary and that language already in the divorce treaty says so. Cox's legal advice on the original deal was despite this language, if there is no future UK-EU trade deal there was nothing to stop the backstop lasting forever. The intention appears to be negotiating something that allows Cox to change his legal advice. Advertisement

He said: 'What we need to achieve is legally binding changes that satisfy Parliament we will not be stuck in the backstop indefinitely.'

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and Mr Cox are expected to return to Brussels tomorrow for more detailed talks on the exact form of the changes.

But amid hopes Sunday's summit could produce a breakthrough, a senior Government official said: 'This is not a meeting about Brexit and the PM isn't going to seek to turn it into one.

'At summits the PM always holds a series of bilateral meetings and conversations and she will of course continue to engage her fellow leaders in relation to Brexit,' the official said.

'But this isn't a European Council meeting and it isn't somewhere that European Council decisions are going to be made.'

Mrs May is battling to keep her Brexiteer rebels on board and met senior MPs last night to sooth anger over claims the so-called 'Malthouse Compromise' was being dropped.

The PM told them the plan - to replace the current border backstop with a technology-based solution - is still under development despite ministers accepting it will not be ready in time to approve the deal before exit day.

Mrs May is battling to keep her Brexiteer rebels (including Steve Baker, pictured) on board and met senior MPs last night to sooth anger over claims the so-called 'Malthouse Compromise' was being dropped

It is deeply unclear whether any extra legal promises will be enough to swing enough vote for the Prime Minister to win a second vote on the deal.

The hardline European Research Group has repeatedly insisted the deal must be re-written to pass - warning new legal language will not be enough.

Mrs May has promised MPs if she has not held a vote on a revised deal before Wednesday they will get another chance to put their own proposals to the test.

The PM has been warned she could face a raft of ministerial resignations if she fails to rule out a no deal Brexit in time for those votes, which will fall just a month before exit day.

Ahead of tonight's talks, Mr Juncker said: 'There isn't enough movement for me to be able to expect this to be a discussion with a concrete outcome.

'I don't know what Mrs. May will communicate to me tomorrow.'

But Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who was heading to Berlin for talks, said today a Brexit deal could be done but required 'statesmanship on all sides'.

Attorney General Geoffrey Cox (pictured in Downing Street today) is working on a legal 'codicil' to the deal setting out the current backstop will not last forever - something critics fear.

He said: 'The message is really to everyone that it is possible to find a way through this.

What is the Irish border backstop and why do Tory MPs hate it? The so-called Irish border backstop is one of the most controversial parts of the PM's Brexit deal. This is what it means: What is the backstop? The backstop was invented to meet promises to keep open the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland even if there is no comprehensive UK-EU trade deal. The divorce deal says it will kick in automatically at the end of the Brexit transition if that deal is not in place. If effectively keeps the UK in a customs union with the EU and Northern Ireland in both the customs union and single market. This means many EU laws will keep being imposed on the UK and there can be no new trade deals. It also means regulatory checks on some goods crossing the Irish Sea. Why have Ireland and the EU demanded it? Because Britain demanded to leave the EU customs union and single market, the EU said it needed guarantees people and goods circulating inside met EU rules. This is covered by the Brexit transition, which effectively maintains current rules, and can in theory be done in the comprehensive EU-UK trade deal. But the EU said there had to be a backstop to cover what happens in any gap between transition and final deal. Why do critics hate it? Because Britain cannot decide when to leave the backstop. Getting out - even if there is a trade deal - can only happen if both sides agree people and goods can freely cross the border. Brexiteers fear the EU will unreasonably demand the backstop continues so EU law continues to apply in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland MPs also hate the regulatory border in the Irish Sea, insisting it unreasonably carves up the United Kingdom. What concessions did Britain get in negotiating it? During the negotiations, Britain persuaded Brussels the backstop should apply to the whole UK and not just Northern Ireland. Importantly, this prevents a customs border down the Irish Sea - even if some goods still need to be checked. The Government said this means Britain gets many of the benefits of EU membership after transition without all of the commitments - meaning Brussels will be eager to end the backstop. It also got promises the EU will act in 'good faith' during the future trade talks and use its 'best endeavours' to finalise a deal - promises it says can be enforced in court. What did the legal advice say about it? Attorney General Geoffrey Cox said even with the EU promises, if a trade deal cannot be reached the backstop could last forever. This would leave Britain stuck in a Brexit limbo, living under EU rules it had no say in writing and no way to unilaterally end it. Advertisement

'Of course it's challenging, of course there are difficulties.

'But there is a solution. We can get this deal through Parliament if we can have a deal where the Attorney General can change his advice on the backstop, that's going to be key to unlocking it.

'With vision and statesmanship on all sides, this can be done and I'm hopeful it will be.'

After being briefed on developments in private talks with the PM, leading Brexiteers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Steve Baker appeared happy with this arrangement, declaring that the Malthouse proposals were 'alive and kicking'.

Mr Baker said it was now possible that Tory eurosceptics in the influential European Research Group, of which he is deputy chair, would back Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement, after helping to vote it down by a massive margin last month.

'I'm hopeful that as the conversation moves forward with the EU and with the UK that we might get to a position where we can vote for the Withdrawal Agreement,' said Mr Baker.

'It's a very big journey from here to there.

'I'm very grateful that today we took a big step on that journey by the general acceptance that these arrangements could work.'

In a joint statement following the talks with Mrs May, Mr Baker and ERG chair Mr Rees-Mogg said: 'We look forward to further precision about exactly what we will be asked to vote for.'

Chancellor Philip Hammond told the MakeUK dinner in London that the proposals in the Malthouse plan - drawn up by MPs from the Leave and Remain wings of the party - represented a 'valuable effort' at finding a way to keep the Irish border open after Brexit without a backstop.

But the Chancellor said: 'However promising as an alternative arrangement to avoid entering a backstop in the future, it is clear that the EU will not consider replacing the backstop with such an alternative arrangement now in order to address our immediate challenge.

'The details of this initiative are still evolving and would require significant changes to EU legislation and customs practices that would need to be negotiated with the EU member states and others who will be affected by them.'

He added: 'It should be a major ongoing strand of our work, continuing at pace during the Implementation Period - one in which I hope and expect the EU will take an active part.'

After talks on the Malthouse plan between Mr Barnier and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay on Monday, Mr Barclay's Department for Exiting the EU said: 'While the Commission engaged seriously with these proposals, it expressed concerns about their viability to resolve the backstop.

'We agreed to keep exploring the use of alternative arrangements - especially how they might be developed to ensure the absence of a hard border in Northern Ireland on a permanent footing, avoiding the need for the backstop to ever enter force.'This fuzzy CCTV image from a robbery in Maidenhead is one of only two known images of the Night Watcher

A violent burglar dubbed the Night Watcher who robbed 12 wealthy homeowners of more than 10 million in a series of terrifying raids may be in hiding overseas.

Police believe the man, whose fearsome demeanour and use of a sawn-off shotgun have led police to speculate he could be a former soldier, may have died or fled the country after more than a year has passed without further incident.

The muscular six-foot man's campaign of terror included the robbery of the Duke and Duchess of Richmond, whom he left tied up in their home Goodwood House in Sussex after stealing jewellery and heirlooms valued at more than 700,000.

The Night Watcher is known to spend weeks hiding in the grounds of his target addresses, noting every move of his potential victims, and during his crimes knows who will be at home and where in the property valuables and safes are located.

He strikes at night, ambushing the owners with a sawn-off shotgun and his face hidden under a balaclava. Victims are battered and bound up with plastic cable ties as he ransacks their safes.

Susan Morris (pictured left with her husband Stephen; and with her injuries, right) was at her computer when the burglar pounced on her, yelling: I want the jewellery, take me to the safe

The Night Watcher stole a 400,000 tiara, pictured, from Lord and Lady March after tying them up at their home, Goodwood House in Sussex

The theft of 'treasured items' left the victims 'devastated'. Pictured: Lord and Lady March at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2014 (left) and with Hollywood star Tom Cruise (right)

This map shows the seven burglaries across the Home Counties that have been linked to the Night Watcher

In the manhunt for the Night Watcher police have identified and eliminated more than 200 suspects and reviewed more than 10,000 documents.

The investigation, once focused on seven raids in the Home Counties, has now linked five other offences to the same criminal.

The offences date from 2006 and 2017 and four other robberies which have 'significant links' to the Watcher's modus operandi are 'under consideration' by police.

But yesterday Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston of Surrey Police admitted police have 'gone as far as they can' on the available evidence.

He said: 'Since we went public with the appeal last year we have identified a further five offences, in addition to the original seven, which we believe may have been carried out by the same person.

The Night Watcher has been linked to 12 robberies with a total value of 10m but may have fled the country

Injuries sustained by Susan Morris after a raid by an armed burglar in October 2017 at her house in Surrey

'This is because of the very specific similarities in the ways they were committed, for example the use of ties, the commanding nature of the offender and the possession of a sawn-off shotgun.

'I would like to re-iterate our thanks to the public and media for their support when we appealed for help last year. The appeal generated a vast amount of information which we have been working through over the last year.

'I hope it is of reassurance that since the last offence occurred in October 2017, there have been no further offences identified that fit within this series.

'This may be down to a number of hypotheses, including that the offender has left the country or has died.

'We are under no illusions about the impact these cases have had on the victims and we have been absolutely committed to finding the person responsible.

'We are confident that the lines of enquiry we have followed have been thoroughly tested and exhausted. At this stage we have gone as far as we can, but will of course re-examine these cases should any fresh evidence come to light.'



Detectives believe he may have formerly served in the Armed Forces and have a suspicious DNA sample they wish to test, but last year the Ministry of Defence denied access to its highly-sensitive DNA database until further evidence is put forward.

In January 2016 the Night Watcher raided Goodwood House, hitting the duke with a blunt instrument before escaping with loot worth some 700,000, including a ring Charles II gave to a favourite mistress who was an ancestor of the earl.

The duke and his wife remained tied up until the morning, when a member of staff arrived for work.

The noise of the break-in woke the duchess, 54, who went to investigate and ended up running into the robber outside her door.

The intruder then pushed her back into her bedroom and when the duke, 61, stepped forward to help her, the burglar hit him on the head with a blunt instrument, causing an injury to his ear.

The criminal then forced the duchess to open the safe and left the property with his haul. It is not known whether he was working with accomplices.

Along with the historic ring, he escaped with 40 antique items including an 1820 diamond tiara worth around 400,000 and a 19th century diamond necklace worth 200,000.

More than 40 items were stolen from Goodwood including emerald, diamond and sapphire rings, earrings, and necklaces as well as antique Rolex and Girard Perregaux watches

Several high-value watches, including a Rolex and Girard-Perregaux, were also taken, along with emerald, diamond and sapphire rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

Susan Morris, 61, whom the Watcher attacked in November 2017, was terrified she would be raped or killed during is attack.

She was at her computer in her 3.5m Surrey home when the burglar pounced on her, yelling: I want the jewellery, take me to the safe.

The 61-year-old suffered a broken jaw and lost a tooth as he beat her into submission, binding her hands with cable ties. She told how she believed he was professionally trained and knew how hard to hit her without knocking her out.

All I wanted to do is get him out of the house as quickly as possible, give him what he wanted and get him out, she said.

So I took him to the jewellery, gave him the jewellery but he said to me get on the floor. I thought he was going to rape me, I was very, very frightened.

I gave him a lot of jewellery from the safe and I said to him You have got very valuable stuff there, now get out.

But he wasnt happy with that, he asked for more jewellery, I gave him some more jewellery and he then wanted more jewellery, and this is when he really got angry and started to hit me.

How the Night Watcher uses cable ties and 'extreme violence' to restrain his victims Detectives have linked the series of million pound raids across the Home Counties by the 'professionalism' of the burglar's method. In each of the twelve raids, the burglar - dubbed the Night Watcher - has been alone and shown signs of having potentially 'specialist knowledge and skills' which suggest that he has military training and could be a current or former member of the armed forces or law enforcement. The Night Watcher's technique of using cable ties to bind the hands of his victims has been linked to military training His technique of using cable ties to bind the hands of his victims has been linked to military training. Other aspects of his modus operandi (MO or methods) include the use of a sawn-off shotgun and willingness to use violence to threaten victims, even when children are at home. He also appears to be aware of house layout, who is at home and the location of safes and valuables. He has targeted high-value jewellery and other valuables netting goods worth at least 1 million from each of the seven raids linked to him, although police believe he may have carried out further burglaries where residents were not at home at the time. Detectives have found CCTV footage which has shown the thief staking out the properties for days and weeks prior to carrying out the raids, which often involved him entering doors which he had identified as being unlocked at certain times. Surrey Police have released a description of the lone raider as white, stocky or muscular build, about 6ft tall with a south of England accent. The seven raids linked to him were at Kingswood, Surrey, on November 12, 2014; Maidenhead, Berkshire, on January 21, 2015; Chichester, West Sussex on January 13, 2016; Sevenoaks, Kent, on November 22, 2016; Maidstone, Kent, in January 2017; Virginia Water, Surrey, on April 24, 2017 and Kingswood, Surrey, on October 26, 2017. The five additional offences now linked to the Watcher all took place in Surrey between 2006 and 2015, but police are not releasing further details about these crimes. Advertisement

He hit me very hard on my face, not enough to knock me out, he knew exactly how hard to hit me, he hit me three times on my face, it was very painful, I couldnt believe the blows kept coming.

He got very angry as he was hitting me. I couldnt get one ring and bracelet off and I thought he was going to cut my finger off to get them. I was really frightened.

One point when he was hitting me, with the gun pointing at me, at that moment I did actually think, this is it, its all over.

She said he spoke well, without an accent, and appeared methodical and intelligent.

Describing the raid in Kingswood, Surrey, she added: It all happened incredibly quickly, it is still very vivid though in my mind.

He came toward me and I realised he had a sawn-off shotgun and he grabbed hold of me, he was holding me the whole time of the burglary and never let go of me.

I have got bruises all over my body where he had hold of me.

She and her husband Stephen - who arrived home to find her hiding in a bedroom still with her wrists tied - lost valuables worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

In early 2018 the Metropolitan Police said it was possible the Night Watcher was also a prolific London thief dubbed the 'Wimbledon Pwowler', believed to be responsible for more than 200 thefts in south London.

Scotland Yard said they had examined the possibility of links but were not 'formally linking' the offences.

Detective Superintendent Guy Collings, of the Met, said: 'When any such series of burglaries occur, we of course examine the possibility of links across force and county borders.

'In this case, whilst there are some broad similarities, for example in terms of detailed preparation, no weapons or threats have ever been used in the Wimbledon series and we are not formally linking the two series at this stage.'

The Night Walker is described as white, with a stocky or muscular build, around six foot tall and speaks with a South of England accent.

Police say the pattern of his crimes includes operating alone, evidence of specialist knowledge and skills, use of a sawn-off shotgun and violence to threaten his victims, and an awareness of house layout, who is at home, and the location of safes and valuables.

Since an appeal for information in January of last year, there have been no further offences linked to the series and no arrests have been made.Alan Airey (pictured) sent a series of sexual messages to the girl before tracking her down and following her to school

A predatory paedophile who followed a 14-year-old girl to school after grooming her over Facebook has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Alan Airey, 34, sent a series of sexual messages to the girl before tracking her down and walking behind her through a park as she made her way to classes

He was arrested after the victim arrived in a state of fear and told a teacher, who alerted police.

Chester Crown Court heard that police inquiries revealed the pair had been swapping messages until 1am on school nights.

One message read: 'You will break a lot of hearts, you're stunning and better looking than your mum. If I was 15 years younger, I would get with you.'

Another girl subsequently came forward to say she had been molested by Airey in unrelated circumstances.

Airey, of Runcorn in Cheshire, admitted sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual communications with a child.

He was also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning him from working with children and was ordered to sign the Sexual Offenders Register indefinitely.

The incident occurred last December after Airey sent a friend request to the girl over the social media platform.

Prosecuting Miss Anna Price, said: 'The girl accepted and she then started to receive messages from the defendant just asking how she was.

Airey was arrested after the victim arrived in a state of fear and told a teacher, who alerted police

'The following morning, she received a message asking her to meet him at a park she goes through on her way to school.

'She blocked him but, when she was walking to school, she could hear the defendant following her, calling her name and she got scared.

'When she got to school, she told a teacher what happened, and it was reported to the police.'

Airey later admitted sending messages to the girl but said he was drunk at the time.

In a statement, the youngster said: 'When he started messaging me asking about me, I thought it was normal.

'He kept me up until 1am talking to me on a school night. Then, the messages started to get more sexual.

'I don't feel safe anymore and I don't feel like I can go out on my own anymore. But, I am so glad that I spoke to someone about it, so now it will stop him from doing it to another girl.

Airey, of Runcorn in Cheshire, admitted sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual communications with a child

'When he followed me in the park, it made me really scared and my heart was racing really fast.

'I just don't understand why he was messaging me when he knew how old I was.'

Airey had 49 previous offences on his record but none of a sexual nature.

Jeremy Rawson, mitigation, said: 'There's a background of domestic violence, abuse and suicide in his family and he has mental health problems that haven't previously been addressed.

'The pre-sentence report says there is no option but to impose a custodial sentence and I do not disagree with that. He is ready for a custodial sentence.'

Sentencing, Judge Simon Berkson said: 'Both offences are so serious that only custody is appropriate.'Police have arrested a man after 'deplorable' racist graffiti was daubed on a home leaving a lawyer and his young son 'traumatised'.

Jackson Yamba had the abuse painted on the front door and entrances of the flats where he lives with his young son in Salford, Greater Manchester.

It was only after Mr Yamba tweeted about the abuse, and lack of police action, that the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester and local politicians became involved.

A 54-year-old suspect has today been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage, police have confirmed.

Mr Yamba called the police to report the hate crime but was told that officers didn't have enough staff to investigate the incident

David, 10, and Jackson Yamba, 38, came home to find 'no blacks' spray painted on to their front door as well as three other communal doors in their block of flats in Salford, Greater Manchester

Mr Yamba, a qualified lawyer who is originally from The Democratic Republic of Congo and arrived in the UK in 2006, only moved into the flat with David earlier this month.

The single father-of-one claimed when he reported the incident to Greater Manchester Police he was told officers, 'didn't have enough staff to investigate.'

Police said today the suspect remains in custody for questioning.

Mr Yamba was not visited and did not received a call back from police more than a week after reporting the matter.

His tweet on Saturday night was shared thousands of times, prompting an outpouring of support.

Superintendent Howard Millington of GMP's Salford Division said today: 'While we have a man in custody, our enquiries into this deplorable crime are very much ongoing.

'I want to emphasise that we are acutely aware of the strength of public feeling surrounding this incident.

'Both CID and neighbourhood officers are looking into this crime and we are working closely with our partners to support the victim, as is the case in all hate crimes. Let me reassure people that where incidents of this nature take place, we will always pursue a prosecution.

'If you have information which could assist the police with our investigation, please contact us as soon as you can.'

Mr Yamba's friend Theo Baya, who also lives in the property, said he had never experienced racism before in this country from anyone since coming to live in Britain in 2011.

The qualified lawyer, who is originally from The Democratic Republic of Congo and arrived in the UK in 2006, only moved into the flat with David earlier this month

In a statement, chief inspector David Gilbride, of Greater Manchester Police's Salford district, added: 'We always strive to provide the best possible service to the public that we can, and provide an appropriate and expedient response

Mr Baya said: 'They may be stereotyping black people, we are both educated, we were both solicitors in Africa. It is ignorance, a lack of education.

'It is the first time this has happened to me. Before I was in Belgium and France and people there are not as mature in their attitudes.

'For me the UK is paradise. I still believe people in the UK are more mature and fair than in Belgium and France.'

The corridor and landing of the flats, run by housing association, Your Housing Group, is covered by CCTV.

Since Mr Yamba tweeted a picture of the abuse, in a post which has now been shared more than 7,700 times, Greater Manchester Police have apologised, with officers visiting his home today

David said: 'I started to cry in case something happened and I don't want to stay in the house anymore'

Police have apologised for the delay in their response which the force said was because of the lack of staff.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help the pair replace their door, and exceeded its 1,000 target in less than six hours.

And they were invited to be special guests at a local rugby match and meet the Salford Red Devils.

MP for Salford and Eccles, Rebecca Long-Bailey, replied to Mr Yamba's post asking him to email her.

In response to the messages, Mr Yamba tweeted: 'I am really grateful for the amount of support across the country.

'There is no word to describe my gratefulness. My son and I want to thank you all.'Advertisement

As Tory defectors to the new Independent Group claimed there were a 'significant' number of MPs from all parties on the brink of quitting, Westminster was abuzz this evening discussing who could be next to jump ship.

Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen quit the Tory Party today in an explosive new development for the group that was launched on Monday by a 'gang of seven' ex-Labour MPs.

Seemingly casting the net across all parties in the Commons, the self-styled Tory 'Three Amigos' claimed there were a significant number of MPs close to joining the breakaway group, provoking a fury of debate in the Commons of who could be next, with Labour's Owen Smith and Tory Justine Greening among those touted.

Conservative MP for Aberconwy, Guto Bebb, quit as a defence minister blaming Theresa May's concessions to Brexiteers and has called for a second referendum. He refused to respond when asked if a move was on the cards.

Brecknell MP Phillip Lee quit as a justice minister over Brexit and said he could 'understand' if colleagues joined the Independent Group.

He is the only member of the second referendum delegation that met Gavin Barwell and David Lidington last month who has not joined the Independents. He said yesterday: 'I'm certainly not leaving the Conservative party but I could understand if others did.'

Nick Boles, MP for Grantham and Stamford, admitted he agrees with the breakaway group's message suggesting he could be the next Tory to make the move but did add that he was 'not ready to give up on the Conservative's yet'.

As Tory defectors to the new Independent Group claimed there were a 'significant' number of MPs in other parties on the brink of quitting, Westminster was abuzz this evening with who could be the next to jump ship

Who will quit next? The favourite defection candidates LABOUR On their way? From left McDonagh, Smith, Doughty, Ellman On their way? Top, from left: McDonagh, Smith, Doughty, Ellman. Bottom, from left: Phillips, Murray, Austin, Kyle Siobhain McDonagh. Has warned she could leave if Jeremy Corbyn fails to address concerns over Brexit and anti-Semitism. Yesterday said she did not want to quit the party after 43 years, but said: 'It's up to Jeremy and how he responds.' Owen Smith. The Labour leadership candidate has said he is 'considering' leaving over Brexit. He was sacked from the shadow cabinet after he called for a second referendum. Stephen Doughty. Has been a key supporter of a People's Vote alongside the breakaway MPs, but yesterday denied rumours he was on the brink of joining them. Dame Louise Ellman. Is facing the threat of deselection from her local constituency party. But the Jewish MP has so far insisted: 'I will continue to fight the virus of anti-Semitism in the Labour party from within.' Jess Phillips. Yesterday raised speculation she could go by saying: 'I was born Labour and I felt like I'd die Labour but, when I listen to my colleagues, I find it very hard to disagree with a lot of what they were saying.' Ian Murray. Scot has warned the current leadership was 'breaking the broad church that this party once built its electoral success upon', but yesterday said: 'I'm not going.' Ian Austin. Said he is 'thinking long and hard' over whether to defect. Opposes a second referendum. Peter Kyle. Staunch supporter of a second referendum has faced opposition from Corbyn supporters in his constituency. Tweeted: 'Just to be clear, I'm not about to quit.' TORIES Top from left: Bebb, Greening, Grieve, Johnson; middle from left: Lee, Boles, Letwin, Gyimah; bottom from left: Soames, Sandbach Guto Bebb. Quit as a defence minister blaming concessions to Brexiteers and has called for a second referendum. Did not respond when asked if he would defect. Justine Greening. Former education secretary supports a second referendum but remained silent yesterday. Dominic Grieve. Has put forward several amendments to thwart the PM's deal. Yesterday, the former attorney general said he had no 'current plans' to quit the party. Jo Johnson. Boris's brother quit as a transport minister over Brexit and wants a second referendum. Asked about rumours he could jump ship, he said: 'Don't believe anything.' Phillip Lee. Quit as a justice minister over Brexit. He said: 'I'm not leaving the Conservatives but could understand if others did.' Antoinette Sandbach. Said comments about a 'purple Momentum' were 'hard to dispute' but ruled out defecting. Oliver Letwin. Ex-minister has rebelled over Brexit. Asked if he was going to join the Independents, he replied: 'Definitely not!' Sam Gyimah. Quit as universities minister over Brexit. Retweeted the statement from the Tories that quit. When asked if he would join them, said: 'No way. Retweeting their message doesn't mean I'm going to follow suit.' Nicholas Soames. Ardent Remainer, he was silent on whether he would follow his grandfather Winston Churchill in defecting. Nick Boles. Ex-minister tweeted: 'I agree with so much of what my good friends say here but I am not ready to give up on Conservatives yet.' Advertisement

Sarah Wollaston, Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen held for a press conference (pictured from left) to explain their historic defection out of the Tories and into the new Independent Group today

The ex-Tory rebels emerged into a vast press pack after resigning from the Tory Party in protest at it being taken over by the right-wing Brexiteers in the ERG

The new political group has a majority of women - seven of the 11 MPs to have joined - in an almost unprecedented change of balance for a frontline force

Among Labour, Owen Smith, the former leadership candidate has said that he is 'considering' leaving over Brexit. He was sacked from Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet last year after he called for a second referendum.

Stephen Doughty, MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, has been a key supporter of a People's Vote alongside the breakaway MPs, but yesterday denied rumours he was on brink of quitting Labour and joining them,

Ian Austin, MP for Dudley North, has said he is 'thinking long and hard' over whether to join his former colleagues in the breakaway group and is expected to make his decision by the end of this week. However, a stumbling block could be his opposition to a second referendum.

Speaking in Brussels, the PM said: 'I'm saddened by the decision that three former members of my party have taken today.

'Of course, the question of the UK's relationship with the European Union has been a source of disagreement in my party, and also in the country, for a long time.

'Leaving the European Union after 40 years was never going to be easy.'

This morning, at a press conference in London, Ms Allen said she had been left 'feeling numb' by the state of the Conservative Party while Dr Wollaston said she had reached the conclusion she could neither stand again as a Conservative or ask people to vote Tory.

Ms Allen said a 'significant number' of other MPs in all parties were 'on the brink' of following the first 11 MPs to abandon their parties and join the new group.

The plea comes a day after Chuka Umunna, the ringleader of the ex-Labour MPs who quit on Monday, said the group would be a full-blown political party within months.

In a move designed to cause the maximum damage, the trio made their leap less than an hour before Mrs May faced MPs in the bruising weekly session of PMQs - and on the same day she has to convince Brussels she can pass a Brexit deal.

Vowing to stand in the 'centre ground' in a damning letter to Mrs May the group said they could not remain in the Tories while it was 'in the grip of the ERG and DUP'. They said Brexit has 'redefined the Conservative Party - undoing all efforts to modernise it' - and warning that the 'country deserves better' from its politics.

In an immediate response, Mrs May said she was 'saddened' by the decision and thanked the MPs for their 'dedicated service to our party over many years'.

The PM vowed the Tories would 'always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics' Britain deserved. She said delivering Brexit was 'never going to be easy' but insisted she was 'doing the right thing for our country'.

The move puts rocket boosters under the new political movement that was launched by a 'gang of seven' ex-Labour MPs on Monday. It is the biggest split in British politics since 1981 and could set in motion a total realignment of the party system.

Eight ex-Labour MPs watched on at One Great George Street as their new ex-Tory colleagues addressed the press. They are (from left) Ann Coffey, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Chuka Umunna, Gavin Shuker, Joan Ryan and Angela Smith

The new Independent Group of MPs walked arm in arm from Parliament to the press conference held by the ex-Tory MPs today

Heidi Allen (centre in black), Anna Soubry (shakling hands in blue) and Sarah Wollaston (right in the blue scarf) greeted their new colleagues as they took their seats in the House of Commons against Theresa May at PMQs

Mrs May (pictured today at PMQs) said she was 'saddened' by the MPs' decision and vowed the Tories would 'always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics' Britain deserved

In a damning letter to Mrs May, the group said they could not remain in the Tories while it was 'in the grip of the ERG and DUP' - adding Brexit has 'redefined the Conservative Party - undoing all efforts to modernise it'

Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Ann Coffey and Mike Gapes left Labour in rage at Mr Corbyn's leadership as they triggered the new movement on Monday (pictured)

A sensational poll by YouGov puts the new independent group in third place on 14 per cent - appearing to pull support from both Tory and Labour

On another historic day in Westminster:

Three Conservative MPs resigned from the party and joined the new Independent Group. Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen said their party had been taken by right-wing Brexiteers

The MPs blasted Theresa May for her 'dismal failure' to stand up to the Eurosceptic wing of the party, protesting despite their abuse the ERG were who she turned to after her deal was destroyed

They join eight ex-Labour MPs who quit their party in fury at Jeremy Corbyn, claiming he tolerated anti-Semitism, allowed bullying and was a national security threat

In response Theresa May said she saddened by the decision and thanked the MPs for their 'dedicated service' to the party 'over many years'.

But she defended her decision to deliver Brexit - insisting it was the 'right thing for our country' even though it was 'never going to be easy for the Tory Party

A snap poll suggested the Independent Group is already the third most popular political force in Britain with support from 14 per cent of voters - pulling support from all the main parties

But Labour sources have dismissed it as an 'establishment coalition' of politicians who backed austerity, corporate tax cuts and privatisation.

Will the defections change the Brexit vote? Losing three MPs weakens Mrs May's already feeble hold on the Commons and leave her even more dependent on her DUP allies to command a majority of MPs. Her working majority - with the DUP - is now just eight meaning a rebellion of five MPs can defeat her. She lost the Brexit deal by 230. In practice it will make little difference on the biggest Brexit votes. All 11 defectors from both sides of the aisle are pro-EU and frequent rebels. They could eventually back the deal as an alternative to no deal but are unlikely to be the difference between victory and defeat for the PM. Losing three more Tories will make day-to-day governing much harder for Mrs May as the margin for defeat is so low - which some will see as a reason for an early election. Advertisement

Other MPs could quickly follow now the Independent Group is cross-party.

Former Tory minister Philip Lee admitted today he had been asked to do so while, while ex-attorney general Dominic Grieve said he only had no 'current' plans to switch.

Losing three MPs weakens Mrs May's already feeble hold on the Commons and leave her even more dependent on her DUP allies to command a majority of MPs.

Even with the Northern Ireland party, she now has a majority of just eight - meaning rebellion of five MPs can defeat her.

Last night Joan Ryan became the 8th MP to quit Labour and join the group, warning under Jeremy Corbyn the party has become 'institutionally anti-Semitic'.

Chuka Umunna and Luciana Berger led the historic move on Monday when the 'gang of seven' broke away.

Mr Corbyn has been warned he could face up to 50 new defections from his party if he fails to address the concerns of MPs.

Siobhain McDonagh, a close of friend of Ms Ryan, admitted today she was considering her future over the Labour leader's 'Stalinist' response to this week's events.

At their press conference, Ms Soubry said: 'I'm hoping that this will really concentrate some minds of colleagues in the Conservative Party that we know share our concerns and also share our values and our principles and are very unhappy about the direction of travel.

'I also hope it gives courage to members of the Government who are deeply concerned about this no-deal becoming a real possibility.

What is the Independent Group and can you vote for it? What happened this week? Seven MPs resigned from the Labour Party on Monday and set up something called the Independent Group. They were joined by an eigth Labour MP last night. Today three Tory MPs have also left their party - warning the Conservatives have been gripped by a right wing, pro Brexit insurgency. Who is in the group? Ex-Labour MPs Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Ann Coffey, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker and Joan Ryan. Ex-Tory MPs Sarah Wollaston, Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen. Is it a political party? No. It is a small business - technically a limited company - called Gemini A Ltd that was set up Gavin Shuker, one of the MPs, in January. Can I vote for it? No. Unless and until it registers with the Electoral Commission, it cannot stand candidates. Can I donate to it? Yes. The group is accepting donations through its website theindependent.group. It says donations will support the newly independent MPs. What does it want? All the MPs are Remain supporters and most of them have promoted a second referendum to cancel Brexit. They say they want evidence-based policy making to tackle the challenges facing Britain - without being inside the current political parties. Advertisement

'And it will give them the courage next week to do what, frankly, some of them should have done a long time ago and be true to what they believe, and if they need to leave Government and vote against the party line on Brexit, they have got to do it.'

Dr Wollaston added: 'I am afraid the Prime Minister simply hasn't delivered on the pledge she made on the steps of Downing Street to tackle the burning injustices in our society.

'I think that what we now see is the party, that was once the most trusted on the economy and business, is now marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit.'

In their letter to the Prime Minister, the trio of ex-Tories said: 'We no longer feel we can remain in the Party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP.

'Brexit has re-defined the Conservative Party  undoing all the efforts to modernise it.

'There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hard line ERG which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy.'

They added: 'The final straw for us has been this Government's disastrous handling of Brexit.

'Following the EU referendum of 2016, no genuine effort was made to build a cross party, let alone a national consensus to deliver Brexit.

'Instead of seeking to heal the divisions or to tackle the underlying causes of Brexit, the priority was to draw up 'red lines'. The 48% were not only sidelined, they were alienated.'

In response, Mrs May said: 'I am saddened by this decision  these are people who have given dedicated service to our party over many years, and I thank them for it.

'Of course, the UK's membership of the EU has been a source of disagreement both in our party and our country for a long time.

'Ending that membership after four decades was never going to be easy.

'But by delivering on our manifesto commitment and implementing the decision of the British people we are doing the right thing for our country.

'And in doing so, we can move forward together towards a brighter future.'

The first seven Independent Group MPs were in the Commons today (marked in red). They have chosen to sit behind the SNP (marked in yellow) and next to the DUP (in blue)

'I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve.'

Pro-Brexit Tory MP Michael Fabricant described The Independent Group of as 'an anti-Brexit party' and called on the Government to 'deliver the result of the EU Referendum'.

Snap poll puts new Independent Group on 14% - ahead of the Lib Dems A snap poll has suggested the new Independent Group would be backed by 14 per cent of voters just three days after it launched. The extraordinary figures in a YouGov poll for The Times suggest the centrist party is in third place. Crucially, it appears to be pulling support from both the Tories, who score 38 per cent, and particularly Labour, who plunge to 26 per cent. The last regular YouGov poll had the Tories on 41 per cent and Labour on 33 per cent. Advertisement

He tweeted: 'TIG are an anti-Brexit Party. Labour MPs have joined citing anti-Semitism and Corbyn as the reason.

'The 3 Conservative MPs are citing Brexit.

'Sad to see them go but the Government must deliver the result of EU Referendum.'

Former education secretary Nicky Morgan - who is also stridently anti-Brexit - said the Tories could ill afford to lose 'three such talented women from the Conservative Party'.

Stephen Crabb said the Tories 'cannot afford to lose someone like Anna Soubry. She has a far better grasp of true conservatism than many of those who have tried to make her life hell over Brexit'.

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire told Sky News: 'I am very saddened and disappointed that obviously this decision has been taken today.

'I pay tribute to my three former colleagues for all of their work over so many many years.

'I think the focus has to remain, as the Government is focused, on delivering Brexit.

Before their new ex-Tory colleagues arrived the first seven MPs (back two rows) to launch the Independent Group posed for a selfie on the Commons benches behind bemused SNP MPs

Ms Berger posted the selfie to her Instagram account ahead of PMQs and before the three ex-Tory MPs announced they were coming over to the group

'This was never going to be easy, seeking to negotiate an arrangement for us to leave after 40 years of membership was always going to underline some real challenges.

The final straw is Brexit: In their own words, why three Tory MPs have defected to the Independent Group This shift to the right has been exacerbated by blatant entryism. Not only has this been tolerated, it has been actively welcomed in some quarters. A purple momentum is subsuming the Conservative party, as much as the hard left has been allowed to consume and terminally undermine the Labour party. We have tried consistently and for some time to keep the Party close to the centre ground of British politics. You assured us when you first sought the leadership that this was your intention. We haven't changed, the Conservative Party has and it no longer reflects the values and beliefs we share with millions of people throughout the United Kingdom. They added: 'The final straw for us has been this Government's disastrous handling of Brexit.' Following the EU referendum of 2016, no genuine effort was made to build a cross-party, let alone a national consensus to deliver Brexit. Instead of seeking to heal the divisions or to tackle the underlying causes of Brexit, the priority was to draw up 'red lines'. The 48% were not only sidelined, they were alienated. We find it unconscionable that a Party once trusted on the economy, more than any other, is now recklessly marching the country to the cliff edge of no deal. No responsible government should knowingly and deliberately inflict the dire consequences of such a destructive exit on individuals,communities and businesses and put at risk the prospect of ending austerity. We also reject the false binary choice that you have presented to Parliament between a bad deal and no deal. Running down the clock to March 29th amounts to a policy of no deal and we are not prepared to wait until our toes are at the edge of the cliff. We can no longer act as bystanders. We intend to sit as independents alongside The Independent Group of MPs in the centre ground of British politics. There will be times when we will support the Government, for example, on measures to strengthen our economy , security and improve our public services. But we now feel honour bound to put our constituents' and country's interests first. We would like to thank all those who have supported us and worked alongside us within our constituencies over many years. We genuinely wish our many friends and colleagues in the Party well, indeed we know many of them share our concerns. We will continue to work constructively, locally and nationally, on behalf of our constituents. However, the country deserves better. We believe there is a failure of politics in general, not just in the Conservative Party, but in both main parties as they more to the fringed, leaving millions of people with no representation. Our politics needs urgent and radical reform and we are determined to play our part. Advertisement

'But it is right that we do move forward, that we secure that positive deal and can chart that bright positive force for our country but equally recognising the contribution of my three colleagues who have made a decision to leave today.

'I'm upset. I'm disappointed. The Conservative Party is a broad church and will remain so in offering that positive vision for our country and our future direction.'

Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson has offered her 'kudos to the brave MPs' from both Labour and Conservative parties who have resigned this week.

She tweeted: 'A purple momentum is now subsuming the Conservative party... marching the country to the cliff edge of no deal'

'Kudos to the brave MPs who have left the broken Conservative and Labour parties. Our country deserves better than this national shambles of a Government.'

Left-wing supporters of Jeremy Corbyn seized on the Tory defections to attack the Independent Group project.

Momentum's National Coordinator Laura Parker said: 'It's clear that the new party is a Blairite-Tory coalition aimed at resurrecting a dead agenda of privatisation, deregulation and tax cuts for the super rich.

'This is not what their constituents voted for. Umunna, Leslie and Smith's constituents overwhelmingly voted Labour and have ended up with an MP in coalition with the Tories.

'This is unfair, undemocratic and dishonest. The only decent thing to do is to call a by-election and let their constituents decide.'

Ms Soubry missed Commons votes on Monday after the group made its announcement fuelling speculation among Tory whips she could defect.

Ms Wollaston has protested the rise of ex-Ukip members in Tory ranks, warning they are joining with hard Brexiteer MPs to take over the party.

Ms Allen has been a fierce critic of the Government on several front, campaigning against it on welfare reform and slamming the Brexit strategy.

All three of the new ex-Tory MPs have campaign alongside members of the Independent Group for a second referendum on Brexit, and took part in Government meetings together after Theresa May's deal was defeated.

Veteran Conservative Ken Clarke said he believed some Tory MPs were considering joining the new Independent Group.

'Certainly some Members of Parliament are getting very fed up,' he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

'There are some, I think - not including me - who probably are contemplating leaving if the party moves too far to the right and no longer represents what they regard as the mainstream Conservative views they have held for all the previous years.

'I hope that doesn't happen. I hope it doesn't come to that.'

Mr Umunna yesterday directly appealed for Tory politicians to join the new movement, which he said could be a full-blown new party within months.

He told the Today programme the 'gang of seven' were putting 'everything on the line' - and said: 'We're inviting anybody who shares our values to join us.

'There are clearly a lot of Labour MPs wrestling with their conscience, and Conservatives who are demoralised for the Ukip-isation, if you like, of the party.'

Pro-Brexit Tory MP Michael Fabricant described The Independent Group of as 'an anti-Brexit party' and called on the Government to 'deliver the result of the EU Referendum'.

Former education secretary Nicky Morgan - who is also stridently anti-Brexit - said the Tories could ill afford to lose 'three such talented women from the Conservative Party'

Stephen Crabb said the Tories 'cannot afford to lose someone like Anna Soubry. She has a far better grasp of true conservatism than many of those who have tried to make her life hell over Brexit'

Galloway DENIES Luciana Berger suffered anti-Semitic abuse and says it's a Nazi-style lie George Galloway today denied Luciana Berger suffered the anti-Semitic abuse that drover her out of the Labour Party. The hard left ex-Labour MP - who has been banned from the party since 2003 - said Ms Berger's claims were a 'black op' that was fuelled by Nazi-style propaganda. In a Sky News interview, Mr Galloway said he simply 'didn't believe' Ms Berger's statement and said they were designed to discredit Jeremy Corbyn. He said: 'I think with the Blairites walking out the door hurling their slander at Corbyn and the Labour leadership it's really a black op that's going on here. 'I've been listening to [Sky News] and others all morning and this is pure Goebbellian propaganda  repeat a lie often enough and some people might believe it.' On Monday, Ms Berger opened a press conference to announce her resignation and said: 'I cannot remain in a party which I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic.' Advertisement

Mr Ummuna added: 'There are many other people who have misgivings about their parties.

'If we're to fix the broken politics, you can't do that within the existing parties who can't be the change because they've become the problem in my view.'

As she detailed the reasons for her own resignation today, Ms Ryan said the problems of anti-Semitism in Labour only began when Mr Corbyn became leader.

'We never had this problem in the party before he was the leader. It comes with him, it is part of his politics I am afraid,' she said.

'Labour should be the bulwark against that - against the hard right and their views. Instead of that, inside Labour it is perpetuating anti-Semitism.'

Ms Ryan said she was also unhappy with Mr Corbyn's position on Brexit.

'The other huge problem is that I think Jeremy Corbyn is aiding and abetting a hard Brexit,' she said.

She said there was a 'large number' of Labour MPs who were unhappy with the leadership and that she hoped like-minded members from any party would consider joining the new Independent Group.

'I hope that all like-minded MPs from whatever party will want to join this group.

'It is early days. It is about trying to change the political weather,' she said.

Joan Ryan, the MP for Enfield North, said she would be joining the newly founded Independent Group, alongside seven other disaffected Labour parliamentarians

Mr Umunna was one of seven Labour MPs to quit on Monday with an explosive attack on Mr Corbyn for letting anti-Semitism and a culture of bullying infect their party.

After the move Mr Corbyn's own deputy warned more MPs would abandon the party if Labour fails to deal with a culture of bullying and harassment.

Tom Watson said he believed the decision of seven MPs to resign and set up a new Independent Group was 'premature' but he refused to condemn them as 'traitors' as he admitted he also no longer recognised parts of Labour.

Labour's second in command said the hard-left takeover over of the party had left it with an army of activists 'too easily tempted into the language of heresy and treachery'.

Announcing their decision at yesterday's sensational press conference, Miss Berger said: 'This morning we have all now resigned from the Labour Party. This has been a very difficult, painful, but necessary decision.'

She added: 'For my part, I have become embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party.

'I cannot remain in a party which I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic.'

Anna Soubry: 'I'm not leaving the Conservative Party, it has left us' Ms Soubry was a vocal and confrontational critic of Brexiteers in her former party and had been persistently linked with leaving. Conservative MP for Broxtowe in Nottinghamshire since 2010 and a former health and defence minister under David Cameron

The Lincoln-born 62-year-old mother-of-two previously worked as a television journalist and a barrister

She was state educated and was a trade union representative while working for Central Television

Broxtowe votes to Leave by 54.6% in the 2016 Brexit referendum Anna Soubry had been a vocal and at times visceral critic of Brexit who has faced well-publicised personal abuse. A persistent rebel while int he Conservative Party, on Wednesday she blasted hardline 'entryism' into the Conservative Party. She said: 'I'm not leaving the Conservative Party, it has left us.' The MP attacked Theresa May, saying that since she became leader the party had shifted to the right and 'the modernising reforms that had taken years to achieve were destroyed'. The result, the Nottinghamshire MP said, was 'tyranny' where MPs were more afraid of their local associations than their voters. Ms Soubry said: 'Overwhelmingly the majority of associations are being infiltrated by a nationally-orchestrated entryism, blatantly designed to remove rebel MPs who they label 'traitors'.' Hitting out at 'Blukip' or the 'purple momentum' phenomenon she added: 'It's a form of tyranny and it's ironic that Conservatives observe and condemn it in the Labour Party but it's happening in their own party.' The firebrand critic of the Brexiteer wing of her own party made headlines earlier this year when she was barracked and branded a 'Nazi' by protesters while being interviewed on television outside Parliament. Ms Soubry urged ministers to quit in order to vote against a no-deal Brexit, saying: 'I'm hoping that this will really concentrate some minds of colleagues in the Conservative Party that we know share our concerns and also share our values and our principles, and are very unhappy about the direction of travel. 'I also hope it gives courage to members of the government who are deeply concerned about this no deal becoming a real possibility. 'It will give them the courage next week to do what, frankly, some of them should have done a long time ago and be true to what they believe, and if they need to leave government and vote against the party line on Brexit, they have got to do it.' Advertisement

Sarah Wollaston: Tories now 'marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit' Dr Wollaston had previously warned that Government backing for a no-deal Brexit would see her quit the Conservative Party. MP for the Totnes constituency in south Devon since 2010

The 57-year-old was previously an NHS doctor for 24 years and a police forensic examiner

Had repeatedly attacked hardline Brexiteers and warned a no-deal Brexit would see her quit the party

Totnes voted Leave by 54.1% in 2016 Dr Wollaston said she felt 'great sadness' at quitting the Conservative Party today. She also tweeted a picture of the letter to Theresa May, adding that it is 'with regret' that she has resigned. 'I am afraid the Prime Minister simply hasn't delivered on the pledge she made on the steps of Downing Street to tackle the burning injustices in our society,' she said. 'I think that what we now see is the party, that was once the most trusted on the economy and business, is now marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit.' Dr Wollaston, who was long rumoured to be among Tories ready to jump ship, said that no one from the Prime Minister's office or the party whips had attempted to convince her to stay. Pro-Brexit Tories in Totnes had been making an attempt to have her deselected because of her pro-Remain stance. She said: 'I don't think any effort has ever been made to reach out to those of us who are in the moderate centre ground of the party.' Advertisement

Heidi Allen: A 'significant number' of MPs want to join us Heidi Allen, who has represented South Cambridgeshire since 2015, has often clashed with her party on Brexit and welfare issues Has been MP for South Cambridgeshire since 2015

The 44-year-old previously ran her own business and worked for the Royal Mail

Away from Brexit she had also criticised the Government over its record on welfare reform

South Cambridgeshire voted to Remain by 60% in the 2016 referendum Heidi Allen was a Conservative MP for less than four years, having been first elected at the May 2015 election. But the former business woman and entrepreneur had looked increasingly ill at ease in the party since the EU referendum the following year, in which she supported Remain. As well as Brexit battles she also criticised the Government over its record on welfare reform and sat on the influential and often highly critical Work and Pensions Committee. She told reporters on Wednesday that both had been a factor in her defection, saying:'I can no longer represent a government and a party who can't open their eyes to the suffering endured by the most vulnerable in society, suffering which we have deepened whilst having the power to fix.' Ms Allen said that she would not rejoin the Tories in the future and there was a 'significant number' of MPs from different parties who were now interested in coming over to join The Independent Group. She said the former Tory trio's resignations should come as a 'wake-up call' to the Prime Minister that she finally needed to take on and defeat the European Research Group (ERG) - the powerful and well-organised Brexiteer wing of the party. 'Her majority is now less than it was. She knows that the party is full of people that feel the way that we do, so she will have to finally, once and for all, see the ERG off,' she said. Advertisement

Joan Ryan: Labour under Corbyn is 'completely infected' by anti-Semitism Labour Friends of Israel said that despite quitting the Labour Party Enfield North MP Joan Ryan would continue as its chairwoman. Has been Enfield North MP in two spells, from 1997 to 2010 and since 2015

The Lancashire-born 63-year-old worked as a teacher in London before being elected

Has faced a barrage of left-wing attacks as parliamentary chairwoman of Labour Friends of Israel (LFI)

Has been a vocal and prominent critic of Jeremy Corbyn over anti-semitism within the Labour Party Joan Ryan was the eighth Labour MP to quit the party and join The Independent Group, taking a swipe at Jeremy Corbyn's handling of anti-semitism in the Labour Party. Ms Ryan was -and remains - the chairwoman of the Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) which seeks to promote good relations between the Middle East nation and Britain. After her resignation was announced Young Labour, the party's youth section tweeted 'Joan Ryan Gone - Palestine Lives' before swiftly deleting the post. The MP told BBC radio that the party had become 'infected' with anti-Semitism under Corbyn's leadership, saying that 'it has completely infected the party and at every opportunity to deal with it he has not done so'. She added: 'We never had this problem in the party before he was the leader. It comes with him, it is part of his politics I am afraid. 'Labour should be the bulwark against that - against the hard right and their views. Instead of that, inside Labour it is perpetuating anti-Semitism.' LFI said it respected her 'very difficult decision' to leave and that she would continue as chairwoman. Ms Ryan also accused Mr Corbyn of 'aiding and abetting a hard Brexit', adding: 'I hope that all like-minded MPs from whatever party will want to join this group. It is early days. It is about trying to change the political weather.' Advertisement

Luciana Berger: Dubbed a 'dirty little Zionist rat' by pro-Corbyn activists Heavily pregnant Luciana Berger, has been Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree' since 2010

Has been at the centre of the Labour party's anti-Semitism row and a vocal critic of Corbyn's leadership

Dubbed a 'dirty little Zionist rat' by pro-Corbyn activists, Luciana grew up in Wembley, in a close Jewish family

Her father runs a family home furnishing business, and until recently her mother worked in a palliative care unit

Liverpool Wavertree voted Remain by 64.7% in 2016. Ms Berger's stance on anti-Semitism has seen her face a torrent of abuse from online trolls and she required a police escort at last year's Labour Party conference after receiving death threats. Ms Berger, who is heavily pregnant and Jewish, recently faced a vote of no confidence by her local constituency party, which was eventually withdrawn after a heated row in the Labour ranks. During the press conference announcing the split, revealing she joined the Labour Party as a student 20 years ago, Ms Berger said she had become 'embarrassed and ashamed to remain'. Elected in 2010, during the last general election she secured a 29,466 majority, and has previously been shadow minister for public health and mental health, and currently sits on the Health and Social Care Committee. Ms Berger, a remainer, is a supporter of the People's Vote campaign for a second referendum on Brexit.

She said: 'This morning we have all now resigned from the Labour Party. This has been a very difficult, painful, but necessary decision. 'We represent different parts of the country, we are of different backgrounds, we were born of different generations, but we all share the same values. 'From today, we will all sit in Parliament as a new independent group of MPs.' Ms Berger said she had become 'embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party'. 'I have not changed. The core values of equality for all, opportunity for all, anti-racism against all and social justice - the values which I hold really dear and which led me to join the Labour Party as a student almost 20 years ago - remain who I am. 'And yet these values have been consistently and constantly violated, undermined and attacked, as the Labour Party today declines to my constituents and our country before party interests. 'I cannot remain in a party which I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic.' Advertisement

Chuka Umunna: 'Politics is broken. It doesn't have to be this way' Chuka Umunna, the MP for Streatham since 2010. Umunna ran  briefly  for the Labour leadership in 2015. He withdrew citing a desire to protect his private life from scrutiny

Born in 1978 to a Nigerian father, who arrived in Liverpool in 1964 aged 23, according to Umunna's biog, 'with one suitcase and no money'; and an English-Irish mother, a probation officer and later lawyer who supported her family while Chuka's father built up his business.

His father, Bennett, died in a car crash soon after standing to be a governor of a Nigerian state on an anti-bribery platform in 1992

Streatham voted Remain by 79.5% in 2016 One of the leading voices in the People's Vote campaign, Mr Umunna has been the MP for Streatham in south London since 2010. At today's press conference, Mr Umunna said politics is 'broken' and Westminster parties have been 'failing' the public. He served under Ed Miliband as shadow business secretary between 2011 and 2015, and stood in the 2015 party leadership race, but withdrew after only three days, saying he was 'uncomfortable' with 'the added level of scrutiny that came with being a leadership candidate'. The 40-year-old quit the frontbench the day after Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader, citing differences over the UK's relationship with the EU. Mr Umunna won a 68.5% share of his constituency vote at the 2017 general election and holds a majority of more than 26,000. At the launch today, he said: 'It is time we dumped this country's old-fashioned politics,' he says. The UK needs a political party 'fit for the here and now' and the 'first step in leaving the tribal politics behind'. 'You don't join a political party to fight the people within it,' he says. The new group will have its first formal meeting in the coming days.' Umunna says the bottom line is: 'Politics is broken. It doesn't have to be this way. Let's change it.' Advertisement

Mike Gapes: 'Sickened by party's anti-semitism' MP for Ilford South since the 1992 general election and one of the Labour Party's longest serving MPs

Is sickened by antisemitism in the party and is furious that the Labour leadership 'is facilitating Brexit'

Gapes was born in Wanstead Hospital, the son of a postman, and a shop assistant

He worked at Labour Party Headquarters for 15 years from 1977 until 1992 including serving from 1988 to 1992 as International Secretary of the Labour Party

Ilford South voted Remain by 56.7% in 2016. Veteran MP Mr Gapes said he was 'sickened that Labour is now racist anti-Semitic party and furious that Labour party complicit in facilitating Brexit' Mr Gapes, a former chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, told the press conference: 'I am sickened that the Labour Party is now a racist, anti-Semitic party. 'I am furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit, which will cause great economic, social and political damage to our country. 'Jeremy Corbyn and those around him are on the wrong side on so many international issues - from Russia, to Syria, to Venezuela. 'A Corbyn Labour government would threaten our national security and international alliances.' In December 2018, Mr Gapes signed a letter in The Guardian calling for a second vote on Brexit. He, alongside 16 other MPs across Parliament, said: 'We call on all party leaders and parliament to trust the people with the final say so we can face the future united.' Advertisement

Angela Smith: Voters feel 'politically homeless' as the country faces huge challenges Has been an MP for two constituencies - first for Sheffield Hillsborough 2005-10 and since 2010 Penistone and Stocksbridge

Served as a shadow minister under Ed Miliband after being a Labour Party members since she was 16 years old

Before politics, she worked for five years in the NHS before a career as an English lecturer

She was targeted in the expenses scandal after it emerged she submitted claims for four beds for her one bedroom flat in London

Penistone and Stockbridge voted Leave by 60.7% in 2016 The 57-year-old MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge in South Yorkshire was first elected in May 2005 for Sheffield, Hillsborough. She won the 2017 general election contest with a 1,322 majority. Last month Mr Corbyn was criticised after he appeared to refuse to give way to Ms Smith during his Commons Brexit statement, which she suggested happened because she supports a second referendum. Over the years, the veteran MP has formed part of a number of parliamentary select committees, including transport and environment, food and rural affairs. In her statement as the Labour Party split was announced, highly critical of Mr Corbyn, Ms Smith said since his election as leader in 2015 there has been a change in the Labour Party that has 'destroyed the proud legacy built by our predecessors'. She also revealed that by the age of five she knew her voting intention, but that the current Labour Party is 'characterised by lazy, populist thinking'. Angela Smith rejected comparisons with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) breakaway in 1981. 'I just don't think the comparison with the SDP stands up to scrutiny,' said Ms Smith. 'This is a different century and the challenges that the country faces are on a scale that I don't think we have seen at any other time in the post-war period.' She added that voters felt 'politically homeless'. Advertisement

Ann Coffey: 'I thought I'd be in Labour for the rest of my life' MP for Stockport since 1992 and one of Labour's longest serving politicians, after first being elected as a councillor in 1984

Accused Corbyn of 'tolerating' anti-Semitism so it is 'rife' inside the Labour Party

She is the author of Real Voices, an independent report into child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester published in October 2014

Stockport voted Remain by 53.2% in 2016 The MP for Stockport in Greater Manchester spent more than four decades in the Labour Party, and said she thought she would be a member 'until the end of [her] life' when she resigned the Labour whip on Monday. A supporter of a second referendum on Brexit, Ms Coffey, 72, was one of two MPs who tabled a motion of no-confidence in Jeremy Corbyn the day after the EU referendum. She said at the time: 'The result of the European Union referendum leaves this country in a mess. 'Leaders have to take responsibility and [Jeremy Corbyn] has to take his share of responsibility for this, and he should resign.' Announcing that she will now sit as an independent MP on Monday, Ms Coffey said the Labour Party 'is no longer a broad church'. She said: 'Any criticism is responded to with abuse and accusations of treachery. Anti-Semitism is rife and tolerated.' First elected in 1992, Ms Coffey has held a majority of almost 14,500 since the 2017 general election. Advertisement

Gavin Shuker: 'If you want to build something new, this is the moment to build it First elected in 2010 as the MP for Luton South

Educated at state school, he was leader and pastor of the City Life Church in Luton before entering politics

Luton South voted Leave by 54.6% Mr Shuker, in a direct appeal for donations, added: 'If you want to build something new, if you feel as politically homeless as us, this is the moment to build it.' He told his constituents: 'My decision to leave the Party is rooted in my commitment to the constituents of Luton South and to making decisions in their best interests. 'Today, the Labour party is riddled with anti-Semitism, it presents a threat to our national security and it's perfectly content to enable the hard Tory Brexit that will directly and negatively affect people in Luton. 'At a national level, I hope you'll agree that politics, as it is, is broken. None of the parties are providing the leadership that we need at this moment of crisis, and you've been trying to tell us this for a long time - not just since Brexit. That's why my hope is that the actions I've taken today, alongside others, will enable us to change politics, together.' AdvertisementA cleaner sacked after leading a 'poverty pay' protest outside Topshop could be entitled to a compensation payout worth up to 75,000 after a judge ruled she was unfairly dismissed.

Maria Susana Benavidez Guaman, 43, was one of 200 protesters who denounced protesters in front of the flagship Oxford Street branch, demanding more money for agency cleaners.

Mrs Benavidez said she was paid 6.75-an-hour and wanted a 'few pounds more' to ensure she and her colleagues were paid the London Living Wages, a tribunal heard.

Susana Benavidez at a protest outside Topshop, Oxford Street, March 2016

The protest in March 2016 forced the store, owned by Sir Philip Green, to close its doors for 15 minutes as protesters lambasted the ownership.

Mrs Benavidez was fired for gross misconduct, with Britannia Services Group Ltd citing her use of social media to drum-up support against its client, Topshop.

The mother-of-three from Finsbury Park, London, contested the decision in court after a hearing at the Central London Employment Tribunal and she now has the right to compensation.

Although a figure is yet to be agreed upon, court documents revealed she wants 75,000.

Judge David Pearl ruled Mrs Benavidez, originally from Ecuador, was fired by Britannia for exercising her right to protest for better pay and working conditions as part of a trade union.

He said: 'No reasonable employer would have been acting reasonably in dismissing Mrs Benavidez in the circumstances.

The protest took place outside the Topshop on Oxford Street (stock image)

'The entire process, we conclude, was designed to ensure that she was dismissed as a result of the various trade union activities she had been engaged in.'

The tribunal heard Mrs Benavidez cleaned at the three-floor, 90,000 square foot store from 2009 until she was sacked in October 2016.

She immersed herself in trade union activities and became a shop steward for United Voices of the World, a union which represents mostly low-paid migrant workers.

The union campaigned for the London Living Wage in February 2016 - then 9.40-an-hour - for its members, as Mrs Benavidez became the 'face of the campaign at Topshop'.

A letter was sent to Britannia which noted Sir Philip's Arcadia Group's rise in profits, and threatened a demonstration outside the store as a way of rallying public support.

Neither Britannia or Topshop replied to the letter, which Britannia later branded a 'crude attempt at blackmail', according to the judge.

Mrs Benavidez started a petition on change.org, which the judge said was addressed to Topshop and Sir Philip, requesting that they 'pay your cleaners the Living Wage'.

On it, she wrote: 'Although I am not directly employed by Topshop, they have the power to ensure me and my colleagues are paid a Living Wage.'

She labelled the wages she and her colleagues were receiving were 'poverty wages'.

During the demonstration on March 12, 2016, Mrs Benavidez was filmed holding a banner criticising Britannia while a man near her holds a placard which read 'Topshop shame on you'.

The protest took place outside Topshop's flagship store on Oxford Street. Pictured: Topshop owner Sir Philip Green

Judge Pearl ruled sacking her amounted to 'automatic unfair dismissal'.

He said: 'In our view...it is clear beyond any argument that Mrs Benavidez was dismissed for the reason that she had taken part in the activities of the independent trade union,' he said.

'What has occurred in this case is that she was dismissed for activities, all of which amount to taking part in the activities of the union.'

Lawyers will now battle over how much Mrs Benavidez should be paid and the judge will make a final award at a later date.

In a statement to the tribunal, Mrs Benavidez described the period after she was sacked for her role in the protest as one of 'the most terrible' times in her life.

She said: 'I still find it hard to believe that asking for a few pounds more per hour from such a rich company that has a multi-million pound client can result in the systematic persecution of people.

'My daughters are now proud to see that I have fought through this, but I feel incredibly sad that they had to witness my suffering and about the impact that that had, and has, on them.

'I felt I had to fight until the end, however difficult, for their sake. I was worried of losing my dignity and self-respect and how this would impact them.

'The trauma of this period continues to affect me to this day and I cannot talk about any of this without being reduced to tears.

'Whenever I have to speak about it, it is like reliving the situation.'

Mrs Benavidez's claim was brought against her former employer, Britannia Services Group Ltd, alone.

The Tribunal's final decision on the level of Mrs Benavidez's payout will now be handed down at a later date.

Britannia is planning to appeal against the automatic unfair dismissal ruling.A body has been pulled from a lake in the search for a fugitive and his girlfriend who have been missing for over two weeks.

Cops identified the body of Alfonso Hernandez, 28, at White Rock Lake in north-west Dallas.

The Texas man had a warrant out for his arrest on domestic violence charges against his partner in January, days before the pair's disappearance on February 5.

The body of Alfonso Hernandez (right) has been recovered from White Rock Lake in Dallas, two weeks after the he and girlfriend Weltzin Garcia (left) disappeared

Their car was found abandoned at the side of the lake hours after they were reported missing.

The search for his girlfriend Weltzin Garcia, 26, was called off on Monday after more than one search of lake.

Cops are believed to have found Ms Garcia's phone in Hernandez's pocket, and his phone was left in his car.

Hernandez was wanted on domestic violence charges against his girlfriend. Her cell phone was found in his jacket pocket when he was recovered from the lake on Sunday

Ms Garcia's twin Atziry Garcia Mireles said she was still hopeful that her sister (pictured) would be found alive, using her 'twin sense'. She now has custody over the couple's two children

Atziry Garcia Mireles, Garcia's identical twin, told NBC that 'despite the time that has lapsed' and the recovery of Hernandezs body, her family were hopeful she will be found alive.

'I can feel when my sister is crying, so I know she's alive,' she said.

'I just want answers because we don't know what's going on. I mean, were is she? Is she hiding? Is she dead?'

The couple had a 'problematic' relationship, but remained close because of their two young children.

Before they disappeared, Hernandez had spoken of killing himself after arguing with Garcia.

'I know he had some suicide thoughts, but not this. I still do not understand why he'd do that to his family, to his kids. We don't know why,' she said.

The underwater search at White Rock Lake in Dallas has been suspended after more than two police searches of the lake do not provide anymore leads

Ms Garcia's sister is now caring for the couple's children, ages 3 and 6, after going to court to take custody of the three and six year-olds Dallas' Child Protection Service.

In a statement she said: 'The kids are finally with us. Thank you CPS for being so understanding. Only God knows whats coming for these kids but Ill be there to support them and love them until the end.'

The search at Dallas' White Rock Lake for a woman missing since Feb. 5 was suspended at 2pm on Monday.

Dive teams had resumed their search of the lake on Monday morning following the recovery of Hernandezs body, but no further leads were found.

NBC News confirmed there were no obvious signs of trauma, though the cause of death was still being determined by the Dallas County Medical Examiner.

Hernandezs family are now making funeral arrangements for the 28-year-old and have asked for donations on a GoFundMe page.

'Alfonsos family are a very united family and theyre so broken right now, words wont describe the pain that theyre going through. Please anything will be very helpful,' said Ms Mireles.A passenger on the New York subway was killed when he was dragged into a tunnel by a piece of his clothing getting stuck in a moving train.

The subway rider was pulled under the vehicle by either his clothes or a bag strap at Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday night, police said.

He was dragged down the platform onto the tracks, then into a staircase where he struck an electric power box, police told ABC7.

The passenger was killed after his clothing or a bag strap got caught in a moving subway train. He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken from the station on a gurney

Service on the Number 7 service that connects Manhattan and Queens was suspended for hours after the man was dragged into the East River tunnel on the Queens-bound side

As he struck the box he set off a flash that caught the attention of train operators and forced them to stop the train, an official told the New York Times.

The 39-year-old victim was found in the East River tunnel of the Number 7 train on the Queens-bound side just outside the station, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said.

Moments before being struck by the train, the man was seen walking on the yellow caution line along the edge of the platform at around 7.20pm, the New York Times reports.

When police arrived at Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, the victim was found 'unconscious and unresponsive with severe trauma to the body', police said

The Number 7 train was suspended as the emergency services closed off the tunnel and attended to the scene for several hours on Tuesday night

When police arrived, the victim was 'unconscious and unresponsive with severe trauma to the body' the New York Police Department said in a statement.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, officials said.

Police are investigating whether or not the man was intoxicated, the New York Post reports.

He has has not yet been identified by official sources.

The MTA said on Twitter last night that the train suffered 'a mechanical problem as a result of the impact'.

Service on the 7 train was suspended for hours as the emergency services closed off the tunnel and attended to the scene.Advertisement

Never-before-seen photos reveal the desolation at Dunkirk as witnessed by a German soldier after British troops escaped.

Images of UK forces massed on the beach, desperately awaiting a boat back home, have come to define the daring evacuation of 1940.

But now the other side of Operation Dynamo has been revealed by a cache of unseen photos from a private collection in Germany.

The collector, who asked to remain anonymous, said: 'The pictures show the vehicles and equipment left behind in the area around Dunkirk.

'Vehicles are lined up on the side of the road or are collected in large vehicle graveyards. Long lines of cars and trucks fill the beach.

The British Expeditionary Force lost 68,000 soldiers during the French campaign and had to abandon nearly all of its tanks, vehicles, and equipment. Left behind in France were 2,472 guns, 20,000 motorcycles, and almost 65,000 other vehicles along with thousands of tonnes of stores. Pictured: A wrecked army troop carrier and a partly-capsized ship on the beach at Dunkirk

Striking pictures show the sheer amount of equipment left behind on the beaches by British and French troops after the battle. On top of the equipment surrendered to the Germans, over 200 British and Allied sea craft were sunk, with a similar number damaged

Civilian vehicles and army logistical vehicles are strewn across the beach surrounded by supplies. A total of 224,320 British troops along with 139,097 French and some Belgian troops, were evacuated from Dunkirk between 26 May and 4 June

'Many of them have some signs of deliberate destruction to make them useless.

'Some German soldiers pose with French tanks by the shore. In the water are small ships that were sunk or abandoned during the evacuation.

'While Dunkirk was extensively photographed, the pictures show new angles which as far as I can tell weren't previously seen.'

And the story told by the photos is very different to the triumphant tales spun by both sides about the evacuation.

'To me, the pictures make all the glorified tales of Dunkirk feel more grounded and, well, less glorified,' said the collector.

'The pictures were taken by a regular soldier as keepsakes. They weren't framed with any propagandising mindset.

'They neither focus on the British loss or the German victory, they just show what it looked like once it was all done.'

German soldiers stand beside two French SOMUA S35 tanks and artillery pieces as they survey the devastation near Dunkirk. Three French field armies and the Belgian army fought alongside the British Expeditionary Force during the doomed campaign

The town of Dunkirk itself was significantly damaged in the fighting as the BEF fought a rear guard action to protect those scrambling to get on the ships back to Britain. German bombers hit British troops waiting on the beach with bombs and fighters strafed them

Never-before-seen pictures of the devastation left by British troops after the battle. For every seven soldiers who escaped through Dunkirk, one man was left behind as a prisoner of war. The majority of these prisoners were sent on forced marches into Germany

The identity of the soldier who took the photos has been lost to history, but it's easy to imagine what they might have felt like entering Dunkirk.

'If the soldier seeing the aftermath was actively involved in the fighting, he might feel like they could have done more to prevent the majority of the enemy army from escaping,' said the collector.

'If the soldier came to Dunkirk after the fighting, as part of a clean up crew or something, the sheer amount of equipment left behind would certainly have felt like a triumphant victory.'

British troops were pinned down in Dunkirk after Nazi Germany invaded Belgium, the Netherlands and France on May 10, 1940.

The operation to rescue them began later that month with a sluggish start - only 7,669 soldiers were evacuated on the first day.

However, by the end of the eighth day, more than 330,000 had been rescued thanks to a hastily-assembled fleet of 800 boats in what's been called the Miracle of Dunkirk.

The photos will now form part of The Other Side Archive, a selection of pictures taken by regular German soldiers in both world wars.

Littering the roadside near the town troops left invaluable military vehicles and equipment as the made a break for the coast. The retreat was undertaken amid chaotic conditions, with abandoned vehicles blocking the roads and a flood of refugees heading in the opposite directionThe mother of a boy who was born with just two per cent of his brain has spoken of how her 'extraordinary' son defied the odds.

When Shelly Wall, of Abbeytown in Cumbria, developed a rare condition called hydrocephalus in the womb, she and her husband Rob were told on five different occasions that they could terminate the pregnancy.

When their son Noah finally came into the world in 2012 doctors found he only had two per cent of his brain.

They were desperate to give their boy the chance of a healthy life - but had no idea if he would even survive.

Miraculously he kept on growing, and so did his brain, which by the age of three, scans showed had grown to 80 per cent capacity.

Now at the age of six he has learned to talk and is hoping to be able to walk, surf and ski with the help of a pioneering clinic in Australia.

Shelly and Rob Wall are pictured with their six-year-old son Noah on ITV's Good Morning Britain today who has grown 78 per cent of his brain since he was born

On the left is a scan of Noah's brain when he was born, filled with fluid (in black) and with very little healthy brain tissue. On the right is his brain now, which is almost fully functioning

The family-of-three appeared on Good Morning Britain this morning, where the Walls described their son's progress as 'extraordinary'.

Mr Wall said: 'It's a very emotive subject. Some people say you can't grow a brain.

'Other people say it must have always been there. But if it was and squashed up it would have been so severely damaged he would have been very mentally and physically disabled.'

Mrs Wall described their experience with doctors, saying: 'Before he was born they gave me the option of a termination five times.

'We got taken into a room and they drew a circle saying 'this brain will only be half a brain'.

Little Noah Wall warmed viewers hearts when he appeared on Good Morning Britain looking healthy and happy this morning

A picture shows Noah as a newborn when scans showed he only had two per cent of his brain

GMB host Richard Madeley asked why the couple were so determined to go through pregnancy despite enormous complications.

Mr Wall replied: 'We were older parents, if younger people were offered that choice they may have felt pressured to go through with it, but we know our own minds and we are positive people.

WHAT IS HYDROCEPHALUS? Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid on the brain. The excess fluid can put pressure on the brain and which can damage it. Noah developed congenital hydrocephalus present at birth, caused by the spina bifida he was also diagnosed with. Long-term complications can include learning disabilities, impaired speech, memory problems, short attention span, problems with organisational skills, vision problems such as a squint and visual impairment, and problems with physical co-ordination. The condition can usually be treated using a shunt, a thin tube that's surgically implanted in the brain and drains away the excess fluid. Source: NHS Advertisement

'We wanted to give Noah the chance of life.'

Describing the day Noah was born, Mrs Wall added: 'The day he was born was amazing. We waited with baited breath.'

The couple were admitted to hospital a week before Mrs Wall's due date because the pressure on Noah's brain was becoming dangerous.

There were 12 doctors in the operating theatre as experts performed a C-section, but as he came into the world, they were given a sign.

Mr Wall said: 'He let out this amazing scream. We knew there was power there.'

Now the family send regular updates the doctors who told them Noah wouldn't make it.

Mrs Wall said: 'He's extraordinary. We send them emails and pictures and we take them presents at Christmas time.'

The couple have been given an assessment a pioneering Australian clinic, where medics combine physiotherapy and cognitive training to 'train the brain'.

He is confined to a wheelchair but with the help of the clinic hopes to try out some of his favourite sports.

Noah is confined to a wheelchair but is hoping to learn to walk having taught himself to speak

Mr Wall said: 'Usually they don't do it for children. But we are incredibly lucky to have got an assessment.

'The brain's ability to heal and correct the body's nervous system is amazing.'

Mrs Wall discovered three months into her pregnancy that her unborn son had a catalogue of health problems.

These included spina bifida - a condition which prevents the spine from developing properly - rare chromosome abnormalities and hydrocephalus.

Although Noah faces a lifetime of operations, he and his parents remain determined to fulfill his dreams, and seeing him walk is their ultimate goal.Advertisement

Karl Lagerfeld will be cremated and his ashes likely scattered with those of his mother and late partner who died of AIDS in 1989, Chanel has said today.

'His wishes will be respected,' said a spokeswoman for the luxury brand, which 85-year-old led for 36 years until his death from pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, said today.

She added that as per Lagerfeld's wishes - he once famously said: 'There will be no funeral. I'd rather die!' - there will be no ceremony.

The legendary Chanel designer was in a relationship with the late Jacques De Bascher, a well known figure on the fashion party circuit in 1970s Paris, for 18 years.

De Bascher was also a lover of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, and Lagerfeld was not only well aware of their dalliance, he also appears to have turned a blind eye towards it.

Companions: Jacques De Bascher wears a white jacket and waistcoat, as he accompanies his partner Karl Lagerfeld, wearing a black three-piece suit, in a photo believed to have been taken in the 1980s

Jacques de Bascher poses for a portrait for the Chloe Spring 1974 Ready to Wear Collection with a female model

Karl Lagerfeld with his art director Antonio Lopez as he draws one of the designer's muses, while Jacques de Bascher can be seen in the background of the Paris studio in 1972

Lagerfeld himself claimed never to have slept with De Bascher despite their nearly two decades years together, and tenderly cared for his partner in his final months.

It was today revealed by people close to Lagerfeld that he had always kept an urn containing the ashes of De Bascher and has asked that their remains are mixed in death, Le Monde reported.

De Bascher's life was shrouded in mystery outside the fashion world until Lagerfeld agreed to participate in French journalist Marie Ottavi's book 'Jacques de Bascher, dandy de l'ombre' in 2017.

Many from the fashion world had refused to speak about De Bascher, who was well known as a voracious consumer of alcohol, drugs and sex, but little else.

He was a decadent dandy who caught the eye of both men and women as he breezed through the fashion world.

Indeed, in the 1970s De Bascher was involved in an affair with Saint Laurent, which involved locking the designer in a closet as part of a sadomasochistic sex game, WWD reported.

Lagerfeld would later describe how Saint Laurent's business partner, Pierre Berge, accused him of using De Bascher's hold over Yves to destabilise the house of Saint Laurent.

De Bascher was just 19-years-old when he met Lagerfeld, and the designer immediately became enamoured with the young paramour.

Lagerfeld with one of his recent muses, the daughter of Johnny Depp, US-French model Lily-Rose Depp, after his Spring/Summer 2017 Haute Couture collection show for Chanel at Paris Fashion Week

Karl Lagerfeld fits one of his designs on top model Ines de la Fressange at Chloe's Paris studio

Before the sunglasses: Lagerfeld is seen sitting on the edge of his desk in his Paris apartment

De Bascher had arrived in the French capital, having been born into French aristocracy in Saigon in 1951, according to Pink News.

Lagerfeld was older than De Bascher and had already hit great heights with Chloe and Fendi when the pair met.

De Bascher pursued a brief career as an air steward for Air France, but the aristocrat was never cut out for the working life and soon began living with Lagerfeld who provided for him.

He opened up about the 'shadow dandy' who he painted as his one true love: 'I infinitely loved that boy,' he told Ottavi, 'I was seduced by his physical charm.'

Despite taking De Bascher as his companion for 18 years, Lagerfeld claimed he had never slept with his love.

While De Bascher's life became fast and dangerous in the 1970s with free-love and drug taking, Lagerfeld said he was more Calvinistic.

He told Ottavi that he indulged De Bascher, he was 'amused' by his love's adventures but that in terms of social life they 'couldn't be further apart.'

He was well aware of De Bascher's behavior in the 'shadows' but said he preferred to overlook those aspects of his life and said he loved his 'brighter side.'

Condolences: A man cries as he lays flowers at the French fashion house Chanel Rue Cambon today

The man then pulled some exceptionally dramatic poses in front of the building

Lagerfeld was said to have funded some of De Bascher's most lavish parties, including the notorious S&M-themed Moratoire Noir(e) in 1977.

The night at the Le Main Bleue nightclub made headlines in Paris for its debauchery and was reportedly attended by the likes of Andy Warhol, Bianca Jagger and Kenzo Takada.

De Bascher was able to order 1000 bottles of white wine from his mother's estate for the night but did little for the nightclub's manager when he was subject to a three-week long police investigation after the wild scenes.

The theme was all black, while De Bascher donned an all-white fencing outfit, and those who were there said only the occasional camera flash revealed the sex and drug-taking rife in every corner of the club.

Long before he became old, Lagerfeld was said to have had a hatred of death and refused to attend funerals - but he stayed beside De Bascher in his final days.

He told Ottavi how he had watched this beautiful man, who he had always admired for his youthful verve, deteriorate into a frail and diseased 38-year-old.

He stayed with him until he died, sleeping in a cot next to De Bascher and went on to organise the funeral mass.

De Bascher's mother, as well as friends from French nobility and the fashion world attended the mass at the Paris chapel.

Ottavi wrote that Kenzo was so struck by the loss he could not bring himself to attent the funeral.

The following year Lagerfeld bought a house in Hamburg that he called 'Jako' after his lover and would release a fragrance of the same name in 1998 - a decade after De Bascher's death.

Rise to power: Lagerfeld is pictured in 1982, left, and 1980, right, shortly before he began working with Chanel

The author told WWD: 'It was very emotional, very powerful. I was moved because he was talking about that one person that you miss, and I think this man is the person that Karl Lagerfeld misses in his life.'

In 2010, Lagerfeld said he did not sleep with people he loves, and preferred to pay prostitutes for sex.

Speaking to Vice magazine he said: 'I personally only like high-class escorts. I don't like sleeping with people I really love. I don't want to sleep with them because sex cannot last, but affection can last forever. I think this is healthy.

'And for the way the rich live, this is possible. But the other world, I think they need porn.'



Aside from his beloved cat Choupette - who he said he would marry if it were legal - Lagerfeld had no known close relatives aside from a sister in America he had not seen for years.

No funeral announcements have yet been made on behalf of the Lagerfeld estate.

Indeed, Lagerfeld's decline may have been something of a taboo, as he refused to accept the concept of his own death even in his 80s.

According to Le Monde, when they made contact with assistants at the American Hospital of Neuilly they were terrified to discuss an obituary.

His friend and colleague Bernard Arnault, of LVMH, said to the French paper: 'His estate, I do not want to consider it. Besides, we never talk about it. The only case similar to Karl's is the pope, you know!'

Lagerfeld died aged 85 on Tuesday, leaving the fashion world reeling at the loss of the man who rescued Chanel and spent three decades as the label's artistic director.

One of the designer's most important companions in later life was his Birman cat Choupette, who he famously said he would marry if it were legal, and who enjoyed a life of luxury, making more than 2.5million herself.

Lagerfeld's massive wealth could end up in the feline's paws if certain legal structures are arranged, it has been claimed.

Last year he told an interviewer that 'among others' - which could include his young godson, Hudson Kroenig - he would be giving his riches to Choupette.

The question remains whether the 11-year-old model Hudson  who is the eldest son of male model and Lagerfeld muse Brad Kroenig  has been written into his godfather's will, but all the same this little boy has been very lucky to count Uncle Karl as his godfather.

One of his last walks: Lagerfeld walks the runway with Chanel's current fashion creation studio director Virginie Viard, who will now take over as artistic director, and his godson Hudson Kroenig, right, at Chanel Metiers D'Art 2018/19 Show at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on in December 2018 in New York City

Hold on! Hudson walks hand-in-hand with his godfather in 2016 during the 'Chanel Collection des Metiers d'Art 2016/17: Paris Cosmopolite' show in Paris

The foundations were forged for Hudson's charmed life in the early 2000s, when Lagerfeld met male model Brad in Biarritz, where he was shooting for VMan.

According to The Cut, Brad already had an impressive fashion portfolio, having modelled for Abercrombie + Fitch, Tommy Hilfiger, and Perry Ellis  but it was when Lagerfeld took notice that things really took off.

Brad quickly became of of Lagerfeld's muses, and the relationship grew to be a familial one. In recent years, the designer had considered the model one of his 'boys,' a member of a group of elite male models whom he cast in shows, travelled with, and lavished with gifts.

'I see the boys like family,' the designer told The New York Times Magazine. 'I have no family at all, so it's good to have, like, sons, but without the unpleasant problems sons can create.'

So when Brad married his wife Nicole  who happens to be the daughter of tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who's worked with Andre Agassi and the Williams sisters  and the couple welcomed a son in 2008, they named the Chanel designer the little boy's godfather.

Hudson worked with Lagerfeld since the age of two, according to Vanity Fair, and the young model caused a stir when he walked down the catwalk in Paris, wearing Chanel on his debut in 2011.

Brad described how his sons were in constant touch with his good friend Lagerfeld, who sends them pictures of his cat Choupette, in an interview with the New York Post in 2016.

Looks familiar! Hudson and Jameson both dressed up as Karl for a show (posing with Lily-Rose Depp)

It is not yet known who will look after Choupette after Lagerfeld's sudden death which shocked the fashion world.

Spice Girl-turned-designer Victoria Beckham lead a host of tributes to the late fashion designer on Tuesday, writing: 'So incredibly sad to hear this. Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP'.

The German-born artistic director for Chanel had looked increasingly frail in recent months, and did not come out to take a bow at Chanel's couture show in Paris in January, something the company attributed to him being 'too tired'.

'He hadn't gone on about his illness, but battled it very bravely,' said one source. 'Karl was very proud of his fitness and healthy living, so the pancreatic cancer came as a huge shock.'

An official statement published on his Instagram said: 'The House of KARL LAGERFELD shares, with deep emotion and sadness, the passing of its creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, on February 19, 2019, in Paris, France.

'He was one of the most influential and celebrated designers of the 21st century and an iconic, universal symbol of style. Driven by a phenomenal sense of creativity, Karl was passionate, powerful and intensely curious.

'He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the greatest designers of our time, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed.'

Celebrities and models and designers have flocked to social media to pay tribute to the late designer.

Donatella Versace was among the first to do so, writing on Instagram: 'Karl your genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni [Versace, her brother] and I. We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you.'

Fellow designer Marc Jacobs also paid his respects, writing: 'Waking up to a world without Karl. So sad. And strange. He was a great inspiration to me, and, undeniably a unique and extraordinary talent. RESPECT. Rest In Peace KL.'

Victoria Beckham has lead a host of tributes to fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, pictured together right, who died in Paris, France, at the age of 85, today

Style: Karl Lagerfeld, seen with Kate Moss in 2009 (right) and Lady Gaga in September 2018 (left), became known for his dark suits, pony tail and sunglasses

Chanel muse and actress Diane Kruger revealed in a heartbreaking post, that she was bringing her four-month-old daughter to meet Karl Lagerfeld in France yet admitted 'I was too late'.

Speaking on Wednesday, Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton said: 'He was the leader, he was like the godfather of the fashion industry.

'He really was effortless with his own fashion style, and also the impact he's had  no one's had a bigger impact on the fashion world than he has. He's left behind a great legacy and a great role for people to follow.'

Kylie Minogue also shared a message about the designer, writing: 'I loved working with you. Unique, masterful, funny and generous. RIP.'

Claudia Schiffer paid tribute to Lagerfeld on Instagram, writing: 'Karl was my magic dust, he transformed me from a shy German girl into a supermodel.

'He taught me about fashion, style and survival in the fashion business. What Warhol was to art, he was to fashion; he is irreplaceable.

'He is the only person who could make black and white colourful! I will be eternally grateful to him.'

In Diane's tribute to the star, she revealed she was set to fly to France this week to introduce Karl to her daughter, as she penned: 'Karl.....I cannot tell you how much you meant to me and how much I will miss you...

'I will never forget your kindness towards me, your laughs, your imagination. I came to France see you this week and introduce you to my daughter...I'm heartbroken I was too late. Rest In Peace, I adore you'.

Supermodel Bella Hadid wrote: 'Nothing feels right today..at a loss for words and so heartbroken by the loss of Karl...

'His humor, wit , love and passion for fashion will live on forever. Thank you for the inspiration that you gave to this world and for all of the hearts that you touched in the process...

'Every time I saw you it felt like the first time & I will miss your hugs so much. Sending my love to the Lagerfeld family and to all closest to him. I am so sorry. We all love you so much. Rest In Peace'.

Beloved friend: Alexa Chung, another close ally to Chanel shared a cheeky tribute in which she penned: 'Rest in peace, Karl. I remember being so scared to interview you and yet you were in fact incredibly witty and generous'

Bumping along nicely: Sharing a shot of her shoots with the icon, Kim Kardashian wrote: 'We lost a true legend!!!! You were such an inspiration to the world! You shot my first fashion shoot and I was so nervous to work with such an icon!'

Her sister Gigi added: 'I'm so heartbroken I almost don't have words... There will never be another Karl Lagerfeld. Ever second with you was an honour, joy and inspiration. I wish I could give you one last hug. I love you Karl. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace.'

American Vogue editor Anna Wintour says the world has lost 'a giant among men' with the death of Karl Lagerfeld, whom she will miss 'so very much.'

'Karl was so much more than our greatest and most prolific designer,' she said. 'His creative genius was breathtaking and to be his friend was an exceptional gift.

'Karl was brilliant, he was wicked, he was funny, he was generous beyond measure, and he was deeply kind.'

Designer Stella McCartney posted a long message reading: 'This is a truly sad day. To say I knew this gentle man that changed how we all looked at the world, is an honour.

'My heart goes out to his loved ones and to all that felt his delicate and spectacular touch on an industry that is so crowded with characters. He held his place high above all and his sharp wit and mind blew us all away. A true icon...

'One that will be missed for many, many years to come and will always be responsible for so much creative genius. Thank you Karl for all the beauty and for seeing the world through those iconic glasses that were truly rose-tinted with a vision that was like no other. You will be very missed... And always loved x'.

Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of luxury house LVMH, says the world has lost 'a creative genius' with the death of Karl Lagerfeld.

In a statement released by LVMH, Arnault says 'we owe him a great deal: his taste and talent were the most exceptional I have ever known.'

Starting off: Lagerfeld after winning the coats category in a design competition sponsored by the International Wool Secretariat, Paris, December 1954. With him is a model wearing his design. The competition win led to Lagerfeld being hired as assistant to Pierre Balmain

Lagerfeld - dubbed 'Kaiser Karl' and 'Fashion Meister' - was worshiped like a god in fashion circles around the world up until his death.

The Hamburg-born son of a German mother and Swedish father, left his home country for France and the capital of fashion - Paris - in his early 20s and is best known for his association with Chanel, dating back to 1983.

But Lagerfeld, who simultaneously churned out collections for LVMH's Fendi and his eponymous label - an unheard of feat in fashion - was also brand in his own right, much thanks to his unique style.

In his later years, he sported dark suits, white, pony-tailed hair and tinted sunglasses, which made him instantly recognisable, even outside the court of haute couture.

However, his appearance and favourite accessory changed over the years - for a long time he would carry a fan everywhere he went.

Known to adore Diet Coke, Lagerfeld said he shed weight in the early 2000s to fit into the razor-thin suits brought in by Christian Dior's then menswear designer Hedi Slimane.

In rare moments when he was not working, Lagerfeld retired to one of his many homes in Paris, Germany, Italy or Monaco, all of them lavish carbon copies of 18th-century interiors.

While famously reluctant to discuss his love life, Lagerfeld opened up about his partner of 18 years, the late Frenchman Jacques de Bascher, in a 2017 book.

Speaking to author Marie Ottavi for her book about De Bascher, who died of AIDS aged 38, Lagerfeld revealed that during his partner's final days he slept in a cot next to his hospital bed.

Certain style: By the 1990s he had earned rockstar status in the fashion work for his work with Chanel

De Bascher was well known in Paris high society - in particular for his debauched parties - but even though the couple were together for nearly two decades, until his death in 1989, Lagerfeld said they never had sex.

In 2010, Lagerfeld said he did not sleep with people he loves, and preferred to pay prostitutes for sex.

Speaking to Vice magazine he said: 'I personally only like high-class escorts. I don't like sleeping with people I really love. I don't want to sleep with them because sex cannot last, but affection can last forever. I think this is healthy.

'And for the way the rich live, this is possible. But the other world, I think they need porn.'

The designer mingled with the young and trendy until the last, pairing up with 17-year-old catwalk darling Kaia Gerber, daughter of Cindy Crawford, for a collaboration released by his Karl Lagerfeld brand in 2018.

Lagerfeld was known for his mode muses, but in particular his favourite feline inspiration: his cat Choupette.

The white-haired Birman has been described as the 'daughter of Karl Otto Lagerfeld', and inspired numerous designs by Lagerfeld.

He was famously close to his cat, and as recently as last April, he told Numero magazine that he wanted to be buried with his pet.

'There will be no funeral. I'd rather die! I've asked to be cremated and want my ashes to be scattered along with my mother's... And [my cat] Choupette's, if she dies before I do.'

Lagerfeld also stood out as a craftsman. An accomplished photographer, he drew his own designs by hand, an increasingly rare phenomenon in fashion.

His grandiose fashion shows for Chanel have become well known for their extravagance and imagination, with Lagerfeld building huge sets and stages for fashion weeks around the world.

As well as making models walk through a 'Chanel Airport' entrance hall and a super market, he has also built sets meant to look like stables, and a beach in recent years.

People stand in front of flowers laid in tribute to late German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld outside the French fashion house Chanel, in Paris

A man and a woman wearing dark glasses lay down flowers to pay tribute to the designer

Flowers and a fashion sketch are laid in tribute to Lagerfeld outside in Chanel, in Paris after news broke of his death today

Lagerfeld will be succeeded by Virginie Viard, Chanel's fashion creation studio director, who has been his closest collaborator for more than 30 years.

Behind the facade, Lagerfeld was known for his erudition and penchant for literature, and he devoured the world's leading newspapers daily.

Though he long enjoyed befuddling interviewers by citing different years of birth, the one deemed the most reliable is September 10, 1933.

He spent early childhood tucked away from war in the 1,200-acre family estate in Bavaria and had a French tutor.

The big breakthrough came shortly after a move to Paris when, in 1954, he drew a wool coat that won a prize and landed him an apprenticeship with designer Pierre Balmain.

Yves Saint Laurent, who went on to found his namesake label, won the dress prize. The two became fierce competitors and even rivals in love at one point, both chasing the affections of Lagerfeld's eventual partner De Bascher.

Saint Laurent, who died in 2008, became the enfant cheri of high society and Lagerfeld leader of a wild-child younger group.

He first found real success in the mid-1960s with Chloe, the fashion label now owned by Switzerland's Richemont and to which he was connected off and on until 1997, but it was Chanel that propelled him to rock-star status.

Lagerfeld was as harsh with his fashion models as he was searingly critical of anyone he considered 'not trendy'.

He fired his closest female friend, former Chanel model Ines de la Fressange, in 1999 after she agreed to pose as Marianne, France's national symbol, without asking him first.

Lagerfeld poses with German model Nadja Auermann, left, Naomi Campbell, second right, and Shalom Harlow, after the presentation of Chanel's 1996 spring/summer haute couture collection, in Paris

Occasionally his sharp tongue has stirred controversies, though Lagerfeld, who moonlighted as a cartoonist in Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, also had a flair for a good soundbite.

'I'm a kind of fashion nymphomaniac who never gets an orgasm,' he said in 1984, asked about what he felt after a fashion show.

In 2012, he said about singer Adele: 'She is a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice'.

After the 2011 Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, he said Kate has a 'nice silhouette', but that sister Pippa Middleton 'struggles'.

'I don't like the sister's face. She should only show her back.'

Another outburst saw him reality TV star Kim Kardashian for being robbed at gun point in Paris, claiming she brought the horrific ordeal on herself by flaunting her wealth.

Some of his most brutal comments were immortalised in a book in 2013 - The World According To Karl.

Not content with upsetting Adele and the Middletons, he then went on to ask whether any part of singer Lana del Rey was real, before offending the whole of Russia with another remark.

'If I was a woman in Russia I would be a lesbian, as the men are very ugly,' he quipped.

Another country to feel the sting of his wit was Greece, after the designer weighed into the debate on the nation's financial crisis and corruption problems.

'Greece needs to work on a cleaner image,' he advised. 'It's a big problem, as they have this reputation of being so corrupt.

'You can't be sure the money will go where it's supposed to go. Nobody wants Greece to disappear, but they have really disgusting habits. Italy as well.'

He's even had a crack at the press, including magazine Newsweek, whose editor, Tina Brown, ran a story that claimed Lagerfeld was overrated.

'First of all, Tina Brown's magazine is not doing well at all,' he riposted. 'She is dying. I'm sorry for Tina Brown, who was such a success at Vanity Fair, to go down with a s***ty little paper like this. I'm sorry.'

'There are a few handsome ones, like Naomi Campbell's boyfriend, but there you see the most beautiful women and the most horrible men.'

Some of his most brutal comments were immortalised in a book in 2013 - The World According To Karl.

One of his remarks was that 'sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.'An adorable four-year-old boy beams with joy as he bounces on a trampoline while still in his wheelchair.

Wyatt Burggraff, who has spina bifida, is in his wheelchair on a trampoline as Nate, an employee of TNT Kids Fitness in Fargo, North Dakota, jumps.

But as the video starts Wyatt's glasses almost fall from his face and the boy has to struggle to keep them on.

Quick-thinking Nate takes the glasses from Wyatt's face and puts them on himself, making the young boy giggle.

Wyatt's laugh is addictive as he is bounced up to five feet into the air.

The four-year-old asks to go higher and beams with joy as he is bounced on the trampoline.

Four-year-old Wyatt Burggraff's huge smile surprises his mom who cannot believe how much her son loves the trampoline

The viral video has had almost six million views and 92,000 shares since it was posted on social media by the fitness center.

TNT Kids Fitness works with children who have special needs and Wyatt has been going with his family once a week for the last two years.

The company's website claims to 'unlock potential' and Wyatt's mom Allison said she could not believe how much Wyatt loved the trampoline.

'Go higher': Wyatt asks gym employee Nate to jump his wheelchair higher on the trampoline

She told KVRR local news: 'I didnt even think it was possible that a wheelchair could jump on a trampoline.'

Wyatt has spina bifida, a defect of the spine in which part of the spinal cord is exposed through a gap in the backbone.

It often causes paralysis of lower limbs and sometimes learning difficulties.

But at TNT kids fitness that does not mean he cannot join in with the other kids.

'Every day we get to see these amazing men and women work with kids with special needs and really their able to tap into potential that parents didnt even know they had,' his mother added.

The adorable video was filmed at the fitness center's Giving Hearts Day, a 24-hour charity event in Minnesota and North Dakota for local charities.

Last year Giving Hearts Day raised a combined $13.1 million for charities in Western Minnesota and North Dakota.

And the gym, which opened in 2009, now sees more than 2,000 children through its doors each week.A young boy with autism was given a very special surprise by his mother that led him to burst into tears of joy.

Cohen Wade, from Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, was presented with a wrapped up blanket on the floor of his family's sitting room.

As he nervously approaches the moving blanket he asks: 'Is it a snake?'

Cohen Wade, from Newtown Abbey, Northern Ireland, was given a 'best friend forever' when his mother, Ashley Wade, surprised him with a pet puppy to help his social skills

Once his mother, Ashley Wade, assures him it's not a snake, Cohen excitedly realises what's happened.

He asks: 'Is it a puppy?'

As soon as his mother says he's guessed correctly, Cohen immediately runs and gives her a hug before bursting into tears of happiness.

Cohen had been doing well at school and with his social skills, so his mother wanted to get him a puppy to help him improve even more.

With the tiny pup now revealed, Cohen goes to cradle his new best friend tightly to his chest before talk turns to coming up with a name for it.

Ms Wade suggests Ru, after the American drag queen Ru Paul.

Having a pet dog helps boost the confidence of children with autism while reducing their anxiety and helping them improve communication skills, according to research from the University of Lincoln.

And from Cohen's delighted reaction it is clear that these benefits have already started to take effect.Kellyanne Conway has accused the media of 'imbuing credibility' on anyone with an anti-Trump message, and gave actor Jussie Smollett as an example.

Speaking with CNN's Chris Cuomo after Andrew McCabe said 'it's possible' that President Trump is a Russian asset, Conway accused the former acting director of the FBI of lying.

When Cuomo pushed back against the claim, Conway retorted: 'The media loves imbuing credibility on to people who come bearing anti-Trump gifts and it's absolute c**p and it has to stop.'

She then gave the example of Jussie Smollett, the Empire actor who claimed he was attacked near his home by racist and homophobic thugs wearing MAGA hats.

Kellyanne Conway accused the media of 'imbuing credibility' on anyone who attacks President Trump while sparring with Chris Cuomo over Andrew McCabe

As an example she pointed to Jussie Smollett, the Empire actor who is now thought to have invented a racist and homophobic attack by two MAGA hat-wearing thugs to further his career

Chicago police now believe he paid two Nigerian brothers to stage the attack on January 29 in a bizarre bid to boost his career.

Investigators are also probing whether he penned a letter sent to the studio where Empire was filmed a week before the attack which contained a death threat.

The letter was addressed to Smollett and had 'MAGA' written across the front, and inside contained cut-out magazine text which reads 'you will die black f*g'.

The letter also contained a white powder that turned out to be crushed aspirin, and a drawing of a man with a gun pointed at his head.

It has been speculated that Smollett planned the assault when the letter failed to get the attention he was seeking.

Smollett has vehemently denied claims he fabricated the attack through his lawyers.

A swarm of celebrity and political figures - including the likes of Cardi B and Nany Pelosi - have been forced to walk back their initial condemnation of the attack after the police counter-narrative emerged.

Meanwhile McCabe appeared on CNN Tuesday night where Anderson Cooper posed the question: 'Do you still believe the President could be a Russian asset?'

Conway also set her sights on Andrew McCabe after he told CNN that 'it's possible' Trump was acting as an asset for Russia, saying 'he lies under oath so he sure as hell lies when he's not'

McCabe, who served as acting FBI director after Trump sacked James Comey, has used his book tour to attack the President over his links to Russia

McCabe replied: 'I think it's possible. I think that's why we started our investigation, and I'm really anxious to see where (special counsel Robert) Mueller concludes that.'

He added: 'This President is undermining the role of law enforcement, undermining the role of our intelligence infrastructure and negatively impacting the men and women of the FBI, and across the intelligence agencies, (and their) ability to protect this country on a daily basis.'

Earlier on Tuesday, McCabe said that federal law enforcement thought it was possible Donald Trump was working on behalf of Russia when the Bureau opened its counterintelligence investigation into him in 2016.

'We had information that led us to believe that there might be a threat to national security  in this case that the president himself might, in fact, be a threat to the United States national security,' he said in a 'Today' show interview.

As his explosive memoir went on sale, McCabe declared that 'we thought it might be possible' that Trump was directly working on behalf of Russia during the early days of his administration.

McCabe was fired last year by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who cited his 'lack of candor' during an internal investigation into media leaks about the FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails.The Bangladeshi ministry of foreign affairs has accused Sajid Javid of 'erroneously identifying' Shamima Begum as a dual citizen - and insisted she will not be allowed into the country.

It comes as the 19-year-old was told she had been stripped of her British citizenship, a move which left her 'shocked'.

After learning her fate Begum initially said she would seek citizenship in Holland - where her jihadi husband Yago Riedijk is from. But the Dutch Government today also appeared to slam the door, telling the Sun Online Begum does not have the residence permit required to live there.

Jerah (covered up in a swaddle) is reportedly named after a 7th century Islamic warlord and will have the right to be British, Sajid Javid has confirmed

This is the moment ISIS bride Shamima Begum, pictured holding her baby son, learned that Sajid Javid has moved to revoke her British citizenship to stop her getting back to the UK

So what on earth could happen next? What are the rules on revoking citizenship? Under the 1981 British Nationality Act, someone can be stripped of their citizenship if the home secretary is satisfied it would be conducive to the public good. The power was extended by the Immigration Act 2014. In the past two years, 194 people have been issued with deprivation orders  mainly because they were terrorists, extremists and serious criminals. Crucially, they can only be issued to those with dual nationality because leaving a suspect stateless would breach international law. Why did Javid act? Ministers have in the past stripped jihadis and Islamic State brides of their citizenship and banned them from returning to Britain. Begum, 19, travelled to Syria four years ago as a schoolgirl, well aware of the terror groups brutal reputation for beheadings, crucifixions and rapes. Since being discovered in a refugee camp - where she gave birth to a son - she has been unrepentant, even saying the Manchester Arena suicide bombing, which murdered 22, was justified. Despite apparently despising Britain, she wants to come home so she and her child can be looked after. Does Shamima Begum have dual nationality? Not according to her familys lawyer. She was born in the UK, her birth was registered here and she has only held a British passport. But the 19-year-old mother has Bangladeshi parents and, under Bangladeshi laws, is automatically eligible to citizenship up to the age of 21. This is why the Home Office says she is not being made stateless. However, it is unlikely that Bangladesh will accept the terror sympathiser. How did she react? Speaking from the refugee camp after being informed of the decision yesterday, Begum said she was a bit shocked. She told ITV News: I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. Its a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like its a bit unjust on me and my son. Can she appeal? Begum has the right to challenge the Home Offices decision either by tribunal or judicial review. Lord Carlile, a former reviewer of terrorism legislation, said: The test will be of reasonableness and proportionality so she would have to establish that the home secretary acted in an entirely disproportionate way in removing her nationality. Mr Javid insists the ruling is legally proper and correct and complies with international and domestic law. However, last year the Government lost a case against two British-Bangladeshis stripped of their citizenship. Will the case be concluded swiftly? Unlikely. Begums family have indicated they will fight the decision, initially in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, so a protracted legal battle is looming. Because it is a complex issue, it could run through the courts for a very long time, said Lord Carlile. If it does, he predicted Begum could be forced to stay in the squalid refugee camp for maybe two years at least. And her baby? This is complicated. A child born to a British parent before they are deprived of their citizenship is still British. The fact the child was born abroad does not alter that fact. Mr Javid acknowledged that in the Commons, saying: Children should not suffer... if a parent does lose their British citizenship, it does not affect the rights of their child. However, that would separate the baby from his mother - which potentially might be challenged as a breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguards family life. The babys father is believed to be Dutch, so he may be entitled to Dutch nationality - and probably Bangladeshi as well though his grandparents. The public reaction? Mr Javid will widely be applauded by the public, who are appalled that someone who has joined Islamic State and supported their atrocities should be allowed back into the country. He says his priority is to keep the country safe. However, he has been accused of washing his hands of Britains responsibility - after all, she lived and was radicalised here. Certainly, it makes him look tough on terrorists - no bad thing if he has one eye on the Tory leadership. But if Begums appeal succeeds, Mr Javid will be left with egg on his face - although he will probably blame the judges. Advertisement

The Netherlands also does not offer its help to returning Dutch jihadis, and can also strip its own nationals of their citizenship if they are deemed a national security threat.

Under international law no person can be rendered 'stateless', so if no other country will grant Begum nationality Home Secretary Sajid Javid could be forced to accept her back into Britain.

Shahrial Alam, state minister of foreign affairs in Bangladesh, said today that there is 'no question' of her being allowed into Bangladesh and that she is not a citizen of the country.

A person can only be stripped of their citizenship should they have dual nationality - as ministers cannot take it away if it would leave a suspect stateless. But Mr Alam has said she does not have this in Bangladesh.

He told The Guardian: 'The government of Bangladesh is deeply concerned that [Begum] has been erroneously identified as a holder of dual citizenship.'

Home Secretary Sajid Javid defended his decision in an interview with ITV's Robert Peston tonight.

'I have to go to bed at night and think "have I done everything I could to keep this country safe?",' he said.

'My number one job is to do whatever I can to keep this country safe and I admit that sometimes when you make these decisions they are not easy decisions.

'They can be very tough decisions, so many things to weigh up about the mortality of a decision, the legality of a decision, how it can have a huge impact on someone's life.'

And although he would not comment on individual cases, he appeared to admit that that his hands may be tied if no other country will give Begum citizenship - which now appears likely.

'I would not take a decision, and I believe none of my predecessors ever have taken a decision, that at the point the decision is taken would leave that individual stateless,' Javid said.

He had previously admitted that Begum's baby son Jerah - apparently named after a 7th century Islamic warlord - could still be British.

As she gave a television interview while holding her newborn son, she said: 'Maybe I can ask for citizenship in Holland. If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison'.

Riedijk, from Arnhem, joined ISIS in 2014 and married Begum within three weeks of her fleeing Bethnal Green for Syria in 2015. Two of their children died before the age of one due to malnutrition.

Experts have said that the jihadi couple's newborn baby has the right to a UK passport and this could help his mother get back to the UK on human rights grounds.

Asif Salam, a London lawyer who runs the Salam Immigration firm, said today: 'Because of the child, the mother could by default get back her nationality or get a limited leave to remain - to be able to live with her child in the UK'.

And Home Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed in the Commons this afternoon: 'If a parent does lose their British citizenship it does not affect the rights of their child' - meaning the baby would be allowed into the UK without his mother.

Begum has again called on Mr Javid to reconsider her case and show some 'sympathy and understanding' and said his decision to revoke her British citizenship is 'unjust and unfair on me and my son'.

In a message for the Tory Home Secretary she said: 'Give me a reason why they see me as a threat to the UK'.

The Tory minister responded by saying the decision to deprive someone of citizenship is 'never taken lightly'.

Answering an Urgent Question on Removal of Citizenship Status, he said 'almost all these decisions are made on what's called the conducive test, whether it's conducive to the public good'.

Mr Javid said in each case he looks at the evidence to 'determine the threat that individual may pose to the country', but will also 'make sure that if we go ahead that they will not be left stateless'.

He added: 'In every case [I have to be] absolutely confident that it is not only conducive to the public good, but it is legally proper and correct and compliant with both international and any relevant domestic law.'

The Home Office believes that because Begum's mother was born in Bangladesh her daughter is entitled to dual citizenship meaning she would not be left stateless, which is illegal under international law.

But Begum's family says she does not have a Bangladeshi passport and has never been there, making Mr Javid's decision illegal, they claim.

Begum again called on Britain to show her 'sympathy and understanding' for what has happened to her in Syria - but did not apologise for joining ISIS

The letter obtained by ITV News asks Begum's family to inform her of the decision to revoke her citizenship and her right to appeal it

Begum's baby son Jerah is entitled to British citizenship - but could try to argue he is Dutch because of the nationality of its jihadi father Yago Riedijk. She may even try to get Dutch citizenship off the back of it

How Britain can strip citizenship from its enemies - as long as they are not 'stateless' Shamima Begum, who fled the UK to join the Islamic State terror group in Syria aged 15, has been stripped of her British citizenship. International law forbids nations from making people stateless by revoking their only citizenship. Britain appears to believe that Ms Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, holds dual citizenship. Under the 1981 British Nationality Act, any Briton can be deprived of their citizenship if it is 'conducive to the public good' - and they do not become stateless as a result. A 2017 government report on the issue said the Home Secretary has the power to 'deprive a person of British citizenship' if it would be 'conducive to the public good'. However, this only applies if the person would not be left stateless. If it is the case Ms Begum is a dual national, she could have her British citizenship stripped. Those who are outside of the UK have 28 days to lodge an appeal from the time they receive their Home Office letter. Advertisement

The news was broken to the teenager today, who insisted: 'It's unjust on me and my son. It's a bit upsetting and frustrating. It's kind of heartbreaking to read'.

Referring to other returnees handled by the government, she said: 'I heard that other people are being sent back to Britain so I don't know why my case is any different to other people, or is it just because I was on the news four years ago?'

Asked if she had a message for her family, Ms Begum said: 'I want to apologise a lot for what I've put them through but right now I really need their help to bring me back. I can't stay here. I can't raise my son in this camp.'

In an interview with ITV News she was asked if she understood how she had 'devastated' their lives.

She said: 'I saw on the internet the news and stuff and asking for me to come back. I thought I was doing the right thing by being a part of Islamic State and that they were wrong for staying in the UK, not wanting to come with me'.

Asked if she regretted it she said: 'Yeah. I've seen the impact it's had on them after I spoke to them. But after a while they got over it and the guilt kind of went away.

'And they just forgot about it. They slowly got over it and they had to accept that I came, they had to accept the decision I made.'

The news was broken to the teenager today, who insisted: 'It's unjust on me and my son'

The remorseless 19-year-old, pictured here in an interview, is hanging her hopes on her captured husband Yago Riedijk being sent back to the Netherlands

Amir Khan, pictured with his wife Faryal Makhdoom, has blasted Shamima Begum and says she should be kept out of Britain for good

Amir Khan did not mince his words when he accused Begum of giving Muslims a bad name

Shamima is pictured walking through Gatwick Airport on February 17 2015 as she left the UK to join ISIS

Today boxing hero Amir Khan weighed in on the debate and blasted Begum saying: 'You left to support terrorism, now live with it. [The] UK isn't your home, stop giving us all a bad name please'.

Legal experts including Lord Carlile QC, Britain's former reviewer of terrorism legislation, have said that it appears the Home Office does have a genuine case to revoke her British citizenship and keep her in Syria.

'You left to support terrorism, now live with it': Boxer Amir Khan blasts 'arrogant' jihadi bride Shamima Begum saying she shouldn't be allowed back into Britain Boxing hero Amir Khan today accused Shamima Begum of giving British Muslims 'a bad name' as he backed the decision to tear up her passport. Mr Khan, from Bolton, also blasted her 'arrogant' and remorseless interviews from Syria. He tweeted today: 'You left to support terrorism, now live with it. After watching her video she doesn't seem one bit upset and comes across so arrogant. UK isn't your home, stop giving us all a bad name please'. Mr Khan continues to be outspoken about his faith despite criticism from more conservative Muslims. In December he was accused of 'disobeying Allah' after he posted a Christmas-themed picture on his Instagram account. Khan's wife Faryal Makhdoom also came under fire after she posted a photo of her and her husband at an awards event, days after she completed Umrah - the holy Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. On that occasion, a critic wrote: 'One day in Allah's house wearing nikab and the next with her legs out.' Advertisement

But her newborn son Jerah is entitled to a British passport and could be used by his mother to fight to return to Britain on human rights grounds.

Immigration lawyer Asif Salam told the Mirror: 'The baby is British, so maintains his nationality. The child cannot possibly live without his mother, it's not in his best interest for the child to be in the UK without the mother'.

The teenager, who fled Britain with friends aged 15 and married a Dutch jihadi, has been unapologetic about ISIS' crimes and said the Manchester Arena suicide bombing could be considered 'retaliation'.

She also insists that the British public should be 'sympathetic' towards her and should be allowed back to London with her baby on human rights grounds.

But last night Sajid Javid last night moved to block her return to Britain arguing that taking away her British citizenship is 'conducive to the public good' on terrorism grounds.

Begum's family solicitor Tasnime Akunjee said Shamima said last night was 'surprised' Mr Javid had come to his conclusion.

He said the family will 'consider all legal avenues to challenge this decision' in response.

Lord Carlile QC believes that Britain does have a strong case to block her from Britain.

He said: 'The Home Office has had a good look at the law and the citizenship of Miss Begum. Under Bangladesh law if her mother is a Bangladesh national or a duel Bangladesh-British national then Miss Begum acquires Bangladesh nationality.

'She doesn't have a Bangladesh passport and apparently she's never been there but that doesn't effect that issue.

'If she is a Bangladesh national as well as a British national then the Home Secretary, on the face of it, is entitled to remove her British nationality because she does not then become stateless.

'Whether she wants to go to Bangladesh is another matter because they take quite a dim view of violent jihadism'.

He added: 'She can challenge the Home Office - she is entitled to do that - but the test will be one of reasonableness and proportionality so she would have to establish that the Home Secretary acted in an entirely disproportionate way in removing her nationality. That might be difficult for her because he appears to have acted within the law if she is entitled to Bangladeshi nationality'.

Begum's baby son Jerah is entitled to British citizenship - but could try to argue he is Dutch because of the nationality of its jihadi father Yago Riedijk.

He said: 'This is even more complicated. The baby is entitled to British nationality. The baby is probably entitled to Bangladesh nationality and the baby's father is Dutch.

'Dutch law is a little different. If the father, who is apparently still alive, says the baby is his then the baby can also receive Dutch nationality. So that means that the Home Secretary could exclude the baby from Britai because the baby would not be stateless'.

He added: 'This is going to drag on for months or even year'.

ISIS bride Shamima Begum has had her citizenship revoked according to a letter from the Home Office to her family - her Dutch ISIS fighter Yago Riedijk (right) could be key to securing an EU passport

Shamima Begum and her friend fled to Syria by flying to Istanbul and getting a bus across Turkey to the Islamic State's capital, Raqqa. She moved to Mayadin with her jihadi husband Yago Riedijk but fled Baghuz when he was captured and is now in al-Hawl

Begum's family, from Bethnal Green in east London, were notified via a letter saying Home Secretary Mr Javid had started the process that will see Begum permanently banned from the UK.

Even terror-bride's FAMILY think Javid was right to strip her of UK citizenship: Shamima Begum's brother-in-law says government was right to take her passport away The brother-in-law of the IS bride, Shamima Begum, said today he supports the decision to strip the schoolgirl of her UK citizenship. Muhammad Rahman, 36, said today that the British public should get behind the government revoking the 19-year-old's passport. Mr Rahman's brother is married to Shamima's sister Renu. He said: 'I think we should support it, they [the government] are the people who are in the position to make the decision. 'The people who are making these decisions are doing it for the country. 'They don't have an easy job, you can't please everyone. 'The information they have is to the best of their ability and the British people should support it. 'I last spoke to Shamima when she was very young. I think it is upsetting for my sister-in-law and her side of the family.' Advertisement

The family are 'very disappointed' by Mr Javid's decision, according to statement by Mr Akunjee.

The Home Office letter asks that they pass on the decision - including that she has a right to appeal it - to Begum, who left their home in 2015 when she ran away with two school friends to join ISIS.

She is now stranded in a refugee camp in Syria as the so-called caliphate crumbles.

'Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship,' the letter reads.

'In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretary's decision has been served of file today, and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made.'

Only last week Britain's MI6 chief said that UK nationals, even those who are members of terror organisations like ISIS, have a legal right to return home.

Government guidance from 2017 states that the Home Secretary has the power to order the deprivation if it would be 'conducive to the public good', as long as they are not left without any citizenship.

A Home Office spokesman said he could not discuss individual cases, but added: 'We don't leave people stateless.'

Mr Javid on Monday told the House of Commons: 'The powers available to me include banning non-British people from this country and stripping dangerous dual nationals of their British citizenship.'

Shamima Begum, 19 (pictured before she left the country four years ago) is pleading with the government to allow her back into Britain

Revealed: At least 12 MORE British women besides ISIS bride Shamima Begum have arrived at Syrian refugee camps in the past week At least a dozen British jihadi brides are said to have arrived at the al-Hawl camp where Shamina Begum is in northern Syria in the past week Twelve other British jihadi brides have arrived at Shamima Begum's refugee camp since she started her campaign to return to Britain, it emerged today. The dozen-or-so women have also fled ISIS' final battle in Baghuz and arrived at the al-Hawl settlement in northern Syria. The Home Office will be forced to make a decision on whether they too should have their British citizenship taken away like Begum. These British women have run away as the caliphate crumbles with their husbands either killed or captured. Britain could be forced to take back dozens of these other jihadi brides fleeing their collapsing caliphate. Last week it emerged that 'tens' more jihadi brides are poised to come back to Britain as their medieval caliphate is finally driven into the ground. There is furious opposition to the idea of Britain welcoming them back when they chose to embrace a terror organisation that horrified the world with videos of hostages such as volunteer aid worker Alan Henning being beheaded. Advertisement

Over 100 people have already been deprived in this way.

PM urged to toughen Britain's Treason Act to punish those who joined ISIS and keep 400 out of the UK Theresa May has been urged to update the Treason Act to deal with potentially hundreds of British nationals who joined Islamic State (ISIS) returning to the UK. In Prime Minister's Questions the Conservative Philip Hollobone (Kettering) praised the decision to revoke citizenship from Shamima Begum, the teenager from east London who joined ISIS in Syria but wishes to come back. But he said of the 900 British nationals who have travelled to the Middle East to support IS, only 40 have been prosecuted. Mr Hollobone asked: 'With 400 of these individuals set to come back to this country in the very near future, will the Prime Minister revisit the provisions of the Treason Act to make sure that these appalling activities receive suitable and just punishment?' Mrs May said her priority was 'ensuring safety and security in the UK', adding that any British citizen who does return must be 'in no doubt they will be questioned, investigated and potentially prosecuted'. But she said there is an issue in making sure there 'is evidence to enable a prosecution to take place'. Advertisement

What will happen to Begum's new born son, however, remains unclear.

He was born before his mother was deprived of citizenship - meaning he is still legally British.

And while theoretically he could also have his citizenship revoked, the government would need to show he himself posed a threat.

Begum's first two children both died of unknown illnesses under ISIS.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Sir Ed Davey accused Mr Javid of 'an abdication of responsibility' by 'palming off' Begum on to another country.

'The UK has more than enough terrorism laws to prosecute Shamima Begum here,' he said.

Meanwhile Conservative chair of the Commons Education Committee, Robert Halfon, who had spoken out against allowing Begum to return, said in a tweet that Mr Javid had made 'absolutely the right decision'.

The move comes after Begum returned to the public eye when she was found heavily pregnant living in a refugee camp in northern Syria.

She gave birth to a boy over the weekend, having already lost two children, and made pleas for forgiveness and to be accepted back in the UK.

Earlier on Tuesday, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said the 19-year-old could expect to be 'spoken to' if she comes back to Britain.

The initial police stance when Ms Begum left the UK in 2015 was that she may be treated as a victim of grooming, but the Scotland Yard chief said: 'We're a long way down the road since then.'

She added: 'If she does, under whatever circumstances, arrive at our borders, somebody in her type of circumstances could expect, of course, to be spoken to and, if there is the appropriate necessity, to be potentially arrested and certainly investigated.

'If that results in sufficient evidence for a prosecution then it will result in sufficient evidence for a prosecution.

'The officers will deal with whatever they are confronted with.'

On Monday in an interview with the BBC Ms Begum compared the Manchester Arena bombing to military strikes on Isis strongholds, calling the terror attack 'retaliation'.

There are currently plans to change the law to make travelling to certain terror hotspots a criminal offence, but this would not apply retrospectively to Ms Begum.

Around 425 suspected jihadi fighters are thought to have returned to the UK from Syria so far.

Before today's decision, the Home Secretary had already hinted that he would block Begum from returning to the UK.

Earlier this week Mr Javid told MPs that no British troops would be used to rescue any Britons who travelled to Syria to support terrorism.

He said more than 900 people went to Syria or Iraq, adding: 'Whatever role they took in the so-called caliphate, they all supported a terrorist organisation and in doing so they have shown they hate our country and the values we stand for.'

He went on: 'Now this so-called caliphate is crumbling, some of them want to return and I have been very clear where I can and where any threat remains I will not hesitate to prevent this.

'The powers available to me include banning non-British people from this country and stripping dangerous dual nationals of their British citizenship.'

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick previously said counter-terrorism police officers will 'deal with whatever they are confronted with' if Begum returns to the UK

Begum later told ITV News she did not see why the Home Secretary would see her as a threat.

Britons who have been stripped of their citizenship Home Secretary Sajid Javid revealed earlier this month that more than 100 dual nationals who travelled to join IS have had their UK citizenship stripped by the Home Office. But there have been a number of different reasons for which Britons have lost their citizenship over the years - not just for association with Islamic State. The deprivation orders can be issued only to those with dual nationality as ministers cannot take away citizenship if it would leave a suspect stateless. Among those to have had their citizenship revoked include: The 'Beatles' who served Jihadi John and beheaded Western hostages on camera Two members of the Beatles, Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh were captured in northern Syria in January 2018. Alexanda Amon Kotey, left, and El Shafee Elsheikh (rigth), who were allegedly among four British jihadis who made up a brutal Islamic State cell dubbed "The Beatles They are currently being held by western-backed Kurdish forces in Syria having been stripped of their British citizenship - with the FBI hoping to put both on trial later this year. Elsheik, 30, is a mechanic whose family fled to the UK from Sudan in the 1990s. Kotey, 34, converted to Islam as a teenager. The two men, who were nicknamed The Beatles by captives due to their British accents, are accused of killing 27 hostages, including British aid workers and American journalists. Man believed responsible for brutal execution tape by Islamic State in 2014 Ali Almanasfi, 28, who was assumed dead after an ambush by Syrian government forces back in 2013, was revealed to still be alive and living in the war-torn country - it was reported in November Scores of his friends and relatives have said that the Almanasfi was the man responsible for a brutal execution tape released by the Islamic State in 2014. Ali Almanasfi, 28, was believed to have been killed in Syria back in 2013 He had his British citizenship revoked by the Home Office last year, a move which his brother says means he will 'die there'. Almanasfi was said to have fallen in with Mohammed Emwazi and Alexe Kotey, who would later become members of the ISIS execution gang known as The Beatles, after being jailed for a violent assault. Nigerian man known as L2 feared to be planning Paris-style terror attack A Nigerian man closely linked to a group of British Islamists was stripped of his British citizenship in 2013 over fears he was planning a Paris-style terror attack in London. The man, known only as L2 for legal reasons, was a member of the now banned radical group, al Muhajiroun, and was associated with friends of Lee Rigby's killer Michael Adebolajo and Jihadi John. His British nationality was removed by Theresa May after he was deemed such a threat to national security that she personally signed off on an order removing his citizenship. Members of Rochdale paedophile ring Taxi drivers Abdul Aziz, 47, Adil Khan, 48, and Abdul Rauf, 48, were among nine men jailed over appalling crimes against girls in Greater Manchester in 2012. Abdul Aziz (left), 47, and Abdul Rauf (right), 48, are taxi drivers who were both jailed The then home secretary Theresa May ruled in 2015 that all three men - who have dual British and Pakistani nationality - should have their names deleted from the roll of British citizens. The Pakistani men were convicted in May 2012 of preying on girls in Rochdale, plying them with drink and drugs before they were passed around for sex. In December, Sajid Javid defended the Government's right to strip the men of their British citizenship and deport them back to Pakistan. Advertisement

'I'm a 19-year-old girl with a new born baby. I don't have any weapons; I don't want to hurt anyone even if I did have weapons or anything,' she said.

'He has no proof that I was a threat other than that I was in ISIS, that's it.'

Ms Dick said: 'This case and other cases that are talked about in the same sentences just really underline how awful the circumstances are and have been in Syria and just how dangerous it has been, and would continue to be, for anybody from this country to think of travelling there.

'Dangerous physically and dangerous legally.

'If there is insufficient evidence for a prosecution it is our job to look at the threat they pose if they are returning from Syria and we do that with every single person who comes back from Syria and then manage the risk with colleagues in the (security and intelligence) agencies.'

Begum ran away to marry an ISIS fighter four years ago - but now wants to return to the UK after the terror group's so-called 'caliphate' crumbled into dust.

The young mother also shrugged off the murders of British terror victims in an interview as she claimed they were 'retaliation' for the war being fought against ISIS.

On Monday Begum told the BBC's Quentin Sommerville that she's prepared to be jailed, was a 'poster girl' for the group and still has 'sympathy' for IS.

Mr Sommerville said she had 'little to offer' in apology to the millions of Iraqis and Syrians whose lives were destroyed by Isis.

The BBC's Middle East correspondent added that when she was asked about the treatment of Yazidi women by Isis, she said: 'Shia do the same in Iraq.'

The campaign by Begum's family to have her returned to Britain sparked fresh controversy on Monday when the lawyer representing them, Tasnime Akunjee, compared the radicalised youngster to a 'traumatised' First World War soldier in a TV interview.

When Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley insisted she doesn't look very traumatised, Mr Akunjee replied: 'You might have said the same thing about a First World War soldier in the middle of shell-shock... they are both [in] warzones.'

It also emerged that Begum has called her son Jerah, in what historians have interpreted as a reference to Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, a 7th century Islamic warlord.

In other developments yesterday:

A report revealed that a total of 156 cases involving children in danger of being radicalised had come before the British family courts since 2013;

It emerged that a jihadi bride who returned to the UK from Isis territory had been told by the High Court last year that she was too dangerous to raise her toddler daughter;

Scotland Yard commissioner Cressida Dick admitted that Isis brides could not be prosecuted for simply going to Syria.

Mr Javid has the power to strip someone of their British citizenship if they are suspected of being involved in terrorist activity on the basis that that their presence in the UK is not conducive to the public good.

However, he can't exercise this power if it will leave someone stateless. Therefore it has to be used on those with dual nationality.

Sources last night claimed that in Begum's case, she would not be left stateless because she has dual British and Bangladeshi citizenship.

But her family's lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said the teenager was born in London and has only ever held a British passport.

The Home Office is understood to have invoked a Bangladeshi law whereby offspring of those born in Bangladesh are automatically entitled to citizenship of that country.

But it is likely that Bangladesh also has an option to refuse entry to those it considers a security risk.

The plight of Begum's new baby son remains unknown and it is not clear whether the ban on entering Britain also applies to the infant. Her first two children both died of unknown illnesses under Isis.

Last night Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman Sir Ed Davey accused Mr Javid of 'an abdication of responsibility' by 'palming off' Begum onto another country.

'The UK has more than enough terrorism laws to prosecute Shamima Begum here,' he said. 'It's disappointing that the Home Secretary has so little confidence in our justice system.

'It is not only hard to see Ms Begum and her baby as constituting a serious threat to national security, but it also seems a huge wasted opportunity. We can learn lessons as to why a young girl went to Syria in the first place; lessons which could improve Britain's security by helping us prevent this happening again.'

Labour MP Stella Creasy added: 'However horrific her defence of Isis, if the Home Secretary can start with stripping this woman and her week-old child of their citizenship for his leadership bid... where does it end?'

Who were the five Bethnal Green girls who went to join ISIS? Sharmeena Begum - Flew to Turkey from London Heathrow in December 2014. No relation to Shamima. Unnamed 15-year-old - tried to go to Turkey on the same 2014 flight but was stopped before take-off. Shamima Begum - One of the three who flew from London Gatwick to Turkey in February 2015 and then went on to Syria. Has pleaded to be allowed to return to the UK with newborn son. Kadiza Sultana (left) and Amira Abase (right) from Bethnal Green in east London, travelled with Shamima Begum to Syria in 2015 Amira Abase - Flew out in 2015 with Shamima who said in yesterday's interview she did not know whether Ms Abase was still alive. Kadiza Sultana - Also flew out in 2015. Believed to have been killed in an airstrike in 2016. Advertisement

Shamima Begum (left), who appeared on Sky News on Sunday pleading for sympathy, is like a shell-shocked First World War soldier, her lawyer Tasnime Akunjee (right) claimed

Immigration judges also have the power to reverse decisions to strip citizenship. Two alleged extremists who were stripped of their citizenship by the Home Office won their appeals three months ago on the grounds that the government's intervention was 'unlawful'.

ISIS bride 'names newborn son after Islamic warlord' British ISIS bride Shamima Begum has named her child after an Islamic warlord, historians have claimed. Her chosen name for her son, Jerah, is thought to be in honour of Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, who commanded a section of the Rashidun Army in the 7th century. Historian Tom Holland tweeted: 'If she'd wanted to signal that she was returning to Britain in peace, she might have considered naming her baby after someone other than Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, a general from the early days of the Arab conquests chiefly famed for beating the c**p out of infidels. 'I guess, in a sense, she stands in the long tradition of British youth, flicking a V at the establishment. But punks were never complicit in genocide.' Jerah was also the name of Begum's first son, who died when she was living under ISIS. Advertisement

The furore erupted after a heavily pregnant Begum was found at a refugee camp in northern Syria by a journalist from The Times.

Like other jihadi brides, she had fled the collapsing caliphate and begged to return to the UK so the NHS can care for her baby.

She declared no remorse over joining Isis and told how seeing a 'severed head' did not faze her.

After giving birth in the camp, she said she did not regret going to Syria because it 'made her stronger' - but said that people 'should have sympathy' towards her.

In one incendiary interview, the jihadi bride said she the devastating bombing on an Ariana Grade concert in 2017 which killed 22 innocent people was 'retaliation' for 'women and children' being bombed in Syria.

Survivors of the Manchester atrocity called her comments 'outrageous' and said she should not be allowed back into the country.

Alex Klis, 21, from York, whose parents Marcin, 42, Angelika, 49, were killed by the blast, told ITV: 'I think she's comparing two things that shouldn't ever be compared. She's saying that there are fighters in Islamic State that are getting killed.

'Those people go there knowing what to expect. People who went to the Manchester Arena, they went there to take their kids to a concert.

'She's out of order, comparing those two things... She's made her bed. I think she should remain where she is.' Begum said before she fled to Syria with fellow Bethnal Green Academy schoolgirls Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, she watched Isis videos of 'beheadings'.

She also watched propaganda videos before settling in Raqqa and marrying Yago Riedijk, a convicted terrorist who police believe was part of a cell plotting an atrocity in Europe.

The letter from the Home Office to Begum's mother urged her to make her daughter aware of the decision, but added that she had a right to appeal.

Mr Akunjee said he was considering 'all legal avenues to challenge this decision'.

'The family are very disappointed with the Home Office's intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship,' he said. 'The Home Office has tried to do this before and they have lost before.' Earlier, the Met Commissioner said if the teenager returned to the UK she could face questioning but that the current law might not be sufficient to see her prosecuted. She added that many of those who have returned have led 'peaceful lives'.

'If she does, under whatever circumstances, arrive at our borders, somebody in her type of circumstances could expect, of course, to be spoken to and, if there is the appropriate necessity, to be potentially arrested and certainly investigated,' Miss Dick said.

'If there is insufficient evidence for a prosecution, it is our job to look at the threat they pose if they are returning from Syria. We do that with every single person who comes back from Syria and then manage the risk with colleagues in the [security and intelligence] agencies.' There are currently plans to change the law to make travelling to certain terror hotspots a criminal offence, but this would not apply retrospectively to Begum.

Around 425 suspected jihadi fighters are thought to have returned to the UK from Syria so far.A young driver fined by police for incorrectly displaying his P-plates was caught out live on radio lying about the circumstances surrounding the charges.

The 21-year-old, who identified himself only as Jarrod, told 2GB's Ben Fordham police pulled him over for a random breath test on Sunday on Richmond Road in Sydney's west.

But he said they never got around to actually breath testing him, and instead fined him $263 and two demerit points for incorrectly displaying his provisional licence plates.

Jarrod shared a photo with the radio host that he claimed was taken immediately after the incident, while the officer was still present

NSW law states a driver must clearly display their P-plates on the front and back of the car at all times.

Jarrod shared a photo with the radio host that he claimed was taken immediately after the incident, while the officer was still present.

The picture showed a perfectly placed green P-plate.

But Fordham called him out and said NSW Police had already supplied him with the original photo evidence they took at the incident.

The image they supplied told a very different story, picturing a crumbled green P-plate almost entirely hidden by the licence plate holding it onto the car.

The image police supplied told a very different story, picturing a crumbled green P-plate almost entirely hidden by the licence plate holding it onto the car

When confronted with the NSW Police information, Jarrod told Fordham he 'didn't know' how that could have happened.

There was a long silence, before Fordham asked: 'Are you alive Jarrod?'

The young man is believed to have hung up before NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy called through and joined the conversation.

He said: 'Jarrod better have a strong, hard look at himself. Our team were conducting random breath testing at the time and our officer saw that the P-plate was not being displayed correctly. It clearly shows the number plate was obscuring the P-plate.'

'He's trying to discredit us and it really makes me upset.'A senior prison guard has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing two inmates.

Wayne Astill, 62, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning before being charged with 12 counts of sexual assault and other offences.

The alleged attacks occurred at Dillwynia Correctional Centre, in Sydney's western suburbs, throughout 2016 and 2017.

A senior prison guard (left) has been arrested for allegedly sexually absuing two inmates

Wayne Astill, 62, (left) worked for Dillwynia Correctional Centre, in Sydney's western suburbs

The corrections centre is a women's only facility and is considered minimum security.

A joint investigation by the prison and New South Wales police culminated in the arrest.

Following reports female inmates were being continuously sexually assaulted, detectives from the State Crime Command's Corrective Services Investigation Unit launched Strike Force Nautilus.

After four months of investigating, detectives arrested Astill at a home in Kurrajong Heights on Wednesday morning.

Police took him to Windsor Police station where he was charged.

The 62-year-old was charged with six counts of aggravated sexual assault with the victim under authority of offender, three counts of aggravated indecent assault, two counts of inciting aggravated indecency and misconduct in public fofice.

Mr Astill (pictured) is accused of sexually assaulting two female inmates across 2016 and 2017

His victims are alleged to be two females under his guard at Dillwynia, where he has been suspended from duty.

A Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia Mr Astill's colleagues would be 'disgusted' by his alleged behaviour.

'A senior correctional officer has been immediately suspended without pay after being charged with sexual assault and other offences.

'The alleged behaviour is unacceptable and CSNSW will continue to do everything it can to assist the investigation and the women involved.

The alleged attacks took place at Dyllwynia Women's Correctional Centre (pictured)

'Allegations of this nature are extremely rare and do not reflect upon the vast majority of our staff, who would be disgusted by these allegations.'

The guard is being held at Windsor Police Station but is expected to be transferred to a prison later on Wednesday evening.

He will remain in protective custody until at least Thursday morning, when he will face Penrith Local Court.A British schoolgirl on holiday with her family in Spain's Costa del Sol has died after eating an ice cream.

The nine-year-old is believed to have gone into anaphylactic shock after suffering a severe allergic reaction to the sweet treat on Friday, after which she was rushed to hospital in Malaga.

The girl, who was allergic to milk and nuts, and her family had been staying at a upmarket holiday resort called Club La Costa World in the municipality of Mijas, local news report.

The incident happened on Friday, with local media reporting she died on Monday afternoon at Malaga's Materno Infantil Hospital.

A British schoolgirl who died after eating an ice cream while on holiday with her parents was staying at a hotel in Mijas (pictured)

Club La Costa World confirmed in a statement the girl fell ill after eating ice-cream elsewhere and not on site as initially reported.

A spokesman said: 'CLC World Resorts & Hotels would like to offer its heartfelt condolences to the family following the loss of their daughter on 18th February 2019.

'Having eaten ice-cream at a local commercial centre, the eight-year old girl suffered a severe allergic reaction.

'Despite the best efforts of doctors, CLC World staff and the emergency services, the young girl was placed on life support but subsequently died.

'CLC World Resorts & Hotels would like to thank its staff and emergency services for their quick and appropriate responses and continuing support for the family at this difficult time.'

The child, who has not yet been named, is said to have been rushed to the Costa del Sol Hospital near Marbella on Friday before being transferred to a specialist children's centre in Malaga in a 'critical condition' on Monday where her condition deteriorated.

The incident happened on Friday, with local media reporting she died on Monday afternoon at Malaga's Materno Infantil Hospital (pictured)

An autopsy was carried out at Malaga's Institute of Forensic Medicine yesterday morning.

The results - sent to an investigating judge tasked with heading a probe into the tragedy - have not been made public, according to Spanish legal procedures.

Further tests will now take place at the Institute of Toxicology in Seville to confirm whether her death is linked to an allergic reaction to the food she ate.

News of the tragedy comes as health chiefs confirmed they were probing the death of a woman who fell ill after eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the east coast Spanish city of Valencia.

The 46-year-old had eaten wild mushrooms with rice during a meal to celebrate her husband's birthday.

Owner Bernd Knoller has announced the closure of Riff, which has one Michelin star, until it becomes clear if the death was caused by the meal she ate.A brand new Air New Zealand plane was forced to turn around at the Iranian border after departing a airbus facility because of an error with paperwork.

The A321neo, which was being delivered to Auckland, was forced to make a U-turn 39,000 feet above Erzincan, Turkey, because it hadn't received clearance to fly over Iran.

Flight NZ6093 had travelled almost four hours on February 15 when it was forced to return to Hamburg, Germany, amid the mishap.

A brand new Air New Zealand plane was forced to turn around at the Iranian border because of an error with paperwork

The plane had departed from a production base in Hamburg in preparation for commercial use.

The problems occurred days after another Air New Zealand flight, NZ289 to Shanghai, was forced to return to Auckland because of a lack of Chinese regulatory approval.

A spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia a tight flight schedule in Hamburg meant the aircraft took the risk to leave before the paperwork had been cleared.

'In this case, a last minute delay in the delivery process meant that in order to land in Oman on time, we needed to depart Hamburg before clearance paperwork had been received to overfly Iran.'

'We had received assurances by our delivery flight planning agent that the Iranian clearance paperwork would come through during the flight.'

'Unfortunately this was not received in time and the decision was made to return to Hamburg.'

Flight NZ6093, a delivery plane, had travelled almost four hours on February 15 when it was forced to return to Hamburg, Germany

'While the turn back is unfortunate, the nature of obtaining a chain of interlinked clearances means scenarios of this nature are not uncommon.'

The plane is due to arrive in Auckland on Thursday evening after stopping in Oman, Kuala Lumpur and Cairns.

The Air New Zealand spokeswoman said all aircraft are required to get clearance to fly through any airspace on its flight path.

The turned back flight was the fourth aircraft to leave the airbus facility in Hamburg.

'Our previous delivery flights have travelled from Hamburg to Auckland via Oman, Kuala Lumpur and Cairns and required around a dozen different overflight clearances en route,' the spokeswoman said.

'Each clearance process is managed differently and has different application deadlines and parameters.'

Iranian airspace is constrained by strict laws which led the United States to release a warning in 2018 for aircraft flying in the area.

The Flight Service Bureau warned the deteriorating relationship between the US and Iran had to be taken into consideration when opting for a flight path over the area, due to concerns over military activity.Joe Biden is 90 per cent there in finally making a decision about running for president, a friend of the former vice president says.

Robert Wolf, a top Democratic Party donor who also served as an economic adviser to former President Barack Obama, thinks Biden is leaning toward running.

It was clear that this was different than 2015, Wolf told ABC News.

This was someone who seemed ready to run and trying to figure out when best to announce.

Robert Wolf, a top Democratic Party donor who also served as an economic adviser to former President Barack Obama, thinks former Vice President Joe Biden (seen above in Philadelphia on Tuesday) is leaning toward running

He feels hes coming off an incredible midterm and hes sitting in the best position to take on [President Donald] Trump across the country.

In 2015, Biden was seriously contemplating running for president, but eventually decided against it.

The decision was made as the Biden family was mourning the death of his son, Beau, who succumbed to brain cancer months earlier.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton eventually won the Democratic nomination, but she lost in shocking fashion to Trump in the general election.

Biden 'is sitting in the best position to take on [President Donald] Trump (seen above at the White House on Tuesday) across the country,' Wolf told ABC News

Associates who have spoken with Biden in recent days have come away with the impression that he will run.

Last week, the former vice president met with Senator Diane Feinstein, the Democrat from California.

According to her office, Feinstein left the meeting with the impression that Biden would enter the race.

Biden was asked about his plans during an appearance Saturday at the Munich Security Conference.

I havent reached a decision, he said.

I am in that process of doing that, and I will in the near term let everyone know what that decision is.

Earlier on Tuesday, Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont progressive whose 2016 White House campaign garnered fervent grassroots support and pushed the Democratic Party sharply to the left, said he would again seek the partys presidential nomination in 2020.

Earlier on Tuesday, Senator Bernie Sanders said he would again seek the partys presidential nomination in 2020

He joins an already-crowded Democratic race featuring candidates touting many of the ideas he brought into the party mainstream.

They include fellow Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Sanders has been among the leaders in early opinion polls of prospective 2020 Democratic candidates, but a broad range of progressive candidates could make it harder for him to stand out and generate the same level of support as four years ago.A deranged father justified raping his daughter from the age of six for a decade because he couldn't control 'the sickness' that lives in him.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, sexually abused his daughter almost every time she stayed with him on every second weekend until 2011 and then every weekend until 2018.

He told his daughter, now 16, he would kill himself if she told anyone but would apologise for his actions at other times.

The father pleaded guilty to maintaining a sexual relationship with a person under the age of 17 at the Supreme Court in Tasmania before Justice Michael Brett on Wednesday.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, sexually abused his daughter since the age of six, for about a decade (stock image)

The daughter said she could not remember a time when she was not sexually abused by her father, the Mercury reported.

Crown prosecutor Jackie Hartnett told the court the girl's parents separated when she was just six months old.

Ms Hartnett said the girl's earliest memory of abuse was at the age of six when he abused her in bed, told her to be quiet and 'not wake up her brother' when the family was staying at a friend's property.

The accused remarried in 2010 but continued to regularly rape his daughter on a fold-out bed in a lounge room where she slept when she stayed with him and his new wife.

The daughter would clean up the next morning and tell her stepmother she had wet the bed.

The newly married couple had a daughter the following year but the rapes continued to happen even when the baby was asleep in the same room.

The father pleaded guilty to maintaining a sexual relationship with a person under the age of 17 when he appeared at the Tasmanian Supreme Court (pictured)

Tasmania police were alerted of the case after the girl told her school psychologist about the assaults.

'There's a sickness that lives in me and I can't control it,' the accused told police in an interview.

The daughter said she 'wasn't able to live like other kids' and that her 'childhood was stolen' by the man she called her dad.

'It was like his soul wasn't there  it was like he was a demon and that's how I saw him.'

Defence lawyer Rochelle Mainwaring did not dispute any of Ms Hartnett's facts and said she would seek a mental health report to determine the explanation for his behaviour and his risk of reoffending.

He was remanded for custody for sentencing submissions on March 28.Two politicians have been caught on camera mocking a news reporter after he questioned them about an expensive new light rail project.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian and transport minister Andrew Constance were in Newcastle, north of Sydney ahead of the completion of the city's new tram line last Friday.

After they rode the tram from Newcastle Beach to the Wickham interchange, they intended to praise the $368 million project during a press conference.

But Newcastle Herald reporter Michael Parris called out Ms Berejiklian for dragging her feet on addressing the issue of how the light rail would affect trade in the area.

Business owners along the light rail line have directed heavy criticism at the transport route, concerned trade would be impacted during and after construction.

Scroll down for video

Premier Gladys Berejiklian (left) and transport minister Andrew Constance (right) mocked a reporter who asked hard questions about Newcastle's light rail system

While the pair made the remarks NSW Liberal MP Scot MacDonald (pictured) made a series of bizarre facial expressions

'You committed four years ago to release a business case for the extension - we still have not seen it,' the reporter says.

Mr Constance then asks, 'Which media outlet are you from?'

Mr Parris replies that he is from the Newcastle Herald.

Ms Berejiklian then quietly mumbles: 'Yeah, that's normal for that paper,' and laughs while Mr Constance grins and NSW Liberal MP Scot MacDonald makes a series of bizarre facial expressions in the background.

'I just hope you have a little bit, a positive outlook on today because it's a wonderful outcome for the city and you know it's great news for everyone,' Mr Constance says to the reporter.

According to 2013 State Cabinet documents, 1,800 people were estimated to use the tram each day as it replaces the area's heavy rail line and free inner-city buses.

That figure indicates a serious drop in passenger numbers when compared to the number of people who previously made use of the older transportation lines.

Despite the decline, Ms Berejiklian has often touted the light rail as a godsend that would boost passenger numbers.

The Newcastle Herald reporter challenged the Premier on the matter.

'You talk about a positive outcome, but as we rode the tram today, the streets were virtually empty and you keep talking about revitalisation and that's not the message we are getting from business people in the town,' Mr Parris says.

Following the press conference, Mr Parris took to Twitter to claim it appeared Ms Berejiklian was 'up for a fight from the get-go'

Ms Berejiklian tries to question the reporter's background research.

'Have you spoken to the Hunter Business Chamber?' she says.

Mr Parris replies that not only has he spoken to the chamber, but also to business owners along the light rail route.

Ms Berejiklian then silently stares at the ground.

An irritated Mr Constance jumps in and addresses the reporter as 'mate'.

'Since we've taken the heavy rail up there's been $3 billion of private sector investment in this city,' he says.

'The fact that there is thousands of new apartments into this city, and everyone across this state - even in Bega - is talking about what's happening in Newcastle.

'You've got a city to be proud of, and, you know what, I think there's an obligation on the part of the Herald to be very positive about this town.'

Following the press conference, Mr Parris took to Twitter to claim it appeared Ms Berejiklian was 'up for a fight from the get-go'.

'She is usually very amiable, but there is a feeling in the [NSW Liberals] that the Newcastle Herald has been too critical of their work in the city,' he tweeted.

Social media users were also quick to slam the reaction from both politicians.

'[Gladys Berejiklian] terrible flippant response and visual from a state premier,' one user said.

Another went on to say: 'Not a good look Glad.'

Social media users were quick to take to Twitter to slam the reaction from both politicians

Social media users took to Twitter to criticise the politicians

Another Twitter user vents on the social media platform saying Ms Berejiklian's response during the press conference was 'not a good look'A man who aims to father 2,500 children by having unprotected sex with scores of women has revealed he only gets tested for sexually transmitted diseases once a year.

The self-appointed sperm donor, known as 'Joe Donor', first made headlines when he said he wanted to impregnate as many women as possible on 60 Minutes last week.

But Joe's latest confession caused quite a stir and was met with serious health warnings from Australian gynecologists.

Professional sperm donor 'Joe' (pictured) has revealed he gets tested for STDs once annually

Joe said he only gets tested for sexually transmitted diseases once a year, but his 'clients' have nothing to worry about.

'I do testing at least annually... The last time was in September, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia,' Joe told news.com.au.

The stocky 47-year-old arrived in Australia in January in a bid to impregnate 15 more women.

Claiming to already have fathered 100 children worldwide, the shock confession has prompted health professionals to issue an urgent warning.

Fertility specialist Sonya Jessup said Joe should be tested for STDs 'after every patient he sleeps with'.

'If he has had unprotected sex with someone, he should undergo a full STD screening immediately afterwards,' Dr Jessup said.

Joe Doner (left) claims to be a modern day white knight, helping women who are not able to conceive naturally

She also says he should wait weeks between partners as it takes at least three months for a positive HIV result to appear on any tests.

Joe's sporadic tests should be taken as a red flag to potential partners, she says, claiming he could have no idea what genetic diseases he could be passing on, and noting there would always be a risk having unprotected sex with a stranger.

'You dont know whether that stranger is carrying an STD, so it doesnt seem a very sensible way to go about things,' she said.



One Melbourne woman earlier revealed why she turned to the American sperm donor in her quest to have a baby.

Sharney Malone-Bowen was one of a dozen clients of the self-proclaimed 'miracle maker'.

A Melbourne woman (right) who paid an American sperm donor (left) to inseminate her has revealed she felt uneasy after meeting the man who plans to father 2500 kids

Ms Malone-Bowen, 29, appeared on 60 Minutes on Sunday night to document her meeting with the donor.

When meeting up with the American at the airport, she appeared relaxed about the experience - even joking 'he's very short' when seeing him for the first time.

The 29-year-old revealed she didn't have enough money or the patience to go through an IVF clinic, and was desperate to start a family with her wife.

Within an hour of meeting Mr 'Donor', she was given a syringe of his 'super sperm' for artificial insemination.

The 47-year-old (left) also revealed his favoured method to pass on sperm is natural sex without a condom, but can sell 'super sperm' for insemination

It wasn't until the procedure failed to result in a pregnancy that Sharney and her partner began to question the donor's motivations and health standards.

'It's really strange. I'm honestly not really sure,' the 29-year-old answered when asked by journalist Liz Hayes what she thought the donor was getting out of it.

Fertility lawyer Stephen Page also criticised the donor, who refuses to reveal his real name, for acting like he was God.

'I just think he's dangerous and these women shouldn't be going anywhere near him,' he said.

Sharney Malone-Bowen (pictured meeting donor at airport) was one of the clients of the self-appointed international sperm donor

Mr 'Donor' revealed he didn't believe in regular medical check-ups or screenings for sexually transmitted infections - claiming they were money-making schemes.

He said the health risk for women who chose to go to him for his sperm was outweighed by the upside of his clients being able to have children.

'You are risking women's lives by your very deliberate actions,' Hayes said in a fiery exchange.

'You are not helping anyone. You liken yourself to some doctor on call for desperate women.'

'The real risk is that a woman will die a spinster without a child,' Joe shot back.Advertisement

Hunkered down behind a wall of snow, two U.S. Marines melt slush to make drinking water after spending the night digging out a defensive position high in the Sierra Nevada.

Their laminated targeting map is wedged into the ice just below the machine gun.

Nearly 8,000 feet up at a training center in the California mountains, the air is thin, the snow is chest high and the temperature is plunging.

But other Marines just a few kilometers away are preparing to attack, and forces on both sides must be able to battle the enemy and the unforgiving environment.

The exercise is designed to train troops for the next war - one the U.S. believes will be against a more capable, high-tech enemy like Russia, North Korea or China.

U.S. Marines walk along a snow-covered trail during their advanced cold-weather training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif. After 17 years of war in the Middle East, the military is now gearing up for the next challenge, which could well be conflict with Russia or China

The troops have been learning how to move around very cold and snowy terrain using sledges and snow shoes, camouflaging themselves and their equipment as they go. They have also been studying how to fight against technologically advanced enemies and soldiers who are less predictable and harder to out-wit

Tasks you would not have to think about in the desert - such as keeping ammunition dry and melting ice for drinking water - become primary concerns when fighting in the cold, Marine instructors told their recruits

While snow makes hiking difficult and requires the Marines to repeatedly dig out defensive positions, the bigger challenge is a mental one posed by the damp and the cold, instructors said

Marines prepare to attack a defensive position being occupied by their counterparts during cold weather training. Commanders have deliberately chosen attacking and defensive teams of equal training, replicating the kind of combat the military will face in the future

The weather conditions on the mountain mimic the kind of frigid fight that forces could face in one of those future hotspots.

'We haven't had to deal with these things. We've been very focused on Iraq and Afghanistan,' said Maj. Gen. William F. Mullen, head of the Marines' Training and Education Command.

'What we really have to do is wake folks up, expose them to things that they haven't had to think about for quite a while.'

After 17 years of war against Taliban and al-Qaida-linked insurgents, the military is shifting its focus to better prepare for great-power competition with Russia and China, and against unpredictable foes such as North Korea and Iran.

U.S. forces must be able to survive and fight while countering drones, sophisticated jamming equipment and other electronic and cyber warfare that can track them, disrupt communications and kill them - technology they didn't routinely face over the last decade.

'If you were to draw a line from here to the DMZ between North and South Korea, both of these sites are on the 38th parallel.

'And so the weather here accurately replicates the weather that we would encounter in North and South Korea,' said Col. Kevin Hutchison, training center commander.

'What you're seeing here is Marines fighting Marines, so we are replicating a near-peer threat.'

A Marine prepares his machine gun trench for attack during cold weather training high in the Sierra Nevada. The mountain training base sits along the same latitude as the demilitarized zone that runs between North and South Korea, meaning the conditions here mirror the conditions there

A U.S. Marine sits in a trench during advanced cold-weather training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, in Bridgeport, Calif. After 17 years of war against Taliban and al-Qaida-linked insurgents, the military is shifting its focus to better prepare for great-power competition with Russia and China, and against unpredictable foes such as North Korea and Iran. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Marines boil snow to create drinking water during cold weather training, in stark contrast with the desert training they have been used to. Many of the Marines have never been exposed to snow before the training course, which often comes as a shock to them, instructors said

A Marine in snow camouflage climbs into a white tent, designed to disguise it against the snowy backdrop.

Empty ration packs are covered in snow after being discarded by troops taking part in cold weather training

As a snowstorm swirls around them, Mullen and Hutchison move through the woods, checking in with the young Marines designated as the adversary force of about 250 troops who must prevent more than 800 attackers from gaining control of nearby Wolf Creek Bridge.

An Associated Press team was allowed to accompany them to the Marine Corps' Mountain Warfare Training Center south of Lake Tahoe and watch the training.

Lance Cpl. Reese Nichols, from Pensacola, Florida, and Lance Cpl. Chase Soltis of Bozeman, Montana, dug their defensive position a day ago, and they've been watching all night for enemy movement, while using a small burner to melt snow to stay hydrated.

The hardest part, said Nichols, is 'boiling water 24/7. And the cold. It's cold.'

The cold and wet conditions force the Marines to use snowshoes and cross-country skis to get around. They wrap white camouflage around their weapons, struggle to keep the ammunition dry and learn how to position their machine guns so they don't sink into the powdery snow.

'It's kind of overwhelming coming up here. Many of them have never been exposed to snow before,' said Staff Sgt. Rian Lusk, chief instructor for the mountain sniper course.

'You're constantly having to dig or move up the mountain range. So, it's physically taxing, but more than anything, I think, it's mentally taxing.'

The Marine Corps has changed its training in the mountain course and at Twentynine Palms Marine base 400 miles south.

Instead of scripted exercises, trainers map out general objectives and let the Marines make their own battle decisions, replicating a more unpredictable combat situation.

Rather than fighting from forward operating bases that stretched across Iraq and Afghanistan, complete with security forces and chow halls, troops now have to be more independent, commanders say, providing their own protection and support. And they must prepare for a more formidable, high-tech enemy.

Mullen recalled speaking to a commander in Ukraine in the aftermath of Russia's annexation of Crimea.

'He said that within two minutes of keying his handset he had rockets coming in on his position,' said Mullen, who spent two days at Twentynine Palms, watching a battlefield exercise, before flying to the Bridgeport base in California's Toiyabe National Forest.

Maj. Gen. William F. Mullen, head of the Marine's Training and Education Command, listens to a debrief during advanced cold-weather training

A group of U.S. Marines walk along a snow-covered trail during advanced cold-weather training

U.S. Marines gather for a debrief as they learn how to take on advanced enemies in snow-covered terrain

2nd Lt. Brendan Dixon, of Hampton Roads, Virginia, is seen with snow covering his hat during the training

The key in both places, said Mullen, is whether the Marines can stay undetected and adjust their battle plan quickly when faced with unexpected threats.

Back on the mountain, Mullen and Hutchison have seized on that issue.

The attacking force, members of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment out of Camp Pendleton, California, spotted one of the adversary's fighting positions and fired.

The simulated attack didn't hurt anyone, but the competition is real for the defending forces from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, out of Twentynine Palms.

'You took casualties today, and you didn't respond to it,' Hutchison told the platoon leader, 2nd Lt. Brendan Dixon of Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Why, pressed Mullen, didn't Dixon move his Marines to a safer location?

In the face of questioning from senior leaders, Dixon held his ground, confident his forces were in the right place to defend the bridge.

It turns out, he was right.

Moving toward the bridge, the attacking forces became trapped on a ridgeline, exposed to the enemy and unable to move through a ravine filled with snow. Gunfire exploded across the ridge.

The final assessment by the trainers was that the attackers suffered 30-40 percent casualties, while Dixon's troops lost about 10 percent.

The attacking force, said Hutchison, made some decisions that would have resulted in Marine deaths in a real battle, but it's better to learn now, than in combat.

'In the Far East, whether it's in northern Europe, etc., we're replicating that here. And what we're finding is, it's an extremely challenging problem,' said Hutchison.

'And it's a problem that, frankly, if we don't train to, it's going to cost a lot of Marine lives.'Advertisement

Stargazers across the United States were treated to a stunning 'super snow moon' on Tuesday night.

The name for the February supermoon comes from the fact that it often coincides with heavy snowfall around this time of year, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

The lunar marvel was a two-day event that started on February 18 and was the largest and brightest full moon of 2019 due to the almost exact overlap of the moon's perigee - its closest point to Earth - and when it is at its fullest in the 28-day lunar cycle.

The point of true perigee is only six hours away from perfectly coinciding with the fullest version of the moon, meaning it appears up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than normal.

After setting on Tuesday morning from its debut Monday night, the snow super moon became viewable again on Tuesday night at the time of moon rise in each state across the US, which was first at 5.33pm Eastern in Providence, Rhode Island and last at 7.50pm Hawaiian-Aleutian Standard Time in Alaska.

It was officially full at 10.53am Eastern, but the sun was above the horizon for most, meaning the fleeting moment was missed.

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Stargazers across the United States were treated to a stunning showing of the 'super snow moon' on Tuesday night, as the two-day event resurfaced on the east coast at 5.33pm in Rhode Island. The Empire State building is shown in the foreground as a super moon rises in New York on February 19

The second in a trilogy of supermoons was its biggest and brightest on Tuesday night at the time of moon rise. A Super Snow Moon rises behind One World Trade Center and the Manhattan skyline shorty after sunset on February 19 in New York City

When was the Snow Super Moon visible on the night of September 19? Providence, Rhode Island - 5.33pm ET New York City, New York - 5.46pm ET Lutsen, Minnesota - 5.43pm CT Las Vegas, Nevada - 5.46pm PT Los Angeles, California - 6.02pm PT Amatignak Island, Alaska, 7.50pm HT Source: TimeandDate.com Advertisement

'The February 2019 supermoon is special because it will be the largest full moon gracing our night skies until 2026,' said Emily Drabek-Maunder, astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich.

'This is because the moment the Moon is at its fullest phase is closer to the time the Moon is at perigee. Tonight, the Moon may seem brighter and will be up to 14 per cent larger than when the Moon is at apogee, or furthest away from Earth in its orbit.'

The supermoon rose first in the US at 5.33pm Eastern in Providence, Rhode Island, followed by 5.46pm Eastern in New York, 5.43pm Central in Lutsen, Minnesota, 5.46pm Pacific in Las Vegas, 6.02pm Pacific in Los Angeles, and last at 7.50pm Hawaiian-Aleutian in Amatignak Island, Alaska.

It's the second of three supermoons to light up the skies this year, following the Super Blood Wolf Moon that took place on January 21 and preceding yet another on March 21.

The spectacular lunar display is known as the 'snow moon' because it often appears along with heavy snowfall around this time of year, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

The name for the February supermoon comes from the fact that it often coincides with heavy snowfall around this time of year, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. A Super Snow Moon rises behind One World Trade Center and the Manhattan skyline shorty after sunset on February 19 in New York City

It was officially full at 10.53am Eastern, but the sun was above the horizon for most, meaning the fleeting moment was missed. A super snow moon rises over the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas on February 19

A supermoon is a phenomena that occurs when the moon's orbit is closest to Earth making it appear full, bright, and larger than life. A super snow moon rises over the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas on February 19

The moon was 221,734 miles from Earth, according to EarthSky, when it hit its perigee - the closest point to Earth in its orbit.

Those looking to photograph the phenomenon will be best served shortly after moonrise - when the moon is close to the horizon and remnant light from the sun remains to illuminate the foreground.

A supermoon is a phenomena that occurs when the moon's orbit is closest to Earth making it appear full, bright, and larger than life.

'When a full moon appears at perigee [its closest point to Earth] it is slightly brighter and larger than a regular full moonand that's where we get a "supermoon,'"' NASA explains on their website.

It appeared especially large just as it rose above the horizon thanks to 'moon illusion,' which is a phenomenon where the brain thinks the moon is bigger than it really is given the moon's location.

Although this moon was closer to earth than the last, it was not be as colorful as the 'Super Blood Wolf Moon' eclipse that wowed the skies in January.

Tuesday's 'snow super moon' was the second in a trilogy of supermoons, followed the 'Blood Wolf Super Moon' on January 21 and preceding a third which will take place on March 21. A super moon rises over the ice on the shore of Lake Superior, in Lutsen, Minnesota on February 19Sirul Azhar Umar faces deportation to Malaysia after being denied political asylum in Australia

A man who fled Malaysia after being sentenced to death for the murder of a Mongolian model is facing deportation from Australia after being denied political asylum.

Sirul Azhar Umar, who served as a bodyguard to Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, has been living in Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney since fleeing his home country while on out on bail in 2014.

His deportation is expected to be delayed until Malaysia abolishes the death penalty.

Umar and a fellow bodyguard, Azilah Hadri were found guilty of killing model and translator Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006.

Shaariibuu was shot in the head several times in a jungle outside of Kuala Lumpur before her corpse was blown up with explosives.

Umar and a fellow bodyguard, Azilah Hadri (both pictured in 2009) were found guilty of killing model and translator Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006

The 28-year-old had been working as a translator to negotiate a $1billion deal to buy French submarines

The 28-year-old had been working as a translator to negotiate a $1billion deal to buy French submarines, according to ABC News.

At the time of her death, Shaariibuu was also reportedly having an affair with Razak's close associate, Abdul Baginda Razak.

A motive for the killing has never been revealed, but Umar has insisted he was ordered to murder the woman by Malaysian officials.

There had also been speculation the woman was murdered to prevent her from speaking about the alleged bribery during the submarine deal.

A source close to Umar told the news outlet that the former bodyguard had requested political asylum through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in Sydney.

The tribunal denied his appeal on Monday, saying the murder was not political.A $70 million classic car museum has been forced to close its doors after a lengthy dispute with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

The Gosford Classic Car Museum has the largest privately-owned car collection in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting 10,000 visitors a month.

However an altercation over the company's name has forced it to close and has meant 40 staff members are now jobless.

Originally operating as Gosford Classic Cars, the showroom was used to view and sell unique vehicles.

Gosford Classic Car Museum has been forced to close it's doors after a dispute with the Australian taxation office (Pictured is a 1973 Ford Falcon XAGT)

The use of the term 'museum' meant the company operated as a dual denture and wasn't entitled to luxury car tax and GST (Pictured is a 1969 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet)

In 2016 the ATO launched an audit and discovered the company used the term 'museum' in their title, which meant it was operating as a dual venture.

This also meant the business was not entitled to the luxury car tax (LCT) and GST exemptions, despite the fact that they were operating for a commercial purpose and the 'museum' was used to promote the cars.

The car mecca lost more than $2 million a year as visitors continued to decrease.

'We still have no answer from the ATO on why, as a matter of principle, promoting new vehicles by purchasing cars for test driving and inspection only is acceptable, while promoting the sale of cars using the museum concept is not,' owner Tony Denny told The Daily Telegraph.

'It is unclear why the ATO has applied the dual-purpose test differently in Auto Invest's case than it has for dealerships which purchase vehicles purely for use as demonstrators,' he said.

The site including 6500sq metre of retail space, a gym, display room and call centre has been listed for sale and in March last year council approved a development application for a seven-storey to be built on the land.

The company operated as a showroom used to view and sell unique cars (Pictured is a 1962 Ferrari 250GTE)

This car mecca lost more than $2 million in a year as visitors decreased (Pictured is a 1985 Lamborghini Countach 500qv)

Owner Tony Denny said he is upset to close the business and doesn't understand why operating as a museum is unacceptable (Pictured: Austin-Healy 3000)An Australian tourist has been subjected to a barrage of creepy messages and comments after she asked someone to keep her company while on holiday in Bali.

Queensland woman Bel Goodwin, 34, posted on the Bali Bogans Facebook group asking for companionship during her travels to Indonesia.

'Anyone in Bali want to hang out today. I'm travelling solo...' Ms Goodwin posted to the group page on Thursday.

Queenslander Bel Goodwin (pictured) took to social media in her search for companionship during her travels to Indonesia

'Only every man in Bali,' one man said in response to Ms Goodwin's Facebook post (pictured)

In just three hours her post had received more than 100 comments, many from men who were eager to take her up on the offer.

'I've booked a flight. I'll be there as soon as I can,' one person said.

'Only every man in Bali,' another said in response to Ms Goodwin's request.

'Anyone in Bali want to hang out today. I'm travelling solo...' Bel Goodwin (pictured) posted

Bel Goodwin posted on the Bali Bogans Facebook group in the hope of finding a travel buddy

Ms Goodwin's post received more than 100 comments (one pictured) within three hours. Many were from men who were eager to take her up on the offer

A woman told her to 'ignore the gross men' and invited her to spend time with her group in Seminyak.

'Poor girl! Hopefully you find someone decent to hang out with,' another woman said.

Another person said they recognised Ms Goodwin from their flight to the popular holiday destination.

'I think you were on our flight yesterday and we boarded after you. We're going for a drink later for happy hour, feel free to join!' they said.

Bel was inundated with a barrage of creepy messages and comments on Facebook (pictured)The Australian government continues to approve sales of weapons systems to Saudi Arabia, despite growing international concern over alleged war crimes in Yemen.

Defence chiefs were questioned at a senate estimates hearing on Wednesday as to why they had not stopped the weapons sales or applied sanctions to the kingdom.

Senator Richard Di Natale asked if the weapons systems would be used in Yemen and also mentioned the alleged murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a vocal critic of the Saudi regime.

The Australian government continues to approve sales of weapons systems to Saudi Arabia, despite growing international concern over alleged war crimes in Yemen (pictured; Chris Pyne with the then Minister of the National Guard in 2016)

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said that she wants to wait until the Turkish investigation into Khashoggi has been completed before she comments, but that the Saudis certainly had questions to answer.

In terms of the arms exports, Ms Payne said that the government is keeping the matter 'under review' and 'reserves the right to exercise options' in relation to the exports.

Defence officials confirmed they have granted export permits to an Australian company that sold 500 weapons mounting systems to Saudi Arabia.

Board minutes seen by the ABC confirmed the company is Electro Optic Systems (EOS), who have also received more than $36 million in funding from the federal government.

EOS's Chief Executive Ben Greene said they provided their weapons system to 'the USA' and declined to say whether they were then transferred on to Saudi Arabia.

Board minutes seen by the ABC confirmed the company is Electro Optic Systems (EOS), who have also received more than $36 million in funding from the federal government (pictured; the R-400S-Mk2 vehicle mounted weapon station the company makes)

'EOS has no involvement in Yemen, no equipment in Yemen, and we have no end-user of EOS equipment that is likely to deploy it to Yemen,' CEO of EOS Ben Greene told the ABC.

'We are promoting an industry in Australia that has got some advanced systems,' Defence official Tom Hamilton told the Senate Estimates committee on Wednesday.

'If we assess that they would [be used in Yemen]... we would not approve the permit,' he said.

Countries such as Italy, Denmark, Germany, and Finland have already announced they would ban arms sales to Saudi Arabia amid the growing human rights concerns.



Firefighters at airports have been banned from climbing ladders more than two meters high during training in case they fall and hurt themselves.

Airservices Australia chief fire officer Glenn Wood confirmed the ban during a Senate Estimates hearing on Monday.

It means firefighters cannot practise climbing high ladders as required to fight a real fire in a highly stressful situation.

Firefighters at airports have been banned from climbing ladders more than two meters high during training in case they fall and hurt themselves (stock image)

Mr Wood told the Committee for Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport that the ban was for health and safety reasons, reported The Australian.

'We take the safety of our people very seriously and there is a risk of fall from height,' he said.

'We've examined that issue and we've determined that at this time we will restrict our firefighters from climbing up a ladder greater than two metres so they can practise the necessary skills while we form a working group to look at alternatives.'

Wood said firemen can 'work with' high ladders but just can't climb them.

Alternatives such as using harnesses are being explored, the committee was told.

Airport firefighters have also been banned from using power saws - and now have to wait for local firefighters to bring different tools if they need to cut through material.

Mr Wood described them as 'out of date' and 'a safety hazard for our people.'Police have slammed social media users after a slew of sexist comments were made about a female police officer who appeared in a series of promotional videos.

Constable Lana Crichton was thrust into the spotlight after she appeared in footage showing a behind-the-scenes look at life as a New Zealand police officer.

The videos, posted on the Auckland Police TV Youtube channel, have garnered thousands of views, with many audience members in awe of the officer's stunning good looks.

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Their videos featuring Constable Lana Crichton (pictured) from the Clendon Neighbourhood Policing Team have garnered thousands of views

'Lana can arrest me at any time', 'she's a knockout' and 'I'd commit a crime just to meet her' are just some of the startlingly forward proposals flooding the comment section on YouTube.

A police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia staff sometimes receive inappropriate and objectifying comments when they appear on New Zealand Police social media channels.

She said that while this was unfortunate, most people respect the professionalism of their staff.

'The video blogs, which are showcased on the Auckland Police TV Youtube channel, are a great way of engaging with the community and giving them a behind the scenes insight into the daily life of our frontline New Zealand Police staff.

'These video blogs, which include the likes of Constable Lana Crichton and others, showcase the positive work police officers do on a daily basis to protect the community and help the public feel safe.'

She said the police closely monitor and review all comments made on their Auckland Police TV Youtube channel.

'Lana can arrest me at any time' and 'I'd commit a crime just to meet her' are just some of the startlingly forward proposals littering the comment section on YouTube

If any comments made on these channels are inappropriate, they will ensure they are hidden or deleted, she said.

Constable Crichton showcases her sweet-natured personality and sense of humour in the footage, which sees her catching speeding motorists, using a taser, opening up about why she chose the force and the rigorous fitness training she does outside of work hours.

She admitted to being quite 'nervous' to feature in the daily vlogs but found that the good feedback she received made her want to continue.

This isn't the first time the youthful officer has been featured online, with a news article written about her heroic actions in 2018.

She admitted to being quite 'nervous' to feature in the daily vlogs but found that the good feedback she received made her want to continue

During her four year career she has enjoyed incredible success in the neighbourhood team she works for, and believes the job allows her to engage with individuals on a deeper level

After pursuing a car they believed to be stolen, the driver crashed with another vehicle, leaving a woman very badly injured.

With almighty strength - and adrenaline on her side - Constable Crichton pulled the woman from the car - which was now on fire - and moved her down the road.

Despite sustaining a head injury during the crash the woman made a full recovery.

For her efforts, the Constable was recognised at a police awards ceremony in Manukau.

During her four year career she has enjoyed incredible success in the neighbourhood team she works for, and believes the job allows her to engage with individuals on a deeper level.

For her efforts, the Constable was recognised at a police awards ceremony in Manukau

'I enjoy working in the Neighbourhood Policing Team as I get to engage with my community on a more personal level as oppose to frontline,' she wrote in a NZ Police Recruitment Facebook post.

'I get to know these people, their family and their history. I also get to engage with the youth and young children through sport and other social activities which I find is a crucial part of Policing.

'I mean that in the sense that our children are our future, and if I'm able to create a trust between our kids and Police and install some confidence in them, it will have a positive impact in the long run.'

So far the vlogs have been led by a number of officers, but viewers are calling for more of Constable Crichton to be featured.Shamima Begum, right, is shown here at Gatwick Airport along with two classmates who joined IS in Syria in 2015

Britain will strip citizenship from a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria but now wants to return home with her newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday.

The news was broken to the teenager today, who insisted: 'It's unjust on me and my son. It's a bit upsetting and frustrating. It's kind of heartbreaking to read'.

Shamima Begum's fate has stirred controversy since she and two friends fled London to join the terror network four years ago when she was aged just 15.

The case points to a dilemma facing many European countries, divided over whether to allow jihadists and IS sympathisers home to face prosecution or barring them over security concerns as the so-called "caliphate" crumbles.

A lawyer for her family, Tasnime Akunjee, said on Twitter that they were "very disappointed with the Home Office's intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship," and that they were considering "all legal avenues".

ITV News reported that the Home Office has sent a letter to Begum's mother, received Tuesday, notifying the family of the decision which it said the teen had the right to appeal.

Renu Begum holds a picture of her sister Shamima Begum, who joined the Islamic State group in Syria but now wants to return to Britain

Britain's Home Office reportedly believes that Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, is entitled to claim citizenship there.

"In order to protect this country, (the home secretary) has the power to deprive someone of their British citizenship where it would not render them stateless," the Press Association reported the Home Office as saying, adding it would not comment on individual cases.

Begum is currently in a refugee camp in northeast Syria where she fled to escape fighting in the east of the country along with hundreds of other people with links to IS.

At the weekend she gave birth to her third child, and appealed to British authorities to show "compassion" by allowing her to raise the baby in Britain -- while expressing no regret over having joined IS.

She has previously given birth to two other children after marrying in Syria. Both children have died, apparently from illness and malnutrition.

"I'm afraid he might even die in this camp," Begum said of her newborn. "I feel a lot of people should have sympathy for me, for everything I've been through," she told Sky News, adding that "I didn't know what I was getting into when I left".

A military plane with the US-backed coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group releases a bomb over the embattled village of Baghouz in northern Syria

However, in an interview with the BBC on Monday, she compared the Manchester Arena bombing to military strikes on IS strongholds, calling the terror attack "retaliation".

European countries have been grappling with what to do with foreign fighters detained in Syria by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who have warned they may not be able to guard their jails once US troops leave.

The British government on Monday rebuffed US President Donald Trump's call to take back alleged UK jihadists captured in the war-ravaged country.

Trump had called on Britain, France, Germany and other European allies "to take back over 800 IS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial".

Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said the fighters should instead face justice in places where they committed their crimes.Thousands of Facebook users have vowed to 'leave a poo' on the New South Wales premier's doorstep on Thursday in what's turned into a smear campaign sparked by her stance against pill testing.

So far the Facebook event called 'Leave a poo on Gladys Berejiklian's doorstep' has more than 11 thousand members and counting.

But it's up in the air whether the bizarre satirical event will come to fruition, with a police spokesperson sending out a harsh warning.

'North Shore Police Area Command (is) aware of the satirical nature of this event, however, any member of the public who attends the office and commits an offence will be dealt with appropriately,' the spokesperson said.

Gladys Berejiklian has the support of New South Wales police behind her, who warn people who take part in the event will be dealt with appropriately, but they have not said what the punishment is

However, they did not say what the penalty was for those who take part.

A member of the Facebook group by the name of Michael revealed to 10 Daily that he even received a direct message from a man claiming to be a Sydney police officer, telling him 'satire is the latest target of law enforcement in New South Wales.'

A New South Wales police spokesperson has since confirmed that police officers have in fact direct messaged the attendees on Facebook.

'Although it's not encouraged, police officers may use social media on rare occasions to contact a person when there is no other option available,' the spokesperson said.

Comments on the page range from 'I'm gonna be pretty disappointed if I don't get contacted by NSW police', to 'starting to think maybe this shouldn't just be satire', all the way to 'poo on her car window and turn her wipers on.'

New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian's office in Willoughby, northern Sydney is the target of a bizarre Facebook event, urging people to 'leave a poo' on her doorstep

The 'event' is set to take place this Thursday at Mrs Berejiklian's office on Willoughby Road in northern Sydney.

The idea comes in response to the state government's harsh stance against pill testing festivals and music events, which has sparked anger, predominantly in the younger generation, over making live music events in New South Wales safer.



The premier softened her stance on the matter earlier this month, when Mrs Berejiklian welcomed an inquest and said the government would 'consider it' if they could be shown evidence it saves lives.'

But the premier has since back flipped, refusing to consider introducing pill testing at festivals amid mounting pressure, saying 'there was no evidence that it saved lives, and testing would give drug users 'a false sense of security'.

Protesters at a recent rally campaigning for pill testing to be brought in to live music events in New South Wales, which the Berejiklian government is against

'Pill testing doesn't deal with the issues of overdoses  it doesn't deal with the horrible combination of drugs and alcohol, and drugs and heat,' Mrs Berejiklian said.

On Tuesday Popular music festival Groovin' The Moo announced it will test illicit drugs at its Canberra event for the second year after the trial was approved by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

The minister gave the go-ahead to the trial after its success last year, with several samples tested and dangerous substances discarded by users, potentially saving lives.

Five people between the age of 19 and 23 died at music festivals in New South Wales between September and January, all of them of suspected drug overdoses.Aboriginal healers using traditional bush medicine have been hired to treat Indigenous patients in an Adelaide public hospital.

The traditional healers - known as Ngangkari - will work alongside doctors and nurses to provide a 'complementary' treatment, Lyell McEwin Hospital staff said.

Cancer survivor Rosyln Weetra, 70, said the initiative would help Aboriginal people.

Traditional healers - called Ngangkari - use a mix of breath, touch and bush medicine to heal (stock pic)

The Narungga Country woman was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2002 and sought traditional medical help from her brother in Port Augusta.

'It gave me a strength that I didn't know I had to fight the disease  the cancer  alongside the medical treatment,' she said.

After rounds of chemotherapy Ms Weetra's cancer returned and she was admitted an intensive care unit.

She again turned to a Ngangkari to improve her well being.

A Nurungga woman turned to traditional healers to improve her well being after chemotherapy (stock pic)

The traditional medical practice involves touch, breath and bush medicine to focus on healing a person's spirit, ABC News reported.

Narungga man Latrell Branson, 22, also sought the help of traditional medicine after suffering from debilitating back pain and migraines as a teenager and is happy it is now being offered at the hospital.

The executive director of Aboriginal health at the hospital, Kurt Towers, said: 'There's been a real want and need from our clinicians in the hospital and the mental health centre to want to incorporate traditional beliefs and spiritual care to complement the mainstream medicine.'

Ngangkari hail from the central desert region of South Australia and work on healing the spirit (stock pic)

One of the hospital's doctors said access to Ngangkari healing would encourage more Aboriginal people to seek medical treatment.

'If you don't address the spirit of the Aboriginal people in the healing process then they are far less likely to engage in the healthcare system,' he said.

Ngangkari are mostly from the central desert areas of the APY Lands in South Australia.

The APY Lands comprises three traditional groups and has a population of roughly 2500.A bodybuilder who died in a struggle with a man whose home he broke into suffered a 'breakdown' after splitting with his long-term girlfriend.

The father of Brad Soper, 35, said his son was still 'suffering from a broken heart' when he broke into a home in Harrington Park, in Sydney's south-west, on Sunday morning.

His devastated dad Raymond Soper told Daily Mail Australia his son's mental state deteriorated late last year after he split from his long-term lover Kaisha Gambell.

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Brad Soper (left) 35, and his glamorous partner Kaisha Gambell (right) ended their relationship in the months before the bodybuilder broke into a family home in western Sydney on Sunday

Mr Soper's father said his son never recovered from a broken heart after he broke up with Ms Gambell (pictured), leading him to invade a Sydney home in the early hours of last Sunday

'He hadn't taken it well at all, he still had a broken heart', Mr Soper said.

'They had been going out for well over 12 months, I'd say. We met her and she was a very nice girl.'

Mr Soper said he was at a loss to explain why his son broke into the family home of businessman Johann Schwartz, 44, and ransacked it in a 'zombie-like state'.

'All I can say is it was all out of character for Bradley. We feel that he's had some sort of a breakdown or something,' Mr Soper said.

'There's no way he would go into anyone's place intentionally, there's just no way.'

Soper, the winner of Asia's Strongest Man in 2017, and Ms Gambell, a lawyer, had been living together up until their split.

The couple travelled together to India and Finland for his bodybuilding contests, and even bought a puppy which they were regularly pictured with on Instagram.

Friends and relatives of Ms Gambell said she had been left shocked by the death of her ex-boyfriend and was too distraught to comment.

Police are not expected to charge Mr Schwartz over the death of Soper, which occurred just metres from where his wife and daughter lay sleeping.

'They had been going out for well over 12 months, I'd say. We met her and she was a very nice girl,' Mr Soper's father said of his son's relationship with Ms Gambell (right)

Mr Schwartz (pictured with his wife and daughter) was questioned by police on Sunday, but was released without charge

Mr Schwartz found the intruder in the loungeroom of his newly built home at Harrington Park (pictured) and a struggle ensued that left Mr Soper unconscious

The businessman spent almost 10 hours being interviewed by police after Soper broke into his home about 7.30am on Sunday.

Mr Schwartz located the intruder in his loungeroom and a struggle ensued.

During the wrestle Soper lost consciousness. Despite neighbours and paramedics performing CPR, he could not be revived.

It has since been revealed that Soper had been hospitalised with kidney failure two weeks before his death, but kept his condition from his parents.

A source close to the investigation told the Daily Telegraph Mr Schwartz, a keen fitness enthusiast himself, had called Triple-0 after Soper lost consciousness.

'He told the dispatch operator 'come quickly he's unconscious, call me back now, quickly' he was in shock over what happened,' they told the publication.

Mr Soper (left) was named Asia's Strongest Man at a competition in 2017

Detective Chief Inspector Shane Woolbank said 'generally people are entitled to their home and they're entitled to use reasonable force to protect themselves and their property'.

Criminal defence lawyer Omar Juweinat says a 'reasonable person' would likely feel threatened and fear for their family if they disturbed an intruder in their home.

That could form the basis of a legal defence, he said.

'You wake up to find an intruder ... I'd be perplexed if police charged an occupant for defending their family,' Mr Juweinat said on Monday.

'If he was prosecuted it would shake up the law in a way I've never seen.'

Ms Gambell did not respond to Daily Mail Australia's requests for comment.The girlfriend of sacked Australian Border Force boss Roman Quaedvlieg pleaded guilty to giving false information to corruption investigators.

Sarah Rogers, 24, previously denied three charges related to her giving evidence to the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity about her employment and relationship with Mr Quaedvlieg.

Rogers on Wednesday arrived hand-in-hand with 54-year-old Mr Quaedvlieg at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court.

The girlfriend of sacked Australian Border Force boss Roman Quaedvlieg (pictured) pleaded guilty to giving false information to corruption investigators

Rogers on Wednesday arrived hand-in-hand with 54-year-old Mr Quaedvlieg at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court

The 24-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of giving false or misleading evidence and one count of disclosing the existence of a summons to another person.

Ms Rogers' defence lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court the 24-year-old's reasons for making misleading statements will be explained at her sentencing hearing.

Ms Rogers was summoned to give evidence before the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity in 2017 over claims the former ABF boss helped her get her job.

At the time, she worked as a passport scanner for the Australian Border Force at Sydney Airport and was understood to have pre-empted her own dismissal.

Crown prosecutor Jennifer Single withdrew the third charge - another of giving false or misleading evidence - and it was dismissed.

Rogers left court, holding her partner's hand, shielding her face with her left hand and sporting a gold ring on her ring finger.

Mr Quaedvlieg was sacked in March 2018 for abusing his power by helping the young woman get a job at Sydney Airport.

Rogers left court, holding her partner's hand, shielding her face with her left hand and sporting a gold ring on her ring finger

Mr Wrench last year told the court Rogers was informed in 2017 she would face charges but 'spent about a year in the dark' until she was handed a court attendance notice.

Her partner and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton had been involved in a 'public stoush' and the minister had mentioned her in that stoush, the lawyer said.

Mr Dutton used parliamentary privilege to accuse Mr Quaedvlieg of grooming Ms Rogers - who is 30 years younger than him - while she was at work.

The comments came after Labor quizzed the MP over claims he pushed for two Queensland police officers to secure jobs at the agency.

Rogers will face a sentence hearing in Downing Centre Local Court on May 23.Flight cancellations by Southwest Airlines accounted for roughly 24 percent of nearly 800 total flights canceled across the United States on Tuesday, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware.com.

Southwest said about half of its cancellations had been related to unscheduled maintenance issues, and the remainder due to winter storms forecast to hit the Midwest and Northeast over Tuesday and Wednesday.

A top Southwest Airlines Co executive said the low-cost carrier would investigate why the number of aircraft unable to fly due to mechanical issues had doubled in recent days, causing flight delays and cancellations.

Flight cancellations by Southwest Airlines accounted for roughly 24 percent of nearly 800 total flights canceled across the United States on Tuesday

'AMFA has a history of work disruptions, and Southwest has two pending lawsuits against the union,' Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven said in a statement.

Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) represents about 2,400 mechanics who maintain the carrier's Boeing 737 fleet.

Southwest has been in negotiations with the union representing its mechanics for six years.

Van de Ven said the disruption had arisen despite no change to the low-cost carrier's maintenance programs, leadership, policies or procedures.

The airline claimed that the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association had a part to play in the issues. The union quickly responded

'We will be investigating this current disruption and exploring all possible remedies,' Van de Ven said.

Last week, Southwest said it was requiring 'all hands on deck' to address maintenance items and said all employees would have to provide a doctor's note if they failed to show up for work.

In response, the union said Southwest's requirements imposed extra-contractual demands with a threat of termination for failing to comply, and asked for its contract to be respected.

'We are only asking that we be permitted to perform our job in accordance with federal law - nothing more and nothing less,' the union said in a memo posted on its website.

They also took to Twitter and accused the airline of 'scapegoating of its expert Aircraft Maintenance Technicians' adding that it did 'not bode well for the airlines safe operations.'A seven-year-old boy from Austin was called 'a little Hitler' by a neighbor over the weekend for setting up a hot chocolate stand and raising $6,000 for President Trumps border wall.

Benton Stevens became an internet sensation over the weekend when he was filmed manning a hot chocolate stand at a strip mall in northwest Austin on Saturday.

The youngster watched President Trumps State of the Union address on February 5.

He wanted to know about the wall so we explained what it was about and he (Benton) was like I want to raise money for the wall, the boys mother, Jennifer Stevens, told KXAN-TV.

Benton Stevens, 7, of Austin, Texas, raised $6,000 to help President Trump build a border wall. He is seen above manning a hot chocolate stand near an Austin strip mall on Saturday

Jennifer and Shane Stevens are members of the Republican National Committee. They say they frequently share their political views with their son.

People think hes brainwashed,' she said.

Well, of course, he supports Trump because we do, and he hears how we talk and this and that.

Call that brainwashing, but I call it parenting, because we instill our values in him.

Jennifer Stevens said her son begged her to allow him to set up a hot chocolate stand to help raise money for the border wall, KEYE-TV reported.

Bentons older brothers helped make signs and his mother helped make the hot chocolate.

Benton's parents are both active members of the Republican Party. He begged them to allow him to open a hot chocolate stand after watching Trump's State of the Union address earlier this month

Along with hot chocolate, Benton sold 'Pelosi marshmallows' and 'Beto marshmallows'. The Pelosi marshmallows cost 50 cents apiece, while the Beto marshmallows were free

As Bentons efforts became known to more people on social media and news reports, donations kept pouring in. So far, he has raised more than $6,000

Along with hot chocolate, Benton sold 'Pelosi marshmallows' and 'Beto marshmallows'.

In the one hour that Benton manned the hot chocolate stand, he made $231 in sales.

But there were some who did not approve of what the boy was doing.

I guess some liberals  or whatever you want to call them  they were griping at the owner (of the store) and going in and yelling at him and slamming him on Facebook, Jennifer Stevens said.

The parents claim that the hot chocolate stand was not on anyones property, but they nonetheless decided to close it down.

Benton's father, Shane (second from left), is seen with Benton (far left), his two other sons, and an unidentified man at Trump's inauguration in Washington, D.C. in January 2017

Benton and his two brothers are seen above during Trump's inaugural address

The Stevens family is politically active within the Republican Party

But the issue refused to die as several Facebook users posted photos of the hot chocolate stand, sparking intense debate online.

The controversy fired up Benton, who convinced his parents to let him set up the stand again on Sunday.

That day, Jennifer Stevens said someone drove by and called her son a little Hitler.

A guy pointed at him in his car and then he said that we didnt like brown people, she said.

I dont understand that at all.

The family said they were surprised by the outpouring of support they received from conservative as well as liberals who were upset that the boy was being subject to harsh language.

As Bentons efforts became known to more people on social media and news reports, donations kept pouring in

Benton proudly shows off the considerable profit he made with his hot chocolate stand

In the spirit of bipartisanship, the boy is thinking about doing a free hot chocolate stand for people from both sides of the debate since there are so many people sticking up for him, his mother said

Amazing things are happening in our community, Jennifer Stevens told KXAN-TV.

People who were originally very mean have started apologizing for what they said and sticking up for Benton.

As Bentons efforts became known to more people on social media and news reports, donations kept pouring in.

So far, he has raised more than $6,000.

In the spirit of bipartisanship, the boy is thinking about doing a free hot chocolate stand for people from both sides of the debate since there are so many people sticking up for him, his mother said.

Despite Bentons good intentions, there is no guarantee that the money raised for the wall will be used for that purpose.

Funds meant to be donated to the federal government are categorized as Gifts to the United States, according to Business Insider.

In order to allocate money for the Department of Homeland Security, Congress must give its approval.Fired FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe has said that he believes 'it's possible' that President Donald Trump is a secret Russian agent.

CNN's Anderson Cooper posed the question to McCabe on Tuesday night, asking: 'Do you still believe the President could be a Russian asset?'

'I think it's possible,' McCabe replied. 'I think that's why we started our investigation, and I'm really anxious to see where (special counsel Robert) Mueller concludes that.'

McCabe went on to blast Trump in his interview with Cooper, following similar remarks from his recent media tour to tout his new book.

Fired FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe said on Tuesday that he believes 'it's possible' that President Donald Trump is a secret Russian agent

'This President is undermining the role of law enforcement, undermining the role of our intelligence infrastructure and negatively impacting the men and women of the FBI, and across the intelligence agencies, (and their) ability to protect this country on a daily basis,' McCabe said.

McCabe was fired last year by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who cited his 'lack of candor' during an internal investigation into media leaks about the FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails.

Earlier on Tuesday, McCabe said that federal law enforcement thought it was possible Donald Trump was working on behalf of Russia when the Bureau opened its counterintelligence investigation into him in 2016.

'We had information that led us to believe that there might be a threat to national security  in this case that the president himself might, in fact, be a threat to the United States national security,' he said in a 'Today' show interview.

As his explosive memoir went on sale, McCabe declared that 'we thought it might be possible' that Trump was directly working on behalf of Russia during the early days of his administration.

Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands after their summit on July 16, 2018 in Helsinki, Finland. McCabe believes Trump could be a secret agent from Russia

He explained that Trump, in the FBI's view, 'had gone to extreme measures to potentially impact, negatively impact  possibly turn off  our investigation of Russian meddling into the election and Russian coordination with his campaign.'

As the FBI investigated the so-far unproven theory that Trump's campaign colluded with the Kremlin, he said, the president was 'publicly undermining the investigative efforts. He's talking about it as a witch hunt.

He's talking about it as a hoax.' McCabe also recalled that Trump asked then-FBI Director James Comey 'to turn off' a probe of his national security advisor, Michael Flynn.

President Trump on Monday labeled as 'treasonous' a pair of reported plots by senior Justice Department officials, McCabe and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, to secretly record him in the Oval Office and gather support for removing him from power.President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he intends to nominate Jeffrey Rosen, a longtime litigator and deputy transportation secretary, to replace Rod Rosenstein as deputy attorney general.

In his current post, the 60-year-old Rosen serves as the Transportation Department's chief operating officer and is in charge of implementing the department's safety and technological priorities.

It comes days after disgraced FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe implicated Rosenstein in a secret plot to remove Trump from office using the 25th Amendment, an allegation that Rosenstein has denied.

According to McCabe, in a lengthy interview that aired Sunday on CBS's '60 Minutes,' Rosenstein discussed secretly recording Trump and marshaling cabinet members to remove him from office, a plan that the President blasted as an 'illegal and treasonous' plot.

Trump has nominated Jeffrey Rosen (above) to be the next deputy attorney general

Rosen will replace Rod Rosenstein (above) who was recently implicated in a secret plot to remove Trump from office using the 25th Amendment

Rosen rejoined DOT in 2017 after previously serving as general counsel from 2003 to 2006.

From 2006 until 2009, Rosen was the general counsel and a senior policy adviser at the White House Office of Management and Budget. He also worked as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center.

Rosen held a variety of positions, including senior partner, at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, the same law firm as the new attorney general, William Barr.

Rosen spent nearly 30 years at Kirkland & Ellis in a variety of management roles, including acting as the co-head of the firm's Washington office, he told senators at his confirmation hearing in March 2017.

'His years of outstanding legal and management experience make him an excellent choice to succeed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has served the Department of Justice over many years with dedication and distinction,' Barr said in a statement.

Trump called Rosenstein's alleged plan to secretly record him and remove him from office using the 25th Amendment an 'illegal and treasonous' plot

Rosenstein is expected to leave his post in mid-March. His departure had been expected since Barr was confirmed as attorney general last week.

Rosenstein has served as deputy for almost two years and it is common for new attorneys general to have their own deputies.

Barr told people close to him that he wanted his own No. 2 as part of taking the job.

Rosenstein began overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation after then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the investigation.

Barr now has control of Mueller's investigation, which is probing allegations that Russia conspired with the Trump campaign to meddle in the 2016 election.

Rosen, a Virginia resident who is married with three adult children, is a graduate of Harvard Law School.A psychologist and author of the book, 'The Paradox of Choice,' has explained why Trader Joe's is raking in the money, over its competitors like Whole Foods.

Barry Schwartz, 72 explained how the grocery story has managed to outsell its competition like Whole Foods by more than double, in terms of revenue as compared to square footage of its stores, by keeping things simple.

'When you give people too many options, they get paralyzed instead of liberated,' Schwartz told Business Insider's Jack Houston, in an interview published on Tuesday.

But Schwartz doesn't think the chain has done it on purpose.

Psychologist and author of the book, 'The Paradox of Choice,' Barry Schwartz, 72 (pictured), has explained Trader Joe's is raking in the money over its competitors like Whole Foods by keeping choices limited

The simple model of the store founded by Joe Coulombe has always been quality over quantity.

'They probably did it as a way of controlling costs,' Schwartz said of what has turned out to be a lucky business model for Trader Joe's.

'Managing inventory, you know, simplifying the supply chain. And somebody thought that if you offered other kinds of value, people would be willing to forgo options.

'You can't have everything but anything we've got is worth having and we make your life simpler.'

Schwartz said that too many choices often leave people feeling 'paralyzed instead of liberated,' but that he didn't think Trader Joe's modeled its business that way on purpose. Instead, he believes its a lucky byproduct of keeping costs low, and focusing on quality over quantity. A file photo from February 14 of the inside of a Trader Joe's in Denver is shown

Schwartz knows what he's talking about, because he's made the study of choice his life's work.

'I've spent the last 25 years studying how people make decisions,' the psychologist said.

'[You might think that the more] choice we have, the better off we are. That turns out empirically not to be true.'

Schwartz added: 'I think Trader Joe's is the best example of how the world should be constructed.'

Other ways Trader Joe's keeps costs down, and consequently, profits up, is by privately labeling the fewer products it does offer on its shelves.

By buying straight from the supplier the company is able to turn a profit without paying a premium for third party branding.

The decidedly low-tech grocer does all of this without an online store or customer loyalty programs, and also never runs sales.

All in all, what they're doing is working, as Trader Joe's brought in $13.3 billion during its 2016-2017 fiscal year, according to Supermarket News.

By October of 2017, the chain had 470 stores in the US, according to ProgressiveGrocer.com.

In contrast, Whole Foods Markets brought in a total of $16.03 billion during its fiscal year 2017, according to AmigoBulls.

The Amazon-owned grocer had a total of 412 US locations by the end of 2017, eMarket Retail reported.

The current average Whole Foods Market store size is about 38,000 square feet, according to Brand Channel, while the typical size of a Trader Joe's location ranges from 8,000-15,000 square feet, according to Food Navigator-USA.The founder of fashion label Kookai has admitted to crashing her luxury Ranger Rover into a home and fleeing the scene while drink driving.

Danielle Vagner, who co-founded fashion brand and is worth an estimated $100million, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where she pleaded guilty to seven driving-related charges.

The 53-year-old was twice the legal limit when she crashed into the front of a house in South Yarra and was later filmed driving her mangled car down a Melbourne alleyway on June 12 last year.

Vagner had taken three Valium tablets the night before the incident to help cope with tooth pain, the court heard.

Danielle Vagner, who co-founded the $100 million chic fashion brand in Australia, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where she pleaded guilty to seven charges

The next day she drank three glasses of rose at lunch before heading to her dentist appointment, the court heard.

A note from the dentist, which was submitted by defence lawyer Robert Galbally, said Vagner did not seem 'all there' , which the dentist attributed to the Valium, The Herald Sun reported.

'Her behaviour cannot be explained solely by reference to alcohol,' Mr Galbally told the court.

Vagner's driving behaviour was out of character and was probably the result of the medication combined with sleep deprivation, Mr Gallbally said.

He said she could not comprehend what was happening around her when she slammed the vehicle into the front of a South Yarra home.

Police prosecutor Kai Shulz told the court Protective Service Officers chased Vagner on foot as she fled the scene of the crash.

Vagner had managed to drive through multiple streets and laneways with both airbags deployed and with a front tyre missing  forcing her to drive on the rim

Vagner had managed to drive through multiple streets and laneways with both airbags deployed and with a front tyre missing  forcing her to drive on the rims before she was stopped.

When she finally came to a stop, police were called.

When asked by police why she fled the scene of the crash she said: 'I didn't think it was big deal'.

Vanger later admitted herself to Malvern Private Hospital and banned herself from driving. She also paid the homeowners an undisclosed amount of money for the damage she caused.

Vagner will be sentenced on March 6.

In the meantime, Vagner will be assessed for a community-based order.A vigilante paedophile hunter faces jail after he burned down a school which he accused of being 'a playground for abusers'.

Philip Day, 55, of Runcorn, Cheshire, burned down a school he accused of being a 'playground for abusers'

Philip Day, 55, went on to the grounds of a Cheshire school armed with jerry cans full of petrol which he poured through the roof tiles in 17 locations, causing a roaring fire and 2.4million of damage.

A court heard how Day had become obsessed with University of Chester Academy Northwich which he believed was covering up sexual abuse.

After years of stalking the teachers, including the headmaster, his 'personal crusade' against the school led to what was described as one of the worst fires the area had ever seen.



Day, who represented himself during a six-week trial at Chester Crown Court, was yesterday found guilty of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, arson, and two counts of stalking.

He went on to the grounds of a Cheshire school armed with jerry cans full of petrol which he poured through the roof tiles in 17 locations, causing a roaring fire and 2.4million of damage

Day - who claimed in court that God would justify his actions - insisted there had been a cover up

The court heard that Day, 55, launched a personal crusade to 'protect children' in 2010 when he made unfounded allegations against a teacher.

He claimed that the school was a 'playground for paedophiles' yet, despite a thorough and extensive investigation by both the school and the police, no evidence at all was found to back this up.

An investigation was carried out by the Cheshire Police Public Protection Directorate, but the claims were never substantiated.

Day - who claimed in court that God would justify his actions - insisted there had been a cover up. Police said he then launched a 'personal crusade' in a bid to achieve his own justice.

Over the following years Day stalked school staff, specifically the headteacher and a teacher he claimed had sexually abused a pupil at the school.

He posted messages and videos on social media naming the teacher and falsely claimed that children had been harmed at the academy.

In one post he claimed the school was a 'playground for paedophiles' and named members of staff who he thought were involved.

A caretaker, who was sleeping in a flat on the site, suffered smoke inhalation when he discovered the blaze

No evidence was ever found to back up his claims. Day even warned parents against sending their children to the school when he turned up to two open days.

Then in February last year Day stepped up his campaign. He was questioned by police about the harassment of a teacher and the headteacher of UCAN, but the interview had to be stopped when Day became angry.

Just three days later, in the early hours of February 25, witnesses spotted a man carrying jerry cans at UCAN.

Day had set fires in 17 different locations at the school, including the roof. Police say he systematically removed roof tiles and pierced the felt before pouring petrol inside and lighting it.

He was seen by people living nearby 'calmly strolling around the school grounds' carrying a jerry can as the roof was on fire.

A caretaker, who was sleeping in a flat on the site, suffered smoke inhalation when he discovered the blaze.

Two residents saw Day running across a road outside the school and then saw a red Volvo drive away from the scene, noting down the registration number.

The car was traced to Day's wife and he was later arrested but refused to answer questions from officers.

However, the fire in Cheshire led police to investigate a separate 'multiple ignition arson' at a house more than 160 miles away in Saffron Walden, Essex, on New Year's Eve - two months previously.

Day was yesterday found guilty of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, arson, and two counts of stalking

Just five months previously Day, who is married, had started an affair with a woman from Essex he had met online.

His girlfriend had used online posts to accuse a man of child abuse - claims that police say are unfounded.

However, Day backed up the woman and used his wife's car to drive to Essex on December 30, 2017.

In the early hours of New Year's Eve he set a fire at a 700-year-old house.

This is where he believed his girlfriend's alleged abuser was staying.

The property was empty at the time, but the fire caused 1.5 million worth of damage.

Just hours later, Day posted on social media that his New Year's resolution was to 'work for children'.

Detective Constable Paul Cundy, of Northwich CID, described Day's actions over eight years as 'despicable'.

DC Cundy said: 'He decided to take the law into his own hands, causing millions of pounds worth of damage to a local school with no regard for the consequences.

'This had a significant impact on teachers and pupils, with the school being forced to close whilst alternative arrangements were made.'

Paul Binyon, of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said Day's reckless actions put the lives of local residents and firefighters at 'considerable risk'.

Mr Binyon said: 'Arson is a serious crime and the fire at the school in Northwich was one of the worst incidents I have ever had to deal with.'

Prosecutors said Day's 'obsession' with the abuse of children led him to stalk his victims and set the devastating fires.

Damion Lloyd, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Philip Day is a driven man, quoting from the Bible and using God as justification for his actions. But his campaign was misdirected and his methods unjustifiable and unlawful.

'He claimed that the school was a 'playground for paedophiles' yet, despite a thorough and extensive investigation by both the school and the police, no evidence was found to back this up.

'Despite his conviction for harassment, he continued to post videos on social media where he made the claims all over again.'

Mr Lloyd added: 'Day's offending had become more serious and dangerous as time has went on.

'The effect of his allegations on the people he accused was devastating but they also had a dreadful impact on the pupils of the school that he claimed he was trying to protect.'

Day, of Saltash Close in Runcorn, Cheshire, was remanded in custody and could face a prison term when he is sentenced on April 12.

He was acquitted of one count of burglary.Rapper Ceon Broughton was the only person at the Bestival festival who police caught with 2C-P, the court heard today

Rapper Ceon Broughton was the only person at the Bestival festival who police caught with 2C-P, the court heard today.

A 44 milligram bag of 2C-P powder was discovered in his phone case by officers, and prosecutors allege he supplied girlfriend Louella with the class A substance which she took before 'spiralling' and having wild hallucinations.

Grime star Broughton, 29, who denies manslaughter, is alleged to have supplied Louella with the synthetic drug and 'bumped up' her dose.

When quizzed by police, Broughton said tragic Louella had left him on September 10, 2017, to buy the drug from someone else, denying he had any drugs on him at the event.

The court heard hundreds were stopped by officers with sniffer dogs but the grime star, whose bag contained enough for around six trips, was the only person at any point caught carrying the synthetic party drug.

Giving evidence today, Dorset Police Detective Sergeant David Wise told jurors 225 people were stopped by officers with sniffer dogs and 1,456 'items' were placed in drugs amnesty bins.

While nine of the binned items were found to be 2C-B, DS Wise said there were no records of anyone being stopped with 2C-P, or the drug being dumped in an amnesty bin.

When Broughton was arrested, the powder in his phone case was tested - revealing it was 2C-P, although Broughton claimed it was left over in his case from a previous weekend and he had not given any out at the festival.

Louella Fletcher-Michie (pictured), 24, started attacking herself and screeching 'like a wild animal' after reacting badly to a 2C-P overdose near the Bestival event in Dorset in 2017. Her grieving parents are pictured right entering court for another day of the trial, today

A third of the 225 people searched - 36 per cent - were found to have drugs.

DS Wise said: 'I checked the records and checked reports on the prevalence of 2C-P at the festival. This was from Bestival records and police arrest records.

'In terms of those searches [after being picked out by a sniffer dog], no 2C-P was recovered. No 2C-P was identified at any of the arrests.

'As the public arrives, there are amnesty bins for people. They are invited to deposit any drugs they have in their possession.

'Nine were identified as 2C-B, the B variety of the drug. There were no samples concerning 2C-P. No 2C-P was recovered from the amnesty bins.'

Jurors today heard 2C-P users experience very intense hallucinations, with one user describing trees transformed into 'demons and giant dinosaurs'.

Representing Broughton, Mr Kamlish QC read posts from online forums, written by people who said they had taken the drug and the dose.

He said: 'The first one, it starts eight milligrams and says, 'trees around me scared me, taking on characteristics of demons and giant dinousaurs'.

'The second one, six milligrams, 'experience was not fun. I started getting bummed out by the duration, I just wanted to sleep'.

'The third, eight milligrams, and something about the drug being inspiring artistically.'

Broughton, of Enfield, London, denies manslaughter and supplying a class A drug.

The trial continues tomorrow.According to unnamed police sources, the two brothers involved in the Jussie Smollett investigation claimed the actor was involved in sending himself a threatening letter on January 22 - a week before the attack

The two brothers at the center of the Jussie Smollett investigation told police that the Empire actor helped create the threatening letter he received at his studio, a week before the alleged attack, according to reports.

Unnamed law enforcement sources told ABC earlier this week that Smollett hired the two men, Ola and Abel Osundairo, as part of the staged attack after the letter that he received on the set of Empire did not get a 'bigger reaction.'

The Chicago Police Department will not confirm on the record that they are treating the attack as a hoax and Smollett has not been arrested or charged.

On January 22, the Empire actor received an envelope containing a letter and white powder.

The stamped letter was addressed to Chicago's Cinespace Studios, where the popular Fox drama Empire is filmed.

When the white powder was discovered, HAZMAT crews were called to the scene, but the substance was later determined to be crushed aspirin.

The letter was scrawled with the words 'You will die black f*g', spelled out in cut and pasted magazine letters, and MAGA which was written in red pen.

Among items taken from the brothers' home during a raid last week was a magazine but it remains unclear if it is the same one the letters came from.

This is the letter Smollett allegedly received at the Fox studio, a week before the January 29 incident. No photographs of it emerged until after the alleged attack. He reported the letter to the police when he received it along with Empire producer Dennis Hammer

Brothers Abel (left) and Ola Osundairo (right) were released without charge last week after allegedly telling police Smollett paid them to perform the attack. They also reportedly told police that Smollett is the source of the letter and the pair are expected to testify against him

There was also a stick figure drawing of a man with a gun pointed at his head on the drawing.

Smollett and Empire producer Dennis Hammer both handled it with gloves while opening it before calling the police, leaked police reports into the incident reveal.

Chicago police also seized a book of stamps from one of the homes, according to the TV station.

The FBI and the United States Postal Service are now analyzing it.

Smollett did not post on social media about the letter and it was unknown until after the January 29 attack when a photograph of it appeared on That Grape Juice Net.

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx has recused herself from the Smollett case, it was announced by her office on Tuesday. She said she wanted to step down because of her 'familiarity with potential witnesses' but did not say who those witnesses were

During a Good Morning America interview afterwards, Smollett confirmed he had received it, described it to host Robin Roberts then said: 'Did I make that up too?'

As more details of the investigation into the letter emerged on Tuesday, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx recused herself from the case because of her 'familiarity' with 'potential witnesses'.

It remains unclear who those potential witnesses are that could cloud her impartiality.

'Out of an abundance of caution, the decision to recuse herself was made to address potential questions of impartiality based upon familiarity with potential witnesses in the case,' Foxx's office said in a statement.

First Assistant States Attorney Joseph Magats will step in as acting state's attorney for the Smollett investigation.

Smollett claims he was assaulted while walking home from a local Subway at 2am on January 29.

Smollett alleged that the perpetrators tied a noose around his neck, poured bleach on him, and shouted racist and homophobic slurs.

The attackers called him 'Empire f****t n****r', poured bleach on him and put a noose around his neck, he said.

Smollett told police he was attacked as he walked home from a Subway at 2am on January 29

Jussie Smollett is pictured during his Good Morning America interview on Thursday where he described the threatening letter he received a week before being allegedly attacked and said: 'Did I make that up too?'

There is no footage of the attack, to Smollett's despair.

It has also emerged that in 2007, Smollett pleaded no contest to a California misdemeanor complaint.

Court records show he was accused of identifying himself as his younger brother in 2007 when a Los Angeles police officer pulled him over on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The misdemeanor complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in September 2007 says that Smollett gave the name of his brother, Jake Smollett, when he was asked by an officer. He also signed a false name on the promise to appear in court. Smollett also was later charged with false impersonation, driving under the influence and driving without a valid license.

Court records show Smollett pleaded no contest to the reduced charge of giving false information, in addition to driving under the influence and driving without a valid license counts. The records show he later completed an alcohol education and treatment program and completed the terms of his sentence in May 2008.An Instagram model charged with a series of burglaries is still out on bail despite skipping a court date a week ago.

Monique Marina Agostino, 23, failed to turn up to Manly Local Court last Wednesday so the magistrate issued a warrant for her arrest.

The single mother allegedly went on a burglary spree last November, hitting four several cafes and shop across Sydney's northern beaches in just an hour.

Monique Marina Agostino, 23, is still out on bail despite skipping a court date a week ago

The single mother allegedly went on a burglary spree last November, targeting several cafes and convenience stores across Sydney's northern beaches

Agostino's bail was continued unchanged until a new court date on February 27 - two weeks after Magistrate Christopher Longley issued the arrest warrant.

The former property manager was seen dropping off her young son at daycare on Wednesday morning, not far from her home on the northern beaches.

She swapped the glamourous attire she usually showed off in photos shared with her almost 8,000 Instagram followers for a tight tank top, track pants, and sandals.

Agostino robbed several businesses and properties during an early morning burglary spree on November 6, documents tendered to the court alleged.

Agostino swapped the glamourous attire she usually dons for photos shared with her almost 8,000 Instagram followers for a tight tank top, track pants, and sandals

The former property manager was seen dropping off her young son at daycare on Wednesday morning, not far from her home on the northern beaches

Police allege Agostino (pictured) went on a burglary spree last November, targeting several businesses in Killarney Heights, Forestville and St Ives

Agostino allegedly first broke into the Pound of Pizza restaurant in Tramore Pl Killarney Heights at 1.52am and stole a mobile phone.

Minutes later, it's alleged the former Killarney Heights High School student broke into the nearby House of Fruit convenience store at 1.54am.

Agostino just two minutes later allegedly tried to break into Le Parisen Cafe.

Within an hour, she allegedly targeted Stanley St Cafe in St Ives, where police claimed she stole $300 cash and a Westpac credit card.

When Agostino (pictured) failed to appear before the court last Wednesday, Magistrate Christopher Longley ordered that an arrest warrant be issued

Agostino (pictrued left and right) allegedly targeted several businesses and properties in Sydney's northern beaches during an early morning burglary spree

Officers alleged she later used the credit card to buy food worth $11.55 at McDonald's Brookvale.

On November 24, police allege Agostino broke into Forestville Bakery and stole $1000 in the presence of another person.

Agostino is charged with two counts of breaking and entering to steal property valued at less than $60,000.

She is also charged with breaking and entering with intent to steal, one count of aggravated breaking and entering in company to steal less than $60,000, and one count of dishonestly obtaining property by deception.

Agostino (pictured) is charged with two counts of break and enter house or building to steal property valued at less than $60,000

Agostino (pictured left and right) had been granted conditional bail and didn't enter a plea

According to bail documents tendered to the court, the prosecution are planning to include CCTV footage as part of its case.

Agostino had initially been granted conditional bail but didn't enter a plea.

Her former barrister, Bronwyn Pullinger, who appeared in court on behalf of Agostino on January 23, has since withdrawn from the case.An Australian artist facing jail in Iceland for biting off her husband's tongue is fighting to appeal her sentence, claiming she is a victim of domestic violence.

Nara Walker, 28, from Queensland's Sunshine Coast, will begin her prison sentence today after an Icelandic court found her guilty of assaulting her spouse while they were living in Reykjavic in November 2017.

Walker has alleged that the act was in self-defence, claiming her husband was abusive and had forced his tongue in her mouth during a drunken altercation.

She was originally sentenced to 12 months in jail, suspended for nine months, but now faces 15 months after her appeal was rejected.

Friends have launched an online petition as well as a GoFundMe page in a bid to raise $111,111 USD for Ms Walker's legal fees.

Nara Walker, 28, from Sunshine Coast, Queensland, will begin her prison sentence this week after an Icelandic court found her guilty of assaulting her husband while they were living in Reykjavic in November 2017

Walker, an Australian-born artist, bit 2.5cm off of her husband's tongue during a drunken altercation in 2017

So far, $4,644 has been raised since Saturday.

The appeal paints Ms Walker as the true victim in the situation claiming she endured 'years of violence, abuse, drugging and rape' from her husband.

'An evening that Nara feared for her life and finally managed to escape the torment of her husband, has turned into a life of detainment by the Justice System,' the page states.

Ms Walker herself took to Facebook to hit out against the justice system on Tuesday, just one day before she was due to be incarcerated.

'It's the day before I goto (sic) prison for defending myself against a man twice my size.

'Who prior to carrying my limp body back inside our home inflicted upon me; internal bruising a sprained spine, and broke not only my ribs but an innocent non bias witnesses,' she said.

'He is still to be charged after I pressed charges 15 months ago for these and numerous other serious crimes against me (all with evidence) Is free.

'I am not.'

Ms Walker married the Frenchman in London and moved to Reykjavik, Iceland, in October 2016.

Friends have launched an online petition as well as a GoFundMe page in a bid to raise $111,111 for Ms Walker's legal fees

Walker herself took to Facebook to hit out against the justice system on Tuesday, just one day before she was due to be incarcerated

The pair had gone out and partied with an Icelandic woman and an American tourist they had met only days before the incident, according to reports.

Going back to an apartment, an alcohol-fuelled argument broke out between the American man and Ms Walker's husband.

When she went to leave the apartment with the American man, her husband allegedly shoved him down the stairs before sending his wife sprawling after him.

Ms Walker said she was punched and carried upstairs by the much larger man.

He then tried to force his tongue in her mouth which she fought off by biting off 2.5cm.

A brawl ensued between Walker, her husband, and the Icelandic woman, leaving all three injured.

Police arrived at the home and arrested Ms Walker, while the other two were taken to the hospital to be treated.

The man's tongue was later reattached with 30 stitches, however he now suffers from a permanent speech impediment, according to Newshub.

Since the incident, Ms Walker has been jailed, had her passport confiscated, and is not allowed to leave the country.

Meanwhile, her husband, has not been charged with any crime.

Her family released a statement on the GoFundMe claiming she is a victim of a miscarriage of justice.

'Nara spoke the truth, and she believed that the system would hear her. This is our chance to get the system to listen.

The petition has called on Iceland's president to grant Ms Walker a 'complete pardon'

'Nara is my daughter, but she could be your sister, mother, aunty, friend, or lover, or the girl sitting next to you, today or tomorrow, she could be you.

'Please sign this as a moral support for her, and spread this through your networks fast.

'Every minute counts.

Thank you,' the message states.

The petition also called on Iceland's president to grant her a 'complete pardon.'

In a statement to The Reykjavik Grapevine last Tuesday, Ms Walker expressed her disappointment in not being recognised as a victim of abuse.

'I truly believed in the Icelandic justice system as Iceland is on the forefront for women's rights and equality,' she said.

'I did not intend to injure anyone and with the ruling it implies I assaulted two people and disregards the years of abuse, my serious injuries and the violence brought upon me on the night that held me in a terrified state.'

Ms Walker has claimed her husband once drugged her cup of tea and raped her while she slept.

'With my abuser it was as if he was playing Jenga with me,' she said.

'Strategically pulling pieces of me away with the use of psychological abuse.'

The ruling also ordered her to pay her husband AUD$15,000 in damages.

Mrs Walker told the Reykjavik District Court (pictured, stock image) her husband prevented her from leaving and pushed an American man down the stairs before forcing himself on her



Oregon police have arrested a man who called for help after he got stuck in the snow and authorities found a 13-year-old girl he had allegedly lured from her Washington home inside.

Christopher Thomas Knox, of Hillsboro, Oregon, had picked the young girl up from her Seattle-area home and was driving in his home state 187 miles away when his rental car got stuck in the deep snow on Friday, cops say.

After cops arrived on the scene, the 37-year-old was arrested for sexually abusing the minor Washington girl and whisking her away from her home - he's believed to have befriended her mother online.

He's accused of attempted second-degree rape and first-degree custodial interference, the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday.

Oregon man Christopher Thomas Knox, 37, was arrested Friday accused of sexual abuse and luring a 13-year-old girl from her Washington home

After Knox called the sheriff's office for help, deputies responded to his car stranded on a state road in the Clatsop State Forest.

They were traveling in a black 2018 Dodge Journey with California license plates.

At first Knox told officers that the girl was his daughter. Then officers later learned she was from King County, Washington, and was with Knox without her parents' knowledge, the sheriff said.

The girl was then taken to a local hospital for an exam and returned to her parents in Washington state.

The sheriff's office believes Knox initially struck up an online relationship with the girl's mother. They believe that he and the 13-year-old girl had been acquainted before they were found together, according to Oregon Live.

Investigators believe Knox sexually abused the teen near her home on February 15 then a second time at a rest stop or a state park in between Tacoma, Washington and Astoria, Oregon, later that evening.

He picked up the girl from her King County, Washington home and they were found by the police in Clatsop County, Oregon, 187 miles away

On Tuesday Knox was arraigned on charges of online sexual corruption and luring a minor and did not enter a plea, according to online documents. He could face future charges of attempted rape and custodial interference.

He is being held on $250,000 bail in Clatsop County Jail and has another hearing next week.

His court-appointed attorney, Kristopher Kaino, did not return a call or email message seeking comment.A mother has pleaded guilty to killing her one-year-old son by not helping him after her boyfriend savagely bashed him.

Anne-Maree Lee failed to care for her son Mason after her boyfriend ruptured his intestines by punching him in the stomach at his home in Caboolture, Queensland.

In the days after the boy was bashed in June 2016, Ms Lee took him to McDonald's for burgers instead of hospital.

The youngster spent the last of his days vomiting, feverish and dehydrated.

Today Lee sobbed in court as she pleaded guilty to manslaughter and child cruelty.

Anne-Maree Lee (left) failed to care for her son Mason (right) after he was found with extensive injuries at her boyfriend's home in Caboolture, north of Brisbane , in June 2016

The toddler (pictured) was found with extensive injuries at O'Sullivan's home in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, in June 2016

Prosecutor Michael Byrne told the Brisbane Supreme Court that Mason would likely have survived if he was taken to hospital.

He said on Wednesday: 'Medical opinion is it would have been obvious that he was very sick and in urgent need of medical attention.'

The boy's stepfather William O'Sullivan was jailed for nine years in September over Mason's death.

Lee also failed to remove her son from O'Sullivan's care despite knowing the man was prone to violence.

'For reasons that are unknown, she left Mason at (O'Sullivan's) home,' Mr Byrne said.

The couple had been together for about a year but did not live together.

O'Sullivan's sentencing heard he had taken Mason to his home because he did not believe Lee was capable of caring for him.

Sentencing submissions in Lee's case have heard on Wednesday she was not a methylamphetamine user, but O'Sullivan was.

Months before his death, Lee and O'Sullivan failed to get Mason medical treatment for a broken leg and perianal injuries so severe a dermatologist who treated him said it was the worst case he had seen in his 40 years' experience.

His pain was so severe he required narcotic infusions.

He suffered 'physically and undoubtedly psychological harm' from the experience, Mr Byrne said.

Lee (left) sobbed in court as she pleaded guilty to manslaughter and child cruelty. In September the boy's stepfather William O'Sullivan (right) was jailed for nine years

MASON JET LEE'S EXTENSIVE INJURIES AND ILLNESSES Cellulitis - likely caused by an insect bite that became infected Prolapsed anus - likely due to internal pressure from abdominal passage or large, hard stools Jacquet's dermatitis - rare form of nappy rash Fractured leg - caused Mason to limp, likely caused by child's play Constipation Abscess Mouth ulcers Perforated duodenum (a segment of the small intestine) - caused death after vomiting, abdominal pain, fever. People who saw him described him as pale, looking unwell and having dark eyes staring blankly Peritonitis - inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal wall Septicemia - allowed faecal matter to fatally contaminate his bloodstream Fractured coccyx - found in autopsy. Prosecution speculated was caused by kicking Bruises - caused by fingertips to forehead, jaw, chest and abdomen Source - AAP Mason was so severely beaten he suffered anal injuries, a broken leg and a ruptured intestine, spending the last of his days vomiting, feverish and dehydrated Advertisement

O'Sullivan's parole eligibility was set for July 2022.

In September O'Sullivan pleaded guilty to four separate charges before the Queensland Supreme Court, including manslaughter and cruelty to a child under 16-years-old.

He failed to assist the toddler in his last days, instead yelling at him to 'shut up' when he cried as well as hitting and kicking him.

Mason, who was subjected to neglect and mistreatment in his short life, spent his final hours with blue lips, wrapped in a towel and making grunting noises.

In addition to the injuries, traces of methamphetamine were found in his blood.

In the months before his death, Mason was treated for multiple injuries and was admitted to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital for three weeks in February 2016, a court was previously told.

O'Sullivan tried to blame Mason's death on paramedics for responding slowly, despite arriving at the property six minutes after they were called by a friend.

Founder of Bravehearts, a leading child protection organisation in Australia, Hetty Johnson said O'sullivan's sentence - which gives him change for parole in four years - said was inadequate and shows the system is failing children.

'How can you kill a child and walk away after four years? It just defies any kind of logic, it doesn't set any example,' Ms Johnston said.

'I think they need to throw the whole sentencing regime out the window and start again.'

The Queensland Opposition's child safety spokeswoman Ros Bates said the system needs an overhaul.

'I'm sure that the public don't think that a sentence that lenient is sufficient for what that little boy went through,' she said.Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has been discharged from hospital nine days after he was allegedly stabbed and stomped on in jail and left fighting for life.

Mokbel, 53, was allegedly attacked in Victoria's maximum security Barwon Prison on February 11 by two fellow inmates reportedly celebrating a 21st birthday.

He was transferred to Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Mokbel left the hospital in a stable condition, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

'He's no longer here as a patient,' she said.

Two men, both 21, have been charged over the assault.

Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has been discharged from hospital nine days after he was allegedly stabbed and stomped on in jail (pictured; Mokbel being taken to hospital)

The two alleged attackers, Teira Bennett (pictured) and Eldea Teuira, both had filing hearings in Geelong Magistrate's Court on Friday

Mokbel had just seen a visitor when he walked past other inmates celebrating a birthday when the alleged attack occurred

Teira Bennett (pictured) and Eldea Teuira were reportedly celebrating a birthday when they carried out the attack

The two alleged attackers, Teira Bennett and Eldea Teuira, both had filing hearings in the Geelong Magistrate's Court on Friday.

The alleged attack occurred a day after a News Corp Australia newspaper reported the 53-year-old had intervened in a standover racket run by Pacific Islander inmates.

Mokbel had just seen a visitor when he walked past other inmates celebrating a birthday when the alleged attack occurred, the outlet reported.

He was allegedly stabbed with makeshift knives, one of which was reportedly hidden in a zucchini.

A second victim, aged 31, is back in Barwon after spending Monday night in hospital.

Corrections Commissioner Emma Cassar said it was too early to say what prompted the assault, including whether there was a powerplay within the jail.

Mokbel left the hospital in a stable condition, a spokeswoman told AAP on Wednesday (pictured in 2006)

Premier Daniel Andrews said the government would not rule out changes to prison operations in the future pending the outcome of a probe into what happened.

The alleged attackers have been charged with attempted murder, intentionally causing serious injury and causing serious injury intentionally in circumstances of gross violence.

The jailhouse attack will be investigated by a former NSW anti-corruption commissioner Justice David Ipp.

'If there are any learnings from the incident, we stand ready to make them,' Victoria's Corrections Minister Ben Carroll said in a statement on Tuesday.

Justice Ipp is a former NSW Court of Appeal Judge and a former commissioner of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption.The May Day bank holiday is set to be moved next year, so it can be used to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

On May 8, 1945 the Allied forces of WWII formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany's armed forces bringing an end to years of bitter conflict.

Its 75th anniversary is set to fall on Friday, May 8 next year, but there is no formal holiday to recognise this day.

On May 8, 1945 the Allied forces of WWII formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany's armed forces bringing an end to years of bitter conflict. Pictured are members of the Navy celebrating

Hundreds gathered to commemorate the official end of Britain's involvement in WWII (pictured)

So Greg Clark, the business secretary, has asked the chancellor Philip Hammond if it could be remembered on Monday, May 4 in 2019 - the May Day bank holiday.

In a letter, seen by The Times, Mr Clark is reported to have told Mr Hammond: 'I believe that the country should be allowed to commemorate this great occasion, and to recall those who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War on behalf of us all.

'It would be a tragedy if this date slipped from the minds of the general public.'

Such a date change would not required parliamentary approval, as it can be achieved by royal proclamation under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill gives the famous V sign (victory sign) to large crowds gathered from the balcony of the Ministry of Health on the evening of VE Day

There are those, however, that have expressed some concern over the move - with the Trades Union Congress calling for the 75th anniversary to be given a separate bank holiday.

Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the TUC, told The Times: 'May Day and the 75th VE Day anniversary are both special days and celebrating them should not come at the expense of each other.'

Should the change go ahead, however, it would not be the first time such a shift has occurred.

In 1995 the early May bank holiday was moved to May to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of VE Day.

The news comes as preparations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings this year continue - with a mass display culminating in a cross-channel flight and parachute landings.

Commemorations of the greatest seaborne invasion in history to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation will also see events and activities at the IWM's three historic sites, HMS Belfast, Duxford and the Churchill War Rooms.

Greg Clark, the business secretary, has asked the chancellor Philip Hammond if VE Day could be remembered on Monday, May 4 in 2019 - the May Day bank holiday

A Second World War mass flight display will be staged from IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire, with a cross-channel flight and parachute landing in Normandy on June 6, organised in partnership with Daks over Normandy.

On June 4 and 5, visitors will be able to see more than 30 Dakotas, aircraft synonymous with the D-Day landings, as well as mass parachute jumps and flight displays taking place at the museum in the 'Daks over Duxford' event.

It is part of the activities planned to mark the events of D-Day, a highly secretive land, air and sea operation which was also known as Operation Overlord.The reporter taken hostage live on air in 1987 and forced to read the gunman's statements with the weapon pointed at his back has died aged 81.

Fight Back host David Horowitz had dementia and died on Thursday in Los Angeles, a family spokesman said.

The consumer journalist was taken hostage during a KNBC-TV 4pm broadcast in August 1987 by a gunman with mental health problems.

Fifteen-time Emmy Award winner Horowitz read the man's statements on camera although the hostage-taker didn't realize the broadcast had been cut. The weapon turned out to be an empty BB gun.

The experience led Horowitz to join a successful campaign to outlaw realistic-looking toy guns in California and other states.

An intruder with a gun takes journalist David Horowitz hostage during a live broadcast in 1987. The 'Fight Back' host had dementia and died on Thursday in Los Angeles

Horowitz remained calm and read the gunman's statements on camera, but the station had cut the broadcast without the gunman becoming aware of that fact

The gun turned out to be a toy BB gun, and Horowitz then took on the campaign to ban toy guns that look like real guns

Anchorman John Beard confiscates it the empty BB gun on August 20, 1987

In the footage from the hostage situation Horowitz can be seen talking to the camera about mail order shopping.

The gun wielding man, who identifies himself as Gary, then appears in shot to the left of him and Horowitz turns to ask: 'What is this?'

With the gun pressed into his back Horowitz remains calm and says: 'Ok, well let me read this. Folks we have someone on the set.'

His two co-hosts look on in horror before the journalist begins to engage the man in conversation, asking his name and where he is from.

It is revealed at the end of the statement that it was an empty BB gun and anchorman John Beard quickly confiscates it.

'Fight Back! With David Horowitz' won multiple Emmys and had a huge audience as Horowitz investigated product defects, tested advertising claims and confronted companies with customer complaints.

A popular feature on 'Fight Back!' were commercial challenges, which included 'products being dropped from a helicopter or being smashed with wrecking balls to test claims of strength' and even durability tests featuring an elephant.

It aired on KNBC-TV, where Horowitz was a consumer reporter for more than 15 years and was syndicated on dozens of TV stations across the country.

Horowitz also made regular appearances on KNBC newscasts and on NBC's 'Today' show. He also had a popular radio program and a newspaper column and authored several best-selling books.

Longtime consumer journalist David Horowitz, who won 15 Emmy Awards, has died at age 81

Reporter David Horowitz during an interview with Host Johnny Carson on April 22nd, 1975

Horowitz told the Los Angeles Times in 1988: 'I don't consider myself a consumer advocate. If you're on television you have to really be broadcasting in the public interest but you also have to be objective.

'I do a lot of stories where the consumer's wrong - where they're trying to rip off companies, too.'

Horowitz, born on June 30, 1937, in the Bronx, waged successful campaigns to remove life-threatening sulfites from salad bars and to require automakers to install rear window collision-avoidance lights.

And in 1981 he became the first newsman to receive the Chief U.S. Postal Inspector's Award for uncovering mail fraud, the Chicago Tribune reported.

He held a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

Horowitz also appeared as himself on episodes of 'Silver Spoons,' ''ALF,' ''The Golden Girls' and 'Saved by the Bell.'

Horowitz worked 'to make the world a better and more honest place', his family said in a statement.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, two daughters and two grandchildren.A spate of 'inhumane' and illegal wallaby joey adoptions have angered a wildlife rescue service and prompted calls to jail offenders.

Bush Babies Wildlife Rescue has been flooded by calls from people who have kept the joeys as pets, usually because they have been orphaned by hunters who have shot their mothers.

Teena Hanslow, who works for the rescue service, said hunters tend to domesticate the joeys because they are 'cute and cuddly' even though it's illegal and cruel.

A wildlife rescue group is concerned that too many joeys are being domesticated after being orphaned. Above, a black-footed wallaby at Adelaide Zoo

A baby wallaby being fed by Bush Baby Wildlife Rescue staff. 'A joey is equivalent to a neonatal baby,' staff member Teena Hanslow said

'They look at it and think 'oh, I'd really love to raise it' and they think they're cute and cuddly, but they don't realise they're not like a domestic dog or cat,' she told ABC News.

'A joey is equivalent to a neonatal baby and it requires strict feeding.'

There have also been reports of people killing joeys - usually by blunt force - for bait, according to Kristy Alger from Animal Liberation Australia.

She called the practice highly irresponsible and has called for jail time for repeat offenders.

Kristy Alger has criticised hunters who try to domesticate the joeys, calling their actions 'unjustifiable'

At present people can be fined up to $16,300 if they are taken to court.

Ms Alger also criticised hunters who try to domesticate the joeys, calling their actions 'unjustifiable'.

She said part of the problem stemmed from the fact that wallabies are often thought to be pests.

A representative of the Sporting Shooters Association of Tasmania disagreed with Ms Alger's comments.

'Part of that code of conduct is how to deal with pouch young, and I believe all shooters, especially members of our association follow that code of conduct,' Andrew Judd said.

Wallabies are often considered pests but they are different from kangaroos. Above, a green rosella and a wallaby share a drink in TasmaniaThe teen from Covington, Kentucky has sued the Washington Post for defamation, claiming the newspaper falsely accused him of racist acts and instigating a confrontation with a Native American activist in a January videotaped incident at the Lincoln Memorial.

The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Kentucky by Covington Catholic High School student Nicholas Sandmann, 16, seeks $250 million in damages, the amount that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos paid for the Post in 2013.

The lawsuit claims that the newspaper 'wrongfully targeted and bullied' the teen to advance its bias against President Donald Trump because Sandmann is a white Catholic who wore a Make America Great Again souvenir cap on a school field trip to the March for Life pro-life rally in Washington, DC on January 18.

The Washington Post's Vice President for Communications Kristine Coratti Kelly said: 'We are reviewing a copy of the lawsuit and we plan to mount a vigorous defense.'

Sandmann (left) was accused of 'taunting' Phillips (right) and blocking his path while 'smirking', when video showed that Phillips waded into the group of boys to confront them

In a photo that went viral from the incident, Sandmann is seen standing face to face with Native American activist Nathan Phillips. Sandmann stares smiling at him while Phillips sings and plays his drum.

The incident sparked outrage on social media. In early articles, the Post reported that the schoolboys 'surrounded' and 'taunted' 64-year-old Phillips.

The newspaper claimed that a 'smirking' Sandmann had stood in Phillip's path, blocking him from moving.

More extensive video of the events told a radically different story, showing the boys were subjected to racist abuse by a group of Black Hebrew Israelites, before Phillips waded into the group of students and banged his drum directly in Sandmann's face.

In a statement, Sandmann's Atlanta-based lawyer, Lin Wood, said additional similar lawsuits would be filed against other parties in the weeks ahead.

A private investigation firm retained by Covington Diocese in Park Hills, Kentucky, found in a report released last week no evidence the teenagers provoked a confrontation.

Phillips (above) spread the claim that the boys had chanted 'build that wall' at him, when nothing of the kind could be found in extensive video of the incident

Sandmann defended his actions in an interview, saying he meant no disrespect for Phillips and smiled because he thought it would diffuse the situation

The students were met at the Lincoln Memorial by offensive statements from members of the Black Hebrew Israelites, the report said.

The investigation also determined that the students did not direct any racist or offensive comments toward Phillips although several performed a 'tomahawk chop' to the beat of his drum.

Phillips claimed in a separate video that he heard the students chanting 'build that wall,' during the encounter, a reference to Trump's pledge to build a barrier along the U.S. border with Mexico.

The investigators said they found no evidence of such a chant and that Phillips did not respond to multiple attempts to contact him.

In a letter to parents this week, Covington Bishop Roger Foys said the students 'were placed in a situation that was at once bizarre and even threatening'.

'The immediate world-wide reaction to the initial video led almost everyone to believe that our students had initiated the incident and the perception of those few minutes of video became reality,' the bishop wrote.

Many interviewed students told investigators that they felt Phillips was coming into their group to join their own cheers, which were meant to drown out insults from the Black Hebrew Israelites.

Many students reported that they were confused but did not feel threatened by Phillips, the report said.

'We found no evidence of racist statements to Mr Phillips or members of his group,' the report said.

'Some students performed a "tomahawk chop" to the beat of Mr Phillips' drumming and some joined in Mr Phillips' chant.'

The investigators also reviewed related videos, including one made the same day in which a young person says: 'It's not rape if you enjoy it.'

The investigators say they determined that person was not a Covington Catholic student.The Church of England has accused the BBC of marginalising Songs of Praise after it moved its flagship religious show to a lunchtime slot.

The programme, which has been running for 57 years, used to air late on Sunday afternoons  sometimes going out at 6pm  when audiences were settling down in front of their televisions.

But in November, the BBC shifted it to the earlier time of 1.15pm, when many viewers are out or having Sunday lunch.

Addressing the General Synod, the Churchs governing body, member Chris Angus asked bishops if they had questioned why the only regular religious programme previously to be broadcast in peak time has  been marginalised to a slot early on Sunday afternoons.

The Church of England is unhappy that Songs of Praise, which is presented by Pam Rhodes (left), Aled Jones and Diane-Louise Jordan (right), has been moved to the lunchtime slot on the BBC

In a written answer, the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev John Sentamu, said: The Church House communications office has been in direct contact with the BBC regarding the scheduling of Songs of Praise.

The BBC has informed them the new scheduling time has been introduced to ensure the programme holds a consistent place in the schedule after the lunchtime news and is not dislodged by the over-running of any sporting events being broadcast later in the day.

The BBC yesterday defended the move, saying it wanted to make the programme easier for viewers to find, ensure consistency and avoid displacement by sporting events.

But the shake-up has sparked concern that older viewers are being forced to choose between watching the show and using Sundays for other activities.

A petition to return the programme to its original afternoon time has attracted over 1,000 signatures

A petition to return Songs of Praise to its later slot, which has attracted more than 1,000 signatures, also raised fears the BBC is deliberately burying the show in the schedules so it can eventually be dropped.

Caroline Hobbs, who launched the petition, said: For the housebound and those in care homes, like my mother, this is their only access to Sunday worship. They are unable to record it or use iPlayer.

By moving it to a time when they will be having lunch they are deprived of a much-loved programme. This will also mean that viewing figures will drop, which may lead to it being axed permanently.

She added: This is the only Christian programme still shown regularly on TV and although viewers may be in a minority, they still have a right to enjoy it.

Songs of Praise  first launched as an experiment in 1961  was made by the BBC until 2017, when the broadcaster decided to farm it out to commercial producers. At the time, the move was described as a nail in the coffin of the countrys religious literacy.National Australia Bank's embattled chief executive Andrew Thorburn will be handed a $1million exit payment after he was savaged in a royal commission report.

The $4.4million-a-year banking boss was savaged by retired High Court judge Kenneth Hayne, who slammed him and NAB chairman Ken Henry in his findings.

The pair both announced they would be stepping down from their roles just days after the damning report was released.

National Australia Bank's embattled chief executive Andrew Thorburn (pictured) will be handed a $1 million exit payment after he was savaged in a royal commission report

Mr Thorburn announced he would be stepping down from his role just days after the damning report was released.

Mr Thorburn is due to finish his time with the bank at the end of the month and will be handed a $1million payoff, but will miss out on millions of dollars in bonuses.

NAB says Mr Thorburn will receive $1.04million in lieu of 26 weeks' notice and will also be eligible for any outstanding leave.

However, he is giving up the possibility to collect up to almost $22million worth of shares as all his 'unvested deferred awards' will be forfeited in accordance with its rules.

This means Mr Thorburn will be walking away from more than 883,000 performance rights.

The bank has also sidelined outgoing chairman Ken Henry from the search for a new CEO, instead forming a special selection committee chaired by director Ann Sherry.

NAB announced on Wednesday acting chief executive Phil Chronican, a director at the bank, will be paid $150,000 monthly in his role as acting CEO.

The $4.4million-a-year banking boss was savaged by retired High Court judge Kenneth Hayne (pictured left with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg), who slammed him in his findings

The bank chiefs' resignation announcement came after NAB's shares were placed in a trading halt on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Thorburn was singled out in the 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 is due to finish his time with the bank at the end of the month and will be handed a $1 million payoff, but will miss out on millions of dollars in bonuses

'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 cannibal crab swarmed by millions of babies snacks on them in a rare video.

The pregnant Christmas Island red crab is seen picking up babies with her claws and popping them into her mouth.

The babies are seen returning from their ocean migration and heading to their jungle home when they are ambushed by the larger crustacean.

Every year 50 million Christmas Island red crabs migrate from the jungle to the coast to spawn their eggs into the sea. Most of the year the crabs live in burrows dug in the jungle. During the dry season they cover up the burrow entrance to keep it humid inside

The large crab is at the beach to lay her eggs, but at the same time a previous spawn of babies is returning.

It's claws are unequal in size since one has regrown after being severed.

Every year 50 million Christmas Island red crabs migrate from the jungle to the coast to spawn their eggs into the sea.

The newly-spawned baby crabs drift around out at sea for the first month of their life and if they are lucky, the currents bring them back to Christmas Island.

How shellfish! The hulking crab is at the beach to spawn her eggs at the same time that a previous spawn of babies is returning. One of its claws is bigger than the other meaning it has regrown a claw after its previous claw was severed

A smaller Christmas Island red crab scuttles across the beach on Christmas Island. The crustaceans reach sexual maturity when they are four to five years old. Their life-span is believed to be 20-30 years based on similar animals

Facts about Christmas Island red crabs A mature Christmas Island red crab Measure up to 11.6 centimetres

Estimated life span of 20-30 years

Reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years

Male crabs are larger

Females have a broader abdomen

Claws are usually equal size

Unequal claws occur when one claw is severed and the limb regrows Advertisement

Mature crabs migrate to the beach from October to December at the start of the wet season.

They can only spawn their eggs once a month in time with the tides and a special phase of the moon.

This can overlap with the previous months' babies returning, allowing opportunistic crabs to chow down on infants.

Most of the year the crabs live in burrows dug in the jungle.

During the dry season they cover up the burrow entrance to keep it humid inside.

The next wet season they leave the jungle to start the annual breeding cycle.

Male crabs arrive at the beach first and dig burrows which they defend from other males.

Females arrive after to spawn their offspring in the burrows and release them when the time is right.

The crustaceans reach sexual maturity when they are four to five years old.

Their life-span is believed to be 20-30 years based on similar animals.

The Christmas Island red crabs live on their namesake island and the Cocos Islands.

An estimated 43 million crabs live on Christmas Island alone.

Introduced yellow crazy ants have killed 1015 million red crabs in recent years.Meghan McCain has grilled fired FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe on whether he illicitly leaked to the New York Times, drawing a stunned reaction from the former lawman.

McCain directly confronted McCabe when he appeared on The View on Tuesday during a media tour to promote his new book, titled The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump.

McCabe was fired last year by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who cited his 'lack of candor' during an internal investigation into media leaks about the FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails.

'I don't believe you're a reliable narrator and I'm not convinced this isn't just some kind of PR campaign to stop yourself from getting indicted,' McCain said to McCabe.

Meghan McCain grilled fired FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe on whether he was a leaker to the New York Times when he appeared on The View on Tuesday

McCabe looked stunned as The View co-host icily pressed him on whether he was a leaker

'You were fired at the recommendation of the FBI, which, in your book, you cite four times how great of an organization it is, for your lack of candor.'

'I would like you to say right here on national TV that you were not a source for The New York Times. You were never a source for The New York Times, or any other publication, considering that is what you were accused of lying about,' McCain said as a stunned McCabe looked on.

'Absolutely not, not at any time, ever,' McCabe replied.

'When I was serving as deputy director, I was one of two people in the FBI that had the authority to disclose information to the media,' the disgraced FBI bureaucrat continued.

McCabe is seen in a promotional still for his Tuesday appearance on ABC's The View

'That is an FBI policy, it's baked into the way that we run media relations in the organization. So I transacted on issues regarding the media every single day,' he said.

McCain then pressed McCabe on why fired FBI Director James Comey had testified under oath that he had not authorized his deputy's communications with the press on the instance in question.

'I don't know why Jim Comey doesn't remember the conversations that we had in the same way that I do,' McCabe answered.

'It is understandable. He was under an enormous amount of stress at the time. He had a lot of other, kind of, more important things to worry about. I can't explain why he doesn't remember them the same way I do.'The federal government is so desperate to subliminally spread its message it has given $350,000 to scantily-clad Instagram influencers to promote its policies.

The Department of Health shelled out $293,127 in one year while Defence spent $55,000 of taxpayers' money over two years asking young social media personalities to put in a good word for them.

Women in bikinis with an Instagram following were the biggest beneficiaries of public funds, with more than 160 of them paid to spruik messages on exercise and getting vaccinated against genital warts.

A young male swimmer with a six-pack and muscles was also paid $350 for one Instagram post to promote a Navy program teaching children to sail, with the hashtags #hotboys, #hotguys and #musclebeach.

The federal government is so desperate to subliminally spread its message it has given $350,000 to scantily-clad Instagram influencers (Jade Tuncdoruk pictured)

The Department of Health shelled out $293,127 in just one year asking young social media personalities to put in a good word for them (Jade Tuncdoruk pictured)

The government departments this week confirmed how much they had spent in the 2017/18 financial year, following a budget estimates question in October from Tasmanian Labor senator Catryna Bilyk.

Health Minister Greg Hunt was so incensed at his department spending close to $300,000 paying Instagram influencers he put a stop to it last year.

'At my request, the department is pausing and reviewing any use of influencers,' he said.

'There would need to be a demonstrated benefit and demonstrated suitability of any individual going forward, for this to recommence.

Another influencer Brittney Saunders (pictured) also promoted the Department of Health's Girls Make Your Move campaign with a message about a Mother's Day Classic walk in Sydney

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has demanded an end to taxpayer funds going towards Instagram influencers (Brittney Saunders who has 604,000 followers pictured)

'This would need to include a thorough assessment and vetting process linked to improving the health of Australians.'

In one sponsored post Instagram personality Jade Tuncdoruk was paid to sell a government campaign to get women exercising more.

'I've become a supporter of the wonderful Girls Make Your Move campaign and I love being part of something so inspiring,' she told her 334,000 followers, getting 20,557 likes in June 2018.

Another influencer Brittney Saunders also promoted the Department of Health's Girls Make Your Move campaign with a message about a Mother's Day Classic walk in Sydney.

'You guys should come along and walk with me,' she told her 604,000 followers, garnering 31,491 likes in May last year.

Amateur Brisbane swimmer Lachlan Carter used the hashtags #hotguys and #hotboys to promote a Royal Australian Navy's program teaching children as young as 16 how to sail

The Department of Health confirmed it had spent $293,127 in the year from July 2017 promoting Girls Make Your Move, the Gardasil vaccinate against the human papillomavirus and palliative care for the dying.

While the Health bureaucrats were paying dozens of young women, the Department of Defence recruited amateur Brisbane-based swimmer Lachlan Carter to promote the Royal Australian Navy's Young Endeavour program which teaches children how to sail.

'Learn to sail and explore Australia's magnificent coastline,' he told his 59,900 followers, getting 2,819 likes in June last year.

Despite spruiking a program designed for children as young as 16, Carter used suggestive hashtags including #hotboys, #hotguys and #musclebeach.

For this one Instagram post, he was paid $350 on the public purse.

'Lachlan Carter's post was selected as he was a swimmer with an active water based lifestyle, with followers in the 16 to 23-year-old target audience,' a Defence spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

'Lachlan Carter received $350 for his Instagram post which was published on June 6, 2018.'

The swimmer with 59,900 Instagram followers used the hashtag #musclebeach to promote the Navy's Young Endeavour program, catering for teenagers and young adults

Defence confirmed it had spent $700 in the 2017/18 financial year promoting the Navy's Young Endeavour Youth Training Scheme with two influencers.

During the previous 2016/17 financial year, it gave $54,208 to social media influencers to promote the Air Force's 'What is Up' and Air Traffic Controller recruitment campaigns.

The Department of Defence stopped paying social media influencers last year, after using them to boost Royal Australian Air Force recruitment.

'Defence has ceased the use of social media influencers after government determined, in August 2018 that they would not be used for future campaigns,' a spokeswoman said.Watchdogs are launching a review into whether gamblers should be allowed to use credit cards to place bets.

The cards are used to wager as much as 8.6billion each year, but MPs say they can plunge addicts into a spiral of debt.

It comes after a Daily Mail investigation raised concerns about giant betting firms preying on vulnerable customers by offering them rebates, cash incentives and VIP perks.

Bet365  Britain's biggest online gambling company  currently allows customers to use credit cards, as do most other major betting firms, although they admit it is a 'high-risk payment method'.

Cards are used to wager as much as 8.6billion each year, but MPs say they can plunge addicts into a spiral of debt (stock image)

Labour MP Carolyn Harris, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group for gambling, said: 'The fact you're allowed to use credit cards to gamble is appalling. I have spoken to so many people who have used card after card to fuel their addictions. The fact it's that easy for people to destroy their lives is utterly unbelievable.'

Some banks, including Barclays, Lloyds, Santander and the Royal Bank of Scotland, allow customers to block themselves from gambling on debit and credit cards. But Mrs Harris believes banks need to 'take more responsibility' to help problem gamblers by giving them the power to set limits on the amount they can bet.

Matt Zarb-Cousin, spokesman for the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, added: 'If you went to the bank and asked for a loan because you wanted to go to the casino you would be laughed out of the branch so there is no justification for allowing gambling via credit cards.

'Betting more than you can afford is a sign of problem gambling, so permitting gambling on credit cards facilitates and endorses harmful activity.'

Campaigners on the issue say a ban on credit cards is long overdue. Last year the Labour Party announced it would prohibit them to tackle what it described as Britain's gambling 'epidemic'.

The Gambling Commission's credit card review will be launched later this week and could lead to tougher regulations. As part of its review, the watchdog will hear evidence on the practice and consult with the gambling companies. The commission said last year that it had begun assessing the merits of a credit cards ban. The UK's leading problem gambling charity, GambleAware, has also backed the measure.

Jeremy Wright, the Culture Secretary, last month said he would discuss credit card gambling with bookmakers and banks ahead of the regulator's review. He said: 'Protecting people from the risks of gambling-related harm is vital.

'All businesses with connections to gambling  be that bookmakers, social media platforms or banks  must be socially responsible.

The UK's leading problem gambling charity, GambleAware, has also backed the measure (stock image)

'The Government will not hesitate to act if businesses don't continue to make progress in this area and do all they can to ensure vulnerable people are protected. We should ask if it is right that people should be able to gamble on credit and this is an area the Gambling Commission are going to look into.'

Gambling with Lives, which represents families bereaved by gambling-related suicide, said: 'The facilitation of gambling by credit offered by banks requires stricter control and action on this is crucial. Gambling addiction is a serious health problem that can lead to suicide.'

A Daily Mail expose this week revealed how betting firms entice customers by routinely rewarding them with cash returns on big losses.

Campaigners say the rebate schemes can lock vulnerable players in a spiral of betting that can develop into serious addiction. MPs have called for a ban on the practice.

Ministers are under pressure to tighten legislation as figures show 480,000 problem gamblers in the UK and a further two million at risk.The battle for Australia's top supermarket is heating up with Woolworths retaking the lead over Coles during the second quarter.

Woolworths has bounced back after a tough year, posting a half-year net profit of $920million for the six months to December 30.

The supermarket giant's food sales increased by 2.7 per cent for the second quarter, which has seen it edge out rival Coles that reported sluggish results.

The battle for Australia's top supermarket is heating up with Woolworths finally taking the lead over Coles during the second quarter (stock image)

Coles sales growth slowed in the second quarter, with 1.3 per cent growth reported.

Coles has held the top spot for the previous three months  thanks in large part to the 'Little Shop' campaign that saw customers go on a collectable craze.

The chain also had the upper hand after Woolworths decided to stop offering free plastic bags at its checkouts in August last year.

Coles half-year net profit fell 14 per cent to $738 million.

Coles chief executive Steven Cain told analysts on Tuesday it was a 'solid outcome in a challenging retail environment'.

'There's no doubt the convenience movement is moving faster than we are and that's something we need to accelerate.'

Coles had sluggish sales growth in the second quarter, with 1.3 per cent growth reported (stock image)

Woolworths' results fell below market expectation, which predicted a $968 million profit.

Woolworths Group chief executive Brad Banducci said in a statement to ASX it had been a 'challenging half across all of our businesses with subdued customer demand and volatile weather in the second quarter'.

'While the first half was below our financial expectations, we made progress in a number of important areas and are confident that if we remain focused on our key priorities,' he said.

'We will continue to transform our business for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.'

The turnaround comes as Woolworths announced it would remove its cheap home-brand milk from its shelves this week, in a bid to help struggling dairy farmers.

Consumers were putting pressure on Coles to follow but a Coles spokeswoman said they would not be increasing the price of their budget milk.

The turnaround comes as Woolworths announced it would remove its cheap home-brand milk from its shelves this week, in a bid to help struggling dairy farmers (stock image)

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud was calling for a boycott of Aldi and Coles for not increasing the price of home-brand milk.

Consumers have the power to force a change by refusing to shop at the chains, he said.

'Coles and the big German Aldi must begin to charge consumers a fair price for milk immediately. There's no point having cheap milk for consumers today if it sends farmers broke,' he said.

'Supermarkets can't pretend selling milk cheap doesn't hurt farmers and they've got to be called out on this rubbish.

'Selling milk cheaper than water devalues the product and the work farmers put into it.'

Last year, Woolworths began offering a 'Drought Relief Milk' range, at $1.10 a litre, with 10 cents to go to farmers.

But it also continued to sell it's $1 range alongside the more expensive product.

The NSW Farmers Association said the decision was a huge win for farmers, who had been fighting for change since $1 a litre milk was introduced.A holiday hotspot in Indonesia has been transformed into an unsightly wasteland after a tide of rubbish washed ashore during a storm.

Shocking new footage shows Kuta Beach, on Bali's south coast, littered with plastic waste following a heavy rain storm last Wednesday.

The beach, once a popular tourist destination, has been beset with waste problems that are now threatening the area's tourism business.

The issue is at its worst from December to March with seasonal winds and heavy rain forcing the rubbish to accumulate on the beach.

A clip posted by a witness shows the devastating aftermath that has left the beach nearly uninhabitable.

 Slide me  From paradise to wasteland: Shocking new images show the Kuta Beach transformed into a wasteland following a heavy rain storm which brought in a tide of trash to shore last week

The beach, once a popular tourist destination, has been beset with waste problems which are at their worst from December to March with seasonal winds and heavy rain forcing the rubbish to accumulate

'In 17 years, I never saw a situation like this. The amount of plastic is unreal. Unreal,' the witness says.

Earlier this month, photos showed bikini-clad tourists relaxing near the shore despite being surrounded by trash and debris.

Pockets of golden sand have managed to peek through the flooded shoreline that has been inundated by driftwood and refuse.

Plastic bags, discarded cups and straws were among the rubbish brought up by swirling currents.

A tide of trash has washed ashore on a tourist hotspot in Bali, transforming the picturesque beach into more of a disaster zone

Kuta, on Bali's south coast, tends to be swamped by holidaymakers taking in the party atmosphere

However, shocking images have emerged this week showing the beach teeming with rubbish instead

Pockets of golden sand have managed to peak through the flooded shoreline that has been covered in piles of driftwood

Plastic bags, discarded cups and straws were also hidden amongst the rubbish brought up by swirling currents

Rubbish has increasingly become a problem at the tourist hotspot with officials starting to send out hundreds of cleaners and trucks to remove the debris.

The annual monsoon season tends to make Bali's rubbish problem far worse, Putu Eka Merthawan from the local environment agency told news.com.au.

Indonesia is among the worst contributors to plastic pollution, with 200,000 tonnes of plastic washing into the ocean, according to a study published by the journal Nature Communications in 2017.Tech-savvy young people have been urged to prevent parents and grandparents from falling for online romance scams.

Speaking to ABC's Four Corners earlier this month, Queensland police Detective Inspector Vince Byrnes said many scams could be easily avoided with a chat.

'Those tech-savvy younger people in our community, they can really help friends and family - be it parents and grandparents - to have a different perspective on what may be happening online with that new prospective partner,' Det. Insp. Byrnes said.

Tech-savvy young people have been urged to prevent parents and grandparents from falling for online romance scams

According to the program, there's a growing concern over the rise of international scamming syndicates, which are costing Aussies billions of dollars every year.

With an abundance of online romance sites comes plenty of opportunities for scammers to woo unsuspecting and vulnerable Australians - particularly the elderly, Det. Insp. Byrnes said.

'The use of social media by which scammers can target individuals has been noticed by police, it's a medium which they've used and have moved into mobile apps including Tinder, Facebook and other social media venues,' Det. Insp. Byrnes said.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has also noticed an upward trend in scammers targeting hopeless romantics.

According to the ACCC's Scamwatch, scamming via apps has increased by more than 300 per cent, with more than $1.2million people being scammed in January alone.

One woman who fell victim to an online scammer she met on the app WeChat told the publication she handed over $300,000 in the space of a few months.

The woman - who asked to remain anonymous - said despite her initial doubts, she still managed to fall for the scammer's charms and gave him whatever he wanted.

Det. Insp. Byrnes said with more people using the internet and apps to find love, there's a greater pool of victims that can be targeted by criminals - in particular older people

Senior Constable Steve Smith told the publication it's crucial to maintain privacy so you can avoid being targeted and profiled by scammers.

'That information is the bread and butter for our romance scammers, they will analyse that long before they ever make an initial contact with a potential victim,' Constable Smith said.

The constable said one of the biggest problems is people's inability to recognise when they are being scammed by crooks - no doubt as a result of being smitten.

Speaking up about online relationships with loved ones - whether a friend or family member - could prevent terrible losses, identity theft, or financial failure, he said.Officials have taken action in family court cases where extremism concerns were raised about more than 150 children, a report shows.

The ground-breaking study by the Henry Jackson Society (HJS), an influential security think-tank, concluded Islamic State bride Shamima Begum is likely to see her Syria-born son Jerah removed from her care if she manages to return to Britain.

She would also be forced to undertake an intense de-radicalisation programme in an attempt to change her extremist behaviour.

The ground-breaking study concluded Islamic State bride Shamima Begum (pictured) is likely to see her Syria-born son Jerah removed from her care if she manages to return to Britain

And the 19-year-old can be expected to be placed under surveillance by the authorities with strict conditions on what she does and who she meets, it said.

Begums likely fate was gleaned from the HJSs study of the known English court cases involving children in need of protection from radicalisation during the Islamic State era.

The report found that between January 2013 and this month, 156 children were in the family court over extremism.

An analysis of 20 cases, involving 43 children, found 52 per cent of families had at least one member who had joined IS.

In 55 per cent of cases, the family was influenced by Al Muhajiroun, the banned terror group formerly led by hate preacher Anjem Choudary.

One in five radicalisation cases involved children who were home schooled, suggesting that keeping children isolated from mainstream education made it easier to indoctrinate them.

In 55 per cent of cases, the family was influenced by Al Muhajiroun, the banned terror group formerly led by hate preacher Anjem Choudary (pictured)

The study also found that girls like Begum who joined IS were more likely than boys to have self-radicalised by independently seeking out extremist material.

The report, Radicalising Our Children, by HJS terrorism specialist Nikita Malik, warned the courts were frequently powerless to take steps to protect the welfare of children at risk of brainwashing.

It concluded guidance to judges on radicalisation should be updated so they could make decisions on the real possibility that a child is at risk due to the actions or opinions of their parents, rather than the unrealistic standard of proof that they had suffered significant harm.

Some parents who were radicalising their children could appear to be loving parents  meaning it was less likely youngsters would be taken into care. Stock image

Some parents who were radicalising their children could appear to be loving parents  meaning it was less likely youngsters would be taken into care.

Judges should also be instructed to make more use of powers to make children wards of court, which meant they might not be removed from their parents but could be monitored and hit with travel bans as part of stringent conditions.

Miss Malik said: The UK faces a real and imminent prospect of a wave of women from Islamic State returning to the UK with babies and children in tow.

They return to a family courts system that is not currently up to the task of handling the serious challenges of extremism.

The family courts requires urgent reform to ensure that they are procedurally fit for this emergent risk. Failure to see such reform could mean the children of extremists remain in the hands of their potentially dangerous parents.

Judge tells IS bride she is too dangerous to raise her daughter

A British jihadi bride who returned to the UK has been told she is too dangerous to raise her toddler daughter.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, left Britain with her husband in March 2015 and the couple lived in the war-torn cities of Raqqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq. Their child was born in Syria in 2016.

She later spent time in a Turkish detention camp before flying home, where she escaped prosecution despite her extremist views.

Her husband, who like her is in his early 20s, remains abroad, where he faces criminal charges for his involvement with Islamic State.

Details of the womans case were aired last year in a lengthy custody case in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

Mrs Justice Gwynneth Knowles ruled that she posed a serious threat to her young daughter, who is now living with her paternal non-Muslim grandmother in Britain.

Outlining her concerns about the child, who is now 26 months old, the judge said: In summary my findings were that the child had been exposed to the risk of significant harm by her parents who had travelled to Syria and lived in a warzone.

Her father had been radicalised and held extremist Islamist beliefsHer mother shared the same extremist ideology Furthermore, there was a risk that the mother would radicalise her daughter.

The woman is now thought to be living in a council flat in East London. Her husband  a Muslim convert who was born a Christian  is being held in Turkey and is awaiting trial for terror offences.Jussie Smollett's siblings hit out at naysayers on Tuesday and said their brother was the victim of a vicious media which has turned him into a villain.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday afternoon, the actor's brother Jocqui shared a Malcolm X quote which read: 'This is the media, an irresponsible media. It will make the criminal look like he's the victim and make the victim look like he's the criminal.

'If you aren't careful, the media will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.'

Their sister Jurnee Smollett-Bell re-posted it later.

In another post, Jocqui reposted a tweet which read: 'I have a feeling even if we had video of Jussie Smollett being attacked... y'all would still discredit him.

Jocqui Smollett and Jurnee Smollett both shared this Malcolm X quote on Tuesday in support of their brother Jussie

Jocqui also shared this tweet in support of his brother who is facing questions over his alleged involvement in the attack

Jocqui is pictured with Jussie on the latter's birthday in an Instagram post, left, and with his sister Jurnee, right

'Because it's easier to believe what aligns with your contempt for survivors of hate crimes, sexual abuse, etc who happen to be LGBTQ+, disabled or women.'

Smollett's family, who are also actors, have stood by him vocally since the incident on January 29.

They spoke out before he did to condemn the incident as it was described and call for an end to hate crimes.

In the last two weeks, Smollett has been forced to deny allegations that he orchestrated the attack and paid two Nigerian-descent brothers to carry it out.

The claims originated from unnamed police sources who continue to leak details of the investigation.

They said Smollett made it up either because he feared he was being written out of Empire, something Fox has ruled out, or because a threatening letter he received a week before the incident did not receive enough attention.

The letter is now being analyzed by the FBI and the United States Postal Service.

Abimbola 'Abel' and Olabinjo 'Ola' Osundairo have both been questioned over the alleged attack and say they were paid by Smollett to carry it out

This is the letter Smollett allegedly received at the Fox studio, a week before the January 29 incident. It is now being analyzed by the FBI and the US Postal Service. The brothers reportedly told investigators Smollett knew about it and was involved in sending it

Smollett and Empire producer Dennis Hammer both handled it with gloves before the police arrived to investigate it on January 22.

It contained a white powdery substance and had the words: 'Smollett Jussie you will die, black f*g' written out in cut and pasted magazine lettering.

Smollett, during an interview with Good Morning America last week, spoke of the letter as proof that he was under constant attack as a gay black man.

He described it on the show and said: 'Did I make that up too?'

His story is now being relentlessly undermined by the Chicago PD's investigation which, in its latest development, has reportedly found footage of the brothers taking a ride-share to where they allegedly attacked the star.

According to police sources cited by CBS and Page Six, Abel and Ola Osundairo were filmed in a car on their way to the downtown Chicago spot where they are said to have attacked Smollett.

They seemed 'nervous' in the car and also on the bench while they watched Smollett walk past them, according to the sources.

They are said to have claimed in police interviews last week that Smollett, who is openly gay, paid them $3,500 to jump him in what he later told police was a racist and homophobic attack where his assailants yelled: 'This MAGA country!'

Smollett did not return home to his apartment on January 29, the day of the attack, until after midnight. At around 2am, he went out to get a sandwich from a Subway near his building and claims he was jumped on his walk home. There is only a small window of time for him to have been seen in the building with the brothers before the alleged attack was reported at 2.42am

Authorities received a tip on Tuesday that the brothers were seen Smollett's apartment building in an elevator with him on the night of the attack but that was quickly ruled out after they reviewed surveillance footage from inside the building.

Smollett knew at least one of the brothers and even trained with them in the gym, paid them and promised them more money after they had returned from Nigeria.

They allegedly said he told them where to buy the rope that was tied around his neck in the neck.

The Empire star follows the brothers on Instagram and admitted using one as a personal trainer in the past.

He hired a team of lawyers this week and is expected to be questioned again by police soon.

According to production sources, he has had his scenes in the forthcoming episodes of Episode cut drastically in light of the scandal.

Fox would not comment on it on Tuesday when contacted repeatedly by DailyMail.com.

The timeline of the incident is as follows.

Smollett returned home from New York City on a delayed flight sometime around midnight or afterwards on January 29.

He broadcast details of the delay on Instagram in what police now say may have been a way for him to communicate with the two brothers.

At around 2am, he went out to get a sandwich from Subway and was walking home in freezing conditions when he claims he was attacked and had the noose put around his neck.

Surveillance cameras picked him up leaving the subway, they caught the two brothers sitting on a bench and they caught Smollett walking back into his apartment building with a rope around his neck but no footage of the attack has been found.

Once Smollett was back inside his building, his friend, 60-year-old Frank Gatson, called the police.

It was around 40 minutes after the attack had happened and Smollett was still wearing the rope around his neck to preserve it as evidence.

He took himself to the hospital afterwards and was given the all-clear and stayed relatively quiet as the word reacted in horror and disbelief to the details of the incident.

He then played a sold-out show in Los Angeles where he was triumphant and cheered on by fans.

In the days that followed, whispers of doubt began leaking from the Chicago police department and his cooperation with the probe came into question as detectives revealed that he had not handed over his phone.

Smollett, frustrated by the growing skepticism surrounding his story, appeared on Good Morning America to plead his case.

Within hours of his interview being aired, it emerged that the brothers had been taken into custody and were being questioned about the theory that it was a hoax.A massive winter storm with more than 200 million people in its path is bearing down on the East Coast.

Heavy flooding rains falling on much of the Deep South on Tuesday night are expected to change over to ice and snow as the system hits the mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Wednesday.

The storm is expected to affect parts of 39 states, and roughly 60 percent of the country's population is in its path.

'Snow will move from southwest to northeast into Ohio and the Mid-Atlantic region late tonight, changing to a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain and eventually all rain for many,' the National Weather Service said in a flash bulletin on Tuesday.

Wednesday's forecast map shows rain, ice and snow hitting states up the East Coast

By Thursday, the storm system will move into northern New England and into Canada

A satellite of the storm is seen over the Eastern US as of 6.36pm ET on Tuesday

The agency said that the time of changeover from snow to ice would vary by location, but would be delayed in the Central Appalachians, where significant ice accumulation of a quarter inch along with four to eight inches of snow could be possible.

'Major cities along I-95 from Boston to Richmond will likely see some from of frozen precipitation at the onset before changing over to rain,' the agency said.

Farther south, heavy rain is expected to continue Lower Mississippi Valley into portions of the Ohio Valley, drenching already saturated ground and raising the risk of flooding.

'Flood and flash flood watches are already in effect for many of these locations. Additional heavy rain is expected to begin for some of these same locations impacted by flooding Thursday night,' said the NWS.

Winter weather alerts are in effect for parts of many states in the Midwest and Northeast

Snow is forecast for much of the upper Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Northeast

The Central Appalachians will see the highest risk of ice accumulation through Thursday

The storm is referred to as Winter Storm Petra by the Weather Channel, a designation not recognized by the government or other forecasters.

Parts of southern Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland face the highest risk of heavy ice accumulation and subsequent downed power lines and power outages.

For much of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, snow and ice conditions will make the roads hazardous for evening commutes on Wednesday.

Schools throughout much of the mid-Atlantic are expected to close on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, a Delta flight from Milwaukee to Atlanta was forced to make an emergency landing in Chattanooga, Tennessee after the pilot reported a possible lightning strike, according to the FAA.Shamima Begum was just 15 when she left her home in London to pursue her twisted dream of an Islamist utopia.

As the mother of a girl the same age, I know full well how stubborn and complicated they can be.

I also know how easily influenced they are and how hard it is to make them see sense.

So I am not entirely unsympathetic to her story.

Its fair to assume that Shamima was extremely lost and vulnerable at the time  ideal prey for the propagandists of Isis.

ISIS bride Shamima Begum has had her citizenship revoked according to a letter from the Home Office to her family

For that, and that alone, I believe she deserves some sympathy. Yet, what Shamima and her two friends did was beyond the realms of normal teenage rebellion. Many young people suffer terrible family traumas. They dont all then go and join religious death cults.

But that is not the only reason Shamima now finds herself stripped of British citizenship, alone in a refugee camp, nursing a newborn baby, her Isis fighter husband missing and her other two children dead.

From the very first moment she spoke to the Press, demanding to be allowed to return to the UK, she has shown herself to be utterly incapable of understanding the magnitude of her mistakes.

In every interview, she continued to spout Isis dogma and to go out of her way to insult the innocent victims of terrorism and their grieving relatives.

Shamima Begum, 19 (pictured before she left the country four years ago) is pleading with the government to allow her back into Britain

Her latest inanity was to claim that the murder of 22 people  many of them girls her age  at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in May 2017 was fair justification after Western air strikes against Isis in Syria.

As for repentance, no chance. Such is Begums ignorance and monumental sense of entitlement that it seems she cant even be bothered to pretend to be sorry.

In fact, she tells us, it is we who should feel sorry for her, for everything Ive been through.

In that respect, Shamima is truly a snowflake terrorist; someone who subscribes wholeheartedly to the prevailing victim culture and blames everyone but herself for her actions (her lawyer says Tower Hamlets Council, her school and the police are all culpable).

And then, when the situation she has put herself in no longer suits her, she complains because no one is rushing to her rescue. In other words, its not her fault she ran away to join Isis  it was the system wot made her do it.

The same system that welcomed her parents when they arrived here from Bangladesh, offering shelter, healthcare, education and opportunity. The same system that ensured she grew up in a country where women have equal status to men; and where her right to practise her religion freely and without fear of reprisal is meticulously upheld.

Shamima is pictured walking through Gatwick Airport on February 17 2015 as she left the UK

Good grief, what hell it must have been! No wonder she scarpered at the very first opportunity!

Her stupidity is matched only by her arrogance. And that is the real tragedy of people like Shamima.

It is precisely because they grew up in Britain that they have the freedom to express their loathing for the nation that nurtured them.

A civilisation shaped, by the way, by the sacrifice of so many  not least the World War I veterans whose memory Shamimas lawyer besmirched this week when he compared her suffering to theirs.

But, instead of appreciating that freedom, Shamima chose instead to reject our values and join a group of murderous, rapist psychopaths.

It is the ultimate betrayal.

The truth is, Shamima Begum willingly allied herself to the people who have been responsible for some of the worst  and most visible  terrorist atrocities of the past two decades. Not least the suicide bombing she so blithely dismisses as fair justification.

A terrorist atrocity targeted specifically at the kind of people Isis most despises: liberated young Western girls daring to express themselves.

Girls who will now never grow up  or have children of their own.

Shes a British citizen at the end of the day, her lawyer told us last week. Theres an innocent child here, the baby. The family are aware of how people feel. But its their daughter and their grandson.

That is all very true. But Manchester Arena, too, was full of innocent children  daughters and grandchildren  on that fatal day in May 2017. Innocent loved ones who will never be coming home.

And now, thanks to the decisive action of Home Secretary Sajid Javid, neither will Shamima.

It is not Britain that has turned its back on her, but she who has turned her back on Britain.

The spy at the cash machine

In a world where privacy is at a premium, there is something deeply sinister about the slow, but steady, disappearance of cash on our streets.

Burslem in Stoke-on-Trent has become the first large town in Britain to lose all its free cashpoints. Now, residents have to pay by card or fork out between 95p and 3.50 every time they withdraw the readies from Link ATM machines.

Given the way that internet giants such as Facebook and Google have, over the past few years, profited from selling our data, should we really be putting our trust in banks and this growing surveillance economy? Increasingly, they know when and where weve used our cards, how much weve spent and on what.

Most of us, of course, have nothing to hide. But, sometimes, all we want is a few quid to buy a coffee and a cronut without feeling Big Brother knows and is wagging a finger at us.

Model on the catwalk Push Button show, Runway, Fall Winter 2019, London Fashion Week

A leg-up for fashion

Some people think that the world of fashion is frivolous and silly.

But, as this young lady so ably demonstrated on the Push Button catwalk at London Fashion Week yesterday, this is simply not the case. Behold: a practical use for all those old pairs of opaque black tights clogging up your drawers.

A stitch in time can save your sanity . . .

MPs are calling for children to be taught the joy of sewing in a bid to tackle the environmental damage caused by fast fashion.

Growing up, I was one of the few among my girlfriends who could wield a needle  possibly because I was at school in Italy, where feminist dogma and political correctness had not yet eradicated such useful domestic skills.

In any case, Ive never understood how not being able to sew helps the sisterhood  if anything its the opposite, since what we Western women are too liberated to do only ends up falling to poor unskilled women, who get paid a pittance to work in appalling conditions.

Provided both boys and girls are taught to sew, the MPs are right: there is a huge amount of satisfaction to be gained from being halfway handy with a needle and thread.

And they are also right when they say that sewing can act as an antidote to anxiety and the mental health crisis in teenagers.

One of my favourite things to do when it all gets too much is to work on my tapestry. Im slower than an arthritic snail  but the therapeutic effects are something I can personally attest to. Not so much a stitch in time as a stitch in the mind.

Kim Kardashian West at the 5th Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards at The Avalon in Hollywood, California

For once in her life, ridiculous reality TV queen Kim Kardashian (pictured) hit the nail on the head when she said that her hairdresser has changed [her] life.

My own hairdresser (Lucinda Ellery) certainly changed my life after providing a solution to my hair loss  and there are millions of women who feel the same.

In fact, the average amount of time a woman stays loyal to the same hairdresser is around 12 years  nearly a year longer than your average marriage!

Far be it from me to criticise, but doesnt it seem just a little odd that the Duchess of Sussex is prepared to fly long-haul to New York while seven months pregnant for a baby shower, but cant make the trip to try to patch things up with her (admittedly tricky) father?

Is your pooch driving you (and your neighbours) barking mad? The solution  as with so many things these days it seems  is cannabis oil. Only trouble is that its not yet licensed in the UK for use in animals  although human consumption of the stuff is, of course, now legal. I havent tried it yet myself; but there is something impossibly endearing about a nation that has stricter regulations governing what remedies we can administer to our pets than what we and our children can take ourselves.

Donatella Versace paid tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, who has died: Your genius touched the lives of many. Only if you happened to be one of the many who could afford to spend 1,000 on a handbag!

Derek Hatton  Yes. Luciana Berger  No. Thats Labour under Jeremy Corbyn in a nutshell. Enough said.Michael Neil, 29, told police he stabbed his wife's in Elwood, Indiana, early on Monday

An Indiana man told police he was sleeping at home when he was awoken by his wife having sex with another man, so he stabbed the lover, according to authorities.

Michael Neil, 29, was taken into custody on Monday at his apartment in Elwood.

He has been charged with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, Fox59 reported.

Officers with the Elwood Police Department were called to the apartment building where Neil lives during the early morning hours of Monday.

The name of the victim has not been released at this time.

A neighbor had made the call to authorities, saying 'multiple subjects' were fighting inside a nearby unit.

Neil told police he was sleeping at home (shown) when he was awoken by his wife having sex with another man, so he stabbed the lover, according to authorities

Neil (pictured) has been charged with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon

When police arrived to the home on North 20th Street at around 12.30am, they found another man in his parked car, outside the apartment.

The man in the car was suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Neil was inside, according to officers, covered in blood.

Officers said Neil told them he woke up to find the other man having sex with his wife, and then attacked him.

He said he went to the bedroom for a knife and stabbed the other man, according to police.

Both men were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Police obtained a search warrant to process the scene, including the victim's car and the apartment.

Authorities were able to gather evidence and collect DNA.

The investigation remains ongoing at this time.French President Emmanuel Macron wears a kippa as he visit the vandalized Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim, eastern France

French President Emmanuel Macron wore a traditional kippa to visit a Jewish cemetery today in a show of solidarity with French Jews following a spike in hate crimes against them.

Mr Macron visited the vandalised Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim, a small town in the north-eastern Alsace region near the German border, where 96 tombstones had been spray-painted with blue and yellow swastikas.

Later on Tuesday evening, thousands rallied against anti-Semitism in Paris and other French cities today following a series of aggressive hate-crimes targeting Jewish sites.

Macron said he felt shame at the sight of the defaced grave markers.

'This looks like absurd stupidity,' the French leader said, looking visibly sad and concerned.

'We shall act, we shall pass laws, we shall punish,' he told local Jewish community leaders.

People gather at the Republique square to protest against anti-Semitism, in Paris, France on Tuesday evening

In Paris and dozens of other French cities, ordinary citizens and officials across the political spectrum geared up Tuesday to march and rally against anti-Semitism

'Those who did this are not worthy of the Republic,' he said, later placing a white rose on a tombstone commemorating Jews deported to Germany during World War II.

'We will take action,' he promised.

'Every time a French person, because he or she is Jewish, is insulted, threatened - or worse, injured or killed - the whole Republic' is attacked, Mr Macron said at a news conference in Paris.

The rallies across France drew thousands in the wake of a spike in anti-Semitic hate crimes

Hours before the rallies started, Macron also went to the Shoah Memorial, a Holocaust museum in Paris, to observe a moment of silence with parliament leaders.

In the French capital, former presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy joined a demonstration led by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Republic Plaza.

Political parties from across the spectrum participated in the nationwide rallies with the theme 'That's enough', although Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party held a separate event.

France is home to the world's largest Jewish population outside Israel and the United States.

But many French Jews are on edge after the government announced a 74 per cent jump in anti-Jewish offences in 2018 after two years of decline.

Dr. Moshe Kantor, President of the European Jewish Congress (EJC) said: 'There is a pattern of sadly rapidly increasing antisemitism that needs to be dealt with immediately before it becomes a pandemic of hate against Jews.'

Among the incidents arousing worries of renewed anti-Semitism was a torrent of hate speech directed at Jewish philosopher Alain Finkielkraut during a Saturday march by yellow vest protesters.

A video of the scene showed the protester calling the philosopher Alain Finkielkraut a 'dirty Zionist' and telling him 'France belongs to us'.

A man holds placard as he takes part with others in a rally against anti-semitism in Marseille

A flare-up of anti-Semitic acts culminated in a violent tirade against a prominent writer during 'yellow vest' anti-government protests last weekend. Some 96 Jewish graves were also vandalised in the village of Quatzenheim, close to the border with Germany

In recent incidents, swastika graffiti was found on street portraits of Simone Veil - a survivor of Nazi death camps and a European Parliament president who died in 2017.

The word 'Juden' was painted on the window of a bagel restaurant in Paris, and two trees planted at a memorial honouring a young Jewish man tortured to death in 2006 were vandalised, one cut down.

Two youths were arrested on Friday after they allegedly fired shots at a synagogue with an air rifle in the Paris suburb of Sarcelles, where a large Jewish community lives.

Sarcelles mayor Patrick Haddad told BFMTV on Tuesday that prosecutors believe the motive was anti-Semitism.An Indian father, 27, will be deported and his ex-wife, 22, jailed for abusing their toddler and blaming the bruises on demons.

The former couple, who legally cannot be named, appeared in Townsville District Court this week to be sentenced over the abuse of their three-year-old, which lasted eight months.

The court heard when authorities assessed the child she had to be wiped down because she was so dirty.

She was also underweight, had bruises all over her body, and fractures in her right leg, shoulder, arm, and collarbone, according to the Townsville Bulletin.

An Indian father, 27, will be deported and his ex-wife, 22, jailed for abusing their toddler

On one occasion, the 27-year-old father grabbed the child's left ankle and swung her around the room to check her pain tolerance.

The abuse occurred as the two travelled between Brisbane, Mackay and Gladstone along the southern Queensland coast.

The mother's defence barrister explained she had not had a smooth upbringing.

He said she had left home at 15, fallen pregnant in Grade 12, and left school after a bout of morning sickness.

Prosecutors told the court the mother and father's attempts to explain their actions were characterised by lies, minimisation, and bizarre explanations, including the mother claiming the child was inhabited by demons that caused the bruising.

Defence barrister for the father told the court he arrived in Australia in 2014 to study and intended to leave the country when his visa expired in 2017.

He admitted his actions and expressed his regret in a letter read to the court.

During sentencing, Judge John Coker said the former couple's actions amounted to 'both physical and emotional harm directed to this little girl' and they had failed to respond to the distress the child was under.

He said the behaviour was so repeated that when the child heard a tapping spoon on a hard surface she was conditioned to curl up in fear of what may follow.

The woman received a sentence of three years and will be eligible for parole on September 6, having already spent 161 days in jail.

The man has spent 15 months in jail and received a sentence of three years and nine months, but will likely be deported for the remainder of his sentence.

The court heard the child has minor developmental issues but has now gained weight and is doing well.A popular Sydney restaurant has followed a new industry trend by banning iPhones and iPads from its venue.

The Pazar Food Collective in Canterbury, Sydney, made the decision to ban external distractions, including colouring books and building blocks, from their restaurant in a bid to encourage families and patrons to enjoy each other's company instead.

Pazar's owner, Attila Yilmaz said use of phones to take snap shots of a family dinner would not be banned but the most important thing was that it didn't undermine the family experience.

Popular Sydney restaurant, Pazar Food Collective, (pictured) has followed a new industry trend by banning iPhones and iPads from its venue along with colouring books, board games and even building blocks

'Reasonable use of your camera to capture memories will be accepted and not discouraged as long as it doesn't interfere with the dining experience of others,' he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

'There's a time and a place for everything, and when it's date night for me, the last thing I want to do sit next to kids with their iPads going.'

The ban also applies to unruly and loud children and adults who impact a patron's enjoyment of their meal.

In August, another Sydney restaurant, Bistecca, banned mobile phones for a similar reason to the Pazar Food Collective.

Bistecca co-owner, James Bradey, told Broadsheet social media has its advantages, but not at the dinner table.

'Social media is a fantastic way for businesses to connect with audiences, but it shouldn't replace an experience that can be shared among friends,' he said.

Pazar's owner, Attila Yilmaz said use of phones to take snap shots of a family dinner would not be banned but the most important thing was that is didn't undermine the experience (stock image)

People are surprised, but so far they are [open] to the idea and, post dinner, love it.'

Poll Do you agree with banning mobile devices in restaurants? Yes No Do you agree with banning mobile devices in restaurants? Yes 50 votes

No 11 votes Now share your opinion





He said the idea first came to him during a forced mobile-free dinner in Italy when they had no data at their restaurant.

'Out of habit, most people check their smartphone, so it was refreshing not reaching for them during dinner. The theme of Bistecca was brainstormed over a mobile-less table,' he said.

Meanwhile, the Contact Bar and Kitchen in Woolloomooloo, inner Sydney, is also championing the revolutionary idea, as its name would suggest.

The Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant was founded on the owner Markus Stauder's desire to get his customers to take a digital detox when dining at his Crown street restaurant.

Markus Stauder told Daily Mail Australia: 'The birth of this concept consists of hundreds of these moments when I witnessed people coming to my restaurant to have a good time but that was ruined and disturbed by the phone one way or another.

'I realised that people are having trouble escaping the virtual world for even just an hour and I thought to myself maybe I should help people get back to their inner selves.'

'Reasonable use of your camera to capture memories will be accepted and not discouraged as long as it doesn't interfere with the dining experience of others, Pazar's owner, Attila Yilmaz said



A minister who called on shoppers to boycott $1-a-litre milk at Aldi and Coles has been attacked after it was revealed he owns shares in rival supermarket Woolworths.

In Parliament yesterday the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Joel Fitzgibbon, said Woolworths would be the 'beneficiary' if shoppers heeded David Littleproud's call to boycott the supermarket giants' milk.

Mr Fitzgibbon also warned that the Agriculture Minister's boycott call would 'hurt already struggling dairy farmers who supply those stores'.

It has been revealed that the Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, owns Woolworths shares

In Parliament yesterday Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon attacked the Minister for urging shoppers to boycott Aldi and Coles (stock pic)

Mr Littleproud hit back at the criticism, saying his 25 shares paid only '$15 in dividends' in the last financial year and totalled a paltry $756.25, Nine News reported.

He then accused Mr Fitzgibbon of 'distracting from the real issue.'

'I have a long record of bashing companies I hold shares in  Telstra, CBA and ANZ for example,' Mr Littleproud said.

'Imagine if Labor MPs had the same record of bashing the unions they're members of.'

Earlier in the week the agriculture minister slammed Coles and Aldi for refusing to increase their milk prices and urged shoppers to go elsewhere.

'Coles and the big German Aldi must begin to charge consumers a fair price for milk immediately. There's no point having cheap milk for consumers today if it sends farmers broke,' he said.

'Supermarkets can't pretend selling milk cheap doesn't hurt farmers and they've got to be called out on this rubbish.

'Selling milk cheaper than water devalues the product and the work farmers put into it.'

A Coles spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia they would continue to sell $1-a-litre milk for the forseeable future (stock pic)

On Monday Woolworths was the first of the big three supermarkets to drop $1-a-litre milk, saying they will increase their price by 10 cents a litre.

Aldi and Coles have not committed to the price increase, despite ongoing calls from dairy farmer groups.

A Coles spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the company will continue to sell $1 milk in the foreseeable future as it did not want to disadvantage customers through price increases.

'Coles is seeking a long-term solution that does not disadvantage our customers and supports our dairy farmers.'

She noted the company has committed $16 million to support the dairy industry over the past six months.Two stargazers claim to have witnessed an X-Files style sighting of the same UFO glowing in the sky.

The two men from the Gold Coast - who do not know each other - say they spotted an object hovering over Tweed Heads in northern New South Wales.

David Walsh was fishing at 3am on Sunday, on Kennedy Drive in West Tweed, when he claims to have seen something flickering and re-appearing.

Mr Walsh immediately filmed the illuminated object in the distance, deciding it couldn't be a plane.

David Walsh claims to have spotted a UFO flying in the distance at 3am while he was fishing in West Tweed

'It was a very clear night, there was nothing in the sky. It wasn't a plane or helicopter. It was going too fast,' Mr Walsh told Gold Coast Bulletin.

Ken Duke, 72, claims he has witnessed a least one UFO a month in Tweed Heads for the last 54 years.

Mr Duke said: 'I was taking my dog out for a pee and I saw the same thing. I came inside and looked out my window to the east and I saw the mother ship.'

'There were two that night, one was the mother ship,' he said.

However UFO Research Queensland president Sheryl Gottschall said: 'It's too difficult to tell what it is because there is nothing in the frame to reference it to.'

'If it was lined up next to a house or tree, it would be clearer to see how it was moving and how fast,' she said.

There have been three UFO sightings in Tweed Heads reported to UFO Research Queensland (file image)A scientist has managed to get up close and personal with orcas in Antarctica, taking stunning footage of the creatures with a 'whalfie stick'.

New Zealand marine expert Dr Regina Eisert filmed a young killer whale headbutting her camera, before gleefully chewing on a piece of toothfish.

Dr Eisert was standing on the edge of the sea ice collecting samples from adult whales when a juvenile killer whale made a beeline for her.

'I put my whalfie stick [a whale selfie stick] in the water as soon as I saw it come close and waited to see what would happen' she said.

The University of Canterbury marine mammal expert was standing on the edge of the sea ice collecting samples from adult whales when a juvenile Killer whale made its approach

Dr Eisert, from the University of Canterbury, was wrapping up her research for the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area, north-east of Antarctica.

While whales are known for being sociable, Dr Eisert says she's never had an experience quite like this.

'Here I am carrying out research to help protect the Ross Sea region and find out whether or not the whales eat toothfish, and one comes up showing me it does,' she said.

Dr Eisert from the University of Canterbury has spent the last season studying the mysterious lives of Killer Whales in the Antarctic.

Scientists were researching the availability of toothfish in Antarctica when the Type-C Killer whale bumped the camera before opening its mouth to chew on a piece of the fish

'It was really special, the only way I can describe it is like when a cat offers you a mouse,' she says.

Her research on the edges of Antarctica's sea ice is focused on how the whales would be affected by a change in toothfish availability due to fisheries, which if judging by the video is plentiful.

'It bumped the camera with its nose, opened its mouth and showed me a piece toothfish inside, as though it was trying to get me to take it.'

Being able to better understand these whales would tell us more about the health of the wider Ross Sea, in the north-east of Antarctica.

Marine scientists see this as one of the last opportunities to understand how marine ecosystems work.Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas on Tuesday urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its landmark 1964 ruling that made it harder for public figures to sue for defamation, a precedent that has served as powerful protection for the news media.

Thomas took aim at the unanimous ruling in the libel case known as New York Times Co. v. Sullivan in an opinion he wrote concurring with the court's decision to end a defamation suit against Bill Cosby filed by a woman who said the comedian raped her in 1974.

Thomas, one of the high court's most conservative justices, said the 55-year-old decision was not rooted in the U.S. Constitution.

That ruling and subsequent ones extending it 'were policy-driven decisions masquerading as constitutional law,' Thomas wrote, expressing views in harmony with President Donald Trump, who often attacks the media and has advocated making it easier to sue news organizations and publishers for defamation.

Thomas agreed with his fellow justices in refusing to consider reviving a defamation lawsuit against Cosby by Kathrine McKee, an actress and former Las Vegas showgirl who said the entertainer falsely called her a liar after she accused him of rape.

Contentious call: Clarence Thomas wrote an opinion calling for a key underpinning of U.S. libel laws to be abolished, claiming it was not rooted in the constitution

Fire & fury: Trump has put libel laws in his sights repeatedly, including after the publication of Michael Wolff's expose of life inside the White House

Prompt: The case Clarence Thomas intervened in was an attempt to sue Bill Cosby for defamation by one of the first women to identify herself as his victim

McKee was represented in the case by attorney Charles Harder, who represented Trump in a defamation suit brought against the president by adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Daniels has said she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which he denies.

McKee had appealed a court ruling in Massachusetts that threw out her lawsuit.

The New York Times v. Sullivan ruling has served as a safeguard for media reporting on public figures.

Trump in January 2018 called current defamation laws 'a sham and a disgrace' following the publication of a book about the White House by author Michael Wolff called 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' which among other things questioned the president's mental health.

The high court's 1964 ruling held that in order to win a libel suit, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the offending statement was made with 'actual malice,' meaning knowledge that it was false or reckless disregard as to whether it was false.

The case involved a lawsuit against the New York Times, a newspaper that Trump often criticizes for its coverage of him.

Thomas wrote that 'we should carefully examine the original meaning of the First and Fourteenth Amendments,' referring to the constitutional provisions protecting freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the application of those rights to the states.

'If the Constitution does not require public figures to satisfy an actual-malice standard in state-law defamation suits, then neither should we,' Thomas wrote.

Thomas said defamation law was historically a matter for the states, and should remain that way.

'The states are perfectly capable of striking an acceptable balance between encouraging robust public discourse and providing a meaningful remedy for reputational harm,' Thomas wrote.

None of the other eight justices joined Thomas in his opinion.

Cosby, 81, was convicted in April 2018 of three counts of aggravated indecent assault for the drugging and sexual assault of Andrea Constand, a former Temple University administrator, in 2004. He was sentenced last September to three to 10 years in prison.

Accuser: Katherine McKee (right) was a radiant young actress in the 1970s when she says she was raped in a Detroit hotel room by Bill Cosby Her attempt to sue him for libel ended at the Supreme Court Tuesday

The Supreme Court last October snubbed Cosby's appeal in another defamation case, allowing a lawsuit by former model Janice Dickinson to go forward against the entertainer best known for his starring role in the 1980s hit television series 'The Cosby Show.'

McKee went public with her rape accusation in a 2014 interview with the New York Daily News. She is one of more than 50 women who have accused Cosby of sexual assault dating back to the 1960s by using drugs to incapacitate them.

An attorney for Cosby then sent a letter to the newspaper, suggesting McKee was a liar and calling her an unreliable source. In the letter, Cosby's lawyer said McKee had admitted lying to get hired as a showgirl.

McKee sued Cosby for defamation in 2015 in federal court in Boston, saying the letter made false statements and harmed her reputation.

A trial judge in 2017 dismissed her claims, saying the lawsuit was barred by the First Amendment guarantee of free speech. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling.

The appeals court said that by deliberately wading into the controversy, McKee had become a public figure, requiring her to prove Cosby acted with malice to win a defamation claim.

McKee told the justices that she 'should not be victimized twice over' by making it harder for her to prove defamation merely because she went public as an alleged victim.House Democrats are opening another probe in the Trump administration, this time over claims from federal workers that it is 'rushing' a plan to transfer nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia.

Top White House aides ignored repeated warnings they could be breaking the law as they worked with former U.S. officials and a close friend of President Donald Trump to advance a multi-billion-dollar plan to build nuclear reactors in the Middle East, Democratic lawmakers alleged in a report released Tuesday.

The House of Representatives Oversight Committee report said former national security adviser Michael Flynn and two aides promoted the plan with Tom Barrack, the chairman of Trump's inaugural committee, and a consortium of U.S. firms led by retired military commanders and former White House officials.

House Democrats are opening another probe in the Trump administration, this time over claims from federal workers that it is 'rushing' a plan to transfer nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia. The nation's crown prince is pictured above

The House of Representatives Oversight Committee report said former national security adviser Michael Flynn and two aides promoted the plan with Tom Barrack, the chairman of Trump's inaugural committee (pictured)

Barrack was represented in the plan by the then-head of his firm's Washington office, Rick Gates, who pleaded guilty last year to financial fraud and lying to the FBI and also is now cooperating with Mueller

Democratic lawmakers obtained the information, they said, through government whistle blowers.

'They have warned of conflicts of interest among top White House advisers that could implicate federal criminal statutes,' the report says. 'And they have warned about political appointees ignoring directives from top ethics advisors at the White House who repeatedly and unsuccessfully ordered senior Trump Administration officials to halt their efforts.'

The effort, the report said, began before Trump took office and continued after his inauguration in January 2017 despite National Security Council staff warnings that a proposed transfer of U.S. nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia was being fast-tracked around a mandatory approval process in possible breach of the Atomic Energy Act.

John Eisenberg, the top NSC lawyer, had ordered the work halted because of concerns that Flynn could be breaking a conflict of interest law as he advised the consortium while serving on Trump's campaign and transition team, said the report, which is based on documents and whistleblower accounts.

Administration support for the project, however, appears to have continued to the present, with Trump meeting consortium representatives in the Oval Office last week, the committee report said.

'The committee is now launching an investigation to determine whether the actions being pursued by the Trump administration are in the national security interests of the United States, or rather, serve those who stand to gain financially,' the report said.

The report, compiled by the Democratic staff of the panel chaired by Representative Elijah Cummings, comes as Democrats expand inquiries into alleged administration wrongdoing after winning a majority in the House in November elections.

A top NSC lawyer had ordered the work halted because of concerns that Flynn could be breaking a conflict of interest law as he advised the consortium

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff also committed on Tuesday to launching an investigation.

'The report provides alarming evidence that, despite the best efforts of dedicated career officials and certain senior members of the Trump Administration ... particular advisors of the President appear to have sought early in the administration to provide sensitive nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia by circumventing the established process and requirements mandated by Congress.'

The nuclear project is being promoted by IP3 International, a consortium of U.S. technology firms founded by retired Navy Rear Admiral Michael Hewitt, retired Army General John Keane, and Robert McFarlane, a former national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan. The board includes former senior U.S. civilian and military officials.

The report said the companies include reactor manufacturer Westinghouse, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year.

The White House, Flynn and IP3 had no immediate response to the report.

Working with the U.S. government, the consortium would build dozens of power reactors in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other U.S. Arab allies, according to the IP3 website. In doing so, the project would help restore U.S. influence in the Middle East while boosting regional economic and political stability, according to the website.

Flynn, a retired Army general, promoted the plan on two 2015 trips to Saudi Arabia, and listed himself on government documents as an IP3 advisor during a period in 2016 while he was working for Trump's campaign and transition, the report said.

He is cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Flynn was an early target of the investigation and is awaiting sentencing for lying to FBI agents.

The effort, the report said, began before Trump took office and continued after his inauguration in January 2017 despite National Security Council staff warnings, the report says

Barrack was represented in the plan, the report said, by the then-head of his firm's Washington office, Rick Gates, a former political consultant and Trump's deputy campaign manager. Gates pleaded guilty last year to financial fraud and lying to the FBI and also is now cooperating with Mueller.

Documents appended to the report included a draft presidential memorandum appointing Barrack as a special envoy to oversee implementation of the project that McFarlane sent to Flynn and his then-deputy, K.T. McFarland, on Jan. 28, 2017.

Also included with the committee's report was a document authored by Barrack titled 'The Trump Middle East Marshall Plan' that promoted the plan and was sent to NSC staff on March 28, 2017, by IP3 board member Frances Fragos Townsend, who served as homeland security adviser to President George W. Bush.

A current senior administration official was among the unnamed whistleblowers who came forward 'with significant concerns about the potential procedural and legal violations connected with rushing through a plan to transfer nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia,' the report said.

The whistleblowers, it said, also warned about political appointees ignoring the advice of 'top ethics advisers at the White House who repeatedly and unsuccessfully ordered senior Trump Administration officials to halt their efforts.'

In addition to McFarland, Flynn's top Middle Easy adviser, Derek Harvey, played a key role in promoting the plan in the White House, doing so despite warnings of possible ethics and criminal law violations, the report said.Seven children, all members of a Syrian refugee family, died early Tuesday in a fast-moving house fire described as Nova Scotia's deadliest blaze in recent memory.

The father, Ebraheim Barho, was reported fighting for his life in Halifax after apparently trying in vain to save his children, who ranged in age from about four months to mid-teens.

The mother, Kawthar Barho, also was hospitalized with injuries but was expected to survive.

In an interview from the hospital, Imam Wael Haridy of the Nova Scotia Islamic Community Centre said the Barhos had fled Syria's civil war.

Pictured left to right: Father Ebraheim; Hala, three; mother Kawthar; Mohamad, nine; Rola, 12; Ola, eight; and Ahmad, 14. Not seen are two-year-old Rana and four-month-old Abdullah

Rana is seen left, while young Abdullah, born is November, is seen right

Firefighters investigate following a house fire in the Spryfield community in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Tuesday. Seven children, all members of a Syrian family, died in the fire

'We're here in hospital with a desperate mother who lost seven of her kids,' Haridy said, adding: 'She's saying to us, 'Am I going to get my children back?' ... It's so hard. It's so sad.'

He said officials were conducting DNA tests to confirm the identities of the dead children before they can proceed with a traditional Islamic burial process.

The family was among 1,795 Syrian refugees who have come to Nova Scotia in recent years.

News of the deadly fire was a blow for the Canadians who sponsored them.

'Everyone is devastated, and our loss pales in comparison to the parents,' said Natalie Horne, vice president of the Hants East Assisting Refugees Team.

Horne said the family arrived on September 29, 2017. She identified the children as Ahmad, 14; Rola, 12; Mohamad, nine; Ola, eight; Hala, three; Rana, two; and Abdullah, born in November.

Three-year-old Hala is seen at a pumpkin patch in this family photo

Ola and Mohammed are seen left while Ahmad and Rola are pictured right

Six of the Barho children are seen shortly after they arrived in Canada

Seven children, all members of a Syrian family who arrived in Canada about two years ago, died in the early morning fire Tuesday that witnesses said quickly engulfed a home in Halifax

Firefighters investigate following a house fire in the Spryfield community in Halifax

She said the family came from Raqqa, Syria, and lived in Elmsdale, Nova Scotia, for over a year before moving to Halifax to be closer to refugee support services, such as English-language training.

But she said the family missed the support of the community in Elmsdale and had been planning to move back in a few more days.

Police said the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

Halifax Fire Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum said it was the deadliest fire anyone could remember in the East Coast province.

'Words fail when children are taken from us too soon, especially in circumstances like this,' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a tweet.

Twelve-year-old Rola is seen posing with her student of the month certificate

Halifax Fire Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum said it was the deadliest fire anyone could remember in the East Coast province

Danielle Burt, who lives next door to the family, said she heard a loud bang and a woman screaming just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Burt fled the house with her four children and saw the parents outside in a harrowing scene.

'The mother was on the grass, praying I guess, bowing, her hands down, and pulling on my husband's arm to call 911,' said Burt, her voice breaking. 'She said the kids were inside, and the dad was sitting on the steps. I think he had gone back in because he was really burnt. It was just awful.'

Rich Farrell, who lives down the street, said he and other neighbors ran to the house to try to help but the flames spread too quickly.

'It's so frightening, but in the space of 30 seconds it went from what looked like a little bit of flame to the whole thing just becoming engulfed,' Farrell said.A federal judge gave the green light Tuesday to a parks-advocacy group's lawsuit that aims to stop for good the delayed construction of former President Barack Obama's $500 million presidential center in a Chicago park beside Lake Michigan.

Supporters of the project had hoped the court would grant a city motion to throw out the lawsuit by Protect Our Parks, some fearing any drawn out litigation might lead Obama to decide to build the Obama Presidential Center somewhere other than his hometown.

A lawsuit brought by another group in 2016 helped to scuttle a $400 million plan by 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas to build a museum on public land on Chicago's lakefront. That museum is now under construction in Los Angeles.

A federal judge okayed lawsuit against the Obama Foundation to stop construction of former President Barack Obama's library in a Chicago park beside Lake Michigan

A 2017 illustration from the Obama Foundation shows plans for the proposed Obama Presidential Center with a museum, rear, in Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side

Judge John Robert Blakey heard arguments last week on the city's motion to dismiss. Blakey did toss parts of the suit in his Tuesday ruling, but concluded the group has standing to sue because it represent taxpayers with concerns that providing parkland in the public trust to the Obama center violates their due-process rights.

Blakey's ruling doesn't mean the group will necessarily prevail in the end, but confirms that the suit poses a formidable threat to the project. The judge indicated that he doesn't want the litigation to drag out, and that he would strictly limit any fact gathering leading up to trial to 45 days.

'We are pleased that the court dismissed some of the claims and made clear that the proceedings will move forward expeditiously,' said Chicago corporation counsel Ed Siskel. It was also the view of the Obama Foundation in its one-sentence reaction to Blakey's ruling.

Blakey tossed the plaintiffs' claim that their First Amendment rights would be violated if tax money is used to construct a building to promote former President Barack Obama's political interests. The judge said that question could be litigated only when or if the center actually began promoting political causes.

He also tossed the plaintiffs' allegation about aesthetic and environmental damage to Jackson Park, saying they hadn't laid out how specifically they would be harmed as individuals and so had no standing to sue on that issue.

Plans call for the center to be built in Jackson Park, which was named after President Andrew Jackson and was a site for the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. The site 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of downtown Chicago is near low-income neighborhoods where Obama worked as a community organizer and is just blocks from the University of Chicago where Obama was a law professor. It is also close to the home where the Obamas lived until he won the presidency in 2008.

The center was originally slated to open in 2021, though ground hasn't yet broken because of the lingering litigation.

In its 2018 suit, Protect Our Parks accused the city of illegally transferring park land to a private entity, The Obama Foundation, effectively 'gifting' prized land to a Chicago favorite son. The group said city officials manipulated the approval process and tinkered with legislation to skirt long-standing laws designed to ensure residents have unobstructed access to lakeside parks.

'Defendants have chosen to deal with it in a classic Chicago political way ... to deceive and seemingly legitimize an illegal land grab,' the lawsuit says.

To make the park available for the project, the Chicago Park District first sold the land to the city for $1. Illinois legislators amended the state's Illinois Aquarium and Museum Act to include presidential libraries as an exception to the no-development rules if there's a compelling public interest. The Chicago City Council approved the project by a 47-to-1 vote last May.

The same group stopped a museum from 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas on Chicago's lake front and it's now being built in Los Angeles

Steam hovers above Lake Michigan in Chicago

The Obama Foundation, a private nonprofit, would pay $10 to the city for use of the park land for 99 years, cover the costs of building the complex and be responsible for covering operating costs for 99 years. Once built, the Obama Presidential Center's physical structures would be transferred to the city for free, meaning the city would formally own the center but not control what happens there.

'They are essentially giving (property) to Obama ... for 10 cents a year for 99 years,' parks advocacy lawyer Mark Roth said Thursday.

In a friend-of-the-court brief , legal scholar Richard Epstein said public-trust doctrine places an extra burden on authorities to prove overwhelming public benefit when they offer the use of public parks to such well-connected figures as Obama, who remains hugely popular in the heavily Democratic city. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel once served as Obama's White House chief of staff.

The First Amendment claim struck from the suit by Judge Blakey cited tax money that would be spent to reconfigure roads and traffic. The suit argued taxpayers would thus subsidize any partisan political activity by Obama at the center.

City lawyers conceded Thursday that Chicago would pay an estimated $175 million to reconfigure roads to manage traffic around the center.

The lawsuit also claims that the center would interfere with migrating butterflies and birds.

City lawyers said Protect Our Parks misread the law, misrepresented how the approval process played out and exaggerated potential environmental disruptions.

The center would comprise 20 acres (8 hectares) of the 500-acre (202-hectare) park. Its centerpiece would be a 225-foot (69-meter) museum tower, surrounded by a cluster of smaller buildings, including a 300-seat auditorium.

City lawyers said it would bring a major economic boost to poor local minority communities. Backers estimate it would create 5,000 jobs during construction and over 2,500 permanent jobs. An estimated 760,000 people could visit each year.The grandmother, who has a heart condition, arthritis and walks with a stick, took the Royal Berkshire trust to an employment tribunal, claiming unfair dismissal on the grounds of age and disability

The oldest person in Britain to win an age discrimination case has warned employers against picking on elderly workers.

Eileen Jolly, 88, was sacked as a secretary by an NHS trust in 2017, but won her landmark case last November.

Speaking exclusively to The Mail on Sunday, she said: I feel people ought to be allowed to carry on working if they want to and can still do what is required.

She can now expect a substantial windfall after her victory against Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, but her plans for the compensation money go no further than having her driveway redone  though she may celebrate with the odd margarita.

Having worked for the NHS since 1991, Mrs Jolly was dismissed from her position at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading in January 2017 after colleagues were said to have told bosses they were concerned about her frailty and age.

Mrs Jolly, who lives in Reading, was blamed for a mix-up involving a waiting list for non-urgent breast treatments.

She was frog-marched through an open-plan office by a manager in front of colleagues, carrying only her coffee cup and a couple of books.

She said: Nothing like this had ever happened in all my years of work. The way they treated me made me doubt myself for the first time in my life.

I wasnt doing well, couldnt sleep, couldnt stop thinking about it all.

Mrs Jollys GP told her she was mentally as sharp as ever but prescribed anti-depressants to help her deal with the trauma.

Mrs Jolly, who lives in Reading, was blamed for a mix-up involving a waiting list for non-urgent breast treatments. She was frog-marched through an open-plan office by a manager in front of colleagues, carrying only her coffee cup and a couple of books

She told no one she had been sacked  not even her two daughters and husband Bob  instead saying that she had retired.

She said: I didnt want to burden them all with my problems.

She had wanted to continue up to the age of 90 in the 22,000-a-year job.

The grandmother, who has a heart condition, arthritis and walks with a stick, took the Royal Berkshire trust to an employment tribunal, claiming unfair dismissal on the grounds of age and disability.

The surgeon she worked for, Brendan Smith, defended her, saying she was reliable and meticulous and was being used as a scapegoat for failings by management.

Mrs Jolly found the hearing nerve-racking, adding: Im so glad my old boss Mr Smith was a witness for me.

Her husband Bob died two weeks before the hearing.

In October, Mrs Jolly will learn how much compensation she will receive. Experts believe it could be up to 100,000.

I need to re-tarmac the driveway, so itll be good to have money for that, she said. And the occasional margarita.

Her solicitor, Anna Illingworth, described the hospitals treatment as appalling and incredibly unpleasant.Police were unable to identify the body until Wan reported her mother missing

Police were unable to identify the body until Wan reported her mother missing

Yiting Wan, 27, and her father Ah Ping Ban, 65, stood trial on Thursday

suffered about 25 blunt force injuries to her head and also a fractured skull

The ex-husband of a woman whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase in Perth has been found guilty of her murder - while the victim's daughter has been convicted of being an accessory.

Artist Annabelle Chen, 58, was bashed to death in her Mosman Park home between June 30 and July 2 in 2016.

A couple of fishermen discovered her battered body in the Swan River, near Fremantle.

The identity was a mystery to police for almost two months until they achieved a breakthrough when Ms Chen's daughter Tiffany Wan, reported her missing to police.

Tiffany Wan (pictured) and her father Ah Ping Ban have been charged with Ms Chen's murder

Following a short investigation, Wan, 27, and her father Ah Ping Ban, 67, were charged with Ms Chen's murder.

The pair stood trial in Western Australia's Supreme Court over the past three weeks before the jury passed on their verdict today.

They pair blamed each other for Ms Chen's murder, with Wan maintaining her father hit his ex-wife during a disagreement over finances.

Wan testified she heard Ms Chen scream and a 'loud metallic thud' sound, and then her father confessed to accidentally killing his former wife.

Ban alleged his daughter confided in him she murdered her mother during a fight about Wan's upcoming university graduation ceremony.

Annabelle Chen's body was dumped in a suitcase and eventually found in Perth's Swan River

After almost a week of deliberations, the jury found Ban guilty of murder, while Wan beat a murder charge and manslaughter - but was convicted of being an accessory to the crime.

Ban appeared emotionless as the verdict was read to the court, while Wan sobbed openly.



Wan and Ban will face a sentencing hearing on November 22.The daughter of a dementia patient who was allegedly brutally assaulted by his carer in a North Sydney care home, feels like she has 'failed him'.

Secretly-filmed footage showed the 82-year-old being repeatedly hit with a shoe by his 35-year-old carer, who then started tearing his t-shirt off.

The care worker from Hornsby, North Sydney, was arrested yesterday and charged with two counts of common assault, and use of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Ayda Celine  the daughter of the dementia patient  told 9NEWS that she first became concerned about her father's well-being several months ago when she spotted bruising on his body.

'He was complaining about pain and when I took down his trousers I noticed dark, black bruising that had been there for a while,' she said.

'I was advised that he might have fallen, so I let it go.'

The daughter of the dementia patient who was brutally assaulted by his carer has said she feels like she has 'failed him' - Ayda Celine (pictured)

The care worker (pictured) was arrested and charged yesterday over the alleged assault

However, as time went on, Celine noticed her father deteriorating, noting that he wouldn't let her touch him and 'he didn't leave his bedroom to eat'.

Celine said that she called the Seaforth care home on several occasions to tell them her father wasn't being looked after.

'Whether it was bruising or that he was sitting in a wet nappy for hours and in soaked clothes and no one has changed him,' she said.

Taking matters into her own hands, Celine set up a camera in her father's room which allegedly recorded the attack on her father.

Taking matters into her own hands, Celine set up a camera in her father's room which allegedly recorded the attack on her father

'He was so helpless that he couldn't even call out for help  and even if he did, no one came to his aid,' Celine said

'I didn't trust they were looking after him,' she said.

Celine teared up as she talked of the pain her father would have gone through.

'He was so helpless that he couldn't even call out for help  and even if he did, no one came to his aid.'

Northern Beaches Police crime manager, Detective Acting Inspector Guy Magee, called the footage 'disturbing' and commended Celine for reporting it.

'The bravery of these victims and their families helps bring a resolution to these crimes,' he said.

'I can't imagine what it would be like for the family to watch. It's cowardly, it's disgraceful, and I encourage people to report these crimes to police.'

'These vulnerable people need the community's help to be their voice,' Superintendent Darcy said after the care worker (pictured) was arrested

The care worker from Hornsby, North Sydney, was arrested and charged with two counts of common assault, and use of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence

Bupa, the health insurance provider which manages the facility, has apologised for the assault and said it was cooperating fully with NSW Police.

'Bupa takes the safety and wellbeing of its residents seriously and we are shocked and saddened by what has occurred at our Seaforth care home,' a statement read.

The carer, 35, allegedly entered the patient's room at Seaforth care home multiple times between August 26 and 28.

Footage shows the patient cowering in fear as the employee repeatedly hits him with the shoe and forces him to undress.

Police arrested the employee at a home in Wheeler Heights just before 2pm on Wednesday and took him to Manly Police Station where he was later charged.

Police arrested the employee (pictured) at a home in Wheeler Heights just before 2pm on Wednesday and took him to Manly Police Station where he was later charged

Superintendent David Darcy from Northern Beaches Police Area Command said elder abuse can take various forms, from physical to psychological, emotional or financial.

'These vulnerable people need the community's help to be their voice,' Superintendent Darcy said.

'To see an elderly man treated in this way is disgraceful.'

The man was granted conditional bail and will appear at Manly Local Court on September 11.Disturbing footage has emerged of an aged care worker hitting a terrified elderly patient with a shoe before dragging him onto a bed and tearing his shirt off.

The carer, 35, allegedly entered an 82-year-old patient's room at a nursing home in Seaforth, on Sydney's northern beaches, multiple times between August 26 and 28.

CCTV footage from inside the aged care facility shows the patient cowering in fear as the employee repeatedly hit him with the shoe and forced him to undress.

Disturbing footage has emerged of an aged care worker hitting an elderly patient with a shoe before dragging him onto a bed and tearing his shirt off

The carer, 35, allegedly entered the 82-year-old patient's room at a nursing home in Seaforth, on Sydney's northern beaches, multiple times between August 26 and 28

Police arrested the employee at a home in Wheeler Heights just before 2pm on Wednesday and took him to Manly Police Station.

He was charged with two counts of common assault, and use of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Superintendent David Darcy from Northern Beaches Police Area Command said elder abuse can take various forms, from physical to psychological, emotional or financial.

'These vulnerable people need the community's help to be their voice,' Superintendent Darcy said.

'To see an elderly man treated in this way is disgraceful.'

The man was granted conditional bail and will appear at Manly Local Court on September 11.

CCTV footage from inside the aged care facility shows the patient being hit with a shoe before having his shirt ripped offAn ugly brawl outside a Gold Coast hotel involving a film crew and fans of a popular Asian boy band has ended with a 26-year-old student being taken to hospital.

The violent fight erupted shortly after the film crew's bus arrived at the Azzura Greens Resort at Hope Island in Queensland around midday on Wednesday.

It's alleged the film crew, who were transporting Chinese boy band, Nine Percent, lashed out a group of fans who were tailing them for photos, Nine News reported.

Scroll down for video

An ugly brawl outside a Gold Coast hotel (pictured) involving a film crew and fans of a popular Asian pop band has ended with a 26-year-old student being taken to hospital

The group - dubbed China's version of One Direction - are believed to be on the Gold Coast to film a music video, and fans have been following their every move since 16-year-old band member Justin Huang arrived last month.

Video footage of the all-in brawl captured on a bystander's mobile phone shows the film crew and fans violently kicking and punching each other.

In the video, up to 20 people can be seen lashing out, and one man is shown being kicked and punched to the ground, while countless bystanders watch on.

At one point in the video, the terrifying brawl spills dangerously onto the nearby road in front of the luxurious resort.

More footage from the video shows a fight break out between two girls, with one girl with green hair being attacked by another girl before the angry mob joins in.

Police eventually broke up the group and arrested five people, including three men and two women, who were charged with common assault and public nuisance, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

Boy band Nine Percent (pictured) have been dubbed China's version of One Direction

A 26-year-old Griffith University student who was allegedly punched and kicked to the ground was taken to hospital for treatment.

One of the student's friends told Nine News he didn't know why the film crew started 'pushing us and punching us'.

'Ten people punched my friend. One person,' he said.Simin Doyich (pictured) is accused of stalking her ex-lover when the affair ended

The former mistress of a fund manager stalked him when he refused to leave his wife, a court heard.

Simin Doyich met up for sex sessions with the 55-year-old, who cannot be named, at his home, in his office and during a trip to Zurich after meeting on the dating site Illicit Encounters.

The 44-year-old became pregnant with her lovers child but when he ended the affair she allegedly claimed he had raped her, Inner London Crown Court heard.

She took to social media to broadcast their relationship and even posted pictures of her unborn child on Twitter as she stalked the married couple for eight months last year, leaving the fund manager feeling 'under siege', jurors were told.

The fund manager says that he swore on the lives of his sons that he would not have sex with his own wife unless he got permission.

Doyich allegedly posted their sexy WhatsApp messages and pixelated photos of them together while branding his wife 'ugly and her family trashy.

She is accused of claiming the wife had sexually assaulted her husband for years as he did not want to have sex with her.

One tweet said, Ms X should not be trusted in charge of children at her sons school, and another referenced family mental health issues such as sadly committing suicide'.

The businessman met Doyich on the Illicit Encounters website - an online dating service for married people (pictured, file photo)

She attached links to articles about couples trapped in a sexless marriage and emojis of faeces and pig faces, the court heard.

Giving evidence the fund manager told jurors: I was flattered by the attention that she was giving me and yes I was attracted to her.

I probably showed off about my work, that I have my own business and she knew I was a fund manager.

Initially they exchanged explicit messages and Doyich sent him porn that she had downloaded.

Ms Doyich (pictured) allegedly told her ex-lover she was going to post underwear to his address

The fund manager told jurors that Doyich pressed for their first meeting and he said he wanted to meet for dinner first to see if they were compatible.

But she said why dont you just book a hotel room and well go and have sex and eventually I agreed to that, he said.

They booked into the Churchill Hotel, Marylebone, on January 10 and a week later he visited her flat for sex and they would continue to do so for weeks.

I had invited her on a business trip to Zurich on the 7th of February, he said. It was fun. We met at City Airport and traveled to Zurich and had a pleasant evening.

We had sex and we had a pleasant day. I was working but I had arranged for the defendant to have some treatments in the spa.

But on the way home I sent a text message to my wife and the defendant again got incredibly angry about it.

He described her visiting the office as his secretary on the night before they went to Paris.

This was at the time my wife and children were away in Lanzarote, so the defendant had suggested we go and see a movie which we did although we left halfway through because it was such a terrible movie - it was one of the 50 Shades of Grey (films).

She suggested it might be fun to engage in some roleplay by coming round to my office and pretending that she was being interviewed to be my secretary, this was eight in the evening.

They had sex in the office but he said: I became very uncomfortable about her being in the office.

I became concerned that somebody else could come in the office and I suggested that we leave and actually that we go to my house.

She also followed the couple's friends on Twitter and friends of their sons, Inner London crown court heard

As she was passing my desk she picked up on of my business cards. I took it off her and she became insulted and as if she was not trustworthy and so I relented foolishly and let her keep it.

The house was completely empty. We went up to the top floor, we had sex and then we went down to the basement where we listened to music and I arranged for an Uber to take the defendant home.

The following day, Valentines Day, they went to Paris, he said.

We had a pleasant time, we travelled by Eurostar, stayed in a nice hotel, we had dinner and then the following day we went for a walk near the Eiffel Tower,' he said. On the way back on the train I received a text from my wife and again the same behaviour, she kicked off and she sat in silence for the whole trip back.

Detailing the stalking campaign the married man told the court: I started to receive a barrage of messages from the defendant, the jist of which was that she would reveal to my wife what had been going on unless I emailed her back or WhatsApped her back, unless I issue a statement that I would never have sex with my wife again unless the defendant approved it.

I wanted just to shut her up so I did it.

The cheating husband told her: I swear on the lives of my sons I will not have sex with my wife unless I get permission.

A few days later he went to join his wife and children in Lanzarote where she continued her threats.

She sent me messages, in particular an image - she had asked me while we were seeing each other to buy her some underwear from Agent Provocateur, he said.

She sent me an image of her putting this underwear in an envelope, stating that she was going to post it to my home address to be there when we got back from Lanzarote.

My wife became completely aware that something was going on, I was under a lot of pressure, I had obviously acted terribly foolishly but I wanted to come clean so I confessed to my wife.

I then called Ms Doyich and told her that I had confessed to my wife and that I never wanted to see her again and that she should stop communicating with me.

She didnt believe me so I then forced my wife to come on the phone and tell Ms Doyich that that was what had happened and after that I deleted everything I have ever received from Ms Doyich from my phone.

In March the phone calls began, more than 80 in the first two weeks, these were eerily silent, where a call would come in from a withheld number and nobody would speak, then the caller would hang up.

He said: I felt under siege, I felt what have I done and how can I stop this happening.

It wasnt only phone calls on my mobile it was phone calls at work and my colleague noticed something was going on.

He said, sounds like you have got a stalker and I had to arrange with my chief operating officer, I told him what was going on and he arranged for her number to be blocked on the landline somehow, even though it was being withheld.

On 2 March he received an email about her pregnancy and she asked him to arrange an appointment for her.

She wanted to go and see a particular specialist who was unable but I arranged for her to see someone more quickly so that timely action could be taken and I ended up arranging for her to see a private GP at the London General Practice.

She declined to have a blood test but produced a urine sample which was positive but she produced that in a separate room so I dont know if that was her urine or if it had been doctored.

As soon as the test results came back she stormed out of the room and I chased after her and persuaded her to have a cup of coffee.

I made clear that I would fund a termination but that if she decided to go ahead with the pregnancy I recognised the obligation that I would have financially.

She told me that she wanted to proceed even though she had told me before she couldnt carry a baby to term.

The couple finally complained to police last July and she was interviewed in September.

Doyich claimed she had fallen pregnant after he had raped her and had miscarried the day he told her not to contact him until after the birth.

She claimed she was receiving counselling and had used Twitter to cope with depression.

But on the day she was charged with stalking she stated she wanted the investigation reopened and it was only in July this year police finally dropped the rape allegation.

Doyich, of west Hampstead, denies two counts of stalking causing serious alarm or distress.The trial continues.A 17-year-old boy is among five people arrested on suspicion of being members of a banned far-right terrorist group.

The youth, from Nottingham, was arrested by counter-terrorism officers after a series of raids across the country, West Midlands Police said.

Two men, aged 22 and 28, both from Birmingham, a 23-year-old man and a woman, 22, both from Halifax, West Yorkshire, were all arrested on Wednesday.

The five have been detained on suspicion of being members of a proscribed organisation, National Action, which was banned in December 2016.

Two people have been arrested in the West Yorkshire town of Halifax on suspicion of being part of National Action, the banned far-Right group

They are all being held at a police station in the West Midlands, after an operation carried out by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit in conjunction with CTP North East and East Midlands CTIU.

A number of addresses are also being searched in connection with the arrests.

A police spokesman said: "The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led.

'Five people have been arrested today on suspicion of terrorism offences.

West Midlands Police said they are being held on suspicion of being members of a proscribed organisation contrary to the Terrorism Act. Pictured: West Midlands Police HQ in Birmingham

'Three men, a woman and a 17-year-old boy were detained following a series of arrests across the country.

'A 22-year-old man from Birmingham, a 23-year-old man from Halifax, a 22-year-old woman also from Halifax, a 28-year-old man from Birmingham and a 17-year-old boy from Nottingham will be questioned on suspicion of being members of a proscribed organisation (National Action) contrary to section 11 of the Terrorism Act.

The leader of the organisation, 32-year-old Christopher Lythgoe, was sentenced to eight years in prison in July this year over a plot to kill MP Rosie Cooper.

Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd made National Action a banned group in December 2016.

She described it as a 'racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic organisation which stirs up hatred, glorifies violence and promotes a vile ideology, and I will not stand for it.

'It has absolutely no place in a Britain that works for everyone.'

In March 2017, an undercover investigation by ITV found that its members were still meeting in secret.

It is the first extreme right-wing group to be outlawed in the UK. It means that being a member or inviting support for the organisation is a criminal offence, carrying a sentence of up to 10 years' imprisonment.

The group has held demonstrations on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, and celebrated the election of Donald Trump as US president.A 59-year-old woman accused of having sex with a 14-year-old boy while on holiday told him: 'Your mum thinks you're a boy but I know you're a man,' a court heard.

Gail Dickinson, of Glenrothes, Fife, was allegedly seen by the victim's grandmother having sex on the balcony of an apartment in San Antonio in Ibiza.

Ms Dickinson was said to be a friend of the family and had gone to the Spanish island with the youngster, his mother, grandmother and brother.

Dunfermline Sheriff Court was told during the holiday, where they all shared a flat together, the schoolboy's grandmother heard her telling him: 'You've got a lovely package there.'

Gail Dickinson, of Glenrothes, Fife, was allegedly seen by the victim's grandmother having sex on the balcony of an apartment while on holiday

Dickinson denies that she engaged in sexual activity with the boy by kissing him on the lips, touching him on the body, performing oral sex on him and engaging in sexual intercourse in June last year

She told the court: 'I thought she was talking about his private parts and that it was very, very inappropriate,' the Daily Record reports.

She said she had split up Dickinson and the boy when she found them in the living room and her grandson was partially naked and 'clearly aroused.'

She then told him to go to bed but later heard whispering from the balcony.

When she looked through a gap in the curtains, she saw the pair engaged in sexual intercourse.

She then told the court that she saw Dickinson performing a sex act on the boy and added: 'I could tell from his face he was enjoying it.'

She added that Dickinson was 'making demands' and the boy was following 'like a robot.' She added: 'It was a horrible situation. I couldn't believe it.'

But she told how she was too shocked to intervene adding: 'I didn't want a rumpus to start'.

Ms Dickinson was said to be a friend of the family and had gone to resort of San Antonio (pictured) in Ibiza with the youngster, his mother, grandmother and brother

Later she confronted Dickinson, who told her she must have been dreaming but added: 'I'm terrible, you must hate me.'

The witness then told her daughter and Dickinson was told to leave the flat. When the family returned home the police were contacted.

Earlier the boy gave evidence via video link, saying he had been out for drinks in the evening with his mother and Dickinson.

The boy admitted he was 'pretty drunk' when they returned to the flat, and told how 'Gail was coming on to me She was touching my shoulders and legs.'

He told how he went to bed, but later went back to Dickinson, who led him out on to the balcony where they had sex.

He told the court: 'I was stunned it happened. When I woke up in the morning I felt pretty rubbish. I regretted it.

'It wouldn't have happened if I was sober.'

Dickinson denies that she engaged in sexual activity with the boy by kissing him on the lips, touching him on the body, performing oral sex on him and engaging in sexual intercourse in June last year.

The trial continues.

A 17-year-old has been arrested after balancing himself on a tripod over a train line, in a dangerous protest against coal mining.

Newcastle teenager Ballyn Teagle hung from the ten metre high tripod at the Hunter River Rail Bridge at Sandgate where he then started a Facebook live stream.

His video started at around 6am this morning and he said he was protesting to support Frontline Action on Coal.

Newcastle teenager Ballyn Teagle (17) hung from the ten metre high tripod at the Hunter River Rail Bridge at Sandgate where he then started a Facebook live stream

Police arrived at 6.15am and urged him to come down. Despite initial refusals, the teenager was eventually removed by Police Rescue at around 8.30am.

Teagle had also erected a banner which read 'Where is our plan?' and he said in his Facebook live stream that he was calling on everyone from executives to the general public to 'think outside their wallets' when it comes to coal.

'The fact that we have no meaningful plan to transition from fossil fuels frustrates me beyond belief,' he said.

'We have had the technology for years and still our leaders drag their feet, actively ignoring the obvious warning signs of a world heating up.'

The coal industry brings in $47 billion to the economy every year and employs 80,000 workers.

Rail services were suspended during the protest and NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia that a male supporter in the vicinity was also arrested.

He was taken to Waratah Police station where he is expected to be charged for trespassing, aid and abet offences, Police said.

Frontline Action on Coal provided regular updates on Teagle's situation to followers on Facebook throughout the protest.

'The fact that we have no meaningful plan to transition from fossil fuels frustrates me beyond belief,' the teenager said in his Facebook live stream of the protest

'Ballyn has been taken into police custody and we're hoping he will be released soon,' the group wrote in its latest update.

'Ballyn's action this morning is a testament to the fact that young people have had enough of the governments inaction in ensuring that they, and their children, have a future that isn't destroyed by climate change,' a spokesperson for Frontline Action on Coal told Daily Mail Australia.

'Ballyn had, and continues to have the full support of Frontline Action on Coal, and we thank him for standing up for what he and many other Australians believe: that we can no longer wait for dysfunctional governments to take action on ensuring Australia's greenhouse gas emissions decrease and is instead taking that power into their own hands.'

Police arrived at 6.15am and urged him to come down. Despite initial refusals, the teenager was eventually removed by Police Rescue at around 8.30am

The spokesperson also said that Ballyn was in 'very high spirits' and is preparing for a number of live TV interviews this evening.

This is the second time this week that protestors have strung themselves over railway lines in the Sandgate area.

On Monday, university student Sarah Barron also balanced over a railway line in support of Frontline Action on Coal.

Barron and two others were arrested and charged.Simin Doyich is accused of stalking a businessman with whom she had an affair

A millionaire hedge fund manager and his wife were stalked and abused by his jilted mistress after he ended their relationship, a court heard.

The businessman met Simin Doyich, 44, on the Illicit Encounters website - an online dating service for married people - before whisking her away on luxury business trips where they romped in five-star hotels.

The wealthy 55-year-old also had sex with her in his office in which she role-played as a 'sexy' secretary coming in for a job interview.

Doyich, from West Hampstead, north-westLondon, later claimed she was carrying his child.

But he ended their fling soon after - which sparked a wave of abuse against him and his wife.

She even accused him of rape before dropping the allegation earlier this year.

Doyich allegedly posted intimate details of their affair on social media site Twitter during the targeted campaign of harassment.

She wrote that his wife was ugly and came from a trashy family - and claimed she had sexually assaulted her husband as he was not keen on having sex with her, the court heard.

The businessman met Doyich on the Illicit Encounters website - an online dating service for married people (pictured, file photo)

She uploaded pics of her unborn child online and turned up at the man's work unannounced, jurors were told.

She also followed the couple's friends on Twitter and friends of their sons, Inner London crown court heard.

Prosecutor Jenny Burgess said: 'At the end of 2016 the husband decided to embark on an extramarital affair.

'What he wanted was a little bit of fun. He did not intend to leave his wife and made this abundantly clear to her from the outset. However, he soon came to the realisation she wanted more.'

The pair flew to Zurich on a 'business trip' in February last year.

They stayed in a luxury five-star hotel, got spa treatments and had sex multiple times.

But the affair took a twist on the journey home when she discovered her lover had been texting his wife.

Back at home, the pair engaged in role-play sex at his office before jetting off to Paris a day later.

She also followed the couple's friends on Twitter and friends of their sons, Inner London crown court heard

But she became angry again after catching him texting his wife. She later told him she was pregnant.

After hearing news of the child, the man came clean to his wife and said he had told his mistress that he never wanted to see her again.

But she allegedly turned up at his London office and bombarded him with 81 unwanted phone calls.

The man told the court: 'I felt under siege. I felt, 'What have I done and how can I stop it'?'

He offered to fund an abortion, but the mistress said she'd keep the baby, it was said. She later claimed she had miscarried.

The woman denies two counts of stalking, causing serious alarm or distress. Trial continues.A British woman facing prison in the US after she was accused of killing a patient who died just minutes after a botched cosmetic buttock operation could be held in rat-infested cells 'covered in faeces and vomit', a court has heard.

Donna Francis, 37, gave Kelly Mayhew, 34, three silicone injections in her bottom in the basement of her house in New York in May 2015.

But on the third dose Ms Mayhew 'turned purple' and immediately went into shock. She died shortly after.

Francis is facing extradition to the US after being indicted by a jury in Queens, New York.

British woman Donna Francis (left) gave Kelly Mayhew, 34, (right) three silicone injections in her bottom in her New York basement in May 2015. Ms Mayhew died shortly after

Instead of calling an ambulance, Francis allegedly cleared up her equipment and ran from the house, fleeing to London when she learned the woman had died.

More than a year later an arrest warrant was issued and a jury indicted Francis for 'criminally negligent homicide'.

She was finally tracked down and arrested by police in London in December 2017.

A lawyer giving evidence on behalf of the defence described the 'filthy' conditions Francis would be subjected to while being screened upon arrival in the US.

She would be brought to either Manhattan Detention Complex or Brooklyn Detention Centre, both of which house male inmates. It would be the first time either would house a female inmate.

Zachary Katznelson, who works for prisoners' rights NGO Legal Aids Society, said: 'My experience, and I have spoken now with at least over 100 people who have been incarcerated, is that the screening frequently takes three to four days and people during that time are held in filthiness.

'The walls have vomit, faeces, dried milk on them ... they are caked in filth.

'Other times the water doesn't work at all. There are vermin, mice, roaches and rats on occasion.

'There are no mats, no bedding, no cleaning facilities ... often the toilets don't work.

Emergency services rushed to the house and found Mayhew unconsious. They performed CPR and rushed her to the hospital, where she died. Francis allegedly cleared up her equipment and ran from the house, fleeing to London when she learned the woman had died

Francis (pictured, left, avoiding reporters) is facing extradition to the US after being indicted by a jury in Queens, New York. She argued her extradition breached her right to a family life and she faces inhumane conditions and torture under European Convention on Human Rights

'I have never heard of a woman being screened in those facilities.'

He said that although the average time spent in screening is three to four days, people have spent up to seven days in the centres.

Francis is likely to be sent to one of two jails in Suffolk County, one of which - Riverhead - often 'denies' prisoners access to mental health assessments and had people 'die' in the cells, according to Mr Katznelson.

Mayhew died after the third silicone injection when she turned purple and her body went into shock. Her mother said she implored Francis to call 911, but instead the woman fled

He said: 'People experiencing mental health crises in the jail are often ignored or put into isolation or held in their cells 23 hours a day.'

The jail does not have metal health facilities in place to treat anyone with acute problems, he said, adding: 'The only option is to send them to hospital.'

Although Mr Katznelson had not been to the jail, he spoke with a number of inmates and staff at Riverside, who reported inadequate facilities.

He said: 'For example one of the problems in the jail is one of sewage, where the toilets frequently back up and overflow.

'Instead of the waste going down it goes up in the toilets of other cells and floods onto the floor.'

The court heard the assistant District Attorney George Farrugia had estimated Francis would spend a year in prison on remand.

Cross examining, Catherine Brown, representing US authorities, argued that the assistant District Attorney had said Francis would be given singled out and given special treatment because it was an international case.

She said: 'Do you not the receiving authority will adhere to those conditions because it's a matter of an international agreement?'

But Mr Katznelson said: 'I don't know of anyone who has been singled out and always been treated fairly.

'There's a grave risk she would not be because that is consistently the case.'

He also said he did not know how she would held in appropriate conditions in an all-male detention centre.

Ms Brown questioned Mr Katznelson's impartiality as he has an upcoming lawsuit concerning the conditions in the Brooklyn and Manhattan detention centres.

He said: 'I am open and honest with what I see and hear.

Francis fled to London after learning Ms Mayhew had died. She was finally tracked down and arrested. The home out of which she conducted her business is pictured

'When I discover unconstitutional conditions I'm obliged to try and remedy them.'

Ms Brown said that Suffolk County had set out a budget for the year, which included funding plans for both jails, the other being Yaphank correctional facility, and there had been no allocation to repair the plumbing.

She said: 'Do you not think if there were serious ongoing problems with the sanitary facilities, it would be mentioned here?'

Mr Katznelson said the repairs would costs 'tens of millions of dollars'.

He said: 'The fact that the department isn't choosing to address the repairs is down to the department.

'It would be of huge cost to them.'

A previous court heard that the mother of the victim, who was with her for the procedure, begged Francis for help when her daughter stopped breathing but Francis simply packed up her equipment and fled the scene.

Emergency services found Kelly unconscious at the home in Mayhew and rushed her to hospital, but sadly she passed away.

NYPD detectives got an arrest warrant for Francis a year later and a jury indicted her for 'criminally negligent homicide'.

Francis had fled to the UK but was tracked down in London last year by the Met Police, where she was working as a hospital driver.

She was bailed on the condition that she wear an electronic tag.

The Supreme Court in New York charged her with three offences including criminal negligent homicide and two counts of unauthorised practice of a professional.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of four years in prison for each offence.

Francis has been fighting her extradition arguing it breached her right to a family life under Article 8 and she faces inhumane conditions and torture under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The judgment in the extradition case was adjourned at Westminster Magistrates' Court until October 25.

Francis, who wore a black suit and wept through most of the proceedings, was released on conditional bail until that date.Prison guards are being given training courses to remind them they can't have sex with jailbirds following an alleged affair between an officer and inmate.

In a budget estimates meeting on Tuesday, NSW Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin said the Maintaining Professional Boundaries training courses were necessary.

'It's to remind staff what it means to do the right thing about how to react if they discover that somebody is doing the wrong thing or if they themselves feel vulnerable,' he said.

NSW Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin (pictured) said the Maintaining Professional Boundaries training courses were necessary

Amy Connors (pictured) and convicted killer Sione Penisini are alleged to have had a sexual relationship at Kempsey maximum-security prison

Connors, a married mother-of-two, was reported to be pregnant with Penisini's (pictured) child, but her family has denied those claims, according to radio station 2GB

A Corrective Services spokeswoman told the Daily Telegraph that the course will cover various topics such as 'risk and protective factors, and self-care'.

'The course will also cover strategies for maintaining strong professional boundaries and how to continue to be professional,' she said.

Amy Connors and convicted cop killer Sione Penisini are alleged to have had a sexual relationship within the walls of Kempsey maximum-security prison on the New South Wales north coast.

Connors, a married mother-of-two, was reported to be pregnant with Penisini's child, but her family has denied those claims.

Police officer Glenn McEnally (pictured) was murdered by Sione Penisini in 2002

Penisini was sentenced to 36 years jail in 2002 after being convicted of murdering police officer Glenn McEnally.

Corrective Services staff reportedly had Connors and Penisini under surveillance for a month before they swooped, suspending the guard from duty.

Penisini has since been moved to Goulburn Supermax jail, home to Australia's most hardened criminals, after allegedly assaulting a fellow prisoner in recent weeks.

Penisini allegedly 'groomed' Connors by pushing her into weight-loss surgery.

Connors, 34, was eventually suspended following the investigation by Correction Services.

She was charged with misconduct in public office and larceny, and will have her case heard before the court on November 21.Dramatic police raids have resulted in the seizure of hundreds of cartons of allegedly stolen cigarettes worth $7million and $250,000 cash.

Detectives with Strike Force Pyrope arrested two men in their 40s after swooping on a number of properties across Sydney on Tuesday.

The taskforce was formed to investigate an alleged cigarette heist from a warehouse in the inner-city suburb of Alexandria in April.

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Dramatic police raids have resulted in the seizure of hundreds of cartons of allegedly stolen cigarettes (pictured) worth $7million, and $250,000 cash

Detectives with Strike Force Pyrope arrested two men in their 40s after swooping on a number of properties across Sydney on Tuesday (pictured is one of the arrests)

The taskforce was formed to investigate an alleged cigarette heist from a warehouse in the inner-city suburb of Alexandria in April (pictured is cash seized in the raids)

About 1,550 cartons of cigarettes were seized by police, along with $250,000 cash and two Toyota Hilux vehicles.

Footage from the police operation shows a huge haul of cigarettes and cash in various denominations.

The raids targeted properties in Prestons, Merrylands, Campbelltown, St Andrews and Abbotsbury.

A 46-year-old man was arrested in Prestons, in the city's south-west, and a 44-year-old man was arrested in the western Sydney suburb of Merrylands.

Both were granted conditional bail after being charged with multiple counts of receiving goods suspected of being stolen, and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.

The men will appear in court in October.

Footage from the police operation (pictured) shows a huge haul of cigarettes and cash in various denominations

A 46-year-old man was arrested in Prestons, in the city's south-west, and a 44-year-old man was arrested in the western Sydney suburb of Merrylands (pictured is one of the men)A bikini model has clashed with a Supreme Court judge after she was told to 'sit down' during a debate about bail after she was charged with a string of offences.

Patrice Ruby Poutu, 31, represented herself after her bail was revoked at Southport Magistrates Court in Queensland, the Courier-Mail reported.

Charged with stealing a car, wilful damage, trespass, drug possession and breach of bail, Poutu was told by Justice Martin Burns that she was not a good candidate for bail, to which she asked: 'How can I change it so that I am a good candidate?'

'You can't, sit down,' Justice Burns replied.

Patrice Ruby Poutu, 31, represented herself after her bail was revoked at Southport Magistrates Court in Queensland

Poutu was told to not interrupt as she was refused bail, with Justice Burns saying he was not confident that she would comply with her conditions

Poutu was told to not interrupt as she was refused bail, with Justice Burns saying he was not confident that she would comply with her conditions.

'You are not a good candidate for bail, Ms Poutu, you need to get that into your head,' Justice Burns said.

Poutu has spent 41 days in jail after her bail was revoked on July 26.

As her request was refused, Justice Burns said he suspected Poutu had an 'underlying drug problem'.

'She has not shown cause why her continued detention in custody is not justified,' he said.

Poutu is expected to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on September 17.Police are hunting a group of suspects after a teenage boy was left fighting for his life after being stabbed multiple times in north London.

The victim, who is thought to be 18, was stabbed multiple times on York Way in Islington on Tuesday evening.

Islington Police said officers were called to an altercation at around 10pm and found the victim with stab wounds.

The victim, who is thought to be 18, was stabbed multiple times on York Way (pictured, file photo) in Islington on Tuesday evening

He was taken to hospital with possible life-threatening injuries.

A group of suspects fled the scene, police said. No arrests have been made.

Police said Section 60 stop and search powers have been authorised for the N1, WC1, EC1 and NW1 postcodes until 6am on Wednesday to prevent any further violence.

The latest knife attack comes days after a woman was stabbed in broad daylight in nearby Caledonian Road.

Police are hunting a group of suspects after a teenage boy was left fighting for his life after being stabbed multiple times in north London

That victim, in her 20s, was believed to have been stabbed in the chest at around 10.20am on Saturday.

A witness, who did not want to be identified, said he heard the young woman screaming and saw two men with a blade on Caledonian Road in Islington.

'Two of them attacked one and basically they got stabbed pretty badly,' he added.

'I thought the woman was just screaming I didn't realise she was hurt.'

A man, who has not been identified, was arrested and is being held by Metropolitan Police officers on suspicion of attempted murder.

Late last month, the death of a retired nurse marked the 100th murder inquiry in the capital this year.

Any witnesses are urged to call 101 quoting reference CAD 7897/4 Sept

The latest knife attack comes days after a woman was stabbed in broad daylight in nearby Caledonian Road (pictured on Saturday)A Rotherham schoolgirl who was raped by multiple men was months later forced to have an abortion by her parents, a court has heard.

Nabeel Kurshid, 34, and Iqlak Yousaf, 33, along with a third man, are accused of taking the girl, 14 at the time, to Sherwood Forest and threatening to leave her there alone unless she had sex with them.

The pair are among a group of eight men from Rotherham and Sheffield who are said to have targeted girls who were 'easy to exploit because they wanted to be loved'.

The alleged incident happened some time between August 2002 and August 2003, prosecutors at Sheffield Crown Court said.

Prosecutor Michelle Colborne QC said that the girl was given cannabis and was 'high as a kite'.

She said: 'Each defendant took turns in having sex with her.

'She was warned she had to do what she was told or she would be left there.'

Nabeel Kurshid, 34, arrives at Sheffield Crown Court where he denies raping a young girl in 2002 or 2003

Ms Colborne said the girl was bitten during the alleged attack, leaving marks on her neck.

She said: 'The defendants ensured her compliance by giving her drugs and threatening to abandon her in the forest.'

The prosecutor said: 'She became pregnant as a result of the group rape.

'Her parents forced her to have a termination. She suffered a great deal of psychological trauma as a result.'

Ms Colborne told the jury that the teenager, who is now in her thirties, was vulnerable and had a history of being exploited.

'She was passed from one group of Asian males to another and, over time, was very seriously abused.'

The prosecutor said the girl's parents found out about the alleged exploitation but were unsupportive - verbally abusing their daughter and locking her out when she arrived home late.

Kurshid and Yousaf both deny raping the girl.

The eight men on trial allegedly took their victims to parks, abandoned buildings and 'secluded locations' to carry out sexual abuse, prosecutors allege.

The men were arrested as part of Operation Stovewood - a police investigation into sexual abuse launched after the Rotherham grooming scandal.

Iqlak Yousaf, 33, also denied raping the teenager who says she was later forced to have an abortion by her parents

They face a total of 28 counts of sexual abuse of five girls over a five-year period from 1998 to 2003.

Charges include rape, aiding or abetting rape, indecent assault, supply of controlled drugs and false imprisonment.

Opening the case at Sheffield Crown Court, prosecutor Michelle Colborne QC, told the jury the girls were 'ostracised' from their lives by the defendants.

She said: 'This case concerns allegations of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham in the late 1990s and into the early 2000s.

'When [the girls] were in their teens they were targeted, sexualised and in some instances subjected to acts of a degrading and violent nature at the hands of these men in dock.

'These were local girls with unsettled home lives.

'They were lured by the excitement of friendship of older Asian youths.

'None of them had the maturity to know they were being groomed and exploited.'

One of the men attempted to disguise himself at Sheffield Crown Court. Mohammed Imran Ali Akhtar, 36, of Rotherham, faces four counts of indecent assault, one of supplying a controlled drug, one of rape, one of procuring a girl under 21 for unlawful sexual intercourse with another, one of aiding and abetting a rape and one of sexual assault

The jury was told two of the victims, who were sisters, were 'vulnerable' after being 'effectively abandoned' by their parents when they were young.

The girls were 'enthralled' by 'older Asian men' and believed they were 'loved' because they were 'receiving attention', Miss Colborne told the jury.

They thought they were 'living the high life' at the time and were frequently in cars stopped by the police.

However, this 'did not deter the abusers', the court heard.

Miss Colborne added: 'These sisters, like so many others were easy to exploit because they needed to be loved.'

She told the jury that five of the men, led by Mohammed Imran Akhtar, were friends who were 'content to pass the girls around'.

Akhtar, 37, 'befriended young girls' and 'passed them to his friends', the court heard.

Akhtar, of Rotherham, faces four counts of indecent assault, one of supplying a controlled drug, one of rape, one of procuring a girl under 21 for unlawful sexual intercourse with another, one of aiding and abetting a rape and one of sexual assault.

Tanweer Ali, 37, of Rotherham, faces two counts of indecent assault, two counts of rape and one of false imprisonment.

Salah El-Hakam, 39, of Sheffield, faces one count of rape.

Nabeel Kurshid, 34, of Rotherham, faces two counts of rape and one of indecent assault.

Amjal Rafiq, 38, arrives at Sheffield Crown Court as one of a gang of eight men accused of rape and other sex offences. Ajmal faces one count of false imprisonment and one count of indecent assault

Iqlak Yousaf, 34 of Rotherham, faces two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault.

Ajmal Rafiq, 38, of Rotherham, faces one count of false imprisonment and one count of indecent assault.

Asif Ali, 33, of Rotherham, faces three counts of indecent assault.

An eighth defendant, who cannot be named, faces three counts of rape and one of abducting a child.

The accused deny the allegations against them.

The trial continues.

Tanweer Ali, 37, arrived at the court with his seven co-defendants. He is accused of two counts of indecent assault, two counts of rape and one of false imprisonmentMs Oudeh's ex-partner Janbaz Tarin appeared in court charged with the murders

Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects at a joint funeral for a mother and daughter who were stabbed to death in Solihull.

Mother-of-one Raneem Oudeh, 22, and her mother Khaola Saleem, 49, were stabbed on the quiet residential street where they lived in Solihull, West Midlands, in the early hours of last Sunday.

The pair were laid to rest after a joint funeral service which began at 2pm today at Ghamkol Masjid in Golden Hillock Road, Small Heath, where hundreds of mourners turned up to pay their respects.

This was followed by a burial at Widney Manor Cemetery in nearby Bentley Heath at 3.45pm as the bodies were placed into two black funeral cars by male family members and as emotional relatives looked on.

A joint funeral has taken place this afternoon for a tragic mum and daughter stabbed to death in Solihull

Raneem Oudeh, 22, who was murdered in Solihull last week

Ms Oudeh (left) and her mother Khaola Saleem (right) died after they were stabbed in Solihull

Mourners lined the mosque to pray in a final tribute to the mum and daughter.

The coffins were covered in green cloth with gold writing as they made their way to the final resting place after the 30-minute service which was attended by Ms Saleem's sister, Nour Norris.

Earlier today, Ms Oudeh's partner Janbaz Tarin was remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with murdering his ex-partner and her mother.

He is expected to face trial in March next year accused of killing Ms Oudeh, 22, and 49-year-old Khaola Saleem.

Two mourners embrace ahead of the joint funeral for Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem

Coffins were placed into two black funeral cars by male family members on Tuesday

Hundreds of mourners turned up to pay their respects at a joint funeral service on Tuesday

The pair were laid to rest after a joint funeral service which began at 2pm today at Ghamkol Masjid in Golden Hillock Road, Small Heath

The coffins were covered in green cloth with gold writing as they made their way to the final resting place

Both died of stab wounds outside mother-of-six Ms Saleem's house in Northdown Road, Solihull, West Midlands, in the early hours of August 27.

Tarin, of Sparkhill, spoke only to confirm his name during a 20-minute hearing at Birmingham Crown Court.

The 21-year-old was ordered to reappear at the same court for a plea hearing in October.

Ms Saleem's grieving sister has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her in an interview with the BBC.

Nour Norris said mum-of-six Khaola was 'like a mother to her' and was 'very special.'

Women are seen praying during the funeral service at a mosque in Small Heath, Birmingham

Mourners prayer during the funeral of murdered Khaola Saleem and Raneem Oudeh

Shoes are seen outside the prayer hall of the Ghamkol Sharif mosque in Birmingham

Khaola Saleem's sister is seen outside Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif in Birmingham

Two funeral cars carrying the coffins of the mother and daughter make their way to the mosque

'Everyone used to think she was my mum,' she said. 'Though she's not much older than me - not more than ten years.

'There's something about her, because she cared about me so much, everyone had the feeling she was my mum.

'We were best buddies, people who know us know that. She was my soulmate.

'Life was just fun around her, that's all I can say. If you're sad, she will make you happy and if you're happy, she'll make you more happy.

West Midlands Police thanked members of the public for their support during the investigation.

Det Insp Caroline Corfield said: 'I would like to thank the community for their support over the last few days, the response to our appeals has been excellent.'

Janbaz Tarin today appeared in court charged with murdering his ex partner and her motherPolice have faced criticism from a crown court judge after officers failed to knock on a wanted man's front door - despite standing outside his Stoke-on-Trent home.

Staffordshire Police found themselves caught up in red-tape when they went to arrest Anthony Kershaw, who is wanted for burglary, only to find that the warrant had not been downloaded on the national crime database.

They were dispatched to his home in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, armed with a warrant for his arrest.

On-the-run defendant Anthony Kershaw, 43, from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, who denies burglary

Instead of knocking on the door and pursuing the alleged criminal, they decided to drive off, leaving the property and leaving Kershaw free.

The force faced backlash from Deputy Judge Richard Griffith-Jones who described their pursuit of the alleged burglar as 'complete nonsense'.

Now the jury in Kershaw's trial has been discharged while Kershaw, 43, who denies the charges, is still on the run.

The officers had been sent to find the fugitive after he failed to attend at Warwick Crown Court for the second day of his attempted burglary trial on Friday.

However, when they got there they decided not to knock on his door because the warrant had not been added to the police national computer (PNC) by the time they got to the property.

Judge Griffith-Jones told the court: 'What has happened is totally unsatisfactory.

'The police were outside the defendant's door, not even prepared to knock on the door, despite having the bench warrant in their hands, because it wasn't on the PNC.

'It is just complete nonsense. What would happen if this related to a multiple murderer heading to Heathrow.'

Staffordshire Police returned to Kershaw's home later in the day, but Kershaw was not there.

Officers had been sent to find the fugitive after he failed to attend at Warwick Crown Court for the second day of his attempted burglary trial on Friday

The PNC is a system used extensively by law enforcement organisations across the country. Due to its wide spread use it has led to the PNC being more of an investigative tool rather than its original purpose of a record keeping one.

In order for officers to successfully execute a warrant on a property, the documentation in its full entirety, with authorisation from the appropriate levels, has to be loaded onto the server.

The Home Office states that that there are over 12.2 million personal records, 58.5 million driver records, and 62.6 million vehicle records stored on the PNC.

Prosecutor Rebecca Wade told the court: 'The procedure for a warrant to be executed is that it has to be properly uploaded onto the PNC, particularly if it is from an external force to the one executing the warrant.'

In a statement, Staffordshire Police failed to address the judge's direct criticism.

A spokesman said: 'After receiving information from Warwick Crown Court, officers from Staffordshire Police were expeditiously directed to arrest Anthony Kershaw for failing to appear at court.

'Upon attending the known address, officers were unable to locate Kershaw. However, further inquiries were commenced and inquiries continue between Staffordshire and Warwickshire police forces to locate him.'

It had been earlier been alleged that Kershaw had attempted to break into a house in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, in February.A 68-year-old-man has been charged with stalking offences dating back to 2014 after allegedly terrorising young women with handwritten letters and sexual voicemails.

The letters, some up to 10 pages long, were allegedly sent to women working at different businesses across Melbourne and along Victoria's coast.

The man is accused of making a number of inappropriate calls to female staff at the same businesses, a police statement said.

The day before the man's arrest, police released audio clips of the voicemail where a man could be heard saying he 'fantasised about you girls doing massages'.

A number of sexually explicit letters were sent out to businesses across Melbourne earlier this year. A 68-year-old man has been charged in relation to those incidents (stock)

In another message he asks one of the women if they would like to receive photographs from him.

He can be heard apologising for sending the explicit letters, which he said were 'terrible'.

'I sent a terrible letter to you people and I'm deeply ashamed I wrote it,' he said.

'I just fantasised about you girls doing massages. I just was stupid. I'm terribly sorry if I caused you any concern, you won't hear from me again. Have a nice day.'

Detectives arrested the Bellbrae man after receiving help from the public.

He has been charged with eight counts of stalking and has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on November 1.Celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman arrives at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court this afternoon

David Beckham was clocked driving nearly 20mph over the speed limit in a loaned Bentley - but denies speeding because legal papers were served late, his celebrity lawyer told a court today.

The ex-England captain will stand trial later this month after being allegedly caught driving a 200,000 Bentley at 59mph in a 40mph zone in January.

His celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman, who is known as 'Mr Loophole', told Wimbledon Magistrates' Court today that it was 'admitted' Beckham was behind the wheel and broke the limit.

But Mr Freeman indicated a not guilty plea on 43-year-old Beckham's behalf because he claimed legal papers about the offence were not served on time.

A trial date of September 27 was set during the case management hearing today, which Beckham did not attend.

District Judge Barbara Barnes asked Mr Freeman: 'That's admitted, the driver and the speed?' Mr Freeman said: 'Yes.'

He said the car was a 'loan vehicle' from Bentley so a notice of intended prosecution was sent to the manufacturer instead of Beckham after it was clocked speeding.

Mr Freeman arrives for the case management hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court today

But the letter was not received until more than the legal time limit of two weeks after the alleged offence on January 23, Mr Freeman said.

The court heard the letter, which was dated February 2, was not received by Bentley until February 7. He said: 'I don't accept it was served on the 2nd.

'At the moment I don't have the chronology so I don't know. I accept the date on it is the 2nd. As I understand it that's the date it was printed. Not the date it was served.'

Mr Freeman added: 'What I'm saying is the notice is defective because it arrived out of time.' The court was told a stamp to indicate receipt was dated February 7.

David Beckham is pictured driving a Bentley car (not believed to be the one involved in the incident in January) through West London with his 19-year-old son Brooklyn last month

Simon Maughan, prosecuting, said: 'I'm accepting of the letter, I'm accepting of the date on the letter, I'm accepting that the seventh has been stamped on the letter.

Beckham (pictured in Monaco last Thursday) did not attend the court hearing today

'There can be no issue with the date on the letter.'

Beckham, of Holland Park, West London, allegedly broke the limit while driving on the A40 flyover in Paddington.

District Judge Barbara Barnes said: 'I will fix the trial date on September 27.'

Referring to the punishment if Beckham is found guilty, she said: 'I think we're in unlimited fines territory.'

She added: 'Service of the intended prosecution should be received within 14 days. The defence say it was outside 14 days.'

Asked whether Beckham would be present at the trial, Mr Freeman said: 'I don't anticipate it.'

He added: 'If the case goes against him and if the result is disqualification then I will make it absolutely clear.'

David Beckham, pictured with his wife Victoria before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in Windsor in May, denies the speeding charge which dates back to January

Beckham also did not attend an earlier hearing at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court in Battersea on August 28.

According to the charge sheet on that date, he sent his not guilty plea by post on August 17.

Beckham made his name as a midfielder at Manchester United in the 1990s before going on to play for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

He also earned 115 caps for the national side. He retired from playing in 2013.Police have released the image of the man they believe is involved in the attack of two teenage girls at bus stops in Melbourne

Two teenage schoolgirls have been assaulted in separate attacks by an unshaven man lingering around bus stops in Melbourne.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the predator after the violent attacks, which happened on the same bus line last week.

A 17-year-old girl had a knife pulled on her after getting off a bus at Waverley Park Drive, Cranbourne North about 6pm last Tuesday.

The man, who had been waiting at the bus stop, followed her before grabbing her and kissing her.

When she fought back, the man verbally abused her, pulled out a knife and punched her before fleeing.

She had minor scratches, police say.

The next day, a 17-year-old girl was attacked while waiting with friends at a bus stop on the Princes Highway near Harmer Road, Hallam at 2.30pm.

The man crossed from the other side of the road towards the bus stop and began shouting abuse at the girl and her friends.

He grabbed the girl and pushed her into a bus stop before abruptly leaving.

She had minor bruising during the incident.

The man was seen walking along the Princes Highway and turning left onto Harmer Road.

A 17-year-old girl was attacked while waiting with friends at a bus stop on the Princes Highway near Harmer Road, Hallam, last week

Detectives believe the same person was involved in both incidents and have released a composite image of a man who they believe can assist with their inquiries.

He has been described as Caucasian, about 40 to 50 years-old and unshaven.

The man wore black pants, a grey top and black cap during the second incident and was carrying a black backpack.

Police are also hoping to speak to a woman with a pram, who came to the aid of the first victim at the time.A man who allegedly assaulted a paramedic as his sister-in-law lay unconscious outside a nightclub has claimed the ambulance worker was refusing to treat her.

Tyson Parker, 27, was charged after emergency services were called to the Pontoon Bar in Sydney's Darling Harbour late last month when the woman passed out.

Parker is alleged to have shoved the paramedic in the back but he claims he 'didn't do nothing' and just wanted to help his sister-in-law, A Current Affair reported.

Scroll down for video

Tyson Parker (pictured) is accused of assaulting a paramedic but he claims the ambulance worker was refusing to treat his sister-in-law who fell unconscious

Paramedics had been called to Sydney's Darling Harbour, in the early hours of August 26, where the alleged assault unfolded

'(The paramedic) goes, "I'm not going to touch, I'm not going to do anything until the police get here",' Parker told the television program.

"I didn't do nothing, all I just said (was) "Mate, mate, go, go, she's there, you have to help her", and security guards wrapped their arms around me.'

Parker said he was 'trying to save my sister-in-law's life' and claimed the paramedic at the scene 'was doing nothing' to help her.

It is understood Parker's 22-year-old sister-in-law was part of a group celebrating a birthday at the Pontoon Bar.

She became unconscious in the early hours of August 26 and paramedics were quick to arrive at the scene.

A Current Affair reported St John's Ambulance volunteers had been giving the woman CPR, with the paramedic allegedly assaulted when they went to take over.

At about 12.20am paramedics called police for urgent assistance and riot police were also called in to control the situation.

Parker was charged with common assault, obstruct or hinder ambulance officer by act of violence, possess prohibited drug, and supply prohibited drug.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on September 19.

His sister-in-law was rushed to St Vincent's Hospital, where she died at the weekend.

A 42-year-old man was also arrested and he has been issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for hinder police.Daniel Storr, 32, (pictured) outside Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday

A health insurance salesman bribed his former colleague to steal the personal details of almost 50 customers, a court heard.

Daniel Storr, 32, promised Aden Embling a cut of his commission for every sale he made from the stolen data which included names, addresses, dates of birth and phone numbers, it is alleged.

But no money ever changed hands as Storr failed to sell a single policy to any of the 48 people whose details he acquired.

The pair had worked together at Health Online, a subsidiary of insurance giant AXA, in Bournemouth, Dorset, before Storr went to work for another company called Parkway Financial Solutions.

Storr approached his former colleague and offered him a bribe to send him photos of personal health records, Bournemouth Crown Court heard.

Edward Elton, prosecuting, told the jury the alleged offence took place between September 2015 and April 2016.

Embling took photographs of the records of a number of clients of Health Online, saving them onto a laptop and then giving them to Storr.

He also said there was a single health record that Embling sent to Storr in a photo via WhatsApp that he then got a response from Storr saying he had tried but failed to sell an insurance policy.

Mr Elton said: 'The prosecution say Mr Storr entered into an agreement with another young man, Aden Embling, who he met when they both worked together at Health Online.

'Mr Embling stole the health insurance records of a number of Health Online clients, stored them on a laptop and then gave that to Mr Storr.

'Aden Embling behaved in that way because Daniel Storr had offered him ten per cent of any commission he got for selling a policy to any of those 48 people - that is a bribe.

'And it was that reward that convinced Mr Embling to steal the information from his employers.'

Storr (right) had worked with former colleague Aden Embling at Health Online (left) a subsidiary of insurance giant AXA, in Bournemouth, Dorset

The jury heard from Michael Bennett, AXA UK's group fraud risk manager, who investigated and found Embling had accessed more than 50 'old' records.

Their system allows them to track any access to the data and it showed Embling only had the image on the screen for about 15 seconds per record.

Mr Bennett said: 'The image was on the screen for probably 15 seconds, which would not have given any time to have done anything credible in terms of reviewing a lead or making a phone call.'

Embling later presented the laptop to his bosses and this was examined.

Mr Bennett told the jury the sales team have performance-related pay and would generally get about 15 per cent of the premium when a health insurance policy was sold.

He said the premium could run into thousands or more per year, and a premium of 1,000 would usually earn them about 150.

Storr, from Ferndown, Dorset, denies a charge of bribing with intent to obtain business or advantage.

The trial continues.Two teenagers are being dealt with under the Young Offenders Act after shocking footage emerged showing a 70-year-old man being shoved to the ground and kicked in the stomach.

The sickening attack was filmed at a bus stop in Castle Hill, in Sydney's north-west, about 8.50pm on August 18.

Footage of the appalling incident was uploaded to Instagram, but police say there is more to the attack than what the vision shows, The Hills Shire Times reported.

Two teenagers are being dealt with under the Young Offenders Act after appalling footage emerged online showing a 70-year-old man being pushed and kicked

A 15-year-old boy had been arrested at the scene by police and another was later identified by officers.

The two teenagers are currently being dealt with under the Young Offenders Act and reportedly could face assault charges.

Police say the elderly man may also be charged over the incident as they continue to investigate.

'Other CCTV gives a wider, more comprehensive view of all the lead up events and the incident itself,' The Hills police commander Superintendent Rob Critchlow said.

He added alcohol consumption by some of those involved appeared to be relevant in the attack which unfolded.

The footage posted online captured two teenagers kicking the elderly man after he was pushed to the ground.

One of the young teenage boys, who was wearing a grey hoodie, appeared to be in an argument with the 70-year-old.

'I'm not going to beat you,' the elderly man said before he approached the teenager, who continued to swear at the pensioner.

In the video, one of the young male teenagers wearing a grey hoodie appeared to be in an argument with the 70-year-old

Another teenage boy in a red beanie then pushed the man, causing him to fall and hit his head on the bus stop.

Both teenagers then kicked the man in the stomach as a female begged for them to stop.

'No!' she screamed.

Last month, a police spokesman had said 'A 70-year-old Cherrybrook man became involved in an argument with young people at a bus shelter on Old Castle Hill Road'.

'Female members of the group went to the assistance of the older man but he declined medical treatment.'

According to the NSW Police website, 'Police may divert eligible young offenders from court and detention through warnings, cautions or referral to a youth justice conference under the Young Offenders Act'.Supporters of the man accused of stealing a car from a mother while her baby lay sleeping in the back seat have hurled abuse at reporters out the front of a court.

Targeting a cameraman, one of the man's relatives launched an expletive-laden assault at Broadmeadows Court in Melbourne's north-west on Tuesday afternoon.

'F** off you dog, get the f**k out of here you little maggot,' the man, wearing a hooded jumper, spat as he lashed out at news crews filming outside the courthouse.

A relative of the man accused of stealing a car with an eight-year-old in the backseat has been filmed launching an expletive-laced tirade at reporters outside court (pictured)

'Get the f**k out of here you corrupt dogs,' he continued, before allegedly headbutting one of the cameras.

The family member appearing in court on Tuesday was the alleged driver charged on Monday with the theft of a car and driving while disqualified.

CCTV released last week showed the incident, where a white Hyundai SUV was allegedly stolen from outside a medical centre in Melbourne's north-east.

The mother who owned the car was seen standing only metres away, not paying attention until the car began speeding off.

She had to watch on in horror as the car, with her eight-week-old son in the back seat, drove away.

A mother (pictured) watches on in horror as a carjacker dries off in her white Hyundai Tucson, unaware an eight-week-old baby boy is sleeping in the back seat

Police say the car was dumped 20 minutes later, the baby boy still asleep and unharmed inside it.

The accused appeared in court on Tuesday via video-link, who will be remanded in custody in Thursday.

He told the Magistrate he wants to appear in person on Thursday, and will apply for bail.The Commissioner of the Met Police has said Facebook should hand over potentially vital information to detectives 'within minutes' of being asked.

Cressida Dick spoke out after the social network refused to hand over a password which could aid the investigation into the killing of 13-year-old Lucy McHugh.

Hampshire Police has been forced to initiate a lengthy legal procedure in the US in a bid to get hold of messages sent and received by suspect Stephen Nicholson before Lucy's death.

Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said police should be able to get hold of information from Facebook and other social networks more easily

Met Police chief Ms Dick did not comment on the case specifically but said social networks must make it easier for police to get at potentially key evidence.

She told LBC: 'I absolutely think in certain instances - and it sounds like this is one - law enforcement in the UK ought to be able to have vital evidence which might bring someone to justice.'

She said social media giants are getting better at working with police, but added: 'It's not the first time that a police force in the UK or overseas has approached a social media company looking for evidence and had to go through a very protracted procedure or has found that it actually impossible to do so.'

Lucy's mother, Stacey White, said unlocking the account would 'certainly give police an idea of what was being said between Lucy and Stephen'.

'In situations like this, Facebook really should just release the information that is needed and I think that is the opinion that everybody has,' she told the Daily Mail.

'They should give over the account details. Lucy needs justice. It's so easy for them to do.'

Detectives investigating the murder of 13-year-old Lucy McHugh (left) are desperate to access Facebook accounts belonging to tattoo artist Stephen Nicholson (right)

Nicholson, a father-of-one, was staying at Lucy's family home in Southampton until several days before she was found stabbed to death in woodland on July 26.

According to prosecutors he had contact with the teenager as recently as the morning of her disappearance.

While being questioned on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child, he twice refused to give detectives his Facebook password.

The 24-year-old was jailed for 14 months on Friday over his refusal to hand over the password to his account.

Lucy's mother, Stacey White, has urged Facebook to hand over the password

The court heard his excuse for refusing access was to protect himself and his family as there was information relating to cannabis on the account.

Prosecutors said police were facing a 'lengthy procedure' in order to obtain access and the investigation into Lucy's death had been 'considerably obstructed' as a result.

Yvette Cooper, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, called on the Government and Facebook to create a fast legal procedure for such cases.

'This was an appalling murder, and Lucy McHugh's family need justice,' she told the Mail.

'For there to be such long delays and cumbersome international processes for getting crucial information in such a serious case is deeply disturbing.'.

Nicholson remains on bail for his arrest on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child.

A charging decision is anticipated on October 27.

A spokesman for Facebook said 'This is a terrible case and our hearts go out to the family of Lucy McHugh.

'We are working closely with law enforcement and there are well established legal mechanisms that the police follow to obtain information in criminal investigations like this.'Anti-terror police have arrested a 16-year-old girl and a 53-year-old woman on suspicion of funding terrorism.

Officers moved in two homes in west London and arrested two women, aged 53 and 26, and a schoolgirl.

Detectives are now scouring both properties as part of a terror investigation.

The Met Police have arrested two women and a 16-year-old girl on suspicion of funding terror

A Scotland Yard spokesman: 'Three people have been arrested today, 4 September, on suspicion of terrorism offences as part of an investigation by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.

'A 53-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl were arrested at an address in west London. A 26-year-old woman was arrested at a separate address, also in west London. Officers are carrying out searches at both addresses.

'They were all arrested on suspicion of funding terrorism contrary to section 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

'All three were detained under PACE and taken to a south London police station where they remain in police custody. Enquiries ongoing.'A woman has appeared in court charged with making explosives at the home she shared with her boyfriend.

Natalie Parsons, 51, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Monday afternoon after police reportedly found explosives at her property.

Police allegedly made the discovery at her home in Archer Crescent, Ely, Cardiff, when officers raided the property on Wednesday.

Natalie Parsons, 51, appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, where she faces two counts of making or possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life

Parsons is accused of two counts of making or possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, and four counts of possession of terrorist documents.

She appeared in court today wearing a grey jumper and flanked in the dock by three officials, was remanded in custody.

She confirmed her name, address, date of birth and British nationality during the 25-minute hearing.

Counter-terror police said there was no evidence of a specific terrorist threat against the Welsh capital.

Her partner, Edward John Harris, 27, appeared in court on Saturday charged in connection with the same incident. The pair are due before the Old Bailey on September 27.

Police forensic officers enter a property in Cardiff, Wales, where Edward John Harris and his girlfriend lived



Saturday Kitchen star Rachel Allen has spoken of her 'devastation' after her son Joshua was arrested in a 27,000 drugs raid.

The 46-year-old Irish celebrity chef has said that her son, who has 'never been in trouble with the Gardai', has made a 'huge mistake'

Joshua, 18, was arrested by gardai from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau during a raid on a home in County Cork, reports the Irish Mirror.

The mother-of-three said in a statement: 'We are making a statement in response to, and hopefully to alleviate, the frenzy of enquiry and speculation on going in relation to our son Joshua.

'He has been arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs (marijuana) with intent to supply them to others.

Saturday Kitchen star Rachel Allen has spoken of her 'devastation' after her son Joshua was arrested in a 27,000 drugs raid

Joshua, 18, was arrested by gardai from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau during a raid on a home in Shanagarry, County Cork, on August 30. Pictured: Mrs Allen and her son Joshua, aged 14

'He has admitted his guilt immediately and co-operated fully with the Gardai.

'A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions and when formally charged Joshua will be pleading guilty at the first opportunity. 'We are absolutely devastated at this turn of events.

'Our son is eighteen years old, has never been in trouble with the Gardai, and has made a huge mistake, which will have profound consequences for him.

'We do not in any way condone his actions, in fact, we utterly condemn them, but it is not for us to condemn him.

'We must now try to look after our son and our family, the best way we can.

'We would ask that the legal process would be allowed to proceed to deal with this matter, without interference, and that we would be allowed to deal with this, like any other parents, in a similar position.'

A garda spokeswoman told the Irish Mirror that Revenue Customs Officers seized approximately 30,000 of suspected herbal cannabis in the Shanagarry area of East Cork on August 30.

Officers seized around 1.5kg of the drug during the raid.The SNP's membership has edged ahead of the Tories nationwide for the first time, new figures out today realised.

Across the UK the Scottish National Party - which only stands candidates in Scotland - has around 125,000 members.

The Conservative Party has slipped into third place with 124,000 members, research by the House of Commons Library reveals.

Labour is far ahead with more than half a million paying subscribers, many of which who joined to support Jeremy Corbyn to be leader in 2015.

The SNP's membership has edged ahead of the Tories nationwide for the first time, new figures out today realised

Tory membership has been a subject of particular focus for months amid continued speculation over the future of Theresa May (pictured in Kenya last week) because party members will choose her replacement

A House of Commons Library spokesman tweeted: 'The latest available data shows that membership of the SNP (August 2018) has surpassed the latest reported figures for the Conservatives (March 2018).'

Tory membership has been a subject of particular focus for months amid continued speculation over the future of Theresa May.

If the Prime Minister resigned or was ousted, Tory members would choose the next Prime Minister - unless MPs coronated a single candidate.

Hard Brexiteers linked to the Leave.EU group and ex-Ukip donor Arron Banks have threatened to join the party ahead of the next leadership contest in a bid to install a right-wing candidate.

Nicola Sturgeon reacted with delight to official figures showing her party was now the second largest in the UK by membership.

She said: 'Wow - the SNP is now officially the second biggest party in the whole of the UK.'

SNP business convener Derek Mackay MSP welcomed the figures, which he said were boosted in June by the row over the so-called Brexit 'power grab' on devolved governments.

Nicola Sturgeon (file image) reacted with delight to official figures showing her party was now the second largest in the UK by membership

The SNP leader tweeted 'Wow - the SNP is now officially the second biggest party in the whole of the UK'

'Over 7,000 people joined the SNP in just five days in June, propelling us ahead of a waning Tory party which is at risk of imploding completely over Brexit,' he said.

'Like the extraordinary membership surge of 2014 joining the SNP has once again become not just a powerful symbol, but the best way to ensure Scotland's voice is heard.

'People were rightly outraged at Tory plans to remove powers from the Scottish Parliament, and that only 15 minutes were given over at Westminster to debate the impact of the EU Withdrawal Bill on devolution.'

A Tory source said: 'We have been driving up membership steadily since the beginning of the year.'The family of a woman who died after a banana boat flipped over while she was on a Thomas Cook holiday in Egypt said they are 'broken inside' following her tragic death.

Janice Bowles, 58, from Bristol, was reportedly trapped underneath the inflatable after it flipped and threw all riders into the sea in Hurghada on August 28.

She died just one week after fellow British tourists John and Susan Cooper died at the nearby five-star Steigenberger Aqua Magic hotel.

This picture shows Janice Bowles while she was on her holiday at the resort

Mr Bowles daughter, Annmarie Cox wrote in a Facebook tribute to her mother: 'I am broken inside and don't know how to get my head around it. It is such a devastating shock to the whole family.

'It is with the heaviest heart that I am having to write this status.

'Unfortunately whilst my mum Janice Bowles was on holiday in Egypt, there was an accident and she sadly passed away.

'She was the funniest, kindest, most loving mother i know and if i can aspire to be half the woman she is i know ill do my girls proud.

'I love you momma and can't believe I'll never hear your voice or get to make you p*** yourself laughing.

'Sleep tight you beautiful angel xxxxxxxx visit me often please momma xxxxxxxxx.'

A family member at the home in Bristol declined to comment.

Today the family of Mrs Bowles, who died in front of her daughter, released a picture of the grandmother on her doomed holiday.

She died just a week after two fellow British tourists died suddenly at the five-star Steigenberger Aqua Magic hotel

Mrs Bowles was reportedly trapped after the boat it flipped and threw all riders into the sea. Stock picture

Janice Bowles, 58, died after becoming trapped under a banana boat in Hurghada on August 28

One British holidaymaker, an ex-army veteran, who was on board at the time said the boat flipped after the speedboat pulling it along 'bombed out' on the water, The Sun reported.

The incident took place a week after fellow British tourists John and Susan Cooper died suddenly at the five-star Steigenberger Aqua Magic hotel.

The group had been on a dolphin-watching tour just before the tragic accident.

The man told the Sun: 'I could hear the woman's daughter wailing, as she knew that there was something seriously wrong with her mum.

'They got the lady back on an they were doing chest compressions, but at no point were there any breaths given.

'I'm screaming at them 'open her airways' but they pushed me back.'

Thomas Cook have suspended the dolphin-watching tour the group were on while they investigate.

A Thomas Cook spokesman told the Sun: 'We can confirm that one of our customers sadly died last week while on an excursion in Egypt.

Mrs Bowles died off the coast of Hurghada (pictured) after becoming trapped under the inflatable when it flipped over on August 28

Mrs Bowles died a week after fellow British tourists John and Susan Cooper died at the resort

'We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family, and our welfare team continue to do all they can to support them at this time.

'We are urgently investigating what happened.'

A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'Our staff are assisting the family of a British woman who has died in Hurghada.'

Mr and Mrs Cooper stayed next to a room that had been fumigated just hours before, raising fears they may have been poisoned by toxic gases.

Pest controllers sprayed chemicals into the room on August 20, the day before Susan and John Cooper died.

The couple's daughter Kelly Ormerod reported a strange smell in her parents' room at the five-star hotel at the Red Sea resort of Hurghada in the hours before they died. Kelly's daughter had intended to stay the night with her grandparents but returned to her mother's room due to the odour.The battle between British and French fisherman escalated again today after Gallic trawlers grabbed a giant haul of bluefin tuna off Jersey that their UK rivals must throw back.

Two boats based in Normandy caught 44 of the valuable protected fish while hunting for bream off the Channel Islands - adding to already simmering tensions between the two nations.

The tuna, each weighing between 50kg and 120kg and worth more than 100,000 in total, were then brought ashore at Granville in France to be sold.

British fishermen caught in the 'Battle of the Scallops' last week say the new development proves their French foes are hypocrites.

French fishermen working off the south-west coast of Jersey have caught 44 bluefin tuna, some of which are pictured above. The fish, which are rarely seen in the Islandis waters, weighed between 50 and 120 kg

British and French fishermen are at loggerheads over scallops and are now rowing over tuna

Footage from a week ago showed French crews throwing stones and smoke bombs onto British ships in a row over scallops and now there is a row over tuna

Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks are managed by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

Why can the French fish bluefin tuna when Britain are banned? There is an EU quota on fishing for bluefin tuna which last year was set at 13,451.4 tonnes. The member states actively involved in the bluefin tuna fishery are Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Malta and Cyprus. UK fishermen have no quota. The bluefin tuna fishery is regulated by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). ICAAT have been contacted for comment. Phil Treblicock, 64, a fisherman from Newquay, Cornwall, said it was an unfair arrangement. He added: 'I've never caught them - there are some about but there's a total ban. 'They shouldn't be allowed if we're not - it doesn't seem fair. 'It goes against the grain a bit. 'We aren't going to do anything out selves, all we can do is go through the proper channels like the British do.' Advertisement

French fishermen are allowed to keep bluefin tuna while their British counterparts are banned from doing it.

The bluefins are usually only found in the Bay of Biscay and Mediterranean but rising water temperatures are sending more into UK waters.

The UK has no quota to catch bluefin tuna but France, Spain, Croatia, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Malta and Cyprus do.

The new row came as British boats pledged to return to the French coast a week after they fought a Trafalgar-style battle in the English Channel over alleged 'scallop pillaging'.

Derek Meredith, of Brixham, Devon, owner of two boats damaged in the scallop attack by the French last week, said the tuna rules are another example of how unfair the quota system was for British fishermen.

He said: 'It is not an equal playing field but sounds about right for the way the French behave.

'They also have 80 per cent of our cod quota. They just want it all their own way.

'Negotiations should benefit everyone equally and we abide by whatever hand we get dealt. Some stuff we don't like but we have to live with it and we don't go out and retaliate.

'How can it be fair that they come into our waters and are allowed to catch tuna, but we aren't.

'It is an unfair situation all around. We are policed by our authorities and they seem to be able to just do what they want.'

Devon fisherman Nathan Clark shows the damage done to his ship in the nighttime 'battle' last week

Derek said the crew members of his onboard the Golden Promise and Joanna C that were attacked with firebombs and various throwing objects by the French last week were shaken up but they had all now returned to work and were back out fishing.

Michael Gove tells the French to stop the fishermen terrorising British trawler-men in the scallop wars Michael Gove (pictured outside Downing Street in May) said that the French authorities must crack down on the terrorising behaviour Michael Gove has backed British fishermen in the scallop wars - and told the French to bring order to their waters. The Environment Secretary hit out at the 'terrible' scenes British fishermen have been subjected to in the Channel. And he said it is clear that the British fishermen have every right to fish there. He said: 'My heart goes out to the British fishermen who were caught up in the terrible scenes that we saw happen earlier this week. 'They were fishing entirely legally, they had every right to be in those waters and we talked to the French authorities in order to ensure that we have a protocol. 'These are French waters - it's the responsibility of the French to ensure that those who have a legal right to fish can continue to fish uninterrupted.' It is understood that British minsters are in contact with the French administration in an effort to prevent a repeat of the scenes. Advertisement

He said they were planning to return to France for the first time since the incident later this week.

The heavily outnumbered British fleet of four boats was up against at least 40 from northern France before police finally intervened in the Seine Bay last Tuesday.

Rocks and bottles were thrown between vessels and emergency flares fired, as vessels rammed into each other, causing damage to hulls.

At one stage a small French craft was caught between the far larger Honeybourne III  which is based in Shoreham, Sussex  and La Rose des Vents (Rose of the Winds), from Normandy.

'F***- off, f**** - off,' the French shouted during the videoed confrontation at sunrise.

Within EU waters, commercial or recreational vessels are banned from catching or targeting bluefin tuna unless authorised to do so by an EU member state.

As a result bluefin tuna is a prohibited species for UK registered commercial fishing vessels and if caught as a by-catch must be returned to the sea, alive and unharmed to the greatest extent possible.

However, there is no reciprocal ban for the French who have been given free run to invade British waters to get them.

Mick Ward, owner of the Mr Fish tackle shop in Jersey, said that the species - which prefer more southerly waters - are now gradually moving further north towards the UK.

Tensions have been high between both countries for at least 15 years, during what has been dubbed the 'Scallop Wars'.

Tensions have been high between both countries for at least 15 years, during what has been dubbed the 'Scallop Wars'.

The French want their 'Anglo-Saxon' counterparts to stay north of a line running from Barfleur to Cap d'Antifer, both of which are in Normandy, and to only use small vessels to avoid running supplies down.

Normandy fishing chief Dimitri Rogoff said: 'The French engaged the British to stop them fishing, and they clashed with each other.'

French boats currently only have the right to fish for scallops from October 1 until May 15 to allow local stocks to breed and regenerate.

However, the British have no such regulation, although in previous years an agreement has always been worked out that allowed both sides to harvest fairly.

This year no such agreement is in place, and according to the French fishermen, the British have turned up en-masse, in 131 feet boats, to strip the scallop beds leaving nothing behind for when the French will eventually be allowed to join in.

The Royal Navy's entire fisheries protection fleet was unavailable when French trawlermen attacked their British rivals last week.

Only a small number of EU countries can fish for bluefin tuna and France can get them in UK waters but British boats cannot

Not a single one of the squadron's gunboats was in the English Channel when the 'scallop war' flared up on Tuesday.

One was in dock, another was at a festival in Norway and a third was 8,000 miles away.

A fourth warship which came into service earlier this year has been sent back to dock riddled with faulty equipment.A paedophile teacher who sexually assaulted young students under his care has been sentenced to a minimum 12 years in jail.

Shane Andrew Matthews, 31, was jailed on Monday in NSW's Campbelltown District Court, with 15 of his victims and their parents watching on.

The teacher pleaded guilty in May to 33 counts of child sexual abuse between 2012 and 2015 at Wattle Grove Public School in Sydney's west.

In court on Monday, refusing to make eye contact with his victims, one student said they felt a power shift, saying: 'It was good to see him s**tting himself.'

Teacher Shane Andrew Matthews (pictured) was sentenced to a minimum of 12 years jail on Monday over the sexual assault of 15 students aged between 10 and 12

The court heard the teacher would dress up as a superhero (pictured) and give out prizes to groom male students

The court previously heard as Matthews would target his male students during lessons, recess, lunchtimes and scripture classes.

Dressing up as a superhero, he identified himself as 'Captain Obvious', and would groom his victims with fake classroom money and prizes on 'superhero' days.

The students and their parents listened on as Matthews' crimes were read before the court, with Judge Jennifer English labelling him a 'predator'.

She was reportedly 'incredulous' when Matthews said he was teaching his students the 'art of self pleasure'.

Matthews (pictured) previously told the court he was teaching the kids the 'art of self pleasure'

The victim previously said he felt let down by a lack of awareness by other teachers and staff at the school.

He says that they were knew Matthews was breaking the rules by keeping students back at lunchtime for 'private tutoring', but did nothing to stop it.

Before coming forward to a teacher, the student confided in his friends.

He says they called him a liar, and made jokes about him being gay.

The court heard the student would wear a skin-tight swimsuit to school everyday to stop Matthews having 'easy access'.

Matthews was handed down a maximum sentence of 18 years in prison with a non-parole period of 12 years in Campbelltown District Court (pictured) on Monday

The assaults took place at Wattle Grove Public School, where Matthews was a teacher for seven years.

He then took up a job as an assistant principal at Campbelltown's Woodland Road Public School in 2016.

He was handed down a maximum sentence of 18 years in prison with a non-parole period of 12 years.

His victims, who were between the age of 10 and 12 during the attacks, told The Daily Telegraph they don't believe Matthews can be rehabilitated, and had hoped for a longer sentence.

'We've saved a lot of kids (by) locking him up,' one victim said outside the courthouse.A 15-year-old girl plummeted five stories to her death from a fire escape at a TriBeCa house party in New York City while trying to retrieve her cell phone from a locked room.

The teen, Imogen Roche, who was going into her sophomore year at Beacon High School, was attending a party on Reade St. at West Broadway when she went out onto a fifth-floor fire escape at around 11pm, police told DailyMail.com.

Imogen was trying to get her phone from a locked room by climbing through a window and out onto the fire escape where she slipped and fell five stories, landing on the sidewalk on her back, the New York Police Department source added.

Imogen Roche, 15, was at a house party in TriBeCa Sunday night at around 11pm when she went out onto the fire escape to try and retrieve her cell phone that was in a locked room

Imogen's friend posted a tribute to Instagram of her close friend writing 'I can't believe this happened'

Roche tragically slipped while on the fire escape and plummeted five stories to the sidewalk

She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital but she did not make it.

The NYPD source says they are looking to see if alcohol was involved.

Police are also reportedly speaking with the owner of the apartment, who is the mother of Imogen's friend.

One parent of a fellow student at Beacon who knew Imogen told the New York Daily News: 'Oh my God, Imogen. She was very talented and super smart. She's an actor, she dances. And she's an only child. Oh my god, she's beautiful. She's tall. She has a wonderful, infectious personality. She's so nice to people.'

Imogen was five floors up when she climbed out the window of this building when she slipped on the fire escapeand fell to the ground on Sunday at around 11pm

Meanwhile neighbors in the building were left shocked.

'It's a super tragic situation. It was kind of mind blowing to find out that someone had died right outside my apartment,' said a resident on the building's first floor.

The teen was an aspiring actor and dancer and had appeared in short films posted online by Manhattan Youth, an after-school program run by her father, Theseus Roche.

Theseus is an actor and director who is a member of the Screen Actors Guild.A Sydney teenager has been found guilty of planning to use bayonets in a terror attack after pledging allegiance to Islamic State.

A NSW Supreme Court jury on Monday returned the verdict after deliberating for almost a week.

They are yet to reach a verdict on another teen who was arrested alongside the guilty boy in a Muslim prayer hall in October 2016.

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A Sydney teenager has been found guilty of planning to use bayonets in a terror attack. CCTV allegedly showed the boy and friends inside a gun shop

Crown prosecutor Ian Bourke SC during his opening address said the two school friends were aged 16 when allegedly found in possession of two M9 bayonets and a sharpener bought for $230 at a nearby gun shop.

They also had clothing capable of being used as disguises, as well as a handwritten note in Arabic and English which Mr Bourke said amounted to a pledge of allegiance to ISIS or Islamic State.

The teens, who both allegedly had strong, fundamentalist, extremist views, intended to use the bayonets to kill or injure a member of the public, Mr Bourke contended.

Neither teenager can be named for legal reasons.

The boy (pictured centre being arrested) and two school friends were aged 16 when allegedly found in possession of two M9 bayonets bought for $230 at a nearby gun shopThe family of a young man who died after a frantic mob allegedly attacked the paramedics trying to save him said they were 'emotional and loud', but deny ambushing emergency workers treating him.

Hamze Ibrahim, 25, was being urgently resuscitated after a suspected drug overdose at a unit in Sydney's south west on Sunday morning, when police said a brawl broke out forcing paramedics to take refuge inside a neighbour's house for safety.

Up to 80 angry men and women who had gathered at the Riverwood unit allegedly threatened the emergency workers and demanded they be given a defibrillator and drugs to treat the dying man themselves.

But Mr Ibrahim's cousin, who gave his name as Issa, denied anyone was aggressive towards paramedics.

'Yes, there were a lot of people there but no one attacked nobody. We were listening, we were cooperating, and doing exactly what the sergeant was telling us,' he said.

'The only thing that was wrong over there was, you know, the females crying and getting a bit loud, but they weren't aggressive towards police.'

Issa called the Kyle and Jackie O Show on Monday morning to defend police reports that his cousin died from a drug overdose.

'(The claims) make my cousin sound like he's a junkie, when he had never taken a drug in his life,' he said.

He said his family was 'thankful' for the paramedics' presence at the scene.

Following the interview, Mr Ibrahim's family's lawyer Raed Rahal, released a statement hitting back at the Australian Paramedics Association's version of the morning's events.

The family of Hamze Ibrahim, 25, (pictured with wife Hanan, right) who died after a frantic mob allegedly attacked the paramedics trying to save him, have denied claims the on-street brawl ever occurred

Mr Ibrahim died from a suspected drug overdose after paramedics were called to a unit block in Riverwood, in Sydney's west, on Sunday morning.

The family instead claim Mr Ibrahim suffered from sleep apnoea and did not use drugs.

'Many members of Mr. Ibrahim's extended family and his friends attended the residence upon hearing of this tragedy,' the statement read.

'The large number of people who did attend were emotional and many had difficulty accepting what had occurred, however, none were violent or threatening towards paramedics or police.

'The sheer number of people, who did attend the residence, and the tense emotional circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a 25-year-old man, may have caused the paramedics to believe they required police attendance.

'The inaccurate comments made on behalf of the association, which in essence, blames the family for the death of Mr Ibrahim, are totally devoid of compassion and empathy.'

'Mr Ibrahim was a hard working and dedicated family man who was loved and respected by family and friends,' Mr Rahal said.

'He leaves behind a wife, a mother, siblings and a large extended family who are all devastated at his sudden passing.'

Following the interview, Mr Ibrahim's family's lawyer Raed Rahal, released a statement hitting back at the Australian Paramedics Association's recall of the morning's events at the western Sydney unit (pictured)

However, Mr Ibrahim's cousin took to breakfast radio on Monday to claiming he died from natural causes, adding he 'had never taken a drug in his life'

Painted online as a devoted family man, Mr Ibrahim took to Facebook just days ago to pay a loving tribute to his wife of three years, Hanan (left)

Just days before his death, Mr Ibrahim posted a loving tribute to his wife of three years, Hanan.

'If you have a woman in your life who helps bring balance to your world, who works hard, who makes you laugh... (and is) who you want to grow old with....put this as your status with a pic to show some appreciation,' he posted above a collection of happy snaps.

Australian Paramedics Association boss Steve Pearce said the scene was so volatile paramedics were forced to barricade themselves inside a unit as an angry mob demanded a defibrillator and drugs to treat the dying man themselves.

'Paramedics were forced to fend off angry males who eventually forced them to stop treating the patient who was in cardiac arrest and subsequently died,' Mr Pearce said.

'On this occasion the stupidity of these people have taken the life of their family member.'

But the family's claims were quickly shot down by the APA, who insisted the group which surrounded Mr Ibrahim on Sunday became increasingly erratic towards paramedics after he fell ill (pictured is a message written on a Victorian ambulance)

Paramedics called for police at the western Sydney address at about 7.45am, but Mr Ibrahim was dead by the time they arrived

'We don't want any more people to face the horrifying situation of their loved ones dying because paramedics are unable to treat patients after threats of violence.'

He also called for faster intervention by police and said attacks on paramedics in the Bankstown area had become a regular occurrence.

No arrests were made.

Police confirmed in a statement that officers attended the scene following a request by the ambulance service.

A police spokeswoman said: 'Officers found a group of people at the home had become agitated and police were provided assistance to the paramedics.'

The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.Camilla Parker Bowles faces months of disruption with trucks and diggers passing close to her sleepy Wiltshire estate after her neighbour was granted planning permission for a huge overhaul of his property.

The Duchess' Grade-II listed property, Ray Mill House, in Lacock, Wiltshire, has only one close neighbour, The Old Mill, owned by Phil Clayton. The two estates share a private lane.

The council approved the plans last month, while stipulating that care should be taken with 'the use and routing of heavy plant and vehicles, and the control and removal of spoil and wastes.'

An aerial view of Ray Mill House, Camilla Parker Bowles' country estate in Wiltshire

A site plan of The Old Mill, set to undergo extensive building work in the coming months

The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince of Wales on a country walk, left, and the Duchess, right

But locals have expressed fears that the building work will cause 'widespread disruption' and will disturb the Dutchess at the rural haven that she relies on as an escape from the stresses of royal life.

The Duchess of Cornwall uses her historic property to get away from husband Prince Charles's Highgrove House estate, which is open to the public in the summer months and receives more than 30,000 visitors a year.

Mr Clayton has been granted permission to renovate the interior and exterior of his house, build an extension with a glass passageway, replace the garage with a two-storey gymnasium and hobby room, and construct a new sewage treatment plant.

He and the Duchess were recently involved in a planning spat when she successfully opposed his plans to renovate an outbuilding to create two accommodation residences, one for his elderly mother.

Ray Mill House in Wiltshire, the country retreat of Camilla Parker Bowles, is facing disruption

An ornamental pig appears to be rooting for truffles in the grounds of Ray Mill House

The apostrophe-shaped swimming pool belonging to Ray Mill House in Wiltshire

She expressed what was described as 'concern' with the neighbour's proposal, which involved the outbuilding's replacement with a new, timber-clad, slate-roofed structure for 'ancillary accommodation'.

While that planning proposal was subsequently turned down by Wiltshire Council, Mr Clayton has gained permission for a much bigger project.

Ms Parker-Bowles bought the property in 1996 for 850,000 with the proceeds of her divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles. It is a welcome respite from the pressure cooker of Highgrove, which is only a 15-minute drive away.

One source said: 'At Ray Mill she can sit down with a big G&T, kick of her shoes and watch Coronation Street, which Charles loathes.

'She also doesn't have to bother about how the place looks  Charles is so fussy about tidiness, while she leaves her stuff all over the place. She doesn't need her cushions plumped all the time.'

This tranquility is sure to be spoilt by the building work going on next door.

A plan of the proposed ground floor of The Old Mill, belonging to Phil Clayton

A site plan of the proposed first floor building that will be erected on The Old Mill estate

The south side of The Old Mill, which is due to undergo extensive building work

The front of The Old Mill, which shares a private lane with Camilla Parker Bowles' estate

An outbuilding at The Old Mill which was knocked down in preparation for the renovations

The garage at The Old Mill which is due to be turned into a gym and a hobby room

The rear of The Old Mill, which is due to greatly expand in the coming months

The original plan to transform the property was withdrawn after the Duchess and other neighbours wrote to the council expressing concerns about the flood risk and that Clayton was trying to turn the garage into living quarters.

In a letter of complaint, the Duchess said the renovations could have a 'negative affect on the flow of water from the river during any periods of flooding this should therefore be subject to a detailed survey by the Environment Agency.'

She added: 'I am concerned about the proposed garage. The design is not conducive to a normal garage.'

When a new planning application was submitted in April and approved just over a month ago, the Duchess did not object, though other residents were still concerned about the flooding risk.

The building work includes transforming the main house on two floors, increasing the size of the bedrooms, lounge and dining room, as well as building a separate extension wing with a breakfast room and sun room.

The main house and extension will be linked by a glass passageway. It also means demolishing the current conservatory.

Mr Clayton bought The Old Mill from long-term owner Ralph Adams, who died last year. He was also involved in a spat with the Duchess over her overgrown hedge back in 2006.

The bush was so out of control that bin men refused to reverse down the narrow private lane to collect the rubbish, and residents were told to drag their bins to the main road, which infuriated some.

Mr Adams, a retired sand merchant, complained: 'Walking 400 yards is hard for me but she can get a flunky to do it.

'It might not be a problem for her, but I'm 83, with arthritis and collapsing discs. She needs to cut the hedge. It sticks out about three feet further than it should.'

In the same year, it was revealed that the taxpayer was footing a 1.8 million security bill at the house, with the area being dubbed by the Daily Mail as 'Camillashire'.An Australian tourist holidaying in Rome has warned other travellers to be wary of a convincing ATM scam after she was robbed twice in just eight days.

Mary Wallace, from Western Australia, said she was approached by a friendly local wearing a suit after struggling to see the ATM screen in the sun.

The thief used distraction tactics to steal her credit card, pretending it had been swallowed by the machine while watching her enter her four-digit code.

By the time she realised her card hadn't been taken by the machine, the thief had already made a number of purchases in a matter of minutes, news.com.au reported.

Mary Wallace (pictured) was on holiday in Rome when she was robbed twice in two days

The unlucky tourist also had her wallet stolen from her bag while travelling on a packed bus, two days later.

Wallace, who arrived in the Italian city last month for a quick eight-day holiday, said she knew something was not right when she was approached at the ATM.

Despite telling the man she had things under control, he insisted on helping her avoid the glare from the sun as she tried to withdraw some cash.

'I didn't actually see him take the card and he told me that the ATM had swallowed the card, that it often happened in Rome  Initially I believed him and this time gave him the chance to go off with the card and empty my account,' she said.

The Western Australian mother was robbed by an unsuspecting thief at an ATM after she struggled to see the screen due to glare (stock image)

Ms Wallace said she was grateful to only have about $300 in her account, as well as a back-up account and debit card with her.

But the woman's bad luck continued when she took a crowded bus with a friend into the popular Trastevere district.

Despite holding onto her large bag tightly, she was pressed up against other commuters on every side.

'After two stops I felt uncomfortable enough to get off the bus and immediately on exiting I put my hand down into my bag, my wallet was gone and so was the bus,' Ms Wallace told news.com.au.

'I was furious. I also felt very vulnerable, was I an easy mark, did I look frail, stupid? Why had it happened to me twice in two days? I felt unwilling to leave the apartment, unsafe and suspicious. I was on edge and angry.'

The mother was forced to cancel her cards and transfer her savings into her daughter's account.A teenager has been shot 'three times' at a London train station - just weeks after a man was fired at in the exact same place.

The 18-year-old was rushed to hospital and St James Street Station cordoned off this evening, after emergency services rushed to the scene.

The teenager's condition is yet to be confirmed.

Residents of Walthamstow said they heard 'three loud bangs' while one man claimed to have heard 'six bans' before sirens.

Police confirmed a man was shot at the Overground station.

A police spokesman said: 'Police were called at 10pm on Tuesday 31st July to St James St Station/High Street E17 to reports of a shooting.

'Officers attended the location along with the London Ambulance Service to a 18-year-old male found at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds.

'He has been taken to a London hospital for treatment, the extent of his injuries are currently unknown.

'His next of kin have been informed.

'A police investigation has been launched led by Waltham Forest CID.

'No arrests have been made at this stage.'

St James Street Station where a second man was shot in two weeks in Walthamstow

London Overground announced there would be no service at the station because of the shooting

The shooting comes just weeks after a man was shot in the leg at the same station.

A 23-year-old man was rushed to hospital on July 13 after he was fired at.

MP for the area Stella Creasy also confirmed the shooting to residents. The Labour MP is holding an emergency meeting on gang crime in the area tomorrow evening.

Dozens have been signed up to attend after the session was announced more than two weeks ago.

Residents said they were fed up with the rising crime in the area being swept under the carpet - with some comparing the area to Compton in Los Angeles, an area famed for drugs and gang land shootings.

One person said: 'Ive lived in Walthamstow for 4.5 years, 1.5 yrs down this end and regretting it! I lived in NYC for 3 years and never experienced anything like this. B/w the fights, stabbings and shootings in this area in the time Ive been here, its ridiculous!'

Another mentioned the gentrification in the area, saying the spending and expensive flats are doing nothing to end crime.

They said: 'The fact is Walthamstow has long had issues of this nature. The difference now is that its swept under the carpet in favour of stories about being the borough of culture etc. Only so many artisan bread and coffee shops can cover it up for much longer. Sad times.'

According to Met Office figures, crime across the capital has surged by 6.4 percent in the year leading up to May 2018.

If you have any information about this incident, call Waltham Forest police on 101 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Attendees at a rally for President Donald Trump swarmed behind CNN reporter Jim Acosta during his live shot on Tuesday, yelling 'liar,' 'tell the truth,' and 'CNN sucks' as the crowd egged them on.

Trump has not yet arrived at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall where supporters are filling the building and the media are awaiting his arrival.

A crowd of about 50 came up to the press area when they saw Acosta on the risers for his live shot to wave signs supporting Trump and yell 'CNN sucks' and 'Trump, Trump, Trump.'

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A crowd of Trump supporters swarmed behind CNN reporter Jim Acosta during his live shot

Trump supporters yelled 'CNN sucks'

President Trump greets supporters at the Tampa International Airport

Acosta took to Twitter to address the situation

Just a sample of the sad scene we faced at the Trump rally in Tampa. Im very worried that the hostility whipped up by Trump and some in conservative media will result in somebody getting hurt. We should not treat our fellow Americans this way. The press is not the enemy. pic.twitter.com/IhSRw5Ui3R  Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 1, 2018

Some had written 'CNN sucks' with markers on 'Make America Great Again' signs that they waved to the cameras. Others screamed 'fake news' repeatedly.

Later Tuesday evening, Eric Trump, who attended the rally but was not there when the crowd swarmed Acosta, retweeted a video from the Breaking911 account of the crowd yelling 'fake news' at the correspondent with the hashtag '#truth' and tagging Acosta's twitter handle.

President Trump retweeted his son's tweet.

So did Acosta, writing 'No Eric. Not the truth. And you know better.'

Rows of metal barriers separate the press from the crowd so they could not reach the reporter.

Acosta calmly completed his shot and then turned to talk to the crowd when he was done.

Later in the evening, when he was doing another shot, the entire auditorium screamed 'CNN sucks, CNN sucks, CNN sucks' - interrupting the Florida state officials who were speaking ahead of Trump's arrival.

But not all were screaming at him, several attendees asked Acosta to take a photo with them, which he did.

President Trump retweeted his son's tweet (above). So did Acosta, writing 'No Eric. Not the truth. And you know better'

Eric Trump retweeted a video of Trump supporters yelling 'fake news' at Acosta

Acosta responded to Eric Trump via twitter

The longtime CNN correspondent took to twitter to address the situation, posting a video of the crowd yelling behind him.

'Just a sample of the sad scene we faced at the Trump rally in Tampa. I'm very worried that the hostility whipped up by Trump and some in conservative media will result in somebody getting hurt. We should not treat our fellow Americans this way. The press is not the enemy,' Acosta wrote.

Trump has frequently sparred and called out Acosta, making the White House correspondent a familiar face to the president's supporters.

The president has also made the media a bete noir, calling them the 'fake news media' and the 'enemy of the people.'

On Air Force One in route to Florida, White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley was asked about Trump's attacks on press.

'It seems as though no matter how good the news is, the press refuses to cover it that way, and it's quite frustrating for him,' Gidley said. 'The successes continue for this president but the coverage continues to be negative. That's frustrating for him and it would be frustrating for anybody.'

But Acosta and Trump seem to have a particularly antagonistic relationship.

During the president's press conference with British Prime Minister Theresa May in June, Acosta loudly demanded a chance to participate as compensation for the president's attack on CNN - who Trump called 'the worst' earlier in the event.

'Mr. President, since you attacked CNN, can I ask you a question?' he boomed, loud enough for microphones 10 yards away to pick up.

'No, no. John Roberts, go ahead. ... CNN is fake news! I don't take questions from CNN,' Trump lectured.

Acosta continued the argument: 'Well, sir, if you're going to call us fake news you should take a question.'

Trump dismissed him and called on Roberts, who was just one seat away.

Trump hadn't arrived at his rally yet

Acosta addressed the crowd after his live shot

Trump supporters yelled 'liar' and 'tell the truth'

CNN correspondent Jim Acosta and Trump have a rocky relationship

Trump is in Tampa for a campaign rally and for a workplace development event

'John Roberts of Fox [News Channel]! Let's go to a real network,' he said. 'John, let's go.'

As Roberts sat up in his chair, Acosta got the last word.

'Well, we're a real network too, Mr. President,' he complained.

And it's not the first time Trump's supporters have slammed the correspondent.

In June, at a rally in South Carolina, Acosta was met with chants of 'Go home!' and branded 'Fake news Jim' by the crowd.

'We are here to do our jobs and report the news and report on this rally, and we're not going anywhere,' Acosta told CNN's Wolf Blitzer at the time.Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick claimed that violence in London was waning

Britain's top police officer insisted yesterday that Britain was not as violent as America, and a period of apparent 'lawlessness' in London was stabilising.

Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick claimed that violence in the capital was waning, despite 87 killings so far this year, compared with 118 in the whole of last year.

She insisted there was far more bloodshed in major US cities, even though in February and March London overtook New York's murder rate for the first time.

Yesterday, she said the murder rate had slowed in London  adding that there have been 161 killings in New York this year, almost double that in the capital.

She added: 'We have no intention of allowing the extraordinary levels of violence we saw earlier this year to become the new normality.

'What I can report is that in the last weeks, we have seen the rates of many categories of violent crime I would describe as beginning to stabilise.

Forensic investigators at the scene of a fatal stabbing in Romford, East London, in June

'I mean by that they are definitely not increasing, they are indeed flattening, and in some categories they are reducing.

'We have been compared over a few months with the United States. New York tends to be two to three times higher than London in terms of homicides.

'A great deal of attention was placed on two months earlier this year when that was not the case. But for the whole of 2017/18, including those two high months, New York remained twice as high.

'If you go through the other major cities, Los Angeles is over four times, Chicago is 16 times, Philadelphia is 14 times, Washington is 12 times.'

Last month, damning official crime figures showed that the number of killings nationally had risen by 12 per cent, and the number of violent street robberies reported to police rose by nearly a third last year.

While most of the knife crime and murders were concentrated in London and the major cities, robbery and mugging was rapidly on the rise in suburban counties and the shires.

However, Met Police figures released yesterday show the murder rate is falling.

There were five killings in the capital in July  compared with an average of 15 each month at the start of the year.

Police stand by a cordon by Queensbury Station in North London as they investigate a murder

The number of crimes being committed by yobs on scooters has also dipped this year, although there was a rise in June, described the Commissioner as a 'blip'.

She said of the moped menace: 'I can see why people were clearly shocked. It felt like a kind of lawlessness.'

She also blamed hypocritical middle-class drug users for fuelling gang violence by bumping up demand for cocaine.

The class-A drug was used by an estimated 875,000 people in 2017-18, according to the latest crime survey for England and Wales  the highest number in a decade and a 15 per cent rise on the previous year.

Pretana Morgan (in the green coat), mother of murder victim Rhyiem Barton (green Top) meets Mayor Sadiq Khan at the Camberwell Estate in London near where he was shot in May

The Commissioner said: 'There is this challenge that there are a whole group of middle-class people who will sit round... happily think about global warming and fair trade, and environmental protection and all sorts of things, organic food, but think there is no harm in taking a bit of cocaine.

'Well, there is. There's misery throughout the supply chain.'

Asked what was fuelling a rise in violent crime, she pointed to a range of social trends, particularly the role of social media in desensitising youngsters to serious violence and the rise of young people watching extreme pornography.

Detective Superintendent Sean Yates, Scotland Yard's head of knife crime, warned that children as young as seven may be drawn into gangs after watching violent videos on their smartphones.Ann Sinnott said women are 'socialised to put others first, to be nice, to not make a fuss' but that they 'also fear for their safety'

A Labour councillor has resigned over a policy allowing transgender people to use women's lavatories and changing rooms.

Ann Sinnott, 68, stood down from Cambridge City Council, saying: 'I do not want to be a member of a council that fails to recognise that female-only facilities are needed by women as a generality.'

Miss Sinnott added that the council 'insidiously dismantled' women's rights. In a letter to the council chief executive, she said there were between four and 37 people in Cambridge who have had gender reassignment surgery, based on national figures.

But she said using the term 'transgender' in the policy opened up female facilities to 'infinitely higher numbers' than the term 'gender reassignment'.

The latter would only allow those having sex-change surgery, or those going through this process.

It is argued by some that failure to make this discrepancy allows men to abuse the policy and enter women's spaces simply by saying they identify as female.

Cambridge council's chief executive said the policy would be discussed in October (file image)

This June, campaigners flagged up the wording, saying it could be breaking the equality act by stating that gender, instead of sex, is a protected characteristic.

Gender is seen as a social term while sex is an anatomical term.

In her letter, Miss Sinnott said women are 'socialised to put others first, to be nice, to not make a fuss' but that they 'also fear for their safety'.

She wrote: 'In central Cambridge public toilets... a man in male clothing aggressively asserted his right to be there to shocked women, who all turned silently away.'

It comes amid a wider debate over transgender rights. In June, ten women stormed the men-only bathing pond in Hampstead, North London, to protest against proposed reforms to the Gender Recognition Act.

They claim the changes could allow predatory men to masquerade as trans women to prey on females.

Antoinette Jackson, Cambridge council's chief executive, said the policy would be discussed in October.A Toronto Transit Commission worker has been commended after helping a distressed man who walked onto one of the citys subway tracks.

J.P Attard was working at the Dundas station in Toronto, when he noticed a man sitting on the tracks.

He immediately got the power to the station turned off and went over to the man - encouraging him to stand and walk towards him.

A Toronto Transit Commission worker has been commended after helping a distressed man who walked onto one of the citys subway tracks

Footage shows the upset man, who was believed to be 23 at the time, being held in a comforting embrace by Attard as he tells him to turn the negative into a positive.

Following this Attard amazingly coaxes the onlookers to join him in shouting I am strong to show the distressed individual how much support he has.

Attard told the man he was loved and that he wanted to be his friend in a touching conversation.

I said to him, Are you having a bad day?' Attard (pictured) told reporters at the time. He says, Yes, I want to hurt myself. Thats when I just kind of embraced him and hugged him.

J.P Attard was working at the Dundas station in Toronto, when he noticed a man sitting on the tracks. He immediately got the power to the station turned off and went over to the man - encouraging him to stand and walk towards him

From this police and paramedics were eventually able to take over and help get the man back onto the platform.

I said to him, Are you having a bad day?' Attard told the CBC. He says, Yes, I want to hurt myself. Thats when I just kind of embraced him and hugged him.

The incident occurred in April 2017, with the footage resurfacing recently after being shared on Facebook last month and has since been watched nearly four million times.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for detailsLloyds Banking Group shareholders will receive a slice of a 4billion dividend payout for the last year, its latest results statement revealed.

The bank, which is the country's biggest mortgage lender and has 2.4million retail shareholders, saw its annual pre-tax profit rise by 13 per cent to 5.96billion, which was still less than expected by City analysts.

Looking ahead to Brexit, Lloyds' chief executive, Antonio Horta-Osorio, said that while the outlook for the economy remained 'uncertain', for the past year it had been 'resilient.'

Payout: Shareholders in Lloyds Banking Group will receive a slice of a 4billion dividend payout for the last year

In the final quarter of last year, Lloyds set aside a further 200million for payment protection insurance claims, bringing the total set aside for the year to 750million.

Lloyds paid out 1.86billionn to PPI claimants in the last year, with people affected having until 29 August this year to claim.

Laith Khalaf, a senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'With the claims deadline looming in August, that's going to be a millstone the bank will be glad to leave behind.

'That means more cash can flow through to shareholders, which is precisely what we're seeing, with an increased dividend and share buyback programme to boot.'

The banking giant posted pre-tax profits of 5.96billion for 2018 compared with 5.28billion the year before. On an underlying basis, the bank's profits rose by 6 per cent to 8.07billion.

Lloyds hiked its dividend by 5 per cent to 3.21p a share and proposed a share buyback of up to 1.75billion, which represents a total return of up to 4billion for shareholders.

This morning, the FTSE 100 listed group's share price is up 2.83 per cent or 1.65p to 60.02p. At this point a year ago, the group's share price was around 68.65p.

In charge: Lloyds' boss Antonio Horta-Osorio said the outlook for Britain's economy looks 'uncertain'

Operating costs were broadly steady last year at 8.17billion and the group now expects costs to be less than 8billion this year, which is a year ahead of its initial target.

Mr Horta-Osorio said: 'Over 2018 the UK economy has proven itself to be resilient with record employment and continued GDP (gross domestic product) growth. Although the near-term outlook for the UK economy remains uncertain, our strategy continues to deliver for our customers.

'I remain confident that with our unique business model and market-leading efficiency we can continue to increase investment in customer propositions and grow our leading digital bank, whilst at the same time delivering strong financial performance and market-leading returns.'

Commenting on Lloyds' results, Tom Stevenson, an investment director at Fidelity Personal Investing, said: 'Lloyds defied the sceptics with a robust result for 2018. After a solid 27% improvement in earnings, the well-covered dividend is 5% higher for the year. That will please shareholders for whom the bank's 6% yield is one of the main attractions.

'Lloyds is more dependent on the health of the UK economy than most companies in the FTSE 100. This explains the market's caution about the shares, which have lost a third of their value over the past four years.

'Although the immediate outlook is clouded by Brexit uncertainty, Lloyds has a low-risk and simple business model. As long as the UK economy does not fall off a cliff, nor should Lloyds.'

Meanwhile, Michael Hewson, an analyst at CMC Markets UK, said: 'Lloyds is probably the UK bank most exposed to Brexit risks and its share price performance reflects that, down over 15% from a year ago, despite posting record profits of 3.1bn for the half year last June.'

He added: 'With the deadline for exiting the EU looming investors have continued to remain cautious though we have seen a decent rebound since the lows back in December.'NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney (Faber 14.99, 288 pp)

NORMAL PEOPLE

by Sally Rooney (Faber 14.99, 288 pp)

Sally Rooneys Conversations With Friends was by some margin the best debut of last year  a zeitgeisty novel about a young Dublin students alternating feelings for a former girlfriend and a married man.

It is her second, more conventional novel that has won her a nod in the form of the Booker longlist, however.

Marianne and Connell become lovers when Connells mother begins cleaning for Mariannes much wealthier family; formidably bright, they continue their on-off liaison while students at Trinity, unable to fully commit to each other, but viciously unhappy when not together.

Switching back and forth between them, Rooney presents Marianne and Connells messy, self-doubting, self-sabotaging inner lives with intoxicating clarity, so much so you end up feeling a bit wondrously punch drunk, even though the extent of the novels actual incident can be summed up in about three sentences.

I enjoyed it intensely, while thinking  and hoping  that it will be with her next novel that Rooney shows us what she is truly capable of.

TRANSCRIPTION

TRANSCRIPTION by Kate Atkinson (Doubleday 20, 352 pp)

by Kate Atkinson (Doubleday 20, 352 pp)

Eric Roberts, a humble bank clerk from Surrey, is having a bit of a moment: his parallel life as an MI5 agent is the subject of Anthony Quinns novel Our Friends In Berlin, and now the latest by Costa winner Kate Atkinson. Roberts ensnared British Nazi sympathisers during the war by pretending to be a Gestapo member.

Transcription is narrated by Juliet Armstrong, recruited by the government to record the conversations between Godfrey Toby, as Roberts is known here, and Hitlers fifth column. She is soon asked to infiltrate a fascist ring herself.

Atkinson dutifully summons up the drab particularity of wartime England in a shadowy, decades-spanning story that asks whether it is ever possible to fully know another person  or, indeed, a character in a novel. Just as Juliet sometimes has to fill in the gaps of what she cannot hear, so the reader has to fill in the gaps left on the page by Atkinson.

But while Juliets opaque character is part of the novels slippery overarching design, it is also, in the end, a fundamental problem. Come the rug-from-under-feet denouement and you might find yourself crossly baffled rather than intrigued.

THE SILENCE OF THE GIRLS

THE SILENCE OF THE GIRLS by Pat Barker (Hamish Hamilton 18.99, 336 pp)

by Pat Barker (Hamish Hamilton 18.99, 336 pp)

With her Regeneration trilogy, Pat Barker has proven herself to be one of the great novelists of war, so it is no surprise her latest novel should re-imagine Western civilisations prototype conflict  the fall of Troy, as told in Homers The Iliad.

Here, though, the violent aftermath of the Greek victory is recounted mostly by Briseis, a Trojan queen picked by the great hero Achilles as his personal war trophy. She is forced to sleep with the man who murdered her husband and brothers.

Barker gives a voice to the invariably sexually violated women who go unheard in Homers poem of male derring-do. The effect is similar to that of Shakespeares history cycle, where it is the widows and mothers who count the real cost of blood-lusting male heroics on the battlefield.

Yet, while Barker boldly demolishes the founding myths of masculinity, the writing itself often feels baggy and sloppy  and, alas, not a patch on the books with which she made her name.At The Mail on Sunday we take great pride in the quality of our journalism. All our journalists are required to observe the Editors Code of Practice and The Mail on Sunday is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), the new regulatory body for the Press set up in response to the Leveson Inquiry. We aim to correct any errors as promptly as possible.

An article on June 10 said Mr Christopher Chandler 'runs' the Legatum Institute. Mr Chandler co-founded the Institute, and is one of its funders through his business, the Legatum Group. The Institute is an independent charity run by a CEO with a board of trustees. Mr Chandler is not one of them and plays no part in the management of the Institute. We are happy to make that clear and apologise to Mr Chandler and the Legatum Institute for this error. The article also mentioned a pamphlet from Mr Chandler's brother's company, Clermont, that suggested they had linked with Russia's President Putin to launch a management coup at Gazprom in 2001. Clermont has since withdrawn that statement.

An article in last week's Event said Harrison Ford starred as Jack Ryan in The Hunt For Red October. In fact, it was Alec Baldwin.

If you wish to report an inaccuracy, please email corrections@mailonsunday.co.uk. To make a formal complaint under IPSO rules please go to www.mailonsunday.co.uk/readerseditor where you will find an easy-to-use complaints form. You can also write to Readers Editor, The Mail on Sunday, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT.The US government may soon force states to implement tighter vaccine rules as measles outbreaks erupt across the country, infecting at least 120.

FDA Commissioner Dr Scott Gottlieb told CNN on Tuesday: '[If] certain states continue down the path that they're on, I think they're going to force the hand of the federal health agencies.'

His main concerns are for the 17 states where exemptions for 'personal or philosophical reasons' are allowed.

That includes Washington, where at least 50 have contracted measles recently, and Texas, with eight recorded cases.

In New York, there is a different problem: the state, which requires vaccines for everyone except for medical and religious reasons, is currently trying to contain a measles outbreak in its Hasidic Jewish community.

There is a spotlight on states with 'personal exemptions' permitted for vaccines as measles cases spring up across the country

STATES THAT ALLOW PARENTS TO OPT OUT OF VACCINES BASED ON PHILOSOPHICAL BELIEFS Arkansas Arizona Colorado Idaho Louisiana ( except no religious exemptions ) Maine Michigan Minnesota ( except no religious exemptions ) Missouri ( only for daycare, not public school ) North Dakota Ohio Oklahoka Oregon Pennsylvania Texas Utah Washington Wisconsin STATES THAT RECENTLY REVOKED THIS ALLOWANCE: Vermont California Missouri West Virginia Advertisement

It's not clear what the government could do to enforce vaccinations, but Dr Gottlieb insisted there are 'certain rules' that could be mandated.

The virus's quick resurgence in the US and around the world has panicked health officials.

In 2000, the CDC said the virus had been eliminated in the US.

Less than 20 years later, that's not the case.

Globally, cases of measles soared 300 percent last year.

Dr Robert Jacobson, an infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic, says all of the outbreaks since 2000 have come from travelers, returning from a country where measles is still common, then interacting with an unvaccinated community in the US.

'We are dependent on the baccine to keep us protected,' Dr Jacobson said.

'Even if you don't hear of [measles infections] often,' that does not mean you will not come into contact with it,' he said.

Dr Jacobson, like many others in medicine, sees the power of the measles vaccine at the heart of the anti-vaxxer movement. Once the vaccine was rolled out, measles rates plummeted, and the virus was eventually eliminated in the US. That sewed a false sense of security.

'Childhood vaccinations are still very important. That's because they work.'

The vaccine-skeptical non-profit National Vaccine Information Center slams this kind of take, saying the choice to forego vaccines is a human right.

But Dr Jacobson says there is no grey area: the measles vaccine saves lives.

And not only from measles itself.

'We have discovered that measles leaves your body immune-suppressed for a year or two afterwards,' Dr Jacobson said.

'When we introduced the measles vaccine to areas of the world where the children had not previously been vaccinated, we not only saw a reduction in deaths from measles, we saw them with other diseases too in a year or two afterwards.

'There was a drop in mortality and morbidity from things like diarrhea and pneumonia and other things.'

It's still not clear how measles behaves to suppress the immune system, but Dr Jacobson said he was not surprised by the findings.

'It's a violent and severe infection. In our country, a third of those who get measles end up in the hospital unable to stay hydrated, to feed, and they have a higher risk of pneumonia.'

Dr Anthony Fauci, head of infectious diseases at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) sighed when asked about reluctance to vaccinate.

The NIH is pouring efforts and funds into designing a vaccine to protect people from the notoriously elusive flu, which mutates every year as it moves from humans to migrating birds and back again.

The measles vaccine, he said, is easy: 'It's a one-and-done.'

'Everyone should be vaccinated. Period,' Dr Fauci said.Passengers on board a flight from London to Reykjavik have been warned of possible exposure to measles.

Icelandair customers who flew from Heathrow to the Icelandic capital on the February 14 flight FI455 have been told to seek medical help if they show any symptoms of the viral illness.

The country's chief epidemiologist has warned the crew and passengers there may have been an infected traveller within the aircraft.

Specifically, reports suggest an ill holidaymaker was on-board.

Risk: Iceland's Chief Epidemiologist has warned the crew and passengers there may have been an infection inside the craft resulting from a holidaymaker with the virus (stock)

The announcement from the Icelandic authorities claims those suffering from measles only become contagious once symptoms begin to show.

The disease then remains contagious for between seven and ten days.

Those who have not been vaccinated against measles have been particularly encouraged to see a doctor if they have a fever, symptoms of a cold, a rash or bloodshot eyes.

Although symptoms may pass within a week, the NHS warns it can still lead to 'serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people'.

As a result, people are told to contact a doctor straight away if they feel they have the disease - notifying them in advance of a visit so quarantine arrangements can be made.

Local media report passengers who flew from Reykjavik to Egilsstadir in Iceland with Air Iceland Connect on February 15 have been sent the same warning.

Where and when? People travelling from Heathrow-Reykjavik on February 14th flight FI455

MEASLES: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? - A runny or blocked nose - Sneezing - Watery eyes/Swollen eyelids - Sensitivity to light - A high temperature around 40C - A small greyish-white spots in mouth - Aches and pains - A cough - Loss of appetite - Tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy SOURCE: NHS Direct Advertisement

Reports state a measles outbreak is unlikely to occur in Iceland as 95 per cent of the country's population have been vaccinated against it.

Measles, which spreads easily through the coughs and sneezes of infected people, can be deadly if untreated.

The news comes shortly after federal health officials identified more than 101 measles cases in the US.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims there have been confirmed cases in ten US states since January 1.

The first measles vaccine was introduced in 1963 and by 2000, it was considered eradicated in the US.

But the highly-infectious disease has been spreading among people who are unvaccinated or live in states that allow non-medical exemptions for vaccines.A team of pediatric surgeons in India say they've successfully performed robotic surgery on a newborn.

The two-day old baby was born without a fully-formed esophagus and, therefore, was unable to eat, reported The Times of India.

Normally, the medical condition involves invasive surgery that requires surgeons to connect the two ends of the esophagus together.

But the medical team at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), one of India's premier hospitals, decided to use a minimally invasive surgery, in which a robotic arm makes tiny incisions to fix the birth defect.

It comes as debate in the US and the UK rages on over whether or not this technology should be used regularly in hospitals.

Some doctors say robotic surgery involves less blood loss, less pain and more precise incisions for faster recovery. But others argue that the surgical systems are costly and that hundreds of cases have been documented of broken parts falling into patients' bodies and electrical sparks that burned body tissue.

Doctors at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (pictured) in Chandigarh, India, say they've performed the first pediatric robotic surgery in Asia on a newborn

The baby was born on January 31 at Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector 16 in Chandigarh, India, according to The Times.

Doctors quickly noticed he had esophageal atresia, a rare, congenital birth defect in which the esophagus doesn't form properly before birth.

The esophagus is a tube that runs from the throat to the stomach, carrying food and liquids.

Doctors usually notice the condition after a baby's tries to feed, but instead coughs, chokes and turns a bluish color.

According to a 2007 study from University College in the UK, esophageal atresia occurs in one in 3,000 live births.

The baby was born on January 31 at Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector 16 in Chandigarh, India, according to The Times.

Weighing just 5.5 pounds, which is a low birth weight, the newborn was transferred to PGIMER, less than two miles away.

According to a statement from PGIMER, the hospital sees about 250 cases every year of babies born with esophageal atresia.

Conventionally, surgery involves opening the chest to connect the two ends of the esophagus to each other.

'Opening the chest in a small baby is both stressful and traumatic,' said Dr Ravi Kanojia, a pediatric surgeon at PGIMER who led the operation.

'This is a very advanced surgery in which the esophageal reconstruction is done so early in life.'

But, for the first time, the surgical team used robotic surgery to treat the condition, which involved creating tiny incisions so the tools could enter the body, reported The Times.

Robotic surgery is minimally invasive and uses instruments attached to a robotic arm to enter a patient.

Surgeons use a computer to control the robotic arm, which has been praised for being more precise, which lead to a faster recovery.

'Not only there was no requirement of blood transfusion, the days of hospitalization was cut short from a month to a week,' said Dr Ram Samujh, the head of the pediatric surgery department at PGIMER.

The newborn was observed by the neonatology team for a week and, once they observed he was feeding properly, he was discharged.

The baby's father is a security guard and the family lives below the poverty line, according to the hospital's statement.

'For such patients, such world-class facility of robotic surgery costs Rs 10,000 ($140), which is two times that of a conventional surgery,' said Dr Kanojia.

'But as it reduces days of admission and chances of infection, the amount comes to almost the same.'

While a $140 surgery may not seem like it costs much to most Americans, Indians living below the poverty line earn the equivalent of $1.90 per day or less.

According to The Tribune, PGIMER provided free medical treatment for the baby.

PGIMER has been performing robotic surgery on adults since 2014 and, in August 2017, it became the first government hospital to conduct pediatric robotic surgery.

The procedure was performed on an 11-year-old boy who had kidney obstruction, reported The Pioneer.

The boy, whose family lives in the northern city of Ludhiana, had been suffering from the problem since 2013.

PGIMER did not immediately return DailyMail.com's request for comment.

There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding robotic surgery in children in the US.

Proponents say these robotic surgical systems have better flexibility, magnification, and no fulcrum effect, which is when the ends of a surgical tool move in the opposite direction to the surgeon's hands.

But a 2015 study led by Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio noted several limitations including the size and length of the instruments not being small enough for neonatal surgeries, slow learning curves, and higher costs for the procedure and the surgical system itself when compared to conventional surgeries.

The study also said that complications following robotic surgery have been underreported in both medical literature and the news.

Another 2015 study found the robotic surgeries were linked to at least 144 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries between 2000 and 2013 in the US.

Some of the incidents it listed included broken or burned parts falling into patients' bodies, machines that suddenly turned on or off, electrical sparks that charred or burned body tissue, and video or imaging problems.A new device powered by the heart could finally solve the pacemaker problem.

Some 1.5 million Americans have pacemakers implanted to keep their hearts beating steadily.

The devices are life-saving, but they don't last forever. Currently, most pacemaker batteries have to be replaced every five to 12 years, and doing so means invasive surgery each time.

Researchers at the National Key Laboratory for Science and Technology in Shanghai, China have developed a tiny device that piggybacks off the heart itself to generate energy - meaning a pacemaker battery would never have to be replaced.

Chinese scientists have created a pacemaker that doesn't need a battery because it generates energy when the beating of the heart bends it, meaning it could end pacemaker replacements

A healthy heart can keep time for itself, by way of an internal pacemaker called the sinus node in the upper right chamber.

It fires off an electrical charge some 60 to 100 times a minute, and that electrical energy sets off a series of contractions of heart muscle which in turn pumps blood throughout the body.

But as the heart ages or once it becomes diseased, the sinus node takes a hit, too, and may fail to keep the heart beating in time or at all.

Fortunately, since the late 1950s, we've been able to substitute a small, implantable, battery-powered device to send these electrical signals once the heart can't any more.

Even 60 years later, however, we haven't figured out what to do about the device's power supply, however.

Surgery to place the pacemaker and wires that feed its electrical pulses to the heart is complex, requiring doctors to open the chest cavity.

The pacemaker itself is tucked away in a 'pocket' much closer to the skin surface.

Once the battery runs out, usually only a local anesthetic is required to remove the old device and put a new, fully charged one.

Still, the procedure is an unpleasant hassle that comes with a risk of infection, and it's expensive to have done.

Depending on the pacemaker, the device itself may cost anywhere from $19,000 to $96,000, according to Costhelper - and that doesn't include the expenses for the operation.

But the new Chinese-developed device shows promise to end the procedure.

The new pacemaker accessory can actually harness the heart's beats to power a pacemaker.

The key to innovation is its flexible plastic frame, which allows the device to capture more energy from the heart than previous hard cases have done.

At the device's center are layers of piezoelectric material, which generates power whenever it is bent.

Many materials acquire an electrical charge when force is applied to them, including natural ones in our bodies.

Crystals, DNA and even bone are capable of capturing electrical energy.

The trick is to apply enough force to a piezoelectric material, then supercharge it, because, on their own, these materials don't work up all that much energy.

Scientists have long been looking to piezoelectricity as an elegant solution to recapturing otherwise wasted energy, and some have even applied it to the pacemaker before.

But, previously, other researchers have not been able to create a device that bends enough to generate sufficient power.

Now, the Chinese scientists have shown their device can fuel a pacemaker and keep a pig's heart beating.

The devices frame allows it to flex significantly with as little movement as is created by a heartbeat.

While the pacemaker itself is implanted in its usual place, near the collar bone and just under the skin, the new power device is tucked underneath the heart, where the organ's contractions bend it rhythmically.

In tests in pigs, the new pacemaker generated just as much power as a pacemaker, using a completely renewable energy source.

So as long as the pacemaker keeps the heart beating, the heart will keep the pacemaker running, in a perfect symbiotic relationship.British children are more likely to die from asthma than those anywhere else in Europe, research suggests.

A study of 10-to-24 year olds across 19 countries revealed youngsters in the UK are almost twice as likely to die of the lung condition than those in Ireland, which has the second worst childhood asthma fatality rate.

Around one child in every 400,000 dies from asthma in Britain compared to less than one in a million youngsters in Ireland.

The researchers blame a lack of school nurses for young asthmatics not knowing how to manage their condition.

Others point the finger at how difficult it is to get a GP appointment, along with 'complacency' around the common but life-threatening condition.

British children are more likely to die from asthma than anywhere else in Europe (stock)

The research was published in a report by the Nuffield Trust and the Association for Young People's Health (AYPH).

Asthma affects one in every 11 children and one in 12 adults in the UK, Asthma UK statistics reveal.

And in the US, 8.3 per cent of both children and adults have the condition, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

'There are some 32,000 schools in Britain but only around 1,500 school nurses which is alarmingly low,' Ann Hagell, research lead at AYPH, said.

'When I was at school there was always a nurse on hand if you were sick but cuts to health budgets have seen them disappear.

'They simply aren't there to help children learn how to look after themselves properly, particularly as they move towards adulthood and their parent are less involved in their healthcare.'

Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and policy at Asthma UK, called the findings 'appalling'.

'Lack of basic asthma care, difficulty in getting a GP appointment and complacency around asthma could all be to blame,' she said.

With the UK having the worst asthma rates for young people in Europe, the authors worry improvements in treating the condition have stalled in recent years.

WHAT IS ASTHMA? Asthma is a common but incurable condition which affects the small tubes inside the lungs. It can cause them to become inflamed, or swollen, which restricts the airways and makes it harder to breathe. The condition affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood. Symptoms may improve or even go away as children grow older, but can return in adulthood. Symptoms include wheezing, breathlessness, a tight chest and coughing, and these may get worse during an asthma attack. Treatment usually involves medication which is inhaled to calm down the lungs. Triggers for the condition include allergies, dust, air pollution, exercise and infections such as cold or flu. If you think you or your child has asthma you should visit a doctor, because it can develop into more serious complications like fatigue or lung infections. Source: NHS Advertisement

Nuffield Trust's chief executive Nigel Edwards said: 'Making sure we have a healthy population requires us all to do our bit.

'More than ever, young people are holding up their side of the bargain, with more of them choosing to smoke and drink less, yet our health system seems to be getting something badly wrong.

'I worry this reflects a dangerous complacency.

'Young people in the UK are entering adulthood with more long-term health conditions and, as a result, a poorer quality of life, storing up problems further down the line.

'If we don't take action now, the next generation will be entering adulthood sicker than the one before it.'

The scientists behind the report analysed data spanning from the mid-1990s to the last year which data is available that can be compared with other countries.

The report further revealed children and young people's overall health in the UK is lagging behind the rest of Europe.

When it comes to teenagers' waistlines, our 15 to 19-year-olds are more likely to be obese than those in 14 other countries.

This includes Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Greece and Germany.

Louise Meincke, head of policy and public affairs at the World Cancer Research Fund, said: 'These devastating figures further highlight we urgently need to do more, as a society, to protect our children's health.

'Children who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults, and this increases their risk of 12 different cancers and other life-threatening conditions.

'We want governments to introduce better policies that encourage healthy environments, including physical activity, for young people from all backgrounds to give them the best start in life.'

And it is the poor who are most affected. The study revealed the UK has some of the highest inequalities between the most and least well off when it comes to the proportion that are obese.

Speaking on poverty among older age groups, the researchers said: 'Despite living in the world's fifth-largest economy, young people aged 20-to-24 in the UK are experiencing one of the highest rates of severe material deprivation.

'Reducing poverty among young people is key to improving their health outcomes in the UK.'

England also has the most young people living with a chronic health condition - rising from 13.5 per cent among 16-to-24 year olds in 2008 to 18.5 per cent in 2016.

Of the 19 countries analysed - which included some nations outside of Europe - the UK has the highest rate of 15-to-19 year old girls giving birth, aside from New Zealand and the US.

The UK also has among the most teens of this age group not in education, employment or training.

Speaking of the findings, a Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said: 'We want our children to have the best start in life and are taking action to help people live longer and healthier lives.

'We have world-leading plans in place to safeguard child health by combating obesity, improving mental health and vaccinating against some of the world's deadliest diseases.

'Prevention is at the heart of the NHS Long Term Plan, and as part of this, we are increasing funding by an average 3.4 per cent per year - meaning that by 2023/24 it will receive 20.5billion a year more than it currently does.'Cervical cancer rates in Britain will be slashed in half by 2050 and 'eliminated' by the end of the century, experts have calculated.

By the year 2100 that could help reduce the global caseload to four in 100,000 women, making it effectively eliminated.

New highly-sensitive smear tests, being rolled out across the NHS this year, will increase the number of cases picked up before they turn into cancer.

And the HPV vaccine for schoolgirls, introduced to Britain a decade ago, will soon start to prevent cancers by the thousand.

Fact: Around 3,200 British women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and 1,000 die with the disease annually (stock image)

A global report published last night in the Lancet Oncology journal predicts 13million cases of cervical cancer will be prevented around the world in the next three decades thanks to the new developments.

In Britain the rate of cervical cancer incidence will be halved from the current 8.4 per 100,000 women to four per 100,000 by 2050, it predicts.

The authors of the report, from the Cancer Council New South Wales in Sydney, say without the two technological advances - one of which vaccinates against the HPV virus and one of which detects the virus in a sensitive screening test - the number of cases would soar due to population growth.

Instead, in Britain alone they expect 18,000 cases to be averted.

Cervical cancer is chiefly caused by the HPV virus, which is transmitted by sex and intimate skin-to-skin contact.

Around 3,200 British women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and 1,000 die with the disease annually.

The NHS cervical screening programme invites women aged 25 to 49 for testing every three years, and every five years for those aged 50 to 64.

But attendance is falling - and just 71 per cent of women in Britain took up their latest invitation.

Did you know? The NHS cervical screening programme invites women aged 25 and 49 for testing every three years, and every five years for those aged 50 to 64

Five million British women putting their lives at risk because they are 'too embarrassed' by smear tests Millions of women are putting their lives at risk because they are too embarrassed to be tested for cervical cancer, we reported in January. The cervical screening uptake in Britain is at an all-time low, with research suggesting issues of body consciousness are keeping women away. A decade after reality TV star Jade Goody died at the age of 27  prompting a huge increase in testing attendance  the impact of her death has faded, charities say. Screening attendance has fallen to just 71 per cent, with 5 million women currently overdue for testing. About 3,200 British women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and 1,000 die with the disease annually  but rates are projected to rise by nearly 40 per cent in the next 20 years. Experts say another 2,000 women would be killed by the disease every year without the screening programme. Health officials are particularly concerned about the under-35s, of whom just 65 per cent took up their latest screening invitation. They are worried that the millennial generation is beset by feelings of fear, vulnerability and shame at being examined. Polling among 2,000 women aged 25 to 35 found that 80 per cent of those who have avoided or delayed testing said they felt body conscious. Researchers believe body image issues  including a perception of what is normal  is being exacerbated by social media and glossy magazines. It is a worrying echo of the long-known fears that have led men into being too embarrassed to get their prostates checked. As a result, the Daily Mail has campaigned to improve prostate cancer treatment and diagnosis. The survey, conducted by Censuswide, also suggested 81 per cent of women felt embarrassed about smear tests, 71 per cent were scared and 67 per cent felt they did not have control over the process. Advertisement

Study leader Professor Karen Canfell said: Despite the enormity of the problem, our findings suggest that global elimination is within reach with tools that are already available, provided that both high coverage of HPV vaccination and cervical screening can be achieved.

Commenting on the findings, Mark Jit, professor of vaccine epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: We now have the technological tools, an effective vaccine and a highly sensitive screening test, to eliminate both cervical cancer and the virus that causes it.

Robert Music, chief executive of Jos Cervical Cancer Trust, said: To have a cancer that can be eliminated is truly exciting.

The HPV vaccine and cervical screening programmes provide fantastic weapons against this awful disease and on the horizon are further advancements such as more effective vaccines, potential for epigenetic testing and HPV self-sampling which will get us even closer to elimination.

Yet disparities in provision of and access to even the basic programmes worldwide are stark. We are seeing far too many diagnoses and deaths that could be prevented and without concerted global investment and collaboration will only see more.A schoolboy is 'living with a death sentence' because the NHS aren't able to fork out for the cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi.

George Monckton, from Oldbury, West Midlands, must take 30 pills a day, along with daily physiotherapy, to combat his decline in lung function.

Orkambi, often labelled a 'wonder drug', could stop the clock on the schoolboy's lung deterioration, the main cause of death for those with cystic fibrosis (CF).

But despite being approved by the European Medicines Agency three years ago, the life-changing drug is still not available in the UK.

The NHS is in deadlock with US pharmaceutical company Vertex who is demanding 104,000 per year per patient for the drug.

Protests are due to be held outside Parliament in March to urge progress in the availability of Orkambi - which could help 50 per cent of cystic fibrosis sufferers.

Nicola Johnson, mother to George Monckton, 8, said her son is a 'living with a death sentence' because a life-saving drug costing 100,000-per-year cannot be funded by the NHS

George is one of thousands of children unable to access the drug Orkambi for cystic fibrosis. Pictured, using a nebuliser to take medication

George's mother, Ms Johnson, said she is filled with anger as the NHS remains in a deadlock with US pharmaceutical company Vertex over the price of the drug

Geroge's mother, Nicola Johnson said: 'Not having access to Orkambi fills me with fear, anger and a great sadness.

'It's like a veil over us, knowing CF can strike George and damage him at any time.

'It's always there. You're getting on with life and someone talks about the future, and suddenly grief hits you.'

Conventional cystic fibrosis treatments target the symptoms, but precision medicines tackle the underlying genetic mutations which cause the condition.

Orkambi received its European license in November 2015. But despite the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recognising Orkambi as an important treatment, they rejected its use.

The decision was based on cost factors and the lack of long-term data on Orkambi's effectiveness.

Vertex refused an offer from NHS England of 500million for a five-year supply, the biggest offer it has ever made, and talks have completely broken down.

Orkambi is therefore unavailable in the UK and is only ever prescribed on rare compassionate grounds.

Meanwhile, more than 200 people in the UK have died from the cruel disease, without having a chance to get the miracle drug.

Ms Johnson said: 'It's a remarkable drug. It means that children like George won't having a death sentence hanging over their heads anymore.

'When it got approved three years ago, we could have partied on the streets.

'But we still can't get it, and meanwhile George has got early onset liver disease.'

Ms Johnson and George have joined other families and taken to the streets in protest as they urge the Government to end the deadlock over the drug. US drug giant Vertex is demanding 104,000 per year per patient for the drug, and talks with NHS England have broken down

Orkambi, often labelled a 'wonder drug', could stop the clock on George's lung deterioration, the main cause of death for those with CF. Pictured at home using a nebuliser

George was born with cystic fibrosis and must take 30 pills a day, along with daily physiotherapy, to combat his decline in lung function

Cystic Fibrosis, of which 30,000 people are living with in the US and 10,400 in the UK, affects the lungs and digestive and reproductive systems in particular.

Around 40 per cent of people with CF will have some liver abnormalities, although only around five to 10 per cent of the CF population will experience problems with their health as a result, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Vertex recently announced it was confident the drug has the 'potential to extend life' and will soon be available in Scotland.

While the announcement was a triumph, it caused more frustration for families in England and Wales who are considering moving to Scotland.

Ms Johnson said: 'It's a huge amount of money. But the drug is also preventative, so it could stop the use of other drugs needed further down the line to treat other symptoms.

'Rather than George reaching his 30s or 40 mark, Orkambi could mean he could live into his 60s.

'The reality is that three people a week die with cystic fibrosis. We don't know whether it would have helped them - they never had the chance to find out.'

Ms Johnson and George have joined other families and taken to the streets in protest as they urge the Government to end the three-year talks about Orkambi

Labour's shadow health secretary, Jon Ashworth MP, said families were now being 'held to ransom' by the pharma-giant, who posted a 40 per cent increase in profits at the end of the last quarter 2018 to $337million.

The company's worth is almost 38.3billion ($50b), and the CEO was paid 13.18million ($17.2m) in 2017, according to The Guardian.

Mr Ashworth said: 'Those living with cystic fibrosis who are currently denied this life-saving drug will be disgusted at these profits.

'This big pharma firm, by refusing to play fair with the NHS, is holding lives to ransom. The price they want for Orkambi is simply unjust.

'Ministers should step in and use what means they have to ensure an affordable version of Orkambi is available for those who need it.'

Ms Johnson and George have joined other families and taken to the streets in protest as they urge the Government to end the deadlock.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is organising a demonstration outside parliament on March 7 to bring attention to the continued plight of those with CF who are eligible for the medicine.

The Health and Social Care Committee Inquiry will be holding an inquiry to understand why, after three years of negotiations, the relevant parties have yet to agree on terms.

A petition, backed by Labour's Dudley North MP Ian Austin, has also been launched, after a previous petition with over 118,000 signatures led to a debate in Parliament in March last year.

Ms Johnson said: 'What if we don't have a future? You think about Christmas or holidays and you think "What if we're admitted to hospital?"

'This is no way to live. Especially when Orkambi is sitting on a shelf just out of reach.'

To sign the petition visit here.Millions of women are being forced to cope with the menopause without help, leading doctors have warned.

Prescriptions of hormone replacement therapy have plummeted by two thirds this century with experts claiming GPs are still influenced by scare stories about the side-effects of HRT published nearly two decades ago.

Despite more recent studies showing these scares were overblown, many doctors are still reluctant to prescribe the drugs.

Figures unveiled by the BBCs Inside Out programme, to be screened tonight, reveal just 2.5million prescriptions of HRT were issued in England in 2017, down from 6million in 2000.

HRT combats menopause stress by providing oestrogen to the body but a 2000 US study suggested it doubled the risk of breast cancer, causing alarm (stock image)

Experts believe GPs have forgotten about middle-aged women and the life-changing turbulence many of them face.

Professor Mary Ann Lumsden, senior vice president of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said: People stopped prescribing HRT. They forgot that the menopause occurred and can cause problems for women, the number of menopause clinics decreased dramatically and there is a whole generation of GPs who had no training in menopause medicine at all.

Polling suggests only one in five women who could benefit from hormone replacement therapy are currently getting the treatments.

The menopause, which commonly strikes in the late 40s and early 50s, can cause depression, hot flushes, and night sweats.

HRT tackles these symptoms by providing oestrogen as the body stops producing it. Fears over HRT safety were first raised in 2002 when a US study suggested it doubled the risk of breast cancer.

Then in 2003, British research showed HRT significantly increased the likelihood of getting breast cancer and then dying.

Over the next few years the number of menopausal women on the drug plummeted.

Many doctors simply stopped prescribing the pills for fear of the cancer risk.

In recent years, however, the balance has begun to swing back in favour of HRT, with more recent studies have suggesting the cancer risks had been overplayed.

Many doctors stopped prescribing the drugs and in the past seven years the amount of prescriptions has more than halved (stock image)

Evidence began to emerge that HRT also came with certain benefits  cutting the risk of heart disease and Alzheimers and strengthening the bones. Many experts now stress that while the treatment does raise the risk of cancer, it only affects a small number of women. For most women, the benefits outweigh the risks.

NHS guidelines watchdog NICE issued new advice in November 2015 advising GPs to start offering the drug to more women who should be allowed to assess risk themselves.

It stressed that out of 1,000 women taking HRT for five years, there would only be six extra cases of breast cancer and 1.5 additional cases of ovarian cancer.

Professor Lumsden said: In terms of lifestyle we see that the impact of being obese and drinking alcohol is far greater.

But old beliefs about the risks have held strong. One patient told the BBC: The fact they kept saying to me there was a risk of breast cancer if I took HRT just fuelled my fear that HRT would give me breast cancer. Another said she had specifically approached a female GP about the problems she was having, believing she would be more sympathetic.

But she just said it is natural, suck it up, the patient said.

Campaigners believe a large part of the problem is confusion among GPs. Diane Danzebrink of the Make Menopause Matter organisation said: This is not a rare disease, this is not something that we dont know about.

What we need is a very simple to follow guide to drop into the inbox of all GPs to refer to. I could produce that tomorrow.

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: The menopause can be a difficult time for many women and hormone replacement therapy can certainly help.

Inside Out will be broadcast in London tonight on BBC 1 at 7.30pm and is on BBC iPlayer from tomorrow.Friends certainly make life better - and they, and even acquaintances, might make life longer, too, new research suggests.

A wide, diverse social network keeps older adults more active and happier, both of which could help them live longer, according to the new University of Texas, Austin study.

As people grow old their lives have a tendency to become more sedentary and solitary.

But physical activity has been shown time and time again to preserve heart and over all health - key factors to a living well for longer.

The first-of-its-kind study found that seniors who interact with lots of different types of people - including friends, family, acquaintances, service providers and even strangers are more likely to be up, out, about and physically active.

Having more interactions with a diverse set of family, friends, acquaintances and strangers keeps seniors more active and healthy, a new University or Texas, Austin, study suggests

Aging is inevitable, but frailty can largely be prevented.

The US Surgeon General recommends that older people get moderate exercise, every day if at all possible.

Nearly 30,000 American adults over 65 die as a direct result of a fall in a year.

And even if they survive the fall, their risks of dementia and death increase in the aftermath.

But physical activity keeps bones and muscles stronger and helps to keep balance and stability intact longer, all of which helps older people to stay on their feet or sustain fewer injuries if they do fall.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults over 65 get at least two-and-a-half hours of moderate-intensity exercise - via activities like brisk walking - per week.

But that's easier said than done.

'It is difficult to convince people to go to the gym or commit to work out on a regular basis,' said Dr Karen Fingerman, a professor of human development and family sciences at UT Austin.

'But they may be willing to reach out to acquaintances, attend an organized group event, or talk to the barrista who serves them at their favorite coffee shop.'

Social interactions themselves have health benefits, such as limiting stress and, more obviously, preventing loneliness, which we now know also increases the risk of death.

For optimal socialization benefits, however, seniors have to look beyond family time to activities outside of the house.

The UT Austin researchers monitored more than 300 seniors, logging their steps and physical activities using digital fitness monitors and quizzing them every three hours about what they'd been up to.

They found that it wasn't just more social interactions that got seniors moving, but more different kinds of social interactions and activities.

'Older adults may be able to be more sedentary with their close friends and family -- sitting and watching TV or otherwise lounging at home,' said Dr Fingerman.

'But to engage with acquaintances, older adults must leave the house, or at least get up out of their chair to answer the door.'

The more time and the more types of people seniors saw and engaged with throughout the day, the more steps they took and exercise they got.

So, in a way, spending time with local acquaintances or even strangers goes further to help an over-65 stay active and healthy than sharing activities with family and close friends do.

'The results show us that these routine encounters have important benefits for activity levels and psychological well-being,' said study co-author Dr Debra Umbrson, a professor of sociology at UT Austin.A Maryland teenager whose brain cancer resisted all standard treatment is in remission after an experimental drug shrank her tumor in a clinical trial.

Kaitlyn Dorman, from Baltimore, was nine years old when doctors discovered a cancerous tumor growing on her brain stem.

They told her family that the tumor was easily treatable - but nothing seemed to work, and Kaitlyn quickly lost mobility in her left hand, her legs became paralyzed and her vision blurred in her right eye.

Eventually, doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital presented the Dormans with the chance to participate in a clinical trial for a new experimental drug that would target Kaitlyn's tumor.

It worked - shrinking the tumor to the size of a grain of a rice - and doctors are now saying that they believe the 17-year-old is officially cancer-free.

'We're using the c-word, for cure,' Dr Eric Raabe, an associate professor of pediatric oncology at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, who treated Kaitlyn, told The Baltimore Sun. 'It's not coming back.'

Kaitlyn Dorman, 17, from Baltimore, Maryland, was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was nine years old. Pictured: Kaitlyn, right, speaks with Dr Eric Raabe at Johns Hopkins

The tumor arises from star-shaped cells in the brain called astrocytes and the survival rate is more than 96 percent. Pictured: Kaitlyn, left, with Dr Raabe at Johns Hopkins

The drug, known as everolimus, was developed by Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis and is known under the brand name Afinitor.

It works by hindering a specific protein that the cancer cells use to multiply and grow.

In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the drug to treat cancers of the brain, breast, kidney and pancreas as well as with other medications to prevent rejection of a transplanted kidney or liver.

Novartis has come under criticism in the past. In 2013, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence said Afinitor's cost at around $47,000 a year was too expensive.

And a study published just this month found that doctors who received payments between 2013 and 2015 from a company for a specific drug boosted their prescriptions of the medication - one of them being Afinitor to treat renal cell cancer.

WHAT IS JUVENILE PILCYTIC ASTROCYTOMA? Juvenile pilcytic astrocytoma is a tumor that happens in children and teens. It is typically a benign tumor that slowly grows in the area it develops and doesn't usually spread to other parts of the brain. The tumor develops from brain cells called astrocytes. These cells combine with others to form protective tissue around the brain and spinal cord Symptoms Symptoms differ based on where the tumor is located in the brain but people can experience: Headaches

Nausea

Balance problems

Vision abnormalities

Vomiting

Seizures Treatment Treatment is dependent on where the tumor is located and if it has spread to other parts of the body. Typically, the tumor, or part of the tumor, is removed by a neurosurgeon. The area is then treated with either chemotherapy or radiation. Source: National Organization for Rare Disorders Advertisement

When it comes to cancer drugs, there is no shortage of double-edged swords.

There is high demand for new drugs to treat all manner of cancer types. Behind those drugs: pharmaceutical companies with financial interests and a messy web of regulation, making cost and access common issues.

As is the case for many families, Kaitlyn's wanted to try anything to save her as they felt their options dwindling.

In 2011, when Kaitlyn was nine years old, she began experiencing tremors in her left hand that progressively grew worse.

Her mother, Mary, took her to a pediatrician, who first conducted a neurological test and then ordered a CT scan.

The family went to Johns Hopkins for the results, where doctors revealed Kaitlyn had a tumor on her brain stem.

'All I could think was: "What do we do now?" I wanted to know exactly what we should do,' Mary told Johns Hopkins Medicine in an interview.

A biopsy was performed and Kaitlyn was diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma, a rare childhood brain tumor.

The cancer arises from star-shaped cells in the brain called astrocytes, but its cause is unknown.

Symptoms include headaches, nausea vomiting, vision problems and issues with balance.

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the cancer is estimated to occur in 14 per million children younger than 15 years old.

The main form of treatment is surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation and chemotherapy if the tumor can't be entirely removed.

A 2012 study from the Mayo Clinic found that pilocytic astrocytoma has a five-year survival rate of more than 96 percent in children and young adults.

Doctors told the Dormans that Kaitlyn had to simply undergo a few rounds of chemotherapy and she would be cured.

But this wasn't the case. Instead her tumor didn't respond to treatment and began to grow.

Kaitlyn lost movement in her left arm, then on her left side and, finally, in both of her legs.

'I was never scared,' she told Johns Hopkins. 'I just thought it was unreal. I kept wondering: "When will I be able to move again?"'

Additionally, her right pupil became dilated - blurring her vision - and she contracted a stomach infection during a hospital visit, reported The Baltimore Sun.

Kaitlyn was put on a regimen of chemotherapy, but her tumor didn't respond and began to grow aggressively. Pictured: Kaitlyn, left, with her mother, Mary

The tumor caused Kaitlyn to lose use of her left arm, her left side and both of her legs. She also lost vision in her right eye. Pictured: Kaitlyn with Dr Raabe in 2011

Doctors tried to be as aggressive as possible with the chemotherapy, but it was taking a toll on her still-maturing body, according to her mother, Mary.

When it became clear that chemotherapy was not going to work, her medical team came up with an alternative solution.

Around this time, Johns Hopkins was one of several hospitals involved in a clinical trial for everolimus.

'All we really wanted to know was that our daughter was going to get better,' Mary told The Baltimore Sun.

'I wasn't apprehensive about the clinical trial or even anything we had to do in terms of collecting additional data or monitoring her.

'As a parent, I think we would have done anything to give her an opportunity to survive the tumor that she had.'

Kaitlyn also said that she wasn't nervous about undergoing the clinical trial for the experimental drug.

'I couldn't walk and I couldn't really see,' she told the newspaper. 'Hearing that there was, like, something else that could possibly do something, could possibly make everything go away, I was like: "Awesome. Okay, let's try it."'

Kaitlyn's medical team suggested she enroll in a clinical trial for a new experimental drug. The drug works by hindering a specific protein that the cancer cells use to multiply and grow. Pictured, left and right: Kaitlyn in the present day

The drug worked, shrinking Kaitlyn's tumor from the size of a walnut (left) to a rice grain (right) and she gained back her mobility and sight

The drug worked. Kaitlyn slowly began to gain back movement in her arms and legs and her vision cleared in her right eye.

Kaitlyn had to stop using the drug after it began affecting her liver. But even after she stopped using the drug, the tumor began to shrink.

Her tumor shrank from the size of a walnut to the size of a rice grain, nearly impossible to see on scans, reported The Baltimore Sun.

In the eight years since, the tumor had not grown back.

'I told my parents: "I'm going back and there's nothing you can do about it",' she told Johns Hopkins.Each afternoon as the shadows lengthen, I steel myself for the hardest part of the day. My mum Patricia is 83 and has dementia. As the sun goes down each night, her mind rewinds 70-odd years and she becomes convinced shes a child again.

The first hint is her growing agitation as she goes back and forth between her chair and the window, anxiously asking: Does my mum know Im here?

Of course, her own mother is long gone now, but Mum looks to me for reassurance while unable to grasp the relationship we share.

She knows Im a significant person in her life, but the idea I could be her 57-year-old son is unfathomable when shes convinced shes a young girl.

David Prowse, 57, (pictured right) explained his decision to leave his job as director of membership with the Royal Air Force Association to care for his mother Patricia, 83, (pictured left) who has dementia full time

This is hard for me, too, of course; no one ever imagines their mother might one day forget them.

Similarly, it never occurred to me that Id one day have to take care of her personal needs, or that shed see me bathing her as my job rather than a deeply difficult act of familial love.

I moved in with her two years ago, quitting my job as director of membership with the Royal Air Force Association to care for her full-time. It was a job I loved, and followed a 35-year career as an RAF pilot, serving in war zones all over the world.

Demanding as that was, caring for Mum is the greatest challenge Ill ever face  and I am determined to prove myself equal to the task.

My father John, an accountant, died of a heart attack in 1983. As their only child, I didnt think twice about putting my career aside when the dementia took hold, through love and a deep sense of duty to the woman who raised me.

Although its hard for me, living with this disease must be far harder for Mum, who trembles as she struggles to find the right words for things. Trying to assuage her fears, often long into the night, has marked each evening for me since I moved in. Mum was diagnosed with dementia four years ago. As well as confusion, she was losing weight because she was forgetting to eat. So I paid for private carers to come in every day.

David (pictured left with his mother) revealed the idea that he should be with his mother nagged at him when he was at his desk and that she would ring him while he was at work

But I found myself troubled by a sense that I was throwing money at a problem I ought to be dealing with myself. Her carers were fantastic, but I felt guilty.

As Mum deteriorated, I was torn between my professional responsibilities and those I naturally felt towards her. Its a scenario many working mothers of young children will know only too well, although rarer for a man of my age.

When I was with Mum, I felt like I was letting colleagues down; when I was at my desk, the idea that I should be with her nagged away at me. She would often phone me at work, upset but making little sense.

In the end, the pull to be there for Mum was always going to be stronger. When I quit my job, it felt like the right thing to do.

Doing the right thing was something Mum instilled in me from a young age.

She led by example. Our neighbours knew they could turn to her for help, no-nonsense advice and good company. She was clever, too, working as a secretary but also finding the time to teach me to read and write before I got to school.

I left home at 18 to join the RAF. My military career took me on active service all over the world, flying on operations in Northern Ireland, the first Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Patricia (pictured as a young woman) was a rock to David and his ex-wife by helping to raise their two girls while they pursued their careers

Mum was no stranger to conflict  she grew up in the Blitz. But while I was on operations in the first Gulf War she felt horribly isolated.

She told me shed stand in shop queues, where everyone around her seemed so untroubled, and want to shout: Dont you know theres a war on?

Having lost my dad by then, there was no one at home with whom she could share her fears that she might lose me, too.

But Mum was also a great help to me, especially when I became a parent to two girls. She helped raise them so myself and my wife could pursue our careers.

Even after our divorce, Mum continued to be a rock for us both, doing the school run and helping with homework.

Looking after Mum is hard. Im permanently tired because of her getting up, confused, in the night. It can take hours for her to settle again.

Apart from 12 hours a week she spends at day care, and when respite carers take over (I get a day off each weekend and the occasional short holiday), I see to all her needs.

That, of course, includes intimate care such as washing and dressing her.

I find that emotionally difficult  for a long time I felt an overwhelming urge to look away  but it has to be done. After all, many decades ago, she did the same for me.

David revealed when he begun living with his mother (pictured) she could still make a cup of tea, two years later however she's forgotten how to even turn on the tap

Occasionally, when Mum is briefly more aware than usual, shell tell me I shouldnt be looking after her. You should have your own life, shell suddenly insist, selfless as always.

But for now, this is my life  as it is for so many carers who dont want, or cant afford to pay for, specialist support.

It can be lonely. But as well as my daughters, who visit regularly, Mums sister and her niece call up all the time. Mum seems to have a sense of who they are  her face lights up while she listens to their voices.

When I first moved in with her, Mum could still make me a cup of tea and remembered how I took it; two years on and shes forgotten how to even turn on the tap.

But each morning we go out for a walk, and thats when I see her at her best. I catch glimpses of the funny, feisty woman she was, and they help me keep going, even though I desperately miss the stimulation of work.

Eventually, I simply wont be able to cater for her needs, and Ill have no choice but to turn to residential care.

That will be a dreadfully difficult decision. Knowing it lies ahead of me makes this time with her now feel precious, no matter how challenging it gets.

David (pictured right with Patricia) wishes there was more support for people in his situation, he relies on dementia self-help guides, guesswork and love to care for his mother

I just wish there was more support for people in my situation.

Ive had good advice through visits from Admiral Nurses, who specialise in dementia care. Theres also great online guidance from the charities the Alzheimers Society and Dementia UK.

Yet this experience convinces me we need a radical rethink when it comes to later life care, because at the moment too much of it is delivered by relatives like me: untrained, but motivated by devotion and love.

Its estimated there will be a million people with dementia in the UK by 2025. Charitable support is great, but its just a sticking plaster and we need to look at a more national approach.

In the RAF, I faced all manner of mental and physical challenges. But whatever dangers I encountered, I was well prepared and highly trained for every encounter. I flew an aircraft maintained by the finest engineers in the world and with the very best support.

With Mum, its just me, a couple of dementia self-help guides, guesswork and love.

Its tough, but thankfully, for now at least, that seems to be enough.Ivanka Trump was touring a UPS Integrad training facility outside of Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday, but she still managed to pay tribute to her mother, Ivana Trump, on her milestone 70th birthday.

The 37-year-old first daughter took to social media early in the morning to post a throwback photo of her glamorous mother decked out in a sequin mini dress and giving her a hug when she was a child.

'Mom, You are a source of joy and wonder to all who know you,' she captioned the image. 'I love you very much! Happy birthday! (or in your own words "never older, it just takes longer getting ready every morning!")'

Scroll down for video

Work trip: Ivanka Trump toured a UPS Integrad training facility in Duluth, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, on Wednesday

Major milestone: Earlier in the morning, she took to social media to share a throwback photo of herself with her mom, Ivana Trump, in honor of her 70th birthday

Paying tribute: Ivanka wrote a sweet message to caption the picture, calling her mom a 'source of joy and wonder' to everyone who knows her

In the image, Ivana is decked to the nines in a one-shoulder dress featuring a sequin floral motif and fringe at the hem. Her long blond hair, which is usually worn in her signature beehive, is pulled half up.

Ivanka, meanwhile, looks precious in a demure pink dress with her hair pulled back in a style similar to her mother's. Both mom and daughter are flashing matching smiles for the camera

While she was away on business, her husband, Jared Kushner, was seen giving hugs and kisses to two of their three children when he headed to work on Wednesday morning.

Ivanka flew from Washington, D.C. to Atlanta on Tuesday evening, and it appears as though Jared, 38, was enjoying some quality time with their kids.

Manning the fort: While Ivanka was away, her husband, Jared Kushner, was seen leaving their Washington, D.C. home as he headed to work for the day

Sweet gesture: Jared, 38, stopped to say goodbye to their sons Theodore (left) and Joseph (right) while they played in the snow

Hugs and kisses: The father-of-three leaned over to give his son Theodore a kiss goodbye. Theodore will be turning three years old next month

Keeping warm: Theodore and his five-year-old brother, Joseph, were bundled up in puffy coats and hoods during the snow storm

When he stepped out of their home, he stopped to say goodbye to his two children, who were playing in the snow with their nanny. Both kids were bundled up in puffy coats and kneeling on the ground next to their toy cars and planes.

The little boy in the navy coat was the couple's youngest son, Theodore, who will be turning three years old next month.

It appears as though the child in the red was their five-year-old son, Joseph, though his face was mostly hidden behind his nanny's legs. It's unclear if their seven-year-old daughter, Arabella, was playing outside with her brothers at the time.

Despite the blustery weather, Jared wore nothing more than a wool coat over his suit as he walked out the front gate of his home with a bag in his hand.

Snow day: Little Theodore was kneeling on the ground next to his toy cars and planes

And he's off: Jared gave the kids one last goodbye before hopping in the Secret SUV parked outside their home

Outfit: Ivanka donned a slate gray suit with cropped pants to meet with UPS CEO David Abney and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on Wednesday after arriving in Atlanta the day before

All smiles: The first daughter posed for photos with the UPS employees and students while touring the driver training facility

The father-of-three leaned over and gave Theodore a sweet kiss on the cheek before dashing off in the Secret Service SUV parked outside of their home.

While Jared was likely headed to the White House, Ivanka was meeting with UPS CEO David Abney and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp at UPS Integrad, a driver training facility in Duluth, a suburb of Atlanta.

The White House senior adviser donned a slate gray suit with cropped pants that showed off her white cap toe heels. Ivanka opted to wear her blazer buttoned over a white turtleneck that matched her shoes.

The first daughter shared plenty of videos and photos from the visit, including snapshots of herself posing for photos with UPS employees and students and taking part in a roundtable discussion.

Time to chat: The White House senior adviser took part in a roundtable discussion during her visit to the facility

Focused: Ivanka watched as students practiced carrying boxes for deliveries

'Skills training programs like UPS Integrad Atlanta are critical to ensuring inclusive access to the jobs + opportunities being created in our booming, increasingly high-tech economy!' she captioned the post.

'Thank you UPS CEO David Abney and Governor Kemp for your commitment to workforce development and the success of Georgias workers.'

Ivanka shared clips from the visit on her Instagram Stories, starting with an introduction.

In the video, she enthusiastically claps her hands together as she says: 'We are here at UPS Integrad training facility with Melissa Kaiser and with CEO David Abney.

Educational visit: The first daughter learned about UPS's Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) during the tour

Total immersion: She also checked out the company's virtual reality training program and looked inside a UPS delivery truck

Spreading the wealth: Ivanka also shared some tips she knowledge she gained along the way

Grateful: Ivanka thanked the UPS team for the 'very informative visit'

'Very exciting day, amazing program, and great to see a best in class example of workforce development in action,' she adds.

During the visit, she learned about UPS's Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD), the company's virtual reality training programs, and what it looks like inside a UPS delivery truck.

Ivanka also shared some tips she knowledge she gained along the way.

'UPS best practices: Always hold on to the handrail,' she wrote, sharing a Boomerang of an employee stepping off of a shipping truck.

'And whatever you do . . . don't slip,' she added.Princess Madeleine of Sweden has shared an adorable unseen snap of her daughter Leonore to mark her birthday.

Madeleine's eldest child, who is eighth in line to the Swedish throne, turns five today and is expected to celebrate the occasion in private with her family.

And her proud mother shared a photo of her daughter on Wednesday to commemorate the occasion.

The snap, which was taken by Madeleine herself, sees the sweet princess wearing a pink sundress as she smiles at the camera.

Princess Madeleine of Sweden has shared an adorable unseen snap of her daughter Leonore to mark her fifth birthday

Madeleine, who took the photo herself, shared the snap on her personal Instagram account on Wednesday

Captioning the image 36-year-old Madeleine wrote: 'Happy Birthday Leonore! Thank you for bringing us so much fun and happiness! U.'

The photo, which was shared on the mother's personal Instagram account this morning, has already amassed almost 18,000 likes, as well as thousands of comments wishing the royal a happy birthday.

Madeleine, whose full title is Duchess of Halsingland and Gastrikland, moved from London to Miami, Florida with her young family last summer.

The Swedish royal household said in a statement at the time: 'The time and opportunity for the United States is good for the family when the children are still in pre-school age.

Madeleine, whose full title is Duchess of Halsingland and Gastrikland, moved from London to Miami, Florida with her young family last summer. Pictured: Madeleine, Christopher O'Neil and their three children, Leonore, Nicolas and Adrienne at her christening

Last month the mother-of-three announced that she had written her first children's book (pictured)

Announcing the news on Instagram on she wrote: 'I'm very excited to finally share with you a book which will hopefully show children how important it is to stand up for themselves and to tell someone when something doesn't feel right.'

'Princess Madeleine has a great commitment to childrens rights and will continue working with the World Childhood Foundation and, through the move, be able to focus more on the activities in the United States.'

The daughter of King Carl XVI Gustaf is married to Christopher O'Neill and the couple share three children - Princess Leonore, four, Prince Nicolas, three, and ten-month-old Princess Adrienne.

The royal's financier husband was born in London and has dual UK and US citizenship, with his work taking him between the United States and Europe.

Madeleine was living in New York City when she first met Chris, having famously fled to America in 2010 to escape a broken heart after her split from Swedish attorney Jonas Bergstrom.

Last month the mother-of-three announced that she had written her first children's book.

The seventh-in-line to the Swedish throne is set to publish Stella och hemligheten (Stella and the Secret) in June in collaboration with her mother's charity, the World Childhood Foundation.

Announcing the news on Instagram on she wrote: 'I'm very excited to finally share with you a book which will hopefully show children how important it is to stand up for themselves and to tell someone when something doesn't feel right.'

Written under her maiden name, Madeleine Bernadotte, the book is published by Bonnier Carlsen and will mark the 20th anniversary of the World Childhood Foundation, launched by Queen Silvia in 1999.She's known for her vibrant style and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands didn't disappoint as she visited various charity initiatives on a day of engagements.

The royal, 47, who is famed for her love of wearing colour and print, was snapped in a coral and blue tweed style blouse with a belted feature.

She wore the blouse with a wide-leg grey trouser, and a deep folded hem.

She donned dangling coral earrings and, in perhaps a nod to the late Karl Lagerfeld, who died yesterday aged 85, carried a plush grey Chanel bag.

Queen Maxima carried a plush quilted Chanel handbag to royal engagements, the day after creative director of the fashion house, Karl Lagerfeld, died

The Queen visited a mentoring scheme that connects people with dementia, mental handicaps or psychiatric illnesses, with mentors

Business like: She was pictured earlier giving a standing ovation at a music education event

Her makeup was kept light and youthful, with her skin glowing and a pop of pink lipstick to match her coral accessories.

Her nails were painted a classic deep red to complete the look.

The Royal arrived solo at the events without husband King Willem-Alexander, 51, by her side.

She first attended the signing of the covenant 'More Music in the Local Classroom', a foundation that is committed to more and better music education, in her role as royal patron.

The Queen, who is honourary chairwoman of the 'More Music in the Local Classroom' organisation, spent time greeting enthusiastic children

Maxima, centre, posed with children and others involved in the cooperative in front of a huge crowd

She greeted the enthusiastic children and was seen applauding at the event, joining others in a standing ovation.

Maxima, who is mother to Princess Catharina-Amalia, 14, Princess Alexia, 13, and Princess Ariane, 11, with King Willem, looked overjoyed as she posed with children at the event.

Later, she attended the Zeeland Monitoring Foundation and the Zeeland Heroes Fund, which promises to connect mentors to people with dementia, mental handicaps, psychiatric illnesses or people who are in a coma.

Wife to King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima is an international financier by training.

Maxima was pictured in a very similar style outfit at the end of January, with an almost identical blouse, belt and wide leg trousers

She was born in Argentina and married into the Dutch royal family in 2002, three years after meeting her husband-to-be in Seville, Spain.

Despite reportedly having no inkling that Willem-Alexander was heir to the throne when the pair first met, she eventually became Queen consort when her husband ascended to the throne.

Willem-Alexander became king after his mother, Beatrix, abdicated in April 2013 after 33 years as reigning monarch.Pregnant Meghan has been keeping a low profile during her trip to New York this week, and Harry's engagement saw him in camouflage today.

The Duke of Sussex handed out coveted green berets to newly-qualified Royal Marines as they completed their final gruelling test.

Harry, who assumed the role of Captain General Royal Marines from the Duke of Edinburgh in December 2017, visited the base of 42 Commando in Bickleigh, Devon, on Wednesday.

He was driven to nearby Dartmoor, where he saluted and clapped as two recruit troops finished their final Commando Test.

The Duke of Sussex has arrived at the base of 42 Commando Royal Marines in Devon for a visit

The newly-qualified Marines jogged past Harry on the final stretch of their 30-mile march, carrying loads of 45lbs plus their rifles.

Harry presented the Marines with their green berets, which symbolically mark the end of commando training, before posing for a photograph with the group.

He told them: 'This is an enormous privilege for yourselves to get the green beret.

'I am fully aware how lucky I am to be wearing the green beret without doing what you've done.

'For some of you, this is merely the beginning of a very, very long, very wonderful, hopefully, career of opportunities which you would never get anywhere else.

'Enjoy drill tomorrow but also remember that there are other people that haven't managed to make it this far.

Harry saluted recruits finishing the test and presented their coveted Green Berets to them - symbolically marking the completion of their commando training

The royal received a gift of a rugby shirt and a picture from former Marine Yorkie Malone, during his visit today

Harry ditched his usual royal ride today, arriving in a standard silver car at Bickleigh

He posed with other members of the marines for a group photo with the flag towards the end of his visit

Prince Harry, who assumed the role of Captain General Royal Marines from the Duke of Edinburgh in December 2017, is at the base in Bickleigh

'No doubt you will have an opportunity to encourage them. Genuinely, huge congratulations.'

Proud parents and family members were waiting at the finish line, along with former Royal Marines and supporters.

One was 96-year-old Knocker White, a former Second World War Marine who often completes the final three miles of the march with recruits.

Former Royal Marine Gareth Evans, 60, watched as his 25-year-old son Huw was handed his green beret by Harry.

Mr Evans, who retired as a sergeant in 1992, said: 'I couldn't be prouder.

'It has been a long wait but we knew he would get there and he has.'

Marine Evans, from Crediton, Devon, had spent the past two years, two weeks, three days and eight hours training for that moment.

Wearing his green beret for the first time, he said: 'It is a long, long time. I am quite emotional.

'It was a really great feeling.'

When asked about the march, he said: 'You just get through it, you know what's waiting for you at the end.'

He said the troop felt 'lucky' to have been handed their berets by Harry.

A marine beamed as Harry carried out the Green Beret presentation on Wednesday

Harry travelled to Dartmoor to take part on a Commando Test, a 30-mile march, which starts at the north end of Dartmoor and finishes near Plymouth.

The prince appeared to be in good spirits as she chatted to members of the commandos on Wednesday

Marine Kieran Castle, 21, from Plymouth, Devon, described the moment he was handed his beret by the prince as 'an amazing experience'.

'It is quite hard to put into words how I'm feeling right now, it hasn't quite sunk in yet,' he said.

'We told him we were exhausted. He said congratulations for our efforts.'

Major General Charlie Stickland, Commandant General Royal Marines, said the visit was 'fantastic'.

'A big part of a young man or woman joining the Royal Marines is about finishing the course and winning their green beret,' Maj Gen Stickland told the Press Association.

'It is the culmination of blood, sweat and tears to get to that point.

'For the Captain General to hand them their beret is unbelievably special.'

The Duke could be seen climbing on board a boat at Bickleigh today to learn more about how it is used

Harry looked right at home on board the boat as he learned more about the vessel

Maj Gen Stickland said 42 Commando had undergone a 'reorientation' and was continue to evolve in terms of the specialist capabilities it provides.

These include joint personnel rescues, which Harry watched a demonstration of after arriving at the base.

Nine Marines carried out a fast rope, where they disembarked from a Merlin helicopter on black ropes.

Supported by Marines keeping watch in a Wildcat helicopter overhead, they reached a stricken F35 pilot a short distance away.

The royal was also showcased a range of equipment used by the marines during his visit

During his visit he learnt about the specialist teams within 42 Commando while in Devon and watch a Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR) demonstration

A number of blank rounds were fired after the group came under attack from a number of insurgents.

The Marines and pilot safely boarded the Merlin helicopter, which then departed the area.

Maj Gen Stickland said other capabilities included the complex training of partners, such as special forces, as well as assisting Royal Navy colleagues to board vessels at sea.

Harry's visit demonstrated 'the unparalleled utility of commandos', he added.

The prince climbed into a Pacific 24 rigid inflatable boat after being invited up by Marines.

He met a number of Marines in a series of tents erected at the base, showcasing the unique capabilities of 42 Commando.

Royal Marines disembarked from a Merlin helicopter (seen) and simulating the rescue of an F35 pilot from the new HMS Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier

Marine Adam Smith was part of a group of snipers who spoke to Harry about their role.

'It was great to meet him and show him what we are capable of doing,' he said.

Meanwhile the Duchess of Sussex is preparing to celebrate her baby shower with close friends in New York city.

Serena Williams and Amal Clooney are reported to be hosting the event in America's most expensive hotel room - and $75,000-a-night penthouse suite.

It had been previously reported that the shower, which is said to be the main reason for the seven-months-pregnant royal's secret trip to the Big Apple, had taken place on Tuesday, however a source close to the 37-year-old royal claims that it is scheduled for Wednesday, shortly before Meghan is set to return to London.

Meanwhile the Duchess of Sussex is preparing to celebrate her baby shower with close friends in New York city. Pictured: Meghan leaving the Surrey hotel on Tuesday

Speaking to Tatler, the source revealed that the baby shower will be held in the Grand Penthouse Suite at The Mark hotel on New York's Upper East Side, where Meghan and her friend Serena, 37, are both thought to have stayed on Tuesday evening, after enjoying dinner together at a swanky Manhattan restaurant.

Although it is not known whether Meghan has been staying in the penthouse for her entire trip - which began on Friday when she flew in from London after spending Valentine's Day with her husband Prince Harry - the location will reportedly play host to the duchess and several of her closest pals while they celebrate the upcoming arrival of Meghan and Harry's first child.

Described by the hotel as 'A Castle in the Sky', the 10,000sq ft suite boasts every luxury, including a 2,500sq ft rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park, five bedrooms, four fireplaces, six bathrooms, two powder rooms, two wet bars, a dining room, a conservatory, and a living room that can be 'transformed into a full-size Grand Ballroom' if desired by guests.

According to Tatler's source, the location was chosen by Serena, who is a long-time fan of The Mark's in-house restaurant, The Mark by Jean-Georges, a renowned chef whose flagship restaurant on Central Park West boasts two Michelin stars.

She is not thought to have stayed at the hotel before Tuesday night, when she and Meghan were pictured returning to the location after enjoying dinner with two of the royal's closest friends Jessica Mulroney and Markus Anderson.

Mother-of-one Serena is also said to be footing the bill for the use of the pricey hotel room, who has been a close friend of Meghan's since they first met in 2010.A campaigner for cancer awareness has vented her fury after a precious holiday abroad with her family was ruined by low-cost airline easyJet.

Deborah James, aka the Bowel Babe, who regularly posts about her life with stage 4 bowel cancer, took to social media this morning to reveal that she had been forced to leave her husband in London and sit 12 rows apart from her son after finding her flight had been over-sold.

The deputy head, 37, from London. who co-presents the Radio 5 Live podcast You, Me and the Big C, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2016 and documents her ongoing fight with the disease on Instagram.

She told her 11,700 followers on Twitter that she was furious with luxury holiday company Scott Dunn Travel and easyJet for allowing the situation to happen.

A spokesperson for EasyJet told MailOnline: 'We are sorry for the James familys experience and would like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.

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Deborah James, aka Bowel Babe, has stage 4 bowel cancer. She told her 11,700 Twitter followers this morning of her fury after an over-booking error meant she had to travel on holiday without her husband, and sit 12 rows apart from her son

The 37-year-old, who was diagnosed in 2016, revealed that she'd paid 'a premium' to travel with luxury operator Scott Dunn Travel only to be taken off the flight. Deborah raged that having cancer makes it much harder to travel on holiday with insurance policies raised

The James family pictured on a previous holiday; the family are hoping to re-unite and continue with their holiday. easyJet and Scott Dunn Travel have apologised to the Instagram star

'We have provided an alternative flight today for Mr James along with EU compensation in line with regulations and a refund. We have also attempted to make contact with the family to see if there is anything else we can do to help.'

James wrote from the airport this morning: 'You pay a premium to book with @scottdunntravel and they stick you on an over-booked flight.

'Currently on standby wondering if Im actually going on holiday. If you had any idea the amount of cancer admin thats required to get away, youd understand my anger!'

Later, she updated that she'd been able to board a flight but that her husband had been left behind, writing: 'So flight update - I got on the flight, my Son is sitting 12 rows behind me on his own, and my husband is left in London with no idea how or when hes coming out! This is not on @easyJet @ScottDunnTravel.'

Fellow passengers sympathised with how hard it can be getting a holiday when you have cancer. One, @terrybarry7, wrote on Twitter, 'It is a pain regarding travel insurance if you have had cancer even if you are cured'

Upmarket travel company @ScottDunnTravel replied swiftly, saying their team would in touch with James and her family when she landed: 'We're devastated that this has happened & are doing all we can to ensure you still have a great holiday.'

Meanwhile easyJet responded: 'I'm so sorry to hear this Deborah, and believe me, I do know. What's your situation at the moment? Robbie'.

Fellow passengers sympathised with how hard it can be getting a holiday when you have cancer.

@JeySharman wrote: 'The paperwork is enough stress on its own! Holidays are meant for relaxation, not to cause more hassle and stress.'

@terrybarry7 added: 'It is a pain regarding travel ins if you have had cancer even if you are cured. When getting a quote the customer service agent asks loaded questions regarding health and always seem to charge you a premium extra regardless.'

Deborah's condition is currently stable, something she describes as 'the permission to breathe again, the new window of hope that starts' (pictured here with husband Sebastien, and children Hugo and Eloise)

Scott Dunn Travel told MailOnline: 'The team at Scott Dunn is extremely sorry that Deborah Jamess family holiday has got off to such a distressing start.

Scott Dunn booked flights with EasyJet on behalf of Deborah and her family in good faith, and it was EasyJets decision to overbook a flight and therefore displace passengers.

EasyJet does not give preferential treatment to tour operator bookings and whilst this is an incredibly unfortunate incident, it is something that we had no control over.

We have done everything that we can to ensure that the rest of their holiday goes smoothly. We are extremely upset with EasyJet about this situation and have been in contact with the airline.'

James has seen her profile saw since she began posting frank photos of her cancer journey on Instagram following her diagnosis in 2016.

In January, inspired by the #10yearslater trend in which people share photos of themselves from a decade age, she posted images showing her looking well and glamorous in the months, days and weeks before her diagnosis.

One photo was captioned: 'When I look back at old pictures, I wish I had known the symptoms. Pushed to get a referral.'

She added on another shot: 'My point being in all the pictures I look healthy but I was pooing blood, was tired and had had a change in bowel habits.'

Deborah James from London who has stage four bowel cancer, shared a series of images on Instagram this week to highlight how cancer symptoms are often dismissed if a person looks well, as the mother-of-two continued to do in the months, weeks and days before her own 2016 diagnosis

Mother-of-two Deborah, from London, included this photo - taken just a week before she received the devastating news of her illness - of her enjoying a glass of wine

The series, which includes a photo of Deborah and her husband the day before she got her results, ends with a black and white image of the campaigner just seconds before seeing doctors to be told her news

Deborah co-presents the Radio 5 Live podcast You, Me and the Big C

There's a photo of her two months before at a party with her brother and sister, another holding a glass of wine just a week before her devastating results and snuggling up to her husband just 24 hours before.

James writes: 'I would have had the Stage 4 Bowel Cancer - including the 6.5cm tumour - inside me in all of these.'

James was a co-host on the You, Me And The Big C podcast with Lauren Mahon, who's in remission from breast cancer, and Rachael Bland who died age 40 at the beginning of September from a rare triple negative breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2016.

Vowing to carry on with the work she had started with her friend, James told the Lorraine show in October: 'I miss her so much. Seeing those photos of her, it breaks my heart actually.

She told Lorraine: 'What we did together is we put cancer on prime time. I am so proud to have done that.

'Her legacy and what we started, were going to carry on with it.'

Deborah with the late Rachel Bland (left) and their You, Me And The Big C podcast co-host Lauren Mahon (centre)

Candid: Deborah, right, endured a tough Christmas after her body reacted badly to a new drug being used to contain her illnessPrincess Anne wrapped up warm in Glasgow today as she visited a local college and spoke to staff and pupils.

The Princess Royal, 68, wore a long navy coat and light blue scarf, along with leather gloves as she was shown around the Riverside Campus before unveiling a commemorative sculpture celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The college officially opened in 1969 as Glasgow College of Nautical Studies on the banks of the Clyde.

The Princess Royal, 68, wore a long navy coat and light blue scarf, along with leather gloves as she was shown round the campus at Glasgow College

Princess Anne spoke about the paintings on show at the Glasgow College's Riverside Campus, during a visit to mark its 50th anniversary

Princess Anne looked happy as she was introduced to a number of staff at the college and was shown some art work.

The college's twin campus, in the city, is known for specialist design and art courses.

Princess Anne also wore one of her trademark neck scarves, a multicolored number under her coat, which was buttoned up to her neckline.

She paired her outfit with a navy handbag, her hair tied back and brightened up her look with a dark purple lipstick.

The Princess royal looked very engaged as she looked at the paintings and spoke with staff

Princess Anne looked happy as she was introduced to a number of staff at the college and was shown some art work

The Royal looked very engaged as she looked at the paintings and spoke about them.

Later on she will be unveiling a commemorative sculpture which will celebrate 50 years of the college, which was originally opened by the Earl of Mount Batten in October 1969.

The Riverside campus officially reopened in August 2015, and along with the City campus on Glasgows Cathedral Street it is part of a 228 million twin site campus.

Later today Princess Anne will attend a reception for bereaved families in Glasgow.

The Riverside campus officially reopened in August 2015, and along with the City campus on Glasgows Cathedral Street it is part of a 228 million twin site campusQueen Letizia of Spain embraced her husband King Felipe VI in a rare show of PDA on Wednesday.

The Royal pair were attending the World Law Congress at the Royal Theatre in Madrid, Spain.

King Felipe collected the World Peace and Liberty award at the event and was supported by his wife Queen Letizia as she looked on proudly.

Queen Letizia, 46, looked suitably stylish in a flattering black dress with a flared knee-length skirt, long sleeves and slim white stripes.

Queen Letizia affectionately placed her arms around King Felipe in a rare PDA as he collected the World Peace and Liberty award. The World Jurist Association (WJA) gave the award to the Spanish King in recognition of his championing of democratic institutions and his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, freedoms and constitutional order

Queen Letizia of Spain looked suitably stylish on Wednesday as she attended the World Law Congress in Madrid, Spain

The Spanish royal, who is married to King Felipe VI, pictured during the presentation of the World Peace and Liberty Award.

She teamed her monochrome dress with matching black and white stiletto heels and a chic white clutch.

The royal completed her look with a touch of bling, donning some beautiful drop earrings.

Queen Letizia lovingly kissed her husband King Felipe on the cheek as he received the World Peace and Liberty Award at the closing session of the World Law Congress in Madrid

Queen Letizia looked proud as she watched her husband King Felipe collect the World Peace and Liberty Award

The look of love: The royal pair looked happy as King Felipe collected the prestigious award in Madrid

She smiled at waved at onlookers as she made her way to the event.

Her husband, King Felipe also attended and was presented with the World Peace and Liberty Award.

The World Jurist Association (WJA) gave the award to the Spanish King in recognition of his championing of democratic institutions and his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, freedoms and constitutional order.

Queen Letizia waved at onlookers as she made her way to the World Law Congress in Madrid

The Spanish royal, who is married to King Felipe VI, donned a flattering black dress with a flared knee-length skirt, long sleeves and slim white stripes.

Queen Letizia and King Felipe during the presentation of the World Peace and Liberty Award

Queen Letizia completed her look with a touch of bling, donning some beautiful drop earrings.

Queen Letizia of Spain and King Felipe looked perfectly co-ordinated in their smart and stylish outfits as they attended the World Law Congress in Spain

It's not the first time the stylish royal has sported the classic colour palette.

On Monday she donned a matching black and white houndstooth patterned top and pencil skirt by designer Hugo Boss.

She added a pop of colour with a pair of vibrant red heels as she joined husband King Felipe for an awards ceremony in Andalusia.

The couple were meeting the Fine Arts Gold Awards, an annual ceremony for individuals or institutions excelling in art or culture, at the Palacio de la Merced in Cordoba.

Earlier this week, Queen Letizia of Spain looked chic in a houndstooth number and vibrant red heels as she stepped out for an awards ceremony in Andalusia on Monday, picturedA teenage girl who has her own set of bionic hands after losing hers as a baby says she's mastering the art of applying make-up with them.

Tilly Locke, 13, from County Durham, was just 15-months-old when she had her lower forearms, hands and fingers removed along with the tips of her toes following a devastating battle with meningitis.

Appearing on This Morning today with her mother, Sarah, Tilly showed off the 3D printed bionic arms she now uses, which work when the brain sends a message to the muscles in her arm.

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Teenager Tilly Locke, 13, from County Durham, lost her forearms, hands and fingers - and the tips of her toes - after surviving meningitis at the age of just 15 months (Pictured on This Morning today)

The teenager, pictured left with her mother Sarah, told Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on This Morning today that she loves applying make-up with her new hands and has even produced videos showing other amputees how to do it

The teen recently attended the premiere in London of new film Alita: Battle Angel, in which many of the characters have bionic arms

Life-changing: Tilly pictured as a young child learning to write before being given prosethic hands. She told Eamonn and Ruth that she's adapted to life without hands and can barely remember them

The teen revealed that she has been testing the futuristic-looking 'comic hero hands' for Open Bionics, offering them advice on how to further refine them so other amputees can benefit from them.

Chatting to hosts Eammon Holmes and Ruth Langsford, Tilly said she's just like any other teenage girl when it comes to wanting to wear make-up.

She said: 'I'm like any average teen girl, I love to do make-up. It's something that I'm really passionate about and I want to inspire others who are different.'

She said mastering the art of make-up 'wasn't easy' but that 'dedication is a feature of mine' and she had even learned how to apply it without her hands.

She explained: 'I've had 12 years to adapt and make my own way in life. I can do lots of things including my makeup without my hands but it's more fun to do it with them.

This Morning viewers called the interview 'inspirational', taking to Twitter to share their admiration for the younster.

@LindsayHubbers2 wrote: '@thismorning just watched Tilly and her Mum gorgeous family her Mum is an amazing Mum look at her gorgeous daughter shes done an excellent job a beautiful independent young lady.'

@Erasmo2058 added: 'Tilly and her mum are going to be the only worthwhile section of #ThisMorning. She seems really gutsy and the arms look amazing.'

Tilly grips the hand of This Morning host Ruth Langsford, explaining that her bionic hand works when her brain sends a signal to the muscles in her arm

The youngster, pictured with her mother Sarah, showed off how her fingers work and revealed that she's been a tester for Open Bionics, the company that makes her arms in a bid to help perfect the product

The arms are made by a 3D printer and have, says Tilly, changed her life

Mum Sarah said she's spent the time since Tilly first became ill dedicating her life to raising awareness of the symptoms of meningitis

Tilly's mum explained how her daughter's suspected ear infection quickly descended into a terrifying battle for survival (Tilly pictured as a young child)

This Morning host Eamonn Holmes told the teenager that she could make a make-up video for the daytime show

Tilly's mum Sarah revealed how she's spent her whole life since Tilly first contracted the killer blood disorder raising awareness about symptoms.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Anyone can be affected but at-risk people include those aged under five, 15-to-24 and over 45. Symptoms can mirror flu and it's essential patients are treated as soon as possible.

She said: 'It's something that we've tried to raise so much awareness about ever since she was young. I've dedicated my to life to doing that.

'Tilly's symptoms were flu-like, she was off her food and had a high temperature. Then she started breathing rapidly and she wouldn't play with her toys.

She added: 'We'd been told it was an ear infection then I saw the rash and phoned an ambulance.'

Tilly's parents faced a harrowing wait after doctors told them '100 per cent to expect the worst'.

And the moment they found out that their daughter would survive, doctors 'took the blanket off her and told us she will lose her hands and the tips of her toes.'

Earlier this month, Tilly attended the premiere of new film Alita: Battle Angel, in which many of the characters have bionic arms, as a special guest of the company who produced her own hands, Open Bionics.A seven-year-old girl born with a large birthmark on her face is set to star in an international exhibition celebrating beauty that is more than skin deep.

Rosabella Harrison from Beccles, Norfolk attracted the attention of world-renowned fashion photographer Brock Elbank from London after she was chosen to be the face of the charity Caring Matters Now.

The charity provides support for those affected by Congenital Melanocytic Naevi (CMN) - a rare type of birthmark affecting one per cent of infants worldwide.

Rosabella is particularly unique as her birthmark's placement and composition are both very rare.

After spotting the youngster in a shoot for the charity in September, Elbank who has shot campaigns for Nike, Coca-Cola and San Pellegrino, was immediately grabbed by her enchanting personality and decided to photograph her for the How Do You C Me Now exhibition.

'We're just little people - things like this don't normally happen to us,' her mother Chantelle Harrison said. 'But Rosabella loves it - any excuse to be in the limelight. It's lovely.'

Rosabella Harrison, seven, from Norfolk is set to star in an international exhibition celebrating beauty that is more than skin deep. The youngster is affected by Congenital Melanocytic Naevi and has a large birthmark on her face

Rosabella's mother Chantelle Harrison said that her little girl loves trying new things and is full of confidence

CMN affects one per cent of infants worldwide - and Rosabella, pictured as a baby, is particularly unique as her birthmark's placement and composition are both very rare

The London-based fashion photographer, who is best known for his captivating series of 150 portraits of individuals with freckles, hopes the exhibition will change perceptions of beauty.

Rosabella's mother, Chantelle Harrison, 29, said: 'People normally have the birthmarks somewhere on their body, but not usually on the face.'

The condition is not just cosmetic, it also poses the risk of future neurological problems and melanoma. Rosabella returns to hospital once a year for tests.

Rosabella posing up a storm for the camera. She was picked to start in a photoshoot by world-renowned fashion photographer Brock Elbank after he spotted her in a charity campaign

Rosabella's mother Chantelle said that 'things like this don't normally happen to us', but added that her daughter loves being in the limelight

Photographs of Rosabella will appear in the exhibition which uses images of adults and children of all ages affected by CMN, representing 13 countries from five continents.

WHAT IS CONGENITAL MELANOCYTIC NAEVI? Congenital melanocytic naevi are a type of birthmark that are also known as congenital moles. They're relatively large brown or black moles that are present from birth and are caused by an overgrowth of pigment cells in the skin. Most congenital melanocytic naevi become proportionally smaller and less obvious with time. They may darken during puberty or become bumpy or hairy. Source: NHS.uk Advertisement

The exhibition title itself also encourages the audience to consider their current perceptions of individuals affected by a visible difference.

Speaking of Elbank, Chantelle added: 'He's absolutely fantastic. He really makes you feel at home. We had breakfast made for us.

'He managed to get what we wanted and what he wanted. He really captured her personality.'

Rosabella, who lives on a farm with her mother, is also an accomplished horse rider and is part of the dressage and show jumping team at her school - and has her own pony, Rosie.

Chantelle said: 'Rosabella has been riding all her life because we live on a farm and she is part of the dressage team at school.

'She has only just turned seven and that is a massive achievement for her. She was part of the Beccles Royales Gymnastic Club too and plays piano, guitar and ukulele.

The keen equestrian, pictured with her horse Rosie, was spotted by fashion photographer Brock Elbank after she was chosen to be the face of the charity Caring Matters Now

The London-based fashion photographer, who is best known for his captivating series of 150 portraits of individuals with freckles, hopes the exhibition will change perceptions of beauty

'She just wants to try anything that is going on - she is so fearless and is just good at everything she turns her hand to. She is going to do an amazing things.'

The 'How Do You C Me Now' exhibition will open at Oxo Tower Wharf on London's Southbank on 14th March 14, before travelling around the world.

A Caring Matters Now spokesman said: 'The aim of the exhibition series is to give a clear message to the world - love the skin you are in.

'We want this beautiful series of images to reduce the public's negative perceptions of visible differences.'After more than three decades working alongside one of fashion's biggest names, Karl Lagerfeld's 'right-hand woman' will now take the helm as the new creative director of Chanel.

Described as his 'secret weapon', and his 'most important person' by the designer, Virginie Viard joined the French design house as an intern in 1987 and rose quietly through the ranks to become fashion studio director and second in command.

The pair spoke to each other daily, either in person or over the phone, with Viard taking on the responsibility of translating Lagerfeld's designs into physical creations.

While Lagerfeld conducted himself in the spotlight, Viard chose to remain largely behind-the-scenes, with fashion insiders describing her as being 'under the radar'.

Right-hand woman: Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard take a bow following the Chanel Spring/Summer 2019 show in Paris last October. It was announced yesterday that Viard will succeed Lagerfeld as the new creative director of Chanel following his death aged 85

Close collaborators: Described as Lagerfeld's 'secret weapon', and his 'most important person' by the designer himself, Virginie Viard joined the French design house as an intern in 1987 and rose through the ranks to become second-in-command. Pictured, the pair in November 2003

However in recent seasons she began taking a bow with the designer at the end of each Chanel show, a sign of Lagerfeld's immense appreciation and respect for his closest collaborator.

Yesterday after news of Lagerfeld's death at the age of 85, Chanel revealed it had appointed Viard as his successor, although there is no official transition plan in place.

In an article published yesterday, Laure Guilbault of industry publication Business of Fashion noted the decision to select Viard over another headline name from a rival label indicated a desire to continue Lagerfeld's vision for Chanel.

'Those [other] designers would likely have sought to bring their own vision to one of the world's biggest luxury brands, with $9.6 billion (7.26 billion) in sales in 2017.

Stepping into the spotlight: In recent seasons Viard began taking a bow with the designer at the end of each Chanel show, a sign of Lagerfeld's immense appreciation and respect for his closest collaborator. She took a solo bow following the Spring/Summer Paris Haute Couture show in January, pictured, sparking the first rumours surrounding Lagerfeld's health

'Instead, Chanel's owners, the billionaire Wertheimer family, emphasised continuity in appointing Viard, who the brand said in a statement had been "entrusted by chief executive Alain Wertheimer with the creative work for the collections, so that the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld can live on".'

Their collaboration began when Viard, whose grandparents were silk manufacturers, joined Chanel as an intern in haute-couture embroidery in 1987, four years after Lagerfeld became creative director.

When Lagerfeld left for Chloe in the 1990s, he took Viard with him. The pair returned to Chanel after a five-year stint away and have since worked to return the fashion house to the peak of high fashion.

Under the radar: While Lagerfeld conducted himself in the spotlight, Viard chose to remain largely behind-the-scenes. Pictured, Viard, right, with designer Sarah Lavoine in June 2005

Speaking about her role last year, Viard told the Daily Telegraph: 'I coordinate the teams, liaise with suppliers and choose fabrics. Then, of course, I do fittings with Karl.

'As soon as I receive his sketches, the process begins. I try to please him, but I like to surprise him too.'

The pair spoke to each other every day, either in person or over the phone. And Lagerfeld's respect for his collaborator was apparent.

'Virginie is the most important person, not only for me but also for the atelier, for everything,' Lagerfeld said in an interview for Netflix documentary series 7 Days Out.

'She is my right arm and even if I don't see her, we are on the phone all the time.'

Lasting relationship: Their collaboration began when Viard, whose grandparents were silk manufacturers, joined Chanel as an intern in haute-couture embroidery in 1987, four years after Lagerfeld became creative director. Pictured, the pair at the Monaco Rose Ball in 2008

In constant contact: The pair spoke to each other every day, either in person or over the phone. Pictured, Lagerfeld and Viard at the Chloe 60th Anniversary Celebration in Paris in 2012

Dream team: Viard and Lagerfeld with models following the Chanel Cruise 18/19 Collection at t Le Grand Palais, Paris, in May last year

Lagerfeld - who described their relationship as 'one of profound affection and a true friendship' - is also said to have shown his fondness for Viard with playful texts in the voice of his beloved cat, Choupette.

Viard once told W Magazine: 'He signs them, Your Choupette.'

Viard currently oversees eight collections a year, including ready-to-wear, cruise, Metiers dArt and couture.

It was at the Paris haute couture show in January that Viard made her first solo bow following the catwalk, a move that sparked speculation surrounding Lagerfeld's health and prompted the brand to release a statement saying he was 'feeling tired'.

Power player: Viard currently oversees eight collections a year, including ready-to-wear, cruise, Metiers dArt and couture. Pictured, the new Chanel boss in Paris in October 2017

Next in line: Lagerfeld died on Tuesday after a short illness and more than 50 decades as one of the leading lights of the global fashion industry. Pictured, with Viard following the Chanel Spring/Summer 2019 show in Paris last October, which marked his final runway appearance

The designer died on Tuesday after a short illness and more than 50 decades as one of the leading lights of the global fashion industry.

His passing has been met with tributes from models, editors, celebrities and fellow designers, including Dame Anna Wintour, Cara Delevingne and Edward Enninful, editor-in-chief of British Vogue.

Fendi is to present Lagerfeld's last collection in Milan on Thursday.A teen who married a 62-year-old grandfather is speaking out against trolls who brand her husband a 'child snatcher' on a daily basis because of their 43-year age gap.

Samantha Simpson, 19, first met her husband, JR, 62, through mutual friends when she was just 18-years-old and fell in love with him.

After her family refused to accept their age-gap relationship, Samantha moved into her own apartment in Berryville, Arkansas where retired JR joined her, and they couple quickly became engaged.

The pair sealed their relationship by getting married on January 8, 2018 after dating for one year, and the happy couple - who now live in Wichita, Kansas - are now hoping to start a family.

But despite how seriously they take their relationship, Samantha, a student, claims that they still receive daily abuse from strangers - calling her husband a 'child snatcher', 'pedophile' and mistaking him for her grandfather.

Samantha Simpson, 19, and her husband JR, 62, met through mutual friends with Samantha was 18-years-old. They quickly got engaged and married in January 2018 and are now trying for a baby.

Samantha, 19, and her husband JR, 62, on their wedding day in January 2018. The student claims they receive daily abuse from strangers - calling her husband a 'child snatcher'

Samantha said: 'When we are out in public, we have strangers mistaking us for grandad and granddaughter all of the time and it can really upset me.

'But it's even worse when people call JR a 'child snatcher' or a 'pedophile' when they see us hold hands or kiss in public.'

She added: 'There's not a moment when we are out and about that someone doesn't make a comment about our relationship, and it's just exhausting.

'We have had enough of a hard time with family and friends not accepting our relationship. When strangers do it too, it just becomes too much.

Student Samantha and her husband JR receive daily abuse from strangers over their 43 year age gap. They are now actively trying for a baby after getting married in January 2018

Samantha and JR on their wedding day in January 2018. The couple met through mutual friends and after months of talking fell in love despite their 43-year age gap

'We just want people to realise that we are happily married and serious about our relationship - and other people shouldn't be discriminating us in such a way.'

After meeting JR, Samantha claims that she instantly fell for him due to his looks and his manner.

She said: 'When I saw JR I was automatically drawn to how well presented he was and the fact that he was such a gentleman.

After her family didn't accept her age-gap relationship, Samantha moved into her own apartment in Berryville, Arkansas, US where retired JR moved in with her - before they got their first joint home in Wichita, Kansas, six months ago

The couple receive daily abuse from strangers over their 43-year age gap with people often mistaking Samantha's husband for her grandad

After meeting JR, Samantha claims that she instantly fell for him due to his looks and his gentlemanly manner. The married couple are now actively trying for a baby

'He was very well spoken whenever we met, and also when we would talk over the phone and text. He was just something I had never found in a man before.

'I have dated men who have been closer to my age before, but they've been very immature and haven't known how to treat their partner.

'Being with JR is completely different - he's so mature and treats me like a queen. There's nothing that I would change about him or our relationship.'

Samantha said she has dated men her own age before but found them too immature whereas her husband JR treats her like a 'queen'

Samantha, 19, is hoping the abuse she receives from strangers over her relationship with her 62-year-old husband will stop when they have a baby

The couple, who are trying for a baby, hope people will start to take their relationship seriously despite their age gap and appearances

Despite other people's opinions on their relationship, the newlyweds are both taking their relationship very seriously and are even trying to have children.

Samantha said: 'Although JR had a child from a previous relationship, we want to have children of our own and start a family.

'We are currently trying to get pregnant as we feel the time is right - we've just got married and we have our own place, so why wouldn't we want to?

'Hopefully when we have a child the abuse will stop, as we don't want to raise a child in an environment where they have to hear nasty slurs about their father.

'We hope that by sharing the story of our relationship, people will realise that it isn't a joke and we are very serious about one another despite our age gap and appearances.'The Duchess of York and Princess Beatrice joined forces on a visit to parliament today for important talks on their their beloved children's charity.

Mother and daughter both looked stylish in matching blue coats as they attended a meeting in the House of Lords for Street Child - a cause which helps children in poverty get an education.

Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, 59, was pictured making a heartfelt speech as she spoke about the charity she has helped raise thousands of pounds for.

The mother-of-two, who divorced Prince Andrew, Duke of York, in 1996, is currently working on a project which helps disadvantaged children across 10 countries get into education.

Sarah Ferguson, 59, and Princess Beatrice, 28, look coordinated in stylish blue coats as they attended a meeting in the House of Lords for Street Child - a cause which focuses on education in Sierra Leone

The mother-of-two, who divorced Prince Andrew, Duke of York, in 1996, is currently working on a project which helps disadvantaged children across 10 countries get into education

But Sarah, mother to Princess Eugenie, 30, and Princess Beatrice, 28, admitted earlier this month that their lack of access to classrooms left her heartbroken.

It comes after Sarah Ferguson visited Sierra Leone earlier this month with the charity and visited a village where she was greeted by school children as she joined them in the classroom.

Posting an array of pictures showing her visit to her Instagram account, which boasts 169,000 followers, Fergie wrote: 'Such a privilege to be welcomed so warmly by children at this school in Port Loko, Sierra Leone, which has been helped by my charity.

'It breaks my heart that 121m children dont have a chance to go to school which is why I am here to launch Street Childs campaign to build or renovate 1,000 schools and give an education to 100,000 children.'

Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, 59, was pictured making a heartfelt speech as she spoke about the charity she has helped raise thousands of pounds for

Princess Beatrice also attended the Education in Emergencies meeting at the House of Lords, alongside her mother Sarah Ferguson

Princess Beatrice and mother Sarah Ferguson pictured with panel member Professor Pauline Dixon at the House of Lords.

Sarah Ferguson and her daughter Beatrice posed alongside panelists Audu Liman, Justin Sesay and Anthony Nolan at the charity meeting held at the House of Lords

She added: 'All public donations to Street Child before Feb 21 will be matched by the UK Government so please support this brilliant initiative'.

Street Child was formed by a merger of an organisation of the same name founded by Tom Dannatt, son of Lord Dannatt, former head of the British Army, and Sarahs Children in Crisis organisation.

The Duchess is 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.

Princess Beatrice was all smiles during the meeting as she sat alongside her mother Sarah Ferguson and Tom Dannatt, CEO of Street Child

It comes after Sarah Ferguson visited Sierra Leone earlier this month with the charity and visited a village where she was greeted by school children as she joined them in the classroomThis October, Barack Obama will celebrate the 26 years of marriage to Michelle. The impressive milestone indicates that the former President of the United States knows a thing or two about enduring romantic relationships.

He's also happy to share his secret. Dan Pfeiffer, who formerly served as Senior Advisor to Obama, 56, said the President was quite proud that so many people met their partners while working for him, and had a bit of advice he liked to share with couples who were getting serious.

Pfeiffer published the nugget of wisdom in his New York Times bestseller, Yes We (Still) Can: Politics in the Age of Obama, Twitter, and Trump.

Squee! A former staffer for Barack Obama, pictured with wife Michelle in October 2009, has shared the President's love advice

Too sweet: Run For Something's Amanda Litman discovered the nugget an tweeted it

Sage: The advice was given to Dan Pfeiffer, who formerly served as Senior Advisor to Obama. He recorded it in his book, Yes We (Still) Can

Run For Something's Amanda Litman was reading the book recently when she came to the sweet passage, which she shared on Twitter.

'Barack Obamas relationship advice to @danpfeiffer is better than 99% of the advice columns on the Internet,' she wrote.

Love in the White House: Pfeiffer met his wife Howli (pictured) while working for Obama

In the passage, Pfeiffer  who is currently co-host of the Pod Save America podcast and a contributor to CNN  thought back to the time he was still dating his now-wife, Howli, whom he met while working for the President.

Pfeiffer said their relationship was just one of many that came out of Obama's staff. In 2016 alone, he went to four weddings for people who met while working for Obama, including his own

'Obama was always very proud of the hundreds of relationships that had sprung from his campaigns and his administration,' he wrote.

And when Obama found out that Pfeiffer was moving in with Howli, he congratulated him  and got serious.

'Here's the advice I give everyone about marriage,' Obama said, before launching into three important questions a person should ask him or herself.

Recipe for romance: Pfeiffer said Obama was quite proud that so many relationships sprung from his campaign and administration

The advice: Obama said it's important to ask yourself three questions, the first of which being where you find your significant other interesting

First, he asks: 'Is she someone you find interesting? You will spend more time with this person than anyone else for the rest of your life, and there is nothing more important than always wanting to hear what she has to say about things.'

Second, he asked: 'Does she make you laugh?'

And third, he said: 'I don't know if you want kids, but if you do, do you think she will be a good mom?

'Life is long,' Obama told him. 'These are things that really matter over the long term.'

When Pheiffer told Obama that Howli meets all those requirements, Obama said, 'Sounds like she's the one. Lucky you.'

Obama himself has been pretty lucky in the relationship department, as he and Michelle, 54, still seem to be very much in love, 29 years after they first laid eyes on each other.

The pair met in the summer of 1989, when Michelle (nee Robinson) was assigned as Barack's mentor at the Chicago law firm Sidley Austin LLP. She was 25 and already working there, while he was 28 and had just graduated from Harvard, her alma mater.

Cute: The second question Obama, pictured at his 1992 wedding to Michelle, mentioned is whether your significant other makes you laugh

Lifetime: Finally, if you want kids, it's important to ask whether the person you are with will be a good mother or father

'Barack, about a month in, asked me out, and I thought no way. This is completely tacky,' Michelle told ABC News.

Eventually, his persistence paid off and she said yes. Their first date took them to a museum, a movie, and an ice cream shop.

Two years later, they were enjoying a meal out when Barack popped the question.

'We were at a restaurant having dinner to celebrate the fact that he had finished the bar,' Michelle said. 'And that was supposedly the reason. And then the waiter came over with the dessert and a tray. And there was the ring. And I was completely shocked.'

On October 3, 1992, they said 'I do.'

'Barack didn't pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he delivered,' Michelle said.

'Twenty five years later, were still having fun, while also doing the hard work to build our partnership and support each other as individuals,' she wrote on Instagram this year. 'I cant imagine going on this wild ride with anybody else.'Chuka Umunna, a self-promoting Blairite

For more than a century, the Labour and Tory parties have been as reassuring and familiar to British life as train delays, Marmite and the annual FA Cup final at Wembley.

But dont assume that the traditional two-party political system that has endured in this country for centuries will exist for too long.

Mondays departure of seven MPs from the Labour party does not count for much in itself  but what it signifies certainly does.

There have, of course, been defections. Just think of the doomed Social Democratic Party (SDP) of the 1980s, led by two former Labour grandees: a home secretary in Roy Jenkins and a foreign secretary in David Owen.

Ultimately that experiment led to political disaster, with the new party being dissolved after just seven years.

So why should we bother about the ragtag non-entities who quit Labour?

Mike Gapes has never struck me as one of Westminsters most valuable assets. Angela Smith is so clumsy she unforgivably made a racist comment on TV within three hours of leaving.

The group is effectively led by Chuka Umunna, a self-promoting Blairite whose only memorable act was to duck out of the 2015 leadership contest 24 hours after saying he would stand.

Im sure Jeremy Corbyn has privately toasted the seven rebels' departure with a glass of fruit juice, or whatever it is that he knocks back on special occasions

Im sure Jeremy Corbyn has privately toasted their departure with a glass of fruit juice, or whatever it is that he knocks back on special occasions.

Partly the split is driven by the hostility felt by many Labour MPs towards Corbyns far-Left agenda. However, Brexit is the primary cause.

Tragically, it has broken families and friendships. In Westminster, too, it has divided people in both main parties.

I predict the Tories will soon fracture. All close observers of politics have been aware for months that there are, in effect, two Conservative parties. One is official and under Theresa May. And then there are the Brexiteers led by Jacob Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson.

Although the far-Left controls Labour, the centrists just about retain power among Conservatives.

However, that may not last for long. The hard-Right gains ground every day. There are concerted grassroots moves to deselect Europhile MPs such as Nick Boles, Dominic Grieve, Sarah Wollaston and Sir Alan Duncan.

I was around in the 1980s and it causes me a sharp intake of breath to note the way todays Tory party has developed a militant tendency, targeting MPs with whose views it disagrees.

I predict the Tories will soon fracture. All close observers of politics have been aware for months that there are, in effect, two Conservative parties. One is official and under Theresa May. And then there are the Brexiteers led by Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) and Boris Johnson

Crucially, given the fact that party rules mean that the grassroots membership votes for any new leader, I am convinced that if there was a leadership election this year, it would almost certainly be won by a candidate from the partys new hard-Right.

This sectarian group is infinitely more ruthless than its wishy-washy centrist opponents. So when Mrs May eventually steps down, expect an almighty battle for the soul of the Conservative Party. If the Right wins, it will split irrevocably.

Other deep structural factors are at work. This is not just about Brexit. The two-party system that saw us through two world wars has been dying on its feet for decades.

The mass working-class vote that Attlee and Wilson mobilised barely exists any more. For its part, Conservative party members have fallen from three million voters after World War II to scarcely 125,000 today.

This means the party membership no longer represents the solid common sense of the middle-class, and is vulnerable to capture by fanatics.

As a result, the conditions are now ripe for the emergence of a new party with a potential of which the SDP breakaways were not capable.

What we could witness is a repeat of how long-established political parties have vanished across mainland Europe in the past decade.

In France, both the Socialist Party and the Republicans lost their majority to Emmanuel Macrons brand new REM party. In 2017, Germanys traditionally dominant Social Democratic Party lost more than a million votes, experiencing its worst result since the Federation was founded in 1949.

What an irony that Brexit is taking us down the often chaotic, multi-party route of continental politics.

But could a new centrist party fare any better today than its doomed predecessor, the SDP, managed?

Ultimately this depends on one factor. If Brexit is a success, the new party will disappear.

But if Brexit is followed by disruption and mass job losses  which looks increasingly more risky by the day  then the new party could break the mould and succeed.

In such circumstances, considering that the core of its founders are Remainer cheerleaders, it could launch a campaign to re-enter the EU.

And as time goes by, the Tory and Labour parties with which we are so familiar could start to seem as quaint and as remote as do those 19th-century titans Disraeli and Gladstone.Monday mornings marmalade-dropper, when seven of his MPs renounced the Labour whip in disgust, was a seismic moment for his leadership  but it doesnt seem to have left a mark on Jeremy Corbyn.

Having deposited his two string sacks of allotment potatoes elsewhere, he pitched up at yesterdays National Manufacturing Conference with a cocksure gait and a cheery grin. His professorial beard was neatly trimmed, his tie (full-blooded Socialist red, of course) uncharacteristically straight and his hair, for once, given a decent rake of the comb.

He dismissed his Gang of Seven deserters with an airy wave of the hand. He was disappointed he told the audience at Westminsters QE2 centre. A small number of MPs have chosen to take a different path, he said. They were elected to carry out his policies but decided to go somewhere else.

Jeremy Corbyn told an audience at Westminster's QE2 centre he was 'disappointed' with the resignations and that 'a small number of MPs have chosen to take a different path'

The Labour leader, who was seen yesterday carrying bags of potatoes, made it sound as though the MPs that had left the party had merely decided to switch electricity providers, writes Henry Deedes

What an extraordinary response. Several of his MPs had declared that the party of Nye Bevan and Harold Wilson was now overrun with racists and bigots. And yet Mr Corbyn made it sound as if they had merely decided to switch electricity provider mid-contract. He could not have appeared more disconnected had he been draped in a toga.

But he had not come to discuss Labours internal wobbles. He wanted to talk about the partys manufacturing plans. His message: Something has gone badly wrong. The blame, naturellement, lies squarely with this government.

Sitting alongside him on stage, Angela Rayner (Ashton-Under-Lyne) and Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South) nodded approvingly. Why theyd been brought along wasnt clear. Protection perhaps? I certainly wouldnt wish to spill Angelas drink in a crowded saloon.

He was flanked by two supportive MPs at yesterdays National Manufacturing Conference

Top of Labours proposals was a Commission for Lifelong Learning which sounded a bit like a scary correctional facility from a dystopian sci-fi flick. In fact, its a plan for workers to be able to update their professional skills between jobs. Mr Corbyn was certainly giving this idea the hard-sell. It would transform the lives of millions, break down barriers and close the gap etc. etc. It was ridiculous, he said, that people spend the first quarter of their life in education but then dont learn anything else their whole life. Quite right. Though this seemed a little rich coming from someone who, according to a new biography, claims he never reads books.

He said Labour would kick-start a green jobs revolution. He reeled off a Soviet-style list of numbers, claiming his plans would create 400,000 jobs, a seven-fold increase in offshore wind capacity and a tripling in energy from solar power. Yada, yada... Apologies, I should have been jotting more of this down. But after a while, it just felt like being whacked with an abacus.

During his speech, Corbyn promised that Labour would kick-start a green jobs revolution

Before departing, he thanked the events chief executive, Stephen Phipson, a stout figure with a rugger props ears, for the gift of a toolbox during a previous visit to the conference. Its in my office, enthused Jezza. Its been used for plenty of repairs.

Judging by his insouciance towards the Gang of Sevens treachery, itll take Mr Corbyn more than a spanner and drill-bit to fix the Labour Party. Earlier, Business Secretary Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells) gave us a display of his permanently grinning face. Just a brief visit, he assured the audience. He was due to make an urgent statement in the Commons on the closure of Hondas plant in Swindon.

Say what you like about Mr Clark, he remains the politest member of a pretty ghoulish Cabinet. Almost maddeningly so. Like the eternally chirpy Simpsons character Ned Okily Dokily Flanders, nothing seems to get him down. He reminds me of one those punchballs on a spring which however hard you wallop  booiiiiinng!  back it pops again.

Secretary for Business, Greg Clark, also attended the conference. He is due to make an urgent statement on Honda's plan to close its Swindon plant tomorrow

Britain has such world class manufacturing talent, he kept saying, that he was blown awayThere are so many opportunities... An audience member unchivalrously tried to burst Mr Boings balloon, asking: So why dont you ask Sir James Dyson to build his electric car in Swindon?

Ho-ho! laughed Greg heartily, before responding with a meaningless non sequitur about Swindon having a fantastic manufacturing history with a wonderful workforce. And with that, off he dashed back to the Commons for another drubbing.featured

Police news

Two West Chester juveniles arrested for throwing rocks at cars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.The following items are based on information provided by officials in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.SAWKILL, N.Y.  A house fire Tuesday afternoon on Meyers Road in this town of Kingston hamlet caused significant damage to the structure, but there apparently were no injuries to the people who live there.

Numerous fire departments battled the blaze at 54 Meyers Road as flames and smoke poured through the roof of the two-story structure, and it took more than an hour and a half for the fire to be declared out.

A neighbor said two adults and foster children lived in the house and that none of them was injured. She said, however, that pets apparently were unaccounted for.

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A transmission heard on a police scanner referred to the Red Cross being called in to aid two adults and three children.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the blaze, and firefighters did not comment at the scene.Mid-Hudson

Two projects receive Solar for All fundingKINGSTON, N.Y.  In December 1941, Don Kent was walking along a Macon, Ga., road with a friend.

Suddenly, cars began passing by in frantic fashion, near the military air base where he lived, said Kent, who turned 101 this past Christmas and is a World War II veteran.

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I was with another guy from Kingston, and we went out for a walk around noontime, Kent recalled Wednesday during a visit to the Freeman office in Kingston. These cars went whizzing by. They (soldiers) had been called to return.

People kept shouting at us, Kent added. I didnt know what they were saying. I thought they were just crazy drivers.

Soon, the news spread that Japanese warplanes had bombed the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor and that soldiers were being called up for duty.

I was surprised, I guess, said Kent, a former Hurley resident who now lives in Rhinebeck. But all I could think about was the incident, the attack. I dont think I thought much about the future.

Kent served as an information officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps (later the U.S. Air Force) during World War II, and he retired after about 20 years of service, having risen to the rank of major.

During World War II, Kent served in North Africa, Corsica and Italy in such capacities as public relations representative, supply officer and PX officer.

Any place they needed somebody, I guess they shoved me in, he said.

Following World War II, Kent worked as a communications officer in the Philippines, where he was awarded a commendation for community service. He also worked in public relations for the Department of Defense.

For at least 10 years after his military service, Kent worked in the public relations office at SUNY New Paltz.

Kent and his wife, Mary, had seven children. She died nine years ago, at age 88.

Before moving to Rhinebeck about two years ago, Kent lived in the stone house known as the Spy House on Main Street in old Hurley.

Kent said he never served in battle during the war but lost friends who did.

Asked about them, he paused and put a hand to his head.

I dont know, he said. They are gone.Ulster County Legislature Chairwoman Tracey Bartels, right, presides over the lawmaking body's meeting on Jan. 7, 2019, at the County Office Building in Kingston, N.Y.Ethos is a nationally recognized, award-winning independent student publication. Our mission is to elevate the voices of marginalized people who are underrepresented in the media landscape, and to write in-depth, human-focused stories about the issues affecting them. We also strive to support our diverse student staff and to help them find future success.



Ethos produces a quarterly free print magazine full of well-reported and powerful feature stories, innovative photography, creative illustrations and eye-catching design. On our website, we also produce compelling written and multimedia stories.



Ethos is part of Emerald Media Group, a non-profit organization thats fully independent of the University of Oregon. Students maintain complete editorial control over Ethos, and work tirelessly to produce the magazine.



Since our inception as Korean Ducks Magazine in 2005, weve worked hard to share a multicultural spirit with our readership. We embrace diversity in our stories, in our student staff and in our readers. We want every part of the magazine to reflect the diversity of our world.J.R. Goddard, age 90 of Dalton passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Hamilton Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Ruth Goddard; a son Jimmy Ray Goddard; parents, Jesse Ray and Flonnie Mae Goddard; brothers, Ralph and Hoyle Goddard; sisters, Shirley Freeman and InezWe've launched a new site for events and entertainment all along the Flight 93 Memorial Highway. Read the latest articles and buzz around town.

Keep up to date on upcoming events and submit your own.

Visit What's NXT 219 OUR TOWN

The Daily American

The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded a $40,000 Art Works grant to 1901 Church Inc., aka The Steeples Project, to design a theater for dramatic arts inside the former St. Columba church building along Broad Street.

We are thrilled with this grant, said Teresa Marafino, chairwoman of the 1901 Church board of directors. This is a big step forward in our vision to develop this dedicated theater for drama, which we believe will become a major cultural asset for Cambria City and a new tourism asset for the Greater Johnstown region.

St. Columba was one of three Roman Catholic churches in Cambria City that closed in 2009 after five parishes in that area were consolidated. The three buildings were purchased by 1901 Church in late 2011. One was reopened as The Grand Halle on Broad Street, and a second was sold. The group is working to reopen and repurpose St. Columba, the third.

The federal grant is being combined with a $25,000 Keystone Historic Preservation Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and $15,000 in matching funds from the Cambria City Cultural Partnership, through a grant from the 1889 Foundation. These funds are going to pay for schematic design and some design-development activities at Columba by: Landmarks SGA, of Somerset, the lead architect; Theatre Consultants Collaborative, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Creative Acoustics, of Westport, Connecticut.

These designers will begin their work here in Johnstown in early March, said Dave Hurst, project manager for The Steeples Project. Our goal is to develop a professionally equipped, effective dramatic space that preserves all of the unique cultural and architectural qualities of this very special building.

In addition to becoming the resident theater for local theater companies, the proposed 300-seat theater would host the staging of dramatic plays related to the heritage of Johnstown and many other communities in the northeastern United States at the turn of the 20th century.

A feasibility study completed in 2017 determined that such a venue could thrive and become a valuable cultural and tourism asset here, complementing the Johnstown Heritage Discovery Center, the Wagner-Ritter Steelworkers House Museum, the Johnstown Flood Museum and Johnstown Flood Memorial. An economic impact study, performed as a part of the feasibility study, concluded that a theater in Columba could generate $2.7 million annually in support of 52 jobs.

More information about the Columba Theater Project or The Steeples Project can be found at steeplesproject.org or by calling 814-536-7986.The Daily American

In 2014 Auditor General Eugene DePasquale issued an appeal to Pennsylvanias school districts to improve their child abuse reporting policies.

His request was that teachers and other staff be required to report child abuse or neglect to ChildLine and a designated school official. These requirements were also put forth in the Public School Code and the Child Protective Services Law.

It is completely unacceptable for any district to have an outdated or missing policy dealing with suspected child abuse, DePasquale said. The fact that nearly a quarter-million Pennsylvania students attend school districts that lack updated policies is appalling.

As of Feb. 1, only one district had no child abuse reporting policy  Susquenita, of Perry County.

Only two districts in Somerset County fell on DePasquales list for needing updated policies  Windber and Turkeyfoot Valley. As of Tuesday, both Windber and Turkeyfoot have updated their policies to compliance. Windber school board plans to officially adopt the new policy at its March meeting.

Thats great news, said Gary Miller, spokesman for DePasquales office. Its just the best practice, and making sure their staff are trained on that policy.

DePasquale said that schools can provide an additional level of protection for kids if their staff are properly trained.

For Windber, the policy update included mostly changes to legal language, such as: the inclusion of posters with the phone number for ChildLine, language that complies with federal laws, and a policy for school buses in case the district decided to employ bus drivers instead of contracting out transportation services.

Windber Superintendent Joe Kimmel said that the district was in the process of updating 300 school policies with the help of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association when this order came from the auditor general.

The PSBA helped the district merge local procedures with state and federal laws, Kimmel said.

He added that school policies are always being updated and changed to comply with new legal definitions.Weather Alert

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING... The Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for * Portions of Illinois and northwest Indiana, including the following areas, in Illinois, Central Cook, De Kalb, DuPage, Eastern Will, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, La Salle, Lee, Livingston, Northern Cook, Northern Will, Southern Cook and Southern Will. In northwest Indiana, Benton, Jasper, Lake IN, Newton and Porter. * Through Sunday morning * Showers and thunderstorms with torrential downpours are expected throughout the next 24 hours, especially along and southeast of Interstate 55. Considering many areas have received one to four inches of rain over the past 48 hours, additional rain will likely lead to runoff and flash flooding. As such, the Flash Flood Watch has been extended. * Flooding of low-lying areas including farm fields, ditches, and roadways is possible. Additionally, rises in water levels in rivers and streams are possible. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Flash Flood Watch means rapid-onset flooding is possible, but not yet certain, based upon the latest forecasts. Flash flooding is a dangerous situation. Persons with interests along area rivers, creeks, and other waterways should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flooding develop. &&Kankakee, IL (60901)

Today

Thunderstorms, accompanied by locally heavy rainfall at times. A few storms may be severe. High 83F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.ATS is a Kuwait based company specialised in delivering hardware/software, Virtualisation, IP Telephony / Unified Communication, Networking and professional IT services and solutions.

By combining an in-depth understanding of business needs with cutting-edge solutions, ATS works in partnership with its clients to offer cost effective business solutions which integrate seamlessly within their operations.

Through unrivalled support, innovative solutions, and flawless implementation, ATS ensures its clients receive a made-to-measure service which enhances their sustainability, productivity, and profitability.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 (Authors note: This story will take you 7 minutes to read. It has 1,220 words, 4 pictures, and 1 observation you may find offensive. Enjoy.)

Before we go any further, I need you to look at this mans face. Really see him. That smile? Joy incarnate. If your own smile hasnt widened by now, or at least flickered to life just a little, youre going to hate everything else that comes next.

This is Allie, and he is a credit union member.

He belongs to one of the smallest credit unions in Indiana. I cant reveal their name yet, but its safe to say that most of you have never heard of them.

But Allie has. And thats why I get the privilege of working with him today.

Im here because Ive partnered with Amanda Elkins and Tara Kochansky of TwoScore to create a series of photos for the credit unions annual campaign that celebrate the real members at the heart and soul of their organization.

Allie and I are meeting in a branch that shouldnt exist, at least not by the standards of the 87 banks and the other 154 credit unions that service the state.

Thats because all of them decided, on their own and for their own reasons, that the 29,000 low-income folks living in the 9 square miles surrounding Allies infectious grin werent worth their investment.

Not Allies credit union, though. They established the only branch in this ZIP code. And it thrives.

Allie strolls around the lobby in his best suit, hat, and pocket square, humble and hilarious, telling stories and cracking jokes with Monique and Diana behind the line and Felicia at the new accounts desk.

Hes patiently waiting for me to finish setting my lights and adjusting my cameras, a process hes unintentionally made more difficult because I keep stopping to listen to him rather than wrap up my prep work.

Finally done, I cross the lobby to greet him. His smile explodes to life again as his right hand clasps mine in a handshake made all the warmer by the covering of his left.

In the next few minutes, Allie changes from stranger to friend. He loves travel, his wife, and traveling with his wife. We talk photography, the pictures hes taken, and the ones still waiting for him.

He cherishes his credit union, how theyve helped bad times go good and stay there, how much he enjoys visiting this improbable branch a short bus ride from his house.

They treat me like family, man, he gushes. Maybe its because I remind them of their crazy uncle,  I laugh so hard that I need to put my camera down for a moment  but its true, man. Family, right here, affection thick in his voice and bright in his eyes.



Ive spent the last 30 years of my life serving the financial services world, with the best two-plus decades devoted to credit unions. This industry has been far better to me than I deserve. I love it more than I care to admit in casual conversation. I speak and photograph and write about the heroes and villains in, around, and beyond it as a way to honor what Ive been given and to inspire those who will reap what weve sown.

That passion compelled me to take on this credit union photography project. Other reasons were in play, however.

We cover our websites and branches and marketing materials with every combination of industry-standard safe words: low fees and great rates, awesome service and convenient locations, people helping people.

We say we love, appreciate, value, care for, want to hear from, are here to serve, and are devoted to our members.

Chances are, unfortunately, your credit union website doesnt contain a single image of an actual member.

This isnt to say you dont have pictures on your site. You have an impressive array of carefully chosen stock photos, filled with every manner of pretty model faces in various states of work, play, relaxation, conversation, contemplation, and calculation, many of whom are happier than any other human being in recorded history to pull out a debit card, drive a car, sign a document, walk down a street, interact with another pretty model face, or use anything with a screen.

This observation may offend you. You have your own reasons, thank you very much, for relying on iStockPhoto or ShutterStock or Getty Images or Adobe Stock to cobble together a beautiful collection of pictures to serve as perfect avatars of your ideal membership. Questioning why we spend a members money on member-less images is pretty cheeky of me. I get it.

You may also think our industrys reliance on stock photography isnt a big deal. Before you post your rebuttal to these or other related points, please consider (with more data here):

Eye-tracking studies of websites show that photos of real people are often treated as important visual content and are scrutinized far more than stock photos and obvious filler content, which are typically ignored.

When researchers tested a real photo of a client against their top-performing stock photo, they found that nearly 35% of visitors would be more likely to sign up when they saw the real deal.

A moving company added roughly $10,000 per month to their business when they tested real photographs against cheesy stock people with boxes.

If our industry plans to invest $100 million into opening eyes to credit unions, then we better have something unique, personal, and real for their eyes to actually seeand wed better be willing to see them, too.

Because if we continue to reduce our members  the people we claim to love, the people we claim to honor as owners, the people we claim to serve  to cheap, generic, and disposable abstractions in the credit unions narrative, members will do the same to us. And well have no one to blame but ourselves.

We can do better. As member-focused as we say we are, we must do better. We owe that to our members.

Members like Allie.



With Allies portrait safely in my camera, I tell him were all finished. We shake hands goodbye, left over right again, warm as ever, my smile matching his.

I walk him to the branchs entrance and pose one last question: why did he dress up so much? I certainly appreciated his extra effort, especially because he had already worked one job that morning and had sacrificed a few hours of sleep to be here with me in the afternoon before clocking in at his second job at 1am. He couldve showed up in a t-shirt and jeans, though. His smile and story had already won the day.

He stops by the door and says, Its a respect thing, you know? This place has done right by me. I wanna do right by them. Then, with a final glance around the branch, Family, my man. Family.

He turns to leave, only to pause and look back at me. He pats my arm. Thank you for this. Thank you for today. This made me feel real special, man. Ill never forget you.

Neither will I, Allie.

Neither should we.Blackhawk Community Credit Union announced its intent to gift its administrative building, zoned as a medical facility, to HealthNet of Rock County , the states largest of 99 charitable clinics.

HealthNet gives away $1.5 million in prescriptions each year, and is staffed with volunteer physicians, nurses, and dentists, as well as 21 employees serving 6,400 patients.

The gift will coincide with the planned opening in 2021 of the credit unions Legacy Center and new headquarters.

We are incredibly appreciative of this gift from Blackhawk Community Credit Union, says HealthNet CEO Ian Hedges. HealthNets mission to provide access to healthcare to those most vulnerable in our community pairs well with Blackhawk Community Credit Unions vision of giving back to its members and the community.HARTFORD  Haircuts, laundry, legal services, veterinarian visits and parking are on the list. Even paying an accountant to file your taxes could now be subject to the state sales tax.

Thats because Gov. Ned Lamont proposed broad expansions of the sales tax in his budget proposal released Wednesday. The two-year budget does not increase the rate of the sales tax, but applies the levy to more things.

Textbooks, medicine, helmets and parking may be taxed, if the governors plan passes, as well as numerous consumer services. Lamont wants ramp up enforcement of tax collection on online sales, too.

For up-to-date information on public policy issues, sign up for the CT Politics newsletter.

Our current sales tax is designed for a Sears Roebuck economy driven by over-the-counter sales, Lamont said in his budget address. Today we live in an Amazon economy which is driven by e-commerce, digital downloads, and consumer services.

The sales tax expansion  forecast to bring in an extra $292 million in the first year of the budget and $500 million in the second year  was the major revenue change.

Other revenue changes included $30 million from a 10-cent tax on non-compostable plastic bags; $34 million from an eliminated income tax exemption related to pensions; 16 million from higher licensing fees for professional corporations; and $8 million from higher real estate fees for high-end houses. Some scheduled tax cuts were delayed, notably a surcharge on the corporate earnings tax.

But there were some significant tax cuts: a $200 property tax credit, based on income, to the elderly and people with dependents; an end to the business entity tax of $250 every two years; adjustments to the estate tax; and an end to a small gift tax, the only one by a state in the nation.

The sales tax changes are Lamonts biggest way of increasing state revenue without raising the personal income tax on the rich  a promise he made on the campaign trail.

Plenty of people, on the left and the right, took issue with the changes. Lamont also wants to use tax policy to discourage behaviors like smoking, drinking alcohol and soda and using plastic bags. He proposed raising the age to buy tobacco to 21 and implementing a 75 percent wholesale tax on e-cigarette liquids.

His budget included a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on drinks with added sugars and a five-cent bottle deposit on 50 milliliter liquor bottles and a 25 cent deposit on wine and liquor bottles.

Debating fairness

The issue of revenues is going to be difficult, but I think it is going to be essential to do, said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven.

Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz called the states current tax structure flawed.

Is it far to pay [sales tax] for a pedicure but not a haircut? How is it that newspapers you dont pay sales tax? he asked. There are a lot of things that make it inherently unfair.

Republicans said the budget relies too much on revenue increases and not enough on cuts in spending. While Lamonts plan may win support among some wealthy taxpayers, left-leaning Democrats view the sales tax as regressive and want to decrease reliance on it.

State Rep. Josh Elliott, D-Hamden, co-founder of the House Progressive Caucus, spoke passionately in favor of raising the income tax on the wealthy in recent days.

We are punishing the middle class in this state, and we are letting people who are ultra wealthy get by by paying nearly half of the rate of everyone else, Elliott said. We cannot simply be listening to anecdotal evidence of one or two ultra-wealthy people who are leaving our state.

House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, was also concerned about the effect of the governors tax changes on the middle class. For the governor to say he is not raising the sales tax is slightly disingenuous because he is getting rid of exemptions, she said. There is nothing that hurts the middle class more than this budget proposal.

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, said there were good reasons why many of these sales tax expansions had not been implemented earlier. About a dozen Republican lawmakers brought Big Gulp sodas to the budget address to protest the tax on sodas.

Connecticuts sales tax rate is now 6.35 percent. It applies to numerous goods, excluding groceries and medications. Last month, there was a report by the CT Mirror that Lamont was considering a sales tax on groceries, drawing immediate, fierce criticism.

Instead, Lamont has extended the sales tax to many professional services, barber shops and beauty salons, dry cleaning, coin operated laundry, parking, massage therapy and waste collection.

His budget would repeal the sales tax exemptions on non-prescription drugs, textbooks for college students, bike helmets, child car seat and newspapers. It would end the sales tax free week in August. Most of these changes would take effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

The governor proposes to capture a growing segment of the economy, said Melissa McCaw, secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. Really the goal here is to level the playing field and have an equal tax treatment of both goods and services.

Business-to-business transactions would be exempt, said McCaw.

Lamont also suggested raising the tax on digital downloads from 1 percent to 6 percent, increasing the tax on boats from 2.99 percent to the standard sales tax and upping the hotel occupancy tax from 15 to 17 percent.

Joe Brennan, president of the Connecticut Business Industry Association, said most of these sales taxes changes have been floated before. He doubted they would all survive legislators scrutiny.

Connecticut Bar Association was among many groups that weighed in.

A sales tax on legal services will place a barrier to reaching those in need, including those facing elder care, end-of-life issues, divorce and family separation, health and housing challenges and other issues, said Jonathan Shapiro, president of the CBA and an attorney in Middletown and Stamford.

The notion of taxing tax preparation services is fundamentally flawed as it poses what taxpayers will view as a penalty for filing ones tax return in a complete, compliant, and accurate manner by engaging professional assistance, said Bonnie Stewart, executive director of the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants.

emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunsonHARTFORD  Lawmakers took a Big Gulp as they listened to Gov. Ned Lamonts budget address in the ornate Hall of the House at the state Capitol Wednesday. Literally, a Big Gulp for about 15 of them.

Members of the Conservative Caucus showed up with 30-ounce Big Gulp containers from 7-Eleven, filled with some nasty-looking, brightly colored sugary drinks  to make a point about Lamonts plan to tax sweetened drinks by 1.5 cents per ounce.Elise Amendola / Associated Press

Chances are youve taken some form of transportation in the past week, to get to work or bring your kids to school; and chances are youve noticed the traffic, the crowded Metro-North train, and the potholes. We are a society on the move, and our ability to get around safely and easily is tied directly to our quality of life and economic growth on the municipal and state level. That is why we at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and the Council of Small Towns, as representatives of the towns and cities of Connecticut, believe that we need to have an honest conversation about tolls.

Connecticuts infrastructure is in dire need of repair. The Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers gave our roads a D-plus, meaning they are in poor or fair condition. Our bridges fared only slightly better and merited a C-minus. Only our rail system, the busiest in the country, fared well, gaining a B-minus, but at the cost of slowdowns because the infrastructure is not there to make repairs quickly. Most of the network is over 55 years old, and our roads and rails need to be brought up to acceptable levels before a crisis happens, not after.Connecticut lawmakers are considering a variety of bills to address the recent increases in teen vaping, including banning flavored vapor products. E-cigarettes have quickly become one of the most controversial debates in public health because their significant public health benefits  as a replacement for traditional cigarettes  are being offset by concerns surrounding teen vaping.

On the federal level, the Food and Drug Administration is trying to thread a needle. It wants to keep e-cigarettes available on the market to help adult smokers quit traditional cigarettes. But theres increasing pressure to keep these products out of the hands of kids.

Research from groups like the Royal College of Physicians finds e-cigarettes are substantially safer than traditional cigarettes. Though most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, thats not what sends 480,000 Americans to an early grave with lung cancer and other diseases every year. Instead, its the smoke that comes from lighting tobacco on fire that is most harmful to humans. Detach nicotine from cigarettes and you give smokers the nicotine they desire without the smoke that may kill them. According to researchers at Georgetown University, up to 6.6 million cigarette smokers will live substantially longer if cigarette smoking is replaced by vaping over a 10-year period.

Old policies need to be supplemented with policies that encourage substituting e-cigarettes for the far more deadly cigarettes, said David Levy, Ph.D., professor of oncology at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. There would be tremendous health benefits including reduced disease disability to smokers, reduced pain and suffering, and reduced exposure to second-hand smoke.

Unfortunately, the potential health gains e-cigarettes could help deliver are being threatened by the uptick in youth vaping. To combat this worrying rise in teen vaping, Connecticut legislators are contemplating a ban on all e-cigarette flavors that allegedly target kids But such a ban would have a more significant impact on adults trying to quit smoking than preventing teens from vaping.

A 2017 study by researchers from the Yale School of Public Health published by the National Bureau of Economic found a ban on flavored e-cigarettes would drive smokers to combustible cigarettes, which have been found to be the more harmful way of getting nicotine. The authors concluded that banning flavors reduces the appeal of e-cigarettes to those who are seeking to quit (smoking); e-cigarettes have proven useful as a cessation device for these individuals, and we find that quitters have a preference for flavored e-cigarettes.

Other things aimed at reducing smoking, like nicotine replacement therapies, have been useful for some smokers but notoriously ineffective for the vast majority of smokers who are trying to quit. E-cigarettes have been proven time and again to be effective at helping smokers quit. In January, The New England Journal of Medicine published a randomized control trial considered the gold standard in academic research concluding, e-cigarettes were more effective for smoking cessation than nicotine-replacement therapy.

Before legislators proceed on banning flavors, they should remember that the big picture trends on youth tobacco use in Connecticut are encouraging. Yes, from 2011 to 2017 the number of high school students using e-cigarettes rose from 2.4 percent to 14.7 percent, according to the Connecticut Youth Tobacco Survey. But, in 2011,the survey showed 14 percent of high schoolers were smoking cigarettes. By 2017, the number of high school students smoking cigarettes had plummeted to 3.5 percent.

Yes, the rise of youth vaping is troubling and measures should certainly be taken to require the e-cigarette industry to crack down on sales to minors. However, state lawmakers should also keep the overall public health picture in mind. Banning e-cigarette flavors would risk significantly reducing the important, proven health improvements e-cigarettes can deliver to smokers and society.

Guy Bentley is director of consumer freedom at Reason Foundation, a nonprofit, libertarian think tank. He has testified before Congress on this issue and can be reached at guy.bentley@reason.org."Spare the rod and spoil the child," the saying goes, but research points to a much different conclusion. Spanking young kids can negatively impact future temperament over a decade later, according to scientists from the University of Missouri.

Even though the majority of Americans approve of spanking, data shows it's not only an ineffective way to discipline, but it actually has the opposite effect.

A 2016 meta-analysis using data on over 150,000 children over a 50-year period linked corporal punishment with aggression, antisocial behavior, mental health problems, cognitive difficulties and low self-esteem, among other negative outcomes. Basically, just because your parents spanked you doesn't mean it's a good idea to spank your kids.

Research published in Developmental Psychology came to a similar conclusion but specifically looked at racially diverse, low-income families enrolled in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project. While experts hadn't conducted many studies on this part of the population before, the results still came out against spanking.

Using surveys, home visits and teacher interviews, scientists found that African-American children who experienced severe punishment at 15 months of age were more likely to show increased aggressive and delinquent behaviors by fifth grade. Negative emotions like irritability predicted similar outcomes among European-American children, but both groups showed a correlation between good self-regulation and better behavior later on.

"Our findings show how parents treat their children at a young age, particularly African-American children, significantly impacts their behavior," Gustavo Carlo, Millsap professor of diversity at MU and director of the MU Center for Family Policy and Research, told ScienceDaily. "It is very important that parents refrain from physical punishment, as it can have long-lasting impacts. If we want to nurture positive behaviors, all parents should teach a child how to regulate their behaviors early."

While spanking won't help, productive disciplining can teach kids those valuable lessons. Focus on establishing clear rules and creating a strong parent-child connection instead, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, a psychologist and author of "Discipline Without Damage."

"Our job is to make sure that the regulatory part of that child's brain is soothed, settled and calm," she explains. "Then, reach in with a moment of expectation-setting for the next time around  and move along."

That simple strategy can not only soothe temper tantrums in the moment, but also set up kids for better behavior in the long run.

(h/t ScienceDaily)WASHINGTON - For the second time in as many weeks, Chief Justice John Roberts has sided with liberal Supreme Court justices to disagree with how lower courts have interpreted Supreme Court precedent.

On Tuesday, Roberts was pointed in saying the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has "misapplied" a 2017 ruling that instructed that court to reconsider its analysis of whether death row inmate Bobby James Moore was intellectually disabled, and thus ineligible for execution.

Less than two weeks ago, Roberts joined the liberals in stopping a Louisiana abortion law that was nearly identical to a Texas law the court had struck down in 2016.

It was a busy day Tuesday, as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg rejoined her colleagues for a public hearing for the first time since she underwent lung surgery in December:

- Justice Clarence Thomas called for reconsidering the Supreme Court's landmark decision that made it more difficult for public officials to claim defamation; the court was turning down a request from an accuser of Bill Cosby when Thomas did so.

- The court agreed to hear a case next term that could define the scope of the Clean Water Act, which regulates pollution discharges into what are called "navigable waters." In this case, the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility in Hawaii first releases water into groundwater, some of which eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean.

Roberts' role in the abortion and death penalty cases were notable partly because he had been in dissent in the original decisions. His actions are not a sign that he has changed his mind; the ruling that the Louisiana law could not go into effect at this time was not a decision on the merits.

But they do seem to be an indication the chief justice believes lower courts must comply with Supreme Court precedents so long as they stand.

"On remand, the court repeated the same errors that this court previously condemned," Roberts wrote, concurring in the majority's finding Tuesday that Moore, the inmate, "is a person with intellectual disability."

The Texas court's review of Moore's case "did not pass muster under this court's analysis last time," Roberts wrote in a separate opinion. "It still doesn't."

The court in an unsigned opinion said the Texas court was wrong to reaffirm that Moore was mentally capable, and eligible for execution. Three of the court's conservatives - Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch - noted their disagreement in a dissent written by Alito. He said that the court's instructions in the 2015 ruling on Moore were so gauzy it is no surprise that the Texas court had trouble following them. The proper response, he said, would have been to return the case with more specific instructions, not to take the decision away.

"The court's foray into fact-finding is an unsound departure from our usual practice," Alito wrote.

In a 5-to-3 decision written in 2017 by Ginsburg, the court sent back the case of Bobby James Moore, who fatally shot store clerk James McCardle in a botched robbery in 1980. Moore's decades-long trip through the appeals courts has been marked by conflicting opinions on whether he is intellectually disabled.

Texas's Court of Criminal Appeals eventually determined that he was not. But the Supreme Court concluded that this decision improperly relied on outdated medical standards, borderline IQ scores and a list of unique-to-Texas factors that Ginsburg termed an "invention . . . untied to any acknowledged source."

The Texas court once again considered Moore's intellectual abilities, and again found him competent.

But on Tuesday, the Supreme Court majority was unimpressed: "We have found in its opinion too many instances in which, with small variations, it repeats the analysis we previously found wanting, and these same parts are critical to its ultimate conclusion."

In the Louisiana abortion case, Roberts did not spell out his reasoning. Instead, he joined the liberal justices in keeping the law - which required doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals - from taking effect. Challengers had said it would likely leave only one clinic open, and one doctor who could provide abortions.

It is likely that because of the granted stay, the court will next term consider the merits of the law.

In that stay decision on Feb. 7, Thomas, Alito and Gorsuch also dissented, along with new Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Thomas' call for overturning the landmark 1964 decision New York Times v. Sullivan came as the court declined to take the case of Kathrine McKee, who accused actor and comedian Bill Cosby of raping her more than 40 years ago. She sued after Cosby's attorney leaked a letter that she said distorted her background to "damage her reputation for truthfulness and honesty," and to shame her.

But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit said McKee had "thrust" herself into the national (hash)MeToo movement with her allegations. As a public figure, the court said, she had to show that comments about her were made with "actual malice" and disregard for the truth, the standard set by the Supreme Court.

Thomas said he agreed with his colleagues not to accept McKee's "factbound" appeal.

But he launched a detailed critique of the landmark defamation ruling, which he said was a "policy-driven" decision "masquerading as constitutional law." No other justice joined his concurrence.

President Donald Trump has expressed support for making it easier to sue for defamation, and during the campaign - and after - he complained about "hit pieces" in The Washington Post and New York Times.

"I'm going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money," Trump said during the campaign. Over the weekend, he complained about a "Saturday Night Live" skit and wondered about "retribution."

Thomas has said the court may have intruded into a space in which it was not needed.

"We should not continue to reflexively apply this policy driven approach to the Constitution," Thomas wrote. "Instead, we should carefully examine the original meaning of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. If the Constitution does not require public figures to satisfy an actual-malice standard in state-law defamation suits, then neither should we."This past summer, Facebook announced that it was removing more than 5,000 ad-targeting settings from its platform in response to accusations that those options enabled discriminatory behavior by advertisers. While that may have been beneficial to users, it makes it much harder for businesses to reach the right audiences with their ads.

In addition, Facebook posts dont have the organic reach they once did. In fact, according to research from Social@Ogilvy, Facebook business pages with more than 500,000 fans see an organic reach of just 2 percent. As Facebook continues to change the algorithm behind its news feed to make the platform more about connecting people and less about displaying posts from businesses, you're going to find it harder -- and more expensive -- to reach your audience with Facebook ads.

And yet you have to try: While some brands may use these changes as an excuse to start advertising elsewhere, what you must keep in mind is that Facebook is still the third most popular website in the world, trailing only Google and YouTube. So, if youre an entrepreneur, that means your customers are very likely using Facebook. And if you want to attract their attention, you need to be hanging out where they are.

Related: 5 Reasons Why You Should Still Be Advertising on Facebook

Whats the solution, then, for businesses looking to build their brand on social media without draining their bank account? Answer: Create a Facebook group. Just the way I did.

Finding your audience

After I sold my internet marketing agency almost two years ago, I recognized the opportunity I finally had to pursue a startup in an industry Id always been passionate about. What I didnt know was what problem I wanted to solve. So I set out to create a Facebook group for boat owners who love boating at the No. 1 recreational lake in the country, Lake of the Ozarks (LOTO).

Both the purpose and name of the group would be simple: It would be a community where like-minded boaters could ask questions, share tips, show off their boats and find help if needed. I named the group LOTO Boaters.

I started by inviting several of my boating friends. Soon, the group grew to include a couple of hundred members, most of whom I recognized from seeing them out on the water.

But then something crazy happened. The power of Facebook groups lies in the ability of every member of the group to invite friends they think would also enjoy it. Once we had a couple of hundred members, it didnt take long to reach a couple of thousand. Within a year, the group had 25,000 passionate boaters, marine professionals and local experts.

Then a pattern emerged: After a few months, I noticed a recurring discussion being posted several times a day. Boaters were asking for recommendations on whom to trust to work on their boats, docks and boat lifts. Most boaters know that maintaining and upgrading a boat is a time-consuming and often expensive process. If theyre paying good money for these services, they want to be able to trust the professionals doing the work.

I also realized that these professionals were just like any other entrepreneur. They were looking to gain customers trust and earn their business. Advertising platforms for marine professionals were pretty limited -- most businesses relied on local magazines, radio ads or billboards to showcase their services.

Bingo! I had discovered a problem in the boating industry. I then set out to fix it by building a means for connecting boaters with trusted marine professionals; and Boat Planet was born. If youre an entrepreneur looking to build your own online community on Facebook, keep these tips in mind:

1. Provide value. (Seriously.)

This piece of advice gets thrown around a lot these days, but its especially applicable here. The fastest way to grow an online community is to provide valuable information to group members. The Vitamin Shoppe is an example of a brand thats doing a great job of this. The company has started half a dozen or so groups around niche topics related to the health and wellness industry, and it uses these groups to serve tailored content to its audience.

Related: How to Drill Down Into Your Buyer Personas to Create Hyper-Targeted Content

Hopefully, you have some sort of expertise in the industry you are passionate about. Be ready to help new members looking for wisdom or advice. If they ask questions in the group, jump in and answer them -- or at least point them to a resource that can help. Dont try to sell here. The goal is to become a trusted source in your industry where people go to find information and answers to their questions.

2. Give more than you take.

Facebook is already full of ads, which is why people are spending less time on the platform in the first place. In fact, the average amount of time users spend on the site is 35 minutes per day, down from 40 minutes three years ago, according to Sprout Social.

An easy way to turn off group members is to promote your company relentlessly. Remember, you want to provide value to your members, and throwing disruptive ads in their face is not the way to do that.

Related: Four Ways To Give Your Customers Value

Similarly, be ready to dedicate significant time to your group. Its very time-consuming to moderate a Facebook group of tens of thousands of people, and its especially difficult if youre trying to launch a startup at the same time. Make sure you have a trusted team of moderators so you can focus on the big picture without getting bogged down with the details.

3. Seek feedback and build relationships.

Ask group members what they think about your idea before you spend your life savings developing it. You can do this by posting questions asking whether your idea would solve a problem or meet a need. If your group isnt excited about your idea, chances are good that others will be similarly apathetic.

At the same time, build relationships with your group members. Ive been blessed to have the opportunity to meet local business leaders and fellow boaters as a direct result of my group, and that's helped grow the Facebook group as well as my business. When you get to know your customer base and regularly receive their feedback, you'll find it easier to discover how you could better meet their needs and solve their problems.

Social media can help entrepreneurs take their startups to the next level, but traditional social media marketing tactics can be expensive and futile. Sometimes, the best way to see results is to get creative in the way you reach your customers by taking advantage of Facebook groups.

Not only can you grow your business without the high costs, you can also reach your ideal audience and provide more value than ever before.

Related:

How Facebook's New Campaign Budget Optimization Feature Will Affect Your Business

How I Turned a Facebook Group Into a Thriving Startup

Facebook Is a 'Digital Gangster' (60-Second Video)



Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reservedBUCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. - The little front porch seemed like a pulpit as the Rev. William Barber outlined a path to redemption for Virginia's troubled governor, Ralph Northam.

"What he should do more than resign is he should get the resolve to be serious and take on this project," Barber said, looking toward the nearby stand of pine trees where Dominion Energy plans to build a major natural-gas pipeline pumping station in the middle of a historic black community. "He could lead the nation. He could lead the South."

Next to the civil rights leader, another high-profile activist, former Vice President Al Gore, nodded in agreement. The pair toured the rural community of Union Hill this week to draw attention to the case against the pumping station, which is part of the $7.5 billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Northam's shame over a racist photo from his 1984 medical school yearbook page could be put to positive use, said Gore, a fellow Democrat. "If it resulted in Governor Northam saying, 'I've seen the light, I'm going to change the policy,' then God intends it for good," he said.

That would be a dramatic step for the governor - Dominion is one of his biggest donors and the most powerful corporation in the state.

This is Northam's place now in the national dialogue about race. As long as he promises to work for racial reconciliation instead of heeding calls to resign, he will face mounting pressure on a number of fronts to put actions behind his words.

He's off to a rocky start. The governor abandoned plans to start a "reconciliation tour" Thursday at Virginia Union University after the student body president asked him to reschedule. Some on campus felt Northam's presence would distract from a commemoration of the "Richmond 34," students arrested in 1960 for trying to desegregate a lunch counter. Instead, Northam invited members of the group to visit him Friday at the Executive Mansion.

Black lawmakers were disappointed last week after Northam retreated on calls for expanding low-income tax relief, questioning whether he's too politically wounded to bargain with Republicans. Northam responded by seeking more state money for schools to serve at-risk students, and to prevent evictions of low-income residents.

With the annual General Assembly session in its final week, GOP leaders have signaled willingness to consider the requests. Budget conferees have until Saturday to reach a decision.

The task Northam has set for himself - addressing systemic inequities that deprive African-Americans of equal opportunity - is enormous. Environmental advocates say he has a chance to make a splash with the Union Hill project, which won a key state air permit in January despite years of objections from black and environmental leaders.

Northam has declined to take a position on the pipeline or the pumping station, saying he trusts the state permitting process to act in Virginia's best interest. But he has drawn ire for appearing to interfere in that process, replacing two pollution-board members last year as they were preparing to vote on the Union Hill permit.

Northam's spokeswoman did not respond Wednesday to a request for comment on the statements from Barber and Gore. Earlier in the week, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Northam addressed the compressor project in a written statement, defending the permitting process but calling on Dominion to "listen and respond to the concerns of this important historic community."

With the rest of the 600-mile pipeline hung up on delays and court challenges, opponents say Northam should step in on behalf of the residents of this rural community, which was settled by free blacks and former slaves just after the Civil War.

"It's a horrible injustice," Gore said in an interview, "and it should be stopped."

He and Barber - who heads the Repairers of the Breach activist group and has restarted the national Poor People's Campaign founded by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. - met with residents at Union Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday night, visited the home near the pumping station site and spoke to a regional audience of about 1,100 cheering people at the local middle school.

While most state and national Democrats have called on Northam to resign, Gore and Barber declined to directly address the question.

Northam initially took responsibility for the yearbook photo, which shows one person in blackface and another in Ku Klux Klan robes, but he later said he's certain it was not him in the picture. He admitted to darkening his face to imitate Michael Jackson in a dance contest later that year.

Barber said in an interview that too much public attention has been paid to blackface and other forms of cultural racism.

"Deal with the systemic racism. Voting rights. Economic inequality," Barber said. "You want to deal with racism - stop getting all excited over cultural things, and let's get down to the real issue about racism."

He and Gore, who have partnered to work on several environmental issues, said a decision by Northam to oppose the Union Hill pipeline project would be particularly powerful because it would defy Dominion. The utility has donated more than $200,000 to Northam over the years and is a major benefactor of Virginia politicians in both parties.

In an effort to build goodwill, Dominion has pledged more than $5 million to Union Hill residents to build a community center, purchase an ambulance and make other improvements. The offer has sparked divisions, though, with some residents saying it shows good faith and others calling it bribery.

Those divisions illustrate the challenge facing Northam as he pursues something as complicated and nuanced as reconciliation. Barber cautioned that pandering won't cut it and slammed Dominion's offer to help Union Hill as part of a systemic problem that needs to be fixed.

At the church, Barber approached former state Agriculture Secretary Basil Gooden, who grew up nearby, and chastised him for hiring on as a Dominion consultant to work with the community.

"You ought to be ashamed, being black and being on the side of environmental racism," Barber told him. "Your soul ain't worth that kind of money."

Gooden followed Barber out the door, saying he believes the pumping station is inevitable; he said he took the position with Dominion to help the community deal with it. But Barber brushed him off.

Northam's status with African-Americans is a political issue for Democrats, who have been counting on support from black voters in their quest to take back majorities in the House of Delegates and state Senate in elections this fall.

The governor has been meeting with civil rights leaders and black lawmakers as he formulates his path forward. Barber said he has not yet spoken with Northam but would like to.

If Northam wants support, the civil rights leader said, he needs to do more than promise to listen. Standing high on the front porch of Ella Rose, 75, whose home is adjacent to the 68-acre site for the natural-gas pumping station, Barber said Northam needs to pay more attention to residents and less to big donors like Dominion.

"All the stuff that he has said - wanting forgiveness, wanting this, wanting to apologize - is suspect until he faces these kinds of systemic problems," Barber said.

Gore said Northam could start by addressing the pipeline and the concerns of residents in Union Hill.

If he did, Barber said, "we'd stand right there with him." He cited the biblical story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who gave half of his possessions to the poor. "(Jesus) said if you really want to show you mean it, restore to the people what you've taken from them," Barber said.

"Pay the debts back," Gore agreed, and Barber repeated: "Pay the debts back."HARTFORD  A highway tolling system that could raise $800 million a year would include at least 30-percent discounts for Connecticut residents, according to details in Gov. Ned Lamonts budget announced Wednesday.

The new governor presented a potential system of 53 toll-collecting gantries across Interstates 84, 91, and 95, and Merritt and Wilbur Cross parkways, for which construction could begin in 2022 at the earliest and cost $213 million to erect.

For up-to-date information on public policy issues, sign up for the CT Politics newsletter.

The 53 tolling locations is considerably lower than the 82 gantries presented in a state Department of Transportation study last November.

Lamont also presented the General Assembly with an option to only charge tractor-trailers, a plan he supported throughout his campaign  but such a system would not be sustainable for the Special Transportation Fund, which supports the operations of both the state DOT and the Department of Motor Vehicles, and acts as the biggest source of investment in the states bus, rail, and highway systems.

Instead, Lamont suggested a broader tolling system that would charge all highway users  holders of Connecticut E-Zpasses would get a discount of at least 30 percent  even though he never supported such a plan while running for governor.

I know this idea of tolling just sounds like one more damn tax Im going to have to pay, Lamont said in his budget speech. I am not going to fix this state unless I fix our transportation system.

Connecticut has 334 bridges rated in poor condition, with nearly a third built prior to 1950. On Metro-North Railroads New Haven Line, the busiest commuter railroad in the country, 76 percent of rail bridges were built before 1940.

Our commute times are slowed by these aged structures, as our trains must decelerate when going over a bridge built for a bygone era, reads Lamonts budget proposal.

A strengthened Special Transportation Fund, Lamont argued, would contribute to improvements in rail service.

Part of Lamonts strategy to get to a toll system is to freeze the transfer rate of car sales tax revenue from the general fund to the transportation fund, going against a plan enacted by lawmakers last year to increase the contribution every year until 100 percent of the tax went to the transportation fund by 2023.

Lamonts reasoning: Even at 100 percent, the car sales tax would still result in an operating deficit for the transportation fund by Fiscal Year 2023. Also, he said increasing the transportation fund revenue from the tax will create a hole in the general fund. Instead, he proposed leaving the transfer rate at 8 percent.

Its time for those out-of-state drivers to foot the bill for fixing our roads and bridges, he said, to applause.

Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, said he was disappointed in Lamonts budget proposal, including tolls, which he opposes.

Heres the scary part: Hes never said how much hes charging you per mile, he told reporters after the speech. Youre going to get a discount, but a discount off of what?

State Sen. Carlo Leone, D-Stamford, co-chairman of the transportation committee, said he is open to the idea of tolls, even if hes not excited about the prospect.

Im not a big fan of tolls, but the question is can the state do without it, given the infrastructure situation were dealing with? he said. Our job is to make sure we provide education and facts and figures and take the emotion out of it.

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said tolls will help Connecticuts budgetary woes.

I see no other responsible way to deal with our transportation infrastructure crisis than doing tolls, he said. Our gas tax is not projected to produce the revenues in the future that we will need ... So anyone who is serious about transportation, you have to be for tolls.

Outside of the Capitol, a small group of protestors stood in below-freezing weather holding signs opposed to tolls.

They have wasted our money time and again, and until they get it under control, they should not be asking us for one more penny, said Jen Ezzell, of Lisbon, a town in New London County.

Pat Sasser, a founder of the grassroots group Say No to CT Tolls, said hes lost faith in lawmakers to handle taxpayer money appropriately.

When tractor-trailers have to drive through 82 tolls or 50 tolls or whatever the number seems to be today, theyre not going to eat those costs, the Stamford resident said. The trucking companies are going to pass that cost down to the store, and the store is going to have to jack up their prices.

ignacio.laguarda@hearstmediact.comQuark Expeditions has announced its 2020 lineup now includes two 14-day Arctic expeditions featuring visits to the North Pole, according to a press release.

The North Pole, the northernmost point on Earth, has appealed to global travelers since the dawn of time, said Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. Yet only a relatively small handful of travelers have actually been able to set foot on the North Pole, which is a hard-to-reach, ice-covered domain in the middle of the Arctic Ocean.

Quark Expeditions led the very first consumer expedition to the North Pole on July 27, 1991, from Murmansk, Russia, on the nuclear-powered icebreaker Sovetskiy Soyuz.

Coincidentally, its sister ship, 50 Years of Victory, is part of the Quark Expeditions fleet today.

Passengers who join the North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure expedition (in June/July 2020) will travel with 128 fellow passengers during the 14-day journey onboard 50 Years of Victory.

Travelers will begin their trip with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland, and then fly to Murmansk, Russia, where they will embark the ship. The route will take passengers through the remote Frans Josef Land archipelago and the Arctic Ocean. Expedition highlights include helicopter tours as well as Zodiac cruises. Optional activities include hot-air balloon rides at 90 North.

The 50 Years of Victory is an Arktika-class icebreaker capable of breaking through ice up to 2.5 meters (9.2 feet) thick. When its not transporting polar travelers, the nuclear-powered icebreaker is employed in scientific exploration in remote areas of the Arctic, according to a statement.Ponant has unveiled a new itinerary sailing in Costa Rica and the Panama Canal as the 10-night cruise leaves on the new 180-guest Le Dumont-dUrville on Jan. 6 2020. Rates start at $5,570 per guest based on double occupancy for the warm-water expedition voyage.

The new itinerary is part of Ponant's Quintessential Collection, a series of themed immersion cruises designed to inspire travelers to dig deeper into their destinations, according to the company.

The program will feature speaker Paul Donahue who has worked with birds and mammals in nature reserves throughout Central America since 1972 and has explored virtually all of the sites on the itinerary.

The expedition highlights Costa Ricas efforts to preserve its natural treasures.

It will explore the vegetation and fauna of three national parks, including Corcovado National Park.

Guests will board the ship at Puerto Caldera in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, followed by a visit to Curu National Park where more than ten thousand species of plants, three hundred species of birds and two hundred species of butterflies are present and where the less dense undergrowth makes spotting wildlife easier than in the deeper forest.

Howler monkeys, spider monkeys, sloths, two- and three-finger hooded vultures, brown pelicans, Scarlet Macaw, and toucans call this area their home.

The itinerary continues with visits to Manuel Antonio National Park, before moving on to Osa Peninsula; Cebaco, Panama; and Punta Alegre/Darien Jungle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On day eight, the ship will transit the Panama Canal for a visit to the San Blas Islands to learn about the culture and craftsmanship of the indigenous Kuna people.

A visit to Holandes Cayes follows before disembarkation in Colon on day eleven.

There will also be talks aboard by Donahue who has extensive experience leading birding and natural history tours all over Central and South America. He has divided his time between research and ecotourism, and with his wife Teresa Wood, has constructed rain forest canopy walkways in Peru and Costa Rica. From 1991 to 1994 they co-directed the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research in northeastern Peru.Throwback photo: From the issue of Thursday, Feb. 16, 1950

CAR DEMOLISHED BY TRAIN  Tom Hasbrouck, proprietor of the Litchfield Furniture Mart, stalled his car on the Northern Pacific railway tracks in St. Cloud. Before he could remove the car from the tracks, a north-bound train struck the machine, damaging it beyond repair.Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Open to Attacks

After moving from Hebron to Jerusalem, David married more concubines and wives, and they had more sons and daughters. (2 Samuel 5:13 NLT)

By the time David was 50 years old, he had been ruling Israel for twenty years. He had gone from victory to victory. He had distinguished himself in so many ways: man of God, skilled musician, gifted poet, wise and compassionate ruler, and a man of great courage.

And thats when the devil hit him. When things are going well, thats usually when the devil attacks. When there is no illness, when there are no unpaid bills, when there isnt a crisis were facing, we may not hang on to the Lord as tightly as we once did.

On the other hand, when were going through a crisis, were dependent on God. Maybe its even one of the best times of our lives spiritually because weve never been closer to Christ.

When David was facing the giant Goliath, he was trusting in the Lord. When David was running from Saul while he hunted him down like a wild dog, he was calling out to God. When he was anointed as Israels king and ascended the throne, he prayed for Gods help.

But twenty years had gone by, and David was kicking back and taking somewhat of a spiritual vacation from God, which never works. So the devil attacked. David had set himself up for this particular attack, because in direct disobedience to God, he took concubines (see 2 Samuel 5:13).

God had given this command in Deuteronomy 17: The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the Lord (verse 17 NLT). Thats what was happening to David. His heart was slowly but surely turning away from God, and he was being consumed by lust.

This serves as a warning for us today: the devil will attack when were the most vulnerable.

Copyright  2018 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org

and

Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

SPECIAL OFFER

In thanks for your gift, you can receive Is Genesis History? DVD series

Genesis is a foundational book, both to the Bible and to our faith. It lays the groundwork for so much of what we believenot only about the creation of the world but about marriage, family, sin, redemption, and so much more. This months exciting resource, the Is Genesis History? DVD series, will help you examine the Book of Genesis from a scientific viewpoint.

This book is our thank-you gift to you when you donate to Harvest Ministries this month.Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will meet with Gazprom's Chief Executive Officer Alexei Miller in Belgrade today, the presidential press service reports.

They are expected to discuss energy cooperation and construction of a Serbian segment of the Turkish Stream natural gas pipeline, according to the Serbian national TV channel RTS.

The meeting will be held in the presidential palace during the second half of the day, TASS reported.

As reported earlier, Serbia is ready to start construction of the Turkish Stream segment from the border with Bulgaria to the border with Hungary in late March - early April. Construction is scheduled to be completed by December 15. The Serbian segment of the Turkish Stream will start supplying gas by the end of April 2020.100%

Website ufba.br uses latest and advanced technologies like: Boostrap. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 26196 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 45307 bytes (44.25 kb uncompressed) and 9269 bytes (9.05 kb compressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-03-03, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.100%

Website szh.ro uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery and Php. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 90942 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 172585 bytes (168.54 kb uncompressed) and 31444 bytes (30.71 kb compressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-01-07, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.100%

Website cccinfo.org uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery and Boostrap. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 237732 bytes (232.16 kb uncompressed) and 33389 bytes (32.61 kb compressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-03-27, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.100%

Website barche24.com uses latest and advanced technologies like: WebFonts. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 112123 bytes (109.50 kb uncompressed) and 16355 bytes (15.97 kb compressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-01-10, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.100%

Website awoxx-2207.livejournal.com uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 393929 bytes (384.70 kb uncompressed) and 90513 bytes (88.39 kb compressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2020-08-28, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.96%

Website autoclassic.com.au uses latest and advanced technologies. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 101187 bytes (98.82 kb uncompressed) and 32289 bytes (31.53 kb compressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-01-30, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.Russian President Vladimir Putin is delivering his annual Presidential Address to Federal Assembly legislators in Moscow today. In his address, the president assesses the state of affairs throughout the country and sets the main trajectories for domestic and foreign policy.

The speech will focus on internal economic and social development, especially the "national projects" in education, housing, agriculture, and health care.

"Russia has now entered a very difficult demographic period. The birth rate is decreasing. But this does not mean that we should accept this situation," Putin said in his address to the Federal Assembly.

The president noted that Russia must move only forward. "We must move only forward gaining pace of that movement all the time," the Russian leader stressed.

According to Putin, the National Priority Projects, which are being implemented nationwide, are strategic, but it is necessary to work on them even now.

"We are pressed for time, I have said that on numerous occasions, and you are perfectly aware of that. We cannot waste it on more coordination," he said.

"Its absolutely unacceptable to deviate from the targets. These tasks are complicated, but we cannot lower the bar of specific objectives," Putin said, adding that these tasks "correspond to the scale and speed of changes in the world."

In 2023-2024 we will be able to achieve the restoration of national population growth," he said.

Putin said that mortgages for families with a lot of children must be reduced for the entire period, whereas the current 6% rate stands only for the first threefive years of mortgage, and later rises to the market level.

"The tax burden on the family must be reduced - the principle must be 'the more kids, the less taxes'," the Russian leader noted.

Land plots of a traditional size of 6 ares will be fully exempt from taxes for such families, and this incentive will have a federal status. The government will compensate 450,000 rubles of mortgages to the families with three and more children, he said.

The groups of families with children qualifying for financial aid must be extended to those who fail to earn at least two minimum incomes per capita in a family.

The payments to families with children with severest disabilities will rise to 10,000 rubles from July 1 from 5,500 rubles. "I understand, of course, that this is not much as well, nevertheless, this measure will provide additional support to the families where the children need care," Putin said.

He reiterated that Russia needs grace periods for mortgage payment in case of a job loss or a grave disease, and that the government must organize such support without hurting banks.

"The solution of demographic problems, the growth of life expectancy, reduction of the death rate are directly related to poverty reduction. Let me remind you that in 2000, more than 40 million people were behind the poverty line, now about 19 million, but this is too many as well,"he said.

Putin stressed that Russians should feel improvements in their life according to results of national projects implementation already this year. "We should feel real changes in assessments by citizens already in coming future, in this year. We will make first conclusions of work under national projects early next year," he said in the address.

Russian authorities now have an opportunity "to allocate and focus financial resources that are enormous for our country on development goals" at present, the head of state said.

"Nobody donated them to us; we have not borrowed them. These funds were earned by millions of our citizens, by the whole country. They should be disposed so that to multiply the wealth of Russia and welfare of Russian families," he stressed.

The Russian leader proposed to introduce a mechanism of social contracts to fight poverty in Russia. "Social contracts can become a working mechanism for such support [for the poor]," Putin said.

The president has ordered the Central Bank and law enforcement agencies to normalize the countrys microfinance market as soon as possible.

"I request the Bank of Russia and law enforcement agencies normalize the microfinance market as soon as possible," the Russian leader ordered.

He highlighted the need to "protect the people from fraud and extortion attempts made by unscrupulous creditors."

Vladimir Putin stressed that the electronic system in the healthcare sector should be tuned up in three years. "Information support of healthcare should work for greater accessibility of medical aid. There is a need to establish electronic interaction among medical institutions, drugstores, doctors and patients within three years," Putin noted.

In his view, medical and social expert institutions must be included into the overall digital network also. "Aged and disabled individuals and families with children should be relieved thereby from queues and gathering of sometimes senseless references," he added.

The head of state stated that medical care should be available in all regions of the country by the end of 2020.

"In remote settlements, even getting an appointment with a medical worker is problematic. By the end of 2020, medical care should be available in all, and I want to emphasize that, in all inhabited communities throughout Russia without exception and for all citizens," Putin said.

According to him, to do that it is necessary to build and modernize more than 1,500 outpatient clinics in Russias regions. "As many as 1,590 outpatient clinics and primary healthcare facilities are to be built and modernized in 2019 and 2020 alone," the Russian leader noted.

The head of state suggested Russia will spend 1 trillion rubles on oncological diseases in six years.

Putin said that Russia have a strong financial safety cushion. "I can inform you - and this is a nice and good piece of news - our reserves completely cover the foreign debt of the state, which is very small, and the commercial sector for the first time in our history," he said.

Putin stressed that Russia needs to improve its business climate, raise attractiveness of national jurisdiction by removing a constant threat of getting under prosecution for businessmen.

"Almost half of the cases today, 45%, initiated against businessmen, are cancelled before they go to court. What does that mean? This means that they were initiated unduly or for a poor reason. What does that mean in practice? As a result, each businessman whose business is wrecked for this reason is responsible for 130 employees who lose the job," he stated.

The Russian leader noted that one of the priorities is "improvement of the business climate and the quality of national jurisdiction so that no one flees abroad, to other jurisdictions, to have everything safe and working like a clock."

He ordered the Prosecutor Generals Office and the Supreme Court to analyze the situations when people suspected of criminal offences remain in jail for months without questioning.

"Now is the time for bold initiatives, for creating businesses and industries, promoting new products and services, and the wave of technological development allows us to grow and conquer markets very quickly," Putin said.

"We already have examples of successful companies, innovative companies, so that there would be much more, in particular in such areas as artificial intelligence and big data processing, the Internet of things, robotics," the head of state added.

"I am instructing the government to create the most comfortable conditions for private investment in technology start-ups, to target them at support and development, and I am asking the lawmakers to quickly adopt priority laws to create the legal environment of the new digital economy, which will make it possible to enter into civil transactions and raise financing using digital technologies, develop e-commerce and services. All our legislation needs to be tuned to a new technological reality," he stressed.

The state address practice was introduced by President Boris Yeltsin, who first addressed the parliament on February 24, 1994. All in all, he delivered six addresses to the Federal Assembly. President Putin addressed the Federal Assembly 14 times, while Dmitry Medvedev delivered four addresses as President. The ceremony is traditionally attended by upper and lower house members, government ministers, presidential staff officials, heads of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court, diplomats, journalists, etc.

Until last year, the format of this event was quite conservative; however, the Presidential Address of 2018 was remembered for its use of multimedia technology. Using video presentations on large screens for the first time, the president showed the world a number of recent Russian weapons developments.So youve decided to set up a new party. Eight tips from UKIPs experience.

A group of MPs quitting Labour, appealing to self-declared centrists from other parties to join them  it was inevitable that all the comparisons between the SDP and the Independents Group would swiftly be wrung dry.

But surprisingly, few have looked at the experience of a more recent example of a new party: UKIP. It began from different origins, bottom-up from disgruntled activists rather than top-down from defecting MPs, but it succeeded in surviving and, in some ways, thriving as a small party  a condition that swiftly overwhelms most who try it.

The newly-minted TIG might be ideologically very different from Farage and co, but they face several of the same strategic and logistical challenges. Here are some lessons from the experience of the Peoples Army:The Conservative Party will never scoop up all the votes of the 52 per cent who voted Leave. It needs a sizeable chunk of the 48 per cent who backed Remain to form a Government with a sustainable majority. It hasnt had one for the best part of 30 years.

That 48 per cent is a very mixed bag. Much of it is now reconciled to Brexit. But there is a substantial chunk of it still opposed to the project, concentrated in the parts of the country that voted Remain: largely London, parts of the greater South-East, bits of other big cities, the University towns, Scotland. Another, doubtless larger slice of it  aligned to bigger business and other interests  wants a Soft Brexit. So do some Leave voters.

This is not in our view the majority take in the country, but it is an important element in it  and not one that the Conservative Party can ignore. As Margaret Thatcher once put it about the Partys left and right, a bird needs two wings to fly. Her insight applies as much to Brexit today as to economics then. History suggests that the Tories have no winning future shorn of one part of their centre-right coalition. There are unlikely to be enough purple votes in the right places to compensate for the loss of turquoise ones.

The leaving of the Conservative whip, and the decision to sit alongside the Independent Group by three Tory MPs today, should be seen against that perspective. Two of them were fairly recent arrivals in the Party  Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston. Neither ever acclimatised to the partisan culture of Westminster. Both have had trouble with their local Associations. Neither have been promoted up the food chain of office. Both leave the Government even more shorn of a sustainable majority, and just a bit nearer another general election.

So does Anna Soubry. Otherwise, she is a horse of a different colour  nature, anyway. A former very senior Minister, Soubry has a very longstanding Party attachment, of which this site has vivid memories. Constistently (and wrongly in our view) she has, over the course of over 30 years, unblinkingly held the Conservative Right responsible for every problem that the Party has endured, and as far as we can see the country too. She insists that she didnt join the SDP during the 1980s. Now she has the chance to make up for it.

Living in a family part of which one detests can only be bad for the soul, and in that narrow sense Soubry has made the right decision  as have her colleagues. We are sad that its happened, but also believe, with a heavy heart, that its necessary. On Brexit, the three were in flagrant breach of the manifesto on which they stood and assurances they had previously given. All voted to move Article 50. All supported the EU Withdrawal Bill. Their position had become impossible. It is best for them to leave.

Spare a thought this morning for the local activists who gave money, made phone calls, knocked on doors, supported events  and backed this gang of three. Many of them will feel desolated if not betrayed. It is worth noting that a fear of deselection will not have been the motive in all of these cases. As far as we know, Soubry was well placed in Broxtowe: indeed, she saw off an attempt by her former Chairman to get rid of her last year.

At any rate, all are gone. The wording of their statement about the new Independent Group is odd  suggesting a touch of doubt, hesitation and confusion. They must be in for a pound (or a euro) if theyre in for a penny  especially since, presumably, there is no going back. In their statement earlier this week, the Labour seven made only passing reference to Brexit. But it is at the heart of the statement from the Gang of Three. Thats a sign that the new grouping will be no more immune from division than the main parties.

How big a moment is this? Perhaps numbers offer the answer. Christopher Brocklebank-Fowler was the only Tory MP to cross the floor and join the SDP. Then there was one; now there are three. More may follow. Downing Street will feel a mix of relief and fear at whats happened  and ponder the loss of three of the Partys women MPs. If Wollaston, Soubry and Allen join the new party that will emerge from the Independent Group, they should face by-elections. In the meantime, nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice.



Though if you insist on a last laugh, mull this thought. They may all have jumped at exactly the wrong moment  just as Theresa May, whose obtaining of a deal they had despaired of, could be on the verge of pulling one off.Daniel Hannan is an MEP for South-East England, and a journalist, author and broadcaster. His most recent book is What Next: How to Get the Best from Brexit.

As recently as two years ago, the news that Derek Hatton had been readmitted to Labour on the day that seven moderate MPs were forced out would have been seen as proof of Jeremy Corbyns utter unelectability. Labour began its journey back to office when Neil Kinnock expelled the Liverpool agitator in 1986. It took another decade, and two more changes of leader, to convince voters that Labour had truly turned its back on communism. But, all of a sudden, we have plunged back down the rabbit hole.

Welcome to the Mad Hattons Labour Party. Luciana Berger, whom almost everyone seems to recognise as an amiable sort and a diligent constituency MP, has been driven out by anti-semitic abuse. At the same time, Labour is happy to embrace a man who declared in 2012 that Jewish people with any sense of humanity need to start speaking out publicly against the ruthless murdering being carried out by Israel!

Then again, why shouldnt the old Trotskyist be readmitted? Labour these days is largely led by Trots  although, for reasons that continue to baffle analysts, voters dont seem to mind any more. Jeremy Corbyn is every bit as left-wing as Michael Foot was, but lacks his predecessors charm, intellect and rhetorical ability. More seriously, the Absolute Boy lacks Foots patriotism. Foot was one of the few Leftists of his generation who never fell, even fleetingly, for either Mussolini or Stalin. A Leveller at heart, he saw continental authoritarianism as alien to Britains radical tradition. Corbyn, by contrast, has yet to come across an anti-British tyrant he doesnt excuse.

When Leopoldo Galtieri invaded the Falkland Islands, Foot realised that a short victorious war would all but guarantee Margaret Thatchers re-election, but he did what he saw as his duty and supported the decision to despatch a military task force. Not so his partys newly-selected Islington candidate  Corby -, who opposed the war on principle. You might think Argentinas junta would have been precisely the sort of regime that Corbyn loathed, a military dictatorship that murdered trade union leaders and locked up Left-wing activists. But, no, any distaste he may have felt for one of the few regimes in the world that arguably deserved the favourite Leftist epithet fascist was trumped by his conviction that Britain is always and everywhere in the wrong.

Corbyn has not changed a whit during his 36 years in Parliament. But the electorate evidently has. Back in 1983, opposition to Nato and to the nuclear deterrent were seen as disqualifications for office. Now, Labour is led by a man who didnt just oppose Nato when it counted, but who regrets the outcome of the Cold War. Yet the party is roughly level-pegging in the polls.

Back in the early 1980s, the sense that Labour had become too extreme created space for a third party. The SDP came as close to breaking the Labour/Tory duopoly as anyone has over the past 80 years. Mondays breakaway, by contrast, was underwhelming. The number of rebels  seven  was smaller than expected. Around 30 Labour MPs had been mulling a split  though, frankly, even that is a paltry number when we consider that 172 Labour MPs passed a no confidence vote in their leader as recently as June 2016.

The seven lack a unifying theme. They dont like Corbyn, dont like anti-semitism and dont like Brexit. Fine. But is that really the basis for a new mass movement? Only the third of these causes has popular energy behind it, but the breakaways call for a second referendum has already been undermined by their refusal to follow the Carswell/Reckless precedent and recontest their seats in by-elections (on grounds, hilariously, that more elections would cause uncertainty). An opinion poll yesterday showed putative support for a centrist anti-Brexit party at eight per cent.

Psephologists argue about whether the SDP truly kept the Tories in office in 1983. Although the raw figures suggest that the new party took many more votes from Labour than from the Conservatives, we should not assume that the former Labour voters would otherwise have voted for Michael Foot. To do so may well be to confuse cause and consequence. The SDP came into existence at a time when many Labour voters were already feeling disfranchised.

Is the same true today? In a few cases, yes. Most obviously, many Jewish Labour voters have abandoned the party. A handful of Europhiles have also walked away. But what we might have expected to be the single largest bloc  the mass of traditional Labour voters who are looking for a party that is pro-tax-and-spend, but is also tough on crime, patriotic in foreign policy and sceptical about identity politics  has so far stuck with the party. And, as long as those voters do so, most Labour MPs will do the same, letting I dare not wait upon I would like the poor cat ithe adage.

The Gang of Four caused a split. The Gang of Eight have caused only a splinter. The agonies of Labour moderates are set to continue. And their worst fear  that Corbyn might win  remains real. That is their tragedy. I hope to God it doesnt become Britains.Turkey cannot accept the terms of the United States current offer of air defense systems Patriot, chief of Turkeys Defense Industry Directorate Ismail Demir said.

"We asked the United States for Patriots. The reply to our request followed 18 months later. We cannot accept the terms and details of the United States proposal in their current form," Demir told the NTV television broadcaster.

He added that active negotiations were continuing with the American side and "there are certain aspects (of a future contract) that have to be cleared up."

About the outlook for receiving Russias air defense systems S-400 Demir said that "the systems will begin to be delivered in July and go operational by October."

At the first stage Ankara will get two systems. In response to the United States criticism against Turkey over the purchase of Russian air defense systems Demir said the Defense Industry Directorate was in charge of only technical aspects of the affair, while decisions in other fields were made by different government institutions, TASS recalls.

On December 18, 2018 it was announced that the U.S. Administration had made a decision to sell air defense systems Patriot for 3.5 billion dollars. At the same time Washington was exerting pressures on Ankara over its purchase of Russias S-400s.Mark Lehain is Director of Parents and Teachers for Excellence, and founder of the Bedford Free School.

Its been four-and-a-half years and three Secretaries of State since Michael Gove ruled the roost at the Department for Education. Like all good teachers, he knew that telling a story is a great way to explain things  and he was a brilliant storyteller.

He explained that the purpose of education is to enable people to be the authors of their own lives, and that the best way to achieve this is to experience a broad academic curriculum to 16, in schools that have the most ambitious of expectations for them. He recognised that there was excellence in the system but that it wasnt to be found everywhere. To raise the bar across the board thus required fundamental change. And boy, did we get it.

The National Curriculum, exam system, school funding mechanisms, school inspections, qualifications, teacher training, governance structures, free schools, behaviour regulations, accountability measures All these and more were reformed in four short years.

Gove was always going to be a hard act to follow. He did much of the heavy lifting, and his successors have had to contend with tighter budgets and Brexit. Neither Nicky Morgan nor Justine Greening really had time to enact their plans. Damian Hinds has only been in the job for just over a year, and inherited some particular challenges, but he has managed to get some great stuff out of the door and bring more oomph to the flagship academies and free schools policies.

However, whilst Gove talked relentlessly about parents and pupils, it is fair to say that much of the focus since 2014 has shifted back to reassuring the producers  teachers and schools. Also, its pretty clear to me that the only education issue that gets most Tories excited is that of selective grammar schools, and that there is no organised or proactive group of Conservative MPs actively cheerleading for the post-2010 reforms.

This is unfortunate as it has left a vacuum that is being filled by some retrograde ideas. The Education Select Committee has been captured by a new blob of government-funded charities, edu-lobbyists, academics and others advocating a worldview that I hoped was long gone.

These people believe that violent or badly behaved children are just victims of trauma, unmet needs, or austerity; that a knowledge-rich curriculum is elitist, not empowering; that schools are exam factories (even though Gove and Nick Gibb slashed the number that children sit); and so on. The reports coming out from the committee are as misguided as anything from the bad old days.

Sadly, these ideas are gaining traction elsewhere. Fed anecdotes by this new blob, the media run stories about the victims of exclusions  ignoring the plight of staff and students traumatised by persistently disruptive children or aggressive and dysfunctional families. They call for government league tables to take into account the class or ethnicity of children  contextualised value added in the jargon  which is just a fancy way of embedding the soft bigotry of low expectations and ensuring that birth remains destiny for too many.

All of this puts at risk the growing excellence that we have our schools today. The ministerial team at Education is good, but theyre tied up grappling with some pretty big issues: sustainable university funding, the role of Further Education, creating a world-class set of technical qualifications, and so on. We cant rely on just them to defend recent gains or develop policies for the next phase of government.

It is teachers working with families that unleash greatness in our schools, not politicians in the DfE; they should just create the framework and get out of the way. To hold the line whilst this happens, we need more Conservatives to celebrate the successes of recent years.

We also need to finish reforming three major parts of the system  to make it more coherent and pupil-focused  whilst resisting an old flame weve flirted with recently.

Full academisation is vital since, before long. well have two-thirds of children (and so money) in academies, and so reach a point where councils literally dont have enough maintained schools to fund their education departments. Now is the time to consider exactly how we move the final third into charitable control, and rethink the role of different players in the system such as local authorities, the Department for Education, multi-academy trusts, etc. This is a pragmatic, not ideological, move; even the Catholic Church has announced it will do this to all its schools.

We also have to revisit how schools are funded. The system inherited in 2010 was a right mess, with huge variations in the money different schools received, across the country and within local authoriries too. Gove brought in a local funding formula to deal with the latter, but historical differences persist across the country. If were going to address this, its going to take a big chunk of cash to minimise the number of losers in any transition. And if we dont get this right well struggle to be heard about anything else in education, as the Schools Cuts campaign showed in the 2017 general election.

Behaviour these days is better than it was, but there is still some way to go until it is as good as it should be in every case. Gove was clear that schools are first and foremost academic institutions of learning, not an extension of the justice or care system. He empowered Heads to do whatever it takes to keep schools safe and orderly. However, this is under attack from the Select Committee and the new blob. They want to restrict the power of schools to suspend or expel students  and they think they might gain support for this in the pending Timpson Review of exclusions.

Hopefully Timpson wont propose that schools handle disruptive or violent children by themselves; this doesnt help anyone, least of all the children concerned. A better approach is to grow more quality Alternative Providers and bring new organisations in, too. We already have a process for doing this: the free schools programme. Alongside this, make schools accountable for kids they exclude, and well support everyone in both mainstream and alternative education  truly compassionate conservatism in action.

Finally, we must stop banging on about grammar schools. They add little to the system, switch off potential supporters, and undermine the other great things weve achieved by suggesting some kids are more academic than others. This simply isnt true  this government has proved it.

Dixons Trinity Academy, Reach Academy Feltham, Michaela Community School, Tauheedul Islam Boys High School, Kings Leadership Academy  these and others prove that grammar school-style education can successfully be accessed by all kids. Selection at 11 is unnecessary, divisive, and counter-productive.

Overall then, when it comes to schools, standards, and choices, the Conservatives have achieved so much for parents and their children. We mustnt be shy of explaining these successes to all-and-sundry, to enable us to finish this chapter of the story that Gove started.Ben Roback is Head of Trade and International Policy at Cicero Group.

The Grand Old Party has traditionally bled free trade. It is to the Republicans what the social safety net is to Democrats and what free enterprise is to us Conservatives. In so many policy areas, President Trump has picked up and moved the anchor of the Republican Party, but none more so than on trade. I like punitive tariffs is not a statement we are accustomed to hearing from Republican occupants of the White House, but when it comes to putting America First into action, this president will use all the tools at his disposal. I love tariffs, but I also love them to negotiate, the President also said on the same day  welcome to his Art of the Deal.

Those comments came ahead of a US Commerce Department report due to be published which is expected to recommend that the EU vehicle industry be classified as a threat to US national security. This is on the grounds that it strips the USA of an industrial base needed to produce military hardware. On the basis of that recommendation, the President could raise tariffs from 2.5 per cent to up to 25 per cent within the next three months.

Analysts fear the wider impact of a back and forth conflict, like Dutch financial services giant ING who warned if the tariff precipitates a tit for tat trade battle between the US and EU, economies on both sides of the ocean would be hurt significantly more.

For motor manufacturers in the big production countries like Germany and the UK, that could turn into an economic nightmare  as well as inflicting punishment on the very blue-collar workers in manufacturing states that helped propel Donald Trump to the White House. German car manufacturers exported almost 500,000 vehicles to the US last year, while the car trade between the US and the EU is estimated to be worth at least around 50 billion annually. BMWs largest plant in the world is not in Bavaria, but South Carolina. In the States, 113,000 Americans work for European vehicle manufacturers whilst 186,000 people are employed directly in motor manufacturing in the UK. Crystallising the potential domestic impact, a report from the Center for Automotive Research published last week showed that a worst-case scenario of a tariff of 25 percent would cost 366,900 American jobs in the auto and related industries. Readers accustomed to accusations of Project Fear will have to wait and see whether the forecasts are any more accurate than the direst projections made related to Brexit.

If the US Commerce Department recommends a hike in tariffs, we can expect the European Union to quickly respond in kind. That risks setting off a transatlantic trade war from which the President will not want to back down  especially after he was widely seen to have conceded to the Democrats in order to bring an end to the 35-day government shutdown. It would also mark another cooling of EU-US relations, in the same week that Mike Pence delivered a stridently America First message to the Munich Security Conference. On Iran, Pence said the time has come for European partners to stop undermining US sanctions against this murderous revolutionary regime. But in urging EU Member States to pull out of the Iran Deal, he was met with a stony silence in the room. Far from considering pulling out of the Iran Deal, in February the E3 (France, Germany and the UK) announced the creation of a new platform aimed at facilitating legitimate trade between European firms and Iran.

Make no mistake, the tariffs floated by the President are purely the design of political gain rather than economic or security necessity. Otherwise, they would be fiercely supported by the sector. Instead, the tariffs are firmly opposed by the US car industry. The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association has said: Not a single company in the domestic auto industry requested this investigation.

Another bad news story is the very last thing motor manufacturing in the UK can handle at this delicate time. Ford, Nissan, Toyota and most recently Honda have all sounded a collective alarm over the future of their physical presence in the UK. Brexit and political instability are undoubtedly contributing factors  just as the industry is adapting to new global trade deals like the EU-Japan deal which reduces the incentive to build in Europe, and changing consumer behaviour that seeks out electric as well as petrol/diesel.

Motor manufacturers in the UK have sounded drastic warnings about the likely impact of No Deal on their sector. Some around the Cabinet table have sought to amplify that caution, like Greg Clark and his colleague Richard Harrington. But look beyond Brexit and we might collectively find that it is in Washington and Brussels where much of the industrys future is being thrashed out.Meet The Dude: Eugene Sohs Art An Eye-Opener For Indian Audiences

How long does it take to get to Mars? Well, if youre with with Eugene Soh, almost instantly. Recognised as one of the most talented photographic artists in Singapore, Eugene combines perceptions of the contemporary realities of Singapore with his knowledge of digital art and media technologies to produce sharply distinct works of art.

It was a pleasure meeting Eugene; and having him introduce and explain his works; we discovered a passionate and extremely kind person who left us amazed. Photo: Connected to India

He was among the artists who came to India to share their unique and innovative art works at Singapore Weekender which happened at F(r)iction at Kona, Jor Bagh, New Delhi. Organised by St+art India Foundation, this year the festive collaborators were Singapore Tourism Board. The visitors were enthralled by Atypical Singapore, an art and augmented reality (AR) technology showcase by Chan+Hori Contemporary which featured seven Singapore contemporary artists including Eugene.

Eugene (left) shares a lunch break with Indian street artists in Lodhi Colony. Photo: Connected to India

It was a pleasure meeting Eugene and having him introduce and explain his works; we discovered a passionate and extremely kind person who left us amazed.

This was Eugenes third visit to India; he regaled us with stories of his earlier trips which included sojourns in Lucknow and Bengaluru. Through food, art and culture unique to the cities, Eugene drew an interesting word picture of his various experiences.

It was the Last Kopitiam piece that changed everything for him. He made that piece in 2010 and it suddenly went viral in 2012. Photo: Connected to India

It was the Last Kopitiam piece that changed everything for him. He made that piece in 2010 and it suddenly went viral in 2012. After that, some galleries started contacting him to see his work and the rest is history. He was very thankful to Khai and Singapore Tourism Board for introducing him to the wonderful world of Augmented reality.

His work can also be seen as an homage to publicly recognisable masterpieces by legendary artists. Melding the pinnacle of AR technology, computer graphics and his vivid imagination, this computer programmer turned artist utilises his tech skills to create excellent virtual tableaus that literally come to life on your smartphone or tablet simply by accessing a QR code or URL.

Eugene is a huge fan of Indian Biryani and also loves to try different types of food whenever hes in India. Photo: Connected to India

While walking with us in Lodhi Colony to where his pieces would be recreated as wall art, he gushed about his love for Indian food. Eugene is a huge fan of Indian Biryani and also loves to try different types of food whenever hes in India.

Through food, art and culture unique to the cities, Eugene drew an interesting word picture of his various experiences. Photo: Connected to India

He also talked about his grand project Mind Palace- a virtual reality experience aiming to help dementia patients remember by visiting familiar places in Virtual Reality. He loves to bring his photos to life in augmented reality. We recreate familiar surroundings for patients using pictures and information that their family provides. We have already brought this platform to nursing homes and we bring the residents to places like Great Wall of China and Taj Mahal, all from the comfort of the nursing homes, he added.

A really chilled out guy, we hope to see more of him in the future.Danville, IL (61832)

Today

Windy with thunderstorms likely. A few may contain very heavy rain. A few storms may be severe. High around 85F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.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The commander-in-chief of the Takfiri Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terrorist group (banned in Russia) Abu Mohammad al-Julani has reportedly been transported to Turkey and underwent a surgery there, after being seriously wounded at a double bomb attack in Syria's Idlib.

Al-Julani, who lapsed into a coma, was wounded when a shrapnel struck his head on Monday. He was then rushed to a hospital in Turkey's Antakya, where he was treated for his concussion-like symptoms.

"The person brought to Antakya State Hospital is the terrorist Abu Mohammad al-Julani," Sputnik cited a Turkish medical source as saying.Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani voiced the countrys readiness for cooperation with China in the implementation of One Belt, One Road project, a mega infrastructure project stretching across Asia, Europe and Africa, Tasnim news agency reports.

Larijani who has visited China with a parliamentary delegation, gave an address to a gathering of professors and students of Renmin University of China.

In his speech, Larijani said Iran is fully prepared to provide China with its unique capacities in various fields and in the joint activities on One Belt, One Road project, in areas covering the connection of roads, infrastructures, and energy.

On behalf of the Iranian nation and representatives of people, I express the Iranian Parliaments readiness for using the parliamentary potential of Iran and China for materialization of and mutual cooperation in the One Belt, One Road project, the speaker added.

Larijani also stressed that Irans regional policy is based upon the promotion of peace, sustainable development and welfare of all nations, as well as negotiated solution to the conflicts.Surely it must be a universally held position that children like those from Sandy Hook or teenagers like those from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School deserve to go to school and not worry about getting gunned down in cold blood.

But clearly it's not.

Morally bankrupt, NRA-backed politicians are more inclined to offer their thoughts and prayers than to actually pass widely popular gun-control measures.

But the Miami Herald, one of Florida's largest outlets, is making sure mass shooting victims are burned into the American psyche  while putting faces and names to the victims.

The paper ran the name of every young person who has been killed by gun violence since Parkland  nearly 1,200 kids.

That's the tip of the iceberg though.

In the 51 days since 2019 began, there have been 43 mass shootings and 374 people aged 0 to 17 have been killed or injured as a result of gun violence according to the Gun Violence Archive.

That averages out to seven people aged 0 to 17 being on the wrong end of a gun every day this year.

That's mind boggling  the group of the population that is perhaps the most innocent, the most in need of a life to live and the least able to defend itself is the one dying at astronomically high rates.

What does it say about this country and our lawmakers that refuse to do anything on gun control?

The Miami Herald isn't brave for publishing these names  it is the right thing to do journalistically, and we shouldn't have to reward doing the right thing.

So let's talk about gun control measures.

A Quinnipiac University poll showed that 97 percent of gun owners supported universal background checks, 67 percent of Americans support an assault weapons ban and 83 percent support a waiting period on buying a gun.

But sure, those NRA-backed, empty suit politicians are really representing the will of the American people.

Politicians love to say it's too soon after any shooting when talking about legislating the issue of gun violence as a way of justifying not doing anything.

Tell that to the victims and their families.

For them, it's already too late.

As for those politicians who drop the too soon line, well, they can't be gone soon enough.

And if it seems as though Republicans are being singled out, that's because of the 276 Representatives and Senators who took over $1,000 in NRA money between 2016 and 2018, all but five of them  Collin Peterson, Henry Cuellar, Sanford Bishop, Tim Walz and Ron Kind  are Republicans according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

And when it comes to the Second Amendment, everything seems to be in absolutes with no room for gray area.

The Supreme Court ruled in Heller v. District of Columbia that the Second Amendment protects personal handgun ownership and possession, and that's fine.

But if we concede that the American people are allowed to own guns, why can't there also be safety measures and regulations put in place?

We put them in place on cars, on pharmaceuticals, on bank lendings, on businesses, but many are so hesitant when its on guns.

That's baffling.

Ultimately though, what's more baffling is how desensitized we've become to mass shootings and the loss of life as a result of gun violence, due to its frequency.

We're practically beginning to lose our humanity, and the continued inaction of many Republican politicians is stripping young people of theirs before they get a chance to experience.

So take a page out of the Miami Herald's book and commit yourself to learning about the victims of gun violence in this country, and their names, and their faces.

If our elected officials won't do that, then we owe it to the victims to make sure they didn't die vain. And if this inaction persists  they did.

We need change, before another paper has to run a front page like this just to open our eyes.The show Trailer Park Boys is set in a Canadian trailer park and follows a group of career criminals through their dumb misadventures.

In one episode, J-Roc, a character who acts like hes from the hood instead of a trailer park and is trying to make it in the rap game, wants to boost his street cred. His friends tell him thats the only way to get his new album to sell.

So J-Roc sets about finding a way to get sent to jail.

Later in the episode, trailer park residents Ricky, Julian and Bubbles get the cops called on them for a makeshift massage parlor theyve set up after some shots are fired outside. When the police arrive, J-Roc, whos not really in on the massage parlor project, pulls out a gun, points it in the air, claims he is on crack (which he is not) and that the prostitutes are his (which they are not). His friends stand by taking photos for the album cover while police arrest him.

Criminal culture is obviously a bad thing and I would not advise any aspiring musicians to try J-Rocs scheme at home.

Plus, 2019 is all about wokeness. Smoking crack and pimpin arent cool anymore. Victim status is the new street cred.

Just ask Jussie Smollett, who tried J-Rocs idea in reverse.

Smollett is a black, gay actor who is on the show Empire. On Jan. 29, according to the New York Times, Smollett reported to police that two white men wearing masks attacked him, poured chemicals onto him and put a rope around his neck while yelling racist and homophobic slurs. He also claimed they said, this is MAGA county.

The attack happened, around 2 a.m. on one of the coldest days in Chicago history, according to CBS Chicagos timeline of events.

To make a long story short, as police investigated the alleged hate crime the evidence seemed to point to Smollett planning out the attack on himself, per CBS Chicago.

Smollett allegedly paid two brothers he knew $3,500 to be the attackers and police found the brothers had purchased the rope around Smolletts neck at a hardware store.

Where J-Roc took credit for a crime he didnt commit, Smollett apparently said he was a victim of a crime he orchestrated.

What could possibly drive someone to do such a thing? Just look at statements from Smolletts family and lawyers, which went out of the way to emphasize that Smollett is the victim in this situation.

The really sad thing is that Smolletts effort to gain victim street cred worked swimmingly up until police caught on.

Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, John Legend and more tweeted messages of support to the at-best B-list celebrity. Google Trends reveals Google searches related to Smollett went from nearly nothing to sky high almost immediately after the alleged attack.

Whats more, Smollett is not even close to the first person to fake an alleged hate crime, just the most recent and arguably the most high-profile.

Right after President Donald Trumps election, a Muslim student at the University of Michigan claimed that a man threatened to, set her on fire if she didnt remove her hijab, according to the Washington Post. That was a lie.

In 2017 somebody scrawled the n-word and, White Lives Matter, on a girls bathroom mirror in a high school near St. Louis. It turned out the student who did that was not white, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Also in 2017 a Kansas State student reported that somebody vandalized his car with racist slurs. He later admitted to police that somebody was him, according to the Kansas City Star.

As recently as last month people on all sides of the political spectrum were up in arms after video surfaced of Nathan Phillips, a Native American, seemingly being harassed by a group of MAGA hat-wearing high school boys. As more video came out it became clear that Phillips was actually the one harassing the high schoolers. That didnt stop Phillips from lying about the encounter in several media interviews.

The list goes on and on and on.

These hoax hate crimes may be motivated by different things in each case  getting attention, personal fame, scoring political points, etc. But they all expose a fundamental issue with our culture right now, that being a victim has become a desirable status.

Its a constant game of one-upmanship to see who can claim the highest moral high ground to smugly lecture the rest of us on how bad and privileged we are.

Im not saying that our society is perfect or that theres not hate anymore. But something is wrong when people actually want to be oppressed rather than recognizing the progress weve made.

Intersectionality and our victimhood culture provide an incentive structure for people to commit these hoaxes, which drive polarization and division, misuse police resources and make it harder for actual victims to be believed.A Penn State professor may become the next congressional representative.

The Pennsylvania Democratic Party announced on Tuesday, Feb. 12 that Marc Friedenberg, assistant teaching professor of information sciences and technology, is its nominee for representative of the 12th congressional district of Pennsylvania.

Friedenberg announced his run for the Democratic nomination following the resignation of Republican Tom Marino in January 2019.

I'm running because voters deserve a representative in Congress who will show up for them, Friedenberg said via email. They deserve a representative whos accountable, honest and hard-working. They deserve a representative who will fight for their jobs, their healthcare, their education or their kids education, and their environment. I am committed to being that representative, and never quitting when the going gets tough.

Governor Tom Wolf has set the special election to determine who will be the next congressman for May 21, 2019.

I hear from Penn State students about the dangers posed by man-made climate change, and the heavy burden of college loan debt, Friedenberg said. I look forward to addressing these issues once I'm elected to Congress.

Friedenberg is a Penn State alumnus, earning his bachelors and masters degree of science in information sciences and technology in 2006. After graduating, he attended Columbia Law School and earned his juris doctor in 2009.

Friedenberg ran for Congress in 2018 but lost to now former Congressman Tom Marino.

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February 22, 2021 10.00 am

Bazaar Corporate Radar

Bazaar Corporate Radar is your window into the minds of top CEOs, Boardrooms, global economists, fund managers and sector analysts. If it?s making news, you?ll find it on Bazaar Corporate Radar.Business

Biggest supermoon of 2019: 'Super snow moon' lights up the sky

Updated : February 20, 2019 10:14 AM IST

The reason for the super moon is because the moon is in the right place at the right time. The moons 27.3-day orbit around our Earth is not quite a perfect circle. Its a slight ellipse. That causes moons distance from us to vary over 30,000 miles in the course of its orbit. Its farthest distance, called apogee, is 252,000 miles. Its closest approach, called perigee, is a little over 220,000 miles. It just so happens that this months full moon is occurring when the moon is close to perigee, at about 222,000 miles away. (AP)

CNBC-TV18

A super snow moon rises as people visit the Areios Pagos hill at the archaeological site of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece February 19, 2019. The phenomenon of "supermoon'' happened when the orb was the closest point to the earth and looked larger than usual. (Reuters)

A super snow moon rises next to a pod of a ferris wheel in downtown Malaga, southern Spain February 19, 2019. (Reuters)

A super snow moon is seen rising between clouds from the walk "Muelle Uno" in Malaga, southern Spain February 19, 2019. (Reuters)

A super snow moon is seen over the archaeological site of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece February 19, 2019. (Reuters)

A super snow moon is seen between the Propylaea at the archaeological site of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece February 19, 2019. (Reuters)

A super moon rises over the ice on the shore of Lake Superior, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, in Lutsen, Minn. (AP)

The full moon passes behind the World Trade Center in New York City, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP)

The full moon lights up the sky as it passes behind the World Trade Center in New York City, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP)

A passenger jet is silhouetted against the rising full moon as it takes off from Sky Harbor airport Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP)

A full moon is seen rising behind the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (AP)

The full moon rises behind a steeple with crosses of an Orthodox church in Minsk, Belarus, Tuesday, February 19, 2019. (AP)

Published : February 20, 2019 09:47 AM ISTA company that charged patients thousands of dollars for infusions of blood plasma from younger donors said Tuesday that it had stopped treating patients after the Food and Drug Administration warned consumers against such treatments, purported to prevent aging and memory loss.

The company, Ambrosia, said on its website that it had "ceased patient treatments." The announcement came hours after the FDA issued a statement saying there is no proof that plasma from young donors can be used as a treatment for dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease or post-traumatic stress disorder, as some companies have claimed.

The plasma infusions can also be dangerous, the agency added, because they are associated with infectious, allergic, respiratory and cardiovascular risks.

"We're alerting consumers and health care providers that treatments using plasma from young donors have not gone through the rigorous testing that the FDA normally requires in order to confirm the therapeutic benefit of a product and to ensure its safety," Dr. Scott Gottlieb, food and drug commissioner, and Dr. Peter Marks, director of the agency's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.

The federal agency noted that several businesses offer infusions of plasma costing thousands of dollars per infusion for a variety of conditions. Such companies can often avoid FDA drug approval processes because plasma transfusions are a well-established procedure. Ambrosia, for example, had been charging $8,000 for one liter of blood and $12,000 for two as part of a clinical trial. The blood was donated by 16- to 25-year-olds to consumers ages 35 and older.

Ambrosia's founder, Jesse Karmazin, 34, a Stanford Medical School graduate, launched the startup three years ago. In 2017, he began a clinical trial and touted impressive results, claiming that young plasma could prevent Alzheimer's and lower blood cholesterol. But he never made the results of his study public.

Ambrosia isn't the only company that aggressively marketed scientifically dubious potions to those desperate to preserve their youth.

Other medical establishments, such as the Maharaj Institute in Florida, have started expensive clinical trials and openly discussed plans to charge patients for transfusions of plasma from young donors. In fact, people considering enrolling said they had been told they would have to pay $285,000, STAT reported last March.

"Though the use of young plasma is promising and hopeful, there needs to be rigorous trials to ensure therapeutic benefits and safety standards for each indication of use," said Dr. Sharon Sha, a neurologist at the Stanford Neuroscience Health Center in Palo Alto, California. "I also have concerns about 'for pay' sites that encourage participation by patients who are not aware of the risks and can be desperate for a cure."

Plasma is the liquid part of blood that contains clotting factors, antibodies and other important proteins. Plasma infusions from young donors have been shown to have mildly positive results in Alzheimer's patients, according to a small Stanford University study.

Plasma transfusions are normally given to correct for blood-clotting deficiencies in patients who are bleeding. Plasma is not FDA-approved to treat other conditions, such as normal aging or memory loss.

"The administration of plasma for indications other than those recognized or approved by the FDA should be performed by a qualified investigator or sponsor who has an active investigational new drug application with the FDA," the FDA said.The government's top ethics watchdog disclosed Tuesday that it had refused to certify a financial disclosure report from Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

In a filing, the Office of Government Ethics said it wouldn't certify the 2018 annual filing by Ross because he didn't divest stock in a bank despite stating otherwise. The move could have legal ramifications for Ross and add to pressure for a federal probe.

"The report is not certified," OGE Director Emory Rounds said in a filing, explaining that a previous document the watchdog received from Ross indicated he "no longer held BankUnited stock." However, Rounds said an Oct. 31 document "demonstrates that he did" still hold the shares and as a result, "the filer was therefore not in compliance with his ethics agreement at the time of the report."

A federal ethics agreement required that Ross divest stock worth $1,000 to $15,000 in BankUnited by the end of May 2017, or within 90 days of the Senate confirming him to the Commerce post. He previously reported selling the stock twice, in May 2017 and in August 2018, as part of an annual disclosure required by OGE.

However, Ross didn't sell the stock in the agreed upon time period in 2017 and then made the two filings indicating he did, the Center for Public Integrity first reported in December 2018. The nonprofit, which obtained the OGE documents, claimed Ross's failure to sell the stock was "the latest in a series of inaccurate statements and omissions in Ross' personal financial statements."

OGE guidelines allow the Justice Department to impose civil fines or take criminal action in cases where an individual "knowingly" files false information.

"While I am disappointed that my report was not certified, I remain committed to complying with my ethics agreement and adhering to the guidance of Commerce ethics officials," Ross said in a statement Tuesday. He said the BankUnited stock he owned was awarded when he was a director of the Florida-based bank from 2009 and 2014.

Ross, a billionaire, said the "100 shares were worth approximately $3,700, an amount that federal regulations deem de minimis and below the threshold of a possible conflict of interest. Therefore, even if a BankUnited matter had come before the Department while I owned the shares  and I have not been made aware of any such matter  I would not have been disqualified from working on it."

The Commerce secretary further explained that the shares "were held in book entry form by BankUnited's stock transfer agent. I previously reported selling the shares on May 31, 2017, based on a mistaken belief that the agent executed my sell order on that date. As soon as I learned that the shares had not been sold, I again took action to direct their sale and disclosed the sale of these 100 shares on October 31, 2018, correcting the only known error in my annual report."

There have been calls before for an investigation on stock-related issues involving Ross, including claims he may have violated a criminal conflict of interest law.President Donald J. Trump meets with Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Liu He in the Oval Office at the White House on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Gov. Gavin Newsom vowed a fight to keep the money and said the move was in response to California again suing the administration , this time over Trump's emergency declaration to pay for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announcement follows through on President Donald Trump's threats to claw back $3.5 billion that the federal government gave to California to build a bullet train between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The Trump administration said Tuesday that it plans to cancel $929 million awarded to California's high-speed rail project and wants the state to return an additional $2.5 billion that it has already spent.

"This is clear political retribution by President Trump, and we won't sit idly by," Newsom said in a statement. "This is California's money, and we are going to fight for it."

It's the latest spat between the White House and California. Trump earlier in the day linked the emergency declaration lawsuit to the train, noting that California filed the challenge on behalf of 16 states.

"California, the state that has wasted billions of dollars on their out of control Fast Train, with no hope of completion, seems in charge!" the president tweeted.

The train project has faced repeated cost overruns and delays since California voters approved it in 2008. The Trump administration argued Tuesday that the state hasn't provided required matching dollars and can't complete certain construction work by a 2022 deadline.

Newsom declared in his first State of the State address last week that he planned to scale back the project and focus immediately on building 171 miles (275 kilometers) of track in central California. His office said he still plans to complete the full line, although he said the current plan would cost too much and take too long.

He's pledged to continue environmental work on the full line, which is required to keep the federal money.

But the U.S. Department of Transportation said Newsom's comments last week reinforced the administration's concerns about the project.

"Governor Newsom presented a new proposal that represents a significant retreat from the State's initial vision and commitment and frustrates the purpose for which Federal funding was awarded," read the letter outlining the case for cancelling the money.

Congress nearly a decade ago approved the $929 million that Trump wants to cancel. The state has not started spending that money. But it has already spent the extra $2.5 billion that Trump now wants back.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said it is "actively exploring every legal option" to get back the money.

The grant agreement between California and the federal government, signed in 2010, outlines several scenarios in which the federal government could take the money back. It can take the money back, for example, if the grantee fails to make "adequate progress" or "fails to complete the project or one of its tasks" or if the state doesn't meet its matching fund requirements.

If the federal government decides to take the money back, it doesn't have to wait for California to write a check. The agreement states the federal government could offset the money it would pay California for different transportation or other projects.

California hasn't yet fully matched the $2.5 billion in stimulus money. It's in the process of doing so now, using money from the 2008 bond passed by voters and revenue from the state's cap-and-trade program. It can't unlock the $929 million grant until it completes its match.

Still, the California High-Speed Rail Authority has already budgeted for the full $3.5 billion. It's put toward constructing a 119-mile (191.5-kilometer) segment of track in the Central Valley expected to cost $10.6 billion.

Dan Richard, the outgoing chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority's board of directors, said people's livelihoods depend on the project through jobs and other economic development in the Central Valley.

"It would be very important to avoid anything that would disrupt the economic recovery in the Central Valley that has been brought about by high-speed rail," he said.Attorney General William Barr will decide whether to release special counsel Robert Mueller's findings from the Russia investigation, President Donald Trump said Wednesday.

"That'll be totally up to the new attorney general," the president told reporters during a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. "He's a tremendous man, a tremendous person who really respects this country and respects the Justice Department."

Trump's comments follow a CNN report Wednesday saying Barr could announce the end of Mueller's investigation into Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election as early as next week. The attorney general, nominated by Trump and sworn in last week, would then send a summary of the special counsel's confidential report to Congress, according to CNN. NBC News previously reported that Mueller could submit a report as early as mid-February.

Americans across the country, as well as congressional Democrats, have awaited answers from the special counsel about whether members of the Trump campaign colluded with the Kremlin, or whether the president himself tried to derail the investigation. But it is unclear how much information will become public.

Justice Department regulations say the attorney general "may determine that public release of these reports would be in the public interest, to the extent that release would comply with applicable legal restrictions."

Barr took over jurisdiction of the special counsel's investigation, which Trump has repeatedly slammed as a politically charged "witch hunt." Some Trump allies believed the attorney general's confirmation gave the president more power over the probe than he had previously. Trump had raged against former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who by recusing himself from the Russia investigation, allowed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to appoint Mueller.

During his confirmation process, Barr tried to ease concerns about how he would handle the Mueller investigation. He noted that he would try to make the special counsel's findings as public as he could. Barr also said he does not "believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt."

A memo Barr sent to the Justice Department in June raised concerns about his confirmation. He argued that Mueller's focus on whether Trump obstructed justice "is fatally misconceived."

Trump will welcome the end of the investigation. It has hung over him since he entered office in January 2017. Behind the scenes, the president has tried to undermine various investigations surrounding his White House, according to a New York Times report Tuesday.

On Wednesday, he called the newspaper's article "false." He prompted a rebuke from the Times' publisher by calling the outlet a "true ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!"

Mueller has brought charges against several Russian nationals related to election meddling. His investigation has also led to guilty pleas from several people who used to occupy Trump's inner circle, including his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and ex-national security advisor Michael Flynn.

The probe has also led to charges against Trump's longtime political advisor Roger Stone. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of witness tampering, obstruction of justice and making false statements to Congress.

 CNBC's Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report

Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.Tesla is experiencing the same kind of skepticism that e-commerce giant Amazon faced in its early days, and the electric automaker is also going to prove the naysayers wrong, Tesla shareholder Cathie Wood told CNBC on Wednesday.

Wood, ARK Invest's chief whose bull case famously sees Tesla at $4,000 per share in five years, defended Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk's mercurial nature.

"Everybody is beginning to adjust for Musk," she said in a "Squawk Box" interview. "Having been a portfolio manager for many years, I know how to adjust to what different CEOs say given their personalities and their aspirations."

"The same thing was happening with Amazon for years," she added, referring to how Jeff Bezos kept plowing money into the business for years and years with little to show for it. "We were considered crazy, and yet now it seems so obvious. I think the same is going to be true of Tesla."

Amazon now has a stock market value of more than $800 billion. In September, Amazon become the second U.S. company to top a $1 trillion valuation. (Apple was the first in August.)

Tesla's current market value is about $52 billion. Wood's $4,000 a share target, a 1,200 percent increase from Tuesday's $305 close, would yield a nearly $700 billion valuation.

Wood did note her bear case in five years for Tesla stock is around $700 per share. But that's still more than double.

In a podcast Tuesday with Wood and ARK Invest innovation analyst Tasha Keeney, Musk said Tesla should have all the technology in place to operate vehicles without drivers by the end of the year.

But as Wood pointed out on CNBC, Musk acknowledged the need to "bring the regulators along." To do that, she contended that Tesla needs to "produce the data" and "show that this is safe."

Tesla's enhanced autopilot, which includes automatic lane-change and self-parking features, has garnered both positive attention for its sophistication and negative attention for its association with high-profile accidents.

ARK Invest has a significant stake in Tesla, comprising about 8 percent of the money manager's overall holdings.

Wood appeared on CNBC shortly before yet another executive departure at Tesla, which revealed Wednesday that general counsel Dane Butswinkas is leaving after just two months on the job.

Gene Munster, founder of research-driven venture capital firm Loup Ventures, called into CNBC after the announcement, saying, "The biggest challenge that the company has  retaining top talent."

Musk is "a one in a billion type of person" but Tesla still runs like a start-up to its detriment, added Munster, who before starting Loup spent more than two decades as a top tech analyst at Piper Jaffray.

A person familiar with the matter said Butswinkas was not a good cultural fit with Tesla and wanted to return to his family and law practice in Washington, D.C.

Jonathan Chang, Tesla's current vice president of legal, is taking over Butswinkas' position, effective Wednesday.

 CNBC's Robert Ferris, Lora Kolodny, and Eric Rosenbaum contributed to this reportRussia's Federal Assembly legislators, which attended Russian President Vladimir Putin's 15th State of Nation Address, outlined most important for their regions proposals, made by the head of state.

The head of Ingushetia, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, stressed that all the instructions and initiatives of Vladimir Putin are relevant for the Ingush Republic, with the exception of the sphere of strategic armaments. "For regions with a good demography, such as Ingushetia, the privileges voiced by the president are particularly relevant. Issues related to large families, housing, especially individual housing construction are very important. It is also important that national projects require serious support," he said.

Governor of the Stavropol Territory Vladimir Vladimirov, in turn, noted that defense issues for the North Caucasus Federal District are also important. "In any case, the Caucasus region is a border area. In many ways, the defensive capacity determines both investment potential and human potential. Of course, the president's first point - wages and peoples lives - is very important. Indeed, today the North Cacasus Federal District is the region with the lowest wages. For us, correcting this situation is of utmost importance to us. The demography issue is also important. The North Caucasus has always been famous for its birth rate, but, nevertheless, the Russian demographic pitfall affects all of us," he said in the first place.

"In addition, I would like to mention the rural development program - we were advocating it a lot, achieving it together with deputies, with our representatives. We really want it to become the 13th national project, because Stavropol is a rural area, and rural areas need help now. It is necessary that young people stay in rural areas and develop no worse than in urban areas. People will always want to eat, so rural areas are important. We have been closely involved in development of this program and now we will fight for its funding," Vladimir Vladimirov said.CNBC, Asia's most watched business and financial news network, today announced Tanvir Gill would be joining its on-air team in Asia.

Gill joins CNBC from ET Now, India's leading business channel of The Economic Times, where she covered the global markets and interviewed influential business leaders including Warren Buffett, Howard Marks, UK's Hinduja brothers, Ray Dalio, Mark Mobius amongst others. Prior to ET Now, Gill was an anchor on CNBC-TV18, CNBC's India based affiliate.

Gill will front CNBC's hit morning show, Street Signs along with CNBC veterans Martin Soong and Oriel Morrison. From 9am to 12pm (SIN/HK), the show will track the stock market openings in China, Hong Kong and Singapore as well as follow the day's biggest moves on stocks, bonds, currencies and commodities that will provide actionable, real-time insights for viewers.

Roshan Vaswani, CNBC's Head of News and Programming, APAC said: "Tanvir is an excellent addition to our on-air team and we're looking forward to having her on board."

In addition to Gill's appointment, the network also announced a number of other on-air changes. Matthew Taylor, CNBC's Sydney based reporter, will relocate to the network's APAC headquarters in Singapore effective 4th March. Taylor will continue to provide market reports for CNBC's suite of international programming including Squawk Box, Street Signs and Capital Connection. Nancy Hungerford and Sri Jegarajah will also join Bernie Lo to front CNBC's flagship show, Squawk Box Asia daily from 6am to 9am (SIN/HK).

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CNBC International's award winning content can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. CNBC International is a division of NBCUniversal.

For more information, visit www.cnbc.comDaniella Sjoqvist was 28 when she decided to take her side gig full time. She might have been nervous, except that there was one major factor in her favor  she had a job waiting for her if it all fell through. Sjoqvist's employer, the Swedish government, had given her six months off to pursue her business idea with the guarantee that her job would be waiting for her if she chose to return. "I had already started my company, teaching languages on the side while I was working, but it felt more like a hobby than a job," Sjoqvist told CNBC Make It. The break "allowed me to take the chance of working full time on my company," she said. Six months later, Sjoqvist's burgeoning language academy had seen its customer numbers more than triple, giving her the confidence to quit her admin job permanently and become her own boss.

A country of entrepreneurs

It may sound like an improbable scenario, but Sjoqvist is not alone. She is one of thousands of workers who've taken advantage of a Swedish workplace initiative designed to encourage entrepreneurship. Sweden's so-called leave of absence for entrepreneurship program entitles all full-time, permanent employees to take six months out to focus on their business, safe in the knowledge that they can return to their job  or a similar one  once the period is up.

Danielle Sjoqvist, founder of E.L.A.N.S. Danielle Sjoqvist

The leave  known locally as tjanstledighet  is typically unpaid, and may only be redeemed by employees once per employer. It allows recipients to retain job security while they get their idea off the ground  a rare luxury for most full-time entrepreneurs. Employers are only entitled to reject the request if there are significant operational reasons or if the new business is considered a direct competitor.

"To my knowledge this is the only country (Sweden) that offers a legally-enshrined right to take a leave of absence for entrepreneurship," Claire Ingram Bogusz, a post-doctoral researcher in entrepreneurship and information systems at Stockholm School of Economics, told the BBC in a recent article on the scheme.

Disrupting the workplace

The program was introduced in 1998 and is one of the country's various leave of absence schemes  including 18-month parental leave  intended to improve Swedish employee freedoms. In a so-called welfare state like Sweden, where taxes are high, such social benefits are the norm. But the entrepreneurship scheme is different in that it was conceived to boost the country's business scene. Traditional economics suggests that countries' with higher taxes discourage entrepreneurship because individuals view the risks as greater. That could have been the case for 31-year-old Max Friberg, who "really enjoyed (his) job" in corporate finance at a global consulting firm and might have stayed there if it weren't for the leave of absence scheme. "I would have been hesitant to start my business if I didn't have the opportunity to return," Friberg told CNBC Make It, noting that the six months gave him the time and security to give his software platform "an honest try."

Max Friberg, co-founder and CEO, Inex One Max Friberg

Measuring start-up success

Sweden does not keep official records of the number of people who take advantage of its leave of absence for entrepreneurship scheme. However, over the past decade, the Scandinavian country has seen a general uptick in the number of 25- to 54-year-olds who were registered on leave, according to the BBC article which cited Statistics Sweden. Meanwhile, the number of registered businesses has nearly doubled. The shift is reflective of Sweden's now booming start-up scene. In fact, after Silicon Valley, Stockholm is home to the world's highest number of billion-dollar start-ups per capita, including major names like Spotify and Minecraft. In Sweden, there are 20 start-ups for every 1,000 employees versus five for every 1,000 in the U.S, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Sjoqvist said she has no doubt the scheme and the start-up boom are correlated. "I think it is great way of pushing for entrepreneurship," said Sjoqvist, founder of E.L.A.N.S (Enjoy Learning And Never Stop). "I suspect that programs like this have contributed to the large amount of Swedish unicorns such as Spotify and King."

A new future for employeesThe U.S. Supreme Court delivered a win Wednesday to a former heroin addict who argued that Indiana's seizure of his $42,000 Land Rover amounted to an excessive fine for a drug conviction.

In a unanimous ruling, the justices for the first time incorporated the 8th Amendment's protection against excessive fines to the states. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who delivered the court's opinion, wrote that the safeguard is "fundamental to our scheme of ordered liberty."

Ginsburg returned to the court Friday after nearly two months working from home during recovery from December cancer surgery. On Tuesday, she appeared on the bench for the first time since early December.

Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch did not sign onto Ginsburg's opinion, although each agreed with the majority's conclusion. The two conservatives would have taken a different legal route to get there, they wrote.

Wednesday's opinion marks an important extension of the top court's application of Bill of Rights protections to the states.

Most of the Bill of Rights was incorporated decades ago. Even other provisions of the 8th Amendment have been held to apply to the states before, such as its protections against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

But the incorporation of the amendment's excessive fines clause marks a particularly notable development at a time when many municipalities are relying on fines and fees as a growing source of revenue, causing consternation among civil rights groups who say the penalties disproportionately hurt minorities and the poor.Check out the companies making headlines before the bell:

CVS Health  CVS reported adjusted quarterly profit of $2.14 per share, beating the $2.05 consensus estimate. However, revenue fell short of forecasts, and CVS also gave a weaker than expected full year outlook due to deterioration in its long-term care business.

Garmin  The maker of GPS devices posted adjusted quarterly earnings of $1.02 per share, 22 cents a share above estimates. Revenue also came in above Wall Street forecasts, with Garmin reporting strength in its fitness and outdoor product lines.

Gannett  The USA Today publisher fell 2 cents a share short of estimates, with adjusted quarterly profit of 44 cents per share. Revenue also missed forecasts. Gannett notes improvement in its digital business and said it remains committed to a goal of achieving more than half its ad revenue from digital sources.

Apple  The company is hoping to combine its apps for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac by 2021, according to a Bloomberg report.

Wolverine World Wide  The maker of shoe brands like Sperry, Hush Puppies, and Saucony earned an adjusted 52 cents per share for its latest quarter, 3 cents a share above estimates. Revenue came in below forecasts, however, and the company's 2019 adjusted earnings forecast range falls largely below current consensus.

Owens-Corning  The maker of insulation and other construction materials beat estimates by 12 cents a share, with adjusted quarterly profit of $1.38 per share. Revenue came in above estimates, as well.

Southwest Airlines  Southwest is investigating a surge in maintenance-related flight disruptions, according to Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven. He issued a statement saying the increase had come despite no change in the airline's maintenance programs or policies. Separately, Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock to "sell" from "neutral," citing both valuation and a deterioration of profit margins due to its new flights to Hawaii.

NxStage  The Federal Trade Commission approved the acquisition of the U.S.-based home dialysis equipment maker by Germany's Fresenius Medical Care. The companies agreed to sell NxStage's bloodline tubing business in order to win approval for the $2 billion transaction.

Tesla  Tesla is planning to launch a leasing option for its Model 3 automobile, according to the news website Electrek. The site quotes an email sent to employees saying they would be able to lease a Model 3 within two weeks, although it did not specify when consumers will have that option.

Teva Pharmaceutical  Teva settled with the US in a case involving the drugmaker's agreements with rivals. The government had charged that those agreements kept cheaper generic drugs off the market.

LendingClub  LendingClub reported adjusted quarterly profit of three cents per share, a penny a share above estimates. The online lender's revenue was slightly below Wall Street forecasts. The company's 2019 revenue forecast of $765 million to $795 million falls below the consensus estimate of $796 million.

Herbalife Nutrition  Herbalife came in 2 cents a share, ahead of estimates with adjusted quarterly profit of 63 cents per share. The health products maker's revenue came in slightly below consensus, however. Herbalife also raised its sales growth forecast for 2019.

Cadence Design  The maker of electronic design software reported adjusted quarterly profit of 52 cents per share, 5 cents a share above estimates. Revenue also beat Wall Street forecasts. Cadence gave stronger-than-expected earnings and revenue guidance for the current quarter and full year.Bristol-Myers Squibb confirmed on Wednesday that activist hedge fund Starboard Value owns a 1 million-share stake in the company and said separately its $74 billion deal to acquire cancer drugmaker Celgene is "on track" to close during the third quarter.

Starboard's stake is just a fraction of Bristol-Myers Squibb's 1.63 billion shares outstanding, but the fund has filed with regulators for the ability to buy more shares. The fund also has held meetings with management, Bristol-Myers Squibb said.

Starboard has not publicly stated its stance on Bristol-Myers' acquisition of Celgene, but activists have in the past taken stakes in companies to scuttle deals. Reuters reported last week the hedge fund is gauging investor support for the Celgene deal.

Dow Jones reported Wednesday that Starboard is unhappy with the deal, citing a source familiar with the matter. It also said Bristol-Myers' fifth-largest shareholder, Dodge & Cox, is also unhappy with the deal, citing sources.

The news sent Celgene's stock down slightly, while Bristol-Myers dipped a half a percentage.

Starboard acquired its shares on Jan. 31, Bristol-Myers said, the same day its nomination window closed. The hedge fund has nominated for the Bristol-Myers board Starboard's CEO and co-founder, Jeffrey Smith, as well as John Leonard, James Tyree, Steven Shulman and Janet Vergis.

Bristol-Myers Squibb's annual shareholder meeting is not yet scheduled, but it will occur after its special meeting to vote on the Celgene acquisition on April 12. The planned date for the meeting remains unchanged, keeping the deal on track for its expected closure by the company's third quarter.

Analysts at BMO earlier this month said they believe the "probability of a third-party buyer for Bristol-Myers Squibb" before the April vote is "very low," adding that "we do not believe a potential activist can change that."

The Celgene deal is aimed at giving Bristol-Myers Squibb more cancer drugs at a time when its immuno-oncology portfolio struggles to keep up with rival Merck's. Bristol-Myers Squibb on Wednesday underlined the benefits it sees in the deal, citing increased scale and a broader pipeline in the near and long term. It said that Celgene expects six near-term product launches that present "more than $15 billion in revenue potential."

Starboard and Dodge did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Electric-plane start-up Eviation is teaming up with Siemens for a battery-powered aircraft.

An electric-plane start-up that's planning to fly a battery-powered passenger plane is getting a boost from German industrial conglomerate Siemens, which will make a motor for the aircraft, the companies said Wednesday.

Eviation has designed an all-electric plane it calls Alice, an aircraft that seats nine passengers. It is planning to debut it at the Paris Air Show in July and fly it later this year.

Aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus along with engine makers including Rolls-Royce have been researching or investing in battery-powered flight, but challenges remain before travelers take off in all-electric planes.

Finding a battery that packs enough power to fly a plane is one of them.

Eviation's Alice plane would have a maximum takeoff weight of 14,000 pounds. The battery weighs 7,000 pounds.

"It's a huge battery with some aircraft built around it, if you will," Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay told CNBC.

The Alice planes seat nine passengers and a single charge will be able to carry it 650 miles, according to Eviation.

The start-up is part of a growing number of companies that want to provide an option beyond costly regional or private flights or lengthy car rides. Last October, for example, hybrid-electric plane company Zunum Aero, which is backed by Boeing and Boeing- and JetBlue Airways, picked an engine supplier  French company Safran  and is aiming to test its planes this year. European budget airline easyJet last year said it wants to fly nine-seat electric planes made by Wright Electric by 2027.

Eviation plans to ship its aircraft to buyers in 2022.

Other challenges remain before these aircraft get to market, including convincing regulators they're reliable.

"It's coming, but you won't be able to fly on an electric aircraft from London to Paris soon," said Robert Thomson, an aviation analyst at consulting firm Roland Berger.

Eviation faces competition to bring electric flight to the masses. There are more than 100 electric-aircraft projects worldwide, Thomson said.

"People seem to be spending real money on it," Thomson added.

Few of those projects are for large commercial airlines, and most are either electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, known as eVTOL, or small planes.

Another challenge is ensuring that the planes are indeed greener since some electric grids are fed by fossil fuels like natural gas or coal, said Thomson.

Correction: Eviation is planning to debut its all-electric Alice plane at the Paris Air Show in July and fly it later this year. An earlier version misstated when it would fly.Semiconductor stocks are on a tear.

The SMH semiconductor ETF and SOXX iShares semiconductor ETF have both rallied 18 percent so far this year, tracking for their best quarters since September 2016. The XSD S&P semiconductor ETF has done even better, racing more than 20 percent higher for 2019.

Todd Rosenbluth, director of ETF and mutual fund research at CFRA, said whether you invest in the SMH, SOXX or XSD ETFs comes down to market cap.

"You really have to determine whether or not you like the large-cap, mega-cap companies," Rosenbluth told CNBC's "ETF Edge" on Wednesday. "Intel is the [14.5 percent] position in the SMH, hefty weighting again in the SOXX product, whereas it's more of a 2 or 3 percent weighting within the XSD."

The SOXX and SMH ETFs are market-cap weighted meaning their larger holdings' performances hold more influence, while the XSD ETF is equal weight.

The five largest holdings in the SMH  Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor, Texas Instruments, Nvidia and Qualcomm  make up 42 percent of the SMH ETF. By comparison, XSD components have individual weightings of less than 4 percent.

"If you think that small caps are going to do better in the semis space as they've done at the start of this year then XSD from State Street is a better way of going," Rosenbluth said.

Small caps should continue to drive further upside for the XSD, according to Kim Arthur, founder and CEO of Main Management.

"This year has been a cyclical risk-on rally so small-cap growth is leading every asset class year to date for the U.S. side so the XSD gets you clearly that smaller-cap exposure," Arthur said Wednesday on "ETF Edge." "If you look on a valuation basis, it's still a couple multiple points below its historic valuation on a forward basis so there's probably still some more room to run for that."

The XSD ETF trades at 17 times forward earnings, higher than the nearly 15 times multiple for the SOXX and SMH ETFs.

The XSD's top components include Marvell Technology, Qorvo, Cypress Semiconductor, Integrated Device Technology and Texas Instruments.A Baltic Fleet sailor takes a photograph with a smartphone during Russian Navy day at the Vistula lagoon in Baltiysk, Russia, on July 31, 2016.

Russian lawmakers voted on Tuesday to ban its soldiers from using smartphones and social media to help prevent tracking of the nation's military operations.

The State Duma  Russia's parliament  approved the draft law on Tuesday, it said in a Twitter post.

Under the new legislation, military personnel will be banned from posting about themselves or colleagues online, using smart devices, and recording or distributing audio, photo, video or geolocation data.

The proposed law will now be passed on to President Vladimir Putin for formal approval, according to British newspaper The Times.

Digital activity has previously enabled media outlets to expose military operations that had been denied by the state. In recent years, pictures and social media posts posted by Russian soldiers have contradicted government assertions that the military was not fighting in Ukraine or involved in Syria's conflict.Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the United States cannot be called Russias partner.

"To begin with, the Americans are not partners for us," he told International Affairs magazine in an interview.

"At a certain point it coined the term strategic tolerance, which looks quite appropriate for describing a policy that in my opinion should be conducted in relations with Washington in the foreseeable future," Ryabkov said.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed his visit to Russia for several days over domestic political issues, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said.

"Yes, due to domestic political reasons. They have [preparations] for elections, so the visit has been postponed for several days," Sputnik cited Ushakov as saying.

Earlier, an Israeli government official said that the PM's visit to Moscow has been postponed.

The Jerusalem Post report the delay is due to Netanyahus domestic political concerns.Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives to deliver his annual state of the nation address in Moscow on February 20, 2019.

Russia has confirmed it is building a new hypersonic missile that can be launched from ships or submarines and travel at almost 2 miles per second.

Russian President Vladimir Putin used his state of the nation address on Wednesday to publicly confirm that the cruise missile was well under development.

"This is a hypersonic missile called Tsirkon. It will have the speed of mach 9, it has a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and can hit navy or land targets."

The Russian leader added the missile could be launched from a ship or submarine and costs would be kept low by its compatibility with the existing Kalibr missile system.

In December, CNBC learned that a U.S. Intelligence report had highlighted testing of the Tsirkon hypersonic system, noting that five tests had been carried out by the Russian military since 2015.

Putin has previously described Russia's hypersonic prowess as "invincible" and accused "those who have fueled the arms race over the last 15 years" of failing to contain Russia.

Publicly confirming the project on Wednesday, the Russian president again took a pot-shot at the West and specifically the United States.

"The U.S. once sought global domination through its missiles program. They should abandon illusions, we will always respond with a reciprocal response," said Putin.Some Americans have been shocked to see smaller tax refunds this year than they earned a year ago.

But as tax season nears the end of its third week, refund amounts are actually up. Treasury data shows that refunds are tracking slightly higher than they were during the same time last year, according to research from Morgan Stanley.

The average refund amount was down 8.7 percent for the week ending on February 8. But after factoring in data for the following week through February 14, the cumulative refund amount rose to just above where it was around the same time last year, Morgan Stanley's researchers found.

One reason for the slow start could be the 35-day government shutdown, which may have led to processing delays, the report says.

And in many cases, bigger checks are still on the way. Those claiming certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), won't receive any money until at least February 27. Both of these credits can result in sizable refunds, but the IRS can't issue any money before mid-February because of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. The PATH Act delay is meant to help the IRS catch fabricated claims and safeguard taxpayers from fraud.

The key takeaway here is that early numbers don't necessarily indicate what's to come. "Refund amounts can fluctuate notably on a weekly and even daily basis," the report says.

The Treasury Department tweeted that the early reports about smaller refunds are "misleading."

US TREASURY TWEET.

"Refunds are consistent with 2017 levels and down slightly from 2018 based on a small initial sample from only a few days of data," the Treasury Department says in the tweet, which was posted on February 11.

Thanks to the the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), Americans can expect an average reduction of $1,610 on their 2018 taxes, according to calculations from the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.

However, the law benefits high-income earners far more than low-income earners: "The boost in after-tax income is 0.4 percent for households in the lowest quintile, compared with 2.9 percent for those in the top quintile," TPC reports.

The TCJA also changed the rules on how much employers can withhold, and workers who didn't adjust their own forms accordingly may have had too little taken out, resulting in a lower refund or even a bill. Plus, the TCJA limited deductions, expanded tax credits for those with children and eliminated personal exemptions.

Together, all of these changes left some Americans both surprised and confused by the amount of their refund, especially those who rely on that money.

But for now, Morgan Stanley is optimistic about the amount taxpayers will get back: "There is a strong consensus around tax refunds being higher compared with last year  a side effect of the TCJA that created higher than normal overwithholding."

Like this story? Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube!

Don't miss: Here's who is more likely to get a lower refund this tax season, according to expertsThe Ukrainian government is ready to re-ignite the conflict in Donbass, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a comment.

The ministry noted that political chaos and social rift are taking place in the country "against the background of a simmering conflict in Donbass," "Kiev is ready to re-ignite it at any moment in order to try and regain control of the region no matter how many lives it may claim," TASS cited the statement as saying.

The ministry added that Moscow once again urges the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe "to assess in principle all events in Ukraine, to demand that its authorities start complying with the applicable law and honor their international obligations."Ren Zhengfei, founder and chief executive officer of Huawei Technologies, left, speaks during an interview at the company's headquarters in Shenzhen, China, in January.

Huawei would not help China spy on the U.S. with its devices, even if mandated by Chinese law to do so, founder and President Ren Zhengfei told CBS News in an interview that aired Wednesday.

Ren, whose daughter has been held by Canada since Dec. 1 on an extradition request by the United States, denied allegations by the U.S. government that the company aids Chinese intelligence by building a backdoor in its devices.

"Absolutely not possible," Zhengfei said. "And also, we never participate in espionage and we do not allow any of our employees to do any act like that. And we absolutely never install backdoors. Even if we were required by Chinese law, we would firmly reject that."

U.S. officials still fear that Chinese telecommunications firms could be used by the country to spy on Americans in part with the help of a 2017 law that gives Chinese officials new legal justification for monitoring people for national security purposes.

Last February, several U.S. security agency representatives testified on potential security risks of Chinese telecommunications companies like Huawei. FBI Director Chris Wray told the Senate Intelligence Committee at the time that devices from these companies could allow for "undetected espionage" and the ability for malicious actors to steal information.

"We're deeply concerned about the risks of allowing any company or entity that is beholden to foreign governments that don't share our values to gain positions of power inside our telecommunications networks," Wray said.

In April, the Pentagon warned that Huawei mobile phones and modems could potentially be used to spy on Americans and stopped selling the devices at stores on military bases worldwide.

The U.S. government also has accused the company and Ren's daughter, CFO, Meng Wanzhou, of wire fraud in an attempt to violate sanctions on Iran. It also has accused the company of stealing trade secrets from T-Mobile. Ren told CBS his daughter's arrest was "politically motivated."

The Trump administration is also considering an executive order that would ban Huawei telecom equipment from being sold in the U.S., an administration told CNBC earlier this month.

See the full interview on CBS News.

-CNBC's Amanda Macias and Kate Fazzini contributed to this report.

Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.

Watch: Here's what you need to know about the Huawei debateGoldman analyst Catherine O'Brien downgraded the stock to a sell rating from a neutral rating and lowered her fiscal 2019 earnings per share estimate to $4.45 from $4.70. The brokerage also cut its 12-month price target to $54 from $66 due to the reduced profit forecast; the stock closed at $57.67 on Tuesday.

Southwest Airlines's new route to Hawaii may prove profitable in the long run, but the service should pressure profits in the near term, according to Goldman Sachs.

Though the analyst remains positive on the airline in the long term, those investors looking for a savvy stock investment in the next year may be better served with other names, O'Brien told clients.

"We expect its relative margin underperformance combined with multiple compression will translate to share price underperformance," O'Brien wrote. "With the delay in Southwest's ability to announce its Hawaii flights and begin selling tickets, we think the shortened selling window for its initial flights will create the need for the company to discount fares more heavily than we initially expected."

Southwest completed its first trip to Hawaii earlier this month as federal safety inspectors oversaw the company's maiden voyage to the islands. The low-cost airline first announced plans to offer service to Hawaii in 2017 and needs regulators to attest to its ability to operate the flights safely.

The 35-day partial government shutdown, which ended late last month, stalled the launch of new jets and routes, including Southwest's long-awaited service to Hawaii.

WATCH: Flying coach gets increasingly complicatedJenny Shipley, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, attends the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2017 on March 25, 2017 in Qionghai, Hainan Province of China.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley has denied writing a pro-China opinion piece attributed to her, according to a report published by The Guardian on Wednesday.

The op-ed, titled "We need to listen to China," was published earlier this week by the People's Daily  the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party. A note at the bottom of the piece said unambiguously that it was authored by the former prime minister.

The article itself sang the praises of Chinese efforts on poverty reduction and gender equality, and it applauded the Belt and Road Initiative  an investment campaign introduced by China as a way to create a vast global infrastructure network inextricably tied to the country.

The piece bearing Shipley's byline was the most-read article on the paper's website on Wednesday, according to The Guardian. However, the former prime minister said the story was artificially constructed from an interview she did with a different Chinese state-run newspaper last year, according to comments reported by CNN.Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney, and fixer, arrives at federal court for his sentencing hearing, December 12, 2018 in New York City.

President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen was granted a two-month extension of his prison surrender date Wednesday after his attorney cited his need to continue recovering from recent shoulder surgery, and to prepare for upcoming testimony before three congressional committees.

Cohen, 52, will now enter federal prison May 6 to begin his three-year sentence, Judge William Pauley ordered.

Cohen was originally set to begin that sentence March 6. He pleaded guilty last year to financial crimes, lying to Congress and campaign violations related to hush money payments made to two alleged sexual partners of Trump's.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, one of two entities that prosecuted Cohen, did not oppose the "one-time" extension of his surrender date given his medical condition, according to Cohen's lawyer, Michael Monico.

A spokesman for Southern District prosecutors, as well as for special counsel Robert Mueller, Cohen's other prosecutor, declined to comment to CNBC.

Monico, in a letter to Pauley requesting the 60-day delay, cited the fact that Cohen "recently underwent a serious surgical procedure and he needs to undergo intensive post-surgical physical therapy and be monitored by his physician for recovery."

Monico also noted that Cohen "also anticipates being called to testify before three ... Congressional committees at the end of" February.

"Doing so will required Mr. Cohen to spend substantial time in preparation that will limit the time he has to get his affairs in order and spend time with his family, especially given such a short period between the anticipated hearings and the present reporting date," Monico wrote.

Cohen is set to testify Feb. 28 before the House Intelligence Committee. That hearing will be be closed to the public.

He is also committed to testifying at a closed session of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and in a public session of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The dates for those other two hearings have not been released.

Spokesmen for all three committees did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Cohen since last year has been cooperating with Mueller's ongoing investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 president election and issues related to the Trump campaign.

Mueller's office had charged Cohen with lying to Congress about details of an aborted plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.

Cohen admitted that he misled Congress about the date when that plan was dropped and about the extent of Trump's personal involvement in the deal.

Cohen had originally claimed the project was abandoned much earlier in 2016, when Trump was running for the Republican nomination for president, than when it actually was dropped. He also falsely said that Trump was less involved in the effort than the president actually was, according to Cohen's guilty plea.

Cohen has also admitted facilitating hush money payments to two women, porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal, at the direction of Trump in 2016 to keep them quiet about their alleged affairs with president a decade earlier. Cohen has said the goal of those payments was to avoid the women's stories affecting the election that year.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York is continuing to investigate those payments. That inquiry, and others related to Trump by the same office, is seen as a serious legal threat to Trump.

Trump has denied having sex with either woman, and has also denied any other wrongdoing.Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk stands on the podium as he attends a forum on startups in Hong Kong, China.

Elon Musk tweeted  then revised  projections for full-year Tesla manufacturing numbers.

The CEO said late Tuesday that Tesla would make "around" 500,000 vehicles in 2019, later clarifying he "meant to say" the company's annualized production rate at the end of 2019 could be around 500,000 vehicles  or a production rate of 10,000 cars per week. Total deliveries for the year are still estimated at 400,000, Musk said.

second tweet

The posts seem unoffensive by Musk's standards, given his penchant for inflammatory tweets. But the incident raises questions about the effectiveness of an SEC fraud settlement and attempts to rein in Musk's online antics.

As part of the company's settlement with the SEC in September  which stemmed from a now-infamous Musk tweet about taking the company private  Tesla was supposed to create a system for monitoring Musk's statements to the public about the company, whether on Twitter, blog posts or any other medium.

"It comes back to, the company is still running like a start-up," Loup Ventures founder Gene Munster told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Wednesday. "This is a $50-60 billion market cap company. This should not be run like a start-up."

It's unclear whether there's a system in place to monitor Musk's tweets about the company. Musk told CBS' "60 Minutes" in December that no one was reading his tweets before he published them.

"I have always had this hope that Elon would change, and I think it's reiterated that he is not going to change," Munster said.

Musk's tweets have proven to move the stock as much as 10 percent in some cases, and invited a defamation lawsuit from a British rescue diver who sparred with Musk online.

Separately Wednesday, Tesla announced its general counsel was leaving the company after only two months on the job. Share prices were down slightly in early trading Wednesday.

Correction: This story was revised to correct the references for the days of the week.

WATCH: Tesla general counsel leaves after 2 months on the jobSilicon Valley billionaire Elon Musk has sounded the death knell for cash. "Paper money is going away," Musk said in a podcast released Tuesday.

"Crypto[currency] is a far better way to transfer value than pieces of paper, that's for sure," Musk said on the "FYI  For Your Innovation" podcast.

In particular, Musk said the technology behind bitcoin is "quite brilliant" and "it seems like there is some merit to ethereum and maybe some of the others."

However, Tesla will not be getting involved with digital currency, because Musk says it's not a good use of the company's resources. Plus, creating or mining cryptocurrency takes a lot of computer power, and therefore electricity.

"I think one of the downsides of crypto is that it, computationally, it is like quite energy intensive," Musk said. "It is very energy intensive to create the incremental bitcoin at this point."

ARK TWEET

Though Musk says he has friends that are "really involved in crypto," in February Musk said he "literally" owns "zero cryptocurrency" other than .25 BTC that someone gave him years ago. (Bitcoin closed trading at $3,924.24 on Tuesday.)

MUSK BITCOIN TWEET

In the tweet, Musk references, @Jack, Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey, who is a proponent of bitcoin.

"The world ultimately will have a single currency, the internet will have a single currency. I personally believe that it will be bitcoin," Dorsey told The Times of London in March. It will happen "probably over 10 years, but it could go faster," he said.

See also:

Elon Musk: Moving to Mars will cost less than $500,000, 'maybe even below $100,000'

Elon Musk: This is the 'why' of Tesla

Meet Tom Mueller: From Idaho logger to SpaceX co-founder who makes Elon Musk's rockets lift off

Like this story? Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube!Embattled German lender Deutsche Bank lost $1.6 billion on a single bond trade that involved insurance from Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, according to The Wall Street Journal. The bank bought a $7.8 billion portfolio of municipal bonds in 2007, according to the report . Deutsche Bank bought default protection on the bonds from Berkshire the following year, paying $140 million in the transaction. In the decade after its purchase, Deutsche Bank managers delayed the recognition of losses on the trade, sparking an internal debate among executives and the bank's auditor, the newspaper reported. The trade had become an albatross for the firm, which ultimately chose to sell the bonds at a loss and retire its Berkshire insurance, recognizing the $1.6 billion loss in 2016.

The bank's executives debated up until last year whether it should have restated previous earnings based on the wrong-way trade, ultimately deciding not to.

"This transaction was unwound in 2016 as part of the closure of our Non-Core Operations" unit, a bank spokesman told the Journal. "External lawyers and auditors reviewed the transaction and confirmed it was in line with accounting standards and practices."

Read the WSJ story here.Deutsche Bank officials were worried enough that President Donald Trump might default on loans after he was elected that the institution considered extending the repayment dates, according to a Bloomberg News report Wednesday.

The Trump Organization had about $340 million in outstanding loans that were to come due in 2023 and 2024, or potentially in the president's second term should he win re-election in 2020. Bank officials worried about the optics of collecting from a sitting president, so they considered pushing out the due dates to 2025, the report said.

Ultimately, the bank apparently decided against taking actions for reasons that are not clear, opting instead to not do any additional business with Trump.British Prime Minister Theresa May departs after speaking at a press conference after attending a special session of the European Council over Brexit on November 25, 2018 in Brussels, Belgium.

Three U.K. lawmakers from Britain's ruling Conservative Party have quit to join a new centrist group in Parliament, saying the government's handling of Brexit has been "disastrous."

The pro-EU lawmakers join the so-called Independent Group founded by former Labour members of parliament on Tuesday.

In what is likely to be seen as a rebuke to Prime Minister Theresa May's efforts to unite the party, Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen announced their resignation in a joint statement on Wednesday.

"We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP," they said, referring to a group of pro-Brexit lawmakers in the Conservative Party and the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party which props up the government in parliament.

"Brexit has re-defined the Conservative party  undoing all the efforts to modernize it. There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hardline ERG, which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy."

It comes as at a time of heightened political tension in Britain, with less than six weeks to go before the world's fifth-largest economy is scheduled to leave the European Union.

"I am saddened by this decision  these are people who have given dedicated service to our party over many years, and I thank them for it," May said in a statement after the decision was made public.

"I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve."A general view of Crown Towers during the Crown Resorts annual general meeting on October 26, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia.

Australia's biggest casino company Crown Resorts reported on Wednesday a sharp decline in spending by wealthy Chinese tourists at its properties, pushing its shares down in their biggest one-day fall in more than two years.

Crown, which is owned 47 percent by billionaire James Packer, also posted a weaker than expected profit for the six months to December. Turnover from "VIPs"  largely Chinese tourists on package holidays  fell 12 percent compared to a 16 percent rise in the year-ago period.

"People at the premium end have been coming to the property in the same numbers but spending less," said Chief Financial Officer Ken Barton on an earnings call.

"We're seeing casual restaurants doing better than premium restaurants," he added.

The decline shows the far-reaching effects of a cooling in Chinese spending that has already driven exporters like Australian vitamin maker Blackmores to lower profit guidance and iPhone maker Apple to issue a revenue warning.

That has been against the backdrop of a China-U.S. trade war and a Sino-Australian diplomatic dispute over accusations of undue political interference.

Shares of Crown fell as much as 6.5 percent on Wednesday, their biggest daily percentage drop since October 2016 when 18 of its staff were arrested in China for breaking local laws by selling gambling trips there. The broader market was down 0.2 percent.

"As a destination for Chinese money, particularly on the discretionary side, we have been putting up a fair barrier," said James McGlew, executive director of corporate stockbroking at Argonaut Ltd.

"There's clearly a mood in China that Australia is a little on the nose. That has to feed through."

Since the China arrests, Crown has pulled back from its Asia expansion plans and instead relied on high-rolling Chinese tourists at home to grow profit.

The company is counting on the VIP market to pay for a new A$2.2 billion casino on the Sydney waterfront.

But while tourist numbers are up  1.4 million Chinese tourists visited Australia in 2018, up 13 percent  the amount they are spending is in decline, says Crown.

"The new Sydney development should help ... but if VIP is weak because China is slowing further, the initial earnings contribution will be weak too once it opens," said Nathan Bell, a portfolio manager at InvestSmart.

Gambling revenue in the Chinese island of Macau, the world's biggest casino destination, fell in January for the first time in more than two years partly due to slowing economic growth and the effects of trade tensions.

Crown gave no outlook on Wednesday for its VIP business.

The company said normalised net profit, which removes variance in win rates, grew less than 1 percent in the half-year to A$194.1 million ($139 million). Pre-tax profit came in at A$432.5 million compared with analyst forecasts of A$450 million.

Normalised revenue fell 1.2 percent, and the company kept its interim dividend steady at 30 Australian cents.

Russia's AvtoVAZ is negotiating the sales of its cars with Iran, head of the International Cooperation and Regional Policy department of Russias state corporation Rostec Viktor Kladov said on the sidelines of the AERO INDIA 2019 exhibition.

He noted that AvtoVAZ has been assembling its cars in Egypt. "Negotiations are underway with a number of other countries, such as Iran." TASS cited Kladov as saying.

"I mean both the sales and the assembling," the head of the International Cooperation and Regional Policy department of Russias state corporation added.Submit a letter to the editor

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Submit a letterFamous film director, chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Russia, Nikita Mikhalkov, spoke about his love for Azerbaijani filmmakers in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza.

"I really love and know Azerbaijani cinematographers very well, a year ago I visited Baku to hold a master class there. We had an idea to film "Griboedov" together with Azerbaijan, and I plan to make this film together with Azerbaijani colleagues," he said.

"Azerbaijan has rich culture. Multinational Baku is a nest of diverse cultures and traditions, diverse humor and excellent quality of cultural works. It applies to music, literature, cinema and so on," Nikita Mikhalkov stressed.

"In this sense, no matter how many times I visited Azerbaijan, I have always found incredibly interesting people, who gave me opportunity to learn more about this wonderful country," famous film director said.

He also recalled that Caucasus was an inspiration for him before. I shot my film 'At Home Among Strangers' in Chechnya and Ingushetia. The entire film was shot there, in the mountains, in the valleys, on the banks of steep rivers, so I love this region very much and I know it very well, Nikita Mikhalkov concluded, adding that right now he is working on resumption of work of the Yalta studio.Beachwood, OH (44122)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.Russia will only recognize the early presidential elections in Venezuela if President Nicolas Maduro is the one to call them, Russian Ambassador to Venezuela Vladimir Zayemsky said, TASS reports.

He reminded that Moscow recognized the results of the May 2018 presidential election, which was attended by observers from various states, including Russia. "The necessity to hold a new presidential election is presented as an ultimatum, with no regard for domestic policy situation in the country and the current Constitution of Venezuela," the diplomat said in response to a question about early presidential elections. "In our opinion, this is direct interference in the internal affairs of the country, and Moscow does not intend to support such an initiative."

"If the decision to hold such elections will be made by Maduro, based on a national dialogue, we see no obstacles in the way of recognizing their results," the diplomat added.

"In this case, a lot will depend on following the principle of free competition of candidates, of a democratic and free electoral process, of adherence to electoral procedures stipulated in the Venezuelan legal framework," the ambassador continued. "So I would not plan too far ahead so far."

In response to a question about potential successors of Maduro (Acting Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez or head of the Constituent National Assembly Diosdado Cabello), the ambassador stated that making predictions does not make a lot of sense currently.Russia and Azerbaijan are able to work together on solving the tasks facing both countries, Russia's Minister of Science and Higher Education Mikhail Kotyukov, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza.

"Our universities have serious contacts at the level of the formation of joint programs, we support this work. Such international cooperation should be developed, it can include both educational and research processes," he noted in the first place.

"The challenges facing the society - both of Russia and Azerbaijan - are the same. We can definitely work together to form teams of young researchers to solve practical problems arising from these challenges," Mikhail Kotyukov stressed.

Such joint teams of scientists, according to the minister, "on the one hand, will look for new solutions, create new technologies, and on the other hand, grow as teams, which can solve important, complex practical tasks."Lake Erie College will offer a new Master of Professional Studies degrees through a partnership at Lakeland Community Colleges Holden University Center. The program offers development of skills such as organizational dynamics, leadership, negotiation and problem solving.Submit your news

We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Submit newsCLEVELAND, Ohio  Wednesday morning Francisco Lindor reported to the Indians training facility early in Goodyear, Ariz. It was another day of rehab on his strained right calf, but in the back of his mind he had to be thinking about Manny Machado.

The same with Indians executives Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff. David Meter, Lindors agent, probably had a thought or two about the subject as well.

Yes, Machado got his 10-year, $300 million free-agent deal from the San Diego Padres, a team that finished last in the NL West with 96 losses last year. Machado, like a lot of free agents the last two years, twisted in the winter wind waiting for a deal. But at 26, young for a free agent, he could afford the twist.

Lindor will be approaching his 28th birthday after the 2021 season when hes eligible for free agency. Still young for a free agent. Whatever hes worth at that time, its almost certain that the Indians wont be able to keep him. Not unless theres been a change in owner Paul Dolans philosophy or hes sold the team and the new owner wants to make a big splash. Theres also a chance Lindor could be traded by then.

On Monday Lindor talked about his situation. Hes a three-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner and has been to the postseason for three straight years. For two years running hes set the franchise record for home runs by a shortstop. Last year he tied AL MVP Mookie Betts as MLBs leader in runs with 129.

Plus hes a happy guy. You wont see him kicking Jesus Aguilars foot at first base like Machado did last year in the NLCS. And its doubtful youll ever hear him talk about jogging to first base because he doesnt believe in false hustle. Thats something Machado admitted to doing last October as well.

But Machado still got paid. So what will the switch-hitting Lindor be worth when its his time for free agency and every interested team knows they can make him the face of their franchise?

Machado plays my position, but he only has one year in it, said Lindor, the day before word on Machados contract surfaced. Everything affects (everything). What I signed for this year is going to affect somebody else in a few years. Whatever someone does up here is going to continue to affect others, either in positive way or a negative way.

When asked about signing an extension with the Indians, Lindor said all the right things, but he was non-committal. He has danced this dance for the last 3 years and hes good at it. While Machados signing may all but guarantee Lindor will be headed out of Cleveland sometime in the next three years, there were a couple of plusses for the Tribe.

No. 1: Machado didnt sign with the White Sox, one of their divisional foes. Right up until Tuesday night they believed Machado was coming to them.

No. 2: Trevor Bauer, with the exception of spring training, wont have to face Machado this year. Machado is a lifetime .643 (9-for-14) hitter against Bauer with four homers and five RBI.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland City Planning Commission has denied a request for a conditional use permit to operate an opiate addiction treatment facility in the former bank building at Larchmere and North Moreland boulevards.

The request was heard Friday (Feb. 15), and the applicants have up to six months to appeal the unanimous decision, with approval needed to allow the facility in what is zoned as a "Pedestrian Retail Overlay District."

The building in question is the former Ohio Savings and AmTrust bank that closed in late 2010 at 2618 North Moreland, bordering Shaker Heights.

It was then bought in the spring of 2012 by Horizon Health Services, which has since moved into the former Grace Lutheran Church on Cedar Road in Cleveland Heights.

Back in December, Cleveland Ward Six Councilman Blaine Griffin expressed his concerns to the Shaker Square Alliance that the drug treatment center was already operating without an occupancy permit.

The only appeal available to the operators at this point may be Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, since the City Board of Zoning Appeals already upheld the notice of violation from the Building and Housing Department over the lack of that permit, Griffin noted.

Griffin believes this could be the first clinic of its kind in Cleveland. Research on licensing in other states has shown that such facilities are generally placed in office and industrial areas, he added.

"There's still a lot of uncertainty about this, and I really wish the occupants would have gone through a significant community engagement process," Griffin said. "We're trying to re-envision Shaker Square, which is largely residential, and keep the integrity of the district intact."

The full name of the facility was listed as "Complete Recovery: Cleveland Suboxone and Addiction Treatment Center" and Griffin said it may have been in operation as far back as last May.

Griffin and others questioned whether the facility was offering actual "surround" treatment or simply dispensing drugs.

There were also complaints about increased panhandling in the area, prompting Griffin to urge residents to show up for the Planning Commission meeting, where the matter was continued in January.

Suboxone is an FDA-approved drug used to treat addiction to opiates such as heroin and painkillers. Officials from the proposed Larchmere clinic were invited to the Feb. 6 meeting of the Shaker Square Alliance to give a presentation but did not attend.

With an appeal possible within 180 days, further questions to City Hall were referred to the law department.COLUMBUS, Ohio -- This Black History Month, progressives would do well to reacquaint themselves with Oedipus Rex.

Most remember Oedipus as the king who murdered his father and married his mother. But the Sophoclean drama of his life ultimately is a tragedy of realization.

Thebes is beset by the plague, because Laius murderer remains at large in the city. Determined to alleviate the suffering of his people, Oedipus summons Tiresias for counsel in his pursuit of the killer.

The prophet, at first, refuses to disclose what he knows. But after Oedipus accuses him of complicity in the crime, Tiresias reveals that it is Oedipus who killed the former king. You yourself are the murderer you seek.

To Oedipus, the revelation is incomprehensible. His hubris prevents him from seeing the awful truth. So, in an ironic fit of rage, he mocks Tiresias blindness, accuses him of conspiracy, and sends him away.

Daniel Gibson is an attorney in Columbus, Ohio.

Today, the left mourns the death of honest racial discourse. But their imperious dogmatism blinds them to the awful truth: They killed it.

Each outbreak of racial discord is met, inevitably, with (mostly) well-meaning calls for more conversations and better understanding. But progressives simply cannot fathom that they could ever be wrong on matters of race.

And if anyone dares question their leftist creed, they respond in a fit of rage, destroying those with the temerity to challenge their orthodoxy by misrepresenting dissident views as moral failures rather than political disagreements.

Twenty-five years ago, Neomi Rao and Ryan Bounds wrote op-eds as undergraduates that were sharply critical of the radical multiculturalism they had witnessed on their campuses. Rao observed the dangers in obsessing over racial identity, warning of the segregationist impulse and strident intolerance that such a fixation breeds. Bounds derided the excesses of militant identity politics and condemned the diversity cabals own use of racial slurs against those who refuse to toe the multiculturalist line.

Rao is now President Donald Trumps nominee to replace Brett Kavanaugh on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Progressives have declared her racially inflammatory articles disqualifying. At her confirmation hearing earlier this month, Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois falsely charged her with claiming that all racial oppression is a myth, while Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, condescendingly implied that her own experience as a minority should dictate her legal views on cases involving race.

Last year, when Bounds was a nominee for a seat on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Senate Democrats denounced his use of racist and offensive language in his college writings  never mind that he had condemned its use by campus progressives against ideological dissenters. President Trump eventually withdrew his nomination.

Rao and Bounds are not alone. Neither is the lefts racial authoritarianism limited to partisan politics.

Then-NBC TV talk show host Megyn Kelly notoriously questioned why donning blackface is considered inherently racist. Claiming to recall that, as a child, that was okay, as long as you were dressing up as, like, a character, she suggested that the intent of the wearer, rather than the offense taken by an observer, is what should matter.

Instead of starting a frank discussion, her statements were deemed racist and she was branded an undercover bigot. The left didnt desire a conversation, only contrition. When some suggested that the resulting outcry was political correctness run amok, one of Kellys NBC colleagues called the assertion disingenuous and just as ignorant and racist as the statement itself.

Question the orthodoxy and youre a racist. Argue that questioning the orthodoxy isnt racist, and youre a racist, too.

To be sure, the opinions expressed by Rao and Bounds were at times perfunctory, their language sometimes callous. Kelly is no paragon of intellectual depth or reflective empathy. Her comments were daftly insensitive.

I offer no paean to any of them. But this is what honest racial dialogue looks like.

Now that blackface scandals have engulfed Democrats who are otherwise faithful progressives, the left still demands resignations. But unlike conservatives, whose sin is dialectical, liberals who have engaged in overtly racist conduct are given the opportunity for redemption. It just takes a singular form: become even more politically progressive on issues of race.

As Jamelle Bouie wrote in The New York Times earlier this month, our political culture ought to expand the offenses that earn the kinds of swift condemnation weve seen over the last few days. Punishing actual racism is not sufficient -- officials behind policies that the left assumes are rooted in prejudice  ought to be forced from office. Just burn the damned heretics.

Oedipus genuinely desired to end the Theban plague. He was, at first, willing to consult the oracles and prophets in aid of his cause. But when those he summoned told him what he didnt want to hear, his pride and instinct for self-preservation kept him from acknowledging the truth, while his city continued to suffer.

Calls for more racial dialogue are all well and good. But progressives must at least be willing to listen to those who believe that the lefts own ideas and behavior are partly responsible for our epidemic of racial enmity. Otherwise, the tragedy of Oedipus will be theirs, and well all be the worse for it.

Disagree? Then so much the better. Just dont call me a racist for making the argument.

Daniel Gibson is an attorney in Columbus, Ohio. The views expressed in this article are his alone.

*************

Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Follow option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com.COLUMBUS, Ohio  Ohio Chief Justice Maureen OConnor, a vocal opponent of last years failed drug crimes ballot measure, on Tuesday described proposals she believes Ohio could undertake to reform criminal justice.

OConnor, a Republican, told reporters at a forum sponsored by the Associated Press that she would like to increase access to treatment through a program that offers intervention in lieu of conviction. She also wants to expand eligibility for expungements, or the sealing of crime records, which makes it easier for people who have turned their lives around to get jobs, she said.

Issue 1, which failed in November, would have prohibited felony charges for possession or use of drugs, kept people out of prison the first two times they were convicted in 24 months, and would have allowed people out of prison early if they attended rehab, among other provisions. OConnor fought against it, arguing it eliminated judicial discretion and would render drug courts ineffective.

We need thoughtful solutions, not just a constitutional amendment, she said Tuesday.

OConnor said that state law would need to be changed to expand access to intervention in lieu of conviction. The program is also called treatment in lieu of conviction. It is different from drug court, which is more costly because addiction specialists and other professionals are part of the program. Drug court can take years to complete. Not everyone needs that level of attention, which is why intervention in lieu of conviction can be effective, OConnor said.

If a judge declines a defendants application for treatment in lieu of conviction, OConnor said she would like in writing the reasons why. That would continue to preserve judicial discretion, but requiring a justification for a rejection would increase access to the program, she said.

Stephen JohnsonGrove, an attorney for the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, which advocated for Issue 1, said its easy for a defendant to get bumped out of intervention in lieu of conviction programs.

A prosecutor can veto your participation, a judge can veto your participation without explanation, he said. I think shes right, requiring at least some explanation would nudge gently and encourage courts about whether they need to exclude people.

In October, Senate Bill 66 went into effect, which changed expungement eligibility. People can have up to five nonviolent fourth- and fifth-degree felonies and there is no limit on the number of misdemeanor convictions to be eligible for their records to be sealed, JohnsonGrove said.

We heartily would support expanding further sealing and expansion of criminal expungement, he said.

OConnor told reporters that many people who have the disease of addiction will commit several crimes.

Realistically, recidivism is part of the disease, she said.

Records of criminal convictions limit peoples job opportunities. But work can give people a sense of purpose and self-esteem, she said.

We know that employment can be a critical aspect to recovery, she said.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Charles Stack, the founder and CEO of Flashstarts, knows its hard to explain blockchain. So Flashstarts, a local venture fund and business accelerator, is sponsoring a blockchain roadshow to travel around Northeast Ohio and expand the idea.

Blockchain is a online ledger system which can be used to record transactions securely. Advocates laud the potential of the new technology for applications in government records, banking, hospital administration and more.

If youre interested in blockchain but dont know how it works or how to get involved, you can attend blockchain roadshow sessions at venues like Cleveland State University, Bounce Innovation Hub and more.

Stack has explained blockchain and its potential plenty of times.

He got involved with Blockland, Clevelands blockchain movement, when it began last summer. Flashstarts announced during Clevelands first blockchain conference in December it would create $6 million pre-seed fund for blockchain startups. Stack was recently a panelist on a City Club of Cleveland panel about whats next for the Blockland movement.

Any new, disruptive technology is hard to understand technically unless youre a technologist, he said. Its difficult to explain in lay terms because were not sure how this is going to turn out, like the Internet in the 90s.

The Flashstarts events will explain blockchains basics and some of its applications, but Stack says sessions will also detail ways that people can explore blockchain.

Maybe the sessions will just get people talking about blockchain and spread the message, which is a good step, Stack said. Or maybe theyll inspire someone to buy a small amount of Bitcoin, open a cryptocurrency wallet or try to use blockchain to solve their workplace problems.

The sessions will also share information about the Flashstarts seed fund, an upcoming accelerator program and internship program.

Scheduled stops are:

Cleveland Public Library (downtown): Feb. 26th, 1 p.m.

Kent State University Library: Feb. 26, 5 p.m.

LaunchHouse (Highland Heights): Feb. 27, 1:30 p.m.

Hudson Library: March 5, 7 p.m

Youngstown Business Incubator: March 6, 2 p.m.

Bounce Innovation Hub: March 13, 5 p.m.

Lakewood Country Club: March 14, 6 p.m.

For more information, visit the Flashstarts website.CLEVELAND, OhioNortheast Ohios infrastructure is in about the same sorry shape as the rest of the nations, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. In recent report cards, the society gave both the region and the nation a D+.

So local leaders called today for more investment in the regions mostly decades-old roads, bridges, sewers, school buildings and other infrastructure. For starters, local report card co-chair Ed Adamzyck endorsed Governor DeWines call earlier in the week to raise the states long-stagnant gas tax.

At a society conference today, leaders put pressure not on local officials but state and federal ones. Our local agencies are generally doing a tremendous job with the resources available to them, said Gina Beim, the report cards chair.

In a video, Senator Sherrod Brown told a society gathering today that President Trump promised to rebuild our infrastructure. We havent seen any progress from him. He promised to push for the promise to be kept with American workers and American materials.

Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, who leads the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, said, This is not rocket science. If you have the money and the commitment, you can have infrastructure that works and goes into the future.

The societys Cleveland Section spent two years reviewing Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. It gave the region a C- for bridges, D+ for dams, C- for drinking water, D for energy infrastructure, D+ for roads, D for schools and D+ for wastewater pipes and treatment plants.

Leaders said C structures are mediocre and due for repair. Ds are poor and overdue.

The conference took place at the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, which helps governments in the same five counties plan and fund transportation and environmental work. NOACAs leader, Grace Gallucci, spent the morning testifying in Columbus against proposed cuts in the state transportation budget. In a message left behind, she told conferees, Our infrastructure is a vital contributor to our economy and quality of life. It needs significant investment to keep Northeast Ohio globally competitive.Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani expressed the countrys readiness to further cement and expand ties with China.

Speaking at a meeting with the chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee of China, Li Zhanshu, Larijani said that Iran and China have always had friendly relations and have supported each other in different periods.

He also highlighted that the visit aims to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two Asian countries.

Larijani left Tehran for Beijing on February 18, heading a high-level governmental official, including the Iranian oil minister, minister of foreign affairs, minister of economy and finance, and CEO of Central Bank of Iran, the Mehr news agency reported.CLEVELAND, Ohio  Cuyahoga Countys Board of Control is expected Monday to consider a Law Department request to spend up to $140,000 on lawyers to help the county comply with the latest subpoena from corruption investigators.

But the Law Department has received permission to begin this week searching for temporary legal services that could assist with reviewing 160 gigabytes of data sought earlier this month by investigators.

The county faces a March 1 deadline to deliver the records to the grand jury that has been investigating possible corruption in county government for nearly a year.

None of 16 earlier subpoenas from investigators had sought so much information. County Executive Armond Budish, and one of his lawyers, Steve Dettelbach, have estimated the subpoena seeks 800,000 to 1 million records.

The subpoena demands Budishs email account, all phone records of former jail director Ken Mills, as well as the email accounts of Brandy Carney, chief of public safety and justice, Maggie Keenan, director of the Office of Budget and Management, Ed Morales, director of human resources and labor relations and Douglas Dykes, chief talent officer.

The extra lawyers would help identify records protected under attorney-client privilege or laws governing medical records, Assistant Law Director Jonathan McGory told the Board of Control earlier this week.

The lawyers also would help process public records requests for the same information that the grand jury has requested, according to a summary of the request that was submitted to the board.

McGory said the Law Department intends to spend as little of the $140,000 as possible so that money will remain available if the county continues to receive additional subpoenas.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Case Western Reserve University wants freshman engineering students to learn -- and feel -- like engineers.

That can be difficult because many college freshmen declare an engineering major without knowing their specific career goals. Engineering has many subsets, including aeronautical, civil, material and electrical, all of which lead to very different careers.

On top of that, engineering students are still predominantly male and white. So when a woman or a person of color starts college, they can feel isolated.

CWRU engineering professors are designing new required courses to begin in 2020. About 17 students are taking a pilot of the class this spring.

The sequence runs over two semesters. In the first course, students work together to design and build different projects, which introduce students to different types of engineering. Instructors rotate based on their speciality.

For example, students in the course will build a water filter. They will then compete to see who can make the cleanest water, but also will use previous lessons to measure the waters properties themselves. This course better introduces students to the type of thinking and work theyll do as engineering students, said Kurt Rhoads, an assistant professor who is teaching the pilot course.

Working together will help students, especially those from underrepresented groups, feel less alone.

If you have a community of people around you, and you feel like youre already an engineer, youre more likely to break through problems and still graduate, Rhoads said.

The courses second semester will take problems posed by local industries or nonprofits and challenge students to design solutions. Students will treat the organizations like clients and work within real-world constraints.

CWRU received $20,000 for the program as part of a grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation to expand undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

This story previously stated CWRU received a $1 million grant to develop the course sequence. It has been corrected to show that CWRU received part of the $1 million grant.Q: I was trying to research Ohio BMV policy on State ID documentation and I saw your article from last July. My husband and I recently moved back to Ohio after living and working in another state for several years and I need to get an Ohio drivers license and vehicle registration. I just returned from the University Heights Ohio BMV office.

Im concerned because my personal documents (including my birth certificate and Social Security card) were scanned. The person who made the scan did not seem to know where the scans actually go. One person said, it goes to corporate and another said its for Homeland Security -- but they couldnt name a system or entity. Im worried about identity theft -- even if the scans are appropriate, and the systems are secure, it seems the Registrar personnel should be able to explain that to citizens.

BMV registrars are contractors (rather than state employees) and some of their employees seemed undertrained. They do not inform you that your personal documents will be scanned -- it happens without warning or consent. How can a citizen know if these scans are appropriate and the systems are secure? There is no signage alerting customers to this if it is policy.

Even though the staff at the BMV office seemed nice enough, there was a lot of disruption and distraction during the process along with sloppy handwriting, missed steps and misunderstandings.

For example, she did not mark my application as a conversion from an Oregon license to an Ohio license -- only as a new Ohio license. I had to insist on her documenting the application as a conversion from another state license. She further, did not take any information or mark my Oregon license. When I asked the woman who took my new license photo what I should do with my Oregon license, she marked it with a punch card. Otherwise it was as if my other state license was not considered at all.

Should I be worried? I cant find anything on the BMV website that addresses the process or these issues.

A.J., Cleveland Heights

A: This is another example of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles botching its rollout last year of compliant IDs to allow the IDs to be used to board airplanes and enter federal buildings starting next year.

Each BMV employee who scans documents should know how or where theyre stored. I asked the BMV. Spokeswoman Lindsey Bohrer said this:

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles issues driver license and identification cards based upon requirements from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), federal DPPA (Drivers Privacy Protection Act) laws, the Department of Homeland Security and the Real ID Act of 2005.

Documents are scanned for all individuals at the time of an initial drivers license /ID and when receiving a compliant DL/ID to name a few, Bohrer said. The database, housed by the Department of Public Safety, meets all federal requirements for the security of such data.

All employees handling these source documents have received an FBI and BCI background check, she added.

Q: I have an issue with your recent column about how widows and widowers handle getting credit after their spouse dies. When my husband died in 2012, I accessed his credit reports, then notified the three credit bureaus. I contacted a few of our credit cards, at which time, one canceled my card because I was only an authorized user. Citicard said since we had had it for nearly 20 years, I could keep theirs. I used it for two years, not very often. Later, when I called to cancel a Sears card, which of course is powered by Citicard, they caught the other card and canceled it.

So I question your response that they would allow the widow in your column to keep her husband's accounts.

Fortunately, my husband had the foresight to have me get the Costco American Express card in my name. And when Costco changed to Citicard in 2016, they automatically transferred me to a Citicard account. Since it is only good while I maintain a Costco membership, I requested and received a new American Express card. With these and seldom-used Target and J.C. Penney cards in my name (also acquired by me before 2012), my score remains around 800.

B.C., North Ridgeville

A: Im sorry for your loss and all of the legal and financial hassles that come with the death of a spouse. Its a lot and it takes a long time to unwind your spouses dealings.

However, I never said banks will definitely allow people to keep an account in their deceased spouses name. I never suggested asking the bank for permission. My advice was to try to add yourself to one or two of your spouses oldest accounts by adding your name as an authorized user online. If you can create an account or log into the account online, you should be able to do this. If you want to do this and keep this card and continue to use it, you shouldnt notify this particular bank that your husband died. Heres my column from last week: https://www.cleveland.com/moneymatters/2019/02/new-widow-wants-to-establish-credit-in-her-own-name-money-matters.html

Im not suggesting that you lie to do this or resort to getting a male friend or relative to post as your husband on the phone to get you added. But if you can add yourself online, then do it.

In your case, you did the responsible thing by notifying the credit bureaus of your husbands death. I wouldnt have necessarily notified the credit card issuers until you decided whether you wanted to try to keep any of them.

You were in a much better position than many surviving spouses because you had an American Express card in your name as well as a couple of retail cards. Many surviving spouses -- typically women -- find themselves with no credit history after their husbands die.

The lesson here is for couples of any age to make sure they have a couple of joint accounts or that each partner has a couple of accounts in their own name.CLEVELAND, Ohio  A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the rape and robbery of a 51-year-old woman at a downtown parking garage last week.

Police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia says the unidentified male was arrested at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on the 2400 block of East 37th Street by officers with the Gang Impact Unit and the Neighborhood Impact Community Engagement Unit.

Police did not release further details Tuesday night.

The victim was attacked at about 7 p.m. Thursday at the parking garage at 630 Prospect Avenue, across the street from Quicken Loans Arena.

The woman told police a male attacked her as she walked into the garage and sexually assaulted her.

According to police, she says she was forced her into her car. She tried to drive away but crashed. The man stole other items from the woman and ran, police say.

To comment on this story, visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments page.CLEVELAND, Ohio  Authorities are searching for a man who robbed a PNC Bank on Tuesday morning on the East Side.

According to the FBI, the man walked into the PNC Bank at 4005 Chester Ave. at 11:46 a.m. and handed the note a teller demanding money and warning her not to press the alarm button.

The man left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money, heading southwest across Chester Avenue. No vehicle was seen.

No one was injured during the robbery.

The suspect is approximately 50 years old, 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8, with a thin build, blue eyes and stubble beard. He was wearing a black knit hat, black sweat shirt with a Regent Charter School logo on the left breast, blue jeans, and possibly black Nike shoes with a white swoosh and gray or green accents.

Anyone with information can contact the Cleveland Division of the FBI, Cleveland Police or Crimestoppers. Tips can remain anonymous.

Reward money is available for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of the suspect, including up to $5,000 from PNC.

The suspect is seen in the PNC Bank on Tuesday.

To comment on this story, visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments page.CLEVELAND, Ohio  Police say a 13-year-old girl who left her home in the Hough neighborhood Tuesday night following a family argument has been found safe.

Police had been concerned Ajainah Ferguson could be in distress because she has asthma and left her home on the 1600 block of East 84th Street without her inhaler.

Police did not say where Ajainah was found early Wednesday morning.

To comment on this story, visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments page.AKRON, Ohio  Police arrested two teen males Monday night by tracking footprints in the snow to a residence after a reported robbery.

Officers were called to the 500 block of Inman Street at about 6 p.m. The victims tell police they were in their car in the driveway of a vacant house when an unknown suspect opened a door and got in the vehicle.

Police say the suspect pulled out a handgun and demanded the victims money and belongings. The victims refused and the suspect fired a shot into the back seat, police say.

The suspect then grabbed a purse from a female in the vehicle and ran from the car.

Officers were able to follow footprints in the snow, leading them to another residence on Inman Street. The officers knocked on the door, which was answered by a 16-year-old male who was a suspect in a previous robbery. He was arrested without incident.

The homeowner allowed officers to search the house and a 9mm handgun was found in the dryer in the basement, police say. A 14-year-old male in the home was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and having a weapon while under disability, according to police.

The 14-year-old is being held in the Summit County Detention Center.

To comment on this story, visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments page.MEDINA, Ohio -- The Medina City School District's Board of Education voted unanimously to approve of a purchase of real estate. The district will purchase the home at 347 N. Huntington Street to use in a land exchange with the City of Medina for the Bowman House at 625 Bowman Lane.

The district will pay $65,000 for the 0.63 acre lot, which is adjacent Ray Mellert Park. The city is interested in the property on N. Huntington so that they can use the lot to expand parking at the park. The school currently uses the Bowman House as the facility for its special needs program. The city currently leases the home to the district. After the board purchases the property, Medina City Council will still have to approve the land swap.

Superintendent Aaron Sable said at the Board of Education meeting that the Bowman House currently serves over 20 students, and that the district running its own special needs program saves the district money. Sable said other districts without this type of facility generally send their special needs students outside of the district.

"You could be talking up towards $100,000 per student to provide those type of academics (when sending them out of the district)" Sable said."

Sable said the district is large enough to provide those services in house, saving the district money. The Bowman House in particular is well suited for the purpose he said, because of the large hallways and doorways in the home.

After doing research, Sable said the district found buying a new suitable home for the program would cost at least $100,000, and include the additional cost of making that home handicap accessible, which the Bowman House already is.

"The original cost for (the Bowman House land) I was told is well over $200,000," Sable said. "So $65,000 is a good price.

The Bowman House was originally owned by the school district, but was swapped with Medina for land to build Eliza Northrop Elementary. Mayor Dennis Hanwell said the city wanted the Bowman property so that it could widen Bowman Lane, as well as change its direction to align it with Woodland Drive, creating a 4-way intersection.

The Bowman property is much larger than the .63 acres the house on North Huntington sits on, but the school, in principal, would only swap for the land the Bowman House sits on. This would leave the city enough land to still widen Bowman Lane in the future.

"Our plan is too angle that road around the house across the front yard and then make a T-intersection there to where both sides benefit from the traffic light," Hanwell said.

Hanwell said that before the land swap is done, the schools will be responsible for demolishing the house on the N. Huntington property and restoring the lot. Then the city would be responsible for extending the parking lot.

"There's such limited parking there that the people end up spilling over then onto the side streets, or some people choose not to rent it because of the limited parking," Hanwell said. "So this will really accomplish quite a bit for us by being able to extend that parking."

Hanwell said both projects -- the Bowman Lane widening and Ray Mellert parking lot extension -- will most likely wait until the city can find grant money to fund them.LYNDHURST, Ohio -- Theft by deception, Mayfield Road: At 11:35 a.m. Feb. 15, a Beachwood woman, 78, reported that she was approached by scam artists while at the Aldi grocery store, 5144 Mayfield Road.

The woman fell victim to a scam and lost $20,100.

Psychiatric situation, Haverston Road: Four times, from Feb. 11-17, police were called to a home where a man was experiencing difficulties with his former fiance.

The woman, 33, who had recently been released from a facility where she was receiving help for her mental distress, had returned to live at the man's home. On the evening of Feb. 17, the man asked for police help, stating that the woman was tearing up the house and arguing with him. The man wanted her removed from his house.

On Feb. 12, the man reported that the woman was not taking her medication and was arguing with him and refusing to leave. Although the man had agreed to allow the woman to keep living with him after the first three episodes, he told police after the Feb. 17 incident that he would no longer do so.

No charges were filed, but police advised the man that another call could result in someone being cited.

Psychiatric situation, Churchill Road: At 2:15 p.m. Feb. 17, a man, 37, reported that he ran to his home from a Cleveland address and that, as he did, someone shot at him.

The man asked to schedule an EMS squad ride to Hillcrest Hospital. There is no evidence that someone had shot at the man. EMS did take the man to the hospital for evaluation.

OVI, Mayfield Road: At 2:30 a.m. Feb. 16, police stopped a car that was seen weaving between lanes.

The driver, a Mayfiled Heights woman, 28, was found to be intoxicated and was charged with OVI.

Possession of drug paraphernalia, Richmond Road: At 11:15 p.m. Feb. 15, an officer stopped a car that was showing fictitious plates.

The driver, a Lyndhurst woman, 27, was found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and her car towed.

DUS, Cedar Road:

At 8:35 a.m. Feb. 13, police stopped a car driven by a man with a suspended license.

The South Euclid man, 27, was cited for DUS and was found to be wanted on a South Euclid police warrant. He was arrested and his car towed.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 3:15 a.m. Feb. 12, police arrested a woman, 59, of Novelty, and her daughter, 27, of Streetsboro, for stealing goods worth $163 from Giant Eagle, 25105 Cedar Road.

Assist person, Richmond Road: At 11:30 p.m. Feb. 11, a woman called Lyndhurst police from CVS/Pharmacy, 1443 Richmond Road, and told the dispatcher that she wanted to speak with the officer in charge, but would not state why she wanted to speak with him.

An officer went to the store and spoke with the woman. The woman asked the officer for bus fare to her home. The woman did not live in Lyndhurst or a surrounding community. When the officer would not give the woman money, she again called for the officer in charge, but had her message sent to voicemail.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Robin Swoboda is headed back to WKYC Channel 3.

The Cleveland broadcasting icon will host Going Rogue with Robin Swoboda on the stations YouTube channel.

Im so excited, Swoboda said during an appearance on Channel 3s morning show Wednesday. Its going to be so much fun.

According to the station, the show will feature Swoboda interviewing the hottest celebrities and biggest newsmakers in town.

Robin has a gift for bringing out the quirkiest, honesty and very best in people, WKYCs Director of News Content Adam Miller said in a statement. Robins signature wit, warmth, charm and humor will continue to connect and resonate with viewers in Northeast Ohio.

Swoboda left WKYC in 2014 after three years as co-anchor of the 7 p.m. newscast. Shes also anchored the news and hosted Morning Exchange at WEWS Channel 5. Her Cleveland career began in 1986 at WJW Channel 8, where she, Tim Taylor, Dick Goddard and Casey Coleman formed perhaps the citys most distinguished anchor team ever.Irakli Kobakhidze, Executive Secretary of the Georgian Dream party, says that the ruling team continues to work on the fourth wave of judicial reform, InterPressNews reports.

As Kobakhidze said after the partys political board session today, the "Georgian Dream" calls on all the interested parties to get involved in the discussion of the fourth wave of reform.

"The ruling team continues to work on the fourth wave of judicial reform. A wide range of interested parties, including our international partners - the Council of Europe Office, the US Embassy, representatives of the EU and the German International Cooperation Society, are involved in the working process. With our joint effort, the fourth phase of the reform, which includes the issues related to the reform of the High Council of Justice and High School of Justice, disciplinary proceedings and overcrowded courts, will be immediately renewed and unconditionally completed by the end of the current parliamentary session. The issue of lifetime appointment of judges will also be discussed in the same format. We urge anyone who is actually interested in the strengthening of the independence of the judicial system to get openly and constructively engaged in the discussion on the fourth wave of the reform...The ruling team will act in accordance with the interests of the state and society and will create all conditions to ensure the independence of the judiciary and to increase public confidence in it," said Irakli Kobakhidze.CLEVELAND, Ohio  Ohio City Pizzeria is being transformed into a non-profit entity with opening slated for late spring.

The pizzeria, which closed last April, is scheduled to open with dine-in and delivery service for lunch and dinner.

Last year, the West Side Catholic Center acquired the building at 3223 Lorain Ave., where the pizzeria is located. John Litten, the centers executive director, said in a release the pizzeria will be reopened as a non-profit limited liability company. Ohio City Pizzeria will train and hire clients of the WSCC.

The reopening will fall under the tutelage of Brandon Chrostowski, founder of Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Shaker Square. Edwins trains recently incarcerated individuals to work in all aspects of the restaurant business. Last year, Chrostowski opened Edwins Butcher Shop in Cleveland's Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood with a similar second-chance focus. He also consulted on the opening of Serenite in Medina. That restaurant helps those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

Chrostowski is working with the West Side Catholic Center on interior design, decor, menu creation, hiring and training.

We recognized that we had a unique opportunity to reopen a popular eatery that will feed the local community, while supporting economic growth initiatives," Litten said in the release. "In addition, Ohio City Pizzeria will help the West Side Catholic Center serve people in need of food, clothing, shelter, advocacy and a path to self-sufficiency.

The pizzeria will offer Italian favorites and contemporary cuisine, including pizzas, pastas, calzones, soups and salads, as well as sandwich and vegetable options. A full-service bar will be available.

The West Side Catholic Center was established in 1977 and offers meals, hospitality, clothing, emergency services and other support for the needy, regardless of religious affiliation.

Related coverage

Edwins Butcher Shop opens

What Serenite is about

Dining review: Serenite

Dining review: Edwins Butcher ShopCLEVELAND, Ohio -- Thursday Roger Stone will appear in a hearing before Judge Amy Berman Jackson to try and explain how he did not violate a gag order and terms of his release by posting a threatening photo of Judge Jackson on Instagram.

Monday, Stone posted a picture of Jackson with a rifle's crosshairs next to her head. The photo was captioned with the following message to his Instagram followers.

"Through legal trickery Deep State hitman Robert Mueller has guaranteed that my upcoming show trial is before Judge Amy Berman Jackson, an Obama appointed Judge who dismissed the Benghazi charges against Hillary Clinton and incarcerated Paul Manafort prior to his conviction for any crime. #fixisin. Help me fight for my life at @StoneDefenseFund.com"

Before deleting the entire post and his attorneys filing a formal apology in court, Stone first tried re-posting the photo without the crosshairs, blamed a volunteer for the picture selection, then attempted to explain it away as a misinterpretation.

"A photo of Judge Jackson posted on my Instagram has been misinterpreted. This was a random photo taken from the Internet. Any inference that this was meant to somehow threaten the Judge or disrespect court is categorically false."

"What some say are cross hairs are in fact the logo of the organization that originally posted it something called corruption central. They use the logo in many photos.

In the formal apology filed in court, Stone wrote:

"Please inform the Court that the photograph and comment today was improper and should not have been posted. I had no intention of disrespecting the Court and humbly apologize to the Court for the transgression."

Stone told The Washington Post that a volunteer had created the post at his direction. Who was the volunteer? Don Jr.?

Paul Manafort was remanded to jail by Judge Jackson after it was found he attempted to tamper with witnesses.

Following his convictions in two cases, Manafort faces prison sentences of 19 to 24 years in both.

You would have thought that seeing what happened to Manafort would make Stone think twice about authorizing the threatening and inciting Jackson post, it did not.

Manafort's attempted witness tampering, communicating with the Trump administration and Ukraine while under his plea deal, and Stone's Instagram post, all follow a pattern of Trump and his associates thinking they're above the law and can outsmart prosecutors. One by one they are finding out that's not the case.

Stone is in blatant contempt of court. His conditional release should be revoked. Lock him up!CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Video released Wednesday shows an admitted arsonist and domestic abuser punch his attorney in the face after a judge sentenced him to nearly five decades in prison.

The video, captured by a Cuyahoga County sheriffs deputys body camera, shows David Chislton sucker-punch lawyer Aaron Brockler during his sentencing hearing Tuesday in Common Pleas Court Judge Nancy Margaret Russos courtroom.

The two-minute video also captures the ensuing scrum as courtroom security pounced on Chislton to subdue him.

The incident, first reported by cleveland.com Tuesday, stunned those in the courtroom, and resulted in Brockler being taken to MetroHealth to be treated for a concussion.

Common Pleas Court Administrative Judge John J. Russo said in an emailed statement through a spokesman late Tuesday that he was thankful Brockler wasnt more seriously hurt and wished him a speedy recovery.

This incident is a reminder that the safety of our employees, citizens and anyone else in our courtrooms should be a top priority, he said. We thank the deputies and others who responded during the incident for their quick actions, and we encourage the sheriffs department to fully review safety protocols for court proceedings.

Witnesses in the courtroom told cleveland.com Tuesday that Chislton was cuffed with his hands in front of him, instead of behind him, as is more customary.

Chislton spurred an hours-long police standoff in 2017 when he pistol-whipped his girlfriend and set his apartment complex on fire after she accused him of sexually abusing a teenage girl. Chislton also is accused of killing a dog.

He later pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated arson, felonious assault, domestic violence and cruelty against a companion animal.

Russo sentenced Chislton Tuesday to 47 years in prison. He received credit for the two years hes spent behind bars since his April 2017 arrest.

To comment on this story, please visit Wednesdays crime and courts comments page.GREEN, Ohio -- A U.S. Marshals Service task force arrested a man Wednesday after a two-hour SWAT standoff in Green.

Thomas Piispanen, 31, was wanted by New Franklin police on charges of burglary and aggravated menacing after a Tuesday afternoon incident at his ex-girlfriends home, U.S. Marshals spokeswoman Anne Murphy said in a statement.

Piispanen also had active warrants out of Summit and Stark counties, according to a Summit County Sheriffs Office spokesman.

Members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force worked with police to locate Piispanen at a home on the 1200 block of East Turkeyfoot Lake Road in Green near Akron, Murphy said.

After police reported that Piispanen made threats to law enforcement and refused to leave the home, the Summit County Sheriffs Offices SWAT Team was called to the scene.

Sheriffs deputies made several attempts to talk with Piispanen, and after two hours, entered the home and arrested him, Murphy said.

Law enforcement seized five firearms from the home, Murphy said.

This fugitive not only posed a serious threat to the community but also to any law enforcement officer he came into contact with, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in a statement.

A portion of East Turkeyfoot Lake Road was closed during the incident.

To comment on this story, visit Wednesdays crime and courts comment section.CLEVELAND, Ohio  A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday says a so-called nuisance ordinance on the books in Bedford is unconstitutional because the city uses it discriminate and make housing unavailable for minorities, women and people with disabilities who call the police.

The lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio and the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland says the suburb southeast of Cleveland has one of the harshest laws on the books in the country and that it targets black residents, the majority of whom are renters.

The law allows officials to designate somebody a nuisance after the law is alleged to be broken two times on a property or in the city, even if the tenant is not the one at fault. The letters designating a property a nuisance are sent to the landlord and not the tenant, and the lawsuit says the citys threatens the landlord with fines and criminal prosecution.

The ordinance does not distinguish between an offender and a complainant, according to the suit.

In fact, Bedfords most common application of the Ordinance is to threaten or penalize property owners when their tenants seek such assistance, the lawsuit states.

(You can read the lawsuit here or at the bottom of this story.)

The ACLU and Legal Aid Society represent Beverley Somai, a woman and immigrant from Guyana facing eviction from her apartment in Bedford because she called police for help with her downstairs neighbor who was frequently noisy and who intimidated her and her family.

Somai, who receives federal assistance for the housing she lives in with an adult son with disabilities, called police several times on her neighbor. The city sent the landlord a letter on Dec. 19. Somai received an eviction notice on Dec. 28, with the police letter attached, the lawsuit states.

Her eviction hearing is set for Friday.

The lawsuit says Bedford violated Somais free speech, due process and equal protection rights and asks a federal judge to strike down the ordinance.

Among the attorneys working on the lawsuit is Joseph Mead, a Cleveland State University professor who frequently works with the ACLU. It piggybacks on a research paper Mead, the ACLU and other CSU professors and masters and doctoral-level students published in 2017 regarding the local laws.

The report said more than 20 communities in Cuyahoga County have what are known as criminal activity nuisance ordinances. Cities use the ordinances to penalize property owners when police or emergency responders are repeatedly called.

The ACLU and Legal Aid Society said Somais case is not an isolated incident.

"People should be able to pick-up the phone and call police for help, Legal Aid Society attorney Jennifer Sheehe said in a press release statement. Laws should not be used to penalize, deter, and harass ordinary residents for exercising rights under the United States and Ohio Constitutions to speak about their concerns, ask for police assistance, and petition the government for redress of grievances.

Bedford city lawmakers passed the ordinance in 2005 and tweaked it in subsequent years, with the most recent change coming in 2017. The lawsuit says the ordinance was passed while the suburbs demographics were shifting and more black people were moving in.

It references statements then-Mayor Dan Pocek made to a Plain Dealer reporter for a January 2006 article regarding a culture clash and a quest to preserve what he and officials in other cities refer to as the suburbs quality of life.

The ACLU and Legal Aid Society say Bedford officials, all of whom were white, passed the law because they were fearful of black people moving into Bedford.

Bedford Law Director John Montello said Wednesday that he first heard about the lawsuit through an email sent by a cleveland.com reporter. He declined immediate comment on the lawsuit, though said he cannot recall either the ACLU or the Legal Aid Society recently contacting him with concerns about the ordinance.

The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John Adams in Akron.CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- With a long list of recommendations from the Charter Review Commission on its way to City Council and possibly the November ballot, a newly-formed citizens group is taking matters into its own hands.

Citizens for an Elected Mayor will hold its first forum at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27 in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Main Library, 2345 Lee Road, to discuss what would be a separate ballot initiative.

An elected mayor is not one of the recommended amendments being put forth by the Charter Review Commission, which wrapped up Feb. 7 after meeting roughly twice a month -- sometimes more -- for over a year.

Last June, the commission voted 11-2 to stick with the "Council-Manager" form of government that has been in place since the original City Charter was adopted in 1921.

"Currently, the Cleveland Heights mayor is a member of City Council, selected by the other council members, and serving part-time in a largely ceremonial role," a Monday (Feb. 18) press release from the Citizens for an Elected Mayor states.

Among its more than 100 recommended amendments, the Charter Review Commission has suggested officially removing the titles of "mayor" and "vice mayor" in favor of "council president" and "vice president."

Also recommended by the commission is a formal declaration of a "Council-City Manager" form of government in Cleveland Heights.

The city manager is hired by council and handles the day-to-day operations, although the Charter Review Commission further recommends "broader, more flexible authority" for the manager -- and council -- to guide the city.

"Members of the (ballot initiative) group contend that a full-time, elected mayor, serving as the city's chief executive, would be more accountable, effective and responsive to citizens," their press release noted.

The local ballot issue committee, registered through the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, argues that an elected mayor "could provide leadership that is decisive, agile and bold enough to address challenges facing Cleveland Heights - challenges that similar suburbs with elected mayors are addressing more effectively."

To get the initiative on the ballot, the Citizens for an Elected Mayor will need signatures from at least 10 percent of the total number of voters in the last election, which adds up to 2,119.

With Oxford resident Tony Cuda serving as campaign manager, Michael Bennett as secretary, and his fellow Coventry Village resident Len Friedson as treasurer, the group has set a goal of collecting at least 3,200 signatures.

If that happens, the initiative could be running right alongside any proposed amendments from the Charter Review Commission, once they are approved by City Council.

As far as the findings of the Charter Review Commission, Cuda said that many committee members attended those meetings and came to a different conclusion based on the evidence presented from citizens, developers and mayors from other cities.

"The facts clearly showed housing values and economic development to be lagging behind our suburban neighbors while the number of abandoned properties in Cleveland Heights was much higher," Cuda said.

He noted that all of Cleveland Heights' neighbors have active, full-time mayors.

"We believe a full-time elected mayor will be more accountable, responsive and decisive in dealing with these issues," Cuda said.

And in checking with the county election board,

if two amendments are on the ballot and there is conflicting language in those amendments, "the one with the most votes wins," Cuda added.

Sought for comment, City Law Director Jim Juliano said Tuesday that "it is possible that an initiative would be on the ballot that may contradict another ballot issue -- such as the recommendations of the Charter Review Commission -- depending upon several legal and procedural factors."

Other organizers of the Citizens for an Elected Mayor include Mark Chupp of Coventry, Rhonda Davis-Lovejoy of Boulevard, Susan Efroymson of Severance-Taylor, Jeanne Gordon of Fairfax, Judith Miles of Noble, Loretta Feller and Bob Rivera, both from Cedar-Fairmount.

Councilman Kahlil Seren noted at the Feb. 4 Committee of the Whole meeting that he had been approached about attending a gathering at a home concerning a push for an elected mayor, with a public meeting coming up at the library.

In addition to the Feb. 27 forum at the CH-UH main library, a followup meeting hosted by the Citizens for an Elected Mayor is set for 7 p.m. on March 14 at the Noble Neighborhood Branch Library, 2800 Noble Road.

For more information, visit

or emailCHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio - Traffic Stop, American Street: After almost striking a police car, a teen driver was warned for failure to yield to oncoming traffic at a stop sign 3:42 p.m. Feb. 9. The 16-year-old's parents were notified of the warning.

Warrant Arrest, West Washington Street: Officers arrested a Cleveland man Feb. 11 for failure to appear in court for a traffic violation. He was detained by Portage County deputies and was met by Chagrin Falls officers who took him to the Bedford jail.

Suspicious, Olive Street: A man reported young women out soliciting door to door 8:37 p.m. Feb. 12 for a utility company. The resident thought it was too late for solicitors. An officer checked the area and found the solicitors who had a proper permit. It was determined they were not violating any rules.

Assist Fire Department, Falls Road: Police and fire fighters responded to a residential alarm shortly before 9 p.m. Feb.13. There was no fire. Smoke was caused by a fireplace downdraft.

Welfare Check, Maplewood Road: Geauga County Department on Aging asked police to check on a woman Feb. 11 after she did not answer the door for meals deliveries. She was found to be fine, and was busy at the time the meals were being delivered.AKRON, Ohio -- FirstEnergy Corp. made a net profit of $981 million in 2018 after paying expenses and taxes. Total sales were $11.3 billion.

The earnings, reported after the stock markets closed Tuesday, are a dramatic turn around from the $1.7 billion in losses the company reported for 2017 on power sales of $10.9 billion.

FirstEnergy CEO Charles Chuck Jones was jubilant in a statement issued with the financial results.

We are beginning 2019 with tremendous momentum, following perhaps the most pivotal year in FirstEnergys history, Jones said.

On Wednesday, addressing financial analysts during a live teleconference now available as a recording on the companys website, Jones said the company had transformed itself into a premier, high-performance, pure-play regulated utility.

He recapped the events of the year, starting with a $2.5 billion, short-term stock investment in the company by several hedge funds in January 2018. The large cash infusion enabled the company to reduce debt. It eliminated the need to issue additional shares through 2021. And it helped the company accelerate its regulated growth strategy, all of which led to higher investment grade ratings, Jones said.

As a regulated utility, FirstEnergys growth strategy now focuses on re-building and upgrading long-distance transmission lines and local delivery lines, especially in situations in which the company can achieve a 10 percent rate of return without time-delaying public hearings.

It also means that customers are seeing and will continue to see power bills steadily increase even though the price of the electricity itself has fallen dramatically over the last decade.

For the company the strategy -- investing over $3 billion a year in upgrades -- is working so well that Jones reiterated the companys projected financial growth rate of 6 to 8 percent during the teleconference.

We have 24,000 miles of transmission lines, one of the largest in the country, Jones told analysts. It is 30 percent of our regulated assets. Its growing at the rate of 30 percent per year over the next three years.

I cannot undersell what the value of the transmission system means to FirstEnergy and its shareholders, he stressed at another point during the teleconference. About half of the $3 billion per year in upgrades are on lines where the formula rate of return is automatic, he said.

The difference between 2017 and 2018 exemplifies what Jones was saying.

Though the company did deliver slightly (1.2 percent) more power in 2018 than 2017, it also benefited from the higher transmission rates and, depending on the state, increases in local delivery rates.

But the most significant change between 2017 and 2018 is that FirstEnergys power plant subsidiary FirstEnergy Solutions filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 31, 2018, tentatively taking its billions of dollars of debt with it. The filing came late Saturday night on Easter weekend, less than an hour before the end of the first business quarter.

FES and FirstEnergy then negotiated a proposed formal settlement, in full view of major debtors who could have blocked it or required more funding than FES could afford or that FE was willing to give.

The deal called for FirstEnergy to make a settlement payment of $225 million to FES and issue $628 million in notes for the subsidiary that will mature on Dec. 31, 2022. These are funds that would go to the FES estate, meaning money for its many creditors.

Bankruptcy Judge Alan Koschik approved the settlement in late September.

Since the courts approval, FirstEnergys publicized position has been that FES and its billions of dollars in debt are in its past. Even if they are not quite in the past.

The Justice Department and the the attorneys general of Ohio and Pennsylvania warned the companies and alerted the bankruptcy court in January that FES would have to come to the table and negotiate how much it would be paying for environmental clean-up around coal-fired plants and nuclear decommissioning if the nuclear plants are closed. That got the judges attention as well.

Also, a major environmental group, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, has continued to argue before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that, in its estimation and that of a private analytical company, FES will not have enough money in the nuclear decommissioning funds that FE handed off to FES if the plants are closed earlier than originally planned.

Still, FirstEnergy maintains its clear of FES-related charges.

In a letter to Ohio lawmakers last week, Jones made the familiar FE-FES separation argument but added that keeping Ohios two nuclear plants operating is vital.

As FirstEnergy Corp. moves forward as a fully regulated utility company and turns its attention to other legislative priorities, the fact remains that sustaining Ohios nuclear plants is vital to consumers, communities and the environment, Jones wrote to the lawmakers. Keep in mind that we would not financially benefit from any legislation supporting FES-owned nuclear facilities.

That was a signal that another re-write of a nuclear bailout bill ignored by lawmakers for the past two years is coming, this time driven by new leadership in the Ohio House and out of reach of former Gov. Kasich who would not support new charges to save old power plants. Gov. DeWine has not yet made a definitive statement raising rates for a bailout, though it has been reported that he has said "It would be important for us to try to come up with a proposal where we could keep those plants open.

At the same time, FirstEnergys latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday of this week, was careful to note that the company still could face major charges associated with the bankruptcy case.

There can be no assurance that the conditions to the settlement agreement will be satisfied or that the settlement will otherwise be consummated and...the FES Debtors or their creditors could assert various claims against FirstEnergy..., the company warned investors in the SEC filing.

Though routine, the legally necessary disclosure enumerated everything that could go wrong as the company tries to completely distance itself from FES.

FirstEnergy Solutions must still win approval of a restructuring plan that its debtors can live with. Judge Koschik has set a hearing for March 19 on a tentative restructuring plan FES submitted earlier this month.

During the Wednesday call with financial analysts, Jones frankly admitted that the continued overhang of FES is holding back the value of the companys stock. There is still some confusion about our ongoing relationship with them [FES] that I dont think will go away until they actually emerge and change their name ... at some point, maybe later this year.

If Jones remarks and the earnings report had an impact on investors, it was difficult to determine. FirstEnergys share price on the New York Stock Exchange yo-yoed Wednesday between a low of $38.64 and a high of $39.65 before ending the day at $39.59 per share, down a penny from Tuesdays closing price of $39.60.BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- Theft, Cedar Road: At 7:50 p.m. Feb. 13, police were called to Beachwood Place mall, 26300 Cedar Road, where security had detained seven adults on suspicion of theft.

After investigating, police arrested four people. Three women and one man were arrested for receiving stolen property, theft and criminal damaging, while one woman was arrested on police warrants.

Arrested were Cleveland women, ages 23, 22 and 21, and a Cleveland man, 21.

Disorderly conduct, Park East Drive: At 11:35 p.m. Feb. 14, a Brownsboro, Ala. man, 48, was arrested for disorderly conduct and obstructing official business in the lobby of the Embassy Suites hotel, 3775 Park East Drive.

Domestic violence, Edgehill Drive: At 12:25 p.m. Feb. 14, a Beachwood man, 39, was arrested for hitting his sister, 41. The man was charged with domestic violence.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 2:25 p.m. Feb. 14, a Bedford Heights man, 28, was arrested for stealing merchandise worth $110 from Dillard's at Beachwood Place.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 1:25 p.m. Feb. 14, two Cleveland women, ages 36 and 23, were arrested for stealing merchandise at Dillard's worth a total value of $360.

The women were further charged with possession of marijuana and of criminal tools.

Theft, Mercantile Road: It was reported at 1:15 p.m. Feb. 14, that merchandise and money totaling $10,942 was stolen from the business Donghia at the Ohio Design Center, 23533 Mercantile Road. A.E. Monroe & Co., also located at the ODC, experienced the theft of $50.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 12:45 p.m. Feb. 15, a Northfield woman, 18, was arrested for the theft of merchandise valued at $1,305 from Sephora at Beachwood Place.

Obstructing official business, Cedar Road: At 3:30 p.m. Feb. 16, a man matching the description of a suspect in a fraud investigation was arrested for obstructing official business after he attempted to flee from officers at Beachwood Place.

The suspect is a 29-year-old Detroit man.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 12:30 p.m. Feb. 16, police arrested an Akron woman, 18, and an Akron girl, 17, for stealing merchandise worth a combined value of $129 from Sephora.

Trespassing, Cedar Road: At 5:55 p.. Feb. 16, an East Cleveland man, 32, was arrested for trespassing and having an open container of alcohol at Beachwood Place.

OVI, I-271: At 7:35 p.m. Feb. 16, an officer stopped for speeding a car driven by a Euclid man, 58.

It was subsequently found that the man was intoxicated and that he was driving with a suspended license.

He was charged with OVI, DUS, speeding and, because a child was in his car, child endangerment.

Carrying a concealed weapon, Park East Drive: At 11:35 a.m. Feb. 16, police responded to a credit card fraud matter at Home 2 Suites, 3589 Park East Drive, and ended up arresting two men on charges of carrying a concealed weapon and fraud.

Arrested were a Cleveland man, 23, and a Euclid man, 26.

Domestic violence, Park East Drive: At 10:30 p.m. Feb. 16, police were called to the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, 3663 Park East Drive, on a report of an assault in progress.

Officers arrested a Cleveland man, 20, who was in violation of a domestic violence no-contact order.

Weapon under disability, Park East Drive: At 10:40 a.m. Feb. 17, police were called to Residence Inn, 3628 Park East Drive, on a report of a car key theft. The suspect, a Shaker Heights man, 45, was found in the parking lot.

The suspect was arrested and charged with numerous weapons and drug charges.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 4:20 p.m. Feb. 17, police arrested a Cleveland girl, 16, for shoplifting merchandise worth $55 from Dillard's at Beachwood Place.

OVI, Cedar Road: At 12:45 a.m. Feb. 17, police arrested a Shaker Heights man, 31, for OVI, numerous traffic violations, and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

The man's OVI charge was made more severe because of a prior OVI conviction.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- The city will take a step toward improving its "brand presence" and helping people better find their way while in Beachwood when City Council approves a deal with the community advancement firm OHM Advisors.

At a council Building & Grounds Committee meeting held Tuesday, committee members heard from OHM Project Manager Matt Hils and Cathy Fromet, who heads the firm Guide Studio, which is working as an OHM subconsultant.

The committee voted to spend $29,500 on the project, which will also include designs for beautifying primary gateways into Beachwood.

The city first contracted with OHM in 2017 to work on the town center project that had been planned for the Fairmount Boulevard city hall property, and the property to the east, where the city's aquatic center is located. The town center project is, for now, on hold. Guide Studio, also worked on developing signs for the town center project.

"We are recommending that we do a wayfinding analysis for the city, and keep in mind, wayfinding can mean a lot of things," Fromet said. "This is identity, and arrival, and sense of place. It's making sure there's a consistency in terms of how signage is handled for a lot of (Beachwood's) facilities, that's including your parks and city amenities.

"We will be looking at a variety of things, and understanding where are the most appropriate places for these elements to go, how many are we going to need, and ultimately, how much is it going to cost you."

Hils said that, after Fromet does her work, he will work with the city on two things.

"(Developing) gateway treatments at specific points of entry into the city, up to three points," Hils said. "It could be, for instance, at the interchange of (I-)271 and Chagrin (Boulevard), it could be at the intersection of Richmond (Road) and Fairmount (Boulevard), it could be out at Cedar (Road) and Richmond, just as examples.

"And then we will create up to two different concepts at each of those locations."

OHM will also gather input, refine the work into one recommended plan and then determine costs.

"The second piece we would do is study the corridors of Richmond Road and Fairmount Boulevard to determine how to enhance those aesthetically," Hils said. "We are providing a wayfinding component, but also creating a sense of place that is characteristic of the overall city of Beachwood brand, and also gives people along those roads a sense of arrival to the city, and then finally, to direct them here (city hall area), to the current and future heart of the city of Beachwood."

Guide Studio developed branding and signage for the city of South Euclid, and is currently doing a wayfinding study for the city of University Heights, which is in the midst of a rebranding process.

The work in Beachwood will not focus on branding or rebranding, but rather on signage.

Beachwood council, if it votes to approve the agreement, will be committing to wayfinding analysis and strategy, signage program design and implementation, a gateway concept development, and a corridor beautification concept and development.

Further work, to actually make the signs and position and place them, would require a further contract. An estimated cost of that agreement will not be known until design is complete.

Beachwood police doings

Council, at its regular meeting Tuesday, approved legislation that, within the city's contract with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 86, allow for canine unit handlers.

Beachwood Police Chief Gary Haba said that the department will soon add its first K-9 officers. He said that two dogs have been chosen for purchase and that officers will be trained to handle them.

Beachwood police will join local departments such as those in South Euclid, Lyndhurst, Shaker Heights, Orange and Solon in employing K-9 officers.

"Officer safety," Haba said, when asked how the dogs will benefit the BPD. "I have personal experience that, when I was on a call and had to remove someone from a car and knew it was going to be difficult, that when a K-9 from another department would show up and just bark from the back of a (police) car, it would make my job much easier."

Haba said that it will also be helpful to have dogs that can sniff for things like drugs or hat can track suspects without having to call on K-9s from neighboring departments.

Also, council passed legislation that will allow the placement of cameras, visible to passersby, in the area of Richmond and Cedar roads, near Beachwood Place mall.

Included as part of the city's Mall Camera Project will be seven pole cameras, digital video recorders and necessary fiber optics. Nexgen will install the cameras at a cost of $96,000, and Citywide Solutions Inc. will supply the cameras for $21,000.Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a meeting with Regional Director of the World Bank for the South Caucasus Mercy Tembon today, the presidential press service of Azerbaijan reported.AKRON, Ohio -- In his third State of the City address, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan discussed the citys infrastructure projects, plans to boost economic development and make the city more friendly to senior citizens.

Horrigan spoke to a crowd of more than 1,000 people Wednesday afternoon at the John S. Knight Center about projects and promises he had previously discussed on the campaign trail and at prior city addresses.

The mayor updated residents on the progress of several construction projects and shared in citizens frustrations regarding potholes, problems with snow removal and seemingly endless orange barrels. He also introduced plans to revitalize downtown and other city neighborhoods.

Here are the details on the initiatives:

Akron under construction

I have to admit, I did not anticipate just how quickly the orange barrel would become Akrons unofficial mascot sorry, Zippy, Horrigan joked.

He said he shared in Akronites frustrations with what seem like never-ending construction zones, and reminded drivers that the construction represents investment into our city, with jobs and opportunity for Akron residents along with efficient access to goods and services.

Making good on a promise from last years address, Horrigan said Akron paved 54.4 miles of city roads in 2018, and increased by 174 percent the city dollars going to battle potholes.

The remaking of Main Street continues to hit key milestones as we stay on schedule to complete Cedar Street to Mill Street by this December, Horrigan said. The next phase of the project - Mill Street to Ohio 59 - will start this year and the city expects it to be completed by the end of 2020.

In addition to the repaving program and ongoing sewer projects, the Ohio Department of Transportation is poised to invest $512 million in the Akron area through 2025, Horrigan said.

And after 17 years of waiting, the Bowery is under construction, Horrigan said to a round of applause. Officials broke ground in November on the $42 million Bowery project to revitalize a prime block in downtown.

Elevate Akron

Horrigan announced an economic development framework called Elevate Akron which combines resources from the Greater Akron Chamber, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and the GAR Foundation. Elevate Akron is a more focused approach to retain and expand local business. The effort puts an emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, improved business intelligence and research services, more vibrant places and spaces, and most importantly - an inclusive economy where no one is left behind, Horrigan said.

Most concerning to me is the research that proves what leaders in Akrons black community have known for decades - our African-American neighbors are being excluded from economic opportunity, the mayor said.

The city and chamber have partnered to support a vice president for Inclusion and opportunity who will reside at the chamber to promote a narrative of inclusion and ensure we are viewing all economic strategies through an equity lens, Horrigan said.

The Elevate Akron team meets weekly to coordinate projects and build a targeted portfolio of companies that are ready to grow, Horrigan said.

Downtown Development Corporation

In addition to the Bowery and Main Street reconstruction, the mayor touted several construction, renovation and expansion projects in downtown including the Mayflower Hotel, the CitiCenter and Blutique Hotel.

I firmly believe that in order to build on this momentum, we need a dedicated downtown development corporation, Horrigan said, adding that the recommendation came from both Elevate Akron and the Downtown Vision and Redevelopment Plan.

An Elevate Akron working group will develop a business plan and make recommendations for a downtown development entity similar to the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Horrigan told reporters after his address. The development corporation would have different objectives and projects than the Downtown Akron Partnership.

Change in leadership at local colleges and universities

For maybe the first time ever, our four-year state research institutions - University of Akron, Kent State and NEOMED - are all searching for new leadership at the same time, Horrigan said, emphasizing the important role higher education plays in the local economy.

The board leadership at the local universities has agreed to meet with Elevate Akron partners to jointly discuss their searches and how we can move beyond the silos of the past towards the aligned vision weve set out in this plan, the mayor said.

AARP Network of Age-Friendly Cities

The mayor announced the city will enter the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Cities - a structured five-year program that will enable us to pay increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults."

The next step is to do a community assessment on questions such as, How can people get around? What are the entrances like? How are the events like in neighborhoods? Horrigan told reporters after his speech.

Horrigan did not indicate when the community assessment would be completed.

He also gave credit to the citys Senior Citizens Commission, which was appointed in 2016 to focus on issues and projects that matter most to Akrons seniors.

The commission, in partnership with the AARP and Direction Home, approached me about an important program that would educate, encourage and promote improvements that would make Akron more age-friendly, Horrigan said.

Here are some other takeaways:The Catholic Diocese of Oakland, California, has released the names of 45 priests, deacons and religious brothers who officials say are credibly accused of sexually abusing minors.

The San Francisco Chronicle said Oaklands list goes back to 1962  when the diocese was founded. None of the men are currently in the ministry. Of the 45 people named, 20 were priests.

Oakland is the latest in a series of dioceses across the country to release names amid a scandal involving pedophile priests and decades of church cover-ups.

Most of the listed abuse dates from the 1960s into the 1980s. Diocese officials say there have been no credible accusations of abuse since 1988, but acknowledge that the list may grow in the coming months.

I pray the public acknowledgment of the sinful actions on the part of some priests will help many of us to find healing and hope, to restore our trust in the Church, and to repair the damage caused to the reputation of so many good priests, Oakland Bishop Michael Barber said in a letter.

The majority of those named have been previously identified through court filings or news articles. But five names have not been in the public domain until now, said Stephan Wilcox, chancellor of the Oakland diocese.

Wilcox said the diocese considers it a living list.

This isnt, `Oh, thank God weve got the list out. Were done. This is now part of our process. And we know we have more work to do, he told the newspaper.

Wilcox said he has turned over the list of names and information to the Alameda County district attorney to determine if prosecutions are warranted. Aside from the fact that many of the accused have died, Wilcox said statutes of limitations may be an issue.

Wilcox said hes spent several weeks reaching out to survivors but hasnt yet spoken to all of them.

Survivors in general were pleased with the step but still think the church needs to do more, he said.

Some wanted a direct apology from the church, and others said the Diocese of Oakland needs to offer more services to victims.

In October, a law firm suing bishops for records on abuse released its own list of names of alleged abusers, totaling more than 200 clergy in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Jeff Anderson & Associates list included more names of clergy than those released by the Diocese of San Jose, and named 95 tied to the Diocese of Oakland  more than double the dioceses own list.

Wilcox said the discrepancy lies in the standard used to qualify for a credible allegation.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.On January 25, Mukhtar M. Ibrahim, a reporter at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, announced that he would leave the paper to formally launch the Sahan Journal, a news organization dedicated to covering immigrant communities in his state. (Sahan means pioneer in Somali.) A Somali immigrant himself, Ibrahim plans to focus on his community as well as others he says are underserved and not written about in a way thats authentic or comprehensive.

 some personal news  Im leaving the Star Tribune to launch a nonprofit news organization, with the support of @MPRNews, that will be dedicated to chronicling the struggles, successes and transformations of Minnesota's rapidly growing immigrant and underserved communities.  Mukhtar M. Ibrahim (@mukhtaryare) January 25, 2019

The publication, which will operate on a non-profit model, aims to cover the ways that immigrant communities shape the state as well as the issues that affect them. Ibrahim sees it as a valuable news source for all Minnesotans, some of whom may encounter Ibrahims work on Minnesota Public Radio. Nancy Cassutt, MPR News executive editor, recently told Current that the station will work with Sahan Journal to republish select stories, and called outreach to Minnesotas immigrant communities the number-one priority for me.

ICYMI: The immigration syllabus: 10 essential stories

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The journal, launched in 2013, has been relegated to a side project until now. This has been a passion for a long time, Ibrahim, a 2017 graduate of the Columbia Journalism School and previous Bush Fellow, says. I feel like I have the experience and the energy and the connections that will help me make this successful. I dont want to look back 10 or 15 years down the road saying I wish I had launched it. Im taking the risk while I have the passion.

Timing is also a factor when it comes to immigration issues in Minnesota and across the country. Last year, Minnesota took in its lowest number of refugees in over a decadejust 633, compared to the 3,058 it received in 2016. In 2017, Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests increased dramatically in ICEs St. Paul region, which includes Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. Across the region, ICE arrested 4,175 people, a total that represents a 67 percent increase over the previous year. Nationally, during the 2016 fiscal year, ICE deported 198 people to Somalia. The next year, that number jumped to 521.

Many stories on immigration rarely get past the surface level; the Sahan Journal, Ibrahim says, will stay with the communities it covers, and continue to share their stories over time.

Abdirahman Mukhtar, the founder of Dayreel Youth MN in Minneapolisa volunteer-based outreach program for young Somalispartly attributes shallow coverage of immigrant communities to a lack of diversity in the Minnesota media. An 81-percent non-Hispanic white majority comprises the state population, though minority populations have recently grown much faster. Without enough reporters who are sufficiently immersed in and trusted by the diverse cultures they cover, Minnesota news outlets may struggle to convey complete stories. For immigrants, this often results in encounters with journalists that are too often restricted to negative stories or reduced to sensational headlines, Mukhtar says.

Its very important, especially at this time, to have a media outlet that accurately reports on every community regardless of who they are.

Several Minnesota newsrooms recognize a problematic lack of diversity in the states journalism. In 2016, minorities held just two of the 20 highest-paying positions at the Star Tribune. Neal Justin, co-chair of the Star Tribunes union, told Voices his impression was that employees of color tend to flee the Twin Cities in search of more diverse locales. Seven journalists of color left MPR in a roughly one-year time period; in an editors note, MPRs Cassutt said it was impossible to ignore that a disproportionate number of the departures involved journalists of color. She also announced MPRs participation in a grant-funded community-media partnership and conference to encourage journalists to examine their own racial biases.

Lisa Schwarz, the St. Cloud Times news director, says her newspaper also struggles with retention. In the mid-2000s, we launched a weekly Somali-language video news report and ran it for many years, says Schwarz. But eventually it just faded away because the gentleman who was doing it got a better job and we havent been able to replace him. In her experience, Schwarz says, many outlets cover immigrant communities as other rather than as humans, neighbors, and a vibrant part of the Minnesota fabric.

Sensational and negative coverage affects how other people treat you, what they know about you, specifically my communitynew immigrants, Mukhtar says. An outlet like the Sahan Journal that can dedicate effort to sharing a complete narrative and reporting from the [immigrant] community is highly needed.

Ibrahim, who has encountered young people of color interested in journalism but unsure how to go about it, says the Sahan Journal will oversee a paid fellowship dedicated to bringing journalists of color into the Minnesota media fold. Minnesota is home to one of the largest Hmong populations in the US. The Twin Cities contain a Little Mogadishu, in Minneapolis Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, and thriving Latin American, Korean, and Vietnamese communities, among others. If you dont have a diverse newsroom, Ibrahim says, your coverage will not be reflecting how it is on the ground.

Mukhtar appreciates the risk that Ibrahim, who has a young family, is sacrificing a stable job at the Star Tribune in order to focus on the Sahan Journal. Its very important, especially at this time, to have a media outlet that accurately reports on every community regardless of who they are, Mukhtar says. Given the challenge of sustaining a new publication as media outlets contract and collapse, Mukhtar calls Ibrahim a very brave man.

Archives: Resettled in Virginia, Afghan journalists struggle with underemployment

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Cinnamon Janzer is a Minneapolis-based journalist who focuses on lesser-told stories. She writes broadly about cities, politics, culture, economies, business, and travel. You can reach her at www.cinnamon-janzer.com.In October 2013, Sarah Isgur Flores, a deputy communications director at the Republican National Committee, posted on Twitter to vent at CNN: Seriously? she asked, pointing to a chyron labeling a political group as anti-gay, anti-abortion. In June 2014, she was at it again, slamming CNN as the Clinton News Network. In 2015, Isgurnow deputy manager of Carly Fiorinas presidential campaignshared articles from right-wing websites calling Chris Cuomo, a CNN anchor, despicable and a shill for Planned Parenthood propaganda. In December 2016, a few weeks after the election, Isgur got the chance to air her grievances in person: during a dinner at Harvard, she was one of a number of campaign operatives to heckle Jeff Zucker, CNNs president, when he defended his networks coverage of Donald Trump. Isgur may have felt aggrieved by Trumps disproportionate free airtime, but she quickly joined his administration. Early in 2017, she started work as the Justice Departments lead spokesperson.

It was something of a shock, then, when Politico reported yesterday morning that CNN has hired Isgur, who has no journalistic experience, as a senior political editor. Outside journalists and media commentators swiftly scorned the decision; inside CNN, concern grew. Its extremely demoralizing for everyone here, one anonymous staffer told The Daily Beasts Maxwell Tani. A baffled editor told Brian Stelter, CNNs chief media correspondent, that reporters are up in arms about this. One of those reporters added: Im really, really worried about this, and concerned about the ethical implications of taking direction on stories from someone I covered when she was an operative.

NEW: Jason Leopold discusses controversial BuzzFeed scoop

The revolving door is not new, but on this occasion, it spun so fast it almost came off its hinges. Hiring a serving administration flack into an editorial role at a major network presents a conflict of interest in the best of circumstancesand these are not the best of circumstances. As The Washington Post previously reported, Isgur, who repeatedly criticized Trump during the 2016 GOP primary, pledged loyalty to the president in the Oval Office as she angled for a job in his administration; going forward, shell (presumably) help shape coverage of his reelection effort. Last night, a CNN spokesperson told Vox that Isgur would not be involved in coverage of the Justice Department. But where will that line be drawn? The Justice Department is involved in a host of policy areas that will likely figure prominently on the campaign trailnot least the web of investigations around Trump and his associates.

According to Vox, the CNN spokesperson said Isgur will not be leading, overseeing, or running political coverage but instead helping to coordinate coverage across TV and Digital; a source added, to the Posts Paul Farhi, that she will make sure the pieces are getting on the right shows make sure a digital story is posted at the right time. But that doesnt quite square with what CNN executives told Stelter: namely, that Isgur was hired because shes an exceptional person whose political experience will improve CNNs coverage. Posting a digital story at the right time does not require political experienceand in an industry thats been hammered by mass layoffs, there are plenty of exceptional trained journalists looking for that sort of work. Even if you buy the political point, couldnt CNN have found an operative from outside of a sitting administration? Why Isgur? Why now?

An anonymous network source told Stelter that There are plenty of examples of people going from high profile political jobs to news networks. But that argument doesnt really hold either. The examples the source citedGeorge Stephanopoulos, Nicolle Wallace, Dana Perino, and Tim Russertare all high-profile, on-air personalities. That doesnt obviate scrutiny of their political pasts, but at least they are, or were, front of camera, where viewers can see and hear them. Editors are arguably more important than star anchors in framing coverage, yet they often operate in a black box. Theres much less precedent for political operatives stepping into this kind of work: Caitlin Conant, the political director of CBS News, is a former Republican staffer, but she didnt step straight from the latter job into the former.

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For now, uncertainty reigns: as another CNN staffer told Stelter, Im sure [Isgur] is a wonderful person, but no one knows what shell be doing. (Reports that shell appear occasionally as an on-air pundit only add to this confusion.) CNN should urgently, and publicly, clarify Isgurs role, and spell out what firewallsif anyit will erect to keep her from covering her former colleagues. A little transparency wont eliminate concerns; not by a long shot. But it would help.

ICYMI: A reporter asked for 20 years of lottery winner data. After analyzing the records, he noticed something unusual.

Below, more on Isgur and CNN:



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: Mansplaining and its offspring

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Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.This article is the third in a series focusing on notable forensic journalists for the Tow Center for Digital Journalism.

Jason Leopold has a long list of national security scoops to his name. He covered the brutal mistreatment of detainees at the Guantanamo military prison. He won a court victory securing the public release of emails on Hillary Clintons private server. With a team, he reported on Donald Trumps attempt to build a tower in Moscow while campaigning for president. A series of stories on which he led reporting, about an apparent Russian targeted killing campaign, was a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in international reporting.

Leopold, who is 49 and works for BuzzFeed, is either the patron saint of Freedom of Information Act journalism or an outright information terrorist, depending on whether youre talking to workaday reporters or US intelligence services. (The latter designation enhances the of the former.) Recently he reported, along with Anthony Cormier, that President Trump had told Michael Cohen to lie to Congress.

The story prompted furynot least because it was to date the only piece of journalism to elicit more than a no comment from Peter Carr, spokesperson for Special Counsel Robert Muellers office, who said they had not seen documents that fit Leopold and Cormiers description. The Washington Post reported that the Deputy Attorney Generals office called Muellers office to ask whether Mueller would respond to the story, a move that would seem to far exceed the Deputy Attorney Generals authority over the investigation.

ICYMI: A reporter asked for 20 years of lottery winner data. After analyzing the records, he noticed something unusual.

As the story ignited a poisonously partisan political debate, online commenters began digging into Leopolds history. He freely admits that he has had some troubled moments in his career: he was accused of plagiarism by his editors at Salon, fired from the Los Angeles Times, and wrote a piece for Truthout about a coming indictment of Karl Rove that never came. After Carr issued his qualified denial, many high-profile outlets, including Fox News, the Washington Posts op-ed section and CNN, took the opportunity to pounce on Leopold.

The other day, Leopold and Victoria Baranetsky, a Tow Center fellow, took the stage at Columbias Pulitzer Hall to discuss Baranetskys new report for the Tow Center, Data Journalism and the Law. After the event, Leopold sat down with CJR to talk about his work, his future, the nature of newsgathering, and whether he stands by his Cohen story. (He does.) This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

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Im going to get this out of the way: Theres a story on CJRs website from 2006 that was one of our most-read pieces for a few days because various right-wingers were digging it up, tweeting it, and posting it to message boards in the wake of your and Anthonys contested scoop on Michael Cohen. Im sure you remember the story, about an anonymously sourced piece youd written for Truthout saying that Karl Rove would be indicted, which he wasnt. Tell me about the circumstances around that, if you can.

I have to think of how to say this. The only thing I can say about this is that it is what it is. Its a story that was written about me in 2006, 13 years ago. I think its apparent to anyone who reads it that it was a hit piece, and thats really all I can say about it. I would rather not re-litigate my past. Ive been very open about mistakes that were made and my work speaks for itself.

ICYMI: Reuters publishes ethically questionable story

On Cohen, you dont have to comment on the nature of the story, just tell me how it feels for you personally.

Well, let me first say that we stand behind our story, as we have, along with the sources who informed it. Personally, I dont care about [the backlash]. Were journalists. We have a thick skin. I have taken hits all the time. Its not unique to me.

It does seem uniquely personal.

Its somewhat personal here. I do understand it. I dont want to come across as defensive, but the fact of the matter is that the work that Ive done over the last 13 years, the records that I helped put out there, the stories that I helped publish, I believe far outweigh the real mistakes that were made, because that work is good. But I still own them. Right now, I talk about having a thick skin, yeah, but Im a human being, and of course it hurts, you know? Im getting death threats and Im getting phone calls and it really feels like an organized campaign. I think its so interesting to watch people, how they respond to me and what they think I am. Im the guy that got Hillary Clintons emails out. The people that hate me now loved me years ago. Anthonys the same waywere not partisan in any way, shape or form. We really simply just believe in the truth and would do the exact same kind of work no matter who was in office.

But I think, particularly after being called the enemy of the people, it really is personal for a lot of them [conservatives], and I represent the media. The people Ive worked with closely will attest to my integrity and credibility. I have been of service to many journalists. Ive taken the time out to assist with FOIA appeals, Ive really tried to pay it forward. So you kind of have to separate the fact that the online mobs are just online mobs, and what everyone else does I have no control over. The reality is that we spent, as was stated, many months on the story and we stand by it.

The work that Ive done over the last 13 years, the records that I helped put out there, the stories that I helped publish, I believe far outweigh the real mistakes that were made, because that work is good.

You talk about the death threats and the harassment and abuse. The premise of a lot of that is this idea that reporters lead privileged lives and never have to work and dont do anything important or useful. But most of the reporters I know dont live like that at all.

I feel incredibly fortunate about the fact that I work for a news organization that, in terms of what Ive been doing for the past two years, and what Anthonys been doing, completely support us. Thats been incredible. Its been different from what Ive experienced previously. But theres always that feeling of oh man, Im exhausted. I realized after 2018 ended that I hadnt taken a vacation. Or any time off.

And one thing that Ill probably note is that my brother was murdered two and a half years ago. Heit was terrible. I was at Vice at the time, and Ill tie it into a story: I was knee-deep in this HIllary Clinton email litigation, and it turned out it was my sisters ex-boyfriend that murdered my brother. It was truly the worst thing thats ever happened to me.

I cant even imagine.

The only thing that I was able to do to deal with that kind of pain was to continue working, and really dive in, in a way that I hadnt before. And that meant literally spending ten hours a day on a computer trying to find people, trying to track down sources. In a way, I was committed as a result of that. It was such a horrible moment because I would be, like, I dont know if I can wake up in the morning, because I cant believe it. I was in shock that my brother was murderedmy older brotherand I felt, like, I need to do this work.

So you continued in journalism. What made you decide to stick with national security?

I was fascinated by it. I was fascinated by the world of secrets, perhaps because I had been keeping my own secrets for a long time.

What were those?

Well, Im a recovering addict. Ive been clean and sober for 20 years now.

You made FOIA your focus. Going that route as a reporter can be exasperating, but when it works out its also pretty bulletproofwas that why you wanted to make such extensive use of it?

I read news reports like everyone else. I read about covert programs, whether it was the National Security Agencys domestic surveillance programs, or the black site prisons covered in the Washington Postand they were describing activities that were either sponsored or supported by the US government. My immediate thought was, How can I advance that? I knew that there was paper and there were documents, because some of these stories described documents. And so I asked myself what it would be like to go after that.

How have you seen the FOIA landscape change over the 13 years?

Its changed a lot. It used to be that the public would think it was only journalists who were filing the FOIAsand thats never been the casebut now citizen journalists, or just members of the public are really using this tool on their own to try and pry loose records. What Ive seen is just an increase in the use of this tool, the Freedom of Information Act. And I do think that the successes that Ive had and that some of my colleagues have had, and outfits like MuckRock, have made it easier for requesters and journalists to file requests and have helped spread the word about the Freedom of Information Act. And then of course theres social media; if you get a document, you can spread it on Twitter and highlight your work as its happening.

Do you think its helped independent journalism?

If you talk about some of the non-profits like Reveal and ProPublica, yeah, I think its become a crucial component of the reporting process. There are certain independent journalists who are able to become successful at it, and its helped them land big stories.

It used to be that the public would think it was only journalists who were filing the FOIAsand thats never been the casebut now citizen journalists, or just members of the public are really using this tool on their own to try and pry loose records.

I once interviewed Felix Sater, who had worked as a fixer for Trump on a bunch of his real estate deals. I couldnt confirm the really outlandish stuff he told me. And then you interviewed him, and you did. Anonymous sources told you Sater had worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency, had helped coordinate a bombing campaign, and other details. Youd clearly built your source base.

Well, I was fascinated by Felix Sater, especially because, before Trump was even a candidate, [former Attorney General] Loretta Lynch was asked a question [in a public Senate hearing] about Felix Sater. Was it her confirmation hearing?

Yeah, Lynchs confirmation hearing. I think it was Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley.

Grassley, yeah. He asked Lynch a question about Sater and she said she couldnt talk about it, but said Sater had provided amazing help to the US government. And really the way she was describing it just made me go, Whoa, this is fascinating. What is that about?! Whats going on here? I want to find out more. And then he surfaced as someone connected to the Trump campaign. Weve all read the same stories about him and about Trump. Without revealing sources, I will say that we were able secure his statement that he read, I believe, to the Senate [Intelligence Committee, in a closed session]. And the things that he said in there were justmy god, this is unbelievable! And that was its own roadmap for us. We dug deep into court documents. One document we found, Im sort of paraphrasing here, said Felix Sater traveled to the Middle East after 9/11 at the behest of the FBI on a mission involving Al Qaeda. We quoted this in the story.

Ahmad Shah Massoud, a guy who was working for the Northern Alliance, was assassinated a day before 9/11 in Afghanistan, and Felix mentioned this guy in his statement. And right away when I saw that I said, This guyhes not lying.

Youve been reporting on DC for going on 20 years.

Jesus. What is this, 2019?

Yes.

Probably more likeyeah, 18 years.

Does Donald Trumps presidency alter how we cover national security?

Well, you had eight years of George W. Bush. And post-9/11, national security reporting became a very important beat. It didnt really exist in that way prior to that point. It became a beat where people had these Central Intelligence Agency sourcesand Department of Defensewhere they were able to turn out these bigger stories about the torture program and spying programs. Then you had Obama with the drone program and other national security programs, and Guantanamo. And it became a really, really critical component of foreign reporting and understanding what the government does in our name. You move over to Trump, and were caught up in him as opposed to whats going on outside of him. Right now in national security, you dont see much of whats happening.

Trump doesnt even seem to read his intelligence briefings, he just live tweets Fox & Friends.

During the Obama years, I was very interested in the classified program where the US was arming Syrian rebels. I sent a Freedom of Information Act request, they sent me whats known as a Glomar response, which meant they could neither confirm nor deny [the existence of records that would respond to the request], and that was that. Trump, I think it was last year, or maybe the year before, tweeted that he was ending this program. It was still happening, but he was ending it. And I thought, This is great! Because that, to me, constituted whats known as an official disclosure and they cant use Glomar any more. So I sued for it.

I try to go ear-to-the-ground on a lot of things that are taking place, because you have smaller agencies in the federal government that most people dont even know exist that are suddenly alive and doing things that theyve never done before. Its very important to see what the ripple effect is. As somebody who loves national security and really continues to report heavily on it, I think its really an area where the public just doesnt care. Their questions are Will he be impeached? Will he be gone? Its really hard to find readers.

ICYMI: Sinclair fires reporter as she battles cancer

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Sam Thielman is the former Tow editor at the Columbia Journalism Review, and a reporter and critic based in New York. He is the creator, with film critic Alissa Wilkinson, of Young Adult Movie Ministry, a podcast about Christianity and movies, and his writing has been featured in The Guardian, Talking Points Memo, and Variety, among others.When I met Oliver Schrom at the Berlin offices of Correctiv.org, the investigative journalism non-profit he co-founded in 2014, I was his third interview of the day.

Its been like that, he told me, with a trace of outrage in his voice, since news broke last December that hes being investigated by prosecutors in Hamburg in connection with a series of stories he reported on a tax fraud scheme.

I asked him to start at the beginning. It was the fall of 2013, he told me. He was working as the head of the news magazine Sterns investigative reporting department.

A whistleblower contacted him to allege that Carsten Maschmeyer, longtime host of a Shark Tank-style reality show called The Lions Den (Hohlen der Lowe), had been involved in a scheme to defraud the German state. It was enough to warrant a cover story, and Stern broke the allegations against Maschmeyer (who denies any wrongdoing) on the 15th of April, 2014.

ICYMI: Jason Leopold discusses controversial BuzzFeed scoop

The scheme Schrom had come across is conservatively estimated, over decades, to have cost European taxpayers at least 55 billion Euros. It has become known as CumEx, or alternatively, CumCum. (The word cum is simply Latin for with, while the ex refers to the fact that the financial products involved are traded at a certain juncture in their lives in order to get the state to issue bankers and investors tax rebates on taxes that had never been paid.)

The scheme, which is steeped in the kind of gnostic complexity that has long protected the industry from greater outrage, wasnt new. Tax authorities had known that there was a loophole since at least 1992, and news articles detailed the practice as early as 1994. But the scope of the transactions, and the systematic way in which they were used to defraud European taxpayers, remained obscure, even after news reports of Maschmeyers alleged involvement.

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After his first cover story on CumEx, Schrom was contacted by, a very, very prominent attorney, who was working for J. Safra Sarasin, a private bank based in Switzerland that had facilitated the transactions. The attorney said that if Schrom and Stern didnt stop reporting on the tax fraud, theyd bring criminal charges against him. We published the next story three weeks later, he told me.

Shortly afterwards, he learned that two German citizens who worked in Switzerland had been arrested and were in jail on suspicion of whistleblowing. He also learned that the States Attorney in Zurich had opened an investigation into him for industrial espionage. Schrom was advised by his Swiss lawyer to avoid entering the country, but he continued to follow the case there from afar, and his interest in the scheme only deepened.

J. Safra Sarasin and Maschmeyer had, it turned out, been only a small part of a cast of investors, bankers, accountants, and lawyers who conspired to defraud European governments far beyond Germany. Schrom and his colleagues helped to organize an investigative reporting team, spread across different newsrooms but working in tandem, that would include 38 journalists from 12 countries.

In a 2018 story Schrom, in conjunction with colleagues, also accused a prosecutor in Zurich of pursuing the case against the whistleblowers who were indicted alongside him in 2014 with excessive zealdenying one whistleblower medical care except for a powerful opioid as he was intensively interrogated for six months.

They confronted the Zurich DA with the story on March 19, 2018. On that same day, Schrom says, the DA wrote to his prosecutor counterpart in Hamburg and formally requested that they charge him with Instigation to Betrayal of Trade Secrets [Anstiftung zum Verrat von Betriebsgeheimnissen]. He didnt find out until eight months later, when a source called him to tell him that he had just been questioned in connection with the charges.

CumEx-files.com, the website the journalists launched to present their collaboration, is slick and engaging. Every German paper ran a story on the revelations it presented. Every nightly news show did a segment, every radio program, and every magazine covered it. But somehow, the story never really broke.

Just mathematically, every German should have heard the words Cum-Ex and 55 Billion, Schrom says. But the outrage on social media on the October day last year when the site went live was reserved for a debate concerning a Palestinian-German politician who had been photographed wearing a Rolex.

In Denmark and in France, according to Schrom, the reaction had been different. But Germans largely shrugged their shoulders. Maybe, after the Panama Papers and the Paradise Papers, after VWs emissions scandal and the 2008 financial crisis, Germans just cant be shocked by the transgressions of the ultra-wealthy.

The charges against Schrom may well turn out to have been a substantial misstep. Johannes Weberling, Honorary Professor of Media Law at the Europa University Viadrina in Frankfurt am Oder, says they have little chance of success, and could even lead to civil and criminal charges against the bankers who brought them in the first place.

When I asked the States Attorneys in Zurich and Hamburg about the proceedings, they insisted that they were powerless, bound by the law to investigate any accusation in a criminal case. While Weberling concurs that prosecutors must investigate any allegations of criminal misconduct, regardless of whether they were levied by foreign prosecutors, private individuals, or corporations, he also pointed out that the scope and urgency of their investigation was at their own discretion.

But the charges seem to be having another effect. When I asked Schrom if he was frustrated by the response to the story, he told me that he had been, but that, since the prosecutor in Hamburg began investigating him, hes been more optimistic.

Finally, he feels, through the campaign against him, anger about the CumEx trades is starting to grow.

ICYMI: A reporter asked for 20 years of lottery winner data. After analyzing the records, he noticed something unusual.

Correction: An earlier version of this story referred imprecisely to Sarasin, a Swiss bank. It has been corrected to note that, after a takeover, the bank in question is J. Safra Sarasin.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Peter Kuras is a writer and translator. He lives in Berlin, where he contributes regularly to Der Freitag.HK Wentworth Acquires UK Distributor of Hakko Equipment Published: 20 February 2019 by Mike Buetow by Mike Buetow

LEICESTERSHIRE, UK -- HK Wentworth Group today announced the acquisition of Dancap Electronics, a UK-based distributor. HK Wentworth said the deal will help it expand in the UK.

Dancap distributes Hakko soldering equipment in the UK, while HK Wentworth is an authorized Hakko distributor in Australia and New Zealand.

Terms were not disclosed.

In a press statement, Ron Jakeman, managing director, HK Wentworth, said, Dancap Electronics provides an exciting opportunity for HK Wentworth. The additional capabilities strengthen and extend the services we offer and enhance our complete solutions approach. With a broad range of customers across the electronics industry, the acquisition of Dancap Electronics together with our trusted relationship with Hakko, will support shared plans to meet increasing demand and accelerate entry to new markets. With the stability and backing of the worlds leading soldering equipment company, HK Wentworth is delighted to take on board the highly reputable and sought-after Hakko brand in the UK.The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku is hosting the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council today.

The meeting is attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The head of state made a speech at the event.

The participants in the event include energy ministers from the Southern Gas Corridor member-states and representatives of a number of organizations, as well as European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources, acting co-chair of SGC Advisory Council Gunther Oettinger, the presidential press service of Azerbaijan reported.

Oettinger also addressed the event. The meeting continues with plenary sessions.Simac provides a wide range of IT solutions and services throughout Benelux and Central Europe. The companys networking and development experts are often tasked with how to modernize their customers infrastructure and systems for a multi-cloud, hybrid approach.

To address this need, Simac created Cloud|NEXT, a cloud computing platform based on VMwares technology. The platform enables companies to achieve scalability, economies, and efficiencies that are inherent with cloud, and to embrace it at their own pace.

Simac also perfected a hybrid approach that empowers its customers not only to use the best cloud for the job  public or private  but also to do so in a way that allows them to keep any legacy systems they want to remain operational on existing hardware and software.

We asked Bas van der Wijst, manager Cloud & IT service delivery at Simac, to share why these capabilities  among others that led the company to be named VMwares Innovator of the Year in Netherlands  are so important today.

Were seeing a dramatic increase in customers who want to follow a multi-cloud strategy that enables them to use different clouds for different workloads, says van der Wijst. Being VMware Cloud Verified demonstrates that were ideally qualified to guide enterprises through the entire process, which includes the orchestration and management of cloud services were able to provide with our platform.

Van der Wijst points out that while the cloud offers significant benefits, many organizations require a mix not only of public and private clouds for different workloads, but also a hybrid approach to infrastructure that reflects a common reality: Many organizations have legacy systems that must be kept operational, but are not interchangeable or easily integrated with todays systems. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are one example.

Many of the SCADA systems in operation today are decades old, address highly specialized applications, and are often used with older equipment, he says. With a hybrid approach, enterprises can still implement a cloud-first strategy, but do so at a pace that allows them to keep some of these older systems in place when it makes sense. Often these organizations ultimately choose to also host their legacy systems in Cloud|NEXT, but there are of course exceptions where they simply want to keep specific applications and data under their own roof for the time being.

With Cloud|NEXT and its team of networking experts, the company is able to guide customers on their cloud journeys with solutions that are purpose-built to address their unique needs and the optimal timeline for their cloud transformation. The company also offers Cloud|Exchange, a gateway that allows companies to simultaneously use private and public clouds within the same network infrastructure with complete transparency.

You must have the right people and technology in place, van der Wijst says. One of the most powerful aspects of our platform is that it utilizes VMwares NSX. Virtual networking enables us to build and maintain networks much faster, more effectively and more securely. And being VMware Cloud Verified delivers the peace of mind that comes when customers know they are working with a partner who is highly adept at using todays most trusted cloud and virtualization solutions.

Learn more about VMwares partnership with Simac here.Last week we witnessed two failed transformations. The first was President Trumps attempts to secure consensus on funding a border wall resulting in him declaring a state of emergency. The second was New Yorks attempts to address the backlash against its deal with Amazon resulting in Amazons decision to pull out of the deal.

For the purposes of this article, I ask that you leave your opinions behind these issues aside.

Both attempts spotlight examples of leaders trying to change peoples mindset and opinions. Both were trying to transform based on their interests and beliefs. Both were controversial with supporters and detractors. Both failed to drive enough consensus and are now forced to explore plan bs to achieve their objections.

CIOs can learn a lot from these failed attempts and how to avoid them in their own transformation programs.

Negotiating secretly can drive resentment

CIOs trying to sell a transformation program to their colleagues must take steps to explain the rationale behind the required changes. To accomplish this, savvy CIOs meet with business and operational leaders to review their goals, needs, and challenges to best align the transformation.

CIOs should use these meetings to do a lot of listening and learning. These meetings should not be used to strike deals with leaders or to negotiate aspects of the transformation. When describing the transformations objectives and goals to leaders, CIOs should be consistent on what they are trying to accomplish, where they are in developing their strategies, and their next set of milestones.

Most business leaders sense double deals and backroom negotiations. Chances are, a transformation will impact them positively but require a lot of change management, so leaders often weigh the pros and cons in their mind to determine if the efforts are worth the benefits. If they feel the CIO is misleading them, it can become a source of resentment and detraction as the transformation takes shape.

Using competition often creates animosity

Some leaders try to use competitions to help drive urgency and seek out winning teams and solutions. This can work well when the competitions are open such as using hackathons to test out new technologies or to innovate with selected APIs.

Even when a competition is announced it can lead to animosity, if for example, a team of all stars has unfair advantages or if the rules of the competition are secretive or changing.

For transformations to achieve their goals, it often requires collaboration between teams and people in ways that organizations dont always manage well. Using competitions inside transformation programs can easily undermine the collaboration required. They may be useful for tactical needs but pitting multiple teams against each other for strategic or longer running objectives is not recommended.

Stressing the importance of data, but not sharing analysis and insights

Just about every organization I know thats embarked on business transformation is stressing the importance of using data competitively and becoming a data driven organization. In many cases, programs are designed to develop new digitally driven products, enhance user experiences, or improve internal decision making.

Transformations also require explaining to participants why the transformation is important, why selected initiatives have been prioritized, or why specific technologies are selected as standards. Without explaining to employees why a decision is being made, it enables louder voices in the group to question decisions or voice doubts in leaderships decisions.

Having the staff question and voice alternatives is a good thing for organizations. It helps challenge the status quo and forces leaders to consider diverse ideas.

But eventually, leaders must make decisions, pivot on strategy, or realign priorities. When this is needed, its critical that data, analysis, and insights behind these changes is presented to the staff. If leaders arent demonstrating data driven decision making, then its hard to expect the staff will change their own behaviors.

Overcomplicating transformation programs with too many initiatives

Transformation programs by their nature require organizations to rethink every aspect of their businesses. For example, if new digitally enhanced product offerings are being developed then they often require changes to sales, marketing, finance, operations and technology to support new capabilities. If an organization is going to automate with technology, migrate enterprise systems to SaaS offerings, or innovate with artificial intelligence, its going to impact many ways of how people work and collaborate.

Wider breadth transformation programs require leaders to develop strategic roadmaps. Trying to do or communicate too much change too quickly can overwhelm people or cause confusion on execution priorities. This is one reason transformations should start with a small number of strategically important initiatives and then add new ones once organizational capacity to process change is better understood.

Driving a sense of urgency without forcing a mandate

Getting the organization to buy into why the transformation is strategically important is not sufficient to drive execution. Leaders need to explain, ideally with data, a sense of urgency on the timing and speed required to enable a new level of competitiveness.

This isnt easy. The incentives in most businesses are tied to short term goals, profits, and legacy business practices. Many transformations require the business and its leaders to sacrifice short term goals in order to hit longer term objectives. In addition, most businesses face increasing competition and potentially disruption, so communicating and managing initiatives with sufficient urgency may be mission critical.

This cant easily be accomplished with mandates, yet leaders may find it slow and difficult to drive consensus, repeat their communications so that people understand the urgency, and develop meaningful incentives to drive commitment. Mandates may help get the transformation started but are very poor substitutes to winning the hearts and minds of the organization.

And thats the objective in getting a transformation started. Leaders must win the hearts and minds of their leaders, managers, and staff to drive sustainable change and transformation.Apple Inc. wants to make it easier for software coders to create tools, games and other applications for its main devices in one fell swoop -- an overhaul designed to encourage app development and, ultimately, boost revenue.

The ultimate goal of the multistep initiative, code-named "Marzipan," is by 2021 to help developers build an app once and have it work on the iPhone, iPad and Mac computers, said people familiar with the effort. That should spur the creation of new software, increasing the utility of the company's gadgets.

Each new app is another revenue opportunity for Apple because it takes a cut of many app-related purchases and subscriptions. The company has positioned its services division as a major growth area. It plans to announce two new services -- a premium Apple News subscription offering and an original video content initiative -- at the end of March, Bloomberg News reported recently.

WAITING: Apple will wait until at least 2020 to release a 5G iPhone

Later this year, Apple plans to let developers port their iPad apps to Mac computers via a new software development kit that the company will release as early as June at its annual developer conference. Developers will still need to submit separate versions of the app to Apple's iOS and Mac App Stores, but the new kit will mean they don't have to write the underlying software code twice, said the people familiar with the plan.

In 2020, Apple plans to expand the kit so iPhone applications can be converted into Mac apps in the same way. Apple engineers have found this challenging because iPhone screens are so much smaller than Mac computer displays.

By 2021, developers will be able to merge iPhone, iPad, and Mac applications into one app or what is known as a "single binary." This means developers won't have to submit their work to different Apple App Stores, allowing iOS apps to be downloaded directly from Mac computers -- effectively combining the stores.

The plans are fluid and could be altered, the people said. They asked not to be identified discussing private matters. A spokeswoman for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to comment.

The most direct benefit of the Marzipan project will be to make life easier for the millions of developers who write software for Apple's devices. For example, later this year Netflix Inc. would be able to more easily offer a Mac app for watching video by converting its iPad app. By 2021, Twitter Inc., which has mostly abandoned the Mac, could publish a single app for all Apple customers.

Apple previewed the apps plan, without disclosing the road map, at its developers conference last year. Bloomberg News first wrote about the initiative in 2017.

EXPENSIVE: At the core, Apple's iPhone prices are too high

The work coincides with the company's preparations to merge more of the underpinnings of its hardware. Currently, iPhones and iPads are powered by Apple processors, while Macs use Intel Corp. chips. Apple plans to start transitioning some Macs to its own chips as early as 2020, Bloomberg News reported last year.

Despite the app merger plan, Apple has said it won't combine iOS and macOS into a single operating system.

Apple isn't the first company to streamline its app ecosystems. Before Microsoft Corp. discontinued Windows for phones, it pushed a technology called Universal Windows Platform that let developers create single applications that would run on all of its devices. Similarly, Google has brought its Android mobile app store to some laptops running its Chrome OS operating system.

Apple plans to hold its annual software conference from June 3 to June 7 in San Jose, California, according to permit filings reported recently by website MacRumors.

At the event, Apple also plans to debut new software features for its devices, including a dark mode for easier nighttime viewing and new productivity tools for the iPad. The company has also internally weighed previewing a new version of the high-end Mac Pro, according to people familiar with the deliberations.

- - -

Bloomberg's Ian King contributed to this report.

Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment.There are thousands of Vietnam veterans who never set foot on Vietnam soil.

They never sloshed through a rice paddy or traversed the countrys inland waterways.

Yet they are suffering major health problems, including serious and rare cancers and neurological illnesses, consistent with exposure to Agent Orange, a toxic chemical containing dioxin that has long faded from the publics consciousness but once was used to clear Vietnams thick jungle and kill crops.

For years, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has blocked these veterans from benefits that could help improve their lives. But a federal court ruling last month siding with the veterans should change things.

We urge the VA, which is reviewing the court decision and will determine an appropriate response, to do right by these aging veterans. But if it doesnt, there are enough U.S. House members and Senators who are eager for a legislative fix. Congress was on the verge of making it happen last year. The chairmen of both the House and Senate veterans committees have said they plan to deal with the topic quickly this year. U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz should get on board. A spokeswoman for Cornyn told the Editorial Board he first wants to see the results of the VA study comparing the health and well-being of Vietnam veterans to similarly aged U.S. residents who never served in the military.

Unlike their fellow veterans who served inland during the war, these so-called blue water Navy veterans served in the harbors or offshore providing naval gun fire support from smaller ships and air cover from aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin, according to the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Association.

They can receive medical care for their medical problems though the VA. To receive disability benefits, however, they must prove their medical problems  many of which could also be associated with aging  are linked to exposure to Agent Orange while on duty. Blue water navy veterans have fought the VA over denials of their claims for years.

As reported by the San Antonio Express-News Bill Lambrecht, the Agent Orange Act of 1991 directed the VA to award benefits to Vietnam-era veterans including those from the Navy, who had begun suffering from cancers, cardiovascular disease, Parkinsons disease, or any of the 14 ailments likely to be related to exposure to the carcinogenic weedkiller.

In 2002, the VA excluded veterans who served offshore. As reported, the agency required veterans to show proof of boots on the ground or operating along an inland waterway. But veterans have argued toxins were sucked into ships serving just offshore and then distilled for drinking.

Cost clearly has been a factor: The VA last year opposed passage of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act which would have restored disability benefits and health care to up to 70,000 blue water Navy. They could potentially have received as much as $2,000 per month, tax free, according to reports. The VA estimated the cost at nearly $7 billion over the first 10 years. The VA also said it needs evidence of Agent Orange exposure for offshore vessels because most of the blue water Navy veterans ailments presumed to be caused

The bill passed the House unanimously after the VA committee negotiated with a major veterans organization to pay for it by raising user fees on VA-guaranteed home loans. The VA said the plan was unfair to the entire veteran population. The legislation became stalled in the Senate.

Last month, however, blue water Navy veterans won a major victory when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed a decade-old ruling by the court backing up the VA, saying Congress never intended to exclude service members in the territorial seas around Vietnam when it awarded presumptive benefits for certain illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure.  by using the formal term Republic of Vietnam, Congress unambiguously referred, consistent with uniform international law, to both its landmass and its 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, the ruling states.

Texas, home to 1.5 million veterans, should be cheering this ruling. More than one-third served during the Vietnam War era. Many of us know the challenges veterans face after returning home from a foreign war. Blue water Navy Vietnam veterans, like their counterparts who served inland, put themselves in harms way at the request of the U.S. government. It is only right that the government restore the benefits they need.A delegation headed by Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria will visit Yerevan on Thursday, February 21, PanARMENIAN.Net reports.

Izoria and his Armenian counterpart David Tonoyan are expected to sign a bilateral agreement on cooperation between the defense ministries for 2019, Georgia-Online reports.

Within the framework of the agreement, it is planned to organize high-level visits and cooperate in the field of defense education and law.

This is going to be the first visit of the Georgian Defense Minister to Armenia after his appointment to the post.U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is telling his supporters he is bracing for a re-election fight with Democrat Beto ORourke, even as most of the speculation around the former El Paso congressman has him running for the White House in 2020.

Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, sent out a fundraising plea on Wednesday saying U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and ORourke recently sat down to talk about running for the U.S. Senate in 2020. He said the two are collaborating to paint a target on my back.

In his letter, Cornyn says all signs point to another well-funded, high stakes challenge from Beto in 2020. We need to be ready for anything. Thats why weve started a STOP BETO FUND - and thats why I need you to chip in as soon as possible.

Clicking on the link sends donors to Cornyns re-election fund.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Its a big change from three months ago when Cornyn cast doubt on ORourke running against him in 2020. When radio host Hugh Hewitt in November asked Cornyn about ORourke, Cornyn said ...I think Betos got stars in his eyes, and hes going to go for the big one.

But a week ago, Politico, citing unnamed sources, said Schumer had talked to ORourke directly about running for Senate  a report ORourkes camp has not confirmed.

Oprah Winfrey, on her OWN channel, earlier this month pressed ORourke on whether hed run for president.

I have been thinking about running for president, ORourke confirmed to a standing ovation from her audience.

ORourke said he would decide by the end of the month. The prospect of running for the Senate did not come up in excerpts released by the OWN network. The full interview with ORourke is scheduled to air on Sunday.

Cornyn, meanwhile, is all in on running for re-election in 2020. He starts the race with more than $5.8 million in his campaign account.

For subscribers: Sen. John Cornyn faces new threats in 2020 re-election bidSteve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Its becoming clear that Houston is going to have to share Dan Crenshaw.

The first term Congressman continues to be in high demand in the national media and on the political speaking circuit. This weekend, Crenshaw will be a headliner at a Lincoln Day Republican fundraising dinner in the California district of the top-ranking Republican in the U.S. House. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, is also expected to speak, but its Crenshaw who is featured on social media ads as the special guest for the $75 per-person fundraiser in Bakersfield on Friday.Two men have been accused of stealing a shipping container storing more than $164,000 in alcohol from a Union Pacific rail yard in Houston, according to court documents.

Joseph Warren Hendon, 34, and John Paul Henderson, 33, have both been charged with felony theft between $150,000 and $300,000.

Officials with the Harris County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Henderson was booked into Harris County Jail on Jan. 25 and released that day after posting his $10,000 bond. Union Pacific officials said Hendon bonded out of an unspecified jail facility Tuesday after posting a $10,000 bail. The exact location of his arrest was unclear.

Police said the theft occurred Dec. 30 at the Union Pacific Settegast Intermodal Facility located at 6800 Kirkpatrick. Investigators with Houston Police and Union Pacific Railroad Police outlined their interviews with witnesses in several arrest warrants filed in Harris County court records as recently as Feb. 13.

Police said Henderson and another woman were the last people working at the facility on the afternoon of Dec. 30.

It was a slow day, and they were planning to close early when a man  later identified as Hendon  drove up to the facility in a white semi, police said.

He tried to drive through a closed lane when the woman stopped him and questioned him. Henderson then got involved and spoke with the driver.

According to the affidavit, Henderson said he would take care of the truck driver and asked the woman to leave. After she left, Henderson called her and told her the truck driver tried to hook up a container, but he made him drop it and leave.

Further investigation showed otherwise, according to court documents.

Police said they found surveillance video of Henderson's grey Ford Expedition following the semi truck carrying the stolen container down Shepherd Drive and later Loop 610.

They also found phone records showing Henderson communicated with Hendon around the time of the theft.

Further, police said they traced the semi to Hendon, who was licensed to drive commercial vehicles, court documents say.

The container was loaded with $164,316 in liquor, which took up 1,386 cases, police said. The total value of the theft, including the container and chassis, was $172,662, police said.

The container was located the next day in the 7400 block of Carver Lane with the majority of its contents removed, police said.

The extent of the suspect's relationship is unclear. Police said Hendon's number wasn't saved in Henderson's phone, but Henderson didn't deny knowing the man during an interview, court documents say.

Union Pacific spokeswoman Kristen South said Henderson was a contractor and not officially employed by the railroad.

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | 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.A federal judge criticized for barring a female prosecutor from his Houston courtroom has the backing of about a dozen lawyers who said the Justice Department unfairly attacked his character.

Flanked by civil and criminal defense lawyers, one-time congressman Craig Washington said he drove from Bastrop on Tuesday to defend longtime U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes from allegations of controversial remarks perceived as racist or sexist. Washington dismissed the criticism as false.

Anyone who besmirches his reputation by saying so should be ashamed of themselves, especially if they are an officer of the court, Washington said.

Washington, who previously worked as a lawyer, defended 77-year-old Hughes as a fair jurist with a no-nonsense penchant for defending the Constitution.

If someone mistakes what he says in the wrong way, thats their problem. Not his problem, said Washington, who in 1995 was unseated by U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

The attorneys who joined Washington included Robert Fickman, Nicole DeBorde, Richard Kuniansky and Sean Buckley. Their show of support outside the Bob Casey United States Courthouse comes in the wake of U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick arguing that the President Ronald Reagan-appointee abused his power by repeatedly ejecting Assistant U.S. Attorney Tina Ansari from his court.

The back-and-forth between Hughes and Patrick dredged up a comment from a 2017 court session that involved Ansari. Patrick, who is appealing Hughes decision to remove Ansari, has suggested the judge was retaliating against her after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rebuked him for making a demeaning and inappropriate comment about the inclusion of women in court.

It was a lot simpler when you guys wore dark suits, white shirts and navy ties.  We didnt let girls do it in the old days, Hughes said in 2017, later explaining he was addressing a group of a FBI agents  not Ansari.

Hughes most recently booted Ansari from his courtroom on Jan. 18 because her ability and integrity are inadequate, the judge said, according to a transcript.

Standing outside the courthouse on Rusk Street, the defense lawyers took exception to Patricks apparent attempt to dictate how Hughes conducts his courtroom.

He doesnt have to answer to anyone except the Constitution and the law of this state, Washington said.

Fickman touted an ethics complaint he lodged against a judge while leading the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association as an example of his impartiality.

I have no tolerance for abusive judges, but I will stand up for a good and honorable judge whose name is dragged through the mud. I think thats the situation with Judge Lynn Hughes, Fickman said.

In response to the comments Patrick made, Fickman said the Justice Department misrepresented the judge to the 5th Circuit.

He has been personally attacked, we believe, by the Department of Justice, because he had the temerity to stand up to them and rule in a manner that they did not like, Fickman said.

Hughes role as a federal judge precluded him from speaking on the matter, Fickman said, and that he did not need the judges blessing to defend him. Hughes court was in session as Fickman spoke.

He cant come down here and make a speech obviously, Fickman said.

Angela Dodge, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney, declined to comment on the rally and said Patricks prior statements and court filings speak for themselves.

nicole.hensley@chron.com

twitter.com/nkhensleyThe FBI has launched an independent civil rights investigation into the conduct of officers involved in the botched no-knock drug raid that left two people dead and five officers wounded, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said Wednesday at a City Hall press conference.

The probe is the latest aftershock after last month's deadly drug raid, which left two people dead, thrown the Houston Police Department into turmoil, and sent city and county leaders scrambling to contain a burgeoning scandal.

At the news conference, Acevedo said HPD's criminal investigation into the deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas last month would continue, even as he outlined new policies that he said would avoid future fatalities.

"We as a police department have uncovered some malfeasance, we've taken it seriously, and we're not just looking at what's front of us, not just what's at the end of our nose," Acevedo said. "We have cast a wide net to make sure we identify any problems, most importantly procedures and methods so we can avoids things like this in the future."

Standing by the chief's side, Mayor Sylvester Turner touted his confidence in Acevedo - who he described as a "change agent" - and emphasized the value of the ongoing probe.

"What is important is for there to be a full, complete, thorough, and credible investigation," he said. "We want to hold people accountable if there's wrongdoing."

The Independent Police Oversight Board will be conducting its own review into the matter, officials said.

"It's important for people to know that this is not a rubber stamp," the chief added.

At the same time, Acevedo announced the formal adoption of a new policy significantly curtailing the use of no-knock raids, a move he previewed earlier in the week at a town hall meeting. Moving forward, only a handful of top officials in the department will be able to greenlight the risky no-knock warrant requests.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston police to end use of no-knock warrants, chief says

No-knock warrants are going to go away like leaded gasoline in this city, Acevedo said at the town hall Monday, where he also said the department would be equipping undercover teams with body cameras during raids.

IN DEPTH: Houston police officer in drug raid had previous allegations against him. Find the details at HoustonChronicle.com .

Houston Police Officers Union President Joe Gamaldi said the union backed the policy shift.

We would be supportive of anything thats going to make our officers job safer, he said, while not dealing in absolutes.

The scrutiny comes after a disastrous raid on Jan. 28, when an undercover narcotics squad burst into a home in southeast Houston hoping to arrest a man they said was dealing heroin. Instead, a shootout ensued, killing Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas, and wounding four officers. Investigators never found any heroin at the location, just 18 grams of marijuana and a gram of cocaine.

Friends and family of the couple killed disputed allegations they had any involvement in dealing drugs, and no evidence of a drug-dealing operation was found during the search of the home.

IS THIS AN ISSUE? Lack of body cameras limits answers from botched Houston drug raid. Find the details at HoustonChronicle.com.

In the aftermath of the shootout, an internal Houston police investigation discovered that Gerald Goines, the lead officer during the investigation, had allegedly falsified information in the search warrant used to justify the raid.

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.

st.john.smith@chron.com

keri.blakinger@chron.comThe Harris County District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday it has launched a review of more than 1,400 criminal cases that narcotics officer Gerald Goines worked on during his 34-year career at the Houston Police Department. The review includes 27 cases that are currently pending in court.

The undercover narcotics officer's work has come under intense scrutiny after a drug raid last month in south Houston in which two people were killed and five police officers were injured.We observed the process of presidential elections in Georgia, the process was tough, but well administered and fair, - Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at the meeting with the President of Georgia, InterPressNews reported.

Steinmeier hopes that political players will return to the format of cooperation, which will enable the country to implement important reforms.

We talked about the internal politics of Georgia, we followed the presidential elections and we saw and even felt that the election process was tough, but we saw that the OSCE observation mission stated that these elections were professionally prepared, well-administered and held fairly. We hope and we are convinced that the strong polarization demonstrated in the electoral process will not continue, and the political players will return to the format of cooperation and dialogue, which will give you the opportunity to carry out reforms in Georgia. Georgia has passed an impressive path of development. I would be happy to see another stage of the development of your country, the German President said according to the Georgian version of Steinmeier's statement aired by Imedi TV.AUSTIN  State Sen. Angela Paxton has filed a bill that would expand the authority of her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and perhaps soften the securities law he has been charged with violating.

But Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, says that influencing her husbands trial was not a factor in proposing the legislation.

That has literally nothing to do with why I filed the bill, she said when asked whether her proposal would have shielded her husband, had it been law when he was charged. That may be hard for you to believe, but that has nothing to do with the purpose of the bill. People in my district brought this bill to me.

She said she did not talk about the bill with Ken Paxton before filing it Friday: No, he was not involved in that.

Senate Bill 860 would create a regulatory sandbox allowing entrepreneurs to market test some financial products and services without a license. The attorney generals office would regulate the sandbox program.

If passed, the legislation would exempt participating entrepreneurs from a portion of the state securities law, which is the basis for one of three pending felony charges against Ken Paxton, also a Republican. He is accused of selling securities without a license in a 2015 grand jury indictment, and faces two other charges of securities fraud. Angela Paxtons bill does not propose to change the law retroactively.

For subscribers: Texas Attorney Generals delayed fraud trial is Exhibit A in his re-election bid

However, a legal expert consulted by Hearst Newspapers suggested Ken Paxtons criminal defense strategy could change should the bill become law. His lawyers could try to convince a jury it would be a waste of taxpayer money to convict him for an action that is no longer illegal, said Dwight McDonald, a Texas Tech law professor who practiced in criminal courts in Lubbock.

I dont know if a jury would buy that, but its certainly something to argue about, McDonald said.

Political science professor Mark Jones said the optics of the bill are bad for both the Paxtons, and he doubts it will go very far.

It hurts the Republican brand and any Republican that supports it, said Jones. I cant imagine anyone outside the Paxton household who would think this would be a good idea or that it would ever pass.

Angela Paxton said one of her constituents, Richardson Chamber of Commerce CEO Bill Sproull, asked her to carry the bill. As a leader of Tech Titans, a technology association in North Texas, Sproull said he and others in the group produced research on the idea of a regulatory sandbox to help the financial tech industry.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

I want policies to help our members innovate quicker, Sproull said, adding he wants tech entrepreneurs to flock to Texas.

A similar measure has been approved by state lawmakers in Arizona.

Paxtons bill would give the attorney generals office more power, which is not uncommon for a state Legislature to do, said Paul Nolette, a Marquette University professor who studies state attorneys general.

But he called the Paxton bill a potential conflict of interest.

Im very surprised that she took the lead on this legislation because its pretty clear that it doesnt look good, Nolette said. If you took the names away, took Paxton away from both of them, this would be pretty unremarkable. There really wouldnt be much to say.

Ken Paxton said Tuesday he had not yet read the bill, and referred questions about it to his wife. He said his office does not typically review legislation before lawmakers take it up in committee. The criminal indictment alleges that he convinced friends to invest in a North Dallas tech startup without disclosing he would collect a commission. He also failed to register with the state securities board and later paid a fine, records show.

A federal civil court dismissed similar charges against Paxton, although his trial in state criminal court has been postponed amid a legal fight over payment for the special prosecutors who are building the case against him. He has maintained his innocence and says the indictment was initiated by his foes in the Republican Party.Despite the wet, cold morning, visitors lined up at Tomballs depot on Tuesday, Feb. 19, to await the Sam Houston Trail Riders.

Lisa Prins, from Tomball, and her daughter Ellie, 3, were both bundled up in raincoats on the edge of the depot to be among the first to see the horse-drawn wagons and riders.

This is our first trail riding experience and we are very excited. (Ellie) loves horses right now, Lisa said.

Behind them, line dancers stood in formation before moving forward and side to side along with the music.

Other visitors at the depot were covered in plastic ponchos and jackets waiting for the trail riders procession through Tomball on the to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Jessica Skinner, from Cypress, also attended the event for the first time with her son Abraham to see the riders arrive.

I grew up in Michigan and I dont know what the whole trail ride is about. Ive never been (to the rodeo) actually, but this year, its on my list of things to do. This year, I want to check it out. Ive been harassed enough by my local friends to make the trek and do it, she said.

The year, the rodeo is scheduled to take place from Monday, Feb. 25 to Sunday, March 17 at NRG Park.

As part of the Sam Houston Trail Riders, sisters Taylor Tilton Rahm, 10 and Kallie Tilton, 15, arrived on horseback after starting their day at 8:30 a.m.

Its really cold, Taylor said of the wet weather.

After their stop in Tomball, the entire party of wagons and horses continued on to Spring Creek Park.

Kallie said the annual ride is a tradition in which her siblings, parents and extended family all participate.

I like that we all get together as a family. We get to spend time together, she said.

The group will join other trail riders in a parade in downtown Houston on Saturday, Feb. 23.

mayra.cruz@chron.comBruce Grethen of Sugar Land has logged as many hours of volunteer work in the past seven years as many people do in a lifetime. But as impressive as the quantity is, Grethen is appreciated more for the quality of his free labor.

As a result, the Fort Bend County Historical Commission is awarding Grethen the Bert E. Bleil Heritage Award for 2019 in recognition of the Missouri transplants contributions to the preservation of county history and culture. The presentation will take place at the annual Bleil Award reception at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond on Tuesday, March 5.

Grethen, a geologist and geophysicist (bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Missouri), was recruited for the historical commissions cemetery committee in 2013 by committee chair Bob Crosser. This group, the largest among a half-dozen committees within the commission, works against time as well as Fort Bend Countys rapid growth to locate, document and rescue forgotten and/or endangered graves.

Crosser, who was the first recipient of the Bleil Award in 2009, said Grethen averages 80 hours per month doing commission-related volunteer work that also takes in areas of interest outside the committee. He currently serves as vice chair of the cemetery committee.

Again, however, Crosser emphasized that his star recruits knowledge and abilities are of even greater value than the time donated. Grethen has been able to transfer his skills in geology, geophysics and geographic information systems (GIS) to his volunteer duties.

Bruce used his high proficiency in geophysics and computer science, Crosser explained, to introduce the historical commission to the use of ground penetrating radar to locate unmarked graves and other historic elements not visible at the surface. Bruce designed and conducted a testing program for the GPR system acquired by the Friends of the FBCHC, he performed scientific tests of the equipment. He then designed a standard for processing the measurements the equipment would yield.

Crosser said Grethen has designed and conducted numerous GPR investigations including one at the Bland Cemetery, which contained 17 unmarked graves. In the as-yet unresolved search for the grave of Texas Revolution hero Erastus Deaf Smith, Grethen detected seven ground anomalies in the suspected location around the intersection of Houston and Sixth streets in Richmond.

Bruce has contributed to the knowledge and preservation of historic and cultural resources of Fort Bend County in many other ways, Crosser affirmed. Those include adjusting and refining location coordinates for all known historic cemeteries and creating a database of extracted information from county death records (1903-1990) containing up to 10 identifiers for each decedent.

He sought out and obtained for the commission, at processing cost only, 650 frames of a 1941 high-resolution aerial survey of the county and created a digital base index map of the photos. He has created hundred of GIS projects using these aerials and other historic data to determine the location of lost cultural resources and cemeteries.

Other projects Grethen has initiated or aided include determining the likely location of the 19th century Churchill Fulshear Jr. horse racing track and designing and constructing internal bracing for the cistern on the Mirabeau B. Lamar home site in advance of archeological investigation.

His volunteer time is divided between the commission office and the county roadways, from which he reconnoiters for historically important structures as candidates for preservation and also checks the conditions of historic cemeteries.

Grethen and his wife, Linda, live in Sugar Land.State intrusion and odor problems from the Blue Ridge Landfill are among the challenges facing Pearland, according to Position 6 City Councilman Trent Perez, who drew no opponents in his bid for a second term in the May 4 election.

People who live over there have to deal with that on a daily basis, Perez, a civil engineer who is mayor pro-tem, said of the Fort Bend County landfill, which both the city and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality allege is the source of a notorious sewage odor that sometimes permeates west Pearland neighborhoods.

Although he is unopposed, Perez will still be on the ballot for the election. All other Pearland City Council positions up for election feature contested races. In Position 5, the incumbent, attorney J. David Little, is vying against business owner Dr. Sheila Pope, and Position 1 has a three-way race between retiree Derrell Isenberg, management consultant Luke Orlando and engineer Jimi Amos for a seat held by term-limited Tony Carbone.

The Blue Ridge Landfill is near Pearlands Shadow Creek Ranch master-planned community, where residents have complained of odors since 2915. The city has sued the landfill seeking corrective action to resolve the problem. The landfill, owned and operated by Republic Services Inc., has said that it has taken steps to control odors and that it has implemented a plan reached with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for better site monitoring and community reporting.

If you ask Blue Ridge, Im sure theyll tell you theyre working on a solution, but if you ask our residents, Im sure theyll tell you that the solution cant happen fast enough, Perez said. I hope it stops tomorrow, but realistically that wont happen. I hope that in three years, we dont have to talk about this at all.

Perez also said that the city should stay in constant communication with elected representatives at the state level to make them understand that local governments are better equipped to understand and deal with local issues.

The state becoming more and more intrusive, pulling more and more power away from us, Perez said.

The governor is no more equipped to deal with Pearland issues than we are to deal with state issues  everybody knows their own job, their own area  and the state government needs to let us handle ours, he said.

Perez referred to the citys move to annex tracts totaling some 2,000 acres of its extraterritorial jurisdiction in 2017 ahead of a new state law that would have required consent from voters living in those areas. Pearland later deannexed the tracts after lawsuits from residents and a reprimand from the Brazoria County district attorney about procedures used in the process.

The city agreed to eventually end emergency services in the extraterritorial jurisdiction, saying it could no longer afford to keep covering that expense without reimbursement. Residents in two of the areas voted in November to create emergency services districts to fund their own fire and medical services through property tax revenue.

Putting a prohibition on us being able to annex the necessary pieces of land we need to grow, which means we now cant offer (emergency) services to those citizens in our ETJ, was a big issue, Perez said. We cant control growth this way, we cant control property taxes (in the ETJ) this way. But the state has tied our hands.

Perez, who had been the assistant city engineer for Pearland before he first ran for his seat, said he is proud of moves the council made during his first term.

Weve hired numerous police officers in that time, he said. Weve created districts and beats within the city, allowing us to reduce response time, and were seeing a lot of good coming from that.

Were expanding the number of firehouses we have in the city based on a story we recently commissioned whose principal motivation was to see how we could reduce response time with respect to fire and EMS, Perez said. Weve been able to get average response time, which was 12 to 13 minutes, down to 6 to 7 minutes by following through with the rebuilding or relocating existing fire stations within the city.

The once all-volunteer fire department is transitioning to an all-paid department, he said.

We will continue to onboard new firefighters to increase our staff, Perez said. This not only goes toward helping with response times, but has an effect on other things, such as improving staff morale. We used to be all-volunteer, then we were about 50 percent volunteer and 50 percent paid. Were diligently working toward an all-paid department.March 16 marks the 79th anniversary of the founder of Azerbaijani jazz-mugham, honored art worker of Azerbaijan Vagif Mustafazade.

On the eve of this date, friends and colleagues of the jazzman, fans of his music will gather in Moscow at Igor Butman Club on March 10. Works of national musician will sound at the event. "Each of the performing musicians will share their thoughts about Vagif Mustafazade," the announcement reads.

The special guest of the evening will be Igor Butman.

Vagif Mustafazade was born on March 16. 1940 in Baku. He is the founder of Azerbaijani jazz mugham movement that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s in Baku, as a result of the mixture of these two styles. Throughout years, he wrote numerous jazz compositions, including fugues, preludes, ballads and scherzos, many of them written in the 1970s. He released a total of eight albums, all with different line-ups, mood and style.

Mustafazade is a winner of numerous jazz festivals such as "Tallinn-66", "Tallinn-67", Baku festival "Jazz 69", Donetsk 1977 festival.

Musician's death was a shock to many people. He was only 39 years old when he died on stage while performing in Tashkent in 1979.One of the men prominently featured in previews for an award-winning documentary set to launch on Netflix this April might look eerily familiar to some Houstonians.

The man's face, clearly displayed in promotional photos for the film "Ghosts of Sugar Land," looks strikingly similar to another alleged ISIS supporter from Sugar Land the Chronicle reported on earlier this year.

Written by Bassam Tariq and Thomas Niles, the film is based on a group of young Muslim American men from Sugar Land that question the disappearance of their friend Mark, who is suspected of joining the Islamic State, according to a release from Netflix.

Warren Christopher Clark of Sugar Land made national headlines when it was reported he was captured by Kurdish rebels in Syria earlier this year. Clark's involvement with ISIS was first reported by the Chronicle last year after a George Washington University study found he had he sent his resume and cover letter to ISIS to request a teaching job.

RELATED: Prosecutors allege Sugar Land man linked to 'jihadist fan club'

After he was captured in Syria, Clark admitted to supporting the terrorist group in an exclusive interview with NBC News on Jan. 15. He denied engaging in combat.

Clark was brought back to Houston to face federal charges after that interview and pleaded not guilty to a charge of " providing material support to the foreign terrorist group known as the Islamic State," the Chronicle reported.

Clark could spend 20 years in prison if convicted, per the same Chronicle article. His trial is scheduled for March in U.S. District Court in Galveston.

The Chronicle reached out to Netflix to confirm if Clark is, in fact, the same man featured in the film and promotional photos. Netflix media relations personnel said the August launch date was all that could be shared about the film now and refused to confirm or deny Clark's involvement. But side by side comparisons of promotional film shots and Clark's mugshot show a striking resemblance.

See all we know on Clark and his ties to Houston in the photos above...

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

At their Tuesday meeting, the Conroe Independent School District trustees named a new principal for Vogel Intermediate School in Oak Ridge North.

Christa Haymark, who had been the assistant principal of Runyan Elementary in Conroe, was selected for the position. She addressed the board with gratitude.

Its humbling to work in a district that has such strong leadership focused on growing teachers for the betterment of all students, Haymark said.

This change is due to growth. Current Vogel principal Tara Vandermark is to transition to Suchma Elementary to open the new campus at the start of the 2019-20 school year. Superintendent Curtis Null said the district wanted to maintain the campus family atmosphere with the new principal.

It requires someone that has strong drive and a great educational background as an instructional leader, Null said, and added thats why it is appropriate to bring Haymark in. She started as a teacher at Vogel more than 10 years ago.

Annual report

As required by state law, Deputy Superintendent Chris Hines presented the 2017-18 Texas Annual Performance Report. Its a compilation of academic, financial and campus performance reports.

In terms of criminal incidents, there were 47 reportable offenses at 12 different campuses last year. The majority of those incidents were due to felony controlled substances, which Hines said are usually found in medicine cabinets.

The Woodlands High school reported seven incidents of felony controlled substances, the most of all individual campuses. Both Conroe and Oak Ridge high schools reported five incidences.

Other offenses, such as indecency with a child and students bringing a firearm, knife or weapon to school were down. However, incidents of sexual assault of a student went from two in 2016-17 to three in 2017-18.

In total, this years report is lower than 2016-17s data, which tallied 57 reportable criminal incidents at 13 different campuses. Of those, 36 were felony controlled substances.

Other data showed that the districts attendance rate remained at 96.4 percent, and the student dropout rate remained the lowest in the area at 0.2 percent.

Standardized test achievement also stayed the same. The percentage of students who approach grade level or above in all subjects of the State of Texas Assessments for Academic Readiness, or STAAR exams, was level at 85 percent.

Conroe ISD ranks third in this area behind Katy and Montgomery ISDs, and is above the state average of 77 percent.

The full report can be viewed online. At the end of the report public hearing, Null thanked the educators and parents in the room.

Thank you for what you do that makes that report possible, because thats absolutely amazing results, and its a direct reflection of the great work you do every day, Null said.

jane.stueckemann@chron.comMarriage on stage is usually an ending  at least in comedies. For tragedies and suspense dramas, it tends toward some version of Macbeths deal between two devils or the broken bond that drives the plot. But its a challenge that calls to mind a play about marriage  a play that explores what marriage is.

David Mamets Boston Marriage, currently being staged by Dirt Dogs Theatre Company at Houstons MATCH, is a surprising exception.

The surprise lies in Mamets basic premise: an intentionally ambiguous relationship between two women, Anna and Claire, living together independent of men  the Boston marriage of the title. Its a quaint term, supposedly derived from The Bostonians, the 1886 novel by Henry James, a master at subtly describing a world of Victorian propriety that muddied sexual proclivities and smirked at feminine independence. Written at the end of the 20th century, Mamets play refuses to exploit the situation for titillation or political ammunition. Rather, it recreates the ways, language works like whalebone corsets to shape reality for appearances sake.

Anna and Claire are women muddling through the complexities of their condition as unmarried females approaching middle age and seeking a safe harbor to arrive at or, at least, a return to the freedom of youth. The sexual nature of their relationship is not the issue: Anna has found protection as the mistress of a wealthy man; Claire is hoping for passion with a young woman. But what are they together  these two old friends?

And it is this question that brings us back to marriage. Beyond biological arrangement, what is it? How does it work? What does it enable and prevent us from doing?

Mamet offers no polemical answers. But with his plays premise, devised long before marriage equality was a blip on American long-range sensors, it is the ability of his two women to find security and support in their connection, whatever its name, that contains the core of the plays intellectual interest. In this unconventional situation, he shows what makes a marriage work, and he offers a strong if quirky defense of an institution that, at times, can seem as dated and affected as his characters language  language that feels like a refugee from an Oscar Wilde comedy with a little American profanity stirred in.

Ultimately, this language is the life of the play. His characters wrestle with it, make it their refuge, their mask. And they are by turns philosophic, humorous, and, using what is perhaps Mamets calling card, vicious. To watch them turn language from a shield to a mace in the blink of an eye is to know the power and beauty beneath our constant fumbling for words.

Making this happen requires a cast adept with complex dialogue and subtle enough to find rhythms and pauses that speak as clearly as the uttered sounds. Both Malinda L. Beckham as Anna and Melissa J. Mayo as Claire handle it well. When as Anna, Beckham laments, Weve gone astray. We have become habituated to that vile weed, Luxury, which grows, in the night, like the Ricinus plant, in the Bible, she makes each comma a pause when she lays down a bit of mortar to keep building the sentence to its postponed end. For Mayo as Claire, speech parries every distressing situation as when she responds, Yes, as all things can be mended by wishing; as the child mangled by the cart can be made whole by apology.

Added into this mix is the folksy musing of their maid played by Jenna Morris who contrasts the elevated affectations of her employers with dialect and homey witticisms.

Director Linda Phenix brings her experience as a choreographer to bear by making this whirl of words dance. She moves her actresses around a set of fussy but tasteful Victorian clutter, beautifully imagined by Beckham in her dual road as scenic designer. They become embroidered decor, as precisely woven into their world as Mamet has woven their dialogue.

If in the end, this Boston Marriage doesnt capture every audience member, the fault lies less in this production than our continuing struggle to come to terms with all the complexities that define human habitations and relationships.

Boston Marriage is on stage at Houstons MATCH facility in midtown through Feb. 23.

Robert Donahoo is a professor at Sam Houston State University and writes theater reviews for The Courier.Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov held a meeting with a delegation led by member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, head of the Turkey-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group Samil Ayrim.

The Turkish MP praised the meetings held during the visit, especially the meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and hailed the exchange of ideas that took place.

Emphasizing the contribution of the inter-parliamentary friendship groups to further developing friendly and brotherly relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan, Ayrim stressed the significance of increasing the reciprocal visits and contacts between the friendship groups.

Mammadyarov highlighted the significance of parliamentary dimension in furthering the friendship and cooperation between two brotherly states and noted the importance of collaboration within the relevant international organizations, AzerTac reported.courtesy of the Montgomery County Jail

A man started a jail sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to filming women as they undressed and used a restroom at a Woodlands Cheesecake Factory where he was employed.

Herman Tharon Watson II, 30, of Houston, is serving a 20-day sentence at the Montgomery County Jail for an invasive visual recording offense which was dropped from a felony to a Class A misdemeanor, according to Tyler Dunman, special crimes chief at the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office.A Katy man hauling a couch and dresser in his truck told authorities in December he had bought them at a garage sale on the outskirts of Corpus Christi. But when U.S. Border Patrol agents checked, they found six people concealed inside the furniture.

Yabar Ayan Portes-Arevalo, 23, pleaded guilty this week for his role in a human smuggling case. He could receive a sentence of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, federal prosecutors from the Southern District of Texas said Portes-Arevalo could lose his status as a legal permanent resident.

On Dec. 20, 2018, Portes-Arevalo pulled up to a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita, about 60 miles southwest of Corpus Christi. The agents noticed a couch and a dresser wrapped in plastic and tied down to the bed of his Ford F-150 pickup. One of the agents asked if he was moving.

He stated no he bought the stuff down here at a garage sale. The agent asked how far he was traveling to. He said he was going to Houston, Texas, according to federal court documents. The agent stated that it was a long way to go for a garage sale and that they have better garage sales in Houston.

DRUG DEAL GONE WRONG: Katy man sentenced to 12 years for homicide

Portes-Arevalo laughed and said he sometimes visits the area to pick stuff up.

Smugglers will sometimes use furniture in pickup trucks to conceal their human cargo from immigration authorities, Border Patrol agents said. They said Portes-Arevalo agreed to allow them to examine his pickup truck.

Agents with a truck mounted X-ray system made a pass around the Ford F-150 Portes-Arevalo was driving and called for backup after noticing anomalies in the X-ray image, according to court documents.

Federal prosecutors said they found three people hidden deep inside the sofa and three more nailed inside the dresser. The furniture was secured by orange tie-down straps. They people were pulled free and told officials they were from Guatemala and had no documents to show they were legally in the country. They were placed under arrest and taken to the U.S. Border Patrol station in Kingsville for processing, officials said.

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.

Portes-Arevalo, who lives in Katy, agreed to talk to the investigators. He was to have been paid $1,000 for his role in the smuggling operation. He said he had done it once before but claimed he didnt he was illegally transporting people. But, according to court documents he admitted being suspicious due to the amount of money he was being paid. Furniture was already in the truck bed when he drove to McAllen from the Houston area. He was told to wait inside a house there while the furniture in back of his truck was exchanged for the sofa and dresser later discovered by the Border Patrol agents, according to court documents.

If stopped, he was told to say he purchased the furniture and not answer any other questions, officials said.

Portes-Arevalo said Border Patrol agents asked only about his citizenship during the other incident where he admitted illegally transporting people.

He was let go so he did not think much of it at the time, according to federal court documents.

Sentencing for Portes-Arevalo has been set for May 20, 2019. He was permitted to remain free on bond until the hearing, officials said.

mike.glenn@chron.comA 34-year-old Katy man was sentenced to a total of 12 years to a federal prison for the shooting death of a buyer in a drug deal and for identity theft, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes ordered James Michael Curtis Johnson to a 120-month prison sentence for the firearm charge and a consecutive 24 months for the separate identity theft charge, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas.

The sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

Johnson pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm and aggravated identity theft in 2017.

Johnson was arrested for his involvement in a 2014 drug deal turned homicide, which took place in the hallway of the apartment building on the 2600 block of Woodland Park in Houston.

NO MORE NO-KNOCK RAIDS? Houston chief, mayor and DA set to speak on botched drug bust

Johnson admitted to shooting and killing a man whom he was selling narcotics to after an altercation arose between Johnson and the buyer. During the sale, the buyer drew a gun. Johnson is said to have drawn his own gun and fired at the buyer, striking him several times and killing him, authorities said.

During a separate fraud scheme, FBI agents arrested Johnson and five others for their participationin a conspiracy to steal money from online bank accounts. Johnson and his accomplices were said to have used the stolen identities of two victims to receive blank checks from a bank. The six were handed a 32-count indictment by prosecutors.

In one instance, the suspects wrote a fraudulent check in the amount of $91,256.73 and deposited it at BBVA Compass in Houston. They were able to withdraw the money before the bank could stop the withdrawal, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas.

FBI agents raided the Cinco Ranch home of one of the suspects in November 2016 after an investigation into their fraud schemes.

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.

The FBIs Houston Area Cyber Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Chu prosecuted the case.Kroger, among the Houston area's largest grocery stores with 111 locations, is providing $1 million in grant money to emerging technologies and ideas that could prevent food waste.

The grants, ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 per project, will be given to organizations ranging from early-stage solutions to those that are tested and ready to scale. It's part of a larger initiative at Kroger to end hunger in the communities it serves and to eliminate waste across the company by 2025.Three people were arrested and more than $400,000 in cash was seized after Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office deputies conducted a raid on an illegal game room in southwest Houston.

According to Constable Ted Heap's Office, the Major Offenders Division conducted months of surveillance leading up to the raid. The surveillance allowed investigators to obtain warrants and raid the Magic Game Room in the 10800 block of West Bellfort on Monday, Feb. 18.Tracy Maness

Bellaire residents are invited to attend a special dedication of the new Bellaire Police Department and Municipal Court Building at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Following the ceremony, public tours of the new facility will be offered until noon.Crude rose to its highest since November as growing concerns about Venezuelan supplies add to confidence that OPEC and its partners are draining the global supply glut.

Futures gained 1.5 percent in New York on Wednesday. The OPEC+ Joint Technical Committee assessed compliance with the group's production curbs at 83 percent in January, the first month of the deal, while Saudi Arabia and Russia have signaled they'll step up their cuts. Meanwhile, the resistance of Nicolas Maduro to caving in to pressure against his regime signals Venezuela's woes may drag on.

"The market looked like it picked its head up when we pushed through yesterday's highs," said Gene McGillian, manager of market research at Tradition Energy. Oil's rally seems to be "driven mostly by the idea that the production cuts by OPEC and Russia are beginning to really show up and the toughened sanctions on Venezuela are adding to the tightened supply outlook."

Crude has climbed more than 25 percent this year in New York as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies work to trim output. However, the ongoing U.S.-China trade war has continued to threaten global economic growth, as well as demand. In the U.S., crude production remains near 12 million barrels a day. Futures are still roughly $20 lower from their early-October high.

PREVIOUSLY: Oil extends winning streak on Saudi supply cuts, trade optimism

West Texas Intermediate for March delivery, which expires Wednesday, added 83 cents to $56.92 on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest since Nov. 12. The more active April contract gained 71 cents to $57.16.

Brent for April settlement gained 63 cents to $67.08 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.

"We remain broadly constructive, with the Saudis showing that they are committed to bringing the market back to balance, with them cutting output significantly more than they agreed to," said Warren Patterson, senior commodities strategist at ING Bank NV. "There is somewhat of a disconnect between markets, with the U.S. appearing relatively more bearish. We continue to see persistent U.S. crude oil inventory builds."

Domestic crude stockpiles probably increased 3.1 million barrels last week, according to a Bloomberg survey. Plus, the Energy Information Administration sees output at major U.S. shale plays rising in March.

The American Petroleum Institute is scheduled to release its weekly count of stockpiles later Wednesday, followed by the U.S. government's tally on Thursday.

--With assistance from James Thornhill, Heesu Lee and Grant Smith.

2019 Bloomberg L.P.Kinder Morgan is one step closer to starting up the first of 10 production units at its Elba Island LNG export terminal in Savannah, Ga.

In an order issued on Tuesday, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission officials gave Kinder Morgan permission to start introducing chemicals into loading pumps that feed a liquefied natural gas storage tank.

Kinder Morgan began the startup process for the export terminal earlier this month. The process is expected to take several weeks and mark the company's entrance into the burgeoning LNG business.

"This FERC order brings us one step closer to completing the required commissioning activities for the first unit at Elba Island," Kinder Morgan spokeswoman Katherine Hill said in a statement. "The outlook continues to remain positive as we work towards its in service near the end of the first quarter."

Green Light: Kinder Morgan begins weeks-long startup process for Elba Island LNG

Originally built as a facility to import natural gas, record production in U.S. shale basins prompted Kinder Morgan to seek permission from the federal government to reconfigure part of the facility into an export terminal. Federal officials gave Kinder Morgan a permit to build the export terminal in June 2016.

Once the 10 production units are operational, the facility will be able to produce up to 2.5 million metric tons of LNG a year.

Kinder Morgan does not produce natural gas or sell it, but instead acts as a middleman charging producers or buyers to move it from one point to another through its pipelines. The company is extending that business model to the burgeoning LNG business along the Gulf Coast.

In the case of Elba Island LNG, Kinder Morgan decided to build 10 smaller and modular liquefaction plants that will supercool natural gas and condense it to a liquid form that makes it easier to ship. Oil and refining giant Shell entered into a 20-year deal with Kinder Morgan to market and export all the LNG produced at the Georgia facility.

Market Outlook: Kinder Morgan sets 2019 budget with emphasis on natural gas projects

Once the the first production unit is online, Kinder Morgan expects to startup the remaining nine productions one by one over nine months time.

Elba Island LNG is coming online at a time of growing global demand for liquefied natural gas. The U.S. LNG industry currently exports 3 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day, but that figure is expected to grow to 17 billion cubic feet a day by 2030  an increase of nearly 500 percent.Former state Sen. Carlos Uresti turned himself in to U.S. marshals Tuesday afternoon to begin serving a 12-year prison sentence.

Uresti, 55, arrived at the federal courthouse at shortly after 1 p.m.  about an hour before a 2 p.m. deadline set for him to surrender. He was flanked by attorneys Mikal Watts and Alicia ONeill and joined by friends and family. Uresti was carrying a Bible in his left hand.

Scot Wall, the Legislatures chaplain, said a prayer for Uresti before the San Antonio Democrat entered the courthouse.

A federal jury last year convicted Uresti of 11 felonies for his role in defrauding investors in an oil-field services company that prosecutors said was a Ponzi scheme. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and ordered to pay $6.3 million in restitution to victims.

The case cost him is long political career, his law practice, his wealth, his marriage and his freedom.

Last week, Uresti received a five-year sentence in an unrelated public-corruption case in West Texas  a punishment he will serve concurrently with the 12-year sentence.

He had pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to commit bribery in October rather than go to trial. He was directed to pay $876,000 in restitution in that case.

As part of his plea, Uresti agreed to drop the appeal of his conviction and sentence in the other case. Senior U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra agreed with prosecutors and defense lawyers, who recommended Uresti serve the two sentences concurrently.

At his sentencing last week, Uresti said, It is my primary mission and my goal to redeem myself to my friends, my family and victims.

Many had looked to Uresti as a success story, growing up poor in Lytle before his family moved to San Antonios South Side.

The youngest of eight children, he went on to become a college graduate, a Marine officer and a lawyer before launching his political career. He served in both the state House and Senate, becoming the head of a South Side mini-political dynasty. Two brothers, Tomas and Albert, followed him into politics.

Uresti left the federal courthouse in handcuffs and leg irons, just like when he was arrested following his indictment in the two criminal cases in May 2017.

Uresti is expected to be held at the Central Texas Detention Facility in San Antonio until its determined where he will serve his sentence. His co-defendants in the case involving the oil-field service company are serving their sentences in low-security facilities in Bastrop and Seagoville.

It will be at least 2029 before Uresti is eligible for release.

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U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants Europe to know who's really boss in Washington  and it isn't President Donald Trump. Politico reports in its article Nancy Pelosi to Europe: Trump is not the boss that Pelosi and a delegation of U.S. lawmakers were in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday to reassure European partners at a time when transatlantic relations have been deeply fractured by Trump's criticism of allies and his unpredictability in policymaking.

Among the messages that Pelosi said she brought to the EU capital was that the U.S. president is not all-powerful. Of course, it was a lesson Europeans watched her teach Trump in the standoff over a recent government shutdown  where she forced the president to back down.

"We're not a parliamentary government even though we're parliamentarians," Pelosi said at a news conference. "We have Article 1, the legislative branch, the first branch of government, co-equal to the other branches and we have asserted ourselves in that way."

Pelosi said that one European colleague had asked why the House of Representatives had only recently adopted a resolution in support of NATO. She said that she explained it is because she and the Democrats had only retaken control of the majority at the start of the year.

"I said because we just got the majority and then we can control, we can manage what goes on to the floor," Pelosi said. "But once the Republican colleagues had the opportunity to vote on this, H.R. 676 NATO Support Act  what was it? 357 to 22 Noes. I think that that sends a very clear message."

Pelosi added, "I don't think that there's any difference between Democrats and Republicans on our relationship with NATO. This is not partisan in any way."

Representative Gerry Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, reiterated Pelosi's point about congressional authority.

"In terms of the question  is this a reassurance tour? I think it's a reminder tour," Connolly said, "that the United States government is not just one branch. And as the Speaker said, Article 1, the first Article in the constitution of the United States deals with the powers of the legislative branch not the executive branch and those powers include war and peace and even direction of the armed forces."

Pelosi then leaned back toward the microphone to interject: "And the power of the purse."

The visit was clearly intended to draw a contrast between congressional Democrats and Trump.

Neither Pelosi nor any member of her delegation mentioned the president by name, but it was an unmistakable message to Trump back in Washington, where the president has declared a national emergency, intent on building his wall along the Mexican border even though Congress has denied him the money to do so.

A group of states has filed a lawsuit seeking to stop Trump, and the upcoming court fight will almost certainly test the balance of powers between the executive branch and Congress.

Pelosi and her delegation arrived in Brussels after attending the annual Munich Security Conference, where the deep fissures in transatlantic relations were on full display.

At the news conference in Brussels, Pelosi said that she and her delegation were in Europe "reaffirming our commitment to the transatlantic alliance, our commitment to NATO and respect for the European Union."

The visit was clearly intended to draw a contrast between congressional Democrats and Trump, who has left America's historic allies deeply unsettled, particularly by the unpredictability of his decisions such as surprise announcements of a drawdown of troops in Syria and Afghanistan and, over the weekend, a threat to release captured ISIS fighters if European allies don't accept them and put them on trial.

In Brussels, Pelosi and her delegation met NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the EU's high representative for foreign policy, Federica Mogherini.Must-see exhibitions of 2019  Russia, Asia, Australia and the Middle East

Calder in Melbourne, Murakami in Hong Kong, Picasso in Beijing  our updated guide to the best shows across the rest of the world this summer and beyond

1

National Museum of Qatar

Doha, Qatar , now open Jean Nouvels highly anticipated new museum is a sprawling complex of interlocking discs, inspired by the desert rose. These cool, white, tent-like structures reveal that the Pritzker prize-winning architect is just as comfortable on the horizontal as he once was with the crazy verticality of his earlier constructions. Inside, the museum traces Qatars history from 700 million years ago to the present day. Organised into a series of chronological chapters, it begins with the rich, geological heritage of the country and finishes with the epic Building of a Nation. Outside the French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel has installed 114 fountains inspired by Arabic calligraphy.

2

Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey: Stories of this Land

until 18 August, 2019 Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art , Brisbane,until 18 August, 2019 Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey (1920-1985) was an artist and illustrator and an eloquent writer who is perhaps best-known in Australia for a series of childrens books of Aboriginal folk stories. An activist and pioneer of indigenous art and culture, he brought the traditional practices of painting on bark to a wider audience in the 1960s. This touring exhibition is the first major retrospective in Australia celebrating the painters life and presents more than 70 works by the artist, including figurative pictures of tribal life and Aboriginal Dreamtime creatures.

Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey, Kennedy and Jackey Jackey Midday Rest, 1983. Acrylic on canvas, Cairns Art Gallery Collection

Dont miss Kennedy and Jackey Jackey Midday Rest (1983). In the early 1980s Dick Roughsey made a series of paintings illustrating the fatal 1848 expedition made by E.B. Kennedy to Cape York, together with his Aboriginal guide Jackey Jackey. They were ambushed, and Kennedy died soon afterwards of spear wounds.

3

Alexander Calder, Radical Inventor

until 4 August, 2019 The National Gallery of Victoria , Melbourne,until 4 August, 2019 The artist who reinvented sculpture by making it dance, Alexander Calder (1898-1976) was a maths prodigy who studied mechanical engineering at university before becoming a painter. After a visit to Mondrians studio in 1931, he invented the mobile, liberating primary colour from the canvas into the air. This is the first large-scale exhibition of Calders art in motion in Australia, and features many of the artists best-known works, revealing a love of shape, light and movement.

Alexander Calder, Triple Gong, 1951. Painted steel, painted wire, and brass. 78.7 x 172.7 cm. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Gift of Mr. And Mrs. Klaus G. Perls.  2018 Calder Foundation, New York / Copyright Agency, Australia

Dont miss Triple Gong (1951)  joyful in its virtuosity, time, chance and motion remake this sculpture endlessly.

4

Picasso  Birth of a Genius

until 1 September, 2019 UCCA , Beijing,until 1 September, 2019 This exhibition tells the story of the first three decades of the great modernists career, a time of radical exploration that began in 1893 and ended in 1921 with his return to Classicism after the First World War. Featuring 103 works from the Musee National Picasso-Paris, it starts with the young Pablo Picassos (1881-1973) search for an artistic identity by looking to the masters of the past. The exhibition then incorporates the famed Blue and Rose periods, and the revolutionary Cubist era.

Pablo Picasso, Mother and Child, 1907. 81 x 60 cm. Musee National Picasso-Paris  Succession Picasso 2018

Don't miss Mother and Child (1907). In the early 1900s Picasso created a series of African-influenced works in which he forged a new mode of visual expression, which in turn would give rise to his famous Cubist paintings.

5

Murakami vs Murakami

until 1 September, 2019 Tai Kwun Contemporary , Hong Kong,until 1 September, 2019 Born in Tokyo in 1962, Japanese superstar artist Takashi Murakami studied traditional Nihonga painting before diversifying into contemporary art forms and media, conquering the world with his superflat style and psychedelic anime-esque characters, and blurring the boundaries between the fne and commercial arts (he has collaborated with Louis Vuitton, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams). Taking over Hong Kongs Herzog & de Meuron- designed Tai Kwun Contemporary, this major survey focuses on the paradoxes in his output, from his large-scale post-apocalyptic works to his optimistic flower pieces, and his contemplative Enso paintings, ofering Buddhist visions of enlightenment.

Installation view of Murakami vs Murakami. Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo: Kitmin Lee

Dont miss...The Birth Cry of a Universe (2014), above. Murakamis monumental gold-leaf sculpture is on display for the first time in its final version after 14 years of preparation.

6

Shchukin: Biography of a Collection

until 15 September, 2019 Pushkin State Museum of Fine Art , Moscow,until 15 September, 2019 Two Russian exhibitions are celebrating the extraordinary collections of French Impressionist and modern art brought together by the ambitions of Sergei Shchukin and the brothers Ivan and Mikhail Morozov. Confiscated after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the collections were divided between Moscows Pushkin Museum and the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, and each museum is now lending its holdings to the other to produce two blockbuster, knockout shows. Shchukin: Biography of a Collection at the Pushkin tells the story of this family of Moscow merchants, who used their power and influence to buy art. The brothers all collected: Pyotr gathered ancient Russian art and artefacts; Dimitri collected Old Masters. But it was Sergei who was in the right place at the right time: Paris, from 1897 onwards. His brother Ivan was already living there and collecting works by the Impressionists. With Ivans guidance and his own considerable taste, courage and discrimination, Sergei built a collection that introduced French avant-garde painting to Russia. By 1914, he owned 13 Monets, four Van Goghs, eight paintings by Cezanne and 16 by Gauguin. He bought 50 works by Picasso, including most of his early Cubist works, and his long association with Matisse led to La Danse, created especially for him. That work is the centrepiece of this magnifcent exhibition  on loan, along with 60 other works, from the Hermitage. Meanwhile, the Pushkin is lending the Hermitage key works to stage Great Russian Collectors: The Brothers Morozov (until 6 October). Textile manufacturer Ivan Morozov initially collected works by young Russian painters, but from 1907 onwards he focused on buying French art for his newly rebuilt villa. He bought less compulsively and more deliberately than his friend Shchukin, but the most famous Van Goghs in Russia, for example, including The Red Vineyard, belonged to him. Cezanne was his favourite artist, but he also amassed works by Matisse and Picasso on his twice-yearly train trips to Paris. His older brother Mikhail had also assembled an impressive collection of Russian and Western art, and both will be reunited in this far-reaching show.



Paul Gauguin, Collecting Fruits, 1899. The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. A.S. Pushkin

Dont miss...Collecting Fruits (1899). In the 1890s Gauguin created a series of paintings depicting Tahitian women carrying or offering fruit, a symbol of fertility. The palette of orangey yellows, reds and greens in this composition captures Gauguins idealised vision of the tropics.

7

Shiota Chiharu: The Soul Trembles

until 27 October, 2019 Mori Art Museum , Tokyo,until 27 October, 2019 The Japanese artist Shiota Chiharu (b. 1972) weaves webs across gallery spaces. Depending on the colour she chooses, they can resemble anything from a sticky mass of secreted silk to an artists impression of acid rain, but, as a new exhibition at the Mori Art Museum in Japan reveals, they are so tactile and immersive that it is almost as if they have created their own consciousness  they seem to live, breathe and feel just as organically as we do.

Shiota Chiharu, Uncertain Journey, 2016. Metal frame, red wool. Installation view: Uncertain Journey, Blain|Southern, Berlin 2016. Photo: Christian Glaeser

Dont miss... Uncertain Journey (2016)  a vast red Hokusai wave of wool cascading over delicate, metal-framed boats, capturing the transcendental force of nature. Its simplicity is overpowering.

8

16th Istanbul Biennial

14 September to 10 November, 2019 IKSV , Istanbul,14 September to 10 November, 2019 This years director of the big international bonanza is the French curator Nicolas Bourriaud, who is planning on embracing the possibilities of transdisciplinary collaboration, with a multitude of artists from across the world.

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news to your inbox every week Subscribe'Roe v Wade' star Jon Voigt says God is asking Christians to protect family values

Academy Award winner and star of the upcoming pro-life film "Roe v. Wade", Jon Voight, says God is asking Christians to protect family values.

"Family is so important and family is being attacked by people who are really trying to tear down the fabric of our society, it's true," Voight told The Christian Post on the red carpet of attended the 2019 Movieguide Awards on Feb 8. "I don't want to get into any kind of conspiracy stuff but it's really happening so we have to protect the values of our country and the values of family and guide the focused lives; we have to protect that aspect."

The film "Roe v. Wade" is in post-production and scheduled for a fall release. The pro-life movie is timely as the debate over late-term abortion has reignited in recent weeks after New York's new law allowing abortion up to birth and the introduction of similar bills in Virginia, Vermont and New Mexico. Voight believes the message in the motion picture will now allow people to have an informed dialogue concerning the controversial abortion debate.

"Imagine, God's asking us to help Him out. Can you imagine? That's the greatest thing!" Voight said.

"'Who will go for me,' says God to Isaiah, and he says 'send me,'" the 80-year-old continued. "There's no question that that's really real. We're being asked to do something so what are we going to do? Are we going to sit back and let it roll right into a ditch or step up and save the ship at stake?"

Despite society being bombarded with counter biblical values, Voight insisted that there are still people God has standing in the gap. The veteran actor declared that those speaking truth will have the victory.

"There are many people who are really strong people, very bright people and very good people who have said, 'send me.' That's why I have to think that there's no doubt of that. It's all been written: we will win the battle," Voight concluded.

"It's going to be hard and we're in it right now and we know it's hard but this battle will be won by those who pursue the truth; they will prevail."

Voight has had his own issues with family over the years but according to The Hollywood Reporter in December 2017, he and his daughter, Angelina Jolie, are working to rebuild their bond and he is praying for the entire family following her divorce from Brad Pitt and their public custody battle.

Voight stars alongside Nick Loeb, Robert Davi, Corbin Bernsen, John Schneider and Stacey Dash in "Roe v. Wade." The movie has met several roadblocks, including ads being banned on Facebook.

Courtesy of The Christian PostIslamic State closer to defeat in last Syrian enclave

Islamic State appeared closer to defeat in its last enclave in eastern Syria on Wednesday, as a civilian convoy left the besieged area where U.S.-backed forces estimate a few hundred jihadists are still holed up.

Its capture will nudge the eight-year-old Syrian war towards a new phase, with U.S. President Donald Trump having pledged to withdraw American troops, leaving a security vacuum that other powers would seek to fill.

A Reuters witness near the front lines at Baghouz on the Iraqi border saw dozens of trucks leaving the village and a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said they were bringing out civilians.

Baghouz is the final scrap of ground left to Islamic State in the Euphrates valley region that became its last major stronghold in Iraq and Syria after a series of catastrophic defeats in 2017.

Its fall marks a big moment in the group's trajectory, from winning control over vast territories in 2014 and proclaiming the creation of a caliphate to rule over Muslims, to its stubborn demise under concerted military assault.

Few believe the capture of Baghouz will end Islamic State's threat: some fighters still hold out in the central Syrian desert and it has managed to stage repeated guerrilla attacks in areas where its territorial rule was ended.

However, it will heighten attention on the promised withdrawal of some 2,000 U.S. troops who have deployed into Syria during the fight against IS, and with it the fate of the Kurdish-led region that the U.S. presence has helped to secure.

Trump on Saturday tweeted: "We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory."

FATE OF KURDISH-HELD ZONE IN THE BALANCE

Turkey has repeatedly threatened an incursion because it sees the Kurdish YPG militia, which spearheads the SDF, as a terrorist group inseparable from the PKK which has waged a three-decade insurgency inside its own borders.

Facing this prospect, the YPG in December invited the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad to take over the westernmost part of its territory, around the city of Manbij, and seeks broader negotiations with him over the area it holds.

The SDF on Monday called for 1,000-1,500 international forces to remain in Syria to ensure that Islamic State's territorial defeat is lasting. The head of U.S. army Central Command, General Joseph Votel, said he was still carrying out Trump's withdrawal order.

Among the many civilians who have left Baghouz in recent days are families of Islamic State fighters, including some foreigners who went to Iraq and Syria to join its caliphate.

The SDF has complained that Western countries are reluctant to take back such people, who are seen at home as a security threat but might be hard to legally prosecute.

On Wednesday, Britain stripped citizenship from one of them, 19-year Shamima Begum, who ran away to join Islamic State as a schoolgirl in 2015.

Both the SDF and U.S. officials have said the presence of civilians in Islamic State's last pocket at Baghouz, targeted by air strikes again on Tuesday night, has slowed their advance.

During years of steady retreats, Islamic State has honed its tactics of street fighting - sheltering among civilians, digging tunnels and laying innumerable mines and booby traps.

Reuters photographs have shown one part of the remaining Islamic State pocket, where fighters and civilians were gathered among scattered tents and vehicles on the edge of a village.

Many civilians who have previously escaped the group's rule, including some of the thousands of Yazidis in Iraq kidnapped and forced into sexual slavery, still suffer trauma long afterwards.Closure of Honda's Swindon plant is 'devastating blow', says Bishop of Bristol

The Bishop of Bristol has promised the support of churches to people affected by the closure of Honda's Swindon plant.

Honda confirmed on Thursday that it plans to close its only British plant in 2021, wiping out some 3,500 jobs.

Bishop Vivienne Faull said the news was a 'devastating blow' for the town as she said that churches would be working together to provide practical assistance to those affected.

'The decision by Honda to close its Swindon operations is a devastating blow for the town,' she said.

'We think of not just the thousands of people in the area who face the prospect of redundancy, but also the thousands of others who will be affected by the plant's closure.

'At this time, the church communities are sitting alongside those people that they know and love, offering them a place to reflect and to come to terms with the news. Our church leaders also want to offer practical support as well and will be looking for ways that they can be a resource for the on-going discussions that will need to happen now.

'Swindon is a vibrant place with communities which are increasingly working together for the good of everyone. I have no doubt that the people of Swindon will demonstrate their strength and resilience at this time, as they stand alongside all those who are anxious for the future.'

Business Secretary Greg Clark admitted in a statement that the closure was 'a devastating decision for Swindon and the UK'.

'This news is a particularly bitter blow to the thousands of skilled and dedicated staff who work at the factory, their families and all of those employed in the supply chain,' he said.

Mr Clark said a local taskforce of MPs, trade union reps, civic and business leaders was being convened to help the workforce find new jobs.

'The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid transition to new technology. The UK is one of the leaders in the development of these technologies and so it is deeply disappointing that this decision has been taken now,' he added.

The head of Honda's Europe operations, Ian Howells, said the closure had been driven by 'unprecedented' changes in the car industry, including the switch to electric cars.Churches are playing a 'key role' in the fight against human trafficking

Churches and faith groups are making an important contribution to efforts to eliminate the global scourge of human trafficking, a UN human rights committee has heard.

Jack Palmer-White, the Anglican Communion's Permanent Representative to the UN, outlined the many anti-trafficking initiatives being led by churches in a submission to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) this week.

The CEDAW is considering submissions on the issue of human trafficking as it prepares to make a 'general recommendation' to UN member states.

In his report, Mr Palmer-White asked that the general recommendation 'reflects the key role that churches and other faith actors can, and do, play in the fight against trafficking of women and girls in the context of global migration'.

Examples of anti-trafficking work detailed in the report include a partnership between the US Embassy to Ghana and the Diocese of Accra which has led to the creation of a community shelter called Hope Village that rehabilitates rescued children, while holding the government of Ghana to account on its progress in eliminating trafficking.

'Ghana has emerged as a major country of origin for victims of child trafficking, both internally and across borders,' Mr Palmer-White said in his submission.

In Hong Kong, St John's Cathedral is leading a community outreach programme called 'Help for Domestic Workers' that provides free advice and assistance on employment, immigration and human rights issues to the city's thousands of domestic workers.

The cathedral operates a walk-in centre and a temporary shelter for women where they can also access counselling and emergency assistance.

In addition to helping forced labourers, the initiative also campaigns for the fair and equal treatment of domestic workers before the law.

In the UK, the Church of England is equipping churches to recognise modern slavery in their communities and provide support and care as part of its anti-trafficking Clewer Initiative.

One of the projects of the Clewer Initiative has been the launch of a Safe Car Wash app to gather community intelligence on working standards at car washes, which Mr Palmer-White said was a 'key industry for the use of forced and bonded labour in the United Kingdom'.

'We also take this opportunity to remind the Committee of the crucial role faith-based organisations play in the advancement of the rights of all women and girls. Our cry for gender justice is rooted in our faith,' he said.

'The Anglican Consultative Council has committed itself to gender equality and justice by upholding just relationships between women and men as a reflection of the Christian belief that women and men are made equally in the image of God.

'It is our conviction that a world which does not allow for the full flourishing and potential of all human beings does not meet the vision of our Creator. Human trafficking deprives individuals of their rights and freedoms, robs them of autonomy, and leaves them at risk of further violence and exploitation.

'Each member of the human family is made in the divine image to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect; never to be trafficked or exploited.'Brexit is in God's hands, says Juncker as Theresa May heads back to Brussels

Jean-Claude Juncker said the process of Britain's exit from the European Union is in God's hands as he prepared to meet Theresa May in Brussels on Wednesday.

May is meeting again with the European Commission President in a bid to renegotiate the controversial Irish 'backstop' agreement.

Juncker has indicated that there is no new deal to be done, although in an interview with the German newspaper Stuttgart Zeitung this week, he expressed his openness to extending Article 50 in order to avoid a no-deal scenario.

As the clock runs down on the March 29 deadline, Juncker told the newspaper that a way through the current impasse was 'in God's hands'.

'When it comes to Brexit, it is like being before the courts or on the high seas; we are in God's hands,' he told the Stuttgart Zeitung.

'And we can never quite be sure when God will take the matter in hand.'

With less than six weeks to go until the Brexit deadline, Britain and the EU are locked in a stalemate over the Irish backstop, with May seeking a time limit or a unilateral exit clause - something EU leaders have ruled out.

Before leaving for Brussels, May told parliament she would bring a new deal back for a vote after securing changes with EU leaders.

'Obviously we are in these discussions with the European Union and we will bring a vote back to this house when it is possible to bring a deal that deals with the issue that the House of Commons has raised,' she told parliament.

'We have listened to the House of Commons, we are working on the views of the House of Commons with the European Union, and we will bring a vote back when it is the right time to do so.'

Juncker, however, has said he does not expect the talks to lead to any new EU position on Brexit.

'I have great respect for Theresa May, for her courage and her assertiveness. We will have a friendly talk but I don't expect a breakthrough,' he said.Bishop calls for an end to indefinite detention

Bishop Paul McAleenan has written to MPs calling for the introduction of a 28-day time limit on immigration detention.

Britain is the only European country without a statutory time limit on detention but that could change as MPs consider the Immigration and Social Security Coordination Bill currently making its way through Parliament.

There is strong cross-party support for an amendment to the Bill that would limit the number of days people could be held in an immigration detention centre to 28.

Harriet Harman, the Chair of the Joint Human Rights Committee report, has voiced support for the introduction of the time limit, as have a group of Conservative MPs in a letter to the Home Secretary.

The Bishops Conference of England and Wales is asking people to get behind the proposal by calling on their MPs to end indefinite detention.

In his letter to MPs, Bishop McAleenan said that detaining people indefinitely 'does not reflect the justice due to every person that we as a nation pride ourselves on upholding'.

He said that the current system is leaving some parents separated from their children with no guarantee of when they will be reunited, while in some cases, people with irregular immigration status are being held in the detention centres for months or even years.

It was a concern, he added, that those falling victim to indefinite detention include vulnerable groups of people, such as victims of torture, sex trafficking or religious persecution, as well as those with severe mental health conditions.

Last November, the bishop met detainees at the Heathrow Immigration Removal Centres where the Jesuit Refugee Service runs weekly pastoral support visits.

Following the visit, he spoke of the hardships faced by those being held in the centres.

'Meeting the men held in Harmondsworth detention drove home the hardships they face, being kept away from their families and their communities indefinitely. It was good to meet with those men, to hear their stories, and to stand with them,' he said.

He added: 'These people are some of the most vulnerable in our society, and as a Church we should be in solidarity with them, and keep them in our prayers.'Archbishop of Canterbury pleads with Church factions to give up 'cynicism' as Synod gets underway

The Archbishop of Canterbury has appealed to Anglicans to set aside their differences as they come together to debate the issues facing the Church at Synod this week.

In his presidential address on day one, Archbishop Justin Welby urged Synod members listen to each other in love and 'recall that we are in the presence of Jesus Christ by his Spirit'.

He drew on 1 Peter as he said Christians were called to share the hope they have in Jesus 'with gentleness and grace' and not be like the surrounding culture where there is 'the absence of love, competition, no grace, no hope'.

'Communication is so very complex and whatever is said has also to be heard and whatever is heard is not always reflected on in the same way as the original speaker may have intended,' he said.

'Sometimes our passion and enthusiasm can be in danger of being misunderstood or can be mistranslated as synod has another debate on standing orders or we agree to set up a working group to bring forward a paper in order to set up a commission to investigate a problem which, in due course, will lead us to having a debate.'

He went on to say that the characteristic of speaking in love was that 'it recognises that its own interests are not the final word' and is instead marked by 'self-giving and self-sacrifice'.

He acknowledged that differing cultures and personalities could make this challenging and that 'a certain tribalism and club mentality comes so much more easily to each of us'.

But the Archbishop went on to say that such a mentality only hindered the Church's witness of the Gospel.

'To put it in the simplest terms, we must look like what we speak about,' he said.

At one point, the Archbishop paused his own address to ask that members of Synod turn to their neighbour and spend one minute sharing the joy of knowing Jesus with each other.

Brilliant! @JustinWelby uses some time for his presidential address to ask @synod to turn to person next to us and share the joy of knowing Jesus for a minute each. What buzz of hope in the room!



A great encouragement & challenge to @churchofengland to do the same this Sunday! pic.twitter.com/GBJBjod1cQ  Barry Hill (@revbarryhill) February 20, 2019

'I urge you to consider especially as members of General Synod giving up cynicism and renewing love for those with whom you and I differ,' he said.

'It is not easy. Some of them have views we find so obnoxious that we wish they were not in the church. We even convince ourselves that really, in God's mind, because he agrees with us, they are not with us in the church.

'Yet they and we are equally loved by God in Christ, equally sinners needing to repent, equally part of the body of Christ.

'So, let us hear a little of why each of us has hope in Jesus Christ.'

His appeal for love and grace comes at a time when members of the Church of England continue to wrestle with issues of human sexuality.

Recent guidance on services of welcome for transgender people have proved especially divisive, with over 3,000 Church of England clergy signing an open letter in opposition.

But divisions over sexuality permeate Anglicans far beyond the Church of England, which the Archbishop acknowledged as he reflected on the upcoming Lambeth Conference taking place in Kent next year.

Orthodox Anglicans have threatened to boycott the once-a-decade conference over the liberalising actions of some parts of the Anglican Communion, including North America.

1 Peter is also the section of the Bible that has been chosen to guide theological deliberations at Lambeth 2020.

Archbishop Welby told Synod the conference was about uniting Anglicans in love and the service of God.

'Next year, at the Lambeth Conference, the theme will be God's Church for God's World. The conference seeks to unite all who come in turning outwards to the world around and in love and passionate discipleship to seek to serve the mission of God, to share in the work of God in His world,' he said.

'The biblical book of the conference will be 1 Peter. I am therefore at present spending a significant amount of my own prayer and study time reflecting on this letter in the New Testament.'North Korean woman imprisoned for faith shares how God sustained her amid horrific abuses

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A Christian survivor of a North Korean prison camp describes the horrific torture she endured for her faith and how God stayed with her through the brutality.

In an interview with persecution watchdog group Open Doors, a woman identified only as "Prisoner 42" shared how she became a Christian after fleeing to China in the midst of North Korea's great famine. In China, she was captured and sent to a North Korean prison camp, where she spent one year in solitary confinement.

When she arrived at the prison camp, guards shaved her head and stripped her down to nothing. Each morning when they would call for her, she would crawl out of a door flap  typically used for dogs or cats  and keep her head bowed low because she was not allowed to make eye contact with the guards.

She recalled how, for an hour, guards would ask her the same questions: "Why were you in China? Who did you meet? Did you go to church? Did you have a Bible? Did you meet any South Koreans? Are you a Christian?"

To stay alive, she was forced to lie: "Am I a Christian? Yes. I love Jesus. But I deny it. If I admit that I was helped by Chinese Christians, I will be killed, either quickly or slowly," she said. "They will murder me in this North Korean prison. Every day, Im beaten and kicked  it hurts the most when they hit my ears. My ears ring for hours, sometimes days."

During her year in solitary confinement, she was trapped in a cold cell and never saw sunlight or another prisoner: "I spent one year in prison, and for one year my skin didnt touch a single ray of sunlight," she said.

So she prayed and sang a song she wrote in her head  but never out loud. Lyrics included the lines My heart longs for my Father in this prison/Although the road to truth is steep and narrow/A bright future will be revealed when I continue.

"It has been a year now. I dont know how long I will survive in this place," she wrote. "One day they will call me, and I wont move. I will have died here in a North Korean prison. They will dispose of my body, and the first new prisoner that comes in will be 'Prisoner 42.' They will wear my clothes."

One day, she appeared in court where she officially divorced her husband against her will. Officials found her not guilty of being a Christian and sentenced her to four years at a re-education camp.

In between working 12 hour days, she became sick and had to stay in the barracks. There, she saw a woman praying in tongues under a blanket.

"Inside this North Korean prison, we wound up forming a secret church. When we met and felt safe enough, we prayed the Lords Prayer and the Apostles Creed," she said. "She was actually much braver than I was. She spoke to others about Christ as well."

But one day a car came and took her away: When I saw her leave, I knew they were taking her to a maximum-security Kwan-li-so. I knew I would never see her again, she said.

Meanwhile, "Prisoner 42 was released after two years. She told Open Doors the first thing she plans to do is find her husband and children.

"We havent seen each other in years," she said. "But God has watched over me here in this North Korean prison, and I pray and believe that He also watches over my family every second of every minute of every hour of every day."

"I need to tell them about this loving God, she added.

North Korea has been the No. 1 persecutor of Christians on the group's annual list for a consecutive 18 years. The U.S. State Department has also included North Korea on its list of countries violating religious freedom every year since 2001. Open Doors estimates there are 250,000 imprisoned North Koreans  50,000 of which are political prisoners jailed for their Christian faith.

North Korea has previously arrested South Korean and American missionaries for allegedly attempting to build underground churches, and very few North Korean believers risk trying to win converts, defectors say.

Recently, defector Kwak Jeong-ae, 65, shared how a fellow inmate in North Korea told guards about her own religious beliefs and insisted on using her baptized name, rather than her original Korean name, during questioning in 2004.

She persisted in saying, My name is Hyun Sarah; its the name that God and my church have given to me, Kwak said. She told [the interrogators], Im a child of God and Im not scared to die. So if you want to kill me, go ahead and kill me.

Kwak said she later saw Hyun coming back from an interrogation room with severe bruises on her forehead and bleeding from her nose. Days later, guards took Hyun away  and Kwak never saw her again.

During his State of the Union Address, President Donald Trump announced he will hold a second nuclear summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un later this month. A number of human rights groups and faith leaders have called on the president to confront Kim face-to-face about his countrys severe human rights violations.

Following the scheduled meeting in February, within 60 to 90 days President Trump and the United States can determine whether North Korea is serious about opening up to the international community by including monitoring of human rights considerations as part of denuclearization talks," David Curry, CEO of Open Doors, told The Christian Post.

"The human rights violations against Christians in North Korea is unacceptable. Christians are considered the No. 1 enemy of the state of North Korea," he continued. "As the leader of Open Doors USA , I continue to implore President Trump to not shy away from our moral mandate to call Kim Jong Un to task for his litany of human rights abuses  especially his imprisonment, torture and execution of Christians whose only crime was to dare to express any beliefs other than those approved by the Communist regime."

"The situation for Christians in North Korea is vulnerable and precarious," Curry said. "Approximately 50,000 Christians are confined to prison camps  the conditions are deplorable. President Trump can bring some hope by continuing to make human rights a part of the denuclearization deal; these two items need not be mutually exclusive. The people of North Korea deserve our vocal, prayerful and relentless support.Irish hospital posts ad requiring new employees to perform abortions

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A hospital in the Republic of Ireland recently posted a job advertisement explaining that applicants must be willing to help perform abortions, drawing criticism from pro-life activists.

Last May, voters in Ireland approved via referendum a repeal of a constitutional amendment that banned abortion by an overwhelming majority.

The Dublin-based National Maternity Hospital recently advertised for job openings for consulting positions in anesthesia, gynecology and obstetrics.

The post-holders will provide in-patient, on-call service and out-patient care, along with teaching, administration and management duties, which, as of 2019, includes elective termination of pregnancy services, read the job post, which added that post-holders will be expected to contribute to this new service as part of their practice plan.

Peter Lynas of the Evangelical Alliance took issue with the ad, posting an image of it on Twitter last Friday, and stating that the hospital is alienating potential employees who are morally opposed to abortion.

This advert makes pretty clear those with a conscientious objection should not apply - and note the irony of the moto - life glorious life. Doubtful it is legal. No doubt it is wrong, tweeted Lynas.

The hospital said in a statement to the Irish Independent that the job post was connected to Irelands Health Service Executive departments funding of newly legal abortion services.

These particular additional posts are being funded specifically from a financial allocation to the hospital from the HSE for the provision of termination of pregnancy services and are for individuals willing to contribute to the provision of these services, stated the hospital.

A similar ad by the hospital that was posted to the website irishjobs.ie last Friday and accessed by The Christian Post on Monday did not include a sentence expecting participation in the elective termination of pregnancy.

In May of last year, Irish voters repealed the predominantly Catholic countrys Eighth Amendment, which had read that the government would recognize the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother.

Currently, the new law in Ireland allows for abortions up to 12 weeks from the start of a pregnancy and then for exceptional circumstances after 12 weeks.

In late December, it was reported that the National Maternity Hospital was going to begin accepting abortion referrals on Jan. 7 following the official repeal of the pro-life amendment.

We can only accept referrals from General Practitioners and Community based services like the Irish Family Planning Association, explained the hospital, as reported by TheJournal.ie.The consequences of the shooting at the Moscow Neolith cafe on February 14 between Azerbaijan and Chechnya natives continue to be discussed at various levels. Baku and Grozny described the conflict as a provocation, calling for mutual respect, patience and mutual understanding. All agreed that the incident could not be represented as an inter-ethnic conflict, and that the Azerbaijani and Chechen peoples will always have friendly relations.

Today, Moscows President Hotel hosted a meeting of Chechen and Azerbaijani aksakals, which was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Russian Federation Polad Bulbuloglu, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Chechen Republic, Russian State Duma deputy Adam Delimkhanov, Permanent Representative of the Chechen Republic in Moscow Bekhan Taimaskhanov, representatives of diasporas and clergy.

"Our distinguished leaders, Ramzan Akhmatovich and Ilham Alievich, were concerned about the current situation from the very first moment. It is very unpleasant for all of us," Adam Delimkhanov said. "Ramzan Akhmatovich immediately called me and Bekkhan Taymakhsanovs office, instructing to take the situation under control and investigate the causes of the incident. When the news of the incident spread, we had started addressing this issue from the first minute. We brought the situation fully under control and the conflict didn't spread further ... Today we know who did it and why. They wanted to spoil and exploit our relations. For this special situation they used the situation and presented it from a certain angle. The Moscow Internal Affairs authorities and all law enforcement agencies are working on this issue.

"Let me thank you for such an timely intervention. I know that you were abroad when it happened. Today we had a very constructive meeting," Polad Bulbul oglu said. "I stand by your every word. I want to express my great gratitude to our leaders. Ilham Heydarovich immediately took control of the situation, gave all the necessary instructions, the presidential aide made a political statement on this issue the next day. Friendship and cooperation between the Russian Federation and Azerbaijan, between the Russian regions and Azerbaijan, traditional historical ties have been proven over the past years. History has proved that it is impossible to break our friendship, although third forces put efforts to do it, but we will resist such attempts, relying on the will of our leaders, on the will of our peoples, on the tested friendship between the Chechen and Azerbaijani peoples."

In addition, Polad Bulbul oglu stressed that those who fomented the conflict tried to stir up not only Moscow, but the whole of Russia: "However, both our consulate and our regional diaspora leader also took action promptly. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank everyone who took part in resolving the situation these days, those who did not let this provocation to develop. Those who do it, and those who incite it, should be punished."

Addressing the meeting, social and religious activist, member of the Public Council under the permanent representative of Chechnya Shahid-Khadzhi Gazabayev, the rector of Moscow State University of Humanities and Economics, Professor Vagif Bayramov supported the actions of the leadership of Azerbaijan and Chechnya, and called on representatives of both peoples to prevent such situations in the future. The meeting was also attended by Russian State Duma Deputy Magomed Selimkhanov, member of the Council of Federation of the Russian Federal Assembly Suliman Geremeev and other representatives of both sides. The Moscow authorities were represented by head of the Department for Regional Security and Anti-Corruption Vladimir Regnatsky, acting head of the Department of National Policy and Interregional Relations Ivan Petrov, the head of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs in Moscow, Major General Sergei Kuzmin.China hearing gospel via Africa; church growing amid brutal persecution

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As the Chinese economically invest in and build infrastructure in Africa, Africans are evangelizing the Chinese.

In 2014, trade between China and Africa reached an all-time high in 2014, according to the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University and McKinsey & Company. Billions of dollars in loans from China to Africa in addition to foreign direct investment have increased significantly in recent years.

Meanwhile, as a result of the influx of Chinese resources and approximately 10,000 Chinese-owned companies, the estimated 227,000 to 1 million Chinese working on the continent are hearing the message of the Gospel from African evangelical Christians.

"Many local African churches have reached out to Chinese workers, including incorporating Mandarin into services. A number of Chinese, in turn, have welcomed the sense of community and belonging that these Christian churches offer," according to UnHerd Wednesday.

"And a small but growing number of ethnically Chinese missionaries from Taiwan and other countries are specifically targeting Chinese nationals in Africa, preaching to them with a freedom theyd never be allowed in the Peoples Republic."

This connection to the Gospel presents a challenge to the Chinese government which has a long history of brutally persecuting Christians under Communist dictator Mao Zedong, oppression that has been reinvigorated today as crackdowns on churches are occurring again. The government has blown some of them up and has arrested whole congregations. The government hostility to religion extends beyond Christianity and its activities; the Uighur Muslims have been detained and abused in Chinese government-run camps, according to reports.

Some outside groups estimate that between 25 to 50 percent of the Chinese population are believers in some kind of religion, to the chagrin of the government.

When those evangelized Chinese Christians return home from Africa, they bring their new faith with them.

"Visitors to the coastal province of Fujian, for example, now hear South African accented English and see houses adorned with crosses. African migrants are also moving to China in larger numbers, many of them practitioners of very evangelistic forms of Pentecostal Christianity who are willing to flout the rules placed on religious activity in China," UnHerd reported.

"Despite its best efforts, China is losing its fight against Christianity, and the growing influx of citizens returning from Africa is shaping up to be another hopeless front in that war."

If U.S. State Department figures are any indication, the number of Christians in China is approximately 70 million. Should current growth rates continue apace, the nation will soon have more Christians than any other country in the world.

Last year, as The Christian Post noted, an official believed to be behind the forcible removal of 1,700 crosses from churches in eastern China was promoted by the Communist government, amid concerns it was a sign of increased of state-sponsored hostility.

ChinaAid President Bob Fu said in a previous interview with CP that "the top leadership is increasingly worried about the rapid growth of the Christian faith and their public presence, and their social influence. It is a political fear for the Communist Party, as the number of Christians in the country far outnumber the members of the party."Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

The recent articles from the Houston Chronicle about sex abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) are convicting to me. What can I and others do better to prevent such abuse? How can we better serve, help, and show compassion to the victims?

I know many of you readers are not a part of the SBC, but please allow me to have this family conversation. It is too great of an issue to treat lightly.

One of the issues we have in SBC life is how we license and ordain pastors and staff. Each local church has the authority to ordain and license people because of our belief in the autonomy of the local church. In many cases, because our ordination process is so weak, we bless new pastoral candidates who may not be ready for ministry at the least, and who are sexual predators at worst.

Here are some of my thoughts on how we ordain, and how we could do so differently, particularly to protect our churches from predators and others who are not fit for vocational ministry.

Autonomy is not an excuse for irresponsibility. Every local church that licenses and ordains has a heavy and sobering responsibility. We need to examine our processes and how we communicate those processes to the full congregation. No church should vote on a candidate until they are confident the candidate has been vetted in every way possible.

Background checks should become normative in the ordination process. Some of you may be shocked to learn we likely have more churches doing background checks on church volunteers than we do ordination candidates. And let me confess my own neglect. I have sat on many ordination councils, and I have never asked to see a background check of the candidate. In fact, I doubt a background check was done, because it was not mentioned. Shame on me.

We should not assume the ordination of a pastor or staff member from another church is sufficient for our church. When churches call a pastor or pastoral staff member, that person should be examined as if a new ordination is taking place. Unfortunately, we cannot always have confidence that the ordaining church did its homework.

Leaders should insist on vigorous examinations of candidates for ordination. Our polity does indeed advocate local church autonomy, as I note above. But our structure should not be an impediment for good practices. The influence of leaders is often more powerful than the rules of a structure. Leaders, like me, should speak up more clearly and more quickly.

Solving the ordination problem alone will not solve the sexual abuse problem. But its a start. Many predators in the pulpits and on church staff got there because we did not ask the right questions nor put them through thorough screening processes.

Its time to change.

Originally posted at ThomRainer.com.

Dr. Thom Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

In 2019, Democratic politicians have doubled down on their support for late-term abortions. In January, New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation that legalized abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. In Virginia, Delegate Kathy Tran sponsored a bill that would strengthen legal protection for late-term abortions. During the hearing over her bill, Tran stated that her legislation would allow a woman to obtain an abortion even while she was going into labor. This piece of legislation received the support of three Democratic legislators on a subcommittee vote and was cosponsored by 19 Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates. Finally, earlier this month, Democratic senator Patty Murray of Washington blocked a bill that would mandate medical care for infants who survive abortion attempts.

Last week, two polls showed that these policies are deeply unpopular with the American public, including Americans who generally support abortion rights. A YouGov/Americans United for Life poll found that more 75 percent of respondents oppose third-trimester abortions and abortions performed the day before a child would be born, and more 80 percent opposed removing medical care from a viable child after birth. Susan B. Anthony List also released a poll, conducted by McLaughlin and Associates, which found that 62 percent of respondents would oppose legislation allowing late-term abortions, and 77 percent support legislation requiring medical treatment for babies that survived a failed abortion.

An analysis of the crosstabs of these polls shows that many demographic groups that often support Democrats also strongly oppose late-term abortion. The SBA List poll found that majorities of both African Americans and Hispanics, and a plurality of those under the age of 40, all oppose late-term abortion. It also found that women were more likely than men to oppose late-term abortions. The AUL poll, meanwhile, found that 66 percent of those who identify as pro-choice oppose third-trimester abortions. There was little variation among demographic groups when it came to medical care for viable infants. According to the AUL poll, more than 80 percent of every racial, age, income, regional, and educational demographic opposed removing medical care from viable infants; the SBA List poll found similar results.

These efforts by Democratic state legislators have provoked a significant backlash, and these two surveys are not a deviation from existing polling data on late-term abortion, which is generally unpopular with Americans. Democratic presidential candidates should be asked to take a position on legislation that expand access to late-term abortion, and state legislators who support these radical bills should face strong primary and general-election challengers. Democratic politicians likely will not abandon their support for late-term abortion, unless it begins to damage their electoral chances. Pro-lifers should make sure that Democrats who support late-term abortion pay a political price in 2020.

Originally posted at nationalreview.com

Michael J. New is a Visiting Associate Professor at Ave Maria University and an associate scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_J_NewEmail Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Although I am a believer, not a skeptic, Im a thinking believer. Im not impressed with the discovery of the face of Jesus in a piece of wood. Or the map of America appearing in a bowl of melting ice cream.

My Ph.D. is in ancient Semitic texts and languages, and I look for hard data. For facts, rather than speculation.

But certain things do get my attention. How could they not? I do my best to go with the evidence.

A few years ago, a friend of mine wrote a book called The Harbinger. Although he led a congregation in New Jersey, he was virtually unknown outside of some relatively small, Messianic Jewish circles, numbering in the thousands.

It was also his very first book.

But the week it was released, it became a New York Times bestseller. And it stayed that way for an entire year, with a million units in print (or, in e-form or audio-form) by the end of that year.

As for the book itself, it was a wake-up call to America. It was a book of warning and foreboding. It was an urgent call to repentance.

In other words, it was everything you would not expect to find in an instant, national bestseller from an unknown author.

When callers to my radio show asked for my view on the book, I said this: Whether you agree with all the contents or not, its clear to me that God is trying to get our attention. Thats the only way I can explain the phenomenon of this book.

If youre still skeptical, I should tell you that a Christian minister (who is a full-time CPA) approached the author of the book at an airport before the book was published.

He had no idea who the author was, but he had a message for him: You have written a book, and I can connect you with a publisher. (At that time, it was still in manuscript form, and the author, Jonathan Cahn, had no connection with any publisher.)

This CPA then wrote to Steven Strang at Charisma Media, telling him that his company should publish this book and that it would be a massive, international bestseller. (Remember: This was without even seeing the manuscript.)

The rest, as they say, is history.

To this day, I believe God was using the book to get the attention of America. We need to wake up! We need to repent! Divine judgment is at the door!

But thats not the end of the story (as Jonathan would agree). There can still be mercy and restoration. It is an urgent hour in our nation, but it is not too late.

And that brings me to my part of the story.

Last May, we released the first video in our new series Consider This, modeled after the Prager U videos but with our own distinctive voice and in our distinctive way.

Before then, virtually all our social media growth had been organic  meaning, natural, without paid advertising.

But this time, we had a small amount of money to advertise the video on YouTube, helping us to reach 100,000 views more quickly. (Again, were talking about a very small advertising budget, just enough to help jumpstart the views.)

This is what we did for the first five videos, all released in 2018. And all of them quickly reached 100,000 views.

Some of the growth was through advertising; much of the growth (in some cases, most of it) was organic. But the pattern was the same.

And then we came to video #6: Is It Too Late for America?

This time, we spent half of what we spent to advertise the first 5 videos. (And again, I emphasize: Were talking about a small advertising budget to start, now cut in half.)

And then something happened. Our ad reps at YouTube and Google are baffled. In fact, they say theyve never seen anything like it.

My producer has no earthly explanation (and hes constantly looking at data, trying to analyze trends and developments).

The video now has more than one million views, and the jumps have been sudden and dramatic, by the tens of thousands (or even several hundred thousand) in a matter of hours.

And these are legitimate views, which we can also track in terms of a spike in subscribers and in general interest in our YouTube page.

Whats the explanation? Feel free to be skeptical and to reject any supernatural explanation. I can understand your skepticism.

But is it possible that there is a supernatural explanation? Could it be that, along with a message of judgment, God is sending a message of hope? Could it be that the call for spiritual desperation, which closes out the video, is a call from His heart?

Watch the video for yourself. Consider the evidence that we present. Look at the historical information we offer, including from recent decades in America. And ask yourself, Is it too late for America? And if not, what can I do to help bring about change?

We end the video with this simple reminder.

Revival comes when the church gets desperate. Revival comes when the people of God stop their normal routines and pray and fast and cry out. God fills the hungry, not the self-satisfied and complacent.

This means that, ultimately, the question for us is not, Is it too late for America? but rather, Are we desperate enough for revival?

Thats a question only you and I can answer.

But its a question I believe God Himself is asking us. Is He sending a message through this video?Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Someone, who was something of an institution in North Carolina, died on Sunday, February 10th. Sunday too is an institution and a sacred one at that. And it was somewhat fitting that this man of tremendous faith would die on the day of rest. Congressman Walter B. Jones, Jr. ceased his earthly work and entered into that great rest  the final rest - reserved for those who know God and do his will.

Jerry Schill, director of government affairs for the North Carolina Fisheries Association, noted in a Facebook post that in its reporting on Jones death, the media highlighted things such as his push to rename French Fries, Freedom Fries, because France opposed the U.S. led military action against Iraq. The way Jones was a maverick that changed his position about the Iraq war. His acts of penance because of his vote for that war and the way he sought to honor and remember those members of the military who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, by sending thousands of cards and letters to their grieving families.

But Schill added that anyone who knew Jones and understood what made him tick was aware of his deep and abiding faith in Christ and his fearlessness in proclaiming that faith. And he did so everywhere, Schill demonstrably insisted. As was stated over and over and over again at his funeral and in numerous interviews, he just wanted to always do what was right, and he used his faith as a guide to get him there.

Indeed, Jones did.

He was deeply concerned about where America was heading spiritually and morally. He told The Nation, I am at a point where I just wonder: Are we in the final days of a great nation? Im thinking that, going back to the Bible, were on the verge of Revelations. The nation that has been blessed in so many ways has forgotten the blessings.

On the matter of abortion, Jones said during the 46th anniversary of the March for Life, An unborn child is a gift from God that is entitled to be protected. That fundamental principle must be reflected in our nations laws.

On the matter of same-sex marriage, Jones also told The Nation, Theres some documents that you cant rewrite, and truthfully one of them is the Bible.

The Family Research Council, a conservative Christian public-policy organization in Washington, D.C., said Jones had a 92 percent voting record on their scorecard.

There were, admittedly, some issues where conservative evangelicals parted with Jones. Nevertheless, as the announcement of his passing from his office read, Some may not have agreed with him, but all recognized that he did what he thought was right.

Indeed, Jones did.

Perhaps one of Jones greatest stands for what is just and right was his advocacy for repealing the Johnson Amendment. The Johnson Amendment is the law that prohibits all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, including churches, from electioneering - endorsing or opposing political candidates.

Jones was the principal Congressional advocate opposing the Johnson Amendment, rightly blasting it as grossly unconstitutional and discriminatory against houses of worship. He introduced legislation for its repeal almost every session of Congress since 2001.

Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal organization that focuses on religious liberty issues, has also vigorously campaigned for repealing the Johnson Amendment since the 2010s.

ADF has referred to the Amendment by using an expression from West Virginia politics, calling it a fat opossum, because, like the marsupial, it was snuck through under the cover of darkness and into the tax code with essentially no legislative analysis, no committee hearings, and no debate.

ADF quotes James D. Davidson, a professor at Purdue University, who sites the political and legislative history of the Amendment, arguing:

The ban on electioneering is not rooted in constitutional provisions for separation of church and state. It actually goes back to 1954 when Congress was revising the tax code, anti-communism was in full bloom, and elections were taking place in Texas. In this highly-charged political environment, Lyndon Johnson introduced an amendment banning section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations from participating in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.  Johnson was not trying to address any constitutional issue related to the separation of church and state, and he did not offer the amendment because of anything that churches had done. Churches were not banned from endorsing candidates because they are religious organizations; they were banned because they have the same tax-exempt status as Facts Forum and the Committee for Constitutional Government, the right-wing organizations that Johnson was really after.

The Johnson Amendment is a big fat opossum. It was a bill that got inserted into the tax code through back-room deals made by a powerful Senator who wanted to be able to seek reelection at any cost and, in the process, trampling freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion. We have grown up with a generation of church-goers that believe it is illegal for their pastor to address candidates and elections in light of Scripture or church doctrine when there is no valid justification for believing that.

The Johnson Amendment was unconstitutional when it was passed and it is unconstitutional now. It's high time that we shined the light of the Constitution on this particular fat opossum.

Indeed, it is.

Efforts to repeal the Johnson Amendment have been close to success before, the last try under the title, The Free Speech Fairness Act. But no attempt has ever quite gotten over the line.

President Trump has been an ardent supporter of repealing the Johnson Amendment. He campaigned on it. Still, the best he has been able to do is sign an executive order which essentially rendered it toothless.

Theres no question the Presidents executive order strengthened religious freedom. But what happens if a future, hostile administration, is elected in 2020? Then the threat to religious liberty will only raise its ugly head again. The Johnson Amendment presents a serious legislative problem, which certainly requires a serious legislative solution.

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, once eloquently stated: A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.

No one was more enthusiastic for religious freedom than North Carolinas Congressman Walter Jones. With Democrats controlling the U.S. House and Nancy Pelosi as Speaker, there doesnt seem to be much hope for the passage of legislation repealing the Johnson Amendment for the next two years. But should Republicans regain the House, keep the Senate, and President Trump is re-elected, there ought to be a measure introduced and passed by Congress with the legislative title, The Walter B. Jones, Jr. Religious Liberty Act/Repeal the Johnson Amendment.

For Jones colleagues to honor and remember him in this way or something similar to it would be most appropriate. Indeed, every member of Congress who loves religious liberty should do it.

Indeed, America should do it.

Rev. Mark H. Creech is executive director of the Raleigh-based Christian Action League of North Carolina Inc.New York drops lawsuit against Christian activist for protesting outside abortion clinic

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A lawsuit New York state brought against a Christian pro-life activist who was accused of threatening patients and staff outside an abortion clinic in New York City was dropped earlier this week.

New York Attorney General Letitia James ended a lawsuit leveled in 2017 against Scott Fitchett Jr., one of about a dozen activists from local churches and the community who regularly protest outside the Choices Women's Medical Center in Queens.

The Liberty Counsel, which represented Fitchett, released a statement Monday explaining that while the attorney general has continued an appeal against the group of activists, she informed the appellate court that the appeal is abandoned as to Fitchett.

Roger Gannam, Liberty Counsels assistant vice president of Legal Affairs, explained that it was clear the Attorney General could prove no wrongdoing against Scott Fitchett, and never should have filed a lawsuit against him.

Perhaps the new attorney general has realized that Scott Fitchett not only has a constitutional right to speak on New Yorks public sidewalks, but will not bow down to the states pro-abortion bullying and intimidation, said Gannam in a statement.

In June 2017, then state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed a complaint against Fitchett and other pro-life demonstrators in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Schneidermans lawsuit accused the pro-life protesters of engaging in a weekly pattern of threatening, obstructive, and violent activity at the Womens Medical Center.

Since 2012, protesters have subjected incoming patients to a barrage of unwanted physical contact, as well as verbal abuse, threats of harm, and lies about the clinics hours and its services, read the complaint.

Protesters descend on approaching patients to harangue them, sometimes pinning them against the clinics exterior wall or parking meters, and even forcing them into the street and oncoming traffic as they try to escape the protesters. Some protesters go so far as to touch or grab at patients to get their attention and force printed anti-choice materials on them.

In July 2018, District Court Judge Carol Bagley Amon denied the state a preliminary injunction against the pro-life activists, with New York appealing the denial to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Ironically, Schneiderman, who accused the protesters of unwanted physical contact, later resigned in 2018 following revelations that he engaged in sexually violent behavior, specifically choking, against four women.

In addition to the Liberty Counsel representing Fitchett, the Thomas More Society stepped in to represent the defendants who belonged to the Brooklyn-based Church at the Rock.

Andrew Bath of the Thomas More Society said in a statement in 2017 that the lawsuit was unfounded, as the activists "peacefully" counsel women considering an abortion.

"They conduct themselves reasonably and compassionately and offer information about abortion alternatives to those willing to listen," said Bath at the time.

"This is the exercise of their core First Amendment rights and is an activity that takes place on the public sidewalk, the traditional venue for expression concerning important ideas and societal issues.'Rebels without a clause': 10 times Dem. senators questioned Trump nominees' religious beliefs

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One of the nations leading Christian conservative advocacy organizations has called out 12 senators who have employed unconstitutional religious tests on Trump nominees in the past two years.

Since the Trump administration came into power in 2017, a noticeable trend has occurred in which Democrat senators have questioned Trump judicial and political nominees about their religious beliefs and religious affiliations as to suggest that such beliefs and affiliations should disqualify them for public office.

The Washington, D.C.-based Family Research Council released on Wednesday a new publication that documents 10 incidents over the past two years in which senators have interrogated nominees concerning their personal religious beliefs even though Article VI of the U.S. Constitution states that there shall be no religious test for public office.

The document was written by Alexandra McPhee, the director of religious freedom advocacy at Family Research Council.

It is important to distinguish what questions should generally be considered appropriate or inappropriate, the document Rebels Without a Clause: When Senators Run Roughshod Over the No Religious Test Clause of the U.S. Constitution explains. For instance, [m]erely asking a nominee whether their beliefs might stop them from fulfilling their Constitutional duties is a relevant question. But [r]ejecting someone over their faith alone is unquestionably a religious test.

The document stresses that a senator should not deem a nominee fit or unfit according to his or her formal affiliation with one religious group or another.

And as Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) explained, asking [a] nominee about the particulars of his or her religious beliefs is inappropriate because it will inevitably expose those beliefs as somehow a qualifier or a disqualifier for public office, McPhee wrote.

Neomi Rao

Earlier this month, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a candidate for president in 2020, questioned Trump judicial nominee Neomi Rao, who currently serves as the administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, during a confirmation hearing.

Do you believe gay relationships are a sin? Booker asked the nominee selected to replace Justice Brett Kavanaugh on the D.C. appellate court.

Rao responded by saying: 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].

Senator Booker suggested this was an appropriate line of questioning because religion [has been] used as a ruse to discriminate against African Americans, the FRC document explains.

Bookers question came during his line of questioning about Raos previous writings on past court rulings that favored gay marriage.

William Barr

Trumps nominee to replace Jeff Sessions as attorney general, William Barr, who served as attorney general during the George H.W. Bush administration, was questioned by Rhode Island Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse in January.

Whitehouse brought up a 1992 speech in which, according to Whitehouse, Barr blamed secularism for virtually every contemporary societal problem.

Relying on this characterization, Senator Whitehouse asked, About a quarter of American adults today are not religious. Do you still think that those Americans are responsible for virtually every contemporary societal problem? If not, what changed your mind? the FRC document explains.

Senator Whitehouse concluded, stating, Given your stated views on the evils of secularism, what commitments will you make to ensure that non-religious career attorneys and staff at the Department are protected against disparate treatment on the basis of their secularism?

Barr responded by saying that the reports that Whitehouse quoted took substantial parts of my speech out of context and are inaccurate.

Contemporary societal problems are complex and caused by many factors, Barr responded. I have never claimed that societal problems are caused by specific individuals or specific classes of individuals.

Barr was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday.

Paul Matey and Brian Buescher

In November of last year, two Trump nominees faced questioning about their affiliation to the Catholic fraternal organization Knights of Columbus.

Although the organization does great charity work to help some of the worlds most vulnerable people, Kamala Harris, a California Democrat who is also running for president in 2020, questioned nominees Paul Matey and Brian Buescher about their membership with the Knights.

Her objection was the fact that the organization, in staying true to Catholic beliefs, opposes abortion and gay marriage.

Additionally, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii asked if the nominees' membership in the Knights of Columbus would allow them to deal with reproductive rights and abortion issues fairly and impartially.

She questioned whether Judge Buescher and Matey would end their memberships with [Knights] to avoid any appearance of bias, the FRC document explains. In addition, Senator Hirono asked Judge Buescher and Matey whether they believe[d] federal funds should not be given to [those] providers who support abortion services. Senator Hirono also asked each nominee about the health value of contraceptives and what steps each took to make clear that [they did] not hold [those] views reflected in statements by the Knights of Columbus.

Allison Rushing

Allison Rushing, a nominee for the Fourth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals, was questioned last October by several senators about her participation in programs led by the conservative religious freedom legal nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom.

Although ADF has won nine Supreme Court cases in the last seven years, Sens. Whitehouse, Hirono, Booker, Dianne Feinstein, Patrick Leahy, Chris Coons, and Richard Blumenthal all questioned her about her affiliation with the group.

Senator Hirono questioned Rushings ability to render decisions impartially or fairly in cases involving the court-created right to abortion or involving litigants that identify as homosexual or transgender because of Rushings internship and speaking engagements with ADF, McPhee detailed. Senator Blumenthal asked, Would you perform a same-sex wedding if asked to do so? In questions related to ADF, Senators Whitehouse, Coons, Blumenthal, Hirono, and Booker relied on the characterization by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a progressive activist group that frequently defames ideological opponents.

The SPLC lists ADF and several other Christian conservative organizations as hate groups because of their stances on sexuality and gay marriage. SPLC has faced defamation lawsuits because of the hate group labeling.

In questions related to a separate speaking engagement, Senator Whitehouse asked, In your view, are Judeo-Christian morality and homosexuality incompatible? the FRC report explains. Senator Harris also asked Rushing whether she believed that LGBT rights cannot be reconciled with religion.Kentucky Senate passes bill banning abortion when baby's heartbeat first detected

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A bill that would ban abortion in Kentucky once a baby's heartbeat is detected was passed by state senators Thursday.

Kentuckys fetal heartbeat bill comes in the wake of similar measures passed by Mississippi lawmakers in both the House and Senate Wednesday that could ban abortion as early as six weeks, a time when a baby's heartbeat can first be detected.

The Kentucky Senate voted 31-6 to pass Senate Bill 9, which has the support of the states evangelical Christian Gov. Matt Bevin as well as the GOP controlled House.

A Republican who supports the bill told The Associated Press that it has an emergency clause, which means it would take effect once it has been approved by the Senate, House and Bevin.

During his annual State of the Commonwealth address a week ago, Bevin urged the legislature to continue to pass anti-abortion legislation, insisting they would prevail.

"At the end of the day we will prevail because we stand on the side of right and we stand on the side of life," Bevin said.

Emotional testimony from pro-life and pro-abortion supporters was heard before the decision Thursday, according WAVE 3. Supporters of the bill argued that legislators had a moral duty to pass it while others saw it as an overreach of government.

SB 9 is intended to ban almost all abortion in the Commonwealth with no exemptions for rape, no exemptions for incest or fetal anomaly, Tamara Wieder, a Kentucky Planned Parenthood representative, noted in the report.

Abby Johnson, a supporter of the bill who used to operate a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas, argued that It is unjust to take the life of a human being.

Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear argued  after hearing Bevins speech a week ago  that he has already informed state legislators that the fetal heartbeat bill is unconstitutional and would likely cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to defend it.

"Every single elected official in this room, including the governor, took an oath to support the Constitution," Beshear told the AP. "The Constitution provides a choice that I believe is between a woman and her doctor for at least the first two trimesters of pregnancy, and I'm going to enforce that constitutional right."

The latest push for fetal heartbeat bills comes as high profile Democrats, such as New Yorks Gov. Andrew Cuomo, have claimed that President Trump wants to roll back Roe v. Wade.

New York recently passed the Reproductive Health Act, which codifies protections for abortion and allows doctors and other health care workers to perform abortions up to birth for any reason in which a pregnancy is deemed to be a risk to a womans mental or physical health. It also removed abortion from the state's criminal code.

"He wants to roll back Roe v. Wade which is a Supreme Court case that guarantees a woman's right to choose. Take us back to a time when women couldn't get an abortion legally," Cuomo said this week.

Abortion rights advocates have been bracing for the potential rollback of Roe v. Wade which some have said would trigger bans on abortion in as many as 22 states.

But Pro-Life Action League Executive Director Eric J. Scheidler has dismissed that claim as fearmongering.

"At most, only a couple of states with extremely conservative legislatures might even attempt something like a total ban on abortion," Scheidler said in a previous interview with The Christian Post.

"[It's] far more likely that states would seek to further restrict abortion, in line with the view of most Americans, with measures like banning late-term abortion and holding abortion facilities to the highest health and safety standards," he added.Former Trump admin insider talks 2020 election, challenges to his Christian faith

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Former Trump administration official Cliff Sims recently garnered national headlines over the release of his book about his time at the White House.

Titled Team of Vipers: My 500 Extraordinary Days in the Trump White House and released last month, Sims documents his experiences working under Trump, both the highs and the lows.

The title was inspired by the book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, a 2006 best-selling book about the diverse political views and personalities of those working in the Lincoln administration.

I wanted to portray the President as he really is  a multi-dimensional person, with extraordinary gifts and major flaws, just like the rest of us, Sims explained to The Christian Post.

I didn't think much about whether things were positive or negative, I just wanted to peel back the curtain and show him how he really is behind the scenes.

Sims book stirred outrage from President Donald Trump, whose campaign filed an arbitration claim against Sims, alleging he violated a non-disclosure agreement, according to CBS News.

In response, Sims filed a lawsuit in district court on Feb. 11 accusing the Trump administration of trying to unlawfully silence him.

The U.S. government is intentionally and unconstitutionally engaging in a subterfuge effort to use a private entity, Donald J. Trump for President, Inc., to do its bidding to silence Mr. Sims when it is really the intense powers of the presidency coming down upon a sole individual, read the suit, as reported by CBS.

The Christian Post reached out to Sims before the district court lawsuit was filed. He responded via email to questions on matters including his experiences working in D.C., how his Christian beliefs were put to the test, and his views on the current 2020 presidential election field. Here are excerpts from the correspondence.

CP: In the book, you explained that your opinion of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell changed considerably when you finally worked alongside him during your time in the administration. Were there any other members of Congress who you had a major change of opinion on due to your time in Washington, D.C.?

Sims: After seeing [McConnell] operate, I came to respect his toughness.

Unfortunately, most other members were exactly what I had always assumed: paralyzed by the fear of political retribution and a lot more concerned with the next election than they are with the next generation.

There are some really good members of Congress who are working hard, trying to do the right thing, hoping to make a real difference on behalf of their constituents. But most of them aren't the big names you've probably heard.

CP: On pages 190-194, you spoke about President Trump's evangelical advisory board, saying that you never heard them challenge him on points of moral concern. However, according to evangelical Trump adviser Johnnie Moore, there have been many times when board members tried to influence Trump on certain issues, like immigration and prison reform. How do you respond?

Sims: I don't want to paint the faith advisory board with a broad brush  there are some members of the board who are making a genuine effort to provide a Christian perspective on tough issues, in a place where that perspective is often lacking. But I found some of the board to be mainly interested in maintaining their proximity to power, even to the point of trashing "rival" faith leaders to keep them from threatening their own position close to the President. There are specific anecdotes in the book that illustrate that point.

I also write in the book that my greatest regret from my time in the White House is that I wasnt a better picture of my faith to the President and my colleagues. Im haunted by the late author Brennan Mannings quote, The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.

So I'm certainly not just pointing my finger at other people.

CP: The impression I got from reading your book was that it was very challenging to your Christian faith to work in the administration. Do you believe that living a Christian life and effectively working in an environment like the White House are just plain incompatible?

Sims: I don't think they are incompatible, it's just hard not to lose yourself in it all and suddenly wake up one day realizing you're finding your identity in your job, or your proximity to power, rather than in your faith. As I write in the book, on a practical level, the greatest takeaway from working in the White House was that I want to make sure my lifes priorities are in order. God created work. I know it is a huge part of his plan for my life and he can be glorified in it and through it. But I dont want to be consumed by it.

CP: What steps have you taken to secure your life's priorities since leaving the administration?

Sims: I'm a creature of habit, so the main thing is recommitting myself to a daily routine of self-improvement spiritually, mentally and physically (I wrote a blog post at the turn of the new year about the approach I take to this). Spiritually, it all starts with spending more time in the Bible  reading, studying, reflecting and praying. I've enjoyed the "Maxwell Leadership Reading Plan" inside YouVersion's Bible app. I [have] also gotten a lot out of the "How to be a Man" Bible study by my friend Rick Burgess.

I've focused more on my marriage  my wife, Megan, and I are currently in the process of adopting a child from Colombia.

Overall it's been about remembering that the only way I'm going to be fulfilled is by making sure I'm in the center of what God's will  not my will  is for my life.

CP: Already people are declaring their intentions to run for president in 2020. If the election came down between Trump and any of the current announced candidates that you know of, who would you vote for and why?

Sims: In the book, I write about considering whether to join the Trump campaign in 2016 and that I couldnt think of a single thing that would have been made betterfor my country, my family, or myselfby Hillary Clinton being elected President. If it's another binary choice in 2020, I will choose the more conservative candidate. We're at a point now where Democrats are refusing to even allow a vote on a bill that would require doctors to care for babies who survive a failed abortion attempt. Have we actually come to a moment in which even infanticide is a partisan issue? It's insane.Transgender agenda lands at airlines, passengers given 'unspecified' gender option

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Air travelers will soon be able to choose a gender option other than male or female, indicating they identify as transgender or non-binary when buying their tickets.

Beginning June 1, members of Airlines for America, a trade group that represents most leading U.S. carriers, including Alaska, Southwest, and United Airlines, will allow customers to pick "unspecified" and "undisclosed" in addition to the traditional options male and female.

"US airlines value a culture of diversity and inclusion, both in the workplace and for our passengers and we work hard each day to accommodate the needs of all travelers, while delivering a safe, secure and enjoyable flight experience," the group said in a statement quoted by The New York Times.

Airlines for America said that it is up to individual airlines to choose when to make the changes. But on Twitter, United Airlines announced it plans to implement the changes soon: In the coming weeks, customers will be able to select the gender with which they most closely identify during the booking process.

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are also working on introducing the new gender options, representatives for the carriers said, according to the Times.

The move has been praised by LGBT activists: Non-binary people face unnecessary, invasive and discriminatory scrutiny by airlines, airports and security services alike, said Arli Christian, the state policy director for the National Center for Transgender Equality, who uses the pronoun they.

Christian added that the change is an important step toward ensuring safe and smooth travel for all passengers regardless of their gender.

Airlines for Americas announcement comes as gender-neutral forms of identification become more widely available across U.S. states.

In December, New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio signed a measure into law adding an X designation to birth certificates, along with M for male and F for female.

"To all trans and nonbinary New Yorkers: We see you, hear you and respect you," the mayor's office said Dec. 29 on Twitter.

"Starting in 2019, all New Yorkers will be able to change their gender on their birth certificate to M, F or X  without a doctor's note."

Currently, seven states and jurisdictions have a similar "third" option available for drivers licenses: Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, D.C., and California, according to the National Center for Transgender Equalitys ID Documents Center.

Daniel Moody, a Christian philosopher and the author of The Flesh Made Word, told The Christian Post that a X marker on official documentation has far-reaching ramifications down the road.

"In law, bedrock identity can only be sex for everybody or sex for nobody. And given that X provides a vehicle by which to avoid having one's sex registered in law, the situation is now sex for nobody, he said.

He added: "To erroneously describe the X as a third gender is to give the impression that X is an innocent addition. But X is anything but a tiny alteration that affects a minuscule number of people while leaving undisturbed everybody else's legal status."

"Put bluntly, the apparently innocuous addition of an X results in the terms male and female no longer meaning for anybody that which they previously meant for everybody, he emphasized. In the eyes of the law, those long-familiar words now serve to obscure the very thing they formerly revealed: the body. As an ideology, gender audaciously helps itself to the language of the body.

"As is the case with its bogus scientific claims, gender wears the words male and female as an effective and efficient disguise," he concluded.A former Pyongyang diplomat said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is unwilling to ever completely give up nuclear weapons, and his summit in Hanoi next week with U.S. President Donald Trump would likely focus on reducing nuclear arms and facilities. Nikkei Asian Review reports in its article Ex-North Korean diplomat says Kim will never give up nuclear arms that Thae Yong-ho, who was North Korea's deputy ambassador to the U.K. before defecting to South Korea in 2016, echoed concerns that Washington would agree to loosening sanctions against the isolated regime while failing to force Kim to give up his weapons.

"If the U.S. and North Korea exchange demolition of the Yongbyon nuclear complex [and other concessions] for an easing of sanctions, they are not talking about denuclearization, but nuclear disarmament," Thae told foreign correspondents in Seoul on Tuesday.

Thae said Trump may announce that the threat to the U.S. is removed, but this may mean that South Korean and Japan would still have a nuclear power on their doorstep, leaving them vulnerable to attack should tensions rise again on the Korean Peninsula.

Pyongyang has repeatedly refused Washington's request that it produce a list showing all North Korean nuclear facilities and plans. Without this, the two sides have so far been unable to formulate a clear path to denuclearization.

Thae also said Trump should pressure Kim to announce his intent to dismantle all of North Korea's nuclear arms and facilities, return to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and agree to International Atomic Energy Agency inspections.

Seoul estimates that the North has between 20 and 60 nuclear weapons, along with 50 kg of weaponizable plutonium and a large stock of highly enriched uranium that can be made into nuclear weapons.

"Trump should make Kim announce this with his voice," Thae said. "If not, I don't believe the deal is about denuclearization."

The former diplomat was skeptical that Pyongyang was genuine about giving up its nuclear weapons because Kim needs them to consolidate power.

"What else does North Korea have except nuclear arms?" he said. "They are key to solving the North's feeling of inferiority to South Korea. North Korea will not give them up, even if the country receives billions or trillions of dollars."There are kids everywhere; Vatican confirms Church guidelines for priests who father children

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The Roman Catholic Church has acknowledged that it has guidelines for priests who have violated their vow of celibacy and have fathered children.

Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti told CBS News in an interview published Tuesday afternoon that the Church has a document for internal use on the issue that was not intended for publication.

 the fundamental principle behind these lines is the protection of the child, explained Gisotti. For this reason, the document ordinarily requires that the priest present a request for dispensation from the duties of the clerical state and, as a layman, assume his responsibilities as a parent by devoting himself exclusively [to his child].

The New York Times first reported on the guidelines, among their interviewees being Vincent Doyle, an Irish psychotherapist who set up a support group for children of Catholic priests called Coping International.

Its the next scandal, explained Doyle, who did not learn that his father was a priest until he was in his late 20s. There are kids everywhere.

Although the Vatican recently confirmed the existence of guidelines, they were not the first Church body to publicly discuss what should happen to priests who have children.

In August of 2017, the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference released a set of principles at the behest of Coping International, stressing that the wellbeing of his child should be his first consideration.

In the case of a child fathered by a Catholic priest, it follows that a priest as any new father, should face up to his responsibilities  personal, legal, moral and financial. At a minimum, no priest should walk away from his responsibilities, stated the Irish Bishops.

It is vital in discerning a way forward that the mother, as the primary care giver, and as a moral agent in her own right, be fully involved in the decision.

The new revelation over the Vaticans guidelines for priests who become parents comes as the Church continues to wrestle with how to resolve its years-long sex abuse scandal.

Around 200 church leaders from across the globe will convene in Rome on Thursday to begin a four-day meeting on how to handle the internal church crisis.

This is a new day in terms of transparency, said Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who is one of the meeting organizers, as reported by The Telegraph.

Bishops are going to be held accountable. My hope is that people see this as a turning point.Supreme Court lets ruling protecting Texas bishops from subpoena on abortion talk stand

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The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear an appeal from a case on whether a Texas-based Roman Catholic Church body must disclose its private discussions on abortion and fetal burial.

In an order released Tuesday, the high court denied certiorari in the case of Whole Womans Health et al v. Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, allowing an earlier decision in favor of the Catholic body to stand.

Eric Rassbach, vice president and senior counsel at Becket, a law firm involved in the case on behalf of the Catholic Bishops, celebrated the Supreme Courts decision.

Thank goodness the Supreme Court saw this appeal for what it was: a nasty attempt to intimidate the bishops and force them to withdraw their offer to bury every child aborted in Texas, said Rassbach in a statement released Tuesday.

Abortion groups may think the bishops troublesome, but it is wrong to weaponize the law to stop the bishops from standing up for their beliefs.

In 2016, multiple abortion providers filed a lawsuit against Texas over regulations requiring that aborted fetuses be given a proper burial rather than disposing of them in landfill or sewers, as previously allowed.

The abortion providers argued that the regulations violated Due Process rights by placing a burden on the woman seeking an abortion to find and arrange for a dignified burial.

At the preliminary injunction hearing, Catholic Conference Executive Director Jennifer Allmon testified in favor of the regulations, noting that the Conference was willing to work with Catholic churches to provide free common burials.

In March 2018, the abortion providers served the Catholic Conference a third-party subpoena demanding all documents regarding abortion, embryonic and fetal tissue remains, as well as all communication, including confidential, the bishops may have had with state government officials or the state legislature.

In response, the bishops filed a motion against the subpoena in April of last year, arguing that the order violated the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Last July, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled 2-1 in favor of the bishops, with Circuit Judge Edith Jones writing the majority opinion.

TCCB has been challenged by the plaintiffs to either produce internal communication documents or withdraw its witness. This looks like an act of intimidation, wrote Judge Jones, overturning a district court decision.

This burden on TCCBs constitutional right to advocate in the public square cannot be ignored, nor can the burdens TCCB has shown were created by this intrusive discovery request: relations with other parties in the faith impaired, internal modes of discussion upended, and participation by some Catholic cemeteries deterred.

However, Circuit Judge Gregg Costa dissented from the majority, arguing that it would be unusual if a party had decided to not seek documents from a witness it plans to cross examine at trial.

What the majority opinion views as an improper threatthat the discovery request will go away if the Conference witness doesnt appearis just an obvious point that if there is no witness, then there is no need to request documents that might impeach her testimony, wrote Judge Costa.Same-sex spouses not invited to major Anglican Communion Bishops conference

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For a major gathering of bishops and their spouses scheduled for next year, the Anglican Communion has specifically not invited the same-sex spouses of some of their church leadership.

In July and August 2020, Anglican bishops from across the globe will gather in Canterbury, United Kingdom for the Lambeth Conference.

Josiah Idowu-Fearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, explained in a blog entry published last week that while official invitations were sent out to all bishops, same-sex spouses are not invited to the conference.

Invitations have been sent to every active bishop. That is how it should be  we are recognising that all those consecrated into the office of bishop should be able to attend, wrote Idowu-Fearon.

But the invitation process has also needed to take account of the Anglican Communions position on marriage which is that it is the lifelong union of a man and a woman. That is the position as set out in Resolution I.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference.

Idowu-Fearon went on to state that as a result it would be inappropriate for same-sex spouses to be invited to the conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has had a series of private conversations by phone or by exchanges of letter with the few individuals to whom this applies, continued Idowu-Fearon.

The first Lambeth Conference met in 1867, lasting four days with 76 bishops in attendance. Since then, the Conference has been held roughly once every ten years.

The theme for the upcoming Conference is Gods Church for Gods World: walking, listening and witnessing together.

It will be a time of addressing hurts and concerns; of deepening existing relationships and building new ones; of grappling with issues that face the Church and the world, said Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in a statement posted to the Conference website.

We will listen to each other; we will seek Gods wisdom to find ways to walk together; we will build each other up as leaders.

The Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, is in a same-sex marriage and sent Archbishop Welby a two-page letter disagreeing with the decision.

When will the church accept to it the gift of the LGBTQ community? she asked Welby, as reported by Episcopal News Service.

Young people are watching us. If they havent written off all of Christianity for being homophobic, they do find The Episcopal Church inviting and inclusive."Rwandan genocide victim learns to forgive, befriends man who cut off her hand

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NYAMATA, Rwanda  She had her hand chopped off, her head bludgeoned and saw her 9-month-old daughter split in two, but 25 years later, 48-year-old Alice Mukarurinda and the man responsible for cutting off her limb, Emmanuel Ndayisaba, are now good friends.

The two have preached the need for forgiveness and reconciliation that has encompassed the central African nation in the last quarter-century since one of the worst human rights atrocities in world history took place  the genocide against the Tutsis.

In April 1994, Alice and her husband were among the hundreds of thousands of Tutsis left to die after being beaten, hacked, speared, burned, smashed or shot to death by mobs of angry citizens and security forces driven by an extremist ideology pushed by officials in Rwandas Hutu-led government.

The goal was to exterminate their social class. Many were killed by their neighbors and friends they thought they could trust.

Although they were brothers and sisters in Christ, toxic propaganda incited the majority Hutus to try to completely drive the minority Tutsis (portrayed socially as tall, wealthy cattle herders favored by Belgian colonists) into extinction.

As the strong majority of the Rwandan population is uneducated, the ideology spread through propaganda radio broadcasts and newspapers. It corrupted the minds of many Hutus, including church leaders. Others were coerced into participating out of fear of their own lives.

In the span of three months beginning in April 1994, it is estimated that as many as 1 million were killed in the 90 percent Christian country, with many of them massacred inside churches.

Most were Tutsis and others were moderate Hutus who refused to participate in the extermination of Tutsi "cockroaches" that the government at the time considered to be fake Rwandans.

Fortunately for Alice and her husband, they survived despite the physical harm they suffered. However, their baby daughter, her mother, her siblings and many of their neighbors were not as fortunate.

'Every day that month, they were killing, killing and killing'

In April 1994, Hutus in the rural Eastern Province attacked Tutsis in Alice's village. Married just over a year-and-a-half before that, Alice, her husband and her infant daughter sought to hide in a church in Nyamata, while her mother and siblings were hiding in another church that was ultimately burned down with them inside.

The church that Alice, her husband and daughter were hiding in was later torched to the ground but they were somehow able to escape to safety.

Every day in that month, they were killing, killing, killing, Alice said through a translator while speaking with reporters on a press trip to the country with the evangelical human rights NGO World Vision U.S., which has provided relief and development efforts throughout most of the country since 1994.

[Many people] were coming with different weapons and they were just killing. By that time, there were many people who were involved in the killing  the soldiers and even the airplanes were around us checking where we are so that they could kill us all. We thought that is the end for us and that we would no longer survive.

Alice tried to seek refuge and tried to hide in the water. At the time, Alices family and other local Tutsis couldnt eat or sleep because they were constantly on the move trying to hide. Many died from hunger and horrible conditions.

On April 29 of that year, Alices family finally met their fate.

There were so many people that came with weapons given to them by the French government and they all came. There were machetes, there were axes, arrows  and bullets, she said.

Alice was struck in the head with some kind of blunt force weapon that had a nail sticking out and she was speared in the shoulder. She also lost her hand in the process thanks to a chop from Emmanuel. Meanwhile, a group of men cut her child in two. Her husband was also attacked but he had less serious injuries.

It has been much worse. Its been a long time and that is why it doesnt look as bad, she explained as she showed the journalists her scars. At that point [you are in another state of mind] so you dont know who is doing what.

The perpetrators believed that Alice was dead and dumped her unconscious body along with the mangled remains of deceased victims. Many of the bodies were ravaged by hungry dogs.

For the few people that remained alive in the pile of death, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (the rebel group that ultimately took power and ended the genocide in July 4, 1994, when it overtook the capital of Kigali) rescued them and took them to receive medical help.

They didnt know some people were still alive, so [I] was taken sometime after others were taken, Alice explained. They couldnt tell who was alive or dead. Their bodies were filled with [maggots].

Although Alice was born into a family with 11 siblings, just her and another sibling survived but are left with disabilities from the genocide.

She said that all the doctors had been killed so it was hard to get treated but they did the best they could. Alice had no mobility or movement on half of her body because of the damage. It took her two months to learn how to move again and for her brain to function the way it used to.

She was taken to an IDP camp where she was reunited with her husband.Muslim who sought to kill Christian cousin embraces faith after Jesus appears in dream

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An Egyptian Muslim who planned to kill his cousin for converting to Christianity has shared how he embraced the religion he once hated after Jesus delivered a powerful message to him in a dream.

Mostafa, a new convert in Egypt, recently shared with persecution watchdog Open Doors how he traveled to Cairo with the intention of killing his cousin, Mohammad, who had converted from Islam to Christianity.

In Egypt, converting from Islam to Christianity is seen as a betrayal of ones family and heritage. Christian converts risk losing their family, friends, and even their lives.

After finding his cousin sitting in a Christian worship service, Mostafa slipped behind him and waited to make his move. But as he listened to the songs and prayers, he noticed that the words he was hearing appealed to him.

Following the service, Mostafa approached Mohammad with tears in his eyes: I came all the way from our familys village to spy on you and see if you had indeed become a Christian, he said. I should inform your family about what I saw, but I just cant. I think the choice you made might have been the right one. Can you tell me more? Why did you leave Islam for Christianity?

That evening, the cousins spent hours talking about the Gospel. That night, Mostafa had a dream. He saw Jesus on the cross, looking at him and saying: I did all of this because I love you, and I want you to be free from your sins.

The next morning, Mostafa told Mohammed what he saw in his dream and asked his cousin to pray together with him for his salvation.

Mostafa recalled telling God: I planned to kill my cousin, Your follower. But now I am prepared to give my life for You myself.

The following month, Mostafa was baptized with his cousin standing next to him. He hasnt told his family that he and Mohammed are now followers of Jesus, and the two men are currently living as secret believers.

Egypt is No. 16 on Open Doors' World Watch List and continues to be a country that poses extreme danger and violence for Christians, according to the persecution watchdog. Various Islamic extremist groups remain the largest persecutors of Christians in the country.

Despite continued persecution, a number of Christians across the Middle East have embraced Christianity. Officially, about 10% of the 95 million population are Christian, although many believe the figure is significantly higher.

Last year, a former Muslim-turned-pastor who started hundreds of churches in Pakistan told The Christian Post that many Muslims are making decisions to convert after Jesus Himself has visited them in dreams and visions.

It's very dangerous for anyone to preach the Word of God face-to-face in non-Western countries, the pastor told CP. God reveals things through dreams to evangelists/pastors. People in the East are more uneducated and unable to read the Bible so God uses this method to reach them.

[People] are very faithful in the East, placing themselves in positions to see the signs of God by studying the Word of God, he added. Eastern people watch for the signs and miracles to show that the Word of God is alive. It is a privilege, one not everyone can share in  to own a Bible in the East. In the West, people look more for wisdom, like the Greeks of old. They do not always rely on faith, which can't be seen.

Mission Frontiers magazine also reported that out of 600 Muslim converts, 25 percent experienced a dream that led to their conversion.

A now-former shaman in a village in northwest China shared in another article for Open Doors in July that she saw Christ while on her deathbed.

"I was in the back seat of a taxi as my brother drove me toward endless darkness. But then three men, who were wearing brilliant white robes, approached. But their light was so bright, I couldn't see their faces," Ting, the former shaman, said of her experience.

"They told me I must make a choice. And as they spoke, two other men wearing black robes invited me to follow them. I knew in my heart one of the men wearing a white robe was Jesus. So I followed Him."

In 2015, an Islamic State terror group fighter who had killed Christians also turned to Christ after reportedly dreaming of "a man in white."'Mama Rwanda:' How Women Entrepreneurs Are Restoring Their Country

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Imagine your family's been murdered and your country lies in ruins. Could you rebuild and forgive? These Rwandan women did.

Six years ago, Christian filmmaker Laura Waters Hinson made a gripping, groundbreaking documentary called "As We Forgive," which explored how the African nation of Rwanda dared to seek reconciliation between the perpetrators and victims of genocide.

Now Hinson has gone back to Rwanda to make a new film, one that provides an update on the country's progress since that terrible time. This film, "Mama Rwanda," focuses on a specific aspect of that progress: how women, through their entrepreneurial efforts, are bringing healing and restoration to Rwanda.

"Mama Rwanda" concentrates on two women in particular, Drocella and Christine. Both of them are widowed mothers who suffered great losses during the genocide. (Drocella tells us that her first husband was a killer and her second husband was a victim.) Both Drocella and Christine put everything they have into starting businesses to support their children and help their neighbors and their homeland.

As Christine tells us, "A Rwandan woman has a great responsibility to develop our country."

It is simply the way things are: Because of the genocide, the country's population is now 70 percent female.

Hanson has written, "I wanted to make a documentary that would break down stereotypes of these women, to show the complexity of their lives, and to convey their personal struggles to love their children well while also becoming entrepreneurs."

In the agricultural cooperative that Drocella started, perpetrators and persecuted work side by side.

One worker, Ernestine, says, "You develop patience because you cannot keep that anger in your heart, otherwise you would not be able to live next to them."

The very survival of many of these people requires reconciliation and cooperation. Many of them, in the most practical of ways, are living out their faith in the God of healing and forgiveness.

Women like Drocella and Christine face punishing schedules and economic challenges. They miss their husbands, and they grieve for lost time with their children. But they're determined to move forward and do what must be done, "with God's help." Christine speaks of her desire to "raise people . . . to a higher level," through her own business savvy and by teaching others to follow her example.

Thanks to these women and to many more like them, "Rwanda boasts one of the world's fastest-growing economies."

And even more important than that, it is moving beyond the bitter, hateful struggles of its recent past. These women and their work are an inspiration to viewers everywhere.

"Mama Rwanda," which has won honors at film festivals, is now showing at selected locations around the country, and will soon be available to watch online. Come to BreakPoint.org and click on this commentary to find out whether "Mama Rwanda" is playing near you, how you can host a screening yourself, and how you can help support the efforts of female entrepreneurs in Rwanda.

But the truth is, encouraging financial help from viewers is far from the point of this film. It's a good thing to do, of course, but Western help plays a secondary role to what these women have accomplished on their own, and that's as it should be.

As one of the women in the film tells us, popular Western narratives have not been kind to Rwandans: "They think we are people with arms open only to receive aid, and if they ever stopped giving to us, we would all shrivel up and die. . . . That's not how we are."

Instead, as another woman says later in the film, "I think it's extremely important for Africa to get a good story" of its own. And that's exactly the kind of story that "Mama Rwanda" helps to tell. And one we Christians need to share.

Originally posted at breakpoint.org.Jesus was a 'sorcerer,' Bible a 'book of magic,' say Christian witches ahead of first annual convention

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The first annual Christian witches convention is set to be hosted in Salem, Massachusetts, this April and will feature internationally recognized Prophet Calvin Witcher who agrees with the conventions host that Jesus was a sorcerer and the Bible is really a book of magic.

The Rev. Valerie Love, the force behind the event who describes herself as a practicing Christian witch and an ordained minister of spiritual consciousness, recently launched the Covenant of Christian Witches Mystery School to help Christians tap into magic, which critics are condemning as "dangerous." She insists there is nothing wrong with the idea of Christians practicing magic despite biblical warnings against it.

In an extended discussion with Witcher approximately two months ago on reconciling the practice of witchcraft and Christianity, Witcher, whose website says he brings Gods messages to humanity through powerful teaching and training, allowing non-traditional followers to hear the divine voice of hope, said the Bible is a huge book of sorcery.

The Bible is a huge book of sorcery. You literally cant get around that. You cant get around Jesus being a magician. Theres just no way, he said.

Asked to elaborate on what he meant by his statement, Witcher pointed to miracles from Jesus adult ministry as clear examples of sorcery.

Youre talking about sorcery at its base understanding, its really just being able to change the natural by supernatural means. Thats really it. Its an alchemical process. Its to say that you turn water into wine. One, two fish and five loaves of bread, feeding the multitude - absolutely forms of sorcery. Walking on water defined the natural realm and laws that govern this physical plane. Thats all realms of sorcery. Magic is simply just using the props to do it, he contended.

Youre talking about the whole of Jesus adult ministry is all magic, all sorcery. Even if we just say Jesus. Every particular miracle Jesus does defies human law, defies the laws of the universe and the world. So  you cant really talk about being a Jesus follower without doing what he did which is magic."

Love revealed previously that she was "born a witch" but was forced to stifle her identity as a Jehovah's Witness from age 4 to 30 when she finally left the "cult."

She told Witcher in their conversation that she wasnt taught how to do the things that Jesus did such as raising the dead even though Christ declared that those who follow Him would do greater works than He did in John 14:12.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father, the Scripture says.

Witcher, who describes himself as a believer in Christ who still speaks with tongues from his background in the Pentecostal church, said the Scripture has haunted me and agreed that they were both still working on getting up to Jesus level.

My background in Pentecostalism really set me up on a good foundation. We had tools. We did anointing oils, prayer shawls, demonology was taught very regularly at least in my circles. So those conversations were not weird. We talked on the gifts of the spirit  going into magic was a very easy segue.  The only thing it did was expand that particular power outside that particular practice, he said of his full entry into the realm of magic.

Among the rituals he and his community have conducted he said are money magic and warding of entities that we dont necessarily want to work with at that particular time.

Love said she believes that its only natural for Christianity and witchcraft to be integrated while Witcher argues that church leaders teach against it to keep people as slaves.

The interesting thing is, most of the time when people come against magic, sorcery, mysticism, the occult, you name it, the new age community  they are not really coming against the Bible because the Bible honestly doesnt teach that when you understand it and break it down, he said. The Bible is not against magic. The Bible is a magic book. The Bible is a grimoire, hands down.

He argued that for people to fully appreciate the power of John 14: 12, they need to understand mysticism which is simply just absorption with the divine.

We believe that we are one with the Spirit, we are not just an emanation or extension of God, we are as it is. All Christians are mystic, especially Charismatics [because] it was always taught that I and my Father are one. We are one with the Spirit. We are the children of God. We are the children of the Almighty.  There is no difference between me and the Father. There is no difference between me and Jesus, he said, arguing that youll never rise to a level that you dont believe youll achieve.

R.C. Sproul, late theologian and founder of Ligonier Ministries, previously took on the interpretation of John 14:12 in a blog post and argued that Christians who believe that there are people on earth performing greater works than Jesus are suffering from a serious delusion.

There are many today who believe that there are people running around this world right now who are performing greater miracles, performing miracles in greater abundance, and actually doing more incredible acts of divine healing than Jesus Himself did. I cant think of any more serious delusion than that, that somebody would actually think they have exceeded Jesus in terms of the works He has done. Theres nobody who comes close to the work that Jesus did, he wrote.

If Jesus meant that people would do greater miracles than He performed in the sense of displaying more power and more astonishing things than He did, then obviously one of the works that Jesus failed to perform was sound prophecy, because that just didnt happen. Nobody exceeded Jesus works. Thats what leads me to believe thats not what He meant. I think Hes using the term greater in a different way, Sproul argued.

If you look at the record, you will see that it was the Christian church that spearheaded the abolition of slavery, the end of the Roman arena, the whole concept of education, the concept of charitable hospitals and orphanages, and a host of other humanitarian activities. I think, personally, that thats what Jesus meant when He talked about greater works, Sproul added.

In a video this month promoting The First Annual Christian Witches Convention which will be held April 15-21, Love said Witcher will be teaching at her Mystery School as well as bringing a powerhouse word.

She said on the final day of the event, Easter Sunday, the witches will also gather for their first ever church service.

Sunday morning, Resurrection Sunday. Easter Sunday, the first ever that weve ever done, Christian witches church service. And this is probably the heart of the whole convention for me. Bringing a word to you from the pulpit [of] Rev. Valerie Love at a Christian witches church service, she said. We have musical guests that you will love and we have all the inspiration and a powerful word, especially for Christian witches, oh my God!

A report in The Christian Post last fall highlighted the astronomical growth of self-identified witches in the U.S.

Jennifer LeClaire, founder of Jennifer LeClaire Ministries and director at the Awakening House of Prayer in Florida who has been tracking the Christian witches movement for several years, has warned that the mixing of witchcraft and Christianity is "dangerous" and said the movement is growing.

"In this season, I've seen a rise of Christians practicing witchcraft. Or maybe they aren't Christians at all. I won't judge someone's salvation, but when people in church release word curses, pray against you, and conduct unholy fasts to destroy you, the fruit of the Spirit is clearly lacking," she wrote last fall. "Galatians 6 lists both the fruit of the Spirit and the works of the flesh. Witchcraft is among them. But there is a higher level of witchcraft that some so-called Christians are tapping into and it's dangerous."How to Recover From Genocide? What Iraq Can Learn From Rwanda

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During the worst moment of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, between 800,000 to 1 million people were killed in 100 days. Most were hacked to death with machetes. Neighbor turned on neighbor. Villages lay strewn with bodies. The massacre, ignited by ethnic division and carried out by the Hutu majority, mostly against the Tutsi minority, rocked this tiny nation and sent shockwaves across the world.

The global community  as it did when the Holocaust first ushered the word "genocide" into our vocabulary  vowed, one more time, to "never again" let something like this happen.

Yet, today, once again, we find ourselves watching genocide unfold on our TV screens. Earlier this year, Secretary of State John Kerry admitted ISIS is committing genocide against Yazidis, Christians, and minority groups in Iraq (and Syria). He was joined by unanimous votes by members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, as wells as the British parliament.

Genocide, sadly, still rages on today.

How can a nation like Iraq move forward from such a brutal act against humanity? Perhaps another look at Rwanda might yield some answers.

Barely two decades after the genocide, Rwanda is now a prosperous state with regional influence in Africa. Between 2001 and 2014, it boasted one of the fastest-growing economies in the continent. International technology companies are investing and creating jobs in Rwanda. The streets of Kigali, the capital, are clean and transited by smart buses equipped with free 4G wireless internet. Child mortality has dropped by two-thirds. In five short years, the national poverty rate dropped by 14 percent. Literacy rates, enrollment in primary education, and health care availability have risen. And perhaps most shocking, perpetrators and survivors of the bloody days of 1994 now live together in peace  their children even intermarry.

Genocide, it seems, does not always get the last word.

Could Iraq learn from Rwanda's success?

Parallels between Rwanda's history and the current Middle Eastern crisis have been drawn before, making keen observations for political actions Iraq can take to carve a future out of its grim present. Yet, as the conflict deepens, the conversation seems to have come to a halt. Perhaps a reminder, with a perspective from the bottom up, might be helpful.

While Rwanda and Iraq have different cultures and histories  which must always be acknowledged  both their stories are about division (one ignited primarily by ethnicity, the other by religion), and at heart, both have similar solutions.

Here are three things Rwanda did that Iraq could do today:

1. Eliminate ethnic identification cards.

The Rwandan Genocide was by and large fueled by the politically-influenced ethnic divide between Tutsis and Hutus. After the genocide, the Rwandan government implemented a campaign to remove ethnic distinctions from the country. Today, in Rwanda, there are increasingly no "Tutsis" or "Hutus," only "Rwandans."

Iraq is a melting pot of ethnicity and religion. Lines are drawn not only between Arabs and Kurds, but also between Muslims, Christians, and Yazidis (not to mention others). Modern nations are not composed of a single ethnic or religious group; they are a conglomeration of diverse people who can  and should  hold their national identity as their common denominator. Iraq has a long and complicated road ahead  probably more so than Rwanda did  but removing religious and ethnic distinctions from its government issued identity cards might, at least, set Iraq in the right direction.

2. Seek justice in a local, communal level, and not simply by military force.

According to the United Nations, to establish swift justice for the thousands accused of committing genocide, the Rwandan government re-opened the country's traditional court system known as "Gacaca." Trials were conducted by locally elected judges, and lower sentences were granted if the defendant repented and tried to reconcile with the community. Forgiveness was asked for and granted publicly, establishing unwritten, yet commonly held and understood, social expectations from the community and the perpetrators.

In a similar way, military force cannot impose the granting or accepting of forgiveness in Iraq. This is something that can only be done on a community level, which is where the successful shaping of a country's national identity begins. Empowering Iraqi communities and tribes to administer justice locally can help establish a sense of national responsibility in Iraqis for rebuilding their country.

3. Establish a restorative justice system.

One of the most fascinating outcomes of the Gacaca courts was the responsibility given to perpetrators to not only serve a sentence, but to do so by doing good to their victims. A Hutu man who had killed a Tutsi woman's husband would come back and help her rebuild her house. Cases like these helped Rwanda find reconciliation where no one else thought it possible.

For the crimes in Iraq, no amount of punishment will be able to restore all that has been lost. A restorative justice system in Iraq might not erase all the wrongs committed, but it might be the first step for perpetrators to recover their sense of humanity and victims to release hatred and resentment. It could help Iraq to find healing.

I might add though that religious leaders played an indispensable role in this system of justice and reconciliation. We must cease to view faith as the problem, but also see it as the solution.

Today, I stood in a valley outside of Kigali where blood once flowed. But like so much of Rwanda, forgiveness has transformed this valley from a place of death to a place of life. Tools that were once used to take lives, now give life by producing crops and raising livestock. With pride, people work together side-by-side despite their past. Most of the women lost their husbands in the genocide. But today, it does not matter what side they were once on, all that matters now is their future. This is reinforced by the literal translation of their village's name: "do something with your life" and their sheer determination to do just that, is palpable.

In the end, only reconciliation and forgiveness can bind up a nation after genocide. Through pain and perseverance, Rwanda is conquering her dark past. Iraq can do the same, and show the world a country is not lost if its people are willing to set aside their differences to fight for a better future.

Noel Yeatts is an advocate for social justice and humanitarian needs around the world with over 20 years of experience in humanitarian work. Noel is an author, speaker, and the Vice President of World Help, an international, Christian humanitarian organization.Homeschoolers Concerned About More Regulations After Alleged Abuse at Perris House

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Homeschooling advocates are concerned about additional regulations after news of abuse from homeschooling parents in California.

The Massachusetts-based Coalition for Responsible Home Education, a nonprofit group that is actively advocating for homeschooling reform, says a lack of oversight for homeschools allows abuse, such at the recent case in Perris, California, to go unchecked and is now calling for increased regulation of homeschools.

Pentecostal Christian couple David Allen Turpin, 57, and his 49-year-old wife, Louise Anna Turpin, were arrested on Jan. 14, after police had to rescue their 13 severely malnourished children from their home in Perris, California. The home was registered as a homeschool.

"The lack of oversight of home schools is what allows people to hide abuse," Kathryn Brightbill, legislative policy analyst for the coalition told The Press-Enterprise. "We believe that the various states should introduce legislation to have annual contact with mandated reporters."

And a statement from the Board of Directors of the HomeSchool Association of California said they anticipate new legislation is on the horizon.

"We know that many homeschooling families are feeling nervous due to the recent abuse case which has been in the news," the directors said. "We do suspect legislation may be forthcoming that might try to regulate private homeschoolers. We do not know what form that proposed legislation will take and it is a complicated endeavor that is likely to take some time. We assure you that HSC will have a hand in fighting or helping to define any bills that are proposed."

In an earlier statement, Debbie Schwarzer, the organization's legal team co-chair dismissed the idea of an annual inspection requirement for homeschooled children.

"I've seen articles that suggest that private homeschoolers should be required to present their children for an annual inspection by teachers and a doctor. It's an outrageous suggestion, one that amounts to suspecting all homeschooling parents of being unfit, of being capable of crimes against their children," Schwarzer wrote.

"Obviously the overwhelming majority of parents who choose to homeschool their children do so with the best interests of their children as their top priority. They should not be subjected to suspicion by the state and gross invasion of their privacy through unwarranted intrusion into their lives. The state and society should give them the same benefit of the doubt that all parents are given, of acting in their children's best interests until specific facts or circumstances suggest otherwise," she added.

Data cited by the Coalition for Responsible Home Education argues there is very little accountability for homeschooling parents across the nation.

Some 11 states do not require parents to provide notice of homeschooling, 14 states do not require parents to provide instruction in any specific subject, 25 states do not require any form of academic assessments, parents in 39 states are not required to have a high school diploma, GED, or other qualifications and 48 states have no protections for at-risk homeschooled children.

"The current lack of accountability or oversight of homeschooling has negative consequences for thousands of homeschooled children. In some cases homeschooling serves to hide abuse, and in other cases parents shortchange their children educationally," the organization said.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there were an estimated 1.8 million homeschooled students in the United States in 2012. This number showed an increase from 850,000 in 1999, when estimates were first reported.

California law requires all children between 6 and 18 to be enrolled in public school unless their parents opt to make them attend a "full-time, private day school" or learn from a private tutor with a valid California teaching certificate, according to The Press Enterprise.

Anyone who homeschools at least six students, like the Turpin family must file to form their own "private school." The Turpins registered their home as a private school named Sandcastle Day School whose only students were their children.

Authorities who rescued the Christian couple's children said they had very little knowledge of the outside world and were poorly homeschooled.

Last Thursday, David and Louise Turpin were charged with 12 criminal counts of torture, seven counts of abuse of a dependent adult, and 12 counts of false imprisonment that could keep them behind bars for life if they are convicted. David Turpin also faces one count of committing a lewd act by force or fear. He and his wife have both pleaded not guilty and are now being held on bail of $13 million each.Former Harvest Bible Chapel worship leader says James MacDonald touched her inappropriately

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James MacDonald, who was recently fired as senior pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel, is now facing an allegation of sexual misconduct by the church's former worship leader.

Anne Green, who is married, alleged that MacDonald touched her inappropriately on a private plane in 2005.

I was sitting in the back seat. And James, uh, moved over by me, and he snuggled up to my right side, and leaned his head onto my right shoulder. And then, uh, he reached across with his right hand, and put his right hand on my right upper thigh, right next to my crotch, Green said in an interview on Mancow Mullers radio show on WLS/AM 890, which was cited by independent journalist Julie Roys.

Green, who said she was traveling with MacDonald and several other staffers at the time, told Muller that she had to raise her voice at MacDonald to get him to back off.

I was shocked and immediately said, You cant touch me there! And I said it loud. And I heard giggles from the others, I thought. And James kinda got flustered, pawing his hands on my shoulder, laughed and said, I never wouldve thought Anne Green would be the one to bring down my ministry, she recalled.

Muller, who is also a former member of HBC, said he had heard stories about that kind of behavior before and said he once asked MacDonald about the allegations when they were still friends.

He basically said that youre a holy-holy type, and thats not the words he used, that youre just holier than thou, easily offended and that there was some turbulence, and he brushed up against you because the plane shifted, and you made it some kind of sexual harassment thing. Thats what he told me, Muller said in the interview.

Responding to the allegation in a statement ib Monday, HBC officials said they first heard about it in September 2018 and reached out to her to discuss the situation via email but she did not respond.

We care about all who have labored for the Lord with us, past and present and since it was not reported at the time, we want to offer an opportunity to tell your story to a couple of women who remain here and remember you fondly, the email sent on Sept. 30 from the churchs human resources department said in part.

I would like to schedule a call with you and [other woman on plane], maybe an Elders wife and myself, as I work in our HR department. We are offering a safe environment to share your story without fear and understand if you choose not to. Also, be assured this offer does not expire should you wish to talk with us in the future, the message continued.

The church said Green did not file a police report against MacDonald and noted that they also checked with staff who were on the flight at the time of the alleged incident and no one recalled Greens version of the event.

The three other passengers from that flight were interviewed. The passengers stated that they did not recall seeing or hearing anything suspicious or inappropriate, the church stated.

With no complaint filed by Mrs. Green, no report to the police and the testimony of three witnesses on the flight, Harvest Bible Chapel closed the investigation with the Elders considering the case appropriately vetted and no further action required, it continued.

In light of todays radio interview that Mrs. Green provided to WLS Radio, Harvest Bible Chapel would like to reiterate a sentence from the email sent to Mrs. Green in September, be assured this offer does not expire should you wish to talk with us in the future.'"

MacDonald was removed as senior pastor last week due to "highly inappropriate recorded comments" he made that were recently made public as well as for "other conduct."

MacDonald was recorded talking about planting child pornography on Christianity Today CEO's Harold Smith's computer, and making crude remarks about independent journalist Julie Roys  including joking that she had an affair with CT Editor-in-Chief Mark Galli  and a vulgar reference to Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College.

"Given that and other conduct under consideration, in accordance with the procedures in our Bylaws, Pastor MacDonald was removed as Senior Pastor and as an Elder of the church for engaging in conduct that the Elders believe is contrary and harmful to the best interests of the church. His employment has been terminated from Harvest Bible Chapel, effective today, February 12, 2019," the elders said last week.

Earlier, a report by Roys revealed allegations from former elders who said MacDonald mismanaged money, bullied people, and was known for "abusive speech" and "outbursts of anger."

Just days after announcing MacDonalds firing, Bill Sperling, identified as an elder on the churchs executive committee, said in a video recording cited by the Chicago Tribune Sunday that the executive committee will be completely replaced in the coming months.

Its been without question one of the most difficult weeks in the history of the church, Sperling said as he acknowledged how the churchs leadership failed in some areas to hold themselves accountable in MacDonalds controversial saga that culminated with his firing.Irans exports of crude oil were higher than expected in January and are at least holding steady this month, according to tanker data and industry sources, as some customers have increased purchases due to waivers from U.S. sanctions. Reuters reports in its article Despite sanctions, Iran's oil exports rise in early 2019: sources that shipments are averaging 1.25 million barrels per day (bpd) in February, Refinitiv Eikon data showed and a source at a company that tracks Iranian exports said. They were between 1.1 and 1.3 million bpd in January, higher than first thought.

A high rate of Iranian shipments would weigh on oil prices and work against a global push to cut supply in 2019 led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC member Iran negotiated an exemption from the production-cutting pact.

We think people are taking more ahead of the deadline, said the industry source who tracks Iranian exports, referring to the scheduled end of U.S. sanctions waivers in May.

Increased exports from the Islamic Republic might prompt renewed U.S. efforts to clamp down on flows. However, this would run the risk of driving up oil prices as Washington is also seeking to curtail exports from another foe, Venezuela.

Irans exports have become more opaque since U.S. sanctions on the countrys oil sector took effect in November. While most agree they have dropped steeply, views on flows can differ by as much as several hundred thousand barrels per day - enough to affect prices.

The February shipments are up from Januarys 1.1 million bpd, according to Refinitiv. The industry source estimated January exports at 1.3 million bpd, close to Februarys level.

In any case, the January figures are higher than initial estimates. Some had predicted Iranian crude exports would stay below 1 million bpd last month, a similar rate to that in December.

A source at a second company that tracks Iranian exports said shipments in the first 10 days of February were above 1.1 million bpd and on a rising trend - higher than the source expected.

Washington gave waivers to eight buyers - including China, India, Japan and South Korea, which were all purchasing Iranian crude in February, according to Refinitiv.

The rise in shipments raises the prospect of less generous waivers, should Washington renew such exemptions when those in place expire. The U.S. special representative for Iran said last month there would be a much deeper reduction in Iranian exports.

Shipments have dropped steeply from at least 2.5 million bpd in April 2018, the month before U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions.

Tehran has vowed to keep exporting oil despite U.S. efforts to reduce its shipments to zero.Churches, museums and lots of history await in Baltimore

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Its been a rough few years for the Charm City, as Baltimore is called.

It didnt help when USA Today named it the countrys most dangerous city. Yet, Baltimore is full of the unexpected  making it a perfect destination for a weekend citycation.

Home of countless neighborhoods, old school markets, amazing seafood and impressive museums, Baltimore also has lots of history. It was here where the words to what became the national anthem were composed during the largely forgotten War of 1812. It was also here where the countrys first Roman Catholic cathedral was built, which shouldnt be a surprise given Marylands complicated history of religious freedom.

What to do and see

Drop your luggage at the hotel and then visit the Baltimore Museum of Art, known for its collection of American art. Dont forget to eat at Gertrudes, the museum restaurant. After a meal or perhaps just a glass or two of wine take an Uber ride to the Walters Art Museum. While it lacks a real restaurant or even bar  wine and art pair so well  the collection of Egyptian, Greco-Roman and religious art is impressive. Both museums are free, though be aware that visiting hours are somewhat limited.

Then there is the American Visionary Art Museum. Unlike the others, you probably wont recognize the artists as it showcases self-taught artistry. Admission also comes with a somewhat high charge of $15.95 for adults.

Baltimore is also home to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the countrys first Roman Catholic cathedral. The neoclassical design by architect Benjamin Latrobe, best known for his work at the U.S. Capitol, was called North Americas most beautiful church by architectural historian and critic Sir Nicholas Pevsner. Most visitors focus on the dome above the crossing, but the canopied archbishops throne (aka the cathedra) and two paintings gifted by King Louis XVIII of France in 1821 are noteworthy.

Another historic church is St. Johns Episcopal in Waverly, one of the citys many neighborhoods. The antebellum church and its adjoining churchyard wouldnt be out of place in an English village, which is fitting given that Waverly, originally known as Huntingdon, was a village in its own right until annexation by Baltimore in the late 19th century. The present-day Gothic Revival edifice with its magnificent interior was built between 1858 and 1859 as a replacement for the original structure that fell victim to a fire.

Beyond the spires, there is Fort McHenry.

The old fort not only defended Baltimore against British attack but it maintained what was left of the countrys dignity only weeks after Washington was sacked and the White House burnt. The Royal Navys bombardment was immortalized by Francis Scott Key, whose words  you know, the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air  would later become the national anthem known the world over as The Star-Spangled Banner. One of the better preserved forts anywhere in the continent, it has been a national monument under the care of the National Park Service since 1939.

Even more history can be found along the waterfront of the Inner Harbor at the Historic Ships in Baltimore, where four vessels, including the circa 1854 USS Constellation, are moored.

In the warmer weather a walk further along the quay to Fells Point is highly recommended. The citys oldest extant neighborhood, which largely survived the Great Fire of 1904, exudes the kind of authenticity that is impossible to replicate with revivalist architecture and modern urban planning. Think cobblestone streets, period townhomes and some of Baltimores best bars. Its also here where you can see signs of redevelopment as swaths of the waterfront from downtown to Fells Point have changed in recent years, including with the addition of the super luxurious Four Seasons Hotel.

Where to stay and eat

I stayed at the Delta by Marriott Baltimore Inner Harbor, a downtown hotel with a perfect location. Tell Tale, the hotel restaurant, has surprisingly good food but seems forgotten, both by management and guests.

Fresh seafood competes with the view of Baltimores cityscape at Rusty Scupper, which has been popular with locals and visitors alike for more than 30 years. The wine list even includes Maryland wine, which is actually a thing.

No visit to Baltimore is complete without a crawl through the citys iconic markets, particularly Lexington Market and the Broadway Market, the latter of which will reopen later this year in Fells Point. The made-to-order crab cakes at Faidley Seafood, tucked away in Lexington Market, are divine.

How to get there

Baltimore is easily reached by car, rail or air. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, which as its name suggests serves the entire national capital region, is served by all the major airlines.

Spires and Crosses, a travel column exclusive to The Christian Post, is published every week. Follow @dennislennox on Twitter and Instagram.DC comics cancels 'blasphemous' Jesus superhero series, 'Second Coming'

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DC Comics announced the cancelation of the series Second Coming after nearly a quarter of a million Christians protested against it.

Bleeding Cool reports that the popular comic book publisher informed retailers that they had decided against publishing the Second Coming series. Written by Mark Russell and illustrated by Richard Pace for DC Vertigo, the series was set to debut in March.

The series made headlines at the top of the year and was quickly labeled by many Christians as "blasphemous. Subsequently, a petition to cancel the comic series went up on Citizens Go and garnered over 230,000 supporters.

According to Comic Book Resources, Russell mixed in his own idea of Christianity in the animated work by claiming that Jesus needed to return to Earth to learn how to become the true Messiah from a Superman-like character called Sun-man.

Witness the return of Jesus Christ, as he is sent on a most holy mission by God to learn what it takes to be the true messiah of mankind by becoming roommates with the worlds favorite savior: the all-powerful superhero Sun-Man, the Last Son of Krispex! But when Christ returns to earth, hes shocked to discover what has become of his gospel  and now, he aims to set the record straight, the comic description reads.

Although DC Comics was initially on board with publishing the series, plans have since changed and a mutual agreement between DC/Vertigo, Russell and Pace was made to drop the comic and go elsewhere.

The: DC/Vertigos cancellation of the orders for 'Second Coming,' just so you know, DC did not do anything untoward to me. I asked for the rights back and they gracefully agreed. Theyve been a pleasure to work with and it will still be released, albeit with a different publisher, Russell Tweeted on Tuesday.

The: DC/Vertigos cancellation of the orders for Second Coming, just so you know, DC did not do anything untoward to me. I asked for the rights back and they gracefully agreed. Theyve been a pleasure to work with and it will still be released, albeit with a different publisher.  Mark Russell (@Manruss) February 13, 2019

Russell went on to suggest that DC comics was looking to change something in his series which might have led to the spilt.

The cool thing is, this way, we dont have to change anything. he continued on Twitter.

There is no further information on the Second Coming and whether it will be picked up by another publisher, But the writer assured his followers that the comic will be released since the Superman and Jesus-like characters are already generating a buzz.

In a previous interview with Bleeding Cool, Russell said the series centers on God being "so upset with Jesus performance the first time he came to earth since he was arrested so soon and crucified shortly after, that he has kept him locked up since then.

When the fictional version of God sees Sun-Man, he tells the comic Jesus, Thats what I wanted for you.

He sends Jesus down to learn from this superhero and they end up learning from each other, Russell added. They learn the limitations of each others approach to the world and its problems.

Russell is also the author of two books, God Is Disappointedin You and Apocrypha Now. In them, he claims that people have really misunderstood the Bible and says the Christian faith doesnt really base itself on what [Jesus] taught, particularly in the modern evangelical megachurches.Actor Nick Loeb urges men to lead fight against abortion

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LOS ANGELES  Actor Nick Loeb, director of the upcoming film "Roe v. Wade," attended the 2019 Movieguide Awards where he encouraged men to take the lead in opposing abortion.

Loebs film Roe v. Wade is in post-production and scheduled for a fall release. The pro-life movie is timely as the debate over late-term abortion has reignited in recent weeks after New York passed a law allowing abortion up to birth and the introduction of similar bills in Virginia, Vermont and New Mexico.

It's literally insane, and where's Ruth Bader Ginsburg? We haven't seen her in a couple of months. I think all of this is a culmination to really bringing the topic more into the forefront, Loeb told The Christian Post on the red carpet at the Movieguide Awards last Friday.

The Den of Thieves actor has spoken openly about his role in two abortions in past relationships, which he says haunt him to this day. And this is one reason why he believes men should voice their feelings on the matter.

"I think since the women's movement in the '70s we've been silenced on this issue and a lot of it has to do with fear, Loeb told CP. It's a combination of fear and lack of education for not realizing that there's really a baby there. And I think with the technology today, people are now seeing that there's a child and that child doesn't only belong to the woman, 50 percent is our DNA, it's our life.

"I think a man's voice is an important topic on the issue. It's a human being; it's a life! he exclaimed.

When CP asked what advice he'd give to other men concerning abortion, Loeb said he'd urge men to be courageous.

"I think lead by example," Loeb said. "Have the courage to go out there and talk and be able to be brave enough to sit there and be attacked, which I constantly am. I think it's challenging, especially in places like Los Angeles or New York or Miami, where you're either ostracized or set aside for speaking about your emotions or beliefs about an unborn child.

The Christian Post reported last year that Loeb encountered several obstacles in the making of Roe v. Wade, such as being banned from filming at public locations despite being authorized to do so, and having actors walk off the set.

While the cast includes famous Hollywood actors Jon Voight, Robert Davi, Corbin Bernsen, John Schneider and Stacey Dash, Loeb acknowledged in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that some actors walked off the set and quit after finding out it would have a pro-life perspective.

During an interview with Fox News last March, Loeb revealed that Facebook had even blocked their efforts to promote the film.

The "Roe v. Wade" film will show the history of "what happened from 1966 through 1973" that led to the Supreme Court's decision declaring existing laws against abortion unconstitutional. In the past, Loeb has said the pro-abortion movement was orchestrated around deception and it's all historically established despite it being a little-known fact.

As for what the 43-year-old hopes to accomplish with the pro-life movie, he simply said its to overturn Roe v. Wade.

While at the Movieguide Awards, Loeb revealed that he's working on another movie that faith audiences will enjoy, titled, Ghost Patriot.

It's the story about a slave that's recruited by George Washington to help them spy on the British and help them win the Revolution. The guy has a journey of no faith in God and learns faith throughout his journey. Its essentially an untold story in American history, he said.

Speaking about making faith-based films, he added: I think it's important for America to see family content and faith content and have something to believe in. A friend of mine said the other day, 'A lot of people don't believe in God. They don't believe in spirituality. But yet, everybody lives their life to live better, to do better. If they don't believe in God, what's the purpose of them living better? So maybe they really believe in God, theyre just hiding it.'

To help support the "Roe v. Wade" movie since social media outlets like Facebook continue to ban their ads or for more information, visit "Roe v. Wade" movie.com.

The Movieguide Awards will be broadcast on Hallmark on Feb. 25, at 10 p.m. ET.Trump Admin. Launches Global Campaign to Decriminalize Homosexuality Share Tweet

The Trump administration is launching a global effort to decriminalize homosexuality in a campaign that will be led by U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, who is openly gay.

NBC News was the first to report on the campaign. It cited unnamed sources, although Grenell wrote about the issue this month in Bild, a German newspaper.

One of the campaigns goals is to put pressure on Iran, which hung a man for being gay. The U.S. embassy in Berlin flew in European LGBT activists Tuesday night for a strategy dinner, NBC reported.

It is concerning that, in the 21st century, some 70 countries continue to have laws that criminalize LGBTI status or conduct, said a U.S. official involved in organizing the event.

Homosexuality is punishable by death in Iran. The Jerusalem Post reported that the 31-year-old gay man was hung on charges of gay sex and for kidnapping two 15-year-olds.

In his column for Bild, Grenell said the kidnapping charges likely were false.

In Iran, where children as young as nine can be sentenced to death, gay teenagers are publicly hanged in order to terrify and intimidate others from coming out, Grenell wrote. Irans horrific actions are on par with the brutality and savagery regularly demonstrated by ISIS.

Being gay, Grenell wrote, is a death sentence in eight countries and criminalized in 70 more. LGBT status or conduct means arrest, imprisonment, and violence for people who are simply dating or falling in love. Governments that are Members of the United Nations have an obligation to protect, respect, and uphold the dignity and fundamental freedoms of their people.

Homosexuality also is illegal in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

People can disagree philosophically about homosexuality, but no person should ever be subject to criminal penalties because they are gay, Grenell wrote.

Related:

5 Questions on Homosexuality Every Christian Should be Able to Answer

Why Do Christians Advocate Obeying Leviticus Regarding Homosexuality but Not Other Laws?

Was the Sin of Sodom Actually Homosexuality? (Caution: Adult Subject Matter)

Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com

Photo courtesy: Clem Onojeghuo/UnsplashThe Empty Planet: Population Bust, Not Population Bomb Share Tweet

Weve mentioned in the past on BreakPoint about zombie abortion arguments. You know, those arguments that just wont die? They continue to be repeated long after they should have been dead and buried. Like zombies in movies, these arguments continue shuffling along, seemingly impervious to the reality that they are dead.

Abortion isnt the only issue confused by zombie arguments. Theres a whole host of should-be-dead-by-now ideas having to do with so-called overpopulation. I say so-called because virtually every dire prediction Paul Ehrlich made fifty years ago in his book The Population Bomb was wrong. Spectacularly wrong, in fact. Yet Ehrlichs ideas remain an article of faith among manyand I mean that literally.

In The Walking Dead, the only sure way to dispatch a zombie is with a headshot. Well, a new book should be the headshot for Ehrlichs ideas. Unfortunately, many peoples worldviews harden to the point of becoming ideological kevlar helmets.

The book of which I speak is Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson.

To be clear, theres far more than one shock described in Empty Planet, but all of them flow from a single reality. Contrary to what people have been taught to believe for decades, We do not face the challenge of a population bomb but of a population busta relentless, generation-after-generation culling of the human herd.

As the Canadian duo documents, an increasing number of demographers around the world believe that the UNs estimates, that human population will peak at 11 billion in 2100, are far too high. The more likely outcome, they suggest, is that the planets population will peak at around nine billion sometime between 2040 and 2060, and then start to decline. According to Bricker and Ibbitson, Once that decline begins, it will never end.

Their argument is scarily plausible. They are not exaggerating when they call this decline the great defining event of the twenty-first century and one of the great defining events in human history.

We talk a lot on BreakPoint about the decline of fertility rates in the industrialized world: Western Europe, Japan and the United States. We have described the dire economic and social consequences of this decline.

What Empty Planet makes clear is that this decline isnt limited to the usual suspects. South Korea is headed down the same road to demographic catastrophe as Japan. Even more ominously, similar trends are emerging in the developing world. By the middle of this century, Brazil, Indonesia, China, and even India will begin to see their populations decline.

The reasons behind the decline are, not surprisingly, mostly cultural. In a brilliant bit of analysis, the authors point out that as societies become more modern and urban, friends and co-workers replace siblings, parents, and uncles and aunts. Families may put subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle pressure on young people to get married and have kids, but friends rarely do.

And then, theres this well-established link between religiosity and fertility, something weve talked about before on BreakPoint.

Population decline is going to be a nasty shock, especially in the economic realm. Ideally, there should be about six workers for every retiree. Thanks to increased life expectancy and low birth rates, it is projected to drop to about three by 2050 and about two by 2100. We may live longer but there will be fewer of us, and our societies will be less dynamic, entrepreneurial, and creative.

Despite these realities, the myth of overpopulation refuses to die. Efforts to combat fertility and population growth, whether governmental policies or cultural incentives, are terrible ideas that threaten to make victims of us all.

Still, unlike Bricker and Ibbitson, I refuse to give up hope. Faith, especially Christian faith, is still strong in many parts of the world. And while that persists, theres still a chance to avoid some of the shocks they describe in Empty Planet.

Otherwise a different, but no less real, zombie apocalypse awaits us.

BreakPoint is a Christian worldview ministry that seeks to build and resource a movement of Christians committed to living and defending Christian worldview in all areas of life. Begun by Chuck Colson in 1991 as a daily radio broadcast, BreakPoint provides a Christian perspective on todays news and trends via radio, interactive media, and print. Today BreakPoint commentaries, co-hosted by Eric Metaxas and John Stonestreet, air daily on more than 1,200 outlets with an estimated weekly listening audience of eight million people. Feel free to contact us at BreakPoint.org where you can read and search answers to common questions.

John Stonestreet, the host of The Point, a daily national radio program, provides thought-provoking commentaries on current events and life issues from a biblical worldview. John holds degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (IL) and Bryan College (TN), and is the co-author of Making Sense of Your World: A Biblical Worldview.

Publication date: February 20, 2019

Photo courtesy: PixabayMeasles outbreak gets second wind; More Clark County cases likely in coming weeksThe EU has threatened retaliation if Donald Trump imposes punitive import tariffs on European cars, based on the findings of an investigation into whether they pose a threat to US national security. The Financial Times reports in its article EU threatens retaliation if US imposes punitive car tariffs that Margaritis Schinas, European Commission spokesperson, said Brussels was aware that the US commerce department had concluded its probe and handed its findings to President Trump.

Were this report to translate into actions detrimental to European exports, the European Commission would react in a swift and adequate manner, he told reporters on Monday.

Mr Schinas said the report had not been made public and he refused to speculate on its contents.

But German chancellor Angela Merkels spokesman Steffen Seibert said: From what weve heard, [it] does conclude that European car imports constitute a threat to US national security.

He called for the issue to be resolved through negotiations, saying that is in our view the right way, referring to ongoing trade talks between the US and European Commission.

Wilbur Ross, the US commerce secretary, on Sunday submitted his recommendations to Mr Trump, who now has 90 days to decide whether to act on the findings. The US president has previously threatened levies of as much as 25 per cent on foreign-made vehicles.

If Mr Trump acts on this threat, Germanys car industry would be the main casualty. A report last week by the influential Ifo institute in Munich said German car exports to the US would halve long-term if 25 per cent import tariffs were imposed.

These tariffs would reduce total German car exports by 7.7 per cent, or by 18.4bn, said Gabriel Felbermayr, head of Ifos centre for foreign trade, adding that value creation in the German car industry would fall by 7bn, or about 5 per cent. About 60 per cent of the total damage inflicted on the European car industry by such tariffs would be felt by Germany, Mr Felbermayr said.

Ms Merkel addressed the issue in a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. The chancellor said many of the German cars sold in the American market were actually built in factories in the US, noting that BMWs largest plant was not in Bavaria, its home, but in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

If such cars . . . are suddenly a threat to US national security then I find that shocking, she said.

Mr Trump has threatened tariffs on EU cars before, but backed off after talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in Washington in July. The two agreed to discuss how to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers relating to industrial goods other than cars, and to mount a joint push to reform the World Trade Organization. The deal between the two put car tariffs on hold while talks on a trade agreement proceeded. But progress on such an accord has been slow.

On Monday Mr Schinas said the commission was committed to the implementation of a positive trade agenda, as agreed by Mr Trump and Mr Juncker last year. We agreed that both the EU and the US would refrain from taking any measures that would go against both the letter and the spirit of the joint statement, he said. President Juncker trusts President Trumps word. The EU will stick to its word as long the US does the same.

But the EU is preparing retaliatory tariffs totalling 20bn of US goods if Mr Trump acts on his threat. The BDI, the main German business lobby organisation, called on the US commerce departments report to be published quickly so as not to increase companies uncertainty even further. There is no way that car imports endanger the USs national security, it said. The organisation called on Mr Trump to stick to the current laws of trade and refrain from introducing tariffs or quotas.Chetek, WI (54728)

Today

Overcast with rain showers at times. High 73F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.Meghan Markle recently took some time away from her royal duties to head back to the States and attend a lavish baby shower thrown by her best friends. The Duchess of Sussex is expecting her little one to arrive in late April or early May 2019, but that didnt stop Markle from hopping on a plane and enjoying some much-needed rest and relaxation with her best girlfriends.

The duchess arrived in the Big Apple just after Valentines Day on Friday, February 15 and she stayed for five days. She took the time to have macarons and tea at Ladurees in SoHo with her best friend, Jessica Mulroney. She also met with her friends Markus Anderson, Serena Williams, Misha Nonoo and Abigail Spencer for a lovely dinner at the Polo Bar. But why didnt Markles husband, Prince Harry attend her baby shower in NYC?

The real reason Prince Harry wasnt at Meghan Markles NYC baby shower

Prince Harry is not on paternity leave just yet, and while his wife was able to slip away before their final pre-baby Royal Tour to Moroccothe Duke of Sussex still has a very full schedule. The prince spent the last several days at various events including some time with school children to support the StreetGames Fit and Fed initiative. According to Kensington Palace, Fit and Fed seeks to give children and young people free access to activity sessions and a nutritious lunch during school holidays.

Not only did the duke serve the kiddos a healthy lunch he also chatted with them and watched them as they jumped around on a trampoline and learned jiu-jitsu moves. We think its a pretty good reason to skip a baby shower especially since Prince Harrys presence in NYC with his wife would have only caused more chaos.

Inside Meghan Markles New York baby shower

While her hubby was working in London, Markles friends were throwing her a plush baby shower fit for a royal. Hosted and planned by Jessica Mulroney the shower was held on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at The Mark Hotel on NYCs Upper East Side. The guest list included 15 of the former actress closest friends. An insider told BAZAAR.com,

The trip is a lovely chance to catch up with friends and spend time in a city she loves. This will be the last time a lot of them will see Meg until after the baby is born so its nice to share precious moments. Its been a relaxing visit. Nothing beats face time with your friends. Meg will be flying home refreshed and relaxed-and with a lot of new baby clothes.

Markles friend and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer showed up to the shower with a gift wrapped in blue paper, and now everyone thinks Markle and Prince Harry are having a baby boy! Still, from what we know, the duke and duchess have decided not to find out the sex of their baby.

Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook!For most people, the official titles of the royal family seem to have little rhyme or reason. Why is one person referred to as duchess while another is called princess? And lets not even get into a discussion of hierarchy and why Prince Williams son is more likely to ever see the throne than his Uncle Harry. But one question that is bound to perplex many is the title of Prince Charles wife Camilla Parker Bowles. Why is it that his first wife, Diana Spencer was referred to as the Princess of Wales but his second wife is referred to as the Duchess of Cornwall?

Princess Diana was the peoples princess

Throughout her time as Princess of Wales, Diana Spencer was loved by the people, both in the United Kingdom and worldwide. The princess had a way of being honest, compassionate, and giving. Her love for her children was evident, as was the love that she had for people around the globe. Her work bringing awareness to important issues like AIDS and landmines helped the princess build a connection with the people.

Although she was no longer a princess at the time of her death in 1997, Spencer was cherished by many. Her accident left the world in grief. To this day she is remembered as a wonderful princess, mother, and human being.

Prince Charles was seeing Camilla Parker Bowles while they were both still married

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall | Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty Images

Prince Charles and his future wife met each other in 1971, before either one of them was married. However, Camilla Parker Bowles was seeing someone else and the prince moved on to Diana Spencer. But the connection was strong between the two and they remained friends after they each were married. Eventually, the friendship turned into a romantic relationship.

The princes relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles brought a lot of controversy to the royal family. Camilla Parker Bowles was viewed as the other woman and the cause of the dissolution of the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The affair led many people to develop a disdain towards the Princes mistress and an even greater compassion for Princess Diana.

Camilla Parker Bowles is technically a princess

Upon marrying Prince Charles in 2005, Camilla Parker Bowles automatically inherited the title of her husband. This means that technically her royal title is Camilla, Princess of Wales. However, many historians feel that she goes by her other title, Duchess of Cornwall out of respect for Prince William and Prince Harry. Some also believe that public opinion has something to do with her title.

Kate and Meghan are Princesses as well

Given that they are each married to a prince, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are both technically princesses as well. So why dont they go by the royal title? Historians believe it is because Duchess Camilla Parker Bowles does not go by the title of Princess. It would not be proper for Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to be princesses and Camilla Parker Bowles to be a duchess.

Upon marrying Prince William, many royal followers expected Kate Middleton to receive the title Princess William of Cornwall. So it came as a great disappointment when Kate Middleton and later Meghan Markle were given the duchess title.

Time will tell whether Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will ever go by the title of queen. Though it is tradition for the wife of a King to be referred to as Princess Consort, many people believe that Prince Charles will not allow anything less than the title of queen for his wife. It stands to reason that once she is given her new title that Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle will officially be known as Princess Catherine and Princess Meghan.Juicy Joe Giudice is ready to head home from prison. The husband of reality star Teresa Giudice reported to prison in 2016, and now over three years later he is going to gain his freedom. While both Teresa and Joe were convicted of crimes pertaining to fraud, Joes much stiffer sentence was delayed to ensure the couples four children would not be negatively impacted. The ordeal is almost over, though!

Teresa Giudice began her prison term in January 2015 in Connecticut, according to The Los Angeles Times. Originally slated to serve 15-months, Teresa was released after 11-months in prison. She returned home in time to spend the holidays with her family before Joe Giudice began his prison stint in March 2016.

When does Joe Giudice get released from prison?

Giudice, who was originally sentenced to 41-months in prison could be released soon. The prison stint stems from Giudices conviction for bankruptcy, wire and mail fraud. Originally slated for an August 2019 release, Giudice had five months shaved off his sentence. He is now being released from an Allentown, Pennsylvania correctional facility in March 2019.

He began serving his time in New Jersey in 2016 but was transferred to Pennsylvania in 2017. Teresa Giudice previously served 11-months for the same charges. While the couples sentences were staggered to ensure their children would always have a parent available, the time apart seems to have taken a toll on the couple.

Both Teresa and Joe have been the target of cheating allegations. Joe Giudice was linked to several women both before and during Teresas prison stint. Teresa has recently been connected to a personal trainer, and now a real estate businessman.

Will Joe be deported when he leaves prison?

According to court documents, Giudice is eligible for deportation to Italy upon his release from prison. The government has the right to deport immigrants who are convicted of crimes of moral turpitude, according to People.

Giudice traveled to the United States with his parents when he was just a baby. They arrived in New Jersey and had several more children. While Giudices siblings are United States citizens via birth right, Joe Giudice never went through the process of becoming a citizen.

Giudices parents, however, did become United States citizens. The applied for citizenship after Joe turned 21. if they had become citizens prior to Joes 21st birthday he would have become automatically eligible for citizenship. He never got around to becoming a citizen, himself.

Will Teresa move to Italy?

In November Teresa spoke with Bravo and admitted that while the deportation ruling was heartbreaking, she wouldnt be against moving to Italy. While Giudice seemed interested in standing by her man in November, things might be a bit different now.

Recently Giudice was spotted out and about with a 26-year-old. The younger man, identified as Blake Schreck, is in the real estate business, according to In Touch. The rumored couple was recently photographed holding hands and getting cozy in Miami.

Giudices lawyer attempted to squash the rumors, claiming the pair are nothing more than friends. He went on to insist the pair were out in a large group, and the photos are misleading. Whether Teresa has a new beau or not, many fans are wondering what will happen when Joe finally leaves the confines of a prison cell.

Further complicating a move are the couples four children. Gia, 17 is preparing to head off to college. The 17-year-old has four college acceptance letters in hand, according to Bravo. Joe and Teresa are also parents to Gabriella, 14, Milania, 11 and Audriana, 9. Whether or not the kids would willingly move to Italy is not known.The rules of succession are clear: Prince Charles will become king when his mother, Queen Elizabeth, passes away. Next in line are Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, respectively. Prince Harry was at one point in his life third in line to the throne but now hes dropped down to sixth. If the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have any more children, hell drop down even more.

It doesnt sound like Prince Harry cares very much  there was a point where Prince Harry famously said that no one really wants to be king. However, there are certain people, including those who were once close to the royal family, that think Prince Harry would make a better king than Prince William.

Heres why they think so.

Prince William and Prince Harry | Eddie Mulholland  WPA Pool/Getty Images

One royal employee thinks Prince Harry is better suited to being king

Security guard Ken Wharfe worked for the royal family for more than 15 years beginning in 1986, so if anyone has an inkling of what Prince William and Prince Harry are really like, its him. Wharfe expressed his feelings during a Daily Mail interview about why Prince Harry would most likely make a better king.

The former guard claims that young Prince Harry was a favorite of the staff around the house simply because he had a more outgoing personality. He explained the differences between the two brothers in frank terms: You know how in a group of children theres often the odd one who doesnt quite fit the bill? William was one of those. That wasnt to say he was bad. He was just not like his brother.

Wharfe went on, Everybody liked Harry because he was funny. William wasnt. That was his character and, of course, he knew exactly who he was.

Over the course of the interview, Wharfe said Prince Harry would make a remarkable king and seemed sad it probably wouldnt happen.

Prince Harry sticking out his tongue | Tim Graham/Getty Images

Prince Harry has progressive ideas

The monarchy has changed a remarkable amount even since Queen Elizabeth first took the throne. Now a female heir has just as much right to the throne as her brothers  the current Queen is the reason Princess Charlotte is ahead of Prince Louis in the line of succession. Womens rights have come a long way during her reign.

Theres no reason to think that Prince William wont continue this tradition. But with Prince Harry, those advances could be even more extreme. Thanks in part to his wife, Meghan Markles influence, the Duke of Sussex has become a bit of a feminist. Having him on the throne would be a huge step forward for modern women.

Prince Harry | Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

His laid-back attitude would be a benefit

Everyone knows that Prince Harry was once considered the black sheep of the family. Now hes grown and married, but a bit of that mischievous streak still remains. In general, Prince Harry is less of a rules follower than his older brother.

These traits are precisely why hed make a good leader for the U.K. At this time of political change, Prince Harry would be a drastically different king, which would help change the publics perception of the stuffy, snobbish royal family.

Its unlikely that Prince Harry will become king. Its not even a job he wants. But if he somehow did assume the throne, things would definitely be different  and maybe thats a good thing.There was a lot of speculation over whether Meghan Markle would have a baby shower or not. The Duchess of Sussex, who is expecting her first baby sometime in late April or early May, isnt known for following every single royal rule. While there are no strict guidelines on whether royal family members are allowed to have baby showers, most women opt not to have them. They can afford to buy themselves everything they need for the baby, right?

Baby showers are a much more popular tradition in the United States than they are in the U.K. Thats why it makes total sense that American-born Markle would fly back to NYC for her baby shower  which isnt quite breaking the royal tradition. What was her baby shower like? Heres what weve found out so far.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex | James Devaney/GC Images

Meghan Markles baby shower festivities kicked off early

Details about the royal baby shower were leaked to the press days in advance of the event, making every bit of increased security necessary and valid. The official event took place at The Mark Hotel. However, in the days leading up to it, Markle was spotted in several places around Manhattan having meals and shopping. The Duchess of Sussex was catching up with old friends who she hasnt seen since moving overseas.

Fans spotted Meghan Markle having lunch at The Surrey and tea with her friends at The Polo Bar earlier in the week.

What was the royal baby shower like?

The Mark Hotel in New York City | James Devaney/GC Images

Sources who were lucky enough to be inside The Mark Hotel report seeing quite a few special details of Meghan Markles shower. One source told US Weekly, There were cotton candy machines being brought in earlier this morning. The same security who has been escorting Meghan in and out of the hotel was helping bring them in the side door.

Another insider provided details about the decor, There were floral arrangements being brought in on a rolling dolly in all the colors of the rainbow. Blue, white, pink and purple hydrangeas, craspedias, yellow and pink roses, and many others that are covered up.

Who was at Meghan Markles baby shower?

Amal Clooney arriving at Meghan Markles baby shower | Adrian Edwards/GC Images

Attendees of the party included Amal Clooney, Gayle King, Jessica Mulroney, and Lindsay Roth. French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten was in charge of providing food and desserts for the event.

The event called for tightened security all around. As one source told US Weekly, There are around 80 to 100 fans and paparazzi waiting behind the barricades all around the front entrance of The Mark. The security is walking around the barricades of fans, paparazzi [and] journalists looking at everyone.

Where was Prince Harry during the baby shower?

One person who wasnt at the baby shower? Meghan Markles husband, Prince Harry. In modern times its more and more common to have coed baby showers, but the Duke of Sussex chose to sit this one out.

Instead, he spent the past few days attending events like the Fit and Fed initiative, which helps provide school children with healthy lunches. Having him attend the baby shower with her would have been even more chaotic.

The couple is preparing to leave on their royal visit to Morocco later this month.One thing fans love about The Pioneer Woman star, Ree Drummond, is that she shares details about life on her ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Its like catching up with an old friend over coffee. If youre curious about the latest happenings in her family or want to try one of her new recipes, all you have to do is visit her social media accounts or watch one of her Food Network episodes.

Ree Drummond | Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Hearst

Although Drummond is usually open and honest, theres one part of her life she says she refuses to talk about. For her, this subject is completely off limits. Heres the one thing The Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond says she will never discuss.

Drummond says her readers feel like friends

If you read Ree Drummonds blog, youll instantly feel the warmth and openness come through in her writing. Its like shes sitting across from you, talking about her day. Drummond says thats the type of feeling she wants to create with The Pioneer Woman blog.

Drummond says she is so comfortable opening up about her personal life because her readers feel like friends to her. In a Forbes interview, the Food Network star spoke about how natural it felt to meet fans at a book signing after she released one of her cookbooks:

I feel like they are my friends, even though I know just how weird that sounds. The day I launched my cookbooks I was interviewed in Oklahoma at a book signing, and I felt like I was getting ready to meet 500 of my friends. Thats the way the Internet is nowpeople connect to the world around all the time and make up these communities.

Shes not shy about sharing things she and Ladd talk about

Fans agree Drummonds blog is so welcoming because gives a peek into her daily life, even sharing what she talks about with her husband, Ladd (or Marlboro Man, as she likes to call him). Drummond said she and her husband discuss things such as her dreams, the Bible, and her favorite actors.

This is the topic Ree Drummond wont talk about

Drummond doesnt mind sharing some of the details of her life on her blog and television show. However, she does have a limit when it comes to certain topics. Drummond told Forbes she is not comfortable talking about sex. This is a topic she says she doesnt even talk about with close friends.

The Pioneer Woman star is so shy about addressing the subject of intimacy that she refers to it as hanky-panky. Drummond had this to say in her Forbes interview: I dont write about hanky-panky, but Im not the kind of girl to talk about it with my friends either. Ive found a comfort level there of sharing. Theres a line thats there, for sure, but for me its sort of innate and undefinable.

Read more: Did The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Go to Culinary School?

Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook!Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry recently announced their engagement. A couple of year ago, few would have imagined this was even possible. They had, after all, split up after Perry saw a video of her boyfriend all over another woman. Nonetheless, the pair have reunited and now they say they plan to marry. How do they make their love relationship work after such a dramatic breakup? The answers may surprise you.

Bloom and Perry talking | Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Weinstein Company

The incident that split the couple up occurred in February 2017 while Perry was in London to perform at the Brit Awards. Bloom was 5,500 miles away attending a Global Green charity event in Los Angeles. According to The Sun, video footage showed Bloom and Erin McCabe getting quite cozy at the event that was sponsored by her dad, Global Green SEO Les McCabe.

On March 2, 2017, The Sun published a series of embarrassing images that clearly show Bloom close to Erin McCabe at the event. Not only were the pair cozying up throughout the evening , they were also seen leaving at the same time.

How did Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom get back together?

After the public snafu that split them apart, Bloom told Elle magazine that he and Perry intended to remain friends despite breaking up:

Its good. Were all grown-up. She happens to be someone who is very visible, but I dont think anybody cares what Im up to. Nor should they. Its between us. Its better to set an example for kids and show that breakups dont have to be about hate.

Bloom and Perry find love  again

OMG IM SO HAPPY  Lenya (@partofgrande) February 15, 2019

Initial inklings the duo might reconcile occurred early in 2017, when Bloom and Perry went on vacation together in the Maldives islands. A few short weeks later, they were seen together in Prague.

Last spring, Perry and Bloom were spotted together in Italy where Katy was scheduled to speak about Transcendental Meditation at the Vatican. A source close to the couple told People magazine that Bloom was not content playing the field:

Their relationship seems stronger now. Orlando got sick of being single. Dating different women is not so alluring to him anymore.

After their meeting with Pope Francis, the reunited lovebirds strolled the streets of Rome and explored the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel while holding hands. The confidant who spoke with People explained that while apart, Bloom and Perry missed each other tremendously and that Bloom now seems very happy.

Orlando and Katy are great. They are dating exclusively again and things seem more serious. They are both excited about it and dont want to hide, but at the same time they are trying to keep privacy as well.

Lucky to get a second chance at love

Perhaps the months that Perry and Bloom spent apart gave the Pirates of the Caribbean star some time to think about what really matters in life. On Valentines Day, Bloom took to Instagram to express a heartfelt and mature view of love:

A shallow person will have only shallow relationships. Real love is not one person clinging to another, it can only be fostered between two strong people secure in their individuality. Love is not two people gazing at each other, but two people looking ahead together in the same direction.

What did Bloom and Perry change to make it work?

Bloom and Perry seem more committed than ever to make their relationship work. Sources tell People the two lovebirds make their relationship a priority now, and they fly all around the world together so they can spend time together and keep their relationship strong.

Romantics everywhere wish Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom a wonderful new chance at love.Meghan Markles baby shower is happening today in New York City and fans of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex think they have finally figured out that the couple are having a boy. When one guest arrived with a gift wrapped in blue, all bets were on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle having a boy.

Meghan Markle and Abigail Spencer | MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Meghan Markle baby shower details

As the day has worn on, more details about Meghan Markles baby shower have come to light  including the location and some of the guests.

Markle arrived ahead of the weekend for a baby shower planned by her best friend Jessica Mulroney. Among those rumored to be on the guest list were Priyanka Chopra and Abigail Spencer.

Markle was seen leaving The Mark Hotel wearing all black as her security team helped her to the car. She was accompanied by pal Spencer, with ABC News royal contributor Omid Scobie noting that the two were getting lunch before the shower.

Scobie told Good Morning America earlier: Todays baby shower is a reunion of sorts for Meghan. [Guests] include best pal Jessica Mulroney, actress and close pal Abigail Spencer has flown in, and Priyanka Chopra is supposed to be flying in especially for this from London Fashion Week.

He added: Itll be a celebration with her closest friends.

People writer Stephanie Petit, who covers the royals , tweeted: So it looks like Meghan Markles afternoon with pal Abigail Spencer included:  a trip to the Met Breuer  a bite to eat at Cafe Boulud, inside the Surrey Hotel All within a few block of The Mark, where guests are now arriving for the Duchess baby shower!

Abigail Spencers baby gift might reveal a gender clue

When Markles former Suits co-star, Spencer, arrived to the shower, she carried a gift in a blue and green floral bag with blue tissue paper. Did the wrapping color choice mean anything though? Many fans speculated that this means Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are having a boy, but others arent so sure.

Earlier in the day, a variety of flowers were delivered to the hotel and people noticed there were a lot of pink flowers, so rumors started swirling that the couple are having a girl.

One baby gift that was seen in plain site was a babyletto crib that was delivered to the hotel. The box contained a three-in-one convertible Hudson crib.

The companys website described the item as mid-century modern appeal featuring stylish rounded spindles and an open modern silhouette and made with eco-friendly, non-toxic materials. The crib can be converted to a toddler bed and daybed as the child grows.

Fans are following along closely to see who attends Markles New York City baby shower and if any more of her gifts or details of the intimate gathering will be seen. The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly having a second baby shower in the UK, following a trip to Morocco with Prince Harry.Offshore companies are those entities, either corporations or LCCs, established in foreign countries. Offshore companies are those that operate outside the countries where the principles live. They are also companies, which operate outside the countries in which they were formed. An offshore company may be a branch of an existing company established in another country or a new business registered in an offshore jurisdiction.

Many companies go in for offshore company formation to take advantage of different laws regarding taxation, asset protection, manufacturing, and other commercial opportunities. A business may also create an offshore company to avoid the damage caused by political and economic changes. Jurisdictions that allow offshore company formation benefit by attracting foreign investors, which creates revenue.

There are about 50 offshore zones in the world where you can start offshore company formation. Some of the offshore zones include Belize, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Seychelles, and Singapore. These offshore jurisdictions have various laws, regulations, freedoms, and restrictions, which are important to the operation and profitability of your company.

Benefits of offshore company formation

Offshore company formation is beneficial to businesses by providing them with an opportunity to grow without the heavy burden of taxation. Depending on the model and offshore jurisdiction, these companies can enjoy tax exemptions and anonymity.

Incorporation

Offshore companies are easy to incorporate. When registering for an offshore company, you fill all the required paperwork before submitting it. Once the relevant authority receives your details, they can incorporate the company within a few hours.

Confidentiality

Offshore companies enjoy a higher level of confidentiality compared to domestic companies. Most offshore zones do not require businesses to submit their account information, financial reports, and annual reports. Most offshore companies have little to no information available to the public.

Foreign exchange

A large number of offshore zones have no restrictions on foreign exchange.

Favorable local corporate laws

Offshore zones have laws that support offshore investments and foreign exchange. These laws are meant to encourage foreign investors and businesses, which help, grow the local economies. Investment opportunities Many offshore zones have no restrictions on the business activities an offshore company can engage in. some zones may require businesses to have licenses before operating in areas such as real estate, business, and insurance.

Relocation

Many offshore jurisdictions facilitate for the seamless relocation of business into another offshore zone. The relocation occurs without the company needing to restructure or present complex documentation.

Offshore companies have several common characteristics:

- They are not subject to tax in their home jurisdiction

- They are designed to enhance business flexibility

- Corporate activity regulation is minimal

What is the best offshore jurisdiction?

If you are thinking of offshore company formation, then you have to select a suitable jurisdiction. There are many jurisdictions in the world, which allow offshore companies. They have different terms regarding confidentiality, taxation, and regulations for offshore business operations. Before establishing an offshore company, you need to choose a location that best meets your needs. Here are a few guidelines

Incorporation expenses

The best offshore jurisdiction offers you affordable registration and maintenance fees. Operation costs for the business should be low such that the business makes a profit. Company principals should investigate into the actual registration and running costs before they decide upon an offshore zone. Some jurisdictions have hidden costs by having a mandatory requirement for local directors, especially for PLCs.

Reputation

The reputation of an offshore destination will guide you towards selecting the best fit. Before proceeding with offshore company formation, look for credible offshore companies and the areas popular amongst them. Review the ratings for each jurisdiction before you decide on that which adequately matches your business needs and requirements.

Processing duration

The suitability of a country as an offshore jurisdiction heavily relies on the amount of time they take to process registration requests. The faster they are the more efficient and reliable the offshore jurisdiction is. Quick processing time means that you can start running your business faster.

Offshore banking facilities

The offshore banking facilities available in the offshore jurisdiction are an important consideration to make. Check the kind of offshore banking services the offshore zone offers. Some of the important features to look for in offshore banking systems include online banking, offshore credit and debit cards, merchant accounts and brokerage facilities.

Political and economic stability

The political and economic stability of the jurisdiction affects the offshore zones suitability. A politically and economically stable jurisdiction provides a healthy environment for business growth. Instability, on the other hand, can lead to loss and sometimes damage.

Tax rates

Some entrepreneurs usually choose offshore company formation to escape tax burdens in their own countries. Before opening an offshore company, determine what the tax regulations for offshore companies are in the jurisdiction. Determine how these rules relate to your business. You should also be careful so your business does not end up belong double-taxed.

Look-back statutes

Look-back statutes protect the company from any claims. A country with a one-year look-back schedule is ideal for your company. These statutes are especially important for businesses that want to protect their assets from creditors. The look-back statutes do not apply when your company has engaged in fraudulent activities.

Forms of offshore companies

Many offshore companies take the form of an International Business Company, a private limited company or a limited liability company.

International Business Company

An IBC is a company, which does not publicly trade its shares and the most common form of offshore companies in the world. IBCs feature complete tax exemption on the condition that their income does not come from local sources. IBCs are exempt from corporate, income and stamp duty taxes. The business model enjoys strict confidentiality, freedom in business activities and minimal to no audits. An IBC requires having at least one director and one shareholder. Belize, Dominica, St. Vincent, Seychelles, and the British Virgin Islands are the most common jurisdictions for forming an IBC.

Private limited company

A private limited company enjoys less confidentiality compared to IBCs. Due to the limited confidentiality, names of owners are easily revealed. However, to keep their identities anonymous, the company may use nominees, corporate directors, and shareholders. PLCs are subject to audits and may be expected to conduct bookkeeping and preparation of accounts. Hong Kong and Panama are ideal for the establishment of an offshore private limited company.

Limited liability Company

Limited liability companies are the least common form of offshore companies. Anguilla, Belize, Costa Rica, the Marshall Islands, Panama, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, are some of the jurisdictions that allow limited liability companies. Establishing an offshore LCC allows the owners to enjoy the benefits of incorporation without the tax burdens.

Offshore company formation

Offshore company formation comes as a requirement to improve the functionality and practicality of a business. For example, a trading company that ships their products abroad can incorporate an offshore company to capitalize on their offshore market. Overseas trading is one of the requirements a business should have before incorporating. Other requirements include the need for foreign exchange, estate planning, and asset protection. Multinational businesses are also an ideal candidate for offshore company formation. Forming an offshore company involves a number of processes including deciding on the goals and action plan for the business, selecting an advisor and the offshore jurisdiction, researching on the incorporation and miscellaneous costs and familiarizing oneself with the rules and regulations of the offshore jurisdiction.

Setting goals and an action plan

It is important to set goals for the offshore company formation and decide upon the plan of action to achieve the set goals. The goals include establishing the main purpose of the offshore company. After clearly laying out the purpose of the company, decide upon an action plan to implement the goals and achieve results. The action plan outlines the number of employees required, their roles and responsibilities and the managerial personnel and duties. It may also be ideal to create a backup plan as an exit strategy.

Selecting an advisor and the jurisdiction

Offshore company formation requires knowledge and experience to establish and run the offshore business. If you lack the necessary knowledge, then it is important to hire an experienced professional who will provide you with sound insights and guide you through the decision making process. The advisor can be an individual or an incorporation agency. Incorporation agencies help you in selecting an ideal offshore jurisdiction and incorporating your company. The agency should also provide you with legal information related to offshore company formation. Identifying associated costs, rules and regulations. Different jurisdictions have different rules and regulations, which your company should adhere to. Familiarize yourself with these to ensure your company is running legally. When using an incorporation agency, they will familiarize you with the relevant laws.

Registration

Like domestic companies, offshore companies require registration. You should prepare the right documents depending on the business model you will be using. These documents should be filed in an orderly fashion. Incorporation agencies will help you with the documentation and registration processes. Register your company with the relevant authorities, to ensure your company runs legally. To have an offshore business, you will be required to register your company with tax authorities in the country of incorporation.

Where to set up an offshore company

There are a number of offshore jurisdiction zones in the world. Each of these comes with a number of rules, regulations, requirements, and benefits should you set up your offshore business in them, for example Nevis. Nevis is an independent jurisdiction, which offers a wide range of tax exemptions, confidentiality, and asset protection. Offshore companies in Nevis are exempt from income, withholding, capital gain, stamp duty, and other local taxes. Another jurisdiction is Belize. Belize allows business people to form IBS and Limited Duration Companies (similar to LLCs). Belize is politically and economically stable making it ideal for setting up your company. Belize offers offshore companies a tax haven by exempting them from all forms of taxation. Belize offers corporations with privacy as no names are disclosed during incorporation. There are no reporting requirements for corporations as well. British Virgin Islands is a reputable offshore and tax-free jurisdiction, which has attracted many offshore investors. BVI is a reputable home for many offshore International Business Companies. The islands have a highly regulated and efficient banking system, one of the strongest asset protection capabilities and tax exemptions. These, coupled with political and economic stability make the BVI an ideal offshore investment destination. Offshore company formation is ideal for businesses that want to expand their wings without having to struggle with heavy tax burdens. Entrepreneurs can establish entities that are legally exempted from tax by selecting the right offshore destination.Lee University will welcome author, speaker, priest, and social entrepreneur Becca Stevens to speak in chapel Thursday, Feb. 28, at 10:40 a.m. in the Conn Center.

Ms. Stevens is the founder and president of Thistle Farms, an organization that provides women with free housing, medical care, therapy, and education for two years.

Ms. Stevens has been featured in the New York Times, on ABC World News and NPR, and was recently named a 2016 CNN Hero and a White House Champion of Change. She was featured in the PBS documentary A Path Appears, named Humanitarian of the Year by the Small Business Council of America, and was inducted into the Tennessee Womens Hall of Fame.

Ms. Stevens attended the University of the South and Vanderbilt Divinity School and has been conferred three honorary doctorates. She currently lives in Nashville with her husband, Grammy-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon, and their three sons.

This event is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. As seating is limited, it is first come, first served.

The chapel service will be available for livestream viewing at https://livestream.com/leeu.

For more information about Thistle Farms, visit https://thistlefarms.org/pages/leadership.

For more information about Lee chapel services, visit http://leeuniversity.edu/chapel/.New 2019-20 Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale, with over one million licenses expected to be purchased in the coming year. All current year Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses expire Feb. 28.

Licenses are available online anytime at www.GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, on the TWRA On the Go App, or at one of more than 700 license agents across the state. One can now select to auto-renew their license and never worry about tje license expiring again. Customers can also purchase a collectors card for any annual license. This waterproof, durable card features paintings by Tennessee artists. Customers may choose between a largemouth bass or a waterfowl hunting scene featuring mallards and a retriever.

Officials said, "If you like wildlife of any kind, you should thank a hunter or fisherman. Without them, we would not have the abundance of fish and wildlife that we all enjoy."

Hunters and anglers have been funding Tennessees and the nations wildlife conservation for more than100 years through license purchases. One-hundred percent of hunting and fishing license fees go to support wildlife conservation in Tennessee. Additionally, a license purchase returns taxes paid on firearms, archery equipment, fishing gear and boat fuel to Tennessee at a rate of up to $40 per year. The successful funding system is the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration program which is the largest driver of wildlife conservation nationwide.Parkridge Health System hired John Baldwin as market associate administrator and co-ethics and compliance officer. Working closely with Tom Ozburn, Parkridge Health president and CEO, Mr. Baldwin has administrative oversight and responsibility for support services  which include environmental services, food and nutrition services, plant operations, security and the chaplaincy program  at Parkridge Medical Center and Parkridge West Hospital. Mr. Baldwin also oversees construction projects across the six-facility health system.



We are thrilled to welcome John to the Parkridge Health family, Mr. Ozburn said. Our health system is in the midst of the largest capital project in its history, and we expect continued growth and expansion in the coming years. John will play a critical role in shepherding our projects from the planning stages to operationalization.



Mr. Baldwin earned a master of health administration degree from the University of Memphis and also received Six Lean Sigma Green Belt Certification. He graduated from Austin Peay State University with a master of acience in health leadership after earning a bachelor of science in kinesiology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Prior to joining Parkridge Health, Mr. Baldwin was on staff at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna.



Mr. Baldwin participates in the American College of Healthcare Executives and the National Association of Health Services Executives. He also serves in governance roles for community healthcare organizations, such as the Tennessee Hospital Associations Council on Inclusion & Health Equity, as well as the University of Memphis MHA advisory board. "Mr. Baldwin has a passion for people and uses his talents and skills to educate, empower and engage others," officials said.





Lee Universitys Cultural Diversity Committee will host Dr. Elissa Weichbrodt for a lecture titled Looking Justly: Race, Gender, and Photography on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Rose Lecture Hall, in the Helen DeVos College of Education.

The lecture will discuss how contemporary and historical photographs contribute to an understanding of race and gender, how these images create and sustain stereotypes that limit an understanding of others, and how to learn to look justly in order to overcome these biases.

Dr. Weichbrodt's contribution is incredibly important as she teaches us to be attentive to things that we often ignore, said Dr. Mary McCampbell, associate professor of humanities at Lee. In doing this, we are learning yet another way to love our neighbors as ourselves."

Dr. Weichbrodt researches how race and gender are represented in art from the 19th century to the present. Her dissertation, Through the Body: Corporeality, Subjectivity, and Empathy in Contemporary Art, focused on work created by marginalized artists in the 1990s. Recently, Dr. Weichbrodt published an essay titled, Found or Recovered?: Competing Views of Paradise in Late Nineteenth-Century Hawaiian Landscape Painting in The Religion and Arts Journal.

Dr. Weichbrodt is an assistant professor of art and art history at Covenant College, where she teaches a variety of classes, including Race in American Art, Art and the Church, and Women, Art, and Culture. Dr. Weichbrodt earned her Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts in art history and archaeology from Washington University in St. Louis. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies from Covenant College.

The lecture will be free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Dr. McCampbell by phone at 614-8353 or by email at mmccampbell@leeuniversity.edu.



Lee University School of Music will host Dr. Cahill Smith, piano, and Heather Smith, cello, for a faculty recital on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Squires Recital Hall. There will be a short pre-concert talk with the artists at 7 p.m.

The program will feature works by late-romantic Russian composers Nikolai Medtner, Nikolai Myaskovsky, and Sergei Rachmaninoff.

This program, all composed within a period of 50 years, represents a peak in the tradition of high romanticism that continued in Russia well into the 20th century, said Dr. Smith. This music is charged with emotion, touching on universal subjects that are central to the human experience: love, nature, time, death, and God.

Dr. Smith, assistant professor of piano at Lee, has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in major venues in the United States and abroad, including four performances at Carnegie Halls Weill Recital Hall.

Dr. Smith has been featured as a concerto soloist with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, the Chattanooga Symphony, the Eastman Philharmonia, the Mongolian Symphony Orchestra, and the National Ukrainian Symphony Orchestra in Kiev, among others.

His live and studio recordings have been broadcast on WQXR, New Yorks Classical Music Radio Station; WCRB, Classical Radio Boston; and WSMC, Chattanooga Public Radio. In January of 2019, his debut album Medtner: Forgotten Melodies was featured as Classical Radio Bostons CD of the Week for its irresistible lyricism and a palpable sense of love  a real affinity for the directness and honesty in Medtners music, which goes straight to the heart.

Dr. Smith completed his Doctor of Musical Arts from Eastman, where he was the inaugural recipient of the Douglas Lowry Award for excellence in degree recital performance, won the Eastman Concerto Competition, and received honors in chamber music as well as the Prize for Excellence in Teaching. He earned his Master of Arts at University of Michigan and his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Ms. Smith performs regularly in the U.S. as a chamber and orchestra musician. She plays frequently with the Alabama Symphony, the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, the Greenville Symphony, the Jackson Symphony, and the Oak Ridge Symphony. She also performs with chamber programs at Austin Peay State University, Covenant College, Lee University, Southern Adventist University, and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

Ms. Smith has served as principal cellist of the Orford Academy Orchestra in Quebec, Canada, as well as the Colorado College Summer Music Festival Orchestra. She currently maintains a private cello studio in the Chattanooga area.

She is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she studied with David Ying of the Ying Quartet.

The Tuesday evening recital is free and open to the public. Squires Recital Hall is located in Lees Humanities Building on Parker Street.

For more information, call 614-8240 or email music@leeuniversity.edu.An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a former Smith County deputy, who was indicted on vehicular homicide and other charges.

At the request of 15th District Attorney General Tommy Thompson, on June 3, 2018, TBI agents began investigating an incident in which Keith Holder, 47, crashed his personal vehicle into the Cumberland River in Trousdale County. Holder swam to shore and left the scene. His passenger, Donovan Crittendon, died when the vehicle submerged into the river. At the time of the incident, Holder was a deputy with the Smith County Sheriffs Department, assigned to the 15th Judicial Drug Task Force. He is no longer employed there.

On Tuesday, the Trousdale County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Holder with one count of vehicular homicide by intoxication, one count of vehicular homicide by recklessness, one count of criminally negligent homicide, one count of leaving the scene of an accident involving death, one count of DUI, and one count of fraud of insurance claim.

Holder was arrested as his Carthage residence Tuesday night and booked into the Trousdale County Jail. His bond was set at $75,000.The City Council on Tuesday night considered two short term vacation rental permits in St. Elmo and there was opposition to both.

The council wound up approving one and denying another. - based on the recommendations of district representative Erskine Oglesby.



The application by Jennifer Dixon at 4204 Seneca Ave. was approved though several residents expressed opposition. One said there is beginning to be an over-abundance of rentals in St. Elmo. Another spoke of preferring to have long term neighbors rather than those who come and go. Another said the house could be better used as affordable housing.

Ms. Dixon, who said she bought the property when she was 21, said she will be onsite.



The one by Chattanooga Vacation Rentals/James Murray at 4421 Alabama Ave. was denied. A representative of Chattanooga Vacation Rentals said Mr. Murray lives away, but plans to move back this year or next. The representative said CVR has 21 rentals, but just one in Chattanooga. It also operates in Georgia. She said short term vacation rentals are still a small percentage of residential units.

Neighbors said the 4421 Alabama Ave. house has long been run down and Mr. Murray cannot be reached to discuss issues.

The trial of the Chattanooga man accused of killing Bradley Aaron Powell in 2016 was supposed to begin Tuesday.

Instead, 24-year-old Cody Waggoner entered the Marion County Courthouse in Jasper and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Mr. Powells death. He was sentenced to 38 years in prison, and taken immediately to the county jail to begin that incarceration.

Waggoner, who left the courtroom in tears, admitted killing Mr. Powell and then burying his body.

Mr. Powell disappeared in late 2016, and was reported missing by his family to the Chattanooga Police Department on Dec. 7 of that year.

The ensuing complicated investigation involved a variety of law enforcement agencies including Red Bank Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriffs Department, Marion County Sheriffs Department, Walker County (Ga.) Sheriffs Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Bureau Of Investigation and the offices of the 11th and 12th District Attorneys General in Tennessee.

The dead mans body was found Feb. 3, 2017, buried in a shallow grave on Waggoner family property near the top of Nickajack Road on Lookout Mountain in Georgia.

Investigators determined, however, that his murder had taken place in the River Canyon Road area of Marion County in Tennessee and in August 2017 a Marion County Grand Jury indicted Waggoner for first-degree murder.The Heritage House celebrates the February birthday of "The Man In Black" with Cult Movie Night -- screening one of only two of Johnny Cash's feature film appearances -- that of the character of Johnny Cabot in Five Minutes To Live (aka: Door To Door Maniac) released in 1961.



As his partner in crime, Fred Dorella (Vic Tayback), heads to the bank to extort cash from executive Ken Wilson (Donald Woods), Johnny Cabot (Johnny Cash) kidnaps Wilson's wife, Nancy (Cay Forrester). Fred tells Ken that, unless he hands over $70,000 in cash, Johnny will kill Nancy.

Ken comes up with a ploy to buy some time for the police to assess the situation.But even though the scheme is coming unstuck, Fred and Johnny aren't about to go down quietly.

The screening will be on Thursday, Feb. 21, with two screenings at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Length is 1:20 + trailers.



The Heritage House Arts & Civic Center is at 1428 Jenkins Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.



Admission is free.



The film will be preceded by John Lloyd Miller's award-winning short film "I Still Miss Someone" featuring Mark Collie as Johnny Cash.

The other feature film Cash starred in was "A Gunfight" in 1971.

Being pre-1968, the film is rated NR (Not Rated), and therefore deemed suitable for adults only.



Southern Adventist University invites the community to a performance by the Chattanooga Symphony and Orchestra Wind Quintet on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Held in Ackerman Auditorium on the universitys campus, the concert will feature Kristen Holritz (flute), Robert Burks (oboe), Robert West (clarinet), Eric Anderson (bassoon) and Gordon James (French horn), all principal members of the orchestra.



Considered some of the finest musicians in the area, the quintet members teach at several universities, including four who serve as adjunct professors at Southern: Mr. Anderson, Mr. Burks, Ms. Holritz, and Mr. James.



Tickets are required for the event and will be sold at the door for $5 per person. Call 423-236-2814 for ticket information.The total value of cases brought to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts during 2018, including arbitration-related cases, amounted to Dh10.2 billion ($2.77 billion) up from Dh400 million in the previous year, primarily driven by two high profile transnational disputes.



The DIFC Courts has released its annual figures for the full year of 2018, with total a volume of 670cases across all divisions, revealing a 29 per cent increase year-on-year. The overall value of claims saw a significant increase of 422 per cent over the same period, revealing a surge in growth as well as greater business certainty in the English-language common law courts.



The volume of cases of the main Court of First Instance (CFI) grew substantially in 2018, increasing by 50 per cent year-on-year, signalling strong business confidence in the DIFC Courts.



Cases brought before the CFI covered a range of sectors including banking and finance, construction, real estate and manufacturing which involve disputes related to breach of contract, outstanding payments, wills and probate, and employment. There was also a noticeable increase in the number of opt-in cases in 2018, with over 60 per cent of claims in the CFI originating from parties electing to use the DIFC Courts to resolve their disputes.



Reinforcing the Courts record of certainty for business through enforceable judgments, the total value of enforcement claims filed amounted to Dh10.2 billion in 2018, an increase of 197 per cent (2017: Dh3.4 billion). The number of cases increased considerably by 101 per cent with 185 enforcement cases in 2018, rising from 92 cases in the same period in 2017.



The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) experienced steady growth year-on-year, with its case load increasing by 10 per cent to 399 claims in 2018(2017:363 cases). This growth was driven primarily by breach of contract cases which represented 43 per cent of all SCT cases in 2018, followed by labour and employment (27 per cent). Reinforcing the SCTs increasing popularity for business trading, the total value of claims increased by 47 per cent in2018, rising from Dh36.2 million to Dh53.3 million.



Zaki Bin Azmi, Chief Justice, DIFC Courts, said: The DIFC Courts experienced substantial growth in 2018, in both the volume and value of claims brought to the courts. These results reflect the confidence in the DIFC Courts and are testament to the Courts as a jurisdiction of choice in the Middle East and to our creation of an environment which business both domestically and internationally can trust, one in which contracts can be enforced and disputes resolved fairly and swiftly. Our goal for 2019 is to continue to reinforce this certainty and predictability and to deliver a comprehensive suite of public services for the good of the communities we serve.



2018 was also marked by a commitment to harnessing new technologies in order to drive service and judicial excellence. In February, the DIFC Courts became the first court in the Middle East to introduce a new e-bundling service to allow court documents to be uploaded from anywhere in the world. A landmark taskforce with Smart Dubai was also announced in 2018, the first step towards creating the worlds first Court of the Blockchain at DIFC Courts.



At the end of 2018, the International Consortium for Court Excellence (ICCE) Conference 2018 was held in the UAE for the first time ever and hosted by the DIFC Courts. The forum invited delegates from around the world to discuss the developments taking place in court innovation, service excellence and exploration of future technologies and their legal implications on courts.



Marking over a decade of full operations in 2018, the DIFC Courts expanded its reach by forging partnerships and alliances with leading courts and academic institutions from around the world.



In May, the DIFC Courts signed a unique memorandum with the University of Oxfords China Centre to pool expertise in order to protect global business along the $5 trillion Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This partnership was followed by tie ups with both the Hong Kong High Court as well as a special focus on trans-systemic law and preparing lawyers and judges to work across the worlds jurisdictions through cooperation with Canadas McGill University Faculty of Law. - TradeArabia News ServiceRaytheon Emirates, a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Raytheon Company, has opened its headquarters in Al Maqam Tower at Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, a media report said.



The new facility will help Raytheon Emirates develop human capital, industrial partnerships and new technology in the United Arab Emirates in the areas of missile defence, cybersecurity, effectors, and other enabling technologies, reported Emirates news agency Wam.



Dr Taylor W Lawrence, chairman of Raytheon Emirates Board and President of Raytheon Missile Systems, said: "The new headquarters brings us closer to our customers and business partners in the UAE. This will help us fast-track industrial partnerships and indigenous technology development, as well as develop Emirati professional talent."



Matar Al Romaithi, chief economic development officer at Tawazun Economic Council, said, "Todays ceremony is a testament to the possibility of creating mutually rewarding initiatives under the Tawazun Economic Programme. We are delighted to be working closely with industry leaders such as Raytheon to enhance the investment environment and accelerate the transfer of advanced technology and technical know-how to the local market."



"By building a base in Abu Dhabi, Raytheon will benefit from the emirates competitive advantages including: economic and political stability; robust infrastructure; and facilitated procedures and processes, reaffirming Abu Dhabis position as a preferred investment destination in the region for the largest international companies," added Al Romaithi.



"Raytheons more than 31-year relationship with the UAE and the opening of Raytheon Emirates new head office enables us to accelerate our plans to develop local industrial capabilities that will help diversify the UAE economy," said Alan Davis, chief executive of Raytheon Emirates, which is entering its second year of operation.



Raytheon Emirates, which was launched under the Tawazun Economic Programme, announced in June last year the signing of a long-term lease with Mubadala Investment Company for its new UAE headquarters in Al Maqam Tower to include options for additional space as the business grows.Cemex sells Broceni plant and Nordic assets to Schwenk Zement

20 February 2019

Cemex has announced that it has signed an agreement for the sale of assets in the Baltics and Nordics to Schwenk Zement for approximately EUR340m.



The Baltic assets being divested consist of the 1.7Mta Broceni cement plant in Latvia, four aggregates quarries, two cement quarries, six ready-mix plants, one marine terminal and one land distribution terminal in Latvia. The assets divested also include Cemex's approximate 38 per cent indirect interest in the 1.8Mta Akmene cement plant in Lithuania. In addition, the export business to Estonia is included as part of the divestment.



The Nordic assets being divested consist of three import terminals in Finland, four import terminals in Norway and four import terminals in Sweden.



Consolidated operating EBITDA generated by the divested assets was approximately EUR27.3m in 2018.



The proceeds expected to be obtained from this divestment will be used mainly for debt reduction and for general corporate purposes, says Cemex.



The closing of this transaction is subject to the satisfaction of the regulators. Cemex currently expect to finalise this divestment during the 1Q19.





Published underIndia raises cement import duties to stop Pakistan shipments

20 February 2019

Pakistani exports of cement to India have been suspended, due to growing tension between Islamabad and Delhi over a recent terrorist attack in Pulwama, in Jammu and Kashmir, India.



India has de-listed Pakistan from the status of 'Most-Favoured Nation' and increased import duty by 200 per cent on all imports from Pakistan, including cement and reportedly suspension of trade from border for the last few days.



Meanwhile, according to a private TV channel, "around 300 trucks carrying cement, one of Pakistans major exports to India, on Tuesday were stuck at the Wagah border, after duties were suddenly increased by 200 per cent. Shipments of 170 containers by sea also came to a grinding halt."

The Indian market accounts for a quarter of Pakistans total cement exports. In the last financial year, Pakistan sold US$23m worth of cement to India.

Published underLafargeHolcim temporarily shuts down its Mabini plant

20 February 2019

LafargeHolcim temporarily closed the grinding plant in Mabini, Batangas, the Philippines, in compliance to the Environment Management Bureau-Region IV office's order issued on the morning of 13 February 2019.



The company is submitting to the legal process on this matter, cooperating with authorities and will work with all stakeholders towards a positive and fast resolution of the issue.



LafargeHolcim stands by its position that the Mabini plant should be allowed to operate. It adheres to relevant local and national laws, and operates consistent with its values of health, safety, integrity and sustainability, said a company statement.

Published underHeidelbergCement Board level changes

20 February 2019

Dr Bernd Scheifele will leave the Managing Board in February 2020 after 15 years as chairman. Upon conclusion of his third term at the end of January 2020, Dr Bernd Scheifele will give up the chair of the Managing Board of HeidelbergCement AG to the current Deputy Chairman, Dr Domink von Achten, until the end of January 2025.



At the same time, the Supervisory Board asked Dr Scheifele to stand as candidate for Chairman of the Supervisory Board after the end of the statutory two-year cooling-off period in 2022. After careful consideration, Dr Scheifele has declared that he will comply with this request.



Meanwhile, Dr Lorenz Nager remains Chief Financial Officer until May 2022 and is to become Deputy Chairman of the Managing Board. Jon Morrish takes on responsibility for western and southern Europe from Dr Dominik von Achten in 2020. Chris Ward to be promoted to the Managing Board and take on responsibility for North America from Jon Morrish.



Ernest Jelito is promoted to the Managing Board and take on responsibility for northern and eastern Europe-central Asia from Dr Albert Scheuer, who will leave the Managing Board in August 2019.



"The changes in 2020 are part of long-term succession planning for the Supervisory Board and Managing Board of HeidelbergCement," said Fritz-Jurgen Heckmann, chairman of the Supervisory Board of HeidelbergCement AG.







Published underLeading European defence majors Thales Group and Atlas Elektroniks have announced plans to build a new underwater training centre in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with a major Emirati group Tawazun Economic Council.



Thales is a French multinational company that designs and builds electrical systems and provides services for the aerospace, defence, transportation and security markets, while Atlas Elektroniks is a naval/marine electronics and systems business based in Germany.



The new underwater centre in Abu Dhabi is being set up following an agreement with Tawazun Economic Council, one of the key drivers of the Tawazun Economic Programme.



The agreement was signed on the sidelines of Idex 2019 by Matar Ali Al Romaithi, chief economic development officer at Tawazun Economic Council along with Bernard Roux, CEO, Thales Group UAE, and Michael Ozegowski, CEO, Atlas Elektroniks in the presence of Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education.



It was also attended by Staff Major General Pilot Ishaq Al Baloushi, executive director defence industry and capability Development at Ministry of Defence; Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council; Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice president, Thales International Development; Philippe Duhamel, senior vice president Defense Mission Systems; Nicolas Simian, strategy, marketing and offsets director, Thales UAE; Steve Ward, managing director, Atlas Elektroniks; and Jamal Al Nauimi, director of marketing and sales, Atlas Group.



Al Romaithi said that the project was aimed at launching an underwater training centre for anti-submarine counter attacks and the operation and management of mine-sweeping mines.



The centre will feature state-of-the-art technologies and will provide professional training on countering hostile submarines, as well as on operating marine radar detectors which use ultrasound for detecting underwater objects, he noted.



"Tawazun, once again, showcases its role as a key contributor to the empowerment and sustainable development of the defence and security sector in the UAE," he added.



Al Romaithi said the Emirati firm worked closely with its strategic partners to ensure a seamless process of technology transfer to the local market, in line with the country's strategic needs and requirements.



"This centre is considered the first of its kind in the region," he added.



He also highlighted the fact that the centre will meet the industrys basic needs as well as enable the armed forces to keep abreast of the rapidly changing technological developments in both the military and naval operations.



Expressing her delight, Sourisse said Thales had always enjoyed a deep-rooted partnership with the UAE Navy. "The launch of the training centre stems from our commitment to contribute towards the development of sovereign capabilities and talent in the UAE," she noted.



Ozegowski said Atlas Elektroniks was always committed to supporting the operational needs of the UAE Navy.



"With this deal, we are delighted to work with Tawazun Economic Council to launch a one-of-a-kind training centre. This agreement underscores our deep-rooted relationship and will contribute towards building a future generation of highly efficient officers."



Tawazun has recently announced a new economic programme framework that offers many investment options to strategic partners from global defence companies and suppliers in the defence and security sector.- TradeArabia News ServicePlease log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, or activate your access, to continue reading.President Donald Trump is expected to sign a new policy directive Tuesday laying out his administration's long-awaited plans for establishing a Space Force.Alstom, a global leader in power generation and rail infrastructure sector, will be showcasing its breakthrough technologies that address the evolving mobility needs of both the operators and passengers, at the upcoming Middle East Rail 2019 expo.



The largest and most established rail event in the Middle East and North Africa and Central Asia and South Asia region, Middle East Rail 2019 will run from February 26 to 27 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.



Innovation is the real cornerstone of our work in the region and worldwide, remarked Thi-Mai Tran, managing director of Alstom Gulf.



"Its safe to say that many of our great innovations were nurtured within our very Alstom projects in the GCC. We are committed to always meet the growing demand for innovative and sustainable mobility systems in the region and beyond," he added.



During the first day, Thi-Mai Tran will give a keynote presentation on the importance of innovation in the transportation industry.



Following that, there will be a seminar led by Jean-Philippe Tissot, business development director (Security and City Mobility) at Alstom to discuss the companys solutions for multimodality and security.



As a major sponsor, Alstom has a key role to play at the Middle East Rail 2019 expo.



On the second day, a roundtable on digitalisation will be moderated by Frederic Sanchez, project director for maintenance and services.



As a provider of mobility solutions in the digitalisation era, Alstom will showcase its latest developments in this field. Technologies such as TrainTracer, Healthhub, and Iconis Security, among many others, will be featured at the exhibition.



Visitors to the Alstom booth will also have a chance to learn about Alstoms services solutions which offer a complete range of customised services including maintenance, modernisation, parts, repairs and support services in training and obsolescence; and Atlas range of signalling solutions for all types of ERTMS projects.-TradeArabia News ServiceElectronics Corporation Of India Limited (ECIL), a Public Sector Enterprise operating under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Govt. of India has called for selection of eligible Indian nationals as Graduate Engineer Apprentices (GEA) in multiple disciplines/branches at its Hyderabad unit through a 'Walk-In-Interview' process scheduled on 1 and 2 March 2019 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm in Hyderabad.

The recruitment is for 115 GEA posts in various disciplines/branches comprising Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Mech Engg. and Civil Engg.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Graduate Engineer Apprentices (GEA) Organisation Electronics Corporation Of India Limited (ECIL) Educational Qualification Graduation in the respective branch Experience Freshers can apply Job Location Hyderabad Salary Scale Rs. 10,000/- per month Industry Electronics Application Start Date March 1, 2019 Application End Date March 2, 2019

Age Criteria And Fees

Candidates interested in joining as Graduate Engineer Apprentices (GEA) through ECIL Recruitment 2019 must have attained 28 years of age as on 10 February 2019, with relaxation in the upper age limit up to 33 years for SC/ST candidates and 31 years for OBC categories.

For details regarding application fee, refer to the official notification provided at the end of the article.

Also Read: IOCL Recruitment 2019 For Apprentices In Multiple Trades; Apply Before 08 March 2019

Branch Wise Vacancy Details For ECIL GEA

Branch No. Of Vacancies ECE 57 CSE 16 EEE 22 Mech Engg. 15 Civil Engg. 5 Total 115

Educational Criteria

Desirous candidates applying for the post of Graduate Engineer Apprentices (GEA) through ECIL Recruitment 2019 must possess a 1st Class Graduation in the respective branch as mentioned/listed above.

Selection And Pay Scale

The selection of candidates as Graduate Engineer Apprentices (GEA) through ECIL Recruitment 2019 will be done based on the candidate's performance in the walk-in-interview and marks secured in graduation in the respective discipline/branch.

Candidates selected as Graduate Engineer Apprentices (GEA) will be paid a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000/-

Also Read: VCBL Recruitment 2019 For 25 Probationary Officers; Earn Up To INR 33,000 Per Month

Interview Details: Date and Time

Candidates applying for the post of Graduate Engineer Apprentices (GEA) under various branches through ECIL Recruitment 2019 must attend the 'Walk-in-Interview' at "CLDC, Nalanda Complex, TIFR Road ECIL Hyderabad" as under:

ECE and CSE - 01 March 2019 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

EEE, CIVIL and MECH - 02 March 2019 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Candidates must produce their Original Class 10/SSC Pass cum Marks memo; BE Degree/Provisional certificate with Consolidated Marks memo, and NATS enrollment proof during the interview.

For further queries, candidates can contact/dial: 040-27182279 /6454

For detailed notification about ECIL Recruitment 2019 for Graduate Engineer Apprentice (GEA) click hereDubai Investments Real Estate Company (DIRC), a subsidiary of leading diversified investment company Dubai Investments, has announced that 25 per cent of the work has been completed at its new residential tower coming up within the 38,917-sq-ft Al Barsha 1 development.



Situated within walking distance of Mall of the Emirates, The Al Barsha 1 boasts 399,453 sq ft of residential and commercial area, with a mix of 278 units comprising 132 studio, 122 one-bed and 24 two-bed apartments over 14 levels and a ground floor.



It is on a strategically located crossroads, accessible by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road.



With the excavation and substructure work on the project already 100 per cent complete, the project is on track for completion by this December, said the developer in a statement.



The upcoming project, located adjacent to First Al Khail Street at Al Barsha First, also includes 22,988 sq ft of commercial area for seven retail outlets, along with a gymnasium, recreational facilities, play area and four levels of covered parking for over 300 vehicles.



After 36,920 cumulative man hours from May 26 to the end of December 2018, the fixing of the structural steel column is complete on the ground floor while half of the slab beams and 40 per cent of rebar, formwork and concrete work is finished.



Obaid Mohammed AlSalami, the general manager of DIRC, said: "The Al Barsha 1 project will provide a fresh mixed use between residential and commercial offerings and excellent facilities at a strategic location that benefits the residents and the city."



"This project is another example of the quality, service and realty solutions that DIRC brings to customers  modern living at affordable prices, as we continue to set benchmarks in excellence within the industry," he added.



DIRC had appointed Fujairah National Construction as main contractor for all construction work on the project. Al Barsha 1 is just one of a number of real estate projects adding to the Dubai Investments Real Estate portfolio, said the developer.



Other examples including Mirdif Hills, a mixed-use residential, commercial and retail development spread across 3.9 million sq ft which includes a four-star hotel and 230-bed hospital, and Ritaj, a residential community over 2.5 million sq ft and 11 residential blocks, which is located in the heart of Dubai Investments Park, it added.



DIRCs portfolio includes a wealth of residential and mixed-use developments plus warehouse, staff accommodation and land bank in strategic locations across the UAE. Residential towers are located in Al Nahda and Jumeirah Village Circle, with mixed-use buildings in Al Qusais, Meydan and Abu Dhabi.-TradeArabia News Service* Username This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Choose wisely!

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Al Shukairy takes over from Robin Abraham who has been in the post since 2014, said the UK-based company which specialises in key sectors such as antitrust, capital markets and real estate, corporate finance and risk management.



Abraham has worked in the Middle East for over 15 years, where he has been instrumental in building the banking, finance and projects practices in the region. He will continue to play an important role in leading key client relationships within the region and beyond.



A corporate partner with a strong regional and outbound M&A practice, Al Shukairy will continue to work closely with clients and be heavily involved in client work going forward.



He joined Clifford Chance in London in 2002, moving to Dubai in 2011. He specialises in advising corporate, private equity and other clients on mergers and acquisitions and stock exchange issues in the Middle East (and London previously).



Clifford Chance's Managing Partner Matthew Layton said: "Al Shukairy has been advising many of the firm's clients on highly strategic and complex mandates in and out of the Middle East and his appointment as Regional Managing Partner will reinforce our position as the leading law firm in the Middle East. Under his leadership, I am confident that we will continue to go from strength to strength."



"I would also like to thank Robin for the fantastic role he has played in developing our Middle East practice, and in bringing together the expertise of the entire firm on complex transactions supporting our regional clients beyond the Middle East, especially into Africa and Asia Pacific."



Al Shukairy said: "It is of course an honour to accept this role and get the opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated team in the Middle East. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the region and across the firm in the coming years to build on our successes, for the benefit of our clients and people."news, latest-news

It seems an unlikely combination. Gavin Smith is a sociologist, buried in data and learned journals - but at any time, faster than the flicker of a snake's tongue, he can pull on the garb and gaiters of a snake catcher. Out he heads, if not to save the world, then to save a patch of his university campus from an eastern brown. The associate professor is from the far north of Scotland, but is now deputy head of the Australian National University's School of Sociology. He's one of those global academics who has worked at prestigious universities on three continents. His sideline from sociology is wherever the most venomous red bellied blacks, eastern browns or tiger snakes turn up. His non-academic business is called ACT Snake Removals. But he's about to merge the two by conducting sociological research into the way humans perceive snakes - or misperceive them, as he sees it. "Snakes are incredibly communicative," Dr Smith says. "People see them as dumb and inert, but they are curious when they become calm. "They have a softness." He thinks he may even have won the affection of one, an eastern brown whose bite can kill a human within a few hours. "I've seen amazing things like a snake resting its head on my boot when I'm releasing it, almost like a gesture of gratitude for not harming it," he says. But it's as a sociologist - a student of the way humans operate in society - that he is really interested in snakes. His speciality at the moment is "surveillance studies". Dr Smith studies the fear of crime and criminals, the way we perceive and misperceive them, and where machines like CCTV cameras fit in to that equation. It's a recognised field of sociology. He thinks it resonates with snakes and the way humans perceive them or misperceive them - and he says snakes have had a bad press for thousands of years. It may go back to the Book of Genesis, with the devious, cunning serpent persuading innocent Eve to taste of the Tree of Knowledge and so bring sin into the world. Dr Smith also wonders if snakes' bad image comes from colonialism. Snakes intrude on land that white humans believe they own. "Snakes don't respect land ownership," he says. "'Who is this creature?' we think. 'How dare it be here?' But actually it's been here for a long, long time." On top of that, snakes are depicted as aggressive and evil in popular culture - just think of the Disney movie The Jungle Book, where Kaa, the hungry python, tries to devour Mowgli, the boy hero. Not nice. And Dr Smith points out that snakes do not have the classic, humanoid "two-eyes-separated-by-a-nose-above-a-mouth" look, shared by the animals which get the oohs and ahhs for their cuteness. Bush babies, they ain't. Or as Dr Smith puts it: "They aren't cuddly." "They are very much a pariah species, not a fluffy species like cats and dogs." But, you point out, they are pariahs because they can kill us. He accepts that. "I don't want in any way to suggest they aren't dangerous," he says. "But almost all these situations can be defused, rather than trying to hit them with a tool. "They aren't interested in us. We are just big predators. It's us that have to be trained to understand snakes." But there's a long history of fear. There is academic debate about whether our phobia about snakes is something we are born with, or something which we learn. Do babies fear snakes? All kinds of academic experiments have been conducted, to no definite conclusion. Dr Smith's view is that we may not be born with the fear, but it's now so hard-wired into our make up that it will take some shifting. Dr Smith has a three-year-old daughter, Sylvie, and he has drilled into her the danger of approaching snakes. But already she is curious. She is not allowed out with him when he catches them, but she has viewed from afar as he released a captured eastern brown. "I've warned her about snakes, but she is starting to understand her dad's passion for scaly creatures," Dr Smith said. "Dad, when I'm big can you train me?" came the response from the three-year-old, he says. He will train her one day - there's little doubt of that - and teach her about what he believes passionately to be the wider worth of snakes. He doesn't really separate the two roles, of sociologist and snake catcher. "Sociologists never switch off," he says. He now finds himself increasingly musing on the relationship between snakes and humans, and particularly on why we demonise them as the lowest of the low. They can kill us - but do they deserve such bad press?

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ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry has apologised to families impacted by violence in Canberra schools but pushed back against calls for an independent inquiry into how such incidents are managed. In an emotional debate in the ACT assembly on Wednesday, the Canberra Liberals shared stories about the toll of violence on children who had been strangled, kicked, punched or otherwise injured in the playground. Watching on from the gallery were a number of their parents. The push for an inquiry follows revelations in The Canberra Times this month that complaints about violence at Theodore Primary School, which had left at least two children in hospital, stretched back more than a year but incidents appeared to be escalating without intervention. While the minister had first been contacted by distressed families at Theodore in early 2018, the education directorate only reviewed incidents at the school following an approach by this masthead this month, and did not answer questions on the outcome of the audit. Canberra Liberal Andrew Wall said the Opposition had since been contacted by families at four schools, including Theodore, who were now at their wit's end battling a system responding at a glacial pace. "[It's] not just in isolated one-off events but a series of events in those schools that haven't been appropriately dealt with," Mr Wall said. At a northside school, he said a parent had written to the minister in 2017 describing teachers and students alike crying in the classroom as violence apparently went unchecked. His voice shaking, Mr Wall drew on an account from another mother whose son had been assaulted at school from the age of six. "He's now nine ... One-third of his life this has been going on," he said. Liberal Mark Parton, who has also been meeting with affected families, said some parents had been forced to choose between their children's education and their safety. Children as young as six were being crushed by fear, he said, afraid to go to the toilet after assaults or taking steak knives to school for protection. The Opposition slammed the government's lack of data on incidents in schools, and Ms Berry conceded current record-keeping was often paper-based and held only at a school level, making it difficult to access for the directorate. But she said the government was rolling out a new $10 million IT system expected to improve oversight of incidents in schools when it came into place at the end of the year. While Ms Berry initially accused the Liberals of using stories of violence to "stir up controversy", she later wept as she addressed parents who had gathered in the chamber to hear the debate. "Some of [those stories] I had not been aware of," she said. One parent in the gallery who did not wish to be named said she was disappointed to see the Opposition's motion for an expert audit of violence in schools voted down by the government on Wednesday. She was even more shocked to learn there was still no central reporting portal for school violence in 2019, after a number of reviews and reforms. "[The minister] told us to get in touch with her but I wrote to her office last year and nothing was done," she said. Greens leader and former education minister Shane Rattenbury agreed schools had a duty of care to keep schools safe but said another inquiry would take up more time when occupational violence reforms were already being rolled out. Media reports of violence at Theodore Primary did require an urgent response, he said. Though extra support at the school this year from the directorate had not solved the problem overnight, Mr Rattenbury said the recent decision to recruit a second deputy principal focussed on student wellbeing was a good step forward. The school is in its second year rolling out a new positive behaviour model, a system-wide initiative already in place in NSW linked to reduced rates of violence in schools. Ms Berry said stressed there was no quick fix to a problem affecting all jursidictions but said teachers at Theodore had gone through initial training and lesson planning and would roll out new behavioural expectations to students in the coming year, focussing on the playground. While parents at Theodore have praised its teachers, some said it seemed the directorate was now in damage control without addressing the school's real issues, including around resourcing. The mother of a student who was still frequently attacked on the playground said her son had now stopped reporting incidents to his teachers after promises of action were repeatedly broken. "He said to me, 'nothing ever happens, I don't matter', it just breaks my heart every day." Canberra public schools are required to report any incident resulting in serious harm or injury, putting the safety of students, staff or visitors at significant risk, or posing a threat to property. Non-government schools are only required to report critical incidents, such as a natural disaster, terrorist attack or bomb threat. Know more? Get in touch: sherryn.groch@canberratimes.com.au

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ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry was contacted about violence and safety concerns at a Canberra school in early 2018 but the education directorate only began reviewing incidents at Theodore Primary this month, following an approach by The Canberra Times. The minister responded to at least two separate parent complaints sent in late February and July 2018 about the management of violence at the school before she was contacted by a group of families in November demanding government intervention. Last week, after The Canberra Times reported on concerns about an apparent lack of action over escalating violence at Theodore, Ms Berry defended her record on school safety, saying when she received a petition from parents in November she asked the directorate to look into the school. She said she had since asked for a thorough investigation into how incidents had been handled and where communication broke down between the school, the directorate and families. The directorate, which knew about incidents at the school since at least February last year, met with the school in November but confirmed it did not begin reviewing specific incidents until the first week of school this month. It did not answer questions on the outcome of those reviews but said extra supports had been ramped up at the school this year for students and staff. A second deputy principal role, focussing on student wellbeing and engagement, was also being established, a spokesman said. In early April 2018, Ms Berry responded to a parent complaint sent to her office in February via federal MP Gai Brodtmann. Despite safeguards put in place for a school camp in the first weeks of term one by both Theodore Primary and the directorate, two children were still injured due to violence. Ms Berry advised one parent involved to get back in touch with the school as "a great avenue for you to share your feedback", referencing the initial safety meeting before camp with the directorate. "I hope this [meeting] has helped and that you feel they have listened to and acted on your concerns," she wrote. Ms Berry's office did not answer questions before deadline on when she first learnt of concerns about serious violence at Theodore School, which had left at least two children in hospital in the past year. On Wednesday, opposition spokeswoman for education Elizabeth Lee will move a motion calling for an independent audit of violence in ACT schools, citing a lack of data kept by the directorate on incidents and responses. Kartika Medcraft said she had put all her children through Theodore Primary, largely without incident, but had spent the past 18 months raising concerns about her youngest boy's safety without seeing anything improve. Her son had been repeatedly punched and kicked in the face, head and stomach, often while attempting to defend other students from violence, she said. "The amount of times I took him into the walk-in clinic at the hospital with a suspected concussion or even possible broken fingers, he'd just be covered in bruises all the time," Ms Medcraft said. "He's not a wuss either, we're used to scraps and things happening on the playground, this is different." While Ms Berry told the assembly families involved in violence reported by The Canberra Times were being supported, those who spoke to the paper said they had yet to be contacted about incidents. Many also expressed frustration that a parent meeting held by the school and the directorate last week did not offer any new information on what was being done at Theodore to improve responses to violence. The school said supervision on the playground had been stepped up and structured activities during breaks, including new clubs, introduced from this week. All parents praised the teachers at the school, with a number reflecting on positive experiences at Theodore, but some raised concerns about resourcing and supervision. Dozens of families have since contacted The Canberra Times to sound the alarm on how violence is handled at Theodore and other schools in the ACT, across both the public and private sectors. Know more? Get in touch: sherryn.groch@canberratimes.com.au

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A southside Canberra woman who fled the ACT after becoming the victim of a bikie-related incident has added her voice to growing concerns about the all-pervasive influence of outlaw motorcycle gangs in the city's lucrative illegal drug trade. The woman, who cannot be named for her fear of further retribution, told The Canberra Times that as a result of her experience she strongly supports giving police every possible tool to combat the growth of bikie gangs. One of those controversial tools will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly tomorrow when the Liberals' Jeremy Hanson attempts to introduce updated anti-consorting legislation with the newest "safeguard" amendments introduced in NSW late last year. The bill represents yet another attempt by the Liberals to align the ACT's anti-bikie laws with those used across other states and territories. But the bill appears certain to face defeat, with the government adamant that current laws provide sufficient powers for ACT police to disrupt the criminal activity of outlaw motorcycle gangs. ACT police have repeatedly stated the need for nationally consistent laws to take on bikie-related crime. Police say there are four gangs now active in Canberra after one, the Finks, supposedly left late last year. The most recent gang to set up here, the Satudarah, has a reputation for violence which saw it banned from home country The Netherlands. In Canberra's two most recent bikie-related incidents, shots were fired at a Kambah home, and patrons fled the Southern Cross Club in Woden after a brawl broke out between rival gangs. The former Canberra woman said that through circumstantial reasons, her family fell victim to an OMCG attack and it's an experience she will never forget. "The bikies control the drug trade in Canberra. These people are not always easily identifiable because they appear to lead normal family lives, they run businesses, they live in the suburbs and have a whole network of associates which do their bidding," she said. She is aware that there a number of witnesses who are too intimidated to come forward. "Among ordinary people like us, there's this enormous fear of retribution," she said. Mr Hanson said that the growth of bikie-related violence in the ACT can be directly linked to the lack of anti-consorting laws. He says his latest bill's amendments, passed with bipartisan support in the NSW parliament late last year, now has sufficient safeguards to protect members of the community which may be inadvertently caught up in the legislation. He also said the amendments address the potential conflict with human rights legislation which the government regards as a key stumbling block. "Our laws are always about balancing rights - the rights to association, in this case - against the rights of every other citizen to be safe in their homes and on streets," Mr Hanson said. He said that to for someone to be charged with consorting under the proposed Act, it must be someone who is "repeatedly and deliberately seeking out contact with known criminals". An extensive list of associations has been excluded, as has special recognition and protections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people in order to address an issue raised by indigenous community leader Julie Tongs "Even more importantly, there is the additional safeguard of the ACT Ombudsman's oversight as an inbuilt review mechanism," Mr Hanson added. Draft anti-consorting laws were proposed by former ACT Attorney General Simon Corbell in 2015 but did not get support from the Labor caucus. "If we fail to pass this bill, we will be failing the people of the ACT," Mr Hanson said.

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The decision to clear five hectares of Brisbane koala habitat to expand a rifle range is expected to be raised on Thursday morning when Queensland's new Koala Advisory Council meets. The managers of the Belmont Shooting Complex, in the city's south-east, want to add a new "skeet and trap" shotgun rifle range, extra clubhouse, spectator stands, a car park and safety and acoustic barriers. Two hectares of bushland have already been cleared. Conservationists are horrified with the attitude of the state government, with Queensland Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni planning to use his ministerial discretion to clear bushland on Old Cleveland Road. Two people attending the Koala Advisory Council forum on Thursday separately told Brisbane Times they would raise the issue with Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch. It has also angered one of Brisbanes longest-running wildlife and water catchment groups, the Bulimba Creek Catchment Co-ordinating Committee. Last week, the Bulimba group criticised plans by Mr de Brenni to override Brisbane City Council and clear the bushland. The Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works (DHPW) has proposed clearing 5.4 hectares of bushland in the Belmont Koala Forest, president Mik Petter wrote. This forest totals over 550 hectares of bushland, east of the Belmont Hills, of which 340 hectares is under the stewardship of the state government. These bushlands are critical habitat and form part of a vital fauna movement corridor. Comment has been sought from Mr de Brenni. Mr Petter said the Department of Housing and Public Works proposed to use ministerial designation to override local and other environmental protections. On Wednesday, Bulimba Creek Catchment committee manager Wayne Cameron said Mr de Brenni was determined to clear the bushland. "He is not thinking about doing it, he is doing it. Under ministerial discretion," he said. Mr Cameron said neither the state government nor the Belmont Shooting Complex were looking at alternatives to clearing the koala and glider habitat. He said bureaucrats he had met were mostly concerned about "managing lead shot" and when shooting would finish at night. "But it is a highly protected koala bushland in a very important regional corridor and there is just no plan to manage wildlife in there at all," Mr Cameron said. The group met with the Department of State Development on February 7 to air its planning concerns. Brisbane deputy mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Queensland government made a mockery of planning laws. As the local councillor, I was deeply concerned that I had not been briefed by the state government regarding their plans for the Belmont rifle range, he said. However, it soon became apparent why. In recent years, council has invested in expanding the Belmont Hills Bushland, so it is absolutely devastating to see the state now wanting to fast-track the clearing of 54,000 square metres of bushland in the area. Mr Petter said Moggill Koala Hospital data showed more than 100 confirmed koala sightings in the past 20 years near the forest. The Atlas of Living Australia confirms sightings of greater glider, squirrel glider, sugar glider and feathertail glider, greater broad-nosed bat, common dunnart, swamp wallaby and red-necked wallaby in the forest, he said. Council mapping shows wallabies and koalas on and bordering the site. Mr de Brenni last week said he had ordered community consultation to continue until March 12, before any decision on clearing was made. Mr de Brenni said the Queensland Rifle Association said it would try to stop shooting events by 9pm, rather than by 10pm currently permitted. He told local media that Belmont rifle range had hosted shooting events for 100 years and received a $17 million boost to facilities before the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/359b9c42-e6b1-4336-8184-f3d8a5dc2c8c/r0_168_1148_817_w1200_h678_fmax.jpgWith more than 10 months still remaining in the calendar year, one of the most valuable commercial real estate transactions in Canada so far in 2019 has already taken place in Richmond, B.C.

Fiera Properties, an affiliate of a Montreal-based independent asset management firm with approximately $136.7 billion in assets under management, has announced last week the closing of a deal involving Richmonds 13-building Airport Executive Park.

The 707,809-square-foot property was purchased from Sun Life Financial for $208 million.

The deal dovetailed with the predictions of Avison Young Canada Inc., which forecast last month that demand for the countrys commercial properties will keep surging for much of 2019 amid scarce supply and a 4-decade low in unemployment.

Read more: B.C.s industrial segment rushes headlong into 2019

Industrial buildings and parcels would especially benefit, as nationwide vacancies in the sector are projected to fall to a record low of 2.9%.

The Airport Executive Park deal magnetized multiple interested parties including major domestic and international buyers, according to CBRE, which brokered the deal.

There has been a good job of attracting tenants to that market, its close to the city, CBREs Tony Quattrin told CoStar News. People do tell you, we would like to be in Vancouver but cant find a way.Here you'll find our latest collection of Caledonian-Record reports on the coronavirus outbreak and local response, from the beginning of April. Our January, February and March stories are here: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/our-coronavirus-coverage/collection_5885178c-692e-11eBecome A Subscriber

A subscription opens up access to all our online content, including: our interactive E-Edition, a full archive of modern stories, exclusive and expanded online offerings, photo galleries from Caledonian-Record journalists, video reports from our media partners, extensive international, national and regional reporting by the Associated Press, and a wide variety of feature content.St. Johnsbury, VT (05819)

Today

Overcast with rain showers at times. High 78F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.England's High Court on Tuesday gave Aviva, Britains second largest insurer, approval to transfer around 9 billion pounds in assets to a new Irish company just before the starting gun is fired on Brexit.

The move, timed for 2259 GMT on March 29, is part of a wider withdrawal of business and money by financial companies seeking to keep contracts and policies within the European Union even after Britain departs. Brexit formally takes effect at 2300 GMT on March 29.

London has yet to agree a divorce settlement with the bloc but banks and insurers are shifting hundreds of billions of pounds in assets regardless of the form Brexit takes, reversing decades of European financial market integration and chipping away at the City of London's dominance of it.

The High Court in London approved the transfer of policies after a hearing on Aviva's application last week to move life insurance assets. It had previously secured court approval to move around 1 billion pounds in general insurance assets.

"The current state of extreme and intensifying uncertainty regarding the terms of United Kingdom's departure from the European Union renders the need for certainty of provision all the more pressing," Martin Moore, Aviva's counsel, told the court.

On Friday, NatWest, part of Royal Bank of Scotland, is due to ask a court in Edinburgh to approve its application to move 6 billion pounds in assets and 7 billion pounds in liabilities from Britain to its Dutch hub.

Aviva and NatWest are moving assets under a legal process known as Part VII transfers, taking up to 18 months and now coming to conclusion.

"Insurers have set up their European insurers and have transferred or are transferring their European business," said Ashley Prebble, an insurance partner at Clifford Chance law firm.

"These are not transfers that will be reversed in the event that a transition period is agreed; this is the new environment."

So far, the amount of business being moved is a small part of the UK financial sector, where total premium income was 224.5 billion pounds in 2016, with banking assets totalling 8.1 trillion pounds in 2018, according to TheCityUK.

Consultancy EY has estimated that 800 billion pounds in assets are being moved from Britain to EU hubs ahead of Brexit.

Most of the policies being moved by Aviva were written in branches across Europe, with just 100 million pounds or so of policies written in Britain.

Aviva said it would move an additional 303 million euros in capital to Dublin as part of the transfer of assets, to cover its life insurance policies, and 89 million pounds to cover those for general insurance.

For now, money is moving quicker than jobs. A Reuters survey published earlier this month found only around 2,000 jobs in financial services are expected to be moved or created in other EU cities to deal with Brexit.

But the quiet shift of money means less business will be processed in Britain and less tax will be raised by the country's financial sector, currently the biggest source of corporate tax revenue.

Trading in euro-denominated stocks and bonds, along with clearing in euro repurchase agreements, will move to the continent next month.

The Association of British Insurers said insurers operating from Britain have made 36 Part VII applications representing 20 million contracts, using figures from the Bank of England.

Among banks, Britain's Barclays secured court approval last month to move 190 billion euros in assets to a Dublin subsidiary.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch has transferred $44 billion in assets to its Dublin based subsidiary, while UBS has secured approval to shift 32 billion euros from London to its German unit.

Japan's Nomura said it would re-allocate $300 million in capital from its London-based subsidiary to other members of its group, while Credit Suisse said it had moved $200 million of assets and liabilities to its German unit.

Most of the largest international banks are keeping their asset and capital transfer plans confidential, with JP Morgan , Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Citi all eschewing Part VII applications in favor of repapering contracts client by client.

Aviva was among the last of the big insurers to secure court approval for shifting chunks of life, general, property, casualty and motor insurance policies to EU hubs.

Prudential and AIG were among the first out of the block, the former moving 76 million pounds in assets to Dublin, and the latter shifting 5.6 billion pounds in assets to a Luxembourg hub last year.

Phoenix, a specialist life insurer, will transfer some 18 billion pounds in assets from Britain to Dublin, subject to a hearing in March, representing 582,000 policies.

Lloyd's of London, the world's oldest commercial insurance market, looks set to be among the last and probably the biggest of all, saying it won't complete its coordination of Part VII transfers on behalf of its syndicates until the end of 2020. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ieNearly six out of ten (57%) Irish CEOs are positive about the growth prospects for Irelands economy in the year ahead. This is according to the latest Irish CEO survey carried out by PwC.

The survey was carried out in Autumn 2018 amongst leading CEOs having 235 responses in Ireland (across all industry sectors) and 1,378 globally in 91 countries.

The study finds that 84% of Irish CEOs are confident about their organisations revenue growth in the year ahead and 35% expect 'strong growth.' Sixty three percent of Irish CEOs plan to expand the workforce and is at an all-time high in the history of the survey.

Many of the CEOs believe key growth drivers are areas under their control such as organic growth (70%), launch of new products/services (58%) and operational efficiencies (54%).

According to the survey, top challenges are skills (84% and an all-time high in the history of the survey), cyber threats (79%), geopolitical uncertainties including Brexit (76%), uncertain economic growth (67%), increasing tax burdens (67%) and the future of the Eurozone (66%). Irish CEOs are much more concerned about real estate costs and basic infrastructure compared to global CEOs.

The survey also finds that Irish CEOs are struggling with the data they receive for key business decision making. On average, just 19% say the data they receive is adequate (Global: 23%). There is a huge gap between the data they consider important and the comprehensiveness of the data they receive for a range of critical business disciplines.

Furthermore, Ireland lags global counterparts on many aspects of AI: 64% agree that AI will significantly change the way they do business in the next 5 years (Global: 85%); 46% of Irish CEOs say that AI will have a greater impact on the world than the internet revolution (Global: 62%).

Speaking at the survey launch, Managing Partner at PwC Ireland, Feargal ORourke said, "The survey highlights that the skills challenge is at an all-time high in the history of the survey. Having a pipeline of relevant skills for a digital world is one of the greatest priorities for businesses. Businesses also need to think beyond today to fully grasp the opportunities that emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can deliver."

He added, "Clearly, as reflected in the high concerns about geopolitical risks, Brexit is a key disruptor. With the on-going developments in the UK, businesses still lack clarity on Brexit and the risk of a disorderly exit on 29 March has increased. Irish businesses need to intensify their no-deal contingency planning."

Source: www.businessworld.ieMaking changes to the contentious Irish backstop is the only way to secure a Brexit agreement, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said before Prime Minister Theresa May heads to Brussels on Wednesday to try to salvage her deal.

The key sticking point in Brexit negotiations is the so-called backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return of extensive checks on the sensitive border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.

Hunt called for "a simple and important change" to the backstop, "but one that guarantees the future of the Belfast Good Friday peace agreement," adding: "If we can make that change, we are confident we can get this deal through."

"This is really the only way through the current situation," Hunt said during a question and answer session after giving a speech to the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Berlin.

May makes another trip to Brussels on Wednesday, hoping European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker may prove more yielding than of late to salvage her Brexit deal.

Hunt said the "critical thing" is that the British Attorney, General Geoffrey Cox, needs to be able to change his advice to parliament, which "currently says it is possible, if not likely, that Britain could under the current backstop arrangements be trapped in the customs union for ever against its will."

"That is the issue parliamentarians have difficulty with."

Calling for "generous and far sighted leadership," Hunt said: "We must all do all that we can to ensure that a deal is reached."

Hunt said "a smooth and orderly exit is profoundly necessary," but saw little point in extending negotiations beyond Britain's planned exit from the EU on March 29.

"The issue about an extension is whether that really solves anything," he said. "The last thing people in the UK and Europe want is Brexit paralysis. I think people want to move on." (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ieThe Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman began his India visit in the shadow of one of the worst terror attacks of recent times that saw over 40 CRPF soldiers being killed in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Given the close ties Saudi has with Pakistan, the country that is known to be sheltering the alleged masterminds of the attack, there is a general concern over its possible impact on the bilateral India-Saudi talks.

In an interview with Business Today, Kamel Al-Munajjed, Chairman of the Saudi Indian Business Council, and the head of a 50-member CEO delegation that is accompanying Prince Salman, dismisses such fear. Saudi's stand on terrorism is very clear, so are its plans for bilateral tie-ups on business and economic matters, he says. Al-Munajjed is the Managing Partner of Urjuan Property Developers, which is active in the real estate development and construction in Saudi Arabia, and Director of Span Arabia, a leader in the logistics supply across the Gulf region.

Excerpts:

Business Today: What could be the impact of the terror attack on the India-Saudi bilateral talks?

Kamel Al-Munajjed: The terrorist action happened on Thursday evening, and you know Thursday evening is weekend in Saudi. It was the first time in my life I saw an official Saudi press release coming out at 6 in the morning on Friday (a holiday). It expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation over the terror attack. The Kingdom rejected the cowardly terrorist act and stood by India in its action against terrorism and extremism.

BT: Given Saudi's proximity to Pakistan will this unfortunate incident affect the prospects of better economic cooperation with India?

Al-Munajjed: I don't think anything should be affected because of a small minority whose intent is to harm. We have rejected them totally. Now, if we start rejecting India or rejecting any other country because of this, we are going to be seen as weak. We have to be stronger than them (the extremists) and make our relations with (India) even better. This is my personal opinion.

Also Read: PM Modi breaks protocol to welcome Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

BT: How big is the delegation?

Al-Munajjed: We are around 50 CEOs (of private companies). In addition, the heads of the biggest governmental groups like ARAMCO (Saudi's national petroleum and natural gas company) and the head of SABIC (petrochemical manufacturing giant) are here.

BT: Which are the key focus areas and what are the expected outcomes?

Al-Munajjed: The companies are mostly representing sectors like energy, petrochemicals, food, construction, IT etc. The importance of this visit, in my opinion, the single most important agreement that we are going to sign, will be the establishment of the high cooperation council, which will be headed by the Crown Prince on the Saudi side and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian side.

With this, you are going to have direct contact between the two countries. For Saudi Arabia, this type of high cooperation council exists with only US and China. India is the third country. It shows the importance we give to these countries.

BT: What does this mean for the businesses on both sides? The bilateral investments have not been very high so far?

Al-Munajjed: If you look at the statistics here, they will tell you that there are only 50 Saudi companies and an investment of $80 million in India. But SABIC alone has a research centre in Bangalore, with an investment of $200 million. They have hired 300 Indian engineers there. If this Ratnagiri project (setting up of a green field petrochemicals complex and integrated oil refinery) works out; on the Saudi side it's all approved and ARAMCO has the $12 billion ready, now it is Indian turn. I am sure it will work because it is mutually beneficial. It is our strategy to access external markets, and it satisfies the Indian need for energy security.

We also know there will be a memorandum of understanding signed on National Infrastructure Investment Fund here. Saudi is going to invite Indian companies to participate in the renewable energy development. We are running at around 60 GW in Saudi, we believe we are going to reach 200GW in the next few years, it's going to be huge demand and oil cannot satisfy that and India has proven to be a great place for renewables. There are lot of similarities (in India's and Saudi's vision for economic development).

We have our vision 2030, and India has its vision 2030. We both have a young population, we both have a problem in employment, we both want a clean environment and we both are trying to use technology to create employment. There could be so many joint ventures in the petrochemical sector. You have the knowledge, we have the raw material. So whatever aspects you think of, it's a win-win situation. Even on security and anti-terrorism front, it is a full complementary relationship.

BT: The bilateral trade numbers do not show the same enthusiasm. Why?

Al-Munajjed: Bilateral trade was high when oil price was at $120 (a barrel), now it is $50. This is not important. What you should look at is the composition of the trade. When we reached $45 billion, it was $35 billion of oil and $10 billion of non-oil; out of this $10 billion, $3 billion going to Saudi, and $7 billion to India. I expect that in 2018 we are close to $32 billion, which is a 10 per cent increase in bilateral trade over the last year. The non-oil component of this is almost 30 per cent now. Then there are in-direct exports too.

Officially, the biggest trade partner of India in the Middle East is UAE. Their figures for 2018 were $35 billion. What you fail to see is that UAE is a re-exporter; they get the product, re-pack and send to all of Africa, Iran, and other gulf region. About 40 to 50 per cent of all exports that go to UAE from India are re-exported into gulf countries. And 80 per cent of this 40 per cent goes to Saudi. So if you add the re-export figures of Indian goods, Saudi is the largest trading partner for India in the Middle East.

BT: But why is it happening like this?

Al-Munajjed: Because of historical reasons. We had a complicated system in Saudi Arabia and only in the last 3 years that we have started to liberalise (Saudi economy).

BT: Which are the products that we are talking about?

Al-Munajjed: The main exports of India to Saudi Arabia (export or re-export) are food products, tools, garments, etc.

BT: How robust are the medium term growth prospects in India-Saudi trade?

Al-Munajjed: We are in the $30 billion range now; we need to get back to $50 billion before 2030; that is my opinion. But more than that the composition needs to change. We are going to invite lot of Indian companies to participate in the Saudi growth phase. Today, we have eight new cities coming up from nothing. One of them is NEOM, which will be cradle of technology in the world. It is going to be a 10,000 sq km city. The whole area is going to be only innovation and technology.

We have another city called Red Sea, which will be only for resorts. A third city only for logistics. These are new cities that should create new jobs. We also unveiled a roadmap for industrialisation and infrastructure. We are going to have new airports, new roads and railways. All of this together is going to be a $1 trillion business opportunity in the next 10 years. Given your technology strengths, India will be invited to participate in NEOM for sure.

Similarly, India will be invited to participate in the renewable energy projects and the pharmaceutical projects. Already (Indian infrastructure majors like) L&T and Shapoorji Pallonji have huge projects in Saudi. Today, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is the largest employer of women in Riyadh. They have 1000 women in one location and they say it's going to become 3000 in the next five years.

BT: What will be the focus of India bound investments?

Al-Munajjed: India will play a major role in our food security plans. You cannot own agricultural land, but you can own the processing plants. This will be a very important key area. There is going to be a memorandum of understanding on infrastructure, and I am sure there must be others on defence and security etc.

Also Read: PM Modi-Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meet: 5 major agreements India, Saudi may sign todayLast week, the board of the cash-strapped Jet Airways approved a Bank-Led Provisional Resolution Plan (BLPRP) that entails a debt-to-equity swap. If approved at the extraordinary general meeting that Jet Airways has called for on February 21, the BLPRP will make a consortium of banks led by SBI the largest stakeholders in India's second-largest airline.

The plan contemplates conversion of lenders' debt into 11.4 crore shares, or reportedly a 50.1% stake. Interestingly, Jet Airways said in a recent regulatory filing that the allotment of shares "will be made at an aggregate consideration of Re 1".

So why is the full-service carrier selling a majority stake for such a pittance? As per the RBI's February 2018 revised framework for the resolution of stressed assets, banks are allowed to convert their debt or loans into equity holding in a defaulting company and, as Jet pointed out to the exchanges, when the book value per share of a company is negative, the lenders can convert debt into equity at Re 1.

However, the structure is expected to be temporary, giving the airline time to raise equity from investors, Bloomberg reported. The BLPRP currently estimates a funding gap of Rs 8,500 crore - including proposed repayment of aircraft debt of Rs 1,700 crore - to be bridged through fresh equity infusion, which would alter Jet Airways' shareholding pattern, along with debt restructuring and asset disposals, such as selling aircraft and leasing them back.

Hence, Jet Airways' lenders will reportedly also participate in an equity issuance round beyond the already allotted 11.4 crore shares. The airline has already held talks with its strategic partner Etihad as well as the Tata Group. Then, last month, the airline's promoter Naresh Goyal told SBI that he is ready to invest up to Rs 700 crore in the crisis-hit airline on the condition that he retains a 25% stake post the infusion. He currently owns a 51% stake (as on December 2018).

Also read: Jet Airways share price falls over 2% after HSBC cuts target price citing operational concerns

Sources recently told PTI that Jet Airways is likely to receive fund infusions totalling over Rs 3,000 crore post the debt-rejig. While Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, which currently owns a 24% stake in the domestic carrier, is expected to pump in around Rs 1,400 crore, the government-backed National Investment and Infrastructure Fund is likely to put in Rs 1,400 crore in lieu of a 19% stake in the airline. The bank consortium will reportedly convert debt into equity worth around Rs 600 crore.

Much now depends on the outcome of the EGM tomorrow. In the meantime, Jet Airways has to also contend with its disappointing third quarter results. On Thursday, the airline reported a net loss of Rs 732 crore, its fourth consecutive quarterly loss.

There is a sense of urgency on rescuing Jet Airways given the looming general elections. With 23,000 jobs at stake, the failure of the bailout plan would send airfares spiralling.

Significantly, while Jet Airways reportedly lost money in all but two of the past 11 years, it is not the only airline struggling. InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, last month reported a 75% fall in profit after tax at Rs 190.9 crore in the December quarter. The high fuel prices in 2018 and steep currency depreciation adversely impacted the bottomline of every airline in the country. The high taxes on jet fuel and the very price-sensitive Indian customers only make matters worse for the domestic aviation sector.

In the bargain, 2012 saw Kingfisher Airlines, founded by fugitive tycoon Vijay Mallya, shut shop after defaulting on loans and overdue payments. SpiceJet Ltd came close to collapse two years later but its founders managed to revive the airline. Meanwhile, the Maharajah is saddled with a debt of over Rs 50,000 crore - the national carrier is currently staying afloat on a bailout package extended by the previous UPA regime in 2012.

The foreign players have not been any luckier. The local ventures of Singapore Airlines Ltd and AirAsia Bhd, Vistara and AirAsia India, are both reportedly posting losses.

(Edited by Sushmita Choudhury Agarwal; with PTI inputs)

Also read: Naresh Goyal's exit from Jet Airways key to its survival, says industry expert

Also read: Jet Airways raises Rs 250 crore from advance ticket sales, Jet Privilege20 Feb 2019, 10:28 AM

Good news for government employees! Centre hikes Dearness Allowance by 3%

The Union cabinet on Tuesday increased the dearness allowance (DA) by 3 per cent effective from January 1, 2019, a move that will benefit more than one crore central government employees and pensioners. The decision will cost the exchequer over Rs. 9,000 crore.

Iconic Chanel, Fendi designer Karl Lagerfeld dies at 85

Legendary haute-couture designer Karl Lagerfeld known for his association with global giant Chanel has died. Artistic director and icon of the global fashion industry for more than 50 years, Lagerfeld was 85. After Lagerfeld missed Chanel's January show in Paris, rumours of his ill-health started making the rounds. French celebrity online magazine Purepeople said Lagerfeld died on Tuesday morning after being taken to hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine just outside Paris the night before.

No, Pakistan is not out of financial crisis! Their top bank governor's remark doesn't make sense

Even as a livid India is pulling out all stops to get the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to blacklist Pakistan at the ongoing meet in Paris - a move that spells dire consequences for an already cash-strapped economy - the neighbouring country is optimistic that it has turned a corner.

Positive response from the Indian government for Huawei, says India chief Chen

The Chinese equipment maker Huawei is battling to reverse the ban on its equipment in various countries. After the US, Australia and New Zealand governments ditched Huawei (along with ZTE) from installing its 5G gears fearing possible spying by the Chinese government, there has been a barrage of statements, and clarifications issued by the company to defend its position.

JK Tyre appoints Sanjeev Aggarwal as chief financial officer

JK Tyre and lndustries on Tuesday said it has appointed Sanjeev Aggarwal as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Sanjeev Aggarwal is a Chartered Accountant and has over 27 years of experience in finance and related functions across various sectors in large corporatesThe Jet Airways share price fell in trade today after the brokerage HSBC cut its target price for the airline stock. Jet Airways share price fell 2.79% to 225 level compared to the previous close of 231.45 on the BSE. Jet Airways share has been falling for the last three days and lost 2.21% during the period. Jet Airways share price has lost 69.82% during the last one year and fallen 18.28% since the beginning of this year.

HSBC in note said, "Board approved bank-led resolution plan to restructure debt, convert debt into equity, and infuse capital. This will inject liquidity, but, operationally, a lot needs to be changed to ensure sustainability." The brokerage reduced its target price to Rs 190 from Rs 200 citing operational concerns for the airline. The turnover for the small cap stock stood at Rs 5.36 crore with 2.36 lakh shares being traded on the BSE.

Also read: Naresh Goyal's exit from Jet Airways key to its survival, says industry expert

Post debt rejig and investments by Etihad Airways as well as National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), loss-making Jet Airways is likely to receive fund infusion worth over Rs 3,000 crore while founder Naresh Goyal might remain the promoter with less than half of the existing majority stake of 51 per cent, according to reports last week.

Tracking the positive development, the Jet Airways share price rose 7.55% to 242.85 compared to the previous close of 225.80 on February 15. While the final contours of debt-restructuring and consequent changes are being worked out, an analyst said that Etihad Airways should come as the main driver for Jet Airways as lenders and shareholders would not be able to bring in much value addition.

Also read: Naresh Goyal to lose control of Jet Airways as board clears resolution plan

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, which currently owns 24 per cent in the full service carrier, is a strategic partner and is expected to pump in around Rs 1,400 crore, sources said. On February 14, Jet Airways' board approved a Bank-Led Provisional Resolution Plan (BLPRP), whereby lenders would become the largest shareholders in the airline.

After receiving approval from shareholders, during their meeting scheduled for February 21, part of debt would be converted into 11.4 crore shares at a consideration of Re 1 apiece as per RBI norms.

Later, appropriate interim credit facilities by domestic lenders would be sanctioned to the airline, as per a regulatory filing made on February 14.

The government-backed NIIF, where Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is a key stakeholder, is likely to acquire little over 19 per cent stake in the ailing airline, they added.

They said that NIIF is likely to put in Rs 1,400 crore while lenders, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), are expected to convert debt into equity worth around Rs 600 crore.

Sources also said that Etihad's proposed investments would hike its stake only marginally and that would not trigger the requirement for making an open offer for shareholders of Jet Airways under Sebi regulations.

Together, the fresh funding for the airline would amount to about Rs 3,400 crore and Goyal's stake could reduce to 20 per cent from 51 per cent at present.

Edited by Aseem ThapliyalInstitute of Chartered Accountancy of India (ICAI) is accepting applications for the CA Foundation, Intermediate (IPC), Intermediate and Final Examinations in the month of May. The registration process has started from February 20. The last date for applications is March 12. Candidates can visit the official website of ICAI at icaiexam.icai.org.

The exams will be conducted across 139 exam centres in India as well as five foreign centres.

The CA Foundation course exams will be held on May 10, 12, 14 and 16, while the Intermediate course (IPC) exams under the old scheme will be conducted on May 3, 5, 7, and 9 for Group 1. The exams will be held on May 11, 13 and 15 for Group 2. IPC exams under the new scheme will be conducted on May 3, 5, 7 and 9 for Group 1, while it will be conducted on May 11, 13, 15 and 17 for Group 2.

Final course examinations under the old and the new schemes will be held on May 2, 4, 6 and 8 for Group 1 and on May 10, 12, 14, and 16 for Group 2.

The notification says that candidates can pay the fee online by credit or debit cards, RuPay cards and net banking. However, they will be required to pay an additional Rs 600 towards late fee for Indian and Kathmandu centres, while an amount of $10 must be paid for overseas centres if the application is made online from March 12 and up to March 19, 5:30pm.

Interested candidates can apply for the ICAI CA May Exam 2019 in the following steps:

Visit the official website on your desktop

Click on the login tab

Login with your ID and password if you are a returning user

If you are a new user, click on 'New User' and generate user details

Once logged in, click on the link to register

Fill the required details; upload the required documents, photos and signature

Click on submit and download the form for future reference

Also read: UPSC notification 2019: Registration starts today for IAS, IFS exam; check more details here

Also read: RRB NTPC recruitment 2019: 1.30 lakh vacancies advertised; check detailsTraders in Pakistan have been severely hit after India raised customs duty on the import of all Pakistani goods by over 200 per cent. Reports say, traders, especially those dealing in fresh fruits, cement, and cotton with India, have been affected as the high customs duty has almost put an end to the entire export activity with India. After the Pulwama attack, not only has India tried to stifle Pakistan by courting global support to declare it a terror monger, but the Modi government has also made efforts to cripple its economy by increasing duties on essential products. Pakistan's total exports with India stood at Rs 3,482.3 crore in 2017-18. The ripple effect of the customs duty hike will ultimately affect small traders who are staring a huge financial losses, say experts.

In fact, Indian cement importers have already cancelled orders placed with Pakistani traders. As per Pakistan-based daily Dawn, Indian importers have asked Pakistani cement exporters to recall containers after the customs duty hike. The daily quoted an exporter saying that around "600-800 containers loaded with cement" were stuck at Karachi Port, high seas or at Colombo and Dubai".

The cement traders in Pakistan are ruing over the rising tension between both the countries. Cement demand was at its peak in India after the Modi government announced Rs 5,000 crore rehabilitation projects for flood-hit Kerala.

Also read: 'You pick up a gun, you are dead': Indian Army says terrorists will be killed, blames Pakistan's ISI for Pulwama attack

Pakistan currently exports fruits ($112.8 million per year), cement ($78.3 million), chemicals ($60.4 million), fertilisers ($34.9 million), and leather and allied products to India. However, a larger look at trade activities between India and Pakistan reveals that import and export between India and Pakistan has been declining since 2014-15. Through the Attari-Wagah border alone, India's export has declined significantly from Rs 2,117 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 131 crore in 2018-19. The import, too, has seen a sharp fall from Rs 2,368 crore in 2014-15 to 721 crore in 2018-19. Pakistan allows the imports of as many as 138 items from India through the Wagah border.

Not only import, Indian traders have also stopped exporting their products to Pakistan. Tomato farmers in Petlawad tehsil of Jhabua district of MP have decided to stop tomato export to the neighbouring country. Apart from being an essential commodity, tomato is also a high-profit product for Pakistani traders. Reports suggest tomato exported from India fetch around three times profit in Pakistan. Once a major hub of tomato export to Pakistan, Petlawad's export to the country has declined sharply after the Uri attack in 2016.

Also read: Pulwama Attack: What is MFN? Why it means little in trade with PakistanAsia's biggest air show Aero India-2019 will open on Wednesday at Yelahanka air force station in Bengaluru, showcasing aerospace majors and their technologies and products, which include helicopters, fighter jets and transport aircraft.

The 12th edition of Asia's premier show will be a five-day-long biennial event, exhibiting India's defence prowess will also have aerobatic teams like India's Sarang (ALH-Dhruv) and UK-based Yakovlevs will engross the audience present at the show.

The will also be a platform for aviation companies to forge new alliances and contracts.

61 metal birds, including HAL's indigenous products Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will soar high in the city's skies. On static display will be HAL's Light UtilityHelicopter (PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive CareUnit).

However, the event will be shrouded by the tragic death of an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot from its aerobatic team Surya Kiran during the rehearsal earlier Tuesday. Two British-origin Hawk advanced jet trainers collided and crashed mid air during a rehearsal session.

Also Read: Two Surya Kiran jets collide mid-air during Aero India prep in Bengaluru

Another controversy surrounding this edition of the event were reports that it has been shifted to Uttar Pradesh, leading the state government to lash out at the central government for the alleged move.

According to the Aero India official website, a total of 61 aircraft will be put on display and 403 exhibitors will be a part of the 5 day event.Shares of private sector lender Yes bank surged as much as 3 per cent intra-day on Wednesday after global rating agency Moody's changed the outlook on the bank to stable.

Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) has affirmed Yes Bank foreign currency issuer rating of 'Ba1'. It has also changed the outlook to 'stable' from 'negative'.

Boosted by the development, shares of Yes Bank gained as much as 3.45 per cent to hit an intra-day high of Rs 219.80, before closing at 217.90 levels, up 2.57 per cent, on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

In a similar fashion, stocks of country's fourth largest private lender rose 1.93 per cent to close at Rs 216.95 on the National Stock Exchange.

Moody's has also affirmed the bank's foreign and local currency bank deposit ratings of Ba1/NP, foreign currency senior unsecured MTN program rating of (P)Ba1, and Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) and adjusted BCA of ba2.

Also Read: IL&FS Transportation, IL&FS Engineering shares hit lower circuit after ED raids

The agency said that rating action takes into account recent developments including, the results of the Reserve Bank of India's risk assessment and bank's stable financial performance. Based on this, the agency has assessed that the downside risks to the bank's credit profile have diminished, it said.

On February 13, 2019, Yes Bank announced that the RBI observed no divergence in the bank's asset classification and provisioning. By contrast, in the two fiscal years ended March 2017 and 2016, there was significant divergence in the bank's reported asset quality metrics when compared with the RBI's assessment of asset quality.

In late-January 2019, the bank appointed, Ravneet Gill as its MD and CEO, and completed the leadership transition from the bank's founder and long-time MD and CEO, Rana Kapoor. The leadership transition was at the directive of the RBI in September 2018 to restrict Kapoor's term until 31 January 2019.

For the December quarter, the bank reported a 6.96 per cent decline in its net profit at Rs 1,001.85 crore, compared to Rs 1,076.87 crore in the corresponding quarter of 2017-18. The bank's net interest income grew 41.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 2,666.4 crore.

"The bank's financial performance, including its asset quality, profitability and funding and liquidity position remain stable. Furthermore, its asset quality metrics and profitability are better than similarly rated Indian banks," Moody's said.

However, Yes Bank's high loan concentration to corporate groups increases the risk of volatility in the asset performance, it added.

Edited by Chitranjan KumarFlipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal has invested Rs 650 crore ($92 million) in ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd, which operates cab-hailing application Ola. The investment is not only Bansal's largest individual investment, but also accounts as the largest financing by an individual in Ola to date. Bansal has been an active angel investor, typically writing cheques between $100,000 and $500,000.

The investment comes eight months after Bansal quit Flipkart, considering Walmart picked up 77 per cent stake in the Indian e-commerce company for $16 billion. He co-founded the company over a decade ago with Binny Bansal.

Bansal said,"I am personally thrilled to be part of the Ola journey and I look forward to contributing to their success". The investment, made in Bansal's personal capacity, is part of Ola's larger Series J funding round, providing Bansal Rs 150 crore worth of share issues in January and values the Bengaluru firm at around $6.5 billion.

In January, Ola received Rs 149.99 crore ($21.18 million) as the first part of the Rs 650-crore funding round, according to the company's filing with the Registrar of Companies. Bansal's investment values Ola at almost $5.8 billion, according to TechCircle estimates, a slight upsurge from $5.7 billion, when it raised $74 million (Rs 520 crore) from Steadview Capital last month. The investment is part of Ola's plans to raise about $1 billion in funding. In October last year, the Bengaluru-based company had announced raising $1.1 billion funding from China's Tencent Holdings and SoftBank Group.

"Ola is one of India's most promising consumer businesses that is creating deep impact and lasting value for the ecosystem. On one hand, they have emerged as a global force in the mobility space and on the other, they continue to build deeper for various needs of a billion Indians through their platform, becoming a trusted household name today," Bansal said.

Bansal, along with Aggarwal, had called for policies in the past that protects domestic companies against their global competitors like Amazon and Uber and alleged these firms for "dumping capital" to win customers in India. The 650 crore investment will boost the Bhavish Aggarwal-co-founded firm in its battle against Uber, headquartered in San Francisco, California, that is rapidly gaining popularity and customers in India.Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the Gulf nation's defence minister, arrived in India last night on his first official visit and was welcomed on the tarmac with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's signature bear hug. During his 30-hour visit, the Saudi leader is scheduled to participate in bilateral talks on a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

Here's a look at the key issues that are likely to be discussed:

1. Counter-terrorism, defence and security

Smarting over the February 14 terror attack on CRPF personnel in J&K's Pulwama district, India is expected to strongly raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism with the Crown Prince, officials told PTI. The buzz is that the two countries may issue a strong statement on terrorism.

The Crown Prince's visit follows Modi's successful 2016 visit to Riyadh, during which both sides had inked a pact on the exchange of intelligence related to money laundering, related crimes and terrorism financing along with expanding cooperation across diverse areas like trade and investment. The ongoing visit will likely build on these existing ties.

The two countries are also expected to look at significantly ramping up overall defence cooperation, including having a joint naval exercise, officials told PTI.

2. Energy

Given that India is the world's third largest oil importer and Saudi Arabia is the world's biggest oil exporter, both sides will obviously continue to focus on energy synergies. Although in FY18 Iraq emerged as India's largest oil supplier, Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, remains a key pillar of India's energy security, being a source of 17% or more of crude oil and 32% of India's LPG requirements.

"We hope to transform this buyer-seller relationship in energy to a broad-based partnership," said TS Tirumurti, Secretary, Economic Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs.

According to reports, the bilateral talks will cover Saudi Aramco's investment in refineries in India, including the stalled $44 billion refinery in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Last year, Saudi Aramco, the Kingdom's state-owned oil company, had signed a pact with a consortium of Indian oil companies -- IOC, BPCL and HPCL - to jointly develop and build a mega integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex in Maharashtra. On Monday, giving in to local and political protests, Maharashtra Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis announced that the project will be shifted to another location.

3. Trade and investment

Oil may be the biggest import from Saudi Arabia, but the trade basket includes several other commodities. In fact, the Gulf nation is India's fourth largest trading partner and in 2017-18 alone, bilateral trade was worth $27.48 billion.

Saudi Arabia also ranked 15th in terms of country-wise foreign direct investment in India globally, second after United Arab Emirate among the Arab countries. Riyadh invested $21.55 million worth in joint FDI ventures in paper manufacture, industrial products, cement, metallurgical industries, computer software, etc, in India between 2004 and 2008, and the investment is increasing every year.

Significantly, earlier this month, the Union Cabinet chaired by Modi approved the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Saudi Arabia on establishing a mechanism for investment infrastructure in India. "The MoU will be a step forward in engaging with the institutions of Saudi Arabia to attract a potential investment into the infrastructure sector in the country. It will lead to boosting infrastructure development in the country, creation of more jobs, growth of ancillary industries/sectors which will lead to growth in GDP and overall economic prosperity," read a government statement.

Also read: Mohammed Bin Salman India visit LIVE: PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince to hold talks on defence, trade, terrorism

Let's not forget, back in November, the Crown Prince had announced plans to invest heavily in India through the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. This will help in building highways, ports and other big infrastructure projects in India.

Furthermore, as a precursor to the Saudi leader's India visit, a high-level delegation led by NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant had visited Riyadh last week. The delegation, also including leading Indian CEOs, took part in extensive discussions with the Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnerships (SCISP) as well as ministerial-level representations from 12 Saudi Ministries on possible opportunities of collaboration across sectors like energy, food processing, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, mining, ICT, tourism, defence etc.

"During this workshop, Invest India Grid was launched in Saudi Arabia. Invest India is setting up a dedicated team for facilitating Saudi investments in India," said the government, adding that "six working groups have identified 40 investment, trade and business opportunities with vast potential for expansion".

4. Tourism, housing and information and broadcasting

According to Tirumurti, both sides are also expected to sign MoUs in areas of tourism, housing and information and broadcasting. Tourism, in particular, is seen to be a mutually-beneficial field. In 2015, Indian nations travelling to Saudi Arabia accounted for 6.7% of the country's total share. Similarly, Saudi Arabia is one of the potential tourist generating market for India from Middle East. So the MoU in this area could be instrumental in increasing tourist footfalls for both nations.

5. Politics, security and culture

Last but not the least, India has been identified as one of the eight strategic partners with whom Saudi Arabia intends to deepen partnership in areas of political, security, and culture. "The single most important agreement that we are going to sign, will be the establishment of the high cooperation council which will be headed by the Crown Prince on the Saudi side and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian side. With this, you are going to have direct contact between the two countries. For Saudi Arabia, this type of high cooperation council exists with only US and China. India is the third country. It shows the importance of we give to these countries." Kamel Al-Munajjed, Chairman of the Saudi Indian Business Council, and the head of a 50-member CEO delegation that is accompanying Prince Salman, told Business Today.

"As part of this engagement, we are finalizing the setting up of 'Strategic Partnership Council' between the two countries at ministerial level," said Tirumurti. An announcement in this direction is widely expected before the Crown Prince concludes his visit. "We are confident that this will give greater thrust to our strategic partnership and take forward our discussions in a focussed and action-oriented manner," Tirumurti added.

(Edited by Sushmita Choudhury Agarwal; with PTI inputs)

Also read: PM Modi breaks protocol to welcome Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin SalmanEricsson-RCom case: The Supreme Court on Wednesday held Reliance Communication Chairman Anil Ambani and two more directors guilty of contempt of court in a petition filed by Ericsson India against him over non-payment of dues worth over Rs 550 crore. The other two directors who have been found guilty include Reliance Telecom Chairman Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel Chairperson Chhaya Virani. In its judgement, the Supreme Court said that Anil Ambani and the two directors had to pay Rs 453 crore to Ericsson India in four weeks, failing which they could be jailed for at least three months. The SC also imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore each on them. If they fail to deposit the fine, one-month jail will be awarded, said the Supreme Court.

The other two directors are Reliance Telecom chairman Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel chairperson Chhaya Virani https://t.co/Cy8c6pQTGq - ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019

Visuals from Supreme Court, Delhi: Supreme Court holds Reliance Communication Chairman Anil Ambani and two directors guilty of contempt of court on a contempt plea filed by Ericsson India against him over not clearing its dues of Rs 550 crore. pic.twitter.com/bDS5VoHGRx - ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019

A bench of Justices RF Nariman and Vineet Saran on February 13 had reserved its judgement after Ericsson India alleged the Reliance Group had money to invest in the Rafale jet deal but was showing reluctance in clearing its dues. The charge was vehemently denied by RCom.

Also read: Promoter stake falls below 50% in Anil Ambani's Reliance Capital, Reliance Communications

Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, who appeared for Ericsson India argued that there was wilful disobedience on the part of Anil Ambani and co. of Supreme Court's orders and that contempt action should be initiated against them. Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for RCom counter-argued that no orders of the apex court were violated and hence there was no contempt.

On October 23 last year, the court had asked RCom to clear the dues by December 15, adding that delayed payment would attract an interest of 12 per cent per annum. The plea by Ericsson had sought the court to direct Ambani and the lenders forum to hand over the Rs 550 crore with interest from sale proceeds as per the October 23 order.

Edited by Manoj Sharma

Also read: Anil Ambani knew about Rafale deal in advance; PM helped his friend, says Rahul GandhiSaudi Crown Prince Mohammed-bin Salman arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday evening and was warmly received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport.

Modi hugged the visiting Crown Prince with a hug as soon as he got off his plane.

The Prime Minister and MBS, as the Saudi Crown Prince is also known, will hold bilateral talks tomorrow, during which terrorism is expected to figure prominently, particularly in the backdrop of the Pulwama attack.

India is likely to raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the two countries are expected to sign ties to enhance cooperation in various fields during the "landmark event in high-level bilateral ties".

For more, listen to this podcastBy Emma Rumney and Joe BavierJOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - German carmaker Volkswagen's South African unit expects to produce a record number of vehicles this year despite a sluggish domestic economy, power outages and looming talks with unions, its managing director said.Volkswagen Group South Africa manufactured 126,463 vehicles in 2018, but will ramp up output to 161,900 vehicles this year with 108,000 destined for export, Thomas Schaefer told journalists late on Tuesday. "2018 was the best year in Volkswagen South Africa's existence in many ways," Schaefer said. Boosted by the ...WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal officials have decided to end negotiations with California over the Trump administration's plans to roll back fuel economy rules designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a government official said on Wednesday.California and 19 other states have demanded the Trump administration abandon a proposal made in August to freeze fuel efficiency standards after 2020 and strip California of the ability to impose stricter rules.Detroit automakers have the most at stake. General Motors, Ford Motor Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles generate most of their global profits ...The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option.By Nidhi Verma and Alasdair PalNEW DELHI (Reuters) - Saudi Aramco, the world's top oil exporter, is in talks on possible investments in Indian projects involving companies including Reliance Industries, operator of the world's biggest refining complex, its chief executive said on Wednesday.Major oil producers like Aramco are targeting Asia, where fuel demand is growing, as a stable outlet for their oil, and are splashing out on improvements in refining capacity there.Saudi Aramco and UAE national oil company ADNOC last year teamed up with state run Indian refiners in a plan to build a 1.2 ...Saudi Aramco's Chief Executive Officer Amin Nassar said on Wednesday that the company is in talks with India's Reliance Industries Ltd for possible investments and is seeking other opportunities in the country. Saudi Aramco signed an agreement in April with a consortium of state-owned Indian refiners to participate in a $44 billion refinery project on the country's west coast. "We are looking at additional investment in India so we are in discussions with other companies as well, including Reliance and others," Nasser said in a panel discussion in New ...By Paul Sandle and Kate HoltonLONDON (Reuters) - Britain's competition regulator has dealt a potentially fatal blow to Sainsbury's planned $9.5 billion takeover of Walmart's Asda, saying the supermarket groups are unlikely to be able to address its "extensive" concerns about the deal. Shares in Sainsbury's plunged as much as 17 percent on Wednesday after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said its provisional view was the deal should be blocked, require the sale of a large number of stores, or even one of the brands."Close to the worst possible outcome (for the companies)," said ...By Paul Sandle and Kate HoltonLONDON (Reuters) - Britain's competition regulator has dealt a potentially fatal blow to Sainsbury's planned $9.5 billion takeover of Walmart's Asda, saying it was unlikely the companies would be able to address its "extensive" concerns about the deal. Shares in Sainsbury's plunged as much as 16 percent on Wednesday after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said its provisional view was the deal should be blocked or require the sale of a large number of stores, or even one of the brands."Close to the worst possible outcome (for the companies)," said ...By Iain Withers and Lawrence WhiteLONDON (Reuters) - Lloyds Banking Group shrugged off mounting concerns over Brexit to unveil a 4 billion pound ($5.2 billion) dividend and share buyback bonanza for investors on Wednesday, despite weaker than expected growth in profits for 2018.Britain's biggest mortgage lender posted a 24 percent rise in net profits to 4.4 billion pounds, below expectations of 4.6 billion pounds, according to a company-provided average of analyst forecasts.It pledged to pay a 3.21 pence per share total dividend, up 5 percent, and unveiled a 1.75 billion pound share buyback. ...By Richa NaiduCHICAGO (Reuters) - As Brexit looms, Kellogg Co and Mondelez International Inc are taking measures to protect Britons from a potential shortage of Pringles chips, BelVita biscuits and Milka chocolate.With Britain at risk of leaving the European Union on March 29 without a divorce deal - known as a 'hard' Brexit - several big companies have begun to prepare for the disruption that could ensue.Kellogg is opening new warehouses and stocking up on its snacks and cereals, hoping to mitigate damage from friction at the UK border and tariffs on imports, Chief Executive Steve Cahillane ...MOSCOW (Reuters) - India plans to buy 21 MiG-29 jet fighters and possibly more from Russia, the RIA news agency cited the deputy director of Russia's federal service for military-technical cooperation as saying on Wednesday. The report did not offer a possible time frame for the procurement plans. New Delhi last year agreed a deal with Russia to buy S-400 surface-to-air missile systems despite a warning from the United States that such a purchase could trigger sanctions under U.S. law. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth; editing by Andrew Osborn)(This story has not been edited by Business Standard ...By Carl O'Donnell(Reuters) - Owens & Minor Inc is exploring a sale of the company, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday, as the U.S. medical supplies distributor seeks to recover from a string of disappointing earnings. The Richmond, Virginia-based company's shares tumbled as much as 20 percent on Wednesday, the day after it reported fourth-quarter earnings that missed analysts' expectations amid fierce price competition in its hospital supplies business. Owens & Minor, which has a market capitalization of $420 million, is working with investment banks to explore a sale, said ...(Reuters) - GoDaddy Inc reported fourth-quarter revenue on Wednesday that rose 15.5 percent, as the web hosting company earned more from an expanded customer base.Net income attributable to the company fell to $42.5 million, or 24 cents per share, in the quarter ended Dec. 31, from $92.6 million, or 54 cents per share, a year earlier.Total revenue rose to $695.8 million from $602.2 million. (Reporting by Akanksha Rana in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)By Caroline Humer and Manas Mishra(Reuters) - CVS Health Corp on Wednesday forecast 2019 profit well below Wall Street estimates due to weakness in its pharmacy business that serves long-term care facilities and slower than anticipated growth in drug prices, sending shares down 8 percent.The lowered forecast raised questions on Wall Street about the company's ability to succeed with its $69 billion acquisition of health insurer Aetna, which closed last year.CVS said the rebates, or discounts, that are a pillar of the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) business model, are an issue for 2019 as ...(Reuters) - Bombardier Inc, the Canadian train and plane maker, will deliver a handful of its new flagship Global 7500 business jets to customers in the first half of 2019, with the remaining 10-15 deliveries expected in the second half, its chief financial officer said on Wednesday.The company has forecast 15 to 20 deliveries of the long-range planes, which cost $73 million at list price, in 2019. Deliveries are expected to rise to 35 to 40 aircraft in 2020.Investors and analysts closely watch the schedule of when aircraft are turned over to customers for clues about the company's cash flow ...Two days after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the proposed Nanar oil refinery will be relocated, a Shiv Sena minister has said the project won't be allowed anywhere else in the coastal Konkan region.

Opposition from farmers had prompted Maharashtra to move the location for what would be the country's biggest oil refinery, Fadnavis had announced Monday after the BJP forged an alliance with Shiv Sena for the upcoming elections.

State-run oil companies and Saudi Arabian Oil Company known as Saudi Aramco have teamed up to build the $44 billion (Rs 3 lakh crore) refinery, which is aimed at giving India steady fuel supplies while meeting Saudi Arabia's need to secure regular buyers for its oil.

"We (Sena) won't allow the oil refinery to be set up anywhere in the Konkan region," Minister Ramdas Kadam told reporters here Wednesday.

The announcement by Kadam came after Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in India Tuesday night and is expected to announce investments in energy and infrastructure during the visit.

"Cancellation of the refinery project in Konkan was the first condition that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had put before BJP president Amit Shah and Fadnavis. The project will not take place anywhere in Konkan," the minister said.

"Shiv Sena leader and state industries minister Subhash Desai communicated the party's Nanar refinery-related objections to Fadnavis," Kadam said.

The chief minister assured Desai that a notification cancelling the Nanar refinery project will be issued before the code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls comes into effect, Kadam said.

Nanar village in Ratnagiri district, some 400 km south of Mumbai was to be the site for the world's biggest integrated oil refinery and petrochemicals complex with a capacity to process 60 million tonnnes.

Nearly 14 villages and 850 families were likely to be affected due to the project. Thousands of farmers refused to surrender land, fearing it could damage a region famed for its Alphonso mangoes, vast cashew plantations and fishing hamlets that boast bountiful catches of seafood.

After their protests, land acquisition was stopped for the refinery at the proposed site at Nanar.

The entire Konkan belt is ecologically sensitive and is home to one of a large varieties of flora and fauna apart from animal, bird and reptile species and is tagged as one of the most fragile ecological zones in the world.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Women-driven Bollywood films raking in the money at the box-office has become a trend, says actor Pooja Hegde, hoping that heroines would now start getting paid as much as their male counterparts.

The "Mohenjo Daro" and "Housefull 4" actor says it's very sad to see the way the industry operates in a way that women are putting in equal amount of effort as the men, but do get paid less.

When pay disparity issue was used to be raised, the argument was that the men are bringing the audience in and they are making the money for the producers, according to her.

"But now, if you look at the trend that's going on female-driven films are doing very well," Pooja told PTI, citing "Raazi" and "Veere di wedding" as examples.

"They (female-driven films) are all doing really well. So, I am hoping that now that the women are also pulling in hundred crore films...I think they are going to get paid as much as the men," she said.

"But we need more female producers also to help us out here...something that has to be collective effort (to achieve wage parity)," Pooja added.

Producers have now realised that women-driven films are making money.

"2018 definitely belonged to women, and I am hoping 2019 will also be the same. People are making female-oriented films," she said.

Pooja, who has done Telugu films such as "Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava", "Sakshyam", "Rangasthalam", "Duvvada Jagannadham" and "Oka Laila Kosam", said it was a great experience shooting with Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh for "Housefull 4".

"They are so good at comedy. To learn from them was the best thing and I was like a baby on the set like a newcomer because I have not done this before, it was great," she said.

"It was a good experience (working with Akshay Kumar)...so fit, inspiring to see...comic timing of it, that's something I am learning from him. He (Akshay) is always fun on sets," she said.

Pooja also revealed that she has bagged a Bollywood film, but it is yet to be announced by producers.

She said shooting for Telugu movie "Maharshi" with Mahesh Babu is almost getting done, and it should be ready for release in April.

2018 has been a busy year for her.

"I love being single right now. It's been a crazy year, no time for anything, not even family. It's year of my career, I would say. And I am hoping that this year would be equally crazy," Pooja said.

"God is my godfather. It gets harder and tougher I would say to breakthrough (without godfather) but I think if you are talented, work hard and with a little bit luck, you can reach further," the actress said.

Pooja said her burning ambition is do great films and challenging roles.

"I am learning how to play the guitar. By the end of the year, I really want to be good at playing the guitar, a good guitar player," she added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Bombay High Court Wednesday directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to file an affidavit explaining the reasons for the inaction over rampant noise norms violations in the city.

A bench of Justices A S Oka and A S Gadkari also directed the commissioner to explain in the affidavit the action that he proposes to take against those officers, who failed to act against the violators in the past, despite an existing HC order mandating that prompt action be taken against such people.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Awaaz Foundation about the violation of noise rules.

The police had filed two affidavits in compliance with a previous HC order over noise violations at Girgaum Chowpatty during the immersion of Ganesh idols in September last year, and in Khar during Eid celebrations in November last year.

The affidavit, filed by IPS officer Manjunath Shinge, informed the bench that while in Girgaum, the local police had received 22 complaints, it had taken action in most of the cases.

However, some mandals associated with political parties had continued to use loudspeakers and violate noise norms even beyond midnight.

In case of noise pollution in Khar, the police said in the affidavit, that officials had refrained from taking any strict action, such as confiscating the loudspeakers or music systems, as they anticipated "law and order" problems.

At this, the bench expressed surprise and asked how the police "whose job it was to maintain law and order, could claim helplessness and refrain from taking action in the name of law and order?"



"How can the police express helplessness? It seems apparent that the officer has simply filed the affidavits without giving any reasons for inaction. Why were the violators not booked after complaints were received? We want the police commissioner to explain this," the bench said.

"He shall personally file an affidavit not just giving an explanation but, also informing this court if the action he proposes to take against its own officers who failed to take action," it said.

It has now directed the commissioner to file the affidavit by March 2 this year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday attended a prayer meeting for a CRPF jawan killed in the Pulwama terror attack and he told the grieving family that they understood their pain as their father had also met the same fate.

Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia and Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar were also present at the prayer meeting held at slain CRPF soldier Amit Kumar Kori's residence in Shamli district.

"Congress President @RahulGandhi and General Secretary In charge UP East Smt. @priyankagandhi attend the prayer meeting of martyr Amit Kumar Kori and share their grief with the family," the party said in a tweet.

Rahul and Priyanka paid tributes to the slain soldier. They were also seen consoling the members of the bereaved family.

"In these moments of grief, we are with you... His (Kori's) father told us that he is sad, but at the same time proud (of his son). And I want to say that we are sad, but at the same time we are proud that a family of this country gave love to its son and educated him. The son gave his love, body and heart to the country. We can never forget this thing," Rahul said.

"My sister said that in a way our father (former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi) had also met the same fate. We understand your pain and agony. We are here to sit only for five minutes with you and to tell all of you that we want to share your grief," he added.

The Congress president said India is a country of bravehearts and no power in the world can push it backward.

"From the bottom of our heart and on behalf of the country, I thank you, your son and the entire family," Rahul said.

"This is one country. This is a country for everyone (of us) and this is a country of love and brotherhood. This is the message of India," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Minister Suresh Rana also attended the prayer meeting.

"The Kudana road in Shamli will be named after Amit, and his statue would also be installed to inspire younger generation," he told PTI.

Later, Rahul and Priyanka paid tributes to another CRPF jawan, Pradeep Kumar, who was also killed in the Pulwama attack, at his residence in Shamli.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Among the CRPF personnel killed in the attack, 12 hailed from Uttar Pradesh, including two from Shamli.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India's largest telecom operator Ltd said Wednesday that the auction of 5G spectrum should not be held before 2020 as the industry needs time to develop India-specific use cases for the next-generation technology.

Chief Technology Officer Vishant Vora told reporters that the full integration of the two telecom networks post the mega merger last year is "on track" and expected to be completed by June 2020.

On the globally contentious issue of use of communications equipment of Chinese vendors, Vora said that the Indian government has not taken a position on such deployments, and asserted that the company will comply with the rules of the country.

"Within Indian context, the government has not taken a position unlike some other countries....Australia, New Zealand, and the US...have taken a clear position...Of course, we will follow whatever the Indian government decides and we will work with the government to ensure that India's strategic needs and security are fully looked after," he said.

Last year, Idea and Vodafone completed the merger of their India operations to create the country's largest telecom operator to take on competition from rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. British telecom major Vodafone holds 45.1 stake in the combined entity, while Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Aditya Birla Group controls 26 per cent and Idea shareholders own 28.9 per cent.

"We, at the time of merger, had said it will take three years for completing the integration of the network. We have since then revised that estimate and said we will complete this by June 2020 which is half the time. We are on track for that," Vora said.

Asked whether the company is in favour of auction of radiowaves this year, Vora said that the company has the capability of near-5G services even with its current spectrum holding.

"The 2020 and spectrum issue is different. It is not about us running out of spectrum. It is more related to developing India specific use cases for 5G. And given the current focus on giving high speed broadband services across vast geography of India, we believe industry needs to stay focused on that mission and 5G is something much more suitable that can come after 2020," he said.

ALSO READ: Telecom dept floats Voda-Idea FDI plan Cabinet note ahead of rights issue

Vora added: "The most appropriate time to hold auctions will be somewhere after 2020".

On whether the company would participate in auctions if they were to be held this year, Vora declined to comment.British telecom major Vodafone Wednesday said that it has completed first commercial trials in Madrid and Barcelona to connect 5G smartphones with its network.

The company said its mobile network in Europe is ready to be upgraded to 5G as the operator prepares for 2019 launch in major European cities.

"Vodafone has become the world's first operator to connect 5G smartphones to its live 5G network. Vodafone is preparing to launch 5G in a number of European cities during the second half of 2019," the company said in a statement.

During four week trials using three 5G smartphones, that are planned to be launched this year, Vodafone claimed that it was able to make a seamless 4K video call on its network during the trial, utilising 5G download speeds that will be up to 10 times faster than 4G is today.

Vodafone plans to showcase 5G network delivering 1.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps) download speeds in Barcelona.

Vodafone has already rolled out a 5G network in the city centre of Barcelona.

"During Mobile World Congress, which starts on 25 February, a car will drive around the city streets measuring and reporting the 1.5Gbps speeds that the network is already delivering," the statement said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Chinese handset maker Vivo is strengthening its portfolio in the Rs 20,000-30,000 smartphone segment to drive growth in the hyper-competitive Indian market, a top company official said.

Vivo, which ranks among the top five smartphone players in the country, Wednesday launched its V15 Pro in India featuring a 'pop-up selfie camera' and triple-rear camera priced at Rs 28,990.

"We have seen a strong growth in the Rs 20,000-30,000 segment. It is a category where we can offer great innovation to customers, giving them a holistic package. So, it is an extremely critical segment," Vivo India Director Brand Strategy Nipun Marya said.

He added that the sales volume of Vivo in the Rs 20,000-30,000 segment has grown by 142 per cent in the second half of 2018 from the year-ago period.

Citing GfK data, Marya said Vivo had a 39 per cent volume share in the Rs 20,000-30,000 segment last year. The company now has two devices in the category.

The V15 Pro features 6GB RAM, 128GB internal memory, 6.39-inch screen, 32MP pop-up front camera and 3700 mAh battery. It also includes the in-display fingerprint scanning feature.

According to research firm Counterpoint, Vivo had a 10 per cent market share in 2018, behind Xiaomi (28 per cent) and Samsung (24 per cent).

In December, the company had said it will set up a new manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh, investing Rs 4,000 crore over a period of four years. Vivo expects to generate 5,000 additional jobs in the first phase of expansion.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the extension of Renigunta airport runway here on Wednesday.

Addressing a gathering at the airport, he said once the runway expansion work gets completed international flights can land here.

Besides the one in Renigunta, runways in Rajamundry, Vijayawada and Vishakhapatnam airports in Andhra Pradesh were also being expanded to enable landing of big aircraft, the vice president said.

He also complimented Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu and his predecessor Ashok Gajapathi Raju for their contributions in the development of airports in Andhra Pradesh.

Prabu, through video conference, spoke about several airport expansion works being carried out in the state.

Expressing happiness over the 'Team-India' slogan given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naidu said the parties in powers at the Centre and states must keep their political differences aside to work a team for the all-round development of the country.

He also stressed on the need for public-private partnership to speed up the country's welfare.

After taking part in the programme, Naidu left for his native neighbouring Nellore district by a special train to participate in some local programmes. He would return to Tirupati on February 23 and fly back to New Delhi, and official said.

(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, Wednesday appeared before the (ED) in a case probe, officials said.

He reached the agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:30 AM along with his lawyers, they said.

This is a scheduled appearance of Vadra before the investigating officer (IO) of the case in a criminal complaint related to allegations of to purchase assets abroad.

He had skipped the summons Tuesday, citing bad health.

Vadra has been questioned by the ED in this case for 23 hours over three days of deposition earlier this month.

He has been asked by a Delhi court to cooperate in the probe being conducted by the central probe agency.

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 had 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 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 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 (PMLA).

His first appearance before the ED earlier this month acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on one day while she picked him up after questioning the next time.

Vadra had similarly deposed before the ED twice in Jaipur in another money-laundering case related to an alleged land scam in Bikaner.The Paris News reporter Erin Jusseaume gears up to take part in a simulated exercise during the Paris Fire Department's Hazmat refresher course. TEES trainer Russell Green helps her with getting into the Level A training suit, which also included the oxygen pack and mask.Decks have been cleared for Dr Reddys Laboratories to launch the copycat version of Suboxone, a sublingual film, as the US Supreme Court has turned down UK pharma firm Indivior's plea to stay a lower courts order that paved the way for the launch.

Indivior is in legal battle against the launch of copycat version of its opioid addiction treatment by competitors including Dr Reddy's Laboratories in the US market.

"On February 19, the Supreme Court of the United States denied Indivior's motion to stay issuance of the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit's (CAFC's) mandate vacating the Preliminary Injunction (PI) granted against DRL.

The CAFC subsequently issued the mandate vacating the PI granted against DRL," Indivior said in a regulatory filing.

Following the top Court order, Indivior PLC Wednesday announced that its US affiliate, has launched an authorized generic version of Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) Sublingual Film in the US market.

On Indivior's behalf, Sandoz Inc markets the generic version.

In June last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved Dr Reddys Buprenorphine and Naloxone Sublingual Film, in four strengths including 2 mg/0.5 mg, 4 mg/1 mg, 8 mg/2 mg, and 12 mg/3 mg, for sale in the US market.

The product was launched immediately after approval.

However, sales and commercialisation activities were halted as a result of a court-imposed temporary restraining order against Dr Reddys.

Suboxone had sales of around USD 1.86 billion in the US for the 12 months ended April 2018, according to market reports.

Indivior said any sale of Suboxone generic version sale by Dr Reddys or Alvogen in the US will be on an "at-risk" basis, subject to the outcome of the CAFC appeal of the judgments related to some patent issues, as well as ongoing litigation in the District of New Jersey.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Fentanyl, a highly dangerous painkiller at the heart of the US opioid epidemic, has been overprescribed by doctors, according to a report Tuesday that accused medical authorities and producers of being too lax in their oversight.

The drug is a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more powerful than morphine and which is largely sold on the black market.

But it is prescribed in certain rare cases of cancer under what are supposed to be very tight restrictions, in the form of pills, lozenges or sprays under the tongue. It is supposed to be used only on cancer patients for whom other opioid painkillers have been insufficent.

The report in Journal of the American Medical Association, or JAMA, said that this was not the case, however.

The investigation, carried out by experts from Johns Hopkins University, said that of the thousands of patients who had been prescribed fentanyl, between a third and half of them should never have received the drug.

One doctor in five did not know that fentanyl was only supposed to be used in certain types of cancer cases, the researchers found.

As a result, it has been wrongly prescribed for far less serious conditions like back pain or chronic headaches.

"The drug can kill you," said one of the authors of the report Caleb Alexander, co-director at the Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness at Johns Hopkins.

"There's no question that individuals have died from inappropriate prescribing of these products," he said.

"The whole point of this program was to prevent exactly the use that commonly occurs," he said of fentanyl, which has become the deadliest drug in an epidemic that killed 70,000 people in the United States in 2017.

The team of researchers battled for four and a half years to get 5,000 pages of documents on the fentanyl program from the FDA.

Legally, doctors are allowed to prescribe a drug for an ailment other than the one it is designated for. The role of the FDA is to regulate the laboratories that make the drugs, not the doctors.

But as part of their oversight responsibility, manufacturers "were supposed to monitor and potentially disenroll prescribers who violated the terms of the program. And yet not a single prescriber was identified and disenrolled," said Alexander.

The FDA did not immediately respond to the report, but its head, Scott Gottlieb, promised last August on Twitter to implement "new measures" against the practice.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The top United Nations human rights official has strongly condemned last week's suicide bomb attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir calling on authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Michelle Bachelet is also saddened by the further loss of life from subsequent gun battles in the same area Monday, the spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Rupert Colville said in Geneva Tuesday.

"The High Commissioner strongly condemns the suicide bomb attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February and calls on authorities to bring those responsible to justice," Colville said.

A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed group drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding others.

In a major encounter in Pulwama's Pinglan area Monday, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the February 14 attack, and an Army major were among the seven people killed.

The gun battle took place in Pinglan area, about 12 km from the spot of last week's terror attack. The encounter also claimed the lives of three other Army personnel, officials said. The slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said.

The UN Human Rights chief expressed hope that escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours "will not add further to the insecurity in the region".

In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, Colville said the High Commissioner is also "concerned" by reports from India that "some elements" are using the attack as "justification for threats and potential acts of violence" targeting Kashmiri people living in different parts of India.

In New Delhi, India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday directed officials to ensure protection of innocent Kashmiris living in different parts of the country.

"We acknowledge actions taken by the Indian authorities to tackle these incidents and we hope that the Government will continue to take steps to protect people from all forms of harm that may be directed at them on account of their ethnicity or identity," Colville said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The UK government is "reflecting" on demands for a formal apology for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in April 1919 during the British Raj, a minister told the House of Lords during a debate to mark the centenary of the attack.

During a debate titled 'Amritsar Massacre: Centenary' in the Lower House on Tuesday evening, Baroness Annabel Goldie also confirmed plans to mark 100 years since the tragedy "in the most appropriate and respectful way".

"The government at the time, as we know, roundly condemned the atrocity, but it is the case that no subsequent government have apologised," said Baroness Goldie, who holds the post of government whip and Baroness-in Waiting in the Lords.

"I understand that the reason is that governments have considered that history cannot be rewritten and it is important that we do not get trapped by the past," she said.

However, she made specific reference to oral evidence given by UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in October last year in reference to the centenary being an appropriate time for a formal apology.

She noted: "The Foreign Secretary responded by saying: 'That is a very profound thought; let me reflect on that, but I can understand why that could be a potentially very significant gesture'.

"The Foreign Secretary is currently doing that - reflecting on the situation - and I can say that the views expressed in this debate are certainly noted and will be conveyed back to the department."



Her response came at the end of interventions by a series of peers during the debate, called by Indian-origin peers Lords Raj Loomba and Meghnad Desai, who believe the April 2019 centenary was the right time to "make amends" and offer a formal apology for the atrocities to bring closure.

"It would be appreciated by the millions of South Asians living in the UK, as well as by the people of India," said Loomba, who has written to British Prime Minister Theresa May calling for an apology alongside Desai both members of the Jallianwala Bagh Centenary Commemoration Committee.

Desai, during his intervention, focussed on how the House of Lords at the time had failed to condemn General Dyer's actions in Amritsar.

"The motion, that this House deplores the conduct of the case of General Dyer as unjust to that officer, and as establishing a precedent dangerous to the preservation of order in face of rebellion, which was passed in the end," Desai recalled.

"The view was taken that somehow injustice had been done to a brave officer who was putting down a rebellion," he noted.

Cobra Beer founder Lord Bilimoria reiterated calls for a formal government apology for the "murder" and Amritsar-born businesswoman, Baroness Sandy Verma, referenced her own personal connect with the city during the debate.

"This act of complete disregard - opening fire on innocent people who had no escape routes or an opportunity to voice their protests - is truly a black cloud in British history," she said.

Historical records note that Dyer had fired on a Baisakhi gathering on April 13, 1919, without warning and continued to fire for 10 minutes even as they were trying to escape, while he blocked the main exit with his soldiers and armoured vehicles.

The newly-formed Jallianwala Bagh Centenary Commemoration Committee, made up of several Indians and non-resident Indians (NRIs), is deliberating on plans to commemorate 100 years since the tragic event.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A UK girl of Bangladeshi descent, who fled to join Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria in 2015 and married an Islamist extremist, has been stripped of her British citizenship which the teen said was "unjust".

Shamima Begum, 19, who had expressed the desire to return to the UK with her newborn son, was banned on Tuesday from entering the country.

In a letter dated February 19, UK home secretary Sajid Javid wrote to Begum's family informing them that he had made an order revoking her citizenship.

"Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship," the letter reads.

Begum, who is currently in a Syrian refugee camp, described the move as "unjust".

"I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. It's a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like it's a bit unjust on me and my son," she told ITV News' channel from the camp.

Begum claimed that she was being treated harshly because "I was on the four years ago", saying that she heard of "other people being sent back to Britain".

"I don't know why my case is any different," she added.

She said she was weighing up her options and could try to apply for Dutch citizenship on the basis of the nationality of her ISIS-recruit husband, who is currently in prison.

"Another option I might try with my family is my husband is from Holland and he has family in Holland. Maybe I can ask for citizenship in Holland. If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison," she said.

Under the 1981 British Nationality Act, the UK home secretary has the power to deprive a person of their citizenship if satisfied that it would be "conducive to the public good" and they would not become stateless as a result.

It is believed that because Begum's mother is Bangladeshi, she could apply for citizenship of that country. However, her family's lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, confirmed plans to legally challenge the order because the teenager did not have dual nationality and had never visited Bangladesh.

"We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision Our position is that to all practical purposes she has been made stateless," he said.

A UK Home Office spokesperson said that while it would not comment on individual cases, "any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly".

Addressing the House of Commons on Monday, Javid had revealed that more than 100 people have been barred from entering Britain due to their status as foreigners, or by having their British citizenship stripped if they are dual nationals because they posed a security threat.

"They all supported a terrorist organisation and in doing so they have shown they hate our country and the values we stand for," he said, vowing that where individuals did manage to return, they will be "questioned, investigated and potentially prosecuted".

The government's move to strip Begum of her citizenship has been attacked by the Opposition Labour Party, with shadow home secretary Diane Abbott calling it a failure of the UK's security obligations and breach of human rights law.

"Potential citizenship rights elsewhere are entirely irrelevant. Our fundamental freedoms do not need to be compromised; they are perfectly compatible with our safety," she said.

Meanwhile, an e-petition started last week since Begum's case hit the headlines has attracted nearly 45,000 signatures calling for preventing her return to the UK.

"Shamima Begum has clearly stated she has no regrets, and only wants to return to the UK, as she is pregnant and wants free health care and benefits. Shamima Begum should never be allowed to return to the UK," the petition on Change.Org reads.

In February 2015, Begum was a student of Bethnal Green Academy in east London alongside Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana when the three teenagers became on-the-run jihadi brides - women who choose to marry Islamist extremists to bear them children to carry on the fight.

The girls flew from Gatwick Airport near London to Turkey after telling their parents they were going out for the day and later crossed the border into Syria.

After arriving in Raqqa, Begum recalls staying at a house with other newly-arrived jihadi brides-to-be. The jihadi bride was married off to Yago Riedijk, 27, a Dutch convert to Islam, 10 days after arriving in Raqqa.

In her interview from the refugee camp in Syria, she talked about losing two babies - one to malnutrition and the other to illness - an experience she says was a big shock. With her third pregnancy at its final stages, she said it was her concern for her unborn child that contributed to her decision to leave Baghuz, the last ISIS stronghold.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)British regulators say the proposed supermarkets merger between Sainsbury's and Walmart's Asda unit would push up prices and reduce quality for shoppers, casting doubt on a deal that would create the country's biggest grocery chain.

It also serves as yet another regulatory blow to Walmart at a time when it's trying to overhaul its international business and focus on big growth opportunities overseas. Walmart, which last year bought a $16 billion controlling stake in India's online retailer Flipkart, is now facing tighter rules by the Indian government as it curbs how foreign e-commerce companies operate.

Britain's Competition and Markets Authority, in a preliminary report, said Wednesday it would be "difficult for the companies to address the concerns it has identified" and that a significant number of stores would probably need to be sold before it gains approval.

Stuart McIntosh, chairman of the independent inquiry, says "shoppers could face higher prices, reduced quality and choice, and a poorer overall shopping experience across the UK." Walmart announced last April that it was selling its Asda division to Sainsbury's for 7.3 billion pounds ($8.27 billion).

A Walmart spokesman couldn't be reached immediately.

Walmart, which operates stores under 55 banners in 27 countries outside the U.S., has faced challenges as it tries to import its low-price strategy overseas.

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company gave up in Germany and South Korea in 2006, and it closed 10 percent of its Brazil stores in 2016 as it looked to restructure its operations. In many overseas markets, Walmart has lacked the scale to press local suppliers on price as it does in the United States.

Walmart's international business, which accounts for about 24 percent of its total sales and rang up $120.8 billion in sales for its latest fiscal year ended Jan. 31, has seen choppy sales growth. In the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, its international sales rose 2.3 percent, while its Walmart U.S. division rose 4.1 percent.

But the retailer has been working to respond to the various landscapes and differing consumer behaviors, and teaming up with local partners when it realizes it can't do it solo. In China, where more than 700 million people are online, it has a partnership with Chinese online retailer JD.com.

Walmart's shares slipped 16 cents to $102.04 in early morning trading. Sainsbury's shares fell over 12 percent. It says it will continue to make its case to regulators who "misunderstand how people shop in the U.K. today.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Two Indian-origin entrepreneur brothers in Dubai have announced a financial support of Rs one crore to the families of 40 CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama attack by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Sudhakar Rao and Prabhakar Rao of Dubai-based real estate firm Gemini Group have announced a contribution of AED 500,000 for the families of the martyred soldiers through the Government of India, according to a statement.

The brothers said they will dedicate a portion of their organisation's financial resources as a token of respect for the well-being of the bereaved families.

The incident happened at a time when we are promoting tolerance, peace and harmony in the UAE - a country that is known to be an oasis of peace and stability in the world, Sudhakar said, adding that in this Year of Tolerance, let us pray for greater peace and harmony across the world and join hand to promote peace, so that no soldiers are attacked, no children become fatherless.

Indian Consul General Vipul said welcomed the initiatives by the entrepreneur brothers. "Our security forces keep us safe and secure and it's our duty to support them in all possible ways," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Two Kashmiri shawl vendors have claimed they were beaten up and called "stone pelters" by unidentified men on a train, forcing them to cut short their business trip to Rohtak, officials said Wednesday.

The incident comes amid reports of some Kashmiri people claiming they were being targeted in many parts of the country in the aftermath of the February 14 terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama that left over 40 personnel dead.

"Three Kashmiri shawl vendors boarded the general compartment of a local train from Sarai Rohilla station at around 10.40 am for a business trip to Sampla in Haryana. They claimed they were pushed into a corner and called 'stone pelters'," said Dinesh Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railways).

"When they objected, the accused allegedly abused and slapped two Kashmiri vendors. The attackers said 'you hurl stones there (in Kashmir) and come to earning a livelihood here'. Other passengers also joined in and created a ruckus," the DCP (Railways) said.

Thereafter, the three Kashmiri men de-boarded at Nangloi station, leaving their bags containing shawls and suits worth around Rs 2 lakh in the train, Gupta added.

A case has been registered and the matter is being probed, he said.

The three men said they came to Delhi in December last year and were staying in Sarai Rohilla. They have been coming here for business purposes for the last 10 years.

The three Kashmiri men approached Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat through their local MLA. Karat helped them file a complaint with police.

"The men claimed the attackers told them they were from the armed forces. They said 'you are the ones who killed our men'.

"Around 15-20 other men also joined in and beat the Kashmiri men with belts. The incident took place when they were crossing Mangolpuri. One of the three Kashmiris suffered severe head injuries and another sustained wounds on face," she said.

Police said the attackers were yet to be identified, and it was not clear if they were from the armed forces since they were in plain clothes.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President has said he is looking forward to his second meeting with North Korean leader on February 27 and 28 in Vietnam and wants Pyongyang to end its nuclear programme but is in no rush for it.

The two leaders held their first meeting in Singapore last year, after which the White House said in a statement that Kim "reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

has conducted no further nuclear and missile tests since the June summit, but has made no commitment to surrendering its nuclear arsenal.

Trump Tuesday discussed his trip with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in and told reporters his ultimate goal is denuclearisation of

"I had a great conversation this morning with President Moon of South Korea. We obviously discussed the upcoming trip next week...we're going to Hanoi in Vietnam...I look forward to being with Chairman Kim (Jong-un)..I think a lot of things will come out of it," Trump told reporters about the telephonic conversation.

President Moon and I discussed probably every aspect of the meeting," he said.

"We're in no rush whatsoever, we're going to have our meeting...we'll see what happens and I think ultimately we're going to be very successful," he said.

The White House said the two leaders agreed to remain in close communication following the summit.

In an interaction with reporters, Trump said he would be talking over phone with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Wednesday on the same issue.

"I will be speaking tomorrow (Wednesday) with Prime Minister Abe of Japan. I will be having a similar conversation. So I think, next week is going to be very exciting. It's going to be the second summit," he said, adding his ultimate goal is denuclearisation of

"I think we will see that ultimately. I have no pressing time schedule. A lot of people would like to see it go very quickly from the other side. I really believe that North Korea can be a tremendous economic power. Their location between Russia, China and South Korea is unbelievable," he said.

Trump said that North Korea and chairman Kim have some very positive things in mind.

"We will soon find out. I'm in no rush. There's no testing... If you look at the end of the Obama administration, it was a disaster. What was going on. You don't have that right now. It's a much different feeling. I think people have...there's always danger, but I think people have much different feeling," he said.US President Donald Trump has described as "horrible" the deadly terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pulwama, as his administration offered full support to India to combat terrorism and asked Islamabad to punish anyone responsible for the "heinous act".

The suicide attack on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir has left 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel dead and led to escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be "wonderful" if the two South Asia neighbours get along.

"I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along," Trump said in response to a question.

"That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out," Trump said.

At a separate conference, the State Department said the US has been in close communication with the Indian government "to express not only our condolences but our strong support".

"We're committed to working with the Indian government to combat terrorism in all of its forms," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters at a conference.

"The perpetrator of that heinous act claimed allegiance to the United Nations-designated, Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, and we call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists," Palladino said.

The US has a close, cooperative relationship with India, a security relationship, and that includes counterterrorism operations, he said.

"So we are committed to working with India, the Indian government, and on these counterterrorism efforts, both bilaterally and multilaterally, including at the United Nations," Palladino said in response to a question.

He said the US has been in contact with Pakistan on this issue.

"We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible," he said.

Following the terrorist attack, Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton has supported India's right to self-defence.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Bolton and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders in separate statements have asked Pakistan to immediately take action against the JeM and its leaders and end support to terrorist safe havens.

Meanwhile, US lawmakers continued to strongly condemned the heinous act of terrorism.

"The terror attack targeting Indian soldiers in Kashmir is horrendous and I condemn it in the strongest terms. My prayers and sympathies are with the victims and their families," said Senator Ted Cruz.

So far as many as 20 of the 100 American Senators have issued their support for India in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.

Alyssa Ayres from the Council on Foreign Relations think-tank on Tuesday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who in a speech sought proof for the terrorist attack for them to take action.

Khan on Tuesday said he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack if New Delhi shares "actionable intelligence", but warned against any "revenge" retaliatory action.

"Unfortunately, Pakistan has not taken action against LeT and JeM despite evidence. No one has been brought to justice for the Mumbai attack, Ayres said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Donald Trump on Wednesday called Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discussed their commitment to achieve denuclearisation of North Korea, ahead of the second summit between the US president and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this month, the White House said.

Trump and Kim will meet on February 27 and 28 in Vietnamese capital Hanoi. The two leaders held their first meeting in Singapore last year, after which the White House said in a statement that Kim "reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea has conducted no further nuclear and missile tests since the June summit, but has made no commitment to surrendering its nuclear arsenal.

"The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to achieve the final, fully verified denuclearisation of Korea," and discussed Trump's upcoming summit with Kim in Hanoi, the White House said.

Trump and Abe committed to coordinate "closely in advance" of the US-North Korea summit, it said.

On Tuesday, during an interaction with reporters, Trump said he wants Pyongyang to end its nuclear programme but is in no rush for it.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The TRS would back AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha elections and seek his support for candidates of the ruling party in the remaining 16 seats in Telangana.

The move does not come as a surprise as the TRS or Telangana Rashtra Samiti and AIMIM, who describe each other as "friendly party", worked together in the Assembly elections.

In fact, Owaisi, the three-time Hyderabad Lok Sabha member, had campaigned for TRS in some Assembly segments.

The K Chandrasekhar Rao-led TRS returned to power with 88 seats in the 119-member Assembly. AIMIM had bagged seven seats.

"They (AIMIM) are our friendly party, they have reciprocated to us, they will help us. We will take their help in winning 16 seats and we are not targeting the seat held by Owaisi, Hyderabad, we will extend support," TRS spokesperson Abid Rasool Khan told PTI Wednesday.

Meanwhile, on the defensive after none of the woman aspirants could find cabinet berth in the expansion made by the chief minister on Tuesday, the TRS said there are still six vacancies to be filled.

There was no woman representation in the state cabinet in the first term of the TRS government.

"Our party definitely considers that there should be a woman representative; in the coming expansion, there would be woman representation for an important portfolio," Khan said.

On chief minister's nephew T Harish Rao and son K T Rama Rao not being included in the cabinet expansion, he said the party has the task of winning 16 Lok Sabha seats in the state, which has a total of 17 constituencies.

"At this time, their services are required for the party... campaigning throughout the state. So, I think, the chief minister has not burdened them with task of handling another ministry. Their services (for the party) would be invaluable", he said.

Harish Rao and Rama Rao held key portfolios in the first term of the KCR government.

Rama Rao was appointed TRS working president, a day after Chandrasekhar Rao assumed charge as the chief minister for the second consecutive term on December 13.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Tripura Wedneday received its first major investment after the BJP-led government came to power last year, with the inauguration of a Rs 85 crore food park that is expected to generate employment for around 30,000 people, officials said.

The food park is the 18th of its kind in the country and has been set up at Tulakona, about 10 km from the state capital.

Inaugurating the food park, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Union Minister of State for Food processing Industries, said it would provide excellent infrastructural facilities for food processing and allied industries along with the value chain from the farm market and centralised processing centres.

The park has been set up by Kolkata-based Sikaria Mega Food Park Private Ltd.

She said in 2011, the Centre had given permission to open this Mega Food Park in Tripura, but the previous Left Front government did not take any initiative to open it.

"The previous government did not take any step to improve the industry in the state," Jyoti alleged.

"During the UPA government regime, only two food parks were operating in the country. After the NDA government led by Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, he pledged that he would set up 40 Mega Food Parks in India.

"Now, we have 17 Food parks and with the inauguration of this one the number of food parks rose to 18 this year. We have set a target of setting up 22 new food parks in the country," she said.

However, she did not mention the time frame for setting up of the 22 new food parks.

The Tripura Mega Food Park has been set up on 50 acres provided by the Tripura Industrial development corporation Ltd.

Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, who also participated at the inauguration event, said the food park would help solve unemployment problem to some extent.

This project would generate fresh direct and indirect employment of about 30,000 people in the state in the primary field of food processing, agriculture, agro processing and the post-harvest agri infrastructure," Deb said.

He said the Mega Food Park project is proposed to house over 35 food processing units with fresh capital investment of around Rs 250-350 crore in the food processing sector in Tripura.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Transfer orders of public servants are incidental to service and such movements on administrative grounds are made for an effective and efficient public administration, the Madras High Court said to a petitioner on Wednesday.

The high court dismissed a plea by a woman sub-inspector (SI) of police who challenged her transfer order last year.

Upholding the April 5, 2018, order of the Chennai Joint Commissioner of Police transferring SI R Anitha from one city all-woman station to another, Justice S M Subramaniam said that "transfer was incidental to service, more so, a condition of service".

"A public servant is supposed to serve wherever he or she is posted in the interest of public and for the welfare of the public administration," the judge said.

He said public servants enjoyed a status in the society and by virtue of that status they were bound to maintain integrity, honesty and devotion of duty towards the public.

Noting that the woman SI had been working in Chennai since 2012, he expressed surprise at how the superior officers allowed SIs to serve in the same city for such long time.

If public servants, more specifically uniformed personnel, were allowed to work in a same station for more number of years, they will develop a sort of familiarity in the locality and it may lead to several other problems, including the maintenance of the police force by the superior officials, the judge said in his order.

Hence, administrative transfers were issued uniformly and by adopting a consistent principle.

The employees were at liberty to challenge transfer order only if it was out of personal vengeance of officials or based on extraneous considerations, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A trader was shot dead by unidentified miscreants in North 24 Parganas district early Wednesday, police said.

Barrackpore Police Commissionerate sources said Sukhendu Kahar, a seller of chicken at a local market, was shot at from point blank range by two men who barged into his house at Belgharia, in the northern outskirts of the city, at around 1.30 am.

Kahar's wife and other family members were threatened at gunpoint and beaten up when they tried to resist.

Kahar was declared brought dead by doctors when he was rushed to R G Kar Hospital, sources said.

Local CPI(M) MLA Manas Mukherjee visited the spot and demanded immediate arrest of the assailants.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Three MPs resigned from British Prime Minister Theresa May's ruling Conservative party on Wednesday over what they described as a "shift to the right" on issues such as Brexit.

Anti-Brexiteers Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen wrote to May, informing her of their decision just hours before she heads to Brussels to seek concessions from the EU on a withdrawal agreement to get it passed through Parliament before the March 29 deadline.

May, who is now left with an even shakier majority in the House of Commons than before, said she was "saddened" by her colleagues' move but insisted the government was on the right track as she made her appearance for the weekly Prime Minister's Questions in Parliament.

The three MPs, who will now join the breakaway Independent Group created by seven Opposition Labour MPs who had resigned earlier this week, said Brexit has "re-defined the Conservative Party - undoing all the efforts to modernise it" and there had been a "shift to the right".

"Brexit has re-defined the Conservative party undoing all the efforts to modernise it. There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hardline ERG (European Research Group), which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy," the MPs said in their letter, in reference to the hardline Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg led ERG group within the Tories.

"The country deserves better. We believe there is a failure of in general, not just in the Conservative party but in both main parties as they move to the fringes, leaving millions of people with no representation. Our needs urgent and radical reform and we are determined to play our part," the letter adds.

Soubry is a former government minister as part of former British Prime Minister David Cameron's Cabinet, while Wollaston is Chair of the Commons Health and Social Care Committee. Allen was elected to Parliament in 2015 and has been an outspoken MP since.

"I am saddened by this decision these are people who have given dedicated service to our party over many years, and I thank them for it," May said in her statement in response to the spate of resignations.

She admitted that the UK's membership of the EU has been a source of disagreement in the party, adding that by implementing the decision of the British people, she is doing the "right thing" for the country.

The new splinter group calling itself the Independent Group was created on Monday by seven former Labour MPs Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Mike Gapes, Gavin Shuker and Ann Coffey with an eighth Labour MP Joan Ryan joining the ranks on Tuesday.

It would now seem like the group is gaining some momentum as the members move away from their party benches to sit independently in the Commons.

The common factor uniting different sides of the political divide in the form of the new splinter group is the contours of Britain's exit from the EU, with some demanding a second referendum to let the British public have another say and others unhappy with the deal on the table.

May will seek to revisit the withdrawal agreement during her meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who has repeatedly ruled out the reopening of the draft agreement reached at the end of last year.

Unless both sides are able to strike an amicable deal on Britain's exit that can pass through the UK Parliament in time for the March 29 deadline, the UK is set to crash out in a chaotic no-deal Brexit with no arrangements in place.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Terrorism and extremism are "common concerns" and Saudi Arabia will extend all cooperation to India and other neighbouring countries to deal with them, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman said on Wednesday after holding "extensive and successful" talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The talks took place a day after the influential Arab leader concluded a high profile visit to Islamabad, and in the backdrop of India's escalating tension with Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed by a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber.

In his media statement, Modi called the attack a "cruel symbol" of the scourge of terrorism and sought punishment for the terrorists and their backers. The crown prince did not mention the strike.

"Last week's barbaric Pulwama attack was a symbol of the shadow of the inhuman danger hovering over the world. To deal with the scourge, we have agreed that there was a need to ramp up pressure on countries extending any sort of support to terrorism," Modi said, without naming Pakistan.

He said dismantling terror infrastructure, eliminating support to terrorism and punishing terrorists and their supporters are very necessary.

The two sides inked five pacts to expand cooperation in a range of areas, including trade and investment.

The crown prince, in his media statement, described terrorism and extremism as common concerns and said his country will extend support to India and other neighbouring countries to deal with the challenge.

"As far as terrorism and extremism are concerned -- which are common concerns -- I want to tell India that we will extend all cooperation to you -- be it intelligence sharing...not only with India but also with the neighbouring countries," he said.

"We will work together so that we can ensure a bright future for the generations to come," he added.

In his address, Modi also called for a strong action plan for combating extremism and so the powers spreading violence and terror cannot mislead the youth.

Modi termed the talks "extensive and successful".

The crown prince arrived here on a less than 30-hour visit Tuesday night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

In a special gesture, Modi received Salman at the airport here, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the Gulf nation.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime, at a time India is stepping up efforts to brand the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

The joint statement said the Saudi crown prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, the crown prince talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding the ties further.

"The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is in our DNA....Today, we want to be ensured that the relationship is maintained and improved for sake of both the countries and with the leadership of Mr President and the Prime Minister, we can create good things for both the countries," he told reporters.

He also talked about the contribution of lakhs of Indians in the overall development of Saudi Arabia.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 pm on Wednesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Terrorism and extremism are "common concerns" and Saudi Arabia will extend all cooperation to India and other countries in the region to deal with them, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday after holding extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

While the two leaders in their respective press statements after their meeting did not mention Pakistan, top officials in the Ministry of External Affairs later said Pakistan's complicity in the Pulwama terror strike was underlined during their parleys where they also condemned the terrorist attack by the Pakistan-based JeM in "strongest" possible terms.

The meeting took place two days after the influential Arab leader concluded a high profile visit to Islamabad, and in the backdrop of escalating tension between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed by a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber.

In his statement, Modi called the attack a "cruel symbol" of the scourge of terrorism and sought punishment for terrorists and their backers. The crown prince, however, did not mention the Pulwama strike in his remarks.

Asserting that a close contact between people of Saudi and India was a "living bridge" for the two countries, Modi also welcomed the Crown Prince's announcement of potential investment of USD 100 billion in India in areas like energy, refining, petro-chemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing etc.

Briefing reporters on the Saudi Crown Prince's visit and issues discussed during his meeting with Modi, T S Tirumurti, Secretary (ER) in Ministry of External Affairs said they also underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of not just terror organisations, but also terrorists by the United Nations, in an apparent reference to New Delhi's demand for JeM head Massod Azhar's listing by the global body.

The reference to the listing issue assumes significance as in a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime, at a time India is stepping up efforts to brand the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

In an interview to PTI, Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir on Wednesday said any terrorist or anyone who supports and finances terrorism must be proscribed by the United Nations. He rejected suggestions that Riyadh was opposed to India's efforts to get Azhar banned by the global body.

Modi and the Crown Prince during their talks also called for concerted action by the international community against terrorism and early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, Tirumurti said.

He said the Crown Prince lauded Modi for the "consistent efforts" made by him since May 2014, including Modi's personal initiatives, to have friendly relations with Pakistan. "In this context, both sides agreed on the need for creation of conditions necessary resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan," Tirumurti said.

Referring to Pulwama attack, Modi said,



"last week's barbaric Pulwama attack was a symbol of the shadow of the inhuman danger hovering over the world. To deal with the scourge, we have agreed that there was a need to ramp up pressure on countries extending any sort of support to terrorism."



He said dismantling terror infrastructure, eliminating support to terrorism and punishing terrorists and their supporters are very necessary, adding that the two countries have also agreed to establish a biennial summit and a strategic partnership council.

On his part, the Crown Prince said,"As far as terrorism and extremism are concerned -- which are common concerns -- I want to tell India that we will extend all cooperation to you -- be it intelligence sharing...not only with India but also with countries around us."



"We will work together so that we can ensure a bright future for the generations to come," he added.

On the Saudi-Pakistan statement calling for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime, Tirumurti said the Saudi side agreed that "comprehensive sanctioning not only of terror organisations, but also the terrorists by the UN".

"So, it is both because we have had a couple of anomalies and that is why it was important for us to emphasise the fact that it is not just the terrorist organisation, it is also important that terrorists in that organisation are sanctioned," he said.

"The two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian forces in Pulwama in J&K. They expressed strong condemnation of terrorism, and all its forms and manifestations," he said.

They also called on states to reject the use of terrorism against each other, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, cut of any kind of support and financing for terrorists from all territories against other states, and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice, he said.

Both leaders also called upon all countries to reject the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy and deny access to weapons to commit terrorist acts against other countries, he added.

To enhance further cooperation in counter terrorism efforts and benefit mutually from real-time intelligence sharing, the two leaders agreed to constitute a comprehensive security dialogue at the level of national security advisors and set up a joint working group on counter terrorism.

The two sides also inked five pacts to expand cooperation in a range of areas, including trade and investment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The BJP will return to power if workers at booth-level work hard and appraise people about the various welfare schemes of the Narendra Modi government, leaders said in a meeting of the saffron party's Delhi unit on Wednesday.

The meeting held at the Delhi BJP's office was attended by MLAs, party office bearers, district presidents, office bearers of frontal organisations and councillors among others.

"We have to take these welfare schemes of the Central government to the booth level so that Narendra Modi is elected prime minister again and the country becomes world leader," BJP national organisation secretary Ramlal said.

The party's co-incharge of parliamentary elections in Delhi Jai Bhan Pawaiya said the BJP is in a "strong position" and if the party workers made efforts and ensured cooperation and coordination, it will certainly win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the Delhi Assembly polls in 2020.

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari compared party workers and leaders as Hanuman, and assured to work like the Ramayan's Jamwant to ensure that the party wins coming elections in Delhi.

He also hit out at the Kejriwal government in Delhi, accusing it of having "failed" to do anything for people in the national capital.

The party leaders also paid homage to the CRPF personnel slain in the Pulwama terror attack and said a befitting reply will be given to Pakistan for "supporting" terrorism.

"The time for avenging the death of our jawans depends on prime minister and he will take appropriate action," Pawaiya said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Paris court on Wednesday fined Swiss banking giant UBS 3.7 billion euros (USD 4.2 billion) in a tax fraud case, a record for such a case in France.

The bank was convicted of illegally helping French clients to hide billions of euros from French tax authorities.

The trial opened last autumn after seven years of investigations, launched when former employees came forward with claims of unlawful conduct.

This came as authorities across Europe cracked down on tax evasion and dubious banking practices in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis.

In the UBS case, French authorities determined that more than 10 billion euros had been kept from the eyes of their tax officials between 2004 and 2012. The fine was in keeping with that demanded by the National Financial Prosecutor's office.

UBS's French subsidiary was also fined 15 million euros for complicity.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met Saudia Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and discussed ways to add further momentum to the strategic ties between the two nations besides deepening engagement in the areas of trade and investment.

The crown prince arrived here on Tuesday night on a less than 30-hour visit. In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him at airport.

After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the powerful Saudi leader talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding ties further.

"The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is in our DNA....Today, we want to be ensured that the relationship is maintained and improved for sake of both the countries and with the leadership of Mr President and the Prime Minister, we can create good things for both the countries," he told reporters.

The Saudi crown prince also talked about the contribution of lakhs of Indians in the overall development of Saudi Arabia.

He arrived here a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

After the meeting between Salman and Swaraj, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said ways to expand strategic dimension of the ties were discussed.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on HRH Crown Prince of #SaudiArabia Mohammed Bin Salman. Discussed adding momentum to strategic dimension of our relationship in various fields - from trade & investment to defence & security, and regional cooperation," the spokesperson tweeted.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 pm on Wednesday.

His visit comes in the backdrop of escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in which 40 CRPF were killed.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

The joint statement said the Saudi crown prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

Saudi Arabia is also a key pillar of India's energy security, being a source of 17 per cent or more of crude oil and 32 per cent of LPG requirements of India.

Recently, Saudi ARAMCO in partnership with ADNOC of UAE has agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd which is a joint venture of USD 44 billion.

The Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and HPCL.

The crown prince is expected to travel to China from India.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The country's sugar production rose 8.07 per cent to 21.93 million tonnes (MT) till February 15 in the ongoing marketing year 2018-19 from the year-ago period, industry body ISMA said Wednesday.

However, the overall sugar output is pegged lower at 30.7 MT for the current marketing year (October-September) compared to 32.5 MT during 2017-18, it added.

According to the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), the recent hike in minimum selling price of sugar by Rs 2 per kg to Rs 31 will "generate additional revenue for the sugar mills and help them in payment of cane price arrears."



Cane arrears have touched over Rs 20,000 crore this year and the government raised the minimum selling price of sugar to improve the liquidity of cash-starved mills and enable them to clear the mounting cane dues.

Sharing the production update, ISMA said mills have manufactured 21.93 MT of sugar till February 15, higher than 20.35 MT in the year-ago period.

"Higher production this year is mainly because Maharashtra and Karnataka sugar mills started their crushing earlier this year. Overall, the country is expected to produce less sugar this season as compared to last season," it said.

Sugar production in Maharashtra, the country's leading producing state, rose to 8.29 MT from 7.47 MT, while the output in Uttar Pradesh, the second largest producer, was slightly lower at 6.39 MT from 6.45 MT in the said period.

Sugar output in Uttar Pradesh is likely to be lower than the last year because the cane yield per hectare is lower, ISMA said.

Sugar output in Karnataka, the country's third biggest producer, increased to 3.87 MT till February 15 from 3.07 MT.

The output in Tamil Nadu has increased to 3,50,000 tonnes from 2,90,000 tonnes, while in Gujarat to 7,78,000 tonnes from 7,25,000 tonnes.

India is the second largest sugar producer after Brazil. Its annual consumption is around 26 MT.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Strides Pharma Science Wednesday said its step-down wholly-owned subsidiary has received approval from the US health regulator for Ethosuximide Softgel capsules, an anti-epileptic medication.

The approved product is a generic version of Zarontin Capsules, 250 mg, of Pfizer.

"Strides Pharma Global, Singapore, has received approval for Ethosuximide Softgel Capsules USP, 250 mg, from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)," Strides Pharma Science said in a BSE filing.

The product was approved in the first review cycle by the USFDA in less than 10 months of filing.

Citing IQVIA data, the company said the US market for Ethosuximide Softgel Capsules USP, 250 mg, is approximately USD 10 million.

Strides said Ethosuximide Softgel capsules are part of its niche and small volume product portfolio with limited competition in the US market.

"As part of its portfolio maximisation strategy, Strides will also commercialise the product in other geographies, leveraging its vast footprint in other regulated markets," the company added.

The company's stock was trading 0.46 per cent higher at Rs 404.75 apiece on the BSE.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The smaller 'bluestones' used to build the Stonehenge were quarried 5,000 years ago and transported over land from almost 290 kilometres away, according to scientists who have pinpointed the exact sources of the stones.

Geologists have long known that 42 of Stonehenge's smaller stones, known as 'bluestones', came from the Preseli hills in Pembrokeshire, west Wales.

A study, published in the journal Antiquity, pinpoints the exact locations of two of these quarries, and reveals when and how the stones were quarried.

"What's really exciting about these discoveries is that they take us a step closer to unlocking Stonehenge's greatest mystery -- why its stones came from so far away," said Mike Parker Pearson, a professor at University College London in the UK.

"Every other Neolithic monument in Europe was built of megaliths brought from no more than 10 miles (16 kilometres) away," Parker Pearson said.

"We're now looking to find out just what was so special about the Preseli hills 5,000 years ago, and whether there were any important stone circles here, built before the bluestones were moved to Stonehenge," Parker Pearson said.

The largest quarry was found almost 290 kilometres away from Stonehenge on the outcrop of Carn Goedog, on the north slope of the Preseli hills.

"This was the dominant source of Stonehenge's spotted dolerite, so-called because it has white spots in the igneous blue rock. At least five of Stonehenge's bluestones, and probably more, came from Carn Goedog," said Richard Bevins, a geologist at National Museum of Wales.

In the valley below Carn Goedog, another outcrop at Craig Rhos-y-felin was identified by researchers as the source of one of the types of rhyolite -- another type of igneous rock -- found at Stonehenge.

According to the new study, the bluestone outcrops are formed of natural, vertical pillars. These could be eased off the rock face by opening up the vertical joints between each pillar.

Unlike stone quarries in ancient Egypt, where obelisks were carved out of the solid rock, the Welsh quarries were easier to exploit.

Neolithic quarry workers needed only to insert wedges into the ready-made joints between pillars, then lower each pillar to the foot of the outcrop.

Although most of their equipment is likely to have consisted of perishable ropes and wooden wedges, mallets and levers, they left behind other tools such as hammer stones and stone wedges.

"The stone wedges are made of imported mudstone, much softer than the hard dolerite pillars," said Parker Pearson.

Archaeological excavations at the foot of both outcrops uncovered the remains of human-made stone and earth platforms, with each platform's outer edge terminating in a vertical drop of about a metre.

"Bluestone pillars could be eased down onto this platform, which acted as a loading bay for lowering them onto wooden sledges before dragging them away," said Colin Richards from University of the Highlands and Islands in the UK, who has excavated Britain's only other identified megalith quarry in the Orkney islands, off the north coast of Scotland.

In the soft sediment of a hollowed-out track leading from the loading bay at Craig Rhos-y-felin, and on the artificial platform at Carn Goedog, the team recovered pieces of charcoal dating to around 3000 BC.

The team now thinks that Stonehenge was initially a circle of rough, unworked bluestone pillars set in pits known as the Aubrey Holes, near Stonehenge, and that the sandstone blocks were added some 500 years later.

The new discoveries also cast doubt on a popular theory that the bluestones were transported by sea to Stonehenge.

"Some people think that the bluestones were taken southwards to Milford Haven and placed on rafts or slung between boats and then paddled up the Bristol Channel and along the Bristol Avon towards Salisbury Plain," said Kate Welham, from Bournemouth University in the UK.

"However, these quarries are on the north side of the Preseli hills so the megaliths could have simply gone overland all the way to Salisbury Plain," said Welham.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Ministry of Steel Wednesday extended till April 17 the deadline for mandatory use of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified high-grade steel in automobile manufacturing.

Automobile manufacturers in India have been importing high-grade steel and had pressed the government to extend the deadline for using Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified high-grade steel beyond February 17.

According to auto manufacturers, they are facing difficulty in sourcing high-grade steel from domestic companies while foreign suppliers have expressed reluctance to seek BIS certification due to very low volumes.

In a notification on Wednesday, the steel ministry said, "in pursuance to the enforcement of steel and steel products quality control order dated August 13, 2018, the Ministry of Steel informs that all grades available in Indian standards IS 4454 (Part-1): 2001, IS 4454 (Part II): 2001, IS 11169 (Part-I): 1984 and IS 6603: 2001, IS 6527: 1995 and IS 6528: 1995 shall remain outside the purview of the quality control order till April 17, 2019."



To promote local manufacturing, the steel ministry in June 2018 mandated BIS certification for the commodity to be sold in India. This included both for domestically produced and imported steel.

For the domestic auto industry, December 17, 2018 was set as the deadline to meet the norm.

Following the concerns raised by the auto makers, the government in December 2018 extended the deadline for automobile makers till February 17.

The automobile manufacturers had sought a year's time, expressing their inability to source high grade steel locally soon citing inconsistent quality.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday described South Korea as an important partner for India's key initiatives such as 'Make in India', and said as fellow democracies the two nations share values and vision for regional and global peace.

Modi is leaving for South Korea this evening on the invitation of President Moon Jae-in. This will be his second visit to the Republic of Korea and second summit meeting with President Moon.

In his departure statement, he said his visit is reflective of the importance "we both attach to our relationship".

"We regard the Republic of Korea as a valued friend, a nation with which we have a Special Strategic Partnership. As fellow democracies, India and the ROK have shared values and a shared vision for regional and global peace," the prime minister said.

As fellow market economies, our needs and strengths are complementary. South Korea is an important partner for our 'Make in India' initiative as well as in our 'Start Up India' and 'Clean India' initiatives, Modi pointed out.

He said collaboration between the two in the field of science and technology is encouraging, with joint research ranging from basic to advanced sciences.

"Our people to people ties and exchanges, as always, provide the bedrock of our ties of friendship. We were touched by President Moon's decision to send the First Lady as his special representative at the 'Deepotsav' Festival held in Ayodhya last November," he said.

The "growing depth and variety" in the relationship of the two countries has been accentuated by the harmony between New Delhi's Act East Policy and South Korea's New Southern Policy.

"Working together, we are determined to take our relationship forward as a 'future oriented partnership for People, Prosperity and Peace'," the prime minister said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne said on Wednesday he wanted his players to continue playing with a smile on their faces as they seek to become the first Asian team to win a Test series in South Africa.

Sri Lanka go into the second Test at St George's Park on Thursday with an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the two-match series after their sensational, Kusal Perera-inspired one-wicket win in the first Test in Port Elizabeth.

"We came here to win matches," said Karunaratne, who was handed the captaincy after Dinesh Chandimal was axed after losing a series in Australia last month.

"I just want to make sure the boys give their maximum each day." Karunaratne said enjoyment was a key factor.

"We have to keep our heads clear and play positively," he said.

"We want to enjoy ourselves. You will see with our boys when they are playing they are smiling and cheering each other. If you are enjoying yourself you will play well."



The Sri Lankan captain said conditions in Durban and those expected in Port Elizabeth were "much easier" than those in Australia, where they played on fast, bouncy pitches.

Although Sri Lanka were beaten by 206 runs on their previous appearance in Port Elizabeth two seasons ago, Karunaratne said they had played well enough to go into Thursday's match with confidence.

South African captain Faf du Plessis said his players were "highly motivated" to square the series.

"We were in control for most of the (first) Test, then something brilliant took it away from us," he said of Perera's match-winning innings.

"The disappointing thing with a short series is that you only play two matches so for us it is making sure we square up the series."



The pitch had a good covering of grass but Du Plessis said he expected a "normal" St George's Park pitch.

"It looks pretty similar to what we played on against Australia and Sri Lanka in our last two Test matches. Hopefully there will be some assistance for our seamers. We are not expecting a lot of pace and bounce so we're just hoping there will be decent carry."



Du Plessis admitted that Sri Lanka's inexperienced bowlers, notably Vishwa Fernando and Lasith Embuldeniya, had brought "an element of the unknown and a surprise factor" to the touring team's attack.

"There has already been a bit of chat to make sure we play the new guys better," he said.

Du Plessis hinted that all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who turned 21 on Tuesday, could make his Test debut in place of the injured Vernon Philander.

"I see a role for him for the Proteas moving forward as a batting all-rounder, batting at number six or seven and bowling those extra ten overs that you need.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Seven Kashmiri students have been suspended by Roorkee-based Quantum Global University for their alleged anti-national posts on social media, a university official said.

The action was taken on Tuesday after around 450 students gathered on the campus demanding their expulsion for allegedly posting anti-national slogans on Facebook and Instagram, Registrar of the University RK Khare said.

The protesting students threatened to leave the institute if the Kashmiri students were not expelled, he said.

"We had to suspend the Kashmiri students to pacify the protesting students and stop them from leaving," he said.

He said the matter is under investigation and stern action will be taken against those found guilty.

Quantum Global University is a private university based in Bhagwanpur area of Roorkee in Haridwar district.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Senior IAS officer Farooq Ahmad Shah has resigned from service in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said, amid reports that he is likely to join the National Conference ahead of the Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections.

Shah, a 2004-batch IAS officer, who was presently posted as Secretary Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and flood control with additional charge of administrative secretary, department of disaster management, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction, has applied for voluntary retirement from service, officials said.

IAS officer Khurshid Ahmad Shah was given assignment of the charge of the posts held by Farooq Ahmad Shah with immediate effect, an order issued by the General Administration Department said.

Over the past couple of days, there have been reports that Faroq Ahmad Shah, 57, is likely to resign from the government service and planning to join the NC ahead of the upcoming elections.

On Jan 9, IAS officer Shah Faesal, who has been in the limelight since becoming the first Kashmiri to top the exam in 2009, resigned from service and said he would not join any mainstream political parties "as of now", or separatist Hurriyat Conference, but would be happy to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration Wednesday ordered transfer and postings of 43 more officers including 33 officers of the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) and one Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.

This is the second major reshuffle in the administration within two days. On Tuesday, the administration ordered transfers and postings of 10 IAS and 24 KAS officers, replacing 11 deputy commissioners across the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Though the BJP and the Shiv Sena have inked a seat-sharing pact for upcoming polls, top leaders of both the parties seem to be speaking in different voices over which party will get the post of chief minister after the Maharashtra assembly elections, due later this year.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has been vocal about its demand for the post of chief minister post the elections.

As per the tie-up announced on Monday for elections to Lok Sabha and state assembly, the BJP sill contest 25 seats and Sena 23 of total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

For assembly polls, the two parties will contest an equal number of seats after accommodating the allies.

The BJP and the Sena had contested the 2014 assembly elections separately. Of total 288 seats, the BJP had won 122 seats and the Sena 63.

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Tuesday night told select party workers at his residence here that he had rejected the poll formula proposing that the party winning maximum number of seats in assembly elections would get the post of chief minister.

Thackeray said he had demanded that both the parties get equal number of posts.

"This formula was used by both parties (Sena and BJP) in the last 25 years. I have rejected it. What I have demanded is that both the parties get to share all posts equally," Thackeray told the party workers.

"The BJP has agreed to this, hence I have decided to forge an alliance," he said.

On the contrary, state Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil said the BJP's stand is that the party winning more number of seats would get the post of chief minister even though "we (Sena and BJP) will contest on equal number of seats in assembly polls".

Sources in the BJP, however, said the party has achieved its objective to secure a section of votes in Lok Sabha polls by tying up with Sena.

According to sources, the Sena's main focus during negotiations with BJP mainly remained on the assembly elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Manhattan, KS (66502)

Today

Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 63F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.The Shiv Sena forged an alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra after there was an agreement to share the chief minister's post, senior Sena minister Ramdas Kadam said Wednesday.

The Sena leader said if the BJP did not wish to fulfil its commitment, it was free to break the pre-poll alliance immediately.

"The Sena-BJP pact has been agreed on two major conditions. One was scrapping the Nanar refinery project in Konkan area and the other was sharing the chief minister's post for half-terms each," Kadam told reporters.

He said despite BJP chief Amit Shah's commitment, it was unbecoming of senior BJP leaders to make statements that the party getting more seats in the Assembly will decide on the chief minister.

Kadam's comments came after senior BJP minister Chandrakant Patil said the party winning more seats in this year's Assembly elections will get the chief minister's post.

"It has been decided to have the chief minister's post with both parties for two-and-a-half years each. If the BJP does not want to fulfil its commitment, it should break the alliance right away," Kadam said.

The BJP and the Shiv Sena had on Monday announced a seat-sharing pact for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly polls, overcoming their strained ties and previous declarations of going solo.

The announcement was made by Shah and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at a joint press conference here.

They said the BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, after allotting allies their due share of segments, in polls for the 288-member state Assembly, due later this year.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the two parties along with their allies had won 42 out of the 48 seats. The BJP had bagged 23 seats, while the Shiv Sena had emerged victorious in 18 constituencies.

But the two parties contested the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly election separately. The Sena joined the government, formed in October, in December that year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Jammu and Kashmir administration Wednesday withdrew security of 18 separatists and 155 political leaders, including Wahid Parra, a close aide of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, and ex-bureaucrat Shah Faesal, officials said.

Surprisingly, the names included that of pro-Pakistan separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani and JKLF chief Yaseen Malik, who had maintained that they never had any security, Shahid-ul-Islam and Nayeem Khan, who have been in jail for over a year now.

A security review meeting, which was held here under the chairmanship of state chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, took the decision as it was felt that providing security to these separatist leaders is a "wastage" of scarce state resources which could be better utilised elsewhere, an official spokesperson said.

Besides Geelani, Malik, Islam and Khan, the others named in the list are Aga Syed Mosvi, Maulvi Abbas Ansari and his son Masroor, Saleem Geelani, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Farooq Ahmed Kichloo, Aga Syed Abul Hussain, Abdul Gani Shah and Mohd Musadiq Bhat.

In addition, the security of 155 political persons and activists, who did not require the security provided to them based on their threat assessment and activities, was also withdrawn.

According to the officials, the list mainly comprises leaders from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), an ally of the BJP in the state government till June last year.

This includes Faesal, the 2010 IAS topper who quit bureaucracy to join politics, PDP leader Wahid Parra and Salman Reshi, the officials said.

Through this, over 1,000 police personnel and over 100 vehicles are freed to do regular police work, they said.

It was not immediately clear whose security had been withdrawn and downgraded.

The process of withdrawal of security began this Sunday when the state administration had taken away the security of four separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

The decision comes in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 paramilitary personnel were killed, officials said here.

Besides Mirwaiz, the security cover of Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Shabir Shah has been withdrawn, they said.

While there was no categorisation of security for these leaders, the state government in consultation with the Centre had provided them ad hoc security, keeping in mind the threat to their lives from some militant groups.

Militants of Hizbul Mujahideen had killed Umar's father, Mirwaiz Farooq, in 1990 and Abdul Gani Lone in 2002.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Srinagar on last Friday, had said security given to people getting funds from Pakistan and its snooping agency ISI should be reviewed.

"Some elements in Jammu and Kashmir have links with the ISI and terrorist organisations. Their security should be reviewed," he had said after reviewing security in the aftermath of the dastardly terror attack.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near their bus in Pulwama district.

The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.

Hurriyat spokesman had termed the government order propaganda and said it has no bearing on the Kashmir dispute or the situation on the ground and it can in no way change the reality.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Market watchdog Sebi Wednesday imposed a total penalty of Rs 10 lakh on two companies for carrying out fraudulent trade in the illiquid stock options segment of BSE.

The regulator imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh each on Teji Mandi Securities and Vikrant International Pvt Ltd, as per an order.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), during an investigation between April 2014 to September 2015, found that 81.38 per cent of all the trades executed in stock options of the exchange were non-genuine and led to creation of artificial volume.

The two companies are among the entities that executed reversal trades by reversing their buy or sell positions in a contract with the same counter party during the same day, Sebi said.

The entities have violated provisions of Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices (PFUTP) by indulging in such trade practices.

"The trades executed by the noticee were not genuine trades and being non-genuine, created an appearance of artificial trading volumes in respective contracts", Sebi noted.

The allegation of violation of PFUTP norms by the entities stand established, Sebi said in similarly worded, but two separate orders.

Accordingly, a penalty of Rs 5 lakh each has been levied on the two firms.

In a separate order, the regulator fined proprietor of Investor Gala Research Laboratories, Prachi Gupta, Rs 5 lakh for carrying out investment advisory activities without obtaining requisite registrations from Sebi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court Wednesday decided to hear on February 26 the politically sensitive Ayodhya's Ram-Janmabhoomi Babri Masjid land dispute matter.

It will be heard by a five-judge Constitution Bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer.

The apex court on January 27 had cancelled the scheduled hearing for January 29 as Justice Bobde was not available that day.

The fresh notice issued by the apex court registry said all the petitions in Ayodhya land dispute will come up for hearing on February 26.

Fourteen appeals have been filed in the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land in Ayodhya be partitioned equally among the three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

The five-judge bench was re-constituted on January 25 as Justice U U Lalit, who was a member of the original bench, had recused himself from hearing the matter.

When the new bench was constituted, Justice N V Ramana was excluded from the re-constitution bench.

Justices Bhushan and Nazeer made a come back to hear the Ayodhya land dispute matter -- both were part of an earlier bench headed by then CJI Dipak Misra (now retired).

It had on September 27, 2018, refused to refer to a five-judge Constitution Bench the reconsideration of the observation in its 1994 judgment that a mosque was not integral to Islam.

While Misra and Bhushan had said it has to find out the context in which the five-judge bench had delivered the 1994 judgment, Justice Nazeer had given a minority verdict disagreeing with the two judges.

Nazeer had said whether a mosque is integral to Islam has to be decided considering religious belief which requires detailed consideration.

On January 10, Justice Lalit had recused himself after expressing disinclination to participate in the hearing any further as he had appeared as a lawyer for former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh in a related matter "sometime in the year 1997".

Along with the main matters, the constitution bench will also hear the connected issues raised in separate petitions.

The central government had on January 29 moved the apex court seeking its nod to return the 67-acre undisputed acquired land around the disputed site to original owners.

The 0.313 acre plot, on which the disputed structure stood before it was demolished by 'kar sevaks' on December 6, 1992, was within the 2.77-acre disputed premises, the plea filed by the BJP-led NDA government had said.

The government had then acquired 67.703 acres, including the 2.77-acre plot, through a legislation in 1993. The Ram Janambhoomi Nyas (RJN) is the owner of as much as 42 acres of the acquired non-disputed land.

The Centre's plea has said that the RJN (a trust to promote construction of Ram Temple) had also sought return of excess land acquired to original owners.

The Centre has claimed that only 0.313 acre of land was disputed on which the structure stood before it was demolished by 'kar sevaks' on December 6, 1992.

The Centre has sought modification in its 2003 order and permission to return to original owners the 67 acres "non-disputed" land around the disputed structure in Ayodhya.

A week after, another petition was filed challenging the constitutional validity of a 1993 central law by which the government acquired 67.703 acres of land, including the disputed premises of Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid, in Ayodhya.

The plea, challenging legislative competence of Parliament to acquire religious land.

The petition, filed by seven individuals, including two Lucknow-based lawyers claiming to be devotees of Ram Lalla, has contended that Parliament had no legislative competence to acquire land belonging to the state.

Moreover, it said, the state legislature has the exclusive power to make provisions relating to the management of affairs of religious institutions inside its territory.

The petitioners, including lawyers Shishir Chaturvedi and Sanjay Mishra, has submitted that the Acquisition of Certain Areas of Ayodhya Act, 1993 infringes upon the right to religion of Hindus guaranteed and protected under Article 25 (freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion) of the Constitution.

The plea has sought the court's direction restraining the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government from interfering in "Puja, Darshan and performance of rituals at the places of worship situated within the land admeasuring 67.703 acres acquired under the Act particularly at the land belonging to Shri Ram Janam Bhoomi Nyas, Manas Bhavan, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Ram Janmasthan Temple, Janki Mahal and Katha Mandap".

It also said that the law, by which the entire disputed and adjoining undisputed land was acquired, violated the freedom of the Hindus to practise their fundamental religious rights under Article 25 of the Constitution.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Supreme Court judge, Justice L Nageswara Rao, Wednesday recused himself from hearing the CBI's plea alleging obstruction in its probe into the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam probe by West Bengal authorities.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Rao and Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the hearing on pleas of the CBI, saying that one of the judges was not inclined to be part of the bench to hear the matter.

Justice Rao said he had appeared for the state as a lawyer and therefore cannot hear the case.

The bench has now posted the matter for hearing on February 27 before an appropriate bench of which Justice Rao is not a part.

On February 18, West Bengal Chief secretary Malay Kumar De, DGP Virendera Kumar and then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar had filed separate affidavits in the apex court on the contempt petition moved by the CBI in connection with the scam and had tendered "unconditional and unambiguous apology".

The West Bengal government and its police had refuted CBI allegations in the apex court that they obstructed investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam cases, with the state cops charging that the central agency forcefully tried to enter the Kolkata police commissioner's residence on February 3 without valid papers.

The trio maintained that the West Bengal government and the state police at no point of time obstructed investigation nor any official denied cooperation to CBI.

The officers had opposed the contempt petition against them in which CBI alleged that they were tampering with evidence and not complying with the apex court's various orders relating to the probe by asserting that there was a need for directions to the probe agency not to make any vague allegations without substantial and cogent evidence.

Referring to the February 3 incident, Kumar had said in his affidavit that CBI "forcibly" tried to enter his house without valid papers. The contention has been supported by the DGP in his affidavit.

They had also claimed that no police official went on 'dharna manch' where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee sat to protest the CBI action.

The DGP and Kumar had said no police officer, in uniform or otherwise at any given point in time, ever sat or joined the dharna along with Banerjee.

Kumar had said it was "very intriguing" as to why a major decision by the CBI was taken to interrogate him on February 3, which was the last day in office of the then interim CBI director M Nageswara Rao.

Kumar, against whom CBI has alleged tampering of electronic evidence including call detail records, had said he was never in direct possession of evidence, material or documents.

They had responded to the notices issued on February 5 by the apex court which had asked them to clarify their stand on the allegation that evidence was tampered with and the state police was not cooperating with the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The apex court had on February 4 said that "if the police commissioner is even remotely trying to destroy evidence, we will come down so heavily on him that he will regret".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Observing there was a 'wilful default', the Supreme Court on Wednesday held Anil Ambani, chairman of Reliance Communication(RCom), guilty of contempt of court and ordered the debt-laden company to clear the Rs 453 crore dues to Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson within four weeks or face a 3-month jail term.

In a verdict that came as a setback to Ambani, the apex court also pulled up the industrialist for his "cavalier attitude" demonstrated through the affidavit filed in the court, saying any "unconditional apology" given must be rejected.

Besides Ambani, the court held Reliance Telecom Ltd chairman Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel Ltd Chhaya Virani as well as their three companies guilty of contempt of court,



"The RCom group is directed to purge the contempt of this Court by payment to Ericsson the sum of Rs 453 crore within a period of four weeks from today. In default of such payment, the Chairmen who have given undertakings to this Court will suffer three months imprisonment," said a bench of Justices R F Nariman and Vineet Saran.

It directed the registry of the apex court to pay Rs 118 crore deposited by the RCom group to Ericsson within a period of one week from Wednesday.

The court said there is no doubt that the three Reliance Companies have "wilfully not paid the sum of Rs 550 crore plus interest and have thus breached the undertakings given to this Court".

"We are also of the view that in the facts of the present case, wilful default is made out...," the court said, adding it is not a case of accidental or unintentional disobedience.

It also imposed Rs one crore fine on each of the three companies and directed the amount to be deposited with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee within four weeks from today and in case of default the chairmen of these companies will have to undergo one month's imprisonment.

Shortly after the pronouncement of the verdict, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Ambani, said he respects the decision of the apex court and expressed confidence that the group will honour the directions on payment of dues to Ericsson.

"We respect the Supreme Court's order. We have faced our difficulties. However, the court ruled the way it has ruled," Rohatgi told PTI.

"I am sure Rcom will honour the Supreme Court's order," he added.

The 41-page verdict by the apex court came on three contempt petitions filed by Ericsson for non-payment of its Rs 550 crores dues for the work of operation, maintenance, and management of RCom's network the telecom equipment maker has done since 2013.

The court while dealing with the facts of the case said the undertakings given by the three chairmen of the three companies on August 9, last year that Rs 550 Crore dues of Ericsson will be paid subject to the sale of assets was neither in accordance of the apex court's order of August 3, 2018 nor as per the undertaking given by directors of the company before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

"In view of this, it is clear that the three Reliance Companies had no intention, at the very least, of adhering to the time limit of 120 days or to the extended time limit of 60 days plus, as was given by way of indulgence, by the order dated October 23, 2018.

"The undertakings given on the footing that the amount of Rs 550 crore would be paid only out of the sale of assets was false to the knowledge of the three Reliance Companies," it said, and added, "This itself affects the administration of justice, and is therefore, contempt of court".

Dealing with the affidavit of Ambani filed in the contempt petition of Ericsson, the bench said he has stated RCom has not taken or received any advantage on account of the undertaking submitted before the top court.

Terming the statement of Ambani as "wholly incorrect", the bench said that without filing the said undertaking in the court, RCom could not have sought quashing of the insolvency proceedings.

"We are of the view that any unconditional apology given that there was no intention to make any wrongful undertaking or that the undertaking was submitted bona fide must be rejected. It is clear that this reply affidavit clearly demonstrates the cavalier attitude of the deponent (Ambani) of this affidavit to the highest court of the land," the bench said.

It said that to say that the sum of Rs 550 crore would be paid only out of sale of assets of the three Reliance Companies is a "deliberate misstatement" made in the undertakings as well as the applications for extension of time filed before the Court, which was done with the purpose of circumventing the orders of this Court.

Referring to the letter of January 21, written by advocates on behalf of RCom group to Ericsson offering to clear the dues with interest subject to withdrawal of contempt petitions, the bench said the Reliance Companies were able to pay the outstanding amount, but were wilfully refusing to do so.

The apex court dismissed the contempt petition filed by Ericsson with respect to the Chairman of State Bank of India, saying the bank has nothing to do with Rs 550 Crore which has to be paid only by the three Reliance Companies.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for Al-Ula is in discussions with India on ways to develop Al-Ula as a global heritage site, an official said Wednesday.

Representatives of the commission are part of the high-level delegation, led by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, which is on a visit to India.

Al-Ula, a city which lies in the north west of Saudi Arabia, is also the Gulf nation's first world heritage site declared by UNESCO.

"We are holding talks with Indian ministries of culture, tourism and archaeology for engaging in bilateral cooperation for developing Al-Ula as a global heritage of the world," Iman AlMutairi, chief marketing officer of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, told PTI.

India, she said, is a culturally rich country and Saudi Arabia is keen to partner with the South Asian country and learn from its experience that would help Al-Ula become a place to "travel through time".

Saudi Arabia is expecting over 2.5 lakh tourists by 2020-21 and over 20 lakh tourists by 2035 to visit Al-Ula, AlMutairi added.

The Arabian nation has so far been relying heavily on oil for its revenue but now it is looking to diversify its economy and also focus on tourism, she said.

To make the Al-Ula region an attractive destination for tourists, the Saudi government is collaborating with tour operators, travel agencies and airlines in India and also planning to soon start online visa facility for Indian tourists, AlMutairi said.

India is part of the target markets for Saudi Arabia because of its geographical proximity and the commission plans to tie up with Indian marketing agencies to help promote Al-Ula as a major tourist destination.

The Royal Commission for Al-Ula is a Saudi Arabian commission headed by the crown prince.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Noisy scenes were witnessed in the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday, with the SAD, BJP and AAP MLAs staging a walkout of the House on different issues, including condemning Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his remarks on the Pulwama attack.

Akali MLA Bikram Singh Majithia and Congress MLAs, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Kuljeet Singh Nagra, also engaged in personal attacks during the ongoing Budget Session.

During the Zero Hour, the SAD and BJP MLAs, led by Parminder Singh Dhindsa, urged the speaker to allow them to move a resolution, condemning the Pakistani prime minister for his statement after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Khan had warned that "Pakistan would retaliate if India carried out an attack" after the terror attack.

"The Pakistani prime minister had tried to threaten India with his reported statement," Dhindsa said, demanding that statement should be condemned in the strongest possible words. Speaker Rana KP Singh said their resolution was under consideration.

When Akalis and BJP members stuck to their demand, state minister and Congress MLA Sukhjinder Randhawa said they should meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urge him to " launch a war" against Pakistan to "break the neighbouring nation into two" as it was done in 1971 when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister.

Randhawa lashed out at the Akalis and the BJP and also flashed a picture of Masood Azhar, founder of terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, which was responsible for the attack, in the House.

Akalis and BJP members stormed into the Well of the House and raised slogans. They then staged a walkout of the House and the speaker rejected the Akali Dal's resolution.

Earlier during the Question Hour, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs staged a walkout over the issue of proclaimed offenders in the state.

Replying to the question raised by AAP Mansa MLA Nazar Singh Manshahia, Cabinet minister Brahm Mohindra, on behalf of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, informed the House that the state police had declared 7,353 proclaimed offenders and the government had set up a PO cell under the supervision of senior level officers to nab them.

Manshahia demanded that the pictures of all proclaimed offender be displayed on public platforms.

This was supported by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Harpal Singh Cheema who alleged the criminals were enjoying the political patronage. He claimed that no action had been taken in case of a Congress leader's personal assistant who had been declared a proclaimed offender.

Not satisfied with reply, all AAP MLAs, including three rebel legislators Kanwar Sandhu, Pirmal Singh Khalsa also staged a walkout.

Later, Majithia, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Kuljeet Singh Nagra engaged in personal attacks and made some "objectionable remarks" against each other.

Punjab minister Aruna Chaudhary and AAP MLA Harpal Singh Cheema sparred over the issue of buses. Aruna Chaudhary accused the AAP government in Delhi of not allowing the Punjab government's buses till the Delhi international airport and claimed the transport minister could not be contacted.

Cheema assured the minister that he would arrange a meeting with the Delhi transport minister to resolve the issue.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a rare move, South African lawmakers have unanimously passed a motion in Parliament condemning the Pulwama attack and called on Pakistan to find the perpetrators of the "dastardly" terror strike.

Member of Parliament Sandy Kalyan from the opposition Democratic Alliance moved the motion which called on the House to note with shock and dismay the terrorist attack by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The motion also condemned the cowardly act of terrorism, the likes of which had not been seen in three decades in Kashmir.

It called on the government of Pakistan to find the perpetrators of this dastardly act as it also saluted the fallen Jawaans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and conveyed condolences to the families and the nation of India for this tragic loss."



The motion followed condemnation from a host of political parties, NGO's and the public.

Earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a statement declaring South Africa's solidarity with India.

Acts of terrorism have no place in society and constitute a threat to development, peace and security.

The South African Government wishes to reiterate its solidarity with the Government of India in confronting the scourge of terrorism and will continue to support regional and international efforts to address terrorism in all its forms,



Ramaphosa said in a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

We condemn in the strongest terms terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, Kingdom of Lesotho Prime Minister Motsoahae Thomas Thabane said in a letter of condolence to the High Commissioner for India, Ruchira Kamboj.

All the peace-loving people of the world must unite to not only condemn these wanton attacks but bring an end to such acts of terrorism wherever they are being perpetrated, said the Gandhi Development Trust, headed by Eli Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi.

"We are with you in solidarity during this time of grief, Gandhi reassured the nation.

"Our strongest support goes to the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to find ways of arresting and prosecuting those who were behind this carefully orchestrated heinous act, said Narend Singh, Chief Whip of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

Hundreds of locals and expatriates on Sunday paid tribute to the slain soldiers at memorial services held in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Cash worth over Rs 1 lakh was stolen from the house of Marathi author Anant Bhave when he along with his wife was admitted to a hospital for treatment, a senior police official said Wednesday.

According to the police, the incident took place last week at the couple's flat in Matunga, central Mumbai.

The couple was away for treatment at a hospital when thieves broke into their house and made way with cash worth Rs 1.10 kept in a bag, they said.

The Matunga police have registered a case under the relevant provisions of the IPC against unidentified persons, the official said.

Investigation into the matter was underway and no arrest has been made till now, senior inspector of Matunga police station Bharat Bhoite said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday blamed the Congress' "appeasement policies" for the "growth of terrorism" in the country and asserted that the BJP will never compromise the country's security.

Stressing that the saffron party will put an end to the appeasement politics, he called upon people to ensure that Narendra Modi is re-elected as the country's prime minister in the coming Lok Sabha polls as only he can defeat Pakistan backed violence.

"The previous Congress government's had sowed the seeds of appeasement which led to growth of terrorism in the country," Adityanath said while addressing BJP workers meeting at Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district and Nachuni in Khurda district.

"The BJP also does not allow any kind of mischief with the country's security. The party works for development of all without having any consideration of caste,creed and religion," he added.

"The country cannnot develop unless there is an end to appeasement policy. The Modi government has stopped such appeasement approach," the UP chief minister said.

The firebrand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said that bold steps taken by the Centre after the Pulwama attack prove that only Modi government can give a befitting reply to Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.

Criticising the previous governments' policies, Adityanath said, earlier, forces were asked to wait till terrorists fired, but the security personnel were asked to stop following the practice after the BJP came to power.

The chief minister highlighted the security forces' warning that any one flaunting a gun in Jammu and Kashmir would invite only death.

"If any Kashmiri is having guns and those are used against India and its people, our armed force will immediately retaliate. If terrorist open fire, they should be given reply in their language," he said.

Adityanath further claimed that due to the retaliatory and pro-active steps taken by India, Pakistan-based terrorists were desperate and afraid.

"Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can finish terrorism, naxalism and and any kind of anarchy in the country," Adityanath said as he appealed to the people to ensure that the BJP returns to power.

Adityanath's party meeting was attended by BJP workers from Kalahandi, Koraput, Bolangir, Kandhamal, Nawrangpur, Khurda and near by districts.

Odisha will go to assembly polls along with the Lok Sabha elections in April-May.

The UP chief minister also launched a blistering attack on his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik accusing him of "betraying the people" as he was "not interested in the development of the state".

He called for a change in the state government to make Odisha prosperous and stressed that the state could become developed like Uttar Pradesh if the BJP wins the assembly polls.

"Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is not interested in development of the state, rather in his personal agenda. He (Patnaik) has betrayed the people of Odisha," Adityanath said, calling upon the people to end the 19-year rule of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An anti-war march by human rights organisation APDR was attacked in the city on Wednesday by a group of men who accused the rallyists of being sympathisers of terrorists.

The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights or APDR alleged that the BJP and the RSS was behind the attack, both of which denied the allegations.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the attack and asked police to take action.

APDR activists carrying placards and shouting slogans demanding peace between nations in wake of the Pulwama terror attack was to cover a 2.8 km distance between College Street and Esplanade in the heart of the city this afternoon.

A massive police contingent was guarding the march.

When the rally reached the Jan Bazar area, few men carrying national flags blocked its way and shouted slogans against APDR activists, accusing them of being sympathizers of Pakistan and "anti-national" elements. They also allegedly heckled the rallyists and asked them to go to Pakistan.

The police then intervened and removed the men from the spot.

APDR activist Sujata Bhadra said, "The BJP and RSS is behind the attack. We condemn it. We are not afraid of this government (at the Centre). We have every right to present out views. We hope police will take stern action against such criminals."



Terming the allegations "baseless", RSS leader Jishnu Basu said, "It has become a fashion to blame us for everything."



Jan Bazar, where the attack took place, is a minority-dominated area. "If in that area APDR is attacked then it proves that nationalist people are against the propaganda of APDR," Basu said.

Echoing Basu, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said, "When the entire country stands united in fight against terror, any organisation that takes out such a rally ought to face such backlash from the masses."



Banerjee, while talking to reporters at state secretariat Nabanna, said she has asked police to take stern action against those responsible for the attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Jammu Province People's Forum (JPPF), an organisation advocating cause of Dogras, Wednesday threatened agitation if police do not immediately release over 100 boys allegedly detained in Jammu during protests against Pulwama terror attack.

"100 plus innocent (boys) are detained for none of their fault. We request the administration to release the detained innocent youths of Jammu otherwise situation will become bad to worse", Working President of the Forum, M S Katoch said Wednesday here.

The JPPF, which supervised the agitation for the Central University Jammu (CUJ) and AIIMS and forced the central government to announce the two institutes for Jammu, has asked the government to release the detained youths immediately.

Lashing at the administration for "anti-Jammu" steps, Katoch saidthe city is under strict curfew for the last 5 days and people here are having a "tough time".

He said the government "failed" to control the situation and alleged that no action was taken against those chanting "anti-India" slogans in Jammu.

"No action has been taken against them (who raised anti-national slogans). It is a matter of shame that even the people living in the government quarters in Sarwal and Janipur area are involved in this anti-national offence and no action has been taken by the government against the culprits", Katoch said.

The JPPF paid rich tributes to the martyrs of Pulwama attack by the Jaish-e- Mohammed in which at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Rajasthan government has issued a notification providing 10 per cent reservation in government jobs for the economically backward in the general category, following the decision taken at the Centre.

The state's Department of Personnel (DoP) issued the notification Tuesday night, saying that the quota for direct recruitment shall be in addition to the existing reservation.

Families in the general category earning a gross annual income of Rs 8 lakh or more from all sources will be excluded from the quota.

Also excluded are people whose families own five acre or more of agriculture land, a residential flat of 1,000 sq ft or above, a residential plot of 100 sq yard or above in notified municipalities or a residential plot of 200 sq yards in other areas.

Parliament recently passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill approving the quota in government jobs and educational institutes.

The DoP has also increased the limit for the creamy layer in the more backward classes (MBC) and backward classes (BC) to Rs 8 lakh annual income from an earlier limit of Rs 4.30 lakh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Average capital investment in railway projects in Gujarat grew over five times under the Modi government compared to the previous UPA government, said junior Railway Minister Manoj Sinha Wednesday.

Average capital investment was Rs 3,327 crore per year between 2014-19 in Gujarat compared to Rs 589 crore a year in the previous five years, said the Minister of State for Railways.

Sinha, who was here to address a BJP event, exuded confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying "there is nobody in a position to challenge him."



He termed the anti-BJP coalition being forged by the opposition as "unprincipled, negative".

Reacting to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed on February 14, Sinha said, "The country trusts its prime minister and the government will not let their sacrifice go waste."



"In terms of capital investment in Railways, Gujarat has seen average investment of Rs 3,327 crore per year between 2014-19, compared to Rs 589 crore in 2009-14," he said.

He said most metre gauge lines have been converted to broad gauge and there will be no unmanned level crossings in the state after March 2019.

Sinha said railway stations at Gandhinagar and Surat were being developed as world-class stations and six others are being redeveloped.

As many as 82 new trains were started, nine trains extended, 40 additional stoppage made, among several other steps taken to strengthen rail services in Gujarat, he said.

"This Lok Sabh election is not about party but leader. And there is nobody compared to our leader Narendra Modi in the country today," the BJP leader said.

Even in terms of performance of the last five years, "no past governments can stand in comparison", he said.

"We believe this is an unprincipled, negative coalition, where ambition of the leaders rule high, whether he be the 'shahzada' of Congress, didi of Bengal, behenji of Uttar Pradesh, or babu of Andhra Pradesh," he said when asked about the opposition's 'maha-gathbandhan' efforts.

"The people of the country want a decisive government and we see getting a bigger majority compared to last time," Sinha said.

On oppositions claims of lack of job creation, Sinha said no definitive figure has been released by the central government to back the claim.

"Some people have taken the contract of lying to the country, but they cannot mislead the country through their repeated lies," Sinha said.

"We all know that government jobs are limited. And vacancies in the government are advertised and filled.

"Government has made many efforts to create jobs through Skill India and Mudra Bank Yojana. Infrastructure projects have grown which have also certainly created jobs," the minister said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday attended a prayer meeting for CRPF jawan Amit Kumar Kori, who was killed in the recent Pulwama terror attack.

Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia and Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar were also present at the prayer meeting held in Shamli district.

"Congress President @RahulGandhi and General Secretary In charge UP East Smt. @priyankagandhi attend the prayer meeting of martyr Amit Kumar Kori and share their grief with the family," the party said in a tweet.

Rahul and Priyanka paid tributes to the slain soldier. They were also seen consoling the members of the bereaved family.

"In these moments of grief, we are with you... His (Kori's) father told us that he is sad, but at the same time proud (of his son). And I want to say that we are sad, but at the same time we are proud that a family of this country gave love to its son and educated him. The son gave his love, body and heart to the country. We can never forget this thing," Rahul said.

"My sister said that in a way our father (former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi) had also met the same fate. We understand your pain and agony. We are here to sit only for five minutes with you and to tell all of you that we want to share your grief," he added.

The Congress president said India is a country of bravehearts and no power in the world can push it backward.

"From the bottom of our heart and on behalf of the country, I thank you, your son and the entire family," Rahul said.

"This is one country. This is a country for everyone (of us) and this is a country of love and brotherhood. This is the message of India," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Minister Suresh Rana also attended the prayer meeting.

"The Kudana road in Shamli will be named after Amit, and his statue would also be installed to inspire younger generation," he told PTI.

Later, Rahul and Priyanka paid tributes to another CRPF jawan, Pradeep Kumar, who was also killed in the Pulwama attack, at his residence in Shamli.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Among the CRPF personnel killed in the attack, 12 hailed from Uttar Pradesh, including two from Shamli.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Political row hit Rafale jet was the cynosure of all eyes as the breathtaking display of manoeuvres by military aircraft and the aerobatic team cast a spell at Aero India, Asia's premier air show here Wednesday.

The city's skies dazzled with somersaults and stunts by the metal birds, which also paid tributes to the Surya Kiran aircraft pilot killed in a mishap during rehearsal on Tuesday.

The might of the Rafale jet was in full flow as it roared into the skies at the Yelahanka air base, the venue for the event, giving a dazzling display with breathtaking manoeuvres.

The Rafale aircraft flew at low speed to pay tribute to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who died in a mid-air collision between two aircraft of IAF's aerobatics team 'Surya Kiran" during rehearsal on Tuesday.

Three Rafale jets have landed in Bengaluru for Aero India- two for flying and one on static display.

Rafale has been participating in the Aero India shows since 2011.

India has signed an Inter-Government Agreement with France to purchase 36 Rafales-- to form two squadrons.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been carrying on a sustained campaign against the Modi government on Rafale, accusing it of favouring Anil Ambani's firm as an offset partner and saying it was crony capitalism.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report tabled in Parliament recently revealed that the Rafale deal negotiated by the NDA government to procure 36 fighter jets was 2.86 per cent cheaper than the UPA's 2007 offer.

The Jaguar, Tejas and Sukhoi 30 aircraft flew in the 'missing man' (aerial salute) formation in honour of Gandhi.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat, Air Force Chief B S Dhanoa and Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba were also present.

Thebiennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition - Aero India 2019 was inaugurated by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

Enthralling stunts were performed by Sarang aerobatics teams with daredevil crosses and spins, that has been the mainstay of the Aero India for many editions.

The air display began with vintage Dakota aircraft, followed by formations of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Utility Helicopter, DO-228, Hawk and HTT40 aircrafts.

Then came the flypast and thrilling manoeuvres by MIG 21, Sarang team, Saras PT1, Embraer along with Sukhoi, Boeing P8I, LCA Tejas, HTT40, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, LUH, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Airbus 330 and the mighty B-52 Stratofortress bomber, among others.

LCA also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who named it as Tejas, by performing certain sets of manoeuvres.

On static display among other things at the air show are HAL's Light Utility Helicopter(PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive CareUnit).

The Aero India official website said a total of 61 aircraft would be on display and 403 exhibitors would be part of the show.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.): Chennai Spartans edged out Kochi Blue Spikers in a five-set thriller 3-2 (16-14, 9-15, 10-15, 15-8, 15-13) to qualify for the final of the inaugural Pro Volleyball League here Wednesday where it will meet Calicut Heroes.

With 17 points, Ruslans Sorokins was the top-scorer for Chennai Spartans (15 spikes, 1 block, 1 serve) while Kochi's Manu Joseph also scored 17 points (16 spikes, 1 block) for Kochi.

The home team was in a spot of bother when it was down by two sets to one, but bounced back strongly to take the fourth and nailed an exciting final set to secure a spot in Friday's summit clash against.

The teams were level-pegging in the first set and at 6-6 a well placed serve by Sorokins created the first opening.

Chennai went into the first Technical Time Out (TTO) leading 8-7. Kochi called for a Super Point immediately after TTO and converted with a Prabagaran spike.

Prabagaran followed it up with another spike on their serve and Kochi now held a 10-8 lead. Chennai called for a Super Point at 9-11 and Rudy Verhoeff converted with a thunderous spike to level the score at 11-11.

It was nail-biting action for the last few points but Chennai finally prevailed and won the first set 16-14.

The second set followed a similar script in the initial stages before the Kochi team forged ahead and won it handily at 15-9.

The third set saw Kochi race to a 3-0 lead. Down 3-7 in the set, Chennai called for a Super Point and converted. Kochi kept its nose in front and moved ahead.

In the fourth set, Chennai took command after the early skirmishes and won it 15-8 to force the decider.

Chennai had the momentum in the fifth, but the two teams fought hard. The score stood at 12-11 in Chennai's favour and from there they won the match 15-13 to qualify for the final.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said Russia would have to deploy missiles targeting "decision-making centres" if Washington sends missiles to Europe.

The announcement comes after the US said it would withdraw from a key Cold War-era arms treaty over what it said were Russian violations, prompting a mirror move from Moscow.

"Russia does not intend to be the first to deploy such missiles in Europe," Putin said during an annual state of the nation address.

"If (the US) develops and deploys them in Europe... this will dramatically exacerbate the international security situation, creating serious threats to Russia," he said.

"I'm saying this clearly and openly, Russia will be forced to deploy weapons that can be used... against the decision-making centres that are behind the missiles systems which threaten us."



He earlier accused Washington of using "far-fetched accusations" to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) agreement.

Putin said he understood concerns about the bilateral deal, namely that other countries could continue to develop weapons that are banned for the US and Russia.

"The current state of affairs of course raises questions," he told the audience of lawmakers and celebrities.

"Our American partners should have been honest... and not use far-fetched accusations against Russia to justify their unilateral withdrawal from the treaty," he added.

The United States has repeatedly accused Russia of violating the INF by developing banned weapons and this month President Donald Trump said Washington was starting a process to withdraw from the treaty.

In a tit-for-tat move, Putin said Moscow was also leaving the treaty and beginning work on new types of weapons that would breach the agreement.

Many analysts say abandoning the treaty effectively signalled the start of a new arms race.

The INF deal was signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Punjab government Wednesday announced to bring a special legislation for regularizing services of contractual employees, a move seen as a counter to the allegations of non-fulfilment of employees' demands faced by the Amarinder Singh-led dispensation.

There are over 30,000 employees in various departments including education, irrigation, who have been working on contractual basis in the state.

"We have decided to bring a resolution for regularization of the contractual employees," Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said in the House, winding up the discussion on the Governor's address in the ongoing Punjab budget session.

Pointing out that the legislation enacted by the previous government had to be withdrawn as the Punjab and Haryana High Court had threatened to strike it down, as it had done in the case of Haryana, Singh announced the decision to enact a special legislation for regularization of the contractual employees.

The chief minister said it was the bounden duty of his government to address the concerns of the employees, calling them "an integral part of the government".

"I assure them I will protect their genuine interests as a father protects his family. The financial constraints are no secret. Therefore the grievances were taking longer to be settled," he said, adding that it had always been the effort of the government to do something for employees rather than doing only "lip service".

Singh said the release of six per cent Dearness Allowance (DA) due to the employees had been notified and his government had made reservation of two per cent seats in all government vocational/professional colleges for wards of government employees (Group C and D).

He said the government had decided that allotment of land be undertaken by development authorities, Improvement Trusts and MCs for employees cooperative group housing societies at reserve price.

The necessary scheme will be notified by the government for allotment of one acre of land for 40 employees, the CM said.

Reservation of three per cent of residential plots was being done for allotment to government employees by Development Authorities, MCs, Improvement Trusts or any other government agency, he further said.

In another relief to the employees, the CM said the government was working to amend the rules to provide for expeditious promotions through reduction in requisite qualifying service.

He said there would be no reduction if requisite qualifying service is two years or less, reduction of one year if the requisite qualifying service is more than two years but less than five years, reduction of two years if requisite qualifying service is seven years or more and reduction of three years if requisite qualifying service is ten years or more.

Lashing out at previous SAD-BJP government, the CM accused it of failing to address the woes of the employees or take any steps for their welfare.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Senior Congress leader from Pune, Ulhas Pawar, has written a letter to party chief Rahul Gandhi saying the condition of the party's Pune and Maharashtra units has become "critical" and there was "no coordination" among the leaders.

In the letter, Pawar, a former MLC, expressed his desire to contest the Lok Sabha seat from Pune, and said there were reports that the state Congress leadership was "conspiring" to import an outsider to contest the election.

Stating that he has been working for the party with complete loyalty for the last so many years, Pawar added that it was painful to that since the last four to five elections, experiments to bring candidates from outside were being done.

"Due to such experiments, the city Congress has become weak and emaciated and I would request you to give me an opportunity so that I could restore the past grandeur of the party in the city," he said.

He said he was fortunate that late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi knew him by name and that he had received her blessings.

"I would like to tell you that today the condition of Pune as well as Maharashtra State Congress is very critical. There is no coordination among the few leaders and an atmosphere is being created that the party is united, however, it is just an eyewash," Pawar said in the letter.

Talking to PTI, Pawar said he is going to meet Gandhi soon to apprise him about the situation of Congress as he could not mention everything in the letter.

He said that he wrote a similar letter to Maharashtra in charge- Mallikarjun Kharge.

"The way Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are working at the national level and galvanising mass support across the nation, it is painful to see the condition of Pune and state Congress as no efforts are being taken to bring back the old glory of Congress by rallying behind the Gandhis," he said.

He also accused the state leadership of not clarifying the names of the probable candidates for Pune Lok Sabha seat.

When contacted Ramesh Bagwe, the city unit president of the party, said he was not aware of any such letter by Pawar being sent to the party high command.

"A list of six names of aspiring candidates, including that of Pawar was sent to the state Congress and they short-listed three names and sent them to the party high command and it is the prerogative of the party high command to choose the right candidate," he said.

He said the three leaders who have been shortlisted are Mohan Joshi, Abhay Chhajed and Arvind Shinde.

"It was made clear to everyone by the state leadership that the ticket will be given to a candidate, who has elective merit because the Pune Lok Sabha constituency is important for Congress," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday denied reports of any assault on Kashmiri students following the Pulwama terror attack and said there is no threat to students from the Valley.

Forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus.

Javadekar told reporters, "There is no threat to Kashmiri students as it is being made out to be. Countrymen are angry because of the Pulwama attack but no Kashmiri student has been assaulted following that.

While several Kashmiri students from different cities have been slapped with sedition charges for allegedly supporting the Pulwama terror attack, two colleges in Dehradun have decided not to admit those from the Valley, with students saying they were in a state of fear after the incident.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration Monday asked students outside the state to not pay heed to any rumours and try to stay put at their respective places.

The Home Ministry on Saturday issued an advisory to all states and Union territories to take measures to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiris.

The advisory had come hours after Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured an all-party meeting of doing the needful for the protection of the Kashmiri students and people who were allegedly threatened after the terrorist attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria Wednesday met Home Minister Rajnath Singh, amid the heightened tension between the two countries, officials said.

India's Ambassador to the United States Harsh Vardhan Shringla too called on the home minister and discussed bilateral issues.

The terror attack in Pulwama prominently figured during the 20 minutes meeting between Bisaria and Singh, a home ministry official said.

He was called back by the government for consultations after the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad rammed a vehicle carrying explosives into their bus.

However, a home ministry spokesperson described the two Indian envoys meeting the home minister as "courtesy call".

Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, commander of Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, said on Tuesday that anyone who picks up gun will be eliminated.

He also requested mothers of Kashmiri militants to persuade their sons to surrender.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Officials of the Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department have donated their one day's salary to the kin of the 40 CRPF personnel who died in the Pulwama attack.

A cheque amounting Rs 45 lakh was presented to Haryana's Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister, O P Dhankar here, an official release said.

The MLAs of Haryana Assembly have also decided to donate a month's salary to the families of those who died in the February 14 attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad in Jammu and Kashmir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Turkish prosecutor on Wednesday sought life in prison for 16 suspects including philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala charged with attempting to overthrow the government, the state-run Anadolu agency reported.

Kavala, who has been held in custody for more than a year without being charged, is now accused of backing 2013 anti-government protests in Istanbul and the failed 2016 coup.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Kavala of "financing the terrorists" during the anti-government protests that threw up one of the biggest challenges to his rule. Erdogan was prime minister at the time.

Kavala, a respected figure in intellectual circles in Turkey and abroad, has been kept in pre-trial custody since November 1, 2017 at the Silivri prison outside Istanbul.

The case has alarmed Turkey's Western allies and increased concern of a clampdown on freedom of expression under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Kavala has worked closely with foreign missions on civil society projects. Under the Turkish legal system, the prosecutors set out the charges and the sentence they want before the trial begins.

The 657-page indictment -- which still needs to be approved by a court, which will also set a trial date -- centres on the suspects' alleged role in the 2013 protests triggered by the redevelopment of Istanbul's Gezi park.

Two of the suspects are in detention and six remain at large, reported Anadolu.

Among those still at large are Turkish actor and government critic Mehmet Ali Alabora and dissident journalist Can Dundar, it said.

Dundar fled to Germany after being convicted in 2016 over an article published in the opposition Cumhuriyet daily alleging that Ankara had supplied weapons to Islamist groups in Syria.

Alabora is accused of having played a role in the anti-government protests through a theatre play dubbed "Mi Minor" featuring a revolt against the ruler of a fictional country. He is currently abroad.

All the suspects are facing the charge of "attempting to overthrow the government". Some are also accused of "damaging public property" and "damaging worshipping houses and cemeteries," Anadolu said.

The Gezi protests were one of the largest wave of movements in modern Turkish history and the government's sometimes heavy-handed response drew criticism from human rights advocates and Turkey's Western allies.

Kavala is co-founder of the Iletisim publishing house and chairman of the Anadolu Kultur (Anatolian Culture) foundation.

The foundation aims to overcome differences within Turkish society through culture and the arts and has sought to reach out to neighbouring Armenia.

Erdogan previously said Kavala was the representative in Turkey of the "famous Hungarian Jew Soros", whom he accused of trying to "divide and tear up nations".

He was referring to US billionaire George Soros. The pro-government media have labelled Kavala "Red Soros", characterising him as a mastermind of conspiracies.

In November last year, Soros's Open Society Foundation said it would cease activities in Turkey after Erdogan's accusations.

Turkish prosecutors are also accusing Kavala of being behind a 2013 corruption scandal in which Erdogan's inner circle was implicated -- and to coup plotters which the government blames on US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. He denies the charges.

Kavala's arrest comes after the government has launched a mass crackdown in the wake of the failed 2016 coup, with the arrest of tens of thousands of suspects.

Critics say the measures have gone well beyond the coup suspects and targeted the dissent but the government says they are needed to clean Gulen's "virus" that infiltrated into state institutions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Purported images of the Life Sciences Madhyamik question paper was circulated on Whatsapp Wednesday, minutes after the start of the exam.

However, it turned out that the paper was of last year's.

This was the seventh straight day that images of the question paper circulated on WhatsApp right after the exam started.

Earlier, images of question papers of Bengali, English, History, Geography, Mathematics and Physical Science were circulated on social media in the past six days since the exams commenced.

Meanwhile, members of CPI(M) students wing Students' Federation of India Wednesday put up a 'bouquet of seven roses' at the gate of West Bengal Board of Secondary in symbolic protest against question paper "leaks".

West Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee had on Monday sought a report on the ongoing investigation by the West Bengal Board of Secondary over the allegations of question paper leak.

The CID has taken over the investigations and already arrested five people.

Chatterjee had earlier said a question paper was considered leaked when it comes out before the commencement of the examination, not after.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)President Ram Nath Kovind Wednesday urged experts and other stakeholders to come up with "actionable ideas" on issues related to use of fossil fuels and cleaner processes to ensure eco-friendly use of natural resources.

Highlighting that energy and were major concerns not only for developing countries but also for developed nations, Kovind said it was important for producers and consumers of conventional energy to evolve more efficient and cleaner processes to ensure environment-friendly use of natural resources.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the International Conference and Exhibition on Energy and Environment: Challenges and Opportunities (ENCO 2019), organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Stressing that while coal will remain the predominant energy source for most countries, including India going by global trends, renewable sources will also grow, Kovind also emphasised on development of eco-friendly technologies for green mining.

The President said India was committed to providing power to all citizens at affordable cost as well as boost national economy through an industrial revolution in tune with Industry 4.0.

Industry 4.0 refers to the next level of industrial revolution that encompasses use of robotics, artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing and increasing digitisation.

Kovind also pointed out to India's commitments in the Paris Agreement, expressing strong desire to control carbon emissions through Nationally Determined Contribution targets.

"Given this backdrop, I would advise this august gathering to deliberate on development of eco-friendly technologies for green mining. It is important for producers and consumers of conventional energy to evolve more efficient and cleaner processes to ensure environment-friendly use of natural resources," he said.

The President said the conference was a suitable platform for the international community to disseminate, deliberate and showcase various activities related to energy and environment, and discuss research and development opportunities and pathways that could lead to a prosperous, sustainable and secure energy future.

"I am confident that after three days of deliberations, it will be possible for this gathering to come out with practical and doable recommendations that can make our planet not only more industrially advanced but also help in creating healthy ecosystems and for future generations," he said.

During the three-day conference, an industrial exhibition has also been organised on the Vigyan Bhawan lawns which was inaugurated by Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan.

At the inauguration event, Vardhan said the world now recognizes India's achievement, initiatives and visionary approach in the area of clean energy.

"India has mounted the world's largest and most innovative energy efficient lighting programme, 330 million LED lights, resulting in reduction of 32 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually," he said.

Around 1,000 delegates, representing policy makers, regulators, entrepreneurs, administrators, environmentalists, geo-environmentalists, researchers, academicians and technocrats, from India and abroad are participating in the conference.

The conference aims to deliberate and identify the needs to innovate new techniques, technologies and applications for clean, safe, symbiotic sustenance of society, environment, energy and industries post 2020.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union Power Minister R K Singh Wednesday dedicated the third 250 MW unit of Bhartiya Rail Bijlee Corporation Ltd (BRBCL) at Nabinagar in Aurangabad district of Bihar.

With the commercial declaration of the third unit, the total generation from the plant has increased to 750 MW, Singh said at a function held at the plant premises.

He said that all the four units- each of 250 MW- is being constructed at an investment of Rs 8,000 crore.

Out of the BRBCLs four units - each of 250 MW- at its plant located at Barun village in Nabinagar of Aurangabad district- three units are operational while the last and fourth unit is likely to be made functional in December 2019.

BRBCL is a joint-venture of the NTPC and Indian Railways with NTPC having 74 per cent stake while the remaining 26 per cent is with Railways. NPGCL- a joint venture firm between NTPC and Bihar State Power Holding Company Ltd.

Indian Railways and Bihar will get 90 and 10 per cent respectively of the total power generated from each unit of BRBCL.

During his maiden visit to BRBCL, Singh said that the country has achieved the installed capacity of 3,49,000 MW from 1,77,00 MW.

He said we have achieved one nation and one grid goal and now able to transmit bulk power from one part of country to another.

Singh was accompanied by NTPC Chairman-cum-Managing Director Gurdeep Singh, BRBCL Chief Executive Officer C Sivakumar along with other NTPC officials on the occasion.

The minister, who inspected the power plant and township, also inaugurated the newly constructed buildings of hospital and secondary school of BRBCL township.

He distributed solar lantern to villagers, tricycle & wheel chairs and blind sticks to physically challenged villagers, a NTPC release said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Crime Branch has moved an application in the MCOCA court here seeking issuance of a non-bailable warrant against gangster Ravi Pujari in a case of firing at leading criminal lawyer Majid Memon in 2005.

The gangster, who was on the run for the last 15 years, was arrested in the West African country of Senegal on January 22, sources had said earlier.

"Pujari has been arrested in Senegal on the basis of a Red Corner Notice and in light of this you are kindly requested to issue a fresh non-bailable warrant against him for extradition process in the Majid Memon firing case of 2005," the Crime Branch said in an application filed earlier this week.

The hearing on the application, moved before special judge S M Bhosale, was adjourned for Thursday.

In July 2005, Memon was shot at by two gunmen outside his residence at Almira Road in suburban Bandra, but he escaped unhurt. Later, the Ravi Pujari gang had taken responsibility for the attack on Memon.

Meanwhile, the agency has already managed to get arrest warrants issued by courts against Pujari in a few extortion cases.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Wednesday said the prime minister's post has been booked for the next two general elections.

Fadnavis was replying to a question asked by actor Riteish Deshmukh during an award ceremony here.

When Deshmukh asked who from Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar and Nitin Gadkari, can become the prime minister, Fadnavis said, "Let me tell you, this question does not arise, because the post for prime minister has already been booked... Not only for this year's election, but also for the 2024 polls."



"Though, I would be more than happy if someone from Maharashtra becomes the prime minister after that," he added.

To another query that which party, the Shiv Sena or the BJP, will stake claim for the chief minister's and deputy chief minister's post if both get equal number of seats in this year's Maharashtra assembly elections, Fadnavis said few things need to remain secret.

"Everything cannot be disclosed at this moment," he added.

He also dismissed reports that BJP workers and leaders were not happy with the alliance as the party would contest only 144 seats in the 288-member House.

"Forging an alliance with our old ally Shiv Sena was necessary and this is the political reality in the present situation when all non-natural allies are ganging up to fight against us. Our workers understand this very well and support the alliance," he said.

Appealing to forget the bitterness, Fadnavis said, "Jo beet gai so baat gai' (Let bygone be bygone).

To another query that what cemented the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said in a lighter vein, "When we arrived at 'Matoshree' (Thackeray's) home, Uddhav's better half served us few homemade dishes that were so delightful that we forgot everything and sealed the deal."



Overcoming their strained ties and grandiose declarations of going solo, the BJP and the Shiv Sena on Monday had announced a seat-sharing pact for the ensuing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Maharashtra.

BJP president Amit Shah and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had jointly announced that the BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, after allotting allies their due share of segments, in polls for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Congress bastion of Amethi on February 27 has been cancelled, officials said Wednesday.

On Tuesday, a BJP leader said the Prime Minister was likely to visit the ordnance factory in Munshiganj here and later address a public meeting on February 27.

However, according to District Magistrate RM Mishra, the proposed visit has now been cancelled.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Amethi which was proposed on February 27 has been cancelled," the DM said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Haryana Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya on Thursday lauded the "bold governance reforms" undertaken by the state government, including steps to ensure transparent recruitment, saying "people are agog at the parchi-free and sifarish-free" process.

He also praised the state government on its various achievements and reforms towards fulfilling the aspirations of the youth, farmers, soldiers and "one and all".

Addressing the Haryana Assembly on the opening day of its budget session, Arya said, "People are agog at the parchi-free and sifarish-free manner in which more than 56,000 young men and women have been selected for government jobs and the recruitment process for close to 17,000 posts is in the final phase".

"Doing away with interviews, providing 10-per cent weightage to members of families without a government job, widows, orphans and the denotified tribes neither covered under Scheduled Castes nor under Scheduled Tribes have enlivened the hopes of the meritorious and the deprived alike after decades of frustration," the governor said.

He praised the government's commitment to "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and "Haryana Ek, Haryanvi Ek", saying results of the recent elections for mayors and five municipal council polls in Hisar, Karnal, Panipat, Rohtak and Yamunanagar as well as the Jind by-election were a "solid vindication" of that. The ruling BJP had swept the polls.

Arya said the government was on way to become the first state to disburse first quarterly installment of Rs 2,000 to each to 10.5 lakh small and marginal farmer families under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna.

He said the state government had taken extensive measures to promote the girl child, ensure the safety and security of women, and take care of the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, lactating mothers and children in 0-6 age group.

In 48 villages, the gender ratio has reached between 953 and 1,000 and Haryana has been honoured with four national awards for successfully implementing Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao programme, he added.

He said the government is committed to the construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal.

He said for strengthening of transmission system in the upcoming fiscal 2019-20, it has been planned to create 19 new sub-stations, augment 89 existing sub-stations and erect over 1,000 circuit km transmission lines.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Accusing the PDP of drawing "political mileage" out of the trouble faced by Kashmiri students in Uttarakhand following the Pulwama attack, an organisation representing them on Wednesday said the party was making "false claims" about rescuing Valley students from Dehradun.

Jammu and Kashmir Students Organisation spokesman Nasir Khuehami said the PDP leadership did not respond to "our repeated phone calls" for help.

"The PDP is trying to make political mileage out of the issue by making false claims about rescuing students," Khuehami told PTI.

"The PDP claims are nothing but false propaganda aimed to regain lost ground in Jammu and Kashmir. The fact is PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti did not respond even once while we were frantically trying to reach her on phone for help," he added.

The student leader claimed he had himself attempted to call the PDP chief at least 20 times when Kashmiri students were allegedly being beaten up by their landlords after the Pulwama incident.

"Now that the trouble has subsided already, a PDP delegation that visited Dehradun on Tuesday is claiming it rescued 200 students. The fact is they did not rescue a single student," Khuehami said.

He said the Jammu and Kashmir Students Organisation and Khalsa Aid together have rescued at least 900 Kashmiri students since the trouble erupted.

Attributing the anger against students from the Valley in Uttarakhand to a WhatsApp message sent by Kashmiri student Kaishar Rashid, of the Subharti University here, to his friends exulting over the death of 40 CRPF men in the terror attack, Khuehami said, "It was his mistake which endangered the lives of hundreds of Kashmiri students."



"I condemn what he did in the harshest of words," the student leader said.

However, the student leader said things had gone back to normal now and expressed his gratitude to Uttarakhand Police.

"Uttarakhand Police acted commendably extending its full co-operation to us. We are really thankful to DGP Anil Raturi and especially Dehradun SSP Nivedita Kukreti, who worked really hard to ensure that all of us were safe,'" Khuehami said.

He also appealed to Kashmiri students studying in different institutions all over the state to not float messages that can hurt the sentiments of the people.

A PDP delegation consisting of Rajya Sabha member Faiyaz Ahmed Mir, former MLA Aijaz Ahmed Mir and other party leaders came here Tuesday to assess the situation in the wake of reports about alleged harassment of Kashmiri students after the Pulwama incident, Inspector General of Police (Garhwal) Ajay Rautela told PTI.

"The delegation interacted with Kashmiri students studying in different institutions here and returned after expressing satisfaction over their safety," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A delegation of Peoples Democratic Party from Jammu and Kashmir visited Uttarakhand for a first-hand assessment of the situation here following alleged harassment of Kashmiri students after the recent terror attack in Pulwama.

The delegation consisting of Rajya Sabha member Faiyaz Ahmed Mir, former MLA Aijaz Ahmed Mir and other party leaders reached here Tuesday to assess the situation, Inspector General of Police (Garhwal) Ajay Rautela told PTI.

"The delegation interacted with Kashmiri students studying in different institutions here and returned after expressing satisfaction over their safety," he said.

The PDP leaders also took some of the students along with them who expressed a desire to go home with their colleges being closed, the IG said.

The visit followed after reports about alleged harassment of Kashmiri students in Uttarakhand in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack began doing the rounds on the social media, the IG said.

"However, they had a first-hand assessment of the situation in consultation with the Kashmiri students themselves and have returned perfectly satisfied," Rautela said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Punjab Assembly Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution, seeking an apology from the British government for the JallianwalaBagh massacre.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra moved the resolutionand



political parties, cutting across party lines, supported it.

"The tragic massacre of innocent protesters in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on April 13, 1919 remains one of the most horrific memories of British colonial rule in India.This shameful military action against locals peacefully protesting against the oppressive Rowlatt Act has since received worldwide condemnation," the resolution said.

"However, its proper acknowledgement could only be by way of a formal apology by the British government to the people of India as we observe the Centenary of this great tragedy," the resolution said.

"This August House thus unanimously recommends to the state government to take up this matter with the government of India to impress upon the British government to officially apologise for the massacre of innocent people at Jallianwala Bagh,Amritsar, " the resolution said.

Opposition parties AAP,SAD-BJP and Lok Insaaf Party supported the resolution.

Troops of the British Indian Army, under the command ofColonelReginald Dyer, had fired on civilians who had gathered at Jallianwala Baghfor a peaceful protest on April 13, 1919 and scores of people had died.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)NCP chief Sharad Pawar Wednesday continued to hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his failure to attend the all-party meeting called by the NDA government in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

He said instead of attending the meeting, Modi addressed other public events on the same day, which was "not right".

Modi was in Yavatmal and Dhule districts of Maharashtra on February 16 to launch several projects.

Addressing the first joint rally of the Congress, NCP and other opposition parties in Nanded ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Pawar said all the parties stood behind the Centre after the attack, but it allegedly did not take note of it.

He added that the "ghost" of Rafale fighter jet purchase issue will "bury the government" and that the leaders of the government would be left with no place to hide their faces once corruption in the deal is established.

The all-party meeting was convened on February 16. Political parties put up a united face then as they underlined India's determination to fight terrorism following the attack and expressed their solidarity with security forces in defending the country's unity and integrity.

Forty CRPF jawans died on February 14 after a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the paramilitary force's convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We all came together, attended the meeting. I left all my work and went to Delhi for the meeting. And what I saw there? The prime minister not present for such a big meeting. The prime minister was not present," Pawar said.

"All the party leaders were there. But not of the BJP which is ruling the country, which runs the government, and has powers to take decision," he added.

The NCP chief said the opposition parties did not politicise the issue of the prime minister's "absence" at the meeting in view of the attack.

"We gave confidence to the government (that the opposition stood behind it). But how much note the government took of it?" Pawar asked.

"We sat in Delhi, discussed what could be done for the jawans. And the prime minister was busy giving speeches in Dhule and Yavatmal on some other issues. This is not right," he added. He had targeted the PM on the same issue while talking to reporters in Pune on Tuesday.

Pawar praised the previous government in dealing with Pakistan when it become aggressive along the border.

He also lauded late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi saying that she created a "new geography" by dividing Pakistan (leading to creation of present-day Bangladesh in 1971).

"She showed her mettle. Showed to the world that India was not weak," Pawar said as he expressed concerns over the deaths of soldiers under the BJP's watch.

Hitting out at the Centre over escalation in the prices of Rafale jets during the NDA regime vis--vis previous UPA government, Pawar said where has the money gone under the watch of Modi, who talks of not allowing corruption.

"The ghost of Rafale will bury this government...its leaders will have no place to hide their faces once corruption in the deal is established," he added.

The former Union Agriculture Minister also hit out at the government over the agrarian issues, like farm loan waiver and farmers not getting fair prices for their produces.

Among other things, Pawar slammed the government for allegedly destroying institutions like the judiciary, RBI and CBI.

The rally was also attended by Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan, NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde, People's Republic Party president Jogendra Kawade, PWP leader Jayant Patil and others.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday said his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik has "betrayed the people" as he is not interested in the development of the state.

Addressing party workers at Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district and later at Nachuni in Khurda district, Adityanath called for a change in the state government to make Odisha prosperous.

He said Odisha can also develop like Uttar Pradesh if a BJP government is installed in the state.

"Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is not interested in development of the state, rather in his personal agenda. He (Patnaik) has betrayed the people of Odisha," Adityanath said and called up the people to end the 19-years of BJD rule in order to make the state prosperous.

He criticised Patnaik for not implementing the Centre's popular welfare schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM-Kisan.

"The poor people have been deprived of the benefits being given by the BJP-led central government," the UP CM said.

Slamming the Odisha government for its alleged inefficiency, the firebrand BJP leader said the Naveen Patnaik government has constructed only 17 lakh pucca houses for the people in the last 19-years of its rule while the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has provided 20 lakh houses to the poor in less than two years.

"If the BJP is given a chance to form government in Odisha, the state will witness quick development like Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Odisha will witness the state as well the national elections in few months.

While lauding the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme, Adityanath said Odisha government's KALIA yojana has no stability and is shrouded in corruption from the beginning.

"While the UP government has so far identified 1 crore beneficiaries for PM-Kisan, Odisha government has not prepared its list," Adityanath alleged.

The UP CM also criticised the Odisha government for taking credit in providing rice to poor people at Rs 1 per a kilogram for which "bulk of the finance was borne by the Centre".

While the BJP-led central government is contributing Rs 29 for one kg of the subsidised rice, the Odisha government's share is mere Re one, he claimed.

In his speech at both the places, Adityanath showered praise on Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his work and said Ujjawala Yojana had provided 12 crore new LPG connections in the last four-and-half-years, more that what was achieved since Independence.

Adityanath also flayed the opposition for making fun of the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).

"When subsidies under the Ujjwala Yojana started getting credited to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, they (Opposition parties) understood the PMJDY's importance," he said.

The BJP government's agenda is development for all, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, he said, adding that Odisha has a crucial role to play in the upcoming parliamentary elections to make Narendra Modi Prime Minister for the second time.

He asked party workers to put up a spirited effort to replicate BJP's success in the state as they have done during the 2017 panchayat elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan on Wednesday expressed concern and sought response from India on reports of the killing of a Pakistani prisoner by Indian inmates in a jail in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur.

A 50-year-old Pakistani national, identified as Shakrullah and lodged in the Jaipur Central Jail, was allegedly killed Wednesday in a brawl with other prisoners.

"A Pakistani prisoner was allegedly murdered today in the central jail. The matter will be investigated by a judicial magistrate and also by the police," Rajasthan Director General of Police Kapil Garg told PTI in Jaipur.

Shakrullah was lodged in the jail's special cell since 2011 and was serving life sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO), he was beaten to death by a group of Indian inmates in retaliation of the Pulwama incident.

"Pakistan is gravely concerned at media reports regarding the brutal killing of a Pakistani Prisoner," the FO said.

It said Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi has officially raised the issue with the Indian authorities and requesting them to urgently authenticate the report.

The response is still awaited, it added.

Pakistan also called upon the Indian government to ensure foolproof security to all Pakistani prisoners lodged in Indian jails as well as Pakistani visitors to India.

The killing in Jaipur prison has been reported amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack.

According to police in Jaipur, Shakrullah, who was from Pakistan Punjab's Sialkot, was hit with a large stone during the prison fight.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)For the first time, a Pakistani university has created the Guru Nanak research chair to "promote the message of peace that the Sikh spiritual leader preached".

"The Punjab University Lahore has created the Baba Guru Nanak research chair. This is the first ever initiative of any university in Pakistan. The students will carry out research on the teachings of Guru Nanak," Punjab University spokesperson Khurram Shahzad told PTI on Wednesday.

He said an inaugural ceremony was held at the university's new campus on Tuesday by Vice Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmad.

Shahzad said it was also the demand of the Sikhs delegations who visited the Punjab University.

"It was not only the demand of the Sikhs but the academia that feels the need to promote message of tolerance of Guru Nanak in the society. The Punjab University's Oriental College students under the supervision of the Professor of the chair will carry out the research work," he added.

Ahmad said Guru Nanak promoted the message of tolerance through his actions and teachings.

"He made great efforts for a peaceful society. The purpose of setting up the Guru Nanak research chair is to promote the message of peace that he preached," he said, adding the initiative will help strengthen relations between Muslims and Sikhs.

Punjabi Language Literature and Culture Journal editor Sardar Ajaib Singh Chattha thanked the VC for crating the Guru Nanak research chair.

"We could establish peace by following the teachings of Baba Guru Nanak and the sufis.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan's top anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani from a hotel in Islamabad, triggering a strong protest from the Pakistan People's Party which termed the detention of its senior leader as "unacceptable".

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi has accused Durrani of illegal appointments, misuse of power, misappropriation of funds and owning assets beyond his known means of income.

Citing the NAB officials, DawnNewsTV said that they waited for Durrani to leave Sindh province before making the arrest as Durrani is escorted by his sizable security team in his home province and the officials feared a confrontation would turn violent.

The NAB Karachi team travelled to Islamabad to arrest him. He was initially taken to the NAB Rawalpindi office after which NAB obtained three-day transit remand to bring him back to Karachi for the investigation.

Accountability Judge Muhammad Bashir granted the three-day transit, with instructions to produce him in the relevant court in Karachi within three days.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari slammed the arrest of senior party leader, saying that his party would not allow the "benaami wazeer-e-azam" to establish a dictatorship.

"Attack on (the) speaker of (a) federating unit is unacceptable. (An) undemocratic attempt to dislodge Sindh govt. Failed before will fail again. Independent institutions shouldnt unwittingly be part of political engineering," he tweeted.

Soon after Durrani's arrest, PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari asked his party leaders to converge in the capital.

Last year in July, NAB had approved an inquiry against Durrani over various allegations of corruption.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Pakistani national lodged in the central jail here was allegedly killed Wednesday in a brawl with other prisoners.

"A Pakistani prisoner was allegedly murdered today in the central jail. The matter will be investigated by a judicial magistrate and also by the police," Rajasthan Director General of Police Kapil Garg told PTI.

The killing in Jaipur prison has been reported amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack.

An official said Shakrullah (50), who was from Pakistan Punjab's Sialkot, was hit with a large stone during the prison fight.

Inspector general (Prisons) Rupinder Singh said Shakrullah was lodged in the jail's special cell since 2011 and was serving life sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Senior administration and police officials rushed to the jail after learning about the death.

Singh said the post mortem will be conducted on the jail premises under judicial supervision.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Pakistani high court Wednesday reserved its judgment on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's plea, seeking suspension of his sentence in a corruption case on medical grounds.

Sharif, 69, has been serving a seven-year sentence at Kotlakhpat jail in Lahore after being convicted in the Al Azizia case by an accountability court.

Sharif through his counsel Khawaja Haris last month filed application seeking bail on health grounds after developing heart-related complications.

A two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the plea.

Haris presented the medical reports of Sharif and said the health of former prime minister was not stable and he should be given bail.

The court after hearing the arguments reserved the verdict without giving any date to announce it.

Sharif is currently in Jinnah Hospital in Lahore where he was shifted last week from jail. The doctors are evaluating his condition and conducting tests before deciding medical interventions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)More than 27.50 lakh educated jobless people have registered themselves with various employment exchanges in Madhya Pradesh till January 2019, the state Legislative Assembly was told Wednesday.

"Rising" unemployment was one of the poll planks of the Congress, then in opposition, in the recently-held assembly polls against the BJP.

In a written reply to a question raised BJP MLA Narottam Mishra, Chief Minister Kamal Nath informed the House that a total of 27,55,245 educated unemployed (people) are registered across 52 employment exchanges as on January 31, 2019.

Gwalior district has the highest number of unemployed youths at 1,37,367, followed by Satna and Bhopal districts which occupy the second and third slots. The number of registrations stood at 1,15,214 and 1,06,521, respectively, in these two districts.

The chief minister also stated that the government has launched "Yuva Swabhiman Yojana" to provide a maximum stipend of Rs 4,000 per month to unemployed youths from urban areas.

Under the scheme, the youths would be provided a job in urban bodies for a period of 50 days. They will be also imparted a skill training for a 100-day period.

As per the Madhya Pradesh Economic Survey, 2018, the number of educated jobless people in the state stood at 11.24 lakh by the end of 2016.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Over 1,000 children had died at the Adani Foundation-run G K General Hospital in Bhuj town of Kutch district during the last five years, the Gujarat government told the legislative assembly on Wednesday.

Responding to a written query by Santokben Arethia (Congress) during the Question Hour, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said in his written reply that as many as 1,018 children had died at the Adani Foundation-run hospital in the last five years.

As per the figures shared by Patel, who handles the Health portfolio, 188 children had died in 2014-15, 187 in 2015-16, 208 in 2016-17, 276 in 2017-18 and 159 in 2018-19 (till now) from different ailments and medical complications.

Patel added that a committee was formed in May last year to probe the causes of the deaths.

In its report, the committee listed various reasons behind the death of the children (infants), Patel said in his reply.

These included serious complications among prematurely born babies, infectious diseases, respiratory complications, birth asphyxia and sepsis among infants either referred to the hospital or born there, he said.

Referring to the panel report findings, Patel told the assembly that the treatment administered by the hospital was as per the "set protocols and standard guidelines".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Wednesday questioned the "silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi about incidents of violence against Kashmiris in some parts of the country in the aftermath of the recent attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama.

Incidents of violence against Kashmiris have been reported from parts of the country after the Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. The February 14 attack was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed and the suicide bomber, who drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a bus of the CRPF convoy, was a local youth.

"Dear PM @narendramodi Sahib, can we please have a few words of condemnation for the systematic attacks directed against Kashmiri students & others or does your concern not extend as far north as Kashmir?" Abdullah asked in a series of tweets.

The former chief minister was commenting on a video, which has gone viral on social media, showing a kashmir man being beaten up in Kolkata.

"Having seen the video doing the rounds on social media of a young Kashmiri man being beaten up in Kolkata I've been in touch with @derekobrienmp & @MamataOfficial regarding the matter. The culprits have been identified & strongest possible action has been assured," Abdullah said.

"The young man being beaten has also been contacted by the administration & is being looked after. Am grateful for the swift response @MamataOfficial didi," he added.

Abdullah also expressed his gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for ensuring safety of Kashmiris in his state.

"A special thanks to @capt_amarinder Sahib for his statesmanship in ensuring security & safety for Kashmiris," he said.

Commenting on a cartoon published in a local daily depicting the help provided by Sikhs to Kashmiris over the past few days, Omar lauded the efforts of the community.

"This cartoon is very apt. The Sikh sangat has gone above & beyond the call of duty in reaching out & helping Kashmiris in distress, whether in Jammu or outside the state," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Oil has started leaking from a bulk carrier stranded on a coral reef near World Heritage-listed waters in the Solomon Islands, local villagers said Wednesday.

The MV Solomon Trader ran aground on February 5 while loading bauxite at Rennell Island but heavy seas whipped up by Tropical Cyclone Oma have thwarted salvage attempts.

Locals said the 225-metre vessel was now starting to leak oil.

"We're starting to see a slick," Derek Pongi told AFP. "It's not that big but it's hard to tell because the weather's still rough."



Rennell Island, about 240 kilometres south of the capital Honiara, is the largest raised coral atoll in the world and includes a UNESCO World Heritage site which extends kilometres out to sea.

Pongi said locals feared a major environmental disaster.

"The people here depend on the sea for all their needs," he said. "It would make life very hard for them."



While the ship was carrying bauxite, any such large vessel would also have large amounts of oil and fuel for its engines.

Island Sun reported the Hong Kong-flagged ship's owners Bintan Mining had flown in salvage experts from Australia and the United States.

Officials from neighbouring Australia said they were working with the Solomon Islands government to "hold the responsible company, owners and insurers to account in responding to this maritime incident".

"Australia... has undertaken an overflight inspection of the vessel and supplied the findings to Solomon Islands' authorities," Australian foreign affairs said in a statement.

"(Australia) has also deployed an expert to assist with the Solomon Islands government's next steps." The officials declined to answer questions on the severity of any oil spill and the prospects for salvage.

The Solomons' National Disaster Management Office, which has reportedly never coordinated a maritime salvage before, was unavailable for comment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump on Wednesday termed the popular New York Times newspaper as "the enemy of the people", after it published a report accusing the political leader of using "intimidation, pressure and humiliation" on the machinery of federal law enforcement.

In a report published Wednesday, the 168-year-old prestigious daily with a circulation of over 571,000, stated, "An examination by The New York Times reveals the extent of an even more sustained, more secretive assault by Mr Trump on the machinery of federal law enforcement."



It alleged that Trump has been using tactics of "intimidation, pressure and humiliation" on the machinery of federal law enforcement.

Reacting to the report, Trump tweeted, "The New York Times reporting is false. They are a true ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!"



However, the daily stood by its story and said it followed all the basic journalist principles. It said it had asked for a comment on the story from the White House, to which they did not respond.

According to the NYT report, Trump humiliated his former attorney general Jeff Sessions at every turn.

In another tweet, Trump accused the media of being dishonest.

"The Press has never been more dishonest than it is today. Stories are written that have absolutely no basis in fact. The writers don't even call asking for verification...Sadly, I kept many of them in business. In six years, they all go BUST!" he said.

Trump also accused The Washington Post of ignoring the basic journalistic standards.

"The Washington Post ignored basic journalistic standards because it wanted to advance its well-known and easily documented biased agenda against President Donald J Trump...Covington student suing WAPO. Go get them Nick. Fake News!" he said.

Nicholas Sandmann, a Covington Catholic High School student, has sued The Washington Post for USD 250 million for reporting about him allegedly confronting a native American in Washington.

His attorney in the lawsuit alleged that the newspaper led a "mob of bullies which attacked, vilified and threatened" an innocent 16-year-old.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The NSUI Wednesday held a protest against an advisory issued by the Delhi University, asking students to not stage protests or dharnas inside varsity premises.

The circular, issued last week by the administration, advised the students against "occupying university premises of departments, library, administrative blocks etc. for protest and dharnas".

These acts cause disruption in academic activities as well as day to day functioning of the respective offices, it said.

"Kindly note that causing disruption in any manner of the academic functioning of the University System amounts to an act of gross indiscipline," it added.

The Congress-backed National Students' Union of India (NSUI) held a protest against the advisory. The students' union members burnt a copy of the advisory during the protest.

They also held a cutout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, depicting him as Hitler and accused the administration of working at the behest of the central government.

NSUI Delhi president Akshay Lakra said this decision will weaken the democracy and the democratic culture that has been prevailing in the Delhi University for a long time.

"If this decision is not reversed, the NSUI will continue its protest," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday criticised the Centre's PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme claiming that it has no provision for share croppers and land less farmers.

Patnaik said this at a farmers rally at Kanas in Puri district hours after his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath slammed Odisha government's Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme at a public meeting at Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district.

Patnaik said, "There is nothing for the sharecroppers and landless farmers in the Centre's Kisan scheme. In this regard, I have demanded that the Prime Minister include these farmers in the scheme and enhance financial assistance from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000."



Describing the KALIA scheme as a 'historic' step for farmers, Patnaik said it has shown the way to the entire country.

It is benefiting the sharecroppers, landless farmers and agricultural labourers, he said.

Patnaik said more than 16 lakh farmers have been benefited so far under KALIA scheme and 10 lakh more peasants will get monetary assistance on February 21.

The chief minister said the children of farmers will be provided study assistance under KALIA scholarship scheme.

Patnaik said small and marginal farmers are eligible to get Rs 10,000 a year under KALIA, while PM-Kisan will give Rs 6,000 per annum to the people who have landed property.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Nine Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy Wednesday for allegedly fishing in the island nation's waters, a fisheries department official said here.

The nine fishermen from Jegadapattinam in Pudukottai district had ventured into the sea in two boats and were fishing near Neduntheevu in the island nation's waters when they were detained by the Lanka navy personnel, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Pudukottai, Kumaresan said.

The fishermen were taken to Kankesanthurai, the official said adding the boats were impounded.

On February 12, over 3,000 Tamil Nadu fishermen were allegedly chased away by Lankan Navy personnel while they were fishing off Katchatheevu.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The National Green Tribunal has sought an action plan from a committee headed by CPCB to stop discharge of polluted water in the Yamuna river and prosecute the offenders.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed various authorities -- Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Delhi Jal Board, East Delhi Municipal Corporation, Noida and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board -- to hold a joint meeting on the issue within a month.

"The Nodal Agency will be CPCB for coordination and compliance.The report of the action taken be furnished to this tribunal within two months by e-mail," the bench said while posting the matter for consideration on May 20.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Noida resident Abhisht Kusum Gupta against disposing of sewer waste in the irrigation canal near Sector 137 in the Gautam Buddh Nagar district.

According to the applicant, sewer waste coming from villages situated near Sector 137, Noida, is being drained into the irrigation canal.

The tribunal had earlier directed the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida) and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to submit report on dumping of waste in an irrigation canal.

According to the report, the drain is originating from Kondli in Delhi and other drains are also connected to the said drain.

"Kondli drain carries polluted effluent from Delhi and thereafter joins river Yamuna at Noida Sector 168. Sewage is also being dumped into the drain in Sector 137, Noida. It was found that the water quality was not up to the standards. The Noida has also written a letter to the Chief Secretary, Delhi," the NGT noted.

"In view of the above, action is also required to be taken by the authorities at Delhi including the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and East Delhi Municipal Corporation. The coordination will be required by a central agency as two states are involved in dealing with the matter," the bench also comprising Justices S P Wangdi and K Ramakrishnan, said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A newborn male baby, who was allegedly kidnapped within hours after his birth at a primary health centre here has been rescued and two people, including a woman arrested in this connection, police said Wednesday.

The baby boy went missing on Tuesday while sleeping beside his mother at the government health centre in Narapally area, they said.

The family members lodged a complaint following which a case was registered.

The CCTV footage at the hospital showed the woman's neighbour taking the baby away, they added.

The baby was later traced to her house, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have postponed a planned meeting Thursday in Moscow for talks on Iranian military activity in Syria, an Israeli official said.

The two leaders would speak by phone on Thursday instead, the official said on condition of anonymity Wednesday, adding that a new date for the meeting would be set as soon as possible.

It was described as a postponement of several days.

The official gave no reason for the postponement, but Israeli media said it was related to Netanyahu's strategizing with allied right-wing parties for April 9 elections ahead of a Thursday deadline for electoral lists to be submitted.

Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov told Russian state agency Ria Novosti that the meeting was postponed due to Israeli internal political reasons.

The meeting would have been their first extensive face-to-face talks since a friendly fire incident in September that led to a Russian plane being downed by Syrian air defences during an Israeli raid, which angered the Kremlin.

Netanyahu and Putin, who have spoken by phone several times since the incident, met in Paris in November on the sidelines of World War I commemorations.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria against what is says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets, and the Jewish state and Russia have set up a "de-confliction" hotline to avoid accidental clashes.

Netanyahu has pledged to stop Israel's main enemy Iran from entrenching itself militarily in the neighbouring country.

Both Russia and Iran are allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and have helped his forces inflict numerous defeats on rebels and jihadists.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A right-wing political party in Nepal has demanded the government reinstate the country as a Hindu state.

Nepal was declared a secular state in 2008 after the success of the people's movement of 2006 that saw the abolition of monarchy.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party, led by former deputy premier Kamal Thapa, in a memorandum handed to Prime Minister K P Oli demanded that Nepal should be declared a Hindu state with complete religious freedom by revoking the provision of secularism.

The party sent the memorandum to the Prime Minister through Khotang District Administration Office on Tuesday.

The party also demanded a referendum on whether to continue with federalism or not.

Hinduism is the largest religion of Nepal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday called for a change in mindset of the state's legislators and advised them to work with team spirit.

He said the lawmakers need to focus on proper planning so that developmental efforts of the state government could reach the people.

"If we go with our old style of functioning in governance, we will have to face a tough situation in the future.

"We must change our attitude and need to work with 'Team Arunachal' spirit for development," Khandu said, addressing the 33rd Statehood Day celebration at Indira Gandhi Park here.

Khandu said the onus lies on better planning and execution of work with judicious utilisation of funds for Arunachal Pradesh to emerge as a developed state.

"In its 33-year journey, the state witnessed many ups and downs. Years of negligence has put the 'underdeveloped' tag on the state, which started getting importance only when the NDA government came to power at the Centre in 2014," the chief minister said.

"With the efforts of 'Team Arunachal', my government has been able to reduce corruption to a certain extent," Khandu added.

Meanwhile, Governor Brig (Retd) B D Mishra along with the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues on Wednesday paid homage to the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack.

"The supreme sacrifice made by our jawans will be a source of inspiration for the people of the country in their fight against terrorism," Mishra said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi claimed Wednesday he was under pressure from the previous NDA government at the Centre to continue with the "secret killings", a practice "rampant" during his predecessor Prafulla Kumar Mahanta's tenure.

The BJP rubbished the allegation as "baseless" and accused the veteran Congress leader of doing "divisive politics", while Mahanta hit back, insisting it was under the Congress rule that extrajudicial killings started in the state.

Gogoi, who helmed the state for 15 years from 2001 to 2016, claimed Lal Krishna Advani, who was then the union home minister, wanted to send former Punjab police chief K P S Gill, largely credited with crushing militancy in the northern state, to Assam as governor to quell insurgency.

"We were pressured to continue the secret killings, but we did not do it. When I took over (in 2001), the BJP wanted the secret killings to continue and Advani wanted to send KPS Gill as the governor for this reason," Gogoi said.

He claimed it was because of the stiff resistance by his government that Gill, an IPS officer of Assam and Meghalaya cadre, was not sent to the northeastern state.

Gogoi was referring to extrajudicial killings of the late 1990s when masked men, allegedly sponsored by the government, would kill suspected ULFA militants and their kin.

"The secret killings in Assam happened when Mahanta was in power. The BJP was in power at the Centre then. Now, Mahanta says that he did it on instructions of the Centre," Gogoi said.

When reached for comments, the BJP's Assam unit general secretary Dilip Saikia trashed the accusation.

"It is a baseless allegation. We have always believed in integrity of India but not at the cost of secret killings of innocent people. Why did he not order an enquiry on secret killings if he was honest? He is doing cheap, divisive politics," Saikia said.

The BJP leader said his party favoured dialogue for lasting peace in the North-East for which its governments held talks with the ULFA, NDFB, NSCN and other insurgent groups.

He claimed it was the Congress that derailed talks with the ULFA.

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta of the AGP claimed it was his Congress predecessor Hiteswar Saikia who started the practice of secret killings.

"It is the Congress that started secret killings. It was Hiteswar Saikia....The first victim was Tezpur's Bhupen Bora, who was kidnapped and killed by the Congress government," he alleged.

Saikia was the chief minister of Assam between 1991 and 1996.

When asked whether such killings continued even after he took over, Mahanta said, "The Unified Command was responsible for all sacurity related issues and it was functioning under the central government."



Gogoi said the NDA 1 government accused him of being "soft" on ULFA as he did not allow the killing of innocent people.

He claimed Mahanta, a two-term former chief minister who led the All Assam Students Union's agitation for idenfication and deportation of illegal migrants that led to the signing of the Assam Accord, had refused to accept 1967 as the cut-off year for detection of foreigners that was suggested by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1980.

"The leaders, including Mahanta, refused to accept 1967 as cut-off year in 1980, but they accepted 1971 as the cut-off year in 1985. Had they accepted the first proposal, 855 people who lost their lives during the Assam agitation would have lived," Gogoi said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The apex consumer forum has directed three doctors to pay Rs 2.7 lakh for "gross-negligence" and "mismanagement" that led to the death of a woman after she suffered a cardiac arrest during an operation and slipped into a coma and never recovered from it.

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) said that it was a "serious lapse" on the part of the doctors to not assess the woman's cardiac condition before the operation.

A bench of presiding member Anup K Thakur and member C Vishwanath upheld the district consumer forum's order asking Doctors Zubedaben Desai, Kashyap Rameshbhai Shah and Rachnaben Jigneshbhai Shah of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to pay Rs 2.7 lakh to Mustafabhai Ibrahimbhai Salar for the death of his wife, Memunaben Salar.

According to the complaint, Salar was admitted to Ahmedabad's Samved hospital on October 20, 2004. She suffered a cardiac arrest during the surgery the next day. She was shifted to another hospital where she remained in coma till her death on November 18, 2005.

The tribunal overturned the state consumer commission's order and said that once cardiac arrest takes place, its management is an important aspect in reviving the patient and the operation notes speak of cardiac massage being given but there was no mention of the time taken to get the heart beat back, a delay in which could lead to hypoxic damage as it happened in this case.

"The respondent (doctors) ought to have mentioned the duration of cardiac arrest, especially when the condition could not be revived neurologically. All this indicates that the complainant's wife went into subsequent conditions because of gross-negligence and mismanagement on the part of the respondents," the bench said.

It also said that the doctors, knowing that cardiac arrest was a known complication of spinal anaesthesia, should have taken an ECG to conduct a thorough pre-operative check-up of the patient and her heart.

"As seen from the record, last ECG was conducted way back on May 25, 2004. The present operation is an elective operation and was not done on emergency basis. The respondents had all the time to do thorough investigations before taking the patient to the operation theatre.They should have taken another ECG after her admission in the hospital and on assessing her cardiac status proceeded with the operation.

"Failure on the part of the respondents in not assessing the cardiac condition of the patient before the operation is certainly a serious lapse on their part, knowing full well that cardiac arrest is a known complication in spinal anaesthesia," the bench said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Namvar Singh was like a giant banyan tree in Hindi literature, who nurtured many writers and poets under him.

Singh, who died on Tuesday night after a month-long illness at the age of 92, showed to the world that a dry topic like literary criticism can be made simple and interesting.

He may have started his journey as a poet but the seeds of literary criticism were sown deep by his mentor Acharya Hajariprasad Dwivedi. It was only natural that Singh would follow in his footsteps.

Through "Dusri Parampara ki Khoj" (In Search of a Second Tradition), he not only redefined criticism on modern parameters but also took it forward, beyond the era of



Ramchandra Shukla



His personality, forthrightness and views reflected the Banaras that could be seen in the writings of Kabir and his guru, Dwivedi.

Born on July 28, 1926 in Varanasi's village Jiyanpur (now in Chandauli), Singh spent most of his creative years in Delhi but he never felt at home.

It was in 1941 that Singh started his writing career as a poet and published his first poem in "Khastriyamitra" magazine.

Singh completed his MA and PhD in Hindi literature from the Banaras Hindu University. He also worked as a professor in his alma mater BHU as well as Jodhpur university and the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Senior critic Manager Pandey said Singh was not only popular as a critic but also as a teacher and orator. He contemporized Hindi literary criticism.

According to Pandey, Singh easily connected with young writers and would always be surrounded with books and literature. Singh used to say that life would be unimaginable for him without his pen and books.

He briefly toyed with politics and contested the Lok Sabha election from Chakiya (Chandauli) in 1959 on a ticket from the Communist Party of India. He lost both his election and his teaching job.

It was a period full of struggle for Singh, his younger brother, writer Kashinath Singh, recalled in a book. But it was also time that helped his forge a deeper connection with literature and books.

Singh then lived in a house near Lolark Kund in Varanasi, memories of which stayed with him forever.

After losing his job in Banaras Hindu University, Singh worked in Sagar University as assistant professor for a year.

From 1960 to 1965, he stayed in Varanasi to focus on his writings but moved to Delhi to work as the editor of "Janyug" magazine. He was also the literary consultant for Rajkamal Prakashan for two years during this period.

In 1967, he edited a quarterly magazine "Alochana". But in 1970, he returned to his academic career as the dean of Hindi department in Jodhpur University.

He was awarded the Sahitya Academy honour for his book "Kavita Ke Naye Pratimaan" in 1971.

Singh joined Jawaharlal Nehru University as a professor in 1974 and retired from there after 13 years in 1987 but his term was extended for five years.

His most notable contribution is in the sphere of literary criticism with books such as "Hindi Ke Vikas me Apbransh Ka Yogdaan", Prithviraj Raso Ki Bhasha", "Adhunik Sahitya Ki Pravritiyaan", "Chhayavad", "Itihaas Aur Alochana" and "Kahaani: Nayi Kahaani" and "Dusri Parampara Ki Khoj".

According to Jagdishwar Chaturvedi, a former Hindi professor in the University of Calcutta, Singh was a great mentor and teacher who took young writers seriously and constantly encouraged their writings. He kept in touch with emerging writers till the very end of his life.

Sharing an interesting anecdote about Singh's love for books, Chaturvedi said Singh had once talked about a book by Marxist critic Parajneshwar Verma. He searched for the book in the market but could not find it. He spoke to a publisher who brought it to a book fair for him.

Singh also went to the same stall and enquired about the book. When he got to know that a JNU student had bought it, he returned and borrowed the book from him to read. He returned it after two days.

Chaturvedi, who had penned a book about Singh, said the author had once told him that he wanted his last rites to be done as per Hindu rituals. He cited that even Karl Marx was buried as per Christian rituals.

In accordance with his wishes, Singh was cremated on Wednesday as per Hindu rituals.

He may have been a communist and considered himself to be an atheist but would visit temples as he felt they were a part of the culture.

According to his student Purushottam Agarwal, Singh was a critic who established his identity beyond the Hindi language. Agarwal said Singh always read the works of students and young writers and would encourage them as equals.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pyongyang's special representative for the US Kim Hyok Chol arrived in Hanoi on Wednesday with a North Korean delegation, an AFP reporter and source confirmed, ahead of a summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un next week.

"A team of North Koreans arrived on a fight from Beijing," a source at the airport confirmed, requesting anonymity.

An AFP reporter saw Kim walk into a government guesthouse where other North Korean officials in town for pre-summit preparations were staying over the weekend.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Bihar assembly was adjourned till 2pm Wednesday, the last day of the Budget session, as opposition RJD members stalled the proceedings, demanding resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the wake of an order by a special POCSO court on Muzaffarpur sex scandal.

As the House assembled at 11 am, the RJD MLAs, led by its chief spokesman Bhai Virendra, were on their feet demanding that Kumar explain "18 questions" raised by Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav in connection with the court order at Muzaffarpur last week.

The POCSO court had forwarded to CBI an application filed by one of the accused in the scandal, seeking investigation into the role of the chief minister and a number of top bureaucrats in the release of funds to the shelter home from 2013 to 2018.

Soon after the proceedings began, the RJD members rushed to the Well, raising slogans against the state government, even as Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary pleaded with them to let the House function in the interest of public.

As the commotion continued for some time, the Speaker adjourned the House till 2 pm.

Later, talking to reporters, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shravan Kumar lambasted the opposition, saying "they have no issue to discuss and hence they resort to disruption. The House is in session and Tejashwi Yadav has the leisure to address a press conference in New Delhi, but does not find it convenient to attend the Assembly".

After the Muzaffarpur court's order last week, the House plunged into turmoil Monday, with the opposition seeking the CM's resignation. On Tuesday, Tejashwi Yadav held a press conference in New Delhi attacking Kumar on the issue.

A report from Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences blew the lid over the sexual abuse case last year, triggering a political storm in the state.

An FIR was lodged in May last year and a number of persons, including Brajesh Thakur, the owner of the NGO running the shelter home, were arrested by police in connection with the scandal.

The matter was handed over to the CBI in July.

Shortly afterwards, state Social Welfare Minister Manju Verma stepped down as media reported that her husband had close links with Brajesh Thakur.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A month-long 'Festival of India' began here on Tuesday with the objective of familiarising the new generation of Nepal about the similarities between the Himalayan nation and India.

The festival, organised by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, is being held in Kathmandu and other major cities of the country from February 19 to March 21.

The festival began here with a musical drama on the life of Lord Buddha. Sanskrit conference, dance, food festival and other cultural programmes will also be held during the festival.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri jointly inaugurated the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Indian Ambassador Puri said Buddhism has been established as a major religion in the both the countries as Lord Buddha was born in Nepal and attained enlightenment in India.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Mizo Peace Accord of 1986 has stood the test of time and made Mizoram one of the most peaceful states in the country, Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan said Wednesday.

Addressing a meeting here to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Mizo Peace Accord - Remna Ni (Peace Day) - Rajasekharan said it is the duty of all stakeholders to ensure enduring peace in the state as it is the most crucial prerequisite for development.

The Peace Accord was signed on June 30, 1986, by the erstwhile underground Mizo National Front (MNF), the Centre and the Mizoram government.

"It is to the credit of the strong civil society out here, that we have transitioned from years of struggle to become one of the most peaceful states in the country. It is our duty to maintain this peace, which is so vital for development," he said.

The governor urged the people to exploit the immense potential that Mizoram offers in the realms of agriculture, horticulture, organic farming, food processing, handloom and handicrafts.

"Special emphasis is now being given to the bamboo sector in the state. We have one of the largest bamboo cover in the country, it is now recognized, developed and promoted in a manner ensuring ecological security for all-round sustainable development of the state and well-being of our people," Rajasekharan said.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who was present at the meeting, also urged the people to harness the bamboo potential in the state for sustainable development.

The function was attended by Assembly Speaker, members of the council of ministers, legislators, top officials and large number of the general public.

Mizo Peace Accord ended 20-years of disturbance triggered by declaration of independence from the Indian Union by the MNF on March 1, 1966.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Kashmiri girl, who had gone missing a few days back, was found Wednesday, amid rumours that she was abducted to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said Wednesday.

Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police Tejinder Singh said stern action will be taken against those found using social media to spread false information to destabilise law and order in the state.

"We had received a complaint from a person stating that her daughter had gone missing. The girl has been found," the SSP said.

The girl said she had left her home after an argument with her father, Singh told reporters here.

He said the girl alleged that she was not being treated well by her family and therefore she left her home on her own.

He said, however, some people misrepresented the facts on the social media and gave another angle to the incident. They said the girl was kidnapped by a youth in Jammu to create law and order situation.

The girl was handed over to her parents. A fresh FIR was registered and investigation started to identify the persons who tried to incite people through social media, the officer said.

The SSP asked people not to upload any information on the social media without checking facts.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The retirement age of CRPF, BSF, ITBP and SSB personnel is all set to be raised to 60 years, from the present 57, with the Home Ministry calling a meeting of all CAPF chiefs next week to resolve an existing anomaly regarding their superannuation, officials said Wednesday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sent a directive in this context to the Directors General (DsG) of these forces in the wake of a Delhi High Court order that called the current policy "discriminatory and unconstitutional" which created two classes in these uniformed forces.

These CAPFs are deployed to undertake a variety of security roles in the country, ranging from guarding borders to conducting anti-Naxal operations and combating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting has been convened for February 27 and it will be chaired by an additional secretary of the ministry, they said.

The ministry, as per a directive accessed by PTI, has also asked the chiefs of these four large forces to first "go through" the court's order and send their comments to it by February 25.

The Delhi High Court had issued its order on January 31 and had given the government (Home Ministry) four weeks' time to implement its directive.

A senior official in the security establishment told the agency that the ministry will take the views of all the DsG and it is expected that the superannuation age of all the personnel of these forces will be brought up to 60, as prevalent in two other forces under the ministry's command-- the CISF and Assam Rifles -- and remove existing anomalies.

He added that the forces want this abberation to be removed and hence, it is expected to be approved in the first meeting itself.

As per the present policy, all personnel in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Assam Rifles (ARs) retire at the age of 60 while in the rest four forces, personnel in the ranks of constable to commandant (senior superintendent of police) retire at the age of 57, while those above them superannuate after attaining the age of 60.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Sanjeev Narula had struck down these rules saying that such discrimination would lead to "lowering of the morale" of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel.

"This will include arriving at a decision as regards the retirement age which will be uniform for all members of the CAPFs, irrespective of their rank, thus bringing all of them, including the CISF and the Assam Rifles, on par and fixing the date from which such changed retirement age will take effect," the court had said in its 70 page verdict.

The decision had come on a batch of petitions seeking that the retirement age of CAPF personnel of the concerned ranks be enhanced to 60 years at par with the officers above the rank of commandant in the four forces.

The high court bench had said that among the CAPFs "a differential treatment is given to those belonging to the AR, CISF, where all members in all ranks retire at the age of 60 years. Whereas, in the BSF, CRPF and ITBP two classes have been created where officers above the rank of commandant retire at the age of 60 and all other ranks retire at the age of 57".

The court had also noted that the Seventh Central Pay Commission (CPC), which had examined the issue, by a majority of 2:1 had favoured the enhancement of the retirement age of the commandant and below ranks in the three CAPFs.

"The concerned CAPFs themselves i.e. the BSF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB have also favoured the removal of the discrimination," the bench added.

"The CAPFs have become an indispensable part of the security apparatus in the country. It is difficult to think that the government, whether at the Centre or at the states, would be able to combat the serious challenges of safety and security and of its people without the participation and the sacrifices made by members of the CAPFs.

"Their morale definitely needs to be preserved. Discrimination in the matter of the age of retirement amongst members of two wings of the CAPFs will contribute to lowering the morale rather than bolstering it," the court had said while striking down the age limit of 57 years.

While the CRPF is the largest CAPF of the country with over 3 lakh personnel and is tasked as the lead internal security force, the BSF guards Indian borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Similarly, the ITBP mans the Indian frontier with China and the SSB secure open borders with Nepal and Bhutan.

The CISF is tasked with guarding 61 civil airports and other vital infrastructure in the country and the Assam Rifles guards the India-Myanmar border.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The United Democratic Party (UDP), a constituent of Meghalaya's ruling alliance, on Wednesday announced that it has severed ties with the BJP-led Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Formed in 2016, the NEDA is an alliance of non-Congress parties in the northeast.

The UDP is a constituent of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), which also includes the BJP. The UDP has nine MLAs in the MDA, while the BJP has two.

The UDP decided to leave the NEDA following BJP chief Amit Shah's announcement in Assam on Sunday that if voted to power after the Lok Sabha polls, the saffron party would ensure that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed in Parliament, UDP vice-president Allantry F Dkhar said.

"We have decided to sever ties with the NEDA. It is amply clear that the BJP does not respect the sentiment of the people of the north east region and has announced that it will bring back the bill," he told PTI.

The contentious Citizenship Bill is set to lapse on June 3, when the term of the present Lok Sabha ends. It could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget session, the last Parliament session of the present government, which ended last week.

"The regrouping of all political parties of the region in Guwahati last month has rendered the NEDA bereft of regional parties," Dkhar said.

Ten political parties of the northeastern region, most of which are members of the NEDA, along with the JD(U) -- the BJP's key ally in Bihar, had on January 29 unanimously decided to oppose the bill.

Last year, the MDA cabinet, which includes a BJP minister, had also adopted a resolution opposing the bill in Meghalaya and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was instrumental in leading an all-party delegation against the bill to Delhi to meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The Asom Gana Parishad had severed ties with the BJP-led Assam government over the issue last month.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who fled persecution, after six years of residence in India, instead of 11 years, which is currently the norm, even if they do not possess any document.

Several organisations and political parties claim that the bill threatens the identity, language and culture of indigenous people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The BJP on Wednesday said former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi would get due respect in the NDA if he chose to return to the coalition which he had walked out of a year ago.

Bihar BJP president Nityanand Rai said this in the backdrop of recent posturing by Manjhi who has been playing hardball for a respectable number of seats within the opposition Mahagathbandhan for his Hindustani Awam Morcha.

We have enormous respect for Manjhi. Even when he left us and joined the opposition camp, we expressed no bitterness. If he feels that he is being sidelined in the Mahagathbandhan, let me assure him that he will get due respect in the NDA if he chooses to return, Rai told reporters here.

The Bihar BJP president also said the NDA in Bihar has finalized a seat-sharing formula taking into account the parties that are already in the coalition. If more people join us, then things would be reworked.

As per the formula, the BJP and Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD(U) would be contesting 17 seats each, leaving six for Ram Vilas Paswans LJP. The state has a total number of 40 Lok Sabha constituencies.

The Mahagathbandhan now comprises nearly half a dozen parties most prominent being RJD and Congress. Manjhi had joined the coalition in February last year and has been squirming over reports that in the upcoming general elections his party may get a number of seats that might be less than what was offered to some late entrants.

About a week ago, Manjhi had threatened to boycott the polls, or, go it alone if his party got one seat less than what was offered to the RLSP headed by former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha who was with the NDA till two months ago.

A couple of days ago, he upped the ante saying our party has a larger support base than that of even the Congress and we must get a number of seats that is second only to the RJD.

Manjhis son Santosh got elected to the legislative council with the help of the RJD barely a couple of months after HAM became a part of the Grand Alliance.

The party has, however, been suffering setbacks ever since it walked out of the NDA. One of its senior leaders and former state minister Narendra Singh joined the JD(U) last year while his state president Vrishan Patel and national spokesman Danish Rizwan resigned earlier this month.

Significantly, leaders of the Mahagathbandhan have so far avoided commenting on the contention of the former Chief Minister who floated his own party in 2015, after quitting the JD(U) in protest against having been made to step down and make way for the return of Nitish Kumar who had resigned after the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

HAM had fought as an NDA ally the 2015 assembly polls wherein the NDA was trounced by the Mahagathbandhan which then comprised JD(U), RJD and Congress. The HAM performed dismally with only Manjhi managing to win one of the two seats he had contested.

Kumar returned to the NDA in July, 2017 following corruption allegations against RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav who was then his deputy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A man was seriously injured after setting himself on fire in Germany Wednesday as a protest against Turkey's detention of militant Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, police said.

"The 43-year-old doused himself with a liquid and then set himself on fire" outside the courthouse in the western city of Krefeld, police said in a statement.

Bystanders doused the flames with blankets and a fire extinguisher, and a rescue helicopter took the man to hospital.

"According to witnesses, he said he was protesting against the detention of Ocalan and against German police violence," said the statement, adding that they were also investigating a possible "personal motive" and mental health issues.

Last Friday was the 20th anniversary of the day when Turkish secret service agents caught Ocalan in Kenya, outside the Greek embassy in Nairobi -- on February 15, 1999.

Ocalan co-founded the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in 1978, an organisation that is now blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies.

The PKK, originally set up to win Kurdish autonomy, became an armed group in 1984 with the aim of creating an independent Kurdish state. In the subsequent insurgency, more than 40,000 people have been killed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee will attend the next opposition meet scheduled to be held at Mohali in Punjab on February 26, party sources said.

"Our party chief will take part in the opposition meet on Feb 26," a senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader told PTI late Wednesday night.

On February 13, Banerjee was also present in the meeting of opposition parties at NCP leader Sharad Pawar's residence.

Moving forward on a united anti-BJP front for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, top opposition leaders, including Banerjee and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had met in New Delhi on February 13 and agreed to work together to prepare a common minimum programme to oust the Modi government and consider forging a pre-poll alliance.

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance, had organised a mega rally of opposition parties here in Kolkata on January 19.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A teenaged girl from Kolkata was trolled and allegedly threatened with rape on Facebook for a post on the plight of Kashmiris in the wake of the Pulwama attack, she said Wednesday.

In her February 15 post, the Class 12 girl condemned the deadly terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 40 CRPF jawans, while highlighting the daily hardships of Kashmiris.

She said some people asked her to leave the country and go to Pakistan in reply to her post, and others threatened rape and dire consequences.

A local shopkeeper also told her that a few men were trying to locate her house through her Facebook pictures, she claimed.

"Initially, after receiving the threats, I had deleted my post. But after I came to know that some youths were looking for me, I decided to delete my Facebook account. I did not go to school for the last two days," she told PTI.

The girl lodged a complaint on Wednesday, and said police has assured her of all help, including providing security.

The cyber crime division of the Kolkata Police is looking into the matter.

The incident comes days after a Kashmiri doctor said he was considering leaving the city, after his daughters complained of ostracism in school and neighbourhood, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant full statehood status to Delhi, an issue that the ruling AAP is expected to raise in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls in an emphatic manner.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Tuesday said it will hold a door-to-door campaign to tell people how the BJP had done them "injustice" on the issue.

Reacting to the PM's greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day on Twitter, Kejriwal tweeted, Sir. Delhi is also waiting for its statehood day. U had promised to the people of Delhi that you wud grant full statehood to Delhi. Kindly do it sir. People of Delhi have faced injustice for 70 years now.

According to its strategy for the general election, the AAP will distribute the BJP's manifestoes for previous elections, including that of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, in which, it said, the saffron party had supported the demand for full statehood to Delhi.

The BJP's Delhi unit, however, said the campaign was a "new drama" by the AAP and its chief Arvind Kejriwal.

Recently, in a major setback to the AAP government in Delhi, two judges of the Supreme Court agreed that the Centre should have the final word on posting and transfer of bureaucrats in the national capital administration, but their disagreement on finer details resulted in a split verdict and the matter got referred to a larger bench.

"We will go door-to-door, telling people how the BJP has done them injustice on the issue of full statehood," Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai had said on Tuesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Kashmiri shawl trader was beaten up by a mob in Nadia and one person has been arrested in this connection, police said Wednesday.

Javed Khan, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, was beaten up at the Taherpur bazar area at around 7 pm on Monday, days after the terrorist attack at Pulwama in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

Since Khan was reluctant to lodge a police complaint, a suo motu case was started which led to the arrest, Superintendent of Police (Nadia) Rupesh Kumar said.

Khan is a shawl trader who used to visit Taherpur frequently, sources said, adding that he owns a shawl counter in the market and many people of the locality knew him.

They said a few Kashmiris stay together at a rented house in the locality and Khan was one of them.

On Monday, a few people attacked Khan when he was in his shop. Soon, more people gathered and beat him up. In the end, it was the police who came to Khan's rescue, officials said.

Khan has been advised by police to temporarily leave the area, sources said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India on Wednesday questioned the functioning of Pakistan's notorious military courts and urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, which is based on an "extracted confession".

Jadhav, 48, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

"Annul the decision of the military court and restrain Pakistan from giving effect to the (death) sentence. Release Jadhav and ensure safe release forthwith. If not then direct a trial under normal law with full consular access," said Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs, making the final submission in the court on the third day of the hearing.

He requested the court to declare that Pakistan acted in breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention and failed to inform Jadhav of his rights.

"Government of India requests this court to adjudge and declare that Pakistan acted in egregious breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention," he said, asserting that Pakistan repeatedly denied consular access to Jadhav.

Harish Salve, who was representing India in the case, also said that the time has come for the ICJ to make Article 36 a potent weapon for protecting human rights.

"Jadhav has become a pawn in Pakistan's tool to divert international scrutiny from itself," Salve said in his arguments during which he mentioned the "dastardly" terror attack in Pulwama and another in Iran last week by Pakistan-based terror groups targeting security forces in both countries.

Salve said that Pakistan is used as a safe haven by UN proscribed terrorist entities like al-Qaeda, LeT, JeM, Haqqani Network et al and individuals like JuD chief Hafiz Saeed and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

"There was a time when the world respected Pakistan, today the world doesn't have the same respect for Pakistan in its own incarnation," Salve said, taking a dig at Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi, who on Tuesday said 'he has great respect for India but not its present incarnation.'



Salve said that Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of "extracted confession".

"Jadhav's trial was completed in 4-6 months or weeks...What happened to the 150 people killed in the Mumbai terror attacks?" Salve asked as he raked up the Ajmal Kasab case to highlight the meaning of judicial review.

"In Kasab case, the LeT terrorist who was apprehended and caught red handed by brave police officers, the Supreme Court of India examined materials on record first-hand since it was the case of death sentence. This is called review," he said.

He also objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the case, urging the UN court to draw a redline.

Counsel Qureshi's transcript is "peppered with words such as shameless, nonsensical, laughable, breathtaking and arrogance. India takes exception to being addressed in this fashion. I would let the matter rest as Indian culture prevents me from indulging in a similar language of insults," he said.

India moved the ICJ in May 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to Jadhav.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

On Thursday, Pakistan will submit its final arguments.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir was passing through the most difficult phase due to political instability and governance deficit, and the people were looking towards the party with hope.

The NC also announced former state chief secretary B R Kundal, who joined the party at a function here Wednesday, as its candidate for the Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha constituency.

"The state is passing through the most difficult phase due to political instability and governance deficit in recent years and therefore the people are looking towards us with hope," the National Conference president said.

He said the party would strive to assuage their political aspirations and instill a much needed sense of security.

Abdullah exuded confidence that given Kundal's vast and varied experience as a top bureaucrat, he would enjoy massive support of the people in the upcoming polls.

He described Kundal a versatile administrator and said that having served in all the three regions, he had left an indelible mark of public service.

"This spirit will stand him in good stead in his new role in public life," Abdullah said, adding his joining would not only strengthen further the party at the grassroots level but also enthuse all those working to steer the state towards peace and normalcy.

He said the party served people of all the three regions, irrespective cast, creed and religion, adding this spirit is needed to be sustained and promoted by weathering all odds unitedly.

He said focused attention was needed to fullfil the deep yearning of people to live a dignified and peaceful life. He reiterated that the National Conference was committed to uplift the condition of poor and weaker segments of society.

Abdullah also urged the workers to strengthen the bonds of amity and brotherhood, which was the political philosophy of the party. He said elements inimical to unity and brotherhood will have to be isolated.

Kundal expressed his gratitude to the leadership for reposing faith in him and said he was privileged to have worked with the NC leadership during the times it governed the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Patidar leader Hardik Patel Wednesday said it seems Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not in a mood to give a befitting reply to Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

"I can say with confidence that PM Modi is not in a mood to give befitting reply to Pakistan because there is a difference in his thinking, policy and ideologies," Patel said in a press conference here.

"When intelligence agencies had alerted that a big incident could happen in Jammu and Kashmir, then why were the CRPF personnel were sent via road," he posed.

More than 2,500 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, many of them returning from leave to rejoin duty in the Valley, were travelling in the convoy of 78 vehicles when they were ambushed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

In a strong warning to Pakistan over the Pulwama terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday had declared that those responsible will pay a "very heavy price" and said the security forces have been given a free hand to decide on the timing, place and nature of their response to the carnage that left 40 CRPF men dead.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A 48-year-old man from here was allegedly shot dead in the US by an unidentified man, his family members claimed on Wednesday.

K Govardhan Reddy, a resident of Uppal area here, was attacked by the assailant at a fuel-filling station-cum supermarket in Florida on Tuesday, according to one of Reddy's friends Ramesh.

"We got the information today morning that a masked man shot dead Govardhan when he was alone at the store and fled away. As per preliminary information, the accused did not take away any cash. The motive of the killing is not known," Ramesh said based on information received from a relative staying in the US.

Goverdhan is survived by a wife and two daughters. He had gone to the US around five years ago and worked as a manager there, Ramesh said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India Wednesday wooed investors to capitalise on the ecosystem prevailing in the aero space and other sectors and pitched for joint venture partnerships, saying it offered a big market in Defence manufacturing.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made the pitch for investment seeking to give a big push for the 'Make in India' initiative at Asia's premier air show which began at the Yelahanka air base, north of Bengaluru.

Eyeing India's multi-billion dollar market, global defence majors are showcasing technologies and products including helicopters, fighter jets and transport aircraft at the five-day mega event.

The event began on a sombre note, a day after two aircraft of Surya Kiran, Indian Air Force (IAF)'s aerobatics team, collided mid-air, killing a pilot and injuring two others who ejected to safety.

Also at the air show extravaganza, American Defence giant Lockheed Martin unveiled the F-21 multi-role fighter jet for India, to be produced locally, as it eyed a multi-billion dollar military order.

"Hundred per cent FDI is possible now in the defence sector, so I invite all investors to consider to capitalise on the ecosystem which prevails for Aerospace and other segments which can help manufacturing in India," Sitharaman said in her inaugural remarks.

Noting that India has manufactured till date more than 4,000 aircraft, she said there was a "great possibility" for the Original Equipment Manufactuters (OEM)s from abroad to come and find joint venture partners.

She said the OEMs have a "captive market" and they could scale up production, besides making exports from India.

India also had a robust supply chain with 10,000 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs who make 80 per cent of the components, aggregates and assemblies of complex weapon system and aircraft, she said.

She said between 2014-15 and October 2018, as many as 150 contracts worth about Rs 1,27,500 crore had been signed with Indian vendors for procurement of defence equipment for armed forces.

Also in the same period, Sitharaman said the government has recorded acceptance of necessity for 164 proposals worth Rs 2,79,650 crore under various categories of capital procurement including Make in India and Buy Indian.

"This means the request for proposal are issued to the Indian vendors," she said.

The defence ministry is ensuring that procurement orders are given to Indian vendors, she added.

Sitharaman said the value of production in respect of the Ordnance Factory Boards and also the defence public sector undertakings have grown from Rs 43,746 crore in 2013-14 to 58,163 crore in 2017-18, out of which 40 per cent of production is outsourced to the private sector.

She also said the orders given to Ordnance Factory is definitely a support given to government-run institution, but not at the cost of private sector.

"The private sector does get quite a lot of these outsourced from Ordnance Factory Boards and therefore there is a happy blending on both the private sector and the public sector under Make in India norms," Sitharaman said.

The defence minister also cited some of the policy initiatives that included 100 per cent FDI in the defence manufacturing, defence offset policy-2016 and delicensing of defence items, to attract investment.

A breathtaking display of manoeuvres by military aircraft besides aerobatic teams cast a spell at the 12th edition of Aero India.

The Bengaluru skies dazzled with somersaults and stunts by metal birds.

Manoeuvres by Rafale combat aircraft,the deal on which has created a political firestorm in India, was a showstopper.

The Rafale aircraft flew at low speed to pay tribute to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who died in a mid-air collision between two aircraft of IAF's aerobatics team 'Surya Kiran" during rehearsal on Tuesday.

Three IAF aircraft, with a Su-30MKi in lead, also flew in the missing man formation as an aerial salute to Gandhi.

Unveiling F-21, Lockheed Martin said it was specifically configured for the IAF and provides "unmatched" Make in India opportunities and strengthens India's path to an advanced airpower future.

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems would produce the F-21 in India, for India, it said in a statement.

The US Defence major, which had earlier offered its F-16 fighter to India, said the F-21 addresses the IAF's unique requirements and integrates India into the world's largest fighter aircraft ecosystem.

The biennial event, which would showcase India's air defence prowess, would also act as a platform for aviation companies, the defence sector and government to forge new alliances and contracts.

The current edition of Aero India was marked by controversy with reports about it being shifted to Uttar Pradesh, which had taken a political colour, as the Congress-JD(S)led government in the state had hit out at the BJP-led central government against the alleged move.

Besides the Tejas, the HTT-40 (Basic Trainer Aircraft), first indigenously upgraded Hawk Mk132- named as Hawk-i, Civil Do-228, Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH),Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are scheduled to fly in the air show.

Also, aerobatic teams like India's Sarang (ALH-Dhruv) and UK-based Yakovlevs are expected to enthrall the audience.

On static display would be HAL's Light Utility Helicopter (PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive CareUnit).

The Sukhoi SU-30, Rafale, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet and the mighty B-52 Stratofortress bomber would be part of the air show.

The Aero India official website said 61 aircraft would be on display and 403 exhibitors would be part of the show.

CEO's round table, drone Olympics, startup manthan and women's day (to celebrate women achievers) are some of the highlights of Aero India-2019.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India will not submit any evidence to on the role of in the Pulwama terror strike, and instead give all such facts to friendly nations to unmask the role of elements based in the neighbouring country in the attack, a senior government official said.

The official was sharing the views within the government, which is not at all in favour of giving any evidence to considering the past experience when despite giving multiple dossiers on the involvement of Pakistan-based elements in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and terror strike in Pathankot airbase, Islamabad did nothing to punish the perpetrators.

"There is no question of giving any evidence to Rather we will share them with friendly countries to expose the role of Pakistan-based elements in Pulwama and other terror attacks on Indian soil," the official said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Iran Khan Tuesday said he would act against the perpetrators of the if India shares with Islamabad "actionable intelligence".

Fourty CRPF personnel were killed when a suicide bomber of the (JeM) rammed a vehicle carrying explosives into their bus in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

In the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, enough evidence was provided to Pakistan but there has been no action against Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafeez Saeed, top leader of the group Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, some ISI officers and others even after 11 years.

In case of the terror attack on Pathankot airbase, a five-member team of Pakistani investigators was allowed to visit the site for gathering first hand information.

ALSO READ: Pak doesn't want to interfere in India's internal matters: Pak Foreign Min

However, when the team returned to Pakistan after visiting the sensitive airbase, they claimed that Indian authorities "failed" to provide evidence to prove that Pakistan-based terrorists had stormed the Indian Air Force station.

"When we get these kind of responses from Pakistan, there is no point in engaging with them. Now, our primary task will be to expose Pakistan globally, about its role in aiding and abetting terrorism," the official said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had on Tuesday slammed Imran Khan for demanding actionable intelligence from India, saying JeM has publicly acknowledged its hand behind the attack.

"We know its fate," Jaitley said referring to lack of any concrete action from Pakistan against the terror group and its handlers involved in the 26/11 attack.

ALSO READ: India victim of terrorism 'sheltered, supported' from across border: Modi

The Ministry of External Affairs Tuesday rubbished Imran Khan's comments on the ghastly Pulwama attack, saying disclaiming Pakistan's link with terrorist attacks is an oft-repeated excuse by the "nerve centre" of terrorism.

"Promises of 'guaranteed action' ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan," the MEA had said.President Ram Nath Kovind Wednesday said India wishes to be a partner in Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' as he hosted a banquet for the gulf nation's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Welcoming the crown prince, who is on his first state visit to India, Kovind said India cherishes its cordial and friendly relations with Saudi Arabia and considers the Gulf region as its extended neighbourhood.

The ever-expanding scope of India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations demands sustained strategic engagement and frequent interactions between the two sides at all levels, a statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan said quoting Kovind.

The president said there is visible enhancement of bilateral trade over the past few years, while asserting that Saudi Arabia continues to be the most important source of energy for India, it added.

"We need to take the current buyer-seller relationship to a strategic level," the president said, adding that India wishes to be a partner in Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030'.

"We look at Saudi Arabia as a factor of stability in the region and beyond. India wishes to be a strong and reliable partner for the kingdom's growth and progress. Indian companies have invested and created jobs in Saudi Arabia, especially in the technology sector, which is India's strength," Kovind said in his banquet speech.

The president said terrorism is the gravest threat to humanity today and India, Saudi Arabia and the global community must come together to defeat and destroy these evil forces and combat radicalisation.

Those responsible for acts of terror need to be dealt with firmly and decisively, Kovind added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India and Spain discussed the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir and reviewed the security situation in the region, as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with her Spanish counterpart Josep Borrell on issues of bilateral and international importance.

Swaraj, who arrived here on Tuesday on a two-day tour of the European nation, also discussed issues of economic importance like industrial and technological cooperation, the civil use of nuclear energy, transport, the rail industry and renewable energies was explored, according to an official statement by the Spanish Foreign Ministry.

Swaraj was warmly received by Borrell at the Viana Palace, his official residence, ahead of the meeting.

The meeting, which was their third in five months, took place following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the Government of Spain Pedro Sanches on December 1 during the G20 Summit in Argentina, and after Borrell's trip to New Delhi to take part in the Raisina Dialogue.

"During the meeting both ministers were able to evidence the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and analyse some of the most important issues on the bilateral and international agenda," the statement said.

They also discussed the security situation in the region, especially in view of the most recent terrorist attacks in Kashmir, the statement said.

In a deadly terror attack, a suicide bomber from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed group drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus on February 14, killing 40 personnel in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

India and Spain also hailed each other on the signing of the memorandum of understanding on water resources between the two nations.

"The meeting reflected the understanding between the two counterparts, who share values, democratic principles and a common outlook on international matters such as the promotion of multilateralism and a free rules-based trading system," the statement said.

On behalf the government, Swaraj also accepted the prestigious Grand Cross of Order of Civil Merit conferred by Spain in recognition of India's support in evacuating 71 Spanish nationals during April 2015 Nepal earthquake.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India and Saudi Arabia will set up a high cooperation council to provide huge impetus to bilateral ties between the nations, Saudi Indian Business Council Chairman Kamel S Al-Munajjed said Wednesday.

Munajjed said the 'Saudi Indian High Cooperation Council' will be headed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The mechanism will enable the two nations to discuss any problem and engage directly on various aspects including business, and defence.

In an interview to PTI here in the backdrop Mohammed bin Salman's visit to India, Munajjed said terrorist action should not deter Saudi Arabia from having good relations with India or any other country, amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack.

"As soon as this terrorist attack (Pulwama) happened, Saudi Arabia issued a very strong statement condemning terrorism. The Saudis have suffered a lot in the last 20-30 years due to terrorism.

"We should not let terrorist action stop us from having good relations with India or with any other country in the world. We should be stronger than that," he told PTI.

He said Saudi Arabia has been requesting India to grant electronic visa facility to its businessmen, to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

"We hope it will be discussed between the two governments. We have asked that the e-visa system be applied to all businessmen. Be it Indian or Saudi," Munajjed said.

He estimates bilateral trade to reach USD 50 billion in the next five years, from USD 28 billion at present. According to him, the real quantum of mutual trade is USD 35 billion currently, taking into account shipments from India to the UAE which are re-exported to Saudi Arabia.

Munajjed outlined non-oil sectors like pharmaceutical, agriculture, education, renewable energy and real estate for diversifying bilateral economic and investment cooperation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Wednesday held extensive talks here after which the two sides inked five agreements in various fields, including tourism and enhancement of bilateral investment relations, the MEA said.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on investing in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund between the Government of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the MEA said in a statement.

Both the countries also signed an MoU in the field of tourism between the Ministry of Tourism and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage.

Among other MoUs, the two sides also inked an agreement for cooperation in the field of housing, it said.

An MoU was signed for cooperation on broadcasting between Prasar Bharati and Saudi Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) for exchange of audio visual programme, the statement said.

Framework Cooperation Program between Invest India of the Republic of India and Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on enhancing bilateral investment relations, was also agreed upon, it said.

Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince during their talks in New Delhi explored ways to further deepen strategic ties against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack.

The Crown Prince arrived here on Tuesday, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he had said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)and extremism are "common concerns" and will extend all cooperation to India and other neighbouring countries to deal with them, Saudi Crown Prince said on Wednesday after holding "extensive and successful" talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The talks took place a day after the influential Arab leader concluded a high profile visit to Islamabad, and in the backdrop of India's escalating tension with Pakistan following the in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed by a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber.

In his media statement, Modi called the attack a "cruel symbol" of the scourge of and sought punishment for the and their backers. The crown prince did not mention the strike.

"Last week's barbaric was a symbol of the shadow of the inhuman danger hovering over the world. To deal with the scourge, we have agreed that there was a need to ramp up pressure on countries extending any sort of support to terrorism," Modi said, without naming Pakistan.

He said dismantling terror infrastructure, eliminating support to and punishing and their supporters are very necessary.

The two sides inked five pacts to expand cooperation in a range of areas, including trade and investment.

The crown prince, in his media statement, described terrorism and extremism as common concerns and said his country will extend support to India and other neighbouring countries to deal with the challenge.

"As far as terrorism and extremism are concerned -- which are common concerns -- I want to tell India that we will extend all cooperation to you -- be it intelligence sharing...not only with India but also with the neighbouring countries," he said.

"We will work together so that we can ensure a bright future for the generations to come," he added.

In his address, Modi also called for a strong action plan for combating extremism and so the powers spreading violence and terror cannot mislead the youth.

Modi termed the talks "extensive and successful".

The crown prince arrived here on a less than 30-hour visit Tuesday night, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

In a special gesture, Modi received Salman at the airport here, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the Gulf nation.

The joint statement said the Saudi crown prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the

After he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, the crown prince talked about historical linkages between the two countries and stressed on expanding the ties further.

"The relationship between India and is in our DNA....Today, we want to be ensured that the relationship is maintained and improved for sake of both the countries and with the leadership of Mr President and the Prime Minister, we can create good things for both the countries," he told reporters.

He also talked about the contribution of lakhs of Indians in the overall development of

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the crown prince will leave New Delhi around 11.50 pm on Wednesday.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime, at a time India is stepping up efforts to brand the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.t.India'a new ambassador to China Vikram Misri presented his credentials to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

Misri, a 1989-batch India Foreign Service officer, succeeded Gautam Bambawale who retired in November last year.

The 54-year-old Indian diplomat presented his credentials to President Xi in a special ceremony held at the Great Hall of People here, the Indian Embassy said on Twitter.

Since he took charge last month, Misri has been meeting various Chinese officials, discussing Sino-India ties.

Before his appointment to China, he served as India's envoy to Myanmar.

Misri, born on November 7, 1964 in Srinagar, has served in various capacities at the headquarters of the MEA as well as in the Prime Minister's Office.

He has also served in various Indian missions in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.

Misri took the charge of the country's envoy at a time when India and China are trying to deepen their cooperation in various areas, leaving behind the 2017 Doklam standoff which was the most serious military face-off in decades.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India on Wednesday strongly objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging the UN court to draw a redline.

Harish Salve, the former solicitor general of India while presenting India's case before the ICJ, drew the court's attention to the abusive language used by Pakistan through its counsel Khawar Qureshi on the second day of the hearing.

"The language echoed in this court... perhaps this Court may lay down some redlines. The transcript is peppered with words such as shameless, nonesense, disgraceful... India takes exception to being addressed in this fashion in an international court.

"India strongly objects to abusive language of Pakistan's counsel," Salve said as the International Court of Justice began the second round of public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

On Wednesday, India will have a maximum of 90 minutes to submit its final arguments in the case. Pakistan will also get 90 minutes to respond to India's arguments on Thursday.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Cervical cancer could be eliminated as a public health problem in India within the next 60 years by making existing prevention programmes such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and cervical screening more accessible, according to a Lancet study published Wednesday.

The estimates, which are the first of their kind at a global-scale, indicate that up to 13.4 million cases of cervical cancer could be prevented within 50 years if intervention strategies are scaled-up by 2020.

The average rate of annual cases across all countries could fall to less than 4 cases per 100,000 women by the end of the century -- which is a potential threshold for considering cervical cancer to be eliminated as a major public health problem.

For countries with medium levels of development, including India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, this could be achieved by 2070-79, according to the study published in The Lancet Oncology journal.

The study, led by researchers at the Cancer Council New South Wales in Australia, showed that cervical cancer could potentially be eliminated as a major public health problem in 149 out of 181 countries by 2100.

In high-income countries including the US, Finland, the UK, and Canada, cervical cancer is predicted to be eliminated as a public health problem within 25-40 years.

Without expanding current prevention programmes, however, the study predicts that 44.4 million cervical cancer cases would be diagnosed over the next 50 years -- rising from 600,000 in 2020 to 1.3 million in 2069 due to population growth and ageing.

"Despite the enormity of the problem, our findings suggest that global elimination is within reach with tools that are already available, provided that both high coverage of HPV vaccination and cervical screening can be achieved," said Karen Canfell from the Cancer Council New South Wales.

"More than two thirds of cases prevented would be in countries with low and medium levels of human development like India, Nigeria, and Malawi, where there has so far been limited access to HPV vaccination or cervical screening," Canfell said.

However, rates of less than 4 cases per 100,000 would not be achieved by the end of the century in all individual countries in Africa (eg, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda) even if high coverage vaccination and twice lifetime cervical screening could be achieved by 2020.

In May, 2018, the Director General of WHO called for coordinated action globally to eliminate this highly preventable cancer.

WHO has called for urgent action to scale up implementation of proven measures towards achieving the elimination of cervical cancer as a global public health problem.

These include vaccination against HPV, screening and treatment of pre-cancer, early detection and prompt treatment of early invasive cancers and palliative care.

A draft global strategy to accelerate cervical cancer elimination, with goals and targets for the period 2020-2030, will be considered at the World Health Assembly in 2020.

"The WHO call-to-action provides an enormous opportunity to increase the level of investment in proven cervical cancer interventions in the world's poorest countries. Failure to adopt these interventions will lead to millions of avoidable premature deaths," said Canfell.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with an estimated 570,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2018, of which around 85 per cent occur in less developed regions.

HPV, a group of more than 150 viruses, is responsible for the majority of cervical cancers.

Proven methods are available to screen for and treat cervical pre-cancers, and broad-spectrum HPV vaccines can potentially prevent up to 84-90 per cent of cervical cancers.

Results showed that rapid vaccination scale-up to 80-100 per cent coverage globally by 2020 using a broad-spectrum HPV vaccine could prevent 6.7-7.7 million cases--but more than half of these would be averted after 2060.

If, in addition, cervical screening were scaled-up to high coverage by 2020, an additional 5.7-5.8 million cases of cervical cancer may be prevented globally in the next 50 years, and substantially speed up elimination.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India was a victim of terrorism "sheltered and supported" from across the border, as he demanded that all nations reject the use of terrorism against others, dismantle the terror infrastructure and stop its financing.

In an interview published in Wednesday's editions of Arabic-language newspaper 'Okaz' and the English newspaper 'Saudi Gazette', Modi said India strongly condemns extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The interview coincided with the maiden state visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, days after the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group. The attack, one of the worst in Jammu and Kashmir, killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

"India has been a victim of terrorism sheltered and supported from across the border for over decades, claiming thousands of innocent lives," the prime minister said, without mentioning Pakistan, a close ally of Saudi Arabia, by name.

Modi said the menace of extremism and terrorism threatens all nations and societies, and reject any attempt to link this universal phenomenon to any particular race, religion or culture.

"We also call on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures and stop its financing," he said, adding that India strongly condemns extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its motivations whenever, wherever and by whosoever committed.

Asked about the possibility of India-Saudi Arabia cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism and in ensuring safety and security of sea-lanes of communications and freedom of navigation, Modi said bilateral cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism, security and defence has intensified over the years.

The two countries have close cooperation on a range of security issues, particularly on maritime security, law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration and other transnational organised crimes.

To further enhance our bilateral cooperation in the counter-terrorism efforts, the two countries could initiate comprehensive security dialogue mechanism at the level of the National Security Advisors who will interact at regular intervals, the prime minister suggested.

"We also share the vision of peace and security in the Indian Ocean region," Modi said on the need to ensure safety and security of sea-lanes of communications, safety and freedom of navigation in the shipping lanes and trade routes.

Commenting on the Indo-Saudi strategic ties, the prime minister said, "We attach high priority to our friendly relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."



He said the traditionally close ties are anchored in the shared interests based on centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties and vibrant people-to-people contacts.

"Our leadership has been working closely with the Saudi leadership towards further deepening our multifaceted ties for the common benefit of our two countries. The political commitment at the leadership level has been reflected by the fact that India has been identified as one of the eight strategic partners by Saudi Arabia," he said.

Modi noted that the two countries were also progressing towards establishing the IndiaSaudi Arabia 'Strategic Partnership Council' which focuses on consolidating bilateral cooperation in specific areas under the Kingdom's newly constituted Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnership (SCISP).

"India and Saudi Arabia ties will be a factor for stability, peace and security in our region and the world," the prime minister said.

Highlighting the areas of cooperation Modi said energy security remains a key pillar of strategic partnership.

Through the established bilateral mechanism, India and Saudi Arabia have been holding energy consultations for past few years to explore the joint investment opportunities and cooperation between the two countries and also to encourage the Saudi private sector companies to invest in oil and gas sectors in India.

"We welcome the Saudi Aramco's committed 50 per cent partnership in the USD 44 billion Ratnagiri Refinery project as an enhancing factor to our strategic partnership. We also welcome the interest of the Saudi Basic Industries Corp to invest in India," he said.

"During my visit to Riyadh in 2016, the two countries concluded the Framework Cooperation Agreement between Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Invest India. We welcome greater investment of Saudi Arabia in our infrastructure and other areas including NIIF (National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, India's first sovereign wealth fund)," Modi said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan asked India to share "actionable intelligence" on the Pulwama terror attack, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said an "opportunity" should be given to him to see what he does.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, however, said Pakistan has not acted on the evidence given to it on Pathankot and Mumbai terror attacks.

In a video message to his nation on Tuesday, Khan had assured India that he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack if New Delhi shares "actionable intelligence", but warned against any "revenge" retaliatory action.

"Imran Khan is a new prime minister and he is talking about a new start. I feel that he should be given an opportunity. We should give him proofs and documents and see what he does," the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief told reporters here on Wednesday.

Mufti also denounced the war cries across India and batted for dialogue with Pakistan.

"The two countries cannot afford war. Only illiterate people and fools talk about wars in this era. Both the countries are nuclear powers," she said.

"If these countries reconcile at this time and clarify (things) with each other, it will not only find a solution to the Kashmir issue, but it will create a better situation in the two countries. It is good for the prosperity of Pakistan," she added.

Mufti asserted that India and Pakistan need to talk to save Jammu and Kashmir.

"After the Kargil War in 1999, the Agra summit took place. If you have to save Jammu and Kashmir and bring the people out of this problem and also save the jawans of the country, talks are the only way," she said.

"We need to give them (Pakistan) an opportunity. When war will not take place, there is no question of retaliation," she added.

Responding to a question about Pakistan aiding and abetting terrorism and using Kashmiri youth for carrying out terror attacks, Mufti said, "It is unfortunate to say that our neighbouring country has entered this side and is indoctrinating our youth and training them (to carry out terror attacks)."



"I feel it is somehow our weakness. It may have been my weakness or weakness of the other governments. It may be the weakness of the political leadership of J&K and the Centre too," she said.

"It is a matter of concern for us. It is time to rethink," she added.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack -- one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday suggested he could enter the prime minister's residence to stage a 'dharna' in support of his demand for full-statehood status to Delhi.

"This (Lok Sabha) election is very interesting. Delhi's seven seats can form the government or it can spoil chances of government formation. If we get these seats, we will ensure Delhi gets full statehood.

"Last time, we staged 'dharna' inside LG house for our demands. If need be, we will enter the prime minister's house and stage 'dharna' for this demand," he said at an event organised by Bar Council of Delhi at the Tis Hazari Courts premises.

In June 2018, Kejriwal and his Cabinet colleagues had staged a nine-day sit-in at Delhi lt governor's official residence in support of his demands, including LG's approval for doorstep delivery of ration scheme.

He has been demanding full statehood to Delhi, claiming in absence of the status, his government faces hurdles in delivering optimum governance to the people of Delhi.

On Wednesday at the bar council, Kejriwal, hitting at the BJP, alleged the party with "only three members" in the 70-member assembly had the power of running the national capital.

Speaking at the function to facilitate him for allocating Rs 50 crore for lawyers' under 'Social Security Scheme' in Delhi government's coming budget, he questioned why Delhi was not being granted the full statehood?



"Why don't we get the full statehood? Are we not patriotic enough or we do not pay taxes," he asked.

Kejriwal said his predecessor Sheila Dikshit had several powers, like transfer and posting of the officials, but all these were "taken away" from the Aam Aadmi Party government.

"Power is with those who got three seats out of 70. How will we run the government if this is how things are? I can't transfer even a peon," he claimed.

In a statement, the Bar Council said that as of now the state government has promised a grant of Rs 50 crore and it would enhance it as per the requirement of the lawyers.

"The demand for social security has been going on for many years. In case of sudden demise of a lawyer, his family is left hand to mouth. There is no system in place for medical help," the statement said.

"We need schemes like insurance, medical aid, health cover, payment of lump sum amount in case of sudden demise, pension, schemes for young lawyers including stipend, housing and adequate infrastructural facilities in various courts," the statement said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to Mao's former secretary Li Rui on Wednesday at a funeral that went against the final wishes of a man who became a bold critic of the ruling Communist Party.

Despite the dearth of public information on the time and place of the funeral, crowds lined up to see Li's casket, which was draped under the red Communist hammer-and-sickle flag at the Baobashan Cemetery for revolutionary heroes and party officials.

Bundled in dark-coloured winter coats with white flowers pinned on their lapels, many were gray-haired and in their seventies - just one generation younger than Li, who died Saturday at the age of 101.

"He is a good person," one of Li's relatives, who only shared his surname Gu, told AFP.

That is why so many "people have come to send him off on this last journey," Gu said.

"The more old people there are in China like Li Rui, the better," he said, describing Li as a proletarian revolutionary. "He fought for his beliefs all his life - I think this is everyone's right."



Inside the funeral parlour, Li's body rested in a partially open casket.

Due to the large volume of mourners queueing to pay their respects, visitors were rushed into the room in small groups, where they bowed in front of Li's casket and shook hands with his family members before being ushered out.

But Li wanted to be buried in his hometown in Hunan province and would have been against having the Communist flag at his funeral, according to his daughter, who boycotted the event.

"I believe that my father's spirit is alive up in heaven, and definitely crying out and shouting as he looks down at the Li Rui covered by a party flag stained with the fresh blood of the people," Li Nanyang, who lives in San Francisco, told AFP.

"As his daughter, I want to protect his personal dignity," she said, adding that concerns about her personal safety in returning to China also factored into her decision to avoid the funeral.

"Li Rui is a person who had an independent mind under the ironclad rule of the Communist Party," she said.

Despite Li's position alongside China's paramount leader in the mid-1950s, he quickly fell out with the Communist Party after criticising the failures of Mao's Great Leap Forward policy, which unleashed havoc and famine across the country.

Li was expelled from the party and spent eight years in prison during the Cultural Revolution, but he was rehabilitated in 1979.

In the later years of his life, he became an outspoken advocate for political reform, publishing articles calling for the party to become a European-style socialist party.

In 2010, Li was part of a group of former top Communist officials and media leaders who issued an open letter to China's government that pointedly called for freedom of press and expression.

Last year, Li was a rare prominent voice that opposed a constitutional change which removed presidential term limits and paved the way for President Xi Jinping to stay in power indefinitely.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A 21-year-old woman from Madhya Pradesh has said her husband gave her triple talaq over the WhatsApp messaging service for not getting an autorickshaw in dowry.

Asenior police officer said they received a complaint from the woman during the weekly public hearing on Tuesday.

The woman, Afreen Bi, a resident of Sirpur Kankad area of Indore, told PTI Wednesday that she will fight a legal battle against this "injustice".

"Angry over not getting an auto rickshaw in dowry, my husband Shahrukh Ansari gave me (triple) talaq by sending an audio message on WhatsApp. I was also told that he is going to marry again," she said.

The Union Cabinet Tuesday gave its nod to re-issue the contentious Triple Talaq ordinance that makes the practice of instant triple talaq by Muslim men a penal offence.

Afreen said her parents were extending financial help to her family. "However, my in-laws were saying that they should either buy an autorickshaw for my husband or make him a 'ghar jamai' (the son-in-law who lives with his in-laws)," she claimed.

Afreen said she got married to her husband Ansari three years ago. The couple has a two-and-a-half-year-old son. She and her son have been staying with her parents since she was allegedly given triple talaq in the first week of this month.

"I want to live with my husband. One cannot divorce through WhatsApp like this. I will fight a legal battle against this injustice," she said.

Afreen's husband didn't respond to calls.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ruchi Vardhan Mishra said police received a complaint from Afreen during the weekly public hearing.

"We are trying to reconcile (the couple) after discussing the issue with Afreen's parents and in-laws so that her marriage can be saved," the SSP said, adding appropriate legal steps will be initiated if Afreen's in-laws do not agree to take her back.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A pall of gloom has descended on the Police Lines area of the city where parents of Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi, who was killed in the mid-air crash between two aircraft of Indian Air Force's aerobatic team Surya Kiran near Bengaluru, reside.

The body of the pilot is yet to reach the home town.

Sahil's father Madan Mohan Gandhi is a retired bank officer while his mother Sudesh Gandhi retired recently as Head of Department of College of Home Sciences of Haryana Agricultural University (HAU).

Sahil studied inCampus School of HAU and joined the Air Force in 2004, family members here said.

The IAF officer is survived by wife Himani and five-year-old son Rayan.

Himani is a software engineer and is working in the United States. She is likely to reach the city by tonight.

Sahil's elder brother Nitin works as an engineer in a company in Sweden.

After receiving information about the demise of Sahil, local MLA Dr. Kamal Gupta visited his house here and condoled the death.

Two aircraft of IAF's aerobatic team Surya Kiran had crashed after grazing each other mid-air near Bengaluru on Tuesday, killing Sahil and injuring two pilots who ejected to safety during rehearsal for the Aero India show.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Namvar Singh, writer, poet, critic and one of contemporary Hindi literature's tallest figures, has died after a month-long illness, his family said on Wednesday. He was 92.

Singh died on Tuesday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

He had not been keeping well for more than a month and was on the ventilator for three weeks, his daughter Sameeksha told PTI.

"He died at 11.51 on Tuesday night," she said.

The last rites will be performed at 4 pm on Wednesday at the Lodhi Road crematorium, she added.

Singh gave Hindi literary criticism a new direction with his books such as "Chhayavaad", "Itihas Aur Alochana", "Kahaani Nayi Kahaani", "Kavita Ke Naye Pratimaan", "Dusri Parampara Ki Khoj"



The author's death, which marks the end of an era, led to scores of people sending in their condolences.

President Ram Nath Kovind said Singh's death was a huge loss to not only Hindi literature but also other languages in India.

"Deeply saddened by the demise of the great critic, Namvar Singh, who established a new paradigm in Hindi literature and criticism... My condolences to the grieving family and the world of Hindi literature," Kovind tweeted in Hindi.

Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a towering figure of Hindi literature who gave it new direction through his literary criticism.

According to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Indian languages had lost a powerful voice with the death of Singh.

"He spent his life in creating a tolerant and democratic society. Restoring dialogue in India will be the real tribute to him," Gandhi said.

Born on July 28, 1926 in Varanasi's village Jiyanpur (now in Chandauli), Singh completed his MA and PhD in Hindi literature from the Banaras Hindu University.

He also worked as a professor in his alma mater BHU as well as Jodhpur university and the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Singh served as the editor of two Hindi magazines, Janyug and Alochana.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, "Namvar Singhji's death is a personal loss for me. Despite ideological differences, he knew how to respect people. His death is a huge loss for Hindi literature and our society. My condolences to his family."



"Dr Namvar Singh had a special place in Hindi literature. His work and contribution will continue to influence the upcoming generations. My tribute," said CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also sent his condolences.

"Eminent critic of Hindi literature, Namvar Singhji is no longer with us. Humble tribute to the man who gave new direction and stature to criticism in Hindi literature."



Paying tributes to the author, Rajkamal Prakashan, which published his books, said his demise was like "the disappearance of the sun from the galaxy of Hindi literature".

"He was the biggest name in Indian literature and gave a new direction to Hindi literary criticism and a new meaning to the tradition of 'vaad-vivaad aur samvaad'. He was like a father figure for me. This is a big loss for us," Ashok Maheshwari of the publishing house said in a statement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi High Court has sought response of the Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) on a plea challenging the appointment of its vice chancellor, terming it "illegal", "arbitrary" and contrary to UGC guidelines.

Justices G S Sistani and Jyoti Singh issued notice to NSUT, Vice Chancellor (VC) J P Saini, University Grant Commission (UGC) and the department of training and technical education of the Delhi government, asking them to file their replies on the petition within four weeks.

The plea, filed by a professor of NSUT, Sachin Maheshwari, alleged that the appointment of Saini as the university's first vice chancellor was "illegal", "arbitrary", "malafide" and contrary to UGC guidelines.

"The chancellor has not applied his mind," it claimed.

The plea, filed through advocate Tarkeshwar Nath, claimed that neither a search committee was constituted nor the post advertised anywhere inviting application from eligible candidates to ensure that a person with the highest level of competence, integrity and institutional commitment is appointed as vice chancellor as per the guidelines.

It further alleged that Saini, who was appointed as the VC on September 26, 2018, was facing several allegations of misconduct and irregularities.

"Saini has several allegations of misconduct and irregularities against him, including that of plagiarism which otherwise disqualify him to be appointed as vice-chancellor of a university," it read.

The plea also claimed that Saini's appointment was pre-determined, pre-decided and well planned which was clear from the stand taken by NSUT where they had made a categorical statement justifying the change of criteria in the advertisement for the appointment of director.

"The change was made just to appoint Prof Saini as Vice Chancellor after conversion of the institute into a university," it alleged.

The 2018 notification that said the first five VCs would be appointed by the chancellor was against the UGC guidelines, the plea claimed.

"Even the formation of search-cum-selection committee with members as enshrined under the said notification is contrary to UGC Guidelines... No member nominated by the chairman of the UGC has been placed in the committee and therefore, is illegal and unsustainable," it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Gujarat High Court Wednesday quashed the death sentence awarded to a man in a triple murder case by a court in Mehsana, noting the trial judge did not take into account his mental illness while delivering the verdict.

Ordering a re-trial in the case, a division bench of justices J B Pardiwala and A C Rao observed that charges were framed by the trial court at Visnagar in Mehsana district against the accused, Nagjiji Thakore, without taking into account the fact that he suffered from bipolar disorder.

It asked the trial court to verify his mental condition before conducting the trial afresh as per the provisions under section 329 of the CrPC.

Considering reports of the medical officer, the high court said "more than prima facie" it appeared the accused was suffering from bipolar disorder and was still under medication.

A resident of Malarural village in Kheralu taluka of the district, Thakore had in April 2015 allegedly hacked to death his parents, his three-year-old daughter and also injured his wife and a police officer.

A case was registered in the Kheralu police station against him under sections of the IPC pertaining to murder and attempt to murder, among others.

The trial court found him guilty of offence of triple murder and attempt to murder and awarded him capital punishment in September 2016.

No plea of insanity was raised during the trial under IPC section 84 (act of a person of unsound mind) even when documents suggested that he might be mentally ill, the high court observed in its order.

During the trial, in-charge superintendent of Mehsana district jail dispatched a letter to the judicial magistrate informing him that Thakore was sent to an expert at the General Hospital, Mehsana for treatment of mental disease when he was lodged in the jail there.

The expert advised hospitalisation of the accused at a mental health hospital in Ahmedabad for further treatment. There, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Charges were framed against him by the trial court over two months after he was kept under observation for mental disorder, but this fact was not considered during the proceedings, the HC noted.

The high court, thus, set aside the order of conviction and death sentence and ordered a re-trial.

"This (re-trial) can be done only after verifying presently whether the accused is of sound mind and consequently capable of making his defence. Such inquiry shall have to be done as provided under section 329 of the CrPC. On the basis of the outcome thereof, the trial court shall have to proceed further," the bench said in its order.

People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings, from depression and sadness to elation and excitement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi High Court asked the police on Wednesday about the steps taken to trace a recently-married woman, who went missing from her matrimonial home last month.

A bench of justices Siddharth Mridul and Prateek Jalan asked the deputy commissioner of police (north-east) to give a status report indicating what measures were taken by the Delhi Police after it received a complaint from the woman's father, alleging that his daughter was being harassed over dowry and he had had no contact with her since January 19.

According to the habeas corpus plea moved by the woman's father Ajmeri Khan, seeking whereabouts of his daughter Ishrat, the woman got married in November last year.

The petition, filed through advocate Amarjit Singh Bedi, has contended that on January 19, Khan received a call from his son-in-law, who said Ishrat was sick and ended the call abruptly.

The petitioner's son-in-law called him again after some time and told him that the woman was not at her matrimonial home and her stuff was also missing.

Subsequently, Khan and his son went to his daughter's matrimonial home, but his son-in-law refused to let them enter the house, the plea said, adding that when they went to the police, they were asked to wait for 24 hours.

Khan has claimed that since then, he has made several complaints to the police and even to the Delhi Commission for Women, but no efforts were made by the authorities to trace his daughter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Haryana Assembly members on Wednesday passed a resolution in the House, strongly condemning the terrorist attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and urged the central government to give a befitting reply to the enemy for the ghastly act.

The members resolved to donate one month's salary to the next of kin of CRPF personnel killed in Pulwama on February 14.

The House was unanimous that the suicide bombing was a Pakistan-supported terrorist attack. It expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and was unanimous that the "Government of India give a befitting reply to the enemy for the Pulwama terrorist attack."



The session began with the House paying tributes to personalities, martyrs and freedom fighters who passed away between the end of the winter session in December last year and the beginning of the budget session on February 20.

Leader of Opposition and senior INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala said his party MLAs have decided to donate one-month salary to the next of kin of the CRPF soldiers killed in Pulwama attack.

After this, Congress Legislature Party leader Kiran Chowdhary too said her party legislators will donate one-month salary for the family of the CRPF martyrs.

Chowdhary said there has been a "steady escalation" in terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan, and time has come that they be given a befitting reply.

Supporting the Opposition's move, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, also the leader of the House, moved a resolution that the legislators will donate a month's salary.

Khattar moved another resolution strongly condemning the Pulwama terrorist attack, which was unanimously passed by the House.

"The House strongly condemns the terrorist attack and salutes these great soldiers for their supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives for the nation," read the resolution.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad group rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Earlier, Khattar paid tributes and read out the obituary resolutions. Chautala and Chowdhary also read out obituary resolutions and paid tributes on behalf of their parties.

Apart from the CRPF martyrs, the House paid tributes to former Union Minister George Fernandes, Member of Haryana Legislative Assembly Jaswinder Singh Sandhu and former Ministers of State Sita Ram Singla and Ved Singh Malik.

Tributes were paid to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi, who hailed from Hisar and died in a mid-air collision between two aircraft of Indian Air Force's aerobatic team Surya Kiran near Bengaluru on Tuesday.

The House also paid tributes to Sepoy Hari Singh of Rajgarh village in Rewari district, who was killed in an encounter between security forces and militants in J&K's Pulwama.

The members of House also observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to the departed souls.

The assembly has a strength of 90 MLAs. One MLA of INLD Jaswinder Singh Sandhu passed away recently.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Actor Gwyneth Paltrow, who is considered a popular figure amongst the superhero film nerds for playing Pepper Potts in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, says she plans to retire after "Avengers: Endgame".

The 46-year-old actor has played the character, who is the personal assistant turned lover of Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark, since "Iron Man", the film that marked the beginning of the MCU in 2008.

The upcoming Marvel tentpole, "Avengers: Endgame", will mark her seventh appearance as Potts and Paltrow, in an interview with Variety, said she believes it is time for her to say good-bye to the character.

"I mean, I'm a bit old to be in a suit and all that at this point. I feel very lucky that I did it, because I actually got talked into it," the actor said.

"I was friends with ('Iron Man' director) Jon Favreau. It was such a wonderful experience making the first 'Iron Man' and then to watch how important it has become to the fans," she added.

"Avengers: Endgame" is set to release worldwide on April 26.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)With a steep rise of Rs 18,000 crore in one year, Gujarat's public debt stands at Rs 2,17,338 crore as per the revised estimates of 2017-18, the legislative assembly was informed Wednesday.

Responding to a written query raised by Congress MLA Kanti Parmar during Question Hour, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who handles finance portfolio, said as per the revised estimates for 2017-18, Gujarat's owes Rs 2,17,338 crore as public debt, a rise of rise of Rs 18,000 crore from 2016-17.

Patel had informed the House that Gujarat's debt was Rs 1,99,338 as on March 2017.

In 2016-17, the state government paid Rs 16,087 crore as interest and Rs 9,073 crore towards principal against the borrowings by the state, Patel said in his written response.

As per the revised estimated of 2017-18, the state paid Rs 17,178 crore towards interest and Rs 13,701 crore as principal, it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Finance Ministry on Wednesday announced to pump in Rs 48,239 crore in 12 public sector banks (PSBs) in this fiscal to help them maintain regulatory capital requirements and finance growth plans.

With this funding, the total amount of capital infusion would increase to Rs 1,00,958 crore of the planned recapitalisation of Rs 1.06 lakh crore for PSBs for the current fiscal, according to Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar.

The remaining Rs 5,000 crore capital infusion would be used as buffer for any contingency or growth capital for Bank of Baroda which is in the process of merging Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with itself.

"It (pending Rs 5000 crore) may be used for any contingency or for growth capital wherever it is necessary including amalgamated entity of Bank of Baroda," Kumar said.

Corporation Bank is the biggest beneficiary of this round of capital infusion with Rs 9,086 crore of funding, followed by Allahabad Bank with Rs 6,896 crore.

Explaining the rationale for giving higher capital to these two banks, Kumar said equipping these two better performing banks, currently under the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) supervision of the RBI, would help meet requisite capital thresholds of 7.375 CET-1 ratio, 8.875 per cent Tier I ratio, 10.875 per cent of capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) and the net NPA ratio threshold of below 6 per cent.

Further, Rs 4,638 crore and Rs 205 crore will be provided to Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra. These banks have recently come out of the regulatory supervisory framework PCA of the RBI.

Kumar further said Punjab National Bank will get Rs 5,908 crore, Union Bank of India Rs 4,112 crore, Andhra Bank Rs 3,256 crore and Syndicate Bank Rs 1,603 crore.

The government will pump in Rs 12,535 crore in four other banks under PCA -- Central Bank of India, United Bank, UCO Bank and Indian Overseas Bank.

The government in December had increased the outlay by Rs 41,000 crore for infusion in public sector banks. As a result, the total recapitalisation in the current fiscal from Rs 65,000 crore to Rs 1.06 lakh crore.

Subsequently, the government infused Rs 28,615 crore into seven public sector banks (PSBs) through recapitalisation bonds.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Centre on Wednesday collaborated with Canada's University of British Columbia (UBC) to work on various environmental issues including climate change, forest resource management and wildlife.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada for next 10 years to explore opportunities for collaborations in the field of forestry science, an official said.

A ministry official said that the opportunities will be explored through organizations like Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education(ICFRE), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Forest Survey of India (FSI), Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy and Directorate of Forest Education, Uttarakhand, and UBC, Canada.

"The MoU will help in exchange of students, researchers and faculty, developing research projects, livelihood opportunities and augment income of the forest based communities," the official said.

Government sources said the MoU will also assist industries to optimise the utilisation of forest based resources with access of technology to different stakeholders by the respective organisations.

Collaborative research on wood sciences, forest resource management, adaptation and mitigation to climate change are some of the areas to be explored, they said.

Both the countries will arrange joint conferences, seminars, workshops and exhibitions to take the collaboration forward, the government said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)CPIM general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday alleged that the government has "tacitly and overtly" created a situation in which calls of violence against Kashmiris were being given and executed.

In a Facebook post, he said the terror attack in Pulwama, in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives, was a result of "colossal failure of politics" in the state.

"Instead of fixing responsibility, upholding the basic democratic norm of accountability, we see that the Modi government has misused the support given by the political opposition to bring the perpetrators of this heinous terror attack to justice, to hide its failures.

"It has tacitly and overtly created a situation where calls for violence against Kashmiris, who are as much a citizen of India as any RSS member, are being openly given and executed. This is shameful, undemocratic and blatantly 'anti-national' from BJP-RSS," he said.

He said there should be accountability and fixing of responsibility for the loss of lives.

"Particularly when the J&K governor talks of intelligence failure. In 2008, after Mumbai terror attack, the Union home minister and the Maharashtra chief minister had to resign. The current establishment cannot hide behind the coffins of our martyred jawans," he said in his post.

Yechury claimed that the number of local militants has risen during the tenure of this government and alleged that the number of deaths of both civilians and security forces has also risen during this period.

"In playing petty politics, the Modi government has finished all middle ground in Kashmir and strengthened the militancy. Who is accountable for the mess now? BJP governors speak of boycotts of Kashmiris? Will this enable normalcy to return," he asked.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Germany launched a drive Wednesday to halve food waste by 2030 as research shows every consumer on average throws away 55 kilogrammes (120 pounds) of edibles a year.

The new strategy would target households, producers, retailers and the restaurant industry to get them to cut down the 11 million tons of food wasted a year.

The new push would aim to help Germany meet UN and EU targets and reduce its climate footprint, said Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Minister Julia Kloeckner.

"Every product contains valuable resources: water, energy, raw materials, but also labour, care -- and heart and soul," she told national agency DPA.

New research will look to develop "intelligent packaging" that could use a colour gradient to indicate whether food is still edible or past its use-by date.

Companies will be urged to take voluntary measures, such as fine-tuning delivery chains and appropriate portion sizes in restaurants, the ministry said.

The opposition Greens party, who have long urged a shift away from industrial-scale toward organic agriculture, criticised the strategy as too little too late.

Their veteran lawmaker Renate Kuenast demanded not "voluntary commitments and round tables" from the food industry but "binding obligations".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Four men was arrested for allegedly stealing 150 mobile phones from an online shopping portal's delivery hub at Alipur, police said today.

A complaint was received from Maan Singh, a certified vigilance investigation expert of Flipkart security team, on February 19 that the mobile phones, being transported from their delivery hub to a warehouse at Binola, Bilaspur, were stolen, Additional Commissioner (Crime) Police Rajiv Ranjan said.

A case was registered and investigation was undertaken, he said.

"Four members of a gang were arrested from Dwarka area, including gang leader Santosh Kumar, leading to the recovery of 30 multi-brand new mobile phones from their possession," said the officer.

The accused, Santosh Kumar, Brijmohan, Akhilesh and Ranjit, are drivers by profession with different transport companies in Delhi, he said.

Santosh Kumar and Brijmohan were found involved in a theft case of a similar nature registered at Fursatganj police station in UP in which they had stolen more than 100 sugar sacks from a container carrying public distribution ration, the officer said.

Thirty stolen mobile phones worth Rs 2.5 lakh were seized from the gang, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Five persons, including four of a family, were killed when their car collided with a truck near Raiya village in Haryana's Jhajjar district on Wednesday morning, police said.

Among those killed were a couple and their two minor children, a Jhajjar Police official said.

All the five people were returning from Delhi to their village Kasni in Jhajjar after attending a marriage, he said.

He said there were light rains in the area where the accident occurred.

The truck driver fled after the accident and a case has been registered in this connection, the police officer said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A leading organisation of farmers Wednesday deferred launch of its long march from Nashik to Mumbai by a day after the police allegedly took "suppressive measures" stopping peasants from participating in it even as the Maharashtra government reached out to the protesters.

All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) president Ashok Dhawale said the outfit had expected 50,000 peasants to join the protest march, scheduled to begin from Nashik on Wednesday.

But not all could reach Nashik, about 200km from Mumbai in North Maharashtra, due to the police action, he alleged.

"So, we held a rally of farmers in Nashik and decided to defer the launch by a day. Meanwhile, the state government has approached us through its minister Girish Mahajan for talks," Dhawale said.

"We will think about the course of our protest if the talks (with Mahajan) are satisfactory. In case it is not, we will continue with the protest," he added.

The AIKS has planned the long march from Nashik to Mumbai to protest alleged betrayal of promises made to peasants by the Centre and the Maharashtra government.

AIKS general secretary Hannan Mollah was to lead the protest march.

Farmers from different parts of the state took part in the rally, said Dhawale.

The AIKS has accused the government of not fulfilling assurances given to farmers a year ago after they marched between the two cities, seeking farm loan waiver, minimum support price for crops, irrigation facilities and provision of pension to agriculturists.

Earlier in the day, the Left-leaning outfit accused the police of taking "suppressive" steps against cultivators wanting to participate in its long march.

Dhawale charged the police with stopping farmers approaching Nashik from Thane, Palghar and Ahmednagar districts for the stir.

Dhawale said the police action reflected how fidgety the BJP-led state government has turned in view of the long march that will culminate in Mumbai on February 27.

He also condemned the alleged suppressive measures the government and the police took against Maharashtra AIKS general secretary Ajit Nawale.

The AIKS also said it was opposed to the multi-billion dollar Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project which has seen several farmers along the proposed route approach court against land acquisition.

A farmers' march by the AIKS had last year forced the state government to give in principle acceptance to several of their demands.

"The AIKS strongly condemns the suppressive measures being resorted to by the government and police against Nawale," Dhawale said.

He said farmers on way to Nashik from Thane and Palghar districts were alleged stopped by the police at places like Jawhar, Dahanu and Vikramgad among others.

"Police had to slowly let go certain vehicles after two-hour struggle by the people. Police have been fleecing several farmers from Ahmednagar district too for past some days. The AIKS condemns these suppressive measures too," he said.

When contacted, a Nashik police official said no permission has been given for the march till now.

As farmers launch another stir, the opposition Congress hit out at the BJP-led government in the state and accused it of neglecting the agriculture sector.

All India Congress Committee secretary Ashish Dua called the government "incompetent, inefficient, ineffective and also insensitive to the demands of farmers".

"It (the government) has only aggravated their plight by ignoring real issues where farmer suicides, MSP, loan waivers etc haven't been addressed," Dua said.

Meanwhile, condemning the police "crackdown on farmers", the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) called the action "draconian" and expressed solidarity with the protesters.

"We have been receiving disturbing reports of police crackdown on farmers at various places across the state, including the arrest of a few farmer leaders. This is appalling, unconstitutional and must be opposed by everyone.

"We are with the farmers and will demonstrate the incompetency of the government and utter disregard to agriculture," said Ranga Rachure, co-convener, AAP Maharashtra.

AAP's Maharashtra convenor Sudhir Sawant said local volunteers of the party will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the farmers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Exercising can help counter the effects of jet lag, shift work, and other disruptions to the body's internal clock and help people cope with erratic schedules.

The researchers from University of California, San Diego and Arizona State University in the US examined body clocks following exercise in 101 participants for up to five and a half days.

The circadian "body"' clock is the 24 hour cycle that regulates many physiological processes including sleeping and eating.

Many factors affect this internal body clock including light and time cues. Exercise has been known to cause shifts in the circadian clock however very little is known about this effect.

The study, published in The Journal of Physiology, showed that exercising at 7 am or between 1 and 4 pm advanced the body clock to an earlier time, and exercising between 7 and10 pm delayed the body clock to a later time.

Exercising between 1 and 4 am and at 10 am, however, had little effect on the body clock, and the phase-shifting effects of exercise did not differ based on age nor gender.

"Exercise has been known to cause changes to our body clock. We were able to clearly show in this study when exercise delays the body clock and when it advances it," said Shawn Youngstedt, from Arizona State University.

"This is the first study to compare exercise's effects on the body clock, and could open up the possibility of using exercise to help counter the negative effects of jet lag and shift work," Youngstedt said in a statement.

The baseline timing of each participant's body clock was determined from urine samples collected every 90 minutes to measure the time of the evening rise in melatonin and the peak of melatonin several hours later.

Participants then walked or ran on a treadmill at a moderate intensity for one hour per day for three consecutive days.

They exercised at one of eight different times of day or night, but each individual exercised at the same time on all three days or nights. The timing of the body clock was re-assessed following the third exercise session.

Given that the subjects tested were more physically active than average, the results might not translate to the average person.

Further research will look at combining exercise with bright lights and melatonin to see what impact this has on body clocks, as well as examining the effect of changes in exercise duration and intensity on the body clock.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A court here on Wednesday found former Visva Bharati university vice-chancellor Dilip Kumar Sinha, registrar Dilip Mukhopadhaya and mathematics teacher Mukti Dev guilty in a case of forgery and conspiracy.

Their punishment would be announced by the court on Thursday.

This would perhaps be the first time in the country that a former vice-chancellor of a university would be punished for forgery.

The crime had come to light in 2004, months after the theft of Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel medal. Sinha had retired by then and the investigation was handed over to the CID.

Dev had worked as a lecturer in mathematics in the university, teaching post-graduate students for around six years, without having the required qualification.

During investigation, it was found that she had passed the higher secondary examination and had secured the teaching job at the central university in 1997 by submitting photocopies of fake testimonials at the time of joining, CID counsel Nabakumar Ghosh said.

Those photocopies were attested by Sinha, who was then the VC of the university, he added.

After Sinha's retirement in 2001, Dev was show-caused in 2004 by the Visva Bharati executive council, which subsequently suspended and then dismissed her.

Sinha was arrested by the CID from his Kolkata residence in connection with the case in June, 2004 and subsequently, granted bail.

In March 2005, the CID had submitted the chargesheet against the trio in a Bolpur court.

Ghosh said the three were charged under Indian Penal Code sections 466 (forgery), 467 (forgery of valuable security), 468 (forgery for cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document), 474 (possessing forged documents) and 469 (forgery for harming reputation).

The punishment for these sections varies between seven years in jail and life imprisonment.

All the three were present in the court on Wednesday and were taken into custody.

The prime minister is the chancellor of the university, which was founded by Tagore in 1921.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)/ -- Essilor Vision Foundation is delighted to announce the support of the program 'Blindness Free Maharashtra' launched by the Government of Maharashtra in collaboration with the not-for-profit organization Ratna Nidhi Trust. Through this initiative, approximately 2.5 million children from underserved communities will be provided with free eye care and spectacles if needed.

Over a period of three years, from 01 April 2019 to 31 March 2022, the Government of Maharashtra and Ratna Nidhi will organize several screening events for children in need. In line with its mission to eliminate poor vision and its lifelong consequence, Essilor Vision Foundation will support these initiatives by donating 150,000 pairs of spectacles to children who can't see clearly.

The launch of the program is expected to be presided over by the Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, IAS, Secretary, Medical Education and Drug Department (MEDD) Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, along with Senior Director - Group Mission, Mr. Milind Jadhav of Essilor International, and other senior representatives of the company.

Mr Milind Jadhav commented: "Uncorrected poor vision is the largest unaddressed disability in the world. A simple pair of glasses has the power to change people's lives and create a positive social and economic impact. We hope through our support of the Government of Maharashtra to bring eye care to local children, we will contribute to create a healthier, more productive and a prosperous society."



About Essilor



Essilor International (Compagnie Gnrale d'Optique) ("Essilor") is the world's leading ophthalmic optics company. Essilor designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its mission is to improve lives by improving sight. To support this mission, Essilor allocates more than 200 million to research and innovation every year, in a commitment to continuously bring new, more effective products to market. Its flagship brands are Varilux, Crizal, Transitions, EyezenTM, Xperio, Foster Grant, BolonTM and Costa. It also develops and markets equipment, instruments and services for eyecare professionals.

Essilor reported consolidated revenue of around 7.5 billion in 2017 and employs approximately 67,000 people worldwide. It has 34 plants, 481 prescription laboratories and edging facilities, as well as 4 research and development centers around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.essilor.com.

About Essilor Vision Foundation



Essilor Vision Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Essilor. In order to help address the global issue of uncorrected poor vision that affects over 2.5 billion people around the world, Essilor Vision Foundation promotes access to good vision through free screenings and the provision of corrective glasses to communities in need.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Veteran actor Emma Thompson has exited the voice cast of Skydance's animated feature "Luck" after the studio hired #MeToo accused John Lasseter.

Lasseter, the former chief of Disney animation, was hired to lead animation at Skydance by its CEO David Ellison, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

He had quit Disney in June last year after acknowledging that he had made the company's staff feel "disrespected or uncomfortable" with unwanted hugs.

Thompson, who had not yet started working on "Luck", quietly left the project because of concerns about working with Lasseter.

To be directed by Alessandro Carloni, the animated feature is set in a world about two opposing forces that control destiny, good luck, and bad luck.

The film is set for release in 2021.

Skydance Animation has not yet reacted on Thompson's departure from the project.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US retail major Walmart said it is "disappointed" with recent changes in FDI policy for e-commerce firms in the country, and hopes for a collaborative regulatory process going forward which results in a level-playing field.

The Bentonville-based retailing major, which invested USD 16 billion in Flipkart, said the changes in foreign direct investment (FDI) norms it has not shaken its confidence and excitement about the Indian market, and it remains optimistic about e-commerce opportunity in the country.

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.

"In India, we remain optimistic about the e-commerce opportunity, given the size of the market, the low penetration of e-commerce in the retail channel, and the pace at which it's growing," Walmart, Inc. President, Chief Executive Officer and Director C Douglas McMillon told analysts in an earnings call.

Talking about regulatory changes, McMillon said "the things that have happened have been disappointing in some ways, but they haven't shaken our confidence and excitement about what this is going to mean to the company long term".

"And this isn't a story about one quarter or even one year. We hope to have an effective, productive dialogue as it relates to future changes that happen. But in terms of how the business has behaved, it's in line with what we thought it would be," he added.

McMillon said the company hoped for a collaborative regulatory process going forward "which results in a level playing field".

"In the future, we hope to work with the government for pro-growth policies that can allow this nascent industry and the domestic manufacturers, farmers, and suppliers that benefit from it to develop and prosper," he added.

On a question whether the recent regulatory changes will influence Walmart's investment posture in India, he said: "All the reasons we cited for going into India and acquiring Flipkart, when you look at the continued e-commerce growth in India, the size of the market, the growing middle class, all those things are still as true today as they were six months ago. So the reasons we're excited about the market are still there".

Regarding Flipkart business, Walmart, Inc Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Brett M Biggs said there'll be some additional costs to comply with the new regulations, but we don't currently believe there will be a significant enough to impact to total company guidance for the year.

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 per cent 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.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)After sailing into record books, the inspiring story of 254-day maritime odyssey of six women naval officers, who became the first all-woman Indian crew to circumnavigate the globe, is set to be showcased in a documentary that will premiere on National Geographic on March 8.

Skippered by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi, the crew had achieved the feat, braving treacherous seas, onboard INSV Tarini, a 55-foot sailing vessel, built indigenously.

The Twitter handle of Indian Navy spokesperson Wednesday shared a trailer of the documentary titled 'Tarini' that will air on the channel on International Women's Day.

"Witness the historic voyage of 6 brave Indian women naval officers who broke all barriers & stereotypes by circumnavigating the globe aboard #INSVTarini Let's celebrate these #GirlsWhoSailed & their massive success with @natgeoindia's documentary @SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia," the tweet said.

The film captures the hardships the crew faced during the mission and showcases their undying spirit and determination, as their accomplishment made the nation proud and became a powerful source of inspiration for the people of the country, the channel said.

The expedition, christened the Navika Sagar Parikrama, was flagged off from the INS Mandovi boat pool in Goa on September 10 in 2017, and the team had returned to Goa last May.

The other crew members were -- Lt Commanders Pratibha Jamwal and Swati P, and Lieutenants Aishwarya Boddapati, S Vijaya Devi and Payal Gupta.

The six women officers had trained under Captain Dilip Donde, the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe solo in 2009-2010.

Indian Navy and National Geographic have joined hands for the documentary that will be released on the channel at 9 pm on March 8 as an International Women's Day special film. It will also be available on Hotstar, a senior official of the network said.

The trailer, also released on the channel showcases some "rare footage from the on-ship cameras that were present throughout the expedition".

"National Geographic is proud to bring the story of a historic mission that not only highlights the courage and grit of the men and women of the Indian Navy, but also showcases how Indian women are breaking societal barriers against all odds," Pawan Soni, Head - Programming & Marketing, National Geographic India, told PTI.

"Over the last few months, we have worked closely with the Tarini crew and officials from Indian naval services to produce a powerful storytelling of the expedition the entire country is proud of," he said.

The documentary will not only give viewers an in-depth view of the mission, but will also help break many "stereotypes revolving around women in society", Soni added.

The expedition sailed in six legs, with stopovers at the Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Cape Town (South Africa) and Mauritius.

"It covered 21,600 nautical miles in the Indian-built sailing vessel INSV Tarini that visited five countries and crossed the Equator twice, sailed across four continents and three oceans, and passed south of the three Great Capes - Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope," a Navy spokesperson had earlier said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated the team on return from their successful expedition.

"Heartiest congratulations to Indian Navys all-women crew of INSV Tarini for completing the Navika Sagar Parikrama, their mission to circumnavigate the globe. Welcome home. The entire nation is proud of you," he had tweeted.

Marking India's 70th Republic Day, National Geographic had earlier joined hands with India Air Force for a special documentary on lesser-known stories of the IAF's operations in the toughest climatic conditions in the country, that was premiered in January.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The International Court of Justice on Wednesday said that it has not received any evidence that the ad-hoc judge for Pakistan is unable or unwilling to continue to exercise his duties in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

Pakistan, which presented its case on Tuesday, asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to adjourn the case, citing the illness of its ad-hoc judge Tassaduq Hussain Jillani who suffered a cardiac attack ahead of the hearing.

Islamabad submitted a request for the replacement of Pakistan's ad-hoc judge.

ICJ top judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, speaking on the appointment for an ad-hoc judge for Pakistan in the case, said: "In order to clear up any misunderstandings which may have arisen, we assure both parties of the smooth running of these proceedings in accordance of the principal of equality of the parties".

He said it should be noted that once a judge ad-hoc has been chosen in proceedings before the court and in the absence of any objection within the prescribed time-limit, his or her appointment as a judge ad-hoc in the case is confirmed by a letter of the court to the parties under article 35, paragraph 3 of the rules of court.

"Indeed, in the present case, judge ad-hoc Jillani was sent the case file and duly took part in all the previous stages of the proceedings," he said.

"He (Jillani) will receive all transcripts of oral proceedings and may also watch them by a webcast... It follows that the judge ad-hoc chosen by Pakistan for the current proceedings has been participating in the case and may continue to do so.

"Having began his duties, a judge ad-hoc serves the court like all his or her colleagues as an independent judge for the remainder of the case, including all subsequent phases, through to final judgement or until the case is otherwise removed from the general list," the ICJ top judge said.

The court has not received so far any evidence that judge ad-hoc Jillani is unable or unwilling to continue to exercise his duties as a judge ad-hoc in this case, he said.

ICJ top judge Yusuf said it is important to recall that even if a judge ad-hoc is not able to attend the hearing, he or she may be authorised by the court to take part in the subsequent deliberations.

Jadhav, 48, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

India moved the ICJ in May 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to Jadhav.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

On Thursday, Pakistan will submit its final arguments.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Wednesday hit out at the SAD-BJP government over desecration of religious texts in 2015, asking why it could not have taken action in the issue the way the Congress government did after coming to power.

Singh assured the state Assembly that his government would not spare anyone found guilty of the "horrendous" crime.

Winding up the discussion on the Governor's address in the ongoing Budget Session here, he alleged the incidents of desecration occurred because of the "failure of the law and order system".

He claimed the previous government had even failed to accept their own commission's report over the issue. "Why could not you do what we have done... You could have formed a Special Investigation Team. You could have taken action," he said.

The chief minister said his government would take the findings of the Ranjit Singh Commission report on desecration and police firing incidents to its logical conclusion.

He also accused the Badals of "complete destruction" all institutions of governance in the state during the previous SAD-BJP regime.

On the farm debt waiver scheme of his government, Singh promised to pay more to the community once the state's revenues showed further improvement. He said the loans of landless labourers would also be waived.

On opposition's demand for a complete loan waiver of all farmers, he said a sum of Rs 65,000 crore would be required if the debt of all 17 lakh farmers was to be waived and asked from where would this amount of money come.

Singh also lashed out at the Akalis over their "irresponsible and unruly behaviour" in the House and said it was unfortunate Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal's speech on February 18 was disrupted for petty political gains.

Badal's budget speech was marred by vociferous protest by SAD and BJP members against minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's remarks following the Pulwama attack. The speaker had to adjourn the House due to the disruption.

The chief minister also slammed the Akalis for "eroding" the dignity of a revered institution like the Vidhan Sabha.

Singh asked whether the party had any leader as SAD president Sukhbir Badal always seemed to be missing from the House. "Where is he? I have not seen him in the House," he said.

Attacking the Badals over the law and order situation in the state during their decade-long rule, he alleged, "What was happening earlier was not governance but danda raaj, with orders, legal and illegal, being passed by one family," he alleged.

Singh alleged that no rules, laws and Constitutional provisions were followed during their regime. It was the 'halqa incharges', working at the behest of the Badals and their cronies, who were calling the shots, he alleged.

The Congress leader vowed to continue its battle against drugs till the menace is completely eliminated from the state. He described the steps taken to combat the problem and challenged the opposition to come out with the names of "big fish", with evidence, to help the anti-drug STF arrest them.

The chief minister urged the Akalis to join his government in efforts to ensure a befitting celebration of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

He said his government had so far generated employment for over 5 lakh youths, which was an impressive 720 youth per day, besides generating 415 lakh man-days under MGNREGA during the last two years.

Earlier, participating in the discussion, Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia attacked the Congress for its alleged failure to honour polls promises. "The Congress made big promises about debt waiver, jobs etc in its manifesto. But it failed to implement them," he alleged.

Congress MLA Fatehjang Bajwa urged the chief minister to arrest those political leaders who gave patronage to smugglers in the drug racket cases.

Leader of opposition and AAP MLA Harpal Singh Cheema targeted the government on the issue of regularisation of teachers and described the governor's address as a "bundle of lies".

Earlier, Lok Insaaf party MLAs Simarjit Singh Bains and Balwinder Bains sat in the Well of the House, seeking recovery of money from other states for releasing water.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US lawmakers said Tuesday they were probing whether President Donald Trump is rushing to sell sensitive nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia to please corporate supporters who stand to profit handsomely.

The House of Representatives committee in charge of investigations, led by the rival Democratic Party since last month, said that "multiple whistleblowers" warned of conflicts of interest "that could implicate federal criminal statutes."



Representative Elijah Cummings, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, asked the White House to turn over documents including those related to a meeting two months into Trump's tenure between his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Saudi Arabia's powerful Mohammed bin Salman, who shortly afterward became crown prince.

An initial report by the committee said that "strong private commercial interests have been pressing aggressively" to transfer sensitive technology to Saudi Arabia.

"These commercial entities stand to reap billions of dollars through contracts associated with constructing and operating nuclear facilities in Saudi Arabia -- and apparently have been in close and repeated contact with President Trump and his administration to the present day," the report said.

The United States cannot legally transfer nuclear technology to countries without reaching so-called Section 123 agreements, which provide assurances of peaceful energy use.

The House committee voiced fear that Saudi Arabia -- the world's top oil exporter -- could convert US knowhow into making a nuclear bomb, heightening already severe tensions with regional rival Iran.

The committee said that the leading proponent of building nuclear plants in Saudi Arabia has been IP3 International, a company whose subsidiary in 2016 listed retired Army lieutenant general Michael Flynn as an advisor.

Flynn served briefly as Trump's national security adviser before resigning over lying about secret communications with Russia, for which he was convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

The Trump administration in its very first week tried to rush through approval of IP3's bid to build nuclear plants in Saudi Arabia until a legal adviser ruled that Flynn had a conflict of interest, the committee said, citing whistleblowers.

IP3's influence has apparently not ended, with the committee voicing alarm at a report by site Axios that Trump personally met with representatives of the company among other firms just last week.

Another key proponent of transfers to Saudi Arabia, according to the committee, has been Thomas Barrack, a businessman with longstanding interests in the Arab world who organized Trump's inauguration.

He recently drew controversy for playing down Saudi Arabia's killing of dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi, an incident that has hardened views in the US Congress against Prince Mohammed.

Barrack told a forum that "the atrocities in America are equal, or worse" to those in Saudi Arabia, whose agents strangled and dismembered the Washington Post contributor after he was lured into the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul, according to officials. Barrack later apologized.

US lawmakers, including some Republican allies of Trump, have been pushing for the United States to distance itself from Crown Prince Mohammed in the wake of Khashoggi's killing and the devastating Saudi-led, US-backed war against rebels in Yemen, where millions are on the brink of starvation in what the United Nations calls the world's most serious humanitarian crisis.

A group of senators including Marco Rubio, a Republican of Florida, last year jointly appealed to Trump to freeze talks on a 123 agreement with Saudi Arabia, questioning the judgment of the kingdom's policymakers.

The United States in 2009 completed a 123 agreement with the United Arab Emirates in which the US ally pledged not to enrich domestic uranium or reprocess spent fuel, steps that could be used to build a nuclear bomb.

Saudi Arabia has walked back from similar promises, although some experts believe Riyadh is talking tough largely to pressure Iran and that it is unlikely to seek nuclear weapons so long as it enjoys US security guarantees.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The GST Council Wednesday deferred a decision on rationalisation of tax rates on real estate and lottery till February 24 as some opposition-ruled states demanded that a meeting, where members are physically present, be convened for deciding on such crucial issues.

The 33rd meeting of the Council, held through video conferencing, also decided to extend the deadline for filing summary sales return - GSTR-3B - for January by two days till February 22.

"Considering the speed at which returns are getting filed, thousands of returns being filed every hour, the suggestion before the GST Council was to extend the deadline by two days for all states; and since some areas are facing disturbance, for Jammu & Kashmir it be extended till February 28. So we took that decision," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

The GST Council, headed by Jaitley and comprising state counterparts, was also slated to discuss the reports of the group of ministers (GoM) on under-construction housing property and lottery. Ministers from all states attended the meeting.

Briefing reporters after the meeting of the Council, Jaitley said the report of the GoM on real estate was considered, and since some states wanted a physical meeting before a final decision is taken on the issue, hence, a final decision would be taken after a physical meeting on February 24.

However, GST on lottery was not be taken up for discussion by the Council on Wednesday.

"The discussion which remained incomplete today through video conferencing... Few ministers expressed their opinion and the rest will express their opinion and we will try and take a decision on this issue on Sunday. So the meeting stands adjourned as of day for Sunday," Jaitley said.

During the meeting, opposition-ruled states like Delhi and Kerala demanded that a physical meeting be held to decide on crucial issues like real estate and lottery, while the representative from Punjab flagged a technical point relating to land cost being included while deciding on GST rate.

"I have always followed an approach of moving as per consensus, and since some of the states wanted a meeting where members are physically present, keeping the idea of consensus in mind, I adjourned the meeting to Sunday so that a physical meeting can be held and the same issue will be discussed on Sunday," Jaitley said.

The GoM on real estate sector, headed by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, had earlier this month suggested cutting GST on under-construction residential properties to 5 per cent without input tax credit (ITC), from 12 per cent, currently. On affordable housing segment, it suggested that GST be slashed to 3 per cent, from 8 per cent.

At present, GST is levied at 12 per cent with ITC on payments made for under-construction property or ready-to-move-in flats where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale.

During the Council meeting on Wednesday, the representative from Bihar suggested that GST on affordable housing segment be brought down to 1 per cent. It also suggested that where 90 per cent area of a property is used for residential purposes and 10 per cent is used for commercial purpose, it should be treated as residential property for GST purposes.

The GoM on lottery, under Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, favoured a uniform GST rate of either 18 per cent or 28 per cent.

Currently, a state-organised lottery attracts 12 per cent GST while a state-authorised lottery attracts 28 per cent tax.

The GoM favoured hiking GST rate on the state-organised lottery to either 18 per cent or 28 per cent and lowering rate on state-authorised lottery to 18 per cent or retaining it at 28 per cent.

On Tuesday, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac had strongly objected to the suggestion of the GoM saying this would benefit "lottery mafia" and that a decision should be taken only during a physical meeting.

"I will walk out of the February 20 Council meeting if any decision is taken on lottery. Also I will henceforth not attend any Council meetings till the elections are over. This is not cooperative federalism," Isaac had said.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had also written to Jaitley on Tuesday, seeking that a meeting be held where all members are physically present.

The two GoMs were set up by the GST Council last month.

PwC India Partner and Leader Indirect Tax Pratik Jain said restricting the input credit is not a good idea for any sector, particularly real estate which requires more formalisation.

"If at all the final decision is to introduce a 5 per cent levy without input credit, it is important that other related issues such as reduction in GST rate on cement and on construction contracts are also deliberated in detail, along with aspects such as treatment of input credit which may already be accumulated in the books," Jain said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi High Court asked the AAP government on Wednesday to decide within four weeks the plea for premature release of former Haryana chief minister O P Chautala, who is serving a 10-year jail term in the JBT teachers' recruitment scam.

The direction by a bench of justices Siddharth Mridul and Prateek Jalan came on Chautala's petition seeking that he be released from prison in accordance with the Centre's policy for grant of special remission to prisoners.

In his plea, Chautala claimed that his representation, made in December last year for premature release, was yet to be decided by the Delhi government.

The bench, thereafter, directed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to "expeditiously decide", preferably within four weeks, Chautala's representation for premature release and added that a speaking order be passed in accordance with law.

In view of the direction of the court, senior advocate N Hariharan and advocate Amit Sahni, appearing for Chautala, agreed not to press the petition.

Delhi government's standing counsel (criminal) Rahul Mehra assured the court that a decision will be taken on Chautala's representation.

Mehra, during the hearing, opposed Chautala's plea for premature release, saying he was convicted for corruption which was a serious offence.

He also contended that the Centre's notification of July last year was just an advisory and was not binding.

According to the notification of July 18, 2018, the special remission has to be given to women and transgender convicts of 55 years of age who have completed half of their actual jail term, male convicts of 60 years of age and who have completed half of their sentence period.

The relief has to be given to physically challenged or differently-abled prisoners with 70 per cent disability and more and who have completed half of their actual jail term, those who are terminally ill and the convicts who have completed two-third of their jail term, it said.

However, the special remission will not be given to those convicted for heinous offences or under POTA, UAPA, TADA, POCSO Act, PMLA, FEMA, NDPS and Prevention of Corruption Act.

Mehra, during the hearing, also said Chautala was granted several paroles and furloughs and even now, he was out on parole from February 8 to March 1.

However, the bench said anyone who has been sentenced is eligible for remission for good conduct.

It also said a punishment could not be extended beyond what was provided under the statute.

Chautala (83), in his plea, has contended that he should be considered for premature release considering his age and disability as also the period of seven years, with remission, already undergone by him in jail.

"Considering the age, disability and period of incarceration, the case of Chautala falls under two clauses of the notification but since the authorities are biased towards him, his case is not considered in furtherance of the notification, despite the fact that he has already undergone more than seven years of incarceration under the PC Act," the plea said.

Chautala, his son Ajay Chautala and 53 others, including IAS officer Sanjiv Kumar, were convicted and sentenced in the case of illegal recruitment of 3,206 junior basic teachers (JBT) in 2000.

All of them were sentenced to varying jail terms in the case by a special CBI court in January, 2013.

Kumar, the then director of primary education in Haryana, had initially exposed the scam after he had filed a plea in the Supreme Court. Later, he was also found to be involved in the scam during a CBI probe.

Apart from the Chautalas and Kumar, Chautala's former officer on special duty Vidya Dhar and political advisor to then Haryana chief minister Sher Singh Badshami were also given 10-year jail terms.

The others who were given 10-year jail terms are Madan Lal Kalra, Durga Dutt Pradhan, Bani Singh, Ram Singh and Daya Saini.

Apart from them, one convict was handed a five-year jail sentence and the remaining 44 were given four years of imprisonment.

Among the 55 convicts, 16 were women officials.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Concerned over the lack of safety of women, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) will undertake a 12-day long 'padyatra' in Delhi starting February 24 during which its members will meet people, hear about their complaints and initiate action on the spot.

Commission Chairperson Swati Maliwal along with members and volunteers will walk the streets of Delhi non-stop from February 24 to March 8 and hear problems faced by women on day to day basis.

During this period, Maliwal will sleep in local areas in 'jhuggis' and interact with thousands of women and girls, a DCW statement said.

"Our soldiers are unsafe at the border and women and girls are unsafe within the country. It is time that people take to streets to demand action on issues concerning our external and internal security.

"I along with my team will undertake this innovative paidal yatra to raise awareness on women issues. I appeal to all to join us by calling at 9350-181-181," Maliwal said.

The 12-day 'padyatra' will culminate on March 8 at Connaught Place at an event to mark the International Women's Day.

During the 'yatra', the commission will also launch a scheme - 'Mahila Suraksha Dal' comprising of civil defence volunteers, who will generate awareness in the community and help women redress their complaints.

The 'Mahila Suraksha Dal' will engage volunteers from the community to become 'Mahila Suraksha Mitra', the statement said.

The Mahila Suraksha Yatra will lay stress on bringing to focus the long-standing demand of the commission to increase police accountability as well as resources in the capital, as well as setting up of fast track courts for crimes against women.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)/ -- India's largest and leading full service law firm, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM), has set up India's first legal tech incubator 'Prarambh'.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824336/Prarambh_Logo.jpg )



On setting up of Prarambh, Cyril Shroff, Managing Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, said "Our Firm has a proud tradition of innovating in the Indian legal market. We have been the first to adopt a number of new technologies in the legal space, such as artificial intelligence based machine learning, and we are now the first to support and incubate technology start-ups. Our DNA is to be a pioneer in evolving practices and technologies, we believe that we can support our clients, our lawyers and enhance the services provided through this."



Prarambh will work with young entrepreneurs to come up with new technology-based solutions for the legal industry. This will include areas related to:access to justice dispute resolution transaction efficiencies law firm operations legal research compliance contract management managing legal talent others Prarambh will initially be housed at the New Delhi office of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and later extended to other locations.

Discussing the potential of Prarambh, Cyril Shroff explained, "The potential is enormous. During our initial exploration, we found that a great deal of legal technology being used in other jurisdictions is not fully suited to the Indian legal market. This means there is both 'need gap' and an 'adjustment gap' that we are seeking to fill. CAM also believes that there is a deep pool of undiscovered and under-supported legal and technology skills in India that can be fostered to fill this gap. I am extremely confident that Prarambh has all the ingredients to radically transform legal-tech landscape impacting both transactions and dispute resolution, CAM is setting the ball rolling for emergence of India as an important player in this legal technology domain."



Applications will be open to technology start-ups developing products or services for the legal industry. Initially, 3 to 4 high-potential startups will be selected. These new businesses will be supported by Prarambh to bring their ideas to fruition, and guided to make them a commercial success. (Click here for details and updates). The incubator will also be guided by a board of 'mentors' assembled by CAM for this purpose.

Under the guidance of Cyril Shroff, Prarambh will be led by Komal Gupta, Head - Artificial Intelligence & Innovation, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, who said, "With the Firm's lineage, brand, infrastructure, subject matter expertise across domains, empathy, and expert mentorship, Prarambh is the ideal incubation platform. We are confident that it will truly enable start-ups in India to develop world class legal technology solutions."



Applications for selection to Prarambh will remain open from 8th April 2019 to 30th April 2019 (form will be available on http://www.cyrilshroff.com/innovation-lab/). The list of shortlisted start-ups will be announced on 31st May 2019. The candidates would be invited for interview and to make a pitch in June 2019, which will be followed by announcement of successful candidates in the 1st week of July 2019. The successful startups will move in to firm's premises at a suitable date in the next 4 -6 weeks thereafter.

About Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas



Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas was founded on May 11, 2015 and takes forward the values going back 102 years, of the erstwhile Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co., whose pre-eminence, experience and reputation of almost a century has been unparalleled in the Indian legal fraternity. Tracing its professional lineage to 1917, the Firm of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is now the largest full-service law firm in India, with over 700 lawyers including over 120 partners, and offices in India's key business centres at Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad. The Firm advises a large and varied client base that includes domestic and foreign commercial enterprises, financial institutions, private equity funds, venture capital funds, start-ups and governmental and regulatory bodies.

The firm, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, was awarded the flagship country award as being the 'Most Innovative National Law Firm of the Year - India for 2018' at the IFLR Asia Awards, 2018, having also been successful in winning the prestigious & coveted 'National Law Firm of the Year, 2018 for India' at the Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards, 2018. The firm was also voted as the 'Employer of Choice for 2018' from India, by the Asian Legal Business, now 4 years in a row, building upon the several awards that the erstwhile Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co. had won in the past.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress on Wednesday asked whether according a grand welcome to "those who praised" Pakistan's "anti-terror efforts" was his way of remembering the martyrs of the Pulwama attack.

In a special gesture, the prime minister received the Saudi crown prince at Palam airport on Tuesday night. The visit comes five days after a suicide bomber belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group killed 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

"National interests V/S Modiji's 'hugplomacy'.

"Breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistan's 'anti-terror' efforts. Is it ur way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter.

The Congress spokesperson was referring to the crown prince's visit to Pakistan, during which the two countries signed investments agreements worth USD 20 billion.

Surjewala also tagged photographs of Modi hugging the crown prince and sharing a laugh at the Palam airport.

He urged Modi to "show courage" and ask Saudi Arabia to undo its joint statement with Pakistan, in which they called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

"Modiji, Is asking for a terrorist to be designated as such politicisation of UN listings? Would you show courage to ask Saudi Arabia to undo their 'Joint Statement' with Pak virtually rejecting India's demand for designating Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist'?" he said.

After being received at the Islamabad airport by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Saudi leader said in a Saudi-Pak joint statement that dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma tweeted, "PM Modi seems to be eager to compete with and emulate the Pakistan PM Imran Khan in breaking protocol and receiving Saudi Crown Prince... without any need or justification".

"Worse, the joint statement does not refer to the ban on either Jaish or Masood Azhar," he said.

Sharma added, "The fact that the Crown Prince has visited Pakistan after the dastardly attack and refused to endorse the ban on Masood Azhar and the declaration of Jaish E Mohammed as a terrorist organisation seems to have been lost on the Prime Minister."



He called it a "glaring diplomatic failure" for which Modi must answer to the nation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress on Wednesday asked whether according a "grand welcome" to those who praised Pakistan's "anti-terror" efforts was his way of remembering the Pulwama attack martyrs.

In a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday received Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport last night.

"National interests v/s Modiji's 'hugplomacy' breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistan's 'anti-terror' efforts. Is it ur way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama?" Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter tagging photographs of Modi hugging the crown prince and sharing a laugh at the airport.

Surjewala also urged the prime minister to "show courage" and ask Saudi Arabia to undo its joint statement with Pakistan in which they called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

"Modiji, Is asking for a terrorist to be designated as such politicisation of UN listings? Would you show courage to ask Saudi Arabia to undo their 'Joint Statement' with Pak virtually rejecting India's demand for designating Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist'?" he said.

The Crown Prince arrived in India last night on a less than 30-hour visit, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion on Sunday.

The Crown Prince's visit comes days after a Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's suicide bomber killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress on Wednesday asked whether according a grand welcome to "those who praised" Pakistan's "anti-terror efforts" was the PM's way of remembering the Pulwama attack martyrs.

In a special gesture, the prime minister received the Saudi crown prince at Palam airport on Tuesday night. The visit comes days after a suicide bomber belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group killed 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

"National interests V/S Modiji's 'hugplomacy'.

"Breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistan's 'anti-terror' efforts. Is it ur way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter.

The Congress spokesperson was referring to the crown prince's visit to Pakistan, during which the two countries signed investment agreements worth USD 20 billion.

Surjewala also tagged photographs of Modi hugging the crown prince and sharing a laugh at the Palam airport.

He urged Modi to "show courage" and ask Saudi Arabia to undo its joint statement with Pakistan, in which they called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

"Modiji, Is asking for a terrorist to be designated as such politicisation of UN listings? Would you show courage to ask Saudi Arabia to undo their 'Joint Statement' with Pak virtually rejecting India's demand for designating Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist'?" he said.

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma also attacked Modi for going out of the way in welcoming the Saudi crown prince.

"PM Modi seems to be eager to compete with and emulate the Pakistan PM Imran Khan in breaking protocol and receiving Saudi Crown Prince... without any need or justification," Sharma said in a series of tweets.

"Worse, the joint statement does not refer to the ban on either Jaish or Masood Azhar," he said.

The fact that the crown prince has visited Pakistan after the dastardly attack and refused to endorse the ban on Masood Azhar and the declaration of Jaish-e-Mohammed as a terrorist organisation, seems to have been lost on the prime minister, Sharma claimed, terming it a "glaring diplomatic failure" for which Modi must answer to the nation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh told the assembly Wednesday it has "in principle" agreed to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to economically poor in the general category.

Making an announcement of this effect, Chief Minister Kamal Nath said a Cabinet sub-committee will be constituted on the issue.

The announcement came after main opposition BJP demanded implementation of 10 per cent quota in jobs and education for general category poor candidates.

A law in this regard was enacted by the Centre last month.

BJP members alleged the ruling Congress has been discriminating against the youths of unreserved category by not providing them reservation.

Just after the Question Hour, Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava asked the state government to clarify its stand on the issue and sought implementation of the quota law for economically poor in accordance with the 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill passed by Parliament.

Reacting to Bhargava's demand, Nath announced his government has "in principle" agreed about giving reservation to the general category poor.

Saying this was a part of the Congress manifesto, Nath said a Cabinet sub-committee will be formed to look into the upper-caste quota law implementation in the state.

However, this announcement did not satisfy BJP members.

Narottam Mishra (BJP), a former minister, said this is an important issue associated with the youths of the state.

He alleged the Congress government has been discriminating against the general category youths under a "conspiracy".

Mishra said if the government is serious, it should set a deadline for the quota implementation.

Speaker N P Prajapati tried to pacify opposition MLAs by saying the issue will be discussed separately.

Talking to reporters later, Bhargava said several states have implemented the 10 per cent reservation law for economically weaker sections, but it seems the Congress government is not interested to extend this benefit to the youths in Madhya Pradesh.

Earlier, at the outset of Question Hour, Bhargava and Mishra raised the matter of ministers giving statements in the media which were at variance with their written replies in the assembly.

Terming this as a "Constitutional crisis", Bhargava claimed ministers backtracked from written statements given in the House (on issues of Mandsaur firing, irregularities in tree plantation drive and organisation of 2016 Simhastha or religious fair in Ujjain).

He said Congress ministers contradicted their own statements while talking to the media.

Pointing at Nath's tweet about the Mandsaur police firing besides alleged scams in tree plantation and holding of Simhastha, Mishra said the CM's tweet contradicted ministers' written replies.

Claiming that nothing unconstitutional has happened, Nath said he is well aware of constitutional provisions and doesnt need a lesson on this issue from the opposition.

In written replies in the assembly Monday, respective ministers endorsed the previous BJP government's stand on the Mandsaur police firing, in which six farmers were killed in June 2017, besides alleged scams in tree plantation carried out along the Narmada and construction work for Simhastha.

However, the ministers concerned later appeared to backtrack from their statements in the House.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The DMK Wednesday finalised the seat sharing exercise with key ally Congress for the coming Lok Sabha elections, allotting it nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry, a day after arch rival AIADMK cobbled up an alliance with the BJP and PMK.

Announcing the pact at the party headquarters 'Anna Arivalayam' here, DMK president M K Stalin said the constituencies to be contested by the Congress will be announced later on conclusion of seat sharing exercise with other allies.

DMK had already appointed committees to steer the alliance process, Stalin said flanked by All India Congress Committee general secretaries Mukul Wasnik, incharge of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, K C Venugopal, state unit party chief K S Alagiri.

The work on seat sharing with other allies will begin from tomorrow, he told reporters.

There are a total of 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu and one in the union territory of Puducherry, ruled by the Congress.

In the 2014 elections, the Congress went alone but failed to win none so as the DMK which had led an alliance with some smaller parties.

The AIADMK won 37 seats while the BJP and PMK one each in Tamil Nadu with the lone Puducherry seat going to AINRC.

Describing the alliance between Congress and DMK as a long term relationship since the days of late Dravidian patriarch M Karunanidhi, Venugopal said "we are very happy," about the seat sharing agreement.

"The country very much needs this alliance, the entire country is disappointed with the Narendra Modi government," he said.

Asked about the other parties with which the alliance will be firmed up, Stalin said DMK has "decided to hold talks with "friendly outfits" which have been working together with it "on people's issues" for the past about two years.

He was obviously referring to parties, including Vaiko-led MDMK, CPI and CPI(M).

Also, the IUML, a long-time ally of the DMK, and VCK, which fought the 2014 Lok Sabha polls with it, are all set to be part of the alliance being put in place by the Dravidian outfit.

Asked if DMDK led by actor-turned politician Vijaykant would be a part of the alliance, he said if that happened it will be informed to the media.

DMDK is in talks with the AIADMK for an alliance but a deal has been delayed with reports suggesting some differences over the number seats to be alloted to it.

The AIADMK Tuesday sealed the electoral pacts with the BJP and PMK allotting them seven and five Lok Sabha seats respectively, while indicating more parties might join the front.

After conclusion of seat sharing with allies, the DMK will contest in rest of the constituencies, he said.

"We did not hold talks secretly in a hotel, but it was conducted in a transparent manner at our party headquarters here," he said taking a dig at AIADMK which concluded talks with allies in a star hotel here.

To a question on the AIADMK-led alliance describing itself as "people's welfare coalition," he alleged that "people call it as an alliance for money."



The DMK-Congress pact came after conclusion of final round of talks Wednesday preceded by parleys between the top leadership of the two parties.

DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi held talks with Congress president Rahul Gandhi days ago in Delhi on seat sharing.

"It was decided during talks between the leadership of both the parties to allot nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Pudhcherry to Congress," Stalin told reporters here.

Asked if the alliance will cover the bypolls expected to the 21 assembly seats as well, he said "let the byelections be announced in the first place."



At the talks Wednesday, the Congress side was represented by Wasnik, Venugopal and legislature party leader K R Ramasamy. Besides Stalin, DMK treasurer Duraimurugan and principal secretary T R Baalu were also present.

After the DMK quit the UPA in 2013, the Congress had to face the 2014 Lok Sabha polls alone in Tamil Nadu.

DMK, which had faced the polls in alliance with smaller outfits, drew a blank despite contesting 35 seats.

Congress had lost deposits in 38 constituencies.

In 2009, the Congress had won eight seats in alliance with DMK after contesting 16 seats.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The crucial hearing on CBI's plea seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against three top West Bengal officials for allegedly obstructing probe in the could not take place in the Supreme Court on Wednesday as Justice L Nageswara Rao recused himself.

West Bengal Chief secretary Malay Kumar De, Director General of Police Virendera Kumar and the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar had on February 18 filed their responses to the contempt notice refuting CBI's allegations.

They asserted that the central sleuths forcefully tried to enter the police commissioner's residence on February 3 without valid papers.

"There is a problem. My learned brother (Justice Rao) had appeared for the state government and he does not want to be part of the bench," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Rao and Sanjiv Khanna said at the outset.

"I have no problem," Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the CBI, quickly responded and urged the court to go ahead with the proceedings.

Venugopal, referring to the responses filed by the top state officials in which they have denied the allegations of obstructing probe, said that the CBI would like to file an additional affidavit.

Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for the state government officials, referred to the Supreme Court Rules and said the CBI could not have filed the earlier additional affidavit in the case after the apex court had issued the contempt notices.

The central probe agency had filed the additional affidavit after taking the leave of the court, said Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, also representing the CBI.

The court, which asked both sides to file their additional affidavits and complete pleadings by February 25, has posted the matter for hearing on February 27 before an appropriate bench.

The apex court had earlier issued notices to the state government's top officials after the CBI had referred to the "extra-ordinary" situation faced by the agency sleuths on the night of February 3 in Kolkata in conducting probe into the chit fund scam.

It had said that after perusing the affidavits, a decision will be taken whether the officials would be required to make personal appearance before it on February 20.

ALSO READ: Saradha scam: Nalini Chidambaram granted interim protection from arrest

The bench had taken note of the allegation that Rajeev Kumar, who was earlier heading the state government's SIT, had destroyed the electronic evidence related to the scam and had said that it will come down heavily on him if he "even remotely" tries to destroy the evidence.

The three had tendered "unconditional and unambiguous apology" for alleged disobedience of the court, but refuted the CBI allegations.

They, in their separate affidavits, had said that the central agency sleuth had forcefully tried to enter the Kolkata police commissioner's residence on February 3 without valid papers.

ALSO READ: CBI grills Kolkata police chief for 11 hrs on day 4, calls again on Wed

The trio had maintained that the West Bengal government and the state police at no point of time obstructed investigation nor any official denied cooperation to CBI.

The officers had opposed the contempt petition against in which CBI alleged that they were tampering with evidence and not complying with the apex court's various orders relating to the probe by asserting that there was a need for directions to the probe agency not to make any vague allegations without substantial and cogent evidence.

They had also claimed that no police officials went on 'dharna manch' where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee sat to protest the CBI action.With the Odisha government announcing that it would soon release a white paper on chit fund scams, the duped investors, who had called for an indefinite protest, suspended their stir Wednesday.

A member of Milita Khyatigrasta Jamakari Mancha, an organisation that spearheaded the agitation Tuesday, said that the stir was put off following a meeting with a team of government delegates.

"We have decided to suspend the agitation after the government promised to issue details of the scams by February 22," Jayant Das, the convenor of the Mancha, said.

BJD MP Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, who led the government delegation, told reporters that a white paper will be released shortly with relevant information, including the names and number of Ponzi schemes, property confiscation, status of duped investors and the amount of money collected for refund.

The agitators had Tuesday vowed to continue the stir till they were compensated for their loss.

Staging a demonstration here, the Mancha members accused the Odisha government of delaying the process of identification of duped depositors.

They also said that the state government had assured to create Rs 300-crore corpus fund in 2013 to refund money to small investors, but no measures were taken in that direction.

However, the state's finance minister, S B Behera, said Tuesday that the government has begun the process of disbursing money to the investors.

Around nine lakh investors have applied for refund since 2013 after they were allegedly duped by a number of chit fund companies in the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)To fulfil their financial needs, a 22-year-old unemployed man and his sister allegedly killed two people, including a DTC driver, after looting them in two different incidents in outer north Delhi district, police said Wednesday.

The arrested duo Shiv Kumar (22) and Neelam (23) were residents of Bakhatarpur village.

On February 12, an Auto driver, Sanjay was reported missing at Bhalswa Dairy police station and the same day, his body was found in a filed in Ramjanpuron village, police said.

In another incident, on February 14, a DTC driver, Pritam Singh, posted at Wazirpur depot, was reported missing in Keshavpuram police station. The body of the DTC driver was later found in Sonipat, officials added.

During investigation, police found similarities in both the incidents. The victims had vehicles and their vehicles were found in the surrounding area of Bakhtawarpur village following which police suspected that the accused were connected to the same area, Guarav Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer north) said.

Around 100 suspects living in and nearby areas were examined in connection with the incidents, he said.

Based on a tip-off, the accused duo were nabbed from Japanese Park on Wednesday, he added.

During interrogation, they confessed their involvement in two different incidents. Shiv told police that he did not have a job and to fulfil his financial needs, he hatched a conspiracy with his sister to earn quick money, the officer said.

His sister used to lure the victim while Shiv used to pressurize the victim and extort money from them, the officer said.

The accused brother-sister duo hired an auto-rickshaw and when they reached Ramjanpur village, they assaulted the auto-driver. With the help of Chunni and knife, they killed him and robbed with his articles. Before fleeing, they abandoned the auto at GT road near Splash water Park, the officer added.

On February 13, when they were roaming in Rohini to commit robbery. At about 9.30 PM, they took lift from a car driver from Madhuban Chowk. When they reached Alipur village, they assaulted the car owner.

With the help of an electric wire, the accused duo killed him inside the car and after reaching Sonipat, they dumped his body at roadside near TDI mall, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A new book draws on pre-Independence legal and political history to argue that the Constitution was intended to transform not merely the political status of Indians from subjects to citizens, but also the social relationships on which legal and political structures rested.

"We think of the Indian Constitution as a founding document, embodying a moment of profound transformation from being ruled to becoming a nation of free and equal citizenship. Yet the working of the Constitution over the last seven decades has often failed to fulfil that transformative promise," Gautam Bhatia, a practising lawyer.

His book "The Transformative Constitution: A Radical Biography In Nine Acts" looks at cases that had a bearing on major recent judgements such as Section 377, Aadhaar and Sabarimala.

"Not only have successive parliaments failed to repeal colonial-era laws that are inconsistent with the principles of the Constitution, but constitutional challenges to these laws have also failed before the courts. Indeed, in numerous cases, the Supreme Court has used colonial-era laws to cut down or weaken the fundamental rights," he says.

According to Bhatia, in September 2018, in the space of a little over three weeks, the Supreme Court handed down four judgments that sent tremors through the country's legal, political, social, and cultural landscape.

"Same-sex relations were decriminalised. Adultery was decriminalised. The Sabarimala temple's ban on the entry of women between the ages of 10 and 50 was struck down as unconstitutional. And Aadhaar - the government's national biometric identification programme - was upheld while its use was significantly curtailed," he says.

"Six months later, the impact of these judgments is still only beginning to be felt, demonstrating once again the importance of the judiciary - as an institution - in India's public life," he adds.

He argues that each of these judgments grappled with fundamental questions about what the Indian Constitution is about.

Do the constitutional guarantees of equality and equal protection prohibit the government from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation? Is the criminalisation of adultery based upon outmoded notions of sexual subordination and women's lack of sexual agency?



How does the Constitution navigate the complex terrain where the beliefs or traditions of religious groups clash with the desires of some of their members to express their faith? And what do the rights to liberty, privacy, and equality have to say about the pervasive adoption of centralised biometric technology in multiple spheres of society?



As a marker of just how complex the questions were, two of the four judgments returned split verdicts, with judges penning fierce and eloquent dissents, Bhatia says, adding September 2018 reminded us of how the Constitution is indispensable to our lives as citizens of the republic.

The objective of "The Transformative Constitution", according to Bhatia, is to articulate a roadmap towards understanding what the founding document has to say about these fundamental moral and social questions of the day.

The book, published by HarperCollins India, advances a vision of the document organised around the three words of the Preamble - liberty, equality, and fraternity - and argues that the purpose of the Constitution was not just to protect the individual against State power, but to undertake a thorough reconstruction of both State and society.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The CPI(M) Wednesday accused the BJP-led NDA government of politicising the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed and cited the saffron party chief Amit Shah's remarks in this context.

Addressing a press conference here, CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the killing of CRPF jawans was a "very brazen anti-national terrorist attack" which has to be condemned.

The entire opposition in a unified fashion had condemned the terror attack.

It had also extended all support to the government to take all necessary measures to protect the interests of the country besides the security of the people and the armed forces battling against terrorism and hostile forces,he said.

But, the BJP president (Amit Shah) has said "the sacrifice of our jawans will not go in vain and we will teach them, the anti-national forces a lesson, because this is not a Congress government, but a BJP government," Yechury said.

"This sort of politicisation by the ruling party.. it only begs the question, that BJP being the ruling party for the last five years so why did this happen? Why they are politicising this and it is very unfortunate," he said.

The CPI(M) appeals to the people to see through this "game" and maintain calm because this was a work of anti-national elements, Yechury said.

"This is not the work of a section of people belonging to one particular state or by people belonging to one particular religious faith," he said.

At a public rally organised by the BJP's youth wing BJYM at Lakhimpur in Assam on Sunday, Shah had said the sacrifices of the 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama would not go in vain as there is a BJP government at the Centre now and it, unlike the erstwhile Congress dispensation, would not "compromise" on any security issue.

Yechury also flayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly skipping an all-party meeting called by the NDA government following the terror attack.

"He (Modi) was absent from the all-party meeting and at that time campaigning elsewhere," Yechury said.

The attacks on Kashmiri students that are being reported from various educational centres were of grave concern and it must be put an end to immediately, he said.

"Let us not fall into the trap of the terrorists who want to pit one section of people against another section and divide our country in terms of people fighting each other inside India," he advised.

On the proposed 'Mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance of opposition parties) ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Yechury said this sort of talk before elections was always "premature."



"Because many of the parties which are talking of such a 'Mahagatbandhan' beyond their state, they do not have any influence.

DMK outside of Tamil Nadu, TMC outside of West Bengal, TDP outside of Andhra Pradesh have not much significant influence.

So this sort of a coming together will mean little and it all depends on the actual results that will emerge in the elections and that is when the formations will be made post-elections," Yechury added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A British teen who joined the Islamic State group has no claim to Bangladeshi nationality, Dhaka's foreign ministry said Wednesday, after the UK government decided to revoke her citizenship.

Shamima Begum, who travelled to Syria in 2015 and now wants to return to Britain after giving birth in a refugee camp in Syria last week, was stripped of her UK citizenship on Tuesday.

The Home Office reportedly believed that Begum was entitled to claim citizenship in Bangladesh -- a claim disputed by the South Asian country.

"Bangladesh asserts that Ms Shamima Begum is not a Bangladeshi citizen. She is a British citizen by birth and has never applied for dual nationality with Bangladesh," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"It may also be mentioned that she never visited Bangladesh in the past despite her parental lineage. So, there is no question of her being allowed to enter into Bangladesh," it added.

Tasnime Akunjee, a lawyer for Begum's family, earlier said the teen was born in Britain and had never had a Bangladeshi passport.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A practitioner of Ayurvedic medicines was shot dead by three bike-borne masked assailants at Loni here around 8 am on Wednesday, police said.

The incident took place in the Rishi Market colony area, they said.

Veer Singh (42), resident of Vikas Nagar area, was inside his Ayurvedic dispensary when a masked assailant shot him thrice, DIG Upendra Agarwal said.

The accused had arrived along with two accomplices who were keeping a watch outside the dispensary, he said, adding that they fled from the scene soon after.

The victim was immediately rushed to the GTB hospital, where he succumbed to injuries, Agarwal said.

An FIR was registered against four members of a neighbouring family, the DIG said, adding that old enmity may have been the reason behind the murder.

Raids are being conducted to nab the accused persons, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A rally by civil and human rights organization Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) against war mongering was attacked on Wednesday by a group who accused APDR of being a sympathizer of terrorists.

APDR had called the rally to protest against war mongering and efforts to communally polarize the society by using Pulwama attacks.

Its activists carrying placards and shouting slogans demanding peace between nations was to cover the 2.8 km distance from College street to Esplande area.

A huge police contingent was present at the spot for security purposes.

When the rally crossed the Janbazar area in central Kolkata, a few youths carrying national flags blocked their way and shouted slogans against APDR activists accusing them of being sympathizers of Pakistan and anti-national elements.

The youths also heckled the APDR activists and asked them to go to Pakistan.

The police intervened and removed the youths from the spot.

APDR has accused Hindutva outfits of attacking the peaceful procession.

"We are not afraid of this government (at the Centre). We have every right to present out views. We hope police will take stern action against such criminals," APDR activist Sujata Bhadra said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)/ -- ~ AKVO is the most cost-efficient Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) generating drinking water from thin air ~



The topic of water scarcity has always been discussed from marking Day Zero in Cape Town, South Africa 2018 to finding effective ways to transport drinkable water to regions affected by natural disasters. The primary requirement of water is in the equatorial regions during the summers. In India, there is huge water scarcity in primary cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Shimla and Chennai, which are facing huge water shortages and are likely to run out of ground water by 2030 - a study by Niti Aayog report has revealed. In April this year water scarcity triggered mass migration in rural areas of Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh. In the forthcoming summers, for the next 30 years, groundwater contribution to river Ganga will continue decreasing, it is observed. This trend can lead to disastrous effect on the riverine ecology and lead to food scarcity for 115 million people in the Ganga basin, according to an IIT Kharagpur study.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824311/AKVO_Logo.jpg )



(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824312/Navkaran_Bagga_and_Team_AKVO.jpg )So much so the other rivers of India which are the lifeline for millions are also not being able to sustain the demands as they also cleanse the nation from industrial waste and population waste. The answers to such issues cannot be solved by outdated, limited traditional methods such as boring wells which also harm the ecosystems. The increasing water demands by industries of the country are also starting to affect the present infrastructure and creating a stress on banks. The rising non-performing assets stressed by additional costs for generating massive volumes of water for the industrial needs hinder the progress. In such a dire situation the country's new generation of environment conscious individuals are taking up a stand to improve the present scenario.

One such individual is Mr Navkaran Singh Bagga, Founder and CEO, Atmospheric Water Systems Pvt Ltd who is solving India's water needs in a 360-degree manner and is providing the most cost-efficient machines to raise awareness on generating water from thin air by just plug and play method. The innovation is apt for equatorial and tropical regions. AKVO absorbs humidity present in the air, purifies it and provides water for its users. The machines come in different sizes from 100 litres machines to 10,000 litres for community housing and industrial use. AKVO AWG's can generate up to 1000 litres of water in just 24 hours from the atmospheric moisture. This water is cheaper than market water. The marketable water is available from Rs 15 to Rs 20 per litre and always has the cleanliness suspicion tag attached with it. Few months ago, an AKVO AWG 1000 litre machine was installed in Hardua Mangarh, Madhya Pradesh. A region where village folk had to walk four kilometres every day to get fresh drinking water as the only source of water for the last 200 years was an old well.To address Industrial demands by one of India's largest Oil refineries of India, IOCL Haldia installed 6 AKVO AWG machines proving AKVO AWG's various scenarios. AKVO AWG is proud of their productivity and versatility and can also customise their machines for providing water to Hydroponic farms which require constant water and different mineral requirement according to the plantation needs.

Speaking about the machine, Mr Navkaran Singh Bagga stated, "Countries across the world are waking up to a new water crisis every month. AKVO AWG is making a change on how we aim to generate drinking water to combat water issues experienced by providing environmentally friendly solutions for homes, businesses, industries and in an emergency as a complete disaster relief solution. There are various studies stating the depletion of underground water. Using quick fire solutions such as transporting water to an affected region never solves the problem. AKVO machines come in various capacities for industrial and community use and can also be used for Hydroponic farming. Our endeavour at AKVO AWG has led us to villages deep in Madhya Pradesh and at industrial places such as IOCL Haldia. We have also participated at International forums such as International Water Summit to gain exposure as well as showcase why AKVO AWG machines are the most cost-efficient machines in our time. We aim that one day in India reports should state that there were no deaths due to water scarcity, this is our driving force at AKVO AWG."



AKVO AWG's have raised their voices and showcased their USP as the most cost-efficient source of water for two consecutive years at the International Water Summit in Abu Dhabi 2018 and 2019. The machine has amassed appreciation in a region which depends solely on desalination plants to provide water for their residents. A process used by desalination plants damages the environment as seawater is used, which is then distilled creating a by-product in the form of high amounts of boron and bromide, the process can also remove essential minerals like calcium. SEWA (Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority) has showcased their interest in AKWO AWG and has installed a 300-litre machine, which reiterates AKVO AWG's ability to provide water to arid and dry regions as well such as those in the Middle East.

About AKVO Atmospheric Water Systems Pvt Ltd:



AKVO's Atmospheric Water Generators are created to tackle water problems and provide safe and pure drinking water using the air-to-water technology which replicates the natural process of condensation by simulating a dew point to make water continuously, even in low humidity conditions. The endeavour of AKVO is to combat water issues experienced worldwide by providing environmentally conscious water options to homes, businesses, industries, defence forces and in an emergency as a complete disaster relief solution. AKVO is founded by Mr. Navkaran Singh Bagga, a second-generation entrepreneur from Kolkata in India.

Visit us at http://www.akvosphere.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Manoj Sami, one of the 10 accused in the 2017 Kodanad heist murder and heist case, surrendered before the District Court here Wednesday.

District court judge P Vadamalai had on February 18 issued an arrest warrant against Sami for not appearing before him in connection with the case on that day.

Even as police was searching for him, Sami surrendered before the judge who remanded him to judicial custody till March 4.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress MLA J N Ganesh was arrested Wednesday near a restaurant at Somnath in Gujarat, weeks after he was declared absconding for allegedly assaulting another lawmaker from his party during a brawl at aresort.

Ganesh was at large after the alleged assault on Anand Singh, both from Ballari district, on January 20 at the Eagleton Resort on the city outskirts, where the Congress had sequestered its MLAs to prevent a poaching bid by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The MLA was arrested in the afternoon when he was going to have lunch near Somnath Temple, Ramanagaradistrict superintendent of police Ramesh Bhanot said.

"We had sent a team to Gujarat three days ago following information that he was staying in a hotel there.

Today our team got inputs that he was near Somnath temple to have meals at a hotel. He had stopped his vehicle there when we arrested him," Bhanot told reporters.

He said police teams were sent to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi.

There were three people with him -- two of them from Karnataka and one of his friends was from Gujarat, he added.

Karnataka Home minister M B Patil said the MLA was arrested at 2 pm.

"He will be brought here by a flight in the night," Patil told reporters here.

Ganesh had allegedly attacked Singh with his fists and a flowerpot, hit him near his eye and kicked him on his chest, according to the complaint filed with the police.

In his complaint, Singh said Ganesh was upsetas he suspected that he wanted to finish him off politically and did not support him financially during the Karnataka Assembly polls last year.

A seriously injured Singh was admitted to a private hospital in the city.

Based on his complaint, the police had registered a case of attempt to murder against Ganesh.

Fearing arrest, the Congress MLA did not appear for the crucial budget session of the state legislature, despite awhip.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Aarti lndustries Ltd (AIL), which is into pharma and chemical businesses, Wednesday said it has bagged a Rs 900 crore contract to supply specialty chemical intermediate to a global firm.

The Mumbai-based company has "signed a USD 125 million (Rs 900 crore at current exchange rate) supply contract with a leading global chemical conglomerate," it said in a filing to the BSE.

The contract entails supply of a high value specialty chemical intermediate for a period of 10 years, it added.

AIL estimates a capital investment of about USD 15 million to set up a commercial scale manufacturing facility for the production of the specialty chemical intermediate which is not a part of the existing product range.

The facility will be located in Gujarat and the plant is expected to be commissioned in Q4 of FY'2021, with an average annual revenue of USD 12.5 million.

"The end use of the product is one of the major new growth initiative for the customer. The supply quantities of the contract will be used to seed the market and increase the potential market size of the product," the statement said.

"This contract demonstrates Aarti lndustries' technological capabilities to scale up from R&D to commercial quantities while meeting stringent process parameters," AIL's CMD Rajendra Gogri said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The BJP launched its 'Kejriwal Bhagao, Delhi Bachao' campaign from Sarojini Nagar Market on Wednesday here, with Union ministers Vijay Goel and Giriraj Singh accusing the ruling AAP of "failing" to fulfil its promises made to people of the national capital before coming to power.

The ministers flagged off a specially designed 'rath' that will tour the city "exposing the failures" of the Delhi government under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and highlighting the achievements of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

"The Kejriwal government has completed four years in Delhi but its promises are yet to be fulfilled. People are saying remove Kejriwal and save Delhi," Goel said.

He said the rath will "expose the failures of the AAP government in Delhi.

"A similar 'rath' will also tour the city to reveal with proof how it (AAP) has not bee able to meet the promises made before coming to power in Delhi."



Goel, a former president of the BJP's Delhi unit, had earlier campaigned against the Kejriwal government in his 'dhol andolan' by visiting slums in the city.

Singh also condemned the AAP government for "not implementing" welfare schemes for people in Delhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Over 36,500 posts of teachers are lying vacant in schools of all levels across Assam, the state Assembly was informed on Wednesday.

In a written reply to a query by AGP MLA Utpal Dutta, Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya said a total of 36,523 teaching posts are vacant at present, including 17,293 posts in primary schools.

Out of these 17,293, he said, 10,137 are in lower primary and 7,156 are in upper primary schools.

In high, higher and Madrasa schools, a total of 19,230 teaching posts are lying vacant across the state, he added.

Out of the high, higher and Madrasa schools, 63 principals, 512 vice principals, 1,353 subject teachers, 956 headmasters, 235 assistant headmasters, 15,923 assistant teachers and 188 demonstrators are lying vacant.

During the Question Hour, AIUDF MLA Ananta Kumar Malo asked Bhattacharya the reasons for the large number of vacancies.

Bhattacharya said, schools usually do not inform the Department about a teacher retiring till the person's last day in office, and it takes time to appoint a new one following a procedure which is lengthy.

"Now we are asking the schools to inform us 180 days before a teacher retires, so that we can start the process and appoint a new teacher on time," Bhattacharya said.

BJP MLA Debananda Hazarika, however, said school inspectors of every district know the exact retiring date of each teacher.

"Therefore, the inspector can easily inform the higher authorities of the department and the appointment process can be started immediately," Hazarika added.

To a separate question by Congress legislator Abdul Khaleque, Bhattacharya said the student-teacher ratio in lower primary and upper primary schools should be 30:1 and 35:1 respectively, but currently it is lower than the prescribed limit.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Assam government Wednesday informed the state Assembly that over 2.9 lakh cases are pending in lower courts across the state and it is mulling to set up 33 fast track courts to try heinous crimes.

Giving a written reply to a query by AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, Law and Justice Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya said the number of pending cases in lower courts have gone up from 2,76,520 in 2017 to 2,91,960 the next year.

A total of 3,26,931 new cases were registered last year and 3,11,150 cases were disposed of, he said.

"The government is considering to set up 33 fast track courts to handle cases of rape as well as murder of women and children," Bhattacharya said.

He also informed the Assembly that a total of 70 posts of judges in various lower courts are lying vacant at this moment.

Bhattacharya said, out of the sanctioned posts of 24 judges in the high court, four are vacant.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Women and children helped terrorists to ferry the deadly explosive RDX grade 5 (for military use) and ammonium nitrate from transit point Tral in Pulwama district in south Kashmir in carrying out a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy on February 14, intelligence sources told IANS.

More than 40 Central Reserve Police Force troopers were killed when a local suicide bomber, Aadil Dar, rammed his SUV into a bus carrying the troopers from Jammu to Srinagar.

The sources said the trigger for the explosive was manufactured locally and that ammonium nitrate was used as an oxidizer in the RDX explosive.

The attack took place on Jammu-Srinagar highway near Latoomode in Pulwama around 3.33 p.m. on February 14, stunning the over 2,500 troopers who were part of the convoy.

The military grade RDX was procured from across the border and the device was assembled around 10 km from the blast site, the sources said.

--IANS

prs/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A young woman intruder from Pakistan was shot at and injured by Border Security Force (BSF) troopers in the Dera Baba Nanak sector of Punjab's Gurdaspur district on Wednesday morning.

The woman was shifted to the government hospital in Dera Baba Nanak town, 275 km from here. "She is being questioned," a police official said.

The incident took place when the woman tried to move into Indian territory along the international border between India and Pakistan near the Bangar border outpost (BoP) of BSF.

BSF officials said she was challenged by troopers to stop and go back but she kept walking. The troopers fired at her as per security protocol.

The injured woman was found inside Indian territory and rushed to the hospital by the BSF.

--IANS

js/rs/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The White House has said that it plans to cancel about $929 million in federal grant money for California's high-speed rail project and announced that it would seek a return of $2.5 billion in funds that were already allocated for the project.

The announcement was made by the US Transportation Department in a letter on Tuesday, The Washington Post reported.

The development comes a week after Gavin Newsom, the state's Governor, declared that the originally proposed rail project was too expensive for the state and that California would instead use the federal funds to complete a shorter segment of the rail through the Central Valley.

In the letter to the California High-Speed Rail Authority, the Department said the state had failed to make "reasonable progress" on the rail project, which voters approved in 2008 and had a previously agreed-upon deadline of 2022.

The Department also said it would be "exploring every legal option to seek the return from California of $2.5 billion in federal funds".

In a tweet earlier on Tuesday before the announcement, President Donald Trump asserted the failed project had record-setting costs "hundreds of times more expensive" than his proposed US-Mexico border wall.

He has targeted the project in the past too saying that it "wasted many billions of dollars" and that it was a "green disaster".

In response to Trump and the announcement, Governor Newsom said: "It's no coincidence that the administration's threat comes 24 hours after California led 16 states in challenging the President's farcical 'national emergency'.

"This is clear political retribution by President Trump, and we won't sit idly by. This is California's money, and we are going to fight for it."

--IANS

ksk/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the BJP is trying to "divide India" in the wake of Pulwama terror attack while she and other parties in the opposition alliance are fighting to keep the nation united.

Criticising incidents of violence against the Kashmiris in different parts of the country, Banerjee said action should be taken against the terrorists responsible for the attack in the Valley, but blaming an entire community or a state is not correct.

Banerjee also took a swipe at Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy for tweeting that he was "inclined to agree" to the appeal made by retired colonel of Indian Army to "boycott everything that is Kashmiri".

Referring to a Kashmiri doctor in Kolkata, who was threatened by a group of people to leave the city a day after the Pulwama attack, Banerjee said her government has taken strong action against the offenders and provided adequate security to the Kashmiris residing here.

"In Kolkata only one incident happened. But we have taken strong action. We have provided all the security. The Kashmiris are all safe here. They are happy to stay here because it is a peaceful place," she said.

She also revealed that the city police has been asked to take stringent action against the "BJP hooligans" who attacked city-based civil activists for taking out an anti-war rally on Wednesday.

--IANS

mgr/prs

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Ever since the ongoing armed violence started in the Kashmir Valley, Indian intelligence agencies have been worried about the growing influence of the strait-laced interpretation of Islam propagated through 'Wahhabism'.

The fast-growing influence of this particular interpretation of Islam in Kashmir, especially during the last 30 years, is attributed to huge funding by the Saudi government and other Gulf countries ostensibly for construction of mosques and setting up of seminaries.

"The Wahhabi influence is not new to Kashmir as followers of this Islamic practice have been there since the last 100 years. But the phenomenal growth in their influence and their far and wide reach now can be attributed only to the funding the local 'Ahle Hadith' have got from Saudi Arabia in the last 30 years," said a senior intelligence officer here.

Asked to quantify the amount of Saudi and Gulf funding in Kashmir since military erupted in 1989 for propagation of Wahhabism, the officer said: "Millions. Perhaps more than you can count."

Security forces have been saying that they keep a close eye on the increasing number of mosques coming up in the Kashmir Valley because of the pumping in of oil money and the growing influence of Wahhabism among the local youths.

For over two centuries, Wahhabism has been Saudi Arabia's dominant faith, an austere form of Islam that insists on a literal interpretation of the Quran.

Strict Wahhabis believe that all those who don't believe and practice this form of Islam are enemies.

The Saudi ruling class has applauded Wahhabism for adherence to its original practices of Islam and the movement's vehement opposition to the Shia branch of Islam.

"It does not take a microscope to see how fast the Wahhabi groups are growing with their influence among the local youth," said the officer.

"Leave aside major cities and towns in Kashmir, there is hardly a village in the hinterland where you do not have a mosque where Wahhabi practice of offering the 'Namaz' and the peculiar dress style of Wahhabis is not seen among the young," said a senior Army officer.

According to sources in the intelligence agencies, the 'Ahle Hadith' -- as the followers of the Wahhabi practices are called in the Valley -- control over 2,000 mosques.

"The problem is not just the construction of these mosques. The real problem is that an increasing number of local youth prefer these mosques over the already existing traditional ones in cities, towns and villages where messages of co-existence and moderation were delivered," said another intelligence officer.

"The funding of these mosques is so lavish that these are constructed in a grand style to attract the youth."

The officer said that it was basically because of the growing influence of Wahhabism in Kashmir that the narrative of the armed struggle was changing over the years from independence to the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate.

India accuses Pakistan of financing, arming and training militant groups trying to secede Jammu and Kashmir. Increasingly, Pakistani members of terrorist outfits have fought the Indian troops in the state. The separatist hardliners prefer the Wahhabi ideology.

--IANS

sq/mr/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Venezuelan military reaffirmed on Tuesday its loyalty to Nicolas Maduro in the face of US President Donald Trump's threat that the generals and admirals will "lose everything" if they do not switch their allegiance to self-proclaimed interim head of state Juan Guaido.

The military "will remain deployed and alert throughout the borders, as ordered by our commander-in-chief, to avoid any violation of its territorial integrity," the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) said in a statement.

"The eyes of the entire world are upon you, today, every day, and every day in the future," Trump said on Monday in a speech at Florida International University in Miami, addressing his comments to the Venezuelan military, reports Efe.

"You cannot hide from the choice that now confronts you. You can choose to accept President Guaido's generous offer of amnesty, to live your life in peace with your families and your countrymen," he said in front of an audience including many Venezuelan expats.

Senior officers who decline to throw their support to Guaido stand to "lose everything," the US president said, before again suggesting the possibility of American military intervention in the oil-rich South American nation.

"We seek a peaceful transition of power, but all options are open," Trump said.

Venezuela's defence minister, Vladimir Padrino, described Trump's speech as an act of "extreme arrogance."

"It is imperative to reiterate to the world that we are witnessing an escalation that has resorted to the hybrid warfare method, to suffocate the economy by imposing an economic and financial blockade, which is aimed at generating ungovernability, chaos and anarchy," Padrino said, reading from a prepared statement.

Members of the FANB are not "mercenaries for sale to the highest bidder," the defence minister said.

On January 23, Guaido, the speaker of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, proclaimed himself interim president hours after US Vice President Mike Pence encouraged him to take that step and assured him of Washington's support.

Trump quickly recognized Guaido as president and roughly 50 other countries have followed suit, including Canada, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, as well as major European powers France, Germany, Spain and the UK.

Those nations agree with the Venezuelan opposition that Maduro's May 2018 re-election victory was a sham.

Russia, China, India, Iran and Turkey are among several dozen countries that continue to recognise Maduro.

--IANS

vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Robert Vadra, who skipped the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioning a day ago citing poor health on Wednesday deposed before the agency in connection with a money laundering case.

He arrived at the ED's Jamnagar office here at 10.30 a.m.

On February 16, a Delhi court had extended Vadra's interim bail till March 2.

Vadra, who is the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, has been questioned thrice by the directorate for over 24 hours in connection with the case on February 6, 7 and 9.

The case relates to the ownership of undisclosed assets abroad worth 1.9 million pounds, allegedly belonging to Vadra, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi's husband.

He was also questioned on February 12 and 13 by the ED in Jaipur in connection with a Bikaner land deal case.

The ED on February 15 had attached Vadra's Sukhdev Vihar house in Delhi, a a property worth Rs 4.43 crore. The house was in the name of Vadra's company Sky Light Hospitality Private Limited.

On February 2, the court had granted Vadra interim bail till February 16 and asked him to join the investigation on February 6.

The ED had lodged a money laundering case against Vadra's employee Manoj Arora after his role came up during the the Income Tax Department probe in a 2015 anti-black money case involving absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality, was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged.

--IANS

aks/in

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" and offered to mediate in the face of rising tensions following the attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF troopers.

Guterres, through a spokesman, said that the UN is deeply concerned about the situation while offering to mediate if the two parties request it.

The head of the UN received on Wednesday the Pakistani ambassador, Maleeha Lodhi, whose government has asked the organization to intervene in the current crisis, Efe reported.

For now, Guterres calls on both sides to "exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps" to defuse the tension, spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

The historic tensions between the two nuclear nations skyrocketed in recent days after New Delhi accused Islamabad of supporting the terrorist group that killed 40 CRPF troopers in a suicide bombing with a vehicle loaded with explosives on February 14, the worst attack in the region in 30 years.

In addition, nine people, including five soldiers, were killed in a gunfight in the disputed Indian region of Kashmir on February 18.

Rupert Colville, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said Tuesday in Geneva that the UN was also saddened by the further loss of life reported from the gun battles in Pulwama on February 18.

"We hope escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours will not add further to the insecurity in the region" he said.

Colville said the High Commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, is also concerned about reports from India that some elements are using the Pulwama attack as justification for threats and potential acts of violence targeting Kashmiri and Muslim communities living in different parts of India.

"We acknowledge actions taken by the Indian authorities to tackle these incidents and we hope that the Government will continue to take steps to protect people from all forms of harm that may be directed at them on account of their ethnicity or identity," he stressed.

Following the February 14 attack, India announced that it will take all possible diplomatic measures to isolate Pakistan from the international community.

As a first step, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced that his country had withdrawn Pakistan's "most-favoured-nation" economic status and raised taxes on Pakistani imports by 200 per cent.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan warned India on Tuesday that his country would respond if attacked, a statement that was immediately condemned by the neighbouring country.

--IANS

vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump has urged India and Pakistan to "get along" in the wake of Jammu and Kashmir suicide bombing and said that his country will respond on the issue at an "appropriate time".

"I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along," he said in response to a question during an Oval Office signing ceremony on Tuesday.

The US President called the attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers last week "a horrible situation".

"That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, US State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino, during a press briefing, said that Washington was in touch with both New Delhi and Islamabad regarding the bombing claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

"We have been in close communication with the government of India to express not only our condolences but our strong support for India as it confronts this terrorism," said Palladino.

"We have a close, cooperative relationship with India, a security relationship, and that includes counter-terrorism operations.

"As far as Pakistan goes, we've been in contact with the country on this issue... We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible," he added.

However, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has denied his country's involvement in the bombing and sought "actionable intelligence" from India.

US National Security Advisor Ambassador John Bolton has already extended support to his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval for India's bid to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Washington also voiced support towards India's right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism.

--IANS

soni/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump has publicly attacked the ongoing probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, according to The New York Times.

The attacks, which number nearly 1,200, are part of a strategy to beat back the investigations, the newspaper said in an analysis report on Tuesday, adding that they have also opened him to possible obstruction of justice charges.

The attacks include statements made on Twitter, in official speeches, at rallies and during media interviews and other press events.

While it is highly unusual for anyone to comment on continuing criminal investigations, Trump has done so at least on 330 days, or more than 43 per cent of his time in office as of February 14, the analysis said.

Trump has employed a wide range of attacks in what appears to be an attempt to discredit the people and organizations associated with the investigations.

According to the President, the inquiry by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into the Russian interference is the "single greatest witch hunt in political history". He attacked the Mueller probe 361 times.

Trump has said that Russian meddling was fabricated "as an excuse by the Democrats as to why 'crooked' Hillary Clinton" lost.

He also regularly emphasised, "we wouldn't even be talking about this subject" if Jeff Sessions, the former Attorney General, had not recused himself from any investigation into the campaign.

According to the analysis, Trump defends Russia and its President Vladimir Putin the most.

--IANS

ksk/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday slammed the Modi government for approving an ordinance for a third time to make triple talaq a law.

The Modi cabinet on Tuesday evening ratified three ordinances, including one on triple talaq.

Yadav said the law was being "used as a weapon" to target minorities from university campuses to Parliament. He said the ordinance was not the way to usher in major social changes.

"Only politics of honour and respect can make the country progressive."

He also urged his party workers to ensure that the decades of rivalry between his party and the Bahujan Samaj Party was bridged so that the alliance emerged victorious in the Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh.

--IANS

md/pg/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India on Wednesday urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to transfer the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, Indian national sentenced to death in an espionage case in Pakistan, from a military court to an ordinary court, if he is not to be released immediately.

"The court (ICJ) should direct Pakistan to release the Indian national Jadhav and arrange for his safe passage to India. If the court were not to release him, annul the death by a military court and direct a trial under the ordinary laws with full consular access," Deepak Mittal, India's agent and Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry said winding up India's arguments before the ICJ.

His winding up remarks followed a 90-minute presentation by senior counsel Harish Salve on the arbitrary nature of proceedings in the military court in which due process of law was not followed in the trial of Jadhav, held on spying charges in 2016.

Mittal said the court should adjure and declare that Pakistan was in breach of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, 1963 as it failed to inform India of Jadhav's arrest and for declining access to Jadhav by Indian consular officers.

In his opening remarks, the official said India took full responsibility of what was said in the court and protest against the strong language used by Pakistani counsel on Tuesday.

Speaking on India's criticism of military courts in Pakistan, Salve, in his arguments for the second day, said, "This court doesn't need experts to help it decide whether military courts in Pakistan are due process compliant. Pakistan has mischaracterised India's reading of the report on military courts as an attempt to mislead the court."

Three attempts by Pakistan to derail proceedings in this court have failed, he alleged.

Pakistan attempted to produce video of Jadhav's purported confession on February 18, before the oral hearings. The ICJ declined to take the video on record. Pakistan attempted to bring evidence, declined through oral submissions, said Salve.

"Bio-data mentions that Jadhav was a former Indian Navy officer. This would be proof of his Indian nationality," said Salve. Indian nationals are not the kind whose nationality needs to be denied, he added.

Pakistan had relied on Avena case, which goes against them. According to the case, once there is a probability that a detainee is a foreign national, consular access must be granted, Salve contended.

"India denies existence of legal relations treaty with Pakistan because of the latter's reticence. This was a point I made in the first round that has not been countered by Pakistan," he said.

The former Solicitor General of India argued India has repeatedly asked for a copy of the judgment convicting Jadhav and the charges against. There would be no threat to security of Pakistan if they share these documents, he added.

"If Jadhav had been involved in subversive activities, irrespective of whether or not he had an Indian passport, he would have been tried for espionage," he said.

Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of extracted confession, Salve said adding International Commission of Jurists and European Parliament have criticised the functioning of Pakistan's military courts. Pakistan has defended them by relying on reports by military experts, Salve said.

Judicial review by Pakistan courts has a narrow ambit and they have not interfered with military court decisions many times, Salve said.

Criticising the language used by Pakistan counsel Khawar Qureshi, he said criticism of one sovereign state of a case made out by the another state must be in a language consistent with the dignity of the sovereign state and the majesty of this court and solemnity of the proceedings in this court.

"Humpty Dumpty has no place in this court," he said.

"This court has jurisdiction over the sovereign states and conduct proceedings in which sovereign states are given directions, which are binding upon them. This court, therefore, conduct itself with restraint and respect, which does not undermine the sovereignty of any of the states or shows disrespect to any of them," he said adding the transcript is peppered with words such as "shameless, nonsensical, laughable, breath taking arrogance",

On a quick count, he said, "shameless and nonsense occurred five times each. Arrogance, ridiculous and disgraceful four times each. And these are addressed to submissions made in the memorial made in the reply by the sovereign republic of India".

"India believes we have a strong case. We are saying 'hammer the facts and hammer the law'. As the old lawyer saying goes when you are strong on law you hammer the law, when you are strong on facts you hammer the facts. And when you have neither, you hammer the table."

On June 5, 2018 Pakistan wrote a letter to India demanding confirmation that the contents of the reply are in old material respects accurate and requesting India whether the lead counsel has reviewed or approved the reply as far.

Pakistan-chosen ad-hoc judge Tassaduq Hussain Gillani who suffered a heart attack during Monday's hearing will continue to participate in the proceedings. He has been given case files. He will receive the transcripts of oral proceedings.

The ICJ President, in his observations, said the case would continued to be heard by Judge Gillani and video conferencing with him could be delayed to an appropriate date and time till he recovers.

--IANS

vn/aks/vsc/pcj

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A military court on Wednesday sentenced Fang Fenghui, former Chief of Staff of China's Central Military Commission Joint Staff Department, to life imprisonment on charges of corruption.

Fang was found guilty of accepting and offering bribes and acquiring properties from unidentified sources, according to the court verdict.

The court also stripped him of his political rights for life and confiscated his properties along with the money he had acquired illegally, Xinhua news agency reported. They will be turned over to the state coffers.

Fang was at one time the youngest commander of one of the military regions of the People's Liberation Army. In August 2017, he led a key meeting with General Joseph Dunford, the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where the two discussed strengthening military ties and exchanges between the two sides.

They had also discussed China's maritime disputes in the South China Sea with neighbouring countries, Taiwan and growing tension on the Korean Peninsula over North Korea's repeated nuclear and missile tests.

However, Fang could not escape the claws of the anti-corruption campaign kicked off by Chinese President Xi Jinping after he took office in 2013.

The campaign led to arrest of thousands of officials of the Communist Party of China, including some of the most powerful political and military leaders.

Dozens of high-ranking military officers have been probed and sentenced for corruption, including Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, both former Vice-Chairmen of the Central Military Commission.

Guo was given life imprisonment in 2017, while Xu died of cancer in 2015 before he could face trial.

In October, China arrested Meng Wonghei, a former chief of Interpol, for accepting bribes. Meng was reported missing by his wife in September after he had travelled to China from France, where he had been working as the Interpol chief since 2016.

Beijing later announced his arrest and the Interpol said he had resigned from his post.

--IANS

soni/pcj

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A man from Telangana was shot dead by unidentified persons in Florida State of the US.

K. Goverdhan Reddy (50), who was hailing from Yadadri Bhongir district of Telangana, was killed when unknown assailants opened fire at a departmental store where he was working as a manager.

According to information reaching his family in Hyderabad, Reddy was killed when some armed men barged into the store and opened fire. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday (local time) in Pensacola city.

Another employee of the store was reported to have injured in the attack.

Reddy had gone to US seven years ago. He is survived by wife and two daughters, studying in 10th and 7th standards.

His family has appealed to the Government of India to arrange for bringing the body home.

--IANS

ms/vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Sri Lanka will launch its first satellite into space in April, marking its entry into the space age, said an official here on Wednesday.

To be named RAAVANA-1, it is a research satellite built by two Sri Lankan students from the University of Peradeniya and the Arthur C Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies.

It was designed and built at the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan and is 1,000 cubic cm in size and weighs 1.1 kg, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the Sri Lankan media, RAAVANA-1 was handed over to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on February 18 and will be launched to the International Space Station on April 17, through the assistance of Cygnus-1, an US spacecraft.

It is expected to fulfil five missions, including capturing pictures of Sri Lanka and its surrounding regions.

The RAAVANA-1 is expected to orbit 400 km away from earth and will have a lifespan of one and half years.

--IANS

soni/pcj

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is on his first state visit to India, on Wednesday received a ceremonial welcome by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

The Crown Prince arrived here on Monday evening following his visit to Pakistan. From Islamabad, he flew to Riyadh before departing for New Delhi.

After the ceremonial welcome where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present, the Saudi royal told the media: "Today we want to be sure that this relation is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries.

"With the leadership of the President and the Prime Minister, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India."

He also said that the ties between India and the Arabian Peninsula "is in our DNA".

The Crown Prince is slated to hold a bilateral meeting with Modi later in the day.

--IANS

aks/ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Coinciding with the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday ordered release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in its jails.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the decision was taken on the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Another big deliverable! At the request of the PM, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails," he said in a tweet.

He said Prince Mohammed has also announced an increase in the quota for Indian Haj pilgrims to 2 lakh at the request of Prime Minister Modi. The present quota is about 1.75 lakh.

During his visit to Pakistan two days back, Prince Mohammed had agreed to release over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi jails.

--IANS

ps/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday said that the sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic by the US constitute an act of terrorism.

Rouhani spoke following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran, underscoring the need for Iranians to continue to stand united against US sanctions, reports Efe.

"The actions of the US in pressurising banks and companies to not cooperate with Iran are absolute terrorist acts against international regulations," Rouhani said.

"The US is using all that it has against the nation of Iran, and the nation of Iran responds against this with all of its might, hope, and confidence," the Iranian president said.

On May 8, 2018, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 international nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which saw the Iranian regime agree to limits on its nuclear energy program in exchange for a lifting of sanctions.

The remaining signatories -- Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the European Union -- criticised the Trump administration for this move as international inspectors have consistently found that Tehran is abiding by the pact.

Since the Trump decision, the US has reinstated earlier sanctions and instituted additional measures specifically targeting Iran's central bank and oil market.

Some foreign companies have pulled out of Iran in the face of Washington's threat to retaliate against individuals or entities who continue to do business with the Islamic Republic.

"When they, against international regulations, threaten some bank or company to impose penalty fines for cooperating with a country, they are actually causing terror in the banking and commercial sectors and they are carrying out an economic terrorist act," Rouhani said.

Rouhani discussed at the Wednesday Cabinet session a number of building projects he recently inaugurated in Hormozgan province, of which the largest was the third phase of the Persian Gulf Star Refinery.

"The opening of ... projects in Hormozgan Province is the symbol of Iranian nation's capabilities and progress," the president stated, "This is a great honour for the government and by the end of this year, our petrol production will surpass 100 million litres."

--IANS

vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Members of a Kolkata-based civil rights body were allegedly attacked and manhandled by some people while they were holding an "anti-war rally" here on Wednesday, the organisation said.

Police said they have detained two persons for trying to instigate violence.

The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) members were taking out a rally against communal polarisation and provocation to wage war in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, from central Kolkata's Moulali to Esplanade on Wednesday afternoon, when they were confronted by a group of youths carrying the tricolour, who tried to stop them.

The youths raised slogans like "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Pakistan Murdabad", and allegedly heckled a few people in the rally before police intervened.

APDR said it suspected Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) hand in the attack and blamed the police of inaction.

"We were taking out the rally against the rising communal tension and provocation by certain political groups to wage war against Pakistan following the Pulwama terror strike. Five or six youths tried to stop us and accused us of being agents of Pakistan. They even manhandled some of our activists," said human rights activist Sujato Bhadra.

"This was a pre-planned attack on our peaceful rally. We suspect the RSS is behind this. There was sufficient police with the rally, but they remained inactive. We will lodge a complaint with the city police commissioner against both the RSS and the police," he said.

State BJP President Dilip Ghosh criticised the APDR for holding the rally.

"There's no war going on, so what is the need for an anti-war rally? By doing this, they are indirectly supporting Pakistan. They are going against the mood of the nation after the tragic death of our soldiers in Pulwama," Ghosh said.

Ghosh claimed that such rallies may hurt people's emotions and lead to unrest in the country. He, however, added that no one should take the law in their own hands.

--IANS

mgr/rtp/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Residents in Chandigarh complained about water shortage as water supply in the union territory (UT) continue to be hit for the third day on Wednesday.

Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) had on Monday asked residents to brace for water shortage for two days (February 18 and 19). However, the water supply was not restored fully even on Wednesday.

"The MC has completed the ongoing work of intake sump at take off point at Kajauli for connection of phase V and VI at 7.00 p.m. inspite of heavy rain last night. The level of water works is going to take time for giving water supply at full pressure. So, keeping in view that no inconvenience is caused to the citizens, the supply will also be given through tankers on February 20 in addition to water supply from water works," a MC spokesman said.

Water supply in all parts of the city was at low pressure on Wednesday morning and would be the same in the evening also, the spokesman said.

"We are facing water shortage for the second time this month. Earlier also, the problem persisted for three-four days. The authorities are not taking adequate measures to lessen the suffering of people," Mamta Sharma, a resident of Sector 41, said.

The MC claimed that it has made arrangements to supply water through 62 tankers and additional tankers will be arranged according to requirement. All the tankers have been fitted with motors to pump water up to top floor and overhead tanks.

"Owing to ongoing work in the water supply line at take-off point at Kajauli (Bhakra mainline canal) for the union territory, water supply has been affected in the entire city since Monday evening," a MC official said.

The city had faced water shortage on February 7 to 10 also due to the ongoing work to augment water supply. "At present, Chandigarh is getting 58 MGD (million gallons per day) of raw water from Phase I to IV from Kajauli. The work of Phase V and VI for bringing 29 MGD additional raw water from Kajauli before summer season is nearing completion," the spokesman said.

The MC is promising that with the additional supply capacity, the city, with a population of over 1.1 million people, will get 24x7 water supply.

Being the joint capital of two states - Punjab and Haryana - and the headquarters of the UT administration, Chandigarh has a large number of VIPs, including ministers, politicians, bureaucrats, police officers and other influential people.

--IANS

js/pg/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said he would deploy missiles capable of striking the US if Washington decides to station missiles in European nations within striking distance of Russia.

Giving his annual address to the Parliament, Putin said he was not looking for a confrontation with the US and nor would his country be the first to deploy missiles once Donald Trump's administration completes the process of withdrawing from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

But he warned of tit-for-tat measures in the case of an escalation by Washington, Efe news reported.

"Russia would be obliged to manufacture and station weaponry that could not only be used against territories where the direct threat comes from but also decision-making centres," Putin told lawmakers. "We know how to do it and we would put these plans into effect as soon as such a threat became a reality," he added.

Russia announced it would withdraw from the INF at the beginning of February following Washington's unilateral decision to break away from the pact, a process that is set to be completed in six months' time. Either country can backtrack during that period.

Washington and Moscow both accuse each other of breaching the agreement.

The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 between the then Soviet Union and the US on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles.

Putin previously said that Russia's response to the US withdrawal would be "symmetrical" but that nevertheless, Moscow would still refrain from deploying weapons with a range between 500 km and 5,500 km in European Russia and other global regions, so long Washington also agreed not to.

The Russian President questioned Washington's justifications for pulling out of the treaty. "Our US partners should have been honest about it instead of using thought-up accusations to justify their unilateral exit from the treaty," he said.

"They should have done it the same way they quit the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2004 when they simply pulled out, openly and honestly."

--IANS

soni/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Pulwama attack has brought the focus on the rapidly spreading radicalization through internet in the Valley which is inspiring the youth to adopt global terrorist practices such as suicide bombing.

Officials said 20-year-old Adil Ahmad Dar, who recorded a video calling upon the Kashmiri youth to wage a war against India before blowing up a bus carrying Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bus in Pulwama, was a product of e-jihad which is spreading like a wild fire.

The role being played by internet in glamorizing terrorism first became imminent after the killing of Burhan Wani in 2016. Wani was launched on the social media before he acquired a cult status after his killing, inspiring many youngsters to take up arms.

Realizing the trend of youngsters becoming terrorists, 15 Corps Commander Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon cautioned mothers in the Valley not to let their sons take up arms as the Army would hunt them down.

The security forces fear that the Pulwama incident could lead to a chain reaction where suicide bombing may become a norm. It is often seen in conflict zones that one such incident is repeated.

More terrorists were killed last year than anytime in the recent past, but the civilian and security forces' casualties have also gone up substantially. The pressure by security forces is not deterring youngsters from joining the ranks of terror organizations.

The officials said that global Islamic literature is easily accessible. The agencies are following more than a dozen websites that have seen substantial traffic from the Valley. It is often seen that cultural tradition of martyrdom is celebrated on the internet leading to a frenzy. The emotional sentiments are exploited by Pakistan's ISI which actively propagates religious terrorism.

A wave of radicalization is sweeping through South Kashmir which is the hotbed of terrorism as a new breed of smart phone carrying youngsters are getting inspired to become stone-pelters or take up arms

Madrasas, too, have come up all across the region where teachers from Deoband and not local Kashmiris, are imparting religious education.

--IANS

gd/prs

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and her brother and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday went to a roadside dhaba in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh while on their way to meet the family of a CRPF trooper killed by a suicide bomber in Kashmir.

Seeing the Gandhi convoy stopping at the Shiv Shakti Dhaba near the Yamuna Bridge, a large number people made a beeline to see them. Rahul Gandhi obliged the youngsters by posing for a selfie.

While Rahul Gandhi and party leaders Raj Babbar and Jyotiraditya Scindia had fritters and sipped tea, Priyanka Gandhi, seated nearby, chatted with some women and their children.

Picking up a child on her lap, Priyanka Gandhi asked if she went to school. The response was in the negative.

"Why don't you send her to school?" Priyanka Gandhi asked the mother, who said she couldn't afford to get the girl admitted in a school.

Interacting with other women, Priyanka Gandhi asked about their problems and promised to redress their grievances.

--IANS

and/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The rote-based learning dominant in Indian schools has to be replaced with a competency-based one and PISA will help India do just that, says the top OECD official who signed an agreement with the Indian government last month allowing its students' entry into the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA in 2021.

Andreas Schleicher, Director for and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), who was on a visit to India, told IANS that PISA will help India understand how methods of learning that can be realised in meaningful work in real life can be implemented in schools here.

"This shift towards competency-based learning is important, as the world no longer rewards people just for what they know - Google knows everything - but for what they can do with what they know.

"But it is easy to say, hard to deliver in classrooms, because it requires a very different way of learning and teaching. So PISA will help India understand how this is playing out in practice," the German-born statistician, who developed PISA in the Nineties said.

PISA is taken by 70-plus countries across the world and is responsible for shaping many a country's policies. India's first stint with the triennial test was in 2009 which resulted in an abysmal performance. India was ranked just above Kyrgyzstan - the country at the bottom of the list of 73 countries.

The reason cited by the then Indian government behind its withdrawal from the test was the alien nature of the questions asked in it, which it argued were couched in a context not familiar to Indian students.

Schleicher says that PISA has come a long way since then and is more heedful to the cultural peculiarities of various countries.

"PISA has evolved considerably since 2009, with much greater attention being now paid to contextualising and adapting the assessment to the respective cultural context in which PISA is administered.

"This is not done just in India but in all countries... it is important that the original problem setting is properly understood by students in their cultural context," he said.

Schleicher said this "contextualising" of the test questions can be done with adapting names and places to Indian context or "changing the object of a task to one with a similar function that is more familiar to students".

"But we take great care and validate that this will not threaten the comparability of the results," he, however, stressed.

The test is conducted for 15-year-old students chosen at random from specific or across regions in a country. As for India, schools run by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and schools in the union territory of Chandigarh will participate in the test to be held three years from now.

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave an ex-post facto approval to the agreement to India's participation in the PISA.

(Vishal Narayan can be contacted at vishal.n@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.)West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee here on Wednesday accused certain political parties and people holding constitutional positions in the country of rumour-mongering and spreading hatred in the society, and termed it "shameless politics".

"One section of political parties/groups along with people holding constitutional positions are indulging in rumour-mongering, spreading hatred with dangerous statements. Even journalists are not spared. This is shameless What levels of polluted have we descended to?" she wrote on Twitter without naming any particular political outfit.

Banerjee's comments have come two days after she had accused the Narendra Modi government of "politicising" the Pulwama terror attack and demanded its ouster for "failure" to take precautionary measures despite an intelligence alert of a possible attack.

The Trinamool Congress supremo and her senior party leaders, including Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, have also claimed the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were "using the Pulwama incident" to incite communal violence in the state.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Pakistani prisoner in the Jaipur central jail was allegedly murdered by group of fellow prisoners on Wednesday after an argument over a TV programme, officials said.

The incident comes in wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama left 40 Central Reserve Police Force troopers dead.

Inspector General, Jails, Rupinder Singh identified the prisoner as Shakarullah, alias Mohammad Haneef, 45, who was undergoing imprisonment after being convicted for spying.

According to Additional Commissioner of Police Lakshman Gaur, Shakarullah was killed after an argument over a TV programme with other prisoners turned violent.

Speaking to media, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Rajeev Swaroop also attributed the cause of the prisoner's death to an argument. "At 1.20 p.m., nine prisoners were watching TV when they had a quarrel over a programme. As the tension escalated, Shakarulla was stoned to death," he said.

The other prisoners at the spot were identified as Ajeet, Manoj, Kulvendra, Bhajan Meena, Haaji Khan, Mahesh, Nandlal and Mallaki.

A case has been registered and investigations are on, Swaroop said, adding that there has never been any case of fighting among the 66 prisoners lodged in the same ward.

Asked about the formalities to be completed for sending back the body, Rajasthan's Director General, Jails, N.R.K. Reddy said, "The post mortem will be conducted soon. The Home and the External Affairs Ministries have been informed about the incident. We are completing all formalities in this case."

He said that Shakarulla was undergoing life imprisonment under being convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and had been imprisoned there since 2010.

Meanwhile, security for other Pakistani prisoners is being enhanced, a police official said.

--IANS

arc/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan on Wednesday sought a response from Indian authorities over the killing of a Pakistani convict in the Jaipur jail.

"Pakistan is gravely concerned at media reports regarding the brutal killing of a Pakistani prisoner, Shakarullah, imprisoned in the Jaipur Central Jail," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It claimed that he was beaten to death by a group of Indian inmates in retaliation to the Kashmir suicide bombing which killed 40 CRPF troopers and was claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

However, officials in Rajasthan said that he was murdered allegedly by other inmates after a fight over a TV programme and investigations were on.

Shakarullah, from Sialkot in Pakistan's Punjab province, had spent eight years in the jail since his arrest under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act before he was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to 20 years jail.

"Our High Commission in New Delhi has officially raised the issue with the Indian authorities requesting them to urgently authenticate the report and awaits a response," the Foreign Ministry said.

"We call upon the Indian government to fulfil its obligations and ensure provision of foolproof security to all Pakistani inmates in Indian jails and Pakistani visitors to India," it added.

--IANS

soni/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Twitter has suspended the personal account of Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal.

According to the Pakistan media, the account was blocked late on Tuesday after Indian authorities complained to the microblogging website.

Geo News reported that Faisal's account was suspended as he was giving his followers updates about "Indian atrocities" in Jammu and Kashmir and the Kulbhushan Jadhav case which is being heard at the International Court of Justice.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Ministry's official Twitter account, which bears Mohammad Faisal's name, remains active.

--IANS

soni/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said the Odisha government is disrespecting freedom fighters by not providing land for a Paika Rebellion memorial at Barunei proposed by the Central government.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed to set up a memorial to mark the bicentenary of Paika Rebellion. But, the Odisha government did not provide land for this. This shows disrespect by the state government to the freedom fighters," said Adityanath at a BJP workers' meeting in Khurdha.

"We should expose the Naveen Patnaik-led government as to how it is disrespecting the freedom fighters," said the UP Chief Minister.

Paik Rebellion, also known as Paika Bidroha, was an armed rebellion against the British East India Company's rule in Odisha in 1817.

Adityanath also criticised the Naveen Patnaik government for not joining Ayushman Bharat Yojana, not sending the list of farmers to the Centre for implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and lagging behind in toilet construction.

He alleged that the Chief Minister is not concerned about poor people and their health as the Odisha government has not implemented the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state.

Naveen Patnaik government is not interested in the development of the state. He was only keen on promoting his personal agenda while fooling the masses, said Adityanath.

Earlier, at Bhawanipatna in western Odisha, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister called for Odisha's support in the upcoming elections to ensure "double engine" growth with BJP governments in the Centre and the state.

Odisha will face general and assembly elections simultaneously.

"If BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is given a chance in Odisha, the state will have a high growth rate like UP. BJP government in the state, as well as Modi government at Centre, will ensure double engine growth," said Adityanath.

He was addressing BJP booth-level workers of five Lok Sabha constituencies - Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Balangir and Nabarangpur.

Informing that Odisha is going to play a major role in making Narendra Modi the country's Prime Minister again, he asked the party workers to strengthen the booths.

"Like the panchayat elections where the electorate reposed their faith on BJP, we expect the same trust of voters during the 2019 elections," he added.

The UP Chief Minister also criticised the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led Odisha government for failing to carry out development and getting mired in corruption.

He said the Odisha government's KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) scheme has no stability and is already into corruption before it was launched while the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is clean and will immensely benefit farmers across the country.

He said the Central scheme would help the small and marginal farmers with Rs 6,000 per annum cash assistance.

"In 19 years of rule, the Odisha government has constructed only 17 lakh pucca houses while the UP government has already provided 20 lakh houses to poor people under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in only two years of BJP governance," informed Yogi.

He also criticised the state government for trying to hijack the food security scheme.

While the Central government provides subsidy of Rs 29 per kg of rice, the state government gives only Re 1, he informed.

Attacking the Congress, he said the party had sown the seed of appeasement by linking religion with country's resources and terrorism is the outcome of such appeasement.

The BJP is the only party which can give a befitting response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, he added.

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attacked the BJD government saying that it has failed to provide basic facilities to the people in the last 19 years.

He said the Chief Minister has no knowledge about who actually belongs to the farming community as several MLAs and MPs were found enrolled in the KALIA scheme.

--IANS

cd/rs/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a fresh case and begun its probe in the February 14 terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama in which 40 troopers were killed, an official said on Wednesday.

NIA chief Y.C. Modi also inspected the attack site on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

"We have re-registered the Pulwama terror attack case," said an NIA spokesperson. The first case in the attack, claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit, was registered by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on the day of attack.

The move comes five days after the worst-ever terror attack on security forces since militancy erupted in the state in 1989.

"The NIA chief along with a team of officers including two Inspector Generals, Deputy Inspector General and Superintendent of Police visited the place of occurrence of the February 14 incident.

"The officers of CRPF and local police were also present there. The NIA chief was briefed by the officers about the progress made in the investigation so far," the spokesperson said.

A day after the terror attack when an explosive-packed SUV rammed a bus carrying the Central Reserve Police Force troopers, the counter-terror agency officials, along with explosive and forensic experts, had collected material evidence from the site.

A team of senior NIA officers has been camping in Srinagar since the attack.

--IANS

aks/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case and is launching a fresh probe into the terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama in which 40 troopers were killed on February 14.

"We have re-registered the Pulwama terror attack case," said an NIA spokesperson, here on Wednesday.

The move comes five days after the worst-ever terror attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy since militancy erupted in 1989 in the state.

The first case in the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed attack was registered by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on the day of attack.

A day after the terror attack on the CRPF convoy, the counter-terror probe agency officials along with explosive and forensic experts had collected material evidences required for the probe.

A team of senior NIA officers has been camping in Srinagar since the suicide attack on the Jammu-Srinagar highway when an explosive packed SUV rammed a bus carrying the CRPF troopers.

--IANS

aks/in/pcj

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A British national who served as a public relations aide to former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was charged with money laundering in absentia here on Wednesday.

According to state news agency Bernama, public relations consultant Paul Stadlen was charged with money laundering, involving 15 million ringgit ($3.6 million).

Stadlen left Malaysia after the Najib-led Barisan Nasional Coalition lost the general election in May 2018. He is believed to be wanted for questioning in relation to corruption, involving state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Authorities were also seeking an arrest warrant to extradite Stadlen back to Malaysia to face trial, the agency said.

Najib himself is facing more than 40 charges related to the 1MDB case.

--IANS

soni/pcj

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Actress Olivia Munn, who accused director Brett Ratner of sexually harassing her, says he has apologised to her.

During a panel discussion at the pre-Oscars brunch on Tuesday, Munn revealed that Ratner had called her in 2011 after she accused him of masturbating in front of her, reports variety.com.

"I've never told any of this story publicly, I'm in my hotel room in New York and I get this Caller ID blocked number, and I answer the phone and it's Brett.

"He said, 'I was just joking about that. It's just a joke and it got blown out of proportion'. He said, 'Well look, we did date though, right?' and I said, 'no' And he's like, 'Are you sure we didn't date?' And at this point, I had this feeling that he was recording the conversation," Munn said.

Recalling the conversation, Munn said that Ratner apologised and asked her to tell her Twitter followers that all was well.

"He said, 'I am sorry, I just don't know why everyone's so mad at me'," Munn added.

When the "Iron Man 2" star declined to tweet on his behalf, he offered to make a public apology during his appearance on "Howard Stern" the following day.

--IANS

sim/rb/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Seoul on Wednesday on a two-day visit to South Korea during which he will be conferred upon the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize.

During the visit, Modi will hold discussions with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and will meet with business leaders, members of the Indian community as well as eminent persons from all walks of life.

In his pre-departure statement, Modi said India regards South Korea as a valued friend.

He said that India and South Korea have shared values and a shared vision for regional and global peace and their needs and strengths are complementary as fellow market economies.

Modi said that the growing depth and variety in relationship has been accentuated by the harmony between India's Act East Policy and South Korea's New Southern Policy.

--IANS

ps/vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Narendra Modi-led Central government has a special focus and consideration for the development of Arunanchal Pradesh, Governor Brig. B.D. Mishra (retd) said on Wednesday as the northeastern border state celebrated its 33rd statehood day.

"We have achieved a lot in this direction and credit for this goes to every citizen of the state who under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, contributed in assisting the government and administration for development of the state," he said at a function to mark the occasion.

Chief Minister Khandu, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and other dignitaries were also present.

Mishra said both the central and state governments have been putting in their best efforts to electrify every village, provide a toilet in every house, a road to every village and gas connection to every kitchen.

Reiterating his mantra for ensuring 100 percent transparent implementation of developmental projects, the Governor called on every citizen to make sure that all the projects are implemented with honesty and accountability.

He urged the people to come forward to see that every child above 6 years of age goes to school, called on teachers to impart value based-education and be ready to serve in far-flung schools. He also suggested a rotation-based transfer for teachers of urban and rural areas.

The Governor called upon the parents to motivate the students to be entrepreneurs and job-providers instead of managers and job-seekers.

Paying tribute to the CRPF troopers killed in the Pulwama terror attack, he also expressed his anguish that some of the youth of the state, particularly in the eastern districts, were being lured towards the gun culture and drug culture.

"I appeal to them to join the mainstream of the society for their own well-being," he said, cautioning the youth against drug abuse, "which is destroying them, their family and the society".

Noting that this year, the nation will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who preached, practised and propagated Swachhata, Mishra urged upon the people to be connected to the Swachhata Mission and strive towards a cleaner, healthier and greener India.

"It will be the best tribute to Gandhi on his 150th Jayanti, he said.

The Governor also released the festival souvenir and launched the proceedings of the agricultural conclave.

Before declaring the three-day Festival of Arunachal open, he presented the State Awards, Chief Minister's Excellence Award in Civil Service and Dorjee Khandu Memorial Award to people from different walks of life.

Traditional folk dances of various tribes were the highlights of the pageant. Participants from Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya also presented a cultural programme under 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharata' initiative which aims to improve the cultural connection across various states of India.

--IANS

rrk/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia says his forthcoming film "Milan Talkies" will not release in Pakistan.

After the Pulwama terror attack earlier this month, some Indian filmmakers decided against the release of their films like "Luka Chuppi" and "Arjun Patiala" in the neighbouring country.

Asked whether he will release "Milan Talkies" in Pakistan, Dhulia told the media here on Tuesday: "No. It will not be released in Pakistan. There are two reasons for that. First one is that we stand in solidarity with the martyrs' families.

"The second reason is that piracy of Hindi films takes place from Pakistan so, I feel that we should never release our films in Pakistan for that specific reason."

Dhulia was interacting with the media at the trailer launch of "Milan Talkies" along with the film's cast Ali Fazal, Shraddha Srinath, Ashutosh Rana and Sikandar Kher.

In the wake of the terror attack, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artistes working in the Indian film industry.

Reacting to AICWA's decision, Dhulia said: "At this juncture, I feel it's the right decision and we should ban Pakistani artistes but if the situation gets better then we will welcome them with open arms."

"Milan Talkies" is releasing in India on March 15.

--IANS

iv/nn/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The United Democratic Party (UDP), Meghalaya's main regional political party, on Wednesday announced that it has snapped ties with the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) over the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

The announcement came days after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah said that his party will make the Bill part of the party manifesto for the coming Lok Sabha elections and pass it if it returns to power.

"We have snapped ties with the BJP-led NEDA over the controversial Bill, besides the insensitivity of the BJP leadership towards indigenous Meghalayans in particular and in the Northeast as a whole," UDP Vice President Allantry Franklin Dkhar told the media here.

"In fact, our the decision was taken a couple of days after 11 regional political parties from across the northeastern states met in Guwahati on January 29 which unanimously agreed to oppose the Bill," Dkhar added.

The UDP, which has nine members, including two associate members in the 60-member state Assembly, is supporting the National People's Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government.

Two BJP legislators are part of the six-party MDA coalition government.

"We have seen Shah's statement in Assam saying that they (BJP) will go ahead with the Bill if the BJP is voted to power again. Therefore, we cannot allow the insensitivity of the Central government to go against the indigenous communities in the region," the UDP leader said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016,which was passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant Indian nationality to people belonging to minority communities - Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian - in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residing in India.

However, the ruling BJP could not pass the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, as it was opposed by several civil society groups and political parties, including a few allies.

Asked if the UDP will continue to support the MDA government, Dkhar said: "It is up to the NPP to take a call on it since they are leading the government."

The NPP had reiterated its opposition to the contentious legislation.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who is also the NPP President, had also threatened to sever ties with the NDA if the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha.

--IANS

ksk/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A massive fire engulfed a showroom-cum-godown of a premier footwear company here in Kerala on Wednesday. No casualties have been reported.

The fire at the Paragon Footwear building was first reported around 9.30 a.m.

Fire tenders began battling the flames. The showroom is located close to the Ernakulam South railway station. Work on Kochi Metro nearby was also stopped.

Local legislator Hibi Eden said the authorities were doing their best to control the blaze, with fire tenders from the Cochin Shipyard also pitching in.

"We're concerned about the safety of the building, which has chances of collapsing," said Eden.

A company official told IANS that all the employees had been taken out safely. Preliminary estimates reveal a loss of over Rs 4 crore, he added.

--IANS

sg/rtp/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has received the final operational clearance (FOC) from aviation regulator Cemilac for induction into the (IAF) as a weaponised fighter jet, said an official in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The Chief Executive of Centre for Airworthiness and Certification (Cemilac), P Jayapal, handed over the FOC certificate and release-to-service documents to Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal B S Dhanoa at the Aero India air show.

"It is a major milestone for the LCA to get the final operational clearance. The aircraft could fly in many sorties and has demonstrated the precision with which it can deliver weapons," Dhanoa told the media in the presence of Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar.

The aircraft performed air-to-ground attacks and air-to-air refuelling at IAF's Vayu Shakti air display at Pokhran in Rajasthan on February 16, the Air Chief said.

State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd Chairman and Managing Director R. Madhavan said HAL had responded to the request for proposal (RFP) floated by the IAF for 83 LCA Mk-1.

"The grant of final operational clearance to the aircraft is a landmark moment for aeronautic scientists, industry and businesses," state-run Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman and Defence R&D Secretary G. Satheesh Reddy told the media.

The FOC involves addition of capabilities to the initial operational clearance (IOC) aircraft which are beyond visual range missile capabilities.

The regulator's document provides capabilities, features and technologies that FOC standard aircraft will have on induction into the IAF.

The FOC standard aircraft drawings have been handed over to HAL to start production after incorporating changes over the IOC.

The regulator gave IOC to the combat aircraft in 2013 and inducted it into the IAF 45 Squadron in July 2016.

"The 45 Squadron has since flown over 500 sorties during the trials without a hitch," the document said.A Kerala court on Wednesday sent CPI-M leader A. Peethamabaran, accused in the murder of two Youth Congress workers in the Kasargode district on Sunday, to 7-day police custody.

Before producing him before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Hosdurg, the police took Peethamabaran to the scene of the crime. It recovered two iron rods and a sword from a well, about 500-metre from the spot of murders.

Youth Congress workers Krupesh, 19, and Joshy, 24, were hacked to death on Sunday by three motorcycle-borne men. While Krupesh died at the Kasaragod district hospital, Joshy succumbed to injuries on his way to a medical facility in Mangaluru, Karnataka.

The police told the court since more people were accused in the case, they required custody of Peethamabaran for questioning.

The family members of Peethamabaran told the media he was innocent. "There was plaster on my son's hand. How is it possible for him to commit the crime," asked his mother.

"Peethamabaran is a party worker and now the party has washed its hands off him. He has been framed," said his wife Manju.

"I don't think my father will ever do such a thing. But if he has done it, he will have to face the consequences," said his daughter.

CPI-M state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, however, brushed aside Manju's allegations. "It's natural for family members of an arrested person to react like this," said Balakrishnan.

Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday visited homes of both victims and also addressed a protest meeting. He accused the CPI-M of hiding the real culprits.

"The CPI-M is trying to put the blame on Peethamabaran. We demand a CBI probe into the matter. The Congress will not rest till all the real culprits are booked," said Chandy.

--IANS

sg/arm/pcj

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress legislator J.N. Ganesh has been arrested for allegedly assaulting fellow party MLA Anand Singh last month, Karnataka Home Minister M.B. Patil said on Wednesday.

Arrested by Karnataka Police from Gujarat's Somnath, Ganesh is being brought to Bengaluru and will be produced before a court on Thursday, Patil told reporters here.

Ganesh represents Kampli assembly segment in Ballari district while Singh is from Vijayanagara segment in the same district.

Police registered an assault case by Singh against Ganesh for allegedly beating him at a resort on January 20.

The assault led to Singh's admission to a private hospital here for treatment. He has been discharged since then.

Congress state unit President Dinesh Gundu Rao had suspended Ganesh in wake of the incident.

--IANS

bha-fb/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Much like the children of other Bollywood celebrities, actor Ajay Devgn and Kajols 15-year-old daughter Nysa and 8-year-old son Yug, get a lot of media attention and are often targeted by social media trolls.

In an interview to IANS, Devgn, a protective father, said social media users should not judge his children.

He said: "Judge me, but don't judge my kids. Kajol and I are the actors, judge us...it's because of us, our children are under the spotlight everytime."

"Being judgmental about someone is not a good thing. If I start passing a judgement on someone, that person would obviously feel bad...so do my children," he added.

The "Singham" star, who was in Delhi to promote his fortcoming film "Total Dhamaal", said, "Honestly speaking, those people don't really matter. But I feel bad sometimes when my kids go through such harsh trolling."

The star couple's first child Nysa recently got trolled and body-shamed for her airport look - and this was not the first time she was being targetted.

Asked about how Nysa deals with "such harsh comments", Devgn said: "She used to get upset over trolling earlier, but now she doesn't care about it anymore. She knows how to deal with it. She has accepted that there will be some people who will keep judging no matter what."

On how to tackle trolls, he said, "Avoid it... If you will react, they will react more and this will continue. So better to stop fighting against trollers."

Commenting on how people have reacted angrily to remarks by some actors on the Pulwama terror attack, Devgn said: "In such a crucial situation, it is better if we become conscious while choosing our words because people are angry and you never know how someone at the opposite end interprets your message or post.

"One can be misinterpretted anytime and then you can't sit down and explain to people that what were your real intentions. It's better if we all become little conscious and don't react to things immediately. Think twice before writing anything on social media to avoid hurting someone's sentiments."

(Simran Sethi can be contacted at simran.s@ians.in <mailto:simran.s@ians.in>)

--IANS

sim/rb/vm/am

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)If the Cobrapost investigation which exposed that several Bollywood celebrities were willing to pass views of political parties as personal opinion for money shook your conscience, there is not much you can do to restrict them from doing so because the relevant Indian law is silent on this matter.

The investigation revealed that more than 30 Indian film and TV industry actors/ artistes have agreed to spread the propaganda of political parties through their social media accounts for the sake of money.

"Taking money for tweeting on behalf of political parties is definitely unethical, but it is not illegal. The Information Technology Act, 2000 is completely silent on this," Pavan Duggal, one of the nation's top cyber law experts, told IANS.

What the investigation unearthed was just the tip of the iceberg. The rise in popularity of social media platforms actually opened up a relatively new advertising economy driven by "influencer marketing".

Marketing firm Mediakix estimated that influencer marketing on Instagram alone could reach $2 billion by the end of this year from $1 billion in 2017.

While Instagram has over a billion monthly active users globally, its parent company Facebook has over 2.3 billion monthly active users and over 16 million people log in to Twitter every day. WhatsApp is another powerful platform which has over 200 million users in India.

The kind of reach that these social media platforms have can offer some idea about how big the influencer marketing business could be.

Important here to mention is that it is not just celebrities who are the stars in this game; while celebrities with huge following running into millions on social media are known as macro influencers, even some people with small number of followers can earn big sum of money as influencers. They are known as micro influencers.

With a wide array of social media analytics tool available online, it is not difficult to spot the right influencers for their advertising programmes.

"In the starting, celebrities were used as influencers for brand endorsement and marketing purposes. However, after social media, now everyone is a celebrity and everything is business including politics," social media expert Anoop Mishra told IANS.

In countries like the US, it is mandatory to put proper disclosure on paid posts. But only a few follow the rules.

In India, due to lack of user awareness, it is even more difficult to distinguish between a paid post and a personal opinion.

With the elections around, political parties are not complaining much. A top WhatsApp executive recently even warned political parties against abusing its platform.

"More than 10,000 official WhatsApp groups have been created by a leading political party to slam its rivals on social media," Mishra said.

"Political discourse is going to be impacted by social media influencers. There is no two opinion about it," Duggal said, adding that the consequences of this can be very serious as social media platforms are being used to create a highly-polarised atmosphere in the country.

Just as social media companies have come up with transparency rules for political ads, they should have similar features for influencers so that people can distinguish between commercial space and personal space.

"Manipulation of social media platform for personal gains must be brought under the ambit of law without putting barriers on free speech," Duggal added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India is set to emerge as a key player in the global defence arena, said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday.

"With the policy initiatives and procedural reforms, I am confident that India will emerge as a key player in the global defence arena. We will create an ecosystem for enhanced technological collaborations of the public and private sectors with foreign manufacturers," said Sitharaman, flagging off the 5-day Aero India air show here.

Noting that the 'Make in India' had surged on policy initiatives such as 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence manufacturing, offset policy and delicensing of defence items, Sitharaman said they had resulted in making many products like S92 helicopter cabin, advanced aircraft cockpit, glass cockpit for Dornier and CH-47 Pylon for Boeing in India.

"The government's 'Make in India' initiative provided impetus for self-reliance in defence, which remains a cornerstone on which the military capability of our nation must rest," said Sitharaman.

The 2016 Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) has provided the policy framework for instituting provisions for creating the ecosystem for utilization and consolidation of design and manufacturing facilities available in the country and create a supply chain system, an imperative for the expansion of the domestic defence industrial base.

During the last 4 years (2014-15 to 2018-19), 150 contracts valued at Rs 127,500 crore were signed with Indian vendors for procurement of defence equipment for the armed forces.

During the same period, the government accorded 'Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)' to 164 proposals valued at Rs 2,79,950 crore under the indigenously designed, developed and manufactured policy, buy (Indian) or make (Indian) or make categories of capital procurement as per the DDP, which means Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued only to the Indian vendors.

"India has established as a hub with capabilities to manufacture and export of world class aerospace components, structures, avionics, technology, design, skills, innovations and has the potential and competence of end-to-end nose-to-tail production," said the defence minister.

"We have also rolled out manufacture of 7 ammunition in the private sector backed by long-term contracts. RFP for the same has been issued she said.

To mitigate dependence on imported technologies, the government is stressing technology development and intellectual property (IP) in the defence sector.

"The defence ministry has unveiled the 'Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti' to create greater capacity development and encourage filing of patents in defence and aerospace sectors," Sitharaman added.

As part of this initiative, 10,000 personnel of state-run defence units are being trained and 1,000 new IP are proposed to be filed during this fiscal (2018-19).

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned "in strongest terms" the terror attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama, called upon countries to bring perpetrators of such acts to justice and underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations.

The remarks on the UN sanctions regime during discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came two days after the joint statement issued during the visit of the Saudi Arabian leader to Pakistan which had "underlined the need for avoiding politicisation of the UN listing regime".

However, the joint statement issued late on Wednesday did not mention Pakistan or Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) based in that country which had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel last week. India has linked Pakistan with the terror attack.

However, Pakistan was mentioned in the context of "consistent efforts" made by Prime Minister Modi since May 2014 including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with the neighbouring country, with the visiting leader appreciating the efforts.

The statement said that both sides agreed on the need "for creation of conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan".

Modi welcomed the announcement by Prince Mohammed to invest in the areas of energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and mining, manufacturing, education and health potentially worth in excess of $100 billion.

Saudi Arabia had signed agreements for investment of $20 billion during Prince Mohammed's visit to Pakistan.

The joint statement said that both sides called upon all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists perpetrating terrorism from all territories against other states, and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice.

The two sides also rejected any attempt to link this universal phenomenon to any particular race, religion or culture, affirming that the menace of extremism and terrorism threatens all nations and societies. Pakistan claims to be the biggest victim of terrorism.

India and Saudi Arabia also called upon all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

"The two sides also noted the need for concerted action by the international community against terrorism including through early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN," the statement said.

They called upon all states to deny access to weapons, including missiles and drones, to commit terrorist acts against other countries.

"The Prime Minister and His Royal Highness condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian security forces on February 14, 2019 in Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir," it said.

The two leaders agreed to constitute a comprehensive security dialogue at the NSA level and set up a joint working group on counter-terrorism.

Modi, in his remarks at the joint media interaction with the Saudi leader, mentioned the "barbaric terror attack" in Pulwama and said it was another manifestation of the danger posed by terrorism to humanity.

"We agree that to deal with it effectively, there is need to put all possible pressure on countries which are giving any kind of support to terrorism," Modi said.

Modi has had restricted, one-on-one and delegation level talks with the visiting leader. The two sides signed six agreements including Saudi investment in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.

The Prime Minister said it was extremely necessary to destroy terror infrastructure and to punish terrorists and their supporters.

Modi said there was need for an action plan to deal with extremism so that the youths were not misguided by forces linked to terror and violence.

"I am happy that Saudi Arabia and India have common thoughts on this," he said.

Prince Salman, in his remarks, said that extremism and terrorism were common concerns of the two countries and Saudi Arabia would fully cooperate with India.

India is keen to get JeM chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations.

Asked at a press briefing later how the remarks of the two leaders squared up with Saudi-Pakistan joint statement, Secretary (Economic Relations) T.S. Tirumurti said he did now want to comment on it, but "if you are really looking at politicisation, you know who is politicising it".

Answering a query, he said the complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama attack was very much underlined during the talks.

He also said that no mediation was offered by the Saudi authorities.

On the defence front, the two leaders agreed to hold the first naval exercises "at the earliest".

Tirumurti said the visiting leader conveyed his appreciation of the Indian model which signified the ethos of inclusiveness, pluralism and tolerance.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the first Joint Venture West Coast Refinery and Petrochemical Project estimated to cost $44 billion and both sides agreed to expedite the implementation of the project, which would be the largest green field refinery in the world to be implemented in one phase.

In addition, $10 billion through the Public Investment Fund and its technology partners, and other investments opportunities potentially worth $26 billion are being explored.

The two sides agreed to promote cooperation to prevent use of cyberspace for terror, radicalism and incitement to disturb social harmony.

The statement said that the Indian Government had agreed to increase the seats of Saudi Arabian Airlines "from 80,000 seats/month to 112,000 seats/month" and studies were underway to increase that number substantially.

It said that both sides looked forward to the integration of migration platforms of the two countries, viz., e-Migrate and e-Tawtheeq, to create a robust migration environment.

Saudi Arabia decided to increase haj quota from India to two lakh from the present 1.75 lakh and release 850 Indian prisoners.

India, he said, had decided to extend e-visa facilities to Saudi nationals.

The two leaders also agreed to enhance maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean Region.

Both sides agreed that regional connectivity projects should be based on universally recognised international norms including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Prince Mohammed, who arrived in the capital on Tuesday for his two-day first state visit to India, was earlier in the day accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday strongly condemned the terror attack on Indian forces in Pulwama, called upon countries to renounce use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy and underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations.

The remarks on the UN sanctions regime during discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman comes two days after the joint statement issued during visit of the Saudi Arabian leader to Pakistan which had "underlined the need for avoiding politicisation of UN listing regime".

Briefing the media following delegation-level talks between Modi and Salman here, Secretary (Economic Relations) T.S. Tirumurti said they expressed strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

India is keen to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations. JeM has cliamed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Asked how the remarks of the two leaders squared up with Saudi-Pakistan joint statement, Tirumurti said he did now want to comment on it, but "if you are really looking at politicisation, you know who is politicising it".

Tirumurti said the two leaders called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, cut off any kind of support and financing to terrorists from all territories against other states and bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice.

"The two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian forces in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Both leaders called upon all countries to renounce use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. They called on states to deny access to weapons to commit terrorist acts against other countries.

"Both leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations. They called for concerted action by the international community against terrorism and early adoption of the UN comprehensive convention on international terrorism," he said.

Answering a query, he said the complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama attack was very much underlined.

The official also said both sides agreed to set up a Strategic Partnership Council and Saudi Arabia will invest $ 100 billion in India in a range of areas. He said the two leaders agreed to constitute a comprehensive security dialogue at the level of NSAs.

He said that Prince Mohammed appreciated "consistent efforts" by Modi since May 2014 including Prime Minister's personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan".

"In this context both sides agreed on the creation of conditions necessary for resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan," he said.

He also said that no mediation was offered by the Saudi authorities.

Tirumurti said that the Crown Prince highlighted extremism and terrorism as matters of common concern and expressed his determination to cooperate with India to fight this menace particularly through strong intelligence partnership.

"To enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts and benefit mutually in real-time intelligence sharing, the two leaders agreed to constitute a comprehensive security dialogue at the level of National Security Advisors and set up a joint working group on counter-terrorism.

On the defence front, they agreed to hold the first naval exercises at the earliest and expand defence relations in other areas like defence exercises, joint production, supply chain development," he said.

Tirumurti said the meeting was held in "an atmosphere of great warmth and friendship testifying to the close rapport between the two leaders".

He said the visiting leader conveyed his appreciation of the Indian model which signifies the ethos of inclusiveness, pluralism and tolerance.

"Both sides agreed to set up a Strategic Partnership Council which will be guided by Prime Minister and the Crown Prince and will have ministerial representation covering all aspects of bilateral relations. This is an extremely important development in line with desire of Saudi Arabia to deepen partnership with eight strategic partners one of which is India."

He said Modi welcomed the announcement of Crown Prince to invest $ 100 billion in India in a range of areas like energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing.

"This is a clear reflection of confidence of Saudi Arabia in the vibrancy of Indian economy," he said adding there was talk of realising untapped potential in trade particularly non-oil trade.

He said they expressed satisfaction at first joint venture in energy of a refinery and petrochemical project estimated at $ 44 billion and the prime minister welcomed Saudi Arabia's participation in India's strategic petroleum reserves.

Tirumurti said the two leaders agreed to increase the frequency of of direct flights of carriers India and Saudi Arabia by 3,84,000 seats per annum which will give a huge boost to tourism as well as large Indian community.

He said at India's request, Saudi Arabia decided to increase haj quota from India to two lakhs. India, he said, has also decided to extend e-visa facilities to Saudi nationals.

Tirumurti said Saudi Arabia also agreed to resolve issues related to Indian workers who are currently stranded in SA due to closure of one foreign country.

The two leaders agreed to enhance maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean Region and agreed to cooperate along with other Indian Ocean rim countries in serving as the net security provider for IOR.

In a veiled reference to China's 'One Belt, One Road project' which also includes China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Triumurti said both sides agreed that regional connectivity projects should be based on univsersally recognised international norms including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

The two leaders expressed serious concern over cyber terrorism and misuse of cyber space and said they will also work together to address the problems and issues of fugitive economic offenders.

Answering queries, Tirumurti said Afghan situation was not discussed, but there was a discussion on areas relating to Middle East, Syria, Palestine.

Answering a query, he said the two sides agreed for comprehensive sanctioning of not only terrorists but terrorist organisations by the UN.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for de-escalating the tense situation in the subcontinent following the terrorist attack in Pulwama that killed 40 Indian security personnel.

His spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Tuesday: "We are deeply concerned at the increase in tensions between the two countries in the wake of the attack on Indian security personnel on February 14 in Pulwama."

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Permanent Representative Maleeha Lodhi met Guterres and Security Council President Anatolio Ndong Mba of Equatorial Guinea separately to appraise them of the "dangerous situation".

Lodhi said that during the meetings she reiterated Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's offer of "constructive and meaningful dialogue" with India, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

She assured them that "as a responsible state, Pakistan will continue to exercise calm and restraint", the agency quoted her saying with a warning, "But our patience should not be tested. As Prime Minister Imran Khan said today, any Indian misadventure will invite retaliation from Pakistan."

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The GST Council, which met briefly through video-conference on Wednesday, will next be meeting on Sunday to take up real estate issues.

Meanwhile, the Council has extended the deadline to file 3B returns by two days. GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return.

"GST Council will take up the real estate issues on Sunday and the Council extends the deadline of 3B returns by two days," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced after Wednesday's meeting.

In the brief meeting, the Council had differences over issues of housing and lotteries, and official sources said lotteries still have not reached a level where discussions can take place.

The real estate sector is looking for GST intervention to come out of the slump it is seeing over the past few years.

A Group of Ministers headed by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, which has favoured 3 per cent tax, down from 8 per cent, on the affordable housing category has submitted its report to the GST Council for decision by Sunday.

During the interaction, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal pointed out that land is a state subject and so cannot be included in the GST, while the Bihar representative said it was in principle in agreement with the report, but wanted a lower rate of 1 per cent on small businesses operating from a 10 per cent carpet area in residential areas.

Delhi, Kerala, West Bengal as well as some states ruled by the opposition Congress asked for a physical meeting and not a video conference since the issues under consideration were too important.

They said they could not announce any schemes related to real estate, since the Election Commission's model code of conduct will be applicable soon.

The Council in its meeting on Sunday may also consider reducing tax on cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent to boost the realty sector.

The proposed GST cut in cement and the GoM report are on the agenda of the GST Council meeting on Sunday, sources said, adding the government is looking at the housing sector closely ahead of the elections.

Sunday's meeting may also change the definition of affordable housing to accommodate more poor people under 3 per cent tax rate.

Currently, affordable houses are defined up to 50 square metres of carpet area, which is likely to be increased to 80 square metres to include more people in the category.

Both developers and prospective home buyers are expected to gain from this move.

The panel set up to look into GST-related issues of the real estate sector is also said to have recommended GST for under-construction residential properties at 5 per cent, down from the current 12 per cent.

And the government is in the process of handing out a big pre-election bonanza to property developers and buyers by reducing GST on under-construction houses, from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.

But claiming input tax credit (ITC) would no longer be possible on such transactions.

Under-construction houses currently attract 12 per cent GST and 6 per cent stamp duty and registration.

GST is currently levied at 12 per cent on premium housing and 8 per cent on affordable housing on payments made for under-construction properties, where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale.

No GST is charged if a property is bought after the issue of completion certificate.

GST on affordable housing, meanwhile, will only be 3 per cent.

The GST Council meeting is expected to take up and pass these proposals.

--ians

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Richwood, TX (77531)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy. Low 77F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.With barely three months to go for the Lok Sabha elections, the "Mahagatbandhan" (grand alliance) in Bihar is all set to finalise the seat sharing formula in the state by February 25, party leaders said on Wednesday.

The development comes a day after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav met Congress President Rahul Gandhi in the national capital.

Confirming the meeting between Yadav and Gandhi, a senior Congress leader told IANS, "The talks over the seat sharing formula in Bihar are in final round. We are hopeful that an announcement will be made by February 25."

He also said that till date the talks have been positive.

Yadav was supposed to meet senior Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh at his residence in Delhi on Wednesday evening, but the meeting has now been shifted to Patna on Friday.

A meeting of several leaders is also scheduled with RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is undergoing treatment at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.

The "Mahagatbandhan" in Bihar comprises the Congress, the RJD, the Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) led by former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and the Vikasshil Insan Party (VIP).

According to sources in the Congress, the RJD would be getting the maximum number of seats followed by the Congress. The remaining seats will go to HAM-S, RLSP and VIP.

As per party sources, the RJD is willing to contest on 22 seats, while the Congress is eyeing 10 seats in the state.

The Congress has recently got a boost in the state after disgruntled BJP MP from Darbhanga Kirti Azad joined the party.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Google on Tuesday announced that it will acquire Silicon Valley data migration company Alooma to grow its cloud business service in its latest efforts to compete with its rivals Amazon and Microsoft.

According to the tech giant, Alooma is a leading company that helps enterprise customers to streamline database migration in the cloud and move their data from multiple sources to a single data warehouse.

"The addition of Alooma allows us to offer customers a streamlined, automated migration experience to Google Cloud, and give them access to our full range of database services," Xinhua quoted Google as saying.

Google is going to leverage Alooma's deep expertise for both enterprise and open source databases to build its additional but critical migration capabilities within Google Cloud Platform.

Both Google and Alooma, which is based in Israel and California, did not disclose details of the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals.

Alooma's co-founders Yoni Broyde and Yair Weinberger wrote in a blog post on Tuesday that the acquisition is the evolution of their long-standing partnership with Google Cloud.

"Joining Google Cloud will bring us one step closer to delivering a full self-service database migration experience bolstered by the power of their cloud technology, including analytics, security, AI, and Machine Learning," they said.

Alooma has been a partner of Google's Cloud Spanner, the Internet giant's a globally distributed database platform, since 2017.

--IANS

vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India's domestic air passenger traffic growth slowed in January as airlines cancelled flights due to reasons like weather related events.

According to industry observers, seasonal factors too contributed to slowing of growth rate in January to 9.10 per cent on the year-on-year basis.

In December 2018, the number of passengers flown by domestic airlines grew at 12.91 per cent, while in November it increased 11.03 per cent.

As per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) data, last month passenger traffic grew to 1.25 crore from 1.14 crore in January 2018.

"Passengers carried by domestic airlines in January were 125.08 lakh against 114.65 lakh during the corresponding period of previous year, registering a growth of 9.10 per cent," the DGCA said in its monthly domestic traffic report here on Wednesday.

According to the data, low-cost carrier SpiceJet had the highest passenger load factor (PLF) -- a measure of capacity utilisation of the airline -- at 90.9 per cent, followed by GoAir with 87.4 per cent, AirAsia India 88.4 per cent and IndiGo 86.4 per cent in January.

"In January, we recorded 90.9 per cent PLF. This is the 46th month in a row that SpiceJet, among the major scheduled carriers, has flown with the highest loads in the Indian skies," said Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Sales and Revenue Officer, SpiceJet.

"Besides setting new benchmarks in global aviation, this record has helped us establish our pre-eminence as the most preferred airline, month-on-month," she said.

"The January PLF has shown a decreasing trend compared with previous month due to the end of tourist season," the DGCA said.

According to the data, GoAir led the industry with 75.9 per cent punctuality rate (on-time performance) at the four major airports of Bengaluru, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. It was followed by Vistara (75.3) and IndiGo (69.2).

The overall cancellation rate of scheduled domestic airlines for January stood at 1.81 per cent. Also, 917 passenger-related complaints were received last month.

IndiGo led the industry with the highest market share of 42.5 per cent, followed by SpiceJet (13.3), Air India (12.2), Jet Airways (11.9) and GoAir (8.7).

AirAsia India had a market share of 5.3 per cent, followed by Vistara (3.8), JetLite (1.7) and Trujet (0.5).

"Both air traffic and fares were affected in January largely due to weather and operational factors. Unexpected cancellations of flights by airlines also led to a substantial hike (20-25 per cent) in the last minute domestic airfares," said Aloke Bajpai, CEO and Co-founder, ixigo.

Fares for major domestic sectors would continue to see an all-time high throughout February, which would further affect the passenger growth, Bajpai said. Travellers can avoid high prices this season by booking tickets, preferably, 15-30 days in advance, he added.

According to Sharat Dhall, COO (B2C), Yatra.com: "The percentage of growth has been affected due to unprecedented flight cancellations by various airlines, impacting the overall capacity and market growth".

"With January marking the end of the holiday season, there has been a dip in travel. But we expect a pickup in demand towards the end of February and March with the semester breaks in schools as well as long weekends like Maha Shivratri and Holi," Dhall said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Iraqi security forces on Wednesday killed five suicide bomber from the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh, the Iraqi military said.

A joint force from Iraqi army and paramilitary Hashd Shaabi ambushed five suicide bombers wearing explosive vests and surrounded them in their vehicle in Badoush area in northwest of Mosul, Yahya Rasoul, spokesman of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, said in a statement.

The troops opened fire on the vehicle, killing the five suicide bombers and set the vehicle ablaze, the statement said, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier, the Iraqi Army's Chief of Staff Othman al-Ghanimi told reporters at a press conference that Iraqi security forces captured 24 IS militants, including four leaders, who infiltrated from neighbouring Syria to Mosul.

On Tuesday, the Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said that Iraq is concerned about developments of the battles in neighbouring Syria, which is witnessing the clearing of the last pocket of IS extremist group near the Syrian border with Iraq.

Iraqi security force and paramilitary Hashd Shaabi brigades are deployed on the borderline between Syria and Iraq, which extends to some 600 km in west of the two provinces of Nineveh and Anbar.

The long borderline between the two countries has long been used by insurgent groups and IS militants for logistic support and to carry out cross-border attacks in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003.

--IANS

vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Authorities have become more cautious about safety of students from Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF troopers lost their lives, Gurugram Police Commissioner K.K. Rao said here on Wednesday.

"We have given two types of security (intelligence and direct) to students who come from J&K. If any institution demands special protection, it will be considered," said Gurugram top cop Rao.

Nearly 250 students from different parts of J&K are studying in various institutions in Gurugram.

The security agencies have become alert after offensive posts regarding the Pulwama attack, put up allegedly by Kashmiri students, surfaced on different social media platforms.

A second year female student from Kashmir, who shared an "anti-national" post on social media following the attack on CRPF troopers, was suspended by SGT University on Tuesday after protests by students.

Majority of students are in Gurugram for higher and are staying in hostels.

"Most students are studying engineering, which is free under the Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme. The fees of these students are given to the institutes concerned by the government of India," said Deepak Gahlot, Vice-Chairman, DPG Group of Institutes.

Gahlot said after the tragic incident in Pulwama, he had personally advised students from the Valley to avoid making any controversial comment.

Ajay Pandita who runs the Kashyap Kashmiri Sabha said, "We are not with any Kashmiri student making offensive remarks."

"The situation is under regular surveillance and being reviewed every day to prevent any unwanted development. There has been no demand for any special kind of security from any institution yet," said Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Amit Khatri.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Digital Communications Commission, an inter-ministerial panel of the Department of Telecom, will examine the TRAI recommendations of a penalty of Rs 3,000 crore on the allegation of breach of quality of service licensing condition against Airtel, Vodafone and Idea who had not merged then as well as a VRS scheme for struggling PSU, MTNL.

The second meeting of the DCC will undertake examination of a TRAI recommendation of 2016, October 21, on issues related to violation of provisions of the licencee agreement and the standards of Quality of Service by Airtel, Idea and Vodafone, a DoT's agenda for the meeting stated.

"Revival of MTNL through introduction of VRS, refund of interest on surrendered broadband wireless spectrum (BWA) and debt restructuring by monetisation of land and building assets of MTNL will be taken up in the 2nd meeting of the DCC on February 21", the DoT memo stated.

MTNL which operates in Delhi and Mumbai has employee strength of 23,000. The PSU is in such a dire state that it can't even pay salaries and has sought a revival package.

On penalty, the case goes back to 2016. The highest decision-making body is expected to finally take a call whether to accept the recommendations made by the telecom regulator over slapping a huge Rs 3,050 crore fine on three bleeding incumbent telecom players for not giving points of interconnections (PoI) to new operator Reliance Jio.

In October, 2016, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had recommended imposing penalties on the three operators as they didn't provide enough POIs to Reliance Jio, which resulted in poor quality of services. PoIs allow calls to transfer from one network to another.

A sources said the TRAI ruling may be accepted after attorney general and the legal cell of DoT give the go-ahead. But this could not be verified. If the penalty is slapped, it is sure to be challenged in the court.

The DCC will consider reimbursement of the interest component of Rs 2,800 crore on a loan it had taken earlier to acquire the BWA spectrum and also to fund its proposed Rs 1,100 crore VRS programme.

MTNL is struggling with Rs 20,000 crore debt and Rs 833-crore loss in the Q3 of the current fiscal. The part of prime lands in Delhi and Mumbai if sold, can fetch MTNL about Rs 500 crore, according to MTNL officials.

( can be contacted at anjana.d@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.)The DMK and the Congress on Wednesday said they have finalized an agreement to jointly contest the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

DMK MP Kanimozhi and Tamil Nadu PCC President K.S. Alagiri, who met Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday in Delhi separately and returned here on Wednesday, said the details of the agreement would be announced at the DMK headquarters here in the evening.

Kanimozhi said senior Congress leaders Mukul Wasnik and K.C. Venugopal would meet DMK President M.K. Stalin on Wednesday after which the details would be made public.

It is understood that the Congress would contest nine of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone Puducherry seat.

--IANS

vsc/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Congress will be approaching the coming Lok Sabha elections not as one election but as polls in 29 different states while also attacking the BJP-led government at the Centre on its promises, performance and failures.

There will be a three-phased multi-media campaign unleashed against the NDA government, party sources said.

In the first phase, the "lies", "over promise vs under delivery" will be taken up and the party would go hammer and tongs at the government over what it had promised and did not deliver. This phase could roll out in the first week of March.

In Phase II, party campaigners would pick up on what the government claims have been promises fulfilled and tear into the claims by trying to show how it has not been done.

In the third phase, the Congress would project regional issues which would match its main propaganda theme of

the coming general elections as not one election but polls to 29 states.

The Congress is also discussing slogans and taglines it can use in the elections against the BJP and its government.

"Bahut hui jumlon ki maar, aao badlein Modi sarkar" (There has been enough of slogans, now let's change the Modi government) and "bande mein hain dum, saath chalenge hum" (there is stuff in the man (Rahul Gandhi), let's go with him) are two slogans being considered by the party.

These are among the slogans being discussed by the party before it zeroes in on a catchy slogan.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Congress will contest nine seats in Tamil Nadu and the sole seat in Puducherry in the Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the DMK, DMK President M.K. Stalin announced here on Wednesday.

He was speaking to reporters after the two parties inked the electoral pact at DMK's headquarters Anna Arivalayam here. Tamil Nadu has 39 Lok Sabha constituencies.

The pact between the two parties was widely expected as Stalin had proposed Congress President Rahul Gandhi's name for the Prime Minister's post at a DMK function here in December last year.

Taking a dig at the state's ruling AIADMK that signed poll pacts with the PMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party at a five star hotel on Tuesday, Stalin said the DMK and the Congress signed their deal in his party headquarters.

According to him, the AIADMK alliance is a "money welfare alliance" and not a "people welfare alliance".

Queried about the constituencies that Congress would contest in Tamil Nadu, Stalin said talks for alliance are on with several other parties and once the alliance with others are finalised, then the constituencies will be decided.

He said that those parties which have been with DMK for the past two years and participated in its protest programmes will be part of the party's alliance.

The DMK will contest in all the Lok Sabha constituencies that were not shared with its alliance partners, he added.

The DMK-led alliance is expected include the two communist parties, the VCK and the IUML.

Queried whether the Congress will also support the DMK in the upcoming bypolls for 21 assembly constituencies, he said: "Let the bypolls get announced, then the announcement will be made about Congress party's support."

He also said the party's Lok Sabha poll manifesto is under preparation.

Congress leader K.C. Venugopal said Gandhi gave a clear direction on the alliance talks and for the past two days, DMK and Congress leaders were holding informal talks in Delhi and Chennai.

Claiming that the entire country was disappointed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, he said the alliance will win all the 40 seats - 39 in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry.

Earlier in the day, DMK MP Kanimozhi and Tamil Nadu Congress unit President K.S. Alagiri returned here. They had met Gandhi on Tuesday in Delhi separately.

Speaking to reporters here, Alagiri said the AIADMK-PMK alliance announced on Tuesday is an "opportunistic one".

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress drew a blank as it contested alone in Tamil Nadu while the DMK and its allies also drew blank in the state and Puducherry.

--IANS

vj/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Michael Cohen, U.S. President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, on Wednesday was granted a two-month delay to surrender himself to federal prison.

Federal Judge William Pauley has approved Cohen's request to adjourn his surrender to prison from March 6 to May 6, a court document revealed.

Cohen recently had "a serious surgical procedure" and needs more time for recovery, according to his lawyer Michael Monico, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier, House Intelligence Committee postponed Cohen's closed-door testimony until February 28. The Senate Intelligence Committee has also subpoenaed Cohen for an appearance in a closed door session.

Cohen pleaded guilty last year to charges that included campaign-finance violations for paying hush money to women who claimed to have had sex with Trump and for lying to Congress about the extent of negotiations for a Trump Tower in Russia. He was sentenced in December to three years in prison.

Trump has slammed Cohen as "a weak person" and the Russia probe as a "witch hunt."

--IANS

vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)On July 1, more than 120 transitional kindergarten through eighth grade students will take part in the classes taught by six teachers at the newly opened Hermosa Vista School, according to Superintendent Jason Johnson.A citizen scientist working for NASA has found the oldest and coldest known white dwarf - an Earth-sized remnant of a Sun-like star that has died - ringed by dust and debris.

Astronomers suspect this could be the first known white dwarf with multiple dust rings.

The star, LSPM J0207+3331 or J0207, is forcing researchers to reconsider models of planetary systems and could help us learn about the distant future of our solar system.

"This white dwarf is so old that whatever process is feeding material into its rings must operate on billion-year timescales," said John Debes, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, working with the NASA-led Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project.

"Most of the models scientists have created to explain rings around white dwarfs only work well up to around 100 million years, so this star is really challenging our assumptions of how planetary systems evolve," Debes added.

The findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

J0207 is located around 145 light years away in the constellation Capricornus. White dwarfs slowly cool as they age, and Debes's team calculated J0207 is about three billion years old, based on a temperature just over 5,800 degrees Celsius.

Previously, dust disks and rings had only been observed surrounding white dwarfs about one-third J0207's age.

J0207's ring may even be multiple rings. Debes and his colleagues suggest there could be two distinct components - one thin ring just at the point where the star's tides break up the asteroids and a wider ring closer to the white dwarf.

Follow-up with future missions like NASA's James Webb Space Telescope may help astronomers tease apart the ring's constituent parts.

--IANS

rt/mag/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Chinese woman, nicknamed the "Queen of Ivory" and thought to be one of Africa's most notorious traffickers, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in Tanzania, authorities told CNN.

On Tuesday, a Tanzanian court found Yang Feng Glan, 70, guilty of smuggling 860 elephant tusks that authorities say are worth $6.45 million.

Yang was sentenced along with her Tanzanian co-accused Salivius Francis Matembo and Manase Julius Philemon.

Tanzania's Director of Public Prosecutions accused Yang of running a sophisticated supply chain between East Africa and China, using her ties to the Chinese and Tanzanian elite to move ivory across the world.

Yang was arrested in Dar es Salaam on September 28, 2015, after a year-long manhunt.

Tuesday's landmark ruling marks one of the harshest sentences ever handed down to such a high-profile and well-connected Chinese national living in East Africa, Tanzanian investigators told CNN.

Ynag came to Tanzania in 1975 as a translator for a Chinese company that was building a railroad linking the port of Dar es Salaam to Zambia. She was one of the first Chinese people to learn fluent Swahili, the investigators said.

Before her arrest, she also served as the secretary general of the Tanzania-China Africa Business Council.

Tanzania, which some have called the ground zero of elephant poaching in the last decade, has been heavily criticised by conservation groups for its inability to stop the mass killing of its tuskers.

The East African nation lost 60 per cent of its elephant population from 2009 to 2014, according to data released by the Tanzanian government.

--IANS

ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union cabinet has given its nod to 10 per cent quota for poor among the general categories in Jammu and Kashmir and also approved the provision for SC/ST reservation in promotion in government jobs in the state.

Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh said since Jammu and Kashmir is under the President's Rule, the Cabinet on Tuesday in its meeting took these decisions.

Talking to reporters here at his official residence, Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said it will help a certain section of society which belongs to lower economic strata and will benefit equally Jammu and Kashmir like other states.

He said the government had introduced the provision of reservation in promotion for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

"That too has been approved for Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

"It will enable Jammu and Kashmir to be beneficiaries of the same public welfare measures for the benefit of the weaker sections that PM Modi initiated for the rest of the country," he said.

Hailing the decision Singh said that these decisions show the Prime Minister's extremely sensitive concern for the state.

"In the last 65 years, no earlier government had ever taken an initiative on these lines and even now these decisions have come forth in the interest of the state because of the Modi Government being at the helm at the Centre," he said.

The Union Cabinet had in January this year took the decision to provide for 10 per cent quota for people belonging to 'unreserved categories', including Christians and Muslims, in jobs and education with an annual income limit of Rs 8 lakh and land-holding ceiling of about five acres, highly-placed sources said.

A Constitution Amendment bill for the purpose was recently passed by the Parliament.

--IANS

bns/vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Shamima Begum, a British teenager of Bangladeshi descent who ran awayin 2015 to become an Islamic State (IS) jihadi bride, will be stripped of her UK citizenship, her family lawyer said.

The 19-year-old, who gave birth on Sunday, made headlines last week after she was found in a refugee camp after reportedly leaving Baghuz, the IS's last stronghold. The teenager told The Times daily that she wanted to return home.

On Tuesday night, lawyer Mohammed Akunjee said in a statement that her family were "very disappointed with the Home Office's intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship".

He added that they were "considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision".

UK's ITV News reported earlier on Tuesday that Begum's mother had received a letter from the Home Office which said an order to remove her citizenship had been made.

The letter asked Begum's family to make her aware of the decision and of her right to appeal.

In response to the development, the Home Office said that it would not comment on individual cases.

But a spokesperson said that the Home Secretary can deprive someone of their British citizenship "where it would not render the individual stateless".

It is unclear whether Begum has citizenship of more than one country, CNN said.

Begum was 15 when she left flew out of London's Gatwick Airport with two classmates and travelled to Syria.

The young women, all from the Bethnal Green Academy in east London, were to join another classmate who had travelled to Syria months earlier.

In her interview with The Times, the teenager said that she had two other children during her time in Syria who died in infancy from malnutrition and illness.

Hours after giving birth on Sunday, Begum spoke to Sky News from the camp, saying she was aware of IS beheadings and other brutality before she left to join the group, and was "OK" with it.

Last year, two British men, accused of being members of an IS cell dubbed "The Beatles" were stripped of their citizenship after being captured in Syria.

--IANS

ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening and vaccination must be taken up on a war footing in countries like India to prevent 15 million cervical cancer deaths among women by 2050, a Lancet research said.

Causing the second-highest number of deaths among Indian women among cancer variants, cervical cancer, in a majority of cases, is caused by HPV, a group of more than 150 viruses.

The efforts might even result in cervical cancer being eliminated as a public health hazard in India by 2070-79, according to the study, published in The Lancet Oncology journal.

Combining high uptake of the HPV vaccine and cervical screening could eliminate cervical cancer as a public health hazard in 149 out of 181 countries by 2100 and up to 13 million cases of cervical cancer by 2050.

If the high coverage of HPV vaccination and cervical screening cannot be achieved globally, over 44 million women could be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the next 50 years with two-thirds of these cases and an additional estimated 15 million deaths, would occur in countries with low and medium levels of development.

"More than two thirds of cases prevented would be in countries with low and medium levels of human development like India, Nigeria, and Malawi, where there has so far been limited access to HPV vaccination or cervical screening," said lead author Professor Karen Canfell from the Cancer Council New South Wales in Australia.

However, large disparities exist in cervical screening and HPV vaccination coverage among countries.

"Awareness about cervical cancer is extremely poor among common people; that makes containing the disease a challenge," Anjila Aneja, Director at Fortis La Femme, New Delhi, told IANS.

"While societal barriers prevent women from seeking medical help in advance, women are forced to come out at a later stage when the disease has reached an advanced stage," she said.

However, Canfell says that despite the enormity of the problem, their findings suggest that "global elimination is within reach with tools that are already available, provided that both high coverage of HPV vaccination and cervical screening can be achieved.

Cervical cancer is the fourth-most common cancer among women, with an estimated 570,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2018, of which around 85 per cent occur in less developed nations.

Screening and broad-spectrum HPV vaccines could potentially prevent up to 84-90 per cent of cervical cancers, the study said.

"Diagnostic tests such as the pap smear are effective in identifying cancerous tendencies.

"However, these tests are available with a limited number of providers and largely within the cities. This makes screening sporadic and leaves out women who live in rural areas," Aneja added.

--IANS

rt/in/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)BJP leader G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday demanded SHE Teams of Hyderabad Police to book Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao for not giving representation to women in his cabinet.

Kishan Reddy said the Chief Minister should be charged with discriminating against women.

SHE Teams is a unit of Hyderabad Police formed for women's safety and it is aimed at curbing their harassment.

Kishan Reddy, a former legislator and former President of BJP's Telangana unit, told reporters that Chandrashekhar Rao insulted women, who constitute 50 percent of the state's population, by not providing them representation in the cabinet.

There was no woman among the 10 ministers inducted by KCR, as Rao is popularly known, in his cabinet on Tuesday.

The BJP leader pointed out that the previous cabinet of KCR too had no woman.

"For five years, there was no representation for women. This is happening nowhere in the world. Even Islamic countries have women Ministers," said Kishan Reddy

He also slammed KCR for not giving representation to tribals in the cabinet and also for keeping all key portfolios with him.

"He expanded cabinet after 66 days but did not find any Minister capable of holding portfolios like finance, revenue, irrigation and industry. What was the need for expansion?" he asked.

--IANS

ms/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a major revelation that virtually spills the beans on the highly-publicised electoral alliance between the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party, top Sena leader and Maharashtra minister Ramdas Kadam said on Wednesday that the pact was finalised "only after the BJP agreed to share the Chief Minister's post".

He even warned that if the BJP is not keen on adhering to its commitment, "then it is free to scrap the alliance immediately", setting Maharashtra's political cauldron boiling with elections round the corner.

Speaking to media persons, Kadam said that the alliance was primarily agreed on two major points: equal sharing of the Chief Minister's post and shifting the Nanar mega petroleum complex from the eco-sensitive coastal Konkan region.

The commitment between the top leaders was that the two parties would hold the Chief Minister's post for two-and-half-years each, as demanded by the Shiv Sena.

However, if senior BJP leaders make statements that the party which would get more seats in the Assembly would decide on the Chief Minister, it was objectionable, an irked Kadam said.

He was reacting to BJP Minister Chandrakant Patil's statement and dared the partner to "break the alliance immediately" if it didn't intend to abide by the understanding.

On Tuesday, IANS had reported on how the suspense continued between the alliance partners on the Chief Minister's post.

Kadam's utterances have ended the suspense as neither party made a clear statement before the media nor took any questions from journalists at the press conference on Monday when they declared the alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections.

That press conference was addressed by BJP President Amit Shah, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The formula announced was 25 and 23 Lok Sabha seats respectively for the BJP and the Sena. For the 288-member assembly, after accommodating other allies, the two parties would equally share the remaining seats. There was, however, ambiguity on the exact formula that led to the alliance.

Interestingly, Uddhav Thackeray's son, Yuva Sena President Aditya Thackeray, gave clear indications that the Sena may not compromise on the Chief Minister's post.

Reportedly nursing high-level political ambitions, Aditya had tweeted late on Monday: "Both the parties will fight an equal number of (assembly) seats and irrespective of seats won, will share power and posts."

This was interpreted as a possibility of rotating the Chief Minister's post between the two allies, if returned to power, and also the possibility of creating the post of Deputy Chief Minister.

However, Kadam's statements on Wednesday have finally cleared the air on the electoral agreement.

When contacted by IANS, BJP minister Patil's aide declined to comment on the issue.

--IANS

qn/vm/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A snow avalanche killed a soldier while five other soldiers went missing near the Tibet border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Wednesday, officials said.

Five Indo-Tibetan Border Force (ITBP) troopers were also injured in the disaster that occurred at around 11 a.m.

The avalanche was triggered when the glacier near Namgia Dogri bordering Tibet slid, burying six soldiers of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles when 16 soldiers were on routine patrol, a government official said.

The government earlier said in a statement that the avalanche killed five ITBP troopers.

The government said in a revised statement that two separate parties of the Army and the ITBP were patrolling at Namgia Dogri when the avalanche hit.

The soldier who died has been identified as Rajesh Kumar, 41, belonging to Himachal Pradesh.

Deputy Commissioner Gopal Chand told IANS over telephone that approximately 150 people of the Army and the administration were involved in the search operation.

The disaster spot is some 350 km from the state capital.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed grief over the incident and pledged to provide all assistance to the Army to ensure relief and rehabilitation work.

The disaster spot has been witnessing heavy snowfall for the past few days.

Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive moderate to heavy rain and snowfall in the next two days, a weather official in Shimla said.

--IANS

vg/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Asees Singh Chadha, a 19-year-old nephew of the late Ponty Chadha of the Wave Group, who allegedly killed a 51-year-old woman from Turkmenistan here on Monday, failed to get bail on Wednesday from a city court which rejected his application.

Soon after the rejection of the bail plea by Metropolitan Magistrate Ambika Singh, Asees' lawyers moved the Sessions Court for bail, which will be taken up on Thursday.

Chadha, who was driving a luxurious Bentley car, was arrested and charged with rash driving and culpable homicide not amounting to murder after he allegedly injured Alajanowa Gulsat, a tourist from Turkmenistan, seriously by ramming into an auto-rickshaw she was travelling in along with two friends at high speed. The other two women survived the crash while the auto driver received multiple injuries.

Asees is the son of Rajinder Singh Chadha, Ponty's brother and currently Chairman of the Wave Group. Rajinder, also known as Raju Chadha, was responsible for the Wave Group moving into the film production and distribution business in 1999 and in 2005. The group has distributed over 150 Bollywood blockbusters. Two years ago Rajinder faced a complaint of rape from a model but he has denied the allegation.

--IANS

akk/vsc/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Saudi Arabia's national oil company Aramco is positive about the $44 billion refinery it is setting up in Maharashtra and looks to further expand its footprint in India in partnership with the country's private sector.

"We are very optimistic and positive about the progress of the proposed joint refinery project in Maharashtra. We hear that things are progressing well," Aramco Chief Executive Amin Al-Nasser said while briefing reporters on the sidelines of the Saudi India Forum here on Wednesday.

The Forum was organised by the Saudi General Investment Authority in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to coincide with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ongoing visit to India.

Aramco supplies India with 8 lakh barrels of crude oil every day.

Earlier this week, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had announced that opposition by farmers to land acquisition for the proposed refinery has prompted the state government to shift it from Nanar village in Ratnagiri district.

Though Fadnavis did not reveal the new location of the project, he did point out that it will now be built at a place where the local population does not oppose it.

The Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (RRPCL), created as a joint venture of an Indian consortium of state-run oil marketing companies - Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum - has Aramco and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) as its overseas strategic partners.

The Aramco CEO also told reporters, "We are looking not only at the refinery project, but also at other investment opportunities in India in partnership with Indian companies, including Reliance."

--IANS

bc/rtp/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Thousands of people have signed an online petition that calls on the United States to sell the state of Montana to reduce the national debt. A group calling itself Christian moms against private education started a petition on Change.org to sell Montana to Canada for $1 trillion. The U.S. national debt is currently $22 trillion.



Thats a really weird idea Selling the state of Montana to Canada to reduce US national debt!

The description of the petition doesnt say much, except, We have too much debt and Montana is useless. Just tell them it has beavers or something.



More than 7,500 people have signed the petition, which has a goal of 10,000 signatures.

The person who started the petition wrote an update stating that they are just surprised that so many people have backed my cause.

Yes another stupid idea spreading around the world!

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[Change, Siouxland News]ABB Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Spiesshofer met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis here on Wednesday to discuss how a partnership could be created to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalisation technologies for the state.

They also discussed issues of robotics, e-mobility and to take skills development to the next level using AI, said a spokesperson.

"Maharashtra has been a forerunner in AI technology in India. ABB, a pioneering technology leader in digital industries, is ready to support it in developing its digital economy," said Spiesshofer.

He said that with rapidly adopting advanced technologies, the state can expand its role as an export hub, besides enhancing India's role in the global value chain.

Spiesshofer pointed out that 50 per cent of the cars, or one out of every two, manufactured in the automobile hub Pune has ABB automation and robotics involved in its processes, and discussed with Fadnavis how the state's presence as a robotics hub could be enhanced.

The ABB is also working with NITI Aayog to digitalise key sectors of the Indian economy and realize the potential of AI, big data and connectivity.

Wednesday's discussions came at a time when the state government is exploring AI potential to address issues pertaining to agriculture crop yields, innovation and citizen programmes, besides initiatives on electric mobility for cars, buses and auto-rickshaws.

In 2018, the ABB launched the world's fastest electric vehicle charger, capable of providing sufficient charge in just eight minutes for 200 kms of travel, besides flash charging solutions for bus stops.

ABB is said to be the only company in India with capabilities spanning the entire electricity value chain, from grid infrastructure to automation and power management, electrification including electric vehicle charging.

--IANS

qn/mag/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Joan Ryan has become the eighth Labour MP to resign and join a breakaway group, claiming the UK's main opposition party has become "infected with the scourge of anti-Jewish racism", the media reported on Wednesday.

The development comes after seven Labour MPs quit the party on Monday over its policy on Brexit, allegations of anti-Semitism and its general shift to the left under the current leadership of Jeremy Corbyn.

The seven MPs - Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Mike Gapes, Gavin Shuker, Ann Coffey - and Ryan, the legislator for Enfield North, will sit in Parliament as the breakaway Independent Group.

In her resignation letter on Tuesday night, Ryan said: "I cannot remain a member of the Labour Party while this requires me to suggest that I believe Jeremy Corbyn - a man who has presided over the culture of anti-Jewish racism and hatred of Israel that now afflicts my former party - is fit to be Prime Minister of this country. He is not."

Ryan also claimed that there were "many very, very unhappy" MPs in Labour who could come to a similar decision and join the Independent Group.

Corbyn had earlier sought to play down the significance of the seven Labour resignations, reminding the group that they they won their seats in 2017 on Labour's left-wing manifesto.

Labour has suggested MPs who change political allegiance have a duty to seek a fresh mandate from their constituents, the BBC reported.

The party is considering giving voters the power to force MPs who switch parties between general elections to face by-elections by strengthening the existing recall laws.

--IANS

ksk/ab

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Vedanta Ltd is quoting at Rs 159, up 3.85% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The stock is down 51.47% in last one year as compared to a 2.67% spurt in NIFTY and a 29.68% spurt in the Nifty Metal index.

Vedanta Ltd gained for a third straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 159, up 3.85% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.67% on the day, quoting at 10675.35. The Sensex is at 35580.9, up 0.65%. Vedanta Ltd has slipped around 19.88% in last one month.

Meanwhile, Nifty Metal index of which Vedanta Ltd is a constituent, has slipped around 6.62% in last one month and is currently quoting at 2689.7, up 2.27% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 91.78 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 156.57 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark February futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 159.35, up 3.84% on the day. Vedanta Ltd is down 51.47% in last one year as compared to a 2.67% spurt in NIFTY and a 29.68% spurt in the Nifty Metal index.

The PE of the stock is 8.05 based on TTM earnings ending December 18.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Strides Pharma Science announced that its step]down wholly owned subsidiary, Strides Pharma Global, Singapore, has received approval for Ethosuximide Softgel Capsules USP, 250 mg from the United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA).

The product was approved in the first review cycle by the USFDA in less than 10 months of filing under the GDUFA II regime. The product is a generic version of Zarontin Capsules, 250 mg, of Pfizer Inc.

The product will be manufactured at flagship facility in Bangalore and will be marketed by Strides Pharma Inc. in the US market.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)NHPC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Neyveli Lignite Corporation of India (NLCIL) in the area of Power Trading on 18 February 2019 at Chennai.

As per MoU, NHPC and NLCIL will offer surplus power available with northern and north-eastern region to the bulk consumer in the southern region of the Country at affordable price.

Both, NHPC and NLCIL are having category-I trading licence from CERC to trade power in whole of India.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Key benchmark indices were trading higher in early trade, mirroring positive Asian stocks. At 9:22 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 245.33 points or 0.69% at 35,597.94. The Nifty 50 index was up 64.95 points or 0.61% at 10,669.30.

Among secondary barometers,the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.60%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.53%. Both these indices underperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 766 shares rose and 278 shares fell. A total of 52 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian shares traded higher on Wednesday after US-China trade talks resumed. Investors also awaited the release later on Wednesday of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January policy-setting meeting, where policymakers took a dovish turn, effectively signaling no further rate hikes.

US stock indices held steady above the break-even line after opening lower on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump reportedly said Tuesday that trade talks with China are going well, adding the current March deadline is not a "magical date." Both countries have until then to come up with a deal. Otherwise, additional US tariffs on Chinese products could take effect. Trump indicated last week, however, he would be willing to push back the deadline.

Representatives from the US and China are meeting in Washington this week to resume trade negotiations, with high level discussions set to happen later in the week, the White House said Monday. US is reportedly seeking to secure a pledge from China that it will not devalue its yuan currency as part of a trade deal.

Back home, Majesco was up 5.56%. The company announced that American Public Life Insurance Company (APL) selected Majesco L&A and Group Core Suite platform as the foundation of its digital business transformation strategy. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Essel Propack was down 0.65%. The company has further received Rs 40 crore towards repayment of outstanding dues of Inter corporate deposit. Essel has already received Rs 25.30 crore in last month. The balance amount is expected to be received by March 2019. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Vedanta was up 1.63%. The company termed reports of alleged discussions between Vedanta and JSW Steel for a possible last-minute joint bid for Essar Steel as speculative and baseless. The company confirms categorically that it is not in the process of submitting any revised bid for Essar Steel under the IBC process as mentioned in the articles, Vedanta said. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Maharashtra Seamless was up 2.63%. The company made payment of Rs 477 crore for acquisition of United Seamless Tubulaar (USTPL) under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 as approved by Hyderabad Bench of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Duke Offshore surged 19.86%. The company has been awarded a contract by Daewoo - Tata projects JV to provide one initial high speed vessel to support construction for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project. The contract is for a period of 2 years with an extension option upto 30 months and will start in the month of February 2019. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 19 February 2019.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Domestic shares may mirror strength in other Asian stock markets. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 52 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian shares traded higher on Wednesday after US-China trade talks resumed. Investors also awaited the release later on Wednesday of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January policy-setting meeting, where policymakers took a dovish turn, effectively signaling no further rate hikes.

US stock indices held steady above the break-even line after opening lower on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump reportedly said Tuesday that trade talks with China are going well, adding the current March deadline is not a "magical date." Both countries have until then to come up with a deal. Otherwise, additional US tariffs on Chinese products could take effect. Trump indicated last week, however, he would be willing to push back the deadline.

Representatives from the US and China are meeting in Washington this week to resume trade negotiations, with high level discussions set to happen later in the week, the White House said Monday. US is reportedly seeking to secure a pledge from China that it will not devalue its yuan currency as part of a trade deal.

Closer home, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 813.76 crore on 19 February 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1,163.85 crore on 19 February 2019, as per provisional data.

Domestic stocks erased intraday gains to settle with modest losses yesterday, 19 February 2019, in a volatile session. Broader market outperformed the main stock indices. The Nifty reversed gains after touching 10,700 mark in mid-afternoon trade. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, fell 145.83 points or 0.41% to settle at 35,352.61. The Nifty 50 index fell 36.60 points or 0.34% to settle at 10,604.35.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The President of Argentina, Mr. Mauricio Macri, said that Argentina was looking at India as a "partner for the future" and seeking to strengthen trade ties with India based on the principle of complementarity. Addressing a business meeting organized jointly by FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM, Mr. Macri said that Argentina can partner with India in sectors like agriculture, energy, IT, tourism, mining and renewable energy to deepen the trade ties between the two nations. The President urged businessmen on both the sides to take leverage of the opportunities that exist while inviting Indian companies to invest in Argentina.

Mr. Prasanna Sarambale, National Executive Committee Member, FICCI and CEO, Data Center Business and Group Head Business Development, Sterling and Wilson Pvt. Ltd. said that there was no shortage of opportunities for India and Argentina to work together. "The political and economic landscape of our two countries has witnessed wide-ranging changes.

The core focus of both the countries are inclusive growth, sustainable development and thriving business entrepreneurship", he added. Many leading Indian companies like Sterling Wilson, Bajaj, Cognizant Technologies, TAFE, Tata Consultancy Services, United Phosphorus Ltd. etc. were actively participating in development process of Argentina, he informed the delegates.

Mr. Adi Godrej, Past President, CII & Chairman, Godrej Group, said that the current administration has stepped up and liberalized the Argentine economy by lifting capital controls, floating the Peso, removing export controls on commodities, cutting energy subsidies, and reforming the country's official statistics. He added that it was a positive sign of the country's commitment towards strengthening the cooperation and exploring new avenues. "It is important to increase the two-way investment flows to further strengthen our ties in sectors of mutual interest", added Mr Godrej.

Dr. Vinay Sharma, Managing Committee Member, ASSOCHAM and Managing Director, Oil Field Warehouse and Services Ltd., said that the key to strengthening the relationship between India and Argentina was the strong connect between the business community and Government on both sides. He said that India offered the perfect ecosystem for investment opportunities and ease of doing business in the various economic sectors that companies from Argentina can explore. Dr. Sharma highlighted agriculture, oil and gas, IT, space research, mining, tourism and infrastructure as potential areas that the Indian companies can explore for investments in Argentina.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Healthcare Ltd is quoting at Rs 7220.95, down 1.13% on the day as on 13:24 IST on the NSE. The stock jumped 29.65% in last one year as compared to a 2.68% rally in NIFTY and a 8.98% spurt in the Nifty FMCG index.

GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Healthcare Ltd fell for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at 7220.95, down 1.13% on the day as on 13:24 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.68% on the day, quoting at 10676.1. The Sensex is at 35595.15, up 0.69%.GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Healthcare Ltd has gained around 0.11% in last one month.Meanwhile, Nifty FMCG index of which GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Healthcare Ltd is a constituent, has eased around 5.01% in last one month and is currently quoting at 29009.7, down 0.18% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 3572 shares today, compared to the daily average of 13335 shares in last one month.

The PE of the stock is 33.71 based on TTM earnings ending December 18.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)GiveSendGo Acquires FaithLauncher

Contact: Heather Wilson, GiveSendGo , 443-944-1789, Press@GiveSendGo.com BOSTON, Feb. 20, 2019 / Standard Newswire / -- GiveSendGo, the world's largest Christian fundraising platform, announced they have moved forward in acquiring personal fundraising site FaithLauncher . This will create even more opportunities for sharing Hope in our world.The two companies are excited about how this merger will create a centralized place for Christians to create campaigns and support each other both financially and prayerfully."GiveSendGo and FaithLauncher have shared a common mission of not just fundraising to raise money, but raising funds to share the Hope of Jesus in the world. With this acquisition, we will be able to unite the body of Christ, allowing Christians the world over to make an impact far greater than they can on their own," said Jacob Wells, CFO of GiveSendGo. "We welcome the FaithLauncher family to GiveSendGo's global community, and are excited to see where this acquisition will lead us."FaithLauncher's users will be added to the GiveSendGo family and will be able to utilize GiveSendGo's top of the line customer service team, as well as all the unique and easy to use features available on their platform."I am very excited that FaithLauncher will be joining GiveSendGo as we both share an unwavering belief in collaboration," said FaithLauncher Founder Fernando Chavez. "FaithLauncher's early vision was to create an online community where Christians could work as one to support their causes, and there is no better home for FaithLauncher to continue rapidly growing and expanding that vision than with GiveSendGo."GiveSendGo and FaithLauncher finalized the acquisition February 2019.About GiveSendGoLaunched in 2015, GiveSendGo is the world's largest free Christian fundraising platform available in over 26 countries. Millions of dollars have been raised, but more importantly, millions of lives changed by the Hope that has been shared. GiveSendGo is changing the "why" behind crowdfunding. Crowdfunding- no longer just about raising money.Contact:Heather WilsonAims to facilitate issuance of multiple entry visa to nationals of the two countries

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of Agreement between India and South Africa on simplification of visa requirements for travels of certain categories of citizens.

The Agreement aims to facilitate issuance of multiple entry visa to nationals of the two countries who wish to travel to the territory of the other country for tourism, medical, business and official purpose. Such visas are normally required to be issue for a period of up to five years within a specified time limit of five days. In cases where further scrutiny is required both sides may inform the application accordingly.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Benefit to 48.41 lakh Central Government employees and 62.03 lakh pensioners

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to the release of an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees, and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 1 January 2019 representing an increase of 3% over the existing rate of 9% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise. This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).

The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR would be Rs 9168.12 crore per annum and Rs 10696.14 crore in the FY 2019-20 (for a period of 14 months from January 2019 to February 2020). This will benefit about 48.41 lakh Central Government employees and 62.03 lakh pensioners.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Aims to position India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to the National Policy on Electronics 2019 (NPE 2019), proposed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The Policy envisions positioning India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing - (ESDM) by encouraging and driving capabilities in the country for developing core components, including chipsets, and creating an enabling environment for the industry to compete globally. Salient Features of NPE 2019

* Create eco-system for globally competitive ESDM sector: Promoting domestic manufacturing and export in the entire value-chain of ESDM.

* Provide incentives and support for manufacturing of core electronic components.

* Provide special package of incentives for mega projects which are extremely high-tech and entail huge investments, such as semiconductor facilities display fabrication, etc.

* Formulate suitable schemes and incentive mechanisms to encourage new units and expansion of existing units.

* Promote Industry-led R&D and innovation in all sub-sectors of electronics, including grass root level innovations and early stage Start-ups in emerging technology areas such as 5G, loT/ Sensors, Artificial Intelligence (Al), Machine Learning, Virtual Reality (VR), Drones, Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, Photonics, Nano-based devices, etc.

* Provide incentives and support for significantly enhancing availability of skilled manpower, including re-skilling.

* Special thrust on Fabless Chip Design Industry, Medical Electronic Devices Industry, Automotive Electronics Industry and Power Electronics for Mobility and Strategic Electronics Industry.

* Create Sovereign Patent Fund (SPF) to promote the development and acquisition of IPs in ESDM sector.

* Promote trusted electronics value chain initiatives to improve national cyber security profile.

The implementation of the Schemes/ Programmes under the aegis of the National Policy on Electronics 2012 (NPE 2012) has successfully consolidated the foundations for a competitive Indian ESDM value chain. NPE 2019 proposes to build on that foundation to propel the growth of ESDM industry in the country. The National Policy of Electronics 2019 (NPE 2019) replaces the National Policy of Electronics 2012 (NPE 2012).

Implementation strategy and targets

Implementation strategy: The Policy will lead to the formulation of several schemes, initiatives, projects and measures for the development of ESDM sector in the country as per the roadmap envisaged therein.

Targets: Promote domestic manufacturing and export in the entire value-chain of ESDM for economic development to achieve a turnover of US$ 400 billion (approximately Rs 26,00,000 crore) by 2025. This will include targeted production of 1.0 billion (100 crore) mobile handsets by 2025, valued at US$ 190 billion (approximately Rs 13,00,000 crore), including600 million (60 crore) mobile handsets valued at US$ 110 billion (approximately Rs 7,00,000 crore) for export.

Major Impact

The NPE 2019 when implemented will lead to formulation of several schemes, initiatives, projects, etc., in consultation with the concerned Ministries/ Departments, for the development of ESDM sector in the country. It will enable flow of investment and technology, leading to higher value addition in the domestically manufactured electronic products, increased electronics hardware manufacturing in the country and their export, while generating substantial employment opportunities.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The market came off day's high in mid-morning trade. At 11:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 210.57 points or 0.60% at 35,563.18. The Nifty 50 index was up 64.80 points or 0.61% at 10,669.15. Positive cues from other Asian stocks boosted investors sentiment.

The market opened higher and hit fresh intraday high in morning trade. Indices trimmed gains in mid-morning trade.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.35%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.58%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 1309 shares rose and 660 shares fell. A total of 111 shares were unchanged.

Shares of Anil Ambani Group companies declined on reports that the Supreme Court (SC) found Anil Ambani guilty of contempt and said that the Reliance Group companies had no intention of adhering to the payment schedule for outstanding dues to Ericsson AB. Reliance Communications (down 8.42%), Reliance Capital (down 6.98%), Reliance Infrastructure (down 6.1%), Reliance Naval and Engineering (down 4.23%), Reliance Power (down 1.38%) and Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management (down 0.49%), edged lower.

According to reports, SC has given Reliance Communications four weeks to clear the Rs 450-crore dues to Ericsson. The court also said that Chairman Anil Ambani could face three months in jail if Ericsson's dues are not cleared, reports added.

PSU banks advanced on reports that the government may infuse capital in select state-run banks. Corporation Bank (up 4.29%), Central Bank of India (up 3.32%), Indian Bank (up 2.98%), Allahabad Bank (up 2.88%), Punjab & Sind Bank (up 2.01%), Syndicate Bank (up 1.91%), IDBI Bank (up 1.53%), Dena Bank (up 1.48%), Canara Bank (up 1.32%), Punjab National Bank (up 1.29%), State Bank of India (up 1.26%), Bank of Maharashtra (up 1.14%), Union Bank of India (up 1.02%), Bank of Baroda (up 0.93%), Vijaya Bank (up 0.88%), Bank of India (up 0.8%), Andhra Bank (up 0.64%), United Bank of India (up 0.6%) and UCO Bank (up 0.58%), edged higher.

Realty shares were in demand. Unitech (up 4.24%), Parsvnath Developers (up 3.24%), Peninsula Land (up 2.38%), Anant Raj (up 2%), Housing Development and Infrastructure (HDIL) (up 1.80%), Godrej Properties (up 1.62%), Phoenix Mills (up 0.78%), Prestige Estates Projects (up 0.66%), Oberoi Realty (up 0.63%), Mahindra Lifespace Developers (up 0.50%), Indiabulls Real Estate (up 0.28%), Sunteck Realty (up 0.27%), Omaxe (up 0.14%) and Sobha (up 0.12%), edged higher. DLF (down 0.03%) and D B Realty (down 0.23%), edged lower.

Overseas, most Asian shares traded higher on Wednesday after US-China trade talks resumed. Investors also awaited the release later on Wednesday of minutes from the US Federal Reserve's January policy-setting meeting, where policymakers took a dovish turn, effectively signaling no further rate hikes.

US stock indices held steady above the break-even line after opening lower on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump reportedly said Tuesday that trade talks with China are going well, adding the current March deadline is not a "magical date." Both countries have until then to come up with a deal. Otherwise, additional US tariffs on Chinese products could take effect. Trump indicated last week, however, he would be willing to push back the deadline.

Representatives from the US and China are meeting in Washington this week to resume trade negotiations, with high level discussions set to happen later in the week, the White House said Monday. US is reportedly seeking to secure a pledge from China that it will not devalue its yuan currency as part of a trade deal.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A case of Rs 34 lakh loot in West Delhi's Kirti Nagar, involving a cloth merchant, has turned out to be fake. The police on Wednesday said the complainant Vinay had himself concocted the loot theory.

It was earlier reported that cloth merchant Vinay was robbed of Rs 34 lakh by two bike-borne robbers outside his house when he was preparing to leave for Karol Bagh in his car.

The robbers allegedly committed the crime on the excuse of asking an address.

Police have lodged an FIR and are investigating the case.

"Police have recovered the money from the complainant's house. He poured chilli powder in his own eyes to manufacture the loot theory," a Delhi Police official said.

The money belonged to one of friends of Vinay. "It seems that the greed for money prompted Vinay to hatch the loot theory," police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Sri Lanka fast bowler Suranga Lakhmal has come out in support of Vishwa Fernando, addressing the importance of the bowler in the team.

With the heroics of Kushal Perera and Vishwa Fernando in the first match, Sri Lanka took an early lead in the two-Test series against South Africa.

"We had actually desperately needed a left-armer in the team. When you have a left-armer, your combination is very different. In the last little while, we played with three right-handers, and you have all got the same angle and pace. Lahiru Kumara was the only one who had a bit of extra speed," ESPNCricinfo quoted Lakhmal, as saying.

"Vishwa is massively important for the other bowlers in the unit as well, because of that angle he creates. When he plays, at least one of us in the unit can bank on getting wickets, because the batsmen have to constantly adjust to the angle, and it is tough. He has got the chance now, and I am sure he will continue in the same way. His bowling in that Test was very special. If he can be as threatening as he was to the opposition, it is because he has got a lot of talent," he said.

Fernando starred with both bat and ball in the first Test match. He took an eight wicket-haul in the match and provided much-needed support to Perera in the end to chase down the target of 304 runs.

Sri Lanka would go into the second match looking to create history as no Asian team has been able to win a series against South Africa at their home ground.

Sri Lanka will take on South Africa on February 21 in the second Test match at Port Elizabeth.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has offered to broker peace between India and Pakistan in view of the growing tension between the two neighbours after a suicide attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on February 14.

Al Jazeera quoted UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric as saying "We are deeply concerned at the increasing tensions between the two countries."

Dujarric informed that Guterres has stressed "the importance of both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalate," while also offering to mediate "should both sides ask."

United Nations has called upon New Delhi and Islamabad to take steps to defuse tensions after what is called the worst attack on the security forces in three decades in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The attack that killed as many as 42 CRPF personnel on Thursday in south Kashmir's Pulwama district was claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The members of Moovendar Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Forward Bloc on Wednesday held a protest demanding re-naming of the Madurai airport after Tamil political figure Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar.

The protestor organised the protest in front of the statue of Thevar in Madurai district in Tamil Nadu.

At present, the airport is known as Madurai International Airport.

It is a customs airport serving Madurai and its surrounding districts of the state. It is located about 12 km from the Madurai railway station.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump described as a "horrible situation" the February Pulwama terrorist attack, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

Trump said he was getting reports on the attack carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed group and would soon issue a statement in the connection.

"I've seen it, I've watched, I've gotten a lot of reports on it. We'll have a comment at the appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) got along," Trump said.

"It seems like that was a horrible situation. But we're getting reports, we'll have a statement to put out," the President added when asked to review the terror attack.

Meanwhile, Deputy Spokesperson of US State Department Robert Palladino, while addressing the press at the White House on Tuesday, pledged strong commitment with India to combat terrorism in all forms and further called on Pakistan to act against the terror organisations operating in the country.

"We condemn in the strongest terms possible the terrorist attack that occurred last week on an Indian Central Reserve Police Force convoy in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. We're committed to working with the Indian government to combat terrorism in all of its forms," Palladino said.

"The perpetrator of that heinous act claimed allegiance to the United Nations-designated, Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, and we call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists," he added.

When asked what the US would like to see Pakistan specifically do in the case of Jaish-e-Mohammed, the deputy spokesperson urged Pakistan to "fully cooperate with the investigations into the attack and to punish anyone responsible."

Echoing condolences for the victim of the terror attack, the deputy spokesperson noted that the US shares "a close, cooperative relationship with India, a security relationship, and that includes counterterrorism operations."

"And so we're committed to working with India, the Indian government, and on these counterterrorism efforts, both bilaterally and multilaterally, including at the United Nations," Palladino added.

40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday after a suicide bomber rammed a car laden with explosives into a CRPF convoy in Awantipora area of Pulwama in Kashmir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A week after Pulwama terror attack, thousands of Kashmiri youth swarmed the army recruitment rally in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir to apply for the 111 post.

At least 2,500 young men in the state on Tuesday took part in Army recruitment rally held in Gantamulla area the district.

Tariq Aziz, an army aspirant told ANI that Kashmiri youth will chose the Army to earn a livelihood of respect and serve the nation.

"We are happy and thankful to Army that they are providing us an opportunity to serve our country. Due to financial issues, we cannot go out of Kashmir for work, hence, they (Army) is giving us an opportunity to work. The Army behaves very well with people of Kashmir. It is very sad that some youth are distracted and are choosing the wrong path. I would like to appeal youth of Kashmir to shun violence and chose the right path. The Kashmiri youth who understand things will chose the Army, to serve the nation," Aziz said.

Another aspirant thanked the Indian Army for giving an opportunity to serve the country. "I would like to thank the Army for keeping their trust on us and giving us an opportunity to get recruited and serve for the country," another aspirant said.

The huge turnout shows that the youth are upbeat following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

While speaking to ANI, one of the Army aspirants said: "By joining Army, we can serve the nation and also protect our families and take care of them as we hardly have any employment opportunities in the Valley."

"We cannot go outside Kashmir. This is a great opportunity for us. We wish that more vacancies are offered to us. If Kashmiri personnel will be deployed in the sensitive areas then they can talk to the people and deal with the ongoing crisis," another applicant said.

This comes amid reports of harassment of students from the Valley in various states of India after the Pulwama terrorist attack. As many as 300 Kashmiri students studying in different states are returning to their home owing to attacks and threats reports.

Following this, the safety and security of the students from Jammu and Kashmir, studying in different states was reviewed by the Advisor to Governor, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai on Sunday.

Baseer informed that he was in constant touch with authorities in different States which have assured of adequate security to the students, adding that helplines have been set up to register queries from students and parents and to provide any help in real time.

Meanwhile, Corps Commander of the Army's 15 Corps Lieutenant General Kanwaljeet Singh Dhillon yesterday during a press conference requested Kashmiri youths to not join terrorism. "I request all the mothers of Kashmir to please request their sons who have joined terrorism to surrender and get back to the mainstream. Anyone who has picked up the gun in Kashmir will be eliminated, unless he surrenders," he said. Dillon further added that the government's surrender policy will help youths to return to the mainstream.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber, driving a car laden with explosives, attacked their convoy in Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, claimed the responsibility for the attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In this illustration, an asteroid (bottom left) breaks apart under the powerful gravity of LSPM J0207+3331, the oldest, coldest white dwarf known to be surrounded by a ring of dusty debris. Scientists think the system's infrared signal is best explained by two distinct rings composed of dust supplied by crumbling asteroids.

A volunteer working with the NASA-led Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project has found the oldest and coldest known white dwarf -- an Earth-sized remnant of a Sun-like star that has died -- ringed by dust and debris. Astronomers suspect this could be the first known white dwarf with multiple dust rings.

The star, LSPM J0207+3331 or J0207 for short, is forcing researchers to reconsider models of planetary systems and could help us learn about the distant future of our solar system.

"This white dwarf is so old that whatever process is feeding material into its rings must operate on billion-year timescales," said John Debes, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. "Most of the models scientists have created to explain rings around white dwarfs only work well up to around 100 million years, so this star is really challenging our assumptions of how planetary systems evolve."

A paper detailing the findings, led by Debes, was published in the Feb. 19 issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters and is now available online. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ab0426

J0207 is located around 145 light-years away in the constellation Capricornus. White dwarfs slowly cool as they age, and Debes' team calculated J0207 is about 3 billion years old based on a temperature just over 10,500 degrees Fahrenheit (5,800 degrees Celsius). A strong infrared signal picked up by NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission -- which mapped the entire sky in infrared light -- suggested the presence of dust, making J0207 the oldest and coldest white dwarf with dust yet known. Previously, dust disks and rings had only been observed surrounding white dwarfs about one-third J0207's age.

When a Sun-like star runs out of fuel, it swells into a red giant, ejects at least half of its mass, and leaves behind a very hot white dwarf. Over the course of the star's giant phase, planets and asteroids close to the star become engulfed and incinerated. Planets and asteroids farther away survive, but move outward as their orbits expand. That's because when the star loses mass, its gravitational influence on surrounding objects is greatly reduced.

This scenario describes the future of our solar system. Around 5 billion years from now, Mercury, then Venus and possibly Earth will be swallowed when the Sun grows into a red giant. Over hundreds of thousands to millions of years, the inner solar system will be scrubbed clean, and the remaining planets will drift outward.

Yet some white dwarfs -- between 1 and 4 percent -- show infrared emission indicating they're surrounded by dusty disks or rings. Scientists think the dust may arise from distant asteroids and comets kicked closer to the star by gravitational interactions with displaced planets. As these small bodies approach the white dwarf, the star's strong gravity tears them apart in a process called tidal disruption. The debris forms a ring of dust that will slowly spiral down onto the surface of the star.

J0207 was found through Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, a project led by Marc Kuchner, a co-author and astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, that asks volunteers to sort through WISE data for new discoveries.

Melina Thevenot, a co-author and citizen scientist in Germany working with the project, initially thought the infrared signal was bad data. She was searching through the ESA's (European Space Agency's) Gaia archives for brown dwarfs, objects too large to be planets and too small to be stars, when she noticed J0207. When she looked at the source in the WISE infrared data, it was too bright and too far away to be a brown dwarf. Thevenot passed her findings along to the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 team. Debes and Kuchner contacted collaborator Adam Burgasser at the University of California, San Diego to obtain follow-up observations with the Keck II telescope at the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii.

"That is a really motivating aspect of the search," said Thevenot, one of more than 150,000 citizen scientists on the Backyard Worlds project. "The researchers will move their telescopes to look at worlds you have discovered. What I especially enjoy, though, is the interaction with the awesome research team. Everyone is very kind, and they are always trying to make the best out of our discoveries."

The Keck observations helped confirm J0207's record-setting properties. Now scientists are left to puzzle how it fits into their models.

Debes compared the population of asteroid belt analogs in white dwarf systems to the grains of sand in an hourglass. Initially, there's a steady stream of material. The planets fling asteroids inward towards the white dwarf to be torn apart, maintaining a dusty disk. But over time, the asteroid belts become depleted, just like grains of sand in the hourglass. Eventually, all the material in the disk falls down onto the surface of the white dwarf, so older white dwarfs like J0207 should be less likely to have disks or rings.

J0207's ring may even be multiple rings. Debes and his colleagues suggest there could be two distinct components, one thin ring just at the point where the star's tides break up the asteroids and a wider ring closer to the white dwarf. Follow-up with future missions like NASA's James Webb Space Telescope may help astronomers tease apart the ring's constituent parts.

"We built Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 mostly to search for brown dwarfs and new planets in the solar system," Kuchner said. "But working with citizen scientists always leads to surprises. They are voracious -- the project just celebrated its second birthday, and they've already discovered more than 1,000 likely brown dwarfs. Now that we've rebooted the website with double the amount of WISE data, we're looking forward to even more exciting discoveries."

Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 is a collaboration between NASA, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, Arizona State University, National Optical Astronomy Observatory, the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, the University of California San Diego, Bucknell University, the University of Oklahoma, and Zooniverse, a collaboration of scientists, software developers and educators who collectively develop and manage citizen science projects on the internet.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, manages and operates WISE for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The WISE mission was selected competitively under NASA's Explorers Program managed by the agency's Goddard Space Flight Center. The science instrument was built by the Space Dynamics Laboratory in Logan, Utah. The spacecraft was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. in Boulder, Colorado. Placed in hibernation in 2011, the spacecraft was reactivated in 2013 and renamed NEOWISE. Science operations and data processing take place at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center at Caltech, which manages JPL for NASA.

For more information about Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, visit: http://backyardworlds.org

For more information about NASA's WISE mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/wise



Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith on Wednesday said the UK and India have suffered from terror attacks but commitments over investments between the two countries should not be affected.

"UK and India have suffered from terrorist attacks. So, what happened in India last week in Kashmir is something that we regret. We send our condolences and we deplore terrorism wherever it takes place. Our commitment with India remains extremely strong," said Asquith, while talking to ANI exclusively.

"But we would never expect that because of these terrorist attacks the investors from the UK go away. Our commitment to India remains very strong and we will be successful partners even in the future as we have remained in the past," he said.

"India is the second biggest defence exporter in the world and the UK is particularly interested in the possibilities that exist here," Asquith said, while expressing investment plans in the defence sector of India.

Meanwhile, Russian Minister Denis Manturov also extended condolences to the victims of the Pulwama terror attack, which took place on January 14, claiming the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans.

"Definitely, we would also like to convey our condolences about the terrorist attack that happened. Russia supports India in its fight against terrorism," said Manturov.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan Ambassador to Afghanistan Zahid Nasrullah Khan on Tuesday claimed that the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan could have serious implication over Afghan-peace process.

"Since the development is so momentous that it can affect the stability of the entire region," Tolo news quoted Zahid as saying.

This came in the wake of deescalation of India and Pakistan relations after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed by a Pakistan-sponsered JeM terrorist.

While talking about Pakistan efforts in the peace process, he said, "Pakistan is making a very major effort, playing its key role which is being recognized internationally. But it is a shared responsibility. Everyone has a responsibility towards it and Pakistan has a limited role in that, but what limited role we have, we are playing that. We also have limited influence. So expect Pakistan deliver on each and every account I think is not reasonable. Yes, we believe that it has to be intra-Afghan talks that is where all issues will be decided." he said.

Echoing the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent warning to India, The Pakistan envoy also said that the country will strike back against any military hostility by New Delhi.

Zahid remarks came hours after Imran Khan warned India that his country will retailiation if military action is launched by India.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Nine Indian fishermen along with two fishing boats were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy near the shore of the Delft Island on Wednesday.

The reason for their arrest is yet to be ascertained.

They are being interrogated at Kankesanthurai Naval Camp in Sri Lanka.

Earlier on January 21, Vanni court in Sri Lanka released 11 Indian fishermen who were caught by the Sri Lankan Navy on January 13.

The fishermen have been ordered to appear before the court on February 21 along with boat owners and original documents of their vessels.

Straying of Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen into each others' waters is a recurrent problem as territories on the sea are not clearly demarcated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday directed officials to withdraw 60 civil appeals filed by the government in the Supreme Court against the orders of Armed Forces Tribunal/Courts in ex-servicemen pension cases.

In all these cases, the apex court has settled the law, or the government has issued policy letters after filing civil appeals.

In January, retired Short Service Commission (SSC) officers of the armed forces had held a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding pension and health facilities.

The former officers claimed that post-retirement facilities and privileges accorded to them have been either diluted or withdrawn.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Shiv Sena on Wednesday said the party finalised the alliance with the Bharatiya Janta Party after the BJP agreed to equally share the post of chief minister.

Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena MLA Ramdas Kadam said the BJP should break the alliance with Shiv Sena if they don't comply with the proposed chief minister formula.

"When BJP President Amit Shah met Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray in Matoshri, it was decided that the chief minister will be from BJP for two and a half years, while for the rest of the period, a Shiv Sena leader will be chief minister, irrespective of who wins how many seats. Now someone says that chief minister should be from the party that has more MLAs. So, if they (BJP) don't like this then they should break the alliance," Kadam said.

Earlier, Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray was seen pacifying his party workers and telling them that they have come to an agreement that the Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena after Maharashtra assembly elections.

In a joint press conference with Shah and Thackeray earlier this week, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Shiv Sena will fight on 23 Lok Sabha seats and the BJP on 25 seats out of 48 Lok Sabha seats at stake in the upcoming general elections.

The two parties have agreed to contest an equal number of seats in the Assembly polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)He skipped any reference to the Pulwama attack at a joint press interaction here even after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the "barbaric" terror incident and emphasised that pressure must be mounted on countries supporting terrorism so that they dismantle terror infrastructure existing on their soil and take action against the terror elements.

"Extremism and terrorism are our common concern. We would like to tell our friend India that we will extend all kinds of cooperation, including intelligence sharing. We will work with everyone to ensure a brighter future for our upcoming generations," Mohammed bin Salman, who is popularly known as MBS, said at a joint press interaction with Modi.

The terror attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama on February 14, in which 40 personnel were killed, was claimed by JeM.

The skipping of mention of Pulwama attack by MBS assumes significance as only two days back he was in Pakistan where a joint statement issued after his talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan had "underlined the need for avoiding politicization of UN listing regime."

The mention of "avoiding politicization of UN listing regime" was seen as significant as it came at a time when India, along with the US, UK, France and Russia, are pushing a proposal at the UN Security Council for listing Pakistan-based and backed JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. The proposal is being stonewalled by China, which has put a "technical hold" on it.

At the joint press interaction here on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi said the "barbaric" attack in Pulwama last week highlighted the threat of terror on the world.

He said all kinds of pressure should be mounted on the countries which provide "any kind of support" to terrorism so that the terror infrastructure there is dismantled and action is taken against the terror elements.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed-bin Salman on Wednesday hailed ties with India and affirmed that India and Saudi Arabia together will create good things for the betterment of the two nations.

"Today we want to be sure that this relationship is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. And with the leadership of the President and the Prime Minister, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India," the Saudi Crown Prince said.

"The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia goes more than 2000 years of history. We know Indian people as friends," he added.

The remarks by the Saudi Crown Prince came after he was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The Saudi Crown Prince arrived in India late on Tuesday evening, where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport.

The Prime Minister and MBS, as the Saudi Crown Prince is also known, will hold bilateral talks tomorrow, during which terrorism is expected to figure prominently, particularly in the backdrop of the Pulwama attack.

India is likely to raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the two countries are expected to sign ties to enhance cooperation in various fields during the "landmark event in high-level bilateral ties".

Other issues likely to figure in the talks include defence and security. The two sides are expected to sign five MoUs in fields ranging from defence, healthcare etc.

The Saudi Crown Prince has currently embarked on a four-country Asian tour that besides India, also includes Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia. He recently concluded his Pakistan visit.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Call it an accident or a staged stunt, Samsung's first TV commercial for the anticipated Galaxy S10+ is out ahead of the official release tonight.

The TV commercial, aired by Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 shows the sleek next-generation Galaxy smartphone, confirming a number of rumours about the anticipated device.

The video shows off the smartphone featuring a hole-punch notched infinity screen, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and a triple camera setup at the back. It also hints at the wireless charging capability of the phone, and a set of new wireless earpods.

Samsung will officially take the wraps off the new Galaxy S10 lineup at an event which will be livestreamed at 12:30 AM IST.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Actor Salman Khan's appeal against the CJM Rural Court ruling in the Blackbuck case has been adjourned till April 3. The actor had challenged his five-year jail sentence for killing endangered blackbucks in 1998.

"Salman Khan's appeal against the sentencing was supposed to be heard today, but it has been postponed due to the court being busy," advocate Sushma Dhara told ANI, adding that the date has been postponed to April 3.

The appeal against Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre by the Bishnoi community, and the government's appeal against acquitting Salman Khan for the possession of illegal arms too has been postponed till April 3.

The cases were supposed to be heard by district judge Chandra Kumar Sonagara.

Notably, in October 1998, total three cases in connection with poaching and one under the Arms Act were registered against Salman. The 52-year-old actor allegedly shot two blackbucks in Bhagoda ki Dhani in Kankani village near Jodhpur during the shooting of 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'.

Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam were also present in the vehicle Salman allegedly used for hunting the endangered species protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Act.

Salman was charged under Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and others under Section 51 read with Section 149 (unlawful assembly) of the Indian Penal Code.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)After the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demanded a privilege motion against Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for his comments in the aftermath of the ghastly Pulwama terror attack, the Punjab Congress on Wednesday criticised it for playing "dualism".

"As far as Akali Dal is concerned, it has always played dualism. They have not taken a single stand. As far as the Congress is concerned, the party is fully aware of the matter related to Navjot Singh Sidhu. The Congress party's leadership is aware of the matter and whatever he said we all know and it will take its course in the coming days," Punjab Cabinet Minister Vijay Inder Singla told ANI.

Defending Sidhu, Congress leader Pargat Singh said that the Punjab cabinet minister does not need to prove his nationalistic character. "Navjot Singh Sidhu does not need to prove himself a nationalist. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia levelling allegations against him as a traitor or an anti- does not make him the same."

This came after SAD MLAs on Tuesday jumped into the Well of the House demanding the resignation of Sidhu who had reportedly said a country (Pakistan) can't be blamed for the actions of a few individuals.

Majithia claimed that the party was not allowed to pass a resolution against Sidhu in the House.

"Punjab CM passes a resolution condemning Pulwama attack. But a man (Sidhu) in the cabinet praises Pakistan. We wanted to move a resolution against it in the Assembly today, but we were not allowed. If we can't speak in the Assembly, where do we speak?" he asked.

Opposition members protested against Sidhu in the state Assembly today as a mark of protest against Sidhu. During the Question Hour in the Assembly, SAD-BJP MLAs raised slogans against Sidhu.

Before the start of the Punjab budget session, Akali leaders set ablaze photographs of Sidhu, including those in which he was seen hugging the Pakistan Army chief, outside the House.

Keeping aside the domestic politics, a resolution was reportedly unanimously passed in the House on Monday condemning the Pulwama attack.

Sidhu, however, remained firm on his stand and reiterated that the country's fight is against terrorism and perpetrators of terror.

"I am firm on my stand. Terrorism will not be tolerated. People who are responsible should be punished so harshly that it acts as deterrence for generations to come," Sidhu told reporters here.

Nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Awantipora in a terror attack orchestrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan based and backed terror outfit.

The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora on February 14.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In an efforts to secure the return of the besieged Syrian civilians, Russia opened two humanitarian corridors to evacuate the displaced people in al-Rukban Camp in al Tanf area of Syria's Homs on Tuesday.

"Due to the urgent need to address the problems of the displaced in al-Rukban Camp, two corridors were opened in the towns of Jleighem and Jabal al-Ghurab on the outskirts of al-Tanf area to facilitate the evacuation of the civilians from the camp," Sanna news quoted Russian National Center for State Defence Control General Lieutenant Mikhail Mezentsev as saying.

Mezentsev claimed that the situation is "catastrophic" in the camp where around 50 thousand displaced Syrians are being held hostages by the terrorist organisations under the control of the US.

Units of the Syrian Arab Army, together with the Russian military police, take charge of securing the safety of the displaced people all the way to the new residential places.

Russia has always accused the US of holding people in Rukban hostage.

"We call on the American command and leaders of illegal militant groups in the al-Tanf region to put an end to the forcible keeping of women and children, mostly affected by cold, illness and malnutrition in the camp. All of them will be given necessary assistance," Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said on February 15.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday said that they very well understand the pain of the families whose near and dear ones achieved martyrdom in Pulwama terror attack.

Sharing his grief and condolences with the family members of martyrs-Amit Kumar Kori and Pradeep Kumar-here, Rahul said: "We are with you in your grief. Our brave soldiers have sacrificed their lives for the country. The father of (Amit Kumar) said that he was sad but also proud of his son."

Rahul, who was speaking at a prayer meeting, said: "I would also like to say that we are saddened but are also proud of the fact that a family of Hindustan spent the whole life in educating his son; the family gave the entire love to the son, and the son on his part sacrificed everything for the nation. We can never forget this fact."

Referring to an observation earlier made by Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul said: "My sister stated that our father met the same kind of fate. We can understand the pain you have in your heart, the magnitude of your agony. We are here to sit with you for five minutes and tell you that we are with you in this moment of grief."

"I am not just talking about the sacrifice of (Amit Kumar), but all those CRPF jawans who have attained martyrdom for the nation. I want to tell their families that we are with you," he said, reiterating that there is no power in the world which can "divide and scare" India.

"India is a land of brave people. Our soldiers have proved this again," he said. The Congress president said that in this hour of grief he would not like to speak much. "However, I must tell you all that his nation is one. It is everybody's country. India is a country of love and fraternity. This is the message of Hindustan," he said.

Earlier speaking, Priyanka Gandhi also said that the entire nation was indebted to the martyrs. "It is not that only you are saddened. We all are saddened. In a way, we have also seen such an agony."

"Therefore, we can fully understand the kind of time you must be passing through. We will never want you to feel alone. The whole nation is with you. We are with you and will always take care of you. We express our tribute and respect towards all those who have laid down their lives for the nation," said Priyanka.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and AICC General Secretary Priyanka were accompanied by AICC General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia and Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Raj Babbar.

It is worth mentioning that Priyanka was recently made the Congress general secretary and has been given the responsibility of managing party affairs in eastern UP for the coming Lok Sabha elections, while Scindia has been given the charge of western UP.

The Congress party has decided to contest all 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Uttar Pradesh after the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) announced their seat-sharing arrangement without making the Congress a part of their alliance.

The two parties have agreed to contest 38 seats each, while they have announced to not field their candidates from Rae Bareli and Amethi, the two seats currently represented by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi respectively.

On February 14, as many as 40 jawans of CRPF were killed when their convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-bases terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in south Kashmir's Pulwama district while they were travelling to Srinagar from Jammu.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Amid protests across the country in the wake of the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama, a ceramic factory in Morbi district of Gujarat has started manufacturing tiles with the inscription 'Pakistan Murdabad'.

The tiles, inscribed with 'Pakistan Murdabad' along with Pakistan's flag, will be used in the construction of public toilets in protest against Pakistan backing terrorist groups.

The factory owner Suresh Kasundra said, "We are doing it to register our protest against Pakistan. We will increase the production of tiles with demand. Now, these tiles will be used in public toilets of Morbi. But, if we get demand from the other places then we will provide it to them for free as well."

"We have taken it up to protest against Pakistan in the wake of Pulwama terrorist attack. We have done to show Pakistan its status. When people will urinate on these tiles, they will get to know their status," a factory worker Ravi said.

On February 14, nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed when their convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based and backed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in south Kashmir's Pulwama district while they were travelling to Srinagar from Jammu.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Authorities on Wednesday relaxed for three hours curfew in Jammu city where it was imposed following violence in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Curfew was clamped in entire Jammu city on Friday after massive anti-Pakistan protests and sporadic incidents of violence broke out over the terror attack in Pulwama district of south Kashmir which left 40 CRPF personnel dead on February 14.

On Monday, curfew was relaxed for two hours in the jurisdiction of three police station areas of Jammu from 2 pm to 5 pm.

"Relaxation has been given in curfew in Jammu city between 8 am to 11 am today," Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar told ANI.

A review of the situation will be carried out later today, he added.

Kumar also said that all educational institutions in Jammu will remain closed today.

Authorities have also warned of strict action against those who upload fake, inflammatory posts and pictures on social media.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber, driving a car laden with explosives, attacked their convoy in Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, claimed the responsibility for the attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)On his second visit to the country as the Prime Minister, Modi will receive the Seoul Peace Prize, which was announced by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in October last year in recognition of his dedicated service to international cooperation, global growth and human development.

He will have extensive talks with President Moon Jae-in after which some MoUs are expected to be signed.

The Prime Minister will also address business leaders of the two countries, unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi and visit the Cemetery in Seoul. He will also address the Indian community there.

The trip reflects the importance both the countries attach to the bilateral ties, Modi said in a pre-departure statement here on Wednesday.

"During this visit, apart from my discussions with I am confident that this visit will help us to further strengthen this important partnership," he said.

"We regard the Republic of Korea as a valued friend, a nation with which we have a Special Strategic Partnership. As fellow democracies, India and the ROK have shared values and a shared vision for regional and global peace. As fellow market economies, our needs and strengths are complementary," Modi said.

"The growing depth and variety in our relationship has been accentuated by the harmony between our 'Act East' Policy and ROK's 'New Southern' Policy. Working together, we are determined to take our relationship forward as a 'future oriented partnership for People, Prosperity and Peace'," he said.

He said ROK is an important partner for the 'Make in India' initiative as well as in the 'Start Up India' and 'Clean India' initiatives. "Our collaboration in the field of science and technology is encouraging, with our joint research ranging from basic to advanced sciences," Modi added.

"Our people-to-people ties and exchanges, as always, provide the bedrock of our ties of friendship," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Pakistani prisoner serving a life term in the Central jail here was allegedly killed by other inmates after a fight over the volme of television, prison officials said on Wednesday.

"The prisoner, identified as Shakur Ullah, died allegedly in a brawl with other inmates," said Inspector General of Police, Prisons, Rupinder Singh.

Additional Commissioner, Jaipur, Laxman Gaur, said: "Around four prisoners, including the Pakistani inmate, were watching TV when a brawl broke out among them over volume. As the fight escalated, the three convicts bashed Ullah's head against a stone."

Gaur said the incident happened at around 1 pm on Wednesday.

According to police, Shakur Ullah from Sialkot district of Pakistan was arrested in 2011 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. In 2017, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Police said the investigation in the matter is underway.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Pakistani prisoner was found dead at the Jaipur Central Jail in Rajasthan on Wednesday, police said.

The prisoner, identified as Shakar Ullah, died allegedly in a brawl with other inmates, said Inspector General of Police for Prisons Rupinder Singh.

"He was lodged here since 2011 and died following a brawl with other inmates," the IG added.

Further details are awaited.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US Senator Bernie Sanders has picked Pakistani-origin Faiz Shakir to serve as campaign manager for his second run at the White House, according to reports.

The son of Pakistani immigrants, Shakir an experienced Democratic operative who was national political director at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), will manage the 2020 presidential campaign of the Vermont Senator.

Shakir, who grew up in Florida was a senior advisor to former Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and worked at the liberal Centre for American Progress think tank.

According to the CNN, Shakir replaces Jeff Weaver, Sanders' first presidential campaign manager. Reportedly, Shakir held a meeting with his team at the ACLU at noon on Tuesday to announce that he was leaving ACLU to join the Sanders campaign.

The 39-year-old will be the first Muslim to ever hold a position of the campaign manager of the presidential campaign.

A graduate from Harvard University, Shakir had also served as senior adviser and director of digital media for Senator Nancy Pelosi, helping wage key fights on behalf of the LGBT and Muslim American communities.

On January 19, Bernie Sanders had announced that he will be contesting in the 2020 presidential election.

It will be his second consecutive bid for the Democratic nomination after losing to Hillary Clinton in 2016.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Acting on a directive of the Election Commission of India (ECI), a demonstration-cum-mock poll on the functioning of EVM-VVPAT was conducted in the premises of the Orissa High Court on Tuesday.

The exercise was held before Justice Kalpesh Satyendra Jhaveri, Chief Justice of Orissa High Court and other Puisne judges of the High Court.

During the demonstration, Surendra Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha made a brief presentation on the EVM- VVPAT and informed the judges that the VVPAT will be used for the first time in the forthcoming simultaneous general elections in Odisha.

The Chief Justice of Orissa High Court and all the judges participated in a mock poll and were satisfied with the demonstration.

Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha informed the judges about the Voter Helpline application developed by the ECI whereby any voter can verify their names in the electoral roll. The application is available for download on Google playstore.

The judges were also informed that application for inclusion or correction can be made currently, which is the period of continuous updating of electoral polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in collaboration with Physikalisch-TechnischeBundesanstalt (PTB) organised a one-day workshop on PTB-Ganges Project themed "Strengthening of Water Quality for Monitoring Water Quality of Ganga" at the NMCG headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The aim of the workshop was to project frame and primary findings, disseminate necessary information about the projects and get the inputs and commitment from stakeholders.

The stakeholders such as CPCB, State Project Management Groups from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, all the 5 State Pollution Control Boards, C-Ganga, Institute of Hydrology, Central Water Commission, WWF India, Physical Laboratory, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, GIZ India took part in the event.

NMCG Director General Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, while welcoming the guests, said "There has been a strong collaboration between India and Germany in the water sector and especially the Namami Gange Programme. Since the very inception, Germany has been the first and foremost collaborator with NMCG, with GIZ India taking the lead and partnering with us for projects in Uttarakhand. This workshop aims to create a positive discussion around real-time assessment of data and find quality measures to support those techniques."

"We need to identify the best and logical ways for data collection with correct methodology and sampling techniques. The end results after these interventions in one state should be applicable in other states as well and the qualitative data should not vary. I look forward to the collaborative partnership between NMCG and PTB which will further strengthen our resolve to work for Nirmal and Aviral Ganga."

Wolfgang Koster, Deputy Head of Economic Cooperation and Development, German Embassy, said "This workshop is an example of successful Indo-German Partnership. It is a new push to our commitment towards Indo-German co-operation and development. While we are working in the upstream of Uttarakhand for cleaning the Ganga River, the whole of Ganga River will be our topmost priority. It is important that we harmonize the process of data collection, sampling and monitoring strategies and technical issues ranging from reliability of data quality. Moreover, sample collection with right equipment's also needs to be addressed. I believe that this workshop will be the start of a robust partnership and the goal of Ganga Rejuvenation with the support of all stakeholders."

The study and discussions in this one-day workshop will help in determining favorable outcomes for developing the policy guidelines that would help to improve the quality of data for monitoring the Ganga River.

Moreover, data quality would improve through the sampling and analysis of the water samples based on recognized quality assurance measures and a key focus on improving the coordination between all competent bodies and stakeholders.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The New Zealand Parliament on Wednesday unanimously passed a motion condemning the terror attack on India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

The motion that was moved by Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters without prior notice, said, "This house condemns the attack on the Indian Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Pulwama."

"I move the motion that this House condemns the February 14 act of terrorism on Indian Central Reserved Police personnel leading to a very large loss of life."

"We offer condolences to the people and the government of India and offer solidarity with the government of India in this difficult time as well as offer our deep sympathies to those affected," Peters added.

40 CRPF personnel were killed last week after a suicide bomber rammed a car laden with explosives into a CRPF convoy in Awantipora area of Pulwama.

Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility of the attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday asserted that former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti should not turn into an 'aasteen ka saanp' (should not bite the hand that feeds her) in reference to her recent statements on the Pulwama terror attack.

"I just want to tell Mehbooba Mufti that she should stop loving Pakistan. If India feeds her, she should side with the country. She should not bite the hand that feeds her (aasteen ka saanp)" he told ANI.

Singh's remark comes a day after Mufti said Imran Khan "deserves a chance" as he has "recently taken over", following the Pakistan Prime Minister's televised statement on the recent Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel on February 14.

Earlier today, Mufti reiterated her stance and said Pakistan should be given the proof it sought in connection with the dastardly terror attack.

"It is true that whether it was Pathankot attack or Mumbai attack they (Pakistan) were given proof but they did not take action. But because Imran Khan is a new PM and he is talking about a new start, he should be given a chance. We should give proof and see what they do," she told media here on Wednesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Congress is expected to announce its alliance and seat-sharing agreement with the DMK for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and by-election soon as the talks with DMK chief MK Stalin's has been underway since past few weeks, according to sources.

This came after a day the Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced that it will fight the forthcoming General elections with All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

AICC general secretary in-charge of Tamil Nadu state Mukul Wasnik will be meeting Stalin at DMK headquarters in Chennai today on DMK-Congress alliance.

DMK Women Wing leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Kanimozhi and senior DMK leaders held talks with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders in Delhi on a seat-sharing arrangement.

As per sources, the Congress is expected to get nine seats out of 39 in Tamil Nadu and one from Puducherry. The DMK is likely to contest in more than 20 seats. Other seats will go to alliance parties like VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPM and MMK.

The AIADMK won 37 seats in Tamil Nadu in 2014 Lok Sabha while the BJP-led alliance won only two seats.

Announcing its alliance with the AIADMK on February 19, BJP said that it will contest on five out of the 39 seats in the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu and one seat in Puducherry.

The PMK, which has a strong voter base in northern Tamil Nadu, especially among the OBC Vanniyar community, will contest on six Lok Sabha seats and will be given one Rajya Sabha seat.

In the 235-member Assembly, the AIADMK has 115 members followed by the DMK with 88, Congress eight, one of the IUML, one independent, the Speaker and 20 vacant seats (18 disqualified and two dead).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Communist Party of India (Marxist) committee member from Kerala has arrested in connection with the murder of two Youth Congress workers in Kasargod district, police said on Tuesday.

The CPI (M) Peria area committee member Peethambaran was arrested in connection with the murder of Kripesh and Sarath Lal. The two were hacked to death on Sunday while they were on a motorcycle in Peria in Kasargod.

Kerala Chief Minister and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that the CPM "didn't have any reason" to plan the murder of the two Youth Congress workers.

"It (killing of Youth Congress workers) is a very unfortunate incident. Political murders have reduced in my time. CPM didn't have any reason to plan this murder. There will be strict action against those involved in political murders," he said.

Kerala's Governor P Sathasivan has also sought a report from the chief minister on the incident."Sought from Chief Minister @CMOKerala an urgent report on the present stage of the Police investigation into the murder of two youth Congress workers near Periya in Kasaragod on Sunday night. The Opposition Leader Shri Ramesh Chennithala, @chennithala met me today," the Governor said in a tweet from his official twitter handle.

Soon after the death of Kripesh and Sarath, the Congress alleged that Communist Party of India (Marxist) activists were behind the attack in Peria.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi condemned the killings and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

"The brutal murder of two members of our Youth Congress family in Kasargod, Kerala is shocking. The Congress Party stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men & I send them my deepest condolences. We will not rest till the murderers are brought to justice" he tweeted on Monday.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that "goons and police power" were being used to suppress people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Incessant rain and snowfall over the past one month have destroyed as many as nine houses in Jakhed panchayat area near Dudu in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district.

Families of people whose houses were destroyed and forced to seek shelter in nearby areas are now demanding assistance from the administration.

Ghulam Hasan, whose house has been destroyed, told ANI, "Due to continuous snowfall and rainfall since last week a landslide occurred and our houses have been completely destroyed. Nine families have been affected by this and we are taking shelter in nearby areas. We want to plead to higher authorities to provide us relief."

Around 2500 hectares of land has also borne the brunt of the landslide.

District Administration has taken cognizance of the event and Deputy Commissioner Ravinder Kumar has assured of speedy assistance to the adversely affected families.

Speaking to ANI, Kumar said, "Because of snowfall and rainfall many areas have been adversely affected. We will provide immediate relief to affected families. It has been brought to our notice that nine houses have been damaged. Electricity supply is affected; PHC pipelines and roads are also damaged. The continuous spell has done much harm. We are assessing the situation."

Heavy snowfall and rain had thrown daily life out of gear in many areas of the valley. On January 31, fresh snowfall and landslides had forced the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which is the only road link of the state to the rest of the country, to close for traffic.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Indian Embassy in Nepal on Wednesday handed over the newly-constructed building of Shree Mukti Secondary School located in Pyuthan district in mid-west Nepal.

Nepal's Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, inaugurated the school building during a ceremony attended by Niraj Kumar Jaiswal, second Secretary (Education), Embassy of India in Kathmandu.

"The new infrastructure constructed with the Government of India's grant assistance of Nepali Rupee (NRs.) 26.30 million, which includes new classroom blocks, ladies's classroom, guard house, water tank and boundary wall, would help the school in upgrading to higher secondary level," a release from the Indian mission in Nepal stated.

Established in 1951, the school currently hosts 1,054 students and is affiliated with the National Examination Board (NEB) of Nepal, offering plus two (10+2) programs in science, management and streams.

"Mukti Secondary School has an illustrious tradition as an educational institute of repute in the entire mid-western region of Nepal. This is the only school providing in science stream in this remote hill district. In 1961, the Embassy of India was associated with the construction of the Sanskrit Section of the School," the release added.

Mukti Secondary School is the first educational institution in Pyuthan district to receive Indian aid.

"The newly built infrastructure will not only boost learning environment of students but also enhance access to to needy, poor and marginalized students of Pyuthan District and mid-western region of Nepal," the release said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the government of Delhi to consider the representation of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, who has sought his early release from the Tihar jail.

The 83-year-old INLD patriarch had approached the court on Tuesday through his counsel Amit Sahni, seeking benefit as per the July 18, 2018 notification, whereby the Central government has asked all States and Union Territories to grant special remission to the male prisoners above 60, female and transgender prisoners above 55 after they have undergone half of their actual sentence.

Advocate Rahul Mehra, the standing counsel for Delhi government, told a division bench headed by Justice Siddharth Mridul that the city-state government would consider Chautala's representation, seeking his release as per the Centre's notification dated July 18, 2018.

The High Court also directed the state government to consider Chautala's plea within four weeks.

However, the Centre's notification further provides that those who are convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and some other offences are not entitled to special remission.

Sahni told the court that "his client was convicted for ten years under the Indian Penal Code and seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He has already undergone the sentence awarded under the Prevention of Corruption Act."

"Chautala has a permanent disability of 60 per cent as on April 2013, and later has undergone implantation of a pacemaker in June 2013. The disability is progressive and, at present, it is more than 70 per cent and he falls in two clauses of the said notification," he said.

Chautala is serving a ten-year jail term in a teachers' recruitment scam which took place in Haryana when he was the state's chief minister.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday condemned Pulwama terror attack of February 14 in which as many as 40 jawans of CRPF were killed when they were travelling in a convoy from Jammu to Srinagar.

"Leader of the House and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar presented a resolution condemning the attack on brave jawans of CRPF in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, which was unanimously passed by the August House. A two-minute mourn was also observed to pay tribute to the martyrs," said an official statement.

"All the members of Vidhan Sabha announced to give their one month salary as financial assistance to the family members of martyrs," the statement further said. The Budget Session of Haryana Vidhan Sabha began on Wednesday.

The House also placed on record its deep sense of sorrow on the sad demise of five members of a family of Kasni in Jhajjar who died in a tragic road accident near Raiya village on Wednesday.

Obituary resolutions were passed to pay tribute to those prominent personalities who have expired between the period from the end of the previous session and the beginning of the current session of Vidhan Sabha, said the statement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)American actor Gwyneth Paltrow reflected upon her working relationship with film producer Harvey Weinstein.

The 46-year-old actor revealed to Variety in a recent interview that while she received a lot of critical acclaim for her roles in 'Emma' and 'Shakespeare in Love', working with Weinstein was a tough thing to do.

"He was a very difficult boss. It was a fraught relationship," Paltrow said.

She added that the two of them used to get into fights. "We would get in knock-down, drag-out fights. I remember once, my mother [Blythe Danner] walked in the room and I was yelling at him about something. She was like, 'Who was that on the phone?'"

When Paltrow told her mother it was Weinstein, Danner said, "Oh, my goodness, good for you. Stand up for yourself."

After 1996's hit film 'Emma', the actor worked with Weinstein again for 1998's 'Shakespeare in Love' for which she won an Oscar for Best Actress.

The actor accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct and harassment in a lengthy profile in The New York Times in October 2017. However, Weinstein denied all the allegations made by Paltrow.

Since working with the 66-year-old producer, Paltrow starred in a couple of classics, although she admitted that she has taken a step back from Hollywood to focus more of her other endeavours like her lifestyle brand 'Goop'.

"I think the movies and the business around them have changed so much in the last 20 years," she said in her interview with Variety.

She continued, "I don't think any of the movies that I'm known for would get made today. Would they make The Royal Tenenbaums? Would they make The Talented Mr. Ripley? Would they make Shakespeare in Love?"

In the end, Paltrow while talking about Weinstein said, "I never had a problem standing up to him. I wasn't scared of him. I also felt for a period of time, I was the consumer face of Miramax, and I felt it was my duty to push back against him."

While Paltrow has put her acting career on hold, the star has remained in the pop culture with her role as Pepper Potts in the 'Iron Man' and 'Avengers' films while also launching Goop in 2008.

On the work front, she is all set to star in the upcoming TV series 'The Politician' alongside Lucy Boynton, Zoey Deutch, Jessica Lange, Dylan McDermott and Ben Platt.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday rejected charges of corruption in the multi-billion USD Rafale jet deal and said the "very good" aircraft is expected to join the Indian Air Force within six months.

Speaking to ANI in Bengaluru, he said, "I do not see any scandal. What I see is a very good aircraft which has been purchased by Government of India. The aircraft will probably come here (Bengaluru) first and will join the Indian Air Force within six months."

The Narendra Modi government had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in 2016 for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets.

The fighter jet is a twin-engine Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, which security analysts believe can be a 'game-changer' for India's defence system.

Attacking the Modi government, the Congress and other opposition parties have alleged that there was corruption in the high-profile deal and Reliance Defence, owned by industrial Anil Ambani, had been signed as the offset partner by aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviatio even though the company had no previous experience.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

By LtGen (Ret) Clarence McKnight, MajGen (Ret) Kulwant Singh, UYSM, PhD, and Dr David Leffler





In a speech regarding the Pulwama terror attack; Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India will give a befitting reply to this incident. The security forces have been given full freedom to decide.





We salute the Prime Minister for granting Indias security forces a free hand to decide the best response to this incident. Indias military leaders now have the opportunity to deploy a proven, state-of-the-art, non-violent alternative if they have the courage and foresight to do so. This alternative can help their warriors gain a strategic and profound proactive advantage. It would prevent future terrorism instead of responding after attacks have occurred, for far less than the cost of conventional defenses. This unconventional yet highly effective approach with a proven scientific record for diffusing terrorism and violence is called Invincible Defense Technology (IDT), based on the non-religious Transcendental Meditation (TM) program.





As strange as it may sound, when large groups of trained practitioners practice the advanced TM techniques together twice a day, a powerful "field effect" of coherence and peace ripples throughout the consciousness of the surrounding population. The bigger the group the bigger the effect. The outcomes, confirmed repeatedly by extensive scientific research, are consistent and measurable decreases in war deaths, terrorism, and crime.





This surprising effect was demonstrated over a two-month period in the summer of 1993, in Washington D.C., where 4,000 meditators gathered for an experiment to lower crime in America's capital. The result, as documented by an independent board of criminologists, was a 25 percent reduction in criminal violence. (Reference: Social Indicators Research, 1999, 47: 153-201).





In 1983-84, at the peak of fighting in the Lebanon war, as many as 8,000 but as little as a few hundred meditators gathered at different times in Israel, Lebanon, Europe, and the United States. The documented effects of these assemblies included increased cooperation between the warring parties (66 percent) and a decrease of hostilities (70 percent). The odds of these results occurring by chance or any explanation other than the meditation were calculated at one in ten million trillion! (Reference: Journal of Conflict Resolution, 1988, 32: 776-812, and 1990, 34:756-768).





Similarly, large TM groups in Manila, New Delhi, and Puerto Rico have generated significant declines in violent crimes. Alternative explanations could not account for the results. (Reference: Journal of Mind and Behavior, 1987, 8: 67-104).





For a minimal investment of time, manpower, and resources, Indias military could train and maintain a group of about 4,000 experts in the IDT strategy. Think of it as a "prevention brigade" whose members meditate twice a day to defuse the deeply-rooted regional stresses and hatred that are the cause of conflict. The research suggests that once such a program becomes operational, societal conditions in India and beyond, would rapidly improve. For as long as the peace-creating group is sustained, the collective coherence throughout society would rise through the influences of greater harmony and peace. Better solutions will occur to the people and their leaders for improving their own living conditions. Violence will subside.





IDT is not restricted to the military; any large groups practicing the IDT techniques can accomplish the goal, meaning all types of citizens could be enlisted, from schoolchildren to retirees. Its coherence-creating effect has also been documented on a global scale in a study published in the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation. When large assemblies of civilian IDT experts gathered during the years 1983-1985, terrorism-related casualties decreased 72%, international conflict decreased 32%, and overall violence was reduced in nations without intrusion by other governments.





The Global Union of Scientists for Peace (https://www.gusp.org), a global group of eminent scientists and leaders dedicated to support alternative, peaceful means of conflict resolution, have endorsed the IDT approach. Among them are Yukio Hatoyama, former prime minister of Japan; former president of Mozambique Joachim Chissano (who applied IDT programs to end that nation's civil war); Lt. General (Ret.) Vasyl Krutov, former chief of the Ukraine Anti-Terrorism Center; retired Ecuadorian Lt. General Jose Villamil (who also applied IDT to end conflict between Ecuador and Peru).





Given the countless efforts previously tried by India that have not worked, now is the time to utilize this scientifically-validated method. IDT is simple and inexpensive, with a documented record of success: a cutting-edge brain-based technology that could potentially maximize the safety and security of India's people and curb the bloodshed. Here is an opportunity for the India to become a global leader in peace-making, so needed by this troubled world.





At one time, meditation was considered "mystical." Now, doctors routinely prescribe it, because research shows Transcendental Meditation reduces stress and improves health. Hundreds of studies confirm real benefits for individuals, including better energy, learning ability, job productivity, and happier relationships. The revelation that group meditation reduces turbulence in society and improves community or global health is simply an extension of the individual practice of meditation.





This is a new proactive paradigm for our times, ready to be implemented for it holds the secret for planetary peace. If wars start in the minds of men, then peace logically ought to start there as well.





About the Authors:





Lt. Gen. Clarence E. McKnight, Jr., (U.S. Army Ret.) is a former Director of Command, Control and Communications Systems for the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C.





Major General (Ret.) Kulwant Singh, U.Y.S.M., Ph.D., leads an international group of generals and defense experts that advocates Invincible Defense Technology.



Fang Fenghui, former top Chinese general who was facing charges for corruption, has been sentenced to life imprisonment, Chinese state media said on Wednesday.

Xinhua reported that Fenghui, former chief of joint staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), was convicted of obtaining and giving bribes and receiving huge amounts of money of unknown origin.

According to South China Morning Post, all assets owned by Fang were confiscated. However, the report did not disclose the amount of money involved in the case.

Fenghui, who joined the army at the age of 16 in 1968, was once the youngest commander of a PLA military region. He was described as an "opportunist" by military insiders.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Dr Soumitro Chakraborty, Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Financial Advisors Pvt. Ltd. (Fiinovation), was conferred with 'CEO of the year' award at the 8th World CSR Congress held in Mumbai on February 18.

The World CSR Congress this year focussed on the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in corporate strategies, innovation, and strategic alliances. The award recognises Fiinovation's exemplary work in the social development sector and noteworthy CSR and sustainability programmes.

Driven by the need to inspire innovative thinking and action leading to sustainable social change, Dr Chakraborty meticulously strategised several sustainability programmes across India in partnership with diverse corporations and civil society organizations. He left the role of an active aviator in 2006 and with an aim to build an institution that may consistently bridge the gap between the private sector and civil bodies, founded Fiinovation in 2009.

Over the years, he has proved his determination by converting challenges into opportunities and delivering quality, effective and strategic solutions to organizations for social initiatives at a grass root level, aiming at inclusive growth.

Backed by rich sectoral experience and profound command in sustainability and leadership as a subject has earned him the honour of being an influential keynote speaker at various national and international conferences. He has also penned articles for leading national publications around the role corporates could play in ensuring and building a sustainable world.

The 8th edition of World CSR Congress witnessed participation from 33 countries and recognised the efforts of individuals and organisations.

"I feel humbled on receiving the CEO of the year award. This belongs more to Fiinovation family than me. No leader can achieve anything alone. This is the fruitful result of all the hard work of each member of the family. This recognition will further strengthen our resolve in building a better sustainable world", said Dr Chakraborty on the occasion and attributed the win to his team. This story is provided by NewsVoir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)DMK president MK Stalin on Wednesday announced to give 10 Lok Sabha seats to Congress in Tamil Nadu including Puducherry where in all 40 seats are at stake.

Stalin, while making the announcement to media persons, said: "The Congress will contest nine Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu as well as the Puducherry seat as per the agreement we have entered into to stitch the alliance."

"The distribution of seats will be done in due course of time. The seats will be identified in consultation with the alliance partner," he said.

Taking a jibe at the meeting held by Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday, Stalin said: "Our talks were held at the DMK headquarters and not secretly in a hotel."

"We will hold talks with the like-minded parties, which have stood by us for the people in the past. DMK's election manifesto is being prepared by senior leader TR Balu and will soon be released," he said.

Hitting out at the People's Welfare alliance which was announced by the BJP and the AIADMK on Tuesday, the DMK president said: "Who said it is a people's welfare alliance? It is money minded alliance."

DMK's women wing leader and MP Kanimozhi along with other senior party leaders had held talks with Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi to thrash out the seat-sharing formula.

BJP has announced to fight the coming General Elections in alliance with the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, AIADMK won 37 seats in Tamil Nadu, while the BJP-DMK alliance had won only two seats.

AIADMK said on February 19 that BJP would contest five Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat of Puducherry.

PMK, which has a strong vote base in northern Tamil Nadu, especially among the OBC Vanniyar community, will contest six Lok Sabha seats and will get one Rajya Sabha seat.

In the 235-member Assembly, the AIADMK has 115 members followed by DMK 88, Congress eight, IUML and independent one each, while 20 seats are lying vacant on account of the disqualification of 18 members and the death of two MLAs.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Students and parents on Wednesday expressed concern over the shutdown of educational institutions in Jammu as curfew entered the sixth day following incidents of violence.

On February 15, curfew was clamped in the entire Jammu city after massive anti-Pakistan protests and sporadic incidents of violence broke out over the terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama district of south Kashmir which left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

On Tuesday, Director of School in Jammu announced that examinations for students of Class 8 and 9 in Jammu, that were scheduled to be held on February 20, were postponed.

Speaking to ANI on the same, Muskan, a student, said: "Curfew was imposed here following Pulwama attack. It has already been 5 days. We are facing a lot of struggle because we have to prepare for our exams again as the department has postponed examination of students from class 8th to 10th. There is a possibility of a new date sheet, but that is very unclear."

Similar concerns were raised by another student, Tanu, who said, "We can't go out due to curfew, we have to prepare all over again for the examinations. The administration should do something."

"Curfew should be abrogated as soon as possible. Not just students, we are also stressed as is a primal part of a child's growth," said a parent, Sushma Gupta.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Cuba on Tuesday rejected claims of United States President Donald Trump about an alleged deployment of Cuban troops in Venezuela.

"The US president's accusations that Cuba has deployed a private army in Venezuela are not true. Our government strongly and categorically rejects that," Sputnik quoted Rodriguez as saying.

The foreign minister remarks came in the wake of US President allegation against Cuba that it is controlling the Venezuelan socialist President Nicolas Maduro. He further alleged that Maduro was "controlled was protected by a private army of Cuban soldiers."

The US President on Monday asked Venezuelan officials and military officers to not follow orders of President Nicolas Maduro to block the humanitarian aid deliveries to the country and to accept the offer of amnesty made by the opposition leader Guaido. The US leader also said that Washington was seeking a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela but noted that "all options" remained open.

Venezuela is in political crisis since the start of this year.

The economic crisis in the nation, coupled with a food shortage, has strengthened an anti-Maduro sentiment across the South American nation, with the opposition accusing Maduro of "usurping power".

On January 24, amid the massive marches against the President, US President Donald Trump had recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the Interim President of the nation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress president Rahul Gandhi along with party General Secretaries Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday visited the families of Pulwama martyrs-Amit Kori and Pradeep Kumar. The Congress leaders paid their respects to the martyrs and met their family members.

It is worth mentioning that Priyanka Gandhi, sister of Rahul, was recently made the Congress General Secretary and has been given the responsibility of managing party affairs in east UP for the coming Lok Sabha elections, while Scindia, also a General Secretary, has been given the charge of western UP.

The Congress party has decided to contest all 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake in Uttar Pradesh in the coming Lok Sabha polls after the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) announced their seat-sharing arrangement without making the Congress a part of their alliance.

The two parties have agreed to contest 38 seats each, while they have announced to not field their candidates from Rae Bareli and Amethi, the two seats currently represented by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi respectively.

On February 14, as many as 40 jawans of CRPF were killed when their convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in south Kashmir's Pulwama district while they were travelling to Srinagar from Jammu.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Days after the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel, veteran Congress leader Karan Singh on Wednesday said we cannot act in a discriminatory manner against Kashmiris if we consider the state of Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India.

"We cannot act in a discriminatory manner against the common people of Kashmir, nor are we in any way justified in targeting Kashmiri students studying in various parts of the country," Singh said.

He further said: "Unfortunately there has been a strong anti-Kashmiri backlash around the country, dignitaries are going to extent of advocating the boycott of Kashmiris and Kashmiri goods."

On the present situation, Singh said that we are moving towards yet another conflagration which could have incalculable consequences.

"The terrorist organisation that claimed responsibility for the attack is based and nurtured in Pakistan, where its leaders are free to roam around the country and issue dire threats to India, should be more than enough proof for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to accept the ground reality and take decisive action against such organization if his 'Naya Pakistan' sincerely seeks peace and detente with India," Singh alleged in a statement.

On February 14, as many as 40 jawans of CRPF were killed when their convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in south Kashmir's Pulwama district while they were travelling to Srinagar from Jammu.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday agreed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the "need for creating necessary conditions" for resumption of Indo-Pak talks as the Indian side underlined Pakistan's "complicity" in the Pulwama terror attack, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

S Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while briefing the media on the talks between Modi and Mohammed bin Salman, said, "complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama (attack) was very much underlined" and that both the leaders condemned the terror strike in the "strongest terms."

"They agreed on the need for creating necessary conditions for any resumption of (Indo-Pak) talks," he said.

The Saudi Crown Prince appreciated the consistent efforts made by PM Modi since May 2014, including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan, Tirumurti said.

He said both the leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and terrorist organisations by the United Nations.

This assumes significance as a Pakistan-Saudi Arabia joint statement issued two days back after the talks between the Saudi Crown Prince and Pakistani Prime Minister in Islamabad had said that there should be no "politicisation" of the UN listing regime.

Asked about this element of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia joint statement at the media briefing, Tirumurti said, "If you're really looking at politicisation (of the UN listing regime), you know who is politicising it."

The Secretary said both the leaders called on all countries to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terror infrastructure and cut off all support to terrorism besides punishing the terrorists.

On February 14, around 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist attacked their convey in Pulwama's Awantipora district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan-based JeM claimed responsibility for the attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Equipping college students with the tools for success in life is more than mastering sciences and engineering. To add the missing ingredients, New Horizon College of Engineering in Bangalore is exposing students to another important technology. On February 19, the university hosted Bollywood actor Boman Irani and Swami Mukundananda, an international authority on mind management. With the goal of inspiring and empowering youth for success in life, they both talked about attaining happiness.

"Happiness just doesn't happen to you by accident or a stroke of luck. It is a choice that will make or break your future. This is why I feel it is important to have a serious public discussion about it, especially with our youth", said Irani while sharing his life experiences and how his mindset shaped his future.

Both personalities encouraged students to take the #HappinessChallenge, a 21-day free online introspective program challenging the students to take their happiness to the next level. According to Swamiji, the challenge has rapidly spread worldwide from schools, corporations, health professionals and institutions and individuals and families in numerous countries and continents. Thousands of people continue to sign up for #Happiness Challenge around the world.

Swami Mukundananda began the Bangalore program by outlining a simple step by step approach to achieving success and happiness. "The mind plays a powerful role in our destiny and can help us achieve to our maximum potential. Having the right tools to manage the mind is key to success," he explained.

JKYog, the non-profit founded by Swami Mukundananda, presented the JKYog Inspiring Leadership Award to Boman Irani during the program in recognition of his positive example of overcoming challenges in life and his efforts to inspire others to achieve happiness. "I am honoured not only to be recognized for my efforts and achievements but to have been able to meet Swami Mukundananda who clearly has a tremendous depth of knowledge", said Irani.

The JKYog Inspiring Leadership Award recognizes highly influential leaders who motivate people to excel, uplift and inspire them to cultivate positive mindsets in life and holistic healthy well-being often by their own example of overcoming extreme adversities. The recipient's life or work must demonstrate that it has had a positive impact on individuals and society.

Irani's father died before he was born. As a child, Boman Irani battled with dyslexia, ADHD and had a lisp. However, he didn't let his challenges hold him back. His first job was of a waiter. Also until his early 30's, he worked in his family's farsan making shop, and it wasn't till then that he decided to pursue photography. He had an interest in movies and his mother encouraged him to go to movies daily to observe the cinematography and the art of filmmaking and acting. He overcame extreme challenges and he eventually became not just an actor but quite an accomplished superstar with over 80 movies in less than 20 years under his belt.

"I have chosen to speak openly about the challenges that I've faced in life and how I came to grips with them intentionally to inspire others especially young people that they too can overcome whatever obstacles they face and find success and happiness in life," noted Irani. "It was a change in my state of mind that was the impetus for a breakthrough in my life. The mindset is critical."

The conversations with New Horizon College students centred on the important role 7 mindsets, identified by Swami Mukundananda as critical, play in success in any aspect of life. Swamiji described the first 2 mindsets as positivity and taking responsibility for one's emotions. "Often we make a habit of blaming others for the failures and calamities in our life and we can remain stuck in negativity. Changing this dynamic is essential," he explained.

Irani shared how time and time again when faced with what seemed like an insurmountable obstacle, he didn't let it bring him down. In hindsight, he pointed out to the students, that if it had, he clearly would have been in a different place today. However, Irani inside himself was compelled to overcome the inertia of negativity that clouded his life. He started his climb up the ladder from the bottom. "Despite being ridiculed in my youth, instead of letting it get me down, I focused on the only thing I could change which was myself," said Irani. If it was lack of knowledge, he studied and he practised and he did not give up.

"Inspiration is a springboard to reaching our highest potential. Without inspiration we cannot overcome the obstacles that cross our path", explained Swamiji. He gave the example of Soichiro Honda and the calamities that continually held him back yet he never gave up on his quest till he launched the manufacturing of motorcycles and then eventually automobiles.

In Swamiji's life, it was the inspiration that made him take a different course all together from the corporate world. As a graduate of both IIT and IIM, he was guaranteed a successful corporate career in one of the biggest Indian conglomerates. However, his inspiration led him to walk away from it and dedicate his life to spirituality and service of God, Guru and mankind.

"We can master all theoretical knowledge in the world, in any field, as a student or as a or corporate professional. However, how you handle stress and cope with unhappy situations will make or break your success. The mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy in this case," explained Mukundananda. He shared the image of the metamorphosis of the caterpillar to butterfly. "If you cut the cocoon to free the butterfly from its struggle, you prevent it from fully developing its wings to fly." Irani concurred that without the struggles he wouldn't be where he is today. "Everyone needs a zero bulb moment in life to do bigger things," referring to the epiphany moment when he realized he needed to take control of his life and it was up to him to turn it around.

Swamiji elaborated how life transformation requires discipline and will power.

"Anything worthy of achieving in life always lies upstream. Learning to cultivate will power will move us ahead. The will power made of iron or steel will overcome any obstacle in front of it", said Swamiji. Irani also warned about fear or taking the safe route. "Don't do what the crowd does. Do it differently. It will attract the right people to you and lead you to success", noted Irani.

Swamiji ended the program by encouraging the students to take a deeper dive into learning how to manage the mind and cultivate the proper mindsets. "Just like Irani took the decision to do his best and took upon himself to read, learn, and practice, practice, practice, you too must do the same", said Swamiji. This story is provided by NewsVoir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)One Army jawan is dead and five still trapped after an avalanche hit them in Namgya region of Kinnaur district on Wednesday.

As many as 16 Army men started from Namgya to Shipkila on Wednesday morning to repair water supply line for the Army area here under Pooh subdivision of Kinnaur district, according to Gopal Chand, Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur district.

Of the 16, six jawans were hit by the avalanche, confirmed Chand to ANI over the telephone.

The rescue operation is being carried out by the Army and assisted by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

ITBP PRO Vivek Kumar Pandey confirmed that ITBP is helping in rescue and relief operations with the Army

Further details are awaited.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Appeal against Baring Vostok founders detention in embezzlement case set for Feb.28

 RIA Novosti, Ramil Sitdikov

14:34 20/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 20 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court on February 28 will consider an appeal filed by the founder of Baring Vostok investment company, U.S. citizen Michael Calvey, against his detention in a 2.5-billion-ruble (about $40 million) embezzlement case, the Basmanny District Courts spokesperson Yunona Tsareva has told RAPSI.

On February 16, Moscows Basmanny District Court ordered detention of Calvey until April 13. The court refused to release Baring Vostok founder on a 5-million-ruble bail or put under house arrest despite his willingness to cooperate with investigators.

On February 15, the court detained for two months five other suspects including Baring Vostok Industry Partner for the financial industry sector, French citizen Philippe Delpal, the companys partners Vagan Abgaryan, Baring Vostok Investment Director Ivan Zyuzin, Maxim Vladimirov and ex- chairman of Vostochny bank board Alexey Kordichev. Delpal pleaded not guilty in court and refused to cooperate with investigators.

According to investigation, Calvey knowing about a 2.5-billion-ruble debt of the First Collector Bureau, a firm under his control, has organized the sale of its shares to Vostochny bank that has led to embezzlement.

The Investigative Committee claims that the suspect committed a crime that could not be classified as business crime because he used a chain of sham companies settling the deal. Moreover, investigators say they have a PricewaterhouseCoopers audit report on the done deal estimating the sold shares at 600,000 rubles, which indicates an instance of fraud.

Calvey denies allegations insisting that the deal was fair as both companies agreed its terms and stood for it, including a person reporting an alleged crime to law enforcement bodies. He noted that a report has been filed with police by a member of Vostochny bank board of directors Sherzod Yusupov. According to Calvey, the real reason of his prosecution is a wide corporate dispute related to the control of the bank by two groups of shareholders: Baring Vostok and stockholders coming from Uniastrum bank, which was reorganized and joined to Vostochny in early 2017.

Baring Vostok company founded by Calvey in 1994 focuses on private equity investments in the CIS and Russia. The company has invested in shares of Yandex, Vkusvill, Tinkoff Bank and other major projects.The Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday conducted raids at eight places allegedly connected to Narsipatanam Municipal Commissioner Hanumanth Shankar Rao in connection with a complaint of possession of disproportionate assets.

A team of ACB officials, led by DSP Rama Krishna Prasad, carried out the raids at the eight places including in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts.

Rao was recently transferred from Vizianagaram district to Narsipatanam in Visakhapatnam district.

ACB sources said that the raids were underway.

More details are awaited.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Former Vice-Chief of Indian Air Force, Air Marshal SB Deo (retired) offered four missiles of different types to Indian armed forces at the Aero India show on Wednesday.

Deo has personally designed and developed all the missiles. It also includes a 297-km strike range cruise missile Vel and stand-off missile Khagantak.

SB Deo told ANI, "This epitomises Make in India, foreign exchange content is less than 10 per cent. We have two glide bombs of different calibre and a light-weight cruise missile with a range of 297 km that carries a small warhead. They could be inducted in less than 6 months."

Five-day air show Aero India 2019 begun in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Three lawmakers from Britain's governing Conservatives quit over the government's "disastrous handling of Brexit" on Wednesday, in a blow to Prime Minister Theresa May's attempts to unite her party around plans to leave the European Union. The lawmakers, long critical of May's Brexit strategy to leave the EU which they believe is being driven by Conservative eurosceptics, said in a statement they would join a new group in parliament set up by seven former opposition Labour politicians. May said she was saddened by the resignations, but signalled she ...Investigators seek detention for high-ranking Moscow Region official suspected of bribery

 flickr.com/ 401(K) 2012

10:59 20/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 20 (RAPSI)  Investigators are going to file a motion to detain Sergey Gribinyuchenko, ex-head of the Moscow Regions Pushkino District, as part of a corruption case, the Investigative Committees press service reports Wednesday.

Gribinyuchenko is suspected of receiving a grand bribe.

According to investigators, on February 18, the official received $20,000 as a bribe from a person acting under the police control in one of the Moscow Regions mall. The illegal gratification was geared up for the protection of one of firms during execution of municipal contracts signed with the Pushkino Distrists administration.

Gribinyuchenko was arrested after taking the bribe.

Currently, Gribinyuchenko is acting mayor of Dzerzhinsky town in the Moscow Region.In the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack, India needs a discussion about what is in its best interest  should it continue with its strategy of restraint or change its behaviour  says C Christine Fair, author of In Their Own Words: Understanding Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and Fighting to the End: The Pakistan Army's Way of War.

Fair tells Bhaswar Kumar in an interview that terrorist attacks like Pulwama will continue because this is the only way Pakistan can show India that it is not defeated, no matter how powerful India becomes. Edited excerpts: Do you think successive ...Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply after a suicide bombing in Kashmir killed 40 CRPF jawans, an attack claimed by Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed a strong response to the attack and said he had given the military a free hand. Pakistan would retaliate if attacked, his counterpart, Imran Khan, has warned. The neighbours have twice gone to war over Kashmir since independence in 1947. Here is how their militaries stack up. MILITARY BUDGET In 2018, India allocated four trillion rupees ($58 ...Dear Reader,

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Digital EditorDiamonds and other precious stones set on sterling silver is what Diamanti Per Tutti has to offer, along with a friendly price tag to boot

Direct from Antwerp, Belgium  literally the diamond capital of the world  is Diamanti Per Tutti, a contemporary jewellery brand offering elegant, delicate designs you could wear every day and from day to night. Using ethically-sourced, hand-set natural diamonds, Diamanti Per Tutti lets its creativity do the talking and has collaborated on capsule collections with the likes of Tomorrowland, which is the largest electronic dance music festival held in the aptly named town of Boom in Belgium, and everyone's favourite Smurfs. Say whaaat?

All of the creations are crafted in sterling silver with diamonds and other precious stones set by hand. In addition to sterling silver, Diamanti Per Tutti has also created pieces that are plated in white rhodium, 18K pink gold and 18K yellow gold for a more luxurious finish.

Dramatic and bold like the flower it's named for, the Black Tulip line is Diamanti Per Tutti's latest one. Inspired by the Art Deco age as well as style icons from the 1990s, the pieces let you wear your love for this gorgeous floral on your wrists, fingers and around your neck. The collection features precious stones such as diamonds, black onyx, citrine and enamel in black and white.

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Diamanti Per Tutti is located at #01-43A Raffles City Shopping Centre Tel. 6904 3603Bryan, OH (43506)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

72nd Precinct

Sunset ParkWindsor Terrace

Mr. Knife guys

Cops are hunting for two crooks who attempted to rob a man at knifepoint at the 53rd Street subway station on Feb. 13.

The victim told police he was waiting for an R train at the station near Fourth Avenue at 10:30 pm when one of the thieves pulled a knife on him, but the victim made a run for it and managed to escape, while the would-be robbers boarded a passing train.

Hate symbols

Police are searching for the vandal who scrawled swastikas inside the 15th Street subway station on Feb. 17.

The delinquent drew the Nazi symbol on a pillar at the station near Prospect Park in orange spray paint sometime after midnight.

Jeepers creepers

A thief looted a mans 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee he parked on Fifth Avenue on Feb. 16, taking electronics and other valuables.

The victim told police he left his car near 47th Street at 11 pm, and returned the next morning to find his radio, sound system, dash cam, and sunglasses were stolen.

Bad link

Cops arrested a 22-year-old man for allegedly beating another man with a chain on Fifth Avenue on Feb. 16.

The arresting officer claims he spotted the suspect whipping the victim numerous times with the chain near 50th Street at 12:40 pm, and the suspect was arrested on a felony assault charge.

 Colin MixsonSign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

A young man survived after a shooter pumped a bullet into his head outside a Flatlands diner, police said.

The unknown assailant on Feb. 17 shot the 22-year-old victim from behind, causing a graze wound and another head injury, just after 3 pm in the parking lot of the Arch Diner at the intersection of Flatlands and Ralph avenues, according to a Police Department spokeswoman.

Paramedics rushed the man to Kings County Hospital where he remains in stable condition, the spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

The victim didnt get a look at the shooter, who fled on Flatlands Avenue towards Utica Avenue, cops said. The suspect took off inside a white vehicle, according to this newspapers photographer Paul Martinka, who arrived on the scene to find the lot littered with about a dozen shell casings, and stained with blood.

The diners manager told this newspaper he heard loud noises at the time of the shooting, but that he and his employees didnt check out the sounds source because they thought it was a car accident.

I heard bam-bam-bam. I thought it was a car accident, but I was busy working inside the place, said Mario Perez.

Soon afterwards, however, multiple cop cars arrived and police cordoned off the blacktop to investigate, according to Perez, who said the site is now clear, but one patrol car remains stationed outside the 24-hour diner.

Authorities have yet to identify the shooter, and their investigation is ongoing, officials said.Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

This building gets a passing grade!

Educators at the New York City College of Technology cut the ribbon to open its new Downtown learning center this month, concluding a years-in-the-making project to build new classrooms for the schools health-care and sciences programs.

The city-block-sized facility, which also includes a 1,000-seat theater, an 800-seat gym, and a wellness center, will allow City Tech students to stay at the cutting-edge of science, technology, engineering, and math education, according to the public colleges president.

We are confident that this new complex will allow us to further our mission of preparing the technologically sophisticated workforce needed to keep New York competitive, and support core sectors of New Yorks economy, said Russell Hotzler.

The new building at 285 Jay St., where the universitys antiquated Klitgord Auditorium once stood, includes eight floors of offices, classrooms, and labs for students and educators in a variety of curricula, including restorative dentistry, dental hygiene, radiology and medical imaging, nursing, health-services administration, chemistry, and biology.

Workers kicked off the $410-million job to construct the complex back in 2013, when City Tech administrators hoped it would debut as soon as spring 2017, roughly two years earlier than its official Feb. 14 opening day.Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

62nd Precinct

BensonhurstBath Beach

Bogus investigation

A crook swindled a W. 13th Street man out of $3,000 on Feb. 14 by impersonating a Social Security investigator and demanding he send money in gift cards in order to complete his so-called investigation.

The criminal called the man demanding the money at around 3 pm, according to the man, who lives between Avenue T and 86th Street.

Long-ago crime

A crook charged $3,800 to a 66th Street mans credit card at some point after Oct. 8 of last year, the man reported to police on Feb. 11.

The man  who lives between 21st Avenue and Bay Parkway  told police the theft occurred at some point after noon on the October day, and added that he had his card the entire time.

Stay at school

A lout threatened a boy with a pocketknife and stole his cellphone on 25th Avenue on Feb. 11.

The incident occurred at 86th Street just after 2:30 pm, when the man approached the boy as he was walking home from school and flashed a pocketknife at him before grabbing his phone and demanding he hand over everything else he had in his pockets, police said. The lout then fled on 86th Street towards Bay 40th Street, according to the report.

Weird withdrawal

A crook stole more than $5,600 from an 81st Street woman by making withdrawals from her bank account on Feb. 8, the woman told police four days later.

The incident occurred around 2:30 pm, when the woman  who lives between 16th and 17th avenues  received a notification on her phone informing her that there were two unauthorized withdrawals from her checking account, police said.

Phone a friend

A lout used an 84th Street mans personal information to open up a cellphone account at a New Jersey store and make purchases on his credit card at some point after Jan. 31, the man told police on Feb. 12.

The incident occurred at some point after noon on Jan. 31, according to the man, who lives between 19th and 20th avenues and told police that he had his credit card the entire time.

Cash grab

A baddie stole a womans wallet with $100 inside at the 25th Avenue subway station on Feb. 12.

The theft occurred at the station at 86th Street at around 8 am, when the sneak stole the wallet after the woman dropped it on the ground, according to the report.

Got away too fast

A pair of punks stole four Apple iPhones from an 86th Street store on Feb. 12.

The robbery occurred at the store between 21st Avenue and Bay 28th Street at around 12:30 pm, according to the report, which added that the crooks fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Phony phoner

A liar swindled a Bay 37th Street woman out of $2,600 on Feb. 12 by pretending to be an FBI agent and threatening to freeze her Social Security number if she did not send him the cash in the form of gift cards, the woman reported to police the next day.

The incident occurred just before 3 pm, when the caller demanded the woman  who lives between Benson and Bath avenues  go to an Apple Store on Flatbush Avenue and Ashland Place to buy the gift cards, according to the report.

Signed, sealed, cashed

A swindler stole more than $8,500 from a W. First Street resident by stealing, altering, and cashing a check that she mailed at some point after Jan. 5, the woman reported to police on Feb. 13.

The incident occurred after noon on Jan. 5, when the woman  who lives at 65th Street  mailed the check that she had written for $866, according to the report.

Cured for life

A thief stole cold medicine from an 18th Avenue store on Feb. 13, police said.

The incident occurred at the store between 65th and 66th streets at around 2 pm, according to the report, which added that the woman fled in a blue BMW.

No love

A punk stole a womans cellphone on a Manhattan-bound N train at the Bay Parkway stop on Feb. 14.

The incident occurred at the station at W. Seventh Street at 3 pm, according to the report, which added that the perp fled on foot in an unknown direction following the theft.

Window of opportunity

A brute smashed the windows of a mans car parked on Cropsey Avenue on Feb. 14 and stole construction tools from inside.

The break-in and burglary occurred at 9 pm at Bay 14th Street, according to the report.

Break-in

A lout broke into a 64th Street home on Feb. 15 and stole jewelry and pharmaceuticals.

The incident occurred at the home between Dahill Road and 24th Avenue around 11 pm, police said.

No trace

A baddie stole a mans red 2003 Ford parked on Bay 16th Street at some point between Feb. 14 and 15.

The man told police he parked his vehicle near Bath Avenue at 3 pm on Valentines Day, and returned at noon the next day to find his ride missing, according to the report.

Cashed out

A criminal used a W. Third Street womans credit card information to make more than $2,400 worth of purchases at some point after Jan. 23, the woman reported to police on Feb. 17.

The woman  who lives between Quentin Road and Kings Highway  told police the thief used her information to make three different purchases.

 Julianne McShaneSign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

True love never gets old.

Some local seniors spent Valentines Day screening a new documentary about a group of elders who attempt speed dating to find romance in their golden years. The film reminded viewers that those searching for their special someone often seek companionship for the same reasons, no matter their age, according to a Bay Ridgite who watched it.

They were all just saying the same thing: they want to be in a healthy relationship, to be happy, Ridgite Carmen Feliciano said of those featured in the documentary. It was interesting that no matter what age [you are], everybodys always looking for the same thing.

Feilciano and the other elders screened the flick at Bensonhursts Italian-American cultural center, Il Centro, which finally opened last year after years of delays. Audience members dined on a buffet of Italian pastries and candy before settling in for the documentary, which follows 30 seniors living in upstate New York who attend a first-of-its-kind speed-dating session for 70- to 90-year-olds.

The movie addressed the roller coaster of emotions that seniors coping with loneliness experience, and the fear that comes with re-entering the dating scene, according to one oldster who watched it, who said the documentary did not scare her off from trying the timed dates.

The movie was fantastic  it was happy, it was sad, it was real, said Robin Marion, who lives in Marine Park. I would love to try speed dating.Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

Its the original bridge to nowhere!

The new interactive art installation now stretching across Empire Fulton Ferry Park is a revival of an almost half-century-old piece of public art. The 91-foot-long Bridge Over Tree, by Iranian-American artist Siah Armajani, does not span a ravine  instead, it sits on the ground for most of its length, then rises sharply over an evergreen tree at its center. The sculptures lack of functionality invites viewers to appreciate it in a new way, according to its curator.

Its taking that idea of the bridge and stripping away its functional necessity and creating this poetic moment, a line that connects two points, two people perhaps, that invites you to think about what it means to bridge and to cross, said Nicholas Baume, director of the Public Art Fund.

The bridge was first displayed in a Minneapolis public park in 1970, when the idea of interactive art was radically new. The piece literally bridged the gap between the general public and works of art, according to Baume.

Today were all about immersive experiences and interactivity, but in 1970, artists were not thinking about sculpture in that way. A sculpture was an object on a pedestal, he said.

Armajani fled his native Iran in 1960 due to his pro-democracy stance, and the political connotations of his work  a reminder not to foster division  is even more relevant today, said Baume.

Bridging the gap: Siah Armajanis public artwork Bridge over Tree, now in Empire Fulton Ferry Park in Dumbo, stretches over an evergreen tree. Timothy Schenck

In an era obsessed with walls and fences, the bridge-building public work of this Iranian exile is perhaps even more urgent now than when first conceived in 1970, he said.

With its trussed sides and shingled roof, the structure stands in stark contrast to the twin behemoths of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, which straddle either side of the park.

On a recent Tuesday morning, children climbed up and down the steep steps in the middle, pausing to take in the vista of the Manhattan skyline. In the half-century since Bridge Over Tree debuted, the public has grown closer to public art, and art become more accessible to the public, Baume observed, especially in the Big Apple.

I think its fascinating to see how the public now responds so warmly, actually does recognize that this is a work of art, that this is something to be appreciated and engaged with, he said. And I think theres a wonderful respect now and appreciation in New York City by the general public of what it means to have art as a part of our daily lives, not just something that you go to a museum once in a while to experience, but something thats free and open and available.

Bridge over Tree at Empire Fulton Ferry Park [1 Water St. at Dock Street in Dumbo. (718) 2229939, www.brook lynbr idgep ark.org ]. Open daily through Sept. 29. Free.

Reach reporter Kevin Duggan at (718) 2602511 or by e-mail at kdugg an@sc hneps media.com . Follow him on Twitter @kduggan16.Latest News ASIC to take rugby star Trevor Leota to court over unlicensed mortgage lending Former rugby international named as defendant in ASIC crackdown

Firstmac announces $750m green home loan RMBS deal RMBS deal thought to be the first of its kind in Australia

From petitions to TV adverts, since February 4 the broking industry has been out in force to defend the third-party channel. But while some have been asserting their influence through petitions, letters and other means, one Victoria-based broker is giving up his day job in order to take the broker cause to the senate.

Earlier this month, mentor and broker Stewart Hine incorporated the Your Voice party, a new political entity aiming to bring a common sense approach to decision making. All he needs is 500 Victoria-based members to sign up in order to meet the registration criteria.

At the very top of my agenda is being the voice for the mortgage broking industry in Australia. Its all very good to lobby and have advertising but it isnt the same as sitting in the senate, he told Australian Broker.

This isnt Hines first foray into politics. Last year he stood for the upper house in Victoria as an independent candidate and, while he received the most votes of any independent politician, it wasnt enough to take the seat.

Now, after 17 years as a broker and mentor  during which he settled more than $250m in residential mortgages  he is swapping credit policies for politics.

I cant possibly do both but also I cant have any conflict of interest. I cant be seen to be speaking for an industry of which I am an active part, he said.

This time, Hine has a bold strategy to shape how the royal commissions recommendations are implemented by government and prevent what he believes could result in the complete wipe out of the broker channel.

If the royal commission recommendations are actually implemented, in three years time there will be no brokers, there will be no aggregators. Here are some more unintended consequences. How will the majors cope with the 60% of Australians who use a broker, all walking into their branches?

People dont seem to understand that it is a very effective and efficient role that the broker plays, he says.

Promising to be the voice of everyday Australians, brokers arent the only thing on Hines agenda.

My perception is that a lot of people look at decisions that are made in parliament and they think to themselves well thats not what ordinary people think, he said.

I dont have an immigration policy, Im not concerned about people wearing masks in parliament. What I am saying that we need to make decisions that ordinary people understand and relate to, he added.Loading Smollett, who is black and gay and plays a gay character on the hit Fox television show, said he was attacked as he was walking home from a Subway sandwich shop. He said the masked men beat him, made derogatory comments and yelled "This is MAGA country" - an apparent reference to President Donald Trump's campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again" - before fleeing. Earlier on Wednesday, Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox Television issued a statement saying Smollett "continues to be a consummate professional on set" and that his character is not being written off the show, which follows a black family as they navigate the ups and downs of the record industry. The statement followed reports that Smollett's role was being slashed amid the police investigation.

Whispers about Smollett's potential role in the attack started with reports that he had not fully cooperated with police and word that detectives in a city bristling with surveillance cameras could not find video of the attack. Investigators did find and release images of two people they said they wanted to question and last week picked up the brothers at O'Hare Airport as they returned from Nigeria. Police questioned the men and searched their apartment. Cook County State's attorney Kim Foxx, pictured during an unrelated court case, has recused herself. Credit:AP The brothers, who were identified by their attorney as Abimbola "Abel" and Olabinjo "Ola" Osundairo, were held for nearly 48 hours on suspicion of assaulting Smollett before being released. The next day, police said the men provided information that had "shifted the trajectory of the investigation" and detectives had requested another interview with Smollett.

Loading The Osundairos' attorney, Gloria Schmidt, has not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Associated Press. Smollett's lawyers, Todd Pugh and Victor P. Henderson, have said the actor was angered and "victimised" by reports suggesting that he may have played a role in staging the attack. "Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying," Pugh and Henderson said Saturday in a statement. If Smollett's account is determined to be a fabrication, legal experts say he could be charged with any number of felonies. The most obvious charge is felony disorderly conduct, which is legalese for filing a false police report.

Such a charge is fairly common. In Boone County, Illinois, for example, a woman is awaiting trial on allegations that she called in a false threat of a gunman in September. The call prompted a police search for a suspect and put several area schools on lockdown. Former Cook County prosecutor Andrew Weisberg recently represented a client who was charged with the same crime when her account of being robbed by three men at O'Hare Airport came apart. Police found surveillance video that showed the woman and an accomplice walking through the airport without the items they claimed were stolen. Another possibility is an obstruction-of-justice charge. Both crimes are Class 4 felonies, which in addition to prison time carry the possibility of a fine of $US25,000.

Loading Weisberg said judges rarely throw defendants in prison, opting instead to place them on probation, particularly if they have no prior criminal record. Smollett has a record - one that concerns giving false information to police when he was pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to records, he was also charged with false impersonation and driving without a license. He later pleaded no contest to a reduced charge and took an alcohol education and treatment program. Another prospective problem is the bill someone might receive after falsely reporting a crime that prompted a massive investigation that lasted nearly a month and included the collection and review of hundreds of hours of surveillance video.

The size of the tab is anyone's guess, but given how much time the police have invested, the cost could be huge. For an investigation that took only a single day, Weisberg's client had to split restitution of $US8400, Weisberg said. In Smollett's case, "I can imagine that this would be easily into the hundreds of thousands of dollars." Also Wednesday, Chicago's top prosecutor, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, announced that she had recused herself from the investigation. Her office explained that Foxx made the decision "out of an abundance of caution" because of conversations she had with one of Smollett's family members just after the report. When the relative expressed concerns about the case, Foxx "facilitated a connection" between the family member and detectives, according to a statement.Children should not suffer, so if a parent does lose their British citizenship, that does not affect the rights of their child. Shamima Begum. Credit:London Metropolitan Police Deprivation is a powerful tool that can be used only to keep the most dangerous individuals out of this country, and we do not use it lightly. However, when someone turns their back on fundamental values and supports terror, they do not have an automatic right to return to the UK. We must put the safety and the security of our country first, and I will not hesitate to act to protect it. He told Parliament that any decision he made on citizenship deprivation was legally proper and correct. To make anyone stateless would be unlawful [and] morally wrong, he said. But in a statement reported by The Guardian on Wednesday Bangladesh Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said Begum, whose parents emigrated from Bangladesh to the UK, had been erroneously identified as a holder of dual citizenship.

Bangladesh asserts that Ms Shamima Begum is not a Bangladeshi citizen, he said. She is a British citizen by birth and never applied for dual nationality with Bangladesh There is no question of her being allowed to enter into Bangladesh. However the legal basis for this statement is unclear. Under Bangladeshi law, the daughter of a man who was born in Bangladesh is a Bangladeshi citizen. In that case, the Bangladesh government has said dual nationality must still be applied for, rather than vesting automatically. Begum told ITV that the UK governments decision  which her family has said it would appeal  was kind of heartbreaking. I heard that other people are being sent back to Britain, so I don't know why my case is any different to other people, or is it just because I was on the news four years ago? she said. Another option I might try with my family is my husband is from Holland and he has family in Holland. Maybe I can ask for citizenship in Holland. If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison.

A boy rides in the back of a truck that is part of a convoy evacuating hundreds out of the last territory held by Islamic State militants, in Baghouz, eastern Syria, on Wednesday. Credit:AP After being radicalised in London by online IS agents, then 15-year old Begum travelled to Raqqa in 2015 and married Dutch fighter Yago Riedijk, 12 years her senior. Her husband reportedly recently surrendered to the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces but his subsequent fate is unclear. Begum gave birth to her son on the weekend in a Syrian refugee camp. Her two previous children died in Syria from illness. She said she wanted to return to the UK for the sake of her newborn. I'm a 19-year-old girl with a newborn baby, she told ITV.

Loading I don't know how I would be seen as a danger. I'm not going to go back and provoke people to go to ISIS or anything, if anything I'm going to encourage them not to go because it's not all as it seems in their videos. Javids decision has led to warnings that it might hurt, rather than help UK security if Begum was not allowed home. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump tweeted he too did not want the return of an American IS bride to the United States. Hoda Muthana, 24, travelled to Syria more than four years ago, marrying a succession of IS fighters and encouraging attacks on the West.

Hoda Muthana, an Alabama woman, left home to join the Islamic State after becoming radicalised online. Credit:AP In media interviews from a detention camp in Syria, Muthana said she was sorry and wanted to return to her family in Alabama with her son. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Muthana was not a US citizen and would not be admitted into the US. "She does not have any legal basis, no valid US passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the United States," he said. Trump said on Twitter he had directed Pompeo "not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!"

Trump had earlier threatened to release IS fighters held in Syria if Europe did not take them back. Former Conservative home secretary Ken Clarke said leaving IS fighters and supporters in Syria seems to me quite a serious threat to future security. We can use the full force of the criminal law  we must  and the full resources of the intelligence services once these people have got back here. Last week the head of the MI6 secret service said anyone who returned from IS would be investigated and questioned and potentially prosecuted if they return to our jurisdiction. Shiraz Maher, director at the International Centre for Study of Radicalisation at King's College London, told the BBC Javid had made a dangerous decision because it gave the impression the UK had a frankly racist system.London: Britain must ban Huawei from building its 5G network or risk being cut out of future Five Eyes intelligence gathering operations, one of the UK's foremost China experts has warned.

Charles Parton, an associate fellow with the prestigious London-based defence think tank The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is recommending Britain maintain the same stance as its Five Eyes intelligence allies: Australia, the US and New Zealand in banning Huawei equipment from from its 5G networks.

A booth for Huawei at the PT Expo in Beijing last year. Credit:AP

The other Five Eyes member Canada is weighing up a ban. Britain is conducting a review before announcing its decision but this week The Financial Times reported that British intelligence had concluded the risk posed by Huawei potentially spying on behalf of Beijing could be mitigated, paving the way for Huawei to be allowed into Britain's 5G.

In his paper - China-UK relations: where to draw the border between influence and interference - Parton said this could carry serious consequences for Britain's future relationship with its Five Eyes partners.Rome: Italy warned on Wednesday there would be consequences to pay if there was any truth to reports that the daughter of a missing North Korean diplomat had been abducted from Rome and whisked to Pyongyang.

"If confirmed, this would be of unprecedented gravity," said Manlio Di Stefano, undersecretary at the Italian Foreign Ministry. "Those responsible for this will pay, you can be sure of that," he wrote on Facebook.

North Korean diplomat Jo Song Gil, who was recently acting ambassador to Italy, went missing in November along with his wife, a South Korean Member of Parliament said last month, following reports that the envoy had defected.

Thae Yong Ho, a former deputy North Korean ambassador to Britain who staged a surprise defection to South Korea in 2016, told a news conference in Seoul on Tuesday that Gil could not take his daughter with him when he escaped the Rome embassy.Our company is a certified pellet producer of pellets based on the ENplus system (ID - UA 013). The monthly volume of production is up to 900 tons.

The raw material used is dry stem wood - PINE (100%), which is formed in the process of sanitary felling and thinning of forests (THIS EXPLAINS THE COLOR OF THE PELLET - the color of dry pine). The practical absence of bark guarantees a stable low ash content, up to 0.45%. Also, our pellets are characterized by high calorific value - more than 5 kW / h.

Four state forestries are located near us, which guarantees a constant raw material base. We purchase raw materials mainly from companies that are engaged in logging, as well as in forestries under direct contracts.

We export our products to Italy, Greece, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Germany, Denmark and South Korea (we have experience in container shipping).

In the domestic market, through the largest in Ukraine chain of construction supermarkets Epicenter, pellets are sold to residential consumers.

We export our production on FCA, IF, DAP terms (Incoterms 2010).

Currently we have wood pellets, 6 mm:

- 15 kg bags - 100 EUR/ton, FCA (Incoterms 2010);

- big bags (1000 kg) - 95 EUR/ton, FCA (Incoterms 2010);



We guarantee fast customs clearance.

Payment terms:

We work on prepayment (bank transfer) or L/C.The state government turned itself inside out yesterday explaining what it was  or was not  told by ASIO about its decision to pay Huawei $206 million to build and maintain a mobile data communications system for the Public Transport Authority.

Premier Mark McGowan has used the Australian Intelligence Security Organisation as a shield against criticism of the deal since the controversial company was named in the media last May as the likely winner of the tender.

Premier Mark McGowan facing questions from the media about his government's Huawei contract last month. Credit:Nathan Hondros

Just about every time he is asked about the contract in Parliament, his defence involves advice he says he received from ASIO giving Huawei's involvement the stamp of approval.

"We asked the federal government  the Australian Intelligence Security Organisation  whether there were any security concerns," he said in Parliament last week.Premier Mark McGowan has released 12 key performance indicators the state government will use to target important issues facing Western Australia.

Targets include the creation of 150,000 new jobs (by 2023-24), increasing the number of year 12 students studying science and maths subjects (by 2024), to increase the number of homes in Perth and the Peel region in close proximity to a public transport node by 45 per cent (by 2031), and to reduce the proportion of Western Australians who take illicit drugs (by 2022).

Premier Mark McGowan has set 12 KPIs to measure his success in government. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr McGowan said his government would also increase the number of employed in the regions by 30,000.

The government has also committed to reducing the number of Aboriginal people in custody by 23 per cent over the next decade.A crackdown on lending practices by the nation's key economic regulators that has contributed to the slowdown in the Sydney and Melbourne property markets was done without modelling of how it would affect house prices.

As the Treasury said it was comfortable with the trend in house prices, it confirmed that a set of so-called macruprudential regulations endorsed by the Council of Financial Regulators were focused on credit growth rather than what it might do to the value of homes.

The council, which includes the Reserve Bank, the Treasury and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, started introducing tighter regulations on bank lending to investors from 2015.

Treasury has confirmed a set of regulations aimed at cooling investor activity was done without modelling of what it would do to house prices Credit:Photo: Patrick Cummins

This included a cap on the rate of growth in lending to property investors and caps on interest-only lending.Mr Yovich is now arguing the two Huntingdale charges against Mr Edwards should be heard and trialled separately to the rape and murder charges.

The two charges allege Mr Edwards, then aged 19, entered a house in Huntingdale in February 1988, unplugged the telephone and entered a teenage girl's room.

He is accused of sitting on her back, straddling her, as she slept and attempting to force a piece of fabric into her mouth. She struggled and he fled.

Justice Hall has questioned how the Huntingdale charges are not related to the rape and murder charges Mr Edwards faces.

"It really turns to whether they're a series," he said.

"I would have thought [the Huntingdale counts] are of the same or similar character to [the Karrakatta] counts, the issue is whether there's a series or not."

The state has previously submitted the Huntingdale counts are relevant to the Karrakatta charges.

Mr Yovich is arguing the alleged offending is not similar enough to be heard with Mr Edwards' murder charges and could prejudice the trial.

Justice Hall said, if the trial was being heard by a jury, it would be justified the charges be heard separately.

The trial will be judge-alone, presided over by Justice Hall.The text messages between Natasha and the taxi driver on February 12.

A cab customer is calling for new protections to stop taxi drivers from being able to access passengers' private contact details after a driver left her feeling "violated" by messaging her after he dropped her off at work.

The Crown Cabs employee's conduct is now the subject of an investigation by the industry watchdog, with five other women also claiming they had similar experiences with the same driver.

Sunbury nurse Natasha, 31, said she made two cab bookings on February 4 and 10, and the same driver picked her up from her home both times.

She said she was "unsettled" when he asked her personal questions about her rental property but it wasn't until Tuesday, February 12, that she said his behaviour became "really creepy".A bill to extend tolls on CityLink for 10 more years will be introduced to parliament this week to pay for a new Transurban-operated toll road in Melbournes west.

Motorists will pay tolls on CityLink until at least 2045, to help pay for the $6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel, if the bill is passed.

The Andrews government struggled to get its extension to the CityLink concession deed through the last parliament, due to combined opposition from the Coalition and the Greens.

Those parties no longer have the balance of power in the upper house, although the legislation will still require support from at least crossbenchers to pass.

Premier Daniel Andrews said certain historical clauses in the current CityLink deed, which compensate Transurban if the state builds a project that diverts traffic from its toll roads, would also be scrapped.Danielle Vagner, the founder of the Kookai fashion house, took three Valium tablets for a tooth problem and downed three glasses of wine in the hours before driving her mangled car through a series of side streets, a court has heard.

Dressed in tailored black, Vagner on Wednesday pleaded guilty in Melbourne Magistrates Court to drink-driving after she blew twice the legal limit after crashing her black Range Rover into a house in South Yarra on June 18 last year and failing to stop.

Danielle Vagner outside court on Wednesday with her ex-husband and Kookai co-owner Rob Cromb. Credit:Eddie Jim

Vagner, the court heard, caused extensive damage to the front of a house in Cromwell Crescent, and then reversed her car out of the front garden and drove through nearby streets even though her car was a write-off, both airbags had deployed and one of the front tyres had shredded off its wheel.

At one point Vagner got out and then back in and drove on, slowly, while protective services officers and passers-by followed on foot and yelled at her to stop. The Range Rover came to a stop in Simmons Street.The inmate is on the roof of the youth justice centre. Credit:Nine News

An inmate has been removed from the roof of the Parkville Juvenile Justice Centre in Melbourne's inner north after climbing onto the top of the building.

Aerial footage from the scene showed a male in black shorts with a white shirt covering his head and face, walking around on the corrugated iron roof with what appeared to be a metal bar in his hand.

He was also at one stage seen throwing rocks, kicking the air-conditioning units, and pulling up black strips from the solar panels on the roof.

The incident, which began about 4.30pm on Wednesday, sparked a lockdown of the youth justice centre.A cyber crime syndicate has hacked and scrambled the medical files of about 15,000 patients from a specialist cardiology unit at Cabrini Hospital and demanded a ransom.

The attack is now the subject of a joint investigation by Commonwealth security agencies.

Melbourne Heart Group, which is based at the private hospital in Malvern, has been unable to access some patient files for more than three weeks, after the malware attack crippled its server and corrupted data.

The malware used to penetrate the unit's security network is believed to be from North Korea or Russia, while the origin of the criminals behind the attack has not been revealed.

The online gang responsible for the data breach demanded a ransom be paid in cryptocurrency before a password would be provided to break the encryption.Eighteen-year-old Anthony Osei Prempeh, a student of Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) who faked the kidnap of his colleague student, De-Vreeze Quainoo, in demand for a ransom has been convicted.



He was convicted on his own admission of guilt and sentenced to a one-year bond of good behaviour.



His sentencing by the Takoradi District Court Presiding Judge, His Worship Michael Ampadu, comes after serving a week in prison remand and showing remorse as well as a plea for leniency by his counsel.



Prempeh who was arrested alongside five other students from three other Senior High schools will face a three-month prison term if he breaches his one-year bond of good behaviour.



Three out of the other five students, namely De-Vreeze Quainoo, 17, from GSTS, Daniel Kwesi Essel, 17, from Fijai Senior High and Elijah Sam, 16, from Takoradi Technical Institute who also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit crime had their sentences referred to a juvenile court and they will appear before a panel on 21st March for determination.



Meanwhile, the remaining two, Evelyn Agyapong, a 19-year-old student of Takoradi Senior High School and Caleb Windbridge Ayetey Tagoe, a 16-year old student of the Takoradi Technical Institute who rather pleaded not-guilty will also face the juvenile court to defend their plea of not-guilty.





Background



De-Vreeze Quaynoo, allegedly conspired with some other students to fake the kidnapping claim.



Police said they were pursuing the other four accomplices.



Facts



Reports from the Metropolitan Police Crime Officer, Superintendent Alhaji Musah Hussein Awinaba, stated that Daniel and De-Vreeze bought and registered a new SIM card to be used in making calls for the money-extorting effort.



The SIM card was allegedly used to call De-Vreezes parents and relatives who lived at Sefwi Wiawso, that De-Vreeze had been kidnapped and the assailants were demanding a ransom of GH9000.



Sup. Hussein said at 9:20 p.m. last Wednesday, the Senior Housemaster of GSTS, Mr Bernard Adu Ampako, informed the police that Quaynoo had left the school premises about 3 p.m. and had subsequently been reported kidnapped by an unknown caller.



When the team arrived at the scene, they found De-Vreezes school uniform in the house and asked how the uniform got there.



The landlady told the police that De-vreeze and the other alleged accomplices, namely Osei-Prempeh, Daniel and Evelyn, visited her son, Elijah Sam, the previous night and stayed until 10 p.m. when she asked them to go back home.



The landlady said although they left, they returned to her son the following morning with an explanation that they were there to study.

Source: citi









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Featured VideoWhen Mason Jet Lee needed his mother the most, she wasn't there.

Now Anne Maree Lee, 29, has been jailed for manslaughter after lying her way out of taking responsibility for her toddler or simply ignoring his existence until he died.

Mason's final hours were spent wrapped in a towel, lips blue, making grunting noises.

She was sentenced on Wednesday to nine years in jail and must serve at least a third before she can be released on parole.

That could be in July since she's already served more than two years in custody. But Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath is seeking advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions to see if the sentence can be appealed.As south-east Queensland pushes for signatures on the dotted line of potentially the countrys biggest City Deal, a strong message to get the governance right has been shared from a similar deal in Western Sydney.

At a Committee for Brisbane event on Wednesday morning, the chief executive of Liverpool City Council in western Sydney detailed the long road to securing a transformative city deal last year.

South-east Queensland is set to have its own City Deal. Credit:Dave Hunt/AAP

The Western Sydney City Deal was signed in March 2018 after a two-year negotiation process with eight councils.

Last week the federal government announced willingness to investigate the signing of a major south-east Queensland City Deal covering the entire region.The North Stradbroke Island economy has formally begun its transition from sand mining to tourism, with an agreement signed between the state government, the sand miners and the island's traditional owners.

Sand mining on the island, known as Minjerribah by its traditional owners, will cease by the end of the year when Belgian sand miner Sibelco ends its operations.

(From left) Cameron Costello of the Quandamooka people, Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and Tom Cutbush from Sibelco announce a "five-to-six year" rehabilitation program of the three sand mines on North Stradbroke Island, funded by Sibelco. Credit:Tony Moore

A statement of intent signed on Wednesday by Sibelco Australia, the Queensland government and the Quandamooka people, was the start of a historic shift to rehabilitate the island's three sand mines: the Enterprise, Yarraman and Vance.

It will cost Sibelco "tens and tens of millions of dollars" and take five or six years.Police have warned swimmers and boaties to stay out of the surf as Cyclone Oma whips up towering waves and ferocious winds in the coming days.

Water police Sergeant Jay Bairstow said predicted eight-metre waves and 110km/h winds were a deadly hazard for beachgoers.

Local Russell Corowa playing the didgeridoo at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, while huge swells and high tides are set to pummel south-east Queensland beaches over the coming days. Credit:AAP Image/Dave Hunt

"We would like people to just not be on the water, and for the next five days not go out on their boats for their safety," he said.

We are expecting to see extremely dangerous conditions on the water and we are urging everyone to make smart decisions and stay safe."If your favourite emoji hasn't been included in the new personalised plate range due to be released next month, it's not looking good, with the possibility of extending the range not a priority.

State-owned Personalised Plates Queensland picked five of the "most popular" designs for the initial release on March 1 - "laugh out loud", "wink", "sunglasses", "heart" and "smile" emojis.

An example of emoji plates, which will be available in Queensland in less than two weeks.

The company said it was focused on the five and was conscious of giving Queensland drivers "too many product options".

"The recent rise in popularity and use of the emoji is unprecedented," PPQ said in a statement.A woman from Sydney's eastern suburbs has faced court over seven kidnappings in which she was allegedly involved under Chiles murderous Pinochet regime.

Adriana Rivas, now in her 60s, was arrested by Australian authorities on Tuesday and faces the prospect of extradition to her homeland.

Adriana Rivas pictured in an interview with SBS in 2014. Credit:SBS

She has been charged in Chile with seven counts of aggravated kidnapping that Chilean authorities say were perpetrated while she allegedly worked for dictator Augusto Pinochet, whose military dictatorship ran from 1973 to 1990.

A spokesman for Attorney-General Christian Porter confirmed that a Chilean national was arrested on Tuesday "pursuant from a request from the Republic of Chile for her extradition".A 26-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man have been charged over the death of a toddler in Sydney's south-west.

The pair was arrested at a North Parramatta unit on Wednesday afternoon.

They were taken to Parramatta Police Station where the woman was charged with murder and the man was charged with concealing a serious indictable offence.

Police will allege in court that the two-year-old boy was injured at a Cabramatta home before he was driven to Westmead Hospital on August 3, 2018.

The boy was unconscious upon arrival at the hospital and despite the efforts of hospital staff, he could not be revived.He was the last of the Australian weather forecasters at General MacArthurs Brisbane headquarters in World War Two who provided weather briefing and forecasting support for air and naval operations in the Southwest Pacific.

A famously meticulous forecaster and researcher, Phillpot might have regarded it unfortunate that he missed his century. He was always one to complete the statistics.

Henry Robert Phillpot, the Grand Old Man of Australian meteorology, has died in Melbourne just eight months short of his hundredth birthday.

But he is best honoured for decades of research into Antarctic climatology and forecasting, culminating20 years after retirementin being named an Australian 'Science Hero'.

Born in England on 6 August 1919, he migrated to Australia in 1929. He joined the Commonwealth Public Service as a clerk in 1936, commenced a science degree in 1937 and was promoted into the Central Weather Bureau in Melbourne in 1940 just before the Bureau became part of the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.

He spent most of the 1950s leading and coordinating Australian weather support for the British Atomic Weapons Trials at Monte Bello, Emu Field and Maralinga. This was an extremely testing time for the Bureau of Meteorology, requiring the creation of a new upper-air observing station at Giles in Western Australia, and dedicated forecast support to minimise the risk of radioactive fallout in settled areas.

He was then seconded to assist Qantas with upper wind studies for the introduction of Boeing 707s. When the 'Little America' meteorological analysis centre in Antarctica closed at the end of the 1957-58 International Geophysical Year, Australia was invited to carry on its work. The Bureau agreed to establish the International Antarctic Analysis Centre (IAAC) with Phillpot as its leader. Daily for nearly seven years Phillpot and his international team (photo) tracked the development and movement of weather systems 'in real time' over the entire Southern Ocean, before the time of effective weather computing or comprehensive satellite imagery.

In 1966 the Bureau of Meteorology established a World Meteorological Centre in Melbourne to take over the IAACs routine operations as part of the international World Weather Watch which was to transform global meteorology observations. Phillpot was made leader of a new International Antarctic Meteorological Research Centre studying Antarcticas role in global weather and climate. American and Australian scientists elaborated previously unknown features of the Antarctic climate, and developed highly innovative approaches using the new US weather satellites for mapping the three-dimensional structure of the atmosphere over the Southern Ocean.Illustration: Matt Golding Credit:

Readers of this column may recall Rio Dorado gold mining boss Gary Mares making a quip last year about securing the borders of his company's gold mine in northern Ecuador by shooting first and asking questions later.

At the time, the plucky digger said it had employed armed local military to deal with trespassers, and that the guards happened to enjoy "a little bit of ... target practice".

There's no word yet on whether his bold shoot-to-kill plan worked. But if it does, there's a better-than-even chance he might be tapped for advice.A man will face court after police seized more than 180 cannabis plants from a house in Downer on Tuesday afternoon.

Police seized 182 cannabis plants, about 300 cannabis seeds and approximately two kilograms of dried cannabis when they searched the house about 3pm.

Police seized more than 180 cannabis plants, pictured, from a house in Downer on Tuesday afternoon. Credit:ACT Policing

The officer in charge of City Police Station, Detective Station Sergeant Adrian Craft, said it was a significant drug seizure and ACT Policing would continue to target illicit drug production, distribution and trafficking.

"Large quantities of cannabis such as this are often sold for criminal profit, so I applaud our officers for the success of this operation in getting these drugs off our streets," he said.Some cocoa farmers at Achiansan have appealed to the government to compel the Suhum branch of the First Allied Savings and Loans Company to release monies meant for the payment of their cocoa beans.



Mr Samuel Darko, the Community Chief Farmer of Achiansan made the appeal when he spoke with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Achiansan, in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region on Tuesday.



He said cocoa sent to the Yayra Glover Companys Society at Achiansan by the farmers from the beginning of 2018/2019 cocoa crop season had not been paid.



According to him, in October and November, this year, he sent 57 bags of cocoa to the Society but received payment for only seven bags.



Mr Darko said investigation conducted by him revealed that monies released for the payment of the cocoa had been locked up at the First Allied Savings and Loans Company, hence their plea for government to intervene.



Mr Daniel Lartey, the Marketing Clerk of the Yayra Glover Company confirmed the story to the GNA when contacted, saying that, his attempts to withdraw the money from the First Allied Savings and Loans Company to pay the cocoa farmers had proved futile.



He said from the beginning of the 2018/19 cocoa season his company deposited GHc123,000 into its account with the First Allied Savings and Loans Company.



The Manager of the First Allied Savings and Loans Company, Mr George Asare confirmed the claim by the farmers but said the management of the company was facing some administrative challenges and were making efforts to address them.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoThe woman found dead at the foot of a staircase outside a Red Hill home told a friend that members of her family wanted to kill her, a jury heard Wednesday.

Katherine Panin, 81, died on October 12, 2015, but at first her death was deemed not suspicious.

The back stairs at Beagle Street where Katherine Panin was found dead. Her daughter in law Melissa Beowulf and two grandsons Thorsten and Bjorn Beowulf are on trial for murder in the ACT Supreme Court.

It wasnt until later that police launched an investigation and charged her daughter-in-law Melissa Beowulf 61, and her two grandsons Thorsten, 32, and Bjorn Beowulf, 31, with murder.

The three are accused of having an agreement to murder Mrs Panin.Calvary Hospital's former chief financial officer has been convicted in the ACT Magistrates Court of doctoring the company's finances to the tune of millions of dollars.

Between 2012 and 2014, Wayne Allan Armistead, who was chief financial officer of Calvary Health Care ACT Ltd, caused the reporting of 28 false entries into the financial statements of the company.

Those false entries led Calvary to report earnings of $1.9 million in the 2014 financial report when the actual figure, after entries were correctly readjusted, was a loss of more than $9 million.

Armistead, who now resides in Victoria, was also convicted of providing false information to the company auditor. He pleaded guilty to the charges.

For the charges of causing the false entries, Armistead was sentenced to a two-year good behaviour bond and fined $3000. Should he breach the good behaviour bond he will be liable to pay another $1000.After a montage of excruciating dates in which series creator Alexandra Cunningham (Aquarius, Desperate Housewives) and director Jeffrey Reiner (Friday Night Lights, The Affair) establish immense sympathy for Debra, her luck seems to change. She meets a fellow by the name of John (Bana), a doctor who turns up for their dream date oddly underdressed but proves solicitious and charming - and has even risked his neck with Medecins Sans Frontieres in the Middle East. Dirty John, based on a true story, is set in California's well-to-do Newport Harbor. Credit:Bravo Debra is smitten, but her hostile, bratty adult daughter (Juno Temple, effortlessly irritating and amusing) smells a rat. What follows in the first half of the eight-part series is never terribly surprising, and it's certainly hard to imagine anyone who knows the story staying the whole way through. Where Dirty John is perhaps most revealing is in its understanding of how people's pasts, their traumas, their beliefs and their desires cause them to behave in the strangest ways - whether it be Debra refusing to see what's right in front of her eyes, Debra's nephew (Kevin Zegers) rationalising his mother's murder in bizarre fashion, or Debra's own mother (Jean Smart, evidently having found Estelle Getty's Golden Girls wig) being perhaps the scariest character of all.

A 1941 portrait of actress Hedy Lamarr. Credit:AP Loading Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story

Stan A fascinating documentary about Hedy Lamarr, an extraordinary woman who was so much more than the moviegoing public ever imagined. By the time she fled Europe's impending cataclysm in 1938 she had already lived a remarkable life. A few years later her ingenious design for radio-controlled torpedoes might have struck a decisive blow against Hitler's U-boats had the US Navy not shelved it - but her invention lives on today in technology all around us. Lamarr's children and grandchildren join historians and contemporaries to fill in a poignant picture.

Nailed It!: Mexico

Netflix It's nice to see that Mexico is full of happy home bakers every bit as bubbly and technically deficient as the Americans who compete in Original Recipe Nailed It! Tasked with recreating the masterpieces of master cake-makers they fail in imaginative and spectacular fashion. If you think one episode will do you, make it "Fails from the Crypt", in which a typically colourful human cast attempt a chocolate ghost, goblin and chupacabra, and busts of a skeletal death saint dressed in traditional Mexican attire.

Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The Cleaners

Docplay Are we seeing a genocide in Burma as an externality of an algorithm written by nerds in California? That's one of many disturbing questions raised in this documentary about the overworked, underpaid and underqualified Filipino "cleaners" who moderate content for global social media giants. With an individual cleaner having to approve or delete 25,000 images per day, even the documentation of war crimes is being reflexively destroyed by people who can't comprehend what they're looking at but who are sometimes fatally traumatised by what they see. Shocking.

There's a lot going on in The Fosters - and it makes for fine family viewing. Credit:Stan The Fosters

Stan This involving foster-family drama sure has a whole lot going on. The two-mum family is headed by policewoman Stef (Teri Polo) and teacher Lena (Sherri Saum), and as the series begins, their family comprises Stef's 16-year-old biological son, Brandon (David Lambert), and 15-year-old adopted twins Jesus and Mariana (Jake T. Austin and Cierra Ramirez). Then they take in troubled 16-year-old Callie (Australian Maia Mitchell), who immediately embarks upon on a mission to rescue her little brother, Jude (Hayden Byerly), from his abusive foster father. But then, once Jude is ensconced in the increasingly crowded house, Brandon becomes determined to move in with his father - much to his mother's distress.

It's clear that the show's creators have put a lot of thought into their characters, plots and messages, and that these will strike a lot of chords. One example comes when the walled-off Callie refuses to put pen to paper for her English teacher: he appeals directly to her hostility by talking about Joan Didion's philosophy of writing as a hostile act. It's fine family viewing - and there are five seasons of it. Filmmaker Kevin Smith, pictured here in January, is a terrific storyteller in Silent but Deadly. Credit:AP Kevin Smith: Silent but Deadly

Amazon Prime Video Filmmaker Kevin Smith is a terrific storyteller but a terrible judge of a story. When he's at his best in this one-man theatre show he's a lot of fun. With infectious good cheer he supplies amusing, well-paced anecdotes in which his goofy self and his long-standing cannabis habit are the butts of the jokes.GM: Given the shambolic way the awards have shaped up this year, who can tell? It would have been a good year to go with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as hosts. Or for more mainstream appeal, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black or Hugh Jackman again. A good host's energy and wit holds together a long ceremony that has inevitable peaks and troughs. And as Jimmy Kimmel showed, a good host can step in when theres a disaster like the best picture fiasco two years ago. I hope it goes well. KQ: The Australian Academy Awards (AACTAs) have been presented sans host - just a lot of presenters seemingly auditioning for the role - and it wasnt a disaster, though it was a little confusing. I suspect it will play out a little like that this year - more substantially written routines for maybe four or five presenters with a bit of comedic flair to break things up. If its just a long procession of "and the award goes to ...", it will be tedious in the extreme. Its been a bumpy road to the Oscars for other reasons, too. Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Robert De Niro, Scarlett Johansson, Peter Jackson, Brad Pitt, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep and Quentin Tarantino were among the big names to sign an open letter protesting a decision to present some awards during commercial breaks. It comes after plans for a new outstanding achievement in popular film category were heavily criticised and later dropped. Why this push to rethink the Oscars? Loading GM: There seems to be a desperation to improve the television ratings and respond to the battering from the dramas of #OscarsSoWhite and #MeToo and the best picture mix-up. What the Academy needs is a much pacier ceremony that honours great cinema and is a television event. In other words, ditch the awkward presenter pairings, cut the Academy presidents speech, strike a tone of celebrating excellence without taking things too seriously, lose the self-indulgence and show why movies matter.

KQ: The Oscars is an event with two key stakeholders: the 9200 or so members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the ABC network, which in 2016 signed on to broadcast the awards until at least 2028. But since then, the broadcast has shed about a quarter of its audience in the US; last years 26.5 million live viewers was the lowest on record. And with advertisers being asked to cough up $US2-3 million for a 30-second ad, delivering big numbers is essential. So, you have the members wanting to acknowledge the work of their peers and ABC wanting to make a show thats short, sharp and a delight to viewers and advertisers. The two dont quite fit, and unfortunately, no one seems to know how to resolve that dilemma. Hence this years shemozzle. LR: The thing is, why cater to the ratings and people who arent that interested in the awards in the first place? True film nerds want to watch the whole ceremony. I want to see the dorky speech from the winning costume designer and the editor, because thats where the true Oscar moments come from. The popular film category was always going to be a dud - how do you categorise what is and isnt a popular film? Its a slippery slope that could have one day meant Adam Sandler or Michael Bay were referred to as Oscar winners. The best film ballot has 10 available slots, just fill all of those and be done with it. Loading Two Australians are nominated this year, both for their work on The Favourite: screenwriter Tony McNamara and production designer Fiona Crombie. What are their chances? MI: Tony McNamara and co-writer Deborah Davis have so far secured an AACTA award and a BAFTA award. Oddly, though I think they're the likely winners on Oscar night, Paul Schrader's First Reformed has had the most love during awards season, winning at the Gothams, the New York and Los Angeles critics circle awards and the National Board of Review awards. Production design is less clear, as the award is actually a combination of both production design and set decoration, which alters the stakes slightly. The Favourite is a sharp competitor, but it's up against a rich and colourful line-up including Black Panther and Mary Poppins Returns.

GM: Very, very good. I cant see a better original screenplay than Tony McNamaras and Fiona Crombies only real rival is Black Panther. KQ: Excellent. The Favourite is beautifully and boldly written and looks stunning. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video What are the biggest snubs in this years Oscars race? MI: Aside from the potentially disastrous snub of relegating four awards to the ad breaks - only stopped because of a huge industry pushback - there's a bunch of noses fairly out of joint: films such as Boy Erased and Destroyer should have picked up nominations, but were sidelined; Black Panther earned a best picture nomination but nothing for actor Michael B. Jordan; First Reformed made a splash early in awards season (at the critic-powered events), but has virtually vanished in the later part of the race; and Bradley Cooper was shut out of the directing category for his work on A Star is Born.

GM: There are always contenders that are just unlucky. For best picture, I would have included Cold War and First Man. The single most unlucky contender would have to be Bradley Cooper for best director on A Star Is Born but, to be honest, you wouldn't put him ahead of the five existing nominees. Also unlucky was Australia's Lost & Found, a beautiful little film that made the final 10 contenders for best animated short. LR: Bradley Cooper missing out on a best director nomination for A Star is Born. For a first movie, it was a solid effort and I couldnt stop thinking about it for about two weeks afterwards. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper will perform the Oscar-nominated song Shallow, from A Star is Born, at the 2019 Academy Awards. Marvels Black Panther has made history, becoming the first superhero movie to be nominated for best picture. Does a superhero blockbuster deserve to win the film industrys highest honour? MI: Yes, so long as it is the best film of the list. Its nomination is absolutely deserved and there is a groundswell of love for the film, fuelled by the fact it is much more than simply a superhero movie. Black Panther represented a cultural and commercial moment, challenging the long-held (and inaccurate) perception that black cinema could not command the biggest pieces of the box-office pie in competitive environments. But the race for best picture is simply that: choosing the best film, across all of its creative disciplines, of the year.

GM: Don't forget a superhero movie of sorts has already won best picture - Birdman. But Black Panther broke ground for the genre by being a movie of ideas about black identity with immense style. So, yes, it deserves a best picture nomination. Is it the best film this year? Not for me. LR: It does, but it has to be worthy. Black Panther is powerful film, and it has had a powerful effect on audiences and for black representation on screen, but did it have me chewing over it after the credits rolled? Not really. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video It looks to be Rami Maleks year; hes the frontrunner in the best actor category after winning multiple awards for his performance as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. Best actress is a much closer race. Who should win, and who will win, in the acting categories? MI: The challenge with the lead acting categories is that they are often swept up in sentiment for the nominated films themselves. Bohemian Rhapsody, for example, is a problematic film but Rami Malek's performance within it is flawless. Barring an eleventh-hour shift, the sentiment powering him into Oscar night feels too strong to break. Malek should win, and likely will. The actress category is a fraction more open, with stunning performances from Olivia Colman (The Favourite) and Glenn Close (The Wife). Again, there is a groundswell of love for Colman's performance, which means she should, and likely will, win.

GM: The single best performance I've seen at these Oscars almost certainy won't win. As the maid Cleo in Roma, Yalitza Aparicio was so quietly moving without a trace of artifice or vanity. Yes, Malek is hot favourite but I thought some of his early scenes were awkward, so would have voted for Christian Bale (Vice). Everything points to Close for best actress after her Golden Globes speech. But how much fun would it be if either Colman or Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born) wins? KQ: Bale is, as usual, superb in Vice, though Maleks prosthetic teeth ought to get an award of their own. Hands down the performance of the year for me was Glenn Closes in The Wife. Its all about what she holds in, and that makes it utterly remarkable. At 71, shes also got age on her side - Colman is terrific in The Favourite, as is Melissa McCarthy in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, but Close could - and should - win it as a de facto lifetime achievement award as much as for the performance itself. LR: Malek will probably win, but I cant get past the ridiculous false teeth. My pick would be Christian Bale. He completely disappeared into the role of Dick Cheney and if the Oscars are sometimes about rewarding a body of work, then it is has to be Bale over first-timer Malek. Now heres where I contradict myself: Olivia Colman was brilliant as Queen Anne in The Favourite. Sure, shes a first-time nominee, but if you have followed her career across British television over the last decade or more, you know shes got the goods. Plus, she seems like a genuinely delightful person. Oscar contenders: Christian Bale in Vice, Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody and Glenn Close in The Wife. There are eight movies vying for best picture - and its a surprisingly diverse field. In addition to Black Panther, there are box-office hits Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star Is Born, the racially-charged Green Book and BlacKkKlansman, political satire Vice, darkly-comic costume drama The Favourite, and an intimate portrait of a single family in Roma (a film made for streaming service Netflix). Which film will win and why?

MI: Green Book, Bohemian Rhapsody, Roma, Vice and A Star is Born seem to have a stickiness in the race which puts them ahead of the pack. If you go with statistics, Green Book is the likely winner because it has the PGA win behind it. The trick is not to think about best films, or indeed most popular films, but to get into the mind of the Oscar voter. They're film industry professionals with a love of cinema. In a more sentimental race, it's easy to imagine Roma pulling off a rare double of winning both best foreign film and best picture. GM: While the Academy has done the right thing by refreshing its membership to be more diverse, thats made it harder to predict best picture. Based on The Shape Of Water and Moonlight winning in the last two years, it feels like members are voting for causes more often. For sheer excellence in cinema, Roma deserves to win. But its also a foreign-language, slow-burner on Netflix so, for some voters, it could be arrivederci Roma. Green Book is terrific, but there were a couple of moments that had me questioning its racial politics, which will count against it when voters are also weighing up BlacKkKlansman and Black Panther. Bohemian Rhapsody is more crowd-pleaser than cinematic excellence. A Star Is Born and The Favourite - with its female-centred story - will have plenty of fans. Vice is likely too divisive. While the Oscars don't always get it right - Ordinary People beat Raging Bull and Crash beat Brokeback Mountain - the film that will be admired for as long as cinema exists is Roma. Loading KQ: If its about my favourite film among the contenders, its The Favourite. If its about the film most likely to, I suspect its Roma. But the fact it is nominated in both best picture and best foreign film categories could work against it; theres a chance some voters might plump for Cold War in the foreign category on the assumption that Roma is a shoo-in for best picture. By the same token, some voters might do the opposite, plumping for Roma in foreign and directing their best picture vote elsewhere. So a split field is entirely possible, which could leave the way open for a dark horse like Bohemian Rhapsody to win it by a nose. If a left-field entry is to steal it, though, it would be great to see BlacKkKlansman emerge triumphant. But even in this age of #OscarsNotSoWhite, I suspect thats a stretch. LR: Such a great line-up of films this year, mostly all worthy (I would have booted white-saviour flick Green Book in favour of genuine black experience story If Beale Street Could Talk). Roma will probably win (momentum is on its side), but I have my fingers crossed for The Favourite. Its a witty female-led film, in another year when no women were nominated for best director. But for sentimental reasons, and to reward a lifetime of groundbreaking work, it should go to Spike Lees BlacKkKlansman.Theresa May will be met with a 132-square-metre reminder she supported Remain on her visit to Brussels on Wednesday evening after a British activist group paid for a huge advertisement in the city centre.

Led by Donkeys, which has erected dozens of Brexit-themed billboards around the UK in recent weeks, used donations to pay for the advert on a giant screen in Place De Brouckere, Brussels.

The billboard looks like a tweet quoting a Theresa May speech from 2016 when she said: "I believe it is clearly in our national interest to remain a member of the European Union."

Sharing an image of the billboard on Twitter, the group wrote:

"It is our grave misfortune that, at this critical hour for Britain, we are governed by a politician who always - always - puts party before country."

Mrs May is visiting Brussels to discuss Brexit with Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission.

The meeting is likely to take place at the commission's headquarters around a mile and a half from the digital billboard in Place De Brouckere so it is unclear whether the Prime Minister will see the billboard in person.

A member of Led By Donkeys said: "We did this to highlight the absurdity of a British Prime Minister travelling abroad to fervently pursue a policy she expressly regards as working against the national interest.

How has it come to this? Have we lost our collective mind?

The advert will be on rotation on the giant screen for 24 hours to coincide with the Prime Minister's visit.

Describing themselves as "four friends who wanted to highlight the hypocrisy of our politicians on Brexit", Led By Donkeys has raised nearly 170,000 in donations since it began posting quotes around the country in early January.

The initial run included quotes from arch Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, Mrs May, former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox.

billboards in Brussels. Led by Donkeys who previously erected billboards around the UK featuring politicians' quotes on Brexit. Photo: Led by Donkeys/PA Wire.

As the campaign gathered steam and the public donated more money to pay for the billboards, quotes from David Cameron, Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn were also displayed across the UK.

A spokesperson for the group previously told the Press Association: "The news cycle is so fast nowadays, we forget what our leaders once said.

"If they want us to trust their judgment as we enter the choppy waters of Brexit it's right that we remind ourselves of their record."

- PANo former Nazi SS soldiers are receiving disability pensions in Belgium, German authorities have said, responding to concerns raised by politicians there.

The Labour Ministry said 18 people in Belgium are receiving war disability pensions but "there are no former members of the Waffen SS" among them.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.Italy's foreign minister has said the country is investigating whether the daughter of a former North Korean diplomat was forcibly returned to Pyongyang as her parents apparently tried to defect.

Enzo Moavero Milanesi was responding to demands by Italian politicians to know the fate of the 17-year-old girl.A convoy of trucks carrying hundreds of civilians has left the last enclave held by Islamic State militants in eastern Syria, signalling a possible end to a standoff that has lasted for more than a week.

The tiny enclave on the banks of the Euphrates River is the final scrap of territory left to the extremist group that only a few years ago controlled a vast stretch of territory across Syria and Iraq - at one point nearly from Aleppo to Baghdad - aspiring to create an enduring and expanding jihadi state.

Its recapture by US-backed Syrian fighters would spell the territorial defeat of IS and allow US President Donald Trump to begin withdrawing American troops from northern Syria, as he has pledged to do, opening a new chapter in Syria's eight-year civil war.

Few believe, however, that ending the group's territorial rule will end the threat posed by an organisation that still stages and inspires attacks through sleeper cells in both Syria and Iraq.

Some 300 IS militants - many of them foreign fighters - are believed to be holed up in the enclave in the remote village of Baghouz, along with several hundred civilians believed to be mostly their families.

The presence of so many civilians intermingled with the militants in a cramped space halted the military offensive by the US-backed militia known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and led to a days-long standoff with the militants, who refuse to surrender and prevented the civilians from leaving.

It was not immediately clear what prompted the evacuation on Wednesday, although food supplies and ammunition for the besieged militants have been fast diminishing.

An Associated Press team in Baghouz counted at least 18 trucks that emerged through a humanitarian corridor used in past weeks to evacuate people from the militants' last patch of territory along the river.

Women, children and men, some with headscarves, or keffiyehs, could be seen through a flap opening on the flatbed trucks.

One man carried a crutch; the women were wearing conservative black garments covering their faces known as niqabs.

There were reports of IS militants surrendering, but the US-led coalition said those reports could not be independently verified.

In a tweet, it said the SDF continue to receive civilians attempting to escape to safety and the most hardened IS fighters still remain in Baghouz.

SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali confirmed the trucks were carrying civilians out of the enclave.

The number of those evacuated was not clear, nor whether IS militants were also on board the trucks.

On Tuesday, Mr Bali said a military operation aimed at ousting the extremists from the area would begin if they do not surrender, adding that such an operation would take place after separating or evacuating the civilians from the militants.

A general view showing Baghouz town eastern Syria. EPA/MURTAJA LATEEF.

SDF commander Zana Amedi said most of the militants remaining inside the enclave are seriously wounded or sick.

IS has been reduced from its self-proclaimed "caliphate" that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq at its height in 2014 to a speck of land on the countries' shared border.

The SDF has been encircling the remaining IS-held territory for days, waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

Nearly 20,000 civilians had left the shrinking area in recent weeks before the evacuation halted last week when the militants closed all the roads out of the tiny area.

- PAAttitudes towards Brexit have hardened "quite markedly" in European capitals over the past two or three weeks, the UK's former ambassador to the EU has warned.

There is now a widespread view among the remaining 27 EU states that the chances of a no-deal exit are above 50%, Sir Ivan Rogers told the House of Lords European Union Committee.

Sir Ivan - who quit as permanent representative in Brussels in January 2017 in protest at the Government's handling of Brexit - said Theresa May has lost an "awful lot" of goodwill by supporting demands to rewrite the Withdrawal Agreement she signed last November.

He told the cross-party committee the Prime Minister had relied on a strategy of "running down the clock and playing it as hardball as possible", seeking to win over critics on both sides of the argument by telling them: "It's my way or the abyss."

European leaders have questioned the PM's "good faith" after she urged them to sign a Withdrawal Agreement in November to allow her to get it through Parliament by Christmas, only to then postpone the vote until January and then support an amendment demanding it should be reopened.

"An awful lot of goodwill has been burnt through," said Sir Ivan.

"I have been on the receiving end of quite a lot of views on that, most of which are not easily printable.

"There has been a hardening of attitudes over the last few weeks, post-Brady and Malthouse, and that comes from some of our best friends in northern Europe, not just predictable capitals.

"There is a definite entering of iron in the soul in parts of Europe at the moment.

"People's estimation of the possibility now of an accidental no-deal has gone up.

"We are seeing a massive uptick in momentum of preparing for no-deal in Brussels and European capitals."

Sir Ivan said the EU27 still wants to avoid a no-deal Brexit.

But he warned:

There is a danger that it develops a momentum of its own and that in capitals the feeling is rising that we may well end up there by the summer because there may be no alternative and she may have no authority to get anything through the House.

There was no prospect of the EU27 agreeing to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement and British proposals for a unilateral exit mechanism or time-limit on the backstop were "a no-no for the EU", he said.

He also dismissed the so-called Malthouse Compromise drawn up by MPs on the Remain and Leave wings of the Tory Party as "irrelevant" as it relies on "technology which doesn't yet exist".

In her talks with Brussels in the coming days and weeks, Mrs May might be able to obtain a formal codicil spelling out in greater detail the EU's assurances that it will not seek to hold the UK in the backstop indefinitely.

But he said: "You look at the situation from the outside and think it's a very significant risk.

"I think this is going right to the wire now, to the March European Council.

"We are only five weeks away. How on Earth are we going to leave the EU on March 29 in good order, in orderly fashion and ram all the implementing legislation for the Withdrawal Agreement through both Houses of Parliament when the deal is probably several weeks away and most people I know are saying not much will happen until the second week of March?"

- PA/i>A Waterford murder trial has heard there was a blood-like substance on the front door where a 90-year-old man was found dead.

The body of retired farmer Paddy Lyons was found at his home in Lismore two years ago.

28-year-old Ross Outram of Ferryland, Waterford Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. has pleaded not guilty to his murder.

Ross Outram.

The court has already heard that 90-year-old Paddy Lyons, who lived alone, was found dead at his home in Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co. Waterford in February 2017.

Detective Garda Joe Wyse told the jury he arrived at the scene and noticed a damaged padlock at the entrance to his property.

He also saw skid marks on the ground.

When he arrived at the house itself the detective said he saw an elderly man slumped in a chair facing the entrance.

He said there appeared to be a blood-like substance on the door to the house, the front and rear window and on a phone.

He told the jury one of the paramedics told him there was a deep laceration to the head of the deceased man.Even before the current impasse between the Board Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Freddie Blay, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr K.K. Sarpong, is settled, Dr. Steve Manteaw, Chairman of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), has dropped another bombshell.



The PIAC Chair is accusing the government of using the GNPC as a shadow puppetry, which could land Ghana into the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPIC) category in future, if the corporation is not depoliticised and managed well for the common good of Ghanaians.



He argued that today, the state petroleum corporation has become a shadow puppet, and anything the government cannot finance is funded by the GNPC in negation of its core mandate, hence, the need to pay attention to all these issues, else we will produce oil just like we did with gold and become HIPIC.



The occasion was the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI) stakeholders engagement on mining, oil/gas and commodity trading reports in Kumasi, which discussed the findings and recommendations of the 2015/16 Ghana Extractive Transparency Initiative (EITI) and oil/gas reports, and the Ghana Commodity Trading Pilot Report.



Dr. Manteaw, who is the Co-Chair of GHEITI and also Chairman of the PIAC, noted: In recent days, we have seen leakages of internal memos and fighting at GNPC, and these developments are being picked by the international community, thus, the EITI Board, Secretariat are creating a perception about Ghana and how we are managing our oil.



In his presentation, which was on the Concept, Principles, Criteria of EITI process and Ghanas progress so far, he painted a horrible picture which could befall Ghana, emphasising that in most OPEC countries, the national oil companies tend to be abused.



In fact, sometimes they determine who wins the elections. They can use their resources to finance [a] political party, and we are bound to see that in Ghana very soon.



He further said: Let me draw your attention to the fact that the GNPC Foundation is now going to be managed by a political party person a former Youth Organiser of NPP, and that should create some worry for you.



This is not the way to treat the national oil company and the international community is getting worried.



Chairman Manteaw bemoaned that it is not the way to treat a national oil company, and that the international community is getting worried. He maintained that the GNPC was established for a purpose  to explore for oil/gas.



In an interview with the media, he explained that in an EITI international validation carried out in 2016, Ghana failed to make the ultimate mark of satisfactory progress. This is largely on account of issues related to GNPC, and how those entities conduct their operations.



Expressing misgivings about the way and manner processes are being schematised at the GNPC, Mr. Manteaw asserted: In fact, previous governments have also done same at the GNPC, but it looks like, under this particular government, the whole problem, in terms of politicisation of a national commercial entity as strategic as GNPC, has been compounded under this government, to the extent that in some respects it appears to me that GNPC is being treated as [an] extension of the NPP bureaucracy, where we have the party Chairman chairing the board, and through the instrumentation of this party Chairman, appointing a former deputy Youth Organiser of the party as the CEO of [the] GNPC Foundation.



Mr. Manteaw opined that this development is sending wrong signals, in terms of the expectations of the international community to de-poiticise GNPC and allow it to operate as a pure commercial entity.



In what could be equated as predicting doomsday ahead of Ghana, the PIAC authority mentioned: My particular worry is that if Ghanaians are not careful in the 2020 elections, we will see a lot of quasi-expenditures being undertaken by GNPC through its Foundation, all onstensibly to influence the outcome of 2020 elections. That, for me, is a big worry.



Asked about the advantages the ordinary Ghanaian will rake from Ghanas oil discovery, he replied: We should recognise the fact that we established GNPC for a purpose  to represent Ghanas commercial interests in oil production.



According to a worried Mr. Manteaw, as a commercial entity, the GNPC is expected to make profit and pay dividends to the state, emphasising that in an event where the GNPC moves away from its core mandate of exploring for oil, and even getting into the production of oil, into doing financing fiscal expenditures  expenditures that are the liability or responsibility of the government to finance through the budget  then I am worried that if we are not careful, Ghana will not reap the full benefits of its discovery of oil in commercial quantity.



A lot of it would be squandered through the GNPC, and the abusing that we are seeing now in that company.



In an address, which was read on behalf of the deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Mrs. Elizabeth Agyemang, she noted there was the need to make revenue widely available to empower the public to hold both companies and the government accountable.



She said Ghana, by signing on to the Extractive Transparency Initiative (EITI), had heeded the call that transparent and accountable management of extractive resources could make the difference.



The stakeholders workshop was aimed at discussing the findings and recommendations of the 2015/2016 reports, which have been produced, to make revenue information on the extractive sector available to the public.



The deputy Minister said, the government would continue to support the Ghana EITI process to provide regular information on all revenues received from the extractive sector in mining and oil/gas.



She stated the effectiveness of the EITI requires critical discussions, evaluation and interpretation of the report by key stakeholders, adding that it was through awareness creation among stakeholders that the maximum benefit would be derived from these publications.

Source: The Chronicle









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoA man accused of murdering a 90-year-old retired farmer had injuries that included marks on his hands and bruising to the inside of his thigh, a trial jury has heard.

Ross Outram (aged 28), of Ferryland, Waterford Road, Clonmel in Co Tipperary, has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering Paddy Lyons at Loughleagh, Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co Waterford, at a time unknown between February 23 and 26, 2017.

Ross Outram.

Giving evidence today, Detective Garda Joe Wyse told prosecution counsel John OKelly SC that he went to Ballysaggart on February 25 after he was made aware that there were suspicious circumstances surrounding a sudden death at Mr Lyons' home.

There was a damaged padlock on the ground at the entrance to Mr Lyons property and skid marks were visible outside his house, said Det. Gda Wyse.

The witness said he observed what he believed to be finger marks on the front door of the house and there was a blood-like substance around these marks.

Det. Gda Wyse said he did not go into the house but paramedics told him that Mr Lyons had a deep laceration to his head. However, the witness said he looked in the front door where he saw an elderly male slumped in a chair, which faced the entrance.

Following this, Det. Gda Wyse said he went around the back of the house and looked in a rear window where he saw a phone with a blood-like substance on it.

A similar blood-like substance was on the inside of the front kitchen window as well as on the inside of the window at the back of the house, he explained.

Det. Gda Wyse said he took photographs of Mr Outrams injuries in Dungarvan Garda station on February 28.

The witness agreed with Mr OKelly that the first photo showed "a mark" on the knuckle of Mr Outrams middle finger on his left hand. Det. Gda Wyse further agreed that the second photo showed bruising and a scrape to the inside of the accuseds left thigh and another photo showed "a cut" to the knuckle of Mr Outrams index finger on his right hand.

Paddy Lyons.

Detective Garda Martin Keohane testified that he went to Mr Lyons' house on February 25 where he noted a "fingerprint in blood" above the handle of the front door as well as blood-staining on the wall inside the door. Blood was also found on a plate which was on a table inside the front door, the court heard. Det. Gda Keohane said that he and other gardai present at the scene came to the consensus at this point that Mr Lyons had been assaulted "at the very least".

Det. Gda Keohane said he arrested Mr Outram on suspicion of Mr Lyons' murder on February 27 and took a Samsung phone, 160 in cash and a set of keys from him.

Detective Garda Shay Keevans gave evidence that he searched Mr Outram's house in the aftermath of his arrest. The witness said a blue Volkswagen Passat was concealed at the rear of his house and no number plates were displayed on the car. There was damage to the front bumper as well as to the sides of the vehicle, he added.

Furthermore, the witness said a grey hoodie with "possible blood-stains" was found in the accused's bedroom during the search and he later became aware that Mr Lyons' DNA was on this hoodie.

In his opening address, prosecuting counsel John OKelly SC said the jury will hear evidence that the accused told gardai that he repeatedly struck Mr Lyons, who only had the use of one arm, in self-defence.

The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and a jury of eight men and four women.Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has insisted that the government will still to hold a referendum on whether water should be protected in public ownership but the vote must not be rushed.

The minister told the Dail this morning that wording for the referendum was still being worked on by the Attorney General among others, before it is debated with the Opposition in the Dail.

Fianna Fail's Darragh O'Brien pushed Mr Murphy to commit to when the vote could be held and when details around it and the transfer of water assets from local authorities to Irish Water would be completed.

Mr Murphy said that the government had decided against having the vote in May because of the need to get language right over the contentious issue of group and private water schemes.

The decision to postpone the referendum has been viewed by Opposition TDs as a way to avoid any further controversy or backlash over water in the lead up to the May local and European elections.

Meanwhile, Mr Murphy also said regulations for affordable housing and rent schemes were being finalised.

Up to 29,000 such homes are planned and applicants with an income under 50,000 or a joint income of 75,000 can apply, the minister told the Dail this morning.

Sinn Fein's Eoin O'Broin said rents should be set for the properties and local authorities required to meet targets for affordable homes.

Mr Murphy said, once schemes are up and running, that overall targets would be set in a similar way to social housing.Cancer awareness advocate Vicky Phelan is stepping back from campaigning after a serious setback to her health.

The mother of two apologised to her social media followers for being so quiet but revealed she has been in hospital due to a viral infection as she feared her cancer may have spread.

Apologies to all my followers on Twitter for my absence over the past couple of weeks. I was very ill. I spent almost a week in hospital, my first as an inpatient since I got cancer. It was scary but I am OK again and a CT scan has revealed that my cancer has NOT spread 1/3  Vicky Phelan (@PhelanVicky) February 20, 2019

Originally from Kilkenny, the 45-year-old rose to national prominence due to lifting the lid on how hundreds of smear tests had been misdiagnosed as part of the national CervicalCheck programme last year.

In her Twitter posts she said: Apologies to all my follows on Twitter for my absence over the past couple of weeks. I was very ill.

I spent almost a week in hospital, my first as an inpatient since I got cancer. It was scary but I am ok again and a CT scan has revealed that my cancer has not spread.

There is no explanation for what made me so ill so they have put it down to a viral infection. My time in hospital has taught me some valuable lessons, mainly that I need to pull back from campaigning so heavily and focus on my health and my two young children. 2/3  Vicky Phelan (@PhelanVicky) February 20, 2019

There is no explanation for what made me so ill so they have put it down to a viral infection. My time in hospital has taught me some valuable lessons, mainly that I need to pull back from campaigning so heavily and focus on my health and my two young children."

Ms Phelan added that she needs to prioritise her health and her family, saying I will still use my voice to campaign and to contribute to the conversation around womens health but I will be doing it on my terms. I dont know what lies ahead so I need to prioritise my health and my family above all else. Thank you.

I will still use my voice to campaign and to contribute to the conversation around women's health BUT I will be doing it on my terms. I don't know what lies ahead so I need to prioritise my health and my family above all else. Thank you x 3/3  Vicky Phelan (@PhelanVicky) February 20, 2019

Hundreds of members of the public responded to her news. Psychologist Niamh Fitzpatrick whose sister Captain Dara Fitzpatrick died in a helicopter crash, while on a rescue mission two years ago off the coast of Co Mayo said: Thinking about you Vicky. Your health and family are what matters.

You have been immense in the work youve done and you have changed the landscape with that work. Time for you now. Take good care.

Author Liz Nugget added: Can I send you books Vicky? Might be a nice distraction but I write about horrible people.

Ms Phelan campaigned for recognition of the mishandling of cases of women affected by the cervical cancer scandal, and in fighting for proper treatment for those suffering as a result, has meant that scores are now able to access the treatment she is receiving.

Ms Phelan, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer started receiving the wonder drug Pembrolizumab last year.

She is to be Grand Marshall in Kilkennys St Patricks Day parade next month.A test excavation has begun of the children's burial ground at the site of the former Sean Ross Abbey Mother and Baby Home in Tipperary.

The Mother and Baby Homes Commission confirmed that the excavation work began on Monday and is expected to last three weeks.

The announcement comes almost a month after a geophysical survey of the site was ordered by the Commission following a tip from a member of the public who approached the Commission with what is understood to be detailed information relating to the children's burial ground.

This is the only part of the campus that has been surveyed. Two other separate burial grounds, one for nuns and a further old burial ground were not examined on this occasion.

The examination of Sean Ross Abbey is the first time that any potential burial site outside Tuam has been excavated and comes more than three years after the first geophysical survey of the Tuam site.

Last week children's minister Katherine Zappone said that "initial testing" had been carried out at a nuns' burial plot on the grounds of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home but that no geophysical survey had yet been carried out at the site.

She said that this initial examination "may lead to more invasive test excavations" if necessary.

The Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary, which ran the Sean Ross Abbey and Bessborough institutions, gave death registers it held for the homes to the HSE in 2011. They are now held by Tusla. Redacted versions of both were obtained by the Irish Examiner a number of years ago.

In the case of Sean Ross Abbey, the death register lists a total of 269 deaths between 1934 and 1967. However, research by campaigners indicates that as many as 800 children may have died there.

In the case of the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, the register shows that 470 infants and 10 women died at the institution between 1934 and 1953.

A total of 273 deaths came in a six-year period between 1939 and 1944. However, the order reported 353 deaths to State inspectors in this period - a discrepancy which has yet to receive an explanation. It is unclear where all of the children listed on the register are buried.

Last year, an Irish Examiner investigation revealed that children from the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home and the former St Anne's Adoption Society, who died as late as 1990, are buried in unmarked graves in a Cork city cemetery.A man who accosted and robbed two women several weeks apart threatened to stab one of them with a needle, a court has heard.

Damien Reilly (aged 36) with an address at Camden Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two robberies in Stoneybatter, Dublin, on February 24, 2017, and April 7, 2017.

Garda Sinead Murphy told Tony McGillicuddy BL, prosecuting, that on the date in April a nurse had just entered her PIN into an ATM when Reilly grabbed a hold of her.

Reilly said: Don't fucking move, don't fucking scream, I have a needle in my hand, and he threatened to stick her with it. The woman screamed and tried to get away, ending up in a headlock before falling to the ground.

A man ran towards Reilly and hit him with a bottle, causing Reilly to flee over a wall behind which he was later found cowering by gardai. The woman said that 200 was stolen from her and the money was never recovered.

Garda Aidan Noonan told Mr McGillicuddy that several weeks prior to this incident, a woman was returning to her home when Reilly started running towards her.

Reilly grabbed the strap of her bag and pulled it from her shoulder. The woman was knocked to the ground and banged her head off a wall.

In a victim impact statement which was read out in court, the woman said the total cost of everything stolen from her was 575. She said the worst part of the incident was that her phone containing precious images of her daughter was not recovered.

Reilly has 17 previous convictions, including for offences of robbery, burglary, carrying a firearm with criminal intent and threatening with a syringe.

Pieter Le Vert BL, defending, submitted that his client has a history of drug abuse.

He said that one of the victims was concerned about contracting a disease due to having a mark on her after the robbery and that Reilly tried to give blood samples while in custody to ease her concern, but the medics could not access a vein.

Judge Pauline Codd remanded Reilly in custody and adjourned the matter for sentencing on May 7, next.A judge has asked a court are there a lot of very gullible people out there? after hearing how an Ennis man defrauded eight people out of 1,952 worth of concert tickets that didnt exist.

At Ennis District Court, Aaron Moran (30) of Aisling Geal, Limerick Rd, Ennis pleaded guilty to eight separate charges of defrauding eight concert goers out of 1,952 concerning 16 concert tickets over a 14 month period.

Between November 2017 and January of this year, Mr Moran deceived concert goers to lodge money into various accounts for tickets for Fleetwood Mac, Hugh Jackman, Post Malone, Electric Picnic, Longitude and Shania Twain.

Sgt Aiden Lonergan told Judge Durcan that Mr Moran has previous convictions for a similar nature.

No compensation has been paid to the would be concert goers from the new charges.

As part of his bail conditions, Mr Moran has undertaken not to engage in any online activity, including online gambling, bank transfers and posting adverts for the sale of tickets.

In his multiple deceptions, Mr Moran used a variety of accounts at St Francis Credit Union, the Bank of Ireland, the Western Union and Paypal to deceive the eager concert goers.

In the charges, Mr Moran has pleaded guilty on November 12, 2018 to dishonestly by deception induce Neville Shaw to lodge 295 into Mr Morans St Francis Credit Union account for two Fleetwood Mac tickets that Mr Shaw never received.

Mr Moran also pleaded guilty on January 7, 2019 to dishonestly by deception induce Niamh Martyn to lodge 180 into the Credit Union account for two Post Malone tickets that she never received.

Mr Moran also deceived a Colm Jones into lodging 250 into Mr Morans Paypal account on August 20th 2018 for an Electric Picnic ticket that Mr Jones never received.

The fraudster also pleaded guilty to on June 1, 2018 deceiving Ciaran Ward to lodge 190 into Mr Morans Bank of Ireland bank account for a Longitude ticket that was never received.

Mr Moran also pleaded guilty to deceiving Padraig Cronin to lodge 288 into Mr Morans credit union account on November 9, 2018 for two Fleetwood Mac tickets that were never received.

Mr Moran also pleaded guilty to deceiving Brian Cully on December 9, 2018 to lodge 188 into his credit union account for two Hugh Jackman tickets that were never received.

Mr Moran also pleaded guilty to inducing by deception Noelle McDaniel to lodge 164 into Mr Morans account for two Shania Twain tickets on November 8th 2017 that were never received.

In the final charge, Mr Moran pleaded guilty to inducing Aine Whelan to lodge 397 into his Western Union account for four Electric Picnic tickets that never existed.

Judge Patrick Durcan ordered a pre-sentence Probation Report on Mr Moran and remanded him on bail to June 5, for sentence.Ireland is not considering 'building a wall' or dispatching soldiers to the border in the event of a disorderly Brexit, European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee insisted.

Emergency funding supports for certain sectors and a deteriorating relationship with Britain were among the areas discussed yesterday by Ms McEntee with an Oireachtas European Affairs Committee.

With five weeks to go before Brexit, the government tomorrow will publish emergency powers and measures to safeguard transport, welfare payments, funding supports and healthcare.

Earlier this week, the DUP's Sammy Wilson claimed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar had talked about a 'Berlin Wall' and sending Irish troops to the border. But Ms McEntee firmly rejected Mt Wilson's claims.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, peace must be upheld in the North, the minister said. The Good Friday Agreement must continue and the government is not considering anything like a wall or sending soldiers to the border, she stated.

Solidarity from EU member states was still strong, Ms McEntee said.

Outlining lifelines available to firms facing a disorderly Brexit, Ms McEntee confirmed dozens of companies had already started drawing down emergency funds.

The Brexit loan scheme with a fund of 300m has, so far, saw 338 firms draw down financial supports, in sectors such as agri-food, retail and distribution, manufacturing, hospitality and transport.

Oireachtas members were told that 66 loans, to date, amounting to 15.3m had been approved.

Business Minister Heather Humphreys, meanwhile, is also considering a special "rescue fund" for businesses, it was noted.

Ms McEntee explained to TDs how a fractious rapport had developed between Irish and British ministers due to the wrangling over Brexit.

It was fair to say that relationships with UK ministers were somewhat strained, she told the committee.

Nonetheless, the Irish government wanted relations with British counterparts to continue after Brexit and would use special committees to do so after its neighbour had quit the EU, she added.

Social Affairs Minister Regina Doherty, meanwhile, pledged that contingency plans and agreement are in place so that welfare payments here and in Britain remain in place post-Brexit.

While it is hoped a special convention will be signed into law in Britain by March 19, the emergency legislation here will ensure arrangements under the Common Travel Area remain, she told a separate committee.

The plan was that Irish people living in Britain would "not notice" changes when it came to payments such as pensions, child benefit and welfare claims.

But Fianna Fail's Willie O'Dea was critical of the late publication of the emergency legislation.

This was especially so with potential tariffs that would wipe out the agriculture sector, he warned.

Furthermore, Ireland was one of one of the last countries in Europe to look at such legislation, he said.

It was regrettable that Ireland was in this position, he told colleagues, with everyone staring a no-deal now in the face over a British referendum campaign that had been misleading, because of a parliament that had become the laughing stock of the world and all so the British Prime Minister could keep her own party together.Multiple rib fractures on a 75-year-old woman were not identified when she was x-rayed and scanned in hospital after she fell down the stairs at her home and she later died, the High Court heard today.

Grandmother of six Christina McGagh had seven fractures to her ribs at the right side of her chest and was in pain. Counsel for the McGagh family Patrick Treacy SC told the court there was a failure when Mrs McGagh was brought to St Luke's Hospital, Carlow-Kilkenny after her stairs fall to identify the multiple fractures in her right-side chest area.

If Mrs McGagh had been properly treated counsel said it was their case the pensioner would have fully recovered.

In the High Court today, St Lukes Hospital Carlow-Kilkenny and the HSE apologised for the failings in the treatment and care provided to Christina McGagh and "the tragic consequences of these failings"

The grandmother of six from Ballon, Co Carlow, Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told, died five months after she initially fell down the stairs at her home.

The apology was read to the court as Mrs McGagh's son who had sued the HSE on behalf of the family settled his High Court action for 265,000.

The apology stated: "On behalf of the HSE and St Lukes Hospital, Carlow-Kilkenny we would like to express an unreserved apology to you and your family for the failings in treatment and care afforded to your mother while a patient in the hospital in October 2012.

"The Hospital regrets the tragic consequences of these failings and we extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family arising from her subsequent death on March 28, 2013."

Outside court, Mrs McGagh's daughter Kathryn speaking on behalf of the family said they were relieved the case was over.

"We accept the apology and the admission of liability. It was never about money," she said.

"A very important person in our family was lost and can never be replaced. We miss her every day."

She added: "The hope would be that the policies and procedures at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny will be reviewed in the light of this case."

Christina McGaghs son Tom of Ballinrush, Myshall, Co Carlow, on behalf of the McGagh family had sued the HSE over the care his mother received at St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny in 2012.

It was claimed there was a failure to properly and adequately consider or read the various X-rays and CT scans taken of Mrs McGagh's chest, shoulder and spine and a failure to identify the presence of multiple right-side rib fractures on the x-rays and scans.

It was further claimed Mrs McGagh's condition was caused to deteriorate significantly. Liability was admitted in the case.

Patrick Treacy SC said on October 31, 2012, Mrs McGagh fell down the stairs at her home and was brought by ambulance to St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny, complaining of pain in her spine and in the right side of the chest.

X-rays and scans were taken and on the basis of the images, Counsel said, Mrs McGagh was suspected of having sustained a fracture of the thoracic spine. On November 1, Mrs McGagh continued to complain of experiencing pain over the right side of her chest.

The next day Mrs McGagh complained of breathlessness and a further chest x-ray was performed. On November 5, following an orthopoeaedic review of the images Ms McGagh was diagnosed as having sustained a compression fracture of her thoracic spine and she was referred for the fitting of an upper body brace.

On November 6, it was thought Mrs McGagh may have sepsis. Another x-ray was later taken of her chest but the diagnosis of a compression fracture of her thoracic spine remained. Mrs McGagh was discharged from hospital on November 13, 2012, but she continued to experience and complain of right-side chest pain and shortness of breath.

She was admitted to A&E on November 26 and an angiogram revealed a large pleural effusion.

Her condition deteriorated and she was transferred to a Dublin Hospital on December 1, 2012, where she was found to have profound sepsis and acute renal failure and to have numerous fractures to her ribs on the right side with an underlying lung collapse.

Mrs McGagh died in the Dublin hospital on March 28, 2013.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Kevin Cross sympathised with the McGagh family on their loss.The director of Food Drink Ireland, Paul Kelly, wants the Government to flex its muscles to ensure greater protections for the Irish food and beverage sector in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

His warning comes after British environment secretary Michael Gove publicly rejected a zero-tariff regime after Britain quits the EU.

The UK has not yet confirmed what level of tariffs it will apply, but if they are based on World Trade Organisation levels then food will be the sector hit most severely.

Mr Kelly told RTEs Morning Ireland that tariffs on some Irish exports to the UK could be as high as 50% to 60%, especially in the beef and dairy sector.

A no deal Brexit could have an extremely bad impact on the 4.5bn food and beverage market, he said. Tariffs at the upper end could be 1.7bn, he said.

Tariffs are taxes by another word.

Price rises on beef and dairy products could have a knock-on impact, added Mr Kelly.

We need a deal and a transition period to figure out a future trade deal.

He called for any tariffs imposed by the EU on UK exports to be diverted into a Tariff Stabilisation Fund which could then be used to offset the impact of Brexit on the sector.The Government is considering setting up an independent inquiry to investigate failings in children's audiology services.

The HSE has been forced to apologise to around 60 families in the west of Ireland after they failed to provide proper services to children with hearing difficulties.

It comes less than a year after the HSE sent out similar apologies to anonther 49 children for failures in the provision of audiology services.

Under questioning in the Dail Taoiseach Leo Varadkar clearly laid the blame for the mistakes on the medical staff after Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald suggested that Fianna Fail are happy to allow the Minister for Health and the Government "evade accountability for the many failures in our services".

But responding Mr Varadkar said the clinician who made the mistake, who carried out the hearing tests and either failed to diagnose, or to ensure that the children and people affected got the proper follow up was "very obviously" responsible.

Mr Varadkar claimed that Ms McDonald was trying to turn the issue into a political attack but he said this "is not about Fianna Fail or Fine Gael or Micheal Martin or Simon Harris" and instead it was about the clinician involved.

"The problem was identified internally. The HSE assistant clinical lead for audiology services identified the problem and acted on it and I understand the people who made the mistakes are no longer working for our public health service and there are appropriate professional bodies that register people and can sanction them and strike them off," the Taoiseach said.Gardai are renewing their appeal for information on a 41-year-old man missing from Dublin.

Jon Jonsson, from Iceland, was last seen in the Whitehall area on Saturday, February 9 at 11am.

Gardai say that despite ongoing searches he has yet to be located. Family members are concerned for his wellbeing, and are anxious to make contact with him.

He's described as being 6 foot tall, of medium build, with short brown hair. When last seen he was wearing a black padded jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballymun Garda Station.Gardai are appealing to the public for help in locating a 16-year-old girl who is missing from the Balbriggan area.

Elaine Sweeney was last seen in Donabate in north Dublin on February 14 at around 11am.

She is described as being 5'5" in height, with brown hair, of slim build and with blue eyes.

Elaine was wearing a red top, blue jeans, and white runners when she was last seen.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact gardai in Balbriggan on 01 8020510, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any garda station.Former Sunday Business Post editor Ian Kehoe has denied it was unfair to publish articles in 2015 naming businessman Denis OBrien as among the 22 biggest borrowers from Irish banks in 2008.

He was being cross-examined in Mr O'Brien's action before a High Court jury alleging defamation in the articles published over six pages in the SBP on March 15, 2015.

The focus of those articles was a report by Price WaterhouseCoopers (PwC) about the exposure of Irelands banks in 2008 which was given to the government in November 2008 but not made public.

Journalist Tom Lyons got the report from a source in 2015 and shredded it shortly after the articles were published to protect the source.

Mr O'Brien claims the articles, written by Mr Lyons and others, wrongly meant he was among a gang of 22 borrowers who wrecked the country and they defamed him and injured his reputation.

The defendant, Post Publications Ltd, denies the words complained of mean what Mr O'Brien says, denies defamation and malicious publication, and has pleaded "fair and reasonable publication on a matter of public interest".

Under cross-examination today by Luan O Braonain SC, for Mr OBrien, Mr Kehoe agreed he had been involved in writing a clearly incorrect article in the SBP in 2013 which lead to the newspaper publishing a front-page apology to Mr OBrien and making a donation to a charity of his choice.

Mr Kehoe agreed the article incorrectly stated Mr OBrien was being pursued by the Collector General of the Revenue Commissioners. He agreed there was no actual litigation about it and the SBP apology and donation were made following correspondence with Mr O'Brien's lawyers.

Mr O Braonain put it to him the March 2015 articles contained nothing new for reasons including the government-appointed Nyberg commission had reported in March 2011 on the Irish banking crisis.

Mr Kehoe disagreed and said the 2015 articles concerned the confidential PwC 2008 report which looked at borrowing across all Irish banks in 2008.

He agreed the Nyberg report referred to a high concentration of lending across a group of 25 borrowers.

Asked why the SBP articles referred to 22 men, Mr Kehoe said there were no women.

He said there were 22 exposures listed, some involving brothers and putting exposures on the front of the newspaper would make no sense to anyone. He accepted the Nyberg report did not name the 25 but said Professor Nyberg was constrained by what he could report.

The SBP decided to name those identified in the PwC report "in the interests of transparency, accountability and democracy, he said.

He agreed, if the SBP was going to do that, it must do it fairly. He said the SBP "faithfully reported" what was in the report, set out the position of all those named and stated Mr OBrien had paid off all his debts to Anglo and was among the best borrowers of Bank of Ireland and AIB.

He agreed, before he was editor of the SBP, it published an article by another journalist in 2011 critical of the failure of the Nyberg report to name names and describing that report as toothless and unsatisfying.

Mr Kehoe was also questioned about the 2015 articles' treatment of risk ratings which PwC allocated, based on what the banks told it, to individual borrowers. The jury has been told a page of the report featured a colour-coded graph which gave a green, positive, risk rating to Mr OBrien.

Mr Kehoe agreed Mr Lyons had said, during cross-examination, the copy of the report he got was in black and white.

Denis O'Brien. Pic: Collins

Mr Kehoe said the newspaper had something better than the banks positive 2008 estimation of Mr OBriens capacity to repay his debts as it knew in 2015 he had paid off his debts and stated that.

Mr O Braonain said the problem was the articles emphasised the risk rating of those who were bad and referred to 22 men accumulating some 8.8 billion in land and development loans when PwC made clear Mr OBrien had no exposure in land and development.

Mr Kehoe said his recollection was the PWC report said Mr OBrien had significant property interests and did not get into whether he had land and development or not.

Mr O Braonain also put to Mr Kehoe, in order to be fair to people who are different, they may have to be treated differently. Mr Kehoe said he believed Mr OBrien was treated fairly in the articles.

Earlier, when concluding his direct evidence, Mr Kehoe told his counsel Michael McDowell SC it was simply incorrect and a lie to suggest the 2015 articles set out to maliciously damage Mr OBrien.

The hearing continues tomorrow.An employment law specialist has raised concerns over employment contracts signed by self-employed contractors with the online take-away delivery platform Deliveroo.

More than 1,000 couriers in Ireland currently work for the UK company, which operates in more than 200 cities worldwide. They earn roughly 10 an hour.

The company accepts orders through its app and website. Bike, moped, and car drivers, who are classed as self-employed, deliver orders from restaurants to customers.

Richard Grogan of Dublin firm Richard Grogan and Associates reviewed the contract Deliveroo issues to its couriers here.

He said he had concerns about the rate at which part-time couriers, many of whom are students, are registered as self-employed both for tax purposes and for their own protection.

If theyre not registered as self-employed, and not employees, theres a range of protections theyre not entitled to, including injury benefit, said Mr Grogan. How many people do Revenue have as registered as delivery drivers?

This impacts the whole system, top down. Id expect Revenue to challenge their claims of self-employed contractors at some stage, seeing as it gets Deliveroo out of paying PRSI contributions.

Mr Grogan also said a clause to allow subcontracting, where the contracted courier allows others to work on their behalf, could leave subcontracted workers ripe for exploitation.

The right to subcontract is one of the conditions necessary for a worker to be defined as self-employed rather than an employee.

In 2017, Deliveroo won a landmark UK labour court ruling when the Central Arbitration Committee upheld the companys claims that Deliveroo drivers can be defined as self-employed.

A British union had argued that Deliveroo drivers in Camden and Kentish Town were workers, with rights to minimum wage and sick pay.

No such case has been taken in Ireland.

A Deliveroo spokesman said the responsibility to ensure that any subcontracted workers were legally entitled to work in Ireland, were being paid above minimum wage and were licensed to drive was that of the contracted worker, as was the workers tax liability.

We oblige riders and all other contractors to our business to ensure compliance with these requirements, he said.

Riders have freedom to reject or accept orders whenever they want, giving them maximum freedom to be their own bosses. Riders are free to, and do use substitutes, who most often tend to be friends and family members.

Central to our popularity with riders is the flexible nature of the work that we offer, allowing riders to be their own bosses. Riders earn on average over 10 an hour and we are constantly improving the platform based on rider feedback and experiences.The Irish Coast Guard has defended a decision to stop volunteers using blue lights and sirens while responding to life and death calls.

Coast Guard management issued a safety notice on February 14 informing volunteers that "vehicles are no longer permitted to use blue lights and warning devices (sirens) while driving on public roads."

Management have said however that the safety notice in no way impacts on the Coast Guard's status as a Principal Emergency Service (PES).

Considered to be Irelands fourth blue light service, the Coast Guard is made up of 950 volunteers attached to 43 units nationwide.

Units are equipped with a variety of vehicles which are fitted with emergency (blue) lights and audio warning devices (sirens) regularised by fellow organisations through the Emergency Services Driving Standard (ESDS) since 2015.

The Volunteer Services and Training (VS&T) safety notice issued to members stated: "The risks associated with driving blue-light vehicles on public roads have been discussed around the coast for some time.

"These risks need to be mitigated - particularly in terms of the safety of the volunteers, other road users and members of the public.

According to the safety notices: It is imperative that IRCG replicates the policy which other similar organisations have implemented and we follow best practice, as endorsed by the Road Safety Authority, on this issue.

Therefore, to manage this risk please note that drivers of Coast Guard vehicles are no longer permitted to use blue lights and warning devices (sirens) while driving on public roads.

Volunteers have been told however that blue lights and sirens may continue to be used while the vehicle is parked up.

Coast Guard members around the country are said to be dismayed and seriously concerned about the new policy. They say it will hinder their efforts to effectively carry out their duties particularly when lives are at risk.

One Coast Guard volunteer said: Its not like we drive around with blues-and-twos for the fun and fly through traffic and red lights. We dont.

"Flashing lights and sirens alert the public that members are on their way to a life or death call. It allows drivers time to safely pull over and allow emergency vehicles pass.

If we are using lights and sirens its for a good reason. Now though it appears if we are making our way to a call we will just have to sit in traffic and pray we can get there in time.

"The Coast Guard have had plenty of time to train personnel but have failed to do so, he added.

A spokesperson for the Coast Guard said: As part of the Coast Guard's continuing drive to enhance safety and protect its volunteers, full-time staff and members of the public, it has issued this instruction as a clarification in relation to the existing position as regards their use while driving on public roads.

"The policy mirrors best practice in other Principal Emergency Services for untrained "blue-light" drivers. This notice in no way impacts on the Coast Guard's status as a Principal Emergency Service.

The Coast Guard continued: The risks associated with driving blue-light vehicles on public roads have been discussed with volunteers around the coast for some time, including at sectoral meetings and conferences.

"These risks need to be mitigated - particularly in terms of the safety of the volunteers, other road users and members of the public.

The issue of training volunteers and full-time staff to drive with Blue Lights and sirens is being addressed in the Coast Guard's Safety and Risk Work Plan, the spokesperson said.Ten language planning officers have been appointed countrywide in recent months, and one of them has an unusual background.

Dr Victor Bayda is originally from Moscow and while he, of course, speaks Russian, he also has a gra for Gaeilge.Air France and KLM have reached a compromise on tightening ties between the airlines, ending a power struggle that had alarmed the Dutch government, staff and shareholders.

Air France also secured a salary agreement with pilots after protracted conflicts, including strikes last year that shaved hundreds of million of euros off 2018 profits, the alliance said.

Details of the deals were not released, but group chief financial officer Frederic Gagey said the Air France-KLM plan should boost the companies' prospects despite high fuel prices and other challenges ahead.

Mr Gagey said the group was "absolutely not" considering merging the two airlines entirely.

The plan includes a new joint "CEO committee" that group chief executive Benjamin Smith hopes will simplify decision-making and save money.

It also involves closer sharing of activities such as purchasing, Mr Gagey said.

Crucially, it allows Pieter Elbers to stay on as KLM's chief executive.

Mr Smith had reportedly pushed for an even closer alliance, which Mr Elbers opposed. That raised concerns in the Netherlands that Nr Elbers would be pushed out and KLM's role diminished.

Mr Smith then met last week with the Dutch government ministers of finance and infrastructure to discuss the future of the alliance.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte declined to detail what was discussed, but he stressed what was at stake.

"It is unbelievably important for the Dutch economy that KLM functions well," he said.

"The organisation is not in danger, but it is an organisation that, if you compare it with other airlines, is not functioning brilliantly."

KLM went through lay-offs and cost-cutting and is more profitable than Air France, which has faced extended labour disputes.HALIFAX - At 30 years of age, Syrian refugee Kawthar Barho had seen her share of suffering and death before she came to Canada with her family.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/2/2019 (856 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A memorial of flowers and stuffed animal toys is seen outside the scene of a fatal house fire in the Spryfield community in Halifax on Wednesday, February 20, 2019. The early-morning fire claimed the lives of seven Syrian refugee children and left the surviving mother and father in hospital. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

HALIFAX - At 30 years of age, Syrian refugee Kawthar Barho had seen her share of suffering and death before she came to Canada with her family.

Together with her husband Ebraheim and their children, she fled the northern city of Raqqa, where Islamic State militants had established their provisional capital.

"This is one of the most devastated cities in Syria," says Imam Abdallah Yousri of the Ummah Mosque in Halifax. "It has been totally destroyed."

The Barhos arrived in Nova Scotia in September 2017, and thought they would be safe in Canada.

Early Tuesday, fire raced through their new home in Halifax, killing seven children and burning Ebraheim Barho so badly that he remained in critical condition in hospital on Wednesday.

Halifax's Muslim community is now preparing for a funeral at the mosque for the couple's children: Ahmad, 14; Rola, 12; Mohamad, 9; Ola, 8; Hala, 3; Rana, 2 and Abdullah, who was born in Canada on Nov. 9.

"They thought that they were fleeing from the war over there to be safe here, and they ended up as if they were back there," says Yousri, who has been offering support to Kawthar Barho since the early morning fire.

"It is a tragedy for her, for us, for everybody."

Yousri says the young woman remains in a state of shock.

"She is in terrible condition right now," says Yoursi. "She keeps thinking this is the time for her to breastfeed (Abdullah). She keeps calling him."

The family moved to the Halifax neighbourhood of Spryfield only five months ago, having left the more rural community of Elmsdale, N.S.  but the transition wasn't working out, despite a warm welcome from neighbours.

The large family was among 1,795 Syrian refugees who have come to Nova Scotia in recent years.

However, Yousri says it would appear that only the Barhos came from Raqqa.

"They don't even have friends here," he says. "They feel lonely here, without any relatives, without any friends."

Spryfield resident Nicole Snook, whose home is just down the street from where the Barhos lived, said she and other neighbours reached out to the family, but the language barrier got in the way.

"We baked them cookies at Christmas, gave a gift for the baby and talked to the kids on the street," she said as her toddler fussed in her arms.

"The kids were very active. They were always out on the street playing."

Photos from Facebook show the Barhos enjoying a fall trip to a local farm. A picture of three-year-old Hala shows her smiling as she hugs a small pumpkin. A photograph of 12-year-old Rola show her holding a Student of the Month certificate from the Riverside Education Centre in Milford, N.S.

Snook says she was particularly taken with the oldest girl, Rola, whose mastery of English and outgoing demeanour made her a pleasure to talk to.

"I was blown away by her  she was beautiful," says Snook.

"You could tell she was an exceptional human being. She had an openness and a real social nature ... She wasn't bold, it was more like a healthy assertiveness ... She struck me as someone who would go far in life with such an indomitable spirit."

Snook recalled how polite the children were when they showed up at her doorstep on Halloween.

"I was struck by their willingness and openness to engage in conversation," Snook says, adding that their kindness and poise seemed remarkable for children who had endured a vicious civil war that has claimed more than 400,000 lives since 2011.

At first, the family lived in Elmsdale, where they received support from the Hants East Assisting Refugees Team, the Nova Scotia group that sponsored their refugee claim. The Barhos lived there for a year, then moved to Spryfield to be closer to refugee support services, such as English-language training.

But the children missed their old school and the friends they had made there, so the plan was to move back to Elmsdale next week.

The Hants East group said in a Facebook post: "For the past year and a half, the children have been able to enjoy life as kids should be able to: going to school, riding bicycles, swimming, having friends, running in the yard, celebrating birthday parties and hanging out with the neighbours on their porch swing. They loved every minute of it, and it seems impossible we won't hear their laughter and feel their hugs again."

Yousri says he has been receiving calls for support from around the world.

"We appreciate that sympathy and help," he says. "We're trying out best to focus on the wife and help her as much as we can."Quebec junior health minister Lionel Carmant is refusing to bend on legislation that seeks to increase the legal age of cannabis consumption from 18 to 21 and ban the product from all public areas across the province.

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Quebec Junior Health and Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant responds to reporters questions Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the legislature in Quebec City. Carmant is refusing to bend on legislation that seeks to increase the legal age of cannabis consumption from 18 to 21 and ban the product from all public areas across the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Quebec junior health minister Lionel Carmant is refusing to bend on legislation that seeks to increase the legal age of cannabis consumption from 18 to 21 and ban the product from all public areas across the province.

Carmant wasn't even willing to accept amendments to his legislation during public consultations on the bill Tuesday in Quebec City. His stance led the Opposition Liberals to call the consultations  which are scheduled to end Wednesday  a "masquerade."

Despite calls to modify the bill from some of the 10 organizations that have so far testified in front of the legislature's health committee, Carmant has refused to budge.

"For one week, what I've heard is 'psychosis', 'depression', 'motivation problems,' 'bad decision-making,'" Carmant said in the legislature. "Yes, I hear the groups: all the groups who support us in increasing the age to 21. Who are they? They are those taking care of patients on the ground."

Liberal health critic Andre Fortin said the groups who came Tuesday to testify in front of the health committee "have a greater chance of getting a sunburn than of convincing the minister to change his bill." The Liberals used six questions in the legislature Tuesday to denounce what they called the government's failure to listen and its incoherence on the cannabis file.

Carmant also resisted calls from Montreal and Gatineau to modify his bill in order to permit the cities to maintain bylaws allowing the consumption of cannabis in most public areas. Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante said Carmant's bill violates the principal of municipal autonomy. Her city currently allows citizens to smoke marijuana in most places where tobacco is permitted.

Plante added that roughly 60 per cent of Montrealers are renters, who would be disproportionately affected if the government's bill limiting cannabis consumption to private property becomes law. The city's renters would be barred from smoking marijuana in public and in their home, if their landlords don't permit cannabis.

Alexandre Cusson, the president of Quebec's union of municipalities, called on the minister "to respect the autonomy and the jurisdiction of local governments."Hey there, time traveller!

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Firefighters investigate following a house fire in the Spryfield community in Halifax on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Dozens of people gathered outside the charred remnants of a suburban Halifax home Tuesday night to mourn the loss of seven children killed in a fast-moving fire and to show support for the injured, grieving parents left behind. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Four stories in the news for Wednesday, Feb. 20

MEMORIAL HELD FOR SYRIAN CHILDREN KILLED IN FIRE

Dozens of people gathered outside the charred remnants of a suburban Halifax home Tuesday night to mourn the loss of seven children killed in a fast-moving fire. The crowd of about 100 also wanted to show support for the injured, grieving parents left behind. They carried flowers and wept openly in the frigid darkness looking for solace in the company of neighbours. The parents have been identified as Ebraheim and Kawthar Barho, who came to Canada from Syria to start a new life. Ebraheim Barho, who was badly burned while trying to rescue his kids, was fighting for his life in hospital. Kawthar Barho is expected to survive.

HEARINGS INTO SNC-LAVALIN AFFAIR START TODAY

The House of Commons justice committee will begin hearings today into the allegation that the Prime Minister's Office improperly pressured former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould to help Montreal engineering giant SNC-Lavalin avoid criminal prosecution. Wilson-Raybould has repeatedly cited solicitor-client privilege to refuse all comment on the affair. The Liberal-dominated committee wants to hear first from academics about the legal principles underpinning the affair, which prompted Wilson-Raybould's resignation from cabinet last week and the departure this week of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's most trusted aide, principal secretary Gerald Butts.

MOTHER OF SLAIN 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL HEARTBROKEN

The mother of an 11-year-old girl allegedly killed by her father last week says she is heartbroken that she will never see her daughter again. Priya Ramdin says in a statement at a vigil for Riya Rajkumar in Brampton, Ont., that her daughter always looked at the positives in life. Ramdin says Riya was a dreamer and wanted to become a doctor, drive a Lamborghini and own a mansion. Riya became the subject of an Amber Alert late Thursday night after police say her mother allegedly received information that her father planned to hurt both the child and himself. Riya was later found dead in her father's home in Brampton.

NDP CANDIDATES STRONGER ON CLIMATE THAN SINGH

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is facing calls from within his party for a stronger stance on climate change as he defends his support of the $40-billion LNG Canada project in northern B.C. Svend Robinson, the New Democrat candidate in Burnaby North-Seymour in the general election, opposes any new oil and gas infrastructure. Julia Sanchez, who running for the party in a byelection in Outremont in Montreal, disapproves of the use of public funds for such projects. Singh is seeking his first seat in Parliament in a byelection in Burnaby South and he opposes the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, but approves of LNG Canada, saying the proponent conducted an exhaustive and thorough consultation process with elected Indigenous bands and chiefs.

ALSO IN THE NEWS:

 NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announces his plan to make home ownership more accessible for young Canadians.

 CN Rail CFO and CP Rail CEO will address the Citi 2019 Global Industrials Conference today in Miami.

 The CRTC will provide a briefing on the findings of an inquiry into misleading, aggressive sales tactics.

 The sentencing decision is expected today for Johnathan Ryann Gunville, who faces charges stemming from an Amber Alert in Saskatchewan involving a six-year-old girl.SAINT JOHN, N.B. - Legal arguments dominated the second-degree murder trial of Dennis Oland on Wednesday and led to an early adjournment before a key prosecution witness could take the stand.

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This article was published 20/2/2019 (857 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dennis Oland heads to the Law Courts in Saint John, N.B., on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 as his trial in the bludgeoning death of his millionaire father, Richard Oland, continues. Crown prosecutors are expected to conclude their case against Dennis Oland this week in Saint John, N.B. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

SAINT JOHN, N.B. - Legal arguments dominated the second-degree murder trial of Dennis Oland on Wednesday and led to an early adjournment before a key prosecution witness could take the stand.

Crown prosecutors are nearing the end of their case at the lengthy trial, which began hearing evidence in November.

It had been expected one of their final witnesses would be on the stand Wednesday afternoon, but defence and Crown lawyers said new information would have to be examined and the adjournment was called.

It is still anticipated that John Ainsworth will testify on Thursday.

He is one of two men working in the building where Richard Oland was bludgeoned to death on the evening of July 6, 2011.

Both Ainsworth and his friend, Anthony Shaw, said they heard loud thumps coming from Oland's second-floor office while they were working in a printing shop on the first floor  likely the sound of Richard Oland being beaten to death.

But while Shaw said he believes he heard the noises between 7:30 and 8 p.m. that evening, Ainsworth has said he thinks they happened sometime between 6 and 8 p.m.

The time is critical to Dennis Oland's defence. If Shaw is right, Oland could not have killed his father. He was caught on video security at 7:30 p.m. shopping in Rothesay, on the outskirts of Saint John.

If the noises were heard closer to 6 p.m., then Dennis Oland was still in the office with his father, a visit that lasted until 6:30 p.m. He is the last known person to see the multimillionaire businessman alive.

The Crown is also putting forward its DNA evidence this week, replaying testimony from Oland's first trial in 2015. A jury at that time found Oland guilty of second-degree murder, but the verdict was set aside on appeal and the new trial ordered.

The most important DNA evidence identified four small bloodstains on the jacket Dennis Oland was wearing when he visited his father on the day of the murder. Richard Oland's DNA profile was found within the blood stains.

However, the blood experts testifying for the Crown cannot say when or how the blood was deposited on the jacket.

Other legal arguments on Wednesday concerned contradictory evidence about the first time Saint John police searched for Richard Oland's cell phone - the only item taken from the crime scene on the day of the murder.

Claudio Cusin, an investigator with Rogers Communications, told the court on Wednesday he believes he was asked by police to "ping" Oland's phone on July 9, 2011, in an attempt to locate it. But a police witness, Sgt. Dave Brooker testified he asked for the ping on July 7 - the day the body was found.

The phone could not be found, instead producing a "roaming error" report.

It is not clear why the Oland defence team wants Brooker's testimony accepted as fact, but Justice Terrence Morrison has asked lawyers on both sides to provide him with briefs on the matter. He said he will rule on the issue next week.

With the Crown close to wrapping up its case, the defence will begin laying out its arguments sometime in the next couple of weeks. It is already known that Dennis Oland, 51, will testify in his own defence.EDMONTON - Opposition Leader Jason Kenney says if he wins the spring election, he will try to cancel Alberta's $3.7-billion deal with Canada's two largest railways to ship more oil by rail.

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This article was published 20/2/2019 (856 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jason Kenney speaks to the media at his first convention as leader of the United Conservative Party in Red Deer, Alta., Sunday, May 6, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

EDMONTON - Opposition Leader Jason Kenney says if he wins the spring election, he will try to cancel Alberta's $3.7-billion deal with Canada's two largest railways to ship more oil by rail.

"This (deal) is a catastrophic mistake by the NDP," Kenney told a news conference Wednesday, one day after Premier Rachel Notley announced the province will lease 4,400 railcars to get more oil to foreign markets while the government works to increase pipeline capacity.

Notley called the United Conservative leader's plan irresponsible and arrogant.

Kenney said he will be contacting Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway to urge them not to invest too much in the agreement given that it could be shelved if his United Conservatives win the vote.

An election can be called any time now and by law must be concluded no later than the last day of May.

"If elected, a United Conservative government will do everything within our power to cancel the NDP's reckless $4-billion expenditure of borrowed tax dollars to interfere in the market," said Kenney.

He suggested that oil companies would ship more oil by rail if it were profitable and called the NDP's plan "corporate welfare."

Kenney also said Alberta can't afford the deal right now, given its multibillion-dollar deficits and a debt projected to reach $96 billion by 2024.

Notley, who was in Grande Prairie, Alta., for a methanol plant announcement, responded via a video on social media in which she accused Kenney of being an opportunistic flip-flopper.

"A few weeks ago, he supported our government's plan to move more crude by rail. But today, now, he's suggesting he's going to call up CP and CN and somehow try to scuttle the deal," she said.

"I have to say I am shocked by how irresponsible of him this is. And I honestly expected more from someone putting forth their name to lead the province."

Notley has said the rail plan will net $2.2 billion for taxpayers, because the increased traffic is expected to boost commercial, royalty, and tax revenue by $5.9 billion.

"It is a sensible, practical and profitable plan that is part of our job to stand up for Albertans," the premier said in the video. "I am surprised that Mr. Kenney would choose to score political points over standing up for Albertans.

"I'm also surprised that he has demonstrated such an unprecedented level of arrogance. Let me say this: whoever earns the privilege of leading this province in the future will do so after the votes are counted, not before."

Extra oil shipments by rail are to begin this summer and increase to an estimated 120,000 barrels per day by 2020.

Of the 4,440 cars, more than three-quarters are to be new and the rest retrofitted.

The province initially believed it would need 7,000 cars, but says it was able to lower that number because it found better routes to market.

Notley said shipments of grain should not be disrupted by increased oil traffic on rail lines.

Kenney has said a United Conservative government would review all contracts signed by the NDP since Feb. 1 to make sure they are good for Albertans.It has been a long time coming, but Paradise Island Curry House is finally open for business.

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This article was published 20/2/2019 (857 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Dev Kumar Lallawooa, one of the two owners of Paradise Island Curry House, is pictured in the new restaurant at 935 Rosser Ave. (Drew May/The Brandon Sun)

It has been a long time coming, but Paradise Island Curry House is finally open for business.

"Its finally open and we are busy, so thats good," said Dev Kumar Lallawooa, one of two owners behind the new Rosser Avenue restaurant.

The sign at the restaurant has been up since 2017, but Lallawooa said there were issues with renovations taking place inside the building and getting it up to code. There was also a flood in the unit above the restaurant, which set back their progress.

It was a frustrating process, but he said hes glad the business is finally open.

The sign outside the restaurant, which has been up on Rosser Avenue for the past two years. (Drew May/The Brandon Sun)

Paradise Island serves both East Indian and Mauritian food, but he said the East Indian food is currently much more popular, such as butter chicken, chicken tikka masala and lamb curry.

Lallawooa is from Mauritius and said his food is authentic to the Indian Ocean island nation. The mountain pictured on the restaurants sign is a popular attraction in the country called Le MorneBrabant.

"Mauritian (food) is a little bit new right now. Its kind of like Chinese  we have fried noodles, stir-fried beef (and) stir-fried chicken."

Paradise Island isnt Brandons first Mauritian restaurant. Dodo Family Restaurant used to be open in the City Centre hotel, but has since closed. Lallawooa said the people he talked to in the community are glad to have a restaurant again that serves the countrys dishes.

His business partner, Ajay Pal, worked at The Chilli Chutney and cooks all the Indian food, while Lallawooa is slowly introducing the Mauritian food to the menu. For the moment, they are only serving fried rice from Mauritius because the Indian food is so popular, but he said he hopes to start cooking more and more of it as Brandonites get more comfortable with it.

"People are coming in and are very happy  The demand is for East Indian right now, we are backed up on the demand, we cant go for Mauritian right now."

Lallawooa moved to Brandon to work at Maple Leaf in 2008 and later started Rainbow Taxi. The location Paradise Island is in, 935 Rosser Ave., used to be occupied by The Chilli Chutney, which is now in the west end of the city. Lallawooa said he remembers going to eat at the original The Chilli Chutney when he first moved to Brandon, where he first met Pal.

Lallawooa started Paradise Island for his wife, he said, who wanted to work in the industry after getting tired of working for the taxi company.

Now, he and his wife both work in the restaurant, along with Pal and his wife. In total, seven people are working at the restaurant and Lallawooa said he plans to hire more soon.

Lallawooa said he hopes people will be brave enough to walk in off the street during the summer to try their food, as downtown Brandon gets busier with more pedestrians and people out walking.

 dmay@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @DrewMay_Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke with government protocol to personally welcome Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to New Delhi on Tuesday.

Ordinarily, the prime minister would not receive a foreign dignitary at the airport, but instead, send an official or a junior government minister.

Also Read: Stalls of GI products will be set up at all 103 airports, says Suresh Prabhu

"A new chapter in bilateral relations," Raveesh Kumar, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, posted on Twitter, hailing Modi "breaking protocol" with a photograph of the pair warmly clasping hands by the steps of the prince's plane.

Modi is due to hold talks on Wednesday with the crown prince, who has already visited Pakistan, where he also received a lavish reception.

The trip has taken on an extra dimension after a bombing in the disputed Kashmir region on Thursday that India blamed on Pakistan. The neighbours are each keen to cement ties with Saudi Arabia even as tensions between them have risen sharply.

Saudi Arabia is India's top supplier of crude oil but the two countries have expanded ties beyond energy, and their governments have agreed to build a strategic partnership, India's Foreign Ministry said last week.

During the trip, India is expecting the crown prince to announce an initial investment in its National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, to help accelerate the building of ports and highways, an Indian official and Saudi state media has said.

He is also due to visit China, Malaysia and Indonesia during the tour that is his first through the region since the outcry over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

Also Read: Union Cabinet approves new electronics policy; aims to generate 1 crore jobs by 2025

The crown prince's trip began days after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir in the attack claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant group.

New Delhi has accused Pakistan of having a hand in the bombing and vowed to punish Islamabad, which denies involvement.

During his visit to Pakistan, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia had signed investment agreements worth $20 billion.

He is scheduled to leave New Delhi on Wednesday night, India's Foreign Ministry said.

Also Read: Government approves continuation of Khadi Yojana till FY20

Also Read: PM Modi approves KUSUM scheme with Rs 34,000 crore central aidChinese smartphone major has said that it will unveil its first 5G prototype powered by Snapdragon 855 SoC and X50 modem at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona later this month. The visitors at the MWC will be able to try out the complete 5G experience, including 5G data speeds, with a fully-functional 5G network in place at the company's MWC stand. The year 2019 will see several smartphone makers, including Samsung and Huawei, unveiling the 5G phones.

In a release, OnePlus said, "Pete Lau made the world's first 5G tweet by connecting a prototype device to a 5G Non-standalone Network, via an LTE b7 + 5G NR n78 air interface. By Never Settling, OnePlus is constantly challenging itself to deliver the best and only the best. That's why 5G is of great strategic importance to OnePlus."

OnePlus will be hosting a panel at MWC on February 26 at 6:45 pm (IST) where the company's CEO Pete Lau will be joined by Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon and Marc Allera, CEO of BT Consumer and EE to discuss future and possibilities of 5G. OnePlus started working with Qualcomm on 5G development device in 2017 and had setup its own research lab a year earlier in 2016.

Earlier last year, tech tipster Ishan Agarwal had posted a photo of a possible OnePlus 5G device on Twitter. The photo showed OnePlus CEO Pete Lau examining a prototype of the phone. Meanwhile, during the Qualcomm Snapdragon Tech summit in Hawaii, Pete Lau, CEO and Founder of OnePlus had confirmed that the company is working on a 5G phone.

All the OnePlus phones coming out this year, including OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7T and the OnePlus 5G, would be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855. The only difference will be the OnePlus 7 and 7T which will use the X24 modem while the OnePlus 5G will be powered by the X50 modem.

OnePlus plans to release its 5G smartphone in the UK by May 2019. The phone would be considerably more expensive than the usual OnePlus phone, possibly costing $200-$300 extra.

5G is expected to bring faster data download speeds and lower latency, which is necessary for everyday tasks such as online gaming, controlling smart appliances and streaming video content.It is the 20th lawsuit against the administration in which Oregon has been a part.SIGN UP TO GET BLACKLISTED NEWS DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Enter your email address:



To be held over 2 weeks starting February 25th, the roadshow will provide customers and potential partners key insights into the manufacturing process of primary pharma packaging, the advanced technology SCHOTT KAISHA uses and the impact that this technology has.

Starting next week, leading pharmaceutical packaging company, SCHOTT KAISHA will host a roadshow in five Indian cities: Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad to ensure that its customers are up to date with industry trends and best practices. The Indo-German joint venture aims to promote optimal process-driven technologies and their impact on Type 1 primary packaging glass containers for life saving drugs.

To be held over 2 weeks starting February 25th, the roadshow will provide customers and potential partners key insights into the manufacturing process of primary pharma packaging, the advanced technology SCHOTT KAISHA uses and the impact that this technology has on the container during the conversion process. This will give participants a clear understanding on the importance of conversion process in tubular glass manufacturing. In addition, the event shall also showcase SCHOTT KAISHAs upcoming product portfolio, tailor-made design and development capabilities.

Rishad Dadachanji, Director, SCHOTT KAISHA shares, We have always believed in not finding customers for our products, but in finding products for customers. That is why we have always worked with our partners to ensure product compatibility between their solutions and ours. The roadshow is thus, not only a platform to bring us closer, but also an opportunity for our partners to showcase unique solutions available with them.

It is for the first time that a pharma packaging company is taking such a grand initiative to bring together a wide array of customers from all functions (including FR&D, Packaging Development, Production, Quality and Procurement) under one roof in multiple cities over a short period of time. Moreover, SCHOTT KAISHA will be hosting industry partners such as ACE Technologies, Aptar Pharma, Datwyler, Kaisha Lifesciences, Nemera, Packwell Industries, Shakai Packaging Pvt. Ltd., Smart Skin Technologies, Snowbell Machines Pvt. Ltd., Sovereign Pharma Pvt. Ltd. and Vanrx Pharmasystems Inc.

Information regarding roadshow:Interview with Paul Eschmann, Director Asia at BaselArea.swiss, the official economic promotion organization of the Basel Area. He speaks about the strong life sciences cluster in the Basel Area and how Indian companies can benefit from the unique ecosystem and the growth potential for their business in Europe.

What is the role of BaselArea.swiss and how do you support Indian companies?

Paul Eschmann: BaselArea.swiss is north-western Switzerlands joint initiative for innovation and economic promotion. I am a part of the International Markets & Business Affairs team and our mandate is to support Indian companies that are interested in growing their business by expanding to Europe and advise them on the unique benefits that the Basel Area has to offer them. With our strong network and longstanding expertise, we advise companies during each stage of their expansion process, starting with:

Evaluation & Preparation: We provide current data on market conditions, business environment, industry knowledge, taxes and legal issues customized to each project requirements. Location search & Site visit: We facilitate contacts to the right experts like our government authorities, industry and legal experts, and provide professional support during real estate search.

Setting-up operations: We arrange meetings with local partners and institutions, thereby helping companies in building relationships to local authorities, experts and organizations.

Settled-in: We help companies in growing their network through our events and technology experts as well as in facilitating connections with the cantons.

Since we are a government-funded body, we provide our services completely free of charge.

Today we are very active in India and considering the fact that Indias FDI outflows have more than doubled in 2017, we see a strong increase in the interest of Indian companies to expand their global footprint to Europe and also to diversify their risk by investing in a politically very stable country like Switzerland. Switzerland and Basel in particular, with its top notch life sciences cluster, is a perfect launchpad for business activities in Europe.

You mentioned that the Basel Area has one of the best suited life sciences ecosystems in Europe. What makes it so?

Paul Eschmann: Nestled right at the border of France and Germany, and with unique position of the Rhine river passing through, the Basel Area has always been the major economic hub of the region. As long ago as the Middle Ages, the region had already grown to become an important centre for trade, and to this day it remains a major centre for science and research. Today only the pharmaceutical products export out of the Basel Area accounts for more than 52 bn USD.

Home to major multinational corporations like Roche, Novartis, Actelion, Syngenta, Abbott, Bachem, Lonza and more than 700 other life sciences companies, Basel boasts of a huge life sciences workforce with top global talent across the value chain - from basic research to commercialization, easy access and flight connections throughout Europe, one of the most liberal labour laws in Europe and a very competitive corporate tax model.

Due to the superb business environment, many Indian companies have set up operations in Basel, like Dr. Reddys, Dishman Group, Biocon, Jupiter Bioscience, Bilcare Research, Naari, Divis Laboratories, and many successful biotechnology start-ups.

Amongst other factors, having a competitive corporate tax is one of the key aspects for site selection. How does Basel fare with respect to its other European counterparts?

Paul Eschmann: Yes, you are right in a way. But apart from very attractive taxes, the size and specialization of the industry ecosystem, financing availability, general business environment, political stability, infrastructure support & quality of life also play a significant role in the decision-making process.

If we compare the innovation strength of life sciences clusters by the percentage of therapeutic companies, we find that the Basel Area is much above other European regions. Also, Basel employs the highest number of people in the life sciences industry. This talent is well provided for by world-class biomedical research institutes, like the ETH Zurich Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, University of Basel with its renowned Department of Biomedicine, Pharma and Bio Center, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, the Swiss Nanotech Institute (SNI), the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics or the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.

Infrastructure-wise Basel Area offers a wide choice of real estate options  from large development plots, to production and warehousing facilities, right through to office space and units suitable for light industrial and laboratory purposes. Our Infrapark and Technology Park are most active in this purpose. The Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area offers academic, seed stage and spin-out R&D groups access to an independent biomedicine and biotechnology research environment, a dynamic peer community, and a first-class ecosystem.

Now, coming to your question about the corporate tax rate, let me mention that Basel offers one of the most attractive tax rates in Switzerland. E.g. based on the adopted cantonal tax reform in the Canton of Basel-Stadt, companies will benefit from an overall effective corporate tax rate (incl. federal tax) of 13% or 11% if the benefits of the IP box and other advantages can be leveraged. Under certain circumstances, new companies can benefit from a tax holiday of up to ten years, with no risk of claw back, which is quite unique in Switzerland.

Apart from life sciences, do you see any other strong sectors in Basel?

Paul Eschmann: Yes, the Basel Area is also an attractive location for companies in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. Adobe, for example, operates a development centre here for its content management software. A special field of local ICT cluster is digital healthcare, esp. bioinformatics. In recent years, complementary start-ups such as Genedata, a world leader in bioinformatics, and Magnolia, a global leader in content management software, have emerged. Since the life science industry is highly data-intensive, technologies like AI, machine learning, big data & IOT are very much in demand.

Apart from ICT, Basel also offers great potential for companies in medtech and precision goods. Many companies in the watch industry have expanded beyond their specific know-how and diversified into the medtech industry as outfitters, manufacturers of assembled products and suppliers. Medtech giants such as Straumann and DePuy Synthes as well as small and medium-sized enterprises such as Medartis, Composites Busch and BienAir are well established in the region. Cosmetics and Nutraceuticals have also gained momentum in the recent years with giants like Colgate Palmolive, Henkel, Nivea and many others operating out of the Basel Area.

Also, the Logistics cluster is extremely strong owing to its rail, road and sea accessibility. The 990 logistics companies in the Basel Area handle almost 20 million tonnes of economic goods every year. Basel has one of Europes largest switch yards and 28% of Swiss exports, 32% of Swiss imports are handled in this region per year.

What does the future hold for Basel?

Paul Eschmann: It looks very promising and we have seen a lot of interest from Asia, particularly China and India. Being 36% of the population non-Swiss, Basel is an international city with English as a standard business language. Foreign companies esteem this international and multicultural environment and there has been a constant increase in the number of companies coming to Basel over the past few years.

Also, the innovation ecosystem of Basel has been developing at an increased pace. The number of 33 patent applications per 100000 inhabitants is the highest in Switzerland. The commitment to the region of global players such as Novartis and Roche are further proof of the Basel Areas excellent economic development potential. Novartis, for example, will complete an extension to its campus in 2020, and Roche is investing three billion in real estate during this same period. A total of over CHF 7 billion is being spent by companies and public institutions on new research, development, and production infrastructures in the next few years. I would say the future is very bright.

Credit: Basel Tourismus. According to a recent study by Mercer, Basel is ranked the worlds top 10 city to live.For Immediate Release, February 19, 2019 Contact: Miyoko Sakashita, (510) 844-7108, miyoko@biologicaldiversity.org Santa Barbara Advances Plains' Coastal Oil Pipeline Project Company That Caused 2015 Refugio Oil Spill Seeks to Restart Offshore Drilling SANTA BARBARA, Calif.  Santa Barbara County has announced public hearings for the Plains All-American Pipelines proposal to build a coastal oil pipeline to serve offshore drilling platforms. It would follow the same route as Plains Line 901, the severely corroded pipeline that failed in 2015, causing a large coastal oil spill and idling the offshore platforms it served. A Santa Barbara jury last year found Plains criminally liable for that oil spill near Refugio State Beach and the hundreds of marine mammals and birds that were coated with oil and died. Most of the offshore drilling platforms it served are being decommissioned, but ExxonMobil has been trying to restart its three platforms, proposing to transport the oil by tanker trucks on local highways. Plains Pipeline doesnt deserve a second chance to spill oil along Californias coast. Californians want to end offshore drilling, not extend it with a new coastal oil pipeline, said Miyoko Sakashita, oceans program director with the Center for Biological Diversity. Offshore drilling is a dirty and dangerous threat to marine life and coastal communities. Its time for Plains Pipeline and ExxonMobil to pack it up and let Californians reclaim their coastline. The first public hearing on the project is scheduled for Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. in Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors hearing room, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Plains proposed 124-mile oil pipeline would ship the offshore oil to processing facilities in San Luis Obispo and Kern counties. Oil pipelines regularly fail in California. Federal pipeline data shows there were 621 pipeline incidents in California from 1986 through 2014, causing 200 injuries, 48 fatalities and almost $800 million in property damage. A Center analysis of federal pipeline data found pipeline failures are most common after 30 years and shortly after theyre completed, as a result of faulty welds and other construction-related problems. Building this pipeline would lock in offshore drilling in California for decades, just like the Trump administration wants. But huge bipartisan majorities in coastal states around the country oppose new offshore drilling, Sakashita said. Lets reject efforts by Trump, Plains and ExxonMobil to force offshore oil drilling on future generations.For Immediate Release, February 19, 2019 Contacts: Blake Kopcho, Center for Biological Diversity, (805) 708-3435, bkopcho@biologicaldiversity.org

Linda Krop, Environmental Defense Center, (805) 963-1622, lkrop@environmentaldefensecenter.org

Tomas Morales Rebecchi, Food & Water Watch, (619) 252-6899, trebecchi@fwwatch.org Oxnard City Council Passes Resolution Opposing Offshore Drilling, Fracking Resistance to Trump Offshore Plan Grows as Public Awaits Decision on Pacific OXNARD, Calif. The Oxnard City Council today approved a resolution opposing new fossil fuel drilling off the California coast and fracking in existing offshore oil and gas wells. The vote makes Oxnard the 85th West Coast community to pass a resolution formally opposing President Trumps proposal to drastically expand offshore oil drilling, including offering the first Pacific Ocean leases since 1984. The next draft of the administrations 2019-2024 offshore leasing plan is expected at any time. We have a chance to send the message that we want to protect our oceans and coastal communities. Were asking the Trump administration to turn away from dirty industries that are hurting us all, said Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Carmen Ramirez, who sponsored the resolution. To protect the health of people and the planet, we need to move beyond the polluting industries of the past and embrace a clean energy future. Todays resolution was supported by the Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Defense Center, Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, Food & Water Watch, and Citizens for Responsible Oil & Gas (CFROG). A complete list of West Coast cities and counties that have voted to oppose the offshore drilling expansion can be found at www.EndangeredOceans.org. The last thing Californians want is more drilling and fracking off our coast. Oxnard and other West Coast cities are forming a wall of opposition to Trumps reckless agenda, said Blake Kopcho, an organizer at the Center for Biological Diversity. All our oceans need protection from dirty and dangerous drilling. Gulf, Arctic or Atlantic drilling also threatens Californias coast with sea-level rise and other climate change impacts. We are pleased that the city of Oxnard is once again standing up to protect our coast and communities from the risks and dangers associated with fossil fuel development  from the Puente Power Plant to offshore oil drilling, said Linda Krop, chief counsel at the Environmental Defense Center. We know from the massive 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and the more recent 2015 Refugio oil spill that it as a question of when, not if, another oil spill will mar our beaches and shut down our coastal economy. The City of Oxnard has joined a growing wave of 85 other communities opposed to any new offshore drilling and fracking, said Tomas Morales Rebecchi, senior organizer with Food & Water Watch. Local families are also fighting to stop hundreds of new onshore oil wells proposed within miles of town. Oxnard cannot continue to be a sacrifice zone for a dying fossil fuel industry. There are more than 30 offshore drilling platforms and islands and hundreds of miles of underwater oil and gas pipelines off Californias coast. Operators want permits to frack and acidize offshore wells, using chemicals toxic to wildlife. The proposed new leasing program would open up the entire California coast, including national marine sanctuaries and marine protected areas, to new offshore oil drillingFor Immediate Release, February 19, 2019 Contacts: Linda Krop, Environmental Defense Center, (805) 963-1622, LKrop@EnvironmentalDefenseCenter.org

Jonathan Ullman, Sierra Club, (305) 283-6070, jonathan.ullman@sierraclub.org

Blake Kopcho, Center for Biological Diversity, (805) 708-3435, bkopcho@biologicaldiversity.org Goleta Opposes Proposal to Truck Offshore Oil on California Highways GOLETA, Calif. The Goleta City Council today voted to oppose ExxonMobils proposal to restart its dormant offshore drilling platforms and truck that oil up Californias coastal highway and across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern counties. ExxonMobils three offshore drilling platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel have been idle since a coastal oil pipeline that served them failed in 2015. That caused a massive oil spill that blackened Santa Barbara area beaches and killed hundreds of birds and marine animals. The company now proposes to transport that oil to processing facilities using up to 70 oil tanker trucks a day on narrow, winding highways and roads, all day and all night. That will risk explosive crashes and oil spills along Californias Central Coast and the Santa Maria watershed. The trucks annual cargo of 4 million barrels of oil would emit carbon pollution equivalent to burning two billion pounds of coal. We applaud the city of Goleta for standing up to ExxonMobil and protecting our coast, said Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center, which represents Get Oil Out! and Santa Barbara County Action Network in fighting the proposal. ExxonMobils proposal would expose the public to the risk of oil tanker accidents, increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and another oil spill along the California coast. Opposition to offshore oil is at record highs in California, and that is particularly true here in Goleta, which was closest to the 2015 oil spill. Pipelines are risky enough, but trucks are even worse, said Katie Davis, chair of the Sierra Clubs Santa Barbara Group. During the Thomas Fire, when people were evacuating, a tanker truck accident shut down the 101 in Goleta. If this happened on the Gaviota coast, we would have no way around it. ExxonMobils proposal to truck oil 140 miles threatens Californias highways and coastline, said Blake Kopcho, an ocean campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity. Allowing oil trucks to serve three decrepit offshore drilling platforms 24 hours a day is a double whammy. Californians want to end dirty drilling off our coast, not resurrect aging oil platforms and invite a steady stream of dangerous tanker trucks onto our roadways. The most recent federal highway data show there were 55,633 large trucks involved in injury crashes in 2016, killing 4,213 people. Oil tanker trucks carry the additional risk of explosions and oil spills on a proposed trucking route along the Pacific Ocean and through habitat for several endangered species.Hi I'm Bill O'Reilly and this is the Talking Points Memo. The Democrats want the White House. OK so Bernie Sanders is in the race officially. He joins Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ex San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii, former West Virginia Senator Richard Ojeda, former Representative John Delaney, Mayor Pete Buttigieg I think he is in Texas. Former tech executive Andrew Yang. A dozen of them with four pending Biden, Bloomberg, Sherrod Brown senator from Ohio and Beto O'Rourke. OK so you got a big crew and you had a big crew running for Republican nomination last time, remember that. Now I don't want you to overconfident about this because nobody thought Barack Obama would ever get the Democratic nomination become president. Nobody thought Donald Trump would get the Republican nomination become president. So that's two for two. However I think I can safely say that Bernie Sanders has no chance. I mean he just doesn't. The others out of the whole crew I think Kamala Harris because she's get the big money behind her and will do the best of the ones that are in. But I continue to believe that Joe Biden would be the choice of the establishment Democrats. Now here's what's going on. The party has moved dramatically left. We all know that. And why? Because of the Twitter mob, the Twitter mob controls internet commerce. Controls what the media does on the net. The Twitter mob primarily crazy left wing progressives and on the other side the Twitter mob is far right. These are people you hear from you know people from people who are work in 50 hours a week and raising families, they are not on Twitter mob. These are professional Twitter people. And if you are a moderate Democrat they cut your throat and attack you and slime you and smear you into everything. So the pressure for the Democratic Party is left. Move Left left left left. Now most people that I mentioned their more than happy to move left. They're leftists. They're green new deal people, change the country, the country is rotten. Everything is bad, everything is corrupt, white supremacy capitalism is evil. They're all their way and Trump has got to be overjoyed. Got to be overjoyed with this crew. But I continue to say that the prevailing wisdom that you don't hear about inside the Democratic Party is you've got to get a moderate out there. Now we'll put Kamala Harris on the second so it will be Biden, Harris because we need to get those progressives off our back and we need to down grade the Twitter mob. And we can do that by Kamala Harris being the VP. Now Biden is going to be 80 years old by the time 2020 rolls around. So you know anything can happen when you're 80 you're at the end of the rainbow. So Kamala Harris is standing there if anything happens to him. Now I do not believe that most Americans, Democrats included want a socialist country and they don't want a Green New Deal. They may think they do but they really don't. When it comes right down to a change their whole lives, everything the way you live the way you eat the way you see your doctor what you drive how you go to visit Aunt Sally in Wisconsin. And when it becomes clear that that's what the Democratic Party wants a Green New Deal changes everything. And that the country would collapse economically if that were ever put into place. Remember 22 trillion dollar debt right now, that would double under the Green New Deal. Everybody's guaranteed a job everybody is guaranteed a nice salary. You can't do it. Currency would collapse everybody lose their life savings. Depression. Hello? Now Congresswoman Ocasio Cortez. She has no blanking clue about any of that. He doesn't know anything. With all due respect she doesn't. These other people must. They might know better but they're going to say with the Twitter mob wants to hear. So the campaign is underway and the Democrats of 12, remember they're off to raise money. A lot of people run around asking for money. And in the end it all comes down to money. But you can buy TV spots. So out of all of them Kamala Harris senator from California is in the best shape right now, expect Joe Biden to get into the race. And that is the Talking Points Memo I'm Bill O'Reilly for Newsmax reminding you I do commentary every single night and we have a lot of other great stuff on BillOReilly.com, BillOReilly.com. Also my latest book Killing the SS remains a bestseller after six months in the marketplace. We hope you check that out and we will see you soon.As part of the research for my upcoming history book on President Trump, I am speaking with a lot of people who know him. Most of the conversations involve compiling information that I will then confirm or, if I cant, not use. There will be no speculation in the book and, most importantly, no anonymous sources. Everything I write, apart from opinion quotes, will be front and center fact, making the book almost unique in this age of corrupt media reporting built around invisible sources. Recently, I spoke with the Presidents eldest son, Don, Jr., about his father and the rank hostility surrounding him. He said something very interesting: Im pretty damn conservative, but I have friends who are not. I used to be able to say, okay, I can put myself in their shoes and I can argue their side of the deal and do it pretty effectively. I cant do that anymore, Bill. Post-term abortion, the black face (Virginia), there is no double standard they wont blow out of the water. Trump, Jr. is essentially saying there is no reasoning or fairness in much of the liberal movement. And the fact is that not one high-profile Democrat that I know of spoke out against the Virginia Governor when he calmly discussed killing a baby after birth. Not one. No high-profile progressive person who condemned Trump supporters after the bogus Jussie Smollett story has apologized. Not one famous person who convicted Brett Kavanaugh of heinous crimes without a shred of supporting evidence, has said maybe that was wrong. In the two decades that I analyzed the news on television, I tried to consider what the liberal message was. I wanted to evaluate it using facts as my guide. Sometimes I agreed with it. For example: the military strategy to pacify Iraq after the invasion was terrible and based on a faulty view of the world. But now the liberal movement has gone so far left it makes Scandinavian politics look moderate. In its denial of due process and hatred of all things Trump, the progressive movement has actually become dangerous to America. The Twitter mob that drives progressive thought has obliterated honest debate and pushed an extreme agenda onto the Democrat Party. Every Democrat running for president is petrified of the Twitter mob. And they should be. These people will viciously attack you if their insane views are criticized or even questioned. And the national, corporate-run media will now gleefully pick up the libel and defamation coming out of the far-left Twitter sewer. Politics has changed for the worse in the USA. No longer are opposing points-of-view acceptable. Today, its a pack mentality bent on vengeance. And its taken over an entire political party. No one can justify that.Mass executions and torture; the brutal persecution of women, minorities, and the opposition; the installation of an Islamist terror state that threatens to annihilate Israel, covers the Middle East with its militias, and denies the Holocaust. All of this started in Iran on 11 February, 1979, the day of the Islamic Revolution, when the mullahs seized power in Tehran.

On the 40th anniversary of that day, friendly greetings from Berlin arrived in Tehran by telegram: the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier (63), sends Congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday, also in the name of my compatriots.

Germany will continue to do everything in its power to guarantee the maintenance and continued implementation of the JCPOA, the German President promised Irans President, Hassan Rouhani (70).

Not a word of criticism concerning Tehrans murderous attacks in Europe or its billions for financing terror groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Instead, the telegram praises the bilateral relations and promises to intensely maintain the dialogue. Only together, is it possible to overcome the crises and conflicts, wrote the President.

To conclude, he encouraged the regime to also listen to the critical voices in your country. A suggestion that seems absurd given the thousands of political detainees in torture prisons, including human rights lawyers, journalists, and environmental activists.

Auch Interessant



Human rights being trampled on

The Germany Director of Human Rights Watch, Wenzel Michalski, called the Presidents congratulations shocking: Despite all sympathy for cooperating on different levels  this goes too far.

According to Michalski, the anniversary marks a great injustice that has been visited upon many people  women, religious minorities, members of the opposition. The entire range of human rights is being trampled on by this regime, Michalski said to BILD. Iran is committing atrocities in Syria and is suppressing its own population. Even if such congratulations are part of diplomatic practice that must be adhered to, one MUST at the very least offer criticism in such a letter.

Lesen Sie auch Reza Pahlavi calls on Europeans Iran's regime is not reformable, you must choose a side The Iranian regime is marking the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the Shah and brought clerics to power.

Comment by Richard Grenell Hanging of a gay man in Iran should be a wakeup call That the Iranian regime publically hanged a 31-year-old man for being gay should be a wakeup call for anyone.

The critical dialogue with Iran is important, but this clearly does not include a German President congratulating the regime on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of its seizing power, the foreign policy spokesperson of the FDP faction, Bijan Djir-Sarai, said to BILD. A little more diplomatic sensitivity and distance would have been appropriate here.

FDP foreign policy expert, Frank Muller-Rosentritt, called the German Presidents congratulating the anniversary of a revolution that has made people flee their home country and whose protagonists spy on their population, suppress it, and intimidates it a remarkable course of events. Moreover: For our friends in Israel, who are subject to Irans permanent threats of annihilation, this must feel like a slap in the face.

Exiled Iranian human rights activist, Mina Ahadi, is shocked: Its a bad state of affairs if the President of a democratic country like Germany congratulates a regime that disenfranchises women and has killed so many people. People in Iran notice such messages very clearly and dont appreciate them, Ahadi told BILD. This dialogue that Steinmeier talks about has existed for 40 years, but what has it achieved? What does Steinmeier want to tell the relatives of the young homosexual man who was executed in January? Or the people who are being persecuted because of their protest against the regime?

The Presidents Press Office replied to BILDs inquiry that sending congratulations to the Iranians conforms with the longstanding state practice of the Federal Republic of Germany.Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. High near 85F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 69F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.George Mendonsa died on Sunday, February 17, 2019. The former Navy sailor was two days short of his 96th birthday. This news, while sad, is not something that would catch most peoples attention unless they knew Mendonsa, his wife Rita or his daughter Sharon Molleur personally. Most people, quite frankly, have never seen Mendonsa before, or so they think. Mendonsa, however, is one of the two subjects in one of the most famous photographs in the world. On V-J Day, a Navy sailor kissed a woman in New York Citys Time Square to celebrate the end of the war. That man was Mendonsa.

Alfred Eisenstaedt snapped the iconic photo in 1945 but did not document any information about the subject in the image. He likely had no idea that his snapshot would come to symbolize the celebrations, victory and relief that swept across the world at the news that the Second World War had officially ended. Almost since the moment the photograph was released, people had been trying to determine the identities of the man and woman in the image. In the 1960s, Greta Zimmer Friedman reached out to Life, the magazine which originally ran the photograph, and stated that she was the woman in the picture. She had been a dental assistant at the time, but her uniform had led Mendonsa to believe she was a nurse in the war. Regardless of her actual profession, she came to represent the more than 340,000 women who served in the war as pilots, nurses and more. Her identity was confirmed in 1980, and she and Mendonsa remained in contact after they were reunited in 1980.

As for Mendonsa, his identity was verified in a 2012 book called the Kissing Sailor: The Mystery Behind the Photo That Ended World War II. Some people, however, remain skeptical about Mendonsas claim. Assuming it was Mendonsa, however, the couple that signified the end of an era have both passed, Mendonsa in February 2019 following a seizure and Friedman in 2016 at the age of 92 following a battle with pneumonia.

The photograph of the kissing sailor remains one of the most iconic and most debated images of all time. The controversy over who the kissing sailor really was will likely never be solved in everyones eyes, but the power of the photograph cannot be denied. Little says more about the relief and joy of knowing that the worst war in history had ended than that frantic kiss between two strangers in the middle of Times Square.In the land of "No Surrender", where a political inch is neither asked for nor given and the red lines are dominant and divisive, you might think change never happens. But it does. And while hope of agreement at Stormont remains something of a holy grail, maybe there are firmer grounds for optimism that you might think; or, at least, there is an area where all the main political parties finally seem to be on the same page: the pages of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

Twenty-five years ago I flew to New York as part of an Ulster Television reporting team, tasked with covering a conference on Northern Ireland, which would feature the highest profile speech ever given by Gerry Adams. The-then Sinn Fein president had been given a 48-hour visa by President Bill Clinton, against the advice of the UK Government and his own State Department.

No doubt President Clinton was secretly hoping for an IRA ceasefire. What he got, on February 1, 1994, was a full-on assault on British policy. Under the heading of "The Unionist Veto", Gerry Adams said this: "The British Government's public justification for its involvement in Irish affairs is that the unionists have a veto; that is, that there can be no movement without the consent of a majority of the British-created statelet. This is a perversion of democratic principles... Accepting the veto means accepting there can be no progress.

"It means accepting the failed policy of partition and division... It had no political, democratic, or economic validity when it was created and has no such validity today."

Mr Adams returned to the theme in a later section, headlined "The 'Consent' Argument", where his position was thus: "The argument from Britain - that the consent of the unionist population is a precondition for any political movement - is entirely bogus and without a democratic basis."

Some 1,530 days later, on April 10, 1998, the same Gerry Adams, in the same position of leadership, accepted the consent principle, as Senator George Mitchell brought the tortuous negotiations to a successful close; the success later endorsed by referendums held simultaneously in both jurisdictions on this island.

Earlier that day, Good Friday 1998, I sat in the UTV studios watching live pictures of the Rev Ian Paisley leading a DUP delegation up Stormont's Prince of Wales Avenue and into the media Portacabin, where he railed against the prospect of a deal.

Later, I interviewed him from our live point outside Castle Buildings.

He accused UTV of hijacking him en route to a spot on Sky Television, then told me to "go to your bed" when I tried to interrogate his anti-agreement position (I still regret not asking if I was being sent to bed on doctor's orders).

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the agreement, in 2013, the Ulster Unionist Party invited a number of school pupils, who were born in 1998, to an event in the Park Avenue Hotel, where I spoke of my memories of the negotiations and what the agreement meant to me. Afterwards, I asked some pupils what they thought. One said it was fascinating: "I never knew the DUP were not part of the negotiations," she said.

She is far from alone. Last March, as Washington DC commemorated the 20th anniversary of the agreement, I was shocked by tributes some American politicians lavished on Ian Paisley for his part in securing the deal. In truth, he stood outside the crush barriers, as his supporters screamed "Lundy", "Traitor" and "Sell-out" at David Trimble.

The Belfast Telegraph followed Ian Paisley as he campaigned for a "No" vote in the Good Friday Referendum. Reporter Deborah Ross wrote of a rally in Keady: "A loyalist gathering in this largely republican area. Men, women, teenagers, toddlers, babies in prams, crowding the winding, country lanes. A drum and flute marching band. Smart red jackets. Glossy black boots. And the Rev Ian Paisley, up on the open-air platform, speaking mostly in capital letters, as he always does: "A lot of pressure was put on me to be here, there and everywhere tonight and a lot of people said, 'Why are you going to Keady?' I said, first, because I gave my word and, second, the outposts must be defended. If you don't cover your outposts, there is not much hope for the castle in the middle ... and I say to you, if there is one spark of traditional unionism in your soul, then you will say no to this document ... This is conspiracy. A conspiracy to destroy us. Say No.'" Huge cheers. Huge claps.

Yet, skip forward to the present day and the DUP now publicly embrace the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Why? Because of the principle of consent. Here's what current DUP leader Arlene Foster wrote in this newspaper on January 11, 2019: "The backstop fundamentally undermines Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom. That runs roughshod over the Belfast Agreement and the principle of consent."

You can be churlish and say it took them long enough, or you can take the positive. Frankly, to get Sinn Fein, the SDLP and the government of Ireland (who subsequently amended their constitution) to accept the consent principle was a quite remarkable achievement by David Trimble and his team.

Now that it is accepted by all, the time has come to return the Belfast Agreement to its factory settings, shred the corruptions engineered in subsequent agreements and start negotiating from the 1998 baseline. Even there, there may be more agreement that you imagine: the petition of concern needs radical surgery, to name but one aspect.

The only thing we need to surrender is the idea that compromise is appeasement. It's not. The only certainty we need to embrace is that no one is going away.

Be it five or 50 years from now, there will still be republicans, nationalists, unionists, loyalists and others on this little piece of earth.

The factory setting of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement is to acknowledge that and work on building the relationships that are the fundamental foundation for progress.

Mike Nesbitt is Ulster Unionist MLA for Strangford. He was the party's leader from 2012 to 2017The death of John Stalker last week revived disturbing memories of the early-1980s and the appalling "shoot-to-kill" policy that the RUC used to counter the paramilitary activities of the IRA and the INLA.

In 1982, after the deaths of six civilians at the hands of the RUC in highly disputed circumstances, there were demands by the Irish government and the SDLP's deputy leader, Seamus Mallon MP, for an investigation into these incidents.

Five of the dead were members of the IRA, or the INLA. The British Government, in 1984, was eventually pressurised into holding an investigation into those disputed shootings.

John Stalker, who was the assistant chief constable of Manchester at the time, was asked to investigate. Extremely able, as a young policeman, John Stalker had earned rapid promotion within the ranks of the police and was highly regarded.

A crucial part of his investigation was into the infamous shooting dead of Michael Tighe in a hayshed near Lurgan. He was an innocent 17-year-old boy, with no paramilitary connections.

Arising out of his investigations, Stalker had become aware of a tape of that shooting, which had been recorded by the security forces.

He demanded the production of that missing tape from RUC Special Branch and MI5, as a vital piece of evidence.

But, just at the point that this tape was to be handed over, he was suddenly relieved of his role. He was wrongly accused of associating with criminals in Manchester.

This also coincided with his submission of his interim report in June 1986 to the-then RUC Chief Constable, Sir John Hermon, in which he found serious issues with the way in which the shootings had been carried out by the RUC.

However, the following year, after these convenient allegations against him were investigated, he was exonerated and reinstated, but - tellingly - was not restored to his role investigating the RUC.

While Stalker was thwarted in his investigations, his place was taken by Colin Sampson, who came to similar conclusions and was similarly disturbed by the activities of RUC Special Branch and the British intelligence services, MI5 and MI6, who interfered with and obstructed proper investigations into these killings.

Despite Stalker's genuine efforts to uncover the truth and protect the interests of justice, the British Government - and, in particular, its attorney general, Sir Patrick Mayhew - failed to see that justice was done.

Mayhew, personally in 1988, overruled DPP-recommended prosecutions for the perversion of justice arising out of these investigations, declaring that they were not in the interests of "national security".

This disgraceful sequence of events highlighted the overwhelming supremacy, power and control that Special Branch had within the RUC. It was they who dictated to the rest of the police, especially CID, who had to play a subordinate role to the intelligence-led operations of Special Branch.

No wonder Chris Patten's report on policing referred to Special Branch, as being "a force within a force".

It was their malign influence and unhealthy alliance with the British intelligence services that led to zero confidence in the RUC by the Catholic population.

Through their nefarious actions, Special Branch and MI5 collectively undermined the rule of law and gave the IRA a huge propaganda gift.

Their activities were counter-productive and deepened the political crisis in Northern Ireland.

They also destroyed the reputation of the RUC through their questionable actions and by asserting the supremacy of intelligence operations over proper criminal investigations that could have resulted in convictions in court.

Even today, there is still a lingering sense of injustice that rankles with many nationalists, who believe that those involved in such questionable activities escaped without ever being made accountable.

The death of John Stalker is a reminder of the disturbing behaviour of the security forces during the Troubles.

Therefore, the failings of the PSNI to properly retrieve information for the Police Ombudsman's investigation into the Sean Graham bookmaker's case, in the same week as John Stalker's death, is a further reminder that investigations into the RUC's past activities and the grim spectre of collusion needs to be vigorously exposed by the PSNI if the hard-won confidence of the nationalist community in the police is to be retained.

The massacre of five Catholics in Sean Graham's bookmaker's in 1992 stands out as an outrageous sectarian attack by the UDA that sent terror through the whole Catholic community.

In such a hugely sensitive case, the PSNI's admission that its failure to disclose significant information to the Ombudsman was due to human error and, therefore, unintentional is bad enough.

However, if it is found to be intentional in any way, that will be disastrous for the PSNI.Over the past year we have seen a series of political initiatives organised by a somewhat opaque group of civic nationalists that includes Niall Murphy, a solicitor who has canvassed for Sinn Fein, and Chris Donnelly, a republican commentator.

They sent two public letters to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the second signed by 1,000 nationalists, and then, more recently, there was a conference of civic and political nationalists at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast with Mary Lou McDonald as the closing speaker.

But what of civic unionism? On Monday night there was a gathering of civic unionists at Queens University in Belfast and they were addressed by the Sinn Fein president. At least that is how it was billed beforehand.

One of the civic unionist organisers was Terry Wright, a former Ulster Unionist who quit the party in 2013 and said he was uneasy at the direction it was taking.

He was interviewed by Mark Carruthers on the Sunday Politics programme on BBC Northern Ireland and Carruthers introduced the item by saying: Tomorrow, at Queens University in Belfast, civic unionism is coming together.

However, the invited participants, who numbered around 100, actually included members of Sinn Fein, such as Michelle ONeill and Declan Kearney, and civic nationalists such as Donnelly.

Attendance was by invitation and the unionists who were present were certainly not representative of the breadth of civic unionism.

Later in the programme Carruthers turned to Professor Peter Shirlow, who was one of his guests of the day, and said: Pete, youre involved in helping this event to actually happen.

I was struck by that, because the last time I had seen both Wright and Shirlow at an event in Queens University was last year.

Someone had forwarded to me an email invitation to an event which was facilitated through the Senator George J Mitchell Institute.

I hadnt been invited, but I emailed that I was coming and they didnt turn me away.

That event was co-hosted by Professor Shirlow and Kearney and participants were seated at tables with one or two Sinn Fein politicians at each.

The first of the speakers was Professor John Brewer, who is part of the Senator George J Mitchell Institute and was in the headlines recently for his tweet that Hell is too good for some Brexiteers.

After each speaker the participants at each table discussed what had been said (the two subjects were the Churches and identity), although I gathered that this was just one in a series of such events, with Sinn Fein engaging with various strands of society.

Overall, the organisation of the event was somewhat opaque, but as I listened to Kearney, I did wonder what role Queens University was playing in facilitating Sinn Fein outreach and if it would play a similar role for unionist parties.

The organisation of Monday nights event at Queens was equally opaque, with Shirlow and Wright the only two organisers named in the media and mention of a fledgling Civic Space group.

On Sunday Politics Carruthers contrasted what he called a civic unionist event with initiatives from civil nationalism and bowled a full toss by asking: Do you, basically, come from a position that civic unionism is ahead of political unionism? Not surprisingly, since he had resigned from the UUP, Wright replied: I think there is a leadership deficit in political unionism... the community is ahead of the politicians.

Therein lies the difference between the two processes. The civic nationalist project is enmeshed with political nationalism and has the fingerprints of Sinn Fein all over it.

On the other hand, the civic unionist project, however well-intentioned, is disconnected from political unionism. The two are not mirror images of each other. There is a need for an inclusive civic unionist project, but this is not it.

In the end  and somewhat ironically  Monday nights meeting at Queens and the contribution by the Sinn Fein president was overtaken by her scurrilous statement that no PSNI officer was fit to become Chief Constable.

The exchange of the previous evening seems to have been like water off a ducks back.A court has ordered Swiss bank UBS to pay more than 3.7 billion euros (3.2 billion) in fines for helping wealthy French clients evade tax authorities, wrapping up one of Frances biggest-ever tax evasion trials.

The Paris court convicted Zurich-based UBS of aggravated money laundering and illegal bank soliciting, issuing what French media called a record fine.

UBS, one of the worlds largest wealth management banks, criticised the ruling and vowed to appeal.

It denied criminal wrongdoing, saying in a statement that the conviction was based on unfounded allegations of former employees.

UBS suggested the ruling was based on French prejudice against Swiss tax practices and insisted that it was only offering legitimate and standard services under Swiss law that are also common in other jurisdictions.

The court ordered criminal and civil fines for UBSs Swiss head office, its French subsidiary and five executives totalling more than 4.5 billion euros (3.9 billion).

The executives were given suspended prison sentences.

The fines were in line with the prosecutors request.

Investigators said the Swiss bank sent employees to solicit wealthy executives or athletes during sport or music events in France, urging them to place their money in Switzerland.

The assets illegally concealed by French clients in Switzerland in 2004-2012 allegedly amounted to some 10 billion euros (8.7 billion).

French national financial prosecutors and UBS representatives initially sought a plea bargain, but UBS rejected the out-of-court settlement  reportedly 1.1 billion euros  as too pricey.

UBS said at the time that it disagreed with the allegations, assumptions and legal interpretations being made.The Faroe Islands, an 18-island archipelago midway between Iceland and Scotland, is closing to tourists for a weekend in April  unless they want to help locals keep the rocky isles clean and unspoiled.

Gudrid Hoejgaard, head of the local tourist board, said about 100,000 people visit the islands every year.

Ms Hoejgaard said tourism is not all about numbers, adding that our aim is to preserve and protect the islands.

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Some 100 visitors will be able to join the Faroese Maintenance Crew in exchange for free room and board in late April, when they will work with locals to keep their green islands unspoiled.

The windy islands, inhabited by about 50,000 people and 80,000 sheep, draw visitors to their dramatic scenery, with waterfalls and abundant birdlife.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the woman will not be allowed to return to the US (Czarek Sokolowski/AP)

An Alabama woman who left home to join the Islamic State group in Syria is not an American citizen and will not be allowed to return to the US, Mike Pompeo has said.

The Secretary of State said Hoda Muthana does not have a US passport or any legal basis to enter the country.

He said that she will not be admitted to the United States.

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The 24-year old, who joined the Islamic State after becoming radicalised, says she regrets aligning herself with the terrorist organisation and wants to return to the US with her 18-month-old son.

Muthanas status had been considered by lawyers from the departments of State and Justice since her case arose, according to a US official.

A lawyer for the womans family, Hassan Shibly, said the administrations position is based on a complicated interpretation of the law involving her father.

Theyre claiming her dad was a diplomat when she was born, which, in fact, he wasnt, Mr Shibly said.

Muthana was born in 1994 in Hackensack, New Jersey, the lawyer said.

Most people born in the United States are accorded so-called birthright citizenship but there are exceptions.

During my years in Syria I would see and experience a way of life and the terrible effects of war which changed me.Hoda Muthana

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a person born in the US to a foreign diplomatic officer is not subject to US law and is not automatically considered a US citizen at birth.

Mr Shibly said Muthana is putting herself at risk by speaking out against Islamic State from a refugee camp where she has lived since fleeing the group a few weeks ago.

Muthana, who dodged sniper fire and roadside bombs to escape, is ready to pay the penalty for her actions but wants freedom and safety for the son she had with one of two IS fighters she wed, he said. Both men were killed in combat.

In a handwritten letter released by Mr Shibly, Muthana wrote that she made a big mistake by rejecting her family and friends in the United States to join the Islamic State.

During my years in Syria I would see and experience a way of life and the terrible effects of war which changed me, she wrote.

After fleeing her home in suburban Birmingham in late 2014 and resurfacing in Syria, Muthana used social media to advocate violence against the United States. In the letter, Muthana wrote that she did not understand the importance of freedoms provided by the United States at the time.

To say that I regret my past words, any pain that I caused my family and any concerns I would cause my country would be hard for me to really express properly, said the letter.

Mr Shibly said Muthana was brainwashed online before she left Alabama and now could have valuable intelligence for US forces, but he said the FBI did not seem interested in retrieving her from the refugee camp where she is living with her son.

Muthanas father would welcome the woman back, Mr Shibly said, but she is not on speaking terms with her mother.

Ashfaq Taufique, who knows Muthanas family and is president of the Birmingham Islamic Society, said the woman could be a valuable resource for teaching young people about the dangers of online radicalisation were she allowed to return to the United States.

Her coming back could be a very positive thing for our community and our country, Mr Taufique said.The Duchess Of Cornwall takes part in a minutes silence for the designer during London Fashion Week yesterday

Karl Lagerfeld with Linda Evangelista (left) and Naomi Campbell (right) and other models in 1996

Karl Lagerfeld has been described as "one of the greatest designers in the history of fashion" following his death.

The creative director of Chanel died yesterday at the age of 85.

The designer was praised by the French brand for being a "prolific creative mind with endless imagination", and for reinventing the brand's codes created by founder Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel.

Chanel CEO Alain Wertheimer said: "Thanks to his creative genius, generosity and exceptional intuition, Karl Lagerfeld was ahead of his time, which widely contributed to the House of Chanel's success throughout the world.

"Today, not only have I lost a friend, but we have all lost an extraordinary creative mind to whom I gave carte blanche in the early 1980s to reinvent the brand."

Edward Enninful, editor-in-chief of British Vogue, said: "I'm deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Karl Lagerfeld. He has exerted an incredible influence over the fashion industry over the past six decades, and it goes without saying that the world has lost one of the greatest designers in the history of fashion." Lagerfeld died after a period of ill-health, according to French media reports.

The acclaimed German fashion designer had been at Chanel since 1983. Lagerfeld was also the creative director of LVMH-owned Italian fur and leather goods fashion house Fendi, as well as his eponymous fashion label, which he opened in 1984. A post on the official Instagram account for Karl Lagerfeld's label shared the news of his death "with deep emotion and sadness".

The message said: "He was one of the most influential and celebrated designers of the 21st century and an iconic, universal symbol of style. Driven by a phenomenal sense of creativity, Karl was passionate, powerful and intensely curious. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy."

Donatella Versace and Victoria Beckham were among the stars paying tribute to Lagerfeld, with Versace saying that his "genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni and I".Conservative MPs (left to right) Sarah Wollaston, Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen, during a press conference at One Great George Street in London, following the announcement that they have resigned from the Conservative Party and joined the Independent Group of MPs. (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Three MPs who quit the Conservatives and signed up to the new Independent Group have appealed to fellow one-nation Tories to join them.

Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston hit out at Prime Minister Theresa Mays disastrous handling of Brexit as they quit.

At a Westminster press conference, they made clear that their concerns about Mrs Mays performance went far wider, accusing the PM of throwing away the modernisation agenda begun by David Cameron and allowing the party to be taken over by right-wing Brexit hardliners.

Ms Soubry said she would not stay in the Conservatives to skirmish on the margins when the truth is the battle is over and the other side has won.

She said: The right wing, the hardline anti-EU awkward squad that have destroyed every leader for the last 40 years are now running the Conservative Party from top to toe. They are the Conservative Party.

The Broxtowe MP urged fellow one nation Conservatives and like-minded Lib Dems to please, come and join us by breaking away from their parties and joining the new grouping.

She accused a purple Momentum of hard-right zealots of trying to force out MPs on the Remain wing of the party through deselections.

It is with a heavy heart I have today resigned from the Conservative Party. pic.twitter.com/wzPUB84w5Z  Anna Soubry (@Anna_Soubry) February 20, 2019

Speaking ahead of their resignations, Tory grandee Kenneth Clarke told the Press Association that he could think of half a dozen Conservatives who might quit the party unless it changed direction. Mrs May could face quite a lot of ministerial resignations unless she ruled out a no-deal Brexit, he said.

The Father of the Commons said the Prime Minister was running the risk of losing moderates from her party and was simply acting at the behest of the extreme right wing of the party.

Ms Allen described the Tory trio as the three amigos who had joined the magnificent seven ex-Labour MPs who launched The Independent Group (TIG) on Monday and the lone ranger Joan Ryan who joined them on Tuesday evening.

She said she believed a significant number of Conservative MPs were considering joining them.

Ms Soubry urged ministers to quit in order to vote against a no-deal Brexit.

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She said: Im hoping that this will really concentrate some minds of colleagues in the Conservative Party that we know share our concerns and also share our values and our principles and are very unhappy about the direction of travel.

I also hope it gives courage to members of the Government who are deeply concerned about this no-deal becoming a real possibility.

And it will give them the courage next week to do what, frankly, some of them should have done a long time ago and be true to what they believe, and if they need to leave Government and vote against the party line on Brexit, they have got to do it.

The move brings the tally of TIG MPs to 11  equal to the Liberal Democrats and one more than the Democratic Unionist Party, who prop up Mrs Mays minority administration in the House of Commons.

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In a letter to Mrs May, the three MPs said: We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP.

Brexit has re-defined the Conservative Party  undoing all the efforts to modernise it. There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hard line ERG which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy.

They added: The final straw for us has been this Governments disastrous handling of Brexit.

Former minister Ms Soubry, the MP for Broxtowe, Totnes MP Dr Wollaston and South Cambridgeshire MP Ms Allen said they could no longer act as bystanders as Mrs May continued with her Brexit strategy.

They said: Following the EU referendum of 2016, no genuine effort was made to build a cross-party, let alone a national consensus to deliver Brexit.

Instead of seeking to heal the divisions or to tackle the underlying causes of Brexit, the priority was to draw up red lines. The 48% were not only sidelined, they were alienated.

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They added that there was a wider dissatisfaction with the state of British politics, with both the Tories and Labour moving to the fringes, leaving millions of people with no representation.

They said there will be times when they would support the Government at Westminster on measures to strengthen our economy, security and improve our public services.

But we now feel honour-bound to put our constituents and countrys interests first.

Speaking at the press conference, Ms Allen, a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, made clear she was also opposed to the Governments stance on welfare.

I can no longer represent a Government and a party who cant open their eyes to the suffering endured by the most vulnerable in society, suffering which we have deepened whilst having the power to fix, she said.

Dr Wollaston, who chairs the Commons Health Committee, said: I am afraid the Prime Minister simply hasnt delivered on the pledge she made on the steps of Downing Street to tackle the burning injustices in our society.

I am saddened by this decision a these are people who have given dedicated service to our party over many years, and I thank them for it.  Theresa May (@theresa_may) February 20, 2019

I think that what we now see is the party, that was once the most trusted on the economy and business, is now marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit.

Mrs May said she was saddened by the decision but insisted that we are doing the right thing for our country by delivering Brexit.

She added: I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve.

A Downing Street spokesman said the three MPs Conservative associations were now free to select new general election candidates but said he was not aware of any central directive to do so. He said he was not in a position to rule out their return to the party after Brexit.MPs Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston have resigned from the Conservative Party and joined the Independent Group.

Writing to the Prime Minister, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston said: "We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP.

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The three - who will join the eight ex-Labour MPs who have formed TIG - claimed Mrs May had failed to stand up to the "hard line" European Research Group (ERG) of Brexiteers.

The move poses a fresh headache for Mrs May as she prepared to face Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons before heading to Brussels for Brexit talks with Jean-Claude Juncker.

In a letter to Mrs May, the three MPs said: "We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP.

"Brexit has re-defined the Conservative Party - undoing all the efforts to modernise it. There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hard line ERG which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy."

We no longer feel we can remain in the Party of a Government whose policies and priorities are firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP. Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston

They added: "The final straw for us has been this Government's disastrous handling of Brexit."

Former minister Ms Soubry, the MP for Broxtowe, Health Select Committee chairwoman and Totnes MP Dr Wollaston and South Cambridgeshire MP Ms Allen said they could "no longer act as bystanders" as Mrs May continued with her Brexit strategy.

They said: "Following the EU referendum of 2016, no genuine effort was made to build a cross-party, let alone a national consensus to deliver Brexit.

"Instead of seeking to heal the divisions or to tackle the underlying causes of Brexit, the priority was to draw up 'red lines'. The 48% were not only sidelined, they were alienated."

They added that there was a wider dissatisfaction with the state of British politics, with both the Tories and Labour moving "to the fringes, leaving millions of people with no representation".

They said "there will be times" when they would support the Government at Westminster "on measures to strengthen our economy, security and improve our public services".

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"But we now feel honour bound to put our constituents' and country's interests first."

Mrs May said she was "saddened" by the decision but insisted that "we are doing the right thing for our country" by delivering Brexit.

She added: "I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve."

The resignations from the Tory benches come after Joan Ryan became the eighth MP to leave Labour for TIG.

With 11 MPs, TIG now has as many representatives in the Commons as the Liberal Democrats.

Ms Ryan fired a furious broadside at Jeremy Corbyn, accusing him of repeatedly failing to deal with anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.

"We never had this problem in the party before he was the leader. It comes with him, it is part of his politics, I am afraid," she told BBC Radio 4's Today.

"He has introduced or allowed to happen in our party this scourge of anti-Semitism. It has completely infected the party and at every opportunity to deal with it he has not done so."

Ms Ryan, who has represented Enfield North since 1997, with a break from 2010-15, and served as a minister in Tony Blair's government, also attacked Mr Corbyn's position on the EU, claiming he was "aiding and abetting a hard Brexit".

In an apparent response to the defections, Labour launched a consultation on changes to allow voters to force MPs to seek re-election if they swap parties.

At present, recall petitions can only be launched in a handful of circumstances, such as a serious breach of parliamentary rules or a criminal conviction. A by-election is forced if the petition is signed by 10% of constituents - usually around 7,000 people - within six weeks.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said: "Communities should not have to wait for up to five years to act if they feel their MP is not properly representing their interests, especially with the restrictions of the Fixed Term Parliament Act."A campaign to promote reusable sanitary products has been announced by the First Minister as part of moves to protect the marine environment.

The Scottish Government will work with Zero Waste Scotland on the 175,200 campaign to help reduce the 100 billion pieces of sanitary waste disposed of around the world each year.

Speaking at Scotlands International Marine Conference in Glasgow, Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland is demonstrating international leadership in protecting marine environments and will continue to maintain EU environmental standards despite Brexit.

In the coming weeks the Scottish Government will publish proposals to make it an offence to throw litter overboard from fishing vessels while at sea.

The First Minister said: Scotland continues to lead the way in protecting our marine environments and the size of Scotlands marine protected area is testament to our commitment to protecting important habitats and species.

This new campaign to promote reusable sanitary products expands our existing efforts to tackle the problem of single use plastic.

Following the successful introduction of legislation to ban plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care products, we are the first in the UK to commit to a ban on plastic stemmed cotton buds.

It is also important we tackle the smaller, but not insignificant, proportion of litter which comes from our marine industries.

Our paper on the future of fisheries management will seek views on how we can ensure the fishing sector play their part in protecting the marine environment.

She said that across the UK, more than four million sanitary products are flushed down the toilet every day and the campaign will have a significant and important impact.

The two-day conference, organised by the Scottish Government, is taking place at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government is consulting on several new marine protected areas and will also consult on creating two historic marine protected areas at Lerwick and Scapa Flow.

The size of Scotlands marine protected area is testament to our commitment to protecting important habitats and speciesNicola Sturgeon

The Scottish Government is also looking into creating a marine reserve in the North East Atlantic where the waters are more than 800m deep, which would cover almost 150,000sq km  nearly twice the size of Scotlands land mass.

This would almost double the overall size of Scotlands marine protected areas, from covering 22% of territorial waters to 42%.

Ms Sturgeon said regardless of Brexit, Scotland would continue to work with other countries to protect the marine environment.

She said: By taking strong and determined action here at home, Scotland is trying to demonstrate international leadership.

Were very clear that despite Brexit we are in Scotland going to continue to maintain EU environmental standards.

We will also comply with international arrangements and we will of course continue to learn from and work with partners across the globe.

FM @NicolaSturgeon opened the International Marine Conference in Glasgow and set out how Scotland is leading the way in tackling marine litter: https://t.co/tkMbTM9Q9a #SeasTheFuture pic.twitter.com/tcc58exKm0  First Minister (@ScotGovFM) February 20, 2019

Dr Lyndsey Dodds, head of marine at WWF, said: Any action to reduce the amount of single use plastics is to be welcomed. This is a forward thinking campaign on reusable sanitary products and addresses a number of important issues that are impacting our seas.

Eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped in the ocean every year and 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs, so plans to make it an offence to throw litter overboard from fishing vessels while at sea is also a very positive step.

The natural world isnt a luxury  it is our life support system. Its good to see the Scottish Government taking action to help our marine environment before its too late.

Jill Farrell, chief operating officer at Zero Waste Scotland, said: We fully support all measures to protect our environment and resources. It is estimated that almost one third of sanitary products are flushed down the toilet, with a significant percentage ending up as marine litter.

Reducing waste is key in ensuring a sustainable future as much of this is synthetic materials and plastics that can take up to 500 years to fully break down.The scene where a lorry crashed into a house and killed Jacqueline Wileman in Brierley (Danny Lawson/PA)

Three men who stole a lorry have been found guilty of causing the death of a woman who was hit by the out-of-control vehicle just before it ploughed into a house.

Jacqueline Wileman, 58, was killed immediately when she was dragged along the road by the tractor unit of a lorry as she was out power walking near her home in the village of Brierley near Barnsley in South Yorkshire.

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David Mellor, Wayne Carroll and Alan Mawhinney were convicted of causing death by dangerous driving at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday, court officials said.

Carroll was also found guilty of aggravated vehicle-taking.

The two-week trial heard the lorry left a scene of utter carnage after the driver lost control and the vehicle ploughed into cars and then a house, causing extensive damage to the building.

CCTV footage shown to the jury showed Mrs Wileman walking briskly along the pavement just moments before the white lorry is seen speeding past, with debris rising from a violent collision with a car just out of shot.

Mellor had taken the tractor unit from his employers and, on September 14 last year, was in the cab of the vehicle with Carroll, Mawhinney and the driver, Karn Hill, who admitted causing death by dangerous driving before the trial.

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The lorry was driven dangerously around the area all morning, with those inside making off from a number of petrol stations without paying.

It was spotted by a police officer in the early afternoon, who decided to follow the vehicle.

The court heard the lorry was travelling at twice the 30mph speed limit or more and on the wrong side of the road before the collision.

Prosecutor Jason Pitter QC said: The scene was one of utter carnage, indicating the dangerous way the vehicle was being driven.

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Mr Pitter said Mrs Wileman was dragged along the road causing extensive injuries and she was immediately killed, such was the speed and dangerous way the vehicle was being driven.

Mellor, 48, of Bank End Road, Worsbrough Dale, South Yorkshire, and Mawhinney, 53, of Calder Crescent, Kendray, South Yorkshire, admitted aggravated vehicle taking during the trial.

They were both found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Carroll, 29, of Chestnut Street, Grimethorpe, South Yorkshire, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.

Hill, 23, of East View, Cudworth, South Yorkshire, admitted causing death by dangerous driving before the trial.

All four men will be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday morning.Police officers and floral tributes at the unveiling of a plaque at the Carriage Gates, Palace of Westminster, in memory of Pc Keith Palmer (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

A national memorial has been unveiled for Keith Palmer, the police officer killed in the Westminster terror attack.

Members of his family were invited to a private reception with the Prime Minister at Downing Street on Wednesday, where they were presented with the tribute, made in Portland stone and slate.

It was then moved to its permanent home outside the Carriage Gates at the Palace of Westminster, close to where Pc Palmer was murdered on March 22 2017.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, Chairwoman of the Police Memorial Trust Geraldine Winner and the Speakers of both Houses John Bercow and Lord Fowler all attended a wreath-laying at the new memorial on Wednesday.

A plaque has also been placed inside the grounds of the Palace of Westminster, in New Palace Yard, close to where father-of-one Mr Palmer died.

Ms Dick said: I know that I speak on behalf of all of my officers and staff when I say how immensely proud we all are of Pc Keith Palmer and this memorial will ensure that his actions will forever be remembered.

Pc Palmer was an outstanding police officer.

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He acted that day with no thought for his own safety, intent simply on doing his job and protecting members of the public and Parliament.

He paid the ultimate price for his selfless actions and this memorial is a fitting and lasting tribute to the tremendous bravery he showed on that terrible day.

Mr Palmer was stabbed to death by terrorist Khalid Masood, who stormed the gates near Parliament having mown down dozens of pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

The officer was posthumously awarded the George Medal for bravery that unquestionably saved lives.

His memorial was organised by the Police Memorial Trust, founded by late film director Michael Winner in the wake of the murder of Yvonne Fletcher near the Libyan embassy in 1984.

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His widow Mrs Winner said: There is no doubt that Keiths bravery made him a true hero.

His actions personified the service, courage and sacrifice the ordinary British bobbies give to the people of our country every single day.

Nothing will ever ease the pain his wife, daughter and family feel but we hope our memorial will show them that their loved Keith Palmer will never be forgotten.

The Trust has worked since 2017 to get permission to place the memorial at the Unesco World Heritage site, and has consulted with Mr Palmers family on the plans.Labours deputy leader Tom Watson has branded his partys attempt to force by-elections in the constituencies of defecting MPs as spiteful.

The plan to allow voters to stage recall petitions when MPs switch sides seems squarely aimed at the eight Labour centrists who quit the party this week to form a new Independent Group in the House of Commons.

A senior Labour source confirmed that a consultation on the scheme was launched by shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett with leadership approval but without the idea being agreed by the shadow cabinet.

He said it was clearly the right, decent and democratic thing for any MP to stand again for election if they left the party on whose platform they were elected.

Those people that left the Labour Party did so with a heavy heart, and it looks like we are ... trying to be knee-jerk about itTom Watson

Mr Trickett said: Communities should not have to wait for up to five years to act if they feel their MP is not properly representing their interests, especially with the restrictions of the Fixed Term Parliament Act.

This proposed reform has the dramatic potential to empower citizens and will be one of many measures the Labour Party is planning to consult on and announce that will change the way politics in this country is done.

Mr Watson said he was not aware of the plan and did not agree with it. At present, recall petitions can only be run in certain circumstances, such as a serious breach of parliamentary rules or criminal conviction of an MP.

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I didnt know he was going to do that but it seems to me that whatever the merits of the position that he is putting on recall elections and resigning from parties, it just looks spiteful, Mr Watson told LBC as he hosted a phone-in show on the radio station.

Those people that left the Labour Party did so with a heavy heart, and it looks like we are kind of reflexive and trying to be knee-jerk about it, rather than looking at the actual issue which is Brexit and the state of British politics.

The Labour source said it was standard practice for initiatives to be launched on the basis of agreement between the leaders office and a particular shadow ministers team, without necessarily requiring the formal approval of the whole shadow cabinet.

They can cause by-elections in a few weeks from now. Just need to give notice. They must. They stood for Parliament as candidates in political parties. Their electorate didnat vote for them, per se. They voted for the respective political party that they represented at that time. https://t.co/GhBSIAu371  Karl Turner MP (@KarlTurnerMP) February 20, 2019

Shadow transport minister Karl Turner said the defectors should stand down voluntarily to trigger by-elections.

They must, said Mr Turner. They stood for Parliament as candidates in political parties. Their electorate didnt vote for them, per se. They voted for the respective political party that they represented at that time.

There was a furious response from some parts of the party to news that the eight breakaway MPs were being joined in The Independent Group (TIG) by three Conservatives, including Anna Soubry who said she stood by the austerity policies of George Osborne.

The TIG MPs sat together on the opposition benches at Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons, and the former Labour MPs  including Chuka Umunna  attended a press conference by the Tory defectors.

Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said she was utterly disgusted to see the MP for her home town of Stockport, Ann Coffey, joining forces with a former member of the Government which cut Sure Start family centres.

Well a new low for me to see the MP who was my representative when growing up & was part of a govat that gave me Sure Start welcomes the MP who was part of the Govat that cut the funds for this vital flagship programme into their atinge groupa Iam utterly disgusted #PMQs  Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) February 20, 2019

Meanwhile, another of the defecting MPs, former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie, indicated the new grouping may not sign up to Labour policies like renationalisation of privatised utilities.

It speaks to the controlling instinct of the hard left because there is a sort of view that John McDonnell sitting in the Treasury can mandate how many tractors are sold, or what trains should leave Euston at what particular time of day, or what should be the price of a stamp, he told the New Statesman magazine.

The problem with the Marxist ideology is that it assumes this omniscience on behalf of the central controller.

He also expressed scepticism about Labour plans for a 50p top rate of income tax and the complete abolition of university tuition fees.

Sounds great, the minor problem is: how do you pay for it? he asked.

The senior Labour source claimed that the Independent Group MPs were effectively an establishment coalition based on the failed and rejected policies of the past  austerity, corporate tax cuts, privatisation.

Labour said that no application to rejoin the party had been received from George Galloway, after the former Respect MP said he was seeking to have his 2003 expulsion from the party revoked.

He would not be eligible for membership, having stood against Labour in an election in the past five years, said a source.

"Corbyn is not antisemitic."



George Galloway says the criticism against @jeremycorbyn is a "Black Op" and adds that it's a "Goebellian lie" to suggest the Labour leader is antisemitic.



Follow live political updates: https://t.co/sTN6a7tnpq pic.twitter.com/HbMJCPglUK  Sky News Politics (@SkyNewsPolitics) February 20, 2019

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Galloway dismissed claims of anti-Semitism in Labour ranks as a black op and branded Enfield North MP Joan Ryan, who quit on Tuesday, an agent of the Israeli embassy.

Corbyn is not anti-Semitic, said Mr Galloway. Not a fibre, not an atom, not a molecule of his mind or body could be so described. That is the Goebellian lie.

But Mr Watson said Ms Ryan was right to say that Labour had been too slow to deal with anti-Semitism.

He told LBC that some members of the party were responsible for harshness, brutality and bullying, and pledged: One anti-Semite in the Labour Party is one too many and Im going to fight them all the way until they are removed from whatever position they hold in this party.Alesha MacPhail was found dead after going missing on the Isle of Bute last summer (PA)

There is a mountain of evidence against a teenager accused of abducting, raping and murdering a six-year-old girl, a jury has been told.

Advocate depute Iain McSporran QC said the 16-year-old accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had told a pack of lies from the witness box at the High Court in Glasgow.

But the teenagers defence lawyer, Brian McConnachie QC, urged the jury to acquit his client, questioning why the boy would abduct, rape and murder six-year-old Alesha MacPhail having never met her in his life.

The schoolgirl had arrived at the home her grandparents shared with her father, Robert or Rab MacPhail, on the Isle of Bute for the school holidays shortly before she went missing on July 2 last year.

Her body was found in woods on the island hours later.

Expand Close Alesha MacPhail was found dead in woodland on the Isle of Bute last July (Lesley Martin/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Alesha MacPhail was found dead in woodland on the Isle of Bute last July (Lesley Martin/PA)

Addressing the jury in his closing speech on the eighth day of the trial, Mr McSporran invited them to convict the 16-year-old, saying the only true verdict would be to find him guilty.

He added: We say he raped and murdered her and thats the verdict we seek.

He said the evidence points squarely to her being abducted and taken to where she was found by the person who killed her, which he claimed was the accused.

Mr McSporran said the timing of a figure being caught on CCTV, and who some witnesses said appeared to be carrying something, fits perfectly with this version of events.

The teenager has said he lied to police about his actions when Alesha went missing, claiming he did so to protect the woman he blames for the killing  Toni McLachlan, the partner of Aleshas father.

He has lodged a special defence of incrimination blaming Ms McLachlan, 18, for the crime.

Giving evidence on Tuesday, he told the court he and Ms McLachlan had met up and had sex early on July 2 but he did not want to tell police this as he feared it would get back to Mr MacPhail and he would hurt Ms McLachlan.

Mr McSporran said on Wednesday the accused was telling a pack of lies then [to the police] and a pack of lies in the witness box yesterday.

He put it to the jury that they had heard no evidence implicating Ms McLachlan in the crime but a mountain of evidence linking the accused to it.

He also highlighted the accused telling the court Ms McLachlan could have been fantasising about killing Alesha for months.

Mr McSporran said: Where did that come from? Whos been fantasising?

He said the accuseds claim that Ms McLachlan took the condom the two allegedly used on July 2, went back to the house where she had been staying with her partner, Alesha and the girls grandparents, abducted the schoolgirl, carried her to the woods, smothered her to death and then planted the accuseds semen inside her was a preposterous story.

Mr McSporran added that DNA matching the accused was pretty well all over Aleshas body and clothes and said the Crowns case is his semen was found inside the six-year-old as he had raped her.

Mr McConnachie told the jury in his closing speech that Ms McLachlans friend agreed in her evidence earlier on Wednesday that the 18-year-old was jealous of Alesha and felt threatened by the time and attention Mr MacPhail paid his daughter.

Addressing jurors, the lawyer said: You might think that there is a solid basis on the evidence that Toni McLachlan might wish harm on Alesha MacPhail.

Mr McConnachie said the question the jury needs to address is whether they are satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the accused abducted, raped and murdered a six-year-old girl he had never met before in his life before calmly walking back home and wandering around his garden like he didnt have a care in the world  as the lawyer said was shown on CCTV  before going to bed.

My submission is the answer to that question has to be no and the verdict has to be one of acquittal, he added.

He highlighted that no DNA from the accused was found in the house where Alesha had been staying and none of the schoolgirls DNA or blood was found in the teenagers home.

The accused denies abducting, raping and murdering Alesha.

A charge he faced of attempting to hide evidence was dropped by the Crown on Wednesday.

Expand Close Toni McLachlan, the partner of Robert MacPhail (behind), outside the High Court in Glasgow (Andrew Milligan/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Giving evidence last Wednesday, Ms McLachlan denied being responsible for Aleshas death, saying she loved the schoolgirl.

She also denied suggestions by the defence that she had sex with the accused on July 2, then planted his semen on Alesha, before attacking and brutalising her and murdering her.

The case continues.Islamic State schoolgirl Shamima Begums citizenship is to be revoked by the Home Office, her familys lawyer has said.

Ministers will seek an order depriving the 19-year-old Londoner of her British citizenship, solicitor Tasnime Akunjee said.

Ms Begum fled her east London home in 2015 to travel to Syria to support the terror group, but wishes to return to the UK for the sake of her newly-born child as the so-called caliphate crumbles.

In a statement, Mr Akunjee said her family are very disappointed with the Home Offices intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship.

We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision, he added.

ITV News reported that a letter from the Home Office had been received by Ms Begums mother yesterday. It said Home Secretary Sajid Javid had ordered the move and explained it had already been processed.

Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship, the letter read.

The letter asked Ms Begums mother to let her daughter know of the decision and to inform her she has a right to appeal.

The Home Office declined to comment on the letter.

Meanwhile, it has also emerged that the teenager could be arrested if she returns to the UK.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick said the 19-year-old could expect to be spoken to if she comes back to Britain.

The initial police stance when Ms Begum left the UK in 2015 was that she may be treated as a victim of grooming, but the Scotland Yard chief said yesterday: Were a long way down the road since then.

Ms Dick added: If she does, under whatever circumstances, arrive at our borders, somebody in her type of circumstances could expect, of course, to be spoken to and, if there is the appropriate necessity, to be potentially arrested and certainly investigated.

On Monday, Ms Begum compared the Manchester Arena bombing to military strikes on IS strongholds, calling the terror attack retaliation.

Alex Klis, whose parents were killed in the atrocity, said: Shes made her bed, hasnt she?

I think she should just remain where she is. For starters I dont think shes being honest. I think the only reason she would like to come back is because she couldnt stay where she was.

There are currently plans to change the law to make travelling to certain terror hotspots a criminal offence, but this would not apply retrospectively to Ms Begum.

Around 425 suspected jihadi fighters are thought to have returned to the UK from Syria so far.Sue Gray, a Royal Air Force engineer, who has been promoted to the rank of Air Marshal (MoD/PA)

The first female three-star commander in Britains armed forces has said she is delighted with her appointment and is looking forward to the challenge.

Promoted to the rank of Air Marshal, Sue Gray, a Royal Air Force engineer, will take up the role of director-general of the Defence Safety Authority in March.

Expand Close Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson hailed the historic appointment (Jeff Spicer/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson welcomed the appointment of the 56-year-old, who joined the RAF in August 1985, as a historic moment.

Air Marshal Sue Gray said she felt a little bit awestruck on discovering she was in line for the promotion but is looking forward to the new challenge of the new job.

Speaking to the Press Association, Air Marshal Gray said she never imagined she would become a three-star commander when she joined the RAF three decades ago.

I was grateful to be doing a job that was exciting, fascinating and rewarding from quite an early age, and I have just kept on enjoying it 33 years later, she said.

Asked where the promotion ranks in her lengthy career, Air Marshal Gray said it is going to be a highlight for her and Champagne would feature in her celebrations.

I think it is going to be a challenge  not only being the first female at that rank but this is the first time a non-pilot has taken on the role, she said.

So not only do they now have an engineer, but a woman to boot.

I think I proved him right ... I know he would be delightedAir Marshal Sue Gray on her late father

Surrounded by a supportive family and community, Air Marshal Gray said she remembers her late father telling her as a child she could do anything she wanted.

I think I proved him right, she said.

I know he would be delighted.

With no female role models to look up to within the RAF when she joined the service, Air Marshal Gray said policies have changed in the years since and she does not think she has been treated differently at any point because she is a woman.

Quizzed on whether there has been any negative reaction to her promotion, she said there had not been so far and added with a laugh: But I dont think they would tell me.

During her career, Air Marshal Gray has worked in a variety of roles, including engineering on VC10 transport aircraft, and was also deployed on both Gulf wars with the Joint Helicopter Force.

In June 2016, she was appointed Air Officer Commanding Number 38 Group with responsibility for more than 3,000 personnel across disciplines including engineering, logistics, aviation medicine and catering.

Before her promotion, the highest rank held by a serving female officer in the modern day RAF was Air Vice-Marshal, which is a two-star post.

On what she would want her legacy to be as the first female three-star commander, Air Marshal Gray said one who encourages all women in all services to go for it.

She added: I want more women to join, I want more female engineers because they bring such a variety to the mix.

Welcoming the appointment, Mr Williamson said: This is a historic moment as we see the most senior female appointment in the British military.

Air Marshal Grays career shows that with hard work, skill and determination, gender is no obstacle to achieving the top ranks in the armed forces.

Having served in Iraq as the chief engineer for the Joint Helicopter Force, I hope that young girls will look up to Air Marshal Gray and see that a career in the armed forces will offer them every opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their gender and background.

Expand Close Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Hillier said the appointment was proper recognition for Air Marshal Gray (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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The head of the RAF, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, offered his congratulations and said he wishes her success in her important new role leading the Defence Safety Authority.

Her promotion is proper recognition of her outstanding contribution to the RAF and defence as an engineer, as a leader and as a superb role model, he added.

Asked if she would ever like to be the head of the RAF, Air Marshal Gray said: I suspect that might be a bridge too far for me, only because the chief of the air staff is traditionally aircrew  a pilot or a navigator.

So that would be an engineer and a woman  but I suspect there will be, in the not too distant future, a non-pilot  but I suspect it wont be me.Police searching for a British tourist and his friend missing from a beach in Australia say they still have hope of finding the two men alive.

A rescue operation was launched on Monday after items belonging to 20-year-old Englishman Hugo Palmer and his friend Erwan Ferrieux, also 20, were discovered at Shelly Beach, near Port Macquarie on the New South Wales coast north of Sydney.

Walkers found their belongings at about 6.30am (7.30pm GMT Sunday), and police later discovered their rental car in the beachs car park with a number of personal items, including travel documents, inside.

A water and ground search was launched, but there has not yet been any sign of the pair.

Expand Close Erwan Ferrieux has gone missing alongside Hugo Palmer (New South Wales Police/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook

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On Wednesday morning, Inspector Peter Neville, of New South Wales Police, said divers were involved in the mission, while surrounding bush land and cliffs were also being scoured.

This whole operation is about locating and rescuing these young men. From some of the discussions Ive had this morning we honestly believe these people could well be alive, he told the Port Macquarie News.

At the moment this is strictly a rescue mission.

A search has resumed for two men missing at Shelley Beach near Port Macquarie. Items of property belonging to a... Posted by NSW Police Force on Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Mr Neville said two of the mens friends, who were in Sydney at the time of their disappearance but were due to meet up with them, had travelled to Port Macquarie to support the search.

It is believed Mr Palmer, from East Grinstead, East Sussex, and Mr Ferrieux, a French national, had arrived in Australia in November.

The Foreign Office said staff were in contact with police in Australia and the UK.Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald at a press conference in Belfast on Monday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Mary Lou McDonald told a gathering of civic unionists at Queen's University on Monday that she was a peace-maker in the tradition of Martin McGuinness.

The former Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister's friendship with the Rev Ian Paisley has been well chronicled.

But, for me, it wasn't his most striking contribution to political stability in Northern Ireland.

Rather, that came in March 2009 just after the Real IRA attack on Massereene Army base in which two soldiers were killed, and the Continuity IRA murder of Constable Stephen Carroll in Lurgan.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with then-PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde, Mr McGuinness denounced those responsible as "traitors to the island of Ireland".

The ferocity of his language, and the manner in which it was delivered was a huge boost to police in their battle against dissident republicans.

By contrast, Ms McDonald's claim that there is no credible PSNI candidate to replace George Hamilton as Chief Constable is a major blow to the force in its struggle for nationalist hearts and minds.

With an already existent chill effect in relations between the police and that community, the temperature just plunged a few degrees further.

Ms McDonald yesterday stood by her controversial comments, but Gerry Kelly was on the BBC's Nolan Show clarifying them. "Who speaks for Sinn Fein?" asked the DUP, who mischievously suggested a split could exist.

There isn't a cigarette paper between Ms McDonald and other party figures on policing. The Sinn Fein president simply said too much on Monday.

If Mr Kelly didn't row the party back a bit from her position, it could find its Policing Board members barred from sitting on the selection panel for the Chief Constable job.

Whereas her colleagues up here are masters in evasiveness, Ms McDonald takes a more direct approach to answering questions. She said she didn't believe there was a PSNI candidate worthy of succeeding Hamilton.

Yet Mr Kelly revealed to the BBC that she didn't know the force's top brass bar two senior officers, whom she met only on Monday.

So if Ms McDonald doesn't know the individuals who might apply for the job, why did she think them unsuitable? Clearly, she based her opinion on what others in the party believe and say freely behind closed doors.

The Police Federation branded Ms McDonald's remarks "wholly inappropriate and offensive".

That criticism won't cause her to bat an eyelid. But the Equality Commission expressed concern about her comments. It's surely uncomfortable territory for Sinn Fein to find itself on the opposite side from that organisation.

Ms McDonald's remarks have deeply damaged her party's relationship with senior police and with unionists. Yet they won't cost Sinn Fein a single vote. Her sentiments aren't out of touch with those of grassroots nationalists.

Ms McDonald has adopted a very hands-on approach to Northern Ireland since becoming Sinn Fein president. She is due back here again later this week.

She shoots from the hip and this certainly won't be her last controversy.Michael McDowell insists that rank and file Garda will take over the duties of prison officers throughout Ireland during any industrial action, after pay talks broke down earlier in the month.

Proposed new laws introducing stricter penalties for repeat sexual offenders have been approved by parliament.

The Department of Justice confirmed on Wednesday that the proposed legislation had completed its passage through all stages of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2018 introduces presumptive minimum sentences for repeat sex offenders.

It also corrects an anomaly in the law of incest by equalising the penalty for incest where it is committed by a man or a woman.

The maximum penalties for both male and female offenders will now be 10 years for those who commit incest.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: I am very pleased that this Bill has now been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas.

By introducing presumptive minimum sentencing provisions for repeat sex offenders, we are recognising the impact these devastating crimes have on victims and on society as a whole.

Expand Close Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan confirmed on Wednesday that draft laws introducing stricter penalties for sex offenders have been approved by parliament (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan confirmed on Wednesday that draft laws introducing stricter penalties for sex offenders have been approved by parliament (Liam McBurney/PA)

The revised penalties for repeat sexual offenders are based on proposals brought forward by Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran last year.

Mr Moran said he was heartened by the broad support the bill had received in both the Dail and the Seanad.

I believe this is an important measure that needs to be taken and I thank Minister Flanagan for having taken forward the proposals introduced by me in a Private Members Bill.

Under the new draft laws where a convicted offender is sentenced to imprisonment for at least five years, and is subsequently convicted of a further offence (within a period of 10 years), the court can specify that the minimum term of imprisonment be served.

The proposed minimum term is three-quarters of the maximum term of imprisonment prescribed by law in respect of such an offence.

Where the maximum term imposed is life imprisonment, the minimum proposed is a term of not less than 10 years imprisonment.

However, the court will have discretion not to apply the minimum sentence if it is satisfied that this would be disproportionate in all the circumstances of the case.

The bill will now be sent to the president to be enacted into law.Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin accused the health minister of attempting to destroy the reputation of the CervicalCheck team.

The leader of the opposition party has accused the health minister of attempting to destroy the reputation of the CervicalCheck team.

Micheal Martin said Simon Harris comments about those overseeing the screening programme were unacceptable and mean-spirited.

The Fianna Fail leader said the CervicalCheck team has carried out exceptional work in helping to save thousands of lives over the last 10 years.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, however, defended the Minister for Health and said the people managing the cancer screening programme made a lot of mistakes.

The degree to which the minister dumped on them last Saturday morning, attempting to destroy their reputation is unacceptable (and) is mean-spiritedMicheal Martin

Speaking during Leaders questions, Mr Martin said: I listened to the Ministers (RTE) interview last Saturday and I must say I was taken aback when he launched an attack on the CervicalCheck team, saying he had lost confidence in the people running the CervicalCheck because of the decision around managing the audit.

The degree to which the minister dumped on them last Saturday morning, attempting to destroy their reputation is unacceptable (and) is mean-spirited.

Mr Varadkar said he acknowledged that the people who built the programme did a good job.

Cervical Check is a good programme and those who have managed it did a good job and saved a lot of lives.

But they also made a lot of mistakes too and among those mistakes was a botched audit, which had had a significant retrospection bias and they did not share information about that audit with the women affected.

Mr Martin also pressed the Taoiseach on the chief medical officers (CMO) support for the free out-of-cycle smear tests.

He asked Mr Varadkar whether the CervicalCheck team voiced its opposition to a senior official at the Department of Health over the decision to offer the free tests to women last year.

Mr Martin said: Did the CMO recommend this or not?

Expand Close Minister for Health Simon Harris (Lorraine OSullivan/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Minister for Health Simon Harris (Lorraine OSullivan/PA)

I believe what we are getting here is covering tracks because we need to learn from this.

Mr Varadkar said the free smear test was offered because a very large number of women were concerned their smear test was wrong.

He added: The decision was made to give free out of cycle smears to tens of thousands of women who were concerned about the accuracy of their smear tests the reassurance that they sought.

It was called for by opposition deputies.

When it was decided upon it was welcomed by some doctors.

It caused problems (and) there is a backlog in slides awaiting analysis.

Its not just because of the free test, its also because of the increase in attendance for screening.The difficulties a hard Brexit would pose for teachers who cross the Irish border on a daily basis are being raised in Brussels today

The difficulties a hard Brexit would pose for teachers who cross the Irish border on a daily basis are being raised in Brussels today.

An Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) delegation is expressing its concerns to Irish embassy officials, members of the European Parliament and leaders of the European trade union movement.

INTO president, Joe Killeen, and the union's Northern Ireland chair, Paddy McAllister, said a disorderly Brexit would pose unique challenges for its members and said they feared they were being overlooked in the debate.

One issue is the practical problems a reintroduction of border controls would mean for teachers who commute - in both directions - for work.

As well as teachers living in one jurisdiction with a permanent job in the other, the shortage of substitute teachers in primary schools has generated more traffic.

The INTO, which has 36,367 members north and south, has faced a surge in inquiries from members about issues relating to Brexit, a situation exacerbated for those in Northern Ireland by the suspension of the Stormont Assembly.

Another area of concern relates to recognition of qualifications. Subject to certain conditions, EU rules allow for mutual recognition of teachers who qualified in another EU member state.

Mr McAllister said it remained to be seen how these jobs would be facilitated in a hard Brexit and teachers deserved clarity.The UK and Irish Governments have guaranteed the continued payment of pensions, child benefit and other social welfare payments if the UK crashes out of the EU. (stock photo)

The UK and Irish Governments have guaranteed the continued payment of pensions, child benefit and other social welfare payments if the UK crashes out of the EU.

Thousands of people living in the Republic get pensions and other payments from Britain, while Dublin also pays out the like of widow's pensions to people who live in the UK.

Now a legally binding agreement has been signed by London and Dublin.

It is estimated that around 133,000 people living in the Republic, mainly Irish citizens, receive pensions from the UK.

And the Irish Government pays contributory pensions to 29,000 people living in Britain.

Irish Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty and her UK counterpart Amber Rudd, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, signed a convention at the start of the month to ensure the "reciprocity of social welfare rights and entitlements".

These rights currently exist under what is known as the Common Travel Area.

Ms Doherty said: "Under the terms of the agreement all existing arrangements, with recognition of, and access to, social welfare entitlements will be maintained in both jurisdictions.

"This means that the rights of Irish citizens domiciled in Ireland to benefit from social insurance contributions made when working in the UK and to access social insurance payments if resident in the UK are protected."

The Department for Work and Pensions did not issue a statement.

Irish contingency plans for a no-deal Brexit were discussed at yesterday's Cabinet meeting in Dublin. Ministers discussed 16 different pieces of legislation across nine departments designed for a no-deal Brexit, which will be published on Friday.

Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Tanaiste Simon Coveney said: "It will do things like protect cross-border health services so that children will be able to continue to come to Dublin for specialist paediatric care. It will also ensure that British students in Ireland will continue to be treated as citizens almost in this country and vice versa for Irish students in the UK. It also does things we never thought we would have to do, like put a legislative base in place for someone to get on a train in Dublin to go to Belfast, because they will be travelling out of the EU and into a third country and back again."A Belfast playwright who is no stranger to controversy has said a modern day version of Ian Paisley is now running America.

Speaking as his play Cyprus Avenue enjoys a reprisal at the Royal Court Theatre in London, Sandy Row-born David Ireland compared US President Donald Trump to the former First Minister.

He added that "if Paisley had been American and had a Twitter account I think it would all have been in block capitals".

Ireland's play about a Belfast loyalist had enjoyed a critically acclaimed run in New York and is a comic examination of sectarian hatred.

It has been described as the most shocking play in London and didn't reach the stage until three years after it had been written. Lawyers had been concerned about Gerry Adams' possible reaction, as EU privacy and image legislation raised questions about whether a living individual can be dramatically depicted without their permission, which the former Sinn Fein leader was unlikely to give.

The main character depicts a loyalist who's convinced unionism is being destroyed. His dementia reaches such a level that he believes his five-week-old granddaughter to be Adams.

Ireland told The Guardian: "I don't know all the legal ins and outs. But then I only expected the play to be on for a couple of weeks in Dublin. I thought he was unlikely to come after us. Maybe he will now!"

Ireland, who appeared in front of the camera with two lines in the first episode of Derry Girls, also admitted he's conflicted by his Irish accent.

"When I was 15 or 16, I went to this drama course in Cambridge, and it was the first time anyone had ever called me Irish. I got such a shock," he said.

"It was a guy from Yorkshire, so I thought he must think I'm from Dublin. But when I said I came from Northern Ireland, all these English kids still called me Irish. That was very strange.

"It was odd for my generation of Ulster unionists because, at the time of Riverdance and Liam Neeson, Irishness suddenly became cool. So people would want me to be Irish. Girls would say, 'Ooh, I love your Irish accent', and I'd say, 'I'm not Irish!' So you can see the conflict."

The play has also been performed in Belfast and Dublin and the climax is so brutal that some audience members walked out.

"Some people think that I like offending audiences. But I don't," said Ireland.

"Well, I suppose that, subconsciously, I may want to upset people, or I wouldn't write the things I write but I'd rather that people who were going to be offended stayed away."EU President Jean-Claude Juncker greeting British Prime Minister Theresa May on an earlier visit to the EU Commission in Brussels. (Etienne Ansotte/EU/PA Images)

Theresa May is returning to Brussels to seek legal assurances on the Brexit backstop, amid signs she has persuaded key Tory eurosceptics to consider backing her Withdrawal Agreement.

Chancellor Philip Hammond indicated on Tuesday night that the Government has accepted the EU will not agree to replace the backstop arrangements for the Irish border with technological alternatives in time for the scheduled date of Brexit on March 29.

But he said he hopes the technological solution contained in the so-called Malthouse Compromise will form part of negotiations over the following 21 months on the UKs future relationship with the EU.

After being briefed on developments in private talks with the PM, leading Brexiteers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Steve Baker appeared happy with this arrangement, declaring that the Malthouse proposals were alive and kicking.

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Mr Baker said it was now possible that Tory eurosceptics in the influential European Research Group, of which he is deputy chairman, would back Mrs Mays Withdrawal Agreement, after helping to vote it down by a massive margin last month.

Im hopeful that as the conversation moves forward with the EU and with the UK that we might get to a position where we can vote for the Withdrawal Agreement, said Mr Baker.

Its a very big journey from here to there. Im very grateful that today we took a big step on that journey by the general acceptance that these arrangements could work.

Expand Close Malthouse Compromise supporters leave the Cabinet Office (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Malthouse Compromise supporters leave the Cabinet Office (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

In a joint statement, Mr Baker and ERG chair Mr Rees-Mogg said: We look forward to further precision about exactly what we will be asked to vote for.

Mr Hammond told the MakeUK dinner in London that the proposals in the Malthouse plan  drawn up by MPs from the Leave and Remain wings of the party  represented a valuable effort at finding a way to keep the Irish border open after Brexit without a backstop.

But the Chancellor said: However promising as an alternative arrangement to avoid entering a backstop in the future, it is clear that the EU will not consider replacing the backstop with such an alternative arrangement now in order to address our immediate challenge.

The details of this initiative are still evolving and would require significant changes to EU legislation and customs practices that would need to be negotiated with the EU member states and others who will be affected by them.

He added: It should be a major ongoing strand of our work, continuing at pace during the Implementation Period  one in which I hope and expect the EU will take an active part.

.@JunckerEU @Landtag_BW #Brexit  aI have great respect for @theresa_may, for her courage and her assertiveness. We will have friendly talk tomorrow but I donat expect a breakthrough.ahttps://t.co/TdWVBA5WqT  Mina Andreeva (@Mina_Andreeva) February 19, 2019

The developments came as Mrs May prepared for a crucial meeting with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels.

Mr Juncker has said that he does not expect a breakthrough in talks at which Mrs May is expected to request legally-binding assurances that the backstop will not extend indefinitely.

She believes that this is the key to winning the support of the House of Commons for her deal, and seeing off efforts to extend the negotiation period in a series of votes expected on February 27.

I have great respect for Theresa May, for her courage and her assertiveness, Mr Juncker said during a visit to Germany. We will have friendly talks tomorrow but I dont expect a breakthrough.

Mr Hammond said that legally-binding changes to ensure the backstop does not become permanent would deliver the core of a majority for a deal in the House of Commons.

He told the MakeUK dinner: Our priority remains avoiding a No Deal outcome, and that will be my unwavering focus.

It is clear that leaving the EU without a deal would deliver a damaging short-term shock and would undermine our future prosperity and security  and in my view that would represent a betrayal of the promises about Brexit that were made during the referendum campaign.

So the solution lies in getting the PMs deal through Parliament.

Expand Close Speaking in Stuttgart, Jean-Claude Juncker said he did not know if Wednesdays meeting with Theresa May would be productive (European Commission Audiovisual Services/PA Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Speaking in Stuttgart, Jean-Claude Juncker said he did not know if Wednesdays meeting with Theresa May would be productive (European Commission Audiovisual Services/PA Images)

A senior adviser to EU negotiator Michel Barnier said there was zero appetite in the capitals of the 27 remaining members to renegotiate the agreement reached with the UK last November.

The ideas for reopening the Withdrawal Agreement are basically for changing the backstop and making it no longer a genuine backstop, because a backstop has to be there whatever the circumstances, Stefaan de Rynck told the UK in a Changing Europe think tank in London.

If you have a time limit or a unilateral exit clause, you no longer have a genuine backstop. So there is zero appetite in the EU27 to reopen that Withdrawal Agreement.

The backstop arrangements would see the whole UK remain in a customs union with the EU and Northern Ireland following some single market rules until a wider trade deal is agreed, in order to prevent the need for checkpoints on the Irish border.

My thoughts on #Brexit as I head to Berlin this morning pic.twitter.com/ozmS9aHtxA  Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) February 20, 2019

The Malthouse plan would replace these arrangements with technological methods for tracking cross-border movements, along with a free trade agreement-lite for Northern Ireland.

If this was not acceptable to Brussels, a Plan B would see the UK leave without a deal but with a transition period extended to the end of 2021 to allow time to prepare.

After talks on the Malthouse plan between Mr Barnier and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay on Monday, Mr Barclays Department for Exiting the EU said: While the Commission engaged seriously with these proposals, it expressed concerns about their viability to resolve the backstop.

We agreed to keep exploring the use of alternative arrangements  especially how they might be developed to ensure the absence of a hard border in Northern Ireland on a permanent footing, avoiding the need for the backstop to ever enter force.A teenager who sexually abused his younger siblings mimicked pornographic images he viewed online, a court has been told

A teenager who sexually abused his younger siblings mimicked pornographic images he viewed online, a court has been told.

The defendant, who cannot be identified to protect the victims, previously denied 14 offences relating to his brother and sister.

Eight charges involved the girl, beginning when she was just five, and included rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and inciting sexual activity.

The remaining six counts involved the little boy, who from age eight was raped, sexually assaulted, made to engage in sexual activity and to look at sexual imagery.

All of the offences occurred between January 2013 and March 2015.

Dungannon Crown Court heard both children described being subjected to sexual activity by the defendant, who also made them carry out acts on him.

The girl's video evidence was played to the court on the first day of trial, in which she recalled being told she wasn't allowed to play on an Xbox if she did not do what he wanted.

The following day the defendant changed his plea, and sobbing, with his head buried in his hands, admitted all the charges.

Judge Stephen Fowler QC ordered immediate sex offender registration before adjourning for pre-sentence reports.

The case returned to court yesterday with a prosecution lawyer reminding the court of the young age of the victims.

He added that the defendant is a student, but it is not known if his university will continue to accept him.

Judge Fowler recalled the defendant's reaction as he watched the video recording of his sister's evidence.

"His demeanour in the dock was notable," he said.

"No one was in court to support him."

The prosecution said the court should be dissuaded from attributing undue significance to the defendant "crumbling" in the dock.

However, a defence lawyer described his client as a very isolated teenager, who felt his brother and sister were favoured over him.

He said the defendant immersed himself in computers to learn and "when sexual curiosity and adolescence arrived, the only medium of sexual mores was inappropriate adult pornographic channels".

Judge Fowler noted the defendant viewed adult pornography from the age of 10 having been left without supervision, adding "that smacks of neglect".

He said: "In this modern age it is well-known the dangers of internet access by children."

The defence lawyer said that the love of his client's mother remained "undiluted".

He said: "She loves all her children equally. She has been caught in the middle.

"My client knows he betrayed his brother and sister as well as his mother's trust.

"This was a distortion of adolescent sexual curiosity, mimicked from images seen on the computer."

Arguing against a custodial sentence, the defence said his client made no attempt to minimalise his offending and was devastated by the effect on his victims.

He said: "My client is sensitive, gentle and of an academic nature.

"He has struggled with self-harm and suicidal ideation."

Reference was made to an independent consultant psychiatric report which assessed that the risk of reoffending was low.

"A custodial sentence would not be in his best interests."

Judge Fowler will sentence the defendant next week.A teenager has denied killing a pensioner by dangerous driving.

Matthew McKee (19) appeared at Downpatrick Crown Court yesterday.

Defence counsel Patrick Taggart confirmed to Judge Piers Grant that the teenager had been "fully advised about the issue of credit and understands the implications".

McKee, from Meadowlands Avenue in Kilkeel, entered a not guilty plea to the single count against him - causing the death of Geoffrey Cartwright by driving dangerously on the South Promenade in Newcastle on August 24, 2017.

The 78-year-old great grandfather was on his way home from a bar and was knocked down by a Ford Focus yards from his home.

Mr Taggart revealed the defence had instructed a forensic engineer to examine the locus of the accident, saying the report in the "unusual case" would take around six weeks.Reconciliation is a word, a lot like equality, that Sinn Fein have actively campaigned to distort.

They have gone so far in making the word fit their definition, that Monday night's discussion at Queen's University between Mary Lou McDonald and representatives of 'civic unionism' was no more than a box-ticking exercise.

Her intended audience was not actually in the room.

It was more of an opportunity for Mary Lou McDonald to seem reasonable and almost compassionate to her own potential voters, by 'extending the hand of reconciliation', than meaningfully engaging with unionism on our divided, traumatic past.

It was rightfully pointed out during the Q&A afterwards that she managed to go through her entire speech on reconciliation without once mentioning the word compromise. This encapsulates the general overall tone of the evening.

In preparation for the event, my thoughts centred on apologies and remorse, with the apology of Gusty Spence in mind and how I have felt some closure on the UVF murder of my grandfather as a result.

I raised directly with the Sinn Fein President the point that reconciliation requires a degree of trust and that many in unionism view her as the leader of a political party that has succeeded an organisation that murdered and maimed their loved ones. I asked her about her view of an apology to the unionist people as a heartfelt gesture of recognising the hurt caused to them.

A gesture that would signal a sincerity upon which true reconciliation could be built.

What I got in response was an effective dismissal in her assertion that it would be unfair for her in turn to hang the burden of the actions of the British state and loyalist paramilitaries around my neck as a young unionist man.

We already have Sinn Fein establishing a reconciliation stalemate.

As a young unionist councillor from a nationalist background I am not accountable for the actions of armed loyalists - my family has been devastated at their hands and I wholeheartedly condemn the hurt that they have caused. Nor am I accountable for the actions of the state, but I wholeheartedly condemn those who have broken the law while serving and the hurt that it has caused. I welcomed David Cameron's apology to the people of Derry for Bloody Sunday.

It was the right thing to do and it set an example that Mary Lou McDonald seems incapable of following.

Even on Monday night when the stage was set, she mentioned the callous murder of Edgar Graham - not to comment on its cruel nature, to express remorse or provide condemnation, but simply to name-check for the unionists in the room.

For Mary Lou, reconciliation is about mopping up in preparation for a New Ireland (which in terms of content, was a much more dominant theme in her speech than reconciliation), rather than recognising the hurt, distrust and sense of injustice. Once again, victims and survivors are being politically used, only to be woefully let down.

I would again argue that the purpose of Sinn Fein's approach to reconciliation is more about being seen to do the right thing than actually doing it.

Mary Lou, in response to my question, referred to the IRA's apology to 'non-combatants' in 2002, but much like Monday's event, it wasn't the first step in a meaningful dialogue with those hurt or maimed.

It came from the anonymous P O'Neill rather than the leader and was printed in An Phoblacht - it was not aimed at victims in unionism or victims in general, it was not meant to signal a conciliatory change.

It was a political tactic, and so is this current effort.

Mary Lou McDonald performs well, she is personable and can deliver a speech.

Reconciliation requires much more substance than that.

Stephen McCarthy, a Catholic Ulster Unionist councillor from west Belfast, listened to Mary Lou McDonald's appeal to unionism for reconciliation. Here, he argues that Sinn Fein's approach to dealing with the past is more about being seen to do the right thing than actually doing itA former Assistant Chief Constable has warned that Mary Lou McDonald's controversial comments on senior PSNI officers could lead to a brain drain, with local policing talent seeking jobs in Britain.

Alan McQuillan branded the Sinn Fein president's remarks "dangerous" and "very sad given the positive and constructive role her party has played on the Policing Board in the past decade".

Ms McDonald yesterday refused to apologise for saying she wouldn't have confidence in any current senior PSNI officer succeeding George Hamilton as Chief Constable.

Sinn Fein Policing Board member Gerry Kelly insisted any party member on the selection panel for the job would be objective and fair.

But the Equality Commission expressed concern at Ms McDonald's remarks and said it had written to the Policing Board "to remind it of its responsibilities under equality legislation to recruit in a non-discriminatory way".

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Mr McQuillan last night told the Belfast Telegraph: "I understand that Mary Lou McDonald must be under political pressure from (loyalist) murder victim relatives over the PSNI not disclosing information to the Police Ombudsman.

"But her comments undermine Sinn Fein's credibility on the Policing Board and cause the board significant problems.

"Very capable PSNI officers may well now think they won't get a fair shot at senior positions and walk off to jobs in England.

"There currently isn't a huge pool of police talent in Britain so these officers, with all their experience and skills, would be seen as good catches for other forces."

Ms McDonald yesterday remained adamant.

"There's nothing to apologise for, there's no retraction to be made," she said. She dismissed criticism of her comments as "political huffing and puffing".

The Sinn Fein leader said she would have "no role" in appointing the next Chief Constable and her party's representatives on the selection panel would act in accordance with rules and regulations.

The Police Federation had demanded an apology.

Mr Kelly defended his party chief. He said she didn't know people in the PSNI's top team bar "the temporary Deputy Chief Constable and the other Assistant Chief Constable", who she had been introduced to on Monday.

He said she had made a "straightforward" comment in light of recent criticism of the PSNI for failing to disclose information to the Ombudsman.

The MLA insisted any party member who sat on the selection panel for the Chief Constable or other jobs would "act on the basis of objectivity and merit whether those candidates are from within the PSNI or outside".

But Equality Commission chief Michael Wardlow said: "The Policing Board will need to ensure that the principles of equality law are applied fully and rigorously in the forthcoming competition for a new Chief Constable and that all involved are aware of the critical importance of this."

The DUP said Ms McDonald's refusal to retract her comments, accompanied by Mr Kelly's clarification raised questions about who actually led Sinn Fein.

DUP Policing Board member Mervyn Storey accused Ms McDonald of "foolish and regrettable" behaviour. "As Sinn Fein's leader, the public expect her to set the policy for that party. She made a statement about who she thinks the next Chief Constable could not be," he said.

"That casts a shadow over whether any Sinn Fein Policing Board member can sit on the assessment panel for the next Chief Constable."

Mr Storey said he had asked the Policing Board chief executive to seek legal advice about the impact of Ms McDonald's statement on the make-up of the assessment panel. "Either the Sinn Fein leader dropped the ball and Gerry Kelly has been sent out to correct the position, or else there is a split in Sinn Fein about who the next Chief Constable should be," the MLA said.

"Gerry Kelly's position and Mary Lou McDonald's position do not align. Who speaks for Sinn Fein? The party leader or Gerry Kelly?"

Ulster Unionist Policing Board member Alan Chambers said Mr Kelly's comments had not "repaired the damage" caused by Ms McDonald. "Sinn Fein members on the Policing Board have to put some distance between themselves and their party leader's comments, or they themselves will be wide open to the possibility of legal action and employment tribunals from unsuccessful candidates," he said.

TUV leader Jim Allister claimed that Ms McDonald's comments had "blown apart the myth of republican support for police and the rule of law in Northern Ireland".An Irish minister has assured a Dail committee that he is not anticipating power blackouts on either side of the border in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Environment minister Richard Bruton said although power supply should be relatively unaffected, legislation in the Republic's omnibus Brexit Bill will see new powers given to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in Ireland (CRU) to alter licences in the event of a crash Brexit.

Currently, electricity suppliers require a licence from the CRU. If a no-deal Brexit were to go ahead, certain licences would have to be altered to ensure they are compliant with EU law.

Northern Ireland has shared a single energy market with the Republic for more than 10 years.

Mr Bruton assured the committee that there are provisions within the Withdrawal Agreement to see current arrangements continue and "it won't lead to any short term problems".

"In so far as I can tell, the UK recognise the importance of being interconnected to the EU market and they see that as one of the benefits they want to continue and signalled their intention in their own material they published," he said.

"They signalled their desire to maintain interconnection and want to see benefits."

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court in Dublin has dismissed an appeal by a pressure group and landowner against the planned North-South electricity interconnector. Eirgrid's project, involving pylons being erected between Co Meath and Co Tyrone, is planned to provide a second high-capacity all-Ireland interconnector.

All five judges agreed the appeal should be dismissed.DUP Leader Arlene Foster and Dungannon councillor Clement Cuthbertson (right) meeting Dr Margaret OBrien and Pat Brolly from the HSCB

GP services in Dungannon are more secure today after the Health and Social Care Board confirmed that it has appointed a new contractor to take over the town's Northland Surgery.

The move has been welcomed by Fermanagh-South Tyrone MLA Arlene Foster.

Last October concerns were raised when three doctors working from the surgery said they were withdrawing from their contract at the end of this March.

Another local surgery run by Dr SRC Murty closed in January 2018 after his retirement, with patients redistributed across the town, leaving Northland with more than 9,000 people on its books.

Northland said it could not offer a safe service to so many. Two GPs had retired from the practice in early 2018, and despite its best efforts it had failed to recruit new doctors.

"For patients of Northland Surgery it has been an anxious time as they await news on the future of the GP practice in the area," Mrs Foster said.

"We have been pushing for a sensible and sustainable outcome which would suit the needs of the people of the area and ensure they have full, accessible healthcare."

Now the HSCB has advised all patients of Northland to continue to contact the practice as normal, with Dr Wray and Dr Johnston operating from the premises from April 1, 2019.

"As with any contract award, these processes often involve discussion, clarification and agreement of terms," the HSCB said.

"It was important for the HSCB to take time to ensure these are in the best interest of the patients and we would like to thank the patients for their patience during these negotiations.

"The HSCB will be writing to all patients over the next few days to provide further reassurance to them and inform them of their new GP arrangements.

"The HSCB can also confirm that all staff positions at Northlands Surgery have also been secured as well as the ongoing use of the current premises."

Councillor Clement Cuthbertson said it was vital to continue to fight to retain local GP services. "Ease of access to vital health services is so important in the treatment of many illnesses. GP services are often the first port of call and so we must fight to retain those services in our local communities," he said.

"We were pleased to hear that the board had confirmation of a new contract with a new provider and they were able to reaffirm their commitments that people will not suffer. Patients will be relieved with this good news that GP provision will continue in the area after March.

"We now look forward to the new provision being implemented. It's a real success in the fight to retain services in Northland."Tough times: Some NI construction firms are feeling the financial pinch

More than a third of Northern Ireland construction firms will make redundancies if the political impasse is not resolved in the coming months, according to a survey.

Over half of respondents also said they have been put off growing their workforce as a direct consequence of the stalemate.

It comes amid warnings from a senior industry figure that the sector is being crippled by what he says is a political derogation of responsibility.

John Armstrong from the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said we could be sleepwalking into a "wholly unnecessary catastrophe".

Northern Ireland has been without a functioning government for more than two years.

According to the latest State of Trade Survey, local construction firms have identified the absence of the Executive as the major contributory factor towards their inability to grow and meet their job-creating potential.

The survey, covering the second half of 2018 and conducted by the CEF, took the opinions of 80 construction firms headquartered here.

Collectively, the companies were responsible for turnover of approximately 950m last year.

The survey's key findings included:

56% of respondents have put off growing their workforce as a direct consequence of the political impasse;

36% said they will make redundancies if the situation is not resolved in the next three to six months;

80% of respondents said the lack of an Executive had led, directly, to a reduction in the number of projects coming to the market;

And 45% said the impasse had forced them to further shift their focus for new work outside of Northern Ireland.

Mr Armstrong, the federation's managing director, said: "Not since the deepest point of the recession a decade ago has our State of Trade survey painted such a stark picture with respect to the concerns of the local construction industry. "Two years of political intransigence has had the well-publicised effect of holding up public sector works, from values in the hundreds of millions to the tens of thousands, which have, as each month has passed, exacerbated the growth and employment-limiting issues that companies are facing."

Some 75% of companies surveyed said only with the restoration of the Executive could the industry achieve its growth potential. However, 75% of those surveyed worked at either full or almost full capacity in the last six months of 2018.

It also found 42% of respondents said profit margins were worse than this time last year. A further 35% said they were the same.

In October, Secretary of State Karen Bradley passed legislation designed to give greater clarity to their decision-making powers.

Mr Armstrong said this is beginning to have an impact with progression of some stalled projects. But he said that legislation can only be a stop-gap measure.

Mr Armstrong added that Northern Ireland will struggle to deal with many key challenges.

He said: "At a time when we need to consider fundamental restructuring in the governance and funding of some of our key public assets, we are actually sleepwalking into a wholly unnecessary catastrophe which it may take years to see a way out of."

The British and Irish governments met the five main parties last Friday.

Afterwards, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald dismissed efforts to kick start talks at Stormont as a "sham".

Mr Armstrong said it appeared the collective political class was "oblivious" to firms' concerns.

He added: "If such a sense is true, and it is increasingly hard to contradict it, that represents a staggering derogation of responsibility at a time when leadership is required more than ever."A police officer who was accused of failing to investigate the placing of obstacles on mountain bike trails on Belfast's Cave Hill has had the complaint against him dismissed by a watchdog.

The constable, who had been investigating claims that obstacles had been left to cause injury to mountain bikers, also faced allegations of bias and 'inappropriate disclosure of information' by the complainant.

During their investigation, staff from the Police Ombudsman's Office, which is headed by Dr Michael Maguire, examined the claim that the police officer had not properly or objectively investigated reports of the trails being sabotaged.

The complaint arose amid wider disagreements between mountain bikers and walkers in the north Belfast park and concerns for the safety of both groups.

Police Ombudsman investigators found that footage of people placing logs and other items on the mountain trails had been submitted to police, who had taken appropriate action.

Police records showed that the officer who was the subject of the complaint had spoken to witnesses, recorded statements and viewed the relevant footage.

He also sought advice from the Public Prosecution Service and legal services to ascertain if any offences were committed and followed through on that advice.

Police Ombudsman staff also accessed records of a meeting during which the police officer discussed the issues in the park.

They found that the officer had raised public safety concerns about the trails being used by mountain bikers and walkers at the same time, but no misconduct was identified.

As no failings were identified in the investigation, the case was closed. A number of additional allegations were found to be outside the remit of the Police Ombudsman.Police have released a picture of a man they would like to speak to in relation to their investigation

Detectives investigating a robbery at a shop in Belfast have issued an appeal for information.

The robbery happened on Monday and police have released a picture of a man they would like to speak to in relation to their investigation.

Detective Inspector Keith Wilson said: "While we would like to speak with the male in the photograph as we believe he may be able to help with our enquiries, Id also like to again appeal to anyone who may have information which they believe could assist our investigation, to contact detectives at Musgrave Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1389 of 02/07/18."

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Jeremy Corbyn has been warned that he could face more resignations

The Labour Party in Northern Ireland has condemned the ill-considered decision of eight of its MPs to resign.

It comes as one of the breakaway group, Chuka Umunna, signalled that a new centre party could be formally created by the end of the year.

Last night, the BBC reported that Joan Ryan had become the eighth Labour MP to quit the party for the Independent Group, citing a culture of anti-Jewish racism.

Leader Jeremy Corbyn has been warned he faces more resignations by Labour MPs unless he gets a grip on the problem of anti-Semitism within the partys ranks.

The Northern Ireland branch of Labour said Brexit and the partys response to allegations of anti-Semitism have been divisive issues, as has Mr Corbyns leadership.

Splitting the party at this time plays into the hands of the Tories, just as the SDP split did in the early 1980s, an LPNI spokesman said.

That split on the Left kept the Tories in power for a decade. It is not clear what policies the resigners stand for, other than anti-Brexit.

They want to remain independents. Yet, they all stood on the Labour general election 2017 manifesto that promised to respect the result of the 2016 referendum.

It would seem that the common factor is discontent with the leadership, despite the fact Jeremy Corbyn was elected twice by overwhelming majorities. That is not sufficient reason to split the party, which must remain a broad church to win.

He said those who quit Labout should resign their seats and fight a by-election.

Yesterday Mr Corbyn urged Labour to unite around his policies for social justice and a more equal society as he expressed regret over the resignation of the seven.

The Labour leader strongly defended his policy platform, but acknowledged that he needed to take his party with him if it was to succeed at the polls.

Speaking at the National Manufacturing Conference in London, Mr Corbyn said that he was disappointed the seven had decided to leave the party in protest at his leadership. I hope they recognise that they were elected to Parliament on a manifesto that was based around investment in the future, was based around a more equal and fairer society and based around social justice, he said.

They were elected to carry out those policies, they decided to go somewhere else and I regret that because I want our party to be strong, I want our party to be united around the policies that we have put forward.

Earlier, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the only disagreement within the party was over the issue of Brexit, adding: I think we are bringing people together on that.

His comments came despite a stormy meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party on Monday in which the leadership was repeatedly criticised for failing to deal with the issue of anti-Semitism.

Mr McDonnell did acknowledge, however, that the leadership needed to listen to internal critics.

He told Sky news: We need a mammoth, massive listening exercise and (to) address some of those criticisms that have been made.

Meanwhile, Mr Umunna indicated that he would like the breakaway group to evolve into an up-and-running centre party at the earliest opportunity.

I would like to see us move as quickly as possible and certainly by the end of the year, but thats my personal view, he told ITVs Good Morning Britain.

There needs to be an alternative, so thats perfectly possible. But I dont get to determine this.Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the official sod-turning ceremony for the new runway at Dublin Airport last week

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the Dail that the Conservative Government's reliance on DUP votes "creates a problem" in restoring power-sharing at Stormont.

Speaking in the chamber yesterday, Mr Varadkar also said his government would not be handing over 25m to the authorities here for the A5 road project until a Stormont minister signs off on it.

Mr Varadkar said that talks last week between the main parties, Secretary of State Karen Bradley and Tanaiste Simon Coveney saw "little or no progress made".

"Frankly, the fact that the Conservative Party and the British Government depend on the votes of the DUP in Westminster to continue in existence creates a problem as well," the Taoiseach added.

"This is because it does not allow the UK Government to play the role it would have played in the past by putting pressure on unionism and all parties to get back around the table and come to an agreement.

"These are two new dynamics that did not exist in the past when institutions broke down. They are two very unwelcome dynamics."

The DUP currently has a confidence-and-supply arrangement with Prime Minister Theresa May and the 10 DUP MPs are often key to votes in the Commons.

Mr Varadkar added that he is dedicated to seeing Stormont restored.

The Taoiseach has faced criticism after a spending overrun in the National Children's Hospital saw funding diverted from the long-awaited A5 road project.

However, the Taoiseach laid blame for delays at the door of the DUP and Sinn Fein due to their inability to restore the Executive.

"The A5 is not delayed because of a reprofiling by government. It is delayed because of legal challenges in Northern Ireland and the fact there is no minister to sign off on the project," he said.

"Once it gets back on track, the government will be more than happy to provide the 25m which we had intended to provide this year.

"If the road starts this year, I'll be happy to be present at the sod turning, I may even bring the cheque with me.

"We are not going to pay 25m to the Northern Ireland authorities for a road that hasn't even started."Theresa May will return to Brussels to seek the legal assurances on the Brexit backstop she believes will be enough to secure Parliamentary approval for her deal.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the key to getting a deal approved by MPs was securing changes which would allow Attorney General Geoffrey Cox to alter his legal advice that the UK could potentially be trapped in the backstop indefinitely.

Speaking in Berlin as part of the Governments intense diplomatic offensive, Mr Hunt said: I am confident, Theresa May is confident, the British Government is confident, on the basis of huge numbers of discussions with UK Parliamentarians, that if we solve the issue of the backstop then we can pass this deal through Parliament.

The Governments approach now appears to be set on securing legal guarantees about the temporary nature of the backstop measures which are aimed at preventing a hard border with the Republic of Ireland.

Mr Hunt warned European leaders that the continent would be deeply damaged if a deal was not reached.

My thoughts on #Brexit as I head to Berlin this morning pic.twitter.com/ozmS9aHtxA  Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) February 20, 2019

In the future, we do not want historians to puzzle over our actions and ask themselves how it was that Europe failed to achieve an amicable change in its relationship with Britain  a friend and ally in every possible sense  and thereby inflicted grave and avoidable damage to our continent at exactly the moment when the world order was under threat from other directions, he said.

Setting out what was required, the Foreign Secretary said: The critical thing is that the British Attorney General Geoffrey Cox needs to be able to change his advice to Parliament that currently says it is possible, if not likely, that Britain could be  under the current backstop arrangements  trapped in the customs union forever against its will.

Mr Hunt also played down the prospect of delaying Brexit by seeking an extension to Article 50.

The last thing that people in the UK and indeed the rest of the EU want is Brexit paralysis, with this issue hanging over Europe like a shadow, he said.

Senior officials said the Prime Minister will be attending a two-day EU-League of Arab States summit in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh starting on Sunday.

Around 20 EU leaders are expected to take part, including German chancellor Angela Merkel and Irish premier Leo Varadkar, and Mrs May is expected to hold a series of one-to-one meetings on the margins of the main summit.

However, officials stressed they were not expecting any decisions relating to the Brexit negotiations.

This is not a meeting about Brexit and the Prime Minister is not going to seek to turn it into one, one official said.

Chancellor Philip Hammond indicated on Tuesday night that the Government has accepted the EU will not agree to replace the backstop arrangements for the Irish border with technological alternatives in time for the scheduled date of Brexit on March 29.

But he said he hopes the technological solution contained in the so-called Malthouse Compromise will form part of negotiations over the following 21 months on the UKs future relationship with the EU.

After being briefed on developments in private talks with the PM, leading Brexiteers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Steve Baker appeared happy with this arrangement, declaring that the Malthouse proposals were alive and kicking.

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Mr Baker said it was now possible that Brexiteers in the influential European Research Group, of which he is deputy chairman, would back Mrs Mays Withdrawal Agreement, after helping to vote it down by a massive margin last month.

Im hopeful that as the conversation moves forward with the EU and with the UK that we might get to a position where we can vote for the Withdrawal Agreement, said Mr Baker, but its a very big journey from here to there.

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In a joint statement, Mr Baker and ERG chair Mr Rees-Mogg said: We look forward to further precision about exactly what we will be asked to vote for.

Mr Hammond told the MakeUK dinner in London that the proposals in the Malthouse plan  drawn up by MPs from the Leave and Remain wings of the party  represented a valuable effort at finding a way to keep the Irish border open after Brexit without a backstop.

But the Chancellor said: However promising as an alternative arrangement to avoid entering a backstop in the future, it is clear that the EU will not consider replacing the backstop with such an alternative arrangement now in order to address our immediate challenge.

.@JunckerEU @Landtag_BW #Brexit  aI have great respect for @theresa_may, for her courage and her assertiveness. We will have friendly talk tomorrow but I donat expect a breakthrough.ahttps://t.co/TdWVBA5WqT  Mina Andreeva (@Mina_Andreeva) February 19, 2019

The developments came as Mrs May prepared for a crucial meeting with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels.

Mr Juncker has said that he does not expect a breakthrough in talks at which Mrs May is expected to request legally binding assurances that the backstop will not extend indefinitely.

She believes that this is the key to winning the support of the House of Commons for her deal, and seeing off efforts to extend the negotiation period in a series of votes expected on February 27.

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The backstop arrangements would see the whole of the UK remain in a customs union with the EU and Northern Ireland following some single market rules until a wider trade deal is agreed, in order to prevent the need for checkpoints on the Irish border.

The Malthouse plan would replace these arrangements with technological methods for tracking cross-border movements, along with a free trade agreement-lite for Northern Ireland.

If this was not acceptable to Brussels, a Plan B would see the UK leave without a deal but with a transition period extended to the end of 2021 to allow time to prepare.Theresa May and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said they are seized of the tight timescale facing them after holding constructive Brexit talks.

The comments came after the Prime Minister travelled to Brussels to seek legal assurances on the Northern Ireland Brexit backstop she believes are needed to secure Parliamentary approval for her Withdrawal Deal.

A joint statement issued following the meeting said: The two leaders agreed that talks had been constructive and they urged their respective teams to continue to explore the options in a positive spirit.

They will review progress again in the coming days, seized of the tight timescale and the historic significance of setting the EU and the UK on a path to a deep and unique future partnership.

The statement said discussions had looked at which guarantees could be given with regard to the backstop that underline once again its temporary nature and give the appropriate legal assurance to both sides.

Talks also covered the role alternative arrangements could play in replacing the backstop in future.

The statement added: Both reconfirmed their commitment to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland and to respect the integrity of the EUs internal market and of the United Kingdom.

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The two leaders said they tasked the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay with considering the process the European Commission and the UK will follow.

Th discussions looked at whether changes can be made to the Political Declaration on the future relationship between the UK and EU that are consistent with positions taken by both sides.

The PM and Mr Juncker agreed to talk again before the end of the month.

After the meeting, Mrs May said: I have underlined the need for us to see legally binding changes to the backstop that ensure that it cannot be indefinite.

Thats what is required if a deal is to pass the House of Commons.

We have agreed that work to find a solution will continue at pace.

Time is of the essence and it is in both our interests that when the UK leaves the EU it does so in an orderly way.

So, we have made progress.

Mrs May said Mr Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will be in Brussels on Thursday for more talks.

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Senior officials said the Prime Minister will be attending a two-day EU-League of Arab States summit in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh starting on Sunday.

Around 20 EU leaders are expected to take part, including German chancellor Angela Merkel and Irish premier Leo Varadkar, and Mrs May is expected to hold a series of one-to-one meetings on the margins of the main summit.

However, officials stressed they were not expecting any decisions relating to the Brexit negotiations.

This is not a meeting about Brexit and the Prime Minister is not going to seek to turn it into one, one official said.

The PM believes that gaining legally binding assurances that the backstop will not extend indefinitely is the key to winning the support of MPs for her deal, and seeing off efforts to extend the negotiation period in a series of Commons votes expected on February 27.

The backstop arrangements would see the whole of the UK remain in a customs union with the EU and Northern Ireland following some single market rules until a wider trade deal is agreed, in order to prevent the need for checkpoints on the Irish border.A man who tried to obtain drugs brought into custody by his grandmother has been given 18 months probation.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard Danny Curley, 21, was arrested after a quantity of Xanax was found in the woman's genital area.

Curley, of Ross Road in the city, admitted a charge of attempted possession of a Class C drug.

The offence occurred after he was taken to a Belfast police station for an unrelated matter on July 31 last year.

His 59-year-old grandmother had been called to attend as his appropriate adult while he was in custody.

Prosecutors said references made in a prior phone call to another person were believed to be a code for drugs, raising concerns she may try to bring in a substance.

Searches recovered a wrap of suspected Xanax in her genital area.

A previous court was told the woman, who received a conditional discharge, acted under "emotional pressure".

Defence solicitor Paul McCrudden said she had cared for and raised his client.

Curley has been attempting to stay off drugs and been given another chance to return to live with his grandmother.

Imposing the 18-month probation order, District Judge Fiona Bagnall warned: "If he's back he's going to custody."A man who kicked a constable in the face and forced a police car into an emergency stop has been given 200 hours community service.

Noel McGaw also spat at officers and in their vehicle after being arrested for shouting and swearing outside a house in west Belfast.

The 20-year-old claimed the saliva was produced because he has vomited, a judge was told.

McGaw, of Stewartstown Road in the city, admitted disorderly behaviour, four assaults on police, criminal damage and resisting police.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard he had been asked to leave the house over an incident on December 26 last year.

But despite police warnings he refused to calm down and struggled with officers outside the property.

A prosecution lawyer said McGaw kicked one officer on the leg and spat at others.

He continued to kick out at the constables after being taken into a PSNI car, striking one in the face.

The court heard police had to carry out an emergency stop due to his violence.

"He gave an explanation for his spitting, saying he had vomited, and apologised for his actions," the prosecutor added.

Defence counsel Michael Boyd said an argument broke out when McGaw arrived at the house drunk, with emotions running high over a family illness.

"He left when asked to do so, but something said outside sparked him off," Mr Boyd told the court.

"His behaviour on the way to the police station cannot be excused at all."

Imposing the community service order, District Judge Fiona Bagnall warned McGaw faces jail for any further offences.

She said: "I don't know how often he expects the court to indulge his behaviour."A Newcastle man pleaded guilty yesterday to the rape and sexual abuse of a young girl.

Standing handcuffed in the dock of Downpatrick Crown Court, Gary Talbot entered guilty pleas to all but one of the sex offences against him.

The 59-year-old confessed to 15 offences including two counts each of rape, gross indecency with a child and indecent assault along with six offences of "taking or permitting to be taken" indecent photos of a child.

All of the offences were committed on dates unknown between January 1, 2001 and October 6, 2003 when the victim was aged between two and five years old.

Talbot also pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing indecent images of a child in May 2011.

However, he denied one count of sexually assaulting the same victim on a date unknown between July 21, 2012 and July 21, 2014.

His wife, 58-year-old Heather Talbot, standing alongside him in the dock with a prison officer separating them, denied all of the 12 offences she faces.

Mrs Talbot denied aiding and abetting, counselling and procuring her husband in the rapes and further offences of indecent assault, gross indecency and six offences relating to "taking or permitting to be taken" indecent photos of a child.

As the couple entered the dock, their lawyers confirmed to Judge Piers Grant that they had been "fully advised over the issue of credit and fully understand the implications".

As their respective pleas were announced, Gary Talbot looked to his solicitor for guidance as each count was put and two women in the public gallery wept quietly.

It took the clerk 10 minutes to put all of the charges to the defendants and, following the arraignment, prosecuting counsel Laura Ievers told Judge Grant that "even with the narrowed issues" as a result of Mr Talbot's confessions, she estimated that the trial would last around two weeks.

She added that the case "would benefit from a review" before any prospective trial date would be set.

Remanding the couple back into custody and ordering Mr Talbot to now sign the police sex offenders register, Judge Grant said he would review the case on February 28.A forensic officer at the house in Glenwherry, Co Antrim, last night

A man found shot dead in a Co Antrim house has been named locally as David Murphy.

The PSNI have launched a murder investigation after the body was found in Glenwherry, between Ballymena and Larne.

It was discovered at around 1pm yesterday at an address on Church Road.

It is understood the victim was a 52-year-old livestock farmer.

He was found dead by a neighbour who then alerted the police.

One source said loyalist paramilitary involvement was suspected.

Forensic officers were at the property last night. It is a traditional farmhouse with outbuildings and sheds surrounded by fields, around halfway between Ballymena and Larne.

Mr Murphy had been accused of blackmail and threats to kill last March. He had been bailed after denying the charges.

Mr Murphy and another man had been accused of trying to extort 10,000 from a man. In 2004, Mr Murphy had been accused of possessing firearms and ammunition, and having the items in his possession for an act of terrorism for the UVF.

DUP councillor Reuben Glover said the facts surrounding the mans death had not been confirmed by the police. Forensics are still up there at the moment, he said.

It is a very rural area. Glenwherry is a very close-knit community where people mind their own business and they get on with their work. It is a farming area. For something like this to happen is a total shock to the whole community.

Former Sinn Fein MLA Oliver McMullan said the community had been left shocked by the death.

He said: Im calling on the police to begin a thorough investigation into the circumstances from the weekend up to the time of his death, which took place either early this morning or late last night.

The man was found by a neighbour. I understand he was shot in the house.

He added: This is a quiet area and locals are alarmed at what has happened. I would appeal to anyone with information on what happened to bring it forward to the PSNI.

A PSNI spokesperson said last night: Detectives from the PSNIs Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the body of a man at a house in the Church Road area of Glenwherry this afternoon.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday that Ireland was not making preparations for soldiers at the border post-Brexit (Niall Carson/PA Wire)

Ireland is not preparing to send soldiers to the border post-Brexit, an Irish parliamentary committee has heard.

European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said there were no plans to identify locations for customs posts at the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and that there was an onus on the UK to ensure the invisible border that currently exists does not change.

In terms of sending soldiers or identifying places for posts, this is simply not happening, Ms McEntee said.

Were not considering anything in terms of a wall or otherwise.

Weve consistently said that, and consistently repeated, that there is an onus on the UK to fulfil its obligations as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.

At Dublin and Rosslare Ports, sites suitable for temporary infrastructure have been identified and refurbishment work has begun.Helen McEntee

She described the invisible border that exists between Northern Ireland and Ireland as integral to the success of the Good Friday Agreement and its continued success going forward.

Ms McEntee made the comments in response to questions from TDs and senators over the Irish Governments contingency plans for a no-deal Brexit.

She appeared before the European Union Affairs committee on Wednesday to give an update on the countrys Brexit preparedness after attending a meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels on Tuesday.

Ms McEntee told the committee that a no-deal Brexit would be highly disruptive and would have profound political, economic and legal implications, most seriously for the UK, but also for Ireland and the rest of the EU.

She said the government was trying to ensure as much as possible that all its plans were in parallel with what the EU is preparing.

Details of the governments contingency legislation, which is in line with the EU-27s approach to preparations for the UKs withdrawal, is due to be published on Friday and introduced into the Dail next week.

She said additional physical infrastructure needed at ports and airports in a no-deal scenario was being developed to ensure East-West trade continues as smoothly as possible post-Brexit.

At Dublin and Rosslare Ports, sites suitable for temporary infrastructure have been identified and refurbishment work has begun, Ms McEntee said.

Space for truck parking is being secured in both locations. At the same time, plans are advanced for the development of permanent infrastructure in both ports.

At Dublin Airport, existing facilities can cater for the volumes of traffic involved in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

She also said the Revenue was on target to have 400 additional customs staff trained and in place by the end of March and that 200 more staff could be recruited by the end of the year.

Veterinary personnel and 70 other support staff are also being recruited to implement animal and health checks, as are 61 extra environmental health staff.Police have revealed that a friend of David Murphy found him dead at his home on Tuesday, after he had been shot twice with what they believe was a shotgun.

The body of the 52-year-old livestock farmer was found at his home on the Church Road in Glenwherry, a small rural community between Ballymena and Larne.

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A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Mr Murphy's body on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Murphy was known to police and had previously been accused of possessing firearms and ammunition, and having the items in his possession for an act of terrorism for the UVF.

He was accused of blackmail and threats to kill last March and had been bailed after denying the charges.

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North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said the local community had been left shocked by the murder.

"This part of my constituency is a very rural, remote and quiet area - a place where people would notice tranquillity, not terrorism," he told the BBC.

"What has happened here has shattered that silence.

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"There is no room for gun law in this society - there's nothing justified about a man picking up a gun and taking a man's life no matter what the circumstances are."

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Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said that police were looking for "assistance from the public to understand who David Murphy was".

Speaking at a PSNI press conference Detective Superintendent Murphy said that police were looking to establish a timeline of Mr Murphy's movements between Saturday and Tuesday lunchtime when his body was found.

He said that police did not have enough detail surrounding David Murphy's last movements and who last saw him alive.

Detective Superintendent Murphy said police wanted to learn about his "lifestyle and associations" to understand if these were relevant to his murder.

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He appealed for anyone with any information and members of public in who may have been in the area of Church Road between Saturday and Tuesday to come forward.Freddie Scappaticci, who is alleged to be the Army agent Stakeknife

Attempts are being made to resume up to 20 lawsuits against a west Belfast man who denies being Britain's former top spy inside the IRA, it has emerged.

Legal actions against Freddie Scappaticci have been on hold while a major police investigation into the activities of the agent codenamed Stakeknife continues.

Bedfordshire Chief Constable Jon Boutcher is heading up the probe into dozens of murders linked to the spy.

But lawyers for one alleged victim claimed in the High Court today that her right to a fair trial was being breached by the uncertainty over the civil litigation.

Margaret Keeley is suing Scappaticci, the Ministry of Defence and the PSNI.

The Newry woman's former husband is Peter Keeley, an ex-MI5 agent who also uses the pseudonym Kevin Fulton.

She alleges she was wrongfully arrested and falsely imprisoned during a three-day period at Castlereagh police station in 1994 following an IRA attempt to murder a senior detective in east Belfast.

Mrs Keeley was released without charge, but claims she was then taken with Fulton to a flat in the New Lodge area of north Belfast and questioned by an IRA team.

Scappaticci was one of the men who carried out two debriefing sessions, she has alleged.

Her case is among 20 actions against the 72-year-old over alleged kidnappings and interrogations.

Scappaticci left Northern Ireland in 2003 after he was identified as Stakeknife.

Before quitting his home he vehemently denied being the spy while in charge of the IRA's internal security team, the so-called 'Nutting Squad'.

In 2017 police went to court in a bid to stop the disclosure of material produced by Mr Boutcher's detectives until his investigation is completed.

They argued that handing over the working papers for the civil litigation could compromise the ongoing criminal probe, known as Operation Kenova.

A ruling on that application has not yet been made.

Mr Boutcher is expected to submit files to Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions sometime this year.

However, Mrs Keeley's legal representatives argued that her case should be progressed.

Mr Justice Horner was told Mr Boutcher is expected to be in contact with her lawyers later this month.

Adjourning for two weeks, the judge said: "If we could have some idea as to when he's likely to report."

Outside court Mrs Keeley's solicitor, Kevin Winters of KRW Law, confirmed he is "engaging with Mr Boutcher as part of ongoing consultations on behalf of the families of victims".

Mr Winters stressed: "This case has been in cold storage for too long.

"Pivotal to it moving forward is an updated position from Operation Kenova; we are confident we will get that in the next two weeks and we will be back in court to try to get this action moving again."A Co Armagh family have been plunged into mourning by the sudden death of a young schoolgirl

A Co Armagh family have been plunged into mourning by the sudden death of a young schoolgirl.

Maddy-Leigh Harbinson (11) from Collingdale in Lurgan passed away at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital on Monday after suddenly taking ill at the weekend.

Maddy-Leigh was a former pupil of Carrick Primary School, Lurgan. Paying tribute yesterday, its principal Alison Lindsay said: "Maddy-Leigh was a pupil at Carrick Primary School until P4 and staff remember her with great fondness.

"We offer our sincere condolences and prayers to her family."

The daughter of Colin and Sabrina Harbinson and sister of Tristen, Maddy-Leigh started at Lismore Comprehensive School in Craigavon last September.

Principal Fiona Kane said of the Year 8 pupil: "Maddy-Leigh was a very pleasant, quiet and hard-working student who made a tremendous contribution to the life and work of Lismore in such a short period of time.

"She raised 200 for charity last term in aid of multiple sclerosis and was recognised for this outstanding achievement.

"Our sincere sympathy and condolences are with the Harbinson family and Maddy-Leigh's friends at this difficult time. We are keeping you all very much in the prayers of the Lismore School Community".

The school has said it will be open after Maddy-Leigh's funeral service tomorrow afternoon for any who would like to come together, while support will also be made available for both students and staff on their return next week after mid-term break.

Local DUP MLA Carla Lockhart was among those paying tribute to the schoolgirl yesterday.

She said: "This is devastating news for little Maddy-Leigh's family, friends and the local community.

"A bubbly 11-year-old girl with everything to live for, cut off in the prime of life. Having spoken to the family, they are just distraught and feel numb with the shock and sense of deep loss.

"My thoughts and prayers will be with them. I know that there will be strong family and community support to help carry the Harbinson and McCombe family through this tragedy."

The SDLP's Dolores Kelly added: "This is a dreadful tragedy for Maddy-Leigh's family and the worst news that any parent could get.

"I want to express my condolences to them, her friends and the school community at this terribly difficult time."

Hundreds of tributes have also flooded in for the family on social media.

One woman wrote: "So sorry that you have lost your young daughter. No parent should have to bury their child."

Another commented: "My heart is broke. I can't believe this, what a beautiful girl and family, R.I.P angel."

Maddy-Leigh's funeral will take place tomorrow at 11.15am from her home, going to St Anthony's Church in Craigavon for Requiem Mass at 12 noon followed by interment in Lurgan Cemetery.

Maddy-Leigh is survived by her parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and entire family circle.Former health minister Edwin Poots has given his support to a public inquiry into learning disability services in Northern Ireland.

The DUP MLA said any official probe should go further than just looking into the alleged abuse suffered by patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

Mr Poots' brother was a patient at Muckamore and he said families across Northern Ireland have been left devastated by the possibility that their loved ones may also have suffered while in the care of an NHS facility.

"My mother was of the belief that her son received good care in Muckamore for the period of time he was in there," he said.

"With everything that has come up, you look at things now and you're not so sure.

"Making the decision for a relative to go into somewhere like Muckamore Abbey isn't something that anyone takes lightly.

"In the case of my mother, she had desperately bad health herself and her doctor basically laid down the law with her and told her she would actually shorten her own life if she didn't let her child go.

"He went into Muckamore when he was five and it was heart-breaking for them to let him go, but through it all she always felt he was receiving good care.

"It's very hard to think that something else may have been the case; it's something you don't even like to contemplate, but you have to because of everything that's now in the public domain."

Mr Poots said it is difficult to accept that the issues uncovered at Muckamore are unique to the facility, which is on the outskirts of Antrim.

As a result, he said any official investigation should look at the service as a whole.

"You do have to question whether the focus should be entirely on Muckamore and whether any other institution should be examined," he continued.

"I think it would be unwise to think Muckamore is the only facility where problems of this nature have arisen."

Mr Poots also said it was "unacceptable" for senior management at Belfast Trust to say they were unaware of the issues at Muckamore.

It comes after the trust's chief executive, Martin Dillon, said CCTV footage showing abuse of patients was not made available to senior management.

He put this down to a culture that had developed where "unacceptable practice began to be tolerated".

He also said there probably was a "tendency in my organisation ... not to lend credence" to allegations of abuse being made by patients.

However, DUP MP Gavin Robinson has criticised the timing of Mr Dillon's comments, saying that it came as no surprise that the first time Mr Dillon had spoken publicly about the matter was when the prospect of a public inquiry was gaining traction.

He said: "I heard him say he leads a learning organisation.

"Belfast Trust has learned little from the Hyponatraemia Inquiry, during which they were castigated for being awkward, unwilling and evasive of truth.

"The last 18 months have shown they've learned nothing.

"Why should a family have to rely on freedom of information requests to establish whether risk assessments have been carried out on their loved one's care?

"Why is candour so hard to find? Why, from the outset, have the Trust adopted a closed, defensive, dishonourable stance with families?

"Following the first whistleblower who approached me in August 2017, I have received a number of new, shocking revelations. With too many questions and too few answers, a public inquiry is the only way to shine a light on this heart-breaking outrage."

A spokeswoman for the Belfast Trust said that clear guidance and policies are in place for staff to report concerns to management.

She continued: "However, we have been clear from the outset that there was a delay in reporting incidents from ward staff to management and this is a learning point for the organisation.

"As soon as incidents were reported to hospital managers, swift action was taken.

"These actions included the precautionary suspension of staff and appropriate referrals to adult safeguarding and the PSNI."

She said the trust had accepted there were shortcomings in the timing of reporting in relation to this matter to the Department of Health and had apologised to the department for this.

"The Department has accepted this apology," she added.

There have been 19 precautionary staff suspensions as a result of the examination of CCTV footage.

The trust came under fire after it emerged that it had failed to pass on CCTV footage to the regulatory body.

This meant a number of nurses who were suspended by the Nursing and Midwifery Council after the abuse came to light were able to argue in the High Court that their suspensions should be overturned.The Criminal Justice Inspectorate (CJI) is to review the PSNI's disclosure methods following the Police Ombudsman historic cases controversy.

Chief inspector of criminal justice Brendan McGuigan pledged to prioritise the work and will begin drawing up terms of reference immediately.

A report is due from the CJI in six months.

CJI is an independent statutory inspectorate with responsibility for inspecting all aspects of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland, apart from the judiciary.

Last week it emerged that the PSNI failed to disclose sensitive and "significant information" relating to a notorious loyalist terrorist massacre.

Ombudsman Michael Maguire said "significant, sensitive information" around the atrocity at a bookmakers in south Belfast was not made available to his investigators.

Five Catholics were killed on February 5, 1992 when UFF terrorists opened fire inside Sean Graham bookmakers shop on the lower Ormeau Road.

Dr Maguire's office said the non-disclosed material, which it has now obtained, has opened new lines of enquiry in its investigation into the Ormeau Road murders, as well as activities of loyalist terrorists in the north west between 1988 and 1994, and its probe into the murder of teenager Damien Walsh at a coal depot in west Belfast in 1993.

Last week PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin apologised on behalf of the police and said they never sought to deliberately withhold the information from the Ombudsman investigators, putting the incident down to human error. This was rejected by relatives of the murdered men.Leading Conservative Brexiteers have insisted their favoured solution to the backstop remains "alive and kicking" following talks with Prime Minister Theresa May.

The discussions at Westminster came after chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier raised concerns over whether the so-called Malthouse Compromise - which is backed by the DUP - is viable.

The compromise, which was drawn up by MPs from both the Leave and Remain wings of the Tory Party, is seen by many Brexiteers as a means to get rid of the backstop arrangements, which they fear will subject the UK to EU rules indefinitely after withdrawal.

The plan would replace the backstop with a free trade agreement along with technological methods for keeping the Irish border open after Brexit.

If this was not acceptable to Brussels, a plan B would see the UK leave without a deal, but with a transition period extended to the end of 2021 to allow time to prepare.

Mrs May's official spokesman declined to respond to reports that she told Cabinet the Malthouse plan would not form part of proposals she will put to European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker today.

Instead, he pointed reporters to a statement issued by the Department for Exiting the EU following Stephen Barclay's meeting with Mr Barnier, confirming that they had discussed the Malthouse Compromise.

The statement said: "While the Commission engaged seriously with these proposals, it expressed concerns about their viability to resolve the backstop.

"We agreed to keep exploring the use of alternative arrangements - especially how they might be developed to ensure the absence of a hard border in Northern Ireland on a permanent footing, avoiding the need for the backstop to ever enter force."

The statement sparked speculation that the Malthouse plan was being taken off the table.

But after their talks with Mrs May, the chairman of the European Research Group of eurosceptic Tories Jacob Rees-Mogg and his deputy Steve Baker said: "The Malthouse Compromise is alive and kicking.

"The Secretary of State for Exiting the EU can provide details. We look forward to further developments. We look forward to further precision about exactly what we will be asked to vote for."

Mrs May's meeting with Mr Juncker comes as she fights to finalise an alternative EU withdrawal plan to present to the House of Commons ahead of the next round of key Brexit votes on February 27.

But Mr Juncker said: "There is not enough movement for me to be able to assume that it will be a productive discussion.

"I don't know what Mrs May will tell me."

He later said he was not expecting a breakthrough.

Mr Barclay is also due to make a further visit to Brussels later this week as the UK seeks EU approval for changes to the backstop.

Mrs May's spokesman confirmed that she is still committed to reopening the withdrawal agreement agreed with the EU last November.A former RUC officer has made shocking claims that British military intelligence initiated a plan to carry out a massacre at a Catholic primary school in Co Armagh in the 1970s.

John Weir was a self-confessed member of the UVF's notorious Glenanne Gang.

The terror gang, which included members of the security forces, was linked to 120 murders, including the attack on the Miami Showband in 1975 in which two UDR men were killed when the bomb they were planting on the group's bus blew up prematurely.

Weir made the comments in new documentary Unquiet Graves: The Story Of The Glenanne Gang, which premieres in Belfast tomorrow.

"The plan was to shoot up a school in Belleeks," he said, which meant the murder of young children and teachers.

He said this was intended as retaliation for the Kingsmill massacre of January 1976 in which 10 Protestant workmen were shot dead by the IRA.

Weir claims the plot came from military intelligence to make the Troubles "spiral out of control" into a full civil war.

He said the attack was only called off because even the UVF's bloodthirsty leadership in Belfast considered it a step too far.

The same claims were made in the past by former RUC officer Billy McCaughey, now deceased, who was convicted alongside Weir for the sectarian murder of a chemist in Ahoghill in 1977.

Filmmaker Sean Murray spent four years working on the documentary.

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"John Weir said he firmly believed it was British intelligence, that's what I also believe," he said.

"When I say that, I mean 'hawks' within British intelligence, as I think there was an internal power battle going on.

"There were people who would have been against that, but the hawks wanted a gloves-off approach to the IRA. It's quite revealing the UVF were unwilling to go through with this."

He said he was prepared for any backlash against the film, adding that all of Weir's statements had been corroborated by the Historical Enquiries Team.

"I think films like this are the only viable option for some semblance of the truth for victims, particularly against state violence," he added.

"I hope to see similar films like this coming from all sides here, because there's no owners of history. It's a mosaic of different stories, even if they are competing."

In recent days the PSNI has faced criticism for failing to disclose legacy files to the Police Ombudsman over the Sean Graham bookmakers atrocity of 1992 in which five Catholics were murdered by the UFF.

"That feeds into what we're trying to say in Unquiet Graves. There isn't a lot of trust for the PSNI in certain sections of the community," said Mr Murray.

"Trust needs to be built for both communities to move on." Growing up in west Belfast, he said he and many others saw the UDR and RUC in the same way others viewed the IRA. "I viewed them as de facto paramilitary groups," he added. "But I'm still willing to speak and work with former members of the UDR and RUC to move forward."

Asked if Weir gave him an insight into the Glenanne Gang's mindset, he said: "It's OK to sit in 2019 and reflect that these people were psychopaths. In many ways, they were born into an era when this was sanitised. It was normal behaviour in many working class areas. I think admitting this is a great justice to the victims," he said.

"Without him, I'm not sure a lot of families would get some semblance of truth."

Unquiet Graves: The Story Of The Glenanne Gang premieres at The Movie House, Dublin Road, tomorrow at 6pm.A man allegedly tried to kill a police officer by hitting him with his car, a court has heard.

Brian Joseph Gallagher faces a charge of attempted murder over the collision on the Hillhall Road in Lisburn, Co Antrim on Tuesday evening.

The 33-year-old, of Broom Park in Dunmurry, is also accused of dangerous driving, failing to stop or remain at the scene of an accident where an injury occurred, as well as possessing cannabis and criminal property.

Appearing before Belfast Magistrates' Court in handcuffs, Gallagher spoke only to confirm he understood the alleged offences.

An investigating detective opposed bail by claiming the accused could commit further offences.

"Police believe he's part of an organised crime gang with no legitimate source of income," he said.

Defence counsel Sean Mullan argued that the attempted murder allegation was "a classic case of overcharging".

He told the court: "This relates to an officer being struck by a vehicle."

During cross-examination the detective indicated that the injured constable is no longer being treated in hospital.

"It's fair to say that it's not a life-threatening situation," Mr Mullan contended.

The barrister set out Gallagher's counter-claim that his car was rammed by an unmarked PSNI vehicle.

"Police say they tried to stop him driving, and it seems on the police account an officer has been struck," Mr Mullan added.

"That's ultimately all there is - a driving matter."

Gallagher, a married father-of-two, is hoping to gain employment after completing a welding course, the court heard.

Refusing bail, however, District Judge Fiona Bagnall cited the risk of re-offending and potential risk to the public.

She remanded Gallagher in custody, to appear again by video-link at Lisburn Magistrates' Court on March 14.The Metro bus was attacked by youths in the Lagmore area on Tuesday night

A trade union representing bus drivers has hit out after a Belfast bus service was attacked by youths for the fourth night in a row.

On Tuesday night, a group of youths in the Lagmore area threw stones at a Metro bus and also attacked a Translink car which had been monitoring bus services in the area due to repeated antisocial behaviour.

Translink has decided to withdraw the 10D services after 6pm until tomorrow morning because of the attacks.

Davy Thompson of Unite the Union, which represents Translink bus drivers, said this was the fourth night of attacks on services in the area and called on those involved to be held responsible.

"These acts of mindless violence threaten not just the safety of bus drivers but that of passengers," he said.

"Unfortunately there is a history of attacks on bus services in the Lagmore area and services only recently returned to the estate after assurances were provided by local political and community leaders.

"Workers have the right to go about their days work entirely free from the threat of assault  the right to leave their homes in the expectation that they will be to be safe.

"This assault on these workers is by extension an attack on every worker in Northern Ireland.

"Unite will be discussing our response to these attacks with our members  but their safety and the safety of the travelling public must be prioritised.

"If anyone has information about these attacks we are calling on them to provide it to the police or Translink so that those responsible can be brought to book for their actions."

A Translink spokesperson said: This is not a decision that we have taken lightly, as we realise that removing services impacts our customers, but this is in the interests of safety of our staff and passengers.

We utterly condemn anti-social behaviour and we would urge parents to ensure they know where their children are and what type of activity they are engaging in.

Stone throwing at buses has huge safety implications, both for those on board and for other road users, including drivers and pedestrians - and cannot be tolerated. Translink

We are working closely with the PSNI, community and elected representatives to identify the individuals involved in this anti-social behaviour and to safeguard continued operation of services to the area.

Posting on social media, Daniel Baker, a Sinn Fein councillor for the area, said: "This is totally unacceptable as we could lose our service if this continues. I am really disappointed this is happening and will be holding a multi-agency meeting asap.

"We must protect our public services, the minority cannot hold us to ransom."

Sergeant Claire Lloyd said: We received a report around 8:05pm on Saturday 16th February that youths had thrown a brick at a bus in the Lagmore Road area of Dunmurry, smashing a side window. Its believed this occurred just after 8pm. There were no injuries reported.

On Monday, 18 February, shortly after 9:15pm, it was reported two buses had been stoned by youths at the top of Lagmore Avenue at the mini roundabout. No damage was reported.

"A short time later, however, just before 9:25pm we received a further report that another bus had been attacked and a door window had been smashed. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

"Last night, Tuesday 19 February, just after 9:10pm it was reported that a bus had been attacked by a group of approximately seven to eight youths. It was reported the youths threw objects at the bus and then attempted to gain access to the bus as it was driving past, and to a white Dacia Duster car. It's believed this occurred around 9pm and the youths involved wore dark coloured track tops, with the hoods pulled up.

Approximately half an hour later, around 9:40pm, we received a report of criminal damage to the same white Dacia Duster within the vicinity of Mount Eagles Way; that a torch had been used to smash the rear window. Police conducted a check of the area, but no youths were located in the area.

"I would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who can identify those involved in these incidents.

I also want to make a direct appeal to those involved - stop this senseless and dangerous criminal behaviour. Sergeant Claire Lloyd

"You are risking the safety of everyone aboard these buses, other young people, the elderly and families when you target them like this. A criminal record could impact on your future.

"It is essential that parents and guardians know where their young people are gathering, to ensure they are not getting involved in this type of reckless behaviour

It's not about spoiling fun, this is about keeping people safe.

Anyone who witnessed what occurred should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1385 of 28/12/18.The father of a man who suffered life-changing injuries in a motorbike crash in Thailand has thanked the people of Ballymena for their support as they try to bring him home.

Mike Johnston (30) - who moved to Thailand in January to teach English - is in hospital in Bangkok, where he is recovering after an operation to amputate part of his badly damaged leg.

It was just one of the injuries he suffered on February 10.

Mr Johnston's parents, Michael and Jillian, flew to Thailand to be with their son, but they face the huge financial burden of his medical care and flights back to Northern Ireland.

The couple launched a gogetfunding appeal to help raise 25,000 and, thanks largely to the generosity of people from their Co Antrim hometown, they have reached 35% of their target.

Mr Johnson senior is sending regular updates to family and friends in Ballymena about his son's condition and thanked them for their continuing help.

In his latest post from Bangkok on Monday, Mr Johnston senior wrote: "I just want to update you on Mike's current situation. He is now three days post-operation and although in a lot of pain and under the influence of pain relief and other meds, he is a little bit better.

"We still have a long way to go on the path to rehab and recovery, but it all starts from here.

"Getting Mike home is our first priority and I will keep everyone updated as this plan progresses over the coming days.

"This of course is a very fluid situation, which is being assessed on an ongoing basis by the medical team in Bangkok.

"Mike has asked me to thank everyone for their good wishes and very kind campaign support.

"He is really very appreciative of all this help from friends here in Thailand and from everyone back home in Ballymena."

Jim Allister MLA, who knows the family, said that people in Ballymena were deeply shocked to hear of the tragedy.

He said: "Like so many other people from Ballymena I was saddened to hear about this and send my thoughts and prayers to the Johnston family.

"At times like these people will want to do what they can and the best thing people can do is to support the fundraising campaign the family have set up and I would encourage as many people as possible to do that.

"Understandably, Mr and Mrs Johnston will want their son back home as soon as he is medically fit to travel."

Anyone who would like to help Mr and Mrs Johnston cover the cost of bringing their son home can contribute via gogetfunding.com and searching for Mike JohnstonDUP leader Arlene Foster has said that the appointment of a new PSNI Chief Constable has been jeopardised after Mary Lou McDonald said nobody within the organisation was suitable for the role.

Mrs Foster said that the "process has now been compromised" following the Sinn Fein President's comments.

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Current Chief Constable George Hamilton is set to retire in June after five years in the role.

Sinn Fein members of the Policing Board are set to play a role in appointing his succesor.

However, former First Minister Mrs Foster told the BBC that the recruitment process had been jeopardised by Mrs McDonald's statement.

"I thought they were very foolish, first of all because essentially what has happened is that the process has now been compromised," the DUP leader said.

"The leader of one of the political parties involved in the panel has made her feelings quite clear and that of course interferes with due process and the panel has now been compromised.

"We have indicated to the Policing Board that we want legal opinion taken on this matter."

Respond to Mrs Foster's comments Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd accused her of "staggering hypocrisy".

For Arlene Foster to accuse anyone of undermining due process is quite incredible. This is the same woman who the High Court found had acted unlawfully during her time as First Minister by blocking the Lord Chief Justices request for legacy inquest funding," the Upper Bann MLA said.

If that had happened anywhere else in the world, there would have been an outcry. The courts found that the joint first minister of the government used her position to prevent grieving families from accessing their legal right to an inquest.

That is absolutely scandalous yet Arlene Foster has never apologised for these actions. Neither has she taken any steps to rectify them so for her to now demand a retraction from Mary-Lou McDonald is staggering hypocrisy.

Sinn Fein will take no lectures from Arlene Foster, given her track record or actively preventing families from accessing truth and justice."

On Monday Mrs McDonald said that she couldn't identify a suitable candidate from within the PSNI after meeting with police to discuss legacy failings.

She was widely criticised for her comments, with the Equality Commission and the Police Federation of Northern Ireland expressing concern.

However, despite attempts from Sinn Fein policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly to clarify her comments, Mrs McDonald has refused to apologise.

"There's nothing to apologise for, there's no retraction to be made," the Sinn Fein leader said.

Mrs McDonald said that the furore around her comments was nothing more than "political huffing and puffing".On song: Jo-Anne Dobson (third left) with Gordon Speers (second left) and representatives of the Portadown Ladies and Male Voice Choirs present charity cheques to Kidney Care UK and Air Ambulance

We kidney transplant recipients are a very rare breed indeed and totally break the mould when it comes to celebrating our birthdays.

It seems strange to use the word 'birthdays' in the plural, but it's true and I will tell you why. Since I received my first transplant back in 2009 I have celebrated two birthdays: my real one on March 28 and the birthday which marked the beginning of my new life on February 5 - the date I received my first kidney transplant.

Now this year I will pass yet another milestone as I celebrate no fewer than three birthdays in one year. This day next month, March 20, mum and I will celebrate the first anniversary of our live kidney transplant surgery - what we like to call our 'kidneyversary'.

If all these birthdays sound complicated then try and have a chat with some of my fellow hero transplant recipients who have three, four or more transplants - that's a lot of birthday cards. However, the one thing that we all share is that without the generosity of someone else we simply wouldn't be able to celebrate any birthdays at all.

We all know that kidney patients need support and that's where our local charities come in. They work hard every day to raise both funds and awareness for organ donation, encourage people to think about giving the gift of life and to support patients.

Before Christmas, mum attended the annual carol service at St Mark's Church in Portadown. It featured the combined Portadown Ladies and Male Voice Choirs under the expert baton of Gordon Speers and this year the chosen charities to benefit from the generosity of those attending was Kidney Care UK and Air Ambulance NI. Just last week mum met up with Gordon and his wife Margaret, along with Portadown Male Voice Choir secretary Mervyn White and Colleen from the Air Ambulance.

This wonderful event benefited both charities by the amazing sum of 2,175 each. This will make such a difference to kidney patients here and will also support the life-saving emergency service of the Air Ambulance.

Massive thanks to Gordon and to the ladies and gentlemen of the choirs for hitting the high notes to help two wonderful causes which touch the lives of so many families.

You all have such exceptional talents and, combined with the generosity of the massive crowd who attended and thoroughly enjoyed the evening's festive music, this is making a real and lasting difference in our communities.

Speaking of reaching milestones, today marks exactly 11 months since mum and I underwent our transplant surgery at Belfast City Hospital.

Watching the True North documentary last week took both of us back in time as we relived our experience as well as catching a glimpse for the first time of what it looked like from behind the camera lens.

It may have seemed a little surreal at the time to be followed around by a camera crew, especially when we were under the care of the wonderful doctors and nurses, but we were absolutely determined to ensure that we played our part in continuing to promote the life-saving message.

When Stephen Watson was following us around we were either preparing for surgery, undergoing our procedures in hospital or recovering at home on the farm.

If by any chance you missed it you can still catch up on the BBC iPlayer by searching for True North or Life on the List.

Looking back it seems like a complete blur to us, but as we rapidly head towards our first 'kidneyversary' it's lovely to look back, to think about the amazing people who cross our paths every single day and to prepare to celebrate many more milestones in life thanks to organ donation.Karl is applauded by Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell at the end of the Chanel 1997 collection presented in Paris

The fashion world is in mourning after yesterday's news that legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld passed away at the age of 85.

The news came as a shock to many, although fans were concerned for the late designer's health after he missed two of Chanel's haute couture shows in Paris in January. At the time, the fashion company released a statement saying that he was 'feeling tired'.

Known for his white ponytail, trademark sunglasses and penchant for a pair of leather gloves, Lagerfeld is one of the enduring fashion icons of the last century. His designs have been worn by everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to the Duchess of Cambridge, and his influence on the industry is irrefutable.

As Chanel fans prepare to say goodbye to the prolific designer, here are seven things you should know about his legacy.

1. He created some of the most spectacular shows in fashion history

From a 115ft tall rocket ship, that blasted off in front of Anna Wintour and the rest of the front row, to a scale model of the Eiffel tower, the Chanel shows became the major talking point of the Paris Fashion Week - not just for the exquisite clothes, but for Lagerfeld's genius set designs.

Favourites include 2014's Chanel supermarket, complete with aisles, checkouts and over 500 different Chanel-branded food items, and 2019's indoor beach, where models walked barefoot through lapping waves. No idea was too extravagant, no expense was spared and his cinematic vision turned the French catwalk into living art.

2. He cut his teeth at Balmain

Lagerfeld got his big opening in fashion when he won the 1954 International Woolmark Prize, based on his sketch of a coat that was picked up by designer Pierre Balmain. He went on to work for the French designer, as his assistant for three years, before going on to design collections for Jean Patou, Chloe, Krizia, Charles Jourdan, Mario Valentino, Fendi and, ultimately, Chanel.

3. He was one of the longest-serving (and said to be the hardest working) designers in fashion

Lagerfeld was a gifted illustrator and loved to sketch, and when he went to Paris to pursue the arts he found immediate success with Balmain.

From that time on he worked within the fashion industry for 64 years, most notably as the creative director of Chanel and Fendi, titles he held up until his death.

As well as autumn/winter and summer/spring collections, Lagerfeld orchestrated a non-stop calendar of resort, pre-autumn and couture shows as well as mid-season collections.

He also juggled running two major fashion houses alongside his own namesake fashion label, Karl Lagerfeld, which combined his signature love of Parisian-inspired styles with a 'rock-chic' ease.

4. He sketched all of his collections

Despite designing an average of 14 collections per year, Lagerfeld still sketched all of his designs on paper by hand.

"I don't do a computer, I don't have a studio with 20 people sketching. I sketch myself everything and I'm pretty good at it because I wanted to become an illustrator at the beginning," he told CNBC.

"Today it's very different. First of all some of the younger designers are not that young. And also you know they are art directors - I'm not an art director - so they have people, and then they make a choice, and then they go out after the show and make believe they did it all. It's the way every studio is organised today. But not mine."

5. He rebooted Chanel, but still stayed true to Coco's original vision

When Lagerfeld joined Chanel to design haute couture in 1983, sales were said to be plummeting and its straight-laced image was struggling to appeal to modern women.

"Once upon a time Chanel was old hat. It was only Parisian doctors' wives who still wore it. Nobody wanted it, it was hopeless," Lagerfeld said not long after joining the fashion house, according to The Telegraph.

Through capturing the spirit of the time, Lagerfeld sexed up the brand's iconic tweed skirts and made Chanel's instantly recognisable accessories into a prized item.

Everyone from Kate Moss to Keira Knightley has fronted his campaigns and his keen eye for capturing what women want to wear turned the brand from a small house into a global heavyweight.

Throughout his legacy at Chanel, he's always stayed true to many of Coco Chanel's original design details, such as pearls, braid-brimmed tweed suits and the iconic 'double C' logo.

6. He shot many of the Chanel campaigns himself

Lagerfeld was famous for loathing selfies, but he was a keen photographer. He reportedly never left the house without his camera and even shot many of the Chanel house campaigns himself - from Claudia Schiffer in 1995 to Stella Tennant in 2002.

7. His cat was his enduring muse

No ode to Lagerfeld would be complete without mentioning his famous Birman cat Choupette. The fluffy white feline was his enduring companion and inspired many of his designs over the years.

Speaking about Choupette, the designer told CNN that he would marry his long-standing companion if it were possible: "There is no marriage yet for human beings and animals... I never thought that I would fall in love like this with a cat."

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Some of Karl Lagerfeld's best and most controversial quotes

"When I was four I asked my mother for a valet for my birthday."

"When I was 14, I wanted to smoke because my mother smoked like mad. I wanted to smoke to look grown-up. But my mother said, 'You shouldn't smoke. Your hands are not that beautiful and that shows when you smoke'."

"The iPod is genius. I have 300."

"People I'm really friendly with have faxes. Anna Wintour has one."

"I send notes. I'm not a chambermaid whom you can ring at every moment. Today, you know, most people act like they work at a switchboard in a hotel."

"I think tattoos are horrible. It's like living in a Pucci dress full-time. If you're young and tight, maybe it's okay, but..."

"Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants."

On his cat Choupette to British Vogue: "I don't even think I'm that famous. Now, Choupette really is famous. She has become the most famous cat in the world. I even get propositioned by pet food companies and things like that, but it's out of the question. I'm commercial. She's not. She's spoiled to death. Obviously."

On Andy Warhol in Vice magazine: "I shouldn't say this, but physically he was quite repulsive."

On Adele in Paris Metro: "The thing at the moment is Adele. She is a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice." He later clarified his comments to CNN: "I never said that she was fat, I said that she was a little roundish; a little roundish is not fat. But for such a beautiful girl, after that she lost eight kilo so I think the message was not that bad."

On the Duchess of Cambridge and Pippa Middleton in The Sun: "Kate Middleton has a nice silhouette and she is the right girl for that boy. I like that kind of woman, I like romantic beauties. On the other hand, the sister struggles. I don't like the sister's face. She should only show her back."

On Heidi Klum in GQ Germany: "I don't know Heidi Klum. She was never known in France. Claudia Schiffer also doesn't know who she is."

On Diana, Princess of Wales, in New York magazine: "She was pretty and she was sweet, but she was stupid."

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What is it?

Hatchback-turned-rugged SUV is one of the biggest trends amongst car manufacturers right now, and Ford is looking to lead the way with its recently-introduced 'Active' range of machinery.

First came the Fiesta Active, and the all-new Focus is also being given the treatment, but for now the stand-out for us is Ka+ Active.

It's never been a tremendously memorable car. While by no means a bad machine, it's fair to say the success of the Fiesta and general buyer focus towards more premium machinery means the city car hasn't captured imaginations in the way the 1996 original did - but could Active treatment change that?

What's new?

Calling Active just a trim level for the Ka+ would be doing it a disservice - there's actually quite a lot of depth to it. Most noticeable is the 'rugged' look on offer, which comes thanks to redesigned body panels, roof rails and a raised ride height.

Alongside a Ka+ facelift, there's also a new engine line-up, with two petrols and a diesel available, while a host of new equipment available for the city car also joins the fray.

What's under the bonnet?

Powering our test car is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, producing 84bhp and 112Nm of torque, which sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. As for fuel economy, Ford claims it can manage 49.6mpg while emitting 129g/km of CO2 emissions.

It's far from a potent engine - with the small unit having to be worked hard to get the most out of it - but for town driving it's powerful enough, with a flexible clutch making for surprisingly easy stop/start movement, a must for any city car.

The shifter also has a surprisingly satisfying feel to it for a car built cheaply and allows for quite a bit of fun behind the wheel.

What's it like to drive?

The Ford Ka+ Active is an impressively amusing thing to drive. Despite being slow, it doesn't feel like a chore when working it hard and it's a sprightly thing around corners, thanks to its compact dimensions and responsive handling.

Of course, though, this is a car primarily intended for town use and that's where it works best. It's easy to manoeuvre as a result of its light steering and tiny stature, and parking can be done fairly easily.

Where the Ka+ falters is on the motorway. Although it rides comfortably, its five-speed box means revs sit high at 70mph which, in combination with wind noise, means the cabin is less silent than perhaps it might be.

How does it look?

Ford has angled the Ka+ Active as a more rugged machine, and it has made a number of aesthetic tweaks to try and add to this. These include the introduction of beefier bodywork, a raised ride height and roof rails.

Admittedly, the bullish effect doesn't go further than this, and we'd still be inclined to avoid any mud trails with the Ka+ Active as this is not a proper off-roader.

It is, however, a fairly interesting looking thing. Perhaps the bolder look loses some of the cute charm offered by the base Ka+, but the Active does manage to stand out.

What's it like inside?

Stepping inside the Ka+ Active brings the realization that this is a car built to a pretty low price point. Plastics are plentiful, while there's no leather to be found here, just fabrics.

Of course, you shouldn't really expect much more at this pricing point - but a little more effort from Ford to disguise its roots would have been a nice touch.

That said, space is respectable. Despite being smaller than the Fiesta, you can fit the same number of people in - five, to be exact - and probably end up with an equal amount of room. As for boot space, that remains identical to the regular Ka+, totalling 270 litres.

What's the spec like?

There's a respectable amount of kit to be found on the Ford Ka+ Active, when you consider its entry price point of 13,445.

For that, you don't just get a spacious city car, but also automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system displayed on a 6.5-inch touchscreen.

Sure, there's no navigation on offer here, but there is support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - allowing for the use of arguably more superior mapping technology.

Verdict

The Ford Ka+ Active proves to be more than just a trim level. It brings a funky, fresh edge to an otherwise pretty normal city car and offers just as much room for the cost as the larger, more-loved Fiesta.

It's not the rugged beast that marketing will want you to believe, but it is well-equipped, especially for the everyday abuse town driving will offer.

If a Fiesta is just out of your price range, then this could be a bargain buy.Warrenpoint Port has said it handled a record high of 3.6 million tonnes of cargo in 2018 with shipments including wood chip, cement, animal feed and steel.

And it's aiming for further growth following Brexit after adding capacity on the Warrenpoint-Heysham route.

And the tonnage makes the Co Down port the second largest in Northern Ireland - ahead of Foyle Port, which had gross tonnage of 2.166 million tonnes in the year to March 2018.

More than 126,000 units passed through the port, with an increase in freight units of nearly 5%.

It has also spent 3m on buying a new crane and refurbishing others.

Belfast Harbour is the province's biggest port, and last week said its cargo had surpassed 24 million tonnes for the first time.

Warrenpoint Port said the value of goods had also hit a record level of 6.2bn. It now handles 12% of Northern Ireland's seaborne trade.

Chief executive Clare Guinness said: "2018 was another record year for Warrenpoint Port following four successive years of growth.

"Much of the increase can be attributed to the success of our core roll-on roll-off freight service while we have also diversified the range of bulk goods that we handle as we look towards further growth in 2019 and beyond."

Warrenpoint Port trades with countries including Spain, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Ukraine and the Americas.

The increase in freight units followed the deployment by Seatruck Ferries of two bigger freight vessels for the Warrenpoint to Heysham route, following growing demand for unaccompanied trailer space.

Seatruck has said the vessels will allow it to carry 30,000 extra trailers every year, allowing for growth following Brexit.

Ms Guinness added: "As we look towards further growth in 2019 and beyond, we have plans to continue our investment programme over the coming months as we aim to improve port infrastructure, plant and equipment.

"This will allow us to be more flexible, more efficient and open up more space, enabling trade to grow in line with expectations and widen the scope of goods we can handle.

"Last year saw the commencement of wood chip exports from Warrenpoint for the first time while we also handled our largest consignment of wind turbines."

The port now employs 70 people directly, while 200 work at the facility.

Belfast Harbour's growth to over 24 million tonnes of cargo was led by a strong increase in freight vehicles being carried on Stena Line's services to Great Britain, which rose by 3% to a record 532,000 freight vehicles.

Co Tyrone fuel company LCC also increased its imports and exports of industrial coal by 37%.

Figures for Foyle Port for the year ending March 2018 give a gross tonnage of 2.166 million tonnes, with imports making up 1.722 million.

However, exports rose from 83,913 to 102,449.Newry ship fit-out firm MJM has announced its biggest deal yet to refurbish a vessel for Norwegian Cruise Line.

MJM Marine, which is owned by the McConville family, said 1,400 people will carry out work on Norwegian Joy between March 11 and April 21.

Work will start in China, continue in Singapore and finish in Seattle, as the ship is due to start carrying passengers out of the West Coast after a period of being docked in China.

MJM will carry out the design, manufacture, installation and project management of the interior refit of the cruise liner.

Gary Annett, chief executive of MJM Marine, said: "Norwegian Joy is MJM Marine's largest contract to date and will involve a team of 1,400 people completing works in over 40 spaces throughout the ship.

"Planning, design and manufacturing has been under way for many months in preparation for the installation start date.

"We are exceptionally proud to be awarded this contract, which we see as a reflection of the strength of the partnership which we have built with NCL.

"It is confirmation that MJM Marine is respected as a world leading global marine outfitter who can and will deliver on projects of this size and scale."

Mr Annett said the project would take the company "around the world in 42 days". "The design, planning, manufacturing and logistics for the project started at our headquarters in Newry," he said.

"Our team will join the ship in China and sail to Singapore where the dry dock will take place before making its way to Japan.

"Works will continue at sea as the ship makes its way to Seattle, where we will hand over the new-look vessel before our team returns to Northern Ireland.

"The global footprint on this project is unique but is an indication of the global nature of our business."

Following the refit, Norwegian Joy will embark on cruises to Alaska before repositioning to Los Angeles.

Colin Gant, Norwegian Cruise Line's vice president of vessel refurbishment, said: "Norwegian Joy will be very similar to sister ships Norwegian Bliss, which launched just last year, and Norwegian Encore, which will make her debut this November.

"It is a challenging and complex project which is large in scale and short in time, requiring meticulous planning and execution by a top tier outfitter to see it through.

"We are delighted to join forces with MJM Marine who has been a reliable partner of ours since 2015."

He said the refit would result in a ship of "new build quality".

Last year MJM carried out a major project revamping cruise ship the Azamara Pursuit at the dry dock of Harland & Wolff in Belfast, the first time a refurbishment was carried out by a refit company on its home soil.

In September last year the company reported a 20% fall in turnover to 49.5m for 2017.

But pre-tax profits were up by around 5% to 7.8m. The firm said the year's performance had shown strong growth and "firm focus on driving profitability".Technology companies are moving into healthcare, as Apple, Amazon and Microsoft strengthen their healthcare services and product lines as well as forge strategic partnerships within orthopedics and spine.

The most recent orthoepdi-specific moves include Zimmer Biomet's partnership with Apple on the MyMobility app for joint replacements and Mahe Medical partnering with Amazon Business Professional Healthcare to introduce emergency spine crews sold on Amazon's platform.

Here, three spine surgeons discuss whether this is a positive or negative trend in healthcare and what to expect in the future.

Alok Sharan, MD. Co-Director of Westmed Spine Center (Yonkers, N.Y.): The tech companies have done a good job disrupting other traditional industries (communication, retail, etc.). There is no doubt that they will do the same in healthcare. When Clayton Christenson talks about disruptive innovation, he talks about nonconsumption and jobs-to-be-done.

Nonconsumption as a business strategy is creating a product or service that helps a customer complete a job-to-be-done that is normally inconvenient or high cost. People want to have more control of their health (job-to-be-done). Currently they do not have the proper tools to do it (nonconsumption). Applying Christenson's theory, the tech companies will succeed by developing products that help the ordinary consumer manage their own health. Currently, patients defer management of their health problems to physicians; this will change over time as new tech products enter the industry. To some degree physicians will have to rethink their role as the traditional paternalistic model of the provider will diminish over time.

I had a chance to work with some folks at Apple Health where I heard some of these discussions happening. It is clear that they want to build a suite of services/products that will allow the patient to manage their own health. For physicians, this will mean less office visits and more e-visits or perhaps even more virtual care coordination.

Isador Lieberman, MD. President of Texas Back Institute (Plano): I am concerned about the large tech companies moving into healthcare by virtue of their economic prowess and the fact they are not healthcare providers, yet I welcome their involvement as the current system is unsustainable and needs a complete restructuring.

Scott Boden, MD. Director of Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center (Atlanta): I think it depends on what these tech companies are adding to the equation to increase quality or decrease cost. That is what we need in healthcare right now and if tech companies can help in those two areas, I'm all for it. We are looking at strategic partnerships in the tech space to improve value.

To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com.

For a deeper dive into the future of spine, attend the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC in Chicago, June 13-5, 2019. Click here to learn more and registeBoard-certified neurosurgeon Ann Stroink, MD, ventures to Washington, D.C., almost every month to tell policymakers about her practice and the challenges that she sees, WGLT reports.

Five things to know:

1. Dr. Stroink practices at Central Illinois Neuro Health Sciences in Bloomington, where she is a senior partner. On The 21st show, Dr. Stroink said the office's biggest challenge is the delay in care associated with insurance approval.

2. She said there is bipartisan acceptance among elected representatives that healthcare is a big ticket item, but claimed progress is slow.

3. As a volunteer advocate, Dr. Stroink said her professional associations are concerned with surprise billing.

4. She claimed young physicians tend to focus on professional development as well as their patients first before thinking about making systemic changes later in their careers.

5. Dr. Stroink was the first female neurosurgery resident at the Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic.Labette Health in Parsons, Kan., held an employee fair Feb. 18 to reach staff affected by the closure of Oswego (Kan.) Community Hospital, according to FourStatesHomepage.com.

The Oswego critical access hospital, owned by Kansas City, Mo.-based EmpowerHMS, and its two affiliated clinics closed Feb. 14.

After the closure, Labette Health administrators announced plans to open a clinic in Oswego, according to the report.

Administrators hosted the employee fair in Oswego, where about 60 former Oswego hospital staff members could find out more about job opportunities with Labette Health. That includes jobs at its new Oswego clinic, which is slated to open soon in a temporary building.

"We'll operate with two providers, their two assistants and two receptionists or clinic coordinators, and then we'll probably have a couple of other PRN [pro re nata, or 'as needed'] staff for the clinic itself, but also positions in the hospital that are open that are available as well to talk about them," Doug Stacy, vice president of Labette Health Medical Group, told FourStatesHomepage.com.

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Ohio university, health system partner to address nursing shortageFortune and people analytics firm Great Places to Work released their annual list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" on Feb. 20.

More than 4.3 million employees responded to a 60-plus question survey analyzing the extent to which their organization creates a positive work environment. To be considered for the list, companies that employ at least 1,000 U.S. workers must submit an application documenting more than 200 data points describing the HR practices and programs.

One part of a company's score is based on Fortune and Great Places to Work's evaluation of their company programs and policies, and three parts come from their analysis of employees' survey data.

The 10 hospitals and health systems ranked among the 100 "Best Companies to Work For":

9. Texas Health Resources (Arlington)

35. Southern Ohio Medical Center (Portsmouth)

37. BayCare Health System (Clearwater, Fla.)

40. Baptist Health South Florida (Miami)

54. Encompass Health (Birmingham, Ala.)

58. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, Tenn.)

79. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

87. Atlantic Health System (Morristown, N.J.)

88. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (Memphis)

99. OhioHealth (Columbus)

To access the full list, click here.

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10 healthiest, unhealthiest citiesNashville, Tenn.-based TriStar Centennial Medical Center recently debuted a new technology system that helps detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, according to WSMV News4.

Three things to know:

1. The system repurposes an Xbox controller and uses it to navigate a bronchoscope into a patient's lungs. The physician can use the controller for various functionalities, such as to look around the lung, suction and aspirate, according to Susan Garwood, MD, a pulmonologist at TriStar Centennial.

"If you think about an Xbox controller, it's ergonomically perfect for this," Dr. Garwood told WSMV News4. "Even those of us who aren't gamers can figure this out. It's a natural fit for your hands."

2. Dr. Garwood said physicians at TriStar Centennial used the modified device in 10 cases during the previous week, and had detected early lung cancer in four of those cases. TriStar Centennial said it is the only hospital in Tennessee using this technology system.

3. Early detection is particularly important for lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths. More than 80 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer don't survive, in part because the disease often is identified at an advanced stage.

"When we can find lung cancer the size of a centimeter, like we can with this technology, the cure rate is 91 percent," Dr. Garwood told WSMV News4.Florida Senate Health Policy Chairwoman Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, filed a bill that would boost oversight of pediatric heart surgery programs in the state, reports the Tampa Bay Times.

Ms. Harrell said she drafted the proposal in response to care quality issues at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach. Both hospitals suspended their pediatric heart programs due to scrutiny over high heart surgery death rates.

The bill would permit pediatric heart physicians to make unannounced visits to underperforming heart programs. The physicians would review death records, interview clinicians and inspect the facility before submitting a report to Florida's Pediatric Cardiology Technical Advisory Panel. The panel would then recommend corrective action as necessary.

"We need to do things a little differently and make sure that there is the review of the standards that are expected to be met," Ms. Harrell told the Tampa Bay Times. "We want to make sure that we have standards in place and our cardiac centers are doing all they can to make sure children get the very best care."Mortality rates are lower in U.S. counties with more primary care physicians than in areas with fewer physicians, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found.

To investigate how the supply of primary care physicians affects mortality rates, researchers examined data from 3,142 U.S. counties,7,144 primary care service areas and 306 hospital referral regions.

Overall, the study found the total number of U.S. primary care physicians increased from 196,014 in 2005 to 204,419 in 2015.

However, due to disproportionate losses of providers in rural areas, the average number of primary care physicians per 100,000 people decreased from 46.6 to 41.1 during the same period.

Each 10 additional primary care physicians per 100,000 people was linked to a 51.5 day increase in life expectancy, the study found.

The extra primary care physicians were also associated with declines of up to 1.4 percent in mortality rates from causes such as cancer, heart disease and respiratory disorders.

"Greater supply of primary care physicians appeared to increase the chances that a person would be treated for cardiovascular disease risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or caught early for major cancers like breast cancer or colon cancer," lead study author Sanjay Basu, MD, PhD, told Reuters.

"While primary care physician availability relates to important goals like longer life and lower death rates, the number of primary care doctors is dwindling," Dr. Basu said. "We need to do more to attract great medical students into the primary care field."In a setback to states working to rein in prescription drug costs, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Maryland's bid to revive a law aimed at preventing price gouging by drugmakers, Reuters reports.

On Feb. 19, the Supreme Court declined to take on the state's appeal of a 2018 appeals court decision that struck down the law.

Maryland enacted the anti-price gouging law in 2017 after several drugmakers significantly hiked the price of their medication. The measure prohibited "unconscionable" price increases for essential drugs no longer under patent protection.

The Association for Accessible Medicines, the trade group representing generic drugmakers, filed the legal challenge against the law, charging that it targeted the price a manufacturer or wholesaler charges in the initial sale of the drug, not just the price a patient pays. A U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with their argument.

Maryland then appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court, which decided not to hear the case.

Read the full report here.While employers' human resource directors often chose health benefits for their employees with the help of an independent broker, the health insurance industry passes cash and gifts to brokers  who sway employers toward certain plans, according to a ProPublica and NPR investigation.

Four things to know:

1. Health insurers often pay brokers a commission for each employer they sign up for their health benefits, which is usually 3 to 6 percent of the total premium. For a company with 100 employees, that could be about $50,000 a year.

2. The commissions can be higher, and other cash and gift incentives may be offered. For example, Cigna offers top-selling brokers a five-day vacation to Bermuda. Health Net offers some of its brokers a bonus of up to $150,000 per employer group signed on. EmblemHealth in New York promises its best-performing brokers a chance to bat against retired New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera, according to ProPublica and NPR.

3. In 2017, Health Care Service Corp., which manages Blue Cross Blue Shield in five states, recorded an $816 million expense for broker commissions and bonuses. Those fees are passed through the insurer to employers, a company spokesperson acknowledged to the publications, adding, "We do not believe there is a conflict of interest."

4. Ultimately, while the commissions come from insurers, the cost is built into employers' premiums and affects employees who pay for the health plan, according to the report. Eric Campbell, PhD, director of research at the University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities in Aurora, told ProPublica and NPR that the payments are "a classic conflict of interest."

For the full ProPublica/NPR report, click here.Aetna agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused the health insurer of categorically denying depression treatment claims, according to Law360.

The lawsuit in Connecticut federal court accused Aetna of violating the Employee Retirement Income Security Act by denying claims for transcranial magnetic stimulation, a treatment for major depression. The $6.2 million settlement, which U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall approved Feb. 15, would end the litigation.



Once attorneys' fees and other costs are deducted, patients and families who paid out of pocket for the treatment may be able to collect about 70 percent of what they would have received if their claims were reprocessed, according to Law360. All class members are expected to receive at least $1,500 under the agreement.Kalispell (Mont.) Regional Healthcare System has met deadlines for compliance program mandates as part of a $24 million whistle-blower lawsuit settlement, according to a Daily Inter Lake report.

The settlement, reached last September, resolves allegations that the health system violated the False Claims Act, Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute. Lawsuits filed by Jon Mohatt, the former CFO of the system's physician network, said KRHS violated Stark Law by paying excessive compensation to more than 60 physician specialists between 2010 and 2018.

The suits also accuse several health system-related entities of conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute by providing physicians with excessive payments to induce referrals and providing administrative services at below fair market value.

As part of the settlement, KRHS signed a corporate integrity agreement requiring the health system to submit a report within 120 days, updating HHS' Office of Inspector General regarding accomplishments with the compliance program for federal statutes over the first 90 days, according to the report.

KRHS officials told Daily Inter Lake the health system met this deadline late last month, and the hospital has new policies and procedures in place, as well as updates to existing ones.

"Many of these were already in place in some form, but we filled in slots that we needed to make sure that it was clear in the corporate integrity agreement that we were doing everything that we're supposed to do," said William Gibson, KRHS interim CEO and general counsel.

Mr. Gibson said KRHS is also meeting the requirement to document and track all contracts and payments, primarily through a special software program, and hired a new compliance officer in January.

Ayla Ellison contributed to this story.

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Intermountain: Whistle-blower provisions of False Claims Act are unconstitutionalA six-member physician group ended a decadeslong agreement to provide pediatric care services to newborn patients at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, according to the Bangor Daily News.

Three things to know:

1. Penobscot Pediatrics, also in Bangor, stopped sending its providers to check on patients at the hospital's newborn nursery in early February. Officials at the physician group told the Bangor Daily News the move was made so that physicians could provide outpatient services at the group's other area locations.

"There is a lot of demand for those services. Having the time that the pediatricians spend [visiting] normal, newborn babies in the nursery, having that time back can provide additional, really important access for the work that we're doing in the office. We'd like to be able to continue both  anybody would. But in a time of limited resources, it comes down to, in some ways, a value judgment of what has more impact on our population of people that we serve," an executive with the physician group's parent organization, Bangor-based Penobscot Community Health Care, told the publication.

2. Hospital officials told the publication they work with several physician groups who can provide newborn care, and that they do not plan to hire additional staff.

3. Leaders from both organizations told the Bangor Daily News they were disappointed the partnership had ended, but praise the cooperation between both organizations.

To access the full report, click here.Garfield County Hospital in Pomeroy, Wash., needs to eliminate at least $125,000 in monthly expenses to keep its doors open, officials said in a Feb. 19 news release.

"The hospital is in a serious financial situation and have reached a point that if we do not make change today we will not be here in about 65 days," Julie Leonard, superintendent and CEO of the Garfield County Hospital District, said.

The local hospital district is taking drastic measures to save the hospital. A wage freeze, layoffs and other cuts will take effect March 1. It's unclear how many employees will be affected by the layoffs, but each department will reduce their staff, according to the news release.

The hospital is also scaling back outpatient hours and eliminating Saturday lab and radiology services.

Ms. Leonard cited several reasons for the hospital's financial troubles, including billing problems and dwindling patient volume.

"The problem is that our services are down, we do not have the patient base or referrals that we had in the past," she said. "The new electronic medical records system we brought in has not perfected the billing process for the permanent swing program for Medicaid and Medicare. Therefore; we have been unable to fully bill for the permanent swing patients in the program."

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Missouri, Tennessee hospitals suspend services: 5 things to know

Oklahoma hospital misses payroll for 3rd timeThe University of Louisville (Ky.) has formally opened a search for a partner to join in its potential purchase of Louisville-based Jewish Hospital and other local healthcare assets KentuckyOne Health wants to sell, according to WDRB.com.

Partners could range from a healthcare company to an investment firm, and the university has already had preliminary partnership talks with Nashville, Tenn.-based Ardent Health Services. The goal would be to form a joint venture that would purchase and operate the KentuckyOne facilities.

"In our ideal world we would look for somebody who can bring the financial resources needed but who would also have the operational expertise," said Neeli Bendapudi, PhD, president of the University of Louisville.

While the university does not want to front all the capital necessary for the purchase, a partner would receive all the resources of University of Louisville Hospital, the Brown Cancer Center and the University of Louisville Physicians.

"Academic medical centers, thats what we bring to the table," said Dr. Bendapudi.The city of Prague, Okla., took the owners of Prague Community Hospital to court this week to gain control of the facility, which has consistently paid employees late and relied on donations for food and supplies, according to CBS affiliate News 9.

On Feb. 15 the state of Oklahoma granted a license to a hospital trust set up by the city, but the hospital's current owners still have the facility's Medicare license number. It is the Medicare number that was the sticking point of court proceedings Feb. 19, when both parties agreed the hospital owners would continue operating the facility for now, but only if employees were paid and funding for supplies were provided.

"Thats part of the restraining order: They have to keep operating like a normal hospital, and we anticipate that starting tomorrow," said Cliff Bryant, mayor of Prague.

Shelly Dyer, the hospital's CEO, told Becker's Hospital Review that at the time of publication employees had still not received the paycheck they should have gotten last week.

"It makes me sad that people care more about corporate America than whats going on in the lives of small-town Oklahoma," said Mary Ann Ward, a physician assistant at the hospital.Mississippi is the state with the most rural hospitals at high financial risk, according to a new analysis from management consultancy firm Navigant.

The analysis  which examined the financial viability (operating margin, days cash on hand and debt-to-capitalization ratio) and community essentiality of more than 2,000 of the nation's rural hospitals  suggests 21 percent or 430 rural hospitals in 43 states are at high risk of closing.

Here are the 10 states with the most rural hospitals at high financial risk, based on the analysis:

1. Mississippi  31

2. Kansas  29

3. Georgia  26

4. Alabama  21

5. Minnesota  19

6. Michigan  18

7. Arkansas  18

8. Iowa  17

9. Oklahoma  17

10. Kentucky  16

Read more about the analysis here.

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1 in 5 rural hospitals at high risk of closing, analysis finds

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3 hospital revenue cycle leaders predict how price transparency will affect healthcareA dispute between the creditors of two bankrupt hospitals  Florence (Ariz.) Hospital at Anthem and Gilbert (Ariz.) Hospital  has prevented more than 300 patients from accessing their medical records, according to a report from The Arizona Republic.

Six things to know:

1. Both hospitals and their parent company, New Vision Health, entered bankruptcy in late May 2018 and closed their doors in June 2018 with little notice. The court appointed a receiver, Resolute Commercial Services, to manage affairs after the closure.

2. A disagreement over payment between Resolute; Indigo-DLI Holdings, a New York investment company and the hospitals' senior creditor; Medhost, a company that maintained the hospitals' EHRs; and Somerset Capital Group, which provided computer servers to host the EHRs, has left patients without access to their medical records, according to The Arizona Republic.

3. The report highlights 21-year-old Florence Hospital patient Caitlin Secrist, who has life-threatening pancreatitis. Ms. Secrist is seeking a surgery to remove her pancreas, spleen and appendix  a total pancreatectomy with autologous islet transplantation  at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Her surgeon will not move forward with the surgery until he has access to her full medical history, including her early scans from Florence Hospital to ensure her diagnosis is correct, according to the report.

4. However, the EHR is currently deactivated and cannot be reactivated to process one request, Resolute's attorney told The Arizona Republic.

5. Resolute and Medhost brokered an agreement in January to reopen the EHR for 90 days, alert patients of the time frame to request records and hire staff to respond to requests. The plan would be paid for partially from Indigo's proceeds and partially by Resolute. Indigo has tried to block the proposal, according to the report.

6. Ms. Secrist is testifying at a hearing on the proposal Feb. 20.

Read the full story here.

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Medical imaging startup raises $4M for EHR software: 4 notesTo combat Maine's shortage of registered nurses, Bangor, Maine-based Beal College is now offering a 20-month nursing associate degree program.

Three things to know:

1. Colleen Koob, RN, BSN, DNP, serves as the director of the program. Students who complete the program can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination and apply for state licensure as a registered nurse in Maine.

2. Students can start the program at three different times per year. Beal has no waitlists for its nursing program.

3. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for skilled nurses will increase 15 percent by 2026.A study examining the efficacy of Motus GI's Pure-Vu system was published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.

The key details to know:

1. The multi-center clinical study found the Pure-Vu System increased the number of subjects with an adequate bowel cleansing level  from five at baseline to nineafter use of the Pure-Vu System  on the Boston Bowel Preparation Score.

2. The study was based on Motus-GI's multi-center feasibility study, which enrolled 50 patients undergoing colonoscopies with poorly prepared colons in Spain and Israel.

3. Motus GI CEO Tim Moran said, "The data also further supports our confidence in the Pure-Vu System's ability to successfully cleanse the colon and reduce the number of failed and repeat procedures." saidPresident Donald Trump arrives to speak about a state of emergency from the Rose Garden of the White House on February 15. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Ever since the election of Donald Trump, pundits and scholars have been sounding the alarm over the authoritarian or fascist turn of American politics, preparing us for that moment when the president would throw off the shackles of his office and seize power. Now, in a move more brazen than any weve seen, Trump has declared a state of emergency, setting off a crisis about whether he or the Constitution is supreme. And the response from the media has been: meh.

In the Daily Beast, Sally Kohn called the declaration of emergency a desperate act of a desperate man who is becoming increasingly irrelevant in Washington. Trumps announcement, claimed The New Yorkers John Cassidy, shows that he is a fundamentally weak and isolated President. That was also the verdict of two scholars in the Washington Post, David Frum in The Atlantic, and the New York Times, which said, This move will come back to bite [Trump] and his party. On Facebook, the declaration was the stuff of snarky memes; even senators on Twitter got in on the fun.

How did we get here? Fourteen months ago, Voxs Matt Yglesias was making ominous comparisons to Hitler, warning that Trump was organizing an authoritarian regime. Now he thinks Trumps flailing and cant get anything done. Where did all the tyranny go?

Maybe weve grown so used to Trumps authoritarianism that we cant see it anymore. From the beginning, scholars have warned that democracies dont die overnight; they slip away with the drip-drip of a slow leak. Its hard to stay vigilant against death on the installment plan. Perhaps the complacency of the commentariat means that the much-dreaded normalization weve heard so much about has finally claimed its last victims.

Or maybe the pundits have changed their minds because the facts have changed. Trumps recent antics on the campaign trail yielded the biggest midterm gain for the Democrats since Watergate. Fresh off that defeat, Trump launched the longest government shutdown in American history  only to come out of it with less money for his wall than he had going in. Perhaps the reason the medias now declaring him weak is that hes finally shown himself to be weak.

Yet that weakness has been evident from the beginning, as skeptics of the authoritarianism thesis, myself included, have argued. For last the two years, it hasnt been a Democratic House but a GOP Congress that refused to give Trump money for his wall. Even with total control of the federal government, Trump never got an inch of that wall built. Nor was he able to get any legislation to restrict immigration.

Far from consolidating control over the GOP, much less the polity, Trump and his positions have been consistently rebuffed by the electorate, the Democrats, officials in the Executive branch and other parts of the government, members of his administration  as well as his own party. Indeed, Trump delivered budgets that were rejected not once but twice by a GOP-led Congress, yielding a spending package in 2018, in the words of The Atlantic, that would make Barack Obama proud.

The declaration of emergency is the revelation of a secret thats been hiding in plain sight for two years. Why has it taken pundits so long to see it?

Perhaps the answer lies in a new genre of journalism that forgoes the pedestrian task of reporting the news in favor of explaining it through the lens of academic research. Ensconced at Vox, FiveThirtyEight, dedicated pages of the Washington Post and the New York Times, and across Twitter, the explainers place great stock in the authority of scholarship  and in journalists who know how to wield the authority of scholars. This genre first arose under the roseate glow of Obama, reflecting the White Houses warm embrace of science and smarts. Now, in the age of Trump, its less a happy affirmation of wonks and geeks than an anxious cry of the Resistance. Being smart, honoring research, favoring truth: These are the emblems of the world Trump wants to destroy and that the explainers wish to preserve.

Theres one thing thats missing from the world of the explainers, though: facts. Less interested in budget negotiations on Capitol Hill or the stalling of legislation  empirics of power that might tell us whether Trump is an ascendant authoritarian or a flailing conservative  the explainers like to invoke academic research that sees Trump as an American instance of the democratic backsliding across the globe. Brooding on the bloodlands of Europe, meditating on the dark night of the populist soul, anxious media professionals find academic confirmation for their sense that they are exiles in their own land.

Theres a bad synergy at work in the Historovox  as I call this complex of scholars and journalists  between the short-termism of the news cycle and the longue duree-ism of the academy. Short-term interests and partisan concerns still drive reporting and commentary. But where the days news once would have been narrated as a series of events, the Historovox brings together those events in a pseudo-academic frame that treats them as symptoms of deeper patterns and long-term developments. Unconstrained by the protocols of academe or journalism, but drawing on the authority of the first for the sake of the second, the Historovox skims histories of the New Deal or rifles through abstracts of meta-analysis found in JSTOR to push whatever the latest line happens to be.

When academic knowledge is on tap for the media, the result is not a fusion of the best of academia and the best of journalism but the worst of both worlds. On the one hand, we get the whiplash of superficial commentary: For two years, America was on the verge of authoritarianism; now its not. On the other hand, we get the determinism that haunts so much academic knowledge. When the contingencies of a days news cycle are overlaid with the laws of social science or whatever ancient formation is trending in the precincts of academic historiography, the political world can come to seem more static than it is. Toss in the partisan agendas of the media and academia, and the effects are as dizzying as they are deadening: a news cycle thats said to reflect the universal laws of the political universe where the laws of the political universe change with every news cycle.

Under Obama, there was a fashionable theory, derived from political science, that the presidency is a weak institution. Where once upon a time journalists would talk of the bully pulpit or agenda-setting power of the Oval Office, academically informed commentators like Ezra Klein pooh-poohed the notion that a presidents words had much effect. Congress, not the president, had power in the American system. Those who argued otherwise were dismissed as Green Lanternists, credulous folk who thought the president had all the powers of a comic-book superhero. Obamas defenders in the media often used this theory to parry the claims of Obamas critics, particularly on the left, who thought Obama should push harder on health care, taxes, and the like.

Since Trumps election, weve not heard much about the weakness of the presidency. All the things presidents were supposed to be unable to do  reshape the public, their parties, and the polity  journalists and pundits now believe a president can do. Through words alone. Everyones a Green Lanternist now. The institution of the presidency hasnt changed. But its occupant has, and with that, the needs of the commentariat. Instead of defending a beleaguered and beloved president against his critics on the left, the task at hand is to oppose a president whos almost universally reviled, at least by the media.

But now, with the Democrats in control of the House, and maybe readying to win the White House in 2020, theres less talk of tyranny, even in the face of Trumps declaration of an emergency. Maybe, its even been suggested, a Democratic president might make positive use of such a declaration in the future, on climate change or gun violence. New tasks call for new theories: Instead of Green Lanternism, which was helpful in absolving Obama from accusations on the left, or authoritarianism, which was temporarily useful in opposing Trump and defending norms, perhaps well revert to more heroic conceptions of the liberal presidency, drawn from the heady days of FDR.

As a political scientist, I have my opinions about each of these theories, but those opinions may not be the most important contribution I or other scholars have to make in the public sphere. The job of the scholar is not to offer her expertise to fit the needs of the pundit class. Its to call those needs into question, not to provide different answers to the same questions but to raise the questions that arent being asked.

Everyone knows and cites Orwells famous adage: To see what is front of ones nose needs a constant struggle. Less cited is what follows: One thing that helps toward it is to keep a diary, or, at any rate, to keep some kind of record of ones opinions about important events. Otherwise, when some particularly absurd belief is exploded by events, one may simply forget that one ever held it. To see whats right in front of ones nose doesnt mean seeing without ideology. It means keeping track of how we think and have thought about things, being mindful of what was once on the table and what has disappeared from view. It means avoiding the gods of the present.

The job of the scholar, in other words, is to resist the tyranny of the now. That requires something different than knowledge of the past; indeed, historians have proven all too useful to the Historovox, which is constantly looking for academic warrants to say what its denizens always and already believe. No, the job of the scholar is to recall and retrieve what the Marxist critic Walter Benjamin described as every image of the past that is not recognized by the present. The task is not to provide useful knowledge to the present; it is to insist on, to keep a record of, the most seemingly useless counter-knowledge from the past  for the sake of an as-yet-to-be imagined future.Norfolk, Va.-based Sentara Healthcare agreed to drop any opposition to Chesapeake (Va.) Regional Medical Center's plans for an open-heart-surgery center, the Daily Press reports.

What you should know:

1. In late 2018, CRMC notified the state it planned to seek a certificate of need for an open heart surgery operating room and a separate cardiac catheterization lab.

2. The organizations reportedly agreed to collaborate on CRMC's application for the development.

"We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Chesapeake Regional Medical Center for the betterment of our shared community," Sentara said in a statement to the Daily Press. "We will be reviewing their application once it is complete and providing updated information regarding Sentara to both [Chesapeake] and the Commissioner of Health."

3. As a result of the collaboration, Sentara asked Virginia legislators to nix a bill the two organizations had quarrelled over. The bill would require healthcare operations with both medical facilities and an insurance division to include any city- or county-owned hospitals in its networks. Sentara, which has that organizational structure, would have been affected by the legislation.

More articles on transactions/valuation:

How ASCs could benefit from domestic medical tourism: 4 things to know

Physician burnout in the US & Europe: 19 statistics

The mindset blocking ASC owners & surgeons from financial success  3 takeawaysPhiladelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedics partnered with ASC platform company NueHealth and MUVE Health, a developer and operator of total joint and spine centers, to integrate their models and platforms.

Five things to know:

1. The three companies are forming a joint venture designed to expand, replicate and scale the success the partners have already seen in the greater Philadelphia market. Rothman currently has more than 200 physicians and 40 locations, and operates 45 surgical sites in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

2. The partnership will expand and integrate their platforms beyond their current markets; they are currently assessing opportunities with orthopedic practices and health systems in Florida, Texas and the Midwest.

3. In addition to expanding west, the partnership will increase capability and technology platforms in the greater Philadelphia and tri-state region, adding five-to-seven MUVE Health total joint and spine centers over the next two years. The partnering centers will focus on high quality, value-based care and work with payers and employers in the region.

4. Rothman estimates its physicians will perform more than 85,000 surgical and pain management procedures in 2019, and most will be performed in high-quality surgical facilities.

"The vision of Rothman Orthopaedics has always been to deliver a national platform to take orthopedic care to new levels of value and clinical excellence for our patients," said Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, president of Rothman Orthopaedics. "With the expansion of NueHealth and MUVE Health relationships, we can share the innovation, clinical performance and economic value we have created together over the past eight years with orthopedic physicians and health systems in key markets across the U.S. Combining our best-in-class clinical practice and ambulatory surgical platforms will accelerate the transformation into value-based care and continue our commitment to developing new treatments, testing new devices and setting surgical standards in orthopedic care."

5. In 2017, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute signed an affiliation agreement with New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health to establish centers of excellence for orthopedic care and opened a practice in Manhattan last year.A representatives for the company that will be in charge of their children's education answered questions to assuage parents' fears during a Beaumont Independent School District community meeting at Fehl-Price Elementary School on Tuesday night.

Executive Director Ericka Johnson-Allen spoke on behalf of the Lewisville-based nonprofit charter management company, ResponsiveEd. She explained to parents what changes they and their children may see in the near future at Fehl-Price, which will soon be known as Fehl-Price Classical Academy.

> > BISD NEWS: Mourners pay last respects to Adams Elementary

"We're not going to throw the baby out with the bathwater," Johnson-Allen said. "If something works for these kids, we're going to keep it."

Johnson-Allen did, however, outline the new educational direction in which the school would be headed. Grammar, picture studies (a form of art education and skill development), core knowledge, phonics and leadership development are areas where students will focus while still studying the standard core curriculum.

The daily schedule of the school will remain the same, but the 2019 school year will have a different start date than the rest of BISD, Aug. 19 rather than Aug. 14, and dress codes will be tweaked, though every student will be given five free iron-on patches, courtesy of ResponsiveEd, to ensure they have the proper attire.

Johnson-Allen spoke of the other schools ResponsiveEd has recovered from improvement required status.

She is head of the Thrive initiative, part of the charter's Classical Academy branch, which aims to empower and encourage underserved schools that are not performing up to standard.

This was the fourth meeting hosted by BISD to educate parents and community members about their upcoming partnership between the two nonprofit charter school management organizations set to manage three of the district's struggling campuses.

> > BACKGROUND: Clock ticking on BISD's effort to avoid 3 campus closures

The charter operators have been brought in to improve the performance of the Fehl-Price and Jones Clark elementary campuses and Smith Middle School, all of which failed to meet Texas Education Agency standards for four or more consecutive years.

Their chronic "needs improvement" status puts the campuses at risk of being shut down by the state, but the intervention of the charters gives the district more time to preserve what BISD Associate Superintendent Shannon Allen and Johnson-Allen both called a "vital part of the community."

BISD maintains ownership of the campuses as in-district charters and provides all of the same services, such as transportation and meal-assistance programs, while ResponsiveED takes total control of the curriculum and educational approach and staffing.

The hope is ResponsiveEd's methodologies will bring Fehl-Price's performance to the standards set by the Texas Education Agency. Johnson-Allen said they have been successful at schools with demographics similar to those of Fehl-Price.

"These babies are just like your babies," she said to parents while showing the achievements of children in other schools under ResponsiveEd's Thrive program.

> > ICYMI: BISD principal reads bedtime stories to students via Facebook

"They look like your babies, talk like your babies and want love like your babies."

Johnson-Allen repeatedly expressed the pride she felt in the success of not only the schools she was working with but each individual child.

A similar agreement was reached between BISD and Phalen Leadership Academies, which will work with Jones Clark Elementary and Smith Middle schools.

The charter companies have three years to earn a "C" rating from the Texas Education Agency.

The three campuses currently have an "F" on the agency's A-through-F grading system. If ResponsiveEd or Phalen fails to achieve the goal, BISD can terminate their contract.

RepsonsiveEd opened its first school in 1999 and in the last 20 years has grown to more than 70 campuses in Texas and Arkansas. One such campus, Beaumont Classical Academy, is inside Triumph Church in the north end of Beaumont and functions as a traditional charter school outside BISD's control.



haley.bruyn@beaumont enterprise.com

twitter.com/HaleyWrites_BEVoters will have their say on the potential of casino betting in Texas after the Jefferson County Commission passed a resolution Tuesday that could bolster the chances of gambling legislation introduced by a local representative.

County Judge Jeff Branick, Commissioner Eddie Arnold and Commissioner Brent Weaver all voted in favor of the resolution that will place on the November ballot a question of whether the county should allow certain kinds of gaming if it becomes legal in Texas.

"Personally, I'm not a big fan of (gambling), but there are those that have complaints about tens of millions leaving Texas and going to Louisiana every year and think there should be outlets for that here," Branick said. "I'm OK with the people voting on it, and deciding what the recreational opportunities should be."

Commissioners Michael Sinegal and Everette "Bo" Alfred were not in attendance at the meeting.

Jefferson County is one of five counties specifically mentioned in a bill reintroduced by state Rep. Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont, that would authorize certain types of gambling and provide licenses for specific establishments. The bill would also use a portion of the tax revenue collected from gaming to provide relief on premiums for wind insurance in coastal counties.

> > RELATED: Bill would allow casino licenses in Jefferson County

Deshotel said his bill mentioned Galveston, Jefferson and Nueces counties specifically and the 2019 version of bill dedicated revenues to issues affecting those counties because they are adjacent to places where gambling is allowed right across their borders.

"The fact of the matter is, those issues legislators may worry about from bringing gambling are already present in these communities," Deshotel said.

"We have all the negative effects of gambling because it is so close, but none of the revenue."

> > PHOTOS: See Beaumont's first poker club

The bill would allow only nine licenses to be issued, including three split among Bexar and Harris counties, and specifies that some of those licenses must go to facilities based on horse or greyhound racing.

Deshotel introduced a similar bill that was defeated last session, but the revenue in that version was only allocated to the state's general fund.

The current bill, House Bill 494, hasn't been assigned to a committee yet, but casinos won't be rolling into Texas immediately even if it is passed.

Once signed by the governor, a constitutional provision would have to be voted on in order to allow gaming throughout the state.

Deshotel has filed an amendment that would put the question of gaming on the November 2019 ballot statewide if his bill is signed into law.



jacob.dick@beaumont enterprise.com

Twitter.com/jdickjournalismCongress will definitely consider a resolution overriding Trumps emergency declaration. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

It is generally assumed by every observer  including the president himself  that his national emergency declaration will be snared in the courts for a while, at least initially, and perhaps until the case reaches the Supreme Court. But there is another avenue whereby Trumps effort to move money into his border wall project could be stopped: a joint congressional resolution disapproving of the declaration.

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The 1976 National Emergencies Act under which Trump has made his declaration originally provided for a House legislative veto that could terminate any particular emergency. But in 1983 the Supreme Court declared such legislative vetoes a violation of the separation of powers, so now, Congress must past a joint resolution to force the end of an emergency, and the president can veto it.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer have made it clear that a resolution of disapproval will be among the weapons Democrats will deploy to fight the emergency declaration; a draft resolution is already being circulated by representatives Joaquin Castro of Texas and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. It is generally assumed that such a resolution will clear the House easily, perhaps with some Republican support (particularly among pro-military conservatives concerned about the precedent Trump is setting for raids on military construction projects). And the Hill counts no fewer than ten Senate Republicans (Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, Lamar Alexander, Cory Gardner, Marco Rubio, Mitt Romney, Mike Lee, Jerry Moran, and Rand Paul) who have given enough indications that they disagree with Trumps action to make them likely candidates for votes in favor of a disapproval resolution.

But even if all ten split with Trump and all 47 Democrats vote for the resolution as well, they will still be nine votes short of the two-thirds majority necessary to override a presidential veto, which the White House has made clear that Trump will issue (as his first veto, actually) if necessary.

So Congress wont be able to end the declared emergency through legislation. But the fight and any Republican defections would be sufficiently embarrassing to Trump and to the GOP that Democrats will pursue this avenue aggressively.The bond for an Orange County man who allegedly killed his 2-year-old daughter Tuesday morning has been set at $2 million, according to information from the 128th District Court in Orange.

Yovahnis Roque, 26, has been charged with capital murder, which is allowed in the state of Texas if the victim is under the age of 10.Morocco has signed the Brussels Declaration on the Ocean and Climate Change, which reaffirms the outcomes of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related UN Ocean Conference as well as the Because the Ocean Declaration.

The document was signed by State Secretary for Sustainable Development, Nezha El Ouafi, on Tuesday in the Belgian capital, on the sidelines of the first high-level Conference on Climate Change and Oceans Preservation.

The Brussels Declaration recognizes the importance of cooperative ocean, climate and biodiversity related actions, both at regional and multilateral level, in fora and conventions (UNEP, UNCLOS, UNBCD, Ramsar)

It also calls for the duly review of the IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate and for taking its pathways into consideration. The Declaration appeals on all UNFCCC Parties to join the Oceans Pathway Partnership, and urges all Parties to the Paris Agreement to start preparations of their NDCs to be submitted by 2020.

The Brussels Declaration goes in line with the efforts made by Morocco in the areas of marine conservation, the fight against climate change and the development of renewable energies, commented MAP.

Addressing the high-level Conference, Nezha El Ouafi stressed Moroccos voluntarist and proactive policy regarding the integration of renewable energies into its national energy mix.

The policies Morocco has so far implemented, thanks to the Sovereigns farsightedness, reflect its irreversible and strategic choice ensuring a close link between renewable energy and economic and social development, she was quoted by MAP as saying.

The conference, moderated by Marie Christine Marghem, Belgian federal minister of energy, environment, and sustainable development, unfolded at the level of two panels on Climate change and impact on Ocean biodiversity, and How to conciliate Ocean energy with Marine conservation. It offered participants an opportunity to take a stance on the marine environment and reiterate their commitment to limit the adverse impact of global warming on the oceans.

The Climate Change Performance Index for 2019 ranked Morocco as the second-best performing country following Sweden, which topped the ranking.

Morocco improved its climate change policy significantly as shown in the index, with a considerable increase in renewable energy capacity and with low greenhouse gas emission levels and energy use.

Despite delays in implementing national policies, Morocco could be a policy frontrunner internationally with its long-term strategy for 2050, according to the CCPI.GROUPS THAT RELEASED STATEMENT ON MESA VERDE

Northern California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (NCCIJ)

Northern California Rapid Response and Immigrant Defense Network (NCRRIDN)

Freedom for Immigrants

ACLU of California

African Advocacy Network

Alianza Sacramento

Arab Resource and Organizing Center

Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach

Block by Block Organizing Network, Oakland

California Sanctuary Campaign

Building Healthy Communities Kern

Canal Alliance

Center for Gender & Refugee Studies - California

Central American Resource Center of Northern CA

Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative (CVIIC)

Cid and Macedo Inc.

Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County Inc.

Community Justice Alliance

Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto

California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) Foundation

Democratic Women of Kern

Dolores Street Community Services

Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin

Faith in the Valley

Greenfield Walking Group

Humboldt Rapid Response Network

Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)

Immigration Center for Women and Children

Immigration Task Force, Rapid Response Network of Monterey County

Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice

Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity

International Institute of the Bay Area

Jakara Movement

Kern Welcoming and Extending Solidarity to Immigrants

Kids in Need of Defense

La Raza Centro Legal, San Francisco

La Raza Community Resource Center

LAGAI -- Queer Insurrection

Latinos United for a New America aka LUNA

Law Office of Emilio J. Huerta

Law Office of Helen Lawrence

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area

Legal Services for Children

Lideres Campesinas en California inc,

Monterey County Rapid Response Network

NorCal Resist

North Bay Rapid Response Network: Solano, Napa and Sonoma Counties

Northern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association

Open Immigration Legal Services

Pacifica Social Justice

Pajaro Valley Rapid Response

Peninsula Temple Beth El

Radio Bilingue, Inc.

Rapid Response Network in Santa Clara County, CA

Rapid Response Network of Kern

Sacramento ACT

Sacramento Immigration Coalition

Sacred Heart Community Service

San Diego Rapid Response Network

Services, Immigrant Rights & Education Network (SIREN)

Sisters of Mercy

Social Justice Collaborative

STEP UP! Sacramento

Tahirih Justice Center

The Justice & Diversity Center of The Bar Association of San Francisco

The Sacramento Family Unity, Education, and Legal (FUEL) Network

UFW Foundation

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood City (UUFRC) Social Action Committee

University of San Francisco Immigration & Deportation Defense Clinic

Upper Kern Democratic Club

Valley Watch, Rapid Response Network

Vision y Compromiso

Watsonville Law Center

Womens March Kern CountyALMOND PRODUCTION IN KERN COUNTY

Almonds grown in Kern County brought farmers $1.26 billion in 2017, the most recent year for which data are available. That total was up 53 percent from five years before.

Total acreage devoted to the nut in 2017 was up about 52 percent countywide as compared with 2012, county records show. Of the 225,520 acres set aside for almonds in 2017, about 95 percent bore nuts.You can reach Sam Morgen at 661-395-7415 or smorgen@bakersfield.com. You may also follow him on Twitter @smorgenTBC.UTRECHT, the Netherlands, February 20, 2019 / B3C newswire / -- Sapreme Technologies, a privately-held biotech company developing a technology platform to enable the cytosolic delivery of macromolecule therapeutics, has been awarded a 6.8 M grant together with a multidisciplinary consortium including 11 other academic and industrial parties. The grant was provided by the European Union (EU) through Horizon 2020 to develop a non-viral based gene therapy using Sapremes proprietary endosomal escape enhancers.

Ruben Postel, CSO of Sapreme Technologies, We are pleased to see that the EU has recognized the great potential of the ENDOSCAPE project and the expert multi-disciplinary consortium developing a novel oligonucleotide delivery technology for treatment of cancer and haemophilia patients

Ernst Geutjes, acting Managing Director, The fact that the EU awarded the proposal with the maximum score demonstrates the potential of Sapremes proprietary endosomal escape enhancement technology as well as the exceptional quality of the proposal and the consortium spearheaded by Sapreme and Charite  Universitatsmedizin Berlin

About Sapreme Technologies

Sapreme was founded in 2016 by Aglaia Oncology Fund II. The company develops new technologies within the field of macromolecule therapeutics such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and oligonucleotide-based therapeutics for treatment of cancer and other diseases. Endolysosomal trapping is a major hurdle in drug target engagement for oligonucleotide-based therapeutics and a number of ADCs. Sapreme develops a proprietary technology which improves escape of macromolecule therapeutics from endolysosomes (ENDOSCAPE). The technology is based on intellectual property originating from the Charite  Universitatsmedizin Berlin and Freie Universitat Berlin, which discovered a class of non-immunogenic saponins. These glycosylated triterpenoids can selectively permeabilize endo-lysosomal membranes to enhance endosomal escape of trapped cargo without affecting plasma membrane integrity in a pH-dependent manner.

About the ENDOSCAPE consortium

The ENDOSCAPE consortium consists of a strong consortium of public and private organizations with complimentary expertise in biotechnology, chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, metabolic engineering, phytochemistry, health-economics and project management.

Contact



Sapreme Technologies

Ruben Postel, PhD

+31(0)30-7600976

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.



Ernst Geutjes, PhD

+31 (0)30 2296090

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published by B3C newswire and shared through Newronic

Jason Barry is best known for his Dirty Dining Report which airs Fridays at 6:30 p.m. on CBS 5. He is also the storyteller behind CBS 5's Pay It Forward which airs every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.Several African and European officials as well as international experts commended the Blue Belt initiative, launched by Morocco at COP 22 in Marrakech, which aimed at establishing a platform for action to promote fisheries in Africa.

The relevance of this initiative was highlighted at a high-level conference held on Tuesday in Agadir under the theme The Blue Belt, a platform for action to promote the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in Africa.

Participants in this international meeting, convened on the eve of the 5th edition of the Halieutis Show, held in Agadir February 21-24, underlined the strategic dimension of the Blue Belt initiative, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN.

The meeting also shed light on the various aspects of the Moroccan initiative, which provides for many tools to ensure the sustainability of resources, preserve ecosystems, promote scientific research, and enhance the value of seafood products.

The initiative also seeks to ensure food security for the Africa peoples, create more jobs, and generate wealth.

Delegates and experts from several countries took part in the conference, including from Russia, Norway, Spain, Portugal, France, Cote dIvoire, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Togo.

Representatives of the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); and several research institutes specialized in oceanographic studies also attended the conference.

The Blue Belt Initiative, announced at Oceans Day at COP22 (Nov.2016), is meant to boost sustainable fisheries and bolster coastal resilience to climate change.

During the event, Morocco had pledged to take part in the creation of marine protected areas in keeping with its efforts to bolster sustainable development of three Moroccan wetlands on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.

Oceans protection is part of Moroccos environmental engagement, which is a key component of public policies.In this July 14, 2006, file photo, Elias Bermudez, lower right, kneels before then-Sheriff Joe Arpaio at a protest over the lawman's immigration crackdowns. Bermudez, who led the pro-immigrant group Immigrants Without Borders, is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, in Phoenix for a felony conviction stemming from his tax preparation business.By Abdul Kerimkhanov

Russia is the leading trading partner of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz-Russian cooperation is multidimensional in nature, characterized by the proximity of approaches to international and regional affairs, focusing on the development of Eurasian integration processes.

Over 1,600 projects worth more than $ 300 million were financed through the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, said the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, during a meeting with residents of the Kadamzhai district of the Batken region.

As he noted, the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund financed over 1,600 projects. In general, more than $300 million was spent. Of these, more than 50 percent are directed to the processing industry and the agro-industrial complex.

The rate on loans for crop and livestock production was 10 percent per annum, for processing - 6 percent, for horticulture and livestock - 8 percent per annum.

In addition, funds allocated by the State Guarantee Fund increased by three times, guarantees for 755 million soms ($10.8 million) were issued for 656 projects.

The guarantee fund together with partner banks doubled the issuance of agricultural loans in the regions, as a result, they issued loans totaling approximately 3 billion soms ($43 million).

80 percent of the financial resources aimed at supporting entrepreneurship went to Bishkek and Chui regions, while other regions went unheeded. Now we are paying attention to the villages. If small and medium businesses develop in the regions, there will be a stable economy, taxes will be received, jobs will be created, migration will be reduced, said Jeenbekov.

He noted that this problem is closely related to the activities of the regions heads, districts and ayil okmotu.

We must try to attract funds to the countryside, through the Guarantee Fund it is necessary to take over the processing industry. Especially the local authorities should support those who export products, the president stressed.

The head of state emphasized that the work on the regions development will not be stopped, it will be continued in 2019, adding that rural development will remain a priority of state policy even in 2020.

As he noted, the development of regions is considered a priority issue, specific cases of regional development will be continued.

To this end, 2019 has been declared the Year of Regional Development and Digitalization of the Country.

Diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and Russia were established on March 20, 1992.

Kyrgyzstan has traditionally close relations with Russia - both countries are strategic partners, are included in such organizations and associations as the SCO, CSTO and the EEU.

Russia and Kyrgyzstan interact in the framework of such associations as the CIS, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Kyrgyzstan joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on August 12, 2015, of which Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Armenia are also members.

Russia's exports to Kyrgyzstan include following types of goods: mineral products; food products and agricultural raw materials; metals and products from them; chemical industry products; machinery, equipment and vehicles; wood and pulp and paper products; textiles and footwear.

The structure of Russian imports consists of cars, equipment and vehicles; metals and products from them; textiles and footwear; food products and agricultural raw materials; chemical industry products.

---

Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Abdul Kerimkhanov

Turkmenistan is one of the strategic partners of Belarus in Central Asia. At the same time, the priority direction of bilateral cooperation is mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation.

The Ambassador of Belarus to Turkmenistan Oleg Tabanyukhov and the management of CJSC BelAseptika discussed with the Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan Nurmuhammed Amannepesov the possibility of joint production of drugs at a meeting on February 18.

The sides discussed the state and prospects of development of the Belarusian-Turkmen cooperation in the field of health, as well as the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Representatives of both countries expressed interest in organizing mutual deliveries of herbal medicinal raw materials growing on their territory, other natural and synthetic components for the medicines production, as well as finished medical products.

A substantive conversation took place on the interaction of BelAseptika CJSC with the Turkmendermansenagat enterprises of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.

The parties expressed interest in the organization of mutual deliveries of herbal medicinal raw materials growing in the two countries, other natural and synthetic components for the production of medicines, as well as finished medical products.

CJSC "BelAseptika" and the management of "Turkmendermansenagat" plan to work out in detail the issue of creating a joint production of drugs.

Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Belarus were established on January 21, 1993.

Ashgabat is the most important strategic partner for Central Asia for Minsk. Now Turkmenistan, due to instability in the hydrocarbon market, has begun reformatting its national economy. Belarus is ready to support the transfer of the raw material economy of this country to an innovative track.

Among the main areas of cooperation between the two countries are agriculture, the processing industry, transport and education, as well as large-scale infrastructure projects.

The largest joint economic project in the history of the Belarusian-Turkmen relations was the construction of the largest industrial potash fertilizer giant in Central Asia - the Garlyk Mining and Processing Plant. It was opened in the presence of the two countries presidents on March 31, 2017.

BelAseptika has been an active member of the International Hospital Hygiene Forum with headquarters in Germany since 1999.

Today, BelAseptika is the leading Belarusian manufacturer in its industry. The company produces a wide range of professional antiseptics, disinfectants, detergents and cleaning products - for health care organizations, education, food industry, utilities, agriculture and many other areas of human activity.

---

Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Iran's Ambassador to Belarus and Belarus Deputy Foreign Minister met and conferred on Tuesday, and emphasized on the ways to expand cooperation between Tehran and Minsk, Trend reports citing IRNA.

Mustafa Oveysi met and conferred with Andre Dapk Yonous on the most important issues and bilateral cooperation in the political and economic spheres.

Plans to schedule the exchange of high-level and expert delegations between the two countries to hold a meeting of the Political Consultative Committee between the Iranian and Belarus foreign ministries were also among other issues.

Expressing his congratulation on the occasion of the anniversary of the National Day of the Islamic Republic, the Belarus Deputy Foreign Minister also expressed wish for peace, progress and success for the Iranian government and nation.

Belarus became independent in 1991 after the collapse of the communist Soviet Union.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Russian carmaker Avtovaz is negotiating the sales of its cars with Iran, Viktor Kladov, director for International Cooperation and Regional Policy of Russias state corporation Rostec, told reporters on the sidelines of the AERO INDIA 2019 exhibition, Trend reports via TASS news agency.



"Avtovaz has been assembling its cars in Egypt," he said. "Negotiations are underway with a number of other countries, such as Iran."

"I mean both the sales and the assembling," the Russian official added.

Export sales of the carmakers Lada brand grew by 57 percent, to 38,050 cars last year. Avtovaz Vice-President for Sales and Marketing Jan Ptacek said that the cars were sold in 34 countries, including Turkey, Tunisia, Chile and Cuba. For the first time in 2018, Lada Vesta became the leader in export sales (30 percent of sales), whereas previously it was Lada 4x4, he added.

Sales of Lada are mainly aimed at the CIS countries. Thus, 26,305 cars were sold in Kazakhstan, Belarus and Uzbekistan in 2018.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

A Turkmen delegation is on a working visit to Madrid, Spain, to study business partnership prospects, Trend reports with reference to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry Feb. 19.

As part of the visit, meetings with secretary general for agriculture and food industry of Spain, heads of the companies TYPSA, Cobra and Amiantit took place.

The partnership in agriculture and industry was discussed.

Such areas as construction, energy, gas processing, creation of industrial, transport and social infrastructure were earlier called promising directions of the Turkmen-Spanish partnership.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzSouthern Utilities Limited, a member of LMI Holdings, Helius Power Company plans to build and operate a rooftop solar power plant in the Tema Free Zones Enclave in Ghana.

The plant will be approximately 12 MW photovoltaic to be located on the 92,000sqm roof space of Mega Warehouse owned by the International Warehouse Company, a subsidiary of LMI Holdings.

Helius Power Company has invited contractors to submit proposals for pre-qualification for the implementation of the 12 MW plant.

Successful contractors will be able to get involved in the manufacturing, installation process, testing, commissioning and bringing into commercial operation of the Rooftop Solar Power PV plant, Helius Power Company said.

Pre-qualification is open to all eligible applicants and will be conducted through internationally accepted guidelines and practices, it said.

Ghanas Minister of Information, Mustapha Abdul Hamid last year announced a Solar Rooftop Program to install around 200 MW of rooftop solar capacity throughout the country.

The program, which was dubbed Government Goes Solar, will ensure that governmental institutions switch to renewable energy to reduce expenditure on utilities, Abdul Hamid explained.

Ghana, whose National Energy Policy is targeting 10% coverage of electricity production with renewables by 2020, is in desperate need of increased electricity capacity. Approximately 30% of its population has no access to power.By Trend

The World Bank (WB) plans to provide Uzbek Government with an additional $500 million to support the budget, Trend reports via RIA Novosti.

WB Board of Directors intends to consider the issue of providing a new loan in May this year.

Uzbek Senate in December 2018 approved the state budget for 2019 with a deficit of 1.1 percent of GDP, or 4.5 trillion soums (about $540 million). The revenue part of the budget is planned to provide 24.2 percent of GDP, or 102.6 trillion soums (about $12.4 billion); expenses are planned to be 25.3 percent of GDP, or 107.4 trillion soums ($12.9 billion).

Uzbek Ministry of Finance reports state that to cover the state budget deficit, in addition to domestic sources, loans of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank will be attracted for the first time.

The ministry's forecasts underline that the budget deficit is planned to be reduced to 0.1 percent of GDP in 2020-2021.

In July 2018, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov told reporters that the World Bank and ADB provided the country with $800 million in budget support to prevent its deficit from growing in the short term. In particular, the WB allocated $500 million and ADB provided $300 million.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

The Russian Helicopters holding (part of state corporation Rostec) will begin deliveries of Ansat helicopters to China this year, Viktor Kladov, head of international cooperation and regional policy department at Rostec told TASS at the IDEX 2019 international defense exhibition, Trend reports referring to TASS.

The contract for the supply of 20 Ansat helicopters was signed in November 2018 at the Airshow China exhibition, he added.

"At the last exhibition in the Chinese Zhuhai, the holding signed a contract for the supply of 20 Ansat helicopters with medical modules to Chinas Association of Emergency Medicine, the first vehicles will be shipped in 2019," he said.

The helicopters will be handed to the customer in a multipurpose configuration. Earlier the holding noted that the Ansat helicopters equipped with a medical module can be used for first aid, emergency evacuation of patients, in particular in hard-to-reach areas.

In Russia, Ansat helicopters are used in air ambulance. Since 2017, 11 such helicopters have been delivered to regional services, and another seven will be handed over by the end of the year. In September, the holding signed a contract for the supply of 104 medical Ansats for the Russian National Air Ambulance Service.

Ansat is a light two-engine multirole helicopter serially produced by Kazan Helicopter Plant. It can be quickly transformed into a cargo or a passenger option to carry seven people. The vehicle can be applied in transport, passenger and medical aviation.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

There has been an increase in the number of countries showing solidarity with FATF and adhering to its recommendations, Pedram Soltani, First Vice President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), told Ibena, Trend reports.

Soltani said that this issue has further complicated ways for Iran to avoid sanctions.

According to Soltani, during the previous sanctions (2009), Iran's trade partners, such as China, the UAE, Turkey and Russia, did not fully implement the FATF framework.

Soltani stated, however, that an increase in the number of various countries beginning to implement FATFs recommendations is being witnessed.

FATF (Financial Action Task Force) is an intergovernmental organization that enforces international standards for combating money and property laundering, financing terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Two of the four FATF bills have been approved in Iran. Two others  namely, Palermo and CFT bills  are awaiting approvals.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

YouTube, VKontakte and Facebook have become accessible in Uzbekistan.

However, Facebook loads very slowly, Trend reports via the Uzbek media.

Mass problems with accessing Facebook in Uzbekistan for the first time began on September 4-12 last year. The second time the social network became unavailable in Uzbekistan on September 17 and remained as such until today. It was possible to use the popular social network only via VPN.

YouTube became unavailable a month later, from October 4, 2018. For some time the service was accessible only through official mobile applications.

Authorities were silent for almost three months regarding the problems with Facebook and YouTube. Only at the end of November last year, Alisher Zufarov, head of the sales and service development department of UzbekTelecom, said the company is working to solve the problem.

He explained difficulties in accessing Facebook and YouTube with the first ever change of cryptographic key that serves as protection for the Domain Name System (DNS), which was reported by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

We are closely involved in solving this problem and will immediately notify everyone as soon as we get results. No one doubts that this problem can be solved with time. In special cases, technologies dictate their own rules. We count on your understanding, Zufarov stressed.

In his turn, Olimjon Umarov, first deputy minister for the development of information technologies and communications, said the ministry is working to resolve this issue together with the national operator and other agencies.

It should be noted that ministries, administrations and other government agencies, as well as members of the government and heads of state agencies over the past months continued to actively publish news and statements on Facebook and upload videos on YouTube.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Abdul Kerimkhanov

Uzbekistan is interested in developing cooperation with Hungary within the EU and is ready to continue multilateral work on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia, based on the principles of mutual respect and trust.

The delegation of Uzbekistan visited Hungary from on February 12-15, 2019 to familiarize with the legislation in the field of atomic energy.

The delegation included deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, representatives of the Agency "Uzatom" and the media, the press service of the Agency "Uzatom" reports.

During the visit, a meeting was held with the Vice-Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament (National Assembly) Istvan Jakab.

He stressed that the Hungarian Government regards Uzbekistan as an important strategic partner in Central Asia. Meanwhile, the opening in 2017 of the Hungarian Embassy in Tashkent was an important step in the development of relations between the two countries.

The Vice Speaker added that Inter-Parliamentary relations are an important area of cooperation, which presented the role of the Chamber in regulating the development of nuclear energy.

In turn, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis Boriy Alikhanov noted that Uzbekistan attaches great importance to the further deepening of the strategic partnership with Hungary in the development of nuclear energy.

The parties reached an agreement on the further development of parliamentary exchange and inter-parliamentary relations, including in the study of Hungarian legislation and experience in the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, as well as the exchange of experience between the authorities of the two countries.

Negotiations were also held with the minister without portfolio Janos Schuli, responsible for the Paks-2 NPP project, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Hungary Andrea Beatrix Kadar, Director General of the Hungarian atomic energy regulator Gyula Fichtinger and others.

The Paks-2 NPP project is associated with an increasing need for electricity in Hungary. The site for the construction of the Paks-2 NPP selected a place near the Paks-1 NPP, on the bank of the Danube River.

In 2014, the regulator issued a license to conduct surveys at the site of the Paks-2 nuclear power plant and obtained a license to select the site of the new NPP.

Currently, the project is at the stage of obtaining a license for a new NPP construction. To implement this project, an Intergovernmental Agreement was signed with Russia on the construction of nuclear power plants.

The Hungarian side stressed that the Water-water power reactor-1200 generation 3+ of the Russian design was chosen because of the quality and safety.

There was also an acquaintance with the training center of the Paks-1 NPP, which is fully equipped with real reactors and other equipment similar to those used in the NPP.

This center, created with the support of the IAEA, is used to train personnel at nuclear power plants and other departments in Hungary, conduct various tests and studies, and train personnel from other countries.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed their intention to develop joint cooperation in the application of innovative technologies, exchange of experience and conducting scientific and practical seminars and trainings.

From the delegations side, a number of proposals were submitted for consideration, including assistance to Hungary in the creation of an educational and information center for atomic energy in Uzbekistan, assistance in teaching Uzbek students in universities in Hungary.

Parties reached an agreement on establishing cooperation in the field of the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.

Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Hungary were established on March 3, 1992.

A meeting of the Uzbek-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission will be held in Budapest on March 5-6, 2019, which will form the conditions and basis for the development of cooperation between the countries.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

The 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council has kicked off at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the meeting.

The participants in the event include energy ministers from the Southern Gas Corridor member-states and representatives of a number of organizations, as well as European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources, acting co-chair of SGC Advisory Council Gunther Oettinger.

Prior to the meeting a joint photo was taken.

President Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the event.

European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources, acting co-chair of SGC Advisory Council Gunther Oettinger then addressed the event.

The meeting continues with plenary sessions.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Leman Mammadova

Romania and Azerbaijan enjoy excellent relations and a strong energy partnership. Romania particularly appreciates the active participation of Azerbaijan in the joint efforts to increase Europe's energy security, as well as the decisive role in the development of the Southern Gas Corridor.

The prospects of Romania's joining the Southern Gas Corridor were discussed.

The delegation of State Secretary of the Romanian Ministry of Energy Iulian-Robert Tudorache, representatives of the Romanian companies Transgaz and Romgaz, visited Azerbaijans Energy Ministry.

Tudorache said that he is participating in the ministerial meeting as part of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council for the second time, and mentioned his countrys support for this project.

The state secretary said that the Interconnector Bulgaria-Romania and the BRUA project will play an important role in the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor to Central Asia in the future. He also said that Romania is interested in becoming part of the Southern Gas Corridor in the future through these projects.

Energy Minister of Azerbaijan Parviz Shahbazov highly appreciated this position of Romania and spoke about the prospects for expanding the Southern Gas Corridor by increasing its capacity in the future. The minister said that the project being implemented by Azerbaijan will allow diversifying the main export directions for producing and importing countries - for consumers in the future.

During the conversation, confidence was expressed that the strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Romania will serve the interests of both countries in the energy sector.

At the meeting, the sides also discussed the possibility of cooperation of the Romanian energy companies with Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR.

Romgaz is the largest natural gas producer and the main supplier in Romania. The main shareholder is the Romanian State owing a 70 percent stake.

Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR has played an important role in the Romanian distribution market since 2011 through its subsidiary SOCAR Petroleum S.A.. The company has 40 filling stations in 18 Romanian regions.

ROMGAZ and TRANSGAZ, two of the most important Romanian companies in the natural gas sector, have long-standing cooperation relationships with SOCAR.

Recently, SOCAR has expressed its interest in cooperation with Romanias ROMGAZ company in exploration and production of gas in the Black Sea, while Romanian company voiced its intention to cooperate with SOCAR both on the onshore area of Azerbaijan and on the offshore area in the Caspian Sea as well.

Romania and Azerbaijan also cooperate in the implementation of AGRI (Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania Interconnector) energy project which is aimed at diversifying the energy supply sources of the European Union and involves the transport of Azerbaijani natural gas to Romania and Central Europe.

AGRI project envisages transportation of Azerbaijani gas to the Black Sea coast of Georgia via gas pipelines. Azerbaijani gas delivered to Georgia's Black Sea coast will be liquefied at a special terminal and following this, it will be delivered in tankers to a terminal at the Romanian port of Constanta.

AGRI highlights the important contribution that liquefied natural gas (LNG) could bring to the EUs energy security in line with the objectives of the European Commission Strategy for LNG and natural gas deposits.

Furthermore, AGRI may be considered as additional supply route for the BRUA interconnector (which is expected to connect the natural gas transmission systems between Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria) currently under execution. The countries, engaged in the BRUA project may take over some of the gas volumes that could be available through the Southern Corridor's infrastructure.

Earlier, Romanias Transgaz company and Azerbaijans SOCAR signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that envisages strengthening cooperation in the gas transportation, studying opportunities to use Romanias potential in the gas transit and distribution at the expense of gas supplies from Azerbaijan, the Caspian region and other promising directions, jointly studying the possibilities of cooperation in the supply and trading of natural gas and LNG in the Romanian market on the basis of long-term contracts and spot trading as part of the AGRI project.

The MoU signed with the view of joint participation in projects of wide regional interest and in the context of linking the Southern Gas Corridor to the Vertical Corridor. Once the link between the Southern Gas Corridor and the Vertical Gas Corridor will be physically established, Caspian gas volumes could be delivered to the Romanian, to the neighboring and to the Central European gas markets.

Romania has been the first EU Member State to establish a Strategic Partnership with Azerbaijan in 2009 that provided both countries with a solid framework to develop the bilateral contacts and cooperation in various fields.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority projects for the EU and envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.

Perhaps this is one of the most ambitious projects in the world of oil and gas industry, as well as a complex target that involves a large number of different stakeholders - including seven governments and 11 companies.

At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzTrend's exclusive interview with Bulgaria's Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova on the occasion of the 5th meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council in Baku

Question: Recently you had a meeting with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, during which very fruitful discussion were held on cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria in the energy sphere. How could you highlight the significance of these talks?

Answer: The meeting with Minister Mammadyarov was very fruitful and we discussed a number of aspects of our bilateral cooperation. The main themes were the supply of Azerbaijan natural gas to Bulgaria and the development of regional and EU gas projects, such as the Southern Gas Corridor, the IGB, and the regional gas hub Balkan. The meeting preceded the very successful fifth meeting of the Bulgarian-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental commission for economic co-operation in Sofia, on 6 and 7 November 2018. I would like to underline that Azerbaijan is a strategic partner for us, with whom we want to develop long-term cooperation. Historically, our two peoples have always enjoyed traditional friendly relations. Political relations between the two countries are at the level of strategic partnership and we think that it is time they develop into a fruitful economic partnership. In the field of energy, we have an excellent partnership, particularly with regard to the supply of Azerbaijan natural gas to Bulgaria and the region of Southeast Europe. For us, it is extremely important to ensure the supply of the contracted 1 bcm /year of Azerbaijan natural gas for Bulgaria from the second phase of the gas field Shah Deniz. The strategic energy partnership between the two countries includes the supply of Azerbaijan natural gas to Bulgaria from the Southern Gas Corridor, future joint supply of Azerbaijan natural gas through the territory of Bulgaria to other countries of the region, via the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria, the existing gas transmission system of Bulgartransgaz EAD and the project for regional Balkan gas hub. We expect Azerbaijan to be one of the key natural gas suppliers for Balkan gas hub. Another opportunity we explore is to intensify the cooperation in SOCARs investment in the gas distribution sector in Bulgaria.

I would like to emphasize once again that Bulgaria has always supported the development of the Southern Gas Corridor, as the country is an integral part of it through the project for Interconnector Greece Bulgaria. In this connection, the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy has provided its institutional support for SOCAR's application for grants under the EU Connecting Europe Facility for the implementation of specific activities on TANAP, with which the Bulgarian side effectively supports the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor.

Q.: The Interconnector Greece - Bulgaria project is going on at full speed with tender procedures on stream. How could you describe the role of this project in turning Bulgaria into an energy hub?

A.: The Interconnector Greece- Bulgaria is a key project for Bulgaria and the countries of the region. The construction of the Interconnector Greece  Bulgaria aims to ensure diversification not only of routes but also of natural gas sources for Bulgaria and the region. Through IGB, as part of the development of the Southern Gas Corridor, Bulgaria and its neighbouring countries will have access to alternative supplies from the Caspian region and from the existing and future LNG terminals. The project provides infrastructure for the transport of natural gas from the Southern gas corridor and ensures security of supply for Bulgaria and SEE. It is defined by the EC as a Project of common interest and is included in the list of priority projects of CESEC.

The implementation of the project is also strategically important due to the many opportunities for connection with other major energy projects. The project creates connectivity opportunities and is in synergy with other future projects in the region, such as the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis in northern Greece and the EastMed gas pipeline project, which will provide gas supplies from the Eastern Mediterranean - from the offshore gas fields of Israel and Cyprus, and in the future from Egypt. IGB is of strategic importance for the implementation of the Vertical Gas Corridor, supported by the EC, connecting the networks of Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Hungary. The project will seriously contribute to the development of the concept of the Bulgarian country for the implementation of the key regional Balkan gas hub. The implementation of the gas hub also creates opportunities for the transport of Azerbaijan natural gas through the gas interconnector Greece  Bulgaria, the gas-transmission system of Bulgartransgaz EAD, the new infrastructure of the gas hub and the remaining interconnections  to Romania, Serbia and Macedonia and to their neighbouring countries respectively.

To provide supplies for the hub from different sources, Bulgaria will be involved through Bulgartransgaz as a shareholder in the construction of the LNG terminal near Alexandroupolis. The decision was taken at the end of last year. Thus we will also be able to provide supplies from more distant destinations, including the USA.

The project company ICGB is currently actively working to complete the tender procedures for selection of line-pipe supplier, EPC and owners engineer. We expect these activities to be finalized successfully in May this year. We plan to start the construction of IGB immediately afterwards and to end it in 2020 in synergy with the launch of TAP, with the aim of ensuring 1 bcm per year under the long term contract with the Consortium Shah Deniz. The issues of the structure and the sources of financing of the project are fully resolved.

I would like to share that on 21.12.2018. ICGB signed a contract with the Managing Authority of the Operational Programme Innovation and Competitiveness for the award of a grant of EUR 39 million under the project for construction of the interconnector Greece  Bulgaria.

Q.: At what stage is the implementation of the project for expansion of Chiren underground gas storage facility in the country? Is Bulgaria still interested in Azerbaijani SOCAR's participation? Are you holding talks on this issue?

A.: The expansion of the capacity of the underground gas storage facility in Chiren is important for our country's energy security and is in synergy with the regional gas hub Balkan. Technical studies are currently being carried out before the actual expansion of the storage capacity of UGS Chiren which will start with new drillings and construction of the ground infrastructure. Its capacity is estimated to reach up to 1 bcm with a daily withdrawal capacity of up to 10 million cubic metres. The involvement of SOCAR that has exclusive experience and expertise in such activities in future tenders for the expansion of UGS Chiren is welcomed by the Bulgarian side.

Bulgaria closely monitors the forecasts for consumption on the regional and European gas markets and is involved in the development of important gas projects. Over 30 years our country has been the gas hub in SEE and it intends to maintain and expand its position as a main transporter of natural gas in the region, through the implementation of new interconnectors with Greece, Serbia and Turkey, the infrastructure of the regional Balkan gas hub, including through the expansion of the capacity of UGS Chiren.

Q.: How do you assess the possibility for SOCAR's investing in household gas supply in Bulgaria? How could Bulgaria benefit from this? Are you ready to hold talks on this matter?

A.: As you know, Azerbaijan's interest in the gasification of Bulgarian cities was announced at the meeting in Baku between Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in January 2018. The Azerbaijan state oil company has successfully invested in this sector in Georgia and we will be pleased if the company transfers its experience in Bulgaria as well.

In 2018, we held fruitful discussions and conversations with SOCAR representatives on the opportunities to participate in the development of the gasification in Bulgaria. In particular, it is about investments by the Azerbaijan state oil company in gas distribution and mainly in household gas supply, which has a huge potential for development in Bulgaria.

SOCAR is currently studying Bulgarian gas distribution sector. In this regard, at the end of last year, SOCAR announced a procedure for preparing a feasibility study on investment opportunities in the gas distribution sector in Bulgaria. In the case of positive results of the feasibility study, in the second half of this year, we expect SOCAR to start the first investments in the gas distribution in Bulgaria.

Q.: Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have entered into agreement on supply of 1 billion cubic meters of gas. How do you assess the possibility of increasing the volume in the future?

A.: The state gas company Bulgargaz EAD has concluded a delivery contract of 1 bcm /year with the Consortium Shah Deniz from the second phase of Azerbaijan gas field. In practice after 2020, the Azerbaijan natural gas from Shah Denniz 2 will meet about 25%-30% of the consumption of natural gas in Bulgaria, which is a serious share and will significantly increase our energy security and promote competition on the Bulgarian gas market.

In the future, in the presence of additional volumes of natural gas at competitive prices in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria would be interested in supplying additional volumes of Azerbaijan natural gas. Our countries could also make joint gas supplies for the countries of Southeast Europe using the well-developed Bulgarian gas network and the infrastructure of the future regional Balkan gas hub.

Taking into account the significant capacity of the Bulgarian gas transmission system, our country's multi-annual experience as a major gas transporter in the region and the strategic geographical location, Bulgaria, together with the European Commission, has developed a project for regional gas hub Balkan, which would have a crucial importance for Southeast European countries. The feasibility study, co-financed by the EC, has shown that this project is extremely important and economically advantageous for Bulgaria, SEE, the EU and the supplier countries. Taking into account the positive results of the feasibility study, we expect Azerbaijan to be one of the natural gas suppliers for the regional Balkan gas hub. The gas hub concept consists of two parts, the construction of an infrastructure and an operating gas exchange. In this connection, Bulgartransgaz registered at the beginning of the year a subsidiary Balkan gas hub EAD. The company will operate trading platforms for the needs of natural gas markets within Balkan gas hub. In synergy with the physical infrastructure of the hub, the necessary prerequisites for the construction of the first liquid physical and commercial gas hub in the region of Southeast Europe based in Bulgaria will be provided. We estimate in the future, up to 49% of the shares of Balkan gas hub EAD to be provided to other legal entities and individuals, such as gas distribution and gas network operators, licensed gas exchange operators and trade platform operators, employers' organizations, natural gas consumers, companies engaged in extraction and/or trade of gas, etc. This would contribute to the implementation of the Balkan gas hub concept and increase in the liquidity of the natural gas market in Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe.

I believe that the implementation of these key gas projects will further increase the capacity of the Bulgarian gas transmission system, thereby helping Bulgaria to maintain and expand its position on Europe's gas map. Accordingly, our strategic energy partnership and our joint projects will turn Azerbaijan into one of the main and reliable suppliers of natural gas, not only for the SEE, but also for the EU.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

The capacity of pipelines along the Southern Gas Corridor running from Azerbaijan to Europe could be expanded if and when additional volumes of gas become available, Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, BPs vice president for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, said.

That could be new sources of supply from Azerbaijan, from other fields, he told Reuters, Trend reports.

Aslanbeyli called the Shafag-Asiman gas field promising and said BP planned to drill the first exploration well there this year.

If everything is as promising as we expect, the Shafag-Asiman will actually have huge gas resources, which could be definitely comparable to Shah Deniz, he said.

He added that the company would drill two exploration wells in shallow waters off the Absheron peninsula and conduct testing exploration drilling on the Gobustan onshore oilfield later this year.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority projects for the EU and envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.

The launching ceremony of the first stage of the Southern Gas Corridor was held in Baku on May 29, 2018, while opening ceremony of TANAP was held on June 12, 2018 in the Turkish city of Eskisehir.

The gas from the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field has already gone through the first segment of the Southern Gas Corridor - from the Sangachal terminal to the expanded South Caucasus Pipeline.

Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) have been recently connected on the Turkish-Greek border.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Diplomacy Sandra Oudkirk, Trend reports with reference to the presidential press service.

President Aliyev emphasized that the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council featured fruitful discussions on successful implementation of the project.

Pointing to the completion of a number of major projects last year, the president underlined that new parties were also represented in todays meeting. He described this as a sign of growing interest in the project.

The president hailed the US President Donald Trumps support for the Southern Gas Corridor Project.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Energy Resources Sandra Oudkirk pointed to the significant achievements made in 2018 towards the successful implementation of the project.

She emphasized that 1 billion cubic meters of gas was delivered for the first time to Turkey under the project last year.

The sides exchanged views on cooperation between Azerbaijan and the US in a number of areas, including in renewable and alternative energy.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzSecurity authorities at Mohammed V airport in Casablanca Tuesday nabbed three Tunisian citizens, two women and a man, for their involvement in drug trafficking.

The two women, aged 36 and 50, were arrested in the check-in hall, the national police directorate (DGSN) said in a statement.

Searches revealed that the duo were concealing in their underwear 745 g of chiral in the form of 132 capsules.

A third trafficker was arrested later as the search continued. He had swallowed cocaine. He was sent to hospital for treatment after he vomited the drug, according to the statement.

Earlier this month, a Nigerian citizen fell prey to the security forces after he was suspected for hiding cocaine. Upon arrest, his vomited 1,540 g of the drug.

Another operation in December also nabbed a South-American citizen and a Namibian who puked 3,700g of cocaine hidden in their bowels.By Trend

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, head of the Turkey-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group Samil Ayrim.

The head of state hailed the successful development of friendly and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey in all areas, and expressed his confidence that the visit of a large delegation of Turkey-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group to Azerbaijan will contribute to further expansion of bilateral ties between the two countries.

Describing Azerbaijan and Turkey as the closest countries to each other in the world, President Ilham Aliyev noted that the meetings at the level of heads of state and reciprocal visits at different levels are important for strengthening friendship and defining new areas of cooperation between the two countries.

The head of state recalled his meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan both in Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as on the sidelines of international organizations. He described a solemn march of the Azerbaijani and Turkish soldiers at the military parade to mark the 100th anniversary of the liberation of Baku as celebration of friendship and brotherhood. President Ilham Aliyev also

noted that the inauguration of major energy projects, including TANAP and STAR Oil Refinery last year were landmark events in the history of the two countries.

Member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, head of the Turkey-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group Samil Ayrim thanked the head of state for the reception, and extended Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans greetings to President Ilham Aliyev. He described the level of Turkey-Azerbaijan bilateral relations as very high, and recalled his meetings with national leader Heydar Aliyev.

Samil Ayrim said that Azerbaijan has gained great international influence and has been rapidly developing under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev who successfully continues national leader Heydar Aliyevs policy.

He emphasized that Turkey-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group will spare no efforts to contribute to further strengthening of friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked for Recep Tayyip Erdogans greetings and asked Samil Ayrim to extend his greetings to the Turkish President.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzA new print edition of the AZERNEWS online newspaper was released on February 20.

The new edition includes articles: Azerbaijan joins Munich Security Conference, Two pharmaceutical plants to open soon, Russias Voronezh Airport to launch regular flights to Baku, National film named best in Netherlands etc.

AZERNEWS is an associate member of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).

The online newspaper is available at www.azernews.az.By Trend

Various projects are being implemented by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Bogota to widely promote Azerbaijan in Colombia, the embassy told Trend.

As such, ColMundo, one of Colombias three most popular radio stations, has prepared a one-hour special program devoted to the culture and history of Azerbaijan.

Speaking during the program, Hamid Zeynalov, Azerbaijans charge d'affaires in Colombia, gave detailed information on Azerbaijan's rich culture, ancient history, traditions and tourism.

He said the centuries-old cultural heritage and national wealth of Azerbaijani people are known across the world today, and a number of historical monuments of Azerbaijan are protected by UNESCO. He also stressed that musical art, national cuisine and Azerbaijani carpets (Karabakh, Shirvan, Guba, Nakhchivan, Irevan, etc.), demonstrating the richness and antiquity of Azerbaijani culture, are successfully represented at international exhibitions and events.

Zeynalov listed some of the progressive reforms and high economic indicators achieved in Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He also informed the listeners about the balanced domestic and foreign policies of the country, as well as the global transnational energy, transport and communications projects.

Moreover, the charge d'affaires provided detailed information on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Armenian policy of invasion and ethnic cleansing and its ongoing military aggression against Azerbaijan, as well as the Khojaly Genocide, the 27th anniversary of which will soon be commemorated.

About 75 percent of the Colombian population has a bigger preference for radio over other media, and radio channels gather over 38 million listeners every day across the country, according to statistics.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Joint economic projects being implemented by Turkey and Azerbaijan further strengthen the brotherhood of the two countries, deputy chairman - executive secretary of the New Azerbaijan Party, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmadov said, Trend reports.

Ahmadov made the remarks at a meeting with a group of Turkish MPs who are on a visit to Azerbaijan.

Every guest from Turkey is dear to Azerbaijan, he noted. We feel the same when we go to Turkey. The foundation of the Turkish-Azerbaijani friendship was laid by Heydar Aliyev.

Ahmadov added that Turkey has become one of the powerful countries in the world.

We are proud of it, he said. Together with Turkey, Azerbaijan is growing stronger. The strength of these two countries further increases their greatness. I believe that Turkey is also proud of the development of Azerbaijan.

He noted that Turkeys efforts regarding the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are the greatest support.

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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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

The question of suppressing the radio broadcasts of neighboring countries reaching Azerbaijan must be raised before the relevant authorities of the country, Aflatun Amashov, Azerbaijani MP and chairman of Azerbaijans Press Council, said at a plenary meeting of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Trend reports.

According to Amashov, the waves of Iranian radio are drowning out the Azerbaijani radio waves when reaching Hajigabul; similarly, one can catch Armenian radio waves at the Aghsu pass, and, when driving away from Ganja, Georgian radio can be heard as well.

Due to this, Amashov said it is important to make amendments to the legislation.

The information space, like the land borders of countries, should have its borders, and both borders should be protected, for the sake of the countrys future. Therefore, I think it is necessary to raise this issue before the authorities."

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Laman Ismayilova

The fashion show of young fashion designers from the Caspian littoral countries -"Fella Fashion Show" was held in Kazakhstan.

The fashion show brought together fashion designers from Azerbaijan,Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, Report.Az informed.

Azerbaijan was represented at the fashion night by Zumrud Mirzaliyeva.

Beautiful gowns from her new summer collection mesmerized fashion lovers.

Zumrud Mirzaliyeva is one of the few Azerbaijani designers who offers not only stunning outfits, but also fashionable accessories.

Among the accessories from the designer you can find original headbands and veils. All items are also made by hand, in a single copy.

As a young designer, Zumrud actively participates in the fashionable life of Baku city.

She represents at least 2 collections of clothes a year, which are very popular among fashionistas.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Laman Ismayilova

The Palace of Shirvanshahs will host an exhibition of medieval torture devices on February 23.

More than 50 torture devices will be showcased, Trend Life reported.

It was a very common practice during the medieval Inquisition, which lasted about 500 years.

The content of the exhibition is quite dramatic and full of details of the harsh reality of the Middle Ages. The exposition offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

The venue was chosen not by chance. The Shirvanshahs' residence is a place that brings visitors to the thoughts about the uneasy life of ancestors.

The exhibition will run until the end of August 2019.

Operating hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 without days off.

The Shirvanshahs Palace is one of the most prominent example of Azerbaijan architecture.

Construction of the palace, which was held in the period of 13th-16th centuries, has been associated with the transfer of Shirvanshahs' capital from Shamakhi to Baku, famous for its harbor.

It forms a complex, consisting of the residential building of Shirvanshahs, the second residential building (for servants), Divankhana, tomb, palace mosque built in 1441, the remains of the destroyed Key Gubad mosque, Murad's gates, hamam (bath) and mausoleum of famous scientist Seyid Yahya Bakuvi.

The palace complex was declared a museum in 1964, and taken under state protection.

A unique architectural and cultural ensemble along with the Old City and the Maiden Tower, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Leman Mammadova

Azerbaijan, considered as the bridge between Europe and Asia, offers great transit opportunities and a wide range of logistics priorities.

Austria supports Azerbaijans energy projects in the region which aimed at delivery of Caspian energy resources to European markets, in addition to the transport corridor project from Europe to China, as well as Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway project that was realized recently.

Transport sector for Austrian companies is now the main area for investments in Azerbaijan.

Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev met with a delegation led by chairman of the Austrian Federal Railways JSC (OBB) Andreas Matte on February 19.

Mustafayev informed that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the development of cooperation with European Union countries, including Austria.

The trade relations between our countries are developing, and the trade turnover doubled in 2018. Presently, about 50 Austrian companies operate in industry, construction, trade, service, banking and insurance, transport and other spheres. Nevertheless, there is potential for expanding ties in various fields of economy.

Mustafayev pointed out Azerbaijan's favorable geostrategic position at the intersection of North-South and East-West transport corridors, highlighting the great transit potential of our country, the opportunities for development of transport and transit cooperation with Austria, emphasizing the importance of expanding ties between transport structures and mutual exchange of information.

Minister noted that Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, Baku International Sea Trade Port create opportunities for development of transit-logistics cooperation. Azerbaijan plays an important role in transporting goods from China to Europe and vice versa, and Trans-Caspian international transport route from Azerbaijan complies with China's "Belt and Road" Initiative. There is a modern shipbuilding plant in our country. Modern roads from the northern border to the southern border, as well as from Baku to the Georgian border are put into operation. All this plays an important role in strengthening transport and transit capacities of Azerbaijan and creates conditions for active participation in transit transportation.

Chairman of Austrian Federal Railways Andreas Matte stressed that his country attaches great importance to cooperation with Azerbaijan, briefed on the company's activity and highlighted the importance of expanding relations with Azerbaijan.

At the meeting, which was attended by chairman of the Azerbaijan Railways Javid Gurbanov, discussions were held on the expansion of bilateral mutual transit relations.

The Austrian delegation led by Andreas Matte also visited the Baku port. CEO Taleh Ziyadov informed the guests about the work being done to transform the new port of Baku in the Alat settlement into the main logistics center in the Caspian region.

Last year, Javid Gurbanov stated that Austria intends to send a freight train that will run to Kazakhstan via the BTK railway. Among European carriers, Austria will first use BTK. The Azerbaijani railways will be brought to the European level in the next five to seven years.

As of December 2017, Azerbaijan Railways, Rail Cargo Austria and the Turkish State Railways signed a memorandum of understanding which included the development of a competitive, high-speed, intermodal railway network in Europe, the CIS and China.

Diplomatic relations between Austria and Azerbaijan were established in 1992.

The Joint Commission on Cooperation in the Field of Economics, Agriculture, Industry, Technology and Technology operates between the two countries.

The most dynamic areas in cooperation are energy, transportation, tourism and construction.

The highest level of trade turnover between the two countries was registered in 2015, when it amounted to 525 million euros. The turnover mainly comprises oil products as well as agricultural, machine-building, and petrochemical products.

In 2017, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Austria was close to 422 million euros, of which 362 million fell to Austria's imports, which includes primarily oil, gas and copper products. Azerbaijan mainly imports products, water, pharmaceutical products and iron, steel products.

Austrian companies invested $73 million in Azerbaijans economy, while Azerbaijan invested $60 million in the economy of Austria.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Leman Mammadova

Azerbaijani food products are showcased at PRODEXPO 2019 exhibition in Moscow to promote the Made in Azerbaijan brand and local products in the foreign markets.

The Azerbaijani products were awarded with a medal at the international exhibition "Prodexpo 2019".

As many as 31 Azerbaijani companies dealing with food, wine and other alcoholic beverages, showcased their products at the single stand.

Our products were highly appreciated by the exhibition organizers and foreign companies

Thus, the winners of the "Prodexpo International Wine Competition and Guide" contest were wines from Goygol Wine Plant - "Karabagh Chardonnay" gold, "Karabakh saperavi" silver, "Karabakh rose" bronze medal.

"Lay-Lay" confectionery product of "Lzzt Qida Snaye" LTD was awarded with gold medal at the international contest "Product of the Year 2019".

Negotiations were held, agreements were reached on export of Azerbaijani products.

Thus, Agro-Azerinvest, Sunfood company, as well as Naiqin Co-Tovuz Baltiya company have agreed to sign two contracts on export of pomegranate and quince wine with companies from Kazakhstan and China.

"Baku Conserv" has agreed to export fruit juices and jams with a large trading network located in Kaliningrad. Buta Agro held talks with the Belarusian largest chain of restaurants and Novosibirsk stores. Bina Agro and Crispa held negotiations on selling products with distributor companies from Russia and a number of major trading networks.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani company Azhazelnut has signed a contract for the export of 21 tons of hazelnuts to Russia, while the company A+Co signed a contract for the export of 20 tons of wine to Russia within the framework of exhibition. In turn, the Azerbaijani company Jalilabad Sherab-2 signed an agreement to export 100,000 bottles of wine to Russia.

The Azerbaijani company Gilan Agro and FMCG Group will supply canned products to Russia, the company Cuve will supply hazelnuts, Aznar - pomegranate juice, D fruits - canned fruits and dried fruits, Tac - soft drinks, Buta Agro - fresh fruits and vegetables.

Prodexpo 2019 exhibition held on February 11-15 at Moscow Expo Center. This year, Azerbaijan became the general sponsor of this 26th international exhibition.

Prodexpo, organized by Expo Center with the support of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture, is the largest-scale exhibition of food industry products in Russia and Eastern Europe, which is among the top ten food exhibitions in the world.

More than 2,300 companies representing food products and various drinks from 65 countries are taking part in the exhibition with a total area of over 100,000 square meters. The 30 thematic halls offer a wide range of food, beverage and beverage industries.

The exhibition aims to enhance the competitiveness among the food manufacturers, expand the range of products, create new qualitative changes in the domestic food market, search new partners, and while determining the vector of activity in modern economic conditions to achieve new frontiers in business.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Azerbaijans State Customs Committee (SCC) and the UK State Secretariat for the Home Department, on behalf of the UK customs service, have signed a joint declaration, Trend reports with reference to the SCC.

The declaration envisages development of cooperation in strengthening the potential of the customs service, sharing best practices in risk management, as well as ensuring security of goods, vehicles and persons crossing the border.

The declaration also envisages development of cooperation in creating international opportunities for analyzing information on cargos and persons crossing borders by simplifying customs and border procedures, collecting Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR), as well as preventing transportation of goods and persons who are likely to harm the national interests of the two countries.

The declaration was signed by Chairman of Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, Customs Lieutenant General Safar Mehdiyev and UK Prime Ministers Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan Baroness Emma Nicholson.

Mehdiyev noted that the meeting, held as part of the Hunter project, will strengthen cooperation between the customs authorities of the two countries, and also stressed that the Hunter project will raise bilateral cooperation to a higher level.

Baroness Emma Nicholson noted that the two countries successfully cooperate in many areas. She spoke about the customs reforms in Azerbaijan and the steps taken to diversify the economy, noting that the country uses advanced modern experience.

She said that thanks to the application of modern innovative technologies, the customs of Azerbaijan is already ahead of a number of European customs services.

The meeting was attended by UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Carole Crofts and the staff of the UK customs service.

A joint declaration was signed as part of the Hunter project funded by the UK Visas and Immigration.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzEgyptian airport security authorities Monday denied entry to former New York Times bureau Chief upon arrival in Cairo, a move that shines light on the North African countrys crackdown on freedom of press and on critical voices.

David D. Kirkpatrick, 48, New York Times reports was held incommunicado for hours at Cairo international airport on Monday night upon his arrival. The former bureau chief (2011-2015) of the US media also spent the night without food or water and was quickly put on an EgyptAirs flight Tuesday morning to London where he lives.

Egyptian authorities did not provide explanation for Kirkpatricks expulsion but the US-based media notes its former staff is author of a book on Egypt, Into the Hands of the Soldiers. The piece reportedly irked Egyptian authorities.

Sending back the veteran journalist underlines Egypts reputation as a hostile country for freedom of press and speech as expressed by international free press watchdogs.

The North African country featured in 2018 among the narrow group of jailers of journalists, in addition to Turkey and China, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists.

Nineteen journalists were imprisoned in Egypt on false charges, the New York-based organization says.

Those locked up include Mohamed Ibrahim, a blogger known as Oxygen, allegedly charged for covering election irregularities and police abuse.

Egyptian authorities also last month pressed one year in prison against a TV anchor for having interviewed a gay man.

The most prominent journalist in prison cells in the Arab country is photojournalist, Mahmoud Abou Zeid, known as Shawkan, still held for unclear reasons though he has already served his five-year sentence.

Egypts crackdown on press also targeted international media. In March last year, Egyptian officials expelled Bel Trew, a journalist with the Times of London, and made her board a flight to London, New York Times reports.

The Egyptian regimes treatment of the press has been emboldened by the relative silence of western powers including the US, which views President al-Sisi as key partner in the Middle East in the fight against terrorism.

The US embassy in Cairo however said it raised with Egyptian authorities the issue of David D. Kirkpatricks entry denial.

Were concerned about reports of the unexplained refusal of entry to Egypt of a US citizen and New York Times journalist. We have raised our concerns with Egyptian officials, said Sam Werberg, a spokesman for the embassy.By Mirsaid Ibrahimzade

There were positive changes in the tax system of Azerbaijan in 2018, which were the result of deep economic reforms carried out in the country, Director General of the Tax Policy Department of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Taxes Samira Musayeva said, Trend reports.

Musayeva noted that the changes in the Tax Code covered several areas, particularly business support, fight against tax evasion and shadow economy, and the improvement of tax administration.

"It is planned to impose financial sanctions in cases of employment without concluded employment contracts, so as to eliminate shadow economy and reduce cases of tax evasion," she said.

Musayeva noted that the amendments to the Tax Code, aimed at combating shadow economy and increasing the transparency of the economy, suggest a significant reduction in the tax burden on the population in the form of income tax and the application of financial sanctions for the turnover of undeclared goods. Musayeva stressed that reducing the simplified tax from 4 to 2 percent will expand the possibilities of micro and small businesses.

Earlier, Azerbaijani Tax Minister Mikail Jabbarov also mentioned elimination of shadow economy in Azerbaijan and added that it will be one of the priorities that will be given special attention in 2019.

He said that last year, understatement of turnover totaling 930 million manats were revealed in major wholesale enterprises, 122 million manats in market chains and more than 230 million manats in private medical institutions of Azerbaijan.

Our primary function is to identify all such facts and bring the enterprises to taxation, the minister said.

The shadow economy contributes to the emergence of various negative factors, he noted.

Despite that tangible results were achieved in the fight against this problem, we must continue measures in this direction, he added. For this reason, reduction of the shadow economy in 2018 was the priority direction for tax services. Entrepreneurs were given time so that they renew their accounting, extensive educational work was carried out. Control over some sectors was also increased, for example, in the sale of goods, in the medical services sector and in shopping center chains.

In 2018, major changes occurred in the activity of the tax authorities. The structure of the tax authorities was reformed, dramatic changes were made in the personnel section and negative points that occurred earlier were eliminated, he noted.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Leman Mammadova

The development of the aluminum industry, along with diversifying the non-oil sector in the country, contributes to the strengthening of industrial potential in the regions, as well as the development of the non-ferrous metallurgy industry.

In 2019, Italy will become a new export destination for Azerbaijan's Ganja Aluminum Plant, a source at the company told Trend.

The source noted that presently, almost all of the plant's production is exported.

"The company's products are exported to a number of European countries and the former USSR countries, and in the coming months, exports to the Italian market will be arranged. In order to ensure continuity of exports, the Ganja Aluminum Plant plans to increase production volumes as well," the source said.

Ganja Aluminum Plant, established in 2011 in Ganja, annually produces 50,000-55,000 tons of aluminum products, mainly aluminum ingots and sheets.

The company plans to increase production volumes to 52,447 tons. This figure amounted to 51,967 tons in 2018. The company produces primary and final aluminum products, as well as semi-finished products, such as rolled aluminum.

Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation is preparing a strategy to expand aluminum production, in which foreign specialists are involved, including, in particular, the development of the Ganja Aluminum Plant, the creation of an anode block plant in perspective, and an increase in aluminum production to 100,000-110,000 tons per year.

Aluminum is the most common metal on the Earth, it accounts for more than 8 percent of the total mass of the earth's crust, and it is the third most common chemical element on our planet after oxygen and silicon.

Aluminium is not found in nature in its pure form due to its high chemical activity. Formally, aluminum was discovered only in 1824, and half a century passed before its industrial production began.

Aluminum has a rare combination of valuable properties. It is one of the lightest metals in nature: it is almost three times lighter than iron, but it is durable, extremely plastic and does not corrode, as its surface is always covered with a very thin but very strong oxide film. It is not magnetized, it conducts electricity perfectly and forms alloys with almost all metals.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

The decree by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on simplifying the issuance of permits for the operation of a number of multi-apartment buildings will help revive the construction market, Nusret Ibrahimov, real estate expert, director general of the consulting company MBA Group, told Trend.

He said that earlier, investors and construction companies couldnt commission construction projects for a long time.

By this document, the president showed that he took control of this sphere as well, Ibrahimov said. From now on, the organizations and structures that prevented the commissioning of these facilities will no longer be able to do this.

The expert added that now the structures and organizations wont be able to demand payment for the commissioning of construction sites.

Speaking about the benefits that this decree will bring to residents of multi-apartment buildings, Ibrahimov said that earlier, in order to sell an apartment, it was necessary to contact the housing and construction cooperative, and they could also demand payment.

After signing this document, there will be no such offenses, there will be only state fees, he noted.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Feb. 19 signed a decree on the simplification of issuing permits for the operation of a number of multi-apartment buildings.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

The second stage of licensing software solutions used in state agencies of Azerbaijan has started, head of Microsoft Azerbaijan Sarhan Hashimov told reporters in Baku Feb. 19, Trend reports.

He said that the work in this direction is carried out in accordance with the agreement on the purchase of software licenses for state agencies signed in July last year.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan acts as the operator of the licensing project, because this ministry has the appropriate training in this issues, Hashimov noted. The licenses are already being issued and specialists on local resources are being prepared in parallel.

It was earlier reported that it is planned to purchase 20,000 licenses for Microsoft software (Windows Pro, Office 365 ProPlus, Core CAL), as well as 10,000 licenses for universities according to a three-year agreement signed in July 2018 by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan with Microsoft Corporation on the acquisition of software licenses for government agencies.

Microsoft also offered the "Benefits for students" program, which provides free purchase of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office software for students of all higher education institutions of the country (about 150,000 people).

The second stage of cooperation between the ministry and Microsoft on software licensing of government agencies will be implemented in accordance with the agreement. 10,000 computers were licensed earlier, in 2011 in executive offices of government agencies in which Windows, Office ProPlus and Core CAL were used.

The main objectives of the agreement are to save costs in this area, to improve the country's position in the rating on the protection of intellectual property rights, to develop an innovation ecosystem, to attract foreign investments, as well as to increase the incidence of use of electronic services.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Mirsaid Ibrahimzade

The second stage of licensing software solutions used in government departments of Azerbaijan has started, the head of the Microsoft Azerbaijan Sarhan Hashimov told journalists on February 19.

Work in this direction is carried out in accordance with the agreement signed last July for the purchase of software licenses for state structures.

The operator of the licensing project is the Ministry of Transport of Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan, as this structure has the appropriate training in this matter. At present, licenses are already being issued and, in parallel with this, specialists on local resources are being prepared, Hashimov said.

As previously reported, according to the agreement reached, it is planned to purchase 20,000 licenses for Microsoft software (Windows Pro, Office 365 ProPlus, Core CAL), as well as 10,000 licenses for universities.

Microsoft also offered the program Benefits for Students, which implies the free purchase of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office software for students of all higher educational institutions of the country (about 150,000 people).

In accordance with the agreement, the second stage of cooperation between the ministry and Microsoft on software licensing of state structures will be implemented. Earlier in 2011, 10,000 computers were licensed in the executive offices of government agencies that used Windows, Office ProPlus and Core CAL.

The main objectives of the agreement are cost savings in this area, improving the country's position in the rating for the protection of intellectual property rights, the development of an innovation ecosystem, attracting foreign investment, and increasing the use of electronic services.

In addition, Azerbaijan's rating in International Data Corporation's report may increase. The ratings are determined by the International Data Corporation (IDC) every two years, and according to the latest information, Azerbaijan has improved its position by three percentage points.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Software piracy level in Azerbaijan may decrease by 20 percentage points, head of Microsoft Azerbaijan Sarhan Hashimov told reporters in Baku Feb. 19, Trend reports.

He said that the ratings are determined by the International Data Corporation (IDC) every two years, and according to the latest information, Azerbaijan has improved its position by three percentage points.

The Enterprise Agreement signed at the state level is one of the forms of our cooperation both with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies and the Copyright Agency of Azerbaijan, he said. I would especially like to express gratitude to the Agency, since this structure has recently taken big steps in improving the position of Azerbaijan in the global rankings. This applies not only to the software market, but also to other areas of copyright, in particular, musical compositions and movies.

It was earlier reported that according to the BSA (Business Software Alliance), the software piracy level in Azerbaijan stands at 81 percent.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Mirsaid Ibrahimzade

The trade turnover between Georgia and Azerbaijan amounted to about $ 97.6 million in January. This is stated in the primary report of the National Statistics Office of Georgia, Report informs.

Last month, the share of Azerbaijan in the total trade of the neighboring country amounted to 11.8 percent. Thus, Azerbaijan became Georgias second largest trading partner after Turkey.

In the reporting period, in annual comparison, Georgia's exports to Azerbaijan increased by 70.4 percent. Along with the fact that the share of Azerbaijan in total exports of Georgia was 14.4 percent, it became the second largest partner of this country in terms of exports after Russia.

In January, Azerbaijan imported goods worth $ 63.1 million to Georgia, which is 7.3 percent less than last year. The share of Azerbaijan in total imports of Georgia amounted to 10.7 percent. With this indicator, Azerbaijan has become the third main partner of the neighboring country for imports after Turkey and China.

Last month, Georgias total foreign trade grew by 1.2 percent year-on-year and amounted to $ 826.8 million. Exports of the neighboring country amounted to $ 238.8 million (+ 7.2 percent), and imports $ 588 million (-1.1 percent).

Speaking about oil and gas sectors, there are should be noted oil and gas export volumes to Georgia.

In January, Georgia imported oil and oil products worth $ 4.7 million from Azerbaijan. Total volume of oil and oil products exported by Azerbaijan to the neighboring country amounted to 9.3 million tons, which is 356,500 tons or 3.6 percent less than the same indicator for 2018.

In January 2018, Georgia imported from Azerbaijan 9.6 million tons of oil and oil products in the amount of $ 5.7 million . Georgia imported 260,699.6 tons of natural gas from Azerbaijan in the amount of $ 42.9 million. On an annualized basis, the volume of gas imports from Azerbaijan increased by 26,156.6 cubic meters or 11.1 percent, in value terms - by $ 1.4 million.

Azerbaijan and Georgia are closely cooperating in the economic sphere. The main export routes for the supply of oil and gas from Azerbaijan pass through the territory of Georgia via the Baku  Tbilisi  Ceyhan and Baku  Supsa oil pipelines and the Baku  Tbilisi  Erzurum gas pipeline.

Today, the sides are implementing a joint project on the opening of a railway connection on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars route, under which Azerbaijan provided Georgia with a loan of $ 775 million.

SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan) is an active part in the energy market of Georgia.

Azerbaijan maintains the second position in the list of the largest trade partners of Georgia. Georgia exports cement, locomotives and other vehicles, mineral and chemical fertilizers, mineral waters, alcoholic beverages, glass and glass products, as well as medicines to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan, in turn, exports oil and oil products, natural gas, plastic products, furniture and building structures to Georgia.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 29 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Feb. 20, 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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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzU.S., Russian and French mediators met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian in Yerevan on Wednesday at the start of a fresh tour of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone which follows a series of high-level Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations.

A statement by Pashinians press office said they outlined further steps in the negotiation process and discussed ways of creating an appropriate atmosphere for that. They stressed the importance of implementing understandings on maintaining the ceasefire regime, it said.

According to the statement, Pashinian also briefed the three diplomats co-heading the OSCE Minsk Group on his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held in Davos, Switzerland January 22. It was their third face-to-face encounter since September.

The Davos meeting came a week after the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers met in Paris in the presence of the Minsk Group co-chairs. According to the mediators, the ministers acknowledged the need for taking concrete measures to prepare the populations for peace.

Those developments fuelled Armenian media and opposition speculation about far-reaching agreements reached by Pashinian and Aliyev. Some critics claimed that Pashinian may have agreed to make significant territorial concessions to Azerbaijan.

The prime minister brushed aside these conspiracy theories on January 23. He stated a week later that Armenia and Karabakh will not agree to such concessions to Azerbaijan in return for mere peace in the region. Baku criticized that statement, saying that it could undermine the peace process.

On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cautioned against excessive expectations of decisive progress towards a Karabakh settlement. Given that the new government of Armenia was formed only recently, additional time is needed to understand just how intensively and far it is possible to advance the settlement process at this stage, he told a news conference in Moscow.

The co-chairs and the OSCE can only help to create conditions for dialogue, said Lavrov. Decisions will have to be made in direct negotiations between the parties.

Lavrov met with his Armenian counterpart Zohrab Mnatsakanian on February 16 on the sidelines of an international security forum in Munich, Germany.The U.S. ambassadors appointed by President Trump have given more financial support to his election than any cohort of ambassadors in recent history, even as they demonstrated fewer qualifications for the job, according to a new study of ambassadorial appointments over the last three decades.

Expand chart Data: Scoville, 2019, Unqualified Ambassadors; Note: Dollar values are adjusted for inflation as of July, 2017; Get the data; Chart: Harry Stevens/Axios

Why it matters: The data undercuts Trump's campaign claim that his personal fortune places him above the influence of donor cash  and shows how campaign contributions can help secure jobs for people with relatively weak diplomatic backgrounds.

By the numbers: On average, Trump-appointed ambassadors contributed $96,927.98 to his campaign and supporting entities, such as independent expenditure committees, according to the forthcoming paper by Marquette University Law School's Ryan M. Scoville.

Trump's ambassadors' average contribution far exceeded the previous record of $60,721.83 set by George W. Bush's ambassadors.

far exceeded the previous record of $60,721.83 set by George W. Bush's ambassadors. Meanwhile, just 58.6% of Trump's appointees were career Foreign Service Officers, a record low among presidents since Ronald Reagan.

Scoville's paper is based on more than 1,900 certificates of competency  documents the president is legally required provide to Congress for each ambassadorial appointment. He obtained most of them from the State Department under the Freedom of Information Act.

In addition to experience in the Foreign Service, Scoville compares presidents' ambassadorial appointees by how familiar they are with their host countries, an area where Trump's ambassadors fare somewhat better.

Key data points:

Among ambassadors chosen from outside the Foreign Service , the average contribution to the president who nominated them was about $88,135. Among career Foreign Service Officers, by contrast, the average contribution was only about $31.

, the average contribution to the president who nominated them was about $88,135. Among career Foreign Service Officers, by contrast, the average contribution was only about $31. Of the 207 ambassadors who contributed at least ten thousand dollars , only one  Todd D. Robinson, whom Barack Obama appointed ambassador to Guatemala in 2014  was a career Foreign Service Officer.

, only one  Todd D. Robinson, whom Barack Obama appointed ambassador to Guatemala in 2014  was a career Foreign Service Officer. The largest financial contribution to any president came from the late Roland Arnall, who gave nearly $9.5 million to George W. Bush's campaign and a handful of pro-Bush committees and independent expenditure groups. Arnall served as ambassador to the Netherlands from 2006 to 2008.

The big picture: Though favored by presidents, America's preference for selecting ambassadors from outside the professional diplomatic corps is rare among advanced democracies and is opposed by the U.S. Foreign Service's professional association.Algerias Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia, is expected to reveal national oil company Sonatrachs 2030 plan when he presents the countrys general policy statement to parliament on February 25.

According to a document published on the Premiers website, the countrys general policy will focus on oil and gas exploration, power generation and renewable energy.

Algeria has seen a 13% decrease in oil production recently, due to upgrade works across a number of ageing fields, according to the document.

The state-run oil company Sonatrach has ambitious exploration goals and hopes to double its current discovery figures in just over ten years.

Africas leading natural gas producer, Algeria exports more than 80% of its gas to Europe and ranks among the top three oil producers in the region with the third-largest oil reserves in Africa.

Despite these statistics, oil and natural gas production has declined in recent years. Adding to this decline, infrastructure projects have been repeatedly delayed and foreign investors have steered away from the country.

Algerias current hydrocarbon law and its fiscal terms have become an obstacle to partnering with international oil companies. A new oil and gas code is currently under preparation and will increase the hydrocarbon sectors attractiveness.

The energy sector policy is just one component of Prime Minister Ouyahias plan, which also includes reinforcement of a number of strategic sectors such as industry, agriculture and tourism as well as key infrastructure development.In a partially-redacted transcript of a hearing this week, Judge Amy Berman Jackson called direct attention to the significance of lies Paul Manafort told about longtime business associate Konstantin Kilimnik, who the Mueller investigation believes has ties to Russian intelligence.

"[W]e've now spent considerable time talking about multiple clusters of false or misleading or incomplete or need-to be-prodded-by-counsel statements, all of which center around the defendant's relationship or communications with Mr. Kilimnik. This is a topic at the undisputed core of the Office of Special Counsel's investigation..."

Why it matters: Manafort, who prosecutors said on Friday could face between 19 and 24 years in prison for financial crimes, had the chance to cooperate with the special counsel in exchange for leniency. And yet he chose to throw that opportunity away and risk spending the rest of his life in prison by lying to investigators, including  among other details  about his interactions with Kilimnik.

What we know: Kilimnik served as Manafort's liason to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska and was in frequent communication with Manafort while he was working as Trump's unpaid campaign manager, according to the Washington Post. He served in the Soviet army and is believed to have been an officer in the GRU, the Russian intelligence agency indicted by Mueller for hacking and leading the interference effort in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Deputy Trump campaign manager Rick Gates, who is a cooperating witness, told the special counsel that Manafort shared 2016 campaign polling data with Kilimnik. Manafort subsequently lied to investigators about doing so  one of the false statements that caused him to breach his plea deal.

What we don't know: It's unclear when Manafort shared the data and whether it was public or private campaign information. Notably, however, Manafort's defense attorney told Judge Jackson in a hearing that the data was too complex to be of any use to Kilimnik: "It frankly, to me, is gibberish ... Its not easily understandable."

Jackson responded: "Thats what makes it significant and unusual.

The bottom line: Jackson called Manafort's lies "a problematic attempt to shield his Russian conspirator from liability," raising "legitimate questions about where his loyalties lie." It's a remarkable statement from a federal judge who knows far more than the public about what exactly Robert Mueller has uncovered.

Go deeper: Every big move in the Mueller investigationEarlier this week, Garmin sent out a press release reminding us that during this week 25 years ago, it rolled out the first approach-approved GPS navigator, the GPS 155 TSO. In commemoration of that seminal event, Garmin is giving away free ADS-B installations until the end of the month.

That previous sentence is an utter fabrication that I somehow couldnt resist. After all, April 1 is but 40 days away. You need to get on your toes early this year.

So, yeah, 1994. As general aviation usually advances at the speed of 50-weight oil propelled by a polar vortex, 1994 was more like a geriatric sloth jacked up on a double latte. In case you forgot, that was also the year some little Minnesota company showed a $130,000 airplane at Oshkosh that they claimed was the future of aviation. Yeah, sure. Whos gonna buy an airplane with a parachute?

So I scoured our archives to see what we said about the GPS 155. Nothing. AVweb didnt exist then, but our sister pub, Aviation Consumer, did. In the very first issue I edited, we said this of the GPS 155: Almost before anybody was ready for it and certainly before anyone expected it, Garmin hit the market with the first approach-approved GPS receiver.

But in a flash of uncommon prescience that snagged me the job in the first place, I won a tank of gas on a bet over the GPS 155. I wagered soon-to-be AVweb contributor John Deakin that by 1994 or 1995, a full-featured, TSOd GPS would appear. It did. He paid up, too, because he is one of the most gracious men Ive ever known.

What I remember about the 155 is how competent it was. It had nothing like the depthor complexityof modern navigators, but what it did, it did well. Its operating logic was an evolution of Garmins very first product, the GPS 100. I still have mine, although its a brick now. Fun fact: That navigator was originally called the ProNav, which was what the company was also called until it changed the name to Garmin over a brand mark issue.

The 155 gestated pre-LCD/LED so it had the same display most others were using at the time: gas plasma, specifically bluish vacuum-fluorescent. Easy on the eyes, but invisible in direct sunlight. I know this because on a demo flight with Garmins Dave Brown in the companys 201, he surreptitiously propped his arm on the seatback to throw shade on the display when I turned down sun, a delightfully clumsy attempt which I lacked the politeness not to notice.

Garmin, of course, didnt stand still with the 155. It formed the foundation of an evolving line of navigators that eventually led directly to the G1000 and an entire stable of related EFIS products and subsidiary hardware. It also marked the beginning of the end of vibrant competition in panel-mount avionics.

When the 155 appeared, BendixKing already had the KLN90A out there; the B-model came along with approach capability. They eventually followed with the KLN89B and the KLN94. After that? Not much. Remember Northstar? They practically owned the loran market. You remember loran, right? It could get you within three miles of an airport, five if it was raining, in which case you relied on ADF. Not ADS, ADF. Try to keep up. Northstar inched into GPS tepidly with the M3, but too tepidly. They faded.

Trimble. The TNL2000 won raves for its operating logic. Follow-on products never appeared and soon, neither did the aviation side of the company. But not before two ignominious business misfires, one pairing up with Terrayeah, I know, you want to forget themand a Casio-based portable called the GPS Map 110 that was so uniformly horrid that Trimble bought them back from consumers.

Lets see, Narco was still around then and developing the Star*Nav NS9000, which uniquely combined GPS with multi-sensing VOR. You can probably find one on eBay, but the company is long gone. Also gone from aviation are Magellan, Ashtech and Arnav. Magellan amused us all by beating Garmin with a TSOd IFR GPS, evidently approved by the local FSDO during a meeting at Pizza Hut. The ink didnt stick to the paper, however, nor did Magellan survive Garmins market onslaught.

Youll recall that Arnav was a pioneer in early glass, with the MFD in the original Cirrus SR20s. A quarter century later, those boxes are too light and too novel to be good boat anchors. Dont forget IIMorrow, aka UPSAT. They made good stuff and Garmin knew it, too. Thats why they gobbled up the company.

So why I am taking you down this dark vortex of depressing avionics history? Only to put Garmins press release in context. Garmin did say, after all, that the GPS 155 TSO was important. They didnt say why.

In retrospect, we didnt know what a competitive bone-in-the-teeth Garmin had. Nor could we ever understand why the other companiesespecially BendixKingcould never seem to summon the drive to keep pace. By the time the color GNS 430 arrived in 1998, catching up wasnt the goal. Survival was.Image: Cirrus Aircraft

From rotorcraft to business jets, aircraft shipments rose shallowly across the board in 2018, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) year-end report released on Wednesday. Billings also increased in every segment except for rotorcraft. At 2,443 units, overall airplane shipments increased 4.7 percent and rotorcraft shipments rose 5.4 percent from 926 to 976 units. Airplane billings increased from $20.2 billion to $20.6 billion, a 1.5 percent improvement, while rotorcraft billings dropped by 0.7 percent.

This is the first year since 2013 that weve seen all segments up in deliveries, said GAMA CEO Pete Bunce. New certifications over the last two years, especially in the lighter jet segments, as well as demand in North America, are driving the business jet shipment increase. This is also the second consecutive year in which shipments of piston and turbine rotorcraft are up, driven by the introduction of new models to the market.

Cirrus announced that its 2018 results showed the companys strongest deliveries in a decade, with 380 SR series aircraftan increase of 7 percent over 2017and 63 Vision Jets delivered, a significant improvement over 2017s 22. According to the GAMA report (PDF), Piper also had a remarkably good year, delivering 229 aircraft. The 48 percent increase on last years 155 was mostly due to Archer, Seminole and M350 deliveries. Textrons numbers remained mostly even with 128 Beechcraft (122 in 2017) and 473 Cessna (487 in 2017) aircraft delivered. Other noteworthy numbers include 44 aircraft delivered by ICON and 43 HondaJet deliveries.Depending on where you are in the world, the local police force uses different kinds of pursuit cars. In Dubai, the cops there are famous for having supercars in their fleet such as a Lamborghini Aventador and even a Bugatti Veyron.

Meanwhile in Malaysia, the cops are looking to upgrade their pursuit cars as well. Rather than with supercars though, Malaysian police are going with something more Japanese: the Honda Civic Type R.

In a report by Paul Tans Automotive News, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) are said to be testing out an FK8 Civic Type R to possibly deploy as their new high-speed pursuit vehicle. In fact, photos circulating on Malaysian social media show an FK8 already fitted with the PDRM livery. However, it is said that the unit is currently on loan for the purpose of field testing.

Should the FK8 pass the test, it is highly likely that Hondas hot hatch will be the Malaysian police forces new pursuit vehicle. Given that the Type Rs 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 310 PS and 400 Nm of torque, chasing down the bad guys should be a much easier task.

The report adds that this wont be the first time the Malaysian police will pick a performance vehicle for their fleet. Previously, the Malaysian police force had 25 units of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X in their fleet with the drivers of these vehicles having to take intensive driving classes.

For the Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP) recently got a fleet of vehicles from donations made by Toyota and Mitsubishi. However, they dont seem to have a high-speed pursuit vehicle like the Type R. The question now is whether the PNP would need something like a Civic Type R in their fleet considering how bad the traffic is.

What do you guys think?

Source: Paul Tans Automotive NewsLast week, the carmaker released a couple of sketches showing the exterior of the iV, and now follows up on that with the release of the first interior image.Lacking any center tunnel, the iV allowed Skoda designers to take liberties not usually within their reach. The instrument panel and center console, for instance, have been modified to offer storage space on the lowest level and enough room for two mobile phones to be placed in the console and wirelessly integrated into the infotainment system.The instrument panel itself is made of two levels separated by decorative stitching. The top part of the console is fitted with a free standing large screen, in front of which sits a ledge for the hand.The look of the cars interior is enhanced by a newly designed steering wheel, a two-spoke circle with large letters spelling out Skoda where the carmakers logo used to be.The Skoda iV concept marks the entrance of the Czech brand in the race for electrification. Over the next three years, at least ten electrified Skodas will be hitting the roads. First there will be the plug-in hybrid version of the Superb , followed shortly after by an all-electric variant of the CitiGo Some of the elements deployed on the iV, like the front wide lighting blade and the Skoda name written in backlit lettering at the rear, have already been confirmed as making the transition to production version cars.No other details about the car were released. Skoda will be showing the concept publicly in Geneva in March.According to order guides, Cars Direct reports the 10-speed automatic is standard on both versions. All-wheel drive is also featured, along with a starting price of $96,760 with destination for the Platinum with the 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8.Curiously enough, this makes the CT6 Platinum 4.2 a mind-boggling $8,000 more than the CT6-V and $9,000 more than the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with all-wheel drive. Cadillac, are you out of your mind?Aside from the incomprehensible pricing strategy, the Escalade Platinum 4x4 is $1,800 more. Care to guess how most Cadillac customer would spend their hard-earned cash? Whichever way you look at these figures, something is terribly wrong with the CT6.Adding insult to injury, the V8 shouldve been offered as an option ever since the CT6 was introduced for the 2016 model year. Even more wrong, U.S. production will ground to a halt at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant in June 2019.On the upside, the CT6 Platinum 4.2 serves as an interesting alternative to the BMW 750i xDrive, which starts at $100,945. After five seconds of thinking, theres no denying the 7 Series is the more fulfilling choice despite the fact BMW and Cadillac both suffer from below-par reliability.The Audi A8 and Lexus LS are other alternatives in the full-size segment, but neither is available with eight cylinders. At the present moment, the U.S.-spec models make do with 335 horsepower and 416 horsepower, respectively, from V6 powerplants.Platinum 4.2 models get Super Cruise as standard, along with rear steering and magnetic ride control. 20-way seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, and lots more are also standard.Cadillac will produce 275 examples of the CT6-V for the 2019 model year, and the Blackwing V8 is assembled by hand at the Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. You know, the home of the Corvette?forumlurker said: So meaning to say you're only arriving in Australia after your student visa expires? If it's like that, just get an ETA when you're ready to travel.



Or are you asking just in case you want to travel before your student visa expires 15 March? Click to expand...

As I have commitments in my home country as well, my situation is such that I cannot stay any more than a month at a time. With this in perspective, there's really three ways I can think about to solve my issue now (which I am unsure is doable or not, thus the need for some expert advice. Sorry if the queries sound dumb)1. Apply for an ETA immediately and stay on my Student Visa which expires 15th March. I'm hoping then that the ETA might be able to over ride the ceased student visa, allowing me to stay the duration allowed by the ETA.2. Cancel my Student Visa and while that is processing, apply for an ETA and come to Australia anyway and go about my business.3. Apply for a 485 PSW Visa immediately upon arrival in Australia and obtain a bridging visa 'A' for further stay. Before I need to depart Australia, apply for a bridging visa 'B' to leave.But the first two methods open up another question for me. Seeing that I am interested in applying for the 485 PSW Visa, I am unsure if, as per the requirements of the 485 PSW Visa on the immi site, the 601 ETA Visa is ato allow me to apply for my 485 Visa without any issues.Thanks for your help!

(Yacobchuk/Bigstock.com) (Yacobchuk/Bigstock.com)

Digital project management skills and those with expertise in civil construction and data analysis are likely to be most in demand from employers in Australia in 2019, according to a new jobs report.Those looking for skilled positions in Australia will also see demand in accountancy and finance, particularly senior auditors, and in construction with carpenters in particular demand for commercial and civil projects.The report from recruiting experts Hays also suggests that there will be shortages for early childhood teachers, registered nurses, and boilermakers, welders and fitters in the oil and gas industry.The biannual report earmarks risk and compliance, civil construction and data analysis as core areas of demand until June 2019.'Recruitment activity will remain buoyant during the first half of the year, especially for highly-skilled professionals who perform non-routine tasks that are not subject to automation,' said Nick Deligiannis, managing director of Hays in Australia.'With several major infrastructure projects underway or soon to commence across the country, the resurgence of the resources industry, technological transformations and a widening talent mismatch, the demand for skilled professionals is expected to rise even further over the coming six months,' he added.Hays believes that job seekers will need to demonstrate their data fluency, strategic thinking and readiness for AI-integrated workforces to stand out from the crowd in 2019.It also says that employers are going to find it harder to find people with the expertise they need, particularly in high skill industries and for roles that require highly skilled professionals such as IT, engineering, financial services and professional services. This could lead to employers exploring different recruiting strategies, including looking overseas.'It's important to stay on top of the latest trends. Given the pace of change, the only thing certain in 2019 is that a jobseeker's capacity to learn will start to become more valuable than the hard skills they already possess,' Deligiannis explained.'Organisations in Australia want to position for growth in 2019. With demand and supply issues intensifying, they'll need to up the talent ante to achieve growth while striking the right balance between technological integration and human skills,' he added.He also believes that in 2019 the focus will be on recruiting talent who can capture more information from an increasing number of data points, such as the Internet of Things, a market that has been predicted to double by 2021, and previously unused dark data, but crucially also derive actionable insights from that data.It is expected that Australia's talent mismatch between the skills job seekers possess and those employers want will expand even further, after growing for the past five years.Leaders of Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), Clayton Utz, and King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) recently came together to discuss and share their view of the cultural diversity landscape in the workplace.

In a panel titled Off-script: cultural inclusion in the legal profession this week in Sydney, ABC journalist Kumi Taguchi had a discussion with Andrew Pike, Rob Cutler, Berkeley Cox, and Dr Tim Soutphommasane, former race discrimination commissioner.

To force a change, we need to embed structural changes into recruitment, career development and leadership programs to ensure diversity is present and will continue to flourish in our industry, said Pike, HSFs regional managing partner for Australia.Sparke Helmore has appointed Andrew Johnston as a partner. He returns to the firm after working for a global firm in Oman.

Johnston, who was previously a senior associate at the Sparke Helmore, has returned to Australia after a stint as a legal director in the banking and project finance team of Addleshaw Goddard. He was also previously with Clayton Utz and legacy Middletons. While in the Middle East, his practice focused on large club and syndicated corporate, project, and real estate financings.

He is an expert in banking and finance with more than 10 years experience in addition to his previous work with Barclays and Dresdner Kleinwort Wassertstein in London. His experience includes construction and development finance, project finance, real estate finance, leveraged acquisition finance, corporate finance, restructuring, asset finance, securitisation, debt capital markets, and derivatives, Sparke Helmore said.Dr Fearn will work closely with Corrs National Forensic Technology Manager Phil Magness to further enhance the firms integrated offering in this area to clients.

Brexit is not a frustrating event says High Court judge

An attempt to break a lease using the English contract law doctrine of frustration has been blocked by a High Court judge, handing a victory to Clifford Chance.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) hoped to release itself from a 13 million per year lease for space in Londons iconic Canary Wharf, citing Brexit as a frustration event.

However, Mr Justice Marcus Smith ruled that the lease must stand through to its 2039 expiration. There is no break clause.

This will discourage other contracting parties from claiming that Brexit frustrates their contracts, said Clifford Chance Director of Property Litigation who led the team. To determine otherwise would have further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.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Occasional columnist and new West Jefferson resident Dan Boggs continues to be on the lookout for both the perfect tamale and truck drivers with attitudes.[Part II is here.]

Almost three months before the Morgan Library and Museum reopened its newly restored and reinstalled McKim buildingthe former refuge of financier J.P. MorganWilliam Griswold, the fifth director of this historic treasure trove (and its 2006 Renzo Piano-designed add-on) took me on a whirlwind tour to discuss the activity swirling around us.

Because I knew Id be writing about the restoration for the Wall Street Journal, I was editor-barred from posting my videos of the work-in-progress at the time. But now that Morgan in a New Light has hit the stands (and the web), I can take you behind the scenes.

Today, well wander with Griswold around the Librarys actual librarythe vast room where some 14,000 richly bound books are arrayed on three tiers of shelves. Then Ill throw in a mildly irreverent photo essay. There will be a second video and photo essay in a future post.

Heres the museum director previously known as Griddle Griswold. I suggested to Bill that after this challenging project, he might earn the sobriquet, Grizzled Griswold. But he remains as ebulliently youthful in looks and demeanor as he was during his flapjack-flipping gig in Minneapolis:

Bill took me on a second tour, the day before the McKim building opened to the public, when a few last-minute finishing touches were in progress. He was a hands-on guide, twice whipping a cloth out of his pocket to remove smudges from vitrines, while simultaneously rattling off myriad details about the decor and displays.

Heres the replacement carpet that Bill had mentioned during our videoed August conversation. Its 19th-century Persian (Sultanabad), purchased from the Nazmiyal Collection, a New York gallery:

Bill asserts that its resembles Morgans original rug. But in this black-and-white historic photo, the lost original seems more intricate and subtle, less boldly patterned, than the carpet-come-lately: Heres what Bill has taken to calling the Aladdins lampthe librarys recently unearthed and restored original fixture (seen in the historic photo, above) illuminating the entrance. Behind it, in the photo below, you can glimpse the 16th-century Triumph of Avarice tapestry by Pieter Coecke van Aelst (mentioned in my WSJ article):

Here are some reopening-day visitors, gazing up at the three-tiered bookcases, evenly illuminated for the first time.

The new glazing that protects the leather-bound volumes is so non-reflective that it nearly disappears: Star objects now displayed in the library (to be rotated regularly) included Mozarts Haffner Symphony and one of the Morgans three Gutenberg bibles: The pent-up public demand after five months of closure meant that visitors had to line up in order to file into the Morgans historic rooms. But no one seemed to mind lingering in the opulent atrium:

What I minded (as I mentioned in my newspaper piece) was this dark walnut case smack in the middle of the atrium, disrupting its creamy curves with a dark, boxy modern display case:

Gazing directly above this discordant case, I also minded the glare of electric lights behind the glass of what had been a skylight:

Because the Morgans interior is landmarked (meaning that no electrical

outlet can be inserted in the floor), and because light-sensitive

historic documents are to be displayed in the middle of the

atrium, the skylight had to be repurposed as an electric light to

illuminate the cases contentscurrently the Morgans copy of the Declaration of

Independence.

Climate-control concerns also mean that the Morgan Librarys original 36th Street entrance, leading directly into the atrium, cannot be reopenedan act that would have restored the original McKim building to due prominence. Here are those regrettably shuttered bronze doors:

Architect Renzo Pianos 2006 addition has relocated the Morgans entrance off the side street and onto busy Madison Avenue, leading into his sleek glass-and-steel pavilion. Wait a minute! Whos that I see at the entrance?



Architect Renzo Piano, arriving unannounced (but ready for his close-up), late in the afternoon of the Oct. 30 public reopening day of the restored 1906 McKim building

COMING SOON: Morgans study, his private vault, his librarians office and (let us not forget) the gift shop. MEANWHILE: If you want to see the Morgans fascinating two-minute, speeded-up video of the reinstallation of the library, go here.Western philosophers from Aristotle to Kant to Marx to Ayn Rand (okay, bear with us here) may have differed on what constitutes greatness, but all of them held it as an ideal. Avram Albert argues for a different goal, one espoused by Buddhist thinkers and Romantics (and which we might call the Lake Wobegon ideal): good enough. And even that is difficult.  The New York Times



Have any questions? Please give us a call at 541-889-5387Find out why New Plymouth School District will ask voters for $700,000 in levy funding over the next 2 yearsThe MEBAA Show Morocco will bring business aviation to the North African region, according to announcements made at a recent local press conference by Ali Alnaqbi, Founding & Executive Chairman of the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) and Zuhair Mohamed El Aoufir, CEO of Office National des Aeroports (ONDA).

During the event, they addressed around 40 attending media with insights into the industry and the event itself, taking place 25-26 September at Marrakech Menara Airport, preceded by the MEBAA Conference Morocco on 24 September.

The business aviation sector in Morocco shows promising potential, Alnaqbi confirmed, before adding that it also increases employment and economic opportunities for Morocco and the rest of the region. 70% of private jet usage is for business purposes, he stated, While the remaining 30% is for pleasure. With figures such as this, its hardly surprising that the industry has such positive implications. The MEBAA Show Morocco was developed in order to give North Africa the chance to access this growing industry, in the same way the MEBAA Show in Dubai does for the Middle East.

El Aoufir reiterated the importance of the event to business aviations expansion in the region stating that as a result of investment, Morocco now has FBOs at five of the countrys airports. He added that ONDA and MEBAA have a ten year agreement for the show to take place in Morocco. Since its inaugural edition in 2015, the show returns biennially, with the 2019 edition predicted to be the biggest yet.

ONDA is pleased to support the MEBAA Show Morocco as it promotes and supports business aviation, El Aoufir added. The show aligns with our development programmes to encourage growth in business aviation. As the only dedicated business aviation event in North Africa, it provides a valuable resource as well as an unrivalled platform for business.

The JSSI Business Aviation Index found that flight hour activity in Africa increased 19.8% YoY from Q2 2017 to Q2 2018. With exhibitors including the industrys key players, OEMs and operators expected to attend the MEBAA Show Morocco from around the world, the North African region will be given an insight into a global industry as well as its specific regional opportunities.

El Aoufir continued added: We are pleased to invite the industry on the 25th and 26th of September to attend the MEBAA Show Morocco and the MEBAA Conference Morocco.

The MEBAA Show Morocco takes place at Marrakech Menara Airport, and the MEBAA Conference Morocco, bringing together experts from across the region to discuss challenges and opportunities of business aviation, will take place the day before the show, 24 September 2019.[February 19, 2019] Guidewire Software Announces Hexaware as New Consulting Alliance Partner Hexaware Technologies, a fast growing automation-led, next generation provider of IT, BPO and consulting services, and Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE: GWRE), provider of the industry platform Property and Casualty (P&C) insurers rely upon, today announced that Hexaware has joined Guidewire PartnerConnect as a Consulting alliance member at the Select level. With over 20 years' experience working with P&C insurers, Hexaware has developed value-add solution and technology offerings that enable insurers to rapidly adopt Guidewire InsuranceSuite and Guidewire Digital products, increasing speed to implementation, mitigating execution risk, and lowering costs. Hexaware has supported Guidewire customer success in APAC and EMEA and offers localized solutions for insurers in these regions. "Digital technology is disrupting the P&C insurance industry at an unprecedented rate, and insurers are leveraging market-leading platforms, such as Guidewire InsurancePlatform, to deliver differentiated product propositions in a highly dynamic and competitive marketplace," said Milan Bhatt, senior vice president and global lead, Hexaware Technologies. "At Hexaware, we believe that it is crucial to not just digitally transform a business process, but to help build nimble, agile, and prescriptive organizations enabled with the skills to support ongoing and historic rates of transformative change. We look forward to continuing to work with Guidewire as a PartnerConnect Consulting alliance member on this and serving the Guidewire user community." "We are delighted to expand our relationship with Hexaware by welcoming them as our latest Consulting alliance partner," said Lisa Walsh, vice president, Global Alliances, Guidewire. "We are impressed with their proven track record of successful Gudewire project execution and technical expertise." Hexaware's Guidewire competency centers are based strategically across the globe and are located in Poland (Warsaw), Mexico (Saltillo), and India (Chennai, Pune and Mumbai). Guidewire PartnerConnect Consulting partners provide consulting services in areas such as business transformation and strategy, implementation, as well as related delivery services. Complementing Guidewire services consulting resources, our consulting partners provide additional Guidewire trained and certified consultants. About Hexaware Hexaware is the fastest growing next-generation provider of IT, BPO and consulting services. Our focus lies on taking a leadership position in helping our clients attain customer intimacy as their competitive advantage. Our digital offerings have helped our clients achieve operational excellence and customer delight by 'Powering Man Machine Collaboration.' We are now on a journey of metamorphosing the experiences of our customer's customers by leveraging our industry-leading delivery and execution model, built around the strategy- 'Automate Everything, Cloudify Everything, Transform Customer Experiences.' We serve customers in Banking, Financial Services, Capital Markets, Healthcare, Insurance, Manufacturing, Retail, Education, Telecom, Professional Services (Tax, Audit, Accounting and Legal), Travel, Transportation and Logistics. We deliver highly evolved services in Rapid Application prototyping, development and deployment; Build, Migrate and Run cloud solutions; Automation-based Application support; Enterprise Solutions for digitizing the back-office; Customer Experience Transformation; Business Intelligence & Analytics; Digital Assurance (Testing); Infrastructure Management Services; and Business Process Services. Hexaware services customers in over two dozen languages, from every major time zone and every major regulatory zone. Our goal is to be the first IT services company in the world to have a 50% digital workforce. Learn more about Hexaware at http://www.hexaware.com. About Guidewire Software Guidewire delivers the industry platform that Property and Casualty (P&C) insurers rely upon to adapt and succeed in a time of accelerating change. We provide the software, services, and partner ecosystem to enable our customers to run, differentiate, and grow their business. We are privileged to serve more than 350 companies in 32 countries. For more information, please visit www.guidewire.com. Follow us on twitter: @Guidewire_PandC. NOTE: For all information about Guidewire's trademarks, visit https://www.guidewire.com/legal-notices. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190219005941/en/

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Posted on: February 20, 2019 12:19 PM

The family of Archbishop Janani Luwum, the former Primate of what was then the Church of the Province of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga-Zaire, have reconciled with kinsmen of the former Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin, who ordered his killing. Ugandas Black Star News website reports that Canon Stephen Gelenga, from the same Kakwa tribe of Amin, delivered an emotional apology to Luwums family and the people of Acholi tribe during commemoration events over the past weekend.

What happened during the reign of Idi Amin, who is my kinsman, we still feel the pain after forty years, he said. As the new generation, we need to put to end all the bad past and we move forward as reconciled Ugandans. Ugandans cannot heal this country if we pay evil for evil.

Quoted by Ugandas Daily Monitor newspaper, Canon Gelenga said that As Christians from the Kakwa Community, we said we should put aside what happened in the past and let it die completely.

He told the newspaper that Christians from Kakwa met with Archbishop Luwums widow at their family home in Wii Gweng where they held prayers together.

Mama Luwum forgave us; we slept at their home, we asked for forgiveness on behalf of the people who sinned. We also want to forgive those who wronged us during the time.

The retired Bishop of Kitgum, Macleod Baker Ochola, welcomed the move, saying: After 40 years, the people of Kakwa asked for forgiveness for the killing of Archbishop Janani Luwum, the people of Arua, Koboko and the people of Uganda are witnessing this great miracle happening in Mucwini.

In an interview with the Daily Monitor to mark the anniversary, Archbishop Luwums daughter, Phoebe Aber, said of her father: I have heard that he loved people but I was too young to comprehend that. Remarkably, he never forced us to go to church. We used to pray together as a family in our chapel and going to church was always an option.

She added: When he was killed, I heard people speak: I told him his life was in danger. Then there were people coming home for refuge. He was always helping them. I started thinking, why did he have children when he loved the church more? My mum was always crying. I heard her cry a couple of times. For a child it is traumatising. If he was committed, why didnt he play it safe? But at around 40 years, I began to understand my dads passion for serving God.

In an editorial, the Daily Monitor called for the anniversary of Archbishop Luwums assassination  16 February  to be marked as an annual National Day of Reconciliation. The editorial described the weekends events as an unparalleled resolve, soul-searching, and great walk of faith by Christian faithful from Koboko District, who accepted to carry the burden of remorse and sought reconciliation from Christian counterparts from Mucwini in Kitgum and the country.

It continues: We should equally commend the Luwum family and Christians countrywide for genuinely casting off any bitterness and embracing their brethren from Koboko District.

At a wider level, this reconciliation extends to all scarred communities in Uganda through our countrys many brutal regimes. As the Rev Can Stephen Galenga from Koboko said, both communities and the country feel the deep and sad impact of what happened during Amins regime and successive regimes, scarring communities and country.Posted on: February 20, 2019 2:03 PM

The Anglican Communion is beginning its search for three senior directors. The posts are the Director of Unity, Faith and Order and the Director for Communications  which are both based at the Anglican Communion Office in London  and the Director for the Anglican Centre in Rome.

The Director of Unity, Faith and Order leads and supports the work of the ecumenical dialogues between the Anglican Communion and other Christian churches. The Director also leads the work of IASCUFO  the Inter-Anglican Standing Committee on Unity, Faith and Order. The current Director, Canon Dr John Gibaut, has been in the post for four years. He announced last month that he was returning to his native Canada to become President, Provost and Vice-Chancellor of Thorneloe University.

The new Communications Director will lead communications for the Lambeth Conference in 2020 as well as running communications for the Communion. This includes overseeing day-to-day editorial output on three websites and social media channels, providing communications support for the Secretary General and the Secretariat and liaising with media. The current Director, Adrian Butcher, is to move on in May after the Anglican Consultative Council meeting in Hong Kong.

The Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome plays a central role between the Communion and the Vatican by maintaining the formal representation to the Holy See on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury and providing a symbol of the Communions commitment to the vision of greater unity. The role includes identifying and promoting joint Anglican-Roman Catholic work.

The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon said, These are significant senior appointments in the Anglican Communion. The post of Director of Faith and Unity is vitally important in bringing together different traditions and working towards the visible unity of Christian churches.

And it will be an exciting challenge for our new Communications Director with next years Lambeth Conference getting ever closer and ongoing work to be done to highlight the Communions work around the world. And the Anglican Centre in Rome is a practical symbol of work towards Church unity. The role of Director is a pivotal one.

I am immensely grateful to Canon Dr John Gibaut and Adrian Butcher for their hard work and professionalism during their time at the ACO, he said. We will miss their expertise and wisdom and they will also be sorely missed as colleagues.

The posts are advertised on the Anglican Communion website.In the face of growing scrutiny over espionage concerns, Chinese ZTE detailed how it ensures the security of its products, especially devices that carriers will use for 5G infrastructure. In addition to the report, the firm vowed to make new investments in the segment and establish additional security labs meant to benefit the industry as a whole.

Like Huawei, ZTE claims that it has never received any request from the Chinese government to install backdoors into their equipment and to further allay the fears of governments, network operators, and other stakeholders, the company announced that it will open security laboratories where experts may inspect the source code that runs inside its products. Moreover, these laboratories allow stakeholders to view important technical information about ZTEs products either manually or automatically test that tech. The company will set up its main testing facility in China, although it will also open other laboratories in Brussels and Italy within a year. Moreover, ZTEs Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) continuously inspects its products to find potential security issues, and informs its customers of any vulnerabilities found in its equipment as well as the process of how the company resolves these concerns, the firm is quick to point out.

Furthermore, the companys cybersecurity assurance program, called the ZTE Cybersecurity Governance, prompts the network equipment manufacturer to verify the security features of its products at multiple levels, and it even employs internationally certified professionals and independent experts to examine the security of its equipment. ZTE further highlighted that it already received multiple ISO certifications, which shows that the company follows the international standards on securing both its supply chain and the information managed by its equipment. Regarding the possibility of hardware backdoors or any compromised components, ZTE claims that it employs a traceability policy, which means that the company can quickly trace the affected part included in its networking equipment. Furthermore, this policy makes it easier for ZTE to figure out where the affected products are deployed since it also maintains a record of the locations where it installs its devices. This program helps resolve another issue that Chinese networking companies may face, which is the possibility that individual equipment may include compromised components, a situation that the establishment of security laboratories in the tech firms home country and overseas may not sufficiently resolve.

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ZTE and Huawei have faced criticisms over the past few years from the United States regarding the issue of cybersecurity, and the two companies are now dealing with an escalated effort from Washington to convince its allies to stop purchasing 5G equipment from China. Recent issues over the past few months, which include a UK discovery of unresolved vulnerabilities within Huaweis telecommunications solutions and the arrest of a Huawei executive over espionage charges in Poland, had an added negative impact on the reputation of the Chinese network equipment suppliers.

The establishment of security laboratories and the recent push to publicize cybersecurity assurance programs is clearly an effort on the part of ZTE to sway politicians and prevent governments from imposing an outright ban on its products. Many governments, especially in Europe, are still mulling over the matter, and whether ZTE and Huawei are successful in persuading policy makers remains to be seen.Samsung has sold over 2 billion Galaxy-branded smartphones to date, the companys CEO announced during the companys Unpacked event today. That means that Samsung sold over 2 billion smartphones in less than 10 years, as it started selling Galaxy-branded phones back in 2010. The companys CEO did not elaborate on that, but that number obviously includes all Galaxy-branded phones, no matter where theyre sold. In any case, those are some huge numbers.

Some of you are probably wondering how that compares to Apple, well, the Cupertino giant announced back in September last year, that it sold nearly 2 billion iOS devices, though it is worth noting that Apples numbers include iPads as well, so its not exactly a fair comparison, as Samsungs number includes smartphones only. It would be interesting to see a comparison between Galaxy-branded and iOS smartphones, though Samsung definitely has the edge in that regard, as it has been leading the market for years now.

Samsung had plenty to say during its Unpacked press conference, and you can read more about that on the site, as we already have plenty of content, and more is coming. It is worth noting, though that the company announced highly-anticipated Galaxy S10 series, and also its foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold. It was unclear whether the company plans to announce the Galaxy Fold or not, but it happened, and its quite expensive, it will cost almost $2,000 when it goes on sale. Samsung is also amongst the first smartphone manufacturers to announce a foldable smartphone, trumped only by Royole who announced its FlexPai handset last year.

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The Galaxy S10 series got the most exposure during the event, which is not surprising, as those four devices were the main focus of Samsungs press conference. Samsung had introduced the Galaxy S10e, S10, S10+, and S10 5G, so the company something for everyone. The difference in pricing between the most affordable and the most expensive Galaxy S10 handset is quite significant, and there are quite a few differences between these devices.

The Galaxy S10e is the only Galaxy S10 handset which comes with a flat display, side-facing fingerprint scanner, fullHD+ display, and two rear-facing cameras. The phone is also the smallest in the lineup. The Galaxy S10 and S10+ have curved QHD+ displays, as does the Galaxy S10 5G, though all of them have different display sizes. The Galaxy S10 and S10+ include three cameras on the back, while the Galaxy S10 5G comes with four cameras on the back. All of these phones are flagships, technically, the lowest amount of RAM is 6GB, and all phones are fueled by the same processor, the Exynos 9820 in Europe and India, the Snapdragon 855 in China and the US. Android 9 Pie comes included in all devices, along with Samsungs brand new Android overlay called One UI, which puts emphasis on one-handed use, and it actually looks more refined (arguably) than any other Samsung-made UI for Android. If youd like to know more about the differences between Galaxy S10 devices, click here.UPDATE: YouTube link embedded below the article.

One of Samsungs most important press conferences of the year is upon us, it will commence at 11AM PST / 2PM EST / 8PM CET, and the company will live stream the event. During this press conference, the company will announce its Galaxy S10 series of devices, while the companys foldable smartphone may also make an appearance, even though Samsung probably will not fully announce it.

This press conference would extremely important for the company either way, but this is actually the tenth anniversary of the Galaxy S lineup, so its a really big deal for Samsung. If youre interested in tuning in, Samsung is providing us with a number of ways to do that. Samsung is giving you an option to tune in via its official website, Facebook, or Twitter. Visit Samsung Newsroom, Samsung.com or Samsung Mobile Press when the event commences. Alternatively, you can navigate to Samsung Newsroom or Samsung Globals Facebook page, and if you prefer Twitter, head over to the Galaxy Unpackeds Twitter page. All the links provided by Samsung are included in this paragraph.

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There is a chance that the event will be live streamed via one of the companys official YouTube channels, but Samsung did not mention anything regarding that in its press release. In any case, if a live stream pops up on YouTube in the meantime, well embed it down below, if not, youll be able to follow whats going on with ease via one of the sources weve mentioned in the previous paragraph.

What Will Samsung Announce?

Samsung will announce its Galaxy S10 series of devices during this event, the Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+. On top of that, we will probably see some wearables at the event as well, including the Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Buds, while the companys wireless charger for the Galaxy S10 series of devices will also be announced, at least according to rumors. On top of all that, the company will probably at least tease its foldable smartphone, as it probably will not be fully announced today, as Samsung probably dont want the Galaxy S10 series to conflict with its foldable smartphone launch and vice versa.

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The Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+ have been leaking for weeks now, so many of you probably already have a good idea as to what to expect. All three devices will be made out of metal and glass, with the exception of the Ceramic Galaxy S10+, which will sport a ceramic backplate. The Galaxy S10 and S10+ will sport curved QHD+ displays, and in-display fingerprint scanners, while the Galaxy S10e will include a flat fullHD+ display, and a side-facing fingerprint scanner. The Galaxy S10e will be the smallest, and most affordable Galaxy S10-branded phone, and yet it will ship with the same flagship SoC (Exynos 9820 / Snapdragon 855) as all the other Galaxy S10 smartphones.

All three devices will arrive with Android 9 Pie out of the box, and Samsungs brand new, one-hand friendly One UI layout will be included on top of Android. If youd like to know more about the Galaxy S10 series before the event starts today, feel free to check out our Galaxy S10 preview.

https://youtu.be/ISjiJQGJ72oThe social media aficionados at Google Fi have taken to Twitter to reveal via an emoji-laden post that Samsungs brand new Galaxy S10 devices will be compatible with the phone service when they land. One noteworthy caveat with the announcement is that Google appears to imply that it wont actually be offering the gadgets themselves. That means users will need to purchase an unlocked variant or buy the device outright through another carrier to bring over to Google Fi.

The carrier also hasnt provided details about just how compatible the new handsets will be. For instance, it isnt yet clear whether the devices will be compatible with Google Fis incoming RCS texting features. It seems unlikely, given just how advanced Samsungs latest flagships are, that the feature wouldnt be supported but no confirmation has been provided yet. For now, the feature is only known to be supported via Googles own Messages app.

The new Galaxy lineup

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In total, there are four new Samsung Galaxy S10 devices headed to market. Those include the Samsung Galaxy S10e, starting at $749.99 in the US, in addition to the Samsung Galaxy S10 for $899.99 and Galaxy S10+ at $999.99. The fourth gadget, the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G hasnt been given a price point just yet.

All of the new devices will feature a new display technology Samsung calls Dynamic AMOLED and each will have a 6GB and 8GB RAM available. The larger Samsung Galaxy S10+ will tack on an additional 12GB version while the 5G model will only be available in an 8GB configuration.

For storage to back up the memory, the Samsung Galaxy S10e will come with either 128GB or 256GB and the Samsung Galaxy S10 models will pack in either 128GB or 512GB. Samsungs Galaxy S10+ will feature 128GB, 256GB, and 1TB storage options to match the RAM variances. The Galaxy S10 5G wont have expandable storage like its counterparts and will only feature 256GB of storage.

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The new Galaxy S10 devices also differ in screen size and camera layouts. Starting at the budget end of the spectrum, the Samsung Galaxy S10e and Galaxy S10 will both be available in Black, Blue, Pink, and White. The smaller handset will ship with a 5.8-inch flat panel compared to the Galaxy S10s 6.1-inch curved panel but each will feature a single display hole at the front for a selfie-snapper.

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ comes with a 6.4-inch QHD+ curved Dynamic AMOLED display and the Galaxy S10 5G pushes that further still to a similarly specced 6.7-inch panel. Both devices will have a dual-selfie camera array but the largest of the two will pack a 3D depth sensor in place of an RGB sensor.

Rear camera arrays are similarly dizzying in variety, with the Samsung Galaxy S10e only featuring two snappers  a 12-megapixel and 16-megapixel array. The Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ both add a third sensor to that, with a 12-megapixel telephoto lens in addition to the standard variable aperture lens and ultra-wide angle lens found on its siblings. As with the front-facing cameras, the 5G variant of the Samsung Galaxy S10 packs a fourth sensor in the form of a rear-facing 3D depth sensor.

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Providing power to the handsets are four differently sized batteries as well. In the Samsung Galaxy S10e, the company has included a 3,100mAh unit, compared to the 3,500mAh and 4,100mAh battery found in the Galaxy S10 and S10+, respectively. The Galaxy S10 5G has 4,500mAh power supply to assist in driving the energy-hungry 5G radio.

Not surprised

Google only announced official support for third-party smartphones as recently as November. However, the addition of Samsungs new devices is hardly surprising since the only real requirement for compatibility is that a gadget needs to support network bands across GSM, CDMA, and LTE.

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Of Samsungs new devices specifically, the Galaxy S10 5G may turn out to be the only device that isnt supported on Google Fi. For now, the OEM has only revealed that the handset will be a timed exclusive through Verizon in support of that carriers still somewhat limited 5G rollout. That will remain the case for the first half of 2019, although the top-tier flagship should work with Google Fi after that point.Samsungs AI helper, Bixby, isnt being left out of todays Samsung Unpacked 2019 event, with the launch of four new languages now available worldwide. The new languages include British English, German, Italian and Spanish (Spain), nearly doubling the total number of languages the AI assistant can be used in. Previously Bixby could be used in US English, Korean, and Mandarin Chinese.

The new Bixby will, of course, be available on the companys brand new Samsung Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, and Galaxy S10 5G handsets but will also be usable on select Samsung flagships that were launched prior to Unpacked 2019. Summarily, that means that those who speak any of the seven supported languages will be able to use the AI more naturally regardless of where they reside.

For users who arent quite ready to upgrade to a new device, support is available for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8, and Galaxy S8+ devices. The only caveat is that devices need to be running Android 9 Pie in order to access Bixby in the newly added languages.

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Other incoming changes for Bixby?

Bixby does seem to have several other features on the way based on previously spotted trademarks. Among those is a new Routines functionality that could work across a larger IoT ecosystem to allow features similar to Googles Assistant or Amazons Alexa, delivering a custom series of IoT actions at a single command. For example, users might create a command to turn off the lights and activate security measures as well as playing some ambient bedtime noises from smart speakers by telling Bixby goodnight.

Although those features cant be confirmed just yet, the move would make sense in light of other Samsung plans for Bixby, announced back at SDC 2018. During that event, the company revealed that it would not only be hiring as many as 1,000 new AI experts for the platform and incorporating it into all of its products via 2020 via a massive $22 billion investment. Samsung also unveiled the release of its own development platform for use by third-party developers.

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That should mean that Bixby will begin appearing in third-party products and services over the next couple of years, making a Routine feature similar to Google and Amazons more useful.

The better to compete with

By adding new language support, Samsung is making Bixby much more competitive against its rivals in the AI space because it will be more attractive and accessible to both users and developers outside of the initial language groups. Alexa and Assistant still support more languages for the time being but Samsung does indicate that Bixby is effectively still in an ongoing beta test too. So development on currently supported languages and those to be added in the future is still almost certainly underway.

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Samsungs Eui-Suk Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of Software and AI, Mobile Communications Business has confirmed that the conversational AI will only become better moving forward as well. How quickly that development happens will largely depend on Samsungs continued ability to build new partnerships to incorporate more intelligence across more products and services.New, relatively low-resolution images have now leaked out for Samsungs upcoming Galaxy Fit-branded wearables along with pricing for the gadgets in the UK ahead of todays Samsung Unpacked event. Pricing for Samsungs Galaxy Watch Active, following on last years Galaxy Watch, has also been revealed for the region.

The Samsung Galaxy Fit will ship in two varieties, as both the Galaxy Fit and Galaxy Fit e. Each gadget will look similar to one another but will be separated by pricing and most likely by features or ruggedization based on the images and prices. The former will ship for around 89  approximately $116  while the Samsung Galaxy Fit e is said to sale for 35  or around $45.

Both fitness bands will ship in either a black or light gray/white color scheme but the more affordable Samsung Galaxy Fit e will also appear in a Canary Yellow color, matching one of the expected Samsung Galaxy smartphones set to be launched today. Each wearable is said to be similar in functionality to last years Samsung Galaxy Fit2 Pro.

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Galaxy Watch Active and other accessories

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active has already been detailed in a number of leaks and is expected to represent the high-end wearable offering from this years Samsung event. Reportedly set to sell in the UK for 229  just shy of $300  that will run the latest Tizen 4.0 in a 40mm form factor with a 1.3-inch display.

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is expected to run on an in-house Exynos 9110 SoC. Thats the same system chip found in the original Samsung Galaxy Watch but backed up by 4GB of memory and a 230mAh battery. NFC and a heart rate monitor have been leaked as inclusions alongside that internal hardware.

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For colors, the leaked images of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active and other documentation have suggested it will ship in either black, silver, green, or rose gold configurations.

Other accessories expected to launch alongside new flagships at the Unpacked event include new true wireless earbuds to replace the Samsung Gear IconX, dubbed Samsung Galaxy Buds. Those will ship in a variety of colors alongside the new smartphones and will be bundled with pre-orders, according to recent reports. Aside from a completely new look, the new listening devices will mostly be similar to the previous iteration but there is some indication that the handsets will be able to wirelessly charge the earbuds too.

Samsungs Galaxy Buds are expected to arrive in white, black, or Canary Yellow.

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Samsung Unpacked

Whether or not the speculation and newly leaked images are completely accurate remains to be seen but that isnt too far off, with Samsungs event scheduled for 11 AM PST on February 20. Aside from the new accessories and wearables, Samsung is expected to launch no fewer than four new flagship handsets. Those include a new Galaxy S lineup with the Samsung Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10e, and Galaxy S10+ as well as a special ceramic edition Samsung Galaxy S10+.

The event could also see new information revealed about the long-awaited Samsung Galaxy Fold, expected to be Samsungs first flagship with a flexible display panel that can be folded into and out of a tablet configuration.Google has now announced it will be hosting a keynote at this years Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.

Google made the confirmation by sending out invites to the event to various media outlets earlier today.

It is currently unclear what the event will highlight although it would seem this years Google attendance at the event will carry more weight than in previous years, suggesting it is an event to watch out for. As while Google does routinely attend GDC, it does not usually host a major keynote moment.

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What is likely to be at least mentioned at the event, if not the headline act is Googles Project Stream service.

This seems to be the companys solution to online game streaming and has been in development for some time. Google even recently teamed up with Ubisoft to highlight the power of Project Stream and showcase what in theory it could offer to users.

Late last year, Google, via Project Stream invited interested gamers to play the latest Assassins Creed entry, Odyssey in Googles Chrome browser.

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The trial was scheduled to run through until January and was completely as expected, suggesting there were no major issues with the public test. This is even more notable considering this was a AAA gaming title as it leads the way for Google to offer a similar experience to gamers with other major game releases going forward.

The invitees to the GDC event that have gone out today reportedly state that all will be revealed, which if is in relation to Project Stream could be interpreted as the service is now ready for more of a mainstream outing. Considering this is a developer-focused event, Google will at the very least be appealing to third-party developers to jump onboard and start including Project Stream in their rollout plans.

Either way it would mark a fairly significant milestone in the arrival of Project Stream.

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On a related note, Google might not be the only one making an announcement like this soon as reports have also circulated suggesting Amazon is currently working on its own solution thats expected to launch as a direct competitor to Googles Project Stream.

Both Amazon and Google will draw on their respective cloud infrastructures to underpin their game streaming services and as a means to overcome many of the typical hurdles associated with game streaming.

However, if Googles GDC keynote is for Project Stream, it may prove to be an important distinction between the two as Amazons option is reportedly still in an early stage of development. The current expectation is it wont arrive to market until 2020 and being the first of the two to arrive to market could be an edge for Google.

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Of course, this will only be in the sense of Google and Amazon as both will still need to compete with the more gamer-focused companies who already provide some form of online game streaming experience, including both NVIDIA and Sony  via its PlayStation arm. In addition to the other major gaming names, including Microsoft, who are also expected to launch a game streaming service soon enough.

This years GDC event is due to take place between Monday, March 18 and Friday, March 22 with Googles event now scheduled for 10AM PDT on Tuesday, March 19th.This item is available in full to subscribers.

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Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.A well-known tipster, Evan Blass (aka evleaks), has shared a rather interesting tweet today. In that tweet, Blass posted three words Samsung Galaxy Fold, seemingly suggesting the name of Samsungs upcoming device. Thats pretty much everything he said, but its quite obvious what he meant by sharing this.

This information actually goes against what Ishan Agarwal shared about a week ago. Agarwal shared a tip that he received, claiming that the device will actually be called the Galaxy Winner. That name seems out of place, and was an odd choice from the get-go, but Agarwal claimed it was accurate. So, it basically remains to be seen who is right, Ishan Agarwal or Evan Blass.

When Is The Device Coming?

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Samsungs very first foldable smartphone, no matter what will it be called, is expected to arrive in the near future. Some reports even suggested that it will launch during the companys Galaxy S10 Unpacked event on February 20, while Samsung also shared some teasers regarding that, but thats hard to believe. Launching a foldable smartphone on February 20 would take away from the Galaxy S10 series impact, so Samsung may share some info about the device on February 20, but it probably will not launch the device.

Having that in mind, when will it arrive? If we had to guess, wed say that it will launch in the Spring or Summer, though way before the Galaxy Note10. Samsung knows what it is doing when it comes to smartphone launches, and the company is aware that launching a foldable smartphone is a big deal, while it does not want to hurt its other high-end brands at the same time.

Design & Specifications

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Samsung showed off its demo foldable smartphone during its developers press conference at the end of last year, and that more or less confirmed that the phone will fold like a book, while a secondary display will be included on the back. That secondary display comes to life the moment you fold the device, as expected.

The company also accidentally shared a promo video a while back, a promo video which briefly shows off the companys foldable smartphone. That video also confirmed that the company will go with this approach, though the device in that video was considerably larger than the demo unit Samsung showed off last year. Truth be said, the device shown in the promo video is probably closer to reality.

Now, in terms of specs, its safe to assume that the Galaxy Fold, or whatever ends up being called, will be fueled by the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820. The phone will also pack in at least 6GB of RAM, though its possible Samsung may include way more than that. The phone will also include plenty of storage, and both panels used on the device will be OLED displays. In terms of pricing, the Galaxy Fold is actually expected to be quite expensive, reports are claiming that it will cost around $1,500, though it remains to be seen if theres any truth there.

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Samsung Galaxy Fold  Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 19, 2019A recently publicized report filed against Facebook by a security researcher and a BRCA advocacy group now alleges that the social media giant has marketed its Groups as a Personal Health Record (PHR) and then violated the FTC Act by sharing the private data publicly.

Specifically, the complaint accuses Facebook of actively utilizing personal private data shared with the company by individuals to actively solicit users to join health- or patient-related Closed Groups. It then puts forward unfairly or deceptively defined privacy policies for those Groups and Secret Groups, despite that those groups qualify as PHRs. When leaks from that private data have occurred, the complaint alleges that Facebook has failed to disclose the issue.

Within the groups in question, the complaint elaborates, Facebook users can and are sometimes encouraged to share private information such as clinical reports or health-related photos. Groups also ask questions about members health conditions and sometimes require proof of a condition in order for inclusion criteria to be met. Users are often met with conflicting information about just how private that shared data is and Facebook does little to clarify that.

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An ongoing, multi-faceted problem

The 43-page-long complaint does point out that Facebook has made some changes to the way privacy is handled in Groups but that the changes were not made for the express purpose of improving privacy. Thats in spite of news reports near the middle of 2018 that Facebook had been made aware of ongoing leaks of user data within its Groups directly related to patient collaboration and PHR-purposes as well as its policies on the matter.

According to the most recent filing, it is still too easy for users private data to be scraped and the solution to the problem would be easy to implement if Facebook chose to do so. Privacy control is also still inconsistent across the board, despite that the issue has been made known to CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook is facing record-breaking fines from the FTC.

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The FTC is presently investigating whether or not the plethora of privacy breaches and other issues that have arisen with Facebook since its Cambridge Analytica Scandal broke in early 2018 violate a deal between the FTC and Facebook in 2011. That deal is related to the current complaint in that the company agreed at the time that it would obtain express consent from users before sharing their data with third-parties.

The possible cost to Facebook

The complaint goes on to list a number of other key factors for consideration by the FTC, ranging from how Facebook handles republished screenshots from private groups to misconceptions about user control over who has access to their data.

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The group delves substantially into the potential risks associated with leaked data too. That includes risks associated with requiring users to share their real names alongside information that could paint them as a target for violent groups.

Facebook has already been under a great deal of scrutiny and its above-mentioned negotiations with the FTC could ultimately result in a multibillion-dollar fine for the tech company, equating to a significant portion of its quarterly profits.

The latest complaint filed against the company would be much more impactful. According to the group, the FTC should level a fine against Facebook at the maximum allowed amount for an FTC PHR breach  $41,484 per violation. By the groups calculation, Facebooks violations are continuous from the day it was initially informed of the problem. That could result in fines that cost Facebook tens of billions of dollars.Samsungs new Galaxy S10 smartphone series is expected to launch on every major U.S. carrier but as of this writing, the only two mobile network operators in the U.S. to acknowledge the Samsung Galaxy Fold is AT&T and T-Mobile. The carrier just confirmed that it plans to offer the Galaxy Fold to its customers, with more information regarding availability to be disclosed in the coming months.

During the smartphones unveiling, Samsungs DJ Koh confirmed on stage that the Galaxy Fold will be available for purchase starting April 26. He didnt mention any U.S. carriers but the launch date fits within AT&T and T-Mobiles loose timeframe. Only time will tell if AT&T and T-Mobile will be the only network operators to offer the new device in its stores, or if the other three major carriers will join the party with their official announcements in the coming days or weeks.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold will be available in two main variants, one supporting the LTE standard and another one boasting 5G capabilities. As yet AT&T nor T-Mobile have a true 5G nationwide infrastructure available for its customers, and its efforts to label the existing LTE network as 5G Evolution or 5GE has only caused problems for the carrier, with Sprint filing a lawsuit for misleading marketing. Nevertheless, the carrier expects to offer nationwide 5G coverage by early-2020.

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Having said that, it remains to be seen whether AT&T will offer the LTE Samsung Galaxy Fold or the 5G-enabled model in its stores, or both, but it will offer the 5G-enabled Samsung Galaxy S10 so the same might be true for the foldable device. Samsung revealed that the unlocked phone-tablet hybrid will have a starting price of $1,980. Its a premium price for what the OEM calls a luxury device that doesnt define, but defies category.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold is indeed a unique device and despite the OEMs marketing speech, it could open the gates for a new category of smartphones to be unleashed in the coming years  if it will prove to be successful.

The entry-level price is higher than any other flagship phone released to date  not counting gold-plated or otherwise fashion statement devices  and although the price tag can be justified by the inclusion of cutting edge technologies like a foldable screen, a clever mechanical hinge, as well as two batteries working together as a single unit, it will likely be a tough pill to swallow for many gadget enthusiasts.

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Equipped with a 7.3-inch Infinity Flex display on one side and a 4.6-inch non-flexible panel on the other, the Galaxy Fold is the worlds first smartphone to support UFS 3.0 storage boasting two-times faster data read speed compared to other handsets. It will launch with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of built-in storage, and rely on Qualcomms Snapdragon 855 7nm chipset solution.

Samsung also confirmed that the Galaxy Fold will launch in four color options, including Cosmos Black, Space Silver, Martian Green, and Astro Blue, while the color of the hinge will be customizable on its own. AT&T will presumably offer all of these color options but this has yet to be confirmed so prospective buyers will have to wait for more details to be disclosed in the coming weeks and months.A member of the XDA-Developers forums recently launched a smartwatch application bringing Amazon Alexa to a handful of Samsung wearables, specifically those running Tizen OS version 4 or newer. This includes the Samsung Gear Sport, Gear S3 Classic and S3 Frontier, as well as the Galaxy Watch released last year.

The app called Voice in a Can was originally launched for the Apple Watch last year but now for the first time, it has been ported outside of Apples ecosystem. Its a standalone application requiring only an Amazon account with which users need to synchronize their smartwatch, and users will then be prompted to give the app access to the smartwatchs microphone. The process is straightforward as can be seen in the 1-minute video embedded below.

Samsungs smartwatches do feature a voice assistant of their own, namely the OEMs proprietary Bixby platform, but this is an alternative to that and arguably, many users would rather prefer using Amazon Alexa over Samsungs solution. Voice in a Can works independently, it doesnt require a phone or an Amazon Echo device and doesnt seem to replace Bixby. Users can simply set the Home Key double-tap action to summon Amazon Alexa for queries.

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The application has been launched through Samsungs official Galaxy Apps store and users can either head down to the XDA-Developers forum thread for more information, instructions, and feedback, or they should be able to find the app by simply searching for it in the Galaxy Apps store. Voice in a Can costs $1.99 so its not free but this should also mean that its free of any in-app advertisement.

At the moment its unclear whether the app will be compatible with the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch Active but given that the smartwatch is expected to run Tizen OS 4.x, it should technically be capable of running Voice in a Can. Some tweaks might be required considering that the upcoming smartwatch model will feature a redesigned input method lacking the rotating bezel, but that remains to be seen.

The developer did mention that he would like to give users the option of placing Voice in a Can on their watchfaces but this feature would require smartphones running Tizen 5, of which there are none at the time of this writing. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is expected to support Bixby Reminders but as usual, it will likely lack access to any other virtual assistants including Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant.

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Last years Samsung Galaxy Watch was released running Tizen 4 out of the box, but the same cannot be said for earlier models including the Gear S3 Classic, Gear S3 Frontier, and the Gear Sport. The good news is that Samsung updated these earlier models to Tizen 4.0.0.2 back in January, introducing a wide range of features including Samsung Health, the ability to save draft messages, a redesigned Quick Panel and more.

Having said that, readers who own either one of these models and would like to give Voice in a Can a try should make sure that they have first updated their firmware to the latest Tizen OS version.



Have any questions? Please give us a call at 907-561-7737Jeff Bezos, the richest person in the world and owner of the Washington Post, is about to encounter Kentucky justice , and I suspect he is not going to be happy with it. The parents of Nick Sandmann chose well in hiring renowned lawyer L. Lin Wood, who won over $5 million from NBC over its coverage of Richard Jewell during the Olympic Park bombing incident. Wood and associated counsel launched a lawsuit in federal court in Covington, Kentucky (the Eastern District of Kentucky, Northern Division). According to the Diocese of Covington, 18% of the area's population is Catholic. The Eastern District Court of Kentucky is within the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is based in Cincinnati, generally regarded as the most conservative major metropolitan area in the United States.

The suit alleges that The Post "targeted and bullied" 16-year-old Nicholas Sandmann in order to embarrass President Trump. Sandmann was one of a number of students from Covington Catholic High School in Kentucky who were wearing red "Make America Great Again" hats during a trip to the Mall when they encountered Nathan Phillips, a Native American activist. ... "In a span of three days in January of this year commencing on January 19, the Post engaged in a modern-day form of McCarthyism by competing with CNN and NBC, among others, to claim leadership of a mainstream and social media mob of bullies which attacked, vilified, and threatened Nicholas Sandmann, an innocent secondary school child," reads the complaint. It added, "The Post ignored basic journalist standards because it wanted to advance its well-known and easily documented, biased agenda against President Donald J. Trump by impugning individuals perceived to be supporters of the President."

Libel lawsuits are notoriously difficult for plaintiffs to win, but 16-year-old Nick Sandmann was not a public figure when the Post launched its allegedly defamatory coverage of his encounter with Nathan Phillips, which means that the standard is negligence, not actual malice.

Robert Stacy McCain comments:

The lawsuit mentions a crucial fact: The Post rushed to lead the mainstream media to assassinate Nicholas' character and bully him, publishing their first article no later than 1:37 p.m. January 19. This story was not "hot" or "breaking news." To the extent the Post performed any investigation at all into what occurred, its unreasonable investigation did not take long, and contrary information did not stop it from publishing its first story in its Sunday newspaper the next day. One of the reporters on the story first retweeted the video approximately four hours before receiving credit for the Post's first article. In the intervening time, the Post apparently managed to track down and interview Phillips, write a story, and fan the flames of the social media mob into a mainstream media frenzy of false attacks and threats against Nicholas. In other words, the Post did not merely report on an online controversy, but by retweeting the video, one of its reporters was actually part of the Twitter mob that incited the controversy. And the newspaper raced to publish an article before it had conducted sufficient reporting even to know the name of the student whose "menacing smirk" may cost the paper an enormous amount in attorneys' fees to defend this lawsuit. Normally, I would not think the Post could actually lose this lawsuit. Libel law in the United States favors freedom of the press to such an extent that it is nearly impossible for a libel plaintiff to win. At least nine times out of 10, lawyers will advise against filing such a lawsuit. Yet the facts in this case are unusual and, perhaps, unprecedented. Editors at the Post decided to turn an Internet flame-war into an actual print-edition news story, and they did so with astonishing haste, repeating in print Phillips's claim that the Covington boys "suddenly swarmed around him[.]"

To my layman's ears, that haste sounds like negligence. Ultimately, it is a jury of Kentuckians that will decide the fate of the suit, and my strong suspicion is that there may well be an element of "flyover country revenge" in their hearts. Kentucky is one of those states that swells on the two coasts regard as inhabited by primitives with only a few teeth in the mouths. And here we have the snooty newspaper in the nation's capital (which has become the richest metro area in the country) and the richest man in the world, a Seatteite who has driven plenty of store-owners into bankruptcy, picking on a local boy.

Asking for the same amount that Bezos's personal company paid for the Post was genius. The lawsuit asks for compensatory damages (for income that may be lost by Nick) of $50 million, which is probably difficult to sustain. But punitive damages, intended to "teach 'em a lesson" and deter future misconduct, must be meaningful to the defendant, on the defendant's scale of money. If Bezos can afford a quarter-billion for the paper, he sure can afford $200 million for punitive damages.

The tort law industry of law firms suing for damages has traditionally been a major donor to the Democrats, and it generally goes after "deep pocket" defendants. But with the conversion of the biggest businesses (the tech oligarchies) and richest people in the United States into bastions of progressivism, the old alignment of forces is changing, and tools once wielded by the left become part of the armory of conservatives.

If I were the Post, I would settle for eight figures and a confidentiality agreement.Washington Post can't help but sympathize with Ilhan Omar's anti-Semitism

Thank you, Washington Post, for your pontificating piece on Amazon and capitalism in "Amazon's mugging in N.Y. a warning for U.S. business" (2/17/19). Nice generalization of Amazon  does one failed deal define the future of N.Y.? Maybe in the Post's book...there isn't even a trend it can show. But what would a Washington Post article be without inserting an anti-Israel or anti-Jewish barb?

The Washington Post article defends freshman member of Congress Ilhan Omar, saying there is an "obvious truth that the Israel Lobby uses campaign contributions to elect friendly politicians ('Senator, sorry to interrupt, but Sheldon Adelson is on line two.')" Was the Post referring to J Street, which assuredly lobbies candidates and elected officials and bills itself as pro-Israel? To a majority of American Jews, J Street supports candidates who vote against Israel. Further, J Street lobbies for BDS, boycotting Israel. Is that part of this strong "Israel Lobby" of which the Post speaks? AIPAC, which is the group to which Omar was referring, is an educational group that does not give money to candidates. When the Post refers to an "Israel Lobby" rather than what the congresswoman actually said (which is offensive in its own right), the Post lumps all the groups together, perpetuating an even more anti-Semitic libel that is reprehensible to see in an American newspaper, especially one deemed as credible as The Washington Post. The Post should be ashamed of itself and should issue an apology for propagating one of the oldest and most evil anti-Semitic tropes with those comments. The fact that the Post doesn't even see it and inserted an even more anti-Semitic trope is even more troubling.FAANG tech giants that include Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Alphabet (Google) were almost worthless in 2000, but by March 20, 2018, the combined stock market capitalization of these companies reached an all-time high of $3.015 trillion.

Presidents since George W. Bush have demanded that China increase imports of U.S. goods or suffer retaliatory tariffs. But Chinese representatives would fly to the U.S. and quickly negotiate mostly cosmetic and noneconomic promises to quiet disputes.

But when Chinese officials visited Washington, D.C. last September, they learned that President Trump had slapped tariffs on $60 billion's worth of Chinese exports. The Baltic Dry Index, representing the cost to ship a maritime container, plunged 63 percent from $1,727 to $639. FAANG stocks tanked by 30 percent, before partially rebounding.

Heralded for two decades as the triumph of American business prowess, Charles Hugh Smith argues that global tech giants are increasingly viewed as an opaque Deep State "monoculture that incentivizes self-serving corruption and propaganda." He warns that their primary task is to "convince the commoner sheep being sheared that being sheared is the best of all possible worlds  and that dissenting sheep will be led off to slaughter."

Smith adds that the fatal flaw with such central planning solutions is that "they run completely counter to the principles of evolution which guide all systems, natural and human. That which is rigid and inflexible cannot adapt to rapid change, and thus it fails to adapt and vanishes from the Earth. That is the essence of evolutionary dynamics."

Between 1985 and 2000, the trade deficit with China rose from $6 billion to $83 billion but was small compared to the size of the economy. But after President Bill Clinton signed the U.S.-China Relations Act of 2000, the deficit tripled by 2006 to $234 billion. The loss of 1.9 million jobs, mostly in Midwestern manufacturing, strongly contributed to the Republicans losing six senators and 31 representatives in the 2006 midterm elections.

Democrat Barack Obama crushed Republican John McCain in 2008 by promising to create four million jobs by aggressively attacking China's currency manipulation.

But the Democrats' attitudes toward tech offshoring changed radically by the 2012 elections, as most Silicon Valley CEOs and 83 percent of employee donations backed Obama's re-election bid. Highlighting tech giants' symbiotic business relationships with Washington, D.C., the TechCrunch blog coined the term "Valley of the Democrats."

The U.S. trade deficit with China rose to $367 billion in 2015, primarily driven by FAANG tech companies, like Apple that offshored all but 69 of its 766 suppliers.

Campaigning for Democrat Hillary Clinton across industrial Indiana in mid-2016, Obama calmly stated that Trump claimed that "he's going to bring all these jobs back. Well, how exactly are you going to do that? What are you going to do? There's no answer to it." He argued those jobs are never coming back and that blue-collar workers must learn to code.

Big Silicon Valley tech giants have argued that capitalism and the nation-state may end, because a single computer program can wipe out hundreds of jobs. But President Trump, demonstrating last year that the U.S. could generate the largest expansion of domestic manufacturing jobs since 1988, has flipped the script against Silicon Valley.

Realizing that Trump may have fundamentally co-opted the industrial Midwestern voter base for Republicans, Democrat presidential hopefuls are now going all in for socialism, open borders, and victimization. Increasingly seen as the cause of much of the outsourcing of American jobs to Asia, Democrats will join the Silicon Valley Techlash.Take, for example, last summer's race for Irving, Texas's city council between Albert Zapanta and Shayan Elahi. Nonpartisan candidate Zapanta was roasted by the media for reportedly claiming to have a Ph.D. when he had not completed his dissertation. His opponent, Elahi, has a troublesome background of his own, yet questions regarding his history were never seriously discussed by local media outlets. Despite the controversy surrounding his credentials, Albert Zapanta won the election by a little over 100 votes.

When it comes to voting, we count on the media to provide us with background on the candidates, including scrutinizing their credentials and histories. But that scrutiny is increasingly one-sided. That's especially true in local races.

Now Elahi is filing to run again for Irving City Council in 2019. Will the media show more scrutiny this time around?

The earliest public record of Elahi actively working as a lawyer in Texas is in 2015, when he made public statements against the Irving schools in support of Ahmed Mohamed, "Clock Boy," a student in the Irving School District (ISD) who showed up to school with what he described as a homemade clock but what officials from the school believed to be a bomb.

At that time, Elahi described himself as "an Irving property owner and a civil rights attorney" and Irving as "a very diverse and cosmopolitan city," "a great city," where "[n]o other child should have to deal with what [Ahmed Mohamed] is dealing with."

The Mohamed family went on to file lawsuits against the ISD as well as against multiple media pundits who had commented on the controversy. All of those lawsuits were dismissed.

This was not the first time Elahi had injected himself into a controversial situation. Before arriving in Texas, Elahi built his reputation in Florida. He graduated college from University of Central Florida. In 2011, he served as legal counsel for the Occupy Orlando movement. And in 2012, he launched an unsuccessful campaign against Joe Sanders for the Florida House of Representatives, District 49.

Perhaps more than any other campaign, Elahi's efforts in 2009 as the lawyer for the parents of Rifqa Bary put him in the media spotlight.

Elahi's campaign against her was shockingly brutal. The sixteen-year-old, who fled her Ohio home after her Muslim parents threatened her with death for converting to Christianity, was presented as a loose, troubled teenager who had been brainwashed. In a 2009 Orlando Sentinel editorial, Shayan Elahi wrote of the high school valedictorian:

The child was lured away interstate by people who met her on the internet. They spoke with this minor while her parents slept, sowing the seeds of their own prejudice about Islam into this child's impressionable mind. They bought a ticket from her under a fake name and hid her from the authorities. Later on, opportunistic politicians hungry for the right-wing votes in 2010 coarsely inserted themselves in this family matter.

Unsurprisingly, Bary's version of events was not even close to Elahi's. In a 2015 interview with JoAnne Viviano of the Columbus Dispatch, Bary justified her flight from her family in Ohio by stating:

I simply wanted to worship Jesus freely and go to church and be a Christian and not be afraid that my faith would cost me my life.

Bary to this day remains out of contact with her family, and a 2015 Daily Mail article indicates that she still lives in fear of being killed by her family or fanatics.

So what to make of Elahi's revisionist history, his smearing of Rifqa Bary as a "runaway child," his smearing of the Irving school system, and his inexplicable move from Florida to Texas? More to the point, what to make of the lack of coverage of these newsworthy connections? If history is the determinant, such stories will continue to be overlooked by local media outlets, and locals will continue to endure elected officials whom we have no idea about before it's too late.Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has spoken over the phone with US President Donald Trump ahead of next week's US-North Korea summit.

They discussed an issue of great importance to Tokyo, Japanese nationals who were abducted by North Korean agents decades ago.

After the talks on Wednesday, Abe told reporters: "We agreed that Japan and the US will work even more closely on all levels to resolve the issue of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, as well as the issue of the abductions of Japanese nationals. We spent a lot of time discussing the abduction issue."

When Abe met relatives of the abductees this week, he said he would explain to Trump the plan he has for resolving the issue and ask the US president to convey his ideas to Kim.

The relatives say they want all of the abductees to return to Japan as soon as possible. - NHKDoes the Jussie Smollett case really end with the Nigerians?

The Jussie Smollett case is starting to get weird. According to NBC5 in Chicago: Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx recused herself from the investigation into the alleged attack into "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett. First Assistant State's Attorney Joseph Magats will be the acting state's attorney for the matter, a spokesperson said in an emailed statement Tuesday. No further explanation was given as to why Foxx recused herself. "Out of an abundance of caution, the decision to recuse herself was made to address potential questions of impartiality based upon familiarity with potential witnesses in the case," the spokesperson said in an email. Maybe that's because she really does know the politically active, politically connected Smollett's friends, for sure. Smollett's mom, Janet Smollett, is reportedly good friends with 1960s radical Angela Davis and Davis has mentored the young Jussie throughout much of his life. Davis, a communist, is a political celebrity on the far left, with an image second only to that of Che Guevara. Academic honors are still being showered on her and leftist luminaries always look to have their picture with hers. Rest assured, she's connected with today's Democrats as one of their radicals manque. I can't see her not being able to get a phone call through to some of them. It's also quite likely that as the case is increasingly exposed as a hoax (get a load of this detail), prosecuting that act wouldn't make any ambitious prosecutor politically popular. And sure enough, Foxx is ambitious and wants to be popular. Most important, her recusal seems to suggest that Foxx is part of the Chicago Democratic Party political machine, and as a notable hip-hop black film-maker has argued, the hoax itself may well extend to them. It certainly would explain a recusal. Foxx, according to this flattering Chicago Tribune profile, is very much a player in Chicago politics, a favorite rising star among the Democrats. She has only been in office for a little more than a year, but Cook Countys top prosecutor Kim Foxx is already attracting admiring attention from Democrats on the national stage. Foxx on Wednesday night was feted by the partys Washington, D.C., elite at a gala dinner where she received the Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award from Emilys List, the major political action committee that works to elect pro-choice women nationwide.

The states attorney shared a table with Sen. Cory Booker and met with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at the event, also attended by Democratic gubernatorial nominee J.B. Pritzker. Thats the kind of clout that would be very helpful in a run for higher office. The Chicago cops investigating the claimed hate attack on Smollett have located two Nigerians affiliated with the cast of the Empire show Smollett had been on, and reportedly learned from them that Smollett paid them to stage the attack. The cops have since dismissed them as suspects and now seem to be focusing on Smollett. Not easy if Smollett's friends are your friends and you're all part of the same leftist 'family.' But the argument of Hollywood hip-hop film maker Tariq Nasheed, who also goes by the names 'K-Flex' and 'King Flex,' is also strengthened by recusal. As I noted here a couple days ago, Nasheed's series of tweets raised suspicions that the hoax had a political nexus, quite likely from Democratic politicians, informed by gay special interests promoting their agenda. He said he was tipped off by the fact that shortly before the attack, there was an 'anti-lynching' law on the table sponsored by Democrats Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, both of whom are running for president, and at the last minute, some language specifying homophobia was added to the bill. He was suspicious the whole Smollett attack might have been a staged set-up to get the largely irrelevant law passed with Harris and Booker racking up points with voters. After all, when exactly did the last lynching in the U.S. occur, and aren't there murder laws already on the books? Then the phony attack on gay and black actor Smollett happened, and now it seems to have blown up in their faces, exposed as a hoax. Because the fact that it happened in Chicago and not some stereotypical place like Texas or Mississippi is a red flag. That the Democrats inserted last-minute gay language in their lynch law bill is a red flag. That Harris called the whole thing a lynching to match her pre-made bill is a red flag. Now a Chicago official recuses herself? It really looks like this thing doesn't end with the Nigerians. Harris's weird deer-in-the-headlights response to questions about her own tweet declaring Smollett a victim of a modern-day "lynching" only adds more fat to the fire of Nasheed's theory. Foxx's weird recusal points raises even more questions about Democratic involvement in the hoax, because the narrative that had been promoted was to smear President Trump's supporters. Who exactly are Foxx's friends, and which ones match Smollett's friends? Why does this person have so many of them in common with Smollett to the point that she dare not prosecute the case? Smollett himself isn't exactly a Chicago guy, so it's obvious these friends in common aren't "guy(s) in the neighborhood," as President Obama used to put it, trying to explain his ties to another rabid 1960s Chicago-based radical, Bill Ayers. Davis isn't, either. There obviously are some unseen new Ayerses involved and they likely aren't just confined to Angela Davis. With Kamala Harris trying to giggle it away and a Democratic local prosecutor heading for the hills, you can bet the hoax is going to extend. Chicago machine at work here? Obviously this looks like a story that would yield any reporter interested in digging deeper some significant pay dirt. Image credit: Detail from photo by Disney | ABC Television, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0Brazil has declared it's going to be delivering aid to starving Venezuelans whether the country's socialist dictatorship likes it or not.

It's a beautiful thing. And a big problem for Maduro.

According to a BBC story headlined "Venezuela crisis: Brazil vows to deliver aid, defying Maduro":

Brazil says it will send humanitarian aid to its border with Venezuela by the weekend, despite the protests of embattled President Nicolas Maduro. The delivery and distribution of the aid is being organised by Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, the Brazilian presidential spokesman said. Mr Maduro denies there is a crisis in Venezuela and calls the growing aid operation a US-orchestrated show. Venezuela also closed its sea and air border with Curacao. The Dutch Caribbean island, off Venezuela's north coast, is planning to host US aid. The military has so far managed to block shipments of US aid from coming across the border with Colombia.

Maduro thought he had it good by halting U.S. shipments coming in from the Colombian border. He outsmarted those gringos, see, and effectively called President Trump a "Nazi."

Some Nazi.

Now he's got a major second front in his war on food, coming up from his south, in what's becoming a multi-front war. It's not just the gringos who need to be held off, from both the northern (via the Netherlands's Curacao) and western flanks (via Colombia). He's got aid to keep out from his south, with the loyalty of his military being tested on all flanks. All it takes is one group of soldiers to let the aid through and join the protection of the civilized world and it's likely that all of the military is going to quit and join the allies.

Oh and to keep things interesting, there's also Richard Branson and his Live Aid-style concert to drive home to a global audience that he's unpopular now even with the leftish Hollywood and Davos elites. Maduro's allies are getting thin on the ground.

What this points to is a war fought with food, not guns. And it's a rightful closing chapter in the war on socialism, given that historically, communist and socialist regimes have used hunger as a means of controlling the population. It dates from the very beginning, with the Bolshevik use of starvation to force submission of what was then called the Ukraine. All communist regimes use this - and it's still practiced in North Korea and Cuba. Now Brazil is showing that it recognizes a war to be won all right and is going forward with food as its weapon.

Brazil, on Venezuela's southern flank, is particularly significant, given that the nation is the bigfoot among the South American states, a nation with a full-blown military and cutting-edge technology. Best of all, it now has a new leader, Jair Bolsonaro, who's been called 'the Tropical Trump.' The characterization may not be perfectly aligned, but it's close enough for the two nations to work closely together on the common project of dislodging Maduro, and this news shows that they are. What a tag team.

If anything, Brazil's new president, Jair Bolsonaro, is far more conservative in a Latin American sense than Trump. Bolsonaro is anti-communist and anti-socialist to the marrow, as is President Trump, to the point of openly declaring his admiration for the likes of Chile's loathed-by-the-left military ruler Augusto Pinochet. Bolsonaro may have done this to get the left's goat, or to persuade Brazil's public he's really not like other politicians, (which is why he won the election), but there is no question that Pinochet, who hated communism so passionately he was willing to try out radical free market ideas enacted by his famous Chicago Boys economists, left his country Latin America's biggest success story.

Maduro knows this, he knows that Brazil was the first nation to recognize the legitimate government of acting President Juan Guaido, well before the U.S. did, and Bolsonaro is someone to be feared. Maduro has a lot of tools in his socialist toolbox to discredit America, given the power and use of the West's leftists, Trump-haters, and the international institutions. But he has nothing to counter Bolsonaro with on that front and he already knows that a determined Bolsonaro is champing at the bit to get rid of him. All that's left for Maduro against Bolsonaro is the Venezuelan military, and the trust he has that it will stick by him in Venezuela's remote south and block the aid. All it takes is a few starving troops in the miserable south, pressured by the area's angrier-than-average locals all around them to let the aid in, join the allies and ... trigger a chain reaction.

With this move, Brazil signals its value and importance to the western alliance and the cause of freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Bolsonaro (along with Trump) is going to be a hero to Venezuelans as its move may prove pivotal in the dislodging of the detested socialist dictatorship.

Image credit: Bild Brasilien, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0The first point is the most obvious -- there was an undeniable crisis occurring when FDR pitched his New Deal for the Forgotten Man in his 1932 campaign. This is a key distinction. In 1932, America was in the early years of the Great Depression, and FDR was promising to end the convulsions affecting our economy. That was a pretty attractive prospect.

In order to secure a massive expansion of federal power to intervene in Americans lives and the marketplace, as FDR accomplished with his New Deal, politicians need to have both an indisputable crisis and a talent for deception. Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez and company have neither.

Radical leftist Democrats today, inversely, are promising to introduce massive economic convulsions which will undoubtedly change Americans way of life. Thats a tougher sell in generally prosperous times, and particularly when there are legitimate doubts as to the extent of the crisis that they claim climate change represents. Consider that the scientific models of the late 90s have been proven spectacularly wrong, predicting the rapid global warming of a globe that, for the last 20 years or so, hasnt been warming. The public has good reason to be at least a little skeptical when the left employs its environmental doomsday prophecies while begging for more power and more of your money.

And we have even more reason for skepticism with the Green New Deal, as packaged, given that there are myriad Trojan Horses contained within, carrying redistributive policies that have nothing to do with the climate, like guaranteeing all Americans jobs paying a family-sustaining wage, high-quality healthcare, and economic security.

And that leads to the second reason why there wont be a Green New Deal. You cant just tell people that whats best for them is to surrender their precious liberty and give the government vast new powers to experiment with centralized planning projects. To open the door for government to seize that kind of power, deception is required.

Among the great many commonly believed myths about the Great Depression is that FDR saved us from the Hoover administrations small-government austerity measures and laissez-faire approach to the economy. Nothing could be further from the truth.

To fight the depression after it had begun, Herbert Hoover dramatically extended the size and scope of the federal government. He fully supported the Smoot-Hawley tariff, spent $500 million on a Federal Farm Board which subsidized wheat and cotton with disastrous results, spent three times that on his Reconstruction Finance Corporation which doled out federal money to politically entrenched banks and industries, and, when accounting for the deflation of the period, doubled federal spending between 1929 and 1933.

With Americans seeing all that, FDR didnt campaign in 1932 as a big government expansionist. He often presented himself as the small government alternative to Hoover, telling a Pittsburgh audience on October 19, 1932 that Hoover had been committed to the idea that we ought to center control of everything in Washington as rapidly as possible -- Federal control. That was the idea that increased the cost of Government by a billion dollars in four years.

To correct Hoovers mistakes, he sometimes promised free-market approaches to economic growth, a balanced federal budget, and a 25% reduction in federal spending.

But once elected, FDR didnt do any of that. Rather, he expanded upon Hoovers template by growing the federal governments power to levels yet unseen. The National Recovery Act gave the government and industry leaders unprecedented power in fixing commercial prices. His Agricultural Adjustment Act made the problems created by Hoovers farm board look small by comparison, making food less available and affordable for hungry Americans. Marginal income tax rates went skyward by 1935, and myriad new excise taxes (which are regressive, by nature) punished impoverished Americans as all the billions of dollars being extracted from them were being spent on make-work jobs created by his massive Works Progress Administration (or WPA, which critics called We Piddle Around at the time).

Regrettably, the power dynamic between the government and the individual did shift heavily in favor of government in the New Deal era, perhaps more so than at any other time in American history. But that being his goal certainly wasnt FDRs opening pitch to the public to address the crisis at hand. And even in the thick of his New Deal policies being implemented, he still often denied that he was ultimately behind the increased government interventions, despite having created a vast system of patronage which divvied out federal money to states whose representatives went along with the Presidents policy goals -- like tax increases, for example. When taxes were hiked again in 1935, he deflected criticism by saying, Heavens above, I am not Congress. Im just an innocent, peaceful little fellow down here that makes a recommendation.

Its only too obvious that the more radical standard-bearers of the Democratic Party lack a talent for such guile, and some on the left are now lamenting that fact.

Over at Slate, Jordan Weissmann asserts, regarding Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs laughably juvenile FAQ meant to explain the goals of the Green New Deal, that it might reflect Ocasio-Cortezs unfiltered views, but many moderates are going to hesitate to go along with the program if they think the end-goals are not-so-secretly extreme and misguided.

The implication, intended or not, is that moderates might go along with the program if it were secretly extreme and misguided, which one can only assume Weissmann would prefer, given that he calls the bill a step in the right direction.

But since I can think of no better description of this new crop of radical Democrats jockeying for media attention than not-so-secretly extreme and misguided, its pretty safe to say that their Green New Deal isnt happening any time soon.

William Sullivan blogs at Political Palaver and can be followed on Twitter.Conservatives arent known for supporting legalization or even decriminalization of marijuana, as evidenced by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions determination to prosecute marijuana-related crimes . So what happens when Republican voters, specifically older individuals, support a change of policy? The fact is, aging Americans, particularly those with serious health issues, are pursuing medical marijuana (MMJ) as a means of managing pain, nausea, and other symptoms, and its forcing conservative politicians to reconsider their stance.

At present, MMJ is legal in 33 states, while recreational marijuana is legal in significantly fewer, but according to research into media portrayals of the drug, medical framing is likely played a significant role in changing peoples opinions. This includes the use of marijuana to ease cancer pain, as part of weaning chronic pain patients off of opioids, and even as a tool for treating intractable seizures in children. Regardless of their prior opinions, it is apparently difficult for individuals to condemn marijuana use outright, despite its classification as a Schedule I drug, because of its medical benefits -- and this phenomenon is particularly marked among seniors, whose political stances are less likely to change.

End of Life Care Conundrums

End of life care plays a significant role in why older, more conservative individuals are changing their opinions about MMJ, regardless of their stance on recreational use. For example, in conditions that disproportionately impact older patients, such as ALS, neuropathy, glaucoma, and dementia, MMJ has shown significant benefits as a form of pain relief, and can be used as a replacement for opioid pain relievers. Its also regularly used to manage cancer pain and even muscle wasting in terminal patients. Unfortunately, because its illegal at a federal level, interest in MMJ for among seniors puts care providers, such as nursing homes and hospitals, in a difficult position, though some states are finding ways around this.

What does a senior-friendly MMJ policy look like? In Arizona, where marijuanas use in medical treatment is legal, designated caregivers -- who may be almost anyone over age 21, including home health aides or children of the patient -- are given leeway in accessing the drug. These caregivers can transport patients to the dispensary or make the purchases themselves, grow a limited amount of marijuana for use by the patient if they live at a distance, and prepare the substance for use. Caregivers need to be licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, and the policy is designed to accommodate seniors and the seriously ill who otherwise may not be able to access MMJ.

Implications for Politicians

MMJ represents a key element in our culture war, which raises questions about whether politicians are especially likely to change their stance on legalization -- but the fact is, its already happening. Last June, the Republican Party of Texas approved platform planks supporting decriminalization, MMJ, and industrial hemp cultivation. Many Republican politicians have also spoken out, encouraging the DEA to deschedule marijuana entirely, and this is in large part because current MMJ regulations overlook a sizable population of patients who could benefit from it.

As a prominently conservative state, Texas Republicans could change the terms of the conversation around marijuana, which means that now is the time to watch other states. Additionally, since Republicans have lost control of the House of Representatives, its an important moment for considering what platform changes could be most beneficial in regaining that status. Support for MMJ could be key.

Demographic Demands

Ultimately, conservative politicians must consider how changing national demographics, widespread recreational use of marijuana, and increased state-level legalization all shape changing opinions of the drug. Furthermore, supporting patients in their pursuit of the drug reflects broader support for patient advocacy. As some patients and their supporters explain, seniors are uniquely vulnerable to dangerous polypharmacy. Their doctors prescribe a series of drugs which never quite resolve all their health problems and may exacerbate other ones or result in unacceptable side effects.

Additionally, patients describe a healthcare system in which doctors dont seem concerned that this kind of polypharmacy may be harming patients and shortening their lifespans; they see seniors and assume they are already on deaths door. Conservative politicians support for patients rights means supporting MMJ legislation to make it more accessible. Currently, the majority of patients cant reside in nursing homes or other skilled care facilities because these facilities arent allowed to store MMJ. Changing its legal status would allow patients to take advantage of the most appropriate healthcare environment for their needs, rather than an environment of last resort.

Whether or not changing marijuana policy is actually popular among conservative politicians, doing so could be among the most beneficial approaches going into the next election cycle -- and could be a negotiating chip when dealing with liberals in Congress. As with many other political positions, the goal is to meet the needs of your base while also promoting other key party aims. If MMJ policy can be combined with regionally beneficial hemp farming subsidies and help conservatives curry favor with older voters and their families, it could be just what they need to execute a power play.Karl Was Not as Amusing as Groucho

He sits and daydreams, hes got daydreams galore. He may look like hes obsessed and talk like hes obsessed, but dont let that fool you, he really is obsessed. Now that Bernie Sanders announced on February 19, 2019 that he is a candidate for president of the U.S., it is appropriate to examine the unacknowledged ideology propelling him as well as his own practical impact. In 2016, Sanders did gain more than 13 million votes in the Democratic primaries, to Hillary Clintons 17 million, and won 22 states. The self-described Democratic Socialist now informs the country that we began the political revolution in the 2016 campaign and now its time to move that revolution forward, to implement the vision for which we fought. Sanders differs from the great Marxist Groucho, whose revolutionary program was, These are my principles and if you dont like them, well, I have others. Sanders call for revolution is consistent, but it comes at a time when the memory of another Marxist, Karl Marx, the 19th-century founder of revolutionary action to end capitalism, and founder of the communist movement, is less esteemed. A few years this was different. In September, 1999, the BBC News Online Poll on the question, Who was the greatest thinker of the millennium, reported that Marx was in first place, way ahead of ten others led by Einstein and Newton. How have the mighty fallen! It is unlikely a Marx victory would be the outcome of a present poll, as the desecration of his grave in London in February 2019 suggested.

The memorial to Karl Marx, who was born in Trier, Germany, on May 5, 1818, and who lived in London from 1849 until his death aged 64 on March 14, 1883, is located in Highgate cemetery in North London. His tomb was unveiled in 1956 by a group led by the general secretary of the Communist Party of Great Britain. It has a tombstone that contains a large bust of Marx set on a marble pedestal. On it are two quotations from Marx: "Workers of all lands unite," the final words of The Communist Manifesto that he cowrote with Friedrich Engels in 1848, and "The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways: the point is to change it," the final line from Marxs Theses on Feuerbach, written in 1845. Marxs resting place, listed as a Grade-I monument, as are Kensington Palace and St. Pauls Cathedral, is thus one of the most important structures in the country, visited by thousands of people every year, and fresh flowers are always at the grave. However, the lack of unanimous regard was shown twice on February 4 and 16, 2019, when the monument in Highgate was attacked with a hammer, by a person or individuals trying to scrape or chip Marx's name off the marble plaque on the tombstone, which was defaced by red paint. Among the uncomplimentary words painted on the marble plaque were slogans such as "doctrine of hatred," "architect of genocide- terror plus oppression, mass murder," "memorial to Bolshevik Holocaust, 66,000,000 killed," "ideology of starvation." No one has yet been arrested or even accused of the attack, which seems to imply seriously that Marxs ideas are a threat to society, or less seriously that Brexit demands that Marx, born German, should be removed from the country as should all foreigners. Should Marx be praised or condemned? By coincidence, relevant remarks were uttered by Jean-Claude Juncker, Luxembourg politician and President of the European Commission, while speaking in 2018 in Trier, Germany, at the 200th anniversary commemoration of Marx's birth. Juncker said that Marx was a figure who shaped history in one way or another and that he should not be judged for the atrocities that have taken place in his name long after his death, for things for which he was not responsible and which he didn't cause. Curiously, at time of this particular meeting, there was an unveiling of a 5.5 meter statue of Marx donated by the government of China. Trier, which politically has been dominated by Christian Democracy, not Socialism, and is now a free-market town, claims that 150,000 Chinese tourists visit the city every year. Marx, after all, is said to have inspired the Chinese Revolution, and creation of the People's Republic of China in 1949. After the Russian Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, many states adopted variants of ideas of Marx, whether as revolutionary, economist, or philosopher, as their official ideology, as did some Latin American leaders, Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales, Rafael Correa, and Daniel Ortega. But after the end of the Soviet Union in December 1991, only four countries, China, Cuba, Laos, and Vietnam, consider themselves Marxist. Even North Korea rarely, if ever, uses the word "communism" in reference to itself, nor do its leaders use Marxist rhetoric. Yet the memory of Marx remains in many other countries., including Germany, where he can be viewed in various places, including Berlin, Chemnitz (formerly Karl-M-Stadt until 1990), and Trier. In Trier there is now not only the large statue but also Marx-like figures in red and green lights for pedestrian crossings. A dispute typical of different points of view took place in 2018 in town of Neubrandenburg, a town in the former East Germany, a Marxist bastion during the Cold War when Marx's face was on classroom walls and on monetary bills. With the fall of the Soviet Union, the large bronze statue of Marx was dismantled and slept on the pavement for 16 years. The town's Karl Marx Square has been renamed Market Square, and is now a shopping center glorying in free-market capitalism. The town finally decided to get Marx erect again, but not in the central part of the city, or outside the public library, or outside the former Communist Stasi prison. The ceremony was attended by 80 people. Differences over whether Marx should be honored, disregarded, or minimized, are apparent in the leaders in contemporary China and Russia. In China the memory of Marx, whose giant portrait dominated the stage, was honored on May 5, 2018 in the Great Hall of the People in Central Beijing. President Xi Jinping hailed Marx as the father of communism and the greatest thinker of modern times. Marxism, Xi said, was a tool to win the future, to analyze and solve practical problems. The scientific truth of Marxism, he continued, made it the theoretical base for modern international communist ideology. In terms that Bernie Sanders might admire, Xi praised Marx as the teacher of revolution for the proletariat and working people all over the world. Yet doubts arise. Peking University, the most prestigious in China, on September 18, 2018 threatened to close its student Marxist society after its members supported protesting workers. This was surprising not only because it made known student and worker unrest in the country, but also because the university was a central player in the May 4, 1919 movement that opposed imperialism. The main protest leader later founded the Chinese Communist Party. In apparent contrast to the Chinese leader, Russian President Vladimir Putin, once a believer in Marxism, appeared in 1991 to have renounced it, saying it was nothing more than a beautiful and harmful fairytale Without mentioning Lenin or Stalin, Putin remarked that action to put Marxism into practice caused great danger to our country. Washington. D.C. understands that Putin is a Russian nationalist, not a Marxist. But few in Washington, perhaps not even Sanders, believe the capitalist system produces its own grave-diggers, that the proletariat and that the victory of the proletariat is inevitable. Yet the Trump administration, dealing the complex problem of trade wars, might consider the Marxist quasi-anticipation, the advent of globalization: In place of the old wants satisfied by the production of the country, we find new wants, requiring for their satisfaction the products of distant lands and climes. Trump faces the irony that the worlds main Marxist country, China, has cheap labor and so can engage in trade war with the United States.Freshman Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota is accused of sending a string of "anti-Semitic" tweets regarding the Israeli lobby in the U.S. https://t.co/yZ5euVImya

"Anti-Semitic" is in quotes as if there were a question as to whether or not tropes about Jews and their money controlling governments are in fact anti-Semitism. The words "Israeli lobby" on the other hand  an actual anti-Semitic canard that was promoted by Omar in her tweet and her subsequent faux apology  is not in quotes because, well, MSNBC obviously agrees with Omar that Jewish "Benjamins" buy U.S. foreign policy decisions. Perhaps the network turned to infamous anti-Semites John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt for advice on that tweet. After all, those two "intellectuals" published the infamous screed, The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, which is broadly recognized not just as containing inflammatory anti-Israel lies, but also as blatantly anti-Semitic.

The most powerful anti-Semitic false narrative today is being promulgated by the U.N., the E.U., the Arab Lobby, and left-wing progressives who have invaded academia, the mainstream media, and now the Democratic Party: that Israel is a colonizing dictatorship occupying land that the (faux) Palestinian people have been living on for thousands of years while being systematically discriminated against and murdered by the Jews who invaded their home. This is why Omar calls Israel evil and accuses it of hypnotizing the world. This is what feeds today's anti-Semitism, which is spreading like wildfire under the guise of anti-Zionism.

To be clear, Omar's tweet was not about legitimately criticizing Israeli policy or about U.S. policy vis-a-vis the Mideast. It was blatantly and unquestionably anti-Semitic. This does not require a Supreme Court "I know it when I see it" test. There is no gray area when dealing with anti-Semitic tropes, memes, and rhetoric, whether verbal, written, visual, or action.

There were, of course, the far-left Israel-bashers who attempted to twist the narrative from Omar's current and past anti-Semitic tweets to one that claims that this is just a right-wing conspiracy to malign a young Muslim congresswoman for Republican political ends. Michelle Goldberg, the New York Times' token pro-Palestinian Jewish columnist, claimed that attacks on Omar are politically motivated. Goldberg addressed Omar's tweets that "were seen as anti-Semitic" by suggesting that Omar was set up in order to provide a "gift to Republicans, who seek to divide the Democrats over Israel."

Far-left J Street president Jeremy Ben-Ami penned a rant entitled "Stop Alleging Anti-Semitism Just to Score Political Points," accusing Republicans of seeking to "drive a wedge between the progressive and more centrist wings of the Democratic Party, focusing in particular on people of color, women; and most cynically, the two newly elected Muslim women in Congress." Apparently, he supports intersectionality for me but not for thee.

The true conspiracy against world Jewry in reality thrives from the left. Since Omar's tweet, writers in major newspapers across the country, including here, here, here, here, and here, have recognized the growing anti-Semitism from the left. To be clear, those who support Israel and the strategically important relationship that America has with her do so for reasons of morality and national security, not politics. Those who excuse, belittle, or ignore Omar's anti-Semitism do so for political and ideological reasons grounded in one thing: attaining power in order to transform America into their illusory and ignorant Marxist fantasy of a global socialist utopia. But the Omars of the world have a different dream. Theirs is a sharia-compliant world dominated by Islam in which Israel disappears.

Like Virginia's beleaguered governor, Omar was hit by a double-whammy last week when a second target of her hate and resentment was once again brought to the fore. Not satisfied to simply attack Jews, Omar doubled down on her venom directed at America. In a hearing in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on which she inexplicably retains a seat, Omar disrespectfully attacked Trump's Venezuela envoy, Elliot Abrams, a man who has dedicated his life to serving the country in various administrations and whose knowledge of the world puts Omar's ignorance  on full display as she struggled to read the question she lifted from Qatar-owned Al Jazeera while barely able to pronounce the words  to shame. Accusing Abrams and the United States of supporting genocide in order to further U.S. interests, Omar's anti-American animus  smirks and all  was abhorrently clear.

Scott Johnson noted, "Omar is an extraordinarily ungrateful refugee[.] ... Her heart is full of hate." One of the most egregious examples is her 2013 accusation that the U.S. is responsible for the Islamist terror attack at a Kenyan mall. It is difficult to fathom an elected official taking such anti-American positions. What is more difficult to understand is Democrat leadership supporting this hate for Jews and the country by elevating Omar to a seat on a crucial congressional committee and praising her, as House majority whip James Clyburn did, as "an incredible young lady who has a tremendous future in politics" while defending her anti-Semitism as a mere "mistake" while ignoring her prior anti-Semitism.

Ironically, the vast majority of American Jews are liberal and vote for Democrats. Until recently, that was not a particularly dangerous phenomenon, as Congress was generally supportive of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Those days are waning, and thanks in part to Barack Obama, Israel is now a partisan issue. It is no wonder that the hate spewed by anti-Semites is becoming accepted discourse, given that the indoctrination emanating from illiberal education and ignorant punditry is coupled with arrogantly biased left-wing media, academia, and politicians siding with the terrorism of the Palestinians over their Jewish victims and blaming America for all the world's woes.

This is why Omar freely tweets her bigotry. She is intentionally mainstreaming anti-Semitic memes, just as Hitler did in the lead-up to World War II through the promulgation of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Boycotts, Jew-hating tropes, warnings about Jews controlling major institutions  all of these tactics used and supported by Omar are not new in the world of anti-Semitism. But they are no less dangerous, for if Omar has her way, Jews will be marginalized in this country, just as they have been everywhere else in the world outside Israel and the U.S.

We kid ourselves if we do not recognize that not all Muslim Americans love this country; its Jewish citizens; or its strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel. As CNN host Fareed Zakaria recently wrote, "[a]nti-Semitism has spread through the Islamic world like a cancer." Similarly, Dr. Qanta Ahmed of the Council on Foreign Relations views Omar as a "tremendous liability to America's Muslims" due to her Islamist and anti-Semitic views. Muslims will outnumber Jews in the U.S. by 2040. If we cannot rely on Congress to protect us as more and more Omars (and Rashida Tlaibs) enter high office, we might as well start looking for a new place to live, as Europe's Jews have are doing.

This brings me to my final thought: a leap of faith. Perhaps, just perhaps, the blatant anti-Semitism we are witnessing spreading across the globe is part of G-d's larger plan to save world Jewry from another genocide. It is my hope that because of haters like Omar, American Jews may finally awaken before it is too late and realize they have been misguided at best, complicit at worst, in their apathy. American Jews must embrace conservative Americans who support Israel  not just as the Jewish homeland, but also as America's greatest ally in the Middle East and a beacon of freedom and democracy for all who seek such elevated morals. Americans of both parties must be honest, not idealistic, about Omar and others like her and ensure that such hate is banished from civil society  and the halls of Congress.

Omar represents the next generation of haters, and if Jews  the canaries in the coal mine  do not wake up and stop the spread and support of this hate, we are dooming all of Western civilization to another dark age. The hatred of Israel and America  and their respective inhabitants  is inextricably linked. Students of history understand that what starts with the Jews never ends with the Jews. Will we allow "ungrateful refugees" together with descendants of the Greatest Generation in the form of socialists and entitled, ignorant Millennials to join forces and damage our great republic?

I have no doubt that after three millennia, Jews will survive this next wave of anti-Semitism. For America I am less confident. The question is how much damage to Jews, America, and the West these haters will wreak before good overcomes evil once again.

Lauri B. Regan is a board member and the New York chapter president of the Endowment for Middle East Truth and a board member and treasurer of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East.

Image: Leopaltik1242 via Wikimedia Commons.Christine Ford, Justin Fairfax, and Me

When it was reported that the law firm of Ballard Spahr was representing Justin Fairfax, the Virginia Lieutenant Governor accused of raping two women, several bells went off in my head. I knew Ballard Spahr had also represented the serial liar Christine Blasey Ford in her attempt to destroy the reputation and career of Brett Kavanaugh. But I was also familiar with Ballard as the firm that represented the once-liberal organization Common Cause in its attempt to tar me as a white supremacist and sexist, and destroy my own reputation. This effort was particularly instructive in revealing the dangerous mentality behind the blacklist, and the menace it poses not only to conservatives like myself, but to the future of our democracy. The episode that put Ballard on my radar was an American Legislative Exchange Commission (ALEC) convention that took place last August in New Orleans. About 1200 state legislators attended. The entire thrust of my speech was that Republicans were too timid in advancing conservative agendas. I urged them to seize the opportunities created by President Trumps bold and aggressive example.[1] I noted that Republicans had failed to repeal and replace Obamacare though they had been elected to do just that. I also referred to the fact that Republicans controlled 33 legislatures but had done nothing to stop Democrat teacher unions and their members from turning the K-12 schools into indoctrination platforms for leftist agendas. The result, was that, school curricula have been turned over to racist organizations like Black Lives Matter, and terrorist organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood [through its front group CAIR]. These were the only references to blacks or Muslims I made in a 20-minute speech, but they were enough for leftists to use them to attack me and damage my hosts.[2]

In addition to my keynote speech, which received a standing ovation from the assembled legislators, I also spoke on a panel on the same subject. In my remarks, I recalled a seminal moment when Trump emerged as a different kind of Republican leader. This took place during the first primary debate, where the very first question was to Trump, and came from Fox anchor Megyn Kelly, who accused him of calling women fat pigs, dogs and slobs. Instead of backing away from these remarks, as every other Republican would have attempted to do, Trump immediately replied: Only Rosie ODonnell. The reference was to an obese actress with a nasty mouth, who had previously been involved in many ugly public exchanges with Trump.[3] Trumps answer won me over. He was the first Republican I was aware of who would not be cowed by political correctness and retreat under fire, but instead was ready to fight back. David Horowitz (file photo by Gage Skidmore) When the panel invited questions from the audience, a distraught state legislator from Wisconsin named Chris Taylor rose to attack me. You cant say that about women, she commented angrily. You cant call women fat pigs. To which I replied: Even if they are fat pigs? And with nasty mouths like Rosie ODonnell? Why do you feel that you are personally implicated by ODonnells behavior or Trumps remark - or that women as a whole are? Why doesnt the comment apply just to the individual herself and to specific context of their conflicts?[4] I hadnt realized the questioner was a Democrat, nor did I think about the incident further. But three days later an article appeared on the left-wing site PRWatch.org, called ALEC in Disarray. It was written by Taylor and described my panel as the biggest disaster I have ever seen at an ALEC conference. One of the key speakers was right-wing provocateur David Horowitz. Horowitz is listed in a Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) report published by Alternet with the title, 10 of America's Most Dangerous Hatemongers.[5] The Southern Poverty Law Center is a $400 million dollar hate machine, which targets conservatives and smears them as hate groups. Its slander, hatemonger, proved sufficient  without supporting evidence -- to cost ALEC tens of thousands of dollars in donations over the next two months. Two and a half weeks after my speech, PR Watch announced that a broad coalition of 79 leftist organizations had agreed to join in pressuring ALECs corporate donors to withdraw their financial support. At the end of August, the 79 were joined by Common Cause and People for the American Way, once pillars of American liberalism. Common Cause announced to its members that it had signed on with more than 70 other  organizations urging some of the largest corporate funders to cut ties with the organization after ALEC gave hatemonger David Horowitz a platform at their recent conference to spread white supremacist, sexist, and racist ideas.[6] The letter the coalition sent to ALECs corporate donors began: We write to urge that you cease your association with and stop funding the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which recently provided a platform for white supremacist, sexist, and racist rhetoric at their annual meeting. [No examples were provided-DH] Horowitzs Freedom Center has been identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a group giving anti-Muslim voices and radical ideologies a platform to project hate and misinformation.[7] Within a month, Verizon, the largest telecommunications provider in the United States and a sponsor of ALEC for thirty years, told The Intercept that the company was withdrawing its support: Our company has no tolerance for racist, white supremacist or sexist comment or ideals, Verizon spokesperson Richard Young said.[8] Verizons withdrawal was followed by AT&Ts, whose spokesman, Jim Greer told The Intercept. We have ended our membership with ALEC and their convention speaker was a key factor in the decision. Note that AT&T didnt claim it was anything I actually said that prompted their decision. The Intercept, also reported that Dow Chemical and Honeywell had withdrawn their financial support.[9] When my lawyers sent a letter to Common Cause demanding a retraction for slandering me as a white supremacist and sexist, a Ballard Spahr lawyer named Seth D. Berlin replied: Common Cause declines to do so. Common Causes characterizations of your clients ideas and rhetoric as white supremacist, racist, sexist and the like, are fully protected expressions of its opinion. This was true. Since 1964, slandering a public figure  defaming him without evidence - is protected by the Constitution as per a decision of the Supreme Court in NYTimes v. Sullivan.[10] This decision is responsible for the debased state of our current press since it has relieved media institutions of their legal liability for making false and character-damaging statements about public figures they oppose. Slander has consequently  and disastrously -- become the common currency of the Fourth Estate. I already understood these facts but had asked my lawyer to send the letter anyway, knowing we did not have a legal case. I saw it as an appeal to the conscience of the Common Cause executives to look at what I had actually said and voluntarily take an action that would repair some of the damage they had done to my reputation. What I was not quite prepared for was the cynical leftism of the Ballard lawyer, Seth D. Berlin. Having noted the laws failure to protect public figures from unscrupulous attacks, Berlin proceeded, in a wholly gratuitous gesture, to slander me again. His attack showed me how far politically-motivated disrespect for the facts had corrupted even the ranks of professionals: Even if Common Causes characterizations of your clients were somehow deemed to be [actionable], there is overwhelming evidence that they are substantially true, as is clear from Mr. Horowitzs many speeches and writings. For example  he (a) denigrated the Black Lives Matter movement, calling it a racist organization, (b) referred to white skin privilege as a ludicrous doctrine, (d) called Roe v. Wade a travesty of justice,. (f) clearly aligned himself with President Trump, who has frequently embraced racist, sexist, homophobic and other bigoted views.[11] If supporting President Trump, along with 63 million other Americans, or doubting that white skin privilege has a basis in reality, is overwhelming evidence of racism, or calling Roe v. Wade a travesty of justice, along with such prominent pro-abortion liberal jurists as John Hart Ely  who called it bad law because it is not constitutional law, and gives almost no sense of an obligation to try to be -- then we are well along the path to a one-party state.[12] The potency of a discredited blacklist like SPLCs Hate Watch can be attributed first of all to the way the racial politics of the left label every policy dissent  over abortion, affirmative action, immigration, and anti-police vigilante-ism  racist, and sexist. The vast networks of the left share SPLCs political agendas and believe in their own righteousness so passionately that they could hardly be less concerned with facts, let alone the rights of those who disagree with them. These networks include ancillary smear sites and blacklists such as Right Wing Watch, Source Watch, Media Matters, Think Progress and others that draw extensively on the slanders provided by SPLC, while adding some of their own. But the slanders are also abetted by journalists too lazy or uninterested to ascertain the facts, and by corporate organizations apprehensive of attacks from the left should they fail to respect its prejudices. The platform that enables me to participate in the national debate is the David Horowitz Freedom Center, which I created in 1988. In the fall of 2018, one of our donors received the following letter when she tried to get matching funds for her donation from a charity set up for that purpose: Hi, Anne, Thank you for reaching out to us about David Horowitz Freedom Center. At this time, the organization that you are interested in supporting is not included in the program because they are on the SPLC watch list. The SPLC is, Dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations and supporting equitable school experiences for our nations children. Because David Horowitz Freedom Center is on the SPLC watch list, they have been marked as an ineligible organization. More information on the SPLC can be found on their website ( www.splcenter.org/ ) and if you have any questions for us, please let us know. Cheers, The letter was signed by the Goodness Engagement Specialist of the charity. At about the same time, Mastercard informed the company that handles the donation website for the Freedom Center that it would no longer honor Mastercard credited donations. Fortunately, the Centers lawyers were able to get Mastercard to reverse their decision but not before a considerable amount of money was lost. According to Mastercard, their action was taken in response to a complaint from the website Bloodmoney.org, which was created by Color of Change, an organization that was founded by CNN commentator and Democratic Party leftist, Van Jones. The headlines on the site read: Whos Taking Blood Money from Hate Groups? Financial service companies doing business with white supremacists are profiting from hate. According to Blood Money, as many as 158 funding sources have been removed from white supremacist sites since the beginning of this campaign. Breitbart editor Allum Bokhari has called this financial blacklisting the most totalitarian form of blacklisting, and a terrifying new threat to freedom. I could not agree more. David Horowitz is the author of the newly published book, Dark Agenda: The War to Destroy Christian America, 2019 [1] https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/271179/why-we-need-convention-states-david-horowitz; a video of the speech can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlm-zYw8k_I [2] For documentation see www.stopk12indoctrination.org, a website I am responsible for. [3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9lcr-wsYOk [4] I have had to reconstruct the remarks of Chris Taylor and myself as there is no transcript of the session. [5] https://www.prwatch.org/news/2018/08/13381/alec-disarray [6] https://www.commoncause.org/resource/coalition-letters-to-alec-corporate-funders-over-david-horowitz-involvement-in-alec/. Again, the text of the speech, containing my unexceptional comments about Black Lives Matter and CAIRs Islamist propaganda in K-12 schools, can be read here: https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/271179/why-we-need-convention-states-david-horowitz [7] https://www.prwatch.org/news/2018/08/13390/broad-coalition-calls-corporations-drop-funding-alec-over-horowitz-speeches. [8] https://theintercept.com/2018/09/15/verizon-alec-david-horowitz/ [9]https://theintercept.com/2018/11/29/alec-corporate-funders-charles-koch/ [10] https://www.oyez.org/cases/1963/39 [11] Letter dated October 12, 2018 from Seth D. Berlin, Ballard Spahr, LLP, attorney for Common Cause. I have omitted two of Berlins slanders because it would be too tedious to correct his gross misrepresentations of the facts in my text. Suffice it to say I am not opposed to gay marriage, as Berlin claims without evidence, and I did not mock a childrens book for referring to feminism and transgendered individuals. I objected to a book called A Is For Activist because it was used in K-12 schools to teach kindergarteners and first graders the alphabet, while promoting leftwing agendas. https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/271179/why-we-need-convention-states-david-horowitz [12] Yale Law Journal April 1973.Lake Charles, Louisiana (70615)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially during the morning. High 89F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds. Low 74F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.All-new Defender being tested, will be on sale in 2020MORNINGSTARS TRAKSTAR MPPT TECHNOLOGY & MAXIMUM INPUT POWER

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For most outside observers of the Kremlin, Russias policymaking process is an inscrutable monolith, with decisions taken exclusively by President Vladimir Putin and any dissent stifled behind closed doors.

In reality, however, within the Russian political elite, there is a good number of competing political interests and visions which clash on a regular basis. Policies are often the product of Putin playing a balancing act between these different groups.

Two recent controversies over Russias relationship with longtime energy rival Saudi Arabia show that these days there are widening political and ideological divisions between two infleuntial groups in particular: Soviet-style interventionists and an increasingly vocal cohort of conservative isolationists. The tensions between them threaten to upend one of the most successful facets of Putins Middle East policy.

The first controversy involves Russian company Novomet-Perm, a subsidiary of the state-owned fund Rusnano and a major producer of oil extraction equipment. In June last year, its general director, Maxim Perelman, announced that investment talks were ongoing with the Saudis for a potential deal. Then in October, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) revealed a plan for a joint purchase with Saudi oil company Aramco of Rusnanos 30.76 percent stake in the company. The Russian side, it seemed, was particularly eager to get the deal done.

Attempts to sell stakes in Novomet to foreign buyers had failed in the past and the company was struggling to turn a profit amid concerns over the low quality of the oil pumps it produces.

It seemed that a deal with Aramco would not only save the manufacturer, but also inject much-needed cash into Russias state coffers, boost its weak foreign direct investment (FDI) record and solidify the Russian-Saudi rapprochement.

Although the Russian economy officially came out of recession in late 2016, it continues to stagnate, with real disposable incomes declining for the fifth consecutive year and anaemic gross domestic product (GDP) growth likely to remain below the world average for years to come. The country has also suffered a sharp drop in the FDI after Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow in the aftermath of the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

The deal indeed seems quite lucrative, especially for the Russian side, but it may never see the light of day. Its likely that Russias economic regulator, the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), will strike it down due to national security concerns. The agency classified Novomet as an asset of strategic value after it scuttled an earlier bid by US oil corporation Halliburton to buy a stake in the company.

Over the past few years, conservative isolationist forces have pushed back against the opening up of the Russian economy, successfully expanding restrictions on FDI and foreign companies operating in Russia. Under their influence, amendments to the Strategic Enterprises Law and Foreign Investments Law were passed which make the sale of companies like Novomet more difficult.

Despite the recent historic advancements in Russian-Saudi relations, many conservatives in Moscow still see Riyadh as a major rival in the energy sector and are concerned about its close alliance with the United States. In the framework of restrictive legislation and under pressure from certain political circles, the FAS is unlikely to deem Aramco a suitable buyer. It will reject it or delay its decision until the deal falls through.

Earlier this month, US-based oilfield services firm Schlumberger had to scrap its bid to buy the Eurasia Drilling Company under similar circumstances.

Regulatory hurdles are not the only potential problem on the horizon for the Russian rapprochement with the House of Saud. According to reports, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, who is said to be close to President Putin, wrote a letter, expressing his disapproval of Russias agreement with OPEC  particularly with Saudi Arabia  to cut oil output, which, according to him, hurts Russia and benefits the US.

Over the past two years, Moscow and Riyadh have closely coordinated efforts to stabilise oil prices. Most recently, Putin agreed to temporarily boost oil production at Washingtons request to prevent a spike in oil prices as US sanctions on Iran were reimposed, curbing Iranian oil exports.

The Russian president, as well as the interventionist camp within the Russian government, sees cooperation with Saudi Arabia on the oil market as a strategic asset in his efforts to expand Russian positions and influence in the Middle East. However, not everyone within the political elite shares this vision.

Even though Putin successfully managed to avoid in Syria another military quagmire like the Afghan war, many members of the political elite remain sceptical about the need to maintain a significant presence in the troubled region.

Some of these sceptics see increasing Russian engagement in the Middle East as potentially dangerous, given the troubles the US has faced since its own military intervention in 2003 and its years-long struggle to pull out of the region. With major local players, such as the Saudis and Iranians, feeling less restrained in their antagonism, Russia might soon find itself in the middle of a sectarian conflict, forced to choose sides.

This domestic standoff over bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia reflects broader tensions between two influential circles with opposing views on Russias appropriate role in the Middle East and the world. On one side, proponents of Soviet-style interventionism seek to sustain global power status at any cost. On the other, isolationists who echo Russia first sentiments are terrified about the possible return of international overreach. With more Russians growing dissatisfied with the direction in which the country is going, this wave of isolationist sentiment is set to grow.

Over the next few years, the standoff between these two camps will ultimately determine how far rapprochement with Saudi Arabia can go and whether Russia will continue on its quest for superpower status in the global political arena.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.I am bringing to this world another potential child victim of the Yemeni war and I dont know how I will forgive myself.

I start my day thinking it could be my last one, so I try to ignore all nuisances and petty problems and greet everyone as if it is the last time we see each other  for, at any moment, we can be reduced to a mere number in the records of this war.

I have lived in Yemens western coastal city of Hodeidah since I was six years old, that is, for 29 years now. I have many memories here: my family, the sea, the people, their excessive kindness, Arabian jasmine and the taste of delicious seafood. All of them have now been consumed by the war.

I see people walk in the street with heavy hearts, each carrying a tragic story about the death of a loved one, the loss of livelihood or the illness that they cannot afford to treat.

Life has been hard in Hodeidah since the conflict began but the past six months have been the worst for us.

As the fighting intensified, hunger, desperation and death slowly overwhelmed the city. In the only functioning government hospital, I found out, more than 600 malnourished children are being treated.

Drug prices have doubled. Patients with cancer, kidney failure and chronic diseases have struggled to get treatment, constantly at risk of being killed by one of the frequent delays in medication shipments.

The internet started getting cut off, at first for a few days, then for weeks. At home, there was nothing to do, so we went back to reading books and watching television.

Then, the electricity blackouts started and we couldnt do that any more either. In the beginning, we took it lightly. We lit up some candles and enjoyed the warmth of the flickering light. We even play some music on our phones, which often got drowned by the loud sound of heavy explosions.

As the siege choked the city, there was nothing to distract oneself with from the realities of war: no beach, no parks, no restaurants, no internet. We suddenly become cut off from the rest of the world. It felt as if we were living on a different planet, as if we were slowly losing our humanity.

One day, my husband and I decided to try to go to the sea. We thought we were the only fools in the city who had come up with the idea, but it turned out we were wrong. The little strip of coast that was still not blocked by barricades was full of people. The shelling was very close that day, but we all seemed to ignore it. People just sat there and looked at the sea. No one wanted to leave.

The bombardment of the city also intensified. Treacherous shrapnel would pierce into its heart, killing men, women and children indiscriminately on a daily basis.

One day, my son 11-year-old son Ammar was late from school. As I struggled to keep calm, I couldnt stop thinking about the shrapnel or the number of explosions I had heard and what could have befallen my child, as he walked back home.

For a while, one thought had been occupying my mind: No more child victims! I had decided not to bring any more children to this brutal world so I dont have to see them sacrificed at the altar of this senseless war.

In November, I left Yemen for about a month. Abroad, I felt I was losing my strength. I never felt depressed in Hodeidah the way I did outside. It did not seem fair to me that the people I left behind had to face the war on their own. I was terrified that I would lose them.

I was in Jordan for training in humanitarian journalism. While there, I and a number of other Yemeni journalists heard about the upcoming peace talks and were able to travel to Sweden to cover them.

Being the only journalist from Hodeidah, I received much attention. I was not able to separate my work as a journalist from my life in Hodeidah. I kept asking all the officials and journalists that I met what they knew about the ceasefire in Hodeidah. I wanted a clear answer but I never got one.

I managed to catch the attention of the UN envoy and question him: How serious are the different parties about putting an end to hostilities in the city? He answered my question with another: Have you come from the same city? I nodded yes and he responded, Then, you must be really anxious about it. He, too, was concerned, he said, and to my frustration, gave me nothing else.

On the last day, things took an unpredictable turn. Against all odds, a ceasefire agreement was reached. Dreams I had thought would never come true started coming back to me. In my head, I saw my mother and brothers coming back to Hodeidah after five months of being displaced; my husband going back to work at the pharmaceutical company that laid off its workers due to the siege; my son going to school and playing with his friends without the threat of bombs; me having another child  one that would never know a war.

I immediately called my husband. I had spent all my savings in Sweden on phone calls with him and my son because there was no internet in Yemen. I was very happy. I told him about the agreement. We spoke with great enthusiasm until the telephone balance ran out.

After we hung up, he sent me a text message in disbelief: Are you sure they announced the ceasefire, or did they announce the continuation of hostilities?!!

I dismissed all advice by family and friends to seek asylum in Europe and travelled back to Yemen. The journey took four days, as the main roads remained closed. As I entered Hodeidah, I realised I had missed my torn and scary life there.

Although the ceasefire was in effect, the clashes had not stopped by the time I came back. We could still hear the fighting and bombardment.

Two weeks after my return, I found myself sitting in the waiting room of a medical lab, waiting for my test results. I was very anxious.

I was asking myself what would happen if the result was positive. I was scared and worried because I did not know what my reaction would be.

When the receptionist called me in, I grabbed the test result sheet from her hands and avoided looking at it. I needed a quiet place where I could summon my strength and prepare myself for the worst. An explosion went off in the distance and my heart skipped a beat. I thought to myself: No more child victims!

The receptionist killed my doubts with a smile: You are pregnant, she said.

I ran away. I got into the car and drove all the way home with one hand, the other placed on my womb, as if to protect my unborn baby from the deadly bombs of this endless war.

I did not tell anyone. I hid the test results for two days, absorbing the shock alone. To this moment, I feel miserable and ashamed that I am responsible for bringing to life yet another potential child war victim. I hope I find forgiveness and a way to survive. I really hope I do because I know that this war will not end any time soon.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.Tor Tuorda feels a strong connection to the countryside around his home, from the winding streams and pine forests to the birds in his backyard.

He lives in a town called Randijaur in Lapland, a northern region of Sweden that encompasses a world heritage site and the traditional lands of the indigenous Sami people.

The Sami have lived in Swedens northern region for millennia, first as fishers and hunters before developing reindeer herding as a means of livelihood.

As a nature photographer, Tor spends a lot of time outdoors  hunkering down on a float to photograph waterfowl or hiking around to take shots of the mountainous terrain.

190204093418965

His favourite place to hike is an old-growth forest north of the village of Kvikkjokk, where pine trees are hundreds of years old and the low mountains and lake are home to moose, reindeer, bears, wolverines, lynxes, and grouse.

My  feelings for the area are about the same as when I first enter a cathedral, he says. Big and powerful.

His family harvests much of their food from the land  with his children helping him fish on the nearby lake, as well as hunting and collecting berries and herbs.

We live close to nature, and never buy fish, meat or berries in the shops, he says. The Sami land carries Sami history, memories and stories. All beings in nature teach the children respect and consideration. I gather all my power from nature. All that is important in this life is related to nature.

Tor has been taking photographs of his surroundings for years, he does it out of love of the nature around him and out of a desire to document his home and the changes that threaten it.

Northern Sweden is home to dozens of Sami communities and tourists come to visit the arctic wilderness, but the land also attracts resource industries; the government is looking to expand metal mining, and timbering threatens old-growth forests.

In 2006, the British company Beowulf Mining plc was granted permission to begin exploring for an ore mine just 50km away from Jokkmokk. The plans divided the community: while it could create hundreds of jobs and help revitalise the town, whose population was in decline, it could also threaten wildlife and ruin the pasturelands of reindeer herders.

A large number of residents had wanted to see the mine go through, but the exploration project was mired in protests by other locals, Sami groups, and environmental activists.

Tor decided to join the fight against the mine, and reclaimed his familys former Sami name  Tuorda  a move he says drew mixed reactions from Swedes and Sami people, many of whom believe that only those that herd reindeer can be considered Sami.

The plan to mine in the region has left Tor restless and frustrated, and determined to fight to save his home.Princess Diana made a huge impact on the world with both her words and her actions, as she poured her all into her charity work and standing up for the oppressed and forgotten. Click for more.There was a little bit of everything in the Alabama weather world on Tuesday.

The day started off with sleet over parts of north and central Alabama that coated cars and decks in some spots.

Then came the rain, heavy rain that has led to reports of flooded roadways in both north and central parts of the state.

There were two flash flood warnings in place as of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

One for Cullman and Morgan counties until 9:30 p.m.

Flash Flood Warning including Decatur AL, Cullman AL, Hartselle AL until 9:30 PM CST pic.twitter.com/VfFtygHrTc  @NWSFlashFlood (@NWSFlashFlood) February 20, 2019

The other was for Franklin and Lawrence counties until 9:15 p.m.:

Flash Flood Warning including Russellville AL, Moulton AL, Phil Campbell AL until 9:15 PM CST pic.twitter.com/3kS7mfzkpi  @NWSFlashFlood (@NWSFlashFlood) February 20, 2019

Those things werent unexpected.

But the lightning was a different story.

Temperatures on Tuesday hovered in the high 30s to low 40s over north and central Alabama  not your typical setup for thunderstorms.

But thunderstorms there were, complete with lightning and even hail.

Some of the storms were on the strong side.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham issued several severe thunderstorm warnings on Tuesday afternoon and evening, and forecasters got multiple reports of hail in Jefferson, Walker, Winston and Tuscaloosa counties.

There were also reports of lightning and thunder with the storms.

Why the storms with such cool temperatures?

The weather service in Birmingham explained it earlier this afternoon.

A weather balloon showed that while there was cold air near the surface the air higher up in the atmosphere was warmer.

Warm air rises, and as the warmer air rose it ran into colder air, which caused the atmosphere to become unstable and set the stage for storms.

Central/northern AL in the 30s/40s with lightning & thunder? Yep! Our 1PM weather balloon shows 'warm' air aloft being lifted into cooler air. This is aiding in instability. We typically see this process begin lower in the atmosphere, but today it's higher up due to the inversion pic.twitter.com/sDr3DQs1zt  NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) February 19, 2019

This isnt the last of the storms. There could be more in Alabama on Wednesday, along with the chance for more heavy rain.

NOAAs Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of the state under a marginal risk for severe storms on Wednesday. A marginal risk means isolated severe storms will be possible.Investigators are asking for the publics help identifying a man suspected in the weekend break-in at Center Point High School.

The burglary happened about 1:40 a.m. Sunday and is under investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Sgt. John Pennington with Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama said the suspect is also believed to be the same person who broke into the same school in January.

Deputies dispatched to the school on Eagle Drive found that a door to the field house had been pried open and two vending machines inside were damage. A further check of the property showed that the main school building had also been burglarized. Several classrooms and officers were vandalized, including broken glass in the doors to those offices and classrooms.

Pennington said the suspect appears to be stealing classroom items including electronics. At least one pair of sneakers also was reported to be taken.

This is disrupting classroom activities for some students, Pennington said.

Video surveillance cameras were working during the break-in, and authorities on Wednesday released still images from that footage. Anyone with information about the burglary or the suspect is asked to call the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and a cash reward is available for information that leads to an arrest in the case.Former state Rep. Oliver Robinson withdrew a request to delay his prison report date and began serving his sentence on corruption charges in November at a Texas prison, his attorney said Tuesday.

Mr. Robinson initially wanted to wait although he went and self-reported at the date and time he was supposed to, his lawyer, Michael Whisonant, told AL.com. He decided to get it over with.

Whisonant filed a motion Nov. 20 to delay Robinsons surrender date by 30 days since the Bureau of Prisons did not assign a facility for the disgraced lawmaker. But Whisonant said that motion was withdrawn and Robinson reported to a low-security federal prison in Seagoville, Texas.

Robinson is scheduled to be released in April 2021.

He was sentenced to 33 months in prison for his role in the EPA scandal in North Birmingham that also ensnared David Roberson, a former vice president of Drummond Company, and former Balch & Bingham attorney Joel Gilbert.

Robinson pleaded guilty in September 2017 to bribery, conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion stemming from his receiving payments to persuade North Birmingham residents to not have their soil tested so Drummond could evade an expensive cleanup.Alabama Power Company announced Wednesday that it was permanently retiring the William Crawford Gorgas Electric Generating Plant in Walker County due to federally driven environmental mandates.

The facility, usually just called Plant Gorgas, has generated electricity since 1917 on the banks of the Black Warrior River near the town of Parrish, and is currently operating three coal-fired units.

A combination of stricter federal environmental laws, growing concerns about the legacy of coal ash ponds and low natural gas prices since the expansion of fracking techniques in the early 2010s have led to dramatic coal plant retirements in Alabama and across the country.

Jim Heilbron, Alabama Power senior vice president and senior production officer, cited the environmental laws and coal ash concerns in a news release announcing the closure.

We recognize that Plant Gorgas and the men and women who have operated it have brought great value to Alabama Power, our customers and the local community, Heilbron said. We are also concerned that more regulations are on the horizon that could require additional, costly expenditures at the plant.

Heilbron said in the news release that it could take an additional $300 million to operate the plant in compliance with the latest environmental mandates.

Alabama Power spokesman Michael Sznajderman said that approximately 180 people are currently employed at Plant Gorgas, and that no layoffs are expected. He said some workers will continue on at the site indefinitely beyond the closure period and that the activities to close the coal ash pond at Gorgas will take several years. Sznajderman said other employees will have opportunities at other Alabama Power facilities, and some longtime employees may elect to retire.

The Alabama Public Service Commission, the state government body charged with regulating Alabama Power and other utilities in the state, issued a statement blaming the closure on former President Barack Obama specifically, and liberals generally.

The company has taken every possible step to keep the plant up and running, but the war on coal finally took its toll, PSC President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh said in the news release. Obama said he wanted to make it too expensive to run coal-fired plants, and he did. I commend President Trump for rolling back as many of the Obama mandates as he could. The problem for us here in Alabama was that Obama placed the biggest bullseye on us, and Trumps valiant effort at finally implementing common sense came along a little too late.

Obamas negligence and disregard for Alabama families and their jobs is one of the many destructive outcomes of his presidency, Commissioner Chip Beeker said. The liberals who helped drive Obamas agenda continue to put Alabamas economy at risk. Our task moving forward is to keep the ones affected by this and their families in our hearts and in our prayers.

Stephen Stetson, a representative of the Sierra Clubs Beyond Coal campaign in Alabama, countered that old coal plants like Gorgas no longer make economic sense, and highlighted Alabama Powers $1.25 million fine in 2018 for polluting groundwater around its coal ash ponds, including at Gorgas.

Plant Gorgas is more than a century old and this ancient coal plant is uneconomical and long overdue for retirement." Stetson said. "Gorgas, like every coal ash site in Alabama, is polluting groundwater and putting public health and safety at risk. Alabama Power is getting the message about the importance of moving away from the dirty, dangerous coal of the past and embracing 100 percent clean, safe renewable energy, which boosts our economy and protects the environment at the same time.

Were looking forward to Alabama Power preparing for responsible environmental closure of this site, and for fair and equitable economic transition plans for affected workers and communities in Walker County and the surrounding areas.

Retirements of coal-fired power plants have continued since Obama left office. The Tennessee Valley Authority recently announced plans to retire a coal-fired plant in Kentucky despite a tweet from President Donald Trump urging them to keep it operating. TVAs operating board also voted to close a coal plant in Tennessee and is considering shuttering all its coal-fired units by 2028.

After Gorgass three remaining coal units are retired, Alabama Power will be operating just seven coal-fired generating units at three plants across its entire fleet, down from 23 coal units at its peak. The other units have either been retired or converted to run on natural gas.

Black Warrior Riverkeeper Nelson Brooke said the closure was overdue.

Gorgas Steam Plant has long polluted the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River for many decades," Brooke said. "It is time for Alabama Power Company to clean up the area, including its coal ash waste in Rattlesnake Lake across the river.

Alabama Power also cited environmental compliance costs related to coal ash in its January decision to raise electric rates for all customers, after filing paperwork in December showing that all of its active coal ash ponds are within five feet of groundwater sources and must permanently close in order to comply with the EPAs 2015 coal ash rules.

Plant Gorgas will officially close on April 15. Alabama Power says the retirement will not impact its ability to provide electricity to its customers, and that Alabama Power and its employees will continue to be a part of, and involved in, supporting the local community.

Alabama Power is focused on providing our customers reliable, affordable electricity while protecting the environment we all share, Heilbron said. He added that the company continuously examines its generating fleet and fuel mix to determine the most cost-effective way to meet the needs of customers, while meeting all government requirements.More than a half dozen people were taken into custody in a Cullman County arrest sweep following federal indictments on drug charges.

The Cullman County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday announced the arrests of seven people. They had all been previously arrested by sheriffs investigators and now have been indicted on the charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Sheriffs deputies and narcotics investigators, along with Drug Enforcement Administration agents and U.S. Marshals, arrested the suspects on Tuesday.

Those arrested are:

- Danny Ray Tucker, 51, of Crane Hill

- Kristie Michelle Self, 42, of Bremen

- Tonya Lynn Brock, 42, of Crane Hill

- Daniel Wayne Peek, 33, of Jones Chapel

- Michael Shane Durham, 39, of Cullman

- Brandon Duane Combs, 33, of Cullman

- Samantha Ann Combs, 26, of Cullman.

Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry called the indictments and subsequent arrests a good day in the fight against drug dealers in Cullman County. He thanked those involved in the case, and their continued work combatting drug dealers in Cullman County.

Jay Town, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, said the indictments and arrests exemplify how cooperation between law enforcement agencies can help to return the neighborhoods the law-abiding citizens. For those alpha criminals convicted of federal crimes, Town said, the Department of Justice has reserved bed space in federal prison, where there is no sanctuary of parole."John Stevenson cared about his small corner of the world.

In his case, that corner was Roanoke in Randolph County, a town of about 6,000 people in east Alabama.

And while much of the talk this week has been about a small town Alabama newspaper carrying an editorial calling for the return of the KKK, Stevensons guidance at his familys weekly newspaper, the Randolph Leader, is being remembered for helping his community and its residents.

Stevenson died Feb. 14 after a year and a half battle with cancer. He was 70. Stevenson was only the third editor of the newspaper, which was founded by his grandfather, Olin Hampton Stevenson in 1892. John Stevenson took over the reins of the newspaper from his father, John B., in 1982.

Shortly before his death, Stevenson, a past president of the Alabama Press Association and the National Newspaper Association, was presented with the APAs Lifetime Achievement Award. He had previously received Auburn Universitys Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist Award.

Johns brother David accepted the APA award on his behalf.

He really poured his heart and soul into the communities that they serve with that paper, David Stevenson said of his brother. Doing his best to produce the best possible paper in a small town and community in a small county even during some tough economic times.

His involvement led to a better community, said Bill Keller, past executive director of the APA.

Randolph County has lost a man who through the Leader committed himself to the betterment of Roanoke, Wedowee and the whole county, Keller said. Johns enthusiasm was contagious. When he involved himself in a project that was good for the county it got done.

Among Stevensons contributions, Keller said, was establishing a no-kill animal shelter and advocating for sales taxes to support a new hospital and local schools.

Funeral services are planned for Saturday in Roanoke.

Stevenson is survived by his wife, Jennifer Chandler Stevenson, Development and Special Events Coordinator for the Lakeshore Foundation and a 1976 Olympic Gold medalist for the U.S. Diving Team, and a host of other family members and, according to his obituary, many additional furry children. He was preceded in death by his son, J.B. Stevenson, for whom the APAs J.B. Stevenson Scholarship is named.A groundbreaking plan to convert four Montgomery public schools to charter schools has stalled.

Today was the deadline for the Montgomery Board of Education to approve a contract with the Montgomery Education Foundation to operate Sidney Lanier High School and three feeder schools for Lanier -- Bellingrath Middle School and Davis and Nixon elementary schools  as public charter schools.

At a meeting this afternoon, the board declined to approve the contract.

Board Member Brenda DeRamus-Coleman said it was impossible for the board to fully evaluate the contract, partly because board members did not receive it until Sunday evening.

The first of the four, Nixon Elementary, was initially scheduled to open as a charter in the 2019-2020 school year. There was an agreement to delay the opening for a year before the board voted today. Still, the motion to approve the revised plan died for lack of a second.

State Superintendent Eric Mackey had approved the Montgomery Education Foundations charter application in December. That started the clock ticking on a 60-day period allowed for the board to approve the contract with the foundation, a period that ended today.

Michael Sibley, communications director for the state Department of Education, said the Montgomery school boards decision was final.

The Montgomery Advertiser reported that Montgomery Superintendent Ann Roy Moore and Montgomery Education Foundation Director Ann Sikes were uncertain about what would happen next with the charter school initiative in the wake of the boards decision today.

The schools would have been the first conversion public charter schools in Alabama.

A few charter schools have opened around the state since the Legislature first authorized them in 2015. But they are all new schools. None were converted from existing schools.

The Montgomery charter school conversion plan was conceived as part of a larger state intervention plan into the Montgomery school system because of academic problems. Many schools in the Montgomery system have fared poorly on state assessment tests.

Charter schools have more freedom to pursue nontraditional approaches to teaching than regular public schools and more autonomy over hiring and curriculum. They are expected to meet specific goals and can be closed if they do not.

The Alabama Education Association, which represents teachers and education support workers, applauded the Montgomery boards decision in a news release today. The AEA opposed the charter school legislation a few years ago but said today it is not opposed to all charter schools.

For the board members to be asked to approve a contract containing several hundred pages of technical details about students education and the expenditure of taxpayer dollars roughly 36 hours after it was provided to them is not in the best interest of students or taxpayers. the AEAs statement said.

AEA President Sherry Tucker added, AEA stands ready to work with any organization that wants to open good charter schools, and do so in the right way, as we have with other charter schools that have opened or will open soon in Alabama.A northeast Alabama man died early this morning while driving a truck that crashed into a tree that was lying on U.S. 11, authorities said.

Christopher Lee ONeal, a 45-year-old from Centre, died at the scene of the 4:12 a.m. wreck, state troopers said. The wreck happened less than a mile south of Fort Payne at the 223 mile marker on U.S. 11.

ONeal wasnt wearing a seat belt when the 1985 Chevrolet S-10 he was driving hit the tree, said trooper spokesman Curtis Summerville.

The investigation is ongoing.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Hoda Muthana, the young woman who is trying to come home after she fled Alabama for ISIS, is not a U.S. Citizen, contrary to her lawyer, who claims he has documentation of her citizenship, according to news reports.

Pompeo said Muthana has no legal basis to claim American citizenship, the AP reported.

Ms. Hoda Muthana is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States, Pompeo said. She does not have any legal basis, no valid U.S. passport, no right to a passport nor any visa to travel to the United States.

President Donald Trump said he will not allow Muthana back into the country.

I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country! he said in a tweet.

I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2019

An attorney for the woman's family, Hassan Shibly, said the administration's position is based on a "complicated" interpretation of the law involving her father.

The Trump administration continues its attempts to wrongfully strip citizens of their citizenship, Shibly told AL.com. Hoda Muthana had a valid US passport and is a citizen. She was born in Hackensack, NJ in October 1994, months after her father stopped being a diplomat.

Most people born in the United States are accorded so-called birthright citizenship but there are exceptions.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a person born in the U.S. to a foreign diplomatic officer is not subject to U.S. law and is not automatically considered a U.S. citizen at birth. According to AP, Shibly has released a copy of her birth certificate and a letter from a U.S. official indicating her father was no longer a diplomat when she was born in 1994. Shibly says Muthana had a valid U.S. passport before she joined the militant group in 2014.

Shibly claims revoking her citizenship would make her stateless. Causing someone to become stateless could violate international law and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 15, which states that everyone has the right to a nationality and should not be deprived arbitrarily of his or her nationality.

Amazed that she is trying to turn herself in to face legal consequences and Trump is giving her a free pass by making her beyond our jurisdiction, Shibly said in a Tweet Wednesday night.

Update: the only citizenship Hoda ever had was American. She is not a Yemeni citizen. @realDonaldTrumpjust rendered her stateless.



Amazed that she is trying to turn herself in to face legal consequences and Trump is giving her a free pass by making her beyond our jurisdiction.  Hassan Shibly (@HassanShibly) February 20, 2019

Muthana left her home in Hoover to join ISIS in 2014. She claims she escaped ISIS and was captured by Kurdish forces.

She says she deeply regrets her decision to join ISIS and understands she may face prison time in the United States if she returns home. She is believed to be the only American woman inside the al-Hawl refugee camp.

A young woman from London, Shamima Begum, who left her home to join ISIS in 2015 who is also trying to come home just had her citizenship revoked.

Britain said Tuesday that it was revoking the citizenship of Shamima Begum, The Washington Post reported.

The British Home Office informed Begum's family of its decision in a letter on Tuesday and asked them to make their daughter aware of the potential for her to appeal.

"It's kind of heartbreaking to read," a teary Begum, 19, told an ITV News reporter who showed her a copy of the letter. "My family made it sound like it would be a lot easier for me to come back to the U.K. when I was speaking to them in Baghouz. It's kind of hard to swallow."

Begum is living in a Syrian refugee camp, where she gave birth to a boy last weekend. Her baby also has potential claims on British citizenship.

Under British law, the Home Secretary can revoke citizenship if it is conducive to the public good and if it does not make a person stateless. More than 100 dual nationals were stripped of their British citizenship in 2017.

Updated at 9:15 p.m. to add additional comments from Muthanas family attorney, Hassan Shibly. Updated

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Public transportation is supposed to be boring.

Its supposed to be efficient. Its supposed to be convenient.

Its supposed to be on-time, for goodness sakes.

Its supposed to get people to and from their homes, jobs, school, appointments, and even dates, in a smooth and timely fashion.

And when it does: Boring.

The folks who run transit? Theyre pretty much supposed to be rarely seen or heard.

Ask someone waiting at a bus stop in almost any other city to name who runs the local transit system and youll get head-scratching and shrugs.

Of course, that hasnt been the case in this city. Not in Birmingham. Not for well over a year since shadiness, pettiness, and bickeringand sometimes worsebegan putting the folks leading the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority smack dab in the middle of the intersection of Front Street and Rocky Road.

There was a parade of executive directors dating back longer than we care to remember. And some board members seemingly more interested in playing power-grab musical chairs than serving the municipalities that fund their comfortable leather seats in the spanking-new Intermodal Transportation Center.

For more than a year, this lot engendered disdain from one end of the street (dissatisfied riderswhat few of them there wereand disgruntled employees) to the other (distrusting political and industry leaders throughout the region and nation).

Suddenly, though, theres not much of a peep coming out of the BJCTA.

Where committee and board meetings were once filled with side-eyes and smirks, members are now talking, well, transit.

Not questionable vendor contracts. Not shaky financials. And theyre not throwing spit wads life the petulant kids in the back of the bus.

Transit. More specifically, improving transit.

It was little over eight weeks since respected industry veteran Frank Martin returned to Birmingham as the BJCTA interim executive director (But whos counting, he says with a laugh), and to be sure the citys transit system is still no magic carpet ride.

In some ways, in fact, MAX is worse than when Martin left town in 1984 after guiding the system as general manager beyond a tumultuous three-month shutdown due to lack of funding; its now public transportation much of the public has little to no interest in using.

In an extensive interview recently, Martin said nothing surprised him with he walked through the doors. Over the years Ive been watching Birmingham from afar, he said. The rumor mill travels very fast. The systems poor reputation was out there in the industry.

Yet is a very short time, Martin has implementedor is preparing to implementchanges that offer hope that MAX might actually be approaching the corner around which it must turn to become viable, respected and used.

Now, some of the changes are indeed boring, but they were much-needlike eliminating inefficient routes (some of which probably never should have existed); creating disciplined financial practices (remember last year when someone forgot to pay Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, leaving employees without health insurance for several weeks?); openly addressing a horrid 59 percent on-time performance and other system-wide inefficiencies; changing the board of directors meeting schedule to facilitate better communication; and, perhaps most important, rebuilding fallen bridges with the municipalities the system serves, whose leaders, not long ago, wouldnt trust the BJCTA as far as an empty bus travels on a gallon of diesel fuel.

Whenever I depart, Martin said. I want to leave the agency in a much better place than when camefrom the top down. From its relationship with the board, participating cities and other regional and national partners, and our customers, I want it to be in a much better overall state than when I walked in the door.

Martin isnt cheap; hell earn more than $25,000 monthly for up to six months. Yet the bow-tied baritone with the professorial demeanor is clearly the smartest person in the room when it comes to transit (hes run systems in Miami-Dade County, FL, and Santa Clara, CA). His depth of experience and credibility already look like a bargain.

Some of the changes just simple and logical. For instance, Martin revised the boards schedule by putting two weeks between the committee and full board meetings, which allows information coming of the committees to be distributed to members at least a week prior to the board meeting. In the past, board members typically received information only a couple days before items would come up for a vote.

It gives them more time to digest the information and ask questions, Martin said. So perhaps fewer questions will be asked during board meetings.

Hes striving to tune-up basic operational procedures, particularly in finance, where things have been lax and staffers overwhelmed for months since former finance director Karen Jacobs resigned last June (Her replacement, Gene Gary Collins, was fired in November after AL.com reported he pleaded guilty in 2015 to conspiracy to submit false tax returns and wire fraud.)

Were looking at our financial reporting gap, making sure the info were putting out there is accurate and complete. Were putting systems in place to increase our efficiencies throughout our fiscal year.

Last week, Martin announced the hiring a new Director of Finance and Chief of StaffBirmingham natives Glenn Dickerson, who was most recently Controller at Birmingham-Southern; and Vicky Rivers, who was last the Executive Director/Logistics for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans.

Martins also is trying to raise the bar of expectations among employees. He calls the less-than-60-percent on-time mark, for instance, totally unacceptable.

Even worse: The staffs goal was only 71 percent, which still makes Martin squirm.

My goal is one hundred percent. When people use public transportation, they need to be able to rely on it to pick them up on time to get to where they need to go in a timely manner.

Martin calls his efforts to raise expectations a work in progress.

I am continuing to reach out to operations and mechanics and visiting the workforce more so they can interact with me and see what my priorities and expectation are, and also so I can hear from them why theyre unable to meet those standards.

Although he was not surprised at what he found, Martin was a little disheartened to see the state of [transit] in the city that gave him his executive start, particularly when Birmingham had undergone a visible metamorphosis during the near-35 years since he left.

Ridership is substantially lower, in fact, than in 1984just 11,567 per day in fiscal 2018 compared with 19,300 riders per day just before Martin departed.

Of course, several factors contributed to that decline, perhaps most significantly the citys own precipitous population fallfrom approximately 275,000 in 1984 to just 210,710 two years ago, according to the U.S. Census.

Martin says the system has also long lacked a transit champion really promoting public transportation.

Every city needs to have a champion, or champions, advocating for the public transportation and leading the discussions with stakeholders if there is a need for increased support and funding.

He acknowledges, ultimately, that MAX has long been its own worst enemy and its image reflects such.

Theres just not the perception of public transportation as a viable alternative.

He calls the long-awaited Birmingham Rapid Transit projectthe recently re-branded Birmingham Xpress, a 10-mile line connecting 25 neighborhoods from Five Points west to Woodlawna step in the right direction.

The BRT is being developed by the City of Birmingham because, frankly, city officials did not entrust the process to the BJCTA. (Operation would be turned over to the agency once the new line was complete.) In January, however, it was clear during a committee presentation by project manager Howard Richards that tensions had somewhat eased when Martin brought up the possibility of collaborating on the project going forward.

Is it appropriate to have a high-level management team or board to show a level of cooperation? the interim executive director asked.

It is a best practice and its been very effective, Richards said. Its not too late. Id be happy to go to them for every tough decision well have to make

Later, Martin said: I consider myself a public servant. Itll be my charge to make sure during the transition that we do whatever possible to repair what needs to be repaired. Collaboration with the city is a two-way street.

Martin says there is a process in place to hire a permanent executive director, although an executive search firm has not yet been engaged.

Prior to Martins arrival, the BJCTAs tainted rep made hiring a capable and highly-qualified executive director way less probable than your MAX bus arriving on time. Martin hopes to alter that probability.

At the appropriate time, when I am asked question: Frank do you think this is a good career move?, I would like to give them an unqualified yes. Id like to be able to say its a good career move to come to Birmingham. It can be very attractive. I want to make sure when asked, I can say, Yes.

Would Martin consider staying onsans interim tagto resurrect the system he once guided from another low place?

Everybody keeps asking me that question, he says with a chuckle. I realize the importance of having stable management. I do not want to leave too soon, though Im not sure what too soon means.

Were getting some traction; I see renewed energy around the authority, and I want to make sure when I do leave, the system is a much better place than when I got here.

Permanently? Probably not. At the same time, Birmingham has been a special place for me. Once you get into the [transit] industry you aspire to be a general manager, and this is where that happened for me.

I was concerned about what I saw, so I decided to accept the challenge to help turn things around.

Until it was effectively, efficiently and vitally boring.

Roy S. Johnsons column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register and AL.com. Hit me up at rjohnson@al.com. Follow me at twitter.com/roysj or on Instagram at instagram.com/roysj/The continuing resolution budget, approved by Congress last week and signed into law by President Trump, included hundreds of millions of dollars for the FBI expansion at Redstone Arsenal.

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, the Republican from Tuscaloosa, announced last week that the budget included $385 million for the FBI. Shelby is chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which writes the legislation that allocates funding to various government agencies.

The funding is part of a transfer of 1,350 FBI employees to Redstone Arsenal, which the FBI announced in February.

As part of its 21st century facilities initiative, the FY 2019 appropriation will accelerate the FBI's strategic realignment initiative - realigning portions of its Washington, D.C. based operational, technology, training, research and development and other support functions to new facilities at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, the FBI said in a statement Wednesday to AL.com.

The FY 2019 funding will allow the FBI to continue building out their Redstone Campus and initiate several projects that will complement the Operations Support Building - a project already underway that will house approximately 1,350 personnel. The FY 2019 funding will focus on a collaborative technology-focused space and training venues.

In a speech earlier this month in Huntsville, Shelby shed more light on the growth of the FBI at Redstone Arsenal.

Overall, the FBI, the plans we hope to deliver will be probably $1 billion of investment at Redstone because thats going for the security of the American people, Shelby said in his Feb. 4 speech to business and community leaders at the Von Braun Center. Weve got to have it.

City leaders have been anticipating the influx of about 4,000 to 5,000 FBI jobs at Redstone Arsenal over a period of years.

Following his speech, Shelby said in response to a question from AL.com that he expected more job announcements in the future.

I see a lot of growth here, Shelby said. I think it will be more than that down the road (referring to the November jobs announcement). But its step by step. Right now, you have a huge amount of construction going on for the FBI at Redstone. They think this is a great place. Youve got the manpower here. Youve got the brain trust and youve got the security of the arsenal.

Im bullish on the FBI here. I think it will be one of the biggest presences for the FBI outside of Washington.

In addition to the jobs headed to the under-construction Operations Support Building, the FBI also has its Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center headquarters at Redstone as well as its Hazardous Devices School  which attracts law enforcement officials by the hundreds to Huntsville for training each year.

Shelby has been working to bring more FBI jobs to Huntsville since 2008 but the first public indication of the massive growth came in 2016 when former FBI Director James Comey attended the ribbon cutting for the TEDAC. Comey described Redstone Arsenal as potentially becoming a center of gravity for FBI operations.

We see this as an opportunity to expand the FBIs headquarters components, maybe move a lot of those folks here, too," Comey said in the 2016 visit. "They dont need to be sitting in Washington to be effective. A whole lot of our support organizations need good office space, great community support and this is that kind of space.

Shelby stood next to Comey that day more than three years ago and seized on the idea of the FBI expansion at Redstone.

Were going to work toward that end," Shelby said. "Thats our vision down the road.A plan for an auto show stunt featuring a replica of the famed Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am has been nixed by the Detroit City Council, citing the Confederate flag found on the cars front license plate.

The Detroit City Council voted 7-1 to deny a request by Autorama to include a Smokey and the Bandit-style jump, made famous in the 1977 movie starring Burt Reynolds, in its upcoming March auto show.

Councilman Scott Benson said the car still proudly flies a Confederate flag, which is a symbol of oppression, slavery, as well as home-bred American terrorism. This body said we are not going to support that type of symbolism nor the audacity to support that type of activity in the city of Detroit, the Detroit News reported.

The original 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am used in the movie has a front license plate of the Georgia flag, which at the time featured the Confederate emblem. Organizers of the auto show, however, said the replica car to be used would not have carried the same tag.

Past auto show events in Detroit have included the General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard, which is named for Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and includes a Confederate flag on its roof.

Auto show officials have vowed to work with the city to try and resolve the issue.

This years stunt was planned as part of a tribute performance to Reynolds, a Lansing, Michigan native, who died last year.A young man from Birmingham pleaded guilty in the Huntsville robbery that led to the death of his suspected accomplice, authorities said.

Lamontez Dearius James pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree robbery and prosecutors dropped a murder charge, court records show.

James, a 21-year-old from Birmingham, was sentenced to 10 years, according to the plea agreement. The sentence was split for James to serve two years in prison and four years on probation, records show. Because James will get credit for 680 days he spent in jail awaiting trial, he can finish his two-year sentence within a couple of months.

James was charged in the shooting death of 20-year-old Cameron Cullen. Madison County Assistant District Attorney Melvin Lockett said Cullen was fatally shot by a man whom Cullen and James were trying to rob. It happened March 26, 2017 during a marijuana deal outside Twickenham Apartments on Galaxy Way in northwest Huntsville.

James, Cullen and another man met in Cullens car, Lockett said. Cullen and the other man were armed and fired at each other when James tried to take off with the mans money, authorities said. Cullen died days later at Huntsville Hospital, and the other man was injured. James was unharmed.

Mr. James was the only one in the car who didnt have a gun, Lockett said. Everyone in that car was young and dumb and stupid. I dont think Mr. James intended anybody to get shot (or) die, let alone his friend.

James was indicted last year on a charge of felony murder under Alabamas accomplice liability law. The felony murder statute is regularly used to charge accomplices when a person dies while committing a felony act like robbery.

Lockett said because of the circumstances, he agreed to reduce James charge to robbery.

The plea agreement also requires James to pay a $4,000 fine and $1,000 victims compensation fee.

His defense attorneys didnt return a call for comment.The young woman who left Alabama to join ISIS in 2014 and now wants to come home says she hopes people will have sympathy for her, according to a report from ABC News. The woman, Hoda Muthana, is pleading to come home after spending more that four years with ISIS.

I hope they excuse me because of how young and ignorant I was. Now Im changed. Now Im a mother and I have none of the ideology and hopefully everyone will see it when I come back, she said during an interview with ABC News. I hope America doesnt think Im a threat to them and I hope they can accept me.

UPDATE: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Muthana is not a U.S. citizen.

Muthana suggested going through therapy once shes back in the US.

Maybe therapy lessons. Maybe a process that will ensure us we will never do this again. I am definitely planning, definitely wanting people to not make the same decision that Ive made, she told ABC News. I hope they excuse me because of how young and ignorant I was. Now Im changed. Now Im a mother and I have none of the idealology and hopefully everyone will see it when I come back.

While overseas, she said she often saw dead bodies and dismembered people. She said they had to eat grass and cow feed for food at one point.

Seeing my son eat grass, that was my last day, she said.

In a handwritten note obtained by CNN, Muthana said she knew she and her 18-month-old son did not belong there.

She hopes she doesnt face jail time, but understands it is a real possibility for her once she is back in the United States.

Jail time, I dont know if that has an effect on people. I need help mentally as well. I dont have the ideology anymore but Im just traumatized from my experience, Muthana told ABC. I almost cried myself to sleep everyday because I know that when I do get back, I will probably be sentenced to jail for I dont know how much time and thinking that my last few moments with him [gesturing to her son] is stuck in a prison before another prison.

On Saturday, President Trump called on European allies to take back the more than 800 ISIS fighters the U.S. has captured in Syria.

The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them......... Trump said in a tweet posted late Saturday night.

The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them........  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

A young woman from London, Shamima Begum, who left her home to join ISIS in 2015 who is also trying to come home just had her citizenship revoked, according to a report from The Guardian. British officials say Begum could apply for citizenship in Bangladesh since her family is of Bangladeshi heritage. However, Begum says she has never been to Bangladesh.

Congressmen Mo Brooks and Gary Palmer did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this story.A Pell City EMT sued her former employer for pregnancy discrimination after she says the company would not make accommodations for her that it has made for non-pregnant employees.

All she really wanted to do was go back to work, said Heather Leonard, a Birmingham-based attorney representing the former EMT, Kimberlie Michelle Durham of Marshall County. She needed and wanted to work, and they wouldnt allow her that opportunity.

Durham filed the suit against Rural/Metro Corporation in 2016, claiming the Arizona-based company violated the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act when it refused to grant her request for light duty after her doctor told her it was unsafe for her to lift more than 50 pounds while pregnant.

The American Civil Liberties Union joined Durhams case in November, after a district judge in Birmingham dismissed the case. The case is now in federal appeals court.

Attorneys for Rural/Metro have not responded to requests for comment. The company has denied any wrongdoing.

Alabama is an outlier when it comes to workplace protections. Its one of the few states that doesnt have workplace anti-discrimination laws in place to bolster federal laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Americans with Disabilities Act.

And yet, Durham is now the second Alabama woman whose pregnancy discrimination case could help reframe federal law around how employers must accommodate pregnant workers.

We have to get the message to employers that pregnancy is a normal part of a womans life and a normal part of the workplace, said Gillian Thomas, co-counsel on the Durham case and senior staff attorney at the ACLU womens rights project. If everyone cooperates and tries to find a solution, it can be done.

Temporary assignment

According to the lawsuit, Durham said that shortly after she learned she was pregnant in September 2015, she was told by her nurse practitioner that she should not lift more than 50 pounds. As an EMT, lifting people onto stretchers was part of her job.

She said she asked her supervisor for temporary reassignment to dispatch or another light-duty position, accommodations she said Rural/Metro had made for other employees. But the company maintained it only offered modified duty assignment for employees who had lifting restrictions as the result of a workers compensation injury.

Durham wasnt eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act because she had only been working at Rural/Metro for less than a year.

She said the company told her the only option was to take unpaid leave for up to 90 days, during which she wouldnt be allowed to take another job. If she didnt return by the date the company chose, she would forfeit her employment, according to the suit.

Cop and EMT

Durham is appealing her case to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Thats the court that ruled in favor of a Tuscaloosa police officer in 2017 in a case involving the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. The former police officer, Stephanie Hicks, successfully argued that the Pregnancy Discrimination Act obligates employers to accommodate breastfeeding workers.

Durhams case could have a similarly lasting impact on pregnancy discrimination in the South and beyond, said Elizabeth Gedmark, senior staff attorney and director of the Southern office of A Better Balance: The Work & Family Legal Center.

The 11th Circuit is very influential, said Gedmark. Not only will this impact cases in that circuit, but could have influence throughout the whole country.

A Better Balance is one of 20 workers and womens rights advocacy organizations that jointly filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the Durham case.

This (discrimination) is happening across the country, and especially in states like Alabama where theres not a clear pregnant worker fairness law, she said.

Thomas, the ACLU attorney, said her office frequently sees pregnancy discrimination cases filed by women in caregiver jobs  nurses, EMTs  and in male-dominated fields, such as law enforcement or prison guard work.

The Supreme Court addressed the scope of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 2015, saying that employers must provide the same accommodations to pregnant employees that they provide to non-pregnant employees unless they can justify the difference in treatment.

Thomas said Rural/Metro had a well-established program of reassigning or creating positions for people whod been injured on the job, and said pregnant workers should be afforded the same benefit.

All of us who litigate these issues hoped (the Supreme Court decision) would usher in a new era of employers granting these accommodations more often than not, said Thomas. As this case shows, there are plenty of employers that just dont get it.With college costs continuing to rise year over year, its becoming more important to be a savvy shopper. And pretty soon, thats going to be a lot easier, at least for colleges and universities in Alabama.

Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, on Tuesday released a first look at the wide range of measures soon to be made publicly available about outcomes for students attending Alabama's institutions of higher education.

"Taxpayers send over $1.1 billion to Alabama universities every year," Marsh told AL.com through a spokesperson, "and it is important that taxpayers know that their money is being spent wisely and in a responsible manner."

According to information shared at a recent Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) meeting, the median amount paid annually by an undergraduate resident of Alabama in tuition and fees attending a four-year public university has risen from $6,185 in 2009-10 to $10,707 in 2018-19, a 73 percent increase.

Two-year colleges have seen a 75 percent increase in median annual tuition and fees over the same period of time, from $2,700 to $4,740 in tuition and fees.

For the first time in a joint agreement, the presidents of Alabamas public four-year colleges and universities agreed to report a set of metrics related to student outcomes, called the Voluntary Framework of Accountability (VFA), according to Marshs spokesperson.

While lawmakers consider the new batch of information a must-have, parents and potential college students will find the information helpful, too.

Much of the information is already required to be reported under federal guidelines, and some of it is already being gathered by ACHE, but some of the information will be new to Alabamians.

For example, a report will now be compiled comparing the requirements for each academic program, or major at every college or university that offers the program. The report will be searchable and can help potential college students make decisions about whether their time will best be invested.

Every additional credit hour costs money and completing a degree in less time will help keep student debt levels low.

Institutions will also report the number of degrees by program and by school. If programs are below an as-yet-undefined legislative standard, the institution will be asked to perform a review of the program. ACHE currently produces a similar report but there is no standard.

A new report containing the percentage of graduates employed in Alabama one year and five years after graduation will be generated after the state's longitudinal data system is completed. That report will provide wages by major and degree level, giving potential college students clearer information about what that college degree is worth.

Other information, already reported by ACHE or the federal Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems (IPEDS), includes:

Four-year college and university graduation rates by ethnicity, gender, and whether they received need-based financial aid  the percentage of students who graduate or complete their program of study within six years (bachelors degree).

Four-year college and university retention rates by ethnicity, gender, and whether they received need-based financial aid  the percentage of students that return year over year progressing toward completion.

Community college graduate, transfer and retention rates.

The institutions revenue and expenditures, already reported to the federal government through IPEDS, compiled in a more accessible way.

All institutions currently report the percentage of students who take remedial classes in math and English but will also now be required to report the percentage of those students that go on to earn a 'C' or better in a college-level math or English course.

Community colleges will report not only how many students earn associate degrees, but also how many credentials and certificates are awarded.

Community colleges will also report the percentage of students that reach credit-hour benchmarks, allowing college officials to monitor student progress and offer support to keep students on track. Additionally, they will report how many credentials and certificates are earned, not just associate degrees.

Private universities which receive support from the state will report most of the metrics, but not all.

All of the information and reports will be displayed on the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) website, beginning this year, though it is unclear when the first batch will be made available.

Seventeen of the 19 members of the Alabama Council of College and University Presidents voted to accept the framework, while two, Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery, did not reply by the deadline according to a Feb. 14 letter to Marsh from University of Montevallo President John Stewart who serves as president of the Council.

Auburn officials could not be reached for comment prior to publication time.

The Alabama Community College System also agreed with the framework.

Another new development is that newly-appointed board members will be expected to complete eight hours of training within two years of taking office. ACHE will develop the parameters of that training, but one hour must be training on Alabama's ethics laws. The number of hours of training each board member receives and a summary of what the training covered will be reported to ACHE.

Until now there was no measure of accountability, Marsh said to AL.com through a spokesperson. With the Councils agreement, he continued, we now have a way to measure data and accountability for lawmakers to make informed decisions and ensure that everyones information being reported is on a level playing field.Ezells Fish Camp would be easy to miss if youre not careful. On Alabama Highway 10, once you cross the Nanafalia Bridge across the Tombigbee River from Marengo County into Choctaw County, you take the first road to the right, which curves back and takes you alongside the river to a parking lot. Ezells is the rambling structure with the tin roof.

Youre pretty much in the middle of nowhere, but you have arrived at a wonderful place where the location, the historic building and the warm wait staff make you feel like youve traveled back in time.

Mary Ann Ezell Hall sits in one of the original two rooms that once made up the dogtrot cabin where she lived until she was five years old. With rough-hewn log walls and a fire going in the fireplace even though its 64 degrees outside, the cozy dining room is her favorite spot. I just love it, she says.

The cabin was used as a trading post during the Civil War before Mary Anns grandfather, Charles Agnew Ezell, bought it and ran a ferry across the river in the days before a bridge was built. His son, C.A. Ezell, lived in the cabin and worked as a commercial fisherman on the river. Soon, his family outgrew the cabin, but C.A. continued to operate it as a hunting and fishing club.

The spot was known for fish fries in the yard, where catfish and hush puppies sold for 50 cents a plate. In the 1930s, it evolved into a restaurant. Mary Ann took over Ezells Fish Camp from her father nearly 40 years ago. Today, her son Agnew helps her run it.

Over the years, Ezells has expanded  the back porch was enclosed, two party rooms were added (the Poplar and the Cypress, named after the paneling) and a deck was built  but hasnt changed much. Customers expect to see the same deer heads or pictures, Mary Ann says. We dont move anything. If you do, you get in trouble.

They dont change the menu very often, either. Customers expect fresh fried catfish filets, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth hush puppies and sweet, crunchy cole slaw, accompanied by large glasses of tea. Other popular items include the fried dill pickles, shrimp and oysters, ribeye steaks and burgers served with home fries.

While Mary Ann ran the original Ezells Fish Camp, her brothers Charles and Joe opened several Ezells Catfish Cabin restaurants in other states. Today, Catfish Cabin locations remain in Memphis, Tenn., Monroe, La., Columbus, Ga., and Phenix City, Ala.

The original eatery in Lavaca seats 300 people, making it a popular spot for after-rehearsal dinners, family reunions and other special occasions. Its pretty much a destination, Mary Ann says.

During hunting season, she says, theres a sea of camouflage in the dining rooms. Bikers love it, too  on New Years Day, she says, some 400 bikers gathered there from all over the state for black-eyed peas and greens.

Because of its proximity to the river, flooding has closed the restaurant several times. A seawall has helped prevent that problem. The building, to me, is worth saving, because you cant replace it, she says.

You cant replace Mary Perry, who has waited tables there for the past 47 years, either. People come in the door looking for Miss Mary, says Mary Ann.

Shell be 85 this year, but Miss Mary says she would much rather be working at the restaurant than sitting at home with nothing to do. You just never know whos going to come in every day, she says. Theres always something different.

Shes now waiting on the fourth and fifth generations of some families. Its so important to talk to people, remember the children and grandchildren, talk about the illnesses and births in the family, Miss Mary says. It really and truly is a family restaurant.

Ezells Fish Camp is located at 776 Ezell Road in Lavaca, Ala. The phone number is (205) 654-2205. Ezells is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.Zak McCullar, 10, a member of First Baptist Church of Carbon Hill, made his pitch to top executives of the Southern Baptist Convention this week.

A day after the Southern Baptist Executive Committee issued a report on what it plans to do to prevent sexual abuse of children at churches in the denomination, Zak took the podium.

He asked denominational leaders to add a Childrens Ministry Sunday to the official SBC calendar. They applauded his speech, the motion passed, and the third Sunday in July will be designated as a day to celebrate childrens ministry in the church. It will be announced at the Southern Baptist Conventions next annual meeting, at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, June 11-12.

There should be a day where the SBC churches should recognize what children do to spread the good news of Christ, Zak said in his speech to the Executive Committee on Tuesday in Nashville. I want children to be recognized for the work we do to share Christ, even though we are young.

Zak said that last summer his youth group went on a mission trip to Asheville, N.C., and visited homes to invite people to church. One of our church members who is 9 years old even chased down joggers to invite them to church, he said.

Zak, in an interview with AL.com, said children have an advantage as evangelists. He saw that when he knocked on doors to invite people to church.

The people that open the doors wouldnt yell at a kid, Zak said. Kids are a very vital part of the church. Theyre open about what they know. They will tell about Christ if they know about Christ.

The Rev. Mike Stone, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, Ga., president of the Georgia Baptist Convention and chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, noted that it was a positive counterpoint to the earlier business conducted by the committee in discussing how to stop sexual abuse of children.

I would just simply say that on a couple of days where we have spent an awful lot of time talking about the Southern Baptist commitment to care for our children, what a wonderful way to move toward concluding, with this type of day.

Zaks father, the Rev. Scott McCullar, pastor at Carbon Hill First Baptist since 2007, said the best way for Southern Baptist churches to handle accusations of sexual abuse is to be open and honest. How are we going to reach people if they think we are covering things up? he said.

It was just happenstance that abuse of children became a topic the day before Zaks proposal was approved, he said.

Zak, a fifth-grade homeschooler taught by his mother Suzanne, came up with the idea last year and presented it at the Southern Baptist Conventions annual meeting in Dallas, attended by 9,000 people.

I think I was more nervous in front of the Executive Committee than I was in Dallas, Zak said. They were all staring right at me. In Dallas, they were looking at the(jumbo TV) screens.

Zak insisted on stepping up to a microphone to make his proposal.

I tried to talk him out of it in Dallas, Scott said. He had no fear. He handled it like a pro. He was studying this book of reports. He said theres youth day, senior day, theres no childrens ministry day.

Scott said his son came up with the idea with no help.

Its a day to thank all the workers: Nursery, childrens church workers, those who teach Vacation Bible School and childrens Sunday school, Scott McCullar said. Plus, recognizing the impact children have on sharing the gospel with people.

The idea was referred to the Executive Committee for consideration. It came before the committee the day after national media coverage of a report on sexual abuse was considered.

It was just a strange circumstance, Scott McCullar said. They are totally unrelated, but always will be connected. This boy gets up there and shows what a young boy can do.

The database of convicted sexual abusers published this month by the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News included a former pastor of First Baptist Church of Carbon Hill. John Lankston Bill Anderson Jr., who left First Baptist of Carbon Hill church in 1995, was later charged with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse. Anderson was also a pastor at Southside Baptist Church in Russellville, Natural Bridge Baptist Church, West Blocton Baptist Church, Coker Baptist Church, Hartselle Baptist Church and associate pastor at Sage Avenue Baptist Church in Mobile. In August 2002, Anderson entered a plea of guilty to three counts of first-degree sexual abuse in Walker County.

McCullar said Anderson was not accused of abusing anyone at the First Baptist Church of Carbon Hill. I interviewed each deacon who was serving at the time he was pastor, McCullar said. Were there ever any accusations about anything he did in the church? They said no. It shocked us. He had been gone seven years.

McCullar said if there was any abuse at First Baptist, the church wants the victims to feel comfortable coming forward. Nobodys come forward, he said. We want them to feel comfortable to come forward; we will get them to law enforcement.

McCullar said Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear has been taking an aggressive stance against abuse in the church.

I think Dr. Greear has done a fantastic job in handling this, he said. They were already working on this before this Houston Chronicle article came out. He went to professionals, law enforcement, and got their input. They already had these 10 proposals. We need to adopt them. Theres no place for this in any church, in any denomination.The last time a special election was called in Alabamas fastest-growing county to decide on a referendum for schools, it didnt go well for city leaders and the school system.

Disgruntled voters flocked to the polls that March 31, 2015, crushingly rejecting  by 38 percentage points  a plan for 8 new mills of property taxes to pay for a $350 million school construction campaign.

Spanish Fort Mayor Mike McMillan remembers vividly the outcome of the 2015 election. But hes quick to point out one fact: The only precinct in all of Baldwin County to back the taxes was the one at the Spanish Fort Fire Department. There, a slim 50.5 percent of the voters awarded their approval.

Spanish Fort is the only city that has consistently voted to increase funding for schools, McMillan said, in comparing the citys voters with those elsewhere in Baldwin. Therefore, we want our constituents to step up and make a difference to make our schools better.

Special election

Indeed, the city wants to give the property tax question another shot. This time, however, a special election would be held in only Spanish Fort and the vote would affect only the taxes within the citys geographic limits. And the tax proceeds would flow only to Spanish Fort schools, and could be spent only on academics or the arts.

We have excellent schools, McMillan said. This is a way to make our schools better and we can make them more attractive. So that is the thought process behind this.

Spanish Forts interest is for a 3-mill tax increase, which would generate approximately $800,000 a year annually in revenue. It would strictly fund academics and the arts at the discretion of the school board, McMillan emphasized.

A mill amounts to a dollar in tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

The Spanish Fort City Council will vote next month on whether to request the Baldwin County Commission set a special election in Spanish Fort only.

The city has four schools within its geographic boundaries: Spanish Fort High School, Middle School, Elementary School and Rockwell Elementary School.

County support

McMillan and other Spanish Fort leaders backed a similar concept last summer when they were weighing the idea of adding the tax referendum to the November ballot.

At that time, McMillan and others make sure to point out that none of the new Spanish Fort tax dollars would go to classroom construction projects.

Spanish Fort is part of the Baldwin County school system, which is Alabamas third-largest by enrollment.

The school system has been embroiled in an ongoing dispute with the Gulf Shores city school system over a forthcoming city split from the county system. A lawsuit was filed Friday by Baldwin County schools officials out of concern over what they feel are added costs to county taxpayers to allow Gulf Shores to split away.

McMillan said there is no such discord in Spanish Fort, and that the city is pleased with the county system overall.

The Baldwin County school system does a good job with the amount of revenue they have, in my opinion, said McMillan. This is an opportunity for us to take Spanish Fort to a new level.

McMillan said he was uncertain when the special election would occur, other than to say sometime around September.

The Baldwin school system has attempted to keep a distance from cities discussions about adding taxes on their own. Similar considerations for additional taxes were floated last year in Daphne and Fairhope.

In a statement to AL.com, county Superintendent Eddie Tyler praised McMillans efforts in exploring ways to elevate academics within the Spanish Fort school feeder system. We very much appreciate Mayor McMillans support of Baldwin County Public Schools and his passion that when we all come together with our students best interest at heart, tremendous things can happen for our students, teachers, community and county, Tyler said.

Cities and critics

Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood said his citys officials will be interested to see the Spanish Fort outcome. He said that it could affect whether Daphne someday puts a city school tax plan before its voters.

We want to be more patient, said Haygood. The real question will be whether our citizens will want to vote in 3 mills to support our local schools. I believe the more local it is, the more willingness for our citizens to accept it.

In Fairhope, there has been talk about having a school-based referendum, according to Mayor Karin Wilson.

She said she advised the citys education advisory council and the City Council of other funding options that she would like to consider first. Im always in favor of more funding, said Wilson. I just want it to be proportionately fair.

McMillan said that Spanish Fort is in a different position than its Eastern Shore neighbors in that it assesses property taxes at 5 mills, whereas Daphne and Fairhope assess at 15 mills. Those city mills are added to the 28 mills of combined state, county and school rates.

Spanish Fort does have the highest sales tax rate in the county, at 10.95 percent for purchases made at the Town Center. The sales tax rate at the Eastern Shore Centre shopping mall is 9.5 percent, and the rate elsewhere in the city is 8.5 percent. Daphnes sales tax rate is 9.5 percent, while Fairhopes is 9 percent.

The various city referendum talks are likely to draw some opposition, especially among folks associated with the Common Sense Campaign tea party which holds a political presence along the Eastern Shore. The conservative tax watchdog group was among the fiercest critics of the school system ahead of the 2015 special elections, and has long been skeptical of how the county system handles transparency issues regarding finances.

Lou Campomenosi, president of the county tea party group, said he has doubts that any extra revenue will lead to automatic improvements with the schools.

I can understand them wanting to do what they need to do to improve education, but whether that makes a difference remains to be seen, Campomenosi said. What we were concerned about with this last year remains the same.An all-day brunch restaurant will be opening later this year in Homewood.

Ruby Sunshine will be located at 1017 Oxmoor Road. The brand, connected to the Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group and New Orleans Ruby Slipper Cafe, has locations in Franklin and Knoxville, Tenn. There are also Ruby Slipper Cafes in downtown Mobile and Orange Beach. The Homewood location is part of a general Southeast expansion of the group.

The Homewood restaurant will feature indoor seating for about 100 customers and an outdoor patio area for up to 60.

Ruby Slipper co-owner Erich Weishaupt, a native of Alabama, said, Homewood is a warm and welcoming neighborhood that really captures that sense of New Orleans hospitality that Ruby Sunshine is all about.

The menu features a New Orleans-inspired mix of breakfast staples and morning cocktails, using locally-sourced ingredients. Among items are BBQ Shrimp & Grits, Eggs Cochon Benedict and Bananas Foster Pain Perdu, and drinks like the Brandy Milk Punch, Morning Margarita, Mimosas and Bloody Marys.Birminghams Royal Cup Coffee & Tea announced this week it is consolidating its family of products and reimagining them into four core brand identities.

After 18 months of planning, the company plans to roll out the brands over the next several months throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. The four brands, which offer callbacks to the company history are Prideland, Royal Cup Signature, ROAR and H.C. Valentine.

CEO Bill Smith said the company discovered several key areas in which we could evolve to further meet our customers dynamic tastes and preferences, as well as to continue differentiating our company within the industry.

For us, rebranding goes far beyond reimagining our portfolios aesthetic representations," Smith said. "From procurement to manufacturing to distribution, weve optimized and streamlined our internal processes and operations to deliver the highest-quality product lines and equipment to the right customers at the right time.

Anne Pritz, chief marketing officer for the company, said the new brand concepts came after extensive consumer research in 25 markets around the country. This allowed the company to come away with an even stronger sense of who we are as an organization, as well as a better picture of its customer base.

The company has plans rounds of informational campaigns, video trainings and other efforts to publicize the brands.Picture this: A young man buckled in a plane seat with his hands cuffed behind him looking distraught. The man, 29-year-old Egyptian citizen Mohamed Abdelhafez Ahmed Hussein, was extradited to Cairo from Istanbul's Ataturk airport Jan. 18. He was sentenced to death in absentia in the 2015 car bombing that claimed the life of Egypts chief prosecutor, Hisham Barakat; 27 others also received death sentences.

It was not until early February that the photo of Hussein in the plane started spreading on social media networks. Almost everyone was surprised, and Islamists were disturbed, by the extradition of Hussein to Egypt, where they say torture is prevalent and fair courts do not exist. Given the Turkish governments open and relentless support for the Muslim Brotherhood movement, how and why was Hussein returned to Egypt where he may face execution? (He is entitled to a retrial). Are other Muslim Brotherhood members seeking refuge in Turkey in danger as well? Hussein had arrived at the Ataturk airport Jan. 16 without a valid visa on a flight from Somalia.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Turkish government have passionately supported former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, who was toppled by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in July 2013. Since then, Erdogan has repeatedly called for the release of Morsi. Erdogans fervent support for the Muslim Brotherhood was symbolized by his use of the Rabia sign, holding four fingers out with thumb curled in. The sign became synonymous with Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its leadership. Erdogan frequently praised the Muslim Brotherhood and even shed tears on television for young members of the movement who were killed, many in the Rabia al-Adawiya Square massacre in Cairo in August 2013;

Erdogans support for the Muslim Brotherhood did not stop there. Istanbul has become the hub for Sunni Arab activists, particularly those who are members of the Muslim Brotherhood. However, the group is considered a terror organization in several Arab states, including Egypt. Today hundreds of Sunni Arab journalists and dissidents reside in Istanbul, where they have established television channels and online media platforms. The Muslim Brotherhood held its 90th anniversary gala in Istanbul in April 2018.

Given Turkey's enthusiasm for the Muslim Brotherhood, why was Hussein extradited to Cairo? Yasin Aktay, a senior adviser to Erdogan and a columnist for the Islamist Yeni Safak daily, penned a rather confusing column where he claimed Hussein was declared an inadmissible passenger as he lacked a proper visa to enter Turkey. Aktay asked, Did Abdelhafez want to inform them [authorities] about his condition but couldnt express himself because of the language barrier? Was there not a single person at the airport who might speak basic Arabic to act as a translator? Is this possible in a city with over a million Arabs and hundreds of Arab tourists arriving and departing daily?

In the meantime, authorities arrested but then released a member of airport cleaning crew for taking and sharing the notorious photo of Hussein with media outlets. Then eight police officers were suspended in the investigation tasked with figuring out how Hussein was extradited to Egypt.

A source close to Erdogans palace told Al-Monitor, No one dares to sign a document of extradition without checking and double-checking with their supervisors. The top echelons must have approved this decision, otherwise they would not have rushed into it. Why should they risk their jobs?

Al-Monitor confirmed through sources in Ankara and Istanbul, including Turkish and Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood members, that government agencies checked with Muslim Brotherhood members in Istanbul. Ankara claims they were told he was not a member of the Muslim Brotherhood: So we sent him back, said one senior bureaucrat. It seems everyone was too hasty; the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood members said he wasnt a member too quickly and Turkish authorities deported him too hastily.

Why the return of Hussein was rushed is not clear. A young member of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood told Al-Monitor, On Jan. 16, Hussein arrived in Istanbul from Mogadishu. We know that Turkish authorities learned in less than 24 hours that Hussein was on a 'wanted' list from Egypt. We were shocked to hear the next day [Jan. 18] he was on a plane to Cairo. My friends and I are worried for him, but also worried about our own future. The elders of [the Muslim Brotherhood] here live in luxury and more importantly they have security. We think [Muslim Brotherhood] elders failed Hussein. They spoke before they checked properly. We are now even scared to go to a different neighborhood [due to random Turkish police checkpoints]. But the young Muslim Brotherhood member also said, We think Hussein was sent to his execution because of impatient bureaucrats in Ankara. We also sense this stems from the fact that Erdogan no longer cares much about the brothers. We hear from our sources in Egypt that Erdogan is trying to make amends with Cairo for a variety of reasons. All these reasons point to the fact that the Turkish economy is hitting rock bottom hard; was Hussein the first sacrifice on that path? Erdogan arrested Turkish Islamists. We have no reason to believe we are indispensable.

Although pro-AKP media outlets tried to portray this as a minor issue, independent Islamists were vocal about their suspicions that the government extradites more Islamists quietly. One Turkish Islamist religious order member said, We are not a part of [the Muslim Brotherhood], but we will stand for justice for Muslims everywhere. If we do not make noise, AKP officials will extradite any Islamist. We know since the Mavi Marmara incident that Islamists are disposable unless we stand united and make a loud sound.

The puzzling situation raises the question: Is Erdogans attachment to the Muslim Brotherhood withering away? The question is crucial, particularly for the other members of the movement in Turkey.

When Al-Monitor insisted upon getting deeper answers about the state of Erdogans ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, one pro-AKP academic made rather surprising comments to Al-Monitor. He said, Saying Erdogan is close to the Muslim Brotherhood is not realistic. It is a line that Israel wants to you to believe. Perhaps three decades ago, Erdogan followed a line similar to the Muslim Brotherhood of that era, but that is what most Islamists were at the time. Erdogans political success was possible because he was able to surpass that limited ideological borderline of the Muslim Brotherhood. When asked about the seeming contradictions involved where the AKP electoral coalition combines the Rabia sign with the gray wolf sign (a symbol of Turkish ultra-nationalists), the same scholar said, The Turkish public is able to embrace both ideas simultaneously and to assume they are mutually exclusive is an elitist arrogant approach. Although crowds use these hand signs simultaneously, as they symbolize the AKP coalition with the ultra-nationalist Nationalist Movement Party, there are a significant number of supporters on both sides who are not content.

A video recorded in Duzce province shows young members of the ultra-nationalist Gray Wolves shrouding a newly erected Rabia statue with the flag of their movement. Similarly, several Islamists are critical of Turkish nationalism, as they embrace Muslim identity first and foremost. Indeed, Erdogan's Rabia gestures are not as narrow in meaning as those of the Muslim Brotherhood, as the Turkish president calls for one nation, one flag, one country, one state.

Instead of asking whether Erdogan is turning his back on the Muslim Brotherhood, it may be better to analyze how their relationship has evolved. Erdogan has finally come to the conclusion that his dream of Muslim Brotherhood dominance spreading from Tunisia to Syria is not possible. The Muslim Brotherhood is losing political power everywhere the Erdogan government had actively supported the group, including in Syria. Erdogan also understands that he has alienated not only Arab governments but also their people. That said, Turkey is not yet at a point where the Muslim Brotherhood has become a liability. There is no rush to discard the group yet.

Erdogan is gradually realizing that the Syrian civil war will come to an end and reluctantly warming to the idea that he will have to make amends with Damascus, Riyadh and Cairo all at once. Lucrative relations with Qatar alone are not sufficient. In addition, Turkeys desperate need of funds means quixotic foreign policy statements are too costly. Still, Erdogan has sincerely embraced the Muslim Brotherhood and he will keep providing its members a safe haven unless they become a liability for him or until they can be traded up for a more lucrative option.TUNIS, Tunisia  A Tunisian court set a major precedent recently by ruling against the country's president in a lawsuit he had filed claiming an activist's comments threatened and offended him.

Many legislators and activists alike are praising the outcome. An Arabic hashtag meaning Tunisia is better after the revolution has cropped up on social media eight years after the Jasmine Revolution, which marked the beginning of the Arab Spring and toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. For many Tunisians, the situation today is much brighter in many areas such as security, politics, freedom of expression and democracy.

One major indicator of this newfound freedom came Jan. 25, when the Tunisian Court of Appeals dismissed a 4-year-old case filed by President Beji Caid Essebsi against Tunisian activist Imed Omda Dghij, and ordered Essebsi to pay the legal expenses.

This ruling has set a precedent in the Arab world and Africa.

In a November 2014 Facebook post, just before the presidential election, Dghij warned of a "bloodbath" if Essebi were successful in his bid for president  which he ultimately was. On Nov. 18, Essebsi lodged a complaint against Dghij before the Court of First Instance in the capital Tunis. Essebsi claimed he felt personally threatened and offended by the post and the ensuing social media comments against him.

In April 2017, Dghij was convicted and received a suspended sentence of three months in prison, but he appealed and recently obtained the acquittal.

Dghij posted Jan. 25 on Facebook that a final ruling had been issued, quashing the judgment of the Court of First Instance. However, he then was summoned to attend a hearing Jan. 29, after the public prosecutor referred the case to the Court of Cassation supposedly to preserve the right of the accused. Dghij was acquitted once again.

Al-Monitor spoke to Dghij, who said his controversial post in 2014 was not a threat against Essebsi. "I am very happy with the acquittal ruling. I felt justice was done when Essebsi lost the case, he said. Dghij confirmed that the judiciary in Tunisia after the revolution has become independent and is no longer influenced by the ruling political power.

The acquittal stirred a wave of comments and posts on social media.

Blogger Halima Maalej posted the hashtag After the revolution, Tunisia is better on Facebook, commenting on Dghij's acquittal. Maalej has more than 23,000 followers.

In turn, social media activist Khaled Jerbi also posted: The president sues Imed Dghij and loses the case.  This is justice." Several other activists commented on his post, lauding the courageous step by the Tunisian judiciary.

Meanwhile, activist Amine Chabchoub wondered in a Facebook post: Is there anything more beautiful than freedom, democracy, and fair and free justice? She went on, After the revolution [Tunisia] is better, even if the price of bread has doubled. Her followers described the latest judicial ruling as a lesson in democracy never experienced by Tunisia before.

Lassad Bouazizi, a former political prisoner during the Ben Ali era, praised God and the revolution for Dghijs acquittal. In a Facebook post, he recalled the practices of the former regime, when the judiciary would not have dared to issue a similar ruling.

Manji al-Harbawi, a parliament member representing the Nidaa Tounes party, told Al-Monitor that Essebsi losing a case against a citizen sends a strong message to Tunisians and to the international community that the Jasmine Revolution has indeed brought democracy.

Nidaa Tounes, the ruling party, has not interfered in the judicial process," he said. "We believe in the independence and supremacy of the judiciary.

For his part, Emad al-Daimi, secretary-general of al-Irada party, praised Dghijs acquittal. This is a precedent. This is the first time a citizen has won a lawsuit filed against him by a president. No one is above the law, he told Al-Monitor.

This is a scene that was not seen before in any Arab country. It is a judicial victory and precedent, said Abdeljabbar Maddouri, a leader of the Workers Party, part of the Popular Front. He told Al-Monitor that the judiciary had long been exploited by Ben Alis regime against its political opponents.

Though he lost the case, Essebsi  who commands the armed forces  can claim a victory of sorts in that the ruling demonstrates he is principled, according to Ennahda movement leader Lotfi Zitoun.

This shows that Essebsi has not misused his position to influence the judiciary," Zitoun told Al-Monitor. "This is a victory for the judicial authority, which is gradually making its way toward its independence. This is an accomplishment for Tunisian youths who were behind the revolution and gave Tunisia freedom, in the hope of guiding it toward dignity.

Essebsi, however, faces a lawsuit alleging abuse of power for pardoning his party's political adviser.

Speaking about the Dghij acquittal, Wissam Saghir, a Republican Party leader, told Al-Monitor, Regardless of who the plaintiff and the defendant are, what's important is that Tunisians are living in an environment of freedom where all people are equal before the law.

Human Rights Watch reported Jan. 25 that at least nine bloggers have faced criminal charges since 2017 for comments on social media platforms criticizing high public officials, accusing them of corruption or allegedly insulting them. These nine bloggers are now expected to fight their battle with the courts.

Dghij was a member of the National League for the Protection of the Revolution, established in the wake of the 2011 revolution, allegedly to protect government institutions and facilities amid the prevailing chaos. The league was dissolved in May 2014 by the Court of First Instance. The league was accused of stirring and inciting violence and strife and of violating laws on establishing organizationsThe April 9 elections to the 21st Knesset will be the 15th time since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War that Israels citizens and soldiers will exercise their democratic right while ruling over millions of disenfranchised Palestinians. There were times when the exhortation down with the occupation merited a place of honor in the political discourse, alongside the word peace. Under the decadelong regime of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, such talk has made way for a discourse of annexation and incitement. It is as if not saying the word makes the occupation disappear.

On Feb. 16, Channel 13 news anchor Oshrat Kotler, referring to a report about Israeli soldiers who beat up two Palestinian detainees, commented that 18-year-old soldiers were deployed in the territories and come back human animals. Thats the result of the occupation. Her comment generated outraged reactions on the political right, not because she had used the word occupation  they were careful to sideline that  but because she had dishonored Israeli soldiers. Her bottom line  thats the result of the occupation  was ignored. According to the right-wing worldview, if you do not react to the occupation, it does not exist.

How does a state that boasts of being a democracy deal with its continued control of another people? There are various ways. Netanyahu, for example, depicts an alternative reality. Thus, in a March 2018 speech at the annual convention of the pro-Israeli American Israel Public Affairs Committee lobby in Washington, he had the supreme gall to compare the values instilled in Americans by Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King  freedom, justice, peace and hope  with those cherished by Israel, while ignoring Israel as an occupying, discriminatory power that oppresses and depresses. It would be interesting to know what value he thinks is embodied in his warning to right-wing voters on election day in March 2015 that Israels Arab citizens are heading to the polling stations in droves.

The chair of the New Right party, Naftali Bennett, wondered in 2013 how anyone could call Israel an occupier in its own home. After all, this is our home, he said. Two years later, Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely of the Likud Party demanded that Israeli diplomats return to the basic truth about our right to this land when representing the country abroad. In addition to discussing Israels security and diplomacy needs, she added, You should stress the biblical and historic link of the Jews to the Land of Israel.

The secular right has its own ways of justifying the occupation. There is the argument that the Palestinians repeatedly reject Israels terms (all justified, they think). Then there is the one that the Palestinians are a bunch of terrorists who will turn the West Bank into another Gaza Strip and threaten residents of the nearby central Israeli town of Kfar Saba as they do residents of the Gaza border communities in the south. The real pros cite updated legal arguments against the fake occupation from a 2012 report by former Supreme Court Justice Edmond Levy whom Netanyahu appointed to examine the status of the settlements in Judea and Samaria (the biblical names of the West Bank).

Levys three-member committee determined that Judea and Samaria are not under military occupation because the 1917 Balfour Declaration, the 1920 San Remo conference and the 1922 British Mandate issued by the League of Nations all designated the land as part of a future Jewish state. The panel also concluded that although the 1947 UN Partition Resolution designated land for the establishment of an Arab state alongside the Jewish one, the resolution for an Arab state was never implemented and thus its validity had expired. That same argument, according to the panel, holds for the Jordanian annexation of the area in 1950, which the international community never recognized. Nonetheless, the committee avoided defining the status of the West Bank, noting that successive Israeli governments had avoided its annexation.

The committee failed to mention that in 2003, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the road map for peace in the Middle East (Resolution 1515), saying a permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would end the occupation that began in 1967. According to the road map, a peace agreement would be based, inter alia, on the principle of land for peace and on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative that offered Israel security and normalized relations with the Arab world in return for the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. (In later negotiations, the words land swaps were added.)

Netanyahu was a senior member of the defense Cabinet under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, which approved the road map with certain reservations (which were rejected). You can dislike the word occupation,' Sharon told critics within the Likud in 2003, but that is what is happening  keeping 3.5 million Palestinians under occupation is a terrible thing  both for Israel and the Palestinians.  This cannot continue endlessly. Sharon asked his colleagues whether they want Israel to remain forever in the Palestinian towns of Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah and Bethlehem. The Israeli right of 2019 would have answered, Why not? In fact, whos going to stop them? Israels friend US President Donald Trump? Israels allies from the central European Visegrad Group? The Jewish voters who are convinced there is no such thing as an occupation? The monthly Peace Index survey conducted on the 50th anniversary of the 1967 war found that 62% of Israelis believe Israels control of the territories is not an occupation. On the political right and center, only a minority  12% and 37%, respectively  believe it is an occupation.

Israeli media has come to the conclusion that stories about human rights abuse in the West Bank bore the Israeli readers and audience. Thus, reports about land theft by settlers or about assaults against Palestinian shepherds have disappeared from the newspapers and TV headlines.

Only on the left, the smallest of the three political blocs, a sweeping majority (86%) believes the correct definition of the situation is occupation. However, many on the left are troubled mostly by the occupations damage to Israeli Jews. For example, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Ilan Paz, who was head of the Civil Administration in the West Bank, wrote this week on Facebook that occupation corrupts, as anchor Kotler said. Few on the left talk about the suffering inflicted by the occupation on millions of Palestinians who have never known a day of freedom. In fact, only very few ever visit the territories and listen to its residents, jailed as they are among Israeli settlements and outposts.

Raya Yaron, the spokeswoman of Machsom Watch, an organization that monitors Israeli troop conduct in the territories, told Al-Monitor that not a single Knesset member had ever joined a tour offered by the group in the region. Dean Issacharoff, the spokesman of the anti-occupation group Breaking the Silence, told Al-Monitor the organization enjoys support from the left-wing Meretz Party and the Arab Joint List. He made favorable mention of Knesset member Ksenia Svetlova, a member of the Hatnua Party led by Tzipi Livni, the one-time Likud member who crossed the lines to become one of the peace camps most prominent advocates. Livni and Svetlova realized that the occupation is the greatest threat to Israels democracy and its Jewish identity. Livni announced Feb. 18 that the party will not run in the upcoming April elections. And so, neither she nor Svetlova will be returning to the Knesset after the elections. Nor is there any guarantee that Meretz will be there, either.The decision by Israels security cabinet to implement the law enabling Israel to freeze the monies of the Palestinian Authority is one of the most explosive in Israel's recent history. The law enables Israel to deduct funds paid to Palestinian assailants in Israeli prisons from tax revenues collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian administration. The bill was adopted by the Knesset eight months ago but then disappeared into Israels bureaucratic passages  and for good reason. The political leadership, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at its head, likely understood its dangerous potential and decided to delay its implementation. But then came early elections.

The power-intoxicated Israeli right and the squabbles between Netanyahu, the New Right party and HaBayit HaYehudi over that constituency drowned out the defense system's warnings. The tremendous pressure from the right impelled Netanyahu to implement the law lest he pay a hefty electoral price. It wasnt long before someone leaked information that Education Minister Naftali Bennett yelled at Shin Bet head Nadav Argaman during the cabinet meeting called to discuss the law's implementation.

On a moral level, the decision is absolutely justified. It allows Israel to deduct a sum of money from the taxes it collects for the PA that is equal to the sum that the Authority transfers to those imprisoned in Israel for attacking Israelis. The generous payments encourage terror and support attackers' families while they are imprisoned. Now Israel will be able to deduct this money from the funds that it sends to the Authority. Poetic justice.

However, in the Middle East, not everything that is ethical or moral is the correct (or smart) course of action. The problem, a high-level Israeli security figure told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, is the "accumulation of blows that have landed on the Palestinian Authority over the last year. The concern is that the deductions, about half a billion shekels ($138,000) a year, may inflict the PAs final death blow. Even if not, it is clear that a furious President Mahmoud Abbas will take out his anger on the Gaza Strip. He will pass on the deductions from the money that the PA is required to give Gaza. Thus Israel, which transfers Qatari money to the Strip every month with one hand, will prompt an even higher deduction in funds for the Strip with the other hand. The situation in the Strip is explosive even without this new dictum. It could be that we are viewing the spark that will light the Gaza powder keg, warned the source.

The blows to the PA have been harsh and relentless ever since Trump rose to power in the United States. The Taylor Force Act was ratified, the Palestinian mission in Washington was closed, the president moved the US Embassy to Jerusalem and assistance to the UN agency that supports Palestinian refugees was cut. Then came a new law that forced the PA to forfeit the American security assistance that had kept the Palestinian security apparatus alive.

If we want to defeat President Abbas and dismantle the Authority, it could be done, a security source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. The problem is that everyone knows that the Authority is vital to Israels security as well. No one wants to see it falling apart. The recent steps will undermine its situation even more.

A former senior IDF officer told Al-Monitor this week on condition of anonymity, There is no doubt that the payments to terrorists incarcerated in Israel stirs up justified anger. However, lets not forget that there is no Palestinian leader who would dare cancel them. The prisoner ethos in Palestinian society is very strong and has no replacement. We need to decide what we prefer: to teach the Palestinians a lesson, or continue the security cooperation and coexistence that exists today between Israel and the Authority. For many long years we hoped for a Palestinian Authority with organized institutions, a one-law system and one-weapon system. Now it exists, and were doing everything to get rid of it.

It's a similar story to that of the incendiary balloons and marches on the Gaza border fence. Israel has demonstrated great restraint in the past year, despite the balloons setting Israeli land on fire and blackening the lives of the Israeli Gaza Envelope residents. Israels policy of restraint, led by former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot with the support of the prime minister, rests on simple logic: Since the incendiary balloons do not kill people, theres no sense in embarking on an extensive military operation in the Strip that will cost the lives of dozens of soldiers just to return to the same point from where it all began. In this case as well, the principles of justice and moral ethics are constrained by considerations of logic and cautious crisis management.

However, the issue of the PA's payments to Palestinian prisoners caught the cabinet at a bad time: pre-election. The new law won't necessarily create an immediate security threat, so when no politician in Israel dares to denounce this decision, all that is left is to pray that the much-slandered Abbas will somehow survive this blow, too, and that the Authority will not collapse even if the situation worsens.Until a few weeks ago, Israels security establishment believed that Hamas has no interest in a comprehensive armed conflict with Israel. Instead, it was thought, Hamas would prefer talks, under Egyptian mediation, leading to some kind of arrangement. The negotiation process, even if it would have been a long one, was expected to lead to a relief in the closure. Meanwhile, Qatari financial aid allowed the Hamas leadership to reduce pressure, pay salaries to the employees of the local government and show the Palestinian population that they are headed in the right direction.

But thats all over now. Hamas is disappointed with the Egyptians. After all, even if they havent cut off all contact with the Gaza Strip, they show no motivation whatsoever to bring Israel and Hamas to any kind of arrangement. Then there is the Qatari aid, which blew up in Hamas face. It was already too late by the time the Hamas leadership realized that the damage to its image caused by that aid was much greater to the group than its utility.

Given these circumstances, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is alive and kicking. What makes it different this time is that after several months of optimism there is no hope for any positive change. This is the most disconcerting scenario, at least as far as Hamas is concerned. There is no war, but there is no hope either. All that's left is the continuing deterioration of Gazas economic situation.

It is not just Hamas thats worried either. The current situation is setting off red warning lights on the Israeli side, too. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) now believe that Hamas could initiate an armed conflict with Israel and be willing to absorb the cost of fighting, if it would turn world opinion on its behalf, put Gaza back on the international agenda and get the international community involved. According to a Haaretz report Feb. 13, as a result of the assessment of the Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman) that Hamas will try to drag Israel into a full-blown war, Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi has ordered preparations for fighting in Gaza to be placed at the top of the IDFs list of priorities. Similarly, he ordered that a group be formed to identify high quality targets in the event of some potential operation.

In most circumstances, the research units of the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Shin Bet rely on the collection and analysis of high-quality intelligence. Thats not necessary when it comes to the Gaza Strip. There is no need for quality intelligence to determine that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has been spiraling toward disaster over the past few months.

Reports from the Gaza Strip have been warning ever since the closure was imposed 12 years ago that the humanitarian crisis is worsening and that the pressure cooker is about to explode. Still, Gaza and Hamas have always managed to survive somehow. One of the reasons for this is that every so often, Israel and Egypt have increased the flow of oxygen to Gaza, namely opening the crossing points for produce to enter, for laborers to exit, and so on.

There is, however, one more parameter that isnt usually taken into account in analyses of the many long years of closure. The generation now growing up in Gaza was born into this severe crisis and have already reached their teens with no foreseeable way out. Their only hope is to participate en masse in the Friday demonstrations along the border fence with Israel or to find other ways to survive.

Al-Monitor and other news outlets have already reported on certain phenomena that Palestinian journalists in Gaza avoid covering out of shame, but also out of fear of the Hamas reaction. These include such pressing issues as prostitution, drug abuse and crime. On the other hand, there have been a few individuals who somehow managed to escape from the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing and reach other places in the world, particularly Europe. As far as the Gaza youths are concerned, there is no possibility of reconciliation with the Palestinian Authority as long as Hamas rules Gaza so high-handedly. Nor is there any chance of an arrangement with Israel. What this means is that the only option they have left is to escape, since staying means living in a constant state of crisis. And that's exactly what some of them are doing, if they happen to get a chance; they are fleeing from the Gaza Strip.

Over the past few months, the Southern Command has seen a dramatic rise in efforts by young people to flee Gaza into Israel. The IDF has always considered illegal border crossings from the Gaza Strip into Israel as attempts by Palestinians to commit acts of terror or to place bombs alongside the border fence. More recently, however, there has been a new phenomenon of attempted border infiltrations for reasons of misery. More than 15 Palestinians, most of them young men and boys, have been caught doing this since the beginning of 2019. While they were armed with a knife, their primary objective in crossing the border was not to commit some act of terrorism but to get caught, tried and sent to prison in Israel. At least there, they can be sure that they will not go hungry.

An Israeli security source told Al-Monitor that many young people try to cross the border every day but give up and draw back when the security forces on the ground fire warning shots at them, or use loudspeakers to warn them not to get any closer. Sometimes they return and even manage to cross the fence, but they are usually rounded up and returned to Gaza, despite their protests that Hamas is waiting for them on the other side.

Another phenomenon that offers further evidence of the terrible state of affairs in Gaza was described Feb. 7 by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Maj. Gen. Kamil Abu Rokon, in an Arabic-language post on the COGAT Facebook page. He told the story of a four-year-old Palestinian boy who was abandoned by his father at the Erez border crossing while returning from medical treatment in Israel. After leaving his son at the border crossing, the father fled back into Israel, hoping to find work as an illegal immigrant. According to Abu Rokon, this was not the first time that something like this happened. Several toddlers and children are abandoned by their parents at the border crossing every month.

In a statement to the press, the head of COGAT's Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza, Col. Iyad Sarhan, said, As a father myself, I do not understand how a parent abandons his child and leaves him in the hands of a stranger without worrying about his welfare and safety.

Sarhan is well-aware of the situation that has been created in the Gaza Strip. He handles thousands of requests a month from Palestinians who want to enter Israel for medical treatment, and knows that they do not make a conscious choice to abandon their children, but rather, act out of sheer desperation. In many cases, these are parents who can not support or take care of their families, so they choose to try their luck and stay in Israel, hoping to make a little money, even if they are fully aware that they could get caught and sent to prison.

Even if they are described in statements to the press as deleterious incidents, the Civil Administration refers to them as human stories and considers them very painful but public intelligence that offers a much clearer picture of the situation in Gaza than any document produced by the Military Intelligence Directorate.

Chilling military predictions foresee no improvement in the Gaza Strip in the near future. Talks about an arrangement have been put on hold as Israel is in the midst of an election campaign, and even when that is finally over, it will still take months or even a year to form a coalition and put together a government that is willing to renew the indirect talks with Hamas. In Gaza time, that may as well be an eternity.Theres no doubt about it: 2019 is the Year of Cannabis in Israel. On Jan. 27, the government approved the export of medical marijuana, causing the stock of eight companies producing cannabis and its byproducts to skyrocket hundreds of points on the local exchange. Meanwhile, on April 1, two important reforms go into effect.

First, some 100 specially trained physicians will be able to write prescriptions allowing patients to purchase the drug at Super-Pharm, Israel's largest pharmacy chain, positioning Israel as a pioneer in the sale of marijuana in pharmacies. Second, in a move toward decriminalization, the current law mandating up to three years in prison for marijuana use will be overturned as a temporary measure  for three years to study the effects  and users caught with up to 15 grams would be required to pay a fine of 1,000 shekels ($274) for the first offense and 2,000 shekels ($548) for the second offense (if committed within five years of the first offense), and neither instance would result in a criminal record. A user caught for a third time would be offered a conditional arrangement and sent to rehab.

There is no doubt that this is another step toward the full legalization of recreational marijuana in Israel, Oren Lebovitch, head of Ale Yarok (Green Leaf), a party advocating the legalization and standardization of the marijuana market, told Al-Monitor. Were on our way there. As soon as the stock market realizes that there is money to be made, and the state realizes that it can earn a lot of revenue from it, it will only be a matter of time before the dearth of easily available marijuana passes from the world.

According to Lebovitch, the most important change is primarily one of image. When we see people like former Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino, former Health Ministers Haim Ramon and Dan Naveh and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak entering the industry, even if only for medical marijuana, it advances cannabis one more step forward in the legitimate public discourse, he said. Marijuana is no longer ominously labeled as a drug. Instead, it is considered a medicinal substance with health benefits. According to our own poll, 71% of the public support the standardization of a legal marijuana market along the same lines as the alcohol market.

The percentage of marijuana smokers in Israel is among the highest in the world. According to a 2017 poll for the Authority for the War on Drugs, 27% of Israelis use marijuana. The full results of the poll showed that almost half, 41%, of young people aged 18-25 and 33% of people aged 26-40 had used marijuana the year the poll was taken.

Knesset member Ilan Gilon from Meretz, one of the most prominent advocates for the full legalization of marijuana, is not totally satisfied with the current reforms.

Obviously, Im pleased, but the truth is that we dont have the patience for any additional small steps, Gilon told Al-Monitor. As a party, we demand full legalization so that cannabis is treated like alcohol. The only thing blocking this is aggressive lobbying by the drug companies, who want a monopoly on pain killers. We have to put an end to this hypocrisy.

On the other side of the issue is Raphael Meshulam, a professor and Israel Prize laureate trying to dampen some of the enthusiasm. Meshulam was the first to identify THC, the active chemical in marijuana.

I am seeing significant progress in our understanding of the contribution made by medical marijuana and the standardization of formal processes for its use, but I do not think that Israeli society is ready for recreational marijuana just yet, Meshulam told Al-Monitor, firmly refusing to divulge his personal position on the issue of recreational marijuana in general. As Israelis, we tend to be rather conservative. Despite the policy of decriminalization, I dont foresee full legalization in Israel over the next 10 years.

Yehuda Baruch was the first doctor in Israel authorized to prescribe medical marijuana to patients, in 2002. He believes that recent developments represent advancement toward full legalization, but suggests that the process not be rushed. Israel is a pioneer in recognizing the benefits of medical marijuana, but it sits on the fence when it comes to free use, while waiting to see what the social significance of that will be, Baruch told Al-Monitor.

While discussing a few places where the drug is legal, Baruch observed, In Colorado, for example, there has been a significant rise in the number of people showing up in the ER due to the side effects of marijuana usage. Colorado has also identified a rise in the number of drivers involved in traffic accidents, who have cannabis in their bloodstream. Nevertheless, the meaning of all this is not quite clear yet. And there are questions about the long-term implications, which have yet to be answered. What are the implications on the workforce, for example, or the family or society at large?

Baruch further stated, We know that alongside the positive uses of cannabis, it is a psychoactive drug that damages judgment capabilities and the perception of reality. From what we know, long-term use causes a syndrome of motivation loss. Users are less motivated to advance at work and less functional at home. All they care about is the next joint.

Research published in late 2018 in the American Journal of Psychiatry reinforces this position. The study found that smoking cannabis may have a negative effect on cognition in teenagers and on inhibitory control, enhancing risks for other addictions.

Lenny Cohen, an actor, put the issue of possible addiction back on the public agenda, opening a support group for people addicted to cannabis.

You get the feeling that everyone is doing that [smoking marijuana], but nobody really talks about the less glamorous side of smoking cannabis, she told Al-Monitor. At the beginning, I smoked from morning to night and I had a lot of fun because it suddenly brought me peace of mind. But then it became less pleasant. I went into debt and depression, suffering from anxiety attacks. Many people thank me for opening up the whole issue. I think we must be vigilant, not forgetting that beside the medical advantages, marijuana is not necessarily recommended for healthy people. Lack of public debate on this results in psychological addictions without us even noticing.

Despite the clear distinction between medical and recreational marijuana, some experts believe or argue that the more marijuana becomes available for medical use, the greater the legitimacy for its recreational use will become and with that possible increased use. With medical marijuana still in its earliest stages, the question that remains unanswered concerns whether the medical benefits in the long run outweigh any possible negative consequences to health and society from an increase in recreational use if any.The Feb. 14 statement by the Israel Police regarding the interrogation of Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman at the fraud division sent a shock wave through the leadership of the ultra-Orthodox political parties. The police suspect that Litzmans aides approached senior psychiatrists in his name and demanded, using threats, that they write an assessment declaring Malka Leifer, former principal of a school in Melbourne, Australia, unfit to stand trial. They allegedly did so to prevent Leifer's extradition to Australia, where she is accused of sex crimes against minors. Leifer belongs to the Ger Hasidic, the largest and most influential of the ultra-Orthodox sects and in which Litzman is a leading figure.

The investigation into Litzman has shaken his status as one of the three most prominent ultra-Orthodox political leaders in Israel, and if it leads to his indictment, the case could diminish his political power and perhaps even weaken the ultra-Orthodox camp as a whole. Even more, the case could have far-reaching consequences for the April 9 elections and beyond.

Litzman is considered the most hard-line figure among the ultra-Orthodox leadership on matters of religion and state, a stance that in recent years has produced several crises for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These included the ultra-Orthodox demanding that repair work on the rail system scheduled for the Sabbath be moved to a weekday despite the disruption it would cause for rail traffic and passengers; the ultra-Orthodox pushing a conversion law to block the recognition of conversions to Judaism by rabbis outside the Orthodox stream; and Litzman vehemently opposing an enlistment law on ultra-Orthodox serving in the military in contrast to Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni, his fellow leaders in the ultra-Orthodox leadership.

Following reports of Litzman's interrogation, Litzman released a statement claiming that he had only looked into a request for his help regarding Leifer and that after he received a legal opinion on the issue, he had ceased involvement in the matter.

The police, however, have testimony by state psychiatrists, including the Jerusalem district psychiatrist, Yaakov Charnes, stating that they were pressured, including threatened with removal from their positions, if they failed to declare Leifer unfit to stand trial. According to a Channel 11 report, Litzman himself met with Charnes and spoke to him about the issue, and Charnes declined three times to sign an opinion opposing the assessment that Leifer is feigning mental illness to evade prosecution.

The Jewish community of Australia is supporting the Australian government's demand for Leifer's extradition. Miriam Kuttner, president of the Australia Jewish Medical Federation, sent a complaint to the Ethics Committee of the Israel Medical Union, but the office refrained from discussing the complaint because of the ongoing judicial process regarding Leifers possible extradition.

Leifer, who fled to Israel in 2008, is accused of 74 counts of rape and sexual assault of three sisters who were her students. Authorities in Australia presented a request for extradition when they issued an indictment against her after completing an investigation almost five years ago. Since then, Leifers associates in the ultra-Orthodox community and in the Ger Hasidic sect have been waging a battle to prevent her extradition.

One leader of the Ger Hasidim told Al-Monitor that the battle is not based on Leifers claim that she is innocent. In addition, the sect is not opposed to her imprisonment in Israel. Rather, the communitys fight against her extradition stems from the Jewish tradition of aiding Jewish prisoners and detainees.

Leifer has been arrested and released several times and is currently in custody. Leifer's lawyers are trying to obtain her release on the ground that an Israel Prison Service assessment shows that she suffers from psychological problems and is not fit to be detained. Leifer's mental condition has not, however, prevented an ultra-Orthodox school in the town of Emmanuel from employing her as a teacher, according to the headmaster of the chain of schools.

Danny Lam, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said in an interview with Reshet Bet radio that even a request from the prime minister of Australia to the prime minister of Israel has not helped in moving the proceedings against Leifer forward. He attributes this situation to Litzmans political clout.

The investigation into Litzman is not surprising in itself, since he is known among the ultra-Orthodox and the general public as someone who does not hesitate to work the system he oversees for the benefit of his associates. With the revelation of Litzman's interrogation, however, senior sources in the health system have begun to expose Litzmans involvement in professional matters to benefit his associates, such as cutting wait times and arranging special conditions at health care facilities. For instance, a year ago at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, several patients were moved from rooms adjacent to the one occupied by the grand rabbi of the Ger sect, Yaakov Alter, to accommodate his entourage.

An ultra-Orthodox member of the Knesset who spoke to Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity remarked that Litzman has transformed Agudat Yisrael, one of the two parties comprising Yahadut HaTorah, from a moderating influence that integrates into Israeli life into one of the most extreme ultra-Orthodox parties. This has been done to the extent of Litzman adopting positions of some of the anti-Zionist factions among the ultra-Orthodox.

For the moment, it remains unclear whether and when the prosecution will decide on an indictment against Litzman in the Leifer case, but according to the Knesset member, if the case ends with Litzman exiting the political arena, whoever replaces him will likely be much more pragmatic and willing to resolve problems through compromise. The source specifically noted the insult to American Jews stemming from Litzmans stubborn stance rejecting conversions by certain rabbis deemed unacceptable by him and his associates. Litzman caused Netanyahu to quarrel with allies [leaders of American Jewry] who are important to Israels status in the world, he said.

The investigation of Litzman is worrisome as well for Netanyahu, who was even briefed about it while attending the Warsaw Summit this month. Netanyahu is occupied with maintaining the support of the ultra-Orthodox and other right-wing parties so they will join a coalition under his leadership following the April elections even if he is indicted on charges of corruption. So far, HaBayit HaYehudi, the New Right, Yisrael Beitenu and the ultra-Orthodox parties have announced that they would indeed agree to a coalition in that circumstance.

According to polls, the right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties together could win 58 to 65 mandates (with 61 needed for a majority coalition). A decline in the power of Litzmans Yahadut HaTorah could decrease the chances of Netanyahu being able to corral enough support to form the next government.Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and his Jordanian counterpart, Omar al-Razza, signed 14 economic agreements Feb. 2 between the two countries, during their meetings on the Iraqi-Jordan border, where a joint industrial city will be established.

The agreements include the transport, trade, health, agriculture, finance and energy sectors.

The recent economic agreements between the Iraqi and Jordanian governments have raised controversy in Iraq, as some Iraqi political and economic institutions believe these understandings favor Jordan and harm Iraq. The Asaib Ahl al-Haq (League of the Righteous), headed by Qais Khazali, said the Iraqi citizens will pay the tax of these agreements.

As with most other issues in Iraq, these agreements divided Iraqi political camps into two. One was welcoming, and the other denounced the agreements as having no economic feasibility for Iraq  especially those related to extending a pipeline from Iraqs oil-rich government of Basra to Aqaba.

The leader of the National Coalition, former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, described the agreements as good  he was supported by a group of Sunni politicians who also praised them.

Despite the rejection and comments by Iraqi politicians and parliamentarians on the agreements, Abdul Mahdi, however, stated that the agreement with Jordan has great economic returns, which opens the door to provide job opportunities.

The Iraqi objection to the agreement is based on the fact that it came at a time when Jordan is suffering from financial indebtedness and a high unemployment rate at 18%, in addition to the large public objection to some of the tax laws there. Therefore, some parliament members believe that the agreement would save Jordan and not benefit Iraq.

Iraqi parliament member Sadiq al-Sulaiti believes that Jordan wants to reap the fruits of these agreements without having to pay anything in return.

For his part, parliament member Jasem Moha said, The agreements, signed by Iraq and Jordan, came at a time when Jordan is suffering from a major economic recession. It seems that the agreement was signed at the request of the US to support Amman.

According to the agreement on the transport sector, Jordan will exempt Iraqi goods imported through the port of Aqaba by 75% of the fees that are charged there.

In the energy sector, Iraq will supply Jordan with 10,000 barrels of oil per day from the fields of Kirkuk at discounted transport costs.

In the trade sector, Iraq exempted 371 Jordanian goods from customs duties. In return, Jordan gave priority to Iraqi goods entering its territory at a time when Jordans production of such goods is limited.

With these agreements, Iraq has opened a new channel to export its oil, but at the same time, it's selling it at a price lower than the world price, further fueling the competition of the imported goods against the local ones. Some owners of factories and plants in Iraq believe that this is a blow to the countrys interests.

The owner of a paint factory selling products across Iraq told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, I had to open a plant in Jordan to supply my factories in Iraq with raw materials, which are exempt from any taxes.

He added, however, that the government is now fighting the local products with these agreements. The Iraqi factories will go downhill, and people prefer imported goods that come with fewer costs than the local goods. The local goods face fierce competition from Jordanian merchandise and other goods.

Iraqi Oil Minister Thamir al-Ghadban is trying to protect the government of Abdul Mahdi from the attacks and scathing comments on the agreements with Jordan. Speaking of the agreement on the energy sector, he said, This agreement [has been] signed between Iraq and Jordan since 2006. Iraq sells Jordan oil for $16 less than the international Brent [oil prices]. The deal is not new.

Head of the Iraqi Industries Federation Ali Sabeeh al-Saadi said in a press statement Feb. 2 that the trade agreement offers no benefits to Iraq. How would it be possible to exempt 90% of the Chinese goods whose labels are changed in Jordan? The ports of Basra will stop working because all goods will enter through Aqaba, and this harms the Iraqi economy.

Iraqi economists and businessmen believe the agreements with Jordan are necessary and important, stressing that Iraq ought not to stay a market for Iranian goods but to different merchandise too so they can compete against the Iranian products that have flooded the Iraqi markets.

The attack on the Iraqi-Jordanian agreements is understandable if we look at the situation from a political point of view. But eventually, these deals are beneficial for both countries, Yusuf Ibrahim, a Jordanian researcher in Iraqi affairs working for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, told Al-Monitor.

These agreements are strategic, especially from the geopolitical point of view, in terms of good relations between the two countries. The agreements also give economic solutions to Iraq to sell its oil, especially in light of the US-Iranian conflict in Baghdad, he added.

As per the oil agreement, Iraq would supply Jordan with 7% of its oil need with preferential prices, while some Iraqis believe this will not come out in their favor and believe Jordan is dealing with Iraqis selectively.

The agreements the government signed will face objection in parliament as many blocs, including the Fatah and Sairoon alliances, are likely to veto them, which means they wont be passed easily.With the signatures of 94 lawmakers, a bill has been presented to the Iranian parliaments presiding board, titled, Support for Whistleblowers of Economic and Administrative Corruption. If approved by the presiding board, the bill could become law and facilitate the government campaign to fight corruption.

Tackling corruption has been on the Iranian government's agenda since the mid-2000s. In fact, the abovementioned bill was initiated based on a 2008 law, Promotion of Administrative Compliance. However, the net result of the various anti-corruption initiatives  including regular meetings between the heads of the three branches of power  have not borne any fruit. In 2014, President Hassan Rouhani even went as far as calling corruption a national security threat to the survival of the Islamic Republic. Representatives of the business community have also pointed to corruption and mismanagement as the most significant threats to the countrys economy. According to Transparency Internationals corruption index, the situation in Iran has deteriorated in the past few years; in 2018, Iran ranked 138 out of 180 countries.

There is no doubt that the failure in pushing back against corrupt practices is rooted in a number of political, legal and cultural realities. Similar to other crises in Iran, there has been a wealth of studies and analyses in the country on the root causes of growing corruption. Phenomena such as the availability of government rents, the size of the government, legal and administrative deficiencies, social and cultural realities, and economic shortcomings have been recognized for decades, but the political elite has been unable or unwilling to address these issues.

On the other hand, a recent study published in Khorasan News identified a number of reasons why the public does not report corrupt practices:

The process of registering such a crime is too complicated;

It is too difficult to provide evidence;

The authorities do not take action against corrupt officials;

Fear of repercussions as a consequence of reporting;

Lack of attention to such reports;

Such corrupt practices have become part of the normal routine.

It is in light of the above perceptions that the bill has been presented to parliament. Interestingly, some government officials have already started thinking about how to facilitate the process of reporting corruption. This effort has included the introduction of an online system to entice whistleblowers to report corruption. Experiences of other countries have shown that the use of technology and also anonymous reporting can pave the way for the communication of illegal and corrupt practices. It is also important to provide legal protection to whistleblowers, as some may need to be engaged for further clarification. Nonetheless, the core question in Iran is to what extent the authorities will actually undertake legal actions against corrupt elements. It is true that in recent years there has been an increase in arrests and sentences against high-level political figures, but within the context of continuous political rivalries in Iran, a number of sentences  such as the imprisonment of Mehdi Hashemi, the son of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, or the charges against Hossein Fereydoun, President Rouhanis brother  seem to be politically motivated. The fact is, all political factions in Iran include members who at some point in the past few decades have been involved in corrupt schemes and this may present another impediment, i.e., a desire not to expose the political elite as a whole.

In the eyes of Mohammadreza Mortazavi, secretary-general of the Association of Industry, Mining and Trade, the illogical growth of the government apparatus, which is mainly financed by tax money is one of the main causes of mismanagement and corruption. In other words, the government bureaucracy has an interest in maintaining the status quo. If you add to this the fact that a growing number of lawmakers and judicial officials are involved in corrupt practices, then one can deduct why new legal and governance-related initiatives wont actually improve the situation in the country.

At the same time, many experts opine that the core issue fueling corrupt practices is the countrys political establishment. Politicians are an important component of corrupt networks in Iran, and they offer a certain degree of patronage and protection to corrupt deals. For example, political pressure from parliamentarians on banks, ministries and state institutions can result in the awarding of a specific project to a member of a corrupt network. This is feasible since it takes only 10 signatures by lawmakers to start an impeachment process against a minister. According to one member of the Iranian business community who spoke to Al-Monitor, there is always intense competition between key ministries and corrupt networks to secure the loyalty of every new and independent member of parliament. Such attention is usually secured through corrupt payments and interests. Can one then really expect the same individuals to pursue a serious campaign against corruption?

Shifting the approach away from state institutions toward the greater public by offering to protect whistleblowers may be an approach to provide inroads into fighting corruption. However, considering the overall political and legal realities, the bill can only be considered window dressing. If the Islamic Republic is seriously interested in exposing corrupt elements within the political and administrative elites, then it should remove the existing restrictions on the Iranian press and promote investigative journalism. The public would trust such journalists and civil society leaders more in terms of fighting corruption and exposing corrupt politicians. Furthermore, a complete overhaul of the judicial system will be needed. Otherwise, court cases against corrupt networks will end up in front of those very judges and officials who are on the payrolls of the same networks.

As long as a comprehensive strategy is not defined and implemented, initiatives such as the whistleblower bill will not achieve their stated goals."A social Democrat pursuing political revolution in the United States," wrote Irans official IRNA news agency of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders after he launched his campaign for the Democratic Party's nomination in the 2020 presidential race for the White House.

Sanders introduced his fight as one about "creating a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice." Based on that agenda, Sanders has come forth with 'revolution' as his slogan," reported leading Iranian business daily Donya-e Eqtesad. According to the daily, what Sanders enjoys more than other US presidential candidates is massive support on social media.

Seemingly trying to hide excitement about Sanders' announcement, Jahan Sanat, a conservative paper with regularly biting headlines against President Hassan Rouhani's moderate government, referred to Sanders as the "leftist Democrat." But the term notably has little negative connotation in the Islamic Republic, whose ideology shares a lot with left-wing movements opposed to US global influence. "Sanders launched his campaign right at a time when the US president [Donald Trump] undermined his Venezuelan counterpart's socialist ideology as a dead one with no more relevance in the Americas," wrote Khorasan, as it introduced Sanders as a progressive politician.

What perhaps made Sanders a more attractive choice for coverage was his decision to name Faiz Shakir as his campaign manager. Shakir is a Muslim civil rights lawyer of Pakistani origin. Meanwhile, the outlets  which gave little room to Sanders  still found some space for Trump and how he is being squeezed by 16 states with a lawsuit against his emergency declaration over the controversial plan to build a wall on the border with Mexico. "Disunited States," wrote pro-government Iran in a catchy title to suggest a split that America is grappling with due to Trump's perceived divisive policies.

While closely monitoring political developments in the United States, the Islamic Republic's official line toward American presidential elections has long been one of indifference. This is, nevertheless, not shared by many among the elites and the public who find it decisive who makes it to the Oval Office.

"Instead of pushing for a bunch of worthless Reformists in our country, a better idea would be for us to garner votes for Sanders from among Americans, because the impact their votes [in the 2016 US presidential elections] left on our fate was much bigger than our own," one person tweeted.

Some argued that the Islamic Republic is not that indifferent toward US elections and that a potential Sanders victory is good news for Iranian officials who "will do their best to survive the two remaining years of domestic discontent and foreign sanctions before Sanders gives them a sigh of relief." The same message was conveyed by an Iranian-American journalist who used a positive tone and focused on the bright side: "Sanders' foreign policy, particularly with regard to the Middle East and Iran, is the opposite of that of the current US administration. If he wins, it is expected that he will move toward interaction with Iran." But this idea was brought under question by another Twitter user who insisted that if he takes office, Sanders "will be the president of the United States after all, and the US [politics] has a determined definition [of Iran]."

That "cut-from-the-same-cloth" approach toward US Democrats and Republicans is reiterated by Iranian officials when rivalries for the White House heat up once every four years. In 2015, however, Iranian diplomats sat down with American counterparts from former US President Barack Obama's Democratic administration. The intense talks saw the two sides along with the European Union, France, Britain, Germany, China and Russia ink the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action meant to end a yearslong standoff with Tehran over its nuclear program. Obama's successor, representing the US Republicans, pulled his country out of the deal less than three years later, reimposing tough sanctions.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas weekend meeting with Nazareth Mayor Ali Salem is widely seen as a desperate gambit, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to coast to re-election on a security platform while Israeli peacemakers fade from the scene.

Why it matters: Abbas urged Salem, one of the influential Israeli Arab figures, to back a last-minute effort to reunite the four Arab-Israeli parties for the April elections. The Palestinian leader hopes to challenge Netanyahu through an Israeli Arab coalition with the center-left to usher in a new prime minister, as they did with Yitzhak Rabin in 1992.

Divided they fall: The socialist Hadash, nationalist Balad, Islamist Raam and progressive Taal parties ran as a united political body in the 2015 elections, scoring 13 seats in the Knesset, their best showing ever. But Taal head Ahmad Tibi broke the partnership in January and announced that he would run alone when the other parties refused to let him lead the list despite polls showing his party could get six to eight seats versus only four to six seats for the others.

Foreign interference: The Israeli right wasted no time accusing Abbas of interfering in domestic politics. Ex-Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said the meeting proved that Israeli Arab leaders are more loyal to the Palestinian Authority than to Israel. Abbas himself said that he does not interfere directly in the Israeli elections but that its important to "stay strong" on the issue of peace.

Peacemaker quits: One of Abbas partners for peace talks, former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, announced Monday that she was leaving the race after failing to join one of the other parties. Livni was the last senior diplomat on the Israeli center-left and her departure marks a big loss for that camp while confirming that Middle East peace is not a key election issue.

What's next: Negotiations between the parties continue. The deadline to register electoral lists with the election clerk is Thursday night.

Know more: Israel Pulses Shlomi Eldar delves into Jewish voters support for Ahmad Tibi's Arab party.

- Danny ZakenAs the Palestinian Authority (PA) has yet to lift the sanctions it has imposed on the Gaza Strip since March 2017, Hamas took control Feb. 17 of the Kerem Abu Salem border crossing with Israel, Gazas only trade crossing. The PA employees at the crossing withdrew following a dispute with Hamas security services over procedures.

Hamas had handed control of Kerem Abu Salem to the PA as part of an October 2017 reconciliation agreement, which has reached an impasse.

Hamas new control over the crossing is expected to increase the revenues of Hamas-run Gaza ministries, which could help alleviate the financial crisis plaguing the enclave.

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip had been worsening progressively since Hamas initially rejected the third payment of a Qatari grant in January, citing Israel's failure to abide by a truce sponsored by the United Nations, Egypt and Qatar.

Hamas refused the grant Jan. 24 after Israel introduced new conditions to the truce agreement, a deal that had allowed for the grant. Most notable among the proposed changes was a demand that Palestinians cease their weekly return marches  protests along the Israeli border that kicked off in March 2018.

Because of the new strings attached, Hamas declined the grant for its intended use, which was to pay the salaries of Gazas 27,000 civil servants. Egypt was also influential in Hamas' rejection of the money. Egypt had agreed with Qatar and the United Nations to allow the first two Qatari grants in November and December. But Cairo disliked that Qatars influence in Gaza was growing, and Hamas didn't want to lose Egypt's support.

Instead, Hamas and Cairo agreed Jan. 26 that the $15 million grant could be distributed among poor families in Gaza: Some 50,000 families will benefit from $100 monthly, and some of the money will go to humanitarian projects to help 5,000 Palestinians who were wounded during the return marches. The grant also is funding economic, social and health projects.

Soon after that agreement was reached, a flurry of meetings took place. On Jan. 31, an Egyptian security delegation met with Hamas leadership in Gaza to discuss a de-escalation with Israel. Nikolay Mladenov, UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, arrived Feb. 1 in Gaza and met with Hamas leaders to work on negotiating such an arrangement.

Also on Feb. 1, Hamas senior political leader Ismail Haniyeh revealed he had taken part in a trilateral meeting with Egyptian and UN delegations in his office in Gaza City, in an unprecedented step. According to Haniyeh, the meeting signaled that the situation in Gaza is at a very delicate stage and is nearing a crossroads.

On Feb. 5, Haaretz reporter Yaniv Kubovich revealed that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had laid down three scenarios concerning the future of the Gaza Strip. The story said Sinwar spoke to undisclosed international entities, which were to relay the options to Israel. The scenarios discussed were to either have Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas take charge of Gaza, an unfeasible outcome at the moment; put Gaza under the control of the UN and Egypt; or prepare for a military confrontation between Hamas and Israel.

However, Palestinian media outlets reported that Egyptian intelligence met Feb. 6 with Hamas leadership and refused to put the Gaza Strip under UN management.

Sinwar did not comment on the Haaretz report. Al-Monitor tried to contact his office to no avail, as Sinwar rarely makes statements to the media. However, Hamas did not deny the report.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told Al-Monitor, Hamas is unwilling to accept that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza goes any further because of the Israeli blockade and the sanctions imposed by the PA." He said Hamas is also unwilling to stop the border protests. The return marches are a tool to break the blockade," Qassem added.

As well, any plan proposed to resolve the humanitarian crisis must be "part of a national consensus and must not result in a collapse in Gaza or create a power gap," he said, adding, "Egypt has a role in alleviating the blockade, and we are constantly in contact with the Egyptian side. The blockade continuing is not in the service of Gazas stability."

The three alternatives reportedly proposed by Hamas have sparked various responses. The Palestinian National Authority's (PNA) official news agency WAFA in Ramallah, the West Bank, published a release Feb. 9 depicting the options as regrettable ones that mark a setback and a misstep for the movements positions.

The proposals, the PNA said, are more than hypothetical; they are potential roadmaps that are being arranged and diligently worked on by regional and global players that it did not name.

Abdullah Abdullah, head of the Political Affairs Committee of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), told Al-Monitor, Hamas scenarios reflect a crisis for the movement in Gaza. Those scenarios are also a gambit by Hamas to attain some sort of advantage ahead of Israel, the PA and Egypt.

Abdullah, who is also a member of the Revolutionary Council of Hamas rival Fatah, continued, Those scenarios mean that Hamas decision is no longer a national one, but rather is influenced by some regional countries and [Egyptian nemesis] the Muslim Brotherhood, which impose on Hamas decisions that conflict with the Palestinian interest."

Omar Shaaban, director of the Gaza-based think tank Pal-Think, believes that Hamas scenarios are emblematic of a new crisis facing the movement."

He added, The scenarios are signs that Hamas is looking for solutions to its crushing crisis in Gaza. But war is not an option because it [won't] bring about solutions to the problems facing Gaza. On the contrary, a war would multiply the burdens and suffering in the Strip.

Analyzing the scenarios shows that each one comes with a difficult set of challenges. The PA will not go back to Gaza if Hamas is unwilling to surrender its weapons, as per a formula for enabling the consensus governments role in the Gaza Strip. Conversely, Egypt and the UN seem disinterested in taking control of Gaza without an understanding with the PA, which has international legitimacy.

And last, Palestinians know Hamas chose a path of war three times between 2008 and 2014 and never succeeded in lifting or even easing the blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Yahya Mousa, head of the PLCs Oversight Committee and deputy head of Hamas' parliamentary bloc, told Al-Monitor, While Israel is relaxed, the Palestinian collective is suffering a crisis. These scenarios are not the only options available, as a national consensus and a reconciliation remain a possibility.

He added, Hamas and the other factions have an obligation to research options that would pull us out of this turmoil that the national Palestinian project is going through and to not passively accept [the status quo]. This can be achieved by widening the circle of choices rather than limiting ourselves to those scenarios.

On Feb. 8, Eddie Cohen, a researcher at Israel's Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies of Bar-Ilan University and a former Israeli intelligence officer, said in an article on the centers website that the best solution for Gaza is for it to be declared an international quarantine zone." Hamas should use only the Rafah border crossing with Egypt for the delivery of goods, food and medication supplies, as a prelude to ending the Gaza Strip's dependence on Israel, he said.

Israel should end any ties with Hamas and turn Gaza matters over to the UN and Arab League, "which, through Egypt and with the funding of the Arab oil states, would be responsible for the welfare of the residents of Gaza as well as the return of the PA and the end of Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip," Cohen added.

Israel would want to win US support for such changes to gain legitimacy in the eyes of the international community.

Mustafa al-Sawaf, a former editor-in-chief of the Felesteen newspaper, told Al-Monitor, Sinwars scenarios do not reflect a crisis, but rather a gambit.  [He] aims to send a message to Israel that an eruption of the situation in Gaza is imminent." Sinwar had warned in December about the impending blowup of the situation in Gaza should the siege continue, "and it will not only reach Israel but might even have regional fallout, Sawaf said.

Gaza's humanitarian situation has grown dire in light of a shortage of fuel needed to operate plants that power hospitals and water and sanitation networks. Adding to that burden are power cuts, an unemployment rate of 54.9% and a poverty rate exceeding 80%, according to data issued Jan. 17 by the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions.GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  As Hamas continues efforts to bolster its relationship with Egypt, a Hamas delegation visited Al-Azhar headquarters this month. Led by the head of Hamas politburo, Ismail Haniyeh, the delegation arrived at Egypts highest religious authority to meet the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb.

Haniyehs stop Feb. 7 at Al-Azhar came as part of a Hamas tour of Egypt that began Feb. 3. The Hamas delegation discussed with Egyptian intelligence representatives the situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as the truce with Israel. The delegation also paid visits to other Egyptian institutions, including the Cairo headquarters of Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper Feb. 12, in an effort to change the negative way Hamas said it has been depicted by Egyptian media in recent years.

An Al-Azhar official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that Hamas leaders requested the meeting with Egyptian authorities as part of the movements visit schedule in Egypt.

The official said a positive atmosphere prevailed during the visit, as Tayeb discussed mechanisms to ease the human suffering in Gaza, and addressed Israeli violations in Jerusalems holy places. Tayeb also implored Hamas to work toward ending the internal Palestinian division with the Fatah movement in the West Bank.

Hamas leader Mahmoud Merdawe told Al-Monitor of Al-Azhars importance to Hamas as a moderate religious authority recognized by the entire Arab world, thanks to its positions supporting the Palestinian cause and its refusal to indulge any international or regional initiatives that aim to subvert the cause.

Merdawe said Tayeb expressed his willingness to do everything in his power to help Egypt's leaders and intelligence service end the internal Palestinian division. Tayeb also stressed that Al-Azhar will continue its humanitarian support for the residents of the Gaza Strip, according to Merdawe.

Palestinian Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs Yousef Adis hailed Al-Azhars role and its even-handed position toward both Palestinian sides, as well as its continuous calls to end Palestinian division and to protect the Palestinian cause from the perceived dangers facing it  most notably, the as-yet unveiled US plan for Mideast peace, which Palestinians fear will favor Israel.

Hosam al-Dajani, a political science professor at Gaza-based Umma University, ventured that Hamas recent visit to Al-Azhar serves two goals. One is to continue Hamas efforts to open up to the various components of the Egyptian people  particularly Al-Azhar, which is held in high esteem by Egyptians. The other goal takes into consideration Al-Azhars stature in the Arab and Islamic world and how its role supports the Palestinian cause.

Hamas has continued to hail Al-Azhars positions toward the Palestinian cause on many different occasions, most notably for rejecting the US decision to transfer the US Embassy to Jerusalem. Al-Azhar remains one of the few Egyptian institutions that has succeeded in distancing itself from the political enmity between Hamas and some past Egyptian regimes.

Hamas is aware, Dajani told Al-Monitor, that a good relationship with Al-Azhar and Arabic and Islamic religious authorities is key to protecting Islamic and Christian holy places from Israeli policies, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque grounds, which are constantly raided by the Israelis.

A political analyst and former editor-in-chief for Felesteen newspaper, Mustafa al-Sawwaf, told Al-Monitor that Hamas visit signals an upward development in Egypt-Hamas ties that stems from both parties recognizing the need to bolster their relationship in the service of the Palestinian cause.

Sawwaf stressed that Hamas acknowledges Egypts integral role in the region. Egypt is in charge of a number of matters concerning the Palestinian cause, including the reconciliation, and the operations of the Rafah border crossing to allow residents to travel and to ease the Gaza siege.

The Hamas leaderships last visit to Al-Azhar came in October 2012, when the Egypt-Hamas relationship was prospering under Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi.

It was a short-lived period of grace, however, as the relationship suffered tension and disruption after Morsi was removed in July 2013, to be eventually succeeded by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Sisi's regime considers Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood party a terrorist group and has worked to purge the organization from the country. Hamas has had strong ties with the Muslim Brotherhood.

The relationship between the Egyptian regime and Hamas saw a bit of resurgence as the movement elected its new leadership in February 2017 and since then has visited Cairo frequently. Also in 2017, Hamas claimed to have shed its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, though that claim is widely disputed.

Those moves were followed by a number of trust-building steps between the two sides in June 2017, when Hamas began building a security buffer zone with observation posts along the border with Egypt, while the Egyptian government agreed to open the Rafah border crossing more often to facilitate Palestinians movement.

On May 15, 2018, Al-Azhar deployed a convoy carrying medical and relief aid to Gaza in the aftermath of the killing of dozens of Palestinians by the Israeli army, while hundreds were wounded, along the border between Gaza and Israel, where Palestinians gathered to protest the US decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Egyptian intelligence started serving as a mediator between the movement and Israel to defuse tension and prevent a military confrontation in light of the Gaza Strip's dire humanitarian and economic situations. Egypt began working to create common ground between Israel and Hamas, aiming to develop an acceptable de-escalation agreement for both.In a further blow to Turkeys withering European aspirations, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament told the European Commission and EU member states today to freeze accession talks with Ankara over its shoddy human rights record, partisan judiciary and ongoing territorial dispute over the divided island of Cyprus.

The call came as the committee voted on the EU Commissions annual Turkey report, which will be taken up during a March 11 plenary session of the European Parliament. Some 47 lawmakers voted in favor and seven others against the report, which also noted the high level of corruption in Turkey.

Kati Piri, the parliaments rapporteur on Turkey, declared in a tweet, My expectation is that in two weeks a large majority of the EP will vote for the suspension of accession talks with Turkey.

Dutch fellow parliamentarian Marietje Schaake said in a statement, The message of the parliament is crystal clear. We attach consequences to [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogans grip on power.

The parliaments recommendations are not binding, as only the EU heads of state have the power to either freeze or scrap Turkeys talks for full membership of the bloc and any such decision must be unanimous.

Such a move remains unlikely as long as Europe relies on Turkey to hold back a potential new wave of Syrian and other refugees under a controversial deal struck in March 2016. But the mood in Europe is squarely anti-Turkish and it's likely to deepen as the government continues its unabashed campaign of repression.

In June 2018, the EUs Council of Ministers sounded the alarm, stating, The council is especially concerned about the continuing and deeply worrying backsliding on the rule of law and on fundamental rights including the freedom of expression. The deterioration of the independence and functioning of the judiciary cannot be condoned, nor can the ongoing restrictions, detentions, imprisonments and other measures targeting journalists, academics, members of political parties including parliamentarians, human rights defenders, social media users and others exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms.

Brussels call for sanctions came as Turkish prosecutors revealed they are seeking aggravated life sentences for prominent Turkish businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala and 15 others, including actor Mehmet Ali Alabora, film director Cigdem Mater and journalist Can Dundar. They are being accused of plotting to overthrow Erdogan by orchestrating and financing the mass protests that erupted across the country in June 2013 over the governments plans to build a shopping mall to replace a rare green space in Istanbuls Taksim Square.

The claim prompted incredulity among rights groups. Amnesty Internationals veteran Turkey researcher Andrew Gardner said, The Gezi protests were overwhelmingly peaceful with people simply exercising their rights. They were met by arbitrary and abusive force by police. It should be the authorities denial of these rights and the police violence against peaceful protesters that should be examined by the courts, not these 16 civil society figures who have not committed any crime.

Dunja Mijatovic, the Council of Europes commissioner for human rights, said she was appalled by the indictment and called the sentences unacceptable. Marc Pierini, a former EU ambassador to Ankara and a senior non-resident fellow at Carnegie Europe, said, The statement by the prosecutor will only reinforce the EU governments perception of Turkey backsliding on rule of law and independence of the judiciary. Pierini told Al-Monitor, The hope that some initial improvements in the rule of law could help to start mending the EU-Turkey relationship at least on trade and economic issues is now being dashed. He continued, Todays indictment, in its extreme form, is probably the worst self-engineered piece of news for Turkeys ailing economy. A very sad development indeed.

The Donald Trump Administration has yet to comment. Steven Cook, a senior fellow for Middle East and Africa at the Council of Foreign Relations, told Al-Monitor that it should come as no surprise. He said, In general, the administration has demonstrated that beyond [pastor] Andrew Brunson, it doesnt care about the predatory, punitive and politically driven justice that Turkish authorities are determined to mete out.

Yesterday a Turkish appeals court upheld a ruling to jail 14 journalists and executives from the opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper. The courts ruling finalizes decisions for those sentenced to under five years on thinly evidenced terror charges. Six of them, including renowned cartoonist Musa Kart, will have to return to prison to serve out their terms. Two others who fall under the same category, including Al-Monitor columnist Kadri Gursel, will not go back due to time already served. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, of which Turkey is a member, called the charges against the Cumhuriyet staff groundless and demanded the sentences be reversed.

Kavala, who commands respect worldwide for his contributions to refugees, the arts and reconciliation between Turks and Armenians, has been held without indictment for 477 days, a gross violation in and of itself, rights defenders say.

Some air hopes that Turkeys Constitutional Court will take this point into consideration and strike down the lower courts ruling on procedural grounds after an initial hearing, paving the way for Kavala and his alleged co-conspirators to be either released or remain free pending trial.

Their optimism is grounded in the courts ruling last year that the rights of jailed writers Mehmet Altan and Sahin Alpay had been violated and that they must be let out pending their trials on terror charges.

But the Constitutional Courts composition is shifting, with pro-Erdogan judges gradually outnumbering holdovers appointed by his pro-secular predecessors. The shift continued today as Yildiz Seferinoglu, a former lawmaker from Erdogans ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), was sworn in. The courts current president, Zuhtu Arslan, was nominated by former President Abdullah Gul, who is seen as the driving force behind the AKPs now shelved reforms. It was those reforms that persuaded the EU to open membership talks with Turkey in 2005. Speaking at todays ceremony, Arslan said, Securing and sustaining the rule of law is the guarantee of a countrys future.When Ben Hoffler, a trail developer who has been based in Egypt for the last 10 years, spent the 2000s hiking in the mountains that shape the Sinai Peninsula, he used to stand and look toward mainland Egypt, fascinated by the range of hills that rose on the other side of the Red Sea. I had the urge to cross and see whether those mountains would have a similar story to Sinai, he told Al-Monitor.

Hoffler, whose main focus is exploring synergies between modern tourism and the conservation of ancient nomadic heritage, developed a plan for the area and it has finally been realized. On Jan. 28, the first long-distance hiking trail in mainland Egypt opened, designed and prepared with Hofflers help by the local Bedouins over the last five years. The Red Sea Mountain Trail, a 170-kilometer (105-mile) route, takes 10 days to hike. The route was created by members of the Khushmaan clan in their traditional territory. The Khushmaan clan is part of the Maaza, one of Egypts biggest Bedouin tribes, whose roots trace back to the Hejaz of the Arabian Peninsula and whose territory lies in the northern half of Egypts Red Sea mountains. Among them is Jebel Shayib el Banat, mainland Egypts highest peak at 2,187 meters (7,175 feet).

The official inauguration of the trail will be held the first weekend of April in a ceremony in Hurghada, a coastal city in Red Sea governorate. However, a few hikers have already completed parts of it.

Hamsa Mansour is one of them. You find very vast landscapes and vast desert, she told Al-Monitor. The trail is very adventurous and challenging for hikers  because it has not been walked for a very long time."

The Red Sea Mountain Trail is a sister project of the award-winning Sinai Trail, which expanded last May into a 550-kilometer (342-mile), 42-day hike across South Sinai involving the eight Bedouin tribes of the region. Its success encouraged the establishment of a similar initiative in the Red Sea mountains.

What we had created in Sinai made us imagine the possibilities on the other side of the Red Sea, explained Hoffler. He said that after completing the smaller Sinai project with just a few people, it grew into something that was a true achievement  creating jobs and economic support that is important to [sustaining] Bedouin culture.

The main goal of the Red Sea Mountain Trail is to boost sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism in the region. The tourism industry along the Red Sea has traditionally centered on big resorts and diving, in which the traditional lifestyle of the Bedouin has no place, and little attention has been paid to sustainable adventure tourism and its greater impact on local communities.

According to a 2018 report by the Adventure Travel Trade Association, 65% of total revenues generated by the Jordan Trail remain in local economies and 84% of all jobs created are also local. By comparison, only 14% of the revenues and the 36% of the jobs generated by the mass tourism industry in the Dead Sea remain with locals.

We are creating a new tourist industry that empowers communities that have been traditionally sidelined by big business and beach resort tourism, argued Hoffler.

The project is fully owned and managed by the Bedouin and it's overseen by the Red Sea Mountain Trail Association, a small tribal organization headed by Sheikh Merayi Abu Musallem, the head of the Khushmaan clan.

The Sinai Trail has created 50 direct jobs, showing that such initiatives can generate employment for the local community. Those jobs include guides, cooks, cameleers and drivers, and the indirect work created around it has reached camps, orchards, handicrafts and shops.

The main goal of the project is to create development within very marginalized and hard-to-reach local areas, but also to preserve the knowledge that Bedouin have held over hundreds of years, Omar Samra, the first Egyptian to climb Mount Everest in 2007 and one of the projects co-founders, told Al-Monitor. If tourism is not successful in continuing this livelihood, this kind of culture will eventually go away.

To have those tribes across the Red Sea understand that we appreciate their culture and what they are doing, and to understand the value of it, it is what will make them want to hold on to their culture, said Mansour, the Egyptian trekker, adding, I could see in their eyes that when they realize how valuable all this is. They feel so good about it, as if it was a relief that they dont have to get away to catch up, in a way, with modern life."

The organizers estimate that around 70% of the approximately 850 hikers who have hiked the Sinai Trail are Egyptians, often in short trips of two to five days, while the other 30% are foreigners, who tend to take longer trips of around 10 days. They expect the Red Sea Mountain Trail to benefit from its location close to well-known tourism areas.

The trail is very close to Hurghada, which has an international airport, so it is more accessible, said Samra. The Hurghada zone, as far as security goes, is in the green zone it has accessibility both from a distance point of view and also in terms of  security.

Esraa Abdelmoneim, an Egyptian hiker from Cairo who has done the Sinai Trail and plans to hike the Red Sea Mountain Trail, considers the new route a great opportunity to see another side of Egypt. It is not just a physical and spiritual trip, it is also educational, because you learn a lot about geography, geology and you get to see different kinds of clans, she told Al-Monitor. It is beautiful on many levels.

Even though the trail is still so new, the organizers hope to expand it into a 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) route running the length of Egypts Red Sea. They want to involve the Ababda and Bisharin tribes, whose traditions are not entirely Arab but also African, and whose territory extends to the border with Sudan.

For Samra, who has been deeply involved in promoting sustainable and adventure tourism in Egypt, the trail projects go in line with the kind of tourism that Tourism Minister Rania Al Mashat is trying to implement in the country. Her motto is that tourism should be people-to-people, and nothing achieves this objective more than projects like the Red Sea Mountain Trail, he argued, adding, Trail tourism is a worldwide trend and also a regional one.

Jordans, Lebanons and Turkeys trails are all proving very popular, and Oman has some short ones, said Tony Howard, a British climber and hiker who initiated the Jordan Trail and has been developing sustainable adventure tourism in the region for the last few decades. He told Al-Monitor, Now [there are] requests for Middle East trail development from the Emirates and Saudi Arabia, as well as, of course, Egypt. To put it simply, trails are in.In what may be viewed as Africas millennial megaproject in trade and investment, Egypt and a number of other African countries are working on a highway linking the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria and Cape Town, South Africa, on the Atlantic. Egyptian Transport Minister Hisham Arafat told a parliamentary committee on Feb. 3 that Egypt has completed its part of the Alexandria-Cape Town Road extending to Egypt's border with Sudan. The roadway is now open to travelers.

The Pan-African road, at an expected 6,400 miles, will link Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. Egypt, which initiated the ambitious project, launched it in June 2015. Each country is financially, technically and logistically responsible for its part of the roadway.

It is hoped that the project will help pave the way for sustainable development on the continent. With this in mind, Egyptian and South African economists have urged African countries to devise a comprehensive transportation policy to balance the economic benefits of the road against its environmental costs.

This is one of the most important megaprojects, one that will reshape the trade and investment chart in Africa, Abdel Mottaleb Abdel Hamid, professor of economics at the Cairo-based Sadat Academy for Management Sciences, told Al-Monitor. It also falls in line with Egypts inclination toward Africa to restore its influential role on the continent as it assumes the presidency of the African Union.

Abdel Hamid added, It will open the way for boosting inter-African trade, as the cost of transportation will be lower compared to maritime and air freight. In the medium and long terms, higher trade volumes among African countries will strengthen joint investments.

At the end of 2018, public and private Egyptian investments in Africa stood at $10.2 billion according to data from the Egyptian cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center. Figures from the state-run Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) put Egyptian exports to African countries at $6.2 billion between January and November 2018 and Egypt's imports from them at $1.98 billion.

Abdel Hamid said additionally about the Alexandria-Cape Town Road, Along with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the road will open the way for the free movement of capital, trade, direct investment and labor across the continent. It will enhance an all-inclusive one-Africa market in the long run. Abdel Hamid has hopes that it will open the door for qualified Egyptian labor to move across Africa.

Negotiations for the free trade agreement kicked off in 2015. The agreement is expected to create an entity unifying COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa), SADC (South African Development Community), and the EAC (East African Community). Connectivity among African countries will inevitably boost trade among them and create jobs for youths, Lebogang Chaka, a strategic adviser and CEO at Johannesburg-based Afro Visionary Legacy, told Al-Monitor.

The Pan-African highway will increase trade and tourism not only for Egypt and South Africa, but for all countries it passes through, said Chaka. With intra-Africa trade sitting at 13%-14% of the continents total global trade, the primary benefit from the road is that we will see increased trade as this will reduce the bottlenecks and delays at ports. The road will bring relief to a much-burdened trade route within the continent.

According to Chaka, transport infrastructure of this magnitude is vital to increasing tourism, by providing alternative routes for exploring the continent. We often hear the term backpacking Europe due to the interconnectedness of the region, she remarked. The Pan-African highway offers an opportunity for tourism to become interconnected between Egypt and South Africa, thus opening new economic opportunities for the locals.

Chaka further remarked, This road practically represents the notion of a united Africa and will see Africa trade [more] with itself. The high costs of transporting goods across the continent will be reduced due to the road network's connectivity. Locals will benefit from the economic activity generated by the road's users, and as such one hopes that this can be replicated across the continent.

As for how African countries should take advantage of the Alexandria-Cape Town Road, Chaka urged African governments to engage land developers to ensure that sites near or adjacent to the new road are developed to increase economic activity, which was not addressed in the original plan.

This may include incentives to encourage the development of housing, shops, offices, schools, universities and factories that can stimulate the local economy, Chaka said. African countries need to devise a comprehensive transportation policy that will balance the economic benefit of the road against the environmental cost. In practice, in Tanzania, the Mikumi National Park in the east and Serengeti National Park in the north provide examples where roads have balanced environmental needs and boosted tourism within the area.

Lastly, as this road will improve access to markets and foster greater economic integration, governments must look into special economic zones [SEZs] near the Pan-African highway, Chaka said. These SEZs will increase, attract and help facilitate foreign investment as well as integrate local firms into a Pan-African value chain. This will also increase export-oriented growth and create jobs within the local economy.Aiken County Council unanimously approved an amended ordinance on second reading Tuesday night that would authorize the sale of the old Aiken County Hospital property to WTC LLC.

Also included in the ordinance was a purchase price of $1.1 million.

My understanding is that Weldon and Tom Wyatt are playing roles in this LLC, which is in the process of being formed, said County Council Chairman Gary Bunker.

Ordinances require three readings for final passage.

Bunker said a public hearing and the third reading of the ordinance would be scheduled for County Councils meeting March 5.

Wyatt is a local entrepreneur and Tom is his son.

Our understanding is that their plan is to build a hotel and a conference center, Bunker said.

Last June, County Council voted 6-3 to approve the third and final reading of an amended ordinance that authorized the county to sell the old Aiken County Hospital property to the Marian Group of Kentucky for $1.1 million.

Earlier this year, the Marian Group withdrew its applications to the City of Aiken to redevelop the old Aiken County Hospital land, and the company also stopped pursuing its plan to acquire the property from the county.

According to an email sent by James Duffy, a Marian Group development associate, to Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh, the company backed out because of a missed financing deadline.

The second reading of the ordinance that County Council considered Tuesday had language in it repealing the ordinance passed last June to sell the old Aiken County Hospital property to the Marian Group.

Before voting on it, County Council unanimously approved an amendment naming WTC LLC as the new prospective buyer for a price of $1.1 million.

County Council discussed the old Aiken County Hospital property during an executive session before Tuesdays meeting.

We did have another offer, Bunker said. It was similar (to the WTC LLC proposal), but not quite the same.

The WTC LLC offer, Bunker said, includes an agreement to provide $100,000 in earnest money. There also is a 90-day due diligence period.

The ordinance does not require WTC LLC to preserve the old Aiken County Hospital.

You might recall that when we voted to sell to the Marian Group, we had a provision in the ordinance that they maintain the hospital, Bunker said. With this sale (to WTC LLC), we just simply are silent in terms of the future of that facility because, as we learned with the Marian Group, it will really have to be negotiated between the City of Aiken and the developer.

Bunker gave to the Aiken Standard a copy of a letter from Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon, who expressed his support for WTC LLCs vision for the old Aiken County Hospital property.

I hope the City of Aiken and Aiken County can collaborate on this project  one that promises to create an exciting and engaging property at a critical gateway to our Downtown, Osbon wrote in his message to Bunker.

The old Aiken County Hospital stands on a 9.3-acre land parcel on Richland Avenue West in Aiken.

All nine members of County Council were present at Tuesdays meeting, which was held at the Aiken County Government Center.

In other action, County Council unanimously passed the second reading of an ordinance that would authorize a fee in lieu of tax and incentive agreement between the county and the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

Councilman Danny Feagin recused himself from the vote.

According to the ordinance, Kimberly-Clark, which has a mill in Beech Island, is considering making additional investments locally of at least $115 million to establish and/or expand certain facilities.

County Council also unanimously passed the third and final reading of an ordinance that authorizes the county to accept the conveyance, by deed, of property in Graniteville from the Wyatt Realty Investment Opportunity Fund Ltd.Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier?

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Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page.Photography was popular right from the beginning.

But that was nothing, compared to what was to follow. In the decade after its invention  it was astronomer John Herschel who coined the term photograph in 1839, combining the Greek words for light and drawing  photography rapidly established itself as the dominant form of recording in the world.

So writes photojournalist Paul Lowe in A Chronology of Photography, a new book that uses timelines to trace the medium's development from its inception to the present. What had once been a kind of science experiment toyed with by a few was soon embraced by a growing number of entrepreneurs who created studios to feed the demand among a growing middle class for pictures of themselves. These were people who couldnt afford to sit for a painter; but a photographic portrait was within their reach.

Later came other inventions that turned the middle class into photographers themselves: The first Kodak camera was introduced in 1888, followed by the Kodak Brownie in 1900. The introduction of 35mm cameras with interchangeable lenses and improved films spread photographys impact.

Then came the digital revolution. Today, with smartphone cameras and photo-sharing internet platforms, photography may be our dominant form of communication.

The new book by Lowe adds a streamlined perspective to the story of photography  a history told previously in volumes by curator Beaumont Newhall and art historian Naomi Rosenblum. Lowe traces the links between technological innovations, social change and artistic interventions via a central timeline. The book includes reproductions of key photographs along with contextual social and political information about time periods in which they were taken.

Key is the key word in that description. How does one go about choosing photographys indelible images  the pictures on which the history of the medium turned?

Any survey of a sprawling subject is by its very nature an exercise in editing, and the selection of 320 images to illustrate almost 200 years of photography involves a philosophical question: Should iconic images dominate the discussion, or do relatively unknown photographs have their place? writes Beacon, NY-based art dealer Reagan Upshaw in a review of the book at The Washington Post. Lowe tries to strike a balance: Famous images such as Joe Rosenthals Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima and John Paul Filos photo of a shooting victim at Kent State University are included; Ansel Adamss Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico is not.

Adams is represented only with a thumbnail biography in the text. On the other hand, notes Upshaw, Lowes desire to include a significant number of images by women and by photographers from outside what he calls the 'Western-centric world' is admirable.

Lowe concludes the book in our modern era with a chapter titled What Is a Photograph? Here he contemplates a reality that Newhall and Rosenthal didn't have to in the pre-digital age: Can there be a profession of photography, or an art of photography, when everyone with a cell phone is a photographer capable of publishing her or his work around the planet? Lowe, notes Upshaw, sees the job of photography becoming less about taking pictures and more of curating from a glut of images.



By John Stone

The remarkable claim that thimerosal is not toxic is found in the headline and text of an article in the New Scientist in a last ditch stand to prevent a UN ban on mercury in paediatric vaccines . The author, Dr Heidi Larson of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine states:

 In 2006, an expert panel convened by the WHO issued a statement on thiomersal in vaccines, concluding that there was "no evidence of toxicity". It highlighted the fact that while methyl mercury builds up in the body, ethyl mercury is excreted rapidly. The American Academy of Pediatrics has since endorsed the WHO's position.

She does not mention that her colleague at LSHTM, Prof Stephen Evans was on the World Health Organization committee (Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety) which issued the statement in July 2006 and he and another LSHTM employee, Dr Punam Mangtani, presently still sit on it . Evans previously worked for the UK Medicines Control Agency (now the MHRA ) which is an agency of the Department of Health funded by the pharmaceutical industry. The current chair of GACVS is Dr Melinda Wharton of the US Centers for Disease Control, National Immunization Program.

Dr Larson fails to mention either the LSHTM conflicts :

The School has expanded greatly in recent years. Its research funding now exceeds M60 per annum, much of it from highly competitive national and international sources such as the UK Research Councils, the Wellcome Trust, the UK Department for International Development, the UK Department of Health, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the European Commission.

Or her personal ones:

Dr. Larson previously headed Global Communication for Immunization at UNICEF and Chaired the Advocacy Task Force for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).

She also runs from LSHTM the Vaccine Confidence Project which has as its partners: Brighton Collaboration; CDC; Chatham House; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; GAVI Alliance; Health Map; Imperial College, London; The Inclen Trust; Institute for Child Health, Nigeria; International Pediatric Association; International Vaccine Institute; National Centre for Immunisation, Research Surveillance; National Network for Immunization Information; ProMed Mail; Public Health Foundation of India; Sabin Vaccine Institute; UNICEF; Vaccines for Africa; WHO. It is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Also at LSHTM is the chair of the UK Joint Committee on Vaacination and Immunisation (JCVI),Prof Andrew Hall, which was granted dictatorial powers over the vaccine program by the English Parliament in 2009, although they did remove mercury from the UK vaccine schedule in 2004.

The claim that ethyl mercury is excreted rapidly is based on a study published in the Lancet by Pichichero et al which was disproved by Burbacher et al in 2004 . Pichicheros article failed to note the following conflicts disclosed in an earlier publication :

"The author has received research grants and/or honoraria from the following pharmaceutical companies: Abbott Laboratories, Inc.; Bristol Myers Squibb Company; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck&Co.; Pasteur Merieux Connaught; Pfizer Labs; Roche Laboratories; Roussel-Uclaf; Schering Corporation; Smith Kline Beecham Pharmaceuticals; Upjohn Company; Wyeth- Lederle."For several years Pernod Ricard has made Creators of Conviviality its vision and signature. Yet today more than ever, conviviality seems to be in decline around the world. These were the findings of a global survey conducted by OpinionWay in 11 countries on 5 continents with nearly 11,500 respondents. The results will form the basis of Pernod Ricards 360-degree corporate campaign launch. The campaign is a call to arms to encourage each of us to exercise more conviviality in a world thats becoming less and less like the one revealed in earlier survey results.

If 91% of those surveyed believe conviviality to be a source of well-being,

61% of them believe the world is less friendly than 5 years ago.

Most pessimistic are the French at 82%, followed by Germans at 73%.

More alarming, 67% of Millenials (18-34 years) regret meeting their friends less and less, due to social networks.

Todays champions of conviviality are Mexicans, followed in the Top 5 by Spain, Brazil, China and India. France does not appear in the Top 10.

Documentary film captures convivialists catching up around the world

As the campaigns centerpiece, Pernod Ricard has unveiled a documentary, The Power of Conviviality, directed by Elephant At Work. Filmed without professional casting, it collates the vibrant testimonies of people of all origins from around the world, evoking the importance of what conviviality means to them; and the shared moments they define as true and authentic, which are a source of honest joy.

The film crew traveled to 12 destinations around the world, recording everything  from Millennials meeting in a karaoke bar in Shanghai, friends sharing a night out in Marseille, and guests of a chic dinner in New Orleans, to New Years Eve in Berlin, a beach aperitif in Tulum (Mexico), a Brooklyn bar, and a wedding in Goa. Every occasion underlined the universal need these moments fulfil in a hyper-connected world, where we no longer take the requisite time to meet in real life.

Pernod Ricard has collected this content on a dedicated platform, www.theconvivialists.com, for everyone who would like to become a convivialist, that is, people who excel at being friendly, meeting people and sharing. (This campaign is not available in France.)

Visitors to www.theconvivialists.com will also be able to discover:

The portraits of each protagonist in the documentary;

A manifesto for a more convivial world;

The complete results of the OpinionWay study,

Editorial content that analyses mankinds need to be convivial.

Exclusive partnership with Vice

Pernod Ricard has partnered with Vice to promote and disseminate the conviviality campaign. The Power of Conviviality documentary will be promoted on several of the platforms social networks, especially in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Moreover, with Vices help Pernod Ricard is developing a series of reports from around the world by reporter Laurence Cornet and photographer Stephane Lavoue (Niepce Award 2018), who is a portraitist for the New York Times, The Times in the UK, Le Figaro and Le Monde. They use their respective talents in the pursuit of conviviality, meeting people who are true ambassadors for sharing and authenticity within their communities.

Filmed over several months, the journey takes the reader to a small island in Ireland to discover the secrets of a legendary pub, meets a community of surfers lost between the Pacific and the Amazon in Colombia, on to Cuba, where friendliness is a true religion, to a strange kingdom in Italy, and to China among a community of women living on the steps of the Himalayas.

According to Alexandre Ricard, Chairman & CEO of Pernod Ricard, Theres a real yearning for connection and sharing in todays world. Convivialite is more than just a corporate value for Pernod Ricard, its our raison detre  and its proudly embodied every day by our 19,000 employees across the globe. This mindset echoes the lifelong motto of my grandfather Paul Ricard, who launched an invitation to all his employees to make a new friend every day.

Findings of the OpinionWay survey: Is our world convivial?

OpinionWay and Pernod Ricard surveyed 11,487 people in 11 countries (including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, United States, United Kingdom, India, China, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico) to measure conviviality around the world.

Overall, the results are a goldmine of insights:

Conviviality is good for you

91% of respondents view conviviality as a source of wellbeing

90% consider it asa moment of happiness

79% associate convivial moments with having a drink or a meal with relatives

Chinese respondents stand out, with 66% preferring dinner at a restaurant

78% of respondents consider their country to beconvivial...

Top fives countries where respondents consider their country to be convivial:

Mexico (92%) Spain (87%) Brazil (86%) India (84%) China (83%)

Europeans judge the conviviality of their countrymen harsly. Only 62% of French people think their country is friendly, behind the United Kingdom (67%) and Germany (69%)

... but a majority of respondents admit that conviviality is declining in their country...

Nearly 60% consider their country to be less convivial than five years ago

This figure is particulary bad in France, where 76% of respondents reply that conviviality is in decline in their country, compared to 64% in Germany

Indians (57%) and Mexicans (52%) are the only nations that consider their country to be more convivial than five years ago

 And in the world.

A large majority of respondents (61%) think the world is less convivial than five years ago

The French are particularly pessimistic with 82% saying the world is less convivial than before, followed by 73% of Germans.

Electronic messaging has largely surpassed physical contact (phone calls, meeting up) as a means of interacting with friends...

63% of respondents use SMS or messaging platforms to contact relatives,

Top three countries foruse of electronic messaging

Brazil (83%) Mexico (80%) Spain (79%)

France is notable for its continued preference for oral communication, with 76% of respondents saying they prefer the phone.

... and most people think they will meet fewer new people in real life than five years ago (54%)

With the exception of the Chinese (70%) and Mexicans (60%) that think they meet their relatives more often.

Streaming at home or a drink with friends?

77% of respondents worldwide admit to refusingto go out with friends because they wanted to stream a series or film at home.

Top 3:

India (91%) Brazil (88%) South Africa (85%)

France remains steadfastly social, with a majority (51%) saying they have never made this choice.

Young people stand out: 87% of Millennials (18-34 years old) from all over the world have clearly made their choice and admit to giving in to the temptation of their screen instead of going out.

Clearly, conviviality is more at risk among these same Millenials, due to their growing attachment to the digital world.Ninety-one years of recognising and applauding the best of talent in the movie business, Oscars is the most looked forward to event in Hollywood. While the fans wait for this years Oscars on February 25, Sony PIX brings the ultimate countdown to satiate ones hunger with the finest, most acclaimed, most cherished and most revered Hollywood stories as part of Hollywoods Finest.

The 3-week-long movie festival will showcase some of the finest Hollywood movies, ranging from over 3 decades and with over 1000 awards to its credit. The specially curated line-up has something for every Hollywood movie buff  from Mad Max: Fury Road, The Departed and The Dark Knight Rises to Goodfellas, The Help, The Shawshank Redemption and more.

Sony PIX has also partnered with popular hangout joints, Raasta and Doolally Taproom to bring Hollywood closer to the movie buffs. Through the week leading to the big night, fans who consider Oscars to be their Holy Grail can visit Doolally and Raasta in Mumbai and Raasta in Delhi to be a part of the ultimate Hollywood quiz. Winners who prove their fandom will win exclusive Hollywood collectibles. Movie fans can also head to Sony PIXs social media pages for an exciting quiz which is sure to test and challenge ones knowledge about Hollywood.

With just a few days to go until the coveted Oscars night, there's plenty to look forward to. To begin with, tune-in to Hollywoods Finest, every Monday to Friday at 9 PM, until 1st March, only on Sony PIX.Residents in the town of Barraket Essahel, south-east of Tunis have clashed with security forces who used tear gas to disperse them, over the death of a local youth who allegedly died in police custody after being arrested.

Locals accused the police of the death of the young man who had been arrested Friday following a street fight among groups of youth.

The Interior ministry in statement pointed out that the young man fainted after reaching the police station and died despite efforts to revive him.

Two security agents and two relatives of the victim have been arrested for questioning as part of an investigation launched by the ministry.Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, the market leader in Oral Care, launched the Kumbh Se Sampoorna Shuddhi, Colgate Vedshakti Se Sampoorna Suraksha' campaign at the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Allahabad.

The completely localised campaign is custom-made to provide a complete all-round protection to pilgrims through a range of Kumbh specific activities and utility elements such as:

Brushing stations for pilgrims to brush their teeth

for pilgrims to brush their teeth Oral care importance drives to spread the awareness of good oral hygiene

to spread the awareness of good oral hygiene Free, large-scale sampling of Colgate Vedshakti for millions of people at Kumbh

for millions of people at Kumbh Suraksha Wristbands for children to write/wear their emergency contact details on a safety wristband

for children to write/wear their emergency contact details on a safety wristband Sampoorna Suraksha Ropes given to big groups and families to hold on to, to ensure that they walk together without getting lost in the crowd

Colgate has endeavoured to ensure a complete protection or sampoorna suraksha of the pilgrims this year at Kumbh Mela, which is the worlds largest human congregation, where more than 15 crore people come for a holy dip in the Prayag.

Mr. Issam Bachaalani, Managing Director, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited said, At Colgate, we consistently work towards providing superior oral care and protection to all Indians, and towards caring for our communities. The Kumbh Mela gives us an opportunity to achieve both these objectives with our key target segments at an unprecedented scale.

Our theme at the Kumbh is Complete Protection or Sampoorna Suraksha, as part of which we are offering millions of visitors free samples of Colgate Vedshakti toothpaste that provides sampoorna suraksha to the mouth. But thats not all - we are also extending to our consumers ways and means to ensure complete safety of their families, as they wade their way through the Kumbh Mela by handing out suraksha ropes - for families to walk together, and suraksha wristbands - for children to have an emergency contact number on their wrist.

The Kumbh Se Sampoorna Shuddhi, Colgate Vedshakti Se Sampoorna Suraksha campaign started last month and has touched millions of pilgrims so far. Colgate Vedshaktis impactful hoardings can be seen all over the consumer touchpoints at Prayagraj, while the sampling activity is carried out right from the transit points - at 21 highway pit stops, 9 key railway junctions and several bus stations - to inside the main Mela grounds including the akharas, rein-baseras, water point junctions and the Colgate Vedshakti branded brushing stations.

Colgate aims to touch one in every five pilgrims at the Mela through this campaign that includes free toothpaste sampling, brushing stations with running water, and safety tools like suraksha wristbands for children to mention their emergency contact details, and suraksha ropes for families/groups of more than 10 people, to be able to walk together.Business Todays annual business event MindRush 2019 announces Best CEO Awards 2019 for corporate excellence. Business stalwarts with their peers, rival groups and famous faces of the corporate world were present in high attendance at the India Today Groups flagship business event which was held at The Taj Palace, New Delhi.

Recognised as one of the most coveted industry awards, BT Best CEO Awards are evaluated on several business parameters including the companys growth in revenue and profit, innovation and transformational changes, impactful strategies and contribution to the nations growth.

Congratulating the czars of the corporate world for their vision, leadership and capabilities, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, and Shipping; and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation said, Team is more important than technology and resources; a competent CEO will face problems if he doesnt have a good team.

While talking about innovations and new dimensions for business opportunities, he added while delivering Power Keynote, I invite the business industry to tap new opportunities like waterways, alternate fuels etc.

This year, the CEOs were evaluated under 13 categories.

In the Auto and Auto Ancillaries sector, the winner was Vinod K Dasari of Ashok Leyland. In the Cement sector the winner was HM Bangur of Shree Cements. In the FMCG sector the winner was Varun Berry of Britannia Industries. In Financial Services, Rajeev Jain of Bajaj Finance was awarded. In the IT & ITES category the winner was CP Gurnani of Tech Mahindra. In Metals category, the winner was Sajjan Jindal of JSW Steel. In the Pharma & Healthcare category, the winner was V C Nannapaneni of Natco Pharma. In the PSU (Ex - BFSI) category, the winner was IS Jha of Power Grid Corporation of India. In the Overall-Small size companies, the winner was Alluri Indra Kumar of Avanti Feeds. In Overall-Medium size companies, the winner was Bhaskar Bhat of the Titan Company. In the Overall-Large size companies, the winner was Kenichi Ayukawa of Maruti Suzuki India.

Mukesh Ambani of the Reliance Industries won awards in two categories -- Champion of Champions and Super large companies.

Azim Premji, the chairman of Wipro received the Lifetime Achievement award for his outstanding contribution in the field of business and philanthropy.

Speaking at the flagship business event of the India Today Group, Aroon Purie Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, said CEOs must have a very clear vision and should be able to align that vision with the company. Organisations that refuse to change are bound to be consigned to the dustbin of case studies.York, Pennsylvania (WPMT) - A York County woman who never had the chance to get to know her adopted brother got the surprise of a lifetime after nearly eighty years on Saturday.

87-year-old Betty Housseal says her brother, who wishes to remain anonymous was put up for adoption at just 3-months-old.

Housseal says she was always curious to meet him, however, she was unsure if he wanted to meet her.

I didnt want to push it because I didnt know whether he knew all about the family or whether he would accept everything," Housseal said.

However, all of that changed a few weeks ago when her great-granddaughter decided to dig a little deeper and try to find him.

I said Im going to look him up and shes like oh dont bother him and I said well I will at least just find out even if we just you know find out if hes still living," said Brianna Nelson, great-granddaughter.

Without telling her great grandmother, she went onto Facebook and asked for help, describing what she knew about him

Dozens of people responded helping her get clues until she was able to track him down.

I figured even if they only have you know months, a couple of years whatever it is to finally get to be a big sister for a while I just knew that would be really rewarding for her," Nelson said.

I was worried because Ive got a pacemaker and I thought is this thing going to be ok if I see him because I didnt know whether I would clunk out or what," Housseal said.

On Saturday the family met at a local diner where she finally got to meet him.

Housseal says she feels like a missing puzzle piece is now in place.

Now if I go, I know I am alright," Housseal said.PARADISE, Calif. - Three months after the Camp Fire, Action News Now spoke with residents and business owners in the area about life after the fire.

Business owners and law enforcement officers say that it feels different serving their community in these months after the Camp Fire.

Several business owners said they've lost customers but are determined to stay open and bring the community back to the way it used to be.

Paul Lyons, the owner of Lyons Express Oil and Lube, said he used to get 30-40 customers each day and now he gets only 15-20.

"I still feel just as safe as I always have in town," Lyons said. "I have total confidence in the police and fire department here. This was just one of those catastrophic things that happened that nobody could forsee and nobody could anticipate."

Paradise Police Lieutenant Anthony Borgman said his officers have adjusted to policing a smaller community, allowing for a more personal connection between people and officers.

"The residents that have come back, officers are making personal contact with them to build personal relationships with them so that if there are issues, they know who they are talking to," Borgman said. "With the reduced population and the reduced call volume it makes it easy for us to be able to pivot to that community-oriented approach."

One officer submitted his official resignation recently.

Borgman told us he expects to lose 6 out of 20 of his officers by the end of this year.WENN/Lia Toby Celebrity

The animal rights organization is under fire after posting a tweet that appears to celebrate the fashion designer's death.

Feb 20, 2019

AceShowbiz - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was among those who quickly reacted after news broke that Karl Lagerfeld passed away at 85. But the organization's statement of condolences didn't sit well with many who accused PETA of celebrating the fashion designer's death.

The tweet, which was posted on the official Twitter account of PETA, read, "Karl Lagerfeld has gone, and his passing marks the end of an era when fur and exotic skins were seen as covetable. PETA sends condolences to our old nemesis's loved ones."

Karl Lagerfeld has gone, and his passing marks the end of an era when fur and exotic skins were seen as covetable. PETA sends condolences to our old nemesis's loved ones.  PETA UK (@PETAUK) February 19, 2019

Many Twitter users took to the comment section to blast the nonprofit corporation for its "cruel," "insensitive," "disrespectful" and "cold" remarks that turned Karl's death into an anti-fur campaign.

One wrote, "You organization is entitle to your own opinion on wearing furs. Your cruel condolence to Karl Lagerfeld was better left unsaid. Do you want to diss John the Baptist camel loincloth as well?" Another commented, "Appalling comment to make about a mans passing!"

"A bit cold on the announcement of someone's passing. Should care for all living beings, whether you agree with them, or like them," another replied to the tweet. Someone else schooled the account's administrator, "you should be ashamed of such a low level comment,someone just died. learn to be a little more human and then you can defend your visions. and don't get confused, i love animals and i am myself a vegetarian - but this is just a cruel/unnecessary tweet for a moment like this."

But PETA's co-founder Ingrid Newkirk appears to have no regrets about the tweet. Defending the earlier remarks, she says in a statement to PEOPLE and Fox News, "Perhaps you did not realize that I am almost 70, almost of the same generation as Mr. Lagerfeld, and that while I didn't design it, I wore fur for years. Hence, there is nothing snarky in the remark that those times have passed."

"Grief, with which I am familiar, is real, and so our condolences for anyone who loved and lost someone are too, regardless of that person's opposing position on fur," she adds, before concluding, "Slamming PETA expresses the commenters' nastiness: PETA expressed none."

Karl Lagerfeld died in Paris on Tuesday, February 19, after being rushed to hospital on Monday evening. He was the creative director of the French fashion house Chanel, a position he held from 1983 until his death.WENN/Adriana M. Barraza Movie

The 'Get Out' star is in talks to star as the late Fred Hampton in 'Jesus Was My Homeboy', while 'Selma' actor Keith Stanfield is in negotiations to play FBI informant William O'Neal.

Feb 20, 2019

AceShowbiz - "Get Out" star Daniel Kaluuya is reportedly in talks to portray late African-American activist Fred Hampton in Ryan Coogler's Black Panther Party film.

The filmmaker, who also directed superhero film "Black Panther", is producing a movie about the late leader of civil rights protest group and he is keen to reunite with the actor on the new project.

According to Deadline, Keith Stanfield is in negotiations to portray William O'Neal, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) informant who gave authorities information about Hampton's apartment before the raid that led to his death in 1969.

Shaka King will direct and co-produce the film from his own script, co-written by Will Berson. The project, chronicling Hampton's rise through the ranks of the controversial political party, will be told from O'Neal's perspective.WENN/Derrick Salters Celebrity

Investigators have determined through video evidence that the report suggesting the 'Empire' star met with Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo before his assault was not credible.

Feb 20, 2019

AceShowbiz - Chicago police officials have investigated and dismissed a tip suggesting actor Jussie Smollett was spotted at his apartment building with his alleged masked attackers just before they set about him outside.

A neighbour or someone visiting told cops they spotted the "Empire" star with the two brothers who were later arrested and released from custody in an elevator.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi has now revealed video evidence allowed investigators to determine the report was bogus.

Brothers Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, who were detained on Wednesday, February 13, met with prosecutors and police in a Chicago courthouse on Tuesday, but it is not clear what they discussed. They were named potential suspects on Thursday, a day before their sudden release without charge.

Over the weekend, police bosses revealed they wanted to re-interview Jussie about the incident, which took place on January 29, amid reports suggesting he may have been involved in his own beating. Guglielmi told the media that information the police had received from the brothers had "shifted the trajectory of the investigation".

Smollett claims two masked men hurled racial and homophobic slurs at him as they attacked him, pouring a bleach-like liquid on him and tying a noose rope around his neck.

Smollett's lawyers have revealed their client feels "victimised" by claims he may have staged the attack.

"Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying," a statement from attorneys Todd Pugh and Victor P. Henderson reads.WENN/John Rainford Celebrity

Decorations including dozens of floral arrangements, which are believed to be for the baby shower, are also seen being delivered outside NYC hotel The Mark.

Feb 20, 2019

AceShowbiz - Meghan Markle was spotted outside New York City hotel The Mark on Tuesday, February 19. The expecting Duchess of Sussex cradled her baby bump amid rumors of a secret baby shower which is said to be attended by her closest friends and her mom Doria Ragland.

During the outing, the young royal, who is pregnant with her first child with Prince Harry, was clad in a black William Vintage trapeze coat that she teamed up with Hatch skinny jeans, suede Stuart Weitzman heels and dark Le Specs sunglasses. Completing her fashion was her taupe tote bag by Carolina Herrera.

Decorations including dozens of floral arrangements, which were believed to be for the baby shower, were also seen being delivered outside the hotel.

Meghan was joined by Abigail Spencer, her former co-star on "Suits". Abigail was seen holding a gift bag decorated with green and blue flowers. Later, the two were spotted leaving the hotel to check out some art at the nearby Met Breuer. The pals were later seen grabbing a bite at French restaurant Cafe Boulud, inside the Surrey Hotel, before returning to The Mark around 4 P.M.

Meghan Markle and Abigail Spencer were seen stepping out of The Mark for lunch.

It was also said that Meghan stopped by the French luxury bakery Laduree in SoHo. A staff member told CBS News that she served Meghan and friends tea and macaroons in one of the bakery's private spaces. Meghan allegedly was shopping at the high-end children's clothing store Bonpoint.

In addition to Abigail, Toronto-based stylist Jessica Mulroney, whose three children served important roles in Meghan's bridal party at her royal wedding, Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra and Misha Nonoo are said to be among the guests for the bash. The latter was photographed arriving at the hotel just after 4 P.M.TLC Celebrity

TLC is mourning the death of the 29-year-old former reality TV star, whose health reportedly deteriorated after his mother passed away in 2017.

Feb 20, 2019

AceShowbiz - "My 600-lb Life" star Sean Milliken died at 29. The former reality TV star passed away on Sunday, February 17 after being taken into the hospital a few days prior due to complications of an infection. His father confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post.

"Sean was admitted into the hospital a couple days prior, because of an infection," Matt wrote as quoted by Radar Online. "Sunday he was having problems with his breathing, they were able to resuscitate him and a short time later his heart stopped."

He also posted a touching tribute to his son, writing, "As most of you know he was in Houston, Texas to be a part of his long struggle with his weight. Today he lost the battle, but is now free to be with his mom, Renee M. Milliken. I'm sure she was waiting for his return home to be with the Lord and her. " He added, "They are both at peace now; in my mind a lot better place without the struggles we have with our bodies on earth!"

TLC has also confirmed Sean's passing. "TLC is saddened to share that Sean Milliken has passed away. Viewers first met Sean in 2016 on My 600-lb Life when he weighed over 900-lbs. Over the course of his weight loss journey, he victoriously lost over 400-lbs. TLC viewers caught up with Sean this past summer and learned that despite the loss of his mother, he was still continuing in his quest to live a healthier and happier life," the network said in a statement. "TLC expresses its deepest sympathies to Sean's friends and family at this difficult time."

Sean, who appeared in season 4 of TLC's reality series "My 600-lb Life", was living in an apartment in Texas by himself prior to his death. He relied heavily on his mother Renee Milliken before she died of reported kidney disease in 2017.

Since then, his life changed, according to a friend. Ashley Boone, who was a neighbor of Sean, tells Radar that she watched her friend suffer after his mother's passing. "His mother's passing was extremely hard - that's when I developed a friendship with Sean," she says.

"He was wheelchair bound and couldnt move around much," Ashley explains. "I think it changed him because he had to become independent which he'd never been before." Ashley adds that Sean also struggled to afford to live on his own as he relied on his social security.Celebrity

Many accuse the fashion brand of glorifying suicide after showing off a hoodie that features a noose around the neck during London Fashion Week.

Feb 20, 2019

AceShowbiz - Burberry recently sparked fury among people after showing off a hoodie that featured a noose around the neck during London Fashion Week, with many accusing the brand of glorifying suicide. The fashion brand quickly pulled the item from its collection and issued an apology.

In a statement sent to Fortune, Burberry CEO Marco Gobbetti said, "We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by one of the products that featured in our A/W 2019 runway collection Tempest. I called Ms. Kennedy to apologize as soon as I became aware of this on Monday and we immediately removed the product and all images that featured it."

Gobetti stated that the design of the clothing was actually inspired by "marine theme" that ran throughout the collection, but still admitted that it was "insensitive." He added, "The experience Ms. Kennedy describes does not reflect who we are and our values. We will reflect on this, learn from it and put in place all necessary actions to ensure it does not happen again."

People started coming at Burberry after Liz Kennedy, who took part at the show, expressed her frustration with the brand for featuring the hoodie. "Suicide is not fashion. It is not glamorous nor edgy," she said on Instagram. "Let's not forget about the horrifying history of lynching either. There are hundreds of ways to tie a rope and they chose to tie it like a noose completely ignoring the fact that it was hanging around a neck."

Kennedy added that she was further disturbed by the fact that the show's staff "briefly hung one from the ceiling (trying to figure the knot) and were laughing about it in the dressing room." When she attempted to address this with someone, she was instead told that, "It's fashion. Nobody cares about what's going on in your personal life so just keep it to yourself."

Concluding her post, she wrote, "I did not post this to disrespect the designer or the brand but to simply express an issue I feel very passionate about."

Several celebrities have also joined calling out Burberry for the controversial hoodie, including T.I. and "America's Next Top Model" judge J Alexander.WENN/Ian Wilson TV

Having cast the 'Widows' actor for the role of Henry Drax on the TV series, filmmaker Andrew Haigh expresses his belief that he has brought in the right man to portray the vicious character.

Feb 20, 2019

AceShowbiz - Colin Farrell is returning to TV to play a brutish killer in a new BBC drama about an 1850s whaling expedition set in the Arctic.

The Irish actor, who starred in British TV series "Ballykissangel" and HBO drama "True Detective", will play harpooner Henry Drax in the adaptation of Ian McGuire's bestselling novel "The North Water".

Andrew Haigh has adapted the period thriller, which begins shooting later this year, and will direct.

In McGuire's Booker Prize-considered novel, Farrell's character is a vicious man, whose killing is not limited to the whales he hunts - he has also murdered a man and beat up and raped a young boy - and Haigh is convinced he has the right man to play the complex Henry Drax.

"Casting the right leads is the most important part of any project and I'm thrilled to have Colin Farrell on board," the filmmaker tells Deadline. "I am a huge admirer of his work and can't wait to see him bring Drax vividly to life."

The plot surrounds a disgraced former army surgeon who signs up as a ship's doctor on the expedition, led by Drax.

The role of the surgeon, Patrick Sumner, has yet to be announced, but insiders claim producers and Haigh are hoping to cast another A-list star to join Farrell in the mini-series.Instagram Celebrity

Misha Nonoo, who set up the Duchess of Sussex with Prince Harry, said yes when Michael 'Mikey' Hess popped the question on Valentine's Day while vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Feb 20, 2019

AceShowbiz - The fashion designer who introduced Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex to British royal Prince Harry is engaged.

Misha Nonoo recently enjoyed a vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with her boyfriend, millionaire oil heir Michael 'Mikey' Hess, and he popped the question during a romantic boat outing on Valentine's Day (February 14), according to the Daily Mail.

Confirming the news on Instagram, the groom-to-be gushed about his future bride as he shared a shot of himself on bended knee, holding Misha's hands: "Thank you for making all my dreams come true, Misha Nonoo.

"I am so in love with you, and I feel so lucky I get to spend the rest of my life with you right beside me."

Misha has since been spotted sporting her giant diamond ring while out in New York City, where Meghan is said to be holding her baby shower on Tuesday, February 19.

The marriage will be the designer's second, after previously divorcing Alexander Gilkes, the founder of online auction site Paddle8, in 2017 following five years as husband and wife.

Misha, a mutual friend of both Meghan and Harry, is said to have played a huge role in the couple's romance, as she set the pair up on a blind date almost two years before the royals wed at Windsor Castle, England last year (2018).

Nonoo attended the lavish nuptials with Hess by her side.

Meghan and Harry are now expecting their first child together this spring.WENN/FayesVision Movie

Before Skydance Animation decided to bring in the former Pixar head, the 'Saving Mr. Banks' actress has reportedly done some recording for her part in the Alessandro Carloni-directed film.

Feb 20, 2019

AceShowbiz - Emma Thompson has reportedly exited new movie "Luck" following Skydance Animation bosses' decision to hire disgraced former Pixar and Disney boss John Lasseter.

The top animator took a leave of absence at the end of 2017 as misconduct allegations began to swirl around him, and he was let go by Disney last year (2018) after a six-month sabbatical.

Lasseter has apologised for behaviour that may have made former colleagues uncomfortable and recently insisted he's a changed man after taking an executive role at Skydance, but Thompson is reportedly unhappy with the hire and she has dropped out of studio's new film.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar winner had already begun recording sessions for her role in the movie, which will be directed Alessandro Carloni. She was set to play the leader of a good luck organisation, which is battling with members of a bad luck organisation.

The film is set for release in 2021.

Thompson has yet to comment on the news.

Lasseter's new boss, David Ellison, announced his controversial hire last month (January 2019), insisting the decision to make him Skydance's new executive was not one he and his colleagues entered into "lightly", adding in a statement, "John has acknowledged and apologized for his mistakes and, during the past year away from the workplace, has endeavored to address and reform them."

The executive also apologised to his new colleagues.

"I am deeply sorry for my actions, which were unquestionably wrong. I very much regret making women feel unsafe or disrespected," he said. "I will continue to work every day for the rest of my life to prove to you that I have grown and learned. I am resolute in my commitment to build an animation studio upon a foundation of equality, safety, trust and mutual respect for everyone."WENN Celebrity

The creative director of Chanel, who was said missing the Spring/Summer haute couture show in January because he was too 'tired', died in Paris at the age of 85.

Feb 20, 2019

AceShowbiz - Karl Lagerfeld has reportedly died at the age of 85.

The fashion giant, who has been at the helm of Chanel since 1983, has died in Paris, reports WWD. French publication Paris Match claims he passed away on Tuesday, February 19, after being rushed to hospital on Monday evening.

Concerns were recently raised over his health after Chanel bosses announced he was too "tired" to appear at the Spring/ Summer haute couture show in Paris in January and "asked Virginie Viard, director of the creative studio of the house, to represent him."

Lagerfeld was one of the most recognisable faces in fashion. As well as his work with the French fashion house, he also headed up womenswear and fur collections at Italian label Fendi and his own namesake brand.

Before his recent run of bad health, the designer, known for his long white hair and penchant for dark glasses, was as busy as ever, unveiling his debut menswear look for Fendi last month.

He also recently teamed with Pharrell Williams on a capsule collection for Chanel and model of the moment Kaia Gerber for his own Karl Lagerfeld label.

Fendi is scheduled to show its Fall/Winter 19 collection on Thursday during Milan Fashion Week, while Chanel will present its new collection during the final day of Paris Fashion Week on March 5.Aberdeen News

While a trade agreement with Mexico and Canada was signed by President Donald Trump at the end of November, it has yet to be ratified by Congress.

That needs to change, said U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., speaking Wednesday at the Aberdeen Ag Expo at the Best Western Ramkota Inn and Convention Center. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement  also known as the USMCA  is the new North American Free Trade Agreement.

While hes heard repeatedly from the Trump administration that ratification of the agreement is a top priority, Johnson said it isnt something thats been discussed by his colleagues or the Republican caucus.

These trade deals never get done without White House pressure, Johnson said. In the last five days, I started to see more communication from the White House on this.

But, Johnson said, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, isnt a fan of trade agreements, and she controls the schedule for whats discussed in Congress. As such, Johnson said, lobbying efforts might be needed from groups like organized labor that will benefit from USMCAs new labor rights provisions.

Later in his talk, Johnson noted the need for a trade agreement with China. While he doesnt disagree that sanctions were needed, he also said markets in China are important, especially for the agriculture industry. He said discussions between China and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this week will be telling.

This was going to be a key week in the history of these negotiations, Johnson said.

He said his concern is a repeat of what happened in 1973 when a trade dispute led Japan to invest billions of dollars in Brazil, instead of the U.S., to get soybeans.

That investment created a massive market player in Brazil, Johnson said.

He spoke before a light crowd of attendees who asked about a variety of topics, including new regulations relating to Waters of the U.S. and changes with the food stamps programs.

Waters of the U.S.

Prior guidelines proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency raised concerns because they claimed that all water that could drain into a designated lake or stream could be subject to federal regulations, Johnson said.

He said the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the regulations are administrative overreach. The latest Farm Bill also revises language, and the Trump administration is pushing for change, Johnson said.

Were in a position where its not nearly the threat that it was, he said.

While he didnt have many details on the new proposed rules, Johnson described them as something that are a more tailored and realistic approach.

The new rules have yet to be before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture for a hearing, he said.

Food stamps

Johnson said his first five-minute speech to Congress will highlight changes hed like to see to the food stamps program, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

He said work requirements need to be enforced across the nation.

One-third of the nation doesnt have work requirements, Johnson said.

Johnson said theres a need for reform when the top purchase with food stamps is pop, which has no nutritional value. He referenced the Women, Infants and Children program, usually called WIC, which only allows specific purchases.

Why cant we do that for food stamps? he asked.

Johnson said he isnt opposed to drug testing, especially if its used not as a way to take away benefits, but as a way to get help for the parents who test positive.Aberdeen News

No one was injured in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday morning involving a pickup and a semi.

Dave Lunzman, chief deputy for the Brown County Sheriff's Office, said the driver of a pickup was northbound on 392nd Avenue when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection with U.S. Highway 12. The driver of the pickup then struck the back end of a semi, tearing off the back axle of the trailer.

Lunzman said neither driver was taken to a hospital and charges are pending. The names of the drivers were not available.

While fog was somewhat of a factor, Lunzman said, the pickup driver simply missed the stop sign.

Since the trailer was full of grain, Lunzman said, the grain had to be removed before the trailer could be towed.

"A lot of drivers weren't slowing down for the lights, deputies and workers," he said.

South Dakota has a move-over law that requires drivers to slow down and proceed with caution when driving past law enforcement or emergency responders.

The crash was reported at 6:36 a.m.Aberdeen News

Doland will be moving most of its students into the elementary school building in spring as the district moves ahead with the demolition of three of the oldest sections of the school.

That is needed to build a 90-by-250-foot addition.

The schedule for demolition has not been set, Superintendent Jim Hulscher said, but the goal is to have the buildings down before school dismisses so construction can begin as soon as possible.

Were hoping to have a concrete date (for razing) in the next couple weeks, he said.

The district is tearing down the areas predominantly used by the middle and high school students, Hulscher said, but there are also some spaces used by all the students like the music classroom and the lunch room.

The sections of the building slated for demolition were built in 1911, 1928 and 1959.

Well keep the current elementary and gym, Hulscher said in a phone interview Monday.

A new, one-story building will provide replacement space for high school and middle school students. Thats smaller than whats going away, Hulscher said, but there are currently vacant rooms in the buildings set to be torn down.

The addition will include:

A primary entrance for the school.

A facility thats compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

New high school classrooms, a music room and a lunch room.

Renovation of the elementary school space.

The preschool will be moved to an off-campus location temporarily until construction is done.

Hulscher said renovation work in the elementary building will allow for combined space for the city and school libraries, which are currently in separate rooms at the school. The project will also allow for a combined fitness center that will be used by the school and the community.

The city library has been at the school for about a year, he said, since the Doland post office moved into the city building used as the library.

Hulscher said the school board has been discussing improvements to the school for the last five to 10 years. For that reason, he said, capital outlay funds have been set aside for the improvements, which means no special bond issue was needed. A bond issue would have required an increase in property taxes for voters in the district.

Contractor bids have yet to be sought, but the estimated cost is $2.87 million for demolition and new construction.

If it comes in where we expect, we should be able to pay for it as we go, Hulscher said.

Construction will likely continue through the summer and in to the 2019-20 school year. But, he said, ideally the district would like to have the kitchen and lunch room completed by fall.Weather Alert

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THE GALLATIN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE HAS ISSUED A MISSING ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY FOR MONICA ROSE DOWNS. MONICA IS A 39 YEAR OLD, WHITE FEMALE, 5 FEET, 7 INCHES TALL, AND WEIGHS 105 POUNDS, WITH BLACK HAIR AND BROWN EYES. SHE WAS LAST SEEN WEARING A WHITE TANK TOP, WITH BLACK AND WHITE YOGA PANTS, AND BLACK FLIP FLOPS. MONICA WAS TRAVELING THROUGH THE AREA FROM WASHINGTON STATE WITH HER BOYFRIEND. SHE WAS LAST SEEN NEAR BOZEMAN, ON I-90 AROUND MILE MARKER 321. MONICA AND HER BOYFRIEND WERE POSSIBLY ARGUING IN THE PULLOUT AREA AT THE TOP OF THE BOZEMAN PASS. MONICA HAS NOT BEEN SEEN OR HEARD FROM SINCE THE ARGUMENT. THERE IS A CONCERN FOR MONICAS SAFETY DUE TO SOME OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING HER DISAPPEARANCE. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON MONICA DOWNS, PLEASE CONTACT THE GALLATIN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE AT 406-582-2100 OR CALL 911.Weather Alert

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THE GALLATIN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE HAS ISSUED A MISSING ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY FOR MONICA ROSE DOWNS. MONICA IS A 39 YEAR OLD, WHITE FEMALE, 5 FEET, 7 INCHES TALL, AND WEIGHS 105 POUNDS, WITH BLACK HAIR AND BROWN EYES. SHE WAS LAST SEEN WEARING A WHITE TANK TOP, WITH BLACK AND WHITE YOGA PANTS, AND BLACK FLIP FLOPS. MONICA WAS TRAVELING THROUGH THE AREA FROM WASHINGTON STATE WITH HER BOYFRIEND. SHE WAS LAST SEEN NEAR BOZEMAN, ON I-90 AROUND MILE MARKER 321. MONICA AND HER BOYFRIEND WERE POSSIBLY ARGUING IN THE PULLOUT AREA AT THE TOP OF THE BOZEMAN PASS. MONICA HAS NOT BEEN SEEN OR HEARD FROM SINCE THE ARGUMENT. THERE IS A CONCERN FOR MONICAS SAFETY DUE TO SOME OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING HER DISAPPEARANCE. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON MONICA DOWNS, PLEASE CONTACT THE GALLATIN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE AT 406-582-2100 OR CALL 911.

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TUESDAY TO 8 PM MDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures up to 102 degrees expected for multiple days. * WHERE...Bitterroot Valley, Missoula, Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass, Lolo Pass, Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth. * WHEN...From noon Tuesday to 8 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&Study Methods

With data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the CDC's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database, and other published study data on heroin use, the researchers created the Opioid Policy Model, using it to gauge the effect of reducing the incidence of nonmedical prescription opioid use on opioid overdose deaths. First, they calibrated the model to reproduce observed trends in opioid misuse and opioid overdose deaths in the United States from 2002 to 2015, and then used it to project the same outcomes from 2016 to 2025.

Specifically, the researchers estimated the annual and cumulative number of opioid overdose deaths from 2016 to 2025, and whether those deaths would be caused by illicit or prescription opioids, under each of the following scenarios:

no change in the annual incidence of prescription opioid misuse from 2015 onward;



a decrease in the incidence of prescription opioid misuse of 7.5 percent per year (the same rate of decline seen between 2008 and 2015) from 2016 to 2025;



a decrease in the incidence of prescription opioid misuse of 11.3 percent per year; and



no new incidence of prescription opioid misuse after 2015.

The research team repeated the analysis 1,000 times to ensure accuracy.

Results

Under the no change scenario, the authors projected that the total number of opioid overdose deaths in the United States will continue to increase during each of the next few years, from 2015's total of slightly more than 33,000 to a high of almost 82,000 by 2025. Most of those deaths would be caused by illicit opioid use; the number of overdose deaths from prescription opioid use would actually decrease slightly to less than 14,000.

Altogether, the researchers projected that if prescription opioid misuse rates remain unchanged from 2015 onward, an estimated 700,400 people will die from opioid overdose. Eighty percent of those deaths would be attributed to illicit opioids such as heroin or fentanyl.

If, on the other hand, the incidence of prescription opioid misuse continued to decrease at a rate of 7.5 percent per year, the number of overdose deaths would peak at 75,400 in 2022 and remain relatively stable thereafter. Total estimated overdose deaths for the 10-year period between 2016 and 2025 would be about 674,000 -- a drop of 3.8 percent compared with the no change scenario.

By decreasing the incidence of prescription opioid misuse to 11.3 percent per year, estimated overdose deaths for the 10-year period would be 5.3 percent lower than in the no change scenario -- about 663,500 in all.

And even with no new incidence of prescription opioid misuse, the researchers estimated that slightly more than 579,000 overdose deaths would occur between 2016 and 2025, more than 86 percent of which would be from illicit opioid use.

The research team concluded that conditions are ripe for the opioid epidemic to worsen in the coming years and that current efforts to reduce misuse of prescription opioids are unlikely to have a significant effect on the number of opioid overdose deaths in the near future. What's needed, they wrote, is a multipronged approach that includes not only programs that monitor and restrict prescriptions, but one that also improves access to treatment, expands the number of interventions that reduce the harms associated with opioid use, and reduces exposure to illicit opioids.

Family Physician Expert's Perspective

David O'Gurek, M.D., a former chair of the AAFP Commission on Health of the Public and Science who practices in Philadelphia, agreed with some of the study's findings but also expressed concerns with some of the authors' methods.

"This is clearly a very complex issue, and readers should focus on the limitations section (of the study) to identify challenges of drawing too many conclusions based on the results of the study," he told AAFP News.

O'Gurek did agree, however, with the overall suggestion that more needs to be done to make any real headway against the epidemic.

"Public health problems require comprehensive public health solutions," he said. "An overhaul of our approach, focusing less on health care and looking more to advance both the individual and community and population health, are necessary."

Such an approach, O'Gurek noted, includes looking beyond current systems of harm reduction and treatment to forge innovative prevention efforts that include a "health in all policies" approach to address social determinants of health and build optimal healing environments that are trauma-informed.

That said, O'Gurek acknowledged that when it comes to caring for patients who walk through the door, like many family physicians, he's doing the best he can with the tools and resources available to him. He learned how to administer buprenorphine during his residency and currently provides office-based opioid treatment in his practice. From that perspective, he shared some things that work -- and some that don't.

Although the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has said evidence is insufficient to support population-based screening for illicit drug use and nonmedical use of prescription drugs in adolescents and adults, O'Gurek suggests that given the current environment, screening for opioid use disorder (OUD) should be considered.

Although tools to specifically identify OUD remain elusive, there are simple screening tests for substance use disorders that family physicians can use as a starting point for further evaluation. For family physicians who choose the screening route, O'Gurek said it is "critical" that they also have a system in place that allows for easy access to treatment of OUD.

If a family physician suspects OUD in a patient, O'Gurek encourages the physician to have an open and nonjudgmental conversation with the patient, which can positively influence a patient's decision to seek treatment.

"It is important to note that patients with substance use disorder often suffer from significant stigma and often have had negative experiences with the health care system in the past," he said. "Altering this course can facilitate incredible rapport, leading to interest in treatment."

Regarding treatment, it's key to tailor the process to each patient, O'Gurek stated. Although opioids have a place in treating chronic pain, he emphasized the importance of appropriate opioid stewardship.

O'Gurek also noted that although a number of guidelines on treating chronic pain with opioids have been developed, recommendations often are made with little supporting evidence and without a clear sense of the benefits -- and harms -- associated with those recommendations. He advised FPs to consult the AAFP's chronic pain management toolkit to help them develop protocols and processes for managing chronic pain.

"What doesn't work is clearly a one-size-fits-all approach to either care of chronic pain or OUD," O'Gurek said. "Family physicians understand that guidelines are guidelines, and care must be individualized and built on a strong patient-doctor relationship. Working together toward health cannot simply be dictated by some regulation or guideline that specifies things can be done in a vacuum."

Given the scope of the opioid epidemic, O'Gurek said there are three things family physicians can do that will have a significant impact.

First, FPs can become more culturally proficient in caring for patients with substance use disorder. "This starts with the language that we use," he explained. Terms such as "addict" or "drug seeker" should be avoided. Instead, family physicians should use person-first language such as "a person with a substance use disorder" or "a person who injects drugs."

"An internal change in our approach and our language can affect our staff's approach and create a culture of acceptance within practice settings," O'Gurek said.

Second, family physicians must be aware of the impact of trauma on patients, especially those who have experienced an adverse childhood event such as physical or emotional abuse or neglect. Approaching a patient as someone who has had something happen to them, rather than as someone who has something wrong with them, helps FPs provide care nonjudgmentally and can allow them to get at the root causes of a patient's pain or disorder.

Third, O'Gurek recommended that family physicians obtain a Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) waiver so they can prescribe buprenorphine and integrate pharmacologic treatment for OUD into their practices.

O'Gurek also encouraged all family physicians to review the AAFP's position paper on chronic pain management and opioid misuse, which contains a list of actions FPs can take at the physician, practice, community and advocacy levels.

Related AAFP News Coverage

More Opioids Being Prescribed in Rural America

(1/28/2019)

USPSTF Takes First Step to Address Opioid Use Disorder

Public Comment Sought on Draft Research Plan

(1/11/2019)

Opioid Expert Teams Stand Ready to Assist FPs

Program Offers Free Help With Prevention, Treatment, Recovery

(12/19/2018)Flying this morning to give this talk in the Dominican Republic. It's not too late to book your flight and join me and Cristie as we parlay the trip into a 25th anniversary celebration. (Yes, it is; catch you on the other side.)Whats more, Congress has already provided a means of checking executive overreach, in the aforementioned National Emergencies Act, through the termination of a declared emergency by a simple majority vote of both chambers. If the Democratic House disapproved Trumps declaration, the Senate would be required to vote on the matter, too, within 18 days. Crucially, such a resolution would be considered privileged and could not be filibustered.

Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate have pledged to oppose Trumps declaration using every remedy available, and they should certainly use this one  despite the fact that it comes with a huge disadvantage: Trump retains the power to veto a joint resolution. Therefore, Congress could terminate the emergency only by overriding his veto, with a two-thirds vote of both houses.Pete Buttigieg thinks there is a hunger in the Democratic Party for a fresh face, and the 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Ind., says his face may be the freshest.

In an ever-growing field of Democrats seeking the partys nomination for president  11 and counting  Buttigieg is making the case that he can satisfy Democrats who are looking for a new direction for the party.

Its safe to say Im not like the others, Buttigieg said during his campaign swing through Iowa earlier this month.

In addition to being one of the youngest candidates in the field of official or potential candidates, Buttigieg is a veteran and is openly gay.

Because of his political background, Buttigieg can emphasize his experience in executive leadership while being able to distance himself from congressional politics.

I think theres an appetite for something new and something different ... (that) people do want something different just because were at this moment of turning the page, Buttigieg told reporters after a campaign event in Ankeny. So I think the newer you are on the scene, maybe the freer you are of some of the habits and the strings that have made it hard to be original in our politics today.WATERLOO  The city is investigating the possibility of moving a rail yard on East Fourth Street to another location.

Waterloo City Council members voted unanimously Monday to approve a $22,130 contract with Via Rail Engineering, of Maribel, Wis., to evaluate the Canadian National Railway yard and switching operation.

We will actually be looking at the potential and what it would take to relocate that rail yard out of that location to a more industrial area, said Community Planning and Development Director Noel Anderson.

The railroad is open to looking at this as an evaluation, he added.

The rail yard, developed around 1870 by the Illinois Central Railroad, has been a source of concern for traffic and pedestrians. Located near East High School and neighborhood homes, there have been frequent issues with students and other pedestrians crawling through stopped trains.

Two Waterloo women have pending lawsuits against the railroad after they lost limbs while trying to climb through trains blocking the road. Many other injuries have been reported over the years.

Switching operations have also caused East Fourth Street to be blocked, sometimes for up to an hour or more, creating detours and delays for motorists.WATERLOO  A Waterloo native and U.S. Navy veteran has been chosen to lead the Black Hawk County Veteran Affairs Commission.

Yolando Loveless has been appointed as the executive director of the agency tasked with helping area military veterans get the benefits theyve earned.

Commission members voted unanimously last week to select Loveless from 17 applications. The county Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the appointment.

Loveless takes over for Kevin Dill, who directed the commission for three years before resigning earlier this year after being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

A 54-year-old graduate of Waterloo East High School, Loveless served for 30 years in the Navy before retiring in 2014. He worked at a veteran call center in Atlanta before returning to Waterloo in 2015.

After working six months as a mail carrier, Loveless was hired as an office specialist under Dills supervision at the county VA office. He was laid off recently when union transfer rules bumped him out of a job.

Loveless said he was excited to return to the office and help local veterans, saying he has big shoes to fill.On the bench, Judge McDonald has earned a reputation as a brilliant and thoughtful jurist, a hard worker and a good colleague, Reynolds said. She said during the vetting process, Iowans described McDonald as having incredible character, independence, competence and the right temperament to be a judge.

McDonald replaces former Justice Daryl Hecht, who in December retired to focus on his bout with skin cancer.

McDonald addressed Hecht in his remarks Wednesday, saying, Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and I know I have big shoes to fill, and I will certainly do my best to do that.

The other finalists were First Judicial District Chief Judge Kellyann Lekar of Waterloo and Fifth Judicial District Judge Dustria Relph of Corydon.

An independent commission of governors appointees and members elected by attorneys across the state whittled the field of applicants to the three finalists for the governors consideration.

Reynolds and her fellow Republicans in the Legislature are considering legislation that would alter the nominating process by removing the attorney-appointed commission members and replace them with members appointed by legislative leaders.Persons who are admitted to hospitals and health care facilities within three days of the election (March 16 through March 19) may make a request by telephone to the Election Office and an absentee ballot will be delivered to them. On Election Day the telephone request must be made at least four hours prior to the 9 p.m. close of the polls. These ballots will be personally delivered to the voter by election officials who will assist the voter in voting (if requested) and return the sealed, voted ballot to the Election Office to be counted on Election Day.

Absentee ballots may not be turned in at a polling place except to be surrendered and voided, in which case the voter would vote in person at the polling place. Hand-delivered ballots need to be taken to the Election Office by 9 p.m. on Election Day, March 19.

The deadline to pre-register at the Election Office for this election is 5 p.m. March 8. Voter registration forms may be found at www.sos.iowa.gov or www.co.black-hawk.ia.us. Following the deadline and on Election Day, any new voter and any voter who has moved from outside the county will be processed using the requirements of Election Day registration and must provide proof of residence and identity.NEW HAMPTON  Cheyanne Renae Harris sat quietly and declined to address the court Tuesday as she was sentenced to spend the rest of her life in prison for allowing her baby to starve to death in 2017.

+4 UPDATE: Cheyanne Harris guilty in baby's death LE MARS  Cheyanne Renee Harris stood quietly Wednesday afternoon as a Plymouth County jury 

Dressed in jail stripes and an orange coat, Harris, 21, formerly of Alta Vista, showed no emotion as Judge Richard Stochl imposed the only sentence possible for first-degree murder under Iowa law  life in prison without parole.

Authorities allege Harris allowed 4-month-old Sterling Koehn to slowly die of malnutrition, dehydration and infection in a maggot-infested diaper in a back bedroom in their Alta Vista apartment over a period of weeks.

No family members were present in the courtroom during Tuesdays sentencing hearing. The only other person in the audience who wasnt law enforcement or media was a resident of Elma, one town over from Alta Vista, who had been following the case.

A blue ribbon with the babys handwritten name adorned her winter coat.

She deserves it, said Kim Theis, a former California and Minnesota resident who moved to Iowa about nine years ago. I dont understand how she can sit emotionless like that. I was tearing up in there, and I saw nothing from her.

Read the transcripts of Cheyanne Harris' DCI interview Le MARS  Cheyanne Harris talked to Special Agent Chris Callaway in his vehicle hours after WATERLOO  Attorneys for a Cedar Falls man accused of robbing a jewelry store at knifepoint said the charges are a case of mistaken identity.

Mr. Roig was not in the store that evening, defense attorney Brian Johnson told jurors Tuesday as trial wrapped up for 34-year-old Carlos Roig Gonzalez.

Roig is charged with first-degree robbery and assault while participating in a felony in the Jan. 22, 2018, holdup at Kay Jewelers in Cedar Falls.

Authorities allege Roig was wearing a mask and dark clothing when he held a knife to a pregnant employees stomach as he instructed her to open watch and ring cases at the store. He also squirted pepper spray in her eyes and the eyes of a supervisor at the shop before fleeing with more than 200 pieces valued at a total of $400,000.

+4 Trial resumes in Cedar Falls jewelry store holdup WATERLOO  The man who squirted Keithlyn Petitt in the eyes with pepper spray had a familiar voice.

Prosecutors said the supervisor recognized the robbers small stature and accented voice as a customer who had picked out an engagement set for layaway days earlier and had left his name.

Johnson said the supervisor had only seconds to observe the robber before she was sprayed and didnt have enough time to identify the assailant.For the last few weeks, the Turkish Press has been talking about the fate of the Uyghurs, the Turkish-speaking Muslim population of China. The political parties of the opposition, including the Kemalists, have been outdoing one another to condemn the Han repression of this minority and its religion.



The report by the Jamestown Foundation on the  73 Chinese detention centres  [

The Radio Free Asia campaign, which broadcast a number of interviews with ex-prisoners of the Chinese camps, and went so far as to pretend that China had outlawed the Coran (sic) [

The campaign launched on 13 November 2018 by the United States and their allies of the Human Rights Council in Geneva against the repression of Islam in China [

And the hearing, organised in Washington on 28 November 2018 by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, (CECC), on  the repression of religions by the Chinese Communist Party  [ This effervescence follows:The report by the Jamestown Foundation on the  73 Chinese detention centres  [ 1 ] ;Thecampaign, which broadcast a number of interviews with ex-prisoners of the Chinese camps, and went so far as to pretend that China had outlawed the Coran (sic) [ 2 ] ;The campaign launched on 13 November 2018 by the United States and their allies of the Human Rights Council in Geneva against the repression of Islam in China [ 3 ] ;And the hearing, organised in Washington on 28 November 2018 by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, (CECC), on  the repression of religions by the Chinese Communist Party  [ 4 ]. Thus we learned that between one and three million Uyghurs are being submitted to electrical torture in the re-education camps. These accusations have been reprised by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

It was in this context that the spokesman for the Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hami Aksoy, published a communique on 9 February 2019 officially condemning the  Chinesation   of  the ethnic, religious and cultural identities of the Turkish Uyghurs  and the death in prison of the famous poet Abdurehim Heyit, who was serving an  eight-year  sentence of confinement for  one of his songs  [ 5 ].

The following evening, China published a 26-second video by the spurious dead man. In it, he declared :  My name is Abdurehim Heyit. Today is the 10th of February 2019. I am the subject of investigations into the suspicion of violation of national laws. I am now in good health and have never been abused .

On the following day,11 February, the spokesman for the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying, launched into a severe criticism of Turkeys  errors  and  irresponsibility  [ 6 ].

While the imprisonment of at least 10,000 Uyghurs implicated in terrorist activities is attested, the number of between one and three million definitely is not.

Human Rights in Xinjiang, [The Protection of Culture and Development in Xinjiang [ Already by 1 June 2017 and on 13 December 2018, the Chinese had published two documents  one of them concerning, [ 7 ] and the other on 8 ].

Islamist prisoners at the Deradicalisation Camp in Lop.

However, the Communist Party doesnt really know how to manage political Islam. It analyses the question from the viewpoint of a particular past, that of the Cultural Revolution and the outlawing not only of Islam, but all religions. After having established freedom in this matter, it is now witnessing the rebirth of the divisions of the Civil War, and the multiplication of jihadist attacks [ 9 ]. On 1 February 2018, it launched a new religious policy aimed at assimilating Islam by suppressing certain identity practises [ 10 ]. The members of the Party are obliged to provide the example by refusing to eat halal. Nonetheless, 24,400 mosques are open in Xinjiang for the 13 million Muslims.

For twenty-five years, Uyghur organisations have been clamouring for the creation of an independent state, first of all secular and now  Islamic  (in the political sense, not religious according to the Muslim Brotherhoods definition of the term), in Eastern Turkestan (according to medieval title of Xinjiang). They were immediately awarded CIA support against the Beijing authorities.

In 1997, the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) was created, and left the region to undergo training in Afghanistan with the Taliban and certain elements of Al-Qaida. It quit political Islam and is directly funded by the CIA.

In September 2004,a  government in exile for Eastern Turkestan  was founded in Washington by Anwar Yusuf Turani. It is a reconstruction of the alliance between the Kuomintang and Taiwan, in the prolongation of the Chinese Civil War (1927-1950).

In November of the same year, in Munich, a world Congress of the Uyghurs was created, of which Rebiya Kadeer became President. It favours ethnic separatism.

The latter two entities are financed by the National Endowment for Democracy, an agency of the  Five Eyes  group [ In 1997, the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) was created, and left the region to undergo training in Afghanistan with the Taliban and certain elements of Al-Qaida. It quit political Islam and is directly funded by the CIA.In September 2004,a  government in exile for Eastern Turkestan  was founded in Washington by Anwar Yusuf Turani. It is a reconstruction of the alliance between the Kuomintang and Taiwan, in the prolongation of the Chinese Civil War (1927-1950).In November of the same year, in Munich, a world Congress of the Uyghurs was created, of which Rebiya Kadeer became President. It favours ethnic separatism.The latter two entities are financed by the National Endowment for Democracy, an agency of the  Five Eyes  group [ 11 ].

Serious rioting broke out in Xinjiang, first of all in February 1997, then in July 2009. The demonstrators claimed that they belonged to the Uyghur separatist movement, Kuomintang Communism, and political Islam.

Beijing calmed the situation down by offering the Uyghurs certain privileges, for example, dispensing them from obeying the one-child policy (today abandoned) [ 12 ].

The US campaign against the repression of the Uyghurs seems to be compromised by the investment of Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater, in the Xinjiang authorities [ 13 ]. Prince is not only the principal businessmen specialised in the creation of private armies, he is also the brother of Betsy DeVos, Donald Trumps Secretary for Education. His security agents are apparently mercenaries working on behalf of Bingtuan, a Han militia in Xinjiang.

It so happens that during the 1990s, when the present Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the head of the Milli Gorus and Mayor of Istanbul, he supplied a rear base for various Islamist terrorist movements, whether they were Tatars, Chechens or Uyghurs [ 14 ].

The question must therefore be asked  is the Turkish declaration against the Han repression of the Uyghurs a simple interior stance in order to avoid being over-run by the opposition parties, or is it a new state policy which conforms to the former responsibilities of President Erdogan in the CIA terrorist strategy ?

The East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) was very active during the war against Syria, with the support of the National Intelligence Organization (NIT). For many months, 18,000 Uyghurs (including at least 5,000 jihadist combatants) lived secretly in al-Zambari, a Syrian town on the Turkish frontier in the governorate of Idleb. They maintained their position with the help of the German and French special forces [ 15 ].

While President Donald Trump is preparing for a commercial struggle with Beijing, everything seems to be developing as if a reconciliation has occurred between the CIA and Turkey, aimed at planning further secret operations against China.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.Boosting prevention could see the effective elimination of the disease in high income countries well before the century's end, say scientists.

Cervical cancer could effectively be eliminated from the UK in around three decades, saving thousands of lives, experts claim.

Scientists made the prediction after plotting the long-term effects of high levels of smear test screening and vaccination.

The study showed that in high income countries such as the UK, US, Finland and Canada, cervical cancer could cease to be a public health problem in as little as 35 years.

There was also a chance of the disease being eliminated globally by the end of the century if enough women were screened for papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccinated.

Without an expansion of prevention programmes, however, the world could see numbers of cases soar in the next 50 years due to population growth and ageing, the researchers warned.

Cervical cancer is chiefly caused by the HPV virus, which is transmitted by sex and intimate skin-to-skin contact.

Each year there are 3,126 new cases of cervical cancer in the UK and 854 women die from the disease.

But in high income countries the disease is on the retreat thanks to HPV vaccination and screening.

Today an estimated 99.8% of cases in the UK are considered to be preventable.

In May last year the World Health Organisation called for co-ordinated action to eliminate cervical cancer.

Professor Karen Canfell, from the Cancer Council New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, who led the new study published in The Lancet Oncology journal, said: Despite the enormity of the problem, our findings suggest that global elimination is within reach with tools that are already available, provided that both high coverage of HPV vaccination and cervical screening can be achieved.

Currently a big gap exists between richer and poorer countries when it comes to cervical cancer prevention.

In 2008 average screening rates were 63% in high income regions but as low as 19% in low and middle-income countries.

The study showed that boosting global vaccination coverage to 80%-100% by 2020 and twice lifetime screening rates to 70% could result in cervical cancer being eliminated in the richest countries by 2055-59.

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At that point fewer than four in 100,000 women per year would be developing the disease.

Poorer countries would take longer to eliminate cervical cancer under this scenario, in some cases having to wait until beyond the end of the century.

However African countries were not expected to banish the disease by 2100 even with high levels of vaccination and twice lifetime cervical screening.

Currently an estimated 570,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year worldwide, making it the fourth most common cancer in women.

Around 85% of these cases occur in less developed regions.

Rapid scale-up of HPV vaccination and screening could prevent up to 13 million cases of cervical cancer around the world by 2050, said the study authors.

Without enhanced prevention, the researchers predicted that 44.4 million women globally would be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the next 50 years, rising from 600,000 in 2020 to 1.3 million in 2069.

Commenting on the findings, Mark Jit, professor of vaccine epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: We now have the technological tools, an effective vaccine and a highly sensitive screening test, to eliminate both cervical cancer and the virus that causes it.

However, uptake of these life-saving interventions has been poor in low and middle-income countries, despite the majority of cervical cancer deaths occurring in these countries.

Making a significant dent in these deaths will require concerted global effort, and include engaging with populations and bringing vaccines and screening programmes into communities that have never seen them before.

To carry out the study the scientists analysed high quality data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer to predict future trends under a business-as-usual scenario.

They then carried out a computer simulation to calculate the impact of scaling up HPV vaccination and screening in 181 countries between 2020 and the end of the century.OSLO (Reuters) - The United States, Britain and Norway jointly expressed their alarm on Wednesday at reports of fighting in the Yei River area of South Sudan between government forces and the rebel National Salvation Front.

"(It) represents a flagrant breach of the December 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and the September 2018 revitalised peace agreement. These military actions, and the trading of blame, must stop," they said in a statement.

(Reporting by Gwladys Fouche; Editing by Alison Williams)Isis schoolgirl Shamima Begum is not a Bangladeshi citizen and will not be allowed to live there, according to the country's ministry of foreign affairs .

"The government of Bangladesh is deeply concerned that she [Begum] has been erroneously identified as a holder of dual citizenship," Shahrial Alam told the Guardian.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid ordered the 19-year-old Londoner, who wants to return to the UKwith her newly-born child as the so-called caliphate crumbles, be stripped of UK citizenship, claiming she is also a citizen of Bangladesh due to her parentage.

Britain cannot remove the citizenship of a person who does not have dual nationality as doing so would make them 'stateless' and is illegal under international law.

Tasnime Akunjee, the lawyer representing Begum's family said the UK-born teenager of Bangladeshi heritage has never had a Bangladeshi passport and is not a dual citizen.

Shamima Begum9

Mr Akunjee described the family as 'very disappointed' over the move to strip Begum of UK citizenship and said they were 'considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision'.

Lord Carlile, a former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said Bangladesh law would mean Begum would be a Bangladeshi national if Begum's mother was one too.

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But Mr Akunjee told the Independent that the Bangladeshi government 'does not know who she is', adding: "Our position is that to all practical purposes she has been made stateless."

Asked about Begum during PMQs, Theresa May said 'it is an important message to give' that the Government will take action against those who are involved in terrorism'.

She added: "The question of deprivation is one that each Home Secretary deals with, there is a very clear set of criteria on which the Home Secretary considers that matter."

Not every member of the Begum family is against the Government decision.

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Begum's brother-in-law, Muhammad Rahman, said today that the British public should get behind the government revoking the 19-year-old's passport.

Mr Rahman, whose brother is married to Shamima's sister Renu, said: "I think we should support it, they [the government] are the people who are in the position to make the decision.

"The people who are making these decisions are doing it for the country. They don't have an easy job, you can't please everyone.

"The information they have is to the best of their ability and the British people should support it."

Begum said she was 'a bit shocked' at the Home Office decision to strip her of UK citizenship.

After being informed of the news, Begum told ITV News that the decision was 'upsetting and frustrating'.

She said: "It's a bit unjust on me and my son...

"I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. It's a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like it's a bit unjust on me and my son."

Begum said she may now try to claim citizenship through her Dutch husband.

Begum said she was 'a bit shocked' over the decision to strip her of UK citizenship (ITV News/PA)

She added: "Maybe I can ask for citizenship in Holland. If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison."

A Home Office spokesman said: "In order to protect this country, he [Sajid Javid] has the power to deprive someone of their British citizenship where it would not render them stateless.

"We do not comment on individual cases, but any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly."

On Monday, in an interview with the BBC, Begum compared the Manchester Arena bombing to military strikes on Isis strongholds, calling the terror attack 'retaliation'.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has signalled she could be arrested and investigated if she returns to Britain.

- This article first appeared on YahooKim Hyok Chol, North Korea's interlocutor leading negotiations with the United States, is pictured upon arrival at Beijing's international airport on his way to the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, in Beijing Kim Hyok Chol (R), North Korea's interlocutor leading negotiations with the United States, is pictured upon arrival at Beijing's international airport on his way to the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, in Beijing, China in this photo taken by Kyodo February 19, 2019. Kyodo via REUTERS

By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - Veteran North Korean diplomats are being sidelined from nuclear talks ahead of a second summit with the United States as recent defections and allegations of spying undermine the trust of leader Kim Jong Un, South Korean officials and experts say.

Kim has purged and replaced many top diplomats and officials who served his father and grandfather with new, younger advisors as he gears up to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Vietnam next week.

Among the most significant changes, Kim has appointed little-known Kim Hyok Chol to spearhead working-level talks with U.S. nuclear envoy Stephen Biegun.

A former ambassador to Spain who was expelled in 2017 after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, Kim Hyok Chol has been working at the State Affairs Commission, a top governing body chaired by the young leader, a South Korean official said.

He replaced Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, who led negotiations in the run up to the first Trump-Kim summit in Singapore in June.

"It's a big boys' game and many diplomats are being neglected, as they face fierce inter-agency rivalry and questions about their ideological faithfulness given their experience in richer, capitalist nations," the South Korean official said, asking to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue.

"Kim Hyok Chol is a career diplomat too, but he apparently has passed a loyalty test to become the point man in the negotiations."

SPY CHARGES

The promotion of Kim Hyok Chol, believed to be in his late 40s, was partly influenced by the 2016 defection of Thae Yong Ho, a former deputy ambassador to Britain, and the recent disappearance of Jo Song Gil, a senior diplomat in Italy, the official said.

Adding to Kim Jong Un's mistrust in veteran diplomats, Han Song Ryol, who was vice foreign minister in charge of U.S. relations until early last year, has been purged on charges of spying for the United States, two sources with knowledge of the situation told Reuters.

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Han was one of the best known and highly respected North Korean diplomats in the United States, having for years manned the so-called "New York channel," a key diplomatic conduit between Pyongyang and Washington, before returning home in 2013.

But Han has been out of the public eye for the past year, with state media last mentioning him in February 2018.

South Korea's Unification Ministry removed his name in its annual 'Who's Who' in North Korea directory, released last month.

A diplomatic source in Seoul told Reuters, citing North Korean officials, Han was purged last year after being accused of spying for the United States and pocketing funds.

Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the Washington-based Stimson Centre who regularly speaks with sources inside the country, said two people told him Han faced "espionage charges" and disappeared last July.

Thae also said Han had been purged, which means he was likely to have been sent to a labour camp for reeducation or possibly executed.

South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper also reported last month, citing an unnamed source, that Han was sent to a labour camp after making an unspecified proposal on the nuclear talks against the ruling Workers' Party's guidelines.

An official at the Unification Ministry said the information on Han could not be confirmed.

"There were financial problems, but the biggest thing was his spy allegation. Several other diplomats, especially those who were close to Han, were investigated," said the first source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

DRIVING A WEDGE

In a 2017 report based on interviews with 20 elite defectors, the North Korea Strategy Centre, a defector-run think tank in Seoul, said more than 70 officials have been executed since Kim took power in late 2011.

Thae said at least 10 diplomats were killed under Kim, and replaced by younger aides and loyalists. Many other diplomats and officials have been sidelined.

In a Facebook post last week, Russia's Embassy in North Korea confirmed Kwon Jong Gun was the new director of the foreign ministry's North America Department, a post that has been vacant since Choe became a vice foreign minister.

Choe's boss, Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, a former nuclear envoy who was widely expected to be U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's counterpart, has never had a chance to show his credentials as Kim continued to rely on Kim Yong Chol, a former spymaster specialised in inter-Korean affairs.

Thae, the former diplomat in London, said the unorthodox new breed of negotiators was aimed at driving a wedge between the free-wheeling Trump and his team of technocrats, who were mostly cautious and sceptical about North Korea's claims of pursuing denuclearisation.

"North Korea's diplomacy has taken an unprecedented tactical course, which is tailor made for Trump," Thae told a news conference in Seoul on Tuesday.

"By appointing Kim Hyok Chol, Kim Jong Un was trying to give the impression that there's no one between them, so that Trump will talk to him and shut his ears to his own staff."

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Lincoln Feast)FILE PHOTO: General view of Microsoft's logo at Microsoft Corporation headquarters at Issy-les-Moulineaux, near Paris, France, April 18, 2016. REUTERS/Charles Platiau/File Photo

(Reuters) - Microsoft Corp on Wednesday said it had discovered cyber attacks directed at democratic institutions, think tanks and non-profit organizations in Europe and would offer a cyber security service to several countries to close security gaps.

The hacks occurred between September and December 2018, targeting employees of the German Council on Foreign Relations and European offices of The Aspen Institute and The German Marshall Fund, the company said https://blogs.microsoft.com/eupolicy/2019/02/20/accountguard-expands-to-europe in a blog post.

Microsoft said it discovered the hacking through the company's Threat Intelligence Centre and Digital Crimes Unit, and the hacks targeted 104 employee accounts in Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, Romania, and Serbia.

Hackers in most cases create malicious weblinks and spoofed email addresses that look legitimate, aiming to gain access to employee credentials and deliver malware, the company said.

Microsoft said many of the attacks originated from a group called Strontium, which the company has previously associated with the Russian government.

Strontium, one of the world's oldest cyber espionage groups, has also been called APT 28, Fancy Bear, Sofancy and Pawn Storm by a range of security firms and government officials. Security firm CrowdStrike has said the group may be associated with the Russian military intelligence agency GRU.

Germany's BSI federal cyber protection agency confirmed that Strontium, or APT 28, had been attacking a wide range of organisations in Germany and around the world for years, but said it had not seen a substantial increase in these activities.

"State-controlled groups like APT 28 are usually continually active," BSI said in response to a query from Reuters, adding it could not confirm a direct connection to upcoming elections.

German officials have blamed a number of hacks, including a 2015 attack on the lower house of parliament, on APT 28, and a German government spokesman last year said Berlin was "almost certain" the Russian secret service was behind the group. Russia has repeatedly denied such claims.

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Aspen Germany said the latest attacks were unsuccessful, but it was taking steps to make sure staff members were trained to avoid even the most sophisticated efforts in an ever-present barrage of phishing and malware attacks.

"This is a wake-up call. In the run-up to May 2019 European elections, it is incumbent on all responsible players in European democracy to remain vigilant," it said in a statement.

The German Marshall Fund also said its systems were not compromised, but it would continue to work with Microsoft and others to identify and mitigate any security challenges.

No immediate comment was available from German Council on Foreign Relations.

Microsoft said it will offer its cyber security service AccountGuard to 12 new markets in Europe including Germany, France and Spain to help customers secure their accounts.

The AccountGuard service will also be available in Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal and Slovakia.

Microsoft's move highlights the growing effort by social media companies like Facebook Inc and Twitter Inc to bring more transparency around political content and advertisements, and halt the spread of misinformation on their platforms.

In the U.S., Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating Russia's role in the 2016 election and whether the campaign of President Donald Trump colluded with Moscow. Russia denies meddling in the elections while Trump has denied any collusion.

(Reporting by Shubham Kalia and Ishita Chigilli Palli in Bengaluru, and Andrea Shalal in Berlin; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips, Bernard Orr and Alexandra Hudson)It is tempting, when one reads stories such as the one broken by my colleague Mark Kleinman about Honda shutting down its Swindon factory, to leap to conclusions.

Within minutes of the story going live, commentators on Twitter (Frankfurt: A1W6XZ - news) were saying this was yet another consequence of Brexit.

But while Brexit is hardly helping (we'll get to that in a second) it is worth in this case being a little cautious about putting it all down to Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

Let's also bear in mind a few other important factors.

The first is that Brexit is hardly the only thing happening in the motor industry at present. Indeed, if anything it's a good few places down the list of major issues and concerns facing multinational motor companies.

There are the problems faced across the industry with diesel engines.

There's the shift to electric powertrains.

There's the threat of a global trade war as Donald Trump considers imposing tariffs on car imports.

If you are a strategist deciding where to build your plant or make your next car model there are, in short, many crucial factors to bear in mind. And if you're a Japanese car maker with a factory in the UK there are a few other things to bear in mind too.

The first of them is that only a few months ago Japan and the EU signed their free trade deal, meaning tariffs on car exports from Japan are now being eliminated, alongside a host of other trade barriers.

Suddenly, the economic barriers that might once have persuaded you to locate your plant in the UK have evaporated.

Then there's Brexit. And there's no doubt that for car companies the threat of a no-deal Brexit is of deep concern.

Most of these companies have long supply chains that traverse borders throughout Europe and beyond. They are just-in-time operations, so a delay of even a few minutes can mean the difference between a profitable day of production and a loss. Any decision to throw sand into the wheels of free trade (and the EU is the world's biggest free trade area) is not encouraging.

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In the case of Honda, the likelihood is that, of all these factors, the new Japan-EU trade deal was the most decisive.

The company can now enjoy near frictionless trade with one of its biggest markets, without having to locate there. It makes more business sense to consolidate its production back into Japan.

Brexit is unlikely to have helped at the margin: no manager wants unnecessary risk, and Brexit poses all sorts of risks about access to international markets. So perhaps it contributed a bit, but was it the decisive tipping point? Unlikely.

However, the episode raises a deeper issue. It underlines just how important the big trade deals are, such as the one signed by the UK and Japan.

Note (Stockholm: NOTE.ST - news) that when the UK leaves the EU it will be able to sign its own deals. On the one hand that is cited by many Brexiteers as being one of the key advantages to leaving the EU. On the other hand most of the evidence suggests that when it comes to trade deals, size matters.

The UK may punch above its weight when it comes to military and diplomatic matters, but this is largely because it retains a permanent seat at the UN Security Council and the IMF executive board.

There is no analogous advantage the UK can rely on when it comes to trade negotiations. So attempting to forge a trade relationship that will be advantageous to Britain will be fiendishly difficult.

Indeed, the UK is beginning to learn this already. There have been reports that the UK's attempts to replicate that EU-Japan trade deal once the UK leaves are foundering, and that Japan is determined to seek more advantageous terms with Britain.

The world of trade and economic diplomacy is a brutal one, as Britain is about to discover. And the consequence of those trade deals is long-lived and enormous, as we have seen with Honda's decision today.France 24

Colombian President Ivan Duque said Friday the helicopter he was flying in near the border with Venezuela was hit by gunfire. It was the first attack against a Colombian president in nearly 20 years.No one was injured. Colombian authorities did not say if the shots were fired from the Colombian or Venezuelan side of the frontier."It is a cowardly attack, where you can see bullet holes in the presidential aircraft," Duque said in a statement.Duque said he was flying with the defense and interiorA group of French lawmakers proposed a bill on Monday that would make anti-Zionism a criminal offence in the same way that anti-Semitism is illegal in France. But many argue that opposition to Israel is not comparable to anti-Semitism. An ugly scene over the weekend in which vulgar anti-Semitic slurs were hurled at French philosopher Alain Finkielkraut led the Paris prosecutors office to open an inquiry Sunday into public insult due to origin, ethnicity, race or religion. The next day, a group of lawmakers from a parliamentary committee against anti-Semitism said they wanted to criminalise anti-Zionism in France.Aresulting debate has raised thorny questions over anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, with many insisting there is a distinction between being anti-Jewish and being against either the state of Israel or the policies of the Jewish state. Anti-Semitism is defined by the Oxford dictionary as hostility to or prejudice against Jews. Under French law, it is considered a crime like other forms of discrimination, including racism and xenophobia.Zionism, meanwhile, refers to a political movement founded by Austro-Hungarian writer Theodore Herzl in the late 19th century proposing the creation of a Jewish state on what is now Israeli soil. Herzl was convinced that it was impossible for Jews to assimilate in the countries where they lived as a diaspora as long as anti-Semitism existed.As a result, anti-Zionism came to be defined as opposition to the creation a Jewish state. But since Israel was founded in 1948, the concepts of Zionism and anti-Zionism have evolved. In France, anti-Zionism is now largely associated with anger at the state of Israel.>> Read more: Yellow Vests at crossroads as anti-Semitic incidents cloud messageThe distinction became further blurred in 2017, when French President Emmanuel Macron made international headlines for condemning anti-Zionism as a reinvented form of anti-Semitism during World War II commemorations in Paris.His comments prompted French journalist Dominique Vidal to speak out against conflating the two issues in an essay entitled, Anti-Zionism = Anti-Semitism? A response to Emmanuel Macron.If we consider opposition to Theodore Herzls theory as anti-Semitic, then were saying that the millions of Jews who do not wish to live in Palestine and the occupied territories are anti-Semites, Vidal told FRANCE 24. Its historical illiteracy, or worse, stupidity.But confusion over the two issues has only been exacerbated by anti-Semitic rhetoric in France that is at times deftly disguised as anti-Zionism.We know that [French comic] Dieudonne and [French far-right author] Alain Soral, both of whom have been convicted for inciting hatred against Jews, have adopted the habit of substituting the word Zionist for Jew and anti-Zionist for anti-Semite to avoid legal troubles, Vidal said.>> Read more: France faces upsurge in anti-Semitic attacksRecent decisions by Israels government, such as adopting a controversial law defining the country as a nation state for the Jewish people, have also contributed to the confusion over the terms.[Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu has given his country a bad image by racking up populist alliances as well as having the Knesset vote on issues such as the Jewish nation-state law and annexing the West Bank, Vidal said. The confusion between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism allows [Netanyahu], who is concerned about his own image, to silence his opponents. But it is futile, because Israels bad image in recent years is directly linked to Israeli policies.Crimes of opinion Sylvain Maillard, one of the French lawmakers behind the proposal to criminalise anti-Zionism, has rejected accusations that his bill conflates the two issues.You can criticise the Israeli government, but not question the states right to exist, he said.No one is questioning the France or Germanys right to exist.Critics of the bill dont see it that way, warning it could restrict freedom of expression in France.This bill will reintroduce crimes of opinion, which have not existed in France since the Algerian War, Vidal said. If this measure passes, Zionists will be able to ask for a ban against anti-Zionism, communists can ask for a ban against anti-communism In short, were sliding towards totalitarianism.The bill has sparked concerns even at the highest levels of government. Richard Ferrand, president of the national assembly (lower house of parliament), said on Tuesday that the countrys existing laws against discrimination were more than enough to fight against anti-Semitism, and called for deep thought before making impulsive announcements.Macron also spoke out against the measure during a press conference on Tuesday, contradicting his comments from two years ago.I dont think that criminalising anti-Zionism is a good solution, he said. Those who want Israel to disappear are the same people who want to attack Jews.I think that once we look at this in detail, criminalising anti-Zionism raises other issues, Macron added.This article was translated from the original in French.

A group of French lawmakers proposed a bill on Monday that would make anti-Zionism a criminal offence in the same way that anti-Semitism is illegal in France. But many argue that opposition to Israel is not comparable to anti-Semitism.

An ugly scene over the weekend in which vulgar anti-Semitic slurs were hurled at French philosopher Alain Finkielkraut led the Paris prosecutors office to open an inquiry Sunday into public insult due to origin, ethnicity, race or religion. The next day, a group of lawmakers from a parliamentary committee against anti-Semitism said they wanted to criminalise anti-Zionism in France.

Aresulting debate has raised thorny questions over anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, with many insisting there is a distinction between being anti-Jewish and being against either the state of Israel or the policies of the Jewish state.

Anti-Semitism is defined by the Oxford dictionary as hostility to or prejudice against Jews. Under French law, it is considered a crime like other forms of discrimination, including racism and xenophobia.

Zionism, meanwhile, refers to a political movement founded by Austro-Hungarian writer Theodore Herzl in the late 19th century proposing the creation of a Jewish state on what is now Israeli soil. Herzl was convinced that it was impossible for Jews to assimilate in the countries where they lived as a diaspora as long as anti-Semitism existed.

As a result, anti-Zionism came to be defined as opposition to the creation a Jewish state. But since Israel was founded in 1948, the concepts of Zionism and anti-Zionism have evolved. In France, anti-Zionism is now largely associated with anger at the state of Israel.

>> Read more: Yellow Vests at crossroads as anti-Semitic incidents cloud message

The distinction became further blurred in 2017, when French President Emmanuel Macron made international headlines for condemning anti-Zionism as a reinvented form of anti-Semitism during World War II commemorations in Paris.

Story continues

His comments prompted French journalist Dominique Vidal to speak out against conflating the two issues in an essay entitled, Anti-Zionism = Anti-Semitism? A response to Emmanuel Macron.

If we consider opposition to Theodore Herzls theory as anti-Semitic, then were saying that the millions of Jews who do not wish to live in Palestine and the occupied territories are anti-Semites, Vidal told FRANCE 24. Its historical illiteracy, or worse, stupidity.

But confusion over the two issues has only been exacerbated by anti-Semitic rhetoric in France that is at times deftly disguised as anti-Zionism.

We know that [French comic] Dieudonne and [French far-right author] Alain Soral, both of whom have been convicted for inciting hatred against Jews, have adopted the habit of substituting the word Zionist for Jew and anti-Zionist for anti-Semite to avoid legal troubles, Vidal said.

>> Read more: France faces upsurge in anti-Semitic attacks

Recent decisions by Israels government, such as adopting a controversial law defining the country as a nation state for the Jewish people, have also contributed to the confusion over the terms.

[Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu has given his country a bad image by racking up populist alliances as well as having the Knesset vote on issues such as the Jewish nation-state law and annexing the West Bank, Vidal said. The confusion between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism allows [Netanyahu], who is concerned about his own image, to silence his opponents. But it is futile, because Israels bad image in recent years is directly linked to Israeli policies.

Crimes of opinion

Sylvain Maillard, one of the French lawmakers behind the proposal to criminalise anti-Zionism, has rejected accusations that his bill conflates the two issues.

You can criticise the Israeli government, but not question the states right to exist, he said.No one is questioning the France or Germanys right to exist.

Critics of the bill dont see it that way, warning it could restrict freedom of expression in France.

This bill will reintroduce crimes of opinion, which have not existed in France since the Algerian War, Vidal said. If this measure passes, Zionists will be able to ask for a ban against anti-Zionism, communists can ask for a ban against anti-communism In short, were sliding towards totalitarianism.

The bill has sparked concerns even at the highest levels of government. Richard Ferrand, president of the national assembly (lower house of parliament), said on Tuesday that the countrys existing laws against discrimination were more than enough to fight against anti-Semitism, and called for deep thought before making impulsive announcements.

Macron also spoke out against the measure during a press conference on Tuesday, contradicting his comments from two years ago.

I dont think that criminalising anti-Zionism is a good solution, he said. Those who want Israel to disappear are the same people who want to attack Jews.

I think that once we look at this in detail, criminalising anti-Zionism raises other issues, Macron added.

This article was translated from the original in French.Isis schoolgirl Shamima Begum is not a Bangladeshi citizen and will not be allowed to live there, according to the countrys ministry of foreign affairs .

The government of Bangladesh is deeply concerned that she [Begum] has been erroneously identified as a holder of dual citizenship, Shahrial Alam told the Guardian.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid ordered the 19-year-old Londoner, who wants to return to the UK with her newly-born child as the so-called caliphate crumbles, be stripped of UK citizenship, claiming she is also a citizen of Bangladesh due to her parentage.

Britain cannot remove the citizenship of a person who does not have dual nationality as doing so would make them stateless and is illegal under international law.

Shamima Begum had told the BBC she didnt see herself as an IS poster girl (Picture: BBC)

Tasnime Akunjee, the lawyer representing Begums family said the UK-born teenager of Bangladeshi heritage has never had a Bangladeshi passport and is not a dual citizen.

Mr Akunjee described the family as very disappointed over the move to strip Begum of UK citizenship and said they were considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision.

Lord Carlile, a former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said Bangladesh law would mean Begum would be a Bangladeshi national if Begums mother was one too.

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But Mr Akunjee told the Independent that the Bangladeshi government does not know who she is, adding: Our position is that to all practical purposes she has been made stateless.

Asked about Begum during PMQs, Theresa May said it is an important message to give that the Government will take action against those who are involved in terrorism.

She added: The question of deprivation is one that each Home Secretary deals with, there is a very clear set of criteria on which the Home Secretary considers that matter.

Not every member of the Begum family is against the Government decision.

Begums brother-in-law, Muhammad Rahman, said today that the British public should get behind the government revoking the 19-year-olds passport.

Story continues

Shamima Begums family are considering legal action after she was stripped of British citizenship (PA)

Mr Rahman, whose brother is married to Shamimas sister Renu, said: I think we should support it, they [the government] are the people who are in the position to make the decision.

The people who are making these decisions are doing it for the country. They dont have an easy job, you cant please everyone.

The information they have is to the best of their ability and the British people should support it.

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Begum said she was a bit shocked at the Home Office decision to strip her of UK citizenship.

After being informed of the news, Begum told ITV News that the decision was upsetting and frustrating.

She said: Its a bit unjust on me and my son

I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. Its a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like its a bit unjust on me and my son.

Begum said she may now try to claim citizenship through her Dutch husband.

Begum said she was a bit shocked over the decision to strip her of UK citizenship (ITV News/PA)

She added: Maybe I can ask for citizenship in Holland. If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison.

A Home Office spokesman said: In order to protect this country, he [Sajid Javid] has the power to deprive someone of their British citizenship where it would not render them stateless.

We do not comment on individual cases, but any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly.

On Monday, in an interview with the BBC, Begum compared the Manchester Arena bombing to military strikes on Isis strongholds, calling the terror attack retaliation.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has signalled she could be arrested and investigated if she returns to Britain.PARIS (Reuters) - The European Union's top Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier ruled out on Wednesday changing the terms of the deal for Britain's departure from the bloc, he said in a French newspaper interview.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, who was due in Brussels on Wednesday for talks, is seeking further concessions from the EU on her Brexit deal in the hope of winning the support of a deeply divided British parliament.

"We won't reopen the withdrawal treaty, we will not change the content of the Irish protocol which preserves peace in Ireland and the integrity of the (EU) single market," Barnier told La Croix newspaper before the talks.

(Reporting by Leigh Thomas; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)The eighth MP to quit Labour to join the breakaway Independent Group has accused Jeremy Corbyn of repeatedly failing to deal with anti-Semitism in the party.

In a furious broadside, Joan Ryan, who chaired Labour Friends of Israel, said the Labour leader had ignored calls to tackle the problem and was not fit to be prime minister.

We never had this problem in the party before he was the leader. It comes with him, it is part of his politics, I am afraid, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

He has introduced or allowed to happen in our party this scourge of anti-Semitism. It has completely infected the party and at every opportunity to deal with it he has not done so.

We have had a whitewash report, we have had unprecedented actions of Jewish people feeling they have to demonstrate against the Labour Party in Parliament Square.

We have had endless calls on him to deal with the most virulent, vile anti-Semitism  bullying, abuse and aggression  and he has turned away from doing that.

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Ms Ryan, who has represented Enfield North since 1997, with a break from 2010-15, and served as a minister in Tony Blairs government, also attacked Mr Corbyns position on the EU.

The other huge problem is that I think Jeremy Corbyn is aiding and abetting a hard Brexit, she said.

Her announcement comes amid growing speculation that the group may take some members from the Conservatives.

Veteran pro-EU Tory Ken Clarke told Today that some of his colleagues were getting very fed up.

He added: There are some, I think  not including me  who probably are contemplating leaving if the party moves too far to the right and no longer represents what they regard as the mainstream Conservative views they have held for all the previous years.

Meanwhile, Labour launched a consultation on changes to allow voters to force MPs to seek re-election if they swap parties.

Story continues

The proposed right to recall comes after the launch on Monday of the Independent Group by seven ex-Labour MPs including former shadow ministers Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger and Chris Leslie.

(PA Graphics)

Members of the new group have indicated they will resist demands from the leadership, including shadow chancellor John McDonnell, to step down and seek a fresh mandate from voters in a by-election.

Ms Ryan said a large number of Labour MPs are unhappy with the leadership and she hoped there will be further defections to the Independent Group  including from other parties.

I hope that all like-minded MPs from whatever party will want to join this group. It is early days. It is about trying to change the political weather, she said.

With a poll taken the day after the Independent Groups launch putting the breakaway MPs on 10% support to Labours 26% nationally, Mr Corbyns party would be hopeful of seizing back most if not all of the seats in by-election contests.

(PA Graphics)

Although the Independent MPs may benefit from some personal support, all of their constituencies  with the exception of Angela Smiths Penistone and Stocksbridge and Ms Ryans Enfield North  are rock-solid Labour seats which would need a substantial swing to change hands.

In an indication that Labour expects to hold on to much of its support in any by-election, party sources said one of the key reasons for allowing recall when an MP crosses the floor is because people cast their vote primarily for the party and its platform rather than the candidate.

At present, recall petitions can only be launched in a handful of circumstances, such as a serious breach of parliamentary rules or a criminal conviction. A by-election is forced if the petition is signed by 10% of constituents  usually around 7,000 people  within six weeks.

Labour will consult on extending the principle to cover MPs who switch political allegiance.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said: Power comes from the people but for too long the overwhelming majority have been shut out. Thats why trust in politics and in elites is rightly falling.

Communities should not have to wait for up to five years to act if they feel their MP is not properly representing their interests, especially with the restrictions of the Fixed Term Parliament Act.

This proposed reform has the dramatic potential to empower citizens and will be one of many measures the Labour Party is planning to consult on and announce that will change the way politics in this country is done.The first female three-star commander in Britains armed forces has said she is delighted with her appointment and is looking forward to the challenge.

Promoted to the rank of Air Marshal, Sue Gray, a Royal Air Force engineer, will take up the role of director-general of the Defence Safety Authority in March.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson hailed the historic appointment (Jeff Spicer/PA)

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson welcomed the appointment of the 56-year-old, who joined the RAF in August 1985, as a historic moment.

Air Marshal Sue Gray said she felt a little bit awestruck on discovering she was in line for the promotion but is looking forward to the new challenge of the new job.

Speaking to the Press Association, Air Marshal Gray said she never imagined she would become a three-star commander when she joined the RAF three decades ago.

I was grateful to be doing a job that was exciting, fascinating and rewarding from quite an early age, and I have just kept on enjoying it 33 years later, she said.

Asked where the promotion ranks in her lengthy career, Air Marshal Gray said it is going to be a highlight for her and Champagne would feature in her celebrations.

I think it is going to be a challenge  not only being the first female at that rank but this is the first time a non-pilot has taken on the role, she said.

So not only do they now have an engineer, but a woman to boot.

Surrounded by a supportive family and community, Air Marshal Gray said she remembers her late father telling her as a child she could do anything she wanted.

I think I proved him right, she said.

I know he would be delighted.

With no female role models to look up to within the RAF when she joined the service, Air Marshal Gray said policies have changed in the years since and she does not think she has been treated differently at any point because she is a woman.

Quizzed on whether there has been any negative reaction to her promotion, she said there had not been so far and added with a laugh: But I dont think they would tell me.

Story continues

During her career, Air Marshal Gray has worked in a variety of roles, including engineering on VC10 transport aircraft, and was also deployed on both Gulf wars with the Joint Helicopter Force.

In June 2016, she was appointed Air Officer Commanding Number 38 Group with responsibility for more than 3,000 personnel across disciplines including engineering, logistics, aviation medicine and catering.

Before her promotion, the highest rank held by a serving female officer in the modern day RAF was Air Vice-Marshal, which is a two-star post.

On what she would want her legacy to be as the first female three-star commander, Air Marshal Gray said one who encourages all women in all services to go for it.

She added: I want more women to join, I want more female engineers because they bring such a variety to the mix.

Welcoming the appointment, Mr Williamson said: This is a historic moment as we see the most senior female appointment in the British military.

Air Marshal Grays career shows that with hard work, skill and determination, gender is no obstacle to achieving the top ranks in the armed forces.

Having served in Iraq as the chief engineer for the Joint Helicopter Force, I hope that young girls will look up to Air Marshal Gray and see that a career in the armed forces will offer them every opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their gender and background.

Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Hillier said the appointment was proper recognition for Air Marshal Gray (Andrew Matthews/PA)

The head of the RAF, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, offered his congratulations and said he wishes her success in her important new role leading the Defence Safety Authority.

Her promotion is proper recognition of her outstanding contribution to the RAF and defence as an engineer, as a leader and as a superb role model, he added.

Asked if she would ever like to be the head of the RAF, Air Marshal Gray said: I suspect that might be a bridge too far for me, only because the chief of the air staff is traditionally aircrew  a pilot or a navigator.

So that would be an engineer and a woman  but I suspect there will be, in the not too distant future, a non-pilot  but I suspect it wont be me.Haulage trucks in Dublin port. Pic: PA

Irelands tax authority said on Wednesday that there had been a dramatic surge in traders applying for a key registration number that will allow them to trade with the UK after Brexit.

Figures released by the authority showed that, compared to the entire month of January, there had already been a 330% increase in applications in February for the number.

READ MORE: As Brexit looms, Ireland is taking the lead on preparing its businesses

It said that having the number was the minimum requirement for businesses that wish to trade with, or through, the UK when they leave the EU on 29 March 2019.

In a statement, the head of the authoritys Brexit unit said that it had made direct contact with more than 80,000 businesses that are likely to be significantly impacted by Brexit.

Our message has been clear  you need to assess the impact of Brexit on your business and take the necessary action now, to mitigate the challenges that Brexit undoubtedly brings, said Lynda Slattery.

The authority said that its overarching Brexit priority was to facilitate the efficient and timely movement of legitimate trade.

READ MORE: Irish government publishes no-deal Brexit contingency plan

The UK is Irelands second-largest export market, and accounted for some 12% of total exports, or 16bn (14bn), in 2017.

But around 100bn worth of goods that travel between Ireland and the rest of the European Union use the UK as a land bridge.

The Irish government has warned that this land bridge route, which sees goods use the UKs road and ports network, may be subject to severe delays in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Irelands haulage industry said on Tuesday that it would seek financial support from both the EU and Irish government if these delays adversely impact the businesses of lorry drivers and transport companies.

Outlining the steps that should be taken ahead of 29 March, the date the UK is set to leave the EU, Slattery said: If you havent sorted these issues before Brexit day your business will be in serious difficulty.The terror attack planned and executed by the Jaish-e Mohammed which resulted in over 40 killed has shaken the Modi government. Non-stop coverage by the media has added fuel to the fire and the anger of the people all over India has erupted against Pakistan, which is perceived as the mother country as far as terrorist activity against India is concerned. Modi who has promised to avenge the attack has fanned the flames by repeatedly denouncing Pakistan and promising action to avenge the act. Many options have been considered and the USA has been giving necessary inputs to the Indian side as to the location of the terror and training camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

No action by India

Three days have passed since the attack and the entire Indian opposition has sided with the Modi government. But Modi has dithered and though time has passed no Military action against Pakistan has been taken. This after the USA said it understood the Indian need for a military response against Pakistan. Thus India is looking more like a lumbering elephant who is unable to strike back. The Times of India has reported that Modi has given a "free hand" to the army to decide how to retaliate. This by itself is a vague order and it's not clear what it means - a limited strike or a bigger operation.

Pakistan reacts

By not taking action the element of surprise so necessary in a military operation has been lost as the Pakistan army has depopulated the training camps and launch pads of terrorists and infiltrators in Punjab and POK.

Although Modi has been threatening action it appears he has probably has not yet given the green signal to the army for a reprisal military raid or action.

Vajpayee and history

History seems to be repeating itself as during the term of Atal Bihari Vajpayee a similar situation was created when the terrorists attacked the Indian parliament.

India under Vajpayee had threatened war and troops had been moved to the front but after a few weeks of an eyeball to eyeball confrontation, the promised military action did not take place and the tension was defused.

The Indian government headed by Modi is again on the horns of a dilemma. A military strike is fraught with risks and in case there is some misadventure Modi may well have to sit in the opposition like Vajpayee.

On the other hand, a successful operation may well give him a majority in the Lok Sabha. India Today has reported that Farrukh Abdullah the Ex-CM of Kashmir has opined that such attacks will continue till a political solution is found for Kashmir.

Support

The entire Indian nation is shocked and wanting action against Pakistan. India's diplomatic offensive has borne fruit and both Russia and the USA have supported India and condemned the terrorist attack. The USA has called on Pakistan to desist from supporting terror activities.

Sands of time

The sands of time are running out and Modi after having raised the expectations of the people for revenge may find it difficult to finally execute a military action as this could lead to a large scale war, where victory is not assured.We and our partners: need your consent to store and/or access information on a device; use technologies, such as cookies, and process personal data, such as IP addresses and cookie identifiers, to personalise ads and content based on your interests, measure their performance and derive insights about the audiences who saw them; have a legitimate interest for the following purposes: ensure security, prevent fraud and debug; use features such as matching and combining offline data sources, linking different devices, receiving and using automatically-sent device characteristics for identification, using precise geolocation data, actively scanning device characteristics for identification. For further details, please read our cookie policy . Click on the Accept button to allow these uses or on Edit to get more details and/or reject all or part of them. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on Edit Consents at the bottom of the page. If you continue browsing by accessing another area of the site or selecting, for example, an image or a link, you express your consent to the use of cookies and other profiling technologies used by the site.After a rewarding career in the computer industry, Sybil decided to try her hand at writing mysteries. Her short fiction has appeared in

and

, among others. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Southern California where she enjoys tole painting, studying ancient languages and spending time with

friends and family. Find her at

.

Sybil Johnsons love affair with reading began in kindergarten with The Three Little Pigs. Visits to the library introduced her to Encyclopedia Brown, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and a host of other characters. Fast forward to college where she continued reading while studying Computer Science.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.Cookies op Tweakers

Tweakers is onderdeel van DPG Media en maakt gebruik van cookies, JavaScript en vergelijkbare technologie om je onder andere een optimale gebruikerservaring te bieden. Ook kan Tweakers hierdoor het gedrag van bezoekers vastleggen en analyseren. Door gebruik te maken van deze website, of door op 'Cookies accepteren' te klikken, geef je toestemming voor het gebruik van cookies. Wil je meer informatie over cookies en hoe ze worden gebruikt? Bekijk dan ons cookiebeleid.HANOI -- For those who like to push the cutting edge of style, two of the world's most talked-about haircuts are now available for free, in Vietnam.

In honor of an upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Feb. 27-28, a Hanoi barber is offering free haircuts to anyone wanting to copy their distinctive locks.

"I feel happy with this haircut because people will think I look like the leader of North Korea," said nine-year-old To Gia Huy, whose hair had been moulded to perfectly match the slicked-back top and shaved sides of Kim's unique coiffure.

Le Phuc Hai, 66, dyes his hair to get a U.S. President Donald Trump style haircut in a salon in Hanoi, Vietnam February 19, 2019. Photo: Reuters

Tuan Duong Beauty Academy is running the promotion to Feb. 28 as thousands of officials and journalists descend on the Vietnamese capital for the second summit between Trump and Kim since their historic first meeting in Singapore last June.

"I was doing this for fun only but was surprised at how people have responded," said Le Tuan Duong, who owns the salon.

To Gia Huy, 9, and Le Phuc Hai, 66, pose after having their haircut in North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump styles in a haircut salon in Hanoi, Vietnam February 19, 2019. Photo: Reuters

"I love peace. I hate war so much. So many people in my family have died, so I support this summit very much," said Duong, who lost two of his uncles during the American war in Vietnam.

Le Phuc Hai, 66, said he was relaxing by a nearby lake when Duong asked if he would like to get his hair cut, and dyed, like Trump's.

To Gia Huy, 9, has a haircut in a North Korean leader Kim Jong Un style in a haircut salon in Hanoi, Vietnam February 19, 2019. Photo: Reuters

Hai agreed, out of curiosity.

"I'm not afraid of this bright orange hair color because after this promotional campaign, the hair salon owner said he would return my hair to normal," Hai said.

To Gia Huy, 9, has a haircut in a North Korean leader Kim Jong Un style in a haircut salon in Hanoi, Vietnam February 19, 2019. Photo: Reuters

"I like Donald Trump's haircut. It looks great and it fits my age," said Hai.

Huy, the nine-year-old Kim lookalike, said he was happy with his haircut though none of his schoolmates would be able to pull off the look.

"No one in my class is as fat as me," Huy said.A ceremony was held in Hanoi on Wednesday morning to welcome President of Argentina Mauricio Macri, who is on his first state visit to Vietnam to deepen the ties between the two countries, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

President Macri and his spouse, who are visiting from February 19 to 21, were formally welcomed by Vietnamese Party chief and State President Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife.

The event was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, Vice-Chairman of the National Assembly Phung Quoc Hien, and Chairman of the Presidential Office Dao Viet Trung.

Following the ceremony, the two leaders held talks and discussed measures to boost bilateral ties and to elevate the current relationship to a strategic partnership in the future.

This is the first visit to Vietnam by Macri as President of Argentina.

The trip is considered an important milestone in the bilateral relationship, especially after the two countries celebrated the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties last year.

It also demonstrates the importance of Vietnam in Argentinas external policy toward Asia, and Southeast Asia in particular, especially after the Latin American nation signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in August 2018.

Two-way trade increased from US$1.4 billion in 2013 to $2.9 billion last year, the highest figure between Argentina and any Southeast Asian country.

The two sides are working to raise bilateral trade to $5 billion.

Argentina is Vietnams second-largest trade partner in Latin America, while Vietnam is its fifth-biggest import market globally.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!Thousands of Chinese-Vietnamese living in Ho Chi Minh City visited Buddhist temples and participated in colorful street processions in droves on Tuesday to celebrate the Lantern Festival, marking the final day of Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinese tradition.

The Lantern Festival, also known as Tet Nguyen Tieu in Vietnam, is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar calendar, which marks the first full moon in a lunar year.

It is a festival of great significance in China and other countries in the East Asian cultural sphere, including Vietnam.

On Tuesday, thousands of Ho Chi Minh City residents who are of Chinese descent went out to the streets of District 5, which houses one of Vietnams largest Chinese-Vietnamese communities, to celebrate the Lantern Festival.

Many flocked to visit pagodas and Buddhist temples to pray for a good year while others joined street processions to observe the occasion.

Colorful street performances of dragon and lion dances were cheered on by a crowd of audiences on Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street in District 5.

Some festival goers dressed up as fictional characters in classic Chinese novels such as Journey to the West, creating a festive ambience.

A dragon and lion dance in Ho Chi Minh City during the Lantern Festival on February 19, 2019. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Festival goers dress up as characters in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West during the Lantern Festival celebration in Ho Chi Minh City on February 19, 2019. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

People join a street procession during the Lantern Festival celebration in Ho Chi Minh City on February 19, 2019. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

People offer incense and prayers at a Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City during the Lantern Festival on February 19, 2019. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!A major university in Ho Chi Minh City will offer a tuition-free academic program on robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) this year, making itself the first higher education institution in Vietnam to make this decision.

The Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education plans to waive all tuition fees only for the 20 students following the program, according to Nguyen Truong Thinh, dean of the schools mechanical engineering faculty.

Eligible candidates must score 24 and above in the entrance test, and those who come from selective high schools or have won awards at science and technology competitions will receive priority, Thinh revealed.

The undergraduates are expected to learn relatively new subjects in Vietnam such as industrial robot systems, self-driving vehicles, big data, biomedical robots, virtual reality and human-robot interaction.

The students will spend the entire final year of the four-year program on placement in companies and doing graduation theses, the dean said.

He emphasized that a number of enterprises told the university to send the robotics and AI graduates to them, well prior to the programs launch around July this year.

The university has readied itself for the training by contracting highly qualified lecturers and building research laboratories for the purpose, president Do Van Dung said.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!Vietnams Ministry of Trade and Industry has issued a warning about products made overseas that are wrongly labeled as made in Vietnam in order to enjoy favorable tax when exported to a third country, which not only hurts the reputation of authentic Vietnamese products but also subjects local goods to trade defense lawsuits.

The most common origin of such products is China, which shares its southern border with Vietnam through which Chinese goods are often headed southward for labeling before being exported to a third nation.

In the context of an ongoing trade war between China and the U.S., it is even more likely that this illegal activity will only get more rampant, according to Diep Thanh Kiet, vice-president of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO).

In many cases, Vietnamese enterprises are not fully aware that they are abetting the offense, Kiet said.

When you look at the handbag industry, for example, an item is only considered domestically produced if all the manufacturing steps involved, including cutting, sewing and packaging, are done in Vietnam, Kiet explained.

If a [Vietnamese] enterprise imports pre-cut materials from China, sews and packages them, the finished items are not considered made in Vietnam, he added.

Many local businesses are not aware that by labeling such products with made in Vietnam tags, they are involving themselves in illegal transshipment activities, the vice-president said.

Some Chinese exporters ship finished items to Vietnam for labeling, or even invest in local factories for their manufacturing, using ingredients imported from China to avoid heavy taxes imposed on Chinese exports.

The cost of building a medium-sized handbag factory in Vietnam is only around US$200,000, a breeze for Chinese companies considering the immense benefit it brings, Kiet said.

In other cases, Vietnamese companies intentionally purchase from China and re-label the products as if they were domestically produced because it is hugely more profitable to do so than to manufacture everything from scratch, according to Ly Thanh Sinh, general director of a Ho Chi Minh City-based garment company.

Importing from China can cost half as much as manufacturing, so it is understandable that Vietnamese companies are enthused by the prospects, Sinh said.

Fake labels of even the most famous fashion brands can be bought from most major wholesale garment markets in Ho Chi Minh City, Sinh said.

According to Sinh, only the company knows if it iss selling Chinese-made items, as the activity is rarely discovered.

A pair of sneakers of unclear origin is labeled as 'made in Vietnam. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

Grave consequences

Tran Thanh Hai, deputy director of Vietnams Department of Exports and Imports, said the fraudulent labeling of foreign goods as Vietnam-made not only negatively affects individual products but also has grave consequences for domestic production and damages the reputation and competitiveness of Vietnams manufacturing industry as a whole.

Some members of international bodies such as the World Trade Organization, of which Vietnam is a member, have already employed trade defense tactics such as launching anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations against Vietnam to protect their domestic production as a result of Chinese companies using the Southeast Asian country as a front to get their exports into these markets.

If a violation is found, all Vietnamese goods in the same category are likely to be subject to the same tax rates as Chinese goods, which would hurt exports.

As of November 2018, 19 investigations had been launched against Vietnamese exports by the European Union, Turkey, the U.S., and Brazil, according to statistics from the Department of Exports and Imports.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!An national nonprofit wants to cover Tucson with agaves to help the migratory bats that stop here every summer.Bruce Pascoe evaluates what's gone wrong during Arizona's losing streak, and which facets the Wildcats have actually improved upon.OPINION: "I am disheartened by our current administrations pattern of blanket giveaways, as opposed to judiciously allocating the funds to where they are most needed," writes Tucsonan John Newport.This is an open letter to all the anti-vac people out there. I am old enough to remember when we eliminated Polio because everyone got treatedU.S. Border Patrol agents detained 103 illegal immigrants that made their way into the U.S. from Central America Monday morning, officials say.

The agents stationed in Ajo, Arizona found the group west of Lukeville, consisting of 81 Guatemalans and 22 Hondurans whose ages ranged from one to 56 years old, an agency news release said.

Agents reported 59 minors were in the group. Eight of them were unaccompanied.

Mobile surveillance technology captured the group crossing the anti-vehicle fencing and agents encountered them less than 50 yards from the border.

Ajo #USBP apprehended 103 people in a remote area of the desert where there is minimal security infrastructure. #AlwaysVigilant @CBP. Details https://t.co/XsvhzQ5DUr pic.twitter.com/fwKLS1kwr5  CBP Arizona (@CBPArizona) February 20, 2019

Contact Star reporter Shaq Davis at 573-4218 or sdavis@tucson.com On Twitter: @ShaqDavis1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.A mobile home fire early Wednesday morning has displaced the residents living in the home on the 1000 block of Prince Road, officials say.

Fire crews responded to the fire just before 4 a.m. and found the mobile home burning heavily, according to a Tucson Fire Department press release. The occupants had already evacuated the home.

Crews controlled the fire in 22 minutes and were able to prevent it from spreading to other homes, the press release says.

There were no injuries to residents or firefighters. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

There is no more information at this time.

Contact reporter Danyelle Khmara at dkhmara@tucson.com or 573-4223. On Twitter: @DanyelleKhmara

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.The Reid Park Zoo is gearing up to welcome another big bundle of joy after announcing Semba, an African elephant, is pregnant again.

The 29-year-old elephant is expecting her fourth calf by spring 2020. The gender is not known just yet, but Semba is a healthy 6,960 pounds and on track for another healthy delivery, the zoo said.

The animal care staff is watching her carefully to make sure she gets the proper vitamins and minerals and regular checkups.

Once she gives birth, the naming of the calf will soon follow, as it was for Nandi, whose name means sweet or fun in the Zulu language. The name was picked in a public poll.

The new calf will be the second elephant born at the zoo, and the second born in Arizona. Nandi was the first, on Aug. 20, 2014.

The calf will join father Mabu, big sister Nandi, big brother Sundzu and Lungile, an unrelated elephant brought with the herd to the seven-acre exhibit in 2012.

Sundzu was born in San Diego when Semba lived there.

The public can watch the elephants play and interact at the zoos Expedition Tanzania, which features a 90,000-gallon pool, every day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Contact Star reporter Shaq Davis at 573-4218 or sdavis@tucson.com On Twitter: @ShaqDavis1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Use it or lose it

Bowers wanted to repeal the states long-standing use-it-or-lose it law, spelling out that if farmers dont use their water for five years they lose their rights.

It had been largely ignored until the tribe began asking courts to declare that some farmers in the upper Gila valley had forfeited their rights.

In more than two hours of testimony Tuesday, a parade of farmers from the upper Gila valley told the House Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water how the tribe is using that law to deny their ability to irrigate crops. The result is they cannot plant on some areas of their farms and are losing income, they said.

Bowers acknowledged that many of the farmers did not irrigate for at least five years. But that often occurred because the river changed course and washed away the land that was being irrigated.

He said the farmers then sought to divert those irrigation rights to other lands that, for different legal reasons, did not have rights. It was only then, he said, that the tribe decided to fight those efforts, citing the forfeiture law.

Shayne Earven, a fifth-generation farmer, said there are other reasons that farmers allow five years in between irrigating a field.It started with a nightmare.

I killed myself on stage in front of an audience that included my parents, Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour said describing the dream in an interview with The Guardian.

When he wrote it in 2010, Soleimanpour had had his passport taken away because he had refused to serve in the military. He was a geographic prisoner, a sort of nightmare in itself.

So he wrote White Rabbit Red Rabbit, which Invisible Theatre stages over four nights, each night with a different actor.

And here are a few more nightmarish things about it: The actors have no rehearsal, there is no director or set, and they dont see the script until they step onstage to perform it.

And get this: That play, that concept, has won hearts and minds around the world. It has been translated into more than 20 languages and been performed by some of the biggest names in theater today, including Daniel Radcliffe, Cynthia Nixon, F. Murray Abraham and Brian Stokes Mitchell.

While it is a play for one actor, that performer wont always be alone on stage: audience members are invited to come up and join the actor.Every day that a parent sends their child off to school, they do so under the assumption that their child will be treated with respect and kindness from their teachers and school staff. This expectation is even greater for students in special education programs, whose needs are unique and whose teachers should be prepared to meet those challenges.

When one teacher or staff member violates this trust, it can cast a negative light on an entire school or school district.

That is exactly what happened when staff in the special education department at Manor Heights Elementary were found exchanging text messages, photos and videos mocking their students.

The educators shared a photo of a childs naked buttocks and said she should be hosed down because she was filthy. They took a video of a student behind a closed door asking to be let out. They encouraged one another to antagonize a student with behavioral issues and mocked the financial status of the mother of two children with autism.

If this is how these educators treated students behind their backs, its hard to imagine they were dedicated to meeting the childrens individual needs and helping them succeed in the classroom.CODY  The first time Cameron Sholly worked at Yellowstone National Park he was a lower grade employee than he is now.

The new superintendent of the worlds oldest national park is 49. When he worked in the maintenance division he was in his early 20s. In his new assignment, Sholly, who succeeded Dan Wenk last fall, will have a broader perspective, being responsible for just about everybody and everything as opposed to just picking up trash.

A career National Park Service executive, Sholly is the front man for the most beloved and best-known Park in the system. He speaks for the other workers, the bears, the bison, the wolves and the other inhabitants of the 2-million-acre landscape, as well as speaking to the millions of Yellowstone fans who cherish the Parks mission to protect and preserve for future generations.

People take a lot of pride in it, Sholly said in a recent interview. It is one of the few places in the Lower 48 states where Americans can view the type of wildlife up close that roamed the West a century-and-a-half ago. I think a lot of it is the diversity and the wilderness of this park.The bill also includes a local option tax provision, which would allow communities to opt into an up to 2 percent increase to the 5 percent lodging tax  three percent of which goes to the state, two percent of which goes to local governments  to fund their own local tourism initiatives.

HB-66 is not the first lodging tax to be considered by the Legislature. A 1 percent lodging and hospitality tax that was considered in the 2018 budget session failed, largely because many in the Legislature saw it as a tax imposed on Wyoming residents, as well as the out-of-staters the bill sponsors hope to be targeting with the passage of HB-66. Lawmakers anticipate that demographic will pay 80 percent of the tax, though that number has been disputed.

Would I stand here and tell you theres 100 percent buy-in from the industry? No. But its darn close, said Rep. Pat Sweeney, R-Casper, who has decades of experience in the hospitality industry.

Unlike that bill, which was supported by the hospitality industry, HB-66 has been supported even by tax skeptics like Sen. Eli Bebout, R-Riverton, largely due to the industrys support but also for the bills ability to reduce the burden on the states general fund by millions of dollars.Washakie County School District No. 2 is facing a pair of investigations into disability-related accusations, according to federal records, while Sheridan County School District No. 2 closed a similar inquiry in December.

One Washakie investigation is related to FAPE  a federal requirement that all students receive an equal education  while the other is looking into alleged disability-related retaliation. Both investigations were opened on Jan. 18 by the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights, which handles inquiries into various alleged violations by educational entities that receive federal funding.

FAPE stands for Free Appropriate Public Education. It is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Disabilities Education Act.

Its unclear if the investigations are related. The Education Department does not comment on open investigations, and a message sent to Washakie No. 2 Superintendent Jimmy Phelps was not returned Tuesday.

A federal investigation into Sheridan County No. 2 for an alleged FAPE violation was closed by mutual agreement in December, district special education director Traci Turk said Tuesday. She declined to comment further.Opponents of the bill said that instituting reporting requirements, however, did not actually address the problems they were working to address, saying that the bill was unnecessary and an example of government overreach.

Whats the good that needs to be done here? asked Rep. Sara Burlingame, D-Cheyenne, who argued that whatever issue the bill sought to resolve was already covered under existing state statutes. The heart of it for me is this assertion that this is a bill that is not about abortion  because its about abortion.

Looking back to the 1970s and the aftermath of landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, laws introduced at the state level have sought a delicate balance between the rights of the patient, provider and state, Burlingame argued, and while Wyoming hasnt found that balance yet, House Bill 103 was not the legislation needed to strike that balance.

We do this with gun laws, she said. If there is a bill on the books and it addresses this very thing, lets look at that. Lets sit down with the people making these decisions in a rational way so people dont feel terrified and unheard.A Mills woman who intentionally hit her husband with a car last summer received a suspended sentence on Tuesday after the victim made a tearful plea to keep his wife out of prison.

Vanessa Lynn Buck faces three years of supervised probation, with the possibility of a four- to six-year prison sentence at the Wyoming Womens Center in Lusk if she fails to meet the judges demands.

Her husband, Charles Buck, broke down in tears while taking the blame for the incident. He said he had made crude jokes that drove his wife to anger, triggering post-traumatic stress disorder from violent experiences in her past. He didnt realize she was triggered, he recalled, and kept pressing her.

Assistant District Attorney Mike Schafer had pressed for prison time given Vanessa Lynn Bucks history with the law, including battery charges in 2004, 2006 and 2009. Schafer said Bucks husband had made a similar case to the district attorneys in his wifes favor, but the intentional violence of the crime was concerning, he said.

He still is a victim, Schafer said. He just does not feel victimized.

Buck also cried during her comments ahead of the judges decision. The couple had been homeless at the time and living in their car. Both the Bucks were under stress, she said.If elected, Kaufman said she would like to explore how the county can make the most out of the areas outdoor recreational opportunities. She also said she would advocate for more local control.

We talk a lot about how we want more local control and we havent necessary seen that out of the legislature this year, she said, explaining that legislators have killed many bills that were supported by the Wyoming County Commissioners Association and the Wyoming Association of Municipalities. I think it comes down to (the need for) maybe some more advocacy work and really outside of session, building the relationships and creating the story or the case for why those things are so important.

After the interviews, Bertoglio said all three finalists were strong candidates. But he said he believed Kaufman could offer a unique perspective.

We need a little diversity of thought, he said.

Kaufman won in a vote of 3 to 1, with Milne casting a vote for North.

During his interview, North said he believed he was the best candidate in part because he has remained involved in county affairs since running for commissioner last year.In her Exploring the Seven Wonders of the Modern World keynote presentation Thursday, shell talk about why they were built, what makes them significant, people who discovered them, and problems including environmental issues and numbers of tourists, which have doubled in some places since they were designated, she said.

Now, Machu Picchu visitors are limited to three hours at the site with a tour guide through only certain routes, and a tourist train from Cusco costs $100, she said. When she visited again 10 years ago, it was still as beautiful as her first visit, though much had changed, she said  especially the crowds.

Well, basically my conclusion is if you have an interest in exploring the seven new wonders, go now, Mueller said.

The humanities festival features an exhibit, Three Continents, of images by retired photojournalist Jacek Bogucki on display through Friday with a noon artists talk that day at the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery in the Casper College Music Building. The show includes photographs of his hometown, Krakow, Poland. Others he captured on expeditions through South America, some of which have been featured in National Geographic. Visitors will see photographs from Wyoming where hes made his home in Casper, which he fondly calls the little town on the prairie.The company had argued that its potential buyers had refused to proceed if the mine sale included the contract.

Clarke, Kemmerers newest owner, said in a recent interview with the Star-Tribune that the obligations to retirees were too costly. He said the majority of the former contract would be retained. Another of Clarkes companies, Merida Natural Resources, is a guarantor for the Kemmerer acquisition. Clarke is also acting as a personal guarantor, according to court documents.

The judges decision to dissolve the contract does not dissolve the union, which pledged after the judges decision to continue fighting for a favorable replacement agreement.

The union has noted that of the 1,500 people affected by the elimination of Westmorelands retiree health benefits, about one-third are former miners of Kemmerer and their dependents.

Clarke is a relatively new coal player. He was first successful as a businessman in the health industry as an owner of nursing homes. He has since dabbled in other industries and projects from hotels to iron ore. Clarke got into the coal business by buying Patriot Coals Appalachian assets during its bankruptcy in 2015.

Clarke was the stalking horse bidder on other Westmoreland assets in Ohio earlier this month. His bid raised the competing bid from a former owner of those assets. Clarke then stepped out of the bidding war. He said his involvement in the Ohio competition was part of his plan to obtain a favorable deal for his top priority acquisition: Westmorelands Kemmerer mine.

Follow energy reporter Heather Richards on Twitter @hroxaner

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The business news you need With a weekly newsletter looking back at local history. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.New Delhi: Kerala Tourism has launched a three-minute film showcasing the state's spectacular assets serene backwaters, tranquil beaches, traditional houseboats, exotic wildlife, relaxing hill stations and Theyyam artistes to woo foreign tourists to its shores.



The film, 'Human by nature,' is part of a marketing blitzkrieg to refurbish Kerala's tourism appeal, which escaped the fury of the devastating floods last year.

Kerala Tourism said the campaign, unveiled on February 18 by famed classical danseuse and actress Shobana, also celebrates the local people as heroes; it draws from "warm, authentic human stories" that travellers rummage through for a liberating experience.

The film offers a snapshot of the state through its catamarans, magical festivals and scrumptious cuisines.

Shot in enchanting locations like Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Arthungal, Chellanam, Fort Kochi, Munambam, Wayanad, Kannur and Thaliparambu, there is a surreal feel to the film that is both real and fantastical for tourists, Kerala Tourism said in a statement.

The campaign would run in Kerala's key tourism markets, such as the US, the UK, Gulf countries, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium.

Describing the campaign as a powerful multi-media outreach, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said it would act as a trigger to put Kerala on a higher pedestal in a competitive global marketplace.

"It will appeal to both high spenders and backpackers," he said.

Tourism is a major contributor to Kerala's economy and a significant source of foreign exchange.

In 2018, the state's tourism netted a record revenue of Rs 36,528 crore and the tourist arrivals stood at over 1.67 crore.Browning secures China move

Wednesday, 20 February, 2019



The defender broke into the Blues' first-team under Roberto Martinez and looked as though he could be a regular at that level before he suffered a long-term injury.

He has had loan spells at Wigan, Preston and Sunderland in the four years since but now has a new challenge in the Chinese Super League where he will play under manager Fabio Cannavaro.

Meanwhile, Brazilian-born forward Pedro Neves appears to have left Everton's U18s set-up and joined Reading.

About these adsThe government's plans for the agriculture sector clearly bear the mark of the Greens' politics.

The new president of the Chamber of Agriculture Guy Feyder is critical of the government's plans to increase organic farming to 20% by 2025, saying that the government is setting its goals without considering economic realities.

Feyder argued that organic products are only demanded by 1% of consumers. But is this number accurate? RTL's Jeannot Ries researched the topic.

A European study for the Organic Food Production Alliance ("Bund Okologische Lebensmittelwirtschaft") found that the market share of organic products bought in Luxembourg was at 7% in 2017 while Luxembourg only produces 4.2% of this consumption.

Despite official numbers suggesting that organic food consumption is on the up and up in Luxembourg, even the co-founder of Luxembourg's BIOG-cooperative Ander Schanck is skeptical of the government's plans. While he believes that the 20% mark seems to be a bit too ambitious to be realistic, he said that even reaching the 15% mark would already be a big win for Luxembourg.

Luxembourg's consumers are undoubtedly interested in organic produce. Luxembourg residents spend about 207 per year on organic products. This represents a relatively large share compared to other European countries, but one has to keep in mind that Luxembourg is also a relatively small market. In order to be able to market to a larger audience, Luxembourg's farmers would have to be able to process their own produce.

The BIOG dairy plant has been processing its own organic milk since 2016. Further products soon followed, from organic cheeses to organic ice creams.

During their expansion, BIOG also recognised their limitations: the organic marked is often also a local market, which means that French consumers prefer to buy French organic produce and Belgian consumers prefer to buy Belgian produce.

Knowing this, it does not suffice to motivate Luxembourg's farmers to produce more organic produce, the market also needs to expand in order to create a viable business market, according to BIOG's Ander Schanck.On 16 December, snowfall provided potential evidence of a wolf wandering the Koerich/Simmer area.

Both large paw prints seen in the snow and urine traces suggested the presence of a wolf. The Ministry of the Environment sent the urine sample to a specialist institute in Gelnhausen, Germany, which has now concluded its analysis.

Unfortunately, the sample sent to the institute was too weak for it to definitively conclude whether a wolf had been in the area. As a result, the answer is that the institute can neither confirm or rule out the presence of the wolf.

The sample lacked sufficient amounts of genetic material in order to clarify the question.

In July 2017, the Nature Management Agency confirmed the presence of a wolf in the area of Garnich, making this the first sighting of a wolf in 124 years.

The ministry reiterated that anybody with potential evidence suggesting the presence of wolves in the Grand Duchy should contact the Nature Management Agency at wolf@anf.etat.lu.Fort Payne, AL (35967)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun this morning followed by increasing clouds with showers developing this afternoon. High 84F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.Also, the overwhelming majority of homicides (82 percent) were not related to any other felony crime, such as rape or robbery. Most often, females were killed by males in the course of an argument between the victim and the offender.

South Carolinas present law does not adequately address the reality of todays relationships, affording protection to spousal relationships, divorces and individuals who share a child or reside together. There is no provision for dating relationships.

Based on VPC numbers, the protection of the law may not apply to at least a third of victims. That has to change.

Beaufort Rep. Shannon Erickson told The Associated Press that lawmakers recognize the shortcomings in domestic violence legislation and plan to do something about them.

"There is a lot of cohabitation that is dating and not marriage," Erickson said. "We're working on a legislative piece that changes the definition and adds a dating relationship into the scenario. The ramifications of leaving that particular definition out are large."

Lexington Sen. Katrina Shealy has introduced legislation in the Senate to expand domestic violence protections and allow protective orders to apply to those currently or formerly dating.NORTH AUGUSTA  The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources assisted the North Augusta Department of Public Safety in the recovery of a mans body from the Savannah River on Friday, Feb. 15.

Three divers from SCDNRs dive team recovered the body from a submerged car at Hammonds Ferry Boat Ramp in North Augusta, South Carolina. The next day, divers were able to float the vehicle and take it to the landing. SCDNR was the only dive team on scene.

It was determined by the Aiken County Coroners Office that the car had been submerged with the man's body inside since the beginning of December. However, the vehicle wasnt visible until recently because of river flooding over the past few months.

Members of the SCDNRs A.I.R (Aquatic Investigations and Recovery) dive team are sworn officers specially trained in the use of diving gear. Team members participate in underwater searches for drowning victims and assist SLED and other law enforcement agencies with evidence recovery in criminal investigations, in addition to their regular duties as state conservation officers.A local church-sponsored initiative helped less fortunate boys and girls in the Orangeburg community have a merry Christmas for the fourth year in a row.

The fourth annual Men of Hope Initiative was held Dec. 8 and 15 at Walmart on North Road. The initiative is led by the Deacon Ministry of Orangeburgs Unity Fellowship Community Church. The goal of the initiative is to invest in the lives of the children in the community in a meaningful and life-changing way. Guidance counselors, teachers and social workers were consulted to identify underprivileged boys and girls who could benefit the most from the initiative. The Dec. 15 shopping date was dedicated to special needs children.

It is a joy and a pleasure to witness the school district, church community, and the county of Orangeburg work together to help children who are in need during the holiday season, said Latonya Nelson, assistant principal at Sheridan Elementary School, who assisted with the initiative. The smiles on the parents and kids faces are what inspire us to continue with this initiative. The volunteers are all patient, caring, and loving which is an added bonus. We all give God the glory, honor, and praise every year for making this initiative a success.Two Vance parents are accused of not seeking medical care after their 16-month-old suffered second and third-degree burns.

Tara Queen Ester Thompson, 40, and Arthur Richard Shingler Jr., 50, both of 202 Noel Drive, are each facing one charge of unlawful neglect of a child. They appeared in bond court on Tuesday morning.

The alleged incident occurred on Nov. 14, 2018.

According to an Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office incident report, a family member reported that Shingler dropped off the 16-month-old at the family members residence.

When the toddler arrived there, the family member noticed that the toddler had burn marks on his legs.

The family member asked Shingler what happened.

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He allegedly told the family member that an iron fell on the toddler.

The family member took the toddler from Shingler and immediately began to give first aid to the burns, the incident report states.

The family member also noticed after a while longer that the toddler limped and then took him to the Regional Medical Center.Orangeburg

Department

of Public Safety

A Hampchase Circle resident called officers at 11:50 p.m. Monday to report a burglary, according to an ODPS incident report.

The responding officer noted that a window on the right side of the apartment was broken and the blinds were pushed into the room.

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A neighbor reported hearing noises about 15 minutes prior to the arrival of officers.

The neighbor thought someone may still be inside the apartment, but officers couldnt find anyone.

Officers determined that someone broke into the apartment, rummaged through several items and stole a television, a Microsoft Xbox and a Sony PlayStation4.

They searched the area around the apartment, finding an HDMI cable and a 12-volt power cable near the fence line. They also found shards of broken glass matching that from the broken window.

Officers collected DNA swabs from the scene.

The value of the stolen items is $1,300.

Contact the writer: mbrown@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5545. Follow on Twitter: @MRBrownTandD

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Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.If youre wondering what Orangeburg County was like about 200 years ago or at any point since, check the Salley Archives at the Orangeburg County Historical Society for answers.

The Orangeburg County Historical Society is located at 1421 Middleton St. in Orangeburg.

Orangeburgs own Alexander Samuel Salley (1871-1961), dubbed South Carolinas first historian, was the first person to serve as the secretary of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, now called the S.C. Department of Archives and History, in 1905.

Salleys love for South Carolina history was great.

Salley published about 70 volumes, in addition to a number of pamphlets, on South Carolina history.

When he took the position with the historical commission in 1905, the states historical records were in poor condition and he spearheaded efforts to arrange and preserve large amounts of them.

By the time of his death in 1961, Salley donated funds to the Orangeburg County Historical Society for the purpose of housing and archiving the countys historical records and other holdings.

In 1967, the construction of the building on Middleton Street was completed and given the name the Salley Archives.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}South Carolina is proud to have international manufacturers, like The QM Group, operating within our borders. This announcement is a great win for one of our rural communities, and I look forward to watching The QM Group continue to thrive there, Gov. Henry McMaster said.

Today, we celebrate the continued growth of another one of our existing industries. The QM Groups decision to further invest in Orangeburg County is a testament to the business-friendly environment that exists in Orangeburg and across this state, Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said.

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Were truly grateful to have The QM Group in the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park since 2005. The addition of their U.S. operations headquarters is very special. We value their partnership and growth. This is an excellent time to celebrate in Orangeburg County, and we thank The QM Group for helping us start off the new year with this tremendous announcement, Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright Sr. said.

On behalf of Orangeburg City Council, we congratulate The QM Group on their success and growth. We celebrate this latest expansion and extend our appreciation for investing in Orangeburg, our community and our residents. We wish you continued success in 2019 and beyond, Orangeburg Mayor Michael C. Butler said.This shortage in nurses needs to be addressed urgently and is not going to end anytime soon. The average age of nurses at SIH is 47. There are simply more nurses leaving the workforce than graduates coming in to replace them all while the aging population they serve is growing.

With this kind of private support and a need for nurses, SIUC can get its program up and running and become self-sufficient quickly. It will boost enrollment numbers and revenue for SIUC. More importantly, it will provide health care professionals for communities in need. Those students who graduate from SIUC with a focus on rural health care are likely to remain in Southern Illinois. Thats the same reason the SIU School of Medicine is going to have a group of its medical students spend all four years in Carbondale  they know its the best strategy to getting these new doctors to remain in southern Illinois serving the rural communities who need them.

SIUC wants and needs to operate its own nursing program. Currently, SIUC provides SIUE free space and covers the cost of utilities and maintenance. SIUE keeps all the tuition revenue for the students who enter the program in their junior and senior years. Most importantly for the SIU System, establishing an SIUC program will allow SIUE to reinvest the funds it spends on a satellite program in growing and expanding its school in Edwardsville.Both trustees expressed disappointment at not being able to continue the positive momentum they feel is building on the board.

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We had begun to solve the leadership issues. We separated the university from President Dunn, appointed a good interim and weathered the storm with the tragic loss of Dr. Montemagno, said Britton, who was appointed this past April. We had a real cohesive group at the end, and it disappoints me that I wont be a part of that.

The Board was thrown into tumult last year when internal emails revealed then-SIU President Randy Dunn colluded with SIU Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook to advance a proposal that would have shifted $5.1 million from the Carbondale campus to Edwardsville.

+8 Analysis: SIU president said he was neutral on campus split. Documents appear to tell a different story. CARBONDALE  Shortly after the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees voted down a proposal to shift millions of dollars to the Edward

He also helped Pembrook build political support for legislation that would have split the SIU system into separate Carbondale and Edwardsville campuses, all while keeping some members of the SIU Board of Trustees in the dark.

However, he included Trustee Amy Sholar in several controversial emails  discussing his criticisms of then-SIUC Chancellor Carlo Montemagno, his efforts to build political support for the reallocation vote, and his and Sholars support of the campus split legislation.Colleen Callahan was named director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Tuesday.

Callahan currently manages her own communications consulting firm after spending over seven years as state director for USDA Rural Development in Illinois. During her tenure, she oversaw a 20 percent reduction in staffing while still being able to generate a $1 billion increase in the Illinois loan portfolio, according to a news release from Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office.

Prior, Callahan served as the agribusiness director for WMBD in Peoria, a position she held for 30 years. She was the first female president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.

Callahan received her Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

She replaces Wayne Rosenthal and will be the first woman to oversee IDNR.

 The Southern

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0SPRINGFIELD  With more in the works for the new session, 12 bills became law last year as a result of a yearlong investigation by the Senate Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness and Prevention.

Task forces many times meet, and many times there isnt a lot of actual legislation that comes out and is signed into law, said Sen. Melinda Bush, a Grayslake Democrat who co-chaired the task force. So were really proud of the work that has been done here.

Surrounded by several other members of the task force, Bush and fellow co-chair Sen. Jil Tracy, a Quincy Republican, held a news conference Tuesday to discuss the task forces newly released report, and to detail some of the legislation that resulted from its investigation last year.

The outcomes included, among other things, legislation that requires lobbyists, legislators and state employees to receive harassment training; extends the statute of limitations for sexual conduct offenses; gives assault victims more rights at medical facilities; and requires taxing bodies to notify the public if an employee is fired for sexual harassment or discrimination.Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Toia praised the bill for maintaining a tip credit which allows employers to pay tipped workers 60 percent of the minimum wage if tips make up the other 40 percent.

A training wage for teen workers is also included in the bill, allowing employers to pay 50 cents to $2 less than the regular minimum wage over the six-year rollout to workers under 18 years of age who work fewer than 650 hours for an employer in a calendar year.

Small businesses with less than 50 full-time equivalent employees will also be able to take advantage of an income tax credit that allows employers to keep 25 percent of the increased money paid to minimum-wage workers from the previous year.

The 25 percent credit will decrease by 4 percent each year, leveling off at 5 percent for two years and extending an extra year for businesses with five or fewer full-time equivalent employees.

Lightford said an added benefit for business is the infusion of more money into the economy for those most likely to spend it.

Minimum wage hike would cost SIU Carbondale about $6.9 million annually CARBONDALE  Southern Illinois University Carbondale estimates that bringing the states minimum wage to $15 an hour would cost the school abo6 hours ago

| June 26th | 2021 6:00 AM

What to Do When Your Portfolio Bores You: Go Skydiving Instead

You're allocated, diversified and saving 10% or more for retirement. You (or your robo-advisor) have the rebalancing thing down pat. But you're a little bored. Life isn't all that exciting. And when Bobby next door makes money in some obscure cryptocurrency, you might feel a little, well, put out. Your returns aren't 400% like his. And so, you look into tweaking your portfolio.Since 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

Smart & Final Stores, Inc. operates as a food retailer in the United States. It operates in two segments, Smart & Final and Smart Foodservice. The company's stores offer fresh perishables and everyday grocery items, such as produce, meat and deli, dairy and cheese, grocery, and beverage products, as well as paper and packaging, and restaurant equipment and janitorial supplies. It also provides various private label products under the First Street, Sun Harvest, Simply Value, La Romanella, Montecito, Iris, and Ambiance brands. The company sells its products to household and business customers; restaurants; caterers; and various other foodservice businesses, such as food trucks and coffee houses through vendors and suppliers. As of December 30, 2018, it operated 326 grocery and foodservice stores, including 59 Smart & Final stores, 201 Smart & Final Extra! stores, and 66 Smart Foodservice Warehouse stores located in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, and Utah, as well as 15 stores in Northwestern Mexico operated through a joint venture. Smart & Final Stores, Inc. was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in Commerce, California.

Read MoreZoe Herrington, owner of Noble House Jewelers on St. Simons Island, and coming soon to downtown Brunswick, believes in investing in two kinds of jewels  those of the precious stone variety and those people who are treasured, esteemed or indispensable, but may fly under the radar.Dedicated to the Restoration of Progressive DemocracyCredit: Nest

Google's revelation earlier this month that Google Assistant could be used with its Nest home security and alarm system security was a surprise.

Why? Because the Nest Guard alarm/motion sensor/keypad never listed a built-in microphone.

Now, Google has admitted it mistakenly did not list a microphone as part of the product's tech specifications. Its updated product page now mentions one.

"The on-device microphone was never intended to be a secret and should have been listed in the tech specs. That was an error on our part," Google said in a statement to USA Today.

"The microphone has never been on and is only activated when users specifically enable the option," the company's statement continued. "Security systems often use microphones to provide features that rely on sound sensing. We included the mic on the device so that we can potentially offer additional features to our users in the future, such as the ability to detect broken glass."

Google's admission, first reported by Business Insider, comes as consumers increasingly find their privacy being encroached upon by technology. Last month, Apple said a FaceTime bug let users eavesdrop on conversations even if they didn't answer a group chat request. And Facebook is still reeling from the Cambridge Analytica scandal in which the personal data of an estimated 87 million Americans were exposed to manipulation for political purposes during the 2016 election.

Google's Nest has not dodged concerns either. Last week, some Nest security system users got emails requiring them to update their passwords and suggesting they turn on two-factor authentication after reports of hackers taking over home security camerasand scaring one family with a fake alert about an impending North Korea nuclear attack.

Google, which acquired Nest for $3.2 billion in 2014, announced the Google Assistant update for the Nest Guard product in a blog post two weeks ago. The update would let users arm their system with their voice and also control other products such as a Nest Thermostat and door locks.

"The Google Assistant on Nest Guard is an opt-in feature, and as the feature becomes available to our users, they'll receive an email with instructions on how to enable the feature and turn on the microphone in the Nest app," the company said. "Nest Guard does have one on-device microphone that is not enabled by default."

Security and privacy experts voiced concerns about Google's pronouncement at the time. Nest system users had been able to use Google Assistant but needed a separate Google Assistant-ready device to hear commands, security site CSO noted at the time. "I suppose it depends upon your outlook on if you are happy or creeped out that your security system secretly had an undocumented microphone capable of doing the listening all along," it said.

This isn't the first time Google has faced criticism. In August, the Associated Press reported that apps such as Google Maps will save time-stamped location data even with the location history turned off.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit digital rights group, offered its take about the Nest development on Twitter on Wednesday: "No product should ever come with a secret microphone, regardless of whether or not it's enabled. That's just bad security design."

Explore further Google says Nest security camera terror warning from North Korea was hoax, not a hack

(c)2019 USA Today

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Figure 1. Overview of neuroscience - robotics approach for decision-making. The figure details key areas for interdisciplinary study. Credit: Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences

Research groups at KAIST, the University of Cambridge, Japan's National Institute for Information and Communications Technology, and Google DeepMind argue that our understanding of how humans make intelligent decisions has now reached a critical point in which robot intelligence can be significantly enhanced by mimicking strategies that the human brain uses when we make decisions in our everyday lives.

In our rapidly changing world, both humans and autonomous robots constantly need to learn and adapt to new environments. But the difference is that humans are capable of making decisions according to the unique situations, whereas robots still rely on predetermined data to make decisions.

Despite the rapid progress being made in strengthening the physical capability of robots, their central control systems, which govern how robots decide what to do at any one time, are still inferior to those of humans. In particular, they often rely on pre-programmed instructions to direct their behavior, and lack the hallmark of human behavior, that is, the flexibility and capacity to quickly learn and adapt.

Applying neuroscience in robotics, Professor Sang Wan Lee from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST and Professor Ben Seymour from the University of Cambridge and Japan's National Institute for Information and Communications Technology proposed a case in which robots should be designed based on the principles of the human brain. They argue that robot intelligence can be significantly enhanced by mimicking strategies that the human brain uses during decision-making processes in everyday life.

The problem with importing human-like intelligence into robots has always been a difficult task without knowing the computational principles for how the human brain makes decisions in other words, how to translate brain activity into computer code for the robots' "brains."

However, researchers now argue that, following a series of recent discoveries in the field of computational neuroscience, there is enough of this code to effectively write it into robots. One of the examples discovered is the human brain's 'meta-controller', a mechanism by which the brain decides how to switch between different subsystems to carry out complex tasks. Another example is the human pain system, which allows them to protect themselves in potentially hazardous environments. "Copying the brain's code for these could greatly enhance the flexibility, efficiency, and safety of robots," Professor Lee said.

Figure 2. Brain-inspired solutions to robot learning. Neuroscientific views on various aspects of learning and cognition converge and create a new idea called prefrontal metacontrol, which can inspire researchers to design learning agents that can address various key challenges in robotics such as performance-efficiency-speed, cooperation-competition, and exploration-exploitation trade-offs. Credit: Science Robotics

The team argued that this inter-disciplinary approach will provide just as many benefits to neuroscience as to robotics. The recent explosion of interest in what lies behind psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and addiction has given rise to a set of sophisticated theories that are complex and difficult to test without some sort of advanced situation platform.

Professor Seymour explained, "We need a way of modeling the human brain to find how it interacts with the world in real-life to test whether and how different abnormalities in these models give rise to certain disorders. For instance, if we could reproduce anxiety behavior or obsessive-compulsive disorder in a robot, we could then predict what we need to do to treat it in humans."

The team expects that producing robot models of different psychiatric disorders, in a similar way to how researchers use animal models now, will become a key future technology in clinical research.

The team also stated that there may also be other benefits to humans and intelligent robots learning, acting, and behaving in the same way. In future societies in which humans and robots live and work amongst each other, the ability to cooperate and empathize with robots might be much greater if we feel they think like us.

Professor Seymour said, "We might think that having robots with the human traits of being a bit impulsive or overcautious would be a detriment, but these traits are an unavoidable by-product of human-like intelligence. And it turns out that this is helping us to understand human behavior as human."

The framework for achieving this brain-inspired artificial intelligence was published in two journals, Science Robotics on January 16 and Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences on February 6, 2019.

Explore further What is the value of a robot life?

More information: Sang Wan Lee et al. Decision-making in brains and robotsthe case for an interdisciplinary approach, Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences (2019). Sang Wan Lee et al. Decision-making in brains and robotsthe case for an interdisciplinary approach,(2019). DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.12.012 Jee Hang Lee et al. Toward high-performance, memory-efficient, and fast reinforcement learningLessons from decision neuroscience, Science Robotics (2019). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.aav2975 Journal information: Science RoboticsJames Unsworth, the former director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, has been named assistant regional director for science applications in the Pacific Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Unsworth succeeds Dr. Stephen Zylstra, who retired from federal service.

Unsworth was the WDFW director from 2015 until 2018. He had a tumultuous tenure at WDFW, one marked by workplace scandals and controversy over the handling of bear and wolf hunting practices.

Prior to coming to WDFW, he worked for Idaho Fish and Game.

Based in Portland, his staff will provide technical guidance, collaborative landscape-level conservation, and science-related funding opportunities to partners throughout the Pacific Region, which includes Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, according to a news release.

The opportunity to serve in a host of positions within state conservation agencies has been rewarding and instructive, and it has been my honor to serve the people of Washington and Idaho, Unsworth said in a news release. This opportunity to use my experience to provide effective, impactful, collaborative conservation to the American public will be as rewarding as it is challenging.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0If not to influence officials, why do they contribute to campaigns? Pelosi said her remarks were anti-Semitic. Omar is Muslim. Did that influence Pelosis reaction? Would a criticism of a pro-Irish group or Ireland be called anti-Catholic?

Omars comment, if it didnt contain a remark about the lobbys power, implied such. Pelosi and other politicians who react so strongly to Omars comments only prove the power of the Israeli lobby. Had Omar recognized the lobbys effectiveness, would she have been criticized? The lobby is so effective that many politicians, especially those in prominent and leadership positions, suppress not just criticism of Israel, but the truth. All definitions of anti-Semitic, unless they come from Israel or Zionist sources, make no mention of Israel. Pro-Israel sources apparently cant answer the message, so they attack the messenger.Trump would no doubt veto a resolution. But the fact that a bipartisan majority of both houses voted to overturn Trumps declaration would bolster the legal case against his action. As Justice Robert Jackson wrote in a concurring opinion for Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, presidential powers are not fixed but fluctuate, depending upon their disjunction or conjunction with those of Congress. When a president acts with congressional support, his power is at its maximum. When Congress has not spoken, there is a zone of twilight. But when the President takes measures incompatible with the expressed or implied will of Congress, his power is at its lowest ebb, Jackson declared. A disapproval resolution would make clear that not only is Trump ignoring the will of Congress, but also Congress has further expressly disapproved of his actions.Two of the three men suspected of planning a robbery that led to the killing of Kelso convenience store clerk Kayla Chapman last month pleaded not guilty at their arraignments Wednesday morning.

DAnthony Leslie Williams, whom police have identified as the shooter, pleaded not guilty to aggravated first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of meth. His defense asked for trial dates in mid-to-late May. Superior Court Judge Anne Cruser, while skeptical that Williams would actually be ready to go to trial by then, agreed to those dates.

Nenemeny Winter Ekiek, making his first face-to-face Cowlitz County court appearance in front of a judge, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and possession of meth. An April 26 trial date was set, although attorneys and Cruser indicated the trial may be delayed too.

Erkinson Kinisou Bossy, believed by police to be the driver in the shooting, is still in the process of being brought to Cowlitz County from the Multnomah County jail. He faces charges of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.After staying in a camp on an overgrown lot near the 300 block of 14th Avenue for about two weeks, the two met a group of men travelling to California by van. Miosek decided she wanted to leave with those men. On the recording, Adams said he was concerned one of those men, Diaz, had been trying to get her drunk.

At some point on May 11, Adams, Miosek and Diaz walked back to their camp. Diaz got in his face, Adams said, with a smiley  or improvised weapon made from a heavy object attached to a chain  at his side. (Under cross examination, McNew said police recovered the smiley but did not send it in for DNA testing, unlike the hatchet.)

Adams told McNew that at some point, Diaz told him, Dont feel bad, bro, my girl left me too, stepping closer to Adams as he spoke.

Adams told Diaz to get away, he said, but Diaz would not move. Adams described feeling rage, and the two were face to face when, Adams said, he hit Diaz in the head with the hatchet. The two men went to the ground, where Adams said he continued hitting him.

I watched myself swing, and Im telling myself not to swing, but I wont stop, he said in the recording. Miosek, who said she witnessed the attack, described it as traumatizing in previous testimony.Takko broke ranks with many of his fellow Democrats and voted against the measure to ban capital punishment because he said Tuesday there are cases in which it is appropriate.

Takko cited the case of Jayme Biendl, a Monroe, Wash., corrections officer killed by an inmate in 2011. The inmate was already serving life in prison without parole at the time.

Its frustrating to see those types of activities and have them not pay the price, Takko said.

The high legal costs around death row cases are created by the convoluted appeals process, which should be addressed rather than abolishing the penalty, he said.

Braun gave similar reasoning for his no vote Tuesday and said the bill is somewhat unnecessary given last years Supreme Court ruling. He said although he is sympathetic to the repeal, there are cases when it is appropriate.

Braun said that if the option of capital punishment is not repealed, he would like to see reforms to address the Supreme Courts concerns.

The bill has been referred to the House Public Safety Committee. If it comes to a vote of the full House, state Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, said he would oppose repealing the death penalty to keep it around for the most egregious crimes.The delights of classic chicken pot pie are manyfrom the burnished, flaky crust to the luscious, savory filling.

But putting it together can be a chore: Between making pie dough (which often requires pulling out a food processor), poaching chicken in one pot and building a gravy in another, and then transferring the filling and crust to a pie plate to bake, this comfort food requires a major time commitment, not to mention a battery of pots and pans.

We wanted an easier way and found our trusty Dutch oven to be just the ticket to get us there using only one pot.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces, were easy to work with and stayed moist through cooking. While tasters liked the deeper flavor provided by browning the chicken, they weren't keen on the crusty, browned exterior on the piecesit didn't jive with the luxurious, creamy filling.

Instead, we simply stirred bite-size pieces of chicken right into the gravy and turned to two powerhouse ingredientstomato paste and soy sauceto boost savoriness without being distinguishable in their own right.

To give our pot pie fresh spring flavor we swapped in leeks for onions and stirred in some fresh asparagus, peas, and tarragon after pulling the pot from the oven.Getting comfortable enough with cooking to mess with recipes and experiment on your own really, really helps. The day I used an orange instead of watermelon in a summery tomato, cucumber and feta salad, I felt like a genius; Ive never once since made it the real way (who has a watermelon lying around?). Switching kinds of onions or using a little garlic instead of a whole shallot isnt going to ruin anything, since alliums are all friends  and then youre working with what youve got, seeing how food can fit together in different ways.

Simpler still, recognizing food as food, in its entirety, is a tremendous step. Sauteing radish greens (just with olive oil, salt, pepper, a little nice vinegar) instead of throwing them away will make your day. (I did that after having them that way  treated simply and lovingly  at Sitka & Spruce.) A broccoli stem, when you think about it, is made of more broccoli: Just trim off the bottom, cut it into stick-shapes and steam it with the florets  any leaves can come along, too. (Hines Waste Not recipe for Charred Broccoli Stems with Anchovy Vinaigrette sounds even better.)Poor Kirsten Gillibrand probably thought she won over this potential voter with her canned talking points and phony charm. But this woman understands The Important Things In Life; Whats a salad without some ranch dressing?

Although it might have been more amusing if she had wanted some Russian dressing.

Via Daily Caller.

Democratic New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand made a campaign stop at an Iowa bar  but a local woman seeking some ranch dressing appeared to steal the show. Gillibrand was speaking to a small crowd at the Airliner in Iowa City when a woman cut through the crowd. When the New York senator turned to address her, the woman explained that she was just trying to get some ranch..The relocation of international organisations is a signal that the planned "safe zone" will not be as secure as is believed reports Al-Modon.

International organizations operating in the autonomous regions of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party have told their staff that they will relocate their headquarters to the city of Ayn Issa, north of Raqqa.

The headquarters of international organizations such as Child Protection, Mercy Corps and the International Red Cross are in the cities of Amouda and al-Malikiya in al-Hassakeh, on the border with Turkey, located in the area which is set to become a safe zone. According to some staff, international organizations have suspended all their programs in preparation for the move to Ayn Issa.

Not only did international organizations stop their development projects, but they also stopped supporting local organizations operating within the safe zone, which runs along the Syrian-Turkish border at a depth of 28 to 30 kilometers, and will not resume support, unless they move their projects outside the safe zone.

The decision by international organizations points to a belief that the safe zone will be a hot zone, since international organizations do not operate in conflict zones or in areas that have more than one military force.

Although the creation of the safe zone is not yet certain or defined, the conflict of interests between domestic and regional players suggests that it will become a conflict zone, which the United States is currently seeking to avoid.

An American delegation led by Ambassador William Roebuck has been visiting the areas of self-administration since Sunday. Roebuck met with Kurdish parties opposed to self-administration and also met with the leadership of the Peoples Protection Units.

The visit of the American delegation, which also included security and military advisers and State Department officials, was aimed at discussing with all parties the establishment of a new administration in the region, free of non-Syrians, in reference to the Kurdistan Workers Party cadres.

According to leaks, the United States is seeking to convince the opposing parties to establish a joint force of 18,000 fighters, involving all forces close to the United States, including the forces of Peshmerga Rogge Ava and elite forces from the al-Ghad Current, led by Ahmad Jarba.

The leader of the Kurdish National Council, Nemat Daoud, said that coalition officials explored their views on the future of the region in general and the safe area in particular, the nature of their relationship with Turkey and the opposition National Coalition and the Kurdistan region. He added that the American side had asked them whether reconciliation could be achieved between them and the Democratic Union. The American side told them that the region needed a new administration that included all components.

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 issue of foreign ISIS fighters has plagued a meeting of European foreign ministers, with the Syrian Democratic Forces saying that they could escape reports Asharq al-Awsat.

On Monday, European positions differed regarding US President Donald Trumps demand that European countries take back citizens who have joined the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and are now in custody.

The potential return of ISIS fighters from Syria was one of the major subjects mentioned and discussed by EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

Europe will not be able to respond unanimously to the US demand to repatriate ISIS fighters held in Syria, Austrias Minister for Foreign Affairs, Karin Kneissl, told Asharq Al-Awsat.

I think it will depend on each countrys vision on how to deal with this file, because some countries have a large number of fighters and others have very few.

Each country will also have to consider this subject in a legal framework, she added.

The Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Peter Szijjarto, told Asharq Al-Awsat that this is one of the most difficult challenges, especially after the great success achieved by the International Coalition in the fight against ISIS.

But we should first focus our efforts on cutting back the road for ISIS militants return to Europe. We can close the Western Balkans route and tighten external border controls.

There is a problem. We are aware of that in Europe, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said before holding talks with his European counterparts in Brussels.

If we want to find a reasonable solution, then we have to discuss this, not send tweets back and forth. That doesnt make sense, he stressed, criticizing how Trump raised the issue on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Kurdish-led authorities in northern Syria said they will not release detained ISIS fighters, but added that countries must take responsibility, Reuters reported.

Abdulkarim Omar, co-chair of foreign relations in the region held by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, said authorities there were holding some 800 foreign fighters. Around 700 of the fighters wives and 1,500 of their children are also in camps. Dozens more fighters and family members are arriving each day.

He said the detainees represent a time bomb, saying ISIS fighters could escape if the autonomous Kurdish-led area was threatened with attack by Turkey.

In an interview with AFP on Sunday in Paris, top Syrian Kurdish official, Aldar Khalil, said that it would be best for foreign ISIS fighters to return to their countries, adding that it if they dont, a tribunal or two could be set up to try them.

In response to Trumps request, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, addressed upon her arrival at the meeting in Brussels the issue of the return of the so-called captured European foreign fighters in northern Syria.

We might discuss that but, to my understanding, the call was for member states to take back nationals. It might be part of the discussion we will have on Syria, Mogherini explained.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.President Mustafa expressed his hope that UN Security Council Resolution 2254 will be implemented and that the de-escalation zone agreement in Idleb will be adhered to reports The Syrian National Coalition.

President of the Syrian Coalition, Abdurrahman Mustafa, met with Joel Rayburn, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Levant Affairs and the Special Envoy to Syria in the US State Department, to discuss latest attack by the Assad regime on civilians in several parts of rural Idleb.

President Mustafa stressed the importance of accountability for war crimes as an essential part of the political process that was set out in the international resolutions on Syria, most notably the Geneva Communique of 2012 and UN Security Council resolution 2254. He called on the United States and its allies to ratchet up pressure on the Assad regime, to force it to respect the Idleb ceasefire agreement and engage in the political process.

We are seeing continued deadly attacks by the regime in Khan Sheikhoun and Maaret al-Numan. It is important to preserve the de-escalation zone agreement. We hope that our allies will continue to exercise pressure on the regime and force it to respect the agreement and ensure it is implemented in full, President Mustafa said. He continued, We oppose all terrorist organizations without exception.

With regards to the political process, President Mustafa explained that the Syrian Coalition continues to support the formation of the Constitutional Committee as a gateway to the political process. It is important that the Committee meets the United Nations standards and be fair and balanced, he added. He expressed the hope that UN resolution 2254 will be fully implemented.

Furthermore, President Mustafa underscored the need of a consensus between Turkey and the United States, noting that the Coalition supports reaching a consensus between the two countries. We are pleased with this consensus and the developments that have taken place since the last meeting. What is more important for us is that the Assad regime, the Iranians and terrorist organizations are not allowed to fill the vacuum that will result from the US withdrawal from Syria.

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 Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women aims to protect women from abuses and secure greater levels of equality for them in Syrian society writes Al-Watan.

The war has helped create new social phenomena in Syrian society, according to a member of the cabinet.

The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Rima Qadri, said these phenomena were more common and worse in the areas that fell out the governments control during the war.

Qadiri singled out the violations against Syrian women, including child marriage, whether forced or voluntarily. However, she admitted that the child marriage was a form of protection for little girls from greater evils, such as murder or rape.

Qadiri was speaking at a meeting of experts from the Syrian Commission for Family and the UNDP, who gathered to discuss the plan put forward by the Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Qadiri said her Ministry and the Syrian Commission for Family are working on a report on the new social phenomena, outlining, many mechanisms that prevent the prevalence of such phenomena.

Qadiri said that the new Syrian reports will revisit the previous reservation Syria has made to CEDAW. She indicated that the new amendments to the Personal Status Law meet the international misgivings about Syrias position regarding CEDAW.

Syria has ratified CEDAW but placed certain reservations regarding the total equality between men and women.

A Syrian Family commission told Al-Watan that the new report will address some of the old reservations, particularly Article 2, which stipulates for the equality between men and women.

Shadia Mehrez added that this goes well with the Syrian constitution. She urged Syrian lawmakers to help in this regards.

Syrian MP Zeinab Khawla said efforts are still needed to change certain Syrian laws, including the rights of women who marry non-Syrians to pass on their nationality to their children.

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.In which a veteran of cultural studies seminars in the 1990's moves into academic administration and finds himself a married suburban father of two. Foucault, plus lawn care. For private comments, I can be reached at deandad at gmail dot com. The opinions expressed here are my own and not those of my employer.Officials with the New Jersey Sire Stakes have announced that the recent passage of legislation providing $20 million in assistance for New Jersey horse racing  both Standardbred and Thoroughbred  will mean a significant boost to the purse structure for the NJSS over the next five years.

This legislation will supply the New Jersey Sire Stakes with an additional $1.2 million that will be applied to purses for both the Premier Division and the Standardbred Development Fund, noted NJSS Executive Director Chris Castens. This will allow us to increase our total purse distribution by an estimated 75 per cent over the amount distributed in 2018. There will be across-the-board increases for each division. Castens added that final purses for divisions in each program will be established later this year.

The New Jersey Sire Stakes operates a two-tiered program for two- and three-year-old trotters and pacers. In the spring and early summer, the Premier Division, which is limited to horses sired by New Jersey-based stallions, is contested at the Meadowlands Racetrack. During the late summer and fall, attention shifts to Freehold Raceway where the Standardbred Development Fund (SDF) races are contested. SDF races are open to horses sired by New Jersey-based stallions as well as the offspring of any stallion whose dam spends at least 150 days in New Jersey, inclusive of foaling.

(NJSS)Red Bay Coffee founder Keba Konte first got into coffee as a way to promote his art. But in the 13 years since then, hes found, and showed countless others, that coffee is not only the perfect setting for art, its the perfect way to build community and create opportunity. Now Red Bay are planning an expansion across the country in 2019 to Philadelphia, all the while continuing to push the boundaries of what the coffee industry can be, and whom it can be for.

Konte, who had previously founded Guerrilla Cafe in North Berkeley and Chasing Lions Cafe in San Francisco, has been making coffee news for some time by using entrepreneurship to challenge the status quo. His third and most ambitious coffee venture, Red Bay, started out in 2014 as a micro-roastery in the garage under Kontes Fruitvale home (aka the Coffee Dojo). From there it grew into a roastery and event space in a converted factory just a few blocks from Fruitvale Station; a Kickstarter-funded cafe followed shortly after, made from a modified shipping container in uptown Oakland.

With Red Bay, Konte has incorporated a profit-sharing into the business model and is generally going bigger than any of his previous ventures. Through running a roastery as well as cafes, hes been able to explore the impacts that business can have on the sourcing side of the coffee value chain. I got into coffee as a way to create a platform not only for my artwork but for my life's work: being creative, organizing community, and trying to push my community forward, says Konte. While coffee was originally a doorway into this mission, Konte found even more behind the door than he had initially anticipated. I really got turned on by all the possibilities of impact, of being able to build teams, and the power and impact of sourcing.

One of Kontes guiding goals is to bring more equity to members of the coffee supply chain from its most underserved groups, particularly people of color and women. Most often, black and brown people are either picking the coffee cherries, handing off a cup, or sweeping, Konte tells Sprudge. So our mission has really been to fill in some of the career positions in the supply chain, from sourcing, roasting, and quality control, all the way to marketing, equipment, and software. This industry goes so deep.

In making that mission a reality, Red Bay also works to make sure their hiring pool includes candidates who have previously been incarcerated. One of the things that keeps me inspired is that weve introduced a lot of people to coffee who really never saw coffee as an opportunity for a career, says Konte. A lot of peoplenot just second chance employees but also a lot of other black and brown professionalsreally havent had the chance to think about how many technical and professional opportunities are spread through the value chain of coffee.

Another way Red Bay has worked to engage its community is through its events. The Red Bay roastery doubles as an events space and boasts a constant roster of innovative and accessible events and event series. The events, which range from breakfast popups to concert residencies to magazine releases to panel discussions to self-care festivals, are all coordinated by Jessica Moncada, who, in addition to her background as a wedding planner, is Kontes daughter. We try to do a mix of everything so everyone in the community can feel included, says Moncada. As a wedding planner, I worked with very specific people around their very specific visions, but when creating community events, you have to have the whole community in mind and reach out to people, and encourage them to reach out to you.

Some of Red Bays most successful events have been in direct response to community excitement; for instance, after the release of the film Black Panther in 2018, the space hosted a panel on black futurism. I just noticed that people loved to talk about the movie, Moncada tells Sprudge. So we had the panel, and then we put four chairs in the middle of the room and opened it up so that everyone could take turns sharing and starting new conversations. Its hard to have a group conversation with 80 people, but somehow it worked.

The company has had expansion in the works for a long time, and Konte and crew are excited to see Philadelphia get its first container cafe, which Red Bay expects to be open in the summer of 2019. After a string of racist incidents at Starbucks went viral in late 2018 and led the company to shut down its stores for racial bias training, Red Bays long-term expansion plans felt even more timely. Expansion is not just a reaction to Starbucks, but the timing of what happened there and whats happening all over the country definitely makes it feel a little more urgent, says Moncada. What we want to do is put less focus on Starbucks and what theyre doing to solve their problems and just give people alternatives.

Its certainly timely but also not entirely surprising that Philadelphia, the location that the Red Bay crew had planned as the first point of East Coast expansion, acted as a flashpoint for a larger conversation about anti-blackness in specialty coffee. The African American community in the Philadelphia area is both larger and much more underserved than that of the Bay Area, says Konte. I think theres a tremendous market opportunity to be found in serving and engaging that community as well as other communities along the East Coast.

Theyre currently hiring, and Konte is excited about the talent theyve already brought on in the area. While the coffee box should open this year, Konte also plans to open a Philadelphia roastery and event space in 2019. After that, they plan to open in New York and build coffee boxes along the HBCU line.

As the company approaches their five-year anniversary and preps for expansion, Konte is grateful theyve been able to have an impact on the specialty coffee community, their local community, and the larger business community. Surviving five years in business is not easy. I give props to all the small business owners and entrepreneurs out there who really start out undercapitalized, much like we did. Weve been able to build a working model that shows that creating a socially aware brand can really be a huge competitive advantage. It's a huge win to be able to show that doing good things in the world can also mean good business.

Running a business is hard, and Konte looks for inspiration not only in the impact Red Bay has had on their community and the individuals that comprise it, but also in his daily cup. Sometimes what inspires me day to day is just the simple pleasure of having a great cup of coffee, reflects Konte. The more you know about everything it takes to make great coffee from seed to cup and all the ways it could go wrong at every step, the more you know not to take it for granted.

Red Bay Coffee has multiple locations in Oakland and one soon to open in Philadelphia. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook Twitter , and Instagram

RJ Joseph (@RJ_Sproseph) is a Sprudge staff writer, publisher of The Knockbox, and coffee professional based in the Bay Area. Read more RJ Joseph on Sprudge Media Network.

Photos by Evan Gilman unless otherwise noted.We are sorry, but, the blog or user you are looking for can not be found.

Checkout some of the blogs in our showcase.Murder of journalist: How did Jan and Martina die?

Journalists working with Jan Kuciak described how he and his fiancee, Martina Kusnirova, were killed.

Former co-workers of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak, Pavla Holcova and Eva Kubaniova, wrote in detail how the culprits planned the murder and repeatedly visited Velka Maca in the Galanta district (Trnava Region).

The offer was straightforward and financially attractive: Kill a man in return for 50,000 in cash and the forgiveness of more than 20,000 in debt, the story starts. Zoltan Andrusko, a Slovak pizzeria operator, quickly accepted  a decision that forever changed both his life and the history of Slovakia.

The text, published in English on the website of the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) a day before the first anniversary of the couples death, also describes the last day of Kuciak and his fiancee, Martina Kusnirova, along with how they were killed.

20. Feb 2019 at 14:40 | Compiled by Spectator staffEurobarometer: Trust in police has increased since spring 2018

Improvement in trust rate is also due to arrests in the Kuciak murder case.

Slovaks trust more European institutions than the national ones. (Source: Jan Kroslak, Sme)

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Less than half of Slovakia's citizens see the current situation their country as positive, showed the recent Eurobarometer conducted in autumn 2018.

Still, the number has risen steeply to 47 percent since the spring of 2018, when only 28 percent of the respondents said that they viewed the situation positively.

People in Slovakia do not differ too much from the EU average when it comes to trust in EU institutions, with 43 percent of respondents saying they do trust them. Their trust in their own national institutions is significantly lower: 29 percent of respondents said that they trust parliament and 32 percent trusts the government. These numbers slightly increase in comparison with the spring data, where 21 percent of the respondents trusted parliament and also the government.

Most of the trust numbers confirmed some trends that have arisen in recent years, and they are in accordance with the events of 2018 in Slovakia, commented Pavol Babos , a political analyst from Comenius University.

What sticks out is trust, but the decline was caused by the murder of Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova, said Pavol Babos at the press conference.

20. Feb 2019 at 17:43 | Nina Hrabovska FrancelovaThe first and only Slovak astronaut flew into space 20 years ago

Ivan Bella spent eight days in space, experimenting with Japanese quails.

February 20 marks the day when the first Slovak astronaut, Ivan Bella (54), flew to space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The spacecraft launched from the space station exactly 20 years ago, in 1999.

"Being first is nice, but being the only one is hard," claimed Bella, as quoted by the Sme daily.

The flight took nearly nine minutes, and the TM-29 Soyuz spacecraft reached outer space with two other astronauts from Russia and France alongside Bella. He was the 385th person in space.

They spent eight days in space, working on several experiments, before landing in the snowy Kazakh steppe, the TASR newswire wrote.

In 2001, a small planet, Ivanbella, was named after him, Sme wrote.

Soviet debts

Read also: First Slovak astronaut hits space Read more

Bella would not have made it to space if the Soviet Union had not been indebted. The Russian Federation agreed that Bella's stay would be part of settling its debts towards Slovakia. The flight cost $20 million, as reported by TASR.

Within the training, he learned how to run the spacecraft, how to orientate himself in space, and how to survive for several days in any conditions if the spaceship landed in a remote area of the Earth.

Hatching Japanese quails

While in space, Bella participated in six research projects proposed by Slovakia's Education Ministry and the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV). The scientific programme went by the name Stefanik, and encompassed four projects in the field of medicine and two projects in biology and physics.

One of the projects was to hatch Japanese quails in the environment with no gravitational forces. In the end, the quails were brooked and transported to Earth. Three of them survived extreme weather conditions and winter when landing, TASR wrote.

20. Feb 2019 at 13:49 | Compiled by Spectator staffWhen does Tax Freedom Day take place in 2019?

People will spend more time at work to pay taxes this year.

Taxpayers will have to work 153 days to be able to pay all taxes to the state, the Deloitte company informed.

Tax Freedom Day takes place on June 2 this year.

"Slovakia ranks 11th in total rankings, which means that it belongs among countries with a lower total tax burden," said Lubica Dumitrescu of Deloitte, as quoted by the TASR newswire.

Nevertheless, moving the day by three compared to last year suggests that the tax burden is gradually growing, she added.

Tax burden for businesses

Read also: It takes companies 192 hours to fulfil their tax duties in Slovakia Read more

A number of amendments to tax regulations each year leads to the business community being unable to quickly cope with all the changes in real time, Dumitrescu claimed.

Many of the tax changes thus seem to be unsystematic and burdening, she added.

"They must handle a massive amount of duties, while many have a negative impact on their business in the form of high costs," Dumitrescu explained, as quoted by TASR.

Slovaks will work, more or less, the same amount of days as the Poles, Spaniards and Irish to pay taxes. French and Belgian taxpayers will work the longest. By contrast, Romanians and Bulgarians will spend the least time at work to pay their taxes.

20. Feb 2019 at 13:51 | Compiled by Spectator staffA Warm-Up Election

By Megan Gates 01 March 2019 Print Issue: March 2019

Despite concerns about the security of the U.S. midterm elections, most Americans expressed high levels of confidence that the systems in their statesand the nation overallwere secure from hacking.

About three-quarters (77 percent) say they are very or somewhat confident that their states systems were secure from hacking and other technological threats, up 11 percentage points from the share saying this before the election (66 percent), the Pew Research Center found in a survey after the election in November 2018. And while just 45 percent expressed confidence in the security of systems in the U.S. before the election, more than six-in-ten (64 percent) now say this.

However, some are still skeptical about the security of the midterm elections, which saw a record number of Democrats elected to the House of Representatives while the Republican Party strengthened its majority in the Senate.

About four-in-ten (38 percent) Americans say that Russia or other foreign governments definitely (9 percent) or probably (30 percent) influenced the congressional elections, while six-in-ten say foreign governments probably (44 percent) or definitely (16 percent) did not influence the elections, according to Pew.

The rise in confidence may have come from the flurry of activity leading up to the midterms to prevent cyber attacks against election systems. Microsoft issued warnings about nefarious activity targeting conservative voters, Facebook and Twitter announced major takedowns of accounts linked to suspicious activity, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) worked with state and local election officials to enhance election security.

Just prior to election day in November, DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and FBI Director Christopher Wray issued a joint statement on election day preparations.

Our agencies have been working in unprecedented ways to combat influence efforts and to support state and local officials in securing our elections, including efforts to harden election infrastructure against interference, they said. Our goal is clear: ensure every vote is counted and counted correctly. At this time, we have no indication of compromise of our nations election infrastructure that would prevent voting, change vote counts, or disrupt the ability to tally votes.

The officials cautioned, however, that all Americans should remain vigilant because threats to the system continue to exist.

Americans should be aware that foreign actorsand Russia in particularcontinue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord, the officials said. They can do this by spreading false information about political processes and candidates, lying about their own interference activities, disseminating propaganda on social media, and other tactics.

Following the midterms, Director of National Intelligence Coats provided the White House with a report about the security of the election, which was required under a previous executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The details of the report were classified, and are likely to remain so, but Coats said in a statement that the U.S. intelligence community did not see any indicators that compromised election security, such as preventing voting, changing vote counts, or disrupting the ability to tally votes.

The activity we did see was consistent with what we shared in the weeks leading up to the election, Coats said. Russia and other foreign countries, including China and Iran, conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns targeted at the United States to promote their strategic interests.

The intelligence community, however, did not assess what impact these campaigns may have had on the outcome of the midterms.

The U.S. intelligence community is charged with monitoring and assessing the intentions, capabilities, and actions of foreign actors; it does not analyze U.S. political processes or U.S. public opinion, Coats explained.

While there were some misinformation campaign efforts, Facebook attempted to thwart them by making explicit changes to its policies to ban posts that misrepresent voting information.

Facebook made the change in October 2018 after widespread criticism of how it handled misinformation campaigns on the platform in the runup to the 2016 presidential election.

In 2016, we were not prepared for the coordinated information operations we now regularly face, wrote Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a post on the platform. But we have learned a lot since then and have developed sophisticated systems that combine technology and people to prevent election interference in our services.

Some of the changes Facebook made included banning posts that misrepresented how to vote in an electionsuch as giving the incorrect election dayand creating a reporting option specifically for voting information that Facebook users thought was suspicious or a violation of Facebooks policies.

It also made changes to make its political ads sales more transparent to prevent nation-state actors from purchasing political ads targeting a candidate, similar to what happened in 2016.

Facebook has since adopted these practices for elections in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and India.

Now anyone who wants to run an ad in India related to politics will need to first confirm their identity and location, and give more details about who placed the ad, wrote Sarah Clark Schiff, product manager at Facebook, in the announcement. The identity and location confirmation will take a few weeks, so advertisers can start that process today by using their mobile phones or computer to submit proof of identity and location.

Continuing these efforts will be key as campaigning for the 2020 presidential election gets underway. This is because most election experts, including Christopher Krebs, a DHS official who later became the first director of the departments Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), think it will be a major target.

At CyberTalks in Washington, D.C., in November, Krebs, in his capacity as then-undersecretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate, said DHS was working through what an adversary could do to attack election infrastructure because the big game is 20202018 is just the warm-up.

DHS worked with state and local election officials to enhance their election systems before 2018 and into the future using $380 million from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). Recipients could use the funds to replace voting equipment, implement a post-election auditing system, upgrade their computer systems, put election officials through cybersecurity training, and other security-related measures (see Election Hardening, Security Management, September 2018).

And a DHS official who spoke to Security Management during preparation for the midterms said the department was using a risk management approach that were going to build upon in 2020 and beyond.

The official said DHS was working with its partners to mature the Election Information Sharing and Analysis Center and would conduct exercises with federal partners and state and local governments to prepare for the 2020 election. Security Management reached out to DHS for an updated comment but was unable to speak to an official due to the partial U.S. government shutdown that was in effect as of press time.

Despite the work that the department did to prepare for the midterms and the millions of dollars made available, John Dicksonprincipal at cyber firm Denim Groupsays he was underwhelmed with the resources that were allocated to address election security.

Namely, states and local authorities did a poor job of putting the resources in play as quickly as they could have, and they spread federal monies too thinly across a variety of needs, he explains. Sadly, much of that money was directed to buy new voting machines, which were not the biggest risk in my opinion.

Instead, Dickson says more resources should have been put towards addressing risks to the static election system componentsregistration and reporting systems.

Election officials should address threats to these components ahead of the 2020 election, Dickson adds, and adopt the same mindset that Krebs said DHS was using towards election security.

I recommend they view their election infrastructure as the Russians might, identifying the most attractive targets to address first, Dickson says. We also strongly recommend election officials conduct tabletop exercises, conduct threat modeling, and engage third parties to conduct penetration tests to mimic sophisticated nation state threats like the Russians, Chinese, or North Koreans.

And while cyberattacks to voting machines and reporting systems are a threat, officials should not underestimate how misinformation campaigns could be used to influence voters, according to Suzanne Spaulding, former undersecretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate at DHS.

Speaking at the American Bar Associations Standing Committee on Law and National Securitys annual review, Spaulding explained that Russian propaganda efforts to divide Americans should be a major focus ahead of the 2020 elections.

Weve seen that Iran is trying to wade in; we know that China is engaged in its own sophisticated operation with its own playbook, said Spaulding, who is now a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). But Im focused on Russia because so far its only Russia we see engaging in this scorched-earth approach to weaken democracyto weaken this country.

Russia used misinformation on social media to attempt to influence Americans who lean Democratic or Republican, which experts fear could lead to violence.

We cannot dismiss the seriousness of an adversary constantly pouring gasoline on the flames of division, hatred, and fear that can lead to violence, Spaulding said.

To curb the effect misinformation campaigns can have, Spaulding and a group of experts authored a report published by CSIS that recommended publicizing Russian misinformation attacks and increasing awareness of the threat to institutions.

The report also called for improved transparency into foreign adversary interference through campaign finance reform, foreign agent disclosure, and through promoting greater media literacy and understanding of government.

However, Spaulding said the recommendationsand government agency effortswill not be as effective as they could be without support from the Trump administration.

We need a whole-of-nation approach to counter Russias actions to try to weaken this country, and thats very hard to do if you dont have leadership from the White House, she explained.Hes a fired former FBI director. Shes a Spice Girl and recently departed judge of Americas Got Talent. Im not sure even Kevin Bacon could connect James Comey and Mel B. So why does Google think they have something in common?

Someone who may be less than up-to-date on the Mueller investigation (certainly not me) found herself Googling Comey on Tuesday, upon which she discovered this curious connection. In the so-called knowledge panel that Google calls up in search results for topics and figures of note, the search engine includes a selection of pictures and names that people also search for. For Comey, four of the five listed were the usual suspects: Rod Rosenstein, Andrew McCabe, Robert Mueller, and Hillary Clinton. But the fifth person whom people Googling James Comey also search for was, according to Google, one Mel B.

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Zigazig Lordy! The mind reels. How did these 2 become 1? Just when you thought things couldnt get any crazier, the Spice Girls are material to the Mueller investigation? Google, if its what you say, I love it! Thats getting ahead of ourselves, though. Surely there must be a more sane explanation. I reached out to Google to ask for precisely that. No one from the company got back to me, but Mel B did mysteriously vanish from Comeys results by the time I checked this morning. Gee, thanks, Googlebut bigger thanks to the screenshots, which last forever.

Even though the Mel BComey tie has now been severed, that it ever existed in the first place remains worthy of further study. It even puzzled Barry Schwartz, a news editor at Search Engine Land.* When I did some research around Mel B and James Comey, I found nothing, Schwartz told meno recent news that would connect either one, no references to the other on their Wikipedia pages, nada.

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As for where the knowledge in knowledge panels comes from, Mark Graham, a professor of internet geography at the University of Oxford who has written about Googles Knowledge Graph, told me in an email, Google is notoriously secretive in sharing information about where it pulls the various datasets that it uses to generate results.

When Google first introduced these information boxes, they were full of all kinds of errors, but these days theyre usually quite sophisticated, and when something that seems wrong pops up, theres often an explanation, Schwartz said. This seemed to be just another glitch. Graham added that while it was unlikely that Mel B ended up in Comeys results as a result of Google employee meddling, it might have been an intervention, possibly human, in one of the third-party data sets that Google pulls from. But how, and why!

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How did these 2 become 1?

In an email, a spokesman for DuckDuckGo, a search engine (and therefore rival of Googles) that focuses on protecting user privacy, hypothesized that Google was personalizing its results to me: [P]erhaps that result has something to do with your search history and the search history of people with similar profiles, since Google makes that data last forever. While I cannot deny that I and any internet browser associated with me have a long history of Spice Girls fandom, psssh. Obviously I asked other people I work with to duplicate these results before launching into investigation mode, and my colleagues in both New York and D.C. reproduced the strange Mel B/Comey nexus. Next!

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Alexander Halavais, a professor who studies social media at Arizona State University, had a more specific theory to offer over email: [B]ecause of Mel Bs job changeher Americas Got Talent departure was announced last weekshe is being searched by the same folks who are searching for the others. Indeed, if you follow the news stories for each, youll find Mel B in the headlines of the stories that are recommended. Huh!

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So maybe its not that weird after all. However, Halavais also had an additional note: What is a bit more curious is that the list of those who search for Mel B also search for  well, the sorts of people you would expect. The lack of reciprocity seems to suggest something a little strange. Basically, it says those looking for Mueller-investigation-related news are also interested in Mel Bs legal issues, but those who search for Mel B, on the whole, do not care nearly as much about hard news. 

So thats probably it: The Venn diagram of people (the heroes, I should say) who care about both James Comey and Mel B manifested the Spice Girl into Comeys knowledge panel. But I may just keep imagining that Mel B has something on Michael Cohen anywayit spices up my life.

Correction, Feb. 20, 2019: This piece originally misidentified Barry Schwartz as Bryan Schwartz.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.Greetings, Future Tensers,

Hollywood loves a good apocalypse story, from Planet of the Apes not-so-strange world to Interstellars crop blight to Mad Maxs oil shortage. And the proliferation of climate changerelated disaster stories in pop culture is no exception. Yet despite being inspired by some of the very dystopian-sounding projections of the realities global warming could bring, David Wallace-Wells argues that this new wave of movies never seems to get it right. He speculates on why this isand what might happen to the genre when we no longer have to go to the movie theater to see such disastrous effects.

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Climate change isnt the only thing we at Future Tense have been fretting about this week. Weve also been looking at the ways governments have been using and misusing tech. Hannah Bloch-Wehba explains the NYPDs misguided war on Waze. Faine Greenwood discusses why humanitarians like her are worried about the U.N. World Food Programmes new partnership with the infamous analytics firm Palantir. And Aaron Mak takes a look at how police departments are using reverse location search warrants to force Google to hand over cellphone location data on anyone near a crime scene.

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Other things we read while listening to Alexa read us Jeff Bezos quotes:

Subscribe and save? Will Oremus explains how Apples Netflix for news service could save online journalism, or spell its doom.

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Unbearable: Climate change isnt just bringing rising temperatures and extreme storms. For residents of a remote Russian town, its brought a new conflict between humans and nature: a massive polar bear invasion.

Safe space: April Glaser explains how the crackdown on websites like Backpage has left consensual sex workers feeling less safe.

To infinity and beyond: Daniel Engber looks back at Mars One, the space colonization project that never was.

Censored sickness: Is the reason why we forget the Spanish Flu because the heroes were mostly women?

HQ doom: How the campaign to defeat Amazons HQ2 in Queens may serve as a blueprint for further pushback against corporate expansion.

To Oppy, the little Mars rover that could,

Anthony Nguyen

For Future Tense

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.Judging from his negotiating stance with North Korea, President Donald Trump has either forgotten much of his best-selling book, The Art of the Deal, or, as his ghostwriter Tony Schwartz has claimed, he had very little to do with writing it. Trump is holding his second summit with Chairman Kim Jong-un next week, yet his bargaining stance going into the talks is, by his own criteria, appallingly weak.

In The Art of the Deal, Trumps style of deal-making is described as follows: I aim very high, and then I just keep pushing and pushing and pushing to get what Im after.

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And yet, in one of the many digressions at his Friday press conference, Trump said, of when North Korea might finally commit to denuclearization, Im in no rush for speed. We just dont want testing. Or, to translate his clipped remarks into plain English: As long as Kim maintains his moratorium on testing missiles or nuclear devices (which he put in effect five months before the first summit), he can take as long as he wants to disarm the weapons he already has.

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Not a high aim, and not pushing in the slightest.

At the same press conference, Trump didnt exactly push North Koreas two biggest allies to enforce sanctions more strictly, either. China, Russia, on the border, he said, have really been at least partially living up to what theyre supposed to be doing. And thats OK.

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Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping must be trembling in their boots.

Trumps book also contains this bit of wisdom: The worst thing you can possibly do in a deal is seem desperate to make it. That makes the other guy smell blood, and then youre dead. Hes right, of course. Yet from the moment he sat down with Kim in Singapore, back in June, Trump has been practically begging for a deala place in the history books, even a Nobel Peace Prize, for putting a formal end to the 69-year-old Korean War, with little care for the terms of such a peace or what it might entail for the U.S. alliances with South Korea and Japan.

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Ordinarily, one would hope that the secretary of state could help the president out of such a deep hole, but Trumps top diplomat, Mike Pompeo, is a pretty bad bargainer himself.

Trumps top diplomat, Mike Pompeo, is a pretty bad bargainer himself.

In a Feb. 13 interview with CBS, Pompeo was asked why the administration expects Iran to satisfy a dozen preconditions before the United States even starts negotiating a new nuclear deal, whereas North Korea gets to sit down with the presidenttwicewith no preconditions.

Pompeo replied, Weve made very clear that these situations are very different. We take each of them where we find them. North Korea today has weapons, nuclear weapons, capable of reaching the United States of America. This is a threat that President Trump said we needed to take on now and take on immediately.

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In other words, Pompeo was telling the rest of the world: If you have nuclear weapons, the president will talk with you, treat you with respect, even say the two of you fell in love if you write him some beautiful letters. But if you abandon your efforts to build nuclear weapons, then allow foreign inspectors make sure you dont try again, Trump will pressure you into bankruptcy, make friends with your worst enemies, and threaten to wage war on you.

The clear lesson for all nuclear wannabes with a gripe toward America or its allies: Build or buy a small arsenal of nukes as quickly as possible, and dont stop to smile or shake hands with anyone until you do.

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Pompeo also supplied further ammunition for those in the worldfoes and former friendswho regard the United States, or at least the current administration, as a pit of hypocrisy. Remember, too, he said, North Korea behaves very differently from Iran. Theyre not destabilizing Yemen. Theyre not destabilizing Syria. Theyre not conducting enormous assassination campaigns. These countries behaviors are different, therefore the way America is approaching resolving this.

Well, it would be quite a feat for North Korea to destabilize Yemen or Syria from a distance of 5,000 miles. But Kim and his forefathers have thrown a fair bit of fire at South Korea, assassinated a relative (Kims half-brother) on foreign soil, and tortured an American citizen after unjustly tossing him in prison. Pompeos good friends, the Saudis, have also done a lot to destabilize Yemen. Behaviors have nothing to do with it. Otherwise, Trump wouldnt be treating Kim, one of the worlds most murderous dictators, as a fine fellow and good friend.

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At his press conference, Trump said, A lot was done in the first summit with Kim, adding, We hope were going to be very much equally as successful at the second summit. Actually, very little was accomplished at the first summit. Kim agreed to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsulaa meaningless pledge, given the lack of a timetable or definition of denuclearization. In exchange, Trump agreed to suspend joint military exercises with South Korea, not just as a good-faith gesture, but because they cost too much.

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U.S. and North Korean diplomats have been meeting, off and on, ever since the Singapore summit, but they havent accomplished anything, mainly because the North Koreans knowTrump told themthat they dont have to.

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It is, and always has been, foolish to demand that the North Koreans dismantle their nuclear program. Nukes are their only assets on the world stage, their only bargaining chip for luring aid and investment, their only deterrent to a foreign attack. As Trumps own top intelligence officials have testified, there is virtually no chance Kim will throw that chip away, regardless of the return, because he regards it as critical to regime survival.

There are some worthy, feasible goals to work toward in talks with North Korea, including a reduction of its nuclear stockpile, a ban on continued production as well as testing of missiles and nuclear devices, and relaxed North-South tensions. But Kim must do three things before any of this can go too far forward: Present an itemized list of all his nuclear facilities, allow foreign official to inspect them, and sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. (North Korea signed the NPT in 1985 but abrogated it in 2003.) After doing that, much is possible: diplomatic relations, aid, investment, and more.

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One problem is, Trump has no idea how long this road will take to plow and pave. At his press conference, he said, North Korea and Chairman Kim have a tremendous potential as an economic force, economic power. Their location between South Korea and then Russia and Chinaright smack in the middleis phenomenal. And we think that they have a great chance for tremendous economic prosperity in the future.

In case you need further evidence than hes already provided in his presidency, this remark proves that businessmen dont necessarily know squat about economics. Location, location, location might mean a lot in New York real estate, but being right smack in the middle of South Korea, Russia, and China doesnt get you much in geopolitics. Trump has previously mentioned North Koreas promising beachfront property, as if he is aching to set up a hotel-casino with the right concessions. He doesnt seem to grasp the confluence of conditions (political, economic, sociological, cultural) necessary for the development of capitalismeven the sort of colonial capitalism that Trump has in mind. Nor does he understand that, in the interests of his regimes survival, Kim has no desire to cultivate any of those conditionsor to serve as a colonial subject.

If Kim agrees to extend his suspension of tests, and if he and Trump agree to set up consulates in each others capitals, well, this isnt the stuff of summitry, but it would make for a worthwhile meeting. If they agree to more than that, read the fine print carefully.The New York Times put out a big story Tuesday reviewing two years of obstruction-y behavior by Donald Trump toward the Justice Department. Some of the material seems quite incriminating, including a description of a not-previously-reported incident in which Trump allegedly tried to get the U.S. attorney hed appointed to run New Yorks Southern District to un-recuse himself from an investigation of attorney Michael Cohen in which the president was implicated. One of the storys other big scenes, though, is a description of the fallout from national security adviser Michael Flynns resignation, and its presented as if it includes some sort of smoking gun  except that neither I nor seemingly anyone else whos read the story can figure out exactly what part of it is supposed to be the smoke or the gun.

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Heres the section at issue:

It was Feb. 14, 2017, and Mr. Trump and his advisers were in the Oval Office debating how to explain the resignation of Michael T. Flynn, the national security adviser, the previous night. Mr. Flynn, who had been a top campaign adviser to Mr. Trump, was under investigation by the F.B.I. for his contacts with Russians and secret foreign lobbying efforts for Turkey. The Justice Department had already raised questions that Mr. Flynn might be subject to blackmail by the Russians for misleading White House officials about the Russian contacts, and inside the White House there was a palpable fear that the Russia investigation could consume the early months of a new administration. As the group in the Oval Office talked, one of Mr. Trumps advisers mentioned in passing what then-Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin had told reporters  that Mr. Trump had asked Mr. Flynn to resign. It was unclear where Mr. Ryan had gotten that information, but Mr. Trump seized on Mr. Ryans words. That sounds better, the president said, according to people with knowledge of the discussions. Mr. Trump turned to the White House press secretary at the time, Sean Spicer, who was preparing to brief the media. Say that, Mr. Trump ordered. But was that true, Mr. Spicer pressed. Say that I asked for his resignation, Mr. Trump repeated. The president appeared to have little concern about what he told the public about Mr. Flynns departure, and quickly warmed to the new narrative.

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Incidentally, the idea that Sean Spicer would worry about whether something was true before he said it on television seems farfetched, but maybe he was having a weird day. The bigger issue, though, is the Times implication that before this daytime Feb. 14 meeting, no one would have had reason to think that Flynn had been asked to resignand that such a narrative might not be true.

One reason thats confusing is that the Times itself reported within hours of Flynns late-night Feb. 13 resignation that he had stepped down because the White House told him to. As the news-archive site NewsDiffs documents, an NYTimes.com post about Flynn was updated at some time around 1 a.m. on Feb. 14i.e. before the meeting described in Tuesdays pieceto say that then-White House adviser Steve Bannon had asked Flynn to resign, which presumably happened with Trumps approval because Bannon wouldnt have had the authority to do so otherwise:

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Mr. Trump  had become increasingly concerned about the continued fallout over Mr. Flynns behavior, according to people familiar with his thinking, and told aides that the media storm around Mr. Flynn would damage the presidents image on national security issues. Stephen K. Bannon, the presidents chief strategist, asked for Mr. Flynns resignation  a move that he has been pushing for since Friday, when it became clear that the national security adviser had misled Mr. Pence.

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This weeks Times story, then, suggests there was something sneaky and surprising about Trump saying during the day on Feb. 14 that hed asked Flynn to resigndespite the Times itself having reported more or less that exact thing hours earlier in a story thats still up on its website without any correction or qualification.

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What makes the Times account even odder is that it doesnt mention the most prominently unresolved aspect of the Flynn resignation story, which is that the White House claimed (from the start, on the night of Feb. 13) that Flynn had stepped down because hed gotten caught lying to Vice President Mike Pence and other officials about whether hed discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Flynn had indeed discussed sanctions with Kislyak in a phone conversation during the presidential transition period, which acting national security officials flagged as suspicious when they found out about the discussion because they were intercepting Kislyaks communications. But it turns outas the Times and others have reportedthat numerous top Trump advisers knew as soon as the day of Flynn and Kislyaks conversation that they had talked about sanctions. Which undermines the White Houses position that Flynn was pushed out for having covered up the conversation and suggests that maybe he was set up as a fall guy in a (failed) effort to keep investigators and reporters from trying to determine whether the outreach to Kislyak was part of a larger sanctions-related quid pro quo between Trump and Russia.

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In other words, Trump does seem to have promoted a misleading narrative about Flynns departure from the White Housebut not one that has anything to do with who in particular asked him to resign, and not one that is mentioned at all in todays big report about the ways Trump has undermined the Russia investigation.

So whats going on? What does it all mean? Well, I have no idea! Ive asked the Times reporters who wrote the story for clarification, but they havent responded. And if you can figure it out yourself, Im on Twitter.The Supreme Court struck an extraordinary blow for criminal justice reform on Wednesday, placing real limitations on policing for profit across the country. Its unanimous decision for the first time prohibits all 50 states from imposing excessive fines, including the seizure of property, on people accused or convicted of a crime. Rarely does the court hand down a ruling of such constitutional magnitudeand seldom do all nine justices agree to restrict the power that police and prosecutors exert over individuals. The landmark decision represents a broad agreement on the Supreme Court that law enforcements legalized theft has gone too far.

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Wednesdays ruling in Timbs v. Indiana, authored by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is sharp and concise. It revolves around a single question of extraordinary importance. The Eighth Amendment guarantees that no excessive fines may be imposed, an ancient right enshrined in the Magna Carta and enthusiastically adopted by the Framers. But the Bill of Rights originally applied only to the federal government, not the states. After the Civil War, the 14th Amendment was ratified to apply these rights to the states, which had engaged in grotesque civil rights violations to perpetuate slavery. The Supreme Court, however, slowly applied (or incorporated) these rights against the states one by one, not all at once. And before Timbs, it had never incorporated the Excessive Fines Clauseallowing states to exploit their residents for huge sums of cash and property.

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They did so through civil asset forfeiture, a process that we would call theft in any other context. Heres how it works: Prosecutors accuse an individual of a crime, then seize assets that have some tenuous connection to the alleged offense. The individual need not be convicted or even charged with an actual crime, and her assets are seized through a civil proceeding, which lacks the due process safeguards of a criminal trial. Law enforcement can seize money or property, including ones home, business, or vehicle. It gets to keep the profits, creating a perverse incentive that encourages police abuses. Because the standards are so loose, people with little to no involvement in criminal activity often get caught up in civil asset forfeiture. For instance, South Carolina police tried to seize an elderly womans home because drug deals occurred on the propertyeven though she had no connection to the crimes and tried to stop them.

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Tyson Timbs is not quite so sympathetic, but his story illustrates the injustice of limitless forfeiture. In 2015, Timbs was charged with selling heroin to undercover officers in Indiana. He pleaded guilty. A trial court sentenced him to a year of house arrest, five years probation, and an addiction-treatment program, which helped him overcome his opioid addiction. The court also ordered Timbs to pay $1,203 in fines and fees. So far, so fair.

Prepare for a flood of litigation urging federal courts to determine when civil asset forfeiture crosses this constitutional line.

But then Indiana hired a private law firm to seize Timbs Land Rover, which he used to transport heroin. The firm filed a civil suit to obtain the car, valued at $42,000more than four times the maximum fine for his drug conviction. (Under Indiana law, the state and its chosen firm would get to split the profits.) Timbs fought back, alleging that the forfeiture constituted an excessive fine under the Eighth Amendment, applied to the states through the 14th Amendment. The Indiana Supreme Court disagreed, holding that SCOTUS had never incorporated that particular clause against the states.

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At oral arguments in November, multiple justices seemed incredulous that Indiana even raised that argument. Here we are in 2018, still litigating incorporation of the Bill of Rights, Justice Neil Gorsuch scoffed to Indiana Solicitor General Thomas Fisher. Really? Come on, General. And on Wednesday, every justice agreed that the 14th Amendment applies the guarantee against excessive fines to the states. In her majority opinion, Ginsburg traced the right back to the Magna Carta through the English Bill of Rights and the Virginia Declaration of Rights, all of which heavily influenced the U.S. Constitution. By the time the 14th Amendment was ratified, 35 of the 37 states explicitly barred excessive fines. And during debate over ratification, congressmen noted that Southern states were using punitive fines to subjugate newly freed blacks. The framers of the 14th Amendment plainly intended to incorporate the Excessive Fines Clause to rein in these harsh inflictions  almost reenacting slavery.

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In short, Ginsburg wrote, surveying this evidence, the historical and logical case for concluding that the Fourteenth Amendment incorporates the Excessive Fines Clause is overwhelming. She also swatted down Indianas fallback argument that the clause does not apply to proceedings over an individuals property, holding that these forfeitures still qualify as fines that trigger constitutional scrutiny. Gorsuch and Justice Clarence Thomas wrote separately to quibble with a doctrinal matter: They argued that the Privileges or Immunities Clause is the proper vehicle through which to incorporate the Bill of Rightsnot the Due Process Clause, as is generally accepted. This cavil has no bearing on the outcome of the case.

In one sense, Ginsburgs opinion is sweepingit finally opens the federal courthouse door to victims of civil asset forfeiture, like Timbs, who believe theyve been wronged. But Wednesdays decision leaves some questions unanswered. The court has already ruled that when the federal government seizes money or property, the fine must not be grossly disproportional to the gravity of [the] offense. Presumably, this same standard now applies to the states. But when is a forfeiture grossly disproportionate? Does Indianas seizure of Timbs Land Rover meet this standard? Ginsburg didnt say, instead directing the Indiana Supreme Court to evaluate the question. Prepare for a flood of litigation urging federal courts to determine when civil asset forfeiture crosses this constitutional line.

There is, regardless, a great deal to celebrate in Timbs v. Indiana. At long last, SCOTUS has put a federal check on states multimillion-dollar civil asset forfeiture schemes. People like Tyson Timbs will have a fighting chance of getting their stuff back when the states seize it for profit. The Supreme Court is unlikely to end policing for profit in one fell swoop. But on Wednesday, it sent a clear message to states like Indiana that the days of largely unregulated abusive forfeiture are over.The British governments decision to strip the citizenship of a teenager who joined ISIS in Syria is a rebuke of the Trump administration, is questionable under international law, and may unwittingly bolster the Islamic States propaganda narrative.

Shamima Begum was a 15-year-old high school student when she left her home in London four years ago with two friends to travel to Syria and join ISIS. British media outlets discovered her in a refugee camp last week, where she said she had been married to a Dutch ISIS fighter and had given birth to three children. The first two died from malnutrition and disease, and Begum says she wants to return home to raise the third in Britain.

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Begum did not exactly help her case with interviews in which she was unrepentant about joining ISIS, said she was unbothered by seeing the severed heads of the groups victims, and claimed the 2017 Manchester attack that killed 22 people at a concert was justified. On Tuesday, Begums family received a letter from the British governments Home Office informing them that she had been stripped of her citizenship. A government spokesman said the decision was made for the safety and security of Britain and the people who live here.

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With ISISs caliphate on the verge of losing its last sliver of territory, many of the thousands of people who joined the group from around the world are looking to return to home, creating a dilemma for their countries of origin. On Saturday, President Trump tweeted, The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them.. Begum was not a fighter and is not in custody, but the British governments decision in her case suggests it is in no hurry to comply with Trumps request.

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The U.S. is not immune to this dilemma either. The New York Times reported Tuesday on the case of two American wives of ISIS fighters who are now looking to return home and seeking to have the passports they destroyed reissued. Unlike in Britain, its extremely difficult for the United States to strip someone of citizenship, even if he or she takes up arms against the U.S. Even al-Qaeda commander Anwar al-Awlaki was still a U.S. citizen when he was killed by a U.S. drone in 2011, despite attempts by members of Congress to denationalize him.

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[Update, Feb. 20, 2:30 p.m. Perhaps I spoke too soon. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has issued a statement saying that one of the women, Hoda Muthana of Alabama, is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States. Its unclear if this means she was never a U.S. citizen, which would contradict her lawyers claims, or if she lost her citizenship by joining ISIS, which would be an extremely controversial move likely to bring legal challenge.]

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As the BBC reports, British law allows the government to deprive someone of citizenship if it is conducive to the public good, as long as doing so does not render him or her stateless. (The U.N. Declaration of Human Rights, and several subsequent treaties, prohibit depriving someone of nationality.)

This is a little dicey in Begums case, as she is not currently a citizen of any country other than Britain. Begums mother is Bangladeshi, which means she may be entitled to Bangladeshi citizenship. But Bangladeshs foreign minister today put out a definitive statement rejecting this argument, saying There is no question of her being allowed to enter into Bangladesh.

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She has also said she may apply for Dutch citizenship, via her Dutch husband, though its hard to imagine the Netherlands welcoming her with open arms.

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The U.K.s opposition Labour Party has opposed the Home Offices decision on the grounds that making Begum stateless is not just a breach of international human rights law but is a failure to meet our security obligations to the international community. Begum and her family will almost certainly appeal the decision.

Beyond the narrow legal question, there are other reasons to be concerned about the Begum decision as a precedent, even if you have no sympathy for her case. For one thing, leaving former ISIS members stuck in legal limbo in the Middle East could be a recipe for further radicalization and violence. For another, it serves the Islamic States toxic propaganda.

ISIS always sought to distinguish itself from other Jihadi groups through its claims to political sovereignty. That messaging highlighted its efforts to erase the borders of what it considered illegitimate states like Iraq and Syria, and ISIS often publicized videos of foreign fighters burning the passports of their home countries. So, the notion that British citizens ceased to be British when they traveled to join ISISthough not explicitly the governments argumentsupports the idea that the organization was something resembling an actual state rather than a group of terrorists and criminals.On the Feb. 16 episode of Slates Supreme Court podcast Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick spoke with Dean Risa Goluboff and Vice Dean Leslie Kendrick of the University of Virginia School of Law about Chief Justice John Roberts Feb. 7 decision to join the liberal justices in granting a temporary stay in June Medical Services v. Gee. The case concerned a Louisiana requirement that abortion providers gain admitting privileges in a nearby hospitala tactic deployed to undermine access to abortion. A transcript of their discussion, which has been condensed and edited for clarity, is below.

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Dahlia Lithwick: Lets turn to the Supreme Court. They handed down a pair of very dramatic stay orders a week ago, one in June Medical Services, which is a case related to abortion, and one in Dunn v. Ray, a case about an Alabama execution. I thought maybe we could start with June, which involved a Louisiana admitting privileges requirement. It was functionally identical to the admitting privileges requirement that the court struck down in 2016 in Whole Womans Health. Had it gone into effect, it wouldve shuttered probably a third of the clinics in the state. The lower court enjoined the thing; the 5th Circuit allowed it to go into effect. It wouldve gone into effect, but for Chief Justice John Roberts running to the rescue and joining with the courts liberal justices last Thursday night to put the stay back into effect. A lot of commentary in the weeks since suggests that this makes John Roberts a moderate on abortion rights. Which of you is laughing because youre going to have to answer? Risa?

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Risa Goluboff: OK, that would be me. Theres been a lot of commentary about what this means, and what does it mean for Chief Justice Roberts, what does it mean for the court, what does it mean for abortion doctrine, and I think these are continuations of the conversation that began when Justice Kennedy retired and John Roberts was in the center of the court if you lined everybody up ideologically. The question was What role would he play? because his center is obviously further to the conservative side than Justice Kennedys was in a number of issues, and people were wondering, would he join with the liberals, and under what circumstances?

I actually think this is the kind of circumstance under which he would play the role that he did play in the stay. Im not sure that it says anything about his views on abortion or what hell do if and when the court takes the case and actually decides it on the merits. I think there are two things going on, neither of which, I think, has a whole lot to do with abortion, though it might end up having a little bit to do with abortion.

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The first is  this was a 5th Circuit opinion really, truly thumbing its nose at the court in a case that the court just decided, Whole Womans Health, and, I think, thats not something you can countenance as a chief justice of the United States. The second thing is  and I liken this to what he did in Parents Involved v. Seattle School District in 2007. Right after he became the chief justice, he had an opportunity to overrule precedent in an affirmative action case that was fairly recent, and he chose not to. He narrowed and he distinguished, but he didnt do it, and I think he knows that the eyes of the world are on him and are asking the question, What will he do? Will this be a political court? Will there be five conservative justices who will rule conservatively every time?

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I think he wants to resist that, and he wants to make a claim for the legitimacy and neutrality of the court, and I think this stay gave him an opportunity to do that. I dont know that it tells us anything about what he thinks about abortion or anything about what hell do if and when the case comes to the court in full argument, but I think this was an opportunity for him to uphold a recent precedent of the court, which was in keeping with long-standinggoing back to Roe v. Wadea long-standing precedent of the court and to suggest that there is some level of neutrality in the court.

Listen to the rest of the episode, which covers issues of race in government, gender in the law, and religion and the court:A few hours ago, in a post about the case of Shamima Begum, the teenager who traveled to Syria to marry an ISIS fighter and has now been stripped of her British citizenship, I noted that this was unlikely to happen with Americans who joined ISIS, due to differences in U.S. law. It appears I once again underestimated the Trump administration.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying that Hoda Muthana, a former student of the University of Alabama at Birmingham who traveled to Syria to join ISIS four years ago and is now seeking to return home to face potential criminal charges, is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States. She does not have any legal basis, no valid U.S. passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the United States.

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President Trump then followed up with a tweet: I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!

Pompeos statement is a little ambiguous, but it seems like hes not saying that Muthana was stripped of her citizenship, which would most likely be illegal. (The State Department has not responded to a request for comment.) Rather, hes saying that she was never a valid U.S. citizen.

[Update, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m.: A State Department spokesperson confirmed the departments position that Ms. Muthanas citizenship has not been revoked because she was never a US citizen, adding, there are many reasons that an individual previously issued a passport may subsequently be found ineligible for that passport. The spokesperson declined to provide more specific information due to privacy considerations.]

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In a twitter thread, New York Times reporter Rukmini Callimachi, who recently interviewed Muthana, said that she was concerned her citizenship might be called into question due to a technicality. Although Muthana was born in the U.S., she is the daughter of a Yemeni diplomat, which would make her ineligible for birthright citizenship. However, Muthanas father was, according to her family, no longer a diplomat at the time of her birth and provided proof of this when she (successfully) applied for her first passport.

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Those technicalities are for a court to work out, but the politics of it dont look great given that just four days ago Trump demanded that European countries take back European ISIS fighters currently in custody for trial. Theres a recent traditiondating back to Obama-era debates about closing Guantanamoof U.S. politicians arguing against bringing terrorist suspects for trial and potential imprisonment in the United States, as if their mere presence on U.S. soil carried some risk of infection. Contrast this with the recent trial of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who the U.S. not only allowed but demanded him to be brought to the U.S. for trial. Despite being responsible for hundreds of murders and having escaped from prison multiple times, Guzman posed little discernable threat to the people of Brooklyn during the proceedings.

The Trump administraton might argue that Muthana, having traveled to join the caliphate, is simply not the responsibility of the U.S. justice system. But she was radicalized not in Syria but in Alabama. She is, vagaries of passport law notwithstanding, an American, and therefore remains Americas problem.On Tuesday, Justice Clarence Thomas made a stunning announcement: The justice wants to overturn perhaps the most important free expression ruling in the Supreme Courts history, New York Times v. Sullivan. That precedent, against which Thomas casually proclaimed war while voting to deny cert in the defamation case McKee v. Cosby, sharply limits the ability of public figures, including government officials, to sue their critics for libel. It remains the crucial safeguard of Americas free press, a bulwark against defamation suits designed to silence media outlets and chill public debate. If Thomas succeeded in killing off Sullivan, it would be, quite simply, the end of the First Amendment as we know it.

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Decided in 1964, Sullivan was a disturbing illustration of how public officials could exploit libel laws to censor their critics. The case involved a full-page advertisement that civil rights advocates ran in the New York Times in 1960 condemning the Montgomery, Alabama Police Department. Titled Heed Their Rising Voices, the ad solicited funds to defend Martin Luther King Jr. against an Alabama perjury indictment. In describing state law enforcements abusive response to civil rights demonstrations, the ad made several factual errorsclaiming, for instance, that King was arrested seven times, instead of four. It was, however, largely factual, and designed to alert readers nationwide of the police misconduct directed toward civil rights demonstrators in the South.

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In the early 1960s, only about 400 copies of the New York Times were circulated in Alabama. Yet Montgomery Public Safety Commissioner L.B. Sullivan responded to the ad with a $500,000 lawsuit, alleging that it had defamed him in his capacity as supervisor of the police. Sullivans suit was part of a campaign among Southern segregationists to hobble newspaper coverage of racial injustice. By 1964, Southern officials had brought almost $300 million in libel claims against the press for (truthfully) reporting on civil rights abuses. The trial judge who heard Sullivans claim had announced his belief in white mans justice and written a disquisition called The Confederate Creed. He found the Times guilty of libel; the jury then awarded Sullivan the full $500,000, a judgment that the state Supreme Court upheld. (These facts are detailed in Anthony Lewis famous book Make No Law.)

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When the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the New York Times appeal, the justices were widely expected to reverse the verdict. They did, unanimouslybut Justice William Brennans majority opinion went further than that. Brennan announced a new constitutional standard for libel claims against public officials under the First Amendment. To win a defamation case, Brennan wrote, plaintiffs must prove the defendants acted with actual malice. That means the defendants published an accusation with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard of whether it was true or false. Sullivan, Brennan noted, plainly did not prove the Times acted with actual malice.

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Among civil libertarians and the press, the courts decision was celebrated as a signal victory for the First Amendment. Philosopher and free speech advocate Alexander Meiklejohn called it an occasion for dancing in the streets. And rightly so: The decision effectively ended segregationists campaign to drive Northern newspapers out of business, or at a minimum, cut their circulation in the South. It also vastly expanded breathing space for the press under the theory that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open. After Sullivan, vehement, caustic, and unpleasantly sharp attacks on public officials could no longer be silenced through libel lawsuits.

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Thomas desire to champion the pro-censorship Framers is just as policy-driven as Sullivan.

Over the next few decades, the Supreme Court applied Sullivans actual malice standard to public figures who were not government officials, like celebrities. It also extended the rule to other kinds of lawsuits by public figures designed to punish the press, such as intentional infliction of emotional distress. There are certainly legitimate criticisms of Sullivan and its progeny; in a 1993 review of Make No Law, now-Justice Elena Kagan noted that while the ruling appears justified, correct, even obvious, it may arguably be blamed for increased press arrogance. There is also a strong argument that individuals who have been involuntarily thrust into a public controversy should not have to meet the high bar of actual malice to obtain damages for defamation. But the fundamental premise of Sullivanthat the First Amendment restricts libel suits brought by public officialsremains a bedrock principle of constitutional law.

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Thomas wants to change that. On Tuesday, he used McKee v. Cosby as a vehicle to urge the abolition of Sullivan and its many successors. The optics are savvy: McKee involves a lawsuit brought by Kathrine McKee, who accused Bill Cosby of raping her, and of defaming her when she spoke out. A lower court found that McKee is a public figure who must prove actual malice to obtain damages. She is obviously an extremely sympathetic plaintiff, and Thomas was shrewd to use her case to assault Sullivan. He described that line of rulings as policy-driven decisions masquerading as constitutional law and insisted that they did not align with the original meaning of the Constitution. Calling for the court to overturn them all, Thomas wrote: The States are perfectly capable of striking an acceptable balance between encouraging robust public discourse and providing a meaningful remedy for reputational harm.

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This opinion is startling in two respects. First, the Supreme Court departed long ago from a strict adherence to Thomas view of the First Amendments original meaning. Some Framers took a restrictive view of free speech, arguing that the government could criminalize criticism of public officials. Others, like James Madison, vigorously disagreed, and for decades the court has generally taken his side. Thomas desire to champion the pro-censorship Framers is just as policy-driven as Sullivan. (In fact, Brennans opinion did delve into the historical record and marshaled historical evidence for its conclusions.)

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The second, more disturbing aspect of Thomas opinion is his claim that states can be trusted to craft and enforce their own libel laws without First Amendment limitations. This assertion is patently false. Before Sullivan, some states allowed libel plaintiffs to triumph even if the allegedly defamatory statement was proved true, so long as it was published with hostility toward the plaintiffs. Moreover, defamation was both a civil offense and a crimeand the truth was no defense to libel prosecutions in many states. As Thomas noted, criminal defamation laws were intended to punish provocations to a breach of the peace, not the falsity of the statement. In other words, individuals could be prosecuted and imprisoned for truthfully criticizing government officials.

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Perhaps Thomas believes that, in 2019, states would not prosecute individuals for criticizing public officials out of respect for free speech. If so, he is wrong. In 2018, New Hampshire law enforcement arrested a man for criticizing a police chief online. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire has filed a lawsuit alleging that New Hampshires criminal defamation statute violates the First Amendment under Sullivan. Twenty-three other states have similar statutes that can be used to imprison critics of the government. Does Thomas view these laws as striking an acceptable balance between free speech and reputational harm?

He might. Thomas reportedly once said that one of the happiest days of my life was when I cancelled my Washington Post subscription, and he is famously hostile to the media. His views on free press appear to align with those of President Donald Trump, who has pledged to open up our libel laws. Thomas seems to agree with Trump that its time to let public officials resume censoring their critics through crippling libel lawsuits. L.B. Sullivan would be delighted.Cops and robbers: Today, the Supreme Court issued a rare unanimous decision against the abuse of civil asset forfeiture laws, which allow prosecutors to accuse individuals of crimes and seize assetsincluding, in some cases, defendants houseswith even slight connections to the allegations. While this judgment doesnt completely do away with the unjust practice, its an important step forward in national criminal justice reform, Mark Joseph Stern writes.

Foreign policy experience: Bernie Sanders is already gettingand dodgingquestions about his stance on the Venezuela crisis. In fact, the candidate has a history of tiptoeing around the abuses of socialist regimes in Cuba and Nicaragua. Leon Krauze explains why that might be a liability for him in 2020.

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Bigger Brother: News about the late-stage removal of an Ai Weiweidirected segment in the recently released film Berlin, I Love You has brought new eyes to the increasing Chinese censorship of media, writes Josh Keating: With the Chinese government carefully guarding access to an audience of 1.4 billion people, studios are desperate to avoid anything that might hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. 

Startups R Us: Shannon Palus interviewed the co-founders of Onward, a new and New Yorkbased breakup concierge service. In her words, it seems like an analogous service to planning all the minutiae of a wedding, but for a breakup. And theres a startup in Miami Beach, Florida, selling subscriptions to tap waterand it says it is definitely not similar to water fountains, writes Henry Grabar.

For fun: James Comey and Scary Spice.

Google yourself every now and then,

DawntheaLast Friday, President Donald Trump declared a national state of emergency at the southern border, adding that it wasnt one of those emergencies he actually needed to declare and then saying a bunch of other things. As he predicted, a coalition of 16 states filed a federal lawsuit on Monday night, seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the president from acting on his emergency declaration. As he also predicted, that suit was filed in federal district court in California.

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What Trump did not predictand probably could not, given his tenuous grasp on the legal limitations of executive authorityis that Mondays lawsuit is, at bottom, extremely conservative. The suit does not appeal to the justices empathy for vulnerable immigrants or question whether Trumps racist motives might undermine the declarations legality. Instead, it relies upon ancient principles of separation of powers to make a very strong case that Trump has short-circuited the Constitution. It is not a lawsuit about equality, or dignity, but about the nuts and bolts that undergird the constitutional lawmaking process. It is wonky, and formal, terse, and unromantic. And if the Supreme Courts conservatives have any consistency, Mondays lawsuit should persuade them to block Trumps wall.

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The 16 plaintiff states center their 57-page complaint around a basic argument: that the president has violated the cardinal principle of separation of powers by trammeling Congress will to achieve his policy preferences. Trump, the lawsuit alleges, has used the pretext of a manufactured crisis of unlawful immigration to declare a national emergency and redirect federal dollars appropriated for drug interdiction, military construction, and law enforcement initiatives toward building a wall on the United States-Mexico border. There is no objective basis for this declaration, as Trump himself has essentially admitted. Further, [t]he federal governments own data prove there is no national emergency at the southern border that warrants construction of a wall, and unauthorized entries are near 45-year lows.

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Much of the complaint details funding that will be diverted from National Guard and drug-interception projects favored by the states in order to build the wall instead. The plaintiffs say that grants them standing to sue in federal court since the president is redirecting money that would benefit their interests to a project that will not. But the states arent simply upset because they would have preferred that the money be used for military construction and law enforcement. They are upset because, they allege, the money has been taken from these projects and from their citizens to be used illegally.

Trump, the plaintiff states write, has violated the United States Constitutions separation of powers doctrine by taking executive action to fund a border wall for which Congress has refused to appropriate funding. By unilaterally diverting funding that Congress already appropriated for other purposes to fund a border wall for which Congress has provided no appropriations, the president has run afoul of the Presentment Clause.

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These problems ought to be catnip for SCOTUS  conservative justices.

This lawsuit joins a series of others that have already been filed by watchdog groups. While they all argue that there is no actual emergency at the southern border, that is not the gravamen of their complaint. Instead of asking the courts to second-guess Trumps intent, these challengers ask them to decide whether Trump had authority to act in the first place.

The answer, they assert, is no. The Presentment Clause is straightforward: For a bill to become law, it must pass both houses of Congress, then be presented to the president for approval. Yet Congress never passed a bill authorizing and funding the border wall Trump now demands. It never presented such legislation to the president for his signature. This is the stuff of Civics 101. Whatever powers the National Emergencies Act may grant to the president, a federal statute cannot override the Constitution. The executive cannot use funds Congress did not appropriate. He cannot amend statutes himself to create money for pet projects. Trump asked Congress for a large sum of money to construct a border wall; Congress resoundingly and provably said no. The National Emergencies Act does not give him leeway to contravene Congress commands.

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These problems ought to be catnip for SCOTUS conservative justicesparticularly Justice Neil Gorsuch. In his very first dissent on the Supreme Court, Gorsuch extolled the virtues of this pristine constitutional system. If a statute needs repair, he wrote, theres a constitutionally prescribed way to do it. Its called legislation. Gorsuch continued:

To be sure, the demands of bicameralism and presentment are real and the process can be protracted. But the difficulty of making new laws isnt some bug in the constitutional design: its the point of the design, the better to preserve liberty.

A year later, in his rightly celebrated opinion in Sessions v. Dimaya, Gorsuch hammered this same point home again. Under the Constitution, he wrote, the adoption of new laws restricting liberty is supposed to be a hard business, the product of an open and public debate among a large and diverse number of elected representatives. The courts abdicate their responsibility when they ignore the Constitutions division of duties between the branches of government. These structural worries form the bedrock of American constitutional governance, whose ultimate goal is to safeguard ordered liberty. These new challenges demonstrate that Trump is circumventing these structural worries and harming ordered liberty in the process.

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Theres also clear precedent for allowing states to take up this kind of challenge. When President Barack Obama tried to defer deportation for the undocumented parents of American citizens and legal residents, the Supreme Courts conservatives threw a fit. They accused the president of legislating from the Oval Office and acting without congressional approval. And they succeeded in blocking that program after Texas and 25 other states sued based on an allegation of the flimsiest of hypothetical harms. In that case, Obama was merely executing a statute that allowed him to set national immigration enforcement policies and priorities, not building a border wall by fiat in defiance of congressional appropriators. If a president can violate the cardinal principle of separation of powers by stretching congressional guidance, and the states can sue him for it, surely he commits the same constitutional sin against those states by flouting congressional commands.

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Litigants have learned well, after two long years of arguing over the travel ban, that the five conservatives have little to no interest in probing what lies in the presidents heart. They simply dont care about what might or might not be a pretext, or whether tweets should count. They want clinical analysis of formal constitutional authority and presidential power. California v. Trump offers that up on a silver platter: Whatever the president can dowhether his name is Obama or Trumphe cannot take funds Congress refused to appropriate and use them to thwart the will of Congress. No tears, no drama, no probing of the executives soul. Just the cornerstone of the Framers plan.On Tuesday, as part of the rollout of his second run for the Democratic presidential nomination, Bernie Sanders spoke with Univisions Jorge Ramos. After asking Sanders about his domestic platform, Ramos used the last couple of minutes to inquire about Venezuela. Do you consider Juan Guaido the legitimate president of Venezuela? he asked. Its a relevant question, not only because Venezuelas catastrophe seems to worsen every day and will likely become a complex diplomatic challenge in the months ahead for the United States and the rest of the Americas, but also because the U.S. president whom Sanders hopes to unseat would be more than happy to make next years election a referendum on socialism.

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Just this past Monday, a few hours before Sanders announced his decision to join an already crowded Democratic field, Donald Trump took the stage in Miami to deliver an impassioned condemnation of the Nicolas Maduro regime that quickly became a denunciation of socialism in general and a politically convenient warning for the United States. Socialism has so completely ravaged this great country [Venezuela] that even the worlds largest reserves of oil are no longer enough to keep the lights on. This will never happen to us, Trump said, continuing a theme he had broached during his State of the Union address.

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In his reply to Ramos question, Sanders declined to endorse Guaido and then continued guardedly: I think there are serious questions about the recent election, he said, referring to last years tragic sham process in which Maduro stole a second term. I think the United States has to work with the international community to make sure that there is a free and fair election in Venezuela. Still, Ramos dug further. Is Nicolas Maduro a dictator? he asked. Should he go? Sanders declined to portray Maduro as an authoritarian leader (despite ample evidence to the contrary) and instead settled on describing the Venezuelan strongmans actions as very abusive.

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The U.S. president whom Sanders hopes to unseat would be more than happy to make next years election a referendum on socialism.

This isnt the first time Sanders has chosen to tiptoe around Latin Americas despotic leftist regimes. In the 80s, Sanders traveled to Nicaragua. Upon his return, he repeatedly defended the Sandinistas and their leader, Daniel Ortega. (Michael Moynihan offers an excellent overview of Sanders and Nicaragua here.) Sanders enthusiasm for both Ortega and the Castro regime in Cuba came back to haunt him during the 2016 presidential campaign. Three years ago, during a primary debate against Hillary Clinton hosted by Univision and the Washington Post in Miami, Sanders was shown a video shot in 1985 while he was mayor of Burlington, Vermont, in which he spoke about Nicaragua and enthusiastically described how Fidel Castro had totally transformed Cuban society, providing education and health care. After Univision anchor Maria Elena Salinas followed up, Sanders acknowledged Cuba as an authoritarian, undemocratic country but then proceeded to praise the Castro regime, again, for its advances in health care (a dubious claim at best).

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A few days after the debate, Sanders appeared on CNN. When Anderson Cooper brought up the exchange in Miami, asking Sanders if Castros revolution had indeed benefited the Cuban people, Sanders tried to dismiss the question, pivoting toward the (admittedly immoral and tragic) history of American intervention in the region. When Cooper tried to get a straight answer, Sanders promptly accused him of redbaiting and repeated his condemnation-praise routine of the Castro government.

I personally witnessed Sanders discomfort and impatience when asked about the failure of the socialist experiment in Latin America when I interviewed him in Los Angeles toward the end of the 2016 primary season. I asked Sanders to explain whether the socialist model has brought Venezuela to the brink of collapse. Exasperated, Sanders dismissed my line of questioning and declined to offer an opinion. I am running for president of the United States, he told me, as if the position somehow impeded him from offering a clear evaluation of the Venezuelan crisis.

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It is entirely possible, of course, that the Democratic electorate will not care about Sanders history of ambivalence toward Latin Americas repressive socialist regimes. Capitalism has become increasingly unpopular among young Democratic voters, a majority of whom now express a positive opinion of socialism. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, arguably the countrys most dynamic political figure and a democratic socialist, worked on Sanders 2016 campaign and sees the Vermont senator as an inspiration and a mentor.

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Still, Democrats shouldnt dismiss Trumps political instinct so quickly. The Democratic primary is not the general election. Millennials and more decisively progressive voters might see the appeal of Sanders-style socialism in a time of disparity and social injustice, but the label could become a liability among older, more conservative voters in November 2020.

If he wins the nomination, Sanders old (and not so old) videos praising failed socialist experiments and tiptoeing around recent cruelties in Latin America will surely resurface, playing on a loop while Trump warns about the long-dreaded socialist takeover of the United States of America. This may be fearmongering, but Democrats dismiss its effectiveness at their own peril.Bernie Sanders kicked off his 2020 presidential campaign with a fundraising bang, raising a staggering $5.9 million from more than 223,000 donors in the first 24 hours after his official launch Tuesday. According to his campaign, that works out to an average donation of, you guessed it, $27.

As I explained last month, theres no authoritative record book for campaign launches. Candidates dont always announce their first-day hauls, and few professional observers paid close attention to such totals in the pre-internet days, when donating to a politician involved much more than a few clicks. The Great 24-Hour Fundraising Primary does not award any delegates. That said, Bernies figures are mind-blowing and suggest that support for the only democratic socialist in the race still runs deep among the grass-roots left.

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For comparison: Kamala Harris reported raising $1.5 million on the first day of her campaign in January, a figure that matched the amount Bernie himself raised during the first 24 hours of his 2016 presidential campaign, which was thought to be a record at the time. (Hillary Clinton didnt voluntarily release her first-day numbers for 2016, nor has most of the 2020 field. But if anyone can top these numbers, they likely wouldnt keep it a secret.)

Bernies 2020 start also appears to be a record for the number of individual donations on the first day of a campaignnearly six times the 38,000 donors Harris claimed in her first 24 hours, which gave her an average donation of $37. If Harris insta-fundraising was evidence of her entry into the top tier of the Democratic field, then Sanders haul is proof he never left.

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Small-donor dollars will play a major role in the 2020 nomination, particularly as Democrats swear off corporate PAC money and continue to rail against the megadonors. Candidates will also use these kind of arbitrarily time-limited haulspegged to a campaign launch or some other specific event, be it a debate performance or a Trump attackas modern day money bombs to garner free media attention and to show their bases strength. There are more tangible benefits, as well. Such networks serve as a near-renewable resource that a candidate can continue to tap until his supporters either cant afford to give any more or they reach their maximum contribution limit of $2,700, whichever comes first. A campaign can solicit small donations in good times and bad. Meanwhile, candidates who rely on big-dollar checks need to do more than send out an email blast when they have bills to pay. They need staff to find new donors, either through online outreach, by working the phones, or by holding traditional fundraisers, all of which take time and money.

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This 24-hour total is yet more evidence that Sanders is by far the best positioned in the Democratic field to take advantage of these new fundraising dynamics. Many of Bernies rivals have followed the policy path he set out in 2016 with his insurgent challenge to Clinton, but none can claim to have the same small-donor strength that he does. When the New York Times recently looked at six years of federal election filings from ActBlue, the Democratic Partys dominant donation-processing platform, they found 2.1 million people had donated online to Sanders during that time period, 87 percent of which gave exclusively to him. His lead on the field is so big that his donor base is the size of all the other potential Democratic hopefuls combined. Beto ORourke was in a distant second with a comparatively scant 743,000 donors, 72 percent of which gave only to him. Elizabeth Warren came in third with 343,000 online donors (40 percent exclusive), followed by Kirsten Gillibrand with 272,000 donors (52 percent exclusive), and Kamala Harris with 239,000 (47 percent exclusive). A past donation doesnt guarantee a future one, but Sanders wont have to work nearly as hard as his rivals to find people who are friendly to his cause and willing to prove it with a few bucks.

Small-dollar donations cant buy the nomination. Sanders raised more than $200 million in increments of $200 or less in the 2016 cycle, and yet Clintons nomination was never really in doubt. But all those small-dollar donations can combine to buy a candidate more time in the race. If these first-day figures tell us anything, then, its that of all the potential hurdles Bernie faces in 2020, money wont be one of them.Bringing down the absurd cost of child care in the United States is one of the most obvious yet under-appreciated ways that Washington could bump up the countrys economic growth. On Monday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren showed that she is one of the few politicians who seems to understand that opportunity, unveiling an expansive plan that would give all parents access to free or subsidized care for their kids.

Under Warrens proposal, the federal government would spend more than $1 trillion dollars over a decade to fund a network of locally run child care facilities. For poorer and lower-middle-class households, the services would be free. Others would have to pay, with fees rising based on income. But families would not required to spend any more than 7 percent of their income on child care expenseswhich is the amount the Department of Health and Human Services considers affordable.

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Warren is seizing on an issue that until now has received scant attention from the Democrats 2020 hopefuls, despite being a source of deep and abiding financial panic for god only knows how many families. The price of full-time, center-based infant care can vary enormously from state to state, but can rival the cost of college tuition in some parts of the country (in New York, the average tops $14,000 a year; in California, it nears $12,000). And while most families do find less expensive arrangements, like getting help from family, many still end up deeply burdened.

But its not just families that suffer from the expense. As I wrote last week, the employment rate among working-age women in the United States now lags much of the developed world, and one major reason why is almost certainly our backwards approach to family policyaside from our lack of affordable child care, were the only rich nation without guaranteed paid leave. As a result, women have more difficulty and fewer incentives to remain in the workforce, which limits their future earning ability, and the longterm potential of the economy.

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Warren recognizes all this. The press release for the policy rollout states that the lack of access to high-quality, affordable care prevents parents from fully participating in the workforce, holding them back from career and educational opportunities and placing a drag on our entire economy. But more interestingly, her campaign also commissioned Moodys Analytics to analyze the economic and budget effects of her child care proposal (the firm wasnt paid for the work), offering an opportunity to see how it stacks up against other macro-economic policy ideas that have been proposed or tried recently.

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Predicting the impact of Warrens bill of course takes a bit guesswork. While the balance of international and domestic evidence suggests that subsidizing child care does lead more women to work, careful empirical studies have shown some mixed results about the effects. But Moodys Analytics is about as mainstream of an economic forecasting crew as youll find, and its worth considering their results. Chief Economist Mark Zandi told me that just by lifting labor force participation, mostly among women, its model predicts that Warrens bill would add 0.08 percentage points to economic growth per year, over a decade. Its meaningful, Zandi told me. To put that figure in a bit of perspective, he said Moodys anticipated that cutting the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, as Republicans did in 2017, would have raised growth by 0.04 percent per year, if Congress had bothered to pay for the plan (their model assumes that the laws increased deficits will eventually negate some of the growth impact).

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The added economic boost from helping women stay in the workforce wont be enough for Warrens bill to pay for itself. Even when you factor in added tax revenues thanks to economic growth, Moodys still forecasts that it will add more than $700 billion in additional costs to the federal budget over a decade. But Warren isnt promising magic; shes proposing to pay for her plan with revenue from her wealth tax on the ultra rich. And if youre looking at it purely as a macro-economic policy, subsidized child care might give you a lot more bang for your buck than tax cuts for Walmart.POLL: Should all Iowa employers be required to use a system that verifies the legal status of all workers?At the same time various leaks and reports even from NBC News, which has been among the numerous media outlets promoting collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, are beginning to back off. On the NBC News website there is this headline: "You may be disappointed by the Mueller Report." That seems to suggest the special counsel has found nothing to prove collusion and the "disappointed" will be those who believed he would. The anti-Trumpers need not worry, though. Having failed to prove collusion, the Democrat majority in the House of Representatives and attorneys in the Southern District of New York will keep investigating the Trump organization in an attempt to find anything that might sour his re-election prospects, or lead to his impeachment, as unlikely as that seems.

What is needed is a special counsel to investigate numerous allegations of wrongdoing not only by McCabe, but the rest of the cast of characters from Hillary Clinton and her "missing" emails and foreign donations to the Clinton Foundation, to those Obama holdovers who conspired to overturn election results.

The next step for Trump haters will be an effort to thwart his national emergency declaration in order to finish building his promised border wall.LINCOLN, Neb. -- Lincoln police have cited a UNL researcher who they say added googly eyes to campaign signs for Rep. Jeff Fortenberry.

Patricia Wonch Hill was ticketed Tuesday with three counts of vandalism, police spokeswoman Angela Sands said.

Wonch Hill, a research assistant professor of sociology and a political activist, was fined $500 in Virginia last year for vandalizing the home of a National Rifle Association lobbyist.

On Wednesday, Lincoln police said fingerprints from Wonch Hill were found on the stickers used to vandalize Fortenberry campaign signs at 70th and A and 84th and Van Dorn streets in October.

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The Fortenberry sign at 70th and A was also defaced with a strip of tape that turned the Republican's name into a sophomoric joke.

A sticker in the candidate's hair indicated that Betsy Riot, a neo-suffragette, punk-patriot resistance movement, was responsible for the mischief.

Wonch Hill was also cited for vandalism at U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer's office last year in which Betsy Riot stickers were placed on the door.

Vandalism is a city misdemeanor, with a possible penalty of up to six months in jail and/or a $500 fine.DES MOINES  A three-member House Judiciary panel has signed off on a proposal to create the right in Iowa law for a parent to parent, but agreed it needs to be tweaked to address situations in which parents disagree about the withdrawal of life support for their children.

This may seem like its out of the realm of possibility in Iowa, but very little is, especially as life-sustaining treatments become more and more available, said Pete McRoberts, a lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa.

The ACLU joined The Family Leader in support of House File 223, which currently says a court cannot order the withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures from a minor child over the objections of the parents. The exception would be if there is conclusive medical evidence the child has died.

By passing HF 223, McRoberts said, were making sure that in Iowa we have a shot as people and as legislators to beef up the protections for parents to choose how to parent their kids.

The poster boy for the legislation was Alfie Evans, a British 23-month-old with a degenerative brain condition who died in April 2018 after a court ordered  over the objections of his parents  that life support be withdrawn, according to Rep. Jon Jacobsen, R-Council Bluffs, a lawyer who sponsored HF 223.On the bench, Judge McDonald has earned a reputation as a brilliant and thoughtful jurist, a hard worker and a good colleague, Reynolds said. She said during the vetting process, Iowans described to her McDonald as having incredible character, independence, competence, and the right temperament to be a judge.

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McDonald replaces former Justice Daryl Hecht, who in December retired to focus on his bout with skin cancer.

McDonald addressed Hecht in his remarks Wednesday, saying, Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and I know I have big shoes to fill and I will certainly do my best to do that.

The other finalists were First Judicial District Chief Judge Kellyann Lekar of Waterloo and Fifth Judicial District Judge Dustria Relph of Corydon.

An independent commission of governors appointees and members elected by attorneys across the state whittled the field of applicants to the three finalists for the governors consideration.

Reynolds and her fellow Republicans in the Iowa Legislature are considering legislation that would alter the nominating process by removing the attorney-appointed commission members and replace them with members appointed by legislative leaders.STORM LAKE, Iowa -- A Peterson, Iowa, man faces a felony charge following a traffic stop.

At approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday, Storm Lake Police stopped Norman Samuel Escalera, 42, in the 300 block of East Milwaukee Ave. for driving with no headlights.

After determining his identity, police discovered Escalera has been barred from driving in Iowa (aggravated misdemeanor). He was also wanted on a Pierce County, Neb. warrant for failure to appear in court in reference to a possession of a control substance charge (class 4 felony).

After taking Escalera into custody, police alleged he was also in possession of drug paraphernalia used to ingest methamphetamine (simple misdemeanor).

Escalera was being held in the Buena Vista County Jail without bond.

Copyright 2019 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.SIOUX CITY -- The Dickies, which currently holds the title as the oldest active punk band in the world, will be performing, March 17, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's Anthem.

Formed in 1977, The Dickies became the first Los Angeles-based punk rock band to score a a major record label deal, the first west coast to perform on network TV and the first American punk band to tour Europe.

Tickets for The Dickies will go on sale at 10 a.m. Feb. 22 at The Rock Shop or at www.hardrockcasinosiouxcity.com.

All events at Anthem are for audiences, 21 and older.

Copyright 2019 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.ViSenze will use the funding to provide advanced, vertically-focused visual commerce technology to retailers, brands, and media companies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) company ViSenze today announced that it has raised a US$20 million Series C funding round co-led by Gobi Partners, a venture capital firm with a focus on China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, and Sonae IM, Europe-based corporate venture investor specialising in retail, telco tech, and cybersecurity.

Other participants in the funding round include new investors Tembusu ICT Fund, 31Ventures Global Innovation Fund, and Jonathan Coons Impossible Ventures.

Existing investors Rakuten Ventures, WI Harper Group, Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Ventures, Raffles Venture Partners, Enspire Capital, and UOB Venture Management also returned in the funding round.

In a press statement, ViSenze said that it will use the funding to provide advanced, vertically-focused visual commerce technology to retailers, brands, and media companies.

It will also enhance its platform solutions through partnership with major smartphone manufacturers to enable visual shopping on native camera lenses.

Also Read: ViSenze secures US$3.5M Series A funding, round led by Rakuten Ventures

Visuals have incredible power and influence over buying decisions, therefore having visual search capabilities within mobile devices delivers a modern, smarter way to ensure discovery by consumers, said ViSenze Co-Founder and CEO Oliver Tan.

The partners participating in this funding round share our mission to simplify the way people search and discover products that inspire them. We look forward to whats ahead for ViSenze as we continue to develop our capabilities, our network, and our global reach, he added.

Prior to this funding round, ViSenze raised US$10.5 million in Series B funding round in 2016. It has raised a total of US$34.5 million with the latest funding round.

Founded in 2012, ViSenze is run by over 80 employees with offices in Singapore, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

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It claimed to have seen steady annual revenue growth rate of over 200 per cent with employee headcount tripling over the last three years.

Also Read: ViSenze partners Rakuten Taiwan and Clozette to power visual search

Its customers include retailers such as Rakuten, ASOS, Urban Outfitters, and Zalora.

The company also secured partnerships with smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, and Huawei.



Image Credit: drmakete lab on Unsplash

The post ViSenze raises US$20M Series C funding round co-led by Gobi Partners, Sonae IM appeared first on e27.PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino

QUEZON CITY, Philippines  The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino calls on voters not to vote for politicians involved in illegal drugs, saying their election budget most likely came from illegal drugs.

Aquino previously said 83 politicians are included on the narco list of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Meanwhile, Malacanang said the list of narco-politicians should first be validated before publishing it in time for the May 2019 midterm elections as proposed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Di ba si President na noon ang naglabas na rin noon So it goes without saying na kung si presidente mismo naglabas. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said. (The president already released a list before. So it goes without saying, if the president himself released it.)

The Philippine National Police clarified that they will not be releasing a narco list and reiterated that their task is only on the validation of the said list. They will leave the releasing of the narco list to the president and PDEA.

Tayo ay sa pag-validate lang pero we do not maintain the list of narco-politician. What we have is yung list ng counter-intelligence watchlist namin involving our personnel at non-uniformed personnel. PNP Chief PDG Oscar Albayalde said.

(We only validate, but we do not maintain the list of narco-politicians. What we have is the list of counter-intelligence watchlist involving our personnel and non-uniformed personnel.)  Aileen Cerrudo (with reports from Lea Ylagan)

The post PDEA Chief: Dont vote for narco-politicians appeared first on UNTV News.(PHOTOS: ICA/Facebook)

A 38-year-old Malaysian motorist has been caught for smuggling contraband cigarettes into Singapore, including five packets concealed in a hollowed-out loaf of bread.

Last Sunday (16 February), officers at Woodlands Checkpoint uncovered a total of seven packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes on the man, said the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

The loaf was placed in the basket of the motorcycle. The remaining two cigarettes packets were found in his pocket and in the padding of his helmet, the authorities added.

The case was referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation.

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Man sentenced to jail and caning for trying to enter Singapore illegally on sampan

Grab launches service for passengers to ride with their pets

Man arrested for paying private hire car driver with fake S$50 note

TOTO Hong Bao Draw 2019s jackpot snowballs to $13.6 millionIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brokered an agreement Wednesday aimed at uniting ultra-right parties ahead of April elections, prompting accusations he was pandering to extremists. Netanyahu pushed for the deal to try to boost the number of seats held by right-wing parties after the April 9 elections, with an eye on his next coalition government should he win as expected. But the agreement, if approved, would raise the profile and potentially grant seats in parliament to the extreme-right Jewish Power party -- seen by many Israelis as racist. Netanyahu said, in a statement from his Likud party announcing the deal, that it aimed at "uniting the ranks in order to ensure that the votes of the right will not be lost." Political commentators harshly criticised the move, with one slamming it as "reprehensible." The agreement would see three parties on the far right run on a single electoral list instead of running separately: Jewish Home, National Union and Jewish Power. They would not run under the Likud banner. Jewish Home and National Union have long been aligned, but there had been resistance within their ranks to bringing Jewish Power onboard. Running alone, Jewish Power would be less likely to receive the 3.25 percent of the vote needed to make it into parliament. Not wanting those votes lost, Netanyahu met with Jewish Home's leader on Wednesday and promised it two future ministerial posts, under the deal announced by his party. The announcement does not mention Jewish Power by name, but said the deal was contingent on the approval of a merger. Jewish Home was due to decide on Wednesday night whether to accept the agreement. Jewish Power leaders are followers of late racist rabbi Meir Kahane. Kahane founded Kach, a far-right movement that wanted to chase Arabs from Israel and which was eventually banned. Kach was assassinated in New York in 1990. Netanyahu already leads what is seen as the most right-wing government in Israel's history. Prominent members of his coalition openly oppose a Palestinian state and advocate annexing much of the occupied West Bank. Times of Israel editor David Horovitz wrote that while Wednesday's agreement made political sense for Netanyahu, it was "despicable". "In terms of Israel's values, its character, its essence... the prime minister's tactic is reprehensible," he wrote.EdgeProp

SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - A 9,617 sq ft landed housing plot at 34 Jansen Road has been put up for sale via an Expression of Interest (EOI) exercise. Colliers is the sole marketing agent for this 999-year leasehold site. The property has a guide price from $10 million. (See also: Two office floors at 999-year leasehold Malacca Centre for $12.88 mil)The north-south facing plot in the mature Kovan estate has a plot ratio of 1.4 with a height control limit of five floors under the 2019 Master Plan. TheThousands of people, some carrying banners proclaiming 'That's enough', took to the streets of the French capital Tuesday evening to protest a spate of recent anti-Semitic attacks, including the daubing of swastikas on nearly 100 graves in a Jewish cemetery in eastern France. The Paris rally, in the city's central Place de la Republique, was one of about 70 staged nationwide Tuesday in response to a surge in anti-Semitic hate crimes which have triggered a deluge of outrage in France and Israel. Eighteen political parties urged citizens to attend the protests, with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and more than half his cabinet attending the rally in Paris. Two former presidents, the socialist Francois Hollande, and the conservative Nicolas Sarkozy also turned up. Parliament suspended its work for several hours to allow MPs to attend the rally, while religious leaders met with the interior minister to affirm their unity. Speaking on television Philippe said it was necessary to punish those who "because of ideology, because they think it's an easy option, because of ignorance or hostility call into question what we are -- a diverse but proud people". Earlier in the day President Emmanuel Macron also promised to crack down on hate crimes when inspecting a cemetery in Quatzenheim in the Alsace region near Germany where 96 Jewish tombstones were spray-painted with blue and yellow swastikas the previous night. "We shall act, we shall pass laws, we shall punish," Macron told Jewish leaders as he toured the cemetery. "Those who did this are not worthy of the Republic," he said, later placing a white rose on a tombstone commemorating Jews deported to Germany during World War II. Another grave bore the words "Elsassisches Schwarzen Wolfe" ("Black Alsatian Wolves), a separatist group with links to neo-Nazis in the 1970s. It was the second recent case of extensive cemetery desecration in the region. In December nearly 40 graves as well as a monument to Holocaust victims were vandalised in Herrlisheim, about a half-hour drive from Quatzenheim. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, later laid a wreath at the Paris Holocaust memorial. - 'Shocking' vandalism - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the "shocking" anti-Semitic vandalism, while one of his cabinet colleagues urged French Jews to "come home" to Israel. Many French Jews are on edge after the government announced a 74 percent jump in anti-Jewish offences in 2018 after two years of declines. Tensions mounted last weekend after a prominent French writer was the target of a violent tirade by a "yellow vest" protester in Paris on Saturday. A video of the scene showed the protester calling the philosopher Alain Finkielkraut a "dirty Zionist" and telling him "France belongs to us". In France, several officials have accused the grass-roots yellow vest movement of unleashing a wave of extremist violence that has fostered anti-Semitic outbursts among some participants. "It would be false and absurd to call the yellow vest movement anti-Semitic," Philippe told L'Express magazine in an interview published Tuesday. The prime minister, who has promised a tough new law targeting online hate speech by this summer, warned however that "anti-Semitism has very deep roots in French society". - Long history - Macron, for his part, is to lay out his plans to combat anti-Semitism during a speech at the annual dinner of the CRIF umbrella association of French Jewish groups on Wednesday. Anti-Semitism has a long history in France where society was deeply split at the end of the 19th century by the Alfred Dreyfus affair, a Jewish army captain wrongly convicted of treason. During World War II, the French Vichy government collaborated with Germany notably in the deportation of Jews to death camps. More recently French anti-Semitism, traditionally associated with the far right, has also spread among far-left pro-Palestinian extremists and radicals from amongst the growing Muslim community. But Macron has resisted calls by some lawmakers to explicitly penalise so-called anti-Zionist statements calling into question Israel's right to exist as a nation. A recent Ifop poll of "yellow vest" backers found that nearly half those questioned believed in a worldwide "Zionist plot" and other conspiracy theories.Seoul security officials are wearing jackets embroidered with a secret well-wishing message for Kim Jong Un, deploying a code representing key moments in inter-Korean relations ahead of a summit between the North Korean and US leaders. The dark blue coats -- worn by about 10 officers in the Blue House's National Security Office -- have the 12-digit sequence 615104427919 sewn onto the back. The number 615 marks the June 15 North-South joint declaration in 2000, 104 is for the October 4 North-South joint declaration in 2007, 427 is for the historic Panmunjom Declaration on April 27 last year, and 919 stands for the September 19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration that also took place in 2018. "We just hope to keep the positive spirit alive," one jacket-wearer told AFP. "We have ordered and are wearing the jackets at work voluntarily. It was solely our idea to do this," he added. A Blue House spokesman refused to say whether the jacket wearers had the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Kim specifically in mind this week as they donned the coats, which they had made last year. Kim is expected to visit Seoul not long after the summit. Cross-border ties improved dramatically as the leaders of the two Koreas met three times last year -- twice at the border truce village of Panmunjom and once in the North's capital Pyongyang -- and a reconciliatory push gathered pace. The May 26 summit, the second inter-Korean talk held at Panmunjom last year, was not included on the coats as no declaration was released following the event, the Blue House jacket-wearer said. "We wanted to have these numbers sewn on the back of our jackets so that we remember those key dates and wish our best for the next inter-Korean summit," he added. He told how one of his colleagues came up with the idea, brought it up during a work meeting and others agreed. During Moon's visit to Pyongyang last year, the North Korean leader promised to pay a return visit to the South's capital Seoul. If he visits as expected this year, Kim will be the first North Korean leader to set foot in the capital since the nations split at the end of World War II. Moon welcomed Kim's comments at the time, agreeing to meet with him "more frequently" in 2019. Kim is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on February 27-28, following their first summit in Singapore last year. Critics say Pyongyang has made no concrete commitments so far and is unlikely to surrender its nuclear weapons.Punch your way through the startup community by giving your startup idea its much needed spotlight at the Echelon Roadshow 2019 Manila

When it comes to brilliant startup ideas, you need to be surrounded by the right people in order to truly launch your vision.

This is why as we inch closer to the Echelon Asia Summit this coming May, what better way to start your Echelon experience than by doing just that: surrounding yourself with other startup founders, potential partners, prospect investors, and more?

In order to warm Filipino startup founders up before the Echelon Asia Summit, were bringing the Echelon experience sooner and closer through the Echelon Roadshow 2019 Manila!

At the roadshow event, startup founders dont only get to listen to some of the best and the brightest in the startup ecosystem as they share key business insights. You also get to immerse in the startup community, opening up opportunities to meet the right people who can help scale your startup business to greater heights!

More importantly, the event will be the perfect chance for you to WOW people with your brilliant startup ideahopefully leading to better opportunities for your startup in the future!

Not only do you get to put your startup under the spotlight, but you can also catch your countrys reps to the TOP 100 and see how theyre concocting their successall under the pristine tropical sun of the lush archipelago. Its truly more fun in the Philippines!

Also Read: Tweet about your #startuplyfe and win tickets to Echelon Asia Summit 2019!

The Echelon Roadshow 2019 Manila is part of a series of international stops leading up to the annual Echelon Asia Summit happening in May. It is happening on 21 March, 2019, from 5pm to 9pm at the WeWork Uptown Bonifacio Tower, Manila.

RSVP to the Roadshow is free, so if you want to score insights on Southeast Asian tech, and moregrab your tickets now!

Tickets are running out fast so visit the Echelon Roadshow 2019 Manila page here to find out more details!

The post Is Echelon Roadshow 2019 Manila the startup scenes own Thrilla in Manila? appeared first on e27.(L-R) Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and President Rodrigo Duterte

QUEZON CITY, Philippines  President Rodrigo Duterte hit Senator Antonio Trillanes IV anew following the latters criticism of his controversial war on drugs and recent trip to Hong Kong.

In a statement last Sunday, Trillanes said that many Filipinos believe there are now fewer drug addicts in the Philippines because the government killed many of them without due process and opportunity for rehabilitation. The Senator was referring to a recent survey which revealed that majority of Filipinos said that they now see fewer drug addicts on the streets.

In a speech during the 9th Anniversary of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) in Davao City on Wednesday, Duterte lashed out at Trillanes for believing more the figures coming from the critics of his administration and other countries.

A stupid senator. Trillanes said, Oh they are dead, they are no more  because they are dead. And so? Are you not happy that Im doing it for you instead of you, a military idiot? Duterte said.

You do not even know how to count. And you kowtow to the figures of foreigners. You go to America, Trillanes, he added.

Duterte also slammed Trillanes claim that he went to Hong Kong to allegedly undergo a medical check up or to transfer funds in his bank accounts.

You take on every issue. I [went] to Hong Kong to celebrate the birthday of my wife because that was the order of my daughter. And the order of my daughter, just like the order of the mayor here, I follow, he said.

On Friday, Duterte went to Hong Kong with his partner, Cielito Honeylet Avancena, and their teenage daughter, Veronica. The President said they went there to celebrate Avancenas birthday.

The President also berated the opposition senator for nitpicking on his administration.

Trillanes is among the staunch critics of the Duterte government.

You know what, this Trillanes, you are paying a public servant who was just there to nitpick issues.  Robie de Guzman (with reports from Marisol Montano)

The post Duterte slams Trillanes for nitpicking his drug war, Hong Kong trip appeared first on UNTV News.In this Feb. 14, 2019, photo provided by Morgan Miles, Kaiser, a king shepherd dog, gets petted at the Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills shelter in South Paris, Maine. The 5-year-old dog went missing in Ashby, Mass., eight months ago, and made his way 175 miles away to Maine. Kaisers owner was reunited with his dog Sunday, Feb. 17. (Morgan Miles via AP)

SOUTH PARIS, Maine (AP)  A dog that went missing in Massachusetts months ago has been reunited with its family after being found in Maine, 175 miles (282 kilometers) away.

The Bangor Daily News reports 5-year-old king shepherd Kaiser made his way from Ashby, Massachusetts, to South Paris, Maine, over a span of eight months. The pooch jumped a wall at the home of a woman who was caring for him before going missing.

Kaiser's owner, Tom Wollcott, and his children were reunited with the dog Sunday morning. Wollcott conducted an exhaustive search, including using a drone to try to find Kaiser.

A Bethel, Maine, woman had been feeding Kaiser and called animal control, which took the dog to a no-kill shelter in South Paris. The shelter says in a Facebook post that Wollcott was then able to identify Kaiser.Blocks of cocaine intercepted by authorities along the shores of Camarines Norte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Quezon

QUEZON CITY, Philippines  PNP Chief Police Director General Oscar Albayalde asserts that the cocaine blocks that were dumped and discovered in the eastern seaboard of the country is not a diversionary tactic.

The PNP Chief said the said blocks of cocaine were too expensive to just be thrown into the sea and be used as a diversionary tactic.

Albayalde added, yung cocaine ay hindi masyadong pina-patronize dito sa Pilipinas [Cocaine is not popularly patronized in the Philippines], so I dont see any diversionary tactics as of this time.

This started when a student saw a block of cocaine along the coastline of Perez, Quezon on Tuesday (February 19).

The government has already recorded more than 90 kilos of cocaine valued at around half a billion pesos, all from what were recovered in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island, Camarines Norte and Quezon Province.  Maris Federez (with reports from Lea Ylagan)

The post Discovered cocaine in eastern seaboard, not a diversionary tactic Albayalde appeared first on UNTV News.



Location? Check. Project development? Check. Apartment floor? Hmm.

Whether choosing between two resale apartment units or selecting the best, available unit - many property buyers and investors face a dilemma deciding whether to aim high or go low - in terms of high or low floor apartments, of course.

To set the record straight, we consider low floor apartments to form the bottom half of any housing block, and high floor apartments to constitute the upper half. Say, in a block of twelve floors, low floors range from floor one to six, and high floors from seven to twelve.

In this article, we highlight the pros and cons of living in high or low floor apartments to help you make an informed decision when choosing between the two.

High Floor or Low Floor Units: Pros & Cons









High-floor units tend to command higher premiums, but low-floor units tend to offer greater accessibility. Below, we explore some important considerations to look at when considering which level to live on:

1) Price

Units located on higher floors offer perks like better views, fresher air, and reduced noise levels. However, they also tend to come with higher prices!

As a broad guide, homebuyers can expect to pay a premium of 0.3% to 0.5% per floor level for private, non-landed residential properties in Singapore.

Viewed from this perspective, which apartment floor to live on will clearly depend on the amount of money you are willing to fork out for your new home.

2) Noise

If you enjoy living in a lively environment, low-floor apartments will certainly offer you some of that action, be it peals of laughter from the childrens playground, the humdrum of nearby traffic or twittering from birds.

On the contrary, high-floor apartments, elevated from the hustle and bustle below offer greater privacy, and a more serene and peaceful home experience.

Which floor to live on then, will depend on your preferred lifestyle and tolerance towards noise.

3) Accessibility

When it comes to lift breakdowns, its almost always a matter of not if, but when. Given these conditions, residents living on lower-floors need not worry as much in the event of a lift malfunction or when it goes under maintenance.

Story continues

In particular, those with mobility issues or physical disabilities might want to opt for a lower floor unit as it allows them to evacuate quicker and through a smoother process during emergencies.

Meanwhile, for high-floor residents, moving to safety in the event of an emergency can pose a greater challenge, especially when lifts are affected and are not to be used.

4) Cleanliness

Mosquitoes, cockroaches, lizards and rodents. Low-floors residents can experience more brushes with vermin due to closer proximity to ground floors or nearby green features. In addition, as communal rubbish chutes accumulate junk on the ground floor, a growing pile of trash naturally attracts pests, which can lead to secondary infestations in ones home. Help!

In summary, there are several factors to consider when choosing the ideal floor for your dream home. Some factors are unique, while others have been examined in this article.

What is most important is that you make a balanced decision between these factors to find a best floor-fit to suit you and your familys needs. Hope we shed some light on whether you should aim high or go low when picking the right apartment floor and - happy house-hunting!

See Also:





Fereshteh Najafi Marbouyeh at the police station | Courtesy: PRO4B

QUEZON CITY, Philippines  Puerto Galera Municipal Police has dropped the assault charges filed against Iranian national, Fereshteh Najafi Marbouyeh due to her mental condition.

31-year-old Fereshteh reportedly punched and kicked PO2 Ferr Henrick Mangarin last February 17 after she was brought to the station for causing trouble along Tabinay Village. She also reportedly burned the police officers hand with a cigarette.

While being detained and awaiting inquest, Fereshteh underwent a medical examination after a family friend informed the station about her mental condition. She was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder and sustained self-inflicted injuries that was immediately treated by the municipal doctor.

Fereshteh is currently in a stable condition and her medication is already being delivered to the station.

Meanwhile, her family requested for her to remain in the stations custody while waiting for the assistance of the Iranian Embassy.  Aileen Cerrudo

The post Charges dropped vs Iranian woman who burned cops hand appeared first on UNTV News.* Airline to report profit of about $293 mln, double consensus est

* Cathay pursuing turnaround plan to cut costs, boost revenue

* Shares rise nearly 9 percent, biggest jump since 2011 (Updates with January traffic figures)

By Jamie Freed

Feb 20 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd projected its annual profit at more than double analyst estimates as its turnaround plan designed to cut costs and boost revenue pays off, sending its shares surging nearly 9 percent on Wednesday.

Benefiting also from improving airfares, Cathay forecast it would swing to a profit of about HK$2.3 billion ($293 million) for 2018 after two straight years in the red.

Before the announcement, 15 analysts polled by Refinitiv I/B/E/S had on average expected the airline to report a profit of HK$1.1 billion for 2018, versus a HK$1.25 billion loss in 2017, as out-of-the-money fuel hedges rolled off.

Shares surged by as much as 8.8 percent on the promising outlook, their biggest one-day jump since October 2011.

Cathay said in a statement that its passenger business had benefited from capacity growth and improved revenue management, with average airfare prices up despite competitive pressures.

It appears passenger yields, a proxy for airfares, have increased faster than expected for Cathay, Jefferies analyst Andrew Lee said, adding the outlook for 2019 was positive too.

"We estimate the passenger segment will continue to benefit from controlled passenger capacity expansion and yield management strategy," he said in a note to clients.

Cathay's January traffic figures show it managed to fill a higher percentage of seats than last year even as capacity rose 7.1 percent, on strong business class demand and pre-Chinese New Year traffic in economy class from Hong Kong and mainland China.

Its yields also rose for the month.

The improvements come as Cathay, like Singapore Airlines Ltd , pursues a turnaround plan to lower costs and boost revenue to better compete against rivals from the Middle East, mainland China and budget airlines.

Story continues

Since launching its revamp programme in 2017, Cathay's initiatives have included cutting jobs at its head office and overseas ports, adding more economy class seats to older Boeing Co 777 jets and changing its fuel hedging policy.

"The company's transformation programme has had a positive impact," said Cathay, which is set to announce its annual results on March 13.

FREIGHT OUTLOOK 'MURKY'

Cathay, which relies on cargo for about a quarter of its revenue, said the freight business was also strong, with rates up and volumes higher.

The airline last year said U.S.-China trade tensions had not hurt its business, but that it was keeping a close eye on the situation in case trading volumes shifted.

Cathay had benefited in November from customers speeding up shipments to beat the imposition of U.S. tariffs, BOCOM International Deputy Head of Research Geoffrey Cheng said.

But its freight volumes slipped 5.9 percent in December after a temporary truce between the United States and China on new tariffs was declared early that month.

It dipped another 5.2 percent in January as the pre-Chinese New Year rush was not as strong as last year.

The cargo outlook this year is "a bit murky", Cheng said.

The world's top two economies are holding talks to settle their dispute. Tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports are scheduled to rise to 25 percent from 10 percent by March 1 if there is no deal, although U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested he was open to pushing the deadline. ($1 = 7.8488 Hong Kong dollars) (Reporting by Jamie Freed in Singapore, additional reporting by Donny Kwok in Hong Kong; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Himani Sarkar) SCOTUS via 6-3 vote rules Texas yet again misapplied its Eighth Amendment jurisprudence prohibiting the execution of those with intellectual disability | Main | Supreme Court rules unanimously in Timbs that Excessive Fines Clause of Eighth Amendment applies to the states (and says little else) 

As reported in this local article, headlined "Gov. Mike DeWine freezes all Ohio executions while new method developed," the Buckeye state is yet again in a capital holding pattern because it governor is troubled by the state's current execution method. Here are the details:

Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday that there will be no more executions in Ohio until a new method of carrying them out can be developed and deemed constitutional by the courts.

As long as the status quo remains, where we dont have a protocol that has been found to be OK, we certainly cannot have any executions in Ohio, DeWine told reporters at an Associated Press forum in Columbus. That would not be right, at least in my opinion.

Pressed on whether he personally supports the death penalty, DeWine paused. Seeming to choose his words carefully, he then said he was a sponsor of Ohios current capital punishment law, which took effect in 1981. It is the law of the state of Ohio. And Ill let it go [not comment further] at this point. We are seeing clearly some challenges that you have all reported on in regard to carrying out the death penalty. But Im not going to go further down that path any more today, he said.

DeWine, a Republican, ordered a review of Ohios death penalty protocols last month after a federal magistrate judge wrote that Ohios method of carrying out executions would subject a condemned Ohio prisoner to severe pain and needless suffering. Judge Michael Merz wrote Ohio could proceed with the execution, since the inmate, Warren Henness, did not produce an alternative that is available, feasible, and can be readily implemented, required under a 2015 United States Supreme Court ruling that upheld lethal injection.

DeWine delayed Henness execution from Feb. 13 to Sept. 12 while the review was underway. But on Tuesday, he declined to place a timetable on how long it might take for a new execution method to be developed, for it to be legally challenged and then found constitutional by the courts. Ive dealt with the court system a long time, and I think its whenever you think you can figure out how fast or slow somethings going to take, youre wrong, he said....

Ohios method of execution is to inject the condemned with a combination of three drugs: midazolam (as a sedative), a paralytic drug, and potassium chloride to stop their heart. Death penalty opponents have challenged similar methods in other states, saying they are unconstitutional because they cause cruel and unusual punishment.

In his January opinion, Mertz, the federal magistrate judge, agreed with arguments made by Hennesss lawyers, writing that it is certain or very likely that the states prescribed dose of midazolam cannot reduce consciousness to the level at which a condemned inmate will not experience the severe pain associated with injection of the paralytic drug or potassium chloride or the severe pain and needless suffering that is certain or very likely to be caused by the pulmonary edema which is very likely to be caused directly by the midazolam.

DeWines review marks the second time in five years Ohio has searched for a new method of execution. The state changed the drugs it uses for lethal injection after the January 2014 execution of Dennis B. McGuire took more than 25 minutes. Supreme Court rules unanimously in Timbs that Excessive Fines Clause of Eighth Amendment applies to the states (and says little else) | Main | Lots worth reading from lots of sources for criminal justice fans 

The title of this post is the title of this "Policy Brief" from The James Madison Institute authored by Greg Newburn and Sal Nuzzo. I recommend the brief in full, and here is an excerpt from the final section of the paper titled "Lessons for the Future":

In the 1970s, frustrated with an intolerable crime wave and unprecedented drug abuse, New York, Michigan, and Florida tried a new solution. Their theory was clear: harsh mandatory sentences would scare drug users into getting clean, deter would-be drug dealers from entering the trade, and incarcerate kingpins and major players who could not then continue to bring drugs into the state. Leaders in each state were confident that their proposed solution would finally be the one that worked.

More than 40 years later, New York and Michigan recognized that the solution in which their leaders had such sincere confidence could no longer be justified by evidence, data, or experience, and repealed their mandatory minimum drug laws. Those repeals were possible only after policymakers were honest about the failure of their solution to deliver on its promises.

In fact, dozens of states nationwide have reformed or repealed mandatory minimum laws over the past 15 years. Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi all have exceptions to mandatory minimum drug trafficking laws. Texas has never used mandatory minimum drug laws, and, like Florida, is currently enjoying a near 50-year crime low. (Floridas drug overdose death rate was 62 percent higher than Texas between 1999 and 2017.) Louisiana repealed its mandatory minimum drug laws in 2017, with the support of the states prosecuting attorneys....

Florida, however, has so far refused to join the emerging consensus in favor of mandatory minimum drug law reform. In spite of overwhelming evidence, Florida still clings to the same solution to drug abuse that has failed the state for 40 years, and continues to ignore the costly unintended consequences of its continued reliance on this failed strategy. Like New York and Michigan, attempts to reform Floridas mandatory minimum drug laws are invariably met with dire predictions of doom and gloom, and Chicken Little-style warnings that without mandatory minimums Florida risks inviting 1970s-level crime once again.Microsoft says Russian APT28 group carried out multiple cyberattacks on democratic institutions in Europe between September and December 2018.

Microsoft revealed that hackers belonging to the cyber espionage group APT28 (aka Fancy Bear, Pawn Storm, Sofacy Group, Sednit, and STRONTIUM) launched several attacks on democratic institutions in Europe between September and December 2018.

The tech giant revealed that 104 accounts belonging to organization employees in Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, Romania, and Serbia, were hit by Russian cyber spied cyber-espionage group APT28.

The APT28 group has been active since at least 2007 and it has targeted governments, militaries, and security organizations worldwide. The group was involved also in the string of attacks that targeted 2016 Presidential election.

According to a report published by Symantec in October, the group was actively conducting cyber espionage campaigns against government and military organizations in Europe and South America.

Starting in 2017 and continuing into 2018, the APT28 group returned to covert intelligence gathering operations in Europe and South America.

According to Microsoft, APT28 hackers the attacks were extended

to think tanks and non-profit organizations working on topics related to democracy, electoral integrity, and public policy. All the victims of the Russian state-sponsored hackers are in contact with government officials.

Microsoft has recently detected attacks targeting employees of the German Council on Foreign Relations, The Aspen Institutes in Europe and The German Marshall Fund. reads the post published by Microsoft.

MSTIC continues to investigate the sources of these attacks, but we are confident that many of them originated from a group we call Strontium. The attacks occurred between September and December 2018.

The list of the victims for the recent attacks include employees of the German Council on Foreign Relations, The Aspen Institutes in Europe and The German Marshall Fund.

Hackers are launching spear-phishing attacks in the attempt of stealing employee credentials and deliver malware. Phishing emails use malicious URLs and spoofed email addresses that look legitimate.

Microsofts report doesnt surprise, in August 2018 the company spotted a hacking campaign targeting 2018 midterm elections, also in that case experts attributed the attacks to Russia-linked APT28 group.

Microsoft.

Consistent with campaigns against similar U . S . -based institutions, attackers in most cases create malicious URLs and spoofed email addresses that look legitimate. These spearphishing campaigns aim to gain access to employee credentials and deliver malware. continues Microsoft.

The attacks weve seen recently, coupled with others we discussed last year, suggest an ongoing effort to target democratic organizations. They validate the warnings from European leaders about the threat level we should expect to see in Europe this year.

Microsoft notified each of these organizations that were hit by the hackers and announced a variety of technical measures to protect its customers from these attacks.

Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs  APT28 group, cyberespionage)

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Security experts at Check Point have uncovered a cyber espionage campaign carried out by Lazarus aimed at Russian targets,

If the attribution is correct, this is the first time that North Korean cyber spies were targeting Russian entities.

For the first time we were observing what seemed to be a coordinated North Korean attack against Russian entities. While attributing attacks to a certain threat group or another is problematic, the analysis below reveals intrinsic connections to the tactics, techniques and tools used by the North Korean APT group  Lazarus. reads the analysis published by CheckPoint.

The experts believe the attacks were carried out by the Bluenoroff threat actor, a division of the dreaded Lazarus APT group, that was financially motivated.

Bluenoroffis one of the most active groups in terms of attacks against financial institutions and is trying to actively infect different victims in several regions and trading companies in Bangladesh in 2014 and the now famous $81million Cyber-Heist of the Bangladesh central banks account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.



The final payload used in this campaign is the KEYMARBLE backdoor that is downloaded from a compromised server in the form of a CAB file disguised as a JPEG image. (http://37.238.135[.]70/img/anan.jpg).

The compromised server used by threat actors is an unconvincing website for the Information Department of the South Oil Company. The server is hosted by EarthLink Ltd. Communications&Internet Services and located in Iraq .

The infection chain used in this campaign comprises three primary steps:

The first is an attached ZIP file containing a benign decoy PDF and a weaponized Word document containing malicious macros. One of the decoy documents observed in this campaign contains an NDA for StarForce Technologies, a Russia-based firm that provides copy-protection solutions.

The macros in the Word document download a VBS script from a Drobox URL and execute a VBS script.

URL and execute a VBS script. The VBS scrip downloads and execute a CAB file from a compromised server, extracts the payload and executes it.

At some point during the campaign, the attackers changed tactic and started to skip the second stage using Word macros that downloads and executes the backdoor directly.

Why should North Korea spy on Russian entities?

It is difficult to say, considering the good relationship between the two countries, anyway, we cannot exclude that a third-party actor user false flags to disguise itself.

Pierluigi Paganini

( SecurityAffairs  Lazarus, hacking)

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Share OnNorth Country Business Products POS (point-of-sale) and security solutions provider announced a data breach that affecte d hundreds of U.S. restaurants and hotels.

North Country Business Products point-of-sale and security solutions provider announced a data breach, the company is currently used by 6500 customers around the Midwest.

North Country Business Products, Inc. ( North Country), today announced that a recent data security incident may have resulted in unauthorized access to payment information of some consumers who used credit and debit cards at its business partner restaurants between January 3, 2019, and January 24, 2019. North Country engaged professionals who have corrected the issue. reads the data breach notification published by the company.

The security breach exposed payment information for clients who used their credit and debit cards at 137 restaurants.

Most of the affected locations are in Arizona and Minnesota, other were in Louisiana, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Oregon, and Ohio.

The PoS firm learned of suspicious activity in certain customer networks on January 4 and immediately launched an investigation with the help of cyber forensics firm. The investigators found a piece of malware in the systems of some of its customers, the infections occurred between January 3 and January 24, 2019.

The malware used by crooks to siphon payment card data (cardholder names, card numbers, expiration dates, and CVV codes) belonging to individuals who used their payment cards at one of the impacted North Country customers.

The list of affected locations is available in a website published by

North Country.

North Country takes this incident and the security of our customers information very seriously. The company has updated processes to further strengthen its systems to protect its business partners customer debit or credit card information and will continue to work with third-party experts to help ensure the highest levels of security, continues the data breach notification.

The company set up a specific assistance line to support impacted consumers.

Pierluigi Paganini

( SecurityAffairs  cybercrime, data breach)

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Share OnEven if you don't know a word of Spanish, "vampiro" probably jumped out at you in the title, didn't it? Me, too!

The trailer touches all the bases, as we say in the U.S., for religious horror, complete with crucifixes, mob action, the brutal murder of a woman with bad teeth and/or fangs, accused of being a vampire. It's also got Staring Dog, Vanishing Text In A Book, Women Bowing To Fire In Their Underwear, and Insect in Ear. So, yes, Sahara Hellen: El Regreso del Vampire, has all the ingredients that may delight and/or frustrate if they don't add up to something more than a half-baked horror flick.

Add to that: it's heading for theatrical release in its native Peru on March 21 in 2D and 3D!!! So it's gotta be good, right? Maybe, maybe not, but I hope we'll hear more about the movie in the coming weeks. For now, watch the trailer and enjoy.A lot has changed since then-presidential candidate Trump quipped in 2015 to the Republican Jewish Coalition: I dont want your money, Im self-funding my campaign  You're not gonna support me because I don't want your money. You want to control your politicians, that's fine. Five months ago, I was with you."

His remarks, clearly, were not welcomed by the audience and his comments led to accusations of anti-Semitism and provided fuel for the Never Trump movement within the Republican Party. Members of the coalition attacked Trump at the time for not being sufficiently supportive of Israel.

However, much has changed since taking office. The biggest sign was last years decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Previous presidents, including Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, had promised to do the same, but never did. Since then, Israels capital city has reportedly become papered with conservative-funded posters praising Trump, and those Republicans who used to criticize him, are now celebrating his policies (at least on this front).

Last week, Minnesota congresswoman and House Foreign Affairs Committee member Ilhan Omar tweeted that pro-Israeli money was affecting the decisions of members of Congress.

She was swiftly rebuked by the party leadership, and of course, Republicans, prompting her to apologize. Omars comment gained particularly because she is naturalized U.S. citizen from Somalia and now one of the two first Muslim women in Congress.

But does she have a point? $22 million says she just might.

Related: Markets Inch Lower As Investors Remain Cautious

According to the Center for Responsive Politics research, data shows that pro-Israeli lobbyists funneled more than $22 million into the 2018 U.S. election cycle alone.

That number makes the lobby far more active and influential than those aligned with other foreign nations. At this spending level, the pro-Israeli lobby is far more active than the Political Action Committees (PACs) aligned with other nations.

After Israel, the next biggest spender in 2018 was the US-Cuba Democracy PAC, with approximately $171,000 in campaign contributions in 2018.

Data shows that Democrats who demanded an apology from Omar received some of the highest levels of contributions from the pro-Israeli lobby.

Eliot Engel, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee who accused Omar of invoking an anti-Semitic trope, received $1.07 million from the Israel lobby during his career. Lee Zeldin, who called Omar's tweet sick & twisted has received nearly $330,000 from pro-Israel groups, according to the data.

In fact, the Israel lobby donates to the majority of politicians, spending money on the campaigns of 269 House representatives and 57 senators last year.

Dan Auble, a senior researcher at CRP, told the Guardian that it is also highly likely that theres far more pro-Israel lobby money flowing into American politics than is tracked. Dark money nonprofits arent required to disclose their donors.

But that doesnt mean that Omar was without support in her statement, even from some Jewish groups.

Related: Hackers Tap Into The U.S. Electric Grid

Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace, Rebecca Vilkomerson, said that lobbies influence politics, I dont think thats controversial to say.

Former Obama official Brandon Friedman wrote on social media that It's not anti-Semitic to accurately describe something that is completely obvious about the Israeli lobby.

But lets not dilute this cocktail of influence too much: The pro-whatever country lobbies are nothing compared to the industry lobbies.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics data, the securities and investment lobby contributed $389 million in 2018, while the real estate industry spent $186 million. The oil and gas lobby spent $124 million on lobbying.

The total amount spent by pharma companies on their U.S. lobbying in 2018 exceeded $280 million, while in the past two decades, drug makers have spent more than $4 billion lobbying the U.S. Congress.

By Charles Benavidez for Safehaven.com

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com:After a dire start to 2018, gold prices have climbed sharply over the past six months and now hover around 10-month highs. The rally in the latter half of 2018 was perfectly justifiablewhat with incredibly high levels of volatility in the stock markets, deteriorating trade relations between the US and key trading partners and a brawny greenback. The sharp equity selloff was beginning to pose a systemic risk, which encouraged the fear trade syndrome that gold thrives on. Gold is considered the ultimate fear hedge that typically performs best when investors start running for the hills.

The current year, however, has been markedly different with global stocks taking out multi-month highs and the markets calming down amid expectations that the US and China could finally strike a trade deal. Its not very often that President Trump has something good to say about China or the ongoing trade talks. Yet, an uncharacteristically upbeat tweet by the head of state citing big progress being made on soooo many fronts has both sides excited that a stalemate may finally be within sight.

Its the kind of backdrop that you would normally expect to take a toll on safe haven assets like gold. So, why are investors still flocking to the yellow metal?

(Click to enlarge)

(Click to enlarge)

Source: APMEX

(Click to enlarge)

Source: CNN Money

Wall of worry still intact

While market volatility is currently nothing like what we witnessed towards the latter end of 2018, it would be premature to declare that we are already home and dry. February gold future prices have been constantly climbing, a clear indication that risk-off sentiment is still pervasive. Related: Amazon Paid Zero Corporate Tax For Second Year In A Row

Although trade tensions between the US and China have undeniably loosened, theres still quite a lot that can go wrong. Chinese news agency Xinhua reported on Friday the two protagonists had reached a consensus in principle on several key issues without divulging any details. However, its still too early to say whether a lasting deal can be reached. While a stalemate would probably be acceptable for both sides, markets hate uncertainty and any unfinished business or half-hearted deals would simply not bode well for market stability.

Former China director at the IMF, Eswar Prasad, expressed these doubts succinctly:

My baseline assumption is that very close to the deadline, we will come up with a deal that certainly will not be comprehensive, durable and long-lasting by any means but at least allows both sides some breathing room by de-escalating hostilities or at least a cessation of future hostilities.

Back home, investors recently got a real scare that a recession is still not off the cards after the US Ministry of Commerce reported abysmal holiday sales. December retail sales plunged 1.2 percent, considerably worse than even an earlier pessimistic outlook that called for 0.2 percent growth. The marked the biggest contraction since September 2009 when the country was exiting one of the worst financial crises in history. Consumer spending is a closely-watched metric because it powers more than two-thirds of the US economy. But its not just slumping sales that investors have to contend with. Signs of trouble are emerging in the employment market with jobless claims rising for the third week in a row.

Although some experts think that the brutal stock market selloff in the final quarter of the year was mostly to blame, others are warning that it could signal the end to the longest economic expansions in history.

But perhaps nothing has been working in gold bulls favor like a suddenly coy Fed. After a particularly busy year that witnessed four round of tightening, the central bank is now taking a breatherand might decide to stay put much longer. The bank decided to hold steady after Januarys FOMC meeting, and are likely to tread with much more caution after the latest retail and job report.

Related: Trade Talks Dominate Market Sentiment

Overall, theres more bullishness in the gold market than theres been for more than a year. Wall Street punter Bernstein says the long-term outlook remains great amid a rush by central banks stockpiling the metal while other studies have shown that gold is even getting some love from the bitcoin camp.

Even the short-term gold technicals seem to agree with that outlook:

(Click to enlarge)

Source: Investing.com

By Alex Kimani for Safehaven.com

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com:Contacting Rensselaer Adventures

To contact Rensselaer Adventures, send e-mail to rensselaeradventures at yahoo.com. (I put the @ in there originally, and of the first eight messages I received, four were the Nigerian scam and three told me I won a lottery I never entered. Maybe this change is already too late.)



If you want to comment on any specific post, (adding information or correcting a mistake I made) please use the comment area that is available on each post. That way everyone will get to see what you think, not just me.



I would love to hear from you if you have ideas of things I can write about. Even better, if you want to contribute something, I will consider it.



I will not check this address every day, so be patient. (And I almost never check my messages on Facebook, so it you send something there, the odds are that I will not see it for weeks or months.)



Also, I encourage and appreciate comments that are informative or entertaining. However, I delete comments that I think are offensive or inappropriate (which includes spam--I delete a lot of spam).



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Visit Fort Rock to take a look at historic pictographs.

The rich, fertile soil along with the proximity to fresh water brought the Flathead, Bannock and Shoshone Indians to the region and later trappers and settlers.

Known for an abundance of wildlife, Missouri Headwaters State Park is a great place to explore, but dont forget your bug spray.

In addition to its vast natural resources and outdoor activities, Missouri Headwaters State Park also boasts extensive cultural history  ranging from the tribes that lived there thousands of years ago to Lewis and Clark to fur traders to settlers.

In late July 1805, William Clark and a small number from the Corps of Discovery reached the Headwaters while scouting for Shoshone Indians, whom they hoped would sell them horses. It was Sacajawea, who recognized the area as where she was captured as a child by the Hidatsa, who led the expedition successfully there.

While at the confluence, Clark left a note for Meriwether Lewis to find and later Lewis Rock was named for him.Council members cited the concerns of downtown business owners and said they have confidence that the ordinance will only target a person's behavior and not race, and only be enforced as a last resort.

While the unlawful behavior ordinance never mentions panhandling or soliciting, it's clear from discussions at the committee and council meetings the city wants to regulate that activity when it gets aggressive.

One man who spoke in favor of the ordinance said he thinks it will help tourists have a better experience while visiting Rapid City.

Dan Senftner, president of Destination Rapid City, said as someone who lives and works downtown, he never feels afraid when he goes out. But he said he knows that some residents and tourists have felt uncomfortable in the downtown area.

Senftner said the ordinance doesnt target any particular group of people, and that there are many resources for people who want help.

We need a behavioral change, he said.

About 10 people spoke against the ordinance, saying its targeting the homeless and Native Americans, and that the city should focus on social services, not criminalization, for people struggling with housing, unemployment and drugs.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}"If you are newly elected and you take your eye out of the district and you're staring at the shiny bright object of a presidential campaign, you are making it harder to get re-elected," said former Rep. Steve Israel, the House Democrats' chief campaign strategist for four years. The attention may be flattering, Israel said, but his advice is to do the sometimes grueling constituent casework. "Keep your feet on the ground of your district, and not in the silver clouds of a presidential campaign."

But the presidential candidates are calling. And name-dropping in public. Some, such as former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his own $110 million contribution to the midterm Democrats, have raised and spent big money that helped elect the newcomers. But as of yet, the 2020 candidates are making few if any explicit requests for commitments of support.In 2017, 39,773 people were killed in the U.S. by guns. This represents a total of 12 deaths per 100,000 people, the highest level in 20 years. From a global perspective, Japan reports 0.2 deaths per 100,000, 0.9 in Germany and 2.1 in Canada.

Gun violence has a $2.8 billion impact on our economy. The emotional trauma, resulting from gun violence, has taken a significant toll on our families, communities and on our nations mental health system.

Law enforcement officials are trained and retrained in the use of firearms. After a police-involved shooting, there is an investigation. Officers then receive support to deal with the trauma experienced from the shooting.

Law enforcement officials are the "good guys" with guns. Our laws need to protect them so that they can continue to serve and protect us. But they are increasingly at risk of being shot and killed by individuals who should not have guns.

We cannot control angry people with guns. We can, however, control their access to guns through our legislative process. Legislation needs to be in place to require that those wishing to purchase guns receive thorough training and extensive vetting.This plan doesn't put more power in the hands of the people. And the words of those who support this raid on good government belie that notion. They make clear who their targets are: "Activist" judges, meaning those on the bench who don't rule their way. But even if you believe the people need to have more say in the nomination of judges, we don't see how this plan accomplishes that goal. In fact, it does the opposite. Fewer people from the Quad-Cities will have a voice in who sits on judicial nominating commissions if this proposal is passed, not more.1. Snow and freezing rain

Expect snow and freezing rain before noon,then a chance of rain between noon and 4 p.m. The high will be near 35 degrees. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90 percent with new ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. New snow accumulation of less than one inch is possible.

Tonight: Skies will be cloudy then gradually becoming partly cloudy with a low around 17 degrees. West winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Thursday will be sunny with a high near 31 degrees and a low around 15 degrees.

Is your school closed or on late start today? Check out the list.

2. Traffic alert in Moline

In Moline, 19th Avenue is closed between 12th Street and 15th Street Place. A contractor is working on site patching 19th Avenue. The road should be reopened to traffic by Friday, weather permitting.

3. Davenport Police: 15-year-old boy died when gun unintentionally dischargedMost Americans likely did not notice a Feb. 14 suicide bomb attack that killed 40 India security forces in the Indian part of disputed Kashmir, but Quad-City residents with roots in India certainly did.

About 70 people of Indian heritage gathered Tuesday night in the gym of the Bettendorf Community Center to pay homage to the men who died in the terrorist attack for which a group said to be based in Pakistan has claimed responsibility.

One of several speakers said the time has come for India to strike back at Pakistan, reflecting sentiments also voiced in India as tensions escalate between the two long-time, nuclear-armed rivals.

The attack in India occurred in the district of Pulwama in the state of Jammu and Kashmir as a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force was riding in vehicles and were run into by another vehicle carrying a bomb, according to news reports.

Jangbir Thakur of Bettendorf, who served nine years in the Indian Army as a commissioned officer, said he has seen these kinds of incidents before and that the situation has gone beyond any peaceful talks anymore.The education behind prescribing a pill is also a concern, Winckler said. "Making birth control more accessible is a goal, but the way in which the governor has proposed it leads me to several questions and concerns," she said. "We had a process that had access to birth control, and we took that funding away, and that was our Planned Parenthood, and doing an end-run again around the education and the people most prepared to prescribe it isn't a healthy decision."

Executive Director of the Family Planning Council of Iowa Jodi Tomlonovic said increasing access to contraceptives is a good thing. "We have parts of the state where it's probably a little more difficult to get to a health care provider like a doctor or a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant," she said. "And so hopefully this would help women in those parts of the state who need better access."

But Tomlonovic said the council is concerned about testing if people are sexually active, and if pharmacists would be trained to discuss it. "They obviously couldn't do the testing, but to know how to talk about that in a sensitive way to clients."Amy Swearingen, whose children attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary and who describes herself as a very big advocate for the district, said parent involvement throughout the consolidation process was important.

I think its important for people to hear it firsthand and get their opinion of it, she said via phone call. Hearing it firsthand is the best way to gain an understanding.

Raso said he hoped the conversation Wednesday night would stay on track, and focus on moving forward with the transition plan.

The conversation thats happening is about moving forward with the decision. Before, it was a decision that was made between the board, the administration and the construction staff, he said.   I believe where the parents come in is, this is the decision moving forward, how do we get the parents involved at that point? This is the transition, and how do we answer your questions about how this is going to work out for your kid.

While the decision regarding the lease of Ross has already been made, Wade said he hopes the district is more welcoming of parental input moving forward.

When you cut out public input, you are cutting out all of the buy-in that parents have in the process, and I think they really need parents to be bought in on this, he said. If they want this to be successful, the need us all to come along.

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Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.We are all human beings made by God. He made us to know him, to love him and to serve him. He even gave us the Ten Commandments to follow so we could stay on the right track in order to reach heaven and him. But have we? No, we have not. The Fifth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not kill." Yet almost every day there is a report in the newspaper or on the television news of someone being killed or of a mass murder that took place in one of our cities.ROCK ISLAND COUNTY FELONIES

Dagen, Donald J., 9/24/1985, of 613 3rd Ave. S., Cordova; guilty finding entered Jan. 24 on felony possession of meth less than five grams; $3,005 court costs, 24 months probation, 60 days in jail. Charge dismissed on misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

DeWilfond, Joshua Andrew, 6/15/1989, homeless, Milan; charge dismissed Jan. 25 on forgery/issue/deliver document; $150 court costs.

Dwyer, Kenneth L., 1/25/1975, of 4725 250th St. N., Port Byron; guilty finding entered Jan. 17 on forgery/issue/deliver document; $3,523 fine/costs, 30 months probation, 180 days in jail. Charge dismissed on forgery/issue/deliver document.

HENRY COUNTY FELONIES

Ryner, Ashley L., 1/21/1984, of 724 Colonial Ave., Sterling; guilty finding entered Dec. 10 on obstruct justice/destroy evidence; $781 fine/costs, 24 months conditional discharge. Charge amended/reduced on obstruct justice/destroy evidence.

Sheehy, Nicholas L., 12/21/1979, of 101 E. Good St., Cambridge; charge dismissed Dec. 26 on two counts of aggravated DUI/no valid insurance.

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY DUIS

Carter, Corinthian R., 6/20/1981, of 666A E. 133rd St., Chicago; withheld judgment with supervision Jan. 23 on DUI; $2,397, 12 months supervision, alcohol treatment.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0WHAT WE KNOW: In December, village officials sold the village-owned 2.9-acre "Old Academy" site on Illinois 84 to Drs. Sarah and Terry Foust of River View Veterinary Service who plan to build a $3 million facility at the site. The property had been on the market for about four years; the village's contract with John Corelis of Ruhl Commercial Co. to market the property ended April 18, 2018.

WHAT'S NEW: Trustees on Tuesday night heard again from village attorney Sarah Gorham that the village is not legally bound to pay the commission, despite Ruhl and Ruhl sending a letter stating their case and explained at the meeting by Mayor Bruce Peterson. The trustees voted unanimously to deny commission and to put the money in escrow back into the general fund.

WHAT'S NEXT: In other business, trustees approved $48,400 to MSA for the Illinois 84 contract amendment because of changes in laws since the project was initiated. Trustees also approved $1,559 for a bill from Zimmer & Francescon for water main parts; $8,774 repair of pressure reducing valve on Walnut Street; $2,100 inspection of all three pressure reducing valves and $544 purchase of rock from Riverstone for water main breaks.

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Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.WHAT WE KNOW: Annawan officials have been discussing ways to upgrade the village's sewer plant located near Interstate 80. Current equipment at the plant dates back to the 1980s.

WHAT'S NEW: On Tuesday, village officials approved entering the state-managed Illinois Shines program and will work with Novel Energy Solutions of Paxton. "We will buy solar energy from Novel to provide power to operate the sewer plant, and that will significantly reduced the cost of operating the plant," said Annawan Mayor Tim Wise.

Annawan Public Works Director Mark Crosby also has submitted a grant application through the Illinois EPA for $145,000 to upgrade equipment at the sewer plant. If approved, Annawan will have to raise an additional 10 percent of the total grant.

WHAT'S NEXT: Also on Tuesday, trustees discussed plans for a new public works building to replace one demolished in January after the roof caved in during a snowstorm. The village currently is borrowing space for equipment in the Annawan Township building.

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Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.DAVENPORT  The new organist for First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St., will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the church.

Alex Gilson recently was named principal organist and assistant director of music at First Presbyterian after a nine-month international search.

"He is an outstanding artist and a wonderful new addition to the Quad-Cities music community," said Matt Bishop, music director at First Presbyterian.

Gilson is a recent graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y., where he earned a master's degree in organ performance and literature. He graduated from the University of North Texas in 2016 with a bachelors degree in both organ performance and jazz studies (piano concentration).

While at UNT, he served as Organ Scholar at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Dallas. In October 2018, Gilson won first prize at the French Organ Seminar Young Artist Competition in New York, and he will travel to Europe this summer to perform at churches in England and France.

Friday's concert will feature music by 19th- and 20th-century French composers, as well as works by Max Reger, Percy Whitlock, and J.S. Bach, played on the churchs 61-rank Casavant pipe organ.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. They will be available at the door, or they can be reserved in advance by calling the church office at 563-326-1691.

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Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.A judge has ruled that a Chicago woman charged in the death of her 5-year-old son Ja'Shawn Bussell in Davenport last year is not competent to stand trial.

In a written order filed Monday, District Court Judge Thomas Reidel wrote that Jacqueline M. Rambert is suffering from a mental disorder that prevents her from appreciating the charge, understanding the proceedings or assisting effectively in her defense.

He ordered that she will receive restoration treatment  which may include prescribing and administering medication  at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coralville.

Reports on her progress in the restoration process will be made to the judge every 30 days, according to the order. The report will state whether it appears Rambert can be restored to competency in a reasonable amount of time.

Rambert, 25, and co-defendant Tre D. Henderson, 27, also of Chicago, are charged with first-degree murder, child endangerment-multiple acts, and child endangerment resulting in death.

On April 27, Rambert called 911 because her son was choking and unresponsive, according to an arrest affidavit.The Department of Labor spokesman said Lunda no longer is listed as a participant in the program. He said the company's last OSHA inspection occurred in Michigan in July 2017, and Lunda was in compliance.

The company's previous safety issues did not impact the Iowa DOT when it chose Lunda to lead the bridge construction, said DOT project engineer Danielle Alvarez.

The bridge contract was let in April 2017, and Lunda was among five contractors to bid.

"At the time we reviewed the bids and awarded the contract, we had no information to suggest that Lunda was not a responsible bidder under the state and federal standards that applied to this project," Alvarez wrote in an email Tuesday. "We do consider contractors safety records in the letting and award process."

As DOT projects are completed, she said, the state evaluates every contractor. The results of the evaluations help the DOT determine whether contractors are qualified to bid on future projects, she said.

Any issues, including safety matters, could get additional state review. But the DOT's deeper dive into contractor records would only occur when the agency has "direct knowledge" of an incident and "would usually only include projects that were administered by the Iowa DOT," Alvarez wrote.The Quad City International Airport's first female board member, Molly Foley, has stepped down.

Tuesday morning, the Rock Island County Metropolitan Airport Authority Board of Commissioners presented Foley with a certificate recognizing her 13 years of service. Foley first took a seat on the board in 2006, after being appointed by former Rock Island Mayor Mark Schwiebert.

"This month, we recognize Molly Foley as an outgoing commissioner that not only broke a major barrier of becoming the first female commissioner with the MAA, but also provided valuable strategic leadership," Executive Director Ben Leischner told the board. "Molly leaves some big shoes to fill in representing the citizens of Rock Island on the airport board."

Foley has served in all of the executive positions on the board, including as chair. She also has served as the vice president for the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce and now works as a senior associate for IMEG.

Richard John Jr. will replace Foley as commissioner. He was appointed by Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms and sworn in last week.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Father Alfred Kunz once told his congregation about a confrontation with the devil. At the time, long before he fell out of favor with the hierarchy, Kunz was working in a church office known as the chancery. His job there was to help determine which marriages were suitable for annulment under church law.

A young woman came into his office and Kunz offered her a chair. A crucifix hung on the wall nearby, shielded from view behind the open door.

As soon as the woman sat down, a deep growl rose from her throat.

Where is he? an inhuman voice demanded.

As Kunz told it, others fled the building in fear.

He wanted to stay and confront the evil presence inside the woman, but his superiors wouldnt hear of it and demanded she be removed.

Kunz ushered the woman out. Later, she got back in touch, telling him she had dallied in Satanic rituals and felt like she was being pulled back toward the darkness.

Kunz told his flock he helped the woman escape the imprisonment of evil and she went on to live in the freedom of Christ.

In the Catholic Church, some priests really are assigned to serve as exorcists.

Unlike in the movies, their job largely consists of evaluating people who claim to be cursed. Most of the time, the issue isnt spiritual but rather the result of some physical or mental illness, according to Father Jeffrey Grob, vicar for canonical affairs at the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. In those cases, the exorcist and his team work to help the person find resources and treatment.

Once in a while, though, science and medicine alone cant explain whats going on: People speak in languages they havent studied. They toss heavy objects with little effort. Their aversion to sacred symbols or places is so great, they physically recoil.

Thats where the Rite of Exorcism comes in.

Kunz was never recognized as an exorcist by the Catholic hierarchy.

Just as he celebrated Latin Masses without the permission of church leaders, he learned the rituals for battling Satan without their blessing  a move exorcists sanctioned by the church saw as dangerous and foolish.

Malachi Martin, a controversial and self-proclaimed exorcist who was released from his priestly duties in 1965, claimed Kunz as a student.

After Kunzs death, Martin eulogized him as Christs hero, praising him for his efforts in the war against Lucifer. Satanists, Martin was sure, had plotted Kunzs murder and carried it out.

Almost immediately, rumors abounded that Satanists were involved in Father Alfred Kunz's death. In this archival news story, reporters addressed them.

The Catholic Church teaches that possession is fundamentally a relationship between a human being and the devil, according to Grob. With Christs help, if the person truly wishes to end the relationship, it is impossible for an exorcism to fail.

Martin took a different view.

Even for priests of unrelenting faith, he believed, success in an exorcism is not assured.

If Satan wins, Martin believed, the priest who tried to remove him may not survive.

Whats more, an exorcism that banishes Lucifer may not leave the priest unscathed.

Something dies in him, Martin wrote. Some part of his humanness will wither from such close contact with the opposite of all humanness  the essence of evil, and it is rarely if ever revitalized.

Not long before Kunz was murdered, a Minnesota woman went to her bishop, Richard Williamson of the Society of St. Pius X, in desperation. Satan, she was convinced, had taken control of her son.

Williamson, whose group had distanced itself from mainstream Catholicism, told the woman she should go to see Kunz, who could exorcise the demon.

During their efforts to speak with every member of the St. Michael congregation, detectives found just one parishioner who mentioned the pending exorcism. The man said he and Kunz had met for lunch a few days before the murder. During the meal, Kunz mentioned that hed been waiting for the woman from Minnesota and her son to arrive.

So far, Kunz told him, they hadnt shown up.

Had they made their way to Dane in the time between that lunch and Kunzs murder? Police didnt think so.

Night had fallen on March 2, 1998.

On a remote dairy farm less than 15 miles from St. Michael Church, someone entered the pasture.

The calf stood alone in its enclosure  small, vulnerable, easy to subdue. Any sound it made as the intruder slit its throat wasnt loud enough to rouse the farmer. As the blood poured forth, the knife moved to the calfs genitals, removing them.

At sunrise, the farmer came upon the animals corpse.

The following night, Kunz was murdered in the hallway of St. Michael School. Rumors of Satanic ritual  that the priests genitals were mutilated and that the number of stab wounds mirrored his age  ultimately proved false.

Regardless, some would come to believe the animals slaying was something more sinister: A rehearsal.

View key locations

Click on a point to learn more about key locations in this chapter

How we reported this story

In reporting this story, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Gina Barton conducted dozens of interviews with those involved in the case. She attended the 20th anniversary Requiem Mass for Father Alfred Kunz and visited the Queen of the Holy Rosary Mediatrix of Peace shrine in Necedah, Wis.

The Dane County Sheriffs Department declined to release its case file to the Journal Sentinel, citing an exemption to the states public records law for open cases. Barton reviewed 50 pages of department reports that had been released to the Journal Sentinel in 1998 and remained on file in the newsroom. Those reports document the initial police response to the 911 call and several interrogations of Brian Jackson and people who knew him.

Barton read court records, archival records detailing events at the shrine and portions of Malachi Martins book on exorcism, Hostage to the Devil. She also reviewed dozens of print and television news reports about the Kunz homicide and investigation.

In addition, Barton listened to seven and a half hours of the Our Catholic Family and Our Apostolic Church radio programs. Recordings of the programs were provided to the news organization by Peter Kelly, who produced them. Descriptions of Kunzs feelings, beliefs, experiences and teachings were taken from statements he made on the show in 1997 and early 1998. Father Charles Fiore also spoke on some of the recordings.

Details and quotes in scenes were obtained through interviews with those present or from police reports, court records, transcripts, archived news reports, video recordings or audio recordings.

Brian Jackson spoke briefly in person to Journal Sentinel reporter Ashley Luthern. He said he is innocent and believes the investigation was waylaid by the fact detectives spent so much time on him. He declined a detailed interview, saying his lawyer had advised against it. Jacksons thoughts, feelings and interactions with Kunz, as conveyed in the story, come from police reports in which he described them to detectives.

In all other instances in which peoples thoughts are described, they conveyed those thoughts to a reporter.

Throughout the series, quotation marks indicate a subjects exact words as written in a transcript, as recalled by a party to the conversation or as stated to a reporter, either now or at the time of the incident. Italics indicate statements recalled or summarized by a third party in an interview, a news story or an investigative document, such as a police report.

People who provided information for this chapter include Peter Kelly, Father Jeffrey Grob and former reporter Chuck Nowlen. St. Michael parishioner Toby Westerman, who described Kunzs sermon in a public blog posting, did not return telephone calls. Bishop Richard Williamson, formerly of the Society of St. Pius X, declined to be interviewed.

Anyone with information about the murder of Father Alfred Kunz is asked to call the Dane County Sheriff's Department tip line at 608-284-6900.He said its not designed to be adversarial but rather a way to assist those who need help, Moore explained.

We have some great ideas. I think it will produce great dividends, Moore said. The Board of Supervisors clearly wants to have the backs of our senior citizens.

Moore said Glens Falls 4th Ward Supervisor William Loeb has been leading the effort, assisted by Tammy DeLorenzo, assistant to the county administrator, as they work with the various agencies to get the idea off the ground. So far, the nursing home companies have indicated they would be willing to work with county officials as they work to get the effort going.

Our department heads have begun having discussions with the (nursing home) facilities and they have been very receptive, Moore said.

Loeb said the goal was to have the program and hotline running later this year, along with a policy to document concerns by home residents and families in writing so that the state is assured of getting them.

Weve got all these complaints, and we need a solution, Loeb said. They are looking at new innovative ways to work together and find ways the county can get more involved.He noted that, in one case in which police arrested a group of burglars, he went through a lengthy process to determine which items in the evidence safe were personal and which were part of the criminal acts.

Obviously, the diamond saw is not getting returned, but the Rolex watch  we had to figure out who owned what, he said. They were surprisingly cooperative with each other, and we returned their personal items.

In another local case from 2017, two drug dealers forfeited their home and pizza shop on John Street in Hudson Falls as part of a plea deal. Jordan said he was able to prove the house was bought with the proceeds of drug sales, and the pizza shop was used as a front for the drug operation.

He feels taking such property is still legal, but he acknowledged that the Supreme Court decision doesnt specify.

The question left unanswered by this decision is, is someone precluded from agreeing to give up items? he said.

Hes confident that he is on solid ground, because the only things taken in the county have been proceeds of criminal activity or items used in a crime, and arent very valuable.

I dont think weve taken anything thats excessive, he said. I dont envision this being all that problematic to the way we practice.

You can reach Kathleen Moore at 742-3247 or kmoore@poststar.com. Follow her on Twitter @ByKathleenMoore or at her blog on www.poststar.com.

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 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Inventiva Announces Results from Phase IIb Clinical Trial with Lanifibranor in Systemic Sclerosis

Details Category: Small Molecules Published on Wednesday, 20 February 2019 12:31 Hits: 827

DAIX, France I February 18, 2019 I Inventiva (Euronext: IVA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing oral small molecule therapies for the treatment of diseases in the areas of fibrosis, lysosomal storage disorders and oncology, today announced the results from the FASST (For A Systemic Sclerosis Treatment) clinical trial evaluating lanifibranor for the treatment of patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), a rare, progressive autoimmune, rheumatic disease with frequent serious adverse events and high unmet medical need.

The FASST clinical trial, a one-year, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase IIb study, included 145 patients suffering from the early phase of dcSSc, who received lanifibranor in either two doses of 400mg per day or two doses of 600mg per day over 48 weeks in addition to their existing standard of care, which in most cases included immunosuppressive therapy.

The FASST clinical trial did not meet its primary endpoint of a mean absolute change from baseline to week 48, relative to placebo, in the modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), which assesses skin thickness across 17 defined points on the body on a scale of zero, indicating normal skin, to three, indicating severe thickness. There was a decrease in the average mRSS observed in active and placebo arms with only four patients reporting to have increases in mRSS scores over the course of the trial.

800mg lanifibranor 1200mg lanifibranor Placebo Number of patients 49 48 48 Mean baseline mRSS (SD[1]) 18.2 (3.8) 17.8 (3.9) 17.1 (-3.7) Mean absolute change of mRSS from baseline to week 48 (SD3) -3.7 (4.2) -4.3 (5.0) -4.9 (4.6)

While the trial did not meet any of the secondary endpoints, lanifibranor showed a favorable trend in patients global assessment of disease activity with a mean absolute change in visual analog scale[2] (p=0.08) from baseline versus placebo indicating a perceived benefit by patients.

Within this fragile and poly-medicated population, lanifibranor was observed to be associated with a favorable safety profile, with no adverse interactions with immunosuppressive background therapies observed. The proportion of patients with at least one adverse event was similar across the three patient groups.

As reported in established literature, patients in the early phase of SSc population have an increased susceptibility to edema.[3] In the FASST clinical trial, fluid retention was observed related to lanifibranor but was only judged severe in one patient in each dose group, and a single serious adverse event of peripheral edema was observed at the highest lanifibranor dose. Furthermore, no cardiac or renal safety concerns were observed in the trial.

Yannick Allanore, co-principal investigator of the FASST clinical trial and professor of rheumatology at the Hopital Cochin in Paris, commented: The FASST clinical trial was well-conducted and represents the first study in dcSSc with a stratified background on immunosuppressive therapy. It appears that the presence of background therapy produced a strong placebo effect and limited the number of patients progressing in dcSSc.

Professor Christopher Denton, co-principal investigator of the FASST clinical trial and professor at the University College of London, added: We regret the study results but we are satisfied both by lanifibranor patients well-being, expressed in their global assessment, and lanifibranors favorable safety profile observed in the trial, including in combination with immunosuppressive drugs.

Based on the FASST clinical trial results, Inventiva plans to discontinue lanifibranors clinical development for the treatment of dcSSc in order to fully focus on the development of lanifibranor for the treatment of NASH, of odiparcil for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), and of YAP-TEAD in the field of oncology.

Frederic Cren, Chairman and CEO of Inventiva, said: We are disappointed by the results of the FASST clinical trial in dcSSc, a challenging disease as evidenced by the recent failure of three other late-stage trials. While we have decided to discontinue the lanifibranor program in SSc, we are very grateful for the dedication and commitment of patients, caregivers, investigators and our team to this program. We remain confident in lanifibranors unique mechanism of action and will therefore continue to move forward, as planned, with its clinical development in the treatment of NASH. Beyond lanifibranor, we have a promising and diversified development pipeline, backed by a strong discovery engine, notably with odiparcil for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses, and look forward to the upcoming clinical milestones.

Results presentation

Inventivas management team will present the trial results in the context of the Companys 2018 full-year results which will be published on Wednesday February 27, 2018 at 5:45 pm (Paris time).

On that occasion, the Company will host a conference call in English at 6:15 pm (Paris time). The conference call will be simultaneously webcast and accessible on Inventivas website in the Investors  Financial Results & Presentations section. A replay of the conference call and webcast will also be available following the event.

More details on the conference call and webcast will be provided in the Companys 2018 full-year results press release.

About the FASST Phase IIb trial

The FASST (For A Systemic Sclerosis Treatment) clinical trial was a one-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase IIb clinical trial evaluating lanifibranor in the treatment of patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), which affects approximately 35% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The primary endpoint of the trial was a mean absolute change from baseline to week 48 in the modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), which assesses skin thickness across 17 defined points on the body on a scale of zero, indicating normal skin, to three, indicating severe thickness. The mRSS is a clinically validated and FDAaccepted endpoint measuring the evolution of skin fibrosis, which is known to be correlated with internal organ fibrosis. In addition, secondary endpoints for the trial included changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), which is an FDAaccepted endpoint measuring pulmonary function, overall progression of the disease (assessed as the absence of rescue therapy and of severe organ involvement, such as kidney failure), changes in gastrointestinal health, and safety.

About lanifibranor

Lanifibranor, Inventivas lead product candidate, is an orally-available small molecule that acts to induce anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and beneficial metabolic changes in the body by activating all three peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor (PPAR) isoforms, which are wellcharacterized nuclear receptor proteins that regulate gene expression. Lanifibranor is a PPAR agonist that is designed to target all three PPAR isoforms in a moderately potent manner, with a wellbalanced activation of PPAR and PPAR, and a partial activation of PPAR. While there are other PPAR agonists that target only one or two PPAR isoforms for activation, lanifibranor is the only panPPAR agonist in clinical development. Inventiva believes that lanifibranors moderate and balanced panPPAR binding profile contributes to the favorable safety and tolerability profile that has been observed in clinical trials and preclinical studies to date.

Inventiva is currently evaluating lanifibranor in a Phase IIb clinical trial for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common and progressive chronic liver disease, for which there is currently no approved therapy.

About Systemic Sclerosis

SSc is a rare, progressive and debilitating chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that is characterized by microvascular damage, dysregulation of the immune system and generalized fibrosis in multiple organs. As such, SSc affects the skin, lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, with the impairments of the internal organs the most disabling and life-threatening manifestations of the disease.

It causes patients to suffer from major disability, significantly impaired quality of life and shorter life expectancy, primarily due to organ failure. SSc is potentially fatal, with the cause typically being cardio-respiratory failure. SSc patients have a greater mortality rate than patients with any other rheumatic disease. The prevalence of SSc is estimated to be 154 people per million in each of the United States and Europe and women are five times more likely than men to develop the disease.

SOURCE: InventivaNationwide, employment reached its pre-recession threshold in the summer of 2014, so the Hampton Roads figures offer evidence that recovery has been uneven and region-specific. There are still plenty of places which remain in a deficit  and where there are no signs of impending growth  so we might consider ourselves fortunate by comparison.But no shots were ever fired, the lockdown was lifted and Navy officials later concurred the entire thing was a false alarm. Some people were incredulous, posting that something had to have happened and that maybe the Navy was covering it up so it wouldn't look bad.Mitchell's family filed a lawsuit in 2016, claiming he was beaten, starved and treated "like a circus animal" in the months leading up to his death. The suit, which is in the process of being settled for $3 million, said Mitchell was ultimately left to die in his cell as fellow inmates pleaded with guards to get him help.Barba is best known for her appearance in 2007 on American Idol, where she just missed making it to the top 12 round. Her other TV and film credits include "Fear Factor" and the 2017 movie "All About the Money" starring Eddie Griffin and Casper Van Dien. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel brought Barba on his show last year for a "Where Are They Now?" segment alongside other "Idol" contestants.At a job fair, Lee said he is able to interact with prospective employees, and get a sense for how they would do in a customer service-focused position. If an attendee can carry on a conversation with him, Lee said he knows they'll be able to do so with a customer, too.Angelo is the first woman mentioned by name as one of the first 20 to 30 Africans brought to English North America in 1619. That legacy  the system of slavery that ensued and the immeasurable influence of African culture on America  will be marked with day and evening programs.In this Jan. 29, 2019, file photo, the logos of Huawei are displayed at its retail shop window reflecting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Beijing. The head of Britain's cybersecurity agency says government oversight of Huawei has proven it can flag up security problems, suggesting he doesn't think the Chinese company needs to be banned from supplying mobile networks. Ciaran Martin, the CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, also said Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019 that one of the conditions for maintaining good cybersecurity is having "sustainable diversity" in the telecommunications equipment supplier market. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

Britain can handle the security risks involved with using mobile networks made by China's Huawei, the cybersecurity chief said Wednesday, adding to a growing debate among countries on whether the company should be banned, as the U.S. wants.

Ciaran Martin, the CEO of the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre, said it was important to have "sustainable diversity" in the supply of telecommunications equipment. He added that his agency could handle the challenges involved in monitoring suppliers who may not be considered trustworthya hint at Huawei.

Huawei, the world's biggest maker of switching gear for phone and internet companies, has faced rising scrutiny over U.S. allegations that it could be forced by the Chinese government to provide access to consumer data on its networks.

As countries roll out new high speed fifth generation, or 5G, mobile networks, they are seeking suppliers and the issue of whether to ban Huawei has become a heated debate.

Some frame it as a cold evaluation of the technical risks. Others see it as part of a broader tussle between the U.S. and China for technological dominance. The U.S. has effectively blocked Huawei for years and is accusing China of stealing technology from foreign companies.

U.S. government officials including Vice President Mike Pence publicly warned European allies against using Huawei during a visit last week.

Authorities and telecom operators in countries such as Germany, Norway and the Czech Republic have been reassessing Huawei's role in 5G networks while Australia, New Zealand and Japan have already moved to curb the use of its gear to varying degrees.

China has stridently defended Huawei, considered a crown jewel in its push to become a global technology power, and denounced security concerns as part of a U.S.-led plot to restrain the country's development.

"The United States and a few of its allies are using double standards and deliberately misleading the public on the issue," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Monday.

"It's hypocritical, immoral and unfair bullying behaviors," said Geng.

Experts say Huawei networks are generally cheaper than those of competitors and are of a high quality, making it a difficult decision for governments and telecom operators to shun the supplier altogether. Banning Huawei could also delay the rollout of 5G networks, which are considered necessary for the next generation of internet-connected things, from self-driving cars to smart factories.

The British government is due to complete a review of its policies on the safety of 5G in March or April.

Martin said no decisions have yet been made and "everything is on the table."

Since 2010, the British government has operated a cybersecurity evaluation center for Huawei equipment, which Martin said was part of "the toughest and most rigorous oversight regime in the world" for the company.

"And it is proving its worth," he said, according to a transcript of a speech he gave at a conference in Brussels.

The cybersecurity center in July identified technical issues in Huawei's engineering processes that could make it less safe. Huawei said last month that it would take three to five years to fix the problems.

Martin said the issues his agency identified relate to cybersecurity standards and are "not indicators of hostile activity by China." He told reporters that mistakes in software are the biggest issue for cybersecurity, more so than the risk of a foreign government getting backdoor access.

Huawei competes with a few big rivals, notably Finland's Nokia and Sweden's Ericsson, to supply equipment for 5G networks.

Martin said it's important not to let the telecom equipment supplier market shrink too much.

"Any company in an excessively dominant market position will not be incentivized to take cybersecurity seriously," Martin said, adding that such a company could be a "prime target for attack for the globe's most potent cyber attackers."

In a sign of Britain's division over 5G, a security think tank warned the same day against using Huawei gear.

"Allowing Huawei's participation is at best naive, at worst irresponsible," the Royal United Services Institute said in a report, which cited factors including the difficulty of finding hidden "back doors" in software.

Germany is still undecided on what to do. It has made clear it doesn't plan to explicitly bar any single manufacturer, though that leaves open the possibility it could frame system requirements in a way that effectively excludes Huawei.

Officials are wary of the security issues that could arise with Chinese involvement, and the German Interior Ministry said Wednesday that internal discussions were still ongoing on how to proceed.

"A direct exclusion of a particular manufacturer from the 5G expansion is at the time not legally possible and also not planned," the Interior Ministry told The Associated Press. "For the Interior Ministry the focus is on adapting the security requirements of the telecommunications network in such a way that the security of the network remains guaranteed, including from possibly non-trustworthy manufacturers."

The ministry said for that to be ensured, the requirements must be anchored in Germany's telecommunications law and discussions on how to do that are currently ongoing.

Explore further British intelligence says Huawei risk manageable: FT

 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.Presented by Guillermo Gimenez de Castro, a professor at the Mackenzie Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics Center (CRAAM) during FAPESP Week London, instrument created in Sao Paulo will be improved in collaboration with Russia and will measure solar flares; launch is scheduled for 2022. Credit: Andre Juliao

A new version of equipment developed in Brazilthe Solar-Twill be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to measure solar flares. It is estimated that the sun-THz, the new photometric telescope, will be launched in 2022 on one of the missions to the ISS and will remain there to take consistent measurements.

The photometric telescope works at a frequency of 0.2 to 15 THz, which can only be measured from space. In parallel, another telescope, the HATS, will be installed in Argentina. That instrument, which will be ready in 2020, will work at a frequency of 15 THz on the ground. The HATS is being constructed as part of a Thematic Project led by Guillermo Gimenez de Castro, a professor at the Mackenzie Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics Center (CRAAM) at Mackenzie Presbyterian University (UPM).

The equipment was part of the subject matter presented during the session given by Gimenez de Castro at FAPESP Week London, February 11-12, 2019. The researcher explained that solar explosions, or flares, are phenomena that occur on the sun's surface, causing high levels of radiation in outer space.

The Sun THz is an enhanced version of the Solar-T, a double photometric telescope that was launched in 2016 by NASA in Antarctica in a stratospheric balloon that flew 12 days at an altitude of 40,000 m. The Solar-T captured the energy emitted by solar flares at two unprecedented frequencies: from three to seven terahertz (THz), which corresponds to a segment of far infrared radiation. The Solar-T was designed and built in Brazil by researchers at CRAAM together with colleagues at the Center for Semiconductor Components at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP).

Pierre Kaufmann, a researcher at CRAAM and one of the pioneers of radioastronomy in Brazil, died in 2017. The new equipment, with Kaufmann as one of its creators, will be the product of a partnership with the Lebedev Physics Institute in Russia. "The idea now is to use a set of detectors to measure a full spectrum, from 0.2 THz to 15 THz," Gimenez de Castro said.

Most of the new photometric telescope will be built in Russia, but it will have parts made in Brazil, such as the equipment that will be used to calibrate the entire instrument. "The technology and concept behind the telescope were developed here [in Brazil]. The Russians liked the idea and are reproducing it and adding more elements. We are working on the cutting edge of technology. Forty years ago, the cutting edge for what could be done was 100 gigahertz. With the results obtained over the years, we are seeking higher frequencies, and prospects for the future are good," said the researcher.

The functionality of the equipment lies in its graphene sensors. Highly sensitive to terahertz frequencies, graphene sensors are able to detect polarization and can be adjusted electronically. Experiments in creating these detectors are currently underway at the Center for Advanced Graphene, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research (MackGraphe) at Mackenzie Presbyterian University, a FAPESP-funded center.

Explore further NASA balloon recovered a year after flight over AntarcticaNASA astronaut Anne McClain donning the Circadian Rhythms hardware, a sensor that monitors how a crew members biological clock changes during spaceflight. Credit: NASA

Europe's Columbus laboratory enters its eleventh year in space with steady operations, a few upgrades and several experiments in full swing.

The physical behaviour of particles, liquids and cells in microgravity was the focus of ESA's activities on the International Space Station during the first weeks of February.

The three astronauts from Expedition 58 living in space worked on experiments about how time perception and their biological clocks might change in space. While awaiting the arrival of three new crewmates on 14 March, the trio is carrying out a significant amount of science.

Liquids in space

The Fluidics experiment, or Fluid Dynamics in Space, observes how liquids move in weightlessness.

To help in the quest to learn more, the astronauts installed hardware in the Columbus laboratory and turned on a miniature centrifuge to start the fifth science run of this experiment.

Gravity on Earth means fuel settles to the bottom of a fuel tank so it is easy to ensure every drop is used. In space, fuel floats, making it more difficult to predict how it will slosh around inside a fuel tank.

With Fluidics, researchers hope to understand the underlying physics of how liquids move in space so we can improve spacecraft fuel economy.

Horizons science: perceiving time in space. Credit: European Space Agency

New electronics for Kubik

One of the longest-running experiment units running on the Space Station got an upgrade earlier this month. Two Kubik units now have new electronics that will allow science teams on ground to teleoperate the equipment and check how the system is running as well as download data with just a few clicks.

These features will help keep Kubik operational into its second decade of space research. Kubik  from the Russian for cube  is a small incubator designed to run autonomously and study biological samples in microgravity. Seeds, stem cells, fungi and even swimming tadpoles have been hosted in separate tissue-box-sized units.

Stability in orbit

The Fluid Science Laboratory, stationed in the Columbus module, allows researchers to study how foams, emulsions and materials behave in the absence of gravity.

Learn more about the Fluidics experiment, exploring how liquids behave in space. Credit: European Space Agency

The Soft Matter Dynamics experiment investigated foams that are hard to study on Earth as convection destabilizes the foams.

The study of foams and emulsions in weightlessness have wide practical applications. Solidified metal foams, for example, can be as strong as solid metals but are much lighter, so they are used in advanced aerospace technology and manufacturing as well as modern consumer cars.

The Compacted Granulars experiment, also known as CompGran, monitored the behaviour of plastic grains until they reach complete arrest. Granular particles are far from equilibrium and lose energy when colliding with each other. Scientists carrying out this research are looking at the granular materials without the rapid sedimentation that occurs on Earth as they are unaffected by weight differences.

Space rhythm and time

Our bodies know roughly what time of day it is, making us feel sleepy at night. Astronauts experience 16 sunrises and sunsets every day on the International Space Station as it circles Earth, making it a unique place to study how their biological clocks cope.

ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst has been recently busy with one of the facilities in Europes Columbus module. The Fluid Science Laboratory measures fluid dynamics in weightlessness. Scientists are interested in how foams, emulsions and granular materials  materials easily deformed by thermal fluctuations and external forces  behave without the effects of gravity. After 10 years of service, it was time for the Fluid Science Laboratory to get a revamp. Alexander installed a new video management unit to record experiments for analysis on Earth. He also installed the Soft Matter Dynamics instrument, at the bottom of the unfastened Fluid Science Laboratory in this image. Credit: European Space Agency/NASA

Long-duration spaceflights probably affect the inner clock in humans due to changes of living in light-dark cycle that does not correspond with the 24-hours of a day on Earth.

NASA astronaut Anne McClain completed her third session for the Circadian Rhythms experiment that is investigating this phenomenon. For 36 hours, she wore two sensors strapped to her forehead and chest to monitor body temperature. The experiment will also measure her melatonin levels, a hormone linked to sleep.

As part of the Time Perception experiment, Anne and Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques wore a headset to block out external visual cues and gauged how long a visual target appears on a laptop screen. Their reaction times will help understand why and how time perception is altered in orbit.

Explore further Spotlight on Space Station scienceMary's embryos about to hatch. Credit: Dr. Laura Dean

A female stickleback fish, nick-named 'Mary', has produced offspring from eggs that appear to have been fertilised while they were still inside her, according to scientists at the University of Nottingham.

The team of researchers from the School of Life Sciences collected Mary on an expedition to the Outer Hebrides to gather wild sticklebacks which are fully genome-sequenced models for a wide range of scientific research.

In a paper published in Scientific Reports they present the first ever discovery of internal fertilisation and development of babies inside a normally egg-laying species, and their successful delivery.

The three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, is a small fish that is common to both fresh and coastal waters in the Northern Hemisphere. In normal reproduction, the male stickleback builds a nest and, by performing a zig-zagging dance routine, lures a female to lay her eggs inside it. The male then chases the female away and fertilises the cluster. He then guards and takes care of the eggs by fanning them with his fins to aerate them for around 2 weeks until they hatch.

Mary's unusual pregnancy meant that the 'virgin' stickleback was egg-bound and close to death when her predicament was noticed so the decision was taken to save the lives of her young, by putting her to sleep and delivering the near-complete embryos by Caesarean section. 54 embryos were successfully delivered, hatched into fry and grew to adulthood in the aquaria in Nottingham where around 20 still survive nearly three years on. The team has also successfully bred from Mary's offspring in normal aquarium conditions.

Embryos moving showing beating hearts just before hatching. Credit: Dr. Laura Dean

Dr. Laura Dean, from the School of Life Sciences, said: "We were astounded at what we found when we examined Mary in our lab in the Outer Hebrides. She looked like an ordinary egg-bound fish so we couldn't believe it when we found she had almost completely developed embryos inside her ovaries. This is pretty much unheard of in an egg laying species. The embryos were perfectly healthy, not deformed in any way, and most have gone on to live a normal adult lifespan."

This discovery is currently the only record of this kind of fertilisation and delivery of live offspring in any fish ever so the research team was very keen to investigate how this might have happened. There are three known mechanisms by which abnormal type of reproduction in fish can occur. The first is parthenogenesis which is where the fish clones herself, the second is that she could be hermaphrodite with both male and female sex organs.

Laura said: "We were able to rule these two possibilities out because, in parthenogenesis, her offspring would have been genetically identical to the mother, or, if hermaphroditism, they would have only had versions of genes that she had, with no genetic input from anywhere else. So, we did some very simple genetic testing on the offspring and found that they had versions of genes that Mary didn't have and so must have had a father.

"Our theory is that somehow sperm had got into the fish, fertilised the eggs and they developed into normal two-parent embryos. What has probably happened is that she has gone into a nest to lay her eggs where another female had already laid her eggs which had been covered with sperm by a male stickleback. Somehow some of the sperm in the nest must have got into Mary, presumably through her egg tube, and fertilised the eggs inside her but she never laid the eggs."

Mary's baby as a teenager in the aquarium at School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham. Credit: Dr. Laura Dean

Andrew MacColl, Associate Professor of Evolutionary Biology, said:" Although this almost accidental find revealed a vanishingly rare phenomenon, it might help us to understand a really important change that has happened throughout the tree of life. Most animals lay eggs, but some (including almost all mammals, but few fish) retain their eggs inside and give birth to live young. Although this appears to be a difficult thing to achieve in evolution, this one little fish seems to have got there almost by itself!"

The finding of fertilised eggs inside a stickleback has only been recorded once before, in a paper published in the 1950s, but it was just recorded as a picture of the fish with no delivery of the embryos.

The researchers are now actively looking, on subsequent fishing expeditions to Scotland, for more female sticklebacks who may display the same phenomenon to see if there is a chance it may not just be a freak incident but could be an indication of an evolutionary or genetic change in the reproductive mechanism of the species.

They are also hoping to secure funding to investigate the internal mechanisms which allowed the embryos, which would normally have developed in water and been fanned and cared for by the father, to develop within ovarian fluid and without this care.

Explore further Scientists fine-tune method to save rhinosAtomic structure of the copper-ceria interface Credit: DICP

Recently, Dr. Zhou Yan and Prof. Shen Wenjie at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and their collaborators identified the atomic structure of the catalytically active copper-ceria interface and proposed a copper bilayer model. Their findings were published in Nature Catalysis.

Because of their natural abundance, low cost, and more importantly, their unique electronic characteristics, copper catalysts have been industrially applied and fundamentally studied for several chemical reactions that are intimately relevant to energy.

Copper nanoparticles, dispersed on ceria, constitute a highly efficient catalyst system for the low-temperature water-gas shift reaction, which generates hydrogen, and CO/CO 2 hydrogenation that yields methanol. The two processes are crucial for utilizing carbon resources.

The copper-ceria interface has been presumed responsible for the catalytic performance. However, direct identification and a quantitative description of the active sites, which directly interact with the reactive molecules during catalysis, remain challenging.

"Our conclusions are based on the observation of tiny copper clusters by a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), probing the interfacial bonding environment by in situ infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and rationalization by density functional theory (DFT) calculations," said Prof. Shen.

"In studying the atomic structure of the catalytically active copper-ceria interface, we found the copper cluster consisted of a bottom layer of mainly Cu+ atoms bonded on the oxygen vacancies of ceria, and a top layer of Cu0 atoms coordinated with the underlying Cu+ atoms," Prof. Shen added.

Moreover, the scientists found that the low-temperature water-gas shift reaction occurred at the copper-ceria interfacial perimeter via a site cooperation mechanism, by which the Cu+ site chemically adsorbs CO while the neighboring oxygen vacancy site dissociatively activates water.

More information: Aling Chen et al, Structure of the catalytically active copperceria interfacial perimeter, Nature Catalysis (2019). Journal information: Nature Catalysis Aling Chen et al, Structure of the catalytically active copperceria interfacial perimeter,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41929-019-0226-6Expansion of shrimp farming for export along the Gulf of Fonseca in Nicaragua and Honduras from 1986 (top) to 1999 (middle) to 2011 (bottom). As the industry expands, shrimp ponds move closer to coastal mangrove fringes and waters in the gulf become increasingly clouded with sediment. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory, CC BY

For many years environmentalists have urged the public to "think globally, act locally"  meaning, consider the health of the planet, then take action in your own community.

But this approach can have unintended consequences. In a recent study, I worked with colleagues from academia, government and the nonprofit world to gather examples of fishery, forestry, agriculture and biofuel policies that appeared successful locally, but on closer inspection actually created environmental problems elsewhere, or in some cases made them worse.

For example, in my field of fisheries ecology and management, one strategy for managing the problem of bycatch  when fishermen accidentally catch non-target species, such as sharks, sea turtles and dolphins  is to reduce local catch limits. But when the United States curtailed Pacific swordfish catch between April 2001 and March 2004 to protect sea turtles, U.S. wholesalers imported more swordfish from other countries' fleets operating in the Western and Central Pacific.

These fleets subsequently caught more swordfish to meet continued U.S. market demand. In the process, the number of sea turtles unintentionally hooked by fishermen increased by nearly 3,000 compared to before the closure.

My colleagues and I see this pattern, which scholars often call leakage or slippage, as vast and growing. To help address it, we identified ways to avoid taking actions that just displace environmental harms from one place to another rather than reducing them.

Transferring environmental harm

Once environmental problems are addressed locally, people often assume that they have been solved. But if demand for whatever they are trying to conserve  land, wildlife, energy resources  stays high, people will obtain them from other sources. In the process, they cause environmental damage in locations or economic sectors that are less strictly regulated.

Persuading consumers to reuse excess materials, such as reclaimed wood, is one way to reduce demand for virgin materials.

These scenarios often shift impacts from developed nations to emerging economies. For example, a study based on data from 2001 indicated that 31 percent of timber harvest reductions in the United States were shifted to less developed nations, including tropical forest countries in South and Central America, southeast Asia, and west and central Africa as well as boreal forest countries like Russia. Companies sought timber from these countries to satisfy demand in the United States and other parts of the world created by reduced U.S. exports.

Such effects are common in forestry. One study estimates that 42 to 95 percent of logging reductions in specific countries or regions are shifted elsewhere, offsetting environmental gains. Less wealthy countries that get the additional business often benefit economically, but in many cases they have not yet developed policies to help ensure that they use their natural resources sustainably.

Slippage can also occur within countries. Seeking to promote sustainable forest management, Peru adopted long-term logging concessions starting in 2002. By 2005, however, deforestation and forest disturbance increased three- to four-fold in surrounding nonconcession areas

Similarly, in 2003 Mexico enacted a federal conservation program that compensated landowners for forest protection. Deforestation significantly increased in neighboring, non-enrolled forest tracts.

The U.S. Conservation Reserve Program, which pays farmers to take environmentally sensitive land out of production and plant it with species that will improve its health, may also cause such effects. One study found that between 1982 and 1992, Midwest farmers retired 17.6 million acres under the Conservation Reserve Program, but simultaneously brought at least 3.7 million acres into production  possibly because cropland retirements drove up crop prices. This offset 9 percent of water and 14 percent of wind erosion reduction benefits from retiring the original croplands.

A path forward

In a world where markets are becoming ever more globalized, it is urgent to limit negative environmental impacts of resource use, rather than just displace them from one region or nation to another. There are a number of ways to do this.

Excerpt from the Monterey Bay Aquariums Seafood Watch consumer guide (California version), encouraging users to choose fish from sustainably managed fisheries. Credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium, CC BY-ND

To assess whether a policy will cause environmental harm elsewhere, it is important for natural resource managers and policymakers to understand the relationship between demand for a product and its supply. For example, when prices of hardwood species are high, more environmentally conscious consumers or those on a budget are likely to use bamboo or other materials for flooring instead.

However, some varieties have unique features or connote social status. Examples include rosewood, which is highly prized for uses that include musical instruments, and shark fin soup, a dish viewed by many Asians as a symbol of wealth and prestige. Because these materials often are rare, possessing them becomes a sign of social status, which can stimulate wealthy consumers to purchase more. Conserving them may require other actions, such as special legal protection for source species.

Governments and environmental groups can also use marketing campaigns to reduce demand for scarce resources, educate consumers about the consequences of their purchasing decisions and encourage producers to be transparent about the environmental impacts of their products. Examples of such efforts include eco labels, traceability programs and consumer guides, which have been widely implemented for forestry, fisheries and agricultural products.

Studies show that such tools can produce real environmental benefits, such as increases in fish stocks and in support for creating protected areas. Most of these improvements appear to be made by industries that must make significant changes before they can join these programs. For example, fishermen may need to shift away from traditional but destructive fishing practices before their catch can be certified as sustainably caught. These programs often are more successful in developed countries that can finance such steps than in emerging economies.

Avoiding conservation illusions

Natural resource conservation policies are a fundamental tool for using Earth's resources responsibly and sustainably. In a world where consumers can purchase products made on the opposite side of the planet, these policies must look beyond their own jurisdictions. If not, well-intentioned conservation efforts may only create the illusion of protection.

Explore further Researchers test sustainable forestry policies on tropical deforestation, logging

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.Paper-folding steps for fluidic manipulation. Schematics of how the paper strip in the microfluidic device is folded for each step. The arrows indicate the direction of folding. Credit: Niall P. Macdonald (Dublin City University, Dublin)

Simple folded sheets of waxed paper could help bring affordable, reliable field tests for diseases such as malaria to remote parts of the developing world, scientists say.

In a new paper titled "Paper-based Microfluidics for Diagnosing Malaria in Low Resource Rural Environments," published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from universities in Scotland and China, working together with the Ministry of Health in Uganda, describe for the first time how origami-style folded paper, prepared with a printer and a hot plate, has helped detect malaria with 98% sensitivity in infected participants from two primary schools in Uganda.

Malaria is one of the world's leading causes of illness and death, affecting more than 219 million people in 90 countries around the globe, and killing 435,000 people in 2017 alone.

A significant issue for arresting and reversing the spread of the disease is diagnosing it in people who are infected but who do not display any symptoms, a problem which can only be addressed by widespread field tests. However, current tests, which rely on a process known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can only be carried out under laboratory conditions, making them unsuited for use in remote locations.

The team, led by researchers from the University of Glasgow in partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Ministry of Health in Uganda, have developed a new approach to diagnostics. It uses paper to prepare patient samples for a different type of detection process known as loop-mediated isothermal amplification, or LAMP, which is more portable and better-suited for use in the field.

The origami platform uses a commercially-available printer to coat the paper in patterns made from water-resistant wax, which is then melted on a hotplate, bonding the wax to the paper.

A blood sample taken from a patient via fingerprick is placed on in a channel in the wax, then the paper is folded, directing the sample into a narrow channel and then three small chambers which the LAMP machine uses to test the samples' DNA for evidence of Plasmodium falciparum, the mosquito-borne parasitic species which causes malaria. The test can be completed on-site in less than 50 minutes.

Professor Jonathan Cooper of the University of Glasgow's School of Engineering is the paper's lead author. He said: "We tested our approach with volunteers from two primary schools in the Mayuge and Apac districts in Uganda. We took samples from 67 schoolchildren, under strict ethical approval, and ran diagnostic tests in the field using optical microscopy techniques, the gold standard method in these low-resource settings, a commercial rapid diagnostic procedure known as a lateral flow test and our LAMP approach. We also carried out PCR back in Glasgow, on samples collected in the field.

"Our diagnostic approach correctly diagnosed malaria in 98% of the infected samples we tested, markedly more sensitive than both the microscopy and lateral flow tests, which delivered 86% and 83% respectively.

"It's a very encouraging result which suggests that our paper-based LAMP diagnostics could help deliver better, faster, more effective testing for malaria infections in areas which are currently underserved by available diagnostic techniques."

Dr. Julien Reboud of the University of Glasgow's School of Engineering played a key role in developing the new diagnostic technique.

Dr. Reboud said: "These are challenging environments for any test of this type, with no access to the kinds of refrigeration, special equipment and training that more traditional diagnostic procedures require, so it's very encouraging that the diagnostic techniques we've developed have proven to be so sensitive and reliable.

"With malaria infections on the increase in 13 affected countries according to a World Health Organisation report released last year, it's vital that new forms of diagnosis reach the people who need them, and we're committed to developing our approach to paper-based LAMP diagnostics further after this encouraging study."

More information: Julien Reboud et al. Paper-based microfluidics for DNA diagnostics of malaria in low resource underserved rural communities, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2019). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Julien Reboud et al. Paper-based microfluidics for DNA diagnostics of malaria in low resource underserved rural communities,(2019). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1812296116Decreasing pH values in the seawater harm cod larvae more than previously thought. Credit: Catriona Clemmesen/GEOMAR (CC BY 4.0)

Next to rising temperatures and dwindling oxygen concentrations, acidification is one of the major threats to marine life due to the changing global climate. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are rising and the ocean therefore takes up increasing amounts of CO 2 from the atmosphere, as well. The reaction of carbon dioxide with the water forms carbonic acid, the pH is loweredthe ocean becomes more acidic.

To what extent and how ocean acidification affects the marine ecosystem as a whole is incredibly hard to predict, but evidence is accumulating that some species are affected adversely. One such species is the Atlantic cod. A new scientific study, just published in Global Change Biology by scientists from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel with colleagues from France and Norway, concurs with previously published studies showing that high carbon dioxide concentrations damage this species, particularly affecting eggs and larvae.

A previous study by these scientists demonstrated that due to ocean acidification, fewer cod larvae survive, which means fewer individuals mature and reproduce. Dr. Martina Stiasny from GEOMAR, first author of this study, says, "So far, we liked to believe that at least the larvae that survived would be able to deal with these conditions and could have allowed the species to adapt across generations." The results of the new study defeat this hope.

The researchers found that even the surviving larvae have significant organ damage and developmental delays. "The development of the gills is especially worrying. Compared to the body size, they are underdeveloped," explains Dr. Catriona Clemmesen, corresponding author of the study and leader of the larval ecology group at GEOMAR. Gills, like the lungs in humans, are an extremely important organ, which not only regulates the oxygen uptake, but in fish is also responsible for adjusting the internal pH. Underdeveloped gills are therefore likely to affect the individuals negatively throughout their development and following life stages.

Another paper, published last year in Scientific Reports, showed that the acclimation of the parental generation to high carbon dioxide concentrations only yields a benefit to the offspring if prey concentrations are very high. "These ideal situations are very unlikely to be encountered by the larvae in nature," says Dr. Clemmesen. In more realistic food conditions, exposing the parental generation to acidification led to an even worse health status of the larvae.

"Our results are of particular importance, since the Atlantic cod is one of the most important commercial fish species worldwide. It therefore not only supports a large fishing industry but is furthermore an important source of protein for many people," says Dr. Stiasny. "Dwindling populations would have far-reaching consequences, not only for the environment and marine ecosystems, but also for the fishermen, the industry and human nutrition."

Explore further Ocean acidification: Herring could benefit from an altered food chain

More information: Martina H. Stiasny et al, Divergent responses of Atlantic cod to ocean acidification and food limitation, Global Change Biology (2018). Martina H. Stiasny et al, Divergent responses of Atlantic cod to ocean acidification and food limitation,(2018). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14554 M. H. Stiasny et al. Effects of parental acclimation and energy limitation in response to high CO 2 exposure in Atlantic cod, Scientific Reports (2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26711-y Journal information: Global Change Biology , Scientific ReportsNew findings suggest that if the moon formed after a giant impact after water had had been received, it should have gotten a share of that water. The question is - where did it go? Credit: ANDY SMITH ASTRONOMY

Fragments of moon rock brought back from the lunar surface by astronauts on the Apollo space missions are providing new insights about where our planet's life-giving water came from.

The next time you take a sip of water, take a moment to consider where it has come from. It may have travelled from a local reservoir to your tap, while bottled water can come from springs in another country entirely.

But new research suggests the water we drink and depend upon to sustain life here on Earth may have its origins in a far more distant place  outer space.

New analysis of moon rock fragments brought back by Apollo astronauts in the 1960s and 1970s suggests much of the water on our planet was carried here by asteroids and comets that collided with the Earth shortly after it formed 4.54 billion years ago.

The research, which uses modern techniques to look at the composition of chemical traces in the rocks, is also providing new evidence to support theories about how the Moon itself formed and how the traces of water found on its surface got there.

"The moon is like a time capsule," said Professor Frederic Moynier, a cosmochemist at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, in France. "Its rocks are far older than anything we can find here on Earth, so they hold a lot of valuable information."

Unchanged

Volcanic activity and the continuous movement of tectonic plates have destroyed all of the oldest rocks here on Earth. The oldest to be found here, found in a few locations like Greenland, are just 3.8 billion years old.

The moon's rocks, however, have remained largely unchanged since it formed 4.51 billion years ago. Hidden inside the minerals in the rocks are tiny quantities of chemicals such as zinc, potassium, copper, chromium and even water, which was also found to exist in small frozen deposits in meteorite impact craters on the lunar surface last year. These chemicals are known as volatiles due to their relatively low boiling points, which means they can evaporate from a planet's  or a moon's surface.

By looking at the relative amounts of different isotopes of these volatiles in lunar rocks, scientists like Prof. Moynier have pieced together information about the moon's early history and compare this to what we find here on Earth.

These isotopes' ratios act like a fingerprint that can be used to match the source of the materials found on Earth and the moon. Dr. Mahesh Anand, a reader in planetary science at The Open University in the UK and leader of a project called RESOLVE, has been using sophisticated spectroscopy techniques to study the volatile isotopes trapped inside crystals of a mineral called apatite in rocks brought back by the Apollo missions.

He and his colleagues have then compared these to the isotopic compositions of volatiles here on Earth, along with those found on asteroids and comets, which have been obtained from meteorites found on Earth and interplanetary space missions to visit comets, such as the European Space Agency's recent Rosetta mission.

Water

Three years ago, Dr. Anand was part of a study which proposed 80-90% of the water on Earth and the moon came from an asteroid-like source. "Less than 10% came from a comet-like source," he said.

Last year, he and his team published further findings based on high precision analysis of the oxygen isotopes found in rocks on the Earth and moon. They found only tiny differences between the isotopic properties on the two bodies.

"If the water had arrived after the moon had formed, the two would have had very different isotopic fingerprints," said Dr. Anand. "It suggests that the Earth and the moon received water together at the same time."

This points to a tantalising scenario  for a small body like the moon to have obtained the same isotopic composition suggests they may have been part of the same planet. It supports theories that a Mars-sized protoplanet called Theia crashed into Earth a little over 4.54 billion years ago, throwing out a shower or vapour and debris, which condensed to form our moon.

If the Earth and moon formed in this giant impact after water had already arrived, as the findings by Dr. Anand and other teams now suggest, the moon should have received a share of that water. Minute quantities of oxygen and hydrogen trapped inside rocks beneath the surface suggest there was once more water on the moon than there is now. Recent unmanned missions to the moon have discovered a few remnants of water ice trapped in sheltered craters around the poles, but much of the moon's surface is now dry.

So where did the moon's water go?

This is where Prof. Moynier's work comes in. He is leading a project called PRISTINE that aims to measure the isotopic levels of volatiles in lunar rock to learn what happened to the water on the moon.

"The difference between the isotopes is weight as the atoms have different numbers of neutrons in the nucleus," said Prof. Moynier. "When you heat up volatiles like zinc, potassium and water, the isotopes behave in different ways. The lighter ones will turn to vapour more readily while the heavier ones will remain behind in the residue."

Proxies

By looking at the ratio of heavy isotopes to light ones in more than 40 Apollo rock samples, Prof. Moynier and his team have pieced together some of the history of water and other volatiles on the moon.

They have focused on solid volatiles like zinc and potassium because there are relatively higher concentrations of them in lunar rocks than water.

"Water is so volatile that there is very little of it in lunar rocks, which makes it hard to detect in the small samples we are dealing with," explained Prof. Moynier. "So we can use other volatiles like zinc, potassium and copper as proxies that can tell us something about what happened to the water. Even so, there is 100 times less zinc in lunar rocks than those on Earth."

Prof. Moynier and his colleagues found that as well as having far less chromium, zinc and other solid volatiles, the traces from the moon had different isotopic ratios compared to Earththeirs had far more heavier isotopes.

"It suggests that the moon got depleted in these volatile elements by evaporation at some point," he said.

He believes that rather than being lost in the giant impact that cleaved the moon from the Earth in the first place, it may have lost its water and other volatiles sometime later.

It is thought that after the moon began to form following the giant impact, its surface remained molten for several million years. This magma ocean is thought to be what led to the distinctive light and dark areas, or mare, that are visible on the moon's surface.

"As the isotope distribution depends on temperature, we can use it as a thermometer to tell us what happened," said Prof. Moynier. He and his team have used chromium isotopes to calibrate what they were seeing in the lunar samples to temperature.

They found the volatiles were not lost at the extremely high temperatures that would be expected in an event like a giant impact, but at lower temperatures of 1,200 degrees C.

Gravity

"This is exactly what the temperature of the magma ocean of the moon is supposed to be," said Prof. Moynier. "What we see is that the moon lost its volatiles not during the giant impact itself, but maybe a million or so years afterwards.

"They evaporated off, but due to the gravity of the Earth, they probably then fell back onto the Earth. So some of our water and other volatiles have come from the moon. Not a lot, but some."

But the story doesn't quite end there either. Dr. Anand and his colleague Dr. Ana Cernok, a geochemist at The Open University, have been studying the effect of meteoroid impacts on the isotopic compositions of volatiles in lunar rocks.

Gathered from a variety of sites during NASA's Apollo 17 manned mission to the moon in 1972, the samples consist of surface rocks, cores drilled down below the surface, and material from impact craters.

The two have been able to look for signs of shock in the apatite crystals that would have been caused by meteoroid impacts. They found that while some of the samples show significant signs of shock, the isotopic compositions remain largely unaffected.

This suggests that the volatiles like water trapped inside these crystals have not been altered despite bombardment from meteorites on the moon. Other substances like uranium trapped inside the apatite crystals along with the water have also allowed them to date when they formed.

The results still have to be published, but Dr. Anand says they are finding ages that have never been recorded in lunar samples.

"We are still trying to figure it out ourselves, but it seems to be pointing to a unique event in the geological history of the Earth-moon system."

Explore further Moon rock recovered by astronauts likely originated on EarthExterior view of the entrance of Fa-Hien Lena cave in Sri Lanka. Credit: O. Wedage

A multidisciplinary study has found evidence for humans hunting small mammals in the forests of Sri Lanka at least 45,000 years ago. The researchers discovered the remains of small mammals, including primates, with evidence of cut marks and burning at the oldest archaeological site occupied by humans in Sri Lanka, alongside sophisticated bone and stone tools. The hunting of such animals is an example of the uniquely human adaptability that allowed H. sapiens to rapidly colonize a series of extreme environments apparently untouched by its hominin relatives.

In a new paper published in Nature Communications, an international team of scientists has revealed novel evidence for the unique adaptability of Homo sapiens. The study, led by scientists from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, alongside colleagues from Sri Lankan and other international institutions, shows that human populations were able to specialize in the hunting of small arboreal animals for tens of thousands of years. This is the oldest and longest record of sophisticated, active primate hunting by foragers. This work also highlights the distinctive ecological capacities of H. sapiens relative to its hominin ancestors and relatives.

Tropical rainforests: a unique challenge

Recent research has demonstrated that our species adapted to a diversity of extreme environments, as humans migrated into deserts, high altitude settings, palaeoarctic conditions and tropical forests. Previously, however, discussion of the migration of our species into Europe, the Middle East and Asia has often focused on increased efficiency in hunting, butchering and consuming medium to large game in open savanna-type settings. Alternatively, coastal settings have been seen as important sources of protein, stimulating human evolution and migration.

Tropical rainforests have been somewhat neglected in discussions of human migrations and dispersal. In public and academic perception, these environments are often seen as isolated barriers to human movement, with disease, dangerous animals and limited resources all posing challenges. In particular, when compared to the large animals of open savannas, small, fast forest monkeys and squirrels are difficult to capture and provide smaller amounts of protein.

Small mammals and hunting complexity

The procurement of small mammals has long been considered a feature of technological and behavioural complexity, or "modernity" unique to our species. Previous research in Europe and West Asia has linked increased capture and consumption of agile small mammals both to human population growth and to climatically driven crises. Traditionally, these have been considered to be particularly extreme ~20,000 years ago.

However, the onset and behavioural context of small mammal hunting in other parts of the world, particularly Asia, has remained poorly studied. This is particularly the case outside of temperate environments. "Over the last two decades, research has highlighted human occupation of tropical rainforests in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Melanesia at least as early as 45,000 years ago, so the potential for human reliance on small mammals in these settings prior to 20,000 years ago seems likely," says co-senior author Dr. Patrick Roberts of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.

A Sri Lankan specialty

Sri Lanka has been a prominent subject in discussions of early human adaptations to tropical rainforests, though there has been a general lack of systematic, detailed analysis of animal remains associated with archaeological sites on the island. For the current study, the researchers produced new chronological information, analysis of animal remains, and studies of lithic and bone tool assemblages from Fa-Hien Lena Cave, the site of the earliest fossil and archaeological evidence of H. sapiens in Sri Lanka.

"The results demonstrate specialized, sophisticated hunting of semi-arboreal and arboreal monkey and squirrel populations from 45,000 years ago in a tropical rainforest environment," says Oshan Wedage, lead author of the study, of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History. Co-author Dr. Noel Amano, also of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, adds, "This was complemented by sophisticated bone tool technologies which were, in turn, created from the bones of hunted monkeys."

Fine-tuned adaptations, not 'monkey business'

Together, the results of this new work demonstrate a highly tuned focus on monkey and other small mammal hunting over 45,000 years. A sustained focus on adult monkeys throughout this time period suggests that this strategy continued to be sustainable during this lengthy period and that the tropical rainforests were not over-taxed by human presence and practices.

"This 'monkey menu' was not a one-off, and the use of these difficult-to-catch resources is one more example of the behavioural and technological flexibility of H. sapiens," says Prof. Michael Petraglia of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, a senior author of the study. Further detailed analysis of the tools and animal remains left behind by early members of our species promises to yield more insights into the variety of strategies that enabled H. sapiens to colonize the world's continents and left us the last hominin standing.

Explore further Humans colonized diverse environments in Southeast Asia and Oceania during the Pleistocene

More information: Oshan Wedage et al. Specialized rainforest hunting by Homo sapiens ~45,000 years ago, Nature Communications (2019). Journal information: Nature Communications Oshan Wedage et al. Specialized rainforest hunting by Homo sapiens ~45,000 years ago,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08623-1A photograph of the research team taken inside a lab at Fritz-Haber-Institute, in Berlin. Credit: Lee et al.

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), in Korea, and Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, in Germany, have recently conducted a study investigating matter-wave diffraction from a periodic array of half planes. Their paper, published on Physical Review Letters (PRL), reports on the reflection and diffraction of He and D 2 beams from square-wave gratings of a 400m period and strip widths ranging from 10 to 200 m at grazing-incidence conditions.

"Our experiment is based on the waveparticle duality, which is a basic concept in quantum mechanics," Wieland Schollkopf, one of the researchers who carried out the study, told Phys.org. "The idea that microscopic particles such as electrons, neutrons, atoms or even molecules exhibit wave-like behavior dates back to the 1920s, when Louis de Broglie introduced the particle wavelength, which today is referred to as the 'de Broglie wavelength.'"

Since de Broglie first developed his theory, researchers have carried out numerous experiments observing diffraction and interference, two wave phenomena that cannot be explained in a particle picture. The main aim of the study carried out by Schollkopf and his colleagues was to investigate novel matter-wave diffraction methods that allow for coherent manipulation of atomic and molecular beams.

"We observed diffraction of He atoms and D 2 molecules scattering off from a grating structure," Schollkopf explained. "The latter is formed by a periodic array of polymer film structured on a gold-coated glass substrate. A variety of grating structures, all with identical period, but differing in the width of the polymer stripes, were made at UNIST in Ulsan, Korea. These gratings were used in the diffraction apparatus at the Fritz-Haber-Institut in Berlin, Germany."

The apparatus at the Fritz-Haber-Institut allowed the researchers to generate an intense beam of He or D 2 with extremely narrow angular divergence. The generated beam is incident to the grating under grazing conditions, hence, the particles' velocity component perpendicular to the grating surface is very small.

"In previous experiments carried out at our lab, we have observed coherent reflection and diffraction from a grating structure under grazing incidence conditions," Schollkopf said. "This was attributed to 'quantum reflection,' which is a reflection mechanism different from classical reflection."

In classical reflection, as atoms or molecules approach a surface, they are affected by the atom-surface van der Waals force. This force leads to an acceleration towards the surface, with the particle ultimately bouncing off from the surface. On the other hand, in quantum reflection, the atoms or molecules already bounce back from the region in space dominated by the van der Waals force.

A schematic picture of half-plane array diffraction. Credit: Lee et al.

"This counter-intuitive quantum effect of attractive forces, effectively resulting in recoil of the particle, can only be observed if the incident velocity in the direction perpendicular to the surface is very small," Schollkopf explained. "This is why, in our experiment, we can only observe quantum reflection at near grazing incidence conditions."

A third reflection mechanism, which differs from classical and quantum reflection, is based on the diffraction of the de Broglie waves of atoms or molecules from the edges of half planes, which are very narrow ridges on a surface. This mechanism, first observed in Japan by Prof. Shimizu and his colleagues, is now referred to as "Fresnel diffraction mirror" due to its analogy with the edge diffraction of light waves in optics.

In their study, Schollkopf and his colleagues observed fully resolved matter-wave diffraction patterns, including specular reflection and diffracted beams up to the second diffraction order. They also found that as strip width decreased, diffraction efficiencies transformed from the known regime of quantum reflection to the regime of edge diffraction.

"In our experiment, we observed the transition from quantum reflection for relatively large widths of the grating stripes to the regime at small stripe widths where edge diffraction dominates," Schollkopf said. "Furthermore, in addition to the specular (mirror-like) reflection seen previously, we observed intense grating diffraction beams up to second order."

The experimental findings collected by the researchers confirm a previously developed single-parameter model, which is commonly used to describe a variety of phenomena, including quantum billiards, scattering of radio waves in urban areas and the reflection of matter waves from microstructures. Moreover, their observations suggest that neither classical nor quantum reflection mechanisms are essential for the reflective diffraction of matter waves from a structured solid, as this can result exclusively from half-plane edge diffraction.

"Our observations allowed us to make a quantitative analysis of the reflection and diffraction efficiencies," Bum Suk Zhao from UNIST, the principle investigator of the study, told Phys.org. "This, in turn, allowed for an experimental test of the Bogomolny-Schmit model of half-plane array diffraction. According to this model description the phenomenon is fully scalable with respect to the wavelength and the dimensions of the half-plane array. As a result, for a given incidence angle, the scattering of atomic matter waves of 1 nm de Broglie wavelength from a 4-m-period array of parallel half planes shows identical diffraction effects as, e.g., the scattering of 1-cm-wavelength radio waves off buildings separated by 40 m."

The study conducted by Schollkopf, Zhao and their colleagues provides a clear confirmation of the Bogomolny-Schmit model. In the future, their findings could also be used as a test bench for models of quantum reflection from microstructured surfaces that need to account for half-plane edge diffraction. In their next studies, the researchers plan to apply half-plane array diffraction to the investigation of weakly bound molecules, such as the He dimer and trimer.

"Due to their extremely small binding energies, these di- and triatomic helium molecules are not amenable to many experimental tools," Bum Suk Zhao explained. "For instance, classical scattering of He 2 from a solid surface will inevitably lead to break-up. To overcome these limitations, more experimental techniques allowing for non-destructive manipulation of these species are needed. Half-plane array diffraction is a well suited method for this purpose."

Explore further 'Meta-mirror' reflects sound waves in any direction

More information: Ju Hyeon Lee et al. Matter-Wave Diffraction from a Periodic Array of Half Planes, Physical Review Letters (2019). Ju Hyeon Lee et al. Matter-Wave Diffraction from a Periodic Array of Half Planes,(2019). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.040401 Hilmar Oberst et al. Fresnel Diffraction Mirror for an Atomic Wave, Physical Review Letters (2005). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.013203 Journal information: Physical Review Letters

 2019 Science X NetworkCredit: CC0 Public Domain

Male flies kept awake do not die earlier than those allowed to sleep, leading researchers to question whether sleep, in flies at least, is essential for staying alive.

The team behind the research, from Imperial College London, suggest that for flies sleep may not perform a vital biological function in the way that food does.

While we know the biological underpinnings of foodwe need to take in calories in order to fuel our cellsthe same is not true for sleep. Sleep deprivation is known to cause severe problems with cognition, memory, attention and reflexes, for example, but it is not clear whether lack of sleep alone actually causes animals to die.

Previous experiments have shown that some animals die when deprived of sleep, but the studies are unclear about exactly why this is. The researchers behind the new study suggest that the way the experiments were run could mean the animals died of stress due to the methods of keeping them awake.

Now, in experiments with several thousand fruit flies, the researchers have shown that male flies denied sleep do not die earlier than those who have regular sleep. Their results, published today in Science Advances, show that female flies die on average three days earlier out of a 40-50-day average lifespan.

In an initial study monitoring average sleep duration of flies, the team found some individuals that naturally slept for as little as 5-15 minutes per day, compared to a normal range of several hours a day.

Total lack of sleep is not lethal in fruit flies. Credit: In Motion Science

Dr. Giorgio Gilestro, from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: One of the reasons sleep is considered essential for life is that all animals sleep, so we were surprised to find some flies that needed so little. We wanted to find out if this was just a peculiarity for a lucky few flies, or whether it was something any fly could do."

To keep the flies awake, the researchers kept each fly in a tube linked to an automatic monitoring system. If the system detected no movement for 20 seconds, then the tube rotated, waking the fly up.

This system allowed the team to experiment with hundreds of flies at once, giving them a better understanding of the average response to sleep deprivation. They found that male flies did not die younger when starved of sleep, and female flies died on average only slightly younger.

The flies could still have been snatching some sleep, building up micro-sleeps in the 20 seconds before the tube turned, or even sleepwalking, but they would be unlikely to get much quality sleep this way.

While the current study was in flies, the team speculate that if sleep is not essential for life in the same way food is, then it is possible that their results could apply across the animal kingdom, including in humans.

Dr. Gilestro said: "For food, we have calories that are 'vital' to keep us alive and calories that are 'useful' to help us function well. It might be that sleep is only 'useful': it would still be difficult for us to function without it, but not necessarily fatal."

The researchers say that while male flies did not die earlier without sleep under lab conditions, in the wild lack of sleep would cause knock-on effects that would put them at greater risk from predators or competition.

Dr. Gilestro added: "Lack of sleep could make it hard for them to function properly and safely, just as a lack of sleep might cause a sleep-deprived human to crash their car.

"It's not that there are no consequences to not sleepingin fact we will be investigating the effects on mental performance in flies in future experimentsbut our study has made us question whether sleep deprivation alone causes death."

During their experiments, the team also found that even while sleep deprived, the flies followed 'normal' patterns of activity. Flies are usually more active at dawn and dusk, and even when they hadn't had any sleep for many days in a row, this was still the case.

The researchers say this shows that the flies are not building up a 'sleep debt'they do not necessarily get sleepier the longer they stay awake, but keep to relatively normal patterns of activity. This suggests the pressure to sleep is controlled more strongly by the time or day than by the amount of sleep taken.

This was further shown when flies that had been deprived were allowed to sleep again. They slept a little longer for a day or two but returned to normal patterns quickly, instead of immediately catching up on all the sleep they had lost with one extremely long sleep.

More information: Q. Geissmann el al., "Most sleep does not serve a vital function: Evidence from Drosophila melanogaster," Science Advances (2019). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau9253 , Journal information: Science Advances Q. Geissmann el al., "Most sleep does not serve a vital function: Evidence from Drosophila melanogaster,"(2019). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau9253 , advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/2/eaau9253Diversity of Lake Malawi cichlids Credit: C. Darrin Hulsey

Is evolution predictable? What are the mechanisms that allow different fish to respond to the same environmental challenge in slightly different ways? When the same jaw bones and muscles change to produce the same feeding behaviour, are the morphologies of these fish that evolved independently from one another modified in an identical way? What is the genetic basis for this kind of convergence? These are some of the questions that Dr. C. Darrin Hulsey and Professor Axel Meyer from the Department of Biology at the University of Konstanz and their international colleagues from the University of California in Los Angeles (USA), Tel Aviv University and the Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat (Israel) are trying to answer.

Their paper "Pleiotropic jaw morphology links the evolution of mechanical modularity and functional feeding convergence in Lake Malawi cichlids" is due for publication in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B on 20 February 2019.

Lake Malawi cichlids are extremely diverse in how they feed and what they eat. Darrin Hulsey, lead author on the study, says, "One thing about that diversity is that these groups have evolved to eat the same things repeatedly." While the Maylandia species and their close relatives have evolved to eat algae off of rocks, another major group commonly feeds on plankton, other fish or snails. However, one lineage in this second group, Protomelas taniolatus, has also evolved to graze algae. These two lineages have therefore independently evolved to exploit the abundant algal resources in Lake Malawi rapidly relative to most evolutionary timescales, i.e. in less time than the 2 million years this African lake has existed. This instance of repeated evolution holds particular potential for the study of evolution: "The fact that there are so many species that exhibit so many forms and the fact that this ecological specialization has evolved again and again allows us to ask questions about evolution in a more statistically rigorous way," says Hulsey.

To learn more about the evolution of these converging feeding habits, the researchers studied the anterior jaws of the cichlids, which are characterised by a complex mechanism often found in human-engineered objects such as umbrellas or the pistons of steam engines. This mechanical system is known as a "four-bar linkage" and allows the fish to protrude their jaws to bite off algae. Jaws and teeth are particularly interesting to evolutionary biologists because they have a clear connection to ecology, whereas other changes in the phenotype of an organismsuch as changing coloursare much less easy to interpret.

Building evolutionary trees that use large parts of the fish genome, the researchers found out that the bones that make up cichlid jaws can achieve this feeding specialization in multiple ways, a phenomenon that is known as many-to-one-mapping. "Ecologically, both groups of fish are doing the same things. The way that they push their jaws out seem to be very similar. The underlying mechanical aspects of how the bones work are similar. But there are very different morphologies of the bones that underlie these feeding abilities." The fact that two cichlid species have converged on similar jaw protrusion abilities as well as four-bar linkage mechanics, but have evolved these similarities via non-convergent four-bar morphologies suggests that very different morphologies might often translate into overlooked similarities in ecology. Phenotypic complexity could thus fundamentally influence both how organisms diversify and how we understand this diversity.

This line of research also has wider implications. As Hulsey points out, Lake Malawi is the most species-rich lake in the world. But due to hybridization, species are collapsing. One of his goals is to understand how the collapse of species generates diversity in the long term. Another is to study convergence as a way of predicting evolution. "If we can understand on the genetic level how differences as well as complex convergence come about, we may be able to better predict if and when these things will happen."

Explore further Evolution does repeat itself after all

More information: Pleiotropic Jaw Morphology Links the Evolution of Mechanical Modularity and Functional Feeding Convergence in Lake Malawi Cichlids, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2019). Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B Pleiotropic Jaw Morphology Links the Evolution of Mechanical Modularity and Functional Feeding Convergence in Lake Malawi Cichlids,(2019). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2358NASA scientists show how ingredients for water could be made on surface of moon, a chemical factory. Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Ernie Wright

When a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind careens onto the Moon's surface at 450 kilometers per second (or nearly 1 million miles per hour), they enrich the Moon's surface in ingredients that could make water, NASA scientists have found.

Using a computer program, scientists simulated the chemistry that unfolds when the solar wind pelts the Moon's surface. As the Sun streams protons to the Moon, they found, those particles interact with electrons in the lunar surface, making hydrogen (H) atoms. These atoms then migrate through the surface and latch onto the abundant oxygen (O) atoms bound in the silica (SiO2) and other oxygen-bearing molecules that make up the lunar soil, or regolith. Together, hydrogen and oxygen make the molecule hydroxyl (OH), a component of water, or H2O.

"We think of water as this special, magical compound," said William M. Farrell, a plasma physicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who helped develop the simulation. "But here's what's amazing: every rock has the potential to make water, especially after being irradiated by the solar wind."

Understanding how much wateror its chemical componentsis available on the Moon is critical to NASA's goal of sending humans to establish a permanent presence there, said Orenthal James Tucker, a physicist at Goddard who spearheaded the simulation research.

"We're trying to learn about the dynamics of transport of valuable resources like hydrogen around the lunar surface and throughout its exosphere, or very thin atmosphere, so we can know where to go to harvest those resources," said Tucker, who recently described the simulation results in the journal JGR Planets.

Several spacecraft used infrared instruments that measure light emitted from the Moon to identify the chemistry of its surface. These include NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft, which had numerous close encounters with the Earth-Moon system en route to comet 103P/Hartley 2; NASA's Cassini spacecraft, which passed the Moon on its way to Saturn; and India's Chandrayaan-1, which orbited the Moon a decade ago. All found evidence of water or its components (hydrogen or hydroxyl).

The sun releases a constant stream of particles and magnetic fields called the solar wind. This solar wind slams worlds across the solar system with particles and radiation -- which can stream all the way to planetary surfaces unless thwarted by an atmosphere, magnetic field, or both. Here's how these solar particles interact with a few select planets and other celestial bodies. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Mary Pat Hrybyk-Keith

But how these atoms and compounds form on the Moon is still an open question. It's possible that meteor impacts initiate the necessary chemical reactions, but many scientists believe that the solar wind is the primary driver.

Tucker's simulation, which traces the lifecycle of hydrogen atoms on the Moon, supports the solar wind idea.

"From previous research, we know how much hydrogen is coming in from the solar wind, we also know how much is in the Moon's very thin atmosphere, and we have measurements of hydroxyl in the surface," Tucker said. "What we've done now is figure out how these three inventories of hydrogen are physically intertwined."

Showing how hydrogen atoms behave on the Moon helped resolve why spacecraft have found fluctuations in the amount of hydrogen in different regions of the Moon. Less hydrogen accumulates in warmer regions, like the Moon's equator, because hydrogen atoms deposited there get energized by the Sun and quickly outgas from the surface into the exosphere, the team concluded. Conversely, more hydrogen appears to accumulate in the colder surface near the poles because there's less Sun radiation and the outgassing is slowed.

Overall, Tucker's simulation shows that as solar wind continually blasts the Moon's surface, it breaks the bonds among atoms of silicon, iron and oxygen that make up the majority of the Moon's soil. This leaves oxygen atoms with unsatisfied bonds. As hydrogen atoms flow through the Moon's surface, they get temporarily trapped with the unhinged oxygen (longer in cold regions than in warm). They float from O to O before finally diffusing into the Moon's atmosphere, and, ultimately, into space. "The whole process is like a chemical factory," Farrell said.

A key ramification of the result, Farrell said, is that every exposed body of silica in spacefrom the Moon down to a small dust grainhas the potential to create hydroxyl and thus become a chemical factory for water.

More information: O. J. Tucker et al, Solar Wind Implantation Into the Lunar Regolith: Monte Carlo Simulations of H Retention in a Surface With Defects and the H 2 Exosphere, Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets (2018). O. J. Tucker et al, Solar Wind Implantation Into the Lunar Regolith: Monte Carlo Simulations of H Retention in a Surface With Defects and the H 2 Exosphere,(2018). DOI: 10.1029/2018JE005805Icelandic whalers had to travel further than usual from the coast to find whales, which increases costs

Iceland has set new quotas for its controversial minke and fin whale hunt for the next five years despite declining profits recently, a decision bound to anger environmentalists.

Fisheries and Agriculture Minister Kristjan Thor Juliusson said late Tuesday whalers would be authorised to harpoon 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales annually until 2023, stressing the numbers were sustainable.

The government said the decision was based on recommendations from Iceland's Marine Research Institute and a January 15 report from the University of Iceland on the macro-economic impact of whaling.

"We are determined to make use of our natural resources in a sustainable fashion, based on scientific opinion," Juliusson told state broadcaster RUV.

"These quotas are based on scientific research. They are sustainable, they are monitored, and they're in line with international law."

The government said in a statement that the number of fin whales has increased steadily since 1987.

"During the most recent count in 2015, their population in the Central-North Atlantic was estimated at 37,000, or triple the number from 1987," it said.

Last year, the only Icelandic company that hunts fin whales, Hvalur hf., harpooned 144 animals after a two-year hiatus due to commercial difficulties over declining consumption in Japan, its biggest market.

IP-Utgerd Ltd., which hunts minke whales, cut short its whale hunt at the end of July because it wasn't profitable, after killing just six whales out of a quota of 262, the smallest number since Iceland resumed whaling in 2003.

Whalers had to travel further than usual from the coast to find whales, which increases costs.

Iceland, along with Norway, openly defies the International Whaling Commission's 1986 ban on whale hunting.

The practice has drawn fire from numerous corners including the European Union and the United States, which in 2014 threatened Iceland with economic sanctions.

Japan also hunts whales, but uses a legal loophole that allows it to continue catching the animals in order to gather scientific data.

The Icelandic political party the Left-Green Movementthe party of Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottirin October reiterated its opposition to the whale hunt.

"There are diverging opinions on the matter," Juliusson acknowledged.

The University of Iceland report concluded that whaling was profitable for the country, bringing in 1.41 billion kronur (10.4 million euros, $11.8 million) per year between 2009 and 2017.

Whale watching meanwhile brought in 3.2 billion kronur in 2017, it said.

Iceland's whaling season usually opens in June.

Explore further Minke whale hunting ends in Iceland

 2019 AFPPeople in India, Asia and Eastern Europe suffer the worst health effects from the pollutants emitted by coal-fired power plants. Credit: Christopher Oberschelp/ETH Zurich

Coal-fired power plants produce more than just carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. Coal burning also releases particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercurythus damaging the health of many people around the world. To estimate where action is most urgently required, the research group led by Stefanie Hellweg from ETH Zurich's Institute of Environmental Engineering modeled and calculated the undesired side effects of coal power for each of the 7,861 power plant units in the world.

Uneven pollution levels

The results, which were recently published in the journal Nature Sustainability, show that China and the U.S. are the two largest producers of coal power, but power plants in India take the highest toll in the world when it comes to health. Central Europe, North America and China all have modern power plants, but Eastern Europe, Russia and India still have many older power plants equipped with insufficient flue gas treatment.

As a result, these power plants only remove a fraction of the pollutantswhile also often burning coal of inferior quality. "More than half of the health effects can be traced back to just one-tenth of the power plants. These power plants should be upgraded or shut down as quickly as possible," says Christopher Oberschelp, the lead author of the study.

A question of quality

The global picture of coal power production shows that the gap between privileged and disadvantaged regions is widening. This is happening for two reasons. Firstly, wealthy countriessuch as in Europeimport high-quality coal with a high calorific value and low emissions of harmful sulphur dioxide. The poorer coal-exporting countries (such as Indonesia, Colombia and South Africa) are left with low-quality coal, which they often burn in outdated power plants without modern flue gas treatment to remove the sulphur dioxide.

Secondly, "In Europe, we contribute to global warming with our own power plants, which has a global impact. However, the local health damage caused by particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide occurs mainly in Asia, where coal power is used to manufacture a large proportion of our consumer products," says Oberschelp.

Coal power threatens to grow worldwide

Global coal resources will last for several hundred years, so the harmful emissions need to be limited politically. "It is particularly important to leave coal that is high in mercury and sulphur content in the ground," says Oberschelp. Reducing the negative health effects of coal power generation should be a global priority: "But further industrialisation, especially in China and India, poses the risk of aggravating the situation instead," write the researchers led by Hellweg in their article.

The initial investment costs for the construction of a coal power plant are high, but the subsequent operating costs are low. Power plant operators thus have an economic interest in keeping their plants running for a long time. "The best option is therefore to not build any new coal power plants. From a health and environment perspective, we should move away from coal and towards natural gasand in the long term, towards renewable energy sources," says Oberschelp.

More information: C. Oberschelp et al, Global emission hotspots of coal power generation, Nature Sustainability (2019). Journal information: Nature Sustainability C. Oberschelp et al, Global emission hotspots of coal power generation,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-019-0221-6Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) visit a flowering laurel sumac plant (Malosma laurina) in San Diego. New research has revealed that honey bees often account for more than 90 percent of pollinators observed visiting flowers of many plant species in San Diego. Credit: James Hung

Hike around the natural habitats of San Diego County and it becomes abundantly clear that honey bees, foreign to the area, are everywhere. In a study published last year, researchers at the University of California San Diego found that honey bees are the most widespread and abundant pollinators of wild plants in the world, with the San Diego region having exceptionally high honey bee visitation on native plantsroughly three-quarters of all observed pollinators.

New research from the same team found that honey bees focus their foraging on the most abundantly flowering native plant species, where they often account for more than 90 percent of pollinators observed visiting flowers.

The new study by Keng-Lou James Hung, Jennifer Kingston, Adrienne Lee, David Holway and Joshua Kohn of UC San Diego's Division of Biological Sciences is published on Feb. 20 in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

"To have a non-native species that removes the lion's share of pollen and nectar in a diverse ecosystem such as ours is stunning" said Kohn, a professor in the Section of Ecology, Behavior and Evolution. "Think about if we had an invasive plant that covered 75 percent of the region's land areait's similar to that level."

The honey bees' monopoly over the most abundantly blooming plant species may strongly affect the ecology and evolution of species that are foundational to the stability of the region's plant-pollinator interactions, the researchers said.

"It's concerning enough that a non-native species reaches an overall 75 percent numerical dominancewhat's more, we now show that their numerical dominance is even higher on the plant species that supply the largest amounts of pollen and nectar," said Hung, a former student of Holway and Kohn who is now a postdoctoral researcher at The Ohio State University. "This finding suggests that honey bees are disproportionately removing resources from the plant species that likely support the greatest diversity and abundance of native pollinator species."

Non-native honey bees have established robust feral populations in San Diego, such as the pictured swarm. Honey bees currently make up 75 percent of the observed pollinators in San Diego, considered a global biodiversity hotspot. Credit: James Hung

From an ecological perspective, the new assessment could help habitat and wildlife management evaluate pollination services and native pollinator conservation in natural areas where non-native honey bees have become established.

"Our study is a first step in figuring out which plant and pollinator species may be most susceptible to interference from honey bees," said Hung. "This is also a great example of the importance of understanding the natural history of a non-native species when we attempt to evaluate its ecological impactsboth positive and negative."

Native to Europe, the Middle East and Africa, honey bees were introduced to North America in the 1600s. They spread in California after the state's gold rush in the mid-1800s. In San Diego, the great majority of honey bees foraging in natural systems are both feral and Africanized (an aggressive hybrid of the Western honey bee).

Behind the honey bees' ability to preferentially target the most rewarding plant species is the fact that they employ social communication to "spread the word" when flowers with rich pollen and nectar resources are available in abundance. Most pollinating insects native to the area are solitary, and thus not capable of such communication.

"Honey bees are thought to have the most sophisticated communication of all invertebrates. They can communicate the distance and direction of a high quality food source," said Kohn. "Native bumble bees are also social and are thought to communicate that there is a worthwhile floral resource and what it smells like, but they can't communicate distance and direction the way honey bees can."

Native bumble bees made up only 0.2 percent of insect visitors to flowers, perhaps due to competition with honey bees. These findings highlight the importance of considering the honey bee's unique foraging behavior when evaluating its ecological impact on native species.

James Hung, co-first author of a new report on honey bee dominance, studying plants and pollinators in a Southern California scrub habitat. Credit: Brendan Boudinot

San Diego County is considered a global biodiversity hotspot where researchers have documented more than 600 species of native bees, numerous other pollinating insect species and more plant species than any other county in the United States. According to the researchers, the high biodiversity, coupled with the fact that many plant and pollinator species in the region are threatened by habitat loss and climate change, means that any ecological impact of honey bees on native species could be especially consequential.

"There is little doubt that honey bees currently play an important role in pollinating native plants here in San Diego," said Hung, "but we need to also consider how honey bees may be impacting native pollinators by competing with them for limited food resources."

The researchers also point out that non-honey bee pollinators are known to increase the pollination success of many crop plants in California and elsewhere, even when honey bee hives are brought to fields by the truckload. So the maintenance of healthy populations of native insects is an important aspect of stable food production.

In addition to possible negative effects of honey bees on native pollinating insects, honey bees may negatively affect native plants as well. Studies in other systems have shown that too many visits by comparatively large and super-abundant pollinators such as honey bees can hinder plant reproduction because of damage caused to flowers. In addition, honey bees are known to visit more flowers on a plant before moving to the next plant than native pollinators. This may increase self-fertilization, which often leads to lower-quality seeds due to the negative effects of inbreeding.

The researchers are now investigating these and other possible ramifications of honey bee dominance in San Diego, although their true impact is difficult to assess since there are no available baseline data from before honey bees were introduced into the area.

"In general, the threats that honey bees may pose to native biodiversity have not been explored very thoroughly, but we are now headed that way," said Kohn, who first became interested in honey bee dominance while hiking in local wilderness areas. "No matter how far away from agriculture or urbanized areas I was, if something was blooming heavily, it was just swarmed with honey bees. I thought it was odd that there were so many honey bees here."

Explore further Worldwide importance of honey bees for natural habitats captured in new report

More information: Keng-Lou James Hung et al, Non-native honey bees disproportionately dominate the most abundant floral resources in a biodiversity hotspot, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2019). Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B Keng-Lou James Hung et al, Non-native honey bees disproportionately dominate the most abundant floral resources in a biodiversity hotspot,(2019). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2901Tanner crabs Credit: Oregon State University

Researchers have documented a group of tanner crabs vigorously feeding at a methane seep on the seafloor off British Columbiaone of the first times a commercially harvested species has been seen using this energy source.

There are many implications, researchers say, and surprisingly most of them are good. Human consumption of tanner crabsone of three species sold as snow crabsthat feed on methane-eating bacteria and archaea should not pose a health concern because methane seeps are not toxic environments.

The discovery actually may mean that methane seeps could provide some seafloor-dwelling species an important hedge against climate changebecause nearly all models predict less food will be falling into the deep sea in coming years.

Results of the study were just published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science.

"The thinking used to be that the marine food web relied almost solely on phytoplankton dropping down through the water column and fertilizing the depths," said Andrew Thurber, a marine ecologist at Oregon State University and co-author on the study. "Now we know that this viewpoint isn't complete and there may be many more facets to it.

"Tanner crabs likely are not the only species to get energy from methane seeps, which really haven't been studied all that much. We used to think there were, maybe, five of them off the Pacific Northwest coast and now research is showing that there are at least 1,500 seep sitesand probably a lot more.

Tanner crabs flipping. Credit: Oregon State University

"Methane may be a very important and underappreciated energy source for marine organisms. Unlike plankton, it doesn't vary much with the seasons and seeps are thought to last hundreds of years."

Researchers first observed a dense aggregation of tanner crabs (Chionoecetes tanneri) in 2012, inhabiting Clayoquot Slope, a methane seep off the coast of British Columbia. The crabs were actively foraging, sifting through the sediment at actively bubbling regions, feeding both on and around bacterial mats that had formed near the seep.

Another dense aggregation was seen feeding a diversity of microbes that eat methane in 2014 around the nearby Barkley Canyon seep, suggesting that the crabs may be using the seep as a source of "trophic support," noted study lead author Sarah Seabrook, an Oregon State Ph.D. candidate in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.

"Despite observing tanner crabs feeding at the sites on multiple occasions, there wasn't much evidence animals eating methane using established methods," Seabrook said. "So we looked into it more deeply and found chemical evidence of methane tracers in their guts, and biogeochemical evidence in their tissues.

"It does raise a question of whether we can apply these new techniques to other species and find out if the use of methane seeps as a food source is more widespread than just tanner crabs."

Other commercially harvested fishespecially those in deeper watershave been observed frequently near methane seeps. These include the longspine thornyhead, which is commercially important species for export to Japan; the Patagonian toothfish, also known as the Chilean sea bass; and the orange roughy off New Zealand. Pacific sole and black cod (sablefish) have also been seen off the Oregon coast near methane seeps.

Tanner crabs. Credit: Oregon State University

"There are hundreds of methane seeps off the East Coast of the U.S., thousands in the Gulf of Mexico, and there no doubt are thousands in the Arctic that just haven't yet been discovered," Thurber said. "They are all over the world, so the idea that they may provide an energy source is quite intriguing."

Researchers from OSU and NOAA have been mapping methane seep sites off the Northwest coast for the past two years and while many of them are several hundred meters deep, sites also have been documented in much shallower water, conceivably making them available to a wider range of marine animals.

Thurber also points out, "discoveries in the deep sea aren't just finding new things, instead they can often shift our understanding of the importance of the deep sea. This project came about from our observing a crab getting lifted off the seafloor by methane building up in an ice like form on its chest before the methane floated away and dropped the crab on its head. That entertaining video was the genesis for this project and led us to add to our understanding of the link between the deep and society."

Fabio De Leo, a co-author of the paper and a marine ecologist with Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) at the University of Victoria (UVic), adds: "For us collecting deep-sea faunal specimens is of great value so we can better understand how a variety of species are responding to long-term changes in the ocean environment."

The study took place at ONC's observatory which has been collecting data on the deep sea since 2009. "We hope to continue to study the deep-sea fauna in the northeast Pacific as a way to understand how they are adapting to ongoing changes related to climate change" De Leo said.

Thurber said Oregon, Washington, and California are all beginning to include the distribution and importance of methane seeps in management decisions off their respective coasts. This work can help inform those decisions by providing a previously undocumented link between harvested species and the energy released at methane seeps.

Explore further Biodiversity surprises at bubbly deep-sea cold seeps along Cascadia fault

More information: Sarah Seabrook et al, Flipping for Food: The Use of a Methane Seep by Tanner Crabs (Chionoecetes tanneri), Frontiers in Marine Science (2019). Sarah Seabrook et al, Flipping for Food: The Use of a Methane Seep by Tanner Crabs (Chionoecetes tanneri),(2019). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2019.00043The governments target to kill 2 million feral cats sounds impressive, but lacks scientific rigour. Author provided

The Australian government's target of killing 2 million feral cats by 2020 attracted significant public interest and media attention when it was unveiled in 2015.

But in our new research, published today in Conservation Letters, we explain why it has a shaky scientific foundation.

The target was developed for the Threatened Species Strategy. At the time of its launch in 2015, there was no reliable estimate of the size of Australia's feral cat population. Figures of between 5 million and 18 million were quoted, but their origin is murky: it's possible they came from a single estimate of feral cat density in Victoria, extrapolated across the continent.

A recent review estimated a much smaller population sizeprobably varying from 2 million to 6 million, depending on environmental conditions. Using this estimate, the proportion of Australia's cat population to be killed under the government's target is now likely in the range 32-95%, rather than 11-40% based on the original population estimate.

Targets for the removal of pest animals should consider how they will affect an animal's current and future population size. But because a scientific justification for the 2 million target was never provided, it is unclear whether or how the revised estimate would alter the target.

Hitting the target, missing the point

For cat control to have a lasting effect on feral populations, it needs to be intense, sustained, and carried out over large areas. This is because cats can rapidly reproduce and re-invade areas. To benefit threatened species, cat control also needs to be undertaken in areas that containor could potentially containnative species that are threatened by cats.

Research commissioned by the government conservatively estimated that around 211,500 feral cats were killed in 12 months in 201516 (ranging between around 135,500 and 287,600). This estimate was used to report that the first-year target to kill 150,000 cats was met with room to spare.

The benefit to threatened species of achieving this target is unclear, because we don't know if the control efforts had a measurable effect on cat populations; whether they took place in areas that would benefit threatened species; or how (or if) the target and related activities contributed to the estimated 211,500 cat deaths.

Raising awareness about the negative impacts of cats on native wildlife is important.

Around 75% of the killed cats were attributed to shooting by farmers and hunters. It is questionable whether such approaches could keep pace with high rates of population growth and re-invasion from surrounding areas.

These and other issues were known before the target was set, leading experts to recommend that an overall cat culling target should not be set.

Shifting focus

The focus on killing cats risks distracting attention from other threats to native wildlife. These threats include habitat loss, which has been largely overlooked in the Threatened Species Strategy.

Habitat loss is politically sensitive because its main driver is the clearing of land to make way for economic activities such as agriculture, urban development, and mining. The strategy mentions feral cats more than 70 times, but habitat loss is mentioned just twice and land clearing not at all. Australia has one of the world's worst rates of land clearing, which has recently increased in some regions. For instance, clearing of native vegetation in New South Wales rose by 800% between 2013 and 2016.

A focus on feral cats is warranted, but not at the expense of tackling other conservation threats too. A comprehensive, integrated approach towards threatened species conservation is essential.

Any upside?

Despite its questionable scientific basis, it is possible that the ambitious nature of the 2 million target has raised the public profile of feral cats as a conservation issue. However, to our knowledge, there has been no attempt to measure the effectiveness of the target in raising awareness or changing attitudes, and so this remains a hypothetical proposition.

The Threatened Species Strategy has other targets that are more closely linked to conservation outcomes, such as the eradication of cats from five particular islands and the establishment of ten new fenced cat-free exclosures. Achieving these targets will make a small contribution to the culling target, but have a comparatively large benefit for some threatened species.

Australia's target to kill 2 million feral cats is a highly visible symbol of a broader campaign, but the success of policies aimed at reducing the impacts of feral cats should focus squarely on the recovery of native species.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.Ursus spelaeus. Credit: J. Rodriguez

Scientists from the Centro Nacional de Investigacion sobre la Evolucion Humana (CENIEH) have published a paper in the International Journal of Paleopathology that describes the first case of a congenital pathology in vertebrae of a cave bear (Ursus spelaeus). The findings were based on a specimen recovered in the 2014 excavation campaign in the archaeological and paleontological site of Cueva de Guantes, in Santibanez de la Pena (Palencia).

The provincial representative of the Junta de Castilla y Leon, Luis Domingo Gonzalez, and the CENIEH researchers Ana Mateos and Jesus Rodriguez, and curator of the Museo Provincial de Palencia, Javier Abarquero, reported on the archaeological and scientific results yielded by a decade of excavation campaigns, including the present study.

The bear, which lived over 30,000 years ago, suffered from congenital block vertebra (CBV), a disorder occurring during the fetal stage that hampers the proper development of the spinal column. The specific case in the paper describes a bone anomaly affecting the last two cervical vertebrae (C6-C7), which appear connected instead of separated.

This finding is the first evidence of a pathology of this kind in a prehistoric bear. Although not unheard of in other mammals, it is found very rarely (2 to 3 percent), indicating how unusual this discovery is. Despite the striking nature of the lesion, it is not very likely that the condition affected its owner's life or survival. The pathological specimen was recovered during the 2014 excavation campaign and has been deposited in the Museo de Palencia.

The Cueva de Guantes is a system of cavities situated in the municipality of Santibanez de la Pena, between the localities of Villanueva de Arriba and Villaoliva de la Pena. Fieldwork has been under way in these caves for more than a decade, by a team of scientists from the CENIEH, the IPHES, the UCM and the MAR.

These investigations in the area of La Pena have verified the presence of Neanderthal humans in these foothills to the south of the Cordillera Cantabrica, something unknown until recently in the Paleolithic context in the northern Meseta. Further, the evidence of thousands of cave bear remains in Cueva de Guantes is of particular significance for studying the biology of an extinct bear species.

"The most recent excavation campaign in Galeria 1 at Cueva de Guantes has allowed us to confirm the hypothesis that there were, at least, two moments of Neanderthal human occupation in this gallery," says Mateos. "Galeria 1 was also used as a place of hibernation by cave bears during the Upper Pleistocene. The thousands of remains of Ursus spelaeus recovered allow us to establish that cave bears occupied this part of the cave repeatedly, and for quite a long time. To date, we have found remains of at least 18 individuals," says Rodriguez.

The researchers say that these findings serve to corroborate the importance of the karstic system of Cueva de Guantes, with four different locations excavated over 10 years of investigation. The landscape called La Loma, with its innumerable closed cavities and galleries, has turned out to be a territory occupied and frequented by human populations for millennia.

Explore further Ancient extinct cave bear DNA found in modern bears

More information: Daniel Fuentes-Sanchez et al. Evidence of congenital block vertebra in Pleistocene Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus) from Cueva de Guantes (Palencia, Spain), International Journal of Paleopathology (2018). Daniel Fuentes-Sanchez et al. Evidence of congenital block vertebra in Pleistocene Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus) from Cueva de Guantes (Palencia, Spain),(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2018.10.010

Provided by CENIEHResearcher Marine Gouezo. Credit: Southern Cross University

New research on reef recovery shows corals need nine to 12 years to recover following large disturbance events such as mass bleaching and storm damage.

The findings are from Southern Cross University Ph.D. researcher Marine Gouezo, who works with the Palau International Coral Reef Center in the north Pacific. Her research entitled 'Drivers of recovery and reassembly of coral reef communities' is published today (20 February 2019) in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

While there have been previous studies on how some coral communities recover following disturbances, the uniqueness of Palau's long-term monitoring dataset is that some of these reefs were not impacted by any large-scale disturbances for a period of 14 years or longer since a mass bleaching event in 1998.

This allowed Ms Gouezo and co-authors to use long-term monitoring data collected over 15 years through the Palau International Coral Reef Center, to identify how reefs recover from destructive events. This is the first research of its kind in Palau, located about 800 kilometres (500 miles) southeast of the Philippines in the tropical North Pacific region.

"Coral reefs are declining worldwide as a direct result of human influences, but unlike many reefs around the world, Palau's reefs have been fortunate to experience over 14 years free from mass disturbance," said Ms Gouezo, who originates from France.

"After nine to 12 years we could even detect stability in coral-dominated states in certain habitats, something that is rare to document as the frequency of disturbances increases due to global climate change.

"Overall, fast coral recovery was observed at reefs that had good larval supply and connectivity, high survivorship of young corals, low coverage of fleshy algae, and high density of parrotfish. This study provides invaluable information to improve local management as the uncertainty of natural disturbance patterns increases."

Her primary supervisor, Southern Cross University's reef researcher and the founding Director of the Marine Ecology Research Centre Professor Peter Harrison, has pioneered coral reproduction projects on Australia's Great Barrier Reef and around the world.

"Marine's work is one of the few long-term monitoring research projects of coral recovery, and it shows how coral communities can reassemble and recover about a decade after major disturbance events," Professor Harrison said.

Ms Gouezo said while Palau was quite isolated in the Pacific and was a different system to the Great Barrier Reef, her research showed that high survivorship of young corals was imperative to recover damaged reef systems. She said her research, if applied to an Australian context, showed that maximizing the supply of coral larvae and connectivity through projects such as Professor Harrison's larval restoration on reefs in the Great Barrier Reef and in the Philippines were definitely a good option to help boost reef recovery in an area that had suffered multiple bleaching events and other disturbances.

This study was supported by The David & Lucile Packard Foundation, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, NOAA Coastal Oceans Programs, Coral Reef Initiative Grant (US Department of Interior) and Southern Cross University's Marine Ecology Research Centre.

Destined for a career in coral conservation

With a name like 'Marine' and an insatiable passion for the ocean, it is no wonder Southern Cross University Ph.D. candidate Marine Gouezo is making waves in coral research worldwide.

A French nationalwho has studied marine science and conservation in Australia and New Zealand and worked as a researcher in MadagascarMs Gouezo has now lived in the tiny country of Palau for five years, working for the Palau International Coral Reef Centre while conducting her Ph.D. research through Australia's Southern Cross University.

To an English-speaking person the name 'Marine' may sound unique, but Ms Gouezo says it's as common in French, as 'Marina' is in Italian and Spanish.

"My dad was into sailing from a very young age, and he always said that whenever he had a daughter he wanted to name her Marine  he was very passionate about the ocean," she said.

"I grew up swimming in the ocean and sailing, my parents really showed me to be close to nature which definitely helped shaped my path. When I had to decide what to study after high school I decided to give marine biology a try as I always wanted a job where I could travel overseas and be close to the ocean."

Marine feels she has always been destined to help protect the world's most precious coral reefs.

"I have a passion for coral reefs, and I really wanted to do my studies overseas to gain experience in different countries on different coral reefs, as they are very different depending on where you are in the world, so it's definitely been very helpful to travel a lot to compare the differences," she said.

Ms Gouezo said it was an honour to be published in London's prestigious Proceedings of the Royal Society, two and a half years into her Ph.D. candidature, and the same month as celebrating her 31st birthday. Her research draws on more than 14 years of long-term monitoring data collected by researchers and staff from the Palau International Coral Reef Center.

"My Ph.D. is focusing on the whole process of coral reef recovery, especially after large-scale disturbances like mass beaching event or storm damage. My research specifically focuses on understanding processes and drivers that influence reef recovery, starting at the timing of coral spawning when larvae are released into the oceans, to studying the connectivity among reefs, to when baby corals settle on the reef and then grow into juvenile and adult corals  it's a long and complex process," she said.

"My findings detected some of the coral reef communities have been able to stabilize in certain habitats, and are even thriving in 'climax states'. We have calculated the recovery rates of different reefs, and have been able to analyze what drives faster recovery. Reefs that have good larval connectivity to each other are those that are either in close proximity or connected through currents, which enables more coral larvae to settle and develop into baby corals. Healthy reefs with high numbers of young corals also had really low cover of macro algae, and high density of parrotfish."

An international wildlife sanctuary in the Pacific

Palau is a group of islands located about 1600 kilometres (1000 miles) southwest of Guam. It became an independent state in 1994 after gaining its sovereignty from the USA.

Ms Gouezo works under the direction of Dr. Yimnang Golbuu, CEO of the Palau International Coral Reef Center, who is also a former Ph.D. student of Southern Cross University's Professor Peter Harrison. Through Dr. Golbuu's research and his work with the president of Palau, the country has become an international marine wildlife sanctuary in the middle of the Pacific.

Professor Peter Harrison, the founding Director of Southern Cross University's Marine Ecology Research Centre, said Ms Gouezo was an incredibly hard worker who had done a "brilliant job" collating a huge amount of information.

"One of the really interesting things about this research is it is one of the few long term research projects that clearly demonstrates how coral communities can reassemble and recover about a decade after major disturbance events, where large numbers of coral larvae arrive and settle to recreate the reef community quickly," Professor Harrison said.

"By extension this shows that if we can release the pressures off other reefs such as the Great Barrier Reef over decadal time scales, coral communities can recover to create a diverse and healthy reef environment. Through coral spawning coral reefs can recover, if we have enough time before the next disturbancebut the key issue is to quickly reduce greenhouse gas emissions otherwise increasing temperatures and recurrent mass bleaching events will continue to decimate corals and reef ecosystems and overwhelm their natural recovery capacity."

Provided by Southern Cross UniversityVegetable prices are on the rise. How can Canadians cope? Credit: Scott Warman/Unsplash

The Food Price Report 2019, released by Dalhousie University and the University of Guelph in December, suggested vegetable prices will go up by as much as six per cent this year. That's significant because, unlike meat or fish, fewer alternatives exist when it comes to replacing vegetables.

Coming on the report's heels was the new Canada's Food Guide, which recommended Canadians consume more plants and less meat.

According to the Food Report, El Nino is to blame for rising vegetable prices, since Canada imports a great quantity of veggies from regions prone to drought during El Nino periods, including the western United States and northern Mexico. And 2019 is an El Nino year.

The six per cent increase is in addition to the 4.8 per cent hike in vegetable prices in 2018.

Given that we could experience another year of significant price increases, many wonder whether eating local produce is a better option.

Global supply chains have allowed us to become more efficient and given consumers more choices and a broader selection of affordable food products. But eating local has its advantages, too.

Reducing your carbon footprint

The environmental case for eating local is almost undisputed. You can significantly reduce your carbon footprint just by increasing your locally grown food consumption.

And local food is consistently priced, if generally higher. Price is much less volatile when short-circuit distribution systems are involved. The number of intermediaries is limited compared to global food chains, which are exposed to environmental fluctuations and differing economic conditions, and can all lead to greater cost variations.

Extensive, large-scale networks always give markets what they need at the right time, at the right place, at a decent price and with an acceptable level of quality until something goes terribly wrong. A single failure can lead to huge disruptions that affect many people.

A case in point is the romaine lettuce crisis in November. Fresh lettuce grown in California and Arizona is delivered to Canadians at a decent price. But with the E. coli outbreak in romaine lettuce, not only did people get sick, but the prices of leafy greens in Canada skyrocketed.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency prevented romaine lettuce from entering Canada. When that happens, importers must procure similar products elsewhere, likely at higher cost, to meet consumer expectations. Consumers want their leafy greens, even in winter, no matter what.

Eventually, the situation goes back to normal and most have forgotten about the romaine lettuce crisis. That's the nature of market failures. Systems adapt and improve over time.

Local food systems more stable

But many people in the marketplace envy the stability and sustainability of local food systems. Unlike global supply chain systems, transparency is a non-issue since most producers know each other.

Buying locally grown vegetables can also give some peace of mind to shoppers. You'll likely pay more, but the prices are mostly predictable. Simplicity has its virtues, but it also comes at a cost. Local food is typically more expensive than the cheapest imported varieties available in the same marketplace.

Research shows that city dwellers prefer locally grown or manufactured food products, for the simple fact that agriculture is often a distant concept to them. Some Canadians have never been to a farm. Buying local is the one way to feel a real connection with agriculture and farmers.

There's also more wealth in cities than rural communities. So although price is still a consideration for urban dwellers, it's more important to less wealthy consumers in rural areas.

That's where global supply chains come in.

Given that Canadians have access to one of the most affordable food baskets in the world relative to household income, global supply chains appear to be serving them well.

Wintry climate leaves us with few options

And getting our vegetable fix from all over the world isn't such a bad idea. Our nordic climate doesn't give us many options. But global supply chains come with their fair share of risks, which in turn generate price volatility.

At the same time, buying local produce can be critical to our agri-food economy. In many parts of the country, local vegetable production is a priority, through vertical farms, greenhouses using novel technologies and other initiatives.

Access to more locally grown vegetables, while striking a balance between local and global, will be key.

But rising vegetable prices are a challenge for many, especially those with limited incomes. That means visiting the freezer aisle may not be a bad idea. It may not taste the same as fresh, but you'll get the same nutritional value from frozen veggies.

Amid all this, there is one piece of good news: The Food Price Report 2019 suggests that the cost of meat and fish products will drop this year by up to three per cent.

That's the first decline in fish and meat prices in the study's nine-year history.

So meat lovers can do a happy dance around the barbecue next summer. Just don't forget the veggies.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.Ettore Segreto, of the Gleb Wataghin Physics Institute of the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and one of the makers of the light detector to be used in the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) presented a new version, X-Arapuca, that will make the capture of photons even more efficient, at FAPESP Week London. Credit: Andre Juliao

A critical part of one of the largest recent particle physics experiments was developed in Brazil. The Arapuca is a light detector to be installed in the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a project seeking to discover new properties of neutrinos, fundamental particles with very little mass that travel at close to the speed of light.

The X-Arapuca is an enhanced version of the light detector developed by professors Ettore Segreto of the Gleb Wataghin Physics Institute of the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and Ana Amelia Bergamini Machado, collaborating researcher from the same institution. The device was the subject of the session given on Day One of FAPESP Week London, an event taking place February 11-12, 2019.

The detector will be installed in the DUNE, which is expected to begin construction in the United States in 2021. DUNE will be equipped with two huge detectors. The first will be close to the source at the Fermi National Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois. The lab's particle accelerator will produce a powerful neutrino beam. That beam will travel to the second, much larger detector, 1,300 km away, at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, holding 70,000 tons of liquid argon and located 1.5 km underground. The site will also hold 60,000 X-Arapuca detectors that will be responsible for detecting the light emitted by the beam. Each X-Arapuca will measure 10 by eight centimeters.

The entire system is being tested on a smaller scalethe ProtoDUNEin operation since September 2018 at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) on the border between France and Switzerland.

"This is the most recent development of the Arapuca. It provides even greater efficiency based on the same principle, while introducing minor modifications. We are running the tests at UNICAMP and the detector seems to be very good. In addition to that, construction is simpler," Segreto said.

One of the modifications was the inclusion of a guide lighta device made out of a material that more efficiently traps the photons inside the detector. It is easier to measure the properties of light by capturing more of it. "The idea of these larger detectors is to direct even more photons to the active detectors, silicon sensors that are much smaller," Segreto said.

These small sensors are expected to be the only parts of the X-Arapuca that will not be made in Brazil. "The idea is that all the other components will be made in the country as will the device's assembly," said the researcher, who will lead the entire light detection portion of the experiment.

The light will be produced when the neutrino beam reaches the argon liquid in the DUNE's principal detector and produces scintillation. Among the factors that influenced the choice for liquid argon is its scintillation capacity, which is much larger than the water used in other experiments like Japan's Super-Kamiokande. The argon will be distributed in four modules, each holding argon kept in a liquid state by refrigeration to -184 C. Liquid argon will also make it possible to obtain 3-D images of the interactions with an unprecedented amount of detail and precision.

The experiment is expected to provide answers about how the universe was formed, investigating such mysteries as the "charge-parity symmetry violation of leptons," which, just after the Big Bang, would have produced a small surplus of matter over antimatter. This surplus constitutes the universe we know.

Stefan Soldner-Rembold, a professor at the University of Manchester and one of the speakers at the event, commended Brazil's participation in the experiment. The researcher spoke on behalf of UK's participation in the consortium. "One of the challenges we have with this type of agreement is how the different funding agencies from other countries contribute resources. Whoever puts up the money wants it to be spent, and the expertise developed, locally. The idea is that Brazil is not just contributing funds, but that the detectors are being built in the country and installed in the DUNE through the use of Brazilian know-how. This is usually hard to do, but we're going to manage to do it in this case," said the researcher.

Explore further First particle tracks seen in prototype for international neutrino experimentAn ant has the navigation skills to cover hundreds of metres in a single day and still find its way home. Melophorus Bagoti ant. Credit: Antoine Wystrach

As a child, you almost certainly at one stage spent hours watching ants move about from their nest. Maybe you dropped a piece of food and watched as a group of ants came and picked it up, carrying it home in an impressive display of cooperation.

What you probably didn't realise, however, is just how important this ability is to our understanding of not only insect brains, but our own brains as well. How ants work together and navigate their environment has important implications for group cognition and even autonomous technologies like self-driving cars, and our knowledge of this ability is growing faster than ever.

Many groups of scientists around the world are now working on insect cognition, striving to understand exactly what it is inside their tiny brains that makes them such adept collaborators. And just like inquisitive children, they are watching as these ants leave and return to their nest with impressive dexterity.

Collaborative

Dr. Ofer Feinerman from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel is leading a project called ANTSolve to study how ants work together to return food to their nests. Together with his team, he is investigating this type of collaborative behaviour to get a better understanding of collective cognition.

"When you group things together, ants or cells, biological entities or birds, what can you get more cognitively than the individual?" he said. "This is the driving questionCan it be that you take many individuals and get something that's in a way smarter than a single individual?"

To find out, Dr. Feinerman and his team have been busy performing thousands of experiments on ant nests on their campus.

Specifically they have been observing longhorn crazy ants, which despite the name are naturally fearful of other ants and thus tend to work together as much as possible. Setting up cameras and placing food near nests, the team have been watching as a sole ant first finds the food, then alerts her friends to come and help.

"Slowly ants will accumulate around this large food item," he said. "When there's enough of them, they'll start moving together. It's a cooperative effort. All of them together have enough muscle strength to move it."

To get a better understanding of this process, the team have also been placing mazes made of sheets of plastic near the nest, which the ants must traverse to find the food and then return home. This is intended to simulate leaves and rocks or other objects that have obscured their path, to see what is the most difficult maze they can solve together.

The team have grander ambitions, too. They are devising a system using a rod and pivot to actively communicate with the ants  as the ants push on the rod, the researchers apply a tiny force to tell them which direction to go. Using this, the team can communicate with a single ant or with a whole group, and see how they respond.

Non-carrying ants clear pebbles from their comrades anticipated transport path. Image Credit - Dr Ehud Fonio Credit: Non-carrying ants clear pebbles from their comrades anticipated transport path. Credit: Dr Ehud Fonio

Early results from the research suggest that non-carrying ants play a role in the transport process, such as clearing pebbles from the anticipated path the carrying ants will use. And the applications from this research are vast. It includes things like using robots to move items within a warehouse, or even how humans can work together in terms of leadership, conformism and how hierarchies form.

"Almost everything in biology is cooperative," said Dr. Feinerman. "So after we understand this one system, then you can think to generalise it to other parts of biology including groups of humans. Since the ants have worked together like this for more than 100 million years, we may have something to learn from them."

Memory

While the ANTSolve project has been investigating group cognition, Dr. Antoine Wystrach from the University of Toulouse in France is looking at a different type of insect cognition, namely how ants are able to navigate their environment. He is the project coordinator for EMERG-ANT, a project which has devised an intricate virtual reality system to study the movement of ants, which is indistinguishable to the ants from their real world.

Dr. Wystrach's experimental setup involves placing an extremely light ball in a cup, and then causing it to levitate with a burst of air. Using a piece of string, an ant is lowered onto the ball so that its legs are just touching it. Then, a spherical screen surrounding the ant displays a virtual reconstruction of the natural environment near its nest. As the ant moves, the image displayed also moves, making the ant think it is navigating in its natural habitat.

"We want to try to understand memory and learning and the visual part of long routes," said Dr. Wystrach. "How they control their motor behaviour, all that is really cool. So the idea is to have them running in a virtual environment on an airflow treadmill. When the ant is moving, we're changing what we display in the video. So she's basically moving through a virtual world."

Such an experiment would be considerably more difficult in a natural environment, where ants can cover hundreds of metres in a single day. This technique allows the researchers to watch ants over extremely long routes, and see how and where they move, how they move around obstacles, and so on.

More importantly, the experiment allows them to discover how the ants can find their way home. By changing the video on the screen they can place the ants at different locations around their nest, and watch as they recalculate their route home.

"It's really surprising how good these ants are," said Dr. Wystrach. "You can put them anywhere along a familiar route, and they will recognise a good route direction."

This research could help us get a better understanding of how insect brains retain information by observing how ants learn their route in the virtual environment. And this has applications for things like self-driving cars, or cleaning robots like Roombas we use in our homes, which have to autonomously find their way around obstacles to reach a particular destination. Together with projects like ANTSolve, it will tell us more about how insect brains work  and even our own brains  than ever before.

"Ants are very famous for their collective intelligence," said Dr. Wystrach. "This project, like many others, now starts to see the power of linking ecology and natural behaviour with mechanisms in neuroscience," he added, noting that previous research on insect neurobiology had helped them hypothesise how their ants might behave.

Explore further Wildlife death matchants versus termitesThe final deliveries of the A380 are anticipated for 2021. Credit: Mike Fuchslocher/Shutterstock

This time it really is over. Airbus chief executive, Tom Enders, recently announced the end of the A380, the largest commercial aircraft ever built. Despite reported investments of more than 14 billion, this iconic European project has not been as successful as was originally hoped. With only 234 units delivered out of 313 ordered over 13 years, it is far from the break-even point  originally estimated at 1,200 aircraft over 20 years. With orders drying up and production already running at a minimum, it was time for Airbus to stop the damage.

Long before its launch date, the A380 appeared to represent the future of Airbus, which anticipated that air traffic would double in the next 20 years. That's why it is both big  it can carry anywhere from 550 to more than 800 passengers on two full decks  and luxurious, with options such as private rooms, restaurants and bars  even an in-flight casino. Its engines are on average 30% more powerful than those of the Boeing 747 and are worth 13 million each  the value of a ton of gold for all four.

To keep the overall weight down, the A380's designers used groundbreaking composite structure, including carbon ribs within aluminium wings. Equipped with the most advanced navigation system in commercial aviation, it can operate for more than 13 hours and fly more than 9,000 miles.

The aircraft is built on a continental scale: the wings are made in Wales, engines are made in England (Rolls Royce) or the US (Engine Alliance), the fuselage and the vertical stabiliser is built in Germany and the horizontal stabiliser in Spain. Final assembly is carried out in France. Each wing weighs 6.5 tons and is composed of tens of thousands of components, carrying the fuel, supporting the fuselage and channelling the power of the engines.

National Geographic dedicated an episode of its series Megastructures to the A380.

Niche market

If the A380 is undeniably one of the most impressive aircraft of all time, its unique design and distributed production system created numerous technical and coordination problems. The initial launch was delayed 18 months by a range of difficulties, and the ability of airlines to customise the aircraft proved to be an additional source of delays.

While the A380's first flight  on April 7 2005  was a success, the market was already changing. Airlines that initially favoured big hubs such as Singapore and Dubai began to offer more direct flights from a significant number of middle-sized airports. The rise of low-cost airlines brought in influential new players and weakening the long-time leaders that had been seen as big prospects for the A380.

Most importantly, the 2008 economic crisis seriously cut into the growth in air traffic. While growth has returned, the market is smaller than expected, making it harder to fill a wide-body aircraft, much less a double-deck one. It is simply not profitable for an airline to have flights with less than 80% of the seats filled. Emirates, which owns half of all operating A380s, has the financial resources to take on this risk, but not other carriers.

It was Airbus' mimicry of its historic competitor, Boeing, that led to the gap between supply and a considerably evolved demand. While some experts claimed that the A380 was 10 to 20 years ahead of the market, Airbus executives now admit that the plane was 10 years too late. As Enders said when announcing the A380's demise: "What we are seeing here is the end of the large four-engine aircraft."

Airbus CEO Tom Enders on the decision to end the A380s production. Credit: AeronewsTV

With A380 sales lagging, Airbus launched its new mid-size flagship, the A350, in 2014. It and Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, both of which have only two engines yet can fly great distances, were preferred because they had lower costs and fewer constraints than the A380.

A380 orders started to dry up in 2015 and persistent rumours suggested that the end was near. There were no orders from US carriers, few in Asia and even Air France halved its anticipated A380 fleet. On January 15 2018, John Leahy, Airbus' chief commercial officer, declared that if Emirates didn't order at least 30 more A380s, it wouldn't be possible to keep the program alive. British Airways, which owns a dozen A380s, has suggested that it could acquire others, but only if Airbus was "aggressive on the pricing". Whatever the result of those discussions, they are unlikely to alter the company's decision.

An inevitable disaster?

Today, the very design of the A380 is being questioned  that it was in many ways a delusion of grandeur by Airbus, which wanted at all costs to beat the Boeing 747. But its four engines consumed too much fuel, and being able to carry more passengers wasn't enough to make up the difference. The A380's immense size and double-deck layout also require airport investments not needed for other airliners.

Without the support of Emirates, which has made the A380 its flagship and is probably the only company that will regret its end, the decision to cease production would have been made a long time ago. Emirates has agreed to convert part of its latest order to A330neo and A350 aircraft, remaining faithful to Airbus. The last delivery is scheduled for 2021 and there will be no new versions brought into service. Meanwhile, the Boeing 747 celebrates 50 years of service  though it too is ending production, marking the end of an era for airline behemoths.

The end of the A380 is not necessarily good news for Boeing: it releases Airbus from a weight that has long prevented it from delivering its full potential. Resources and skills can be better allocated and thousands of workers may be offered jobs on other production lines. If the end of the A380 is a hard blow, the end of the story has yet to be written for Airbus.

Explore further Airbus says in talks with Emirates on vital A380 deal

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.Xiaoping Qian holding a 3-D-printed beam. The silver parts are the optimized support structure for the beam. Credit: Sarah Page

3-D printing opens up design possibilities that engineers could once only dream of.

The technology allows manufacturers to create parts with unique and complex shapesparts that conventional manufacturing methods such as die casting or injection molding can't produce.

With 3-D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, a machine creates a part by adding material in layers, building the object from the ground up. Because each new layer needs to be supported by the layer below it, there's a limit to how much one layer in a complex part can jut out over the next. As a result, manufacturers often need to build structures to support a part as it's being printed.

"But after the part is completed, removing that supporting material can be costly," says Xiaoping Qian, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "These support structures are sometimes referred to as sacrificial structures, because they are discarded in the end, which wastes material and build time."

Furthermore, it can be difficult to access and remove the support structure without risking damage to the finished part.

To address these issues, Qian has devised a method that significantly reduces the amount of support material needed to build components with 3-D printingand, in some cases, can even eliminate the need for support structures altogether.

Professor Xiaoping Qian has devised a method that significantly reduces the amount of support material needed to build components with 3-D printing. Credit: Sarah Page

"Traditionally, the support structure is created by simply considering the geometry of the part, and then creating the columns needed for support," Qian says. "But this isn't optimized."

His method streamlines the support structure using computational modeling tools. By enabling manufacturers to use the minimum amount of support material, the approach delivers faster build times as well as cost savings on material.

Qian's techniques are broadly applicable for a wide variety of additive manufacturing technologies. So far, he has demonstrated the benefits of his approach using fused deposition modeling and 3-D-printed metal parts using a laser powder bed fusion process. In one project, he used his techniques to design a part that required 43-percent less supporting material than would be used in the traditional additive manufacturing process relying on standard commercial design software.

This new approach grew out of Qian's interest in exploring ways to improve the structural performance and functionality of parts by leveraging the design flexibility additive manufacturing offers. For example, he has designed parts with component shapes and topologies that are optimized to dissipate heat. Such parts would be useful for many applications requiring a heat sink, including in electronics.

The logical next step was optimizing the parts' support structure. "Surprisingly, we didn't see anyone else trying to use topology optimization to accomplish this," Qian says.

He says a 3-D-printed part generally needs support if there are areas where its surface is sloped facing downward.

Qians new method reduces the amount of support material (black plastic) needed to allow the red material (Bucky) to be 3D-printed. Credit: Sarah Page

However, in the topology optimization process, engineers first provide requirements for the part and overall design goalsand then a computer program performs analyses and generates ideal component topologies.

"So the challenge is, if you don't know the geometry of the part in advance, then how would you know the surface slope and whether you would need support or not?" Qian says.

That's where his breakthrough comes inin a way that's somewhat like predicting the future.

Qian developed a method for calculating the amount of surface area on a component that needs supportwithout knowing the part's final geometry ahead of time. He says the key was defining a new measurement called the projected undercut perimeter. "When you calculate this new measurement, it essentially corresponds to the area that needs support," he says.

By incorporating the new measure into his computer models, Qian is able to control the amount and angle of overhangthus minimizing or even eliminating the support structurewhen designing a part.

As a result, for example, he can design a component that's optimized to dissipate as much heat as possible without needing any support structure to manufacture.

Designing such entirely self-supporting parts is an active research area for Qian, and his work is poised to benefit manufacturers looking to not only save money on materials and fabricate parts in less time but also create new types of parts with increased functionality.THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is locating the alleged daughter of the suicide bombers responsible for the blasts at the Jolo cathedral on January 27.PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said the 10-year-old

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is locating the alleged daughter of the suicide bombers responsible for the blasts at the Jolo cathedral on January 27.

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said the 10-year-old daughter of the couple responsible for the twin bombings at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu could be the key in identifying the suicide bombers.

The twin blasts killed 23 people and injured 95 others.

Albayalde said if they find the daughter, they will conduct a DNA test to determine if her DNA matches that of the body parts -- two pairs of unclaimed feet -- found in the crime scene.

Albayalde said it is important to find the child, as she has the potential to also become a suicide bomber just like her parents.

Earlier, Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano, former chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said that according to his sources, the couple has left their 10-year-old daughter in Sulu.

On Tuesday, February 19, authorities said the two pairs of feet, which came from a man and a woman, did not match the DNA of those who died in the blasts. This strengthens the theory that the bombings were perpetrated by suicide bombers.

Albayalde said the pair of feet that came from a woman matched the DNA taken from a part of the neck recovered from the crime scene.

Police and military officials said all the fatalities in the blasts were all accounted for.

Albayalde said investigators are coordinating with their counterparts, particularly from Indonesia, for the ongoing probe, as there were reports that the suicide bombers were Indonesian nationals. (SunStar Philippines)THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has removed over 650,000 campaign materials all over Metro Manila.NCRPO Director Major General Guillermo Eleazar urged the candidates to also do their

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) condemned Wednesday, February 20, the killing of one of its agents in Camarines Sur which it claimed is intended to demoralize the anti-narcotics agency.

PDEA Intelligence Officer 2 Enrico Barba, an assistant provincial officer of PDEA Camarines Norte Provincial Office, was reported missing since Monday, February 18, after he went to Daet to meet an informant regarding the drug activities in the area.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said Barbas mission was fully documented and disclosed to his Provincial Officer Agent Vidal Bacolod, who relayed the same to the regional director.

Around 8 p.m. of February 18, however, Barbas body was found with several gunshot wounds and contusions, which Aquino said is indicative of ruthlessness.

We condemn the criminals behind this killing. We believe that this is a planned act with an intent to demoralize our agents, as the illegal drugs syndicates try to shake our core, Aquino said.

We strongly defy the threat and we strongly condemn this violence against our agents, he added.

He assured, however, that Barbas death will not be worthless and not dampen the agencys campaign against illegal drugs.

His service to the country, as commendable as it is will be used as an inspiration and motivation to strike harder against the operators of the illegal drugs industry, said Aquino.

"We will not be moved by this incident as we will escalate our effort to give justice to our fallen comrade, a good father to his children and a loving husband to his wife. We will remain steadfast," he added.

The PDEA chief said he already tapped the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to help in the probe into Barbas murder. (SunStar Philippines)Hundreds of students have fled fighting in Indonesia's restive Papua province, a local NGO said, amid unconfirmed reports of violent military reprisals after a massacre of civilian workers by separatist rebels. The death of 16 government-linked employees at a remote jungle work camp in early December, marked a dramatic escalation from decades of mostly sporadic skirmishes between poorly armed and disorganised guerrillas and a powerful Indonesian military. Subsequent clashes prompted the Nduga district government to evacuate more than 400 students to Wamena, the capital of neighbouring Jayawijaya district, according to Humanitarian Volunteers for Nduga and a local education agency official. "Some of the students are suffering from trauma," said Ence Geong, a coordinator at the NGO, told AFP. "When the military came to the school in uniforms, some of the students ran" in fear. Scores of other residents are believed to have fled to neighbouring districts or into the jungle amid allegations soldiers carried out arson, harassment and the killing of livestock and civilians, residents and activists said. Local resident Sripona Nirigi told AFP her elderly father Gemin -- a priest -- was shot dead in December during a sweep of the area by the military. His burned corpse was found by one of her siblings some two weeks later, she added. Her account could not be independently verified. Papua military spokesman Colonel Muhammad Aidi rejected allegations the military had fired on civilians, calling it a "hoax". "If there are claims of civilian victims, they're definitely not ordinary civilians," Aidi told AFP. "They are part of the (separatists) that are attacking the military." Aidi said the army had investigated the alleged killing of the priest and denied he was shot by soldiers, saying it was still unclear whether he was alive or dead. He added that two soldiers have been killed and several more were injured in clashes with rebels since the December massacre of workers who were building bridges and roads in Indonesia's most impoverished region. The rebels claimed they were legitimate military targets. Local commander Binsar Sianipar separately confirmed the students had been evacuated, but said it was due to a teacher shortage in the area, not the military presence. Classes are being held in tents and the children are staying in overcrowded conditions at relatives' houses, Geong said. Some 80 teachers have joined them. The military operations in Nduga have displaced at least one thousand people, according to lawyer and activist Veronica Koman. "Jakarta ordered the military operation, but has been doing nothing to assist... civilians (who are) now internally displaced persons," said Koman, who is in contact with church leaders and activists in Papua. "I've seen credible photos and videos of burnt livestock and houses, including a sick old man burnt inside a house." Indonesian security forces have long been accused of rights abuses against Papua's ethnic Melanesian population including extrajudicial killings of activists and arrest of peaceful protestors. Papua, which shares a border with the island nation Papua New Guinea, just north of Australia, has been the site of low-level insurgency since the 1960s. The former Dutch colony declared itself independent in 1961, but neighbouring Indonesia took control of Papua two years later on the condition it hold an independence referendum. Jakarta annexed the mineral-rich region in 1969 with a UN-backed vote that is widely seen as a sham.Former New Zealand prime minister Jenny Shipley has denied writing an article in a Chinese state-run daily effusively praising Beijing amid heightened tensions between the two nations. The article, "We need to learn to listen to China", was published on Monday under Shipley's byline in the Communist party's People's Daily and heaped praise on Xi Jinping's "Belt and Road" economic and trade diplomacy initiative. The piece appears to be based on an interview with Shipley in December by a different state-run paper, the China Daily. Following sharp criticism, Shipley's response appeared to confuse the two publications as she told New Zealand Herald "I have not spoken to the China Daily since December". New Zealand's first female prime minister added: "I would never think of getting into a public situation like this at such an important time for New Zealand's relationship." An appendix to the People's Daily online article was changed on Wednesday from "The author is former prime minister of New Zealand" to "Dame Jenny Shipley is former prime minister of New Zealand. The article is based on the interview by journalist with People's Daily on December 2018." The article came amid a fierce spat between Wellington and Beijing over the participation of Huawei equipment in a planned 5G network. New Zealand intelligence agency GCSB has warned Huawei's participation carries "significant security risks". Australia and the United States have similarly moved to block the company's 5G involvement over fears the equipment could act as a backdoor for Chinese intelligence activities. Beijing has labelled such concerns as "groundless" and responded with a veiled warning to Chinese tourists not to visit New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday appeared to be considering a compromise, saying talks were under way between GCSB and Spark to see if the fears about Huawei's involvement could be addressed. She also sought to ease concerns the issue was becoming an irritant in relations with China, New Zealand's largest trading partner, describing the two countries' relationship as complex but mature.PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, signed into law the landmark legislation that grants Filipinos access to universal health care services.Duterte led the ceremonial signing at the Palace's

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, signed into law the landmark legislation that grants Filipinos access to universal health care services.

Duterte led the ceremonial signing at the Palace's Rizal Hall on Wednesday afternoon, February 20, of the Universal Health Care Act.

The law, ratified by Congress in December 2018, provides health care insurance coverage to all Filipinos under the National Health Security program and upgrades the government's medical facilities.

A budget of P257 billion in the first year of its implementation. Under the 2019 budget, however, only around P217 billion was appropriated for the program.

The P40-billion funding gap is expected to be financed by a measure raising taxes on tobacco products, but Congress is still drafting a final version of the bill.

Other fund sources are: 50 percent national government share from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation; 40 percent from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Charity Fund; Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's premium contributions; and Health department's annual appropriations.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the government would opt for "gradual" implementation of the law in the meantime, while it was looking for ways on how to fill in the funding gap for the universal health care program.

"Pagkakasyahin muna natin until such time na magkasya ang pondo. Gradual ang implementation pero (The implementation is gradual but) there are many ways to augment the resources. I'm sure the government will know how to source funds, in accordance with the Constitution," he said.

"Pag-aaralan lahat iyan kung ano ang makakabuti sa ating mga kababayan kaugnay sa kanilang kalusugan (We'll look for ways that will benefit our countrymen when it comes to their health)," the Palace official added.

The new law ensures that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health goods and services, and protection against financial risks through a systemic approach and clear delineation of roles of key agencies and stakeholders towards better performance in the health care system. (SunStar Philippines)THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has removed over 650,000 campaign materials all over Metro Manila.NCRPO Director Major General Guillermo Eleazar urged the candidates to also do their

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, said he was amenable to the proposal of the National Youth Commission (NYC) to revoke scholarships of students who "espouse the destruction of the duly-constituted government."

Duterte made the remark when sought for reaction to NYC chairperson Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema's call on the President to withdraw the scholarships of "anti-government" students.

"If you espouse to overthrow the government, then you are committing a crime of rebellion. If they espouse the very government feeding food on their mouth, they will lose that [scholarship]," the President said.

Cardema on Tuesday, February 19, urged Duterte to sign an executive order removing the scholarships of students who have links to the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People's Army (NPA), and the National Democratic Front.

Duterte said students who have ties with the communist movement are considered "enemies" of the state.

He added that student activists who are part of destabilization plot against the government would not only lose their scholarships but would also face arrest.

"If you espouse, I said, support the NPAs, espouse the destruction of government, I will consider you an enemy," he said.

"And when the time comes, I will arrest all of them and they will lose everything that government has offered them," Duterte added.

Earlier Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said students merely "suspected" of being against the Duterte government cannot be stripped of state scholarships.

Panelo stressed that removing students' scholarship can only be done if there is "concrete, legal, and reasonable" basis.

Duterte clarified that those who are merely expressing dissent to his policies could not be considered a reason to revoke the government scholarships of students.

"Well, those are just expression. I need more overt acts," he said, when asked if joining anti-government protests is a sufficient ground to remove students' scholarship.

"Wala naman kung dissent lang (It's nothing if it's just a dissent). If you disagree with my move, you disagree or you are not in -- you do not find consonance in our decision. But if you go and say, 'Let us go out, join the NPAs, support the NPAs, give food to the NPAs, money to the NPAs,' then you espouse the destruction of the duly-constituted government," he added. (SunStar Philippines)********I'm starting this blog entry with the caveat that of course all of these images are copyrighted and can not be copied in any way for further use*...

vor 3 Jahren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...Venezuelas Oil Minister Manuel Quevedo, a former general appointed by Nicolas Maduro in late 2017 to lead Venezuelas oil industry and state oil firm PDVSA, has said that a terrorist attack was carried out on a PDVSA pumping station in the state of Monagas, the teleSUR news outlet reported on Wednesday.

Quevedo denounced the attack, which he said was aimed at cutting off Venezuelas oil exports, according to teleSUR. No people were killed or injured in the sabotage, the minister said.

Yesterday we listened to the war allocation by the U.S. President, and call to violence, and now we start to see that violence and terrorist attacks, teleSUR quoted Quevedo as saying. According to the minister, the right-wing parties in Venezuela were behind the attack, as they dont have a political project and thats why they recurred to violence, led by the U.S. government who has lost their masks and pretend to lead us to a war among equals, as carried by teleSUR.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump urged members of the Venezuelan military to abandon support for Maduro or lose everything.

President Trump also tweeted: I ask every member of the Maduro regime: End this nightmare of poverty, hunger and death. LET YOUR PEOPLE GO. Set your country free! Now is the time for all Venezuelan Patriots to act together, as one united people. Nothing could be better for the future of Venezuela!

The United States and many European countries have recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela amid the political crisis in the country sitting on top of the worlds largest crude oil reserves.

The U.S. sanctions on Venezuela from late January are expected to speed up the decline of Venezuelan exports, which have been falling over the past three years as oil production has been plunging due to lack of investment, mismanagement, and a rampant economic crisis.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:India is an investment priority for Saudi Aramco, the chief executive of the Saudi oil giant Amin Nasser said on Wednesday in New Delhi, noting that Aramco is in talks with Indias biggest refining and petrochemicals company Reliance Industries for potential investments and is looking at other opportunities as well.

Saudi Arabia, OPECs largest producer and the worlds top crude oil exporter, is looking to secure off-take deals for its crude in the strategic fast-growing Indian oil market in Asia, and is also heavily investing in the refining and petrochemicals at home and abroad.

India is an investment priority for Saudi Aramco. India takes from us almost 800,000 barrels a day and by 2040 Indias total consumption will be around 8.2 million barrels per day, Reuters quoted Aramcos CEO Nasser as saying at a panel in New Delhi during the one-day visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India.

Indias current demand is around 4.7 million bpd and the country is the worlds third-largest oil consumer.

In June last year, Saudi Aramco and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) signed a framework agreement and a memorandum of understanding with a consortium of Indian national oil companies to join a project for a mega refinery and petrochemical complex in India worth US$44 billion. However, the huge project has faced setbacks because farmers have been unwilling to give up their land for the site of the plant, and earlier this week the Maharashtra state announced that the project would be relocated to another site.

Saudi Aramco is willing to invest in other projects in India, Nasser said on Wednesday, noting that the oil giant is in talks with Indian companies, including Reliance Industries.

We are looking at it. We are not limited to that investment which is the mega refinery, Nasser said, referring to the US$44-billion project.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:Kinder Morgan plans to increase the loading and unloading capacity of its ethanol hub in Argo, Illinoiswhich serves as a benchmark for global ethanol pricesin a bid to address concerns that ethanol trade at the hub could be vulnerable to manipulation, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing three people with knowledge of the company plans.

At an industry conference in Florida last week, Kinder Morgan told ethanol traders that it was looking to at least double the amount of barges capable of loading and unloading ethanol at the two docks at Argo and allowing a third dock, for petrochemicals, to also load and unload ethanol, according to the three people briefed by Reuters.

The faster movement of ethanol volumes through Argo would diminish concerns that inventories at the hub could be driven up faster than being drawn down, thus driving down the price of ethanol.

If you can send barrels in faster than you can take out, then you can drive down the price faster and for a longer period. This will help equalize that and level the playing field, an ethanol trader told Reuters.

U.S. ethanol prices hit in November 2018 their lowest level in 13 years, due to oversupply. In addition, Archer Daniels Midland, a major commodities merchant, which was typically a big buyer of ethanol until late 2017, switched to a big seller last year, contributing to the excessive supply.

Pressured by low ethanol prices and unclear U.S. policies on biofuels, several ethanol plants have idled production or shut in recent months.

Scott Irwin from the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois, wrote in Ohios Country Journal on Wednesday that the U.S. ethanol industry saw in 2018 its first losing year since 2012, due to overproduction.

The fortunes of the U.S. ethanol industry are unlikely to improve until production and use are better balanced. This will require shuttering some production capacity, additional demand, or some combination of the two. The most optimistic scenario is additional demand for U.S. ethanol exports as part of a trade deal with China, Irwin says.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:Commonwealth LNG has struck purchase commitments with European clients for almost half the annual capacity of its liquefaction plant in Louisiana, Reuters reports, quoting chief executive Paul Varello. The total capacity of the facility is 8.4 million tons of LNG per year.

We are exchanging documents with counterparties that will represent three to four million tonnes Varello said in an interview. The executive added, We have to work hard to get closer to the full 8 million tonnes in heads of agreements to allow us to feel good about getting 6 million tonnes in final agreements.

The company is promising prices of less than US$2.50 per million British thermal units under long-term contracts of 20 years. Europe is a natural focal point for future LNG supplies from the new liquefaction terminals currently under construction in the United States, but purchase commitments need to be secured in advance so the companies building the facilities get the loans they need to build the projects.

The Louisiana facility has yet to get the final investment decision of Commonwealth, which should happen by the third quarter or the end of 2020, after which construction will begin. Launch of the project is scheduled for 2024.

Long-term contracts have become difficult to secure in LNG because of the abundance of fuel on spot markets and the price sensitivity as more and more liquefaction terminals come on stream in places like Australia and Russia, as well as in Africa. Yet LNG producers need long-term commitments from buyers to get the funds they need to build the facilities.

In the United States, some 10 new LNG plants are being planned or are already under construction as the shale boom has boosted the availability of cheap natural gas to be liquefied and sent to international markets, with a focus on Europe and Asia.



By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:Saudi Arabia expects that it can reach a deal with Kuwait to resume oil production from joint oil fields in the so-called Neutral Zone this year, Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Wednesday.

We hope in 2019 it will be resolved, Reuters quoted al-Falih as saying a day after meeting with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

The so-called Partitioned Neutral Zone (PNZ) was established between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 1922 to settle a territorial dispute between the two countries. As of 2015, the oil production capacity in the neutral zone stood at 600,000 bpd, equally divided between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, according to the EIA. Production from the zone averaged around 500,000 bpd just before the shutdown of the two oil fields, Khafji and Wafra, in 2014-2015.

As of October 2018, operational divergences and geopolitical divisions were still preventing Saudi Arabia and Kuwait from making any progress in talks about the potential restart of the jointly operated oil fields that analysts were hoping could soon add 500,000 bpd of oil production in the Middle East.

A few weeks before that, at the end of September 2018, Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the restart of crude oil production in the neutral zone during a meeting with Kuwaits Emir. The Saudi Crown Princes visit to Kuwait, however, was cut short, while big divergences between the two sides remained.

In December 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were inching closer to restarting oil production in the Neutral

Zone after the United States had intervened to broker a deal between the two countries. Production could restart in the first quarter this year, the Journal reported two months ago, citing oil officials familiar with the negotiations. The resumption of production from those fields and the potential adding of 500,000 bpd production capacity in the Middle East could alleviate concerns about tightening supply as the U.S. mulls over phasing out the waivers it had granted to key Iranian oil buyers, according to The Journal.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:In January Energy World Corporation (EWC) announced it had been given final approval by the Department of Energy (DoE) under their new regulations to build the countrys first LNG import terminal and regasification facility, which is under construction on Pagbilao Grande island in Quezon.

The Australia-headquartered company  which also operates in its home market and Indonesia  has stated that the terminal, which is expected to be operational by March 2020, will have an import capacity of 3m tonnes per annum (tpa), providing up to 3000 MW of generation capacity.

Along with the terminal, EWC has approval to develop a 650-MW gas-fired power plant next to the facility, with the import terminal set to supply both the needs of the new power station and those of third-party clients.

There is a great opportunity for LNG energy production given the growing electricity demand in the Philippines, Graham Elliott, country manager of EWC, told OBG. Given the low production cost, LNG-generated electricity would be competitive with any other energy source and can be less expensive than coal.

This major investment project opens a path for other energy companies in an expanding market, though early arrivals will likely gain a competitive advantage.

Rising energy demand and falling gas supply spur LNG investment

The need to boost imports and regasification capacity is becoming increasingly urgent with the rapid depletion of the Malampaya gas field.

The field currently supplies three gas-fired power stations in Luzon, which have a combined capacity of 2700 MW, 30% of the energy requirements of the Philippines most populous island.

However, reserves are declining rapidly and full-scale production is projected to end by 2024, with the wells set to be depleted by 2029 at the latest. Related: Permian Production To Break 4 Million Bpd In March

LNG imports will be needed to bridge the gap between supply and demand unless significant new deposits can be identified and brought on-line over the next five years.

This shortfall is set to increase as Philippine energy requirements rise over the coming decades. While installed generation capacity stands at 23,000 MW, the DoE estimates the country will need to deploy an additional 44,800 MW by 2040.

While the government is looking for renewable resources to account for 20,000 MW of this new capacity  and has expressed interest in developing nuclear power  LNG is likely to meet much of the new demand.

LNG project in Batangas to come on-line

At least some of that LNG supply will come from two other projects in the pipeline.

In January the DoE granted permission to Tanglawan Philippines LNG to develop a 2.2m-tpa LNG terminal and processing facility in the province of Batangas.

The company  which is a joint venture between domestic firm Phoenix Petroleum and the Chinese state-owned enterprise China National Offshore Oil Corporation  plans to commence construction this year, with commercial operations to begin at the $686m regasification plant in 2023.

As part of the project, Tanglawan Philippines LNG also plans to develop a 2000-MW gas-fired power station at an estimated cost of $1.3bn.

The state-run Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) has expressed interest in joining the venture, with Alfonso Cusi, secretary of energy and chairman of PNOC, announcing in January that the parties had agreed in principle to the state-owned firm taking a stake in the development of the facility.

Further LNG import and processing facility

While the EWC and Tanglawan LNG projects were both endorsed by the DoE, another company has also applied for approval to construct an LNG facility. Related: MIT Professors: This Is The Energy System Of The Future

In December domestic energy firm First Gen announced that it had entered into a joint development agreement with Japan-headquartered Tokyo Gas. First Gen had applied for a notice to proceed permit with the DoE for the green light to build a LNG terminal and regasification facility in Batangas City.

If given the go-ahead, the prospective project would be used to provide feedstock to First Gens four existing gas-fired power stations as well as to third parties.

As the Philippines moves to scale back the use of coal in its energy mix  which currently accounts for 50% of power generation  the input of LNG can be expected to increase, improving cost efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, according to Jon Russell, executive vice-president of First Gen.

Gas is among the most competitive energy sources, especially if coal prices keep rising, Russell told OBG. The capital cost of installing an LNG plant, or a regular gas-fired plant, is three times cheaper than coal and significantly less damaging for the environment. In addition, with a future of more renewable energy power generation, gas-fired plants are the perfect partner as their ability to ramp-up and ramp-down complements the intermittent nature of renewables.

By Oxford Business Group

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:Ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia continue to unfold, even as allegations of President Trumps involvement in Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election looks like it will finally lose steam. The Senate Intelligence Committee is approaching an end to its two-year investigation into meddling in the controversial election, and Democrats and Republicans on the committee both say they have found no direct evidence to connect the Trump campaign in a conspiracy with Russia. While that's good news for Trump, arguably one of the most embattled and divisive presidents in U.S. history, it still wont lead to better bilateral relations between Washington and Moscow in the foreseeable future.

One reason for this geopolitical quandary is that Russia has its hands in too much that contradicts U.S. policy, ranging from nuclear and ballistic missile development concerns, being on the opposite sides of the ongoing Syrian Civil War, Moscows cozy relationship with Iran as well as its support of embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Consequently, a bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill last week that seeks to impose stiff new sanctions on Russia over still simmering allegations of election meddling in addition to continued aggression against Ukraine. CNBC said last week that the threat of more sanctions was the latest congressional effort to push President Trump to ratchet up Washington's response to Moscow, something the president has been hesitant to do. Russia for its part, already bruised both financially and geopolitically from five years of American sanctions, is downplaying the threat of more sanctions. Related: Where Will Putin Build His Next Gas Pipeline?

"I did not warn, I just said that this is senseless, nothing else. I said that the goal of this move is unclear. If they did not understand that the sanctions are not working, I feel sorry for them, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview last week. However, feeling sorry for the U.S. or not, the threat of more American sanctions has some in the Russian energy sector on edge.

Russian energy sector on edge

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that the bill introducing new sanctions against Russia aims to sabotage the countrys Arctic LNG 2 project, but Moscow will launch the project even if it has to do it on its own. Moscow-based media outlet RT said the bill would also target Russias foreign debt, banking sphere and energy sector, and LNG projects abroad, including the massive Arctic LNG 2 project developed by Russian natural gas producer Novatek. French oil major Total has recently joined the project, while Chinese investors also show strong interest in it. In late December, Japans Mitsui & Co. also entered talks with Novatek over participation in the project.

Siluanov said that if the U.S. proceeds with the punitive measures, its unclear how foreign partners may react, but that business interests will prevail. He said Russia can turn the project into reality on its own. In any case we will implement this Arctic LNG project because we have the resources. He added that Russia may consider using public funds due to the growing capacity of Russias sovereign wealth fund, which is to surpass 7 percent of GDP this year.

The Arctic LNG 2 project, with an estimated price tag of US$35 billion, will be built in Northern Siberia and is expected to start operations in 2022-2023. At full capacity, it will produce 19.8 million tons of LNG per year. Two weeks ago, Novatek announced that its Yamal LNG project, it first in the Arctic, had shipped 10 million tons of LNG since its first train opened on December 5, 2017.

By Tim Daiss for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:A PetroChina test oil well at a shale field in western China could finally mean a strong commercial potential for shale oil for the first time in the worlds top crude importer, according to Morgan Stanley.

PetroChina achieved a daily production rate of 100 tons of oil, or 733 barrels, from the Jimsar oil field in the western Xinjiang province, which suggests that shale drilling could finally have a true commercial potential in China, Bloomberg quoted a Morgan Stanley note as saying.

We believe the Jimsar shale oil discovery is likely to trigger Chinas shale oil revolution, Morgan Stanley analyst Andy Meng wrote in the report.

The potential for more drilling would likely increase capex for shale this year and benefit onshore oilfield service companies, the investment bank said.

The shale boom in China, however, would be just a fraction of the U.S. shale revolutionMorgan Stanley expects Chinese shale oil production could be 100,000 bpd-200,000 bpd by 2025, which is nothing compared to the millions of barrels of oil pumped in the U.S. every day. According to EIA estimates, the seven key shale regions in the U.S. produced 8.117 million bpd in January, and a 62,000-bpd increase is expected for February.

Chinas biggest energy producers have started to tap more tight oil and gas wells recently, aiming to increase domestic oil and natural gas production at the worlds largest crude oil importer.

As part of a government push to boost domestic energy supply, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Sinopec are raising investments to increase local oil and gas production and are accelerating drilling at tight oil and gas formations in western China, the companies said last year.

Oil demand continues to grow in China, while domestic production has been declining in recent years due to the depletion of mature conventional oil fields. This has led to additionaland costlyimports, making China the worlds largest crude oil importer. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the state-held companies to boost domestic production of oil and gas, and firms are starting to follow the policy.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:Its easy to forget now, but just a few short years ago the United States was the biggest oil importer in the world by a considerable margin, and sold exactly zero barrels internationally thanks to laws prohibiting the export of U.S. oil. This now sounds like an absurdity thanks to the shale oil and gas renaissance, ushered in by hydro-fracking, that has allowed the U.S. to become a major oil exporter to Europe and Asia alike. Now, thanks to political turmoil and oil sanctions in exporting powerhouses Iran and Venezuela, the U.S. is ready to step into their place and inch ever closer to what was once unthinkable--becoming a net oil exporter.

At a global oil trading industry gathering last September, oil producers from the United States came well prepared to usher in the new era of U.S. oil exports. Exxon Mobil, for one, along with their European competitor Royal Dutch Shell, came armed with brochures explaining in detail the different grades of U.S. crudes as well as all the reasons they are the perfect replacement for oil traditionally bought from Middle East, Africa and Russia for import to Asia.

So far, the strategy has been a smashing success. U.S. oil exports to Europe have hit record highs over the last year, doubling over the course of 2018 to reach 430,000 barrels per day (bpd). This year exports have continued to soar, breaking records already in January with 630,000 bpd sent to Europe alone. While this is still less than imports from Russia or Iraq, it puts the U.S. ahead of other OPEC producers like Nigeria and Libya. Related: Where Will Putin Build His Next Gas Pipeline?

A big factor in the massive success of U.S. crude in overseas markets is the massive amount of output from the Permian Basin, creating a crude glut and driving down U.S. crude prices to a level that international markets are hard-pressed to compete with. U.S. crude is a real headache. It puts a lot of pressure on regional light grades. In fact, prices for all grades are affected because it is such a significant extra supply, a European trader representing Russian oil was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Other major oil producers have already been forced to lower their own prices and enforce production caps. OPEC and other outside producers like Russia have cut their output by 3-4 percent since 2017 in an attempt to combat falling oil prices. The strategy has been a successful one for the most part, with prices doubling from their lowest point up to $60 per barrel, but without a doubt the international market will continue to feel the squeeze over the course of the year.

This United States crude glut (and subsequent low prices) is only going to continue to grow over the next year. According to government statistics, in 2019 U.S. crude production is projected to skyrocket another 1.18 million bpd over last year, reaching an expected approximate average of 12.06 million bpd. Looking further than 2019, predictions show that U.S. crude could grow to reach up to 15 million bpd of crude and up to 20 million bpd of total oil liquids. With these numbers, the country would be able to be completely oil-autonomous, producing more than enough to feed the domestic demand of 18-19 million bpd. Related: U.S.-China Trade Deal Could Boost Gasoline Prices

While U.S. crude volume and prices have been the driving factor of the nations rising influence in international oil markets, its certainly not the only factor. In this case, as in almost every other, economy cannot be divorced from politics. U.S. sanctions on Venezuela and Iran have lent a big helping hand, discouraging nations around the world from buying oil from the two targeted nations lest they fall into the bad graces of the worlds largest economy. The numbers that the U.S. is celebrating now--430,000 bpd to Europe over 2018--is around the same level that Iranian imports were at before the Iran nuclear deal was revoked, and a fresh round of sanctions were introduced.

With politics in Venezuela more volatile than ever (with some notable encouragement from the U.S.), and Trumps tough-on-Iran stance showing no signs of slowing, it looks like U.S. foreign policy will continue to spell major success for U.S. crude in the European and Asian markets.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:The United States nuclear industry is in a tough spot. Its unpopular with the public due to high-profile disasters like 1979s Three Mile Island meltdown, and its bottom line has been hit hard by the rise of ultra-cheap domestic shale oil and gas as well as a nearly plateaued post-recession demand for electricity. Some states, including New York, New Jersey, and Illinois have approved financial packages to revive their failing nuclear industries, and now Pennsylvania could be the next if they can push past a plague of doubt.

Pennsylvania is a hard sell for nuclear support as the home of the United States most famous nuclear disaster at the Three Mile Island site in Dauphin County 40 years ago. The nuclear industry has continued to function, however, in Pennsylvania in the intervening decades--in fact, its the second biggest nuclear power state in the country--it hasnt been until the recent surge of cheap domestic fossil fuels thanks to the boom of production in the Permian Basin that the sector has hit a rough patch that they are unable to surmount on their own.

Even the notorious Three Mile Island plant itself remains in operation today. It has survived four decades of being synonymous with everything thats wrong with nuclear in the United States, until now. The Chicago-based owner of the plant, Exelon Corp., has announced that the plant will finally be closing its door on September 30th of this year unless the state of Pennsylvania can pull it out of its financial hole. The Three Mile plant would soon be followed by Beaver Valley nuclear power plant in western Pennsylvania and two nuclear plants in Ohio, which Ohio-based owner FirstEnergy Corp. said they will close within the next three years if Pennsylvania cant pass a financial package to save them. Related: U.S.-China Trade Deal Could Boost Gasoline Prices

In light of this newfound hardship, over the past few years industry leaders in Pennsylvania have been working diligently to rouse support for a financial package like those approved in other nearby states to keep the floundering industry afloat. While nuclear support packages have been approved in New York, New Jersey, and Illinois, the path has not been laid clear for Pennsylvania to follow--those already-approved initiatives have been mired in legal appeals debate between federal energy regulatory authorities, and general outcry against a rise in electricity prices for consumers.

The already-socially-sticky-situation is only made more politically complex by the ongoing litigation surrounding nuclear bailout packages, making the decision to push any such financial package in Pennsylvania a particularly precarious one. "Anything that Pennsylvania does is going to be subject to a degree of policy and legal uncertainty," said University of Pennsylvanias Christina Simeone, director of policy and external affairs at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy.

Further complicating the issue, the contentious and divisive topic of nuclear energys future has recently entered the national spotlight with a new fervor thanks to the Democratic partys newly unveiled Green New Deal. Although the official bill itself makes no mention at all of nuclear (a striking omission in and of itself), a fact sheet released alongside the bill, made public by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, states outright and in no uncertain terms that the Democrats Green New Deal "will not include investing in new nuclear power plants."

The debates on the national stage as well as on a state level, such as whats happening in Pennsylvania, are indicative of a larger issue: in a world with rising temperatures and populations and declining reserves of traditional fossil fuels, is the United States willing to follow in the footsteps of other world powers and make politically unpopular moves in order to confront our new energy reality? So far, in Pennsylvania at least, the answer seems to be a resounding we dont know.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:I seriously think Meghan believes herself to be some hard-hitting broadcast journalist or something. It makes me laugh.



Edited at 2019-02-20 08:10 pm (UTC)

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How dare you, SHE'S JOHN MCCAIN'S DAUGHTER!

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I didn't know! It's not like she reminds us every 5 minutes or anything.

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She brings him up every chance she gets but refuses to acknowledge that she benefited from nepotism

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Oh she does. I saw her say once something like, "my job is to explain really complex policy to the American people every morning." But in this super self satisfied tone of voice.

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Someone here or on youtube wrote that Meghan truly believes she's Water Cronkite and I can't stop laughing because I know it's true.

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isn't the green new deal just an outline? of course it's vague...

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I die everytime I hear Mero's Joy Behar impression





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I hope she plays Judy 

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i cried laughing at the judy sandbox story

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I actually think my club is going to be hosting Tulsi next month.

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Y'all are seriously hosting a woman who called Lesbians and Gays wanting their basic civil rights "homosexual extremists," was cool with little LGBT kids having "the gay" beaten out of them because people felt they were immoral and who said as recently as 2 years ago that her personal beliefs have not changed? That's hawt.

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And Kristen Gillibrand had an A+ rating from the NRA while kids were being shot in schools

And Kamala Harris has a long standing record of putting POC in jail to support prison labor

And Cory Booker squandered millions from FB on charter schools and voted against negotiating with Pharmaceuticals after taking a bunch of their money

And...

And...

And...



Everyone is trash but its our duty as political activists to allow them to speak their peace and decide who is the least trash- thats the point of having clubs to begin with.

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And her father is still introducing bills in Hawaii that are extreme didi conservative bullshit

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and chummy with Modi, Mr 2002 Riots.

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Yeah that kiss was non-consensual and it was just a random dude out of the blue grabbing her. There were a couple Hollywood movies that glorified the kiss as an consensual act on a whim, something oh so romantic. Greta Friedman irl was like nope idk him.



Green Book was nominated FIVE Oscars??? Y i k e s

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Meghan complains that everything she loves is being ruined by PC politics.



Meghan ruins everything.

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I wonder if she changed her tune is some random guy grabbed her on the street and kissed her.

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fuck meghan tbh. and fuck that dude. HE ASSAULTED HER.

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I'd consider voting for Tulsi if she didn't have so much in common with Mike Pence.

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Being staunchly anti-intervention is the only good thing going for her tbh

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Yep, it's frustrating because I agree with her on that.

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Wow at the WWII statue making The View. I've been by where that's up in Sarasota before.



Ana thinks people are going too far with their outrage. Meghan complains that everything she loves is being ruined by PC politics.



Ugh, shut up.

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consent or.. whatever

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Also, she has such a sick obsession with AOC, Meghan asking "Why her? Can't you guys bring some republicans!1!" to Desus and Mero was so airheaded. I loved how they responded with "Well...we like to have people that are not boring."

Even though it's #FuckTulsi for me, Meghan's attitude during this interview is disgusting and the producers need to check her. She needs to shut the fuck up long enough to listen to the answers people give to her ridiculous questions. This is The View sis, not a court hearing.Also, she has such a sick obsession with AOC, Meghan asking "Why her? Can't you guys bring some republicans!1!" to Desus and Mero was so airheaded. I loved how they responded with "Well...we like to have people that are not boring."

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Every Republican active on Twitter and FB is obsessed with AOC

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Tulsi has said a couple good things, but she's still shit. She was mad at Obama for not yelling radical Islamic terrorism" every 5 minutes. She doesn't want refugees to come to the US. She also was considered for a job at the white house which imo if you're willing to work for Trump you can't be trusted that much.

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Did she really? Jesus.

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Yeah she had a meeting at trump tower to talk about foreign policy because Steve Bannon asked her and they were looking at her for state/defense department. I'm extremely disappointed in every person that went to trump tower for a meeting. Like wtf were Kanye, Steve Harvey, MLK III thinking going to meet with trump.

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never thought i would see sarasota on ONTD

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"everything I love is being ruined by PC politics", read: I am sad I can't say the n-word when I rap along to Jay-Z in my car and then lock the doors when a person of color walks nearby, bummer I can't touch a black woman's natural hair like it's an alien life form, and wow I miss being able to say "gay" to describe something I don't like, WHY IS IT SO HARD TO BE WHITE POOR ME I AM JUST WAR HERO AND POW SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN'S DAUGHTER

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I live in Sarasota, so this has been everywhere. And there's a huge problem in Sarasota of young people patting themselves on the back for being "progressive" while they are actually mostly Clinton Democrats at best. So it's been very very frustrating arguing with people who declare themselves as forward thinkers but are trying to desperately defend a statue of a non-consensual kiss named "Unconditional Surrender" because History.



Also, I'm curious to know how many people who are flipping out over this are fans of Banksy.

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LinkBrutally honest #Oscars ballot: I'm going to tell you something that's going to shock you: Many people vote for their friends https://t.co/ABz3EVy7pV  Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 20, 2019



Yep, even more of these, and THR - who began these anonymous ballots - have finally released the first of theirs. This one's from a director (sounds well known), who had nothing but love forand '', and voted for both in the top two prizes, as well as adapted screenplay. They hated 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (props there), but were cool with their buddy Viggo Mortensen using the N-word to explain his bullshit (so a mess there). 'Green Book' is also pretty low on both of these voters' preferential voting list, thank goodness.Both this director, and the costume designer below in the second ballot, went within 'Vice' for best actor, who wasn't so much of impersonation of Cheney, but truly brought the monster to life (which is true).They also showed love and voted to their friendfor 'The Favourite' in best actress, thought Mahershala Ali did well but wasn't a fan of the category fraud, so their supporting actor nod went tofor 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?'. Weirdly enough the category fraud didn't bother them in supporting actress because they voted for(The Favourite)??Both voters also chose Paul Schrader's 'First Reformed' for original screenplay, and split score between 'BlacKkKlansman' and 'Black Panther'.got their vote for song for 'Shallow', and the rest of the list is at the source.Unlike the director above, this costume designer ADORED '', and gave their top picks to the film, director, and lead actress(even though they know Glenn Close is going to win). However, they wanted to spread the love in foreign-language film since Roma'll be getting top prizes, so they picked 'Shoplifters' in that category.They chose's moving performance in 'If Beale Street Could Talk' for supporting actress, and apparently have a huge boner forso supporting actor nod went to him for 'BlacKkKlansman'.Weirdly they went with the Coen bros for adapted screenplay for 'The Ballad of Buster Scruggs' (also best song there too), and fittingly picked 'Black Panther' for best costume design. More choices at the source. Sources: https://twitter.com/THR/status/1098274867919679488This is bullshit. If they put half as much effort into finding culprits as they did into a smear campaign, maybe we'd find out what really happened.

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mfte

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mte

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i thought it was confirmed it was the brothers? didnt jussie identify them?

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No. They confessed.

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At this point, I think serious career harm is inevitable no matter what the truth is. So many people believe he's lying at this point, based on so little.

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mte

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MTE

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MTE

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Exactly

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yeah like i dont remember seeing articles about assaults done by racists/homophobes in recent time when his first statement came out, but now that theres doubt everyone has jumped on the narrative. just more proof that society is anti-victim.



idek if i'll be able to believe a guilty verdict for him bc of how shoddily this case has been handled. it would take direct evidence.

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fckn exactly this.

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my fucking thoughts exactly

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omg, this took a turn

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If

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yeah. why do we need constant updates when it's still speculative?

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The way these major outlets and ONTD have been handling this case you'd think it's a collection of nothing solid, but the usual "if" and "could" and "apparently" just to add more confusion. It's so damn frustrating.

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This.



He needs to make the announcement about what happened instead of letting the facts leak out



Facts? Lol ok

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If He Lied: a novel by the Chicago Police Department

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This is exhausting. And I wish people would spend as much time laying out all of the questionable shit Chicago PD has done and lied about during their reign of terror

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mte

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MTE

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The Chicago police were CIA trained and had an illegal blacksite. They murdered someone else over the weekend. They endorsed Trump.



The fact anyone would trust them ever is fucking laughable.

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yes, all of this is so transparent.

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This exactly.

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they know what the fuck theyre doing

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I really hope he didnt fabricate the story. This will be the end of his career for sure. His family will also be blacklisted from Hollywood, which isnt fair to them.

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I'm sick of all these stories when so much of it is still unclear. All these are doing is muddying things up so much that people won't believe Jussie even if it comes out that he was attacked.

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I don't know, ever since the CPD put out the comment that 'Trump supporters don't watch Empire so they couldn't be wearing MAGA hats," I just am still more inclined to believe Jussie and don't buy that the CPD aren't being the racist pieces of shit that they are known to be.



Edited at 2019-02-20 04:05 pm (UTC)

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Have people heard of hate watching shows?

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That's especially stupid because you don't need to watch a show to know who someone is in this day and age.

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Lol racist white kids who wanna be down def watched empire esp when it was new and one of the bigger shows around. These same white dudes listen to rap and watch football/basketball but still hate black people.

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It's such a dumb argument. It's a popular show that's filmed in Chicago, even people who don't watch it would most likely know about it, or who's part of it, or where they film, or even know people who work on the set/have interacted with cast&crew.



You don't have to watch something in order to be aware of who's apart of it. I don't watch Fox but I know who most of the anchors are and I would recognize them if I was out and about.

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If people watch other shows on Fox, I'm guessing Empire commercials show during those other shows. Jussie's character is or was a big part of the show.

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Lol wow what a dumb argument. I dont watch empire and I know who jussie is. Plus its on fox right? The official maga channel? This is why I believe jussie 100% the cops have been so shady and the media hasnt been better. Not that I expected them to be, the media is maga-lite

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I cannot believe they're actually pretending that's a real argument. It's a popular show??? These people presumably have the Internet and may have actually seen it mentioned?? Not to mention that plenty of racist people like black artists/athletes/celebs/whatever while still holding racist views? Jesus.

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If I won a million dollars Id be in Fiji right now. Really makes you think.

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This post is noting but if comments so I was making a joke about if comments.

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fact: rosevael is a millionaire that hates america

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omg the mess

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it feels so wrong to be speculating on this :(

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Honestly the "career ruin" thing is pissing me off. He might have a good gig on Empire but let's not pretend that after that ends he was going to wander into any casting office he wanted and read for A-list roles in million dollar budget movies. Jussie is black and gay. Hollywood usually doesn't cast black and openly gay people in huge roles because they don't want to offend middle America who they seem to still think are buttering their bread, even though that's been proven false a million times over.



Whether he faked this or not, Jussie was already at a disadvantage career wise. Stop fucking pretending you were set to cast him as the next Batman or some shit like that.





Edited at 2019-02-20 04:07 pm (UTC)

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^THIS!!!!!



It's not up to all these tabloids to make such misleading, vague, empty statements. We all know what the consequences are for lying to the feds. This isn't helping anyone but the actual perpetrators, and and sure as hell isn't helping solve the case.

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Why do these tips keep getting leaked, reported by major outlets as news and then retracted tentatively in statements by the Chicago PD? Even if you think Smollett's not on the up and up, how can you possibly think the Chicago PD are? This is such a mess. https://t.co/eKHY5ktRCj  [kie.ran] (@danblackroyd) 20. Februar 2019





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This.



Exactly.



Fuck the CPD.

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Wasn't this story always reported as a tip they received though? The fact that every single detail that they're investigating is getting leaked is a huge problem and of course no one's cracking down on that, but it isn't shocking that they're getting tips and checking on them.

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but why is the tip getting leaked??

they are so weird.

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let's be real, he would be facing that regardless of truth.

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It is very obvious that the CPD is outting stuff out so that nobody believes Jussie. They will leak stories about 'new evidence' and then a few hours be like 'Oh no! Thats not true. That is unfounded.' Fuck outta here.

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I feel like the problem is they have way too many people working on the case. They apparently have twelve detectives handling this which pretty much means every reporter in Chicago who's ever talked to a cop has a couple ins on the case. They're the worst, but the official channels have actually been pretty clean (which obviously makes it worse when all the details are coming from every minute to minute detail they're sharing unofficially).

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Brad Hundt came to the Observer-Reporter in 1998 after stints at newspapers in Georgia and Michigan. He serves as editorial page editor, and has covered the arts and entertainment and worked as a municipal beat reporter.

Thank you for Reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is barring a US-born former Islamic State propagandist from returning home, making the highly unusual case that she is not a US citizen. Trump's refusal to admit 24-year-old Hoda Muthana comes just as he is pressing Europeans to repatriate their own Islamic State fighters and will likely face legal challenges, with US citizenship extremely difficult to lose. Trump said on Twitter he has "instructed" Secretary of State Mike Pompeo "not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the country" -- a break with usual US protocol not to comment on individuals' immigration issues. "Ms. Hoda Muthana is not a US citizen and will not be admitted into the United States," Pompeo said in a terse statement. "She does not have any legal basis, no valid US passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the United States," he added. The US generally grants citizenship to everyone born on its soil and the Alabama-raised Muthana is believed to have traveled to Syria on a US passport. But a US official said a later investigation showed that she had not been entitled to her passport, adding: "Ms. Muthana's citizenship has not been revoked because she was never a citizen." Officials declined further comment but in a loophole that could boost the government case, Muthana's father had been a diplomat from Yemen -- and children of diplomats are not automatically given citizenship. Muthana's lawyer, Hassan Shilby, showed a birth certificate that demonstrated she was born in New Jersey in 1994 and said her father had ceased being a diplomat "months and months" before her birth. "She is a US citizen. She had a valid passport. She may have broken the law and, if she has, she's willing to pay the price," Shilby told AFP at his office in Tampa. He said Muthana wanted due process and was willing to go to prison if convicted. "We cannot get to a point where we simply strip citizenship from those who break the law. That's not what America is about. We have one of the greatest legal systems in the world, and we have to abide by it." - US-born and radicalized - Just this weekend, Trump took to Twitter to chastise European allies that have not taken back hundreds of Islamic State prisoners caught in Syria, where Trump plans to withdraw US troops. Comparatively few Americans have embraced radical Islam, with the Counter Extremism Project at George Washington University identifying 64 who went to join the Islamic State group in Syria or Iraq. Muthana, raised in a strict household in Hoover, Alabama, said she was brainwashed by social media messages and headed to Syria without her parents' knowledge in 2014. Shortly afterward, Muthana posted on Twitter a picture of herself and three other women who appeared to torch their Western passports, including an American one. She went on to post vivid calls on social media to kill Americans, glorifying the ruthless extremist group notorious for its beheadings that for a time ruled vast swathes of Syria and Iraq. But with the Islamic State group down to its last stretch of land, Muthana said she has renounced extremism and wants to return home with her toddler son, born to one of her three jihadist husbands. "To say that I regret my past words, any pain that I caused my family and any concerns I would cause my country would be hard for me to really express properly," she said in a handwritten note to her lawyer. - Tough to lose US citizenship - The US decision on Muthana comes amid rising debate in Europe on the nationality of extremists. Britain recently revoked the citizenship of Shamina Begum, who similarly traveled to Syria and wants to return to her country of birth. Britain asserted that she was entitled to Bangladeshi citizenship due to her heritage, but the Dhaka government on Wednesday denied that she was eligible, leading her to become effectively stateless. US citizenship is significantly more difficult to lose. The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified in 1868 after the Civil War as slavery was abolished, establishes that anyone born in the country is a citizen with full rights. The US Supreme Court in the landmark 1967 Afroyim decision rejected the government's attempt to revoke the nationality of a Polish-born naturalized American after he voted in Israel. And last year a federal judge rejected a bid to strip the nationality of a Pakistani-born naturalized American who was convicted in a plot to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge. But Trump has campaigned on a hard line over immigration and raised the prospect of ending birthright citizenship ahead of last year's congressional elections. In 2011, President Barack Obama ordered drone strikes that killed two Americans in Yemen -- prominent Al-Qaeda preacher Anwar al-Awlaki and his 16-year-old son -- but did not believe it was possible to revoke citizenship. Veiled women, reportedly wives and members of the Islamic State group, walk under the supervision of a female fighter from the Syrian Democratic Forces at al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria An undated photograph shows US-born Hoda Muthana, who joined the Islamic State group in Syria Hassan Shibly, a lawyer for 24-year-old Hoda Muthana, speaks in his office in Tampa US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has denied that a US-born Islamic State supporter is a US citizen US-born Al-Qaeda preacher Anwar al-Awlaki was killed by a US drone strike -- but not stripped of his nationalityAnti-Semitism appears to have reached its worst levels since World War II, French President Emmanuel Macron told Jewish community leaders on Wednesday, a day after thousands of people took to the streets to denounce hate crimes. The scourge has grown in recent years "and the situation has got worse in recent weeks," Macron told the annual dinner of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF). "Our country, and for that matter all of Europe and most Western democracies, seems to be facing a resurgence of anti-Semitism unseen since World War II," he added. Europe's biggest Jewish community is reeling after a string of attacks that have made global headlines. Macron announced measures including legislation to fight hate speech on the internet, to be introduced by May. He said he had asked his interior minister to take steps to ban racist or anti-Semitic groups, singling out "for a start" three far-right groups -- Bastion Social, Blood and Honour Hexagone and Combat 18 -- which he said "fuel hatred, promote discrimination or call for violence". He also vowed that France would recognise anti-Zionism as a form of anti-Semitism. Macron earlier balked at a call by a lawmaker in his Republic on the Move party to criminalise anti-Zionist statements, which criticise the movement that established Israel as a home for Jews. On a visit Tuesday to a cemetery in the Alsace region, near Germany, where 96 Jewish tombstones were daubed with swastikas, Macron promised: "We shall act, we shall pass laws, we shall punish." Also Tuesday, thousands of people, some carrying banners proclaiming "That's enough", held a rally in Paris to denounce anti-Semitism -- one of around 70 protests staged nationwide. Macron and his government have linked the appearance of swastikas and other anti-Semitic graffiti on artworks, shopfronts and headstones to far-right and far-left elements within the "yellow vest" protest movement. - 'France is ours' - A protester caught on video hurling abuse at Jewish writer and philosopher Alain Finkielkraut during a "yellow vest" demonstration in Paris last weekend was taken into custody Tuesday in the eastern city of Mulhouse, authorities said. Police confirmed the suspect, who has been named in French media as telephone salesman Benjamin W., was the bearded man seen on video calling 69-year-old Finkielkraut a "dirty Zionist" and telling him "France is ours" after the philosopher ran into demonstrators on the street. Police sources described the 36-year-old suspect as a small-time delinquent with ties to ultra-conservative Muslim groups. He was one of the most vocal members of a group that jeered Finkielkraut and called him a "racist", apparently referring to his past warnings about what he sees as the failure of Muslim immigrants to integrate into French society. The incident caused outrage both in France and abroad, with Israel's Immigration Minister Yoav Gallant urging French Jews to "come home" to Israel for their safety. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin voiced support for Macron and Finkielkraut, calling the anti-Semitic incidents an "affront" to France. Earlier Wednesday, Rivlin spoke with Finkielkraut to express his solidarity over the "wicked and hurtful attack." "I heard that the demonstrators told you to go back to Tel Aviv. I am sure you know that Tel Aviv is a wonderful place but be in no doubt that every Jew, and every person, has the right to choose wherever they live", said Rivlin, who also wrote to Macron to thank him for visiting the Jewish cemetery. Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone with Macron, the Israeli leader's office said. - Focus on anti-Zionism - Several officials have accused radical "yellow vest" of fomenting a climate of hatred. The anti-government protests began three months ago over fuel taxes but quickly grew into a broader anti-establishment, anti-capitalist rebellion, with some demonstrators using anti-Semitic slurs to denigrate Macron, a former Rothschild investment banker. The number of anti-Jewish crimes rose 74 percent last year. Anti-Semitism has a long history in France where society was deeply split at the end of the 19th century by the Alfred Dreyfus affair over a Jewish army captain wrongly convicted of treason. During World War II, the French Vichy government collaborated with Germany notably in the deportation of Jews to death camps. Traditionally associated with the far right, anti-Semitism has become ingrained in the high-rise French housing estates that house many members of France's Muslim community, Europe's largest. Jews have been targeted in several attacks by French jihadists in recent years. But the proliferation of anti-Semitic graffiti is seen as a new trend. In recent days, the word "Juden" was spray-painted on the window of a Paris bagel bakery and swastikas were daubed on postbox portraits of late French Holocaust survivor and women's rights icon Simone Veil. President Macron visiting the vandalised Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim Thousands of people demonstrated across France to protest the rise in anti-semitic incidents in the country Anti-semitic acts or threats reported to police in France since 1998 Among recent incidents, swastikas were scrawled on postbox portraits of late French Holocaust survivor and women right's icon Simone VeilAn Australian woman has failed in her bid to overturn an Icelandic court verdict finding her guilty of biting off part of her husbands tongue during an argument, despite her claim it was self-defence.

Nara Walker, from the Sunshine Coast, was living in Iceland when the incident occurred in 2017 after her then-husband forced his tongue in her mouth.

She faces three months behind bars at a maximum security prison in the European country after she was initially sentenced to 12 months jail over the assault, including nine months as a suspended sentence.

Ms Walker launched a failed Supreme Court appeal of self-defence and her sentence was increased to 18 months jail, including 15 months suspended.

The 28-year-old artist is now fighting to be pardoned, with a GoFundMe page supporting her legal fight. She claims she was the victim of abuse, drugging and rape at the hands of her former husband.

Nara Walker faces three months behind bars over the 2017 incident. Source: Facebook/Nara Walker

The fundraising page says the night she bit off part of her husbands tongue she was fearing for her life, and it was what she that had to flee.

Icelandic newspaper Morgunbladid reports the Reykjavik District Court heard about 2.5 centimetres of the mans tongue was bit off after he forced his tongue into her mouth.

Ms Walker told the court the fight broke out in their apartment while they were with American tourists and an Icelandic woman.

The GoFundMe page says Ms Walker has been trapped in Iceland for the last 15 months, with her passport confiscated by authorities.

Nara Walker is fighting to be pardoned after being found guilty of biting off part of her husbands tongue. Source: Facebook/Nara Walker

Nara was denied medical attention at the time, returned to the hands of her abuser, had her evidence dismissed and is facing maximum security prison, for acting in her own self-defence, the page says.

Almost $5000 has been raised to help with Ms Walkers court fees and to go towards bringing her back to Australia.

The GoFundMe page is calling for the President of Iceland to pardon Ms Walker from prison, drop criminal charges and allow her to return to Australia.

Do you know more or have a story tip? Email: y7newsroom@yahoo7.com.au.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo7s daily newsletter. Sign up here.Home | World | Africa | Guards exonerate Gumbura from prison break

Two members of the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services yesterday said they did not see jailed cleric Robert Martin Gumbura attempting a jailbreak at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.

Gumbura, Blessing Chiduke (25), Luckmore Matambanadzo (39), Luck Mhungu (38), Taurai Dodzo (47), Thomas Chacha (37), Thulani Chizema (32), Jacob Sibanda (28) and Elijah Vhumbunu (38), who are being jointly charged for the attempted prison break, are all presented by Lovemore Madhuku.

The alleged prison break attempt occurred in March 2015.

The witness, assistant principal correctional officer Glassman Muringani, who was heavily assaulted by prisoners during the jail-break attempt, told the court that Gumbura was not part of the inmates who assaulted him.

He singled out Mhungu, Matambanadzo, Chizema and Sibanda as the inmates who tried to choke him while others were holding his legs.

"We were four officers and since there was nothing unusual we were expecting, I told my colleagues to go for lunch. After my colleagues went for lunch, the accused persons left their places, where they were seated, heading towards the library," Muringani said.

"As they passed where I was standing, one of them grabbed me by the neck trying to choke me and the others also grabbed me. Some were holding my legs, others were searching me and took my phone."

When asked by Madhuku to identify the person who took his phone, Muringani told court that it was Chiduke.

But Madhuku asked the prison officer to identify him in the dock, at which the witness pointed at Sibanda as Chiduke.

Madhuku told the witness that he was not telling the truth and came to the court after memorising the name of the accused persons and to narrate what he was told to say.

But Muringani told the court that he only asked for the name of the person who took his phone after he described his appearance to his colleagues.

The witness also told the court that after the incident, AK-47 rifles were brought and many prisoners were shot and killed during the incident.

Prosecutor Michael Reza also called in another witness, a prison officer Admire Manyika, who told the court that he was the one who saved Muringani from further assaults by prisoners, but did not see Gumbura engage in violence in the D-Hall section.

"I saw Gumbura, Chiduke, Chacha and Chizema in the hall, but I did not see them participating in the destruction of the prison," Manyika said.

The prison officer said he was attacked by some of the inmates while trying to help his boss Muringani, who he said was lying unconscious on the ground.

While replying to Madhuku's question to identify the convicts who attacked him while trying to help Muringani, Manyika told the court that whatever happened to him on the day could not be attributed to the accused persons in the dock.

Presiding magistrate Francis Mapfumo postponed the trial to February 26 for continuation of trial.

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Loading...Home | World | Africa | Both democracy and authoritarianism are on the rise in Africa

Is democracy in Africa in retreat? Or is it simply suffering "growing pains"? The last 12 months have seen a great deal of controversy and debate on these important questions.

There have been some bright spots, like the rise of more resilient opposition movements in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. But elsewhere on the continent, as in Tanzania and Zambia, repression is on the rise.

A new report I have produced for the Bertlesmann Transformation Index on democratic trends between 2015 and 2018 comes to two very important conclusions about the state of democracy in Africa today.

First, the continent experienced an overall deterioration in the quality of almost all indicators of political and economic governance.

The fall is not massive, though, and so it makes more sense to speak of democratic difficulties than democratic collapse.

However, the decline is real. Its impact has been to move the continent further away from political stability, democratisation, and economic sustainability.

Second, there is not one "Africa". Instead, it's essential to look beyond regional averages because they mask a remarkably divided continent.

Today, there are almost the same number of defective democracies (15) as there are hard-line autocracies (16), among the continent's 54 states.

To understand democracy in Africa, therefore, it's important to look both at the general trend and the remarkable variation.

Democratic backsliding

The data collected by the Bertelsmann Transformation Index shows that the average score for every measure of political change in Africa fell between 2015 and 2017.

This means there was an overall decline in the quality of political participation, rule of law and the capacity of the state in a number of areas.

The stability of democratic institutions, as well as political and social integration, also declined. Some of these changes are relatively small. But they are also consistent with a decade of democratic backsliding and the entrenchment of authoritarianism.

In line with these trends, more countries moved towards authoritarian rule than democracy during this period. Most notably, growing government abuses in Uganda and Mozambique led both to be downgraded to "moderate autocracies".

Similar developments in Burundi and Zimbabwe saw them falling to the index's least democratic classification: "hard-line autocracies".

Nothing better epitomises the curtailing of democratic checks and balances than the removal of presidential term limits, and age limits for the head of state in some countries.

For now, restrictions have been respected in more countries than they have been abandoned.

But 2015 to 2017 saw the continuation of a worrying trend as leaders in the continent's most authoritarian governments used their control of political systems to set themselves up as presidents for life.

Following Djibouti (2011, the Republic of Congo (2015), and Burundi (2015), term limits on President Paul Kagame were circumvented in Rwanda in 2017.

In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni  who freed himself from term limits in 2006  successfully manoeuvred the passage of legislation that led to the removal of age limits in late 2017 .

Good governance

The overall trend was also disappointing when it comes to a broader range of governance indicators. On average, the last few years have witnessed a small decline.

This is true whether looking at the ability of governments to form consensus, reduce corruption, use resources effectively or build consensus around the best way forward.

As a result, the number of governments rated as having "good governance" fell. Namibia and Uganda moved down to the "moderate" governance category, having previously been rated as "good".

Egypt, Mozambique and Morocco also declined, in their case from "moderate" to "weak".

In many of these cases, this trend reflects continued conflict and political instability, a failure to reduce corruption and waste as well as limited government legitimacy. It is also underpinned by slow progress towards regional integration.

However, it is important to note that problems in this area are not limited to conflict-prone or authoritarian states.

The seven countries whose anti-corruption rating fell between 2015 and 2017 featured some of the continent's more stable and democratic states. These included Ghana, Liberia, Namibia, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

A divided continent

Continent-wide averages are useful for giving a sense of how things are changing. But they can sometimes hide more than they reveal. This is certainly true of Africa today.

West and Southern Africa consistently perform better than the continent's East, Central and North regions when it comes to the quality of both democracy and governance.

While many of the continent's more authoritarian governments have become even more repressive and entrenched, a number of aspiring democracies are holding their own.

Along with the rising tide of repression in many countries, the last few years have seen peaceful transfers of power in Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ethiopia saw the emergence of a reformist Prime Minister in Abiy Ahmed.

Two countries have also improved their overall ranking. Between 2015 and 2017, Guinea was reclassified from "highly defective democracy" to "defective democracy".

Similarly, a change of regime meant that, despite ongoing challenges, Burkina Faso jumped two categories, from "moderate autocracy" to "defective democracy".

The Index shows that as a result of these changes, Africa is becoming increasingly polarised between political extremes.

The evidence also suggests that its democratic and authoritarian countries are moving further away from each other.

This has significant implications for the future, at both the country and African Union level that need to be grappled with now.

Generating greater regional political co-operation, for example, will become more difficult given the growing democratic divide.

Establishing common political standards through the African Union is already problematic. Imagine how tricky it will be when a group of committed democrats face off against a set of entrenched authoritarians.

Nic Cheeseman is a professor of democracy, University of Birmingham

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Loading...Home | World | Africa | Chiwenga's health deteriorates, SA wishes him a speedy recovery

The South African government on Tuesday sent well wishes to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who is being treated in India for an undisclosed ailment.

"On Zimbabwe, we must start by wishing Vice President Chiwenga a speedy recovery. We all know that he has not been well. I am informed by our High Commissioner, that he [Chiwenga] has travelled to India for further treatment that will help his condition," South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu told journalists in Pretoria.

"We wish him a speedy recovery there."

The health of the influential former Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander, Chiwenga, 63, is keenly followed in Zimbabwe  particularly on social media.

Chiwenga was the military general who led a coup that ousted veteran leader Robert Mugabe in November 2017, and installed Emmerson Mnangagwa as President.

Chiwenga was flown out to India on February 7, and was joined by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri, who is however not thought to be in any danger. President Emmerson Mnangagwa told a Zanu PF rally in Mwenezi last Saturday that Muchinguri is suffering the effects of injuries sustained after a bomb exploded during a campaign rally in Bulawayo in June last year.

Last week, ZimLive heard from government sources that Chiwenga was unable to speak as his health deteriorates. The Vice President had not eaten for a week, the sources added.

A week before being airlifted to India, Chiwenga visited a hospital in South Africa where he told doctors that his esophagus was "dry". He told doctors he was struggling to eat, which would account for his dramatic weight loss which was evident when he attended a Cabinet meeting on February 5  his last public sighting.

Chiwenga reportedly underwent esophageal manometry, an examination to test the strength and muscle coordination of one's esophagus when they swallow.

"It was detected that he was having motility problems, but not cancerous. He was advised to see an esophageal surgeon," a South African medical source said.

If Chiwenga indeed has esophageal motility, which can lead to heartburn, that would suggest mounting health woes as it adds to the other health problems he and government officials have shared publicly.

Over the last year, Chiwenga has been in and out of hospitals suffering from a range of ailments including  according to him and government officials  exhaustion, poisoning and a bullet lodged in his lungs from the war of independence 40 years ago.

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Loading...There is enough evidence to prove that the judiciary system of Zimbabwe has been subjective and tainted by ZANU/ZANU-PF since 1980. ZANU-PF's infiltration of the judiciary has totally paralyze the provision of honest justice. As long as ZANU-PF is in power, our judiciary will remain captured. The judiciary is being used by ZANU-PF to punish their political enemies while protecting their sycophants. This piece seeks to demonstrate that the Zimbabwean judiciary has been captured by ZANU-PF since 1980 and that the progress of the dialogue between ED Mnangagwa and Nelson Chamisa is now under threats because of Tendai Biti's conviction.

The months of February and December are unique for ZANU-PF rituals, they charge, convict, sentence top political opposition leaders and pardon their sycophants (followers) in court during these months. In December 1980, Edgar Tekere was acquitted by ZANU-PF infiltrated courts after he murdered a White farm manager. There was enough evidence that Edgar Tekere murdered the innocent White farm manager but ZANU-PF manipulated the judiciary in order to set him free. Hon. Nduna confessed in Parliament that he murdered countless people but the ZANU-PF's infiltrated police failed to take action.

In February 1983 Joshua Nkomo was arrested and charged by police while planning to board a flight to South Africa at a city airport in Bulawayo. He was charged of high treason and stockpiling weapons. All these allegations were created by ZANU-PF through police just because Joshua Nkomo was not supporting ZANU dictatorship.

In February (again) of 1997, Ndabanigi Sithole was convicted of three counts following the manipulation of the judiciary by ZANU-PF. He was convicted for conspiracy to assassinate the president, acts of terrorism and possession of arms of wars. Allegations are that, just like what they did to Joshua Nkomo, ZANU-PF planted arms of war in his Churu farm in Harare and stage-managed the entire court process. When quoted by New York Times on 5 December 1997 soon after the conviction while flanked by his wife, Ndabaningi Sithole said I don't have faith in Zimbabwe judiciary'.

In the months of February (again) of 2002, Morgan Tsvangirai was charged with high treason. ZANU-PF stage-managed the trial again the international community was so worried. However, the stage-managed drama failed to materialize but the ZANU-PFs evil wings of intelligence, police and their top leadership did not manage the drama well.

In the months of December (again) of 2018, ZANU-PF murderers David Chimukoko and Graciano Kazingizi were convicted for ONLY 3 years each after murdering Cephas Magura in 2012 in Mudzi. How can a professional judge reduce murder sentence to 3 years? This was because of the infiltration of the judiciary by ZANU-PF. In contrast, the three Glen View MDC-T activists were sentenced for 20 years each in the month of December (again) of 2016 following the controversial murder of Police inspector Petros Mutedza.

In the month of February (again) of 2019, the Mashonaland youths Chairperson Tonderai Samhu and 5 other MDC activists were sentenced to 6 years each for barricading a road. It is now better to murder a person than barricading roads because the sentence of murder is lighter for ZANU-PF murderers. That is why Hon. Nduna is always proud of killing countless people.

In the month of February (again) of 2019, Tendai Biti the MDC Alliance vice president has been unfairly convicted for announcing presidential results of 2018 without permission. The prosecution team failed to produce before the court the results purported to have been announced by Hon. Biti. I am convinced that just like the false conviction of Ndabaningi Sithole, Tendai Biti is a victim of ZANU-PF infiltration of the judiciary. ZANU-PF wants to make sure that Biti will be barred from practising in courts of law in order to reduce his income and strength. Tendai Biti has been linked to ZIDERA by ZANU-PF, the Judge failed to show the election results that Tendai Biti announce. The conviction of Tendai Biti is political and ED Mnangagwa has demonstrated that he is not only worse off than Judas Iscariot alone but also Mugabe.

The conviction of Tendai Biti is definitely going to threaten the dialogue between Nelson Chamisa and ED Mnangagwa. If Vice President Chiwenga was going to be arrested or convicted by Zambia judiciary today, diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia may reach a boiling point. This is the same situation with the conviction of Tendai Biti by the ZANU-PF infiltrated judiciary.

The conviction of Tendai Biti has further worsened the reputation of Zimbabwe's tainted judiciary. Zimbabweans are no longer having confidence in the judiciary and some are even fearing to take rape cases to the court or divorce cases because of ZANU-PF interference. I am confident that, the judiciary system of Zimbabwe will rise up at one point in time. We cannot have a judiciary where more than 60% of the judges benefitted from the grabbed farm. Time will tell. The conviction of Tendai Biti did not come in February as a surprise, it was preplanned. We need to pray for our judiciary.

--------

Don Chigumba is a mixed methods research specialist can be found on twitter @DonchigumbaHome | World | Africa | Spy camera scandal rocks Falcon College

A SCANDAL has rocked Falcon College after some school boys allegedly placed a spy camera in the girls' changing rooms resulting in unsuspecting pupils from Girls College in Bulawayo, who had visited the elite Esigodini private school last Friday, being recorded undressed.

The issue has sparked outrage from parents who want the matter to be reported to the police, something that has not been done.

A reliable source said a meeting was held yesterday to discuss the incident which happened when a water polo team from Girls College visited Falcon College for a match with their counterparts.

Representatives from both schools and some parents from Girls College attended the meeting which was held at the girls' only school in Bulawayo.

Two boys from Falcon College, the formerly all-boys school which started admitting girls in 2017, are alleged to have placed the spy camera in the girls changing room.

A source who attended yesterday's meeting said Falcon College authorities told the gathering that two boys fingered in the spy scandal had been expelled and the video recording, which was confiscated, would be destroyed. The source said some parents are not happy with the decision, saying the duo should be arrested for the offence. It was not immediately clear how the matter came to light.

"The boys are said to have been expelled but many parents feel that the issue should be taken to the police and the boys should be arrested. The Falcon headmaster assured us that the video would be destroyed to protect the girls," said the source.

In an interview, Girls College principal, Mrs Les Ross, confirmed the incident which happened last Friday. She could not comment further referring questions to Falcon College authorities, who could not be reached immediately.

"The whole issue is being dealt with at Falcon College; it did not happen on my grounds, it happened at Falcon. Falcon College will be better placed to comment on that," said Mrs Ross in a telephone interview.

A parent who spoke on condition of anonymity accused Falcon of sweeping the matter under the carpet. The parent said the school should be investigated for similar allegations, as this was not the first time an incident of this nature has occurred at Falcon College.

"This is not the first time something of this nature has happened at Falcon and the school should be investigated.

"They are sweeping the matter under the rug to protect the school's reputation, but what about our girls who have been violated. This is unacceptable," said the parent.

Another parent said the incident raises questions about the safety of girls at such events. The parent said such perverted behaviour might lead to worse violations such as rape.

"I know I speak on behalf of many parents when I say this behaviour is unacceptable and the culprits should be punished," she said.

Bulawayo acting Provincial Education Director (PED) Mrs Olicah Kaira said she had not received a report on the matter. Matabeleland South acting PED Mr Lifias Masukume could not comment saying he was in Harare.

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Loading...Home | World | Africa | Maid steals 3 000 rands from Bulawayo, bolts to Harare

AN 18-YEAR-OLD woman who was employed as a housemaid by a family from Rangemore suburb in Bulawayo has been arrested for stealing 3 000 rands from her employer before fleeing to her home in Harare.

Ruth Togara of Warren Park in Harare yesterday told Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube that she decided to steal from Ms Elizabeth Gwandira (20) of Rangemore as she was not being paid well.

Togara pleaded guilty to a theft charge. She was ordered to go for community service assessment and will return to court today for sentencing.

Togara told the court that she stole the money because she needed money to go back home.

"Ms Gwandira was not paying me properly and l wanted to leave for my home. When l saw the money, l took it and went straight home," she said.

Mr Kenneth Shava said on February 9, Ms Gwandira left her money in a satchel that was on top of her bed in her bedroom and went to work.

"When she got home at around 5PM, she noticed that her maid had packed all her belongings and left the house. Ms Gwandira searched if all her things were available and realised that the money she had left in her satchel was missing," said Mr Shava.

In her testimony, Ms Gwandira said as soon as she realised that her maid had vanished, she quickly searched to see if she had taken any of her property.

"As l was searching, l remembered that l had left money in a bag on top of my bed. When l opened the bag all the money had been taken and l knew it was Togara because she was the only person l lived with," she said.

Ms Gwandira reported the matter to the police and Togara was arrested at her home in Harare. The total value of the money that was stolen was 3 000 rands and only 800 rands was recovered.

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Loading...Home | Politics | Presidential election: Atiku has conceded defeat to Buhari before Saturdays election  Oshiomhole

Ahead of Saturdays election, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has conceded defeat.

Oshiomhole said this while reacting to Atikus claim that two geopolitical zones, South South and South East were his strongholds.

Reacting to Atikus claim, Oshiomhole said the former Vice President has unwittingly revealed that he has lost out in four out of the six geopolitical zones in the country.

According to Tribune, Oshiomhole said: PDP has conceded defeat, Atiku claimed to have control of South south. That isnt true. I come from Edo state and it is under the control of APC. By saying he has 2 out of 6 zones, it means he has lost.

Atiku knows he cant win. In 2015, he lost his ward, he procured his senatorial zone for Senator Jubril Aminu, he did same for Senator Jonathan Zwingina! Let him deny it, I am ready to meet him in court.

Atiku is afraid of defeat, we are ready for the election and by Saturday Atiku would remain a permanent candidate that he has always been. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: PoliticsHome | Politics | Nigeria Decides: INEC cant afford to fail second time  Senator Ogembe

Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Ahmed Ogembe has tasked the INEC to ensure that the logistics issues that necessitated the postponement of elections last Saturday were fully sorted out.

We cannot to fail again; the entire world is watching Nigeria. We cannot afford a second failure, Ogembe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

He urged stakeholders to work hard toward conducting free, fair and transparent elections that all parties would accept.

Ogembe expressed confidence in INECs determination to conduct a credible election, but reminded Nigerians that they commission needed everyones support to succeed.

The senator advised security agencies to conduct a random check on sensitive election materials to ensure that they were complete and in safe hands before Feb. 23, the rescheduled date.

He cautioned Nigerians against selling their votes, and urged voters to be guided by their conscience.

The senator also advised political actors to avoid utterances that could lead to violence, and also warned against election rigging and other vices that could compromise the process and cause violence. (NAN)

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: PoliticsHome | News | General | Just in: PDP accuses presidency of approving N6bn to finance rigging plots

- The PDP accused the presidency of diverting government funds to finance its rigging plot

- The opposition party alleged that the government approved over N6 billion for the purpose of arming thugs and bribing INEC officials during the elections

- The party further claimed the money was sourced from the alleged diversion of funds meant for the IDPs, amidst other sources

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the presidency of releasing over N6 billion looted from federal funds to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly candidates to rig the rescheduled February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The director, media and publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Kola Ologbondiyan made this allegation in a statement on Tuesday, February 19, Daily Trust reports.

Ologbondiyan said each of the 109 APC senatorial candidates received N20 million, the 360 APC House of Representatives candidates are being given N10 million each, while various amounts are being disbursed by the Buhari presidency to some other APC leaders for the rigging plot.

READ ALSO: God has ordained Atiku as next president of Nigeria - Prophet Udoka

The opposition further alleged that the looted funds are to be used by the APC to dress fake security agents, arm thugs and bribe compromised INEC officials to manipulate the elections in the various senatorial and federal constituencies across the country.

It also claimed that part of the money was sourced from the alleged diversion of funds meant for the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in various states of the federation.

The party added that other sources of funding included monies allegedly syphoned from some income generating agencies, like the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The statement partly reads: At a time well-meaning leaders all over the world are exerting themselves in creating wealth for their people and developing their nations, the Buhari presidency, which plunged the nation into a bitter economic recession, is still busy frittering our national resources to finance its vicious plots against the already impoverished citizens.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Atiku Abubakar who is the presidential candidate of the PDP raised allegation against the APC claiming the ruling party plots to tamper with card readers.

Atiku made this claim on Tuesday, February 19 at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP.

He claimed the APC was in possession of a telephone-like device that will allow the party fast-track election in places where they are expected to win while slowing down the process in region the party may lose.

He said APC operatives have been trained in China and have returned to the country ahead of the election.

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Nigerians express disappointment with INEC over election postponement - on Legit TV:

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Loading...Home | News | General | Ghana deports 723 Nigerians accused of illegal stay, other crimes

- The federal government has protested inhuman treatment of Nigerians by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS)

- Nigeria's high commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Michael Abikoye, said 723 Nigerians have been deported from Ghana between 2018 and 2019

- Abikoye told the comptroller-general of GIS that Nigerian government would no longer tolerate inhuman treatment of its citizens in Ghana

The Nigerian high commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Michael Abikoye, has protested the inhuman treatment of Nigerians by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) with the deportation of 723 Nigerians between 2018 and 2019.

Abikoye said this at a meeting between him and the comptroller-general of GIS, Kwame Takyi, in Ghana, with report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, February 19, in Abuja.

The high commissioner said that 723 Nigerians were deported on alleged illegal stay, cybercrime and prostitution between the January 2018 and January 2019.

READ ALSO: God has ordained Atiku as next president of Nigeria - Prophet Udoka

According to him, 81 Nigerians were deported on alleged cybercrime and illegal stay in January, while 115 have so far been deported in February on the allegation of overstay and prostitution.

The High commissioner cautioned against inhuman treatment of Nigerians by Ghana, warning that any form of torture or ill treatment of Nigerians would not be acceptable to Nigerian government.

He said, though the High Commission would not condone any form of criminality on the part of Nigerians, inhuman treatment and alleged torture of some Nigerians in Ghana would no longer be tolerated.

Although, the GIS had linked prostitution and cybercrimes as some of the reasons for the deportation, it is improper to deport Nigerians for alleged illegal stay in Ghana.

There are several Ghanaians living in Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service has never deported any of them on ground of illegal stay, because of a sense of brotherliness between our countries, he said

The Ambassador, therefore, presented to the CG a copy of the Missions records on deportations of Nigerians from January 2018 till date.

He expressed displeasure that Nigerians were not being fairly treated, stressing that there had been reported cases of molestation, harassment and torture of Nigerians by GIS officials, especially those awaiting deportation at the GISs detention facility.

The Ambassador also showed photos of some of them who sustained injuries on their legs, arms and eyes in the process of the torture.

According to him, the inhuman act was against the United Nations Convention against Torture.

He appealed to the CG to prevail on his officials to treat Nigerians and other ECOWAS nationals with human face, caution and not as common criminals.

Abikoye expressed displeasure on the long detention of Nigerians in the GIS custody after proper documentation and issuance of Emergency Travel Certificate for their repatriation by the High Commission.

He appealed that considering the poor state of the GISs facility; the Ghana Immigration Service should expedite action in their early repatriation to Nigeria immediately after the issuance of Emergency Travel Certificates.

In his response, the CG acknowledged the existing bilateral relationship between the two countries as earlier pointed by Abikoye.

According to Takyi, the GIS are being compelled to carry out repatriation because of the conduct of some Nigerian nationals in Ghana.

He alleged that besides engaging in cybercrime and prostitution, some Nigerians had become laws in themselves; they do road blockages in major Ghanaian streets where they drink, fight and stab one another.

This unruly behaviour which contravenes the local laws in Ghana has led to directive from higher authority for their arrests and eventual deportation of those who do not have the requisite immigration papers.

The CG, however, promised to investigate alleged torture of some Nigerians.

He showed the Ambassador a video of some Nigerians, obstructing justice by preventing the official vehicle of the GIS the right of way after arresting a Nigerian in Kasoa area.

The report said that the incessant deportation of Nigerians and alleged inhuman treatment of some of them, had once again brought to fore, the urgent need for Nigerian Government to hasten on earlier proposal to fix a date for hosting of the Ghana and Nigeria Permanent Joint Commission meeting.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported how a Nigerian Baef Barbara Abike Epperson helped a homeless Ghanaian man off the streets of Lagos.

According to Epperson who shared the story on Facebook, James Kofi Manu, an aged, sick and homeless man became stranded on the streets of Lagos after he returned to Nigerian to collect some money owed to him by the defunct Okada Airline where he once worked.

Manu revealed that even though his children didn't want him to come to Nigeria, he had to in order to collect his money.

The money was paid in bits and he later worked as a cook for some foreign company here in Nigeria before he fell ill.

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Loading...Home | News | General | 4 days to election, PDP organising secretary resigns

- Moses Ogbonna has resigned as organising secretary of PDP in Abia state

- Ogbonna claimed the state chairman had usurped his duty in the state

- The PDP chieftain claimed the party has now become a one-man show

Moses Ogbonna, the Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia, has announced his resignation from his position.

Ogbonna communicated his resignation in a letter dated Monday, Feb. 19, 2019, addressed to the state party Chairman, Sir Johnson Onuigbo, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Aba.

READ ALSO: Elections 2019: Details of Buharis meeting with security chiefs emerge

Ogbonna cited brazen acts of impunity which, he said, had led to total neglect of the State Working Committee and State Exco of the party as part of the reasons for his resignation.

He further pointed to the usurpation of the duties of his office by the state chairman.

My decision was reached upon my painstaking review of the relationship between me, the Governor of the state, His Excellency. Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu and the state Chairman Sir Johnson Onuigbo.

He noted that over the period the duo had consistently exhibited loss of confidence and trust, culminating in a deliberate and unconstitutional usurpation of my duties with impunity.

This brazen act of impunity has led to total neglect and abandonment of the SWC and State Exco of the party.

The party is now being run as a one man show and every important decision, including on financial matters and ratification of the results of the people, including delegate elections were done in a hotel without the approval of the SWC.

Ogbonna said the situation had degenerated to the extent that the party still owed over six months stipends payable to Exco members and staff of the party without any efforts to pay, despite repeated demands.

He said that the staff of the party had been abandoned to suffer untold hardship, resulting in the abandonment of the party secretariat.

The legal practitioner claimed that he had been made a scapegoat due to his outspokenness against this impunity and imposition, which had also led to series of threats to his life.

He also alleged that the party was now being run as a one man show hence every important decision was being taken in a hotel without the approval of the SWC.

I, as organising secretary, has been excluded in everything that is being done in the party.

Every message to the National Headquarters that needed to emanate or sent by my office was done by the chairman.

I, therefore, regretfully opt to resign my position as the state organising secretary of the Abia PDP with effect from 18th February, 2019.

I wish the party and other suffering exco members well in their future endeavours, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 19 members of the SWC had removed Onuigbo on Nov. 27, 2018, for allegations of imposition of candidates, impunity and usurpation of office.

He was later reinstated in December 2018 after the intervention of some key party stakeholders who said that the issues resulting in his sack had been resolved.

Calls put through to Onuigbo for his reaction were not answered while that of the state PDP Spokesman, Don Ubani was switched off.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari called on Nigerians not to lose faith in the countrys electoral system and urged the electorates to vote in the rescheduled presidential and National Assembly elections.

In a video address on Tuesday, February 19, the president commiserated with those who travelled hundreds of kilometres in order to vote before the election was postponed.

President Buhari applauded Nigerians for their patience and promised a free and credible election.

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Nigerians express total disappointment with INEC over election postponement | Legit TV

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Loading...Home | News | Crime/Legal | BUSTED: Notorious Woman Caught Attempting To Smuggle Cocaine Inside The Prison

A 23-year-old self-employed woman, Sakina Mustapha, who deals in used ladies shoes in the Berekum Municipality of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana, is in the grips of the Police for attempting to smuggle a substance suspected to be cocaine to an inmate at the Sunyani Prisons.

Speaking to Citi News, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Prisons, ASP. Johann Nii Narh Nartey, said the suspect believed to be a member of a notorious drug syndicate terrorizing residents in the area, was arrested on Monday at the Sunyani Central Prison with the substance.

He explained that Sakina was apprehended at the Sunyani Prison Barracks after she paid a visit to a prisoner in custody, Taufik Mohammed, who is serving a ten (10) year jail term with hard labour for narcotic drug offences.

He added that the initial demeanour of both convict and visitor appeared normal at the initial stages of the visit, but the interaction aroused suspicion at the latter stage and so both of them were put under strict surveillance.

ASP Nartey continued that, Sakina was later seen hanging around at the barracks in anxiety after the visit, and was subsequently invited into the prison where a search was conducted on her, and Ninety nine (99) pieces of substances suspected to be cocaine wrapped in cigarette foil were found in her purse.

Upon interrogation, she disclosed that the parcel was given to her by a friend of the prisoner whom she claimed she did not know previously, and who had earlier on called her on phone upon request from the convict to meet her at an arranged location to collect a parcel meant for the inmate. She also stated that, she has no previous knowledge of the content of the parcel she was carrying, ASP. Johann Nii Narh Nartey.

According to him, when she was pressed further to disclose how the parcel was going to be delivered to the prisoner, Sakina said that an intermediary, who would ensure that the items get to the inmate safely in the prison would meet her at the prisons barracks to take delivery of the goods.

She however declined to mention the names of the intermediary as well as the supposed source of the parcel and the caller claiming that she does not know them.

The PRO disclosed the mobile number on which she communicated with her accomplices has however gone dead, and could not be reached when called several times.

He has however assured the issue will be investigated to its logical conclusion as the suspect has since been handed over to the Sunyani Divisional Police for further investigations.

The Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Supt. Sampson Bandin confirmed the arrest and stated that his outfit has commenced investigation into the matter, and the suspect will be put before court soon.

Loading...Home | Latest Addition | How hoodlums disrupted Trade Moni programmer in Ogun

There was pandemonium at the distribution of the Federal Governments Trader Moni loan on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun, as some hoodlums reportedly stormed the Lafenwa Market, venue of the programme, to disrupt it.

The Trader Moni scheme, which is a Federal Government social intervention programme, which provides interest-free loans of N10,000 was, however, disrupted by hoodlums suspected to be political thugs after they whisked away the markets woman leader to an unknown place after dispersing the traders.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that the hoodlums arrived at the venue when the registration of the market women was on-going and subsequently stopped proceedings.

Some of the market women who spoke with NAN correspondent at the venue expressed disappointment at the development.

A pepper seller, who simply identified herself as Morenikeji, told NAN that the Chairman of Abeokuta North-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Monsuru Shorunke, led those who chased away the market men and women before they eventually took away the market woman leader.

NAN reports that the woman leader had since returned.

But when contacted, Shorunke confirmed to NAN in a telephone interview that he led some people to Lafenwa to disperse a gathering where some politicians were giving money to market women in exchange for their Permanent Voters Cards.

I was in front of the governor (Ibikunle Amosun) when we heard that some people came to Lafenwa market collecting peoples PVCs from the traders with their names and PVC numbers.

The governor said we should go out and find out.

It was Governor Amosun that sent us. I was in front of the governor when we heard the information.

So, I collected Iyalojas phone number from Hon. Akintona. We took Iyaloja to the governors house along with Babaloja of Lafenwa.

We believe it was wrong for them to come and collect peoples PVCs with numbers before election day. That was what they came to do at Lafenwa.

My message is that we should be vigilant, not only the electorate, but all the politicians in Ogun State.

We must be vigilant. They want to give them money because of the coming election and it is wrong, he said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: Latest AdditionHome | Latest Addition | Elections 2019: Details of Buharis meeting with security chiefs emerge

- Security chiefs have revealed the details of their meeting with President Buhari

- Speaking on behalf of the security chiefs, the acting IGP Mohammed Adamu, said they resolved at the meeting to further provide adequate security within the country, during and after elections

- The police chief said anybody who feels he can disrupt elections should have a rethink

Details of President Muhammadu Buharis meeting with Nigerias security chiefs, Tuesday, February 19, have emerged as the latter briefed newsmen, saying they will not allow the forthcoming elections in the country to be disrupted.

Daily Trust reports that President Buharis meeting with the security chiefs meeting at the Presidential Villa that lasted for over an hour.

Members of the council include; the national security adviser, Babagana Monguno; minister of defence, Mansur Dan- Ali; the chief of defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and Chief of Naval Staff; Rear Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas.

Security chiefs speak after meeting with President Buhari. Credit: Femi Adesina

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: God has ordained Atiku as next president of Nigeria - Prophet Udoka

Others are Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Abubakar Sadique; director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Abubakar; acting inspector general of police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu and the director general of Department for State Service (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, the acting IGP said, following the postponement of the 2019 elections, they had resolved to further provide adequate security within the country.

He said: Today, members of the security community and intelligence community came and briefed Mr President on the security situation in the country. We deliberated on the consequences and came up with the resolve to further provide adequate security within the country so that the electorate will come out and cast their votes without any fear of molestation.

Every Nigerian is encouraged to come out on the election day and cast his or her vote without any fear of molestation. The security personnel are ready and prepared to protect everybody. Anybody that feels that he can come out and disrupt the process should have a rethink because that situation will not be allowed. If you plan and allow yourself to be used as touts, whatever happens to you, you will take it, he said.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the presidency said that President Buharis comment on ballot box snatchers is a strong message against the long history of savagery associated with elections in the country.

Buhari had on Monday, February 18, during the emergency caucus meeting of the APC in Abuja, warned that anyone who dared to snatch ballot boxes during Saturdays elections would be doing so for the last time.

Speaking to State House Correspondents, presidential spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, said that the president had the safety and security of Nigerians uppermost in mind when he made the comment.

He said, therefore, that the president should be praised rather than criticised for issuing the stern warning to potential ballot box snatchers.

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Nigerians express total disappointment with INEC over election postponement | Legit TV

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: Latest AdditionChina has spent $2,5 billion on Zimbabwe, which is by far the highest amount of money it has ever advanced to any African country.

Speaking at the 2019 Spring Festival Gala held in Harare on Sunday, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Zhao Baogang, said the money has been advanced to the country through loans and investments, among other issues.

"In one word, some $2,5 billion (US dollars) of loans, investments and grants have been provided by the Chinese government, financial institutions and enterprises to Zimbabwe, much larger share than most other African countries," Baogang said.

China has been one of the country's biggest partners since the turn of the millennium when the government took a look east approach - after being isolated by Western nations over human rights abuses - even though the relationship dates back to the time of the liberation struggle.

Over the years, China has been investing in different sectors of the economy in Zimbabwe including the energy sector.

"Kariba South Expansion Project has been completed, adding 300MW power generation capacity to national grid. We have launched ground-breaking ceremony for the Hwange Thermal Power Station expansion project. We have launched ground-breaking ceremony for the Harare International Airport rehabilitation project. We have launched ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of new Parliament building project.

"Zimbabwe will have the capacity to export electricity to earn the much needed hard currency very soon. We work, cook with the electricity from Kariba South Expansion project financed by China Exim bank. Everyone is closely connected with China-Zimbabwe cooperation.

"So I want to say that we have to pay more attention to China's development and try to find the opportunities for cooperation, the secrets and resources for Zimbabwe's development can be found in China," Baogang said.

Baogang also said in the coming years, China will import $24 trillion worth of goods and invest $750 billion in foreign countries, including Zimbabwe.

The charge d'affaires further said last year, China made great achievements in cooperating with developing countries at the Beijing summit of the forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

"In 2018, here Zimbabwe has gone through ups and downs and withstood the hardships. Every country has its own problems and headaches. No country has a smooth journey of national development and Rome was not built in a day. Let's be patient and give the development a chance."

Zimbabwe has been reeling under economic sanctions since the early 2000s after embarking on a fast-track land reform programme. Over the past few months, several countries in the region have been calling for the removal of sanctions, claiming it is hindering economic growth.

Baogang further said China is fully behind the call for the West to remove sanctions on Zimbabwe.

"We strongly support Zimbabwe's demand to remove the sanctions. China sought to promote a more equitable and fair system of global governance. In a turbulent world, China emerged as a pillar of stability," Baogang said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: Latest AdditionHome | Latest Addition | PDP calls for justice for 66 people killed in Kaduna

- The PDP has called for justice for the victims of Kajuru local government area killings

- 66 people were killed by unknown gunmen in Kajuru LGA on Friday, February 15

- The PDP governorship candidate in the state described the situation as unfortunate

Kaduna state gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Isah Ashiru has urged the state government and security agencies to fish out and prosecute those involved in the killings of villagers in Kajuru area of the state.

Ashiru, in a statement he issued in Kaduna on Monday, expressed shock by the report of the murder of innocent people, describing the situation as unfortunate.

This unfortunate incident is not only an unwanted addition to the list of the past similar ones, but is also a clear indication that insecurity still remains a huge challenge in some parts of Kaduna state.

READ ALSO: 2019 election: I didnt ask Buhari to step down - IBB declares

The fact that the loss of human lives has been confirmed makes the whole issue terribly shocking.

The act clearly smacks of callousness and a descent into barbarism.

This will require a tremendous determination and demonstration of a sense of justice and fairness on the part of the authorities whose responsibility it is to not only deal appropriately with the perpetrators of such acts but to also forestall their recurrence.

Let me quickly remind my dear good people of Kaduna State of the need to embrace peace and eschew violence so that the diversity with which Almighty God has endowed us can be harnessed for the good of all of us.

Our state is big, bountiful and rich enough to accommodate all of us; all we need to do is to continuously remind ourselves of the fact that resorting to violence has never benefitted us as a people, Ashiru said.

He urged people of the state to endeavour to come together, regardless of political, religious or ethnic differences, to let the world know that we are committed to ridding our state of violence

At the same time, we must be willing to live as true brothers and sisters that we have always been.

While we condole with the bereaved families, I also wish to re-assure everyone again that my bid to clinch the governorship of Kaduna state is driven by both an immense concern for our people and a total determination to rescue the state from misrule.

I, therefore, wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, people of Kajuru local government area as well as the government and the entire people of Kaduna state over this unfortunate incident.

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It is my fervent prayer that Almighty God who created those souls will expose the perpetrators of the heinous act.

It would be recalled that unknown armed men had on February 11, attacked and killed 66 persons including children and women in eight settlements in Kajuru local government area of the state.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, reacted to claims by some people that he fabricated the killings of 66 people of Fulani origin killed in Kajuru local government area of the state on February 16, 2019.

The state government's statement came after Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) said the governors comment over the Kajuru killings was deliberately orchestrated to inflame ethnic and religious sentiments to produce yet another cycle of bloodshed in the state.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: Latest AdditionHome | Latest Addition | You will get your 3m votes in Katsina despite postponement - Masari tells Buhari

- Governor Aminu Masari said the shift in election date will not affect the support for President Buhari in Katsina

- Masari added that the APC February 14 rally had clearly indicated that the people would deliver on their three million votes for Buhari

- The Katsina state governor also claimed that the postponement based on previous experience did not come as surprise to him

Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina state says the postponed elections will not affect the promise made by Katsina people to deliver three million votes for re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari on February 23.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Saturday shifted the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Feb. 23.

The governorship, house of assembly, FCT area council elections were also shifted from March 2 to March 9.

However, Masari told State House correspondents in Katsina that the postponement would not change the position of Katsina people, stressing that the APC Thursdays rally had clearly indicated that the people would deliver on their three million votes for Buhari/Osinbajo ticket.

He said: Katsina people are ready; you saw it if you were here on Thursday (rally) you would know Katsina people are ready and prepared for these elections.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Army reacts to Buhari's statement on dealing with ballot box snatchers

The postponement will not change anything, it will not change the position of Katsina state.

We were ready two days ago. I believe those of you who were in Katsina since on Wednesday or Thursday you would have seen that we were more than ready as far as the elections is concerned.

According to the governor, the postponement based on previous experience did not come as surprise to him.

Masari, who expressed serious concern over the postponement of the elections almost at the last hours by INEC, said I hope INEC does not develop a culture of shifting dates of elections.

He maintained that it would be unfair for anybody or organization to shift the blame of the postponed elections on President Buhari, adding that INEC, an independent body should be held responsible for its action.

He said: But the fact on ground is that INEC gave assurance and the federal government has given INEC all the resources they required. So, the failure if there is any is their own.

It has nothing to do or very little to do with the president except that being the president and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces whatever happens under the sun in Nigeria he becomes responsible but not liable.

If you are looking for somebody who is liable, INEC is liable to convince Nigerians why it shifted the elections because all the political parties are going to suffer the consequences of INECs action.

So, obviously there will be additional cost on the political parties and also on the government. So, the president cannot deliberately orchestrate this and knowing the kind of president Nigeria has now  he has not even interfered with departments that are directly under him let alone a commission that is independent based on the provision of the constitution.

He is somebody who believes in the rule of law.

On security situation in the state, the governor disclosed that the state government in collaboration with relevant security agencies at both local and state level had succeeded in securing the state from criminals.

He commended the federal government for deploying more security personnel with additional tracking and other security gadgets to locate and apprehend kidnapers and bandits within and beyond the state.

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From the time I cried out to date, one  there has been reinforcement in the police, also the Department of State Services has sent in more tracking devices and more personnel and the military are operating, the air force is in the air always.

I think there is improvement in terms of the level of security with regards to kidnapping, armed banditry.

We were very much concerned because we were afraid that it would affect elections in some of the wards that are bordering the forest areas.

But luckily enough with the combined operations of the local security under the local government system, the police; the Nigerian Civil Defence and the army, the situation has improved tremendously and we can now conduct elections in more than 95 per cent of those places that were being daily attacked, because most of the attacks were coming from the forest in Zamfara.

They hit and go on motor bikes. So, really security, yes, is still a problem but not to the extent that it will disturb the issue of elections, he said.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that thousands of APC supporters took over Katsina, the Katsina state capital, for President Muhammadu Buhari's campaign rally in the state.

Some of the supporters who arrived the city on Wednesday, February 13, slept on the streets in spite of the cold weather.

The Muhammad Dikko Stadium, venue of the rally, was filled to capacity when the president arrived.

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How Fashola, Adesina, others exposed Buhari in new video | Legit TV

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: Latest AdditionAll Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday cautioned against misinterpreting President Muhammadu Buharis remarks on ballot box snatchers.

Asiwaju Tinubu said the President never ordered security agencies to shoot Nigerians summarily.

The President was quoted as saying that ballot box snatchers would not live to tell their stories once caught in the act.

Buhari spoke at the APCs emergency National Caucus meeting in Abuja yesterday.

Tinubu told reporters after the meeting that the President was misinterpreted.



He said Buhari only reinforced his stand that ballot box snatcher will be doing so at the risk of their lives.

Tinubu said: I was in that meeting; the President was just reinforcing the fact that if you are out there snatching ballot boxes and causing destruction, you are at risk of your own life.

Whatever happens to you; no president will give an order that his own citizens should be shot summarily. No! No! Its okay; emotions are running high these days. Any individual, including myself, can be misinterpreted.

These are not his words; he is a law-abiding person and he understands categorically and clearly what the rule of law is and the lives of individual citizens that he is in that office to protect.

Now, let me run this he has been fighting Boko Haram insurgents, kidnappers and all these before this election. Did you ever hear him asking them to be shot and executed summarily?

If he has gone through that in the last five years, please give the benefit of the doubt. By law, we should continue to energise our people; it depends on our resources. Because the Electoral Act allows us to continue to campaign and asks us to stop campaigning only 24 hours before the actual election; and once INEC changed the election date to February 23, it has given us the opening to campaign and energise our people. If you have a garden and you dont nourish it with water, the grass will remain dormant. We dont want our party to remain dormant.

This is ability of leadership to convert adversity to opportunity and prosperity and thats it; thats what we must do.

On whether the shift of the poll will affect INECs credibility, Tinubu said: It depends on how it is handled and the new process; how the process is managed. You can convert what appears a crisis, a situation of adversity, to an opportunity and progress.

KINDLY DROP A COMMENT BELOWHarare (AFP) - While it's unlikely that many Zimbabweans yearn for former ruler Robert Mugabe's return, the occasion of his 95th birthday on Thursday has led some to see him in a softer light.

"Comrade Bob" was toppled from 37 years in power in November 2017 following a brief military takeover that saw him replaced by his one-time protege, deputy and latterly, political rival President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Immediately after Mugabe's resignation, there was an outpouring of joy and many people took to the streets to celebrate.

But Mnangagwa's gloss quickly faded and the economic catastrophe facing Zimbabwe began to crystallise as cash shortages worsened and fuel prices soared.

"We miss Mugabe. If he didn't care, at least he pretended to," Harare resident Anita Mugombedzi told AFP. "If what we have seen so far is anything to judge by, Zimbabwe will be worse than it was under Mugabe at his worst."

In the months after Mnangagwa took power, it became clear the security services were prepared to use deadly force to put down dissent -- just as they had done under Mugabe.

Six people were killed after soldiers opened fire in downtown Harare following presidential elections in July, which Mnangagwa won despite rigging allegations and an appeal by the opposition.

In January, at least 17 civilians were killed according to community groups after a crackdown sparked by thousands of Zimbabweans taking to the streets to protest an overnight doubling of fuel prices.

There were also harrowing accusations by civilians of torture and sexual assault by the security services.

"Mugabe made mistakes but he was not as ruthless as those who took over from him. We thought things would be better under Mnangagwa but now many people are saying Mugabe was better," said Edmond Jera, an unemployed accountant.

Mugabe's birthday will not be publicly celebrated this year, and it will simply be a national holiday like any other.

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Before his fall, his birthdays were week-long extravaganzas and he would receive cakes that weighed as many kilograms as his age along with lavish gifts including cattle and tributes from regime loyalists.

- 'Divided' nation -

"The day is passing this year without the usual pomp and ceremony," said Rashweat Mukundu, a researcher at the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute think-tank.

"Mugabe failed to leave a lasting legacy. He left a divided Zimbabwe. This should be a lesson to those in power today."

Last year, Mugabe's family and friends marked his first birthday since his defenestration with a low-key private birthday party at his Harare home attended only by members of his inner circle.

No senior government leaders were thought to have been present.

A pro-Mnangagwa march, originally planned for Thursday, will be held at the weekend, according to the ruling party's youth wing.

"We are going to march in Harare to show support for our president," said ZANU-PF's youth leader Pupurai Togarepi.

But Togarepi diplomatically insisted that "we will remember the revolutionary work done by the former president", calling him a "giant political icon".

Harare resident Wright Chirombe said Mugabe's allies had treated the ex-ruler unfairly.

- 'Obscure and irrelevant' -

"They should have kept on honouring him rather than want him to appear like he did bad things throughout his rule," he said. "That's betrayal, and it's unfair. He made mistakes like all humans do, but there are many things he did which make him better than those who are now in power."

Mugabe and his wife Grace, whose apparent thirst for power was seen as one of the factors that sparked the military takeover, have made few public appearances since the nonagenarian's removal.

He has given only two media interviews since leaving office. In one, he called his removal a coup, and in another on the eve of last year's general elections he said he would not vote for his former party.

"That's the reality when you are out of power in most African states," said Ibbo Mandaza, head of the Southern African Political and Economic Series think tank.

"It's either you run away and die in exile -- or you just become obscure and irrelevant."

Following reports last year that Mugabe was receiving medical treatment in Singapore, Mnangagwa told a rally in Mugabe's village that the former liberation fighter was due to be discharged -- but was no longer able to walk.

"Mugabe had his many transgressions," said main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party leader Nelson Chamise. "I see my colleague Mr Mnangagwa making an effort to double the catalogue of those transgressions."Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and receive a $20 prize!

Weve lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. The flip side of that is that there are more than a few examples of insiders dumping stock prior to a period of weak performance. So shareholders might well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in New Zealand King Salmon Investments Limited (NZSE:NZK).

What Is Insider Buying?

Its quite normal to see company insiders, such as board members, trading in company stock, from time to time. However, most countries require that the company discloses such transactions to the market.

We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But equally, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. For example, a Columbia University study found that insiders are more likely to engage in open market purchases of their own companys stock when the firm is about to reveal new agreements with customers and suppliers.

View our latest analysis for New Zealand King Salmon Investments

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Independent Non- Executive Chairman John William Ryder for NZ$310k worth of shares, at about NZ$2.07 per share. That implies that an insider found the current (approximate) price enticing. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. Nonetheless, we consider it positive if insiders want to buy at around the current share price.

Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 210.21k shares worth NZ$435k. In total, New Zealand King Salmon Investments insiders bought more than they sold over the last year. They paid about NZ$2.07 on average. Its great to see insiders putting their own cash into the companys stock, albeit at below the recent share price (NZ$2.19). The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

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NZSE:NZK Insider Trading February 20th 19

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Does New Zealand King Salmon Investments Boast High Insider Ownership?

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon its a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that New Zealand King Salmon Investments insiders own 7.8% of the company, worth about NZ$24m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, its enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders.

So What Do The New Zealand King Salmon Investments Insider Transactions Indicate?

There havent been any insider transactions in the last three months  that doesnt mean much. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Insiders do have a stake in New Zealand King Salmon Investments and their transactions dont cause us concern. Of course, the future is what matters most. So if you are interested in New Zealand King Salmon Investments, you should check out this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

If you would prefer to check out another company  one with potentially superior financials  then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL February 20, 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: Jones Energy Inc. JONE, Par Pacific Holdings Inc. PARR, Phillips 66 Partners LP PSXP, Ultrapar Participacoes S.A. UGP and Sunoco LP SUN.

Here are highlights from Tuesdays Analyst Blog:

Crude Oil Prices Near 3-Month High: 5 Top Picks

Crude oil prices have been stabilizing since the beginning of 2019 buoyed by the decision of OPEC and Russia-led oil exporters to cut production levels and supply related problems in Iran and Venezuela.

Additionally, any positive development in the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China will be a major boost to oil prices. At this stage, it will be prudent to invest in oil stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank.

Oil Prices Near Three-Month High

On Feb 15, the U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $1.18 or 2.2% to close at $55.59 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The global benchmark Brent crude rose $1.68 or 2.6% to $66.25 a barrel on ICE Futures Europe.

Both WTI and Brent saw the highest price finish for a front-month contract since Nov 19, 2018. For the week ended Feb 15, WTI price increased 5.4% and Brent price jumped by 6.7%. Year to date, WTI is up 25.2% while Brent surged 28.3%.

On Feb 14, Energy Intelligence reported that Saudi Aramco stopped oil production for that week at Safaniyah, the world's largest offshore oilfield. An important factor for oil price will be the timing of restricted output from this oilfield. However, on Feb 15, Baker Hughes reported that the number of active U.S. rigs drilling for oil increased by 3 to 857 for that week.

OPEC Production Cut Squeeze Supplies

The OPEC and Russia-led oil exporters have decided to cut crude oil supplies by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2019. This massive cut aided in stabilization of oil prices. In December 2018, oil supplies from OPEC nations plunged by 751,000 bpd to nearly 31.6 million bpd.

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Further, in January, OPECs crude production decreased by nearly 800,000 bpd to an average of 30.81 million bpd. Majority of supply cut resulted from Saudi Arabias reduction of crude oil production by 400,000 bpd to an average of 10.24 million bpd in January.

Moreover, data intelligence firm Kepler reported that Saudi Arabias seaborne crude exports in the first half of February came in at 6.204 million bpd. This figure reflects a reduction of 1.342 million bpd from January and a decline of 0.91 million bpd year over year.

Additionally, Saudi Arabias oil minister Khalid al-Falih recently said that the country may consider trimming oil supplies by an another 500,000 bpd to reduce production level at 9.8 million bpd in March.

Impact of Venezuela & Iran Export Cuts Linger

On Jan 28, U.S. government announced sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA). Venezuela, once the fourth largest oil producer in the world, is suffering owing to lack of modernization of oil plants. Notably, Venezuela is a major crude supplier to U.S. refineries.

The sanctions will block diversion of Venezuelan oil assets worth $7 billion by the countrys sitting President Maduro. The United States will continue to support Venezuelas Interim President Juan Guaido.

Meanwhile, oil export dropped by 159,000 bpd to just under 2.8 million bpd in Iran owing to the imposition of U.S. sanctions. Notably, Iran is a major supplier of large Asian countries, such as China and India.

Our Top Picks

Crude oil prices are likely to remain northbound in the near term. Consequently, investment in oil stocks will be lucrative. We narrowed down our search to five such stock each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (strong Buy) stocks here.

Jones Energy Inc. is an independent oil and gas company, engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas properties in the mid-continent United States. The company has expected earnings growth of 19% for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 3.2% over the last 60 days.

Par Pacific Holdings Inc. owns, manages, and maintains interests in energy and infrastructure businesses. It operates in three segments: Refining, Retail, and Logistics. The company has expected earnings growth of 56.6% for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 29.6% over the last 60 days.

Phillips 66 Partners LPowns, operates, develops, and acquires crude oil, refined petroleum products and natural gas liquids pipelines, terminals, other transportation and midstream assets. The company has expected earnings growth of 5.3% for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 5.5% over the last 60 days.

Ultrapar Participacoes S.A.engages in gas distribution, fuel distribution, chemicals, storage and drugstores businesses in Brazil, Uruguay, United Stated, Venezuela and Mexico. The company has expected earnings growth of 18.6% for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 6.1% over the last 60 days.

Sunoco LPtogether with its subsidiaries engages in the wholesale distribution and retail sale of motor fuels primarily in the United States. The company has expected earnings growth of 71.9% for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 0.8% over the last 60 days.

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Media Contact

Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

support@zacks.com

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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.



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



Phillips 66 Partners LP (PSXP) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (PARR) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Sunoco LP (SUN) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Ultrapar Participacoes S.A. (UGP) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Jones Energy, Inc. (JONE) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment ResearchFor Immediate Release

Chicago, IL February 20, 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: GW Pharmaceuticals GWPH, Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR), KushCo Holdings KSHB, Canopy Growth CGC and Constellation Brands STZ.

Here are highlights from Tuesdays Analyst Blog:

4 Marijuana Stocks to Watch in 2019

Marijuana stocks may not have had a stellar year in 2018. But, this year could easily bring better news as things continue to expand and more new marijuana markets open up.

Canada became the first country to legalize recreational weed last October. This development has, undoubtedly, cemented the way for billions of dollars in legitimate annual sales and has helped the pot market to come out from the shadows and into the limelight as a reliable business model.

A number of developments happened in the United States as well. President Trump signed the Farm bill into law last November, legalizing hemp and cannabis-based products throughout the country.

To top it off, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first cannabis-derived drug, with quite a number of U.S. states giving green signal to cannabis in some capacity last year. Nearly two-thirds of all states in the U.S. have legalized medical marijuana and 10 of them, in fact, allowed adult consumption.

Companies in this up-and-coming industry, thus, have taken aggressive steps to raise cash, go public and list their shares on the U.S. exchanges to access capital. Hence, looking at some of the stocks from this fast-growing industry doesnt seem like a bad proposition.

Marijuana Sales to Skyrocket

According to Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics, global consumer marijuana outlays are estimated to climb 38% to $16.9 billion this year, up from a projected $12.2 billion last year, $9.5 billion in 2017, and $6.9 billion in 2016. Additionally, compounded global annual sales growth of cannabis from 2017 to 2022 is expected at $31.3 billion.

Story continues

While legalization of marijuana in several U.S. states and in Canada will surely help cannabis growth to hit such a promising number by 2022, a number of dispensaries have been given the permit to sell legalized cannabis. At the same time, mergers and acquisitions between large beverage, tobacco, pharma and cannabis companies should certainly help the weed market grow. After all, deal making will diversify their product portfolio and propel growth.

Investment bank Cowen & Co said that the legal weed market is expected to reach a value of as much as $75 billion by 2030. This indicates that there are plenty of opportunities for investors to make money from both direct and subsidiary players.

Fast-Growing Marijuana Stocks to Consider in 2019

As excellent prospects are expected to make marijuana stocks winners this year, take a look at these selected few poised to move north this year. All these stocks possess at least a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) right now. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

GW Pharmaceuticals focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing cannabinoid prescription medicines using botanical extracts derived from the cannabis plant. The cannabinoid drug maker is expected to see an uptick in sales this year, especially after its lead drug, Epidiolex, became the first cannabis-derived drug to gain approval from the FDA.

Earnings for GW Pharmaceuticals, a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock, is projected to gain 5.13% in the next quarter. The company has outperformed the Medical - Products industry so far this year (+56.5% vs +9.4%).

Innovative Industrial Properties, also a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, focuses on the acquisition, ownership and management of specialized industrial properties leased to experienced, state-licensed operators for their regulated medical-use cannabis facilities.

With more states in the United States giving cannabis the green light, Innovative Industrial Properties has incentive to acquire additional properties. The stocks expected earnings growth for the current year is 64.2%, and the company has outperformed the REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry on a year-to-date basis (+44.2% vs +13.6%).

KushCo Holdings operates a creative design agency for cannabis and non-cannabis clients that provide brand strategy, design and marketing, Web application development, and e-commerce solutions.

KushCo, by the way, had acquired Summit Innovations known for manufacturing hydrocarbon gases. These gases are necessary for converting cannabis plants into oils, and we all know that oil generates more profits than traditional dried flower.

Next years earnings could grow over 100%, and the stock, a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, has gained over 14% since January.

Canopy Growth engages in growing, possessing, and selling medical cannabis in Canada. In fact, in terms of aggregate sales, Canopy Growth may find itself at the top spot. The companys annual production comes in at more than 500,000 kilograms and is positioned to increase on branding and partnerships.

While shares of Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) CGC have only gained around 8.5% this year, it has a huge cash stockpile that far surpasses its peers thanks to Constellation Brands hefty $4 billion investment made last year.

Zacks 2019 Marijuana Investors Summit:In addition to the companies you learned about above, we invite you to learn more about investing in pot stocks. On Tuesday, February 26, our team of experts will reveal what we believe is the single best way to make money from legal marijuana. Register Now for Free >>

Media Contact

Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

support@zacks.com

https://www.zacks.com

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report



GW Pharmaceuticals PLC (GWPH) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC) : Free Stock Analysis Report



KUSHCO HOLDINGS, INC. (KSHB) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment ResearchWashington (AFP) - The United States, Britain and Norway on Wednesday voiced alarm over a new flare-up of violence in South Sudan, saying that all sides needed to show their commitment to peace.

The three powers, the so-called troika that has led diplomacy and aid efforts aimed at stabilizing the troubled young nation, urged all sides to ensure the safety of civilians in the southwestern area of Yei.

"This renewed violence risks undermining the peace agreement and lowers confidence of the troika and other international partners in the parties' seriousness and commitment to peace at a critical time," they said in a joint statement.

"We are concerned that if the situation escalates, the progress made in implementing the peace agreement will be irrevocably set back," they said.

South Sudan's government in September reached a peace deal with the main opposition unit of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement but a holdout rebel group, the National Salvation Front, rejected the deal.

Thousands of civilians in the Yei area have fled the renewed fighting and crossed the border to the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

South Sudan won independence from Khartoum in 2011 with fanfare from the West and billions of dollars in aid, but the country was immediately torn by internal conflict.

Nearly 400,000 people died and millions were displaced after President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup.

The United States warned in December that it was finished with assisting South Sudan unless its leaders make peace.By Jonathan Allen

(Reuters) - A union for West Virginia teachers vowed on Tuesday to continue their strike to oppose charter schools, expressing distrust of lawmakers despite scoring a legislative victory.

A bill that would have opened the first charter schools in West Virginia failed to win approval in the state House of Delegates on Tuesday after Governor Jim Justice, a Republican, vowed to veto it.

The bill passed the Republican-controlled Senate on Monday, prompting labor unions to call a strike that closed most of the state's 700 schools, which serve 277,000 students.

Union leaders vowed to continue the strike on Wednesday after the House of Delegates voted 53-45 to effectively kill the legislation. Union officials cited concerns lawmakers who support the bill might try to revive it.

Teachers would converge on the State Capitol building in Charleston for "one more day to make sure there are no legislative antics," American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and Fred Albert, president of the labor group's state chapter, said in a statement.

Teachers took to picket lines around the state and at the State Capitol on Tuesday to oppose the bill.

Justice called on the state legislature at a news conference on Tuesday to provide pay raises for state employees, including teachers, and urged educators to return to work.

Charter schools are publicly funded but run by private groups. Their advocates say the schools offer parents a wider array of educational opportunities for their children.

West Virginia is one of only six U.S. states that has not passed laws to allow for charter schools, according to non-profit research group the Education Commission of the States.

Critics of charter schools say they benefit profit-driven private organizations and that some of them oppose organized labor.

The American Federation of Teachers called the bill an act of retaliation for a strike last March that secured higher pay for teachers in West Virginia. That strike was followed by similar actions in Oklahoma, Kentucky, Arizona, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Last year's nine-day strike ended with the teachers securing a 5 percent pay rise in West Virginia, home to some of the lowest-paid educators in the country.

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen in New York; Additional reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles Editing by Richard Chang, Lisa Shumaker and Paul Tait)By Jonathan Allen

(Reuters) - West Virginia teachers were on strike for a second day on Wednesday, canceling classes for about 270,000 students in a bid to defeat a bill that would allow the state's first seven charter schools to open.

The state's educators, among the lowest-paid in the nation, sparked a wave of U.S. teachers' strikes last year when they walked off the job to demand higher pay. Their nine-day strike ended after West Virginia agreed to a 5 percent raise.

Although the charter school bill was defeated on Tuesday in the state House of Delegates, the strike continued, closing most of the state's 700 schools in an effort to stop lawmakers from reviving the bill, union officials said.

Union officials have complained that wealthy organizations from outside the state are pushing for charter schools, which are funded by taxpayers but operate independently of public school systems. These groups advocated for or stood to profit from some of the bill's measures, said Erin McHenry-Sorber, an education professor at West Virginia University.

"We have a number of outside conservative privatization interests that seem to be at the heart of pushing through this privatization language," she said in an interview. Those groups include Americans for Prosperity, the advocacy group of the billionaires Charles and David Koch.

The legislation, which had passed the state Senate and includes the pay increase negotiated last year, was defeated in the state House of Delegates on Tuesday by a vote of 53-45. Both chambers are controlled by Republicans. Governor Jim Justice, a Republican, had vowed to veto the bill.

The possibility of reviving the Senate-approved bill would expire by the end of Wednesday's House session. The House was set to vote Wednesday on a separate bill, backed by the governor, that authorizes the promised pay raise and does not address charter schools.

The senators behind the bill that sparked the strike said the measure would create greater parental choice and improve the state's below-par public education system.

Story continues

"Thousands of families across the state had their fundamental right to educational freedom usurped by the will of those who cling so desperately to the status quo," Mitch Carmichael, the president of the state Senate, said in a statement after the bill was defeated.

On Thursday, several thousand teachers in Oakland are expected to strike over charter school accountability and a plan to close several schools that serve black and Latino students. Teachers in Oakland are also seeking raises and more nurses and guidance counselors.

West Virginia is one of only six U.S. states that does not allow for charter schools, according to non-profit research group the Education Commission of the States.

Nearly 90 percent of the country's charter schools are in urban areas, and most holdout states are mostly rural, said West Virginia University's McHenry-Sorber. Senators advocating for charter schools never made clear that the model would work in rural areas, nor how they could address a teacher shortage, McHenry-Sorber said.

The American Federation of Teachers called the bill passed by the Senate an act of retaliation for the strike last March that secured higher pay for teachers. That strike was followed by similar actions in Oklahoma, Kentucky, Arizona, Chicago and Los Angeles.

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen in New York and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Scott Malone, Paul Simao and David Gregorio)President Trump during his Feb. 15 speech declaring a state of emergency. (Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

After months of back and forth negotiations, the congressional compromise that ultimately averted yet another government shutdown last week was immediately overshadowed by President Trumps declaration of a national emergency on Friday to unlock additional funding for the construction of a border wall.

Trump wasnt the only one disappointed by the spending deal, which allocated $1.4 billion for the construction of new barriers along the border and provided funds to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to increase immigration detention capacity to record levels.

In negotiations with congressional Republicans and the White House, Democrats unsuccessfully sought to impose a limit on the number of detention beds.

Unfortunately, we were unable to reach agreement on how to prevent [the Office of Management and Budget] from giving ICE a blank check for detention beds during continuing resolutions, and we were unable to effectively prevent DHS abuse of its transfer authority to increase detention beds, Democratic Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard of California reported before the vote.

Roybal-Allard, chairwoman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and a member of the House-Senate Conference Committee on Homeland Security, said that negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security were among the hardest I have experienced to date.

Still, she argued, although we did not win every battle, we won many, pointing to a number of measures within the 1,169-page spending bill that are now being debated in public.

In addition to imposing various limits on where and how new border barriers can be constructed, the legislation includes several provisions intended to restrain the administrations harsh immigration enforcement tactics. Among them is a specific appropriation to increase the frequency of inspections at immigration detention facilities, many of which have been reported to harbor unsanitary conditions, poor treatment and even abuse of detainees.

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One measure prevents funds from being used to block members of Congress from inspecting DHS facilities where children are held or to make any temporary modification at any such facility that in any way alters what is observed by a visiting member of Congress. Over the summer, prompted by news of the Trump administrations family separation policy, several members of Congress reportedly were refused entry when they attempted to visit various facilities housing immigrant children in government custody. Those particular facilities would not be covered by this provision, as they are run by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement. However, both the family separation issue and the more recent deaths of two young migrant children detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection have raised concerns about the conditions and care of minors held at border processing centers and family detention facilities run by DHS.

Another provision states that no funds made available by this act may be used to destroy any document, recording, or other record pertaining to any potential sexual assault or abuse perpetrated against any individual held in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security. The legislation also includes new requirements for ICE to publicly report statistics on the detained immigrant population, including a daily accounting of numbers in custody and where and how they were detained.

Another provision limits the use of restraints on pregnant women in ICE custody. ICEs treatment of pregnant detainees under President Trump has been a concern of immigration advocates since former acting ICE director Thomas Homan issued guidance in December 2017 effectively undoing an Obama-era policy that generally advised against the detention of pregnant women. Exactly a year later, the agency confirmed that it was considering changing the standards for immigration detention facilities that would include eliminating restrictions governing how and under what conditions pregnant women may be shackled or tied down. The bill would appear to stymie those changes.

A pregnant immigrant from El Salvador after she turned herself in to border agents near Rio Grande City, Texas, in 2015. (Photo: John Moore/Getty Images)

Among the Democratic wins touted by Roybal-Allard was a provision to prevent ICE from using information from the Office of Refugee Resettlement to detain and remove sponsors of unaccompanied children.

Last June, the Department of Homeland Security implemented a policy requiring ORR to provide ICE with names, fingerprints and other personal details  including immigration status  of potential sponsors for unaccompanied children as well as all adult members of a potential sponsors household. As Yahoo News reported in September, fears over how such information might be used by ICE resulted in a significant chilling effect on would-be sponsors which, by some accounts, contributed to record levels of unaccompanied children being held in ORR custody.

According to data released by ICE in December, immigration agents arrested 170 adults who came forward as potential sponsors for kids in ORR custody between early July and late November  the majority of whom were not classified as criminals.

This provision in particular has prompted backlash from groups that promote policies to reduce immigration to the United States, such as the Center for Immigration Studies. The groups leaders have argued that such a measure could lead to the possible release of unaccompanied children into the homes of abusive or exploitative sponsors or create an incentive for illegal aliens already here to order up kids from Central America as human shields against deportation.

Countering that objection, the legislation specifies that the shield against arrest will not apply to any potential sponsor or household member whose background check reveals a felony conviction or pending charges related to an aggravated felony, child abuse or pornography, or other categories of serious crimes.

Immigrant rights advocates have condemned ICEs use of ORR data to target adults  typically parents and close relatives  who offer to sponsor unaccompanied immigrant children. However, this provision and others embedded throughout the spending legislation seem to have left advocates generally unimpressed.

Undocumented immigrants wait in an ICE processing center in Manhattan after they were arrested last April. (Photo: John Moore/Getty Images)

Expanding immigration detention and giving the administration carte blanche to use funds to lock up women, men and children, undermines the legislative branchs responsibility to hold the administration accountable, and betrays our countrys values, said Mary Meg McCarthy, executive director of the National Immigrant Justice Center in a statement issued ahead of the bills passage last week. Like other similar organizations, the NIJC implored members of Congress to reject the bill, which provides ICE with funding for nearly 5,000 additional detention beds while failing to impose checks on the agencys ability to reprogram funds to further expand its detention capacity.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys own Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued multiple reports on ICEs problematic detention practices and, moreover, the agencys poor inspection and oversight processes, Katharina Obser, senior policy adviser for the Migrant Rights and Justice program at the Womens Refugee Commission, said in a statement. This is a system that needs an overhaul, not expansion.

Obser acknowledged that the spending bill does include funding to increase participation in Alternatives to Detention, including the now-defunct Family Case Management program for asylum seekers, which ICE terminated during Trumps first year in office. The program claimed a 99 percent rate of success in ensuring that participants attended court appearances and ICE check-ins.

But she said the bill failed to outline how the program would be implemented and run.

Congress understandably wants to spare the American people the pain and uncertainty of another shutdown, said Lorella Praeli, deputy political director at the American Civil Liberties Union. But in the members quest for compromise, they abdicated their responsibility to rein in DHS for its illegal and unconstitutional behavior, entering into partnership with the Trump administration to grow its detention and deportation force.

In a thread on Twitter last week, Tom Jawetz, vice president of immigration policy at the Center for American Progress, highlighted many of the restrictions and oversight provisions embedded in the spending legislation, in particular the requirement to publish detailed data on detentions. Since we can expect ICE to once more blow through its budget and ignore Congressional direction to reduce detention, disclosure could be key, said Jawetz in a tweet.

Read more from Yahoo News:WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court will be on trial itself next week when it weighs the fate of a 40-foot Latin cross honoring World War I dead that reignited the nation's never-ending battle between church and state.

At first glance, the question before the Supreme Court seems simple enough:

Does the monument violate the First Amendment, which prohibits government establishment of religion?

But the answer is complicated by opinion after opinion from the court over the past several decades.

Look no further than how the judicial system itself has officially characterized the thorny issue  "murky," "muddled" and "morass" are ways judges, lawyers and constitutional scholars describe the court's rules for government involvement with religion. Also "unclear," "unsound" and "unworkable."

By the justices' own admission, the court's interpretations of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause have left the law in "chaos," "disarray" and "shambles."

Into this steps a 93-year-old memorial that towers over the small town of Bladensburg, Maryland. Conceived in 1919 by bereaved mothers of the fallen, and completed by the American Legion six years later, it's owned and operated by a government agency.

In 1971, the court said any government role must have a secular purpose, cannot favor or inhibit religion and cannot excessively entangle church and state. Years later, it outsourced part of the decision-making process to a "reasonable observer."

In 2005, the justices created exceptions to their original test for passive religious displays, such as Nativity scenes or the Ten Commandments. In a case upholding legislative prayer in 2014, they incorporated history and tradition into the mix.

All of which led Associate Justice Clarence Thomas to conclude last year that "this court's Establishment Clause jurisprudence is in disarray."

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"We dont have a real strong sense of what the rules are, and this has been true for a while," says Richard Garnett, founding director of Notre Dame Law Schools Program on Church, State and Society.

The Trump administration agrees. It joined dozens of religious, municipal and veterans groups defending the "Peace Cross" and complaining that the court's mixed messages force legal battles to be decided "display by display. The Justice Department says that turns the purpose of the Establishment Clause on its head by creating even more disputes.

The case stands out on the court's humdrum docket this term as a likely win for the conservative majority, bolstered by Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation in 2018. Even before his elevation, the court had ruled in favor of many religious groups and causes. When it did not, several conservative justices usually complained.

In 2014, the court ruled that corporations with religious objections do not have to include free coverage of contraceptives in health insurance policies. In 2017, it said religious institutions can receive public funds for secular purposes, such as playground renovation. Last year, it absolved a Colorado baker of discrimination for refusing on religious grounds to serve a same-sex wedding.

Against that backdrop, the American Humanist Association will have a hard time convincing the justices that the Maryland war memorial should be moved or redesigned, perhaps as a slab or obelisk. Nevertheless, it argues vociferously that religion, not commemoration, is what most observers see in a 40-foot Latin cross.

"This is the most intensely religious and most intensely sectarian symbol that there is," says Douglas Laycock, a leading scholar on religious liberty and law professor at the University of Virginia and University of Texas-Austin.

As for the difficult church-state divide, he says, "All the justices, left to right, have a problem trying to draw lines."

Squeezing the 'Lemon'

The attack on the cross has mobilized the religious right like few issues before. Its wrath mostly is focused not on the challengers but the court itself.

For nearly a half century, the court's seminal doctrine has been the "Lemon test," named after the decision in 1971 that was intended to define what government could and could not do when it comes to religion. But over the years, the justices have ignored the very rules that lower courts continue to follow.

Shortly after joining the high court in 1986, Associate Justice Antonin Scalia said contemporaneous decisions on the subject "leave the theme of chaos securely unimpaired." Around the same time, Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy called the test "flawed in its fundamentals and unworkable in practice.

Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was responsible for adding the "reasonable observer" test for determining where the line is drawn between government and religion. In 2010, when a federal appeals court that included future Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch ruled that 12-foot crosses honoring fallen state troopers on the side of Utah highways were unconstitutional, Gorsuch said the fictional observer turned out to be "biased, replete with foibles and prone to mistake."

Associate Justice Stephen Breyer  one of three Jews on the high court  swung his colleagues in both directions on the same day in 2005. A Ten Commandments display in a Kentucky courthouse was unconstitutional, he said, but a Ten Commandments monument outside the Texas State Capitol was not.

"This case is an opportunity for the court to clean up Establishment Clause jurisprudence," says David Cortman, senior counsel with the conservative group Alliance Defending Freedom, who successfully argued the Supreme Court case for a Lutheran church seeking public funds for playground repairs in 2017.

According to the libertarian Cato Institute, "The court should now squeeze Lemon out of its jurisprudence."

In the Peace Cross case, a federal district court judge ruled in 2015 that the monument was OK under the Lemon test. In 2017, a federal appeals court panel ruled 2-1 that the cross failed to pass the test, calling it the "preeminent symbol of Christianity." The full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit voted 8-6 not to reconsider that ruling.

The high court is poised to overrule that decision. Despite urging from about 40 groups defending the war monument, the justices may not issue a sweeping decision with clear rules for church-state disputes. Those who favor more church-state separation hope the Bladensburg cross, at best, will be given a pass because it's been standing for so long.

Arlington to Ground Zero

Watching what the court does with the "Peace Cross" will be state and local governments across the country that have their own monuments to worry about. The Veterans of Foreign Wars and municipal groups claim hundreds could be affected, from the steel beams that form the Ground Zero cross in New York City to a memorial in Taos, New Mexico, that commemorates the Bataan Death March.

Two of the most prominent displays rise above Arlington National Cemetery: the 13-foot Argonne Cross, erected in 1923 and dedicated to "our men in France," and the 24-foot Canadian Cross of Sacrifice, donated in 1927 to honor U.S. citizens who served abroad in the Canadian army. Another is the Ground Zero Cross in the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York.

Two tridents from the original World Trade Center loom inside the National September 11 Memorial Museum as the new One World Trade Center rises outside during the opening ceremony for the museum at ground zero May 15, 2014 in New York City. The museum spans seven stories, mostly underground, and contains artifacts from the attack on the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001 that include the 80 ft high tridents, the so-called "Ground Zero Cross," the destroyed remains of Company 21's New York Fire Department Engine as well as smaller items such as letter that fell from the hijacked plane and posters of missing loved ones projected onto the wall of the museum. The museum will open to the public on May 21.

A group of 30 states led by West Virginia listed dozens of war monuments large and small that could be challenged if the Supreme Court rules against the Peace Cross, from Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania and Georgia's Chickamauga Battlefield to La Mesa, California, and Coos Bay, Oregon.

The appeals court decision "puts at risk hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of similar monuments," 4th Circuit Judge Paul Niemeyer said.

The American Humanist Association disputes those numbers and says very few crosses or monuments are in jeopardy. The group won a federal appeals court ruling last summer that threatens a 34-foot cross towering over a city park in Pensacola, Florida.

Senior counsel Monica Miller says the Bladensburg war memorial is unique because of its size and location. Even so, she says, the dispute could be resolved by transferring the land to private ownership and incorporating a disclaimer sign on the property.

"The cross being physically removed is not necessary," she says. "Weve never said 'rip it to shreds, bulldoze it.' "

But Miller acknowledges that in her view, "there's no principled way to uphold this cross. ... Its imposing on every driver who goes through that intersection, whether they want to see it or not."

Abortion: Supreme Court blocks Louisiana abortion restrictions

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Does a 40-foot Latin cross honoring World War I veterans violate the Constitution? The Supreme Court will decide.Alfonso Cuaron holds aloft two of his BAFTAs for Roma (PA)

Cinema chain Vue has threatened to pull its support of the BAFTA Film Awards after Netflixs Roma won four of the top prizes at this years awards show.

In a letter (via Screen) to BAFTA CEO Amanda Berry, Tim Richards  founder and CEO of European exhibitor Vue International  said that the British Academy has not lived up to its usual high standards this year in choosing to endorse and promote a made for TV film that audiences were unable to see on a big screen.

Roma won four BAFTAs  Best Film, Director, Cinematography, and Film Not in the English Language  on Sunday, 10 February.

Alfonso Cuarons black-and-white drama received a very limited theatrical release in the U.K. ahead of its global release on the streaming service on 21 November, 2018. Richards argues that releasing the film on just two screens ahead of its online release meant it should not have been eligible to compete in the annual competition.

He cites the BAFTA eligibility rule that the British public should have had an opportunity to see entered films and films should therefore have been screened and marketed to a public paying UK audience.

And another that states Films should not be screened purely to qualify them for these awards, and the film committee may not accept entry if they do not deem the theatrical release to be meaningful.

LONDON, ENGLAND  JULY 10: Founder and CEO of Vue International Tim Richards and British film star Gemma Arterton attend opening night celebrating the 6.6m relaunch of Vues state-of-the-art entertainment venue in the West End on July 10, 2017 in London, England (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Vue)

The CEO of Vue, a chain which boasts 90 state of the art cinemas throughout the UK and Ireland, with 863 screens, accuses Netflix of tactics and secrecy around its theatrical releases saying it acts outside the industry whilst at the same time it craves its acceptance.

It is clear that Netflix made at best a token effort to screen Roma, screening it to less than 1% of the UK market solely because it wanted an award. How could BAFTA let this happen?

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Vues support for the BAFTAs this year included marketing and endorsement for the awards themselves, as well as buying seats at the ceremony. The chain says it will not do this in 2020 unless the Academy board reconsiders its eligibility criteria.

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In response to the letter BAFTA released a statement saying:

The Film Committee is satisfied that every film in contention for this years Film Awards met the criteria for entry, which includes a meaningful UK theatrical release.

This image released by Netflix shows Yalitza Aparicio in a scene from the film Roma, by filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron. The film is nominated for an Oscar for best picture and best foreign film. The 91st Academy Awards will be held on Feb. 24. (Alfonso Cuaron/Netflix via AP)

BAFTA encourages public engagement with cinema-going and aims to be inclusive and supportive of the UK filmmaking sector as a whole.

We review our criteria annually in close consultation with the industry to ensure that our eligibility criteria remain fit for purpose.

Read Tim Richards letter to BAFTA in full on Screen.

Richards comments come off the back of an impassioned plea from Steven Spielberg to preserve the magic of the cinemagoing experience.

Speaking at the Cinema Audio Societys CAS Awards, the Ready Player One director said:

I hope all of us really continue to believe that the greatest contributions we can make as filmmakers is to give audiences the motion picture theatrical experience. Im a firm believer that movie theatres need to be around forever.

I love television. I love the opportunity. Some of the greatest writing being done today is for television, some of the best directing for television, some of the best performances [are] on television today, he added while accepting the Filmmaker Award on 16 February.

The sound is better in homes more than it ever has been in history but theres nothing like going to a big dark theatre with people youve never met before and having the experience wash over you. Thats something we all truly believe in.

Expect the conversation to reach new levels should Roma bag any of the top Oscars on Sunday, as most predict it will.





Read more

BAFTA viewers down over last year

Lumleys BAFTA hosting slammed

The biggest surprises at the BAFTAsAmerican Hoda Muthana (not pictured) wants to come home and face the U.S. justice system, her familys lawyer tells USA TODAY.

As U.S.-backed Kurdish forces make a final push against ISIS in Syria, the number of ISIS prisoners  including fighters and their families  detained in Syria grows too.

And as the number of Canadians detained in Syria grows, so does the urgency with which Canadians debate whether or not the government should be working to repatriate them.

In an attempt to soften the affect of its exit on Kurdish troops still fighting ISIS and managing those prisoners, the U.S. is urging allied countries to repatriate their prisoners.

But while other countries have begun to bring their prisoners home  France has collected 80 of 130 citizens  Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says he wont put Canadian diplomatic officers or consular officials at risk to retrieve the Canadian prisoners from Syria, where Canada currently has no diplomatic presence.

While Canada cannot strip Canadians of their citizenship unless they are found to have obtained it fraudulently  meaning Canada cant turn away a Canadian ISIS fighter or their spouse at the border  Goodale has said that bringing ISIS fighters or their families home is not a priority.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Of the approximately 5,000 Islamic State detainees currently being held in Syria, CBC News reports that 32 are Canadian. Among those 32 are women who left Canada to live in Syria with their ISIS-fighter spouses, and children below the age of five.

One such woman, identified by the first name Kimberly, told CTV she was lured to join the terrorist group in Syria by her first husband three years ago, but that she quickly became disillusioned once there. She described how it was dangerous to talk about going home.

Another Canadian woman, identified as Amy, told CTV the husband she followed to Syria died there and she wants to come home. She wants her two young Canadian-born sons and unborn child to grow up in a safe environment and have access to a proper education.





In an interview with CBC, UN official Agnes Callamard said Canada has a duty to bring its foreign fighters and their families home and have them face justice here. Whatever crimes the women might be suspected of committing, Callamard told CBC, they cant expect a fair trial without being brought back to Canada first.

What do you think? Should Canada work harder to bring the Canadian spouses and children of ISIS fighters home? Let us know by answering the poll above, or have your say in the comments.WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has chosen a familiar White House figure for his new chief of staff: Marc Short, who was President Donald Trump's top legislative aide until he left in July. "He has a strong relationship with the vice president," said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders. "Everybody feels like it will be a good fit." Pence's last top aide, Nick Ayers, left in December after he ruled out taking the chief of staff role for Trump. Short, who worked with Pence before he became vice president, had left the White House in July to join the University of Virginia's Miller Center and a Washington consulting firm. He will return to the White House in mid-March, Sanders said. (Reporting by Steve Holland, writing by Roberta Rampton; Editing by David Gregorio)HAGATNA, Guam Two leading U.S. organizations protecting victims and documenting the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic priesthood have called on Pope Francis to sustain the guilty verdict on Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron in a case involving sexual abuse of minors, and to defrock or expel him from the priesthood.

"It is wrong for Pope Francis to leave Guam Catholics twisting in the wind and waiting to discover the fate of Archbishop Apuron, especially since it has been nearly a full year since the archbishop was found guilty of abusing children," said Zach Hiner, executive director for the Missouri-based Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, the world's largest and oldest survivors group for abuse victims.

BishopAccountability.Org, which documents the Catholic clergy sex abuse crisis, said Apuron and four other bishops must be defrocked, just like the disgraced former Archbishop of Washington, D.C., cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

The pope's much publicized summit staring Thursday brings together the heads of bishops' conferences around the world to discuss the clergy sex abuse crisis.

Feb. 19: The stakes are high for Pope Francis, Catholics worldwide in unprecedented sex abuse summit

Feb. 16: Vatican defrocks ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after finding him guilty of sexual crimes

Bishop Accountability co-President Anne Barrett Doyle made their case for the laicization, or the removal from the clergy, of Apuron of Guam; Archbishop John Nienstedt of St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minnesota; Bishop Aldo di Cillo Pagotto of Paraiba, Brazil; Bishop Roger Joseph Vangheluwe of Bruges, Belgium; and Bishop Joseph Hart of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Barrett Doyle said that because of Apuron's appeals process, he technically remains the archbishop for the Archdiocese of Agana.

There is a preponderance of evidence that he has inflicted incalculable harm, Barrett Doyle said about Apuron during the news briefing.

Concerned Catholics of Guam, ahead of the summit, addressed a petition to Pope Francis, asking him to sustain the guilty verdict on Apuron so that this chapter in the Guam Catholic Church will come to a complete closure and help the healing process.

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Apuron case

The pope placed Apuron on administrative leave in 2016, when former altar boys publicly accused Apuron of sexually abusing or raping them as minors in the 1970s. Apuron's own nephew came out in 2018, saying his uncle raped him when he was already an archbishop, in the 1990s.

In February 2017, a Vatican tribunal led by Cardinal Raymond Burke went to Guam to investigate allegations against Apuron.

About a year later, in March 2018, the Vatican tribunal announced that it found Apuron guilty of "certain accusations" of crimes related to the sexual abuse of minors. Apuron denied the allegations, in statements to the media.

Jan. 15: Guam archdiocese files for bankruptcy to pay off clergy sex abuse claims

Aug. 28: Pope Francis says he'll personally review, speed up appeal of archbishop accused of child sexual abuse

Hiner, of the Survivors Network, said they cannot understand why Pope Francis is choosing to delay his decision on Apuron's appeal, but the Survivors Network hopes that the pope "will choose to listen to his faithful in Guam and uphold Archbishop Apuron's guilty verdict today."

"If he chooses not to take this simple step today, we cannot have any faith that he will do the right thing when it comes to cases of clergy sex abuse and cover-up at his summit this week," Hiner said ahead of the summit.

Besides a guilty verdict in the Vatican canonical case, Apuron also is facing six lawsuits in civil court. Guam has more than 200 clergy sex abuse cases filed in local and federal courts since 2016, when the island lifted the statue of limitations for child sexual abuses.

The Archdiocese of Agana also filed a Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy to help compensate the victims of clergy sex abuse.

Follow Haidee Eugenio on Twitter @haidee_eugenio

Aug. 17: Why the Roman Catholic Church still struggles with sexual abuse scandals

June 14: Guam's archbishop, Anthony Apuron, appeals Vatican verdict on sex-abuse charges

March 22: 'They believed us': Victims of Guam clergy abuse react to Vatican verdict

March 16: Guam archbishop guilty of sexual abuse, exiled from island, Vatican tribunal rules

August 2017: Shattered faith: Nearly 100 sex abuse suits against Catholic priests rock island of Guam

This article originally appeared on Pacific Daily News: As Vatican meets on sex abuse, Pope must defrock Guam's Apuron, groups say(Reuters) - A no-deal Brexit would be a "mutual calamity" for Britain and the European Union that would deliver a sharp blow to the British economy, Finance Minister Philip Hammond said on Tuesday. Hammond, addressing the annual dinner of Britain's largest manufacturing association, Make UK, added that lawmakers should stop seeking legal changes to the Northern Irish backstop that the EU would not accept at short notice, and instead focus on supporting Prime Minister Theresa May's preferred Brexit plan. "Our partners in the EU need to be at their pragmatic best in helping to avoid the mutual calamity of no deal; and you  and we  need to carry on explaining the implications of a no deal exit, no matter who cries 'Project Fear'," Hammond said. (Reporting by David Milliken in London)(Reuters) - British Finance Minister Philip Hammond said on Tuesday it was clear the European Union will not now consider alternatives to the Irish backstop to help the UK government win support for its Brexit withdrawal deal, but that such options could be valuable in the future. "The so-called 'Malthouse' initiative to explore possible alternative arrangements to the backstop is a valuable effort ..." he said at a dinner in London to an association of manufacturers, but added, "It is clear that the EU will not consider replacing the backstop with such an alternative arrangement now in order to address our immediate challenge." The Malthouse Compromise, championed by Conservative lawmakers from the party's pro- and anti-EU wings, seeks to use technology to replace the backstop, an insurance policy designed to stop a return to a hard border between EU-member Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. The backstop has become the main point of contention in the proposed Brexit deal. May agreed on the protocol with EU leaders in November but then saw it rejected last month by UK lawmakers. The European Union has made it clear that it will not reopen the Brexit withdrawal agreement, including the backstop, and it will not accept alternative arrangements. British Prime Minister Theresa May travels to Brussels on Wednesday to meet European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker. Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru and Paul Sandle in London; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)By Ginger Gibson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat running for president, on Tuesday proposed a universal childcare program, paid for by a tax on high-net-worth individuals, to help families unable to find affordable care. The program would be funded largely by the federal government and would use existing childcare facilities and in-home providers. The proposed tax would apply to individuals with a net worth of $50 million or higher, which the senator from Massachusetts has dubbed the "Ultra-Millionare Tax." Her campaign estimates the tax would generate $2.75 trillion in government revenue in 10 years. "In the wealthiest country on the planet, access to affordable and high-quality child care and early education should be a right, not a privilege reserved for the rich," Warren said in an online post explaining her proposal. Warren is vying for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, hoping to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. The Democratic field has grown rapidly, pitting candidates like Warren in the party's more liberal wing against moderates, who may be more reluctant to back expansive new federal programs. Republicans are likely to criticize her proposal as being too expensive and dependent on a new tax that would harm the economy. Republicans have said childcare programs should be driven by the states, and not imposed by the federal government. U.S. states generally offer public education beginning around age 5. There are no other public programs open to all children, and the average family pays thousands of dollars for day care. Programs like the federal government's Head Start make preschool available to children from poor families. Warren is not proposing the creation of a national school network, but using existing childcare options and then adding more. Under her proposal, the cost of childcare would depend on a family's income. Families that make 200 percent of the federal poverty line - currently about $50,000 or less for a family of four - would get childcare for free. For those who make more, their payments would be capped at 7 percent of income. For example, according to Warren's campaign, a family of four making $125,000 a year would pay no more than $8,750 a year for childcare. She compared that with the cost faced by a family in New Hampshire, which currently would pay about $21,000 a year for care for two children. The program would not be mandatory, so families that opt to have a parent remain home and provide childcare could continue to do so. (Reporting by Ginger Gibson; editing by Jonathan Oatis)By Katharine Jackson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In the study of his home outside Washington, victims advocate Tom Doyle searched a shelf packed with books to find the thick report that led him to stop practicing as a priest and devote himself to helping those who had been sexually abused by clergymen.

The 1985 report was one of the first exposes in a sexual abuse scandal that has plagued the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has called senior bishops to meet for four days starting on Thursday to discuss how to tackle the worsening crisis.

Doyle, 74, who lost his job as a canon lawyer in the Vatican Embassy soon after the report was made public and eventually decided he could not continue working as an active priest, is deeply skeptical that anything of substance will come of this weeks meeting.

"They're going to pray and they're going to meditate. But it's totally useless," he said. "You shouldn't have to have something like this in 2019. These men should know right out of the gate that if you have a priest who's raping children, you don't allow them to continue."

The meeting comes after a year in which fresh revelations about abuse of children and cover-up has shaken the church globally and tested the pope's authority. Predatory priests were often moved from parish to parish rather than expelled or criminally prosecuted as bishops covered up the abuse.

Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, 67, a professor at Catholic University, said that U.S. bishops have already taken decisive steps to keep children from being abused. In 2002, after decades of abuse in the Boston area became public, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) passed a charter including requirements to report allegations of abuse of minors to police and to remove abusive priests or deacons after a single offence.

"The bishops of the United States are following zero tolerance," Rossetti, who helped draft the charter, said. "If you molested a minor at any time in your life, you're not going to be a priest in this country. Period."

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Rossetti said the pope and the bishops should use the Vatican meeting to push for similar reforms in other countries where the problem of abuse is still coming to light.

But the U.S. policy "still left the bishops off the hook," David Lorenz, a director at Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, said. He called the popes summit "a publicity stunt."

Recalling how he was abused at age 16 by a priest at an all-boys high school in Kentucky, Lorenz said the church and bishops with secrets of their own will continue to cover up abuse.

"It's the secrecy. It's the silence. It's because I was silent for so long," Lorenz, now 60, said, welling up. "They rely on that."

(Reporting by Katharine Jackson in Washington; Editing by Frank McGurty and Cynthia Osterman)ROME (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to Italy, Lewis Eisenberg, visited the Rome headquarters of Italian phone group Telecom Italia on Wednesday, a Reuters witness said. The U.S embassy and Telecom Italia declined to comment when asked if the visit was related to U.S. demands that its European allies do not use technology supplied by China's Huawei International. 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. Ambassador Eisenberg made no comment at the end of the visit, which lasted for around 30 minutes. (Reporting by Alberto Sisto, writing by Giselda Vagnoni, editing by Silvia Aloisi)Twitter suspended two pro-life accounts this week, telling the associated users that they had violated the platforms rules against abusive behavior.

Pro-life San Francisco (@prolifesf) as well as the account of Eric Cochran (@Eric_Cochran), a supporter who retweeted the Pro-life San Francisco, have been suspended since February 13 for sharing already-public information about the criminal case against David Daleiden, the undercover journalist who filmed Planned Parenthood executives apparently haggling over the price of fetal body parts.

Twitter asked Terrisa Bukovinac, who runs the Pro-life San Francisco account, to delete her tweets naming the 14 individuals Daleiden and his partner Sandra Merritt filmed. Their names have been publicly available on the Internet since 2017, but they are named as Does one through 14 in the felony case against Daleiden, People of the State of California vs. David Robert Daleiden, Sandra Merritt.

Bukovinac has appealed the suspension and is awaiting a response.

The Does have made their own identities known by speaking publicly about the case and their own involvement, Bukovinac told National Review. Twitters selective targeting of our organization is either pure viewpoint discrimination or a pathetic submission to pressure from Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation.

We do not tolerate behavior that crosses the line into abuse, read Twitters response to Cochran, who also appealed his suspension. This includes behavior that harasses, intimidates, or uses fear to silence another persons voice.

However, the social-media giant did not suspend the account of Bryan Kemper, a pro-life activist and the director of youth outreach at Priests for Life, who retweeted an article with the same information.

I think its obvious that Twitter does truly recognize free speech by the way they target accounts of pro-life and conservative leaders, Kemper told National Review. Twitter is censoring something that is simply public knowledge. They are allowing Pro-life San Francisco to be bullied and trying to silence them. It must be a targeted attack as I have tweeted out the exact same information and gotten no problems from Twitter even though my tweet got way more attention.

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The more Twitter censors the louder we will be with the truth, Kemper added. The pro-abortion forces are afraid because they know this is the generation that will abolish abortion and they are fighting any way they can to try and slow us down.

More from National ReviewAMMAN (Reuters) - Twin explosions in the bustling center of the rebel-held northwestern Syrian city of Idlib on Monday killed at least 15 people and injured scores, medics and witnesses said. They said an explosive device planted in a parked car detonated in a main street in the provincial capital. Many of the casualties were civil defense workers who reached the site moments before a second explosion nearby. That blast was attributed by some witnesses to a bomb rigged to a motorcyle. Social media footage showed aid workers carrying away bodies and rescuing wounded civilians amid smouldering wreckage. Idlib province, in Syria's northwest corner, is under the control of Hayat Tahrir al Sham, a bloc of Islamist militant factions spearheaded by Syria's former al Qaeda affiliate, and has long been targeted by bombings and assassinations. Alliance commanders say they hundreds of people have been rounded up for suspected links to Syrian President Bashar al Assad's intelligence services or Islamic State sleeper cells who they blame for some of the bombings. They say the wave of blasts in the densely populated region, a haven for tens of thousands of civilians opposed to Assad's rule, aims to destabilize the last opposition bastion remaining after almost eight years of civil war. Idlib, which borders Turkey, has also seen an escalation in artillery fire from the Syrian army and allied Iranian-backed militias on rebel-held towns, witnesses said. Damascus has vowed to retake every last inch of Syria to cap a string of military gains in the last two years that have recovered almost all rebel-controlled regions with the key assistance of Russian air power. Russia is keen to help Assad regain the entire country, including eventually Idlib, but Turkey, which wants the Syrian leader to leave power, has so far successfully pushed back. Last week President Vladimir Putin said Russia, Turkey and Iran had agreed to take unspecified extra steps to clear Idlib of what he called "a hotbed of terrorists," but the Kremlin said there would be no military operation there. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Mark Heinrich)WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he expects to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again after their planned summit next week in Hanoi. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he would like to remove sanctions on North Korea, but that he needs to see Pyongyang make a move first on denuclearization. "I don't think this will be the last meeting by any chance," Trump said. The United States has been demanding that North Korea give up its nuclear weapons program that threatens the United States. North Korea has been insisting on the lifting of U.S.-led sanctions, a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War and security guarantees. Trump has been eager for the Feb. 27-28 summit in Vietnam, even though a first meeting in Singapore in June produced only vague commitments from Kim and little concrete progress since. "I think they want to do something. Well see what happens," Trump said, adding that he would need to see "meaningful" progress from the other side before making any changes to the U.S. sanctions. On Tuesday, Trump had reiterated that he wants North Korea to end its nuclear program, but added that he is in no rush and had no pressing time schedule for Pyongyang. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Writing by Tim Ahmann and Meredith Mazzilli; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the newly confirmed US attorney general should be the person who decides whether to publicly release the much-anticipated Russia report, which could be completed as early as next week.

The remarks came as CNN reported that Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who has headed the probe since May 2017, could deliver his final report next week, possibly when Trump travels to Asia for his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Asked at the White House whether Mueller should release the text while the president is out of the country, a subdued Trump said "that will be totally up to the new attorney general," Bill Barr.

On whether the report should be made public, the president again deferred: "From what I understand, that will be totally up to the attorney general."

"He's a tremendous man, a tremendous person, who really respects this country and respects the Justice Department," Trump added.

Related Video: Andrew McCabe Speaks Out About Russia Probe

For more news videos visit Yahoo View.

Mueller has been investigating allegations that Russia interfered in the last US presidential election, and whether the Trump campaign colluded in that effort.

Trump has repeatedly denounced the probe as a "witch hunt," while some Democrats have accused him of obstructing justice.

Barr has been in the job just one week, and lawmakers are keen to learn how much of Mueller's findings Barr and the Justice Department will disclose to Congress.

Barr was strongly critical of the Mueller investigation in 2017 while he was in the private sector. During the recent confirmation process he notably declined to commit to making Mueller's report public, something which has bothered many Democrats.

Congressional Democrats, reacting to the report that Mueller might soon deliver the results of his investigation, demanded it be released publicly.

"I believe AG Barr must make the #MuellerReport public so all can learn how #Russia meddled in the 2016 election & whether that crime was aided & abetted by @realDonaldTrump or his campaign," congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said on Twitter.Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that while he hoped his next meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would yield much progress, he was also in "no rush" for results.

"I'd like to see ultimately denuclearization of North Korea," he told reporters, just over a week out from the February 27-28 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam.

"I think that North Korea and Chairman Kim have some very positive things in mind and we'll soon find out, but I'm in no rush," he said, adding that sanctions were continuing in the meantime.

"I hope that positive things are going to happen. I think it'll be a very exciting couple of days."

At their landmark summit in Singapore last year, the mercurial US and North Korean leaders produced a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work toward "the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."

But progress has since stalled, with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Trump, who spoke on Tuesday with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in, said he would do the same on Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

A State Department statement meanwhile said the US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun was traveling to Hanoi in preparation for the summit.Donald Trump must be removed from office as he is not well at all mentally, a former White House ethics chief has said.

Richard Painter, who served as George W Bushs ethics lawyer between 2005 and 2007, told cable network Msnbc Mr Trumps national emergency declaration over illegal immigration was clearly illegal and the product of the presidents state of mind.

The president is not well at all mentally. I think hes an extreme narcissist. He has been denied what he wants, his wall, and he is having a hissy fit, said Mr Painter.

He is out of control, and he will not take no for an answer from Congress. And hes going do this. He is going to insist on doing it, he is going to tear the country apart. Its unconstitutional, its illegal.

He is going to do enormous damage to the Republican Party which is going to split right down the middle over this, and we really need to keep in mind that this is because the president is not well.

Mr Painter, vice-chair of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which filed a lawsuit against the declaration hours after its announcement, cited Mr Trumps belief of Vladimir Putin over US intelligence officials as evidence of his irrationality.

He is not capable of doing the job. He does need to be removed under the 25th amendment, but he stocked his cabinet with people who are unwilling to do that, and Congress is apparently unwilling to even try to remove him through impeachment, Mr Painter said.

On Monday, a coalition of 16 US states, led by California, sued the Trump administration over last weeks emergency declaration, which gives Mr Trump powers to allocate federal funds for segments of a barrier across the US-Mexico border.

The move came after Congress refused to grant Mr Trump the $5.7bn (4.4bn) he initially demanded in wall funding, a row which led to a record 35-day government shutdown late last year.

Today, on Presidents Day, we take President Trump to court to block his misuse of presidential power, California attorney general Xavier Becerra said in a statement.

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We are suing President Trump to stop him from unilaterally robbing taxpayer funds lawfully set aside by Congress for the people of our states. For most of us, the Office of the Presidency is not a place for theatre.

The White House has been contacted for comment.By Makini Brice WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit Japan in May to meet with the country's new emperor and then return in June for a G20 gathering, a White House official said on Wednesday after a phone call between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump's first visit will likely take place from May 26 to 28, when he is expected to become the first foreign dignitary to meet Crown Prince Naruhito after he succeeds his father, Akihito, as emperor of Japan on May 1, NHK said, citing Japanese officials. Asked later in the Oval Office if he would be visiting Japan in May, Trump said, "I will be, at a certain time." Trump will also attend the Osaka meeting of the Group of 20 largest world economies in June, the White House official said. Trump and Abe spoke by phone on Wednesday to coordinate ahead of the U.S. leader's meeting next week in Hanoi with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization" of North Korea, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. Japan's Foreign Ministry said the two leaders discussed issues of mutual concern involving North Korea, including the return of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea and the development of nuclear weapons and missile systems by Pyongyang. They agreed to have another telephone conversation after the summit between Trump and Kim in Hanoi on Feb. 27 and 28, the ministry said. Trump's administration has been working with the political leadership of both Japan and South Korea in advance of his summit with Kim, as they work to help achieve the U.S. goal of convincing North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons. North Korea has threatened to strike all three nations with nuclear weapons. In remarks to reporters in the Oval Office ahead of a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Trump said he and Abe had compared notes on North Korea. "I think we are very much on the same wavelength," Trump said. Abe has said Japan is committed to normalizing diplomatic relations with North Korea and has pledged to work with China to resolve tensions on the peninsula. The Japanese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Abe has worked to maintain close ties with the United States under the Trump administration. The U.S. president said recently that Abe had sent him a copy of a letter nominating him for the Nobel Prize, a comment that set off a controversy in Japan, where some have accused Abe of excessively flattering Trump. Abe has since declined to say whether he had nominated Trump for the peace prize, but Japanese media have cited anonymous Japanese government sources as saying Abe nominated Trump at the request of the White House. Since then, two Norwegian lawmakers have said they too nominated Trump due to positive developments on the Korean peninsula. (Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom, Susan Heavey, Jeff Mason, Steve Holland and Lisa Lambert in Washington; Editing by Tom Brown and James Dalgleish)Donald Trump's partial government shutdown is over, but the haunting effects are not.

Perhaps nowhere is that demonstrated more than in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), one agency that affects all Americans.

Listen to the words of advocate Nina Olson, an independent official within the IRS. Her latest report describes an agency with a "shocking" level of service, suffering a "cycle of frustration," and one beset with long-standing problems made worse by the 35-day partial shutdown.

She described an agency so damaged that taxpayer trust and confidence in our tax system have been crippled.

"It is irresponsible for an agency that touches all aspects of people's lives to be underfunded, understaffed, and at the mercy of shutdowns," she wrote. "It is making strategic decisions that ultimately burden taxpayers, increase its own rework, and create distance and distrust between taxpayers and the tax agency, thereby undermining voluntary compliance."

The report provided a slew of statistics demonstrating the depth of the problem. For the last week of the shutdown, ending 26 January, 12.8 per cent of taxpayer calls on instalment agreements and balance-due questions were answered. Those that were answered waited 93 minutes. The day before the shutdown stopped, the IRS had:

"Over 5 million pieces of mail that had not been batched for processing."

"80,000 responses to FY 2018 Earned Income Tax Credit audits that had not been addressed."

"87,000 amended returns waiting to be processed."

Metrics like these "translate into real harm to real taxpayers," Ms Olson said. "And they represent increased rework for the IRS downstream, at a time when the IRS is already resource challenged."

IRS officials responded with a statement that said the agency "successfully reopened operations following the shutdown, and the agency is seeing a good start to the 2019 filing season.

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It added: "We are continuing to assess the impact of the shutdown on our various operations across the agency and remain proud of the many IRS employees who have risen to the resulting challenges."

The full impact of the shutdown will not be known for "months, and even years, down the road," Ms Olson predicted.

She praised IRS employees who "returned to work with energy."

National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) president Tony Reardon said "in some cases, employees are being asked to work overtime specifically to get the agency caught up. Orientation for new hires and refresher training for employees is also behind schedule in some areas. These are all signs of an agency still grappling with a record five-week shutdown on the eve of a tax filing season that was already going to be challenging because of the new tax law."

Despite its many difficulties, the IRS remains the lifeblood of the federal government. Tax collectors raise about 93 per cent of the national budget.

They do so on a relative shoestring. The $3.5 trillion (2.7 trillion) collected in fiscal 2018 was on an $11.43 billion IRS budget, a return on investment of about 300 to 1.

"I don't know how anyone can read this report," Mr Reardon said, "and not be alarmed at the massive amount of damage that has been done to the agency's workforce and the taxpayers they want to serve."

The damage did not begin with the shutdown. Years of taxpayer-advocate reports, congressional testimony, taxpayer protests and employee complaints have chronicled an agency that suffered at the hands of Republican appropriators who wanted to punish the tax collectors. Republicans charged the IRS with unfairly scrutinising conservative nonprofit organisations under the Obama administration, despite evidence that progressive groups were also scrutinised.

The IRS still has not recovered. The title of the report's list of "Most Serious Problems" is illustrative - "The Taxpayer's Journey."

The problems, which cause "extreme frustration" for taxpayers and employees, include "antiquated technology systems" that if not replaced will "increasingly harm taxpayers and impair revenue collection," according to the report.

Ms Olson also cited agreements between private tax collectors (PCA) and low-income taxpayers "to make payments they cannot afford." Of "taxpayers who made commissionable payments while their debts were assigned to PCAs," she added, "24 per cent had incomes at or below the federal poverty level."

Because of the shutdown, employees estimate "it may take them almost a year to catch up, but many taxpayers cannot wait that long because they need their responses" by 15 April, when 2018 taxes are due, said David Carron, a revenue agent speaking as president of NTEU Chapter 6 covering Louisiana and Arkansas.

"We would relate this to an assembly line that has been stopped for over a month, but the same amount of products have to be produced" by then.

The Washington PostIn the oval office on Wednesday, President Trump threatened tariffs on auto imports, if the United States cannot agree to a trade deal with the European Union.

Its something we think about and were negotiating with [the EU]. If we dont make the deal, well do the tariffs, the President said.

On Sunday, the Commerce Department submitted a report to the White House, detailing its findings on whether auto imports pose a threat to national security. The report has not yet been made public. When asked about the report on Wednesday, the President did not give any details about its findings.

Weve studied it very carefully. Weve seen the results, but the bottom line result is whether or not we can make a deal with the EU thats fair, said Trump.

The President has 90 days after receiving the report to made a decision on tariffs.

Were trying to make a deal. Theyre very tough to make a deal with, the EU. Theyve been very difficult, said Trump.

Democratic Senator and Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, Ron Wyden has called on the White House to release the Commerce Department report.

American families, small businesses, farmers and ranchers have a right to know what Donald Trump is considering when it comes to slapping tariffs on cars and trucks and even on parts used to assemble autos in the U.S. To me, the notion that importing autos and parts is a threat to our countrys national security is a tough sell, said Wyden in a statement.

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Lawmakers in the Presidents own party have warned him not to put tariffs on auto imports.

Misusing the Section 232 trade tool hurts #Ohio workers & consumers. I hope the admin moves away from imposing auto tariffs, said Republican Senator Rob Portman in a tweet.

Portman also urged lawmakers to pass his Trade Security Act, which would reform the 232 tariff process.

On the Senate floor last week, Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said auto tariffs would be damaging to the economy.

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Raising tariffs on cars and parts would be a huge tax on consumers who buy or service their cars, whether those cars are imported or domestically produced. And make no mistake  Americans will be paying those taxes, Grassley said.

A BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research report released on Wednesday said the administration is most likely to threaten tariffs without actually enacting them.

The report also said that in a worst case scenario, full-blown tit-for-tat auto tariffs could trigger a global recession.



Jessica Smith is a reporter for Yahoo Finance based in Washington, D.C. Follow her on Twitter at @JessicaASmith8.

Read more:

Lawmakers work to scale back the presidents trade authority as auto tariffs loom

Congress readies for marijuana banking hearing

Senators propose legislation to end Congressional pensionsGovernor calls move to cancel $929m in federal grant funds political retribution for national emergency lawsuit



The Federal Railroad Administrator has determined that the California High-Speed Rail Authority has materially failed to comply with the terms of the construction agreement. Photograph: Rich Pedroncelli/AP

The US Department of Transportation has announced plans to cancel $929m in federal grant funds for Californias high-speed rail project, in a move the states governor called political retribution for its lawsuit against Donald Trumps declaration of a national emergency.

The announcement came a day after California led a coalition of 16 states to sue the Trump administration over the presidents decision to declare a national emergency to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

On Tuesday, the department announced it would be withdrawing the federal grant funds that were yet to be paid toward the $77bn rail endeavor, which Trump last week labelled a green disaster.

The department also is actively exploring every legal option to seek the return from California of $2.5bn in federal funds FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) previously granted, according to the statement released Tuesday.

California governor Gavin Newsom said: Its no coincidence that the administrations threat comes 24 hours after California led 16 states in challenging the presidents farcical national emergency.

He said: The president even tied the two issues together in a tweet this morning. This is clear political retribution by President Trump, and we wont sit idly by. This is Californias money, and we are going to fight for it.

However, the FRA said the California High-Speed Rail Authority, the state-run organization tasked with overseeing the project has materially failed to comply with the terms of the agreement that promised $929m in federal funds for construction.

In response to Newsoms remarks, Trump tweeted asking for the return of three and a half billion dollars. Newsom responded by tweeting that the money was allocated by Congress for this project. Were not giving it back.

The high-speed rail project represents a multi-decade effort to connect eight of Californias largest cities by what was conceived as Americas first bullet train. In 2008, voters approved almost $10bn in funding for a plan to to lay down hundreds of miles of new track, but years of protest and lawsuits have forced the authority to rework its plans.

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Phase one, a 520-mile long plan connecting downtown San Francisco, Los Angeles and Anaheim with cities in the Central Valley, was expected to be completed in 2029, but that has since been pushed to 2033.

Last week, Newsom said during his State of the State address, that the high-speed railway project as currently planned, would cost too much and take too long.

Opponents of the ambitious project interpreted his comments as a declaration that the train to nowhere has finally stopped and that Newsom was canceling the leg of the plan that extended the railway from San Francisco to Los Angeles. But Newsoms office later clarified that he meant only that we have to be realistic about the project.

The train is leaving the station  better get on board! the governor wrote.

FRA administrator Ronald Batory argued on Tuesday that Newsom had presented a new proposal that represents a significant retreat from the states initial vision and commitment and frustrates the purpose for which federal funding was awarded.

The authority has failed to make reasonable progress, Batory wrote in a letter to Brian Kelly, the FRAs chief executive, adding that it will not complete the project by the end of 2022, as was previously agreed upon.

The federal governments moves are the latest point of friction between the Trump administration and California, which has styled itself as the Democratic-led resistance to the administration. Newsom, less than two months into his tenure, has appeared more eager to hit back at Trump than former California governor Jerry Brown. The lawsuit is Californias 46th against the Trump administration.

Using a broad interpretation of his executive powers, Trump declared an emergency last week to obtain wall funding beyond the $1.4bn Congress approved for border security. The move allows the president to bypass Congress to use money from the Pentagon and other budgets.

Trumps use of the emergency declaration has drawn bipartisan criticism and faces a number of legal challenges. Still the president has told reporters he expects to prevail.

I think in the end were going to be very successful with the lawsuit, Trump told reporters, calling it an open and closed case.

Trump had earlier singled out California for its lead role in the suit, seeking to link the states high-speed rail project to his plan for the wall.

On Twitter, Trump claimed the failed Fast Train project was beset by world record setting cost overruns and had become hundreds of times more expensive than the desperately needed Wall!Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is barring a US-born former Islamic State propagandist from returning home, making the highly unusual case that she is not a US citizen.

Trump's refusal to admit 24-year-old Hoda Muthana comes just as he is pressing Europeans to repatriate their own Islamic State fighters and will likely face legal challenges, with US citizenship extremely difficult to lose.

Trump said on Twitter he has "instructed" Secretary of State Mike Pompeo "not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the country" -- a break with usual US protocol not to comment on individuals' immigration issues.

"Ms. Hoda Muthana is not a US citizen and will not be admitted into the United States," Pompeo said in a terse statement.

"She does not have any legal basis, no valid US passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the United States," he added.

The US generally grants citizenship to everyone born on its soil and the Alabama-raised Muthana is believed to have traveled to Syria on a US passport.

But a US official said a later investigation showed that she had not been entitled to her passport, adding: "Ms. Muthana's citizenship has not been revoked because she was never a citizen."

Officials declined further comment but in a loophole that could boost the government case, Muthana's father had been a diplomat from Yemen -- and children of diplomats are not automatically given citizenship.

Muthana's lawyer, Hassan Shilby, showed a birth certificate that demonstrated she was born in New Jersey in 1994 and said her father had ceased being a diplomat "months and months" before her birth.

"She is a US citizen. She had a valid passport. She may have broken the law and, if she has, she's willing to pay the price," Shilby told AFP at his office in Tampa.

He said Muthana wanted due process and was willing to go to prison if convicted.

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"We cannot get to a point where we simply strip citizenship from those who break the law. That's not what America is about. We have one of the greatest legal systems in the world, and we have to abide by it."

- US-born and radicalized -

Just this weekend, Trump took to Twitter to chastise European allies that have not taken back hundreds of Islamic State prisoners caught in Syria, where Trump plans to withdraw US troops.

Comparatively few Americans have embraced radical Islam, with the Counter Extremism Project at George Washington University identifying 64 who went to join the Islamic State group in Syria or Iraq.

Muthana, raised in a strict household in Hoover, Alabama, said she was brainwashed by social media messages and headed to Syria without her parents' knowledge in 2014.

Shortly afterward, Muthana posted on Twitter a picture of herself and three other women who appeared to torch their Western passports, including an American one.

She went on to post vivid calls on social media to kill Americans, glorifying the ruthless extremist group notorious for its beheadings that for a time ruled vast swathes of Syria and Iraq.

But with the Islamic State group down to its last stretch of land, Muthana said she has renounced extremism and wants to return home with her toddler son, born to one of her three jihadist husbands.

"To say that I regret my past words, any pain that I caused my family and any concerns I would cause my country would be hard for me to really express properly," she said in a handwritten note to her lawyer.

- Tough to lose US citizenship -

The US decision on Muthana comes amid rising debate in Europe on the nationality of extremists. Britain recently revoked the citizenship of Shamina Begum, who similarly traveled to Syria and wants to return to her country of birth.

Britain asserted that she was entitled to Bangladeshi citizenship due to her heritage, but the Dhaka government on Wednesday denied that she was eligible, leading her to become effectively stateless.

US citizenship is significantly more difficult to lose. The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified in 1868 after the Civil War as slavery was abolished, establishes that anyone born in the country is a citizen with full rights.

The US Supreme Court in the landmark 1967 Afroyim decision rejected the government's attempt to revoke the nationality of a Polish-born naturalized American after he voted in Israel.

And last year a federal judge rejected a bid to strip the nationality of a Pakistani-born naturalized American who was convicted in a plot to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge.

But Trump has campaigned on a hard line over immigration and raised the prospect of ending birthright citizenship ahead of last year's congressional elections.

In 2011, President Barack Obama ordered drone strikes that killed two Americans in Yemen -- prominent Al-Qaeda preacher Anwar al-Awlaki and his 16-year-old son -- but did not believe it was possible to revoke citizenship.The U.S. Department of Transportation on Tuesday said it intends to terminate an agreement that would have granted nearly $929 million in federal funds for Californias ambitious and controversial high-speed rail project. The department said it had determined that the California High-Speed Rail Authority had materially failed to comply with the terms of the agreement and had failed to make reasonable progress on the project.Near Baghouz (Syria) (AFP) - At least 10 trucks carrying men, women and children left the Islamic State group's last redoubt in eastern Syria on Wednesday, in a sign a final assault may be approaching.

The convoy passed a position of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces after leaving the last IS holdout in the village of Baghouz, near the Iraqi border.

AFP correspondents at the SDF staging point outside Baghouz saw children, including young girls wearing veils, inside the trucks with men and veiled women.

"We have special forces working on the evacuation of civilians. After many days of trying, we were able to evacuate the first batch today," SDF spokesman Mustefa Bali told AFP.

The spokesman said he did not have accurate figures on the number of people evacuated, but said that this would become clearer once the convoy arrived at a nearby SDF screening point for arrivals from the IS-held pocket.

"We don't know if IS fighters are among them, we will know at the screening point," he said.

"There are still civilians inside" the Baghouz pocket, he added.

Thousands of people -- mostly women and children related to jihadist fighters -- have streamed out of IS territory in recent weeks, but the flow largely stopped in recent days, with just dozens reported to have left.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said the SDF appeared to have reached a deal with the jihadists.

Backed by air strikes by a US-led coalition, the SDF have trapped the jihadists in a section of Baghouz village that is less than half a square kilometre (a fifth of a square mile).

The SDF have slowed down their offensive as they seek to evacuate civilians before a final push to defeat the jihadists, who seized swathes of Syria and Iraq in 2014 and declared a cross-border caliphate.With Brett Kavanaugh on board, the Supreme Court appears to have a solid right-leaning majority for the first time in 80 years. The split is 54, but the conservative justices are considerably younger than their Democratic counterparts: The oldest conservative, Justice Thomas, is only 70, making him a decade younger than Stephen Breyer and a decade and a half younger than Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Barring unexpected ideological shifts or tragedy, this majority will likely endure for a generation, producing a significant shift in American law.

As we await the first flood of decisions from the new lineup, its worth asking how the shift will play out for the legal profession as a whole. For one thing, it will expand the gap between the legal academy and the courts into a chasm.

As Professor Nicholas Quinn Rosenkranz of Georgetown Law observed in 2014, There are more conservatives on the nine-member United States Supreme Court than there are on this 120-member faculty. Such a ratio was  and still is  the norm for elite law schools. This means that at best, students learn originalist and textualist thought from teachers for whom it is a second language. At worst, they are taught fantasy law  professors skimming past the law as it is, much less as it is likely soon to be, in favor of theories that would be adopted only if the Warren Court were resurrected.

It says something about hiring standards at top law schools that the prolific Josh Blackman, who won the Federalist Societys 2018 Joseph Story Award for an academic under 40 who has demonstrated excellence in legal scholarship, is tenured at the South Texas College of Law Houston rather than at a top-ten school.

This impasse may hurt the Left as much as anyone else. The Federalist Society, the few conservative law journals such as the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy and the NYU Journal of Law & Liberty (of which I am editor-in-chief), and leaders in the judiciary and the political branches have done an effective job of knitting the scattered conservative faculty into a cohesive intellectual force  even if the disparity in law-school resources is sometimes frustrating for a movement that depends on the analysis of history and language.

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Meanwhile, the legal Left, as even sympathetic observers have noted, has failed for three decades to develop an overarching counter-idea to originalism. This may be because its members have not had to confront scrutiny from colleagues to the same extent that originalists have. (It was such scrutiny that led to the shift from original intent originalism to the intellectually much stronger original public meaning originalism.) Instead, the legal Left has ensconced itself in a world where the main debate is between the center-left liberals and hard-left progressives. The current issue of the Columbia Law Review features articles such as Can Free Speech Be Progressive? Top-school profs reacted to the Kavanaugh confirmation by calling for the packing or abolition of the Supreme Court. And the student bodies look upon the professors like Jacobins upon Girondins.

Even where the far Left does not predominate, things are less healthy than they at first seem. For instance, not every leading journal is overtly partisan. Many are filled with reasonable-sounding, wonky position papers. But even these, though cloaked in centrist language, are written to boost left-wing positions, and conservative Supreme Court judges  not to mention their many counterparts on the influential courts of appeals  are unlikely to be moved by such overtures.

Practicing lawyers have taken a notably different approach to the new realities than have their tenured counterparts. Mark Joseph Stern at Slate recently chronicled the rise of the Gorsuch brief  an originalist/textualist brief filed by the ACLU and kindred organizations arguing that the original meaning of a statute or constitutional amendment supports their position (as it often does on criminal-procedure issues, where a GorsuchSotomayor alliance has shown up repeatedly). Paul Weiss, one of the most proudly liberal BigLaw firms in the nation, just hired a former Scalia clerk (and all-star attorney) Kannon Shanmugam to found its new Supreme Court practice.

Those who want to get things done  liberals as well as conservatives  are looking for lawyers who can speak originalism and textualism, but law schools are not teaching these languages. Sooner or later, something will have to give. Until then, conservatives should not be shy about questioning whats going on here.

Mandatory three-year law school for all practicing lawyers under the American Bar Association cartel is a relatively new phenomenon in America, and its quarter-million-dollar price tag newer still. Figures as diverse as President Obama and Alan Dershowitz have sporadically questioned the value of the third year. If legal education becomes less tied to the actual law and more blatantly partisan, conservatives should make such questions a sustained chorus. As the old saw goes, maybe when the law schools feel the heat, they will see the light.

More from National ReviewLondon (AFP) - Three MPs quit Britain's governing Conservative Party on Wednesday in protest at its "disastrous" hard line on Brexit, joining a rebellion in parliament that is redrawing the country's political landscape just weeks before it leaves the EU.

The resignations by the pro-European trio posed a fresh and embarrassing headache for Prime Minister Theresa May as she headed to Brussels for talks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Anna Soubry, Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston said they planned to sit in parliament alongside eight former Labour MPs who, also citing their opposition to Brexit, resigned from the main opposition party this week to form the new Independent Group.

"I'm not leaving the Conservative Party; it's left us," Soubry said at a press conference flanked by her colleagues following the announcement of their decision, arguing its "anti-EU wing" was now setting the agenda.

Their move has reinforced the view that Britain was plunging further into political turmoil, without an EU divorce deal just 37 days before it is due to leave the bloc on March 29.

The shake-up means that the Conservatives now have a working majority of just eight, thanks only to their confidence and supply arrangement for support from Northern Ireland's 10 Democratic Unionist (DUP) lawmakers.

The political impasse risks the country crashing out of the EU without an agreement, with the rising uncertainty blamed for a string of car-makers and other businesses recently announcing job cuts and reduced investment in Britain.

- 'Towards a cliff edge' -

In damning indictments on May's leadership, the three Conservatives said in their letter to May that Brexit had "redefined" their party and was "undoing all the efforts to modernise it".

"The party that was once the most trusted on the economy and on business is now marching us towards the cliff edge of a no-deal Brexit," Wollaston said.

Story continues

"None of us are prepared to wait until our toes are at the cliff edge before we take a stand," she added, urging Conservative ministers unwilling to defect to "have the courage of their convictions" and step down to oppose such a scenario.

May said in a statement she was "saddened" by the resignations and thanked the MPs for their "dedicated service to our party over many years".

She noted EU membership has been "a source of disagreement both in our party and our country for a long time" but the MPs' move would not stop Brexit.

"Under my leadership, the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve."

- 'Radical changes afoot' -

Also Wednesday, an eighth MP quit the Labour Party in protest at its veteran socialist leader Jeremy Corbyn, joining its own growing internal rebellion sparked by rows over Brexit and anti-Semitism.

The new Independent Group is now the joint fourth-biggest bloc in the Commons with 11 MPs -- the same as the centrist Liberal Democrats, with predictions of further defections to come.

"Everybody will get there in their own time," said the former Conservative MP Allen, who added she believed "a significant number of colleagues" were ready to follow suit in the weeks and months ahead.

The new group sat squashed together on the opposition backbenches in the Commons during the prime minister's weekly grilling, but did not ask May a question.

Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said: "There is clearly some very radical changes now afoot as both the Conservatives and Labour have been taken over by militant groups, driving out more moderate MPs."

- 'Country's interests first' -

The three former Conservative MPs said their decision to leave the party also went beyond Brexit.

They noted that there was a wider dissatisfaction with the state of British politics, with both the Conservatives and Labour moving "to the fringes, leaving millions of people with no representation".

At their press appearance, Allen added: "As true centre-ground MPs sharing the same values as millions of our citizens, we have a responsibility to act.

"This week is the beginning," she vowed. "Once there were seven, and now there are 11.

"We are putting our heads above the parapet and we might fail. But isn't the prize worth fighting for?"MPs Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston arrive at a news conference in London (Reuters)

Three Conservative MPs have quit the party today and joined former Labour MPs in the new Independent Group.

Remain backing Tories Sarah Woolaston, Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen resigned the whip on Wednesday morning. The three are vocal critics of Brexit.

Speaking at a press conference the three MPs explained their decision to break away from the Tories.

Heidi Allen blamed Brexit and her former partys approach to welfare reforms.

She said: I can no longer represent a government and a party who cant open their eyes to the suffering endured by the most vulnerable in society, suffering which we have deepened whilst having the power to fix.

Former Conservative MP Anna Soubry sits with members of The Independent Group in Parliament

Sarah Woolaston blamed Theresa Mays refusal to rule out a no-deal Brexit.

She said: I think that what we now see is the party, that was once the most trusted on the economy and business, is now marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit.

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Anna Soubry urged other MPs to join the caucus of former Tory and Labour MPs. She said that the battle for the Conservative party was over.

The right wing, the hardline anti-EU awkward squad that have destroyed every leader for the last 40 years are now running the Conservative Party from top to toe. They are the Conservative Party, she said.

Dear friends and now former colleagues who share those one-nation values and principles will of course today deny it, but I believe in their heads and in their hearts they know its over.

Seven Labour MPs quit their party on Monday to form The Independent Group  a coalition of MPs who will vote together in the Commons but who are not an official political party.

Another Labour MP, Joan Ryan, quit last night to join the group, blaming Jeremy Corbyns dereliction of duty in failing to tackle anti-Semitism within Labour.

Seven Labour MPs resigned on Monday to create a new group in the House of Commons (PA Images)

Mrs May said: I am saddened by this decision  these are people who have given dedicated service to our party over many years, and I thank them for it.

Of course, the UKs membership of the EU has been a source of disagreement both in our party and our country for a long time. Ending that membership after four decades was never going to be easy.

Story continues

But by delivering on our manifesto commitment and implementing the decision of the British people we are doing the right thing for our country. And in doing so, we can move forward together towards a brighter future.

I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve.

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What does it mean for the Conservative Party?

The departure erodes Theresa Mays already fragile hold on power in Parliament as she battles to drum up support for her unpopular Brexit deal.

The split is the culmination of years of infighting within the Conservative Party over Brexit as Eurosceptics push for a hard Brexit and Remainers battle for a closer relationship with the EU.

The Prime Minister now has a working majority of just eight, including DUP MPs on whom she relies for support.

Political scientists professor John Curtice suggested the departure of the three Remainers could push to PM towards a harder Brexit.

He said: Now she has lost [the three MPs], she certainly isnt going to have any further incentive to move in the direction of a softer Brexi tand probably feels even more impelled to try and come up with something on her Brexit deal that will keep the ERG happy that the EU will buy into.

What does it mean for Labour?

The departures from Labour are a clear sign to Jeremy Corbyn that his MPs do not such his approach to Labour.

He stands accused of colluding with the Tories to push through their hard Brexit and is under growing pressure to back a second referendum.

Professor Curtis said: These developments do potentially put pressure on Jeremy Corbyn.

And they say Look, we know you need to hang on to your Leave voters but at the end of the day you need to understand that there are far more strong Remain voters inside the Labour coalition than there are strong Leave voters and if you allow that group to be tempted away by what is now an avowedly pro-Remain group this is going to do nothing for your electoral chances.

So the difficulties for Jeremy Corbyn about how he positions his party to keep his party together, those choices are the ones that have been made more difficult by the developments of the last 72 hours.The Hague (AFP) - Photographers for Agence France-Presse received four nominations Wednesday in the 2019 World Press Photo of the Year Award, with the winners to be announced at a gala event in April.

Kinshasa-based photographer John Wessels received two nominations in the General News-Stories category including for a series of pictures taken during an Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Staff photographer Brendan Smialowski in Washington also picked up a nomination in the General News-Singles category for his picture of Donald Trump leading French President Emmanuel Macron by the hand.

Pedro Pardo, based at AFP's bureau in Mexico City, was nominated in the Spot News-Singles category for his picture of a group of Central American migrants climbing the border fence between Mexico and the United States.

In the top World Press Photo of the Year category six images were selected, three by photographers from Getty Images.

This included the now famous picture of a small Honduran girl, crying as her mother is searched by a US border patrol agent, taken by John Moore.

Also in the running are Brent Stirton, with a striking image of a member of an all-female anti-poaching unit in Zimbabwe; and Chris McGrath's action picture of a unidentified man trying to hold back the press at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, during a probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Judges selected 43 nominations from some 78,801 images entered by 4,738 photographers from all over the world, the Amsterdam-based organisers said.

This year, the prestigious award also sees the introduction of a major new award called the World Press Story of the Year Award.

"This award is on a par with the World Press Photo of the Year Award," the organisers said.

Three photographers have been nominated in the Story of the Year Award and their subjects include the "migrant caravan" and war-torn Yemen.

The winners will be announced at a gala event in Amsterdam on April 11.

AFP's Ronaldo Schemidt took top honours in the 2018 competition, last year winning the World Press Photo of the Year Award with a fiery image of a masked Venezuelan protester in flames.(Reuters) - Tesla Inc said on Wednesday its general counsel Dane Butswinkas is leaving the electric carmaker just two months into the job, the latest in a string of top-level departures at the company.

Butswinkas, who joined Tesla in December and was reporting to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk, will return to his previous role as the company's outside counsel at law firm Williams & Connolly.

Jonathan Chang, Tesla's vice president of legal department, will replace Butswinkas effective immediately, the company said in an email statement to Reuters. Before joining Tesla in 2011, Chang was its outside counsel at law firm Latham & Watkins.

Tesla hired Butswinkas as an outside counsel last year to help settle a case with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission after Musk tweeted that he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 a share.

Musk later settled the charges with the U.S. regulator by agreeing to pay a $20 million fine and relinquishing his position as Tesla's chairman for three years.

Butswinkas is the latest among the dozens of high-profile executives to leave Tesla over the past two years even as the carmaker struggles to ramp up production of Model 3 sedans, which is seen as crucial for the its long-term profitability.

Tesla, which last month missed Wall Street profit targets for the last quarter of 2018, said Chief Financial Officer Deepak Ahuja would leave after 11 years with the company.

Tesla is facing increased competition from new electric vehicle entrants and was last month forced to cut U.S. prices for all its vehicles to offset lower green tax credits, a move that could impact its margins.

In a bid to save capital and produce cheaper Model 3 cars, Tesla has cut jobs and ended a customer referral program.

Investors continue to worry whether Tesla, which has never posted an annual profit, would be able to ramp up production of Model 3 cars.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Musk estimated that Tesla would make around 500,000 Model 3s in 2019. He quickly clarified that the delivery target this year would be 400,000 cars.

Shares of the company were down 1 percent in morning trading.

(Reporting by Arjun Panchadar and Mekhla Raina in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)tesla stock amazon ark apple

Tesla will be the next Amazon. Moreover, its stock price will rocket 1,200% over the next five years to top $4,000 a share. Thats the exuberant prediction of TSLA shareholder Cathie Wood, the CEO of ARK Invest.

Wood says the business community is often puzzled by the mercurial personality of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, but she says that should not be an issue. Wood says its just a matter of getting used to Musks sometimes flighty demeanor, which she does not find problematic.

Everybody is beginning to adjust for Musk, Wood told CNBC. Having been a portfolio manager for many years, I know how to adjust to what different CEOs say, given their personalities and their aspirations.

As CCN reported, Wood did a podcast with Elon Musk this week, during which the South African billionaire praised bitcoin.

Read the full story on CCN.com.Ebony Stevenson, 18, woke up from a four-day coma to find she had given birth to a baby girl. (Photo: SWNS)

A teenager woke from a four-day coma to find that she had given birth to a baby despite not knowing that she was pregnant.

Ebony Stevenson, 18, went to bed on Dec. 2 after suffering a headache.

The college student was then rushed to hospital and placed in an induced coma before waking up four days later having given birth to a baby girl.

Stevenson was unaware she was pregnant. She hadnt developed a larger stomach, missed a period or suffered from morning sickness.

She later discovered that she has a rare condition known as uterus didelphys  which affects one in 3,000 women  which means her unborn baby was hidden in one of two uteruses.

While one uterus continued to menstruate, the other carried her child.

The college student has two uteruses, which is why her pregnancy came as a surprise. (Photo: SWNS)

When Stevenson was rushed to the hospital after suffering a number of seizures, medics discovered that she was suffering from preeclampsia, which affects expectant mothers.

The medical team immediately contacted the teenagers mother and explained that the baby needed to be delivered as soon as possible.

The teen underwent an emergency C-section and gave birth to her first daughter, whom she later named Elodie.

Waking up from a coma to be told I had been pregnant and had given birth to a baby girl was overwhelming to say the least, the 18-year-old admitted. Meeting my baby was so surreal. It felt like an out-of-body experience.

I worried I wouldnt bond with my daughter because I had no time to get my head around her arrival, but I think shes amazing.

Ebony Stevenson photographed with her baby daughter, Elodie. (Photo: SWNS)

Stevensons mother, Sheree, was the first to hold her surprise grandchild.

It was a strange moment because I had no time to prepare for it, she said. I was over the moon that she was happy and healthy, but couldnt help but worry about my own little girl, who remained in a coma.

Elodie was born weighing 7 pounds 10 ounces. Doctors believe she was carried to full term without her mother realizing it due to one of Stevensons uteruses being closer to her back.

Although I had no time to prepare, I wouldnt change whats happened for the world, Stevenson added. Im so excited to wake up and see her every morning, and to get to spend another day with my precious little miracle.

Story continues

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

(1:00) - Impact of New Retail Regulations: Data Is The New Oil

(9:30) - Regulating Content On Mobile Applications

(12:15) - Impact on The 2019 India Elections

(17:00) - Mobile Payment, Ikea and Netflix Expansion

(22:40) - Episode Roundup: WMT, AMZN, TWTR, FB, MSFT, BABA, NFLX

Podcast@Zacks.com

Welcome to Episode #167 of the Zacks Market Edge Podcast.

Every week, host and Zacks stock strategist, Tracey Ryniec, will be joined by guests to discuss the hottest investing topics in stocks, bonds and ETFs and how it impacts your life.

In this episode, Tracey is joined by Zacks Director of ETF Research, Neena Mishra, to discuss what is going on with Indias online retail and technology scene.

Online Retail is Hot

In past podcasts, the emphasis has been on which companies were getting the upper hand in online retail. Hundreds of millions of Indians now have smartphones and Internet data plans are cheap. That has meant an explosion in online shopping and online payment options.

Several years ago, Amazon AMZN dedicated $5 billion in order to build out its marketplace business in India.

Walmart WMT recently became a big player when it bought Indias Flipkart for $16 billion.

Combined, Amazon and Flipkart have 70% of the online retail market.

New Regulations: Leveling the Playing Field?

But small merchants have been getting squeezed as the dominant players have lowered prices on products from preferred vendors and have taken market share.

As a result, starting on Feb 1, 2019, new e-tail regulations went into effect which have upended the online retail market place as it forbids an ecommerce marketplace from mandating that a seller sell products exclusively on its platform.

It also prohibits marketplaces from making more than 25% of purchases from one sole vendor.

As a result, thousands of products disappeared from Amazons marketplace overnight.

Story continues

Can Walmart and Amazon work around these new regulations?

Or will companies like Paytm, Indias large e-commerce payment system and digital wallet, which is backed by Alibaba BABA), gain an opening to take market share?

New App Regulations: Will They Stick?

In addition to cracking down on the big players in online retail, there have been proposed rule changes to mobile apps.

Facebooks FB WhatsApp is still one of the most popular in India, with over 250 million users.

But in recent months, several Chinese apps have become popular, including ByteDances TikTok lip-syncing app that is popular with young people.

Concerns about data privacy have been growing.

New proposed regulations entail requiring Internet companies to proactively screen user posts, videos and messages to make sure the posts arent libelous, hateful or deceptive in some way.

Can the apps find workarounds?

Microsoft MSFT has already commented about the tremendous cost with complying with this new rule.

Find out the challenges, and opportunities, facing big technology in India in 2019 on this weeks podcast.

[In full disclosure, the author of this article owns shares of AMZN and FB in her personal portfolio.]

Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?



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Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.



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Zacks Investment ResearchAIR FLEET ORDERED TO W. VA. BATTLEFIELD  Page One headline, Washington Times, Sept. 1, 1921

The air fleet was the U.S. Armys; the order was issued by President Warren Harding; the battlefield was Blair Mountain, West Virginia, where about 10,000 striking coal miners fought about 3,000 private mine guards and police along a 10-mile front.

The Battle of Blair Mountain was the largest armed uprising since the Civil War and one of the most amazing episodes in the history of U.S. labor. It ended only after the Army arrived to break it up. By that time, as many as 100 men lay dead.

The battle came a year after another notorious episode in the West Virginia Mine Wars, waged over unionization of the coal industry.

2018 strike: How a West Virginia teachers Facebook post started a national movement

2019 strike: West Virginia teachers will remain out Wednesday

The Matewan Massacre was a coal-country version of the shootout at the O.K. Corral. The gun battle pitted the city of Matewans pro-union police chief, Sid Hatfield (of the family that famously feuded with the McCoys) and some deputized miners against agents of the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency. Theyd been hired by coal operators to evict families of striking miners from company land.

Although its still unclear who fired the first shot, 10 people were killed, including the mayor. Hatfield, charged with murder, was acquitted at a trial that made the charismatic Smilin Sid a national celebrity.

The following year, as he walked up the courthouse steps for another trial, the unarmed Hatfield was shot to death by a Baldwin-Felts gunman.

Meanwhile, many striking union miners had been jailed in Mingo County after martial law was declared. Other miners around the state headed to Mingo to free them. But they had to pass through Logan County, where the county sheriff, backed by mine owners, assembled a well-armed force in their way.

After five days of inconclusive skirmishing, the miners  who wore red bandanas and called themselves the Red Neck Army  retreated, either hiding or dropping their weapons.

Story continues

By breaking up the Battle of Blair Mountain, the Army froze a status quo that benefitted the mine companies, who fired the strikers and hired replacement workers. The United Mine Workers union had to wait until the New Deal, and laws such as the National Labor Relations Act, to organize the mines.

But the Mine Wars created what the labor historian James Green calls a culture of resistance in the coalfields that never quite died out, even after changes in the demand for coal, and how it was mined, gutted the union. When public school teachers went on strike in 1990, it started in the coalfields.

That heritage resonated last year, when teachers again decided theyd been paid too little for too long.

When we got desperate enough to ask, What are we going to do?  recalls Katie Endicott, a Mingo High School math teacher, we had a model of what to do.

Timeline: How the 2018 West Virginia teacher strike evolved

Poll: Even when teachers strike, Americans give them high grades. Unions fare worse.

Teachers in America: No matter where they work, they feel disrespect

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How a year of teacher strikes was inspired by the bloody West Virginia Mine WarsZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss President Ueli Maurer did not speak to Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido about freezing Swiss bank accounts belonging to the South American nation, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Wednesday. "This information is not correct. There was no telephone contact between Mr. Gauido and President Maurer," the spokesman said by email in response to an enquiry. He was not immediately available to elaborate. "We are talking to the Swiss president," Guaido had said in an interview with Mexican network Televisa. He said they had spoken on Wednesday morning but did not mention Maurer, who is also finance minister, by name. (Reporting by Michael Shields, Editing by William Maclean)Paris (AFP) - "Strike for climate". With that simple plea, 16-year-old Swede Greta Thunberg has inspired children worldwide to boycott classes under the anxious gaze of adults who don't quite know how to react.

Every Friday since August, Greta, as she is known to all, has staked out a spot in front of parliament in Stockholm, demanding that her government step up the fight against climate change.

In the last six months, tens of thousands of high school students -- in Sydney, Brussels, Berlin, The Hague, London and other cities - have followed suit. Some have marched in the streets bearing banners: "Save Our Future," "Act Now!", "Climate Change is Real".

"Our house is on fire," the charismatic teen told the global ruling class gathered last month in Davos, Switzerland.

"I dont want you to be hopeful, I want you to panic," she said with icy calm. "And then I want you to act."

"Her words penetrated peoples hearts because they were spoken with such integrity," said Karen O'Brien, a professor of sociology at the University of Oslo working on climate change issues.

- 'Fire waiting to burn' -

"Sometimes it takes one person with courage to spark a fire that is just waiting to burn," she told AFP. "Thunberg articulated very clearly and courageously what the problem is and what needs to be done about it.

"Children have been listening, watching, and waiting -- they expected more from us and we have failed," OBrien added, noting that they will likely be the first generation to feel the full impact of global warming.

An international protest movement led by young teens is "without precedent," said Sylvain Wagnon, history of education specialist at the University of Montpellier, in southern France.

"Their youth and in-your-face attitude are unsettling to adults, some of whom clearly are tempted to say 'you are just children, time to go home now'," he told AFP.

Story continues

Upon learning that the education minister of New South Wales in Australia, Rob Stokes, had threatened to punish students and teachers for missing classes, Greta delivered a stinging riposte by Twitter.

"OK. We hear you. And we dont care," she wrote. "Your statement belongs in a museum."

Greta, who was to be in Brussels on Thursday and Paris on Friday, has called for a large-scale classroom strike on March 15.

There was pushback in Germany as well, where upward of 15,000 students have boycotted school during the last few Fridays in dozens of cities.

And during the first large-scale action in Britain last week, Prime Minister Theresa Mays office complained that thousands of students walking out of class "increases teachers work loads and wastes lesson time".

Once again, Greta fired back.

"British PM says that the children on school strike are 'wasting lesson time'," she tweeted. "That may well be the case. But then again, political leaders have wasted 30 years of inaction. And that is slightly worse."

- 'Follow their lead' -

In a video clip linked to her Twitter account, she added: "Some people thing we should be in school instead. But why should we be studying for a future that soon will be no more and when no one is doing anything whatsoever to save that future?"

"We are going to keep striking until our voices are heard and acted upon!", said 13-year-old Holly Gilligrand, one of the faces of the movement in Scotland.

Gretas army of schoolchildren has received ringing endorsement from many mainstream environmental NGOs and scientists, who have struggled for years to get the same messages across to a wider public.

"This is something new, something good - I am absolutely convinced that we need a strong citizen-based movement," said Wolfgang Cramer, director of the Mediterranean Institute for Biodiversity and Ecology in Aix-en-Provence and a lead author on Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change reports.

On Facebook, Cramer came to Gretas defence against social network trolls mocking the young Swede's Aspergers or suggesting that she had been manipulated by her adult entourage.

"It's shocking that some people believe that we can get rid of this kind of movement simply by making fun of its standard bearers," he said by phone.

Climate activists hope the movement will pressure governments, whose national voluntary carbon-cutting commitments do not come close to meeting the Paris climate treaty target of capping global warming at two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.

"I think it's remarkably hopeful -- but that hope depends on everyone else following the lead of these young people," Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org told AFP by email.

"It's not enough to stand back in admiration, because young people don't have the formal power to make change happen. It's up to the rest of us to back them up, and fast."Student Loan Delinquencies Surge to Record Highs

Student loan debt in "serious delinquency"  that is, more than 90 days past due  climbed to new heights in the final quarter of 2018, New York Federal Reserve reported last week.

Debt in this category stood at $166.4 billion as of December, out of a total of $1.46 trillion in U.S. student loan debt, with a Bloomberg News report noting the figure was a new record and part of a surge in delinquencies last year.

And in fact, the numbers could be worse than they seem. In a press release accompanying the quarterly report, the Fed economists noted that, at any given time, about half of all student loans are in deferment, forbearance or a grace period  often because the borrower is still in school or has just graduated.

This implies that, among loans in the repayment cycle, delinquency rates are roughly twice as high,  the Fed statement said.

The 90-day mark is when the student loan servicer will usually report a delinquency to credit agencies. After 270 days, the loan is generally considered to be in default.

But while the possibility of a growing wave of student loan defaults might resemble the subprime mortgage crisis that led to the 2018-19 global financial collapse, there are differences.

The Bloomberg report cited interest-rate strategist Ira Jersey as saying that since the vast majority of student debt is backed by the federal government, its unlikely to affect the economy the way the mortgage crisis did.

But incrementally, it does mean higher federal deficits if the loans are not repaid, Jersey said.

He said that the rise in student loan delinquency shows that college graduates incomes are not necessarily high enough for debt payments overall.

Student loan borrowers struggling to make their payments have several options at their disposal, including a variety of repayment plans that will cap their monthly bill at a small percentage of their disposable income.

In many cases, borrowers can also get forbearance or deferment, in which their loan payments are paused, often during a period of financial hardship.

But for those in default, the two most common options for federal student loans are loan rehabilitation and consolidation. Given the recent trend in delinquencies, both of these could become more common in the near term.Madrid (AFP) - Spain's King Felipe VI said Wednesday democracy was not above respecting the law, in unusually outspoken comments widely interpreted as refuting claims by Catalan separatist leaders on trial in Madrid.

"It makes no sense, it's unacceptable to appeal to a so-called democracy that is above the law," the monarch told an international congress of legal experts in Madrid.

"Without respect of the law, there is neither peaceful coexistence nor democracy, but insecurity, arbitrariness and ultimately, the collapse of the moral and civic principles of society."

In his speech published on the royal palace's website, Felipe VI makes no explicit reference to the ongoing trial of 12 Catalan separatist leaders and activists, nine of whom are accused of rebellion.

But the Spanish media immediately linked it to comments made by some of the defendants who have already taken the stand in Madrid's Supreme Court.

They justify holding an independence referendum on October 1, 2017 in defiance of Spain's Constitutional Court on a democratic mandate they say they got from voters in Catalonia.

These handed separatist parties a majority in the regional parliament in 2015 polls.

The results of the referendum, in which regional authorities said 90 percent voted to secede, prompted a short-lived declaration of independence.

"I think that Spain's Constitutional Court is significantly lacking in moral authority," Josep Rull, a former member of Catalonia's separatist government who faces up to 16 years in jail, told the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

He said that regional leaders "fulfilled their democratic mandate" by organising the referendum.

On Tuesday, Catalonia's former regional government spokesman Jordi Turull, also on trial, told the court "it's totally normally to try and do what you promised to citizens of Catalonia in a peaceful and democratic manner."

The trial, the most high-profile in Spanish democracy, is due to last three months.

It is being broadcast live on television and online.By Tracy Rucinski

(Reuters) - A top Southwest Airlines Co executive said the low-cost carrier would investigate why the number of aircraft unable to fly due to mechanical issues had doubled in recent days, causing flight delays and cancellations.

"AMFA has a history of work disruptions, and Southwest has two pending lawsuits against the union," Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven said in a statement. Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) represents about 2,400 mechanics who maintain the carrier's Boeing 737 fleet.

Southwest has been in negotiations with the union representing its mechanics for six years.

Van de Ven said the disruption had arisen despite no change to the low-cost carrier's maintenance programs, leadership, policies or procedures.

"We will be investigating this current disruption and exploring all possible remedies," Van de Ven said.

Flight cancellations by Southwest accounted for roughly 24 percent of nearly 800 total flights canceled across the United States on Tuesday, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware.com.

Southwest said about half of its cancellations had been related to unscheduled maintenance issues, and the remainder due to winter storms forecast to hit the Midwest and Northeast over Tuesday and Wednesday.

Last week, Southwest said it was requiring "all hands on deck" to address maintenance items and said all employees would have to provide a doctor's note if they failed to show up for work.

In response, the union said Southwest's requirements imposed extra-contractual demands with a threat of termination for failing to comply, and asked for its contract to be respected.

"We are only asking that we be permitted to perform our job in accordance with federal law  nothing more and nothing less," the union said in a memo posted on its website.

(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago; Editing by Sandra Maler and Lisa Shumaker)JUBA, South Sudan (AP)  The "lawless" activities of South Sudan's national security and military intelligence risk turning the war-torn country into a police state run on fear and corruption, said the United Nations on Wednesday.

The increasing securitization of the state threatens citizens' rights as the country emerges from five years of civil war, which killed almost 400,000 people and displaced millions, said the report published Wednesday by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.

"There is a climate of fear surrounding the activities of the national security services which denies any possibility of freedom of expression or activity for a critical civil society," Andrew Clapham, a commission member and law professor at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva told The Associated Press.

At least 47 accounts of people who had been arbitrarily arrested, detained or subjected to torture and inhuman treatment, such as being beaten or whipped, burned with plastics, electrocuted and forced to watch other detainees be executed by national security and the army's military intelligence wing, were documented by the group between December 2013 and late 2018.

South Sudan's challenges moving forward are "immense," compounded by the protracted conflict, deep ethnic divisions, an economic crisis and a "dysfunctional and predatory elite system of government," said the report, based on 135 witness statements and over 3,000 documents including confidential records.

Despite a fragile peace agreement signed more than five months ago, violations including rape and sexual violence continue across the country, many of which could amount to war crimes, said the report.

"South Sudan's human rights record is appalling," said Jehanne Henry, senior associate Africa director at Human Rights Watch. The report underlines how the national security service has become especially abusive in the last five years, arbitrarily detaining people without any legal charges, often for long periods and collaborating with neighboring countries to forcibly disappear activists, she said.

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The report focused on three states, Unity, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Central Equatoria, where it found "reasonable grounds" to believe that the government, opposition and affiliated armed groups violated international humanitarian law, by targeting civilians on the basis of their perceived political and ethnic affiliations and perpetrating killings, abductions, rape and looting and destroying property.

In May 10 men and boys were shot and killed, four of whom were lined up and shot at point-blank range by soldiers from the Presidential Guard Tiger Division, which launched an attack on the Emmanuel Christian College in Goli in Central Equatoria state, while searching for weapons and "rebels," said the report. One 12-year-old boy was shot dead in his bed and a stick was forced up his anus, said the report.

Government soldiers including forces loyal to First Vice President Taban Deng Gai, attacked at least 40 towns and villages between April and June in Unity state, targeting civilians with "astonishing brutality," said the report. Old men were hanged from trees, people were burned to death in their houses and children were run down by tanks as they fled.

While the report doesn't give names, the commission identified several commanders from the government and opposition as well as the governors of both Northern and Southern Liech states who were said to be involved in the planning, coordinating and the delivery of weapons. There have been few government-led investigations to hold perpetrators accountable in a culture where "pervasive impunity" remains the norm, said the report. The names have been confidentially given to the U.N. commission in Geneva.

South Sudan's minister of information Michael Makuei dismissed the findings and said they were "clearly orchestrated to tarnish the image of the government." He said the finding that South Sudan was like a police state was "unfortunate" and something said by organizations who want to disrupt the implementation of the peace agreement.

South Sudan's peace deal has been marked by delays and a lack of funding. Last week a $285 million budget was passed for the accord's initial implementation, which according to the agreement should conclude by May. So far, the international community remains skeptical of the agreement and few countries have committed funds.

At least one South Sudan expert said that "genuine peace" hinges on much needed government reforms, Jacob Chol senior political analyst and professor at the University of Juba, told AP.

"There is a great need for real change in the human rights and rule of law sectors," he said. "Freedom of speech must be upheld."

___

Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_AfricaARLINGTON, Va.  A sprawling storm so massive it simultaneously dumped snow in Minnesota and Virginia and heavy rains from Indiana to Alabama fueled weather havoc Wednesday in every state east of the Mississippi River and beyond.

In the North, snow totals were tamped down by a more dangerous winter storm weapon  ice. Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington were among major cities hit with inches of snow, with sleet moving in behind it.

More than 200 million people will feel the storm's wrath before it finally rolls into history Thursday.

A Kansas woman died when she lost control of her vehicle because of snow and ice.

"The heaviest snow will be over central Pennsylvania," said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert, who should know. AccuWeather is based in State College, Pennsylvania, where classes were canceled at sprawling Penn State University.

He was right on target, as two Pennsylvania cities  Chambersburg and Upper Strasburg  reported 10 inches as of mid-afternoon, the highest total for the eastern part of the storm.

Almost everyone who got snow could look forward to a chaser of sleet and freezing rain, Reppert told USA TODAY.

"At least snow allows for some traction," Reppert said. "Ice can be unforgiving."

Always-exciting thundersnow was also reported in Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland.

In the central U.S., 11 inches was reported in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, the highest total for that part of the storm. The snow that fell in Minneapolis on Wednesday pushed the city to its highest February snowfall total ever, at 30.4 inches, the National Weather Service said.

An unidentified motorist works to get his stuck car out of his driveway on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, during a snow storm in Pullman, Wash. (Geoff Crimmins/The Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP)

Airline traffic was under siege: More than 2,100 flights were canceled or delayed into and out of metro Washington's three airports by 2 p.m. Almost 1,000 were reported at Chicago's O'Hare alone; Philadelphia International had more than 300 flights delayed or canceled.

Start the day smarter: Get USA TODAY's Daily Briefing in your inbox

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The National Weather Service's forecast for parts of Virginia on Wednesday was several inches of snow followed by ice and sleet. Its warning of dangerous commutes was a recurring theme across much of the nation.

"Travel will be very difficult," the notice said. "The combined weight of snow, sleet and freezing rain could result in downed branches and isolated power outages."

In Washington, D.C., federal offices were closed, although emergency staff and teleworkers remained on the job. School closings in major cities and their environs stretched from Minneapolis down to Kansas City and east to Washington and Philadelphia.

In suburban Arlington, the school schedule has been plagued by a string of closures and late openings all winter. High school math teacher Bill Drake was preparing to begin digging out amid heavy snowfall that was forecast to turn to ice.

"I love snow days as much as the kids," Drake said. "Its hard to make up for missed time in the classroom, but the extra time with my family is a huge bonus."

More: Snow, ice, torrential rain brings weather havoc to 39 states, 200 million people

Classes were also canceled at Georgetown University in Washington. Freshmen John Picker, 19, and Mia Smith, 18, grew up in California and Texas, respectively and haven't seen much snow.

Thats why were the crazy ones out here, Picker said as the duo repurposed old cardboard into sleds on Capitol Hill. There might only be a couple inches, but well try.

More: Spectacular photos of the super snow moon, the brightest of the year

The impact was more serious elsewhere, with officials posting vehicle restrictions on some Pennsylvania highways, urging people to monitor snow and ice. A travel advisory was in effect for New York City through Thursday morning.

"Use mass transit, allow for extra time, and exercise caution when traveling," the city's emergency management team warned.

Daily snowfall records were set Tuesday in North Little Rock, Arkansas; and Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska; all of which received several inches of snow, AccuWeather reported.

A quarter-inch of ice weighed down branches and power lines in Boone County, Arkansas, knocking out power for 2,000 households on Tuesday night. Car accidents and road closures also paralyzed parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa, AccuWeather said.

West of the Rocky Mountains, more than a foot of snow was expected through Thursday night in some of the major mountain ranges from Washington and Oregon into Arizona and Colorado.

More: How often should I start my car and let it idle in cold weather? Answer: Don't.

In the South, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky were among states facing heavy rains and flash flood warning and watches. Much of the region was saturated from weeks of rains before the latest storm rolled in.

Flood watches and warnings cover the northern parts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia, and nearly all of Tennessee is at risk for floods.

"Some areas of Alabama and Tennessee could get six inches of rain from this system," Reppert said. "It might not stop raining until Friday."

And in the far West, a potent and cold storm was expected to drop up to 3 inches of snow on the outskirts of Las Vegas starting Wednesday night and continuing into Friday morning, the weather service said.

Contributing: Marina Pitofsky, Doyle Rice and Kristin Lam; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Ice can be unforgiving': Huge winter storm moves east as snow, sleet, heavy rain target 39 statesShamima Begum, the Isil bride, has described being stripped of her British citizenship is "unjust" and "hard to swallow" after she was shown the Home Office's documentation of the decision.

The 19-year-old, who had expressed the desire to return to the UK with her newborn son, was banned on Tuesday from entering the country.

At a refugee camp in northeastern Syria, she was shown the Government's letter, showing that she is no longer a British national.

"I don't know what to say," she told ITV News. "I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. Its a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like its a bit unjust on me and my son."

She added: "Its kind of heart-breaking to read. My family made it sound like it would be a lot easier for me to come back to the UK when I was speaking to them in Baghouz. Its kind of hard to swallow."

Begum claimed that she was being treated harshly because "I was on the news four years ago", saying that she heard of "other people being sent back to Britain".

"I don't know why my case is any different," she added.

International law forbids nations from making people stateless by revoking their only citizenship, prompting speculation that Begum held dual citizenship through her Bangladeshi parents.

But on Wednesday morning, Begum's lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said his client does not have dual nationality.

While her family have said they are "considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision", Begum said she may explore a potential citizenship route through her Dutch husband.

"Another option I might try with my family is my husband is from Holland and he has family in Holland," she said.

"Maybe I can ask for citizenship in Holland. If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison."

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She married Isil fighter Yago Riedjik in Syria having travelled to the Middle East from Bethnal Green in east London in 2015. Begum have birth to their third child on Sunday. Her two other children died in Syria.

Shamima Begum's Dutch-born husband Yago Riedjik

In a letter sent to her family in Bethnal Green, east London, on Tuesday, officials said the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, had made the decision in "light of the circumstances".

The letter read: "Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship.

"In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretary's decision has been served of file today (19th February), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made."

The letter went on to urge Ms Begum's family to make the teenager aware of the decision, but added that she had a right to appeal.

In a statement the family's lawyer said they were very disappointed by the move.

Despite saying she wants to bring her baby son up in the peace and security of the UK, Begum has insisted she has no regrets about travelling to Syria.

She has also been criticised for likening the deaths of 22 people in the Manchester Arena terror attack to the civilians being bombed in Isil territory.

Begum defends Manchester Arena bombing

The teenager, who gave birth to a baby boy on the weekend, appeared to defend the Manchester Arena bombing as tit-for-tat retaliation for air strikes in Syria.

In an interview with the BBC, she said the deaths of 22 innocent people in the terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017 were akin to the "women and children" being bombed in Isil territory in Baghuz.

She told the broadcaster: "I do feel that it's wrong that innocent people did get killed. It's one thing to kill a soldier that is fighting you, it's self-defence, but to kill the people like women and children...

"Just people like the women and children in Baghuz that are being killed right now unjustly, the bombings. It's a two-way thing really.

"Because women and children are being killed back in the Islamic State right now and it's kind of retaliation. Like, their justification was that it was retaliation so I thought 'OK, that is a fair justification'."

She was partly inspired by videos of fighters beheading hostages and partly by other propaganda films showing the "good life" IS could offer.

'Show me some sympathy', says Isil bride after giving birth

The British schoolgirl who ran away to join Isil appealed for public sympathy following the birth of her son on Sunday.

In an interview with Sky News recorded at the Kurdish-controlled camp to which she fled from the last pocket of Isil-controlled territory, Begum said there was "no evidence" she had done anything wrong and she could not see "any reason" why her child should be taken from her when she had simply been living as a housewife.

Speaking just hours after giving birth, her baby at her side, she said she had no regrets about fleeing the family home in Bethnal Green, east London, to support Isil, claiming the experience had made her "stronger, tougher".

She said she could see a future for herself and her son, whom she has named Jarah after one of the two children she lost to malnutrition and disease in the last three months, "if the UK are willing to take me back and help me start a new life again and try and move on from everything thats happened in the last four years".

She added: "I wouldnt have found someone like my husband [Yago Riedijk, 26, a Muslim convert from the Netherlands] in the UK. I had my kids, I had a good time there."

Her other children, Jarah and Surayah, a daughter, died aged 18 months and nine months. Asked how she felt about the debate over whether she should be allowed to return home, Begum said: "I feel a lot of people should have sympathy for me, for everything Ive been through.

"I didnt know what I was getting into when I left, I just was hoping that maybe for the sake of me and my child they let me come back.

"I cant live in this camp forever. Its not really possible."

In the interview, Begum apologised for the first time to her family for running away, and said that though she knew it was "like a big slap in the face" for her to ask after she had previously rejected their calls for her to return, "I really need their help".

Begum was 'OK' with Isil beheadings

The Isil bride said last week she was attracted to Isil by videos that she had seen online, which she said showed "how theyll take care of you".

She said she knew that the group carried out beheadings, but that she "was OK with it at first. I started becoming religious just before I left and from what I heard Islamically that is all allowed".

"At first it was nice," she said of life in the so-called Islamic State. "It was how they showed it in the videos, you know, you come, make a family together, but then things got harder.

"We had to keep moving and moving and moving. The situation got fraught." Begum acknowledged that it would be "really hard" to be rehabilitated after everything she had been through.

"Im still in that mentality of planes over my head, emergency backpacks, starving... it would be a big shock to go back to the UK and start again," she said.

READ MORE: Allison Pearson: Thank God, Sajid Javid grasped Shamima Begum is the one person uniting Britain  against her

READ MORE: Allison Pearson: Sorry my heartless little jihadi bride, but you made your bed and now you can lie in it

How can you not love Patrick Warburton?

The 54-year-old has made quite the career for himself on the big screen and as a hilarious voice actor. He may never be able to escape one of the most charismatic characters from early in his career, though. The one and only David Puddy.

Elaine Benes on-again, off-again boyfriend in Seinfeld is easily the most passionate New Jersey Devils fan to ever walk the Earth. Wearing his Martin Brodeur jersey and plenty of facepaint, nobody supports their team quite like Puddy.

Due to the cultural significance of the show, Warburton shows up to Devils game from time to time as his iconic 90s character.

With the team celebrating the 90s against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night, Warburton was the the evenings star attraction. Dressed as Puddy and embodying the character once again, he dropped the puck for the opening ceremonial faceoff and yelled THE DEVILS! on multiple occasions (as expected).

While all of that went well, his exit did not.

Thankfully, except for maybe a light bruising of his ego, he was alright. This really couldnt have happened to a better guy, though.

Instead of accepting an appearance fee, Warburton asked the organization to donate to St. Judes Research Hospital. The Devils obliged and decided to give $25,000 to the paediatric treatment and research facility, according to northjersey.com.

When does a guy in his early 50s not want to don the face paint and just be as big of a ridiculous goof as he can? he said Tuesday afternoon, well before the stumble.

At the very least, he should be able to rest easy knowing that things didnt go nearly as bad as Caroline Marcils on-ice experience in 2004.

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

More NHL coverage on Yahoo Sports

Bamako (AFP) - A senior government official and a journalist abducted by suspected jihadists in Mali have been freed, a security source told AFP on Tuesday.

Makan Doumbia, the prefect of Tenenkou commune in central Mali, "was freed Monday thanks to an action by state security", the source told AFP.

Doumbia, the most senior government representative in the commune, was abducted in the Mopti region on May 8 last year.

He is now being treated in intensive care in the capital Bamako, said the source, who refused to comment on claims that Doumbia was freed under a prisoner exchange.

A son of the official, who declined to give his full name, also confirmed the prefect had been released.

"I was able to speak to my father. He is very tired. But the most important thing is that he is free. I am very happy," said the son.

Malian journalist Issiaka Tamboura, who was kidnapped in central Mali in December, was also released and taken to hospital in Bamako, security and media sources said.

However, elsewhere in the Mopti region, four hostages taken by suspected jihadists were killed at Toguere-Koumbe last week, according to Kisal, a rights group for nomadic communities.

Kisal announced on its Facebook page Monday that those killed were members of the Bozo ethnic group.

A security source confirmed that "four civilian hostages of terrorists" were found dead at Toguere at the weekend.

Islamist militias linked to Al-Qaeda seized the north of Mali in 2012, but were pushed back by French troops the following year.

A peace agreement signed in 2015 by the Bamako government and armed groups was aimed at restoring stability, but the accord has failed to stop violence by Islamist militants -- who have also staged attacks in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.New Delhi (AFP) - Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian leader Narendra Modi vowed Wednesday to increase pressure on countries that fuel terrorism.

The promise came as fallout from a suicide bomb attack that India has blamed on Pakistan overshadowed the latest leg of the crown prince's tour aiming to boost his country's image.

Modi did not mention Pakistan -- a key Saudi ally -- as he again blasted the "barbaric attack" in Kashmir last week that left at least 40 paramilitaries dead.

"To tackle this menace effectively, we agreed that there is a need to increase all possible pressure on countries supporting terrorism in any way," Modi said after talks with the crown prince.

"It is extremely important to eliminate the terror infrastructure and stop support to terrorists and their supporters."

Prince Mohammed, who arrived in Delhi from Pakistan where he had offered to help the neighbours ease tensions, responded that "terrorism and extremism is a common concern for India and Saudi Arabia".

The prince, whose country accuses Iran of backing militant strikes, added: "I want to state that we are ready to cooperate with India in every way, including through intelligence sharing."

He said India and all "neighbouring countries must work together".

The crown prince, on his first major tour since the storm erupted over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October, also signed joint accords on industry and culture, but announced no major deals.

- Energy and investment -

In Pakistan, the Saudi prince announced $20 billion of investment for the Muslim country.

Modi has faced increasing pressure to take action over the Kashmir attack claimed by Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Islamabad, which banned JeM in 2002, has denied any role.

The Saudi delegation had wanted the Delhi leg of the crown prince tour to be devoted to bolstering its oil supplies to India.

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Saudi Arabia is one of India's key crude suppliers, along with Iran and Iraq.

Since taking office in 2014, Modi has also sought to attract Saudi investment in trade, infrastructure and defence. Two-way trade was worth $27.5 billion last year.

After his meeting with the Indian premier, Salman said the kingdom saw investment opportunities "in various fields (in India) to exceed $100 billion".

Prime Minister Modi "welcomed the announcement of (the) crown prince to invest $100 billion in India in a range of areas like energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, etc.," T.S. Thirumurthy, secretary for economic relations at the Indian foreign ministry, told journalists in New Delhi.

"This is a clear reflection of the confidence of Saudi Arabia in the vibrancy of the Indian economy and tremendous opportunities available in India for investment."

Thirumurthy said no time frame had been identified for these investments.

"Economic power is shifting from West to East and India will be (the) second-largest economy ahead of the United States, which is a big opportunity for us," Amin Nasser, chief executive of Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil company, told a Delhi investment conference on Wednesday.

Aramco signed an accord in April last year with Indian investors on a $44-billion petrochemical project in western India. Nasser, a member of the crown prince's delegation, said his firm was in talks with other Indian firms as well.

"We are not limited to that investment (refinery), which is the mega refinery... we are looking at other opportunities," Nasser added, according to the Press Trust of India.

The crown prince, who was greeted with a traditional Modi bear hug at the airport on Tuesday, said Saudi Arabia has invested nearly $44 billion dollars in India since the Indian leader's visit to the kingdom in 2016.

Prince Mohammed was expected to go on to China later Wednesday.

India's opposition Congress party meanwhile criticised Modi for welcoming the crown prince "with such abundance - only hours after he promised billions to Pakistan" while Indians were in grief over the Kashmir attack.

"PM Modi has shown the country, the martyrs and every soldier in India what he thinks of their service and sacrifice," the party said on Twitter.

abh-ruc-ja-bb/qanNEW DELHI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia will release 850 Indians from its prisons after a request from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to New Delhi, India's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. Saudi jails hold the greatest number of Indians incarcerated in any country abroad. As of January 2019, 2,224 Indians were jailed in the kingdom for crimes including murder, kidnapping, bribery, cheating, and offences related to drugs and alcohol, according Indian Foreign Ministry figures. Some 2.7 million Indians in Saudi Arabia form the largest expatriate community in the kingdom, with many working in low-paid jobs in sectors such as construction, domestic services and retailing that Saudis spurn. "At the request of the PM @narendramodi, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails," India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a tweet. On Monday, Saudi Arabia ordered the release of about 2,100 Pakistani prisoners from its jails, according to Pakistan's information minister. Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, paid a visit to India's arch regional rival earlier this week, before heading home and then flying to New Delhi. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia signed investment agreements with Pakistan worth $20 billion. In New Delhi on Wednesday, Prince Mohammed said he expected investment opportunities worth more than $100 billion in India over the next two years. The Crown Prince's Asian tour, which will include China, is regarded as part of an effort to help rebuild his reputation abroad after the killing last October of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi leadership. Saudi officials have denied accusations that Prince Mohammed ordered Khashoggi's murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and have detained 11 suspects in connection with the killing. (Reporting by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Mark Heinrich)New Delhi (AFP) - Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a warm welcome in India Wednesday, with Riyadh eager to demonstrate it is not an international pariah after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October.

The killing of Khashoggi, a fierce critic of the prince, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul tarnished the image of the kingdom and the prince, who is staging a high-profile Asian tour to demonstrate he still has allies.

Prince Mohammed predicted "good things" will come out of talks with Indian leaders as he started a landmark visit to the world's largest democracy Wednesday.

"Today we want to be sure this relationship is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries," the crown prince said in comments to reporters after full ceremonial welcome in Delhi.

"I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India," he added after inspecting a guard of honour at the presidential palace.

The crown prince said the two countries were in each other's "DNA", highlighting the importance of Indian labour and experts in Saudi Arabia over the past 70 years as well as a longstanding Saudi presence in India.

Prince Mohammed arrived late Tuesday for a 36-hour visit that was to be dominated by economic ties. But it has risked being overshadowed by rising tensions between India and Pakistan -- where the Saudi royal was on the first leg of his Asian tour -- over a suicide attack in Kashmir.

The attack last week left at least 40 Indian paramilitaries dead and India has blamed Pakistan, which has denied any involvement.

Saudi officials have offered to help "de-escalate tensions" between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad on Monday that the delegation would "see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully".

Saudi Arabia currently supplies about 20 percent of India's crude oil and wants to definitively push aside arch-rival Iran as a source.

Story continues

Iran at one stage last year overtook Saudi Arabia among India's suppliers but US sanctions since have severely hit the Islamic republic's oil business.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also wooed Saudi investment in recent years for flagship infrastructure programmes.

The two leaders are to hold talks later Wednesday.Imran Khan speaks with Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed Bin Salman - AFP

Saudi Arabia has agreed to free more than 2,000 Pakistani prisoners as the kingdom's crown prince continued a high profile visit to its nuclear-armed ally.

Mohammad bin Salman promised to deliver whatever we can do for Pakistanis living in his country after a personal plea from Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The mass amnesty followed the signing of more than $20bn of Saudi investment deals in a lavish visit which has seen Islamabad spare no expense to welcome its wealthy friend.

The Crown Prince's visit is seen as sealing deepening ties between the two nations at a time when Mr Khan's government faces a painful balance of payments crisis.

Cash injections from Riyadh and the UAE have kept Pakistan's economy afloat in recent months and allowed Mr Khan to delay a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Crown Prince's investment deals, including a refinery complex, offer another economic lifeline.

MBS, as the Crown Prince is known, has enjoyed a lavish welcome from the Pakistani state Credit: AFP

The release of Pakistani petty criminals offered Mr Khan a political gift. Millions of Pakistanis work in the Gulf and their remittances are a critical source of foreign currency for Pakistan's economy. The fate of the thousands who are locked up across the Middle East is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, where there is a perception the prisoners are mostly poor labourers who have no legal recourse.

Mr Khan reportedly raised the issue on Sunday night at a welcome ceremony at the Prime Minister's official residence, making a special request to MBS to look into the hardships of Pakistani labourers working in the kingdom, and to look upon them as your own people.

Fawad Chaudhry, information minister, said on Monday morning: His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of KSA Mohammad Bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi jails.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan's foreign minister, also said the crown prince had graciously agreed to free 2107 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabia with immediate effect. Cases of the remaining will be reviewed.

Story continues

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long shared close ties. The wealthy Gulf kingdom has provided financial support in the past, while the Muslim world's only nuclear power has vowed to defend Saudi Arabia and its royal family.

A Pakistani man looks at morning newspapers with front-page-coverage of MBS' visit Credit: AFP

Yet Pakistan's biggest state visit since the one by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015 comes as ties appear to be entering a newer, closer era. While Mr Khan's government gets an economic boost, Riyadh boosts its oil market and plugs into the new Chinese trade network stretching across Asia.

The Crown Prince's international reputation has been badly tarnished after journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate, though he denies any involvement. Yet Pakistan heaped honours on its guest, including a 21-gun salute, fighter jet escort, and honour guard. The Crown Prince also received the country's highest civilian award the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan).

His Islamabad visit was the first leg of a wider Asia visit, with the prince due to arrive in Delhi on Monday evening.

His foreign minister vowed the kingdom would try to de-escalate rising tensions between Pakistan and India after a suicide bomb attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 41 paramilitary policemen.

Delhi has vowed to retaliate after the Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack in the disputed territory.

Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully, said Adel al-Jubeir.

India has vowed to isolate Pakistan diplomatically in the international community, saying it has incontrovertible evidence of Islamabad's role.

Pakistan has rejected the allegations.By Stephen Nellis

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd on Wednesday unveiled a nearly $2,000 folding smartphone in a bid to top the technology of Apple Inc and Chinese rivals and reignite consumer interest in a massive consumer electronics category that had its worst sales ever last year.

The Galaxy Fold will go on sale on April 26 and take advantage of new and faster 5G mobile networks. The device looks similar to a conventional smartphone, but then opens like a book to reveal a display the size of a small tablet at 7.3 inches (18.5 cm).

The device "answers skeptics who said that everything that could be done has been done," DJ Koh, chief executive of Samsung Electronics, said at an event in San Francisco. "We are here to prove them wrong."

With the foldable phone, Samsung is trying to take the technology lead on two fronts in the smart phone race, offering an eye-catching new feature with the big, bending screen and the first 5G connection in a premium phone, a feature analysts do not expect Apple to match until 2020.

It also challenges the notion of what a phone can cost, debuting at nearly twice the price of current top-of-the-line models from Apple and Samsung itself.

Patrick Moorhead, founder of Moor Insights & Strategy, said the new folding device could help Samsung stay at the top and lure consumers to upgrade devices that have looked largely the same over the past five years.

"Samsung and Apple go back and forth" to lead the premium smartphone market, Moorhead said. "I think this is Samsung's chance to take back the innovation crown."

And even though the $1,980 starting price is steep, some dedicated Samsung fans said they would pay it. Navneet Kumar Singh, a Samsung enthusiast from India who traveled to San Francisco to watch the launch, is ready to place his order.

"The prices of the flagship models have been a little aggressive in India," he said, "But in the end, if you invest the money you're getting a different experience."

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Samsung also introduced several accessories to compete against Apple, including a pair of wireless headphones called Galaxy Buds. The headphones include wireless charging, a feature that Apple has promised to put into is competing AirPods but has not yet released.

Samsung also said that its new Galaxy phones will be able to wirelessly charge its headphones and new smartwatches by setting the accessories on the back of the phone.

Samsung said it had developed new manufacturing processes for the phone's hinge and flexible display to tolerate opening and closing hundreds of thousands of times.

10 TIMES FASTER

Along with the folding phone, Samsung also added new cameras and a 5G version to its Galaxy series of phones.

Verizon Communications Inc will be the first carrier to offer service for Samsung's 5G phones. The networks are expected to be 10 times faster than current ones, improving viewing of live news and sports events.

The 5G smartphones, both folding and rigid, aim to beat major rivals Apple and Xiaomi Corp to market with a next-generation device as Samsung defends a narrowing lead in global handset shipments.

With the 5G versions of its flagships, the Korean electronics maker looks to have beaten Chinese rivals in the 5G race, although the device will operate only on the small number of networks launching later this year. Apple is not expected to release a 5G smartphone until late 2020.

Rival smartphone makers are expected to announce 5G models at next week's Mobile World Congress, the industry's top annual event, in Spain. Samsung said its 5G handset would be available in the early summer.

The Galaxy 10 series needs to appeal to consumers who are reluctant to upgrade for only incremental technological improvements in performance. Such reluctance led to the worst-ever year for smartphone sales in 2018.

All of the Galaxy series of rigid phones except the 5G will be available from March 8, with the S10+ priced from $1,000, the S10 priced from $900 and the smaller S10e from $750.

The mainline S10 compares with $999 for Apple's iPhone XS and $858 for Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's premium Mate 20 Pro.

Samsung is still the global smartphone market leader with about 19 percent share but it underperformed the market, which was itself down.

Huawei and Apple are vying for second place with about 13 and 12 percent respectively.

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)Prague (AFP) - Czech authorities said Wednesday they would slap checks on beef imported from Poland after veterinarians found the dangerous Salmonella bacteria in a 700-kilogramme batch of Polish beef.

"Tests have shown the presence of Salmonella enteritidis, which can cause serious diarrhoea and affect human health, in beef imported from Poland on February 13," Agriculture Minister Miroslav Toman told reporters.

Czech veterinary authorities have warned the European Commission and Polish authorities through a rapid warning system, he said, adding that they are also checking whether any of the meat has been consumed.

"The State Veterinary Administration (SVS) will immediately adopt an extraordinary measure -- all beef imported from Poland must be tested in a lab before hitting the market," Toman added.

SVS head Zbynek Semerad said meat from the 700-kilo (1,500-pound) batch had been distributed to five "places" in the Czech Republic and one in Slovakia.

"I will inform my Slovak counterpart. As far as we know, not all of the meat has been distributed to the end customer," Semerad said.

The case comes on the heels of a scandal which saw Poland export a total of 2.7 tonnes of suspect beef to around a dozen fellow EU members, triggering an EU probe.

The scandal erupted in January when the TVN24 commercial news channel aired footage of apparently sick or lame cows being butchered at a small slaughterhouse in northeast Poland in secret late at night when veterinary authorities were unlikely to visit.

Poland is a leading producer and exporter of meat in Europe, turning out around 600,000 tonnes of beef per year and exporting most of it mainly to the EU, according to meat producer associations.Montevideo (AFP) - She scrubs plates, mops floors and washes clothes with vigor. She works when others relax. And she plays games with children who are not hers, even though they might feel a bit like family by now.

Just like Cleo, the live-in nanny in Alfonso Cuaron's Oscar-nominated film "Roma," Ignacia Ponciano represents millions of women working in domestic service across Latin America for want of a better opportunity.

"Nacha," as she is known, started working at the Rodriguez household in Mexico City 30 years ago, when she was in her late teens. She left her rural village for the capital looking for a break

Once she found both a job and a home, she never left.

Ponciano's story is hardly uncommon for women in Latin America, where the work and personal lives of so many domestic employees are closely intertwined.

"Roma" is Cuaron's tribute to his childhood nanny Libo and women like her across the region -- forever in the background yet an integral part of the families that they serve.

In recent years, several countries have established laws to formalize what tend to be very ad hoc employment contracts for maids and nannies.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) enshrined job security and benefits in a convention in 2013 -- so far, more than a dozen countries in the region have ratified it.

But other regional economic and migration crises have made its lofty goals difficult to achieve.

- 18 million workers -

In the home where she says she landed "without knowing how to do anything," Ponciano worked cleaning, cooking and looking after Penelope, the daughter of her boss, who was divorced and living with her sister.

She quickly became a confidante to everyone in the house.

But while it was a close-knit, family-like community, it was also the source of her livelihood -- and she had no formal contract to protect her from the whims of fate.

According to the ILO, there are 18 million domestic workers in Latin America, 93 percent of them women, making it "one of the most important occupations for women in the region."

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But it is almost 80 percent informal employment, meaning workers have trouble accessing social security, lack opportunities for advancement and have no recourse for workplace inspections, the ILO says.

There is also no collective bargaining to lobby for better work conditions.

- Impersonal relations -

With new lifestyles and new regulations, workers who live with their employers have become the exception, not the rule, and this change is having an impact on how the homes themselves are designed.

Lourdes Cruz Gonzalez Franco, a researcher from the National University of Mexico, said it is unusual now for architects to plan for servants' quarters in new houses.

"Although you can't generalize, because the upper classes still plan for servants' quarters, there is a tendency to get rid of them or convert them into guest rooms or studios," she said.

That means that domestic servants have to commute to work, often for hours, which in turn leads to more superficial relations with their employers than the close ties portrayed in "Roma," set in the 1970s.

Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, among others, have introduced rules that establish base salaries and other benefits.

In December, Mexico's Supreme Court ordered that some two million domestic workers be enrolled in the social security system within three years to guarantee their access to public health care and other benefits.

Nevertheless, countries that have made progress in the sector, like Argentina, have discovered that the challenge does not end with writing new laws.

Since 2013, domestic workers there have had the right to overtime, paid holidays and maternity leave. Yet still some 57 percent of the work in private homes is on an informal basis.

Workers are also very vulnerable to economic and social unrest, as has been the case in Brazil.

Despite a 2013 law to benefit domestic workers, the economic crash two years later dealt a serious blow to the country's safety net.

Now, around a third of Brazil's 6.2 million domestic workers are employed on an off-the-books basis.

- Half a kilo of meat -

The situation is even worse in crisis-torn Venezuela, where 41-year-old Marbelis Martinez cleans apartments.

Despite a 2012 law protecting domestic workers, she is lucky if she can afford half a kilo (one pound) of meat a week.

"It won't even get me a dozen eggs," she said of her pay.

Even in the United States, seen by some in the region as a promised land, a survey by the National Union of Domestic Employees found that "workers are exposed to the whims of their employers."

According to the study, 23 percent of dismissals were because people complained about their working conditions. In many cases, the workers' immigration status obliges them to suffer in silence.

But that helplessness is often experienced by Latin American workers in their home countries.

In Guatemala, Maritza Velasquez, president of the Association of Domestic Workers, said the majority of maids come from indigenous communities, and few make even the minimum wage of $384 a month.

"The monthly wage can go from $90 a $320, but there are almost no complaints for fear of reprisals," she said.Days after a federal judge imposed a limited gag order on him, Trump confidant Roger Stone posted a photograph of that judge to his Instagram page and included her name, a close-up of her face and what appeared to be the crosshairs of a gun sight near her head.

Mr Stone deleted the picture soon after, then reposted it without the crosshairs before deleting the second post.

US district judge Amy Berman Jackson is presiding over Mr Stone's criminal trial in which he has pleaded not guilty to charges of lying about his efforts to gather information about hacked 2016 Democratic Party emails that were published by WikiLeaks.

Ms Jackson imposed the gag order on Friday, telling Mr Stone he could not make statements to the media about his case near the federal courthouse in Washington, but imposing no other restrictions on his ability to make public comments.

The judge put greater constraints on attorneys and potential witnesses, telling them not to make statements that could prejudice jurors.

In the text accompanying the first post, Mr Stone referred to special counsel Robert Mueller, who brought the case against him. "Through legal trickery Deep State hitman Robert Mueller has guaranteed that my upcoming show trial is before Judge Amy Berman Jackson," Mr Stone wrote, and added that Ms Jackson is "an Obama appointed judge" and the "(hash)fixisin."

The US Marshals Service, which provides security to federal judges, did not respond to a request for comment.

In a text message to The Washington Post on Monday, Mr Stone said the photograph of Ms Jackson had been posted by a "volunteer" who helps him with his social media accounts.

"The photo has been misinterpreted, and in no way did I mean to threaten the judge or disrespect the court." Mr Stone wrote. "(It) is a random photo selected from the internet and was posted at my direction. Because it was open to misinterpretation, I have ordered it taken down."

Story continues

Mr Stone also disputed that the original post included crosshairs.

"What some say are crosshairs are in fact the logo of the organisation that originally posted it - something called Corruption Central," Mr Stone told The Post. "They use the logo in many photos."

The photograph does indeed appear on at least one far-right blog, emblazoned with the crosshairs-like logo.

However, in a Monday court filing, Mr Stone's lawyers formally apologised for the post. "Undersigned counsel, with the attached authority of Roger J Stone, hereby apologises to the Court for the improper photograph and comment posted on Instagram today," the filing reads. "Mr Stone recognises the impropriety and had it removed."

Mr Stone has used the possibility of a gag order as a cudgel to attack the special counsel's office. Earlier this month, Mr Stone posted a photo of himself on Instagram with what appeared to be a large piece of gold tape over his mouth.

Beneath the photo, he wrote: "Now an Obama-appointed Judge wants to gag me so I can't defend myself from the many media leaks by the Mueller hit squad... My lawyers are fighting this effort to abridge my First Amendment Rights."

In the days leading to Ms Jackson's courthouse-vicinity gag-order decision, Mr Stone and his family members frequently argued that a gag order would limit his ability to raise money for his legal defence fund.

In an 8 February fundraising letter, Mr Stone's wife, Nydia Stone, wrote: "The same Obama appointed judge who put (former Trump campaign chairman) Paul Manafort in solitary confinement prior to his being convicted of any crime is now considering issuing a gag order so that my husband can no longer publicly raise money for his legal defence - that's why it is important that you rush me your answer today." She underlined the sentence for emphasis.

Ms Jackson is the same judge who ruled last week that Manafort  Mr Stone's long-time friend and former business partner - lied to Mr Mueller's prosecutors last week.

In past messages to The Post, Mr Stone has struck a more conciliatory note, writing on the day of the partial gag order, "I am pleased that the judge's order leaves my first amendment right to defend myself in public intact."

"I will of course continue to be judicious about my comments regarding the case," he added.

The Washington PostBy Moses Ndhaye.

Government has earmarked over 50 billion shillings to procure textbooks which will help the ministry of education to implement the new lower curriculum secondary reform which kicks off in 2020.

According to the commissioner in the ministry of education Ismail Mulidwa government is proposing to procure these books from the local book authors in Uganda .

Mulidwa while officiating at the opening of symposium on combating book piracy in Uganda says people should stop buying pirated books because they affect the quality of education because in most cases they are not accurate in terms of providing information .

He asked policy makers to ensure that, the copy rights law is implemented to protect the authors from losing market for what they have produced .Roger Stone has been ordered back to court on Thursday to discuss a controversial Instagram post that attacked the judge presiding over his trial.

Earlier Monday, Stone posted a photo of US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson with what appeared to be crosshairs near her head.

Stone and his lawyers filed a notice on Monday night saying they recognised the photograph and comment today was improper and should not have been posted.

Stone later said that the picture had been misinterpreted and that any suggestion he intended to threaten the judge was categorically false.

The judge already issued an order limiting comments in the pending case prior to Stones Instagram post. On Tuesday, she said that Stone must now prove why his bail shouldn't be revoked and why she shouldn't institute a full gag order in the case.

Stone is charged with lying to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering related to discussions he had during the 2016 election about WikiLeaks. He has denied the charges.

As I have said previously, there is no circumstance whatsoever under which I will bear false witness against the president, nor will I make up lies to ease the pressure on myself, Stone said after posting bail.

Stone's case is the latest in a series brought by special counsel Robert Mueller that focuses on cover-ups but lays out no underlying crime. Its a familiar pattern in Washington, where scandals from Watergate to Iran-Contra and Whitewater have mushroomed into presidency-imperiling affairs due to efforts to conceal and mislead.

The Stone case is in some way reminiscent of the special counsel's prosecutions that have accused Michael Cohen of lying to Congress about his role in a Moscow real estate project; former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn of lying about his contacts with the Russias US ambassador; and ex-campaign aide George Papadopoulos of lying about his knowledge that Russia had dirt on Hillary Clinton in the form of stolen emails.

Story continues

In none of those cases did prosecutors say the things the defendants lied about were crimes themselves.

The Stone indictments also reflect an unflattering portrait of a presidential campaign eager to exploit stolen emails about a political opponent. They allege that Stone informed unidentified senior Trump campaign officials of what Stone was hearing about plans by the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks regarding the hacked emails. It says a senior Trump campaign official was directed to contact Stone about additional releases and what other damaging information WikiLeaks had regarding the Clinton campaign.

Though those allegations dont form the basis of any of the charges against Stone, their inclusion in the 24-page indictment could signal that Mr Mueller isnt done with that prong of the investigation. He already has charged 12 Russian military intelligence officers in the hacking of Democratic email accounts, setting up the potential for prosecutions of any Americans who might be involved in that conspiracy.

Additional reporting by AP. More followsPresident Vladimir Putin threatened the United States with an expanded array of strategic weapons on Wednesday, announcing a new hypersonic missile and the early deployment of nuclear submarines equipped with long-distance underwater drones.

He warned that Russias new weapons would target the US if it deployed missiles to Europe. We will be forced to take both reciprocal and asymmetrical measures, he said. Let them count the range and speed of our weapons. This is all we ask.

Mr Putins harsh rhetoric, delivered in his annual state of the nation address, was a return to familiar territory. Exactly one year ago he used the same speech to unveil a new generation of six nuclear weapons, and deployed an animated video showing a direct strike on Florida to emphasise his point.

Russias new invincible weapons would force the west to finally listen, he told the assembled political dignitaries that day.

This year  amid falling presidential ratings  many expected a different, less belligerent approach, focussed on everyday concerns of ordinary Russians. Ahead of the speech, sources within the presidents own administration briefed that the president would offer an optimistic vision.

For a while, Mr Putin lived up to those expectations. This would be a speech that concerned the welfare of Russians alone, he began. He presented himself as the guardian of the welfare of the nation. There would be more money for clinics, for schools, for hospitals. Benefits would be increased. Mortgage holidays introduced. There would be more organic food.

He even rallied against the excesses of his own system. He would fight, he said, against the arrogance of his own bureaucrats, who often failed to empathise, understand and respect ordinary people. He would side with honest businessmen who shouldnt face the threat of criminal persecution. And he would continue to intervene against the out of town landfill sites that have been scourging many peoples lives.

Story continues

At times, Mr Putins speech seemed to be directed to an alternate reality. It was not immediately clear, for example, from where the money for his kinder social system would come  especially given the countrys struggling, sanction-hit economy. The presidents investment-friendly rhetoric likewise sat in contrast to last weeks arrest of a top foreign investor  on what appeared to be fabricated fraud charges. And protesters against toxic landfill sites across Russia would be forgiven for thinking the president didnt exactly have their back when his security services were pressuring, intimidating and arresting them.

It almost seemed as if Vladimir Putin had adopted the manifesto of his fiercest critic, Alexei Navalny, and was agitating to overthrow himself, quipped Roman Dobrokhotov, an independent Russian journalist.

Just over an hour in, with a turn to defence and missile technology, Russias longstanding president hit a more familiar groove.

To increasing applause in the hall, Mr Putin read out a list of Russias recent accomplishments in the field. The army had already taken delivery of the Avangard nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle, he said. The new technology, which allows missiles to make evasive inflight manoeuvres, was a breakthrough as momentous as sending a satellite into space.

The president had announcements up his sleeve as well. The military would soon be taking delivery of a new hypersonic cruise missile called Zircon, he said. The new weapon, which has an advertised range of more than 600 miles and top speed of Mach 9, is compatible with vessels outfitted with the Kalibr cruise missile system used extensively in the Syrian conflict. In addition, two of the systems unveiled last year would also get an earlier-than-expected outing. The Poseidon underwater nuclear drone would appear "in Spring." A new laser weapon called Peresvet would become operational by December. And Mr Putin said Russia reserved the right to use the new weapons to target were the US to decide to deploy new intermediate-range missiles to Europe. The Cold War-era treaty on short and intermediate range missiles now appears to be dead in the water given that both sides have confirmed their intention to leave it. In a statement given to the Interfax news agency, a Nato spokesman described Mr Putins threats as unacceptable. But how much the new weaponry actually changes the strategic balance is another matter. At least part of Mr Putins calculations on Wednesday were geared towards rousing the patriotic vote in Russia, suggested Justin Bronk, a research fellow at RUSI, an international defence and security think tank based in London. The effectiveness of Russias strategic nuclear arsenal against the United States and Nato, in the event of nuclear war, is assured and has never been in doubt, he said. Internationally, of course, the new weapons serve as a reminder of Russias status as a massive nuclear power. While the major headlines were made abroad, Mr Putins speech was most closely watched in Moscow. Many inside the political leadership have privately expressed concerned about the fragility of the system, and were looking for evidence of systemic reform. The president offered them few indications of a change in direction, concluded Konstantin Kalachyov, head of the Political Expert Group and an occasional Kremlin adviser. Those who believed there could be another Putin were left disappointed," he said. "And judging by the final text, the lobbying ability of the ministry of defence has trumped all else.Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and receive a $20 prize!

A sizeable part of portfolio returns can be produced by dividend stocks due to their contribution to compounding returns in the long run. Postal Savings Bank of China Co., Ltd. (HKG:1658) has paid a dividend to shareholders in the last few years. It currently yields 3.6%. Lets dig deeper into whether Postal Savings Bank of China should have a place in your portfolio.

Check out our latest analysis for Postal Savings Bank of China

5 questions I ask before picking a dividend stock

If you are a dividend investor, you should always assess these five key metrics:

Is it paying an annual yield above 75% of dividend payers?

Has its dividend been stable over the past (i.e. no missed payments or significant payout cuts)?

Has the amount of dividend per share grown over the past?

Is its earnings sufficient to payout dividend at the current rate?

Based on future earnings growth, will it be able to continue to payout dividend at the current rate?

SEHK:1658 Historical Dividend Yield February 20th 19

How does Postal Savings Bank of China fare?

The company currently pays out 23% of its earnings as a dividend, according to its trailing twelve-month data, which means that the dividend is covered by earnings. Going forward, analysts expect 1658s payout to remain around the same level at 25% of its earnings. Assuming a constant share price, this equates to a dividend yield of 4.2%. Furthermore, EPS should increase to CN0.71.

If you want to dive deeper into the sustainability of a certain payout ratio, you may wish to consider the cash flow of the business. Cash flow is important because companies with strong cash flow can usually sustain higher payout ratios.

If dividend is a key criteria in your investment consideration, then you need to make sure the dividend stock youre eyeing out is reliable in its payments. Unfortunately, it is really too early to view Postal Savings Bank of China as a dividend investment. It has only been consistently paying dividends for 2 years, however, standard practice for reliable payers is to look for a 10-year minimum track record.

Story continues

In terms of its peers, Postal Savings Bank of China has a yield of 3.6%, which is on the low-side for Banks stocks.

Next Steps:

If Postal Savings Bank of China is in your portfolio for cash-generating reasons, there may be better alternatives out there. However, if you are not strictly just a dividend investor, the stock could still offer some interesting investment opportunities. Given that this is purely a dividend analysis, you should always research extensively before deciding whether or not a stock is an appropriate investment for you. I always recommend analysing the companys fundamentals and underlying business before making an investment decision. Ive put together three fundamental aspects you should look at:

Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for 1658s future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for 1658s outlook. Valuation: What is 1658 worth today? Even if the stock is a cash cow, its not worth an infinite price. The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether 1658 is currently mispriced by the market. Dividend Rockstars: Are there better dividend payers with stronger fundamentals out there? Check out our free list of these great stocks here.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.By Catarina Demony LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's minority Socialist government of Prime Minister Antonio Costa on Wednesday survived an opposition motion of no confidence lodged over a recent wave of public sector strikes. The motion, fielded by the conservative CDS-PP party last week and seen as largely symbolic because the Socialists are backed in parliament by the far-left Communists and Left Block, was rejected by a 115-103 margin in the 230-seat parliament. Portugal, which faces a general election in October, has seen various public sector walkouts and street protests in the past few months, from nurses fighting for better salaries to firefighters and police officers protesting inadequate funding. The Socialists are far ahead of other parties in opinion polls, though still well shy of a parliamentary majority. "The strikes reveal a government unable to maintain social peace," CDS-PP leader Assuncao Cristas told parliament before the vote. The CDS-PP was part of the previous centre-right administration, whose painful austerity campaign during Portugal's 2011-14 bailout caused widespread strife. Earlier on Wednesday, the leader of one of Portugal's main nurses' unions began a hunger strike to demand better pay and working conditions while criticising the authorities for clamping down on the strike, declared "unlawful" by the prosecutor general's office on Tuesday. Defending his government's record, which includes lower taxes, wage and pension increases, Costa said the vote "only showed that the right is still a minority" in Portugal. Finance Minister Mario Centeno previously labelled the increase in strike action as "absolutely normal" in a growing economy that was making workers more demanding even as the state increased spending. The Socialists and their allies have reversed some austerity steps while maintaining budget discipline to reduce the deficit and keeping growth rates at above the euro zone's average in the past two years. Unemployment has dropped to 16-year lows. (Editing by Andrei Khalip/Mark Heinrich)Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that an Alabama woman who fled to Syria to join ISIS in 2014 is not a U.S. citizen and, as a result, is not entitled to return to the U.S. with her 18-month-old son, as she had hoped to do.

Ms. Hoda Muthana is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States, Pompeo said in a statement. She does not have any legal basis, no valid U.S. passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the United States. We continue to strongly advise all U.S. citizens not to travel to Syria.

Muthana, 24, was taken to a refugee camp in northeast Syria by Kurdish forces after escaping ISIS territory.

An attorney representing Muthanas parents claims she is a U.S. citizen despite the fact that her father was serving as a Yemeni diplomat when she was born in New Jersey, which, according to the State Department, means she is not entitled to birthright citizenship.

Muthanas son was fathered by one of the three ISIS fighters she was married to during her time in the caliphate. In a 2015 tweet, she urged Americans to carry out domestic terror attacks.

Americans wake up! Men and women altogether. You have much to do while you live under our greatest enemy, enough of your sleeping! she wrote, according to The Guardian. Go on drivebys, and spill all of their blood, or rent a big truck and drive all over them. Veterans, Patriots, Memorial, etc day . . . Kill them.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Muthana pleaded with U.S. officials to allow her return to America, citing her youth and immaturity at the time she fled to Syria.

I would tell them please forgive me for being so ignorant, and I was really young and ignorant and I was 19 when I decided to leave, she said.

More from National ReviewWarsaw (AFP) - A senior nun has spoken out for the first time about priests sexually abusing nuns in staunchly Catholic Poland following an an unprecedented public admission by Pope Francis.

Mother Superior Joanna Olech was speaking after the pontiff earlier this month admitted that priest have used nuns as "sexual slaves" -- and may still be doing so.

"The problem of sexual abuse committed by priests against nuns has also existed in Poland for a long time," Olech, who was the secretary general of women's religious orders in Poland between 1995-2008, told Poland's KAI Catholic news agency in an interview.

Olech said that in one of several cases she has seen, "a young nun who became pregnant, was forced to leave her order, but the father of the child is still a priest and certainly has not suffered any consequences for his actions."

"These cases have never been made public", even after being reported to the superiors of priests responsible for sexual abuse, said Olech.

She added that the scale of the abuse in Poland was unclear as "no studies have been done."

Sexually abused nuns have nowhere to turn, said Olech, who has spent the last 50 years in a religious order.

But she also insisted that the "era when this problem has been swept under the rug is drawing to an end".

"Times have changed, perhaps the new generation of nuns will approach these issues in a different way," she added.

Some 18,000 nuns served in around 100 Catholic women's religious orders in Poland as of 2016, according to the Statistical Institute of the Catholic Church of Poland.

Catholic bishops from across the globe gather at the Vatican this week for a summit called by Pope Frances focused on tackling the wave of child sex abuse scandals assailing the Catholic Church.

The Polish episcopate insists it has "zero tolerance" for these criminal acts.

It has vowed to publish statistics on the number of child victims of priestly sex abuse, covering the period starting in 1989, when communism fell.Washington (AFP) - The fate of Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan was thrown into the spotlight Wednesday following media reports of a fraught discussion he had with senior US lawmakers over Syria.

The exchange took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference last weekend, where politicians grilled Shanahan on President Donald Trump's contentious decision to withdraw US forces from Syria.

Many in Trump's own Republican Party have questioned the wisdom of the move, which the president announced in December after declaring victory over the Islamic State group in Syria -- where thousands of jihadists remain and fighting continues around their last holdout.

According to The Washington Post, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the leader of a delegation of lawmakers who had gone to Munich, asked Shanahan if he had told European allies that the US troop presence would be zero by April 30.

"Yes, that's been our direction," Shanahan reportedly said.

"That's the dumbest fucking idea I've ever heard," Graham told the Post he had responded.

Shanahan had been trying to convince allies to maintain a troop presence in Syria after the US pulls out, but struggled to persuade other countries why they should risk their forces with America gone.

Conservative news outlet Breitbart, which had been traveling with Graham in Europe, gave a similar account of the exchange.

A US official told AFP that Graham's outrage was aimed more at Trump's withdrawal plans than it was at Shanahan himself.

Graham reportedly described a number of possible outcomes for a precipitous US withdrawal, including a Turkish attack on US-backed Kurdish forces and a resurgence of IS.

"If the policy is going to be that we are leaving by April 30, I am now your adversary, not your friend," Graham reportedly told Shanahan.

Shanahan would need Senate confirmation if he is to lose his "acting" prefix.

Story continues

The former Boeing executive was previously deputy Pentagon chief until his predecessor Jim Mattis quit amid Trump's Syria decision and other disagreements.

Shanahan took the Pentagon helm January 1 but has so far not been nominated to become permanent defense secretary, and several other names have been floated in Washington circles as potential candidates.

Shanahan's spokesman Joe Buccino said the closed-door meeting between his boss and the US politicians was broadly "a positive, productive discussion on a wide range of global topics."

Shanahan's trip to Europe, which marked his international debut as Pentagon chief, saw him also visit Afghanistan, where Trump wants to slash the US troop presence.Kinshasa (AFP) - Democratic Republic of Congo ex-president Joseph Kabila, who yielded power to Felix Tshisekedi after December elections, moved Wednesday to assert his political clout, making the leaders of his FCC coalition sign a loyalty pledge.

Kabila's Common Front For Congo remains the strongest force in parliament, garnering an overwhelming majority of seats in the December 30 vote which yielded a presidential win for opposition leader Tshisekedi.

Nearly a month after the reins officially changed hands, newly-retired Kabila gathered the leaders of the coalition's 18 member parties at his farm in Kingakati, near Kinshasa, the FCC said in a statement.

It added that he got them to sign an "act of commitment" with seven main points. Topping the list: "We reaffirm our faithfulness and our loyalty to His Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange, honorary president of the Republic."

Tshisekedi's own Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) only garnered 32 seats in the National Assembly.

He has yet to appoint a prime minister and has provisionally been working with the governing team left behind by his predecessor.

The FCC party leaders gathered Wednesday agreed to transform the entity from an "electoral coalition" into a "political platform of government".

This does not mean it will revisit the power-sharing accord discussed with Tshisekedi, said the FCC.

According to Lambert Mende, government and FCC spokesman, Tshisekedi and Kabila shared "an ideological proximity". He described them both as "social democrats."

The two men held talks Sunday on forming a coalition government.

Tshisekedi's election marked DR Congo's first peaceful change of power since its independence from Belgium in 1960.

He took over from Kabila who had held the presidency for 18 years.

Another opposition candidate, Martin Fayulu, disputes the legitimacy of the December 30 elections.RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - The Palestinian Authority (PA) will no longer accept tax revenues collected on its behalf by Israel following its decision to trim the sum over the PA's financial support of militants' families, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said. The cash-strapped Palestinian Authority, an interim self-government body set up following the 1993 Oslo peace accords, has suffered a series of financial blows in the past year. Under interim peace deals, Israel collects taxes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in the Gaza Strip and makes monthly payments to the PA, which says it receives around $222 million each month. The Israeli Finance Ministry said on Wednesday it collects about 700 million shekels ($193 million) in Palestinian taxes and transfers around 600 million shekels of that to the Palestinian Authority after deducting payments for electricity, water, sewage and medical treatment services. On Sunday Israel said it would freeze about 5 percent of that against stipends the Palestinian Authority pays to families of Palestinians killed or jailed by Israel. In remarks made late on Tuesday and broadcast on Palestinian radio on Wednesday, Abbas said the PA would continue to pay out these stipends rather than accept a partial transfer of the tax revenues from Israel. "We reject the tax, we don't want it," Abbas told visiting U.S. congressmen. "Frankly, if we are left with only 20 or 30 million shekels, which is the sum paid to families of martyrs, then we will pay them to the families of martyrs," he said. Israel and the United States say the stipend policy fans Palestinian violence while the Palestinians see the slain and jailed Palestinians as heroes of a national struggle. The United States last year passed legislation to sharply reduce aid to the Palestinian Authority unless it stopped the pay-outs. The measure, known as the Taylor Force Act, was named after a 29-year-old American military veteran fatally stabbed by a Palestinian while visiting Israel in 2016. Last month the Palestinians declined some $60 million in U.S. annual funding for their security forces, worried about exposure to lawsuits under new U.S. anti-terror laws. Washington has further slashed hundreds of millions of dollars to humanitarian organizations and U.N. agencies which aid the Palestinians as it seeks to pressure Abbas to enter peace negotiations with Israel. Peace talks have been frozen since 2014. The Palestinians suspended ties with Washington after President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017 and opened the new U.S. Embassy in the city in May. Israel has at times withheld the tax money over other matters. (Reporting by Ali Sawafta; Writing by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Pakistan accused India on Tuesday of sponsoring terrorism and of using the United Nations' highest court for "political theater" as it urged judges to dismiss an Indian case seeking to save an alleged spy from execution.

The International Court of Justice case centers on the fate of Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was convicted of espionage and sabotage by a Pakistani military tribunal and sentenced to death in April 2017.

Pakistan says it will put him on trial on terrorism charges if the U.N. court orders his convictions overturned.

The hearings in the wood-paneled Great Hall of Justice in The Hague come amid soaring tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors following a deadly attack Thursday in the disputed Kashmir region in which a militant rammed an explosive-laden van into a paramilitary bus. It was the worst attack against Indian government forces in Kashmir's history.

India denies Jadhav is a spy and has asked the world court to order his release because he was denied access to consular assistance, in breach of an international treaty, and not allowed to choose his own defense lawyer at trial.

Pakistani Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan insisted that Jadhav was a serving Indian navy officer and spy who was traveling under a fake name on an authentic Indian passport when arrested in March 2016.

Khan told judges that Jadhav was sent "on the instructions of the government of India to assist, plan and cause terrorism in Baluchistan ... and other places in the country."

Another lawyer representing Pakistan, Khawar Qureshi, accused India of going to court in an attempt to score political points.

"These are proceedings launched for political theater, making a claim for relief that is unsustainable and that should be dismissed," he told judges.

At hearings Monday, Indian lawyer Harish Salve said that Jadhav's court martial "hopelessly fails to satisfy even minimum standards of due process and ... should be declared unlawful."

Story continues

But Khan countered by saying that Jadhav confessed "before an independent judicial magistrate sitting in a court of a competent jurisdiction."

Qureshi said that even if the U.N. court found that Pakistan breached an international treaty on consular relations, the judges should not order Jadhav's release, but instead call for a review and reconsideration of his convictions.

The U.N. court last year ordered Pakistan not to execute Jadhav pending the outcome of the case in The Hague.

Judges will likely take months to reach a decision. The court's rulings are final and legally binding.Lift & Co. chief executive officer Matei Olaru, MADD Canada chief executive officer Andrew Murie, and Lift & Co.s vice president of strategy, Nick Pateras speak at Lift & Co.s Toronto office on Feb. 20, 2018. (Lift & Co. via Twitter)

Ontarios government-approved course for cannabis retail workers aims to teach students to spot stoned shoppers in about 20 seconds as they attempt to make a purchase, a challenge more daunting than identifying customers impaired by alcohol.

The mandatory CannSell training program developed by the Toronto-based cannabis media company Lift & Co. Corp. (LIFT.V) and MADD Canada is set to launch on Feb. 25, allowing the first students time to complete the course by the time brick-and-mortar retail stores debut in Ontario on April 1.

The $50, four-hour, self-guided online training covers federal and provincial cannabis laws, short and long-term health risks, product information, responsible sales practices, and even a history of cannabis in Canada. Passing is a must for store staff, managers and license-holders.

MADD Canada chief executive officer Andrew Murie said CannSell includes video content from a doctor specializing in cannabis to train workers to identify impairment from pot, alcohol, or a combination both, when deciding who to sell to in stores.

You have 15 or 20 seconds to make that assessment, he told reporters at Lift & Co.s Toronto office on Wednesday. We spent a lot of time on this. Because to be honest with you, with cannabis intoxication, the signs are more difficult to recognize than alcohol.

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario rules state that cannabis cannot be sold to anyone who is intoxicated, or appears to be intoxicated.

Murie said workers will be on the look-out for people fumbling with payment machines and other abnormal behaviour when they interact with customers over the counter. He said smelling like cannabis wont necessarily bar you from buying.

The smell can stay on someones clothing for a long period of time, said Murie. Thats not enough to say that person is intoxicated.

Dry mouth, disheveled clothing, aggressive behaviour, red eyes, inappropriate sweating, pace of speech and slurring are among the other signs of intoxication outlined in the CannSell course.

Story continues

Lift & Co. expects to certify a workforce upwards of 13,000 by 2022, a figure that assumes 15 license-holders per store. The company has deployed retail training solutions in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, as well as through private retailers across the country.

The challenge of educating consumers is pressing as Ottawa prepares to open up the recreational cannabis market to a host of edibles, beverages and vaping products in October.

Lift & Co.s vice president of strategy, Nick Pateras, predicts cannabis will mature into a packaged goods industry where in-store education is the number one influence on consumer behaviour.

The ability to walk into a store and ask questions of someone who will help guide them through their purchase journey and make a responsible purchase decision is absolutely paramount, he said. That primary point of access is the key educational touchpoint.



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Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.Novo Nordisk A/S NVO announced that the FDA has approved its biologics license application (BLA) for Esperoct (turoctocog alfa pegol, N8-GP) regarding the treatment of haemophilia A in adult patients and children.

The drug is approved for the routine prophylactic to reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes, on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes plus perioperative management of bleeding in the given patient population.

Per the company, due to third-party intellectual property (IP) agreements, it will not be able to launch the drug before 2020 in the United States.

Last February, Novo Nordisk submitted the BLA for Esperoct to the FDA regarding treatment of people with haemophilia A and filed a marketing authorization application to the European Medicines Agency for the same. That is also under review in Japan.

The nod was based on data from the largest pre-registration clinical program conducted in haemophilia A including 270 previously treated people (PTPs) afflicted with the disease, having more than five years of clinical exposure.

Esperoct was effective in treating severe haemophilia A through a simple fixed dosing regimen of one injection every four days in adults and adolescents or every 3-4 days (twice-weekly) in children. The drug was also found to be efficacious in controlling bleeding episodes and perioperative management with no acute safety concerns.

Shares of Novo Nordisk have lost 2.4% in the past year versus the industrys increase of 7.8%.

We would like to remind investors that in May 2017, Novo Nordisk received an FDA approval for its BLA related to Rebinyn (N9-GP) (Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant), GlycoPEGylated) for the treatment of adults and children with hemophilia B. Rebinyn is the brand name for nonacog beta pegol, N9-GP, in the United States.

Meanwhile, last August, the FDA approved Bayers BAYRY Jivi (BAY94-9027) for the routine prophylactic treatment of hemophilia A in previously-treated adults and adolescents aged 12 years or above in the United States. The drug has also secured a nod for on-demand treatment and perioperative management of bleeding in the same patient population.

Story continues

Jivi is a long acting PEGylated recombinant human Factor VIII (rFVIII) replacement therapy. The initial prophylactic regimen for Jivi is recommended twice weekly with the scope of dosing every five days and further, individually adjusting to less or more frequent dosing based on bleeding episodes.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Novo Nordisk currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the large cap pharma sector include Bristol-Myers Squibb Company BMY and GlaxoSmithKline plc GSK, both carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Bristol-Myers earnings estimates have been revised 2.2% upward for 2019 over the past 60 days. The stock has surged 37.2% so far this year.

GlaxoSmithKlines earnings estimates have moved 3.2% north for 2019 over the past 90 days. The stock has gained 11% in a year.

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Zacks Investment ResearchOSLO (Reuters) - Budget carrier Norwegian Air expects to fly a plane out of Iran in the next few days after it made an emergency landing there in December and became stranded, partly due to U.S. sanctions on Tehran.

The plane took off from Dubai on Dec. 14 bound for Oslo but had to land in Shiraz in Iran because of problems with one of its engines.

The 186 passengers and six crew were able to fly out of Shiraz the next day. But the plane was left behind as it needed spare parts from its manufacturer, U.S. manufacturer Boeing.

The Trump administration has reinstated U.S. sanctions on the Middle Eastern country which forbid civilian aircraft sales - including servicing and parts.

Any product that contains more than 10 percent of U.S.-origin goods or technology require a U.S. license in order to be sent to Iran.

"We are in the process of having a new engine flown to Iran for our Boeing 737 MAX within the next few days," said a company spokesman.

"It is too early to say exactly when the aircraft will be airborne, but our goal is to fly the aircraft back to Scandinavia within the next week," he added.

Norwegian Air has previously said that the paperwork needed to service the plane had taken longer than usual, partly because the company had to familiarize itself with regulations in Iran, where the firm does not operate.

Officials at Shiraz Airport and the Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development could not immediately be reached for comment.

(Reporting by Gwladys Fouche; Additional reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London; Editing by Alister Doyle and Hugh Lawson)Hanoi (AFP) - Pyongyang's special representative for the US arrived in Hanoi on Wednesday with a North Korean delegation, an AFP reporter and source confirmed, ahead of a summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un next week.

Kim Hyok Chol was seen by an AFP reporter walking into a government guesthouse where other North Korean officials in town for pre-summit preparations were staying over the weekend.

He arrived from Beijing, where he spent a night en route from North Korea.

"A team of North Koreans arrived on a flight from Beijing," a source at the airport told AFP, requesting anonymity.

Kim Hyok Chol is expected to meet with his US counterpart Stephen Biegun, who is heading to Hanoi, later in the week to lay the groundwork for talks between Trump and Kim in the Vietnamese capital on February 27-28.

Biegen and Kim Hyok Chol met in Pyongyang earlier this month to hammer out US and North Korean positions on denuclearisation ahead of the much-anticipated meeting.

The summit will be the second face-to-face for Kim and Trump after a summit in Singapore in June that produced a vaguely worded agreement on denuclearisation.

Progress has since stalled, with the two sides disagreeing over what exactly denuclearisation means.

Observers are hoping for more concrete outcomes from the Hanoi summit to avoid it being dismissed as a publicity stunt.

Trump said on Tuesday that while he hoped his next meeting with Kim Jong Un would yield progress, he was also in "no rush" for results.

"I'd like to see ultimately denuclearisation of North Korea," Trump told reporters.

- Kim's 'butler' -

Vietnam is feverishly preparing for the high-profile event, Trump's second visit to the country and the first for a North Korean leader since Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung travelled to the communist country in 1964.

Speculation is swirling that Kim could travel to Vietnam overland via China by train after a North Korean and a Vietnamese team were seen separately surveying roads and rail tracks near the China border with Vietnam.

Story continues

Kim travelled by air to the summit in Singapore on a plane lent to him by Beijing, but normally travels by armoured train when he visits China.

Officials have remained tight-lipped on summit details, including the agenda and precise venue, though several teams from both sides are already in Hanoi ahead of the meeting.

Kim Jong Un's de-facto chief of staff Kim Chang Son, dubbed his 'butler', was in Hanoi over the weekend to discuss protocol and security matters with the US team.

He was seen at the government guesthouse and the colonial-era, French-built Metropole hotel, both slated as possible venues for the summit, though officials have so far refused to confirm the precise meeting location.

Alex Wong, US deputy assistant secretary of state for North Korea, arrived in the Vietnamese capital preparing for the summit earlier this week, while Biegen could arrive Thursday.

A State Department deputy spokesman said the US objectives have not changed since the Singapore summit.

"Chairman Kim's commitment to denuclearisation upon which the world is focused right now and... that remains our goal," Robert Palladino told reporters.By Steve Holland and James Pearson WASHINGTON/HANOI (Reuters) - A week before a second summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, U.S. President Donald Trump held out the prospect of an easing of tough sanctions on the country, but only if it does "something that's meaningful" on denuclearization. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Trump also said he expects to meet with Kim again after their Feb. 27-28 summit in Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital. Trump said he did not think North Korea was reluctant to denuclearize, in spite of a lack of concrete progress since he and Kim met for a first summit in Singapore in June. "I dont think theyre reluctant; I think they want to do something," he said. "Well see what happens. The sanctions are on in full. I havent taken sanctions off, as you know. Id love to be able to, but in order to do that, we have to do something thats meaningful on the other side." Trump said he and Kim had "a good relationship" and added: "I wouldnt be surprised to see something work out." He said he and Kim have made a lot of progress but "that doesnt mean this will be the last meeting." Trump's comment was his most explicit yet that the United States might be willing to consider easing sanctions on North Korea before Pyongyang completely abandons its nuclear weapons program. The administration has previously said that sanctions will remain in place until North Korea's complete denuclearization. Trump spoke as his special envoy for North Korea was due in Hanoi to finalize preparations for the summit. Stephen Biegun is expected to hold talks with his counterpart Kim Hyok Chol, who arrived in Hanoi on Wednesday. Trump said on Tuesday he wants North Korea to end its nuclear program "ultimately," but had no pressing time schedule for this, provided it stuck to a freeze in nuclear and missile testing in place since 2017. When Trump and Kim met in Singapore, it was the first ever meeting between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader. Kim pledged then to work toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, but negotiations have made little headway since, with North Korea demanding a lifting of punishing U.S.-led sanctions, a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War and security guarantees. In September, Kim expressed willingness to permanently dismantle facilities at his country's main nuclear site of Yongbyon in return for corresponding U.S. moves. Biegun held three days of talks in Pyongyang this month which he said would include discussion of such corresponding steps, but the State Department had offered no sign of any specific progress. Biegun said after his North Korea visit his talks had been "productive" but there was "hard work to do" before the summit. Sources in Hanoi said earlier that Vietnam was preparing for Kim Jong Un to arrive by train for the summit with Trump. It could take Kim at least two and a half days to travel the thousands of kilometers (miles) through China by train, from the North Korean capital of Pyongyang to Vietnam, meaning he would have to set off later this week in time for his planned Feb. 25 arrival. (Reporting by Steve Holland in WASHINGTON and James Pearson in HANOI; additional reporting by David Brunnstrom and Makini Brice in WASHINGTON, Joyce Lee in SEOUL and Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Editing by Robert Birsel and James Dalgleish)By Marti Maguire

RALEIGH, N.C. (Reuters) - North Carolina poll workers told election officials on Tuesday they illegally viewed early election results last year, the latest evidence in a probe of voting irregularities in a still unsettled congressional race.

The investigation into the disputed Nov. 6 election for the state's 9th Congressional District seat also uncovered an unlawful absentee ballot scheme by an operative for Republican candidate Mark Harris, according to testimony at the hearing that could prompt a new vote.

The seat has remained vacant since state officials refused to certify Harris' apparent victory over Democratic rival Dan McCready by 905 votes out of 282,717 ballots cast.

Poll worker Agnes Willis told the five-member State Board of Elections in Raleigh on Tuesday that she and other poll workers viewed early results in the Bladen County sheriff's race before the general election.

North Carolina law prohibits running voting results before the general election. Bladen County is one of two counties at the center of the probe involving the congressional race.

The board, which must decide if the evidence warrants a new election, heard on Monday that Republican operative Leslie McCrae Dowless hired workers to collect absentee ballot requests from voters and then return to retrieve the ballots, in violation of state law.

In some instances, the paid workers falsely signed as witnesses and filled in votes for contests left blank at Dowless' home or office, said Kim Strach, executive director of the elections board.

Andy Yates, founder and partner of consultants Red Dome Group, testified on Tuesday he paid Dowless more than $130,000 for his work for the Harris campaign.

Dowless hired workers to collect absentee ballot requests, among other duties, Yates said. But Yates said he never paid Dowless to collect actual ballots, adding he would have reported such activity to the state.

Mr. Dowless told me that he knew it was illegal to collect ballots, and that he told all of his workers that it was illegal to collect ballots, Yates said.

Story continues

Dowless' lawyer has said he did nothing wrong.

Dallas Woodhouse, director of the state Republican party, told reporters the testimony did not support calling for a new election, either due to affected ballots or overall fairness concerns. The hearing resumes on Wednesday.

Republicans have pushed for the board to certify Harris as the district's Congress member. The U.S. House of Representatives would then determine whether to seat him.

McCready lawyer Marc Elias, however, said the evidence had revealed "massive election fraud" that justifies a new election.

If the Democrats pick up the seat, they would widen their 235-197 majority in the House after taking control of the chamber from President Donald Trump's Republicans in November.

(Reporting by Marti Maguire; Writing by Gabriella Borter; Editing by Colleen Jenkins, David Gregorio and James Dalgleish)United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United States, France, Britain and six other countries on the UN Security Council have called for a meeting on Myanmar that is expected to face opposition from China, diplomats said Wednesday.

The meeting requested for next week would be to hear a report from UN envoy Christine Schraner Burgener who last month paid a 12-day visit to Myanmar to discuss the plight of Rohingya refugees.

Around 740,000 Muslim Rohingya are living in camps in Bangladesh after they were driven out of Myanmar's northern Rakhine state during a military campaign in 2017 that the United Nations has described as ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar has agreed to take back some of the refugees in a deal reached with Bangladesh, but the United Nations insists that the safety of the Rohingya be a condition for their return.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized as "too slow" Myanmar's efforts to address the Rohingya crisis and described the lack of progress as a source of "enormous frustration."

Schraner Burgener, a Swiss diplomat, has made four visits to Myanmar since her appointment in April but appears to have returned empty-handed each time.

Belgium, Germany, Poland, Kuwait, Peru and the Dominican Republic joined the three veto-holding powers to push the council to turn its attention to Myanmar.

Diplomats said China was expected to raise objections but it remained unclear whether it would seek to block the meeting with a procedural vote.

Nine votes are required in the 15-member council to hold a meeting, and vetoes do not apply.

The Chinese mission at the United Nations did not respond to a request from AFP for comment.

In October, China failed to win enough support at the council to block a report from the head of UN fact-finding mission in Myanmar.

China, which has close ties with Myanmar's military, has argued that the crisis in Rakhine is linked to poverty and has opposed any step to put pressure on the authorities.

Myanmar's military has denied any wrongdoing in Rakhine and argues that its operations were justified to root out Rohingya insurgents following attacks on police posts.Key cast members David Jason as Del Boy, Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney and Lennard Pearce as Grandad in Only Fools And Horses (Credit: BBC)

Nicholas Lyndhurst has flattened any possibility of an Only Fools and Horses revival, because most of the key players in the classic BBC sitcom are no longer with us.

57-year-old Lyndhurst, who played Rodney to Sir David Jasons wideboy wheeler dealer Del Boy Trotter, also said that without writer John Sullivan, it could never happen.

We cant do any more. John was the driving force, he told The Daily Mirror.

Weve also lost quite a few of the cast members now, [so] I dont think I could do it. I certainly couldnt do it without John.

We cant. At the risk of depressing everyone, I think the last two times Ive seen David [were] at funerals. We did make a pact to get out for a drink at some stage without planting somebody. We are still close.

Nicholas Lyndhurst (Credit: PA)

Over the years, many of the shows stars have passed away.

The original Granddad, actor Lennard Pearce, died in 1984, while early series of the show were still airing, after which Buster Merryfield replaced him in 1985 (Merryfield then died in 1999).

Kenneth MacDonald, who played Mike, the landlord of the Nags Head, died in 2001, while writer Sullivan died in 2011.

More recently, Roger Lloyd-Pack, who played Trigger, died in 2014.

It comes after news that the block of flats used for exterior shots of Nelson Mandela House in the show is to be demolished.

Harlech Tower in Acton, West London (not Peckham, as depicted in the series), is to be levelled as part of a development that will regenerate the area with 3,500 new homes.

Jason called for the tower to be listed.

Of course I think it should be a listed building. What a shame. But they are not going to listen to me are they? he told The Sun.

Lyndhurst, meanwhile, is to star alongside Frasier star Kelsey Grammer in Man of La Mancha, a play at the London Coliseum starting in April.

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In its latest effort to regulate disruptive technologies, New York City issued a subpoena to Airbnb demanding that the company hand over data on individuals who offer short-term property rentals using its platform.

Mondays subpoena comes within days of a new lawsuit filed against the city by ride-hailing giant Uber, aiming to overturn the citys cap on drivers, and within a week of Amazons exit from a deal to locate the companys HQ2 campus within city limits.

This illustration picture taken in Paris on August 29, 2018, shows a toy umbella and houses next to the logo of rental website Airbnb. (Photo by JOEL SAGET / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

The citys move is despite a January federal district court ruling on a request from Airbnb and Home Away to temporarily enjoin New York City from enforcing a city ordinance signed in August by Mayor Bill de Blasio. The ordinance would have required the companies, beginning February 2, to hand over the names, address, phone numbers, and email addresses of hosts who list property on their platforms  along with monthly data on the number of days and portions of each property rented, total fees paid, and anonymized account numbers hosts use to receive rental compensation.

In this Nov. 14, 2018 file photo, protesters hold up anti-Amazon signs during a coalition rally and press conference/ (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

Previous demands for Airbnb to disclose data about its members and their real estate transactions have come in the form of various legal disputes between the company and the city that stretch back nearly a decade.

A spokesperson for Airbnb told Yahoo Finance that the Office of Special Enforcement began targeting the company more frequently beginning in 2015. The OSE is responsible for ensuring affordable, safe, and sanitary housing for New York City residents.

Illegal hotels for tourists

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio issued Mondays subpoena as part of the citys continued effort to enforce its Municipal Dwelling Law. The law prohibits rental of most apartments for a period of fewer than 30 days.

Today we issued a subpoena to @AirBnB because they refuse to provide the transparency we need to protect New Yorkers homes, de Blasio tweeted on Monday. We wont let bad actors take entire apartment buildings and turn them into illegal hotels for tourists.

Story continues

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Tweet Feb. 18, 2019

For its part, Airbnb says it actually wants to pay taxes in New York. Airbnb has proposed model legislation that it hopes to pass this session that would create a simple registration system that protects host privacy, while allowing it to collect and remit taxes in New York.

In the meantime, we have also offered to work with the City to collaboratively focus enforcement efforts on weeding out large scale commercial operators who seek to circumvent our policies. And while that offer hasnt yet been accepted, we stand by it, Chris Lehane, Airbnbs Head of Global Policy, wrote Thursday in a letter to de Blasio.

The Manhattan district court that ruled on Airbnbs 2018 lawsuit held in January that Airbnb had a right to withhold user data requested by the city.

[T]he Court has little difficulty holding that the ordinance is a search or seizure within the Fourth Amendment, the court said, describing the ordinance as an indiscriminate law operating regardless of any factual basis to suspect that any particular listing, or user, or building, or complex, at issue is in violation of the Citys Multiple Dwelling Laws.

The court pointed out in its ruling that the Supreme Court had explicitly rejected the argument that the closely regulated hotel industry could be deprived of a reasonable expectation of privacy in the records they hold as to their guests.

"We are not trying to go after the little guy, I want to be abundantly clear," de Blasio told "Inside City Hall" on Monday. We want to make sure theres not illegal hotels. We want to make sure that something that is supposed to be an occasional business is not a full-time business, which would mean that it should be listed as a business and regulated as a business.

Transaction data on more than 20,000 Airbnb hosts, requested in the Citys subpoena, would give government officials a tracking method to check whether short-term hosts pay New York City income taxes on any rental profits.

Airbnbs spokesperson said New York City is home to a politically powerful hotel industry lobby that has made no bones about pushing legislation making it harder for New Yorkers to rent their homes.

Ten years ago, in a small San Francisco apartment, Airbnb was founded by two roommates who could not afford to pay the rent, Lehane said. Our hosts earn 97 percent of what they list their homes for, which amounts to approximately $6,288 per year for the typical host in New York City.

Airbnbs spokesperson told Yahoo Finance that the company wants to work together with the city on a regulatory framework that would allow it to protect its law abiding users while sharing information concerning bad actors.

To date, we have worked with more than 500 governments to develop and implement workable rules and data agreements and put in place new tools to facilitate responsible home sharing, Lehane wrote, and have collected and remitted more than $1 billion in local taxes, much of which has been invested back into local municipalities.

Its been nearly 10 years since Google invested $1.9 billion to set up shop in one of the New York Citys largest buildings. According to Agile Craft, New York City lags behind in tech job hiring rates per capita, compared with Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Hartford, Boston, San Jose, Miami and St. Louis. New York is among the top five cities for highest paying tech jobs, not adjusted for cost of living.

Yahoo Finance requested a response from Mayor Bill de Blasios office as well as HomeAway and did not receive immediate responses.

A previously published version of this story referenced New York state law, rather than New York City law, as the jurisdiction applicable to the district courts January ruling and has been amended to reflect the correct jurisdiction.

Alexis Keenan is a New York-based reporter for Yahoo Finance. She previously produced live news for CNN and is a former litigation attorney. Follow her on Twitter at @alexiskweed

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Legal experts disagree on whether Trump can declare 'emergency' to build his wallJerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have postponed a planned meeting Thursday in Moscow for talks on Iranian military activity in Syria, an Israeli official said.

The two leaders would speak by phone on Thursday instead, the official said on condition of anonymity Wednesday, adding that a new date for the meeting would be set as soon as possible.

It was described as a postponement of several days.

The official gave no reason for the postponement, but Israeli media said it was related to Netanyahu's strategizing with allied right-wing parties for April 9 elections ahead of a Thursday deadline for electoral lists to be submitted.

Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov told Russian state news agency Ria Novosti that the meeting was postponed due to Israeli internal political reasons.

The meeting would have been their first extensive face-to-face talks since a friendly fire incident in September that led to a Russian plane being downed by Syrian air defences during an Israeli raid, which angered the Kremlin.

Netanyahu and Putin, who have spoken by phone several times since the incident, met in Paris in November on the sidelines of World War I commemorations.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria against what is says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets, and the Jewish state and Russia have set up a "de-confliction" hotline to avoid accidental clashes.

Netanyahu has pledged to stop Israel's main enemy Iran from entrenching itself militarily in the neighbouring country.

Both Russia and Iran are allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and have helped his forces inflict numerous defeats on rebels and jihadists.By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forged an election alliance with a far-right party on Wednesday that could give followers of the late anti-Arab rabbi, Meir Kahane, a stronger voice in Israeli politics. The deal, announced by Netanyahu's Likud and the ultranationalist Jewish Home party, was aimed at solidifying a potential right-wing coalition after the April 9 parliamentary election. Opinion polls predict Netanyahu's Likud will win the most parliamentary seats and will be in a position to form a governing coalition of rightist and religious parties similar to the one he now heads. But the surveys also show that a possible alliance between two of his strongest centrist opponents, former armed forces chief Benny Gantz, who leads the Resilience Party, and ex-finance minister Yair Lapid, head of the Yesh Atid faction, could spark an upset. Gantz and Lapid met on Wednesday, with speculation high they could strike a deal. Moving to counter that prospective partnership, Netanyahu agreed to set aside two cabinet posts for Jewish Home on condition it agreed to a merger with the Jewish Power party, whose leaders have portrayed themselves as Kahane's successors. Jewish Home's chairman said in a statement he accepted the deal after talks with Netanyahu. Its central committee then met and ratified the pact, party officials said. Jewish Power has already agreed to the merger, saying it would "prevent the establishment of a leftist government, God forbid". Such an alliance could be crucial to the two parties' survival: opinion polls have shown that Jewish Home and Jewish Power might not garner enough votes on their own to win even a single seat in the Knesset. Kahane, a U.S.-born rabbi, served one term in the Knesset in the 1980s as head of the Kach party, which advocated the "transfer" of Palestinians to neighbouring Arab countries and also called for a ban on intermarriage between Israeli Jews and Arabs. Kahane's movement was subsequently banned from Israeli politics as racist. He was assassinated in 1990 in New York by an Egyptian-born American. Netanyahu's political future has also been clouded by three corruption cases. The attorney-general is weighing whether to accept police recommendations to indict him over allegations he wrongfully accepted gifts from wealthy businessmen and dispensed favours to try to win favourable coverage in an Israeli newspaper and a website. In office since 2009, after an earlier term as prime minister from 1996 to 1999, Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing. He says he is a victim of a left-wing witchhunt to topple him. (Editing by Frances Kerry)Special counsel Robert Muellers report on his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election could be delivered to Congress as early as next week, CNN reports.

The report would mark an end to the nearly two-year investigation, which has been attacked with fervour by Donald Trump as a witch hunt and stirred repeated political controversy in Washington and around the world.

Should attorney general William Barr announce next week that the investigation has concluded, it is unlikely that the details would immediately be made public. It is also not clear how much of the report Mr Barrs office receives will then be handed over to Congress, as the report is only legally required to go to the Justice Department upon conclusion of an investigation.

The exact date and time that the end of the investigation might be announced remains unclear, and could be subject to change.

Mr Barr has previously indicated that he wants to be transparent with Congress and the public regarding the report, so long as that remains consistent with the rules and the law.

The conclusion of Mr Muellers investigation will not put an end to the impact seen by the probe, which has resulted in dozens of indictments including charges brought against close allies of the president.

There are several ongoing court cases that would proceed, some of which were referred by Mr Muellers office to different jurisdictions including the Southern District of New York. Other investigations may be picked up by the DC US District Attorneys office.

In addition ot the special counsel investigation, at least two probes are ongoing in Congress.

That includes a recently restarted probe in the House of Representatives, led by Democrats after the party retook control of the chamber in the 2018 midterm elections.

Another investigation in the Senate Intelligence Committee is reportedly wrapping up, and Republicans in that committee have said they have found no evidence of collusion between Mr Trumps campaign and Russian officials.

Those investigations could still unearth important information, too. On Wednesday, it was announced that Mr Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen  who has pleaded guilty to several charges stemming from Mr Muellers probe  will not have to report to prison until May, in part so that he can testify to Congress.Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and receive a $20 prize!

A look at the shareholders of Amsterdam Commodities N.V. (AMS:ACOMO) can tell us which group is most powerful. Institutions often own shares in more established companies, while its not unusual to see insiders own a fair bit of smaller companies. Companies that used to be publicly owned tend to have lower insider ownership.

Amsterdam Commodities is not a large company by global standards. It has a market capitalization of 482m, which means it wouldnt have the attention of many institutional investors. In the chart below below, we can see that institutional investors have bought into the company. Lets take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholder can tell us about ACOMO.

Check out our latest analysis for Amsterdam Commodities

ENXTAM:ACOMO Ownership Summary, February 20th 2019

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Amsterdam Commodities?

Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices.

We can see that Amsterdam Commodities does have institutional investors; and they hold 49% of the stock. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. When multiple institutions own a stock, theres always a risk that they are in a crowded trade. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Amsterdam Commoditiess historic earnings and revenue, below, but keep in mind theres always more to the story.

ENXTAM:ACOMO Income Statement, February 20th 2019

Hedge funds dont have many shares in Amsterdam Commodities. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Story continues

Insider Ownership Of Amsterdam Commodities

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our information suggests that Amsterdam Commodities N.V. insiders own under 1% of the company. But they may have an indirect interest through a corporate structure that we havent picked up on. It seems the board members have no more than 795k worth of shares in the 482m company. I generally like to see a board more invested. However it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying.

General Public Ownership

The general public, with a 36% stake in the company, will not easily be ignored. While this group cant necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run.

Private Company Ownership

We can see that Private Companies own 15%, of the shares on issue. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too.

Many find it useful to take an in depth look at how a company has performed in the past. You can access this detailed graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow .

If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.Maputo (AFP) - Mozambique authorities have detained a journalist working in a northern region that has been rocked by a jihadist insurgency, a media watchdog said Wednesday, the third such arrest in as many months.

Germano Daniel Adriano, who works for a local radio and television broadcaster, Radio e Televisao Macomia, was arrested on Tuesday, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) said in a statement, giving no further details.

MISA expressed "serious concerns about this wave of arbitrary arrests, including the involvement of the military in interrogations that take place in the absence of lawyers".

Amade Abubacar, who works for the state-owned Comunitaria Nacedje de Macomia radio and television in northern Cabo Delgado province, has been detained since January 5 on charges of espionage.

Abubacar was seized by police at a bus stop while conducting interviews and taking photographs of people fleeing militant attacks.

In December, the military arrested internationally-acclaimed investigative reporter Estacio Valoi in the same province, but released him without charge two days later.

Since October 2017, Islamist fighters have terrorised remote communities in the gas-rich, Muslim-majority Cabo Delgado region, killing around 200 people and forcing thousands from their homes.

Macomia is one of the areas worst hit by the insurgency.

Rights groups have accused security forces waging the fight against the jihadists of serious abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary detention.WASHINGTON  A federal judge granted Michael Cohen, President Donald Trumps former personal lawyer, two additional months of freedom on Wednesday before he must surrender to federal prison.

Cohen pleaded guilty last year to charges that included campaign-finance violations for paying hush money to women who claimed to have had sex with Trump and for lying to Congress about the extent of negotiations for a Trump Tower in Russia. He was sentenced to three years in prison.

Cohen had been scheduled to report to prison March 6. U.S. District Judge William Pauley agreed Wednesday to delay that until May 6.

Cohen recently had a serious surgical procedure and needs more time for recovery, according to a two-page letter from his lawyer, Michael Monico.

Cohen underwent serious shoulder surgery and needs more time for physical therapy, according to a statement from his lawyers, Monico, Barry Spevack and Lanny Davis.

"In addition, he will be able to prepare for the expected testimony next week before congressional committees, which he welcomes, the statement said.

Three congressional committees have also sought Cohens testimony. The House and Senate intelligence committees, and the House Oversight and Reform Committee, each wanted to hear from him before he goes to prison. Cohen is spending substantial time preparing for the testimony, which limited his time with family before serving time, Monico said.

Pauley granted the request without comment for Cohen to surrender himself at a federal prison in Otisville, New York.

More: Michael Cohen, Donald Trump and Russia: Prosecutors document series of lies by president's former fixer

More: Senate panel subpoenas Michael Cohen, President Trump's former personal lawyer

More: Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen to testify before Congress in February before heading to prison

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, gets 2-month delay to start prison termDavid Axe

Security,

The U.S. Marine Corps wants new missiles so its forces can help the U.S. Navy to sink enemy ships.

The Marine Corps Wants to Be Able to Sink Enemy Warships (With An F-35 Assist)

The U.S. Marine Corps wants new missiles so its forces can help the U.S. Navy to sink enemy ships.

And it wants them soon, according to Megan Eckstein, reporting for USNI News.

"Theres a ground component to the maritime fight," Gen. Robert Neller, the Marine Corps commandant, said at a February 2019 conference in San Diego.

"Were a naval force in a naval campaign," Neller said. "You have to help the ships control sea space. And you can do that from the land."

Neller said land-based sea-control forces would complement, not replace, Marine aircraft operating in the anti-ship role.

Marine units with anti-ship missiles could spread out across islands in order to control strategic ocean checkpoints. "So theres a lot of geographical chokepoints, and you know what they are, and the potential adversaries know what they are," Neller said. "So if you get there first and you can control that space, then you have an operational advantage."

"Fortifying the offshore island chain while deploying naval assets in adjoining waters could yield major strategic gains on the cheap," James Holmes, a professor at the Naval War College in Rhode Island, advised in 2014. "Doing so is common sense."

The Marines' new missile should be compatible with Navy ships, Neller stressed. "This is the same type of stuff youd want to put on a ship." The Corps could team up with the Navy to test the new weapon, Neller pointed out.

The need is urgent, according to the commandant. "The urgency is just the situation security-wise we find ourselves in the world." China rapidly is modernizing and growing its maritime forces and exerting more and more pressure on U.S. allies in disputed waters in the China Seas.

Story continues

Beijing considers the string of islands stretching from Japan south to The Philippines -- what it calls the "first island chain" -- to be China's historical sphere of influence.

By one recent count, the Chinese navy, coast guard and maritime militia operate 650 large, military vessels -- slightly more than the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command operate.

The Navy is developing several new anti-ship missiles, including a new version of the venerable Tomahawk ship-launched cruise missile as well as the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, a variant of an air-launched cruise missile.

In the meantime, the Navy has added an anti-ship mode to some of its Standard surface-to-air missiles. The sailing branch also is pulling out of storage old Harpoon anti-ship missiles and could arm some attack submarines with them.

An upgraded Harpoon Block 1C with an active radar seeker and a 490-pound warhead can strike ships over a distance as far as 70 miles. The LRASM and Tomahawk both can hit targets hundreds of miles away with even larger warheads.

It's worth noting that the Boeing-made Harpoon can equip land forces, too. Finland is buying the Cold War-vintage missile for its coastal-defense units. A Boeing official told USNI News that the company has talked to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps about a possible sale.

In the meantime, both the Army and Marine Corps have experimented with their existing High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers in an effort to transform them into anti-ship weapons. The 12-ton, wheeled HIMARS can fire a wide range of guided and unguided rockets.

During the Rim of the Pacific war game in and around Hawaii in July 2018, an Army HIMARS battery struck the decommissioned U.S. Navy amphibious ship Racine with five unguided 227-millimeter-diameter rockets. An aerial drone provided the coordinates for the 50-mile strike.

Still, an unguided 227-millimeter rocket with a 200-pound warhead -- HIMARS can carry six at a time -- is less than ideal as an anti-ship weapon. Alternatively, a HIMARS can carry one guided 610-millimeter Army Tactical Missile System with a 500-pound warhead and a 190-mile range.

In 2016, the Army began modifying the seekers on some ATACMS in order to improve their ability to hit ships. The Marines quickly could adopt the same kind of missile.

Fighter jets could help the Marine missile batteries to locate targets. In a 2018 demonstration in Arizona, an F-35 stealth fighter detected a test target and transmitted the target's location to a HIMARS battery.

The Marines also have borrowed a tactic from the Army for rapidly repositioning rocket batteries. In December 2018, Marine KC-130 transport planes hauled two HIMARS launchers from Camp Pendleton in California to Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, where a war game was underway.

At least one of the HIMARS rolled off its KC-130J, quickly fired a training rocket, then loaded back into the KC-130J for its return flight.

In wartime, a Marine rocket battery could quickly deploy to one island aboard Marine or Air Force transports and lob a few rockets at Chinese ships while the transports idled nearby. "After firing each volley, the missile battery would move to a new hide site and await orders to fire again," the California think-tank RAND explained in a 2017 report.

At the same conference where Neller spoke, Brig. Gen. Christian Wortman, head of the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, reportedly said the Marines would get their new missile in the "near term."

"Theres a couple capabilities out there and were going to test them," Neller said.

David Axe serves as Defense Editor of the National Interest. He is the author of the graphic novels War Fix, War Is Boring and Machete Squad.

Read full articleA student involved in a viral confrontation with a Native American man is suing the Washington Post for $250m (191m) over its coverage of the incident.

The defamation lawsuit, filed by Covington Catholic High School pupil Nick Sandmann, claims the newspaper wrongfully targeted and bullied him due to its biased agenda against Donald Trump.

The 16-year-old was wearing one of the presidents signature Make America Great Again hats when he attended an anti-abortion rally in Washington in January along with classmates from his Kentucky school.

The group of teenagers had become involved in a filmed confrontation with Nathan Phillips, an elderly Native American activist.

A viral photo from the incident, showing Mr Sandmann standing face-to-face with Mr Phillips and smirking as the protester sings and plays his drum, sparked outrage on social media.

Mr Phillips would later state in interviews he felt the students had been mocking him during the standoff.

However, a longer video of the incident emerged showing the teenagers had also been subject to racist abuse from another group of protesters identifying as Black Hebrew Israelites.

In the lawsuit filed in the US district court in Kentucky, lawyers claimed The Post had orchestrated a campaign to target Mr Sandmann in furtherance of its political agenda, because he was white and Catholic.

The teenagers Atlanta-based lawyer, Lin Wood, added in a statement that additional similar lawsuits would be filed in the weeks ahead.

Washington Post spokesperson Kristine Coratti Kelly said: We are reviewing a copy of the lawsuit, and we plan to mount a vigorous defence.

A private investigation firm retained by Covington Diocese in Park Hills, Kentucky, found in a report released last week no evidence the teenagers provoked a confrontation.

The investigation also determined the students did not direct any racist or offensive comments towards Mr Phillips, although several performed a tomahawk chop to the beat of his drum.

Story continues

The activist claimed in a separate video that he heard the students chanting build that wall during the encounter, a reference to Mr Trumps pledge to build a barrier along the US border with Mexico.

The investigators said they found no evidence of such a chant and Mr Phillips did not respond to multiple attempts to contact him.

Additional reporting by ReutersBy Ismael Lopez and Yimou Lee

MANAGUA/TAIPEI (Reuters) - Nicaragua's congress on Tuesday accepted a $100 million loan offered by Taiwan, giving a line of support to President Daniel Ortega's government, which has become increasingly isolated after a brutal crackdown on protesters last year.

Lawmakers approved the 20-year loan a day after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that "socialism is dying" in Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela.

The United States enacted a law late last year making it harder for Nicaragua to access multilateral loans.

The bill approved by lawmakers from the ruling Sandinista party said the funds were destined to support the country's budget priorities this year.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the unrest in the country had caused serious damage to Nicaragua's economy.

"In order to help re-building work in Nicaragua, our side has agreed, after prudent assessment, to provide a commercial loan for re-building," it said.

"The relevant help is based upon humanitarian considerations to help the Nicaraguan people, and we hope people's lives in Nicaragua and social order can return to normalcy and stability as soon as possible," the ministry added.

"Nicaragua's government has promised to use this loan appropriately in the aforementioned areas," it said.

Nicaragua is one of a shrinking number of countries in Central America that still offer U.S.-ally Taiwan diplomatic support over China, which considers Taiwan sacred Chinese territory.

China and Taiwan have for years traded accusations of "dollar diplomacy" as they seek support around the world, offering generous aid packages in return for diplomatic recognition.

Self-ruled and democratic Taiwan now has formal relations with only 17 countries, almost all of them small and less developed nations in Central America and the Pacific, including Belize and Nauru.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and considers the island merely a wayward Chinese province, with no right to state-to-state relations.

Story continues

Former guerrilla leader Ortega's rule was challenged by the protests against a social security reform last year. More than 320 people died in a crackdown that suppressed the protests but led to deep rifts with the private sector and Washington.

The United States has imposed sanctions on officials close to Ortega, including his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo.

The Netherlands and Luxembourg last year suspended aid funding to Nicaragua, citing repression during the protests.

In the 2019 budget, Nicaragua's congress forecast a budget deficit of $320 million, up from $170 million in December 2018.

(Reporting by Ismael Lopez in Managua and Yimou Lee in Taipei; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Peter Cooney and Darren Schuettler)The Senate will vote next week on legislation that would require doctors to care for infants born alive in the course of attempted abortions. In their latest effort to push the boundaries of pro-abortion extremism, Senate Democrats are set to oppose the measure.

Senator Ben Sasse (R., Neb.) brought his Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to the floor earlier this month in the wake of disgraced Virginia governor Ralph Northams heinous comments about infanticide  and Democratic politicians refusal to condemn the governor for those remarks. The bill doesnt set any limits on the right to obtain an abortion, nor on any abortion method.

Yet Democratic senators are convinced that saying otherwise will enable them to vote against a measure that prohibits infanticide without appearing to have done so. How can they get away with it?

They have powerful allies. Senator Patty Murray (D., Wash.)  who on behalf of Senate Democrats blocked Sasses request for unanimous consent to his bill  has not only claimed that infanticide is already illegal (in the context of abortion, it is not ), but now casts the eminently reasonable legislation as an attack on womens health:

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Though Murray evidently has little compunction about lying for the sake of promoting abortion on demand, here she is telling a partial truth: There are leading groups, some more medical than others, that oppose the born-alive bill. Their reasons for doing so are deeply revealing.

In a letter to U.S. senators, a copy of which was obtained by National Review, 17 public-health organizations called Sasses bill a dangerous government intrusion into private health care decisions. Among the signatories are the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Public Health Association, Planned Parenthood, and the National Abortion Federation.

The letter calls the born-alive legislation another restriction on womens access to reproductive health care and says it would limit womens access to compassionate and appropriate medical care. Here is what the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act would do, according to its text :

Story continues

creates criminal penalties for doctors who allow infants to die rather than providing medical care after attempted abortion procedures

mandates that a child born alive in an abortion clinic be transported to a hospital for further care

requires health-care practitioners to report any violations of the law

institutes penalties for intentionally killing a newborn, including fines and up to five years imprisonment

grants the woman on whom the abortion is performed civil cause of action against the abortionist and protection from prosecution if her child is not cared for after birth

If these provisions constitute undue restrictions on compassionate reproductive health care, then causing an unwanted infant to die after birth must be, in their view, a medically and ethically acceptable extension of the right to an abortion.

In its most eerie passages, the letter comes dangerously close to echoing Northams own rhetoric. Sasses bill, these groups say, injects politicians into the patient-provider relationship, disregarding providers training and clinical judgment and undermining their ability to determine the best course of action with their patients. And later: Every woman needs to be able to make the decision that is best for her and her family.

When Northam was asked about legislation in Virginia that the bills sponsor said would allow abortion even during labor, the governor explained his support for it this way: 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.

Though he later attempted to clarify his comments as having been in reference to non-viable infants or those born with severe fetal abnormalities, he never walked back his central point. In fact, Northams spokesperson doubled down, saying that the governor believes physicians and women, not legislators, should make these difficult and deeply personal medical decisions.

The line is nearly indistinguishable from the argument made by these groups and Senate Democrats who intend to block the born-alive bill. This is political activism disguised as medicine, pro-abortion sloganeering cloaked in a thin veil of jargon. The letter reads like a Planned Parenthood press release  and for good reason, given that the nations largest abortion provider is one of the letters signatories and surely a ringleader of this effort to portray Democratic opposition to Sasses legislation as mere good sense.

These politicians, along with their allies in the medical sphere, have all but admitted that killing an infant constitutes reproductive health care. Democrats may succeed in blocking this bill on Monday, but they must not be allowed to get away with positioning such a move as anything other than an open endorsement of infanticide.

More from National ReviewPARIS (AP)  The Latest on the death of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld (all times local):

7 p.m.

Macao casino company SJM, which is building a hotel in the Chinese casino capital designed by Karl Lagerfeld, says it's "deeply saddened" by news of his death.

SJM Holdings Ltd. said in a statement that it was an honor to work with Lagerfeld on the hotel, which the company looks forward to completing "as a legacy to his creative genius."

The Karl Lagerfeld Hotel is part of a glitzy multi-billion-dollar casino resort that SJM is building in the former Portuguese colony, the only place in China where casinos gambling is legal.

The Grand Lisboa Palace resort, which is due to open in the second half of 2019, will also feature a Versace-themed hotel.

___

5:45 p.m.

Luxury Italian fashion house Fendi says that is "immensely affected" by the death of its long-time creative director Karl Lagerfeld, who joined the Italian luxury fashion house in 1965 as "a pioneering, young German designer."

Fendi, which first launched as a furrier in 1925, credited Lagerfeld with revolutionizing "the very essence of fur" and going on to "lead Fendi through five decades of pure, unwavering innovation, giving life to creations that have stretched the boundaries of fashion."

While at Fendi, Lagerfeld helped popularize the idea of "fun fur"  fur coats weren't just for formal occasions. His creative direction was extended to women's ready-to-wear when Fendi joined the nascent Italian ready-to-wear scene in 1977.

Silvia Venturini Fendi said "we have lost a unique man and unrivaled designer. ... Our relationship was very special, based on a deep and very genuine affection. ... Karl Lagerfeld has been my mentor and my point of reference. A blink of an eye was enough to understand each other. For Fendi and myself the creative genius of Karl has been and will always be our guiding light."

Story continues

Lagerfeld last appeared in Milan for the September womenswear previews for spring/summer 2019. Fendi shows its womenswear collection for fall and winter on Thursday in Milan.

___

4:50 p.m.

Actress Keira Knightley, one of Chanel's "faces" representing the brand, says she was "incredibly sad to hear the news about Karl (Lagerfeld)."

"This is such a great loss," said Knightley. "He was a legend both as a man and a creative force. He will be sorely missed."

The actress, who features in Chanel's perfume ads, chose one of the brand's outfits when she received her Officer of the Order of the British Empire award at Buckingham Palace last year.

___

3:50 p.m.

Karl Lagerfeld's former muse, Claudia Schiffer, says the German couturier was the equivalent of Andy Warhol in the fashion world.

Ruing the loss of someone "irreplaceable," Schiffer, one of the most famous top models in the 1990s, said on her Instagram account that Lagerfeld was her "magic dust."

Schiffer said Lagerfeld "transformed me from a shy German girl into a supermodel. He taught me about fashion, style and survival in the fashion business."

She added: "What Warhol was to art, he was to fashion; he is irreplaceable. He is the only person who could make black and white colorful! I will be eternally grateful to him."

___

3:30 p.m.

Designer Henry Holland used one of Lagerfeld's own quotes in a tweet posted to honor the master designer.

"To design is to breathe, so if I can't breathe, I'm in trouble," he quoted Lagerfield as saying, before adding , "RIP."

Lagerfeld died Tuesday.

___

3:10 p.m.

American Vogue editor Anna Wintour says the world has lost "a giant among men" with the death of Karl Lagerfeld.

Wintour, who was in London for fashion week shows, said she will miss Lagerfeld "so very much."

"Karl was so much more than our greatest and most prolific designer," she said. "His creative genius was breathtaking and to be his friend was an exceptional gift.

"Karl was brilliant, he was wicked, he was funny, he was generous beyond measure, and he was deeply kind."

Lagerfeld died Tuesday, the Chanel house announced.

___

3:05 p.m.

Chanel brand ambassador Diane Kruger has posted an emotional tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, who died Tuesday.

The German actress chosen as a beauty ambassador promoting Chanel's cosmetic range said she had come to France this week to introduce her daughter to Lagerfeld.

"Karl.....I cannot tell you how much you meant to me and how much I will miss you," she said. "I will never forget your kindness towards me, your laughs, your imagination."

She said she was heartbroken she didn't get to France in time to see Lagerfeld and introduce her daughter before it was too late.

___

2:50 p.m.

Italian designer Donatella Versace has thanked Karl Lagerfeld for the way he influenced her work and that of her late brother Gianni Versace.

"Karl your genius touched the lives of so many, especially Gianni and I," she said Tuesday. "We will never forget your incredible talent and endless inspiration. We were always learning from you."

Versace tweeted a black-and-white photo of herself with Lagerfeld, who was wearing his signature ponytail and dark glasses.

Lagerfeld died Tuesday.

___

2:45 p.m.

Former top model Carla Bruni has thanked Karl Lagerfeld for the "sparkles," ''beauty and lightness" he brought into "such a heavy world."

Lagerfeld died Tuesday, the Chanel fashion house said.

In a message posted on her Instagram account accompanied by a picture of her and Lagerfeld, Bruni said "the whole world and I will miss you."

Bruni had kept ties with Lagerfeld after she retired from modeling to embrace a successful singing career. She is now married to former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

___

2:35 p.m.

Designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham says she is "so incredibly sad" about Karl Lagerfeld's death.

She tweeted the symbol for a broken heart and said, "Karl was a genius and always so kind and generous to me both personally and professionally. RIP."

Beckham showed her new collection at London Fashion Week Sunday.

___

2:35 p.m.

Germany's economy minister is lamenting the passing of fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld.

Speaking Tuesday after meeting with his French counterpart in Berlin, Peter Altmaier said they had learned "the sad news that Karl Lagerfeld has died," noting his celebrity status in Germany and France.

Lagerfeld was born in the northern German city of Hamburg, but moved to Paris as a young man where he became a designer for some of the world's leading fashion companies.

___

2:30 p.m.

The editor-in-chief of British Vogue has hailed Karl Lagerfeld's strong influence on other designers during his many years as a fashion leader.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Karl Lagerfeld," Edward Enninful said Tuesday, on the final day of London Fashion Week.

"He has exerted an incredible influence over the fashion industry over the past six decades, and it goes without saying that the world has lost one of the greatest designers in the history of fashion. But it has also lost one of its greatest teachers."

Chanel announced that Lagerfeld died early Tuesday.

___

2:15 p.m.

Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo has expressed her sadness at the death of Karl Lagerfeld, calling him a genius whose art gave color and shape to love.

Hidalgo says on Twitter Lagerfeld was a "great artist and a friend with a rare sensibility who his whole life accompanied women in their freedom and empowerment."

"He was Paris," she wrote. Lagerfeld died Tuesday.

She recalled his kindness and generosity and expressed her friendship to the employees of the Chanel house.

___

2 p.m.

Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of luxury house LVMH, says the world has lost "a creative genius" with the death of Karl Lagerfeld.

In a statement released by LVMH, Arnault says "we owe him a great deal: his taste and talent were the most exceptional I have ever known."

Lagerfeld, Chanel's iconic couturier, died on Tuesday.

"I will always remember his immense imagination, his ability to conceive new trends for every season, his inexhaustible energy, the virtuosity of his drawings, his carefully guarded independence, his encyclopedic culture, and his unique wit and eloquence," Arnault said.

___

1:20 p.m.

Chanel's iconic couturier, Karl Lagerfeld, whose accomplished designs as well as trademark white ponytail, high starched collars and dark enigmatic glasses dominated high fashion for the last 50 years, has died. He was around 85 years old.

Such was the enigma surrounding the German-born designer that even his age was a point of mystery for decades, with reports he had two birth certificates, one dated 1933 and the other 1938.

Chanel said Lagerfeld died early Tuesday.

Lagerfeld was of the most hardworking figures in the fashion world holding down the top design jobs at LVMH-owned luxury label Fendi from 1977, and Paris' family-owned power-house Chanel in 1983.

Lagerfeld's designs quickly trickled down to low-end retailers, giving him an almost unprecedented impact on the entire fashion industry.

___Reuters

Mohammed Ayoob

Security, Asia

The recent violence in Kashmir has provoked New Delhi.

This Is How the Kashmir Terrorist Attack Could Start a Major War

On February 15, after chairing a top-level meeting of his cabinets Security Committee, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi declared, I want to tell the terrorists and their backers... they have made a big mistake. You will have to pay a very heavy price . . . I assure everyone that the forces behind the attack... we will bring them to justice. This declaration came after the February 14 suicide bomber attack on a convoy of vehicles carrying 2,500 Indian security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in the Pulwama district in southern Kashmir.

The attack resulted in the death of over forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. The Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which has very close ties with Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and often acts as its surrogate in the context of the ongoing unrest and terrorism in Indian-administered Kashmir, immediately claimed responsibility for the terrorist operation.

It quickly became clear that the claim was true for several reasons. First, the meticulous planning and execution of the attack bore the hallmark of professionalism beyond the capacity of homegrown Kashmiri terrorist groups to master. Second, a complex support network was needed to acquire the large amount of explosive material used to detonate the car bombagain something beyond the capacity of local groups without being discovered by the Indian security apparatus. Third, the JeMs involvement was clearly established when four days after the Pulwama attack Indian security forces encircled and killed in the same area a senior Jaish commander who had been infiltrated into Kashmir from Pakistan to organize the operation and recruit the suicide bomber.

That JeM is a front organization of the Pakistan army is evident from the fact that repeated U.S. and Indian efforts to get the UN Security Council to declare its founder, Masood Azhar, a global terrorist, were blocked by China at the Pakistan governments behest. Pakistani involvement in the attack must, therefore, be taken as a given despite denials by high-ranking Pakistani officials that this is not the case.

Story continues

While the ISI may temporarily revel in its success, this time the Pakistani military brass has overreached and have provided India the justification for major retaliatory measures. That such retaliation, which could escalate into a full-fledged war, is only a matter of time is borne out by the confluence of various trends and events in India and the region.

First, the Pakistani leadership seems to have been emboldened by the Trump administrations announcement that it will soon withdraw troops from Afghanistan thus clearing the way for the Pakistan-supported Taliban to regain much of the power it lost in 2001. This appears to have bolstered the Pakistan armys resolve to intensify terrorist attacks by its surrogates on Indian military targets on the assumption that a friendly government in Afghanistan will provide strategic depth to Pakistan in case of a military confrontation with India.

Second, the Trump administrations decision to once again use Pakistan as a conduit to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table has convinced Pakistan that the United States will not adopt any harsh measures to punish continued terrorist attacks against Indian forces in Kashmir. This assumption is based on the calculation that Washington desperately needs Islamabad in order to extract itself from the Afghanistan quagmire.

Third, the atmosphere in India has turned highly jingoistic following the Pulwama attack, and public anger will not be assuaged without a dramatic retaliatory measure that does substantial damage to Pakistans military infrastructure and not merely to the terrorist organizations that it has spawned.

Fourth, elections to Indias parliament are barely two months away and the Hindu nationalist BJP government, which seems to be increasingly losing political ground, would probably like to use the incident to its electoral advantage by a major show of military strength by attacking military targets in Pakistan.

Indian retaliation is inevitable, but its exact form and scope are difficult to predict. New Delhi has already begun to put diplomatic and economic pressure on Pakistan by, among other things, canvassing international opinion against the latters support for terrorism. While this may bring verbal backing from most countries, it is unlikely to affect Pakistan in any major fashion. This is because of Chinese and Saudi financial and political support to Islamabad and due to Americas unconcealed dependence on Islamabad to put pressure on the Taliban to allow a smooth and painless American pullout from Afghanistan.

Moreover, diplomatic and economic pressure on Pakistan is unlikely to satisfy public opinion in India and, therefore, military retaliation is very much in the cards. This time the military response is certain to be far more severe than the surgical strikes against terrorist group concentrations in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir that took place after a similar attack on Indian forces in Uri in September 2016 when four assailants attacked an Indian Army brigade headquarters killing nineteen soldiers.

The Pakistani military may have given the green signal for the most recent terrorist operation to go ahead under the impression that possession of nuclear weapons and Pakistans clearly expressed refusal to abide by the no first use doctrine would deter India from retaliating militarily in any major fashion for fear of escalation to the nuclear level. Such a calculation, it seems, is based on its reading of the earlier pattern of Indian response, most particularly during the Kargil conflict of 1999 when Indian forces were restrained from crossing the international frontier in large part because both countries had openly declared their nuclear weapons status just a year ago.

This could turn out to be a grave miscalculation on Pakistans part. Given the insistent domestic demand for credible retaliation and with elections around the corner the Indian response to the Pulwama attack is most likely to target Pakistan army installations in addition to terrorist group concentrations. This would force Pakistan to counter-retaliate to save the honor and credibility of its military, the real power behind the throne, in the eyes of the Pakistani public. Such an action-reaction dynamic could lead to a very combustible situation that may slide out of either partys control.

What makes the situation very dangerous is that while both countries are nuclear powers, there is a marked imbalance in their conventional military capacity that is tilted in Indias favor. This is the major reason why Pakistan has refused to subscribe to the no first use nuclear doctrine thus introducing great uncertainty into the India-Pakistan conflict. Furthermore, unlike in India, nuclear weapons and delivery systems in Pakistan are under the control of the military top brass and the civilian government does not have any say on when and how they will be used.

This projected action-reaction dynamic can easily graduate to the nuclear level if Pakistan decides to take recourse to tactical nuclear weapons, which it has stockpiled, if it finds itself unable to withstand Indias conventional power. Once this happens, it is difficult to predict where the escalatory process will end.

That is why the Pakistani military establishment must realize that spawning and aiding terrorist groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, infiltrating terrorists into Kashmir, and motivating and training local Kashmiri youth to undertake terrorism should not be taken lightly in a nuclearized environment. The sooner it dawns on the GHQ in Rawalpindi that it is playing with fire that can consume the entire region the better it will be for both countries and for the people of Kashmir whose interests Pakistan claims to hold dear.

Mohammed Ayoob is University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of International Relations, Michigan State University, and a senior fellow for the Center for Global Policy. His books include The Many Faces of Political Islam and, most recently, Will the Middle East Implode and editor of Assessing the War on Terror.

Image: Reuters

Read full articleMcManus says she witnessed inappropriate behaviour towards underage boys from her former employer. (Getty Images)

Michael Jacksons former maid Adrian McManus has given a new interview on what she alleges she witnessed while working at Neverland Ranch.

McManus, who worked at Jacksons sprawling Californian estate from 1990 to 1994, will appear on 60 Minutes in Australia on Sunday.

In a preview of the upcoming episode, she tells the Aussie version of the US news show that she witnessed fondling and kissing between Jackson and underage boys while working for the late King of Pop.

I just saw a lot of fondling, hugging, petting and kissing them, McManus said, explaining that she caught glimpses of the intimate scenes from outside of Jacksons bedroom window.

She added that while he was a kind employer to her, she also saw a dark side.

There was a kind side to him, and yet there was a dark side, she said.

The interviewer asks her why it took her so many years to come forward with her story, to which she replied she was told by Jacksons handlers that they would kill her if she ever did.

I was scared to say anything bad about Mr Jackson. They told me if I ever came up on TV that they could hire a hitman to take me out, slice my neck, wouldnt ever find my body.

Jackson was cleared of child molestation charges during his lifetime. (Getty Images)

But this is in fact not the first time McManus has told her of her experience. She appeared in court to testify against Jackson in his 2005 child molestation trial.

During the trial, for which Jackson was cleared of all charges, McManus said she had witnessed Jackson touch several underage boys inappropriately, including Macaulay Culkin.

She claimed to have seen Jackson touch Culkins bottom, to which the former child actor firmly denied during the same trial.

Jackson was legally accused twice of child molestation in his lifetime, once in 1993 and again in 2004, but he was never found guilty of any charges.

He allegedly paid his first accuser, Jordy Chandler, an estimated $20 million (15.3 million) in an out of court settlement.

The late King of Pop is now the subject of an upcoming channel 4 documentary, Leaving Neverland, in which two new men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, accuse Jackson of molesting them as children from the age of 7.

Story continues

Leaving Neverland will air on Channel 4 on March 6 and 7.





Read more

Leaving Neverland first trailer released

Viewers praise Abused by my Girlfriend

Leaving Neverland billed as devastatingQ. My employer is spinning off one of its divisions into a separate company. I've been offered a choice to stay with the parent company or accept a role in the spinoff. I'm torn between the two and would appreciate some Foolish perspective. Any advice?

First of all, congratulations on being given a choice in the matter. In many cases in spinoffs, the option that affected employees are given is: "Here's your job offer. Take it, or consider yourself voluntarily separated from service."

Unfortunately, I'm not sure anyone can give you the perfect answer to your question. A lot depends on both the companies involved and your own personal interests and skills. Given that you do have the opportunity to choose between them, however, consider these five key questions that might help you decide which path is right for you.

Book with divestiture written on the cover

Spinoffs come with opportunities and pitfalls. Image source: Getty Images.

1. Why is the division spinning off?

There are several reasons why a company will spin off a division. If you can figure out why it's happening at your company, it may help point you in the right direction. If the division itself is performing poorly, a spinoff may be the company's way to eliminate jobs without looking like the bad guy in front of the financial media. In that case, not too long after the spinoff is complete, the spun-off business may very well eliminate jobs, putting you in the position of needing to find another one.

In other cases, the parent company itself is flailing, and it's looking to load up its spinoff with debt to get that debt off its own balance sheet and buy itself more breathing room. If that's what's happening in your case, the good news is that the parent company thinks your spinoff is strong enough to handle the debt. The bad news, however, is that too much leverage can sink a company when times turn tough, even if it would otherwise have been able to survive.

The best case for the spinoff, however, is that the company believes that being part of the parent organization is holding back the growth of the division being spun off. For instance, many believe that Amazon.com should spin off its Web Services division to truly maximize the value of that business line. After all, many other retailers avoid using Amazon Web Services specifically because it is associated with Amazon -- and strongly encourage their suppliers to do the same.

Story continues

In that line of thinking, Amazon Web Services could potentially grow faster as a separate business than it could as part of Amazon.com, since it could draw from a much larger customer base.

2. Which job looks like a better fit for your skills and interests?

Ultimately, for any job to work out for you, it needs to be one that you can perform well in and that keeps you engaged enough to deliver results even when you're working on the not-so-fun parts of it. Take the opportunity of your decision window to talk with your potential managers and co-workers in both companies and see what their visions are for what you'll be doing. You may find that one role simply speaks much more clearly to you than the other does, making your decision that much easier.

3. What are you getting -- and what are you giving up -- if you move?

If the spinoff ends up succeeding, taking the plunge and moving to it may very well give you the opportunity to move up through the ranks quicker. After all, the new business will likely launch with less overhead and fewer resources than it could count on in the parent company's structure. As it evolves, it may discover that it got value from some of those other resources and add them for itself. As someone already on the inside, you may be well positioned to help lead those efforts and thus move up.

On the flip side, bigger and more established companies often have better benefits than their smaller counterparts do. If you expect to rely on part of the parent company's benefits package, check to see if what you need will continue with the spinoff or if those benefits will only be available at the parent company.

Note that you may also be offered a "signing bonus" or "retention bonus" for either moving to the spinoff or sticking with the spinoff for a certain amount of time. While that money is a nice carrot, think about whether that one-time benefit is really worth the rest of the changes you'll be expected to make as part of moving to the spun-off company.

4. What will your working logistics look like?

stack of gold colored coins on a balance beam opposite from a clock.

Image source: Getty Images.

A spinoff to a different company often requires a physical move to a different office location, and in some cases, even moving your home. Your commute time, costs, and methods may change for the better or for the worse, depending on your old and new work location. In addition, some locations have higher or lower tax rates than others, and thus your take-home pay could change with the move even if your salary holds steady.

If your commute time and total costs of working are substantially worse for one option than the other, think seriously about going with the more favorable option, even if the jobs themselves are comparable. After all, time spent commuting is time not spent either working or enjoying yourself and your family and friends. And money spent on the overhead of working is money you're not going to get back.

5. What do you think of the leadership team at each company?

As the old saying goes, people join great companies and quit bad bosses. Chances are that at least the spinoff's executive leadership team is known. The people who will be backfilling any retained roles at the parent company vacated by those people may also be known or at least short-listed. Check both lists for people whom you know you would love working with, and for ones whom you know would be a challenge to work for.

The last thing you want to do is make a major life and career choice and then almost immediately regret it because you find yourself in a toxic work environment. With all the related changes surrounding both the parent company and the spinoff, the leadership and culture can shift at both places. Whichever choice you make, go in with eyes wide open for the people you'll be working with and for, as that can make all the difference in your ultimate success and satisfaction.

Whatever your choice, keep your network strong

Employees at a networking event

Image source: Getty Images.

The fact that you have a choice to go either way indicates that you have in-demand skills that are valued by your current employer and by its spinoff. Keep that in mind once you make your decision, and keep in contact with folks from whichever company you will be leaving behind. The spinoff is a one-time decision point, but it doesn't have to be the only choice you make.

I've personally seen people move as parts of spinoffs who eventually came back to the parent company. I've also seen those who've clamored to stay with the parent company at the time of the spinoff later choose to join the spinoff. Keep your network strong and don't burn bridges, and you just might find doors open to you in the future, no matter which option you choose today.

More From The Motley Fool

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Chuck Saletta has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.London (AFP) - Shamima Begum was a normal London schoolgirl who watched "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" before becoming a jihadi bride in Syria and creating a moral dilemma in Britain.

The 19-year-old's quest to come home from the crumbling "caliphate" has reignited many of the same debates Britons have been wrestling with since she ran away from home in February 2015.

Begum was born and raised in an east London neighbourhood chosen by her Bangladeshi parents because of its thriving southeast Asian community.

"She was into normal teenage things," her sister Sahima told The Telegraph. "She used to watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians."

Begum's best friends all had similar upbringings. Their families prayed at the local mosque and observed Islamic traditions.

"She was just our baby. She was just herself," eldest sister Renu told the BBC.

But Begum's fate seemed altered by a friend's decision to run away to Syria in December 2014.

Begum and two other girls from the same school followed two months later.

Detectives said Begum had stayed in touch with her friend in Syria via Twitter.

- The escape -

British counter-terror police said the three financed their journey by "taking jewellery from one of their family members".

Relatives later said the girls must have found more money elsewhere because their jewellery was simply not worth that much.

The cash they did collect was enough to pay for a courier who helped them cross into Syria shortly after their arrival on a flight from London to Istanbul.

They took a bus from Istanbul to the southern Turkish city of Sanliurfa before meeting up with the man.

Turkish media reports later identified him as an Islamic State group double agent who also worked as a informant for Canada -- a claim denied by Ottawa.

- Life in Raqqa -

Begum ended up settling in the IS stronghold of Raqqa in northern Syria.

The three girls were all married within weeks to other foreigners who joined the jihadists to help them spread Shariah law across the Middle East.

Story continues

Begum's husband Yago Riedijk came from the Netherlands.

She told British reporters who met her at the Syrian refugee camp this month that she had led a "normal life".

"Every now and then bombing and stuff," she told The Times.

"When I saw my first severed head in a bin it didn't faze me at all."

Researchers at London's Institute of Strategic Dialogue wrote in a 2016 report that the role of women in IS-held territory was "to be a good wife... and to become a mother to the next generation of jihadism".

Begum told reporters that both of her first two children died -- one from malnutrition and the other from disease.

"I was also frightened that the child I am about to give birth to would die like my other children if I stayed on," she said days before her son's birth in a refugee camp in Syria last weekend.

"So I fled the caliphate."

- British resistance -

Britain and other European governments are now grappling with the problem of how to handle nationals escaping the last remanents of IS.

Begum's lack of contrition has irritated critics who paint her as a security threat who must be punished for turning her back on her country.

Her lawyer said the Home Office is now trying to strip Begum of her citizenship in order to prevent her return.

International law says no government can make their citizen stateless.

But the Home Office appears to be arguing that Begum -- while without a second citizenship -- could use her family heritage to claim one from Bangladesh.

Some Britons feel the government's attempt to strip Begum of her citizenship is unjustifiably harsh, others say that she should be put on trial.

But uniting everyone is a sense of bewilderment at why a popular teenager from a good school decided to join a terror network in a war zone.Tokyo (AFP) - A Japanese court Wednesday awarded nearly $4 million in fresh damages to scores of residents forced to flee their homes after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdown.

The Yokohama district court ordered the government and Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) to pay 419.6 million yen ($3.8 million) to 152 local residents, a court spokeswoman told AFP.

The verdict was the fifth time the government has been ruled liable for the disaster in eastern Japan, the world's most serious nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986.

Presiding judge Ken Nakadaira said the government and TEPCO "could have avoided the accident if they had taken measures" against the tsunami that sparked the disaster, according to public broadcaster NHK.

In March last year, a court in Kyoto, western Japan, ruled both the government and TEPCO were responsible and ordered them to pay 110 million yen to 110 residents.

However, in a separate case in September 2017 in Chiba near Tokyo, the court ruled that only the operator was liable.

Around 12,000 people who fled after the disaster due to radiation fears have filed various lawsuits against the government and TEPCO.

Cases have revolved around whether the government and TEPCO, both of whom are responsible for disaster prevention measures, could have foreseen the scale of the tsunami and subsequent meltdown.

Dozens of class-action lawsuits have been filed seeking compensation from the government.

Triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake, the tsunami overwhelmed reactor cooling systems, sending three into meltdown and sending radiation over a large area.Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brokered an agreement Wednesday aimed at uniting ultra-right parties ahead of April elections, prompting accusations he was pandering to extremists.

Netanyahu pushed for the deal to try to boost the number of seats held by right-wing parties after the April 9 elections, with an eye on his next coalition government should he win as expected.

But the agreement, if approved, would raise the profile and potentially grant seats in parliament to the extreme-right Jewish Power party -- seen by many Israelis as racist.

Netanyahu said, in a statement from his Likud party announcing the deal, that it aimed at "uniting the ranks in order to ensure that the votes of the right will not be lost."

Political commentators harshly criticised the move, with one slamming it as "reprehensible."

The agreement would see three parties on the far right run on a single electoral list instead of running separately: Jewish Home, National Union and Jewish Power.

They would not run under the Likud banner.

Jewish Home and National Union have long been aligned, but there had been resistance within their ranks to bringing Jewish Power onboard.

Running alone, Jewish Power would be less likely to receive the 3.25 percent of the vote needed to make it into parliament.

Not wanting those votes lost, Netanyahu met with Jewish Home's leader on Wednesday and promised it two future ministerial posts, under the deal announced by his party.

The announcement does not mention Jewish Power by name, but said the deal was contingent on the approval of a merger.

Jewish Home was due to decide on Wednesday night whether to accept the agreement.

Jewish Power leaders are followers of late racist rabbi Meir Kahane.

Kahane founded Kach, a far-right movement that wanted to chase Arabs from Israel and which was eventually banned. Kach was assassinated in New York in 1990.

Netanyahu already leads what is seen as the most right-wing government in Israel's history.

Story continues

Prominent members of his coalition openly oppose a Palestinian state and advocate annexing much of the occupied West Bank.

Times of Israel editor David Horovitz wrote that while Wednesday's agreement made political sense for Netanyahu, it was "despicable".

"In terms of Israel's values, its character, its essence... the prime minister's tactic is reprehensible," he wrote.BEIRUT (Reuters) - Islamic State has stepped up guerrilla attacks against U.S.-backed fighters in eastern Syria, pointing to the threat the jihadists will pose even after they lose their last enclave there, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Tuesday. The U.S.-backed SDF is on the brink of defeating Islamic State (IS) in its last pocket in eastern Syria, the village of Baghouz, where it estimates a few hundred Islamic State fighters and about 2,000 civilians are under siege. Islamic State militants have intensified attacks away from the last frontline in recent days, Mustafa Bali, head of the SDF media office, said. Islamic State launched two of the attacks three days ago in the village of Dhiban, 90 km (56 miles) north of Baghouz. In the first attack, an ambush, two SDF fighters and a militant were killed. In the second, carried out that evening by a group of foreign militants, the SDF killed three militants and captured two, Bali said. "Sleeper cells are on the move on a daily basis," Bali said. "The organization (IS) is working on security operations in an intensive way ... It is still strong, ending its military presence does not at all mean the elimination of Daesh (IS)," he said. Islamic State redrew the map of the Middle East in 2014 when it declared a caliphate across large areas of Syria and Iraq. But the group steadily lost ground and its two main prizes - the Syrian city of Raqqa and Iraq's Mosul - fell in 2017. Spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, the SDF has been the main U.S. partner in Syria and has driven Islamic State out of swathes of the north and east over the last four years. After capturing Raqqa, the SDF advanced south into Deir al-Zor province, attacking the jihadists in territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. Islamic State still has some territory west of the Euphrates in a remote area otherwise controlled by the Syrian government and its allies. SDF commander Mazloum Kobani has called for some international forces to remain in Syria to help fight Islamic State and expressed hope that the United States would halt plans for a total pullout. U.S. President Donald Trump's withdrawal order has been criticized by allies at home and abroad. (Reporting by Tom Perry; Editing by Janet Lawrence)Irish health minister Simon Harris faces a no-confidence motion on Wednesday. Pic: PA

For the past few weeks, the Irish government has been in a constant state of explanation  not about its unwavering approach to Brexit, but about hundreds of millions of euros in cost overruns for the countrys new national childrens hospital.

On Wednesday evening, health minister Simon Harris will face a motion of no-confidence, with the opposition Sinn Fein party arguing that he failed to inform Irish parliament about the spiralling costs in a timely manner.

Harris will survive the motion thanks to the support of Fianna Fail, which props up prime minister Leo Varadkars minority government.

Though the 420m (368m) overspend has absolutely nothing to do with Brexit, Fianna Fails reasons for backing Harris have a lot to do with it.

The partys finance spokesman, Michael McGrath, said that supporting the motion of no-confidence  something that would likely trigger a general election  would be akin to national sabotage.

Noting the partys December commitment to support the government for the entirety of 2019, McGrath said Fianna Fail was determined to ensure that that stability remains in place through the Brexit process.

READ MORE: How the Tory Brexit chaos brought Irish politics a year of stability

Others, however, think that this so-called stability is verging on paralysis.

On Tuesday, Labour party leader Brendan Howlin went so far as to suggest that the dysfunction of Westminster was migrating here.

Its a very worrying situation for all of us who depend on parliament to be the watchdog of the people, he said.

Labour will not support Harris in this evenings vote.

The hospital has been mooted for the better part of a decade. In 2014, it was estimated that the project  which will bring Irelands three existing childrens hospitals together  would cost around 800m.

In April 2017, the Irish government approved a 983m construction budget. But in the space of just two years, estimated costs have risen to 1.43bn (1.25bn), with the countrys health ministry now saying that it could cost more than 1.7bn when equipment and IT-related costs are taken into account.

Story continues

To cap it all off, a key parliamentary committee heard earlier this month that it was highly unlikely that the project would end up costing less than 2bn.

It may turn out to be one of the most expensive childrens hospitals in the world but it is also going to turn out to be one of the best, Varadkar said in December.

But like many political controversies, the one enveloping the countrys health minister is centred on what he knew, when he knew it, and who he told.

Documents released by his ministry show that Harris was informed in August 2018 that the cost of building the hospital would overrun by almost 200m, and that the construction company could seek a further 200m.

But Varadkar and the Irish finance minister, Paschal Donohoe, were not informed about the spiralling costs until November.

On Friday, Harris formally apologised to the lower house of Irish parliament for failing to provide it with the full details of cost overruns when he was asked about the hospital in September, saying he was not [then] in a position to give commercially sensitive figures.

Sinn Fein called the apology feeble. In announcing that the party would bring forward a motion of no-confidence in Harris, it made clear that it was not seeking a general election.

We are simply seeking the removal of this incompetent minister who is charged with managing a budget of over 17bn, said leader Mary Lou McDonald.



BERLIN (Reuters) - Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif accused Israel of engaging in "adventurism" with its bombing campaigns in Syria and said he could not rule out the possibility of a military conflict between the countries. Zarif told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper that Iran was in Syria at the invitation of the Syrian government, while Israel was violating Lebanese and Syrian air space, as well as international law. "There is adventurism on Israel's side, and adventurism is always dangerous," Zarif told the newspaper in an interview to be published on Thursday. Asked if he saw an emerging military conflict between Iran and Israel, Zarif said, "I do not, but we cannot exclude the possibility." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel has carried out hundreds of attacks in Syria over the past several years and will ramp up its fight following the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country. Israel is trying to counter the influence carved out in Syria by Iran, which has supported Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the war that erupted in 2011. It said Tehran's actions are the main destabilizing factor in the Middle East. Zarif, speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, accused Israel of looking for war and warned that its actions and those of the United States were increasing the chances of a clash in the region. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Susan Thomas)Indonesia aims to sign a long-stalled free trade deal with South Korea by November in a move that could boost two-way trade by billions of dollars, its trade ministry said Wednesday.

The deal would help to unlock vast natural resource exports including coal, copper, tin, rubber and pulp exports from Indonesia to wealthy South Korea, but negotiations have been on hold since 2014 due to technical disagreements.

Indonesia aims to finalise the agreement at the Korea-ASEAN summit in November, trade ministry spokesman Fajarini Puntodewi told AFP on Wednesday.

Trade minister Enggartiasto Lukita and his South Korean counterpart Hyun Chong Kim agreed to resume negotiations during bilateral talks in Jakarta on Tuesday.

A joint statement said both sides would instruct officials to "commence work immediately and make swift progress" on the deal.

The countries would target "reaching a conclusion as soon as possible by the end of this year," it said.

Bilateral trade was valued at $20 billion in 2018 but that figure could increase to $30 billion by 2022, according to Indonesia's trade ministry.

In addition to boosting Indonesian exports, a deal would allow greater South Korean investment in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

Greater access to Indonesia's more than 260 million people would benefit South Korea's chemical and construction sectors, and boost exports in online education, medical devices and electric vehicles.

South Korean firms would have an easier time breaking into Indonesia's domestic market, which is currently dominated by Chinese and Japanese firms, a South Korean trade official said.

The planned signing would be just a month before Indonesian presidential elections in which incumbent Joko Widodo is pushing his economic record in the battle for re-election.BENGALURU (Reuters) - Two Indian Air Force planes collided in mid-air in the southern state of Karnataka on Tuesday while rehearsing an aerobatic show, killing one pilot and injuring two others, a senior police official said. "One Indian Air Force pilot has unfortunately lost his life. Two others were injured and shifted to hospital, but are said to be out of danger," said M.N. Reddi, director general of police in Karnataka. The defense ministry confirmed that two Hawk aircraft of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Display Team had crashed near the Yelahanka Air Force Base. The aerobatic team was scheduled to perform at Aero India 2019, a five-day airshow expected to draw nearly 500 Indian and foreign aviation firms and defense contractors. It was the second deadly accident involving Indian Air Force aircraft this month. A Mirage 2000 trainer crashed in the southern city of Bengaluru on Feb. 1, killing two pilots. (Reporting by Neha Dasgupta and Nigam Prusty; editing by Darren Schuettler)MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (AP)  India halted a key bus service with the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir, cutting the only land route linking the divided Himalayan region, Pakistani and Indian officials said Wednesday.

According to a Pakistani official, Shahid Mehmood, Indian authorities suspended the bus service this week without explanation.

The development comes amid escalated tensions between Pakistan and India in the wake of last week's deadly suicide bombing in Kashmir against Indian paramilitary troops. At least 40 Indian soldiers were killed in Thursday's attack, which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad.

Pakistan condemned the attack but cautioned India against linking it to the bombing without an investigation.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres again urgently appealed to India and Pakistan "to exercise maximum restraint to ensure the situation does not further deteriorate," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

An Indian official confirmed the bus service was halted on Monday. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.

The bus service between Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan's part of Kashmir, and Srinagar, the capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, was suspended so suddenly that travelers only learned about it when they went to the terminal. Private cars, motorcycles and other forms of transportation have long been banned.

The bus line, launched in 2005, served to reunite families on separate sides of the heavily militarized Line of Control.

"I came to Muzaffarabad from Rawalpindi to welcome my cousin but was told that no bus will come from Srinagar," said Zareena Bibi, a 43-year-old Pakistani woman.

Shehzada Akhtar, a 56-year-old woman from the Shopian area in Indian-controlled Kashmir, said she was prevented from traveling Monday following a death in her family on the other side of the line.

"I could not go to see my ailing uncle in 2016 when there was some tension between India and Pakistan," Akhtar explained. "Now when my uncle has passed away, I am again unable to share grief with my beloved cousins."

Story continues

Angered over the suspension of bus service, dozens of people rallied in Muzaffarabad on Wednesday.

Pakistani and Indian troops exchanged fire on the border between their sectors, Pakistani police official Mohammad Altaf said. Lt. Col. Devender Anand, an Indian army spokesman, accused Pakistani forces of initiating the exchange. There were no casualties, he said.

Also Wednesday, Indian official Rajesh Kumar said authorities were investigating the killing by fellow inmates of a jailed Pakistani held in the Indian city of Jaipur.

In Islamabad, the foreign ministry said it was in touch with New Delhi about reports that the detainee, Shakir Ullah, was beaten to death by "Indian inmates in retaliation" for last week's suicide bombing in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

That attack was the worst against Indian forces in the history of the disputed region, where rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989.

Since independence from Britain in 1947, Pakistan and India  both nuclear-armed nations  have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, which is divided between the two but claimed by each in its entirety.

___

Associated Press writer Aijaz Hussain in Srinagar, India; Ashok Kumar in New Delhi, India, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.(Reuters) - Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei said on Monday that the arrest of his daughter, Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, was politically motivated. "Firstly, I object to what the U.S. has done. This kind of politically motivated act is not acceptable," Ren told the BBC in an interview. Canada arrested Meng on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States. Meng was charged with bank and wire fraud to violate American sanctions against Iran. The U.S. Justice Department denied the charges were politically motivated. The Justice Departments criminal case against Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou is based solely on the evidence and the law. The Department pursues cases free of any political interference and follows the evidence and rule of law in pursuing criminal charges, spokeswoman Nicole Navas said in an email to Reuters. Huawei, along with another Chinese network equipment company, ZTE Corp, has been accused by the United States of working at the behest of the Chinese government. The United States has said their equipment could be used to spy on Americans. Huawei has repeatedly denied the claims. Commenting on the spying concerns, the Huawei founder reiterated that the company will "never undertake" any spying activities. Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and allegations of enabling state espionage, with the United States calling for its allies not to use its technology. Ren said the company could downsize to weather such attempts by the United States. "The world cannot leave us because we are more advanced. Even if they (U.S.) persuade more countries not to use us temporarily, we can always scale things down a bit", he added. In comments on a potential ban in the UK, Ren said it would not make the company withdraw its UK investments, adding that it will shift its investments to the UK from the United States if U.S. actions against Huawei continue. "We will invest even more in the UK. Because if the U.S. doesn't trust us, then we will shift our investment from the U.S. to the UK on an even bigger scale," Ken told the BBC. Reuters reported earlier on Monday that British security officials do not support a full ban of Huawei from national telecoms networks despite U.S. allegations against the Chinese firm. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Dan Grebler)Pandora is known for its affordable luxury jewellery and charm bracelets. Photo: Sonia Recchia/WireImage

Pandoras management admit theyre facing an uphill battle after announcing a new CEO and massive global turnaround plan this month.

But typical retail pressures like online competition or a drop in Chinese demand arent being blamed for the global jewellers sluggish sales. Instead, the problem has emerged from within.

Pandoras (PNDORA.CO) chief financial officer Anders Boyer told Yahoo Finance UK in an exclusive interview this week that they are working on an internal overhaul to address poor marketing strategy, excessive discounting, and clutter in stores.

We see that many of the issues that we have been facing in 2017 and 2018 are due to issues that are within our control. Its not the case that some new competitor has come by or some new revolutionary technology has [hurt] us  It takes time, but its issues that we can fix ourselves, Boyer said.

The global jewellery market has grown by roughly 7% in the past year to become a $356bn (276bn) industry, according to research firm Euromonitor. The Copenhagen-headquartered firm has a 1% share of the market and a presence in more than 100 countries, but has been left behind this year as sales stalled.

Global revenue at Pandora was essentially flat in 2018 once it was converted back into the local Danish currency. Online revenue and sales at stores open for more than a year declined by 4% in 2018, a key sign of trouble in the retail industry.

It may take a few months for incoming CEO Alexander Lacik to join. His start date could come as late as September. But the company is starting the turnaround process now.

Shares in Pandora shot up by 18% in a single day after the turnaround plan was unveiled this month. But the stock is still down about 70% since hitting a peak in mid-2016.

No silver bullet solution

Boyer said theres no single silver bullet solution. Instead, Pandoras two-year turnaround plan involves a sweeping overhaul of strategy and marketing, among other areas, to inspire customers to come back and buy Pandoras affordable luxury charms, bracelets, rings, and pendants.

Story continues

The company, which has 2,700 stores globally, is planning to revamp its shops and buy back old jewellery to cut down on clutter, thus making room for new products.

Retail experts have noted that clutter is a common problem in traditional brick-and-mortar shops, which can detract from the customer experience.

Store clutter is a huge issue broadly. And were seeing now the emergence of much simpler merchandising. Less is more, said James Bidwell, a retail expert and co-founder of the consulting firm, Re_Set.

READ MORE: Celebrities pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld

Pandora is also consolidating control under a new head of merchandising  Jason Morgan  who is joining the company this month. Morgan will have power to dictate which jewellery is featured in stores, removing some autonomy for local staff.

Theres been some new product introductions and product launches, but in some stores you wouldnt be able to find them because it was decided on a local level, We dont like that product. We think we need to take a much more coordinated and global approach to that, Boyer said, noting that Morgans centralised team will have control of 80% of products featured in its stores.

Thats a pretty big change to the status quo, he said.

Another industry expert who is familiar with Pandoras strategy, but declined to be named, told Yahoo Finance UK that the company needs to streamline its offerings and consider retiring old jewellery lines to make the items feel more limited and precious. Online personalisation options would also go a long way to attracting customers, this expert said.

Its almost as if Pandora is too available and too mainstream. Too mass market, they said, noting that competitor Swarovski had a better strategy because it limited its product availability.

Not so charming?

Boyer denies the possibility that customers may be falling out of love with charms and charm bracelets, even as sales in this area have been slipping.

Charm bracelets have been here for decades, if not hundreds of years. It is a category thats here to stay, just like rings or necklaces, he said.

The ultimate goal is to stabilise the charm sales slide and eventually return to growth.

But prices arent going to change. Boyer said that the middle market area is a sweet spot for Pandora, with his company selling tiny charms for as little as 10 each in the UK and $14 in the US, while larger pieces retail for hundreds.

If we moved further up in the price point, we would be in a much smaller market  Were, on average, pretty well positioned where we are, he said.

Pandora CFO Anders Boyer: It takes time, but its issues that we can fix ourselves. Photo: Pandora

Growth opportunities

There are also still big growth opportunities in China and Latin America, Boyer said.

We have a pretty decent footprint already in China, but there are many cities where we are not even present yet, some of the cities with 1 million-plus inhabitants where we dont even have a footprint yet, he said.

India  the third largest jewellery market in the world behind China and the US  is a missing part of the Pandora puzzle.

India is probably the last country where we havent really cracked the code, Boyer said. [Its] a very different type of jewellery market compared to the rest of the world given that its much more based on gold and [Pandora] remains a silver company.

The firm has a handful of Indian stores, but Boyer acknowledges that the companys products dont really resonate with jewellery buyers in the country.

We have to rethink our approach to India during 2019, he said.

READ MORE: 3 steps to tidy up your finances a la Marie Kondo



A guest appearing on Good Morning Britain suggested on Wednesday (February 20) that ISIS bride Shamima Begums family were let down by British police.

Former Metropolitan police officer Dal Babu appeared on the morning show to discuss Begums UK citizenship being revoked by Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

Expressing doubt over the legal basis of Begum being stripped of her citizenship, he told presenters Kate Garraway and Richard Madeley: Shamima is British. She does not have duel citizenship. If her citizenship is taken away she is potentially stateless.

Garraway interjected: I presume he [Javid] has had some legal advice on that and believes that, because her parents are from Bangladesh, there could be an application for a citizenship from there for her.

But after claiming there is no guarantee that Begum will be given a Bangladeshi citizenship, Babu then criticised the British police and her school for allowing her to be groomed and radicalised on our watch.

Essentially, she was groomed and radicalised on our watch. The police were aware this was happening, the council were aware it was happening, the school were aware it was happening  that she was being radicalised.

They never spoke to the parents. They never told the parents. I think we need to understand that this was a 15-year-old child. Ive got two daughters; I just think about all things theyve done as 15-year-old girls and people make silly mistakes.

Yesterday on This Morning, Alex Klis, the daughter of two Manchester bombing victims hit out at Begum after she said the act of terrorism had fair justification.

On whether Begun should be allowed to return to the UK, Klis said: Shes made her bed hasnt she. I think she should remain where she is.

For starters, I dont think shes being honest. I think the only reason she wants to come back is she couldnt stay where she was. She said herself she had a good life there. She enjoyed it there. I think what is the point of coming back if you enjoy it so much there?





Read more

Piers Morgan says ISIS bride Shamima Begum should go f**k herself

Shamima Begum  A lot of people should have sympathy for me

Danny Dyer: Shamima Begum should be allowed homePhoto credit: NPS

From Popular Mechanics

With the Grand Canyon reaching its 100th anniversary as a National Park, what should be a celebration has taken a scandalous turn: Reports from The Arizona Republic show that for 18 years, anyone who walked by three paint buckets within the National Park's museum collection building was exposed to unsafe levels of radiation.

Park officials became aware of the radioactive buckets, located near a taxidermy exhibit, last year. However, in what's described as a "rogue email," the Park's safety, health, and wellness manager alleges a "secrecy pact" to conceal the potential public-safety threat.

In an email to National Park Service (NPS) employees earlier this month, Elston "Swede" Stephenson, the park's safety manager, wrote:

"If you were in the Museum Collections Building (2C) between the year 2000 and June 18, 2018, you were 'exposed' to uranium by OSHA's definition..The radiation readings, at first blush, exceeds (sic) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's safe limitsIdentifying who was exposed, and your exposure level, gets tricky and is our next important task."

In a follow-up email to Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall, Stephenson alleged that the NPS executives failed to address the urgent dangers posed by the buckets.

"Respectfully, it was not only immoral not to let Our People know," he wrote, "but I could not longer risk my (health and safety) certification by letting this go any longer."

The five-gallon containers held uranium specimens and were originally lodged in a basement in the park's headquarters, per the report. Later, the containers were placed in the museum building shortly after it opened in 2000, next to a taxidermy exhibit that was frequented by children, according to Stephenson. The original source of the uranium ore is unclear.

One of the containers reportedly contained so much uranium that it could not be closed properly.

Story continues

Photo credit: Elston Stephenson

Photo credit: Elston Stephenson/Arizona Republic

Photo credit: Elston Stephenson

According to Stephenson's own calculations, it's possible that children could have received radiation dosages higher than federal safety standards in a mere three seconds while adults might have risked dangerous exposure in under 30 seconds. The radiation exposure could have been 400 times the adult health limit, and 4,000 times more than the children's limit.

"Of particular concern are 1000s of children attending 'shows' in very close proximity to the uranium," Stephenson wrote in his letter.

NPS staff did not discover the containers, but rather the discovery was made by a teenage son of an NPS employee. By sheer chance, the teenager was an amateur Geiger counter enthusiast and took a device into the museum last March. When presented with the Geiger counter's reading, park officials simply moved the buckets to another room in the building.

Stephenson, according to his LinkedIn page, is an Army veteran of 27 years whose military jobs included "risk mitigation [and] hazard elimination," as an airfield safety officer. According to his account, he was told about the uranium during a safety inspection months after their initial discovery.

Stephenson contacted NPS specialists in Colorado, but officials didn't have any Geiger counters of their own and had to purchase Ludlum meters, which have the advantage of also measuring radiation output, he said.

Stephenson, who presented to the Republic a 45-page slideshow he created describing the situation, said that officials eventually dumped uranium into the nearby Orphan Mine, a potential Superfund site two miles from Grand Canyon Village.

While the main threat was gone, an ancillary threat remained: According to Stephenson, the buckets that had been nearly overflowing with radiation were then returned to their previous location within the museum.

Meanwhile, officials at the Grand Canyon assure that the coast is clear.

"There is no current risk to the park employees or public," Emily Davis, a public affairs specialist at the Grand Canyon, told the Republic. "The building is open.  The information I have is that the rocks were removed, and there's no danger."

Now, the NPS is conducting an investigation with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Arizona Department of Health Services. Hopefully, the three agencies can add clarity to the bizarre situation.

Source: The Arizona Republic

('You Might Also Like',)(Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google said on Wednesday it had made an "error" in not disclosing that its Nest Secure home security system had a built-in microphone in its devices.

Earlier this month, Google said https://www.blog.google/products/assistant/nest-secure-google-assistant Nest Secure would be getting an update and users could now enable its virtual assistant technology Google Assistant on Nest Guard.

The device's published specifications did not mention a microphone, however the updated product page https://nest.com/alarm-system/tech-specs/#nest-guard-heading now mentions one.

"The on-device microphone was never intended to be a secret and should have been listed in the tech specs. That was an error on our part. The microphone has never been on and is only activated when users specifically enable the option," Google said.

Nest, which Google acquired for $3.2 billion in 2014, sells video doorbells, security cameras and thermostats that automatically adjust settings based on user behavior.

Alphabet merged Nest, which had operated as an independent unit, into its Google hardware group last year.

(Reporting by Arjun Panchadar and Akanksha Rana in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)Nairobi (AFP) - A lesbian church leader lights pink, yellow, and purple candles and passes them around to worshippers as they pray for a court decision that will mean they no longer have to live a lie.

"The Lord is in control," she says, as swaying congregants yell out "Victory!" and a musician shuts his eyes in prayer, his fingers dancing across a keyboard laid on a table covered with a rainbow flag.

The Cosmopolitan Affirming Church (CAC) is a rare space where Kenya's LGBT community can escape hostility from society, which is often reflected in hatred and vitriol from religious pulpits.

Dozens of LGBT churchgoers and their allies crammed into a tiny room Sunday to worship ahead of Friday's potentially historic decision by Kenya's High Court on whether laws that criminalise homosexuality are unconstitutional.

"When this law is struck down it is going to be a huge kind of liberation for us, like a burden has been taken off our shoulders," said David Ochara, who helped found the church in 2013.

- 'Police in our bedrooms' -

Kenya's colonial-era laws echo those in more than half of Africa's countries, where homosexuality is illegal. Being gay can even lead to the death penalty in Mauritania, Sudan, northern Nigeria and parts of Somalia.

One section of the penal code says that anyone who has "carnal knowledge ... against the order of nature" can be imprisoned for 14 years, while another could see one land in jail for five years for "indecent practices between males".

"The law specifies 'in public or private' which essentially allows police to enter our bedrooms to investigate these crimes," said Eric Gitari, the co-founder of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Council (NGLHRC), one of the petitioners.

Imani Kimiri of the NGLHRC's legal team, told AFP her office dealt with 15 prosecutions under the laws in 2018, but cannot recall the last conviction -- slamming the process as "just a frustrating endeavour".

Story continues

In 2014, a government report to appease parliament's anti-gay caucus reported some 600 prosecutions over three years.

However, Gitari said 70 percent of these were "conflated" and some turned out to be cases of child rape, bestiality or even traffic offences.

The biggest fear is the persecution that the laws allow.

"Because of the law you fear blackmail, you fear extortion, you fear violence ... because there is no law protecting you, and the law is against you," said Arthur Owiti, who plays the keyboard in church.

- Blackmailed by online dates -

The NGLHRC in 2017 recorded an increase in cases where people using online dating applications such as Grindr end up being blackmailed or extorted, often by organised gangs who work with the police.

"When you get a date online you have to ask them security questions so you don't fall into a trap," said Owiti.

And those who are blackmailed, evicted, fired, expelled from school, or assaulted over their sexual orientation, are unable to access justice because it means "confessing to a crime", said Gitari.

While Gitari points to recent court decisions as cause for optimism, most activists agree that even if the court rules in their favour it will be tied up in appeals for the foreseeable future.

In March last year the High Court banned forced anal testing of men suspected of being gay.

And in September a court ruled that "Rafiki" (friend), a film about a lesbian love affair, could be screened for seven days after its initial banning.

- African precedent -

Kenya's decision could reverberate across the continent, where several countries are facing challenges to similar legislation.

Mozambique struck down anti-gay laws in 2015, and Angola decriminalised homosexuality in January. Botswana is expected to hear a case against its laws in March.

"The law is one of the means of changing society," said Gitari.

"Politically there is a chance for African states to assert themselves in their grounding of justice which is inclusive of LGBT persons without necessarily having to give in to political pressure, which is external."

During the court case, local experts testified on the history of homosexuality in Kenya -- often decried as a colonial import by politicians -- and also leaned on a decision decriminalising homosexuality in India last year.

- Living a lie -

Ochara believes Kenyans are ready to begin a discussion about homosexuality.

He has allied with other pastors and even does radio talks on grassroots radio stations -- often fighting off intense homophobia to talk about the acceptance of minorities -- which he believes are starting to scratch the surface of intolerance.

In the meantime, the reality for those like Arthur is that "basically you live a lie", with brief moments of respite in safe spaces like the CAC.

He said that before CAC he attended a church "where the messages every Sunday were that homosexuals, lesbians, they are not loved by God ... it was like being stabbed every time."

In between rousing gospel music and moments of candlelit reflection, the pastors gave a security update ahead of the court case, urging congregants to avoid certain hotspots and be careful if attending the ruling.

"I know you are fabulous but don't make yourself an easy target -- you don't need to have rainbow feathers on your head and all that sexiness," said Ochara.Zurich (AFP) - Mining giant Glencore pledged Wednesday to limit coal production and instead prioritise investment in other commodities as part of a move towards cleaner energy and transportation.

The decision by the one of the world's biggest coal producers comes as activist shareholder groups try to pressure companies to cut back on the major producer of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a key driver of global warming.

"To meet the growing needs of a lower carbon economy, Glencore aims to prioritise its capital investment to grow production of commodities essential to the energy and mobility transition and to limit its coal production capacity broadly to current levels," a company statement said.

In 2018, coal generated $12.3 billion (10.9 billion euros) in sales for the Swiss-based group, a jump of 26 percent as Glencore raised output by seven percent via Australian acquisitions.

Glencore, which also trades commodities, said it was well-positioned to support the transition to a lower-carbon economy with a portfolio that includes copper, cobalt, nickel, vanadium and zinc.

Those metals are used to produce batteries, the cost and performance of which will likely be key in determining whether electric vehicles displace petrol- and diesel-fuelled vehicles.

The coal announcement came as Glencore announced that 2018 net profits tumbled 41 percent to $3.4 billion (3 billion euros).

Glencore said it believes that energy and mobility transformation "is a key part of the global response to the increasing risks posed by climate change".

"We believe it's in the best interest of the company," chief executive officer Ivan Glasenberg added during a press conference.

Globally, coal use accounts for 40 percent of CO2 emissions and is on the rise after declining slightly from 2014 to 2016.

Glencore said it supported international efforts to limit the rise in global temperatures while also ensuring universal access to affordable energy.

Story continues

The Church of England and the Climate Action 100+ group of institutional investors welcomed the news, saying it was "a first for the mining industry".

"Investors will now want to hold the company to its commitments and to ensure that the methodology for determining the company's alignment with the Paris goals is robust," they said in a statement.

They were referring to the Paris Agreement on climate change that aims to limit global temperature rises to well below two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit).

- Trade ties review -

The pledge to limit its coal output came after Glencore recently increased its holdings by buying stakes in a couple of coal mines from Rio Tinto in Australia.

The integration of the Hail Creek and Hunter Valley should take Glencore's coal production to 145 million tonnes in 2019 from 129.4 million last year.

Glencore said it would review its membership in trade associations in line with its climate change positions.

In its results statement, Glencore highlighted its preferred measure of operating profit -- adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation costs -- which gained eight percent to a record $15.8 billion.

The firm's commodity trading business reported a 17 percent drop in operating earnings to $2.4 billion however, while mining earnings gained 15 percent to $13.3 billion.

Glencore said it would pay a dividend of 20 cents per share, the same as last year.

In addition to the $2.8 billion it will return to shareholders through the dividend, Glencore also announced a new programme to buy back at least $2 billion in shares this year.

Shares in Glencore gained 2.35 percent in afternoon London trading, while the blue-chip FTSE 100 index was 0.6 percent higher overall.Zurich (AFP) - Mining giant Glencore pledged on Wednesday to limit its coal production and instead prioritise investment in other commodities needed as part of a transition towards cleaner energy and transportation.

"To meet the growing needs of a lower carbon economy, Glencore aims to prioritise its capital investment to grow production of commodities essential to the energy and mobility transition and to limit its coal production capacity broadly to current levels," the firm said in a statement.

Switzerland-based Glencore, which also trades commodities, noted that it was well-positioned to support the transition to a lower-carbon economy with a portfolio that includes copper, cobalt, nickel, vanadium and zinc.

The metals are important in the production of batteries, the cost and performance of which will likely be key in determining whether electric vehicles displace petrol- and diesel-fuelled vehicles.

Glencore said it believes that energy and mobility transformation "is a key part of the global response to the increasing risks posed by climate change".

Coal, a key fuel for electricity production, is a major producer of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a major driver of global warming.

Globally, coal use accounts for 40 percent of CO2 emissions, and is on the rise after declining slightly from 2014 to 2016.

Glencore said it agreed with international efforts to limit the rise in global temperatures while also ensuring universal access to affordable energy.

The firm also said it "must invest in assets that will be resilient to regulatory, physical and operational risks related to climate change ... to deliver a strong investment case to our shareholders."

Glencore said it would begin in 2020 to publish long-term projections about reducing the intensity of emissions and mitigation efforts.

It added it was on track with its pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 5 percent by 2020 compared to 2016 levels.

Glencore also said it would review its membership in trade associations is in line with its climate change positions.BERLIN (Reuters) - German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday he would use a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart to discuss resetting ties between the two countries after past differences over the kidnapping of a Vietnamese businessman in Berlin.

Maas said Vietnam was a key partner for Germany in Southeast Asia, and lauded Hanoi for making important progress in opening its economy and enacting other reforms in recent years. Germany is Vietnam's leading trading partner in Europe.

"In the past there were noticeable differences between Germany and Vietnam, above all over the kidnapping of the Vietnamese citizen Trinh Xuan Thanh in Berlin," he said in a statement. "Today we want to reach agreement about resetting the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Germany and filling it with new substance."

Ties between the two countries soured in 2017 after Germany accused Vietnam of breaching international law by kidnapping businessman Trinh Xuan Thanh, who had sought asylum in Germany, from a Berlin street and taking him back to Vietnam, where he was tried and jailed for life.

A German court in July sentenced a Vietnamese man to three years and 10 months in jail after he confessed to helping his country's secret services kidnap Thanh.

In a statement issued before his meeting in Berlin with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Maas underscored the importance of human rights and common values in any strategic partnership. The two officials did not hold a news conference.

"Vietnam, like Germany, is committed to multilateralism and free trade. It has taken on increasing global responsibility and is engaged in climate protection," Maas said. "These are all areas in which Germany and Vietnam can work together more closely in the future."

Maas also said Germany supported a rapid agreement on a free trade agreement between the European Union and Vietnam.

The two countries began diplomatic relations in 1975 and elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in 2011.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal in Berlin; Editing by James Dalgleish)Paris (AFP) - A French Senate commission on Wednesday demanded an investigation of three close aides to President Emmanuel Macron after finding "major flaws" in the government's handling of a scandal involving an ex-bodyguard.

The senators accused the three aides, including Macron's chief of staff, of contradictions in their testimony over the scandal triggered by a video showing Alexandre Benalla roughing up protesters.

The so-called Benalla affair caused major embarrassment for Macron, and a wave of accusations from opponents that his presidency tried to cover it up.

Releasing the results of an inquiry on Wednesday, the commission said it found "major flaws" in the state's handling of the case, which it said had affected the president's security and "national interests".

The committee named Macron's chief of staff Patrick Strzoda, presidency secretary Alexis Kohler and security chief Lionel Lavergne, who may have "withheld significant truth" during their testimony.

"Several aides to the presidency of the republic... revealed a number of omissions, inconsistencies and contradictions," it said.

Benalla was placed in provisional detention on Tuesday after the former staffer allegedly broke the conditions of his bail.

He faces criminal charges after it emerged in July that he was the man in a police helmet filmed roughing up protesters during a May Day demonstration in Paris which he was attending as an observer.

Benalla is also under investigation over his continued use of diplomatic passports after he was fired last summer.

A former bouncer, Benalla began working as a bodyguard for Macron during his election campaign in 2016 before being promoted to a senior security role in the presidential palace following Macron's election in May 2017.Paris (AFP) - A French Senate commission on Wednesday demanded an investigation of three close aides to President Emmanuel Macron after finding "major flaws" in the government's handling of a scandal involving an ex-bodyguard to the president.

The commission also recommended that the former bodyguard, Alexandre Benalla, face further prosecution for lying to the parliamentary body during its seven-month investigation.

In its final report the commission accused three top Macron aides, including his chief of staff, of "omissions", "inconsistencies", and "contradictions" in their testimony to senators over the Benalla scandal, triggered by a video showing him roughing up protesters during a May Day rally.

The "Benalla Affair" has already caused major embarrassment for Macron, a former investment banker elected in 2017, after it triggered a wave of accusations from critics that his presidency tried to cover it up.

The commission said it found "major flaws" in the state's handling of the case, which it said affected both the president's security and "national interests".

It suggested that chief of staff Patrick Strzoda, presidency secretary Alexis Kohler and security chief Lionel Lavergne, might have "withheld significant truth" during their testimony and called on prosecutors to look into their statements.

It also called for Benalla, 27, to be further investigated for possible false testimony under oath to the commission, an offence that is punishable by up to seven years in jail.

Paris prosecutors on Wednesday said they had opened another probe into Benalla for allegedly obstructing investigations by "concealing evidence".

- 'Filled with untruths' -

Benalla was placed in provisional detention on Tuesday after the former staffer allegedly broke the conditions of his bail.

He already faces criminal charges after it emerged in July that he was the man in a police helmet filmed roughing up protesters during a 2018 May Day demonstration in Paris, which he was attending as an observer.

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"What was seen on May 1 could be just the tip of the iceberg," said Senate commission president Philippe Bas.

The government dismissed the Senate report as "filled with untruths" and said a detailed government reaction would shortly.

"The Elysee will have the opportunity to provide factual answers on many obvious untruths present in the report," government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said, referring to the presidential palace.

The Senate criticism comes at a tough time for the centrist president with his approval rating sharply down since his 2017 election as he struggles to end months of anti-government protests over his economic reforms.

- Insider status -

Macron's critics point out that Benalla was initially only suspended from work for two weeks, and not reported to authorities, when the video emerged.

"Benalla from the start has been given cover and protected by Emmanuel Macron," Jean-Lin Lacapelle, a delegate from the far-right National Rally opposition party, told French news channel BFMTV.

"The scandal is far from finished and now justice must do its job, but Emmanuel Macron will be held accountable. "

Even after he was sacked in August, Benalla continued to cause headaches for Macron, boasting in December that he was still in touch with him.

In an interview with investigative website Mediapart, Benalla said he continued to give Macron advice via the Telegram messaging app, which the president uses intensively.

The government dismissed those comments as an attempt to smear Macron.

Benalla is also under investigation over his continued use of diplomatic passports after he was fired.

He admitted visiting around a dozen African countries for "consulting" purposes and claimed he always gave an account of his trips to the president or his aides.

But officials suspect he may have been trying to benefit commercially from his former insider status.

A ex-bouncer, Benalla began working as a bodyguard for Macron during his election campaign in 2016 before being promoted to a senior security role in the presidential palace following Macron's election in May 2017.By Luke Baker PARIS (Reuters) - A series of attacks across France in recent days has alarmed politicians and prompted calls for action against what some commentators describe as a new form of anti-Semitism among the far-left and Islamist preachers. The problem was starkly underlined on Tuesday with the discovery of more than 90 graves in a Jewish cemetery in eastern France desecrated with swastikas and other abuse. It remains unclear who carried out the attack. "Whoever did this is not worthy of the French republic and will be punished," declared President Emmanuel Macron as he paid homage at the site. "We'll take action, we'll apply the law and we'll punish them." Politicians from across the spectrum will join marches against anti-Semitism across France on Tuesday evening, including in Paris. Macron will visit the Holocaust memorial in the city, together with the heads of parliament. France is home to the largest Jewish community in Europe, around 550,000 people, a population that has grown by about half since World War Two. But anti-Semitic attacks remain common, with more than 500 alone in 2018, a 74 percent increase on 2017, according to figures released last week. Almost every day over the past two weeks there has been new evidence of anti-Semitism. A tree in memory of Ilan Halimi, a young Jewish man kidnapped, tortured and murdered in 2006, was cut in two. A bagel shop in Paris was spray-painted with the word "Juden", German for Jews, in yellow letters. Portraits of Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor and magistrate, were defaced with swastikas. Then last Saturday, a group of around 30 'yellow vest' protesters were filmed harassing Alain Finkielkraut, a well-known writer and son of a Holocaust survivor, as he walked through a Paris neighborhood, calling him a "dirty Zionist shit" and telling him to "go back to Tel Aviv". UNCHECKED INCITEMENT Some commentators have blamed the resurgence on unchecked incitement by fringe Islamist preachers, calling it a new form of anti-Semitism, as opposed to that most commonly associated with Nazi ideology and the far-right. Others point to the increasingly virulent criticism of Israel coming from the far-left and the rise of anti-Zionism - opposition to the existence of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people - which has morphed into hatred of the Jews. Among those filmed hurling abuse at Finkielkraut was a Muslim on a watchlist, according to French officials. Francis Kalifat, the head of Crif, an umbrella organization representing France's Jewish community, said anti-Zionism needed to be regarded as akin to anti-Semitism. "If you want to have an effective fight against anti-Semitism, you need to be able to fight against all forms of it," he said. "It's not enough to fight against the (anti-Semitism) of the extreme right, or that of the extreme left or the Islamists. We need to fight against all forms, and that's what we're waiting for from political leaders." The leader of France's far-left, Jean-Luc Melenchon, defended the 'yellow vest' movement against accusations of anti-Semitism on Tuesday, following the video targeting Finkielkraut. Melenchon, whose La France Insoumise party draws support from the 'yellow vests', criticized the "politicization" of anti-Semitism, saying people from across the political spectrum needed to stand against all forms of racism and hatred. "No, the 'yellow vest' movement does not deserve to be tarred by these despicable acts," he said. "No, the 'yellow vest' movement is not a racist movement, no the 'yellow vest' movement is not an anti-Semitic movement." France's parliament on Tuesday debated whether anti-Zionism should be classified as a form of anti-Semitism, a position President Emmanuel Macron said he was opposed to. "Those who today want the disappearance of Israel are those who want to attack the Jews," he said. "But nevertheless, I think that when you delve into the detail, a penal condemnation of anti-Zionism creates other problems." Amid the rash of attacks, Israel's immigration minister sent a tweet calling on French Jews to leave France and move to Israel, where around 200,000 French Jews already live. (Additional reporting by Richard Lough and Johnny Cotton in Paris; Editing by Janet Lawrence)WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Roger Stone, a former political adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, was ordered on Tuesday to appear in court this week over Instagram posts that chastised and appeared to threaten the judge presiding over his criminal trial.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said Stone would need to show cause at a hearing on Thursday as to why the posts did not violate a gag order in the case or the conditions of his release.

Stone, who is free on a $250,000 bond and is free to travel to certain U.S. cities without the court's permission, has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering as part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Stone's attorneys filed a formal apology with the court on Monday, after he posted a photograph on Instagram of Jackson alongside what appeared to be the crosshairs of a gun.

He later deleted the image and reposted it without the crosshairs before removing it again, according to other media outlets.

Related: Roger Stone through the years:

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Next to the close-up image of Jackson's face, Stone said Jackson was an "Obama appointed Judge who dismissed the Benghazi charges" against Hillary Clinton. He also accused Mueller of being a "Deep State hitman."

Stone later posted a statement on his account saying the photo was not intended to threaten the judge or disrespect the court.

His posts came just days after Jackson issued a partial media gag order on Stone and his lawyers.

Friday's order prohibits them from speaking with the news media or making statements near the federal courthouse about the case, but it does not stop Stone from discussing the case when he is away from the courthouse.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Makini Brice; Editing by Tim Ahmann and Dan Grebler)While promoting his book, The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump, former acting FBI director Andrew McCabe stopped by Anderson Cooper 360, where he spoke at length about the investigation into Donald Trumps ties to Russia. McCabe first opened the investigation shortly after the president fired then-FBI Director James Comey, and on Tuesday night, he made it clear he still questions where Trumps loyalties lie.

When Cooper asked if he believes Trump could be a Russian asset, McCabe replied, I think its possible. I think thats why we started our investigation.

Trump has repeatedly called the investigation a witch hunt, and has even gone after McCabe personally on numerous occasions, calling him a liar. But, according to McCabe, it was the presidents own actions that prompted the investigation in the first place.

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We thought that a potential threat to national security might exist, McCabe said. That being that the president of the United States may have attempted to obstruct justice in his efforts to thwart and impede our investigation of Russian influence, and if he had done so, why? Why would any American president try to stop the FBI from investigating what the Russians might have done to our election?

McCabe believes he was fired in March of last year because he opened an investigation into Trump, but he said he stands by that decision, adding, Presented with facts, we made hard decisions, decisions that we knew would be tough on the organization, would be tough on us personally. Look what I have gone through as a result of those decisions. But we did them anyway because we were committed to our responsibilities and serving this country.

Anderson Cooper 360 airs weeknights at 8 p.m. on CNN.

Check out what former CBS News correspondent Lara Logan said about the mostly liberal media:

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.Looking for a Sector - Utilities fund? You may want to consider Fidelity Select Utilities (FSUTX) as a possible option. FSUTX bears a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 3 (Hold), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance.

Objective

Zacks categorizes FSUTX in Sector - Utilities, which is a segment packed with options. Known for its stability, the utility industry is perfect for investors seeking low risk. Sector - Utilities mutual funds focus on companies that provide essential services to millions of people on a daily basis: think electric power, gas distribution, and water supply.

History of Fund/Manager

Fidelity is based in Boston, MA, and is the manager of FSUTX. Fidelity Select Utilities debuted in December of 1981. Since then, FSUTX has accumulated assets of about $1 billion, according to the most recently available information. The fund's current manager, Douglas Simmons, has been in charge of the fund since October of 2006.

Performance

Obviously, what investors are looking for in these funds is strong performance relative to their peers. This fund in particular has delivered a 5-year annualized total return of 9.63%, and is in the top third among its category peers. If you're interested in shorter time frames, do not dismiss looking at the fund's 3-year annualized total return of 13.45%, which places it in the top third during this time-frame.

When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. Over the past three years, FSUTX's standard deviation comes in at 10.78%, compared to the category average of -0.02%. Over the past 5 years, the standard deviation of the fund is 11.05% compared to the category average of 1.21%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade.

Risk Factors

Investors cannot discount the risks to this segment though, as it is always important to remember the downside for any potential investment. In FSUTX's case, the fund lost 45.05% in the most recent bear market and underperformed comparable funds by 4505%. This makes the fund a possibly worse choice than its peers during a sliding market environment.

Story continues

Investors should note that the fund has a 5-year beta of 0.36, so it is likely going to be less volatile than the market at large. Alpha is an additional metric to take into consideration, since it represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which in this case, is the S&P 500. The fund has produced a positive alpha over the past 5 years of 5.52, which shows that managers in this portfolio are skilled in picking securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns.

Expenses

As competition heats up in the mutual fund market, costs become increasingly important. Compared to its otherwise identical counterpart, a low-cost product will be an outperformer, all other things being equal. Thus, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is vital for investors. In terms of fees, FSUTX is a no load fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.74% compared to the category average of -43.37%. FSUTX is actually more expensive than its peers when you consider factors like cost.

Investors need to be aware that with this product, the minimum initial investment is $2,500; each subsequent investment has no minimum amount.

Bottom Line

Overall, Fidelity Select Utilities ( FSUTX ) has a neutral Zacks Mutual Fund rank, strong performance, worse downside risk, and higher fees compared to its peers.

Want even more information about FSUTX? Then go over to Zacks.com and check out our mutual fund comparison tool, and all of the other great features that we have to help you with your mutual fund analysis for additional information. Want to learn even more? We have a full suite of tools on stocks that you can use to find the best choices for your portfolio too, no matter what kind of investor you are.



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Felicity Jones wouldnt say no to reprising her Black Cat role.

The British actress played Felicia Hardy in the 2014 movie The Amazing Spider-Man 2, during Andrew Garfields run as Peter Parker, but she never got the chance to show off the Marvel antiheros alter-ego.

Id love to play her again, Jones told Yahoo Movies UK. Shes a great character.

In the last five years, weve seen the Spider-Man mantle passed on to Tom Holland  who has appeared in two Marvel Cinematic Universe movies (Captain American: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War) and two Sony movies (Spider-Man Homecoming and the yet-to-be-released Far From Home)  and Shameik Moore who led last years critically acclaimed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Felicity Jones as Felicia Hardy (AKA Black Cat)

Sony has been expanding its Marvel portfolio with the release of this Oscar-nominated animated feature, as well as the Tom Hardy-led Venom and even shelved its planned Silver & Black movie, featuring Silver Sable and Black Cat, in order to give them individual outings.

We believe Black Cat is enough of her own character with a great backstory and a canon of material to draw from to justify her own film, Columbia Pictures president Sanford Panitch told Variety.

Jones says that when she signed on to play the character there was no promise that she would get to play her more than once.

There was never anything written down that that would definitely happen, the actress explained. It was more justI like playing characters where there is a little bit extra to play with and it was just fun to play someone who has this other identity.

I just loved the idea of that character, I just think its really fun.

Black Cat is getting her own solo movie (Marvel Comics)

Felicia Hardy/Black Cat is a notorious cat burglar who has had an on/off romance with Spider-Man for several years, as well as acting as both ally and enemy to the web-slinger.

In Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Hardy has a romance with Michael Morbius who becomes the Living Vampire  another character Sony is creating a solo movie for with Jared Leto in the titular role.

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Gina Prince-Bythewood was originally set to direct Silver & Black, and her reps have said that shes still down to make a movie in the Spider-verse though, for now, shes only listed as a producer on the Black Cat movie while Sony looks for another female director.

Felicity Jones can next be seen on screen in On the Basis of Sex out on Friday 22 February.

Read more

Felicity Jones on why British actors get cast as Americans

Armie Hammer says hes not the next Batman

Call Me By Your Name sequel is years awayThe FBI is working with the U.S. Postal Service to determine whether Empire actor Jussie Smollett sent himself a threatening letter in the days before the hate crime he is now under investigation for allegedly staging, two federal officials told ABC News Tuesday.

The two Nigerian brothers who told Chicago Police last week that Smollett paid them to stage a racially motivated attack on him have also told the authorities that Smollett sent himself the threatening letter that arrived on the Empire set on January 22, just seven days before they claim they conducted the hoax attack.

The brothers, one of whom worked as an extra on Empire, reportedly claimed that Smollett was motivated to stage the attack after his coworkers reaction to the letter did not live up to his expectations.

The letter, which was accompanied by crushed up aspirin, is now being analyzed at an FBI crime lab.

Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo agreed to cooperate with police last week after they were presented with evidence that they purchased the rope that Smollett claimed was placed around his neck by two attackers who yelled racist and homophobic slurs before shouting this is MAGA country as they fled.

Smolletts attorneys maintain that he was attacked and have denied that he was complicit in staging the assault.

As a victim of a hate crime who has cooperated with the police investigation, Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with, Smolletts attorneys said in a statement Saturday. He has now been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying.

More from National ReviewIts too early to take away any clear lessons from the Trump era, except one: Whatever you do, never fire the FBI director.

Yes, as president, it is fully within your power to cashier inferior executive-branch officers. But if the aftermath of the James Comey firing is any indication, it risks backlash from FBI and Justice Department officials who will take umbrage  and extraordinary steps in response.

This is the upshot of the 60 Minutes interview of former Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. The Comey firing was ham-fisted and unsettling given the ongoing investigation of Russian interference into the 2016 election. But what ensued was an embarrassing freakout by law-enforcement officials entrusted with awesome powers.

According to McCabe, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein brought up invoking the 25th Amendment.

Its worth considering how this Rube Goldberg amendment is supposed to work: The vice president takes power if he and a majority of the Cabinet declare in writing to the Senate and the House that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

Then the president can contest the declaration, also in writing, to the Senate and the House. If the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet still say he cant serve, Congress has 21 days to vote on the question. If two-thirds of both houses says he cant, the vice president remains acting president.

Anyone who believes that this was a remotely plausible or appropriate means to depose Donald Trump should have his own ability to discharge his duties examined.

First of all, Trump obviously was perfectly capable of discharging his duties; he just discharged them in a way alarming to McCabe and Rosenstein. His response to an effort by his Cabinet to join such an exercise would have been to fire anyone involved, which he could have done because, again, he wasnt incapacitated.

McCabe also says that Rosenstein twice discussed wearing a wire to record the president and wasnt joking. (A source told the New York Times when it originally broke the story that Rosenstein meant it sarcastically; his own denials have been carefully worded.)

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The FBI didnt go this far, but it did open, per McCabe, two probes into the president to determine if he was a Russian agent or had obstructed justice.

Consider the lunacy of this: By providing Trump with a memo justifying Comeys firing, Rosenstein participated in the scheme that the FBI considered a possible crime, or the culmination of a Russian plot. Then Rosenstein turned around and appointed a special counsel, whom he oversaw, to investigate the possible crime to which he was a party.

Its also absurd that the FBI officials considered the firing of Comey to be potential obstruction of the investigation that they were continuing, and indeed making more serious by making the president an explicit target.

The comments that Trump made about Russia that McCabe and Co. found so disturbing were hardly damning. In his cover letter over Rosensteins memo, Trump mentioned that Comey had told him three times that he wasnt under investigation. This was true, and Trump was frustrated that Comey wouldnt make it public. That doesnt make him a Russian agent.

In his notorious Lester Holt interview, Trump said he fired Comey because there wasnt anything to him and Russia. He didnt say he wanted to shut down the probe; indeed, he said he understood it would now probably go on longer.

Perhaps Trumps comments in his ill-considered meeting with the Russian foreign minister and ambassador in the immediate aftermath of the Comey firing were worse, but its hard to say absent a transcript.

What McCabes version strongly suggests is that the FBI took upon itself to be a check on the president of the United States. This is not its appointed role in our system. If the president abuses his powers, thats a matter for Congress to take up, not for executive-branch officials whose panic eclipsed their judgment.

 2019 by King Features Syndicate

More from National ReviewBy Pei Li and Brenda Goh BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China's top content regulator has asked local authorities to stop submitting requests to monetize new video games, while it processes a backlog of applications built up after a lengthy pause last year, three people with knowledge of the matter said. The General Administration of Press and Publications (GAPP) issued the notice this week, the people said, indicating the impact on gaming stocks of the nine-month hiatus could continue and dulling hopes raised by the recent resumption of approvals. The regulator's notice has not previously been reported. Shares of industry leader Tencent Holdings Ltd closed 1.25 percent higher on Wednesday, having turned negative after the Reuters report. Shares of smaller players also slid, with a decline of as much as 5 percent at Yoozoo Games Co Ltd. China stopped approving the monetization of new titles last March amid a regulatory body reshuffle triggered by growing criticism of games for being violent and addictive, as well as concern over the increase in myopia among young people. Gaming firms such as Tencent were able to continue filing applications, building up a backlog. They could also distribute new titles but were unable to earn any income from them, such as through in-game purchases. The regulator resumed processing applications in December, with industry insiders estimating at least 5,000 games awaiting approval. In China, game companies file applications to local authorities which in turn submit them to the regulator. "The regulator asked local authorities to stop submitting applications because there is too much of a backlog for it to deal with at the moment," said one of the people, whose company was informed about the matter by its local authority. The person said the request was made to local authorities nationwide. Game companies will still be able to file applications to local authorities but they will no longer be passed on to the central regulator while it deals with applications already in hand, said a second person. The people declined to be identified as they were not authorized to speak with media on the matter. Tencent, GAPP and the Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China, which oversees GAPP, did not respond to requests for comment. State-backed ThePaper.cn reported on Wednesday that a GAPP official confirmed the regulator had asked local authorities to stop submitting applications as it was making "adjustments". "We aren't taking any application materials at the moment," ThePaper.cn reported the unidentified official as saying. "BIG LET DOWN" The approval freeze dragged down shares in Tencent and wiped billions of dollars off its market value. Among titles for which Tencent is awaiting a license to monetize is "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Mobile", which industry insiders estimated could generate annual revenue of up to $1 billion. The freeze has also hit many smaller companies that rely on a number of game releases each year. "It will be a big let down to a revitalized industry if the delay to licensing continues for any significant period of time," said Lisa Cosmas Hanson, managing partner of video games consultancy Niko Partners. "Hopefully the halt is merely procedural and the licensing process will return to normal swiftly." The regulator approved 1,982 domestic and foreign online games during January-March last year before the freeze, government data showed. That came after approving 9,651 domestic and foreign online games in all of 2017. GAPP has approved 538 games since December. It is likely to approve just 2,000 to 3,000 titles in 2019, said Jefferies analyst Karen Chan in a note to clients. "Generally speaking the whole industry is frightened. There is no sign that regulators will loosen their control," said Beijing-based tech analyst Li Chengdong. "Investors are worried about the red line and risks here." (Reporting by Pei Li in BEIJING and Brenda Goh in SHANGHAI; Editing by Christopher Cushing)Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - A former Goldman Sachs banker accused of involvement in the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal will only be extradited to the United States after legal proceedings against him in Malaysia are completed, a minister said.

Huge sums of public money were purportedly stolen from Malaysian state fund 1MDB and used to buy everything from yachts to art in a scheme that allegedly involved former premier Najib Razak and contributed to his government's election defeat.

Goldman's role is under scrutiny as the Wall Street titan helped arrange $6.5 billion in bonds for 1MDB. Authorities in Malaysia and the US accuse former employees of bribery and stealing billions of dollars, and investigators believe cash was laundered through the US financial system.

Malaysian Ng Chong Hwa, a former managing director at the bank, was indicted in November when US authorities also lodged an extradition request. He has been in custody in Malaysia since the US indictment.

Malaysia also filed charges against Ng, more commonly known as Roger Ng, as well as Goldman.

At a court hearing last week, Ng agreed to stop fighting the extradition request and said he wanted to be sent to the US within 30 days.

But Malaysia's government must approve his extradition, and Interior Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said Ng's case in Malaysia must go ahead first.

"We will honour the extradition but we will prioritise the case in Malaysia until it is completed. This is the advice of the attorney-general, and we will abide by it," Yassin said.

Ng's case will likely come before the Malaysian courts again next month, he said.

Ng was charged in Malaysia in December with four counts related to 1MDB, and has pleaded not guilty. He faces up to 40 years in jail if convicted.

As well as Ng, former Goldman partner Tim Leissner and the bank's subsidiaries are also accused of making false statements in order to steal billions of dollars, and of bribing officials.

Leissner has already pleaded guilty in the US to 1MDB-linked charges.BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union must assess the risk of using Huawei's telecoms equipment despite the absence of evidence of spying by the Chinese company, EU digital chief Andrus Ansip said on Wednesday.

Huawei, the world's biggest telecoms equipment company, is facing intense scrutiny in the West over its ties with China's government and U.S.-led allegations that its devices could be used by Beijing for spying.

The fact that the company is subject to Chinese intelligence laws is worrying, European Commission Vice-President Ansip said.

"Yes, we have to deal with risk assessment. They say you do not have solid evidence. Sorry, that is another topic," he told a cybersecurity conference.

"Because of these intelligence laws, we have to deal with risk assessment. It is too late for us when we will have enough solid evidence made available publicly," Ansip said.

The EU is counting on its cybersecurity act, directive on security of network and information systems (NIS) and foreign direct investment screening regulation to stave off cybersecurity threats.

Britain has not seen any evidence of malicious activity by Huawei, the head of its National Cyber Security Center told the same conference.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by David Evans)London (AFP) - The European Medicines Agency, which is moving from Britain to Amsterdam because of Brexit, on Wednesday lost a court battle to cancel the lease on its London headquarters.

The EMA's lease on offices in the Canary Wharf business district runs until 2039 and is worth an estimated A500 million ($650 million, 575 million euros).

The EMA evaluates and supervises medicines for human and animal use and has been based in Canary Wharf since 1995.

But the European Union said the agency and its 900 staff had to move to a member country following Britain's seismic June 2016 vote to leave the bloc.

The EMA argued that its lease has been "frustrated" by Britain's impending departure from the EU -- a legal term meaning that due to an unforeseen event, the original basis on which it was signed has changed and makes it impossible to fulfil.

- 'Self-induced frustration' -

But the Canary Wharf Group landlords took the agency to the English High Court to enforce the contract.

Judge Marcus Smith ruled that the lease "will not be frustrated on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union".

"The lease will not be discharged by frustration on the United Kingdom's transition from member state of the European Union to third country, nor does the EMA's shift of headquarters from London to Amsterdam constitute a frustrating event," he said in his conclusion.

"The EMA remains obliged to perform its obligations under the lease."

He said the frustration of the lease was "self-induced".

The EMA last month set up in a temporary base in Amsterdam.

The regulator's new 300-million-euro headquarters will not be ready until November, so the EMA will be based in stopgap accommodation for several months after Britain quits the EU on March 29.

Amsterdam beat the Italian city of Milan to host the EMA in a tense tie-break vote in November 2017. France got the London-based European Banking Authority.

Story continues

Canary Wharf Group chairman and chief executive George Iacobescu welcomed the ruling.

"We have always firmly believed that Brexit did not amount to a frustration of EMA's lease," he said in a statement.

"We fulfil our contracts and expect other parties with whom we enter contracts to respect the law and their own obligations.

"If EMA had been successful it could have undermined fundamental principles of English law and set an unfortunate precedent."

The EMA said it will "carefully study this judgement, its implications and the most appropriate way forward".

"The agency continues to trust in the cooperation and goodwill of the Canary Wharf Group to find a mutually satisfactory solution before the end of March."Emma Thompson (Credit: EPA/EFE)

Emma Thompson has bowed out of forthcoming animated movie Luck, after its studio, Skydance Animation, hired former Pixar boss John Lasseter.

The British actress is said to have quietly left the project because of concerns about working with Lasseter, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Lasseter took an extended leave of absence from Pixar last year, following multiple accusations of sexually improper behaviour stretching back over many years.

In extensive reporting from the likes of The Hollywood Reporter, a pattern of alleged behaviour towards women on his staff emerged, including grabbing, kissing, and making comments about physical attributes.

The 62-year-old director and animator, behind films like Toy Story and the Cars series, later admitted to missteps while working for the Disney-owned studio.

In a memo released at the time, Lasseter told Pixar staff: I especially want to apologise to anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug or any other gesture they felt crossed the line in any way, shape or form.

John Lasseter (Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

No matter how benign my intent, everyone has the right to set their own boundaries and have them respected.

Lasseter joined Skydance last month to howls of criticism, which lead to a quickly organised town hall meeting for staff at the studio, during which he was grilled over the complaints levelled at him while at Pixar.

According to Variety, the questions Lasseter faced were blunt, and the tone of the meeting heavy.

The likes of the Times Up movement and advocacy group Women and Hollywood condemned Lasseters appointment.

Skydance CEO David Ellison released a statement saying that appointing Lasseter had not been entered into lightly.

This week Skydance also promoted its former head of production Holly Edwards to president of its animation arm, which would make her Lasseters right hand.

She did a good job at DreamWorks Animation, an animation industry source told THR. The bump up at Skydance is no doubt a reaction to the backlash on hiring Lasseter last month.

Story continues

Further casting on Luck has not been announced, with the film, which focusses on two rival organisations in charge of bad luck and good luck, due for release in 2021.

Read more

Armie Hammer refutes Batman rumours

Paltrow to exit Marvel universe

Avatar 2 will feature time jump



London (AFP) - An eighth Labour MP quit the party on Wednesday in protest against leader Jeremy Corbyn, joining a mounting rebellion sparked by rows over anti-Semitism and Brexit.

Joan Ryan told BBC radio that Corbyn had "introduced or allowed to happen in our party this scourge of anti-Semitism. It has completely infected the party".

"The other huge problem is that I think Jeremy Corbyn is aiding and abetting a hard Brexit," she said.

Seven MPs broke with the opposition party on Monday in the biggest split in British politics since 1981.

They will sit as an independent group in parliament for now and have announced plans for a new centrist party.

Ryan said there was a "large number" of Labour MPs who were unhappy with the leadership and that she hoped other party members would join the new Independent Group.

The Sun and ITV reported that up to three Conservative MPs are considering joining the group in what would be a radical shift in Britain's political landscape.

Britain's two main parties are badly divided over Brexit and the tensions have come to a head as the March 29 deadline for the country's departure from the bloc looms.

Labour has also been plagued by claims of anti-Semitism ever since Corbyn, a lifelong eurosceptic and supporter of anti-Israel groups, became its leader in 2015.BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Jean-Claude Juncker cut himself shaving on Wednesday -- hardly news, even in the hothouse Brussels' EU political bubble. But there is a Brexit angle to everything these days and the EU chief executive felt obliged to tell reporters about why he was sporting a bandage on his cheek ahead of a meeting with Theresa May. He was worried, he said, that they might accuse the British prime minister of whacking him in frustration. "I'm telling you so that you don't think it was Mrs. May who gave me this injury," the European Commission President told reporters during a brief appearance before meeting the premier. He repeated that he was not expecting a breakthrough from the talks as May struggles to secure concessions from the EU that would secure parliamentary support for a Brexit deal before Britain leaves the European Union on March 29. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald, Editing by William Maclean; @macdonaldrtr)An NRDC report grades U.S. tissue product brands based on environmental sustainability. (Getty Creative)

A new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is calling out the top tissue manufacturers in the U.S., urging them to use recyclable and sustainable materials to reduce their environmental impact on the Canadian boreal forest.

According to the report from the environmental group, released Wednesday, the three top tissue producers  Procter & Gamble Co., Georgia-Pacific and Kimberly Clark  have made commitments to environmental sustainability, but none of their flagship brands contained recycled materials or alternative fibres. The three companies rely almost exclusively on virgin tree fibre for their tissue products, the report says, which has a substantially higher carbon footprint than those made from other materials.

Given these companies substantial market shares, if they were to embrace recycled or sustainable alternative fibres throughout their product lines, it would lead to dramatic, positive changes in the industry, the report said.

Use of these materials to create tissue can dramatically reduce our destructive impact on the boreal and other forests around the world.

According to the report, the American tissue market is the largest in the world, generating US$41 billion in revenues every year. While the U.S. represents four per cent of the worlds population, it accounts for more than 20 per cent global tissue consumption, the NRDC says.

Paper pulp used for the production of tissue products, including toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissue, can come from several sources, but the report says the most environmentally destructive is virgin pulp. According to the NDRC, northern bleached softwood kraft (NCSK) is a softwood Canadian pulp that is the most desired for tissue products in the U.S.

The report calls on tissue producers to use recycled materials or sustainably sourced alternative fibres instead of virgin pulp.

The report also included a scorecard grading the sustainability of tissue products by several different brands sold in the U.S. The top brands of toilet paper that received an A grade included Green Forest, 365 Everyday Value, Earth First, Natural Value and Trader Joes Bath Tissues. At the bottom of the list, receiving an F ranking, were Charmin Ultra, Kirkland, Angel Soft, Quilted Northern, and Up & Up Soft & Strong.

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An NRDC report graded tissue brands based on environmental sustainability.

This destructive tree-to-toilet pipeline does massive harm to Indigenous peoples and iconic species like the boreal caribous and Canada lynx, the NRDC said in a statement.

Toilet paper and tissue manufacturers continue to rely on forests even though they have the resources and means to create and deliver products with recycled and responsibly sourced content that are better for the planet.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.Khartoum (AFP) - A top US official warned Wednesday that the "excessive violence" used by Sudanese security forces to quell anti-government protests could threaten talks to remove Sudan from Washington's state sponsors of terrorism list.

Deadly protests have rocked Sudan since December 19 after a government decision to triple the price of bread.

"It is absolutely unacceptable for security forces to use excessive violence to crack down on demonstrators, to use detention without charge, certainly unacceptable to use brutality, torture .. and needless to say there's no reason anyone should be killed," said Cyril Sartor, senior director for Africa at the US National Security Council.

The US-Sudan negotiating process "which could eventually lead to the lifting of state sponsors of terrorism designation... is being threatened by the current developments", Sartor told AFP in an interview at the end of a four-day visit to Khartoum.

The protests since December quickly escalated into nationwide rallies against President Omar al-Bashir's government, with demonstrators chanting their catchcry of "freedom, peace, justice".

Officials say 31 people have died in protest-related violence.

Human Rights Watch says at least 51 people have been killed, while hundreds have been jailed in a sweeping crackdown on protesters, opposition leaders, activists and journalists.Washington (AFP) - US lawmakers said Tuesday they were probing whether President Donald Trump is rushing to sell sensitive nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia to please corporate supporters who stand to profit handsomely.

The House of Representatives committee in charge of investigations, led by the rival Democratic Party since last month, said that "multiple whistleblowers" warned of conflicts of interest "that could implicate federal criminal statutes."

Representative Elijah Cummings, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, asked the White House to turn over documents including those related to a meeting two months into Trump's tenure between his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Saudi Arabia's powerful Mohammed bin Salman, who shortly afterward became crown prince.

An initial report by the committee said that "strong private commercial interests have been pressing aggressively" to transfer sensitive technology to Saudi Arabia.

"These commercial entities stand to reap billions of dollars through contracts associated with constructing and operating nuclear facilities in Saudi Arabia -- and apparently have been in close and repeated contact with President Trump and his administration to the present day," the report said.

The United States cannot legally transfer nuclear technology to countries without reaching so-called Section 123 agreements, which provide assurances of peaceful energy use.

The House committee voiced fear that Saudi Arabia -- the world's top oil exporter -- could convert US knowhow into making a nuclear bomb, heightening already severe tensions with regional rival Iran.

The committee said that the leading proponent of building nuclear plants in Saudi Arabia has been IP3 International, a company whose subsidiary in 2016 listed retired Army lieutenant general Michael Flynn as an advisor.

Flynn served briefly as Trump's national security adviser before resigning over lying about secret communications with Russia, for which he was convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

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The Trump administration in its very first week tried to rush through approval of IP3's bid to build nuclear plants in Saudi Arabia until a legal adviser ruled that Flynn had a conflict of interest, the committee said, citing whistleblowers.

- Still pushing for deal -

IP3's influence has apparently not ended, with the committee voicing alarm at a report by news site Axios that Trump personally met with representatives of the company among other firms just last week.

Another key proponent of transfers to Saudi Arabia, according to the committee, has been Thomas Barrack, a businessman with longstanding interests in the Arab world who organized Trump's inauguration.

He recently drew controversy for playing down Saudi Arabia's killing of dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi, an incident that has hardened views in the US Congress against Prince Mohammed.

Barrack told a forum that "the atrocities in America are equal, or worse" to those in Saudi Arabia, whose agents strangled and dismembered the Washington Post contributor after he was lured into the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul, according to officials. Barrack later apologized.

US lawmakers, including some Republican allies of Trump, have been pushing for the United States to distance itself from Crown Prince Mohammed in the wake of Khashoggi's killing and the devastating Saudi-led, US-backed war against rebels in Yemen, where millions are on the brink of starvation in what the United Nations calls the world's most serious humanitarian crisis.

A group of senators including Marco Rubio, a Republican of Florida, last year jointly appealed to Trump to freeze talks on a 123 agreement with Saudi Arabia, questioning the judgment of the kingdom's policymakers.

The United States in 2009 completed a 123 agreement with the United Arab Emirates in which the US ally pledged not to enrich domestic uranium or reprocess spent fuel, steps that could be used to build a nuclear bomb.

Saudi Arabia has walked back from similar promises, although some experts believe Riyadh is talking tough largely to pressure Iran and that it is unlikely to seek nuclear weapons so long as it enjoys US security guarantees.Taylor Schofield was struck as he attempted to cross the road on his mountain bike near his home (PA)

A motorist with three previous driving bans has been jailed for nearly seven years for knocking down and killing an 11-year-old boy.

Michael Ricardo Robinson was travelling at 55mph in a 20mph zone when he struck Taylor Schofield as he attempted to cross the road on his mountain bike near his home in Beswick, Manchester.

Robinson then cowardly fled the scene in Albert Street on the early evening of January 12 as the stricken youngster lay in the road, before the 31-year-old handed himself in to police more than an hour later.

When Robinson pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court on Monday to causing death by dangerous driving in the built-up residential area, it emerged he had been disqualified from driving on three previous occasions.

Robinson cowardly fled the scene in Albert Street following the incident (Google)

The father-of-one was banned from driving for two years as a youth in September 2004 after he chased another vehicle before he rammed it.

He also received an eight-month detention and training order for the offences of dangerous driving, assault and affray.

Robinson was back before the courts in 2006 for another motoring offence when he drove a quad bike on a public road in a dangerous manner while disqualified.

MORE: World War Two statue of sailor kissing stranger vandalised with #MeToo graffiti

MORE: Shamima Begums family consider legal action over UK citizenship row and claim Isis schoolgirl has been made stateless

He was sentenced to a community order and given another two-year driving ban.

In April 2017 he was disqualified for a third time for driving while under the influence of drugs and was handed a 12-month ban and a fine.

Passing sentence on Wednesday, Judge Martin Walsh said those previous offences further aggravated his culpability.

Michael Ricardo Robinson was jailed for over six years at Manchester Crown Court (Flickr)

He told Robinson: I want to make the self-evident point that nothing that this court can do will put right the wrong that has been done and it should be understood that the sentence that I am about to impose cannot, and is not intended to, reflect the value of the young life that was tragically lost on that evening.

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Taylor Schofield, a young boy with considerable potential and with his whole life ahead of him, was killed as a result of the dangerous manner in which you drove your motor vehicle.

Judge Walsh told Robinson he would have received a 10-year jail term if he had been convicted after trial but reduced the sentence to six years and eight months to reflect his early guilty plea.

He added: It is clear to me that this is a case where there was on your part a deliberate decision to ignore or have a flagrant disregard for the rules of the road.

You took the decision to drive at a speed of 55mph in a severely restricted area. The reduced speed limit and the obvious reasons for it were deliberately ignored by you and it was this that created the gross and obvious danger which ultimately led to the collision which resulted in Taylors tragic death.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UKCINCINNATI  The legal team representing Kentucky student Nick Sandmann has filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking $250 million in damages against The Washington Post, according to Nick's attorney.

Todd McMurtry and L. Lin Wood, representing the Covington Catholic High School teenager and his family, filed the suit on Tuesday, according to a tweet from McMurtry.

The tweet included a link to McMurtry's law firm website, which included text of the lawsuit. The suit was not yet available as of Tuesday evening in the docket of the Eastern District of Kentucky, the federal court where the attorneys say the lawsuit was filed.

The suit points to "no less than six false and defamatory articles" concerning Nick published by The Post.

More: How shady social media posts fed a viral firestorm over Covington Catholic

Kristine Coratti Kelly, the vice president of communications for The Post, said by email that the company is reviewing the lawsuit.

"We plan to mount a vigorous defense," Coratti Kelly wrote.

The Post's coverage is likened to a "modern-day form of McCarthyism" by Nick's attorneys in the suit. The attorneys claim The Post competed with other national outlets to "claim leadership" of a mob of "bullies which attacked, vilified, and threatened Nicholas Sandmann."

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The attorneys accuse The Post of reporting a false and defamatory "gist" that Sandmann "assaulted and/or physically intimidated Phillips" and "instigated a confrontation with Phillips and subsequently engaged in racist conduct."

Nathan Phillips is the Omaha tribe elder seen playing a drum and singing in the viral videos taken last month at the Lincoln Memorial. Covington Catholic students stand around him, with some chanting and performing the tomahawk chop.

Nick stands face-to-face with Phillips for a portion of the encounter.

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The lawsuit also accuses The Post of reporting what Phillips said in interviews, including that he felt threatened by students, that students chanted "build that wall" and that a "guy in the hat stood in my way."

An investigation by an agency hired on behalf of the Diocese of Covington cleared the Covington Catholic students of wrongdoing, finding no students engaged in racist or offensive statements. The report acknowledged some students performed the tomahawk chop.

More: Nathan Phillips says Covington Catholic teens were disrespectful

Phillips, in a statement, stood by his original assessment that the situation was dangerous and the students' behavior was "disrespectful, racially charged and harmful."

The suit also accuses The Post of publishing a "defamatory" statement issued by the diocese. The statement was shared with media outlets after the incident and it condemned the students' actions.

One Post story used the following description, which Nick's attorneys identified as defamatory toward Nick: "Surrounding him (Phillips) are a throng of young, mostly white teenage boys ... with one standing about a foot from the drummer's face wearing a relentless smirk."

Nick's attorneys did not immediately respond to questions about the suit posed by The Enquirer Tuesday evening.

The suit also claims that by publishing its first story, The Post fanned "the flames of the social media mob into a mainstream media frenzy of false attacks and threats against Nicholas."

Jon Fleischaker, who represents the Louisville Courier-Journal and is general counsel for the Kentucky Press Association, earlier told The Enquirer that potential defendants against Nick's attorneys would have a "legitimate argument" that Nick would qualify as a limited-purpose public figure, as he participated in a public protest and has sought publicity on his own.

The suit claims Nick is a private figure because he previously had "no notoriety of any kind in the community at large" and his public statements after the incident, which included an appearance on NBC's "Today Show," were "reasonable, proportionate, and in direct response to the false accusations against him."

Fleischaker and David Marburger, a Cleveland-based attorney who spent years representing national media outlets, earlier told The Enquirer that verifiable facts, rather than opinions, must form the basis of a defamation claim.

Marburger cited a 1999 Kentucky Supreme Court ruling that found "only provable false assertions of fact can provide the basis for a defamation action."

Sandmann's attorneys said the suit was not pursued to "further a political agenda."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Covington Catholic student's legal team files $250M suit against The Washington PostMedical care is a huge burden for folks of all ages, but for older Americans with limited income, it's often a source of financial upheaval. In fact, 48% of Americans aged 55 and older with less than $60,000 of annual income say that a single emergency room visit ranks first on their list of money-related concerns, according to the NHP Foundation.

Not only that, but older Americans are routinely putting off medical care because of money. A whopping 25% of those 55 and older have avoided at least one procedure due to the cost involved. And that's problematic on multiple levels.

Emergency room outdoor entrance

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.

Save for emergencies

People land in the emergency room for a variety of reasons, and the costs involved can range from pricey to astronomical, depending on what sort of insurance you have. That said, a single medical emergency won't necessarily derail your finances if you have the savings to pay for them.

Ideally, you should have an emergency fund with anywhere from three to six months' worth of living expenses tucked away. If you do encounter a health issue that puts you in the hospital, you can then tap those savings to avoid racking up medical debt in the process.

Of course, building your emergency fund isn't something you can do overnight, but if you work on consistently cutting expenses in your budget, you'll build cash reserves eventually. To better speed up the process, consider getting a side job on top of your regular one, at least temporarily, to boost your savings if you're starting with little to nothing. If you're retired already, you might look at consulting in your former field, or finding a part-time gig you can manage. You can even try turning a hobby you love into a money-making opportunity. The key is to put some cash away so that if you do end up in the emergency room, you'll have a means of tackling that bill.

Don't put off health issues

One reason why some people wind up in the emergency room is that they let minor health problems escalate into major ones because they don't want to deal with the cost. Now when you're a low to middle earner and money is tight, it's natural that you'd want to be frugal. But by putting off a health issue that might cost you a mere $25 copayment, you might end up in a situation where you're on the hook for thousands of dollars in hospital bills.

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As a basic example, imagine you have a bad cold that you opt not to treat because you'd rather not pay to see a doctor. If that congestion settles in your lungs and evolves into pneumonia or something more serious, you could wind up needing emergency care, especially if you're older or have a compromised immune system. Putting off outpatient procedures could yield similar results -- namely, a lengthy hospital stay when your condition worsens and the costs associated with it climb.

That said, if you wind up in the emergency room and get stuck with a massive bill afterward, don't assume that it can't be negotiated. Some hospitals, in fact, have financial assistance programs in place to help patients pay for medical care they can't otherwise afford, so make some calls and see what's available. Otherwise, ask the hospital where you received care if it'll sign you up for an interest-free repayment plan. This will help keep the cost of your treatment more manageable if you're forced to pay it off over time.

No matter your age, the last thing you want is for a single medical issue to have long-term financial repercussions. And if you're older and are nearing or in retirement, you certainly don't want to take on debt at a time when you might soon stop working or have already moved over to a fixed income. The best way to avoid that fate is to have some emergency savings on hand and stay ahead of health issues before they worsen.

More From The Motley Fool

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Some 20 years ago, Paul Begala, then an adviser to President Bill Clinton, expressed his marvel at the ability of the president to act unilaterally. Stroke of the pen. Law of the land. Kinda cool.

And, of course, we all remember President Obamas assertion that he could bypass Congress as long as he had a pen and a phone. Obama used that pen and phone not only to implement DACA but to rewrite parts of the Affordable Care Act, to circumvent the constitutional requirement that Congress approve treaties, and to target US citizens with drone strikes. In fact, DACA may turn out to be the most defensible of Obamas presidential power grabs.

In between, President George W. Bush declared unilateral presidential authority to nullify statutes and court judgments by refusing to enforce them, acting on the basis of his independent legal judgment. Perhaps most notoriously, when Congress passed an amendment to an emergency defense-appropriations bill prohibiting torture during the interrogation of suspected terrorists, President Bush issued a signed statement asserting that he was not bound by it. And while the War on Terror was the biggest impetus for Bushs accretion of presidential power, he also asserted the unilateral power to act on issues ranging from Medicare to whistleblower protections to affirmative action.

Now, we have President Trump claiming the authority to reallocate funds that Congress had (a) specifically appropriated for other purposes, and (b) specifically refused to appropriate for the uses the president wants.

The legal arguments around Trumps declaration are unclear. The presidents actions certainly appear to contravene Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution, which says, No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law . . . On the other hand, the National Emergencies Act does give the president a great deal of unilateral discretion. Other presidents have used it at least 59 times to trample on congressional power (though most often for imposing sanctions on foreign companies or individuals, or wartime military projects).

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Trumps use of the statute might be more egregious than most, but its neither completely unprecedented nor without foundation. Congress may actually have voluntarily surrendered its authority. And therein lies the bigger problem. For decades, Congress has been abdicating its role in our constitutional structure, ceding more and more power to a monarchical presidency. The Founding Fathers, justifiably wary of a king, intended the legislative branch to be preeminent. As Article I says, All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States.

The job of the presidency is to see that the laws that Congress has passed are faithfully executed. And as Chief Justice Jackson wrote in the 1952 case of Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company v. Sawyer, In the framework of our Constitution, the Presidents power to see that laws are faithfully executed refutes the idea that he is to be a lawmaker . . . The Constitution is neither silent nor equivocal about who shall make laws which the president is to execute.

But increasingly, thats been flipped on its head, with the complicity of presidents of both parties and of Congress itself.

Its easy to understand why presidents would want to try to seize more power. But its less clear why Congress would so cravenly surrender its prerogatives  if not cowardice. After all, if Congress has no responsibility for anything, congressmen cant be held responsible for anything that voters might not like.

Congress might grumble when a president unilaterally imposes tariffs, for example. But grumble is all that it will do. When Congress does actually pass legislation, it still leaves the real authority to the president and executive agencies. All too often, Congress simply expresses its desire for vague (and popular) goals like clean air, then leaves the actual hard choices to others.

Even on matters as basic as war and peace, Congress is AWOL. Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution gives Congress the exclusive power to declare war. Yet, US troops are currently fighting in more than a dozen countries without no such declaration from Congress. This Congress refuses to even debate updating an Authorization for the Use of Force that was intended for Afghanistan 18 years ago and is now used to justify interventions from Somalia to the Philippines.

Weve reached the point where presidents can go to war, appropriate funds, impose revenue measures, and far more, all without Congressional approval. As James Madison warned in Federalist No. 48, An elective despotism was not the government we fought for; but one in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among the several bodies of magistracy as that no one could transcend their legal limits without being effectually checked and restrained by others.

Congress could restore those checks and restraints by reclaiming its authority. That should start by disapproving Trumps power grab. Its telling, though, that no one really believes that they will do this.

Thats not so cool after all.

More from National ReviewPHOENIX  Caitlin Secrist can't eat, can't work, can barely go to school online and is in constant pain from a severe illness. Now, the 21-year-old college student could die because she can't get copies of her own medical records.

The files are locked away in a repossessed electronic-records system while creditors of bankrupt Florence Hospital at Anthem and Gilbert Hospital bicker over who should pay for access to them.

More than 300 patients have requested medical records without success since the hospitals shut down in June 2018, court records showed. Secrist's family has asked for hers repeatedly.

Former patients need the documents to deal with chronic conditions or pursue medical malpractice lawsuits. Prospective employers of nearly 200 doctors and hospital staffers looking for new work have been unable to check their employment histories.

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But Secrist's case might be the most urgent.

Caitlin Secrist, 21, can't work, can't eat, won't graduate college on time and is in constant pain from a severe illness, pancreatitis. And now she could die because she can't get copies of her medical records. The records are locked away in limbo in a Florence hospital bankruptcy case as creditors bicker over who should pay to access the files. More than 300 patients have requested their medical records from the defunct hospital without success. Secrist is on multiple medications to control her illness.

The medical records are the only thing standing between her and a life-saving surgery by a top physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The doctor has refused to perform the operation without a complete understanding of her health history, she said.

Every week that goes by, the danger increases of another attack of acute pancreatitis that could cause her organs to shut down.

"Without those records, we can't go forward. We can't make me better," said Secrist, who lives with her parents in Florence, Arizona. "Having my life, practically, in the hands of a judge and people I don't even know, who don't even know my situation, it's upsetting."

Feb. 11: Apple lets veterans track their health records on the iPhone

Feb. 10: Prominent Kentucky doctor accused of unneeded pain treatment defends his practice

Secrist and her primary care physician sent letters this week to Maricopa County Superior Court urging swift release of her records. Federal and state laws require medical facilities to send patients copies of their medical records within 60 days of a request.

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"It's really hard to watch your daughter go through (pain), knowing there is a surgery that can fix this and we can't (do it) because we're missing stupid medical records," said her mother, Suzette Secrist. "There's just one thing holding us back."

A knot of attorneys with competing interests have tied up the case for nearly nine months, arguing over who bears financial responsibility for maintaining former patient files.

Even Judge Roger Brodman admitted shutting down the hospitals has been more complicated than he anticipated.

"A major problem has been the issue of patient records," he wrote in December. "Everyone acknowledges that, as a matter of law and public policy, the patient records need to be preserved. ... At multiple hearings, the Court has repeatedly sought proposals to resolve the document retention/patient record problem. ... If the Court errs, it will do so in the public's interest."

'I thought I was going to die'

The first time Caitlin Secrist had an attack of pancreatitis in 2017, the stabbing pain in her stomach was so intense she crawled to her mother on her hands and knees.

"It hit me like a truck," Secrist said. "I thought I was going to die, it was so bad."

Suzette and Bill Secrist rushed their daughter to the nearest emergency room at Florence Hospital.

Caitlin Secrist, 21, and her parents Suzette and Bill are struggling to get Caitlin's medical records from a bankrupt Florence hospital. Creditors are bickering over who should pay to access the files. More than 300 patients have requested their medical records from the defunct hospital without success. Caitlin can't work, can't eat, won't graduate college on time and is in constant pain from a severe illness, pancreatitis.

They learned her pancreas, which helps the body digest food and regulate blood-sugar levels, was malfunctioning. The tube connecting her organ to the small intestine is so small that digestive juices reflux back into the pancreas every time Secrist eats. Her pancreas, in essence, is digesting itself.

Secrist no longer eats by mouth. A feeding tube attached to her belly pumps liquid nutrients straight to her intestines from a backpack she wears 24/7.

Nothing Secrist's doctors tried has worked.

Multiple surgeries to widen the tube have failed. Removing her gallbladder didn't help. Her daily medication bottles  including drugs for digestion, pain and nausea  overflow a large, plastic box.

Secrist has been hospitalized more than a dozen times, her mother said. Twice she has nearly died.

The fatality rate for patients with severe acute pancreatitis can be as high as 50 percent, according to a 2016 study.

"It's just like a ticking time bomb," Secrist said.

'My life is on hold'

Before she was diagnosed, Secrist carried a full course load at Central Arizona College, went out with friends and worked full time at Safeway as a cashier. Now she stays at home. She only has enough energy to take one online class a semester, she said.

"I was able to do everything like a normal teenager. And suddenly, my life just stopped because of the pancreatitis," Secrist said. "I feel like my life is on hold. It's not going anywhere."

It's rare for a person as young as Secrist to get acute pancreatitis.

The illness typically afflicts the elderly or people who smoke, drink or take drugs excessively -- which doesn't apply to Secrist, her parents said. Preliminary testing suggests her condition is caused by genetic and congenital defects, they said.

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Once treatment after treatment failed, Secrist's gastroenterologist in Phoenix made a tough decision. He recommended she seek a drastic surgery to remove her pancreas, spleen and appendix. The procedure would require three months of recovery and could render her diabetic.

It's the first time in the physician's 20-year career that he has referred a patient for a total pancreatectomy with autologous islet transplantation, Secrist's parents said.

Few surgeons in the United States perform the operation. Although Mayo Clinic in Arizona can do it, Secrist's insurance won't cover the facility, her parents said.

So Secrist and her family flew to Baltimore in December to prepare for surgery at Johns Hopkins.

They brought as many medical records as they could. But Secrist was missing her first scans at Florence Hospital, despite requesting the files months earlier from a court-appointed receiver handling the hospitals' affairs.

The Johns Hopkins surgeon told a crestfallen Secrist that he couldn't operate without the full medical file. He needs to study the images to make sure the original diagnosis was correct and the proposed surgery is appropriate, her parents said. The doctor believes bowel disorders are often mistaken for pancreatitis.

Caitlin Secrist, 21, can't work, can't eat, won't graduate college on time and is in constant pain from a severe illness, pancreatitis. And now she could die because she can't get copies of her medical records. The records are locked away in limbo in a Florence hospital bankruptcy case as creditors bicker over who should pay to access the files. More than 300 patients have requested their medical records from the defunct hospital without success.

No one wants Caitlin Secrist to go through a risky surgery only to find out it didn't fix her, Suzette Secrist said.

The surgeon is "erring on the side of caution," she said. "He's not going to just jump in and start pulling out her parts."

The fallout of hospital bankruptcy

Years of rocky finances at Florence and Gilbert hospitals preceded the medical-records dilemma affecting Secrist and hundreds of other Arizonans. The health centers had declared bankruptcy once before, in 2014.

As the medical facilities faced imminent closure last summer, the judge appointed a receiver, Resolute Commercial Services, to independently manage affairs.

Resolute rushed to find other hospitals to take patients; safely dispose of radioactive medical equipment, narcotics and hazardous waste; collect final payments from insurers; handle patients' medical records; and tie up other loose ends, court documents showed.

Florence and Gilbert hospitals owed many companies, but the largest debt was more than $13 million in loans to New York investment company Indigo-DLI Holdings.

Other creditors included Medhost, which maintained the hospitals' electronic health records, and Somerset Capital Group, which provided computer servers to host records.

It didn't take long for Resolute, Indigo, Medhost and Somerset to begin quarreling over getting paid.

All parties expressed sympathy for patients in interviews with The Arizona Republic  except Indigo.

When asked whether the lender planned to do anything to help Secrist obtain records to undergo vital surgery, an attorney for Indigo repeatedly said he would not discuss ongoing litigation.

"My client does not object to any patient obtaining a copy of his/her records at the patient's expense," Indigo attorney Kyle Hirsch later said in a written statement. "My client does object to being forced to pay the cost of patient record fulfillment."

Waiting for the judge

Even if Secrist wanted to pay for her medical records, she couldn't, said Bradley Cosman, an attorney for Resolute.

It is too technically difficult to reactivate the entire electronic-records system to respond to an individual request, he said.

"The Receiver empathizes with former patients and has been working since his appointment to preserve and protect medical records," Cosman said in an email. "Unfortunately, circumstances outside the Receiver's control  including the estate's lack of funding, unilateral actions taken by creditors, technological challenges associated with migrating electronically-stored medical records, and other factors  have significantly complicated and delayed the issue."

In January, Resolute finally brokered a compromise with Medhost. But the money would come out of Indigo's proceeds. The lender tried to block it in court.

The plan now awaits the judge's decision.

Jan. 23: School superintendent faces fraud charges for allegedly using own insurance to help ill student

Under the proposal, the court would authorize paying Medhost $45,000 to reopen the electronic health files for 90 days. Resolute would spend an additional $47,000 to hire a PR firm to alert patients to the limited window for requests and hire staffers to respond.

Medhost has gone to extreme lengths to help the parties comply with medical record requests, Medhost attorney Bryan MacKenzie said.

"We provided Gilbert and Florence with access to our software and systems ... more than six months after termination (of their contract) and more than two months after the receiver was appointed," MacKenzie emailed. "Since then, we have continued to work with the facilities, and have agreed on a plan with the receiver that would allow the facilities to access the necessary records. Unfortunately, in an apparent effort to protect their own financial interests, the senior creditor is standing in the way of this plan, forcing us to wait for the receivership court to work through their opposition."

Somerset lawyer Larry Hirsch said he feels bad for patients who are waiting and hopes the proposed deal goes through.

"Everybody truly wants to come up with a system to get the patients their records," he said in an interview.

A chance to plead her case

Secrist hopes to ask the judge for help in person Wednesday at a hearing on the proposal to end the impasse.

She wants to share why the medical records amount to more than pieces of paper. They are potentially her ticket to a more normal life.

Caitlin Secrist, 21, can't work, can't eat, won't graduate college on time and is in constant pain from a severe illness, pancreatitis. And now she could die because she can't get copies o her medical records. The records are locked away in limbo in a Florence hospital bankruptcy case as creditors bicker over who should pay to access the files. More than 300 patients have requested their medical records from the defunct hospital without success.

Secrist promises the opportunity would not be wasted. She is taking pre-med courses to become a nurse.

"I want to pay back for all those nurses that made me happy when I was in the hospital," Secrist said. "I want to make that kid feel special in the ER."

She hopes the parties in court will listen.

"I wish they would just look into my case, and do what's best for me, and do what's best for all the other people who need their records," Secrist said. "That way I can get them to my doctor, and I can get the help I need.

"As soon as possible would be great."

Follow Rebekah L. Sanders on Twitter: @RebekahLSanders

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: College student could die because she can't get copies of her medical recordsA Coast Guard lieutenant arrested earlier this week on drug and gun charges was planning to commit domestic terrorism, according to a court filing from the U.S. District Court in Maryland.

In a motion filed Tuesday, U.S. attorneys said Christopher Hasson, a lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard who has served at the services headquarters in Washington since 2016, had a hit list of targets, a cache of guns and a series of communications with white supremacists. The first sentence in the motion imploring the court to detain Hasson pending trial: The defendant intends to murder innocent civilians on a scale rarely seen in this country.

Per the motion, he was arrested Feb. 15 on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an unlawful user or addict of controlled substances, as well as simple possession of an opioid. But, prosecutors write, these charges are the proverbial tip of the iceberg.

The defendant is a domestic terrorist, bent on committing acts dangerous to human life that are intended to affect governmental conduct.

Per the court document, Hasson has been serving as an acquisitions officer at the Coast Guards D.C. headquarters since June of 2016. Though he has not received any tactical, weapons or explosives-related training in this position, the prosecutors note that Hasson served in the Marine Corps from 1988 to 1993, followed by approximately two years of active duty with the Army National Guard. When authorities raided his residence earlier this month, they found 15 firearms and over 1,000 rounds of mixed ammunition, the document says. His detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday in Greenbelt, Md. According to a separate court filing signed Feb. 15, Hasson will be represented by a public defender.

The filing was first reported by Seamus Hughes, the deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University.

Firearms and ammunition found at Christopher Hassons residence, plus a portion of a letter found. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland)

Prosecutors stated that since 2017 Hasson has routinely perused the manifesto of Anders Behring Breivik, a far-right Norwegian terrorist who killed 77 people in two attacks in 2011. Hasson followed the instructions of the document, which tell a prospective assailant to amass appropriate firearms, food, disguises, and survival supplies.

Story continues

On Jan. 17, Hasson allegedly compiled a list of targets including a number of Democratic politicians and left-leaning political commentators. The names on the list include Sen blumen jew (presumably Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.,) and poca warren (presumably Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.).

There are also references to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a long list of additional Democratic senators, including Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Tim Kaine, D-Va. The list also includes likely references to a number of House members (Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.), television hosts (Joe Scarborough and Chris Hayes of MSNBC, Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo of CNN), former Rep. Beto ORourke of Texas and the Democratic Socialists of America.

On the same day he finished the list, the court filing says, Hasson completed the following Google searches over the course of three hours: what if trump illegally impeached, best place in dc to see congress people, where in dc to congress live, civil war if trump impeached and social democrats usa.

Hassons alleged online searches for pro-Russian, neo-fascist and neo-Nazi literature, along with draft emails recovered from his email offer insight into what prosecutors describe as extremist views.

I am dreaming of a way to kill almost every last person on the earth, Hasson allegedly wrote in a draft email to acquaintances last June; in the email, he appears to outline a stream of possible ways  ranging from biological attacks to bombing/sniper campaign  to violently fight back against Liberalist/Globalist ideology is destroying traditional peoples esp white.

It seems inevitable that we are doomed, the email continues, with Hasson soliciting ideas for how he might enlist the help of another power/country, such as Russia or any land that despises the wests liberalism. Excluding of course the muslim scum, conceding, I dont think I can cause complete destruction on my own.

Among the list of things he seems to be instructing himself to do once he comes off of TDL [tramadol], the opioid he was charged with possession of, is taking a serious look at appropriate individual targets, to bring greatest impact. Professors, DRs, Politians, Judges, leftists in general.

In another alleged draft email sent to himself in September 2017, Hasson apparently wrote to a well-known American neo-Nazi leader, identifying himself as a long time White Nationalist, having been a skinhead 30 plus years ago before my time in the military.

In addition to evidence of regular tramadol use, prosecutors also note that Hasson appeared to be stockpiling human growth hormone in accordance with part of the Breivik manifesto that recommends the use of narcotics to increase killing ability. Agents said they discovered a locked case filled with more than 30 bottles labeled HGH when they searched Hassons home.

Charges related to domestic terrorism in the United States have risen in recent years and, according to a report from the Southern Poverty Law Center released earlier Wednesday, the number of hate groups operating in the country has reached an all-time high. Last fall, a Florida man was arrested for mailing 16 pipe bombs to critics of President Trump and prominent Democratic figures, and a gunman killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue that had supported refugees.

You can read the full filing below.

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The federal public defender for the District of Maryland, who has been appointed to represent Hasson according to court documents, could not immediately be reached for comment.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:By Tamara Mathias (Reuters Health) - More babies could be born with heart defects in the future as global warming puts pregnant women at greater risk of exposure to dangerously high temperatures, new research suggests. The study is preliminary, and the potential impact of climate change on congenital heart disease is far from clear, the researchers say. But earlier work has suggested that expectant mothers who are exposed to extreme heat in the spring or summer, particularly in early pregnancy, are more likely to deliver babies with heart defects. "Early pregnancy, particularly 3-8 weeks after conception, is the critical period for a fetus' heart development," study coauthors Dr. Shao Lin and Dr. Wangjian Zhang, of the University at Albany in Rensselaer, New York, said in an email. At present, congenital heart defects affect about 40,000 births per year. Their study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggests there may be as many as 7,000 additional cases over an 11 year-period. For the study, Lin and Zhang and their colleagues estimated the number of babies expected to be born between 2025 and 2035. Then, using climate change forecasts from NASA and the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, they calculated the anticipated average rise in pregnant women's heat exposure across different regions in the U.S. as a result of global warming. While the authors expected to find that heat exposure in the summer would be a problem, the study also showed that "early" heat waves or extreme heat in spring could be dangerous in some parts of the country. Pregnant women in the Midwest were most likely to be affected, followed by women in the South and Northeast regions of the country, the study suggests. Dr. Dianne Atkins, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, cautions that the data from the study is preliminary and is based only on estimates. "We cannot be certain" that heat exposure will increase the risk of congenital heart disease, "but it would be prudent for women to avoid becoming overheated during the early weeks of pregnancy," Atkins, who was not involved in the study, told Reuters Health by email. The authors of the study agree, advising that pregnant women try to reduce outdoor activities and stay cool during extremely hot weather. Dr. Geoffrey L. Rosenthal, Co-Director of the Children's Heart Program at the University of Maryland Children's Hospital, told Reuters Health by email that the study's findings "can be used to develop risk mitigation strategies that are specific to particular geographic regions and seasons, and allow for more efficient allocation of public health resources." "The analysis is robust and thoughtful," he added. "Whether the predictions deriving from the analysis will be observed will depend on the validity of the models used to generate the input for these predictions." A distinct advantage of this report, he said, is that it is the first time, to his knowledge, that such predictive modeling has been applied "to a rare but impactful health outcome, congenital heart defects." SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2BL1acy Journal of the American Heart Association, online January 30, 2019.Senators Chuck Schumer of New York and Bernie Sanders of Vermont want to penalize self-indulgent corporations that buy back their own stock. In a recent article in the New York Times,they argued that when companies repurchase shares, not only do the vast majority of Americans not benefit, but income inequality is exacerbated since only wealthy shareholders and corporate management profit.

Despite decades of extraordinary success that the United States has enjoyed and that we enjoy today, Schumer and Sanders believe that something sinister is taking place in the corporate world. They call buybacks a form of corporate self-indulgence. Why? Because

corporate boardrooms have become obsessed with maximizing only shareholder earnings to the detriment of workers and the long-term strength of their companies. . . . Companies, rather than investing in ways to make their businesses more resilient or their workers more productive, have been dedicating ever larger shares of their profits to dividends and corporate repurchases.

Now even some Republicans are getting on board. Florida senator Marco Rubio has suggested changes in the tax law to discourage buybacks because he says they inflate the prices of stock at the expense of future productivity & job creation.

Related Video: Bernie Sanders Faces New Hurdles in 2020

For more news videos visit Yahoo View.

These senators dont seem to fully understand that the purpose of a business is to allocate resources in a way that maximizes per share results over the long run. To think that this can be achieved at the expense of workers, at the expense of investing in research, at the expense of developing new and better products, at the expense of investing in equipment to both lower the cost and increase the quality of production, etc. is sophomoric. This underscores their lack of knowledge about investing and financial markets.

Story continues

Companies have several options with regard to the use of excess cash. They can (1) retain the funds in the company, (2) invest in the capital needed to grow the company, (3) make acquisitions, (4) pay out the excess cash in the form of dividends, or (5) repurchase shares from existing shareholders.

These senators see little value in share buybacks, but they should listen to Warren Buffett, who is unequivocally a long-term investor. His financial success is a result of making exceptional long-term investments in resilient companies. Unlike Schumer and Sanders, Buffett is an enthusiastic proponent of utilizing excess cash to repurchase shares when conditions are favorable (or opportune).

Here is what he said in his 1984 annual report: The companies in which we have our largest investments are all engaged in significant share repurchases at the times when a wide discrepancy exists between price and value. He has made this point repeatedly throughout the years. These companies repurchase shares and continue to grow, continue to invest in research, in capital that will improve the quality and lower the cost of products. He has even bought back $1 billion of shares of his own company, Berkshire Hathaway, not because he is self-indulgent but because he thinks the firm is undervalued.

Schumer and Sandersand in some cases they are joined by Rubioprovide two main reasons we are in a stock buyback crisis:

First, stock buybacks dont benefit the vast majority of Americans. Second, when corporations direct resources to buy back shares on this scale, they restrain their capacity to reinvest profits more meaningfully in the company in terms of R&D, equipment, higher wages, paid medical leave, retirement benefits and worker retraining.

The first point is utter nonsense. More than 100 million average Americans own stock. Americans invest in mutual funds and index funds and buy and sell stock every day. Tens of millions more have 401K plans, and most union pension funds have hundreds of billions of dollars invested in stocks.

The second point is equally absurd. A corporate board of directors is elected by shareholders, the owners of the company. When a board makes the decision to repurchase shares, it is a sign of confidence in the firms long-term profitability. It raises share values, which obviously benefits shareholders and puts firms in better financial shape  which also benefits the employees. Essentially, Schumer and Sanders believe, and Rubio seems to believe, that they have the right to tell the owners of a corporation the best way to allocate their profits.

Studies show that firms that buy back their own shares have strong long-term growth.

Consider Apple. It has become the most valuable company in the world. This exceptional success was achieved because of the enormous investments they made to develop revolutionary products. Companies cannot develop revolutionary products by underpaying talented workers or without investing billions of dollars in research, factories, and equipment. Not incidentally, Apple has repurchased billions of dollars of its own stock.

The hyper-competitiveness and efficiency of U.S. companies is a major reason that unemployment is at a near 50-year low. Today, no company can survive if its workers are treated poorly. Walmart, which Schumer and Sanders attacked in their article, and many other companies recently raised their wage rates substantially, starting with entry-level positions.

What is most disturbing about Schumer and Sanderss proposal is their hubris in believing that they know how every company should handle its excess cash better than the CEOs, the boards of directors, and shareholders do. That is a rather all-encompassing statement. One would be hard-pressed to find a more vivid example of what Friedrich Hayek called the fatal conceit, the distorted notion that one knows more than is knowable. Would Buffett invest in a company if Schumer and Sanders were in charge of allocating its resources?

We doubt it. Who in their right mind would?

If approved, what Schumer and Sanders propose would not only hurt U.S. companies. It would harm the entire U.S. economy and financial system. It would raise the cost of capital for companies. What they advocate would tell domestic and foreign investors that our government is interfering with how companies allocate their resources.

What is the difference between going after a large company with lots of shareholders and a small company with one owner? How long before Senators Schumer and Sanders tell the tire-shop owner that he has not paid his employees enough and that therefore he has withdrawn too much of the profit as an owner distribution?

Every shareholder and business owner in America should rise up in loud protest against what these senators are proposing.

Thomas A. Smith is the president of the Smith Foundation and ran a successful investment company for 40 years. Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an economic consultant with FreedomWorks.

More from National ReviewBy Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - A prominent Chinese businesswoman dubbed the "Ivory Queen" was sentenced to 15 years in prison by a Tanzanian court on Tuesday for smuggling the tusks of more than 350 elephants, weighing nearly 2 tonnes, to Asia. Yang Feng Glan had been charged in October 2015 along with two Tanzanian men with smuggling 860 pieces of ivory between 2000 and 2004 worth 13 billion shillings ($5.6 million). All three denied the charges. Police sources said Yang, 69, had lived in Tanzania since the 1970s and was secretary-general of the Tanzania China-Africa Business Council. A Swahili-speaker, she also owns a popular Chinese restaurant in Dar es Salaam. Kisutu Court Magistrate Huruma Shaidi sentenced Yang, Salivius Matembo and Manase Philemon, each to 15 years, after they were convicted of leading an organized criminal gang. Shaidi ordered them to either pay twice the market value of the elephant tusks or face another two years in prison. In court documents, prosecutors said Yang "intentionally did organize, manage and finance a criminal racket by collecting, transporting or exporting and selling government trophies" weighing a total of 1.889 tonnes. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had firm laws on protecting endangered wildlife and went after those who broke the law. "We do not shield the illegal activities of Chinese citizens, and support the relevant Tanzanian authority's just investigation of and trying of this case in accordance with the law," he told a daily news briefing. Conservationists welcomed Yang's conviction, saying it was proof of the government's seriousness in the fight against wildlife poaching but criticized the sentence. "(It) is not punishment enough for the atrocities she committed, by being responsible for the poaching of thousands of elephants in Tanzania," Amani Ngusaru, WWF country director, told Reuters. "She ran a network that killed thousands of elephants." Tanzania's elephant population shrank from 110,000 in 2009 to little more than 43,000 in 2014, according to a 2015 census, with conservation groups blaming "industrial-scale" poaching. Demand for ivory from Asian countries such as China and Vietnam, where it is turned into jewels and ornaments, has led to a surge in poaching across Africa. In March 2016, Tanzania sentenced two Chinese men to 35 years each in jail for ivory smuggling, while in December 2015 another court sentenced four Chinese men to 20 years in jail each after they were convicted of smuggling rhino horns. Yang was escorted under tight security to the Ukonga prison in Dar es Salaam where she is expected to serve her jail time. ($1 = 2,325 Tanzanian shillings) (Reporting by Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Alison Williams)Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and receive a $20 prize!

Today well evaluate China Aluminum Cans Holdings Limited (HKG:6898) to determine whether it could have potential as an investment idea. Specifically, well consider its Return On Capital Employed (ROCE), since that will give us an insight into how efficiently the business can generate profits from the capital it requires.

First of all, well work out how to calculate ROCE. Then well compare its ROCE to similar companies. Finally, well look at how its current liabilities affect its ROCE.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What is it?

ROCE measures the return (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. In general, businesses with a higher ROCE are usually better quality. Overall, it is a valuable metric that has its flaws. Author Edwin Whiting says to be careful when comparing the ROCE of different businesses, since No two businesses are exactly alike.

How Do You Calculate Return On Capital Employed?

The formula for calculating the return on capital employed is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets  Current Liabilities)

Or for China Aluminum Cans Holdings:

0.13 = HK$75m  (HK$836m  HK$167m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2018.)

Therefore, China Aluminum Cans Holdings has an ROCE of 13%.

See our latest analysis for China Aluminum Cans Holdings

Is China Aluminum Cans Holdingss ROCE Good?

One way to assess ROCE is to compare similar companies. We can see China Aluminum Cans Holdingss ROCE is around the 13% average reported by the Packaging industry. Regardless of where China Aluminum Cans Holdings sits next to its industry, its ROCE in absolute terms appears satisfactory, and this company could be worth a closer look.

SEHK:6898 Past Revenue and Net Income, February 20th 2019

Remember that this metric is backwards looking  it shows what has happened in the past, and does not accurately predict the future. Companies in cyclical industries can be difficult to understand using ROCE, as returns typically look high during boom times, and low during busts. ROCE is only a point-in-time measure. What happens in the future is pretty important for investors, so we have prepared a free report on analyst forecasts for China Aluminum Cans Holdings.

Story continues

What Are Current Liabilities, And How Do They Affect China Aluminum Cans Holdingss ROCE?

Current liabilities are short term bills and invoices that need to be paid in 12 months or less. Due to the way the ROCE equation works, having large bills due in the near term can make it look as though a company has less capital employed, and thus a higher ROCE than usual. To counter this, investors can check if a company has high current liabilities relative to total assets.

China Aluminum Cans Holdings has total assets of HK$836m and current liabilities of HK$167m. As a result, its current liabilities are equal to approximately 20% of its total assets. Low current liabilities are not boosting the ROCE too much.

The Bottom Line On China Aluminum Cans Holdingss ROCE

This is good to see, and with a sound ROCE, China Aluminum Cans Holdings could be worth a closer look. You might be able to find a better buy than China Aluminum Cans Holdings. If you want a selection of possible winners, check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a P/E below 20 (but have proven they can grow earnings).

If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.Paris (AFP) - The death of legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld leaves a huge hole at the head of Chanel, but the fashion juggernaut is in such rude health it is likely to power on without him, analysts say.

The workaholic German turned around the fading fortunes of Coco Chanel's iconic house in his 36 years in charge, setting the template for the modern luxury fashion industry.

When the iconoclastic Lagerfeld took over in 1983, the brand was dowdy and somewhat doddery, but by hitching its rich heritage to the supermodel sass of Linda Evangelista and Claudia Schiffer he made its clothes the armour in which women began to break the glass ceiling.

He had previously performed a similar miracle for the Fendi sisters in Italy, turning what the New York Times called a "boring bourgeois (Roman) furrier into a hip fashion name".

Such was their gratitude that the brand took out a full-page black-trimmed advert in the newspaper Wednesday to thank "Karl for the most beautiful journey. With all our love, your Fendi family."

With the label now worth $3.8 billion (3.3 billion euros), they had a lot to thank him for.

At Chanel he did the same thing but on an even bigger scale, making it one of the three richest luxury houses in the world.

Ever the showman, he packed Paris' enormous Grand Palais with celebrities for his spectacular shows.

- Sales of $9.6 billion -

Until last year the real scale of his financial success at Chanel was kept secret. But in June the Wertheimer family who own the brand released figures for the first time showing sales of $9.62 billion in 2017.

That put them ahead of Gucci and just behind Louis Vuitton as the biggest luxury fashion label, although much of Vuitton's profits come from sales of bags and luggage.

Even without Lagerfeld, whose name became synonymous with the brand, Chanel is still "a Ferrari of the luxury world", analyst Luca Solca of Bernstein Consulting told AFP.

"There is no doubt that the house is in a very strong position," he said.

Story continues

Solca said Chanel had the "ideal business model", with its handmade haute couture collections allowing it to "keep its prices high", while its perfumes and cosmetics "also appeal to the middle classes, who can get into the brand through its fragrances or lipstick".

In fact, Lagerfeld's death could push up sales even further with "very strong interest in his final collections which could almost become collectors' items," he added.

Within hours of the designer's death at the age of 85 on Tuesday, Chanel said Virginie Viard -- who Lagerfeld has called his "right and left hand" -- would be stepping into his shoes as creative director.

Solca believes that "a few new ideas" would do Chanel no harm. "There is a big hunger for novelty right now with brands like Gucci and Balenciaga" breaking records with edgy and irreverent collections.

- 'Unsinkable' brand -

"Chanel is a myth, the brand has such power that it is unsinkable," insisted Eric Briones, one of the founders of Paris School of Luxury.

"In fact, following Karl should be fairly easy stylistically because he did not impose his own look but instead riffed on the base" of Coco Chanel's classic themes.

"It's even a great chance to bring new life into Chanel," Briones added.

More difficult will be finding someone with Lagerfeld's gift for making headlines.

"What will be tough is following Karl in terms of image, marketing and communication," Briones told AFP.

Lagerfeld was also a phenomenal workhorse, putting out an average of 14 collections a year for Chanel and Fendi as well as overseeing his own label well into his eighties -- a pace that would have burnt out many half his age.

"He has become a model for so many other creators," Briones said. "He worked so hard, managed to please everyone, and was totally free in what he said -- totally ignoring political correctness," he added.

Indeed he could often be "staggeringly straight-talking" without somehow ever damaging the brand, said Arnaud Cadart of Flornoy management consultants.

Cadart sees few problems on the horizon, arguing that "other great houses have managed to survive the loss of great creators like Yves Saint Laurent or Christian Dior."

"The brand is a more important than the designer, and Virginie Viard, who worked alongside Lagerfeld for 30 years, had quite a bit to do with that success," Cadart added.

Fashion, however, is a notoriously fickle business. The British designer Phoebe Philo -- formerly of Celine -- who has a large feminist following, is often mooted as a possible longterm replacement for Lagerfeld.Ahead of Vatican summit, clergy sex abuse victims to meet with church officials

A dozen victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy members will meet Wednesday with the organizers of Pope Francis' upcoming summit on the protection of minors in the church. Chilean abuse victim Juan Carlos Cruz said his group will urge bishops to stop pleading ignorance about abuse. "Raping a child or a vulnerable person and abusing them has been wrong since the 1st century, the Middle Ages, and now," he said. The summit itself, beginning Thursday, will bring together almost 200 church leaders and will focus on making bishops aware of their responsibilities, accountability and transparency, the Vatican said. On Tuesday, two groups representing Catholic religious orders apologized for their failure to halt sexual abuse of children by priests.

Prefer to listen? Check out the 5 things podcast below and subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts:

Samsung event to 'unpack' new Galaxy S10 phones

Samsung reportedly will make a splash with product rollouts Wednesday as it marks the 10th anniversary of its Galaxy line of phones. The tech giant is slated to introduce three new Galaxy S10 phones  plus a 5G phone, a foldable phone, new smartwatch, new fitness tracker and new wireless earbuds  at its "Unpacked" event in San Francisco. Rumors point to Samsung following Apple's iPhone lead and unleashing a cheaper Galaxy S10E (an iPhone XR rival), Galaxy S10 (rival to the iPhone XS) and Galaxy S10+ (rival to the XS Max). Also on Wednesday, Samsung is also planning to open three new US stores.

Massive storm brings weather havoc for millions

A potent storm promises to bring heavy snow, crippling ice and torrential rain to more than 200 million Americans on Wednesday. Parts of 39 of the 48 contiguous United States will be touched by the storm, including every state east of the Mississippi River, according to AccuWeather. While snow and ice will be the main weather stories in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Northeast, drenching rain and flooding will plague the Deep South. Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky will see the heaviest rain Wednesday. "It's just going to be a real mess pretty much everywhere," AccuWeather meteorologist Elliot Abrams said.

Story continues

West Virginia teachers applaud tabling of bill, but will remain on strike

West Virginia educators said they will remain on strike Wednesday to drive home their point that a bill teachers criticized should remain tabled indefinitely. State lawmakers on Tuesday shelved a bill that drew the ire of union leaders and teachers because it included provisions that would create charter schools and education savings accounts to help parents pay for private schools, among other plans. Those leaders said the provisions would damage public education in the state. The strike comes less than a year after the state's more than 20,000 teachers and school service personnel went on nine-day strike for better pay and benefits.

Southwest apologizes, blames union, cancels more flights

Southwest Airlines, alarmed by a spike in flight cancellations and delays in the past several days due to reported maintenance issues, took the unusual step Tuesday night of publicly apologizing to customers and blaming the mess on its mechanics' union, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. Southwest has already canceled nearly 300 Wednesday flights after the airline canceled 191 flights and delayed 858 more Tuesday, according to FlightAware. But Southwest hasnt disclosed how many cancellations are due to maintenance and how many are due to another winter weather storm forecast for much of the country. Southwest COO Mike Van de Ven said the AMFA has a history of work disruptions and the airline will be investigating the "current disruption and exploring all possible remedies."

Bonus: 'Jeopardy!' champs unite as show begins first team tournament

"It's like the Mount Rushmore of 'Jeopardy!'" Eighteen of the quiz show's best and brightest from years past will compete as teams for the first time in the show's history. In a series of 10 episodes that begin Wednesday, the six three-person teams will match wits for a top prize of $1 million. Team captains include Brad Rutter, whose $4.3 million 'Jeopardy' haul is the most won on any game show, and Ken Jennings, a 74-game winner and top moneymaker with $2.5 million won. The full teams won't play directly against each other: One person from each team will compete in a games first round, another in double "Jeopardy!" and the third in the final round.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Catholic Church's meeting with victims, new Samsung products: 5 things to know WednesdayVatican City (AFP) - Two cardinals criticised on Wednesday Pope Francis's approach to the clerical paedophilia crisis, saying "abuse of power" was not to blame but homosexuality.

"We turn to you with deep distress! The Catholic world is adrift," US Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke and German Cardinal Walter Brandmueller said in an open letter to the heads of the bishops' conferences.

"Sexual abuse is blamed on clericalism. But the first and primary fault of the clergy does not rest in the abuse of power but in having gone away from the truth of the Gospel," they said.

They blamed a corruption of the "absolute moral law", referring to homosexuality, which they described as the "denial, by words and by acts, of the divine and natural law".

"The plague of the homosexual agenda has been spread within the church, promoted by organised networks and protected by a climate of complicity and a conspiracy of silence," claimed the cardinals, who belong to the church's conservative wing.

Related Video: Sex Abuse Survivor Says 'Not a Catholic Problem'

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The Catholic church considers the practice of homosexuality to be a sin.

The letter comes a day before Pope Francis opens a historical summit at the Vatican on the protection of minors in a bid to end a scandal which has dogged the Roman Catholic church for decades.

Burke and Brandmueller criticised Francis, saying they were "among those who in 2016 presented to the Holy Father certain questions... (that) have not only not had any response, but are part of a more general crisis of the faith".

They called on the head bishops "to raise your voice to safeguard and proclaim the integrity of the doctrine of the church".Canada's biggest cannabis company, Canopy Growth (NYSE: CGC), unveiled quarterly results last week showing that recreational marijuana sales are off to a fast start. The company, which maintained its status as the leader in this emerging space last quarter, offered up a treasure trove of information about its business and its future. Here are the facts everyone following Canopy Growth should know.

1. Rocketing revenue

The company's gross marijuana revenue was $97 million Canadian in the quarter ended Dec. 31. However, if you back out the excise taxes it's absorbing for its customers, net marijuana revenue was CA$83 million, up 283% from one year ago. The surge in sales is entirely due to the opening of Canada's recreational market on Oct. 17. Recreational sales throughout Canada totaled CA$58 million.

Marijuana plants growing on top of an ascending row of coins.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.

2. More kilos sold, but a smaller harvest

Canopy Growth sold 10,102 kilograms and kilogram equivalents last quarter, up 334% from one year ago and 360% from the prior quarter. However, the surge in kilos sold was due to stockpiling ahead of adult-use sales, rather than a jump in kilos harvested. Last quarter, retrofits of its facilities caused harvested kilos to fall to 7,556 from 15,217 kilograms in the previous quarter. The drop was so significant that kilos harvested declined from 7,961 kilograms in the same quarter one year ago. Investors probably shouldn't worry, though. The company's marijuana capacity is among the biggest in the industry, and the drop last quarter should be temporary.

3. Adult-use not as profit-friendly

Medical marijuana prices were much better than recreational prices last quarter. Canopy Growth's average medical price per gram was $9.03, net of excise taxes, while recreational prices averaged just $6.96 per gram. Because lower-priced recreational revenue accounted for most of the company's sales, average prices companywide declined to $7.33 per gram from $8.30 in the same quarter last year.

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Marijuana buds on a prescription pad.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.

4: A smaller increase in medical marijuana

The focus on targeting the adult-use market may have contributed to lackluster medical marijuana sales growth in the period. Medical revenue increased to CA$25.4 million from CA$23.3 million in the previous quarter, or 9%. The single-digit increase was significantly smaller than in past quarters, but it still outpaced Aurora Cannabis (NYSE: ACB), Canada's second-largest marijuana stock. Aurora Cannabis' quarter-over-quarter medical marijuana sales growth was 8% in the period.

European Union flags flying outside a building.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.

5. International: big opportunity, but slow going

Canada's marijuana market is worth CA$6 billion, according to Statistics Canada. However, global marijuana spending totals $150 billion per year, so bigger opportunities exist elsewhere. Canopy Growth has been establishing a footprint in other important markets, including Germany, but sales have been slow to materialize.

Despite its efforts, Canopy Growth's revenue from international markets was just CA$2.7 million last quarter, up from roughly CA$2.3 million in the previous quarter. In the nine months ended Dec. 31, international revenue was CA$8.3 million, up from CA$1.4 million the year before.

A cannabis leaf next to a bottle of cannabis oil.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.

6. Getting the right product mix

With low-price recreational sales accounting for the lion's share of its revenue, it's more important than ever for Canopy Growth to increase sales of extracts, including oils, that command higher prices and offer better margins. To that end, the company's product mix remained solid last quarter. Extracts were 30% of its recreational sales and 42% of its medical sales, and overall, oils and gel caps accounted for 33% of total product sales, up from 23% one year ago.

A man looking with surprise at a computer monitor.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.

7. Falling gross margin

Expenses associated with expansion projects that weren't up and running took a big toll on Canopy Growth's cost of goods sold last quarter. Gross margin tumbled to 13% in the period, from 76% a year ago. Excluding fair value adjustments that can change dramatically from quarter to quarter, gross margin dropped to 19% from 55% one year ago. Margin should improve, however, as non-producing projects come online, so investors might not want to read too much into the poor performance last quarter.

8. A cash dynamo

When Canopy Growth sold 38% of itself to Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) last year, it pocketed roughly $4 billion. As a result, it has the deepest pockets in the industry. As of Dec. 31, it's sitting on CA$4.1 billion in cash it can use to expand, automate, acquire, or enter new markets. Its cash hoard is already being put to good use. It acquired Colorado-based hemp researcher ebbu for $330 million last fall, and management last month announced plans to invest up to $150 million to create a hemp-innovation park in New York state. Canopy Growth is ironing out the details on the New York location, but it expects to be processing hemp in New York as soon as the end of 2019, giving it its first opportunity to tap into America's massive market.

More From The Motley Fool

Todd Campbell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. His clients may have positions in the companies mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Constellation Brands. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Canadian government will unveil its budget for the 2019/20 fiscal year on March 19, Finance Minister Bill Morneau said on Wednesday.

The budget is the last before a federal election in October. The Liberal government, which has pledged to boost spending to invigorate an economy hit by low oil prices, forecast in October the 2018-19 deficit at C$18.1 billion ($13.76 billion), smaller than the revised C$18.8 billion in the February 2018 budget.

(Reporting by Julie Gordon in Ottawa; Editing by Peter Cooney)By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday calmed restless legislators at a meeting to discuss two resignations that rocked his Liberal government, but side-stepped questions about how he planned to handle the crisis, party sources said. Liberals say they are concerned about how Trudeau's team is dealing with the fallout of a newspaper report that officials from his office put pressure on then justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould last year to ensure construction firm SNC-Lavalin avoided a corruption and bribery trial. Trudeau insists there was no wrongdoing. But Wilson-Raybould, demoted in a January reshuffle, quit on Feb. 12 and then Trudeau's principal private secretary and close ally Gerald Butts resigned on Monday. Liberals fret that the constant media focus on the matter could help knock the government off course ahead of a federal election in October. Polls suggest the Liberals, once well ahead of their rivals, are now at risk of losing outright, or being reduced a minority government relying on other parties to survive. Minority administrations in Canada rarely last more than two years. Liberal members of parliament, including Wilson-Raybould, met for almost three hours on Wednesday and had what participants called a useful session to clear the air. "I'm very satisfied with the overall meeting we had," said International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. Trudeau's office declined to give details of what had happened in the meeting. One Liberal described the tone as polite and said "there were no naked raw emotions on the table", even when Trudeau and Wilson-Raybould spoke. But the Liberal, who asked for anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation, said Trudeau side-stepped questions about why exactly Butts quit and did not give a detailed idea of what the government planned to do next. "We need to put this to bed. It's exhausting to be on the defensive and the longer this goes on the harder, it will be to get our message out," said a second Liberal. Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, asked about the chances of the government losing its focus, said "we are working very hard to ensure that doesn't happen." Trudeau is in no immediate danger, since Canadian political leaders are elected by party members at formal conventions and cannot be sacked after a snap vote by parliamentarians, as is the case in Britain and Australia. A third Liberal said no one in the senior ranks of the party was talking about a leadership challenge, much less trying to arrange one. Some Liberals complain about what they see as the excessive concentration of power in Trudeau's office, in particular the leading roles played by Butts and Chief of Staff Katie Telford. Others say Trudeau's inner circle pays little attention to the concerns of back-bench legislators and have sidelined more experienced advisors. The potential political risks for Trudeau are clear. A Leger poll for the Canadian Press on who would make the best prime minister showed just 26 percent chose Trudeau, down seven percentage points from November 2018. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer received 21 per cent support, down one point. In another sign of unease, two Liberal legislators from Atlantic Canada - a part of the country where the party is expecting to lose seats in October - announced unexpectedly in the past week they are not running again. Trudeau played down opposition demands for a full public inquiry into the matter, noting that the independent ethics commissioner has launched a probe. The House of Commons justice committee on Tuesday invited Wilson-Raybould to speak. Wilson-Raybould is consulting lawyers about how much she can reveal about what happened with SNC-Lavalin. Trudeau is a self-declared feminist and his initial comments criticizing Wilson-Raybould's decision to resign might also cause problem with women voters. After Wilson-Raybould quit, some media organizations ran stories and cartoons denigrating her and Trudeau said he had apologized to the former minister on Wednesday for not condemning the commentaries earlier. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Marguerita Choy)By Allison Lampert and Mike Stone

(Reuters) - Business jet deliveries worldwide rose 3.8 percent on an annual basis to 703 planes in 2018, lifted by demand from North America and the introduction of new models, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) said on Wednesday.

Forecasters and corporate plane makers expect higher business jet deliveries in 2019, fueled by the recent entry into service of new aircraft such as Bombardier's Global 7500 and U.S. rival Gulfstream's G500.

Year over year as we start 2019, I think were in a stronger position than we saw at the beginning of last year, Gulfstream President Mark Burns said in Washington.

Demand for business jets has been slowly recovering from slumping sales after the 2009 global economic crisis.

Gulfstream intends to deliver its first G600 business jet during the first half of 2019, Burns said on the sidelines of a GAMA event in Washington. The plane is also expected to receive certification in the first half of the year.

Earlier, Canadian train and plane maker Bombardier Inc said it would deliver a handful of its flagship Global 7500 business jets to customers in the first half of 2019, with the remaining 10-15 deliveries expected in the second half.

Deliveries are a closely watched metric since that is the point when customers pay the bulk of the cost of a new plane.

In 2018, general aviation aircraft deliveries rose across all segments for the first time in five years, helped by demand for new models, GAMA said.

Global airplane deliveries increased to 2,443 planes in 2018, up 4.7 percent on an annual basis, according to data from Washington-based GAMA. Rotorcraft deliveries rose 5.4 percent to 976 aircraft.

The "impacts" of a 35-day, partial U.S. government shutdown that ended on Jan. 25 are "still being felt and assessed," GAMA said. The shutdown affected the G600's certification program.

But Gulfstream, a division of U.S. aerospace and defense company General Dynamics Corp , is working through the backlog created by delays from the shutdown, Burns said.

(Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal and Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Tom Brown and Susan Thomas)NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is seen here after casting his vote at an advance polling station for the Burnaby South byelection in Burnaby, B.C., on Feb. 15, 2019. Singh was an Ontario MPP before becoming a federal party leader. Photo from The Canadian Press.

A British Columbian is sounding off on NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh for running in a riding hes not from.

In a letter to the editor of the Burnaby Now, Peter Tamminga says hes disgusted by the idea of a parachuted candidate seeking to win the federal riding of Burnaby South. The Burnaby residents opinion comes a week after Singh said he was disgusted by the rhetoric from fellow candidates on the resettling of refugees in Canada.

What I find disgusting is that a parachuted candidate who is not a Burnaby citizen dares to criticize Burnaby candidates who live here and are running here (that is what democracy is supposed to look like) and who exercise their right to free speech (or does the NDP want to take that away?), the Burnaby resident writes in a letter published Monday.

A parachute candidate refers to a non-resident running for political office. It often involves a well-known figure attempting to capture a seat in a riding where favourable conditions usually exist for the candidate.

This is not an uncommon practice in Canadian politics. During the 2018 Ontario election, Caroline Mulroney was accused of being a parachute candidate for the Progressive Conservatives in a riding north of Toronto. Other examples have existed for years.

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Tamminga states that he opposes any party bringing in candidates from outside the area to run for political office in a particular riding.

In my opinion, if a party leader does not get elected in his local riding, the party should choose another leader from those that have been elected. After all, that would be the will of the people, the resident says.

For the NDP supporters in Burnaby who will vote, you really need to ask whether parachuting a candidate is a truly democratic process. I personally find this process a lot more disgusting than local candidates expressing their right-given opinions.

Singh was born in Toronto and spent much of his childhood in Windsor, Ont. In 2011, he ran successfully for the Ontario NDP in a Brampton riding, located northwest of Toronto. The NDP leader didnt comment on the story on his Twitter account, but he did say this last week:

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Our team is working hard to ensure the people of Burnaby have a voice in Ottawa that will fight for the solutions they need now.

The other candidates running in Burnaby South are Richard Lee (Liberals), Jay Shin (Conservatives), Laura-Lynn Thompson (Peoples Party of Canada), Terry Grimwood (independent), and Valentine Wu (independent).

The Burnaby South byelection in one of three scheduled to take place on Feb. 25. The others will be held in Montreals Outremont and the Ontario riding of York-Simcoe. Advance voting took place from Feb. 15 to 18 in these ridings.OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Billionaire Warren Buffett's company has taken a new stake in Canadian firm Suncor Energy and trimmed its huge Apple stake.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. filed a quarterly update on its holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday.

The Omaha, Nebraska-based company said it owned 10.76 million Suncor shares at the end of last year. But these quarterly filings don't make clear who made the investments.

Buffett has said that investments of less than $1 billion are likely to be the work of Berkshire's two other investment managers.

Berkshire said it sold nearly 3 million Apple shares but it still held 249.6 million shares of the iPhone maker.

Buffett has said he considers Apple a consumer products company with a strong competitive position, rather than as a tech company.

Investors follow what Berkshire buys and sells closely because of Buffett's successful track record. Berkshire officials don't generally comment on these quarterly filings.

Buffett's company also increased its relatively new investment in JPMorgan Chase to 50.1 million shares, up from nearly 36 million shares last fall.

Berkshire also sold the 41.4 million Oracle shares it disclosed last quarter and revealed owning 4.2 million shares of Red Hat.

IBM is in the process of buying Red Hat in a $34 billion deal that translates to roughly $190 per Red Hat share.

Despite the deal announced at the end of October, Red Hat shares traded in the $170s in November and December, so Berkshire may be betting on the deal going through instead of Red Hat's long-term prospects.

Berkshire also disclosed owning 14 million shares of StoneCo Ltd., which is a Brazilian credit card processor.

Besides investments, Berkshire owns more than 90 companies, including insurance, retail, manufacturing, railroad and candy companies.LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May said Honda's announcement that it would close its factory in England in 2021 was deeply disappointing, but could not be blamed on the country's upcoming departure from the European Union.

"The decision this week by Honda is one that is deeply disappointing. They have made absolutely clear this is not a Brexit-related decision. This is a decision about the change that is taking to the global car market," May told lawmakers.

Honda said on Tuesday that the move was not related to Brexit and that it needed to focus manufacturing in regions where it expects to sell most cars, after struggling in Europe.

But the announcement about the plant in Swindon in southern England comes after a series of warnings from Japan that it would pull investments if they are no longer economically viable after Britain leaves the bloc.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper, writing by David Milliken. Editing by Andrew MacAskill)By Jack Stubbs and Foo Yun Chee LONDON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Britain is able to manage the security risks of using Huawei telecoms equipment and has not seen any evidence of malicious activity by the company, a senior official said on Wednesday, pushing back against U.S. allegations of Chinese state spying. Ciaran Martin, head of Britain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), said Britain had yet to decide on its security policy for national 5G networks, but that Huawei equipment was subject to detailed oversight and strict government controls over where it was used. "Our regime is arguably the toughest and most rigorous oversight regime in the world for Huawei," Martin, whose NCSC is part of Britain's GCHQ intelligence agency, said at a cybersecurity conference in Brussels. Asked later whether Washington had presented Britain with any evidence to support its allegations, he told reporters: "I would be obliged to report if there was evidence of malevolence ... by Huawei. And we're yet to have to do that. So I hope that covers it." Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and U.S.-led allegations of enabling state espionage, with Washington calling for allies not to use the company's technology. No evidence has been produced publicly and Huawei has repeatedly denied the claims, but the allegations have led several Western countries to restrict the company's access to their markets. Martin said it was for the U.S. government to comment on what information it had about the company but added: "From our point of view ... if you look at the detailed paper we're publishing, we set out the way we manage the risks." The White House did not return a request for comment and the Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to comment. U.S. Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, responded by saying he wanted to "more fully understand the UK's reasoning." "The United States and its allies need to maintain a common front against the supply chain risk of equipment from countries that do not respect the rule of law and that routinely place extra-judicial surveillance demands on domestic firms," he said. HUAWEI UNDER FIRE Britain is a key battleground for Huawei in its campaign to resist U.S. pressure in Europe. Any decision by London to allow the Chinese company to participate in building next-generation 5G networks would be watched closely by other nations because of Britain's membership of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group along with the United States. But the company has come under fire in Britain since a government report in July last year found that technical and supply-chain issues with its equipment had exposed national telecoms networks to new security risks. Vodafone, the world's second-largest mobile operator, said last month it was "pausing" deployment of Huawei equipment in core networks until Western governments give full security clearance. Other operators in Europe, including Britain's BT and France's Orange, have already removed Huawei's equipment or taken steps to limit its future use. Commenting on the report, Martin said: "As we said then, and repeat today, these problems are about standards of cyber security; they are not indicators of hostile activity by China." A Huawei spokesman said the company would spend $2 billion on efforts to address the problems. "We remain committed to designing and producing technology to the highest standards of security and safety for customers in 170 countries around the world," he said. Martin said Huawei had accepted the findings of the report and pledged to address them, but acknowledged that doing so would take some years. "We will monitor and report on progress and we will not declare the problems are on the path to being solved unless and until there is clear evidence that this is the case," he said. "We will not compromise on the improvements we need to see from Huawei." (Additional reporting by Christopher Bing in WASHINGTON; writing by Jack Stubbs; editing by Georgina Prodhan, David Goodman and David Evans)LONDON (Reuters) - Britain is able to manage the security risks of using Huawei equipment in national telecoms networks and has not seen any evidence of malicious activity by the company, the head of Britain's National Cyber Security Centre said on Wednesday. Asked whether Washington had presented Britain with any evidence to support allegations that Huawei has aided Chinese state spying, NCSC head Ciaran Martin said it was for the U.S. government to comment on what information it has about the company. "From our point of view ... if you look at the detailed paper we're publishing, we set out the way we manage the risks," Martin said on a conference call with reporters. "I would be obliged to report if there was evidence of malevolence ... by Huawei. And we're yet to have to do that. So I hope that covers it." (Reporting by Jack Stubbs and Paul Sandle; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)Britains Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt outside Downing Street in London, Feb, 2019. Photo: Reuters/Toby Melville

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt has visited Berlin today to urge cooperation in Brexit negotiations and future security matters.

At the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Hunt discussed the shared values of openness and democracy that underpin the British-German relationship and recalled moments in history when we are part of something greater than ourselves, such as during the Allied Airlift of 1948 which saved millions of Berliners from starvation during Stalins blockade of the city.

He said such events transcend individuals, nations, and transcend Brexit.

Britain is not going away, we are not relocating our island our two countries may no longer be bound by the structures of the European Union, but we will remain part of a wider alliance, an alliance of values.

The bulk of Hunts speech was focused on how leaving the EU shouldnt harm the German-UK relationship. It would be enormous mistake if Europe were to allow Brexit or other internal challenges to make us introspective. Hund said, urging our European friends to approach the crucial final stage of Brexit negotiations in the spirit of win-win openness.

Hunt said he believed the Brexit deal could be approved by parliament if the British attorney-general was able to change his advice on its implications for the Irish backstop. He questioned if an extension to the Brexit deadline really solves anything, as the last thing people in the UK and EU want is Brexit paralysis.

Whilst in Berlin, Hunt is also scheduled to meet his German counterpart Heiko Mass and the economy minister Peter Altmaier.

In response to a press question about Hunts recent letter to foreign minister Heiko Mass, demanding that Germany reconsider its Saudi arms embargo, Hunt said Britains politicy with respect to arms exports is one of the strictest in the world, and he would tell Mass that the strategic relationship that the UK has with Saudi Arabia is what allows us to have a huge influence in bringing about peace in Yemen.

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The German government announced a complete embargo on weapon sales to Saudi Arabia in November, after journalist Jamal Khashoggis murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. On Tuesday, Der Spiegel reported on a letter, which Hunt sent to Mass on 7 February, asking Germany to reconsider its ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia.

According to Spiegel, Hunt accused Germany of hurting the British defense industry, since it is unable to fulfil its orders without German parts needed for missiles and jets. I am deeply concerned about the impact of the German governments decision on the British and European arms industries and the consequences for Europes ability to fulfil its NATO commitments, the letter reportedly said.

Hunt cited the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Tornado jets as planes that contain German parts and are affected by the German embargo, and said it was imperative Berlin lift the embargo on these defense projects, or risk a loss of confidence in the credibility of Germany as a partner.Brasilia (AFP) - Brazil expects to save more than $300 billion over 10 years through a bill presented to Congress Wednesday that aims to overhaul the country's unsustainable pension system, the government said.

The bill, which requires constitutional changes to impose a minimum retirement age and extended pay-in periods for workers in both the public and private sectors, is a crucial plank of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro's plan to overhaul Latin America's biggest economy.

Bolsonaro personally delivered the much-anticipated text to Congress, where he was jeered and booed by leftist deputies in the opposition.

"We are all counting on your abilities and your patriotism to save the Brazilian economy. We don't have any other option," he told the lawmakers.

Bolsonaro was to address the nation on the issue later Wednesday. Earlier this week he warned that pension spending would break Brazil's finances within four years if changes are not adopted.

In Brazil's biggest city of Sao Paulo, around a thousand people protested the "end of Brazil's pension system" in a first sign of how unpopular the changes might be.

- Retiring at 50-something -

Injecting pro-business vigor and removing sclerotic regulations were principal election pledges that propelled Bolsonaro into the presidency. He took office seven weeks ago.

"We need to change the rules of the pension system. People are living longer and women have fewer children, which means that the working population will decrease," Leonardo Rolim, the official responsible for pensions at the Economy Ministry, told a news conference.

Brazil is currently one of the few countries that has no minimum retirement age. Instead, workers can retire after contributing to the pension system for at least 35 years in the case of men, or 30 for women.

Under the proposed reform, the minimum retirement age would be set at 65 for men and 62 for women. Full pensions would be paid after 40 years of contributions, with access to partial pensions from 20 years of payments.

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The new system would be phased in over a 12-year period.

The architect of the overhaul is Paulo Guedes, a US-trained free-marketeer who is Bolsonaro's economy minister. He had reportedly initially sought 65 as the minimum age for both sexes before Bolsonaro decided on a lower limit for women.

He and the government are concerned that Brazil's aging population will overwhelm the existing pension system. Official figures show that about nine percent of Brazilians were over age 65 in 2018 -- but will jump to 26 percent of the population by 2060.

"One of Brazil's problems ... is that there are people retiring at just over 50, and even younger in some categories such as police officers and teachers," observed Marcel Balassiano, an analyst at the Getulio Vargas Foundation.

- Rush to retire -

The prospect of changes for those currently nearing retirement has prompted many Brazilians to look at doing so early.

That was the case of Silvia Oliveira, a 50-year-old secretary in Rio de Janeiro.

"I have paid in for 30 years, but I haven't reached the minimum age that the government wants. That's why I'm seeing if I can retire now, because I'm worried I might be made to work 12 more years," she told AFP.

Public spending on pensions accounted for 13.6 percent of GDP in 2017. If that trajectory is not altered, it could rise to 23 percent in 2060.

The government's room for maneuver has been crimped by a record-breaking 2014-2015 recession and subsequent tepid growth. The deficit in the pension system ballooned from 2.1 percent in 2011 to 4.3 percent in 2018.

According to the British economics consulting firm Capital Economics, the savings generated by the government's proposed reform would probably stabilize the public debt ratio at 90 percent of GDP by mid-2020.

The proposal "lives up to high hopes ... but history suggests that the legislative process could take time, and will ultimately result in the bill being watered down from its current form," the firm said in a briefing note.

Bolsonaro theoretically can count on a majority in Brazil's Congress, drawing on supporters in several parties. But to modify the constitution, he needs a supermajority of 60 percent of the lower Chamber of Deputies -- 308 of the 513 seats.

His vice president, Hamilton Mourao, said on Tuesday that he believed the government already has 250 votes and needs another 60 to 70 to get the bill passed.Brasilia (AFP) - Brazil expects to save more than $300 billion over 10 years through a bill presented to Congress Wednesday that aims to overhaul the country's unsustainable pension system, the government said.

"We need to change the rules of the pension system. People are living longer and women have fewer children, which means that the working population will decrease," Leonardo Rolim, the official responsible for pensions at the Economy Ministry, told a news conference.

The text, which requires constitutional changes to impose a minimum retirement age and extended pay-in periods for workers in both the public and private sectors, is a crucial plank of President Jair Bolsonaro's plan to overhaul Latin America's biggest economy.

The president personally went to Congress on Wednesday to hand over a draft of the text.

The retirement age -- which is not provided under the current system -- would be set at 62 for women and 65 for men.

The minimum contribution period has been set at 20 years, but it will take 40 for participants to receive a full pension.Sixteen states that joined in the first of a string of expected lawsuits over President Donald Trumps national emergency maneuver to fund a southern border wall could lock up nearly $7 billion in national spending if the funds come under the courts jurisdiction.

The lawsuit filed in a federal district court for the Northern District of California seeks an injunction to stop the Trump administration from using $7 billion in federal funds already allocated to states to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The diversion of funds is likely to be held up in the courts for most or all of the remainder of President Trumps first term, a report from Rabo Research, a Global economics and market research firm, said.

Drawn out court battles that withhold the funds from the economy, the firm said, could negatively impact GDP growth. Consumer confidence, business, and investment could be negatively impacted, as well.

Very hard to generate the legal case

Whether courts will permit legal challenges at all is questionable. None of the parties that have sued the administration easily satisfy standing requirements typically required to maintain an action against the federal government over executive action.

Unless the emergency order targets a class of people who have a right to be treated differently than they're treated under the universal declaration, it's actually very hard to generate the legal case that would challenge the emergency declaration, Kim Lane Scheppele, professor of international affairs at Princeton University, told Yahoo Finance.

Plaintiffs must have an injury in fact, meaning an injury that has already occurred or is imminent, and that is not hypothetical. They also must be able to connect the alleged injury to the defendant and show that the court is capable of mitigating the injury.

The 16 states named in the California complaint allege varying injuries. Some say diverting funds away from the states causes injury to state citizens because the state can no longer use funds to stop the flow of illegal drugs and carry out separate law enforcement activities. Others say funds diverted from military projects will stymie general economic growth and, in turn, depress state tax revenues.

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Whether those types of injuries are enough for the court to grant an injunctive order that and temporarily halt the use of $7 billion is anyones guess.

If California says youve taken the funds that well need for next year's fire season, it's a hypothetical injury and it's a long way off and Congress can re-top the funds, Scheppele said. Though with courts in uncharted territory, Scheppele said they may find ways to substantiate the states lawsuit.

In all, the president announced $8 billion for border protection. $1.375 billion is not under immediate scrutiny because it was appropriated by Congress for border fencing. According to the administration, the remaining $7 billion could fund actual border wall construction, including $3.5 billion accessed through the emergency declaration, $2.5 billion tapped from a defense department account used to reduce the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S., and $600 million from a Treasury Department forfeiture fund used to fight crime.

The administration said it first plans to tap funds that do not rely on the emergency declaration. If courts find those funds are outside their purview it could lessen projected negative impacts on GDP.

Other potential lawsuits

In 2014, a federal district court paved the way for the U.S. House of Representatives to sue a sitting president. At the time, a district court granted House republicans standing to bring a claim against then President Barack Obama who sidestepped Congresss power of the purse by reallocating unappropriated government funds to the Affordable Care Act.

Because The National Emergencies Act of 1976 gives the president authority to invoke national emergencies and provides a measure for Congress to remedy executive overreach, courts have been reluctant to grant Congress the right to sue under the Act.

Theres a group called Protect Democracy thats planning to file a lawsuit, Scheppele said. The organization is comprised of former White House Counsel attorneys from Republican or Democratic administrations who rely on a body of informal executive branch laws handed down from previous administrations.

Going back decades it has been a kind of secret law of the executive branch, Scheppele said. The group, she explained, may have standing because they have a big stake in the continuity of executive office legal constraints.

Private property owners whose land the federal government would need to build border walls and fencing are another group of potential plaintiffs, though their claims would not be heard as a direct challenge to the Constitutionality of the emergency declaration itself.

I didnt need to do this

Trump may have undermined his position that drugs, human traffickers and gangs crossing into the U.S. supports a need for a national emergency declaration. While fielding a question about the declaration from an NBC, the president said, I didn't need to do this, I wanted to get it done faster.

Critics challenging the presidents interpretation of an emergency point to the speed with which he chose to declare it. If drugs, human trafficking and gangs were a true national emergency, they say, the action would have been invoked as soon as the president became aware of the purported crisis.

That argument, Scheppele says, might not be as potent as critics think.

The National Emergency Act does not define an emergency in any way, she said, explaining that under normal circumstances courts would defer from self-defining what constitutes an emergency.Malkohi (Nigeria) (AFP) - Idriss Abdullahi was once a successful businessman and a husband to four wives, until the day he fled his home when Boko Haram insurgents advanced across northeastern Nigeria.

Five years on he lives beside dull farmland in a tented camp in Malkohi village, near the Adamawa state capital Yola, and tries to make a living selling firewood.

But the earnings are so meagre he has had to divorce one of his wives.

"Even an animal lives better than me," he told AFP in the camp he shares with 2,800 of his neighbours from the Borno state town of Gwoza, which the insurgents sacked in 2014.

More than 27,000 people have been killed since the Boko Haram conflict began in 2009 and some 1.8 million others are still displaced.

President Muhammadu Buhari came to power in 2015 on a pledge to end the insurgency, which at its peak saw the Islamists control an area the size of Belgium.

In Abdullahi's hometown, the wild-eyed leader of the jihadists, Abubakar Shekau, declared an Islamic caliphate.

An offensive involving Nigerian troops and foreign mercenaries pushed them back. But in recent months there have been signs of a resurgence.

Despite that, residents of Malkohi say they're ready to support Buhari at Saturday's rescheduled vote -- even if they can't return to Gwoza to do so.

"It's not that we actually love him," Abdullahi said of the president. "It's that he saved our lives from Boko Haram."

- 'Technically defeated' -

Shortly after taking office, Buhari declared Boko Haram "technically defeated", apparently fulfilling the promise that was seen as a key to his victory.

But in February last year, the group seized 110 schoolgirls from Dapchi, in an echo of the 2014 abduction of more than 200 from Chibok that brought world attention to the conflict.

Malkohi itself hasn't been spared; the group in 2015 bombed a government-organised camp across the road from the informal settlement where the former Gwoza residents stay.

Story continues

An Islamic State-allied faction has in recent months overrun military bases, seizing equipment and weapons, and forcing tens of thousands of people to flee for their lives.

Nigeria's election commission has been forced to set up special measures for them to vote: in Borno, some 400,000 displaced people will vote at 10 centres.

Several others have been created in Adamawa.

The main opposition candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has seized on the insecurity and claimed Buhari has failed in his core duty of keeping Nigerians safe.

But from their homes in Adamawa -- Abubakar's home state -- Malkohi residents say they feel more forgotten than under attack.

"Up to now, hospitals have not been provided. Before, [aid groups] gave us drugs, but now we don't receive any," said Fanta Ali, a housewife at the camp.

- Searching for family -

The Malkohi camp today is made up of rows of shacks separated by dirt paths, on which barefoot children and turkeys strut.

The makeshift homes are constructed from tarpaulin donated by aid agencies who also built a water tower for the settlement.

Many Malkohi residents were prosperous in Gwoza but without money to start businesses they now rely on manual labour to get by.

"Seriously, I'm suffering," said Abdulrahman Hassen, once a merchant and chair of a professional association who now farms for a living.

Returning to Gwoza, where Boko Haram remains strong, is still a distant prospect. Helping people go home will be on the next president's to-do list.

The displaced say they're made to feel like outsiders in Adamawa, and local residents call them thieves for farming the land around the camp.

Gwoza was badly damaged when it was retaken in 2015, and cellphone reception is so weak residents climb trees to get a signal, said Yunussa Takda, a youth leader in Malkohi.

Meanwhile, the town's outlying villages are still unsafe.

"Under Buhari, we've seen that a lot of our villages that have been taken by Boko Haram haven't been recovered," he said. "Maybe if he's given a second chance, we can go home."

Umaru Ibrahim Bakare lost track of his pregnant wife and then three-year-old daughter in the chaos of Boko Haram's initial attack on the town, and has been looking for them ever since.

He made an unsuccessful trip to the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, aiming to find his family.

He remains hopeful after the Red Cross connected a friend with three children he'd lost when fleeing Boko Haram.

"We must vote Muhammadu Buhari to finish what he's started and defeat the insurgency," he said.SAO PAULO (AP)  Officials in Brazil say that blood and urine tests conducted on firefighters searching through muddy mine waste for missing people after a dam collapse show high levels of potentially toxic metals.

The Minas Gerais state government said in a statement Wednesday that the tests showed "higher than recommended" levels of aluminum and copper, though no signs of "acute intoxication."

The mine collapse last month sent muddy tailings sweeping through the city of Brumadinho, killing at least 166 people, with 180 still listed as missing.

Officials didn't specify how many firefighters were tested and further details weren't immediately available.BGR

June is almost over and Marvel has yet to release a new MCU film in theaters this year, but thats only because of the ongoing coronavirus crisis that made it impossible for Disney to launch its most important pictures in theaters. The second half of the year is set to bring us no less than Without Sanders campaign, we would never have had Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or mainstream support for Medicare-for-All

Bernie Sanders is the only one capable of reaching millions of working Americans with the message that politics can indeed improve their lives. Photograph: Sandy Huffaker/AP

Its official: Bernie Sanders announced today that hes going to run for president and lay the groundwork for transforming the economic and political life of this country. His decision comes not a moment too soon.

After all, if you think things are bad now, imagine if Bernie Sanders hadnt run for president in 2016. Imagine if Hillary Clinton had swept the primaries that year, easily parrying Martin OMalleys feeble blows and a few charming Lincoln Chafee debate performances.



Trump would have still beaten Clinton, but his charlatan, rightwing populism would have been the only outlet for those angry at the status quo. More than anything else, dejection would reign among voters. The Democrats would have heightened their focus on winning over respectable anti-Trump Republicans in the suburbs, with depoliticized calls to fix Obamacare, find realistic solutions to climate change, and make higher education accessible.

Forget Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: in the early days of 2019 this would be the party of Michael Bloomberg. No surprise, in this scenario, that Trump would be polling narrowly ahead of all his contenders, the billionaire Michael Bloomberg included.

But Bernie did run in 2016  and not just for a single campaign, but something far greater. Sanders reintroduced working-class politics in the US. It was a style based on a simple message: you work hard, were going to get you the dignity and security you deserve, and were going to fight the millionaires and billionaires standing in the way. It was a politics, in other words, that created a common narrative of struggle in which the protagonists were those trying to get by in an unfair and unequal country.

Sanders expertly communicated this message, by being as clear, direct, and honest as possible. His stump speeches used an even more limited vocabulary than Trumps. His lines were so predictable that crowds would finish his sentences. In May 2015, he said: This campaign is not about Bernie Sanders ... This campaign is about the needs of the American people, and the ideas and proposals that effectively address those needs, and what endured from his campaign were precisely those ideas and proposals.

Story continues

Democrats cant call him kooky and radical this time around

Bernie Sanders talked about the need for a Green New Deal, for Medicare-for-All (now supported by a sizable majority of Americans), for tuition-free higher education, for a jobs guarantee  all now part of the mainstream debate. Most importantly, as a democratic socialist he banded these policies together in a political framework, a way of understanding the challenges facing working people and possible solutions. Sanders also encouraged his supporters by the thousands to run for elected office. Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez and Rashida Tlaib are among those who answered the call, building off Bernies program and reaching new audiences.

Before 2016, who could forget that the Democratic party was dominated by charter-school supporting politicians and anti-public-sector-union types like Cory Booker and Rahm Emanuel? Now 2020 candidates who were silent during the 2012 Chicago teachers strike are keen to show their solidarity with Los Angeles educators. It might not yet be the political revolution Sanders was calling for, but its testament to his influence.

The spirit of 2016 may not last forever, and its vital that we use the coming presidential campaign to do battle with the countrys powerful economic and political establishment. Well have to wait until 2024 for AOC to be eligible  for now Bernie Sanders is the only one capable of reaching millions of working Americans with the message that politics can indeed improve their lives. And not only can he continue to lay the groundwork for a left opposition to Trumpism: Bernie can actually win this time around.

Sanders lost the 2016 primary because of early Super Tuesday setbacks, particularly among black American voters. The problem wasnt that he talked too much about class or inequality  in fact, many African American voters had similar economic views to Sanders  but rather that he wasnt seen as credible candidate. Not enough people knew who he was, and for those who stood to lose the most from a Trump presidency, Clinton seemed like the safer bet. Thats not to mention her deep roots in the network of civic organizations and political leaders that drive turnout in southern primaries. By the time he was more established in 2016, in states like Michigan and Illinois, Sanders fared much better among black voters.

Today, Sanders is viewed favorably among most Americans, even more so among black voters than white ones, and is among the best known political figures on Earth. The once obscure junior senator from Vermont has come a long way. If Joe Biden doesnt run, Sanders seems to be the favorite at the start of this campaign cycle  polls even show him ahead of Elizabeth Warren in her home state of Massachusetts.

His campaign infrastructure going into the primaries is unrivaled. Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

His campaign infrastructure going into the primaries is also unrivaled. Sanders received the most individual campaign contributions in history  his March 2016 FEC filing alone, in a month when he received $77m in donations from those giving less than $200, was 188,613 pages long. With far more expertise and extensive email lists, Sanders wont be starting from scratch this time around.

The young people that gave Sanders more primary votes than Clinton and Trump combined in 2016 are also primed to come out again for him. Wheres the comparable group of dedicated canvassers and social media partisans ready to back Biden?

Democrats cant call him kooky and radical this time around. More and more Democrats, including those who are courting Wall Street, are playing lip service to progressive demands such as a $15 minimum wage and Medicare-for-All. They cant do that and dismiss Sanders at the same time. Nor can some of the prospective Democratic candidates grumble about his age. Sanders will be 79 on Inauguration Day, but hes in great health and Biden himself would be 78, Warren 71.

His chances in the general election against (a 74-year-old) Trump are even greater. Sanders appealed to independent voters and upset Clinton in states, like Michigan and Wisconsin, that Trump later captured. Despite having the benefits of incumbency, Trump is a historically weak candidate heading into 2020. A Politico/Morning Consult poll has him losing to Sanders 44% to 32%. With the CBO forecasting slowing economic growth in 2019 and 2020 and the administration plagued with controversy, that number might grow.

Ive been wrong about this once before, but Id bet that whoever the Democratic nominee is in 2020, theyll be able to defeat Trump. Thats all the more reason to go with the most viable progressive candidate  someone committed to change and with the knowledge and willingness to do battle with the big business interests that want to hear none of it.

Near the end of his campaign in 2016, in a speech in Burlington, Sanders looked to the future: My hope is that when future historians look back and describe how our country moved forward into reversing the drift toward oligarchy, and created a government which represents all the people and not just the few, they will note that, to a significant degree, that effort began with the political revolution of 2016.

With the start of his 2020 bid  and with the exciting emergence of a new generation of politicians and activists who share his vision  there are more reasons than ever to believe him.Milan (AFP) - Benetton took to the catwalk in Milan for the first time Tuesday with its debut collection by French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac in a bid to revive the historic Italian brand.

The show, which kicked off Milan fashion week, opened with a homage to Karl Lagerfeld, who died Tuesday aged 85.

"Thank you, Karl," Castelbajac said.

Then the models unveiled his "Rainbow Machine" collection, sashaying around a fictional workshop, where tailors wearing the Benetton logo could be seen cutting and stitching together new creations.

"Benetton had been a little sleepy for the past ten years, because it had started competing with 'fast fashion' houses and it was losing its DNA," Castelbajac said ahead of the show.

"We went back to basics with this collection, prioritising the Benetton look, colours and symbols, but with another generation in mind: millennials," he said.

At 69 years old, the French stylist has a long career behind him, including in advertising, where he was known for his colourful, impudent style which mixed punk and pop.

"We share a common DNA with Benetton in terms of colour, knitwear, sportswear and most importantly, irony," he said, stressing that he wanted to restore the brand to pride of place in wardrobes across the land.

"Benetton was a haute couture house for everybody, everyone has a little Benetton 'Proust's Madeleine' at home," he added, referring to the trip down memory lane taken by author Marcel Proust's narrator when he tastes a madeleine dipped in tea.

- 'Archeological approach' -

Castelbajac said he adopted an "almost archaeological" approach: "I searched for the roots of the Benetton story, which began in 1965 with a visionary man (Luciano Benetton) and a little girl who had a knitting machine".

Being appointed the brand's artistic director in October was like "finding paradise".

Story continues

"I was like Charlie at the chocolate factory. I submitted a drawing in the morning and by the evening I could see the first prototype".

His collection featured colourful, eco-friendly creations that aim to be affordable without sacrificing quality.

Women wore checkered tights or skyboots -- heeled moonboots -- in wide horizontal stripes in the colours of the rainbow.

The Benetton logo was on prominent display, printed in colour on a white jacket or bordering a yellow tunic in green.

Wool is reclaiming centre stage thanks to a close collaboration with Giuliana Benetton. The 81-year-old came out of retirement when her brother Luciano -- "angry" over the brand's decline -- took back control in 2017.

The family business had wilted first at the hands of Luciano's son Alessandro, then under the control of external managers.

- 'Only the start' -

The brand, which suffered its biggest loss ever in 2017, has revived its collaboration with renowned photographer Oliviero Toscani, the man behind the shock advertising campaigns that contributed to its global success between 1982 and 2000.

The catwalk in Milan -- its first big show since a 40th birthday bonanza in Paris in 2006 -- aimed to mark its rebirth.

"This show symbolically marks the family's desire to focus once more on the project launched more than 50 years ago," Giuliano Noci, professor of strategy at the Polytechnic Business School in Milan, told AFP.

"It also shows their willingness to respond to the market's every demand," he said.

However, he warned that it was "only a starting point, because the brand faces many other challenges".

"The key to the future will lie in its ability to reposition itself in the rather high-end segment of fast fashion, with innovation and a constant product renewal," he said.

"Benetton will have to... have stores that offer a real, personalised experience, as well as online sales," Noci said, pointing out that "Zara, for example, is doing much better than H&M because it is stronger on the online business".NatWest has apologized for the staff members outburst. (Photo: PA)

A woman in the U.K. who called a bank to apply for a loan was told by a member of staff that all vegans should be punched in the face.

The customer from Bristol, England, who didnt want to be named, contacted NatWest by phone to request a loan to pay for a 400 (about $520) nutrition course.

The woman told BBC Radio Bristol that the call, which took place on Jan. 23, made her really uncomfortable.

When discussing her interest in the nutrition course, the unidentified bank employee told her that all vegans should be punched in the face.

He also said that vegan activists had drawn pictures of animals and written messages such as friends not food in chalk on the pavement near his home, and felt that vegans were forcing their beliefs on to him.

He wasnt happy to be speaking to me at all, she told the BBC. His tone was really unpleasant.

Being vegan is a lifestyle choice, I shouldnt be penalized for it, especially by a big organization. Its extremely unfair.

The vegan customer was left upset by the phone call. (Photo: PA)

Her application was also rejected, though NatWest has since offered to pay for the course after listening to a recording of the call.

The bank apologized to the customer and said the staff members conduct was wholly inappropriate.

It also offered her compensation of just under 200 (about $260).

We are extremely sorry for the way our customer was treated by a member of our staff and apologize for any distress and upset that this behavior caused, the bank said in a statement.

These comments were wholly inappropriate, and we have commenced disciplinary proceedings. We have also provided feedback to the relevant sections of the bank to ensure that lessons are learnt so that a situation like this never happens again.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.AURORA, Ill.  Gary Martin, the gunman who killed five people and wounded six in a shooting rampage last week, slipped through a background check process to buy the Smith & Wesson he used in the attack  even though the law prohibited him as a felon from owning a gun.

The system failed again days later, when Illinois State Police figured out he had a conviction in 1995 in Mississippi for aggravated battery  the felony that should have prevented him from getting a state firearms license.

Martin opened fire Friday at the Harry Pratt Co. plant in Aurora, where he had worked for 15 years. Authorities said Martin, 45, had just been told he was fired.

Terrified co-workers called police. Responding officers found themselves in a gunbattle. Martin shot and wounded five officers before he was killed.

A man prays at a makeshift memorial Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., near Henry Pratt Co. manufacturing company where several were killed on Friday. Authorities say an initial background check five years ago failed to flag an out-of-state felony conviction that would have prevented a man from buying the gun he used in the mass shooting in Aurora.

Illinois State Police records show Martin was sent a letter April 15, 2014, telling him he was required to relinquish his state firearms license. Police gave Martin 48 hours to transfer his firearms to a licensed gun owner or give them up to police.

If he saw the letter, he ignored it.

He would hardly have been alone.

Fewer than half of Illinois gun owners whose licenses are revoked follow through with the requirement to show authorities that they no longer own firearms, according to state police data.

State police sent more than 10,800 revocation letters to Illinois residents last year. In most instances, the agency said in a statement, the gun owners failed to vouch that they no longer possessed a firearm.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart launched a gun suppression team in 2013 that tracks down gun owners whose licenses have been revoked.

There are easily thousands and thousands of guns in peoples houses right now who have had their rights revoked, he said. When you are trying to get your arms around the magnitude of this problem  good luck. The system is so perverted.

Apology: Aurora gunmans family: We deeply apologize for killings

Story continues

The victims: Factory shooting rampage victims include HR manager, college intern and forklift operator

Departing message: Aurora shooting victim Josh Pinkard texted love to his wife as he lay dying

More: Who was Gary Martin? Alleged Illinois gunman seemed fine hours before killing co-workers

Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. All gun owners are required to have a license. State law requires gun sellers, whether licensed dealers or at a gun show, to verify with Illinois State Police that the buyer's license is valid.

As part of the check, the agency performs an automated search of criminal and mental health databases to check for circumstances that would disqualify a potential buyer.

Some fall through the cracks.

State police acknowledged Martin shouldnt have been granted a license in January 2014. The agency said the Aurora Police Department should have been informed through a statewide police database that his license had been revoked.

Martin managed to get through the background check process without his conviction in Mississippi surfacing.

Asked on his application whether he'd ever been convicted, Martin answered no, state police said.

The search of records conducted by the agency firearms licensing staff produced only his Illinois criminal history information, which revealed nothing that would disqualify him, state police said.

His application was approved, and he was issued his license.

Martin bought the Smith & Wesson in March 2014. Ten days later, he applied for a concealed carry permit.

He chose to submit fingerprints, which cuts the maximum processing time for an application from 120 days to 90 days.

The fingerprints helped surface his conviction in Mississippi, state police said. They sent Martin the letter informing him his license had been revoked.

The agency was supposed to notify police in Aurora, where Martin lived, of the revocation.

Kane County States Attorney Joseph McMahon told reporters Tuesday that his office was conducting an investigation of the shooting. The probe, he said, would include a review of where the revocation notices were sent by Illinois State Police.

Sgt. Bill Rowley, an Aurora police spokesman, said Tuesday that Aurora police have not found any record of receiving a revocation notice about Martin from State Police. He noted that State Police have also yet to find record of sending a notice to Aurora police.

It doesnt mean we didnt receive one, we just dont have any record of that, Rowley said.

If police had known that Martin failed to comply with the revocation letter, they could have petitioned a county judge to issue a search warrant and attempted to retrieve the weapon.

State law doesnt require departments to seek warrants in such circumstances.

This is primarily a resourcing problem, said Kyleanne Hunter, vice president of programs at the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Unfortunately, we see this too often with things to do with enforcement of firearms law. In Illinois, they have a process, but they dont have the resources to implement it.

Illinois lawmakers attempted to bolster regulations that ensure that gun owners whose licenses are revoked comply with laws.

State Rep. Kathleen Willis, a Democrat who represents a district west of Chicago, introduced legislation in 2016 that would have required police to seek warrants to retrieve weapons.

The legislation failed, in part because many departments dont have the personnel to track down unlicensed gun owners.

Willis said the attack in Aurora should force lawmakers and law enforcement to reconsider the issue.

Maybe this moment will make some consider that this is a burden worth taking, she said. It is a heavy lift to take. But we have laws in place that need to be enforced.

"It doesnt do us any good to tighten up our (gun) laws if were not following all the way through to make sure theyre enforced.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aurora gunman's license was revoked, but he kept his gun. That's the norm in IllinoisBEIJING (Reuters) - The United States should respect China's right to develop and become prosperous, the Chinese government's top diplomat told a visiting U.S. delegation, reiterating that the country's doors to the outside world would open wider. The world's two largest economies began their latest round of trade talks this week to resolve a bitter dispute in which each has levied tariffs on imports from the other. The United States has accused China of unfair trade practices, including forced technology transfers, charges it has denied. Respect and cooperation are the correct choice for both countries, something the international community hopes to see, State Councillor Wang Yi told the delegation of U.S. business leaders and former officials in Beijing on Tuesday. "Just like the United States, China also has the right to development, and the Chinese people also have the right to have a good life," the foreign ministry paraphrased Wang as saying, in a statement issued on Wednesday. "The U.S. side should recognize that China's development is in the world's interest, as well as the United States'. Only by seeing China's development as an opportunity for the United States can this help resolve certain problems, including trade and economic ones," Wang said. China's reform and steps to open up are in line with its development needs, and its doors to the outside world will open ever wider, he added, repeating previous government pledges. "As long as China and the United States proactively meet each other halfway, then trade and economic cooperation can still play a role as a ballast stone in Sino-U.S. ties," he said. The U.S. delegation included former U.S. National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Myron Brilliant, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce China Center President Jeremie Waterman. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said trade talks with China were going well and suggested he was open to pushing back the March 1 deadline to complete negotiations, saying it was not a "magical" date. Tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports are set to rise to 25 percent from 10 percent by March 1 if the partners do not settle their trade dispute, but Trump has suggested several times that he would be open to postponing the deadline. Negotiations in Washington this week follow a week of talks in the Chinese capital that ended last week without a deal but which officials said had brought progress on some key issues. Widely-read tabloid the Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, said in a Wednesday editorial that both sides must remain calm during the current talks, but that Washington must not force anything on Beijing. "U.S. demand for China's structural reform must stay in line with China-U.S. trade cooperation and coordinate with China's reform and opening-up. The talks must not try to force Beijing to change its economic governance or even its development path," it said. "China and the U.S. must sign an agreement that will inspire their people, heralding accelerated economic development." (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Darren Schuettler)Americold Realty Trust COLD is slated to report fourth-quarter and full-year 2018 results on Feb 21, after the market closes.



The company is engaged in the ownership and operation of temperature-controlled warehouses. It is well-recognized in its industry and has more than 920 million of refrigerated cubic feet of storage, in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Argentina. Last January, the company completed an initial public offering of its common shares.



In the last reported quarter, this industrial REIT delivered a lower-than-expected performance with respect to funds from operations (FFO) per share. However, over the trailing three quarters, the company surpassed estimates in one occasion and missed in the other two. The graph below depicts the surprise history of the company:

Americold Realty Trust Price and EPS Surprise



Americold Realty Trust Price and EPS Surprise | Americold Realty Trust Quote

Lets see how things are shaping up for this announcement.



Factors to Consider



Americold enjoys the first mover advantage as the sole publicly-traded REIT focused on temperature-controlled warehouses. In fact, its strategically-located high-quality facilities serve as an indispensable component of food infrastructure from farm to fork", connecting food producers, processors, distributors and retailers to consumers. In the quarter under review, the company is likely to have witnessed steady demand for its properties, driven by consumption growth and favorable industry trends.



Further, Americold is likely to benefit from the scope and scale of its network, along with long-standing relationships with the companys tenants in the to-be-reported quarter. Also, the company is likely to have enjoyed significant competitive advantage with its infrastructure being supported by superior IT and operating platforms. It is focused on improvement initiatives and continues to boost productivity, with the trend likely to have continued in the quarter under review as well. Focus on external growth opportunities is also conducive to the companys long-term growth.



Amid these, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter revenues is currently pinned at $416.4 million, while the FFO per share estimate is pegged at 28 cents.



However, the companys activities during the quarter were inadequate to win analysts confidence. Consequently, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for FFO per share moved down a cent to 28 cents, over the past seven days. For full-year 2018, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for FFO per share is currently pegged at $1.15.



Here is what our quantitative model predicts:



Americold has the right combination of two key ingredients  a positive Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or higher  for increasing the odds of an earnings beat.



You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.



Earnings ESP: The Earnings ESP for Americold is +12.94%.



Zacks Rank: Americold carries a Zacks Rank #3, currently.



A positive Earnings ESP is a meaningful and leading indicator of a likely beat in terms of FFO per share. This, when combined with a favorable Zacks rank, makes us reasonably confident of a positive surprise.



Other Stocks That Warrant a Look



Here are a few other stocks in the REIT sector that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to report a positive surprise this quarter:



Hersha Hospitality Trust HT, scheduled to release earnings on Feb 25, has an Earnings ESP of +3.81% and carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



CubeSmart CUBE, slated to release fourth-quarter results on Feb 21, has an Earnings ESP of +1.24% and holds a Zacks Rank of 3.



American Tower Corporation AMT, set to release earnings on Feb 27, has an Earnings ESP of +0.29% and carries a Zacks Rank of 3.



Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents funds from operations (FFO)  a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs.



Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019



In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?



Who wouldn't? Our annual Top 10s have beaten the market with amazing regularity. In 2018, while the market dropped -5.2%, the portfolio scored well into double-digits overall with individual stocks rising as high as +61.5%. And from 2012-2017, while the market boomed +126.3, Zacks' Top 10s reached an even more sensational +181.9%.



See Latest Stocks Today >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



American Tower Corporation (REIT) (AMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report



CubeSmart (CUBE) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Hersha Hospitality Trust (HT) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Americold Realty Trust (COLD) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment ResearchFor some Americans, this tax season has come with an unwelcome surprise: either a smaller-than-expected refund or, even worse, a jarring bill from Uncle Sam.

Most got their tax savings in their paychecks during the year, but the loss of a sizable refund is hitting their finances now. Some are getting refunds that are half their normal size, while others are thousands of dollars in the hole for the first time.

To manage, they are readjusting their spending plans to align with a smaller refund. People who owe are pulling from savings, taking out a loan or signing up to pay off the IRS in installments. They plan to consult with tax pros so they can avoid another money disaster next year.

Start the day smarter: Get USA TODAY's Daily Briefing in your inbox

"Were finding out that those with the biggest refund change are those that didnt do tax planning last year, said Lynn Ebel, director of The Tax Institute at H&R Block.

So far, according to IRS statistics, the average refund is down 8.7 percent from this time last year after the biggest tax law changes in decades. The share of returns getting a refund is also slightly lower than a year ago. The IRS doesn't offer figures about what people owe.

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That's my refund?

Americans love their tax refunds  even if they give the federal government interest-free loans for the year by having too much withheld in each of their paychecks. Many prefer the money returned to them as a big check in the spring. The forced savings helps them preserve a predictable windfall, one they cant dip into during the year.

Past taxpayer surveys show they use that money to reduce debt, pad savings or pay for a vacation or other large purchases. Overall, about three-fourths of taxpayers get a refund, which last year averaged just under $3,000.

Story continues

Jennifer and Daniel Yuen planned to use their refund to support their oldest daughter, who moved to Washington, D.C., to train with the Washington Ballet. The couple pay for her tuition and rent.

Last year, they got almost $800 back. This year, they owe more than $5,000  a major burden for the Chicago couple.

Were strapped, said Jennifer, a special-education teacher. "That's three to four months of my daughters rent or half of her tuition.

Instead, they are considering a payment plan with the IRS because they can't afford to write such a big check. Those extra monthly payments will dent other plans they had for this year, too.

This will put off the car that was supposed to replace our 11-year-old one," Jennifer said.

Who owes taxes?

Jennifer says the elimination of the unreimbursed employee expenses deduction hit their taxes hard. Both she and her husband, who is a stagehand, often spend their own money on job supplies  all of which used to be tax-deductible.

That's what really killed us," she said.

The Yuens fit the profile of those taxpayers most at risk for smaller refunds or owing the government, Ebel said.

Homeowners in high tax states, employees with a lot of unreimbursed expenses and people who itemize with no dependents all could experience an unpleasant tax season.

Kathleen Trisdale expected to owe something this year. Maybe a few hundred dollars, said the resident of California, a state with high taxes.

Instead, she owes more than $2,000, a hardship for the disabled veteran, who depends on her military pension and Social Security for income.

I actually had to take out a signature loan from my credit union to pay my taxes and had to increase my monthly deductions by $300 to make sure I'm not hit hard next year, Trisdale said. So not only am I hit with this tax hike, I am now more in debt and I have less income at my disposal each month.

Shes not entirely sure why her taxes ended up this way. She noticed that she couldnt deduct her college tuition and other school expenses. Shes pursuing a four-year degree in environmental science and management.

Trisdale, 54, also couldnt write off the interest she paid on her mortgage because she took the standard deduction.

She plans to see a tax professional for help, which will cost me even more, she said. "Im a low-income person so I didnt think I would be affected this much.

Withholding math

In large part, those who owe money to the federal government aren't necessarily paying more in taxes after the major changes to the tax law. In fact, four in five taxpayers are estimated to get a tax cut, according to the Tax Policy Center.

But if you didnt change your paycheck withholdings  which most taxpayers didn't do  your tax savings were doled out during the year in each paycheck, reducing or eliminating your refund.

When we compared withholdings of people on file, September 2017 versus September 2018, it was largely unchanged, said Pete Isberg, head of government affairs at ADP, a payroll and HR services provider. Generally, few employees changed their withholdings.

Workers may have not noticed any changes to their paychecks either, Isberg said, because their 2018 paychecks not only included the tax law changes, but also any changes to their other benefits, such as healthcare premiums.

So, net-net they may not have seen an increase, he said.

Adjusted withholdings, but not enough

Diana Hansen didn't want to take any chances on her refund that she planned to use for a trip to Bermuda this year to celebrate her 25th anniversary with her husband. Aside from her typical withholdings, Hansen  an executive administrative assistant  had $100 more taken out of each paycheck.

It still wasn't enough. The couple  who normally gets $1,000 to $3,000 back  owes $4,200 in federal taxes.

Diana thinks the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction is largely to blame. Fortunately, the couple has enough in savings to pay in one lump sum.

But it kills me," she said. "You get your savings to a certain level that you have a buffer, and then this happens."

She and her husband will still go to Bermuda and, in the meantime, are adjusting their withholdings for next year. So far, she's taking out an additional $150 from her paycheck, but could do more if needed.

Our taxes are sitting right here, she said. I havent signed them and wont until the very end.

Actually paying more in taxes

In some ways, Stephanie Harris is one of the luckier ones. The 53-year-old actuary in Pittsburgh is still getting a refund, but its about half of what it usually is. Even so, she is one of the five percent of filers that the Tax Policy Center estimated would end up paying more in federal taxes following the changes to the tax law.

In the past five years, my effective tax rate has been as low as 6.13 percent and as a high as 8.43 percent, she said. This year, my effective tax rate was 9.38 percent, the highest its ever been.

Tax tools: These online tools can help you navigate your federal returns

Watch for tax errors:10 common filing mistakes to avoid this year

Harris ended up taking the standard deduction of $24,000 for married couples filing jointly. But the elimination of the dependent exemption  she has two children she can claim  and the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction didn't help her refund.

"This means we have to take more out of savings toward paying the rest of this years tuition (for her child)," she said. "More than we counted on."

Follow USA TODAY reporter Janna Herron on Twitter @JannaHerron or email her at JHerron@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Some Americans face a costly surprise this tax season: tiny refunds or bigger billsNew York (AFP) - Hundreds of orange robots zoom and whiz back and forth like miniature bumper cars -- but instead of colliding, they're following a carefully plotted path to transport thousands of items ordered from online giant Amazon.

A young woman fitted out in a red safety vest, with pouches full of sensors and radio transmitters on her belt and a tablet in hand, moves through their complicated choreography.

This robot ballet takes place at the new Amazon order fulfillment center that opened on Staten Island in New York in September.

In an 80,000 square-meter (855,000 square-foot) space filled with the whirring sounds of machinery, the Seattle-based e-commerce titan has deployed some of the most advanced instruments in the rapidly growing field of robots capable of collaborating with humans.

The high-tech vest, worn at Amazon warehouses since last year, is key to the whole operation -- it allows 21-year-old Deasahni Bernard to safely enter the robot area, to pick up an object that has fallen off its automated host, for example, or check if a battery needs replacing.

Bernard only has to press a button and the robots stop or slow or readjust their dance to accommodate her.

- Human-robot 'symphony' -

Amazon now counts more than 25 robotic centers, which chief technologist for Amazon Robotics Tye Brady says have changed the way the company operates.

"What used to take more than a day now takes less than an hour," he said, explaining they are able to fit about 40 percent more goods inside the same footprint.

For some, these fulfillment centers, which have helped cement Amazon's dominant position in global online sales, are a perfect illustration of the looming risk of humans being pushed out of certain business equations in favor of artificial intelligence.

But Brady argues that robot-human collaboration at the Staten Island facility, which employs more than 2,000 people, has given them a "beautiful edge" over the competition.

Story continues

Bernard, who was a supermarket cashier before starting at Amazon, agrees.

"I like this a lot better than my previous jobs," she told AFP, as Brady looked on approvingly.

What role do Amazon employees play in what Brady calls the human-robot "symphony?"

In Staten Island, on top of tech-vest wearers like Bernard, there are "stowers," "pickers" and "packers" who respectively load up products, match up products meant for the same customers and build shipping boxes -- all with the help of screens and scanners.

At every stage, the goal is to "extend people's capabilities" so the humans can focus on problem-solving and intervene if necessary, according to Brady.

At the age of 51, he has worked with robotics for 33 years, previously as a spacecraft engineer for MIT and on lunar landing systems of the Draper Laboratory in Massachusetts.

He is convinced the use of "collaborative robots" is the key to future human productivity -- and job growth.

Since Amazon went all-in on robotics with the 2012 acquisition of logistics robot-maker Kiva, gains have been indisputable, Brady says.

They've created 300,000 new jobs, bringing the total number of worldwide Amazon employees up to 645,000, not counting seasonal jobs.

"It's a myth that robotics and automation kills jobs, it's just a myth," according to Brady.

"The data really can't be denied on this: the more robots we add to our fulfillment centers, the more jobs we are creating," he said, without mentioning the potential for lost jobs at traditional stores.

- The 'R2D2' model -

For Brady, the ideal example of human-robot collaboration is the relationship between "R2D2" and Luke Skywalker from "Star Wars."

Their partnership, in which "R2D2" is always ready to use his computing powers to pull people out of desperate situations "is a great example of how humans and robots can work together," he said.

But despite Brady's enthusiasm for a robotic future, many are suspicious of the trend -- a wariness that extends to the corporate giant, which this month scrapped high-profile plans for a new New York headquarters in the face of local protests.

Attempts by Amazon employees to unionize, at Staten Island and other sites, have so far been successfully fought back by the company, further fuelling criticism.

At a press briefing held last month as part of the unionization push, one employee of the facility, Rashad Long, spoke out about what he said were unsustainable work conditions.

"We are not robots, we are human beings," Long said.

- Sharing the benefits -

Many suspect Amazon's investment in robotics centers aims to eventually automate positions currently held by humans.

For Kevin Lynch, an expert in robotics from Northwestern University near Chicago, the development of collaborative robots is "inevitable" and will indeed eventually eliminate certain jobs, such as the final stage of packing at Amazon for instance.

"I also think other jobs will be created," he said. "But it's easier to predict the jobs that will be lost than the jobs that will be created."

"Robotics and artificial intelligence bring clear benefits to humanity, in terms of our health, welfare, happiness, and quality of life," said Lynch, who believes public policy has a key role to play in ensuring those benefits are shared, and that robotics and AI do not sharpen economic inequality.

"The growth of robotics and AI is inevitable," he said. "The real question is, 'how do we prepare for our future with robots?"President Emmanuel Macron of France has promised to punish vandals who daubed dozens of graves with swastikas in a Jewish cemetery - REUTERS

President Emmanuel Macron has promised to punish vandals who daubed swastikas on almost 100 graves at a Jewish cemetery in eastern France just hours before nationwide rallies to denounce an unprecedented wave of anti-Semitic acts.

"We shall act, we shall pass laws, we shall punish," Mr Macron told Jewish leaders while inspecting the 96 tombstones daubed with blue and yellow swastikas in the village of Quatzenheim, near the Alsatian city of Strasbourg.

His words came before almost all of Frances political leaders were due to convene at a march in Paris against a recent surge in anti-Semitic acts, which rose 74 per cent last year.

"Those who did this are not worthy of the Republic," said Mr Macron, later placing a white rose on a tombstone commemorating Jews deported to Germany during the Second World War. Another grave bore the words "Elsassisches Schwarzen Wolfe" ("Black Alsatian Wolves), a separatist group with links to neo-Nazis in the 1970s.

This is the second such cemetery in the area to be vandalised since December, along with a nearby monument to Holocaust victims.

Marches took place on Tuesday night across France Credit: BORIS HORVAT/AFP/Getty Images

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded a Europe-wide response to anti-Semitism and his government's immigration minister later issued a call for French Jews to 'come home'.

Mr Macron was also due to pay his respects at the Paris Holocaust memorial on Tuesday ahead of the anti-racism marches, attended in Paris by the prime minister and leaders of all parties bar the far-Right National Rally, which will hold its own ceremony.

France has been appalled by a series of anti-Semitic acts in recent days, culminating last weekend in a violent barrage of insults against a prominent French writer at a yellow vest protest.

In the filmed incident, a man can be seen branding the philosopher Alain Finkielkraut a "dirty Zionist" and telling him "France belongs to us.

Story continues

Police intervened to protect philosopher and writer Alain Finkielkraut after he was targeted by on the fringe of a yellow vest protest in central Paris on February 16, 2019 Credit: ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP

While several high-profile yellow vests were due to attend the anti-hate marches, a recent Ifop poll of self-professed gilets jaunes found that nearly half those questioned believed in a worldwide "Zionist plot" and other conspiracy theories.

"The yellow vests aren't an anti-Semitic movement," said Jean-Yves Camus of the Political Radicalisation Observatory in Paris. "But it's a leaderless, horizontal movement... and extremist elements have been able to drown out the voices of its high-profile figures in the media," he told AFP.

Edouard Philippe, the prime minister, called for a sacred union against anti-Semitism, saying it had very deep roots in French society.

At more than half a million, France is home to Europes biggest Jewish community but anti-Semitic attacks remain common.

A rabbi and three children were killed at a Jewish school in Toulouse in 2012 by an Islamist gunman, and in 2015 four Jews at a kosher supermarket in Paris were among 17 people killed by Islamist militants. In 2006, 23-year-old Ilan Halimi was kidnapped, tortured and murdered by an anti-Semitic gang. A tree in his memory was hacked down this month.

France is reeling from a string of anti-Semitic acts Credit: BENOIT TESSIER/REUTERS

In recent days, artwork on two Paris post boxes showing the image of Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor and former magistrate, was defaced with swastikas, while a bagel shop was sprayed with the word "Juden", German for Jews, in yellow letters.

National Assembly president Richard Ferrand on Tuesday denounced an unprecedented wave of anti-Semitic acts.

Responding to the grave desecration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: I call on all French and European leaders to take a strong stand against anti-Semitism.

His immigration minister, Yoav Galant, sent a tweet calling on French Jews to quit France and "come home" to Israel, where around 200,000 French Jews already live.

France's parliament on Tuesday debated whether anti-Zionism should be classified as a form of anti-Semitism, a stance Mr Macron said he opposes.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has refused to endorse Bernie Sanders for the 2020 Democratic nomination, despite working on the senators first presidential campaign.

A spokesperson for Ms Ocasio-Cortez, like Mr Sanders a self-described democratic socialist, refused to comment directly on the 77-year-olds Tuesday announcement he is running for a second time.

Were excited to see so many progressives in the race, spokesperson Corbin Trent said. Were not thinking at all about the next election.

Any endorsement by Ms Ocasio-Cortez is likely to be influential on the outcome of the race, thanks to her massive support among the grassroots of the party.

But the 29-year-old, a congresswoman for New York, is unlikely to offer an endorsement before her state's Democratic primary next year, and may even permanently withhold any explicit support for a single candidate.

But even without Ms Ocasio-Cortez's support, Mr Sanders team is setting the bar for victory in the crowded 2020 Democratic field will be relatively low.

Along with an extraordinary small-dollar fundraising operation, it suggests Mr Sanders is poised to maintain his status as a political force in 2020 whether most of his party wants him to or not.

He is showing no desire to change his approach to broaden his appeal, as is sometimes the case with ambitious second-time candidates.

Nina Turner, president of Our Revolution, the political arm of Sanders expansive network, said the 2020 campaign is really about him finishing what he started.

In a sign of the scale of the support, Mr Sanders raised more than $4m (3.1m) from nearly 150,000 individual donors in the first 12 hours after launching his bid, his campaign said.

Previously, the biggest first-day fundraiser in the race had been Kamala Harris, who raised $1.5m (1.2m) in the first 24 hours of her campaign.

Even before Tuesdays fundraising haul, however, Mr Sanders had more cash in the bank than any of his competitors. He entered the contest with roughly $15m (11.5m) to devote to his 2020 campaign, a combination of his senate campaign fund and what is left over from his 2016 presidential bid.

Story continues

Bernie Sanders is the frontrunner, tweeted former Hillary Clinton staffer Zac Petkanas. Lets see how he likes it.

Additional reporting by APDonald Trump has said he was behind the decision not to allow Isis bride Hoda Muthana back into the US.

The president claimed responsibility for the move announced by Mike Pompeo on Wednesday. Ms Muthana, of Alabama, left the country to join Isis in Syria in 2014 when she was a university student.

Mr Trump tweeted: I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!

In a statement released on Wednesday, Mr Pompeo said Ms Muthana does not have any legal basis, no valid US passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the United States. He gave no details on how the Trump administration had made its judgment on Ms Muthanas citizenship status.

Hassan Shibly, a lawyer representing Ms Muthanas family, said she had been born on US soil and that he intended to file a lawsuit challenging the decision.

He told CNN: Hoda Muthana had a valid US passport and is a citizen. She was born in Hackensack, New Jersey in October 1994, months after her father stopped being diplomat.

The Pompeo announcement came a day after the UK said that it had stripped Isis bride Shamima Begum, 19, of her British citizenship and ignited a fierce debate over whether it had made her officially stateless.

Ms Muthana, who joined Isis group after becoming radicalised, told ABC News she deeply regrets joining the terror group and is pleading to be allowed to return to the US with her 18-month-old son.

The young mother said she now rejects the extremist ideology that convinced her to abandon her family.

Ms Muthana gave a puzzling answer when asked why she left her parents home in Hoover, Alabama in 2014 to join Isis, which has a documented history of gendered violence and oppression of women. The 24-year-old said she abandoned her family and joined Isis because she yearned for a more Americanised life.

I had a good relationship with my family but I wanted a more Americanised life, she said. I just wanted to go out, I wanted to have, like, friends, go to places. I didnt get any of that.

Story continues

She added: The only way out for me was to become practising...to become more religious.

Ms Muthana, who left the US when she was 19, insisted that she was an innocent woman manipulated by extremists.

Im a normal human being who has been manipulated, she added. I hope America doesnt think I am a threat to them and I hope they accept me. I hope they excuse me because of how young and ignorant I was.

Before joining Isis, Ms Muthana was allegedly involved in a network of young Muslims who used Twitter to read up on extremist ideas.

The mother is one of 1,500 foreign women and children, many of whom are spouses and children of Isis militants, held in a Kurdish-operated detention camp in northern Syria. She is prohibited from leaving the camp and has armed guards protecting her from Isis supporters.

Ms Muthana  who fled Isis three weeks ago  said the father of her 18-month-old baby is dead. Her two previous husbands, both of whom were militants, are also dead.

Her first husband, Suhan Abdul Rahman, an Australian national, died in battle.

She defended her deceased husbands by claiming they were brainwashed by predatory Isis leaders who were very wrong.

Like other Isis brides, Ms Muthana said she chose her three husbands by picking them from a list of men in the terrorist group. She was kept in a room with 200 other brides at one point and asked to pick a potential husband from the list.

Before Mr Pompeos statement, Ms Muthana told ABC News that she cried herself to sleep almost every night at the thought of being jailed in the US.

Jail time, I dont know if that has an effect on people, Ms Muthana said. I need help mentally as well, I dont have the ideology any more but I am just traumatised by my experience.

When asked what reasonable form of punishment she might receive for joining a terrorist group and urging for more violence against the US in social media, she said: Maybe therapy lessons, maybe a process that will ensure us that well never do this again.

Mr Shibly, the family lawyer, told USA Today the US government had a responsibility to engage with Ms Muthana, and troubled or impressionable women like her.

The government needs to engage with her, but not just her; all of these people [from North America and Europe] who joined Isis, Mr Shibly said. If she broke the law, then the justice system can deal with her, and if she didnt break the law, she should come back anyway, so it can be determined if she is a threat.Former vice president Al Gore said Tuesday that embattled Virginia governor Ralph Northam can atone for the appearance of a racist photo in his medical-school yearbook by opposing the construction of a natural-gas pipeline in Buckingham County, Va.

Gore argued that the pipeline was racist while addressing residents of Union Hill, a rural town outside Richmond that was established by freed slaves.

This proposed pipeline is a reckless, racist rip-off, Gore said of the Atlantic Coast pipeline, according to the Associated Press. This is an ideal opportunity for [Northam] to say, Ive seen the light.

Environmental activists oppose the construction of a pipeline, which would carry natural gas fracked in West Virginia to Virginia and North Carolina, because it requires a compressor station that they claim would release noxious fumes into the community. Proponents argue that the pipeline would spur economic development and would not adversely effect residents health.

Reverend William Barber II, a social-justice advocate who addressed residents alongside Gore at the Buckingham Middle School, said Dominion, the lead developer on the pipeline project, is practicing sin.

I want to say tonight that any governor or legislator, Democrat or Republican . . . that has chosen Dominion over this community is scandalous, Barber said.

Northam faced near-unanimous calls to resign from fellow national and state Democrats after the publication earlier this month of a racist photo that appeared in his 1984 medical-school yearbook. The governor initially admitted to appearing in the photo, which shows one man in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan uniform, but later denied appearing in the image during a press conference in which he admitted to wearing blackface on another occasion. He has since insisted that he intends to remain in office and will commit the remainder of his term to pursuing policies of racial equity.

More from National ReviewJohannesburg (AFP) - South Africa's Finance Minister Tito Mboweni announced Wednesday a $1.6 billion-a-year bailout for the country's electricity utility in a bid to stave off further downgrades to Pretoria's credit rating as he unveiled a new budget.

Credit ratings agencies have warned that state power utility Eskom's $30 billion debt crisis could spark credit rating downgrades which would embarrass President Cyril Ramaphosa as he prepares for nationwide elections on May 8.

"We must prune and pluck away at the rot until there is growth," said Mboweni, brandishing a South African bitter aloe plant in the parliament chamber in Cape Town to illustrate his point.

"It will not be easy, there will be no quick fixes, but we are ready."

Maintenance issues at Eskom's power plants plunged swathes of the country into darkness this month as the utility implemented rolling blackouts and struggled to restore supplies.

The crisis has quickly become a leading election battleground issue, with the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) calling for Eskom's privatisation.

"Instead of taking bold and decisive action it was a lipstick budget... it looked pretty on the outside but we need a plan. We should be selling (Eskom)," said DA leader Mmusi Maimane after the speech.

- 'Very serious risks' -

Mboweni also hiked taxes on cigarettes and beer by seven percent and increased duty on a litre of fuel by roughly $0.02 per litre in order to plug an expected 15.4 billion rand ($1.08 billion) shortfall in tax revenue for the past year.

"I feel as South Africans we need our alcohol and our cigarettes to function. It doesn't matter how much it costs, we are still going to buy," said a luxury handbag saleswoman who declined to be named.

"The more difficult life gets for us as South Africans, the more we drink and smoke."

Money was also announced for infrastructure projects, including provincial schools and agriculture projects that will appeal to the ruling African National Congress' (ANC) rural electoral base.

Story continues

Mboweni delivered his maiden budget wearing a blue and white checked shirt, red tie and blue jacket, often pausing to quote the Bible.

Analysts had warned ahead of the speech that tensions may emerge in the ruling ANC-led coalition if he announced job cuts at Eskom.

But Mboweni stopped short of calling for lay-offs, instead pleading for reductions in the state wage bill.

"Reforms at Eskom and other state-owned enterprises such as South African Airways (could unite opposition) against Ramaphosa. The faction still has significant representation," said Darias Jonker, an analyst at the Eurasia Group think-tank.

Ramaphosa had announced that the electric company would be divided into three separate companies, but unions rejected the proposal, insisting it would lead to job cuts.

Mboweni said state-owned companies, including Eskom, "pose very serious risks to the fiscal framework".

- 'Do we still need these enterprises?' -

"Isn't it about time the country asks the question: do we still need these enterprises?" Mboweni said. "If we do, can we manage them better? If we don't need them, what should we do?"

Graduate Shai Abrahams, 20, complained about the prospect of further power cuts.

"It's coming to winter just now," she said. "So if this money could help them then I really think they should use it."

Fears are mounting that if Eskom defaults on its massive debts, lenders would be entitled to call back other loans to different parts of the state, including the troubled national carrier.

Only the Moody's credit ratings agency still has the country at investment grade, while Standard & Poor's and Fitch Group rate South Africa's debt as junk status.

Fraud, corruption and incompetence have gripped public sector businesses and compromised their credibility while mounting debts have spooked investors.

Net debt currently stands at around 2.28 trillion rand, or 48.6 percent of GDP, according to the treasury. It will cost 2.2 billion rand to service the debt this year, Mboweni said.

Mboweni, who replaced former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene when he was forced to resign over meetings with the scandal-tainted Gupta brothers, took office in October.

Julius Malema, leader of the radical opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party, said that Mboweni had "nothing to offer".

"It was flat," he said.Photo credit: Alex Wong - Getty Images

From Esquire

I'm sensing Wednesday's theme already: Everybody's In Business For Themselves. From the Washington Post:

The proposed Presidential Committee on Climate Security, which would be established by executive order, is being spearheaded by William Happer, a National Security Council senior director. Happer, an emeritus professor of physics at Princeton University, has said that carbon emissions linked to climate change should be viewed as an asset rather than a pollutant. The initiative represents the Trump administrations most recent attempt to question the findings of federal scientists and experts on climate change and comes less than three weeks after Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats delivered a worldwide threat assessment that identified it as a significant security risk.

Everybody who knows anything about national security-a group that definitely does not include the president*-believes the climate crisis to be a threat to national security.

Photo credit: The Washington Post - Getty Images

For example, nobody has done more to mitigate the effects of the crisis than the people at the Pentagon have. After all, if the sea level rises, Newport News might wind up as an aquarium.

In late November, Trump dismissed a government report finding that global warming is intensifying and poses a major threat the U.S. economy, saying, I dont see it. Last month, his nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency, acting administrator Andrew Wheeler, testified that he did not see climate change as one of the worlds pressing challenges. According to the NSC discussion paper, the order would create a federal advisory committee to advise the President on scientific understanding of todays climate, how the climate might change in the future under natural and human influences, and how a changing climate could affect the security of the United States.

The document notes that the government has issued several major reports under Trump identifying climate change as a serious threat. However, these scientific and national security judgments have not undergone a rigorous independent and adversarial scientific peer review to examine the certainties and uncertainties of climate science, as well as implications for national security, it said.

Story continues

Usually, people arguing with themselves can be found on your finer street corners and in public parks. Here, we have an administration* preparing to argue with its own national security establishment.

Respond to this post on the Esquire Politics Facebook page here.

('You Might Also Like',)By Idrees Ali BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Acting U.S. defense chief Patrick Shanahan told Iraqi leaders that Washington understood its forces were in Iraq at Baghdad's invitation, aiming to steady relations after President Donald Trump said U.S. troops were needed to keep an eye on Iran. Shanahan met Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi during an unannounced trip to Baghdad on Tuesday. "I made very clear that we recognize their sovereignty, their focus on independence and that we are there at the invitation of the government," Shanahan told reporters. Trump infuriated Iraqi politicians this month by saying that a U.S. presence was needed in Iraq to observe Iran. Washington, which occupied Iraq from 2003-2011, now has around 5,200 troops in Iraq at the request of the Baghdad government to help fight against Islamic State. Iraq is an ally of both the United States and Iran, and its politics are often dominated by efforts to balance relations with two powerful countries that are bitter enemies. Trump's suggestion that Iran was the target of the U.S. presence in Iraq was denounced across the political spectrum in Baghdad last week, including by Abdul Mahdi. President Barham Salih said the U.S. troops must stick to their anti-Islamic State mission; Iran-aligned politicians in Iraq's parliament pressed demands that the U.S. mission be scaled back. The uproar came just months after Trump angered Iraqi leaders on his only visit to the country so far. On the day after Christmas Trump stopped only at a U.S. air base in the remote desert. Unlike predecessors Barack Obama and George W. Bush, he skipped the capital Baghdad and met no Iraqi officials. Shanahan said the topic of U.S. troops in Iraq and Trump's Iran comments did not come up during his talks with Abdul Mahdi, but the prime minister told him that Iraq needed to maintain strong relations with both Washington and Tehran. "There is activity in their legislature... the discussions have been should they restrict the number of U.S. forces in Iraq and I wanted to make clear to (Abdul Mahdi) that we recognize our role, we understand that we are there by invitation," Shanahan said. Speaking after meeting with Shanahan, Abdul Mahdi said he respected the decisions of the parliament. "The government has its view and the political blocs have theirs," he said. SYRIA WITHDRAWAL U.S. officials have criss-crossed the Middle East in recent months to reassure allies that Washington remains committed to the region, after Trump announced in December that he would abruptly withdraw the 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria. That decision was opposed by top aides, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who quit, leaving his deputy Shanahan in charge of the Pentagon. Shanahan met with U.S. military commanders while in Iraq to get an update on the fight against Islamic State. U.S.-backed fighters have mounted an attack against Islamic State's last bastion in eastern Syria. U.S. officials have long estimated that the Syria pullout could take until sometime in March or April to execute fully, but have been reluctant to set an exact timeline given hard-to-predict battlefield conditions. Islamic State was declared defeated in Iraq in 2017, but continues to wage small-scale insurgent attacks in some areas. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Additional reporting by Muayad Hameed; Editing by John Stonestreet and Peter Graff)Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would not accept partial payment of tax transfers owed by Israel, which decided to withhold reimbursements in retaliation for payments to prisoners jailed for attacks.

"We shall not accept the (tax) money if it is not paid in full," Abbas told a central committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Israel's security cabinet on Sunday approved the freezing of $138 million (122 million euros) over the Palestinian Authority's payments to prisoners jailed for attacks on Israelis.

Abbas also said he would not end financial support for the families of Palestinian attackers imprisoned or killed by Israel.

"Every penny available will be allocated to the families of martyrs and prisoners," he said.

The PA says the payments are a form of welfare to families who have lost their main breadwinner.

Many Palestinians view prisoners and those killed while carrying out attacks as heroes in their conflict with Israel. Palestinian leaders often venerate them as martyrs.

Israel alleges the payments encourage further violence.

Under a 1994 agreement, Israel collects around $190 million (170 million euros) each month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports. It transfers the money to the PA.

The $138 million in withheld money is to be deducted incrementally from monthly payments over a 12-month period.

Abbas said Israel's decision to withhold the funds was meant to pressure Palestinians to accept a peace deal being prepared by US President Donald Trump.

The US plans are to be formally presented after Israel's April 9 elections.

But the Palestinian Authority says it can no longer trust the United States as an honest peace broker after Trump in 2017 recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Israel claims Jerusalem as its "undivided" capital, while Palestinians view Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

The Palestinians are already contending with a cut of more than $500 million in annual aid by Trump's administration, mostly to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

The PA, which has limited sovereignty in parts of the occupied West Bank, relies heavily on external financial aid.Top Big Muddy Film Festival Awards: Documentaries Little Fiel, about memories of Mozambican artist Fiel dos Santos and Ashes to Ashes, a look at the impact of coal ash ponds on Alabama communities, earned the John Michaels Film Award at SIU Carbondales 41 st annual Big Muddy Film Festival, which runs through Sunday. Dont Forget Me, a film by SIU alumna and award winning journalist Jackie Spinner, earned the festivals Mike Covell Award. She met with students in the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts on Tuesday.

Big Muddy Film Festival announces Michaels, Covell awards

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Documentaries that commemorate a 16-year civil war in Mozambique and the hazards of coal ash and its impact on communities across Alabama are 2019 Big Muddy Film Festival John Michaels Film Award winners.

Two winners selected from 10 entries

Little Fiel, by director Irina Patakanian, features stop motion animation and is based on memories of Mozambican artist Fiel dos Santos.

Dos Santos grew up during that countrys 16-year civil war that went from 1977 to 1992. He was the only one in his family to never shoot a gun and he makes art out of real guns to commemorate the lives lost.

The 16-minute film is part of a Creativity and Resistance screening package at 5 p.m. Friday at The Varsity Center for the Arts, 418 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale.

Ashes to Ashes, by director Kaitlin McMurry, set in Alabama, tells the story of how coal ash ponds from electrical power plants impact communities.

The 16-minute film is part of an Ecology and Resistance screening package at 5 p.m. Saturday at Morris Librarys John C. Guyon Auditorium.

John Michaels Award competition

The competition honors the late John Michaels, a cinema student in the 1980s who earned his Master of Fine Arts degree at SIU Carbondale and who was involved in community organizing and activism before he died of brain cancer.

Alumna earns Mike Covell Award for her film

Jackie Spinner, award-winning journalist and SIU alumna is the winner of the 2019 Mike Covell Award for her film Dont Forget Me, which debuted in the United States for the first time on Tuesday. Earlier in the day she spoke with students in the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts.

The Covell Award honors an SIU Carbondale alumnus whose film shows passion, engagement and original perspective. Covell, who retired in 2007, began the film festival in 1979 after his arrival on campus in 1975 after finishing graduate school at Ohio University.

Spinners 28-minute documentary examines challenges that Moroccan parents and their children with autism face in that country. The documentary is inspired by Spinners two Moroccan-born adopted children with autism.

Spinner spent 14 years with the Washington Post beginning with the papers bureau staff where she worked as a metro reporter and financial reporter. Her career included covering the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, surviving mortar attacks, car bombs, the battle for Fallujah, and a kidnapping attempt outside of Abu Ghraib prison.

She is author of the book Tell them I Didnt Cry: A Young Journalist's Story of Joy, Loss, and Survival in Iraq, and now runs the photojournalism program at Columbia College Chicago. Spinner earned a bachelor's degree with honors in journalism from SIUC in 1992.

Festival runs through Sunday

One of the older film festivals affiliated with a university in the nation, this years festival features 98 films in four categories: animation, documentary, experimental and narrative.

The festival continues throughout the week and admission to all events is free. The complete festival schedule is available on the website.

Saturday morning cartoons, Best of the Fest highlight weekend fare

A special attraction of Saturday morning cartoons will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Artspace 304.

The closing reception and Best of the Fest Showcase will be at 6 p.m. on Sunday at The Varsity Center.

The closing program features films authored by local young people who participated in a scriptwriting workshop at Carbondale Community Arts. The Big Muddy Crew has produced these youth written stories to present at the final program of the festival, as a way of cultivating excitement for a new generation of independent filmmakers.The requested page is currently unavailable on this server.

Back to [RTHK News Homepage]Story Highlights 54% of Senegalese are confident in the honesty of elections

Electoral confidence dropped 30 percentage points since 2012

41% say it is a good time to find a job, unchanged from 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Portrayed as a model of democracy on the African continent, Senegal has enjoyed stability and economic growth for the past several years. Elected in 2012, President Macky Sall -- who is trying to win a second term this weekend -- has vowed to transform Senegal into an economic hub and to reach middle-income status by 2035. To achieve this, his government has launched a series of large infrastructure projects to improve transportation and modernize all sectors of the economy.

On the human development front, Sall's government has implemented universal healthcare and provided financial assistance to the poorest households. Strengthening governance, including shortening the length of time that presidents serve in office, has been a key message throughout Sall's tenure.

As the Senegalese head to the polls this Sunday to elect their next president, Gallup looks at survey results spanning Sall's seven-year term to shed light on key issues.

Trust in Elections in Senegal Is Sinking

Senegalese confidence in the honesty of elections in their country stands at 54%, its lowest level since Sall took office. Voters' confidence in their elections has tumbled 30 percentage points since it peaked at 84% in 2012, with sizable losses among Senegalese from all major demographic groups, including gender, age, education, urbanization level and income.

Confidence started to drop substantially in 2016 after Senegal's government held a national referendum that successfully shortened the presidential term from seven to five years. During his 2012 campaign, Sall had not only promised to reduce the presidential term but also that he would apply the new rule to his own, suggesting the next election would take place in 2017.

However, Senegal's High Court ruled in 2016 that the referendum's results could not apply to Sall's first term, thereby delaying the next presidential elections until 2019. Many Senegalese who approved of the proposed changes in the referendum felt the president had reneged on his campaign promise. Delays in issuing biometric voters' cards leading up to the 2017 parliamentary elections may have also contributed to lower confidence in the electoral process.

Satisfaction With Standard of Living, but Not Jobs

The Sall government has implemented several flagship projects to restructure the economy, improve governance and harness human capital. The government has also launched a subsidy program to help lift 250,000 Senegalese out of extreme poverty, reduce inequalities and provide universal healthcare.

While public attitudes toward the economy have improved, Senegalese' reading of the job climate has remained unchanged since 2012. Fewer than four in 10 Senegalese said they were satisfied with their standard of living in 2012, before dipping to 30% in 2015 and rising to 53% last year. At the same time, 41% of Senegalese said it was a good time to find a job in their communities in 2018, virtually unchanged from the 40% level at the beginning of Sall's term.

Satisfaction With Infrastructure Shows Little Perceived Progress

While the country's transformation program has led to a number of improvements to infrastructure, the survey results reveal there is much room for development. During Sall's first seven-year term, schools gained the most ground, with satisfaction rising from 31% in 2012 to 42% in 2018. Senegalese' satisfaction with the availability of good, affordable housing remains virtually unchanged at 44%.

Satisfaction with the availability of quality healthcare, the quality of air and the quality of water have all declined slightly from 2012, about a five-percentage-point drop for each. But Senegalese' satisfaction with roads and highways and the public transportation system have decreased the most, a nine- and 13-percentage-point drop, respectively. This may be surprising in light of the transportation projects the government has launched, including the first phase of a high-speed rail to link the southern part of the country to Dakar, the capital.

HIGHER SATISFACTION WITH SCHOOLS BUT LARGEST DECREASE IN SATISFACTION WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION % Satisfied 2012 2018 Change % % pct. pts. Educational system 31 42 +11 City: Quality healthcare 42 37 -5 City: Good, affordable housing 43 44 1 Roads and highways 53 44 -9 Public transportation systems 54 41 -13 Quality of air 70 65 -5 Quality of water 56 50 -6 In the city or area where you live, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with? GALLUP World Poll

Slight Decline in Confidence in Sall's Government After First Term

Confidence in Sall's government stood at 65% after his election in 2012. After inching up to 67% in 2014, confidence declined slightly and measured 59% in July 2018. With respect to gender, age, education, urbanization level and income, there are no significant differences in Senegalese' confidence in their national government.

Bottom Line

Senegal's High Court barred the two strongest opponents to Sall's bid for a second term on charges of graft and corruption. While Sall has the incumbent's advantage, he will face four other presidential hopefuls this weekend and will need to garner more than 50% of the votes to avoid a runoff.

On the economic front, Senegalese report higher levels of satisfaction with their standard of living, suggesting subsidy programs may have helped families afford some goods and services. However, the lukewarm satisfaction scorecard on various types of infrastructure suggests Senegalese may not yet see or benefit from completed projects, especially in terms of transportation.

With attitudes toward the job climate virtually unchanged from 2012, the strong GDP growth rate of the last seven years sounds like jobless growth for most Senegalese. Job creation takes on even greater significance in Senegal as 60% of the population is younger than 30.

Beyond the need to create the right mix of conditions for strong job growth, the plunge in confidence in the honesty of elections may reflect a deeper malaise with the current state of political representation and governance. Whoever wins the election will need to work hard to rebuild Senegalese trust in the electoral process. It is a key ingredient for Senegal's stability and prosperity in its goal to become an emerging country 15 years from now.

Learn more about how the Gallup World Poll works.Iranian President Hassan Rouhani took a swipe at the US government for its cruel sanctions against the Islamic Republic and said Washingtons moves to intimidate other countries and banks into avoiding cooperation with Iran are nothing but economic terrorism, Tasnim News Agency reported.

Addressing a cabinet session in Tehran on Wednesday, Rouhani pointed to the US measures against Iran and said the Americans move to put pressure on foreign banks and companies not to cooperate with Iran is completely a terrorist act.

When they (the US officials), in contrary to international law, threaten to fine a bank or company for cooperating with a country, they are in fact causing intimidation in the banking and commercial sectors and committing an economic terrorist act, the president stated.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Rouhani pointed to the US failures in the face of Iran at international levels and said the US had explicitly announced that it would hold an anti-Iran conference in the Polish capital of Warsaw but when the American officials noticed that many countries are opposed to such a conference, they were forced to change the theme of the conference from Iran to the Middle East.

The anti-Iran conference, which was part of US attempts to heap pressure on Iran globally, was held in Poland last week.

The meeting has, however, received a cold welcome from Washingtons European allies, which are engaged in a diplomatic process with Tehran aimed at saving the 2015 nuclear deal.The solemn opening ceremony of two centers for career development was held at the Armenian Masis State Agricultural College on Wednesday.

The establishment of the two centers took place within the English and Employability Skills for Career Development project funded by the British Council and HSBC Bank Armenia CJSC. HSBC Bank Armenia CEO Paul Edgar and Director of the British Council Armenia Arevik Saribekyan were present during the ceremony. According to Paul Edgar, the education is a key to the success in the global economy.

We feel responsibility not only to our customers, employees and shareholders, but also to the countries and communities in which we operate, he said.As part of our complex social responsibility strategy we focused on the development of future skills and employability.

According to him, nearly 30 students of Masis town have already benefited from the Employability Skills for Career Development Project, while around 40 students attend English for Career Development Project classes.

The project is very important since it focuses on the community outside Yerevan, providing young people of those communities with opportunities, he added. Welcoming those present at the ceremony, Arevik Saribekyan, in her turn, highlighted the importance of the project.

According to her, their main priority is to create the ways to establish the communication and trust between British Council offices all over the world. We highlighted the importance of learning English language. I believe that in few years our students will be able to communicate, share their experience and gain the experience from other students, she said.Russia will consider tit-for-tat and asymmetric measures if the United States deploys intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles to Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday, TASS reported.

"Ive already said and I want to repeat - and this is vital - to repeat this specifically, that Russia is not planning to be the first to deploy these missiles to Europe. If they are indeed manufactured and sent to the European continent, and the US does have these plans, anyway, we havent heard other statements, this will sharply deteriorate international security and create serious threats to Russia since it takes up to 10-12 minutes for certain types of these missiles to fly to Moscow. This is a very serious danger to us. In this case, we will be forced, and I want to stress this, we will be forced to envisage tit-for-tat and asymmetric measures," Putin said.

On February 1, US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said that Washington would suspend its liabilities under the INF Treaty starting February 2 and would quit it within six months if Russia did not come into compliance with the agreement. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded in kind, saying that Moscow would suspend the Cold War-era treaty. Moreover, he told the ministers not to initiate disarmament talks with Washington, underscoring that the United States should become "mature enough" for equal and meaningful dialogue.YEREVAN.  In recent times, there are commentaries in Russian media with respect to ongoing processes in Armenia and so on; but these commentaries do not represent the Kremlins official position.

Lilit Makunts, head of the majority My Step Faction at the National Assembly of Armenia, told about the aforementioned to Armenian News-NEWS.am. She noted this while reflecting on Russian state TV channels reports on the training of Maidan militants in Armenia, in order to later export them to Russia.

In Makunts conviction, however, such reports by Russian central TV channels are the personal views and ideas of solely private individuals.

Im confident that if the source of their information hadnt been one-sided but had been multifaceted, they would have had quite another position, another view, and other commentaries, the MP added

Also, Lilit Makunts informed that they met with Russian ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopirkin, during which the diplomat had confirmed Russias unchanged position on Armenias incumbent authorities as well as on the events that occurred in the country last year.

The Armenian lawmaker added that, during their talk, the Russian ambassador also had confirmed that the media reports do not represent the Kremlins official stance.EBRD and Green Climate Fund extend 2.5 million loan to ArmSwissBank for on-lending to small businesses and continues to work with Ameriabank on already existing credit line.

EBRD and Green Climate Fund are co-financing new GEFF programme in Armenia. Ameriabank is the first bank in Armenia to receive EBRD energy efficiency credit line. ArmSwiss Bank receives 2.5 million energy efficiency loan for on-lending to SMEs and business. Loan will help clients investing in energy efficiency and water efficiency.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporates will benefit from a 2.5 million loan to ArmSwiss Bank, the second bank to join GEFF in Armenia after successful start of credit line with Ameriabank.

. Funding will be available for investments in green technology, especially in climate adaptation and mitigation technologies. Possible investments include technologies such as thermal insulation, photovoltaic solar panels, geothermal heat pumps and water efficient irrigation systems. Businesses can identify typical green technologies available in Armenia through the GEFF Technology Selector.

Companies interested in securing a loan for green technologies may also benefit from investment incentives funded by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF). The GEFF includes a comprehensive technical advisory package, co-financed by the GCF, helping to originate and verify green investment opportunities.

The new GEFF programme in Armenia was launched in Yerevan on Februart 19 during an event which brought together GEFF stakeholders including donors, local state officials, local partner financial institutions, suppliers and producers of green technologies for the residential sector to mark the start of the new programme. The EBRD was represented by its Head of Armenia, Dmitri Gvindadze, who commented: Developing the financial sector and improving access to green finance is one of our key priorities in Armenia. We are pleased to work with Ameriabank and ArmSwissBank to support both energy efficiency and water resource efficiency investments. Today, we have partnered with the ArmSwissBank which has a strong client base, we can better reach out to private sector players both in Yerevan and in the regions.

The GEFF programme will contribute towards building a green economy in Armenia by supporting the expansion of green finance in accordance with the EBRD Green Economy Transition (GET) approach.

Since the start of its operations in Armenia in 1992, the EBRD has invested 1.2 billion in 168 projects in the countrys financial, corporate, infrastructure and energy sectors, with 88 per cent of investments in the private sector.

Since 2006, the EBRD has committed over 26 billion to projects furthering the transition to the green economy across the currently 38 economies where it invests.

In addition the EBRD handed over awards to six best energy efficiency projects in Armenia.

During the official ceremony in Yerevan on February 19, the EBRD and its partners have awarded the best energy efficiency and renewable energy projects financed in Armenia through the EBRD Energocredit facility.

In response to continuing high demand, the EBRD has started a new phase of the programme in Armenia, the Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF), which was officially launched on the 19th February 2019 during the Gala event attending by the Senior Government Officials as well as all partner banks and representatives of the European Union Delegation and the EBRD.

The awards ceremony recognised six best energy efficiency projects for their contribution to significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions in Armenia as well as seven Energocredit partner banks for their continued commitment to financing green energy projects.

Since the launch of Energocredit in 2013, Armenian companies received over 27 million in green financing through seven local banks  Ameriabank, ACBA Leasing CO, Inecobank, ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank, HSBC Bank Armenia, Armswissbank, SEF International.

The programme will include an EBRD GEFF consultancy services based in Yerevan, co-financed by Green Climate Fund (GCF), working to support Armenian private businesses across the country in securing funding from local banks for industrial energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. In addition, the facility will offer attractive incentives of up to 20 per cent cash back on qualifying investments provided by grant funding from Climate Investment Funds (CIF).

The winners of the 2019 Energocredit Awards:

Excellent Impact Award presented to:

Armyanksiy Urozhai LLC;

Grand Sport LLC;

Lentex LLC;

Hytex Plastic CJSC;

Masis Poultry LLC;

Armsweet LLC.

Change Agent Award presented to:

Ameriabank CJSC  supporting green investment in a greenhouse

ACBA Leasing CO CJSC  supporting green investment in renewable energy

Inecobank CJSC  supporting green investment in the textiles industry

ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank CJSC  supporting green investment in the residential sector

HSBC Bank Armenia CJSC  supporting green investment in packaged goods

Armswissbank CJSC  supporting green investment in the food sector

SEF International LLC  supporting green investment through microfinanceAmerica has no right to tell Armenia not to send humanitarian squad to Syria, Harut Sassounian, publisher and editor of The California Courier, wrote in his article.

According to him, the US government recently created a new and unnecessary controversy, this time with the Republic of Armenia.

It all started when the Armenian government decided to send a non-combat humanitarian squad of 83 doctors, sappers and other servicemen to Syria to provide assistance to the important, but dwindling Armenian community in Aleppo. Armenia had previously sent four airlifts of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people.

A Russian cargo plane flew the Armenian squad to Aleppo on February 8. Apparently, this small role played by Russia was enough to provoke the ire of the cold-warriors in Washington. On February 13, the US Embassy in Armenia released an announcement by the State Department criticizing the dispatch of the Armenian humanitarian squad to Syria.

We do not support any engagement with Syrian military forces, whether that engagement is to provide assistance to civilians or is military in nature. Nor do we support any cooperation between Armenia and Russia for this mission, stated the State Department.

This statement antagonized not only the Armenian government, but also the population of Armenia which the United States has been trying to win over in recent years. More importantly, this provocative US statement irritated the large Armenian-American community.

The Armenian squads involvement in Syria was based on several factors:

1 Syrias Arabs had played a critical role by providing a life-saving refuge to the remnants of the Armenian Genocide, including this writers grandparents. It is only fitting that the Armenian government and all Armenians reciprocate to Syrias goodwill by coming to the rescue of the destitute local Armenians and Syrians in general.

2 The Armenian government has sent the humanitarian squad based on an inter-state agreement signed by Armenia and Syria in 2001. Therefore, this action is not only of a humanitarian nature, but also complies with requirements of international law.

3 The United States, on the other hand, has dispatched its Air Force and soldiers to Syria without the approval of the Syrian government, thus violating all relevant international laws. This illegal action is not committed by Armenia, but by the United States.

4 The Trump Administration and particularly hawkish National Security Advisor John Bolton have been striving to distance Armenia from Russia and draw it closer to the American sphere of influence. Regrettably, criticizing the Armenian governments humanitarian aid to its compatriots in Syria does not endear the United States to Armenians. Just the opposite, it antagonizes Armenians worldwide. The US position simply reflects a poor knowledge of the realities in the Middle East by Trump officials. It makes no sense to try to compel Armenia to desist from sending a humanitarian squad to Syria, knowing full well that such pressure will be rejected, making the American government look weak and ineffective. US officials should have the wisdom to know when to exert their influence and when not to. In this particular case, pressuring Armenia was counter-productive; it only served to strengthen the influence of Russia. Fortunately, such a minor issue will not undermine the friendly relationship between the United States and Armenia. Armenians understand that the US displeasure is more directed towards Russia and Iran than to Armenia itself. The US government is well aware that Armenian troops have participated in international peacekeeping missions, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo and Lebanon.

5 The United States government has lost its moral authority to lecture Armenians on any subject given the fact that successive US Presidents in recent decades have refused to utter the term Armenian Genocide under pressure from the despotic Turkish regime.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Anna Naghdalyan reacted to the State Departments statement by declaring that throughout the Syrian conflict the plight of civilians, minorities, including the sizable Syrian-Armenian community has consistently been a priority concern for the Armenian people worldwide. The Armenian public opinion strongly reflects deep compassion and concern for the sufferings of civilians and the devastation of the country. We speak about a country which has had an indispensable contribution for the survival of the Armenian nation in the wake of the Armenian Genocide.

Naghdalyan also stated that the deployment of the humanitarian mission to Syria is intended to support the Armenian community in Aleppo. It is a purely relief mission guided by International Humanitarian Law and [Armenia] coordinates its work with the relief agencies and international partners present on the ground.

Going a step further, on February 12, Armenias Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan announced that the humanitarian mission did not exclude the possibility of deploying combat troops in Syria in the future. However, the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan quickly rejected that possibility, stating that we have no such plans.

Americans, Russians, and everyone else should understand that the Armenian government will pursue its national interests regardless of the wishes of other nations. No amount of pressure will deter Armenians from their own objectives, Sassounian wrote.15 of 23 patients being treated at Gyumri Infectious Diseases Hospital are discharged

Armenia villagers who closed off road end their protest action

Helicopter carrying Colombia president attacked

Criminal case opened into foreign reporter being threatened by Azeri soldiers with weapon on Armenia border

US lawmakers urge Biden to reverse Trump's pro-Israel policies

Tokayev to Pashinyan: Kazakh-Armenian relations will continue to strengthen

Karabakh army ex-spokesman: Azerbaijan doing everything towards final destruction of our statehood

18 killed in shootout between Mexico drug cartels

Khatibzadeh: Not Iran but US has left JCPOA and has not fulfilled its obligations

Artsakh Security Council chief convenes working consultation

EurAsEC Institute director: I am 99% convinced there will be Turkish military base in Azerbaijan

China threatens to cut off coronavirus vaccines to Ukraine

Villagers block Yerevan-Armavir motorway

Macron: Tensions with Turkey eased

Head of Union of Communities of Armenia: Calls by authorities to fire community leaders are illegal

IAEA demands answer from Iran regarding monitoring

Pedestrian woman, 55, dies on the spot after being hit by car in Armenias Shirak Province

Blinken: Current pace of Iran nuclear program could complicate talks on JCPOA

93 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Analyst: Armenia, Azerbaijan authorities views on Artsakh issue coincide

US to continue providing assistance to Afghanistan army after withdrawal of American troops

George Floyd murder case: Ex-cop sentenced to 22 years in prison

Newspaper: Authorities want to make radical changes in Armenia diplomatic corps

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM considering forming political council comprising extra-parliamentary forces?

Armenia ombudsman: Azerbaijan soldiers threaten to kill international reporter near Gegharkunik Province village

Panasonic sells its stake in Tesla

Why has the Armenian dram sharply valued against the dollar?

Indian strain of COVID-19 detected in Abkhazia

Garibashvili: Mediation for return of Armenian POWs is victory of Georgia's policy

'I Have Honor' bloc on consultations for applying to Armenia Constitutional Court regarding electoral violations

Armenia President hosts Diaspora Armenian actress Nora Armani

Armenia Administrative Court abolishes Central Electoral Commission's warning against Nikol Pashinyan

Armenia President receives Austrian, Lithuanian and Romanian FMs who are on visit to the region

Armenian acting PM discusses Armenia-European Union agenda with FMs of EU countries

Grassy area at park near Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan is burning

Armenia acting MOD pays visits to arms industry companies

Karabakh emergency situations service: Searches for remains of servicemen continue in Varanda (Fizuli) region

Ilham Aliyev has no intention to continue negotiations over Artsakh issue

Prince Harry receives millions from Prince Charles after final break

Armenian doctor says Armen Charchyan is in bed with oxygen mask, blood pressure is fluctuating

Armenia Administrative Court grants Armenian political party leader's claim

Barcelona Metro removes Azerbaijani posters

Magnitude 4.0 earthquake hits Turkey

Robert Kocharyan holds meeting with heads of 'Armenia' bloc's supportive communities

Digest: Armenia soldier goes missing for month; Macron, Putin congratulate Pashinyan on election win

Armenia acting deputy PM: There was widespread increase in pensions in 2020

539 Armenian doctors hold protest in front of Armenia Prosecutor General's Office in support of Armen Charchyan

Armenia economic activity index up by 10.9% in May compared to same period last year

Ursula von der Leyen says it is necessary to be ready for decline in relations with Russia

Ameriabanks Mashtots Branch Opened its Doors and Has a Special Offer on Privileged Terms for New Clients

Ombudsman attends UN online discussion, condemns Artsakh isolation by international community

US President Joe Biden declares emergency in State of Florida after building collapse

One dollar drops below AMD 500 in Armenia

Group leaves inscription on George Floyd's statue in New York

Iran MFA says Canada not qualified to present reports on crash of Ukrainian airliner

Armenia MP applies to government with proposal regarding servicemen

Tert.am: Azerbaijanis complete engineering work, install serious equipment in Armenias Syunik Province village

14 Armenian POWs may face 14-20 years in prison or life imprisonment in Baku

Armenian NGO president on results of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Austrian Prime Minister condemns Turkey for human rights violations

Armenia ruling party MP drops mandate after receiving it a week ago

Armenia President receives acting high-tech industry minister

Lockdown announced in Sydney

US Congressman Schiff: We must not allow Azerbaijan to violate human rights with impunity

Armenia conscript not yet found more than one month after going missing

Leaders of 27 EU states instructed Borrell to prepare options for sanctions against Russia

New program in Artsakh: Other countries citizens also can be appointed to police positions

UK ambassador to OSCE congratulates Armenian people on snap elections

NGO director: Armenia authorities have actually transferred countrys security to Azerbaijan

Belarusian MFA intends to response to European sanctions

NGO chief: Armenia authorities contribute to Azerbaijanis return to Artsakh

5 political forces at Karabakh parliament: Polarizations are observed which are accompanied by labeling

Biden confirms plans to send billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine to other countries

President meets with Prosperous Armenia Party leader, they discuss internal political situation

Woman, 59, dies at hospital 6 days after Armenia road accident

Commander of Armenia air defense troops is sacked

Head of Armenia army engineering troops is dismissed

One new case of coronavirus reported in Artsakh

EU leaders instruct European Commission to prepare new financial aid to Turkey for refugees

Analyst: Azerbaijan has launched total psychological attack on people of Karabakh

Pope Francis recalls his visit to Armenia

102 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Biden says US COVID-19 death toll to rise due to Delta strain

World oil prices going up

Frances Macron to Armenias Pashinyan: I will be glad to continue with you the work we jointly launched

Armenia acting deputy PM appoints new adviser, sends him to US on business trip

Lawyer on Prosecutor Generals Office explanation on Armenia bloc member doctors criminal case: An absolute lie

Israel trying to influence Biden administration approach to nuclear deal with Iran

About 150 people injured due to tornado in Czech Republic

Newspaper: Heated post-election developments unrolling at Armenia I Have Honor bloc

Newspaper: Vetting that failed in Armenia is being attempted again

Armenian political party leader on double votes

12-story South Florida apartment building partially collapses, there are victims

Zatulin: 'Declaration of Shushi' is clearly targeted against Armenia

Iranian Supreme Leader to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with Iranian-made vaccine

Armenia Ombudsman: I sent video of Azerbaijan President-Turkey's First Lady talk to EU administration

Armenia Ambassador to Poland lays wreath near plaque dedicated to Raphael Lemkin in Warsaw

Iran Ambassador on 'Zangezur corridor': We support exploitation of any corridor without change of borders

Honduras moves its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Armenia Izmirlian Medical Center Director Armen Charchyan's attorney appeals court decisionEditors Note: Several months ago, the Growers/Vintners for Responsible Agriculture approached the Register about contributing a regular column, each written by different members, sharing information about about conservation and our valley. This is the first of the new series.

Protecting our valley, the place that we all share and call home, is crucial if we are to sustain our agricultural, natural, residential and business resources. Napa Valley is a national treasure and we are committed to preserving its integrity and beauty by recognizing the importance of a healthy watershed, intact forests and shrub lands. The health of our environment is a shared resource and we must protect it to retain Napa Valleys unique biodiversity and rural character. In this column, we share the science, values and experiences that guide our efforts to protect Napa Valley. Thank you for joining us on this journey.She radioed that shots had been fired at 11:05 p.m., the Sheriffs Office said. Within minutes, social media was abuzz with locals listening to the police scanner.

The Sheriffs Office held a news conference Wednesday afternoon for Bay Area media that provided new information about Sundays fatal encounter on a rural south Napa County road. The names of the deputy and the dead motorist were released for the first time.

Hernandez Morales, 43, is a Napa resident and former farmworker. He had a criminal history in the county and had several aliases that had to be investigated before the Sheriffs Office could release his name, Undersheriff Jon Crawford said.

A PowerPoint presentation showed five of Hernandez Morales Napa County jail mugshots taken between 2010 and 2016. He had been arrested for crimes such as having a concealed, loaded weapon, driving under the influence and assaulting a peace officer.

The Sheriffs Office said it takes loss of life seriously, but Crawford said the department was proud of the composure and poise Jarecki showed while fighting for her life. She is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances and could be gone anywhere from two to four weeks on paid administrative leave, Crawford said.Almost five years after the citys August 2014 earthquake, repairs to one of the citys oldest homes are in limbo while the homeowner filing a lawsuit claiming her insurance company CSAA and the California Earthquake Authority have failed to pay the benefits she is owed.

The owner, Janet Mlynar, also claims that during the claims process, she was assaulted by attorney Ronald J. Cook, who represents the insurer and its agent.

Mlynars home, the Capt. Andrew Sampson house, is located at 1157 Division St. across from the Napa County Library in downtown Napa. It was built in the early 1850s and was later purchased by Andrew Sampson, a Swedish ship captain who operated a ferry service between Napa and San Francisco.

According to the suit, the white, two-story home received structural damage from the 6.0 quake on Aug. 24, 2014.

Due to the delay in paying her insurance benefits and the alleged assault by Cook, I dont think I had any choice but to file a lawsuit, Mlynar said in an interview.

Im hopeful Ill be able to begin the remodel, but I cant seem to find my way out of the claims process, she said. Its boggling.Dear recipient. The cash contained in this envelope, $100, is a gift for you from a community member who wishes to remain anonymous and who has asked the Napa Police Department to help them spread cheer through this holiday season. On behalf of the community member and the Napa Police Department, we want to wish you and your family a happy holiday season.

This year, officers gave donations to a man who was living in his car but wanted to buy a Christmas dinner to share with other homeless people, and to a couple that was struggling, working multiple jobs and wanted to enjoy Christmas with their kids, Plummer said. The donors like to use the police department because they feel its a good way for officers to connect with the community, he said.

Plummer has known the couple to give at least $10,000, he said.

Officers are happy to play a role in lifting someones spirits. It can bring the donors to tears to hear of how their donations have impacted local residents, police said.

Its really a testament to this community and the people that live here in Napa to allow the officers to make someones Christmas or holidays a little bit brighter, Plummer said.

As for Chechourka, he said he got new fishing gear worth $99.23  and the river is ripe this year with salmon and anglerfish.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.19182019

Bro. Dominic Ruegg, F.S.C. (John Anthony Ruegg), a De La Salle Christian Brother for 83 years, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2019 at the Holy Family Community at Mont La Salle in Napa, California. He was 100 years old. Born in San Francisco during World War I, he attended Sacred Heart High School, where he met the Brothers. After graduating from St. Marys College in Moraga, he taught high school in Berkley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Fresno, before pursuing a doctorate in Latin and Greek from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Bro. Dominic returned to the West Coast to take up teaching duties at Saint Marys College, from 1949 to1984. He taught classics and Scripture and served as the Academic Vice-President until his retirement.

His scholarly field work took him to the Garigliano River in Italy as an underwater archaeologist, a work for which he was awarded honorary citizenship in the city of Minturno.

Upon his retirement he traveled the world, sometimes by cargo ship and sometimes by land in search of ancient manuscripts. His last few years were spent in the Brothers community for the elderly and infirm, where he wrote memoirs, read voraciously, and enjoyed the company of his Brothers. His life was well spent.I have been in Montana elk hunting for the past two weeks. When I returned, I read in the St. Helena Star that Hall Winery was suing the City over water to their new trailer park. I recall years ago when the Halls threw out about 12 low income families who work in and around St. Helena. They did this because the trailer park was a blight to their prestigious winery and Bunny Rabbit. Some of Halls' tenants sued the Halls, but it was settled out of court and the terms were never disclosed. That was a few years ago.

Now, they finally want to donate two acres behind Dean & DeLuca for farmworker housing. This should have been done years ago. The area behind Dean & DeLuca has septic and environmental issues. Also, it is next to Hall Winery's sewer ponds, a wonderful location.

I was at the City Council meeting in June of 2018, when the story as to what the project really was kept changing. First, it was an Airstream KOA type project, then a hotel with spa, kitchen, and conference room, etc. Finally, Mayor Alan Galbraith said that the project looked semi-fraudulent, with Vice Mayor, Peter White, agreeing. Also the Mayor and Vice Mayor agreed that if we were to give this project any services, it needs to be annexed into the city.I swiftly had a CT scan that revealed many little blood clots in my lungs. That was followed by an ultrasound that found the originating clot behind my left knee. Dr. Look told me he was admitting me to the hospital. There would be no prolonged stay in the ER; nor would I would be held in the medical netherworld of observation status. I was going straight to the heart and vascular unit on the fifth floor.

Up until that point I was almost enjoying the experience. The nurses, the technicians, the support staff were all good-humored and reassuring. But then on my way upstairs, Dr. Look scared the hell out of me by carefully explaining my condition. Evidently, having blood clots is not a good thing.

The relative peace and quiet of the ER gave way to the hectic and crowded world of the heart and vascular unit. Days later, hospital CEO Dr. Steven Herber explained to me that this medical unit was just a step down from intensive care and thus  especially in flu and pneumonia season  was full of very sick patients. Herber has a goal of offering inpatients private rooms, but he said thats unrealistic in this cardiac ward at this time of year.Part of that is because of pressure by the City Council, which in turn is under pressure from people in the community whove always been skeptical of the citys Chamber contract. Those people dont like the idea of city funds being used to bring more tourists to town, so they want the Chamber to put more emphasis on events that locals can enjoy.

We think its time to rethink that philosophy and reorient the Chamber of Commerce more toward commerce.

Empty storefronts, declining retail sales, disgruntled merchants, out-of-touch landlords, and a few high-profile restaurant closures are all signs that the downtown needs help. The city hired a consultant to recommend solutions, removed some administrative roadblocks for potential businesses, teamed up with the Chamber to support Jingle All the Way, and has stated it is working with merchants and landlords on other solutions.

However, the Chambers plans for contributing to that revitalization effort remain, even after our interview with Marquez, murky. We hope the council works with the Chamber to refine its role and assign specific deliverables to the Chamber in terms of marketing and promotion.Grapegrowing is just one part of agriculture, he added. The agricultural output of Napa Valley is fine luxury wine, produced, sold and marketed in Napa Valley. So when people say we want to maintain our agricultural roots, its cute, but its phony, because that agriculture is supporting luxury-tier wine, period. Thats a controversial statement that both sides are going to have to wrestle with and come to agreement on before we can start a healing process or a long-term integration process of industry and local residents.

Ryan offers this advice for young people just starting out in the wine business  be willing to pay your dues.

If you want to be on the production side, you have to start as a cellar rat, he said. Youd better learn Spanish  if not formal Spanish, at least cellar Spanish. Youd better be willing to come in on the weekends, nights and do the extra things that help the winemakers get their job done.

If youre in the vineyard business, you need to learn vineyard Spanish, be able to lean on a shovel, like hot days and not complain, and work your way up, he said. If you want to get into the other side of the business, Id recommend starting in a tasting room.  Youll hear all the questions you could possibly hear about the business from the public.He said Mauritius is a very smart play thats intelligently written. Theres a lot of nuances in whats going on, a lot of things happening beneath the surface, Foushee said, And I think its going to be riveting.

Devitts involvement with community theater started about five years ago, when she played Amanda in 4,000 Miles. She said, It was really, really fun, I got to play this party girl. And Ive done a number of productions with Shari and Upstage Napa Valley since.

Berryman has been a part of community theater since 2012 and this is her fifth production in that time. Of Mauritius, she said, Its a great cast, with very strong actors and actresses. Im definitely the weak link, she added, laughing.

Frey said hes been involved in community theater for about 15 years, up and down the Napa Valley, and has worked with a lot of fine actors and directors, including Renault.

He said people should come to the show for a number of reasons: Because the cast is great, theres a lot going on, with lots of ups and downs and because the audience will never know what is going to happen. Although it is a mystery, Frey said there is comedy and laughter, but also some moments where people are going to be shocked to see where this goes, where it heads.

Frey said theres a little bit of mild violence in the play, adding, Some of these characters, you dont want to mess around with. But, its all in good fun and I think people are going to have a good time with this show.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.When you cross over the quaint covered bridge off Petrified Forest Road near Calistoga into the world of the Meadowlark Country House, you are in for an experience thats special to the Napa Valley.

Because Meadowlark is not a bed and breakfast, its not a hotel or spa, yet it has breakfast service daily and a varied offering of rooms, suites and guesthouses.

Here youll find something that has guests, including celebrities and professional athletes, coming here from all over the world, many of whom are repeat customers who wouldnt stay anywhere else.

And that something is a clothing-optional pool area. Yes, you can enjoy the pool, the hot tub or sauna in the buff. Or not. Its your choice and no pressure either way. But more about that later.

Kurt Stevens and Richard Flynn are partners in the business, and your hosts when you are there. Many regulars say Kurt and Richard make all the difference.

Because the Calistoga resort caters to many wealthy and famous people who value their privacy above all else, guests we interviewed asked that we use only their first names for this article.

One repeat guest, Ray, said he and his wife have been coming to Meadowlark four or five times a year for 10 years.Public comment on the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) consultation paper for policy proposals regarding cryptocurrency assets closed on 15 February.

The consultation paper proposes several limited regulations on offering cryptocurrency services in South Africa.

The SARB stated that its proposals are aimed at monitoring the buying and selling of cryptocurrency. Trading platforms will have to comply with FICA provisions, and the government recommended that platforms monitors transactions which may be linked to terrorist activity.

However, the proposals stopped short of requiring that cryptocurrency services apply for licences like banks are required to.

This raises the question: How will law enforcement be able to monitor trading platforms if they do not need a licence before they are allowed to operate?

Candice Gibson, senior associate in the tax team at Norton Rose Fulbright, explained to MyBroadband that if SARBs suggestions are phased in like it proposes, the government will have a mechanism to monitor cryptocurrency activities within South Africa more efficiently.

The South African Reserve Bank proposed that South Africa moves to a higher level of regulation which has been referred to as a level of limited regulation, said Gibson.

Limited regulation means that specific requirements will be placed on providers of certain services in respect of crypto assets, without setting predefined conditions for formal regulation.

In addition to including crypto asset service providers as an accountable institution with the Financial Intelligence Centre, the SARB has proposed a phased approach for developing a regulatory framework:

Phase 1: Registration process for crypto asset service providers. Details of this registration process will be published by SARB during the first quarter of 2019. Trading platforms, digital wallet providers, custody service providers, and payment service providers will be affected.

Registration process for crypto asset service providers. Details of this registration process will be published by SARB during the first quarter of 2019. Trading platforms, digital wallet providers, custody service providers, and payment service providers will be affected. Phase 2: Review of existing regulatory frameworks. This review will be followed by new regulatory requirements or amendments to existing regulations.

Review of existing regulatory frameworks. This review will be followed by new regulatory requirements or amendments to existing regulations. Phase 3: Assessment of the regulatory actions implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of the regulatory approach taken.

Gibson said that it could be administratively challenging for all crypto asset service providers to register, should the SARBs proposals be accepted.

This is in addition to the difficulty ensuring that all crypto asset service providers do register and comply with their obligations.

The success of the regulation of crypto assets will only be determined once implemented and assessed, Gibson said.

Currently, with a lack of regulation it is, in my view, almost impossible for the government to be able to monitor crypto asset activities.

Reserve Banks proposals are welcome

Farzam Ehsani, the founder of VALR and former blockchain project lead at Rand Merchant Bank, welcomed the SARBs proposals. VALR is a cryptocurrency trading platform that launched in limited access during December.

VALR has tried to do things the right way since our inception, and as such, the impact of the current proposal should not be too burdensome, Ehsani said.

He said their platform already uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to validate customer identities. VALR also has an anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing programme in place.

We anticipate that an appropriate regulatory framework will purge the industry of some of the businesses that have been lax in their measures to protect their customers. Overall, the outcome of this framework should be positive for the industry and the public at large.

Now read: Bitcoin is far from deadEOH has announced that Asher Bohbot  founder, non-executive chairman, and CEO for 19 years  is resigning from the companys board.

Mr. Bohbot will, on an advisory basis, assist the group until 31 July 2019 in the implementation of the strategy shared with the market recently, said EOH.

It added that the movie is in accordance with King IV  that a former CEO should not serve as chairman of the board until a three-year cooling off period has been observed.

I have confidence in EOHs management and believe that the new strategy, which is in advanced stages of implementation, will be beneficial to all our stakeholders, said Bohbot.

More resignations

Rob Sporen, founding member of EOH and non-executive director, will also resign from the board after 20 years of service, said EOH.

Additionally, Tshilidzi Marwala, a non-executive director, and Tebogo Maenetja, HR executive director, will resign from the board effective 28 February and 31 March respectively.

The resignations follow a reprot that an EOH subsidiary was involved in a corrupt R120-million contract with the South African Department of Defence.

This resulted in Microsoft terminating its partnership agreement with EOH  which sent its share price plunging last week.

EOH CEO Stephen Coller has encouraged anyone with evidence of unethical business practices within the company to come forward so that the problems can be rooted out.A group representing top U.S. mobile service providers disagreed with European and Asian counterparts over alleged security threats from Chinese equipment maker Huawei Technologies Co. ahead of a conference that will highlight a U.S.-Europe divide on the issue.

A Feb. 14 release from GSMA, a London-based wireless industry group, urged European lawmakers not to ban Huawei as a supplier. But CTIA, a Washington-based group, responded Tuesday with its own statement saying the GSMA does not represent the views of all wireless operators or all regions.

The divergent statements underscore a fissure opening between Washington and carriers and regulators around the world, whore starting to re-evaluate U.S. warnings that Chinas largest technology corporation aids Beijing in espionage. This week, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern left the door open for Huawei to play a role in the rollout of next-generation networks, while a senior Italian government official dismissed the issue.

European carriers offered to cooperate with their governments in devising steps to ward off vulnerabilities. CTIA, with members that include U.S. market leaders AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., has urged U.S. regulators to go slow in crafting rules on equipment security.

It looks like theyre scared of the impact of European policy-making on the rollout of their 5G networks that will offer advanced speeds, said Gigi Sohn, a fellow at the Georgetown University Law Center Institute for Technology Law and Policy, said of the U.S. group. It seems theyre concerned that if Europe does so, it would become the de facto standard.

Beyond U.S.-Chinese bickering, economics plays an important role in what gear goes into future 5G networks, the advent of which are expected to galvanize everything from smart cities and self-driving cars to fully automated homes. Huaweis technology is considered on par with the likes of Ericsson or Nokias, but more cost-effective. LG Uplus, the smallest of Koreas carriers, is an open supporter and its patronage helped the country become the largest initial market for Huaweis 5G equipment.

A GSMA spokesman in an emailed comment Tuesday said its initial statement was clearly focused on activity in Europe and does not reflect the views of all GSMA members globally. The group says it represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide. The group lists AT&T and Verizon as members.

The U.S. government is increasing the size of its usual delegation to the GSMAs annual industry conference, MWC Barcelona, to be held next week. Huawei is also bolstering its presence at the event, setting the scene for a showdown as both sides try to win over the chief executives of the worlds biggest carriers.

The U.S. and China clashed Saturday at a security conference in Munich over whether Huaweis equipment should be banned from future 5G networks. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said the company is required to turn over data to Beijings security officials. Chinese politburo member Yang Jiechi was up next on the same stage, and said his countrys law doesnt require companies to collect intelligence. Yang urged Europeans to consider whether the U.S. had their interests at heart, or its own.

Shenzhen-based 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.

CTIA didnt specify what was objectionable in GSMAs 800-word statement.

We can achieve our 5G ambitions with a secure global supply chain that reflects national security concerns, the CTIA said. We caution against a patchwork approach of different rules for different regions which would result in less competition in supply chains.

GSMA on Feb. 14 said mobile operators are ready to work with European agencies in charge of promoting certification and security requirements. It recommended that governments and mobile operators work together to agree on a testing and certification regime for Europe.

The FCC should work with other expert agencies to conduct a thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis of the costs and benefits of various approaches before taking action on network security, CTIA said last year in a filing at the agency. The FCC is considering whether to bar spending of U.S. subsidies on companies deemed a security risk.

Jilane Rodgers Petrie, a spokeswoman for CTIA, didnt return a telephone call and email.

The Feb. 14 statement from GSMA didnt mention Huawei by name. Restricting access to a network equipment maker would handicap Europes progress in developing artificial intelligence, the internet of things and so-called big data, the group of more than 750 companies said. The technology promises to deliver data to phones 10 times faster than 4G and to connect people, cars, factories and household objects.

The joint appeal follows individual warnings from companies such as Deutsche Telekom AG, Vodafone Group Plc and BT Group Plc and underscores how alarmed the companies have become that they may not be able to use one of their biggest suppliers. In Asia, carriers from South Korea to the Philippines have said they plan to continue using Huawei equipment.

The GSMA on Feb. 14 said its members had found no evidence of wrongdoing even though they have been meticulously testing mobile infrastructure for years. The group said it would create a task force to find ways to strengthen existing security testing.

Now read: Huawei reveals P30 Series launch dateThe IDOT later agreed to offer the slip-ramp design at no local cost, but during the supervisors regular Tuesday meeting, stakeholders continued to push for the full-diamond interchange with funding provided by the IDOT.

Although he was out-of-state and unable to attend the meeting, Wapello Fire and Rescue Chief Damon Moore wrote in an email to the supervisors that the official position of the fire department was to seek a full-diamond interchange.

The slip-lane interchange doesnt fully address the emergency response concerns, Moore wrote.

He pointed out initial calls for assistance frequently come from people who are confused about their location and often first responders must turn around and go in the opposite direction after receiving follow-up reports.

I could see scenarios where we started to head south out of town only to find out the fire, accident or EMS (emergency medical services) call is somewhere on the bypass section or even farther north, Moore said.

Wapello Community Ambulance Service Director Cindy Small agreed and also pointed out the potential for G62 being blocked by an accident, something that did occur last year.

Our access is limited, and now theyve crippled it, she said.By now it should be obvious to everyone that our president is an asset of the Russian Republic under the leadership of Vladimir Putin. His admiration for Putin is absolute. Time after time, he accepts as true whatever his Russian friend tells him while rejecting information provided to him by our Intelligence services.

Putin has long resented NATO as an impediment to his expansionist ambitions. So, in any of several secret meetings he held with Trump, he has apparently directed Trump to do what he can to pull the United States out of the pact. Eager to please the former KGB officer, Trump has openly advocated withdrawal from NATO.

Trump went even further toward weakening our links to Europe by pulling out of the Paris Climate Accords and the Iran Nuclear Agreement, to which the European Union and our country had been signatories. Putin, of course, was greatly pleased.

The domestic turmoil Trump has caused by shutting down the government and creating, through his tweets and rallies, racial discord and division are an added bonus to Putin. His mans success in making America look so ugly pleases him no end.Permit counties to start tabulating ballots the day before Election Day.

Sen. Roger Webb, R-Billings, is sponsoring this common-sense bill that would allow populous Montana counties to do what their counterparts already do in many other states. In Oregon, Arizona and Minnesota, for example, tabulation starts seven days before the election. Kansas, Illinois, Missouri and Washington scan absentee ballots as soon they are received.

With most Yellowstone County voters choosing to vote early (usually on mailed ballots), we must update our state laws. Montana law must provide our hard-working election officials with the time they need to finish their job and expedite accurate election results. Election administrators have to be extremely well organized because their workload is dictated by election deadlines and the biggest jobs require working nonstop on Election Day and thereafter till all ballots are counted.

At a hearing last week in the Senate State Administration Committee, county clerks and election officials from Montana's larger population counties testified in favor of Webb's bill. The bill wouldn't require smaller population counties to make any changes.The Gallatin Forest Partnership represents a failure of its members to recognize the crucial importance of the Gallatin Range for the future of Montanas precious wildlife populations, and a willingness to gamble away this resource by promoting development in prime wildlife habitat.

The starting point for any discussion of the Gallatin Range should be this: the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is universally recognized as the best intact ecosystem in the lower 48, and is considered to be the best functioning temperate ecosystem in the world  with the full complement of wildlife that was here in pre-Columbian times. There is no other place in the lower 48 that has such an intact, wildlife-rich ecosystem, and we shouldnt gamble with its future! Gallatin Forest Partnership is proposing mechanized recreation (mountain bikes, motorcycles, ATVs) in the best wildlife habitat in the lower 48!

The Gallatin Range provides a migration corridor that connects the abundant wildlife of Yellowstone National Park with the Bangtail/Bridger ranges, northward to the Big Belts, and finally to the wildlife-rich Northern Continental Divide ecosystem, allowing crucial genetic mixing among wildlife populations.A westbound BNSF locomotive crashed into a car on tracks west of Frenchtown late Sunday, pushing it nearly half a mile as the four-door passenger vehicle erupted into flame.

"Nobody was around the vehicle when we arrived," said Mel Holtz of the Frenchtown Rural Fire Department on Monday. "It appears they may have gotten out before the impact."

A Missoula Sheriff deputy later located the occupant. Brenda Bassett of the Sheriffs Office said the person was transported to the hospital for reasons apparently unrelated to the crash.

The collision occurred just after 10:30 p.m. It took until 3 a.m. to clear the tracks and get the train moving again.

Fire and smoke prevented the Montana Rail Link engineer and conductor from getting close to the burning vehicle once theyd braked the train to a stop.

Typically the crew would go out and see if they could find anyone in the car, MRL spokesman Ross Lane said.

Neither were injured, but Lane said the crew was relieved at that point for the rest of its leg to Idaho. The lead locomotive sustained minor damage. The so-called manifest train carried a mixed cargo, including some hazardous materials. Lane said none of the load was damaged.The overgrown nature of the road made it excellent grizzly habitat, according to the Forest Service record of decision. Opening it would require offsets in other areas by closing existing roads. The area currently has about 34 miles of open road and 97 miles of seasonally restricted use. At the moment, Bog Creek Road is considered too overgrown for even hiking or mountain biking.

The plan would allow nonmotorized use on the Bog Creek Road and completely close 26 miles of seasonally restricted roads to all motorized use except snowmobiles. Private mining and livestock grazing would still be allowed under special use permits.

Higgins said that Customs and Border Patrol agents needed the road to prevent illegal activities before perpetrators can reach areas where they can blend into legitimate activities and elude apprehension. That includes smuggling firearms, bulk cash, human trafficking and illegal immigration. But the biggest threat mentioned was the bi-directional flow of illegal drugs.

The road was needed also for potential future installation and maintenance of technological assets designed to detect incursions into the United States. Adding such gear might reduce the need to patrol the area, Higgins added.

The Selkirk Grizzly Recovery Area is one of six set up by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after the grizzly was declared a threatened species in 1975. About 50 grizzlies live there today, although the area is assumed capable of supporting about 125 bears.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1Wednesday, Feb. 20

LIBRARY MOVIE

The Friends of the Hearst Free Library in Anaconda will show the Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan romantic comedy "Youve Got Mail" at 6 p.m. at 401 Main St., Anaconda. The movie is free, and so are the snacks. The 1998 film was directed by Nora Ephron.

TECH TALK

Montana Techs Restoration Seminar runs from 4 to 4:50 p.m. in CBB 102. Guest speaker is Dr. Raja Nagisetty, who will talk about the Grove Gulch Feasibility Study.

CAR SEAT CLINIC

A childrens car seat clinic will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Uptown Fire Station, 120 S. Idaho. Car seats will be checked for correct installation, making sure the seat matches your childs weight and age, recall information, and more. Details: Mary Jo Stosich at the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department, 406-497-5016.

LINE DANCINGA series of school bond-related information was presented to the Butte School Board on Tuesday night.

Roger Davis of Langlas & Associates, the company chosen as the general contractor and construction manager for the district bond, gave a presentation during the communications portion of the meeting. Jason Davis of SMA Architects, the architectural firm heading the bond project, also attended.

We want to help everyone understand this whole process and update you on the project schedule, Roger Davis told the school board.

Through several PowerPoint slides, Davis explained that his first step as the Langlas senior project manager for the school bond project is community outreach. Through meetings with local organizations and town hall-style forums for interested subcontractors, Davis plans to both better understand what local service providers and suppliers can contribute to the bond project and to better educate people on how the bonds open bid process will work.

Part of what I enjoy best is getting people excited about the project so they want to be a part of it, Davis said at the meeting. we dont want to leave any stone unturned for how people can be involved in this project.Disclaimer : The views expressed in the forum are the views of the user writing the post, and not that of moneycontrol.com. You agree, by accessing this forum, that moneycontrol.com bears no liability for any posts on this forum or, any losses suffered by following any advice posted on this forum. moneycontrol.com operates this real time, open, unmoderated, private forum for users to exchange information and to discuss various investing techniques. moneycontrol.com or, its personnel do not post anything, or vet the content posted, on this forum. moneycontrol.com reserves the right to deny service to anyone. You, and not moneycontrol.com, assume the entire cost and risk of any trading you choose to undertake. You are solely responsible for making your own investment decisions. If you choose to engage in such transactions with or without seeking advice from a licensed and qualified financial advisor or entity, then such decision and any consequences flowing therefrom are your sole responsibility.The national organization of Presbyterian Women collects yearly freewill offerings at intervals, the proceeds of which they make available to worthy causes. Naturally, Presbyterian Women is inundated with grant applications. Among requirements, the applying group must not be asking for salaries for workers or administration fees. As the national gathering noted in 2018, our missions are not so much overseas as they were previously, but right here at our doorstep.

In the 1950s, my parents paid overtime, because of their integrity. Now, with high property taxes and high rent payments, along with other monthly health and car insurance payments, and childcare, both parents need to work, often multiple shifts, and it has become difficult to provide for everything and transportation. Frequently, there just isnt enough for parents to have food available in their homes for after school and weekends and holidays.

Missoula Food Banks project to provide nutritional food for anonymously identified school children for evenings, weekends and holidays has worked well. We are pleased that Presbyterian Women have stepped up to help with a $20,000 grant for food that volunteers assemble and distribute.

Linda Brooks-Curtis,

Missoula

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Dear Eric Kress:

In your guest column of Feb. 20 in the Missoulian, your description of a Utopian death does not square with the Oregon reports that only 2 percent of the lethal events were attended by the prescribing physician or medical staff. Or that 20 percent were likely forced involuntary euthanasia, along with 30 percent who received a script but did not use it.

You still claim that two doctors are required even though your bills provided that the first doctor may waive the second. As long as the euthanasia laws do not require an ordinary witness to the so-called self-administration, they empower predatory corporations and others and eviscerate our individual choices.

When death certificates are falsified and instant immunity from investigations is given in the current climate of promiscuous medical standards, your assurances ring hollow.

Preserve individual choices by banning euthanasia in Montana by passing House Bill 284.

Bradley Williams,

president,As a doctor, I am very familiar with the healthcare challenges Montana families face every day. People have real concerns about the high cost of coverage and access to care, and policymakers who are charged with making the system work have proposed many ways to fix and improve the healthcare system.

I commend those who have worked toward solutions to improve patients care; its an issue that affects every one of us, and there arent always simple answers to every question. Measures like the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion have made significant strides toward providing affordable and high-quality health coverage to more people, but there are certainly improvements that still can and should be made to our healthcare system.

While politicians in both parties move forward towards a long-term solution that will provide health care for all, I believe that in the immediate-term there are important steps that can be taken, without throwing out policies that are working now. Montanans have always gotten things done by bringing both sides together to make commonsense compromises, and healthcare should be approached in the same way.A bill heard by a state legislative panel Tuesday would keep prosecutors and victims in the loop if a defendant wants to be released from state supervision.

Rep. Matt Regier, R-Columbia Falls, told the House Judiciary Committee these adjustments should have been put in place in 2017, when state lawmakers passed a package of criminal justice reform bills.

"Sometimes we zigged when we should have zagged," he said.

The bill would essentially bring the county attorney's office into the process of a defendant's early release or termination from probation or parole. Under current statute, a defendant can file a petition to do so, but that decision is up to the judge; prosecutors don't have an opportunity to weigh in if they object.

The new bill, House Bill 463, would require the defendant's attorney to file a motion for release from supervision, rather than their probation or parole officer. From the defendant's side, ACLU of Montana's advocacy and policy director SK Rossi said this is an important clarification.

"People on probation don't understand how to get through this process and they're not sure who is supposed to help them," Rossi said.Missoula is poised to borrow up to $135 million to pay back the short-term debt incurred when purchasing the Mountain Water Company in 2017.

The two new bonds will finish paying off the remaining $118 million debt from the $138 million the city-owned water utility borrowed to acquire whats now known as Missoula Water through the condemnation process. The new bonds also will cover the costs of issuing the debt and possibly a debt service reserve as an added security provision to make debt payments in case of an emergency.

Were looking to refinance the short-term bonds  which currently are at a variable rate, with long-term bonds for 25 years with a fixed rate, Leigh Griffing, the citys finance director, told the city council Wednesday morning.

The loans will be issued as two bonds, with up to $130 million being borrowed for the 2019A series, and up to $5 million for the 2019B series. Griffing said she thinks theyll only need to borrow $108 million in the 2019A series, but they want to leave some wiggle room in case of unforeseen circumstances. Interest on the bonds is expected to be between $82 million and $83 million.There will be snacks, beverages, socializing and maybe even an inner tube: Everything youd expect from a mid-week afternoon on the river except the currently frozen water.

The Celebration of Missoulas Rivers gathering from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at Conflux Brewing Co. brings together at least 18 organizations, businesses and government agencies, plus anyone with an interest in the waterways flowing through the city.

If you care about the rivers, you could go to 60 different public open houses, or come to this one and see all the different projects happening, said Missoula Conservation Lands Manager Morgan Valliant. Theres going to be a bunch of information we collected on river use to help understand what types of folks are using the rivers. There will be ways to get involved with the collaborative. And were going to feed everybody.

Appetizers will be provided by the Three Rivers Collaborative, a group that started meeting regularly last fall and soon realized it had lots to both learn and share.The reset meeting between Missoula County officials and Environmental Protection Agency representatives is set for April 10, with local groups hoping to repair the strained relationship with the federal agency over the cleanup effort at the former Smurfit-Stone mill site.

The meeting is meant to enhance the working relationship based in part on new faces at the federal agency. But county officials also plan to push for a more substantial role in guiding the remediation effort, based on their opinions that previously proposed efforts to determine the amount and extent of contamination at the industrial site were inadequate.

In addition, they will promote the removal of dumps and landfills on the site, which they believe are the primary source of contamination both onsite and in the Clark Fork River, which are separated only by earthen berms.

Initially, the county had hopes to meet with Allie Archer, the new remedial project manager for the Frenchtown site, on Jan. 15. That was postponed, however, after the month-long federal shutdown earlier this year.Yet M2Green dropped off of the countys radar without undertaking any cleanup or redevelopment at the site, or paying its taxes. Remediation efforts, headed by the Environmental Protection Agency, currently are underway. During a meeting Tuesday afternoon, Missoula County Commissioners met with representatives from the Missoula City-County Health Department to discuss strategies for an April 10 meeting with the EPA. (See related story.)

In November 2017, the county reached a settlement with Wakefield for more than $1.2 million in back taxes, with the company agreeing to pay $967,632 and foreclose on 14 of the 15 parcels by March 1, 2018.

That hasnt taken place, although Conley said it was her understanding that the lending company was working toward that resolution.

But its a situation we need to address, because we need a taxpayer to be responsible for that, Conley said. Wakefield agreed to foreclose by March 1 (2018) and the court adopted that as a court order; it was Wakefields own voluntary agreement to foreclose.

Wakefield didnt return a telephone call or email seeking comment on its plans.

Back taxes, penalties and interest total $216,335, dating from 2013 to 2017, on the one parcel Wakefield didnt want to include in the foreclosure proceedings. All of the other taxes that are due on the other parcels are for 2017 and total $166,378, an amount that could double based on the 2018 taxes, according to Conley.

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Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0It looks like increased competition among airlines serving Missoula has meant lower ticket prices for travelers flying to and from here.

The Missoula Economic Partnership and the Missoula International Airport crunched U.S. Department of Transportation airfare data and found that since American Airlines entered the market last summer, the price of tickets declined for most destinations from Missoula, saving an average of $20 per round trip.

Round-trip ticket prices to Chicago and Dallas have dropped by $130 and $40, respectively, compared to a year ago. Domestic travelers going to and from Missoula paid a combined $2.8 million less in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the same three months in 2017 for all markets.

With the addition of American Airlines, you can see firsthand that competition directly relates to lower airfare in a community, said Jeff Roth, Missoula International Airport board chair. Its fantastic to see so many members of our community supporting Take Flight Missoula, and we especially want to thank Missoula Economic Partnership, Destination Missoula and our Tourism Business Improvement District for helping bring American Airlines to Missoula.Gov. Ron DeSantis said today that he welcomed Amazon to put its second headquarters in Florida after the online retailer pulled out of a deal to build the campus in New York City.

What I can say on behalf of Florida to companies like Amazon: We welcome you to come to Florida, he said.

DeSantis said that New Yorks political climate  not opposition to the nearly $3 billion in tax incentives New York was offering  that caused the company to leave.

Many cities, including Miami, had been courting the corporate giant, which is one of the most valuable companies in the world. After facing fierce opposition from some New York Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the company backed out of the New York deal last week.

DeSantis, a Republican, said that Floridas political climate was better than New Yorks.

I think if you look at what just happened with Amazon in New York City, there is a hostility to some of these companies  political hostility  that I think mattered more than a lot of the other things that they were talking about, DeSantis told the Economic Club of Florida in Tallahassee. I know that theres a debate about tax incentives, this, that, but I think it was beyond that.

"I think that this hostility to companies like Amazon, a lot of the financial institutions are consistently demagogued, and I just think theyre paying a price for doing that.

He added that Florida, in addition to not having a state income tax, is also more welcoming to big companies.

I think Floridas a place where you can do well without having to face some of the political blowback that you see in other parts of the country, he said. And so our posture here is one of welcoming, not one of demagoguery and hostility.Credit: University of Warwick

Changing the ventilation settings for children on life support can reduce the risk of damage to their lungs, researchers at the University of Warwick and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have found on computer simulated patients.

Paediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (PARDS) is one of the most challenging diseases for doctors to manage in the pediatric intensive care unit, and can arise due to several different causes, such as pneumonia, sepsis, trauma, and drowning.

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving medical intervention for many such patients, but the forces and stresses applied by the ventilator can themselves further damage the lungs (so-called ventilator induced lung injuryVILI).

Using patient data collected by Dr. Nadir Yehya, an attending physician in the paediatric intensive care unit at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, researchers form the Department of Engineering at the University of Warwick have developed a computer simulator that predicts how different ventilator settings affect the lungs of individual child patients in the ICU.

This simulator was then used to safely investigate whether, and how, ventilator settings can be changed to be more "protective", i.e. to lower the risk of causing VILI in different patients, while still maintaining adequate ventilation.

The researchers identified several strategies that, in simulated patients, led to significant reductions in variables that are associated with VILI, such as tidal volumes (the volume of air displaced between inhalation and exhalation) and driving pressures.

The next stage of this research will be to test these strategies in patients in formal prospective trials in order to evaluate the clinical benefits of more protective ventilation in real hospital environments.

Professor Declan Bates from the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick commented:

"It has been incredibly exciting to see the potential of computer simulators being realised to develop safer treatment strategies for critically ill children in the intensive care unit. We are sure that combining the expertise of medical doctors and engineers will bring about radical improvements in patient care and medical outcomes over the coming years."

Dr. Nadir Yehya from the Division of Critical Care Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia commented:

"Collaborations such as these are essential for providing safe care for our sickest children. Computer simulations have been relatively under-utilised in paediatric intensive care, and we are excited about the opportunities to address critical areas of research using these technologies."

Explore further Muscle atrophy among critically ill kids occurs within one week of mechanical ventilation

More information: Sina Saffaran et al, High-fidelity computational simulation to refine strategies for lung-protective ventilation in paediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome, Intensive Care Medicine (2019). Sina Saffaran et al, High-fidelity computational simulation to refine strategies for lung-protective ventilation in paediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome,(2019). DOI: 10.1007/s00134-019-05559-4A researcher demonstrates the minimally invasive collection of skin samples using small, clear tape strips. Credit: National Jewish Health

Atopic dermatitis, a common inflammatory skin condition also known as allergic eczema, affects nearly 20 percent of children, 30 percent of whom also have food allergies. Scientists have now found that children with both atopic dermatitis and food allergy have structural and molecular differences in the top layers of healthy-looking skin near the eczema lesions, whereas children with atopic dermatitis alone do not. Defining these differences may help identify children at elevated risk for developing food allergies, according to research published online today in Science Translational Medicine. The research was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.

"Children and families affected by food allergies must constantly guard against an accidental exposure to foods that could cause life-threatening allergic reactions," said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. "Eczema is a risk factor for developing food allergies, and thus early intervention to protect the skin may be one key to preventing food allergy."

Children with atopic dermatitis develop patches of dry, itchy, scaly skin caused by allergic inflammation. Atopic dermatitis symptoms range from minor itchiness to extreme discomfort that can disrupt a child's sleep and can lead to recurrent infections in scratched, broken skin.

The study, led by Donald Y.M. Leung, M.D., Ph.D., of National Jewish Health in Denver, examined the top layers of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, in areas with eczema lesions and in adjacent normal-looking skin. The study enrolled 62 children aged 4 to 17 who either had atopic dermatitis and peanut allergy, atopic dermatitis and no evidence of any food allergy, or neither condition. Investigators collected skin samples by applying and removing small, sterile strips of tape to the same area of skin. With each removal, a microscopic sublayer of the first layer of skin tissue was collected and preserved for analysis. This technique allowed researchers to determine the skin's composition of cells, proteins and fats, as well as its microbial communities, gene expression within skin cells and water loss through the skin barrier.

A drawing of skin and a hair follicle. In this study, scientists analyzed the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum cornea, highlighted here in yellow. Credit: NIAMS, NIH

Researchers found that the skin rash of children with both atopic dermatitis and food allergy was indistinguishable from the skin rash of children with atopic dermatitis alone. However, they found significant differences in the structure and molecular composition of the top layer of non-lesional, healthy-appearing skin between children with atopic dermatitis and food allergy compared with children with atopic dermatitis alone. Non-lesional skin from children with atopic dermatitis and food allergy was more prone to water loss, had an abundance of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and had gene expression typical of an immature skin barrier. These abnormalities also were seen in skin with active atopic dermatitis lesions, suggesting that skin abnormalities extend beyond the visible lesions in children with atopic dermatitis and food allergy but not in those with atopic dermatitis alone.

The integrity of the skin barrier (arrows) is abnormal in the skin of atopic dermatitis patients with food allergy (A) compared to the skin of patients without food allergy (B) and controls (C). Credit: D.Y.M. Leung et al., Science Translational Medicine (2019)

"Our team sought to understand how healthy-looking skin might be different in children who develop both atopic dermatitis and food allergy compared to children with atopic dermatitis alone," said Dr. Leung. "Interestingly, we found those differences not within the skin rash but in samples of seemingly unaffected skin inches away. These insights may help us not only better understand atopic dermatitis, but also identify children most at risk for developing food allergies before they develop overt skin rash and, eventually, fine tune prevention strategies so fewer children are affected."

Allergy experts consider atopic dermatitis to be an early step in the so-called "atopic march," a common clinical progression found in some children in which atopic dermatitis progresses to food allergies and, sometimes, to respiratory allergies and allergic asthma. Many immunologists hypothesize that food allergens may reach immune cells more easily through a dysfunctional skin barrier affected by atopic dermatitis, thereby setting off biological processes that result in food allergies.

Explore further Investigational cream may help patients with inflammatory skin disease

More information: D.Y.M. Leung el al., "The nonlesional skin surface distinguishes atopic dermatitis with food allergy as a unique endotype," Science Translational Medicine (2019). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine D.Y.M. Leung el al., "The nonlesional skin surface distinguishes atopic dermatitis with food allergy as a unique endotype,"(2019). stm.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/  scitranslmed.aav2685Single-cell analysis of microglia: each point shows a cell, and the color signals how strongly particular immunologically significant genes are activated in the various cells. Credit: Takahiro Masuda / Medical Center - University of Freiburg

A team of researchers under the direction of the Medical CenterUniversity of Freiburg has created an entirely new map of the brain's own immune system in humans and mice. The scientists demonstrated for the first time that phagocytes in the brain, the so-called microglia, all have the same core signature but adapt in different ways depending on their function. It was previously assumed that these are different types of microglia. The discovery, made by means of a new, high-resolution method for analyzing single cells, is important for the understanding of brain diseases. Furthermore, the researchers from Freiburg, Gottingen, Berlin, Bochum, Essen, and Ghent (Belgium) have demonstrated in detail how the human immune system in the brain changes in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is significant for future therapeutic approaches. The study was published on 14 February 2019 in the journal Nature.

"We were able to show that there is only a single type of microglia in the brain that exist in multiple flavours," says project head Prof. Dr. Marco Prinz, medical director of the Institute of Neuropathology at the Medical CenterUniversity of Freiburg. "These immune cells are very versatile all-rounders, not specialists, as has been the textbook opinion up to now," sums up Prof. Prinz.

Versatile All-Rounders, Not Specialists

Since immune cells located in the blood are blocked from the brain and spinal cord by the blood-brain barrier, the brain needs its own immune defense, the microglia. These phagocytes of the brain develop very early on in the process of embryonic development and later remove invading germs and dead nerve cells. They contribute to the maturation and lifelong malleability of the brain. It was previously unclear whether there are subtypes of microglia for the various functions they serve in the healthy and diseased brain.

Researchers led by Prof. Prinz and the co-first authors of the study, Dr. Takahiro Masuda, Dr. Roman Sankowski and Dr. Ori Staszewski from the Institute of Neuropathology at the Medical CenterUniversity of Freiburg, conducted detailed studies on microglia in the brain, both on a mouse model and on human brain tissue removed from patients.

With the help of a new method for conducting single-cell analysis, the researchers demonstrated the features of microglia in great detail. To do so, they used a microscope to study microglia across brain regions and at different stages of development. They also analyzed the RNA levels of these cells using single-cell analysis. The analyses revealed that microglia all have the same core signatures but adapt differently at different stages of development, in different brain regions, and depending on the function they are meant to serve.

Hope for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Dysregulated microglia are also involved in several brain diseases. In particular, they play a key role in the development of Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis (MS) and a few psychiatric diseases like autism. In the healthy brain, microglia form a uniform network around the nerve cells that can change in just a few minutes in the case of disease and form numerous new phagocytes to limit the damage.

"We now possess the first high-resolution immune cell atlas of the human brain. This also enables us to understand how these cells change during course of diseases like MS," says Prof. Prinz, who is also involved in the Signalling Research Excellence Clusters BIOSS and CIBSS of the University of Freiburg. "In MS patients, we managed to characterize microglia in a state that is specific for multiple sclerosis. We hope that it will be possible in the future to target microglia subsets in harmful state."

"It is extremely exciting to see how flexible the microglia can be," says Prof. Prinz. The studies on the mouse model put the researchers on the right track. However, co-first author Dr. Masuda also succeeded in showing that human microglia are much more complex than those of laboratory animals. "The individual changes in the human brain also leave traces in the microglia in the course of life," says Dr. Masuda.

Explore further Newly discovered immune cells play role in inflammatory brain diseases

More information: Takahiro Masuda et al, Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of mouse and human microglia at single-cell resolution, Nature (2019). Journal information: Nature Takahiro Masuda et al, Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of mouse and human microglia at single-cell resolution,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-0924-xMyanmar is now believed to be the largest source of methamphetamine in the world

Mobs of stick-wielding church-goers in Myanmar's northeast used to descend on dealers and addicts in a desperate effort to save their communities from a meth-induced health crisis sweeping the country.

But anonymous death threats brought the vigilante operations to a halt.

"It simply became too dangerous for us," says Zau Man, leader of the local Baptist church in Kutkai, a town in Shan State scarred by addiction.

Myanmar is the second-biggest producer of opium in the world after Afghanistan and is now believed to be the largest source of methamphetamine.

The multi-billion dollar industry outstrips rivals in Latin America to feed lucrative markets as far away as Sydney, Tokyo and Seoul.

Shan is the epicentre of production in Myanmar, with a network of local armed groups linking up with transnational trafficking gangs.

Kutkai sits between Mandalay and the militia-riddled town of Muse on the China border, a key entry point for precursor chemicals heading to Myanmar's illegal meth labs.

Trucks carrying illicit goods roar through the town in both directions, past a Chinese temple and streetside restaurants with signs in Mandarin.

Heroin and meth use here are rampant. Zau Man says nearly every household has at least one drug user, dealers work out in the open and often violent meth addicts have turned parts of Kutkai into no-go zones.

"In some areas, you can only get food until 10pm, but you can get drugs 24/7," he says.

Map showing methamphetamine routes and the opium poppy cultivation density, according to data from the UNODC.

'Smart and ruthless'

Myanmar is facing a "public health disaster" because of meth and few villages in the country are left unscathed, Jeremy Douglas, regional representative of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, tells AFP.

But the crisis is at its most acute in the poppy-covered hills of Shan State, where a landscape overrun with armed rebel groups, militias and security forces is an ideal breeding ground for meth labs.

Accurate figures of production of high quality crystal meth, or "ice", and low-grade meth, known in Southeast Asia as "yaba", are unavailable.

In January 2018, Kutkai police seized 30 million yaba pills, 1,750kg of crystal meth and 500kg of heroin with a domestic value of some $54 million in the country's largest-ever drug bust.

But huge raids leave street prices unaltered, suggesting they are only a small slice of production, according to the International Crisis Group, which says the business now "dwarfs" Shan's formal economy.

Crystal meth is smuggled via sophisticated trafficking networks to more developed markets like Australia, where it can fetch a wholesale value of more than $180 million per tonne.

Yaba is distributed to Myanmar's neighbours, particularly Thailand and Bangladesh.

But the pink pills are increasingly being dumped at rock-bottom prices on a domestic market in what Douglas called a "smart and ruthless" strategy to build demand.

"It's a nasty business and they're really pushing it out into the population," he says.

For many in Myanmar's Shan State narcotics can be an escape from the cycle of poverty and violence

Users and health workers in three different towns in Shan stateLashio, Kutkai and Musetold AFP pills go for just 500 kyat for three, or around 10 cents each.

As the price falls, so does the user age, with reports of children as young as nine taking yaba.

Many miners, long-distance drivers and shift workers mix narcoticssmoking meth to keep them awake, and injecting heroin to bring them down.

Ashamed to go home

Arr San, a gaunt 27-year-old with matted hair, rummages round his roadside shack in Muse and pulls out a bong crafted from a plastic bottle he uses to smoke yaba.

He has been hooked since he was 18 and now consumes around five pills a day.

For Arr San, like many others in the region, there are few opportunities to avoid the cycle of poverty and violencetwo years ago he fled his home in a nearby town for fear of being forced into an ethnic armed group.

Narcotics can provide an escape from the often grim reality of life in Shan.

"I take drugs because I get depressed and they help stabilise my mind," he says.

Arr San is one of 300 heading daily to the local hospital for methadone, a powerful opioid used to wean people off heroin.

Myanmar is the second-biggest producer of opium in the world after Afghanistan

But the problem is not limited to the poor.

Among Myanmar's urban elite, addiction to high grade crystal meth is already taking root.

Usually in powder or crystal form, "ice" is commonly snorted or smoked. It can also be injected, which increases the threat of disease transmission through needle-sharing.

A UNODC-backed policy launched in February 2018 champions depenalising users and treating drugs as a health issue while tackling the trade's kingpins.

But the law has yet to catch up - anyone caught with even one yaba pill still faces a minimum of five years behind bars.

It is estimated that around half of Myanmar's prison inmates are jailed for minor drug offences and arrests of drug users are rising.

A lack of funding for prevention work and treatment means Myanmar's meth problem may only get worse.

Arr says: "I want to go back home and see my mother's face, but I just can't."

He added: "I don't want to trouble her as I'm so sick."

Explore further Meth playing bigger role in US drug overdose crisis

 2019 AFPAngela C. Incollingo Rodriguez, assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies at WPI. Credit: Worcester Polytechnic Institute

In one of the first research studies focused on the impact of weight stigma in pregnant and postpartum women, a team led by a Worcester Polytechnic Institute professor found that women who experience weight stigma during pregnancy and early postpartum often show increased depressive symptoms, greater weight gain during pregnancy, and weight retention after their baby is born.

During pregnancy, women endure myriad physical and psychological changes, many of which can be affected by social factors. One of these factors is weight stigma, defined as bias of discrimination toward individuals who are perceived by others to be overweight or obese. According to research by Angela C. Incollingo Rodriguez, assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies at WPI, pregnant women and women who are up to one year postpartum face weight stigma, which has negative effects on maternal health.

"Weight stigma is a growing field of study, but very little work has focused on weight stigma in the context of pregnancy," Rodriguez says. "We found some of the first evidence that when pregnant women experience weight stigma, it might be associated with more postpartum depression and even difficulty losing their 'baby weight.'"

Rodriguez and her team reviewed questionnaires from 214 women, a smaller subset of a group of 2,510 women ages 18 to 40 of African American, Latina, and White descent who delivered a live infant at 20 weeks or more of gestation. The women, who were from Maryland, California, Washington, D.C., Illinois, and North Carolina, were asked to report instances of weight stigma from the previous year when they were one month postpartum. Additional data, such as symptoms of postpartum depression and weight retention, were collected from the women at one month, six months, and one year postpartum.

The team, which included researchers from WPI, the University of California, Los Angeles, and Dickinson College, used data from the Community Child Health Network, a five-site research network funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

The questionnaires used the Everyday Discrimination Scale, a standardized list of questions assessing the frequency of different types of discrimination, including being "treated with less courtesy than other people" and being "threatened or harassed." The women also were asked if they felt the stigma was targeted at their height, weight, or other factors, such as their race, accent, and nationality.

The team's research, published by Health Psychology, in the article "Association of Weight Discrimination During Pregnancy and Postpartum with Maternal Postpartum Health" focused on three outcomes that might be associated with the instances of weight stigma: postpartum depressive symptoms, weight-related outcomes, and physiological activity. Their findings revealed that experiences of weight stigma were related to excess weight gain during pregnancy  51 percent of the women in the study gained excess weight during their pregnancies. Similarly, the team found that weight stigma was associated with increased weight retention  which averaged 10 pounds at six months to one year postpartumalong with increased depressive symptoms at one year postpartum.

"These findings are really troubling, especially because postpartum depression affects not only the mother's well-being, but also her child's," Rodriguez says. "These are meaningful outcomes, and we really need to be thinking about how family members, friends, doctors, and even society treat pregnant women regarding their weight, because these weight-stigmatizing experiences could have long-term deleterious consequences."

By conducting one of the first studies to look at weight stigma in postpartum women, Rodriguez hopes to raise awareness of how this stigma may have negative effects on maternal health, mentally and physically. She also hopes her work will influence communities to be more mindful of how they treat pregnant women, especially regarding weight and weight gain.

"Ultimately, we need more research on this topic, but I am hoping that this work sets the stage for such future research so that on a societal level, we can achieve a better understanding of the risks of weight stigma in the context of pregnancy," Rodriguez says. "If we can create a more supportive environment for pregnant and postpartum women, this could potentially have a huge benefit for both maternal and child health. The implications of that are far reaching."

Explore further Maternal programming during pregnancy induces long-term postpartum obesity

More information: Angela C. Incollingo Rodriguez et al. Association of weight discrimination during pregnancy and postpartum with maternal postpartum health., Health Psychology (2019). Journal information: Health Psychology Angela C. Incollingo Rodriguez et al. Association of weight discrimination during pregnancy and postpartum with maternal postpartum health.,(2019). DOI: 10.1037/hea0000711Credit: University of Massachusetts Amherst

Does "sleeping on it" help us make better decisions? Are sleep disorders just a natural part of aging? How important are naps, anyhow? Rebecca Spencer, Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and director of the UMass Amherst Sleep Monitoring Lab is finding answers to these questions.

"There are so many sleep myths out there, and so few have scientific support," says Spencer. That's starting to change, as researchers rush to solve the mysteries of sleep and to decipher its complex relationship to mood, learning, memory, and aging.

"People are talking about sleep a lot more now," says Spencer. "Doctors have realized that they need to ask patients about sleep, but they don't have the answers. So they send them for a sleep study. Well, everyone has some level of sleep disorderwe just don't know enough about how to delineate them."

That's where Spencer's work comes in. Right now she's focused on two populations that may seem disconnected but have a surprising amount in common, sleep-wise: preschoolers and the elderly. "Sleep changes developmentally, and sleep changes with aging; memory changes developmentally, and memory changes with aging. There's a strong connection there. Before our studies, nobody had looked at whether sleep and memory are related in older adults and kids," says Spencer.

Sleep studies conducted at UMass Amherst show that daytime naps improve memory recall in preschoolers. Credit: University of Massachusetts Amherst

The answers may provide not only medical but legislative guidance. Preschools are under pressure to reduce naps to make more time for active learning. In Massachusetts, laws mandate just a 45-minute "rest period"a decision that was "based on nothing in particular," says Spencer. Her research, funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, indicates that preschoolers who nap remember 100% of what they learned before they napped; without a nap, they lose 12% of that recollection. Spencer hopes her data, the first of its kind, will help set national accreditation policies and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations.

Kids aren't the only ones affected. The occurrence of sleep disorders is notoriously high in aging populations, who are often concurrently plagued by memory loss. "Is it possible that as the brain degrades the need to process more frequently is reduced?" asks Spencer. "Are we sleeping less because we're learning less?" To find out, Spencer is making use of a five-year, $2.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study how memories are encoded in the brain before sleep and how those memories are changed by sleep and wakefulness.

This is the type of work conducted in the University's Sleep Monitoring Lab in the Institute for Applied Life Sciences. Using an MRI, Spencer and her research team study younger and older adults while learning a task, and then again while their subjects recall the information after either napping or staying awake. "We can study how memory changes when we literally see how the brain activity changes with sleep after learning and see how that changes with aging," she explains. "It could be that older adults use different parts of the brain to learn which changes how the memory can be transformed by sleep."

Understanding the effect that sleep has on the brain is critical to our ability to treat pervasive neurological conditions ranging from ADHD to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, says Spencer. "There's a connection between neurodegenerative diseases and sleep deficit. For instance, we know that occurrence of REM sleep disorder is high in patients with Parkinson's. But we don't know how much is cause and how much is effect."

Spencer's team uses an MRI to observe brain function on tasks performed with and without the benefit of sleep.

In other words, the answer is far more complicated than just getting more sleep. "So far, sleep-related treatments in Alzheimer's take a hammer approachjust get them to sleep more regardless of how," says Spencer. That's proved largely unsuccessful, which is why her research takes a targeted approach. "It's not about total sleep, it's about specific aspects of sleep that need to be improved."

To discover those aspects, Spencer's studies look first at healthy older adults. "If we find that a certain aspect of sleep function is preserved in healthy aging, we can then target that aspect to improve that function," says Spencer. "For example, slow wave sleepa form of deep sleep that occurs early in the nightis related to positive mood in healthy older adults. This would be a reason to target slow wave sleep in individuals with Alzheimer's who are exhibiting mood deficits, which is common in Alzheimer's disease," she says.

In the upcoming years of her grant, Spencer plans to apply her ideas to individuals with Alzheimer's disease in the hope of creating data-driven interventions that produce more effective results. "Are structured naps a way to process memories?" she asks. "Personal monitoring devices may play a role in creating nap interventions that help individuals deepen sleep."

"We can come up with generalities every time we get a finding, but we will always be interested in parameters that define sleep function. Sleep has a lot of potential, with a wide expanse of unanswered questions," says Spencer. "This is a project with no end, frankly," she says.

Explore further Link Between Poor Sleep and Poor Learning in Older Adults InvestigatedA baby listens for familiar patterns in an unfamiliar language, his actions are recorded so the researchers can track and measure his word recognition. Credit: Daryl Johnson/University of Tennessee.

Infants may be more sensitive to non-native speech sounds than previously thought, according to a study published in the Journal of Memory and Language. The findings shed light on the way babies begin to understand language.

The study, coauthored by Jessica Hay, an associate professor in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Department of Psychology, and Ryan Cannistraci, a Ph.D. student in experimental psychology, looks at how lexical tones can affect an infant's ability to associate words with objects.

Lexical tone is the manipulation of a word's pitch contour. Although English words do not make use of pitch contours within words to convey meaning, many languagessuch as Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and Thaido.

For example, by changing the pitch contour, the Mandarin word ma can mean either "mother," "horse," "hemp," or "to scold."

What differentiates Hay and Cannistraci's study from others in the field of infant language learning is its focus on these non-English sound structures.

"Most research on early word learning has focused on what is referred to as intonation languages, where pitch changes are used at the phrase level but not to mark changes in word meaning," Hay said. "However, over half of the world's languages use pitch contours to communicate meaning."

The researchers based their experiments on a cognitive skill called task switchingthe ability to unconsciously shift attention between different tasks. The research involved presenting 14-month-old subjects with two novel objects paired with a novel pseudoword. The babies had English as their primary household language.

Once the infant was used to the association between the object-label pairs they underwent two sets of trials. In the "same" trials, infants were presented with objects along with their correct label. In the "switch" trials, the labels were reversed. By measuring average attention for both trial types, researchers were able to gauge whether the subjects had truly learned the object-label association.It may seem intuitive that the infants would have an easier time discerning between two objects when the labels differ greatly in tone, but this is not always the case.

In fact, the researchers found that the babies were able to learn the association between an object and its label more easily when they heard a sound with a high-pitch contour, just as babies that have Chinese as a primary household language would hear.

"We think it may be the case that English-learning infants are able to learn from the rising pitch contour in our experiment because they hear rising pitch contours in their everyday life," Cannistraci said. "In English, rising pitch contours are prevalent in infant-directed speech, and are also often used to solicit attention and to mark questions."

The experiments pave the way for a more inclusive approach to understanding how language is learned.

"In order to be able to generalize what we know about how children learn languages, it is important to study all sorts of different languages," Hay said. "By incorporating non-native lexical tones into our studies, we have learned that infants are able to apply what they know about their own language when learning words in a new language. This suggests that infants are motivated to learn language and will use any potentially relevant information available to them."

Explore further Infants recognize foreign languages as a form of communication

More information: Jessica F. Hay et al, Mapping non-native pitch contours to meaning: Perceptual and experiential factors, Journal of Memory and Language (2019). Jessica F. Hay et al, Mapping non-native pitch contours to meaning: Perceptual and experiential factors,(2019). DOI: 10.1016/j.jml.2018.12.004UTHealth's Diane Santa Maria, PhD, RN, and a team of researchers assessed a tool specifically developed to screen for youth who have experienced sex trafficking. Credit: UTHealth

A screening tool designed specifically to assess for human trafficking was more likely to identify sexual and labor exploitation of youth, as well as the risk factors, than a commonly used psychosocial assessment, reported researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and Baylor College of Medicine.

Participants for the study were recruited from Covenant House Texas, the largest shelter in Houston for homeless youth and young adults. Results were recently published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

"The new assessment tool was much more effective at finding exploitation. It is important for providers working with high-risk groups to add these questions specific to trafficking," said corresponding author Diane M. Santa Maria, DrPH, RN, dean ad interim and Dorothy T. Nicholson Distinguished Professor at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth. "Identifying them allows these youth to access services that they otherwise wouldn't receive. You can't help someone you don't know about."

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Texas has the second-highest number of cases of human trafficking after California. A 2016 report by the Statewide Human Trafficking Mapping Project of Texas, estimated that 313,000 people were experiencing human trafficking, including 79,000 minors and youth experiencing sex trafficking.

"An important part of this project was to have a screening process in place at Covenant House going forward to benefit the residents," said first author Salina Mostajabian, MD, an adolescent medicine fellow in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor when the study was conducted. "Having a standard tool will maximize the likelihood of identifying victims and getting them the needed resources."

Covenant House Texas offers onsite psychiatry and psychology services provided by Baylor and employs a full-time mental health counselor and other mental health and trauma-informed care services to help meet the needs of these youth.

"This study emphasizes the need for health care providers to recognize how difficult it can be for youth who have been trafficked to open up to providers," said co-author Claire Bocchini, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor and faculty member of the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Child Health Policy and Advocacy. "Providers need to be trained on the importance of using a trafficking-specific screening tool to maximize the opportunity to identify trafficking survivors. We also have to offer the most supportive and accepting atmosphere as possible to help overcome mistrust in the health care system and optimize acceptance of resources."

Bocchini, who has helped develop curricula on human trafficking for health care providers, and Mostajabian conducted focus groups with youth who completed the screening tool. Those sessions provided insight into the barriers that youth experience in being identified as victims, as well as in accessing services that could help them find safety and treatment. Youth reported mistrust of the system, fear of involving law enforcement, not wanting to interact with the mental health system, and stigma as barriers to disclosure.

"Identifying trafficking victims is a challenging process, due to many factors including extreme trauma and mistrust. This new screening tool will allow health care and social services providers to quickly identify and provide life-changing services to homeless young adults who have been victims of labor and sex trafficking," said Leslie Bourne, executive director of Covenant House Texas.

Groups identified as most at risk for trafficking include youth involved in the foster care or juvenile justice systems, those who experienced abuse, youth who run away from home, and those who are unstably housed or homeless.

"There is a pipeline from foster care and juvenile justice to homelessness, especially in Houston," said Santa Maria, who holds the John P. McGovern Distinguished Professorship in Nursing at UTHealth.

The study, which included 121 shelter residents ages 18-21, reported that 44 percent of youth in the study had been arrested at some point, with a third of those arrested as a child; 35 percent had a history of foster care; 71 percent had been kicked out of their homes; and 45 percent had run away from home. Of those who had run away, 65 percent cited abuse as the reason. Of those abused, 71 percent reported physical abuse; 80 percent reported emotional or verbal abuse; and 14 percent reported sexual abuse.

The sex trafficking screening tool asked specific questions about trade for sex based on the data, 22 percent reported they had traded sex for food, clothing, money, shelter, favors, or other necessities for survival. Of those, 70 percent were minors (under age 18) the first time they traded sex. Commercial sexual exploitation was more likely to be identified by the new tool than the standard psychosocial assessment.

"We found that the entry into trafficking also happens through family, friends, and acquaintances. This was extremely eye-opening and needs to be explored," Santa Maria said. "These are kids who have fallen through every crack society has. When these youth are in desperate need of food and shelter, the vulnerability for trafficking is tremendous."

Sexual history details from medical reports revealed that 19 percent reported more than 10 sexual partners in their lifetime, 29 percent had a prior history of a sexually transmitted infection, 2 percent were HIV-positive, and only 64 percent reported any condom use.

"There's difficulty in untangling what's happening. Is it sexual abuse, or sexual abuse and human trafficking? We want providers to be asking the right questions," Santa Maria said.

The study also uncovered a link between homelessness and mental health issues in youth. According to the results, 53 percent had a recorded psychiatric diagnosis and more than half of those had more than one diagnosis. Half (49 percent) of the psychiatric diagnoses were for depression, over half (59 percent) had a history of psychiatric hospitalization, and more than a third (42 percent) had at least one suicide attempt. More than half of all the participants, 54 percent, had used cannabis or synthetic cannabis; and 17 percent had polysubstance abuse in the past.

Half of the participants in the study had stayed on the streets in the past month; 29 percent had been in treatment centers, shelters, or detention facilities; and 19 percent reported spending most nights in parks, tents, cars, or abandoned buildings.

"These youth are very resilient survivors," said Santa Maria, whose research has focused heavily on youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. "We want providers to identify young people and then we need a coordinated response to meet their mental health, health care, and social services needs so they can move forward."

Study co-author Elizabeth Newlin, MD, vice chair for child and adolescent psychiatry at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, and her team are treating youth who have experienced sex trafficking. She envisions a comprehensive system designed to treat youth that includes collaborative efforts among law enforcement, the juvenile court system, community-based nonprofit organizations, and the addition of a designated unit at UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center (UTHealth HCPC).

A proposal was submitted to the Texas Legislature for funding that would include a designated in-patient unit, as well as community, school, and home-based intensive outpatient services through the Trauma and Resilience Center in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School. The proposal includes research to provide a best-practices model that could be disseminated to the rest of the state. The interdisciplinary treatment team at the center includes specialists from child psychiatry, adolescent medicine, nursing, psychology, and social work. The Trauma and Resilience Center's multidisciplinary teams would work in coordination with existing specialized programs that provide case management and advocacy for child sex trafficking survivors.

"Child sex trafficking survivors have often been involved in multiple systems including CPS-affiliated group or foster homes and shelters, and juvenile justice. Often these kids feel like they do not have real options for receiving meaningful treatment. They are just trying to survive and recovery seems completely out of reach," said Newlin, associate executive director of the Trauma and Resilience Center and chief of child and adolescent services at UTHealth HCPC. "We could meet their most acute needs, get a better handle on the best next step for that child, and with a continuum available, provide a source of constancy and security as they pursue a full recovery from trauma."

Explore further Screening tool is effective for identifying child sex trafficking victims in a pediatric EDCredit: Shutterstock

Terminally ill, older adults would prefer to receive higher quality supportive care rather than aggressive end-of-life treatments to prolong their lives, a UNSW Sydney study has found.

In an article published recently in the journal Health Expectations, the authors interviewed 24 older adults in NSW who were either terminally ill or cared for a person faced with advanced or irreversible disease, to determine whether their end-of-life (EOL) care needs were being met. The researchers were then able to identify a list of common themes that patients or their caregivers expressed about their health care experience.

The seven themes were identified as follows: quality as a priority; a desire for a sense of control; living a life on hold; the need for health system support; a preference for being at home; talking about death; and dealing with competent and caring health professionals. An underpinning priority throughout the seven themes was knowing and adhering to patient's wishes.

To date, much of the research concerning consumer preferences around end-of-life care has been undertaken in the oncology setting. But according to lead author of the study, UNSW School of Public Health and Community Medicine's Ebony Lewis, the latest findings look at older terminal patients with a range of chronic conditions beyond cancer, as well as including caregivers.

Ms Lewis says the study found that older terminally ill health care consumers and caregivers have a strong community-based preference for less aggressive EOL treatments and higher quality supportive care in line with their personal values. But despite this, many older Australians are still spending their last weeks of life in hospital.

"While the government recognises the importance of providing high-quality and safe end-of-life care, and has developed guiding principles for its provision, our consultation found that 'real life' alternative options for end-of-life care outside the acute hospital may not be available,"Ms Lewis says.

"Urgent strategies are needed to support terminal care outside the acute hospital as well as tools to give health care professionals the ability to deliver more skilled end-of-life communication that incorporates the patients' personal values."

Ms Lewis says such action would address this gap in services as well as the unmet care needs of older adults and relatives caring for dying patients, which ultimately affects everyone in society.

"The general community is also affected by the traumatic experiences of their elders whose suffering and dying processes are prolonged without gains in quality end-of-life. This can leave families with great regret and can cause dissatisfaction with health services."

Ageing population

The fact that the proportion of those over 65 in the Australian population is expected to double in the next 30 years is also a pressing concern for Ms Lewis.

"Our growing ageing population will have an impact on the efficiency and workload of emergency services and hospitals. Our health system needs to start getting ready to face this challenge." Ms Lewis says.

"An increase in demand for services will end up contributing to the escalating cost of non-beneficial intensive care or surgical treatments. Doing everything that is technically available for older people dying of natural causes is not necessarily appropriate and leads to inequities of access available to the rest of the general population."

Rather than persisting with care guidelines that have evolved out of top-down delegation of health policy and practice, Ms Lewis and her co-authors call for a community-based approach for terminal care services.

This would require better communication between medical staff and patients and between patients and their families to ensure expectations are met in palliative and supportive care.

"Much work remains in the area of increasing public awareness of the need to hold the conversations with their family and GP about what people consider unacceptable and what they are prepared to go through in the event of a health crisis when they cannot speak for themselves," says Ms Lewis.

The research authors also call for the development of planning tools for medical staff enabling them to identify earlier those people who are near the end of life and whose end-of-life care needs have not been articulated.

"We're working on improving shared decision-making to facilitate advance care planning," Ms Lewis says. "We hope that using these in routine clinical care may offer a valuable strategy to reduce both unnecessary hospitalisations and low-value care."Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy could soon benefit from a new AI that is able to identify and predict the development of different combinations of symptoms  helping to alleviate much of the distress caused by their occurrence and severity.

In the first study of its kind, published by Scientific Reports, researchers from the University of Surrey and the University of California detail how they used Network Analysis (NA) to examine the structure and relationships between 38 common symptoms reported by over 1300 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Some of the most common symptoms reported by patients were nausea, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, hot flushes, numbness, and nervousness.

The team then grouped these symptoms into three key networks  occurrence, severity and distress. The NA allowed the team to identify nausea as central  impacting symptoms across all three different key networks.

According to Cancer Research UK 360,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year  with breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancers counting for over half of new cases in the UK. Around 28 per cent of patients diagnosed with cancer in England have curative or palliative chemotherapy as part of their primary cancer treatment.

Payam Barnaghi, Professor of Machine Intelligence at the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) at the University of Surrey, said: "This is the first use of Network Analysis as a method of examining the relationships between common symptoms suffered by a large group of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The detailed and intricate analysis this method provides could become crucial in planning the treatment of future patients  helping to better manage their symptoms across their healthcare journey."

Christine Miaskowski from the University of California said: "This fresh approach will allow us to develop and test novel and more targeted interventions to decrease symptom burden in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy."

Explore further AI predicts cancer patients' symptoms

More information: Nikolaos Papachristou et al. Network Analysis of the Multidimensional Symptom Experience of Oncology, Scientific Reports (2019). Journal information: Scientific Reports Nikolaos Papachristou et al. Network Analysis of the Multidimensional Symptom Experience of Oncology,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36973-1On February 19, 2019, Malacanang announced the enactment into law of the bill which establishes the option of mobile number portability for all mobile phone subscribers in the country.

Cong. Lord Allan Velasco, as one of the original authors of the measure through House Bill No. 5195, welcomed the Presidents approval of the bill. Under this new legislation, cellphone users in the country can readily and conveniently switch to a different telecom service provider and still retain their original phone numbers.

This new porting process will ensure that cellphone subscribers in the Philippines will be less vulnerable to fraudulent schemes and that the risk of identity theft among them will be reduced. Furthermore, we can expect that telecom service providers will improve their perks and privileges since cellphone users can easily and effectively switch to a different provider if they are not satisfied with their previous one, Cong. Velasco said.Here is my Bloomberg column on that topic, excerpt:

rates of change are important. The Venezuelan figure of about 40 percent [govt. spending/gdp] is up from about 28 percent in 2000, a very rapid increase. By boosting government spending so quickly, the Venezuelan government was sending a message that the key to future riches is courting government favor, not starting new businesses.

Or consider exports, which for most developing economies play an especially critical role. They bring in foreign exchange, provide contacts to foreign markets, and force parts of the economy to learn how to compete with the very best foreign companies. Yet over 90 percent of Venezuelas exports are oil, and those resources are owned and controlled by the government. For this all-important growth driver, Venezuela comes pretty close to full socialism  to its detriment.

nationalizations under Chavez were numerous  encompassing much of the oil sector plus parts of the agriculture, transport, power, steel, telecommunications and finance industries. Even though many of those nationalizations were small in scale, the threat of further encroachments on private property rights discouraged investment and sent the wrong signal about where the nation was headed.DeMaagd relocated from a forest that holds five ski areas. We have a huge recreation program here, with four ski areas to the north and the south of the office here, he said. This wasnt an unknown to me.

The new forest supervisors top priorities are twofold  to engage with employees and to engage with the community and the forests partners. Its one thing to be a government agency in an area, he said. Its another thing to be an agency tied to the area. We need the community to understand that we are there for them.

DeMaagd hopes to maintain community engagement as a key priority, and welcomes both support and concerns, especially during NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) scoping and objection periods, which happen approximately 10 times per year with open dates published in the paper. They (the public) has to be part of the process or we cant be successful, he said.

DeMaagd looks forward to getting settled in so he can take up his side hobbies again  hunting, building cars and leatherwork.

One day I was curious how to make a saddle, so I started looking at one, he said, and the next day I built one. DeMaagd gives his saddles to relatives, including his in-laws in Oregon who are ranchers, and sells them to people he knows.Central to my idea of reform is the designation of shorter campaign seasons which would include one primary day nationwide. Candidates could only collect campaign funds after the filing deadline, although they could declare their intent to run six months before and collect a (small) defined amount of money to establish Web presence, pay for assistance to manage correspondence and schedule, and to gather promises of support. Political parties could make their own rules for both the primary elections and the national convention, but no campaign media could be distributed until after Labor Day in an election year. In my mind, there should be more debates, but they should be focused upon defined topics, known in advance, and the participants should be allowed to use notes in order to prevent the use of hyperbole or mis-remembered facts occurring to the speaker during the debate.SILVER CITY  A 32-year-old man has been missing for several days after he attempted to seek help after getting stranded in a rural area with a woman and their infant, according to the Owyhee County Sheriffs Office.

Eric Rose was reported missing on Friday after he and Francesca Watson, 29, tried to get to Silver City with their 1-year-old, but they got stuck in the snow. After about four or five days, Rose attempted to walk out to get help and hasnt been seen since.

He was last seen in a snow-covered area near Cow Creek and Trout Creek roads. Watson and the child were found and taken to Jordan Valley.

Multiple deputies searched the area on foot and with snowmobiles. The Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue, using dogs, have also searched the area.

Due to extreme conditions, the Sheriffs Office is requesting that no additional residents try to help with the search. All roads to Silver City are closed to the public from Nov. 1 until the Friday before Memorial Day.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0BOISE  The Idaho Senate killed a bill Feb. 19 that would have banned the use of handheld cellphones and other devices while driving, with mixed support from Magic Valley lawmakers.

Senate Bill 1064, brought by Sen. Jim Rice of Caldwell, died on a 15-18-2 vote.

The bill would have banned the use of handheld devices  including phones, tablets and laptops  while driving, with a few exceptions including for emergencies, on-duty law enforcement, and hands-free GPS use. It would also have prohibited drivers from driving with headphones or Bluetooth devices in more than one ear at a time.

SB 1064 was the second piece of legislation to be introduced this session that would make laws on cellphone use uniform across Idaho. While Idaho already has a statewide ban on texting and driving, a handful of local governments around the state  including the cities of Ketchum and Hailey and Blaine County itself  have put in place ordinances banning all handheld cellphone use behind the wheel.

Two Magic Valley senators  Sen. Bert Brackett, a Republican from Rogerson who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, and Sen. Michelle Stennett, a Democrat from Ketchum  voted in favor of the statewide ban. Sen. Kelly Anthon, R-Burley, Sen. Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls, and Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, voted against.The public charter school builds buffer days  generally, between four and eight  into its calendar each year in case there are snow days or illnesses.

Unless theres an unforeseen issue later in the school year, school principal Jeff Klamm said Tuesday he doesnt anticipate the need to make up any days. Were still looking good for this year.

Klamm said he worries when parents send their children to school sick because the students wont be effective in learning and may pass along a virus to their classmates. At that point, I worry about student safety.

Prior to the closure last week, about 20 percent of North Valley Academys student body was absent. In the first-grade classroom, for example, eight students were out sick.

Students returned to class Tuesday after the Presidents Day weekend and the situation is much better now, Klamm said, with only a student or two in some classes out sick.

Last week, the Gooding School District was also closed for two days due to illnesses.

I just hope that people did take the time to rest and get healthy, Superintendent Spencer Larsen said Tuesday.A man and woman from Twin Falls have been sentenced to probation and fines for lying about being caregivers for a person who was actually out of the country.DURKEE, Ore.  An Oregon man helped local law enforcement detain two Idahoans accused of trespassing in a Baker County residence on Monday, according to a news release.

The Baker County Sheriffs Office said in a release that Lessie and Olive Phillips noticed an unfamiliar car parked in the driveway of their neighbors home on Vandecar Road in Durkee, Oregon. At around 9 p.m. on Monday, Lessie called the neighbors, who use the residence part time, and confirmed that the house should be empty.

Olive Phillips then took his shotgun, went to the neighbors house and ordered the trespassers to leave. He then held the individuals at gunpoint outside the home until sheriffs deputies arrived.

According to the news release, 33-year-old Deylen Scot Loos, of Meridian and 38-year-old Pearl Naomi Adair of Boise, had been at the residence for an extended period of time.

Both were arrested and charged with burglary, criminal mischief and theft.

Loos has prior convictions in Ada and Gem counties for possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. Adair was previously convicted of forgery and possession of drug paraphernalia in Ada County.

Love 2 Funny 3 Wow 2 Sad 1 Angry 2Malagon could face up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, up to 10 years and at least four years of supervised release for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (enhanced by Malagons prior marijuana manufacturing conviction), and at least 10 years and up to life in prison and up to five years of supervised release for using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to the drug trafficking crime.TWIN FALLS  Wear your fanciest black and white party clothes and your most mysterious mask.

Rotary Club of Twin Falls After Hours is holding on Friday its biggest fundraiser of the year  a masquerade ball martini tasting.

Proceeds will be used to build a fountain on the Canyon Rim Trail that can fill water bottles and that dogs can drink from, said Ines Crespo, president of Rotary After Hours. Some of the funds will go to the Rotary Club in Paradise, Calif., to help rebuild the town.

Everything made at this event goes to charity, said Sandy March, fundraiser chair of Rotary After Hours.

The first hour of the fundraiser, starting at 7 p.m., will feature martini tasting. Its the seventh year for the fundraiser and it has grown immensely; now there are eight local vendors that will compete to create the best martini. All of the drinks will align with this years theme: the Red Carpet. Participants include Jakers Bar & Grill Restaurant, Canyon Crest Dining & Event Center, Turf Club and more. Attendees will vote in different categories, such as peoples choice, fastest shaker and most creative.

This will be the first year that the shakers will be making virgin martinis, so even the designated driver can sample the drinks.SUN VALLEY  In response to popular demand, the Sun Valley Center for the Arts will bring back Chicagos legendary comedy theater company, the Second City. It will perform at 8 p.m. April 6 and at 7 p.m. April 7 at the Sun Valley Opera House, 1 Sun Valley Road.

Tickets are $60 SVCA members for premium reserved seats and $70 nonmembers. Regular reserved seats are $40 SVCA members and $50 non-members. Prices listed do not include tax or applicable ticketing fees.

To buy tickets, go to web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/1005818?mc_cid=484e91b03f&mc_eid=5dbfdf187a.

The Second City on Tour features the next generation of comic greats performing an array of sketches and songs, as well as unexpected comic brilliance with off-the-cuff improvisation. From the battle of the sexes to the battles at the voting booth, the touring company provides a hilarious and insightful look at contemporary American culture.In Dane County, for example, the District Attorneys Office has had virtually the same number of prosecutors  28  for more than 30 years. During that same time, the countys population has grown from about 300,000 people to more than 500,000. Many cases today are more complicated, with high-tech evidence. And heavy workloads and stagnant pay have contributed to lots of turnover among staff.

Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said Tuesday hes glad lawmakers recognize the problem, and he hopes some of the 61 positions Assembly Republicans want to add across the state will be assigned to fast-growing Dane County.

Ozanne said the goal isnt to lock up more people. Its to handle the most serious cases with the time and resources they deserve. More prosecutors also should improve efficiency and help retain experienced staff. He added that jail diversion programs would be enhanced by more prosecutors because properly assessing potential participants for such programs takes time and confidence to do right.This is a good collection of initiatives that also has drawn widespread support from conservation groups, though it is far from perfect. No bill this sweeping could be.

The measure would make permanent the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which previously had to be re-authorized every few years. The program, which lapsed due to congressional inaction last year, uses revenues from oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf to acquire and support public lands and outdoor recreation.

Making the fund permanent is the right move, though the bill doesnt go quite far enough because it wouldnt require the revenues actually to be spent for the intended purpose. Only half of about $40 billion raised since 1965 has been spent on conservation efforts. Congress has redirected the rest for other uses.

Thats a bad history, given the $30 billion in deferred maintenance and other needs in national parks and protected areas that advocates say have gone unaddressed. And though the measure offers a reliable revenue stream, it overlooks the point that it is in the nations  and the worlds  long-term interest to stop drilling and burning oil, so Congress may eventually have to find a fresh source of money as the wells go dry or offline.Just one in six voting-age residents in Madison cast ballots in Tuesdays primary despite citywide contests for mayor and School Board.

More localized races for City Council drove higher turnout in some wards. But overall, just 37,706 ballots were cast in a city with an estimated voting-age population of 210,926 people, or 17.8 percent.

Incumbent Paul Soglin and challenger Satya Rhodes-Conway were the top two vote-getters in the mayoral race at 29 percent and 28 percent of the vote, respectively. Advancing to the April 2 general election in races for Madison School Board were Cristiana Carusi and Kaleem Caire for Seat 3, Ali Muldrow and David Blaska for Seat 4 and Ananda Mirilli and TJ Mertz for Seat 5.

The only other Dane County races on the ballot Tuesday were primaries for one seat on the Fitchburg City Council  with Janell Rice and Ed Kinney advancing to the general election  and president in the village of Brooklyn, where 78 of an estimated 675 voting-age residents cast ballots  with Brit Springer and Kyle Smith the top vote-getters.

Turnout for spring primaries in odd-numbered years is usually low unless theres a statewide race on the ballot. In 2015, just 22,397 people voted in the spring primary for Madison mayor, which was won by Soglin and Scott Resnick.

By contrast, in the 2018 mid-term election in November, which also featured races for governor and attorney general, 67.5 percent of the voting-age population in Madison cast ballots, as did almost 70 percent in Dane County.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy."Soglin is a fixture in Madison politics," Burden said. "Soglin performed better in outlying wards, especially those on the Far West Side. These areas represent some more-established communities where voters are probably more familiar with the mayor. He struggled in the Isthmus, campus area, and Near East Side.

"Voters looking for an alternative to Soglin divided their support among three candidates," he continued. "This presents a challenge for the mayor who has a solid base of support but faces many voters who opted for someone other than the incumbent. Both Rhodes-Conway and Soglin will both be chasing the more than 40 percent of the vote that went to other candidates. If she is able to consolidate much of the non-Soglin vote, he will be in trouble in the April election. "

Cheeks, vice president of business development for MIOsoft and elected three times to the City Council, was with supporters at Hawk's Bar & Grill on State Street but could not be reached.

Shukla, executive director of the conservation organization River Alliance of Wisconsin, thanked supporters gathered at The Roman Candle Pizza on the Near West Side. He said climate change, challenges from the federal government and the need for racial equality remain and encouraged backers to stay involved.On Tuesday, many questions directed at Harp related to the boundaries of the study. It will not offer suggestions on a potential county-owned space, how much it would cost to transport inmates to the county courthouse in Downtown Madison, or how work-release inmates would be transported to work sites or have access to public transportation.

Some members of the committees asked for expansion of the studys scope to include such information. But the corporation counsel staff member present said doing so would require county staff to renegotiate the terms of the contract with the contractors.

Sup. Tim Kiefer cast the only no vote on allocating the $186,000, in part because he favors the previous option to expand the Public Safety Building, despite the cost.

I am not comfortable spending $186,000 of taxpayer money on a study of a greenfield site when we dont know where that greenfield site will be, Kiefer said.As the cost of wind and solar power continues to fall, a new organization is pushing the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature to embrace renewable energy and begin working on policies to address a rapidly changing marketplace.

Clean energy may very well now be the cheapest source of energy, Scott Coenen, executive director of the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum, told a handful of lawmakers this week at a briefing at the state Capitol.

Over the past decade, the costs of wind and solar technologies have fallen dramatically.

Even without subsidies, the total cost to build and operate utility-scale wind and solar power plants is now cheaper on average than any other type of plant, even natural gas, according to financial advisory firm Lazard. In some cases it can be less expensive than it is to run an existing coal plant.

Coenen said thats a challenging reality for some of those on the right, who have railed against government subsidies and mandates that helped get renewables off the ground.

I spent 10 years arguing against renewables, Coenen, a former legislative aide and Republican campaign manager, told lawmakers Tuesday. Those arguments have been true. ... Theyre not true anymore.Under terms of a proposed lawsuit settlement, Sauk County government would provide the Baraboo News Republic with previously withheld or redacted documents and pay $45,000 toward the newspapers attorneys fees.

Terms of the proposed agreement, which the Sauk County Board will consider following a closed session discussion Tuesday night, say that the county denies any fault for the claims brought by the newspaper in November 2017.

A judge in December sided with the newspaper in five of six disputed matters and ordered the county to turn over records. The county, through its insurance company attorneys, appealed the decision before entering settlement negotiations.

The lawsuit involved requests for documents the newspaper made in late 2016 and early 2017 involving the contentious ousting of the countys former top administrator and the process used to hire of her replacement.

The requests also involved the case of a Bear Creek man who was found deceased Oct. 26, 2016, on property the county had declared hazardous nearly two years earlier and ordered him to vacate.

Follow Tim Damos on Twitter @timdamos or contact him at 608-745-3513.A Sparta man wanted for an arson in the town of Little Falls has been arrested in Michigan.

Brian T. Zillmer, 42, was taken into custody without incident Feb. 16 at a Calhoun, Mich., residence belonging to a family member.

Police believe that Zillmer intentionally burned a residential structure located at 1050 Hwy. S in the town of Little Falls Feb. 11. According to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, Zillmer, a resident of the building, fled the home before emergency personnel were called.

Zillmer had recently been released from the Monroe County Jail and was on electronic monitoring; however, it appears that at the time of the incident he had tampered with his monitoring equipment to elude apprehension.According to the complaint, Gunderson later admitted to smoking marijuana that night  I smoke weed all the time, every day, he allegedly told police  in addition to drinking moonshine.

When asked if he threatened his roommate, Gunderson allegedly told police (I) protected my Second Amendment right and protected (my) household.

Gunderson also allegedly shoved his roommate, and police reported that the victim had sustained a visible head injury.

Upon searching the home, police said they found two other firearms, including a shotgun, and ammunition for multiple other guns. They also reported finding a threatening letter, brass knuckles, two marijuana bongs and five marijuana pipes, and 23.4 grams of THC.

Gunderson was charged Monday with a felony count of second-degree recklessly endangering safety and the following misdemeanors: battery, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of THC, pointing a firearm at another, possession of a firearm while intoxicated and disorderly conduct.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 28 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. He remained in custody as of Monday at the County Jail.An Arena man will spend 20 months in jail and an additional 12 years on probation for being a part of a conspiracy to mail a boatload of meth to his prior home.

Authorities were tipped off to the shipment by a postal inspector in July 2016, according to the criminal complaint filed against 39-year-old Jason J. Johnson.

They got a warrant to search the home, and in addition to the package  which later was found to have 2 pounds of meth  investigators found a locked safe full of drugs, cash and a drug ledger in the bedroom of Johnsons former West Baraboo home.

Johnson denied that the safe belonged to him, and his attorney said during a sentencing hearing Monday that his client was a good person who got caught up in helping numerous drug users who lived with him.

I think my client, Mr. Johnson, had a propensity of bringing what he thought of as honest people into his home to help try to rehabilitate them, attorney Timothy Gifford of Richland Center said. They were admitted drug users.LONDON (AP)  Honda's decision to close a plant in Britain comes at a time when businesses are worrying about the potential impact of the country's looming departure from the European Union.

Here's a look at companies and organizations that have announced in recent months they would shift operations out of Britain or cut jobs or business in the country.

Nissan - carmaker scrapped plan to make new SUV at plant in Sunderland, England

Panasonic - electronics maker moved European offices to Amsterdam

Dyson - home appliances maker to move headquarters to Singapore

P&O - ferry operator to register fleet under flag of Cyprus, an EU member

Sony - electronics maker to move European base to Amsterdam

Unilever - consumer goods giant wanted to leave UK headquarters but move was stopped by shareholders

Flybmi - airline goes into bankruptcy citing Brexit jitters as one reason

Jaguar Land Rover - most of 4,500 global jobs cut to be made in BritainThe Brazilian tailings dam that failed was built in 1976 using the upstream dam construction method, which is the riskiest method of dam construction. Upstream dam construction has a track record of causing dam collapses around the world, including the catastrophic Mount Polley tailings dam collapse in Canada in August 2014, the largest environmental disaster in Canadas mining history. This failed upstream dam construction method is now being proposed for Aquilas tailings dam at the Back Forty project next to the Menominee River, which eventually drains into Lake Michigan, providing drinking water to millions in the Upper Midwest.

Despite Aquilas claim that mining technology and regulation have made modern mining safer, a recent study by the Center for Science in Public Participation found that nearly half of all recorded serious tailings dam failures happened in modern times, between 1990 and 2010. These failures, according to the report, are a direct result of the increasing prevalence of tailings storage facilities with greater than a 5 million cubic meter total capacity necessitated by lower grades of ore and the higher volumes of ore production required to attain or expand a given tonnage of finished product.UPDATE: The Madison City Clerks office reported that as of 4 p.m., 13.03 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the spring primary election.

At 4 p.m. in 2011, the clerks office recorded turnout at 13 percent. Turnout at the same time in 2015 was 7.79 percent.

By close of polls, turnout in 2011 reached 22 percent and turnout in 2015 was at 12 percent.

Polls are open until 8 p.m.

As of late morning Tuesday, the Madison City Clerks office reported about 6 percent of registered voters had voted in the city's spring primary election.

Tuesdays primary ballot features races for Madison mayor, City Council and the Madison School Board. In each race, the two candidates with the most votes will move on to the general election April 2.

With all wards reporting, turnout at 11 am was 6.13 percent, according to the clerks office. This is about twice as many registered voters than at the same time in 2015, the most recent spring primary featuring a mayors election, and the same as the 2011 spring primary.A group of Republican lawmakers says a new study released Tuesday justifies their opposition to a Democratic proposal to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin.

The study, conducted by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty and the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy, determined that the expansion would shift $600 million per year in costs to people covered by private insurance.

CROWE director Noah Williams attributed the figure in part to the state's relatively low rate of uninsured residents, which the report found is the lowest of any state that did not expand Medicaid.

Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, said in a news conference the report offers evidence that "it doesn't make sense to put the taxpayers at risk" by accepting the federal funds. Kapenga was joined by three other Republican lawmakers.

"The idea that government decreasing, in any way shape or form, the cost curve in health care is now firmly laughable," said Sen. David Craig, R-Big Bend.Just the general state of chaos with everything, she said after casting her vote at Tenney Park. You know what I mean.

Just about everyone else that took the time to speak with a reporter were longtime, dedicated voters who rarely sit out elections.

While Soglin was the clear choice among the older crowd among the voters surveyed  most of them east-siders  former Ald. Satya Rhodes-Conway won the most nods among younger voters. Part of the reason may be the large crop of yard signs that dot her home turf on the east side.

But Ald. Mo Cheeks, an African American who focused his campaign on equity issues, also got some support.

I think Madison needs a different mayor, said 37-year-old barista Christine Elaine, who voted at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. I think we could use a voice thats a little less white, a little less mainstream.

There were a couple of exceptions to the generational divide. Jim Powell, whos in my 50s, said he was backing Rhodes-Conway, who is currently the director of a UW-based progressive policy group. An environmental activist and former director of the Northside Planning Council, Powell is sour on Soglin.Given the longstanding achievement gap in Madison between black and white students, which follow racial achievement gaps seen statewide year-after-year, the move by the Madison Metropolitan School District to launch a Black Excellence Plan last summer made sense to many.

The plan, which was incorporated into the districts strategic framework, included a pledge from the district to focus on creating a community coalition that would design new ways to care for and meet the social-emotional and academic needs of black students, and make our district and our community better for all.

But the achievement gap wasnt the only challenge students, staff and families had to deal with this school year in a district with nearly 13,200 non-white students, making up about 57 percent of the enrollment. Eighteen percent of students in MMSD are black.

Five times this school year, an MMSD teacher or substitute teacher has used a racial slur in front of a student. Hamilton Middle School experienced the first reported incident on Oct. 31, 2018.

At Hamilton  named after Velma Hamilton, a trailblazer in Madisons education and civil rights communities and founder of the Madison chapter of the NAACP  a white teacher intervened in a conversation between two students, responding to a black student, How would you like it if I called you a n----?

Only 6 percent of students at Hamilton, located in the Hill Farms neighborhood on Madisons west side, are black.

Though that teacher eventually resigned, the incident was not an isolated one. Since then, teachers at Jefferson Middle School and West High School, along with substitute teachers at East and West, have reportedly used racial slurs in the classroom and subsequently left their positions in the district. A similar incident was reported with a teacher at Middleton High School last month. And a teacher in the Kenosha Unified School District was caught using a racial slur on video in December.

The string of incidents has forced the district to grapple with how to have more productive conversations about race and identity, as well as how to heal after events cause trauma and harm to students and the school community. It has also shed light on a critical realization many educators have had when it comes to anti-racism efforts, especially from white educators: the work is ongoing and never stops.

A sense of urgency at Hamilton Middle School

At Hamilton, there was shock and a wave of emotions that ran through the school community in the days after the Oct. 31 incident.

There has obviously been a sense of urgency, said Tova Sacks, an academic and career planning coordinator at Hamilton. When the incident happened, it shook the school, students, families and staff.

Jordan Meiller, a sixth-grade teacher at Hamilton, and several of her colleagues founded the group Educators Working Towards Anti-Racism in the days following the incident. The groups aims include having conversations about race, particularly with white people. The group also has worked to create a network to support anti-racist teachers so they feel connected and not isolated.

For (teachers in the anti-racism group), it was an opportunity to stand up when we werent necessarily as loud about it before and realizing that together we could do a lot more, Meiller said.

Part of their work has included sharing lessons on how to have conversations with middle school students about race and identity, which can be tough topics.

You just kind of have to do it, said Adama Guede, a sixth-grade teacher at Hamilton who is part of the Black Educators Network, a group that started in 2015 to provide a safe space for black educators to talk about issues such as a lack of diversity and creating culturally responsive curriculum. Its a conversation where its difficult, but if you dont have it, things are just going to stay that way. We told our students that we know this is going to be a touchy subject, and might be controversial or difficult to talk about, but if we dont talk about it nothing is going to change.

Just under 7 percent of MMSD staff are black, according to DPI data. About 2.8 percent of teachers in MMSD are black. The Black Educators Network is a resurrected version of a previous group from the 1980s and 1990s called the African American Education Network.

Guede said lessons have focused on making everyones opinion and voice heard, and how words can impact others regardless of their intent.

They (students) really rose to the occasion. We gave them that space to talk about it and create community, said Brandon Tewault, a Hamilton teacher and member of Educators Working Towards Anti-Racism.

After the Hamilton incident, the Black Educators Network went to Superintendent Jennifer Cheatham with a list of demands to address the incident and eventually subsequent incidents.

The list includes increasing professional development around anti-racist work, supporting school communities when racist incidents happen, think through how the district critical response team handles these incidents, having the district take an active anti-racist stance, and making sure everything the district does is done through an anti-racist lens. Theyre currently waiting to meet with Cheatham and her team again to discuss progress in meeting those demands.

We initially started as a way to create a safe space for black educators, whether its teachers, staff, anyone who has contact with children, said Rachelle Stone, a fourth-grade teacher at Huegel Elementary School. We first pushed the district to make sure the curriculum was culturally relevant. It wasnt until this year that we focused on combating these incidents and white supremacy.

Stone said the demands were aimed at teachers the group feels are unqualified to teach in the district.

Our goal is to get at the root of the problem and really recognizing that there are some teachers who should not be in classrooms, that having them in our district is harming our black students when they use racial slurs and derogatory language, Stone said.

Stone said shes hopeful the district will hold itself accountable in light of these incidents.

Teachers and anyone who is interacting with kids has to have an anti-racist mindset in order to dismantle white supremacy, Stone said. Its not enough to say were are culturally competent because we did a read-along or have some posters. The district has a lot of work to do around that, whether its really changing the recruitment processes, how we deal with situations where a person is not working with black students, etc. The district has a lot to think about how it serves its black students.

Theres been an acknowledgement from district officials that these incidents have had a ripple effect on staff and families as well as students.

Ive been bolstered by the support and guidance provided by the Black Educators Network, which is a powerful organization that is demanding change, Cheatham said.

Stone said she thinks Cheatham has taken a more active role and that she hopes BEN fosters a good relationship with the district so their demands become a reality.

I definitely think change is happening in incremental steps, Stone said. Obviously, I would love for us to wake up tomorrow and have it all solved  we want to foster a relationship with the district so they take on this anti-racist work and we can hold them accountable.

EWTAR has about 30-35 members and meets every month, according to its organizers. They want to have more educators join from more schools across the district. At each meeting everyone attempts to develop a racial equity goal they can work toward personally, professionally and in the classroom.

Some of the lessons used by Hamilton teachers and others across the district included plans prepared for the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, an early February event sponsored by Madison Teachers Inc. MTI is renewing focus on its equity training since the racial slurs incidents have occurred.

Last month, teachers from across the district heard from Jesse Hagopian, a high school teacher in Seattle who is the co-editor of the book Teaching for Black Lives. The event was voluntary, and about 100 attendees heard about Hagopians activist work.

Educators hit the books on racial equity

The incidents have pushed many white teachers to educate themselves on black history, equity and racial justice in education. Teachers at Hamilton and East, among other schools, have organized book groups with reading lists including For White Folks who Teach in the Hood, White Fragility, Witnessing Whiteness, and So You Want to Talk About Race, among others.

Hamilton principal Jessica Taylor and assistant principal Nichole VonHaden said book groups are just one way school staff have been working to try and heal.

With an event like this that is so traumatizing, you have no choice but to do some pretty aggressive healing structures so that you can heal quickly and over the long-term, VonHaden said. But I also think that the event has brought everything to the surface and has galvanized people into really saying, This can never happen again, ever.

Students and staff have separately participated in restorative justice circles to talk about issues of race and identity as well. Some staff have been taking Justified Angers Black History for a New Day course on Monday evenings at Fountain of Life Church.

VonHaden explained that its been a process to get educators to discuss racism, as not everyone has had the same experiences or exposure to anti-racist work.

Everyone is on a different journey to understanding that. Some people have a very clear, up-close and deep understanding of the negative impacts of racism. Some people think racism is just being mean to people of color, VonHaden said. They dont understand the systemic pulleys and levers that work together to function in a way that racism in many ways is hidden in plain sight.

Parent organizations have taken notice and in recent years have found ways to support the anti-racist work of teachers.

I think for white parents especially, theres been an awakening over the last six years on some of these issues, said Ceri Jenkins, a PTO member at Midvale and Lincoln elementary schools. A lot of white parents dont want to talk about issues of race and culture with their kids, showing they are either afraid to or feel they dont have the tools to talk about it with their kids.

At Midvale and Lincoln, Jenkins said parent organizations have tried to organize events and other ways to support the work of teachers who are confronting racism in the classroom.

Midvale and Lincoln were paired in the early 1980s as a voluntary desegregation plan in response to an investigation by the federal Education Departments Office for Civil Rights. Under the same plan, Franklin and Randall elementary schools were also paired.

But the classroom isnt the only place where teachers are discussing how to talk about race. The incidents have also placed a sense of urgency on the districts professional development teams goals for next year, according to Sue Gorud, the director of professional learning and development at MMSD.

All MMSD employees will be required to go through a YWCA course to examine racial identity this fall. One of the upcoming professional development days was scheduled to include a module about how to talk about race and how not to talk about it. Though some professional development days were cancelled because of snow days MMSD has to make up, staff will still be able to get the training once its finalized.

These have been directly in response to the issues weve seen with the hate language being used, Gorud said. We know that we have to be very specific on what our stance is, and the kind of unsafe climate that these incidents create for our students and families.

Gorud acknowledged that more work will need to be done beyond just one training day, but that a continued focus on this work will slowly bring significant changes.

This is adaptive work. When you think about the history of our country, 400 years of oppression, its not something that we are going to magically provide a day of professional learning and its all going to change, Gorud said. Our hope is that our ongoing professional learning and adherence to what we state as our values will, in time, bring changes.

Whether these changes will yield significant results remains to be seen. MMSD is already perhaps one of the most progressive districts in the state in terms of its focus on promoting anti-racism in its policies.

But the challenge is exacerbated by the fact that racism exists beyond school communities and in society in general.

The recent incidents involving racial slurs has shown that despite the work we have done, there is still much left to work on, said one local elementary educator who asked not to be named. This is true in schools as it is everywhere in our society, as we all have racial biases and systems that perpetuate racism.

This is not just about individuals, or the schools. It is about our community, our systems and structures, our laws, and our internal biases as white citizens. To blame the schools is simplistic and reinforces our racist systems as others outside the school setting can feel that they are not part of the problem.

The challenge of moving from conversations to more substantive actions is also a frustration for some.

I feel like were able to have conversations, and a lot of people talk about it, but a lot of times thats the extent to which anything happens, said Leila Fletcher, a junior at West High School. Theres no action after the talking.

Cris Cruz, whos also a junior at West and a member of the schools Black Student Union, agreed with his classmate.

We talk about (race). (Teachers) do, but thats the end of it, Cruz said. It sucks that were not really addressing it. But on the other side, how do you really address these incidents? Because it ends up dealing with teachers values.

Cheatham said MMSDs current efforts are different from previous ones in that the districts anti-racist stance is more clear.

This is the first time weve named a commitment to anti-racism as an institution, Cheatham said.

How MMSD responds when an incident occurs

The nature of these racial slur incidents has affected how district administrators respond.

One of the things weve uncovered throughout this process, specifically with these issues with racial slurs, is the level of social media that has been utilized, said Deirdre Hargrove-Krieghoff, MMSDs human resources director. For people who are experiencing these issues, they are very open and quick to post on social media, which is something that we have had to adapt and adjust to, of really communicating and being as transparent as we can be.

Human resources issues that deal with personnel are treated confidentially, according to Hargrove-Krieghoff, which is why many of the notices to parents sent by the district havent named teachers or described the specific context of each incident.

Hargrove-Krieghoff said there are a variety of human resources issues that get sent over to the districts critical response team that usually dont require as public of a response. In the racial slur incidents, district officials have realized how quickly information spreads and the harm that it may cause to those affected, leading to a more open response.

We grappled with this (how to be more transparent) for some time. The place where we landed  its really talking specifically about incidents, Hargrove-Krieghoff said. Where incidents happened, being explicit about a racial slur.

Cheathams chief of staff, Ricardo Jara, explained that when a racial slur incident gets reported to the district, a critical response team made up of about seven administrators meets to assess the severity of the situation. They then enter a fact-finding phase where the principal of a school and usually a human resources official interviews anyone involved, including any witnesses if necessary, in addition to gathering documentation. There are various levels of misconduct that guide the recommendation process on what happens to a staff member.

Staff accused of using a racial slur are usually put on administrative leave while an investigation takes place. When cases of a staff member using a racial slur are found to be true, employment with the district is ended, according to an email Cheatham sent to staff earlier this month.

The district has also dispatched its restorative practice teams to schools where incidents have happened, using a circle-process that gives students, staff and parents a chance to make sense of the incident and heal.

The circle process for sense-making and healing has been really powerful for us, and something we will continue to do, Cheatham said.

Members of the restorative practices team said their work must be part of the districts overall racial justice work.

Ive definitely learned that restorative justice work and racial justice work is inextricably linked, said Lonna Stoltzfus, a social worker who is part of the restorative practices team.

Ultimately, the district wants its restorative practices work to be proactive so theyre not just responding to incidents, according to Jay Affeldt, the districts director of physical, behavioral and mental health.

Restorative justice is not just something you would do when something goes wrong, and its not just having a conversation, Affeldt said. Its about ultimately creating a true sense of community and finding a way to create that sense of belonging for everyone.

Angie Hicks, the principal of Wright Middle School, said its important for her school to use restorative practices to be more proactive and build a sense of community in her school even though a racial slur incident hasnt been reported there this year.

Where do schools go from here?

With professional development lined up, book groups and lesson plans made, theres a sense of optimism among teachers that school communities can heal from these incidents.

But its clear the incidents have shined a light on an issue that Cheatham said has probably been happening for a long time.

This experience has reminded me that leading for black excellence requires that we both lift up our students, celebrate and support them  and stay committed to their truth and reality, Cheatham said to staff last week at a quarterly conference of school leadership teams. If we are going to be an anti-racist institution, we have to face the reality that racism exists in and around us. And its our job to stop perpetuating it. I know it has made me more resolute than ever as an anti-racist educator  in the big and small moments, at work and at home, internal and institutional.

Cheatham noted in an interview that shes glad students are willing to report the incidents that have happened.

Wed like to think we have some students in particular who are stepping up and telling us what they are experiencing, and the fact that we have students willing to report that helps us to be able to address them more directly, Cheatham said. The more that we can show them that were not going to dismiss the reporting of any experience of racism in our schools or classrooms, I hope will over time build more trust and actually help us live the core values we put on paper.

Its a process that will extend beyond one school day or one school year.

Combating racism will continue to be our lifetime work, and it is our obligation to continue to do the inside work necessary to stop the perpetuation as well as the institutional work, Cheatham said.

The administrators at Hamilton agree that the process is far from over.

This is just the beginning, Taylor said. Were going to continue our work, continue to define black excellence  were going to lead and do whatever we can to support our students, particularly students of color.

Members of the districts restorative justice team agree.

This work is always ongoing. Its hard and a deep and slow process  sometimes people want to say, Its done, lets check it off a list, but its much deeper than that, said Cynthia Moore, a member of the restorative justice team.Chinas economy czar is heading to Washington for talks this week aimed at ending a fight over Beijings technology ambitions ahead of a deadline for a massive U.S. tariff hike.

The announcement yesterday via the official Xinhua News Agency follows talks last week in Beijing that U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said made headway on key issues. Xinhua said Vice Premier Liu He will hold talks with Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Business groups and economists saw Fridays surprise announcement of further talks this week as a sign they were making progress.

Both governments have expressed optimism but they have given no details of their talks. Economists say the time available for negotiations is too brief to resolve an array of irritants in U.S.-Chinese relations. They say Beijings goal is to persuade President Donald Trump they are making enough progress to push back threatened U.S. penalties.

Beijing hopes for a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement that is acceptable to both sides, said a foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang.

Without an agreement, a 10 percent tariff increase imposed in July on USD200 billion of Chinese goods is due to rise to 25 percent on March 2.

Last Friday, Lighthizer told the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, the two sides made headway on very, very important and difficult issues.

Trump imposed the penalties over complaints Beijing steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over technology. The talks also include complaints about Beijings plans for government-led technology development, cyberspying and Chinas trade surplus.

Beijing retaliated with higher duties on U.S. goods and told its importers to find other suppliers. That led to a 40 percent drop in Chinese imports of American goods in January.

Washington, Europe, Japan and other trading partners complain plans such as Made in China 2025, which calls for government -led creation of global competitors in robotics and other technologies, violate Beijings market-opening obligations.

Chinas leaders have offered to narrow its multibillion-dollar trade surplus with the United States by purchasing more natural gas, soybeans and other exports. But they are resisting pressure to scale back industry plans they see as a path to prosperity and global influence.

Other stumbling blocks include Chinese resistance to U.S. pressure to accept an enforcement mechanism with penalties to ensure Beijing carries out whatever commitments it makes.

Trump said last week he might be willing to push back the March 2 date if the talks go well but Washington has yet to say whether the negotiations are making enough progress. Joe McDonald, Beijing, AP

Beijing abandons cybersecurity truce with US, report says

China largely abandoned a hacking truce negotiated by Barack Obama as President Donald Trump embarked on a trade war with Beijing last year, according to the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike Inc.

A slowdown in Chinese hacking following the cybersecurity agreement Obamas administration secured in 2015 appears to have been reversed, the firm said in a report released yesterday that reviewed cyber activity by U.S. adversaries in 2018.

By 2017 they started coming back and throughout 2018 they were back in full force, said Adam Meyers, vice president of intelligence at Crowdstrike. They have been very active and we expect to see that continue.

The report comes as the Trump administration seeks to reach a trade deal with China, including provisions on intellectual property theft, ahead of a March 1 deadline. Trump has said he may extend that deadline and hold off on increasing tariffs on Chinese imports if theres progress in the talks.

Chinas hacking targets in 2018 included telecommunications systems in the U.S. and Asia, according to Crowdstrike. Groups linked to Iran and Russia also appeared to target telecommunications, a sector that yields the most bang for your buck for hackers due to the large number of users that can be accessed after breaching a single network, Meyers said.

The findings align with concern in the U.S. about telecommunications security as the country transitions to the next generation of mobile networks and the Trump administration seeks to secure so-called 5G technology from foreign intelligence gathering. The administration has expressed particular concern about the spread of products made by the Chinese firm Huawei Technologies Co.

Crowdstrike said that Iran focused much of its cyber activity on Middle Eastern and North African countries while Russia engaged in intelligence collection and information operations worldwide. North Korea deployed hackers for financial gain and intelligence collection, while China targeted sectors including technology, manufacturing and hospitality, Meyers said. APThe first American to orbit the Earth has landed safely in the Atlantic Ocean.

Marine Lieutenant John Glenn, 40, travelled about 81,000 miles (more than 130,000km) as he circled the globe three times at more than 17,000 mph (27,000kph).

Lieutenant Glenn controlled nearly two of the orbits himself after reporting minor difficulties with the automatic altitude control system as he completed the third circuit  the maximum anticipated.

Messages from the astronaut were transmitted by radio stations across the United States and United Kingdom and his progress was monitored by 18 ground stations around the world.

As he re-entered the atmosphere after his four-hour and 56-minute journey Lieutenant Glenn said: Boy, that was a real fireball.

His spacecraft, Friendship Seven, landed at 2040 GMT 240 miles north-west of Puerto Rico, where it was picked up by the US destroyer Noa.

Altogether, 24 American ships were ready to pick up the astronaut and his craft from various locations across the globe.

The capsule was launched from the flaming Atlas rocket at 1447 GMT from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

President Kennedy followed the mission on television and telephoned the astronaut afterwards.

We are really proud of you. You did a wonderful job, he said.

The Queen and British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, also cabled their congratulations.

Technical problems had delayed the mission 10 times  a total of 61 days.

The US has spent over 142m on the man-in-space programme so far and Nasa has planned another three manned orbital flights this year.

The US Earth orbit took place 10 months and 10 days after Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space, making one circulation of the globe.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

John Glenn became an overnight celebrity. He was promoted to the rank of colonel in 1964.

He went into politics and was a democrat senator for Ohio  his home state  for 24 years.

He campaigned on space and defence issues in particular.

It was his interest in space medicine that led him to persuade Nasa to send him into space at the age of 77 in November 1998.

He completed the nine-day mission on the space shuttle with another six astronauts to become the oldest man in space.

Over 250,000 people  including President Clinton  gathered at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida to watch the launch.

Exactly on this day, in 1986, the Soviets launched space MIR station.A spokesman for a U.S.- backed Syrian force fighting the Islamic State said yesterday a military operation aimed at ousting the extremists from their last remaining area in eastern Syria will commence after separating or evacuating civilians holed up with them.

Mustafa Bali said if the remaining militants estimated to be around 300 surrendered, there would be no need for a fight.

The comments came as a Kurdish official and a Syria war monitor said that dozens of trucks arrived at the outskirts of the tiny enclave held by IS to bring out civilians remaining inside, believed to be in the hundreds.

We are working on either separating the civilians or evacuating them and raiding the place, Bali said.

Adnan Afrin, a commander with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, said a number of civilians and some fighters have turned themselves in and that the trucks went to the corridor to get them. He reported some clashes on the other side of the enclave between IS militants who dont want to surrender and SDF fighters.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, also reported that some 50 trucks belonging to the U.S.-led coalition fighting IS arrived at the outskirts of the area.

A U.N. official said yesterday she is concerned about the condition of the some 200 families trapped in the last remaining area held by IS. In a statement issued in Geneva, Michel Bachelet, the U.N.s human rights chief, said the extremists are actively preventing civilians, including women and children, from leaving the area near the border with Iraq.

The International Rescue Committee said Monday that more than 60 people have died in recent weeks after making their way out of the tiny area controlled by IS, most of them from exhaustion and malnutrition. They either died along the way or soon after arriving at a massive camp in northern Syria that is hosting those fleeing and evacuating the area in eastern Deir el-Zour province.

In Idlib, government forces shelled a bakery killing at least four people, including children, in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, the Observatory said. The oppositions Syrian Civil Defense said the shelling killed five people including two children and also wounded five others. It said the bakery is out of service. APMalaysia is making progress in talks with China to revive a high-speed rail project that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamads government said it would cancel, according to Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.

China is willing to reduce the USD20 billion price tag for the East Coast Rail Link project and talks are in the last mile, Saifuddin said in an interview Tuesday at his office near Kuala Lumpur. Discussions have been led by Daim Zainuddin, an adviser to Mahathir, with the aim of reaching a smaller project size and cost, he said.

It is not canceled until and unless we cant settle on the numbers, Saifuddin said. China understands our constraint and theyre willing to scale down the size of the project and the cost. The discussion is probably in the last mile.

Since returning to power last May, Mahathir has tested Malaysias relations with China. Besides the railway, he has also canceled a gas pipeline project backed by China, criticized foreign ownership in a housing development marketed to Chinese investors, and warned against a new version of colonialism on a trip to Beijing.

Chinas state-run Global Times newspaper last year blasted Mahathirs piercing remarks, saying they will definitely make Chinese investors worry about Malaysian public opinion and whether such an atmosphere will affect investment in the country.

There are recent signs that Malaysia wants to ease tensions with China.

Mahathir struck a conciliatory tone last month and said the government canceled the rail project only due to cost, leading to renewed talks. And members of his cabinet have declined to confirm or deny a Wall Street Journal report that said senior Chinese leaders offered Mahathirs predecessor help bailing out troubled state fund 1MDB in exchange for stakes in projects. Anisah Shukry, Anuradha Raghu, BloombergIn a rice field in northern Vietnam, 14 headstones are an enduring symbol of the wartime friendship of Vietnam and North Korea. They mark the original burial ground of North Korean pilots who died while secretly fighting alongside Vietnamese comrades against U.S. Air Force and Navy planes during the Vietnam War.

The role of North Korea is a footnote in the sweeping history of that conflict, one that speaks mostly of the fraternal relations of two nations that separately fought bruising armed conflicts against the United States in the context of the Cold War. Decades later, the communist nations friendship is apparent as Vietnam gets ready to host the second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un next week.

When they died, Vietnamese people treated them the same as Vietnamese martyrs who sacrificed for the country, Duong Van Dau, the caretaker of the memorial, said last week. On the high ground where the fallen pilots were interred, their tombs all face northeast, toward their homeland.

South Koreas role in the war is much better known. From 1964 to 1973, Seoul deployed more than 300,000 military personnel to help the U.S. effort in South Vietnam against the communists.

By contrast, the North Korean air force contingent deployed near Hanoi in what was then called North Vietnam  the communist half of the war-torn Southeast Asian nation  had 200-400 personnel, including about 90 pilots over more than two years, according to postwar Vietnamese accounts.

In September 1966, according to Vietnamese historical documents obtained and translated by CIA analyst turned scholar Merle Pribbenow, Hanoi accepted an offer by Pyongyang to send three companies of pilots who would form a regiment equipped with 30 aircraft in total. They were to wear North Vietnamese uniforms and Vietnam would provide the aircraft, facilities and equipment.

It was timely assistance. Vietnams fleet of aging Russian-made MiG-17 fighters was taking heavy losses defending against the U.S. bombing campaign against North Vietnam, Operation Rolling Thunder. China and Russia provided material assistance, but the number of trained Vietnamese pilots was shrinking by attrition.

The first North Korean contingent, also destined to fly Mig-17s, were sent before the end of 1966 to Kep air base in Bac Giang province, 70 kilometers (40 miles) northeast of Hanoi, to aid in training and to carry out combat missions.

The agreement was signed by the two governments, but we didnt know anything about it. I did know that North Korea wanted to send pilots to Vietnam so that they could practice and gain experience with the aim of building its air force, Vu Ngoc Dinh, one of the Vietnamese pilots who served alongside the Koreans, recalled in an interview with Istvan Toperczer, a Hungarian air force officer turned historian.

The pilots were their best ones whose parents or relatives were working for the Politburo of the North Korean Central Party Committee, Dinh is quoted saying in Toperczers book MiG Aces of the Vietnam War.

They sent their pilots and commanders to Vietnam and we provided the hardware they required during their service, Dinh said. They kept everything secret, so we didnt know their loss ratio, but the North Korean pilots claimed 26 American aircraft destroyed.

Although they fought very bravely in the aerial battles, they were generally too slow and too mechanical in their reactions when engaged, which is why so many of them were shot down by the Americans, Dinh said. They never followed flight instructions and regulations either.

Dau, the cemetery caretaker, is also a war veteran. He joined the army and marched south in 1966 to fight for the communist side in South Vietnam. He was discharged three years later after getting shot in the knee in fighting just outside of Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City.

For the North Korean pilots who fought to protect our country and died for our country, I salute them. Being a soldier myself, I have great compassion for them. I see them as my comrades, regardless of the nationality, Dau said.

In 2002, the remains of the pilots were repatriated from Vietnam to North Korea in a ceremony held by the military of both countries. But the headstones remain, lined up in two rows behind a memorial marker with an inscription in Vietnamese: Here used to lie 14 North Korean comrades.

Since the repatriation, the number of visitors to the site has declined. But Dau said he would continue to care for the gated memorial to the fallen pilots.

Only in 2000-2001 was the participation of the North Korean pilots officially acknowledged by Hanoi and Pyongyang. Since then, there has been a trickle of additional details about North Koreas involvement in the Vietnam War, teased out mostly from Vietnamese memoirs and state press accounts and Eastern European diplomatic archives.

What has also emerged is a revisionist view of North Koreas assistance, which suggests Pyongyang would have been happy to see Hanoi fight to the last Vietnamese.

Sinking deeper and deeper into the quagmire of the Vietnam War, the U.S. government did not want to open a new front in Korea if it could help it, wrote Balazs Szalontai, a Hungarian historian of North Korea. He alleges that North Koreas then-leader, Kim Il Sung, had much to gain from keeping America bogged down in Vietnam and for that reason went out of it way to sustain North Vietnams struggle.

Conversely, the very fact that North Koreas assistance to Hanoi was strongly motivated by self-interest also implied that Pyongyang would not take kindly to any steps that could potentially enable the U.S. to get off the Indochinese hook and refocus its attention on the Korean peninsula, he noted in an essay on nknews.org, a website with news and analysis about North Korea.

When Washington and Hanoi began peace talks in Paris in 1968, North Korean aid began to tail off sharply, and Pyongyang greeted the 1973 Paris Peace Accords coldly, Szalontai noted. Hau Dinh & Grant Peck, Bac Giang, APPakistans Prime Minister Imran Khan offered yesterday to hold talks with India, even as he warned New Delhi to refrain from launching any attacks on his country following last weeks suicide bombing in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Khan said he hoped better sense would prevail after the attack that killed at least 40 Indian troops.

However, should there be an attack from India, Pakistan will not merely think of retaliation, but rather, we will retaliate, Khan said in a televised speech.

New Delhi has blamed Islamabad and threatened a jaw-breaking response for last weeks bombing in which a militant rammed an explosive-laden van into a paramilitary bus in Kashmir. It was the worst attack against Indian government forces in Kashmirs history.

Tensions between Pakistan and India soared following the attack. Islamabad condemned it while also cautioning India against linking Pakistan to the bombing without an investigation. On Monday, four Indian soldiers, three suspected militants, a police official and a civilian were killed as Indian soldiers searched for militants.

I have an offer for the Indian government, if you have any actionable evidence, share it with us and we will take action, Khan said. We are ready to cooperate with India in the investigations.

I hope better sense will prevail, Khan added.

His remarks were in response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis announcement that his government forces have been given total freedom to deal with the militants in Kashmir.

India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir, but both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety. They have fought two of their three wars over it.

Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding Indian-controlled Kashmir be united either under Pakistani rule or established as an independent country.

Earlier yesterday, Pakistans foreign ministry said it recalled its ambassador from India and appealed for U.N. help to de-escalate and defuse tensions with New Delhi after the Kashmir attack.

According to the statement, Pakistans Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi sent a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres alleging that for domestic political reasons, India has deliberately ratcheted up its hostile rhetoric against Pakistan and created a tense environment.

Also, Pakistani Ambassador Suhail Mahmood was asked to return home from India, after New Delhi recalled its own envoy from Islamabad.

It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India, Qureshi said in his letter.

There were expectations that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who concluded a two-day visit to Pakistan on Monday and travelled on to India, could encourage the two South Asian neighbors to try to resolve their issues through talks.

Indias Ministry of External Affairs said it had no comment on Pakistans letter to the U.N. APJapanese carmaker Honda plans to close its car factory in western England in 2021, a fresh blow to the British economy as businesses struggle with the uncertainty associated with leaving the European Union next month.

The company announced the decision, which will imperil 3,500 jobs and possibly many more, at a news conference in Tokyo.

Hondas president and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, said the decision was not related to Brexit, but was based on what made most sense for its global competitiveness in light of the need to accelerate its production of electric vehicles.

Still, experts say the uncertainty surrounding Brexit will likely have been a contributing factor in a decision like Hondas. There is still no clarity on what leaving the EU will mean. In a worst case it could lead to heavy tariffs and border checks, raising costs and slowing deliveries.

That comes at a time when the industry is already in serious flux, with manufacturers shifting to cleaner cars, coping with more tariffs and a slowing global economy.

We still dont know what sort of changes Brexit will bring at this point, said Hachigo. We have to wait until we have a better idea about the situation.

Hachigo said the company would begin discussions with affected workers at the factory in Swindon right away.

I very much regret this, he said, adding that this was the best choice under the circumstances.

Honda Motor Co. makes its popular Civic model at the factory, 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of London, with an output of 150,000 cars per year. Its restructuring is aimed at adjusting its operations to reflect stronger demand in Asia and North America, Hachigo said.

The next model of Civic to be sold in Britain will be exported from Japan, the company said.

Honda is also adjusting its operations in Turkey, where it makes 38,000 Civic sedans a year. It said it would continue operating there, however, and hold a constructive dialogue with local stakeholders.

British businesses are issuing increasingly urgent warnings about the damage being done by the lack of clarity surrounding Britains divorce from the EU. The U.K. has yet to seal a deal laying out the divorce terms and establishing what trade rules will apply after Brexit.

In presenting the restructuring plan, Hachigo stressed that Honda was striving to adjust to a fast changing global industry. Technology is driving the change.

We are facing increasingly severe competition from Chinese and Indian manufacturers, he said. We have to move more quickly.

Japan and the EU have also struck a free trade deal, which makes a manufacturing presence in the EU less important. The U.K.s decision to leave the bloc could create further uncertainty for Japanese companies in Britain.

Christian Stadler, a professor at Warwick Business School in England, said the loss of free entry into the European market from Britain undoes one of its top advantages as a manufacturing base.

Many businesses fear economic chaos if there isnt an agreement on the rules and conditions that will replace the 45 years of frictionless trade that came with being an EU member. The uncertainty has already led many firms to shift some operations abroad, stockpile goods or defer investment decisions.

Earlier this month, Japans Nissan announced that it would not build a new SUV at its plant in Sunderland, England, as previously planned.

Car manufacturers have repeatedly warned the government about the threat Brexit poses to British industry, Stadler said, noting that Jaguar Land Rover had also scaled back its operations.

Honda faces the same challenges as fellow Japanese car maker Nissan. The global economy is slowing down, which has hit key markets such as the U.S. and China.

L. Alan Winters, director of the U.K. Trade Policy Observatory at the University of Sussex, said that the backdrop of Brexit means that the U.K. is less able to respond to challenges in the industry.

Honda, like all other car manufacturers, has a major problem to solve and having a chaotic government that does not seem to care about industry makes it less inclined to try to solve them here, he said, adding that it will be difficult for Britain to face the shock. With Brexit sucking life out of the U.K. economy, it will be much more difficult to find new activities and jobs to compensate for the losses at Honda and elsewhere.

The planned closure will hit Swindon hard. Beyond the jobs at the plant, the jobs of those who supply the plan will also be at risk, as the auto industry has proved to be a bellwether of the economy.

Local lawmakers described the news as devastating and unions pledged to fight for the jobs.

TUC general secretary Frances OGrady put the blame squarely at Prime Minister Theresa Mays door, saying her refusal to rule out a Brexit without a deal has put thousands of jobs in jeopardy.

Workers at Honda must not pay the price for the prime minister playing to the hardliners in her party and we urge Honda to sit down urgently with Unite to discuss a way forward for the plant, OGrady said. Kaori Hitomi, Tokyo,APThe government is planning to review the training of judges and prosecutors in the Macau SAR, finding support from the Macau Lawyers Association (AAM), which has called for a mechanism to confirm the quality of a magistrate.

Under the government proposal, the initial training of magistrates will be extended from two years to three. It also recommends extensive testing to be conducted during the course, though it is undecided whether the examinations will be held in the second or final year.

According to a report by Radio Macau, the AAM is in favor of testing in the second year as it would reduce the propensity for trainee failure and allow corrections if inadequacies are detected.

Another area of concern relates to a deficiency in the recent amendment to the Basic law of the Judicial Organization, whereby it was unable to resolve the accumulation of functions by a judge in more than one court.

The government also proposes to establish a provisional nomination phase for magistrates who have held a very good performance rating or equivalent for at least the last two years.

Lawyer Frederico Rato told the Times that while the current model has been working for some time, an evaluation of the system is a must.

The judicial system can and must better [accommodate] the nowadays conditions, said Rato. This is the task and duty of an attentive government.

This is my understanding of the initiative, and certainly everybody agrees that better and continuous training [] can correspond to a better capacity to respond to some of the more difficult cases, more complexity of the legal system, more speed and capacity of the judiciary and a desirable specialization of the judgment.

The review comes after a series of high-profile cases in which the Public Prosecutions Office has faced setbacks or committed blunders.

In the 2016 Ho Chio Meng trial, public prosecutors levied more than 1,500 charges against the citys former top official  as opposed to counts of a crime  an irregularity that drew the attention of international media.

Then in the case of the Lisboa prostitution ring, prosecutors were unable to convince judicial authorities to convict Alan Ho, the nephew of Macau gaming tycoon Stanley Ho, with anything more than a 13-month sentence that he had already served in preventive custody.

Other cases highlighted a lack of coordination between prosecutors and police authorities, for example the contradictory statements given by police witnesses during the controversial case involving Sulu Sou and Scott Chiang.

One lawyer, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of his comments, told the Times that police authorities have informed him of their frustration with the actions and decisions of the Public Prosecutions Office.

But lawyer Rato disagrees, stating that the review of the Statue of Magistrates and the legal framework of the judiciary training has little to do with a particular case or a set of specific cases, but a general concern with the betterment of Macau justice.

*With Lynzy VallesThe Chinese database Victor Gevers found online was not just a collection of old personal details.

It was a compilation of real-time data on more than 2.5 million people in western China, updated constantly with GPS coordinates of their precise whereabouts. Alongside their names, birthdates and places of employment, there were notes on the places that they had most recently visited  mosque, hotel, restaurant.

The discovery by Gevers, a Dutch cybersecurity researcher who revealed it on Twitter last week, has given a rare glimpse into Chinas extensive surveillance of Xinjiang, a remote region home to an ethnic minority population that is largely Muslim. The area has been blanketed with police checkpoints and security cameras that apparently are doing more than just recording what happens.

The database Gevers found appears to have been recording peoples movements tracked by facial recognition technology, he said, logging more than 6.7 million coordinates in a span of 24 hours.

It illustrates how far China has taken facial recognition  in ways that would raise alarm about privacy concerns in many other countries  and serves as a reminder of how easily technology companies can leave supposedly private records exposed to global snoopers.

Gevers found that SenseNets, a Chinese facial recognition company, had left the database unprotected for months, exposing peoples addresses, government ID numbers and more. After Gevers informed SenseNets of the leak, he said, the database became inaccessible.

This system was open to the entire world, and anyone had full access to the data, said Gevers, noting that a system designed to maintain control over individuals could have been corrupted by a 12-year-old.

He said it included the coordinates of places where the individuals had recently been spotted by trackers  likely to be surveillance cameras. The stream indicated that the data is constantly being updated with information on peoples whereabouts, he said in an interview over a messaging app.

Gevers posted a graph online showing that 54.9 percent of the individuals in the database were identified as Han Chinese, the countrys ethnic majority, while 28.3 percent were Uighur and 8.3 percent were Kazakh, both Muslim ethnic minority groups.

A person who answered the phone at SenseNets declined a request for comment. The Xinjiang regional government did not respond to faxed questions.

Xinjiang, which borders central Asia in Chinas far west, has been subject to severe security measures in recent years as part of what the government says has been a successful program to quash extremist and separatist movements.

The U.S. and other countries have condemned the crackdown, in which an estimated 1 million Uighurs, Kazakhs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in internment camps that the government says are vocational training centers designed to rid the region of latent extremism.

Gulzia, an ethnic Kazakh woman who didnt want her last name used out of fear of retribution, said that cameras were being installed everywhere, even in cemeteries, in late 2017. Now living across the border in Kazakhstan, she told The Associated Press by phone yesterday [Macau time] that she had been confined to house arrest in China and taken to a police station, where they photographed her face and eyes and collected samples of her voice and fingerprints.

This can be used instead of your ID card to identify you in the future, she said they told her. Even if you get into an accident abroad, well recognize you.

The security clampdown is far heavier in Xinjiang than in most parts of China, though outside analysts and human rights activists have expressed concern that Xinjiang may be a testing ground for techniques that may be creeping into other parts of the country.

Joseph Atick, a pioneer in facial recognition technology, said that facial recognition products can use algorithms to recognize and track people in a crowd, but that privacy regulations in Europe, for example, make it much harder to launch a wide-scale application such as that of SenseNet.

The technology around the world is becoming uniform and it is just the political climate that is different and leads to different applications, he said.

According to a company registry, SenseNets was founded in the southern China city of Shenzhen in 2015 and is majority-owned by Beijing-based NetPosa, a technology company specializing in video surveillance. SenseNets website showcases partnerships with police forces in Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces and the city of Shanghai.

A promotional video boasts about SenseNets capacity to use facial and body recognition to track individuals precise movements and identify them even in a crowded or chaotic setting. Another video on its website shows surveillance cameras zeroing in on the path of a runaway prisoner who ends up in an ailing relatives hospital room.

NetPosas website says it has offices in Boston and Santa Clara, California. The website of NetPosas U.S. subsidiary touts its products use in urban anti-terrorism.

In recent years, NetPosa has been buying stakes in American surveillance startups such as Knightscope, a security robot maker. In 2017, NetPosa tried to buy the now-bankrupt California surveillance camera maker Arecont, but later backed out, court records show.

In 2010 U.S. chip maker Intel announced a strategic partnership with NetPosa and an Intel subsidiary bought a stake in the company, but NetPosa said in 2015 that Intel had notified the Chinese company of its intent to divest its 4.4 percent stake by 2016.

Gevers said his discovery of the database presented an ethical dilemma. He is the co-founder of GDI Foundation, a Netherlands-based nonprofit that finds and informs entities of online security issues. He has become well-known in recent years for helping to uncover similarly exposed information on databases built with the open source MongoDB database program and left unsecured by their administrators. Yanan Wang & Dake Kang, Beijing, APChinas auto sales fell for an eighth month in January, extending a painful decline for the biggest global market as demand cooled amid a slowing economy and tariffs standoff with the U.S.

Purchases of sedans, SUVs and minivans fell 15 percent from a year earlier to just over 2 million vehicles, according to an industry group, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Cooling growth and trade tensions with Washington are prompting jittery buyers to put off purchases.

The slump is a setback for global automakers that are looking to China to drive revenue and are spending heavily to meet Chinese government targets to develop electric vehicles.

2018 passenger vehicle sales suffered their first decline in nearly three decades. Purchases fell 4.1 percent from the previous year to 23.7 million.

The downturn has prompted suggestions Beijing will cut sales taxes or offer other incentives.

Januarys total vehicle sales, including trucks and buses, declined 15.8 percent to 2.4 million, according to CAAM.

Sales by Chinese brands fell 22 percent to 832,000. Their market share contracted by 2.4 percentage points to 41.2 percent.

Purchases of electric and hybrid vehicles, which Beijing is promoting with subsidies, rose 138 percent over a year earlier to 96,000 units.

Sales of SUVs, usually a bright spot for the industry, contracted 19 percent to 878,900.

Volkswagen AG said sales fell 2.9 percent to 387,300.

BMW AG said sales of BMW and MINI brand vehicles rose 15.5 percent to 63,135.

Nissan Motor Co. said sales were off 0.8 percent at 133,934. APThe Iranian foreign ministers passionate defense of his countrys interests at the Munich Security Conference has made him a famous person in China, his Chinese counterpart told him yesterday, as the sides met amid efforts to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is leading an Iranian delegation to Beijing that includes parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani and the ministers of finance and petroleum, as well as the CEO of the countrys central bank.

Germany, Britain, France, China, Russia and the European Union have been trying to preserve the 2015 deal meant to keep Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief after the unilateral withdrawal of the United States last year.

Yesterday evening I saw on TV how you defended the rights of Iran loud and clear at the Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Zarif. I think an audience of hundreds of millions of Chinese also watched what you said and you are a famous person now.

A perception held by many Chinese that the U.S. seeks to contain their nations global rise generates sympathy among the public for Iran and other countries, such as Venezuela, identified by Washington as hostile powers.

Zarif told the Munich conference on Sunday that a barter-type system known as INSTEX set up last month by France, Germany and Britain to allow businesses to skirt direct financial transactions with Iran, and thereby evade possible U.S. sanctions, fell short of commitments to save the nuclear deal.

He addressed the conference a day after U.S. Vice President Mike Pence prodded Germany, France and Britain to follow Washington in withdrawing from the deal and to stop undermining U.S. sanctions.

Wang made no direct comments on Chinas position on the deal in opening remarks before reporters yesterday, but said he was really delighted to meet with Zarif given the major changes in the Middle East and the international landscape. APChinas long-awaited plan to create a high-tech megalopolis on its southern coastline rivaling Californias Silicon Valley generated optimism among Hong Kongs business community even as key details remain unclear.

The blueprint for the Greater Bay Area linking Chinas southern coastal cities with Hong Kong and Macau, a signature policy of President Xi Jinping first articulated in 2017, boosted stocks after it was published late Monday. It said the government would turn the area into a leading global innovation hub, boost infrastructure connectivity and strengthen Hong Kongs role as an international center of finance, shipping, trade and the offshore yuan business.

Yet several thorny issues were left out of the plan, including complex questions about which customs, tax and legal systems would predominate. In Hong Kong, the concept of the Greater Bay Area has led to worries that further integration will erode the one country, two systems framework that allows the city to maintain separate legal, monetary and political systems from communist China.

The vagueness of the 11-chapter document suggests that officials will struggle to realize the initiatives goals, said Yue Su, China economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit. The difficulties in agreeing reforms that both advance the cause of regional integration and are palatable to officials in Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macau and the central government will be the key challenge.

If all goes as planned, the economic benefits could be substantial: HSBC Holdings Plc says the move to knit the cities of Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Guangzhou together could boost a trillion-dollar economy that exports more than Japan. Earlier, the announcement drove stocks in the region higher, with Guangzhou Port, Zhuhai Port and Shenzhen Yan Tian Port all climbing by the 10 percent daily limit.

Still, Chinas major tech companies based in Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong, havent made the Greater Bay Area central to their future growth plans. Shenzhen has become an Asian tech mecca home to giants such as Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Huawei Technologies Co. largely due to its hyper-competitive industry culture, and neither Hong Kong nor Macau is known as a wellspring of global tech talent.

Tencents co-founder Pony Ma couched the plan in political terms in 2017 when his company organized a summit specifically to spur debate on the topic during the 20th anniversary of Hong Kongs handover to China from Great Britain.

Our Greater Bay Area is different in one big way from other Bay Areas: we have one-country two-systems, Ma told hundreds of people including government officials, academics and investors. We have more than 100 years of segregation and now we are entwining.

The plan emphasized the importance of maintaining the one country, two systems frameworks meant to ensure a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong and Macau. But it also identified diverging social, customs and legal systems as a challenge to the Greater Bay Areas success, without providing details on how they would be integrated.

Economically a kind of blurring of the boundaries of one country, two systems is inevitable, said Sonny Lo, a politics professor at the University of Hong Kong, who has authored books on the citys relationship with Beijing. But given the fact that Hong Kong and Macao have legal and political differences with China, one country, two systems will be retained.

China has already spent billions of dollars on infrastructure projects linking the cities, and the plan now envisages a strategy for the region that stretches to 2035. Xi last year inaugurated a $15 billion, 55-kilometer (34-mile) bridge, the worlds longest sea crossing, linking Hong Kong with Macau and the mainland city of Zhuhai.

A comprehensive blueprint can add new impetus into the development of Hong Kong and Macau and help build a world-class cluster of cities, it said.

In some ways the concept of the Greater Bay Area is a manifestation of things that have already been happening in terms of economic connectivity, said Tim Summers, whose book Chinas Regions in an Era of Globalization, was published last year. The plan gives the development of the region more strategic importance within the Chinese system. David Tweed, Yinan Zhao and Edwin Chan, BloombergThe Legislative Assembly (AL) finally passed in plenary session yesterday the bill that updates the current laws regulating the transportation of passengers in rental light vehicles, known informally as the taxi law. The law will exclude individuals from competing in taxi licenses, instead permitting only companies with a minimum capital of MOP5 million.

The law proposal, which had passed on its first reading in April last year, has now finally been approved and will enter into force 90 days after its publication in the governments Official Gazette.

As the president of the Third standing committee of the AL, Vong Hin Fai, explained at the beginning of the session, this law took an unexpectedly long time to attain consensus within the committee, with the deadline for its discussion being extended more than once.

Although the law proposal was finally approved, yesterdays debate at the AL session generated a heated discussion that lasted for about three hours.

The first to raise questions on the topic was lawmaker Sulu Sou, who criticized the removal of such language in the bill that could open up the possibility of taxis using mobile apps.

Sou considered that the removal of this detail in the final version of the bill was a step backward, which does not take into good consideration the development trend in most countries and territories worldwide.

The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosario, replied that the provision allows for the use of an app to call taxis only under the new system of on call taxis.

Au Kam San, who besides considering that the definition of what is considered a taxi needed more accuracy and detail, raised once more the governments decision to allow only the participation of companies in future taxi licensing tenders.

In Aus opinion, this decision is against all the expectations of society and against the idea of the law itself. The lawmaker noted that the government is taking the business from the hands of the small [taxi drivers] and delivering [the taxi business even further] into the hands of the big companies, transforming all taxi drivers into employees.

In reply, the director of the Transport Bureau, Lam Hin San, said, we are adopting a different model. Through the companies, we can achieve better training for the drivers and also better maintenance for the cars.

Lam noted that the government is well aware of the limitations of the individual and personal management model. The official also pointed out that resolving the publics ongoing problems with taxi drivers was another advantage of the incorporation model that the government has established as the only means by which to apply for the upcoming tender.

Lawmaker Ella Lei chipped in to express concerns over the rules of incorporation and the possibility of shareholders growing too influential in this sector of the economy. The government did not hear the opinion of the lawmakers, she said. There is a concern that a main stakeholder can be part of several companies, which can effectively result in a monopoly on the tender, she said.

Lei also argued that there are both good taxi drivers and bad taxi drivers and that this system is treating all of them in the same way without any distinction, forcing all into a corporate model in the future.

Following on from Lei was her stand partner, Leong Sun Iok, who reaffirmed the position of his peer. Leong noted that the base salary of taxi drivers is only around MOP10,000 per annum, and that the incorporation model would create even more problems of survival and poor working conditions.

This was an opinion also shared by Jose Pereira Coutinho, who noted that the requirement of interested companies to control capital of a minimum of MOP5 million would exclude many of the younger generation from achieving their own license to work in the field. For sure, there would be more effective methods to do this such as by raising the fines [applied to law-infringing drivers], among others.

After a long discussion the floor returned to Sulu Sou, who enquired about a law provision that grants the discretionary power to the Chief Executive to attribute licenses without a public tender in situations of public interest.

Sou noted that such a provision does not make sense, also agreeing with many other lawmakers that the policy chosen by the government to address the taxi problem was like trying to treat a cancer tumor by killing all the cells, [good and bad].

A representative of the Legal Affairs Bureau replied to Sou, saying that the possibility of strikes or severe conflicts between companies and the government that could result in damage to the image of Macau might be an instance when the intervention of the Chief Executive is required. The government must possess an instrument it can use in case of a need to ensure the taxi service, the representative answered.

At the end of the discussion, the Secretary praised the approval of the bill, stressing that the solution of consensus had been reached throughout the discussion, even if that consensus was not the same as unanimity.

Except for a few articles requested to be voted on separately, the law was approved with all votes in favor. Voting against all articles regarding the use of surveillance recording equipment in taxis was Sou, who remarked during the vote declaration, if [allowing recording] would make all taxi drivers [suddenly] observe the law, then we have a social ethics problem. [It does not make sense that] we must set up a camera recording to protect ourselves.

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SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.No one, not even the president, may interfere with an FBI probe. When the probe relates to Trumps own campaign, the obligation for him to let justice run its course is even greater. Instead, Trump admitted firing the person in charge of the investigation because of the investigation.

Thats a dictionary definition of obstruction. But Congress, then fully controlled by the GOP, looked away sheepishly.

Trump, unimpeded, went on to use the megaphone of the presidency against special counsel Robert Mueller, who was appointed to take over the Russia investigation after Comeys firing. Trump even attempted to fire Mueller, backing off only when his White House counsel threatened to resign over it.

Trump also spent months publicly berating Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the investigation. After forcing Sessions out, Trump appointed Matthew Whitaker, a critic of the Russia probe, as interim attorney general.Omaha has hustle. From just-in rankings as Fortune Magazines No. 5 city where employees are the happiest, to the 2018 No. 1 best metro area for millennials, Omaha is celebrating a winning streak marked by high opportunity and low cost of living, and proving up its "We Don't Coast" motto.

Home to titans of industry, a charming turn of the century downtown district and a rocking music scene, Omaha is anything but a fly-over city, wrote ZipRecruiter data journalist Jeffery Marino when he and colleagues named Omaha the No. 1 Best City for College Grads to Start Their Careers in 2018.

Marino also noted Omaha ranked first on our list for recent college graduates because it strikes the rare balance of affordability, high job opportunity and a great quality of life.

U.S. News and World Report joined ZipRecruiter in applauding Omahas accolades, naming the metro the No. 7 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. in 2018, thanks to a median annual salary of more than $46,000.

For Nebraska millennials, that median income is even higher: $59,886, according to GoBankingRates Kelly Hoey.The following editorial appeared in the Chicago Tribune.

The #MeToo movement brought sexual abuse and harassment out of the shadows by encouraging survivors to speak up. It has held individuals small and mighty accountable for vile behavior.

While those who commit wrongdoing are responsible for their actions, the cultural and legal awakening also puts the onus to do more on large institutions. Many of the sexual misdeeds revealed by #MeToo have taken place in business, church and school settings. At the organizational level, efforts to prevent and punish abuse still arent happening quickly enough.

Starting Thursday, the Vatican will host a landmark, four-day summit on the sex abuse crisis within the Roman Catholic Church. While advocates press for changes in canon law and new ways to hold bishops and other church officials accountable for cover-ups, Pope Francis and others caution against expecting much from the event. This is the first time a pope has brought church leadership together to discuss a scandal thats been making headlines for 15 years.Ty Safreno chairs the Hourglass Projects Board of Directors. Glenn Morris is a founding board member of the Hourglass Project.Hmm! I have several thoughts about this, none of which are exactly answers to your question.

1) If I were a dentist I would have given up trying to make conversation long ago because no matter how interesting the person you are talking to is, all you hear from them is a sort of pained gurgle. Im impressed this dentist has found some way to spin conversation out of this scenario.

2) Sometimes you find yourself in a groove with a person where you never attempt to make conversation, regardless of that persons attractiveness or friendliness, because if you established the premise that you made conversation, every time you saw them you would have to converse, and then you would not be able to just buy your tin of digestive crackers and leave.

3) It is with regard to (2) that I am debating whether you should attempt to be outgoing and conversational next time, just to prove your thesis, given that if your theory proved incorrect you would have to converse in pained gurgles with an evidently garrulous dentist for the foreseeable future.KEARNEY  CHI Health Kearney Clinic welcomes general surgeon Brittney Maloley-Lewis, DO to its clinic at 211 W. 33rd St. Dr. Maloley-Lewis, a Lexington native, earned her bachelors degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and a masters of business administration from Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha. She then went on to receive her medical degree from Midwestern University-Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, Ariz., and completed a surgical residency at Creighton University Medical Center.

As a general surgeon, Dr. Maloley-Lewis has knowledge of and responsibility for the preoperative, operative and postoperative management of patients with a broad spectrum of diseases, including those which may require non-operative, elective, or emergency surgical treatment. This includes but is not limited to managing disease of the breast, performing minimally invasive surgery and colonoscopies.

Appointments can be scheduled with Dr. Maloley-Lewis by calling 308-865-2551.

Dr. Maloley, her husband Rob, a Kearney native, have two children.scholarship, news and new ideas in legal historyUnited States officials decided last week to let Vietnam fly passenger airplanes directly to U.S. airports. The decision is seen as another sign of international recognition for the Southeast Asian country.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on February 14 that it has awarded a Category 1 rating for Vietnam. The rating means that Vietnamese companies have met international guidelines for air safety. And Vietnamese airlines can get permits from the FAA to fly directly to the United States and carry the codes of U.S. carriers.

Vietnams Communist Party news website Nhan Dan reported that Vietnamese officials began working toward this goal in 2012. They set out to solve 49 safety problems that the FAA found a year later, the website said.

The FAA said its Category 1 rating for Vietnam is based on an assessment made in August 2018. In order to keep the rating, Vietnam must follow international safety standards for aircraft operations and maintenance.

Adam McCarthy is chief economist with Mekong Economics, a development advisory service based in Hanoi. He noted, Its been a slow and progressive bringing back [of] Vietnam into the international community.

Bigger economy, more fliers

Last month, Vietnam officially joined the 11-country Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership. The trade agreement covers about 13.5 percent of the world economy. The European Union is also expected to negotiate its own trade deal with Vietnam.

These developments are expected to bring additional investment to the Vietnamese economy. Foreign investment has fueled Vietnams economic growth of 6 to 7 percent a year since 2012.

The growth is set to expand the middle class to about one-third of the countrys 93 million population by next year, the Boston Consulting Group estimates. And Vietnamese are spending some of their new wealth on airfares.

In 2017, Vietnam had 94 million air passengers, including 13 million foreign nationals. That was 16 percent higher than the number a year earlier. The International Air Transport Association projects the country will become the worlds fifth fastest growing aviation market by 2035.

Returnees, students and business travelers

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the United States is home to about 2.1 million people of Vietnamese ancestry in 2017. Many came after the former, U.S.-supported South Vietnam lost to the Communist north in the 1970s.

Song Seng Wun is an economist with CIMB in Singapore. He said, There are [Vietnamese] residents in the U.S. itself, so that alone would be good enough for airline connections if they see fit to.

The Nhan Dan website noted that about 30,000 Vietnamese students travel to the United States each year. And there will be more travelers as trade between the two countries expands.

In the past, American carriers, such as United Airlines and Delta Airlines, operated direct flights to Vietnam. But they suspended those flights because of cost consideration.

In addition to the national carrier Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways have also included flights to the U.S. in their plans. However, the companies will need to add airplanes that can fly non-stop to the U.S.

I'm Jonathan Evans.

Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on VOA News, Nhan Dan and FAA reports. George Grow was the editor.

Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

code - n. a set of letters, numbers, symbols that identifies something, like airplanes

assessment - n. the act of making a judgement about something

maintenance - n. the act of keeping property or equipment in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc.

aviation - n. the business or practice of flying airplanes, helicopters, etc.Irade Kashgary carefully passes out small pieces of colorful clay to her five young students. Their assignment, Kashgary explains, is to form the clay into the shapes of letters.

The students roll the clay in their small hands, bending it to make the letter A. They compare their results with each other, and laugh with excitement.

Kashgarys three- and four-year-old students are all Uyghur-Americans. They are not learning the letters of English. They are learning Uyghur, a Turkic language spoken by more than 11 million ethnic Uyghurs in western China.

Every Sunday, about 60 young Uyghurs come to Ana Care Education in northern Virginia to study their mother tongue. Ana means mother in the Uyghur language.

Kashgary, who is 24, opened Ana Care in 2017 with her mother, Sureyya. The small school offers language, culture and Islamic religion classes.

We decided to open a Uyghur school here in northern Virginia, in Fairfax, Virginia, because it does have one of the largest populations of the diaspora in this area. And it really is a need.

Kashgary herself was born in Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and moved with her parents to the United States when she was a child. Xinjiang is a huge, resource-rich area in the countrys west. It shares a border with eight countries, including Pakistan, Russia and Afghanistan.

About 11 million Uyghurs live in Xinjiang, which means new frontier in Mandarin Chinese. Like many Uyghurs who live overseas, Kashgary calls the area East Turkestan. They consider their homeland to be occupied by China.

The Uyghur language and culture are closely related to Turkish, Uzbek, Kazakh and other Turkic groups. Today, Uyghurs use an Arabic-based writing system.

A police state

In the two years since Ana Care opened, China has effectively turned Xinjiang into a police state , with block-by-block security checkpoints, spy cameras and detention centers that China has called re-education camps.

China says it is trying to prevent Islamic extremism and separatism among Uyghurs, who are mostly Muslim. It describes the camps as vocational training centers.

But rights groups and experts have used phrases like Chinese gulags and concentration camps to describe the Xinjiang camps. Some Uyghur-Americans call them "brainwashing centers."

Experts say more than 1 million people are detained in camps across Xinjiang. Among them are well-known Uyghur cultural leaders, professors, musicians and writers.

A disappearing language

Former detainees have said they were forced to renounce their way of life, religion and their native language inside the camps. Some have even said that using or studying the Uyghur language was the reason for their detention.

Darren Byler is a social scientist and Uyghur specialist at the University of Washington. In a recent piece for the website SUPChina.com, he wrote that any state employee who speaks Uyghur in public is now considered to be two-faced.

This is a charge that has resulted in the detention of hundreds, if not thousands, of Uyghur public figures, Byler wrote.

Xinjiangs regional policy states that both Mandarin Chinese and Uyghur are considered official languages. But in cities across the area, the Uyghur language is disappearing.

Recorded images show Uyghur words being removed from business and street signs. Observers say bookstores that once offered large collections of Uyghur literature now have zero Uyghur books on their shelves. There have even been reports of large-scale burning of Uyghur books.

Recent education restrictions mean that Uyghur children are no longer permitted to study in their mother tongue. Uyghur language teachers in Xinjiang have no one to teach.

One Uyghur woman living in the United States told VOA that her sister taught Uyghur literature classes in Xinjiangs public schools for many years. Today, her sister is required to teach the national language  Mandarin Chinese  to detainees inside a camp.

Im lucky I am in the U.S. so I can learn Uyghur

Back in northern Virginia, 17-year-old Nadina pays close attention as her teacher goes through another set of letters in Uyghur. Nadina attends Ana Cares weekly class for older students who can speak the language but cannot read it.

Im trying to learn the Uyghur alphabet and a lot of other things  speech, pronunciation

Nadina believes that she and other overseas Uyghurs have a special responsibility to learn their language as best as they can.

Because the Chinese government currently is trying to.get rid of almost our existence, as a culture, and trying to change everyone to make them speak Chinese and not speak our mother tongue anymore. So I think its very important now that we learn the language and continue on so it never gets erased.

Kurshat Bilgen is another Ana Care student. He is 10 years old and in fifth grade. He has been studying Uyghur language and culture for two years. He says he feels lucky to be able to study his language.

I come here to learn Uyghur because back in East Turkestan, people are not allowed to learn Uyghur. So Im lucky I am in the U.S. so I can learn Uyghur.

Being a Uyghur is a crime

Nadina and Kurshats teachers at Ana Care did not wish to appear on camera or use their names. Even more than 10,000 kilometers away from China, they do not feel fully safe. Most still have parents or other family back home. They believe that media reports showing them teaching Uyghur in America would put their families in danger.

Kashgary says she is extremely grateful for the teachers language expertise. And she is happy that Ana Care has given them another chance to do what they love.

Our teachers, a lot of them got a great education in Uyghur, back in East Turkestan, and because of the current climate there, they had to leave. And when they immigrated here, they didnt necessarily have a platform to continue teaching Uyghur. So this has given them an opportunity to continue with their profession.

One Uyghur-American mother who wished to not use her name said she brings her two young children to Ana Care each Sunday. She told VOA that what Ana Care Education offers its community should not be considered unusual.

She said, The very simple thing about learning our own native language, like many communities in the United States, its a very normal thing to do. But for us, its a crime. Its a crime to learn your own language. Its a very political thing. And thats sad.

Being a Uyghur is a crime now.

Im Ashley Thompson.

Im Caty Weaver.

Ashley Thompson wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Dorothy Gundy produced the video.

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Quiz - Uyghurs in America Aim To Keep Language Alive Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

clay - n. a heavy, sticky material from the earth that is made into different shapes and that becomes hard when it is baked or dried

diaspora - n. a group of people who live outside the area in which they had lived for a long time or in which their ancestors lived

frontier - n. a border between two countries

vocational - adj. relating to the special skills, training, etc., that you need for a particular job or occupation

gulag - n. a system of labor camps in the Soviet Union from 1930 to 1955 in which many people died.

concentration camp - n. a type of prison where large numbers of people who are not soldiers are kept during a war and are usually forced to live in very bad conditions

brainwash - v. to cause (someone) to think or believe something by using methods that make a person unable to think normally

alphabet - n. the letters of a language arranged in their usual order

get rid of - phrasal verb. to do something so that you no longer have or are affected or bothered by (something or someone that is unwanted)

erase - v. to remove any thought or memory of (something)

platform - n. something that allows someone to tell a large number of people about an idea, product, etc.

opportunity - n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done

A Cambodian official reported last week that about 23 percent of children in three provinces along the border with Thailand have stopped attending school.

Cambodian Education Minister Hangchuon Naron spoke at a conference about the student dropout rate. He said that the rate in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Oddor Meanchey provinces was much higher than in other areas, where rates are 18 to 19 percent.

The education minister blamed poverty and parents who move to Thailand for work as the main reasons for the problem.

Cambodias education ministry has begun training teachers to advise students to stay in school, while letting them choose their own study subjects. Teachers are also to advise students whose parents work overseas about the importance of education.

Hangchuon Naron said, So if teachers advise the students [to stay in school] that will help them to make the right decision. They could explain to those students that they need to pursue their studies successfully and then find local jobs [afterward] as well.

But critics have expressed concern about the education ministrys plan.

Ouk Chay Vy is president of the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association. She said the plan fails to deal with the issues that cause students to drop out of school.

She says those reasons are poverty resulting from unemployment and a lack of land for farming. She noted that, in Cambodia, many students stop going to school because they need to work to support their families.

Ouk Chay Vy said a better plan would be for the government to try to increase the number of jobs so that citizens could have better living conditions.

If the government could give them help, it would still not be enough, she added.

Suon Sinuon is a farmer from Banteay Meanchey. She said that three of her children dropped out of school while they were in the sixth and ninth grades. They went to Thailand to work and help support the family.

She said that the children did not want to stop going to school, but had no other choice because of the familys needs. She added, Others who have enough money dont let their children migrate, but me, I am so poor that I had to let them go work in Thailand.

Cambodias Ministry of Labor reports that more than one million Cambodians are working in Thailand. The education minister said that most of them come from the provinces along the Thai border.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Radio Free Asia reported this story. Jonathan Evans adapted the report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

province  n. any one of the large parts that some countries are divided into

migrate  v. to move from one country or place to live or work in another

pursue  v. to follow and try to catch or capture someone or something for usually a long distance or timeTuesday, February 19, 2019

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has revoked the license of a convicted attorney

The federal indictment alleged that from March 2007 until March 2011, Attorney Sweeney devised a scheme to defraud three limited liability companies in which he held a member's ownership interest. Attorney Sweeney approached the co-members of the companies and proposed that the companies loan $105,000 to $115,000 to a friend of Attorney Sweeney. The loan was purportedly secured by a home mortgage. Attorney Sweeney did not loan the money to his friend, but instead converted the funds to his own use.

The indictment alleged that Attorney Sweeney drew checks totaling approximately $420,000 on the companies' checking accounts. When asked for the original promissory note, Attorney Sweeney provided a false document bearing the forged signature of his friend. The indictment also alleged that on February 14, 2013, Sweeney made a false declaration in a bankruptcy matter when he submitted a sworn "List of Creditors" that falsely listed the embezzled funds as "loans to debtor" in an effort to obtain a discharge in bankruptcy of his obligation to repay the funds he had embezzled. Finally, the indictment alleged that in March 2011, Attorney Sweeney committed identity theft during and in relation to the alleged scheme to defraud.

He pleaded guilty to the bankruptcy matter and stipulated to the misconduct

Based upon our review of the record, we accept the referee's findings and conclusions of law in this matter and agree that Attorney Sweeney committed the five counts of professional misconduct, as alleged. We determine that the seriousness of Attorney Sweeney's misconduct demonstrates that his law license must be revoked to protect the public, courts, and legal system from the repetition of the misconduct; to impress upon Attorney Sweeney the seriousness of his misconduct; and to deter other attorneys from engaging in similar misconduct. We further accept the referee's recommendation that we order Attorney Sweeney to comply with the restitution order imposed on him in the federal court in the amount of $481,970, and we impose the full costs of this disciplinary proceeding on Attorney Sweeney.

(Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2019/02/the-wisconsin-supreme-court-has-revoked-the-license-of-a-convicted-attorney-the-federal-indictment-alleged-that-from-march-2.htmlTuesday, February 19, 2019

The California Sunday Magazine offers an intriguing dive into the lives of deported Americans--the U.S.-born children of undocumented Mexicans working to make a life with their parents in a new country after deportation.

When Ashley first returned to Mexico, she struggled with her classes. Despite being a "top student" in the U.S, she had a hard time "trying to learn in a language that she couldn't read or write and could barely speak." Classmates "laughed at her weird name and her terrible Spanish."

Ashley is among the 3% of Mexican students who are American-born. Journalist Brooke Davis notes that:

American students in Mexico frequently end up in rural schools, the ones with the fewest resources to help them. No public schools offer Spanish as a Second Language classes, and less than 5 percent of their teachers speak any English. Many families, especially if they were deported unexpectedly, have trouble assembling and authenticating all the various documents that are needed to enroll, which means that kids end up missing months or even years of instruction. Some never return to a classroom.

Quoting immprof Dan Kanstroom, Davis calls these children "de facto deportees."

-KitJ

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2019/02/the-deported-americans.htmlTuesday, February 19, 2019

Drug courts are an interesting component of the criminal justice system. Typically, drug court allow a defendant charged with a drug offense who completes a treatment program to have (1) his conviction thrown out; or (2) his felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor conviction. Meanwhile, Federal Rule of Evidence 609(a)(1) provides that

(a) In General. The following rules apply to attacking a witnesss character for truthfulness by evidence of a criminal conviction:

(1) for a crime that, in the convicting jurisdiction, was punishable by death or by imprisonment for more than one year, the evidence:

(A) must be admitted, subject to Rule 403, in a civil case or in a criminal case in which the witness is not a defendant; and

(B) must be admitted in a criminal case in which the witness is a defendant, if the probative value of the evidence outweighs its prejudicial effect to that defendant

In other words, Rule 609(a)(1) allows a party to use prior felony convictions to impeach a witness. So, assume a witness goes to drug court, is convicted of a felony, and later has his conviction reduced to a misdemeanor after completing his treatment program. Can that witness be impeached with his prior conviction? That was the question addressed by the United States District Court for the Western District of New York in United States v. Krug, 2019 WL 416946 (W.D.N.Y 2019)

In Krug, the alleged victim, Devin Ford,

pled guilty, in a designated Drug Court part of New York State Supreme Court, County of Erie, to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony...During the plea colloquy, the prosecutor explained that Ford had been admitted to the Judicial Diversion Program and had signed a contract to enter the program. A Diversion Program Contract provided that if Ford successfully completed drug, alcohol and mental-health treatment, among other requirements, his conviction for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree would be replaced with a conviction for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a class A misdemeanor. Likewise, the Diversion Program Contract states that, in the event Ford completes all program requirements, including drug treatment, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and regular meetings with his case manager, the Court promises to allow [him] to withdraw [his] plea of guilty and plead guilty to...an A misdemeanor. Fords conviction was ultimately converted or reduced to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a misdemeanor.

According to the court, this meant that Ford couldn't be impeached under Rule 609(a)(1):

When Ford testifies in this case, he will not have a felony conviction for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree...His guilty plea to that felony was withdrawn and replaced with a misdemeanor that does not involve dishonesty or a false statement....The Court therefore finds that the felony is inadmissible for impeachment under Rule 609(a)(1)(A).

The court then found that there was also another way to approach the issue:

Federal Rule of Evidence 609(c)(1) specifically provides that evidence of a conviction is not admissible if the conviction has been the subject of a pardon, annulment, certification of rehabilitation, or other equivalent procedure based upon a finding that the person has been rehabilitated. Id.Here, Diversion Program Contract indicates that Ford was required accomplish several goals prior to a replacement of his felony with the misdemeanor. These goals include consistently attending drug and alcohol treatment, not using or possessing drugs or alcohol, attending regular meetings with his case manager, attending all scheduled court appearances, completing an approved education requirement, and obtaining either full-time employment or enrolling in a full-time course of study. The subsequent reduction of Fords conviction to the misdemeanor confirms that he satisfied the Drug Court that he accomplished these goals, all of which were aimed at his rehabilitation.

-CM

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/evidenceprof/2019/02/drug-courts-are-an-interesting-component-of-the-criminal-justice-system-typically-drug-court-works-as-follows-1-a-defend.htmlA classic in network television: Will Gardner was murdered in the courtroom by his client. That happened on the fictional "The Good Wife."

Now, in real life, in Ohio's Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, David Chislton used the hands cuffed in front of him (instead of in back, as usual) to rough up his defense lawyer.

That was after the judge Nancy Russo imposed a sentence of more than four decades. The defendant had been convicted of pistol-whipping his girlfriend and setting the complex on fire.

His lawyer - Aaron Brockler - seemed relatively cavalier about his injuries. They include a broken nose and possible concussion. Here are more details from the New York Post.

The reality is that dealing with convicted felons is dangerous business.

One reason I decided to leave being a probation officer was the fear that those I had reported for violations and who went to prison would "get" me when they got out. Long before fictional FBI profiler David Rossi made it his business to attempt to analyze criminals minds I had a sense of the darkness.

The recent "20/20" documentary about Ted Bundy showcased how little we really understand the internal dynamics of those with a grievance against society.

Need affordable help strategically planning and putting together content? That ranges from blog posts and e-books to planning/scripting podcasts and creating traditional speeches. Complimentary consultation on how to generate influence and sell without paying high rates, janegenova374@gmail.com.Congressmember John Lewis Denounces National Emergency Declaration

Rep. John Lewis / Donald Trump

WASHINGTON  Rep. John Lewis denounced the Presidents unlawful national emergency declaration, which could divert over $224 million worth of urgently needed Georgia Department of Defense military construction funds critical to the security of our nation and the well-being of men and women in uniform and military families. This includes plans for nearly $190 million in cyber protection operations facilities at Ft. Gordon, as well as millions meant to support leasing, maintenance, furnishing and utilities funding for military families worldwide. News reports are mounting about housing decay on military bases. The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing this week where members of military families testified to the presence of termites, rodent infestation, asbestos, lead paint and toxic mold, among other horrors facing families of servicemen and women living on military bases around the world.

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There is no crisis at the border that a wall would fix, said Rep. John Lewis. There is an urgent humanitarian crisis that has led thousands of people to flee perilous circumstances in their homelands. Mayors of border cities, like El Paso, Texas, have verified repeatedly that the conditions described by the president are not the problems they experience, yet a series of untruths are repeated like a drum beat to justify this dangerous precedent.

This president is attempting to shake the very foundation of our democracy by disrespecting the fiscal authority granted only to Congress. He is opening the door for presidents to use the federal treasury as a piggy bank for any purpose he or she may create. This action derails the constitutional right to a deliberative debate, entrusted to Congress by our Founders, to discover the best uses for the peoples resources. It unhinges the separation of powers, a cornerstone of our democracy, and opens the door to widespread abuse, like that in historic authoritarian regimes in the Soviet Union, Chile, Libya, and the Philippines.

We must take strong action against this violation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to determine our best course of action in this constitutional crisis.Councilwoman Nury Martinez Introduces Landmark Motion Calling for a Green New Deal in the City of Los Angeles

City of Los Angeles Councilwoman Nury Martinez issued the following statement after introducing a motion calling for a Green New Deal in the City of Los Angeles. This comes just on the heels of a press conference with Mayor Garcetti, Councilmembers Paul Krekorian, Paul Koretz, and Mike Bonin, and President of the LADWP Board of Commissioners Mel Levine, announcing that LADWP will not repower three power plants with natural gas by 2029:

On the heels of the historic announcement yesterday at LADWP Headquarters, I was thrilled to introduce a motion today calling for a Green New Deal in the City of Los Angeles. The power plants are just a start, and we are proud to take it further by introducing this landmark resolution for a cleaner Los Angeles. The commitments we make today, and moving forward, need to be part of a larger narrative. We will take on Climate Change head on, and we will do so with a strategy where the fight against climate change and the path to a clean energy future begins and ends in our frontline communities.

Its our kids who suffer from asthma. Its our young women and men being left out of the Green Economy. But most importantly, its our communities that have the solutions and commitment to protecting the environment. Neighborhoods like Pacoima, South LA, and Wilmington, will be the places where solutions will come from, where solutions will be implemented, and where residents will see the immediate benefit.

ADVERTISEMENTCongresswoman Robin Kelly Offers Three Bills to Address Gun Violence

Congresswoman Robin Kelly

Congresswoman Robin Kelly, vice chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, introduced three bills to bring commonsense to federal gun policy.

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Her first bill, the Recognizing Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency Act (HR 1114), would require the U.S. Surgeon General to provide an annual report to Congress on the public health impacts and cost of gun violence in America  an epidemic that claims nearly 40,000 American lives each and every year.

The Surgeon General is our nations doctor. They are a trusted voice on public health and it is clear that gun violence IS a public health crisis. Each year, we lose nearly 40,000 Americans and billions in healthcare and economic costs to gun violence, not to mention the long-term mental and physical health impacts in our communities. We need the nations doctor informing Congress about this crisis and possible solutions, said Congresswoman Robin Kelly, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and member of the Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee.

After leaving office, former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop attempted to raise gun violence as a public health issue in the 1980s, likewise, former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy repeatedly used his platform to call for action to address this public health threat.

Her legislation has won broad support, especially in the medical and public health community.

Thank you to Congresswoman Robin Kelly for introducing this first of its kind legislation on Capitol Hill. The 1964 US Surgeon Generals report on Smoking and Health catalyzed profound change. It raised awareness, fostered research, and dispelled myths about the health hazards of smoking. A window of opportunity has now opened in America to move the firearm safety conversation forward through a deeper understanding of the public health benefits, harms, and risks associated with firearm ownership, said John Maa, MD FACS, Immediate Past President, San Francisco Marin Medical Society.

The second bill, the Firearm Safety Act (HR 1115), would extend the jurisdiction of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to firearms, ammunition and firearm accessories.

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This is another commonsense step toward reducing gun violence. We know that simple design tweaks significantly reduce the dangers presented by firearms, yet our consumer safety experts are barred from examining these changes and reporting on their effectiveness, said Congresswoman Kelly, who is also a member of the Energy and Commerce Consumer Protection subcommittee. If CPSC has jurisdiction over something as safe and cuddly as a childs teddy bear, they should be part of the effort to make guns safer for all.

The gun lobby shouldnt be exempt from consumer product oversight. Just like parents look to the Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect their children from unsafe strollers and toys, they should be able to rely on the experts to keep them safe from guns that can be fired by their toddler, said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Its time to let the experts hold gun manufacturers accountable, and allow Americans to make informed decisions about the products they have in their homes.

The third bill she introduced is the Keeping Guns from High-Risk Individuals Act (HR 1116). This bill would prevent individuals with violent records from accessing guns. Specifically, it would prohibit:

Individuals convicted of violent misdemeanors, such as misdemeanor assault, from purchasing a gun for 10 years,

Individuals convicted of a violent crime as a juvenile from purchasing a gun until the age of 25,

Individuals convicted of two or more crimes involving drugs or alcohol within a three-year period from making a purchase for 10 years, and

Convicted stalkers or domestic violence abusers from purchasing a gun.

When I first ran for office, I had an amazing campaign volunteer on my team. Tragically, a year after I took my oath of office, she was murdered in front of her young son and then her husband killed himself. Sadly, she is not alone. More than half of murdered American women are killed by a partner or ex-partner and their weapon of choice is most often a gun, said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. This bill is a commonsense step toward preventing high-risk individuals, like domestic abusers, stalkers and violent criminals, from accessing firearms. Everyone, especially responsible gun owners, should be able to get behind efforts to prevent irresponsible gun owners.

This legislation has won support from many gun violence prevention advocacy organizations and survivors of domestic violence, like Chnika Clark.

Ill never forget waking up with a gun in my face. I was in an eight-year relationship, and one week after I broke up with my partner, he threatened to shoot me, my children, and our dog. Then he did it  he shot me twice before shooting himself in the head. My children and I must live with this memory forever. And all because a man who never should have had a gun was able to get his hands on a deadly weapon. Guns make domestic violence even more dangerous. The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely that a woman will be killed. No one should have to suffer because of a gun thats in the wrong hands. This bill is important and needed so that women can live without fear of stalking or threats from an armed abuser. Women like me deserve to feel safe in our own homes, said Clark, a domestic violence survivor. Chnika Clarks full story in available here.

This legislation is designed to complimentary the Bipartisan Background Check Act, HR 8, of which the Congresswoman is an original co-sponsor.

Taken together, these bills bring some commonsense to Americas outdated and dangerous gun safety laws. We know that no single bill can prevent all gun violence but each of these bills will help. Its past time for Congress to do something and save lives, concluded Congresswoman Kelly.Congressmembers Alma Adams and Donald McEachin Introduce the African American Burial Grounds Network Act

WASHINGTON  In honor of Black History Month, Representatives Alma S. Adams and A. Donald McEachin introduced the African American Burial Grounds Network Act. This legislation would create a voluntary national network of historic African American burial grounds, and would provide information, technical support, and grants to aid in the research, identification, preservation, and restoration of burial sites within the network.

The African American Burial Grounds Network Act would provide federal support for historic African American burial grounds in need of assistance to ensure their preservation for future generations. Historically, the documentation and protection of African American burial grounds have been shamefully neglected. This legislation aims to address this injustice by providing federal recognition and support for these sacred sites.

Too often, the graves of African Americans have been forgotten or ignored by the communities in which they were located, said Congresswoman Adams. This has been a disservice to the memories of those who came before us, and to the preservation of our nations history. African American burial grounds are an integral part of our countrys heritage. Creating and maintaining a national network of African American burial grounds will help communities preserve local history while also better informing development decisions and community planning in growing areas like Mecklenburg County.

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For more than two centuries, African American cemeteries have suffered unjust abuse and neglect, said Congressman McEachin. African American burial grounds are an essential part of our nations history and deserve protection. I am proud to co-introduce this legislation, which supports the preservation and restoration of these sacred sites, including Evergreen and East End Cemeteries in my district. Descendants of those interred should be able to visit these sites to honor and remember their family members.

The recognition and protection of African American burial grounds enriches our future, not just our past. It allow us to honor the contributions of generations of Americans, especially in the South, whose role in building America has helped make us the dynamic and diverse country we are today, said Dr. Dan L. Morrill, Director of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission.

We are thrilled that Representative McEachin is building on our work at Evergreen Cemetery in Richmond and other African-American cemeteries in Virginia to protect and restore these sacred spaces across the nation, said Virginia Outdoors Foundation Executive Director Brett Glymph. These cemeteries, and the stories they tell, are vital to the people who have ancestors buried in them, to the communities they built, and to our shared history as Americans.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, Coalition for American Heritage, Society for American Archaeology, Society for Historical Archaeology, American Anthropological Association, Association of Black Anthropologists, the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society Inc., Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Preservation of African American Cemeteries Inc., American Cultural Resources Association, United States Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, Save Our Heritage Organization, Preservation North Carolina, Preservation Virginia, Enrichmond Foundation, Florida Public Archaeology Network, Preservation Maryland, Council for Northeast Historical Archaeology, Illinois Archaeological Survey, the Wake Forest Historical Museum, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Virginia Humanities, the Council of Virginia Archaeologists, Black Genealogy Research Group of Oklahoma, River Road African American Museum, River Road African Burial Grounds Coalition, Shadow Lawn Memorial Gardens Maintenance & Perpetual Care Association, Preserve Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas African American Heritage Association, Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, Archaeology Podcast Network, the Coltrane Group, Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network, and Howard University.Congressmember Gregory W. Meeks Introduce Corporate Diversity Bill

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks

Washington, D.C.  Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions Subcommittee, introduced the Improving Corporate Governance Through Diversity Act of 2019, which would require public companies to annually disclose the gender, race, ethnicity and veteran status of their board directors, nominees, and senior executive officers. The bills companion bill in the Senate was simultaneously introduced by Senator Bob Menendez, who sits on the Senates Banking Committee.

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Diversity has been proven to have a positive impact on business performance, and it is only natural for investors to want to know which companies are choosing to bring in a wealth of different perspectives into their corporate board rooms. Revealing the gender, racial, ethnic and veteran makeup of these corporate C-suites and boardrooms will not only shed light on the value of diversity, but hopefully encourage corporate shareholders to increase diversity in the highest ranks of their corporations said Rep. Gregory W. Meeks.

As my Corporate Diversity Survey clearly outlines, there is a diversity problem in our nations top performing companies, said Sen. Menendez. This bill provides a way forward to promote transparency in corporate America, while highlighting the need for further accountability by companies like the Fortune 100s I have surveyed in the past. As our country undergoes tremendous demographic and economic change, it is time the leaders of Americas most successful companies recognize that diversity is not just a buzzword  its a deliverable.

Corporate diversity has shown to enhance decision making by reducing groupthink and better identify long term threats or opportunities. After analyzing 1,700 companies in 2018, Boston Consulting Group found that increasing the diversity of leadership teams lead to more and better innovation and improved financial performance. The finding was similarly substantiated by other analyses.

Additionally, the bill:

Empowers SECs Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) to publish triennially best practices, in consultation with an advisory council of investors and issuers, for compliance with these enhanced disclosure rules.

Mandates OMWI to create an advisory council consistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act requiring formal reporting, public openness and accessibility, and various oversight procedures.

Allows OMWI to solicit public comment on its best practices publication consistent with the formal rulemaking process under the Administrative Procedures Act.

The legislation is supported by the following organizations: The NAACP, the Urban League, the Council for Institutional Investors, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.Assemblymember Holdens Water Conservation Tax Relief Legislation Helps Keep California Out of Drought





Assemblymember Chris Holden

Sacramento, CA  Assemblymember Chris Holden introduced AB 533 which incentivizes participation in water efficiency and storm water runoff improvement programs.

Water conservation shouldnt be taxed, said Assemblymember Chris Holden. We must do all we can to incentivize Californians to increase water efficiency in a state that is prone to chronic droughts.

Assembly Bill 533 exempts any rebates, vouchers, or other financial incentives issued by a local water agency or supplier for expenses incurred to participate in a water efficiency or storm water improvement program from state or corporate income tax.

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California currently has a patchwork of tax exemptions for different water conservation programs, including water efficient appliances and turf replacement, some of which are set to expire shortly. AB 533 will incentivize and encourage participation in water agency conservation programs designed to increase water use efficiency and improve storm water management throughout California.

Californias water shortage is a structural issue that we must do more to address, said Senator Wiener (D- San Francisco) a co-author of AB 533. As our droughts grow longer and more intense, it is crucial for the state to make it easier and more affordable to participate in water efficiency and storm water runoff programs.

AB 533 provides clarity and certainty for water agencies that they can provide incentives to local business and residential consumers that make sense for their communities without the burden of issuing 1099s or concerns that their consumers will be discouraged from participating in these important programs by an additional tax burden, said Cynthia Koehler, Executive Director of WaterNow Alliance which is co-sponsoring the bill.

Rebate programs are a cost-effective way to increase water efficiency and support efforts to adapt to a changing climate. Penalizing people with a tax bill for doing the right thing discourages participation in the very programs we need to meet our conservation objectives, said Jeff Kightlinger, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Encouraging residents to reduce water usage by planting sustainable water efficient landscapes, installing gray water capture systems, or purchasing new water-efficient appliances can provide significant water savings. said Mary Ann Dickinson, Executive Director of California Water Efficiency Partnership. As local water agencies scale up their water conservation programs to meet new statewide water efficiency mandates, AB 533 will support these efforts by removing the barrier of state income taxation.THE ISSUE

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency Friday in order to secure funds for a wall he wants to see built along the nations southern border. In the spending deal reached by Congress last week, less than $1.4 billion was allocated for 55 miles of fencing. By declaring a national emergency, Trump hopes to secure $8 billion for the border wall  $3.6 billion of that will be drawn from military construction funds.

Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey voiced the concerns of some of his GOP colleagues last week when he told a D.C.-based news organization that he disapproved of Trumps national emergency declaration.

I never thought that was a good idea. I still dont, Pennsylvanias junior senator told Axios on Thursday. My view is that this is better to be resolved through the legislative process.

Toomeys official statement noted that he had made no secret of the fact that I hoped the president would choose to avoid unilateral action.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said in a statement that No president can be allowed to spend taxpayer dollars without authorization from Congress.

Pennsylvanias senior senator is part of the Democratic opposition, of course. But some Republicans made that same point.

The Constitutions pretty clear: Spending originates and is directed by Congress, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told Politico.

Its a mistake on the presidents part, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, also told that news website. It undermines the role of Congress and the appropriations process.

As the U.S. House of Representatives History, Art & Archives website tells us, Congress  and in particular, the House of Representatives  is invested with the power of the purse, the ability to tax and spend public money for the national government.

Massachusetts Elbridge Gerry said at the Federal Constitutional Convention that the House was more immediately the representatives of the people, and it was a maxim that the people ought to hold the purse-strings. 

It seems the people do not support the presidents use of an emergency declaration to get money for his wall. According to the website fivethirtyeight.com, the average margin of disapproval on that question in five national polls was 65-32.

The Trump administration points out that since 1976, when the National Emergencies Act became law, presidents have declared nearly 60 national emergencies.

But critics of Trumps emergency declaration have pointed out that such emergencies are not declared to get money that Congress denied.

Those critics include conservative Jonah Goldberg, who noted in his column, published today in LNP, that in a bipartisan vote, Congress expressed its will on what should  and should not  be done at the border.

Goldberg writes: Trump has decided that not getting a political win from Congress justifies the use of monarchical powers to deploy the military on U.S. soil. It is, flatly, an abuse of power.

Trumps emergency declaration is being challenged in court by some 16 state attorneys general. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro isnt among them, but said in a statement Monday that he will not hesitate to take legal action if our Commonwealth loses out on any money we have been allocated by Congress.

Unlike Toomey, Lancaster County Republican Congressman Lloyd Smucker supports the presidents emergency declaration.

Emergency declarations should not be taken lightly, Smucker said in a statement Friday. President Trump has made a strong case that theres a humanitarian crisis at our southern border  and I agree. Its Congress duty to ensure the president is acting within his constitutional authority to address that crisis. After research and consideration, I believe Trump is acting within his authority to take this action.

Perhaps Smucker should have stopped after that first sentence.

Hes correct that emergency declarations arent to be taken lightly. Because they grant the president what the Brennan Center for Justice describes as greatly enhanced powers, they should be declared only when necessary.

Fulfilling half of a campaign vow  the other half being that Mexico would pay for the promised wall  doesnt constitute a national emergency.

Even Trump admitted as much while speaking to reporters Friday: I didnt need to do this, but Id rather do it much faster.

President Jimmy Carter declared a national emergency in response to the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. President George W. Bush declared one in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Many such declarations have to do with conflicts with foreign adversaries.

Still, Smucker thinks Trumps emergency decree is A-OK.

In his statement, Smucker said that while it will be important for Congress to continue monitoring whether Trump is acting constitutionally, the president is not creating a new law or allocating additional funding. He is merely re-appropriating money that has already been set aside for other projects.

Thats the problem. The representatives of the people  Congress  already decided where that money was to go.

Were far from the only ones trying to imagine what the reaction might be someday should a Democratic president declare a national emergency to address, say, the gun violence crisis. And thats an actual crisis that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, claimed the lives of 39,773 Americans in 2017  the most in nearly 50 years.

Imagine how Congressman Smucker and other Republicans might react. Would he think that Democratic president was acting within his or her authority?

We believe in secure borders, but declaring a national emergency to build a wall seems more akin to a temper tantrum than a sound strategy.

While its true that were states away from the southern border, we know something about immigration in Lancaster County. And wed like to see the branches of our federal government work together to hammer out sensible immigration reform.

The presidents emergency declaration wasnt a conservative act. We wish Smucker had followed Toomeys lead and had called the president on it.Columbia Borough police

HARASSMENT

COLUMBIA: Alexandra A. Bellegarde, 24, of Lancaster, was charged with criminal mischief and harassment after an incident Jan. 6 in the 800 block of Locust Street, police said.

THEFT

COLUMBIA: A package containing a computer valued at $317.99 was reported stolen Feb. 7 from a home in the 200 block of Lawrence Street, police said. Police ask anyone with information to call 717-685-7735.

TRESPASS

COLUMBIA: Maria San Juan, 39, of Columbia, was charged with defiant trespass and disorderly conduct after an incident Feb. 11 at a home in the 500 block of Manor Street, police said.

East Hempfield police

DRUG CHARGES

EAST HEMPFIELD TWP.: Austin Lane, 27, of Mount Joy, was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop on Rohrerstown Road near Flory Mill Road on Feb. 13, police said.

SIMPLE ASSAULT

EAST HEMPFIELD TWP.: Craig Fahr Jr., 37, of Lancaster, was charged with simple assault following a police response to a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of Treetops Drive, authorities said.

Ephrata police

DUI

EPHRATA: Joseph Alan Krick, 24, of Adamstown, was charged after a traffic stop Feb. 9 on Blossom Avenue at Lincoln Heights Avenue, police said.

Lititz Borough police

FORGERY

LITITZ: Ian Michael Wise, 26, of Lititz, was charged with two counts of altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates and operation without official certificate of inspection following a traffic stop on the first block of North Broad Street on Feb. 13, police said.

New Holland police

DUI

NEW HOLLAND: Skyler James Slaymaker, 25, of East Earl, was charged with two counts of DUI following a vehicle crash involving Slaymaker in the 100 block of East Main Street on Feb. 10, police said.

SIMPLE ASSAULT

NEW HOLLAND: James Hoover, 36, of New Holland, was charged with single counts of simple assault and harassment following a domestic incident in the 100 block of Blossom Lane on Feb. 17, police said.

West Hempfield Township police

DRUG CHARGES

WEST HEMPFIELD TWP.: Ramon Luis Malave, 28, of Lancaster, was charged with possessing a small amount of marijuana following a traffic stop along Columbia Drive on Feb. 16, police said.A Pennsylvania State Police trooper shot a man in Paradise Township on Tuesday while trying to apprehend him following a previous encounter with police last month, authorities said.

Jeromey Barnes, 37, of Paradise Township, was shot at around 2 a.m. Tuesday and transported to Lancaster General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to state police Trooper James Spencer.

Barnes sustained the injuries after police sought to arrest him on five warrants on charges including felony theft by unlawful taking and retail theft.

Early Tuesday, police approached a home where they suspected Barnes to be located in the 300 block of South Belmont Road, Spencer said.

The owner of the home later told police that Barnes was unknown to them and did not have permission to be on the property, according to Spencer

While approaching the home, Barnes was sitting in a vehicle just outside the residence with a 24-year-old female in the passenger seat, police said.

When troopers attempted to apprehend him, Barnes tried to flee with the vehicle and traveled toward troopers, according to a news release by state police.

Thats when troopers fired bullets toward Barnes, one of which struck him, the release said. No troopers were injured, but one was treated for exposure to blood while rendering first aid.

The woman in the vehicle also was uninjured and is cooperating in an ongoing investigation, police said.

Along with the felony and misdemeanor charges Barnes faces for the January incident, he is facing a dozen additional charges from the Tuesday incident, including nine felony counts of aggravated assault and one felony count of burglary.

Barnes also faces misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Initial run-in

The shooting Tuesday followed another fraught encounter with state police a month earlier.

Just before 8 p.m. on Jan. 17, police spotted Barnes pumping gas into a vehicle that had a license plate with numbers of a reported stolen vehicle at the Speedway gas station on Lincoln Highway in Salisbury Township.

During a traffic stop, police asked to see vehicle documents, at which time Barnes sprinted back to the vehicle and fled the scene, according to a police criminal complaint.

Police chased Barnes on Route 30 until he exited onto Old Highway in Salisbury Township, at which time he drove down a snowy embankment, exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area, the criminal complaint states.

State police, Lancaster city police and a member of the K-9 unit were sent to the area but were unable to locate Barnes.

Upon investigating, police determined the vehicle to have been stolen and spray painted black.

The inside of the vehicle contained black spray paint and several notebooks with the name Barnes written on several pages, according to the affidavit.

On the scene as Pennsylvania State Police investigate the scene of an officer involved-shooting in Paradise Twp. @LancasterOnline pic.twitter.com/TuxXWG5LKT  Ty Lohr (@tylohrphoto) February 19, 2019

This map shows the general area where police say the shooting happened.Twenty years ago, Rachel Scott, a 17-year-old Columbine High School student, described in an essay how one act of compassion can start a chain reaction.

Six weeks later, she was the first of 13 victims shot and killed at the Colorado high school.

Now, her words have traveled 1,500 miles across the country to start a chain reaction in Lancaster County.

I want to think of the power you have, DeeDee Cooper told students at the McCaskey High School campus Tuesday. The power you have to make a huge difference in the life of someone else with a small, simple act.

Cooper is a presenter for Rachels Challenge, a bullying and violence prevention program founded by Rachels father, Darrell Scott, and based on her essays and diary entries.

McCaskey students are the latest to take on Rachels Challenge. At least a dozen county schools have introduced the program or have plans to introduce it soon.

The program offers an emotional presentation highlighting Rachels life story, help in creating a FOR  Friends of Rachel  club focused on creating a more positive school climate, and training materials.

Call to action

The basic middle-high school package, which the School District of Lancaster purchased, costs $3,600. The district split the cost with the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13, district spokeswoman Kelly Burkholder said.

Other packages, which can cost up to $6,500, include teacher kits, on-demand professional development and school climate assessments.

Solanco High School hosted a Rachels Challenge assembly in December. Assistant Principal Rick Esche said in a phone interview Tuesday that many students took the presentation as a call to action.

Students in the schools FOR club, he said, have brainstormed ways to spread compassion throughout the school, whether its handing out roses with kind messages attached to them, spreading awareness for special needs, distributing birthday cards or creating kindness napkins for the cafeteria.

Changing a life with a smile

To close her presentation, Cooper told McCaskey students to close their eyes and raise their hands if they agreed to tell their family and friends how much theyre loved. Almost every student raised his or her hand.

One day, if they arent around, youll be so glad you took a minute of your time just to tell them how you felt and how much they meant to you, Cooper said.

McCaskey senior Analise Diaz reflects on the @RachelsChalleng presentation. pic.twitter.com/OUe4WzlfWg  Alex Geli (@alexgeli) February 19, 2019

Afterward, several students moved by the presentation approached Cooper on stage and hugged her.

McCaskey senior Carissa Crowley told LNP that the presentation really spoke to her about how a word or a smile can really change someones life.

Senior Analise Diaz said it made a huge impact on her, and she hopes other students feel the same.

While students cant control what goes on at home, she said, We can control what happens here. We can control how we treat people.

LOCAL RACHELS CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS PARTICIPATING Ephrata High School

McCaskey High School

Solanco High School BEGINNING SPRING 2019 Centerville Middle School

Lancaster Catholic High School

Landis Run Intermediate School

Landisville Middle School

Manheim Township Middle School BEGINNING WINTER 2020 Donegal High School

Donegal Intermediate School

Donegal Junior High School

Donegal Primary SchoolIf the 19th-century brick building at 227 N. Prince St. is lost, its going to cause a lot of grief, city resident and retired downtown merchant Moirajeanne Fitzgerald told the Historical Commission on Tuesday.

Other members of the public chimed in, criticizing both the proposed demolition and the 14-story complex that development firm Eberly Myers wants to build at the site.

It will change the streets character and affect business, said Jake Sitler, who plans to open the Floyds of Lancaster Cafe with bicyclist Floyd Landis at 237 N. Prince St.

Commission members made it clear they, too, strongly oppose the plan.

I just cant imagine how this board could approve something like that, member Steve Funk said of the proposed tower.

Youve basically failed on all five points, he told the development team, referring to the five aspects that the commission considers: scale, the rhythm of the design, materials, details and the fit with the streetscape.

Apartments and more

Eberly Myers is proposing a 230,000-square-foot complex at 221-227 N. Prince St. It would feature about 200 residential units for people age 55 and over, along with memory care and assisted living, plus retail space and a rooftop bar and restaurant.

It would preserve and incorporate the existing building at 221 N. Prince St., home to Anytime Fitness.

Tuesdays meeting was a preliminary discussion, and no action was taken. If and when Eberly Myers makes a formal application, the commission will review it and advise City Council, which makes the final decision. The project would also have to go through the land-development approval process.

Co-owner Benjamin Myers said he and his partners love Lancasters character, want to add a ton of value and tried to take a balanced approach.

The company doesnt want to build a shorter tower because the city desperately needs the housing, Myers said. Nor can it be set back farther from the street, he said, because then the footprint would be too small to make the economics feasible.

I understand this committee is not likely to approve this, Myers said.

Funk recommended simplifying the design, feedback Myers called helpful.

The building proposed for demolition is part of a group on the National Register of Historic Places. Funk asked how its loss might affect the status and value of the others; Myers said he doesnt know, but is taking note of that concern and others raised since the plan became public.

Emergency stabilization

Myers said his team originally intended to preserve 227 N. Prince St.s front section, where Roburritos restaurant currently operates  though not the extension in the back  and remains open to doing so.

Meanwhile, however, its structural problems are ongoing, raising immediate safety concerns, said commission member Gary Horning, Lancasters chief of code compliance and inspections.

Because of that, the city has authorized emergency stabilization work, he said: Namely, removal of the deteriorating brick facade on the second and third floors along North Prince Street.

If Eberly Myers doesnt receive approval to demolish the building, the company will be required to restore the facade, Horning said.

Horning said 227 N. Prince St. would be expensive to preserve. However, Steve Murray, city resident and former owner of Zap & Co., noted the citys ordinance bars allowing demolition due to deterioration resulting from neglect.These Truths, Jill Lepores engaging history of the United States, compliments Lancaster County native Dr. David Ramsay as a gifted historian who would have written Andrew Jacksons biography if the doctor had not been shot and killed by a patient he had diagnosed as insane.

The state history website, ExplorePennsylvania.com, goes further, commending Ramsay as the Father of American History.

Vacationing in Charleston, South Carolina, several weeks ago, the Scribbler and his spouse admired Ramsays three-story house on Broad Street. The home was built around 1740 and occupied by Ramsay and his wife from 1783 until Ramsays patient proved his diagnosis correct in 1815.

These encounters with the story of a man who authored some of the countrys first histories and delivered the first smallpox vaccinations in South Carolina have prompted the writing of this column. Once notable but now relatively obscure, people should be remembered from time to time, especially if they were born in Lancaster County.

Ramsay first saw the light in Drumore (now East Drumore) Township on April 2, 1749. His Scots-Irish parents, James and Jane Ramsay, and their three sons lived in a whitewashed stone hut along Conowingo Creek near Drumores boundary with Little Britain and Fulton townships.

Ramsay attended schools at Chestnut Level Academy and the Carlisle Academy and entered the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) at age 16.

After graduating, he taught school before obtaining his medical degree at the College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania) in 1773, according to an address on the occasion of the dedication of a memorial to Ramsay and other Drumore worthies on the east side of Route 222 at Unicorn in 1921.

Ramsay moved with other Scots-Irish settlers to the South Carolina low country. He eventually settled in the Charleston house in which he treated the ill, including the patient who was impatient with Ramsays evaluation of his mental state and would end the doctors life not long after his 66th birthday.

But what an extraordinary life Ramsay lived.

The Revolutionary War began shortly after Ramsay arrived in Charleston. The doctor began writing persuasive patriotic prose. He was elected to the South Carolina Legislature and served on the council of safety. Later he became a field surgeon and served during the siege of Savannah.

When Charleston fell to the British in 1780, he was captured and imprisoned in Charleston and St. Augustine, Florida, for nearly a year.

Following the war, Ramsay was a delegate to the Continental Congress and then a South Carolina senator. He ran for Congress in 1789. After losing that election, he dedicated his life to medicine and historical writing. He helped found the Medical Society of South Carolina.

Among his books are the first history of South Carolina (1785), a biography of George Washington (1807) and his three-volume History of the United States, 1607-1808 (published in the year he was shot).

Ramsay was a moral historian, according to William R. Smiths History as Argument: Three Patriot Historians of the American Revolution(1966).

For his own part, Ramsay said in his history of South Carolina that to recount past events, for the instruction of men, ought to be the object of history.

The purpose of Lepores book, by the way, is much the same. To unlock the past, she writes, is to unlock the prison of the present. And she, like Ramsay, is certainly a moral historian. She places slavery and racial and economic discrimination at the heart of the American experience that Ramsay was one of the first to chronicle.

Jack Brubaker, retired from the LNP staff, writes The Scribbler column every Wednesday. He welcomes comments and contributions at scribblerlnp@gmail.com.You can power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today during our June Member drive.

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By Philip Iglauer and Chris Greenspon

For many residents of Highland Park, a predominantly working-class Latino neighborhood in Northeast L.A., what happened to the 2004 untitled mural of indigenous people next to the Southwest Museum of the American Indian encapsulates their anxiety over gentrification.

The mural on Marmion Way in neighboring Mt. Washington was whitewashed in 2013 after a decade of neglect and graffiti. The erasing of such murals has been a sticking point for Latino residents who fear getting priced out of their neighborhoods. In November 2017, community members gathered in a public vigil for erased murals in Highland Park.

This time, things worked out differently. The Southwest Museum's mural is getting restored, and that's welcome news to Daniel Cervantes. He's the artist who painted the 169-foot multi-paneled mural of indigenous people, including from the Tongva, Pueblo, Navajo, Apache, Chickasaw and Aztec tribes.

Daniel Cervantes' 2004 mural on Marmion Way in Mt. Washington, before it was covered by graffiti and later whitewashed in 2013. (Courtesy Topi Arvi)

The artwork is getting restored courtesy of Highland Park's Chamber of Commerce and neighborhood council, the Autry Museum, L.A. City Councilman Gil Cedillo's office and Avenue 50 Studio.

Cervantes, however, says he couldn't afford to take time off from work for what he was offered to restore the mural, and doesn't live in the neighborhood of his childhood anymore.

As his family grew and needed a larger house, Cervantes was priced out of Highland Park and outbid for homes in El Sereno. In 2016, his family moved to Covina, twenty-odd miles east on the 10 Freeway. It's a familiar story to many residents forced out of the Northeast L.A. enclave now crowded with trendy gastropubs and vegan cafes.

Artist Pola Lopez at her home and studio in Lincoln Heights. (Philip Iglauer for LAist)

Pola Lopez, an artist from New Mexico who lived in Highland Park for 16 years until relocating in Lincoln Heights, was selected to repaint the mural in 2016. Although her painting career took more of a gallery and museum track, Lopez painted a mural at York Park, a colorful phantasmagoria of stars, flowers and cacti. She is also active in erecting mural paintings with youth in the juvenile justice system.

Lopez said she is on schedule with the Southwest Museum mural. She will submit her final drawings at the end of the month and hopes to get started on it in early March.

Much of her work focuses on Chicanismo, and artistic themes that draw a connection to ancestral ties with Mesoamerica.

RESTORING ART AND CHICANISMO

Indigenous history before and after European colonization has been a major theme in Chicano art since the '70s, said Erin M. Curtis, who co-authored Murales Rebeldes! with Jessica Hough and Guisela Latorre about the aesthetics underpinning the murals in Los Angeles. The link between Chicanos and North American indigenous tribes began in 1519, when Spain invaded Mexico and created the mixed-race Mestizo class.

"This mixed identity is very common," Curtis said. "It's the result of colonization and different people connect to it in different ways; it's very, very individualized."

Artwork from artist Pola Lopez, who is restoring Daniel Cervantes' 2004 mural in Mt. Washington. (Philip Iglauer for LAist)

"There was a caste system, a sort of racial hierarchy that was developed throughout Latin America with whites at the top, and then going down through to native folks and brown folks."

Cervantes said he wanted to show Latinos living in L.A. and caught up in gang rivalry that they had another identity that predated colonialism. That's why he painted the Southwest Museum mural in 2004 and, for a few years, the painting stayed clean. Over time, however, the wall became a canvas for taggers and graffiti artists.

"I knew it was going to happen," Cervantes said at Blackbird Tattoo Shop in Covina, where he works. "I know what area I lived in. I hope that at least maybe some kids that were into graffiti or some sort of art got to see it, and hopefully they got inspired the way I got inspired by all the cool stuff I've seen in L.A."

A MURAL-RICH CITY

Los Angeles is a city of murals, and many of them across the greater East L.A. area pay tribute to indigenous history.

Aztec figures have lived on a market wall in Cypress Park on Avenue 26, and a bowling alley on Figueroa was home to a tribesman uniting rival gangs until it was whitewashed in 2014.

One of the neighborhood's defining murals decorates the side of the AT&T building at the corner of Avenue 56 and Meridian Street. The History of Highland Park was painted by Judy Baca, with assistance from Joe Bravo, Sonya Fe and Arnold Ramirez in 1977.

That mural, too, was neglected for years, and tagged by graffiti. After work from the community, local leaders and AT&T, Baca led restoration of the mural in 2011.

In the 1990s, advertisements masquerading as mural art began to proliferate throughout the city, according to L.A.'s Department of Cultural Affairs. In an effort to take control of overabundant commercial signage, the city enacted a moratorium on new murals, starting in 2003. That moratorium was finally lifted in 2013.

Murals can be protected by the city department, if properly identified, vetted and registered.

First, an online application is filed with the DCA's Original Art Murals Program. Then a public meeting is held somewhere near the mural site. There is no vote at this meeting. The point is to garner feedback from the community on the art, both opposition and support.

Barring action by the DCA, the application moves forward and the mural will be protected from whitewashing for two years. If it's a new mural, the artist is on the hook for $100 in permitting fees, plus all graffiti removal costs.

"When it was illegal, you could just go up and do a wall and nobody said anything, you took your chances," Lopez said. "Now because of the money involved, because there are grants and people are funding them, then you have to answer -- they're commissioned pieces."

Artists Daniel Cervantes working at Blackbird Tattoo Shop in Covina. (Philip Iglauer for LAist)

HOPE, INSPIRATION AND UNITY

Cervantes said he gave Lopez his blessing to restore the mural on Marmion Way, which Lopez plans to get as close to the original as possible.

Unlike the graffiti he did in his youth, Cervantes said murals have the potential to reach people of all ages, providing Latinos with a meditation on who they are and where they come from.

Although Cervantes had to grow up faster than most, he said he never lost his love of art. It actually became essential to his upbringing.

"I had to bury my first friend to gang violence... he was, I think 14 or 15," Cervantes said. "(He) and his friend were walking down the street, and some car rolled up on some other dude down the street, and he seen some guy get shot, and they ran to the dude to help him."

But the car did a U-turn, came back, and let off more rounds, killing his friend, Andy Milano, he said. Coming of age in this situation, Cervantes said he found hope in political graffiti and Chicano studies.

With the restoration of the Southwest Museum mural, Cervantes hopes a new generation might also find inspiration the way he did.

"I always felt that learning your culture would bring some kind of unity towards the community; that there was too much of a lack of knowledge of who we were, where we came from and what happened in history," he said.You can power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today during our June Member drive.

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Our brains grows so much in the first few years of life that any trauma we experience during that time can affect our health forever.

California's new, first-ever surgeon general, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, has made the link between childhood adversity and long-term health the focus of her work.

She was sworn in by Gov. Gavin Newsom last week and calls her new role a "dream job."

Harris has built her career as a Bay Area-based pediatrician and the founder of the Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco. She's also the author of The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity, and is known for giving this popular TED Talk.

I spoke with her about how she developed a passion for this type of work, what she hopes to accomplish in her new job and what families can do now to protect kids from toxic stress. The conversation below has been edited for clarity.

PN: At the center of your work is a study on Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs. You say this is something that everyone should know about but it has a few parts. Break it down for our audience.

NBH: The Adverse Childhood Experiences study was a big study that was done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente. And in it they asked about 17,500 adults about their histories of 10 categories of what they call the Adverse Childhood Experiences - those include things like abuse and neglect, or growing up in a household where parent was mentally ill or substance dependent, or where there was domestic violence. And what they found were to really major things. One is that Adverse Childhood Experiences are super common. Two thirds of the population had experienced at least one and one in 8 folks had experienced four or more of the 10 traditional Adverse Childhood Experiences.

But the other thing that they found was that the more ACEs a person had the greater than risk for not just the stuff that you'd expect, like, you know, mental health issues or substance use, but really medical problems like heart disease and cancer and Alzheimer's. And so this really was a surprise, I think, to a lot of folks. And it begun to put together the link between early adversity and increased risk of some of our biggest health problems today.

(Courtesy CDC)

PN: As you mentioned, this is extremely common, but I think when people hear about, you know, adverse experiences in trauma and toxic stress, they may think, "Oh, that's not me."

NBH: Yeah, that's right. That's so common. I think that most folks when I first start talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, they're thinking about you know, someone else in a different circumstance and usually in a different zip code.

But once you start talking about what the Adverse Childhood Experiences actually are, which include things like you know emotional abuse, having a parent or caregiver who often you yelled at you or swore at you or didn't make you feel like you were loved or cared for, or even witnessing domestic violence or having parents who were separated or divorced -- all of these things we now understand how how it works is that they activate the body's stress response. And when that stress response is activated, and kids don't have a caring adult to buffer their stress response that can lead to over-activation over the long term and then that can lead to harm in our bodies.

PN: Yeah, actual physical health problems. I think that's something that's really surprising to people. And this wasn't something that was always part of your practice as a pediatrician. How did you come across it? And how did it change the way that you treated your patients?

NBH: When I finished my pediatrics residency at Stanford, I opened a clinic in in partnership with a local hospital in one of the most underserved neighborhoods in San Francisco. That's always been kind of part of my DNA -- serving vulnerable communities. But what I was noticing was I was doing a great job with the immunization rates and counseling kids and families about obesity and doing all of the protocols that we're taught as pediatricians to do, but I was seeing lots of kids who were coming to see me for ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. And it was like an unusual amount. It was it was a bizarrely high rate.

What I found was that the kids who were having the worst outcomes were also the kids who had really the most severe histories of adversity. They were kids dealing with parents who were substance dependent or who were experiencing mental illness or who were experiencing domestic violence at home. The correlation was just so strong. And it was wasn't just their behavior, it was also their health.

I will not forget, as I was sitting down with a little girl trying to work on her asthma triggers working with her mom, you know, what is it that you notice tends to trigger your daughter's asthma. And this mom said to me, I noticed that my daughter's asthma tends to act up every time her dad punches a hole in the wall. And so as a doctor, I was just like, "wow."

That's when I started diving into the research and that's when I came across the Adverse Childhood Experiences study and then now the hundreds of other studies that have validated the same thing.

PN: You founded the Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco, a national leader in raising awareness about ACEs. And it's really your vision that there would be universal awareness among pediatrician about ACEs. What difference would that make in treatment?

NBH: We understand that when kids are exposed to high doses of adversity, that can lead to an overactive stress response. And those stress hormones that bathe a child's brain and body can affect their development. The development of their brain, their hormonal system, their immune system, even the way their DNA is read and transcribed.

But the good news is that all of the research tells us that early detection and early intervention improves outcomes. The earlier that we can identify these things, then we have an opportunity to take advantage of cool science like neuroplasticity, the ability of brain cells to make new connections -- these things can can really improve outcomes for kids.

Kids come into my office as a pediatrician and I check their height, I check their weight, I check their blood pressure, I ask about how much milk they're drinking and how many times a day they're going to the bathroom. And yet Adverse Childhood Experiences are such a critical risk factor that affect children's health in a really substantial way.

PN: Once you ask those questions, then what? What did you do for that little girl who had asthma once you realize that connection to the stressors in her life?

NBH: So that's the that's the big question that I think a lot of people are nervous about. Before physicians implement any screening, they receive training, they have a protocol to say, "OK, if we identify a concern or risk here are the resources that we're going to plug our families into." And there are a lot of things that really make a difference. Mental health intervention, excellent treatments like parent-child interactive therapy, for example.

One of the things that's really important is that they support both the child, which is kind of obvious, but also the caregiver, because the two parts of the equation is the stress on the child and the the adults ability to be a buffer to that stress is critical.

There are other things as well things like mindfulness, that's shown by evidence to help to strengthen the part of the parasympathetic nervous system that calms your body down when your stress response is activated, regular exercise, good nutrition.

PN: In my work as a reporter, I've been doing a lot of stories lately focused on the social determinants of health focusing on black infant mortality and how the experiences of black moms affect birth outcomes. And something that's been striking to me is that it really does seem that this this focus on social determinants of health and early interventions is sometimes seen as innovative. It's not something that policy makers are always focused on why do you think that is?

NBH: Well, to be honest, I don't understand.

PN: Yeah, this is what you do, so you don't get that mindset?

NBH: Yeah, it doesn't make a ton of sense to me. One of the things that I'm really, really excited about is being at this first surgeon general of California, it's not only my dream job, but it's my dream job in a dream administration. We're very fortunate to have an administration where the governor and his team is very focused on ensuring that every child has access to a healthy start. What we see is that this administration is really, you know, putting their money where their mouth is when we when they say giving every child a healthy start as a priority and health equity is a priority and looking at the social determinants is critical. And so I'm really excited to be able to be doing this work in this role in the great state of California.

The Bay Area-based pediatrician was sworn in by Gov. Gavin Newsom as California's first-ever Surgeon General on Feb. 11, 2019. (Joe McHugh)

PN: So let's talk a little bit more about that role of surgeon general. On a national level it may not be very visible and may not have that much power, but what do you hope to accomplish? What's your vision?

NBH: What I'm really going to be focused on as surgeon general is addressing toxic stress as a health crisis in the state of California, and really looking at, across our health care programs, how we can better support our existing infrastructure and then look at what else is needed to be able to address toxic stress as a major risk factor for negative health and behavioral outcomes.

In addition, focusing on this vision and this promise of making sure that every Californian can have a healthy start. Listen, we know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And when we look at how do we address some of our biggest challenges, we recognize that the investments that we make an early developmental screening, giving kids a healthy start is absolutely critically important.

And then, as I mentioned health equity. California is such an amazing state where we have all this scientific expertise, we have the the fifth largest economy in the world, and so the idea that some communities are having poor health outcomes in such a persistent way is just unacceptable.

PN: You'll be using your new platform to reach young families across the state what do you what do you want to say to parents about toxic stress now and what what they can do for their their their own children now?

NBH: I think one of the biggest myths that we have to bust is the idea of like, "Oh, you know what, whatever happened in my childhood, it happened so long ago. And, you know, is there really anything that I can do about it now, anyways?"

And what the science is showing us is that it's never too late to begin healing. It's never too late to start regulating an overactive stress response and to put in some of these things into practice and the things that we know make a huge difference a sleep, exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, mental health and healthy relationships.

As I'm talking to families, and especially families with young kids across the state, one of the things that's really common is folks are saying, "Yeah, some of that stuff did happen in our household, but I didn't realize that that could affect my child's health."

And so really helping to to raise awareness because I'm a physician, but if we think that we're going to solve this problem only in the doctor's office, we're out of our minds. It's around creating communities, raising awareness among not only healthcare providers, but teachers and police officers and judges and the person at the supermarket; everyone in our society absolutely needs to understand how children's environments -- whether that's a safe and buffering environment, or whether that is a scary environment -- literally gets under their skin and every single one of us has an opportunity to be a healthy buffer for a child.

PN: I focus specifically on children ages 0-5 in my reporting and it always is just shocking to me how often people kind of silo early childhood from the rest of life. Of course it's connected!

NBH: What's amazing, especially with the advancement in the sciences, we used to think of heart disease as an adult disease, because you're diagnosed when you're an adult. But what we're now understanding is, for example, an individual with four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences is twice as likely to develop heart disease as an individual with zero ACEs. The origins of things that we have previously thought of as adult diseases we now understand begin in childhood. And that means that the investments that we make in childhood and having a healthy start for every child actually have a much bigger impact then we previously thought.

PN: I've heard you speak before about how often you meet young doctors or med students who are inspired to go into the field because of your work and your very popular TED Talk about ACEs. What do you imagine that you could inspire now with your new position as surgeon general?

NBH: This is one of the things that I'm most excited about because when we think about responding to Adverse Childhood Experiences and toxic stress as as a public health issue, this is not something that's done by one individual or one organization, or frankly, even one state.

When we look at other public health crises like HIV/AIDS, like lead poisoning -- what we see is that it's really the advancement of a field. It's people coming together folks choosing to decide, you know what, I'm going to do my PhD thesis on this topic instead of whatever else I could do it about. I'm going to be part of the solution and helping to understand how the stress response works and what happens when it when it becomes over-activated. I think the role of inspiring folks to be part of the solution is, I think, one of the most exciting parts of my job.

Editor's note: A version of this story was also on the radio. Listen to it here on KPCC's Take Two. It starts at 15:00.You can power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today during our June Member drive.

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For 40 years, the Milky Way endured as one of the most high-profile kosher restaurants in Los Angeles. Located in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, in the heart of the "kosher corridor," it wasn't just a place to eat. It was the restaurant that introduced Mexican, Cajun and Italian flavors to many of its diners. During its four-decade run, the Milky Way became a touchstone for L.A.'s Orthodox Jewish community. But when Leah Spielberg Adler opened the place, she had modest culinary goals.

In 1977, L.A. had only a few kosher restaurants.

"When my mom and my stepfather, Bernie Adler, decided to venture into the restaurant business, their initial purpose was to provide a dining experience to L.A.'s kosher community, who had never tried internationally inspired food," says Nancy Spielberg, one of Adler's four children.

Although they kept kosher at home, running a restaurant involves another level of scrutiny.

The Adlers were fond of the Chabad community, whose kashrut laws are stricter than those of many other Orthodox Jewish sects, so they decided to serve a kosher dairy menu. Since milk and meat cannot be served together under kosher rules (sorry, no cheeseburgers or pastrami reubens), the restaurant would be mostly vegetarian. More than that, kosher dairy restaurants must be rigorous in ensuring that all of their food stays separate from meat products. Under Cholov Yisroel supervision, one of the many kashering authorities, all dairy products must be made with rabbinic oversight from the moment the cow is milked.

The Adlers also wanted to broaden the palates of their fellow Jews.

"Bernie had introduced many of the local rabbis to Mexican and Chinese cuisine," Spielberg says. "Imagine a time when Jews had not yet tasted Chinese food, let alone eaten it on Christmas every year. Our mom wanted to watch the expressions of the community when they took that first bite of a chimichanga, a sip of the fish chowder, or the first burn of the Cajun snapper."

Cajun Pacific Snapper at the Milky Way, a kosher restaurant in Los Angeles, 2019. (Wonho Frank Lee/Courtesy of the Milky Way)

Spielberg remembers one time when when her parents' Orthodox friends came over for a party and tried some of these foods for the first time.

"I'll never forget the Chassidic dancing that broke out in our little living room on Wilshire, when the margaritas flowed with the tacos and guacamole," she says.

Adler worked long hours, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., six days a week, to make the restaurant a success.

"If we wanted to be with her, we would hang out in the restaurant, sit at her corner table to share our joys and our woes, hear her sage yet unusual advice and just be in her presence," Spielberg says. "The Milky Way meant the world to our mom."

In 2017, Adler passed away at the age of 97.

Her four children -- Nancy, Anne, Sue and Steven (a filmmaker with a few minor hits under his belt) -- decided to close the restaurant while they mourned her loss.

They wanted time to think about the future of the family business. In the four decades since the Milky Way had opened, L.A.'s dining scene had changed. Pico-Robertson was brimming with kosher restaurants. Palates had expanded and guacamole was hardly a novelty. Leah Adler's children knew that if they revived the restaurant, they had to walk a fine line -- bringing the food into the 21st century while holding onto their mother's vision.

This week, the Milky Way finally reopened with a renovated dining room, a new kitchen and a menu that reflects Adler's vibrant spirit.

The interior of the Milky Way, a kosher restaurant in Los Angeles, 2019. (Wonho Frank Lee/Courtesy of the Milky Way)

THE MENU

Reimagined by chef Phil Kastel, the menu includes favorites like cheese blintzes and lasagna as well as new items such as a Santa Fe chopped salad and pan crisped salmon with garlic lemon butter.

"It's got her whimsical nature, her love of family, her quirkiness, her demand for the absolute best, both in terms of food and decor, written all over it," Spielberg says.

Kastel began working with the Spielbergs in April 2018. "I had the current kitchen crew make me every item that was on the menu," he says. "I also spoke with the family and asked them, 'What are the signature items? What are the family favorites?'"

The 2019 menu preserves the popular potato pancakes, eggplant parmesan, guacamole, chimichangas, fish and chips, fish chowder and tuna melt. It also features an Impossible cheeseburger and Cajun snapper with pineapple salsa. Kastel wanted to introduce more seasonal vegetables and fish, so the restaurant has committed to changing the menu four times a year.

Latkes (aka potato pancakes) at the Milky Way, a kosher restaurant in Los Angeles, 2019. (Wonho Frank Lee/Courtesy of the Milky Way)

To regulars, that's all well and good, but they have one crucial question: Is the Milky Way still kosher? The answer is a resounding yes.

"It is certified kosher, which is huge for people who follow certified kosher rules," Kastel says. He has more than a decade of experience with the Hillstone Restaurant Group, best known for operating the Houston's chain, but this is his first time cooking kosher food.

"It took a lot of research," he says. "What I learned is that the majority of the food in your fridge is kosher. Heinz Ketchup. Best Foods Mayonnaise." Most people probably don't notice or understand the kosher symbols, known as hechshers, on many common foodstuffs.

Cheesecake at the Milky Way, a kosher restaurant in Los Angeles, 2019. (Julie Wolfson for LAist)

THE METHOD

Kosher food is divided into three categories: meat, dairy and pareve. To keep kosher, milk and meat products must be kept separate. They can't be prepared or consumed together but pareve food items can be consumed with either. Fish can also be eaten with dairy meals.

Cheese blintzes at the Milky Way, a kosher restaurant in Los Angeles, 2019. (Wonho Frank Lee/Courtesy of the Milky Way)

Kastel discovered that there are many kinds of Cholov Yisroel-certified cheese. "I noticed that some had more milk fat than the others," he says. "So when I was sourcing Swiss cheese for the tuna melt, there was one that was better than the others."

Kastel did, however, stick with the kosher vanilla ice cream the Milky Way has always served with its apple pie a la mode. He hopes the care he has taken in sourcing ingredients would make Leah Adler proud.

A kosher restaurant must also have an onsite mashgiach, the person who ensures that the place maintains its kosher standards. "He inspects every product that enters the building, from canned goods to fish to produce. He also cleans all of my lettuce and all of my produce. He washes it and makes sure everything is 100%. Same thing of the fish," Kastel says.

Even the pots, pans, silverware and china had to go through a kosherizing process, before Kastel and his staff could use them.

These items were sent to a mikvah, a ritual bath used for purification. For Orthodox Jews, the cleansing evokes holiness and connects the dining table with the altar of their temple. The back of the restaurant has a sink that customers can use for ritual hand washing and blessings before the meal.

These additional requirements, on top of L.A.'s labyrinthine regulations for opening a restaurant, aren't inexpensive or easy. That's why the food at most kosher restaurants often costs a bit more than the food at similar, non-kosher restaurants.

MAKING MOM PROUD

Although the Milky Way caters to its Jewish clientele, the Spielberg family hopes the restaurant will intrigue Angelenos who want to try kosher fare, and maybe Leah Adler's hospitality will win them over.

"Home is where your mom is," says Nancy Spielberg. "The Milky Way was our home in many ways."

Many customers who initially came for the food returned to see Adler. To the right of the entrance, customers can watch videos of Adler through the years. Framed photos of the Spielberg family decorate the restaurant. The hallway is lined with posters celebrating Steven's cinematic achievements, from Schindler's List and E.T., to Jaws and The Color Purple.

The Spielberg children hope that memories of their mother will continue to nourish the community.

"Our mom had a larger-than-life spirit, and the Milky Way was her incredible spirit personified," Spielberg says. "There is no doubt that our mom exists in every corner of the space. I almost feel a 'mommy hug' every time I walk into the restaurant now."Kind expects Congress to consider a resolution to overturn the declaration but said it will be up to Republicans as to whether the resolution passes in the GOP-controlled Senate and they are willing to vote to overturn a likely veto by the president  something Kind maintained they should do to be consistent with their stances on the use of executive power by Democratic former President Barack Obama.

Were going to need some support from our Republican friends in Congress to help defend our co-equal branch status and the constitutional requirement that only Congress appropriates money, Kind said.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press that he didnt think Trumps declaration was unconstitutional but wishes the president wouldnt use it in this case.

Johnson, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, said past Congresses have given the executive branch too much power and this move is concerning because it would constitute another expansion of that power.

Allowing Trump to divert billions of federal dollars from military construction and other purposes to fund a border barrier would set a bad precedent, Kind said.Earlier Tuesday, Kaul called Trumps emergency declaration a blatant attempt to circumvent the system of checks and balances prescribed by the United States Constitution.

If it becomes clear that federal funds that should be distributed to Wisconsin will instead be diverted as a result of this manufactured emergency, the Wisconsin Department of Justice will take appropriate action, Kaul said.

Kauls handling of a possible Trump lawsuit comes after he campaigned on a platform of removing the state from a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the Affordable Care Act. However, during a lame-duck session in December, Republicans enacted a new law that requires Evers and Kaul to seek permission from the Legislature to settle or withdraw from a lawsuit.

In January, Evers directed Kaul to seek that permission from the Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee, which is not expected to approve the request.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of Wisconsin congressional members  including U.S. Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner and Mike Gallagher, who are Republicans, and Democrats Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore  raised concerns over Trumps emergency declaration undermining the role of Congress.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, in a TV interview Saturday joined in that criticism, saying he shared concerns that Trumps national emergency declaration could set a troubling precedent, such as paving the way for a future president to declare a national emergency to secure funds to address climate change.

Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, in his first major legislative act as Wisconsins chief executive, vetoed a Republican bill that would have tapped state surplus funds to cut taxes for the middle class, calling it fiscally unsound and lacking bipartisan support.

Republican lawmakers, in turn, called Evers divisive for insisting on something to which they say theyll never agree: capping a state tax credit for large manufacturers. Evers wants to cap the credit at $300,000 to offset part of revenue lost through his tax cut.

Evers issued a statement late Wednesday announcing his veto, which he had signaled was coming. A veto message from Evers said the GOP bill would be unsupported going forward as it relies simply on draining state reserve funds.

The message said Evers objects to the bill being enacted apart from the process by which lawmakers typically make big tax-and-spending decisions: the state budget. Evers plans to announce his state budget proposal next week, and he has said it will include his plan for a middle-class tax cut.The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will host a public involvement meeting Thursday to discuss the replacement of the eastbound Medary Bridge on Highway 16.

The bridge carries traffic over the La Crosse River between Highway B and Highway 157 in La Crosse County. The meeting is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at North Woods International School at N2541 Sablewood Road, just off Highway B.

The transportation department is designing the replacement of the eastbound bridge, which is nearing the end of its useful life. Safety improvements are also being examined for the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway B. Construction is scheduled for 2023 and 2024.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, provide input and ask questions. Maps showing the proposed improvement alternatives will be on display, and DOT representatives will be available to discuss the project.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, or would like more information, contact Tom Kratt at 608-789-7874. Written comments regarding the project can be emailed to Tom Kratt, thomas.kratt@dot.wi.gov or mailed to WISDOT, Tom Kratt at 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, WI 54601.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0To stay up-to-date on everything happening in the area send your event information no later than Friday noon for the following weeks edition. Email information to angie.cina@lee.net.Interest in auto mechanics is booming at Tomah High School, and the growing classroom has a new engine to explore.

Ford Motor Company donated a four-cylinder, 1.6-liter Eco-Boost engine, along with all the manuals, to instructor Ted Schultzs auto shop class Friday. Representatives from Ford, the Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers Association and Tomahs Brenengen Auto traveled to the high school for the donation.

The engine, valued at over $3,000, is the one Ford installs in the Fusion and Escape. Schultz said it will be a nice addition to his curriculum.

Theyll take it apart, make measurements, check it against specifications in the manual and put it back together correctly, he said. It will be the newest engine we have.

Schultz said his class expanded from 14 to 28 students this year, and representatives from the auto industry were happy to see students pursuing auto mechanics. Rick Elliot, Fords technical support operations manager for the Midwest, said the industry needs talented people to service and repair increasingly complex automobiles.

Nowadays, our computers have computers that talk to each other, Elliott said. Theres never a day thats the same.- Scarlet Snow Belos new video has gone viral on social media

- The clip shows Scarlet Snow helping the kasambahay sweep her houses driveway

- According to the celebrity kid, the next thing she will try is washing the dishes

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Scarlet Snow Belo is not only a cute and intelligent kid but also a disciplined one, as proven by her latest viral video.

KAMI learned that a video of Scarlet Snow helping her kasambahay clean the house has gone viral.

According to her post, her daddy Hayden Kho told her that she should start helping out with the household chores.

After learning how to sweep the driveway, the celebrity kid promised to try washing dishes next.

I'm turning four next month so Daddy said it's time I learn new life skills and take on new responsibilities. I now help to sweep the driveway. Next is washing dishes, the video caption reads.

Netizens were impressed by Scarlet Snows new video:

I super love this baby girl

Napakalaki naman kasi ng walis nya. Hahahha!

Grabe ka Scarlet napatawa mo ako ng bongga

Wow.. nice one scarlet. Mas maganda yong matutu ka sa gawaing bahay pra maging maganda ang takbo ng buhay mo sa hinaharap.

ganda ng parents mo kc tinuruan ka ng mabuting asal d kagaya ng anak myaman puro gadget

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In a previous report by KAMI, a video of a hilarious argument between Scarlet Snow and her daddy went viral.

Dr. Vicki Belo is the leading beauty doctor in the Philippines, catering to many patients, mostly celebrities. She is the wife of Dr. Hayden Kho and they have a daughter named Scarlet Snow Belo.

POPULAR: Read more news about Scarlet Snow Belo!

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Our HumanMeter team attended a special screening of Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil's new movie "Alone /Together"! There, we were able to issue a challenge on LizQuen fans! Check out our other videos  on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: Kami.com.phDid Clinton lose Wisconsin because she didnt campaign here personally? Thats not a question with an objective answer. But the perception that the Democrats took Wisconsin in particular, and the Midwest in general, for granted is out there  If we want to really pay attention to the Midwest, we should be in the Midwest, Marge Hoffa, a DNC member from Minnesota, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in support of placing the convention in Milwaukee  and it appears to be a factor in Milwaukee having made it this far.

Whatever the motivations, were happy one of the two big political parties might be bringing its next national convention to Wisconsin.

As has been pointed out, our annual weather from July 13-16  the dates for the convention have already been chosen  is considerably more pleasant than that in Houston or Miami, the other two finalist cities.

One of the issues said to be working against Milwaukee is the perception that its not a big enough city to accommodate the thousands of attendees to a national convention, that the Brew City doesnt have enough hotel rooms.

Were hoping the Milwaukee bid committee has countered that argument by pointing out the thousands of hotel rooms available in the county next door, the one a short trip south on Interstate 94 from the Fiserv Forum.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Regardless of whether Milwaukee hosts the Democratic convention, Wisconsin is likely to be a major battleground in the 2020 election.

During the 2016 presidential race, Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton did not visit the state during the race; some believe that was a mistake which led to Donald Trump becoming the first Republican to win Wisconsins electoral votes since President Ronald Regan in 1984. Trump won Wisconsin by 22,748 votes, a margin of less than 1 percentage point.

We need to be sure were getting out a strong message in Wisconsin about what Democratic leadership offers and how we can help to make peoples lives better, Laning said. We saw in 2016 how important Wisconsin was and we know that this is a key state.

Wisconsin Democrats bounced back during the midterm elections last November, winning every statewide race including the governors race.

Wisconsin is seen as a purple state, but in 2018 Laning said Wisconsin Democrats put more resources into a neighbor to neighbor contact program to connect other organizers similar to 2008 and 2012.CALEDONIA  Anthony J. Hammes and Kimberly Hoover were the top two vote-getters Tuesday in the primary for the District 9 seat on the Racine Unified School Board, according to unofficial results from the Racine County Clerk.

Hammes and Hoover will face off in the April 2 general election for the District 9 seat, which represents most of Caledonia and Wind Point. District 9 is represented by School Board President Bob Wittke, who decided not to run for re-election to the School Board after being elected Nov. 6 to the state Assembly. He began serving in the Assembly in January.

Hoover, a 40-year-old litigation specialist at CNH Industrial Capital America, received 233 votes and Hammes, a 39-year-old stay-at-home father, received 114 votes.

The third candidate on the ballot Tuesday, Kurt Squire, suspended his campaign before the primary and threw his support to Hammes, but still received 51 votes.

According to County Clerk Wendy Christensen, even though Squire said he was no longer interested in running for the seat, his name would have been put on the April 2 ballot if he had received the first- or second-most votes.RACINE  Overcoming light turnout, allegations of campaign improprieties in one district and the dropout of a candidate in another, voters on Tuesday narrowed the field of candidates in two city aldermanic districts.

Racines 1st and 13th Districts held primaries on Tuesday and the top-two vote-getters in each district now advance to the general election on April 2.

District 1

In the 1st District, which encompasses Downtown Racine and stretches into the near south side near the lakefront, incumbent Alderman Jeff Coe, a machinist, and challenger Susan Wagner, who works in administration, will be the candidates in the general election. Coe, who has served on the Council on and off since 2001, received 92 votes and Wagner received 35.

Scotty Martin, who was also on the ballot, told The Journal Times on Monday that he is no longer interested in the position. Martin said he filed for the position but later changed his mind. Nonetheless, Martin still received seven votes.

District 13MOUNT PLEASANT  A 25-year-old Racine man has been charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after he allegedly directed slurs at police officers who were arresting him on a probation hold after he allegedly knocked over traffic cones while intoxicated.

Jordan Tyler Polack, of the 300 block of Sixth Street, allegedly said that he was not racist after directing racial slurs at an officer, but then later stated he did, in fact, hate black people, the Mount Pleasant Police Department reported.

Records indicate that the accused has been incarcerated on nine separate occasions since September 2011.

According to a criminal complaint:

On Saturday, police were called to the intersection of Green Bay Road and Highway MM after reports that a man  later identified as Polack  had been kicking traffic barrels into the roadway.

Upon approaching Polack, police reported that they smelled alcohol and were informed that Polack was on probation and had been required not to consume alcohol as part of his probation. A preliminary breath test reportedly showed that his blood-alcohol content was .224.Haney interviewed several dozen prisoners at multiple facilities, some who spent months, even years, in restricted housing and who described enforced idleness and inactivity, oppressive security and surveillance and starkly deprived conditions that can create cognitive, emotional and behavioral impairments. Those damages can be permanent and life-threatening, he said.

* Dentist Jay D. Shulman reported allegations of inadequate policies, procedures and staffing in the dental department that result in consistently inadequate care. There is a one-year quarantine during which prisoners are not eligible to receive treatment for dental disease until the conditions cause pain. There is a two-year restriction from receiving dentures, even for those who have pain and discomfort in chewing. An available waiver process is "highly problematic," he said, because the basis for approving such a waiver is not stated.

* Eldon Vail, formerly with the Washington State Department of Corrections, described the "two-headed monster" of overcrowding and understaffing that leads to over-reliance on solitary confinement. In spite of a stated reform of restricted housing policies, the practice has increased rather than decreased, he said.Please log in to keep reading.

Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever.Federal officials have told Southwest Airlines to fix the way it calculates the weight of luggage loaded on flights after finding frequent mistakes during a yearlong investigation.

Southwest said Tuesday that it has made improvements in its methods for calculating the weight and balance of loads, and that it isn't facing enforcement action.

The airline said that it voluntarily reported the issue to the Federal Aviation Administration last year.

The FAA investigation was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper said internal FAA documents showed that the airline made frequent mistakes in calculations and luggage-loading practices that could cause errors when pilots compute their plane's takeoff weight.

Southwest told The Associated Press that ground workers manually count and record how many bags go on each plane. The airline uses FAA-approved average weights for bags and passengers, then adds the actual weight of fuel and freight to calculate each load. Southwest said it also builds in a safety margin.

The FAA found cases in which the bag load was more than 1,000 pounds heavier than paperwork indicated, the Journal reported.A successful citizens petition drive stopped the ordinance from taking effect after it was initially passed by the City Council in 2012.

Since then, the council has neither repealed the ordinance nor put the issue up for a citywide vote.

Mayoral candidate Jeff Kirkpatrick ran into that difference of opinion on how best to handle the fairness ordinance when he sent out a news release suggesting the City Council should put the issue on the May 7 ballot.

He later changed that news release to reflect putting the fairness ordinance on either the 2019 city election or the 2020 statewide ballot, after learning that many in the LGBTQ community didnt think they could raise money and mount a campaign in time for the May city election.

Mayoral candidate Leirion Gaylor Baird said she believes many in the LGBTQ community, at this point, would prefer a legislative solution  where the Legislature makes discrimination the law statewide  rather than the potential divisiveness of the conversation that takes place around a popular vote.

Both Gaylor Baird and Kirkpatrick support prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.That has been the history, Connolly said.

But the attorneys and the city transportation staff are taking another look at the citys responsibility in light of the weekend's mailbox massacre.

Earlier in the week, in an email response to reporter questions, Salmi said the city would likely pay to replace the mailboxes.

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And Lincoln Transportation and Utilities officials said during a Wednesday news conference they had hoped the claims process could be expedited for those affected.

But that may not be the final answer from the city.

The nature of how this happened is bothersome to us all, Connolly said. We are sympathetic to what happened. But we also have to be careful about what it (paying for these mailboxes) means to the city" in the future.

Mailbox claims are generally in the $100 range, Connolly said. He said he doesnt know how many mailbox-related claims a year there might be and it's probably dependent on how much snow the city gets.

In this incident, some of the mailboxes were knocked backward and werent actually destroyed, so they simply had to be straightened.In response, the city conducted two training sessions and removed the disciplinary actions from Hurds personnel file but ignored many of Taylor-Riley's other recommendations.

In closing arguments, Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth Elliott disputed that Mueller had treated Khalil differently than anyone else. She said Khalil struggled on paramedic calls, but that had nothing to do with her race or gender.

Khalil now is a Lincoln police officer.

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And, Elliott said, while the department's discipline process may have been inconsistent, when Hurd was written up it was for errors he made  and nothing more.

She pointed to troubles in Hurd's personal life that predated his complaint.

Brandon countered in her rebuttal that the trial wasn't to decide whether Hurd was a saint or a sinner. You don't have to be a perfect human being to be entitled to protection from retaliation, she said.

"This is not a guy who's after money," Brandon said. "He's out for justice."

She said the city stole Hurd's dignity and his career, the love of his life.A Lancaster County judge has affirmed a Lincoln attorney's misdemeanor conviction and sentence for soliciting prostitution in 2016.

Vincent Valentino had argued that the County Attorney's office and Lincoln police selectively arrested and prosecuted him because of his gender and by not allowing him to participate in pretrial diversion.

On appeal, his attorney, Bob Creager, also argued that when Lincoln police arrested Valentino at his home on July 29, 2016, it was entrapment.

In a 22-page order last week, Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson disagreed.

She said the record did not show that Valentino raised the defense in county court. Even if he had, Nelson said, the state showed beyond a reasonable doubt that it did not entrap him.

Valentino responded to a post on backpage.com, asked the person to come to his home with a condom, and, when the undercover officer got there, asked her to get the money in an upstairs bedroom and take her clothes off, the judge said.

Valentino, who worked as a prosecutor for 15 years and now represents clients in discrimination and governmental litigation, was one of 12 people arrested in a prostitution sting by Lincoln police as part of the National Johns Suppression Initiative.After the polygraph examiner saw unspecified indications of deception, investigators explored suspicions he sexually assaulted women he knew, the affidavit said.

One woman later told investigators that Bridgmon sexually assaulted her outside of Cook in July 2007, when she was 17 and he was 19, according to the affidavit.

He had picked her up in his car and as they drove away he groped her, she told the State Patrol.

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When she told him to stop and let her out, he kept driving, the investigator said.

He drove the car to a rural area, told her to get out of the car and he raped her, she said.

As he drove her back home, they saw her friends and Bridgmon told her to lie if they asked why she was crying, according to the affidavit.

She told investigators she hasn't spoken to him since 2013. To date, the investigation has led to four other potential victims.

Those assaults occurred in different, unspecified counties, where prosecutors are reviewing the cases, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska Attorney General's Office said.

Bridgmon made his first appearance in court Wednesday afternoon, and a judge ordered him not to contact his accusers.Charges had not been filed Wednesday, but Wonch Hill was told to appear in court in the case next month.

Sands said the damage to property  estimated at $100  went beyond free speech expression. Wonch Hill, she said, is being looked at in other open vandalism cases.

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Following criticism on social media that police tested stickers from the vandalism for fingerprints, Sands defended the officers and said they followed protocol in property crime cases.

"The amount of loss doesnt matter," she said.

If an officer has permission to fingerprint and can lift usable prints from a property crime scene, the officers will do so.

Last year, they sent nearly 2,700 fingerprints to the department's analysts and made 920 identifications in cases ranging from theft and vandalism to murder, Sands said.

Wonch Hill didn't respond to a request for comment.

An online fundraiser purporting to raise money for Wonch Hill's defense had received nearly $1,500 in donations by Wednesday afternoon.

Any leftover funds, according to the campaign, will be used to pay for similar signs mocking Fortenberry.Lawmakers moved onto other business Wednesday morning after three hours of debate on a bill to update Nebraska's Americanism statutes.

The bill's (LB399) sponsor, Sen. Julie Slama of Peru, said she has the votes needed to end a filibuster by Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, meaning it will likely come back later this week.

Slama's bill, as well as the pending Education Committee amendments to it, would require Nebraska students to take the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization exam, attend a public meeting and write a report about it, or complete a research paper or project about a person or event from American history.

Chambers, who criticized the bill as requiring students to learn one version of American history, filed several motions repealing words or entire sections from Slama's bill during Wednesday's truncated debate.

Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz also sought to strike language from the bill allowing school boards to remove teachers or other school employees from their positions if judged to have not completed the requirements under the statute.Bitten By The Blues opens when the Wisconsin college student Iglauer, in 1966, ventured into Chicago to attend the citys annual folk festival, where he heard Mississippi Fred McDowell playing his hill country blues.

It felt like he reached out to me over 20 rows of seats, grabbed me by the collar and slapped me, and yelled Wake up, boy! This is for you," he writes.

He returned two years later to book an artist for a college show  which turned out to be Howlin Wolf, then booked Allison for another show. Moving to Chicago in 1970, he landed a job at Jazz Record Mart, working at the store and for Delmark Records, the blues label run by its owner.

By the next year, Iglauer had scraped together the cash and the courage to start his own label, Alligator Records, and make a record on Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, a raw three-piece band he encountered on his early visits to Chicagos South Side clubs.

His stories of Florences Lounge and Theresas Lounge are similar, down to the details, to those told to me by Zoo Bar founder and longtime owner Larry Boehmer, who made his way to the Chicago clubs at about the same time as Iglauer.CHARLESTON -- Plans for three schools to meet state academic requirements are set for approval during today's Charleston school board meeting.

The plans are required based on the schools' test performance data and designations in the district "report cards" that the Illinois State Board of Education issued last fall.

The three schools -- Charleston Middle School and Carl Sandburg and Jefferson elementary schools -- can now receive state grants to implement their improvement plans, district Assistant Superintendent Kristen Holly said.

Each school first received a designation as "under performing" but the middle school's was later changed to "commendable."

Holly said that followed review and corrections of preliminary data and changes in how the Charleston schools performed compared to others.

The "under performing" designations weren't based on the schools' overall test scores but only those in student "subgroups," mainly special education students.

Holly said CMS can still receive a $15,000 grant, while the two elementary schools can receive $45,000 each.

The plans set for board approval address how the schools will use the money, she said. The plans call for before and after school tutoring, a summer school program, computer purchases and more, she explained.

The board's meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the district office at 410 W. Polk Ave.

Also during the meeting, the board had been scheduled to hear a report on a program for special education students with emotional disabilities and possibly vote to expand the program.

However, district special education Coordinator Robert Lynn said he plans to delay his presentation in order to gather more data. There will be a recommendation later on whether to expand the program, he said.

An emotional disabilities program at the elementary school level was added this school year. Lynn said about a dozen elementary students have been in the program during the current year.

Last year, district administrators indicated that adding a program at CMS starting in the 2019-20 school year could be the next step.

The stated goal for the program when it was added at the elementary school level was to keep more special education students in the district instead of sending them to programs at other facilities.

Other votes scheduled for the meeting include adding a supervisory assistant for Mark Twain Elementary School while Principal Denise Titus is on maternity leave, expected to be during April and May.

Also, another vote would be to transfer administrator duties effective July 1.

Specifics on both matters weren't released in advance of the meeting.

Contact Dave Fopay at (217) 238-6858. Follow him on Twitter: @FopayDave

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0A relatively new, non-invasive look at arteries serving the heart gives doctors at HSHS St. John's Hospital more information about fatty deposits in the vessels and could help certain patients avoid unnecessary procedures such as angiograms and stenting.

This is a prime benefit of "HeartFlow" technology, according to officials at Prairie Heart Institute at the Springfield hospital.

Information from HeartFlow analyses also could lead to quicker decisions on which patients should receive interventional treatments for heart disease, St. John's officials said.

"It allows that appropriate patient to go to the cath lab," said Kristin Doster, St. John's executive vice president of cardiovascular services.

Prairie cardiologist Dr. Nasar Nallamothu said HeartFlow's analyses and colorful graphics also could be used by doctors to convince patients to get more serious in taking steps proven to save and extend lives -- quitting smoking, eating better, exercising and taking medicine regularly.

HeartFlow is the brand name for a computer-generated, blood-flow analysis of images that Prairie officials said improves upon 15-year-old technology known as computed tomography angiography.

HeartFlow is provided by a California-based company formed in 2007, and the technology was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2014.

Medicare first approved payment for HeartFlow's $1,500 analysis in January 2018, and now many private insurance plans cover the technology, which is layered on top of CT angiography costing about $3,800 per patient.

In July, St. John's became the first hospital in Illinois outside the Chicago area to offer HeartFlow, and sister hospital HSHS St. Mary's in Decatur recently began offering it to patients. The technology requires no additional equipment to be purchased.

Research studies aren't conclusive as to whether HeartFlow's analysis and its color-coded 3-D images will improve CT angiography to the point that unnecessary angiograms costing $19,000 or more are avoided in most cases.

But Nallamothu said HeartFlow's potential for long-term benefit is too great to ignore as long as doctors are cautious in selecting patients for the technology.

Angiograms use catheters inserted in the groin or arm to measure the pressure and flow of blood and narrowing in arteries serving the heart. Angiograms help doctors decide whether medicine, stents or open-heart surgery should be used to treat heart disease, the nation's No. 1 killer.

In retrospect, angiograms are considered unnecessary if they end up not finding significant narrowing, or stenosis, of coronary arteries with the buildup of fatty deposits containing calcium and other substances.

Clinical testing so far indicates HeartFlow is better, cheaper and exposes patients to less radiation than many traditional heart stress tests, said Nallamothu, a cardiologist with the Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants physician group practicing at Prairie Heart Institute.

"This is more sensitive to pick up heart disease," he said. "If it's going to be done in place of a stress test and potentially avoid a cardiac cath and repeat visits to the hospital to treat symptoms, that looks more attractive to me."

Prairie Heart Institute, which conducts about 4,500 diagnostic, catheter-guided procedures each year, was so impressed with HeartFlow technology after six months of study before offering HeartFlow, and six months of data since then, that Prairie's doctors have participated in promotional videos to be used by HeartFlow to educate cardiologists in other parts of the country.

Prairie won't receive any financial benefit from its participation, Doster said.

Prairie has taken advantage of HeartFlow's proprietary computer formulas to analyze blood flow and vessel narrowing in about 110 patients since July, representing about one-third of all patients receiving CT angiography, Nallamothu said. That number could rise, he said, because the technology will make CT angiography more useful for a greater percentage of patients with symptoms of heart disease.

Not everyone in the medical field is as enthusiastic about HeartFlow.

Dr. Venkatesh Murthy, a University of Michigan cardiologist, pointed to a 2017 research paper reviewing HeartFlow. He noted that authors of the paper in JAMA Cardiology concluded HeartFlow's accuracy was about 50 percent, or "very close to the flip of a coin," in determining whether coronary-artery blood flow justified an angiogram in patients with intermediate levels of heart disease who "form most of real-world clinical cases where HeartFlow is being marketed to have value."

As a result, overuse of HeartFlow may not lead to fewer angiograms, as advertised, and may, in fact, lead to more unnecessary placement of stents and other procedures when patients could have done just as well with medicine alone, Murthy said.

HeartFlow officials have said the 2017 review was flawed.

Angiograms and stenting are relatively low-risk procedures but do incur additional costs and can lead to complications such as bleeding, which can be life-threatening in some cases, he said.

"The challenge is when to use HeartFlow," Murthy said. "It's very hard to know when. If we use it indiscriminately, we will run into people who are harmed because of false positive and false negatives from the test. No test we have is perfect."

Murthy added that it's unknown whether HeartFlow will help avoid heart attacks, reduce hospitalizations, save lives or lengthen lives. The same can be said about stress tests and even angiography and stenting, unless interventional procedures are done when a patient is going through a heart attack, he said.

Nallamothu agreed with Murthy on those points, saying research is underway to assess the impact of tests and procedures on lifespan for heart patients.

A cross-town competitor of St. John's, Memorial Medical Center, doesn't offer HeartFlow right now. Memorial officials will review the technology later this week and discuss it with the cardiologists from Springfield Clinic and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine who practice at Memorial, said Mitch Rogers, Memorial's administrator of cardiovascular and pulmonary services.

"We embrace technology, but we want to do it in a responsible way," with care not to unnecessarily increase health-care costs, he said.

Murthy said he is concerned that HeartFlow's marketing efforts will result in more requests for the company's services by patients and more pressure on busy doctors to opt for getting this additional view of a patient's cardiovascular condition.

Health systems may have financial incentives to promote HeartFlow because of the additional testing it can lead to, though St. John's officials said money isn't the motivator for Hospital Sisters Health System.

Dr. Ethan Weiss, a cardiologist at the University of California at San Francisco, said he isn't convinced about HeartFlow's purported benefits or even whether HeartFlow improves existing CT angiography.

"Sometimes people get ahead of themselves with technology," he said.

Nallamothu said he is confident that more doctors will be convinced about HeartFlow's benefits as time goes on.

"Familiarity is probably the key before they buy into it," he said. "I see people liking it."

For most of the population, the most proven steps to reduce death from heart disease and prolong life aren't flashy or sexy, Murthy said.

"The interventions that help them are quitting smoking, eating right, exercising, and if cholesterol and blood pressure are elevated, treating those with medications," Murthy said. "Ultimately, the right thing to do is to have a careful discussion with your physician and to talk about what the risks and benefits are and to have a careful assessment of what the nature of somebody's symptoms are and what their risk factors for heart disease are."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0URBANA -- Illinois cattlemen and cattlewomen will have the opportunity to hear from several experts at the 2019 Illinois Cattle Feeders Meeting. The meeting, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on March 6, will be held at Sauk Valley Community College just outside of Dixon. An optional Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training will be held immediately following the meeting.

This meeting is a must-attend for Illinois cattle producers. First-hand access to this kind of knowledge in the cattle industry is rare, says Travis Meteer, beef cattle educator for University of Illinois Extension.

Speakers include Kent Bacus, director of international trade and market access for the National Cattlemens Beef Association, who will discuss tariffs, trade talks, and where U.S. beef stands in major international markets.

Jim Lowe, associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at U of I, will discuss operational economic influencers in feedlot profitability. Lowe will share insight about key factors like throughput, finish weight, and cost of gain, and how they can make or break a feedlot enterprise.

Josh McCann, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at U of I, will share some new research concerning feeding behavior and how it relates to profitability. Feeding behavior characteristics such as daily intake, daily intake variation, meal size, and meal frequency will be discussed.

Brian Dorcey, beef technical services veterinarian with Zoetis, will discuss identifying and managing health concerns in the feedlot. Dorcey will outline some tips for fast and thorough treatment of respiratory disease and other health challenges.

A market update and outlook will be given by Lance Zimmerman, an analyst with CattleFax. Zimmerman will give producers insight into current and future market dynamics.

Producers will also have the opportunity to become BQA-certified. Travis Meteer will lead the training, which will take place from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. for a fee of $20.

Come join fellow cattlemen in Dixon on March 6 to enjoy an opportunity to gain knowledge for todays cattle industry, Meteer says.

Pre-registration is suggested for the meeting to ensure adequate meal number, however there is no fee. Please RSVP to Meteer by email wmeteer2@illinois.edu or register online at http://go.illinois.edu/cattlefeeders. Meeting details are available at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/oardc.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0The Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC) believes that the recent uptick in terrorist activity by these two groups means that they should be moved to the FTO list from the Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) list.

After all, one of the Iranian regimes diplomats is currently awaiting trial in Belgium for his role in the thwarted bombing of the Free Iran gathering in Paris last June, where dozens of senior former American officials and hundreds of OIAC members were present. The diplomat had hired the would-be terrorists and provided them with the highly explosive material.

In December, Albania expelled the Iranian ambassador and another diplomat for their involvement in the terror plot against the Iranian dissident community there on the occasion of the Iranian New Year in March, while three other Iranian diplomats were expelled by France and the Netherlands for their terrorist plots and several other Iranian agents were jailed.

Another two Iranian operatives were arrested in the US for spying on Iranian opposition members for the MOIS to gather information for potential capture and kill operations, according to the Department of Justice.

All of those Iranians have ties to the MOIS and the IRGC.

Iran must not be allowed to expand its network of terrorists within the US, so it is imperative that both groups are placed on the FTO list. This would limit the Regimes ability to recruit members on US soil because it is a crime for any American to provide material support or resources to FTOs. This designation would also mean that any MOIS or IRGC member can be barred from entering the US and have their assets frozen.

The US already views Iran as the number one state sponsor of terrorism, this would just make it official.

Dr. Majid Sadeghpour, the political director of OIAC, wrote: We once again applaud the US Congress efforts in favour of the FTO designation of the MOIS and the IRGC and urge the Secretary of State [Mike Pompeo] to make such designation to mitigate further suffering of the Iranian people in the hands of these criminal entities and empower the longest suffering people of Iran.The State Department video, posted in Farsi to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and other websites, top administration officials are seen advocating for regime change in front of the closed Iranian Embassy in Washington, specifically highlighting Irans ongoing relationship with al Qaeda, Hamas, and Hezbollah as evidence that the Regime is using the peoples money for malign purposes.

The US Special Representative on Iran, Brian Hook, said in the video that the US has taken good care of the embassy because they hope to hand it back to a new democratic government that cares for its people.

The video contrasts between shots of US government officials on Embassy Row and images of the violence, poverty, and protests that are now a part of everyday life in Iran.

According to high-level sources who spoke to The Washington Times, this is seen by the administration as a chance to drive a wedge between the Regime and its longest-suffering victims.

This is just one of many ways that the US has sought to put pressure on the Iranian Regime since the beginning of last year, with other instances being public support for the rights of the protesters in January, the withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and the reimposition of sanctions.

All of these have made it clear that the US does not intend to deal with the Regime unless it changes.

Last week, Vice President Mike Pence told the Munich Security Conference that Europe should also exit the nuclear deal and put pressure on Iran.

He said: The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining US sanctions against this murderous revolutionary regime. The time has come for our European partners to stand with us and with the Iranian people, our allies and friends in the region.

Europe has refused to get on board with the sanctions, even as major European companies dropped out of Iran, and has even set up a financial mechanism to allow the purchase of Iranian oil. However, the mechanism will not come into place unless Iran passes anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing bills by the end of this month, which there is no indication of, and even then, the mechanism will still violate US sanctions, while only allowing Iran to purchase non-sanctioned goods (i.e. medicine and food).

Hook told NBC News: We follow the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and the Iranian regime violates it. Theres something hopeful about how we are maintaining their embassy, and someday we will return the keys to the Iranian people.

He went on to explain that Iran had turned the American embassy in Iran into a propaganda museum open to the public, with Death to America signs, but the Iranian public doesnt hate America, they hate the Regime.Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 40, went on hunger strike for three days last month, along with fellow political prisoner Narges Mohammadi, in order to call attention to the fact that the Regime had denied her medical care, even though she had found lumps in both breasts and suffering numbness and pain in her neck, arms, and legs.

Both women ended their strike after the jail agreed to check-up.

When Zaghari-Ratcliffe visited the Iranian Health Commission, a neurologist advised that she was too ill to be in prison and ordered more scans, while another doctor ordered scans on the lumps in her breasts.

However, the head of the prison has blocked these scans and denied Zaghari-Ratcliffes request to see a psychiatrist until they receive a written apology from both women for going on hunger strike.

Both women have refused to write the letter.

Zaghari-Ratcliffes husband Richard Ratcliffe said: They were outraged by the idea they needed to personally apologise to be given health treatment.

However, he doesnt think that Zaghari-Ratcliffe will strike again so soon.

He said: She is very low. Its not an act of defiance for her, its an act of despair. Its more the sense of What more can I do? She is really clear she cant go on much longer.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who is serving five years in an Iranian jail on bogus spying charges, had taken her baby daughter Gabriella to meet family in Iran when she was arrested at Tehran airport in April 2016.

She was told by prosecutors that she is being held hostage in order to force Britain to repay money that the Shah had paid for military equipment in the 1970s before being deposed by the current Regime, but neither country has confirmed this.

Gabriella, now four, lives with her grandparents in Tehran and is able to visit her mother whenever the Regime allows, but her passport was seized and her father cannot get a visa, so she is not able to see her father.

During the 40th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution last week, a number of prisoners were pardoned, but Zaghari-Ratcliffe, being a hostage, was not. Her next chance for clemency is the Iranian New Year on March 21, but there is not much hope.

Ratcliffe said: I think she will keep going until New Year and then heaven help us what happens afterwards. At the moment we are worrying about bringing them both home in March or dealing with the fallout in April.During one single summer in Iran, thousands upon thousands of political prisoners were executed. So-called death commissions were set up across the country and they were tasked with ordering the extrajudicial executions of all dissidents. Ebrahim Raeesi was just one of many individuals that participated in the death commissions.

His potential appointment as the next head of judiciary is something will enrage many Iranians who were affected by the 1988 massacre in one way or another. The families of the victims have not been able to bury their loved ones because the bodies were buried in mass and unmarked graves, their whereabouts unknown.

Furthermore, Ebrahim Raeesi has never been punished for the crime. The perpetrators and participants in the 1988 massacre remain unpunished and the anguish this has caused the families of those that were killed is immeasurable.

To make the situation even more unbearable, the perpetrators and participants in this crime against humanity have gone on to occupy high-level positions in the countrys leadership. They have been rewarded rather than punished for their despicable crimes.

Amnesty International highlighted in one of its recent reports on the situation in Iran that the crimes and human rights abuses are still continuing to this day. The families of those killed in the 1988 massacre are threatened, attacked and harassed whenever they speak out about their quest for justice for their loved ones. They even receive the same treatment when they seek information about the burial sites.

It called for an independent, impartial and effective international investigation to be established to address not only the 1988 massacre but also the ongoing abuse of family members of the victims.

However, justice will not be easy to come by because the regime has already begun getting rid of evidence. For example, grave sites have been razed.

This is why the appointment of Raeesi as head of the countrys judiciary would be catastrophic. He would no doubt crack down on the movement to seek justice for the events of 1988 at a time when public dissent is prevalent.

The fact that Raeesi has even been considered for the position at all shows the state of affairs in Iran. Freedom, democracy and the respect of human rights are non-existent. The regime does not care about having a fair and just judicial system. It only cares about furthering its own agenda.

The people of Iran are continuing to make their voice heard despite the regimes violent suppression attempts. In fact, it could be argued that the determined people of Iran are becoming more resolute in their pursuit of freedom from the clerical rule as a result of the regimes actions.

Raeesi should be in jail paying for his crimes. Not heading a countrys judicial system.WASHINGTON (AP)  An Alabama woman who joined the Islamic State group in Syria won't be allowed to return to the United States with her toddler son because she is not an American citizen, the U.S. said Wednesday. Her lawyer is challenging that claim.

In a brief statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave no details as to how the administration made their determination.

"Ms. Hoda Muthana is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States," he said. "She does not have any legal basis, no valid U.S. passport, no right to a passport nor any visa to travel to the United States."

But Hassan Shibly, a lawyer for the woman, insisted Muthana was born in the United States and had a valid passport before she joined the Islamic State in 2014. He says she has renounced the terrorist group and wants to come home to protect her 18-month-old son regardless of the legal consequences.

"She's an American. Americans break the law," said Shibly, a lawyer with the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "When people break the law, we have a legal system to handle those kinds of situations to hold people accountable, and that's all she's asking for."

Muthana and her son are now in a refugee camp in Syria, along with others who fled the remnants of the Islamic State.

Shibly said that the administration argues that she didn't qualify for citizenship because her father was a Yemeni diplomat. But the lawyer said her father had not had diplomatic status at the time of her birth in Hackensack, New Jersey.

He released a copy of the woman's birth certificate, issued two months after her birth on Oct. 28, 1994, to support his claim.

The lawyer also provided to The Associated Press a letter from the U.S. Mission to the United Nations to what was then known as the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services attesting to the fact that the woman's father, Ahmed Ali Muthana, was a member of the Yemeni diplomatic mission to the U.N. from Oct. 15, 1990 to Sept. 1, 1994.

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President Donald Trump said Wednesday on Twitter that he was behind the decision to deny her entry, tweeting that "I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!"

The announcement came a day after Britain said that it was stripping the citizenship of Shamima Begum, a 19-year-old who left the country in 2015 with two friends to join the Islamic State and recently gave birth in a refugee camp.

It also comes as the U.S. has urged allies to back citizens who joined IS but are now in the custody of the American-backed forces fighting the remnants of the brutally extremist group that once controlled a vast area spanning parts of Syria and Iraq.

Muthana's lawyer said she was "just a stupid, naive, young dumb woman," when she became enamored of Islamic State, believing it was an organization that protected Muslims.

Shibly said she fled her family in Alabama and made her way to Syria, where she was "brainwashed" by IS and compelled to marry one of the group's soldiers. After he was killed, she married another, the father of her son.

After her second husband was also killed she married a third IS fighter but she "became disenchanted with the marriage," and decided to escape, the lawyer said.

Shibly, based in Tampa, Florida, said he intends to file a legal challenge to the government's decision to deny her entry to the country.

Muthana's status had been considered by lawyers from the departments of State and Justice since her case arose, according to one U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official would not elaborate but said Pompeo's statement was based on the lawyers' conclusions.

The State Department declined to disclose details about her father or Muthana's case, citing privacy law.

Most people born in the United States are accorded so-called birthright citizenship, but there are exceptions. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a person born in the U.S. to an accredited foreign diplomatic officer is not subject to U.S. law and is not automatically considered a U.S. citizen at birth.

However, Muthana's case is unusual, if not unprecedented in that she once held a U.S. passport. Passports are only issued to citizens by birth or naturalization, according to Seamus Hughes, the deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, who has studied the phenomenon of foreign Islamic State fighters and families.

Hughes said the decision is also unusual because it comes just days after the Trump administration urged European nations to repatriate extremists from Syria as the Islamic State nears collapse.

"If you are trying to make the case that others should take back their people, it stands to reason that you would do that, too," he said.

Muthana, who says she dodged sniper fire and roadside bombs to escape, is ready to pay the penalty for her actions but wants freedom and safety for the son, her lawyer said.

In a letter released by Shibly, Muthana wrote that she made "a big mistake" by rejecting her family and friends in the United States to join the Islamic State.

"During my years in Syria I would see and experience a way of life and the terrible effects of war which changed me," she wrote.

"To say that I regret my past words, any pain that I caused my family and any concerns I would cause my country would be hard for me to really express properly."

Shibly said Muthana was brainwashed online before she left Alabama and now could have valuable intelligence for U.S. forces, but he said the FBI didn't seem interested in retrieving her from the refugee camp where she is living with her son.

Muthana's father would welcome the woman back, Shibly said, but she is not on speaking terms with her mother.

Ashfaq Taufique, who knows Muthana's family and is president of the Birmingham Islamic Society, said the woman could be a valuable resource for teaching young people about the dangers of online radicalization were she allowed to return to the United States.

"Her coming back could be a very positive thing for our community and our country," Taufique said.

___

Replogle reported from Tampa, Florida. Associated Press writer Jay Reeves in Birmingham, Alabama, contributed to this report.Cervical cancer could be eliminated as a public health problem in India within the next 60 years by making existing prevention programmes such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and cervical screening more accessible, according to a Lancet study published Wednesday.

The estimates, which are the first of their kind at a global-scale, indicate that up to 13.4 million cases of cervical cancer could be prevented within 50 years if intervention strategies are scaled-up by 2020.

The average rate of annual cases across all countries could fall to less than 4 cases per 100,000 women by the end of the century - which is a potential threshold for considering cervical cancer to be eliminated as a major public health problem.

For countries with medium levels of development, including India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, this could be achieved by 2070-79, according to the study published in The Lancet Oncology journal.

The study, led by researchers at the Cancer Council New South Wales in Australia, showed that cervical cancer could potentially be eliminated as a major public health problem in 149 out of 181 countries by 2100.

In high-income countries including the US, Finland, the UK, and Canada, cervical cancer is predicted to be eliminated as a public health problem within 25-40 years.

Without expanding current prevention programmes, however, the study predicts that 44.4 million cervical cancer cases would be diagnosed over the next 50 years - rising from 600,000 in 2020 to 1.3 million in 2069 due to population growth and ageing.

"Despite the enormity of the problem, our findings suggest that global elimination is within reach with tools that are already available, provided that both high coverage of HPV vaccination and cervical screening can be achieved. More than two thirds of cases prevented would be in countries with low and medium levels of human development like India, Nigeria, and Malawi, where there has so far been limited access to HPV vaccination or cervical screening." - Karen Canfell from the Cancer Council New South Wales

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However, rates of less than 4 cases per 100,000 would not be achieved by the end of the century in all individual countries in Africa (eg, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda) even if high coverage vaccination and twice lifetime cervical screening could be achieved by 2020.

In May, 2018, the Director General of WHO called for coordinated action globally to eliminate this highly preventable cancer.

Also Read: All My Cancer Removed: Nafisa Ali Shares Post-Surgery Video

WHO has called for urgent action to scale up implementation of proven measures towards achieving the elimination of cervical cancer as a global public health problem. These include vaccination against HPV, screening and treatment of pre-cancer, early detection and prompt treatment of early invasive cancers and palliative care.

A draft global strategy to accelerate cervical cancer elimination, with goals and targets for the period 2020-2030, will be considered at the World Health Assembly in 2020.

"The WHO call-to-action provides an enormous opportunity to increase the level of investment in proven cervical cancer interventions in the worlds poorest countries. Failure to adopt these interventions will lead to millions of avoidable premature deaths." - Canfell

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with an estimated 570,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2018, of which around 85 per cent occur in less developed regions.

HPV, a group of more than 150 viruses, is responsible for the majority of cervical cancers.

Proven methods are available to screen for and treat cervical pre-cancers, and broad-spectrum HPV vaccines can potentially prevent up to 84-90 per cent of cervical cancers.

Results showed that rapid vaccination scale-up to 80-100 per cent coverage globally by 2020 using a broad-spectrum HPV vaccine could prevent 6.7-7.7 million cases--but more than half of these would be averted after 2060.

If, in addition, cervical screening were scaled-up to high coverage by 2020, an additional 5.7-5.8 million cases of cervical cancer may be prevented globally in the next 50 years, and substantially speed up elimination.

Also Read: Antarctic Fungi to Treat Childhood Cancer Identified at IIT-H

. Read more on Fit by The Quint.RSS & BJPs Nehru-Netaji Cosplay: Irony Dies a Thousand DeathsTo Be Heard, Millennials Need to Question Those in Power . Read more on Fit by The Quint.Patel started the fundraiser on Feb 14 itself and, in a short time, has managed to supercede his initial objective to raise $500,000.

The aftermath of the Pulwama attack on Feb 14 saw the entire nation come forward in mourning of the 40 Central Reserve Police Force jawans who were killed and in support of the families of the slain.

And one of the most remarkable efforts has been made by a 26-year-old Viveik Patel, who lives in the Virginia, US. The Indian-origin man from Gujarat's Vadodara has managed to raise over $865,259 USD through Facebook's 'Fundraiser' feature.

Patel started the fundraiser on Feb 14 itself and in just such a short time, he has managed to supercede his initial objective to raise $500,000.

Patel wrote on the Facebook page that he wanted to send the money to CRPF. However, once the fundraiser started raking in multiple donations, many of those who had donated or were willing to donate had doubts about how Patel was sending the money to the people it was meant for.

To clarify, Patel posted several updates on Facebook. According to his posts, the Patel contacted the Indian Embassy and is currently hoping to connect with the Prime Minister's Office in Delhi to complete the transfer of funds. Patel wrote that he would only give the money to a government delegate to ensure fairness.

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Indiatimes reported that the Patel and his posse had indeed been in contact with the CRPF regarding the transfer of funds.Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul-General at India in New York, also cofirmed that Patel had collected the donations and efforts were being made to securely transfer the money to India now.

The gesture has won the 26-year-old applause and praise on social media.

Even as the country mourned the loss of the jawans with their tricolour-wrapped coffins reaching their respective homes this week, many have come forward to help the families of the slain troops. The government has also started a fundraiser portal called 'Bharat Ke Veer' for citizens of India to donate to the grieving families. However, the portal is inaccesible to Indian diaspora living in other countries.

With the initiative, over 22,000 NRIs came forth to show their support and solidarity. Considering Patel's efforts, many felt that the governmnet should dutifully ensure that the money reached the right hands.What you probably didnt realise, however, is just how important this ability is to our understanding of not only insect brains, but our own brains as well. How ants work together and navigate their environment has important implications for group cognition and even autonomous technologies like self-driving cars, and our knowledge of this ability is growing faster than ever.

Many groups of scientists around the world are now working on insect cognition, striving to understand exactly what it is inside their tiny brains that makes them such adept collaborators. And just like inquisitive children, they are watching as these ants leave and return to their nest with impressive dexterity.

Collaborative

Dr Ofer Feinerman from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel is leading a project called ANTSolve to study how ants work together to return food to their nests. Together with his team, he is investigating this type of collaborative behaviour to get a better understanding of collective cognition.

When you group things together, ants or cells, biological entities or birds, what can you get more cognitively than the individual? he said. This is the driving questionCan it be that you take many individuals and get something thats in a way smarter than a single individual?

To find out, Dr Feinerman and his team have been busy performing thousands of experiments on ant nests on their campus. Specifically they have been observing longhorn crazy ants, which despite the name are naturally fearful of other ants and thus tend to work together as much as possible. Setting up cameras and placing food near nests, the team have been watching as a sole ant first finds the food, then alerts her friends to come and help.

Slowly ants will accumulate around this large food item, he said. When theres enough of them, theyll start moving together. Its a cooperative effort. All of them together have enough muscle strength to move it.

To get a better understanding of this process, the team have also been placing mazes made of sheets of plastic near the nest, which the ants must traverse to find the food and then return home. This is intended to simulate leaves and rocks or other objects that have obscured their path, to see what is the most difficult maze they can solve together.

The team have grander ambitions, too. They are devising a system using a rod and pivot to actively communicate with the ants  as the ants push on the rod, the researchers apply a tiny force to tell them which direction to go. Using this, the team can communicate with a single ant or with a whole group, and see how they respond.

Early results from the research suggest that non-carrying ants play a role in the transport process, such as clearing pebbles from the anticipated path the carrying ants will use. And the applications from this research are vast. It includes things like using robots to move items within a warehouse, or even how humans can work together in terms of leadership, conformism and how hierarchies form.

Almost everything in biology is cooperative, said Dr Feinerman. So after we understand this one system, then you can think to generalise it to other parts of biology including groups of humans. Since the ants have worked together like this for more than 100 million years, we may have something to learn from them.

Memory

While the ANTSolve project has been investigating group cognition, Dr Antoine Wystrach from the University of Toulouse in France is looking at a different type of insect cognition, namely how ants are able to navigate their environment. He is the project coordinator for EMERG-ANT, a project which has devised an intricate virtual reality system to study the movement of ants, which is indistinguishable to the ants from their real world.

Dr Wystrachs experimental setup involves placing an extremely light ball in a cup, and then causing it to levitate with a burst of air. Using a piece of string, an ant is lowered onto the ball so that its legs are just touching it. Then, a spherical screen surrounding the ant displays a virtual reconstruction of the natural environment near its nest. As the ant moves, the image displayed also moves, making the ant think it is navigating in its natural habitat.

Ants are very famous for their collective intelligence. Dr Antoine Wystrach, University of Toulouse, France

We want to try to understand memory and learning and the visual part of long routes, said Dr Wystrach. How they control their motor behaviour, all that is really cool. So the idea is to have them running in a virtual environment on an airflow treadmill. When the ant is moving, were changing what we display in the video. So shes basically moving through a virtual world.

Such an experiment would be considerably more difficult in a natural environment, where ants can cover hundreds of metres in a single day. This technique allows the researchers to watch ants over extremely long routes, and see how and where they move, how they move around obstacles, and so on.

More importantly, the experiment allows them to discover how the ants can find their way home. By changing the video on the screen they can place the ants at different locations around their nest, and watch as they recalculate their route home.

Its really surprising how good these ants are, said Dr Wystrach. You can put them anywhere along a familiar route, and they will recognise a good route direction.

This research could help us get a better understanding of how insect brains retain information by observing how ants learn their route in the virtual environment. And this has applications for things like self-driving cars, or cleaning robots like Roombas we use in our homes, which have to autonomously find their way around obstacles to reach a particular destination. Together with projects like ANTSolve, it will tell us more about how insect brains work  and even our own brains  than ever before.

Ants are very famous for their collective intelligence, said Dr Wystrach. This project, like many others, now starts to see the power of linking ecology and natural behaviour with mechanisms in neuroscience, he added, noting that previous research on insect neurobiology had helped them hypothesise how their ants might behave.

The research in this article was funded by the EU. If you liked this article, please consider sharing it on social media.Dr. Valerie Taylor of Argonne National Laboratory will deliver two addresses about high-performance computing while at Hope College on Wednesday and Thursday, March 6 and 7, through the colleges Gentile Interdisciplinary Lecture series in the natural and applied sciences.

The public is invited to both events. Admission is free.

She will present High-Performance Computing: A Case for Performance Analysis on Wednesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. in Winants Auditorium of Graves Hall. Shell provide an overview of systems like Argonne National Laboratorys Theta supercomputer and how theyre important for large-scale applications in physics and engineering, and present research results from the continuing effort to improve their performance.

She will present Exploring the Tradeoffs Between Performance and Power for Parallel Applications on Thursday, March 7, at 11 a.m. in Schaap Auditorium on the lower level of the Jim and Martie Bultman Student Center. She will discuss the challenge of providing even larger high-performance computing systems capable of handling even more complex applications quickly while also managing the greater power needs of the systems themselves.

Taylor is the director of the Mathematics and Computer Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory, which is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center in Lemont, Illinois, west of Chicago. Her research is in the area of high-performance computing, with a focus on performance analysis and modeling of parallel, scientific applications. She is also the chief executive officer and president of the Center for Minorities and People with Disabilities in IT, and is a Fellow of both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Association for Computing Machinery.

Before joining Argonne National Laboratory, Taylor served at Texas A&M University as head of the computer science and engineering departments, senior associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Engineering, and also a Regents Professor and the Royce E. Wisenbaker Professor in the Department of Computer Science. Prior to her time at Texas A&M, she was a faculty member in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at Northwestern University for 11 years.

The Gentile Interdisciplinary Lectureship at Hope was established in 2005 by faculty colleagues, former students and friends of Dr. James Gentile. Gentile joined the Hope faculty in 1976 and served as dean for the natural and applied sciences from 1988 to 2005, when he became president of Research Corporation, a private foundation in Tucson, Arizona, that supports basic research in the physical sciences. After retiring from Research Corporation, he returned to Hope to serve a two-year appointment as dean from July 2013 through June 2015.

The lectureship is supported by a multi-year grant from the Kavli Foundation of Oxnard, California, to bring prominent scientists to campus.

The Jim and Martie Bultman Student Center is located at 115 E. 12th St., at the center of the Hope campus between College and Columbia avenues along the former 12th Street. Graves Hall is located at 263 College Ave., between 10th and 12th streets.I am a

Canna



What Flower

Are You?



table width="145">"You stand up for what you believe in, even if it gets in the way of what other people think. You are proud of yourself and your accomplishments and you enjoy letting people know that."SPRINGFIELD  With more in the works for the new legislative session, 12 bills became law last year as a result of a yearlong investigation by the Senate Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness and Prevention.

Task forces many times meet, and many times there isnt a lot of actual legislation that comes out and is signed into law, said state Sen. Melinda Bush, a Grayslake Democrat who co-chaired the task force. So were really proud of the work that has been done here.

Surrounded by several other members of the task force, Bush and fellow co-chair state Sen. Jil Tracy, a Quincy Republican, held a news conference Tuesday to discuss the task forces newly released report, and to detail some of the legislation that resulted from its investigation last year.

The outcomes included, among other things, legislation that requires lobbyists, legislators and state employees to receive harassment training; extends the statute of limitations for sexual conduct offenses; gives assault victims more rights at medical facilities; and requires taxing bodies to notify the public if an employee is fired for sexual harassment or discrimination.

The most important bill passed, according to task force member and Chicago Democratic state Sen. Bill Cunningham, was one that allowed a victim to bring a complaint directly to the legislative inspector general, without the inspector general needing approval from a panel of legislators to investigate the complaint.

The office of the inspector general, which handles ethics complaints against state officials, had been vacant for three years while 27 complaints piled up without action. When this news came out and an acting inspector general was appointed in late 2017, however, approval from the Legislative Ethics Commission  a panel of lawmakers  still was necessary to investigate sexual harassment cases.

Everyone on the panel agreed we really had to (change) that, Cunningham said. We couldnt have sat there waving our finger at the private sector if we didnt take care of our own house first.

According to the task forces report, 3,201 discrimination charges were filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights in 2017, the most recent number available. A further 403 harassment charges were filed.

Most of those charges came from private sector employees, but charges coming from local and state government units, schools, universities, and unions all numbered in the dozens.

For the 2019 legislative session, the task force is proposing six new bills, including:

SB 30, which would keep employees from having to sign nondisclosure agreements regarding harassment and discrimination.

SB 74, which would expand the legislative inspector generals ability to independently review ethics complaints.

SB 75, which, among other things, would require hotels and casinos to make panic buttons available to certain employees.

SB 1829, an omnibus bill covering definitions of harassment, harassment case disclosure in the private sector, unpaid leave time for victims of sexual violence, and more.

We got a lot of things done under the dome this past year, Tracy said. Some of these [new bills] will venture a little more into the private sector.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0SPRINGFIELD  A bill that would test a mileage tax for vehicles driving on state roads has been tabled, but that doesnt mean its at a dead end.

Chicago Democrat Marcus Evans last week filed House Bill 2864, establishing a pilot program for a 2.1-cent tax on every mile a vehicle is driven on state roads.

But Evans tabled the bill Tuesday, saying he wanted to send the message that hes not going to bring it back this session. But if someone else wants to find a creative way to do that, then they can, Evans said.

As cars become more efficient and more people drive electric vehicles, many states are facing a significant decline in revenue from motor fuel taxes.

These taxes usually support roads, bridges and other infrastructure for vehicular traffic. The purpose of a per-mile vehicle tax would be twofold: bring back the revenue to support state infrastructure and balance taxes to ensure every driver pays a fair share for using roads.

That said, Evans said he doesnt think its the right time to legislatively consider a per-mile tax, although Illinois, along with the 27 states that have increased their motor vehicle tax in the past four years, still needs more infrastructure funding.

This bill needs so much work  why have it out there? Evans said. Lets just talk about the idea, and educate ourselves on what it is first. We can still have conversations, but not for bill purposes.

To gauge just how much work might be needed before such a bill comes back, Illinois can look at Washington, one of the few states to try a similar pilot program to the one in Evans bill.

Reema Griffith is the executive director of Washingtons transportation commission, which oversaw the states mileage tax pilot program that ran from January 2018 to January 2019.

She says it took almost six years just to get the pilot program up and running.

There was a good four years of real regimented peeling of the onion before we ever had money for a pilot, Griffith said. What we found out was, yeah, its feasible, but theres 100 different policy challenges youre going to face.

On top of that, Griffith said a steering committee spent even more time analyzing the mileage tax from a business perspective.

We spent two years on that, making a million assumptions on everything from enforcement to compliance to evasion, Griffiths said, so weve been going quite slow.

Nonetheless, Washingtons program yielded positive feedback from the 2,000 volunteers testing various methods of data gathering on mileage. And although Griffiths office has not yet fully analyzed the data, she said the most surprising result was how boring it seemed to be.

People didnt really have to do anything, Griffiths said. They thought it was going to be much more fun, and busier.

The issue of a mileage tax is complicated by many factors, including drivers who frequently cross state lines, privacy concerns with GPS-tracking devices, lack of administrative infrastructure to handle the data and enforcement of the tax and the disproportionate effects it would have on urban vs. rural vehicles.

Although there is much more work to be done before a pilot program launch, the idea has the apparent backing of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who said during a January 2018 interview with the editorial board of the Daily Herald newspaper in suburban Chicago that he was open to testing the idea.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0DECATUR  More than 15 grams of methamphetamine were recovered from a man and woman by Decatur police after a traffic stop  11 grams of which were inside one of the woman's body cavities, police said.

Officers were in the area of East Clay and South Stone streets about 1 a.m. Tuesday when they observed a silver Chevrolet Monte Carlo fail to signal when required, said detective Sgt. Chris Copeland, reading from the report.

As the vehicle turned east onto East Clay Street, it accelerated rapidly, suggesting to officers that the driver was attempting to flee, Copeland said. Police said they caught up to the vehicle as it approached East Johns Avenue and South 16th Street. Officers activated lights on their squad vehicle and stopped the vehicle on 16th Street.

A male driver, 35, and female passenger, 30, were in the vehicle, according to a sworn police affidavit. Police called a K-9 unit to the scene, the affidavit said, and the K-9 alerted to the presence of drugs, which led to a search of the vehicle.

A clear plastic baggie containing 4.5 grams of a substance the field-tested positive for meth was found in the passenger side door, the affidavit said.

The woman admitted to officers to concealing a baggie containing 11 grams of meth inside a body cavity, the affidavit said. She told police the man told her, "... here, cuff this," before being stopped by officers, the affidavit said, and she then placed the crystal meth inside of an orifice of her body.

The pair was arrested and both now face preliminary charges of the delivery of methamphetamine between 5 and 15 grams and possession of methamphetamine between 5 and 15 grams. Preliminary charges are subject to review by the Macon County State's Attorney's Office.

The woman is being held in the Macon County jail on $25,000 bond, and the man remains in jail on $100,000 bond.

2019 mug shots from the Herald & Review

Contact Kennedy Nolen at (217) 421-6985.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0DECATUR  New details emerged at a court hearing Wednesday about the desperate struggle for a Decatur police officers gun that led to the weapon being fired and wounding another officer.

The struggle was described during a preliminary hearing at Macon County Circuit Court that decided there was enough evidence to try Thomas L. Gill, 23, on charges of attempting to disarm a peace officer and resisting police.

Decatur police Sgt. Scott Rosenberry suffered injuries when fellow officer Jason Danners gun discharged during the confrontation with Gill, who fought police the night of Jan. 31, according to testimony in court. Gill was pulled over in the 1300 block of North Union Street in Decatur because he was wanted on an outstanding warrant, according to detective Brad Hall, who was questioned in court by Macon County States Attorney Jay Scott.

Rosenberrys ballistic vest stopped the bullet, but he still needed hospital treatment for the wound and for a cut above his eye suffered as he fought to stop Gill from trying to drive away, Hall said.

He said Rosenberry was struggling to gain control of the vehicle and is described in one sworn affidavit related to the case as actually astride Gill who had refused to get out of the drivers seat. Hall told Scott that Gill was able reverse his vehicle into a squad car and then ram it forward into a house as Rosenberry continued to try to gain control of the vehicle.

And did officer Danner then attempt to assist in pulling the defendant out of the vehicle? And did he unholster his duty weapon at which point the defendant grabbed his duty weapon with his left hand? asked Scott.

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Hall said that was what happened and then described the gun discharging, without saying who fired it. He said the struggle continued with Gill seizing the barrel of the gun with his hands before finally being subdued.

Chief Public Defender David Ellison, wanted to know how many police were present at the scene  two, initially, Hall said  and whether they were in uniform and identified themselves to Gill. Hall said they were in full patrol uniform, and he said Rosenberrys report showed they also identified themselves verbally.

Ellison also asked about camera footage of the incident, and was told a squad car camera was activated at the time of the initial traffic stop, but Hall said he had not reviewed the footage.

The circumstances of the shooting are now being investigated by the Illinois State Police, which is standard procedure when a police firearm is discharged.

Judge James Coryell scheduled Gills case for a pretrial hearing March 4. Gill remains held in the Macon County Jail in lieu of posting $205,000 bail.



2019 mug shots from the Herald & Review

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.After a monthlong delay due to a lack of cooperation from Mother Nature, the Last Chance Skijoring Race for the Gold was up and running amok SIf zebra mussels are allowed to gain a foothold in Montana waters, it could cost Montanans hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

It might seem dramatic, but its true  certain invasive species of mussels could do a massive amount of damage to Montana lakes, rivers and water supply. And if we dont do anything about it, itll be Montanans footing the bill.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation released a new report outlining the enormous economic damage to Montanas economy if invasive mussels were allowed to proliferate in Montana waters.

The annual cost to Montanas economy could be as high as $234 million per year if invasive mussels are allowed to damage our water ecosystems  and its Montanans wallets that are hit the hardest. The agricultural industry, hydropower facilities, drinking water suppliers, property values and the outdoor recreation industry would take big financial hits, such as an estimated loss to lake shore property values of $497.4 million.

Invasive mussels are referred to as ecosystem engineers because they completely change lake and river ecosystems function and structure. They were first detected in the Tiber Reservoir in 2016, and since then, Montana has had to work double-time to protect our state from invasive mussel encroachment.No one was injured after a truck with two people in it rolled into the Gardner River in Yellowstone National Park early Monday evening.

The crash occurred "just north" of the Boiling River at about 5:45 p.m. after the northbound driver lost control of the truck, according to Linda Veress, a spokesperson for the park.

The vehicle rolled down a slope into the river and landed on its roof. After the crash both people, who Veress said were adults, were able to exit the vehicle and get to shore where they were helped by passersby.

The truck was partially underwater after the crash. A park road closed while the vehicle was towed. No one was injured, Veress said by email.

The driver of the truck had an out-of-state driver's license. No citations were issued.

The Boiling River, one of the park's many famous thermal features, is located in Montana south of the town of Gardiner. The Boiling River is a name for a section of the Gardner River where cold water mixes with water from the Boiling River hot spring.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 3 Sad 1 Angry 0But that was far less than Bullock asked for. In 2017, legislators rejected his $12 million ask. In 2015, legislators rejected his $37 million ask.

Bullock has made publicly funded preschool a priority, campaigning for funding while touting academic and economic benefits.

The bill that would fund his preschool plan is awaiting executive action in the House Education Committee. Should it pass the full legislature and be signed by Bullock, it would be required to be funded in the budget.

Kirk Miller, the executive director of School Administrators of Montana, called the bill "the most important bill dedicated to public education, pre-K through 12 education, that youll hear this session," during its Feb. 5 hearing.

On Tuesday, he said his group would continue to look for options to support preschool in the budget process and bills.

Its on the radar for those of us advocates in the education community to continue that conversation, he said.

One of those could be a proposal from Miles City Republican Sen. Eric Moore, who has a preschool bill that's still in the draft process. Bills with money attached need to pass one chamber of the legislature by April 1 to be considered for passage.

Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 7Predator derbies and using vehicles to kill predators would be outlawed under a pair of bills heard Tuesday.

Sen. Mike Phillips, D-Bozeman, brought Senate Bills 186 and 187 to the Senate Fish and Game Committee. While the bills deal with predatory animals in the state, which include coyotes and skunks under the law, the legislation is mainly focused on coyotes. Predators and nongame animals can be hunted year-round and with fewer restrictions than other species such as big game animals or upland birds.

SB 186 would prohibit predator derbies  contests typically based on killing numbers of coyotes and occasionally other animals such as foxes. Phillips argued that the derbies both encourage needless violence, but also do not follow known wildlife management practices, which call for targeting specific animals that may be predating on livestock.

We all know that theyre intelligent social animals, taking their life is not an inconsequential activity, Phillips said of coyotes. I believe these derbies make it so.

The bill saw support from a number of conservation and animal welfare groups as well as individuals. Testimony ranged from ethical concerns to studies finding that coyotes often respond to culling by producing larger litters.In a departure from the governors proposal to fund the Healthy Montana Kids program, lawmakers voted to use $23 million in general funds to pay for the states share of the federal childrens health insurance program that's commonly known as CHIP.

Bullock had planned to fund CHIP with money from the state's tobacco tax, contingent on a bill increasing that tax. Most Republicans have long said they would not support any tax increases this session.

The Affordable Care Act in 2015 enhanced the federal matching rate for the children's health insurance program to nearly 93 percent, meaning the federal government paid for most of the costs, but that rate will drop near the end of 2019.

Caferro said she was frustrated the state didn't set money aside when the federal rates were high to prepare for the expected drop.

We knew that was temporary. I fought everybody that session to say, 'Do not sweep the funds, were going to need them some day. Put them in a reserve and save them for when the temporary (rate increase) goes away.' Well, its gone away and the chickens have come home to roost, Caferro said.

Moore emphasized that the committees work is a starting point and that members will continue exploring ways to get money for the program in the future.The Montana legislature is targeting vaping in the boys room.

A bill carried by Great Falls Republican Sen. Fred Anderson would legally ban products like electronic cigarettes and other nicotine alternatives in schools. It was heard Tuesday in the House Business and Labor Committee.

The use of electronic cigarettes already is not allowed; schools widely ban the products, and health officials have tabbed vaping as an addictive health threat on par with smoking.

And the rules likely won't actually halt vaping among teens, much like laws against cigarettes in school didn't completely halt smoke breaks. But advocates framed them as playing a critical role in the fight to reduce vaping among teens.

The 2017 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that almost half of Montana teens have tried vaping, compared to about one-third who have tried cigarettes, and that about 23 percent regularly vape.Feb. 19

As of Tuesday morning, the county jail held 98 inmates (89 for felonies and nine for misdemeanors). In total, the county has 126 inmates at various detention facilities. There are 110 clients serviced by the 24/7 sobriety program. Of these, 56 are on Personal Breath Test, 34 are on Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor bracelet, nine are on GPS and 11 are on house arrest. Pretrial Services is currently working with 282 clients.A labor union is arguing that the Broadwater County Commission is not bargaining in good faith with sheriff's office employees.

After investigating a complaint filed by Teamsters Union Local No. 2, an investigator with the Montana Board of Personnel Appeals found that "evidence does exist to support the unfair labor practice complaint" and recommended that the board issue a notice of hearing in the case.

The dispute began as the union geared up to renegotiate a collective bargaining agreement that took effect in July 2015 and was set to end in June 2018.

The complaint alleges that Broadwater County failed to provide key information to the union during collective bargaining negotiations in the summer of 2018. The union argued the county provided information only a few days before a bargaining meeting, hurting the union's ability to prepare for negotiations, and failed to allot enough time for the bargaining to occur.The 26th annual Night to Shine displayed a diverse array of local talent Tuesday night.

+9 Photos: 26th annual Night to Shine showcases talent of Helena students The 26th annual Night to Shine displayed a diverse array of local talent Tuesday night at the Helena Civic Center.

The event kicked off with an introduction act inspired by the musical "Footloose." Then 22 acts from Helena High and Capital High took the stage to perform a variety of songs, dance, poetry, jazz and even a bit of magic.

Each year, Night to Shine showcases local talent to a packed house at the Helena Civic Center. The event is hosted by DECA students in support of their local club.

DECA is a national group dedicated to teaching high school students professional skills. These skills include business, marketing, management and teamwork.

According to John Hollow, Helena High School DECA adviser, the DECA students are largely responsible for hosting Night to Shine. They set up the acts, organize the event and act as master of ceremonies.

The event has been sponsored by Intrepid Credit Union, which recently changed its name from Helena Community Credit Union, for 26 years. Other local businesses also give financial support. Night to Shine helps raise money to send DECA students to the national conference, this year in Orlando, Florida.Submit an Obituary

Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. Obituaries submitted by family members are also accepted pending proper verification of the death.

Submit an ObituaryThe Horiuchi children are joined by friends to host a hot chocolate sale at The Orchard Bible Fellowship - An Evangelical Free Church on Feb. 16. Theyll continue to raise funds so they can make a mission trip through Students International to the Dominican Republic in July. Pictured are Elijah Rice, Elli Ambriz, Alessia Ambriz, Naomi Rice, Tyler Harvey, Samuel Rice, Jackson Horiuchi, Brooklynn Brandon and Sammie Harvey.Britain was deeply divided, and the elites were oblivious to that division. The critical question was: Did they have any interest in the reality facing most Britons?

Well-credentialed, well-spoken opponents of Brexit were certain that those who voted to leave the EU were uneducated and incapable of understanding the consequences of their vote. Brexit opponents attempted to delegitimize the referendums outcome by effectively delegitimizing the democratic process: They argued that just over half of the British public was not qualified to have an opinion  effectively saying that 52 percent of Britains voters should have left such serious matters to their betters.

The divide that has emerged in the post-Brexit world threatens to reopen centuries-old uncertainties within the British Isles. The European Union itself was not the source of this divide, but its policies helped drive a deeper wedge. The Disparity of Free Trade Free trade is the main problem underpinning Brexit. EU supporters in the United Kingdom prospered under British membership in the bloc. But free trade did not benefit all Britons, and in denigrating Brexit voters, the EU stalwarts failed to acknowledge this. Brexits core supporters were in the industrial areas of the United Kingdom, where people had lost jobs as British companies moved their factories to other countries or as Britain could no longer compete in certain industries.

Free trade posed two vital questions in Britain. First, how long does it take to see the benefits of free trade? In the long run, it might have advantages for all nations. But if youre 50 years old and have lost your job, you may not live long enough to reap the rewards. As John Maynard Keynes put it, In the long run we are all dead.

Second, who reaps the benefits of free trade? Although a countrys gross domestic product may rise, the benefits are not evenly distributed. Significant segments of society dont share in the prosperity and may even suffer deeply while others profit. This appears to have been the reality behind the Brexit vote: Many gained from free trade, and many lost ground.

The latter lost not only economic ground. They also lost the political ability to change the course of events. EU membership created a rigidity in the political system; many rules imposed from Brussels could not be turned down by Westminster. Hence, Britain lost a great deal of sovereignty. For those prospering under the EU, this was a small price to pay. For those who saw no benefit, the loss of political power rendered them helpless. Britains Divide This story has been told and told again. The contempt of upper classes for the lower classes was epidemic in Britain until around World War I; thereafter it gave way to a recognition of common citizenship. But the current telling of the story leads to a more important reality. However Brexit shakes out, Britain will remain divided and politically unstable. The bitterness of remain voters is striking. To them, this was not merely a policy debate but a question of who ruled Britain. If the withdrawal from the EU hurts their interests, their anger will become a fixed characteristic of the upper classes.

If, on the other hand, Parliament votes to annul the Brexit vote or calls another referendum, a different but substantial part of the British population will become embittered. Either move would signal that the purpose of the first referendum was to affirm the elites position on the EU, and that they will keep trying until they win. Pro-EU advocates are certain they would win a second referendum, but nothing can be certain when it comes to matters of public opinion.

Brexit, therefore, is institutionalizing a vast social divide, resurrecting the elites contempt for the poor and the poors hatred of the rich. Even if another referendum saw one side win by a 70 percent to 30 percent margin, nearly a third of the population would still be profoundly opposed to the outcome. Thats a large slice of the population to leave steeped in anger and alienation.

The British political system is in chaos. The Conservatives historically spoke for one segment of society, Labour for another. Its no longer clear who is speaking for whom or whether their voices even matter. Beyond Brexit Brexit, therefore, has redefined Britains internal dynamic at a time when the question of the British Isles is reopening. In Scotland, an extraordinary 45 percent of the population voted to leave the United Kingdom in the 2014 independence referendum. That issue, like Brexit, is not closed. More important, the ever-dangerous Irish question has resurfaced. That question had been settled for a century, but Brexit has posed threats to a tenuous peace. Although the border region has not resorted to violence (save for a couple concerning incidents), historically the relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and both their relationships to Britain, has been explosive.

So, as Britain passes through its most intense social crisis in generations, the cohesion of the British Isles is once again in question. It is not inconceivable that the Union Jack could become obsolete, and that Britains geography could contract to a size not seen for centuries. And if that happens, the dynamics of the Continent will change.

These are extreme and unlikely evolutions, but five years ago the kind of class contempt and hatred that has emerged in post-Brexit Britain would have been unthinkable. Perhaps the most important point is that the EU issue was the trigger. As the reality of a swelling class divide emerged in Britain, the EU made managing the situation much more difficult.

This situation is not unique to Britain. Class tension and political incoherence have become commonplace on the Continent and in the United States, as well as in Russia, where only 33 percent of people say they trust their president . In some ways, I am reminded of the interwar period of the 1920s and 1930s, when class tensions were profound. But even then, political parties in most countries were stable and predictable. The extension of the uncertainty to the political party system makes Britains current situation all the more unsettling.Spectrum is commencing a new 20,000 km 2D survey in Colorado and Salado basin offshore Argentina. This new program ties with Spectrums existing 35,000 km survey that was acquired in 2017 for the ongoing first offshore licensing round

The survey is done in cooperation with BGP utilizing the vessel BGP Pioneer.

Data is being acquired with a 12 km streamer with continuous recording to image deep reflection and high fold data. This will support full interpretation from Moho to water bottom. The data will be processed with PSTM, PSDM and Broadband products with first deliveries in Q2 2019

The Colorado 2D survey is adding to Spectrum portfolio of projects in Argentina. It is in line with our growth strategy to develop an extensive 2D database for regional evaluation of these high potential offshore basins. The new seismic will be utilized to assist the Ministry in placement and design of sectors for future license rounds offshore Argentina. It is anticipated that the shelf area of these basins will be included in the second offshore license round, expected to open in 2019.

Spectrum will continue to work with oil companies and the Argentina government to provide high quality data ahead of future license rounds, said Rune Eng, CEO of Spectrum.

For further information, please contact:

Dean Zuzic, CFO

Email: dean.zuzic@spectrumgeo.com

Tel: +47 41 43 35 60

About Spectrum

Spectrum provides innovative Multi-Client seismic surveys and high-quality seismic imaging services to the global oil and gas industry from offices in Norway,the UK, USA, Brazil, Egypt, Australia, Indonesia and Singapore. Spectrum designs, acquires and processes seismic data to deliver high quality solutions through its dedicated and experienced workforce.

Spectrum holds the worlds largest library of Multi-Client 2D marine seismic data and a significant amount of 3D seismic. The companys strategy focuses on both the major, established hydrocarbon-producing regions of the world as well as key frontier areas identified by our experienced team of geoscientists. The Spectrum library of Multi-Client data contains projects from many of the foremost oil producing regions of the world. These include new acquisition, reprocessing and interpretation reports.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

AttachmentEnglish French

MONTREAL, Feb. 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CENTECHs Innodem Neurosciences, a Montreal-based start-up that spun-out of McGill Universitys Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (The NEURO) less than one year ago, has developed an AI driven mobile software technology allowing paralyzed or intubated patients to communicate with caregivers solely through eye movements.



The Honorable Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation for the government of Quebec, recently made an announcement at CENTECH recognizing the importance of the start- up culture in Quebecs quest for innovation. Mr. Fitzgibbon highlighted the important contribution of CENTECHs ecosystem, which includes Innodems award-winning team.

Founded by neurologist Dr. Etienne De Villers-Sidani, Innodem received the backing of $1 million in financing from angel, banking and government entities to begin commercialization efforts. The company will market Pigio   Innodems first mobile App  within a consortium of local Montreal hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Pigio will also be deployed in the USA in a Massachusetts hospital in Boston and healthcare facilities in California. We have also been contacted by a healthcare giant in China with a footprint of 1500 hospitals added Innodems co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Marc Reeves.

The Standard of Care today is a printed letterboard. Other emerging eye-tracking solutions require the use of dedicated and expensive hardware such as infrared cameras that are very sensitive to sunlight and do not work with patients wearing glasses. They also require constant re-calibration if the device is accidentally moved. Current eye-tracking systems designed for paralyzed individuals sell for upwards of $8,000 and require a lengthy ordering process, making them both unaffordable and inaccessible for most patients and clinical units. Pigio is expected to be available to the public during the spring of 2019 on the Apple App store. The Pigio app will be free, with in-app advanced features selling at $39.95/month or $360 for a yearly license. No additional hardware, other than an electronic tablet or smartphone, is necessary.

Pigio uses patent-pending image-processing technology to capture eye movements with high precision, using the standard cameras found on most electronic tablets and smartphones. This process allows patients to move the cursor across a tablet or smartphones screen to a desired location using only their eye movements. Simply looking at an item on the screen for a certain amount of time triggers a text-to-speech engine, which produces an audible output.

Pigios initial focus is to provide an innovative and accessible way for the most vulnerable patients to communicate, ultimately improving patient care and quality of life. Subsequent applications of the technology based on state-of-the-art machine learning will assist healthcare professionals in detecting unique and subtle eye movement signatures found in several neurological disorders such as stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrigs Disease), or multiple sclerosis. Eye movement data can be used as sensitive biomarkers to assist healthcare professionals in detecting several neurodegenerative illnesses prior to the onset of more pronounced symptoms, says Innodem founder and CEO Dr. Etienne de Villers Sidani. The interesting thing with AI is that the more data we collect, the more accurate Pigio will become at identifying individuals with disorders and tracking their progression. Such a technology could be extremely valuable to many physicians and to pharmaceutical companies designing novel treatments.

About INNODEM NEUROSCIENCES

Founded in 2016, Innodem Neurosciences was officially launched after it received its first round of Angel funding in May 2018. Innodems core team, led by Dr. Etienne de Villers-Sidani, is composed of an intersectoral group of neuroscientists, engineers and healthcare professionals. Innodem has developed Pigio, a mobile App powered by patent-pending eye-tracking technology that makes use of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. Pigio is currently being deployed and tested in various hospitals throughout North America and is expected to be available to the general public during the spring of 2019. Pigio is to become the new standard of care for speechless patients that are intubated in the ICU or affected by the many neurological disorders leading to an inability to speak, both in children and adults. Furthermore, the company is developing cutting edge diagnostics-assistance applications for healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical research organizations conducting clinical trials.

About CENTECH

Created in 1996 by the Ecole de Technologie Superieure and located in the heart of Montreals Quartier de linnovation, CENTECH is a tech entrepreneurial centre dedicated to technology companies with high growth potential. Recognized by UBI (University Business Network) as one of the worlds most effective accelerators, CENTECH acts as a veritable growth machine. It has created one of the greatest densities of high-level tech entrepreneurs in Canada. Furthermore, Centech is now offering open innovation cells to corporations that can integrate major corporations and companies seeking to design new products and give them an opportunity to benefit from the agility of start-ups and from Centechs entrepreneurial ecosystem.

SOURCE Innodem Neurosciences

For further information: Francis Arseneau, Director, francis@innodemneurosciences.com

SOURCE Centre de lentrepreneurship technologique (Centech)

For further information: Richard Chenier, (514) 918-6811, richard.chenier@etsmtl.ca



Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2579997a-e1d9-44a4-94a2-52165e467861

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3bb7e5bf-ee25-4222-b666-6ec8e9731e40NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FluroTech Ltd. (TSX-V: TEST) (OTCQB: FLURF), (FluroTech or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has retained the services of InvestorsHub (iHub), of London, England, to conduct a 90-day investor and market visibility program beginning February 2019, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. Compensation for the program is $6,000 US per month.

iHub will leverage its extensive reach and presence with both mainstream and specialized investors across North America to elevate FluroTech's financial brand and attract high-quality long-term investors.

About FluroTech (TSX-V: TEST) (OTCQB: FLURF)

FluroTech is a technology and marketing company whose core business is focused on the commercialization of new technologies in the cannabis industry. FluroTech's proprietary spectroscopy-based technology allows for the testing and identification of organic and inorganic compounds contained within biological samples. Using the technology that was developed at the University of Calgary, FluroTech has developed a two-part solution comprising an instrument called the CompleTest and consumable testing kits.

To learn more, visit www.FluroTech.com .

Contact Information

Danny Dalla-Longa

Chief Executive Officer

403.680.0644

danny@flurotech.com

FluroTech Ltd.

Alistair Ross Technology Centre

Suite 111, 3553-31 Street NW

Calgary, AB T2L 2K7

info@flurotech.com

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the benefit or account of U.S. persons, absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally refers to information about an issuers business, capital, or operations that is prospective in nature, and includes future-oriented financial information about the issuers prospective financial performance or financial position. The forward-looking information in this news release includes disclosure about the benefits of engaging iHub to provide marketing services to the Company.

The Company made certain material assumptions, including but not limited to prevailing market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties to develop the forward-looking information in this news release. 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.

Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this news release due to certain material risk factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to, adverse market conditions and regulatory and other risks associated with the cannabis industry in general, users of the CompleTest failing to achieve the anticipated benefits of the product, the failure of the Company to obtain a benefit from the retention of iHub. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material risk factors and assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information in this news release, unless it is required to do so under Canadian securities legislation.

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 of this release.MASON CITY - Tips from the public have helped identify two women, according to police.

Shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday, Mason City Police thanked the public for helping identify two women in connection with an incident at a local business. Police have not released the women's identities.

"We have given all of the information to the case officer for follow-up," police posted on Facebook. "We appreciate the support of our community!"

Original story

MASON CITY - Police are asking for the publics help identifying two women involved in an incident in Mason City.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Mason City Police posted three security camera pictures of two women on Facebook Wednesday afternoon, saying the women were involved in an incident at a local retailer.

We appreciate your help in getting a chance to meet them, the post said.

One woman is pictured with brown hair with bangs pulled back in a ponytail, glasses, wearing a yellow hoodie with 33 on the front, a dark winter coat and carrying a large patterned duffle bag.Backpacks for good: Monument native trades business sales for food donations to feed people across U.S.Richard Vu and wife Shabnum Matthews-Vu came to Colorado Springs in 2004 with a vision of providing health care to patients regardless of income, and now Debbie Chandler is helping them bring that vision to a much wider audience.

Since Chandler joined Matthews-Vu Medical Group in November 2017, the practice has expanded its office, added two locations and will add a fourth March 1 as well as more than doubling its staff of doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and social workers. Matthews-Vu, which employs 125 people, hopes to add up to three more locations and boost its medical providers from 42 to 70 over the next few years.

What sets the practice apart, however, is that its finding that growth among patients on government plans such as Medicare for senior citizens, Medicaid for low-income and Tricare for active and former military and their families. Many practices dont accept patients with those plans or wont add patients with that coverage.

Our mission is to continue providing outstanding, exceptional care to patients from all walks of life, said Richard Vu, a Vietnamese immigrant who moved to the Springs from Kingman, Ariz., with Matthews-Vu. The business of taking care of underserved patients is difficult. But because it is difficult, there is an opportunity. If we provide good care, the practice will thrive.

Matthews-Vus latest expansion is its most ambitious. The practice agreed last week to merge with the Value Care Health Clinic in southeast Colorado Springs, which serves more than 4,500 patients, 80 percent of them covered by Medicaid. Chandler said the clinic needed more resources to grow, and Matthews-Vu shared its vision of serving patients whom other practices avoided.

When I sat down with them, I didnt realize how aligned we were with our thinking, said Value Care founder and CEO Cory Arcarese.

I was blown away with the vision of where they were trying to go. It was a natural yes on how we could work together to grow the mission. This will bring specialty care to the southeast. Im proud of what we have done, but they will be able to scale us in a way we couldnt do.

Arcarese started the clinic in 2014 with a small inheritance from her brother, Abel Ostos, after he died in Texas from complications of diabetes that spiraled out of control because he missed doctor appointments due to his job as a truck driver. She said he often sought treatment in emergency rooms because he could never get a doctors appointment that fit his work schedule.

His death was uncalled for because he fell through the cracks in the primary care network, like many people with blue-collar jobs, said Arcarese, who worked for The Gazette before starting Value Care.

When we opened, there was no primary care in the southeast. (Peak Vista Community Health Centers and AspenPointe Mental Health Services since have opened clinics there.) We do things differently  we are open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays with same-day and walk-in appointments and a bilingual staff.

Matthews-Vu started with just the husband-and-wife team, doctors who specialize in internal medicine and pediatrics, in an office they shared with another doctor near the former Penrose Community Hospital. The practice grew steadily, moving to an office near Woodmen Road and Powers Boulevard in 2007, expanding with a second building at that location in 2012 and adding 15 medical providers by 2017.

Vu saw an opportunity to expand as medical practices consolidated over the past few years under DaVita Medical Group and practices owned by Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and UCHealth Memorial Hospital. He hired Chandler in late 2017 after she left Colorado Health Medical Group, the medical practice arm of UCHealth.

Chandler had extensive experience building medical groups and was CEO of the areas largest physician practice, Colorado Springs Health Partners, when it was acquired by kidney care giant DaVita Inc. in 2015. But she said she isnt trying to build Matthews-Vu into another CSHP, and she, Vu and Paul Novotny, the practices operations director, are determined to never sell the practice to a corporate buyer.

We have sworn that we will never return to the world of corporate medicine; we are the other guys, Novotny said. We recruit physicians who have been in private practice and dont want all of the headaches of running the business side. They just want to take care of patients and let someone else take care of managing the practice.

Matthew-Vu added a downtown location in April, when it acquired the practice of Dr. Sean ODonnell weeks before he died of cancer, and it took over Barrick Family Practice in Rockrimmon in January. Chandler said Matthews-Vu would like to add locations in the Fountain area, Woodland Park and farther north and east of its Woodmen Road headquarters over the next few years. The practice also has added specialists in behavioral health and dermatology with plans to add pain management and a pharmacy.

We want to become a one-stop shop for health care, Novotny said.

Contact Wayne Heilman 636-0234 Facebook www.facebook.com/wayne.heilmanNancy Bullis returned four years ago to Colorado Springs, her hometown. After roaming America, she planned to spend the rest of her life in the shadow of Pikes Peak.

She grew up in the Springs in the 1960s, when it had about 70,000 residents. She grew up in a city with affordable housing, minimal traffic, a wealth of downtown movie theaters. Upon return, she encountered a city of about 460,000 with spiraling housing costs and, in her eyes, a plague of hassles and traffic.

She could barely see the glow of her yesterdays.

Shes departing the Springs for good. In April, she will move to Great Falls, Mont., a city with a population of about 60,000 in 1960, and a city of about 60,000 today.

There is no change, says Bullis, 71. It has not changed.

For those of us who came to the Springs after, say, 1995, the city retains the feel of a nirvana beside the mountains. The Springs boasts much of the upside of Denver or other big cities, with a fraction of the terrors. The Springs is filled with peaceful trails, a lively, if small, downtown and traffic thats a mere suggestion of the I-25 crawl through greater Denver from Lone Tree to Thornton.

But newcomers dont compare the Springs of today with the Springs of yesterday.

A different slice of the population clings to precious images of a smaller, quieter city, since trampled by population multiplication. Bullis believes this surge ruined her city. To her, today is a mere shadow of yesterday. The Colorado Springs of her youth has all but vanished.

When she was a student at North Junior High and Palmer High, her family could count on a peaceful, 50-minute drive to Denver from the northern edge of downtown. Fillmore was the last road of any importance. Monument was a small town out in the distance. The only slow-down was Castle Rock, where tickets awaited speeding drivers.

Now the city creeps ever northward. Monument and the Springs met, made peace and became one.

They should have controlled the growth on the north side, she says. Its like the builders have complete control of whats going on. I wish they had been able to somehow rein in all these builders building all these monstrosity homes and left some of the land alone.

Growth is complicated. Officials and residents in Great Falls, with a stagnant size for 60 years, yearn for growth. This yearning is found in hundreds of American cities.

Then theres the Front Range, where growth wanders as an impossible-to-control beast that devours our open spaces, our quiet and our past. This growth also delivers steady jobs, superb restaurants and expanding excitement while luring young women and men who have little interest in the calming wonders of yesterday.

Its a close call, but I would choose devouring beast.

Bullis, as she talks, travels back to years in neighborhoods near Fillmore on what was then the north edge of the Springs. She remembers visiting a cozy neighborhood pharmacy to buy candy. Walking to school, without a hint of fear, each day with a pack of friends. Working happily in a cramped booth selling movie tickets outside downtowns Ute Theater.

It was just a great place to live, she says. There was quality of life here.

She returned to find that city gone. Hers is a common American lament, especially in the West. If you grew up in Seattle or Portland or Phoenix or Las Vegas or Denver, the best of yesterday is hard to find. Progress bulldozed the past.

Bullis is making an 850-mile move expecting to find in Great Falls much of the Springs she once knew, a version she believes forever lost.

What will Bullis miss about Colorado Springs?

Nothing. I hate to say it, but I wont miss anything.Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Rain showers this morning then thunderstorms with heavy rainfall arriving during the afternoon hours. High around 65F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low near 50F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.When a legislative body formed in the reformist Gorbachev era gathered in Moscow in December 1989 to reflect on the U.S.S.R.'s failed war in Afghanistan, its assessment of the military effort that had left 15,000 Soviet troops and millions of Afghans dead was unequivocal.

"The Congress of People's Deputies of the U.S.S.R. holds that the decision deserves moral and political denunciation," read the statement condemning the December 1979 invasion that commenced a near-decade-long campaign and hastened the Soviet Unions demise in 1991.

But on the 30th anniversary of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, the public mood in Russia is much changed, and Russian legislators have stepped out in support of an initiative to overturn the 1989 resolution and pronounce the invasion as a just and necessary move.

Yet despite widespread expectations that the State Duma would approve a defiant draft resolution reversing that earlier judgement, the timing was apparently not right.

While reports indicated that the measure had support from on high, the vote on the measure appears to have been delayed. On February 15, the Kommersant daily reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was among the officials who urged the resolution be postponed.

Analysts believe that a resolution justifying the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan would jeopardize Russias role as a peace broker in the region, amid ongoing talks in Moscow between the Taliban and the Afghan opposition.

I think they decided to temporarily mute this topic, at least until these talks with Afghanistan are over, Vyacheslav Polovinko, a political analyst for the independent newspaper Novaya gazeta, told RFE/RL. Theyll likely find another excuse, another moment to pass it.

But it is clear that efforts to rewrite the experience of the Afghan war -- along with other aspects of Soviet history brought into the open during the cathartic 1990s -- are not going away. The trend of public opinion, at least, seems to be on the legislators side.

In a survey by state-run pollster VTsIOM, timed to coincide with the Soviet withdrawal anniversary, 42 percent of respondents said the Soviet Union should not have sent troops into Afghanistan, while 31 percent supported the move.

Only five years ago, another poll by the independent Levada Center found that 68 percent condemned the decision to invade, and only 9 percent backed it. In 1991, a Levada survey showed a gap of 88 percent against to 3 percent in favor.

Russian officials have seized on the changing mood.

On November 21, veteran Duma deputy Nikolai Kharitonov stood up to address fellow lawmakers at a special session of the Russian parliament devoted to the anniversary. For years, he told them, the Duma had been too soft on the question of Afghanistan -- the time had come to change the narrative.

Dismissing the December 1989 resolution as "inconsistent with the principles of historical justice," he challenged his colleagues.

"Is there anyone in this auditorium who agrees?" he asked, referring to the 1989 resolution condemning the war. "I expect that the deputies of the Duma's seventh convocation, who regularly adopt polar opposite stances depending on their political views, will be united on this question."

His proposal resulted in the draft resolution, approved during the November session by representatives of all parties in the Duma, that was expected to be passed on February 15.

Critics call the effort to restore the original Soviet arguments for invading Afghanistan a brazen attempt to justify other wars the Kremlin is involved in today, amid falling public approval ratings for the Russian government.

In Syria, Moscow is propping up the regime of Bashar al-Assad, and in eastern Ukraine it has provided military and personnel assistance to pro-Russia separatists fighting Ukrainian forces. Both campaigns have dragged on for years.

"The Afghan war was one of the greatest mistakes made by the communist regime. Justification of that war is justification of the war in Syria," Andrei Zubov, a historian critical of the Russian government, told RFE/RL as the Duma mulled the draft resolution. "Society's support for Putin and his foreign policy is dropping, and what's happening in Syria and Ukraine is provoking an increasingly negative reaction. In this situation, the parliament is trying to compensate for that."

In an interview with state news agency RIA Novosti , Gorbachev, now in his late 80s, condemned the effort to discredit the original resolution his government passed in 1989.

"I consider the proposal totally unacceptable and irresponsible. What facts, what arguments do its authors cite? How can you deny that the decision was made by a close circle of people, skirting the constitution and going against the opinions of the experts and military leadership? Or that it led to huge loss of life? Or that thousands of families lost their sons, fathers, and brothers?" he said. "This immoral initiative should be decisively rejected. I believe the country's leadership should make its views clear."

When queried about the draft resolution on February 15, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov replied, "I'll leave that without comment," according to TASS. "Our main task is to remember the heroes who discharged their duty."

Included in the draft resolution is a pledge to continue subsidies for those who fought in Afghanistan.

Back then, "Afghan syndrome" became a popular diagnosis for crippled soldiers struggling to adapt after the war; today, many of them feel historical justice is gradually beginning to triumph.

"We returned and they didn't notice us at all. It wasn't a figure of speech when they said, We didn't send you there.' They said it to us openly, directly in the eyes," Andrei Kuznetsov told RFE/RL.

Kuznetsov was an 18-year-old conscript with six months of military training when he was dispatched in May 1987 to Bagram, Afghanistan, as part of the 345th airborne division of the Soviet Army. A year and eight months later, he returned to "a totally different country."

Today, he works as a groundskeeper at Vnukovo airport outside Moscow and subsists on a meager salary. He rejects the parallels some make between the Afghan war and today's campaigns in Syria and Ukraine, and supports the Duma's resolution. He only wishes it had come sooner.

"It's high time they reassessed that war. They should have done it a long time ago," he said.KABUL -- All Abbas Ahmadzai hopes for now is closure.

Like hundreds of thousands of victims of war in Afghanistan over the past four decades, Ahmadzai must shoulder his familys tragedy for his entire life.

Now 40, he was just 6 months old when his father and uncle were taken from their home near the capital, Kabul, by Afghan intelligence agents. Zar Khan Ahmadzai and Gulab Khwazak Ahmadzai were never seen again after being seized by the Afghan communist regime in 1979 on the mere suspicion of being Akhwani -- supporters of Afghanistans Muslim Brotherhood movement.

They just vanished, Ahmadzai told Radio Free Afghanistan. My father was only 35 at the time.

Ahmadzais family says their loved ones were buried alive like thousands of other Afghans who disappeared after the communist coup in April 1978. His mother never remarried and became a tailor to support her family.

Like other victims of Afghanistans various cycles of war, his father and uncle are honored at the newly opened Center for Memory and Dialogue in Kabul.



His father, who was a doctor, is remembered with a story inscribed on a white plastic board on top of a glass box showcasing his overalls, forceps, and scissors, as well as the needle and thread he used to stitch up the wounds of his patients.

The museum, home to scores of such memory boxes, is an effort to heal the invisible wounds of millions of Afghans who have endured violence, destruction, and displacement since 1979. More than 2 million Afghans are believed to have died in the fighting. Millions more were wounded while another 5 million were displaced. Before the outbreak of war in Syria, Afghans made up the largest number of refugees worldwide.

My brother was only 12 when he was killed [during the civil war], Horia Mosadiq, a top Afghan human rights researcher, told the gathering marking the opening of the center on February 14.

He was not a combatant, and he was not involved in making any rockets, she said through tears. He was not involved in opposing any government. He was just a student.

Months after seizing power by killing President Daud Khan and his extended family in April 1978, the Afghan communist regime resorted to enforced disappearances and killings. The atrocities provoked a rebellion, which turned into a global war after the Soviet Red Army invaded Afghanistan in late 1979. The withdrawal of Soviet forces in 1989 paved the way for a brutal civil war in the 1990s.

The hard-line Taliban regime swept to power in the mid-1990s, but it was overthrown by a U.S.-led military attack following the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001.

According to UN estimates, more than 70,000 Afghan civilians have been killed and injured since 2009. Afghanistan remains one of the worlds most violent conflict regions.

As Washington attempts to negotiate peace with the Taliban, rights advocates hope for a just and lasting solution.

Richard Bennett, head of human rights at the United Nations Assistance Mission (UNAMA) in Kabul, says the memory boxes at the exhibition are significant.

The center provides [a] poignant and timely reminder of the importance of memory, justice, and dialogue for reconciliation and sustainable peace, he said.

Sima Samar, chairwoman of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, agrees. She says the center represents a step toward healing for Afghans who have endured some of the worst atrocities and humanitarian crises of modern times.

The creation of such centers [museums] will encourage Afghans to forgive, she said. It will also help in ending violence and respecting human rights and commemorating the memories of many victims who never got a grave.

The opening of the Afghanistan Center for Memory and Dialogue is the result of an eight-year project by the nongovernmental Afghanistan Human Rights and Democracy Organization.

Its workers held workshops nationwide to meet victims and their relatives, collecting stories and objects. The center now has hundreds of memory boxes with over 4,000 personal objects and stories.

No peaceful future can be ensured without healing the wounds of the past, Samar noted.As promised in my last column Ill begin writing about certain property tax bills introduced this year that Im taking a close look at. Please keep in mind that the state does not actually levy property taxes. All property taxes are levied and collected locally. There are, however, ways we can affect local property taxes by changing related state policies.

The first property tax bill Ill be reviewing is LB497 introduced by Senator Friesen of Legislative District 34. This bill addresses property taxes by changing how public schools are funded by the state. Out of Nebraskas 244 school districts, 69 receive state equalization aid. The other 175 are funded almost entirely by local property taxes with 60 percent of all property taxes being used for school funding. LB497 stipulates the state pay at least 50 percent of basic education costs for every school in Nebraska

LB497 achieves real property tax relief for residential, commercial, and agricultural property owners alike. It funds schools in Nebraska sufficiently and ensures no school would be left without state aid. The impact on Nebraskans would be varying. Although sin taxes like those on alcohol and cigarettes are generally accepted, Nebraska is home to a booming craft-brew scene. These breweries are popping up all over rural Nebraska and many of them use locally grown goods in their products.Prairie Piecemakers Quilt and Needlework Guild will feature Kim OGrady at their meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., in Fremont.

OGrady is a wife, mother of five, grandmother of three and a quilter. She made her first quilt when she was 12, then really started quilting 40 years ago with lots of mistakes along the way.

She joined The Ties that Bind quilt group 20 years ago. OGrady enjoys the friendships with fellow quilters and learning new techniques and new recipes. Her program is titled, Nuts for Nine Patch.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Hes been welding for decades and bringing that experience in really helps with the students, Ryun said of Hocking. Being able to see what its like to be getting direction from a foreman, or a former foreman and somebody who knows all the processes and is able to take them to that next level so that when they go in to get a job, theyre already ready to go.

Ryun noted that skills-based jobs like welding offer students the opportunity to make a decent salary at a young age. Students from the Welding Academy have gone on to work at Valmont, Smeal and other companies. Others have pursued more education.

Events like the Inaugural Metro Omaha Trades Invitational and the state events in April also give students an opportunity to network with potential employers.

The people that are grading these competitions are industry experts, theyre looking for employees, Ryun said. And so were working with them on the soft skills, how to look somebody in the eye, shake somebodys hand, get direction from somebody, punctuality is a huge one, so when they go into the industry theyre ready to go.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Altrusa International Inc. of Fremont is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a 2019 Fremont High School graduate or an Archbishop Bergan High School graduate who has demonstrated an interest in furthering his/her education.

The scholarship may be used at any college or university. To qualify, the applicant must be in the top 25 percent of the graduating class.

Applications are available in the guidance counselor's office and are due no later than March 22.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0All three are members of the committee and will be fully engaged in the discussions aimed at negotiating a settlement or a compromise, or at least a package, to take to the floor.

"But the whole committee will be involved," Linehan said.

"There are parts of all of the bills that I like," she said. "We need some big-picture understanding now."

Linehan does not plan to involve Gov. Pete Ricketts in the discussion at this point.

"Not until I have something," she said, and that might be sometime in April.

Ricketts has his own property tax reduction plan, which consists of a $51 million increase in the state's property tax credit relief fund and a proposed constitutional amendment that would establish a 3 percent cap on the growth rate of local property taxes.

Friesen's bill (LB497) has the support of the Nebraska Farm Bureau; Briese's bill (LB314) has backing from the Nebraska State Education Association.

Only one senator from Omaha or Lincoln signed onto any of the three bills and that was Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, who co-signed Briese's proposal.PLATTSMOUTH  Despite concerns from some residents, the Cass County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved an advanced method that would allow for more efficient composting.

This method is called Turned Aerated Piles or TAP for short.

It would dramatically decrease the composting time by mechanically forcing air through the piles, said Mike Jensen, the countys zoning director. It allows the composter to dramatically increase production on the same footprint. It allows them to do far more cubic yards than before. Its currently the most advanced way of composting.

And, under this new process, a composter would be regulated by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality besides the county, Jensen said.

The county has a composting site next to the Henry Doorly Zoo Safari Zoo and Horseshoe Lake. The operational footprint of that site covers 5 acres.

Soil Dynamics, based in Gretna, oversees the countys composting operation.

Facilities like this are crucial to reducing our waste stream to the local landfills, Jensen said.OMAHA  The future looks brighter in Louisville and other Cass County communities.

Thats because improved streetlights will eventually be installed by the Omaha Public Power District.

All of our streetlights will be changed to LED lighting, said Louisville Mayor Roger Behrns. Youll get more light, better light and at lower cost.

The OPPD Board of Directors last week approved a labor contract for streetlight conversion work within its service territory to replace current technology with light emitting diode (LED) technology. Most of Cass County is part of that territory.

This is part of the districts five-year plan, officially beginning next month, to replace nearly 100,000 existing high-pressure sodium fixtures within its service territory, according to OPPD spokeswoman Jodi Baker.

She also thought highly on the use of LED lighting.

Its more efficient and brighter for better safety for the public, Baker said.

These lights can also last up to 15 years, triple the lifetime of current lights, she added.British prime minister Theresa May speaks with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during a meeting in London in 2017. Photo: Daniel Leal-Olivas/Getty Images

The UKs trade dealings are looking increasingly desperate.

As Britain approaches the possibility of a no-deal Brexit on 29 March, it risks severing close trade ties with the European Union, where it conducts 49% of its 1.3 trillion in annual trade.

Its also rushing to lock in about 40 current trade deals covering more than 70 countries to ensure the EU-arranged agreements remain operational after Brexit. These nations account for a further 11% of total UK trade. So far, nine smaller countries have signed up.

In the midst of this, the UKs international trade secretary, Liam Fox, flew to Dubai this past weekend to conduct further trade and business discussions with the United Arab Emirates.

The UAEs economy minister confirmed this week that Britain had approached the UAE and other Gulf countries about a possible post-Brexit trade pact.

The six nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)  the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain  are comparatively small partners for the UK. Just 3% of Britains trade is conducted with these countries, equivalent to 40bn in 2017. Much of this trade involves imports of energy and oil products and exports of British-made aircraft and arms, along with industrial products and other manufactured goods.

Prime minister Theresa May has said she is looking for the strongest possible trading relationships between the UK and the Gulf after her country leaves the EU.

But trade experts have difficulty understanding the rationale for these efforts with such a small region that is known to court controversy.

Western relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE are under pressure after the murder of US-based Saudi-critic Jamal Khashoggi and the UAEs seven month detention of British academic Matthew Hedges.

This could complicate the negotiations and make it difficult to sell any deal to the UK population.

Its very difficult to get trade deals with the Gulf. Theres all manner of complications with this, said David Henig, a UK-based former trade negotiator who now leads the UK Trade Policy Project at the European Centre for International Political Economy.

Story continues

Its not completely ridiculous, just really tricky, Henig told Yahoo Finance UK, noting that the region is deeply protectionist and has only negotiated a handful of trade deals so far.

The GCC are currently working on trade talks with China, Australia, and New Zealand.





Additionally, the UK will be a less compelling trade partner for the GCC nations if Airbus (AIR.PA) follows through on threats to shift its wing-building out of Britain in the absence of a smooth Brexit. The question looms for GCC nations: Whats the point of doing a trade deal with a country that doesnt sell the things you want?

John Sfakianakis, chief economist at the Gulf Research Center, argues that despite the risk that the UK aerospace industry could be eroded after Brexit, theres still reason for the two sides to hold trade talks and move to lower tariffs and trade barriers.

If the UK manufacturing capacity gets reduced, thats where the relationship with the UAE becomes even more important  UK exports of services is quite substantial to the UAE, he told Yahoo Finance UK.

The UK exports just over 2bn worth in British services each year to the UAE, but thats just half the amount it exports in goods.

The government insists this is a relationship worth pursuing, noting there are opportunities for exports and partnership in financial services, education, health care, and infrastructure, among others.

There are over 5,000 British companies operating in the UAE alone, including BP (BP.L), Shell (RDSB.L), BAE Systems (BA.L), and HSBC (HSBA.L).

But the balance of power doesnt necessarily favour the UK, noted Giorgio Cafiero, CEO and co-founder of Gulf State Analytics.

Its unclear who has the upper hand in trade negotiations between UK and Gulf states, Cafiero told Yahoo Finance UK. Theres a belief in the UAE that they are a rising power  they are no longer subservient to the United Kingdom.

Of course, as a former super power, the United Kingdom is not willing to accept this new dynamic. However, given the crisis of Brexit  London is not in a position to try to speak down to the UAE, he said.Trump Says in 'No Rush' for Nuclear Deal With North Korea's Kim

President Donald Trump said he is in no rush whatsoever to conclude a nuclear deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump told reporters at the White House Tuesday he is no rush because he has a strong relationship with the North Korean leader and U.S. sanctions against the country remain in place while they work to negotiate a deal to end Kims nuclear weapons and missile programs.

Trump said that he spoke earlier in the day with South Korean President Moon Jae-In about his planned second summit with Kim scheduled for Feb. 27-28 in Hanoi.

Trump said he discussed all aspects of the meeting with Moon. He added that he plans to hold a similar conversation Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.Addison Armstrong presents Trucking Freight Futures in Atlanta. ( Photo: FreightWaves )

Addison Armstrong presents Trucking Freight Futures in Atlanta. (Photo: FreightWaves)

On President's Day in Atlanta, FreightWaves, Nodal Exchange, DAT and K-Ratio hosted the companies' fifth roadshow educating the transportation, logistics and finance industries about Trucking Freight Futures.

George Abernathy, FreightWaves' chief revenue officer, began the presentation by recounting his experience in freight, including six years as the president of Transplace, and said that controlling costs while managing customers' freight was a never-ending struggle. The pain and problems for both shippers and carriers due to volatile trucking spot prices led Craig Fuller, founder and CEO of FreightWaves, to conceive of the idea of Trucking Freight Futures as a way to de-risk the industry.

"We are empowering a freight community that's struggling to deal with the risks and volatility of being exposed to the freight markets with data, insights and actionable tools," Abernathy said.

Abernathy went through the addressable market by the numbers  trucking transportation in the United States is an industry worth in excess of $725 billion annually, and the prices for trucking freight are quite volatile, subject to unpredictable supply and demand shocks. Even a price paid to a truck to haul freight between the same origin-destination pair might go up or down 60 percent in a matter of months.

The long tail of industry participants with natural exposure to the trucking spot market was telling  Abernathy explained that there are more than 4,500 trucking companies with at least $20 million in revenue, there are 20,000 shippers that spend more than $10 million annually on freight, and there are an estimated 1,600 freight brokers with at least $10 million revenue per year.

This long tail' of potential freight futures traders should help bring liquidity to the market and ensure that no one company can set prices unilaterally. On the other hand, it may prove a challenge to educate small trucking fleets  90 percent of which have 10 trucks or less  about futures contracts and how they work. One road show attendee asked how those small shippers and carriers could participate in the market.

Story continues

Kyle Lintner, principal at K-Ratio, a firm offering shipper and carrier customers advice, strategy and even management of freight futures contracts, answered the question by pointing to small farmers. Small farmers sell agricultural goods and face price risk, but they don't meet the financial requirements necessary to participate in futures exchanges by themselves. Instead, they form co-ops, pool their resources and hedge their risk together. Lintner said that Nodal Exchange is working on its draft rules to make that possible in Trucking Freight Futures.

Learn more today

Learn more today

Of all of the Trucking Freight Futures road show events to date, the Atlanta show elicited the most sophisticated questions from the audience. Those in attendance were mostly medium- to small-sized shippers looking for ways to protect themselves against freight market volatility and representatives from the finance industry.

One attendee wanted to know what the anticipated bid-ask spread would be when the contracts begin trading on March 29. The bid-ask spread is the difference between the largest amount a buyer is willing to pay for a security and the lowest amount a seller is willing to accept. Addison Armstrong, executive director of futures at FreightWaves, responded that there was no way to know what the number would look like now.

"I've seen a few launches," Armstrong said, "and it's typical when these products launch that the bid-ask spread is quite wide. No one wants to make a price that's too easily picked off, because then it means they're wrong." Armstrong went on to say that as the market begins to establish consensus the bid-ask spread should tighten, making it easier to get in and out of any given position.

Bascome Majors, a transportation equities analyst at Susquehanna, asked "How long will it take for liquidity to come in and the spread to get more stable?"

"We expect a handful of liquidity providers to make markets on day one," said Tom Mallon, FreightWaves' vice president of futures markets. "When do you know if a contract is successful? Nodal's experience with electricity suggests 18 months or so before a significant upturn in volume, and that comes from participants identifying use cases, something structural in the market, or an event where one company is able to protect itself with futures and that becomes known."

One attendee said that he grasped the arbitrage opportunities for intermediaries, but didn't understand how shippers would participate.

"Those who are already trading will be first into that," Abernathy said, pointing out that many shippers already hedge against the prices of the commodities they depend on, whether they are grains or metals or hydrocarbons.

Another attendee asked if volatility itself would ever be traded on the exchange, akin to "a VIX of freight," as he put it.

"The answer is yes  although not on day one  but we feel that the natural evolution of product will lead to shorter duration products and options," Mallon said.

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 2019 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Greek banks have the highest NPL ratio across the euro zone at 44.8 percent, according to the most recent figures from the European Parliament

"The four systemic banks have agreed among themselves to reduce the non-performing loans between now and 2021 by 50 billion euros ($ 56 billion), CEO of Piraeus Bank, told CNBC Tuesday.

In the case of Piraeus, the aim is to reduce the NPLs by 15 billion euros until 2021.

The high level of bad loans in Greece is still the biggest issue that the embattled economy needs to focus on, the head of Piraeus Bank told CNBC.

The southern European economy has taken several steps to bring down the level of bad loans or NPLs (non-performing loans)  loans that are in or close to default.

Greek banks have the highest NPL ratio across the euro zone at 44.8 percent, according to the most recent figures from the European Parliament . This is a much higher percentage than Italy's, which stood at 9.7 percent.

Christos Megalou, the CEO of Piraeus Bank, told CNBC Monday that there has been a "significant improvement" in this area, but he "would like to see even more in reducing the amount of NPLs in the banks' balance sheets."

"The four systemic banks have agreed among themselves to reduce the non-performing loans between now and 2021 by 50 billion euros ($56 billion). 50 billion is almost 28 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product) of this country. It is a significant percentage vis-a-vis the actual percentage being produced by this country. I would like to see this happening and I would be very happy if we are able to achieve these targets as we have set ourselves out to achieve," he said in Athens.

In the case of Piraeus, the aim is to reduce NPLs by 15 billion euros before 2021. This after having reduced bad loans by 5 billion euros in 2018, the CEO said.

"The more weapons you have in your arsenal to address the issue, the better," Megalou said on further initiatives from the Bank of Greece and the finance ministry to help the banks with this task.

Story continues

Greece put an end to nearly 10 years of financial help after it ended a third financial rescue in August and has vowed to stick to stringent fiscal targets in the coming years in exchange for some debt relief.

The country is expected to grow at a rate of 2.2 percent this year and 2.3 percent in 2020, according to forecasts by the European Commission. These would be the third and fourth consecutive years of growth following the euro zone debt crisis.

Much of what happens to the Greek economy in the coming months will be critical to support or hinder the banks' reduction of bad loans.

Megalou told CNBC that there has been strong interest from international funds in buying Greek NPLs.

"We had situations where funds were competing and in the process of competition they had to pay a significant amount of money in due diligence to be able to bid for these assets. We are very happy as a principal selling those loans of the level of competition and the level of activity we see in the NPL market. I would dare to say that one of the most interesting asset classes in Greece these days is the non-performing loans in this country."





More From CNBC

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Feb. 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Woodward, Inc. (WWD) today announced that Thomas G. Cromwell, 50, has been appointed to the newly created position of Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer for Woodward. As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Cromwell will have direct oversight of the Companys business groups, as well as Global Supply Chain and the Companys True North operational excellence group.



We are in the midst of significant and ongoing growth in both of our segments, and I have worked closely with our Board of Directors to create a new organizational design that will support Woodward strategies as well as deliver on the financial and shareholder return opportunities ahead of us, said Thomas A. Gendron, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Woodward. With a strong emphasis on operational excellence and execution, Tom joins Jack Thayer as our other new member of the Office of the Chairman, working together on the direction and oversight of the Company.

Mr. Cromwell is a proven growth leader with significant global experience in advanced manufacturing settings and a track record of delivering superior operational results. Most recently, he served as the Group President for Kohler Power Group, a multi-billion dollar business unit of Kohler Co, Inc., based in Kohler, WI. Before joining Kohler, he held a series of operations-focused executive leadership positions across Modine Manufacturing Company in both the US and Germany. Mr. Cromwell holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Management from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville.

Tom is a broad-based executive who knows how to execute in complex industrial markets with rigorous quality and delivery requirements, added Mr. Gendron. His strong operations and supply chain leadership will accelerate our journey toward operational excellence, and Im confident Toms leadership style and values are a great fit for Woodward.

Story continues

About Woodward, Inc.

Woodward is an independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of control system solutions and components for the aerospace and industrial markets. The company's innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, and motion control systems help customers offer cleaner, more reliable, and more efficient equipment. Our customers include leading original equipment manufacturers and end users of their products. Woodward is a global company headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Visit our website at www.woodward.com , and connect with us at www.facebook.com/woodwardinc .

Cautionary Statement

Information in this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our belief that the Company is in the midst of significant and ongoing growth in both business segments, that the new organizational design will support Woodward strategies as well as deliver on the financial and shareholder return opportunities ahead of the Company, and that Mr. Cromwells strong operations and supply chain leadership will accelerate the Companys journey toward operational excellence. Factors that could cause actual results and the timing of other events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements are as described in Woodward's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2018.

CONTACT:

Woodward, Inc.

Don Guzzardo

Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer

970-498-3580

don.guzzardo@Woodward.comJonathan Chang, general counsel of Tesla/courtesy photo

Jonathan Chang, general counsel of Tesla/courtesy photo



Tesla Inc. drove off with a new general counsel Wednesday, promoting its vice president of legal, Jonathan Chang, to the top lawyer role to replace a D.C. litigator who only held the position for two months.



Chang joined Palo Alto-based Tesla as senior counsel in 2011. He's worked his way up the legal department, most recently managing Tesla's corporate securities, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, compliance, and sales and distribution functions in the U.S. and Europe. He'll now lead Teslas global legal and policy teams and report to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk.



Those who have worked with Chang said they weren't surprised by his appointment.



"I always thought that he was the right candidate to be the next GC," said Phuong Phillips, the general counsel of Zynga Inc.



Phillips reported to Chang when she was Tesla's associate general counsel in 2017. The two also worked together during Tesla's acquisition of Phillips' former employer, SolarCity.



She said Chang managed most of the legal department during her time at Tesla. He was the one person who "touched a little bit of everything," she said. A Tesla representative confirmed Chang "has managed most parts of the legal organization during his tenure."



"A lot of people would have told you that they felt Jonathan was the leader of the group," Phillips said. "He is a very kind soul and he cares a lot about his employees. I think that's why people looked up to him so much and turned to him for advice.  He was so good at making people feel stable and comfortable in their role and always trying to find ways to help them grow as individuals."



Phil Rothenberg, the general counsel of Sonder who worked with Chang at Tesla for seven years, said he was excited for his former colleague. Rothenberg called him a "proven leader" at Tesla, noting Chang's key role in Tesla acquiring SolarCity and paying off a loan from the Department of Energy several years early. He and Chang co-led Tesla's legal team during a previous GC replacement search, he said.



"Jonathan is not only smart and well-qualified, hes been in the legal department since April 2011, coming up on eight years, and has worked with almost every different executive at the company," Rothenberg said. "He's been there, he's seen it and he's succeeded. So I think it's a great choice."



Tesla consultants emphasized Chang's passion for the company's mission and involvement in all aspects of its legal matters.



Bea Gonzalez, a partner at consulting firm Capital Results who has handled multistate public affairs and legislative matters for Tesla for seven years, described Chang as strategic, positive, sincere and well versed in state and federal laws.



"Hes so knowledgeable about the culture and the people at Tesla," Gonzalez said. "I think hes kind of a perfect fit. He's been there for a long time, he knows all the aspects of the business."



She and Chang have worked closely on state legislative issues in Virginia, where Gonzalez is based. A Tesla representative said Chang led Tesla's efforts to make cars available in more U.S. states by challenging state laws that prevent car manufacturers from directly selling or distributing cars.



Jason Tai, the principal at Tai Ginsberg & Associates and another Tesla consultant, also mentioned Chang's involvement in state-level issues and federal, real estate and M&A issues.



"He's really just everywhere," Tai said. "I don't know how he gets any sleep, frankly."



Tai added Chang's appointment as GC is "a natural evolution" for a Tesla in-house lawyer "who is much beloved, who people really respect."



It's also an appointment that could bring stability to the company's legal team, Rothenberg said. Chang replaces Dane Butswinkas as GC, a litigation lawyer who joined Tesla just two months ago from D.C.'s Williams & Connolly. Butswinkas now plans to resume practicing at the firm. Tesla declined to comment on why Butswinkas was hired in December to run its legal department over Chang.



The legal leadership shake-up comes not long after Tesla settled charges with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over controversial tweets from Musk.



"Not only is he well-qualified, he brings stability. I think it will be a sigh of relief for people in the know, such as people in the legal department at Tesla and others in management at Tesla," Rothenberg said. "Because he is a known entity and you're not sure what you're going to get from the outside."



Before joining Tesla, Chang held a general counsel role at Lithium Technologies in Emeryville, California, according to his LinkedIn profile. He started his legal career as a corporate attorney at Latham & Watkins after earning a law degree from the University of Southern California.



Chang did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



Read More:



Tesla GC Butswinkas Makes Hasty Return to Williams & Connolly



Williams & Connolly Chair Dane Butswinkas Is Named Tesla General Counsel



SEC Suit Over Elon Musk's Tweets Sets an Example for Execs Online



Tesla Securities Lawyer Heads to Sonder as GC(Bloomberg) -- Elon Musk corrected a prediction for how many cars Tesla Inc. would make in 2019, just hours after tweeting that production would reach about 500,000 vehicles this year.

The electric-car pioneer, who has a track record of snafus on Twitter, said he intended to tweet that Tesla expects to be making cars at an annual rate of about 500,000 by the end of 2019. Musk said Tesla still forecasts deliveries of about 400,000 vehicles this year.

February 20, 2019

Musks earlier tweet that Tesla would make about 500,000 cars in 2019 was difficult to gauge -- given his proclivity for setting stretch goals -- and was greeted with some skepticism on the social media platform. The number he put in the posting late Tuesday was roughly in line with his previous comments, but that depends on which figure investors paid attention to when Tesla reported earnings Jan. 30.

In a letter to shareholders, Chief Executive Officer Musk and his chief financial officer forecast as many as 400,000 total vehicle deliveries this year. Within hours, the CEO told an analyst on Teslas earnings call to expect sales for just the Model 3 to reach as many as 500,000 units in 2019.

Musks tweeting has been a source of confusion for investors before. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission moved to punish Tesla and Musk last year because it alleged he committed fraud by tweeting in August that he had the funding secured to take the company private at $420 a share. The agency said this and other claims the CEO made on Aug. 7 were false and misleading and affected Teslas stock. Both he and the company agreed to pay $20 million penalties, and Tesla said it would implement controls to oversee the tweeting and other communications of its outspoken chief.

In October, Musk tweeted that he had deleted all references to the titles he held at Tesla, then joked that in doing so, he may have confused the authorities. The same month, Musk trolled the SEC by calling it the Shortseller Enrichment Commission and ranted about short selling over the course of more than 20 hours, calling for it to be banned.

Story continues

To Musks credit, Tesla did make substantial progress in mass-manufacturing electric vehicles last year, after overcoming the production hell he predicted the company would go through starting in the fall of 2017. Total deliveries more than tripled last year.

Still, making 500,000 vehicles in 2019 would be difficult based on the guidance Musk and CFO Deepak Ahuja gave late last month: that Tesla may need until the end of this year to reach a weekly production rate of 7,000 Model 3s.

To contact the reporter on this story: Angus Whitley in Sydney at awhitley1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anand Krishnamoorthy at anandk@bloomberg.net, Ville Heiskanen, Sam Nagarajan

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a win Wednesday to a former heroin addict who argued that Indiana's seizure of his $42,000 Land Rover amounted to an excessive fine for a drug conviction.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who wrote the court's opinion, wrote that the safeguard is "fundamental to our scheme of ordered liberty."

The incorporation of the 8th Amendment's Excessive Fines Clause marks a particularly notable development at a time when many municipalities are relying on fines and fees as a growing source of revenue.

The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a win Wednesday to a former heroin addict who argued that Indiana's seizure of his $42,000 Land Rover amounted to an excessive fine for a drug conviction.

In a unanimous holding, the justices for the first time incorporated the 8th Amendment's protection against excessive fines to the states. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who delivered the court's opinion , wrote that the safeguard is "fundamental to our scheme of ordered liberty."

Ginsburg returned to the court on Friday after nearly two months working from home during recovery from December cancer surgery. On Tuesday, she appeared on the bench for the first time since early December.

Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch did not sign onto Ginsburg's opinion, although each agreed with the majority's conclusion. The two conservatives would have taken a different legal route to get there, they wrote.

Wednesday's opinion marks an important extension of the top court's application of Bill of Rights protections to the states.

Most of the Bill of Rights was incorporated decades ago. Even other provisions of the 8th Amendment have been held to apply to the states before, such as its protections against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

But the incorporation of the amendment's Excessive Fines Clause marks a particularly notable development at a time when many municipalities are relying on fines and fees as a growing source of revenue, causing consternation among civil rights groups who say the penalties disproportionately hurt minorities and the poor.

Story continues

The background

The case, which the justices heard in November, was brought by Tyson Timbs, who pleaded guilty to selling drugs to undercover police officers in Indiana and was later sentenced to a year of home confinement, five years of probation, and about $1,000 in fines and other fees.

The state also took Timbs' Land Rover, valued at about quadruple the maximum monetary fine amount permitted for his drug conviction. Timbs, who has since gone through recovery, used the car to shuttle heroin into the state.

A trial court and an Indiana appeals court both found the seizure unlawful on the grounds that it was disproportionate to the offense. But those judgments were reversed by the Indiana Supreme Court, which reasoned that the 8th Amendment's Excessive Fines Clause only barred action by the federal government, not the states.

The justices have applied, or incorporated, most of the Constitution's prohibitions on federal actions to the states in recent decades, but had never gotten around to the Excessive Fines Clause until now. The last time the court incorporated a Bill of Rights protection was in 2010, when it incorporated the 2nd Amendment's prohibition of certain gun-control laws.

The decision

Ginsburg delivered a staunch defense of the prohibition against excessive fines, tracing the lineage of the protection back to the Magna Carta to the current day.

She wrote that protection against excessive fines have been a "constant shield" and argued that high tolls can be used to undermine other liberties, to "chill the speech of political enemies," and as a form of retribution. Citing a brief filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Ginsburg wrote that the court's concerns were "scarcely hypothetical."

In its brief , the ACLU argued that the "explosion of fines, fees, and forfeitures has buried people under mountains of accumulating debt."

The group wrote that the fines can "lead to a host of collateral harms  wage garnishment, loss of employment and housing, poor credit ratings, driver's license suspension, incarceration, prohibitions on the right to vote, and even family separation."

Gorsuch and Thomas, who did not sign onto Ginsburg's opinion, each wrote separate concurrences agreeing with the majority's conclusion. The two conservatives would have used a different mechanism to incorporate the 8th Amendment, they wrote, relying on the 14th Amendment's Privileges and Immunities Clause, rather than its Due Process Clause, as Ginsburg and the rest of the court did.

The court's holding was largely expected following November arguments in the case. Indiana's solicitor general, Thomas Fisher, faced a battering from a slate of the justices during his oral argument that month.

"Most of the incorporation cases took place in, like, the 1940s," Gorsuch told him at the time. "And here we are in 2018 still litigating incorporation of the Bill of Rights. Really? Come on, general."





More From CNBC

By Tracy Rucinski and Ankit Ajmera

(Reuters) - Southwest Airlines Co's shares fell more than 5 percent on Wednesday after the low-cost U.S. carrier said it was investigating whether a conflict with its mechanics union was leading to a spike in flight cancellations.

The escalating labor dispute, one of the biggest to hit a top-four U.S. airline in more than a decade, comes amid a series of recent corporate headaches for the carrier.

Dallas-based Southwest was forced to delay its planned Hawaii launch due to the recent U.S. government shutdown and on Wednesday cut its first-quarter revenue growth forecast.

That followed news on Monday that the Federal Aviation Administration initiated a probe against the carrier in 2018 regarding weight and balance performance data.

Shares of Southwest fell 5.7 percent to close at $54.41 on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday.

The airline has canceled hundreds of flights since Feb. 15 due to a mixture of inclement weather and unscheduled maintenance issues that have put what it called an unprecedented number of aircraft out of service.

Southwest said there was no common theme among the maintenance issues, which followed the latest round of negotiations with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). The union represents about 2,400 Southwest mechanics and has been in contract talks with management since 2012.

Southwest Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven said on Tuesday that the carrier would investigate why the number of aircraft unable to fly due to mechanical issues had doubled and said the airline remained committed to operating a safe fleet.

Last week the company declared an operational "emergency" and demanded all mechanics turn up for work.

AMFA disputed the carrier's characterization of the maintenance issues on its website and said Southwest has the lowest mechanic-to-aircraft ratio of any major carrier.

"Negotiations and the degradation of safety culture are two entirely different items," Bret Oestreich, AMFA's national director, told Reuters.

Story continues

The dispute comes at time when aviation deaths around the world have been falling. 2018 was the third-safest year ever in terms of the number of fatal accidents worldwide, according to the Aviation Safety Network.

Eric Schiffer, CEO of Reputation Management Consultants, said Southwest's handling of the aircraft disruption had likely "highlighted a safety concern when there didn't need to be one."

"And whenever an airline is associated with risk, it impacts shares and sales," Schiffer said in an interview on Wednesday.

American Airlines Group Inc is also in contract talks with its mechanics unions and asked for a federal mediator to facilitate negotiations last September. American's mechanic contracts have not been updated since it merged with US Airways in 2013.

Southwest canceled 444 flights on Wednesday, about 20 percent of total cancellations across the United States, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware.com. It was not clear how many of the cancellations were due to weather.

The next round of mediated contract talks with the mechanics union is scheduled for March 12, Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King said.

Southwest said it had already enhanced a contract offer that the union walked away from last fall.

SHUTDOWN HIT

Earlier on Wednesday, Southwest said it expected a $60 million sales hit from the recent U.S. government partial shutdown, four times its previous estimate.

While the 35-day U.S. shutdown ended on Jan. 25, King said passenger demand and bookings continued to suffer due to uncertainty over a potential second shutdown before a government deal was reached on Feb. 14.

As a result, Southwest trimmed its first-quarter growth forecast for revenue per available seat mile to a range of 3 to 4 percent from a previous range of 4 to 5 percent.

Southwest, which flies more domestic flights than legacy peers like American, said it is hopeful that first-quarter demand softness is temporary.

However, the more than month-long hiatus in U.S. government decision-making has delayed the federal authorization process for Southwest's plans to launch service to Hawaii, which it had hoped to begin early this year.

That process is currently under way, though the carrier has as yet been unable to announce a launch date.

Goldman Sachs said this means the airline will have a shorter window to sell tickets to Hawaii, forcing it to discount heavily at a time when most rivals expect an improvement in ticket prices. It issued a "sell" recommendation on the stock.

(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago and Ankit Ajmera and Rama Venkat in Bengaluru; Editing by Patrick Graham and Matthew Lewis)(Bloomberg) -- Sony Corp., once known for innovations like the Walkman, will begin to back entrepreneurs outside the company with money, marketing support and more as it seeks more breakthroughs.

The Tokyo-based company said on Wednesday it would open up an internal accelerator program to external entrepreneurs, including a partnership with Tokyo University under which students can turn ideas into businesses. Depending on the opportunity, Sony may invest, strike an alliance, provide office space or support the startups with its own marketing and sales expertise. It may also acquire the businesses.

All kinds of people should have a chance to be an entrepreneur, thats our slogan, said Shinji Odashima, head of Sonys accelerator program, at an event in Tokyo. Well offer the know-how and the environment of our enterprise. Through these things, we want to realize the vision of creators.

After years of restructuring put it back on solid financial footing but gutted thousands of engineering jobs, Sony is again looking for innovation under Chief Executive Officer Kenichiro Yoshida. This month, the company cut its annual revenue forecast and reported weaker profits in the PlayStation business, triggering the sharpest share drop in more than three years. A week later, it announced its largest stock buyback ever to support the shares.

The initiative, now known as Sony Startup Accelerator Program, was started in 2014 by Yoshidas predecessor, Kazuo Hirai, to encourage innovation and risk-taking among employees. To date, 34 ideas have been incubated and 14 of them have become new businesses, Sony said.

The most prominent so far include smartwatches line wena, the digital smell dispenser Aromastic, and self-flying drone startup AeroSense. Another product called toio, small toy robots that can be programmed to perform custom games, was brought into the PlayStation division late last year.

Sony said the program will span all stages of starting a business: creating an idea, incubating it, marketing and expansion. After a product reaches a mature stage, a decision will be made whether to invest, partner or acquire it, Odashima said. The program is not directly related to the companys existing corporate venture fund, Sony Innovation Fund, according to a spokesman.

Story continues

While the specifics remain vague, by opening up the application process through its website to anyone, the company is essentially trying to lure more innovative talent under its roof. Odashima said he wants to foster what he calls Shinagawa Valley, a nod to the neighborhood where Sony is headquartered.

It all begins with just an idea, said Odashima. I cant tell you how many businesses began with just one word.

To contact the reporter on this story: Yuji Nakamura in Tokyo at ynakamura56@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Robert Fenner at rfenner@bloomberg.net, Peter Elstrom, Edwin Chan

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2019 / Findit, Inc., a Nevada corporation trading on the OTC PINK: FDIT, owns and operates the website Findit.com, explains the importance of posting content consistently to increase engagement from your other social networking accounts. The results from posting in Findit and then sharing to your Facebook account, tweeting to Twitter, pinning to Pinterest and sharing through Google and other social sites often coverts to more overall engagement and inclusion in Google search results.

When you consider the importance of keeping your social accounts current, it's important to also take into consideration time management and results. With more and more people using social media each and everyday, individuals may base their decision on whether or not to do business with you based on how current your social profiles are and the content you are posting there. Advertising on social sites is exploding because that's where your target audience and consumers are these days. Businesses, artists, churches, schools, government agencies and individuals that utilize social sites to stay relevant with their target audience need to consider including Findit in their strategy. The reason is to get exposure they are not getting from the other social sites, while increasing the engagement from the other social sites they are using. Findit will help you streamline your posting process while being able to get your message current across many if not all the platforms you post to already.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uAv8hIP4GU

The Findit platform is free. It provides its members with a content creation dashboard that empowers them to create content rich "Right Now" status updates that can include photos, video, a link, an audio file and more. Findit's unique sharing feature provides every post the ability to be shared to other social sites. The ShareThis function that is available on status updates, allows you and visitors to share each post from Findit to other social sites. These sites include but are not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIN, Tumblr and more. Posts created on Findit are open to search engines so the content you create can be crawled by Google, Yahoo, and Bing, resulting in organic search engine results.

Story continues

Findit does not require joining or signing in to see content posted in Findit. This provides members that do post a much wider audience to reach. By not requiring people to join Findit, Findit can appeal to the millions of people staying off of social networking sites for various reasons that include the fear of having their data compromised. This gives everyone in the world access to Findit without having to join unless they want to post, like or comment on something. Visitors that are not signed in can still share posts from Findit without joining or signing into Findit.

Findit does not sell or giveaway member's data.

Clark St. Amant of Findit stated, "Using Findit helps you cast a wider web to reach more people, especially those who have not yet heard of you. Having profiles on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIN is great, but when you post directly to those sites, you really are only reaching the people who already know about you, your brand, or your business. By posting to Findit first, you are creating content rich status updates on an open platform that can be crawled by search engines so that your content can index organically and enabling visitors to Findit to share your content to their social sites, allowing you tap into new social spheres and reach people who haven't heard of you or your brand yet."

Claim your Vanity URL on Findit.

Joining Findit is extremely easy to do and registration takes a couple of minutes. Members can create an about section that has a place to have a profile image and a banner image as well a place to include a description about you, your brand, or business. Members also have a spot to include contact and address information as well as a place to link to an external site, Instagram page,Twitter or Facebook profile.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrT5SJaYqo0

About Findit, Inc.

Findit, Inc., (OTC Pinksheets FDIT) owns Findit.com which is a Social Media Content Management Platform that provides an interactive search engine for all content posted in Findit to appear in Findit search. The site is an open platform that provides access to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines access to its content posted to Findit so it can be indexed in these search engines as well. Findit provides Members the ability to post, share and manage their content. Once they have posted in Findit, we ensure the content gets indexed in Findit Search results. Findit provides an option for anyone to submit URLs that they want indexed in Findit search result, along with posting status updates through Findit Right Now. Status Updates posted in Findit can be crawled by outside search engines which can result in additional organic indexing. All posts on Findit can be shared to other social and bookmarking sites by members and non-members. Findit provides Real Estate Agents the ability to create their own Findit Site where they can pull in their listing and others through their IDX account. Findit, Inc., is focused on the development of monetized Internet-based web products that can provide an increased brand awareness of our members. Findit, Inc., trades under the stock symbol FDIT on the OTCPinksheets.

Safe Harbor:

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements regarding potential sales, the success of the company's business, as well as statements that include the word believe or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Findit, Inc. to differ materially from those implied or expressed by such forward-looking statements. This press release speaks as of the date first set forth above, and Findit, Inc. assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to factors such as the lack of capital, timely development of products, inability to deliver products when ordered, inability of potential customers to pay for ordered products, and political and economic risks inherent in international trade.

Contact:

Clark St. Amant

Phone 404-443-3224

SOURCE: Findit, Inc.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/536124/Social-Networking-Content-Management-Platform-Findit-Helps-You-Get-More-Shares-from-Social-Sites



NEW DELHI, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday terrorism was a common concern with India and that his country was ready to share intelligence to tackle it.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia was ready for political cooperation with India.

"On the issue of extremism and terrorism, which is a common concern, we want to tell India that we will cooperate in every way, including intelligence sharing," the crown prince said.

The crown prince's visit comes days after a militant attack in the disputed region of Kashmir which involved a bombing of a security convoy in which 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed. The attack was claimed by a Pakistan-based militant group.

During the press briefing, Modi said he had agreed with Saudi Arabia to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, naval and cyber security.

Earlier in the day, the crown prince received a ceremonial welcome at New Delhi's imposing red sandstone presidential palace. (Reporting by Devjyot Ghoshal and Neha Dasgupta; Writing by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Nick Macfie)(Bloomberg) -- Samsung Electronics Co. debuted its most extensive new lineup of smartphones, taking on Apple Inc. in a slowing market with 3-D cameras, an in-screen fingerprint scanner and faster 5G connectivity and a device with a folding screen.

The South Korean technology giant introduced four new phones in its Galaxy S range -- the S10, S10+, S10e, and S10 5G. The S10 and S10+ are direct successors to last years S9 and S9+, while the S10e and S10 5G are two new models for the company: a low-end phone aimed at Apples iPhone XR, and a high-end version priced above $1,000. It also showed off the Galaxy Fold, a smartphone with a screen that expands to tablet size.

Samsungs success with its latest gadgets will be a barometer for a global smartphone industry struggling to revive momentum after a decade of robust growth ground to a halt. Global shipments fell last year to 1.43 billion units, marking the first time the figure had slid on a full-year basis, according to Strategy Analytics.

Read: Samsung Galaxy S10 Versus IPhone Xs Max: How They Measure Up

Consumers are holding on to their phones longer and spending less on upgrades, putting pressure on manufacturers to bolster innovation and justify their price tags. With premium mobile phones that can cost well over $1,000 a piece, customers have also been turning to lesser-known companies, which has given rise to Chinese companies such as Huawei Technologies Co., Xiaomi Corp. and Oppo.

In China, Samsung has been almost driven out of the phone market, and globally it faces losing the title of the worlds biggest handset maker to Huawei. Samsung sold 291 million smartphones last year while Huawei sold 206 million, according to StrategyAnalytics.

The introduction of the Galaxy S10e is likely a response to the premium-price fatigue now plaguing the industry, Wayne Lam, a mobile devices analyst at IHS Markit, wrote in an email. Samsungs fortune in China may very well rest on the revitalized Galaxy S10 product line.

Story continues

Samsungs stock fell about 1 percent on Thursday morning in Seoul.

Samsung will probably sell more than 40 million Galaxy S10 units in the first year of release, Counterpoint said in an email. That would be more than the Galaxy S9 for the same period, but fewer than the Galaxy S7, Samsungs best-selling S-series smartphone, it said.

The S10 and S10+ include 6.1-inch and 6.4-inch screens respectively, up from 5.8 inches and 6.2 inches on last years models. The front-facing cameras sit inside holes cut into in the display itself as an alternative to including them in a "notch," as the iPhone does. The displays also now have in-screen fingerprint scanners, a new approach that diverts from the 3-D facial recognition scanner employed by Apple in its latest devices. They also add a third back camera as a wide-angle lens. Those models start at $900 and $1,000 respectively.

At its San Francisco event, Samsung also announced a pair of key partnerships for the new devices. Adam Mosseri, head of Facebook Inc.s Instagram photo-sharing app, announced that an Instagram mode would be integrated into the new camera application. It lets people upload photos and videos directly to the Instagram Stories feature and use the apps filters. Samsung also said it is working with Adobe Inc. on an optimized version of its Premiere Rush CC video editing app.

The Galaxy Fold, which turns into a tablet, will cost $1,980.

The foldable design, especially the hinge, is more refined than many other competing solutions, said Bryan Ma, vice president of devices research at IDC. But there are still a number of challenges around hardware -- thickness, crease, battery, reliability, price -- as well as software. It wont be a big volume mover at that price, but keep in mind that notebook PCs used to cost $2,000, too, before they reached more affordable price points.

Even with Apples strong market share in regions like the U.S., the new Samsung line could pose a serious challenge to iPhones. Samsung is beating Apple to the punch by about half a year with features like triple-camera photography, and by at least a year a half with 5G and a rear-facing 3-D camera.

Samsung is also launching a low-end $750 model, which has a 5.8-inch screen, lacks the in-screen fingerprint reader (its on the side of the phone instead), and has only two rear cameras. Its bezels, like the iPhone XR versus the high-end iPhone XS line, are also slightly thicker.

Samsung previewed a 5G model, which in addition to faster web download speeds, includes front and back 3-D depth cameras for more professional-looking photos and augmented reality, a larger battery, and a 6.7-inch screen. Its overall footprint, however, is similar to the S10+ model.

Samsungs budget phone is expected to do well in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, excluding China, said Liz Lee, an analyst at Counterpoint Research. In terms of marketing, the 5G model provides a comparative advantage and could bring life back to a stalled smartphone market.

The S10, S10+, and S10e go on sale March 8, while the 5G variant will launch later in the first half of this year, Samsung said. In the U.S., it will debut as an exclusive to Verizon, and it will later expand to other carriers. The 5G model will come to Europe after the U.S. and South Korea, with network partners expected to announce further details at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week.

All of the phones will work with a new feature called Wireless PowerShare, which lets users charge a phone or wireless headphones by tapping it to the back of one of the new Samsung models. It also debuted new Galaxy Buds headphones, competitors to Apples popular AirPods.

Samsung on Wednesday also debuted upgraded Galaxy Active and Fit smartwatches that pair with the new phones.

(Updates with comments from analysts and Samsungs share price.)

To contact the reporters on this story: Nate Lanxon in London at nlanxon@bloomberg.net;Mark Gurman in San Francisco at mgurman1@bloomberg.net;Sam Kim in Seoul at skim609@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Tom Giles at tgiles5@bloomberg.net, Robert Fenner, Reed Stevenson

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.(Bloomberg) -- A group representing top U.S. mobile service providers disagreed with European and Asian counterparts over alleged security threats from Chinese equipment maker Huawei Technologies Co. ahead of a conference that will highlight a U.S.-Europe divide on the issue.

A Feb. 14 release from GSMA, a London-based wireless industry group, urged European lawmakers not to ban Huawei as a supplier. But CTIA, a Washington-based group, responded Tuesday with its own statement saying the GSMA does not represent the views of all wireless operators or all regions.

The divergent statements underscore a fissure opening between Washington and carriers and regulators around the world, whore starting to re-evaluate U.S. warnings that Chinas largest technology corporation aids Beijing in espionage. This week, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern left the door open for Huawei to play a role in the rollout of next-generation networks, while a senior Italian government official dismissed the issue.

European carriers offered to cooperate with their governments in devising steps to ward off vulnerabilities. CTIA, with members that include U.S. market leaders AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., has urged U.S. regulators to go slow in crafting rules on equipment security.

It looks like theyre scared of the impact of European policy-making on the rollout of their 5G networks that will offer advanced speeds, said Gigi Sohn, a fellow at the Georgetown University Law Center Institute for Technology Law and Policy, said of the U.S. group. It seems theyre concerned that if Europe does so, it would become the de facto standard.

Beyond U.S.-Chinese bickering, economics plays an important role in what gear goes into future 5G networks, the advent of which are expected to galvanize everything from smart cities and self-driving cars to fully automated homes. Huaweis technology is considered on par with the likes of Ericsson or Nokias, but more cost-effective. LG Uplus, the smallest of Koreas carriers, is an open supporter and its patronage helped the country become the largest initial market for Huaweis 5G equipment.

Story continues

A GSMA spokesman in an emailed comment Tuesday said its initial statement was clearly focused on activity in Europe and does not reflect the views of all GSMA members globally. The group says it represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide. The group lists AT&T and Verizon as members.

The U.S. government is increasing the size of its usual delegation to the GSMAs annual industry conference, MWC Barcelona, to be held next week. Huawei is also bolstering its presence at the event, setting the scene for a showdown as both sides try to win over the chief executives of the worlds biggest carriers.

The U.S. and China clashed Saturday at a security conference in Munich over whether Huaweis equipment should be banned from future 5G networks. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said the company is required to turn over data to Beijings security officials. Chinese politburo member Yang Jiechi was up next on the same stage, and said his countrys law doesnt require companies to collect intelligence. Yang urged Europeans to consider whether the U.S. had their interests at heart, or its own.

Shenzhen-based 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.

CTIA didnt specify what was objectionable in GSMAs 800-word statement.

We can achieve our 5G ambitions with a secure global supply chain that reflects national security concerns, the CTIA said. We caution against a patchwork approach of different rules for different regions which would result in less competition in supply chains.

GSMA on Feb. 14 said mobile operators are ready to work with European agencies in charge of promoting certification and security requirements. It recommended that governments and mobile operators work together to agree on a testing and certification regime for Europe.

The FCC should work with other expert agencies to conduct a thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis of the costs and benefits of various approaches before taking action on network security, CTIA said last year in a filing at the agency. The FCC is considering whether to bar spending of U.S. subsidies on companies deemed a security risk.

Jilane Rodgers Petrie, a spokeswoman for CTIA, didnt return a telephone call and email.

The Feb. 14 statement from GSMA didnt mention Huawei by name. Restricting access to a network equipment maker would handicap Europes progress in developing artificial intelligence, the internet of things and so-called big data, the group of more than 750 companies said. The technology promises to deliver data to phones 10 times faster than 4G and to connect people, cars, factories and household objects.

The joint appeal follows individual warnings from companies such as Deutsche Telekom AG, Vodafone Group Plc and BT Group Plc and underscores how alarmed the companies have become that they may not be able to use one of their biggest suppliers. In Asia, carriers from South Korea to the Philippines have said they plan to continue using Huawei equipment.

The GSMA on Feb. 14 said its members had found no evidence of wrongdoing even though they have been meticulously testing mobile infrastructure for years. The group said it would create a task force to find ways to strengthen existing security testing.

(An earlier version was corrected to say AT&T, Verizon are members of the GSMA.)

(Updates with views from around the world from the third paragraph.)

--With assistance from Thomas Seal and Gao Yuan.

To contact the reporter on this story: Todd Shields in Washington at tshields3@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jon Morgan at jmorgan97@bloomberg.net, John Harney

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.FILE PHOTO: A Qualcomm sign is seen during the China International Import Expo (CIIE), at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China November 6, 2018. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo

By Stephen Nellis

(Reuters) - Qualcomm Inc is urging U.S. trade regulators to reverse a judge's ruling and ban the import of some Apple Inc iPhones in a long-running patent fight between the two companies.

Qualcomm is seeking the ban in hopes of dealing Apple a blow before the two begin a major trial in mid-April in San Diego over Qualcomm's patent licensing practices. Qualcomm has sought to apply pressure to Apple with smaller legal challenges ahead of that trial and has won partial iPhone sales bans in China and Germany against Apple, forcing the iPhone maker to ship only phones with Qualcomm chips to some markets.

Any possible ban on iPhone imports to the United States could be short-lived because Apple last week for the first time disclosed that it has found a software fix to avoid infringing on one of Qualcomm's patents. Apple asked regulators to give it as much as six months to prove that the fix works.

Qualcomm brought a case against Apple at the U.S International Trade Commission in 2017 alleging that some iPhones violated Qualcomm patents to help smart phones run well without draining their batteries. Qualcomm asked for an import ban on some older iPhone models containing Intel Corp chips.

In September, Thomas Pender, an administrative law judge at the ITC, found that Apple violated one of the patents in the case but declined to issue a ban. Pender reasoned that imposing a ban on Intel-chipped iPhones would hand Qualcomm an effective monopoly on the U.S. market for modem chips, which connect smart phones to wireless data networks.

Pender's ruling said that preserving competition in the modem chip market was in the public interest as speedier 5G networks come online in the next few years.

Cases where the ITC finds patent violations but does not ban the import of products are rare. In December, the full ITC said it would review Pender's decision and decide whether to uphold or reverse it by late March.

In filings that became public late last week ahead of the full commission's decision, Apple for the first time said that it had developed a software fix to avoid running afoul of Qualcomm's patent. Apple said it did not discover the fix until after the trial and that it implemented the new software "last fall."

Story continues

But Apple said that it would need six months to verify that the fix will satisfy regulators and to sell its existing inventory. Apple asked the full commission to delay any possible import ban by that long if the commission reverses the judge's decisions.

In a filing late on Friday, Qualcomm argued that Apple's disclosure of a fix undermined the reasoning in Pender's decision and that the Intel-chipped phones should be banned while Apple deploys its fix.

"Pender recommended against a remedy on the assumption that the (Qualcomm) patent would preclude Apple from using Intel as a supplier for many years and that no redesign was feasible," Qualcomm wrote. "Apple now admitsmore than seven months after the hearingthat the alleged harm is entirely avoidable."

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to promote family support schemes in his country.

Mortgage relief, tax breaks and cash payments are being promised to encourage bigger families.

A promise to end a shortage of childcare at nurseries by 2021 was also made.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised tax breaks, mortgage relief and hard cash to support Russian families who produce more children.

Putin used his televised State of the Nation address on Wednesday to outline several measures he claimed would improve living conditions. Focusing on families, the leader said the first way to improve incomes was to reduce to the tax burden.

"The principle should be very simple  the more children you have the less tax you should pay," said Putin.

The Russian strongman told the audience that he wanted to remove 5 square meters of taxable area from a family's residential property for every child that they have. Land ownership up to 600 square meters would also be completely free of taxes.

Families with three or more children will also get one-time 450,000 rubles ($6,840) payment to help trim their mortgages.

"If we add this to the maternity benefit fund which can also be used to pay mortgages, that's 900,000 rubles and in many areas of Russia that will be a substantial amount to housing costs," said Putin.

At present, families in Russia can apply for two percent discounts on mortgages, with the balance subsidized by the Russian government.

The Russian leader said there had been low uptake as the subsidy only lasted a few years. To applause, he proposed the relief should now be extended to the mortgage's duration.

Moscow has put the cost of the relief at an estimated 30.6 billion rubles in 2020 alone but claimed it would benefit 600,000 homes.

Other announcements included a doubling of benefits for families with disabled children and a rise in the level of allowable earnings to receive existing child benefits. A promise to end the shortage of childcare at nurseries by 2021 was also made.

Story continues

Earlier this month, Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orban announced a similar move . During his State of the Nation address, Orban announced measures that included waivers on personal income tax for women raising at least four children for the rest of their lives and subsidies for large families to buy larger cars.





More From CNBC

Feb 20 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

The Times

- British lawmaker Joan Ryan becomes the eighth Labour member of parliament to quit the party to join an independent breakaway group, accusing opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn of "presiding over a culture of antisemitism and hatred of Israel". https://bit.ly/2Ej94eA

The Guardian

- Shamima Begum, the teenager who travelled from east London to Syria to join the Islamic State in 2015, had her British citizenship revoked on Tuesday after the home secretary ordered the same. https://bit.ly/2EiRJ5A

The Telegraph

- British Prime Minister Theresa May is considering plans to bring forward a vote on her Brexit deal to next week in a bid to see off the threat of resignations by pro-European ministers. https://bit.ly/2NdLgfj

- Ford Motor Co said it is exiting from the heavy commercial truck business in South America as it plans to restructure the company and return to profit in the region. https://bit.ly/2DTh70p

Sky News

- Mesa Air Group Inc, an Arizona-based commuter airline is backing a proposal to shore up the finances of Flybe Group Plc, the struggling regional carrier, in a last-ditch effort to scupper a takeover led by Virgin Atlantic Airways. https://bit.ly/2BHpn3a

The Independent

- Theresa May will fly to Brussels on Wednesday with new plans to change Britain's European Union withdrawal agreement. https://ind.pn/2T2hpLX

(Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom Editing by Susan Thomas)Hapag-Lloyd is on track to meet one of the major goals set out in its 2016 merger with United Arab Shipping Company, according to credit rating agency Moody's, with the result being a strong outlook for the company's debt securities. While high fuel prices still challenge the company's results, Moody's sees advantages for Hapag-Lloyd going into what is expected to be a turbulent period for the ocean shipping market in 2020.

Moody's on Monday upgraded its outlook on the ocean carrier's $1.03 billion in bonds, saying they just have "high credit risk" as opposed to carrying a "very high credit risk" label they earlier did. Likewise, the company's ability to service $5.96 billion in outstanding bank loans and other financial debt also saw a slight upgrade.

Moody's largely credits the company's ability to remain on track with targets set out in its $14 billion mega-merger with UASC that was completed 2017, Hapag-Lloyd said it would save $435 million in overhead costs by this year, with almost 90 percent of those savings expected to be achieved by 2018. Indeed, the company's operating margins improved sharply from before the merger's completion reaching 12.9 percent in the third quarter of 2018, a 300-basis point improvement over the level seen in 2016. That put the operating margins at the fifth largest container ship on par with those of Maersk. Hapag-Lloyd saw personnel and other expenses for the first nine-months of last year drop 3 percent as landside employee headcount largely stayed the same from a year earlier and one-off expenses from the integration of UASC's business were reduced.

But even with the improved operational efficiencies of running a larger fleet, Hapag-Lloyd still faces the random shock of oil prices. Overall transport costs were up 25 percent for the first nine months of last year, reaching $8.2 billion. A 41 percent rise in raw materials costs, chiefly fuel, was the main reason for the increased transportation costs.

Story continues

Still, Moody's says Hapag-Lloyd's fleet advantage in terms of using newer, more fuel efficient ships could help mitigate those costs, which are expected to rise sharply next year due to the mandate that ships burn more expense low-sulfur fuel. Hapag-Lloyd's fleet is on average 7.5 years old, versus the fleet of Maersk which is closer to nine years old and MSC, the bulk of whose fleet was built before 2012, according to shipping research firm VesselsValue.

Moody's says Hapag-Lloyd "was able to reduce operating costs per twenty-foot equivalent to $926 from $938 for the first nine months of 2018 compared to the prior year period" thanks to having a newer fleet. This reduction was accomplished despite an increase in marine fuel costs of 30.5 percent for the period.

HLAG.png

MAER.png

MSC.png

Container ship fleets growing slower than demand

Consulting outfit says some major owners such as Maersk and Zim shrank their fleets. (Shipping Watch)

Largest Australian cargo ship launched

Toll Group's latest ship aims to deliver goods to southern island of Tasmania. (Safety4Sea)

APM starts truck appointments in Ecuador

Maersk terminal subsidiary aims for 45-minute turn time at port. (Maritime Professional)

U.S.-China trade talks shift back to D.C.

The threat of 25 percent tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods drove the pull-forward seen in container import volumes seen moving through U.S. ports last year. Now the orchestrators of those tariffs are seeking a push-back on when they can be implemented, writes FreightWaves John Gallagher. The trade negotiations that took place in Beijing last week now move to Washington D.C. With a deadline of March 2 before the higher tariffs kick in, U.S. President Donald Trump appears eager to make a deal as many in the president's base are experiencing the hardships of slower trade with the world's second largest economy.

One potential scenario involves Trump potentially putting off tariffs for another month or more in order to keep negotiations going. deal could come in the form of another delay on the implementation of higher tariffs. That may allow more shippers to bring in more goods, but as Ben Hackett of container research service Hackett Associates points out shippers are likely hitting their limits on the amount that can be brought in due to increasingly low vacancy at U.S. warehouses.

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 2019 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Pfizer Inc. PFE and Eli Lilly and Company LLY announced that a higher dose of their NGF inhibitor, tanezumab, met the primary endpoint in a phase III study, evaluating it in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

In the past six months, shares of Pfizer have risen 1% compared with the industrys gain of 1.6%.

The phase III study evaluated two dosages  5 mg or 10 mg  of tanezumab, a non-opioid candidate, subcutaneously administered every eight weeks for 56 weeks in patients with moderate-to-severe CLBP, followed by 24-week safety follow-up period. The eligible patients experienced inadequate relief or are intolerant to analgesics and suffering from the disease for more than three consecutive months.

Top-line data from the study showed that treatment with the 10 mg dose of tanezumab led to a statistically significant improvement in pain compared to placebo after 16 weeks of treatment. Although the lower dose of 5mg demonstrated numerical improvement in pain compared to placebo, it did not achieve statistical significance. Detailed results from the study will be submitted for future scientific publication and presentation.

The company estimates that there are 8 million patients with moderate-to-severe CLBP in the United States, which represents a significant opportunity for the candidate as currently available therapies do not have adequate patient response.

Apart from CLBP, tanezumab is also being developed for other pain indications, osteoarthritis and cancer pain. The companies have successfully completed two late-stage studies evaluating tanezumab in patients with osteoarthritis pain.

Tanezumab works by inhibiting nerve growth factor, which suppresses pain signal in the body. Its approval will provide a safer pain medication for patients in the United States where opioid abuse is widespread and patients are largely underserved by the existing medications.

We remind investors that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited TEVA are also developing a NGF antibody, fasinumab for treating osteoarthritis pain.

Story continues

In a separate press release, Pfizer announced that the European Commission has granted approval to Zirabev (bevacizumab), its biosimilar version of Roches cancer drug, Avastin. Zirabev is approved for the treatment of several cancer indications, for which the reference product is approved like colon cancer, metastatic breast cancer, unresectable advanced, metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), among others.

This is Pfizers second oncology biosimilar to be approved in Europe, the first being Roches another cancer drug, Herceptin. Meanwhile, Zirabev is also under review in the United States along with biosimilar versions of Rituxan and Herceptin with FDA decisions on all expected in 2019.

Pfizer Inc. Price

Pfizer Inc. Price | Pfizer Inc. Quote

Zacks Rank

Pfizer currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019

In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?

Who wouldn't? Our annual Top 10s have beaten the market with amazing regularity. In 2018, while the market dropped -5.2%, the portfolio scored well into double-digits overall with individual stocks rising as high as +61.5%. And from 2012-2017, while the market boomed +126.3, Zacks' Top 10s reached an even more sensational +181.9%.

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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.The Procter & Gamble Company PG, popularly known as P&G, remains committed toward innovating ways to make peoples life simpler and faster. Evidently, P&Gs Tide rolled out Tide Cleaners  an end to end on-demand laundry solution  that provides laundry and dry cleaning service at the click of a button.



Notably, this is an out-of-home laundry that allows customers to get clean clothes via the Tide Cleaners app. In urban areas, customers can avail this service by using 24/7 drop-boxes available in apartments, offices and storefronts. They have to provide instructions along with the box number, following which the Tide Cleaners will send notifications regarding the time of picking up the clean clothes. These drop boxes are currently available in Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Boston, Denver, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Nashville.



Moreover, the company remains well on track with its expansion initiatives, installing nearly 350 new boxes each month. By 2020 end, it intends to roll out the Tide Cleaners to over 2,000 locations nationwide, almost double the size of its existing out-of-home laundry presence.



Tide Cleaners also bring on-campus van delivery laundry service for students, where they can buy a monthly laundry plan and dump clothes in the customized bag. Tide Cleaners presently exists in over 20 campuses, including the University of Alabama, Indiana University and Southern Methodist University.



These apart, customers can leave and pick-up laundry from the existing retail locations that include supermarkets and other high-traffic regions. Impressively, Tide Cleaners drop locations ease-off several laundry challenges under a single roof, thus ensuring improved quality and customer service. At present, Tide Cleaners has more than 125 standalone stores in 22 states, in cities of Houston, Phoenix and Omaha. Most of the stores are local and family-owned franchises.



This game changing laundry solution is likely to enrich Tides expertise and superiority in the out-of-home laundry. Additionally, P&G targets simplifying laundry hassles everywhere with personalized care and convenience. We believe these innovations are going to go a long way in boosting the companys profitability further.

Story continues





A glance at the companys price performance shows that the stock has outperformed the industry in the past six months. Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company have gained 19.2% compared with the industrys 7.2% growth. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Want More Promising Stocks in the Same Space? Count on These



Newell Brands Inc. NWL delivered a positive earnings surprise in each of the trailing four quarters, the average being 39.6%. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2.



Nomad Foods Limited NOMD has a Zacks Rank #2. Further, the company has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 11%.



Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. LW, also a Zacks Rank #2 stock, delivered average positive earnings surprise of 10.1% in the preceding four quarters.



Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019



In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?



Who wouldn't? Our annual Top 10s have beaten the market with amazing regularity. In 2018, while the market dropped -5.2%, the portfolio scored well into double-digits overall with individual stocks rising as high as +61.5%. And from 2012-2017, while the market boomed +126.3, Zacks' Top 10s reached an even more sensational +181.9%.



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Zacks Investment ResearchNetflix NFLX has cancelled superhero shows  The Punisher and Jessica Jones  as the streaming giant ends the five-year old licensing partnership with Marvel. Notably, Disney DIS, owner of Marvel, is expected to launch its own video streaming service, Disney+, in 2019.



Netflixs latest move follows the cancellation of Daredevil, Luke Cage and IronFist shows last year. While The Punisher will not return for a third season, the upcoming third season of Jessica Jones will be the final one, per the company.



Netflixs Expanding Content Portfolio: Key Catalyst



Netflix has been focusing on developing its own home-grown shows instead of licensed content. The company recently launched a new superhero series The Umbrella Academy and is also developing superhero drama Jupiters Legacy based on characters created by Mark Millar.



Moreover, it is developing Reborn, a Millarworld comic book adaptation, starring Sandra Bullock and directed by The Lego Batman filmmaker, Chris McKay. Notably, Netflix acquired Millarworld in August 2017.



Netflix has significant depth in its content pipeline for 2019 that includes thriller (What/If), sitcom (Mr. Iglesias), sci-fi/horror (Daybreak), dramedy (Russian Doll), adult anime series (Rilakkuma and Kaoru), nature documentary (Our Planet), crime dramas (Nowhere Man), music-competition (Rhythm + Flow) and others.



Further, Netflix is expanding its family content with the addition of at least six animated shows and movies, including Maya and the Three, Kid Cosmic, Trash Truck, Go! Go! Cory Carson, My Father's Dragon and The Willoughbys. These will be available on Netflix through 2019 and 2020.



Netflix, Inc. Price and Consensus

Netflix, Inc. Price and Consensus | Netflix, Inc. Quote

Netflix is also set to launch Green Eggs and Ham that will star Adam Devine as Sam I Am and Michael Douglas as Guy I Am. The company has also ordered War for Cybertron, which is based on the Transformers series. The new animated series will be available in 2020.



Netflix has also green signalled a second season for The Kominsky Method. The comedy series won an award for best comedy or musical at the recent Golden Globes.



Notably, Netflix recently announced that the remaining eight episodes of Arrested Developments fifth season will be available from Mar 5. The company will also stream the much anticipated Breaking Bad movie, before AMC, which reflects growing appeal of the streaming platform.



Netflixs Content Strength Likely to Steer Away Competition



Competition is intensifying in the streaming space, with upcoming services from the likes of Apple AAPL, Disney, AT&Ts WarnerMedia and Comcast CMCSA owned NBCUniversal.



Disney is expected to include Marvels content into its Disney+ and Hulu services. Notably, Disney, which currently holds 30% stake in Hulu, is entitled to another 30% stake after acquiring Fox. Comcast owns 30% stake in Hulu and the remaining 10% in AT&T.



Moreover, Apple is expected to launch its much-anticipated video streaming service in April or early May. The video service is likely to comprise a generous dose of free original programming (reportedly for Apple device holders) along with subscription-based streaming offerings like CBS Showtime, Lions Gates Starz and Viacom.



Apart from Disney and Apple, Amazon is also strengthening its content portfolio by investing heavily on regional content.



Nevertheless, Netflixs content strength, aggressive investment in original content and partnerships with telcos in Spain, Japan, the United States, and the U.K. are likely to steer away competition.



Netflix currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Story continues

Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019

In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?

Who wouldn't? Our annual Top 10s have beaten the market with amazing regularity. In 2018, while the market dropped -5.2%, the portfolio scored well into double-digits overall with individual stocks rising as high as +61.5%. And from 2012-2017, while the market boomed +126.3, Zacks' Top 10s reached an even more sensational +181.9%.

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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.BitGo, a crypto custodian backed by Goldman Sachs, is offering up to $100 million in insurance coverage for cold-wallet assets through Lloyds. There is no additional cost to BitGo clients.

In a press release, the company said the $100 million of insurance coverage protects custodial assets held by BitGo against:

Third-party hacks.

Insider theft by employees of private keys.

Physical loss or damage of private keys.

Mike Belshe, the CEO of BitGo, touted the new service:* Dubai property stocks extend gains * Saudi's Mobily rises on fourth-quarter profit * Nine of 11 Saudi banks slide * Banks also weak in Qatar * Telecom Egypt jumps on dividend, deal with Vodafone Egypt By Shakeel Ahmad Feb 19 (Reuters) - The Dubai stock market extended gains as it rose for a fifth session on Tuesday, mainly driven by property stocks after strong fourth-quarter earnings.

Saudi Arabia's market fell as investors booked profit after the market gained significantly this year. Banks had led the rally, then were hit hard, with nine of 11 banks falling.

In Dubai, the benchmark index rose 0.6 percent with the most heavily traded stock, Emaar Properties, gaining 3.1 percent and its unit Emaar Malls rising 1.9 percent. The stocks have gained in recent sessions after posting robust fourth-quarter earnings, boosting the index.

Property firms, which were partly behind the index's poor performance last year, showed signs of recovery reflected in the fourth-quarter results and increased construction contracts, though remained vulnerable to further falls in property prices.

Rating agency Standard & Poor's said on Tuesday it expects Dubai residential property prices to fall further in 2019 because of a gap between supply and demand, then stabilise in 2020.

Saudi Arabia's index fell 0.6 percent with bank Samba Financial Group dropping 2.2 percent and Riyad Bank shedding 2.1 percent.

The index is still up nearly nine percent this year, outperforming other major Gulf markets, with foreign investors leading the rally. Saudi exchange weekly data showed foreigners were net buyers every week this year.

Telecommunications firm Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) rose 2.5 percent after it posted a fourth-quarter profit which, it said, was its first profit since the second quarter of 2016.

Qatar's index was down 0.5 percent. The Middle East's top lender, Qatar National Bank, fell 1.2 percent and another bank, Masraf Al Rayan, dropped 1 percent.

Qatar, which jumped 21 percent in 2018, was one of the world's best-performing markets for the year, after limits on foreign ownership of shares were lifted.

Story continues

The index carried last year's performance into January, then began a downward trend in February, as the impact from higher ownership limits faded. The index has already lost 6.8 percent so far this month.

The Abu Dhabi index edged down 0.1 percent with heavyweight First Abu Dhabi Bank slipping 0.3 percent.

Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index 0.5 percent, snapping a seven-day winning streak with 18 of its 29 stocks declining. The index had gained 16.3 percent this year as the Egyptian economy strengthened.

El Sewedy Electric shed 1.4 percent and the country's largest lender, Commercial International Bank , which surged more than 25 percent this year, lost 0.8 percent.

Telecom Egypt jumped 3.5 percent, however, after it agreed to provide Vodafone Egypt with transmission and infrastructure services for 10 years, in a deal valued at 10.85 billion Egyptian pounds ($618.15 million).

Vodafone Egypt also proposed a dividend payout of 5.5 billion pounds to Telecom Egypt.

SAUDI The index lost 0.6 pct to 8,517 points ARABIA DUBAI The index rose 0.6 pct to 2,566 points ABU DHABI The index was down 0.1 pct at 5,035 points Qatar The index fell 0.5 pct to 9,982 points EGYPT The index fell 0.5 pct to 15,156 points KUWAIT The index rose 0.7 pct to 5,461 points BAHRAIN The index rose 1 pct to 1,393 points OMAN The index was down 0.4 pct at 4,057 points ($1 = 17.5525 Egyptian pounds) (Reporting by Shakeel Ahmad in Bengaluru)(Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. uncovered cyber attacks targeting European think tanks by hackers linked to the Russian government, underscoring concerns of potential interference in European Union elections this May.

The U.S. company said it was confident that attacks targeting employees of organizations including the German Council on Foreign Relations, The Aspen Institute and The German Marshall Fund, originated from a group called Strontium, also known as Fancy Bear or APT 28. Microsoft, which is continuing to investigate the source of the attacks, has previously said the group is widely associated with the Russian government.

The German Council on Foreign Relations was hacked for a limited time last year and has since beefed up its digital defenses, said Eva-Maria McCormack, a spokeswoman for the Berlin think tank.

The announcement by Microsoft comes as EU officials are bracing for attempted meddling online by Russia-backed operatives ahead of the blocs elections, where far-right parties are set to make gains. Officials are concerned about potential attacks targeting voting technology and those designed to try to manipulate voting behavior.

The attacks validate the warnings from European leaders about the threat level we should expect to see in Europe this year, said Tom Burt, corporate vice president at Microsoft, in a blog post Wednesday.

Fake Email

In an attempt to gain access to employee credentials and deliver malware, the attackers created malicious links and spoof email addresses that appeared legitimate and targeted 104 accounts of think tank employees located in Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, Romania and Serbia. The attacks took place between September and December last year, Microsoft said.

These attacks came as no surprise, German Marshall Fund President Karen Donfried said in a statement. She said the organization is constantly reviewing and updating its protocols in light of cyber-security developments. The Aspen Institute didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Story continues

Microsoft last year said it uncovered activity by Strontium attempting to mimic conservative organizations in the U.S., such as the International Republican Institute and the Hudson Institute, in an apparent attempt to disrupt the U.S. Midterm elections.

Cybersecurity firm FireEye Inc. has previously said the hacking group is an intelligence-gathering operator, whose primary mission is to collect information quietly to provide Russian policy makers with insight.

Social media and tech platforms, including Twitter Inc. and Facebook Inc., say they are ramping up efforts to spot potential threats and provide more transparency around who is paying for political ads.

Germany has had its fair share of cyber attacks. Hackers released private data linked to Chancellor Angela Merkel and hundreds of other German politicians in January, in the biggest data dump of this kind in the country.

Hackers also tried to infiltrate computers of think tanks associated with the governing CDU and SPD parties in 2017. A year earlier, scammers set up a fake server in Latvia to flood German lawmakers with phishing emails.

In 2015, attackers breached the network of the Bundestag parliament and stole 16 gigabytes of data. Security firm Trend Micro Inc. has linked the Bundestag attack and others to Pawn Storm -- another alias for Strontium. The Russian government has repeatedly denied its hacking foreign powers.

Since 2007 Strontium has targeted government bodies, diplomatic institutions, military forces and installations, journalists and political advisers and organizations, according to Microsoft.

To contact the reporters on this story: Natalia Drozdiak in Brussels at ndrozdiak1@bloomberg.net;David Tweed in Hong Kong at dtweed@bloomberg.net;Stefan Nicola in Berlin at snicola2@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Giles Turner at gturner35@bloomberg.net, Chris Reiter

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.FILE PHOTO: A worker moves boxes with green tomatoes through the corridors of the wholesale market "Central de Abastos" in Mexico City, Mexico January 11, 2019. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril/File Photo

By Stefanie Eschenbacher and Anna Irrera

MEXICO CITY/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Mexico's new leftist government is betting on financial technology to help lift people out of poverty.

The administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador recently announced measures aimed at making financial services more affordable in a nation where more than half the population is unbanked.

It is planning a digital payments system run and built by the central bank that will allow Mexicans to make and receive payments through their smartphones free of charge. A pilot roll-out for the platform, known as CoDi, is expected by March.

"In the future, it will no longer be necessary to have a bank in the sense of a traditional, established bank," said Arturo Herrera, Mexico's deputy finance minister. "Mobile phones will become banks."

Phone-based banking has proven a hit among the poor in other emerging markets such as China, India and Kenya. Those efforts have been driven by private sector companies that offer user-friendly, affordable apps.

Whether Mexico's state system will prove as nimble and easy to use remains to be seen. And it will initially require help from the very same banks that for decades have shut out low-income Mexicans with pricey fees.

Other hurdles include Mexico's spotty telecoms. While cell phone and internet coverage have improved in recent years, basic infrastructure is still missing in many remote areas.

Mexico has a lot of the key ingredients to succeed, but it's not plug and play," said Monica Brand Engel, a partner at Quona Capital, a global venture capital firm that invests in fintechs focused on the unbanked in emerging markets.

CATCH-22

An estimated 42 million Mexicans lack bank accounts. Steep fees and past scandals have put many off the country's mainstream banks. Many shun accounts to stay off the radar of tax collectors.

That hobbles Mexico's growth. Coffee farmer Martin Romero is a prime example of why.

His small town in the state of Oaxaca, one of Mexico's poorest, has no bank branch. Romero is paid in cash. He travels hours to pay bills and is unable to save or borrow for larger expenses.

Story continues

"Of course I would like a bank account," Romero said. "That way we could save at least a little of what we earn."

(For a graphic on financial inclusion in Mexico, see https://tmsnrt.rs/2IhXe8R)

While many Mexicans applaud Lopez Obrador's push, some fintech executives are grumbling about getting shut out of the loop.

To use CoDi, consumers must have an account with an institution participating in Mexico's existing interbank payments system, which will power the new platform.

Jaime Cortina, director of operations and payments at the central bank, said the goal was to develop a payment method that Mexicans could use to make payments between each other, in shops and online.

Current members of the system include established institutions such as BBVA's Bancomer, Banco Santander and Citigroup Inc's Citibanamex. Fintechs that want to join need an electronic payment institution license, a process that new players fear could take up to a year.

That presents unbanked Mexicans with a bizarre Catch-22: To access the government's free mobile payments system, at least initially, they would have to open accounts with banks that many do not want to join or cannot afford in the first place.

Adolfo Babatz, CEO of payments startup Clip, said Mexico's government should be looking to fintech entrepreneurs to bring true innovation to the financial system, not banks that have benefited from high barriers to entry. His Mexico City-based company has created a low-cost mobile credit card reader that fits on smartphones.

Mexico should "look at the examples from the rest of the world," Babatz said.

In Kenya, for example, mobile payment system M-Pesa was launched in 2007 by a private company, mobile network operator Safaricom. M-Pesa is now a surrogate bank account for millions of users. In China, hundreds of millions of previously unbanked consumers have flocked to Alipay, the payment app owned by Alibaba affiliate Ant Financial.

GRAY ECONOMY

Low-cost banking alone may do little to lure Mexicans out of the shadows. Nearly 57 percent work off the books, according to government data. An estimated 90 percent of transactions are done in cash.

"People who work and live in the informal economy do not want to be taxed," said Carlos Lopez, director for retail strategy and new digital business at Mexico's largest bank, BBVA Bancomer.

Herrera, the deputy finance minister, told Reuters the government is making efforts to reduce cash in circulation to cut down on money laundering and corruption, and to draw more people into the formal economy.

He said the administration plans to transition to direct deposit or digital wallets to dispense welfare benefits over the next 18 months. At present, many Mexicans rely on government-issued cards that can be used at ATMs to withdraw their benefits in cash.

He also expressed optimism that fintechs would bring needed competition to the money transfer business, reducing the cost of remittances sent home by Mexicans abroad.

But even in cosmopolitan Mexico City, a future of cashless payments seems far off for people such as Paula Martinez. She sells traditional sweets, chewing gum and single cigarettes from a wooden basket in the fashionable Roma neighborhood.

The mother of three does not have a bank account, and says she and her husband have never considered it.

"We don't earn enough," Martinez said.

(Reporting by Stefanie Eschenbacher and Anna Irrera. Editing by Neal Templin and Marla Dickerson.)A spokesperson for Germanys interior ministry told CNBC on Tuesday that the nation was not planning to shut any firm out of its 5G network.

He said Germany was instead looking to amend existing laws to ensure all vendors could be included.

Allowing Huawei into its 5G network would be a move against the U.S., which has urged its allies to ban the tech firm.

Germany is not ready to exclude Huawei from its 5G network and may amend its laws so that potentially untrustworthy manufacturers can still provide equipment, its interior ministry told CNBC Tuesday.

In an emailed statement, Bjorn Grunewalder, a spokesperson for the Federal Interior Ministry  known as the BMI  said it was looking to adapt telecoms networks to prepare for "new potential threats."

"A direct exclusion of a particular 5G manufacturer is currently not legally possible and not planned," he said, according to a CNBC translation of the statement. "For the BMI, the focus is on adapting the necessary security requirements so that the security of these networks is guaranteed, even from a producer that may not be trustworthy."

Grunewalder added that necessary security requirements would be added to Germany's Telecommunications Act. Concrete adjustments are being discussed between the relevant federal ministries, he said, but no changes had been finalized.

Allowing Huawei to participate in its 5G network would come as a blow to the U.S., which has been working to persuade its allies to shut the Chinese telecoms firm out of their domestic infrastructure. The company has been blocked from selling equipment to the U.S. for many years, and President Donald Trump is reportedly expected to ban all Chinese telecoms equipment from U.S. networks.

Other countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Japan , have also excluded Huawei from supplying components for 5G networks, citing national security concerns.

However, those bans could be set to topple. On Monday, the Financial Times reported that Britain's intelligence services had concluded risks posed by Huawei 5G equipment could be mitigated. Meanwhile, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told broadcaster TVNZ on Monday that Huawei could be included in the nation's 5G network if it could mitigate security concerns raised by the government.

Story continues

Earlier on Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Germany was leaning toward including Huawei in its 5G network, citing government sources. German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier reaffirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that the government was still working on regulation around 5G security measures, adding that no decisions had been made.

Huawei has repeatedly denied claims that the Chinese government would be able to spy on other nations if the firm was placed within international 5G infrastructure.

The company was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC, but Dennis Zuo, head of Huawei's operations in Germany, told the Handelsblatt newspaper on Tuesday that Chinese espionage through its 5G equipment was not possible.

"The state does not have a stake in Huawei and it keeps out of our business," he said.

Meanwhile, Huawei founder and chief executive Ren Zhengfei told the BBC on Tuesday there was "no way the U.S. can crush us."

"The world cannot leave us because we are more advanced. Even if they persuade more countries not to use us temporarily, we can always scale things down a bit," he said.

Superfast 5G mobile internet is expected to revolutionize the digital economy by enabling new technologies such as self-driving cars and the internet of things. But it's also been pitched as a battle for dominance between the U.S. and China.

On Sunday, a former U.S. national security advisor told CNBC that America is lagging behind China in promoting its 5G technologies across the world.

"In the marketing of it we are behind," General James Jones told CNBC's Hadley Gamble . "You can either go for the cheap, seductive but extremely vulnerable system that will take all of your privacy, your intellectual property and your secrets back to Beijing. Or you can invest a little bit more money and have a more secure society," he said.





More From CNBC

* UBS hit with 4.5 billion euros of penalties

* Swiss bank says to appeal over French court verdict

* Penalties exceed bank's net profit from last year (Adds details)

By Inti Landauro and Emmanuel Jarry

PARIS, Feb 20 (Reuters) - A French court found Swiss bank UBS AG guilty of illegally soliciting clients and laundering the proceeds of tax evasion, ordering it to pay 4.5 billion euros ($5.1 billion) in penalties.

Shares in the Swiss bank fell as much as 3.2 percent after the ruling on Wednesday. UBS, which has denied any wrongdoing, said it would launch an appeal.

"The court can only conclude that (UBS) consistently put its own financial interests over the sovereign rights of the French state," the court's president Christine Mee said in her ruling.

"Hence, the crimes are exceptionally serious," she added.

The case shows how French courts are taking a hard line on financial misconduct in general, and tax fraud in particular.

The trial will be scrutinised by European bankers who have come under pressure from regulators to tighten compliance with money laundering rules since the financial crisis.

"This is a clear signal to all financial intermediaries: you will be punished severely if you don't behave," said banking law professor Thierry Bonneau from Paris Pantheon Assas Univesity.

"They will have to be excessively prudent on all these questions of tax fraud."

The penalties, which exceed the bank's net profit last year, included a 3.7 billion euro fine and additional damages of 800 million euros to the French state. UBS last month reported a 2018 net profit of $4.9 billion.

"This decision is incomprehensible, we will appeal," UBS general counsel Markus Diethelm told reporters outside the courtroom. "We have seen no facts and no evidence."

An appeal could see the case drag on for years and the bank will not have to pay anything until all appeals are heard.

The combined penalties are a record for France and more than double the $2.46 billion the bank has set aside to cover potential losses from litigation and regulatory requirements.

Story continues

The bank may have to increase its provisions in the coming weeks, Citi said in a note to investors and its plan to buy back as much as $1 billion worth of shares this year is at risk, it added.

"INDUSTRIAL" SCALE LAUNDERING

The French trial follows a similar case in the United States, where UBS accepted a $780 million settlement in 2009, and in Germany, where it agreed to a 300 million euro fine in 2014.

The penalty is high by European standards, although in the United States judges have levied higher fines including the $8.9 billion a U.S. court in 2015 ordered BNP Paribas to pay for violating U.S. economic sanctions against Sudan, Cuba and Iran.

The size of the penalty in the UBS case will push banks to accept settlements in future cases, a standard practice in the United States that is rare in France, Bonneau said.

The ruling marks the culmination of a seven-year investigation and aborted settlement negotiations.

French prosecutors said UBS sent Swiss bankers to golf tournaments, classical music concerts and hunting parties to solicit new clients illegally and advised them to park their money in Switzerland and offered them methods to shield activities from the French taxman.

UBS was "systematic" in its support to tax-evading customers and that the laundering of proceeds from the tax fraud was done on an "industrial" scale, the prosecutors had told the court.

UBS's lawyers have said the prosecution failed to show material evidence of specific cases of clients advised to evade tax payments.

Under French law, those convicted of money laundering can be ordered to pay a fine totalling half the amount laundered. The prosecution estimates UBS's customers hid billions of euros from the French tax authorities.

Prosecutors told the court that UBS's bankers would hand over business cards without any logo and used computers which carried software allowing data to be quickly erased.

Lawyers for UBS have previously said the case had become politicised. The bank turned down a settlement offer of 1.1 billion euros.

UBS's French unit was also convicted to pay 15 million euros, while five of the six former UBS executives charged were given suspended prison terms and fines ranging from 50,000 euros to 300,000 euros. ($1 = 0.8851 euros) (Reporting by Inti Landauro, Emmanuel Jarry and Angelika Gruber Editing by Richard Lough, Leigh Thomas, Keith Weir)146 ATMs in retailers across six states to display FNBO brand

HOUSTON, Feb. 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First National Bank of Omaha , a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, has increased convenience for its customers and improved its core market physical presence through a new ATM branding partnership with Cardtronics . This expanded partnership will see First National Bank of Omahas branded ATM presence grow by over 150 percent.



In its agreement with Cardtronics, First National Bank of Omaha added 146 ATMs to the 255 ATMs already owned by the bank. The branded ATMs located in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas are owned and operated by Cardtronics and will be fully FNBO branded, significantly and visibly increasing brand awareness in these markets while also providing fee-free access for FNBO cardholders. The ATMs are located in convenient, well-known retail outlets including CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Loaf N Jug and Kwikshop.

In addition to the 146 Cardtronics ATMs on which FNBO is placing its brand, through a previous and separate agreement, the bank has also dramatically increased value for its cardholders by offering surcharge-free cash access for its cardholders by joining Cardtronics Allpoint Network . The Allpoint Network is the worlds largest surcharge-free ATM network providing free cash access at 55,000 ATMs located throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as the United Kingdom and Australia.

In todays digitally evolving marketplace, we strive to deliver convenient banking solutions for our customers, said Jerry OFlanagan, executive vice president, Consumer Banking Group at First National Bank. Cardtronics ATM Branding and access to the Allpoint Network helps us to provide fee-free ATM service to our customers, while making cash access a simplified, seamless experience.

The combination of ATM branding and Allpoint Network access strengthens FNBO brand visibility in key markets while providing cardholders the broad surcharge-free ATM access they demand, stated Brian Bailey, managing director North America at Cardtronics.

Story continues

First National Bank of Omaha customers can find the nearest surcharge-free ATMs by clicking Find Branch/ATM at the top right on its website here .

About First National Bank of Omaha

First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $23 billion in assets and 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas.

About Cardtronics

Cardtronics is the trusted leader in financial self-service, enabling cash transactions at approximately 227,000 ATMs across 10 countries in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Leveraging our unmatched scale, expertise and innovation, top-tier merchants and businesses of all sizes use our ATM solutions to drive growth, in-store traffic, and retail transactions. Financial services providers rely on Cardtronics to deliver superior service at their own ATMs, on Cardtronics ATMs where they place their brand, and through Cardtronics' Allpoint Network, the worlds largest surcharge-free ATM network, with over 55,000 locations. As champions of cash, Cardtronics converts digital currency into physical cash, driving payments choice for businesses and consumers alike.CARACAS, Feb 19 (Reuters) - A fire hit a crude oil pumping station in Venezuela's Orinoco belt region on Tuesday, state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) said, disrupting crude transportation as the cash-strapped firm struggles with the impact of U.S. sanctions.

The fire at the Ero pumping station, which has the capacity to transport 300,000 barrels per day of crude, was controlled and no one was injured, the company said in a statement. But the incident will affect transport of crude through pipelines, a source at the company said, without providing further details.

The incident comes weeks after the United States slapped sanctions on PDVSA to try to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro from power. Venezuela, a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), holds the world's largest crude reserves, but production has collapsed amid mismanagement and an economic crisis.

In the statement, PDVSA said the fire was caused by "an act of sabotage perpetrated by the right-wing opposition."

PDVSA said the Ero station receives crude from its Petrocarabobo oilfield, a joint venture with Spain's Repsol , and from its Petroindependencia joint venture, which is 34 percent owned by Chevron.

PDVSA's facilities for producing, refining and transporting oil and fuel often experience outages due to a lack of spare parts and delayed maintenance following years of underinvestment. (Reporting by Deisy Buitrago and Fabian Cambero; writing by Luc Cohen; editing by Christian Schmollinger)TALLINN (Reuters) - Estonia's financial supervisory authority has decided to close Danske Bank's Estonian operation, broadcaster ERR reported on Tuesday without citing sources.

A spokeswoman for the Finantsinspektsioon watchdog declined to comment, saying it would issue a statement later.

Danske Bank has said it has started to close down its Estonian business after an investigation into alleged money laundering.

A Danske Bank representative was not immediately available to comment.

(Reporting by Tarmo Virki; Editing by David Goodman)(Bloomberg) -- EOH Holdings Ltd. said two of its founders resigned in a board shake-up as Chief Executive Officer Stephen van Coller races against time to restructure the South African technology firm and calm investors and lenders.

The exodus, which saw four of EOHs seven directors quit, comes on the day the members were up for re-election at the Johannesburg-based companys annual general meeting. It also comes after an anonymous complaint prompted Microsoft Corp. to abruptly cancel a contract, causing the shares to plummet.

Chairman Asher Bohbot, the firms CEO for 19 years, will step down at the end of this month and remain on as an adviser until July 31, EOH said in a statement. The other departures include Rob Sporen, also a founding member of EOH, Tshilidzi Marwala, a non-executive director who has served on the board for 11 years, and Tebogo Maenetja, the human resources executive director, who will leave at the end of April.

EOH is refreshing the board, spokeswoman Debbie Millar said by phone. The board members that are leaving have been there for many years and new directors will be appointed by the end of March.

The stock slid as much as 11 percent before paring losses to trade 4.2 percent down by 9:28 a.m. local time Wednesday. That extends losses this year to 55 percent, the biggest slump in the 164-member South African all-share index.

Van Coller, a former executive at Absa Group Ltd. and MTN Group Ltd., was brought in last year to turn the troubled business around. He plans to break the company into different parts, to ensure investors see the full value of EOH, that consists of more than 270 companies.

EOH said in July it would split the company into two independent units, with its information, communications and technology business operating under EOH and the new NEXTEC brand focusing on industries such as technology for renewable energy, health and water sanitation.

The banker is aligning the firm closer to a code of good governance known as King IV, which recommends term limits for directors and that a former CEO shouldnt serve as chairman until after a three-year cooling-off period. Bohbot returned as chairman when Sandile Zungu resigned after more than four years in the position in March last year.

Story continues

EOH shares have plunged since Microsoft ended its association with the South African company. Johannesburgs TechCentral website reported that a whistle blowers allegations about a South African government software deal were behind the U.S. software giants decision.

(Adds background, share price in second paragraph.)

To contact the reporters on this story: Loni Prinsloo in Johannesburg at lprinsloo3@bloomberg.net;Renee Bonorchis in Johannesburg at rbonorchis@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Stefania Bianchi at sbianchi10@bloomberg.net, ;Rebecca Penty at rpenty@bloomberg.net, Vernon Wessels, John Bowker

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.Jesse Cohen has over 35 years of air cargo experience, starting out in freight forwarding and moving on to the airline industry, where he worked in a variety of key commercial management roles at United Cargo, and later, Etihad Cargo and SilkWay West Airlines.

As part of an agreement with Emirates, Airbus announced on February 14 that it would produce an additional 14 A380 airplanes for the airline through 2021, after which it would no longer manufacture the aircraft. Emirates opted to order Airbus A350-900 and A330-900 aircraft to replace the A380s cancelled from the original order. Much has been written about Airbus' business decision in manufacturing the A380 and the challenge of selling such a large four-engine aircraft, which was designed for high-density passenger markets, especially with the advent in recent years of very efficient long-range two-engine aircraft like the Boeing 787, Boeing 777X and Airbus A350 variants (NYSE: BA).

Don't miss it. Register today .

Don't miss it. Register today.

Less has been written about the cargo side of the A380. While some might assume that such a large aircraft would naturally offer a bounty of cargo space, this was not the case. In fact, few tears will likely be shed within the air cargo community regarding the Airbus announcement to halt production. While attractive from a passenger standpoint, the A380 had a reputation among both airline cargo staff and cargo customers as being a tough airplane for cargo. And though there were initial marketing plans for an all-cargo version, in the end, Airbus decided on other production priorities for the A380 and did not pursue this idea further.

Source: USDOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41/T100 International Segment Data 2017-2018 YTD

Source: USDOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Form 41/T100 International Segment Data 2017-2018 YTD

Why the negative view from the cargo community? The aircraft has a huge seating capacity; in Emirates' case, between 489 and 615 passengers, depending on route. However, depending on the specific belly configuration of the airline flying it, it has the same or less overall space in the belly as aircraft with far fewer seats. An example is the Boeing 777, which for Emirates ranges from 264 to 366 passengers. On the A380, unless passenger and baggage loads are light, there is no way to accommodate the increased baggage load from more passengers and the same amount of cargo. Given its size, airlines typically schedule A380s into established passenger and cargo markets, replacing more cargo-capable aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400 or 777-300ER. When this occurs with an A380 schedule, available cargo space on the route can drop 30 percent, 40 percent or more in many cases, displacing long-time and regular cargo customers. With added passenger weight, the aircraft faces more variability and payload restriction potential on ultra-long flights, such as Los Angeles-Dubai, meaning increased probability of cargo offloads.

Story continues

Emirates notes on its SkyCargo website that its A380 can handle 8,000 kilograms (kg) of cargo with a full passenger load. Most other long-range international aircraft can handle 10,000-20,000 kg, and sometimes even more depending on passenger loads.

Learn more today

Learn more today

Ultimately the airline and market adjust to the lower and less reliable payload in a situation like this, and carriers learn to manage within an envelope of reduced capacity. The trick for the carrier is often finding more small freight that will fit the aircraft in smaller-size airline containers (such as AKE or LD3 containers instead of the more popular PMC pallets) to minimize risk of offload, while also generating higher-yield and good revenue. High passenger load seasons with high bag loads have become particularly challenging. It is always difficult to not be able to accommodate customers' cargo needs when larger opportunities appear, such as multiple pallet movements, either on a regular or ad hoc basis. Shippers and forwarders have also adjusted and found alternatives to move larger shipments on other carriers; the result is lost revenue and share.

Of course Emirates and other carriers will continue to fly their A380s for many more years, so there is no immediate impact on cargo shippers in regard to the Airbus decision, beyond what we have today. A380s will continue to be a limited option for cargo shippers.

FreightWaves has analyzed statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation carrier filings showing some comparisons of A380 tonnage compared to other aircraft on the same route in the chart below. This highlights the disparity with other aircraft across nearly all A380 operators, and validates the lower average per flight tonnages and payloads achieved by nearly all airlines with the A380 compared to the other commonly used wide-body aircraft.

Comparison_of_A380_and_other_widebodies.jpg

Moving forward, in the post-A380 age, when airlines are looking at Airbus and Boeing for large passenger seating capacity aircraft, what are the latest fleet options currently out there, and what do they look like for cargo?

The table below helps to answer that question. It compares the A380 passenger and cargo capacity in containers and pallets to other larger capacity Airbus and Boeing wide-bodies. Note that aircraft belly capacity tends to vary somewhat from airline to airline and sometimes within an airline's fleet, based on whether and how the airline plans to use its lower decks aside from baggage and cargo (i.e. for crew rests, additional lavatories, other non-cargo uses, etc.).

What is clear is that nearly all of these aircraft have comparable cargo capacity to the A380 or more, yet all also have 30 percent, 40 percent or up to 50 percent fewer seats, based on typical seating configuration. That means fewer passengers and baggage on the lower deck to compete with cargo, and that means more reliable belly capacity with all of the potential replacements for the A380. That's a good news story for air cargo.

Download it today

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Wrap up the week with JP and Chad. Click here to listen on demand .

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 2019 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.(Bloomberg) -- Just Inc., the food startup formerly known as Hampton Creek, is seeking to raise about $200 million in new funding as it tries to move past questions about its sales and product quality, people with knowledge of the matter said.

The San Francisco-based company, which develops plant-based products like eggless mayonnaise, has been gauging preliminary interest from Chinese investors, according to one of the people. CLSA Ltd., the overseas arm of Chinese investment bank Citic Securities Co., is working on the fundraising, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.

The company, then known as Hampton Creek, was caught in 2016 purchasing its own products to boost revenue ahead of a fundraising round. The revelation prompted probes from the U.S. Department of Justice and securities regulator. In March the next year, co-founder Joshua Tetrick told staff that the investigations ended with no wrongdoing found.

Just, as the company is now known, has raised at least $220 million since its inception. Its early backers include billionaires tech luminaries like venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang.

Representatives for Just and for CLSA declined to comment.

In 2017, members of Hampton Creeks board resigned en masse and Target Corp. stopped selling its products after the retailer said it received specific and serious food safety allegations. Just has maintained that its products are safe and comply with Food and Drug Administration rules.

--With assistance from Olivia Zaleski.

To contact the reporters on this story: Crystal Tse in Hong Kong at ctse44@bloomberg.net;Vinicy Chan in Hong Kong at vchan91@bloomberg.net;Joyce Koh in Singapore at jkoh38@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Ben Scent at bscent@bloomberg.net, Timothy Sifert

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.Facebook must not be allowed to act like a digital gangster, an influential committee of British lawmakers has said in a report that calls for the company to be more heavily regulated. Facebook has responded by saying it is open to meaningful regulation regarding disinformation and privacy.

The report about online disinformation and fake news was published Monday by the U.K. Parliaments digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) committee.

The committee investigated the subject for a year and a half, at one point forming an unprecedented Grand Committee with lawmakers from eight other countries: Canada, Brazil, France, Ireland, Argentina, Singapore, Belgium and Latvia. The Cambridge Analytica scandal broke during the investigation, adding much fuel to its fire.

The outcome? According to the reports conclusions, its time to end the era of self-regulation and voluntary codes of practice for tech companies like Facebook, and to introduce a compulsory code of ethics with an independent regulator to enforce it.

That means making the tech companies legally liable for harmful and illegal content on their platforms, with large fines for non-compliance.

Among the countless innocuous postings of celebrations and holiday snaps, some malicious forces use Facebook to threaten and harass others, to publish revenge porn, to disseminate hate speech and propaganda of all kinds, and to influence elections and democratic processesmuch of which Facebook, and other social media companies, are either unable or unwilling to prevent, the report read. We need to apply widely-accepted democratic principles to ensure their application in the digital age.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg did not do himself or his company any favors by repeatedly refusing to testify before the DCMS committee. Frustrated and offended by his absence, the committee took the extraordinary step last November of seizing internal Facebook emails from a businessman who obtained the documents in a lawsuit against Facebook, and who happened to be travelling with them in the U.K.

Story continues

In its report, the committee noted that the emails showed Facebook was willing to override its users privacy settings in order to transfer data to some app developers, to charge high prices in advertising to some developers, for the exchange of that data, and to starve some developers of that data, thereby causing them to lose their business. This meant the company had at the very least breached a privacy-related consent order with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, it said.

The U.K.s antitrust regulator should investigate Facebook, the committee urged, adding: Companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave like digital gangsters in the online world, considering themselves to be ahead of and beyond the law.

The big tech companies must not be allowed to expand exponentially, without constraint or proper regulatory oversight. But only governments and the law are powerful enough to contain them. The legislative tools already exist, the report read. They must now be applied to digital activity, using tools such as privacy laws, data protection legislation, antitrust and competition law. If companies become monopolies they can be broken up, in whatever sector.

In response, Facebook public policy manager Karim Palant said the company was open to meaningful regulation, and also supports effective privacy legislation that holds companies to high standards in their use of data and transparency for users. He added: We have already made substantial changes so that every political ad on Facebook has to be authorized, state who is paying for it and then is stored in a searchable archive for seven years While we still have more to do, we are not the same company we were a year ago.A machine works on blending the iron ore at Dalian Port, Liaoning province, China September 21, 2018. REUTERS/Muyu Xu/File Photo

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's construction steel futures fell on Wednesday, as investors remained cautious about the strength of post-holiday demand from downstream users.

Following the Lunar New Year holiday earlier this month, construction sites and manufacturing plants would typically restart business this week.

"Major markets in China have not completely resumed (spot) trading and steel prices in most regions are hovering at a low level," analysts from Galaxy Futures said in a note.

Benchmark Shanghai rebar prices fell 2.3 percent to 3,590 yuan ($533.81) a tonne as of 0202 GMT.

Hot-rolled coil, a manufacturing-grade steel product, fell 1.8 percent to 3,590 yuan.

"Steel output is highly likely to increase after the holiday ... And the market focus will switch to demand strength from downstream users," Jinrui Futures analysts said in a note.

Faltering steel prices also dragged on iron ore futures, as the market questioned if mills will delay restocking until steel sales pick up.

China's producer price index (PPI) in January rose a meagre 0.1 percent from a year earlier, official data showed last week, raising concerns the world's second-biggest economy may see the return of deflation as domestic demand cools.

Dalian iron ore futures ended a three-day winning streak on Wednesday, falling nearly 3 percent to 616 yuan a tonne.

Coke futures, however, edged up 0.1 percent to 2,072 yuan a tonne, supported by concerns over tight supply in coal mining hub Shanxi province.

A major coke plant, Shanxi Coking Co Ltd, said on Tuesday that it expects to trim coke output by around 220,000 tonnes due to an environmental restriction issued by the local government, effective from Feb. 16 to Mar. 31.

A bout of smog has been forecast for China's northern region in late February.

China's top steelmaking province Hebei issued an orange pollution alert last week, effective from Feb. 17, that could last until around Feb.22. Orange alerts require industrial companies to cut output by at least 30 percent.

($1 = 6.7252 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Muyu Xu and Dominique Patton; editing by Richard Pullin)By Fergal Smith TORONTO (Reuters) - The Canadian dollar strengthened against its U.S. counterpart on Wednesday to its highest in two weeks, posting the biggest rise among its peers, as oil prices rallied and ahead of speech on Thursday by Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz. The price of oil, one of Canada's major exports, climbed to its highest of 2019 on hopes that oil markets will balance later this year, helped by output cuts from top producers as well as U.S. sanctions on OPEC members Iran and Venezuela. U.S. crude oil futures settled 1.5 percent higher at $56.92 a barrel. "As oil goes, so does Canada," said Michael Goshko, corporate risk manager at Western Union Business Solutions. "The Canadian dollar is gaining on the back of stronger oil and a generally weaker U.S. dollar." The U.S. dollar gained against the yen and cut losses versus the euro on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve, in the minutes of its latest policy meeting, said the U.S. economy and its labor market remained strong. Still, the greenback has weakened about 0.4 percent this week against a basket of major currencies. At 4:44 p.m. (2144 GMT), the Canadian dollar was trading 0.3 percent higher at 1.3176 to the greenback, or 75.90 U.S. cents, the biggest gain of G10 currencies. The currency touched its strongest intraday level since Feb. 6 at 1.3151. Gains for the loonie came as Canada's oil-producing province of Alberta said it has leased 4,400 rail cars in a multibillion-dollar move to clear a glut of crude that depressed prices. The Bank of Canada said last month it expects investment in the energy sector to contract because of low oil prices and production curtailments in Alberta. Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz is due to speak on monetary policy on Thursday, while Canadian retail sales data for December is due on Friday. Canadian government bond prices were mixed across a steeper yield curve. The two-year was flat to yield 1.774 percent and the 10-year declined 4 Canadian cents to yield 1.895 percent. (Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by David Gregorio and James Dalgleish)Feb 20 (Reuters) - Gains in material companies pulled higher Canada's main stock index on Wednesday, as gold prices rose on hopes of a trade deal between the United States and China.

* Investors are focused on the latest developments in the talks in Washington, and President Donald Trump on Tuesday suggested he was open to extending the deadline to complete negotiations.

* Up to now, it was assumed U.S. tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports would rise to 25 percent from 10 percent if no deal was reached by the March 1 deadline

* The materials sector, which includes precious and base metals miners and fertilizer companies, added 0.2 percent as gold futures rose 0.1 percent to $1,341.9 an ounce.

* Barrick Gold rose 1.6 percent after the miner outlined a plan to settle disputes between its Acacia Mining unit and Tanzania's government.

* The largest percentage gainers on the TSX were Bombardier Inc, which jumped 5.4 percent. Hudbay Minerals followed, up 2.6 percent after posting better-than-expected quarterly revenue.

* At 9:44 a.m. ET (14:44 GMT), the Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was up 27.71 points, or 0.17 percent, at 15,965.15.

* Five of the index's 11 major sectors were lower, weighed down by the energy sector's 0.1 percent drop.

* U.S. crude prices were down 0.5 percent a barrel, while Brent crude lost 0.7 percent.

* On the TSX, 100 issues were higher, while 132 declined for a 1.32-to-1 ratio to the downside, with 21.76 million shares traded.

* Uni-Select Inc fell 21.7 percent, the most on the TSX, after the auto parts distributor's fourth-quarter results failed to impress.

The second biggest decliner was Aritzia Inc, down 7.9 percent after a secondary stock offering.

* The most heavily traded shares by volume were Bombardier Inc, Aurora Cannabis Inc and Crius Energy Trust.

* The TSX posted one new 52-week high and one new low.

* Across all Canadian issues there were 22 new 52-week highs and three new lows, with total volume of 36.83 million shares. (Reporting by Amy Caren Daniel in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)FILE - In this March 31, 2016, file photo provided by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, from left; Second Secretary of the Bangladesh Embassy in Manila Probash Lamarong, Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Director Julia Bacay-Abad and AMLC Member Emmanuel Dooc opens a case containing US dollars that was returned by Chinese casino junket operator Kam Sin Wong to Bangladesh and Philippine AMLC officials in Manila, Philippines. Bangladesh's central bank has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Philippine private bank over the heist of $81 million from Bangladesh Bank's account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The head of Bangladesh Bank's Finance Intelligence Unit confirmed the lawsuit against the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (Jason Arlan Raval/Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas via AP)

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  Bangladesh's central bank has filed a lawsuit in a New York court against a Philippine bank, seeking damages and the return of $81 million stolen from its account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in 2016, an official said Friday.

Abu Hena Mohd. Rajee Hassan, head of Bangladesh Bank's Finance Intelligence Unit, confirmed that the case was filed in the Southern District Court of New York against Manila-based Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., or RCBC.

"Yes, we have done it online through a firm there and it has been accepted," Hassan said. "Our next procedures will follow accordingly as we want our money back. This is our people's precious money," he said.

Court documents say hackers from North Korea used fraudulent orders on the SWIFT payments system to steal the money. The money was sent to accounts at the Philippines' bank and then vanished into the casino industry in the Philippines. The complaint says the funds' ultimate destination remains unclear.

Bangladesh Bank is seeking the $81 million plus damages and legal costs.

RCBC issued a statement saying it was aware of the case and had hired a prestigious law firm, Quinn Emanuel to lead its defense.

The lead attorney on the case, Tai-Heng Cheng, issued a statement describing the lawsuit as a "thinly veiled PR campaign" and "baseless."

"Not only are the allegations false, they don't have the right to file here since none of the defendants are in the U.S.," Cheng said in the statement. "We will show this suit is nothing more than a political stunt by the Bangladesh Bank to try to shift blame from themselves to RCBC."

The heist was a major embarrassment for Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the opposition criticized her administration for failing to protect public money. The then-central bank governor Atiur Rahman resigned and Hasina ordered an investigation.

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Citing case documents, Hassan said the complaint accuses the Philippine bank of following fraudulent procedures at every step.

The hackers broken into Bangladesh Bank's system and created 70 orders to the Federal Reserve Bank amounting to $1.94 billion. Of that amount, $101 million was released.

The hackers sent $81 million to the RCBC's branch in Manila and the rest, $20 million went to Sri Lanka, which has returned the money to Bangladesh.

The Philippines later returned $14.54 million but the rest is yet to be retrieved.

The complaint against RCBC names 23 people by name, including Filipino and Chinese citizens and cites another 25 unnamed "John Does" as defendants.

The money trail laid out in the court filing ends with it disappearing into casinos and gambling junkets in the Philippines, and to its "ultimate destination, which has yet to be uncovered."

All of the defendants "had a single unlawful purpose: to defraud, steal and launder funds stolen from the bank," it says.

The filing asserts that RCBC made potentially hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars from the fraudulent transactions allegedly conducted through its accounts and that various employees gained substantial sums through their alleged involvement.OFX Daily Market News

Posted by OFX

Australian Dollar

Monday saw the AUD gain on trade optimism with AUD/USD rising to two-week highs at 0.7160. The Aussie was aided by USD weakness in light of the US bank holiday which yielded lighter trading and largely contained global markets. Notably we did see the Aussie face selling pressure later in the session as traders looked crystallize profits ahead of the RBA minutes Tuesday morning, ultimately forcing AUD/USD lower to levels around 0.7125.

The Aussies rival across the pond was one of the biggest underperformers on Monday with NZD/USD falling from 0.6885 to 0.6840 which allowed the AUD/NZD cross to rise 20 points over the course of the day to reach 1.0410.

Looking ahead, RBA meeting minutes are due out at 11:30am Sydney time with offshore releases such as UK labor market data for December and second tier data due out of both Europe and the USA. Focusing on the RBA minutes, markets are not expecting a great deal of new information, especially given last weeks monetary policy announcement and extensive commentary from Governor Lowe.

Adopting a technical approach, we see first lines of support at 0.7100 followed by 0.7070 and 0.7030 on the downside whilst anticipate topside moves to meet resistance on approach to 0.7145 and 0.7190 respectively.

New Zealand Dollar

AUD / NZD Expected Range: 1.0320  1.0520

The New Zealand Dollar lost its gains yesterday, hitting a one-week high of 0.6887 against the United States Dollar, than falling below the resistance floor of 0.685 to open at 0.6846 this morning. Even though no news was released, a little volatility was expected yesterday during US Banking Holiday Presidents Day, as speculators become a more dominant market influence.

We can expect to see some pricing change due to the Global Dairy Trade price index expected to be released tomorrow. Showing the change in weighted-average price of the 9 dairy goods sold at auction, it is a leading indicator of the nations trade balance with other countries because rising commodity prices boost export income.

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British Pound

GBP / AUD Expected Range: 1.7950  1.8350

The Great British Pound rallied through trade on Monday pushing back through 1.29 and bouncing off a third consecutive weekly decline as investors take stock of current positions ahead of key talks between Brexit negotiators and the EU. Despite deeper political divisions and the resignation of seven labour politicians sterling found support in optimism May will reach a last minute compromise with EU leaders as she scrambles to resuscitate her Brexit agreement. Increasing instability from within the conservative government and a push from ministers to stop the UK leaving without a deal has added support to the GBP as the possibility of an extension of Article 50 increases.

The pound remains vulnerable to broader Brexit negativity and as we move closer to the March 29 deadline without a deal the downside risks and uncertainty are only exacerbated. Business leaders are becoming increasingly fearful a deal will not be reached and are rushing to put in place contingency plans that could see key industries move large sections of operation outside the UK should the two parties split without a deal in place. Industry leaders have stated a no deal divorce would be catastrophic not just for their business interest but for the broader UK economy and politicians inability to grasp the true implications are truly terrifying.

Attentions today turn to wage growth and employment data as key macroeconomic indicators guiding BoE policy, while Brexit headline news dominates the broader directional theme.

United States Dollar

AUD / USD Expected Range: 0.7050  0.7180

The Greenback has start the week on the slide attributed to hopes surrounding and US-China trade deal boosting demand for high-yielding assets. The Greenbacks movements have been limited due to the absence of macroeconomic releases. The U.S. dollar tends to perform well during bouts of investor nervousness.

Looking ahead today and its a U.S. bank holiday. There are no scheduled releases.

From a technical perspective, the Greenback is currently weaker when valued against the Australian dollar trading at 0.7128 (-0.12%) and New Zealand dollar 0.6851 (-0.09%) while strong against the Pound Sterling 1.2918 (0.11%) and Japanese Yen 110.56 (0.09%).

Euro

AUD / EUR Expected Range: 0.6280  0.6350

The Euro advanced through trade on Monday as its correlation with risk appetite and performance continued. The 19 nation combined unit was bolstered by optimism surrounding a possible breakthrough in US-China trade talks. Having dropped to a three month low on Friday the Euro bounced back through 1.13 to touch intraday highs at 1.1318.

The Euro has been largely stuck amid a broadly bearish downtrend through the last few months struggling to make a significant advance beyond resistance amid speculation the ECB will offset dwindling economic returns and broader growth prospects by extending its current platform of accommodative monetary policy. While supported by expectations the Fed will slow the pace of its current path to neutral cracks are beginning to appear in recent ranges and the Euro appears increasingly vulnerable to a deeper downward correction and move toward 1.10.

Attentions today turn to German PPI and Eurozone consumer confidence as mid level macro indicators ahead of a raft of manufacturing and service level data due Thursday. Softness across these markers will underpin recent growth concerns and could be the catalyst to force a break below 1.1250.

Canadian Dollar

AUD / CAD Expected Range: 0.9320  0.9520

The Canadian dollar is little changed against the Greenback, down 0.15% in the Monday session. Low oil prices are weighing on the economy and on the Canadian dollar. The currency has slipped 1.2% in February. The Bank of Canada is unlikely to raise rates at the March 6 meeting, but there is room for rate hikes later in the year if economic growth improves.

On the data front there are no scheduled releases today. Along with a U.S. Bank holiday today we can expect limited movement from USD/CAD.

From a technical perspective, the USD/CAD pair is currently trading at 1.3239. We continue to expect support to hold on moves approaching 1.3220 while now any upward push will likely meet resistance around 1.3360.

Posted by OFXThe former head of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, said Tuesday he informed the so-called Gang of 8 the FBI was opening an investigation into President Trump in 2017.

McCabe has been accused of lying under oath and his ex-boss, former FBI Director James Comey, has directly contradicted this revelation, saying that the president was not under investigation by the law enforcement agency.

Ohio Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, told FOX Business Lou Dobbs "you cant trust anything Andy McCabe says."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX BUSINESS APP

"He wants everyone to believe hes a boy scout, but he lied three times under oath, hes under investigation by the justice department, he was fired because he lied," he said Tuesday.

Related ArticlesWorkers ride on an motor rickshaw through an aluminium ingots depot in Wuxi, Jiangsu province in this September 26, 2012 file picture. REUTERS/Aly Song/Files

BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States should respect China's right to develop and become prosperous, the Chinese government's top diplomat told a visiting U.S. delegation, reiterating that the country's doors to the outside world would open wider.

The world's two largest economies began their latest round of trade talks this week to resolve a bitter dispute in which each has levied tariffs on imports from the other.

The United States has accused China of unfair trade practices, including forced technology transfers, charges it has denied.

Respect and cooperation are the correct choice for both countries, something the international community hopes to see, State Councillor Wang Yi told the delegation of U.S. business leaders and former officials in Beijing on Tuesday.

"Just like the United States, China also has the right to development, and the Chinese people also have the right to have a good life," the foreign ministry paraphrased Wang as saying, in a statement issued on Wednesday.

"The U.S. side should recognise that China's development is in the world's interest, as well as the United States'. Only by seeing China's development as an opportunity for the United States can this help resolve certain problems, including trade and economic ones," Wang said.

China's reform and steps to open up are in line with its development needs, and its doors to the outside world will open ever wider, he added, repeating previous government pledges.

"As long as China and the United States proactively meet each other halfway, then trade and economic cooperation can still play a role as a ballast stone in Sino-U.S. ties," he said.

The U.S. delegation included former U.S. National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Myron Brilliant, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce China Center President Jeremie Waterman.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said trade talks with China were going well and suggested he was open to pushing back the March 1 deadline to complete negotiations, saying it was not a "magical" date.

Story continues

Tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports are set to rise to 25 percent from 10 percent by March 1 if the partners do not settle their trade dispute, but Trump has suggested several times that he would be open to postponing the deadline.

Negotiations in Washington this week follow a week of talks in the Chinese capital that ended last week without a deal but which officials said had brought progress on some key issues.

Widely-read tabloid the Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, said in a Wednesday editorial that both sides must remain calm during the current talks, but that Washington must not force anything on Beijing.

"U.S. demand for China's structural reform must stay in line with China-U.S. trade cooperation and coordinate with China's reform and opening-up. The talks must not try to force Beijing to change its economic governance or even its development path," it said.

"China and the U.S. must sign an agreement that will inspire their people, heralding accelerated economic development."

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Darren Schuettler)FILE PHOTO: The logo of Amazon is seen on the door of an Amazon Books retail store in New York City, U.S., February 14, 2019. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

By Joseph Ax

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wasted no time on Thursday in calling Amazon's decision to scrap plans to build a major New York outpost with nearly $3 billion (2.34 billion pounds) in city and state incentives a big victory for progressive politicians.

The democratic socialist congresswoman has become the face of the Democratic Party's ascendant left wing, thanks in part to her upset victory last year in a district near the proposed Amazon.com Inc development.

"Anything is possible: today was the day a group of dedicated, everyday New Yorkers & their neighbours defeated Amazon's corporate greed, its worker exploitation, and the power of the richest man in the world," Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter.

Amazon blamed local opposition for its abrupt reversal, which some saw as the latest evidence of the progressive movement's surging influence ahead of the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination next year.

"They have shown sufficient power to back off the largest corporation in the world," Douglas Muzzio, a professor at Baruch College in New York and an expert on city politics and public opinion. "They killed Amazon, the biggest beast around."

Democratic U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has made anti-corporate criticism a key tenet of her 2020 presidential campaign, called the subsidies "billions in taxpayer bribes" and asked on Twitter, "How long will we allow giant corporations to hold our democracy hostage?"

Amazon had already been a favoured target for some left-wing politicians due to its dominance of online shopping and reputation for imposing difficult work conditions on warehouse workers. The company has defended its practices and last year raised its minimum wage to $15 an hour, more than twice the federally mandated level.

But since Amazon announced plans for its so-called HQ2 in 2017 and began soliciting bids from hundreds of U.S. cities, the political environment in both New York and the country has shifted significantly.

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Last fall, Democrats swept to victory in the U.S. House of Representatives, buoyed by left-wing energy and animus toward Republican U.S. President Donald Trump. In New York, Democrats took control of the state Senate from Republicans for the first time in a decade.

Democratic leaders in the state Senate then nominated Michael Gianaris, whose district includes the proposed Long Island City Amazon site, to a little-known state board that could have vetoed the project.

Gianaris, a Democrat, was a vocal critic of the billions in subsidies offered to Amazon despite initially calling on the company to consider New York.

"This was a shakedown, pure and simple," Gianaris told reporters on Thursday.

Critics of the deal questioned why the third-most valuable company in the United States  with a chief executive, Jeff Bezos, who ranks as the world's wealthiest man  required that level of public funding, including tax breaks and grant money.

Amazon also faced anti-gentrification sentiment in a city where income inequality and a lack of affordable housing have become major concerns. Some labour leaders opposed the deal unless Amazon agreed not to oppose unionization efforts, a position that the company representatives rejected.

Still, public polling suggested the deal, which Amazon said would eventually create at least 25,000 jobs, was fairly popular among New Yorkers.

Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio, an enthusiastic backer of the project, faced outrage from left-wing activists who questioned how he could defend the subsidies while staying true to his liberal principles.

But he and Governor Andrew Cuomo, a fellow Democrat who spent the last year burnishing his own progressive bona fides while running for another term, had argued that the deal's job creation benefits far outweighed any cost.

In a statement, Cuomo cast blame on a "small group of politicians" he accused of putting political interests ahead of their constituents' needs.

De Blasio, by contrast, put the blame on Amazon for refusing to address local concerns.

"We gave Amazon the opportunity to be a good neighbour and do business in the greatest city in the world," he said in a statement. "Instead of working with the community, Amazon threw away that opportunity."

(Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Frank McGurty and Meredith Mazzilli)FILE PHOTO: Pieter Elbers, President and Chief Executive Officer of KLM, poses before a news conference in Paris, France, July 24, 2015. REUTERS/Charles Platiau/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - The board of Air France-KLM agreed to reappoint the head of its KLM division, the Franco-Dutch airline group said, resolving a standoff over new group CEO Ben Smith's plans for closer integration of the two carriers.

In a separate advance for Smith, who joined Air France-KLM from Air Canada in September, the group also signed a pay deal with its French pilots on Tuesday, drawing a line under a labour dispute that blighted operations last year.

Smith has been pushing for more concerted decision-making between the two brands as well as his own seat on the KLM board, but had encountered resistance from the Dutch carrier's workforce and CEO Pieter Elbers.

Concerns about the possible departure of Elbers after his KLM contract expires in April led to a show of public support by its employees last week, as well as talks between Smith and Dutch ministers.

Besides the Dutchman's reappointment, Air France-KLM said its group board had unanimously approved steps to "simply key group operational processes" in fleet and networks, commercial and alliance strategy, human resources and digital management.

Decisions in those areas will now be taken at group level, Air France-KLM said. Elbers and his Air France counterpart, Anne Rigail, were also appointed as deputy group CEOs.

"We are convinced that Benjamin Smith and his team, with the renewal of Pieter Elbers, will drive further growth at Air France-KLM," group Chairman Anne-Marie Couderc said in the statement.

On Wednesday, Air France-KLM is due to publish full-year results for 2018, when a series of French strikes wiped 335 million euros ($380 million) off earnings.

Under their new pay deal, Air France pilots will get a 4.3 percent raise in return for concessions including more flexibility on leave and the sharing of routes with KLM. The deal was signed by the dominant SNPL pilots union after receiving 85 percent support in a ballot.

(Reporting by GV De Clercq and Laurence Frost; Editing by Mark Heinrich)AtriusTM Software Solutions Evaluated for the Report

Atlanta, Feb. 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ATLANTA  February 19, 2019  Acuity Brands, Inc. (AYI) today was named as a Visionary in this years Gartner Magic Quadrant* for Indoor Location Services, Global.

The cited innovation, AtriusTM Software Solutions, uses technology embedded in Acuity Brands smart LED luminaires. The operational savings that result from replacing conventional lighting with more energy-efficient, smart LED luminaires enables customers in retail, healthcare and transportation fund use cases such as visitor analytics, customer engagement, employee or customer journey-mapping and asset tracking that are available using Atrius technology.

The Gartner Magic Quadrant study evaluates the strategies and current capabilities of vendors providing indoor location services globally. In the case of Acuity Brands services, indoor positioning and navigation are enabled by Visible Light Communication and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication technologies embedded in the luminaire and accessed via software installed on mobile devices, while tracking and management of physical assets are enabled with tags that use BLE communication. Both signals combined provide the ability to transmit data over extended distances in addition to communicating with the sensors. Acuity Brands works with its Fortune 500 customers to develop solutions, ensuring the Atrius Software Solutions and supporting products evolve to support customer-specific requirements.

Acuity Brands has been laying the groundwork for this innovation through research and development and acquisitions over the past decade, said Greg Carter, Senior Vice President Connected Building Software for Acuity Brands Lighting. We are fully committed to expanding the capabilities of our scalable solution and are excited about our position as a Visionary on the quadrant in this market.

Atrius solutions are available for big box retail, grocery, aviation, healthcare, office and other buildings and spaces. By leveraging the data analytics and insights garnered from operation of a space, Acuity Brands technologies can deliver benefits to improve performance. Building performance improvements include energy savings that can be realized from Acuity Brands solutions that manage and integrate HVAC, lighting control systems and LED luminaires. Business improvements include enhanced space utilization and asset tracking, while also offering occupants more direct control over their office environments.

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We have a strong team and an extensive partner network whose combined efforts have helped solidify our market leading position. Our team is focused on driving the digital innovation and expansion of this platform by meeting the needs of our customers, said Vinod Kashyap, Director of Product Market for IoT for Acuity Brands Lighting. We believe Acuity Brands is the clear market leader and growing each month, demonstrating the ability of our solution to scale.

The Atrius indoor location service solution comprises: Atrius-Ready Sensory Network (ASN), local network hardware, Atrius Software Services, the Atrius Cloud and Browser-based Dashboards (analytics). An ASN includes embedded sensors, Visible Light Communication technology and BLE technology radios, which receive signals to calculate the X, Y position of a location tag or smart device. Additionally, Atrius offers Software Development Kits (SDKs) on both Android and Apple iOS operating systems for building mobile applications.

For more information, please visit the Atrius web site or our corresponding blog.

*Source: Tim Zimmerman, Annette Zimmermann, Gartner, 28 January 2019.

A Gartner Magic Quadrant is a culmination of research in a specific market, giving you a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the markets competitors. By applying a graphical treatment and a uniform set of evaluation criteria, a Magic Quadrant helps you quickly ascertain how well technology providers are executing their stated visions and how well they are performing against Gartners market view.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartners research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Acuity Brands

Acuity Brands, Inc. (AYI) is the North American market leader and one of the worlds leading providers of lighting and building management solutions. With fiscal year 2018 net sales of $3.7 billion, Acuity Brands currently employs approximately 13,000 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with operations throughout North America, and in Europe and Asia. The Companys products and solutions are sold under various brands, including Lithonia Lighting, Holophane, Aculux, American Electric Lighting, Antique Street Lamps, Atrius, DGLogik, Distech Controls, DTL, eldoLED, Gotham, Healthcare Lighting, Hydrel, Indy, IOTA, Juno, Lucid, Mark Architectural Lighting, nLight, Peerless, RELOC Wiring, ROAM, Sensor Switch, Sunoptics and Winona Lighting. Visit us at www.acuitybrands.com.

All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.It's been said that variety is the spice of life, and now scientists say variety in your social circle may help you live longer. Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have found that older adults who spend more time interacting with a wide range of people were more likely to be physically active and had greater emotional well-being.

In a paper out Feb. 20 in the Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, researchers found that study participants who interacted more with family members and close friends, as well as acquaintances, casual friends, service providers and strangers were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity, less time spent sitting or lying around, greater positive moods and fewer negative feelings. It is the first study to link social engagement with physical activity throughout the day.

"Adults often grow less physically active and more sedentary as they age, and these behaviors pose a risk factor for disease and death," said Karen Fingerman, a professor of human development and family sciences at UT Austin and the director of the university's new Texas Aging & Longevity Center. "It is difficult to convince people to go to the gym or commit to work out on a regular basis. But they may be willing to reach out to acquaintances, attend an organized group event, or talk to the barrista who serves them at their favorite coffee shop. Socializing in these contexts also can increase physical activity and diverse behaviors in ways that benefit health without necessarily working up a sweat."

The researchers asked study participants about their activities and social encounters every three hours for about a week. Participants also wore electronic devices to monitor their physical activity. Fingerman and the team observed that during the three-hour periods when participants were engaging with a greater variety of social partners, they reported engaging in a greater variety of activities such as leaving the house, walking, talking with others, or shopping. They also engaged in more objectively measured physical activity, and less time being sedentary.

Previous studies have shown that close social ties, like family and close friends, can be beneficial to older adults by providing a buffer against stress and improving emotional well-being. Researchers had not examined physical activity or the benefits of more peripheral social ties.

This study showed those acquaintances or peripheral ties may encourage older adults to be more physically active, a key factor that has been shown to contribute to physical and emotional health, as well as cognitive ability.

"Older adults may be able to be more sedentary with their close friends and family -- sitting and watching TV or otherwise lounging at home," Fingerman said. "But to engage with acquaintances, older adults must leave the house, or at least get up out of their chair to answer the door."

The study included more than 300 adults over 65 years old who lived in the Austin metro area and controlled for factors such as age, race, gender, marital status, education and ethnicity.

"Prior research on aging has focused almost entirely on the benefits of social connection with close social ties such as a spouse or an adult child," said co-author Debra Umberson, sociology professor and director of UT Austin's Population Research Center. "This new research relies on truly novel data that capture both the amount and quality of contact with all types of people that the elderly encounter throughout the day -- and the results show us that these routine encounters have important benefits for activity levels and psychological well-being. This new information suggests the importance of policies and programs that support and promote routine and informal social participation."

###

The research was funded by the National Institute on Aging and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Graduate student Meng Huo of The University of Texas at Austin and Susan T. Charles professor of psychology of the University of California at Irvine contributed to the study.The stripes of a zebra deter horse flies from landing on them, according to a new study published February 20, 2019 in the open-access journal PLOS One by Tim Caro of the University of California Davis, Martin How of the University of Bristol, and colleagues.

Zebra stripes have been posited to provide camouflage, visually confuse predators, signal to other zebras, or help control heat gain, but none of these hypotheses have withstood rigorous experimentation. An alternative, that stripes somehow reduce the likelihood of being bitten by predatory flies, has gained adherents, but the mechanism has been unclear.

In the new study, the authors compared behavior of horse flies as they attempted to prey on zebras and uniformly colored horses held in similar enclosures. Flies circled and touched horses and zebras at similar rates, but actually landed on zebras less than one-quarter as often. When horses wore a striped, black or white coat, flies landed far less often on the striped coat, but just as often on the uncovered head. The authors found that while flies decelerated prior to landing on horses, they approached zebras at a faster clip and failed to slow down as they closed the distance, often bumping into the zebra before flying away again.

Additionally, zebras were at greater pains to keep flies off through tail swishing and running away.

Taken together, these results indicate that stripes do not deter flies from approaching zebras, but do prevent effective landing, and thus, reduce the number of flies successfully feeding. This finding provides further support for the hypothesis that the evolutionary benefit of zebra stripes is to reduce biting by predatory flies.

The authors add: "Zebra stripes are now believed to have evolved to thwart attack by biting flies. We observed and filmed the behaviour of horse flies near captive zebras and horses and found that flies failed to decelerate close to stripes preventing controlled landings. Combined with zebras' anti-parasite behavior, few flies landed successfully or probed their hosts for blood."

###

In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS ONE: http://journals. plos. org/ plosone/ article?id= 10. 1371/ journal. pone. 0210831

Citation: Caro T, Argueta Y, Briolat ES, Bruggink J, Kasprowsky M, Lake J, et al. (2019) Benefits of zebra stripes: Behaviour of tabanid flies around zebras and horses. PLoS ONE 14(2): e0210831. https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1371/ journal. pone. 0210831

Funding: TC was funded by the University of California, Davis; MH by the Royal Society.

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.Comparison of the greenhouse gases produced by lab-grown and farm-raised beef in the current energy system suggests that the benefits of reducing methane could be outweighed by increased CO2

Currently proposed types of lab-grown meat cannot provide a cure-all for the detrimental climate impacts of meat production without a large-scale transition to a decarbonised energy system, a new study has found.

The study, from the LEAP (Livestock, Environment and People) programme at the Oxford Martin School, found that some projections for the uptake of particular forms of cultured meat could indeed be better for the climate, but others could actually lead to higher global temperatures in the long run. Published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, their findings highlight that the climate impact of cultured meat production will depend on its energy demands and the availability of low-carbon energy sources.

"There has been a great deal of public interest in cultured meat recently, and many articles highlight the potential for substituting cattle beef with cultured meat to provide an important climate benefit," explains lead author Dr John Lynch.

"We show that it is not yet clear whether this is the case, partly because of uncertainties about how cultured meat would be produced at scale. An important issue in comparing farmed and cultured beef is that the different warming impacts of greenhouse gases are also not well accounted for in the standard measure used in carbon footprints."

The Culture Club: is it a miracle?

Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions are responsible for around a quarter of current global warming. Replacing conventional cattle farming with 'labriculture' - meat grown in the lab using cell culture techniques - has been widely discussed as a way of reducing this environmental impact. But these estimates are based on carbon-dioxide equivalent footprints, which can be misleading because not all greenhouse gases generate the same amount of warming or have the same lifespan.

"Cattle are very emissions-intensive because they produce a large amount of methane from fermentation in their gut," advises study co-author Raymond Pierrehumbert, Halley Professor of Physics at the University of Oxford.

"Methane is an important greenhouse gas, but the way in which we generally describe methane emissions as 'carbon dioxide equivalent' amounts can be misleading because the two gases are very different. Per tonne emitted, methane has a much larger warming impact than carbon dioxide, however, it only remains in the atmosphere for about 12 years whereas carbon dioxide persists and accumulates for millennia. This means methane's impact on long-term warming is not cumulative and is impacted greatly if emissions increase or decrease over time."

Sustainable labriculture depends on clean energy and new tech

To provide a rigorous comparison of the potential climate impacts of lab-grown meat and beef cattle, the researchers examined available data on the emissions associated with three current cattle farming methods and four possible meat culture methods, assuming current energy systems remained unchanged.

Using this data, they modelled the potential temperature impact of each production method over the next 1000 years. Their model showed that while cattle initially have a greater warming effect through the release of methane, in some cases the manufacture of lab-grown meat can ultimately result in more warming. This is due to the fact that even if consumption of meat were entirely phased out the warming from carbon dioxide would persist, whereas warming caused by methane ceases after only a few decades.

"This is important because while reducing methane emissions would be good - and an important part of our climate policies - if we simply replace that methane with carbon dioxide it could actually have detrimental long-term consequences," warns Lynch.

Beef production is currently a major source of greenhouse gases: reducing consumption and improving production methods to reduce emissions can both help address this. The environmental benefits of lab-grown meat are a powerful imperative to continue and expand labriculture research, and especially to develop ways of producing cultured meat as efficiently as possible. The study also highlights that both cultured meat and cattle farming have complex inputs and impacts that need to be considered in fully appreciating their effect on the environment. For example, creating more grazing land for cattle often results in significant deforestation that could greatly increase the CO2 footprint of cattle systems (but can prove difficult to standardise in emissions footprints), while producing food in urban laboratories could free up land for storing CO2 (known as carbon sequestration) or other purposes.

Lynch concludes, "The climate impacts of cultured meat production will depend on what level of sustainable energy generation can be achieved, as well as the efficiency of future culture processes."

###

Please include a link to the original research in your reporting: http://www. frontiersin. org/ articles/ 10. 3389/ fsufs. 2019. 00005/ abstract

Corresponding author: John M. Lynch, john.lynch@physics.ox.ac.uk

About Frontiers

Frontiers is an award-winning Open Science platform and leading open-access scholarly publisher. Our mission is to make high-quality, peer-reviewed research articles rapidly and freely available to everybody in the world, thereby accelerating scientific and technological innovation, societal progress and economic growth. Frontiers received the 2014 ALPSP Gold Award for Innovation in Publishing. For more information, visit http://www. frontiersin. org and follow @Frontiersin on Twitter.

About LEAP

LEAP is supported by the Wellcome Trust's Our Planet Our Health Programme and is one of four major interdisciplinary research partnerships in the areas of global food systems and urbanization. The project is a collaboration between the University of Oxford, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the supermarket group Sainsbury's and The Nature Conservancy. It also works in partnership with other researchers supported by the Wellcome Trusts Our Planet Our Health programme including Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems (SHEFS), led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Mini-livestock: insects as sustainable and healthy food, led by Wageningen University, Netherlands, and the LSHTM and SOAS Sustainability Health Projects.

About the Oxford Martin School

The Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford is a world-leading centre of pioneering research that addresses global challenges. It invests in research that cuts across disciplines to tackle a wide range of issues such as climate change, disease and inequality. The School supports novel, high risk and multidisciplinary projects that may not fit within conventional funding channels, because breaking boundaries can produce results that could dramatically improve the wellbeing of this and future generations. Underpinning all our research is the need to translate academic excellence into impact - from innovations in science, medicine and technology, through to providing expert advice and policy recommendations.

At the invitation of President Nguyen Phu Trong, President of Argentina Mauricio Macri and his spouse arrived in Hanoi, starting a State visit to Vietnam from February 19-21





Chairman of the Presidential Office-Minister Dao Viet Trung and Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son welcome President of Argentina Mauricio Macri and his spouse at Noi Bai International Airport





Chairman of the Presidential Office-Minister Dao Viet Trung and Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son welcome President of Argentina Mauricio Macri and his spouse at Noi Bai International Airport





Vietnamese girl presents flowers to Argentine President Mauricio Macri and his spouse at Noi Bai International Airport





Representatives from Presidential Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcome Argentine President Mauricio Macri and his spouse







Representatives from Presidential Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcome Argentine President Mauricio Macri and his spouse





Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife chair a ceremony to welcome President of Argentina Mauricio Macri and his spouse, who are paying a State visit to Vietnam





Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong and President of Argentina Mauricio Macri





Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong (right) greets President of Argentina Mauricio Macri





Bengaluru: On Tuesday The Ministry of External Affairs demolished Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's counter offered earlier today with seven points. The MEA exposed Pakistan's terror hypocrisy, condemning PM Imran Khan's propaganda. In his first statement after the horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in which at least 40 CRPF jawans were killed, the Pakistan PM today rejected any role in the attack. He had further said that he understood that elections are impending in India and the narrative of blaming Pakistan would make it easier to get votes from the masses.

While, assuring India that he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack if India shares "actionable intelligence", Khan said Pakistan wants "stability in the region". The February 14 suicide attack was carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) terror group.

Here are the seven points raised by the MEA:

1. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has offered to investigate the matter if India provides proof. This is a lame excuse. In the horrific attack in Mumbai on 26/11, the proof was provided to Pakistan. Despite this, the case has not progressed for the last more than 10 years. Likewise, on the terror attack on Pathankot airbase, there has been no progress. Promises of guaranteed action ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan.

2. Pakistans Prime Minister has called for dialogue and expressed his readiness to talk about terrorism. India has repeatedly stated that it is ready to engage in a comprehensive bilateral dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence.

3. It is regrettable that the Pakistani Prime Minister has insinuated that Indias response to the terrorist attack is determined by the forthcoming General Election. India rejects this false allegation. Indias democracy is a model for the world which Pakistan would never understand. We demand Pakistan to stop misleading the international community and take credible and visible action against the perpetrators of Pulwama terrorist attack and other terrorists and terror groups operating from areas under their control.

also read Bells will not chime in your temples: Pakistans railway minister provoked India

4. We are not surprised that the Prime Minister of Pakistan refuses to acknowledge the attack on our security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism. Prime Minister of Pakistan has neither chosen to condemn this heinous act nor condoled with the bereaved families.

5. Disclaiming any link between the terrorist attack and Pakistan is an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan. The Pakistani Prime Minister has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Muhammed, as well as by the terrorist, who perpetrated this heinous crime. It is a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Muhammed and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action.

6. The Prime Minister has referred to a Naya Pakistan with new thinking. In this Naya Pakistan, Ministers of the current Government publicly share platforms with terrorists like Hafiz Saeed, who have been proscribed by the United Nations.

7. Pakistan claims to be the greatest victim of terrorism. This is far from the truth. The international community is well acquainted with the reality that Pakistan is the nerve centre of terrorism.

also read By breaking protocol, PM Modi Welcomed Saudi Crown Prince at Delhi Airport, a wide range of issues will be discussTaipei: On Tuesday, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said that she will run for re-election as the island's leader in 2020, despite her flagging popularity and growing hostility from Beijing. Tsai revealed her plans in an exclusive interview while aboard her presidential plane, saying she wanted to "complete" her vision for Taiwan.

She said "It's natural that any sitting president wants to do more for the country and wants to finish things on his or her agenda,". Tsai was the first woman to be elected leader of the self-governed democratic island in 2016, sweeping to power amid promises to overhaul the economy and lessen Taiwan's reliance on mainland China. But two years later, her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) suffered major losses during local elections in 2018, prompting her to resign as chairwoman of the party. Across the island, her party lost by almost 10 per cent of the vote. Since then, she has faced calls from senior members of her own party to not seek re-election.

also read President Jair Bolsonaro first defeat in Congress, against altered Brazil's freedom of information law to broaden

Although despite the criticism, Tsai told that she was "confident" in her ability to win. "This is something I have prepared for... It's again another challenge. Being President, you're not short of challenges. At good times you have challenges of one sort, and in bad times you have challenges of another sort."

It is noted that despite being self-governed since 1949, Beijing still views Taiwan as a renegade province and part of the People's Republic of China. Tsai's predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou, forged close ties with Beijing and even met Chinese President Xi Jinping in a historic 2016 meeting in Singapore. In a speech last month, Xi made a renewed call for Taiwan to rejoin mainland China, asking it to embrace "peaceful reunification" and warning independence was a "dead end". But in her New Year's address, Tsai told Beijing to "face the reality of the existence of the Republic of China", the official name of Taiwan.

also read Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly voted to the entry of humanitarian aidNew Delhi: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in India amid tension between India and Pakistan over the February 14 Pulwama attack. Mohammed bin Salman - MBS, as he is referred to, was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Palam technical area on Tuesday night. He was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday morning.

Referring to the Pulwama attack on CRPF convoy, on February 14, PM Modi said that those 'supporting terrorism' need to be brought to books. "I am happy that Saudi Arabia and India agree on this... We have agreed to extend cooperation in counter-terrorism, maritime security and cybersecurity," Modi said during a joint statement.

Talking to media on the sidelines of the reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, MBS said that 'India is in Saudi DNA'. "Today we want to be sure that this relationship is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. With the leadership of the President and the PM, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India," he further said. During his speech, the Saudi Crown Prince said that India offers opportunities worth over $100 billion.

also read Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between India And Pakistan: Saudi minister of state Adel al-Jubeir

It is worth mentioning here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman witness the exchange of MoUs between the two countries. Saudi minister of state Adel al-Jubeir was quoted as saying "Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully,". Welcoming the Crown Prince, PM Modi said, "India is delighted to welcome HRH Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia." India is delighted to welcome HRH Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, later during the day, he met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at 10.45 am at ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi. PM Modi and MBS are slated to hold delegation level talks and will exchange agreements and press statements later during the day. The Saudi Crown Prince will then meet President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. While India will be raising the issue of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, some of the key areas of cooperation include trade, tourism, information and broadcasting.

also read Curfew relaxed in Jammu and Kashmir for a few hours, further extension depends upon the situation

Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to depart at 11.50 pm. Reports suggested that he would be visiting China as a part of his Asia tour.New Delhi: Amid tension between India and Pakistan over the February 14 Pulwama attack, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in India. Mohammed bin Salman, (MBS) as he referred to, was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Palam technical area on Tuesday night. He was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday morning. Earlier, the Crown Prince visited Pakistan, where he was given a red-carpet welcome. The Saudi Crown Prince flew back to his country before leaving for India, as New Delhi had apprehensions over him arriving in India from Pakistan.

While talking to media on the sidelines of the reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, MBS said that 'India is in Saudi DNA'. Further added that "Today we want to be sure that this relationship is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. With the leadership of the President and the PM, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India," he further said.

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Saudi minister of state Adel al-Jubeir was quoted as saying "Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully,". Welcoming the Crown Prince, PM Modi said, "India is delighted to welcome HRH Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia."

Meanwhile, later during the day, he will be meeting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at 10.45 am at ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi. He will be meeting PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House at 12 noon. The two leaders will hold delegation level talks and will exchange agreements and press statements. The Saudi Crown Prince will then meet President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. While India will be raising the issue of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, some of the key areas of cooperation include trade, tourism, information and broadcasting.

Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to depart at 11.50 pm. Reports suggested that he would be visiting China as a part of his Asia tour.

also read Supreme Court held Anil Ambani guilty of contempt, could be 3-month jail if failure to make paymentNew Delhi: Just one day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan sought actionable evidenc to prove Islamabad was behind the Pulwama attack, an image of his official Facebook was posted with the caption Dont mess with my country.

The picture was posted with Pakistan PMs image and a message in Urdu which read: If India thinks it will attack Pakistan we will just not think and retaliate. We all know it is easy to start a war but very difficult to end. I hope better sense will prevail.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will run for re-election as the island's leader in 2020

Pakistan PM on Tuesday also said that Pakistan wants peace but will retaliate in case of revenge action by India.

Khan said he couldnt respond earlier as he was busy with the preparations to receive the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The Saudi Prince visited India after a two-day visit to Pakistan earlier.

Earlier, a terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar from the banned Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), rammed an explosive-laden Scorpio SUV into a bus playing with a 78-vehicle Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy, in which 40 Jawans sacrificed their life.

President Jair Bolsonaro first defeat in Congress, against altered Brazil's freedom of information law to broaden

It is to be noted that Pakistan did not act on the dossier sent to it by India after 26/11 massacre by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Earlie, India has urged Islamabad to take action JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar over 2001 Parliament and 2016 Pathankot attacks but no action has been takenNew Delhi: On Wednesday, slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress asked whether according a "grand welcome" to those who praised Pakistan's "anti-terror" efforts was his way of remembering the Pulwama attack martyrs.

It is worth mentioning here that congress questioning about the special gesture that Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday received Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport last night. "National interests v/s Modiji's 'hugplomacy' breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistan's 'anti-terror' efforts. Is it our way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama?" Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter tagging photographs of Modi hugging the crown prince and sharing a laugh at the airport.



also read Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will run for re-election as the island's leader in 2020

Surjewala also urged the prime minister to "show courage" and ask Saudi Arabia to undo its joint statement with Pakistan in which they called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. He said "Modiji, Is asking for a terrorist to be designated as such politicisation of UN listings? Would you show courage to ask Saudi Arabia to undo their 'Joint Statement' with Pak virtually rejecting India's demand for designating Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist'?".



The Crown Prince arrived in India last night on a less than 30-hour visit, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said the dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion on Sunday. The Crown Prince's visit comes days after a Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's suicide bomber killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel.

also read President Jair Bolsonaro first defeat in Congress, against altered Brazil's freedom of information law to broadenIslamabad: Hardly an hour after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan absolved his country of any involvement in the barbarous terror attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force jawans in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district, a senior minister in his government targeted India with a communal rant. In a video posted on social media platform Twitter, Pakistans railway minister said that Pakistan is prepared for peace and for war and India should not live with the misconception that Pakistan will keep quiet if provoked.

Important video message pic.twitter.com/GAudYdXG6g  Sheikh Rashid Ahmad (@ShkhRasheed) February 19, 2019

Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said in his address If you talk peace, there will be peace. If you talk war, there will be war. As PM Imran Khan said, Pakistan is absolutely against terrorism. Imran Khan has categorically said that the reason why Muslims are being hounded in India today is because of Kashmir. We have not worn bangles. For us, Pakistan is life and Pakistan is death. If anyone looks at Pakistan with malice, those eyes will be gouged out. Then neither will you have prosperity nor will bells chime in your temples. Pakistan is that fort for Muslims that Muslims all over the world look out for, and in Imran Khan's governance, over 20 crores of people are ready for peace and for war,.

also read By breaking protocol, PM Modi Welcomed Saudi Crown Prince at Delhi Airport, a wide range of issues will be discuss

Pakistan PM Imran Khan on Tuesday denied his countrys hand in orchestrating the February 14 Pulwama attack that resulted in the death of 40 CRPF jawans, arguing that it was 'not in Pakistan's interest'. Delivering an address on Radio Pakistan  his first comment on the matter since the attack  Khan promised that his government will extend full support if India provides actionable intelligence on the Pulwama terror attack.

He said My statement is for the Indian government. You (Indian govt) have blamed the Pakistan government without any evidence. If Pakistan was planning the visit of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, what does it stand to gain out of this? Pakistan ko isse kya faayda hai? Kyu Pakistan karega iss stage ke upar jab Pakistan stability ki taraf ja raha hai?,, adding, "It is in our interest that nobody from our soil spreads violence. I want to tell the Indian government that we will take action if evidence is found against anyone from Pakistan.

also read Mehbooba Mufti thinks Imran Khan deserves a chance to talk

However, to be noted that banned Pakistani terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed carried out a brutal attack that killed 40 CRPF jawans on February 14 in Awantipora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The attack took place around 3:30 pm after a suicide bomber, identified as local boy Adil Ahmad Dar, in a Mahindra Scorpio car loaded with 350 kilograms of explosives rammed into a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying over 2500 CRPF personnel on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway.New Delhi: With a view to ensure better safety of women, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry on Tuesday launched three initiatives, including safety tool 'Panic Button' and DNA analysis facilities.



The initiatives will be jointly launched by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi.

The Panic Button, which was conceived in 2015, will be launched across 14 states at a cost of Rs 321.69 crore made available from the Nirbhaya Fund, said an official statement.

This emergency response system was soft-launched in Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland recently.

Safe City Implementation Monitoring (SCIM), a web portal developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), will also be launched at Tuesday's event which will help track deployment of assets and infrastructure created under the Safe City projects online .

The DNA analysis centres will have facilities like refrigeration of samples, automated DNA extractor, and sequencer, centrifuges and genetic analysers, among others. A sum of Rs 78.86 crore has been sanctioned for this initiative.

"WCD and Home ministries are collaborating intensively to ensure that women are safe in the country. Besides, the initiatives referred above, fast-track special courts for cases of sexual assaults are also being set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Law for which Rs 767 crore has been sanctioned from the Nirbhaya Fund," Maneka Gandhi said in the statement.London: Shamima Begum, a teenager who left London when she was aged 15 to join Islamic State in Syria, has had her British citizenship revoked, according to a letter sent to her family published by ITV News on Tuesday.

Begum, who gave birth to a son at the weekend, was discovered in a refugee camp in Syria by a London Times journalist earlier this month. Now aged 19, she has told reporters she wants to return to Britain.

The letter addressed to Begum's mother said: "Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship.

"In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretary's decision has been served of file today (19th February), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made."

Britain's Home Secretary Sajid Javid has said he would "not hesitate" to prevent the return to Britain of anyone who has supported terrorist organisations aboard.

Mohammed T Akunjee, a lawyer representing Begum's family, said on Twitter the family was "very disappointed" by the move.

"We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision," he said.

Sky News, citing government sources, said Begum could have her citizenship revoked because she was a dual British-Bangladeshi national.

Britain's Home Office did not immediately respond to a request to comment.In a major boost to India's efforts to get JeM chief Masood Azhar on the list of global terrorists, France will be moving a proposal at the UN in a "couple of days" to ban the head of the UN-proscribed group, French sources said on Tuesday.



Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility of the Pulwama terror strike that left 40 CRPF personnel dead.



The proposal, when moved, will be fourth such bid at the UN in past ten years. In 2009 and 2016, India moved the UN's Sanctions Committee 1267 to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016.



India was joined by P3 countriesthe US, the UK and Francein the 2016 proposal.



In 2017, these P3 countries moved a similar proposal at the United Nations. However, China has always blocked the proposal from being adopted by the UN.



According to sources, this time around also, France, a permanent member of the UN, is expected to be joined by other countries in the proposal.



"At the UN, France will lead a proposal to put Masood Azhar on the terrorist list... It will happen in a couple of days," a senior French source said.



The French sources also said that the country will insist on maintaining Pakistan on the "grey list" of countries at the ongoing meet of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris. Pakistan was placed on the FATF grey list in June 2018 and put on notice to be blacklisted by October 2019 if it did not curb money laundering and terror financing.



The French decision was discussed between Philippe Etienne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval this morning, sources added.



While expressing his sincere condolences, the French leader, who called Doval, also emphasised that the two countries should coordinate their diplomatic efforts.



The proposal will be a boost to New Delhi's efforts to designate Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN.



After the Pulwama attack, New Delhi reached out to the international community, most of which condemned the terror strike, to highlight the role of Pakistan in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.



China expressed deep "shock" over the Pulwama attack carried out by a Jaish suicide bomber, but did not give an assurance to India that it will back New Delhi's appeal to list its chief as a global terrorist.



Significantly, a day ahead of his visit to India, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a joint statement with Prime Minister Imran Khan in Pakistan on Monday also called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime, a position that may not go well in New Delhi.Bengaluru: Indias desi fighter jet Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 today jettisoned into one of the most-awaited moments in its turbulent yet inspiring history, by bagging the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) on Wednesday.

At a simple event at Air Force Station Yelahanka, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Dr Satheesh Reddy and HAL Chairman R Madhavan handed over the release to service documents to Indian Air Force Chief (IAF) Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa.

The IAF Chief termed the event as a significant milestone for the programme and said the fighter performed exceedingly well during 'Gagan Shakti' military exercise in April 2018 and during the just-concluded 'Vayu Shakthi' this month.

Proof of the pudding is in eating and you saw how much the aircraft could fly and the number of sorties it could generate so far. In February this year, during Vayu Shakti, we showed you as to how accurately Tejas could dispense weapons on the target, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said.



He said Tejas can not only sustain a very high sortie rate but also can carry out very accurate weapon delivery, be it air-to-ground or in air-to-air modes.

We are in the process of issuing RFP (request for proposal) for 83 Tejas MK1As (the advance variant) so that the production continues, the IAF Chief said.

He said the IAF is also keenly pursuing the Mark-2 version of Tejas, a completely new variant now being called as the MWF (medium weight fighter).

The Tejas Mk-2 will be over six squadrons that will replace the Jaguars, Mirages and Mig-29s, he said.

To a specific question from Onmanorama on the response from IAF pilots (No 45 Squadron Flying Daggers), now flying the Tejas, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said: The pilots are very happy with the Tejas performance.

IAF Chief, DRDO Chief, ADA Director and defence secretary were present during the event.

Dr Satheesh Reddy termed the FOC event as one of the best ever moment for any aeronautical engineer in the country.

Right from the 'pithamahas' of this project, I want to thank everyone who were part of the project, Dr Reddy said.

Dr Girish Deodhare, Aeronautical Development Agency Programme Director told Onmanorama that Tejas has completed all critical operational test points as required by the IAF.

It is a great day for us. It is the culmination of all our efforts in the last 15 years. Tejas is now a fighting platform and recently we have integrated the refuelling probe as well that will get into all FOC platform, Girish said.

Tejas conceptualisation started with seed money in 1983 and the Project Definition Phase report was finalised in 1988. It was decided that first only a technology development (TD) programme would be sanctioned since many of the technologies were non- existent in the country.

The TD phase was sanctioned in 1993 and only after the first flight of TD-1 in 2001 (proving the technologies), the LCA programme was sanctioned in 2001. The first Tejas was inducted into the IAF in July 2016.

When asked about the oft-repeated accusation from many quarters that Tejas is a delayed programme, an official now part of the MWF team said, it was unfortunate.

You have seen how jubilant various teams that have worked with the programme were today after the FOC event. If you compare with any fighter programmes, they already had an aero-technological base to start with and we lacked this, he added.

Onmanorama had reported early this year about the release of final DAL (Drawing Applicability Lists) of Tejas to HAL on December 31, 2018.

DAL is the standard of preparation for production that forms the basis for the final product to be delivered to the customer. And, release of document as part of FOC on Wednesday signals that the fighter has satisfactorily completed all that the user wanted.

The pending minor points are not flight critical and will be completed. The upgradation of software is a constant process, he added.

(The writer is an independent aerospace and defence journalist, who blogs at Tarmak007 and tweets @writetake.)Jaipur: A Pakistan national belonging to the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba was allegedly murdered Wednesday in a brawl with other prisoners at the Central Jail here, officials said.

A police official said the prisoners fought over the volume of a tv set and hit Shakrullah (50) with a large stone.

The police said three or four prisoners were responsible for killing the life convict, who is from Sialkot in Pakistan's Punjab, and have registered a case of murder.

"A Pakistani prisoner was allegedly murdered today at the Central Jail. The matter will be investigated by a judicial magistrate and also by the police," Rajasthan Director General of Police Kapil Garg told PTI.

The incident comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack in which a car bomb killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Inspector General (Prisons) Rupinder Singh said Shakrullah had been lodged in the jail's special cell since 2011.

Earlier, he and seven others were held in a Punjab jail, accused of radicalising young people.

The module operated under the directions of its handlers in Pakistan, Jaipur Police Commissioner Anand Srivastava said.

Rajasthan's anti-terrorist squad had brought the eight accused from Punjab for interrogation in similar charges and booked them under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the official added.

In 2017, the LeT operative was sentenced to imprisonment for life.

Srivastava said the fight on Wednesday was over reducing the volume of a TV set in the jail.

Senior administration and police officials rushed to the jail after learning about the death.

Rupinder Singh said the post mortem will be conducted on the jail premises under judicial supervision.Bengaluru: The Indian armed forces are ready for counter-attack as their morale is high despite the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday.

"The response of all Indians to the terror attack in Pulwama has made our armed forces assert they are ready to retaliate against the enemy squarely," Sitharaman told reporters here.

Clarifying that the terror attack on the Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) troops, in which 40 of them died, had not affected the armed forces in any way, the Minister said they (jawans) were ready to do their job.

"The terror attack has not affected their morale at all. It is our duty to keep their morale high. We are here to stand by them," said Sitharaman at a press meet ahead of the biennial "Aero India 2019" air show in this aerospace hub from Wednesday.

Noting that she would respond to the queries on Pulwama attack after getting more information on it, the Minister said she could not disclose what the Defence Ministry was planning in order to avoid similar attack in future.

"We cannot disclose what we are planning to do to avoid similar attacks in the future," Sitharaman said in response to a query by IANS.

"Every effort will be made to prevent such events. But if there has been a change in a strategy or lapse, it won't be fair for me to talk about it at this moment," the Defence Minister said.

She said though India sent evidence to Pakistan on terror attacks in the country since terrorists from its side came to Mumbai on November 26, 2008, its government did not take any action against them.

"Since the Mumbai attack on November 26, 2008, the previous (UPA) government had sent evidence to Pakistan, but they did not take any action. Even our (NDA) government sent evidence of involvement of non-state actors but no action has been taken so far," Sitharaman said.

"Pakistan has nothing to show that they have taken action after evidence provided for earlier attackers," she stressed.New Delhi: Coinciding with the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday ordered release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in its jails.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the decision was taken on the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Another big deliverable! At the request of the PM, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails," he said in a tweet.

He said Prince Mohammed has also announced an increase in the quota for Indian Haj pilgrims to 2 lakh at the request of Prime Minister Modi. The present quota is about 1.75 lakh.

During his visit to Pakistan two days back, Prince Mohammed had agreed to release over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi jails.

United against terrorism

Against the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack, India and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said there was a need to exert "all possible pressure" on countries which extend any kind of support to terror activities as they agreed for biennial summit meetings and formation of the Strategic Partnership Council.

However, at the joint interaction with the media after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, there was no reference to Pakistan by either leader.

Modi said that the "barbaric terror attack" in Pulwama was another manifestation of the danger posed by terrorism to humanity.

"We agree that to deal with it effectively, there is need to put all possible pressure on countries which are giving any kind of support to terrorism," Modi said.

He said it was extremely necessary to destroy terror infrastructure and to punish terrorists and their supporters.

Modi said there was need for an action plan to deal with extremism so that the youths were not misguided by forces linked to terror and violence.

"I am happy that Saudi Arabia and India have common thoughts on this," he said.

Prince Salman, in his remarks, said that extremism and terrorism were common concerns of the two countries and Saudi Arabia will fully cooperate with India.

"As far as the issue of extremism and terrorism, these are our common concerns. We want to tell India that we are ready to cooperate with you in every way, whether it is intelligence sharing.. Not only India but we will work with all the countries in the neighbourhood so that the future of the coming generations is secured," he said.

Business opportunities

Prince Mohammed said India offers investment opportunities of over $100 billion and his country will work to make investments beneficial for both countries.

He said the relations between two countries were "older than history" and these were "in blood".

Modi said Saudi Arabia was among the most important strategic partners of India in the 21st century.

"It is in our extended neighbourhood, is a close friend and an important source of India's energy needs. I am happy that in accordance with your suggestion, we have agreed for biennial summit meetings and Strategic Partnership Council. This will strengthen our ties," he said.

Modi said the two leaders discussed all aspects of the bilateral relationship and decided to take it to new heights. "We agreed to create a structure to facilitate institutional investment from Saudi Arabia. I welcome Saudi Arabia's investment in infrastructure."

He said time has come to turn energy relations to a strategic partnership and noted that Saudi Arabia's participation in world's largest refinery and strategic petroleum reserve will take their energy relationship beyond that of buyer and seller.

He said the two countries have also decided to increase and expand their defence cooperation in the context of their strategic environment.

Modi said that e-visa facility for Saudi nationals is being expanded to boost trade and tourism and thanked Prince Salman for the increase in Haj quota for Indians.

He welcomed Saudi Arabia's participation in International Solar Alliance.

"Peaceful use of nuclear energy, specially for water desalination and health will be another aspect of our cooperation," he said.

He said presence of 2.7 million Indians in Saudi Arabia is an important link in bilateral ties. "You have always kept their welfare in mind and for this, their gratitude and good wishes are with you," Modi said.

Earlier, the crown prince, who is on his first state visit to India, received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

He told the media that the ties between India and the Arabian Peninsula "is in our DNA".

"With the leadership of the president and the prime minister, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India," he said.

Prince Mohammed arrived in the capital on Tuesday for a two-day visit and was received by Modi at the Palam airport.In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike, Meghalaya Governor Tathagatha Roy called for the boycott of Kashmir and Kashmiri products. He tweeted: "An appeal from a retired colonel of the Indian Army: Dont visit Kashmir, dont go to Amarnath for the next 2 years. Dont buy articles from Kashmir emporia or Kashmiri tradesman who come every winter. Boycott everything Kashmiri. I am inclined to agree."



The tweet comes at a time when there are reports of Kashmiris being harassed across the country. A Kashmiri student from Jamia Millia Islamia, who did not wish to be identified, told PTI, "Just the fact that one is a Kashmiri, irrespective of his ideology or leanings, is enough to put one's life to risk. It is happening across the country. Kashmiri students are being harassed and hounded, be it Dehradun, Ambala or Bangalore. We really fear for our security here too."



JNU activist Shehla Rashid, who hails from Kashmir, said, "Throughout India, mobs are attacking Kashmiri students, verbally abusing them, asking for them to be expelled and filing false cases against them. The pretext being given in each case is that they said Pakistan Zindabad and even police is buying into these false claims."



Roy, who identifies himself as a right wing socio-political thinker and writer, has made such controversial statements before. In 2018, when the newly elected BJP government in Tripura pulled down a statue of Lenin, he tweeted, according to Economic Times: What one democratically-elected government can do, another democratically-elected government can undo. And vice versa.

After a backlash against the statement, Roy tweeted, "Vociferously violent reactions from media and several others to my ECHOING OF a suggestion from a retired army colonel. A purely NON-VIOLENT REACTION to the killing of our soldiers by the hundreds and the driving out of 3.5 lakh Kashmiri Pandits."

(This story originally appeared in The Week)Kasaragod: The police have recovered the weapons allegedly used to carry out the twin murders of Youth Congress activists at Periya on Sunday. A local court has sent CPM local committee member and the prime accused, A Peethambaran, to police custody for seven days.

The police informed the court that more people are likely to be involved the crime.

The weapons found included a chopper used to hack the victims and iron rods with which the slain men - Kripesh and Sharathlal - were beaten up. All the weapons were identified by the accused.

Peethambaran was arrested by the police on Tuesday. A six-member gang that used to intervene in local issues on his behalf is also in custody. Members of the gang had told the police that the murders were carried out by Peethambaran along with the two persons in custody.

Police officers take Peethambaran for evidence collection.

Peethambaran had reportedly admitted in a written statement that he committed the crime with the support of two others in custody.

Earlier Peethambaran's mother Thambayi, wife Manju and daughter Devika said that he would not dare to attempt such a major crime without the knowledge of the party.

There might have been some local issues or scuffle earlier, but he (Peethambaran) is innocent. He is now confessing for someone else, said Thambayi.

According to the police, it was a local gang that was behind the crime and no quotation team (contract killers) was involved.

Kripesh and Sharathlal were hacked to death on Sunday. Sharathlal was an accused in an assault on Peethambaran.Kasaragod: The quick detention and arrest of the main accused in the twin murder of Youth Congress workers at Periya in Kasaragod indicate that the CPM has decided to play it safe with the Lok Sabha polls round the corner. Kallyott CPM local committee member A Peethambaran was the main suspect pointed out by the relatives and friends of the slain youths Sharathlal (Joshi) and Kripesh and they believed that there existed a deep hatred between the two groups.

Though scuffles and verbal clashes were common between the two gangs, the residents never expected that the rivalry would lead to brutal murder of the two youngsters. One of the residents, who was close to both the gangs, said that it was shocking that people who lived so close nursed hatred that they waited for an opportunity to finish off the rivals.

However, the local CPM leaders acted quick. They sensed that any bid to protect the accused would only harm them. The two youngsters were hacked to death on the same day (February 17) on which CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran took out the 'Kerala Samrakshana Yathra' from Kasaragod.

Though rumours of a gang from Kannur and threats of other people on social media against Sharath and Kripesh surfaced, those close to the victims as well as Peethambaran doubted only the CPM worker and his local gang. Sharathlal was an accused in the assault on Peethambaran more than a month ago.

The local CPM leadership as well as the state leadership had to act quickly to respond to uneasy questions. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan cancelled his official programmes in Thrissur on Monday and held a closed door meeting with party state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan at the AKG Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. On Tuesday, Pinarayi promised stringent action against the accused and Kodiyeri stressed that the party would not stand by the accused.

According to sources, the main suspects were denied any protection by the party and they were asked to surrender as early as possible. They sensed that providing any help to the suspects would only harm the party and it could ill-afford at a time when the election campaign has already started. When the party also disowned, the culprits had no other option, but to surrender. However, their confession put the police in doubt as to whether it was a ploy to mislead the probe or even protect more culprits.

The CPM leaders have alleged that the Congress is trying to cash in on the issue. They blame Congress for forcing the families of the victims to give statement against the top leaders of CPM in order to thwart them from contesting. Now their target would be those on our list to contest from Kasaragod constituency or other popular leaders so that they can tarnish us the maximum. We understand the feelings of the victims' families, but they are being used by the Congress leaders. Soon after the murder, only names of local leaders like Peethambaran came up, but now they are saying even the state-level leaders had threatened these two youngsters. That is not true, said a CPM leader.

As per reports, Peethambaran had admitted in a written statement that he committed the crime with the support of two others in custody. Soon after Peethambaran's arrest was recorded by the police on Tuesday, CPM Kasaragod district committee expelled him from the party following directions from the state committee.

Peethambaran's family, meanwhile, said that he would not attempt a crime without the knowledge of the CPM and alleged that he would have owned up for someone else's act.

However, Kodiyeri was quick to refute the theory of Peethambaran's family.Kasaragod: The family members of the main accused in the murder of two Youth Congress workers near Periya in Kerala's Kasaragod district suspect the CPI(M) had a role in the crime, but almost hinted that he has been a party henchman.

The kin of M Peethambaran, a CPI(M) local committee member who was expelled from the party on Tuesday soon after his arrest, said he would not attempt a crime without the knowledge of the CPI(M), but alleged he would have owned up for someone else's act.

Youth Congress workers Kripesh and Sharathlal (Joshi) were hacked to death by a gang of assailants at Kallyott, near Periya on Sunday. Sharathlal was an accused in the assault on Peethambaran.

Peethambaran's mother Thambayi, wife Manju and daughter Devika said that he would not dare to attempt such a major crime without the knowledge of the party.

There might have been some local issues or scuffle earlier, but he (Peethambaran) is innocent. He is now confessing for someone else, said Thambayi.

The deceased had attacked Peethamabaran on January 5. He was injured in the attack and had to get a metal implant on his hand. He can't do anything without someone's help, wife Manju said.

Youth Congress workers Kripesh (R) and Sharathlal (Joshi) were hacked to death by a gang of assailants at Kallyott, near Periya on Sunday.

Earlier also he was involved in petty cases, but all with the knowledge of the party. We do not know on what basis the party is disowning him now, Manju added.

The teenage daughter of the accused is of the opinion that if her father has indeed committed a crime, he should be punished. But she strongly believes that he would not commit such a sin.

The houses of the victims and Peethambaran are within a kilometre radius.

As per reports, Peethambaran had admitted in a written statement that he committed the crime with the support of two others in custody. However, the police will seek their custody and continue interrogation.

Kripesh and Sharathlal were hacked to death on Sunday. Sharathlal was an accused in an assault on Peethambaran.

Kodiyeri refutes charge

Reacting to the allegations raised by Peethambaran's family, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the party had no role in the murders of two Youth Congress workers at Periya in Kerala's Kasaragod district.

He claimed that Peethambaran's family may be thinking on those lines but it is not true. The family would have made such a statement after he was arrested in the case. However, that statements could not be taken as ultimate truth, he added.

Henchmen or hired goons?

Police are yet to conclude definitely whether CPI(M) activists or hired goons executed the murder. Suspects in police custody have claimed that it was not the work of a hired gang, but Peethambaran and two others already in custody killed the workers.

Though Peethambaran and six others have stuck to their statements, the police will seek their custody and continue interrogation. The police hope to garner conclusive information after taking Peethambaran into custody from the Kanjangad First-Class Magistrate Court Wednesday.

Though it has been established that Peethambaran was close to all six in custody, including a 19-year old, others involvement is yet to be ascertained. Even when injuries on the victims point to a hired-hand killing, there is no evidence yet to come to this conclusion.

More arrests are expected in the double murder case. Leads are hard to come by and the police are depending on suspects statements to find clues.

Peethambaran had ordered an autorickshaw driver to kill the two Youth Congress activists, say those in custody. But lack of evidence has forced the police to discard this.

Peethambaran was arrested on Tuesday. Soon after his arrest was recorded by police, Kasaragod district committee of the CPI(M) expelled him from the party following directions from the state committee.

Two others were also detained for questioning on Tuesday. Three others were already taken into custody by the police on Monday. Apart from them, another CPI(M) supporter whose identity is not revealed has also been detained. According to sources, his car was found abandoned at Pakkam, near Velutholi in Kasaragod district. Police are yet to ascertain their roles in the crime.

Meanwhile, the police have not learnt much on the Kannur-registered vehicle seen at Kalliyode on the day of murder.

The Youth Congress has planned a hunger strike to expedite probe in Kasaragod town today. It will be inaugurated by former chief minister Oommen Chandy.Kasaragod: The police have arrested one more person in connection with the murder of two Youth Congress activists at Periya in Kerala's Kasaragod district. Saji George, a CPM supporter, was taken into custody earlier but the police recorded his arrest only on Wednesday night.

Saji, who belongs to Echiladukkom, was the driver of the vehicle used by the killers.

A Peethambaran, CPM Periya local committee member, was arrested on Tuesday. A five-member gang that intervened in local issues on his behalf is also in custody.

Youth Congress workers Sharathlal and Kripesh, who were riding a bike, were intercepted by the killers who were travelling in a jeep and hacked to death around 7:40pm on Sunday. The police have recovered the handle of the chopper used in the crime and a mobile phone allegedly belonging to the accused from the crime scene.

Earlier on Wednesday, a local court had sent CPM local committee member and the prime accused, Peethambaran, to police custody for seven days.

Peethambaran had reportedly admitted in a written statement that he committed the crime with the support of two others in custody.

Peethambaran's mother Thambayi, wife Manju and daughter Devika said that he would not dare to attempt such a major crime without the knowledge of the party.

There might have been some local issues or scuffle earlier, but he (Peethambaran) is innocent. He is now confessing for someone else, said Thambayi.

According to the police, it was a local gang that was behind the crime and no quotation team (contract killers) was involved.

Sharathlal was an accused in an assault on Peethambaran.Muvattupuzha: The Muvattupuzha First-Class Magistrate Court has asked the police to provide complete protection to Sister Lissie, a witness in the nun rape case, two days after she was brought out of a convent by the cops. The police had intervened after her brother had complained of illegal confinement and torture at the convent following her testimony against rape-accused Bishop Franco.

The court has also directed against Lissies transfer to a convent in Vijayawada. She should be provided security and not be transferred to any other nunnery against her wish, says the court order.

The nun is currently looking after her sick mother in Thodupuzha. Lissie was taken to a hospital in Thodupuzha after she asked to meet her mother when produced in court on Monday.

On Monday, police had shifted her from the Jeevajyothy Convent located at Vazhapilly, Thrikka, after her brother Jimmy complained to the police that she was not being allowed to meet her ailing mother and family members. The Muvattupuzha court registered Lissies statement subsequently.

Jimmy had registered a complaint with the Muvattupuzha police saying the convent authorities forbid her from meeting or calling anyone. Efforts were also being made to transfer her to Vijayawada, the complaint stated.

Sr Lissie has been based at the convent at Thrikka in Muvattupuzha for the last 14 years after returning from Vijayawada where she was deputed initially. She appeared as a witness in the sensational nun rape case in which Bishop Franco of the Jalandhar diocese is the accused. After deposing at the court initially, she was taken to the Vijayawada centre by the church authorities, but she was allowed to return to Kerala to meet her ailing mother. She was accompanied by two nuns on this trip, but she reportedly went missing after she was allowed to proceed to Thodupuzha to meet her mother. Soon, Jimmy filed a complaint with the Kottayam police.

CRPF soldier Vasantha Kumar from Vythiri village in Kerala's Wayanad had just returned to Kashmir on February 9 after a brief vacation with his family and was heading to Srinagar. G Subramanian from Tamil Nadu had gotten off a call with his wife after having assured her that their barracks were only a few minutes away.

They were two of over 40 jawans from different corners of India whose martyrdom jolted our collective conscience. On February 14, an explosive-laden SUV rammed into one of the buses in a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying security personnel and mercilessly tore it apart. With this reprehensible fidayeen attack by JeM militant Adil Ahmad Dar, 40 brave CRPF men had their lives snuffed out in a despicable and cowardly act of terrorism. This is not to lose sight of the sacrifice of a thousand others who have laid down their lives for the country for so long. The scale of this attack was what delivered a body blow to our version of what was actually transpiring around us. It unmistakably clawed open our eyes.

Yes, the fury is understandable. The gnawing pain is palpable. Consequently, therell be attempts to whip up nationalist sentiment and adulterate it with the muck of divisive politics. Yes, we do need to ask a lot of questions. We want answers that truly address pressing concerns and aren't fine-tuned to placate the masses. This is not the time for partisanship or buck-passing. Let there also be room to grieve. Right now, our nation needs togetherness and that too, with a sense of urgency.

Additionally, we should begin to lend a willing ear to the grievances of those who have been dragged into the fray.

Inevitably, those in power might have the propensity to cave into public outrage and are at the risk of resorting to knee-jerk reactions to avenge this abominable attack. This can obfuscate the voices of those who genuinely aim to fructify coherent policy measures that secure the interests of the body politic. We can't allow the clamour for tit-for-tat measures or bloodshed to drown out these voices.

War can set a dangerous precedent and will only end up leaving more violence in its wake. We also can't sit on the fence and let the perpetrators get away with their audacious act of terrorism. The last thing we should be doing is letting them off the hook. What we need is to strike at the root of the problem. The complex geopolitics of the region must be taken into consideration while formulating a response to this brazen attack. Its time to commit to ironclad policies that reign in countries which canoodle terrorist organisations. The world should no longer give short shrift to the belligerent patronisation of terrorism. Resetting of diplomatic relations with nations that sponsor these nefarious acts of violence should be considered. We have to take an uncompromising stand when it comes to the destabilisation of groups that cause this carnage.

Most importantly, it's high time we realised that there's no way one can conveniently look the other way as this conflict rages on. History is sodden with all the gory stories that violence bathed us in. We don't want another bloody struggle in its annals. We need accountability.

In a gesture of solidarity with the Indian soldier V V Vasanth Kumar, who was killed in the Pulwama terror attack, Malayalam film star Mammootty visited the braveheart's house at Thrikkaippatta in Wayanad district.

The actor made a brief visit escaping media glare and star glitz. But a video, which was shot by one of the family members and posted on social media, has gone viral.

Sharing the grief of the bereaved family, Mammootty condoled the kin and spent some time there.

He later paid floral tribute to the slain soldier at his grave in the family burial ground a kilometer away from the residence.

Mammootty was accompanied by actor Abu Salim, DySP (Special Branch, Wayanad) Bijo Alexander and production controller Badusha.

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and several injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-eMohammed suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district on February 14.Chennai: The Congress will contest nine seats in Tamil Nadu and the sole seat in Puducherry in the Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the DMK.

DMK president M K Stalin made the announcement on Wednesday at party headquarters Anna Arivalayam in the presence of Congress general secretary in-charge of Tamil Nadu Mukul Wasnik, TNCC chief K S Alagiri and other senior leaders following conclusion of seat sharing talks.

Tamil Nadu has 39 Lok Sabha constituencies.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam treasurer M K Stalin addresses a press conference. IANS

The pact between the two parties was widely expected as Stalin had proposed Congress president Rahul Gandhi's name for the prime minister's post at a DMK function here in December last year.

Taking a dig at the state's ruling AIADMK that signed poll pacts with the PMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party at a five star hotel on Tuesday, Stalin said the DMK and the Congress signed their deal in his party headquarters.

According to him, the AIADMK alliance is a "money welfare alliance" and not a "people welfare alliance".

Queried about the constituencies that Congress would contest in Tamil Nadu, Stalin said talks for alliance are on with several other parties and once the alliance with others are finalised, then the constituencies will be decided.

He said that those parties which have been with DMK for the past two years and participated in its protest programmes will be part of the party's alliance.

The DMK will contest in all the Lok Sabha constituencies that were not shared with its alliance partners, he added.

The DMK-led alliance is expected include the two communist parties, the VCK and the IUML.

Queried whether the Congress will also support the DMK in the upcoming bypolls for 21 assembly constituencies, he said: "Let the bypolls get announced, then the announcement will be made about Congress party's support."

He also said the party's Lok Sabha poll manifesto is under preparation.

Congress leader K C Venugopal said Gandhi gave a clear direction on the alliance talks and for the past two days, DMK and Congress leaders were holding informal talks in Delhi and Chennai.

Claiming that the entire country was disappointed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, he said the alliance will win all the 40 seats - 39 in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry.

Earlier in the day, DMK MP Kanimozhi and Tamil Nadu Congress unit president K S Alagiri returned here. They had met Gandhi on Tuesday in Delhi separately.

Speaking to reporters here, Alagiri said the AIADMK-PMK alliance announced on Tuesday is an "opportunistic one".

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress drew a blank as it contested alone in Tamil Nadu while the DMK and its allies also drew blank in the state and Puducherry.Kalpetta: The members of the Thurki Jeevan Raksha Samithi, a social organization, have laid a temporary approach road to the Thurki Bridge in a bid to overcome the challenges posed by the unscientific construction of the bridge.

Though the bridge was completed in 2015, it could not be used as there was a height difference between the bridge and road, and one could reach the bridge only with the help of a ladder. But unfortunately no corrective measures were taken by the authorities concerned despite repeated appeals.

Following the apathy of the officialdom, the samithi took the initiative to lay a temporary connection road, which could be used by two-wheelers and auto rickshaws, to the bridge. Hundreds of families of Kaithakolli, Chenawala colony and Adelaide are in distress due to lack of an approach road to the bridge.

Total neglect

The new bridge was built in place of an aging decades-old iron bridge, and funds for its construction were set aside in 2012. Though the bridge was completed before deadline, the work relating to approach road was indefinitely stalled.

The work was stopped on the grounds that building the road was costlier than constructing the bridge. The efforts of the civic body officials to convince the authorities concerned to restart the road works also went down the drain.

Hassles galore

The residents of Kaithakolli, Chenawala colony and Adelaide have been facing travel woes for many years. The construction of the new bridge has only compounded the problem in hand as they have to travel more than 5 kms to reach Kalpetta town in Wayanad district.

Meanwhile, the local residents have decided to intensify their protest against the lackluster attitude of the officials. They have demanded to complete the road works in the near future.

Read more Wayanad NewsHousewarming ceremonies offer families memories to cherish for a lifetime. When Biju Kottarathil moved to his new home at Nileswar, the entire area had reasons to celebrate.

Biju, M A Yusuff Ali's secretary who has worked with the Lulu Group for 20 years, wanted his boss to be present for the ceremony. Little did he expect that the retail magnate would fly his business jet from Abu Dhabi to Kerala to be with him.

I moved to my new house at Padannakkad on August 19, 2017. When I invited Yusuff Ali sir for the ceremony, he said that he would try to come. But he flew to Kerala only for that function, on his 12-seater Gulfstream G550.

Yusuff Ali landed at Kozhikode and hired a helicopter to go to Padannakkad to attend Biju's housewarming ceremony. He spent half an hour with the family before returning.

Yusuff Ali values sincerity and honesty in his staff. He wants his employees to be driven by something more than a paycheck. They should work with dedication and they should think of the company as their own.

Yusuff Ali with Biju and family.

Lulu Group employees are expected to come up with new ideas. Yusuff Ali often says that he had received ideas from his employees in store design, display and hygiene. I want my employees to receive a decent pay. They should be paid on time. They are also assured of job security, Yusuff Ali said.

Yusuff Ali cut his teeth in retailing in Ahmedabad, where he had gone to pursue his studies in 1970. He joined his uncle M K Abu's M K Brothers' Department Store. Three years later, he flew to Abu Dhabi, where another uncle M K Abdulla was running a store.

He started out as an employee of the store but soon set up his own business which later grew to employ about 50,000 people.

Yusuff Ali takes care of the people who stand by him. He used to recruit his staff himself. He gave preference to the family members of his employees while recruiting.

The business group does not demand potential staff to deposit money with it, a contrast in a job market contaminated by ruthless recruiters who fleece candidates of lakhs of rupees even without a proper job offer.

(Watch this space for more on Yusuff Ali)The Kerala Police is going to get bullet-proof SUVs with all the latest security features.

Two Mitsubishi Pajeros will be equipped with latest security features. Rs 1.10 crore has been allotted for this. The vehicle that has an ex-showroom price tag of Rs 27 lakh is expected to cost Rs 55 lakh after it is fully equipped. The vehicles will be bullet as well as grenade proof.

The DGP had decided to buy two Mitsubishi Pajero cars from Hindustan Motors Corporation Limited a year ago. Thirty per cent of the price was given in advance without floating a tender.

Currently, Kerala Police has three bullet-proof cars forcing it to borrow such vehicles from the police force of other states when VIPs come visiting. This necessitated the buying of new cars. Authorities said that the new cars will be available by the middle of this year.

Pajero Sport is one of the best SUVs of Japanese car maker Mitsubishi. The 2.5 litre engine has a peak power of 178 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 350 Nm of peak torque from 1,800 to 3,500 rpm. Available in both two-wheel and four-wheel configurations, the price of the car starts from Rs 27 lakh.US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that trade talks with China were going well and suggested he was open to pushing off the deadline to complete negotiations, saying March 1 was not a magical date, Trend reports citing Reuters.

Tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports are scheduled to rise to 25 percent from 10 percent by March 1 if the worlds two largest economies do not settle their trade dispute, but Trump has suggested several times that he would be open to postponing the deadline.

They are very complex talks. Theyre going very well, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. I cant tell you exactly about timing, but the date is not a magical date. A lot of things can happen.

Trump said the real question would be whether the United States would raise the tariffs as planned.

I know that China would like not for that to happen, so I think theyre trying to move fast so that doesnt happen.

On Tuesday, the United States and China launched a new round of talks in Washington, with follow-up sessions later in the week. The negotiations followed a week of talks in Beijing that ended last week without a deal but which officials said had yielded progress on some key issues.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

A delegation led by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar will leave for the US on Feb. 20, Trend reports referring to the Turkish media.

Akar together with the delegation, which also includes Chief of the General Staff Yasar Guler, will leave for Washington.

Akar will meet with US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan.

The Syrian issue, as well as regional issues and relations between the two countries will be discussed during the meeting.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

The reason for the presence of Armenian citizens in Turkey is the economic crisis in Armenia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, Trend reports with reference to the Turkish media.

Erdogan was speaking at the Budapest Process forum on migration issues in Istanbul.

He noted that about 100,000 Armenians live in Turkey, and 40,000 of them are citizens of Turkey.

Turkey doesnt expel Armenians who have to flee their country due to the economic crisis, Erdogan said.

He added that despite this, anti-Turkish propaganda regarding the 1915 events is being conducted in Western countries, in particular, in Europe.

According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 51,800 tourists from Armenia visited Turkey in 2018, which is 7.37 percent more compared to 2017.

According to the ministry, 3,900 Armenian citizens visited Turkey in December 2018, which is 10.26 percent more compared to December 2017. Every month the number of Armenian citizens visiting Turkey grows by at least 3 percent.

According to the Turkish media, monthly at least 200 Armenian citizens stay in Turkey and work illegally. This can be called Armenias "people's diplomacy", or rather, the method of settling in Turkey.

According to the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), nine companies with Armenian capital were registered in Turkey in 2018. The total capital of companies registered in Turkey for this period amounted to 1.1 million liras (approximately $213,500).

The companies with Armenian capital were mainly registered in Istanbul (eight companies) in 2018.

Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that Turkey's predecessor, the Ottoman Empire, allegedly carried out "genocide" against the Armenians living in Anatolia in 1915.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizogluBaku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkey has prevented a series of terrorist attacks, which were planned to be carried out during the municipal elections, Trend reports via Turkish media.

Reports noted that terrorist attacks were planned by the militants of the Kurdish terrorist organization PKK in various cities of Turkey and, in particular, in the province of Diyarbakir.

The municipal elections in Turkey will be held March 31, 2019. They are held every five years.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Humanity needs Turkic-Islamic culture, unity and justice, Yalcin Topcu, adviser to the President of Turkey, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

According to Topcu, with the help of energy resources, human potential, and their geostrategic location, the Turkic states have the opportunity to establish the most powerful and valuable unity of the current century.

During our times of power, no peoples or representatives of other religions were oppressed, and the world lived in peace and prosperity. History bears witness to the humanity still needing our culture and our sense of justice, the presidential adviser said.

Topcu believes that, through their economic, military and cultural union, Turkic countries will create such an opportunity for the humanity.

The presidential adviser also noted that Turkic countries strengthened their relations in 27 years since gaining their independence and managed to reach a very remarkable level of unity.

"Many important projects aimed at the future of these countries were implemented between them since their independence. The peoples of Turcophone countries have always supported the strengthening of fraternal relations, and do so to this very day," Topcu said.Moscow seeks friendly relations with Washington and only takes retaliatory measures, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly, Trend reports referring to TASS.

"Russia seeks full-fledged, equal and friendly relations with the US. Russia threatens no one and all measures we take in the security area are purely retaliatory, which means they are defensive," he said.

Putin stated that "the policy towards Russia the US has been pursuing in recent years can hardly be described as friendly." "Russias legitimate interests are ignored, various anti-Russian campaigns take place on a regular basis, more and more sanctions are introduced, for which we give no reason and which are illegitimate from the standpoint of international law, the legal basis of the global security system that came to be in recent decades is being unilaterally destroyed," the Russian leader pointed out.

"That said, Russia is being designated as almost the main threat to the US. I will say frankly: thats not true," Putin added.The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported 537 deaths among the 844 cases of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since last August, a UN spokesman said, Trend reported referring to Xinhua.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said OCHA reported Wednesday that the DRC Ministry of Health last week requested 147 million U.S. dollar to cover "all aspects of the (Ebola) response for six months."

"As of 18 February, 844 cases and 537 deaths had been reported since the beginning of the outbreak in August 2018," Dujarric told reporters in a regular briefing. "Some 278 people have recovered from Ebola."

"The (DRC) Ministry of Health, the UN World Health Organization and their partners continue to respond to all alerts in the affected areas, and to scale up preparedness in non-affected health zones and in neighboring countries," he said. "Serious security incidents and community mistrust continue to hamper the response to Ebola."

While he did not elaborate on conditions in the eastern outbreak area, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) of the University of Minnesota said the latest cases "underscore that Katwa, a city in the eastern reaches of the DRC, remains the current epicenter."

The CIDRAP also said that since August, over 80,000 people in the DRC and neighboring countries have been vaccinated.

The center also reported security concerns over growing violence in the region.An Israeli delegation traveled to Bucharest, Romania on Tuesday seeking to strengthen ties with the Romanian government and reaffirm the interfaith diplomatic relationship between the two sides, Trend reports referring to The Jerusalem Post.

The delegation, headed by Israeli Minister for Social Equality Gila Gamliel, met with Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila, as well as many other ministers and members of of the Romanian parliament to encourage "active support for the State of Israel."

The main topic of discussion during the visit was the relocation of the Romanian Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

The United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem in May of last year. Since then, a handful of other countries also expressed interest in such a move and/or moved their embassies, too.

"At a time of historic new alliances in our region, we are strengthening our robust relationship with Romania for the betterment of both our peoples," said Gamliel. "The Government of Romania has chosen to be on the right side of history, and history will judge them favorably for this."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Romania to move its embassy to Jerusalem when he met with Prime Minister Viorica Dancila in his office last week during her trip to Israel.

Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodor Melescanu said in October that the ministry has completed the analytical report on the potential relocation of Romania's Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Now, the Romanian government needs approval by the president and speakers of its two Chambers of Parliament to move forward.

In addition to Gamliel, this week's delegation included Knesset Christian Allies Caucus Director and Israel Allies Foundation President Josh Reinstein.]

As antisemitism manifested in hatred of Israel continues to rise in Western Europe, it is heartening to see the important efforts that our sister caucus in Romania has engaged in to advocate for the State of Israel through our shared Judeo-Christian values, said Reinstein.

The Christian Allies Caucus is a multiparty caucus of 19 members of Knesset, aiming to foster communication between Israeli legislators and Christian leaders and politicians around the world. There are 38 Israel Allies Caucuses in nations worldwide, under the auspices of the Israel Allies Foundation.

The Israel Allies Foundation is "dedicated to promoting communication between parliamentarians and legislators around the world over who share a belief that the State of Israel has the right to exist in peace within secure borders."A no-deal Brexit would be a mutual calamity for Britain and the European Union that would deliver a sharp blow to the British economy, Finance Minister Philip Hammond said on Tuesday, Trend reports citing Reuters.

Hammond, addressing the annual dinner of Britains largest manufacturing association, Make UK, added that lawmakers should stop seeking legal changes to the Northern Irish backstop that the EU would not accept at short notice, and instead focus on supporting Prime Minister Theresa Mays preferred Brexit plan.

Our partners in the EU need to be at their pragmatic best in helping to avoid the mutual calamity of no deal; and you  and we  need to carry on explaining the implications of a no deal exit, no matter who cries Project Fear, Hammond said.Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday he expected investment opportunities worth more than $100 billion in India over the next two years as he began his first official visit amid tensions between arch foes India and Pakistan, Trend reports referring to Reuters.

India rolled out the red carpet for the crown prince as it seeks diplomatic support against Pakistan following a militant attack in the disputed region of Kashmir.

The crown prince, whose country is facing frosty ties with Western countries after the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, was also given a lavish welcome this week in Pakistan where the two sides signed memoranda of understanding valued at about $20 billion to help prop up Pakistans economy.

In a joint press appearance after talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the crown prince said terrorism was a common concern and Saudi Arabia was ready to share intelligence with India to tackle it.

The two countries will start a security dialogue at the level of national security advisors and set up a working group on counter-terrorism, said T.S. Tirumurti, who handles economic relations at Indias foreign ministry.

Both leaders called on all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy, Tirumurti told a press briefing.

India blames Pakistan for not doing enough to counter militant groups that operate from its soil including the one that claimed responsibility for the Kashmir car bombing last Thursday.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is greeted by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind during his ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi, India, February 20, 2019. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Pakistan denies any involvement in cross-border terrorism and has said it would retaliate against an Indian attack.

We face similar challenges, chief among them extremism and terrorism  and we reaffirm to India that we are ready to work in the intelligence and political arenas to coordinate our efforts the crown prince said.

Saudi Arabias domestic security structure helped put down an al Qaeda bombing campaign over a decade ago. But the kingdom continues to face occasional attacks by Sunni Islamic State fighters and Shiite militants in its Eastern Province.

Riyadh leads a coalition of Arab states fighting in support of Yemens internationally recognized government against the Iran-aligned Houthi fighters, who regularly fire rockets across the kingdoms southern border.Saudi Arabias energy minister Khalid al-Falih said on Wednesday the country is expected to reach an agreement this year to resume oil output from the Neutral Zone it shares with Kuwait, Trend reports referring to Al Arabiya.

We hope in 2019 it will be resolved, he said, when asked when Saudi Arabia and Kuwait could reach an agreement.

I am confident, al-Falih said, referring to the possibility of a resolution in 2019.

The energy minister met with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, on Tuesday.

Resuming production from the Neutral Zones oilfields could add up to 500,000 barrels per day each to the oil output of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The Saudi-Kuwaiti Neutral Zone, or Divided Zone, is an area of 5,770 square kilometers between the borders of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait that was left undefined when the border was established by the Uqair Convention of December 2, 1922.Saudi Arabia and India have signed five bilateral agreements and MoUs in the fields of trade, housing and investment, Trend reports referring to Al Arabiya.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi have held a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday following the signing of these agreements.

The Crown Prince said that he expects investment opportunities in India to exceed $100 billion, and that the Kingdom is ready for political and intelligence cooperation with the country.

"Today we expect the opportunities we are targeting in India in various fields to exceed $100 billion in the coming two years we want to work with you, Mr Prime Minister, to ensure these investments are made and to ensure useful returns for both countries," Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.

They also announced that the Kingdom will be joining the International Solar Alliance, which is a platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries, and was initiated by India.

The Crown Prince added that terrorism is a common concern with India and that the Kingdom is ready to share intelligence to tackle it.

"On the issue of extremism and terrorism, which is a common concern, we want to tell India that we will cooperate in every way, including intelligence sharing," the Crown Prince said.

He affirmed that there are "countless opportunities between the two countries as well as mutual benefits.

For his part, Modi said he had agreed with Saudi Arabia to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, naval and cyber security.

At the ceremonial welcome in the presidential palace earlier on Wednesday, the Crown Prince told reporters: The relationship between India and the Arabian Peninsula is in our DNA.

With the leadership of Indias President and Indias Prime Minister, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India, he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Crown Prince had also met with Indias Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, where they discussed the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as regional issues.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Azer Ahmadbayli  Trend:

Assurances of friendship from Iranian and Pakistani officials have been more than sufficient in recent years. However, it was enough for a terrorist attack to happen, killing scores of Iranian military, that the rhetoric has changed dramatically.

Tehran warned Pakistan it would pay a heavy price for allegedly harboring militants of the Sunni group Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), which belongs to the Iranian Baluchi minority, and who claimed responsibility for the attack killing 27 and injuring 13 of its elite Revolutionary Guards near the Iran-Pakistan border last week.

Why do Pakistans army and security body  give refuge to these anti-revolutionary groups? Pakistan will no doubt pay a high price, Revolutionary Guards Chief Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said in remarks on state television, Reuters reported.

Iranian authorities are confident that militant groups operating from safe havens in Pakistan have been supported by Saudi Arabia and the UAE: The treacherous Saudi and UAE governments should know that Irans patience has ended and we will no longer stand your secret support for these anti-Islam criminals, Jafari said.

Pakistan, as well as Saudi Arabia and the Emirates have denied any involvement in the incident.

A sharp change of tone, apart from emotions, can only speak of one thing: regular statements about good-neighborliness are rather diplomatic in nature, and relations between the two countries are not so serene.

There have been a number of unpleasant points in the Iran-Pakistan relations in recent years.

Iran has probably not forgotten that in 2010, when the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1929, Pakistan voted for the imposition of tough sanctions against Iran.

Despite repeated calls by Tehran to complete the construction of the Pakistani section of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, which is of strategic importance for Tehran, Islamabad has not made any practical response, referring to the lack of funds or the imposed sanctions regime.

In Afghanistan, the interests of the two countries also differ rather than coincide  take at least the confessional factor (Pakistan supports the Sunni Taliban, while Iran supports the Shiite minority of Afghanistan), or the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan, which can compete with Iran's gas plans.

But the most serious threat and the greatest anger of Tehran is caused by terrorist attacks in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, bordering Pakistan. The Iranians have reasons to believe that suicide bombers enter the country from territory of the contiguous state.

In 2010, militants attacked a mosque in the capital of Zahedan province. As a result of the incident, 28 people were killed. In 2013, an attack by militants of the same Jaish al-Adl led to the deaths of 14 Iranian border guards. In 2014, five Iranian border guards were kidnapped. In December last year, three people were killed and about 30 were injured in a suicide bombing in the port city of Chabahar close to Pakistani borders. This is only a part of the deadly list.

Commander of the IRGC Ground Force General Mohammad Pakpour said yesterday the suicide bomber and two other members of a group that committed the recent terrorist attack were Pakistani nationals, Iranian Tasnim agency reported.

Pakistan, willingly or not, is involved in the Saudi-Iranian confrontation, which covers not only Syria, Iraq, Yemen, but also trade and transport communications connecting South Asia and the Middle East through the coast of the Arabian Sea.

During the visit of the Saudi crown prince to Pakistan, the sides signed an MOU in energy, minerals etc. valued at about $20 billion, including a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex near the Pakistani port of Gwadar. This may, to some extent, weaken the significance of the Iranian-Indian project to build and expand the Iranian port of Chabahar, located on the same coast.

At a time when tensions have risen between Iran and Pakistan after the deadly suicide attack and Iran's accusations against Saudi Arabia, an unprecedented diplomatic protocol was observed during the official meeting of the Saudi crown prince in Pakistan.

As world media report, fighter jets escorted the princes plane across Pakistani airspace and television stations devoted hours of live coverage to the royal motorcade and ceremony. Prime Minister Imran Khan personally drove the crown prince to the capital Islamabad.

The Saudi prince has been also rewarded with Pakistans highest Order, the Nishan-e-Pakistan.

In a phone talk with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi offered his condolences over the martyrdom of IRGC military.

He further said his country is ready for any kind of cooperation with Iran to investigate the terrorist attack near the Iran-Pakistan border and jointly fight against terrorist groups.

Can two almost simultaneous events  the deadly attack on Iranian troops by a Pakistan-based armed group, which, Iran believes, has direct ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and the royal welcome given by Islamabad in honor of the Saudi crown prince  alienate Iran and Pakistan from each other?

The answer is not completely obvious, but Islamabad ought to do everything not to let this happen, and not to involve itself in the Iranian-Saudi confrontation.Iran's Ambassador to Belarus and Belarus Deputy Foreign Minister met and conferred on Tuesday, and emphasized on the ways to expand cooperation between Tehran and Minsk, Trend reports citing IRNA.

Mustafa Oveysi met and conferred with Andre Dapk Yonous on the most important issues and bilateral cooperation in the political and economic spheres.

Plans to schedule the exchange of high-level and expert delegations between the two countries to hold a meeting of the Political Consultative Committee between the Iranian and Belarus foreign ministries were also among other issues.

Expressing his congratulation on the occasion of the anniversary of the National Day of the Islamic Republic, the Belarus Deputy Foreign Minister also expressed wish for peace, progress and success for the Iranian government and nation.

Belarus became independent in 1991 after the collapse of the communist Soviet Union.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

Russian carmaker Avtovaz is negotiating the sales of its cars with Iran, Viktor Kladov, director for International Cooperation and Regional Policy of Russias state corporation Rostec, told reporters on the sidelines of the AERO INDIA 2019 exhibition, Trend reports via TASS news agency.



"Avtovaz has been assembling its cars in Egypt," he said. "Negotiations are underway with a number of other countries, such as Iran."

"I mean both the sales and the assembling," the Russian official added.

Export sales of the carmakers Lada brand grew by 57 percent, to 38,050 cars last year. Avtovaz Vice-President for Sales and Marketing Jan Ptacek said that the cars were sold in 34 countries, including Turkey, Tunisia, Chile and Cuba. For the first time in 2018, Lada Vesta became the leader in export sales (30 percent of sales), whereas previously it was Lada 4x4, he added.

Sales of Lada are mainly aimed at the CIS countries. Thus, 26,305 cars were sold in Kazakhstan, Belarus and Uzbekistan in 2018.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

There are 300,000-400,000 people in Iran who have no documents proving their identity, Abdollah Hatamian, Iranian MP, told Fars News Agency, Trend reports.

According to Hatamian, at present these people are 20-25 years old.

Hatamian added that they are unable to marry or receive any documents, nor can they get employed.

"If the fathers of these people are Afghans, then they have no place in Afghanistan or in Iran," he said.

According to Iranian law, if ones father is a citizen of a foreign country and their mother is an Iranian citizen, then they are not eligible for gaining Iranian citizenship.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

The INSTEX financial mechanism is not meant for negating and avoiding the US sanctions, Michael Klor-Berchtold, German Ambassador to Iran, told Tasnim News Agency, Trend reports.

According to the German diplomat, INSTEX was created to simplify trade relations between Iran and the EU.

"INSTEX is not against any country. Only legitimate purchases and sales are possible via INSTEX," he said.

Berchtold added that the EU believes that this mechanism will help companies whose trade programs have so far seen no progress.

"During the first stage, INSTEX aims to export medicines, medical products, food and agricultural products of the EU, and move onwards to exporting everyday products needed by Iranians during the second stage," he said.

According to Berchtold, this financial mechanism should uphold the international standards on combating money laundering and terrorism financing at all times.

Berchtold added that this issue is unavoidable for the private sectors trust for INSTEX.

"The fact of the matter is that the contractual partner banks of the European companies Iran intends to cooperate with are committed to FATF's recommendations in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism," he said.

The German ambassador added that the EU is trying to maintain the economic rules of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) this way.

The JCPOA between P5+1 group (including 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) and Iran came into force in January 2016. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the agreement and imposed sanctions on Iran in November.

EU member states which have signed the JCPOA (namely the UK, France and Germany) have set up with Iran a special financial mechanism called INSTEX to back this agreement.

Two of the four FATF bills have been approved in Iran. Two others  namely, Palermo and CFT bills  are awaiting approvals.Baku, Azerbaijan, February 20

By Fakhri Vakilov - Trend:

The Uzbek bank Asaka signed a syndicated loan agreement with the Swiss branch of Commerzbank AG (Germany) and the Swiss bank Zurcher Kantonalbank, on February 18, 2019 in Zurich, Switzerland, Trend reports via Uzbek media.

This syndicated loan is the first joint project for Swiss banks and Asaka Bank. The amount of the Agreement is 37.4 million euros with a maturity of 10 years under the insurance coverage of the Swiss export credit agency SERV for financing the textile project Ko-kchatekstil LLC.

The project provides for the modernization of current spinning production and the organization of the release of dyed fabric based on cotton. The supplier of technological equipment is the Swiss company Rieter Machine Works Ltd.

This project will create more than a thousand additional jobs; will establish the production of cotton fiber fabrics, dyeing and manufacture of printed fabric and will establish sewing of finished products subsequently.

The annual capacity of the enterprise will be 20,000 tons of cotton yarn and 4.8 million linear meters of printed fabric. Finished products manufactured at this enterprise will be exported to the near and far abroad.

Asaka Bank is ready to finance investment projects in Uzbek regions with the involvement of foreign financial institutions.

Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV insures political and economic risks involved in exporting goods and services. The company insurance and guarantees protect Swiss exporters from default and facilitate export financing. SERVs solutions also help companies obtain low-interest loans or higher credit limits in order to conserve cash when exporting goods and services.

Rieter Machine Works is the worlds leading supplier of systems for short-staple fiber spinning. Based in Winterthur (Switzerland), the company develops and manufactures machinery, systems and components used to convert natural and man-made fibers and their blends into yarns.

Zurcher Kantonalbank was established in 1870. With total assets of 164 billion CHF and more than 5,000 employees, the bank is the biggest cantonal bank in Switzerland and one of the biggest Swiss banks.

Commerzbank is a leading international commercial bank in Germany. For Private and Small Business Customers as well as Corporate Clients, the Bank offers a comprehensive portfolio of financial services. It has one of the densest branch networks among German private banks and leads in financing for corporate clients in Germany.

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Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxriBaku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Matanat Nasibova  Trend:

There were positive changes in the tax system of Azerbaijan in 2018, which were the result of deep economic reforms carried out in the country, Samira Musayeva, Director General of the Tax Policy Department of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Taxes, said at a business breakfast organized by the Azerbaijan-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAF), Trend reports.

As noted by Musayeva, the amendments in the Tax Code, which entered into force in 2019, covered several areas, particularly business support, fight against tax evasion and shadow economy, and the improvement of tax administration.

"It is planned to impose financial sanctions in cases of employment without concluded employment contracts, so as to eliminate shadow economy and reduce cases of tax evasion," she said.

Musayeva noted that the amendments to the Tax Code, aimed at combating shadow economy and increasing the transparency of the economy, suggest a significant reduction in the tax burden on the population in the form of income tax and the application of financial sanctions for the turnover of undeclared goods. Musayeva stressed that reducing the simplified tax from 4 to 2 percent will expand the possibilities of micro and small businesses.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Fakhri Vakilov - Trend:

The World Bank (WB) plans to provide Uzbek Government with an additional $500 million to support the budget, Trend reports via RIA Novosti.

WB Board of Directors intends to consider the issue of providing a new loan in May this year.

Uzbek Senate in December 2018 approved the state budget for 2019 with a deficit of 1.1 percent of GDP, or 4.5 trillion soums (about $540 million). The revenue part of the budget is planned to provide 24.2 percent of GDP, or 102.6 trillion soums (about $12.4 billion); expenses are planned to be 25.3 percent of GDP, or 107.4 trillion soums ($12.9 billion).

Uzbek Ministry of Finance reports state that to cover the state budget deficit, in addition to domestic sources, loans of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank will be attracted for the first time.

The ministry's forecasts underline that the budget deficit is planned to be reduced to 0.1 percent of GDP in 2020-2021.

In July 2018, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov told reporters that the World Bank and ADB provided the country with $800 million in budget support to prevent its deficit from growing in the short term. In particular, the WB allocated $500 million and ADB provided $300 million.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @vakilovfaxriBaku, Azerbaijan, Feb.20

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

Southern Gas Corridor project, which envisages transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe, will strengthen the energy security of the whole European Union, Trend reports citing Bulgarias Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova.

She made the remarks during the 5th meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council held in Baku Feb.20, reads a message from Bulgarian energy ministry.

Bulgaria has the extraordinary advantage that the Southern Gas Corridor passes through the Southeast European region. It strengthens the energy security not only of our country but also of the whole European Union, she said.

The minister noted that the construction of Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB), a key element of the Southern Gas Corridor, and the joint initiative of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary for the construction of the Vertical Gas Corridor is of great geostrategic significance for the diversification of gas supply.

Petkova informed the meeting participants that Bulgaria plans to start the construction work in the middle of this year and to complete the work in 2020 with the launch of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). .

Bulgaria is an integral part of the Southern Gas Corridor and will continue to work on gas projects that provide real diversification of natural gas supply sources and routes, Petkova said.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority projects for the EU and envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.

The launching ceremony of the first stage of the Southern Gas Corridor was held in Baku on May 29, 2018, while opening ceremony of TANAP was held on June 12, 2018 in the Turkish city of Eskisehir.

The gas from the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field has already gone through the first segment of the Southern Gas Corridor - from the Sangachal terminal to the expanded South Caucasus Pipeline.

Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) have been recently connected on the Turkish-Greek border.

---Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.20

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Owners Engineer for the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB), which envisages transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe, will be announced in a month, Executive Officer of the project company ICGB for Bulgaria Teodora Georgieva said.

She made the remarks while presenting the latest updates on the development of IGB during the 5th meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council in Baku on Feb.20, Trend reports.

She presented the delegates with the latest updates on the successful realization of the IGB project, focusing on the recently acquired Installation Permit on the territory of the Hellenic Republic. According to Georgieva, all major public procurements are ongoing and in about a month the project company will announce the contractor for one of them  for selection of Owners Engineer.

Further, Georgieva noted that TAP, TANAP and IGB projects have immense synergy and the realization of the possibility for IGB to be connected with TAP and TANAP will lead to establishing a new energy route that will increase the energy security and the diversification of energy supplies for the whole region.

In 2018 ICGB managed to negotiate a direct financial contribution of 39 million thanks to the efforts of the Bulgarian Government and the European Commission (EC). This contribution helped us secure the projects financial frame. IGB also relies on a long-term loan of 110 million granted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) (and subsequently passed-on to ICGB AD), secured by a State Guarantee in the same amount and on a contribution of 45 million from the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR), which is centrally managed by the European Commission, she added.

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.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_ZeynBaku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Sara Israfilbayova  Trend:

The number of countries that participated in the ministerial meeting as part of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council grew this year and reached 17, Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, told at a news conference on the results of the 5th ministerial meeting of the SGC Advisory Council in Baku, Trend reports.

For the first time, Serbia, Hungary and San Marino took part in the meeting. This shows that interest in this project is growing year by year, the minister said.

Shahbazov noted that the plans for the future and the forthcoming work of the committee were discussed at the meeting, and a declaration was signed at the end of the meeting.

The minister also noted that the launch ceremony of the first stage of the SGC project was held in Baku in May 2018, and the opening ceremony of the TANAP was held in June in Turkeys Eskisehir Province.

He added that work on the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is ongoing, with 85 percent of the work having been completed to date.

Shahbazov also noted that President Ilham Aliyev highly appreciated the work done on SGC during his speech.

The 5th meeting of the SGC Advisory Council was held in Baku on February 20, 2019. The first meeting was held on February 12, 2015, the second meeting on February 29, 2016, the third meeting on February 23, 2017, and the fourth meeting on February 15, 2018.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority projects for the EU and envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.

The launching ceremony of the first stage of the Southern Gas Corridor was held in Baku on May 29, 2018, while opening ceremony of TANAP was held on June 12, 2018 in the Turkish city of Eskisehir.

The gas from the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field has already gone through the first segment of the Southern Gas Corridor - from the Sangachal terminal to the expanded South Caucasus Pipeline.Details added (first version published at 10:25)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

The total volume of oil produced to date in the offshore fields of Azerbaijan made up 1.67 billion tons, Yashar Latifov, Vice President for Field Development at Azerbaijans SOCAR oil company, told during the IADC Drilling Caspian exhibition and conference in Baku, Trend reports.

According to Latifov, 689 billion cubic meters of gas were produced in the country over the same period. As for the land deposits, oil and gas production there made up 978 million tons of oil and 139 billion cubic meters of gas.

He also remarked that the volume of drilling work within the framework of the production sharing agreements (PSAs) implemented by SOCARs enterprises since 2000 made up 2.6 million meters. Some 14,900 wells were commissioned as part of this work.

The IADC Drilling Caspian exhibition and conference started in Baku on February 20, 2019. The event is attended by representatives of the drilling industry from various European and CIS countries, among others. Conference participants, including representatives of BP, SOCAR, Maersk Drilling, Petronas, and Halliburton, discuss the current situation and challenges in the energy market, optimizing and improving the energy efficiency of drilling, developing human capital in the energy sector, introducing innovations and other issues.Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Feb. 20

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

As part of the International Gas Congress of Turkmenistan, scheduled for May 22-23, 2019, the prospects for international cooperation will be discussed in the Caspian resort of Awaza, Trend reports referring to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan.

The event is organized by Turkmengas State Concern. Top managers of the world's largest oil and gas companies and leading industry experts are expected to participate in the event.

It is also reported that the "Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan - 2019" conference-exhibition, organized by Turkmennebit State Concern, is set to be held in Ashgabat on October 22-24, 2019.

Turkmenistan plays a key role in the energy market of the Caspian Sea region. The country ranks fourth for the volume of gas reserves in the world.

As many as 38 oil fields, 82 gas condensate fields, as well as 153 gas fields, including 142 fields on land and 11 on the shelf of the Caspian Sea were opened in Turkmenistan, according to Turkmengeology State Concern.

Turkmenistan currently exports its natural gas to China and Iran. Construction of the Turkmen section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline (TAPI) is also underway. A trans-Caspian pipeline project with an Azerbaijan-Turkey-Europe route is also being discussed.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Huseyn Valiyev, Sara Israfilbayova - Trend:

Over the past two years, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR increased drilling output by 66 percent, SOCAR Vice President for Field Development Yashar Latifov said, Trend reports Feb. 20.

Latifov was reading out a letter by SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev addressed to the participants of the IADC Drilling Caspian Conference & Exhibition in Baku.

The letter reads that the socio-economic progress and sustainable development achieved by Azerbaijan, where production of industrial oil began for the first time in the world, are closely related to international projects being implemented as part of the energy strategy founded by national leader Heydar Aliyev and which is being successfully developed by President Ilham Aliyev.

Oil and gas projects being implemented by Azerbaijan have become an integral part of the global energy industry, Abdullayev said in his letter. We always feel the support of the government in all of our projects.

The letter further says that SOCARs drilling and production experts work in the most difficult fields of the Caspian Sea.

The letter reads that the use of modern equipment in the development of Umid, Absheron, Karabakh and other fields will make it possible to increase gas production and stabilize oil production in Azerbaijan in the coming years and decades.

SOCAR has been using modern drilling rigs on land and at sea since 2012, said Abdullayev in his letter. The depth of the recently drilled well at the Umid field stands at 6,810 meters, and the drilling will be completed shortly.

Further, Abdullayev expressed hope that the discussions and proposals made at the conference will open up new opportunities for the development of the global drilling industry.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.20

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project, which envisages transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe, will contribute to a more competitive environment, Trend reports citing TAP AG consortium.

Natural gas consumption in Europe continues to rise. While gas meets 54 percent of energy needs in Italy, it costs around 30 percent more than the European average. Once operational, TAP will diversify supply sources and contribute to a more competitive environment, reads a message from the consortium.

Moreover, Katerina Mouzouraki, Communications Manager at Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG Greece has said during the Midstream Oil and Gas Congress that TAP is not just a natural gas infrastructure project, but a project implemented with utmost respect for the environment safety and communities hosting the pipeline.

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).

---Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

The total volume of oil produced to date in the offshore fields of Azerbaijan made up 1.67 billion tons, Yashar Latifov, Vice President for Field Development at Azerbaijans SOCAR oil company, told during the IADC Drilling Caspian exhibition and conference in Baku, Trend reports.

According to Latifov, 689 billion cubic meters of gas were produced at the offshore fields over the same period. As for the land deposits, oil and gas production there made up 978 million tons of oil and 139 billion cubic meters of gas.

He also remarked that the volume of drilling work except for the production sharing agreements (PSAs) implemented by SOCARs enterprises since 2000 made up 2.6 million meters. Some 14,900 wells were commissioned as part of this work.

The IADC Drilling Caspian exhibition and conference started in Baku on February 20, 2019. The event is attended by representatives of the drilling industry from various European and CIS countries, among others. Conference participants, including representatives of BP, SOCAR, Maersk Drilling, Petronas, and Halliburton, discuss the current situation and challenges in the energy market, optimizing and improving the energy efficiency of drilling, developing human capital in the energy sector, introducing innovations and other issues.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

Iran sold 35,000 barrels out of one million barrels put up for sale at the Iran Energy Exchange, Amir Hussein Tibyanian, a representative of the National Iranian Oil Company in the Energy Exchange, said.

Each barrel was sold at $52.25, Tibyanian added, Trend reports referring to Mehr News Agency.

He said that one million barrels of gas condensate will be put up for sale at $62.56 per barrel next week.

Although Iran put up for sale one million barrels of oil at the Energy Exchange earlier, it was not sold.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.20

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Trend's exclusive interview with Bulgaria's Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova on the occasion of the 5th meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council in Baku

Question: Recently you had a meeting with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, during which very fruitful discussion were held on cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria in the energy sphere. How could you highlight the significance of these talks?

Answer: The meeting with Minister Mammadyarov was very fruitful and we discussed a number of aspects of our bilateral cooperation. The main themes were the supply of Azerbaijan natural gas to Bulgaria and the development of regional and EU gas projects, such as the Southern Gas Corridor, the IGB, and the regional gas hub Balkan. The meeting preceded the very successful fifth meeting of the Bulgarian-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental commission for economic co-operation in Sofia, on 6 and 7 November 2018. I would like to underline that Azerbaijan is a strategic partner for us, with whom we want to develop long-term cooperation. Historically, our two peoples have always enjoyed traditional friendly relations. Political relations between the two countries are at the level of strategic partnership and we think that it is time they develop into a fruitful economic partnership. In the field of energy, we have an excellent partnership, particularly with regard to the supply of Azerbaijan natural gas to Bulgaria and the region of Southeast Europe. For us, it is extremely important to ensure the supply of the contracted 1 bcm /year of Azerbaijan natural gas for Bulgaria from the second phase of the gas field Shah Deniz. The strategic energy partnership between the two countries includes the supply of Azerbaijan natural gas to Bulgaria from the Southern Gas Corridor, future joint supply of Azerbaijan natural gas through the territory of Bulgaria to other countries of the region, via the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria, the existing gas transmission system of Bulgartransgaz EAD and the project for regional Balkan gas hub. We expect Azerbaijan to be one of the key natural gas suppliers for Balkan gas hub. Another opportunity we explore is to intensify the cooperation in SOCARs investment in the gas distribution sector in Bulgaria.

I would like to emphasize once again that Bulgaria has always supported the development of the Southern Gas Corridor, as the country is an integral part of it through the project for Interconnector Greece Bulgaria. In this connection, the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy has provided its institutional support for SOCAR's application for grants under the EU Connecting Europe Facility for the implementation of specific activities on TANAP, with which the Bulgarian side effectively supports the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor.

Q.: The Interconnector Greece - Bulgaria project is going on at full speed with tender procedures on stream. How could you describe the role of this project in turning Bulgaria into an energy hub?

A.: The Interconnector Greece- Bulgaria is a key project for Bulgaria and the countries of the region. The construction of the Interconnector Greece  Bulgaria aims to ensure diversification not only of routes but also of natural gas sources for Bulgaria and the region. Through IGB, as part of the development of the Southern Gas Corridor, Bulgaria and its neighbouring countries will have access to alternative supplies from the Caspian region and from the existing and future LNG terminals. The project provides infrastructure for the transport of natural gas from the Southern gas corridor and ensures security of supply for Bulgaria and SEE. It is defined by the EC as a Project of common interest and is included in the list of priority projects of CESEC.

The implementation of the project is also strategically important due to the many opportunities for connection with other major energy projects. The project creates connectivity opportunities and is in synergy with other future projects in the region, such as the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis in northern Greece and the EastMed gas pipeline project, which will provide gas supplies from the Eastern Mediterranean - from the offshore gas fields of Israel and Cyprus, and in the future from Egypt. IGB is of strategic importance for the implementation of the Vertical Gas Corridor, supported by the EC, connecting the networks of Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Hungary. The project will seriously contribute to the development of the concept of the Bulgarian country for the implementation of the key regional Balkan gas hub. The implementation of the gas hub also creates opportunities for the transport of Azerbaijan natural gas through the gas interconnector Greece  Bulgaria, the gas-transmission system of Bulgartransgaz EAD, the new infrastructure of the gas hub and the remaining interconnections  to Romania, Serbia and Macedonia and to their neighbouring countries respectively.

To provide supplies for the hub from different sources, Bulgaria will be involved through Bulgartransgaz as a shareholder in the construction of the LNG terminal near Alexandroupolis. The decision was taken at the end of last year. Thus we will also be able to provide supplies from more distant destinations, including the USA.

The project company ICGB is currently actively working to complete the tender procedures for selection of line-pipe supplier, EPC and owners engineer. We expect these activities to be finalized successfully in May this year. We plan to start the construction of IGB immediately afterwards and to end it in 2020 in synergy with the launch of TAP, with the aim of ensuring 1 bcm per year under the long term contract with the Consortium Shah Deniz. The issues of the structure and the sources of financing of the project are fully resolved.

I would like to share that on 21.12.2018. ICGB signed a contract with the Managing Authority of the Operational Programme Innovation and Competitiveness for the award of a grant of EUR 39 million under the project for construction of the interconnector Greece  Bulgaria.

Q.: At what stage is the implementation of the project for expansion of Chiren underground gas storage facility in the country? Is Bulgaria still interested in Azerbaijani SOCAR's participation? Are you holding talks on this issue?

A.: The expansion of the capacity of the underground gas storage facility in Chiren is important for our country's energy security and is in synergy with the regional gas hub Balkan. Technical studies are currently being carried out before the actual expansion of the storage capacity of UGS Chiren which will start with new drillings and construction of the ground infrastructure. Its capacity is estimated to reach up to 1 bcm with a daily withdrawal capacity of up to 10 million cubic metres. The involvement of SOCAR that has exclusive experience and expertise in such activities in future tenders for the expansion of UGS Chiren is welcomed by the Bulgarian side.

Bulgaria closely monitors the forecasts for consumption on the regional and European gas markets and is involved in the development of important gas projects. Over 30 years our country has been the gas hub in SEE and it intends to maintain and expand its position as a main transporter of natural gas in the region, through the implementation of new interconnectors with Greece, Serbia and Turkey, the infrastructure of the regional Balkan gas hub, including through the expansion of the capacity of UGS Chiren.

Q.: How do you assess the possibility for SOCAR's investing in household gas supply in Bulgaria? How could Bulgaria benefit from this? Are you ready to hold talks on this matter?

A.: As you know, Azerbaijan's interest in the gasification of Bulgarian cities was announced at the meeting in Baku between Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in January 2018. The Azerbaijan state oil company has successfully invested in this sector in Georgia and we will be pleased if the company transfers its experience in Bulgaria as well.

In 2018, we held fruitful discussions and conversations with SOCAR representatives on the opportunities to participate in the development of the gasification in Bulgaria. In particular, it is about investments by the Azerbaijan state oil company in gas distribution and mainly in household gas supply, which has a huge potential for development in Bulgaria.

SOCAR is currently studying Bulgarian gas distribution sector. In this regard, at the end of last year, SOCAR announced a procedure for preparing a feasibility study on investment opportunities in the gas distribution sector in Bulgaria. In the case of positive results of the feasibility study, in the second half of this year, we expect SOCAR to start the first investments in the gas distribution in Bulgaria.

Q.: Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have entered into agreement on supply of 1 billion cubic meters of gas. How do you assess the possibility of increasing the volume in the future?

A.: The state gas company Bulgargaz EAD has concluded a delivery contract of 1 bcm /year with the Consortium Shah Deniz from the second phase of Azerbaijan gas field. In practice after 2020, the Azerbaijan natural gas from Shah Denniz 2 will meet about 25%-30% of the consumption of natural gas in Bulgaria, which is a serious share and will significantly increase our energy security and promote competition on the Bulgarian gas market.

In the future, in the presence of additional volumes of natural gas at competitive prices in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria would be interested in supplying additional volumes of Azerbaijan natural gas. Our countries could also make joint gas supplies for the countries of Southeast Europe using the well-developed Bulgarian gas network and the infrastructure of the future regional Balkan gas hub.

Taking into account the significant capacity of the Bulgarian gas transmission system, our country's multi-annual experience as a major gas transporter in the region and the strategic geographical location, Bulgaria, together with the European Commission, has developed a project for regional gas hub Balkan, which would have a crucial importance for Southeast European countries. The feasibility study, co-financed by the EC, has shown that this project is extremely important and economically advantageous for Bulgaria, SEE, the EU and the supplier countries. Taking into account the positive results of the feasibility study, we expect Azerbaijan to be one of the natural gas suppliers for the regional Balkan gas hub. The gas hub concept consists of two parts, the construction of an infrastructure and an operating gas exchange. In this connection, Bulgartransgaz registered at the beginning of the year a subsidiary Balkan gas hub EAD. The company will operate trading platforms for the needs of natural gas markets within Balkan gas hub. In synergy with the physical infrastructure of the hub, the necessary prerequisites for the construction of the first liquid physical and commercial gas hub in the region of Southeast Europe based in Bulgaria will be provided. We estimate in the future, up to 49% of the shares of Balkan gas hub EAD to be provided to other legal entities and individuals, such as gas distribution and gas network operators, licensed gas exchange operators and trade platform operators, employers' organizations, natural gas consumers, companies engaged in extraction and/or trade of gas, etc. This would contribute to the implementation of the Balkan gas hub concept and increase in the liquidity of the natural gas market in Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe.

I believe that the implementation of these key gas projects will further increase the capacity of the Bulgarian gas transmission system, thereby helping Bulgaria to maintain and expand its position on Europe's gas map. Accordingly, our strategic energy partnership and our joint projects will turn Azerbaijan into one of the main and reliable suppliers of natural gas, not only for the SEE, but also for the EU.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_ZeynBaku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Fakhri Vakilov - Trend:

Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a business meeting with an Iranian delegation headed by the Vice President of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture of Markazi Province M. Izadi, Trend reports with reference to the Uzbek CCI.

The delegation included representatives of 19 large and leading enterprises of Iran engaged in the food, agricultural and chemical industries, extraction and processing of building materials, electrical engineering, transportation and logistics, pharmaceuticals, consulting services and other industries.

The purpose of the event was to familiarize the delegation with investment potential and ongoing economic reforms in Uzbekistan, to attract them to the investment projects in various regions of the country, as well as to create conditions for establishing business contacts with the Uzbek enterprises.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @vakilovfaxriBaku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Matanat Nasibova Trend:

A manufacturer of a wide range of fruit juices and compotes operating in Azerbaijans Lankaran district will start exports to Dubai during the next three months, a source in the cannery told Trend.

The negotiations on the export of products are progressing, and the parties agreed on a number of key issues, according to the source.

Russia remains the main sales market for our products, the supplies to this country are at a stable level, the source said. Other export directions are being considered, particularly to Poland. However, there are no specific or preliminary agreements with Polish customers.

The source noted that the company mainly exports fruit juices and compotes, while the remaining part accounts for canned vegetables and tomato paste.

The products manufactured at the plant in Lankaran have a certificate of conformity issued by the State Committee for Standardization, Metrology and Patents of Azerbaijan.

The plant uses equipment manufactured in Italy.Baku, Azerbaijan, February 20

By Fakhri Vakilov-Trend:

Uzbek bank Asaka and Swiss company SERV have concluded a cooperation agreement with a purpose to provide insurance coverage on finances attracted by the bank from foreign banks and international financial institutions, Trend reports via Uzbek media.

The agreement was reached during the visit of representatives of Uzbek Joint-Stock Commercial Bank Asaka to Switzerland, where they held meeting with the CEO of Swiss Export Credit Agency SERV - Peter Gisler on February 19, 2019 in Zurich.

Prospects for development of trade relations and economic cooperation between the Switzerland and Uzbekistan were discussed during this meeting. In particular, the planned deals on financing and insurance of projects involving the supply of technological equipment from Switzerland to Uzbekistan were discussed.

Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV insures political and economic risks involved in exporting goods and services. The company insurance and guarantees protect Swiss exporters from default and facilitate export financing. SERVs solutions also help companies obtain low-interest loans or higher credit limits in order to conserve cash when exporting goods and services.

SERV is an institution under public law that is owned by Switzerland. SERV is an economically viable organization and is self-financed, through risk-adjusted premium revenues.

SERV covers all Swiss exporters in medium-term and long-term projects related to the export of high technology, especially in the textile industry.

---

Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxriTehran, Iran, Feb. 20

Trend:

The officials from Iraq's Saladin Province have invited Iranian companies to invest in the province, especially in the holly city of Samarra.

"We invite Iran's companies to invest in infrastructure of the province, and in the Samarra city as well," said the province's governor Ammar al-Jabr during a meeting with Iran's Ambassador to Iraq Iraj Masjedi , Trend reports citing IRNA.

"The infrastructure and facilities of Samarra city and the surrounding of shrines need more attention, to have better conditions for pilgrims, he added.

Ammar al-Jabr said that the Saladin Province is "free from terrorist threats", and there have been efforts to develop this territory.

Meanwhile, Iran's ambassador noted that the Islamic Republic's role in re-construction of Iraq has already started and Tehran is very determined to continue.

He went on to add that "nothing can separate Iran and Iraq.

Referring to Iraqi Minister of Electricity's recent visit to Iran, the ambassador said that according to the agreements, Iranian companies would try to resolve the electricity crisis and power shortage in Iraq in the next three years.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

The State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan is creating an open-end investment fund with the participation of foreign organizations in order to attract investments to finance new projects in the country, Trend reports Feb. 20 with reference to the bank.

On the basis of an international tender for preparation of a feasibility study and a business plan in this area, a contract was signed earlier with Baker Tilly Rus Consulting JSC (Russian Federation).

The State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan is the official agent of the country in the international capital market and attracts medium- and long-term foreign loans to finance strategic investment projects.

In order to diversify the manufacture of export-oriented products of Turkmenistan, the bank actively attracts foreign loans for projects in the gas and chemical industry.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

Iran intends to increase carpets exports to Iraq, said Naser Behzad, Commercial Attache at the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad, Trend reports referring to the website of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran.

Behzad said that it is estimated that the demand for Iranian carpets in the Iraqi market will reach $600 million by the end of 2020.

Behzad added that currently Iraq imports $250 million worth of carpets from Turkey, China and Egypt.

"Iran's share in the Iraqi carpet market is less than 5 percent," he said.

Speaking about the strategy of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran for increasing the rates of Iranian production and exports to neighboring countries, Behzad said that the participation of Iranian businessmen in these markets can lead to the development of these markets, as well as the creation of joint small-scale workshops.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Rashid Shirinov  Trend:

Some 33 livestock enterprises of Kazakhstans Turkistan region and Shymkent have again received the right to export livestock products to Uzbekistan, Trend reports via Kazakh media.

The enterprises received this right following the joint inspection by the veterinary services of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The total capacity of feedlots inspected in the Turkistan region is 78,850 heads of cattle, 61,150 heads of small cattle, and 3,800 horses and camels.

The Kazakh enterprises are ready to export 18,000 tons of red meat and 500 tons of poultry products to Uzbekistan.

Last year, Kazakhstan exported 3.95 million tons (27 percent more than in 2017) of agricultural products to Uzbekistan in the amount of $634 million (34.5 percent more than in 2017).

Also, compared to 2017, exports of livestock products to Uzbekistan increased almost 20 times in 2018.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @ShirinovRashidBaku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

There were positive changes in the tax system of Azerbaijan in 2018, which were the result of deep economic reforms carried out in the country, Director General of the Tax Policy Department of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Taxes, said at a business breakfast organized by the Azerbaijan-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAF), Trend reports.

As noted by Musayeva, the changes in the Tax Code covered several areas, particularly business support, fight against tax evasion and shadow economy, and the improvement of tax administration.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

By Matanat Nasibova - Trend:

In 2019, Italy will become a new export destination for Azerbaijan's Ganja Aluminum Plant, a source at the company told Trend.

The source noted that presently, almost all of the plant's production is exported.

"The company's products are exported to a number of European countries and the former USSR countries, and in the coming months, exports to the Italian market will be arranged. In order to ensure continuity of exports, the Ganja Aluminum Plant plans to increase production volumes as well," the source said.

The company plans to increase production volumes to 52,447 tons.

This figure amounted to 51,967 tons in 2018.

The company produces primary and final aluminum products, as well as semi-finished products, such as rolled aluminum.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MatanatNasibovaTehran, Iran, Feb.20

Trend:

Iranian aircrafts have had their share of problems with the Najaf International Airport in Iraq in the last several years.

Recently, a number of Iranian pilgrims have announced that the Najaf Airport has refused to accept flights from Iran due to financial problems with Iranian airline companies.

According to them, authorities at the Najaf airport have called on Iranian pilgrims to change their tickets that were related to Iranian airline companies, Trend reports via IRNA.

According to the pilgrims, the Najaf airport is refusing to accept the aircrafts of Taban and Ata airlines due to non-payment of their debts.

The deputy ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Iraq Seyyed Musa Alizadeh Tabatabai has confirmed that the current problem between Najaf Airport and some Iranian airline companies is due to financial claims.

This problem will be solved soon and naturally all Iranian airlines can resume their flights to the Najaf Airport, Seyyed Musa Alizadeh Tabatabai noted.

In September 2017, the Iranian Airlines Association announced that the debts of Iranian airlines to Najaf Airport is some $16 million.

The Najaf International Airport was built in 2008 and is considered a small airport. The number of daily flights to this airport is 19 flights a day.Baku, Azerbaijan, February 20

By Fakhri Vakilov - Trend:

Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Secretary of State under the Minister of European Affairs and Foreign Affairs of France, will visit Uzbekistan this spring, Trend reports via Uzbek media.

"The purpose of the visit is to ensure the implementation of Uzbek-French guidebook of cooperation and agreements reached in October last year during Shavkat Mirziyoyevs visit to France," French Ambassador to Uzbekistan Violaine de Villemeur said.

Among other important events for the development of bilateral relations, the diplomat singled out the Week of the French Economy scheduled for the end of March, as well as the visit of the MEDEF mission in mid-May.

Contracts and agreements worth $ 5 billion were signed between the countries following the visit of Uzbek president to France last year. Moreover, Uzbekistan introduced a visa-free regime for French citizens on the eve of this visit.

Last year, the volume of trade between the countries exceeded $ 306 million, with a 19 percent increase compared to 2017. Nowadays, 16 enterprises with the participation of French capital, including two with 100 percent foreign capital, operate in Uzbekistan.

---

Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxriBaku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

Azerbaijans State Customs Committee (SCC) and the UK State Secretariat for the Home Department, on behalf of the UK customs service, have signed a joint declaration, Trend reports with reference to the SCC.

The declaration envisages development of cooperation in strengthening the potential of the customs service, sharing best practices in risk management, as well as ensuring security of goods, vehicles and persons crossing the border.

The declaration also envisages development of cooperation in creating international opportunities for analyzing information on cargos and persons crossing borders by simplifying customs and border procedures, collecting Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR), as well as preventing transportation of goods and persons who are likely to harm the national interests of the two countries.

The declaration was signed by Chairman of Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, Customs Lieutenant General Safar Mehdiyev and UK Prime Ministers Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan Baroness Emma Nicholson.

Mehdiyev noted that the meeting, held as part of the Hunter project, will strengthen cooperation between the customs authorities of the two countries, and also stressed that the Hunter project will raise bilateral cooperation to a higher level.

Baroness Emma Nicholson noted that the two countries successfully cooperate in many areas. She spoke about the customs reforms in Azerbaijan and the steps taken to diversify the economy, noting that the country uses advanced modern experience.

She said that thanks to the application of modern innovative technologies, the customs of Azerbaijan is already ahead of a number of European customs services.

The meeting was attended by UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Carole Crofts and the staff of the UK customs service.

A joint declaration was signed as part of the Hunter project funded by the UK Visas and Immigration.Russia and Azerbaijan are able to work together on solving the tasks facing both countries, Russia's Minister of Science and Higher Education Mikhail Kotyukov, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, Trend reports.

"Our universities have serious contacts at the level of the formation of joint programs, we support this work. Such international cooperation should be developed, it can include both educational and research processes," he noted in the first place.

"The challenges facing the society - both of Russia and Azerbaijan - are the same. We can definitely work together to form teams of young researchers to solve practical problems arising from these challenges," Mikhail Kotyukov stressed.

Such joint teams of scientists, according to the minister, "on the one hand, will look for new solutions, create new technologies, and on the other hand, grow as teams, which can solve important, complex practical tasks."Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

Top managers of International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) paid a visit to Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) and met with Petroleum Engineering students.

It was attended by BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov and IADC delegation led by Association President Jason McFarland and comprised of Vice President for International Development Mike DuBose, Executive Vice President on Operational Integrity Mark Denkowski, Regional Representative for Middle East and Africa Hisham Zebian and Editor/Publisher of Drilling Contractor magazine Linda Hsieh.

Opening the meeting, Rector Elmar Gasimov highly praised activities carried out by the Association in Azerbaijan and the cooperation with the BHOS students. The social projects for students implemented by IADC are of utmost importance for their professional development, job experience and future career growth, he said.

IADC President Jason McFarland told about objectives and tasks of this international non-profit organization, which provides a forum for all oil and gas drilling industry stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, and develop solutions to critical issues. In his words, the Associations primary areas of focus include advocating for sensible regulation, giving voice to the industry, improving safety and environmental protection.

Vice President Mike DuBose spoke about IADC educational programs for students that include training courses, workshops, conferences and visits to leading companies of the industry. Executive Vice President Mark Denkowski and Regional Representative for Middle East and Africa Hisham Zebian shared their professional experience and told about prospects of successful career for drilling engineers.

The meeting concluded with questions and answers session. During their visit, the guests also toured the campus and its educational, recreation and accommodation facilities.

The International Association of Drilling Contractors established in 1940 is dedicated to enhancing the interests of oil-and-gas and geothermal drilling contractors around the world. IADCs vision is for the drilling industry to be recognized for its vital role in enabling the global economy and its high standards of safety, environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

The first meeting of the High Level Working Group on the Caspian Sea was held on February 19-20, 2019 in Baku, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The Azerbaijani, Iranian, Kazakh, Russian and Turkmen delegations attended the talks.

The sides adopted the Rules of Procedure of the High-level Working Group on the Caspian Sea.

The sides exchanged views on the implementation of the agreements reached following the 5th Caspian Summit, reviewed the various aspects of cooperation in the Caspian Sea and reported on the process of implementing domestic procedures on the signed agreements, in particular, on the process of ratifying the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea.

The provisions of the draft agreement on the method of establishing direct baselines in the Caspian Sea were discussed. A number of provisions of the draft agreement have been agreed.

This document will be further discussed.

The delegations appreciated the results of the negotiations and expressed deep gratitude to Azerbaijan for the high level of organization of the first meeting.

The next meeting of the High Level Working Group on the Caspian Sea will be held in April 2019 in Kazakhstan.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

The EU delegations visited Azerbaijan to continue the negotiations on the new agreement, which will become the legal basis for strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and the EU in politics, security, as well as trade, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry held another round of talks in the field of politics and security with a delegation led by EUs Chief Negotiator for the agreement, Deputy Managing Director for Europe and Central Asia at the European External Action Service

Luc Devigne.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov also received the EU delegation.

The delegation led by representative of the European Commissions Directorate General for Trade, Petros Sourmelis, continued to hold the talks with the Azerbaijani side on the draft agreement regarding the trade sphere in Baku on February 15-20, 2019.Details added (first version posted on 12:18)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Diplomacy Sandra Oudkirk, Trend reports with reference to the presidential press service.

President Aliyev emphasized that the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council featured fruitful discussions on successful implementation of the project.

Pointing to the completion of a number of major projects last year, the president underlined that new parties were also represented in todays meeting. He described this as a sign of growing interest in the project.

The president hailed the US President Donald Trumps support for the Southern Gas Corridor Project.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Energy Resources Sandra Oudkirk pointed to the significant achievements made in 2018 towards the successful implementation of the project.

She emphasized that 1 billion cubic meters of gas was delivered for the first time to Turkey under the project last year.

The sides exchanged views on cooperation between Azerbaijan and the US in a number of areas, including in renewable and alternative energy.Details added (first version posted on 12:47)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with Undersecretary for Economic Development of the Italian Republic Andrea Cioffi.

President Ilham Aliyev said he is glad to meet with Italian Undersecretary for Economic Development Andrea Cioffi, expressing his confidence that the visit will be fruitful. The head of state hailed a high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Italy, describing the two countries as good partners.

Recalling his participation in the recent inauguration of the SOCAR Polymer plant built by an Italian company, the President said that he was joined by Italian President Sergio Mattarella to launch the first stage of the project last year.

President Ilham Aliyev praised the successful activity of Italian companies operating in many fields in Azerbaijan, including oil and gas, construction and other sectors of the economy. The head of state hailed high-level relations between the countries in terms of the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project. The President said this project closely links states and companies.

Italian Undersecretary for Economic Development Andrea Cioffi thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the reception. He said the meeting with the head of state is a good opportunity to exchange views on many issues.

Andrea Cioffi hailed the development of relations with Azerbaijan in all areas, including trade.Details added (first version posted on 13:00)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Vazil Hudak.

Underlining that the organization of meetings of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council has become a good tradition, President Ilham Aliyev said that targets set for these important events have been achieved.

Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Vazil Hudak stressed the importance of meetings of the Advisory Council in terms of the successful implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project.

He noted the significance of provision of financial support by the bank, which is the European Union`s main financial institution, for the Southern Gas Corridor.

Touching upon large-scale regional transport projects involving Azerbaijan, Vazil Hudak pointed out that the European Investment Bank is interested in financing such transport and other projects as well.

Expressing gratitude for support for the project, President Ilham Aliyev underlined that this is one of the biggest projects financed by the European Investment Bank in the region. Saying that the Southern Gas Corridor is a sustainable project, President Ilham Aliyev noted that these loans demonstrate support of the European Investment Bank and European Union for the project.

They also exchanged views on cooperation opportunities in various areas.Details added (first version posted on 12:17)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey Fatih Donmez.

Fatih Donmez thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the reception, and extended Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans greetings to the head of state.

Emphasizing the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor, Fatih Donmez noted that Turkey has been standing by Azerbaijan since the early stage of this project. He hailed the successful implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project. Underlining the launch of TANAP and STAR Oil Refinery, Fatih Donmez expressed confidence that such projects will continue to be implemented in the future.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked Turkey for participating in the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council at the high level. Noting that the foundation of this project signed together with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was laid with TANAP, the head of state stressed its historic significance, and also recalled the inauguration of TANAP project.

The head of state described the completion of this project in a short span of time together with Turkey as a great achievement.

Noting that Turkey-Azerbaijan cooperation has produced great results in all spheres, including in the field of energy, President Ilham Aliyev hailed delivery of 1 billion cubic meters of gas to Turkey via the new pipeline so far. Emphasizing the fact that STAR Oil Refinery became operational, President Ilham Aliyev said several billion dollars of investments are already yielding results.

President Ilham Aliyev hailed the successful continuation of the works on completion of the Southern Gas Corridor project.

The head of state thanked for Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s greetings, and asked the minister to extend his greetings to the Turkish president.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 20

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 29 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Feb. 20, 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.The trial of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's brother, who was briefly arrested two years ago on charges of financial violations, has opened in Tehran, local media report.

Hossein Fereydoun and four associates were present in court during the February 19 court hearing, according to the judiciary's news website Mizan.

A representative of the state prosecutor read out the indictment during the hearing, Mizan said, without providing further details.

Fereydoun and his brother do not share the same name because Rouhani has changed his.

Fereydoun, a top adviser to Rohani, was arrested in 2017 and quickly released on bail following long-running corruption allegations, with the judiciary, saying at the time that he was the subject of "multiple investigations.

Conservatives had demanded that Fereydoun be put on trial, accusing him of financial-corruption charges.

Rouhani's supporters have suggested that the case against Fereydoun was part of efforts by hard-liners to undermine the Iranian president.

A new hearing in the case is set to be held next week, the judiciary-affiliated Mizan said.

Based on reporting by Mizan and AFPIranian authorities have extended a travel ban on the wife of a prominent ecologist who died under suspicious circumstances while in prison.

Maryam Mobeini, the Iranian-Canadian widow of the late ecologist and professor Kavous Seyyed-Emami, also a dual Iranian-Canadian citizen, was stopped at Tehrans airport by plainclothes Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) agents last March when she attempted to board a plane bound for Vancouver via Frankfurt with her two adult sons, Mehran and Ramin.

Her sons left to Canada, but Mobeini was told she could not leave the country and her passport was seized, Ramin Seyyed-Emami said, adding that before they parted, she told her sons, I just want you guys to be safe and away from this horrible place. Dont ever come back."

Mobeinis attorney, Payam Derafshan, told the Iranian official news agency (IRNA) February 18 that the order barring her client from leaving the country has been extended. He did not elaborate on when this decision was taken and the duration of the ban.

Mobeinis husband, Kavous Seyyed-Emami, was arrested in January 2018 along with eight other Iranian ecologists and environmental activists and jailed at Tehrans notorious Evin Prison in a cell block managed by IRGC intelligence agents. Two weeks later, his family was informed he had hanged himself in the prison bathrooms. His family reject this explanation and demand a full investigation into his death.

The other eight environmentalists charged with espionage are now on trial in Tehran. Four are accused of sowing corruption on earth, a charge that can carry the death sentence in Iran.

Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi has claimed the activists were seeking proximity to military sites with the cover of environmental projects and obtaining military information from them.

A source close to Mobeini and her family says agents recently forced their way into her home and pressured her to make false statements about her late husband on camera while denying her access to a lawyer.

On March 19, 2018, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland issued a statement expressing Ottawa's concern over the fate of Mrs. Mobeini.

We continue to call on Iranian authorities to immediately give Maryam Mombeini, a Canadian citizen, the freedom to return homeWe will continue to demand answers from the government of Iran on the circumstances surrounding the detention and death of Maryam Mombeinis husband, Kavous Seyed-Emami.

Islamic Republic authorities have yet to respond to Canadas demands.On Thursday, February 21, at 12.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference on the subject: "The situation in Donbas: Criminal elements put pressure on local authorities, preparing for disruption of elections." In the early hours of February 16, unknown persons set on fire the car belonging to Secretary of Pokrovsk Town Council Iryna Sushchenko. The day before, there was a dispute between the town's local authorities and some members of the town's council at a town council session. Participants in the press conference are Pokrovsk Mayor Ruslan Trebushkin, Secretary of Pokrovsk Town Council Iryna Sushchenko, member of Pokrovsk Town Council Ruslan Sukov, and Olha Kvitka, public figure, member of the All-Ukrainian Women's Society named after Olena Teliha (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation by phone: +38 050 103 1563 (Oksana Vetoshko).On Thursday, February 21, at 16.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference on the launch of a new independent information and analytical online media, Lenta.UA. Participants are Editor-in-Chief of Lenta.UA Viktor Zubaniuk and owner of the Lenta.UA brand Uriel Stern (8/5a Reitarska Street). ID document and press card are required for entry.On Thursday, February 21, at 11.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference titled "Delay in Introduction of Second Level of Pension System, Inadmissibility of Disrupting Pension Reform." Participants include member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy, Employment and Pension Provision Natalia Veselova; the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (ULIE) President Anatoliy Kinakh; Head of the Trade Union Federation of Transport Workers of Ukraine, Head of the Trade Union of Railway Workers and Transport Builders of Ukraine Vadym Bubniak; Head of the Council of the NGPF Emerit-Ukraine Natalia Kovaliova; Head of the Civil Liberties Institute Halyna Tretiakova (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation.Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko spoke of an "unprecedented militarization by Russia of the Black Sea region."

Russia is changing the strategic balance in the region and far beyond it, turning Crimea into a launch site for its missiles, Poroshenko said during debates at the UN General Assembly.Tusk awarded title of Honoris Causa Doctor of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv

European Council President Donald Tusk on Wednesday took part in the ceremony of awarding him the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.

"Honoured to become Doctor Honoris Causa from the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. A truly moving and beautiful ceremony. Thank you," Tusk wrote on Twitter.

He illustrated his tweet with photos from the university.

Tusk is paying visit to Ukraine on February 18-20.

Honoris Causa (from the Latin "for the sake of honor") is the degree of doctor of science without defending a thesis, awarded on the basis of significant merit of the nominee.Commander of the Joint Forces Lieutenant-General Serhiy Nayev has informed the U.S. delegation led by the representative of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Forces and Security Joni Ernst about the current operational situation in the area of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) in eastern Ukraine and showed evidence of the Russian military presence in Donbas.

The meeting took place in one of the JFO base camps on Wednesday, the JFO staff said on Facebook.

Nayev showed the guests evidence of recent incidents of the use of corrective 152-mm shells of the Krasnopol type by Russian troops, which are exclusively used by the Russian army. In addition, the guests were shown the Orlan UAV and other types of weapons, ammunition and uniforms of the Russian army.

Also, the Commander of the JFO showed the U.S. delegation a video demonstrating the shelling of settlements in Donetsk and Luhansk regions by Russian troops from the beginning of the current year. "Yesterday, in the JFO area, the number of weapons used against the Ukrainian army by the Russians was record since the beginning of the current year. During the past day, the enemy spent 387 artillery shells and mines banned by the Minsk agreements on the positions of our troops. Of these, there were 317 of 122-mm caliber and 37 of 120-mm caliber," he said.

Nayev also briefed Ernst about the JFO's measures for the development of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and also informed her about the course of civil-military cooperation measures.The Heroes of Heavenly Hundred are remembered in Ukraine on Wednesday, February 20.

According to the decree of Ukrainian president dated February 11, 2015 "On honoring the feats of the participants in the Revolution of Dignity and perpetuating the memory of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred," February 20 is the Day of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred in the country.

Five years ago, in the period of February 18-20, the largest number of Maidan activists died (78 people) in the center of Kyiv. Subsequently, they were called Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred (or simply Heavenly Hundred).

The first in the Heavenly Hundred were Maidan activists Serhiy Nigoyan and Mikhail Zhiznevsky, who died on January 22, 2014. On the same day, the body of activist Yuriy Verbytsky was found in the forest.

In addition to the Ukrainians, Belarusians, Armenians and Georgians became the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine to 104 Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. Three foreigners - a citizen of Belarus Mikhail Zhiznevsky, Georgia - Zurab Khurtsia and David Kipiani - were posthumously awarded orders of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.

In connection with this memorable date, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman noted that Ukrainians then demonstrated to the whole world that they are a freedom-loving European people who will "struggle against the dictatorship and are ready to defend their own values against terrible threats."

"Crimes like those that occurred on the Maidan five years ago are a warning to all of our society how far in their odious thirst can a corrupt political class go, depending on the Kremlin's instructions. Therefore, only a legal, fair, democratic and European Ukraine with a strong civil society will be a real guarantee that such relapses in our history will not repeat any more," Groysman said in his appeal.

According to Groysman, the common duty of the authorities and the people to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred is to make changes that will bring the country closer to building a just and prosperous European society with citizens equal in their rights.

He urged Ukrainians to honor the cherished memory of the Heroes of Heavenly Hundred with a moment of silence.

In turn, Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov said that Heroes became the symbol of the unity of Ukrainian society and its glory.

"The heavenly host was replenished by the angels five years ago, when people of all ages, nationalities, and religions had stood shoulder to shoulder for their freedom and dignity, for our country's right to be a full-fledged member of a single European family, a mighty and independent country. The feat of the Heroes of Heavenly Hundred inspired hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians to fight Russian aggression," the NSDC secretary said.

"We bow our heads, paying deep respect to all who gave their lives for the freedom of their native land.  We must not betray those who have made a courageous step towards self-sacrifice and eternal life!" Turchynov said.Lawyers for the Heavenly Hundred's family and relatives have complained about the delay in investigating and adjudicating cases of murders and violent acts against Euromaidan activists and the Revolution of Dignity, and do not rule out appealing to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) with a lawsuit against the Ukrainian state.

At a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday, Vitaliy Tytych, a lawyer for the families of the dead and injured on the Euromaidan, said lawyers don't believe Ukraine is complying with the European Convention on Human Rights by ensuring a prompt, effective investigation and judicial review.

"We will think about collective appeal to the ECHR to establish the fact of this violation. I do not know how effective this will be, but at least it prevents whoever is in power every five years from putting their hands on their hearts and promising to do everything in their power to finish the investigation," Tytych said.

Chairman of the non-governmental organization Families of Heavenly Hundred Heroes Volodymyr Bondarchuk said court hearings about the Maidan killings are constantly postponed and delayed.

He said Kyiv's Sviatoshynsky district court judge Serhiy Diachuk since 2016 has not event ordered a ballistic examination in the case involving five former Berkut riot policemen.

Bondarchuk said families of the victims wanted to hold an event in the Verkhovna Rada this year and appeal to deputies, since a large number of problems arising in the investigation of cases are connected with legislation.

"But this year, there were no events for communication with the parliament, with prosecutors on the five-year anniversary of the tragedy. We continue fighting, although for these five years 17 parents of Heavenly Heroes hundreds have passed away. We continue fighting because the inevitability of punishment for crimes is needed for Ukraine," he said.

Euromaidan SOS representative Oleksandra Matviychuk said after the creation of the Department of Special Investigations at the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) in 2015, the PGO began downsizing the department.

"We all look forward with horror to the transferring of cases to the State Bureau of Investigation, which is supposed to take place in a year. In fact, this means that everything must start anew, and we have to 'nullify' these five years. It is important to ensure continuity or remedy the situation in some way," she said.

Matviychuk said many criminal cases related to the events of the Revolution of Dignity, in contrast to the case of ex-Berkut officers being considered in the Sviatoshinsky district court, are not properly litigated.

"It's obvious that judges misuse their position in order for deadlines to run out. Without engaging the international component, both in the investigation process and in the judicial review process, in any format, even by creating international 'hybrid' courts on cases involving Maidan, there will be no advancement," Matviychuk lamented.Russia's hybrid military forces mounted 16 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with three Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action, the press service of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) has reported.

"On February 19, the Russian occupation forces violated the cease-fire regime 16 times. At the same time, the arms prohibited by the Minsk agreements were used 15 times with a total consumption of 387 shells and mines of 122, 120 and 82-mm. Since the beginning of this year, this is the largest use of fire weapons by the enemy ... As a result of the shelling, three servicemen of the JFO were injured," the JFO staff said on Facebook on Wednesday morning.

In the action lane of the operational-tactical grouping Pivnich (North) and Skhid (East), Russian occupation forces opened fire from 122-mm artillery systems, 120-mm and 82-mm mortars, a ZU-23-2 towed 23-mm anti-aircraft twin-barreled autocannon, weapons installed on infantry fighting vehicles, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms, attacking the defenders of the villages of Lebedynske, Vodiane, Hnutove, Novotoshkivske, Zolote-4, Novozvanivka, Katerynivka, and Luhanske.

Three invaders were killed and another three were wounded on Tuesday, intelligence reports say.

"Since Wednesday midnight, Russian-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions once, using 82-mm mortars, tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns, and heavy machine guns," the report said.

"The JFO reliably control the enemy on the contact line, while respecting the conditions of the cease-fire regime," the JFO headquarters added.The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) from February 22, 2019 will issue banknotes of UAH 500 denomination of the 2015 sample signed by NBU Governor Yakiv Smolii and the year of the issue.

According to a posting on the website of the NBU, these banknotes are issued in circulation with the purpose of ensuring cash circulation within the 2019 year of the issue to replace the worn out, damaged and unfit for circulation banknotes of this denomination.

The banks will accept banknotes of UAH 500 denomination of the previous years of the issue from clients.God save our Second Amendment

Editor:

Thank you John Ellison and all others who voted against an unconstitutional law, SB143 (a law passed almost totally by Clark County). Thank you for representing Elko County so well. We hope our new sheriff will stand behind you as well. We stand behind you and will be here supporting you.

Thanks to Russ Asson for instructing us on the handling of unconstitutional laws. Amazing how fast the Democrats in office attempt to destroy our freedoms and usurp our constitutional rights. I suppose every day for the next two years in the newspaper will be gun control.

I have lived in Spring Creek Nevada for 30 years helping in the community and raising my family. It will be a huge relief with the cold wind blowing down the back of my neck in Rock Springs Wyoming to living in Nevada if it continues in a direction of such socialism.

Thanks to NRA and GOA and join today if your not a member. Lets rally together in Elko County. God save our precious Second Amendment.

Michael Smith

Spring Creek

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1In pressing for passage of the bill Friday an assembly member mentioned the Feb. 14 shooting at a Florida high school a year earlier and read the names of those killed.

Another mentioned the Oct. 1, 2017, mass shooting that left 58 dead at a Las Vegas country music festival as being a reason to require background checks on private firearms sales.

The New York Times a year ago reported that the guns used in both of these shootings, as well as 17 others in recent years, were all obtained legally and the shooters all passed background checks, though a couple probably should not have. So this law would have done nothing to prevent any of those shootings.

Additionally, the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California Davis partnered with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to study the impact of a similar California background check law passed in 1991. The study found that over the next decade there was no impact whatsoever on firearm homicide and suicide rates.

UC Davis and Johns Hopkins earlier looked at two states that repealed similar background check laws in 1998 and found that over the next decade there was no impact on the rate of firearm deaths.WASHINGTON  In his State of the Union address, President Trump, who is admittedly not given to eloquent or self-reflective musings, voiced an odd phrase that seemed both rather strange and rather perceptive.

Great nations, he said, do not wage endless wars.

Now of course, there have been long wars across history, but even the infamous Hundred Years War in Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries was waged only by minor French and English claimants to the thrones. Truly powerful nations supposedly move swiftly to resolve wars. The way, in fact, we have not.

The strangest thing in our country today is that virtually no one talks about our seemingly eternal and too often unnecessary wars, which boast neither tactics nor strategy. Even stranger is that, so far, none of our eager candidates for the presidency has even mentioned them.

Since Vietnam, we have turned our faces innocently away from the fact that we have lost virtually every war we have engaged in after the Korean War (and that was only a tie). In fact, only now are such secrets beginning to seep out in public and press journals.The state previously settled for $3.5 million with Jimmy Ray Bromgard, who was wrongly convicted in the case and served roughly 15 years in prison before his exoneration.

In 2017, Linda Tokarski Glantz came forward publicly as the victim of the 1987 rape. Reached Tuesday, she said shed gotten a call from the attorney general's office earlier that morning telling her the petition had been denied.

Its devastating but its not unexpected, Glantz said. Its hard to get a case through to the Supreme Court, and I knew that from the beginning.

Still, she said she was grateful for all the work put into the case.

Overall I think about all the people who put so much time and effort into this, and I think about all the people I connected with through this process, and I cant call it a waste of time, she said.

Glantz said while it was a long shot that the case could go to trial, she knew she would testify if it did. But she said even if she could address Tipton directly, she wouldnt.

You know at this point I would have nothing to say to him, she said. Hes not worth it.Im asking as a parent for them to do that now, said Rebecca Garcia, a mother of three students in the Clark County School District. We dont need another study. We dont need to ask whether or not we have enough money. We know the answer to that question.

Education Weeks Quality Counts 2018 report issued Nevada a D- for school finance after assessing indicators for spending and equity. In January, the publication released the first installment of its 2019 report, which looks at students chances for success in each state based on factors such as pre-kindergarten enrollment and postsecondary education attainment. Nevada received a C- in that index and placed 50th among states and the District of Columbia.

Jennifer Steele, a fourth-grade teacher at Doris French Elementary School in Las Vegas, described the reality of those lackluster education rankings. Her class has 28 students, many of whom are transient and enter school under grade level. A first-grade class in her school, though, has 26 students  10 more than the targeted student-to-teacher ratio for that grade level.

Her school also lost money this year after its star rating increased.

Were just shifting from one place to another, she said. The whole district needs to be financially provided for.Feb. 16

David N. Adams, 40, of Elko was arrested at 2050 Idaho St. for failure to obey sex offender registration laws. Bail: $5,000

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Alyssa N. Flores, 27, of Elko was arrested at 5851 Cimarron Way on a warrant for failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor crime. No bail

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Matthew P. Hitchcock, 26, of Ormond Beach, Florida was arrested on Interstate 80 for speeding 1-10 mph over limit, and on a criminal justice detainer. Bail: $625

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Jessica L. Larsen, 28, of Spring Creek was arrested at 317 Parkchester Drive for domestic battery. Bail: $3,140

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Kameron J. Marta, 35, of Carlin was arrested at 211  W. Cedar St. in Carlin on a warrant for failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor crime. No bail

------The Georgia Public Service Commission today (2/19) approved by a vote of 4-1 a settlement agreement in the Georgia Power 19th Vogtle Construction Monitoring Report for the reporting period of January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018. This decision closes out the 19th Semi-annual Vogtle Construction Monitoring (VCM) Report in Docket 29849. Voting for the stipulation were Commissioners Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Tim Echols, Chuck Eaton and Jason Shaw. Voting no was Commissioner Tricia Pridemore.

The settlement between the Commission's Public Interest Advocacy (PIA) Staff and Georgia Power calls for combining the next two Vogtle Construction Monitoring (VCM) Reports. Georgia Power was originally scheduled to file its next report (VCM 20) at the end of February: however, the Company is in the midst of re-baselining the cost and schedule of the project and the re-baselining is not scheduled to be complete until April 2019. Under the settlement the Company will file a progress report on the re-base-lining no later than May 15, 2019. The Commission Staff and its consultants will file their own assessment of the re-baselining on July 31, 2019. The Company will file a combined VCM 20 and 21 on August 31, 2019.

As part of this decision, the Commission verifies and approves $526.4 in expenditures by Georgia Power. This decision is not a ruling on whether the expenditures are prudent but only acknowledges that the Company has spent the funds on the project. An additional $51.6 million which the Company requested be verified and approved in this proceeding is not approved at this time. This money is related to the Company's Westinghouse bankruptcy proceeding. Today's action does not constitute a disallowance and the Company may file for consideration in a future VCM proceeding along with any evidence or confirmation that the money was actually spent on the project.

The Commission also approved a modification of the Company's allowance for Commission monitoring costs up to $3.8 million to allow the Commission additional resources to monitor the project in light of the termination of the fixed price contract with Westinghouse and the resulting shift of more cost risk to ratepayers. This is an increase of $2.1 million over the previous monitoring cost allowance. In addition, this sum will not be charged against or be part of the $7.3 billion capital construction cost approved in VCM 17.

This additional funding will allow the Commission to better protect ratepayers by hiring additional consultants to independently monitor the Vogtle Construction Project and to more thoroughly analyze the Company's cost and schedule for the project.

"These additional consultants, who have extensive experience in estimating, construction, and management of large scale construction projects including nuclear power plants, will work for the Commission only, not for Georgia Power. They will provide the Commission with an independent assessment of the construction of the project. Electric customers throughout Georgia, whether served by Georgia Power or by its partners in the Vogtle project, will benefit from this robust and independent review of the cost and schedule," said Commission Chairman Lauren "Bubba" McDonald.

"The $2.6 million for additional consultants on the now $16 billion total project capital cost for all the partners is appropriate and needed. This will help ensure that the project receives a high level of oversight so that ratepayers are not burdened with unnecessary expenses," said Commissioner Chuck Eaton.

"With this decision we are a step closer to finishing this monumental clean energy project," said Commission Vice-chair Tim Echols. "As our country inches towards putting a price on CO2 emissions, the Vogtle units are positioned to deliver billions in savings."

The Company filed its 19th Vogtle Construction Monitoring Report on August 31, 2018. The Company filed testimony on October 28, 2018. The Commission held two hearings in this docket: on November 15, 2018 on the Company's direct testimony and on December 18, 2018 on Commission staff and interested parties' testimony.

Plant Vogtle is a nuclear power electric generating plant near Waynesboro, Georgia. When fully operational, Units Three and Four now under construction will produce 2,200 Megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 500,000 homes. Plant Vogtle Units One and Two have been in commercial operation since 1987 and 1989 respectively.

The Commission certified Georgia Power's share of the construction cost of Plant Vogtle Units Three and Four on March 17, 2009 at $6.114 billion. Georgia Power owns 45.7 per cent of Plant Vogtle with its partners, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and the City of Dalton Utilities, who own the remaining 54.3 per cent.

The Georgia Public Service Commission is a five-member constitutional agency that exercises its authority and influence to ensure that consumers receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced telecommunications, electric and natural gas service from financially viable and technically competent companies. For more information on the Commission visit our web site at www.psc.state.ga.us.The EBRD is intensifying efforts to strengthen energy efficiency in Armenia with the launch of a new Green Economy Financing Facility for the country, co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporates will benefit from a 2.5 million loan to ArmSwiss Bank, the second bank to join GEFF in Armenia after the successful set-up of a credit line with Ameriabank. Funding will be available for investments in green technology, especially in climate adaptation and mitigation technologies. Possible investments include technologies such as thermal insulation, photovoltaic solar panels, geothermal heat pumps and water efficient irrigation systems. Businesses can identify typical green technologies available in Armenia through the GEFF Technology Selector.

Companies interested in securing a loan for green technologies may also benefit from investment incentives funded by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF). The GEFF includes a comprehensive technical advisory package, co-financed by the GCF, which helps to originate and verify green investment opportunities.

The new GEFF programme in Armenia was launched in Yerevan today (2/19) at an event which brought together GEFF stakeholders, including donors, local state officials, local partner financial institutions, suppliers and producers of green technologies for the residential sector.

Read the full story.This blog may be a labor of love for me, but it takes a lot of effort, time and money. For over 14 years and 30,000 articles I have been providing accurate, original news that would have remained unnoticed. I've written hundreds of scoops and sometimes my reporting ends up making a real difference. I appreciate any donations you can give to keep this blog going.Poroshenko: Russia seizes 27% of eastern Ukraine's industrial potential

Some 33 local industrial giants have been affected.

If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+EnterWizz Air launches seven additional flights at Lviv airport

Lviv Airport in 2018 increased passenger traffic by 48%, to 1.6 million people.

If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+EnterUkraine launching production of Verba MLR systems

Three defense companies will be involved in the project.

If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+EnterKyiv court rules to arrest Ukrgasbank ex-managers suspected of major embezzlement

An investigation is under way to establish all participants in the criminal "scheme" for plundering the state bank's funds.

If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+EnterTrump in 'no rush' to push N. Korea to denuclearize

U.S. President Donald Trump said he's in "no rush" for results on North Korea denuclearization. Photo by AFP/File

"I'd like to see ultimately denuclearization of North Korea," President Donald Trump told reporters, just over a week out from the February 27-28 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi, Vietnam.

"I think that North Korea and Chairman Kim have some very positive things in mind and we'll soon find out, but I'm in no rush," he said, adding that sanctions were continuing in the meantime.

"I hope that positive things are going to happen. I think it'll be a very exciting couple of days."

At their landmark summit in Singapore last year, the mercurial U.S. and North Korean leaders produced a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work toward "the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."

But progress has since stalled, with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Trump, who spoke on Tuesday with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in, said he would do the same on Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

A State Department statement meanwhile said the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun was traveling to Hanoi in preparation for the summit.

AFPKim-dergarten: Vietnam's N. Korea nursery pines for visit by Supreme Leader

Vietnamese children perform in front of the portraits of the late North Korean leader, Kim Il Sung (L) and Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh (R) at the Vietnam-North Korea Friendship Kindergarten in Hanoi on February 19, 2019. Photo by AFP

They are practicing skills they hope to show off to Kim Jong Un when he visits Vietnam next week.

The reclusive North Korean leader is making his first trip to Vietnam to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump between February 27 and 28.

It is their second summit, during which Washington hopes to see progress on dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear program.

The serious summit agenda was far from the minds of toddlers at the Vietnam-DPRK Friendship Kindergarten on Tuesday.

Instead the three-to-five-year-olds sang and danced in the 'Kim Il Sung' classroom named after Kim Jong Un's grandfather, one of Hanoi's closest allies during the Vietnam War.

"Jal gaseyo!" the kids chanted - goodbye in Korean - at the school where portraits of communist leaders past -- Kim Il Sung, his son Kim Jong Il and Vietnam's revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh -- hang on the wall.

Vietnamese children perform in front of the portraits of the late North Korean leader, Kim Il Sung (L) and Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh (R) at the Vietnam-North Korea Friendship Kindergarten in Hanoi.

Established in 1978 at a time when conflict-battered Hanoi still received aid from Pyongyang, the school was built almost entirely with North Korean donations, from the blankets and mattresses for naptime to the bowls and utensils used at mealtime.

Today some of the school's 450 pupils learn about North Korean culture, from kimchi and kimbap to traditional dress, and occasionally receive visits from North Korean officials and embassy personnel.

"Even though North Korean friends are in difficult conditions, they still pay due attention to this kindergarten," former head teacher Hoang Thi Thanh told AFP.

The school's current headmaster Ngo Thi Minh Ha is hoping that support extends to North Korea's top leader, who will meet Trump in Hanoi.

"We really hope to welcome North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to visit Vietnam and the Vietnam-DPRK friendship kindergarten, we have proposed our wish (to the embassy)," she told AFP.

Pyongyang has not yet confirmed the summit, with news about its date and location coming only from the White House, and details of the ultra-secretive leader's trip remain unknown.

The meeting is aimed at building on Trump and Kim's first summit in Singapore in June, the first ever meeting between sitting leaders from the U.S. and North Korea, who have never formally ended the 1950-53 Korean War.

Former head teacher Thanh said she would love to see Kim visit the school, but is also hoping for a productive summit.

"I hope for peace and stability in Korean peninsula in the next meeting. I also hope this meeting will bring closer the two sides of Korea like (north and south) Vietnam," she said.

AFPMilitary plane carrying Trump's copter takes on heavy responsibilities

A Boeing C-17 Globemaster III about to land at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi Wednesday, carrying a Marine One helicopter and other equipment for U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming Vietnam visit for the summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photo by VnExpress/Ba Do

The aircraft lands on the tarmac at the Noi Bai International Airport. Photo by VnExpress/Ba Do

The C-17 Globemaster III is a heavyweight military aircraft developed by Berkeley-based aerospace manufacturing firm McDonnell Douglas at the end of the 1980s for strategic and tactical transportation, capable of carrying weapons and soldiers to any location in the world.

A C-17 in a training session in Washington state, November 2018.

The aircraft was nicknamed Globemaster following two previous heavyweight transporation aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas  the C-74 Globemaster and C-124 Globemaster II.

An entourage of cars that served Trump during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Da Nang in November 2017, loaded on to the C-17 Globemaster III.

Among the vehicles that the C-17 carries on presidential trips are two Cadillac cars nicknamed 'Beasts.'

The C-17 also carries either the Marine One VH-3D or VH-60N helicopter during foreign visits, just in case Trump is unable to travel from the airport's runway to his intended destination.

When transported by the C-17, helicopters have their rotors removed. These will be reassembled by American technicians upon arrival.

Each C-17 is 53 meters long and 17 meters high.

Each of its wings spans 52 meters. It is equipped with four F117-PW-100 turbine engines, allowing it to fly at 830km/h and reach 10,000 kilometers in altitude while carrying parachuters.

A typical C-17 crew comprises three people, two pilots and a loader.

A C-17's hold is 5.5 meters wide and 4.6 meters high, allowing a carrying capacity of 77 tons - 102 fully-equipped parachuters or three steel-plated Stryker (armored car) or one M1 Abrams tank. It can also carry four UH-60 Black Hawk transportation helicopters or two AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.

The C-17 Globemaster III can function on multiple runway types, even those that are not cemented. It can also run backwards without supporting vehicles, which is highly useful in runways in warzones or places with little logistical support. This aircraft is also capable of landing on a 914 meters long runway while carrying 72 tons.

The C-17 is equipped with a AN/AAR-47 sensor system around its hull for self-defense, allowing pilots to detect missiles by the heat in their emissions. Once the system detects an approaching missile, it will trigger a AN/ALE-47 heat baiting system, which works on both heat-seeking and radar-guided missiles.

After 30 years of service, the C-17 Globemaster III is considered the backbone of American military transportation as well as the go-to vehicle for its leaders during foreign visits.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force

Staff reportersKim may take train to Hanoi for Trump summit: report

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks at the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces on occasion of the 71st anniversary of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang, North Korea in this February 8, 2019 KCNA Photo. Photo by KCNA via Reuters

The Japanese news agency cited a diplomatic source as saying Kim Chang-son, chief secretary of the Secretariat of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, had gone to a train station in an unnamed Vietnamese city bordering China Sunday for inspections and security checks.

This has led to speculation that Kim Jong-un could use a train to travel to Hanoi for the second summit between the United States and North Korea on February 27 and 28, Kyodo said.

Kim Jong-un boarded a Boeing 747 from Air China to Singapore for the first U.S.-North Korea summit last year. But when he visited China the same year, he used his own specialized steel-plated train instead.

If Kim Jong-un does in fact board a train to Hanoi, it would take him approximately three days to traverse the 4,023 kilometers from North Korea through China to Vietnam. Security is also a matter of concern as China would need to make sure the train has safe passage through the country before reaching Vietnam.

Kim Jong-un's train is not only steel-plated, but also equipped with conference rooms, bedrooms, satellite phones and televisions.

After getting to Vietnam, Kim Jong-un could visit key industrial sites and meet with Vietnamese President and Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, South Korean television network MBC reported, citing an unnamed source.

As of Saturday, both U.S. and North Korean delegations had landed in Hanoi to discuss the summit's logistics.

The second Trump-Kim summit will take place in Hanoi on February 27 and 28.

Vietnam has expressed its happiness at hosting the event, as well as confidence that it can host the meeting successfully.

City authorities have said they will patrol certain strategic areas 24/7, including the Noi Bai International Airport, train and bus stations, cultural monuments and electric grids, to ensure security before and during the event.

The first summit was held in Singapore in June 2018, but negotiations failed to make much headway owing to disagreements on the concept of denuclearization.

Both sides are hoping to make further headway at the upcoming summit in Hanoi.

Phan AnhA photographer exposes Vietnam's ugly underbelly - marine pollution

Nguyen Viet Hung drove across the length and the breadth of the country's coast to document plastic waste polluting the sea.

In August 2018, Hung, a photographer based in Hanoi, set off from the capital city on a motorbike trip across the country to document how the sea is being trashed so as to raise public awareness of a huge problem. "For the Save our seas trip, I wanted to capture the most realistic images of the situation of dumping plastic waste in Vietnam. I hope to help everyone understand what is happening and the consequences if we dont do anything about it ," Hung said. He also wanted to promote the 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) method in using plastic products.

A beach in Quat Lam District, the northern province of Nam Dinh Province.

The trip allowed Hung to get a direct, comprehensive view of the problem and the importance of saving the environment and the ocean from the hazard of plastic waste.



"The farther I went, the more I realized that the environment in general and marine environment in particular of our country are being seriously destroyed. Most people are not aware of the scale of the problem and this should change," Hung said. His 43-day "Save Our Seas" trip took Hung to 39 cities and provinces of Vietnam, including 28 coastal cities. The 3,000 photos he has taken during the trip are a damning indictment of what Vietnam is doing to its own environment. Why focus on the ugly When Hung spoke about his trip with his friends, some supported him and others thought it was not worth it. "Many people asked me why I should stop working and spend money on such a time-consuming, exhausting and even risky trip," Hung told VnExpress. "Many people were surprised that I was going to 'waste time' shooting trash instead of taking photos of the countrys beautiful sceneries. "However, when you suddenly realize the number of days living in the world is not counted by the duration of time every day, but by doing meaningful things, you will have great motivation."

Trash dumped near the parked boats in the central province of Thanh Hoa.

Hung had spent a year studying documents about the environment pollution relating to plastic waste before starting the trip. He knew that ocean pollution in Vietnam was serious when he set out. Plastic waste accounts for 50-80 percent of ocean waste, and more than 80 percent of plastics waste originates from the mainland, while the rest is discharged directly in the sea. A science journal report in 2015 showed that Vietnam ranked fourth among five biggest produces of plastic waste in the world. Shocked, nevertheless

Although he was equipped with background information about the pollution level in coastal areas, Hung was still shocked at what he got to see.

A beach in Tuy Phong District in the south central province of Binh Thuan.

"I was shocked to see a sea of trash stretching for a kilometer, it seemed unreal. It was a scene that overwhelmed and horrified me, even though I have already seen many heavily polluted places". He came upon the horrifying scene in the coastal area of Chi Cong Commune, Tuy Phong District in the central province of Binh Thuan.

What Hung saw was a long beach covered with plastic bags, clothes and domestic waste instead of white sand. People were also using the place to urinate and defecate.

"I went to a part of the beach where garbage was piled high. Garbage had not only destroyed the beauty of the beach, it had made it stink, and affected people's living environment. The risk of epidemic outbreaks and infection is very high in these areas," Hung said.



He said dumping garbage into the canal and the sea had become a long-steanding habit among locals. The lack of garbage trucks in the area only exacerbated the problem.

During his journey, Hung frequently encountered hardship and danger. One time, when he raised his camera to capture a truck that was deliberately "building" a new mountain of garbage, he was spoken to rudely, and they threatened to beat him and destroy his camera. He also faced unfriendly faces of the people living on the garbage strewn beaches.

A canal overflows with garbage in the center of Binh Dai District in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre. On the right is a blue board saying "Please don't litter".Vietnamese Chinese community celebrates first full moon of the year

The Chinese Vietnamese community in Saigon brightened the city Tuesday with a colorful parade, dragon dances and traditional rituals.

For the Hoa ethnic Chinese people in Vietnam, Nguyen Tieu is the biggest and most important festival of the year, marking the final day of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) celebration. It is observed on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the first Full Moon day of the New Year. They light lanterns, eat dumplings at home and flock to pagodas with offerings and pray to deities with special incense. One of the must-to-do things during the Tet Nguyen Tieu is to light incense to deities and Gods at all pagodas and temples. The belief is that this is a good time to pray for removal of bad luck and wish a year of peace and happiness for everyone.

The On Lang Pagoda in District 5 is full of devotees burning incense and praying.

The fragrance of incense, the sounds of bell ringing and prayers being whispered imbue the pagoda with an ambience of piety.

Inside the 250-year-old Thien Hau Pagoda, which is dedicated to worship the Goddess of the Sea, the devout send their prayers to by lighting spiral incense sticks that can burn for weeks. The Chinese community, an inseparable part of Saigon, have kept their long-standing traditions alive through celebrations of festivals as well as daily activities.

A lion dance troupe performs in front of a temple in District 5. Tet Nguyen Tieu is the time for the Chinese community to highlight their cultural identity by organizing the city`s largest street parade, featuring lion dances and performers in costumes accompanied by marching bands. The parade winds its way through main streets in the Cho Lon area, better known as Chinatown. Red lanterns are a must during the festival. The Chinese community credits business success and happiness to divine blessings, so every family maintains the custom of hanging hand scrolls, lanterns or calligraphy paintings in red, a symbol of luck and prosperity, in front of their homes during the Tet holiday and the Nguyen Tieu festival.

Dragon dances are also an indispensable part of Nguyen Tieu festival celebrations.

The parade, over a kilometer (0.62 miles) long, departs from Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, famous for Chinese traditional medicine business, and goes through Chau Van Liem, Lao Tu, Luong Nhu Hoc and Nguyen Trai streets.

Stilt walkers dressed as fairies in Chinese mythology perform during the festival.

Ly Minh Tong, 54, drove his family on a motorbike to watch the parade. They took a photo with a performer dressed as Ton Ngo Khong (Monkey), the main character in the Chinese classic novel Journey to the West, which was been adapted to TV serials and movies that became quite popular. "For us, the Nguyen Tieu Festival is an important occasion to welcome the first Full Moon of the year and pray for peace and prosperty," Tong said.

Many Chinese businesspeople closed their shops on the day to join the celebrations.Trump-Kim summit a tourism fillip for Vietnam

The second Trump-Kim summit is expected promote Vietnam's tourism to the world. Photo by Shutterstock/Phuong D. Nguyen

Addressing a meeting held Tuesday to discuss preparations for the summit, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that the event was a valuable opportunity to show the world that Vietnam was a great tourism destination.

The summit happens to take place at the same time as the 20th anniversary of Hanoi being recognized by the UNESCO as the City for Peace, he noted, adding: "For this reason, the city needs promote the image of a city with historical traditions and great potential for investment."

Le Nguyen Mai Hoa, deputy general director of Vietnam Tourism Hanoi, said the summit gives Vietnamese travel destinations a "free" opportunity to be featured on international media.

"Marketing on direct channels for foreign customers is always costly, therefore tourism companies will enjoy this event. Hanoi and Vietnam will be advertised globally and they wont have to pay a dime," she told VnExpress International.

Hoa has some precedent to rely on in the previous summit hosted in Singapore in 2018. The number of visitors to the country last year grew by 6.2 percent to 18.5 million, according to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Coverage of the summit saw an estimated 2.36 billion views with 8,000 pieces of online content that mentioned Singapore in its headlines, while Google registered over two million hits on the phrase "where is Singapore" from the U.S. alone, one day before the summit, according to Singaporean newspaper The Straits Times.

Echoing Hoa, Nguyen Cong Hoan, deputy general director of Hanoi Redtours, said that the event would paint a positive image of Vietnams tourism to the world.

"If Vietnam organizes the event well, the world will remember it as a safe, friendly place. More international tourists will consider Vietnam their next destination," he said.

Hoan added that the summit would also boost MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism in the country.

"As more international companies could consider Vietnam for their next global conferences after this event, my company will launch a new MICE tourism package soon."

Vietnamese tourism will also enjoy direct benefits during summit days, industry insiders said. With some 3,000 journalists arriving to report on the event, and a large number of entourages on both sides, local hospitality businesses would see an uptick in their revenues, they added.

Data from booking services like Booking and Agoda shows that major hotels in Hanoi like the Sheraton, Hilton Hanoi Opera and Crowne Plaza West Hanoi are already fully booked even though the event only takes place next week.

VnExpress's attempts to book a room in Hanois 15 five-star hotels on Traveloka proved futile. At three other hotels that have hosted U.S. Presidents earlier: the Sofitel Legend Metropole, JW Marriott and Sheraton, there were no rooms available from February 25 to March 2.

Hot iron

Although the summit is a major opportunity for Vietnamese tourism, taking advantage of it is not an easy task, industry insiders said.

Nguyen Quoc Ky, CEO of travel company Vietravel, said that if local travel businesses do not strike while the iron is hot, they will lose the opportunity. They should promote the country using "Trump-Kim summit in Vietnam" as a key phrase, he said.

"Businesses need to provide high quality accommodation and transport services right after the event with attractive discounts to win more customers," he said.

Vietnams tourism has been booming in recent years, and the summit will facilitate the country achieving its target of 18 million international visitors this year, several travel experts said.

Last year, the country welcomed 15.5 million foreign visitors, up 19.9 percent from 2017, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

Revenue from both domestic and international tourists grew by 21.4 percent to $26.69 billion last year, it added.

Trump and Kim are due to meet in Hanoi on February 27 and 28.

South Korean television and radio network MBC has reported that Kim plans to visit Vietnam two days before the summit.

Dat Nguyen



Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com





Oh, and if you see me driving my red 2010 Mustang GT convertible, please wave.

Hi, I am a retired newspaperman. I wrote 3 books on Trump and the media . I live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 43 years, Lou Ann. I grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather.According to the latest reports from the worlds climate scientists, the need to address climate change has never been more crucial. Already we are seeing the impact of our carbon footprint. News of wildfires, drought, floods and food shortages dominates our papers and airwaves. Without meaningful action to cap carbon emissions, the problems will only grow worse.

In Oregon, our solution is called Clean Energy Jobs. Following years of significant discussion and work by stakeholders, my colleagues and I will work this session to pass it into law. This is the biggest, most significant action Oregon can take to lead on climate protection.

The Clean Energy Jobs bill will put a cap on climate pollution emitted into our air and water. There are roughly 100 large, industrial sources that are responsible for much of our states carbon footprint. These are the polluters the legislation is designed to impact. Smaller businesses, like your grocer, florist and local brewery, will not be impacted.SALEM  Christine Bynum, 17, can be charged and sentenced as an adult, drive on interstates with adults, work and pay income tax, but she cant vote.

Bynum, daughter of state Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Happy Valley, went to the Capitol on Monday to urge legislators to change that.

If I can be tried as an adult, why cant I vote like an adult? said Bynum, who attends La Salle High School in Milwaukie said during a press conference Monday at the Capitol. I pay income tax like an adult. I drive like an adult. I can be charged and sentenced as an adult. Why is something so important such as voting limited to people who are our present and not our future?

State Sen. Shemia Fagan, D-Portland, has proposed legislation to place a measure on the Oregon ballot in November 2020 to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote. It could make Oregon the first state to open up voting to people younger than 18, Fagan said.

The proposal piggybacks on a national movement, Vote 16 USA, which campaigns for lowering the voting age to 16.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

No states have decreased the voting age to 16, but places such as Takoma Park, Maryland, and Berkeley, California, have allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in certain local elections.The state would spend polluters money on climate change projects of all sizes, with a priority being placed on low-income and minority communities, as well as those most impacted by climate change.

Jeremy Clark, a 14-year-old from Portland, has been lobbying the Legislature for three years to support the proposal. He passionately recited a list of stats with dizzying speed. He talked about the parts of the state hes seen burn to the ground as drought and hotter summers made Oregons forests more susceptible to wildfires. He said the world as we know it could disappear.

What will we call Glacier National Park if there are no glaciers? he said. What will we call Iceland if there is no ice?

The youngest generations civic engagement became a theme for the night, as many adults hearkened back to their words, calling them inspiring. But not all were in favor.

Several witnesses from the agriculture sector talked about how an estimated 16 cent per gallon increase in gasoline would cost them tens of thousands of dollars every year. The agriculture would not be directly covered by the cap, but would pay higher fuel costs to suppliers to who are.The family of Shamima Begum, who joined the Islamic State group in Syria aged 15, say they plan to challenge the move to strip her of UK citizenship.





Her family's lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, said they were considering "all legal avenues" to contest the decision.





Government sources said it was possible to strip the 19-year-old of British nationality as she was eligible for citizenship of another country.





Ms Begum, who left east London in 2015, had said she wanted to return home.





She told ITV news it was "kind of heart-breaking to read" of the Home Office decision, adding that it was "unjust on me and my son".





Ms Begum was found in a Syrian refugee camp last week after reportedly leaving Baghuz - IS's last stronghold - and gave birth to a son at the weekend.





A Home Office spokesperson said the department did not comment on individual cases but decisions to remove citizenship were "based on all available evidence and not taken lightly".





The spokesperson said: "In recent days the home secretary has clearly stated that his priority is the safety and security of Britain and the people who live here."





Bangladesh link





Ms Begum is believed to be of Bangladeshi heritage but when asked by the BBC, she said she did not have a Bangladeshi passport and had never been to the country.





Lord Carlile, a former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said that if Ms Begum's mother was a Bangladeshi national - as is believed to be the case - under Bangladesh law Ms Begum would be too.





However, the family's lawyer Mr Akunjee told the Independent that the Bangladeshi government "does not know who she is".





He said: "Our position is that to all practical purposes she has been made stateless."





Under the 1981 British Nationality Act, a person can be deprived of their citizenship if the home secretary is satisfied it would be "conducive to the public good" and they would not become stateless as a result.





Lord Carlile said the nationality of Ms Begum's baby was "even more complicated".





As the baby's father is believed to be Dutch, he may be entitled to Dutch nationality as well as British and "probably Bangladesh nationality".





A child born to a British parent before they are deprived of their citizenship would still be considered British.





While it would theoretically be possible for the UK to then remove citizenship from the child, officials would need to balance their rights against any potential threat they posed.





What are Ms Begum's rights to appeal?





Ms Begum has the right to challenge the Home Office's decision either by tribunal or judicial review, said Lord Carlile.





Lord Carlile told BBC Breakfast: "The test will be of reasonableness and proportionality so she would have to establish that the home secretary acted in an entirely disproportionate way in removing her nationality.





"That might be a difficult challenge for her because he appears to have acted within the law if it is indeed the case that she is entitled to Bangladesh nationality."





He said it was a "complex issue" which "could run for a very long time through the courts", and Ms Begum may likely stay where she is "for maybe two years at least".





ITV News obtained the letter sent to Ms Begum's mother, asking her to inform her daughter of the government's decision.





Photo: Baghdad (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The Islamic State (IS) group has reportedly beheaded a 15-year-old boy for listening to Western pop music and shot dead two others for missing Friday prayers, as part of a wider crackdown in the group's stronghold of Mosul in northern Iraq. According to local sources, reported by Kurdish media, the teenager named Ayham Hussein was caught during a patrol by Isis fighters, listening to Western music from his CD player in his father's grocery store, in the west of the city. Brought before a Sharia court, the boy was sentenced to death by beheading, which took place in a public square. His body was handed to his parents last Tuesday for burial. Separately, two young men were arrested last week for failing to attend Friday prayers at the main mosque in Mosul. Both were shot dead outside the same mosque on Sunday. The execution took place after a member of the Sharia Court read a statement vowing anyone who misses the prayers at the mosque to face the same punishment." In late January, a 14-year-old was reportedly beheaded on similar charges. A witness said the boys parents were "forced to witness the beheading of their own son. Reports from Mosul also indicate that four women victims of rape were stoned to death for adultery. (

Read more ).





Dal Babu, a former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent and friend of Ms Begum's family, said they were "very surprised" by what seemed to be a "kneejerk reaction" by the Home Office.





Stressing that Ms Begum had never been to Bangladesh, Mr Babu said: "It seems to be a bizarre decision and I'm not entirely sure how that will stand up legally."





Former Conservative Home Secretary Ken Clarke said turning people away would be a "great boost for jihadism" as the "hundreds of foreign jihadis stuck in camps in northern Syria" would be further radicalised, he said.













Islamic State has lost most of the territory it once controlled, but between 1,000 and 1,500 militants are believed to be left in a 50 sq km (20 sq mile) area near Syria's border with Iraq.





Mr Javid told MPs earlier this week that more than 100 dual nationals had already lost their UK citizenship after travelling in support of terrorist groups.





Last year, two British men, accused of being members of an IS cell dubbed "The Beatles" were stripped of their citizenship after being captured in Syria.





In an interview with the BBC on Monday, Ms Begum said she never sought to be an IS "poster girl" and now simply wished to raise her child quietly in the UK.





She told the BBC she was "shocked" by the 2017 Manchester Arena attack - which killed 22 people and was claimed by IS - but she also compared it to military assaults on IS strongholds, saying it was "retaliation".





Robbie Potter, who was seriously injured in the attack while he waited for his children in the foyer of Manchester Arena, said he felt "angry" and sickened by Ms Begum's comments.





Ms Begum left the UK with two school friends, Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase in February 2015. Ms Sultana is thought to have died when a house was blown up, and the fate of Ms Abase is unknown.





Ms Begum gave birth to a baby boy last weekend, having previously lost two children.





Her husband, a Dutch convert to Islam, is thought to have surrendered to a group of Syrian fighters about two weeks ago.

Alabama woman who joined ISIS is begging to come home

(CNN) -- At the age of 19, a young woman from Hoover, Alabama traveled to Syria to join ISIS -- the so-called "Islamic State."





Five years and three husbands later, she says she regrets what she did and is begging to return to the US.





In a recent handwritten note obtained by CNN from a family representative, Hoda Muthana writes, "When I left to Syria I was a naive, angry, and arrogant young woman. I thought that I understood my religious beliefs."





But after witnessing the devastation of war, including the death of two husbands, Muthana said she became disillusioned.





"During my years in Syria I would see and experience a way of life and the terrible effects of war which changed me. Seeing bloodshed up close changed me. Motherhood changed me. Seeing friends, children, and the men I married dying changed me," the now 24-year-old wrote.





"Seeing how different a society could be compared to the beloved America I was born and raised into changed me. Being where I was and seeing the (people) around me scared me because I realized I didn't want to be a part of this. My beliefs weren't the same as theirs."





Outspoken support





Once described as shy and reserved by a high school classmate, Muthana was fiercely outspoken in her support for jihad after joining ISIS. During the height of the self-declared caliphate, Muthana posted tweets calling for violence, according to the Program on Extremism at the George Washington University.





"Hoda was right in the mix for English language propagandists," said terror researcher Seamus Hughes. "We followed her for a number of years. She was a key node."





She demanded more Americans come to the self-proclaimed Caliphate and join the fight with ISIS.





"Soooo many Aussies and Brits here, but where are the Americans, wake up u cowards," she posted in January 2015.





And under the name Umm Jihad, she encouraged attacks in the US, tweeting this exhortation in March 2015: "Go on drive-bys and spill all of their blood, or rent a big truck and drive all over them."

According to Mia Bloom, who tracks female jihadis at Georgia State University, "She was one advocating for extreme violence, especially against American military and servicemen."





Regret





In a February 19 interview with ABC News, Muthana said she is now ashamed of those posts, and wishes she could take them back. She said she feels remorse and sorrow and regret, and begged to return home.





"I hope America doesn't think I'm a threat to them and I hope they can accept me," she told ABC.





But if she does end up returning to the US, it may not be on her own terms.





Hassan Shibly, head of Florida's Council on American-Islamic Relations and a representative for her family, said the family understands Muthana may be prosecuted, believes in the legal system, and asks only for due process.





The Justice Department did not comment on whether she would be extradited or prosecuted.





State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said Tuesday that he could not discuss her particular case, but said that for any ISIS members in Syria, the department's policy, "in this regard, would be to repatriate them -- and that's what we call on all countries to do."





Asked if ISIS members could be sent to the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Palladino would only say: "The US government is considering various alternative disposition options, for foreign terrorist fighters who cannot be repatriated."





Kurdish refuge





According to Muthana, she ran away from ISIS a few weeks ago and headed for the Kurdish area in northern Syria, where she is now in a camp for the displaced with her 18-month-old son. In her note, she speaks of her son's future.





"In my quiet moments -- in between bombings, starvation, cold, and fear -- I would look at my beautiful little boy, and know that I didn't belong here, and neither did he," she wrote.





Only now does she "really understand how important the freedoms that we have in America are."





But Hughes, the researcher, has words of caution.





"Let's not put a rosy color on what she did," he said. "She joined a foreign terrorist organization."





 | 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COLUMBUS  Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday that he is halting executions until the state devises a new lethal injection protocol that overcomes any court challenges.





He did not issue a formal stay of all executions but said Ohio is not going to execute someone under my watch when a federal judge has found it to be cruel and unusual punishment.





He directed prison officials to come up with a new protocol, which will likely face legal challenge in federal court, he said.





We certainly could have no executions during that period of time. I dont want to predict dates, but we have to have the protocol, then it will be challenged, then we have a judge make a decision. So we have to through all that process before we could certainly move down the path toward an execution, he said.





The next scheduled execution is May 29. DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said the governor will decide whether to go ahead or delay that execution based on the facts at the time, including whether the federal judges ruling has been overturned.





When asked if he now has personal reservations about capital punishment, DeWine said, It is the law of the state of Ohio. Im going to let it go at that at this point. We are seeing, clearly, some challenges that you all have reported in regard to carrying out the death penalty. Im not going to go down that path any more today.





DeWine voted for the capital punishment law as a state senator nearly 40 years ago, long before DNA analysis of crime scene evidence led to exonerations from death rows across the country.





When asked if those exonerations have changed his view of the capital punishment, DeWine responded, I think there is a lot of things we know today that we have the benefit of seeing how it has played out since 1981. We know more today.





Last month, DeWine delayed the scheduled execution of Warren Keith Hanness after U.S. District Court Judge Michael Merz ruled that Ohios current execution protocol could cause the inmate severe pain and needless suffering.





It took Ohio more than three years to establish its current three-drug lethal injection protocol, in part because of the difficulty many states have had finding drugs. The state carried out the first execution under the current system in 2017.





Because of Ohios use of midazolam, Merz called the constitutionality of the states system into question in a Jan. 14 ruling and said inmates could suffer an experience similar to water boarding.





However, Merz did not stop the execution. Instead, he said that under a test created by a previous U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Henness couldnt demonstrate that a feasible execution alternative exists, and thus the execution could proceed.





Ohio has a long history with capital punishment, beginning in 1803 when it carried out executions by public hanging. The electric chair was used from 1897 to 1963 and lethal injection has been the method since executions resumed in 1999.





There are 137 inmates on Ohio Death Row, including Samuel Moreland of Dayton, who was found guilty of murdering two women and three children in November 1985. Moreland, who insists he is innocent, won the right for additional DNA testing, which has been delayed because of bureaucratic red tape.





Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said Tuesday he is working with Montgomery County Prosecutor Mathias Heck and Morelands attorneys to have the state crime lab conduct the tests within 30 days.





Information from the Associated Press is included in this report.





 | 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Egyptian authorities executed nine young men on Wednesday morning despite calls by rights groups to halt the executions over due process violations, a source close to their families told Middle East Eye.





The nine men were convicted of killing Egypts former prosecutor-general Hisham Barakat and their appeal was turned down by Egypts highest appeals court on 25 February 2018.





The daughter of the slain prosecutor, Marwa Hisham Barakat, added to doubts over the executions in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying that she believed the nine men are not the real killers of her father.





A testimony before God: I knew that young men convicted in the case of assassinating my father would be executed soon. I will say whats in my heart, because these are peoples lives, just like my fathers.





"These young men are not the ones who killed my dad. They will die unjustly. Please save them and arrest the real killers.





Maya Foa, director of Reprieve, the anti-death penalty rights group, said the executions showed that the use of the death penalty by Egypt's president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi "is now a full-blown human rights crisis".





"Executions have spiked - bringing the total number to 15 in just two weeks - amid widespread abuses including gross due process violations, torture, false confessions and the repeated use of mass trials", Foa said.





"It is shocking that these abuses continue unabated while the international community remains silent."





Thirteen other defendants were sentenced to death in absentia. One of them, Mohamed Abdelhafiz, was forcibly deported from Turkey last month.





Abdelhafiz is currently facing a retrial on the same charges. According to Egyptian law, those tried in absentia stand for a retrial once detained. Abdelhafiz, therefore, is currently held in pre-trial detention.





On Tuesday, Amnesty International urged Egyptian authorities to halt the executions that were handed down based on forced confessions under torture.





There is no doubt that those involved in deadly attacks must be prosecuted and held accountable for their actions but executing prisoners or convicting people based on confessions extracted through torture is not justice, said Najia Bounaim, Amnesty Internationals North Africa campaigns director.





Egypt executed six other men in February in two separate cases that were denounced by rights groups as unjust.





Egyptian civil and military courts have sentenced more than 1,400 people to death since General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who led the 2013 military coup, became president in 2014.





The sentences, according to Amnesty International, followed grossly unfair trials that relied on confessions extracted under torture. Many of those sentenced to death have been either members of the Muslim Brotherhood or critics of the Sisi government.

Egypt hangs 9 for 2015 murder of top prosecutor

Egypt hanged 9 men on Wednesday for the 2015 assassination of the prosecutor general, judicial sources said, bringing to 15 the number of executions it has carried out this month.





Hisham Barakat was killed in June 2015 when a car bomb struck his convoy in Cairo following jihadist calls for attacks on the judiciary to avenge a crackdown on Islamists.





The 9 men hanged on Wednesday were among 28 people sentenced to death in 2017 for involvement in his murder.





Their death sentences were upheld in November by the Court of Cassation, which commuted the sentences of 6 others to life imprisonment.





The sentences of the other defendants were not considered because they had been sentenced in absentia.





The hangings came despite an 11th-hour plea by human rights group Amnesty International on Tuesday for a stay of execution.





"There is no doubt that those involved in deadly attacks must be prosecuted and held accountable for their actions but executing prisoners or convicting people based on confessions extracted through torture is not justice," said Amnesty's North Africa campaigns director, Najia Bounaim.





"At least 6 men have already been executed earlier this month after unfair trials. Instead of stepping up executions the Egyptian authorities should take steps to abolish the death penalty once and for all."





Last week, Egypt hanged 3 people convicted of the 2013 murder of senior police officer Nabil Farag.





The previous week, it hanged three young "political detainees" convicted of the September 2013 murder of the son of a judge, Human Rights Watch reported.





No one claimed the 2015 attack against Barakat but the authorities pointed the finger at members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood of ousted president Mohamed Morsi.





Since Morsi's overthrow by then army chief and now President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in 2013, Egypt has struggled to quell a jihadist insurgency and cracked down on Islamists who backed him.





Hundreds of Morsi supporters have been sentenced to death, while the former president and top Brotherhood figures have also faced trial.





The Muslim Brotherhood was outlawed and branded a terrorist organisation in December 2013, just months after Morsi's ouster.





Many of the death sentences have been handed down at mass trials involving hundreds of defendants and lasting just days.

 | 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Gujarat: More funds for farmers, fishermen

February 20,2019 | Source: The Times of India

The interim budget provided a major impetus to schemes for farmers and fishermen. In order to ensuring timely and on-time disbursal of interest subsidy to farmers, the state government proposed to set up a revolving fund of Rs 500 crore.



The government has also planned to increase the area under horticulture plantation to 18.55 lakh hectare and the production to 300 lakh metric tonnes by 2021-22, said deputy chief minister Nitin Patel while presenting the interim budget in the state assembly. Organic Agriculture University is also being set up at Halol in Panchmahal district to provide education, research and latest technology to farmers in organic farming.



To support the fishing community, the state government increased the VAT subsidy on diesel for fishing boats from Rs 12 per litre to Rs 15 per litre. As many as 10,677 fishermen will benefit from the decision. The budget also doubled the daily livelihood allowance to the families of fishermen who are held captive by Pakistan Marine Agency and kept in jails.



The allowance will now be Rs 300 per day. New fish landing centres will also be set up to provide better facilities to 23,000 active fishermen in Valsad district. Considering the substantial production and exports of prawns from the state, the government has decided to allot additional 5,000 hectares land to encourage production of prawns in the state. This will provide employment to 25,000 aqua-culturists in Gujarat.Manipur: ICAR and Fisheries Department push for improving fish production

ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata, organized an interactive workshop on 'Openwater Fisheries Management of Manipur' in collaboration with Directorate of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Manipur today at the conference hall of the Directorate of Fisheries, Lamphelpat.



The objective of the workshop was to share vast works and achievements of ICAR-CIFRI in managing and enhancing fisheries in large waterbodies, especially in reservoirs and wetlands of the country and how to plan and implement similar activities in the State of Manipur. The major focus was on simple and low-cost technologies (such as pen and cage aquaculture) and guidelines (fish stock enhancement) that are to be popularized in reservoirs, large lakes, swampy areas and rivers of the State for improving fish production.



Fish forms an important food item for the people of Manipur with more than 95 percent of the State's population being fish eaters. The present level of fish production in the State is 32,000 tonnes (2016-17) as against the total requirement of about 52,000 tonnes of fish, showing a shortfall of about 20,000 tonnes.



This shortage is partly met by importing fish from other States. Manipur has got a production potential of about 65,000 tonnes of fish per annum. For harnessing this, sustainable utilization of available inland fisheries resources and application of modern scientific fisheries management protocol, including enclosure aquaculture techniques developed by ICAR-CIFRI, needs to be implemented.



Manipur has unique, vast and varied inland fisheries resources comprising of 30,171 hectares of natural lakes/flood plain wetlands, 13,888 hectares of rivers and streams, 11,442 hectares of ponds/tanks and 960 hectares reservoirs covering 56,461 hectares, which is approximately 2.52 percent of the total geographic area of the State. Inland openwater fisheries resources such as lakes, rivers and reservoirs are largely un-exploited and have high potential for increasing fish production from them.



The major theme of the workshop is dissemination the knowledge generated by ICAR-CIFRI for development of inland fisheries in the State of Manipur without compromising ecosystem and environmental sustainability. During the inaugural session, Dr Sona Yengkokpam, Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, welcomed the invitees, guests and 50 participants from the Department of Fisheries, Manipur.



Dr BK Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore and convenor of the workshop, emphasized that the Department of Fisheries, Manipur, should look intp diversification offish species having local preferences. He assured all support in terms of technology back stopping for management of open water fisheries in the State. Khamsing Ahum, Additional Director of Fisheries, Manipur urged his Departmental officials to take full advantage of the knowledge generated by ICAR-CIFRI on management of Inland open waters.



Dr AK Das, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, expressed his optimism that food fish demand and supply gap of Manipur can be minimized if inland openwaters of the State are optimally utilized.



In the Technical session of the workshop, Dr BK Das discussed management of openwaters of India by ICAR-CIFRI .and encouraged the Departmental officials to take interest in developing openwaters of the State/. He also shared his vast experience in cage aquaculture across different reservoirs and wetlands of India.



Khamsing Ahum presented the status of openwater fisheries resources of Manipur, Dr Sona Yengkokpam discussed pen aquaculture demonstrations and experiments done in different NE States, which proved to be successful in terms of economic viability and Dr Dipesh Debnath, Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI, RC. Guwahati, discussed cage aquaculture demonstrations and experiments done in different NE States, that can be replicated in Manipur.



In the valedictory session.



Bidyarani Ayekpam, Director of Fisheries, Manipur thanked Dr BK Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI and all the scientists of the ICAR-CIFRI for organizing the workshop at Imphal and sought active collaboration and support in future endeavours of the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur.As to "Open-Minded's" boyfriend not being up for the argument with his mom, he could be like my husband who HAS had conversations with them to no avail and realizes it's futile. -- BEEN THERE AND STILL THERE

DEAR ABBY: BOTH women are entitled to their beliefs and opinions. It's commendable that they discussed their differences. Now the question is, "How do I respond to someone important in my life with whom I disagree?" The answer is RESPECT. Rather than demean each other, the women should choose to find some solid ground on which to build a relationship.

To advise "Open-Minded" to consider leaving her boyfriend because of his mother's beliefs shocked me. In my family there is an array of different views. We all know where we stand and steer clear of the bombshells. We have chosen to love each other, accept each other as is and be as close as we can despite our differences. It takes some work, but it's worth it. We have even been able to joke with one another in a good-natured way. THAT is love and respect at its best, and more of what our world could use today. -- HAPPY IN KANSAS

DEAR READERS: I confess I wholeheartedly agree.

DEAR ABBY: My brother is a 59-year-old widower. He has dated a few women over the years, and he's very afraid of being alone.Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Here your tag falls off at the door, said Jones. It doesnt matter if youre Baptist, Catholic, Methodist or any other denomination  when you walk through these doors you are just a believer.

Jones said the church he pastors began to focus on prayer in 1995 and that was when the church really began to grow.

We want to see the Heavens be opened, said Jones. Every generation needs a great awakening or revival to see what God can do.

Jones said that they pray that God will move in every Bible teaching church in the area and those churches will reach everyone they can for Christ.

Without prayer, we can accomplish nothing, said Jones. "We live in a society where God has often become our last resort and then we wonder why we no longer see signs, wonders, and miracles."

He reasons people are often turning to God as a last resort, after all other options have failed.

Jones quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14, If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

-- Editor's note - Be watching for a feature story on the prayer event in the days after the gathering.

Matt McFarland is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at 573-518-3616, or at mmcfarland@dailyjournalonline.com.

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Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.On March 16, the Bonne Terre Space Museum will host astronauts, authors, and even a public television celebrity as part of their Show Me Space event, to celebrate the grand opening of a new addition called the Grissom Center.

The Grissom Center will honor the legacy of Gus Grissom. NASA has contributed more than $23 million in donations to the Bonne Terre Space Museum, most of which are housed in the Grissom Center.

They include space suits, space tools, artifacts, original launch control consoles and more. Many have been flown in actual missions, Space Museum President Earl Mullins said.

The Grissom Center is 5,000 feet  five times as large as the current Space Museum on the other side of Heritage Hall.

We still wont be able to fit everything in it, Mullins said, to give some indication of the size of his collection. We even have a pavilion outside with a flight simulator that is under restoration and other artifacts from the shuttle launch pad that are too large to bring inside."

The plan for the original museum is to be focused on pop cultural artifacts, Mullins said, and also serve as a resources center for those doing research.

He wants to make it a research center for students.Last year, we were able to fund about 75 percent of the government. It was a step in the right direction, but we need to get 100 percent of our work done this year. That means debating and voting on every appropriations bill one-by-one and getting them to the presidents desk on time. We have to get out of this pattern of dysfunction in the appropriations process. The families I talk to are tired of it and so am I.A US woman who ran away to join Islamic State militants in Syria realises she made a 'big mistake' and wants to return home, a family lawyer said.Hoda Muthana, 24, is living in a refugee camp after fleeing the terrorist group several weeks ago.She is ready to pay the penalty for her actions, said lawyer Hassan Shibly, but she wants freedom and safety for the 18-month-old son she had with one of two ISIS fighters she wed. Both men were killed in combat.It comes as 19-year-old Brit Shamima Begum, who ran away to Syria when she was 15 to marry ISIS fighters, had her UK citizenship revoked.In a handwritten letter released by Mr Shibly, Muthana wrote that she made 'a big mistake' by rejecting her family and friends in the US to join Islamic State.'During my years in Syria, I would see and experience a way of life and the terrible effects of war which changed me,' she wrote.After fleeing her home in suburban Birmingham in late 2014 and resurfacing in Syria, Muthana used social media to advocate violence against the US.In the letter, Muthana wrote that she didn't understand the importance of freedoms provided by the US at the time.'To say that I regret my past words, any pain that I caused my family and any concerns I would cause my country would be hard for me to really express properly,' said the letter.Mr Shibly said Muthana was brainwashed online before she left Alabama and now could have valuable intelligence for US forces.But he said the FBI didn't seem interested in retrieving her from the refugee camp where she is living with her son.A Justice Department spokesman referred questions to the State Department, which did not immediately return an email seeking comment.The future of gas generation in Australia, and in South Australia particularly, dimmed further after local transmission company ElectraNet said using synchronous condensers  a relatively old technology  would offer a much cheaper solution to the state's energy security issues in a high renewable grid.ElectraNet, in a submission to the Australian Energy Regulator, said using the existing gas fleet for system security was no longer economically viable.Synchronous condensers offered the cheapest intermediate option  before a newer technology came along  and four units could be installed by the end of next year. This is up from the three units canvassed last year,when it first identified the Syncons as a cheaper alternative to gas.The Australian Energy Market Operator has been relying on gas generators to guarantee system strength and inertia as the share of wind and solar has increased.However, it has also recognised that relying on gas is probably not a long-term option, and has recommended synchronous condensers be used as the state's grid shifts rapidly from its current level of a 50 per cent renewables (all wind and solar), towards 100 per cent, when wind and solar will be providing the equivalent of the state's demand as early as 2026.In a submission to the Australian Energy Regulator, ElectraNet said the synchronous condensers worke out as the cheapest option for providing system strength, and delivered net market benefits of $32 million over the current method of directions to gas generators issued by AEMO. That translates to a bill saving of up to $5 a year for each consumer.Compared with the alternative solution of providing long-term contracts to existing gas generators, there is no contest. The gas contract option would likely cost around $85 million a year, for a total negative market benefit (or market loss) of $425 million.Contracts with existing gas-fired generators would not be an economically viable solution based on the market costs of this option, ElectraNet said.ElectraNet said the synchronous condensers would have an upfront cost of about $160 million, and a minimal operating cost (just one per cent of total capital cost). They could be installed by the end of next year, or even earlier, and would be equipped with bigger fly wheels that would be able to deal with inertia issues too.Installing synchronous condensers provides a no regrets measure to meet the minimum system strength requirement in the absence of any other available solutions in the immediate term, the submission says.Implementation of this system strength solution through the installation of high inertia machines is also expected to efficiently meet the minimum threshold level of inertia in South Australia, at minimal additional cost.Synchronous condensers are also being used elsewhere, with the Victoria solar project at Kiamal proposing to install a major unitto guarantee connection agreements for that and other major projects in the state's clogged networks in the north west.The investment will mean that gas generators will lose yet another revenue stream. Already, their use is being reduced by the growing share of wind and solar, and while constraints have been put on wind output to ensure enough synchronous generation is supplied, those are now being relaxed by AEMO.Some old generators are expected to be replaced by new fast-start technology, which will be better equipped to deal with the new 5-minute settlement periods, and will have better economic profiles to rely only on peak pricing events. Those fast-start units usually do not provide system strength.AEMO expects the level of gas generation to fall sharply as the level of renewables approaches the equivalent of 100 per cent of demand for the state  a level it says could be reached in less than 10 years.ElectraNet says the next steps will be to work with AEMO for the final specifications of the equipment, and says two of the units could be in place by the middle of next year.Giles ParkinsonGiles Parkinson is founder and editor of Renew Economy, and is also the founder of One Step Off The Gridand founder/editor of The Driven. Giles has been a journalist for 35 years and is a former business and deputy editor of the Australian Financial Review.Democrat Jeff Stuby has announced his candidacy for Carlisle Borough Council.

Stuby moved to Carlisle in 2016 and has been active in the community since, taking on leadership roles with a variety of organizations including service as the Hope Station board president, East Side Neighbors Association president and Carlisle Parks & Recreation board chair. He also volunteers with Cumberland Valley Rising, N.O.A.H. and the United Way and has helped plan an annual black history festival, a community cleanup event and a civic education series.

I have truly immersed myself in this town and have had the opportunity to be part of some of the amazing work thats going on here, Stuby said in a news release Wednesday. Carlisle is a growing community and has a lot of exciting potential. But, as Carlisle continues to grow, its important that we be cognizant of the whole community.

He went on to highlight affordable housing, efforts to combat homelessness, sustainable growth and government transparency as some of the major issues on which he intends to focus.The state of the human condition has long been a fascination for artists throughout the ages. Whether it has been the opulence of the rich, the beauty of youth or the grace of the body in motion, art has long documented culture, the state of the world and how it has changed over time.

Photographer Dorothea Lange (1895-1965) began her career capturing portraits of the professional and moneyed class. Where she truly found her calling was turning her focus upon the causalities of the Great Depression (1929-1939).

Langes empathetic images of migrant workers, suffering families and tortured landscapes seared the faces of the Depression into Americas consciousness. Her work raised public awareness of the dire need for federal assistance around the country and helped convince Congress to provide it through the programs of Franklin Roosevelts New Deal.

Dorothea Langes America brings the work of Lange and several other socially conscious photographers of the era to the Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery on the Lebanon Valley College campus. This exhibition is as much about the striking images, as it is about their important place in history. The work of Lange and her compatriots truly made a difference in bringing to the attention of those in power the crisis happening around them resulting in effective social change.CPJ aids 170 journalists worldwide in 2015

Burundi Carl de Souza/AFP Bob Rugurika CPJ helped cover legal expenses for Rugurika, director of the privately-owned Burundian station Radio Publique Africaine, after he was charged in January 2015 with breach of public solidarity, complicity in murder, and violating the secrecy of an investigation after refusing to reveal the name of a source in a story about the murder of three Italian nuns. Rugurika was released on bail after about a month in jail.

Somalia Hassan Ali Gesey/Dalsan Radio Muawiye Ahmed Mudey Freelance Somali broadcaster Muawiye was wounded in crossfire while on assignment in February 2015. The journalist was taken to a local hospital where he underwent two surgeries, but he required additional medical treatment that was unavailable in Mogadishu. CPJ provided Muawiye with an emergency grant that allowed him to be airlifted to Nairobi in Kenya, where he received the necessary treatment.

Mexico Miguel Diaz Miguel Diaz For years, critical online journalist Diaz received death threats over his reporting on corruption. Following the August 2015 murder of Mexican photojournalist Ruben Espinosa Becerril, Diaz and other Veracruz-based colleagues began an independent investigation. Diaz told CPJ that almost immediately the group was harassed and put under surveillance, apparently by authorities. When Diaz felt his life was at risk, CPJ helped him and his family temporarily relocate outside Mexico.

Vietnam AFP/Robyn Beck Nguyen Van Hai Hai, a Vietnamese blogger and recipient of CPJs 2013 International Press Freedom Award, spent more than five years in prison on anti-state charges. Hai was released early in October 2014 on the provision that he go into exile in the U.S. CPJ provided the blogger with an emergency grant to help cover his immediate living costs.Share this: Twitter

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H.E. Mohamedoun Daddah

Head of Mission

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

2129 Leroy Place NW

Washington, DC 20008

February 20, 2019

Sent via email: ambarimwash@gmail.com

Dear Mr. Daddah,

I write to you from the Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent organization that monitors and advocates for press freedom worldwide, to request a meeting with you and other senior members of your government regarding the wrongful imprisonment of blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mohamed, who remains in jail despite the fact that he was scheduled to be released.

A Mauritanian court sentenced Mohamed to death in December 2014 on apostasy-related charges, after he published an article in which he criticized the Mauritanian caste system. After the blogger repented, an appeals court in November 2017 reduced Mohameds death sentence to two years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of 60,000 Mauritanian ouguiya ($172). Having spent more than three years in prison at the time of this verdict, Mohamed was scheduled to be released. Yet he remains in government custody.

In December 2017, CPJ, along with other non-governmental organizations, sent a letter to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz calling on the government to immediately release Mohamed, who is also known by the name of Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkhaitir, and take steps to guarantee his safety upon release.

CPJ is therefore deeply troubled by President Abdel Azizs recent response to the bloggers detention. In December 2018, the president told French daily Le Monde, He [Mohamed] has been tried and he should normally be released. But a large majority of the population opposes it. His release may pose problems of security to our country. For this reason, we are keeping him until we find a solution.

Mohameds prolonged detention is taking a serious toll on his health. His sister told CPJ that the blogger suffers from physical ailments, such as acute pain in his head and body, in addition to psychological trauma. A doctor saw Mohamed and, despite his professional recommendation for medical care, Mauritanian authorities still have not granted Mohamed access to treatment, according to his sister.

We hope to work with you to secure Mohameds deserved release and to ensure his safety after his release. Swift action would contribute to creating an environment conducive to freedom of the press in Mauritania. We are available to meet you or a representative of your government at your convenience to elaborate on our concerns and recommendations. We look forward to your response.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Courtney RadschShare this: Twitter

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Bratislava, February 19, 2019The Committee to Protect Journalists and the International Press Institute (IPI) called on Slovak authorities to expedite charges against all parties allegedly involved in the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak. A delegation from the two groups today met with Ministry of Interior officials and representatives of the special prosecutors office tasked with investigating the murder, which took place a year ago this week.

Authorities have charged four individuals with carrying out the murder of Kuciak and his fiancee, Martina Kusnirova, on February 21, 2018, but they have not publicly identified or charged a suspected mastermind. Officials in the special prosecutors office told CPJ and IPI today that their main aim was to identify and prove guilty the person or persons who ordered the crime and that they were very close to announcing who this was.

The sooner Slovak authorities deliver on their promise of justice for Jan Kuciak, the sooner they will address the serious concerns of Slovakias journalistic community, its general public, and international institutions about a lack of political will to solve the case, said Tom Gibson, CPJs EU representative.

Kuciaks work uncovered allegations of tax fraud and financial crime, implicating prominent political and business leaders in Slovakia. The murders sparked large protests and the resignation of the former prime minister, interior minister, and chief of police.

The Slovak authorities must ensure that no stone is unturned in the investigation no matter how politically sensitive those leads could be, IPI Deputy Director Scott Griffen said. We are positive about reported progress so far in the investigation  but are concerned about any further delay. Justice will only be achieved when all those responsible are behind bars.

During todays meetings, CPJ and IPI also called on the Slovak authorities to ensure journalists safety and respect for freedom of the media more broadly.

Securing justice in the case of Jan Kuciak is essential, but it is also critical that the Slovak authorities put in place an action plan to prevent such attacks from occurring in the future, said Gulnoza Said, CPJs Europe and Central Asia program coordinator. Any future success in this investigation should not be an excuse to sweep the issue of journalists safety under the rug.



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.Gov. Pete Ricketts said Tuesday his recent trade mission to Mexico focused on "strengthening our business and trade relationships with public officials" in an effort to expand trade opportunities.

"Mexico is Nebraska's second-largest trading partner and a critical market for our agricultural products," the governor said.

The visit marked Ricketts' second trade mission to Mexico in two years.

Priority objectives on the trade mission ranged from creating new export opportunities for Nebraska farmers, ranchers and businesses to encouraging Mexican companies to invest in Nebraska, a news release from the governor's office stated.

The trade delegation also voiced support for bilateral trade between Mexico and the United States.

"This trade mission allowed us to continue showcasing Nebraska agricultural products to our neighbors in Mexico, our second largest agricultural export market," Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman said.

Representatives from the Nebraska Farm Bureau and Nebraska-based companies, including Tenaska, Lincoln Industries, Union Pacific and Werner Enterprises, participated in the trade mission.This week I wanted to mention one of our significant legislative activities, namely the annual Northeast Nebraska Day at the Capitol. Northeast Nebraska Day at the Capitol on March 27 is a collaborative effort of local Chambers of Commerce from our region. Chambers of Commerce from Blair, Columbus, Fremont, Norfolk, Wayne and West Point come together for this event.

The day begins at 3 p.m. with a valuable series of educational sessions. Well hear from Kyle Schneweis, the director of the Nebraska Department of Roads regarding projects in northeast Nebraska and some general process questions, as well.

Sen. Jim Scheer is the latest Speaker of the Unicameral from northeast Nebraska and he will also speak to our group. We have invited Gov. Ricketts to also speak, and he is making every effort to fit this in to his schedule.

All Nebraska senators and other state leaders are then invited to join the northeast delegation for an evening reception. Im pleased to say we always have a good group there, including virtually all of our State senators from the region. This is our opportunity to communicate our shared legislative priorities to the Senators one-on-one in an informal setting. The chambers always identify shared priorities, both specific bills and general areas of interest. For example, in the past we have advocated in these areas:Pro-life Senators have also urged the Appropriations Committee to reconsider this initial vote, because how the state spends taxpayer dollars has deep implications for the dignity of human life and Nebraskas core values. If the Appropriations Committee fails to take action, Senators are already stepping up to ensure that the pro-life budget provision gets put back in when the full Legislature votes on the budget. In the coming weeks, I will continue to visit with Senators about the importance of having a pro-life budget again this year.

This news from the Nebraska Legislature is especially troubling given recent events in New York and Virginia. New York recently voted to end all protections for unborn human life, allowing elective abortions up to the point of birth, and removing protections for babies that are born alive during failed abortion attempts. In Virginia, scandal-plagued Democrat Gov. Ralph Northam suggested that babies could be born and kept alive while a decision is made whether the baby deserves to live. This is nothing less than an assault on the dignity of human life.LB 191 is allowing you to combine lots into one parcel and taxed as one parcel for a developer, said Neal Valorz, who is a local attorney and member of the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. You have to meet all these requirements though, and that is what we were arguing with the assessor about this morning.

The board against Placzeks wishes still approved the valuation adjustment, but Placzek following the meeting was adamant that the nonprofit isnt a suitable candidate for the valuation reduction through the legislative bill.

The way that I read the statute, I believe that the intent of the statute of the bill was intended to benefit new development and particularly developers that are selling lots of lots at a time, the assessor said. And Habitat doesnt do that - they will sell one lot a year.

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Attorney Neal Valorz said this isnt the case and that the parcels are always for sale but that financial constraints make it difficult to sell the plots at a rapid pace. Through grant funds and other avenues the organization would like to build two-plus homes annually, but the attorney said that just isnt currently feasible. However, he argued that doesnt disqualify Habitat from benefiting from the language of LB 191.A trio of Omaha senators led the opposition to the bill as debate began Tuesday.

Sen. Ernie Chambers said the 1949 Americanism statutes did not recognize nor embrace the experience of black Americans, while they mandated celebration of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and others who owned slaves.

Sen. Justin Wayne asked if the bill could ultimately suppress students who voice dissent to ideas shared in class, pointing to the recent arrest of an 11-year-old in Florida who refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance in class.

"It seems that when we add language that almost compels the way a school acts, then we're compelling what they say," Wayne said, "and the freedom to have conversation might not exist."

And Sen. Megan Hunt said the bill's language echoed the education requirements for children living in dictatorships such as Syria.

"I'm very patriotic, everyone on my team is very patriotic, I think all of us here are very patriotic," she said. "But we came to that on our own through our own process and we have to let kids do that and not legislate what patriotism is to them."

Although the Education Committee's changes to LB399, which has 21 co-sponsors, did not come to a vote Tuesday, the Legislature passed two floor amendments.Presidential Awards were given to Ed Sladky, Lori Stolcpart and Timm Johannesen of Warne Chemical and Equipment. Rookie of the Year for the State of Nebraska was awarded to Jimmy Petersen, Garfield County. Superintendent of the Year for the State of Nebraska for 2018 was awarded to Todd Boller, Fillmore County.

Wednesday was also the Annual Business Luncheon and Meeting, during which Marty Craig was elected for another term as NWCA secretary/treasurer; and Columbus was selected for the 2021 Conference location. The 2020 NWCA Conference will be in North Platte.

The annual conference was the first opportunity of 2019 for weed superintendents to get required continuing education. At every NWCA training, roll call must be answered twice each day, and the exam at the end of each day must be completed and passed for a superintendent to receive continuing credit hours. The next training will be NWCA Spring Training April 3-4 at Ramada Inn in Kearney, with new superintendent training on April 2.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Black Label Trading Company has announced that its 2019 vintage of Bishops Blend is now heading to stores.

Bishops Blend is produced at the companys factory, Fabrica Oveja Negra is Esteli, Nicaragua. In the U.S. distribution is handled by Boutiques Unified.

Bishops Blend Vintage 2018 features the same blend and is available in the same sizes as the 2016, 2017, and 2018 releases. The blend is highlighted by the use of both Connecticut and Pennsylvania Broadleaf in the filler. The cigar scored a Top 10 rating on the 2016 Cigar Coop Cigar of the Year Countdown.

James Brown creator of Black Label Trading Company and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra said, Im very excited about this release of Bishops Blend. We wanted to start the year off strong and release one of our most anticipated releases early. Bishops Blend boasts big bold flavors of anise, pepper, raisins and a sweet earthiness on the finish. It is very complex and extremely refined. As with the past vintages, the broadleaf fillers shine at the forefront and are perfectly balanced by the Nicaraguan filler tobaccos.

At a glance, here is a look at Bishops Blend Vintage 2019:

Blend and Origin

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro

Binder: Ecuadorian Habano

Filler: Nicaraguan, Pennsylvania Broadleaf, Connecticut Broadleaf

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Factory: Fabrica Oveja Negra

Vitolas Offered

Bishops Blend is available in two sizes. Both vitolas are packaged in 20 count boxes.

Robusto: 5 x 48 (SRP $11.00)

Corona Larga: 6 1/4 x 46 (SRP $11.50)

Image Credit: Black Label Trading CompanyAgile Cigar Reviews are cigar assessments where we use a lightweight, shorter format. These will never take the place of our comprehensive reviews. They are only used on blends we have previously assessed. This might be a blend we are re-scoring or giving a score for the first time. It might be a blend we are looking at in a different size. Today we look at the Diamond Crown Julius Caeser in the Robusto size. This is a cigar and size we have previously assessed back in December 2015

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Havana Seed

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Central American Tobaccos, Dominican

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia

Robusto: 4 3/4 x 52

In 2010, J.C. Newman Cigar Company commemorated two key milestones. The first was the 115th anniversary of the founding of the company while the second was the 135th birthday of company founder Julius Caeser (J.C.) Newman. Its a cigar we have reviewed in the past here, and today we take another look at the Robusto size.

One may notice the spelling of Caeser and think its incorrect. It turns out that was the actual spelling of J.C. Newmans name. When Newman came to the United States from Hungary, he was told at immigration that he needed a middle name. It was suggested he take the name Caesar, however, the name was misspelled on the paperwork as Caeser. The misspelling ended up staying with him, and that is why it is spelled the way it is on the cigar.

The Julius Caeser is made by the Fuente family in the Dominican Republic at the famed Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia factory. The blend features an Ecuadorian Havana Seed wrapper over a Dominican binder and combination of Dominican and Central American Tobaccos in the filler. The Robusto is slightly shorter than normal  measuring 4 3/4 x 52.

The Julius Caeser Robusto delivers a mix of coffee, wood, natural tobacco, lemon-citrus, and red pepper. Early on the coffee and wood notes become primary with both notes alternating in intensity. As the cigar experience progressed I found the wood notes morphed into more of a classic cedar-sweet spice and these notes continued to alternate in intensity with the coffee notes. This was a cigar that delivered a medium strength, medium-bodied cigar from start to finish.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Final Thoughts

This time around, the Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Robusto performed well. This cigar had about a month in the Cigar Coop humidor. Past experience with the Diamond Crown Julius Caeser in the Robusto size has proven to me it does age quite well over longer periods of time. This wasnt a case where the cigar was young. Its a case that it becomes that much better over time.

The Diamond Crown Julius Caeser is a cigar I could recommend to any enthusiast. It is also a cigar Id buy and smoke again, but my recommendation is put it in the humidor and take advantage of long-term aging.

Summary

Key Flavors: Coffee, Wood, Lemon, Natural Tobacco, Red Pepper

Burn: Excellent

Draw: Very Good

Complexity: Medium

Strength: Medium

Body: Medium

Finish: Very Good

Rating

Value: Buy One

Score: 89

References

Previous Assessment: Diamond Crown Julius Caeser by J.C. Newman Cigar Company

News: n/a

Price: $11.75

Source: J.C. Newman Cigar Company

Brand Reference: Diamond Crown

Photo Credits: Cigar CoopIts all out war on the unborn. On January 22nd, the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo signed the Reproductive Health Act, deliberately engineered to coincide with the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Under the new abortion law, a foetus can be killed at any point up to birth.

A few days later Virginia passed an abortion bill that sponsor, Virginia Delegate Kathy Tran stated would allow a foetus to be terminated even while the mothers uterus is contracting to give birth. This is insane! Both are in gruesome agreement that unborn babies, if the conditions are right, can be killed in-utero moments before birth.

The Push for Abortion

But why? At the very base of the push for abortion are three illogical thoughts. Firstly, that intrauterine life can be ignored. Secondly, that abortion is a human right. And thirdly that legal abortions are safe and essential to female health care.

Rightly compared to whites that didn't consider blacks people, and Nazis that didn't consider Jews to be people, persons that advocate for abortion select arbitrary points when we should consider the foetus alive. Most settle on the point of viability. Shockingly, neither the New York nor Virginia Abortion Bill offers protection even to viable babies!

This is so uniquely evil it should be embarrassing! But instead pro-abort Governors and politicians have been photographed grinning and full of pride at the passing of these laws which no doubt will preclude the shedding of most innocent blood; which at another time could have been their own!

Whether via dismemberment, sucking a small baby through a thick tube, or a pill to stop a beating foetal heart, an abortive process interrupts the developmental process of a genetically unique human being that ends at natural death. This cannot be ignored! This is murder. He or she is alive! And life must be respected!

A human right?

Persons have also been repeating again and again that abortion is a human right? It certainly isn't listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to life however is clearly stated. But more than citing a well-intended document, killing a defenceless human being cannot be a human right. It just doesn't make sense.

Coupled with that, a human right must be just. Can the killing of an innocent human being be just? No. Even in the case of rape, is it just to give a baby that has done no wrong, the death penalty when rapists in these secularist states cannot even be considered for the death penalty?

That cannot be just. We need to be harder on rapists, softer on babies and our mothers, especially those in crisis situations need emotional and psychological support. A human right must also be humane. A second trimester baby may be killed via dilatation and curettage i.e. scraped out, or via induction abortion.

In an induction abortion the baby is chemically burnt alive using salt water, urea or potassium chloride injected into the amniotic sac. In the third trimester an induction abortion may be used as well but since the baby is so large the procedure most likely to end the baby's life is dilatation and extraction.

This is foetal dismemberment at a stage when the baby most certainly feels everything! Here the abortionist must be careful to break off both arms, both legs, crush the skull and gather all internal organs in order to prevent serious infection later on. Set your standards very low, this is still incredibly inhumane. Abortion is wrong, unjust and inhumane.

Is abortion healthy?

Pro-abortion activists have trumpeted that abortion is essential to womens health care. No matter how much research demonstrates the negative physical and psychological impact on women, few media houses ever share these undesirable facts.

Facts like those found in the Southern Medical Journal of August 2002 which reviewed the medical records of 56,741 California Medicaid women. The researchers found that women who had abortions were 160% more likely than delivering women to be hospitalized for psychiatric treatment in the first 90 days following abortion or delivery. Psychiatric treatment rates remained significantly higher for at least another four years.

In a research paper titled Suicide After Pregnancy In Finland published in the British Medical Journal, compared to pregnant women who gave birth, pregnant women who aborted were six to seven times more likely to commit suicide.

Research has also shown that an early full term birth can reduce a womans risk of breast cancer, but that induced abortion of a first pregnancy carries a 30 to 50 percent increased risk of breast cancer. There are links with increased substance abuse, physical abuse of subsequent children, the negative impact on the family when a mother aborts, and the list goes on and on.

But even without the fancy research, we always knew that a procedure that kills unborn women cannot be healthy for women.

It seems the entire world is caught up in regurgitating half or non-truths. Lets be diligent in examining the deceptive slogans that bombard us daily. It may sound catchy and emotive but that doesnt make it true. As believers our role is to impact the world for the Kingdom of God, not assimilate the world culture. Lets expose the lies and fight valiantly for life!

Proverbs chapter 30 verse 8 says Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, ensure justice for those being crushed. (NLT)

Dr. Daniel Thomas is a medical doctor and Christian Advocate who loves the Lord deeply. He currently leads a youth organization called the Love March Movement which is committed to empowering the youth to fight for sexual purity and the family in Jamaica .I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. My immune system has been left ragged from an auto-immune disorder and constantly doing too much, and that has left me feeling exhausted, angry, and disappointed.

I look like a normal 23-year-old, but I often feel like someone much older, someone who constantly worries about what theyre eating, about how much theyre sleeping, and whether tomorrow will look like a normal day or a day in bed wondering how Im going to pay the bills because Ive missed another day of work because I dont have the energy to run after two-year-olds, or to even look at my computer screen for longer than a minute.

Its not exactly the life that I thought I would have by now. I never feel rested, I never feel like Im doing enough, I feel like I need to be doing more, that I should be able to do more, and that Im not living up to my full potential because I havent been doing enough.

I broke down while talking to my boss the other day. I dont want to talk to God because Im disappointed! I looked away as my eyes filled with tears. It feels like God doesnt care. Because if He did care then I wouldnt be sick all the time and I wouldnt be struggling. I didnt know what else to say, so I just looked at my new succulent nestled on the office window and waited.

After a moment of silence, I heard him say, Im so sorry that you feel that way. But I want you to know that God does care, and He does care about what youre going through. But, if God just took away all your struggles right now, that doesnt value your humanity and your desire to try; instantly fixing your problems doesnt value your story. Whether God heals you instantly  which He could do because He is a God of miracles  or if He doesnt, it will be the same amount of Grace that He gives you. But He will give you the Grace.

I stared out the window, not really seeing anything. I dont want the answer to be the never-ending struggle. I dont want to wake up every day already battling and never seeing an end in sight. I am tired. Most days I simply want to throw my hands up and say, I cant do it anymore! I give up. But of course, I never say that. Because if I gave up, then nothing would get done.

Lies so deeply

I feel this lie so deeply within me that it feels lodged firmly near my bone marrow. Everything both within me and without me screams that I must be constantly moving, constantly working, constantly producing. One well-meaning acquaintance asked about my work hours, and I told her that I was working about 36 hours a week between my different part-time jobs. Well, what are you going to be doing with the rest of your time? she said. As if the extra four hours of work was a vital function to being an adult. As if I would always be lesser because I was working less.

And there it is. The lie nestled deep within my psyche, so far lodged near my heart that I fear I will never be able to tear it free. You will never be good enough. You will never measure up. You have to work for people to love you  they only love you for what you do.

These lies come from all sides, and although I cognitively know that they are not true, they are slowly but surely weighing me down. As much as I dont want to admit it, it seems like God will not miraculously free me being sick constantly or from feeling like I must always be doing something. The only thing I know how to do is to step out in faith and pray that God meets me there.

So, this week, I am starting a half-day of Sabbath, a half-day where I spend that time delighting in the Lord with no expectation and no agenda. Everything within me is already screaming that I wont have enough time for everything, that Ill be behind on work, and that I dont deserve to be rested. Everyone else works, why am I so special that I should get a break?

But I suppose this is where the Grace comes in. That small amount of Grace every day and every week that allows me to let go a little bit and give up a tiny bit of those lies. Because theres another voice, quiet but sure, not lodged within my bones or near my heart or in my mind, but somewhere both within and without, saying, Rest. You are enough.What if the enemy of our souls contrived for us to win a political victory, in order to checkmate us into lives of compromise & complacency?

The Abortion Discussion

Whilst attending Parliament on January 27, 2019 I listened to a Member of Parliament, sitting on a Committee hearing submissions on the issue of legalizing abortion in Jamaica, say, I hear you persons from the pro-life position. But you are the same ones who come to me for an abortion when your daughter gets pregnant. The truth of his statements cut me. Cut me to the core.

Following a conversation with a friend a question rang in my heart. What if the devil was ok with abortion remaining illegal in my nation if it allowed hypocrisy, compromise and complacency within the Church to continue?

I can almost hear him saying, Keep protesting. Keep writing. Keep petitioning.

But do not pray. Dont allow your heart to be broken. Dont practice what you preach. Separate your beliefs from your life. Reject the orphan and the teen-mother. Preserve your reputation and comfort above all else.

Or,

The education of your daughter is more important than the life in her womb. It will ruin her life and it will ruin your life. Everyone will know that shes having sex outside of wedlock.

This is different- its not really abortion. God will understand.

Stay inside your church, make it a prison. Dont transform your community and nation with the truth of the Gospel lived out. Abortion is wrong- but not unthinkable, or unjustifiable. Stay in compromise. Hate being found out more than the sin itself.

And then I hear him, when we, the body of Christ, buy into those lies, laugh insidiously and say,

Checkmate.

Freedom from Personal Compromise

This imagined scene made me think of other areas in our personal lives where we may be tempted to embrace external victory and internal failure. Outwardly appearing triumphant, while our inner lives were in shambles; we chose to remain bound by secret addictions, shame, resentment, pride, rage, insecurities, fear, and confusion. How often have we given in to the temptation to choose the appearance of holiness over the process of sanctification (always harder and far messier)?

Our Lord requires more than bumper sticker Christianity. He is coming back for a radiant, glorious Church who doesnt love her own sin, life and comfort more than Him, but rather chooses daily to die to herself. A church that defends the weak, restores the broken, and lives a life wide open (not caught in the middle ground of hypocrisy).

A Life Laid Down

We can believe the Lord for this! We will be victorious! We will triumph over the accuser of the brethren by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony- our testimony of the truth of who Jesus is played our lives practically. We will not hang on to our lives because, they will be laid down.

May we know and share Gods heart for our wholeheartedness, the unborn child and the woman with no husband (teen mom). May the enemy not deceive us into false religion, and slogan filled compromise.

True religion is this, to look after the orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by this wicked generation. (James Chapter 1, Verse 27)

Francesca is a daughter, friend, avid reader, attorney-at-law, and porridge connoisseur. She enjoys Jesus and fulfilling His purposes for her life on Earth .

Previous articles: https://christiantoday.com.au/news/3-reasons-not-to-fear-the-future.htmlConservative-backed Supreme Court candidate Brian Hagedorn in his first TV ad says hell hold people accountable in the opioid crisis.

In the ad, Hagedorn and his wife, Christina, reveal their adopted daughter Lily was born dependent on opioids and that she had to struggle through withdrawal in her mothers arms.

Adopting Lily has brought home the opioid crisis and how it affects families in such significant ways, Hagedorn said in the ad. We need to show compassion, but we also need to hold people accountable, and thats exactly what Ill do on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

A spokesman for Hagedorn said the campaign is spending $50,000 to air the ad in the Milwaukee and Green Bay media markets.

Hagedorn, a Wisconsin appeals court judge, in April will face the liberal-backed Lisa Neubauer, chief judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, to replace the liberal-backed Justice Shirley Abrahamson for a 10-year term on the court.

Disclosures from Neubauer questioned

Also Tuesday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Neubauer stopped making public a list of customers for her husbands cleaning supply business on economic interest disclosure forms a decade ago.She added most economists reject the reasoning that private sector health care costs would increase because health care providers would pass on costs from low Medicaid reimbursement rates to consumers.

Wisconsin is one of more than a dozen states that havent taken federal funding to expand Medicaid to people who make up to 133 percent of the poverty level, a move that would have saved the state $1.1 billion from 2014 through 2019, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

A September LFB report showed taking full Medicaid expansion beginning in 2020 would give the state an additional $280 million to work with over the next two-year budget cycle. Friedsam estimates that, of the 76,000 who would become eligible for Medicaid under the expansion, about 39,000 would come from the uninsured while 37,000 would come from existing Obamacare subsidized coverage.

Wisconsin is the only non-expansion state that has no gap in coverage for residents below the poverty level. Former Gov. Scott Walker and the Legislature limited coverage to people at the poverty line, not below it as some other states do, saying people who make more can get subsidies on the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Evers is likely to include federal money for Medicaid expansion in his biennial budget request to be unveiled Feb. 28.Join HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Josephs hospitals 3D Community Health Body Mind Spirit for an event for those whose loved ones are battling alcohol and other drug addictions. The event is Monday, Feb. 25, at 29 Pines/Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center, 5872 33rd Ave, Eau Claire. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m.

William C. Moyers, the public advocate for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, will share his own story to highlight the power of addiction and the promise and possibility of recovery from it. During his talk, Moyers will address problems and solutions related to alcohol and other drug issues facing families, including the opioid epidemic. Learn what you can do to influence the next generation.

Moyers has appeared on Oprah, Larry King Live and Wisconsin Public Radio. Hes the author of New York Times bestseller Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption.

The event is free, but registration is required by calling 715-717-6565 or online at www.SacredHeartEauClaire.org/Events-Classes. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate at the event.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

An estimated 6,100 students will benefit from reduced textbook costs in hundreds of nursing course sections statewide, with an average cost savings of almost $700 per student. On average, WTCS students spend over $1,300 on textbooks throughout a two-year associate degree program.

Not only will students see a financial benefit as a result of this grant, they will benefit from an educational perspective as well, said Amy Olson, CVTC associate dean of nursing. This will be innovative and best-practices education, designed and reviewed by faculty throughout the state. It will be a real collaborative effort and help strengthen our curriculum.

The four partnering institutions will implement the textbooks first and provide easy access to all materials for broader use by other educational institutions.

In addition, the grant will lead to the development of 25 virtual reality scenarios that create a personalized experience for students as they practice the skills and abilities needed as nursing professionals. The four partnering colleges will purchase equipment and develop virtual reality centers.

This is a huge win not only for Wisconsin technical colleges, but also for students from all over the country who may benefit from the work we will be doing for this grant. Wisconsin nursing students alone will be able to save over $4 million, but its only the beginning, said Vince Mussehl, CVTCs director of library services and executive officer of Wisconsins open education organization, Community for Open Wisconsin.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0The Chippewa County Board of Supervisors confirmed Tuesday evening that they will elect a new board chair in March.

Board chair Jared Zwiefelhofer announced in a letter last week that he was stepping down from the position though he will remain on the board.

Prior to confirming the consent agenda, Zwiefelhofers resignation letter was removed as a communications item and vice-board chair Leigh Darrow  who led the meeting  did not discuss it beyond calling it a moot point.

Several board members called on Zwiefelhofer to step down after being cited for several hunting violations in northern Wisconsin in November.

In early February, Zwiefelhofer pleaded no contest to improperly placing bait, possessing a deer killed without bow on an archer tag, and operating an ATV with a loaded firearm.

In his letter announcing his resignation as board chair, Zwiefelhofer apologized to the citizens of Chippewa County for both the choices that led to the citations and its effect on the board of supervisors work.A Menomonie man has been sentenced to serve more than 1 years in prison for having child pornography on a cell phone while on supervision in a child sexual assault case.

Joseph A. Johnson, 34, was convicted Monday of possessing child pornography (repeater) in Dunn County, online court records show.

Five other felony counts of possessing child pornography were dismissed and read in.

Judge Rod Smeltzer sentenced Johnson to four years in prison and five years of extended supervision, and granted him 868 days of credit for time already served.

On Aug. 1, 2016, a state of Wisconsin probation and parole agent turned four phones from Johnson over to the Menomonie Police Department, according to a criminal complaint.

Johnson was prohibited from having cell phones with internet access while he was under supervision, according to conditions in a Clark County case.

In that case, Johnson was convicted in 2004 of three counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child. Clark County online court records show Johnson was sentenced to eight years in prison and seven years extended supervision, but his supervision was revoked and he was sentenced to prison again in August 2017.Malki Roth

Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh. blogspot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

.

..A Grain of Sand..19 February '19..In November 2017 Arnold Roth sat by his disabled daughters bedside in an Israeli hospital. His tweets from that time offer an informed repose to the Islamist slur that Israel is an apartheid state. Most of the medical staff who attended his daughter were Arab and so were a third of the patients.The name Arnold Roth should be familiar. Hamas terrorists murdered his other daughter Malki while the 15 year old was eating pizza in a Jerusalem cafe almost 18 years ago.One of the masterminds of this slaughter of innocents, Ahlam Tamimi, now lives in Jordan. She is a member of the notorious Tamimi clan who are lauded as freedom fighters by the depraved mainstream media, which seemingly worship those who kill Jews.But the media are not only the only culprits. Far too many clueless Westerners parrot the Islamist narrative that Israel is an apartheid state. However the evidence indicates otherwise. Israel is a place of safety not only Jews but for all religions.Half the worlds Jewry  over 6.6 million  lives there. Muslim Arabs make up 18% of the population and Christians and Druze 2% each. The Bahai, Circassians and Arameans also live within the sanctuary of Israels borders. The Bahai are persecuted in Iran but are free to practice their faith in Israel and have their headquarters in Haifa. Equal rights for all religions and races are enshrined in Israeli law. Arabs serve in the Knesset.Israel never features on Open Doors worldwide watch list for the persecution of Christians. But the Palestinian Territories  Gaza and the West Bank  always do.Mother of Muhammad Said Ali: He was a hell of a guy. A butcher. A lion.

According to the Israel Security Agency, October 2015 saw the beginning of a wave of terrorism that has led to 620 attacks (483 in the form of firebombs) in one month, compared to 223 in September. Eleven people (one foreign national and 10 Israelis) were killed in terrorist attacks in October, and 80 were injured, 37 of them moderately or more severely (one foreign national, 18 Israeli civilians, and 18 members of the security forces).

Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh. blogspot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

.

..Legal Insurrection..19 February '19..We have covered this sick picture before. The mothers of Palestinian terrorists who praise their childrens killing of Jews, often wishing they had killed more:Now there is another example.October 2015 was start of what commonly was referred to as the Knife or Stabbing Intifada. While there were many other forms of attack, the knifings  often carried out by teenagers  resulted in many attackers being shot dead after killing or wounding Israelis:I wrote about the Knife Intifada: spasms of bloody and murderous irrationality. The knifings were glorified on Palestinian social media.In that report, I also noted other attacks, including this one at the Damascus Gate to the Old City in which an attacker was shot and killed. I didnt know or report his name:On the afternoon Andrea Mendez was supposed to fly to Colombia with her family, she went to a police station to file a complaint about her travel agent instead.

"I was really devastated," Mendez said in a phone interview.

"It was a huge investment for us," she says about thousands she paid for plane tickets they never got to use.

The mother of three, who lives in Mississauga, Ont., had bought airfare from travel agent Libia Guerra for six of her family members to visit relatives in Colombia over the Christmas holidays.

Police and Ontario's travel regulator both confirm they are investigating Guerra following multiple complaints.

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) warned people on Dec. 21 that Guerra and her company, Representaciones Neward, were not registered to do business in Ontario.

"We heard from a number of consumers that had purchased services and did not receive those services," Dorian Werda, a vice-president for TICO, said in a phone interview.

Submitted by Andrea Mendez

She said among those complainants were people who had booked trips for large groups planning to travel over the Christmas holidays.

In Mendez's case, she said everything seemed fine at first, with the flight information sent by email after she booked the trip in May 2018.

But in the following months, when she made followup requests, like reserving seats so her family would be seated together, she started to worry.

"Every time I tried to contact [Guerra], she always was saying: 'Everything is ready, everything is ready,'" Mendez said, but then she never received any confirmation details.

Finally, a day before her Christmas vacation flights were scheduled to leave, she spoke to Guerra on the phone.

"She said, 'No, you're not flying tomorrow,'" Mendez told CBC Toronto.

Mendez said she double checked with Air Canada, which told her she had no seats on the flights.

The airline's information showed tickets had been purchased in May 2018, but were cancelled weeks later.

Story continues

Hey Latino TV

Peel Regional Police said its fraud unit is investigating Guerra after it first received complaints in November 2018, with more the following month.

For people who may be worried about their travel agent, TICO directs them to its website to verify whether a travel company is registered. A search feature allows people to look up a company using its name, address or phone number.

Guerra agreed to an interview with CBC News to explain her side of the story, but cancelled citing medical concerns.

Alleged victims are sharing their stories

Mendez posted about her experience on Facebook and then heard from others, all members of the Latin American community who had similar experiences.

She's now part of a message group with other alleged victims, including Gabriel Castaneva, who booked two family trips to Punta Cana and Colombia through Guerra in 2018.

He became suspicious of the arrangements for the Punta Cana trip after Guerra made some last-minute changes to the itinerary. When he called the airline and hotel he believed had been booked, he was told no reservations had ever been made under his name.

"All the papers and documents they sent to us were fake," he told CBC News. "The booking didn't exist."

Castaneva said refund cheques sent by Guerra bounced. He said the 13 people, including himself, who booked through Guerra are now out a total of $15,546 for the two trips.

"She's been rude to us, she doesn't answer her phone, she's blocked us everywhere," he added.

CBC News has seen photos of another cheque posted in the Facebook group. It's from Guerra, and in the subject line reads "Refund Punta Cana."

However, the photo shows the cheque bounced due to insufficient funds.

www.tico.ca

Mendez said she and her family managed to travel to Colombia over Christmas, buying last-minute flights elsewhere that cost $12,000 for six tickets, on top of the nearly $5,000 they had already paid Guerra.

She's doubtful she'll ever get her money back, but worries about her personal information, since she sent passport numbers for her and her family to Guerra.

Mendez is also frustrated as she first heard about Guerra through a friend in the Latin American community.

"This shouldn't be happening," said Mendez. "She's targeting Spanish speakers ... and it's hurting the community."Wilson-Raybould to testify in parliamentary probe of SNC-Lavalin scandal, but no witnesses from PMO called

Former justice minister and attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould will be called to testify before a parliamentary committee probing the SNC-Lavalin scandal  but opposition critics are furious that no past or current aides in the Prime Minister's Office will be invited to appear.

After a two-hour closed door meeting, members of the justice committee emerged today with a list of witnesses that includes a handful of academics and Justice Minister David Lametti, in addition to Wilson-Raybould.

But Conservatives and New Democrats accused the Liberals of blocking key players from appearing  among them Gerry Butts, who suddenly resigned Monday from his position as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's top adviser.

Watch the Power Panel analyze the latest developments on Power & Politics

Wilson-Raybould was demoted from minister of Justice to the Veterans Affairs portfolio earlier this month. She resigned cabinet last week, just days after the Globe and Mail reported that she was pressured by people in the Trudeau PMO to direct the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to draft a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA)  a legal tool resembling a plea deal  for SNC-Lavalin, allowing the global engineering firm to avoid criminal prosecution on bribery and fraud charges in relation to contracts in Libya.

Wilson-Raybould surprised many today when she emerged from the cabinet room in the afternoon after addressing Trudeau and his ministers. Standing at the centre of a scandal engulfing the government  and asserting that she still remains bound by solicitor-client privilege that limits what she can say publicly  she said the situation is complex.

"The rules and laws around privilege, around confidentiality, around my responsibility as a member of Parliament, my ethical and professional responsibilities as a lawyer, are layered and incredibly complicated. So I'm still working with my lawyer," she said. As the former attorney-general, Wilson-Raybould acted as the government's top lawyer.

Story continues

Conservative deputy leader Lisa Raitt expressed deep disappointment with the committee's witness list and said that committee members must hear from Butts in order to get to the bottom of the affair.

"We will ask very good questions and we will expect the witnesses to answer truthfully because they will be under oath," she said.

Raitt said it's also critical that Trudeau waive client-solicitor privilege for Wilson-Raybould so she can answer the committee's questions thoroughly.

Trudeau said Wilson-Raybould made the request to address cabinet today, but would not divulge any details of what she said.

Wilson-Raybould said today she remains a Liberal MP. She also said her lawyer, retired Supreme Court justice Thomas Cromwell, is advising her on what she can and can't say before the committee.

"I will appear, but as I said, I'm still in discussions with my counsel about the various privileges and confidences that I have," she said.

Minutes after that statement, Liberal MP Iqra Khalid tweeted that she had issued a notice of motion before the justice committee to invite Wilson-Raybould to appear before the committee looking into the SNC-Lavalin controversy.

Lawyers, academics called to testify

Facing mounting pressure from opposition critics to waive client-solicitor privilege, Trudeau today would say only that he asked Lametti to review the situation and provide him with advice.

Along with Wilson-Raybould and Lametti, other witnesses called to appear before the committee include:

Milo Barutciski, lawyer with Borden Ladner Gervais

Kenneth Jull, lawyer with Gardiner Roberts LLP

Judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond

Craig Forcese, law professor at the University of Ottawa

Adam Dodek, dean and law professor at the University of Ottawa

Nathalie Drouin, deputy minister of justice, deputy attorney general

Michael Wernick, Clerk of Privy Council

NDP MP Murray Rankin said he was frustrated by the fact that no one from the PMO was on the witness list.

"The justice committee owes it to Canadians to study this. It's fundamental to our democracy and, frankly, what happened there was a travesty," he said.

Trudeau has denied any wrongdoing, as did Butts in his bombshell resignation letter Monday.

Asked today if she was pressured by the Prime Minister's Office, Wilson-Raybould said she is "still working with my lawyer."

Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault insisted the committee hearings will yield answers.

"Canadians expect us to treat this matter seriously and fairly and to act with integrity," he said. "That is what we are doing."

Watch Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale discuss the SNC-Lavalin controversy on Power & PoliticsPayless Shoes is going into creditor protection in the U.S. and Canada, where it will likely close all its stores.

The discount shoe retailer, with more than 3,400 stores in 40 countries, is seeking protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and the Canadian equivalent, the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.

"Payless intends to use these proceedings to facilitate a wind-down of its approximately 2,500 store locations in North America and its e-commerce operations," the company said in a statement.

The company has 248 locations across Canada, about half of which are in Ontario. All in, the chain employs just over 2,400 people in Canada, and court documents suggest the stores collectively lost $12 million US last year.

The stores "are insolvent and are unable to meet their liabilities as they become due," court documents suggest.

They say 220 of the Canadian stores couldn't come up with rent for the current month.

Payless, founded in Kansas in 1956, grew to become one of the biggest shoe sellers in the world, selling more than 110 million pairs a year in its heyday. But the chain has fallen on tough times of late, and already went through creditor protection as recently as 2017, a process that spared the Canadian locations at the time.

That doesn't seem to be the case this time around, as the company says the plan is to liquidate all of its stores in the U.S. and Canada as quickly as possible.

"The challenges facing retailers today are well documented, and unfortunately Payless emerged from its prior reorganization ill-equipped to survive in today's retail environment," chief restructuring officer Stephen Marotta said. "The prior proceedings left the company with too much remaining debt, too large a store footprint."

The company's first bankruptcy proceedings, in 2017, saw the retailer close about 900 stores and restructure some of the debt it incurred as part of a private equity deal five years earlier.

Story continues

Part of Payless's problem, retail consultant Antony Karabus of HRC Retail Advisory said in an interview, is that the first restructuring didn't do enough to fix problems underlying the business. Instead, it just tried to clean up the balance sheet.

Carlo Allegri/Reuters

"For Payless, it bought six or 12 months, that's all it did," he said.

While many retailers have been hit with a shrinking demand for their products, that isn't necessarily the case for Payless. Karabus said discount footwear is a large and growing market, so the company's problems were in failing to capitalize on that.

Even after coming out of bankruptcy protection once, the company still has more than $400 million in debt on its books, he notes.

"When a slow growth retailer has debt put on the balance sheet, it is extremely tough to be able to withstand that incredibly significant liability," he said.

Payless said it plans to ask for the court's permission to honour gift cards and store credit until March 11, 2019, and to continue to allow returns and exchanges of applicable non-final sale purchases until March 1, 2019.

The chain's loyalty rewards program, along with any other outstanding coupons, are discontinued, effective immediately.

If everything goes according to plan, the chain will cease to exist in Canada and the U.S. by May.

Stores outside North America  including in the Middle East, India, Indonesia, Indochina, Philippines, Africa, Latin America and various parts of the Caribbean  will still go on, as they are largely profitable.A North Carolina woman has tragically died after being viciously attacked by an animal and police are now desperately trying to find out what creature was reposible.

On Friday, at 5:47 a.m., police were called to Indian Run Road where they found 77-year-old Brenda Hamilton clinging to life, Beaufort County Sheriffs Office revealed in a press release.

Hamilton was then rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was in critical condition before succumbing to her severe injuries. Her death was announced on Monday.

North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission Officers and Biologist also responded to the scene in hopes of determining what kind of animal attacked Hamilton.

At this time preliminary DNA testing facilitated by NC Wildlife Biologist has eliminated any wild animals indigenous to the area, police said.

Preliminary DNA testing found K9 DNA on Hamiltons clothing.

However, it cannot be determined whether it was a domestic dog or a wild animal as the testing doesnt differentiate between wild K9s such as wolf or coyote, Beaufort County Sheriffs Office said in the news release.

At this time, police are collecting DNA from dogs that live in the area.

Prior to her death, Hamilton worked as a high school teacher at Pungo Christian Academy.

On Monday, Pungo Christian Academy shared a tribute to the late teacher on Facebook.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share our precious Mrs. Hamilton has gained her wings, the school wrote.

RELATED: Man Who Survived Mountain Lion Attack By Killing It With His Bare Hands Comes Forward

She has always been our Pungo angel, but now she is rejoicing with her maker in heaven. Anyone who knew her has no doubt that when she enter[s] the gates of heaven, she was welcome with these words Well done my good and faithful servant well done.

The family is very appreciative of the prayers and support offered to them during this difficult time. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.A Newfoundlander who has spent decades helping the poorest of the poor in Haiti says she has no plans to leave the country, despite a period of unrest on a scale she says parallels the worst in recent history.

"I was here when they ousted Aristide and we were calling it a war. It was bad. It was bad then, it is bad now," said Karen Huxter, referencing the country's former president, who was forced out of office in a military coup in 2004.

"I've been through several things here, but this is one ugly situation we're in."

Huxter, originally from Springdale, founded and is one of the directors of Hands Across the Sea, a non-profit organization that runs a children's home and school in Deschapelles, a town about 50 kilometres north of the capital Port-au-Prince.

Since anti-government riots began wracking the country on Feb. 7, that school has been closed and supplies for the children's home have been scarce, said Huxter, with some employees scouring neighbourhood back streets in search of basic staples and everyone trying to make what's left stretch through the uncertainty.

"The kids are getting fed. It's not a good situation at all, but we are OK at the present," said Huxter, adding their propane and diesel supplies will probably last through to the end of Tuesday.

Hands Across The Sea/Facebook

"I am not scared'

Huxter is one of four Canadians at the Hands Across the Sea compound, along with her son and two others from Montreal.

That couple were supposed to leave Wednesday, but flight disruptions to the country cancelled their plans. The Canadian federal government has issued a travel warning for all Canadians in the country, asking people still in Haiti to consider leaving as soon as possible.

While Huxter hopes the couple, as well as her son, can make it back to Canada, she herself has no plans to leave.

"My emotions, to be honest, are all over the place. But I am not scared, I don't fear anything," she told CBC Radio's Newfoundland Morning Show.

Story continues

"I'm OK on my own, I've been on my own a lot for the past 24 years. But if something should happen health-wise, then there is absolutely no way to get any help whatsoever."

Hands Across the Sea/Facebook

Help for Haitians

As the unrest and economic crisis continues, Huxter's primary concern continues to be for the people of Haiti.

"The people out here with me and the people all over the country are in a desperate, desperate situation," she said.

With that in mind, she made an appeal for donations to Hands Across the Sea.

"If the money came in for me to purchase food, as has been done in the past, I would buy it," she said.

"I'm OK with staying. What I would really like to do is see this end ... and be able to get some food into the mouths of the Haitian people. That's my desire."

Read more articles from CBC Newfoundland and LabradorBERLIN (Reuters) - Germany is sticking to its weapons exports freeze to Saudi Arabia, the government said on Wednesday, resisting pressure to soften its stance after criticism from Britain and defense firms, including Airbus, who argue it is hurting commerce. Germany said in November it would reject future arms export licenses to Riyadh over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It has not formally banned previously approved deals but has urged industry to refrain from such shipments for now. British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt has urged Germany to soften its line, saying it is "imperative" that it exempt big defense projects from its arms sales halt to Saudi Arabia or face damage to its commercial credibility. A German Economy Ministry spokeswoman said no change was imminent. "The view of the government is clear and there is no new situation. There is at the moment no basis for further approvals," she said. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said decisions on arms shipments to Saudi Arabia were tied to the conflict in Yemen. "We are not delivering any weapons to Saudi Arabia at the moment and we will make future decisions depend on how the Yemen conflict develops and whether what has been agreed in the peace talks in Stockholm is being implemented," Maas told reporters after meeting Hunt in Berlin. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, in separate remarks, declined to say if the German government would extend the freeze beyond March 9. "We review it regularly and then make new decisions on that basis," he said. In a letter to Maas this month, Hunt said he had "grave concerns" about the impact Germany's arms freeze was "having on the supply chains of UK and European defense industry and may ultimately have on Europe's ability to fulfill its NATO commitments." Berlin's decision was delaying deliveries of Eurofighter Typhoon, Tornado and Hawk warplanes, and could result in contractual penalties for 500 companies in the supply chain of Britain's BAE Systems were affected, he said. Hunt also said he saw a risk that Saudi Arabia would turn to Russian or Chinese supplies in future. Referring to the conflict in Yemen, where the Saudi-backed government is fighting the Iran-backed Houthi movement, Hunt said he was deeply concerned the freeze would dent the ability to influence key figures in coming months in the cause of peace. His strongly-worded letter, first reported by Der Spiegel and seen by Reuters, followed complaints last week from a top Airbus official who told Reuters that the halt was preventing Britain from completing the sale of 48 Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes to Riyadh. He said the issue was also affecting potential sales of other weapons such as the A400M military transporter. Eurofighter is built by a consortium of four founding countries - Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain - represented by Airbus, BAE and Italys Leonardo Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by a team of Saudi operatives on Oct. 2, provoking an international backlash. Riyadh has denied the crown prince had any involvement. (Reporting by Michelle Martin, Sabine Siebold, Holger Hansen and Paul CarrelEditing by Frances Kerry, William Maclean)Swatch Launches Limited Edition Flymagic Collection

Trending News: Swatchs New $1,500 Collection Flips Watch Technology on Its Face

Swatch is flipping the watch world topsy-turvy with its $1,500 limited edition Flymagic collection set to debut on April 30. The 36-year-old Swiss brand announced that it is releasing just 500 of each of the three Flymagic models for a total of 1,500 timepieces.

Swatch has the watch world buzzing for being the first to feature a non-magnetic balance spring made out of titanium, according to Forbes. Historically, balance springs have been made out of Nivarox or silicon, which can be impacted by pesky magnets in gadgets such as wireless charging ports and speakers. Alternatively, Swatchs Nivachron spring inside the Flymagic collection fends off magnetization, making the watch adept at holding precise time, the company claims.

Magnetic fields in our everyday environment can have a marked negative impact on mechanical watch movements, says Swatchs release. The Nivachron balance spring reduces the detrimental influence of a magnetic field by a factor over 10.

RELATED: Watch Snob: Round, Square, or Rare, Your Watch Is Out There

Other watches may show the inner workings right on the watch right on the face, but Swatch is switching things up by flipping the balance wheel and gear train from the back to the front. Along with the titanium balance spring, the Flymagic series gives off a unique skeletonized look.

The press release also noted that this is the first time this type of reversal has been done on a Swatch.

And to keep up with the topsy-turvy theme, Swatch is sending the second-hand ticking backward instead of forward.

Swatch

Swatch

Swatch

The rest of Flymagics specs are less impactful, though still notable. The line will come with 45mm stainless steel cases and see-through anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Theyll also be resistant to temperature changes and are shock resistant.

As for straps, Flymagic watches will come with one rubber strap as well as two calfskin straps.

In for an upgrade? Fortunately, you still have until April 30 to decide if you want to add Flymagic to your collection.

You Might Also Dig:Best Rye Whiskeys

Bartender Approved: Rye Whiskeys

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.

If you know anything about whiskey in North America, youll know that bourbon is king. The pride of Kentucky is the closest thing to a national spirit the U.S. has (although Applejack producers might tell you otherwise). But recently, tastes have gotten a little spicier.

Over the past few years, there have been some really great rye whiskeys coming to market and I love it, says James Urycki, mixologist at Travelle at The Langham in Chicago. I have always been partial to rye. I spent the better half of my early 20s drinking Manhattans and the spice notes that rye lends to that cocktail make you fall in love over and over again.

Its no secret that rye whiskey has grown in popularity as of late. The spicier whiskey is a great alternative to bourbon and has the perfect bite to keep you warm through to spring. But as with any spirit, its hard to know which variety is right for you. Thats why we checked in with some well-known bartenders and got them to dish on their favorite rye whiskeys and what you should be sipping on. Heres what they had to say.

RELATED: Five Things You Should Never Do When It Comes to Bourbon

Wild Turkey 101 Rye

Wild Turkey. I think it's the perfect combination of spicy and herbaceous. I'll take the 101 for mixing, and the Russell's Reserve 6-year for sipping.  Stuart Jensen, beverage director/owner at Brass Tacks in Denver, Colorado.

$43.99 at Drizly.com

Rittenhouse Rye

I love Rittenhouse Rye. It has the spicy notes a good rye should have. Also, I love that they had an underground operation during the Prohibition and in 1934, they released a 2-year-old rye when the ban was lifted in 1933. (Ill let you do the math,)  Tony Gonzalez, lead bartender at District in Los Angeles.

$28.99 at Drizly.com

WhistlePig Rye

Whistle Pig or Angel's Envy are my favorite rye whiskeys. I just think they're both damn good ryes. They're excellent on their own and play perfectly in properly executed classic cocktails. More middle of the road, I'd go with Sazerac Rye, which is a fantastic rye for the price, or Rittenhouse, which packs a punch and delivers when you need something big, bold, and spicy.  Ricky Cleva, bar manager at Harlowe MXM in Dallas.

$87.99 at Drizly.com

Russells Reserve 6-Year-Old Rye

Russells Reserve Rye. I love everything that comes out of Wild Turkey, and Russells 6-Year Rye always hits the spot for me when I want a nice spicy pour.  Jonathan Shock, bar manager at Lady of the House in Detroit.

$49.99 at Drizly.com

Old Overholt

I used to be a Rittenhouse girl, but I dont have time for that 100-proof business anymore. Im getting old, 80-proof is more my speed, and Overholt is tasty AF.  Jade Sotack, bartender at Jupiter Disco in New York City.

$19.99 at Drizly.com

RELATED: How To Set Up a Scotch Tasting

George Dickel Rye

My favorite rye whiskey and why? Dickel. It is simple, sharp, and usually value priced. It is a classic.  Mary Pellettieri, co-founder of Top Note Tonic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

$37 at Drizly.com

The Little Book: Noe Simple Task Rye

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to get my hands on something new from the Beam Suntory portfolio and once again, I fell in love with rye whiskey. The Little Book: Noe Simple Task is a blend of 8-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye, 40-year-old Canadian Whiskey, and 13-year-old Canadian Rye Whiskey and it is absolutely wonderful. With the Little Book you're not going to want to throw it in a cocktail, instead, this one is perfect for sipping over a large rock. I highly suggest you treat yourself if you ever get the chance. And do it soon, because who knows how long it will be around.  James Urycki, mixologist at Travelle at The Langham in Chicago.

Find out more at Littlebookwhiskey.com

Woodford Reserve Rye

Right now, I'm really enjoying Woodford Reserve Rye because of the intense spice notes and the beautiful weight of the liquid as you sip it. It's fantastic.  Pam Wiznitzer, mixologist at Henry at the Life Hotel in New York City.

$45.99 at Drizly.com

Willett Rye

I think Willett turns out consistently great rye whiskeys. There is a great balance and I am always impressed with how mature it feels even with the younger releases.  Gary Matthews, bartender at DrumBAR in Chicago.

$60 at Drizly.com

Angels Envy Rye

Angels Envy makes a really fun rye whiskey that is finished in rum casks. It balances out some of the more aggressive flavors usually found in rye with some of the sweeter ones added by the rum finish.  Johnny Contraveos, bar manager at ALK in New York City.

$94.99 at Drizly.com

Templeton Rye

Templeton Rye is hands-down my favorite rye whiskey. Im from Iowa, which is where this whiskey is bottled, so I might be biased, but Templeton remains the tastiest, smoothest, most perfectly balanced rye Ive ever tasted. Great neat or on the rocks. Good in a cocktail  even better by itself.  Patrick Morgan, bartender at The Parlor in Hollywood.

$41.99 at Drizly.com

Get with the trends and switch up your nightcap routine with one of these bartender-approved rye whiskeys. You wont be sorry.

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AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use.Tennessee Becomes First Southern State With Hate Crime Statute Protecting Transgender People

According to the Tennessean, earlier this month Tennessees attorney general, Herbert Slatery, ruled that the states hate crime protections included transgender individuals. In 2000 the General Assembly in the state of Tennessee added a hate crime statute to judges sentencing rules for crimes that targeted a person based on race, religion, color, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or gender. Last year, Senator Sara Kyle presented a bill to add gender identity and expression to the 2000 hate crime ruling. Kyles bill failed, but it brought attention to whether or not transgender people would be included under gender protection.

Chris Sanders, the executive director of the Tennessee Equality Project, an LGBTQ+ rights advocacy organization, worked with Representative Mike Stewart to get clarification on whether transgender people were protected by the law in Tennessee. Rep. Stewart asked the attorney general for clarification, to which he responded, A defendant who targets a person for a crime because that person is transgender has targeted the person because of his or her gender within the meaning.

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After Slaterys ruling, Stewart told the Tennessean, Lets see how the courts actually utilize the law in practice and lets see how much protection it provides. Chris Sanders was also pleased by Slaterys clarification, telling the Tennessean that he is hopeful that the ruling will be utilized in future cases involving transgender individuals.

According to an ACLU report from 2018, the number of transgender and non-binary people murdered has hit record highs in the past few years. The ACLU report focuses on Jacksonville, Florida, where 4 Black trans women were shot in the span of 6 months. The National Center for Transgender Equality released a survey from 2015 reporting that 1 in 4 transgender people were assaulted because of their gender identity and the majority of deadly attacks were against trans women of color.

In November 2018, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released the report, "A National Epidemic: Fatal Anti-Transgender Violence in America in 2018." Their report honored the at least 22 transgender people who were killed in 2018; HRC reported at least 22 because violence and hate crimes against the transgender and non-binary community often go unreported or uncounted because the individuals gender identity is either not acknowledged or misreported. According to the HRC, at least 74% of known victims of anti-transgender violence in 2017 and 2018 were misgendered in police and media reports. 82% of those killed in 2018 were trans women of color, 62% were under 35 years old, and 55% lived in the South.

The transgender community needs to be acknowledged and protected; Tennessees ruling is hopefully one step in the right direction.

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Top photo: flickr.com/Ted Eytan

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Allie Lawrence graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a B.A. in Theatre Arts and English. She loves dogs, laughter, and The Great British Bake Off. Feel free to follow her on Twitter @0riginalliety.Opinion / Interviews

OF late, there have been contradictory statements coming out of the Information ministry and other government departments regarding various programmes and policy issues. NewsDay (ND) chief reporter Everson Mushava recently caught up with Information deputy minister, Energy Mutodi (EM), to have an insight on the cause of the ructions and the seemingly policy discord. Below are excerpts of the interview.ND: Recently, you claimed that there was mistrust in government. What exactly did you mean?EM: When that was said, it was in response to the unpreparedness that we found ourselves in when there was an outbreak of protests in Harare and other towns. There looked like there was no consensus as to how the protests had to be tackled.There were reports that some in Zanu-PF had supported the protests, albeit indirectly. There were others who blamed the leadership for allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to announce the fuel price hikes, instead of delegating the responsible minister.Then there are those groaning and speaking against the austerity measures being implemented by the Finance minister (Mthuli Ncube). So you can see all this complexity. It doesn't show unity to some extent.ND: During last month's disturbances, government issued contradictory messages. For example, you claimed that the Internet had been overwhelmed and President Mnangagwa's spokesperson (George Charamba), in an interview with foreign media, disclosed that it had been shut down. Were the contradictions a strategy or a manifestation of the divisions in government, which I think you implied when you talked of mistrust?EM: Definitely not. Those statements were said at different times and sometimes you need to take cognisance that, as government, we do not share everything with the public. Some things are better said in a certain manner than what the people would want. With regards to the Internet, it is true that there was congestion before we decided to switch it off.Mobile telecommunications did not admit to this in their cautionary statements. Instead, they chose to say they had been issued with a directive to shut down Internet without acknowledging that too much traffic on social media platforms had earlier on slowed down the service.What made us concerned, however, was the rate at which property was being damaged, police stations being burnt down and shops being looted systematically. This, therefore, necessitated the intervention measures that we made.ND: You also claim President Mnangagwa was saved by his lieutenants. Who are these and what role did they play?EM: Indeed, there were people who went an extra-mile to save government. The Reserve Bank governor John Mangudya made the right decision to recommend a viable price for fuel, which was then approved by the President as a way to stamp out arbitrage in the fuel sector and improve deliveries. We are beginning to see the benefits.Again, at the height of the protests, impromptu decisions needed to be taken by the President's inner circle notwithstanding the reputational damage those decisions would impose on the maker. The shutting down of the Internet was one such thing that looked like it was a ruthless and insensitive measure.State Security minister Owen Ncube made the decision to stop further looting and destruction of properties, realising that criminals were organising themselves under the guise of protests to systematically loot shops and destroy properties. However, the minister consulted widely before invoking the Interception of Communications Act, which allows for communication services to be blocked, where it is suspected that a crime is being committed or is about to be committed.ND: The MDC and other lobby groups claim Zanu-PF perpetrated the violence in last month's protests to justify a clampdown on civilians. Any comment?EM: That's hogwash. Zanu-PF was voted into power by the people and there is no way it can deliberately impose pain on the people. We are the ruling party and we have a clear majority in Parliament. We are not fighting for any relevance like what the MDC is doing. They are going up and down trying to incite people to protest in a violent manner so that government can respond with a heavy hand to justify interference by other countries.They timed their protests during a time the President was about to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. They wanted him to be blamed for the violence and obviously fail to attract investment into the country.ND: How do you respond to reports that some soldiers, police officers and Zanu-PF youths were arrested and convicted for the same violence? Doesn't that validate the MDC's claims?EM: Criminals are criminals, irrespective of whose name they commit the crimes. I doubt if there were many Zanu-PF members who were netted in by the police other than those who retaliated when they were provoked by the marauding MDC youths and took the law into their hands.Zanu-PF does not thrive on violence. That having been said, it is clear who sponsored the criminals. Ask who is requesting the criminals to be released from prison? The MDC leader has done that.He is on record saying all those who have been arrested in the recent protests must be released from prison as a precondition for talks. It needs no rocket scientist to tell you that he and his party were behind the violence.ND: Zanu-PF has been accusing the people of being driven by Western agendas when they protested last month against fuel price hikes and escalating cost of living. Why do you always think Zimbabweans need to be sponsored to think? Don't you think the hardships they are experiencing are forcing them to protest?EM: The involvement of political parties in the violent protests is telling. We cannot pretend as if this country has no intelligence. There is nothing that people do in their hideouts that we don't see and hear. We have people on the ground and we are seeing regime change agents busy at work trying to author anarchy here.We are a sovereign nation, we don't interfere in other people's countries, but they want to poke their nose into our affairs. Western governments create their hostile impressions through opposition parties and we reject that. We say no to undue interference.ND: There have also been concerns that government is not sincere when it calls for austerity measures while there seems to be no appetite to cut government expenditure by the Executive, as seen when it continues to appoint advisers on top of the Cabinet and various other ministerial taskforces . . .EM: The austerity measures are here to stay. There has never been a slim Cabinet like what we have now. The advisers you have mentioned are volunteers and they are not on government payroll. Also, you need to understand that there will never be zero spending. It's all about re-directing resources from non-productive to productive sectors of the economy. That is the meaning and essence of austerity. It is not business as usual.ND: Why is government vindictive when dealing with its workers? Is it that you don't feel they have genuine concerns when they strike?EM: Workers issues are being addressed. Where monetary compensation is difficult, there will be non-monetary benefits. We are sensitive to the plight of workers and the need to ensure we pay them salaries above the poverty datum levels.However, we have got to agree that good salaries will come when the economy improves. We cannot enjoy while we are trying to build. We will enjoy later. Civil servants must not ask for obscene salaries seeing the economy is not yet ripe for that.ND: You have been seen campaigning for the position of secretary for youth affairs in Zanu-PF. Why do you think you deserve the position?EM: Let me make it clear that I am not behind the current developments in the youth league. The youth league has independently given a vote-of-no-confidence in their leadership and ordinarily, there will be succession when that happens. A lot has happened in the country, but there has not been much activity in the youth league. There is a general feeling that our youth league is cold and weak. Zanu-PF is the ruling party, not the opposition. We have to take the lead.ND: The opposition MDC claims President Mnangagwa is not sincere on dialogue. Do you think he can adjust to meet the demands of the MDC?EM: President Mnangagwa is committed to dialogue for the good of Zimbabweans. He is a well-groomed Statesman. He came out from the tutelage of former President Robert Mugabe, who, at every suitable time, would call his enemies for dialogue successfully, like we saw with the 1987 Unity Accord and the Government of National Unity in 2009.President Mnangagwa was part of the peace initiatives during all those years. He is not new to unity talks. He is ready to talk to anyone, but we are seeing immaturity on the party of Nelson Chamisa, political bankruptcy and a hive of regime change agents and that is stalling progress.Opinion / Columnist

The recent military crackdown on Zimbabwean citizens is not only a grave infringement on the citizens' fundamental constitutional rights but it ultimately presents Zimbabwe as a volatile business environment. Most billionaire investors are already regarding Zimbabwe as a failed economy synonymous with uncertainty. Admittedly, President Mnangagwa has confirmed that he is the one who authorised the recent army brutality where innocent civilians were subjected to unlawful arrests, torture, abductions and many women were raped. We all know that Chiwenga is the protagonist in all these brazen shenanigans even though he is usually cast behind the scenes, just as a loyal vice-president.The barbarity of the soldiers has outraged millions across the world. The absence of culture and civilisation among our national leaders has certainly made international investors think twice about coming to Zimbabwe. Mnangagwa and Chiwenga are still living in the days of Uncle Bob, where in the absence of social media news, people would be tortured, abducted, killed, raped and eventually the whole world would never know what really transpired in Zimbabwe. Now that the whole world instantly receives the latest news about Zimbabwe via social media platforms, the ZBC's "lying job" is only getting harder if not impossible. Mnangagwa's special advisers appear not cognisant of the impact of social media on the Zimbabwean economy. Bad news travel very fast, just to say the least.The Zimbabwean economy is erratic, unpredictable and unsettled. One day the President just woke up and announced a 150% fuel price increase with immediate effect. Under such circumstances any investor whether local or international will find it extremely difficult to make any future business plans. It is now imperative for the Zimbabwean authorities to come to terms with the new world order where people's fundamental rights come first and are respected, the rule of law operates unabated, property rights are observed, and economic rights guarantees every citizen at least a decent life.Frazer MuzondoROHR ZIM/MDC UK.News / Regional

by Titshabona Ncube

Bulilima West legislator, Dingumuzi Phuti, has yesterday, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Zimbabwe National Water Authorities (ZINWA) engineers who had visited his constituency on the 19th February 2019, on a mission to survey a damaged Mabhongane Dam wall.The destruction to the dam occurred four years ago when the dam wall burst following some heavy torrential rains.After consistent pleas and appeals stretching as far back as March 2016, to have the damaged dam attended to, the Bulilima West residents said they were glad to have a representative like Honourable Phuthi who has been instrumental in channelling their predicaments to the relevant authorities. Some residents, in addition, thanked Honourable Phuthi for being influential in the promotion of indigenous languages as a mode of communication in parliamentary sessions and praised him for being a unique Member of Parliament who usually walks the talk. His use of the Kalanga language in some parliamentary sessions has had a knock-on effect as it apparently has encouraged other legislators to follow suit and use the minority languages as a mode of communication in parliament.Invited guests included the senior Herdmen from the surrounding areas.Giving his speech, Honourable Phuthi said he was on a mission to improve the infrastructure of the area including roads which are crucial to economic development and growth and bring important social benefits to the area. The Legislator expressed his embarrassment seeing the Botswana side of the Maitengwe Border Post so developed and with continual renovations undergoing, yet the Zimbabwean side was still in a sorry state.One of the invited guests Tate Siliva Niswimbo Sibanda, a senior herdman from the Bhambadzi area, in his speech, said it was a welcome development and also to receive the engineers was an impressive move to the right direction and thanked the surveyors for their commitment to work. However, he lamented some habitual empty promises from the previous government which was the reason of the lack of development in the area. According to herdman Sibanda the dam was of paramount importance as it serviced not only the domestic livestock but wild animals as well. He indicated that during drought spells animals would stray and march from as far as the Hwange National Park to drink at the Mabhongane dam. Upon finding no water in the dam the animals would there upon stray as far as the Tokwana area where there were reported incidents of people being killed by wild animals. He praised honourable Phuthi for his passion in pushing for the promotion and development of the Bulilima area.Mabhongane dam is located between Jutshume and Makhulela at the 15km peg from the Maitengwe border post. The Mabhongane dam makes an important and significant contribution to the development of the local area and benefits derived from the dam have been considerableNews / National

by Staff reporter

The Angel of Hope Foundation has donated an assortment of hospital equipment and accessories to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.The handover ceremony was held at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare today.The donation comprises of dental treatment units, 2000 kits for eye cataracts, wheel chairs and walkers.The First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, who is also the Ambassador for Maternal and Child Care, said she is committed to improving the health delivery system and will continue to engage partners to come on board and assist.The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obediah Moyo commended the First Lady and her foundation for assisting the health sector and fighting HIV and AIDS, as well as cancer.Meanwhile, Professor Hellen Lee of Diagnostics for the Real World, has donated 10 samba two point of care machines which are used for HIV early infant diagnosis and therapy monitoring.Access to early infant diagnostic technology has been highlighted as the most effective way of reducing HIV mortality.Reports say in the last 30 years, mother to child transmission rate was 33 percent before it came down to 28 percent in 2001 and then 5 percent in 2016.News / National

by Staff reporter

The trial of former President Mugabe's son-in-law Simba Chikore yesterday continued with an inspection in loco held at the secret Zimbabwe Airways premises in Chishawasha.Chikore's lawyer Jonathan Samakange had applied for the inspection during cross examination after the State witness Simon Musakasa had testified that he had witnessed all the events of June 7 from his office.The inspection in loco revealed that Musakasa lied to the court that from his office, he was able to see Chikore's accomplice, Simba Mutsimbe refraining the complainant Bertha Zakeyo from leaving the premises under instruction from Chikore.It was revealed that it was approximately 30 meters from the gate to the witness's office to the gate contrary to the five meters he had told the court in his testimony, making it impossible to hear what happened at the gate as he had said in his testimony.Harare magistrate Victoria Mashamba also went to the witness's office to try and see if it was possible to see people knocking at Chikore's office and ruled that he could only see people going past his door but couldn't see what transpired there contrary to his statement.Chikore is facing charges of unlawfully detaining the company secretary Bertha Zakeyo at the Zimbabwe Airways premises on June 7 last year.The State is still to subpoena its last witness Phillipa Phillips who was also present at the premises when Ms Zakeyo was allegedly detained.News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu

Zimbabwe has introduced a new currency called the RTGS Dollars, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Chief John Panonetsa Mangudya said during the Monetary Policy Statement delivered on Wednesday.Mangudya announced that the RTGS dollars is now currency, an addition to multi currency, will be the functional currency; used for pricing, settlement of local transactions and budget is in this currency. He announced that a legal instrument which will action this currency has been crafted.When asked about the 'starting' exchange rate for the RTGS$ against the USD, Mangudya, who says the parallel market rate is between 3-4RTGS$ to the USD, said the RBZ will not set a rate but let the market set the exchange rate. It's value will be determined at a new interbank auction system.The RTGS dollars shall be used by all entities, including government, and individuals in Zimbabwe for purposes of pricing of goods and services, record debts, accounting and settlement of domestic transactionsThe use of RTGS dollars for domestic transactions will eliminate the existence of the multi-pricing system and charging of goods and services in foreign currency within the domestic economy, Mangudya said.The Governor further revealed that Bureax de change shall be authorised to purchase forex without limits, but shall be limited to sell forex for small transactions such as subscriptions, business and personal travel up to a maximum aggregate daily limit of US$10 000 per bureau de change.News / National

by Staff reporter

BULAWAYO High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva has ordered the Immigration Department to stop unlawful disciplinary hearings of eight of its Victoria Falls officials, who were being accused of fraud.The dispute began in June when the Immigration Department suspended the eight without salaries over alleged fraud involving visas.The department summoned the officers to a disciplinary tribunal in December, but the workers filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court challenging the move.They argued that the disciplinary hearings were unlawful and should be stopped until the court finalised another matter, case number HC1689/18, pending before the courts in which they are challenging their suspensions.In his ruling, Justice Takuva declared that the hearing proceedings were against Public Service Commission regulations."The provisional order granted by Honourable Justice (Nicholas) Mathonsi on 21st day of December 2018 be and is hereby confirmed as the final order in the following terms: The purported resumption of proceedings against the applicants be and is hereby declared ultra vires the Public Service regulations in so far as the hearings are set more than seven days from the date of receiving documents to support the charge," Justice Takuva ruled."The respondent be and is, hereby, ordered to pay the costs of suit one paying the other to be absolved on attorney client scale."Justice Mathonsi had granted the employees temporary relief, pending determination of the case.Vincent Shoshore, Shillah Ndavani, Shepherd Gombwe, Simbarashe Nyamukachi, Joseph Raungana, Tichaona Munemo, Ruth Patience Mutasa and Misheck Chizema had been suspended for fraud, but the matter was not prosecuted for lack of evidence.But the department extended their suspension, forcing the eight to approach the High Court seeking an order declaring their suspensions illegal.Before the matter was heard on November 19, the employer reinstated them, but reneged on paying their dues. They were instead summoned for disciplinary hearing.News / National

by Staff reporter

OVER 300 villagers are now living in the open after they were evicted by a former army general from a farm which reportedly used to be owned by the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo.The settlers' homes were burnt during the evictions, leaving them at the mercy of the weather elements.Retired Brigadier General Kindness Ndlovu allegedly descended on the farm last week with an eviction order dated February 8 and ordered the villagers to leave Stonecraft Farm, which is on the outskirts of Bulawayo.The notice of eviction cited Ndlovu as the plaintiff, while Phineas Ngwenya and other villagers were cited as defendants."This is to advise in respect of the above case, a warrant of execution or eviction or delivery has been issued at the issuance of plaintiff represented by legal practitioners The execution of this warrant will take place at the address Stonecraft Farm, Lower Khami, Bulawayo," read the notice, which had no court stamp to authenticate it.Ndlovu claimed that he bought the farm at an auction and had title deeds to it. However, investigations by Southern Eye revealed that the farm was State land, having been compulsorily acquired by government.Records also show that previously it was owned by Nkomo, who appointed a Sivako, who has since passed away, as its manager.On his death, the farm was left in the hands of Sivako's sons, but was occupied during the 2000 land invasions.The invaders have occupied the farm ever since, until Ndlovu came to evict them.The stranded villagers yesterday told Southern Eye that they were surprised to see Ndlovu coming to evict them because they knew that the farm belonged to the State."This week he came again with another notice of eviction dated February 8 from the sheriff and started burning people's homes. We are now stranded; some of us having been here since 2000. We never saw him until 2015 when he tried to evict us. Our traditional leaders know about our presence here,'' Moffat Sibanda said.Lands ministry secretary, Ringson Chitsiko yesterday said he was unaware of the matter and urged the affected villagers to report to the police and Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister Richard Moyo."They should go to the police right away and make a report against him. They should also quickly inform the Minister of State," he said.Efforts to get a comment from Ndlovu were fruitless yesterday.His mobile phone was not reachable.News / National

by Staff reporter

ABOUT 150 cancer patients accessing radiation services from Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo are stranded following the breakdown of machinery at the hospital since November last year.Radiation therapy which is also called radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.Those who can afford it have moved to Harare seeking the lifesaving treatment while a majority of them are at risk of having cancer spread in their bodies which weakens treatment in fighting the deadly disease.In an interview Mpilo clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said the breakdown was due to power supply challenges."As we all know we use highly sensitive machinery in cancer treatment and whenever there is a power outage, these machines break down and have to be serviced. We last administered radiation in November last year and about 150 patients have been forced to live without the life saving medication since then while those who can afford have gone to Harare and other areas," said Dr Ngwenya.He said Government recently purchased US$100 000 worth of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) batteries that should be installed as a long term solution to the problem."We now have the batteries and our challenge is that we do not have bigger rooms to accommodate the UPS batteries. We therefore call on the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to prioritise this project so that we save lives," he said.Dr Ngwenya said the construction of the needed room should take about a month once it commences.He added that despite the challenge, other departments in the cancer unit are functional and urged people to go for screenings."Our mammogram machines are currently down as well which means we are currently not offering breast cancer screenings."However, members of the public are encouraged to come forward and screen for other types of cancer since our chemotherapy, nuclear medicine and cervical cancer equipment is working," said Dr Ngwenya.Recent statistics show that more than 60 percent of patients being attended to at the Mpilo Central Hospital Cancer Unit and other public institutions have stage three and four cancers. At this stage, the cancer would have advanced so much that it is virtually incurable.Stage three and four cancers require palliative treatment which is only meant to treat symptoms or ease pain until the patient dies.News / National

by Staff reporter

THE legitimacy of President Mnangagwa will not form part of the agenda for the inter-party national dialogue as he was duly elected as Head of State and Government and his election was confirmed by the Constitutional Court, a senior Zanu-PF official has said.In an interview with Zimpapers Television Network, Zanu-PF's Secretary for Legal Affairs Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana said the ruling party would not entertain attempts by the MDC Alliance to put President Mnangagwa's election as the President of the country on the agenda when the national dialogue begins in earnest.He said every Zimbabwean had an obligation to recognise the result of an election, which was pronounced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission before endorsement by the Constitution Court."It is an obligation upon every political player in the country to recognise the pronouncement by the Constitutional Court. So the issue of the election of the President is not on the table and will not be on the table because a decision has been made by the highest courts on that particular issue. We are not entertaining any discussion on that," said Mangwana."We are saying we have a Government in place led by President Mnangagwa, but there are areas which require improvement from a social, political and economic perspective, let us discuss those issues with full recognition that there is a President who was elected by the people of Zimbabwe that is the context under which we are discussing. We are not discussing the legitimacy or otherwise of the election of the President. It is not an item on the agenda."He reiterated that the dialogue being prepared had nothing to do with power sharing saying Zanu-PF got a full mandate from the people to run the country for the next five years.Mangwana said the national dialogue being driven by President Mnangagwa was running together with another one comprising political parties represented in Parliament to discuss legislative and budgetary issues. He said the four political parties represented in Parliament held their inaugural meeting last weekend in Bulawayo.He said the inter-party dialogue of political parties represented in Parliament had been in place since the inclusive Government culminating in the writing of a new Constitution."After the constitutional programmes the dialogue continued looking at legislative reforms, we have participated in the interparty dialogue all along but after the election which led to President Mnangagwa being elected as the leader of this country, the MDC Alliance said it will not recognise the outcome of the presidential election and we said, 'look if you cannot recognise our principal as leader we have difficulties in engaging you'," said Mnangagwa."Efforts were of course made to mediate on that particular issue and it continued until last week we decided to meet if we could find common ground. This did not only include MDC Alliance but two other political parties in Parliament because our framework of negotiation is premised on political parties represented in Parliament."He said the last meeting in Bulawayo was to look at the framework under which parties should engage and it was also meant to orient new political parties like National Patriotic Front which is being represented by Mr Masango (Blackman) Matambanadzo.A technical committee to come up with items to be placed on the agenda was constituted and another meeting will be held in two weeks."We are discussing critical issues to take our economy forward, how do we ensure that the youths in our party live in peace, that they sing from the same hymn book, as political parties how do we reduce tension, what should be the approach to the budget in Parliament," he said.News / National

by Staff reporter

AN 18-YEAR-OLD woman who was employed as a housemaid by a family from Rangemore suburb in Bulawayo has been arrested for stealing 3 000 rands from her employer before fleeing to her home in Harare.Ruth Togara of Warren Park in Harare yesterday told Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube that she decided to steal from Ms Elizabeth Gwandira (20) of Rangemore as she was not being paid well.Togara pleaded guilty to a theft charge. She was ordered to go for community service assessment and will return to court today for sentencing.Togara told the court that she stole the money because she needed money to go back home."Ms Gwandira was not paying me properly and l wanted to leave for my home. When l saw the money, l took it and went straight home," she said.Mr Kenneth Shava said on February 9, Ms Gwandira left her money in a satchel that was on top of her bed in her bedroom and went to work."When she got home at around 5PM, she noticed that her maid had packed all her belongings and left the house. Ms Gwandira searched if all her things were available and realised that the money she had left in her satchel was missing," said Mr Shava.In her testimony, Ms Gwandira said as soon as she realised that her maid had vanished, she quickly searched to see if she had taken any of her property."As l was searching, l remembered that l had left money in a bag on top of my bed. When l opened the bag all the money had been taken and l knew it was Togara because she was the only person l lived with," she said.Ms Gwandira reported the matter to the police and Togara was arrested at her home in Harare. The total value of the money that was stolen was 3 000 rands and only 800 rands was recovered.News / National

by Staff reporter

A SCANDAL has rocked Falcon College after some school boys allegedly placed a spy camera in the girls' changing rooms resulting in unsuspecting pupils from Girls College in Bulawayo, who had visited the elite Esigodini private school last Friday, being recorded undressed.The issue has sparked outrage from parents who want the matter to be reported to the police, something that has not been done.A reliable source said a meeting was held yesterday to discuss the incident which happened when a water polo team from Girls College visited Falcon College for a match with their counterparts.Representatives from both schools and some parents from Girls College attended the meeting which was held at the girls' only school in Bulawayo.Two boys from Falcon College, the formerly all-boys school which started admitting girls in 2017, are alleged to have placed the spy camera in the girls changing room.A source who attended yesterday's meeting said Falcon College authorities told the gathering that two boys fingered in the spy scandal had been expelled and the video recording, which was confiscated, would be destroyed. The source said some parents are not happy with the decision, saying the duo should be arrested for the offence. It was not immediately clear how the matter came to light."The boys are said to have been expelled but many parents feel that the issue should be taken to the police and the boys should be arrested. The Falcon headmaster assured us that the video would be destroyed to protect the girls," said the source.In an interview, Girls College principal, Mrs Les Ross, confirmed the incident which happened last Friday. She could not comment further referring questions to Falcon College authorities, who could not be reached immediately."The whole issue is being dealt with at Falcon College; it did not happen on my grounds, it happened at Falcon. Falcon College will be better placed to comment on that," said Mrs Ross in a telephone interview.A parent who spoke on condition of anonymity accused Falcon of sweeping the matter under the carpet. The parent said the school should be investigated for similar allegations, as this was not the first time an incident of this nature has occurred at Falcon College."This is not the first time something of this nature has happened at Falcon and the school should be investigated."They are sweeping the matter under the rug to protect the school's reputation, but what about our girls who have been violated. This is unacceptable," said the parent.Another parent said the incident raises questions about the safety of girls at such events. The parent said such perverted behaviour might lead to worse violations such as rape."I know I speak on behalf of many parents when I say this behaviour is unacceptable and the culprits should be punished," she said.Bulawayo acting Provincial Education Director (PED) Mrs Olicah Kaira said she had not received a report on the matter. Matabeleland South acting PED Mr Lifias Masukume could not comment saying he was in Harare.News / National

by Staff reporter

BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has extended water-shedding period from 48 hours to 72 hours as a result of low water levels at Criterion Raw Water Reservoir, the city's largest water treatment plant.In a notice yesterday, BCC said the increase in water rationing hours was due to the breakdown at the supply dams."The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public that council will continue shedding water into the weekend on a 24-hour regime. After the weekend, the shedding programme will revert to a 48-hour programme," reads the notice in part."This is a result of the low water levels at Criterion Raw Water Reservoir, the city's largest water treatment plant, due to disruption of continuous pumping at Umzingwane and Inyankuni," it said.Council urged the residents to conserve water so as to avoid penalties.Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city, has perennially battled severe water shortages, compounded by dilapidated infrastructure."Council is currently working on the breakdowns at the dams so that raw water pumping is improved, " the statement added.BCC believes that by working on the breakdowns, this would help the city to increase the levels of raw water reservoirs, which still remain critically low.News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu

A Twitter parody account of exiled Professor Jonathan Moyo has likened MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to a biblical Moses who is called to spiritually and politically lead Zimbabweans to a better state.The account which goes by the name Outlaw in Exile was responding to Chamisa's spiritual post encouraging Zimbabweans to soldier on because Canaan is near."I believe in you spiritually, politically because you are a God ordained servant whose efforts spread wider on the land of Zimbabwe to ensure safety, development and indoctrination of the SMART document ...LET'S GO MOSE." The Parody account said.Chamisa had posted that, "Canaan is on the Horizon! We are at Rephidim and the Amalekites are here. So Moses must go up the mountain with the staff of the Lord to pray with the aid of Aaron and Hur. Joshua goes into the battlefront to fight the opponent. History books being written as we plant new memorials."I am a priestly leader not just a politician. I am not supposed to lead a just a revolution but a revival upon a revelation."In the same thread Chamisa likened President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the Israeli King Saul and himself to David."Remember Saul turned to David to play a harp each time Saul was visited by that evil spirit. David also won the battles for Saul. Saul must understand and acknowledge David."Many young Zimbabweans are not engaged gainfully and productively due to a non-performing economy. We must fix that now. It appears slow but it is fast and shall come quick. The signs are there and the evidence is upon us. We are near our smiles and jubilation away and all the sorrows and sorries of today shall be of the past. The enemy seems so strong when so weak. The collapse is self-evident."News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu

Members of the Presidential Advisory Council are said to have clashed with Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba when they met at their inaugural meeting on Friday. Charamba is reported to have wanted the PAC to focus only on international re-engagement an instruction which was thrashed."The Presidential Advisory Council met and its members were unhappy with George Charamba trying to lecture them on what they were supposed to do, limiting their terms of reference to international re-engagement. Apparently, UNDP is funding the group." National Patriotic Front Spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire revealed."The PAC members who attended the meeting resisted Charamba's bossy attempts to confine them to international reengagement and instead organised themselves in clusters according to areas of expertise, e. g health, and insisted they would only advise in areas of expertise."Mawarire further revealed that UNDP had wanted a lean group of 15 members with international experience but Mnangagwa increased it to 22."UNDP had proposed the group be not more than 15 individuals mostly with experience having worked for multilateral institutions like World Bank, IMF etc but ED saw an opportunity for jobs for his homeboys & expanded it to 22."Commenting on the meeting media mogul Trevor Ncube said the PAC is a non-partisan entity that is committed to reviving the country."Members of the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) met for the first time yesterday (Friday) afternoon for a briefing session with Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet. The session was a prelude to an inaugural meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa soon."PAC members are non-partisan professionals with distinguished achievements in the private sector, public sector and international organisations. PAC members receive no remuneration or perks from the government. They volunteer their time for the benefit of the nation."Transitioning from decades of dictatorship to normalcy is generally fraught with huge challenges and never easy. Our political and economic turbulence demands that we find each other to craft durable solutions. Our nation is hurting and needs all the help it can get." Ncube said.News / National

by Staff reporter

CIVIC society groups and opposition parties yesterday described President Emmerson Mnangagwa's threatened clampdown on last month's human rights defenders as shocking and a direct attack on democracy, but vowed to soldier on despite the threats.Mnangagwa (pictured) told a Zanu-PF rally in Mwenezi, Masvingo province on Saturday that his government had started sniffing out human rights lawyers, doctors and nurses whoprovided medical and legal assistance to hundreds of civilians injured and arrested in a State-sponsored crackdown following last month's violent protests.Civic society groups claimed that 17 people died in extra-judicial killings led by the security forces, at least 17 women were raped while over 1 000 others, among them minors, arrested during the clampdown.At the weekend Mnangagwa confirmed that he was the one who unleashed the security forces on civilians, but denied reports that they were responsible for the killings. Instead, he accused human rights lawyers and doctors, who assisted the victims as part of the regime change plot against his government, adding that the protests were pre-planned."We are now going after those doctors, who were involved in those activities. Those lawyers that were inciting violence, we are now going after them. So those who choose violence, we are prepared," he warned.But the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) said they will not be deterred as they have an ethical obligation to assist those who seek their services.The doctors said they had noted with concern Mnangagwa's threats and would soon engage him for clarity."As doctors, our ethical obligation is to treat anyone who needs medical services," ZADHR said in a statement yesterday."For example, even in conflict zones doctors and other humanitarian workers are given safe passage to help those injured. In these sad events, our services were not targeted to protesters, but anyone who fell victim to the skirmishes, ordinary civilians included."Our records also show that our doctors didn't only treat people who were allegedly assaulted by security forces, but also treated people who were allegedly assaulted by protesters."Zimbabwe Law Society president, Thandaza Masiye Moyo said they had a professional duty to represent people who engage them for representation."What I can assure you is that as far as the Law Society is concerned, we do not choose our clients and we do not discriminate. We represent any person and it is our mandateto represent any person," Moyo said."I think the most important thing is that as legal practitioners, we have a mandate to represent the people and we will simply continue to represent the people. I am notaware of any legal practitioner who incited violence and if there is a case of any who incited violence it should be treated in a normal way like any other mater of a criminal nature." He added that as a matter of principle, any person was entitled to a lawyer of their chose, hence lawyers will continue to represent everyone regardless oftheir political affiliation and social standing.Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum chairperson Jestina Mukoko said they were shocked by Mnangagwa's threats."Those are unfortunate developments and we are just shocked by the statements that we are hearing. I am really not sure where all this is coming from," she said.The opposition MDC, which claims the crackdown was aimed at decimating its party membership, described the utterances by Mnangagwa as a sign of a dictator on the prowl."We have never heard this in the history of Zimbabwe," party spokesperson Jacob Mafume said. "This is a new low for Mnangagwa. How do you say people should not be treatedwhen they have been injured for whatever reason?"Even a convicted criminal is treated if harmed and it is that which makes us human. Life is sacrosanct above all things. This is alarming coming from a supposed Head of State," Mafume said.Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation leader Samuel Wadzai said: "As vendors, we expect the government to respect the Constitution. This is the only wayto unite the country for economic transformation."Threats of coercion and force will further divide the country and obliterate any prospects of economic recovery. At the core of administrative justice is the need to ensure that public bodies and those who exercise public functions make the right decisions. As victims of violations in the past, our concerns include ensuring that decisions and redress mechanisms comply with the rule of law."News / National

by newimbabwe

ZANU-PF's controversial Chegutu West member of parliament (MP) Dexter Nduna must resign immediately after appearing to threaten a rival legislator with death, the opposition MDC has said.Nduna rowed bitterly in during a parliamentary committee hearing with independent Norton MP Norton Mliswa with the latter repeatedly calling the Zanu-PF legislator a thief.A furious Nduna then mattered that he had killed many people, in an apparent threat to Mliswa.Commenting on the unseemly row, MDC deputy national spokesperson Bekithemba Mpofu demanded Nduna's resignation over the fracas."The man (Nduna) is not supposed to be in parliament in the first place; he lost an election and benefited from Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's (ZEC) incompetency," said Mpofu in a statement."He (Nduna) threatens to kill another MP, promising to deal with him outside of Parliament."As if it was not enough, he boasts of killing several other people saying he didn't even remember their names."He clearly makes a point of some Zanu-PF's invincibility; a reckless statement which encourages other Zanu-PF members to be assured of immunity if they commit a similar offence."The MDC legislator said it was ominous that Nduna made his boast at a time the country was just emerging from a deadly government crackdown which left more than a dozen people dead."This is wrong especially in a season where the failed (Zanu-PF) party's members confirm of getting guns from their headquarters whereas some were fingered in killing people during the State enforced internet blackout," said Mpofu."During the run up to the 2018 election, Nduna drew a gun at a public place, threatening to kill opponents. He also made suggestions that citizens must be brought before a firing squad."He continued; "Given this evidence of recklessness, we thus condemn (justice minister Ziyambi) Ziyambi's attempt to trivialise the matter."Ziyambi must understand that the right to life is absolute; therefore, any threat on it must be taken seriously."He must also understand that he comes to parliament in his undeserved role as minister of Justice."So far, he has confused the role with the one of being the Chief Election Agent of (president) Dambudzo Mnangagwa."News / National

by ZimLive

President Emmerson Mnangagwa admitted Saturday that he deployed the army to carry out a brutal crackdown against opposition and civil society activists, which allegedly left 17 people dead and saw several women being raped by soldiers.Mnangagwa told a Zanu-PF rally in Masvingo's Mwenezi district that he was ready to deploy the soldiers again to quell protests against his rule being planned by the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC."We saw them burning police cars and killing cops, where else have you seen that? But we said no, we do not need violence. We deployed soldiers to stop the protesters and they quelled the disturbances," he said."Now they are planning more chaos, but we are telling everyone in the country that if you do not want peace, take part in the noise!"Those that want peace, stay at home, so that we deal with those that want violence."We will sort them out. Those who come to you inviting you to the protests, tell them to pass, what you are saying has bad omens of Legion."Chamisa last week said although his party was not the one behind the January 14 protests that coincided with a Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and #ThisFlag movement's three-day stayaway, they were ready to roll out protests against Mnagagwa.The youthful opposition leader rejected the Zanu-PF leader's July 2018 election victory and has vowed to step up pressure on the president until he orders fresh elections.Mnangagwa told his "Thank You" rally that he was aware of a plot to launch a fresh wave of protests against his government and threatened a more brutal military crackdown."We have information that they are planning another disturbance. Let me tell the nation that those who want to join them, go ahead and those who do not want, I advise you to stay in your homes because we are going to deal with those who want violence," he warned.The president revealed that the government was hunting down human rights lawyers and doctors that assisted people that were arrested during the deadly army crackdown."In Harare and Bulawayo violent protesters were preventing people from going to work and even burning buses. We don't want violence, so I said soldiers go and silence these people, they were silenced," Mnangagwa boasted."In places like Bulawayo, they were moving around telling people to go and engage in violence."They told them that if anyone gets arrested, they should go to a certain place, there are lawyers waiting to defend them "If anyone gets hurt, they should go to a certain place, there are doctors waiting to treat them."We are now going after those doctors who were involved in those activities."Those lawyers that were inciting violence, we are now going after them. So those who choose violence, we are prepared."The stay away turned violent and the army was unleashed on civilians resulting serious human rights violations.The Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights were at the forefront of providing assistance to victims of military brutality.He accused Western countries of trying to effect regime change through the opposition and non-governmental organisations."Those who we fought during the liberation struggle, the whites, are still fighting so they can claim power again," he said."They have certain people and organisations they are working with. Those groups and individuals are moving around the country influencing and leading people to be violent."Mnangagwa ordered villagers to report strangers to the village heads so that the Zanu-PF government could sniff out its enemies."You know each other at every village, when strangers come, tell the leaders in your area, the village headman so we know the purpose of the visits," he said."That is preserving peace. We should be on the lookout as our enemies are not resting, but ensure our eyes are always wide open. We will crush our enemies, and they are being crushed."European Union MPs last week recommended the tightening of sanctions against Zimbabwe saying Mnangagwa must stop the repression and return the country on a democracy path.News / National

by Staff reporter

THE decapitated body of a mentally-challenged man, believed to have been killed in a ritual murder two years ago, is still stuck at Gwanda mortuary and in an advanced state of decomposition, while the murderer was last week sentenced to life imprisonmentMduna, as he was popularly known to the Colleen Bawn community, was killed by Honest Moyo (24) of Mawane, Gwanda district, in June 2017.Mduna's body was decapitated for suspected ritual purposes.Moyo, whose intention was to smuggle the body parts to South Africa where he expected a US$25 000 payment, was last week convicted of murder with actual intent by BulawayoHigh Court judge Justice Martin Makonese and sentenced to life in prison.In passing sentence, Justice Makonese condemned the heinous crime."Accused person decapitated the deceased's head and cut off his testicles and harvested them. The heinous crime was motivated by greed and the love of money clouded hisfaculties. The murder sent shock waves in the local community," he said.Justice Makonese said the courts had a duty to protect the sanctity of human life through passing deterrent sentences.Mduna's body is still stuck at Gwanda provincial mortuary where it is reported to be in an advanced state of decomposition awaiting pauper's burial.Gwanda provincial medical superintendent Rutendo Nyathi could not comment because the matter was still in court."The case is still in the courts. I will follow up," Nyathi said.However, a source at the health institution said the body was still in the mortuary."The body is still there. There's the torso and the head and the testicles, which are placed in a plastic bag at the same place," he said.Moyo, who was employed at Crystal Block Farm in Colleen Bawn as a herd boy, waylaid Mduna at Colleen Bawn dumpsite on June 20 in 2017.He killed Mduna and decapitated the body before burying it in a shallow grave.The matter came to light after a relative, Thandolwenkosi Ndlovu, found Moyo shaving the decapitated head in the kitchen at his mother's homestead.A terrified Ndlovu bolted out of the kitchen, with Moyo in hot pursuit threatening to kill him.Ndlovu alerted other villagers, who apprehended Moyo and handed him to the police.Moyo then led the police to a dumpsite in Colleen Bawn, where he had buried the mutilated body.News / National

by Staff reporter

THE court has ordered that former chairperson of Harare City Council's caretaker commission, Sekesai Makwavavarara, who is accused of awarding a road dualisation tender to Augur Investment Company without following tender procedures, be tried together with the company's representative following the merger of their dockets.Harare regional magistrate Hosea Mujaya made the directive on Friday to facilitate trial of Makwavarara (61) and Augur Investments director Michael Van Blerk. Both are facing similar charges.Allegations are that sometime in 2007, Makwavarara, acting in common purpose with former town clerk, Tendai Mahachi and fellow commissioner, Michael Mahachi corruptly caused council to enter into a memorandum of agreement with Augur Investments without a resolution and without following tender procedures.It is alleged that Makwavarara and her accomplices signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) representing City of Harare, while Augur Investments was represented by Olexander Sheremet.The MoU was signed by Makwavarara in connivance with her accomplice and former town clerk.The State alleges that Makwavarara and her accomplices unprocedurally entered into a shareholders agreement with Augur Investments, a foreign-based company, purportedly basedin Ukraine.The agreement and MoU were for the construction and upgrading of the Airport Road at a cost of $80 million.Augur Investments was to fund and provide the expertise for the project, while the City of Harare was to cede pieces of land to the company.The project was allegedly divided into four phases and was to be completed in 2010.The shareholders agreed that the title deeds of the land were to be held in trust by Messrs Coghlan Welsh and Guest pending transfer upon completion and certification of work done.It then emerged that the engagement of Augur Investments violated provisions of the law because the company was not registered in Zimbabwe under the Companies Act and under the Zimbabwe Investment Authority at the time of the agreement.The company was later registered in 2010 after the lifespan of the alleged contract had expired.The engagement of Augur Investments by the accused persons was a violation of the Urban Councils Act, which provides for service providers and tenders by local authorities.Augur Investments, however, did not complete the project due to lack of capacity. The project was later taken over by the government through the Department of Roads and financed by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara).Due to their actions, the State alleges that the City of Harare suffered prejudice of $80 million being the value of land measuring 107 572 hectares, which was transferred to Augur Investments.News / National

by Staff reporter

Government yesterday said it was not worried by the threat from the European Union (EU) Parliament to tighten sanctions against the President Emmerson Mnangagwa-led administration, insisting that they will stick with their all-weather friends, China and Russia.Last week, the EU said it was not pleased with developments in the country and accused Mnangagwa of indicating left while turning right as regards his earlier pledge to reform local politics. The EU lifted most of its restrictions in 2014, but has maintained sanctions against former President Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace.Mnangagwa, along with Mugabe and Grace are among the 141 individuals and entities under United States sanctions.In an interview yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services deputy minister Energy Mutodi said the EU is getting its influence from Britain. He accused Britain of working with the opposition."The government is fully aware who is influencing the EU," Mutodi said. "Far from the demonstrations and the alleged human rights abuses, the EU is under pressure fromBritain to maintain sanctions against Zimbabwe. The British government under Theresa May has shown confusion as to who to support in Zimbabwe between the government and the opposition."They started well with ambassador (Catriona) Laing, but now with the coming of the new ambassador, the British are singing a new tune and have been issuing retrogressivestatements. However, we are clear as government that we will not tolerate those who don't tolerate us; we will not reciprocate with love, where there is no love."Mutodi said the government will stick to its usual backers."We will work with Russia and China for our economic success."The British and the EU can work with the opposition and hope that it will one day come to power, but as of now we are the government. It takes two to tango so there will be no engagement with hostile and racist nations. We are a sovereign country and that must be respected."The sanctions are most likely to deal a heavy blow to Mnangagwa's re-engagement efforts.Mnangagwa at the weekend, however, pleaded with the international community to lift the sanctions, saying they were hurting ordinary Zimbabweans. This is despite him declaring that sanctions should not be used as a scapegoat to corruption and bad governance, when he was campaigning for the 2018 general elections.News / National

by Staff reporter

THE MDC party has threatened to unleash more protests as part of efforts to pile pressure on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to urgently engage with opposition party leader Nelson Chamisa to resolve the country's political gridlock.MDC national organising secretary Amos Chibaya told party members at a feedback meeting held in his Mkoba constituency on Saturday that they were determined to force dialogue through countrywide demonstrations.Chibaya's call came as Mnangagwa at the weekend threatened to crush any further demonstrations against his administration."Do not be afraid. Zimbabweans cannot continue to suffer because of politics. We cannot continue to chant slogans when our people are suffering due to this failed economy.So, the position of the MDC is that despite all the threats to crush demonstrations by the regime, protests will continue. We will not be shaken. Mr Chamisa and Mr Mnangagwamust sit down for a moment of truth on each other and find a way forward on this crisis. The coming protests will be held, to send this message to Mr Mnangagwa," Chibaya said.The legislator, who spent two weeks in remand prison following his arrest over last month's violent protests against fuel price hikes, vowed to confront the State security."I was a member of a team of people which led the crafting of this existing Constitution. I am, therefore, aware that section 59 allows us to stage demonstrations on any matter we will not be happy with. So no one can intimidate us from enjoying that right. The people of Zimbabwe must not be instilled with fear that they will be targeted if they come to the streets. So the position is that we are going ahead with the demonstrations on a date to be announced," Chibaya said."Our protests are going be peaceful. Anyone caught burning buses or destroying property will not be a member of the MDC. The coming protest is for the whole of Zimbabwe to come together and send a message to Mr Mnangagwa that it's time to talk to Nelson (Chamisa) and map the way forward. According to the contested election results, Chamisa got over two million votes. So yes, Mnangagwa cannot wish him away, the two must dialogue," Chibaya said.Mnangagwa told a Zanu-PF rally in Masvingo's Mwenezi district on Saturday that he was ready to deploy soldiers again to quell protests being planned by the MDC.In a related development, Chitungwiza South legislator Maxwell Mavhunga (MDC Alliance) has vowed to continue helping victims of arbitrary arrests in politically-related issues, as they do not have the capacity to challenge court decisions coming from the lower courts.The legislator hogged the limelight recently after he handed himself over to the police weeks after last month's three-day stayaway, which turned violent.Mavhunga, who is also a lawyer, told NewsDay last week that his recent brushes with the law would not deter him from championing the cause of democracy."There was disproportionate use of excessive force. I foresee a lot of litigation coming out of this  the use of live ammunition on civilians and the abduction of people from their homes," he said.He said as a lawyer, he did not fear representing victims of State crackdowns on dissent, even if it means him being arrested."Most of the people appearing at the courts do not have access and the capacity to challenge the decisions that are coming from the lower courts, especially going through microwaved trials, where you arrive at a police station and don't even know the witness," he said.News / National

by Staff reporter

President Mnangagwa has commended the Education Amendment Bill that was published recently, saying it will re-introduce the concept of free education that was adopted at Independence, once it is passed into law.The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces told scores of Zanu-PF supporters attending a Meet the People Rally at Rutenga Business Centre on Saturday that no child must drop from school for failing to pay fees."We have a Bill that is coming," said President Mnangagwa."We want to go back to the old system when we got Independence where we said primary education should be free."No child in Zimbabwe should not go to school. This new law will penalise any parent who says a child should go and herd cattle instead of going to school. Every child of school going age should go to school.Again, there should be no difference between a child at a primary school here in the rural areas and a child at a primary school in town or a child at a secondary school in rural areas and that one in town."We are going to do everything we can to ensure that all schools are electrified. Where we cannot have electricity from Zesa, we should have solar power so that science subjects are taught at those schools."President Mnangagwa said Government will continue with the programme of giving computers to schools. He said children from Zimbabwe should be competitive wherever they go."As Government, we shall be giving computers to the schools," he said."You are aware that former President (Robert) Mugabe was giving computers to electrified schools and this has helped several children in rural areas to learn computers."It's a good programme that we are going to continue with. If a child is coming from Mwenezi and going to Harare, he or she should be the same with the child in Highfield. We want our children to be competitive wherever they go."It's human capital for the progress and modernisation of our economy, it's human capital for the industrialisation of our country. We are saying the thrust before us, the focus of this Government, and the focus for this party is development, development, and development."It is production, production and production. It is skills, skills for our people. This is the only way we can develop our country. No one will develop Zimbabwe except ourselves. That burden of development is on our shoulders. Together we can make Zimbabwe better, we can build the Zimbabwe we want where every family, where every individual, where every single girl or single boy will use their talent for the good of this country."News / National

by Staff reporter

Government has issued 500 eviction letters to flush out people who illegally resettled themselves on commercial farms thereby disrupting production and causing massive land degradation in the Midlands province.In an interview yesterday, Midlands Provincial Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (Agritex) officer Mrs Madeline Magwenzi said Government had given illegal settlers seven days to vacate the farms they illegally occupied."We have started this exercise of flushing out illegal settlers across the Midlands province and we have issued 500 eviction letters. We want to bring normalcy to these farms whose production has been adversely affected by these illegal settlers who are also causing land degradation," she said.In Chemagora area, Gokwe South, where a farm owner was brutally murdered by angry illegal settlers at his farm after he allegedly shot dead one of them while attempting to evict them, several illegal settlers were also served with eviction notices.Mr Dumapi Tutani who is the Chemagora Small Scale Commercial Farmers' Union chairperson, said the move to evict the illegal settlers had brought joy and relief to farm owners who have been fighting the illegal settlers for years."This exercise is being carried out by the Ministry of Lands and they are being complemented by various other Government departments including the police and the DA's office. As of yesterday four of the 24 invaded farms had been covered, though we think that the team on the ground could do much better if they were availed more resources like more vehicles so that they could cover the whole ward in a short period of time," he said.Meanwhile, Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Larry Mavima said Government tasked the Land Commission to assess farms that exceed the recommended sizes and those that were being underutilised which will be parcelled out to people in need of land.Midlands Provincial Lands Committee has recommended downsizing of more than 50 farms and the extra land from these farms will be allocated to those in need of land.Minister Mavima said the province was still grappling with illegal settlers, some of whom have settled on State land for close to 20 years.News / National

by Staff reporter

Thousands of Zanu-PF supporters thronged Rutenga grounds in Mwenezi East, Masvingo on Saturday for President Mnangagwa's "Meet the People Rally" much to the chagrin of the prophets of doom who had said it was going to be a flop, the Herald reported.Masvingo provincial chairman who is also Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister, Ezra Chadzamira said President Mnangagwa's visit will remain etched in many people's minds as it proved wrong the prophets of doom and detractors."Firstly as Masvingo, we are humbled by the turnout at President's meet the people rally hosted by Mwenezi East and held against the backdrop of a lot of adversity from the country's and party's detractors," said Chadzamira.He said President Mnangagwa's speech was pregnant with meaning while his message was incisive."He tackled social and economic development issues with aplomb of a genius which left members without doubt that he is a leader who will take us to the promised land. He actually hit the nail on the head when he denounced violence," said Chadzamira."We pride in his humility shown by the invitation of all political parties and leaders in religious, social and economic spheres to a dialogue. His hands are always outstretched to reach out to any Zimbabwean including the opposition."In his speech during the rally which was also beamed live on national television, President Mnangagwa called on citizens to embrace peace and shun violence.He denounced violent protests instigated by the MDC-Alliance, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and NGOs pushing for a regime change last month.The protests saw people's shops being looted, roads barricaded and a policemen killed while dozens others were injured.President Mnangagwa hailed Masvingo province for refusing to participate in the violent protests.News / National

by Staff reporter

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the tenure of the seven-member Commission of Inquiry into the sale of State land in and around urban areas by nine months.The Commission of Inquiry which is headed by Justice Tendai Uchena was set up to investigate the sale of Government owned land in urban areas since 2005. It commenced work in February 2018 and its tenure had expired hence the extension.Other members of the commission are Mr Andrew Mlalazi, Mr Stephen Chakaipa, Dr Tarisai Mutangi, Dr Heather Chingono, Ms Vimbai Nyemba and Ms Petronella Musarurwa.The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs Virginia Mabiza is its secretary.In a thread on its official Twitter account, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said the life of the commission had been extended by the President."In view of the fact that the Commission is yet to work on more units than those covered in the completed six provinces, His Excellency the President has extended the life of the Commission by nine months," said the Ministry."Between 22 February and 15 April, the Commission conducted hearings of Government officials in order to get a national overview of State land being used for urban development. The Commission conducted site visits and hearings in Manicaland province from 3 to 23 September 2018. Between 7 October & 1 November 2018, the Ministry said the Commission conducted site visits and hearings in Masvingo province in regards to 17 urban state land units."The Ministry said between November 4 and November 24 last year, the commission visited Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo provinces. It said the commission has so far made inquiries on 79 urban state land units and is working on producing reports for the six provinces that it visited. "The Commission's outstanding work is Harare Metropolitan province with 44 urban state land units, Mashonaland West province with 65 units Mashonaland Central province with seven units and Midlands province with five units," said the Ministry. The Commission is expected to visit Mashonaland Central province from today to March 10. According to Government Gazette proclamation on the work of the commission, its terms of reference shall be: (i) "To investigate and identify all State land in and around urban areas that was acquired and allocated to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing for urban development since 2005; (ii) To investigate and ascertain the status of such land in terms of ownership, occupation and development; (c) to investigate methods of acquisition and/or allocation by current occupants and owners of such land; (iii) To investigate and ascertain the actors involved in allocations, occupation and use of such land."News / National

by Staff reporter

President Mnangagwa says he will appoint the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan province this week.The Metropolitan province did not have a Minister of State since last year when President Mnangagwa appointed his new Cabinet. Mirriam Chikukwa was the last Minister of State for Harare.Addressing a Meet the People rally at Rutenga Business Centre in Mwenezi on Saturday, President Mnangagwa said provinces should now compete to develop their economies in line with devolution."We now want to have rural economies, devolution," said President Mnangagwa."I told all the 10 Ministers of State that they should compete. Here you have (Ezra) Chadzamira, in Manicaland there is Mai (Ellen) Gwaradzimba, in Mashonaland East there is Mai (Apollonia) Munzverengi, in Mashonaland Central there is Mai (Monica) Mavhunga, in Mashonaland West there is Mai (Mary) Mliswa, in Midlands there is (Larry) Mavima, in Matabeleland South there is (Abednico) Ncube, in Matabeleland North we have (Richard) Moyo, in Bulawayo we have Mai (Judith) Ncube and in Harare we are going to announce next week who will represent the province. In all these provinces we are saying provinces should no longer look to Harare for everything. We want each and every province to have its economy and its GDP."Like Masvingo you should look at the resources that you have and see how Government should assist you to develop," he said."You heard your Minister Chadzamira saying you are blessed because you have more dams here compared to other provinces. Tokwe- Mukosi is now complete and it will generate electricity. When the master plan is completed, there will be 25 000 hectares of irrigation for the people of Masvingo. There is another dam along Runde River on our programme."Mnangagwa said Government was now going to fund the construction of the dam alone.The President took time to explain progress made on the dualisation of the Harare-Beitbridge road and plans that Government had with regards to the refurbishment of the railway line from Maputo, Mozambique. He said plans were afoot to refurbish the railway line from Chikwalakwala up to Gweru. And it would also branch from Mwenezi to Masvingo.President Mnangagwa said he would look into the request made by the people of Mwenezi for the introduction of a local passenger train in Masvingo to hedge against high costs of transport. He said the Presidential Input Scheme would remain in place and the budget had been increased to ensure that more people benefit from the programme.News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Judiciary Services Commission (JSC) has deployed 10 senior magistrates to Bulawayo to help their counterparts deal with the high number of public violence cases in the province emanating from last month's protests.Hundreds of people were arrested countrywide following the violent protests characterised by looting of shops and destruction of infrastructure.JSC acting secretary Mr Walter Chikwanha said Western Commonage courts followed by the Bulawayo magistrates' courts housed at Tredgold Building have the highest number of public violence cases in the country hence their decision to deploy 10 more magistrates."We're simply supporting our magistrates in Bulawayo because we have realised that according to statistics, the highest number of people appearing in court for public violence in the country is in Bulawayo particularly at Western Commonage Courts and magistrates' there are overwhelmed," said Mr Chikwanha."We realised that if we are not careful we run the risk of ignoring other cases as we concentrate on public violence cases hence we need to strike a balance. We decided to bring 10 magistrates from other provinces and they will be in Bulawayo for a month to help their colleagues so that matters are dealt with expeditiously."He could not give the actual number of the cases. Mr Chikwanha said the magistrates comprise provincial and regional magistrates and will return to their stations after the cases are completed. He said their deployment was agreed upon by an all-stakeholders technical committee set-up recently."The idea came out of an instruction from Chief Justice Luke Malaba in his response to a petition by lawyers where he directed that a technical committee be set-up to look at how matters can be dealt with expeditiously without compromise. The committee met and agreed on how the matters can be addressed expeditiously," he said.High ranking officers from the JSC, police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) make up the committee. The NPA also seconded officers to beef up staff in Bulawayo specifically for the public violence cases.Mr Chikwanha said weekly assessments will be done to monitor progress. He said Bulawayo, Harare and Midlands were the only provinces that still have a high number of public violence cases pending in the courts.In Matabeleland South there is one pending case in Plumtree, Mr Chikwanha added. He said Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West provinces had finalised public violence cases.He said 114 accused persons were found not guilty and acquitted while 180 were convicted countrywide according to last week's statistics. Mr Chikwanha said he was happy with progress being made adding that JSC was committed to delivering justice.News / National

by Staff reporter

Veteran award-winning author and actor Charles Mungoshi will be buried at his rural homestead in Chivhu tomorrow afternoon.Mungoshi died at the age of 71 at Parirenyatwa Hospital on Saturday after being ill for 10 years from a neurological condition.A family spokesperson Tendai Madondo thanked the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa and her husband, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, for personally donating food items towards the funeral."We would like to thank the (Zimbabwe) Writers' Association, musicians, actors and celebrities who came to pay their respects to Charles Mungoshi. We heard some good testimonials from various people. Special mention goes to Minister Mutsvangwa and her family who donated all the foodstuffs to be used throughout to burial. I would also like to thank Nyaradzo Funeral Services who also came in and donated other needs such as the hearse, casket, toilets, tents, chairs and tables among others," she said.Meanwhile, Minister Mutsvangwa, who was accompanied by her husband and Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana, said the literary giant has left behind a very rich heritage.She described the late multi-award-winning author as a versatile and prolific writer.News / National

by newzimbabwe

STAFF at Mlondolozi Women Prison in Bulawayo on Saturday barred MDC national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo and her delegation from visiting party members incarcerated at the penal facility.Khumalo who was also accompanied by relatives of the imprisoned activists said the delegation had brought sanitary pads and other food stuffs to the inmates.Several MDC supporters were arrested in Bulawayo following last month's violent demonstrations organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and activist group #This Flag."On Saturday we visited our comrades at Mlondolozi with the intention of giving them pads and foods since the institution are failing to provide standard meals and pads to inmates," said Khumalo in an interview with NewZimbabwe.com."Prison guards there told us that we were not allowed to visit the inmates because they are not our relatives."When I pointed out to them that among us there were relatives of the incarcerated, they said the relatives were supposed to come alone without the company of party officials."Officials at the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) provincial head office reportedly told the delegation to first get authorisation before visiting the prisoners."What ZPCS is doing in unfair and inhumane," Khumalo added."These people have not been convicted and they have the right to proper food and sanitary wear. Even if they are convicted, they still enjoy these basic rights."Bulawayo ZPCS spokesperson, Garainashe Moyo could not be reached for comment.The incident also comes after MDC officials were also recently barred from bringing food to party members detained at Kwekwe Remand Prison.News / National

by Staff reporter

A Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officer has been arrested for allegedly conniving with suspected hooligans who participated in the violent protests that rocked Gweru, leaving a trail of destruction.Joseph Njolomoli (29) appeared before Provincial Magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa facing allegations of participating and gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry.He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody to today after witnesses failed to turn up.It was the State case that on January 15, Njolomoli, who is a prison officer stationed at Whawha Prison Complex, together with other protestors convened a meeting at Mkoba 5 bus terminus with the intention of forcibly disturbing the peace, security and invading the rights of other people.The court heard that on the said date and at around 10am, Njolomoli allegedly connived with other unknown suspects who are still at large to obstruct and endanger the free movement of people and traffic in pursuant of the national shutdown protests scheduled for January 14 to 16.It was alleged that Njolomoli, who was among a group of protesters, blocked Mkoba 5 turn-off using logs, stones and tyres. The court heard that Njolomoli was identified by a neighbour while participating in the demonstrations and instructing other protesters to block the road and burn tyres.The court heard that residents informed the ZPCS who then sent three officers to apprehend him and they handed him over to the police. Njolomoli is being represented by lawyer Mr Reginald Chidawanyika of Chitere Chidawanyika Legal Practitioners.News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) will not increase toll fees, but will implement measures to minimise revenue leakages to channel more funds towards road projects in support of President Mnangagwa's vision of making Zimbabwe an upper middle income economy by 2030, an official has said.Zinara board chairman Engineer Michael Madanha told The Herald that a sound road network was key to achieving the ease of doing business."We are not going to hike toll fees or other related fees in the near future," he said."We are going to maintain the user fees that are currently applying until we reach a certain time when we deem it fit to adjust those prices. "We are going to close all leakages that we have within the system so that we can collect as much money as possible to fund our road activities. The devaluation which is taking place is affecting us, but we have to counter it."Eng Madanha said there was going to be an increase in funds made available for road projects. He said Zinara was concerned over the quality of roads being constructed by some companies contracted by local authorities.Eng Madanha said some of the roads were collapsing within two years of construction and the road authority was going to monitor the projects to ensure that roads were designed to SADC standards.Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza said the country could only achieve President Mnangagwa's vision of making Zimbabwe an upper middle income economy by 2030 if it developed its road infrastructure and network to world class standards."In order to construct and maintain a road system that meets SADC standards, we all need to play our part," he said."Road authorities should acquit funds disbursed to them timeously, in order to continually access more funding."Funds can only be disbursed if there is accountability by road authorities. In addition, road authorities should employ experts in the engineering department. This ensures that a quality product is produced at the end of the day."Minister Matiza said the work ethic of road authorities needed to change drastically because the new dispensation required responsive administrators who worked within timelines and delivered services to the people.News / National

by Staffg reporter

The trial of suspended chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe on charges of allegedly influencing a subordinate to recuse himself in a matter he had interest in, will commence on February 28.Guvamombe is being accused of interfering with Harare magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo. Mr Makomo was assigned a criminal case in which Nathan Mnaba was the accused and Nighert Savania the complainant.According to the indictment, Guvamombe acted contrary and inconsistent to his duties as a public officer by involving himself in the matter which he had a conflict of interest and unlawfully interfered with the magistrate.The State case hinges on the testimonies of senior regional magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya and senior magistrate Mr Makomo who have since given their statements to the police.In his statement, Mr Makomo said Guvamombe asked him to recuse himself because he was mishandling the case which involved "mafia in town". He said when the trial started, it had numerous preliminary applications which he dismissed for lack of merit.Mr Makomo said Mnaba's lawyer in the company of prosecutor Mr Chimbari and a court interpreter approached him in his chambers on June 26, 2017 demanding that he recuses himself from the case.Mr Makomo said he turned down the request and advised them to file their application with the High Court or make a formal application to him. "I then asked what the grounds for recusal were," he said."The lawyer told me that they did not have any grounds, but simply wanted me to recuse myself."Makomo narrated how he was approached by his boss, Mr Mujaya, and went to Guvamombe's office with Mnaba's record."When we got to his office, the accused (Guvamombe) told us that I was mishandling the matter and was supposed to recuse myself if the accused (Mnaba) did not want me to hear his case," he said.Mr Makomo said Guvamombe advised him that although he was not personally known to Mnaba, he was known to his father with whom he had previously had some dealings."The accused then instructed that there was no way I would proceed with the matter in light of the two complaints and that the matter involved Mafia in town," he said.Mr Mujaya stated that in July 2017, he was summoned to Guvamombe's office and instructed to bring Mr Makomo with him. He said Guvamombe told them that it was advisable that Mr Makomo recused himself from the trial because of the allegations which he, however, did not specify.After the duo left Guvamombe's office, Mr Mujaya said the complaints referred to were then forwarded to his office. He said he then instructed Mr Makomo to respond to the complaints, which he did.Mr Mujaya said he submitted the response to Guvamombe's office. Guvamombe, he said, later called them again and insisted that Mr Makomo should recuse himself."He said that he had information which he could not say out and we were not supposed to argue," he said."He indicated that I was influencing (Mr) Makomo not to recuse himself." Mr Mujaya said according to the record Mr Makomo later recused himself at the instigation of Guvamombe on July 18.Mr Zivanai Macharaga from the Anti-Corruption Special Unit would be leading the prosecution team while Mr Jonathan Samukange would be leading the defence team.Entertainment / Arts

by Staff reporter

After being disbanded for 12 years, the Amakhosi Cultural Centre - the country's biggest home of visual and performing arts - is set to re-launch its theatre arts production and performance unit on March 27.The re-launch at the Amakhosi Cultural Centre will coincide with the World Theatre Day celebrations.Amakhosi Theatre which was founded by renowned playwright, producer and director Cont Mhlanga in 1980 stopped functioning in 2007 after the banning of their play The Good President.The prevailing political situation then also made it increasingly difficult for them to produce and tour their plays. Other productions from the Amakhosi Theatre were Nansi le Ndoda and Workshop Negative.Amakhosi Theatre Rep, as the newly re-launched institution will be known, is part of efforts by the new Amakhosi management to revive the performing arts institution."We're excited that Amakhosi Theatre will bring back professional theatre seasons and theatre tours deep into communities that had died when Amakhosi Theatre was disbanded some 12 years ago. This impacted negatively on the growth of the theatre industry in the western region and in Zimbabwe as a whole," Thulani Mbambo, head of production at the newly revived theatre outfit said.Amakhosi Theatre Rep's artistic director, Charles Musungah invited aspiring actors to attend auditions for their productions which will be held on Saturday."Amakhosi Theatre will re-launch with a cast of six and a crew of two and it will expand from there. We're calling on those who're aspiring to be actors and think they have some acting talent from around the city to come through for auditions at the centre."The auditions will start at 11AM and end at 5PM." Musungah said the new Amakhosi Theatre Rep talent would stage their debut performance during the World Theatre Day celebrations.In his first U.S. TV interview, Ren Zhengfei describes Huawei as a tomato crushed between two superpowers.

In his first American television interview, Huawei Technologies president and founder Ren Zhengfei says that even if the Chinese government mandates it by law, the company would not help China spy on the U.S.

In the image above, Zhengfei (right) is seen with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the company's London office. There is a close relationship between Huawei and the state, as required by law.

In recent months, intelligence officials in the United States have raised concerns over Huawei's capacity to backdoor its devices to help China spy on Americans.

Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, who is Zhengfei's daughter, was recently arrested in Canada, and the U.S. is trying to extradite her for charges that include wire fraud.

"Absolutely not possible. And also, we never participate in espionage and we do not allow any of our employees to do any act like that. And we absolutely never install backdoors. Even if we were required by Chinese law, we would firmly reject that," Ren told "CBS This Morning" co-host Bianna Golodryga in Beijing.

From CBS News

U.S. officials point to a 2017 Chinese law requiring its companies to assist in national intelligence gathering. In January, the Department of Justice hit Huawei with 23 criminal charges, alleging bank and wire fraud, violating sanctions on Iran, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. "Huawei and its senior executives repeatedly refused to respect U.S. law and standard international business practices," FBI Director Christopher Wray said. Huawei's CFO, Meng Wanzhou, was arrested in Canada where she's currently under house arrest. "I think detaining, arresting Miss Meng Wanzhou is politically motivated," Ren said. Meng is also Ren's daughter. "She's facing extradition to the United States. These are serious charges leveled against her," Golodryga said. "Why do you call these charges politically motivated?" "I can only answer your question after the court makes its decision," Ren said. Asked whether he has a statement as to whether or not Huawei violated international sanctions, Ren said, "We still have to wait till the court makes the decision." "Do you feel that you, your company and your daughter are used as a tool?" Golodryga asked. "I think both China and the United States are of large scale. And while those powers clash, our company is as small as a tomato. We are not that  we do not carry that big weight, and neither does Miss Meng Wanzhou. And I don't think Meng Wanzhou has anything to do with the clashes between the two powers."

CBS: Huawei founder says he would defy Chinese law on intelligence gathering

Related: Huawei president: We're not going to spy on the US, even if the Chinese government says we have toOn Wednesday, the TV network France 3 was forced to cut off a live Facebook broadcast from a desecrated Jewish cemetery in eastern France when trolls swarmed the feed and filled it with anti-Semitic hate comments.

You could say there's a problem with anti-Semitism in France.

The night before on Tuesday evening, roughly 20,000 people and lawmakers from across the political spectrum gathered to denounce anti-Jewish hate at the Place de la Republique in central Paris. Other protests were held throughout France.

From Reuters:

France 3 said it went live from the cemetery in the village of Quatzenheim on Tuesday as President Emmanuel Macron was visiting to pay his respects after more than 90 graves were vandalized with swastikas and anti-Semitic abuse. But as it broadcast footage online to its more than 1.3 million Facebook followers, the feed was inundated with anti-Semitic commentary and abuse. "We are talking about explicit death threats, comments that were openly anti-Semitic and racist, including "Heil Hitler", "dirty Jew" or "dirty Jews", comments that were addressed at Emmanuel Macron and representatives of the Jewish community," the channel said in a statement explaining its decision. "Within minutes, the number of vile and illegal comments had gone well beyond our capacity to moderate them," it explained, adding that it would have taken 10 or 20 staff to handle the onslaught. "We refuse to traffic in hatred."

The cemetery attack is only the latest hate crime in France in recent weeks.

Macron spoke to members of the local community at the cemetery, and promised a tough response.

"Whoever did this is not worthy of the French republic and will be punished," he said. "We'll take action, we'll apply the law and we'll punish them."

REUTERS: French TV cuts Facebook live feed from Jewish cemetery after anti-Semitic abuse

PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron looks at a grave vandalised with a swastika during a visit at the Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim, France February 19, 2019. Frederick Florin/Pool via REUTERSThe president of a company called Pooch Patch, which sells tiny patches of grass meant for dogs to do their business on, was not pleased when one of his customers, Vanessa, returned the product. Rather than give her a refund, he emailed her and called her "Fatty McFat-Fat."

This was after she wrote a negative review about the product on Google. The president, who signs his letters "Adam & Shanks (The Border Terrier) told Vanessa that he looked at photos of her online and that he thinks she's chubby.

"Looking a little chubs in that profile photo!!!"

When she told him she reported him to Consumer Protection Canada he said, "lol Ooo so scared chubby wubby. I reported you to Jenny Craig."

Vanessa then got a threatening legal letter, but when she researched the lawyer, Alyssa Steiner, she realized there was no such licensed lawyer in Ontario.

When Global News contacted Pooch Patch for a response, their first reply was "Hahahahahhha hahahahahahah. I'm dying. This is pure gold. Pure gold!" But later a manager tried to wiggle out of their outrageous behavior by pointing to the call center in India that they use. Customer service at its finest.Vox's lawyers convinced YouTube to issue dreaded copyright strikes against two reaction videos that made fun of bad advice given by The Verge (owned by Vox Media) on how to build gaming PCs. The resulting backlash convinced The Verge's editor to ask YouTube to rescind the strikes.

From Ars Technica:

Last week, The Verge's lawyers suddenly asked YouTube to remove two reaction videos that had been online since September. Both videos reproduced the vast majority of the original Verge video, interspersed and overlaid with commentary, criticism, and ridicule.

These takedowns attracted widespread attention. Other prominent YouTubers posted videos weighing in on the controversy, with most blasting The Verge's decision.

[Verge editor Nilay Patel] says he wasn't involved in the initial decision to issue the copyright strikes. When he learned of the decision, he says, he requested that the strikes be retracted.

"When this was brought to my attention a few hours later, I told them that although I fully agreed with their legal argument, I did not think we should use copyright strikes against legitimate channels," Patel wrote in a Friday post.

Patel says that at his request, The Verge asked YouTube to retract the strikes against the two videos.

Still, Patel said The Verge's lawyers were on solid legal ground.

"I fully agree with our legal team that these videos crossed the line of fair use," he wrote.

Riley's Farm is a staple of Los Angeles overnight school trips (my daughter visited last year with her elementary school); it's an apple farm with a pick-your-own apples sideline that branched out into civil war re-enactments, with some students staying overnight in tents.



The farm's owner, James Riley, uses his Facebook and Twitter accounts to air Trumpian political views that complain about "black supremacy" ("If there's a problem in America today, it's BLACK supremacy. Farrakhan, Obama, LeBron James, etc"), nonbinary gender identity, etc.





As news of Riley's political beliefs spread, parents in the Claremont Unified school district asked that their kids not be brought into contact with him. Claremont Unified decided not to bring their students back to Riley's Farm, sending Riley a letter that explained that they had "no obligation to expose children to an individual who engages in these crude and tasteless comments."

Riley has sued Claremont Unified and various officials (trustees, principals and a superintendant), seeking $10m in damages for violations to his 1st and 14th Amendment rights. Other school districts are investigating whether they will continue to send their students to Riley's Farm, and Riley has pledged to "[put more] fear in public officials."

Riley attends Tea Party rallies dressed as Patrick Henry and gives political speeches. He has called himself a "conservative Christian strawman that has to be burned in public." He says that his political beliefs do not influence the historical re-enactments at his farm.

Riely's court filings say that his farm brings in $4.2m/year, with half of that coming from school groups. He's said he will sell his farm to fund appeals.

Barry P. McDonald, a Pepperdine University law professor who teaches a course on the 1st Amendment, thinks Riley's case is "interesting" but probably a "loser." "The court would likely say the government's job is to teach kids appropriate values," he said. "In [Riley's] instance, to force the school district into a business transaction where such offensive things are being tweeted, would be inimical to the school's intent to teach respect and tolerance for others."



A school district found out about an apple farmer's controversial tweets. He sued when they canceled their field trips [Gustavo Arellano/LA Times]

(via Super Punch)

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Yahoo! JAPANAt an event hosted by the Partnership for Global LGBTI Equality during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerlan...No one event prompted me to write about this topicit is a general, and certainly growing, impression. But a glance at various happenings in recent years gives some indication of what I want to comment on. In 2016, for instance, Yale students called on the university to decolonize a reading list of canonical poetspeople such as Shakespeare, Milton, Wordsworth, and so onsaying the course actively harms students and creates a hostile culture. That same year, Stanford students overwhelmingly voted down a proposal to restore a Western Civilization course requirement. And of course just a few weeks ago the University of Notre Dame announced that it will cover up a dozen murals of Christopher Columbuss exploits in the New World. My goal here is not to pass judgment on any particular one of these events, but to comment on a prevailing attitude that promotes a one-sided focus on Western cultures faults and failures, and paints every affront to select sensibilities as emblematic of insidious broad currents that have been built into our civilization.

In many quarters, especially progressive ones, it has become unacceptable to praise the West as suchwe can only make reparation for its past sins. Obviously the sins of the West are sins, just like the sins of any culture, and on these we can all agree. But the very fact that we can recognize those as sins, that we can engage in self-criticism, is a testament to the greatness of the West. And those shortcomings are far from being the entirety of the cultural tradition. Simple justiceto say nothing of filial respectdemands that we give the Wests greatness its due. When someone says he loves his parents, no one imagines he means theyre perfect. Its ironic that in an era when self-esteem is touted as a paramount value, our cultural self-esteem has tanked.

In the introduction to their 2004 Patriots History of the United States, Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen put it well, I think. We utterly reject My country right or wrongwhat scholar wouldnt? But in the last thirty years, academics have taken an equally destructive approach: My country, always wrong! We reject that too. Replace country with culture and its quite fitting.

On July 6, 2017, Donald Trump gave a speech in Krasinski Square in Warsaw that touched on some of these ideas. Whatever one may think of Trump or his sincerity, for me it was refreshing to at least hear words like this on a world stage.

We write symphonies. We pursue innovation. We celebrate our ancient heroes, embrace our timeless traditions and customs, and always seek to explore and discover brand-new frontiers. We reward brilliance. We strive for excellence, and cherish inspiring works of art that honor God. We treasure the rule of law and protect the right to free speech and free expression. We empower women as pillars of our society and of our success. We put faith and family, not government and bureaucracy, at the center of our lives. And we debate everything. We challenge everything. We seek to know everything so that we can better know ourselves. And above all, we value the dignity of every human life, protect the rights of every person, and share the hope of every soul to live in freedom. That is who we are. Those are the priceless ties that bind us together as nations, as allies, and as a civilization. Our own fight for the West does not begin on the battlefieldit begins with our minds, our wills, and our souls. Today, the ties that unite our civilization are no less vital, and demand no less defense, than that bare shred of land on which the hope of Poland once totally rested. Our freedom, our civilization, and our survival depend on these bonds of history, culture, and memory.

Much contemporary dismissiveness centers on the idea of the whiteness of Western civilization in general and many of its shining lights in particular. This is not the place to go down the rabbit hole of institutional racism or critical race theory or any of todays chic academic causesI will limit myself to pointing out that I (and not just I) say the West is great not because of its members race, but because of the cultural value it holds. Look back at the writers rejected by Yale students. Yes, they were white. But Shakespeare is a great author because he produced great literature, not because of what race he happened to belong to. Aquinas and Descartes and Kant are remembered not for their skin but for their ideas. A Monet painting is a great painting quite apart from the characteristics of the one who painted it. And so on. And the equation of West with white doesnt hold up anywaywhens the last time anyone cast off Augustine because he was African or Gabriel Garcia Marquez for being Hispanic?

Incidentally, this is also what makes Iowa representative Steve Kings recent commentswhich seemingly equated white supremacy with Western civilizationdoubly problematic. Not only was he defending the indefensible, but he conflated the eminently defensible with it.

In any case, it is true that Western civilization has not been an unalloyed goodno culture is. But it is a no less damaging approach to focus exclusively on the negative, as if one culture were uniquely bad. Some Westerners have declared their culture guilty of all the worlds ills, imagined or real. But not all evil is from us, nor is all good from outside us. There is a lot of good along the path that has brought us where we are. Of that good we can be proud, and we dont have to be sorry for it.

(Homepage photo credit: Public domain.)On Friday, President Donald J. Trump invoked the powers of commander-in-chief and declared a state of emergency. This legal step will allow him to allocate billions of dollars for the construction of a wall on the southern border, bypassing the obstruction of Democrats  and many Republicans  in Congress. Immediately, a discussion on the legality of the decision took over the public debate. Many self-identified conservatives soon pointed to the alleged breach of constitutional order related to this decision and the start of a dangerous In response, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a threat that if and when a Democrat is elected back to the White House a state of emergency might be exercised for one of her partys goals  gun control.

In the National Review, David French spoke for many anti-Trump critics when he wrote:

I do not dispute that Trump likely can declare a national emergency, in large part because Congress has placed few meaningful restraints on that power, but such declarations dont allow him to do anything he wants; they mainly serve to unlock other statutes which grant him other powers.

And he proceeded:

Weve grown sadly accustomed to presidents abusing poorly drafted statutes to stretch their power well beyond the Founders intent.

Setting aside Frenchs anti-Trump bias, he is making a profession of faith toward one of the most cherished legal philosophies among conservatives: constitutional originalism. This legal hermeneutics, championed by two late titans of U.S. constitutional law Antonin Scalia and Robert H. Bork, proposes that judicial interpretation must be given through the evaluation of the historical dimension of a legal norm. This means that the judge in applying the law to the concrete case must hold the perspective of the legislators who created this particular law. In other words, the law should be enforced according to its original intent and not the present will of the judge.

Underneath this originalist philosophy, theres a consideration about the nature of a republic. In contrast to an empire or a kingdom that has its axis of political existence in the monarchy, the republic has a delicate structure of distribution and organization of power. Italian political theorist Norberto Bobbio wrote that the republican system as conceived in Europe had two fundamental characteristics: 1) the republic should be relatively small like a city-state, and 2) it should have a homogeneous population. These two fundamental characteristics had their raison detre in the necessity of mutual loyalty among the citizens of the republic. On the one hand, a republic tends to instability unless it avoids territorial conquests and large population influxes. On the other hand, it will always have to struggle to not be absorbed by its more powerful neighbors.

Since power always tends toward concentration, the blend of internal and external tensions tends to push the republican experience to failure. Internally, elites will battle for political hegemony and once this hegemony has been conquered by one group, a new round of struggles will follow within this winner elite, until a single man is able to assert his supremacy over the others and become absolute ruler. On the external front, the republican regime will have two options; it can conquer new territories and people, increasing its military power, or succumb to a foreign power. Be that as it may, the political ties that existentially unite the people in a republic will be lost.

According to Bobbio, one of the ways that a republic tries to survive is to maintain its purity through fidelity to the primordial constitution. Just as in Lycurgus Sparta, the text that founds the political regime must never be altered. Any change would inevitably lead to the degeneration of the political order towards chaos or tyranny. Its this idea about the wisdom of the Founding Fathers that characterizes the intellectual horizon of American constitutional originalism.

However, I do not believe this paradigm can be applied to the United States anymore. No matter what perspective one takes, the constitutional reality created by the Founders has perished. No one lives in the country created by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson or James Madison, but in now in a nation reconstructed in the image and likeness of the FDRs New Deal and LBJs Great Society. The United States that was founded purposefully with a weak central government has given way in the last century to an assertive and intrusive federal government, controlled by a despotic bureaucratic elite that every two years gives the common American man the illusion of democracy at the ballot box

During all this time, the gravedigger of constitutional rights has been the Supreme Court, whether it had a conservative majority or not. Justices validated Woodrow Wilsons dictatorial measures and the FDRs concentration camps. Appointed by Richard Nixon, Harry Blackmun was the author of the infamous Roe v. Wade opinion, reading into the Constitution a right to privacy that does not exist. A conservative majority validated the domestic spying on American citizens by the government in the name of the war on terror and greatly expanded the states power to enforce eminent domain. Chief Justice John Roberts is an example of how the Constitution became irrelevant. According to Joan Biskupics The Chief, Robertss decision on the constitutionality of Obamacare in NFIB v. Sebelius was entirely motivated by political considerations. Although he believed the bill to be unconstitutional, Biskupic showed how Chief Justice Roberts preferred to create an extravagant interpretation and read in the law what was not written than to give subsidies to the left-wing narrative that conservatives control the Supreme Court.

Listen to the brief clip below from Ilya Shapiro, Cato Institute Senior Fellow in Constitutional Studies, who spoke at Acton in 2016 on judicial restraint, Chief Justice John Roberts and Obamacare, and the unchecked growth of the federal government.

The American constitutional system has been so mutilated by the unchecked growth of the federal government and its bureaucracy that trying to protect the rights established by the Magna Carta through conventional means is the same as trying to treat a knife wound with a Band-Aid.

One of the main fears of conservatives toward Trumps decision to declare a state of emergency is that it will generate a dangerous precedent. What are they talking about? I have no idea. Liberals have been expanding and plotting to expand the governments power through executive action to implement their policies since the New Deal. Before Trump made made his decision, Barack Obama promoted immigration reform unilaterally and in spite of Congress: the so-called DACA, which authorizes the government not to follow the law. Today, the United States is engaged in military conflicts directly or indirectly across half of the Middle East. When was the last time Congress passed a war declaration? It was during World War II. There are American troops now struggling in Syria, a sovereign nation, with no legislative act to support it.

Trumps decision can only be understood in the greater context of the institutional crisis of a republic that finds itself wholly divorced from the constitutional order that created it. American society today is rooted in the desires of the elite that control both political parties and are determined, through illegal immigration, to gain power at the polls and implement a broad program of social engineering.

The ancient Romans understood that in times of crisis powers of exception should be given to the leaders to save the Republic. This is the theoretical nature of Trumps declaration of emergency: to save the Republic.

A natural cycle has governed human societies since time immemorial: All regimes tend first toward decay and then to renewal. The American constitutional order was created by a Revolution; perhaps it is time for a new American revolution.

Homepage photo credit: President of the United States Donald Trump speaking at the 2018 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland. Gage Skidmore. WikiCommons.Senator Elizabeth Warren unveiled a plan for universal child care, to be funded by a national wealth tax, late Monday night. Here are the facts you need to know.

What are the details of Warrens universal child care proposal?

The programs funding formula resembles ObamaCare for preschool. Warrens Universal Child Care and Early Learning Act would provide daycare services from birth to school entry by creating a federally regulated system of Child Care and Early Learning Centers and Family Child Care Homes.

Families that earn up to twice the poverty level, or approximately $51,200 for a family of four, can access the preschools free (or, more accurately, for no cost at the point of service). Parents who exceed those guidelines would pay a sliding fee, but no home could spend more than seven percent of its income on child care.

Elizabeth Warren believes government-funded child care is a right.

High-quality child care should be a right for all of our children and not just a privilege that only the wealthiest families can afford, said Senator Warren.

Warren estimates this will double the number of children in child care.

Approximately 6.8 million children are currently in child care. An analysis provided by Sen. Warren forecasts, The proposal would ensure an estimated 12 million children, equal to 60% of those younger than 5, will ultimately receive formal care. That includes an estimated 8.8 million kids in families below 200% of the federal poverty line [who] would receive free child care.

How much will it cost, and how will it be funded?

Warren estimates her universal child care program will cost at least $700 billion over 10 years. It will be funded by her proposed wealth tax, which would impose a two percent tax on anyone with an estimated wealth of $50 million, or three percent for those with net assets of more than $1 billion. The taxs advocates forecast it will raise $2.75 trillion over 10 years. However, their estimates assume the tax will have no impact on economic activity. The wealth tax will likely be struck down as an unconstitutional direct tax.

Does every dollar invested in child care return more than $7 in return?

Proponents of universal child care claim such programs save $7.16 for every dollar invested by reducing the participants crime and unemployment rates. These claims are based on two unrepresentative studies: The Perry Preschool Project conducted in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1962 and the Abecedarian Program in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 10 years later. The projects  which involved a mere 115 students in the treatment groups (58 at Perry, 57 at Abecedarian)  went well beyond typical daycare by providing weekly in-home visits, individualized programs, even personal nutritional augmentation. [P]roponents of government preschool programs continue to appeal to findings from 50 years ago that have never been replicated, concluded Heritage Foundation expert Lindsey Burke.

More typical child care scenarios show increased aggression and anti-social behavior, especially among boys, and flatlined or decreased education levels.

Children in out-of-home daycare fare worse than those raised at the home.

Multiple studies agree with a 2005 analysis that children raised at home by a parent fare better than those raised at home by another relative, who fare better than those raised in an external child care facility.

Numerous studies have found that children who attended child care facilities have higher levels of aggression, hyperactivity, stress, cortisol levels, behavioral issues, impulse control, and poorer physical health. Moreover, the quality of care in the facility seems not to matter much.

These non-cognitive problems increase the more time a child spends in child care and last into adolescence. The more time children spent in any of a variety of nonmaternal care arrangements across the first 4.5 years of life, the more externalizing problems and conflict with adults they manifested at 54 months of age and in kindergarten, as reported by mothers, caregivers, and teachers, researchers discovered in a 2003 study. More time in care not only predicted problem behavior and at-risk levels of problem behavior  as well as assertiveness, disobedience, and aggression.

This sometimes includes criminal behavior. An analysis of Quebecs government-funded universal child care found that participants were 4.6 percent more likely to be convicted of a crime, or 17 percent more likely to be convicted of a drug crime.

Some studies find children in universal child care programs fare worse academically.

Studies of the Head Start program have long found any advantages fade out no later than third grade. This is true of universal child care programs, as well. In August 2013, Vanderbilt University released an evaluation demonstrating that children who went through Tennessees Voluntary Pre-K (TN-VPK) Program actually performed worse on cognitive tasks at the end of first grade than did the control group, noted Burke.

Most women would prefer to raise their children inside their own home.

Gallup has consistently found that the majority of working mothers would prefer to stay at home and take care of their house and family. Pew found 80 percent of Americans believe the ideal situation is for one parent not to work (44 percent) or to work part time (36 percent).

Warrens universal child care proposal would roughly double daycare workers salaries  and increase operational licensing laws.

Warrens proposal stipulates that compensation (wages and benefits) for child care workers be comparable to those of similarly-credentialed local public school teachers. The average salary of daycare workers is $23,760, and preschool teachers is $33,590. The average public school teachers salary was $59,660 in the 2016-2017 school year, according to the NEA. But as the Department of Education states, Teacher compensation is more than salary. It is a valuable total package that includes salary, extra pay, benefits, and pension. Adding this brings the average teachers total compensation to $87,854, according to Jim Agresti of JustFacts.com. Teachers also work an average of 37 or 38 weeks a year, 37 percent fewer hours than those in the private sector, raising their total compensation for a full year to $120,578.

The proposal would likely raise costs.

Warrens press materials claim, The typical American family with young children currently paying for formal care would see their annual child-care costs decline by 17% to less than $6,000 per year  an average drop of $1,200 a year, or $100 a month. Barack Obama similarly claimed the Affordable Care Act would reduce insurance premiums by $2,500; instead, premiums rose 105 percent from 2013 to 2017. As noted, the two programs share a similar payment structure. Moreover, massively increasing enrollment and teacher pay is unlikely to hold prices down. Rising costs mean that mothers, who previously did not need federal subsidies, cannot do without them.

Does child care cost more than college tuition?

Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers said that child care is more expensive than the cost of college tuition in 28 states. Yet an analysis of Warrens plan by Moody Analytics states, The typical household that has child-care expenses spent $7,200 per year, equal to approximately 10% of their income. Tuition and fees at four-year public universities average $10,230 in the U.S., according to the College Board.

Targeted interventions would have greater impact at lower cost.

Some studies of universal child care programs in Germany and Georgia find benefits for at-risk children, especially immigrants. A program targeting this demographic could have all of the benefits, and fewer of the side effects, at a much smaller cost.

What does the Constitution say about this federal program?

The federal government has no constitutional authority to enact a universal preschool program, notes the Cato Handbook for Policymakers.

Why should people of faith care about this proposal?

Children flourish when raised in a loving home by one of their own parents. This is also the natural and scriptural pattern. Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Following the principle of subsidiarity, larger communities should take care not to usurp the familys prerogatives or interfere in its life.

While a national child care program hardly creates a totalitarian state, replacing the family with the state has been the dream of statists from Plato to Karl Marx.

Warrens universal child care program is a step towards a literal cradle-to-grave welfare state that will impose steep costs  both economic and emotional. And the well-being of children is too high a price to pay.

(Photo credit: Edward Kimmel. This photo has been cropped. CC BY-SA 2.0.)Yesterday in Forbes, Alejandro Chafuen, Actons Managing Director, International, weighed in on Jair Bolsonaros new administration in Brazil. Bolsonaros coalition includes people of many different backgrounds and ideas, and collaboration among them will be key for the administrations success.

Brazil may soon become the fastest-growing of the major Western economies. This is not the first time that investors have looked to this South American giant with hopefulness. There is a temptation to think that Brazil is entering into a new phase not seen anywhere in the world since the Reagan-Thatcher revolution of the 1980s. The road ahead, however, will be difficult. Jair Bolsonaros government will face attacks from the outside and the inside.

Bolsonaros team includes policy experts and public officials who will aim to liberate the economic potential of the largest economy south of the U.S. border. Brazils GDP is equivalent to that of Mexico, Argentina and Chile combined; the economy of the city of Sao Paulo alone is larger than that of Chile. What happens in Brazil impacts the Americas, and so it requires close observation.

I had the privilege of previous collaborations with think tanks associated with the talented individuals who are now ministers of Economics, Education and the Environment. In other areas, such as Foreign Affairs (Ernesto Araujo) and Justice (Sergio Moro), the Brazilians have leaders with outstanding knowledge and experience. Sergio Moro earned world acclaim for his role in Brazilian transparency efforts. Araujo will shock the world both with his philosophical knowledge and his politically incorrect views and endorsement of many of the Trump administrations policies.

How did the stars align to produce such a change in the country responsible for the 21st-century socialism of the Sao Paulo forum? After decades of interventionist and left-wing populism, and with most media, universities and the world establishment against him, how did Bolsonaro and his allies do it? To understand and forecast historical changes I use a simple model that focuses on ideas, incentives, leadership and providence or luck. All played a role, but in this case leadership was a driving force.Legislators take a lot of grief during a session. They are criticized for bills that pass, dont pass or are amended. They are second-guessed on many decisions.

Yes, they run for office and the criticism comes with the territory. The public and press often overlook the accomplishments of the Legislature. In North Dakota, lawmakers are expected to complete their work in 80 days every two years. There are interim committees when the Legislature isnt in session, but a lot of work is compressed in the January to April session. Because of that theres a lot of camaraderie at the Capitol that crosses party lines and creates friendships among legislators, staff, officeholders and lobbyists.

That was reflected last week in a kind gesture by legislators to a parking lot attendant. Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Rugby, recently helped the attendant, Mark Johnstone, start his vehicle in the cold weather. Nelson told Johnstone he needed to replace his old car, but Johnstone said he couldnt afford to buy a different one. Johnstones well liked at the Capitol, according to John Hageman of the Forum News Service. Johnstones known for helping people start their vehicles, assisting people with mobility issues and running errands.

"He's kind of our go-to person," Nelson told the Forum. "Mark will do anything that you ask him to do, he's just that type of guy."Montana-Dakota Utilities announced Tuesday it plans to retire Heskett Station near Mandan in 2021 and replace the coal-fired electric generation units with a new natural gas facility.

The Heskett Station, named for Montana-Dakota Utilities founder R.M. Heskett, employs 47 people and dates back to 1954.

Montana-Dakota Utilities, a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, said in a news release the decision to retire the units followed an analysis of how the company could best provide safe, reliable and low-cost service to customers.

The company also will retire the Lewis & Clark Station at Sidney, Mont., around the end of 2020.

The plants have served our customers well, providing low-cost energy for many years, operating roughly twice as long as expected when they were constructed in the mid-1950s and early 1960s, Nicole Kivisto, president and CEO of Montana-Dakota, said in a statement. The age of the plants, low-cost competition on the market and the ongoing cost to operate the plants all have contributed to the plants being too expensive to operate much longer.Funeral services will be held at noon Monday, Feb. 18, at Grace United Methodist Church, Fergus Falls, with the Revs. Neal Stockeland and Dr. Wesley Gabel officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, Fergus Falls, with a praise service at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at Grace United Methodist Church. Interment will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls.The North Dakota Senate passed a budget bill on Tuesday that includes a boost in funding for behavioral health services.

Senators voted 45-1 to pass Senate Bill 2012, which provides funding to the North Dakota Department of Human Services. The bill includes additional funding to expand the Free Through Recovery program, establish a mental health voucher and continue a school behavioral health pilot project.

The budget bill includes an extension of the addiction recovery program, Free Through Recovery, which was established during the 2017 legislative session. The program only serves people in the criminal justice system.

The bill provides an additional $4.5 million to establish a community behavioral health program, which would serve people who are not former inmates.

Pam Sagness, director of the department's Division of Behavioral Health Services, said the goal with the program is to intervene earlier with parents. Currently, about 40 percent of children in the foster care system are there due to parental substance abuse, she said.

"We would like to be able to intervene with the community-based program so that families can stay together," Sagness said.

Another part of the bill includes $275,000 for peer support certification.FARGO  North Dakota House legislators sent a fairly strong message on Tuesday that they don't want an expansion of where guns can be carried in the state.

Current law limits guns in public places, including in schools, churches and sporting events. For instance, guns are not allowed in the Fargodome, as metal detectors are now in place at entrances.

However, representatives who believe in expanding where guns can be carried, often called constitutional carry laws, were trying to change the public places law where those with permits can carry weapons.

However, HB 1325 failed on the House floor by a 70-22 margin. It had received a 13-1 do not pass recommendation from the committee where the bill was heard.

Rep. Karla Rose Hanson, D-Fargo, said she heard many comments from school leaders and parents on the bill. She said in a statement Wednesday that they had "significant concerns about this bill, especially the idea that even 18-year-old students would be allowed to have a gun in school. Rather than having more guns in schools, we should be looking at increasing preventive services and providing tools to intervene before there is a crisis.FARGO  The North Dakota Legislature has taken a step toward banning DUI checkpoints  an enforcement method that some view as ineffective. But local law enforcement leaders say checkpoints not only help catch drunken drivers but also deter impaired driving in the first place.

DUI checkpoints boost public awareness about drunken driving and, because the checkpoints are announced ahead of time, encourage drinkers to plan other ways of travelling, said Sgt. Wade Kadrmas, safety and education officer with the North Dakota State Highway Patrol.

House Bill 1442, which would outlaw DUI checkpoints, was passed by House lawmakers with a 79-14 vote on Feb. 12. And it's now headed to the Senate for consideration.

The Highway Patrol is taking a neutral stance on the legislation, saying the agency will follow the law whatever the outcome, Kadrmas said.

Fargo Police Chief David Todd and Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner both support DUI checkpoints, saying they are s a useful tool to get DUI drivers off the road and that the bill takes that away from law enforcement officials.Rep. Pat Heinert, R-Bismarck, who used to be the sheriff in Burleigh County, also urged passage of the bill as he worked with Roers Jones and others on the bill.

He said there is a "tremendous amount" of marijuana in the state despite laws. "There's more than anyone thinks," he said.

He urged approval, but said that he didn't like the provision about the "delivery" of less than one ounce of marijuana; he said that could have been changed in the Senate.

However, other legislators spoke out about the measure.

Rep. Bill Tveit, R-Hazen, said he was opposed because it seemed like the Legislature was giving more people the opportunity to be a criminal. He said his wife was at a teenager addiction program this week and the young people there said it was a gateway drug and it shouldn't be legalized.

Rep. Chuck Damschen, R-Hampden, said he thought the voters spoke clearly about recreational marijuana in the last election and they know the difference between that and medical marijuana.

"I don't think the public wants to make it easier to have just a little bit of marijuana," he said. "I'm going to stand with the public."The high court heard the case from an Indiana man who argued disproportionality in the forfeiture of his $42,000 vehicle allegedly used to traffic heroin, a drug crime with a $10,000 maximum fine.

Interestingly enough, proportionality is an element of the bill's reform for North Dakota forfeiture. But it's unclear what the opinion may mean for the bill.

Rep. Pat Heinert, R-Bismarck, urged House lawmakers to pass Becker's bill to the Senate to further address the "fresh news" of the opinion.

"However, I am still voting red," the former Burleigh County sheriff said.

Sen. Diane Larson, R-Bismarck, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, said she will study the opinion and amended bill over the break from crossover, when passed bills change chambers.

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem is "currently reviewing the opinion," according to his office.

House Judiciary Committee members have expressed concerns over a quick death in the Senate for the bill due to law enforcement opposition over the conviction requirement. Rep. Terry Jones, R-New Town, who carried the bill Wednesday, has said he has further amendments that may enter through the Senate side.A Grand Forks medical marijuana dispensary has entered into a business deal with the Bismarck growing facility, Pure Dakota.

The dispensary, Strive Life North Dakota, has entered into a letter of intent agreement with Pure Dakota, according to a news release from Item 9 Labs, an Arizona-based marijuana consulting company.

The agreement will ensure a consistent supply of medical marijuana as soon as Strive Life opens its doors, the release said. The dispensary is expected to open in April or May.

"We look forward to having Pure Dakota as one of our main inventory suppliers," Sara Gullickson, CEO of Item 9 Labs, said in the release.

Pure Dakota operates a 20,000-square-foot facility and houses 1,000 marijuana plants in north Bismarck.

(Reach Blair Emerson at 701-250-8251 or Blair.Emerson@bismarcktribune.com)

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Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.The TruNorth Theatre will present Lee Blessings 1988 Tony-nominated play, "A Walk in the Woods." The two-act comedy will be presented at the Frances Leach High Prairie Arts and Science Center at 1810 Shafer St. in Bismarck on Friday and Saturday and Feb. 28 to March 2 at 7:30 p.m. A 2 p.m. matinee performance is slotted for March 3.

Well-known local actor Austin J. Flemmer and TruNorth Theatre artistic director John Clemo will take on the roles of the American and Soviet diplomats, who are trying to hammer out a nuclear arms reduction deal that will be acceptable to their governments. The pressures of the work often sends them out for a walk into the woods, to speak, as the Soviet diplomat Andrey Botvinnik says, "Man to man. Though their differences are obvious, a friendship ensues.

The play is based upon a real event that took place in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1982, when the diplomats from the two superpowers who were tasked with developing a nuclear arms reduction treaty, and stifled by the discussions across the negotiating table, retreated for a walk in the woods outside the city; it was this walk that provided the breakthrough they were looking for to complete their work.There is once again a bill (HB284) that proposes to reverse the Montana Supreme Court ruling that authorizes doctors to prescribe aid in dying medication for their terminally ill patients.

If this bill passes, Montana citizens would lose a right to privacy and the freedom to choose end-of-life health care options that align with our values, priorities and beliefs. We would lose an end-of-life liberty, and for some, a freedom of religion.

Why is our state government wanting to interfere in our lives and take away our independence to have agency over our own bodies when were dying? And imprisoning doctors for their compassion? I dont like government controlling my life or my death.

I had a close and dear friend who had ALS, Lou Gehrigs disease. The death from ALS is torturous. You suffocate or drown. Once my friend had his prescription, he also had peace of mind which allowed him to live a full and happy life for a few months, until he began to lose his ability to breathe and swallow. He knew then it was time. I was with my friend when he died and he had the gift of very peaceful and gentle passing.

Keep the government out of our personal business at the end of life. Ask your representatives to vote no on HB284. Protect the Baxter decision and the freedoms it affords.Freedom of speech and assembly are some of our most basic constitutional rights, but a new law headed for Helena would put those rights in jeopardy. The legislation has been proposed in 31 other states and is being pushed by D.C. lobbyists.

In short, the bill would criminalize legal protests and allow police to use any means necessary to stop people from exercising their First Amendment rights. Thats garbage! Montana legislators shouldnt give mega-corporations and political think tanks more of a voice in our state than residents whove lived here their whole lives.

It shouldnt be a crime to speak up in defense of your home or community, particularly when it comes to decisions about the future of our state and the places we love. This legislation is designed to intimidate Montanans from speaking up about proposals that affect our lives and our homes. Its a cookie-cutter industry bill thats being proposed across the West by people whove never even set foot here.

Wyomings Republican governor sent the idea packing last year. Our Legislature should do the same.

Cindy Webber

Big Timber

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1Addressing the committee on Feb. 13, Moore noted the high turnover among child protection workers: 35 percent for each of the past two years.

"High turnover begets high turnover," Tucker Finley, a child protection specialist, told the committee. "This incentive would keep more people in the field and reduce their financial strain."

"This bill would get people in the field and keep them there," said another child protection specialist who added that he has $50,000 in educational debt and is working toward an advanced degree while carrying a caseload of 50 children in 27 families.

Asked by Rep. Jessica Karjala, D-Billings, to give examples of the challenges for child protection workers, division administrator Marti Vining told of going out to a residence last fall on a report of children in a meth house. When Vining and other staff arrived, they could see a toddler and three preschoolers through a window. The children were crying, but no adult answered the door. The child protection workers called law enforcement officers who got parents to answer the door. The parents were actively using meth and the house was unsafe and filthy with a toilet overflowing with feces.Our Constitutions authors included several measures to ensure that a president would not act like King Charles I. Under our Constitution only Congress has the power to tax. Only Congress has the power to borrow. All bills creating or raising taxes must originate in the House, which faces election every two years. Finally, only Congress may determine how tax revenues or loans may be spent. (No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law," Art. I, sec. 9, cl. 7.)

Now consider some interesting parallels:

After Parliament refused to fund his chief project, Charles I shut down the government.

After Congress refused to fund his chief project, President Trump shut down the government.

In 1628, King Charles I proposed calling Parliament back into session (reopening the government). He said, "Now this wee must lett you knowe that if you make this present supplie wee will then goe on with our Parliament, if not then wee must thinke of a more speedie way. . . . (R. J. W. Swales, "The Ship Money Levy of 1628," Bulletin of the Institute of Historical Research 50, no. 122 (1977): 174-76.)Montana Dakota Utilities is shuttering its coal-fired power plant in Sidney next year, the utility said Tuesday, announcing plans to replace it with a natural gas power plant and electricity bought on the free market.

The retirement plan was revealed Tuesday as part of MDUs integrated resource plan, which lays out where the utility will be getting electricity in the future. All told the utility will retire three units, starting in 2020 with Lewis & Clark Station in Sidney, followed by Units 1 and 2 at Heskett Station in Mandan, North Dakota.

The utility has built one 88-megawatt gas-fired generator at the Heskett site and is making plans for a twin, which will cycle on as needed. Research showed the combination of new gas generation and free market energy spelled a savings for MDU customers, said Mark Hanson, MDU spokesman.

It showed that doing the new peaking unit and market purchases is about half the cost of the current operation of those two coal plants, Hanson said.

The utility has also added about 48 megawatts of wind energy in recent years.

MDU is Montanas second largest monopoly utility, serving about 26,000 customers in the eastern part of the state.During a tour of the updated pediatric intensive care unit, Amber Pisk, nurse manager of the pediatrics department, showed visitors one of the five rooms. Previously, the PICU comprised five beds in two large rooms, which werent very accommodating to families.

Now, the unit is broken up into five large, separate rooms with updated technology and colorful, functional furniture and artwork. A couch in one corner converts into a bed for parents who stay overnight.

So we can fit all the equipment needed for critically ill children, plus family spaces so theyre places where families can be here 24/7 while their children are sick, Pisk said.

In addition to the upgraded PICU, the 11 inpatient pediatric rooms received aesthetic updates. A zoo theme flows throughout the department, Pisk said.

A playroom for hospitalized children well enough to be up and around was also added to the floor. It includes a kid-sized kitchenette, a bin filled with different toys and other toys.

Zoes Therapy Room was paid for by donor Dorothe Fisher, who was joined Tuesday by her goddaughter, Deirdre McNamer. The room was named in honor of McNamers daughter, Zoe, who died in 2013 at age 3 in a car crash near Laurel.On Monday, former chief foreign affairs correspondent for CBS News Lara Logan dropped a bombshell on the media: she told retired Navy SEAL Mike Ritland that the media are wildly biased to the political Left.She stated:Compare Logan's accurate take on the media with the words of opinion writer Jonathan Capehart of The Washington Post and MSNBC, who described the media's wild malfeasance on the Jussie Smollett story this way:Capehart's Freudian slip is actually rather important. He was correct that many in the media granted credibility to Smollett's hoax because it fit a narrative. But then he corrected himself to state that it wasn't a narrative at all - it was aNow, this slip is fascinating because it reveals the unfortunate truth about many media members on the political Left: they mistake their narrative for truth. Opinion becomes fact. Those who disagree with a given "fact" - fact which is actually opinion - are then labeled ignorant, or foolish, or malevolent.Is this an innocent mistake, a matter of mere confirmation bias to which we are all prone? Or is something deeper going on?Since the 1960s, the radical Left has claimed that most human interactions are governed by power dynamics. Critical theory suggests, for example, that free markets aren't actually voluntaristic arrangements of individuals engaging in mutually beneficial trade - they're a reflection of hierarchical arrangements created by the rich. Thus, critical theorists suggest that a regulated market controlled by "the people" - progressives - would properly rejigger economic relationships. Similarly, critical theory suggests that free speech isn't actually free - it's a system set up by those who have powerful distribution mechanisms for their speech at the expense of others. Thus, critical theorists suggest, along the lines of Herbert Marcuse, that certain opinions must be silenced in order to even the playing field -must be applied.If you believe in such critical theory, you aren't likely to be shy about the application of your own political power to these supposedly hierarchical systems. After all, if you believe that systems of speech and economics are constructed by the powerful, then you should use every means at your disposal to act against them. If you can blame some nefarious right-wing forces using hidden mechanisms of power for all the systems you don't like, then you can use institutional power to tear away at those systems.Thus, media bias becomes not an evil, or even an error to be mitigated, but an affirmative good. Objectivity, in the critical theory framework, is an illusion used by certain powers against other powers; thus, the illusion of objectivity can and should be used by more legitimate powers on behalf of certain political interests.Most members of the media surely don't think like this; most members of the media probably fall prey to confirmation bias rather than ideological self-justification. But the continued insistence by members of our media that they are not prone to such confirmation bias, when they so obviously are, suggests that at a certain point, confirmation bias shades over into affirmative enjoyment of Leftist power politics. And that is truly dangerous, because politically-motivated players using the facade of objectivity to press forward an agenda aren't journalists at all. They're simply liars.A Jew brutally beaten last night in Brooklyn. Nothing stolen. Antisemitism is alive and well in NYC. Time for a hard look at who is doing it and its cause. This has been going on in NY long before Charlottesville or 2016 just ask anyone visibly Jewish. pic.twitter.com/z86dz32YBL  Motti Seligson (@mottiseligson) January 30, 2019

On January 29, 2019, Chicago Police opened a hate crime investigation into the alleged assault of Empire actor Jussie Smollett. Smollett, who is black and gay, alleged that two men approached him at 2 a.m. in Chicago, where they shouted "f*****" and "n*****," tried to wrap a noose around his neck, and poured bleach on him. He also told TMZ that the men shouted, "Trump Calls 'Rigged And Corrupt' Media 'The Enemy Of The People' In All-Caps TweetThe story received unending press. The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), tweeted, "The racist, homophobic attack on [Smollett] is an affront to our humanity." Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) called it a "modern-day lynching." Congresswoman and Fresh Face of the Democratic Party Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed anyone who questioned the story, tweeting, "The attack was not 'possibly' homophobic. It was a racist and homophobic attack."The media ran with the story. Good Morning America hosted Smollett, where he maligned anyone who asked questions as a racist and a homophobe. CNN's Brooke Baldwin stated,Celebrities parroted their support for Smollett, with many blaming President Trump and Vice President Pence for the attack.The story was a hoax.That same night, a Jewish man in New York was beaten by three thugs. Nothing was stolen. The attack was caught on video.Outside of a report in The Jerusalem Post , the story received virtually no attention.This isn't the only story of anti-Semitism in New York. Not by a long shot. Two weeks before that beating, a Jewish man, 19, wasas he walked past a local laundromat by a group of teenage black males. In December, a 16-year-old Jewish teen spent a week in a hospital after being beaten by two other teens; witnesses said that the teens screamedThe NYPD categorized the attack asrather than a hate crime, angering Jews in the area. This weekend, vandals shattered the window of a Chabad in Bushwick as the rabbi and his family slept inside.In fact, according to NBC New York, "The city has seen a sharp increase in reported hate crimes so far in 2019, the NYPD said. Police had investigated 42 hate crimes through Feb. 4, compared with 19 at the same point last year. Most of those were anti-Semitic." The New York Times reported in October of last year that "there have been four times as many crimes motivated by bias against Jews - 142 in all - as there have against blacks. Hate crimes against Jews have outnumbered hate crimes targeted at transgender people by a factor of 20."None of this has received media attention comparable to the Smollett situation. Why? Because, as the Times also admitted in October, "anti-Semitism bypasses consideration as a serious problem in New York ... because it refuses to conform to an easy narrative with a single ideological enemy." In other words, it doesn't fit the narrative.Indeed, the narrative the Left wishes to push is that America is deeply discriminatory and bigoted, rife with hate. But by statistics, Jews are by far the most likely group to be targeted in America on a per capita basis . This is a problem for the intersectionality-oriented Left, which sees Jews not as victims but as part of the power hierarchy in the United States. How can the Left uphold its hierarchy of victimhood if Jews are the chief targets of hate crime - and furthermore, if such hate crime is largely perpetrated by non-white supremacists, people who supposedly lie higher on the victim hierarchy than Jews?Furthermore, Jews are inordinately successful and well-treated in the United States; outside of Israel, there is no more philo-Semitic country on earth. So if Jews, the most statistically victimized group in America, aren't particularly victimized, what does that say about the narrative of America as racist, bigotry-ridden hellhole?The United States is an amazing place. But the media and much of the Left don't like that narrative. That's why they cover Jussie Smollett. And that's why they won't cover Jews being attacked on the streets of New York.Law is experiencing a revolution. Several changes are occurring, but they are all tied to the impact of information and communications technology (ICT), which is altering the nature of law at a fundamental level. This has happened in the past. Before the commercial printing press, for example, law was mostly simple legal treatises and maxims. The complex, massive legal regime of today could only be achieved with steam-driven presses and then computerized word processing.But, today, ICT takes on a new form: powerful artificial intelligence (AI) that links the law, a type of data, directly to other types of data. Since today's best AI finds patterns beyond human perception, this change means that AI has a growing capacity to enhance human legal reasoning, automate some aspects of legal work, and decrease the demand for licensed lawyers, even as the demand for legal services grows.In response to ICT's growing capacity, legal education needs to adapt to the changing world and prepare its students accordingly.The immediate consequences of ICT are new technologies for legal practice. The rise of predictive machines is transforming traditional lawyering. The dawn of the information revolution in law is slowly emerging-but the changes are coming. Artificial intelligence's influence has been growing since the 1970s, especially for legal search engines and on the business side of the legal practice. For instance, most cases settle out of court now because lawyers can, with growing accuracy, predict the court's decision. Lawyers have no need to litigate when they know a case has a value of X dollars with Y percent accuracy.Information and communications technology has also given legal scholars and lawyers new insights into the nature of law and how it interacts with other types of data. Lawyers now understand that information and computation are fundamental to the organization of social systems.For example, legal workers can now determine how law and the economy interweave and influence each other. In the past, investors might ask how a lawsuit might impact a corporation's stock price. Today, we might also ask how stock performance influences the outcome of a lawsuit. Surprising patterns exist between law and other social phenomena, like marriage, and physical systems like the environment, too.Some legal philosophers, like Jurgen Habermas and Niklas Luhmann, have suggested for many years that law mediates between social norms, like moral beliefs, and social facts. ICT can now find empirical verification for that claim. This means that to an increasing degree, traditional legal problems may have non-legal solutions, and a change in the law might be used to cause a change in some other area, thanks to AI making a connection too subtle for a human mind to detect unassisted. Law's place in society, our expectations for what it is, and what it can achieve, will change dramatically as the connections are detected and mapped.Law isn't the only field changing, either. ICT has affected areas of study from information science and biology to physics and chemistry. Political scientists, economists, and sociologists, too, can better understand social organization thanks to newly available data.To adjust to this new reality, legal education should change from training lawyers as narrowly trained technicians with a few skills to training them as broadly educated, skills-rich experts who work in a variety of settings. For example, in the corporate world, since legal issues are increasingly viewed as complex problems in information structure and systemic organization, the problems that lawyers face will be managed better by teams of experts comprising lawyers, financial and marketing experts, accountants, and data engineers. The new role for the lawyer is to find a place in an environment where legal expertise is only one component of many.To prepare future lawyers, their education needs to be more well-rounded. Philosophy and the humanities should be a central part of a well-designed law school curriculum because lawyers need to understand the deeper changes occurring in society and to be able to design plans for achieving good ends for their clients-and for the communities in which they live. The emerging need is for lawyers who understand that law is a form of responsible social planning shaped by social forces-and is also guided by moral reflection and moral reasoning. If legal education does not respond to this need, the legal profession will become increasingly irrelevant.For example, there is a growing recognition that artificial intelligence can reify many types of bias, such as racial bias. But, the bias built into AI can also be political. A real threat is that we are deploying systems in law and government policy that reduces all human goals to economic ones. Would you want the AI that is aiding the Environmental Protection Agency in decision-making to be optimized for maximum economic output? Or the AI determining which patient receives a kidney transplant? Given the pervasiveness of AI, lawyers must respond to this sort of bias with sound criticism and effective strategies.To educate lawyers to confront ideological bias, law schools need to reconnect with their historical roots that viewed teaching good citizenship and a concern for the common good as fundamental to education. At least some of the religiously affiliated law schools never lost that mission. They could serve as intellectual centers for religious critiques of the social and political ethics of the emerging AI society.Without a broader education in philosophy and the humanities, the law threatens to become focused on money and profit. This materialist focus is oppressive in its own right because it denies the intrinsic human desire for transcendence or a divine good. Legal education, then, needs to prepare its students to respond to changes in society driven by ICT.Perpetuities and monopolies are contrary to the genius of a free state and shall not be allowed.

Given the public understanding of the word "monopoly" in 1776 when the Fifth Provincial Congress added the anti-monopoly clause to North Carolina's constitution, what can we conclude about the clause's target, i.e., to what kind of monopoly does the clause refer?

Why did the members of the Fifth Provincial Congress think that kind of monopoly should not be allowed?

Why are the answers to those questions still relevant today?

A monopoly is an institution, or allowance by the King ... to any person or persons, bodies politick or corporate, of or for the sole buying, selling, making, working, or using of any thing, whereby any person or persons, bodies politick or corporate, are sought to be restrained of any freedom ... or liberty that they had before, or hind[e]red in their lawful trade.

All trades ... which ... exercise men and youth in labour, for the maintenance of themselves and their families, and for the increase of their substance ... are profitable for the commonwealth ... and the benefit and liberty of the subject.

The end of all these monopolies is for the private gain of the patentees; and although provisions and cautions be added to moderate them, yet ... it is mere folly to think that there is any measure in mischief or wickedness.

[Monopolies] leadeth to the impoverishment of divers artificers and

others, who before, by the labour of their hands in their art or trade, had maintained themselves and their families, who now will of necessity be constrained to live in idleness and beggary. ...

[T]he price of the said commodity shall be raised, for he who hath the sole selling of any commodity, may make the price as he pleaseth. ... [And] after the monopoly [has been] granted, the Commodity is not so good and merchantable as it was before; for the patentee having the sole trade, regardeth only his private, and not the publicke weale.

The North American colonists generally considered themselves Englishmen, and they believed that English statutes and common law rights and privileges should extend to them as they had applied to their English ancestors. Their inability to vindicate these same rights and privileges was one of the many grievances expressed by the colonists around the time of the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

England enacted an extensive set of laws granting English merchants monopolies in colonial trade for a variety of markets-from manufactured goods to all kinds of raw materials. Black markets arose in the colonies as a response to England's mercantilist trade policy. As a result, the English mercantile laws were enforced with great intrusiveness, which in turn had grave consequences for England's relationship with the American colonies. ... The havoc wreaked by the English monopoly system on England's relationship with the American colonies cannot be overstated.

Article I, Section 34 of the North Carolina Constitution states:Commonly known as the "anti-monopoly clause," this provision has been part of North Carolina's constitutional endowment from the very beginning. It was part of the original constitution of North Carolina that was adopted in 1776; it was part of the second constitution of North Carolina that was adopted in 1868; and, as noted, it is part of the current North Carolina Constitution, which was adopted in 1971.Throughout most of its long history, the anti-monopoly clause was regarded as little more than a moribund vestige of a bygone era. However, as I noted in previous Legal Updates, the clause has recently been revived as a weapon in the fight against the invidious practice known as cronyism, i.e., the use of government power to confer special privileges on politically connected individuals or groups. Some readers have raised doubts about whether the anti-monopoly clause can really be effectively deployed as a weapon in this fight. Over two Legal Updates, I will attempt to show that it can. I will begin today by answering two questions:And I will conclude next week by answering one more:Nowadays, we often use the word "monopoly" to refer to a large private corporation that has-through fair means or foul-become the dominant provider of a particular product. However, it's safe to assume that the members of the Provincial Congress weren't using the word in that sense. They hadn't somehow anticipated the future emergence of firms like Standard Oil or Google. So what did they mean when they used the word? To find out, we must consult the works of the most influential legal authority of their era, the great English jurist Sir Edward Coke.As Steven G. Calabresi and Larissa C. Leibowitz explain in " Monopolies and the Constitution ," Coke played a crucial role in the development of monopoly law in 17th century England, and his writings went on to play an equally crucial role in the public understanding of that law by the American colonists in the 18th century.they say,Not only did those colonists rely on himthey regarded him asIf, therefore, we want to know what the word monopoly meant for the members of the Fifth Provincial Congress, we need to look no further than the definition that appears in the third part of Coke's widely read treatise, Institutes of the Laws of England When the drafters of North Carolina's 1776 constitution used the word "monopoly," they used it to refer to this specific form of cronyism, and, when they added the monopolies clause to the 1776 constitution, they meant that this specific form of cronyism "ought not to be allowed."The inclusion of the monopolies clause in the 1776 constitution was the culmination of a long struggle. For more than 200 years, ordinary citizens in England and in England's North American colonies had tried without success to put a stop to the practice of conferring a monopoly on privileges on government cronies. In the article cited above, Calabresi and Leibowitz quote a 1571 speech in Parliament by Robert Bell in which he urged his fellow members to reform the system of royal monopolies because under that systemThe drafters of the 1776 constitution may not have been familiar with that speech, but they were certainly familiar with the case of Darcy v. Allen because of the widely read report of the case that was published by Edward Coke under the title, " The Case of Monopolies ." According to Calabresi and Leibowitz,and, what's more,What did the American colonists learn from "The Case of Monopolies"? They learned that "Edward Darcy, Esquire, a Groom of the Chamber to Queen Elizabeth," had been given an exclusive right toThey learned that Darcy sued "Thomas Allein, Haberdasher of London" for lost revenue, claiming that,And, they learned that when Darcy's complaint was heard by the Court of King's Bench in 1602, the court found for the defendant and held that,As reported by Coke, in the course of explaining its holding, the Court of King's Bench identified "four causes" about public policy. It's a brilliant piece of policy analysis that must surely have impressed the American colonists in the 18th century.The first "cause" for the court's holding is an explanation of why there is and ought to be a strong presumption in favor of free enterprise:The other three causes explain three reasons why there is and ought to be a strong presumption against monopolies, namely:Monopolies confer an unfair and unmerited benefit on the monopolists:Monopolies unfairly harm those who would otherwise compete with the monopolists:Monopolies harm the public by raising prices and reducing quality:The court's analysis would have resonated with the framers of North Carolina's 1776 constitution. As Calabresi and Leibowitz note:And the continuing existence of monopolies in colonial America must have made this grievance particularly salient:One particularly vivid example of that havoc would have been fresh in the minds of members of North Carolina's Fifth Provincial Congress in 1776: the Boston Tea Party. While it is often described as a tax protest, what happened at Boston Harbor in 1773 was also very much a protest against the British East India Company's exclusive monopoly on the tea trade, a monopoly that unfairly discriminated against American merchants and raised the price of tea for everyone.It seems clear, then, that when the members of the Provincial Congress added the anti-monopoly clause to the state constitution in 1776, they weren't worried about the future emergence of firms like Standard Oil or Google. They were worried about something more immediate and familiar-the use of government power to give politically connected individuals and groups the exclusive right to engage in certain trades and businesses. From their knowledge of English history and English law, and from their direct experience, they knew how dangerous and destructive such monopolies could be. That is why they declared that such monopolies should not be allowed.

Map from N.C. Department of Environmental Quality

As the Cooper administration engaged in negotiations involving the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, a national governors' group warned a Cooper adviser against a state agency taking action comparable to extortion.The warning came in a Dec. 8, 2017, email from a National Governors Association staffer to Cooper energy policy adviser Jeremy Tarr. The email came to light as part of the Cooper administration's recent release of thousands of documents related to the ACP negotiations.The word "extort" surfaced in a discussion of potential payments a state government could negotiate with a company pursuing state permits.wrote Sue Gander, NGA's division director for environment, energy, and transportation.In specifying a "commission," Gander was referring to a public utilities commission. She did not indicate whether an agreement reached between a state and company would raise similar "due process" or "ethical" concerns if negotiated by another government agency.Gander's email followed a phone inquiry from Tarr, Cooper spokeswoman Noelle Talley told Carolina Journal. Documents indicate Tarr was doing research at the request of Cooper adviser Ken Eudy. Eudy negotiated a controversial $57.8 million Atlantic Coast Pipeline fund unveiled a little more than a month after Gander offered her email advice. That fund generated a dispute between the governor and legislative leaders.The 600-mile Atlantic Coast Pipeline involving Dominion Power and Duke Energy will go through West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Cooper's Department of Environmental Quality issued an important environmental permit on Jan. 26, 2018. The previous day, Cooper's office and the ACP partners signed an agreement requiring the ACP partners pay the $57.8 million to a fund Cooper would control.The General Assembly determined that Cooper lacked the authority to negotiate such a payment and in February 2018 voted to redirect the money to the school systems in the eight North Carolina counties where the pipeline will pass. The pipeline project is on hold due to permitting issues in Virginia.Responding to multiple media requests and an investigation by a special General Assembly subcommittee investigating the ACP, Cooper's office and his DEQ in December released approximately 40,000 pages of documents and emails related to the project. The ACP subcommittee chairmen are Sen. Harry Brown, R-Onslow, and Rep. Dean Arp, R-Union.The NGA response was an email to Tarr from Division Director for Environment, Energy & Transportation Sue Gander. She attributed her response to research by NGA Senior Policy Analyst Tom Simchak.She was referring to a state's Department of Natural Resources or Public Utility Commission.she wrote.She then cautioned Tarr about a situation involving extorting payments from a company. CJ couldn't determine if she meant extortion would apply only to a PUC or to any government agency involved in the approval process.Gander told CJ responding to questions from a governor's office staff is routine. She couldn't recall who used the word "extort," and said it must have showed up in research based on a situation in another state.Simchak is no longer with NGA, but CJ found him and asked where "extort" came from."Would've been quoting someone I spoke to when researching the memo. But I have no recollection who that was for that bullet," he said.CJ couldn't determine when Tarr first shared the NGA response with Eudy, or if Tarr ever relayed the NGA language "extort," "due process," or "ethical."On Dec. 22, 2017, Tarr sent a memo to Eudy.Tarr wrote.Eudy had been negotiating a fund with Duke Energy lobbyist Kathy Hawkins. She provided a draft Mitigation Project Agreement to the governor's office on Dec. 13.CJ asked Tarr to supply his original email request to NGA. Talley responded instead.she wrote.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. Cooper has told state employees not to speak with the investigators.Cooper's office maintains theand aThe NGA, based in Washington, D.C., is a nonpartisan public policy organization established for nation's governors to share best practices and develop innovative solutions.Its probably good for all of us, Zulkoski said. We put our heads down and work all the time and there are all these little successes, and even if its a big success, its back to work the next day and you dont think about how it all adds up. For us, when you do this annual report and do all these successes in print, you see how it really adds up.

"To hand this over to our community partners, it really quantifies those little successes weve had for an entire year and is fun to reflect on it and hand it to people and say these are all very concrete, substantial things that happened in one year.

NGage has historically held a business recognition event where its members are recognized by NGage and community leaders.

The recognition event was held after the annual meeting Tuesday evening, with a presentation by Erica Estrada, a Senior Consulting Analyst with Newmark Knight Frank out of the Dallas area.

Companies from all over will hire her to find the next location where theyll build at, Zulkoski said. She (talked) to us about the site selection process and what they look for in terms of workforce, education income factors and how they make decisions.

During her time at the Fort Worth Chamber, Erica participated in projects that have secured 2.7 million square feet of building space, $1.5 billion in capital investment and over 2,000 jobs resulting in approximately $121 million of annual payroll.

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Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Microplastics Still an Issue on Oregon Coast: Groups Ask for Help Cleaning Up

Published 02/20/2019 at 3:23 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast)  Earlier this year, microplastics hit the Oregon coast with a wallop, for whatever reason. Some areas were a few layers thick in the nasty, tiny stuff  all of it detrimental to the environment and ocean wildlife in a variety of ways. (Photo above: courtesy Newport's Surfrider Foundation, showing Otter Rock's beach).

Although the SOLVE Oregon Coast Beach Cleanup is coming on March 23, some citizens are not waiting to help squash this problem. Two grassroots efforts to clean up plastics are happening soon, one at Newport on February 24 and the other in Cannon Beach on March 16.

The Newport chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is in need of volunteers to clean up the beach at Otter Rock. Organizers say there are still loads of plastic and other trash on the beach at the moment, still more than has been seen in previous years. Part of this is due to the King Tides.

Scott Rosin, head of the Newport chapter, has developed a system to collect microplastic and wash the sand out. This is very effective but very labor intensive.

Meet at the Otter Rock parking lot Sunday, February 24 at 10 a.m. - near the restrooms. Rosin will distribute supplies and do an introductory presentation. After that the scouring will be begin on the rugged little beach next to Devils Punchbowl.

Dont forget rubber boots and appropriate attire, Rosin said.

This will be the sixth consecutive Sunday for this effort.

We're starting to win, Rosin said. Cleanup will happen every Sunday for the foreseeable future until the northwest winds bury the microplastic in late spring.

Times vary according to tides. For the complete calendar go to: https://newport.surfrider.org/calendar/. Each cleanup lasts about four hours or until everyone goes home.

Earlier this year, 760 pounds of the small stuff was taken off that beach. -- Lodgings in Newport - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

Another grassroots cleanup effort happens on the north Oregon coast at Cannon Beach in March, just before the big beach cleanup. March 16 brings the Lucky Leprechaun Clean-Up, starting at 1 p.m.

Its put together by Kellie Southworth O'Shaughnessy, who created another such event this winter after getting alarmed by media coverage of all the plastics inundating the Oregon coast.

Instead of looking for pots of gold, were looking to fill pots of plastic, O'Shaughnessy said. The high tides have brought in tremendous amounts of broken down plastic debris. Not only is it an eyesore for locals and visitors alike, wreaks havoc on land and sea dwelling animals as it is mistaken for food. While the larger issues of plastics production and consumption need to be addressed, we can at least prevent further harm to the wildlife by trying to remove as much as possible.

Meet at the public beach access ramp located directly behind the Wayfarer Restaurant off of West Gower Ave. on Ecola Ct. at 1 p.m. Low tide will be around 3:55 p.m. O'Shaughnessy said to also bring supplies such as gloves, buckets, sifters, and necessary food and drink. Lodging in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours













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All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permittedLooking around the dinner table, the nine people that sat with me are all sending messages or scrolling through Twitter. I feel a little lonely, and almost stupid, for sitting there staring at all of them.

Rebecca Lane, 22, senior, psychology major, English minor, Division 1 A-10 Conference lacrosse player attending SJU on scholarship from Australia.

Rebecca spent three hours and 19 minutes on her phone the day before giving it up. The next morning, she fell off the wagon immediately.

Marias faith in us Gen Zs to go without technology (is) proving almost as strong as using a freshly baked cake for the foundation of a skyscraper, she wrote.  As I sit on my couch for the 30 seconds it takes my roommate to come downstairs, Im lost. I clench my phone in my right hand, thumb on the lock button, tempted to press down. In an attempt to distract myself I look around the lounge area. An empty cup on the coffee table. A blanket spread out next to me on the couch. Mail on the floor by the front door. Yet, my mind is completely consumed with the smooth glass encircling its perfect counterpart that is my thumb.

Our dependency on technology is masked by our own excuses of wanting to be more efficient and productive. To stay connected with the world. When did staying connected turn into tagging the friend you are sitting next to in a People of Walmart video rather than nudging them and watching it together? When did it become the norm to have a sea of bright screens in a movie theatre?  I never thought it would happen to me but after countless hours of buzzing vibrations, taking and retaking photos, and word-by-word conversations I am now dependent. As I type this piece right now, I am back and forth each minute with iMessage, Snapchat, Instagram, and writing.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0The Flagstaff public meeting for draft planning documents that would affect the future of the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River has been postponed due to snowfall concerns.

The meeting would detail the draft Environmental Impact Statement and draft Comprehensive River Management Plan Fossil would dictate how the creek is managed for the next 15 to 20 years. The meeting is now set for Feb. 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Coconino National Forest Supervisors Office.

The goal of the plan is to protect and enhance Fossil Creeks free flow, water quality, and its defined outstandingly remarkable values while providing for public use and enjoyment of this unique Arizona environment, Brad Smith, spokesperson for the Coconino National Forest, wrote. The Coconino and Tonto National Forests are overseeing this drafting period.

A permitting system has reduced the visitor totals to a fractions of what they once were. In 2015, over 80,000 people visited Fossil Creek, which is over 100 people per day. The current system allowed for 5,079 people in 2017.

The comment period for the Fossil Creek plans have been recently extended to April 4, 2019.

Smith wanted to remind people that they can submit comments on the plan through multiple methods:When asked if the snow day preparations worked Nayeli swore by them.

It works every time, at least its worked every time we have tried it, she said. Sometimes if theres a fun activity the next day at school and theres a storm coming, we wont do the traditions because we want to go to school.

For Scarlett, 10, and Lilly Ellison, 7, there is some parental disagreement about the effectiveness of wishing for snow days. Travis, the girls' father, told the sisters there was no point in wishing on snow days, as they were not having much success. However, when their mother Shannon and their aunt got involved, the girls luck started to change.

The women shared the voodoo tricks of the snow day with the two girls, and Scarlett and Lilly have found success putting those traditions to use.

Scarlett learned the importance of using the right ice cubes.

We use the small ones because they go down the gutter easily. We used daddys bourbon ice cubes once, but they are really big and got stuck in the toilet. We use the right ones because we dont want another plumbing issue, the girls said.

In addition to the ice cubes, the Ellison girls also put wooden spoons in their bedroom windows.The Flagstaff Police Department is requesting help in identifying the suspect who robbed the OneAZ Credit Union on the corner of South Beaver Street and West Dupont Avenue Tuesday afternoon.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. NAU Alerts sent out a message that an unarmed robbery was in progress, stating that the area should be avoided.

According to authorities, the suspect presented a note to a bank teller demanding money and then fled on foot traveling eastbound away from campus.

Authorities described the suspect as a white male, possibly 25 to 40 years old with facial hair. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a white beanie with a ball on top, a green scarf, a blue and white jacket, jeans and brown shoes.

The public is advised not to approach the suspect, but to call 911 or NAUPD at (928) 523-3000.

Love 4 Funny 4 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 10Growing up and living in and around Flagstaff, Esquivel said she is intimately aware of issues faced by indigenous people in the city and northern Arizona.

Quite frankly, Flagstaff hasnt always been a friendly place for indigenous people, Esquivel said. I know what its like to be targeted. Ive been followed around in stores and I will tell the clerks, Im not here to steal anything. Ive experienced these things.

Since her hiring, Esquivel said she has started meeting with various city officials and staff members, including those working on issues of affordable housing, the 2020 census and officials with the Flagstaff Police Department.

Esquivel said she recently spoke to FPD Deputy Police Chief Daniel Musselman, and discussed what the agency can do to recruit more Native American officers and conduct more training for new recruits.

I know what its like when someone is talking above me or at me, and that was not my experience at the police station, Esquivel said.

Additionally, the position is also dedicated to working toward the goals of the city's strategic plan to address indigenous issues developed with the help of the advocacy group the Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff, City Manager Barbara Goodrich said.MONTREAL, QCTrans couples in love but betrayed by lust collide in My Brothers TS Girlfriend, Ricky Greenwoods directorial debut for TransSensual. Two brothers vie for Korra Del Rios affections in the new trans erotica film, now available on DVD.

Written and directed by filmmaker Greenwood, My Brothers TS Girlfriend marks his first feature for Mile High Medias leading trans studio, TransSensual. The erotic drama features trans stars Korra Del Rio, Khloe Kay and Natalie Mars along with Pierce Paris, Wolf Hudson and Michael DelRay.

For box art, cast list and more, click here.

Greenwood brings out a new dynamic and cinematic approach to his first film for TransSensual, using sibling rivalry as the perfect instrument for his compelling story of a gorgeous trans girl caught between two brothers, said Mile High Media Vice President Jon Blitt. Korra Del Rio is outstanding in her lead role as the conflicted love interest, while Khloe and Natalie bring great beauty and passion opposite our amazing male talent in this sinful new feature.

My Brothers TS Girlfriend begins with Pierce (Pierce Paris) who is coming back from the Army and needs a place to stay. His brother, Wolf (Wolf Hudson), invites him to live at his place until he gets back on his feet. Meanwhile, Wolf will use this opportunity to introduce his girlfriend and future wife Korra (Korra Del Rio) to his brother. With Wolf working a lot, Korra feels lonely most of the time, but as she gets to know Pierce, her days seem brighter. Slowly, even though she knows that this dark desire could end her relationship, she starts to crave her future husband's brother. With the shocking discovery that Wolf is cheating on her, Korra's ready to make him pay and she will enjoy every moment with his brother.

My Brothers TS Girlfriend was shot in HD and includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, a photo slide show, animated chapter index and more.

For the latest news and BTS previews, follow TransSensual on Twitter.Following two of the countrys South Asian neighbors, India and Nepal, Bangladesha predominantly Muslim country of 167 million peoplehas moved to ban online porn, blocking or aiming to block nearly 20,000 adult sites, along with approximately 2,200 gambling sites, according to the countrys Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar, in a report by The Dhaka Tribune.

After a Bangladeshi high court in November issued a ruling that would require the government to block all online porn for a six-month period, Jabbar declared what he called a continuous war against pornography in the 48-year-old country, which broke away from Pakistan (Bangladesh was previously known as East Pakistan) in a bloody 1971 war.

"I want to create a safe and secure internet for all Bangladeshis, including children. And this is my war against pornography. And this will be a continuous war," Jabbar told the French news agency AFP.

But porn and gambling sites are not the sole targets of Jabbars war. Social media has already come under the ban, with the apps Tik Tok and Bigo both blocked because authorities in Bangladesh said they have been misused.

"We are monitoring the local Facebook profiles, YouTube channels and websites also," Jabbar told AFP. A few of them were taken down for having obscene content. We advised a few others not to post anything that goes against our social norms."

But what are those norms, exactly? According to the AFP report, the country has about 90 million internet users, meaning that over half of the population is wired, and perhaps unsurprisingly the names of porn stars consistently rank among the most-searched terms for Bangladeshis.

The crackdown even hit one of the countrys top social media stars over the weekend. Sanai Mahbub, who calls herself Sayanee Mahboob on Instagram, and who regularly posts images which, albeit fully clothed, emphasize her outsized and surgically enhanced bustline, was summoned by police in the countrys capital city of Dhaka on Sunday and ordered by cops to remove certain, supposedly vulgar images from her social media accounts, according to AFP.

"We highly respect freedom of speech in a democratic system. But her content has drawn protests from angry parents," said Dhaka police official Nazmul Islam.

But Bangladeshi porn fans are already finding ways around the ban, using VPN networks, while many porn sites have created mirrors that contain the same content but at different internet addresses, staying one step ahead of the government blockages, according to Yahoo! News.

"This is a continuous process and it needs regular monitoring. These websites are very well aware of the regulations and they come up with thousands of mirror sites every week," said Emdadul Hoque, general secretary of the countrys major ISP industry group.

Photo By Nurunnaby Chowdhury / Wikmedia CommonsThat was followed by a parade of upstate officials pandering to voters with lofty statements inviting Amazon to come up here, even though they all knew that will never happen (Amazon said as much in their statement last week).

As we look back on how this all played out over the past three months, it's clear that no one has clean hands. The governor and the mayor unilaterally made a colossal deal with Amazon with little or no strategic input from the people on the ground where this project was going to take place, or from the officials representing other parts of the state whose support they might need. The Democratic project opponents gave little or no consideration to the benefit these jobs would bring to the city and state, choosing instead to focus on Amazon as a villain with Cuomo as its henchman. The Republicans provided no vocal support for the project until it was declared dead, then found this sudden outrage at people questioning the size of the handouts.

The common thread through all of it was all of these players were putting their own egos and political scorecards ahead of the interests of people they represent. And now they have caused serious damage to the state's ability to grow its economy.A native of Burtonwood, England, the family resided at several U.S. Air Force bases in England, California and New York before locating in her fathers hometown of Auburn 50 years ago. She was the daughter of Thomas and Marjorie Wallace. Linda was a graduate of St. Alphonsus Parochial School, Union Springs High School, and Cayuga Community College. She was most recently the pro-cashier at Home Depot for the past 10 years. Previously Linda had been employed at Fingerlakes Mall, K-Mart, and Finger Lakes Bottling Company. She loved to read and was a devoted Buffalo Bills and New York Giants fan. Her hobbies also included all things Star Trek, Star Wars, and Dr. Who, along with sci-fi television and movies.Changes are in store for the corridor of pizza shops on the west side of Auburn.

First, BB's Pizza is on track to reopen its 250 Genesee St. location "no later than March 2," owner Bert van der Werff said Tuesday.

The shop was originally supposed to open by Jan. 1, but van der Werff has encountered several setbacks during the buildout, he said. That process has included installing barnwood ceilings, LED lighting and porcelain floors. Also, the shop's new, widened dining space will seat 12, as opposed to four previously.

As the shop prepares to reopen, the Fingerlakes Mall location of BB's Pizza has remained open despite the business announcing in December that it would leave the shopping center at the end of 2018.An audit of property tax exemptions in the town of Moravia recently released by the state Comptroller's Office provided a valuable opportunity to implement best practices, Cayuga County officials said Tuesday.

The review of real property tax exemptions examined 85 properties with agricultural, nonprofit, senior citizen, veteran or other types of exemptions granted by the town's assessor.

"Any organization that has participated in an audit know it is a length, even tedious process," Cayuga County Administrator J. Justin Woods said in a release. "However, when approached as an opportunity to improve and implement best practices, the results and feedback are invaluable."

Recently, the town began contracting with the county for assessment services. The audit began shortly after the contract took started, according to Cayuga County Real Property Director Kelly Anderson.

Speaking to the Cayuga County Legislature's Ways and Means Committee Tuesday, Anderson said the department knew going into the contract that records would likely be an issue, and being able to work alongside the comptroller's office and ask questions provided useful information.AUBURN  The requirements of early voting in New York, approved last month by the state Legislature, are likely to have a "considerable impact" on the Cayuga County Board of Elections' work in 2019, according to both commissioners Tuesday.

While the reforms approved by the state cover a number of topics, the changes to early voting and a consolidation of state and federal primary elections will have the most immediate effect on the board, Commissioners Cherl Heary and Katie Lacey told the Cayuga County Legislature's Government Operations Committee.

The primary election for both state, local and federal offices will all be held on June 25, pushing the board's busy season to the forefront  the petitioning process begins Feb. 26.

Early voting requirements, which will not be in effect for the primary, bring with them a number of financial and logistical concerns for the board, both commissioners said.

"We can get it covered, but I think we're going to have trouble," Heary said.

With 10 days of early voting required, counties need to staff at least one early voting site. However, given the shape of Cayuga County, Lacey said there would likely need to be sites in the north and south ends of the county, as well as in Auburn."People came to Auburn because there were many industries here and it was attractive to immigrants," Saphara said, adding that "everyone came here"  Polish, Italian, German, Irish and more. As non-English-speaking people from predominantly Catholic countries came to Auburn, Saphara said, the church became the center of their social network.

"Everything centered around the church, and when they had parish schools, it was expected that these children would go to their parish school," Saphara said. St. Francis, for example, was the Italian church and school, while St. Mary's and Holy Family were Irish.

"You could almost tell sections of Auburn were divided in these ethnic areas," Saphara said. Her and Jordan's father would tell the sisters stories about how there was a time he wouldn't go alone from the Irish to the Italian section. "After World War II, everything changed," she added.

While the schools were about the same  all the standards came from the Diocese of Rochester, Saphara said  "it was just the flavor, the culture was a little bit different in each."

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+5 Ormie King: A legendary book about Auburn's Catholic schools The Catholic Schools in Auburn, New York from 1860  A Pictorial History has just been pub

She continued, "Quite a few people in Auburn went to Catholic schools. Now, not so much. But it really is part of Auburn's history," she said.With the new primary date, it also changed when candidates circulate petitions to qualify for the ballot. When the primary was in September, candidates passed petitions in June and July. Now, they will collect signatures from late February until early April.

For this year's election, the petitioning process begins Tuesday, Feb. 26. Petitions must be filed by April 4.

"These changes further our progress by easing the burden for potential candidates who may not have had the chance to adjust to earlier petition dates this election, helping to ensure that candidates who want to run for office have the chance to do so," Cuomo said in a statement.

The lower petition threshold will be in effect for the 2019 election. It's not a permanent change.

Party leaders welcomed the temporary reduction. Cayuga County Democratic Chairman Ian Phillips told The Citizen last week that committee members were surprised when he informed that they would be circulating petitions in February and March, not June and July.

May, a Syracuse Democrat, praised Cuomo for acting quickly. Last week, she urged the governor to sign the bill before the petitioning process begins Tuesday, Feb. 26.

The state Legislature delivered the bills to Cuomo Tuesday.

"The election reforms that we enacted in January make it dramatically easier for New Yorkers to vote," May said. "Now, this bill will ease the way for candidates and elections officials to navigate the new elections landscape in New York state."

Online producer Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0The infamous kissing statue known as the Unconditional Surrender has been vandalised with the words #MeToo on Tuesday morning just one day after the uniformed World War II sailor died.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, officers responded to a call around 1:00 AM on Tuesday at a waterfront in Florida where they found the hashtag spray-painted onto the 26-foot-tall statue.

The statue, a replica of an iconic photograph taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt, portrays a sailor grabbing and kissing a nurse in New York Citys Times Square on August 14, 1945, also known as V-J Day  the day Japan surrendered in WWII.

Despite many people stepping forward and trying to claim they were the couple in the image, the pair were later confirmed as George Mendonsa and Greta Zimmer Friedman.

The red paint was on the nurses leg, with no evidence of vandalism on any surrounding objects, and no available surveillance video of the area.

The Unconditional Surrender statue was vandalised with #MeToo just hours after George Mendonsas death Source: Sarasota Police Department

The police department estimates more than $1300 in damage was done to the statue, based on the resources needed to repair it. However, its understood the company contracted to clean the statue, Gorilla Kleen, removed the graffiti free of charge.

Divided opinion on historical kiss

But as police pleaded for information in their bid to track down the vandals, locals sparked a fiery debate about whether its time to take the statue down or not.

Take the statue down! It may be called Unconditional Surrender, but the circumstance was Involuntary Surrender, one woman wrote on the police Facebook post about the vandalism  referring to a 2005 interview where Ms Friedman said it wasnt my choice to be kissed.

She didnt know that guy, he just grabbed her and kissed her. She said that she did not want that to happen. Stop glorifying sexual assault.

Others agreed, adding their thoughts on the police departments Facebook post. YES! This is so long overdue and should be removed from our city, one wrote.

The sailor shown kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II died Sunday in 1945. Source: AP

Stop glorifying the taking of woman against their will, another added, while encouraging others to learn more about the history of the iconic imagery.

Story continues

Still, plenty of people said that the current #MeToo movement shouldnt be used as an excuse to deface a public statue that still represents a celebratory time in Americas history.

You youngsters just dont understand the exuberance of the end of WWII. That may be the most celebrated kiss in history. Sorry that your lens is so distorted on this moment, one person responded.

There are many other ways to get your point across other than defacing a beautiful statue. This statue is about the end of the war and the happiness that was shared.

Its believed statue was vandalised within 24 hours of the Mendonsas death. The 96-year-old was residing in an assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island with his wife of 70 years.

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Do you know more or have a story tip? Email: y7newsroom@yahoo7.com.au.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo7s daily newsletter. Sign up here.The United States said Tuesday it wanted to ensure foreign jihadists remain off the battlefield as it weighed options on an American detained in Syria who says she wants to return home. The United States has urged European powers to take back hundreds of their citizens who fought with the Islamic State movement in Syria, but acknowledged the situation was complex in the rare case of an American jihadist. Hoda Muthana, a 24-year-old from Alabama who became a prominent online agitator for the extremists, said in an interview published Sunday with The Guardian that she had been brainwashed online and "deeply regrets" joining the movement. While declining to discuss Muthana's case specifically, State Department deputy spokesman Robert Palladino said that the status of US citizens detained in Syria "is by definition extremely complicated." "We're looking into these cases to better understand the details," he told reporters. Palladino said that the United States generally did not see a different solution between what to do with US fighters and with foreigners, saying the fighters pose "a global threat." "Repatriating these foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin, ensuring that they are prosecuted and detained -- that's the best solution, preventing them from returning to the battlefield," he said. Hassan Shibly, a lawyer for Muthana, expressed dismay that US government officials had yet to interview her. "It's really problematic that The (New York) Times, The Guardian and ABC News have all been able to meet with her and interview her, and the government has not been able to do that," Shibly told AFP. The situation of foreign jihadists detained by US-allied Kurdish forces has taken a new urgency as President Donald Trump plans to withdraw US troops from Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces say they may have to refocus on fighting Turkey, which has vowed to crush Kurdish fighters it links to separatists at home. Trump has contemplated reopening the US military base at Guantanamo Bay to take in new foreign inmates, while Britain on Tuesday revoked the citizenship of a female jihadist who wanted to return home with her newborn baby. Neither option would likely pass muster in the cases of US citizens, who enjoy strong legal protections under the Constitution. Muthana, who was married three times to jihadists and has a son with one of her husbands, fled her family in 2014 to join the Islamic State group in Syria, where she took to Twitter to urge attacks on fellow Americans. In the interview with The Guardian, Muthana said that she was "really young and ignorant" when she joined IS and has since renounced radicalism. "I believe that America gives second chances. I want to return and I'll never come back to the Middle East," she told the newspaper. Shibly said "it's been a difficult journey for her, and she's relieved. She's very resentful to them for having misguided her and having brainwashed her and manipulated her and really destroying her life." Women stroll in a camp for people who were affilated with the Islamic State group in the northern Syrian village of Malikiya in September 2018Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson insists his side can still get past Bayern Munich in the Champions League despite their disappointing Anfield stalemate. Jurgen Klopp's team were forced to settle for a goalless draw at Anfield in the last 16 first leg on Tuesday after failing to break down Bayern's massed defence. Bayern have a formidable home record in Europe, making them the favourites to advance in some pundits' eyes. But a score draw in Munich in the second leg on March 13 would be enough to send Liverpool through to the quarter-finals and Robertson is confident they can achieve that goal. "Going over there is a new challenge but there's probably a bit more pressure on them than us because they are at home and their fans will start demanding things," he said. "We can try to play our game, try to create the chances we need and try to get goals and if that happens then it puts us in the driving seat." Liverpool found it impossible to break down a well-marshalled Bayern team that came to Anfield aware they would have to soak up plenty of pressure from the hosts. Klopp admitted it was frustrating that Liverpool couldn't find the killer pass or the composed finish required to finish off the Bundesliga champions. And Scotland left-back Robertson acknowledged it was a below-par effort from the Premier League title challengers. "We were at home so of course we were disappointed. We came up against a very experienced team, a team that has been there and done it for six or seven years now," he said. "They knew how to frustrate us and how to frustrate the fans and they did it well but we had chances and if we had taken them on another day the result would be different. "A clean sheet at home in the Champions League is so crucial because we know when we go over there and if we can grab one it means they have to score two. "These are all things that come into play and if we can be a bit more clinical I think we can score over there. "We back ourselves to win any game, whether it is home or away, which is why we are disappointed." With a huge league match at Manchester United on Sunday, Robertson said thoughts of the Bayern rematch would be put on the back-burner as Liverpool return to their bid for a first English title since 1990. "It's a long way away and it needs to be put to the back of the mind because we have some big Premier League games coming up so Bayern is forgotten about for now," he added. Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson is confident his side can still beat Bayern MunichThe fate of Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan was thrown into the spotlight Wednesday following media reports of a fraught discussion he had with senior US lawmakers over Syria. The exchange took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference last weekend, where politicians grilled Shanahan on President Donald Trump's contentious decision to withdraw US forces from Syria. Many in Trump's own Republican Party have questioned the wisdom of the move, which the president announced in December after declaring victory over the Islamic State group in Syria -- where thousands of jihadists remain and fighting continues around their last holdout. According to The Washington Post, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the leader of a delegation of lawmakers who had gone to Munich, asked Shanahan if he had told European allies that the US troop presence would be zero by April 30. "Yes, that's been our direction," Shanahan reportedly said. "That's the dumbest fucking idea I've ever heard," Graham told the Post he had responded. Shanahan had been trying to convince allies to maintain a troop presence in Syria after the US pulls out, but struggled to persuade other countries why they should risk their forces with America gone. Conservative news outlet Breitbart, which had been traveling with Graham in Europe, gave a similar account of the exchange. A US official told AFP that Graham's outrage was aimed more at Trump's withdrawal plans than it was at Shanahan himself. Graham reportedly described a number of possible outcomes for a precipitous US withdrawal, including a Turkish attack on US-backed Kurdish forces and a resurgence of IS. "If the policy is going to be that we are leaving by April 30, I am now your adversary, not your friend," Graham reportedly told Shanahan. Shanahan would need Senate confirmation if he is to lose his "acting" prefix. The former Boeing executive was previously deputy Pentagon chief until his predecessor Jim Mattis quit amid Trump's Syria decision and other disagreements. Shanahan took the Pentagon helm January 1 but has so far not been nominated to become permanent defense secretary, and several other names have been floated in Washington circles as potential candidates. Shanahan's spokesman Joe Buccino said the closed-door meeting between his boss and the US politicians was broadly "a positive, productive discussion on a wide range of global topics." Shanahan's trip to Europe, which marked his international debut as Pentagon chief, saw him also visit Afghanistan, where Trump wants to slash the US troop presence. Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan was quizzed by US lawmakers on President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw US forces from SyriaNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un must make a "meaningful" gesture if he wants to see sanctions lifted, US President Donald Trump said Wednesday ahead of a second summit between the two men. "The sanctions are on in full. I haven't taken sanctions off," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I'd love to be able to, but in order to do that, we have to do something that's meaningful on the other side." Trump and Kim are due to meet in Hanoi next week to discuss progress on the issue of North Korea's nuclear program since they first met in Singapore last year. "Chairman Kim and I have a very good relationship. I wouldn't be surprised to see something work out," Trump said, without providing further details. Trump reiterated his view that North Korea has "great" potential for economic development and suggested the Vietnam summit would not be the last. At their landmark meeting in Singapore last year, the US and North Korean leaders produced a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work toward "the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula." But progress has since stalled, with the two sides disagreeing over what that means. Trump on Tuesday said that while he hoped his next meeting with Kim would yield much progress, he was also in "no rush" for results. The two men are set to meet in Hanoi on February 27-28. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders meanwhile said Trump spoke by phone with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two men "reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of" North Korea. US President Donald Trump says North Korea's leader must make a "meaningful" gesture for the US to lift sanctions on his regimeGermany said Wednesday it would hold firm on its decision to halt weapons exports to Saudi Arabia, shrugging off British warnings that the embargo could hurt European credibility and efforts to bring peace in Yemen. "The stance of the government is that we won't deliver weapons to Saudi Arabia at the moment," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said after talks with his British counterpart about the decision taken in October over the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Any future decision would be "dependant on developments in the Yemen conflict and whether what was agreed in the Stockholm peace talks are implemented," added Maas referring to the Saudi-led war against Iran-backed rebels. Earlier Wednesday, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he would raise the issue with Maas, after Spiegel Online reported that the British minister had written to his German counterpart to complain about the arms embargo. Their differences were laid bare at a news conference following the talks. "In reality, because the UK has a strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia, we'd been able to play a very important part in making the Stockholm talks happen," said Hunt. "And we don't believe that changing our commercial relationship with Saudi Arabia will help that, in fact we worry that it would do the opposite -- it would reduce our influence on that process." In London, Britain's foreign ministry confirmed a letter from Hunt to Maas but did not give details because it was "private". Citing the letter, Spiegel reported that London had urged Berlin to exempt major European defence projects like Eurofighter or Tornados jets from the weapons embargo. Both the Eurofighter and Tornado jets contain German components. An export ban has therefore had a domino effect on other European companies involved in building the aircraft. Hunt had warned in his letter that Riyadh is already seeking compensation from Britain's BAE Systems over the German ban, Spiegel said. Germany's decision to freeze arms exports has also met with opposition from other European powers, including France, where President Emmanuel Macron had labelled it "pure demagoguery". Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt (L) and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas give a press conference following talks on February 20, 2019 in BerlinThe scandal was painting Australias efforts to strengthen anti-corruption measures and improve procurement standards as hypocritical, he said.

Paul Flanagan, a former Australian treasury bureaucrat who worked as a senior adviser to the PNG government, said news of the Paladin affair had spread quickly through the nations parliament, where it had become a hot issue.

SYDNEY - A former Papua New Guinea official has warned the Paladin scandal is undermining Australias efforts to stamp out corruption in the Pacific nation.

Any sense of hypocrisy totally undermines the ability for those who are trying to implement positive change, Flanagan said.

Whether it be here, or whether it be other examples of some of the discretionary grants, I just hear from some of those leading bureaucrats as well as parliamentarians, they just love quoting back how Australia doesnt live up to its own standards and the standards theyre asking PNG to step up to.

The fallout from the Paladin affair has continued to build pressure on the Australian government this week.

The PNG prime minister, Peter ONeill, issued a statement placing blame for the handling of the $423m contract squarely at Australias feet.

PNG MP and former prime minister, Sir Mekere Morauta, went further, saying it appeared the contract was being used as a way to peddle influence and demanded Australia explain itself.

At the very least it should explain why its usual procurement systems and processes have been abused or bypassed and why all the secrecy and spin, he said..

This has raised a lot of questions in terms of the bilateral relationship between Australia and PNG, said Arianne Kassman, executive director of Transparency International PNG.

Having transparency should be paramount in any bilateral partnership. And deals like the $423 million with Paladin is concerning for the taxpayers of Australia.

Kassman said the public needed an explanation about how deals like this are being allowed to take place.Now, we live in an era where what passes as the news is distributed through a multitude of media and an even larger number of outlets.

While this motto was and remains much admired, the days when the print media dominated the distribution of news have long since passed into history.

These seven words rapidly became adopted as the de facto motto of US journalism as a whole. The inference was that good journalism meant only reporting that which was true, verifiable and in the public interest.

ADELAIDE - In 1897, the New York Times adopted as its motto, All the news thats fit to print.

Disturbingly, many people now take news stories from outlets like Facebook or Twitter in preference to more reputable news organisations like the New York Times.

The USAs imperial President, HRH Donald Trump, has labelled the NYT as a principal purveyor of Fake News, which is to say that news and opinion he does not agree with or, worse still, which casts aspersions upon his magnificence.

That The Donald is obviously and manifestly both wrong and blatantly self-interested seems to have escaped the attention of far too many Americans, who continue to cling tenaciously to the Trumpian view of the world in which America is the hapless victim of perfidious Chinese communists, scheming European bureaucrats, criminal Latino illegal immigrants, some Russians and nasty socialists who think a national health system is a good idea.

Of course, Trump is just taking to its logical conclusion the efforts of all governments to duck, weave and spin their way out of trouble when expedient to do so.

The truth becomes a necessary casualty of this process.

Much of what now passes as news is focussed on the doings of the mad, the bad and the sad, as well as the hordes of so-called celebrities who now infest Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and the ubiquitous scandal sheets like New Idea, Womens Day, the National Enquirer, the Daily Mail and The Sun.

It is still possible to get access to news that is mostly true and verifiable through organisations like the New York Times (USA), The Times (UK), The Age (Australia) and the BBC, ABC and the USAs Public Broadcasting System, but it seems that only a minority of citizens bother to pay much attention to anything that is not salacious, fictitious, offensive or all three.

Disturbingly, much of the mainstream media in the democratic world has become captive to the neo-liberal conservative side of politics, the notable example being the Murdoch controlled News Corporation. Given just how pervasive this organisation is in all forms of media, this is very bad development for the health of democracies everywhere.

Papua New Guinea has not been immune from these trends in news reporting.

Its print media appears to have become captive to the whims of the government. If this were not true, the major newspapers would presumably be much more diligent in pursuing stories about the obvious incompetence, graft and corruption that now besets the country, to the great cost of its peoples.

The enemies of democracy have been quick to understand how the changes in the ways in which news is gathered, analysed and reported can be exploited to disrupt things like election campaigns.

It is notable that the identity politics which is a hallmark of the modern era in much of the democratic world can be and has been exploited to promote discord, disruption and distrust between different segments of the population.

Seldom has a well-intentioned set of ideas about recognising the real and legitimate issues of identity for many people as a step towards creating a fairer, more just and unified society been so effectively hijacked to create the very opposite effect to that intended.

Right now, the democratic world is more aware of what divides it than what unites it. This is hugely beneficial to the many authoritarian regimes that now proliferate across the globe.

They are able to present an entirely false impression of internal unity, stability and economic progress, ignoring the oppressive tactics used to stifle dissent and suppress any real expression of the popular will, as well as the dubious foundations of much of their economic success.

Worse still, they have become very adept at presenting themselves as rational and technocratic actors operating within the rule of law. In fact, they are merely the usual suspects, albeit dressed in good suits and, surprisingly often, highly educated at institutions like Harvard or Oxford or Paris or Bonn.

Only belatedly have democratic countries like the USA, Britain and Australia come to understand just how effectively they can be attacked and damaged through the use of various news media and outlets to influence public debate to promote discord, division and dissent.

The news, whether fit to print or not, has become weaponised at a more extreme level than ever before and far too many people are yet to fully realise this.

Happily, there are clear signs that a fight back is occurring. A hitherto undeclared Cyber War has begun between the forces of democracy and those of authoritarianism.

Much less happily, this war is being accompanied by the resumption of the nuclear arms race that many of us fervently hoped was a thing of the past. So a very hot war looms once again as a real possibility.

History shows that even small political miscalculations and misunderstandings have the capacity to escalate into full scale disasters without any of the major players involved actually intending such an outcome. World war is a classic example of this.

So, here we all are, stumbling or being dragged into a new Cold War in which the weapons, for now at least, are computer code and data but the damage being done is real and growing.

This is a war with no rules and no boundaries. Worse still, because no-one fully understands the potential or limitations of cyber warfare, an accidental lurch into an Armageddon scenario is an all too real risk.

In the digital world, if a thing is thinkable it can rapidly become feasible but the risks involved are frequently either misunderstood or ignored. This is the pathway to catastrophe down which we have stumbled far too often in the past.

The political class always assumes that such risks are manageable, only to be horribly disabused of this notion later on.

My great concern is that this vital lesson of history remains unknown to a new generation of politicians or, even worse, they harbour the entirely erroneous idea that they can somehow avoid the traps which snared their predecessors.

As far as PNG is concerned, it is no more immune from the impact of this new Cold War than the rest of us. The price of joining the digital world is being conscripted into the fight, on one side or the other.

I wonder which side the PNG government thinks it is on? That of its new friend, the Peoples Republic of China, or the democratic world?

The time to make a decision on this matter may be much closer than any of us think.It is common in the anti-corruption community when studying contracts to look for red flags, which point to heightened risks that a transaction may have been affected by improper or illegal dealings. The more red flags, the higher the risk, and the greater the need for a formal investigation.

The contracts went to Paladin Solutions PNG Ltd, whose principals include Ian Duncan Stewart and former Australian soldier come private security contractor, Craig Thrupp.

PORT MORESBY - Last week the Australian Financial Review published a series of hard-hitting investigative reports into the award of $423 million in security contracts for the Manus Island detention centre  a controversial mechanism used by the Australian government to offshore its widely criticised refugee policy.

And with an especially high priced transaction such as this, in an area of strategic importance for the Australian government (and in particular the Liberal Party, which holds onto government by a thin margin), it must and should come under close scrutiny.

There are a whole range of scenarios to be on the watch for, the most malevolent of which is that the Australian government knowingly awards an inflated contract to a company which it is aware will launder the money and solicit bribes to senior PNG politicians, who in turn will green light this deeply unpopular offshore method for processing asylum seekers.

PNGi has no evidence to suggest this was the case here, but the red flags described below certainly show that this scenario cannot be ruled out at this stage

Then there is the possibility that while the Australian government may not explicitly set out to bribe its PNG counterparts using a third party company, it consciously employs a highly opaque and high risk contracting process in the knowledge it will likely pump-prime bribes to PNG decision makers, getting Australia the all important green light (i.e. the see no evil, hear no evil, approach).

Again PNGi has no evidence to support this proposition, but the red flags are of such a substantive nature, it is a factual scenario that must be within the purview of the investigative authority appointed to scrutinise this scandal.

At the most benign level, there is the risk that in a bid to keep a lid on a highly sensitive policy mechanism at a time of electoral vulnerability, the Australian government pushed through an opaque and poorly run procurement process, in a bid to secure a contractor, especially one that is more immune to public pressure in Australia.

Given these different potential risks, it is critical contracts such as those awarded to Paladin Solutions are carefully examined for red flags  the more red flags, of a serious nature, the greater the likelihood something nefarious may have occurred.

Red Flag 1  Extravagant price

It is reported that Paladin Solutions PNG Ltd has been paid A$423 million for 22 months work. Although this amount is at first glance obscene, the real red flag lies in the estimated rate of profit.

The AFR estimates that Paladin Solutions monthly costs amount to A$3 million. Under the most recent contract they are receiving A$20 million per month from Australia. The industry standard is a 40% profit rate, would indicate A$4.5 million would be the broad market price paid for similar services.

Why is an exorbitant contract price a red flag?

It can denote hidden expenses associated with a bidding process, that are paid off the book i.e. bribes.

For example, in the Somare bribery scandal, an American national Philip Doerhman was successfully prosecuted in Singapore for his role in soliciting bribes to the Somare family. Doerhman told police:

[T]here were PNG government officials who would demand monies from us before they would do their jobs and hence we need to set aside such contingency funds for such demands for monies from government officials and presently demanding for more and more as we are near sign off, in particular one request for up to USD 5 million by Ambassador Dominic Diya which was reduced to USD 1 million.

Against this backdrop exceptionally large contract prices can signal that a contractor has built in costs for such contingency funds.

And when contracts are fixed illegally, there is no motivation to submit a competitive bid, so firms paying the bribes are incentivised to inflate their own rate of return. This is a particularly notorious problem in the countrys national health procurement system.

In the case of Paladin Solutions, we have no idea if any illegal payments were made. If a formal investigation is launched, Australian Federal Police will almost certainly be seeking access to the companys offshore bank records to detect whether anything improper took place.

Red Flag 2  Flawed Tender Process

Astonishingly the Financial Review reports that Paladin was exempted from complying with Commonwealth procurement rules:

The [Australian] federal government chose not to run an open tender process for contracts worth $423 million to provide security for refugees on Manus Island, raising more questions about how the thinly capitalised and inexperienced Paladin group was chosen. Government procurement documents show the Home Affairs Department ran a limited tender for both contracts won by Paladin, which typically means it was the only party invited to bid.

The provision of private security services is a pretty standard product these days, even for remote locations. Additionally, the Australian civil service is an experienced hand at running open and public tenders in an efficient manner. There is on the face of it no compelling reason why the Australian government would use an opaque method for running a tender of such high value, in a very sensitive policy area.

This is a red flag that the tender has potentially been fixed in an improper or illegal manner.

Our own national courts are replete with evidence how certificates of inexpediency, which allow government to avoid competitive tenders in emergency situations, have been abused for illegal ends.

Hence when we observe governments avoid open, competitive tenders without any compelling reason, the risk of misdealing is amplified.

Once married to the fact that the tender price was well above the industry average, this red flag is screaming high risk to the Australian taxpayer.

Link to the full article here to read about the other eight red flagsYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a condolence letter to the family of Louise Manoogian Simone on the occasion of her demise. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the condolence letter runs as follows,

It was with deep grief that I learned about the death of Louise Manoogian Simone, a great philanthropist of Armenian origin and outstanding national figure. Her death is really a great loss for our entire people to whom she served with endless devotion and great responsibility.

The contribution of Louise Manoogian Simone to the mission of preservation of the Armenian identity, development of independent Armenia and empowerment of the Armenian Apostolic Church is invaluable. Living far away from the Motherland, she was closely tied with Armenia, showing caring attitude toward her compatriots and serving as an example and inspiration for many other philanthropists.

Assuming the high post of the Armenian General Benevolent Union in a decisive period for Armenia, she spared no efforts for the elimination of the consequences of Spitak earthquake and the Artsakh war. Thanks to her efforts numerous educational, cultural, and charity projects came into life in Armenia and communities with large Armenian population in the Diaspora.

With her patriotic and productive activities Louise Manoogian Simone has left a lasting trace in the modern history of the Armenian people and Armenia.

I offer my deep condolences and solidarity to all the relatives of and friends of Louise Manoogian Simone and our entire people on the occasion of this bereavement.

Edited and translated by Tigran SirekanyanYEREVAN, 20 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 20 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.09 drams to 487.59 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 2.15 drams to 553.22 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.05 drams to 7.41 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 5.82 drams to 635.72 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 139.43 drams to 20914.64 drams. Silver price up by 0.28 drams to 247.37 drams. Platinum price up by 49.36 drams to 12713.54 drams.YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. The ministry of transport, communication and information technologies informs that on February 20, as of 17:00, Vardenyats Pass is closed for trailer trucks.

Clearing operations are underway, the ministry told Armenpress.

All the remaining roads of republican and interstate significance are open in Armenia.

Edited and translated by Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Defense minister of Georgia Levan Izoria and his delegation will visit Yerevan on February 21, Gruzia Online reported.

Defense minister of Armenia Davit Tonoyan and his Georgian counterpart will sign a bilateral cooperation agreement.

Within the frames of the agreement, it is planned to organize high-level mutual visits, cooperate in the field of military education and law.

This is the Georgian defense ministers first visit to Armenia after assuming office.

Edited and translated by Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Fearless, perfect, a superpower in the world of military orchestra  this is how the Middle Easts leading English-language newspaper The National has described the Armenian Military Orchestras performance at the opening ceremony of IDEX 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

The brilliantly performed drill commands and music by the Guards of Honor and the Armenian Military Orchestra impressed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, as the two were seen on big screens leading the applause.

No-one was quite sure why the Armenian Military Orchestra was taking part, until they started, that is. Armenia, it turns out, is a superpower in the world of military orchestras. A general fearlessly marched a gauntlet of swords slashing up and down in perfect symmetry, allowing him the pass through unharmed. An impressed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, were pictured on big screens leading the applause, The National said in an article on IDEX 2019 entitled A show of military might and modern warfare.

The performance of the Armenian military was so impressing that even The Guardian mentioned it in an unrelated article about the expo. Khaleeji bagpipe band, a colourful aircraft display, a performance by the Armenian Military Orchestra and a big show of support from the Emirate royal families, The Guardian said. Gulf News also weighed in, noting the performance to be one of the outstanding moments of the inauguration. The opening ceremony was marked by a mock military operation as well as performances by the UAE military band, Abu Dhabi police band and Armenian military orchestra.

The ceremonial guards were among the Armenian military delegation led by Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan to the 2019 International Defense Exhibition and Conference, one of the largest arms expos in the Middle East.

The Armenian Defense Ministry participated at the IDEX 2019 arms expo, presenting the following Armenia-made defense technologies.

Electro-optic countermeasure system 3K01

Pancratic sniper sight 3*9

Sniper Rifle K-8

Thermal imaging gunner sight for T72A tank

Inductive mine detector RIA-1

Bulletproof vest GS-47/0717

Various types of reconnaissance UAVs, all in final stages of development, with proven technologies

Military and tactical boots

MJ-25 sectoral search semi-stationary VHF radar (Model 1:10)

Microwave transistor amplifier for target detection HFAS-75G

Earlier in January, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, invited Armenian Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan to participate at the event.

Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled his visit to Moscow scheduled on February 21 within the frames of which he was expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Jerusalem Post reported.

The Israeli PM made such a decision due to the domestic political situation in the country, according to the newspaper.

On February 19 the Kremlin said in a statement that Putin and Netanyahu will hold talks on February 21. The two leaders are expected to discuss the urgent issues of the bilateral cooperation, first of all, in commercial and humanitarian areas, as well as to exchange views on the current situation in the Middle East, including the Israeli-Palestinian settlement issues and the situation in Syria, the statement said.

Edited and translated by Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a condolence letter over the death of national figure and philanthropist Louise Manoogian Simone, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

With deep sorrow I have learnt the news of the death of dignified daughter of our people, national figure and philanthropist Louise Manoogian Simone.

This is a major loss for Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenians worldwide because Mrs. Manoogian Simone had the closest connection with what is called Armenian and Armenia, by always standing with and among them.

As a deserving child of her patriotic parents  National Hero of Armenia Alex Manoogian and Mrs. Marie Manoogian, as the President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and philanthropist, her services provided to the Homeland, the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian people worldwide are really unique with their volumes and content.

Since Armenias independence, Armenia and Artsakh became the target of her patriotic activity to which Mrs. Manoogian Simone remained devoted up to the end of her life. As a longtime President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, member of the Board of Trustees and honorary member of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, she initiated and implemented numerous programs both in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora.

That Great Woman with her comprehensive activities and reputation goes beyond the national boundaries and presents our people at best at the international level.

At this difficult moment of a pan-national loss, I extend my sincere and deepest condolences to her family and relatives, brother Richard Manoogian, her three children, grandchildren, the AGBU, the Board of Trustees, sharing everyones grief, reads the Presidents condolence letter.

Louise Manoogian Simone has passed away on February 18 at the age of 86. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 19, 1933. Her father, Alex Manoogian, National Hero of Armenia, philanthropist, had a great contribution to combining all Armenians worldwide.

Edited and translated by Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. The opening ceremony of an exhibition titled Armenia in Ancient Maps was held in the Public Library of Lithuanian city of Siauliai on February 19, the Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress.

The event has been organized by the Armenian Embassy in Lithuania and the Public Library of Siauliai by the support of the citys Armenian community.

It was attended by MPs, members of the Lithuania-Armenia parliamentary friendship group Arunas Gumuliauskas and Stasys Tumenas, the representatives of the city authorities, cultural figures, as well as Armenian community representatives.

The exhibition enabled to get acquainted with the history of the Armenian people based on facts.

Armenian Ambassador to Lithuania Tigran Mkrtchyan in his welcoming remarks stated that the organization of the exhibition doesnt pursue any political goal, it presents Armenia at different historical periods with facts that are formed on scientific and cultural basis.

The Ambassador thanked the Library directorate and head of the Armenian community of Siauliai Rafik Kazarian for the assistance provided for holding the event.

The exhibition is open until March 4, 2019.

Edited and translated by Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan met with Artsakhs State Minister Grigory Martirosyan on February 19.

During the meeting the sides attached importance to the high level of partnership and ensuring the smooth process of implementation of joint programs, for the benefit of the continuous development of the two Armenian countries, Avinyans office said.

Avinyan and Martirosyan concurred that sectoral policies and major projects that are being carried out in Armenia and Artsakh should be combinable and harmonious.

Prospects of implementing projects of joint interest in agriculture, transportation and infrastructure, urban development and energy were discussed.

The sides also discussed issues of digitization, increasing the efficiency of the state administration system, and staffing policy.

Edited and translated by Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan on February 20 sent a condolence letter to the family of Louise Manoogian Simone who has passed away at the age of 86, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The letter runs as follows:

We have learnt with deep sorrow in Artsakh about the death of Armenian national philanthropist, public figure Louise Manoogian Simone. All her life she stood by the native people, outlived their concerns, supported the Motherland, actively participated in the process of establishing and strengthening Armenian national structures in the Diaspora, continuing with dignity the patriotic mission of her family.

With the immediate contribution of Lousie Manoogian Simone multiple projects of strategic importance have been implemented in Artsakh in different spheres. The great philanthropist enjoyed infinite and genuine respect in Artsakh.

On behalf of the Artsakh people, authorities and myself personally I express my deepest condolences and support to the relatives and friends of the deceased wishing them endurance and strength of spirit.

The name of Louise Manoogian Simone will always remain bright in the hearts of those who knew her and in the memory of our people.

Edited and translated by Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Recently Co-Founder and Director General at Ucom Hayk Yesayan visited Sergei Parajanovs museum and provided smartphones for the implementation of the museums audio guide services. For the museum staff that hosts around 20 000 visitors a year, the audio guide is an essential and awaited support, Ucom told Armenpress.

Having audio guides was a very important issue for us, because during the high touristic seasons the amount of our staff members is often not sufficient to host all the visitors. People used to arrive from faraway countries and complain when they couldnt hear the explanation of the guide at the moment. The audio guide is available from January 1. Although this was an unfamiliar process for us in terms of implementation, its wonderful that it was realized thanks to Ucom, said Zaven Sargsyan, Director of Sergey Parajanovs museum.

Since 1991 the genius film director and artists museum has exhibited his creative heritage not only in Yerevan, but also in different countries around the world. The museum has organized more than 60 international exhibitions, thus arousing great interest to S. Parajanovs art.

To my amazement, Ive learnt today that the museum is open every day from January 1 to December 31, and this digitization moves them one step forward so that everyone can see, hear, and understand what the great master was divergent for in the Soviet era. The audio guide will help tell Parajanovs legacy in different languages, which is important not only for us, Armenians, but it is also a lasting value of universal importance for those interested in art. The preservation of such values is a priority. As you remember, two years ago Ucom assisted to implement the Greater Armenia, 360 degrees project, thanks to which the most important pieces of the cultural heritage of Western Armenia were immortalized, and sadly some of them are preserved today only in digital option, said Hayk Yesayan, Co-Founder and Director General at Ucom.

Let us add, that Ucom supports technically and provides free of charge internet access to a number of cultural hubs, including the National Gallery of Armenia, the area adjacent to Garni temple, the Central Library after Avetik Isahakyan and dozens of other cultural sites.YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Healthcare minister of Armenia Arsen Torosyan will hold a working meeting with the MPs of My Step faction of the Parliament on February 20, the ministers spokeswoman Alina Nikoghosyan told Armenpress.

Last week the minister made a meeting proposal to the faction head Lilit Makunts, the spokeswoman said.

She also informed that there will a discussion and Q&A session over several programs of the ministry.

Earlier the My Step faction had a working meeting with Chairman of the State Revenue Committee Davit Ananyan and Finance minister Atom Janjughazyan in the Parliament.

Edited and translated by Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. The first ceremonies in the Forty Martyrs Armenian Cathedral of Aleppo after restoration will be held in March-April, RIA Novosti reported.

The Church has been destroyed by the Islamic State militants in April 2015.

Large-scale works have been carried out. We had to completely reconstruct the destroyed corridor. We have used the ancient stones which were maintained, collected them and put on the new ones. This was the most difficult work, engineer Gabris Tamasyan said.

The restoration works will be completed soon. New doors, windows and benches have already been installed in the Cathedral.

The Church is being restored by the donations of the believer Armenian community of Aleppo.

Edited and translated by Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Minister of economic development and investments Tigran Khachatryan received Rafik Mansour, Charge dAffaires, a.i. of the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia, the ministry told Armenpress.

The Armenian minister thanked for the visit and noted: The issues on the competitiveness of the private sector, protection of investments and improvement of the business climate must be under our joint spotlight. Please in this context address us the issues you notice in order to give them the most practical response. With the consistency of our actions we want to strengthen the belief among the people that the free access to the economic activity field, equal competition are irreversible.

Congratulations on your appointment as minister. I wish you good luck on pushing forward the necessary reforms for Armenias stable and inclusive economic growth. The United States is ready to continue the close cooperation with the Armenian government in its efforts to guarantee more prosperous future for its citizens, Rafik Mansour said.

The sides discussed issues relating to the attraction of American investments and the current agenda of cooperation.

Edited and translated by Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. The traffic department of the German infrastructure ministry told Armenias ministry of transport, communication and information technologies that on February 20, 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 20, ARMENPRESS. Armenias trade turnover with the member states of the European Union has recorded a major growth in 2018, comprising 1 billion 830 million 74 thousand USD, moreover, the export grew by nearly 8%. The GSP+ privileged trade regime and the new electronic system for certification of origin of goods greatly contributed to the boosting of the commercial relations and the facilitation of the export process.

Artur Maysuryan, head of the Department of Cooperation with the EU at the ministry of economic development and investments, gave an interview to ARMENPRESS on the topic.

The Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement creates preconditions for improving the trade regulation and investment environment between Armenia and the EU through more active bilateral cooperation in a number of sectors, ensuring transparency of commercial environment, exchange of experience and elimination of barriers. By this, in particular, the partnership in intellectual property rights, competitiveness protection, customs affairs, technical barriers of trade and other areas will be improved. All these factors create preconditions for the business to raise stability and predictability, further intensify the business ties and contacts between the sides, deepen and develop the cooperation in all areas, and raise the bilateral ties to a qualitatively new, higher level, he said, stating that this will, of course, positively affect the intensification of commercial relations.

According to the data of the National Statistical Committee, Armenias trade turnover with the EU states increased by 19% in 2018, comprising 1 billion 830 million 74 thousand USD, against the 1 billion 537 million 564 thousand USD of 2017. Among the EU states, the greatest trade turnover volume was registered in Germany  427 million 993.3 thousand USD, against the 334 million 279.5 thousand USD of January-December 2017, increasing 28%.

The export volume from Armenia to the EU states in 2018 comprised 683 million 847 thousand USD, against the 633 million 757 thousand USD, increasing 7.9%. The greatest export volume from Armenia to the EU states was registered in Bulgaria  215 million 270 thousand USD, although compared to the previous year, this figure declined by nearly 23.8%. The next biggest export volume was recorded to Germany  136 million 79 thousand USD, increasing by 2.2% as compared to 2017. The third largest share of export belongs to the Netherlands - 132 million 356 thousand USD, increasing 49.4% compared to 2017.

The ministry of economic development and investments informed that among the goods exported from Armenia to the EU states are copper ores, fertilizers, aluminum foil, alcoholic drinks, precious stones and metals, molybdenum and etc.

The ministry said that another factor also contributed to the facilitation of the export process to the EU states. Since January, 2018, Registered Exporter System-REX, an online system of certification of origin of goods that applies in the Generalised System of Preference (GSP+) of the EU, has been introduced in Armenia. This system enables the exporter to cut the expenses and save time.

Interview by Anna Grigoryan

Edited and translated by Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. The Matenadaran, the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, is going to implement major programs in 2019 both in terms of book-publishing, scientific conferences and exhibitions.

Director of the Matenadaran Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan gave an interview to ARMENPRESS, talking about the publication of series of books.

Among these book series, the Matenagirk Hayots (Armenian Classical Authors) has a special significance, which covers our entire bibliography from the first text written in Armenian up to the one written in late 18th century. In other words, our entire medieval heritage is collected in one place, he said, adding that the publication of the series of books is a very important work. All experts of Armenian studies across the world are looking forward to these volumes. This process is financed by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, for which we express our gratitude, he added.

The Director of the Institute also introduced the publication of Mayr Tsutsak (the Main Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts), 9 volumes of which already exist, and this year it is planned to publish the 10th volume.

The Armenian manuscripts of Matenadaran have a list, but it is brief. Currently we are publishing a very thorough, detailed list which requires great efforts, but it will provide much more comprehensive data to the researcher, he said.

The Matenadaran also attaches great importance to the colophons of Armenian manuscripts which include information about a concrete manuscript when it was written, in which conditions and etc.

These colophons are an important source and they have a great significance for the centuries when historiography was facing to say a sterile period. The historiography faced decline from the second half of the 14th century up to the early 17th century. When you have no historical texts, are unable to collect information about that century, these colophons become an exclusive source. Therefore, historians attach great importance to these, Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan said. The last volume of these colophons has been published in 1988. Last year by the efforts of researcher Arpenik Ghazaryan a new volume has been released which gave a new breath to this valuable series of books. Another one is expected to be published in 2019.

In 2018 Matenadaran carried out a very active exhibition works both in Armenia and abroad. This year new exhibitions are expected in the Matenadaran, the exhibition of archival documents and that of ancient books will change.

This year we plan to introduce innovation by the use of new technologies. We have a big map which presents the writing centers in Armenia and different countries of the world. By the new project we plan to present the writing centers on the electronic map in an interactive way, he said.

Matenadaran continues to be supplemented with new manuscripts. It received over 50 new manuscripts in 2018, which included a major donation  27 manuscripts, provided by the Pan-National Cultural Union. Last year the Institute also received interesting archival collections.

This year it is planned to hold an international scientific conference dedicated to the 90th anniversary of second Director of the Matenadaran Sen Arevshatyan. He developed and pushed forward the Armenian medieval philosophy direction, and it would be better it this conference contributes to bringing new specialists on this field, he added.

Interview by Anna Gziryan

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan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!)Poroshenko intends to remind everyone from the highest rostrum in the world once again about the Russian aggression

Poroshenko at UNGA, Feb 20, 2019 ukraineun.org

The General Assembly of the United Nations in New York holds a session to discuss the situation in the occupied territories of Ukraine. The Ukrainian delegation is headed by President Petro Poroshenko, who is on a working visit to the United States. The session was broadcasted on UNGA website.

According to the Deputy of the Head of the Presidential Administration, Poroshenko intends to remind everyone from the highest rostrum in the world once again about the Russian aggression, which includes not only military attacks but also humanitarian and ecological crimes.

The trip also includes the meeting with the President of the United Nations General Assembly; the program is rather hectic as well. It will be a short one-day visit, as the President has to Poroshenkoreturn to Ukraine, - Yelisieiev added.

Earlier, the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summarized the events from the beginning of the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine to the fifth anniversary of the aggression. According to the information, over 13,000 Ukrainian citizens were killed, 30,000 were wounded and 1.5 million were forced to become displaced people.

Russian aggression caused the mass destruction of Donbas, usurpation of the Ukrainian possessions on the occupied territories of Crimea, the mass violation of the international and humanitarian law, political harassment and intimidation of the Ukrainian people in order to suppress any anti-occupational views and to speed up the militarization process of the occupied peninsula.According to Yevhen Marchuk, this is talks between Ukraine and Russia, representatives of the separate districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions are involved only if needed

Yevheniy Marchuk, newly appointed representative of Ukraine in the Trilateral Contact Group Radio Liberty screenshot

The work of the Trilateral Contact Group on peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine provides direct talks between Ukraine and Russia with the moderation of OSCE, the representatives of the separate districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions are being involved if needed, as Ukraines representative to the group, Yevgen Marchuk said, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

Many dont know, so I will say some words. The negotiations begin  Russian, Ukrainian representatives and OSCE moderator. Thats it. This way the talks are sincerer, Marchuk said.

He explained that when the process of the negotiations on such level is exhausted, the representative of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics are being involved.

To make it more clear, the Trilateral Contact Group - it is Ukraine, Russia and OSCE, and the rest are invited is there is a problem, Marchuk told.

As it was reported, Russias delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group left the room when the conversation was about the Ukrainian sailors.Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Lyudmyla Denisova intends to hold the meeting with Russian Ombudswoman Tatiana Moskalkova within her visit to Greece as the Ukrainian official reported on Facebook.

According to Denisova, she aims to Athens, where she will hold a few meetings.

I want to finally communicate with Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana Moskalkova, who will come to Greece at the same time with me. I will raise the issue of the observance of the norms of the international humanitarian law toward the Ukrainian political prisoners and POWs sailors by Russia, the ombudswoman said.

Denisova also promised that she will not ignore the issue of the provision of the sailors with qualified medical aid and proper conditions of detention.

On November 25, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy attacked the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian ships were rejected passage via the Kerch Strait, Russian coast guards opened aimed fire on them.

All 24 sailors on board were captured and delivered to Moscow  21 of them were delivered to Lefortovo remand center, another - to the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison.

On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border' during the attack in the Kerch Strait.

Facing an extension of the sentence term, Ukrainian POWs detained in the Kerch Strait refused to testify in Lefortovo court. Sailors were distributed into six groups, four people in each. On January 15, 2019, Moscow's Lefortovo district court decided to keep 20 Ukrainian sailors in remand until April 24. On January 16, the court extended the detention term for another 4 sailors.

As we reported, lawyer Nikolai Polozov, who deals with the defense of Ukrainian prisoners of war, confirmed that three Ukrainian sailors wounded in the Russian Navy attack on Ukrainian ships were brought from Matrosskaya Tishina to Lefortovo prison in Moscow. He also added that it happened on Monday, January 28.

Related video:Over three months of detention in Russian prison, the seamen have not had any access to qualified treatment, Lyudmyla Denisova said

Andriy Artemenko, Andriy Eider and Vasyl Soroka, the wounded Ukrainian sailors will undergo medical examination at a hospital - not in the remand centre in Moscow where they are held now. Lyudmyla Denisova, the Ukrainian parliamentary envoy for human rights reported that on Facebook.

'According to Russian envoy for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova, three wounded Ukrainian POWs, seamen Andriy Artemenko, Andriy Eider and Vasyl Soroka will be sent for an examination at a hospital. Finally, Russia listened to the calls of Ukraine and the entire civilized world to provide them with the medical assistance', Denisova wrote.

She added she'd hoped that there would be something more than mere statements by Moskalkova; over three months of detention in the Russian prison, the seamen have not had any access to the qualified treatment.

On November 25, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy attacked the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian ships were rejected passage via the Kerch Strait, Russian coast guards opened aimed fire on them.

All 24 sailors on board were captured and delivered to Moscow  21 of them were delivered to Lefortovo remand center, another - to the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison.

On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border' during the attack in the Kerch Strait.

Facing an extension of the sentence term, Ukrainian POWs detained in the Kerch Strait refused to testify in Lefortovo court. Sailors were distributed into six groups, four people in each. On January 15, 2019, Moscow's Lefortovo district court decided to keep 20 Ukrainian sailors in remand until April 24. On January 16, the court extended the detention term for another 4 sailors.President Petro Poroshenko signed the law No. 9037 on the amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine, which stipulates the country's intentions to enter the EU and NATO.

The head of the state did this during the extraordinary session of the Ukrainian Parliament timed to the fifth anniversary of the beginning of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine.

The law submits changes to the Constitution's preamble, stating that the Parliament supports the European identity of the Ukrainian nation and the irrevocable nature of Ukraine's European and Atlantic path.

Specific provisions grant the Parliament the authority to implement the principles of the internal and external policy and the strategic course of the country's membership in the EU and NATO. The President guarantees the implementation of this course. The government is also responsible for the practical implementation of the mentioned course.

The document cancels the legal norm that lets foreign military units deploy their bases on the territory of Ukraine.The President of Ukraine tagged this law as an urgent one

The President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko proposes the Verkhovna Rada to admit foreign military to participate in the multinational drills in 2019, as the draft law 10067 registered in the Parliament.

The document is tagged as urgent.

It says that it referred to the multinational drills on the preparation of the Armed Forces units, Ukrainian American drills Rapid Trident  2019, Sea Breeze 2019, the Ukrainian Romanian drills Riverain-2019, multinational drills Maple Ark-2019 and Ukrainian British drills Warrior Watcher-2019.

The draft law was passed to the specialized committee for consideration on February 19.

Earlier, Poroshenko signed the law on amendments to the Ukrainian Constitution on EU, NATO integration yesterday, on February 20.

Related video:According to the lawyer Mykola Polozov, the Kremlin has not expressed any position concerning the release of the POWs

Russian authorities continue banning the Ukrainian sailors, kept in Lefortovo prison, to meet with their relatives, as the lawyer Mykola Polozov said on air of 112 Ukraine.

We see the Kremlins consistent position on a ban on family visits, and refusal to communicate with the officials, including Ukrainian Ombudsman Lyudmyla Denisova, the lawyer noted.

According to him, the representatives of the POWs defence are allowed to visit them on schedule.

Speaking of the negotiations, the Kremlin has not expressed any position concerning the release of the POWs, Polozov added.

Earlier, the lawyer stated that Russias authorities put psychological pressure on the Ukrainian sailors and demand that they sign a deal with the prosecution.

On November 25, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy attacked the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian ships were rejected passage via the Kerch Strait, Russian coast guards opened aimed fire on them.

All 24 sailors on board were captured and delivered to Moscow  21 of them were delivered to Lefortovo remand center, another - to the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison.

On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border' during the attack in the Kerch Strait.

Facing an extension of the sentence term, Ukrainian POWs detained in the Kerch Strait refused to testify in Lefortovo court. Sailors were distributed into six groups, four people in each. On January 15, 2019, Moscow's Lefortovo district court decided to keep 20 Ukrainian sailors in remand until April 24. On January 16, the court extended the detention term for another 4 sailors.

Related video:According to the lawyer Galabal, there are still many aspects which influence which hamper the process

The investigation of the murders in Maidan during Revolution of Dignity, as the lawyer of the relatives of the Heavenly Hundred Markiyan Galabal said on air of 112 Ukraine.

The process of investigation is being hampered, and as the representatives of the victims, who is involved in this since 2014, I have to confirm this fact all the time. It is being hampered from different sides  the law enforcement agencies, the judicial branch. There are still many aspects which impede the process, he stated.

The lawyer also told on what the terms of the trial depend.

The legislative shortcomings are the barriers  the fact that the duration of the transitional provisions, which allowed consideration of the case in absentia expires. Amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine are required to pass this case to the court, Galabala said.

As it was reported, on February 20, Ukraine commemorates the heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.

One of the most tragic events in the history of independent Ukraine took place in Kyiv on Maidan Nezalezhnosti 4 years ago, on February 18-20, 2014 - the brutal execution of participants of the Revolution of Dignity. During the clashes in the center of the capital, 73 civilians and 11 law enforcers were killed. The Trade Unions Building on Maidan burnt to the ground.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko posthumously awarded 104 Heroes of Heavenly Hundreds the title of Heroes of Ukraine, as well as three foreigners - a citizen of Belarus Mikhail Zhiznevsky, Georgia - Zurab Khurtsia and David Kipiani. They were posthumously awarded the Order of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes.

Relate video:February 20 is the day of commemoration of the Euromaidan protesters, who were killed by law enforcers and government-hired thugs; on this particular day, the bloody street fights reached the climax, as dozens of people were gunned down by snipers in the downtown Kyiv

February 20 marks one of the most remarkable, yet stunningly scary days of the modern Ukrainian history. Five years ago, on this particular day, dozens of unarmed people fell victims of the shootout at Instytutska street, in the very heart of the Ukrainian capital. Snipers of the law enforcement agencies gunned down protesters who tried to approach their positions in the government quarter, carrying light metal shields to protect themselves.

73 civilians and 11 law enforcers were killed in the gruesome street fights that occurred in Kyiv on February 18-20. The Trade Unions Building on Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square was burnt to the ground, as the law enforcers infiltrated the building and set it on fire. A number of wounded protesters deceased as they could not leave the building; some were evacuated, though.

The deceased are collectively known as the Heavenly Hundred; this is the reference to the organization structure of Euromaidan's Self-Defense, as the activists were divided into hundreds.

Heroes of Heavenly Hundred Open source

It was on February 20 that the most protesters were killed. At night, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution "On condemning violence, which led to the death of civilians in Ukraine."

President Petro Poroshenko posthumously awarded 104 Heroes of Heavenly Hundreds the title of Heroes of Ukraine. That number includes three foreigners: citizen of Belarus Mikhail Zhiznevsky (killed in January 2014), and two Georgians, Zurab Khurtsia and David Kipiani. All three were posthumously awarded the Order of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes.

As far as the investigation into these crimes goes, many blindspots remained. Some of the suspects in the murders of activists are in custody, but many attackers and contractors of these murders are walking free. The investigation team, which involves the key law enforcement agencies of Ukraine, still has not identified all the attackers. The contractors, those who ordered to shoot, are identified, but they fled the country even before they ended up on the wanted list. Besides, the experts found out that shooters took the firearms they used on February 18-20 with them, as they fled the country, too.

Amnesty International says the Ukrainian criminal justice system has "resisted and obstructed justice" when dealing with the human rights violations committed by police during the Euromaidan protests five years ago. Colm O'Cuanachain, senior director at the office of the London-based group's secretary-general, made the comment on February 19. As of the end of 2018, the Ukrainian Prosecutor-General's Office had identified 441 suspects, most of them former law enforcement officers, according to Amnesty. The rights watchdog said that the cases of 288 individuals had been sent to court, 52 of them resulting in court decisions. Out of 48 convictions, "only nine custodial sentences were handed down," it added, and not one of those jailed was a former police officer. Justice for most victims who suffered at the hands of Ukrainian police "is still not even in sight," Cuanachain said. "Promises were made, strong words were said by the post-Yanukovych authorities, but time and facts speak volumes."The representatives of the ministry still assure that there is no epidemic in the country

Open source

Since the flu epidemic season began in Ukraine, 33 death cases were registered, as the press office of the Health Ministry reports.

Another person died from flu over the week, Since the beginning of the fly epidemic season, 33 death cases were registered, the message says.

At the same time, it was noted that there is no flu epidemic in the country.

The flu and SARS prevalence rate is 516,7 per 100,000 people, which is less than the epidemic threshold by 0,4%, the ministry informs.

In general, according to the establishment, over the last week, 198,902 people got sick with the flu and SARS, 73,3% of them are children at the age up to 17 years. Since the morbidity season began (October 2018), 9,4% Ukrainians had flu or SARS. Influenza A virus attacked the citizens.

Since the beginning of the epidemic season, 161,193 people got vaccinated, 408  over the past week, the message reads.

Related video:Open source

The tourists from Western Europe, the U.S. and China begin to visit Ukraine more often as Ministry of the Economic Development and Trade reported.

The qualitative gains took place in the structure of the foreign tourist flow to Ukraine. The State Border Guard Service spotted the growth of the number of tourists from the non-border states, particularly Europe: Spain by 68%, Great Britain by 47,3%, Lithuania by 23,4%, Italy by 15,4%, Germany by 13,3%, France by 9,2% and India by 57,4%, China by 38,8%, Japan by 38,3%, Israel by 21,7% and the U.S. by 19^. The border crossing, conversely, decreased, the message said.

The department is sure that such changes in the structure of the tourist flow became the result of the promotion of Ukraine at the international tourist market, bilateral cooperation, visa liberalization, increase of the offers of the direct and budget air traffic.

Consequently, the incomes from the tourist fee also increased by 29,2% and made $3,34 million.

The cumulative incomes from the tourist fee and tax payments from the tourist sphere increased by 20,7% up to $154,5 million. It shows the growth of the volume of the inner tourist flows and efficiency of the implementation of the decentralization reform, particularly, the increase of the fiscal discipline in places, the message said.

As we reported the number of entry bans for Israeli citizens in Ukraine has grown up lately. On February 19, Ukraine's state border guards did not let the group of tourists from Israel into Ukraine. A group of visitors and a guide consisted of more than 30 people.Donald Cook came to the Black Sea for the second time since the beginning of 2019

The forces of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation organized the routinely monitor of the American destroyer Donald Cook, which entered the Black Sea as TASS reported.

On February 19, 2019, at 17:00 at Moscow time, the guided missile destroyer of the United States NavyDonald Cook entered the waters of the Black Sea. The appointed forces and means of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation organized the routinely monitor of the American destroyer, the message said.

The Buyan-class corvette Orekhovo-Zuevo and intelligence vessel Ivan Khurs follow the American destroyer.

Donald Cook aims to the Black Sea through the Dardanelles Strait to hold the operations on the provision of the security and enhancing of the regional stability, increasing of the operational status and military and naval capacity along with the allies in NATO and partners in the region.

As we reported Werra, the warship of the German Navy will join the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two (SNMCMG 2) in the Black Sea.

Earlier, Germany reassured that it was ready to continue the support of Ukraine in the de-escalation and deterrence of the Russian armed aggression, including the provision of the military presence of the naval vessels of German Navy in the Black Sea as Ukraines Defense Ministry reported.Head of Political Council of Party Opposition platform  For life Viktor Medvedchuk is prosecuted for his plan on settlement of Donbas Conflict

The mass media continue to discuss the pressure put on Head of Political Council of Party Opposition platform  For life Viktor Medvedchuk due to his plan on the settlement of Donbas Conflict. The number of the publication on this issue appeared in the world news agencies.

French online media Varavux called the criminal proceeding opened against Medvedchuk for his urge to fulfill the political element of the Minsk Agreements repressions. The editors office of the Warsaw Institute possesses a similar opinion.

Particularly, the article Medvedchuk under the gun says:

The opposition politician is still the only communication channel with Kremlin, particularly, concerning the issue of the prisoners exchange. But now he became the threat for the candidates, who use the anti-Russian rhetoric at the elections.

The Swiss newspaper Neue Zurich Zeitung emphasizes The accusations of Medvedchuk of the state treason will only increase the polarization of the Ukrainian society.

In his turn, Viktor Medvedchuk stated that despite the pressure, he is not going to change his opinion and plans to defend the ways of the peaceful settlement of Donbas Conflict.

According to the Plan-conception, which provides the creation of the Autonomous Donbas region as the part of Ukraine in Donbas, which provides the device through the bodies of the state government such as the parliament, government and other bodies, which will carry out the vital functions of Donbas.

We offer to amend the Constitution, which will define the status of the Autonomous Donbas region. I can say it right now to the nationally concerned and weak-minded people as in the current government and those, who are heading for it: our plan is a reality, which is based on the Main Law of Ukraine, Medvedchuk said.

As we reported earlier, Viktor Medvedchuk, the politician and the head of 'Ukrainsky Vybir' (Ukrainian Choice) political party faces prosecution in Ukraine. Prosecutor General's Office has opened the case against him under two charges.

Members of the European Parliament condemned the criminal proceeding against Viktor Medvedchuk, the representative of the "Opposition Platform - For Life" political party.The implementation of the project is planned for August 2019 and it will cost about 60 million euro

Petro Tshykyal at the meeting with international partners Petro Tsyhykal Facebook

Ukraine intends to begin the sectoral project in the sphere of the integrated border management along with the international partners. The project will cost about 60 million euro as Petro Tsyhykal, the Head of the State Border Guard Service reported.

Petro Tsyhykal Facebook Petro Tshykyal at the meeting with international partners Petro Tsyhykal Facebook Petro Tshykyal at the meeting with international partners Petro Tsyhykal Facebook Petro Tshykyal at the meeting with international partners

I had to fruitful meetings. I discussed the issue of the consolidation of the efforts in the sphere of the migration processes management with the Interior Minister of Turkey and the issues of the interaction in the sphere of border and migration management with the Director General of ICMPD. We will begin the joint sectoral project in the sphere of the integrated border management, which will cost about 60 million euro soon, he noted.

According to Tsyhykal, the implementation of the project is planned for August 2019. The preparation processes are finished.

Moreover, Border Guard Service Head reminded that Ukrainian is geographically situated at the intersection of the migration flows from the East to Europe so the issues connected with the transporting of migrants, human trafficking, identification of detainees, their return are really relevant and the cooperation with the international partners provides the opportunity to monitor main world tendencies and issues, exchange experience in the migration sphere and hold the constructive dialogue.

I had a possibility to deliver a position of the Ukrainian government in the sphere of the migration management to the distinguished assembly that the inter-department task group on the coordination of the integrated border management is created in Ukraine. The task group of the EU councils, who head and present border and customs department of Finland and Lithuania wills start to work in Ukraine soon, he noted.

Tsyhykal also reported that in 2018, the Ukrainian border guards participated in 10 international operations with the law enforcement bodies of Moldova, Poland, Spain, Greece, Italy, Europol and FRONTEX within the fight against human trafficking. The channel of human trafficking from Ukraine to Spain was disposed and the activity of the criminal group of 22 members was stopped as well as the members of the international criminal group, which forged and sale passports of the EU countries were detained.

Earlier Border Guard Service reported that the number of entry bans for Israeli citizens in Ukraine has grown up lately.

Besides, krainian bishop Gedeon was detained at Boryspil airport and was not allowed into Ukraine after his visit to the U.S., as the Information Centre of Orthodox Church of Ukraine.Mayor of Lviv Andriy Sadovy Open source

The Mayor of Lviv, Ukrainian presidential candidate Andriy Sadovy published a video in which he was outraged by the quality of roads in Ukraine. At the same time, Lviv residents also complain that even recently paved roads have broken down with the snow.

Lviv citizens say that their wallet suffers from the quality of roads, so the lawsuits against the city with claims to reimburse the cost of repairing broken cars have become more frequent.

There are appeals to the court for reimbursement, because people break their cars on bad roads. We see a situation when the city authorities are trying to put up a good front in a bad game, Lyubomyr Melnychuk, head of the Lviv cell of Svoboda Party says.

Even the roads that have been repaired recently were damaged, but the contractors are in no hurry to correct their mistakes, because the warranty period was only two years.

The deputy of the Lviv City Council, head of the Peoples Control faction wonders why contractors were hired on such unfavorable conditions for the city. Two years are from their funds, and then the community money and budget funds? Today in Lviv the situation with roads is catastrophic, to put it mildly. Mismanagement! This is due to the fact that the Mayor does not have time to work on services in Lviv, he said.

In the meantime, flashmobs are held in Lviv - activists fill pits on the streets with colored balloons. The activists put in the masks of Lviv officials, poured paint over the hollow spots and put there water balloons symbolizing asphalt.These people don't have the official registration of their places of residence

Almost a million Ukrainian citizens will not be able to vote on the presidential election next month. Oleksandr Stelmakh, the chief of the Service of State Register of Voters said that as quoted by RBC-Ukraine.

The official marked it is 'quite a challenge' for the Central Election Committee.

'As we all know, such voters cannot be included to any of the polling stations. They have the respective stamp in their passports, so they cannot be included there. It's basically an entire army of our voters. The lawmakers need to think it through, maybe change the procedure of managing the register, so that these voters could vote, too', Stelmakh said.

Every citizen of Ukraine can check if his or her name is on the list of voters; for that, one has to visit the website of the State Register of Voters. If there's a mistake, one has to file the administrative lawsuit, demanding to correct the list. The local administrative court will consider the lawsuit. No court fees will be charged. The deadline for such actions is March 29.

The election campaign has officially started on December 31, 2018. Registration of the candidates would last until February 4, 2019, and on February 9, the final list of presidential candidates has appeared. The candidates would be able to withdraw his candidacy until March 7, 2019.

Central Election Commission of Ukraine closed all polling station in Russia, particularly, Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk.

On February 7, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine prohibited observers from the Russian Federation to participate in the election process in Ukraine.The border control in Ukraine was toughened because of the complicated military and political situation, caused by the Russian aggression

Open source

The number of entry bans for Israeli citizens in Ukraine has grown up lately. Oleg Slobodyan, the assistant head of the State Border Guard of Ukraine said this in his commentary for 112.ua news agency.

'The reason, most often, is that some of them could not confirm the goal of their visit; some don't have the return tickets or don't know where they would live', he said.

Slobodyan added that since the beginning of the year, the number of such cases already reached 96. 'It's not much because, over the same period of time, more than 500 Ukrainians were banned from entering Israel. One cannot really say there's any sort of bias against the Israeli citizens. There's no way that symmetrical response would take place', the official stressed.

He added that the border control in Ukraine was toughened because of the complicated military and political situation. "As for citizens of Israel, it is about the growing number of people who cannot confirm the goal of their visit', Slobodyan said.

On Tuesday, Ukraine's state border guards did not let the group of tourists from Israel into Ukraine. A group of visitors and a guide consisted of more than 30 people, Ynet wrote. The outlet reported that after four hours of sorting it out, the law enforcers let most of the tourists pass. However, 17 people, including the guide will be deported back to Israel.Microsoft accused Russian hacking group Fancy Bear of launching a series of attacks against think tanks in Europe

cyber security Reuters

Microsoft warned on Wednesday that hackers attempted to breach accounts at several prominent European think tanks and non-profit organizations in late 2018. This was reported by DW agency.

It is reported that Microsoft said it had detected attacks targeting 104 staff accounts at the German Council on Foreign Relations and European offices of Aspen Institute and the German Marshall Fund.

Microsoft added it was "confident" many of those attacks, which took place between September and December last year, were staged by a group it called Strontium  also known as Fancy Bear, APT28 and other names.

The cyber espionage group is believed to be affiliated with Russian military intelligence, and is perhaps best known for hacking the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 US presidential elections. The group's attack on Germany's lower house of parliament in 2015 resulted in a data breach.

In the recent incidents announced by Microsoft, hackers apparently used malicious websites and spoofed emails to try and gain access to the credentials of employees located in Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, Romania and Serbia.

The organizations they targeted largely focus on transatlantic policy issues, democracy and electoral integrity, and are seen as valuable for hackers as they often have close contact with government officials.

As it was reported earlier, National Security and Defense Secretary of Ukraine Olexandr Turchynov said Russia intended to involve cyber means to influence the upcoming elections in Ukraine.

Cyber Security Center also considered the issue of the security of the Central Election Commission servers and readiness to counteract the possible cyber attacks during the election process, draft conception of the response to the military aggression in the cyberspace.The role of migrant workers in filling Ukraine's state budget is overvalued at least twice

The indicator of transfers of individuals is a very convenient tool for statistical manipulation. Ukraines National Bank (NBU) can clearly define only those transactions that pass through international payment systems and banks.

Those who send the money in cash might be considered only conditionally, based on indirect assessment methods. Here no one can say for sure. Last year, the NBU has proudly reported a balance of payments surplus of $ 2.87 billion.

Naturally, no one specified that 1,81 billion from that amount were just bank "errors."

Something similar happened to the migrant remittances, which are an integral part of the structure of the balance of payments and are dispersed into two structural subsections: the balance of primary and secondary incomes.

The first item includes transfers of circular migration (staying abroad for less than a year), the second one includes payments of permanent migration (figures for Ukrainians working in other countries for more than a year). In total, these indicators are accumulated in one line, which, for simplicity, is called "individual transfers."

It is for this indicator that the National Bank shows revenues to the country in the amount of 11 billion USD at the end of last year and predicts growth to 12 billion in 2019. Officials and experts are happy to voice the same figure, proving the beneficial effect of the Ukrainians abroad for the state budget.

This figure is a source of the statistical manipulations. For example, in 2017, statistics showed GDP growth of 2%. It turns out that the first place in terms of transfers to Ukraine does not belong to Poland, but the United States (17%), Israel (13%) comes second, Russia (9%) is the third, and Italy comes fourth (8%).

Poland only closes the top five countries (7%). In addition, the volume of interstate transfers amounted to 5.5 billion dollars. And then where is the same amount? And why, after all, is not Poland in the yellow jersey of the leader, but the USA and Israel?

In 2019, the volume of private transfers from abroad is likely to increase to 12 billion USD. Starting from 2015, this figure has steadily increased, rising from 7 billion to 9,3 in 2017. The net wages of workers in the mines, which is the difference between their earnings and costs in the host country, ranged from $ 4.1 billion in 2015 to 6.3 billion in 2019. Costs in the host country, including taxes paid there, ranged from 1,5 billion USD to 2.9, an increase of three billion over three years, with the most dramatic increase in this indicator recorded in 2017.

In 2018, this record would most likely be exceeded and the costs in the host country of our labor migrants will be about 3 billion USD.

Every year, Ukrainians pay about 0,5 billion USD as taxes to the other countries. If we compare this indicator with their total payroll, it turns out that the total fiscal burden will be 3  4%, while in Ukraine it exceeds 40% (income tax and fees), that is about 10 times higher.

And this analysis explains why people migrate from their country abroad. Ukraine would be forced either to close the borders or to somehow deal with the labor poverty in the next five years. And for this, the general level of taxation of the wage fund should be no more than 10%.

Another interesting indicator is the number of remittances that are carried out by labor migrants staying abroad for more than a year. The transfers are much more modest than the overall figure (about $ 1 billion annually) here, and this amount has remained almost unchanged in recent years. In the first three quarters of 2018 it was 0,6 billion, that is, it might even decrease.

Permanent migrant workers gradually take away their families from Ukraine and are less and less financially connected with their homeland. Considering that, according to the IMF and the government, about 3 million Ukrainians constantly reside abroad, it turns out that, on average, one such migrant sends home about 300 USD a year.

Today, the figure of $ 11 billion in transfers from individuals includes several major components.

These are labor migrants and their share in the general indicator is not more than 60%. Then come 150,000  200,000 Ukrainians working in IT sphere. The circuit design is quite simple here. our entrepreneurs, who reside in the USA and Israel (that is, in countries with the most developed innovative landscape and environment for start-ups), create their own companies there.

Approximately 70% of cash flows keep rolling in such centers registered in California or Tel Aviv. These companies create back-offices in Ukraine, whose task is to look for the smart heads, that is, to attract IT-specialists on a contract basis, involving them into co-working and creating the most comfortable working conditions.

It turns out that the role of migrant workers in filling the budget is overvalued at least twice.

Read the original text at 112.ua.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or 112.International and its owners.It is a scheduled measure; reserve power supply sources are plugged in, so the entry-exit procedures are performed normally

Open source

The main power supply source of entry-exit checkpoint in Stanytsia Luhanska has been cut off the grid. Press service of Ukraine's State Border Guard reported that on Wednesday morning.

'The power shutdown is to last from 8.30 a.m. till 4.30 p.m. The border guards of Lysychansky unit who represent the Joint Forces provided the checkpoint with reserve power supply sources. The checkpoint will be working as scheduled', the message said.

The entry-exit operations across the checkpoint began on the winter schedule.

The Border Guard reported an increase in the passenger flow compared with that observed on February 17. 34.6 thousand people and 4,100 vehicles crossed the checkpoint.

Earlier, we reported that a foreign delegation of Norwegian diplomats came to the government-held section of Luhansk region. Ole Terje Horpestad and members of the Norwegian Council for Refugees Affairs came there to inspect the operation of Stanytsia Luhanska checkpoint. The delegation visited the only checkpoint working in Luhansk region, studied the order of crossing the division line, the level of passenger flow and other specifics of this checkpoint.Open source

The Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summarized the events from the beginning of the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine to the fifth anniversary of the aggression. The Ministry outlined that the consequences of the criminal deeds by the Kremlin authorities are unprecedented for post-war Europe. Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted this on its website.

Five years ago Russia greatly violated the international law, because they began the occupation of Crimea. Although the illegal referendum and the Russian status of Crimea had not been authorized by the international society, the reluctance of the international organizations to counteract the daring act by the Russian forces allowed the Kremlin regime to continue the aggression and to occupy the half of the Donbas territories of Ukraine. November 25, Russia made an open act of aggression against Ukraine by attacking Ukrainian navy at the Kerch Strait and on the neutral territories of the Black Sea. The consequences of the aggression are tragic and unprecedented for post-war Europe, - the report said.

According to the information, over 13,000 Ukrainian citizens were killed, 30,000 were wounded and 1.5 million were forced to become displaced people.

Furthermore, the Russian aggression caused the mass destruction of Donbas, usurpation of the Ukrainian possessions on the occupied territories of Crimea, the mass violation of the international and humanitarian law, political harassment and intimidation of the Ukrainian people in order to suppress any anti-occupational views and to speed up the militarization process of the occupied peninsula.

With the help of the heroic deeds of the Ukrainian soldiers and increasing political and practical support of the international partners of Ukraine, Ukraine is still able to suppress the aggression, - the report said.

In particular, a powerful international coalition has been created. It actively supports Ukraine, exacerbates pressure on Russia, demanding full de-occupation of Ukrainian territories raising the price of continuing aggression.



"All political prisoners and prisoners of war should be released immediately. This is a joint position of Ukraine and international partners. The further delay of Moscow with the fulfillment of this requirement must have absolutely certain consequences, including sanctions," the statement said.

It is noted that the termination of the aggression of the Russian Federation in Donbas should be based on the full-scale UN peacekeeping mission, whose mandate should cover the entire conflict zone.



"The international community supports Ukraine in Crimean question. This is evidenced by a number of UNGA resolutions, which give unequivocal assessments of Moscows policy, require Russia to observe international humanitarian law and de-occupy the peninsula, condemn the militarization of Crimea and adjacent parts of the Azov and Black Seas," it is added.

The Foreign Ministry also states that the unacceptability of Moscows actions for the international community is indicated by the fact that today the situation on the occupied territories is being discussed for the first time at the UN General Assembly with the participation of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.



"We are grateful to our partners...Restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine is necessary not only to ensure the future of our people. This is a condition for restoring confidence in the European and world security system, which should be based on the unconditional respect of independent states to the norms of international law and tough response to its violators," the statement summarized.Stiri pe aceeasi tema

- Senate Chair Anca Dragu, and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Ludovic Orban had a meeting on Wednesday with the President of the State of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, during which they approached topics that regard the bilateral cooperation on the political, economic-sectorial levels, mainly in the domain

- The roadside and the riverbed are not "landfills," President Klaus Iohannis, who participates in a campaign "Let's Do It, Romania!," said on Wednesday, on the banks of the Arges river, near Darasti locality in Ilfov County. "We came here today to collect the garbage, to collect the garbage thrown

- PSD (Social Democratic Party) leader Marcel Ciolacu on Wednesday said that the text of the motion of censure to be tabled by the Social Democrats in Parliament on June 14 will also be sent to those from AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians) to maybe make "additions." "On June 14, we will table

- People over the age of 60 who want to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and have valid identity documents will be able to show up without prior appointment from Saturday to get their jabs at the immunisation centres, the National COVID-19 Vaccination Coordination Committee (CNCAV) reported on Wednesday.

- The Bucharest Mayoralty draft budget for 2021 did not receive a favourable vote in Wednesday's sitting of the General Council of Bucharest (CGMB), report agerpres. Following a more than three hours' meeting, the Capital's draft budget did not receive enough votes to be adopted, with 17 "for" votes,

- President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday said that he expected a lot of responsibility and involvement from the new Minister of Health, Ioana Mihaila, but also to explain to the Romanians the current situation regarding the measures taken against the pandemic. In a press statement at the Cotroceni

- Ministrul Educatiei, Sorin Cimpeanu , s-a aratat increzator dupa sedinta de joi avuta cu presedintele Klaus Iohannis, in care s-au punctat sustinerea pentru revenirea la scoala cu prezenta fizica dar si reevaluarea aptitudinilor manageriale ale directorilor de scoli din Romania. S-a discutat despre

- The Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday passed a bill approving Emergency Ordinance (OUG) 115/2020, which provides for the issuing of digital social vouchers of 180 lei per month for hot meals to people over 75 years of age whose income is at the level of social allowance and to the homeless, with theDespre vajnicii barbati politici si drepturile femeilor

Am vazut atacurile incalificabile din ultimele zile, conform carora eu si alti colegi din Parlamentul European am fi sustinut o lege prin care barbatii sa ramana insarcinati. Imi displac etichetele, dar, cu regret, trebuie sa spun ca asistam la un discurs politic mizerabil. [citeste mai departe]Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 05:04:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during the annual address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 20, 2019. The preliminary results of the implementation of Russia's national projects should be summed up in 2020, Putin said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Evgeny Sinitsyn)

MOSCOW, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual address to the parliament Wednesday that the government will boost expenditures on national projects concerning social development and beef up its military might to protect the country against external threat.

The 90-minute state-of-the-nation speech at the Federal Assembly, Putin's 15th appearance of this kind, touched upon a wide range of issues from economic and demographic challenges to foreign and defense policies.

IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE

The preliminary results of the implementation of Russia's national projects should be summed up in 2020, Putin said.

"This year people should feel real change for the better. It is on the basis of their opinion and assessments at the beginning of next year that we will evaluate the first results of our work on the national projects," Putin said in his annual address to the Russian Federal Assembly.

The government will then draw appropriate conclusions about the work quality and performance at all levels of executive power, he added.

Currently, the Russian government has completed the stage of outlining tools for achieving these long-term strategic goals and work to achieve the goals has to begin immediately, Putin said.

"Putin demonstrates continuity," Director General of the Center for Political Information Alexey Mukhin told Xinhua. "In the previous address in March 2018, he formulated and set strategic goals and objectives, and in this address he developed and presented a 'road map' of solutions to social and economic problems."

According to Putin, the national projects are designed to improve the quality of life for all Russian citizens, which can only be achieved by "generating a momentum in Russia's development."

In particular, Putin noted that in Russia there are about 19 million people living below the poverty line, adding that combating poverty has become an urgent issue.

He proposed establishing a mechanism of social contracts in certain regions to provide assistance for people with low incomes, such as helping people find jobs as well as providing financial resources and training programs to improve their skills.

"It is estimated that more than 9 million people will be able to benefit from these support measures over a five-year period," Putin said.

Meanwhile, Putin warned that Russia has entered an extremely challenging period in terms of demographics as the birth rate is declining.

But he said that the Russian government has come up with a package of measures to support families, including increasing maternity subsidiaries and allowances for nurses, reducing tax burdens for families and lowering mortgages rates.

According to the president, Russia will return to natural population growth by late 2023 to early 2024.

"Putin gave quite strong therapeutic guidelines that our macroeconomic system is very stable, that there is money, and now it is important to spend it wisely to solve not only strategic tasks such as a technological breakthrough, but also very specific targeted assistance to different population groups," Mukhin said.

"He did not speak about 'giving people fish', but about 'giving people a fishing rod' so that they could catch fish themselves," he added.

STRENGTHENING DEFENSE CAPACITY

In his annual address, Putin also reiterated Russia's stance on missile deployment. He underlined that Russia does not intend to be the first to place missiles in Europe but will develop its defense capacities and take reciprocal measures if the United States does so.

"Russia will be forced to create and deploy weapons that can be used not only against areas, from which a direct threat will emanate, but also against the centers making decisions on the use of missile systems that threaten us," Putin said.

Speaking about the intention of the United States to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, Putin said that Washington has been violating the benchmark disarmament deal.

He said that Washington's launching intermediate-range missiles under the guise of "target missiles" and deploying launchers in Romania and Poland will dramatically aggravate the situation in the field of international security and create a serious threat for Russia.

Russia therefore will be forced to respond both with "mirrored and asymmetric actions," he said.

Putin stressed that Russia wants peace with all countries, including the United States, but it will develop its military might to protect itself against any threat.

"All our work aimed at increasing our defense capacity has the only goal -- to guarantee the security of our country and our citizens so that nobody would dare not only think about an aggression but even about trying to use pressure methods on our country," Putin said.

He said that Russia wants to have full-fledged, equal and friendly relations with the United States, but some people at the top in Washington are still obsessed with the idea of exclusivity and superiority over the rest of the world.

He suggested that these people should first calculate "the reach and the speed of our prospective weapons" before making decisions that could seriously threaten Russia.

Russian experts said that Putin's remarks sent a clear message to the West warning against any provocation.

"In the context of the growth of the NATO budgets, this is precisely what is intended to cool the ardor of those who are ready to try to ensure their leadership, their global hegemony with the help of making all sorts of adventurous decisions," said Dmitry Novikov, First Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, the lower house of the parliament.

"Russia has something to answer in the event of an external threat. And those politicians who are now taking decisions to threaten Russia in the most direct way should clearly understand this and figure out the consequences. Otherwise, the consequences will be catastrophic," Mukhin said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 04:44:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (R) meets with British Prime Minister Theresa May in Brussels, Belgium, on Feb. 20, 2019. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and British Prime Minister Theresa May made fresh efforts on Wednesday to unlock the Brexit stalemate. Without a breakthrough, as expected, they pledged to talk again before the end of the month. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BRUSSELS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and British Prime Minister Theresa May made fresh efforts on Wednesday to unlock the Brexit stalemate. Without a breakthrough, as expected, they pledged to talk again before the end of the month.

The two leaders talked about "which guarantees could be given with regard to the backstop that underlines once again its temporary nature and give the appropriate legal assurance to both sides", said a joint statement published on European Commission website.

They reconfirmed their commitment to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland and to respect the integrity of the European Union's (EU) internal market and of the United Kingdom, said the statement.

They also discussed the role alternative arrangements could play in replacing the backstop in future and whether additions or changes to the Political Declaration can be made that are consistent with each other' positions while increasing their confidence in the focus and ambition in delivering the future partnership envisaged as soon as possible.

May arrived in Brussels at around 6am (1700 GMT) on Wednesday. Her latest visit came after Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay updated the British cabinet on his talks with the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, who reportedly "expressed concerns" over the issue of the Irish backstop.

The backstop is the insurance policy for preventing the return of a hard border in Ireland after Britain leaves the European Union on March 29.

The backstop, which is part of May's Withdrawal Agreement, became one of the main reasons her deal was voted down in Parliament in January. In a vote, MPs later gave their backing for May to renegotiate the policy with the EU.

May is set to return to Parliament in London to update MPs again on Feb. 26. In absence of a deal by then, she will give the House of Commons a say on the next steps in non-binding votes.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 22:07:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during the annual address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 20, 2019. The preliminary results of the implementation of Russia's national projects should be summed up in 2020, Putin said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Evgeny Sinitsyn)

MOSCOW, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia does not intend to be the first to place missiles in Europe but will develop its defense capacities and take reciprocal measures if the United States deploys missiles, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday in his address to Russia's Federal Assembly.

"Russia will be forced to create and deploy weapons that can be used not only against areas, from which a direct threat will emanate, but also against the centers making decisions on the use of missile systems that threaten us," Putin said.

Speaking about the intention of the United States to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, Putin said that Washington has been violating the benchmark disarmament deal.

By launching intermediate-range missiles under the guise of "target missiles" and deploying launchers suitable for using Tomahawk cruise missiles in Romania and Poland, the United States violates the requirements of the treaty "directly and grossly," Putin said.

This will dramatically aggravate the situation in the field of international security and create serious threats for Russia, because for some classes of these missiles the flight time to Moscow can be up to 10 minutes to 12 minutes, Putin said.

Russia therefore will be forced to respond both with "mirrored and asymmetric actions," he said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 06:44:41|Editor: WX

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CHICAGO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Total human carbon dioxide emissions could match those of Earth's last major greenhouse warming event in fewer than five generations, according to a news release posted on University of Michigan (UM) website Wednesday.

In a study, UM researchers found a way to mathematically compare modern carbon emissions to the emissions during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), a global warming event that occurred roughly 56 million years ago, on the same time scale.

The results showed current carbon emission rates are nine to 10 times higher than those during the PETM.

If emissions continue to rise, the total carbon accumulated in the atmosphere could hit the lowest estimate of carbon accumulated during the PETM, 3,000 gigatons, in the year 2159; and it would hit the maximum estimated emissions of 7,126 gigatons in 2278, Philip Gingerich, UM paleoclimate researcher and author of the study, calculated.

Humans have emitted roughly 1,500 gigatons of carbon as of 2016.

Scientists often use the PETM as a benchmark against which to compare modern climate change. UM study shows Earth is on track to meet this benchmark much sooner than previously thought, as the pace of today's warming far outstrips any climate event that has happened since the extinction of the dinosaurs.

The exact environmental consequences of PETM-like carbon levels are unclear, but the increased temperatures will likely drive many species to extinction with the lucky ones being able to adapt or migrate, said Larisa DeSantis, a paleontologist at Vanderbilt University. In addition, it will take thousands of years for the climate system cool down, she said.

"It's hard to compare biotic effects because the world during the PETM was quite different," DeSantis said. "We live in a very different world today, with different groups of animals, with humans being the dominant species ... but we know there are many negative consequences of dramatic warming on vast numbers of species, including our own."

The study was published on Jan. 30 in Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology, a journal of the American Geophysical Union.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 06:39:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ZAGREB, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Croatia's national carrier Croatia Airlines is seeking a strategic partner, with potential partners having shown interest, Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butkovic said here on Wednesday.

Butkovic believes that a special committee will be formed on Thursday at the government session which would, together with the company's management, work on finding a strategic partner, Croatian news agency Hina reported.

The management board should soon select a financial adviser who should offer models that could be applied to find a strategic partner.

The minister said the government had earlier tried to find partners for the company, but none had shown interest until now.

He explained that a potential strategic partner who doesn't come from the European Union cannot become the owner of more than 49 percent of the company. "It doesn't mean that someone will not be interested just because it cannot become a major owner," Butkovic told reporters.

Croatia Airlines was established in 1989 and now has 12 aircraft. In 2017, the company for the first time recorded more than two million passengers. However, the company faces financial problems and is in need of a new strategic partner.

On Feb. 12, the management finally reached an agreement with union members and a new collective agreement was signed.

Last agreement expired in December 2016 and for two years the management and unions couldn't reach an agreement.

Last year, in the midst of tourist season, employees of the company announced a strike and then postponed it after the meeting with Croatian prime minister. A Zagreb Court later ruled that the strike action planned by the union was illegal and therefore prohibited the strike.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 06:24:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ZAGREB, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Croatian Parliament adopted on Wednesday urgent procedure on amendments to the INA Act, the legislation on the leading Croatian oil company.

A total of 74 deputies of Parliament voted to amend the INA Act, while two opposed. Most opposition MPs did not respond to voting.

Article 10 has been changed, according to which Croatia had exclusive right to control changes in ownership of the entire society until now, and vetoing certain decisions and the right to re-assert part or all of the property.

The Croatian government, in preparing the amendments to the INA Act, stressed that these changes must be made and aligned with the acquis communautaire.

The opposition parties opposed the changes, claiming that they favor Hungarian MOL and accused the government of acting against the national interests of Croatia.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) of Croatia, the largest opposition party, believes that the amendment of the INA Act opens the possibility for MOL to become majority owner of the company.

Croatian INA and Hungarian MOL have been cooperating since 2003 when Hungarian company bought 25 percent plus one share of INA for 505 million U.S. dollars.

In the meantime, many changes to the shareholder's mutual contract followed, and former Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader was charged with selling for 10 million U.S. dollars to MOL the management rights in the company. Judicial proceedings are still underway.

The Croatian government repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the management of INA by Hungarian MOL, especially after the decision to close the Sisak refinery. However, Croatia lost the court dispute in Geneva seeking the annulment of the oil company's management agreement.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 06:09:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- NASA scientists have described a chemical process to produce ingredients of water on the surface of the moon, using lunar elements and the solar wind.

NASA said Wednesday that its scientists simulated a chemistry using computer program, showing when a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind pelted electrons in the lunar surface at a speed of 450 kilometers per second, they interacted to make hydrogen atoms, a key element of water.

The hydrogen atoms could migrate through the surface and latch onto abundant oxygen atoms bound in the silica in the lunar soil, turning into hydroxyl molecule, a component of water, according to NASA.

"Every rock has the potential to make water, especially after being irradiated by the solar wind," said William Farrell, a plasma physicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

NASA scientists measured the chemical components of water on the moon as they are going to put humans there in a permanent presence.

The team led by Orenthal James Tucker, also a physicist at Goddard, traced the life cycle of hydrogen atoms on the moon and supported the assumption that the solar wind is the primary driver for the chemical reactions.

The study has shown that as solar wind continually blasts the moon's surface, it breaks the bonds among atoms of silicon, iron and oxygen that make up the majority of the moon's soil, leaving oxygen atoms with unsatisfied bonds to be hinged with hydrogen.

"The mechanism behind this chemical factory could reveal how should we find water building blocks," NASA quoted the scientists as saying.

There may be less hydrogen in warmer regions like the moon's equator, because hydrogen atoms deposited there get energized by the sun and run away into the exosphere. So water is more likely to have been produced near the poles, according to NASA.

Farrel said, the study showed that every exposed body of silica in space had the potential to create water, an invigorating piece of news for human's deep space exploration.File Photo: A displaced Syrian child eats a bowl of rice at a refugee camp in Syria's northeastern Hassakeh province on Feb. 26, 2018. (Xinhua/AFP)

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- A child's "real passport" to the future -- education -- should be stamped in the classroom, not at a border checkpoint, UN Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown said on Tuesday, urging funding for conflict-affected children.

"Ninety-nine percent of the world's young refugees who are now becoming the invisible generation will never get a place in college or higher education, and only 20 percent will get a secondary education," Brown warned when speaking to journalists at UN headquarters in New York.

"It's time the world woke up to the horror of so many children devoid of hope," he added.

The special envoy noted ensuring that the world's children have a place in school classroom is essential to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, which entails quality education for all by 2030.

There are perhaps 75 million children caught in conflict, he said, appealing for new funding for more than 30 million displaced and refugee young people.

On a positive note, the former British prime minister announced that the Education Cannot Wait fund, a global fund set up in 2016 to ensure that no child or young person misses out on education during crises, will launch on Thursday a program for safe and reliable education for half a million children in Afghanistan, including more than 320,000 girls.

He also noted the success of double-shift schools in Lebanon, saying that of the 400,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon now in school, almost 300,000 are in double-shift schools.

"They get their education in the afternoon, in Arabic, after the Lebanese children get their education in the morning in English and French, in the same classroom. It just proves that it is possible to use the existent education system already in place to provide schooling for children," Brown said.

The special envoy also announced the launch of the International Finance Facility for Education which will serve 700 million children living in low- and middle-income countries where the majority of out-of-school and displaced children reside.

"The facility is advancing rapidly with a high-level event scheduled in April where prospective donors are expected to agree to constitute the new 10-billion-U.S. dollars fund this year," Brown added.File Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump (L) meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe upon his arrival at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe, near Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 5, 2017.(Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday had a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe about the upcoming summit between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the White House said.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that Trump and Abe in their phone call reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK and discussed the upcoming Hanoi summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un, top DPRK leader, at the end of this month.

Trump and Abe committed to coordinating closely in advance of the U.S.-DPRK talks, according to the statement.

"We firmly and closely coordinated our policies in the run-up to the second U.S.-North Korea summit to resolve nuclear, missile and abduction issues," Abe said after the phone talks with Trump.

Trump announced on Feb. 8 that his second meeting with Kim would take place in Hanoi of Vietnam on Feb. 27-28.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 04:19:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Murad Abdo

ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Intense clashes broke out between Yemen's government forces and the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah on Wednesday night despite the cease-fire brokered by the United Nations, an army commander told Xinhua.

The army's commander based in the Hodeidah said on anonymity that intense armed confrontations erupted between pro-government Giants Brigades and the Houthi rebels using heavily weapons in the city's eastern parts.

He said that fighters of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels attempted to launch an attack against government-controlled sites near the 22nd May hospital, sparking hours of armed confrontations.

"The army forces succeeded in confronting the Houthi rebels who were attempting to advance into government-controlled areas," the source said, adding that the "attack was aborted and Houthi attackers were forced to retreat."

A spokesman of the government forces confirmed to Xinhua in a phone call that the government-controlled sites in different areas of Hodeidah were targeted by shells and rocket-propelled grenades fired by Houthis.

Some of the Houthi-fired shells missed military targets and landed on residential areas, causing many injuries among civilians, according to the pro-government forces spokesman, Aseel Saqladi.

The fresh armed confrontations coincided with the UN announcement about reaching an agreement between the two warring rivals regarding withdrawal of troops from Hodeidah.

Yemeni observers said that the UN-brokered agreement to pullback warring forces from Hodeidah faces many setbacks and the chances to reach success are very slim.

Earlier in the day, leader of the government's representatives at the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) threatened to submit his resignation if the UN fails to withdraw Houthi rebels from Hodeidah's strategic port.

According to a government source, "a number of countries demanded the government's RCC representatives to accept plans for withdrawing army units from Hodeidah before implementing other provisions of the agreement."

"The RCC team refused the pressures and suggestions presented by those countries and threatened to submit resignation," the source said, adding that "the government's representatives insisted on full withdrawal of pro-Houthi troops first."

On Monday, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expected the implementation of the first phase of Hodeidah's troop withdrawal "will be carried out immediately" by the Yemeni warring parties, a UN spokesman said.

"There's always the need to have real impetus to implement on the ground, and we hope that now that we have the first phase agreed, it will be carried out immediately, and we are expecting that will happen on the ground," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN chief, told reporters at a regular briefing.

A deal reached in Stockholm in December 2018 said that the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels should withdraw troops from the city of Hodeidah and ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa.

Hodeidah is the major Red Sea port in Yemen, which handles some 70 percent of the food and fuel imports into Yemen.

The Red Sea Mills currently store enough grains to feed 3.7 million people for a month, which is at risk of rotting, the UN's World Food Program has said.

The cease-fire, as part of the Stockholm deal, has been in place in the region since last December, but the Red Sea Mills remain inaccessible to humanitarian workers.

Demilitarizing of the region is aimed at allowing humanitarian aid to reach Yemenis under the threat of famine because of the civil war now in its fourth year.

The Yemeni parties also agreed in principle on phase two of the mutual redeployment. The next meeting on troop withdrawal is expected to convene within a week with the aim to finalize an agreement on phase two.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 03:18:57|Editor: WX

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OSLO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The government of Norway said Wednesday that the country will join forces with Russia to combat plastic waste in the Barents Sea.

The two countries will share experiences and increase knowledge about the sources of waste and microplastic, the amounts it constitutes and possible measures, the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment said in a statement.

Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment Ola Elvestuen and Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin met at the Norwegian-Russian Environmental Protection Commission in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss the necessary steps in cooperation.

"Norway attaches great importance to protecting the environment in the Barents Sea. Russia is one of our most important partners in this work," Elvestuen was quoted as saying.

"We have a long experience in collaborating on comprehensive marine management and management of the fishery resources in the Barents Sea. Therefore, it is very good that our two countries now undertake a joint effort against plastic waste in this sea area," he said.

Increased knowledge will make it possible to find effective measures to stop waste, Elvestuen said.

The Norwegian government allocated annual amount of 5 million kroner (583,000 U.S. dollars) for three years for this project.

"It is important that the research, the fisheries sector, the waste industry and voluntary forces help in solving this problem. That is why parts of the money serve as project funds for external organizations," Elvestuen said, emphasizing the increased importance of integrated marine management, due to increased shipping, fisheries and other activities in the sea areas.

Climate change leads to dramatic changes in ecosystems and sea waste is a rapidly increasing threat to human food, minister said.

It is important to arrange the cooperation so that Norway and Russia can make valuable contributions to the international measures against marine waste both within the Arctic Council and through the UN Environment Assembly UNEA, he said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 02:33:46|Editor: WX

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Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih receives an interview with Xinhua in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 15, 2019. The Saudi crown prince's two-day visit to China starting Wednesday is expected to bring the bilateral relations to a new high, Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih said in a recent interview with Xinhua. (Xinhua/Tu Yifan)

RIYADH, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Saudi crown prince's two-day visit to China starting Wednesday is expected to bring the bilateral relations to a new high, Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

During the visit, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Saudi crown prince, and Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng will co-chair the third meeting of the China-Saudi Arabia High-level Joint Committee.

Al-Falih said this visit will look into the promising prospect of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China, and enhance the achievements of the previous joint committee meetings.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, the ties between China and Saudi Arabia have witnessed sustained and rapid development and were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016.

As the largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia, "China is climbing the ladder very quickly with its technology, capabilities and exports in the world. There has been a growing competitiveness of Chinese products in the terms of quality," Al-Falih noted.

The bilateral trade is strong and thriving as Chinese markets are opening up and Saudi Arabia is also getting its market share, he added.

Saudi Arabia has been able to attract Chinese investment into projects such as the Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (Yasref) which has been making a decent profit consistently.

"I think this major investment is just starting," Al-Falih said. "Saudi Arabia has a lot of capital that needs to find profitable places to be deployed. China is a great place to invest with a huge market and an improving environment."

In recent years, under the guidance of Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has achieved substantial development.

When talking about the connection between Vision 2030 and the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Saudi minister expressed confidence in their in-depth integration.

There is indeed much in common between Saudi Vision 2030 and the BRI. The two agendas will help the two countries strengthen cooperation in various industries, said Al-Falih.

"We want to invite companies of all types, not just in oil and petrochemical fields, but also in renewable energy, auto manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and aerospace," he noted.

The minister also pointed out the importance of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

"Our culture is very compatible with the Chinese culture. We have sent hundreds of our students to study in China, and when they came back speaking Chinese, it makes thousands of Saudi people understand how great China is and how wonderful the Chinese people are. We need more of that," he said.

"There will be great prosperity for both countries and also for the partnership between them," the Saudi minister concluded.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 02:08:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese UN envoy has urged the international community to increase humanitarian aid and economic support to Burundi.

During a Security Council meeting on the eastern African country Tuesday, Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said recent years have seen a wave of returning Burundian refugees and the flow might peak in 2019.

In this context, Wu expressed his hope that the international community could timely provide necessary aid to help the Burundian government to accommodate the returnees.

On the Burundian political process, Wu noted progress has made with the formulation of a roadmap in preparation for the 2020 elections and the establishment of a national independent electoral commission.

He called on the international community to acknowledge the efforts made by the Burundian government in maintaining peace and stability in the country, and to respect the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Burundi.

The international community should view the current situation in Burundi comprehensively, fairly and objectively, and play a constructive role in maintaining the long-term stability and development of the country, he appealed.

Moreover, he noted the Burundian government has repeatedly said the situation in the country does not pose a threat to the regional peace and security and thus Burundi should not remain on the agenda of the Security Council.

In this regard, Wu said the Security Council should pay attention to the view of Burundi and make adjustment in accordance with the latest developments.

Closing his remarks, the Chinese envoy said as a long-standing supporter of Burundi's peace process, China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in achieving peace and stability as well as sustainable development in the country.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 01:53:35|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia told reporters on Wednesday that his country is "categorically" against regime change in Venezuela.

"Russia is categorically against this regime change that we see is being implemented," said Nebenzia, adding that he hopes that "there are no foreign troops whatsoever coming to Venezuela from whatever country."

Nebenzia made the remarks when speaking to the press on the second anniversary of former Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin's death.

Churkin died in New York on Feb. 20, 2017, the eve of his 65th birthday. The immediate cause was heart failure, according to Russian diplomat Sergei Ordzhonikidze. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Churkin died while at work and expressed condolences to Churkin's family.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 01:18:28|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LONDON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Political academics gave their first reactions to the creation of a new mixed-party alliance in Britain's House of Commons on Wednesday.

The big question now is whether the fledgling Independent Group of MPs, now 11 strong, can grow into a new British centrist party that can challenge the political stranglehold dominated for more than a century by the two big rivals, Conservatives and Labor.

RESIGNATION

Earlier this week eight Labor MPs quit to establish the new group, only to be joined by three pro-EU MPs from the governing Conservative Party. The three said the final straw for them had been the government's disastrous handling of Brexit.

It is the biggest upset in British politics since a so-called Gang of Four nationally known politicians quit Labor to form the Socialist Democratic Party (SDP).

The 11 founder members of the Independent Group have resisted calls to resign from their parliamentary seats to seek re-election in their constituencies under their new "colors".

Under British electoral laws they can switch sides and remain to serve as MPs until the next general election, due in 2022.

The way Britain's planned departure has been handled by Prime Minister Theresa May and the leader of Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn has been blamed for the resignations.

The former Labor MPs are also furious with Corbyn saying he has failed to resolve a problem of anti-racism within Labor.

Prime Minister May expressed disappointed at the departure of three of her MPs before heading to Brussels for new talks about Brexit with Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission.

The 11 rebel MPs want the British government to rule out leaving the EU on a no-deal basis, and they are also pressing for a People's Vote, effectively a second national referendum on EU membership.

GAME CHANGER

The breakaway independent group of launched by the group of BMPs could be a gamechanger, political expert Professor Anthony Glees from the University of Buckingham told Xinhua.

Glees, Director of the Center for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS) at the University of Buckingham, told Xinhua: "British politics is ensnared in a deep existential crisis at the moment and no one can properly predict how, or if, we will emerge from it with our stability and our economy in tact."

He added: "My feeling is that this new grouping could be a game changer, and could be as momentous as the formation of the SDP 40 years ago."

Glees said everything depends on how the new group develops, in particular whether there is mass support for them among Labor voters, and whether the three recruits from the Conservatives, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston, try to do a similar thing in relation to their party.

"If Labor is weakened, as we now expect it to be, the immediate result will be to strengthen the Conservatives, and in particular to boost the confidence of the European Research Group of MPs, the Hard Brexiter wing of the Conservative Party," he added.

"That is because they didn't think Corbyn could win a general election in any case, but with a party split underway, he's even less likely to make 10 Downing Street," said Glees.

He also predicted that a so-called 'people's vote' to determine Britain's future in the EU, is now further off, not closer.

The dramatic developments at Westminster, said Glees will focus the minds of the Remain and soft-Brexit Conservatives, which explains the breakaway by the three from the Conservative ranks as well.

The real test for the group will be whether more disaffected MPs join the so-called Gang of 11, and what happens when May puts her Brexit deal once more to the House of Commons on or before Feb. 27.

Media reports in London Wednesday speculated that May could bring forward a parliamentary vote on her deal after claims that a number of her ministers were poised to resign.

"If the new grouping fizzles out the prospect of Britain crashing out of the EU on March 29 becomes even more likely," Glees predicted."Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 00:58:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech as he meets representatives of space scientists and engineers who participated in the research and development of the Chang'e-4 mission at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 20, 2019. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met representatives of space scientists and engineers who participated in the research and development of the Chang'e-4 mission at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Wednesday afternoon.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, noted that there is no end for space exploration.

Xi called on science and technology workers and space engineers in China to ride on the wave of the Chang'e-4 mission to achieve the general goal of China's lunar project, make more efforts to push forward the international aerospace cause and bring more Chinese wisdom, solutions and force to the peaceful use of space and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng also attended the meeting.

Xi shook hands with the scientists and engineers, inquired about their work and life and took pictures with them.

In a speech addressing the meeting, Xi first extended his sincere regards to all those who have made historic contributions to the country's space undertakings and expressed warm congratulations to all those who have contributed to the Chang'e-4 mission eminently.

"Your outstanding feats achieved in mounting the science and technology peak and exploring the universe's mysteries have set a model for the whole Party, the whole armed forces and people of all ethnic groups in China to strive for a new era and start a new journey, for which our country and people thank you," Xi said.

"Five years ago, we celebrated the success of the Chang'e-3 mission. Five years later, we are here to celebrate the success of the Chang'e-4 mission," he said.

He pointed out that the Chang'e-4 mission, by adhering to independent, collaborative and open innovations, has realized the first-ever patrol and exploration on the far side of the moon by a human spacecraft and engraved Chinese "footprints" there for the first time.

"It is another vivid practice of exploring to establish a new institution that can pool the resources of the whole country," Xi said.

"Experience tells us that great undertakings begin with dreams, and dreams are the source of vitality. China is a nation that pursues dreams bravely. The CPC Central Committee's decision to implement the lunar exploration project is to pursue the nation's unyielding dream of flying into the sky and reaching for the moon," he noted.

Each bold idea and its successful implementation in lunar exploration is a full demonstration of the human capacity to gain knowledge of and utilize a celestial body, he said.

"In the journey of building a great modern socialist country and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, every industry and every person should dream and strive courageously and fulfill their dreams with arduous and continuous efforts, step by step and baton by baton just like in a relay race," he emphasized.

"Experience tells us that great undertakings are based on innovation, and innovation determines the future. It won't be a smooth path to build a leading nation in science and technology, and only innovation can help gain advantages," he said.

"The mission has made multiple innovations come true and filled a series of international and domestic gaps, which has fully displayed the innovative spirit just as making the first move in chess or taking the initiative in battle," he added.

China should have a grasp of the general trend of the science and technology development in the world, foster respect for science and focus on strategic, basic and pioneering sectors, said Xi.

China should shore up its weakness in certain areas, keep pace with the leaders in some areas, and strive to lead in other areas, aim for significant breakthroughs in core and key technologies, improve the overall efficiency of the national innovation system, boost science and technology strength and innovation ability, in a bid to earn itself a spot in the global hi-tech sector, he said.

"Experience tells us that great undertakings succeed in solid work," Xi noted. He said China need to encourage more prominent scientists, leading talent, young scientists and innovation teams to lead the trend and work hard to realize the value of life by contributing to the nation's great undertakings.

Xi pointed out that exploring the vast universe is a common dream of all humankind. China has been actively advancing international space cooperation and carried out productive cooperation with multiple countries and international organizations. The complete success of the Chang'e-4 mission, for instance, includes contributions of many countries.

China is willing to work with countries around the world and follow the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, so as to deepen the international exchanges on basic scientific research, boost big science projects and step up opening-up and cooperation to enhance innovation ability and push forward the development of science.

The Chang'e-4 mission had two launches. The relay satellite, named Queqiao, meaning Magpie Bridge, was launched on May 21, 2018. The Chang'e-4 probe, launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China on Dec. 8, 2018, touched down on the far side of the moon on Jan. 3.

Scientific research involving multiple countries and international organizations has been carried out.

The complete success of Chang'e-4 mission marks the first-ever soft landing, patrol and exploration on the far side of the moon by a spacecraft, the first communication link between Earth and the far side of the moon and the first footprints there in the history of lunar exploration, which unveils its mysteries and opens a new chapter in mankind's exploration of the universe.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 00:43:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania has invited private companies and individuals to take part in the purchase of cashew nuts from farmers in this year's harvest season starting October, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Joseph Kakunda, Tanzania's Industry and Trade minister, said that interested parties are also welcome to buy thousands of tonnes of nuts that the government bought from farmers in the last year's harvest season.

The minister said that the decision has been made in light of the anticipated bumper harvest in the coming season later in the year.

Kakunda said all those interested in buying cashew nuts should send their request in writing to the permanent secretary of his ministry.

He encouraged Tanzanian cashew processors to prepare for this year's harvest so as to create jobs and also to add value to the cash crop.

The minister said until now the government has collected some 221,000 tonnes of cashew nuts worth about 308 million U.S. dollars.

On Tuesday, Tanzanian Minister for Agriculture, Japhet Hasunga, said a total of 12,378 cashew nuts farmers were yet to be verified for payment of their crop that they sold to the government.

In November last year, Tanzanian President John Magufuli said the government would purchase all cashew nut stocks from farmers at the minimum price of 3,300 Tanzanian shillings (about 1.42 U.S. dollars) per kilogram through the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank.

This was after farmers rejected lower prices which were set by the dealers.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 00:43:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top graft-buster Zhao Leji said that new progress had been achieved in the work of disciplinary inspection and supervision in 2018.

Zhao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), made the remarks while delivering a work report at the third plenary session of the 19th CCDI of the CPC on Jan. 11. The report was made public on Wednesday.

A total of 25,000 officials, including 29 centrally-administrated officials, were punished for violating political discipline in 2018, according to the work report.

Reform of the disciplinary inspection and supervision system has been deepened. The adoption of Supervision Law and establishment of the National Supervisory Commission in 2018 have ensured that supervision covers everyone working in the public sector who exercises public power, says the report.

Efforts have been made to implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct and address the practice of formalities for formalities' sake, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance in the past year, according to the report.

The CCDI and the National Supervisory Commission named and shamed officials involved in 50 cases for violating the frugality code of conduct, and 92,000 CPC members across the country were punished for such violations in 2018, according to the report.

A sweeping victory in the fight against corruption has been secured. In 2018, 68 centrally-administrated officials were investigated by the CCDI and the National Supervisory Commission. Among them, 15 officials have been transferred to judicial organs for suspected crimes.

Since the 19th CPC National Congress, more than 5,000 Party members involved with wrongdoing have surrendered themselves to authorities, including centrally-administrated officials.

An initiative called "Sky Net" saw 1,335 fugitives being returned from overseas in 2018, recovering 3.54 billion yuan (524 million U.S. dollars).

Anti-graft agencies also intensified their efforts to address corruption that occurs on the people's doorsteps, punishing 309,000 people. A total of 1,899 officials who had sheltered criminal organizations have been transferred to judicial organs.

The disciplinary inspection commissions and supervision agencies have rolled out measures to strengthen self-oversight. More than 3,900 anti-graft busters were punished for misconduct and over 110 transfered to judicial organs in 2018.Many times you might have found the multiple casinos available in the online market but when you are going to...Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 00:38:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Beijing unveiled several measures Tuesday to better serve the delivery industry, which includes providing 2,400 rental houses for delivery men.

The service package consists of nine measures and is expected to promote the standardized operation and healthy development of the courier industry, according to the municipal bureau of commerce.

Relevant departments will ensure implementation of Beijing's subject plan of the logistics industry. Rent-only staff quarters and supporting facilities under integrated management will be constructed in existing logistics parks and those in planning.

State-owned firms are encouraged to build rental housing on their idle land as staff dormitories for large logistics companies.

Three to five pilot underground air-raid shelters will be selected to join the postal network in the city's six urban districts by the end of June, the bureau said.

In terms of social security, "green passage" will be opened to courier firms and their employees when handling insurance and payments.

The city also plans to add more than 200 self-service sites for package delivery and pickup in places like residential communities, office buildings and schools in 2019.

Statistics from the Beijing Municipal Postal Administration show that the city's delivery business volume was 2.21 billion pieces last year, with revenue rising 8.95 percent to 33.1 billion yuan (about 4.9 billion U.S. dollars).Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 00:38:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- People convicted of criminally polluting the environment along the Yangtze River Economic Belt are subject to heavier punishment within judicial discretion, according to Chinese authorities on Wednesday.

This was confirmed after a meeting between officials from the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP), Supreme People's Court, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

Criminal acts that warrant severe penalties include discharging radiative, contagious or toxic waste across provinces or into key water bodies that flow through provinces.

The Yangtze River Economic Belt covers eleven provinces and provincial-level municipalities.

"This move shows our resolve to use the toughest law enforcement against polluters and will be a powerful deterrent to environmental crimes," said Wang Songmiao, a spokesperson for the SPP. "The judiciary has been paying very close attention to addressing the issue of pollution."Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 00:38:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has ordered the east African nation's defense and security organs to reinforce border security and patrols following a tidal wave of killings and armed robberies in border regions.

A statement released by the Prime Minister's office on Wednesday added that the Prime Minister has directed that all refugees who escaped from their camps in the western region of Kigoma should be prosecuted according to the laws of the country.

Majaliwa made the order on Tuesday evening when addressing a public rally in Kibondo district at the end of his official tour of Kigoma region, said the statement.

He mentioned areas most affected by brutal killings of people and armed robberies as Kibondo, Buhigwe, Kasulu, Ngara, Biharamulo, Uvinza, Kakonko and Kigoma rural.

"People in these areas are spending sleepless nights fearing attacks by the armed robbers," said Majaliwa.

The Premier said although Tanzania enjoyed cordial relations with its neighboring countries, the countries should respect and abide by Tanzania's laws.

Majaliwa said people who illegally entered into Tanzania from some of the neighboring countries were engaging in all sorts of criminal acts, including killings of innocent people, armed robberies and kidnapping of children.

On Tuesday, Majaliwa shut down a market used by refugees and local communities at Nduta in the western region of Kigoma citing security reasons.

Tanzania is currently hosting about 350,000 refugees from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 00:33:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian government on Wednesday expressed determination to achieve its target of connecting all villages to the national grid by 2021.

Medard Kalemani, the east African nation's Energy Minister, made the statement during his official tour in north-western Tanzania's district of Geita.

The tour aimed at inspecting implementation of rural electrification projects in the district located on the western shores of Lake Victoria.

The Tanzanian official said that several villages had so far been connected in the first round under the third phase of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

"We are progressing well with implementation of the third phase of REA," Kalemani said, noting that the move is in line with the government's endeavor of transforming Tanzania into an industrial economy by 2025.

"Our aim is to industrialize the economy, and we'll do so if our people are connected with reliable power," the minister added.

In August 2016, the World Bank signed an MoU with the Government of Tanzania to provide some 209 million U.S. dollars for the implementation of the country's Rural Electrification Expansion Program.

The program was aimed at connecting 2.5 million Tanzanian households in rural areas to the national electricity grid over the next 5 years.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 00:13:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian Central Statistics Agency (CSA) on Wednesday said that preparations have been finalized to undertake Ethiopia's first ever digital technology-assisted national population and housing census.

The East African country will embrace Chinese technologies during the upcoming Fourth National Population and Housing Census, which is scheduled to take place from April 7 to 28, according to the CSA.

The CSA had previously revealed the purchase of close to 180,000 tablets from Chinese technology giants, Huawei and Lenovo, to effectively conduct the population and housing census, which is held about every 10 year.

The products, which had been tested and approved by the agency, will be circulated across Ethiopia as the East African country embarked on its first-ever digital population and housing census procedure, which includes the use of mobile tablets for data collection through five major local Ethiopian languages.

Biratu Yigezu, Director General of CSA, said on Wednesday that the previous censuses that Ethiopia was conducted some 11 years ago was "challenging" as the total procedure was carried out in a paper-based manner.

"The new technology is crucial to report and register the actual data straight to the system without any loss of facts in the process and it reduces time," Yigezu told reporters on Wednesday.

Experts at the CSA had previously told Xinhua that the use of mobile tablet technologies during the data collection procedure "will immensely reduce various difficulties that may affect the census process."

The new technology is said to effectively establish careful data registration system, which will eventually avoid duplication and double counting during the data collection and registration procedure, according to experts at the CSA.

The East African country had been undertaking various measures towards the success of the upcoming election with 3.5 billion Ethiopian birr (about 123 million U.S. dollars) financial budget.

The housing and population census, which was initially scheduled to take place in November 2017, had been postponed due to factors that are mainly attributed to security problems that were rampant across the country since the second half of 2016.

The census will be conducted using five local languages namely Amharic, Afaan Oromo, Afar, Tigrigna, and Somali.

Ethiopia is Africa's second populous nation with an estimated 104 million population.

The application of digital mobile technology is also said to be a positive impetus so as to incorporate different aspects of communities, including the use of five languages for data registration purpose unlike the previous proceeding.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-21 00:08:13|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Nick Kolyohin

JERUSALEM, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The continuous quarrel between Israel and Poland over an Israeli official's remarks about Poland's role in the Holocaust, which has already led to the cancellation of Visegrad Group summit in Jerusalem, may endanger the mutual relations and even damage Israel's foreign policy.

Yisrael Katz, Israel's foreign minister, told the press on Sunday that Poles collaborated with the Nazis during the Second World War and "suckle anti-semitism with their mother's milk."

Poland demands apology from the Israeli foreign minister for his remarks that led to Poland's withdrawal from the first-ever Central European summit in Israel.

"It is really astonishing that the newly appointed foreign minister of Israel quotes such a shameful and racist remark. Utterly unacceptable," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tweeted on Sunday.

The Visegrad Group summit was scheduled to be held on Monday and Tuesday in Jerusalem with prime ministers of four Central European states: Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

These countries are strategically crucial for Israeli foreign policy in its struggle to win European support in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel is concerned in recent years about the growing anti-Israel movements and anti-semitism. The Palestinians constantly target Israel, especially in European institutions.

The Visegrad Group countries are also crucial for Israel in its continued attempt to abolish the landmark Iranian nuclear deal, as Europe is a significant force in maintaining the deal.

Israel views Poland as an important country which usually stands along with other central Europe countries for Israel, while the European Union condemns the Jewish state for the conflict with the Palestinians.

"Israel sees Poland as a country that can balance anti-Israel opinion inside the European Union," said Jonathan Rynhold, a professor on Israeli foreign policy from Bar Ilan University.

Meanwhile, Poland sees Israel as a close ally of the United States and a possible source of military support, as Poland needs the military aid regarding its concerns over Russia, Rynhold told Xinhua.

However, Israeli politicians' insistence on blaming Poles for cooperating with Nazis during the World War II can lead to destruction of Israeli foreign relations with Europe.

Although the Holocaust happened more than 70 years ago, it is still a sensitive issue, both in Israel and in Poland. Many survivors are still alive and remember the terrible moments of the period.

Israel is determined to highlight the memory of the victims and the genocide of 6 million Jews, half of them in Poland, saying it is a national trauma far away from healing.

According to Rynhold, Katz made the offensive remarks against Poland just for domestic reasons as such attacks could raise more support for him in the upcoming elections.

In recent years, the Israeli public became more likely to vote for right-wing politicians who appear more radical in ideology, which has prompted the politicians to be more outspoken while disregarding the long-term effect of their remarks.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 23:53:11|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HANOI, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong will pay an official friendly visit to Laos on Feb. 24-25, and a state visit to Cambodia on Feb. 25-26, the committee's Commission for External Relations announced on Wednesday.

The traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos have been unceasingly cemented, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Vietnam and Cambodia have maintained mutual high-ranking visits as well as delegation exchanges between their ministries, sectors and localities.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 23:43:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's central government will eliminate or delegate to lower-level authorities more items that require government approval and implement nationwide the reform of the construction project reviewing system, the State Council's executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang decided on Wednesday.

The Chinese government has put high importance on transforming government functions by streamlining administration, delegating powers, enhancing oversight and providing better services. Premier Li stressed the importance of deepening the reform in transforming government functions, especially by delegating administrative powers.

He called for a thorough evaluation of all government review items to see that all existing review items that can be eliminated or delegated to lower-level authorities be duly dealt with except for those involving national security and major public interests.

"Streamlining administration is as important as tax cuts in stimulating market vitality as we tackle the current downward economic pressure. The key task for the government is to foster a better business environment to energize all market players," Li said at the Wednesday meeting, "This will be our important measure for sustaining steady economic growth this year."

It was decided at the meeting that 25 administrative approval items including pre-approval of corporate names before business registration and preliminary review of domestically-produced medicines will be canceled. Six administrative approval items including the practising registration of some professions will be delegated to government departments at or below the provincial level.

"Our reform to transform government functions affects the vested interests of government departments. However, administrative streamlining is a must as excessive and cumbersome reviewing requirements would drive up institutional transaction costs and dampen market vitality," Li said. "Meanwhile, the government must enhance oversight and improve services. Its focus should shift to setting rules and standards."

It was also decided at the meeting the pilot reform of the reviewing system for construction projects will be rolled out across the nation.

Under unified requirements, an inter-agency reviewing process with a single department acting as the lead agency and clear reviewing timeframes will be adopted. Practices such as pledging of notification, district-wide evaluation, and joint drawing review and project inspection upon completion will be implemented. In a word, there will be "a single blueprint" overseeing the implementation of a project, "a single window" providing multi-agency services, "a single checklist" for preparing application materials and "a single set of mechanisms" for regulating the permitting processes. The goal is to halve the time required for reviewing construction projects to 120 working days in the whole of the country within the first half of this year.

"Market players must assume their due responsibilities and recognize that they take primary responsibility for the projects they undertake, and that they will be held accountable for them on a lifetime basis," Li said, "As for the government, it must not interfere in things that do not fall within its purview, and focus on exercising oversight in all the areas necessary. This kind of oversight will help ensure fairness and efficiency."Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 23:33:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of 2019 China-ASEAN Year of Media Exchanges, which was held here Wednesday.

The letter was read by Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, at the opening ceremony.

China and ASEAN countries, as close neighbors linked by cultural bonds and with a long history of friendly exchanges, have deepened strategic communication in recent years, Xi said.

The two sides have made joint efforts in constructing the Belt and Road, advancing people-to-people exchanges, properly handling differences and safeguarding regional stability, he noted.

Saying China-ASEAN relations have entered a new phase of all-around development, Xi stressed the launch of the China-ASEAN Year of Media Exchanges represents an important move toward intensifying their strategic partnership.

"Acting as a bridge in promoting communication, cooperation and people-to-people contacts, media can play an even greater role in the development of China-ASEAN ties," said the Chinese president.

He expressed hope that media from both sides could serve as messengers of friendly exchanges, facilitators of pragmatic cooperation, guardians of harmonious coexistence and good story-tellers on peace and development, making a greater contribution to the building of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Huang, also head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, met with some distinguished guests from ASEAN prior to the opening ceremony.

China's neighborhood diplomacy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness proposed by Xi has pointed out the direction of the country's relations with ASEAN, Huang said.

Saying China-ASEAN Year of Media Exchanges aims to push forward bilateral ties and people-to-people exchanges, Huang called on media organizations to expand and tap potential in cooperation in the spirit of friendly negotiation, equality and mutual benefit.

The ASEAN guests spoke highly of the two sides' media cooperation and voiced their hope to further boost communication and friendship.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 23:28:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ACCRA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- In Ghana, the national reforestation program has rescued a number of young people from joblessness.

The country has started seeing positive signs of progress since the Youth in Afforestation Program started in 2018, according to Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission.

"All together, we employed about 60,000 young men and women for the afforestation program," the CEO disclosed when he accompanied the media to the field recently to verify proof of work by the temporary youth workers of the commission.

Owusu-Afriyie added this year the commission planted about 10 million trees and if that is expected to be replicated over the next three years.

While the young employees planted trees on 8,000 hectares of land, the entire national reforestation program, which include what the regular staff of the Forestry Commission and the private sector, accounted for 26 million trees planted on 24,000 hectares over the past year.

Government spends at least 20 million Ghana cedis (about 3.84 million US dollars) monthly on the allowances of these temporary young workers alone, with the CEO arguing that the expenditure was justifiable due to the enormous benefits Ghana stood to reap in future.

"We are talking about 20 million Ghana cedis a month because of the sheer numbers. But you cannot quantify the jobs that they have done in monetary terms."

"Trees have value and the value that the country will derive can not be quantified in any monetary terms. So the benefit that the entire country will obtain in the next 10 years to 20 years is what I am looking forward to and that is what gives us joy and hope to continue to soldier on," he added.

The CEO lauded the young employees for their performance so far.

Part of the work of the Youth in Afforestation involves planting of trees within the buffer zones of the country's water bodies.

At Tomefa, near the Weija Dam at south-western end of the capital, Esther Oppong-Agyei, head supervisor of the forest plantation staff, said the personnel sometimes had to spend their own money in watering the tender trees on the 13 hectares of stretch of land to ensure they survived the harsh weather condition of the dry season.

"We came here in the middle of June, given a two-year contract, and we are in the ninth month. With the help of the government, giving us logistics, the work has been effective," she told the media.

Among the employees were field assistants, assistant supervisors, and supervisors. The supervisor pointed out that the field work was not easy, but with the morale, they have achieved a lot.

Tree planting along the Densu River at Tomefa is an intervention which, according to Paul Kwame Senahia, Chairman of the Densu Lake Protection Committee, was a timely intervention to prevent the danger of the lake drying up in the near future.

The Weija Lake has been experiencing pollution from cow dung, human feces, agriculture waste and other household wastes as a result of encroachment.

"The lake is so polluted because of encroachment. The buffer zone is supposed to be 300 meters from the river bank but people have encroached on the buffer zone."

"If we do not do tree planting, the encroachment will come up to the lake and it will cause a lot of pollution to the water. So we appreciate what the government and Forestry Commission are doing," the official stated.

In addition to Tomefa, tree planting has been going on in other areas, including Joma Agbozume in the Ablekuma District and the Achimota forest Eco-Tourism center where species like Mahogany, Ofram and Acacia are planted.

Speaking to the media in the Achimota forest, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio lauded the initiative and the hard work by the youth employees.

"This is going a long way to help in terms of decreasing the deforestation rate that we are seeing in the country. We are all witness to current harsh climate conditions that we are experiencing," the deputy minister commented.

He argued that if the country had started this tree planting years back, the deforestation would have been reversed entirely.

"So this is a good beginning and we only need to continue to encourage Forestry Commission for the good work that they are doing. I have been very pleased to see this here," the official added.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 23:23:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during the annual address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 20, 2019. The preliminary results of the implementation of Russia's national projects should be summed up in 2020, Putin said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Evgeny Sinitsyn)

MOSCOW, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia does not intend to be the first to place missiles in Europe but will develop its defense capacities and take reciprocal measures if the United States deploys missiles, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday in his address to Russia's Federal Assembly.

"Russia will be forced to create and deploy weapons that can be used not only against areas, from which a direct threat will emanate, but also against the centers making decisions on the use of missile systems that threaten us," Putin said.

Speaking about the intention of the United States to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, Putin said that Washington has been violating the benchmark disarmament deal.

By launching intermediate-range missiles under the guise of "target missiles" and deploying launchers suitable for using Tomahawk cruise missiles in Romania and Poland, the United States violates the requirements of the treaty "directly and grossly," Putin said.

This will dramatically aggravate the situation in the field of international security and create a serious threat for Russia, because for some classes of these missiles, the flight time to Moscow only takes 10 to 12 minutes, Putin said.

Russia therefore will be forced to respond both with "mirrored and asymmetric actions," he said.

Putin stressed that Russia wants peace with all countries, including the United States, but it will develop its military might to protect itself against any threat.

"For a stable and long-term development we need peace," Putin said in his annual address to the Russian parliament.

"And all our work aimed at increasing our defense capacity has the only goal -- to guarantee the security of our country and our citizens so that nobody would dare not only think about an aggression but even about trying to use pressure methods on our country," Putin said.

Russia is not interested in any confrontation with a global power such as the United States, with which it wants to have full-fledged, equal and friendly relations, he said. He added that some people at the top in Washington are still obsessed with the idea of exclusivity and superiority over the rest of the world.

He suggested that these people should first calculate "the reach and the speed of our prospective weapons" before making decisions that could seriously threaten Russia. EnditemSource: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 23:18:05|Editor: Yurou

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LONDON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- "Hello, wish you a happy and prosperous new year," walking on the streets at London's Chinatown, William Adlington was smilingly speaking to the Chinese people passing by -- a traditional greeting he learned for celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Adlington, a British, has been fascinated with the Chinese culture since he set foot in China 6 years ago for the first time.

"I've been to China for several times and I visited cities such as Dandong, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an and Beijing," he said, adding that he loved Chinese food very much, through which he found one of the great traditions of the Chinese people.

"When Chinese people sit at the table, they put all the dishes on the table and share the dishes together, equally. Sharing is a very great tradition of the Chinese people, especially when they have guests, they serve their guests with their best food," he said.

"That's the difference I learned between the Chinese and the Westerners," he added.

"Adlington is not an exception," Beibei Wang, an acclaimed Chinese operatic soprano, who has been studying and working in London for a long period of time, said that more and more foreigners are starting to appreciate Chinese culture.

A few days ago, Wang was invited to perform at a Chinese New Year celebration in London held by Britain's National Liberal Club.

"They were mostly foreigners except several Chinese people," Wang said, emphasizing that she was deeply impressed by the speech given by the honorable guest speaker Stephen Perry, chairman of Britain's 48 Group Club and also recipient of China Reform Friendship Medal.

"Perry said that sharing is one of the great characteristics of the Chinese people. It exists in the past, at present and in the future. The British people should learn from the Chinese people their diligence, modesty, and love for peace and morality," Wang said. "I was also touched."

Foreigners not just share Chinese culture, but also help spread it. Aleksander Mielnikow, a Polish man who is studying at New College of the Humanities in London, said he has always been interested in Chinese culture and has mastered knowledge of Chinese language although he only stayed in China for 18 days in 2018.

"I learn Chinese culture through reading, surfing on the internet and communicating with Chinese people around and I also introduce it to my friends," he said, adding that he found "the greatest charm of Chinese culture lies in the Chinese people, who are hardworking and optimistic about their lives", and he is "looking forward to going back to China again."

"I am missing China too," Rachele Rosina, an Italian young woman, who is also studying in London, echoed that Chinese culture is so beautiful that she can't stop introducing it to her Italian friends.

"Years ago, I learned Chinese language at University of Venice, then I went to China to study for two years, and now I spend my free time with my friends writing Italian articles on blog and social media to introduce Chinese culture to the Italian people," Rosina said.

During the Chinese new year, she posted two articles on the Chinese Spring Festival and the twelve Chinese zodiac signs on her blog.

"We also write articles about the lives of the Chinese people who live in Europe and we hope these articles could be a bridge between China and Europe," she added.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 23:13:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations - African Union (AU) Joint Task Force on Peace and Security has expressed its concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in the central Mali.

An AU statement said the Joint Task Force has urged the government to augment its efforts in addressing the increasingly complex situation, with the support of partners.

The two organizations also called upon all stakeholders to sustain their commitment and accelerate the implementation of the measures under the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) agreement.

The joint task force further emphasized the need for all international partners to continue to support the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), which is the UN's peacekeeping mission in the West African country.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 23:13:04|Editor: zh

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Myanmar Religious Affairs and Culture Minister U Aung Ko speaks during a workshop on heritage sites management in Lancang-Mekong countries in Bagan, Myanmar, Feb. 20, 2019. Myanmar hosted a two-day workshop on heritage sites management in Lancang-Mekong countries in its ancient city of Bagan on Wednesday. The workshop featured extensive discussions and view exchanges of representatives from six Lancang-Mekong countries -- China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. (Xinhua/U Aung)

BAGAN, Myanmar, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar hosted a two-day workshop on heritage sites management in Lancang-Mekong countries in its ancient city of Bagan on Wednesday.

The workshop featured extensive discussions and view exchanges of representatives from six Lancang-Mekong countries -- China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.

Noting that each country's national cultural heritage greatly contributes to the cultural diversity and richness of humanity, in particular of the Mekong region, Myanmar Religious Affairs and Culture Minister U Aung Ko said at the opening ceremony that the workshop highlights the importance of preservation, protection and management of heritage sites in the Mekong region for the new generations as Mekong Family Countries possess a rich variety and abundance of invaluable cultural heritage.

He believed that the workshop will be able to enhance the public awareness and understanding on the importance of preservation and protection of cultural heritage sites.

Relating to supporting the implementation of World Heritage Convention, he stressed the need to preserve and protect the cultural heritage sites systematically, saying that it will help not only reinforce the identity of people but also for tourism development.

On the other hand, he emphasized the need to manage to maintain a balance between the preservation and protection of heritage sites and development of tourism.

He thanked China for the provision of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund.

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Hong Liang said the workshop is part of the 19 important projects under the LMC special fund provided by China for the second time, adding that the heritage sites management also represents an important part for China and Myanmar in jointly building a modern silk road and the two countries' economic corridor.

Pledging to assist Myanmar in its preservation of heritage as much as possible, Hong said the heritage will represent a symbol of Paukphaw (fraternal) friendship connecting the hearts of the two peoples.

Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung expressed the belief that the workshop will assist in cultural heritage preservation of countries in the region through close coordination and cooperation.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 22:52:59|Editor: Yamei

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Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during the annual address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 20, 2019. The preliminary results of the implementation of Russia's national projects should be summed up in 2020, Putin said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

MOSCOW, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The preliminary results of the implementation of Russia's national projects should be summed up in 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.

"This year people should feel real change for the better. It is on the basis of their opinion and assessments at the beginning of next year that we will evaluate the first results of our work on the national projects," Putin said at his annual address to the Russian Federal Assembly.

The government will then draw appropriate conclusions about the work quality and performance at all levels of executive power, he added.

Currently, the Russian government has completed the stage of outlining tools for achieving these long-term strategic goals and the work to achieve the goals has to begin immediately, Putin said.

According to Putin, the national projects are designed to improve the quality of life for all Russian citizens, which can only be achieved by "generating a momentum in Russia's development."

In particular, Putin noted that in Russia there are about 19 million people living below the poverty line, adding that combating poverty has become an urgent issue.

He proposed establishing a mechanism of social contracts in certain regions to provide assistance to people with low incomes, such as helping people find jobs as well as providing financial resources and training programs to improve their skills.

"It is estimated that more than 9 million people will be able to benefit from these support measures over a five-year period," Putin said.

Meanwhile, Putin warned that Russia has entered an extremely challenging period in terms of demographics as the birth rate is declining.

But he said that the Russian government has come up with a package of measures to support families, including increasing maternity subsidiaries and allowances for nurses, reducing tax burdens for families and lowering mortgages rates.

"I strongly believe that we can do it again by returning to natural population growth by late 2023 to early 2024," Putin said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 22:47:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WARSAW, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- As spat over Israeli officials' remarks about Poland's involvement in the Holocaust spirals, appeals for dialogue have been brought up, while the Polish side is still waiting for an apology.

"Both Israel and Poland are our important allies and friends. We call on our allies and friends to find ways to listen to each other," read a statement of the U.S. Department of State quoted by the Polish Radio, appealing the two sides to engage in dialogue.

"I think we need to do everything to return to normal relations between Poland and Israel, to normal discussions. I think the foreign minister of Israel should apologize," the spokesman of Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Wednesday during an interview with Polish Radio.

In an email exchange with American rabbi Shmuley Boteach, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has spoken about friendship between the Polish and the Jewish nations.

"Poland is devoted to the Jewish people and the state of Israel," Morawiecki wrote on Tuesday in the email quoted by The Jerusalem Post.

"I hope that we will finally come to terms with Prime Minister Netanyahu, but words like those by the minister of foreign affairs are totally unacceptable for Poland," Morawiecki said.

Commenting on the diplomatic row, U.S. ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher said on Wednesday that Israeli acting foreign minister should apologize to Poland for his remarks.

Israel's newly-appointed acting Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz said on Sunday that Poles "collaborated with the Nazis" during World War II.

Since then, numerous Polish politicians have demanded an apology and Poland pulled out of a meeting of Central European countries and Israel scheduled to take place this week in Jerusalem.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 22:47:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Zeynep Cermen

ISTANBUL, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Prawn satay half cooked over a mini Asian barbecue was ready to be served, while the chef was still busy decorating a plate of sushi rolls with salted bonito flakes and crispy French fried potatoes.

The restaurant named after a banyan tree was to be packed soon with customers, who came for a fusion cuisine as dinner as well as for a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus Strait from the upscale Ortakoy neighborhood in Istanbul.

For the main course that day, the chef and his team selected a portion of a filet mignon already marinated for 24 hours in Japanese sake.

"We serve the main dish with seven-herb Asian pesto, which includes kaffir lime leaves and coriander along with other greens and a curry rice cake flavored with traditionally pickled Japanese ginger, gari," said Cem Pasinli, owner of the restaurant.

"We blend Asian foods with classic European cooking methods and create different specialties," he explained, saying the items on the menu have more flavors of Thai cuisine but are blended as well with Japanese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Malaysian tastes.

Onur Koksal, the chef, was placing seaweed on a bamboo mat, covering the sheet of seaweed with a delicious layer of sushi rice. Later he put in a flake of salted bonito and gently rolled it with a rice paddle.

"This is a solid example of our fusion technique," said Koksal. "We combine typical traditional Asian sushi rolls with a wine reduction sauce inspired from a French flavoring used for their well-known poached pears in red wine."

He said the sauce also includes star anise, clove and cinnamon, while the salted bonito inside the rolls is usually very appealing to Turkish and Greek diners.

Koksal regularly creates new items for the menu as he has been trying to improve his creativity, like combining wasabi or Japanese horseradish with white chocolate.

"We need to be innovative to be unconventional and successful in the sector," he said.

Following a 20-year corporate life, Pasinli decided in 2002 to try on fine dining with Asiatic tastes. The following year, he opened his restaurant, the first of its kind in Turkey.

However, some essential elements like coriander or galangal were then almost impossible to find in the country, as Turkish people were not very keen on Asian cuisine.

Pasinli had to rely on his contacts in Asia for kitchen supplies and brought them back in suitcases.

"We also faced a lot of criticism from the customers as they were not familiar with the Asian flavors at all," the owner said, noting Turks have travelled a lot over the years and got used to new tastes.

Pasinli loves to mix some local spices with Asian seasonings for his fusion cuisine. He spends a lot of time in open-air markets across the city to find unique herbs and spices used in local cuisine.

"In that sense, I could say Banyan is the pioneer of fine dining, bringing Asian flavors to Turkey and combining them with Turkish and European delicacies," he said.

At Banyan, a dinner for two costs approximately 600 Turkish liras, or nearly 115 U.S. dollars.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 22:42:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GENEVA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- One of the people rescued from Tuesday's avalanche in the Crans Montana area of the Alps died overnight after sustaining severe injuries, police in Switzerland's Valais canton said on Wednesday.

A day before, police said that at least four people were injured, including one seriously, as they continued searching during the night. Several were swept off ski slopes and believed to buried by the avalanche.

Police said that the man who died overnight in the Sion hospital was a 34-year-old French national who was part of the local ski patrol.

The Chinese Embassy in Switzerland said Wednesday that currently no Chinese nationals have been found dead or injured in the avalanche.

On Tuesday, an avalanche swept down the mountain at an altitude of 2,750 meters, just below the Plaine-Morte Glacier, and hit the well-known Kandahar ski slope at around 2:20 pm.

The avalanche material was 840 meters long and 100 meters wide.

The Swiss national broadcaster, RTS, reported on Wednesday the known toll was one person dead and three injured.

Police said the search was called off due to no disappearances being reported, despite some authorities earlier suspecting more people were buried under the snow. However, the search could resume if the situation requires it.

The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Studies (SLF) said the avalanche danger for the region was at level 2 out of 5 on Tuesday.

Local media said that higher than average temperatures in recent days there could have triggered the avalanche.File Photo: Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un (R) and U.S. President Donald Trump take a walk during their summit meeting in Singapore on June 12, 2018. (Xinhua/Ministry of Communication and Information of Singapore)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he expected to see the ultimate denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula while pointing out that he had no pressing schedule for that objective.

Trump told the press Tuesday that he was looking forward to meeting Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), next week in Hanoi, Vietnam. "I think a lot of things will come out of it," he said.

Trump said he would like to see the ultimate denuclearization of the DPRK, but at the same time noted that he was "in no particular rush" given that the sanctions remain in effect and Pyongyang has refrained from nuclear and missile testing.

"As long as there's no testing I'm in no rush, if there's testing that's another deal ... I hope that very positive things are going to happen," he said.

Trump also said he discussed "probably every aspect" of the second U.S.-DPRK summit with his Republic of Korea (ROK) counterpart Moon Jae-in during a phone conversation the same day.

According to the Office of President Moon, the two leaders intensively discussed ways to cooperate for the success of the upcoming second U.S.-DPRK summit over the phone for about 35 minutes.

The ROK leader said his country was ready to assume any role, if Trump demands, to offer corresponding measures to facilitate denuclearization on the peninsula.

Stephen Biegun, U.S. special representative for DPRK affairs, was on his way to Hanoi in preparation for the summit between Trump and Kim, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said Tuesday at a press briefing.

Trump announced on Feb. 8 that his second meeting with Kim would take place in Hanoi on Feb. 27-28. He met with Kim for the first time in Singapore in June 2018, reaching several consensuses which have led to the improvement of U.S.-DPRK relations.

However, differences on such key issues as the road map of denuclearization, U.S. lifting sanctions and whether to issue a war-ending declaration still haunt the two sides and hinder negotiations.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 22:27:54|Editor: ZX

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TIANJIN, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The northern Chinese port city of Tianjin Wednesday issued an orange alert for heavy air pollution in the coming few days.

The Tianjin municipal bureau of ecology and environment advised the children, elderly and those suffering from heart, lung and allergic diseases to stay indoors and suspend outdoor activities.

Unfavorable weather conditions and a rise in emissions of pollutants in wake of the Spring Festival holiday would lead to the air pollution, said Yang Yong, an official with the bureau.

A spate of emergency measures will be taken starting Thursday noon to ease the air pollution, said Yang.

Industrial companies in Tianjin, which borders Beijing, will suspend some operations or improve the pollution treatment to help slash the emissions of major pollutants by over 40 percent.

Meanwhile, authorities ordered the suspension of some outdoor construction operations and kept half of the medium- and heavy-duty trucks off the roads through an odd-even license plate number policy.

The air quality is expected to improve next Wednesday and Thursday when a weak cold front arrives, according to the local meteorological service.

The orange alert, the second highest, is issued when the daily average air quality index is forecast to surpass 200 for three consecutive days.

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region sits in the heart of the North China Plain where air pollution, particularly winter smog, often occurs as a result of high concentrations of industrial and vehicle emissions, limited air circulation and the burning of coal.

More residents are increasingly worried about the health impacts, particularly of PM2.5. The smaller airborne particles pose a greater health risk as they can get deeper into the lungs than larger particles.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 22:17:53|Editor: xuxin

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HARARE, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabweans will on Thursday mark former President Robert Mugabe's birthday through a public holiday which was first commemorated in 2018.

The holiday was mooted by the ruling ZANU-PF youth league to honor their then icon, whose birthday had since the 1980s been celebrated as the 21st February Movement.

Mugabe led the Zimbabwean government for 37 years, having started off as Prime Minister in 1980 and becoming Executive President in 1987.

His last Cabinet approved the holiday in August 2017, just three months before he was toppled by Mnangagwa in a military-assisted operation.

On the day he was inaugurated as the country's new leader on Nov. 24, 2017, President Emmerson Mnangagwa gazetted the Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, which falls on Mugabe's birthday on Feb. 21.

Mugabe in 2018 reportedly snubbed ZANU-PF youths who had wanted to visit his private home in Harare and sing for him and will most likely treat the day as a private family affair again on Thursday.

The public holiday has been met with mixed feelings from the general public, with some supporting it while others say it is unnecessary and disrupts business operations at a time the economy needs to be more productive.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 22:12:52|Editor: xuxin

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ANKARA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia will deliver the first batch of S-400 air defense system to Turkey in July and the missile systems will be activated in October, a Turkish defense official said Wednesday.

"Delivery of the S-400 system will begin in July. And in October, the system will be active," said Ismail Demir, head of Turkish Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, in a televised interview.

"There are two systems, and the second system's calendar is shifted. There is no problem," he added.

Turkey needs more than two air defense systems and has been conducting talks over the purchase of Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) system from the United States as well, Demir explained.

However, Ankara "cannot the content and details of the U.S. offer," the Turkish official noted.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that the United States cannot fulfill Ankara's two basic conditions for buying the Patriot: offering credit and joint production, local media reported.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 22:12:52|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- China expects the upcoming second summit between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States to be held smoothly and achieve positive outcomes, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

"It is China's consistent stance that direct contact and dialogue between the DPRK and the U.S. is key to resolving the Korean Peninsula issue," spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing, adding that China always supports the DPRK and the U.S. to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiations.

Top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to hold their second summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Feb. 27-28.

Geng expressed hope that the summit would inject new impetus to realizing denuclearization and lasting peace on the peninsula. "China will continue to make its own efforts and contributions to realizing this goal," he added.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 21:52:45|Editor: ZX

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BERLIN, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- China remained the single largest market for products of the German electrical industry in 2018, the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI) announced on Wednesday.

The value of products export increased by 10.3 percent to 21 billion euros. The second largest market was the United States, which imported German electrical exports worth 17.8 billion euros in 2018, according to the announcement.

"The already successful cooperation" between Germany and China on many future subjects such as artificial intelligence could be further strengthened, according to Chairman of the management board of ZVEI Klaus Mittelbach.

European countries such as France, the Netherlands and Britain are also among the most important markets of the German electrical industry.

In general, exports of electronic goods from Germany grew by 5 percent to 211.9 billion euros (240.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2018, despite a slight decline towards the end of the year, the ZVEI said.

In December 2018, the value of German exports amounted to 15.8 billion euros, a slight decline of 0.3 percent compared to the same month last year. "It was the first decrease since July 2016", ZVEI chief economist Andreas Gontermann stated.

Imports of electronic goods increased by 4.4 percent to 191.1 billion euros in 2018, making Germany's export surplus reach 20.8 billion euros. However, towards the end of the year 2018, imports also fell by 0.7 percent in a year-on-year comparison.

In January, ZVEI announced that the German electrical industry is set to increase production by 1 percent with total sales exceeding 200 billion euros in 2019. (1 euro = 1.13 U.S. dollars)Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 21:42:44|Editor: xuxin

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ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Collaboration among key stakeholders in the climate information services value chain is crucial for Africa to achieve its development agenda, African experts said on Wednesday.

African experts, who have gathered under the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) umbrella, have stressed that Africa needs evidence-based research with an aim to inform its budgeting and development programs.

"Accurate climate information and climate information services will make Africa resilient to climate change by ensuring that decision makers and planners in agriculture, water, energy, infrastructure, and health are well informed and make decisions that yield benefits for our people," an ECA statement quoted James Murombedzi, Chief of African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC), as saying.

Despite climate information services being very important to many countries, Murombedzi underscored the "insufficient systematic processes in Africa used for packaging, translating and disseminating information that is responsive to the needs of stakeholders."

Joseph Mukabana, Director for Africa and LDCs at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), also called for impact-based forecasts that are area and consumer-specific so as to reach majority of the users across the continent.

"For example, farmers want to know the onset of rains, its intensity and when it will stop. They want to know the seeds they will use and they want to receive the information in a simple language style they understand, not the scientific jargon," Mukabana said.

The WMO director also called for concerted efforts to target governments and donors because they are key in implementing policies.

"Let us plan to reach government officials through such bodies like African ministerial conference on meteorology and development partners' roundtable," Mukabana stressed.

According to figures from the African Union, an estimated 3 trillion U.S. dollars are needed for Africa to implement the climate change adaptation and mitigation targets that are expected to be realized by the year 2030.

Despite the huge need, sub-Saharan Africa received an average of 12 billion U.S. dollars per year in 2015/16, the AU had said in a statement last month.

"There is urgency to shift the billions to trillions. The inability of African countries to deliver their national targets will endanger the global ability to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement," the 55-member continental union stressed last month.

Coordinator of Weather and Climate Information Services for Africa at the Africa Climate and Policy Centre, Frank Rutabaga, also called for proper coordination to avoid duplication of projects.

"We will strive to identify projects across the continent so that we are able to advise donors and governments on how they can be implemented, where, and at what cost," Rutabingwa said.File photo shows a student takes part in the 17th Chinese-Bridge Proficiency Competition for College students in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, April 26, 2018. (Xinhua/Wu Changwei)

WINDHOEK, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- With growing trade relations between Namibia and China, more and more Namibian students are falling in love with learning the Chinese language.

"I am only the first year at University of Namibia and I chose Chinese as a foreign language as this could broaden my horizons in the future," said Ndapewa Shikongo, a student at a local university.

More and more people in the world are doing business with China and soon mandarin will be the most sought-after language, "so why not prepare for it," said Shikongo.

Renowned Namibian educationist and Namibian University of Science and Technology Deputy Vice Chancellor Andrew Niikondo believes Namibia and many other Africa countries stand to benefit immensely from having more students learning Chinese.

"Namibia trade relations with China are growing by the day and more and more deals are being signed between the two countries," said Niikondo.

"This move is creating an opportunity for Namibian graduates to interact more in the business world with their Chinese counterpart," he said.

As a result, it is imperative that more tertiary education students and even officials learn the Chinese language as a way of bridging the language barrier when doing business, he noted.

Niikondo reckons that China is now the next frontier for both African exports as well as reliable business partner for most African governments.

Niikondo added that Namibia is not the only country that saw the relevance of incorporating Chinese languages at universities but a host of other countries are also making the same move.

The trend is now popular in many Africa countries in the southern African region and the continent as a whole, he said.

"It is only wise that as a country Namibia also follows the same as everyone else," he said.

In fact, many major universities in the continent are incorporating mandarin in their management courses as a way of improving the quality of graduates who will in future have to negotiate with Chinese companies coming to Africa, he said.

Over the past six years, more than 3,000 Namibians have enrolled to learn to speak mandarin at the Confucius Institute at the University of Namibia (UNAM) in partnership with China University of Geo-Sciences.

Director of the Confucius Institute Zhang Fan said language is serving as a smooth conveyor belt in bridging between China and Namibia relations for the future.

"Students have noted that learning Chinese offers advantages both in the local tourism industry, and in a variety of interactions at the world stage," he said.File photo shows workers at Mpund Wild Honey, a Chinese-run firm, show the fully packaged honey in central Zambia's Kabwe town, on Nov. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

CHILILABOMBWE, Zambia, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Entrepreneurs in China and Zambia should forge strong partnerships that will result in a win-win situation for all parties, an industry body said on Tuesday.

Forming strong partnerships will go a long way in building capacity in Zambian enterprises and eventually contribute to the growth of the southern African nation's economy.

Nelson Musonda, president of the Chililabombwe Chamber of Commerce and Industry said local business bodies should lead the way and encourage their members to participate at business forums in China in order to forge strong partnerships.

"Increased partnerships with Chinese entrepreneurs as well as attending the Chinese business expos, is the way to go for Zambian business groups if they are to build on their capacity to do business," he said.

According to him, building strong partnerships with Chinese enterprises will help Zambian businesses in acquiring technology transfer and skills development.

He added that Zambia was endowed with abundant raw materials which could be exploited through strong partnerships with Chinese enterprises.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 21:17:39|Editor: xuxin

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PHNOM PENH, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Wednesday that the country's economy is expected to grow by 7 percent in 2019 despite the ongoing threat of trade sanctions from the European Union.

The EU started last week the 18-month process that could lead to the temporary suspension of Cambodia's duty-free trading access to the EU market under the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme due to concerns over human rights and labor rights in the kingdom.

"After achieving a 7.5 percent economic growth in 2018, we hope that Cambodia's economy will grow around 7 percent in 2019," Hun Sen said in a speech to about 11,000 garment factory workers in southern Kandal province.

The prime minister said the growth will still be driven by garment exports, tourism, construction and real estate and agriculture.

"We won't die, our country will move forwards with dignity and strength," he said.

Hun Sen said a series of precautionary measures including the cancellations of various fees and the reduction of electricity tariffs had been taken to support exporters in case the EU stripped the EBA trade preferences.

"We won't leave any factories to be shut down," he said. "With these measures, if it's required to pay tariffs, our exporters are still capable of paying tariffs for exporting their products to this or that market."

Cambodian Ministry of Commerce Secretary of State Sok Sopheak said last Friday that these measures had helped reduce operating costs for exporters by about 200 million U.S. dollars per year.

EU is a key trading partner for Cambodia, especially for garment and footwear sector. As a Least Developed Country, Cambodia has enjoyed exports of all products, except arms and ammunition, to the EU market with zero percent tariff since 2001.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, the Southeast Asian nation exported products worth a total of 18 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, in which 7 billion U.S. dollars, or nearly 40 percent of the total amount, went to the EU market.

If the EBA is suspended, tariffs in the garment sector will increase by 12 percent, as those in the footwear sector will rise by eight to 17 percent.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 21:17:39|Editor: xuxin

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TOKYO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese court on Wednesday ordered the government and the operator of the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant to pay compensation to a group who were adversely affected by the 2011 nuclear disaster.

The order to pay a total of 419 million yen (3.78 million U.S. dollars) in damages to 152 of the 175 plaintiffs was handed down by the Yokohama District Court to the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. (TEPCO).

The plaintiffs had initially sought a combined 5.4 billion yen (48.75 million U.S. dollars) in damages, arguing that the nuclear disaster that saw many of them forced to evacuate from Fukushima Prefecture to areas in Kanagawa Prefecture, had caused them to lose their livelihoods and inflicted mental injuries on them.

The district court's presiding Judge Ken Nakadaira ruled that the utility and government were culpable because the disaster could have been predicted based on a projection made in 2009 of a tsunami hitting the area and knocking out power supply.

Nakadaira said it was possible that steps could have been put into place by the end of 2010 that would have ensured that core meltdowns in reactors at the Fukushima plant were avoided and thus the release of massive amounts of radioactive materials into the ground, air and sea also avoided.

The judge blasted the government for judging prior to the disaster that the utility's measures to protect against a possible tsunami were appropriate.

On the government's part, Nakadaira said its actions, or lack thereof, were a serious "mistake and failure." He also added that the government not asserting its regulatory authority over TEPCO was illegal.

The order by the Yokohama District Court marks the eight such decision against Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. and the fifth against the government.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 21:17:39|Editor: xuxin

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Pakistani national who was serving a 20-year jail sentence was reportedly killed inside a prison in India's western state of Rajasthan on Wednesday by four other inmates during a brawl that broke out over TV volume.

According to media reports, identified as 50-year-old Shakir Ullah, who hailed from Sialkot in Pakistan, had already spent eight years in the jail since his arrest in 2011.

According to media reports, four prisoners were watching TV when a quarrel broke out. As the fight escalated, three convicts bashed Shakir Ullah's head against a stone on the ground which reportedly led to his death.

Meanwhile, senior police officers, a forensics team and district officials have rushed to the jail to probe into the incident.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 21:17:39|Editor: xuxin

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A 3,140-ton span is placed on pillars of the Padma Bridge by a China-made crane vessel in Bangladesh Feb. 20, 2019. China Major Bridge Engineering Company on Wednesday successfully installed the 7th span of Bangladesh's largest Padma Bridge, making over 1 km of the bridge visible so far. (Xinhua/Duan Yonghong)

DHAKA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- China Major Bridge Engineering Company on Wednesday successfully installed the 7th span of Bangladesh's largest Padma Bridge, making over 1 km of the bridge visible so far.

The 3,140-ton span was placed on the pillars 35 and 36 of the bridge on Wednesday afternoon.

With the installation of the 150-meter long span, the 7th span among the 41 spans has been installed on the 6.15-km bridge and about 1,050 m of the bridge is now visible.

In December 2015, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the main works of Padma Bridge project, the biggest of its kind for the country, by unveiling its foundation plaque.

In June 2014, the Bangladeshi government awarded China Major Bridge Engineering Company Limited a 1.55-billion-U.S.-dollar contract to build core structure of the Padma Bridge project.

Apart from connecting nearly 30 million people in Bangladesh's southwest region to the rest of the country, the bridge will enhance regional trade and collaboration along the Asian highway No. 1 and the Trans-Asian railway network.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 21:12:37|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday voiced support for Tanzania's sentencing of a Chinese businesswoman to 15 years in prison for smuggling elephant tusks.

According to media reports, Yang Fenglan, a Chinese businesswoman dubbed the "Ivory Queen," was convicted on Tuesday by a Tanzanian court of smuggling about two tonnes of elephant tusks.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a press briefing that China has consistently attached great importance to protecting endangered wild fauna and flora and diligently complied with relevant international obligations.

Geng said that since 2015, China has promulgated measures banning imports of ivory carving, imports of ivory as hunting trophies and commercial processing and sales of ivory domestically, which have won acclaim worldwide.

The Chinese government shows "zero tolerance" to activities involving illegal trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora and related products, bringing relevant criminals to justice in a resolute and lawful manner, said the spokesperson.

China has always demanded that its overseas nationals abide by local laws and regulations, never shielding illegal or criminal acts of its nationals, added Geng.

"We support the Tanzanian authorities in conducting a just investigation and trial of the case," Geng said, adding that China stands ready to work with the international community including Tanzania in protecting endangered wild fauna and flora as well as curbing their illegal trade.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 21:07:36|Editor: xuxin

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CAIRO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's anti-terrorism forces killed eight terrorists in North Sinai province, the armed forces said in statement on Wednesday.

"The forces raided seven terrorist hideouts, killing eight extremely dangerous terrorists, and destroyed two booby-trapped vehicles that were prepared for targeting the forces," said the spokesperson of the army, Tamer al-Refai.

Based on intelligence information about the locations of the terrorists who carried out the latest attacks, the raids also destroyed weapons warehouses that housed a large amount of ammunition and material for making explosive devices, the statement added.

On Tuesday, the police killed 16 militants in a shootout in the North Sinai's city of Arish in retaliation for the death of 15 army men last Saturday in North Sinai.

North Sinai is the major base of terrorist groups in Egypt, especially the Islamic State branch that claimed responsibility for killing hundreds of security men and civilians since 2014.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 21:02:35|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- A booklet on the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, released by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council Monday, has been published by the People's Publishing House.

The booklet is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets across the country from Wednesday.

By releasing the plan, China aims to develop the region into "a role model of high-quality development," according to authorities.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 20:32:27|Editor: Xiang Bo

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Aerial photo shows Liang Zhefeng (1st L), the owner of a guest house, serves tea for customers in Shaoxing City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 21, 2018. Local tourism had benefited from a project launched in Zhejiang to overhaul the living environment of villages. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Stronger policy support is in the pipeline to shore up China's rural areas and agriculture as the central authorities aim at tackling the "tough tasks" in their development.

For 16 years in a row, the country's "No. 1 central document," the first policy statement released by the central authorities each year and seen as an indicator of policy priorities, focused on agriculture, rural areas and farmers' issues.

Coming at a time when the Chinese economy faces increased pressure, the document, made public Tuesday by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, called agriculture, rural areas and rural people as "the ballast stone," stressing their role in the country's efforts to "win the upper hand in effectively handling risks and challenges."

"In a complicated situation with growing downward pressure on the economy and profound changes in the external environment, it is of special importance to do a good job in work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers' issues," said the document, which noted, "quite a few tough tasks to fulfill."

Rural development is also key to the country's bid to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020. To eliminate poverty is part of this goal, and much of it rests on progress in rural areas.

"There are only two years left for us to finish building a moderately prosperous society, making rural work an urgent task," said Ye Xingqing, a researcher on rural economy at the Development Research Center of the State Council.

Eradicating poverty, improving the rural living environment and ensuring grain supply are all indispensable parts of the moderate prosperity blueprint, Ye said.

IMPROVE THE WEAK LINK

After decades of industrialization and urbanization, China still has about 560 million rural residents.

Despite drastic changes in the past years of economic growth, China's rural regions still lag demonstrably behind cities in terms of income level, living environment and public services. They also have a huge growth potential that is yet to be fully tapped.

Chen Wensheng, a researcher with the Hunan Academy of Social Sciences, believes this year's No.1 central document showed the Party's "consistent effort to attach great importance to the rural work and firm resolve to improve the weak link of rural development."

Work has been done to channel more funds to the countryside in recent years, with increasing fiscal input and a growing number of rural financial institutions. Rural areas, however, remain financially underserved.

Tuesday's document pledged to prioritize fiscal support and financial services for rural and agricultural development, noting that new loans at the county level should be primarily used for rural vitalization, a strategy proposed in 2017.

Total investment in rural vitalization is likely to exceed 7 trillion yuan (about 1.05 trillion US. dollars), said Yu Xinrong, vice minister of agriculture and rural affairs, at a forum last month.

"By prioritizing agricultural and rural development, the government will tilt towards the sector in financial input, industrial layout, employment, infrastructure and public services, and gradually solve the urban-rural imbalance," said Kong Xiangzhi, a professor with Renmin University's School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development.

FIGHT POVERTY

The rural regions are the central battlefield in the country's fight against poverty.

China is making fast progress towards eliminating poverty, with the number of impoverished rural residents declining from nearly 100 million in late 2012 to 16.6 million by the end of 2018. It will only get harder to help those left get rid of poverty.

Yang Chang, an economist with Zhongtai Securities, anticipates the continued intensity of policy support for rural poverty reduction as the fight has entered a decisive stage.

The focus will be put on providing assistance to areas of extreme poverty, via favorable policies ranging from major projects, poor resident relocation, finance and nurturing of talent, according to the document.

Moreover, it demanded "strategic thinking on the post-2020 period after the goal of poverty reduction is accomplished."

"This means even if the current goal is fulfilled, the mission of fighting poverty will continue," Yang said.

ENSURE FOOD SECURITY

As in previous years, Tuesday's document again stressed sufficient supply of farm produce, which is critical for a nation with the world's largest population and upgrading food demand.

After years of increases, China's grain output edged down in 2018, when 657.9 million tonnes of grains were produced, down 0.6 percent from 2017, official data showed.

Efforts will be made to ensure that the country's grain planting area remains steady at 1.65 billion mu, or 110 million hectares, and the area of arable land is kept above 1.8 billion mu, as well as to develop 800 million mu of high-standard farmland by 2020, according to Tuesday's document.

The document also said the country would move to optimize agricultural structure, boost production of green agricultural products or those in short supply, and roll out plans to increase soybean planting and support the dairy industry.

"To tackle pressure in the global trade of farm produce, it is necessary for us to increase the output of agricultural products, improve their quality and lower their costs," said Zhu Xinkai, an agricultural economist and vice president of Renmin University.

Calling agriculture "a weak industry" in China, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Changfu urged to improve supportive system for agriculture in an interview with the People's Daily.

Policy support should be "in line with the World Trade Organization rules and the requirements of the supply-side structural reform" and "steer the agricultural sector towards high-quality, green development," Han stressed.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 20:27:26|Editor: xuxin

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ULAN BATOR, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga on Wednesday submitted an official letter to the country's parliamentary speaker Gombojav Zandanshatar to call an extraordinary session of the parliament.

"Autumn session of the Mongolian parliament closed on Feb. 2, after the parliament failed to discuss the majority of the 23 originally scheduled draft bills and resolutions during the fall session of 2018 due to the halt in the functions of the parliament for over 40 days, caused by disagreement between the chairman of the parliament and lawmakers," Battulga said in the letter.

"Thus, I am submitting the proposal on summoning an extraordinary session of the parliament before March 1 in order to recompense for the times wasted and take urgent steps towards immediate resolution of the pending issues that our country and people face," the letter read.

More than half of the lawmakers in the 76-seat parliament, most of them belonging to the ruling Mongolian People's Party (MPP), have boycotted plenary sessions and meetings of standing committees of the parliament for more than 40 days, demanding then parliament speaker Miyegombo Enkhbold's resignation over alleged conflicts of interest.

Audio recordings made public last year indicated that some officials of the MPP, including Enkhbold, allegedly used their government positions as a tool to run in the parliamentary election in 2016.

Enkhbold was removed from his post by the majority of the parliament in an ad hoc meeting on Jan. 29, and the former head of the cabinet secretariat Zandanshatar replaced him.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 20:27:26|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with visiting Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China's resolve to develop comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran will remain unchanged, Xi said during the meeting.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 20:26:31|Editor: mym

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Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray waves as she attends a press conference for her grand homecoming in Quezon City, the Philippines, Feb. 20, 2019. Gray won the 67th Miss Universe 2018 beauty pageant in Bangkok in December. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 20:22:25|Editor: Liangyu

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Ou Qingping (R), deputy director of the Chinese State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, takes part in a press conference held in Beijing, capital of China, on Feb. 20, 2019. China has made "important and decisive achievements" in poverty relief in the past six years, and will continue its efforts this year to lay a solid foundation for winning the battle against poverty by 2020, Ou said on Wednesday. In the past six years, China lifted 82.39 million rural poor out of poverty, with the rural poor population down from 98.99 million at the end of 2012 to 16.6 million at the end of last year, said Ou. (Xinhua/Li He)

BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- China has made "important and decisive achievements" in poverty relief in the past six years, and will continue its efforts this year to lay a solid foundation for winning the battle against poverty by 2020, an official said Wednesday.

In the past six years, China lifted 82.39 million rural poor out of poverty, with the rural poor population down from 98.99 million at the end of 2012 to 16.6 million at the end of last year, said Ou Qingping, deputy director of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, at a press conference.

The poverty headcount ratio has dropped from 10.2 percent to less than 1.7 percent in the same period, Ou said.

As this year is an important year for winning the tough battle against poverty by 2020, and the government has set the target to reduce the rural poor population by more than 10 million this year, he added.

Ou said the country will focus on pushing ahead poverty relief efforts in areas of extreme poverty, meeting the basic needs of poor residents, and raising the quality of poverty relief, among other aspects this year.

The country is aiming to lift all rural residents living below the current poverty line out of poverty and eliminate poverty in all poor counties and regions by 2020.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 20:17:25|Editor: ZX

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MACAO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The newly-released outline development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has immediately become a hot topic in Macao's media and society.

Macao Daily, the largest local print media, said in its commentary on Wednesday that the plan has taken the advantage of coordination of the central government and concentration of all resources to break the limits of system difference and regional distance in the Greater Bay Area.

The long-existing barriers that hindered the free flow of people, goods and capital can be solved by such an innovative framework, the daily said.

The social security networks and public service of Guangdong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macao SAR will connect with each other to boost the development of both the economy and social welfare in the region, it added.

New China and Macao Journal said in its editorials that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area consists of three local jurisdictions governed by three legal systems, has three taxation zones and three currencies. Such a regional cooperation and integration needs hard and innovative work.

Taichung Daily said the influence brought by the plan is not only on the economic phase, but also on the social phase. The plan said the Greater Bay Area will form a common quality living circle, meaning that more concerns and resources will go to environment protection, education, medical care and social security.

Local people can work, live and invest in the mainland with better environment and service quality, which will encourage them to go out and break the limit of Macao's small land area. Such a future will have a tight connection of systemic and cultural consensus among the cities in the region, Taichung Daily commented.

The outline development plan for the Greater Bay Area is a national strategy and an innovative practice of "one country, two systems," Macao's legislator Si Ka Lon said.

It would strengthen the area's industrial competitiveness and further expand the forefront of the country's opening-up, so that the area would form a world-class city cluster that is ecologically friendly, and suitable for living and working, he added.

Rector of the City University of Macao, Prof. Ip Kuai Peng said the enterprises, universities and institutions in the Greater Bay Area would be greatly benefited from such a plan, which aims at building a globally competitive modern industrial system, with technological innovation as a major driving force.

The plan is also helpful for the Macao SAR to pursue the appropriate diversification of its economy and upgrade its industrial structure, he said.

Macao's legislator Ho Ion Sang said the plan has explicated Macao's role in the Greater Bay Area.

The young people in Macao can have more choices, and can fully take their own advantages in the Greater Bay Area, suggested Ho, who is also vice chairman of the General Union of Macao Residents Association.

The outline development plan aims to accelerate the development of Hengqin of Zhuhai as a platform for in-depth cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, said Wong Kit Cheng, Macao's legislator and vice chairwoman of the Women's General Association of Macao.

It made a series of measures for enhancing the cooperation between Macao and Zhuhai on education, medical care, housing and elderly care, which would help improve people's livelihood in Macao, she said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 19:42:16|Editor: ZX

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NEW YORK, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The potential for the United States and China to deepen collaboration in the booming electric vehicle (EV) industry is expected to be significant, experts have said.

"China and the United States are the world's two largest EV markets," David Sandalow, an inaugural fellow at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, told Xinhua Tuesday. "Both countries can benefit by trading with each other and learning from each other."

PROMISING INDUSTRY

The sales of EVs have been ramping up in recent years. The market will continue to grow for a few reasons, according to some experts.

Compared with conventional vehicles, EVs help to reduce local air pollution, reduce global warming as well as avoid the vulnerability some countries experience due to the volatility of the oil market, said Sandalow, who has served in senior positions at the White House, State Department and the U.S. Department of Energy.

"There's a steady market shift toward electric vehicles ... in both the United States and China, sales grew very significantly last year and in prior years, in many European countries as well," he added.

China is the world's largest EV market, with sales of new energy vehicles soaring 61.74 percent year on year to 1.26 million units in 2018.

In 2030, China's EVs will reach 100 million while the power of the vehicle battery will exceed 1 billion kilowatts, according to Shirley Cheng, president of China State Grid U.S. representative office.

At a panel discussion themed electric vehicle charging at Columbia University on Monday, Cheng said the reading will be around 200 million in 2040, while citing some industrial estimates which she deemed "still quite conservative."

Experts said a slew of sound policies and measures are also among the major reasons behind a possible explosive growth of the Chinese EV market.

"The Chinese government has been committed to EV deployment for many years now with a variety of incentive programs, as both central and provincial governments have been committed to deploying EVs," said Sandalow, also co-author of a report on EV charging in China and the United States.

The reported issued this month showed that one of the biggest barriers to the deployment of EVs is the concern among drivers about public charging infrastructure.

Some observers described it as "the chicken and egg problem," meaning that charging stations are needed in order for there to electric vehicle sales and vice versa.

"It's a logical place for governments and policies to step in, in order to promote the benefits of EVs," said Sandalow.

Key stakeholders including governments, industrial alliances and grid companies have an important role to play in the promising industry, experts noted.

GREAT POTENTIAL

Global automakers, led by Germany's Volkswagen AG, are planning a remarkable increase of 300 billion U.S. dollars in spending for planned EV investment and procurement over the next five to 10 years, with nearly half of the money targeted at China, Reuters reported in January.

The Chinese market is very lucrative, attracting many U.S. businesses, said Sandalow, citing U.S. EV giant Tesla's upgrading in China as an example.

Tesla Shanghai factory has broken ground, and the company also confirmed in its third quarter financial report in October that it would bring "portions of Model 3 production" to China.

Analysts emphasized that the potential for U.S.-China collaboration in the EV industry is to be tapped based on their finding that the two markets were growing mostly independently of the other, especially in the EV charging sector.

Both countries can benefit from providing each other market access and trading with each other, said Sandalow. He noted that both sides have broad lessons to learn from each other.

China has incorporated electric vehicle into its long-term planning, which is very helpful when developing infrastructure, said the former U.S. energy official, "the U.S. government can learn a lot from China in that regard."

The U.S. system for developing charging station is more market-based, and maybe China could learn from that, he added. "The potential for bilateral collaboration is great and I hope the two countries can realize that potential."Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 19:37:14|Editor: Xiang Bo

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Huang Wentao, head of a fluorescence Doppler lidar system installation project and a member of China's 35th research mission in Antarctica, adjusts equipments at the Zhongshan Station, a Chinese research base in Antarctica, Feb. 11, 2019. Chinese researchers have installed and tested a fluorescence Doppler lidar system at a research base in Antarctica during a mission that was just concluded last week and are now heading home. The system run at Zhongshan Station had enabled them to simultaneously observe the temperature and the three-dimensional wind field in the atmospheric region mesopause above Antarctica, exploring the middle and upper atmosphere of the polar cusp region. (Xinhua/Liu Shiping)

ABOARD XUELONG, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have installed and tested a fluorescence Doppler lidar system at a research base in Antarctica during a mission that was just concluded last week and are now heading home.

The system run at Zhongshan Station had enabled them to simultaneously observe the temperature and the three-dimensional wind field in the atmospheric region mesopause above Antarctica, exploring the middle and upper atmosphere of the polar cusp region.

"The lidar system allows a round-the-clock observation in fine weather with no blockage of large clouds," said Huang Wentao, head of the project and a member of China's 35th research mission in Antarctica.

The mission members are currently on board of the Chinese icebreaker Xuelong on the voyage back home.

"During the over-winter expedition, we will conduct an operational observation of lidar to obtain first-hand data of the temperature and wind field in the middle and upper atmosphere of the polar cusp region," said Huang, a researcher with the Polar Research Institute of China.

The polar circle is among the best places to observe the space environment and weather above Earth. Zhongshan's longitude and latitude are just ideal for conducting atmospheric physical research, said Huang.

"The middle and upper atmosphere above Antarctica is where one can see most of the local noctilucent clouds and the ozonosphere hole," Huang said.

The lidar system at Zhongshan will contribute to "the research on the impact of solar winds on the Earth's atmosphere and the global atmospheric circulation interaction, among other things," Huang said.

Little is still known about the Earth's middle and upper atmosphere, the researcher said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 19:37:13|Editor: ZX

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ZHENGZHOU, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Central China's Henan Province plans to cut its coal consumption by 5 percent in 2019 in a bid to improve its energy mix.

The provincial government aims to further cut local coal consumption by 10 million tonnes this year, the provincial energy saving and pollution reduction office said Wednesday.

It plans to cut the coal consumption for industries other than coal-fired power plants by 15 million tonnes and limit the increase in coal consumption at power plants to within 5 million tonnes.

The provincial government ordered strict approval restrictions on new coal consuming projects and elimination of some outdated coal-powered facilities, the office said.

Meanwhile, high-polluting firms are subject to tougher production halts when alerts are issued for polluted weather.

The provincial government will closely monitor major energy-guzzling companies and 10 cities where annual coal consumption exceeds 5 million tonnes each.

In recent years, China has been encouraging the use of more clean energy to replace polluting coal in an attempt to tackle air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 18:47:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez speaks during a press conference in Havana, Cuba, Feb. 19, 2019. Bruno Rodriguez has warned that Washington is planning a military intervention in Venezuela on the pretext of delivering humanitarian aid. Rodriguez said that Washington is following a "script" that "has been previously used in other parts of the world, with severe consequences," repeating recent warnings by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel of the "economic, military, social and humanitarian consequences of a U.S. military venture" and its destabilizing effect on all of Latin America. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez)

HAVANA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has warned that Washington is planning a military intervention in Venezuela on the pretext of delivering humanitarian aid.

Rodriguez said that Washington is following a "script" that "has been previously used in other parts of the world, with severe consequences," repeating recent warnings by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel of the "economic, military, social and humanitarian consequences of a U.S. military venture" and its destabilizing effect on all of Latin America.

"Cuba calls on the international community to overcome political differences to act in defense of peace and prevent a military intervention in Venezuela," he added.

On Friday, billionaire Richard Branson announced an aid concert in Colombia to benefit Venezuelans in Cucuta, a Colombian border city with Venezuela. It is scheduled for Feb. 23 in the context of other demonstrations organized by the Venezuelan opposition in the country.

The power struggle between Venezuela's ruling socialist party and opposition groups deepened last month after Juan Guaido, who is also the head of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself "interim president."

Immediately recognized by the White House and its allies, Guaido announced that the opposition will bring the U.S. aid into Venezuela via Cucuta by land on Feb. 23, despite the government's blockade.

The border crossing has turned into a potential flashpoint as the Venezuelan opposition, with the support of Washington, steps up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government to renounce power.

Venezuela's Minister of Culture Ernesto Villegas referred to the concert as an attempt to "varnish with culture the shameful act of war," saying it is intended to put pressure on the Venezuelan government so that so-called "humanitarian aid" sent by the United States can enter Venezuela.

Denying the existence of a humanitarian crisis, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called the aid operation a U.S.-orchestrated show leading to an eventual invasion into the oil-rich country, and promoted a rival concert on its side of the border for Feb. 22-23.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump gave a speech to the Venezuelan American community in Miami, Florida, in which he lambasted Venezuela's socialist government and said the days of leftist governments in the Western Hemisphere, including Nicaragua and Cuba, are coming to an end.

Cuba rejected those statements earlier on Tuesday. Trump was "ill-advised" on Cuba, Venezuela and Latin America, said Johana Tablada, deputy director of the Cuban Foreign Ministry's department for U.S. affairs.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez also dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's speech on the South American country as "arrogant and rude."

Trump "completely disregards the eminently Bolivarian (revolutionary), anti-imperialist and professional character of our institution," Padrino said in a statement issued on behalf of the superior chief of staff of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB).

Trump is using "hybrid warfare" against Venezuela, "strangling the economy by imposing an economic and financial blockade, with which he plans to generate ungovernability, chaos and anarchy," Padrino said.

"Coercion, blackmail, manipulation, sanctions and amnesty," however, will not lead the military to violate the Constitution by abandoning Maduro's democratically elected government, he added.

Venezuela's military is aware that the true goal of the United States is to gain control over the South American country's vast oil reserves and gold deposits, Padrino said, adding that "The country is calm, institutions are functioning, people are working, and the government is leading."Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 18:16:51|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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TOKYO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Japan booked its biggest trade deficit in almost five years in January, the government said in a report on Wednesday.

According to the Finance Ministry, the deficit in the recording period stood at 1.42 trillion yen (12.8 billion U.S. dollars).

This marked the fourth successive month the figures had been negative and was the biggest deficit since March 2014, the ministry said.

Specially, the ministry's data showed that the value of overall exports dropped 8.4 percent from a year earlier to 5.57 trillion yen (50.25 billion U.S. dollars), marking the lowest figure since January 2017.

Imports in the recording month dropped 0.6 percent, the figures showed, to 6.99 trillion yen (63.06 billion U.S. dollars), as the costs for Japan's energy imports were lowered by a drop in the global market for crude oil.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 17:21:40|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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KAMPALA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Ugandan ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) has declared that incumbent President Yoweri Museveni will run for the presidency in the 2021 elections.

According to a party statement issued late on Tuesday, the CEC recommended to other organs that Museveni, who has been in power for over 30 years, continue to lead the NRM and the country in 2021 and beyond.

The CEC made the decision after a week-long retreat, during which high officials of the NRM met to discuss the party's election roadmap, among others.

Legislators in 2017 voted to remove the age limit for running for the presidency, which was criticized by the opposition as a leeway for Museveni to run for the presidency if he wishes.

According to a previous law, persons over the age of 75 were not allowed to run for the presidency. Museveni is currently 74 years old.

The CEC will present its resolutions to the National Executive Committee before the party holds a conference of delegates.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 17:16:38|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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DUBAI, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Asian action superstar Jackie Chan will return to Dubai to film one of his latest movies with director Stanley Tong this month, the Dubai Film and TV Commission has announced.

Jamal Al Sharif, chairman of the commission, said on Twitter that "megastar Jackie Chan is retuning to film in Dubai for the second time after his smash-hit Kung Fu Yoga! The new film is titled Vanguard and is directed by Stanley Tong."

He said the film will be shot in and around Downtown Dubai, City Walk and other prominent locations and residential areas with support from Dubai Film and TV Commission.

"I would like to thank all those in the government and private sector that supported Kung Fu Yoga and will extend their support to the upcoming film," Sharif was quoted by local newspaper Gulf News as saying.

Chan's earlier movie "Kung Fu Yoga," an India-China co-production, marked the martial artist actor's first film shot in Dubai and the Middle East, when it was produced here in September-October 2015.

The film used Dubai locales such as the Atlantis, the Palm, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, Business Bay and the open desert.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 16:36:30|Editor: xuxin

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London, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- No-fly zones for drones near British airports will be expanded to 5 km next month, officials said Wednesday, to avoid disruptions like the recent grounding of flights at Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

The Transport Ministry said in a statement that the zone will widen from the current 1 km, and "will come into force on March 13."

Officials are also drawing up legislation to give police officers powers to stop and search people "suspected of using drones maliciously."

It would also allow police "to access electronic data stored on a drone with a warrant," it added.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said people who fly drones near airports "are not only acting irresponsibly, but criminally, and could face imprisonment."

Tens of thousands of people were stranded or delayed before Christmas due to drone sightings near Gatwick, one of the Britain's busiest airports.

Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest hub, suspended all departing flights for about an hour in January after a drone sighting.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 16:26:29|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's State Development & Investment Corp. (SDIC) has intensified its support to the development of emerging industries and private firms.

The SDIC has deployed 55 percent of its money to emerging industries, including the advanced manufacturing, bioindustry, new energy and sewage treatment, SDIC's chairman Wang Huisheng said at the Yabuli China Entrepreneurs Forum.

The company has decreased its investment in traditional industries over the past decade, now only accounting for 45 percent, Wang added.

The SDIC has managed a total of 160 billion yuan of government guidance funds (about 23.7 billion U.S. dollars), of which over 70 percent went to China's private sector, Wang said.

The SDIC is China's major state-owned investment company with total assets of 584 billion yuan. The company raked in 19.3 billion yuan in profits last year.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 16:06:23|Editor: WX

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Indian Army helicopters perform during the Aero India Show 2019 at Yelahanka air base in Bangalore, India, Feb. 20, 2019. The five-day Aero India Show 2019 kicked off on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Stringer)

NEW DELHI, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- India's air show "Aero India 2019" began Wednesday at Yelahanka air force station in Bengaluru, the capital city of southern Indian state of Karnataka, officials said.

"The 12th edition of Aero India 2019, the international aerospace and defence exhibition, has begun today," a spokesman said.

"The five-day event which has already carved a niche for itself globally as a premier aerospace exhibition in the world will end on Sunday."

Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman flagged off the show.

According to officials, 61 aircraft including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) indigenous product Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas are all set to roar in the city's skies.

"During the biennial event India's air defence prowess is showcased, which will also act as a platform for leading aviation companies, the defence sector and government to forge new alliances," the spokesman said.

On Tuesday, two Hawk aircraft of Surya Kiran (Rays of the Sun) aerobatic team crashed close to Yelahanka air force base during the practice for Wednesday's show. One pilot was killed and two others injured in the mid-air crash.

Representatives of defense industry from Russia, France, Israel, Britain, Germany, the United States, Saudi Arabia and others were participating in the event, officials said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 15:51:20|Editor: xuxin

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LUSAKA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zambia police on Tuesday warned students from the country's public universities against holding any protests regarding the government's decision to scrap meal allowances.

The move to scrap meal allowances for state-sponsored students has caused an outcry, with various stakeholders voicing concerns that it may force students from impoverished families to abandon their education.

Zambia's police spokesperson Esther Mwaata-Katongo said the police have received intelligence reports that the students were planning to march to the parliament building over the meal allowances.

The spokesperson however warned that the police would not tolerate any acts of lawlessness and that there was no need for unnecessary confrontation.

"We have information that students from learning institutions are planning to march to parliament over issues of meal allowances," she said. "Our advice to the students is that they should follow the laid down procedures in airing their grievances as opposed to taking to the streets."

The spokesperson added that the police have details of people orchestrating the protest and that they will be dealt with should the protest go ahead.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 15:46:19|Editor: xuxin

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VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Two MiG-31BM supersonic interceptor aircraft have resumed service with the Russian Pacific Fleet's sea aviation, fleet spokesman Nikolai Voskresensky was quoted by local media as saying Wednesday.

The two jets covered a distance of more than 7,000 km while returning to the Pacific Fleet's sea aviation's airfield in Yelizovo, Kamchatka Krai, after undergoing extensive modernization and maintenance, said Voskresensky, according to TASS news agency.

Several other MiG-31BM aircraft will likely join the Pacific Fleet's aviation units by the end of the year, added the spokesman.

The upgraded MiG-31BM jets are designed to intercept air targets in distant areas inaccessible to ordinary fighter jets. The armaments comprise air-to-air missiles of the long-range R-33 family and R-73 short-range missiles. The maximum speed at high altitude is 3,000 km/h.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 15:36:17|Editor: xuxin

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LUSAKA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zambian Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Ronald Chitotela on Tuesday denied the corruption charges against him when he appeared before Principal Resident Magistrate David Simusamba to take the plea.

The Zambian minister, 47, has been accused with two others of illegally concealing and occupying suspected proceeds of crime. He was arrested for questioning two weeks ago by officials from the country's anti-corruption agency.

A horde of his supporters stood outside the court premises singing solidarity songs. When the charges were read out, Chitotela denied them. The court has set March 20 and 21 for the start of trial.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 15:16:14|Editor: xuxin

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KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was slapped with an additional charge for criminal breach of trust on Wednesday.

Zahid, who is also president of the former ruling party United Malays National Organization (UMNO), pleaded not guilty at a Kuala Lumpur court.

The 66-year-old already faces 46 charges including 11 separate counts of criminal breach of trust, eight corruption charges and 27 money-laundering charges.

With the support of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), UMNO won a parliamentary by-election recently, handing an election setback for the ruling coalition.

However, PAS is facing investigation for allegedly receiving at least 90 million ringgit (22 million U.S. dollars) from UMNO before the general elections last year in exchange for support.

Several current and former leaders of the party had their statements recorded by the country's anti-corruption body.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 15:16:14|Editor: xuxin

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PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Taliban commander named Mullah Mohammad and his bodyguard were killed as government forces stormed their hideout in Baghlan-e-Markazi district of the northern Baghlan province on Tuesday, an army spokesman Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Wednesday.

A weapon cache of the militant group was also destroyed during the attack, the official added.

Taliban militants who operate in parts of Baghlan province haven't commented yet.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 15:01:12|Editor: xuxin

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KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan security forces have arrested four suspected Taliban militants in the southern province of Kandahar in the latest raid against the insurgents, authorities said Wednesday.

"Special Operations Forces of National Directorate of Security (NDS) launched an operation in Talawkan locality of Panjwai district late Tuesday. Following the raid four suspected terrorists were detained and no shot was fired during the raid," provincial department of NDS, the country's primary intelligence agency, said in a statement.

The security forces also destroyed a suicide bomb belt and 200 kg of hashish following the raid besides confiscating an AK-47 gun and three gun magazines, the statement added.

Identity and linkages of the arrestees are being investigated, the statement said.

The Taliban militant group has not made a comment on the report yet.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 14:56:11|Editor: WX

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department confirmed Tuesday that U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams had met with Venezuela officials recently to ensure the security of U.S. personnel in the South American country.

"There has been one meeting," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said at a press briefing on Tuesday, adding that the meeting "focused on ensuring the security of our personnel in Venezuela."

Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told Associated Press last week that his foreign minister Jorge Arreaza had held secret talks in New York with Abrams.

Maduro said while in New York, Arreaza invited Abrams to come to Venezuela "privately, publicly or secretly."

Arreaza said Sunday that he met with Abrams over the past weekend to address the two countries' relationship.

"We have held two meetings of which I cannot give details because I have to respect the confidentiality of them, but there have been meetings where we have listened to each other," Arreaza said, according to Venezuelan state television.

In his Monday speech to Venezuelan American community at Florida International University, President Donald Trump said the United States was seeking a peaceful transition in Venezuela without ruling out the use of force, apparently to mount pressure on Maduro.

Abrams, however, made it clear during a Congressional hearing last week that the United States would not be militarily involved in Venezuela.

U.S. military cargo planes carrying U.S. aid arrived in the Colombian border city Cucuta on Saturday. Denying the existence of a humanitarian crisis, the Maduro government refused to let the aid cross the border and called the aid operation a U.S.-orchestrated show leading to an eventual invasion.

Washington has recently stepped up economic and diplomatic pressure against the Maduro government.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president" on Jan. 23 and was recognized by Washington.

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 Venezuela.

Maduro has accused Washington of orchestrating a coup d'etat in order to install a puppet regime in Venezuela.

Guaido's move came less than two weeks after Maduro, who won the 2018 Venezuelan presidential vote, was inaugurated for a second term.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 14:56:11|Editor: WX

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LIMA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Peruvian government will take actions to combat illegal mining in the country, Minister of Energy and Mines Francisco Ismodes said on Tuesday.

According to the government, the process of formalization has been sped up since 2017. The number of formalized miners grew from 5,000 in 2017 to 6,000 in 2018.

Illegal mining activities have released tons of mercury into the environment and caused severe deforestation.

Ismodes said the Peruvian government plans to formalize about 10,000 miners in 2019, of which 1,500 work in Madre de Dios, on the border with Brazil.

On Tuesday, the Peruvian government launched a military operation against illegal mining, carried out by 1,200 police officers, 300 soldiers of the armed forces and 70 prosecutors.

According to the police's environment director, Luis Vera, the Peruvian security forces were sent to the community of La Pampa in Madre de Dios, where they found labor exploitation, trafficking of women, drug trafficking, deforestation and money laundering.

The Peruvian authorities said some 40,000 people work in illegal mining in La Pampa, and are associated with other illegal activities that have turned the area into a lawless land.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 14:11:05|Editor: Chengcheng

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LANZHOU, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Infrared cameras in a nature reserve of northwest China's Gansu Province have captured over 60 images of snow leopards during the second half of 2018.

The Yanchiwan nature reserve is located at the western part of the Qilian Mountains. Staff at the reserve recently collected videos and photos caught by 50 infrared cameras. Some snow leopards were caught walking alone, urinating on rocks, and running through the rain.

"Based on these images, we can conclude that the area has a certain number of snow leopards, but the exact population is yet to be calculated," said Ulgi, an official with the reserve.

The cameras also caught images of bears, foxes, white-lipped deer and blue sheep. More than 3,000 photos and video clips were collected in total. "The material helps the study of biodiversity in the area," said Ulgi.

In April 2018, a snow leopard protection program was jointly initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the management bureau of the Yanchiwan reserve. The 50 infrared cameras were set up under this cooperation.

The reserve has installed a total of 234 infrared cameras to observe the activities of snow leopards in an area covering 3,075 square kilometers.

Snow leopards are a Class A protected animal in China and are classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They live in the Himalayas in central and south Asia at an altitude of 2,500 to 4,500 meters.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 14:06:05|Editor: Chengcheng

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URUMQI, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- A snow leopard protection project in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has made achievements after monitoring the species in the eastern Tianshan mountains, a major habitat of the species, this winter.

The monitoring work was jointly launched by the local forestry administration bureau of the eastern Tianshan mountains and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in September 2018.

A total of 60 infrared cameras have been scattered across the largest state-owned forest in the central and eastern Tianshan mountains, covering an area of around 550 square kilometers, according to sources in charge of the project on Monday.

Fresh footprints, digging traces and snow leopard feces were found by the staff. Twenty-one cameras have captured snow leopards 94 times, collecting 417 pictures and videos.

Snow leopard activity in low-altitude forests were also spotted by the infrared cameras, though scientists generally believe that snow leopards only lives among bare rocks, meadow and woodland in high-altitude mountains.

"We will keep monitoring to learn more about snow leopard activities in the Tianshan mountains and assist the local administration to come up with more targeted protection strategies," said He Bing, snow leopard project manager for the WWF.

Besides snow leopards, the cameras also recorded other rare wild animals, including red foxes and ibex. The staff also saw argalis, important prey for snow leopards, several times in the wild, which will play a significant role in building a biodiversity database in this region.

"There remains a plenty of blanks to be filled in as to the status of snow leopard populations in this area," said Bakri Jeki, deputy director of the forestry administration bureau of the eastern Tianshan mountains. "We will continue to cooperate with scientific institutions and NGOs to protect snow leopards as part of efforts to improve the ecosystem in Tianshan mountains."

China has been continuously strengthening wildlife protection efforts in recent years. The snow leopard is a Class-A protected animal in China and the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies it as endangered-to-vulnerable.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 13:26:00|Editor: WX

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TASHKENT, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Military chiefs of Central and South Asian countries as well the United States will gather here Thursday to discuss security issues and the situation in Afghanistan, the Uzbek Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

"Chiefs of staff of the armed forces of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan, the first deputy chief of the general staff of the Kyrgyzstan, as well as the commander of U.S. Central Command will attend the event," the ministry said in a statement.

The participants will discuss regional security issues, stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan, the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and cybercrime.

Military officials will also hold bilateral meetings, the statement said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 12:20:52|Editor: zh

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JERUSALEM, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Israel is about to make history by launching the first private spacecraft to the moon this week, the developers behind the lunar mission announced Tuesday.

The landing craft, dubbed Beresheet, is scheduled to be launched on Feb. 22 and is expected to land on the moon on April 11, according to a joint press release by government-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and nonprofit organization SpaceIL.

Beresheet will be propelled by an American SpaceX rocket, and the launch site is located in the U.S. state of Florida.

The launch of Beresheet, or Genesis in Hebrew, is a historic event as it is "the first spacecraft to land on the moon as a result of a private initiative, rather than a government," IAI and SpaceIL said in the press release.

"Eight years ago we ventured on this journey that is now nearing completion in about two months when we land on the moon," SpaceIL President Morris Kahn said in the press release.

"We are making history and are proud to be part of a group that dreamed and realized the vision that many countries in the world share, but so far only three have realized," Kahn said.

If the mission turns out to be a success, Israel will become the fourth nation to land a spacecraft on the moon, after the Soviet Union, the United States and China.

"The journey to the moon is fraught with challenges, but thanks to the professionalism, determination and faith of all the partners in the project, an Israeli spacecraft will be launched to the moon in the coming days," IAI CEO Nimrod Sheffer said.

"IAI together with our partners at SpaceIL will continue to do everything necessary to ensure the success of this mission," Sheffer added.

Beresheet weighs only about 600 kgr, which is considered the smallest spacecraft by weight. It is about 1.5 meters high, 2 meters in diameter and carries fuel which accounts for approximately 75 percent of its weight, according to its developers.

The spacecraft will make its 6.5-million-km journey at a maximum speed of 10 km per second, or 36,000 km per hour.

Beresheet was born out of the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition which offered a reward of 30 million U.S. dollars for encouraging privately funded teams to be the first to land an unmanned spacecraft on the moon.

The competition ended without a winner in March 2018. However, SpaceIL announced that it would continue working on its mission.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 12:10:50|Editor: zh

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WINDHOEK, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Going back to work in Namibia shortly after the Spring Festival, the Chinese medical staff received probably the best new year greeting for doctors -- a thank-you letter from Lea Tikotoke, a healed patient.

The 30-year-old Namibian had been unable to walk due to severe hip and back pain. Local doctors failed to diagnose her of any disease after a series of tests including X-rays in December last year.

Tikotoke had to walk with a walking stick until she received a needle technique massage on her back and hip from Chinese doctors at Katutura Immediate Hospital in January.

"From that day on, I started walking without a stick," Tikotoke recalled.

Chu Hailin, a senior doctor with the Chinese medical team who has been serving for a third term in Namibia, said a lot of patients went back to their Chinese doctors to say thank you, and some even sang and danced in the clinic to show their joy and gratitude.

PEARLS IN AFRICA

For half a century, from the Sahara Desert to the Victoria Falls, from Kilimanjaro Mountain to the Gulf of Guinea, from the Banks of the Nile to the Great Rift Valley, from the Congo River to the Zambezi River, from the African savanna to the dense jungle, the Chinese medical teams are scattered like pearls on the Africa continent, a report by China's National Health Commission wrote.

In 1963, the first Chinese medical team arrived in the northern African country of Algeria. Since then China has sent about 20,000 doctors to a total of 51 countries and regions in Africa, where, together with local doctors, Chinese medical staff have saved more than 200 million lives.

In the west African country of Gambia, the Chinese medical team launched free cataract surgery in January, helping more than 200 local people regain sight.

In Sudan, Chinese medical staff successfully performed hip fracture surgery for a 90-year-old who could not be treated by local hospitals.

In Malawi, the Chinese medical team carried out the first ever radical gastrectomy operation in the country.

In Guinea, where power is frequently off, Chinese doctors completed the first thoracotomy with mobile phone lighting.

When Ebola virus broke out in West Africa in 2014, China sent more than 1,200 medical staff and public health experts to the region. They won praises from the governments and people of the recipient countries.

THANK YOU

Zambian Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya said his government appreciates the professional, ethical and hardworking culture of the Chinese medical teams that have been coming to the country since 1978.

"We want to place on record our gratitude to the people of China and the Chinese government for this great cooperation," he said.

Botswana's former Health and Wellness Minister Dorcas Magkato said partnership with China has bridged Botswana's human resource gap in the health sector.

Sarah Opendi, Uganda's State Minister for General Duties, said "they (Chinese medical teams) bring in specialists in different areas, (and that) the services offered to our people are of good quality. We really appreciate them."

Health Minister of South Sudan Riek Gai Kok appreciated the Chinese medical teams, saying "this is the generosity of the People's Republic of China to send this dedicated team to South Sudan to help us fight these worst health indicators in the world."

Mauritania's former Prime Minister Yahya Ould Hademine said that over the past 50 years, the Chinese medical team has made outstanding contributions to promoting China-Mauritania health cooperation, ensuring the health of the local people.

The Mauritanian government and people are deeply grateful for this and will never forget, he added.

Namibia's founding President Sam Nujoma said the Chinese medical team is doing very well in Namibia, and that they are the representatives of the China-Namibia friendship.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 12:05:50|Editor: zh

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TOKYO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese fighter jet crashed into the Sea of Japan during a training drill Wednesday morning, but its two crew members were rescued.

The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) F-2 fighter jet went missing from radar around 9:18 a.m. local time off the coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture, according to the ASDF.

The plane's last confirmed location was about 130 km northeast of the Tsuiki Air Base in the southwestern prefecture of Fukuoka.

The F-2 left the base with two other fighters before 9:00 a.m. local time to conduct the training exercise, before the accident occurred, the ASDF said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 12:05:49|Editor: zh

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- British energy company BP Plc has launched its first branded station in Shandong Province, beginning to build 1,000 new sites across China over the next five years through its joint venture partnership with Shandong Dongming Petrochemical Group, a private refiner.

It will also be the energy giant's first retail site in China to offer fast charging for electric vehicles, the China Daily reported Wednesday.

Half of the new sites will be in Shandong, Henan and Hebei provinces.

The move came after a new "negative list" introduced by China in last June to lift restrictions on foreign investments in the sector.

Apart from BP, other global energy giants have expressed keenness in investing in China's fuel retailing industry, including Royal Dutch Shell Plc, which said earlier it would triple the number of gas stations it has in the country to 3,500 by 2025.

Foreign energy companies' share in the country's fuel retailing sector is expected to increase in the upcoming years, especially a higher market share providing high-end products and value-added services, the paper said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 11:45:45|Editor: zh

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by Duncan Murray

SYDNEY, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Sydney Conservatorium of Music staged the Middle Kingdom Festival on Tuesday night, showcasing a blend of Eastern and Western music by world class performers and marking the day of the Lantern Festival in the harbour city.

A range of Chinese and Australian talents from the countries' highest musical institutions proved their proficiency in Italian and Chinese Opera from the Tang Dynasty to now, via the baroque and romantic composers through to Andrea Bocelli.

While the event featured over 15 artists, at the center of it all was concert chairman and artistic director, Chai Changning. A long time resident of Sydney, Chai is widely recognized as one of the best Chinese flautists of his generation.

He has played extensively, with orchestras around the world as well as prolifically on movie scores, including The Last Emperor, which received an academy award for best soundtrack.

Speaking with Xinhua, Chai explained that part of what he was trying to achieve for the festival, now in its sixth year, was hinted at by it's name, "the Middle Kingdom Festival - it's where East meets West," he said.

"I always believed the East and West have common ground to share in which is through the music - the universal language."

Performing alongside Chai was organist Dr James Forsyth who said that spending time with his longtime collaborator and friend has introduced him not only to Chinese music but to the culture as well.

"I've enjoyed working with Dr Chai Changning for 30 years here in Sydney and we've done projects together and performed concerts all around the place," Forsyth said.

"I'm very happy and very honored to be part of tonight's concert. I've enjoyed the mix of music from Italian Opera to Chinese Opera, to folk songs and also mixing of West and Eastern instruments."

Chai says that when he is creating the program for the evening he takes into account the different tastes which audiences have.

One of the challenges is Australia's unfamiliarity with Chinese music - something which was especially true when Chai first moved to Sydney in the late 1980s.

Since then he has tried to help Australians to differentiate between the many genres of Chinese classical music.

"When I came here, 30 years ago, I brought all Chinese classical music. Tonight I bring Chinese Opera from 1300s, our Tang dynasty music from 600 AD - and of course I love Tibetan music," Chai said.

"So Australians, after 30 years have started distinguishing the genre of what this Chinese music may be, music from northern part of China, southern part, opera melodies, so the audience can gradually distinguish what Chinese music is about."

By blending the familiar and unfamiliar Chai helps the audience to better absorb and enjoy genres of music which they might otherwise disregard.

As Western Sydney University's vice-chancellor and president, Professor Barney Glover described the event "musicians both past and present have an important role in the cultural exchange process through their art and performance."

"As a universal language, music helps to unite the two countries and has become a bridge linking the people of the two nations as all appreciate, enjoy and celebrate musical experiences."

On the night of the Lantern Festival in Sydney, Italian composers like Verdi and Scarletti sat comfortably beside Chinese maestros such as Wang Shengli and Xu Jingqing, displaying a kinship which lies beyond the exterior cultures of both. And thus without saying so, Chai makes his statement, and East meets West.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 11:40:44|Editor: zh

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The number of workers in China decreased in seven consecutive years but the shrinking working-age population should not cause concern, the China Daily reported Wednesday.

Both the absolute number and the relative proportion of the working-age population - those 16 to 59 years of age - have been dropping. Last year there were 897 million people in China in that age group, down by 26 million from the peak in 2011, according to recent figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

But some demographers and economists said the prevailing anxiety over the shrinking workforce is exaggerated.

The downward trajectory gradually affected a wider range of labor-intensive sectors, such as catering and housekeeping services, as well as the conventional agricultural industry, Li Tongping, a population economist, was quoted as saying.

Though the speed and scale of China's population shift and the subsequent changes in workforce volume are unprecedented, the change still fits the universal trajectory of population development, Li said.

Zhai Zhenwu, president of the China Population Association, said the sheer volume of the workforce in China is equivalent to that of all developed countries combined, and "currently, no labor shortage is in sight".

"Workforce declines can be offset with improved productivity," he said. "Through science and technological innovation, the country can scale back its dependence on workforce volume."

Babatunde Ahonsi, United Nations Population Fund representative in China, said the linchpin of a country's economy is labor productivity rather than the size of its workforce.

"With well-coordinated actions from the government, the private sector and civil organizations, China will continue to be a key driver of sustainable development," he said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 11:15:41|Editor: zh

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CARACAS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez on Tuesday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's speech on the South American country as "arrogant and rude."

Trump "completely disregards the eminently Bolivarian (revolutionary), anti-imperialist and professional character of our institution," Padrino said in a statement issued on behalf of the superior chief of staff of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB).

In a speech on Monday to Venezuela's expatriate community in Miami, Florida, Trump alleged that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro led a "tyrannical socialist government."

Trump also called on pro-Maduro officials to allow the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid and urged armed forces to accept the opposition's offer of amnesty, or "you will lose everything."

The FANB "will never accept an order from a foreign government or power," Padrino said.

Trump is using "hybrid warfare" against Venezuela, "strangling the economy by imposing an economic and financial blockade, with which he plans to generate ungovernability, chaos and anarchy," Padrino said.

"Coercion, blackmail, manipulation, sanctions and amnesty," however, will not lead the military to violate the Constitution by abandoning Maduro's democratically elected government, he added.

Venezuela's military is aware that the true goal of the United States is to gain control over the South American country's vast oil reserves and gold deposits, Padrino said.

"The country is calm, institutions are functioning, people are working, and the government is leading," he said.Indian paramilitary troopers stand guard as security and forensic teams inspect the wreckage of vehicles at the site of a suicide attack on a national highway near Lethpora village in Pulwama district, about 27 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

ISLAMABAD, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Tuesday offered India cooperation in the probe into a recent deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir that has soured relations between the neighbors, while Islamabad also sought international help to ease tensions in the region.

In a televised address to the nation, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan asked India to share "actionable evidence" regarding the attack and Pakistan will extend cooperation in the investigation.

A suicide blast in Indian-controlled Kashmir last week left 40 paramilitary troopers dead. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the attack but the latter rejected the allegations.

The Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant group claimed the attack.

"It is not in the interest of Pakistan to allow its soil for any terrorist activity as Pakistan is heading towards stability. If India alleges that Pakistani soil has been used for terrorism, it should share evidence. I want to give you (India) a guarantee that I will take action," Khan said.

"Issues cannot be solved through pressure. I again invite India to start dialogue with Pakistan to discuss all issues and to explore ways to fight terrorism in the region," he said.

"There is a new thinking in Pakistan and I want to make it clear that whoever tries to use Pakistani soil for terrorism, it will be enmity with Pakistan and my government will not allow it to happen," Khan said.

The Pakistani leader expressed his regret that the Indian government started "Pakistan bashing" soon after the attack without any investigation.

The attack has heightened bilateral tensions with both New Delhi and Islamabad calling back their envoys for consultations following the suicide bombing.

Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad on Tuesday and discussed the situation arising from the attack, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said. India has also recall its high commissioner to Pakistan for consultations, according to Indian media.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that Qureshi also sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, seeking his help to reduce the tensions between the two countries.

Qureshi, in his letter, said "it is with a sense of urgency" to draw UN attention "to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India."

"The Pulwama attack on Indian Central Reserve Police Force was ostensibly and even by Indian accounts carried out by a Kashmiri resident of Indian Occupied Kashmir," the foreign minister said, adding that attributing the attack to Pakistan even before investigations is "absurd."

"It is imperative to take steps for de-escalation. The United Nations must step in to defuse tensions," said Qureshi.

The recent attack in India-controlled Kashmir has further flared up tensions between the two bitter neighbors. India has long been accusing Pakistan of sheltering and supporting militants for such kind of attacks against Indian forces.

In September 2016, at least 19 Indian soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack which took place in India-controlled Kashmir. Following the attack, India's military had claimed to have conducted "surgical strikes" against terrorists' bases in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, which Pakistan Army had vehemently denied.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 11:10:39|Editor: Chengcheng

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MADRID, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) should look to China in order to take advantage of its economic strength, said Alicia Garcia Herrero, the chief economist for the Asia-Pacific Zone of the French investment bank Natixis.

Speaking at a roundtable event held at Spain's School of Industrial Organization in Madrid on Monday, Garcia Herrero said China's continued economic growth should provoke enough reasons for the EU to look to the East Asian country, although such a move would be "complicated" due to the historical and cultural ties linking Europe and the United States.

Garcia Herrero cited several economic indicators, saying that China, despite recent slowdown, has "better economic growth than the United States" and "will maintain its situation."

She underlined China's economic strength amid the U.S. position as a "creditor" in world trade, adding that China has 120 "major corporations" compared with 126 in the United States and 110 in Europe according to Natixis' data base.

Another speaker at the event, Javier Serra, the general director for business internationalization at the Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade, illustrated China's growth with the change in focus of Spanish products in the Chinese market.

"Until 2011, they only bought products used in manufacturing, with very little added value. Now the dynamic has changed and the growth in sales is centered on consumer products. Chinese society has changed radically," Serra said.

Spain is the sixth biggest trade partner of China within the EU, while China is Spain's largest trade partner outside the EU. The bilateral trade volume reached 30.94 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, up 7.5 percent year on year, according to information from the official website of China's Foreign Ministry.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 11:05:38|Editor: Chengcheng

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BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The People's Bank of China (PBOC) on Wednesday conducted the first central bank bills swap (CBS) operation to support the issuance of perpetual bonds by commercial banks.

The CBS, valued at 1.5 billion yuan (around 222 million U.S. dollars), are open to primary dealers with a fixed rate at 0.25 percent, according to a PBOC statement. The swap will be due on Feb. 20, 2020.

The CBS scheme allows the dealers to swap the perpetual bonds they hold for central bank bills, which will effectively boost market demand of perpetual bonds.

Perpetual bonds are fixed-income securities with no maturity date and are not redeemable but pay a steady stream of interests forever. The tool is often used to replenish capital for commercial banks, so they have better financing capability to support the real economy.

In January, the Bank of China issued the first-ever perpetual bonds by a Chinese bank, which were oversubscribed by investors including domestic insurance companies, securities firms, and some foreign institutions.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 11:05:37|Editor: Xiaoxia

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CANBERRA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has confirmed the first known extinction of a mammal as a result of human-induced climate change.

Melissa Price, Australia's Minister for the Environment, announced that the status of the Bramble Cay melomys, a small rodent native to Bramble Cay the northernmost of Australia's islands, has been changed from "endangered" to "extinct."

The decision to declare the rodent extinct came three years after the Queensland government reached the same conclusion and 10 years after it was last spotted.

Tim Beshara, federal policy director for the Wilderness Society, said that a 2008 five-year plan to save the species was never reviewed upon its completion.

"The Bramble Cay melomys was a little brown rat," he told a Senate estimates hearing.

"But it was our little brown rat and it was our responsibility to make sure it persisted. And we failed."

In a 2016 report confirming the extinction, authors Ian Gynther from the Queensland Government's Threatened Species Unit and Natalie Walker and Luke Leung from the University of Queensland wrote that its demise "probably represents the first recorded mammalian extinction due to anthropogenic climate change."

The 2008 "recovery plan" downplayed the meolmys risk of extinction, saying that "the likely consequences of climate change, including sea-level rise and increase in the frequency and intensity of tropical storms, are unlikely to have any major impact on the survival of the Bramble Cay melomys."

Janet Rice, the Greens Senator who chairs the inquiry into Australia's extinction crisis, said Australia has the worst mammalian extinction rate in the world.

"Business as usual is the death warrant for our threatened animals," she told Fairfax Media on Wednesday.

"The extinction of the Bramble Cay Melomys should be a national tragedy, and the government's failure to protect Australia's nearly 500 animals threatened with extinction is an absolute disgrace.

"The environment department says it's learnt from this extinction and takes extinction seriously, but if it was serious it should be conducting an immediate review of how this happened," she said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 10:40:33|Editor: Xiaoxia

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HAVANA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Washington is planning a military intervention in Venezuela on the pretext of deliveries of humanitarian aid, Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez warned on Tuesday.

The "U.S. government continues preparing for a military intervention in Venezuela" and is "using an alleged humanitarian crisis and the need to relieve it as a pretext," Rodriguez told reporters at a press conference.

Rodriguez repeated recent warnings by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel of the "economic, military, social and humanitarian consequences of a U.S. military venture" and its destabilizing effect on all of Latin America.

According to the minister, Washington is following a "script" that "has been previously used in other parts of the world, with severe consequences."

"Cuba calls on the international community to overcome political differences to act in defense of peace and prevent a military intervention in Venezuela through joint effort," Rodriguez added.

The power struggle between Venezuela's ruling socialist party and opposition groups deepened last month after Juan Guaido, who is also the head of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself "interim president."

Guaido, who was immediately recognized by the White House and its allies, has announced the opposition will take delivery of U.S. aid on Feb. 23, despite government objections. The challenge sets a deadline for a potential clash between supporters and opponents of the government.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump gave a speech to the Venezuelan American community in Miami, Florida, in which he lambasted Venezuela's socialist government and said the days of leftist governments in the Western Hemisphere, including Nicaragua and Cuba, are coming to an end.

Cuba rejected those statements earlier on Tuesday. Trump was "ill-advised" on Cuba, Venezuela and Latin America, said Johana Tablada, deputy director of the Cuban Foreign Ministry's department for U.S. affairs.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 09:50:17|Editor: Xiaoxia

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump signed a directive on Tuesday that directs the Pentagon to draft legislation on creating a U.S. Space Force.

It is "a bold, strategic step toward guaranteeing American space dominance," according to the White House.

"Our destiny, beyond the Earth, is not only a matter of national identity, but a matter of national security," Trump said.

The Space Policy Directive-4 called on the Secretary of Defense to develop a legislative proposal establishing the Space Force as the sixth branch of the Armed Forces.

The Space Force, nevertheless, will initially be established within the Department of the Air Force, according to the White House.

In June last year, Trump proposed the Space Force to be "separate but equal" with the U.S. Air Force.

The new directive, however, stoked opposition.

"Space security cannot be achieved unilaterally or solely through military means. It will require coordination and cooperation with other spacefaring nations," said Laura Grego, a senior scientist in the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, in a statement.

"If concentrating authority in a space force creates an incentive for nations to build space weapons that increase the likelihood of conflict, it would be a profoundly bad idea," she said.

The creation of a new military branch still requires the approval of Congress.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 09:45:16|Editor: Xiaoxia

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TRIPOLI, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned the bombing in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Monday, which resulted in three deaths and wounding several others.

"The Foreign Ministry of the Government of National Accord strongly condemns the terrorist attack in al-Darb al-Ahmar district of Cairo on Monday," the ministry said in a statement later Tuesday.

"The Ministry reaffirms its full solidarity with the Arab Republic of Egypt in its efforts to maintain the stability of the country and the safety of its citizens. The Ministry reaffirms the position of the State of Libya in combating and confronting terrorism in all its forms until it is eliminated, as terrorism is a violation of all values, customs and religions," the statement said.

Two Egyptian policemen were killed and three other policemen were injured Monday in the blast in the old quarter of the Egyptian capital Cairo, and the attacker himself was also killed after he detonated explosives after being besieged by police officers, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.

Egypt has seen a string of bomb attacks since July 2013, hitting targets in North Sinai and other provinces including the capital Cairo.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 07:49:57|Editor: Yang Yi

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations condemns the bombings in the city of Idlib in northwestern Syria, which caused civilian deaths and injuries, a UN spokesperson said Tuesday.

In the bombings on Monday, at least 17 people were reportedly killed in twin explosions in the al-Qusor neighborhood in Idlib, and nearly 100 people reportedly injured, including civilians and aid volunteers, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said at a press briefing.

"The UN is gravely concerned by reports of what seems to be an instigation of hostilities and an increasing number of casualties in the northwest part of Syria," he said.

Meanwhile, 130 schools in Idlib governorate remain suspended due to hostilities, impacting nearly 50,000 children, Dujarric said.

The United Nations continues to call on all the parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians to put an end to the destruction of hospitals and other civilian infrastructures that are essential for the civilian population, he urged.

The twin explosions are believed to be carried out by explosive-laden vehicles, which tore through the al-Qusor area in the central part of Idlib, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 07:44:56|Editor: Yang Yi

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Several countries on Tuesday called on the UN to adjust its sanctions regimes at a meeting of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization.

On behalf of the European Union and its member states, Eric Chaboureau, the first counsellor of the Delegation of the EU to the UN, said that it is crucial that sanctions are implemented in full compliance with international human rights law.

Sanctions are an important tool under the UN Charter for ensuring the maintenance and restoration of international peace and security, so their procedures have to be fair and clear and respect the rights of sanctioned persons, including due process rights such as the right to be informed and the right to an effective review of their designation, said Chaboureau.

Therefore, the EU underlined the important role of the Ombudsperson to the ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaida sanctions committee and the need for the UN Security Council to improve further compliance with due process standards when implementing sanctions, he said.

In the 2005 World Summit declaration, the UN General Assembly called on the Security Council to ensure that fair and clear procedures are in place for the imposition and lifting of sanctions measures. The establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson to the ISIL (Daesh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee is an example of this approach in practice.

Apart from the EU, a number of other countries on Tuesday's meeting also expressed their concerns on the UN's sanctions regimes.

Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, permanent representative of Nigeria to the UN, said that almost all existing sanctions are placed against developing countries belonging to the African Union, the Group of 77 and China and the Non-Aligned Movement.

"The imposition of unilateral sanctions goes against the sovereign equality and international law," said the Nigerian envoy.

Therefore, he called on the UN to reduce the frequency of the resort to unilateral sanctions, to narrow their scope, and to shorten their duration, in order to avoid prolonged damage to the interest of targeted states and their populations.

"In certain situations, the Security Council authorizes sanctions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. In such cases, sanctions could serve as an important tool in the maintenance of peace and security. They should not be used as punitive measures," said Yedla Umasankar, first secretary/legal adviser of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

The sanctions serve their purpose only if they are used, when necessary as a measure of the last resort having tried all other options, and are applied so long as are necessary, in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter and do not violate the principles of international law, Umasankar added.

Nazifullah Salarzai, charge d'affaires of the permanent mission of Afghanistan to the UN, called on capable states and relevant international and regional organizations to offer appropriate technical and financial assistance to other States to enhance their capacity to implement UN's sanctions.

Since 1966, the UN Security Council has established 30 sanctions regimes, and the measures have ranged from comprehensive economic and trade sanctions to more targeted measures such as arms embargoes, travel bans, and financial or commodity restrictions, information on the UN website shows.

There are 14 ongoing sanctions regimes which focus on supporting political settlement of conflicts, nuclear non-proliferation, and counter-terrorism. Each regime is administered by a sanctions committee chaired by a non-permanent member of the Security Council.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 07:29:52|Editor: Yang Yi

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NEW YORK, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. dollar continued to fall on Tuesday, as risk-on sentiment remained with investors on hopes that global trade tensions will possibly be eased.

The Australian dollar, widely seen as a barometer of global risk mood, extended gains against the U.S. dollar, as China and the United States will have a new round of economic and trade consultations in Washington this week.

The British pound also continued to edge higher against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday.

Investors digested the news that British Prime Minister Theresa May will meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels on Wednesday to struggle for a consensus for Brexit.

May will present the EU with new legal proposals to solve the Irish backstop issue, a main block to a smooth Brexit, according to the Guardian.

In late New York trading, the euro was up to 1.1340 dollars from 1.1312 dollars in the previous session, and the British pound was up to 1.3067 dollars from 1.2927 U.S. dollars in the previous session. The Australian dollar rose to 0.7169 dollar from 0.7130 dollar.

The U.S. dollar bought 110.65 Japanese yen, higher than 110.58 Japanese yen of the previous session. The U.S. dollar was down to 1.0007 Swiss franc from 1.0041 Swiss franc, and it was down to 1.3212 Canadian dollars from 1.3237 Canadian dollars.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 08:00:48|Editor: Chengcheng

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Zhu Kangyu (C) feels fetal movements of their unborn child with his wife Liu Xiaojing on the platform of the Zhengzhou Railway Station in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Feb. 19, 2019. As the K4364 train pulls in to the Zhengzhou Railway Station, Liu Xiaojing, who is more than six months pregnant, wends her way to meet her husband on the platform on the day of Chinese Lantern Festival, a day symbolizes family reunion. After over two weeks of separation, the couple has only 20 minutes to meet each other before the train starts. The husband Zhu Kangyu, who works as train attendant, is busy serving on the train during the annual Spring Festival travel rush. "Let me listen to our baby's womb sounds," Zhu said softly while kneeling on one knee and nestling his ear against his wife's belly. Liu cooked "tangyuan", or sweet dumplings, a traditional delicacy special for the festival, for her husband as soon as she came back from a pregnancy check-up in the morning. Yet a few minutes after Zhu Kangyu has a taste of "tangyuan", the couple has to say goodbye. "Don't be worried about us my dear," said Liu Xiaojing. "We are waiting for you coming back home." (Xinhua/Li An)Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 07:31:02|Editor: Xiaoxia

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A child lies in bed while receiving treatment at a malnutrition care center in Sanaa, Yemen, Feb. 19, 2019. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 14.3 million Yemeni people are classified as being in acute need, with around 3.2 million requiring treatment for acute malnutrition; that includes two million children under-five. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed)Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 06:54:48|Editor: Chengcheng

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Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu (C, Front) addresses a Security Council meeting on the situation in Yemen, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 19, 2019. The first redeployment of forces in Hodeidah of Yemen could possibly begin later Tuesday, UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths told the Security Council via video link from Amman on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Tuesday urged the international community to push the Yemeni parties to sustain effective political dialogue.

"We should push the Yemeni parties to sustain effective political dialogue and negotiation," Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said at a Security Council meeting on the situation in Yemen.

"We need to insist on the role of the United Nations as the main channel," he said.

"Under the leadership of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, political will is to be turned into real action," the Chinese ambassador said.

"We hope to see an early launch of the next round of peace talks under the leadership of special envoy (Martin) Griffiths, so as to reach a settlement that balances and takes into account of the interests of all parties and help resume peace, stability, and normal order in Yemen," he said.

Noting that the international community "is paying close attention to" the issue of Yemen and is having a lot of expectations for the resumption of peace and stability in Yemen, Ma said that the Stockholm Agreement "has brought about hope of peace for the Yemeni people."

"The Security Council should have a timely understanding of the implementation of the agreement by all parties and the challenges they are facing, and continue to play a positive role on the issue of Yemen," the Chinese envoy added.

Ma told the Security Council that all Yemeni parties "are abiding by the ceasefire agreement in general," adding that the Redeployment Coordination Committee under the auspices of the United Nations and with the participation of all Yemeni parties, is conducting its work "in an orderly fashion and has arrived at a consensus" on the first phase arrangement on Sunday.

Speaking of the challenges, the Chinese envoy said that the practical difficulties in implementing the agreement cannot be underestimated.

"Fighting is going on in Hodeidah and its surrounding areas. The two parties still have differences on the list of prisoners and the issue of task," he said.

"The humanitarian situation in Yemen is dire," Ma noted.

The envoy urged parties concerned to continue with the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement.

"The Yemeni parties should effectively implement the agreement, address their differences through dialogue, and increase their consensus," he said.

"Efforts should be made to accelerate the deployment of the UN mission in Yemen to assist and monitor the implementation of the agreement," said the ambassador.

Noting that the Security Council should take full account of, and respect the opinions of the country in question and the countries in the region, Ma said that the council should "continue to stay united."

He also called for vigorous effort to ease the humanitarian situation in Yemen, stressing that the international community should provide food, medicine and funds "in a targeted fashion" to support the economic improvement and price stabilization in Yemen to satisfy the basic needs of livelihood for the Yemeni people.

UN Special Envoy to Yemen Griffiths told the Security Council via video link from Amman that Yemen's government and Houthi rebels had agreed to pull back from the rebel-held ports of Saleef and Ras Issa followed by a redeployment from Hodeidah port, also held by the Houthis, and critical parts of the city.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 06:49:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CHICAGO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) soybean futures closed lower on Tuesday, as traders awaited a new round of U.S.-China trade talks.

The most active corn contract for March delivery went down 5 cents, or 1.33 percent to close at 3.6975 dollars per bushel. March wheat delivery dropped 14.5 cents, or 2.88 percent to close at 4.8975 dollars per bushel. March soybean delivery was down 6.75 cents, or 0.74 percent to close at 9.0075 dollars per bushel.

China and the United States will have a new round of economic and trade consultations in Washington this week.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to release its forecasts for U.S. 2019 corn, soybean and wheat plantings this week at its annual Outlook Forum.

CBOT wheat futures dropped to multi-month lows as grain traders monitored bearish technical signals, while corn futures fell on technical selling.

As for weather forecast for agricultural crop, much of the central U.S. stretching from eastern Colorado state to the Atlantic Ocean is under winter storm watch or warning Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 04:59:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese construction and engineering company, China Gezhouba Group Co. Ltd. (CGGC), has signed a contract agreement with the Ethiopian government to take part in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

According to the contract agreement involving 40.1 million U.S. dollars, CGGC will take part in pre-power generation activities of Ethiopia's grand hydro-electric dam, which will be regarded as Africa's largest hydro dam upon completion with a total volume of 74,000 million cubic meters, the Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) revealed on Tuesday.

Ethiopian Electric Power head, Abrham Belay, said during the signing ceremony in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa that the agreement with CGGC is expected to speed up construction of the dam.

EEP also on Tuesday revealed that it signed another agreement with Voith Hydro Shanghai, which is part of the Voith Hydro that headquartered in Germany with specialization on manufacturing of turbines and turbine generator sets, for the installation and commissioning of six turbine generators at the GERD.

The energy sector is one of Ethiopia's priorities as the country envisaged to become a light manufacturing hub in Africa together with a middle-income economy by 2025.

Officials at the Ethiopian Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy (MoWIE) recently told Xinhua that the East African country is working to reach 17,300 MW of energy by the end of 2020, from the current 4,280 MW of energy through energy projects in hydro, wind, geothermal and biomass energy.

Another Chinese company, Poly-GCL Petroleum Group Holdings Limited (Poly-GCL), last week also signed an agreement with the Ethiopia Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP) to construct the 767-km Ethiopia-Djibouti natural gas pipeline.

In April, the Ethiopian government announced plans to generate 1 billion U.S. dollars annually from the extraction of natural gas and crude oil deposits.

The company is expected to install a pipeline to transport gas from the fields in landlocked Ethiopia up to ports in neighboring Djibouti in two years. Around 700 kilometers of the natural gas pipeline will be located in Ethiopia, while the rest of the natural gas pipeline will be located in Djibouti.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 04:44:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Tuesday urged the international community to push the Yemeni parties to sustain effective political dialogue.

"We should push the Yemeni parties to sustain effective political dialogue and negotiation," Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said at a Security Council meeting on the situation in Yemen.

"We need to insist on the role of the United Nations as the main channel," he said.

"Under the leadership of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, political will is to be turned into real action," the Chinese ambassador said.

"We hope to see an early launch of the next round of peace talks under the leadership of special envoy (Martin) Griffiths, so as to reach a settlement that balances and takes into account of the interests of all parties and help resume peace, stability, and normal order in Yemen," he said.

Noting that the international community "is paying close attention to" the issue of Yemen and is having a lot of expectations for the resumption of peace and stability in Yemen, Ma said that the Stockholm Agreement "has brought about hope of peace for the Yemeni people."

"The Security Council should have a timely understanding of the implementation of the agreement by all parties and the challenges they are facing, and continue to play a positive role on the issue of Yemen," the Chinese envoy added.

Ma told the Security Council that all Yemeni parties "are abiding by the ceasefire agreement in general," adding that the Redeployment Coordination Committee under the auspices of the United Nations and with the participation of all Yemeni parties, is conducting its work "in an orderly fashion and has arrived at a consensus" on the first phase arrangement on Feb. 17.

Speaking of the challenges, the Chinese envoy said that the practical difficulties in implementing the agreement cannot be underestimated.

"Fighting is going on in Hodeidah and its surrounding areas. The two parties still have differences on the list of prisoners and the issue of task," he said.

"The humanitarian situation in Yemen is dire," Ma noted.

The envoy urged parties concerned to continue with the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement.

"The Yemeni parties should effectively implement the agreement, address their differences through dialogue, and increase their consensus," he said.

UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths told the Security Council via video link from Amman that Yemen's government and Houthi rebels had agreed to pull back from the rebel-held ports of Saleef and Ras Issa followed by a redeployment from Hodeidah port, also held by the Houthis, and critical parts of the city.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 04:04:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Nigerian envoy said on Tuesday that the United Nations needs to reduce unilateral sanctions on developing countries.

The imposition of unilateral sanctions goes against the sovereign equality and international law, and the imposition of sanctions on any sovereign state should always be in conformity with the provisions of the UN Charter, said Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, permanent representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, at a meeting of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization.

Almost all existing sanctions are placed against developing countries belonging to the African Union, the Group of 77 and China and the Non-Aligned Movement, he said.

"The frequency of the resort to unilateral sanctions must be reduced, their scope must be narrowed and their duration shortened in order to avoid prolonged damage to the interest of targeted states and their populations," he added.

Sanctions should only be used as a last resort, after all other peaceful means of settling disputes have been exhausted, said Muhammad-Bande.

He urged member states to make the most effective use of existing procedures and methods for the prevention of disputes and their pacific settlement, in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 03:29:03|Editor: Chengcheng

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BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. side has been urged to view China's development and bilateral trade ties with an open mind and work with China towards the same direction.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday made the comments when meeting with a U.S. delegation led by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Myron Brilliant in Beijing.

"Mutual respect and cooperation of mutual benefits is not only the right choice for us but also the common hope of the international community," Wang told the delegation, which consists of former high-level U.S. government officials.

Wang called on the U.S. side to consider China's development as an opportunity for the United States, which will be conducive to fundamentally solving some problems between the two countries.

People in the United States are paying high attention to the ongoing high-level economic and trade consultations between the two countries, said members of the U.S. delegation.

They expressed hope that the two sides will reach a comprehensive, bold and significant trade agreement that will have long-lasting positive influence on bilateral ties.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 02:48:53|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CAIRO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi discussed on Tuesday the issue of terrorism in the third meeting of presidents of African constitutional and supreme courts.

The meeting, which was held in Cairo, also discussed the role of the judiciary in fighting corruption and protecting human rights, spokesperson of the Egyptian presidency Bassam Rady said in a statement.

The conference came shortly after Egypt assumed the presidency of the African Union earlier this month.

Sisi stressed the importance of strengthening the role of law and justice in African countries, which share common challenges such as terrorism and extremist thought.

The Egyptian president highlighted that terrorism is one of the most serious challenges facing the world.

"Combating terrorism is one of the most important human rights, the right to life itself and the sense of security," Sisi said.

Sisi also highlighted that Egypt is ready to share with African countries its expertise in the above-mentioned fields.

The Egyptian presidency spokesman also said that Egypt is working to launch a new electronic platform to link the African constitutional and supreme courts and strengthen cooperation and development between African judiciary bodies.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 02:43:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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PARIS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- A man armed with a knife attacked passersby in Marseille, southern France, late on Tuesday afternoon before being shot dead by police, state-run France Info radio reported.

The man stabbed four people in the La Canebier neighborhood in the southern port city at 16:45 local time (1545 GMT), injuring two of them. One of the victims was in serious condition, France Info said.

According to the report, the attacker had tried to take out a gun to open fire on the police before he was shot. The attacker died of his injuries, the report said.

The scene of the assault was cordoned off and the city's prosecutor will investigate the attacker's identity and his motive.

Citing a source close to the investigation, LCI news channel reported that the attacker was born in 1983 and had already been convicted for murder.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 02:38:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BUDAPEST, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Hungarian government will open a foreign trade representation in Jerusalem, which will be another step forward in strengthening Hungarian-Israeli relations, official sources said here on Tuesday.

"Hungary and Israel are close allies in terms of security and economic cooperation, and they are cooperating within international organizations," Peter Szijjarto, minister of foreign affairs and trade, was quoted as saying by the official Hungarian government website.

Szijjarto made this statement in Israel, where he accompanied Prime Minister Viktor Orban on an official visit.

In Jerusalem, Szijjarto met with Israeli officials to discuss security and economic cooperation on Tuesday.

The minister said that Hungary's stance, which it "expressed frequently and unequivocally," was that international organizations often took a "downright unfair and biased approach towards Israel," adding that Hungary always stood by a balanced and fair approach to the country.

Referring to the Middle East peace process, the minister said that "Economic and trade restrictions should not be mixed up with the creation of peace," since the two had nothing to do with each other. The minister said Hungary rejected bans and blockades of products from Israeli settlements, arguing that "such an approach wouldn't lead anywhere."

The minister also said that Israel and Hungary had "fought side by side" against the United Nations' global migration compact. He said this was an important achievement from a security standpoint.

Just like the United States and Israel, Hungary quit the United Nations migration pact in 2018. "This document goes entirely against Hungary's security interests," the Hungarian government argued.

Regarding economic cooperation, Szijjarto noted that bilateral trade exceeded 500 million U.S. dollars in 2018 and that cooperation was thriving in the field of innovative automotive industry products.

A summit was scheduled to be held in Jerusalem on Monday and Tuesday with the prime ministers of the Visegrad Group, which includes Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The summit, however, collapsed after Israel's newly appointed acting Foreign Minister, Yisrael Katz, said on Sunday that Poles "collaborated with the Nazis" during World War II.

On Monday morning, Poland's Ambassador to Israel Marek Magierowski branded the remark "shameful and racist," writing on his Twitter account that Poland considers it "utterly unacceptable."

Later on Monday, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki condemned the remark and canceled the participation of his foreign minister in the summit. Morawiecki previously withdrew his own participation in response to a remark by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has said that some Poles "cooperated with the Nazis."

After Poland's withdrawal from the meeting, the Czech Republic announced the summit was canceled.

Since Hungarian Prime Minister Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini were already in Israel, their Israeli host and counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, held separate bilateral meetings with them, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 02:33:50|Editor: Xiaoxia

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United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock (Front) briefs the Security Council on the situation in Yemen, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 19, 2019. The first redeployment of forces in Hodeidah of Yemen could possibly begin later Tuesday, UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths told the Security Council via video link from Amman on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The first redeployment of forces in Hodeidah of Yemen could possibly begin later Tuesday, UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths said Tuesday.

"With the beginning, possibly even today or tomorrow, of the implementation of that part of the Hodeidah agreement, we now have the opportunity to move from the promise made in Sweden to hope now for Yemen," Griffiths told the Security Council via video link from Amman.

"This will facilitate humanitarian access to the Red Sea Mills," the special envoy said.

"I am grateful to the leadership of both parties who have made concessions to allow this to happen. I call upon the parties to immediately start implementation of the agreement without further delays and agree on the details of the second phase of the redeployments," he added.

Yemen's government and Houthi rebels agreed on Sunday to the first phase of the pullback of forces, which is a key provision of a ceasefire deal reached in Sweden last year.

Griffiths on Sunday arrived in the rebel-held capital Sanaa to follow up the implementation of Stockholm Agreement on Hodeidah.File Photo: The U.S. flag flutters on a military vehicle in Manbej countryside, Syria May 12, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

MOSCOW, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United States nurtured a plan to split off a part of Syrian territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates and create a puppet "quasi state" there, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said here Tuesday.

"The task of restoring Syria's territorial integrity, which the entire international community, including the United States, agreed upon, was used by the United States in a deceptive maneuver," Lavrov said at a press conference after meeting with Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak.

Right now, Washington said that its main task is to prevent the Syrian government from returning to the eastern bank of the Euphrates, he said.

The United States openly declares that after withdrawing from Syria, it will support the Kurds, but only if they do not cooperate with the Syrian government and Russia, Lavrov said.

He said that the United States, under the pretext of fighting Islamic State (IS) terrorists and taking main Kurdish structures in the region as allies, has begun building a quasi state in the eastern bank of the Euphrates.

The United States is already actively investing in it, including forcing their allies to pay for development of the region and banning them from investing in the rest of Syria, which is controlled by the legitimate government, he said.

The fate of that part of Syria should not be determined by the whims of the United States, which is illegally present there, Lavrov said.

In December, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, citing that the local IS force has been largely defeated. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis resigned shortly after Trump's withdrawal decision.MOSCOW, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- A 10-day state of emergency imposed on the Arctic Novaya Zemlya Archipelago in Russia over an invasion of polar bears has been lifted, the press office of the governor of the Arkhangelsk Region said Tuesday.

"The situation has stabilized and the state of emergency has been lifted," it said in a statement.

It said that one of the reasons for the invasion was the presence of a household waste deposit near the settlement of Belushya Guba, which attracted polar bears in search of food.

The Arkhangelsk regional government has decided to burn the waste in a certified incinerator plant.

The archipelago administration said on its website that the state of emergency was imposed on Feb. 9 after some 52 polar bears invaded the settlement.

There were cases of aggressive behavior by the polar bears, including the pursuing people and breaking into residential and office premises, it said in a statement.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 01:58:40|Editor: Xiaoxia

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TEHRAN, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian military commander said Tuesday that the security forces have arrested two Pakistani nationals as the suspects linked to the recent terrorist attack in southeastern Iran.

"The suicide bomber and two elements of the terrorist team targeting IRGC forces were Pakistanis," Commander of the Ground Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Mohammad Pakpour, was quoted as saying by Press TV.

Pakpour identified the suicide bomber as Hafiz Mohammad Ali.

Iran has blamed Pakistan for sheltering anti-Iran militants in its territory near the border area.

Iran has also accused Saudi Arabia and Israel's intelligence agencies of inciting Iran's Sunni rebels in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan into violence.

Last Wednesday, in the terrorist attack against the IRGC forces in Sistan and Baluchestan province, bordering Pakistan, 27 were killed and 13 others were injured.

Reportedly, the Sunni group Jaish al-Adl, which claims to be fighting for the rights of Iranian Sunni Baluch minority, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

On Tuesday, Iranian Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi pledged that a harsh response will be delivered to the perpetrators of the terrorist attack.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-20 00:28:13|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GENEVA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Trade weakness is likely to extend into the first quarter of 2019, said the World Trade Organization on Tuesday in its latest World Trade Outlook Indicator (WTOI), warning also of a potential further deterioration.

"The simultaneous decline of several trade-related indicators should put policymakers on guard for a sharper slowdown, should the current trade tensions remain unresolved," said the WTO in a statement.

The most recent WTOI reading of 96.3 is the weakest since March 2010 and below the baseline value of 100 for the index, signaling below-trend trade expansion into the first quarter.

Indices for export orders (95.3), international air freight (96.8), automobile production and sales (92.5), electronic components (88.7) and agricultural raw materials (94.3) have shown the most robust deviations from trend, approaching or surpassing previous lows since the financial crisis.

Only the index for container port throughput remained relatively buoyant at 100.3, showing on-trend growth.

"Trade growth is currently forecast to slow to 3.7 percent in 2019 from an expected 3.9 percent in 2018, but these estimates could be revised downward if trade conditions continue to deteriorate."

The WTO said, however, greater certainty and improvement in the policy environment could trigger a swift rebound in trade growth.

Designed to provide "real time" information on the trajectory of world trade relative to recent trends, the WTOI is not intended as a short-term forecast, although it indicates near future trade growth.

It aims to identify turning points and gauge momentum in global trade growth.BRADENTON, Fla. - Even the best retirement plans may not be enough to keep a stranger from taking over your life under the states troubled guardianship system, the I-Team found.

Alice Yaniscavitch said she thought she was making all the right moves in retirement when she went to a lawyer to set up a family trust  a decision she says ended up costing her control over her own life.

The 85-year-old moved in with her daughter Terri McGuire and her son-in-law Mickey in Manatee County after last year selling her home in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Terri was taking care of me. Shes very good, Yaniscavitch told I-Team Investigator Adam Walser last month.

At the time, Yaniscavitch was waiting to see if a judge would permanently place her in court-ordered guardianship, which she said she didnt want.

Its my life  not theirs, said Yaniscavitch.

Yaniscavitch said the thing she feared most was going to a nursing home.

Theyre not going to put me in one, she said.

McGuire and the advocacy groups that she reached out to were concerned when the case first started in late November.

They contacted the Florida Office of Public and Professional Guardians, a watchdog agency set up three years ago to police the states broken guardianship system.

So far, the agency hasnt taken any action in Yaniscavitchs case.

How did the guardianship start?

Yaniscavitch gave both her daughters  Terri McGuire and Lori Yaniscavitch  powers of attorney over her health care decisions as part of her retirement planning, according to court records.

In November 2017, Yaniscavitch set up an irrevocable family trust, with 90 percent of her money benefitting McGuire, who was taking care of her and the rest going to Lori, according to the trust document obtained by the I-Team.

Tennessee attorney Jeff Miller wrote, witnessed and notarized the trust agreement.

She knew why she was there. She had a purpose for being there, said Miller.

Miller said Yaniscavitch wanted to move her assets into a trust to make sure she would be eligible for a future government benefit.

Miller said she also wanted her daughters to avoid going to probate court to settle her estate after her death.

But when Lori Yaniscavitch found out about the trust, she went to court in November, seeking guardianship for her mother.

Lori Yaniscavitch wouldnt speak to the I-Team at a recent court hearing, but in court documents she alleges her sister was financially exploiting their mother and endangering her health.

When I-Team Investigator Adam Walser asked Alice Yaniscavitch if she felt safe in her daughter Terris home, she replied, Oh, yeah. Definitely.

Daughter moves to break up trust

Loris attorneys asked a judge to remove her mother from Terris home and put her in memory care and argued her mother didnt know what she was doing when she signed the trust document in 2017, court transcripts and documents from the case show.

But Stetson Law Professor Roberta Flowers, director of the Stetson Elder Law Center, said that may be difficult to prove.

The issue revolves around, under the law, was the person capable at the moment they signed the document, said Flowers.

You have to have people who are there when they signed the document who are able to articulate what was going on with that person, how was that person acting so that a judge at some future date can say Oh yeah. Ok. It sounds like that person understood, said Flowers.

Miller said he put those safeguards in place when Alice Yaniscavitch signed her trust documents.

She was fully engaged, fully aware of what she wanted to do, Miller told the I-Team. She was the one who spoke out and told me what she wanted and why she wanted it.

Judge freezes all accounts

But Judge Deno Economou froze Yaniscavitchs trust account, along with Terri and Mickey McGuires bank accounts.

Their funds were frozen before Christmas, according to the court order, but the McGuires hope the Florida Court of Appeals will overturn the judges order.

The allegation is that they have improper funds in that account. Unfortunately, theres no evidence to support that, said attorney Marc Soss, who represents the McGuires. Its someone trying to second guess the estate planning that Alice put into place because they dont like it.

Judge Economou also appointed Anne Ridings as Yaniscavitchs guardian.

Within a few days of being appointed guardian, Ridings took all of Yaniscavitchs jewelry for safekeeping.

Terri McGuire showed ABC Action News photos she took of hundreds of pieces of her mothers jewelry before they were taken.

Gold watches Ive got bracelets, a lot of earrings, diamond earrings, said Yaniscavitch about the jewelry she had taken from her.

Wedding ring taken off her finger

Yaniscavitch said Ridings even took the wedding ring off her finger, which she has worn for 58 years  even after her husband died.

Horrible, horrible, said Yaniscavitch when asked about losing the ring she wore for 58 years even after her husband died.

Its called marshaling the assets, said Jeff Swartz, a former judge and law professor. I can understand that the guardian wants to marshal and inventory assets  thats fine  but taking her wedding band off her finger and not letting her have it back or taking her jewelry and just sticking it away  when maybe she does still wear it because at certain lucid moments she wants her things around her  thats just not necessary.

Less than two weeks after the I-Team interviewed Yaniscavitch, her daughter Lori picked her up, saying she was taking her to a hair appointment.

Instead, she moved her into assisted living  even though court transcripts show the judge said earlier that Yaniscavitch should remain in her daughter Terris home.

Injured in assisted living

Days later Terri shot a video of her mother at the memory care center, which she shared with the I-Team. In the video, Yaniscavitch complained of arm pain and said she had fallen.

Terri McGuire had her friend, who at the memory care center with her, call 911 for an ambulance to take her mother to a hospital, where doctors diagnosed Yaniscavitch with a fractured vertebra.

Days after Yaniscavitch went to the hospital, guardian Anne Ridings filed an emergency motion asking the judge to limit McGuires visits, court records show. The judge denied that request.

Ridings did not respond to the I-Teams interview requests.

Its unclear whether Yaniscavitchs wishes will ultimately be carried out. She has not been in the courtroom to talk to the judge during five hearings so far.

Before she was removed from her home, I-Team Investigator Adam Walser asked Yaniscavitch what would happen if a judge told her she had go to a nursing home.

I'm not, I'm not, said Yaniscavitch. Id say youre going to have to put me in jail. Theres no way theyre putting me in a nursing home. Ive been through it. Ive seen it. I don't want to be there.

The judge still hasnt ruled yet on whether Yaniscavitch will be placed in permanent guardianship.

After Yaniscavitch was released from the hospital, she was taken to a rehabilitation center, where she is currently recovering from her injury.

If you have a story you think the I-Team should investigate, contact adam@abcactionnews.com.

Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.COVINGTON, Ky.  Attorneys for Nicholas Sandmann, the Covington teenager who became the center of a social media controversy in January, are suing the Washington Post, accusing it of defamation and a "reckless disregard of the facts and truth."

L. Lin Wood filed a federal suit Tuesday demanding the publication pay $250 million  the amount Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos paid to purchase it in 2013  in damages to Sandmanns family for its coverage of the Jan. 18 incident.

The incident involved an interaction among a group of Covington Catholic High School student-activists who had participated in the March for Life, a group of Native American demonstrators participating in their own Indigenous Peoples March and members of a fringe religious group known as the Black Hebrew Israelites.

The three groups encountered one another outside the Lincoln Memorial. The Black Hebrew Israelites, having spent hours shouting racist, homophobic invective at all passersby, began to insult the students while they waited for their buses. According to Sandmann, the students received chaperones permission to perform their school spirit chants as a positive counterpoint.

The Native American group entered at this point. Leader Nathan Phillips, who said he believed he was witnessing a confrontation that could soon escalate, waded into the crowd of Covington students while singing and playing a traditional drum.

Thence the image that became inescapable on social media: Phillips singing and playing his drum while Sandmann, wearing a red Make America Great Again cap, stood in front of him and smiled.

A short clip of that interaction spread explosively on Twitter alongside a narrative claiming the students  many of whom were also wearing the red caps denoting support for President Donald Trump  had bullied and harassed the Native American group with chants including Build the wall!

The next several days became a whirlwind of confusion, correction and competing stories about who had committed what grievous error that day.

The Washington Post wasnt the only outlet to cover the story, but it arrived early and presented coverage that aligned with the initial narrative. A Jan. 19 video clip of the interaction was titled Teens mock and jeer Native American elder on the Mall, and other coverage incorrectly referred to Phillips as a Vietnam War veteran based on statements by the Indigenous Peoples Movement and Lakota Law Project.

The paper would later correct its misstatements about Phillips's military service and dedicate substantial time to news coverage of the aftermathand editorial dissections of the way the widely disseminated clips used viewers' biases against them.

According to Woods suit, the Post's initial reporting was a deliberate effort to advance its well-known and easily documented, biased agenda against President Donald J. Trump (the president) by impugning individuals perceived to be supporters of the president.

Furthermore, according to Wood, "The Posts campaign to target Nicholas in furtherance of its political agenda was carried out by using its vast financial resources to enter the bully pulpit by publishing a series of false and defamatory print and online articles which effectively provided a worldwide megaphone to Phillips and other anti-Trump individuals and entities to smear a young boy who was in its view an acceptable casualty in their war against the President.

The 38-page document, which Wood made available via Dropbox, contains additional allegations of a reckless disregard for the truth and a concerted campaign of bullying directed at Sandmann.

The Sandmann family hired Wood Jan. 24. A longtime specialist in libel and slander cases, the attorney is known for taking high-profile clients for whom he seeks eye-popping damages  according to a 2011 article by the Washington Post.

The Washington Post is reviewing a copy of the lawsuit and plans to "mount a vigorous defense," according to Kristine Coratti Kelly, Vice President Communications.

Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.It's recited in schools across the US every day by students standing stiffly with their hands over their hearts.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The Pledge of Allegiance has been a part of American life since 1892, when it first appeared in a magazine to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Christoper Columbus to America.

But the patriotic oath, despite its ubiquity, is not a legal requirement. Students don't have to recite it.

Why? It violates the First Amendment, which protects free speech.

The pledge made headlines this week after a sixth-grade student in Florida told a substitute teacher he would not stand for the pledge because he believed the American flag symbolized discrimination against blacks. ( He was arrested , although police said it was because he started a disturbance at the school, not because he wouldn't participate in the pledge.)

The substitute teacher didn't know that students can't be compelled to participate in the pledge, the school district said. That's been true since 1943, when the Supreme Court ruled in the case of West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette that students couldn't be forced to salute the US flag or say the pledge because doing so would violate their First Amendment rights. "If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion, or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein," Justice Robert Jackson wrote in the majority opinion . "If there are any circumstances which permit an exception, they do not now occur to us." The case ended up with the high court after West Virginia's state Board of Education passed a resolution in 1942 requiring students and teachers to salute the flag. A group of Jehovah's Witnesses sued, saying the requirement went against their religious beliefs. Legal challenges involving the Pledge of Allegiance continue to pop up from time to time, with more recent cases centering on humanists or religious freedom groups trying to eliminate the phrase "under God" from the pledge, according to the National Constitution Center . That phrase wasn't added to the pledge until 1954, during the Cold War, when members of Congress reportedly wanted to emphasize differencesbetween the US and the atheistic Soviet Union.

Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.  A man has been arrested after he admitted to critically injuring a newborn that was under his care after the baby woke him up shortly after a recent feeding, deputies say.

Aaron James Bordelon, 29, has been charged with Felony Aggravated Battery Great Bodily Harm Child Neglect with Great Bodily Harm.

The 16-day-old child is in critical condition, suffering from skull fractures and severe traumatic brain injury.

Bordelon told deputies he "forcefully" picked up the baby and admitted "this is my fault." Shortly after picking up the child he said the child's physical condition deteriorated, breathing slowed and bruising under the eyes and on the eyelids was visible. Bordelon did not call for immediate medical attention at the time, according to the Sheriff's Office. When the newborn's mother arrived at their location, Bordelon ordered a Lyft ride share and took the child to Brandon Regional Hospital. According to a press release, Bordelon attempted to conceal the bruising on the newborn with makeup but the mother tried to remove it before they arrived at the emergency room, according to deputies. "Abuse in any form is unacceptable and this case is especially tragic and emotionally difficult for our detectives as it involves an innocent and defenseless child" said Sheriff Chad Chronister. " There is help available for parents who may feel overwhelmed, by calling 211 for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay."

Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.BARTOW, Fla. (AP)  A Florida man faces the death penalty for fatally stabbing two women.

The Ledger reports that a Polk County jury unanimously recommended execution Monday for 39-year-old Michael Gordon. A judge will make the final decision.

Gordon was convicted of first-degree murder last week.

Authorities say Gordon, Terrell Williams, Devonere McCune and Jovan Lamb robbed an Auburndale pawn shop in January 2015. McCune was arrested after a shootout with police.

Responding deputies went to a nearby home and found the bodies of 72-year-old Patricia Moran and her 51-year-old daughter Deborah Royal. Authorities say Williams, Gordon and Lamb were arrested after trying to flee in the victims' car.

Williams was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Lamb and McCune are awaiting trial.



Information from: The Ledger (Lakeland, Fla.), http://www.theledger.comTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  A bill that would ban local governments from practicing so-called sanctuary policies began moving in the Florida Senate over the protest of immigrant advocacy groups.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill Tuesday on a 4-2 vote, with only Republicans in favor and only Democrats opposed.

The bill would require local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal agencies if they arrest someone with an immigration detainer. Cities and counties wouldn't be able to enact policy preventing law enforcement from notifying federal officials when someone subject to deportation is in their custody.

Republican Sen. Joe Gruters said his bill was a matter of public safety and enforcing the law.

A few dozen people opposed to the bill attended the meeting and later gathered in the Capitol courtyard and chanted in English and Spanish, "The people united will never be divided."Police urge North Wales residents to be wary after reports of cold callers targeting homes

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Feb 20th, 2019

North Wales Police are urging residents across the region to be aware of rogue traders who have been targeting properties.

Officers are currently investigating a number of incidents across the Flintshire area, where it is believed that cold callers have offered to undertake work and in some cases carried it out without permission.

Properties in Broughton, Sychdyn and Mold have been targeted over the past week, and residents, particularly the elderly are strongly advised not to accept any requests from cold callers.

If your property is likely to be unoccupied for a period, notify a close friend or family member to monitor your address for security purposes





How to beat the bogus caller:

LOCK: Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.

STOP: Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Look through the spyhole or window to see who it is.

CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.

North Wales Police are asking residents with details of any individuals, companies and vehicles involved in such cold calling incidents to report suspicious behaviour on 101 or via the live chat system.

More advice can be found on the North Wales Police website.North East Wales photographers flying flag for region in wedding awards

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Feb 20th, 2019

Two leading local photographers from Wrexham and Flintshire have been shortlisted in the 2019 Welsh Wedding Awards.

Joe Bickerton and Stacey Oliver, who operate their own wedding photography businesses in the region go head to head with a handful of other national photographers tonight in Cardiff for the title of best wedding photographer.

The awards aim to celebrate the work and commitment of the Welsh wedding industry and recognise those who go above and beyond to make a couples special day the best experience it can possibly be.

The shortlisting comes about by way of previous testimonials from couples and venues that Joe and Stacey have both worked with  along with supporting evidence such as their individual 2018 portfolios and details of how they have each built their respective businesses up.





Although working separately, Joe and Stacey have known each other for several years and frequently cross-refer each other to couples when dates may have already be booked.

Speaking ahead of the awards this evening, Joe said; Its fantastic to have been shortlisted for the finals in Cardiff, coming off the back of a really inspiring 2018 after working with so many fun loving couples on their wedding day and at some of North Wales best venues.

Reaching the final is a great feeling, but to receive the testimonials from couples that Ive worked with is so rewarding.

Sealand based Stacey added: I am thrilled to have made the final of the welsh wedding awards in Cardiff . It feels such a privilege to have been nominated by amazing couples whos weddings Ive photographed in 2018.

The Welsh Wedding Awards are hosted by Creative Oceanic, an events and marketing agency who are responsible for some of the most successful and well known events such as the Welsh Hospitality Awards and the Welsh Hair & Beauty Awards amongst others.

Irfan Younis, CEO of Creative Oceanic said: Our previous Welsh Wedding Awards have been a massive success and a great night for all those who are involved.

We hope that the industry continues to grow and we are already excited about The Welsh Wedding Awards 2019.

For more information on them you can check out Joes or Staceys websites: www.photographyjoebickerton.com & www.staceyoliverphotography.co.ukLocal councils to issue 300 fines to households under new measures to tackle fly-tipping

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Feb 20th, 2019

New powers allowing local councils to issue fixed penalty notices to help prevent household waste being illegally dumped will come into force tomorrow.

More than 60 per cent of fly-tipped waste comes from households who have failed to check who they passed their waste to for disposal.

Under the waste duty of care, householders are required to ensure that waste produced on their property is transferred to an authorised person for disposal and can be prosecuted if they do not.

But local authorities across Wales have said taking someone to court is not always the most appropriate response for this type of offence and can take a great deal of time and effort.





Yesterday 41 to 2 Assembly Members backed a motion to introduce new regulations to allow local authorities in Wales and Natural Resources Wales to issue fixed penalty notices for household waste duty of care offences.

The regulations have set the fixed penalty at 300 and enforcing authorities have the discretion to offer the option of an early payment of 150.

By using fixed penalties this will allow local authorities to have a more efficient enforcement system and this not only frees up much needed resources but it can also help act as an effective deterrent.

Councils can then retain the receipts to help contribute towards the costs of dealing with waste crime. They will still have the option to exercise their existing criminal prosecution powers for offences they believe require a fixed penalty.

Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blythyn said: We know that over 60% of fly-tipped waste comes from households. However, often people in these households havent fly-tipped the waste themselves, but they have failed to carefully check who they passed their waste to for disposal.

We all have a responsibility to prevent our waste from getting into the wrong hands, and these regulations will provide councils and Natural Resources Wales with alternative way of tackling the issue.

We consulted widely on these proposals and received widespread support. Local authorities who responded asked for a consistent, national approach to setting penalties and for the level of the penalty to be proportionate to the offence.

However, we recognise that not all householders will be aware of their duty of care responsibilities and so we are developing a campaign to help people to understand their obligations.

Commenting on the introduction of fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping in Wales, Shadow Minister for the Environment, Andrew RT Davies AM, said: This is a welcome step as fly-tipping is a huge cost to the Welsh taxpater, blights the areas it occurs in, and poses substantial risks to the environment and human health.

There will be concerns in some quarters regarding the level of fine which is being proposed, particularly as legitimately disposing of some materials can in some cases cost significantly more than the deterrent being proposed.

Enforcement will be crucial in tackling this scourge, but with the hollowing out of local government and Natural Resources Wales by the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay, there is some doubt that there is enough boots on the ground to enforce these penalties.

Nevertheless, this is a step in the right direction and we await to see whether this successfully tackles the fly-tipping epidemic in Wales.First Minister Questions: Welsh Worries Over Honda Announcement

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Feb 20th, 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.

Wrexham did get a mention this week, with Russell George AM noting that there is already a commitment to take forward two new stations in north Wales, at Deeside and in Wrexham in a question about a new station in Carno.

Another week, another arms length body





Following weeks of criticism from all quarters of Natural Resources Wales and other arms length bodies, Leader of the Opposition, Paul Davies AM (Con, Preseli Pembs.), turned his attention to Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) and whether it was actually arms length enough.

We have seen a number of high-profile cases of serious failings in care at health boards in NHS Wales, from the Kris Wade scandal at Abertawe Bro Morgannwg, to the serious safety concerns at maternity services at Cwm Taf, and the horrific failings at Tawel Fan. Even though HIW raised concerns about all of these terrible failings, it did not have the power to intervene when i

t needed to without first seeking permission from your Minister.

 Leader of the Opposition, Paul Davies AM

The First Minister said HIW was doing a very fine job however added that the Welsh Government intends to bring forward a Bill dealing with the role HIW undertakes. The First Minister didnt accept at all the Conservative leaders argument that HIWs independence was compromised by its relations with the government.

Paul Davies AM then brought up budget cuts at HIW, but the First Minister in turn blamed UK Government austerity.

Honda & Wales

Plaid Cymru leader, Adam Price AM (Plaid, Carms. E. & Dinefwr), turned to todays announcement that Honda will close its Swindon plant by 2021, potentially affecting twelve Welsh companies in the supply chain  including Tredegars G-Tekt, Mitsui in Ammanford and Merthyrs Kasai. This was on top of recent redundancy announcements in the Welsh automotive sector at Ford and Schaeffler. The AM asked what assessment has been made of the effect on Wales of Hondas announcement?

While the First Minister didnt point directly to Brexit, he accepted it was lurking in the background:

..Adam Price is absolutely right to point to the significance of the automotive sector here in Wales  around 150 companies employing around 19,000 people. And Brexit is there in the background to this succession of announcements..When I met, with (Economy Minister) Ken Skates, with the most senior officers of the Ford here in the UK, they pointed to the importance of the single market and to non-tariff and tariff barriers. They pointed even more to the impact of Brexit on movement of workers and their ability to move staff easily and quickly across borders.

 First Minister, Mark Drakeford (Lab, Cardiff West)</ p>

If Brexit was such a problem, Adam Price AM continued, then surely if theres no way to secure some sort of deal then the only option is a second referendum. The First Minister told him it was a case of holding nerve and hoping the deadlock in the UK Parliament can be broken. The First Minister added that if deadlock occurred, the only democratically feasible answer that we have been able to identify is that the decision must go back to those who made it in the first instance.

Upskilling Community Councils

Janet Finch-Saunders AM (Con, Aberconwy) asked about a recent Welsh Government review of community councils. She said it was important community councils were held properly accountable for the money they raise and spend, following a recent Wales Audit Office report.

The report by the Auditor General, of course, has also highlighted the fact that the number of qualified audit opinions has doubled in 2017-18, and we now have 340 councils that that applies to. There are many recommen

dations in that report. In Aberconwy, weve currently got a situation of dismay that a community council in Penmaenmawr has spent over 100,000-worth of reserves over a three-year period, causing much concern, especially when some of the councillors on that council dont know how this money is being spent.

 Janet Finch-Saunders AM

Helen Mary Jones AM (Plaid, Mid & West Wales) added that one of the auditors recommendations was for a pool of suitably qualified clerks to support community councils. Many smaller councils find it a struggle to find the right people.

The First Minister said that of the 340 councils mentioned, most of the incidents were minor such as missed deadlines. He supported community councils sending clerks to receive the most up-to-date training, which the Welsh Government will release funding for through One Voice Wales.



Keep up to date with what is going on in the Senedd via SeneddHome.com

Brexit uncertainty cannot be an excuse for inaction in public sector says Wales Audit Office

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Feb 20th, 2019

Planning for a no-deal Brexit is being taken seriously across Wales but the picture varies across the country the Auditor General for Wales has said, although locally the efforts will be scrutinised quite close to Brexit itself.

Last week we reported how Wrexham Councillors will examine the implications of Brexit on Wrexham just 57 hours before current Brexit date. In August we asked Wrexham Council what plans it was making for Brexit, as the first reports were emerging that some authorities were expecting disruption and were told they would be working alongside the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) as Wrexham could not be considered in isolation.

In a report published yesterday the Wales Audit Office (WAO) sets out some clear messages to all Welsh public bodies as they grapple with the major challenges and uncertainties of Brexit.

The report makes it clear that uncertainty cannot be an excuse for inaction and while some public bodies have done a lot of preparation; others report that continuing uncertainty meant they had made only limited preparations so far.





Local councils have been using a guide that the Welsh Local Government Association commissioned Grant Thornton to produce.

Based on their self-assessments, only a minority of councils had clear plans to deal with the risks they have identified. Some bodies were delaying work until there is greater certainty. The WAO says.

Public bodies across Wales have identified areas of risk which include: ports; medical supply chains; food supply chains; workforce; financial risks; legislation; agricultural exports; economic impacts, and wider well-being.

However, the extent to which public bodies have plans to mitigate the risks that they have identified varies significantly.

The more should be done to take a one public service approach to planning and preparations  this includes planning and managing risks together, sharing expertise and exchanging lessons learned.

Public bodies report a lack of capacity to manage Brexit, which is having a knock-on impact on other services.

The Welsh Government has created 198 additional new staff roles on fixed-term contracts to work on Brexit.

However, in many cases, rather than bring in new people, existing staff have been moved into Brexit roles and some of the new recruits will cover vacancies created by people moving to work on priority Brexit roles. Officials report that there are gaps in the delivery of non-Brexit related work.

The Auditor General has called for more to be done to strengthen civic leadership through robust scrutiny and enhanced public engagement.

So far, and with the exception of the Welsh Government itself, Brexit planning is being largely led by executive teams with limited independent, non-executive oversight and challenge.

The watchdog also says that clear, measured and consistent public engagement is also needed to help avoid unnecessary panic and disruption.

The Welsh Governments online site Preparing Wales provides a helpful starting place, but all public bodies now need to play their part in spreading those messages to the Welsh public. The WAO says.

The report says public bodies across Wales have generally been waiting to engage with the public until they have greater certainty on the outcome of Brexit. But, with the UKs exit date looming, it is vital that public bodies now increase their efforts.

There is still some considerable way to go to turn the planning into reality, to finalise plans, test arrangements and to make sure that they are resilient. It goes on to say.

Auditor General for Wales, Adrian Crompton has said he will not criticise reasonable no-deal Brexit expenditure as wasteful: It appears there are some concerns that I would give Welsh public bodies a hard time for spending money and time planning for a no-deal Brexit.

There is a view that, because the outcome is unclear, and some spending may turn out not to have been required if the no-deal scenario does not materialise, I will criticise that as waste.

At the end of January 2019, I wrote to all Chief Executives of public bodies, to say clearly that I will not criticise anybody for taking reasonable steps to prepare for and mitigate Brexit related risks.

Mr Crompton added:

Brexit is an unprecedented peacetime challenge for everyone across the Welsh public services, and Im very much aware that theres no off the shelf manual for handling this and that the Welsh Government has been clear that it wont be possible to mitigate all of the impacts of a no-deal Brexit.

Thats why I dont expect every public body to have exhaustive plans for every implication, risk and opportunity.

But with just weeks to go to a possible no-deal Brexit, its clear that public bodies still have much to do to prepare themselves and the Welsh public. The key messages in my report should act as a spur to strengthen and accelerate planning across Wales.Zhu Kangyu (C) feels fetal movements of their unborn child with his wife Liu Xiaojing on the platform of the Zhengzhou Railway Station in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Feb. 19, 2019. As the K4364 train pulls in to the Zhengzhou Railway Station, Liu Xiaojing, who is more than six months pregnant, wends her way to meet her husband on the platform on the day of Chinese Lantern Festival, a day symbolizes family reunion. After over two weeks of separation, the couple has only 20 minutes to meet each other before the train starts. The husband Zhu Kangyu, who works as train attendant, is busy serving on the train during the annual Spring Festival travel rush. "Let me listen to our baby's womb sounds," Zhu said softly while kneeling on one knee and nestling his ear against his wife's belly. Liu cooked "tangyuan", or sweet dumplings, a traditional delicacy special for the festival, for her husband as soon as she came back from a pregnancy check-up in the morning. Yet a few minutes after Zhu Kangyu has a taste of "tangyuan", the couple has to say goodbye. "Don't be worried about us my dear," said Liu Xiaojing. "We are waiting for you coming back home." [Xinhua/Li An]Please understand that womenofchina.cn,a non-profit, information-communication website, cannot reach every writer before using articles and images. For copyright issues, please contact us by emailing: website@womenofchina.cn. The articles published and opinions expressed on this website represent the opinions of writers and are not necessarily shared by womenofchina.cn.During its regular Feb. 13 meeting, the Wetzel County Commission met with the directors of three Wetzel County libraries for reports and requests of funding.

New Martinsville Public Librarys director gave the commission a brief idea of the use of the librarys 800 square meeting room. NMPL tells those who utilize the room that they may make a donation. Some do give, while others do not. Furthermore, beside the meeting room is a kitchen, as well as a restroom. There is also an outside door, which allows people to enter the meeting room with a key, without having to enter the library when it is closed to the public. It was noted that over the past 18 months, 3,356 people have used the meeting room for story times and other various meetings. Other meetings, groups, and purposes for the room include court-mandated parenting classes, legal meetings, disabled veterans groups, social security disability screenings, childcare services, grief counseling services, and more. The West Virginia Department of Highways held a meeting there, and the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Census may utilize the room as well. STEM classes for children were also held in the meeting room.

Thus, it was explained the librarys purpose is for more than just checking out books. Its a community center.

The commission was thanked for its continual support of the library.

Danielle Ice-Davis from Paden City Public Library said she has been director of the library since last year; however, she has been with the library for a total of nine years now.

Ice-Davis said the funding from the commission has been essential, and without the funding, the library could not exist. She said the funding does supplement the librarys payroll, but much of the funding is used for upgrades to the business. This year, the funds are being used to upgrade the public furniture area, tables and chairs. Funding is also used for the librarys programs.

PCPL offers story hour during the fall and spring, and a summer reading program is held. Furthermore, the library offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including pumpkin decorating, Christmas ornament decorating. Last spring, a forensic specialist who is also a college professor visited the library and hosted a program for high schoolers. Between 15-20 students attended the program and were shown how to dust for fingerprints, find DNA, and more. Ice-Davis said the students loved the interactive program.

Also, yoga classes are currently being held.

Hundred Public Librarys director reiterated what the other two directors had stated, expressing appreciation for the commissions funding. She said the library strives to be an integral part of the community of Hundred. She said cell phone service is not available in Hundred, and Internet is sporadic in many areas. Thus, the library has many visitors who utilize the librarys computers.

The commission requested the directors each submit a letter of request if they would like to be considered for a donation next year.

In another matter, the commission met with Timothy E. Haught, Prosecuting Attorney, regarding various legal matters, including the Southwestern Energy appeal. He requested the commission go into executive session.

Also, the commission met with Rhonda Spencer, Recorder for the town of Pine Grove regarding the request for a K-9 Unit. Officer Stoneking was also present. Stoneking stated he feels a K-9 would benefit not only Pine Grove, but also the police department in Hundred as well. The municipalities are actually in the process of getting a mutual aid agreement signed. The K-9 be a dual purpose K-9, who not only does narcotic searches, but also tracks lost individuals. The K-9 would conduct building sweeps, as well as particle searches. Also, if a handgun is fired, the K-9 would find casing from the weapon.

Mountaineer K-9 Services in Sod, W.Va., is the company in which the town is interested, and the main trainer at Mountaineer K-9 is a former K-9 officer. The other trainer is a current K-9 handler. Both individuals are certified.

It was explained the training for the K-9 is included in the purchase price, and council has agreed on an allotment per month, to be used to pay for housing, care and feed for the K-9. Meals and lodging for Stoneking for his training would be covered by the town.The purchase price for the K-9 is $8,200.

Stoneking explained there have been several instances in which hes made a traffic stop and needed a K-9; unfortunately, he was unable to get one to the scene due to distance or the K-9 being off-duty. Stoneking explained the K-9 would be a huge benefit to the town, and he explained the departments recently purchased cruiser is set-up for the K-9. Therefore, no additional equipment will be needed for the vehicle.

The commission decided to hold off on making a final decision on the matter until they can receive some additional cost calculations.KY Legislature Pauses for History at Old Capitol

By The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - In the summer of 1861, Kentucky lawmakers convened at what was once the state Capitol in Frankfort to discuss whether they should join the Confederacy in the Civil War.But first, something smelled.The legislature appointed a special committee to investigate a strange smell in the back of the chamber. A few days later, lawmakers returned with a report recommending slaves build a new privy, or outhouse, according to Patrick Lewis, managing editor of scholarly resources and publications for the Kentucky Historical Society.Kentucky never did join the Confederacy, a decision that was made by a legislature of white men. Tuesday, more than 150 years later, a very different-looking legislature convened at what's now known as the Old State Capitol. Democratic state Rep. Jim Glenn, who is black, was among the lawmakers casting an "aye" vote to approve the day's one piece of business: A resolution commemorating Presidents' Day."We got a chance to pass a bill. When this building was built from the beginning until it was closed, we didn't ... participate in that process," Glenn said. "We added to the wealth of Kentucky, we added to the wealth of the United States. We just were not part of it, visually."Kentucky lawmakers met at the Old State Capitol on Tuesday in a brief session that Republican House Speaker David Osborne said was designed to let lawmakers "pause" amid a busy legislative session."I think that every once in a while we need to pause and look at what we have been through, look at where we have gone," Osborne said.The Old State Capitol was the third home of the Kentucky legislature. When the first building burned down in 1813, the legislature approved construction of a second Capitol, but only if it was "of fireproof construction," according to the Kentucky Encyclopedia. But that building burned down in 1824.The third Capitol was completed in 1830. Kentucky lawmakers met there to pass a Constitution in 1830 and a new Constitution in 1891 that is still in use today. In 1850, U.S. Sen. Henry Clay spoke to the legislature about the Compromise of 1850, which delayed the start of the Civil War."It just sends chills up my spine to know that he spoke in this room," said House Majority Floor Leader John "Bam" Carney.An Abraham Lincoln impersonator spoke to the House of Representatives, introduced as the 16th President of the United States. The man acting as Lincoln joked he was surprised to get the invitation to speak because Kentucky had not voted for him in the presidential election of 1860.Today, the Old State Capitol is run by the Kentucky Historical Society, mostly used for tours and special events."Even in its future, historical society sees it as a place for public debate, public conversation and empowerment around history," Kentucky Historical Society Executive Director Scott Alvey said. "I think sitting in that building today will give the legislature just a reminder they are still doing historic work."House Majority Caucus chairwoman Suzanne Miles got into the part, dressing in period dress as she took her seat on the House floor. But she downplayed her role as the first Republican woman in a leadership role in the state House of Representatives."I guess I look to the future more than the past," she said.South Graves Water District Issues Boil Order

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PRYORSBURG - The South Graves Water District issued a boil water order Tuesday evening for some of its customers.An official said the affected customers are on State Route 1748 from Arnold Road to the home at 1522 State Route 1748. This is near the Pryorsburg community.Those customers should boil any water that will be consumed, such as in preparation of food or as drinking water.There was no estimate given for when the order will be lifted.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.Graves Jail Inmate Faces New Charge

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MAYFIELD - A Hickman County man is facing charges after he was allegedly caught with drugs inside a local jail.

According to the Mayfield Police Department, 22-year-old Austin Tyler Jones of Clinton was charged with promoting contraband on Tuesday.



Police say Jones, who was an inmate at the Graves County Jail, was found in possession of synthetic marijuana.Sheriff to Address McCracken School Investigation

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - The McCracken County Sheriffs Office has been actively working multiple complaints and investigating criminal allegations involving both McCracken County School Officials, as well as students since mid-January.

Sheriff Matt Carter says his desire is to remain transparent to the community and most especially the parents and guardians of students pertaining to these issues while ensuring that the integrity of each investigation is not compromised. Carter says as part of fulfilling these desires, his office will be holding a press conference this morning, beginning at 10:30 a.m.at the McCracken County Sheriffs Office.

Additionally, the McCracken County Commonwealths and County Attorney will be in attendance to assist in addressing some of these concerns and recent investigations.City-County Leaders Discuss Possible TIF Project

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - The Paducah City Commission and McCracken County Fiscal Court held a joint called meeting Tuesday night that included a public hearing on a proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Development Plan for downtown and the riverfront area.The meeting in Paducah's City Hall included a presentation from Casey Bolton of Commonwealth Economics Group, who gave a general overview of TIF projects, then spoke specifically about the potential TIF in Paducah. After he answered questions from city and county leaders, the public hearing allowed any citizens to ask additional questions or make comments.A local government can create a development area, and once it's approved by the state, any increase in future taxes in the developed area (the increment) is re-invested for future improvement projects in the area.An impact analysis by Commonwealth Economics looked at a potential TIF project that would include approximately 315 acres of downtown Paducah and the riverfront (see map photo). A portion of the Impact Analysis states, The City of Paducah will be working with various developers to complete the project in Paducah through a mixture of public and private investment. The aim is to redevelop and connect vacant properties in the downtown area to Paducahs riverfront, while also developing the necessary public infrastructure and new supportive uses on a handful of adjacent lots that are build ready. This will attract and support a greater level of density and vertical development throughout the City which will spur additional event and business activity.A TIF district does not change the way property or businesses are taxed or how taxes are collected. First, the baseline tax revenue - the amount of taxes currently collected - is calculated on the applicable properties in the district when the TIF is created. Once public and private projects are implemented, the generated tax revenue that exceeds the baseline is reinvested in the district for infrastructure improvements like utilities, parks, roadways, or parking, just to name a few.Bolton told city and county leaders, "it's just a matter of tracking where taxes were in that area previously, where they are after the project, and using that lift to finance the project."The taxes that can be used for reinvestment include state sales tax, property tax, individual income tax, and corporate tax in addition to local property and payroll taxes.During the question and answer period, Judge Executive Craig Clymer emphasized, This is not an increase in tax rates. There is no part of this thats a tax increase. Plus, we get to keep X-amount of revenue that would be going to the State.City Commissioner Sandra Wilson said, This is really to promote development. Thats the bottom line, to promote private development.City Commissioner Gerald Watkins added, Its an opportunity to have development in this area and to create jobs.The city and county are looking at a mixed-use TIF district, which must meet at least three of seven qualifying conditions in state law. A project in downtown Paducah could qualify based on the following three characteristics: 1) a substantial loss of commercial activity has occurred; 2) public improvements and public infrastructure are inadequate; and 3) there is a combination of factors that substantially impairs growth and economic development of the area. Also for a mixed-use TIF, there must be capital investment between $20 and $200 million.Based on the anticipated projects for a TIF in downtown Paducah, Commonwealth Economics calculated that the total project would cost $156 million with $99 million of that amount from private development. Anticipated projects could include riverfront enhancements, conversion of the former Showroom Lounge into event space, new restaurants and retail, residential housing, additional hotel rooms, redeveloped manufacturing space, art house/theater, parking, and various other infrastructure improvements. Commonwealth Economics estimates that the additional tax revenue that could be collected over a 20-year period if these projects come to fruition (the increment) could total nearly $94 million.City Manager Jim Arndt added that he's had a lot of experience with TIFs, since there were four of them in Effingham, Illinois, where he last worked, and they do, "a bang up job help racking up development."Arndt said, "When you talk to developers, they do inquire, 'do you have a TIF?' That's part of their equation, they're looking at what public infrastructure is going to be necessary for their project. When we require them to do those development projects, basically, it offsets some of their development costs, which in turn, once they make that investment into your community, generates the increment. It's a really good program, it's a marketing tool, it's a positive thing for the community. I'm very excited about it."Both government bodies discussed entertaining resolutions in support of developing a TIF District in downtown Paducah at their upcoming meetings. Looking ahead, the next steps would include the approval of an interlocal cooperation agreement between the two governments, the approval of a TIF ordinance, and an application to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.To watch the entire meeting, including the public hearing, click play below (courtesy of the city of Paducah):Boat Hits Pier, Diesel Spills into River

By West Kentucky Star Staff





PADUCAH - A diesel oil spill on the Tennessee River on Tuesday morning required a response from the US Coast Guard.At 8:27 am, the Coast Guard received a report that the Motor Vessel Patricia I. Hart hit a pier at James Marine while being transported by an assist boat.The source of the discharge was secured, but only after about 3,000 gallons of diesel spilled into the water.About 250 gallons of the spilled fuel was reportedly recovered, and 2,700 gallons were removed from the vessel's tanks. The spill was contained with sorbent pads and a containment boom.The Marine Safety Unit Paducah responded at 9:15 to investigate. There were no reported injuries and no waterway impacts from the accident.Coast Guard members are scheduled to return to the scene on Wednesday to continue their investigation.The legal counsel for Senate Republicans, who admitted to stealing tens of thousand of dollars from a political action committee he oversaw, was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. Michael J. Cronin, a West Hartford attorney, was charged with stealing more than $250,000 from the PAC for which he was treasurer.Halls Sophie Garner-MacKinnon has been named the 2020-21 Gatorade Connecticut Softball Player of the Year, according to a release from Gatorade. Garner-MacKinnon is the first Gatorade Connecticut Softball Player of the Year to be chosen from Hall High School.Fort Polk, LA (71446)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 73F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.

Thank you for Reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York on 18 and 19 February 2019 to explain WCOs contributions and to deepen the engagement with various UN agencies.

In view of exchanging ideas on the ways Customs contribute to achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Secretary General met with UNs Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed who is leading the work on SDGs. They discussed a range of areas where Customs could contribute to the UN 2030 agenda including domestic resource mobilization, border management to improve the life of people and promotion of trade through trade facilitation. They also acknowledged the crucial role played by Customs in regional integration, especially in the context of the intra-continental Trade and development in Africa.

Dr. Mikuriya also met with Sir Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary General of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and both underscored the importance of a fast (re-)opening of the borders after a natural disaster or crisis has taken place, to ensure fast clearance of relief goods. In that context, effective coordination among border agencies was highlighted as a critical success factor. They also discussed about border management in conflict zones where the Secretary General indicated the importance of security - development nexus. He added that extreme measures such as closing borders by military force can be avoided by putting Customs in the frontline, and maintain trade at the borders to support the economy, including in border areas, while using risk management to detect conflict-related flows of goods, people and currency.

During his visit, Secretary General Mikuriya went on to meet with Under-Secretary General Vladimir Voronkov, Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). This office was established in 2017 to enhance coordination and collaboration of UN efforts in the area of counter-terrorism. In 2018, they launched a Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact involving 38 partners including various UN agencies, INTERPOL and WCO. Mr. Voronkov expressed his appreciation for WCOs efforts and contribution to counter-terrorism in border management. Both agreed on enhancing coordination in the area of passenger controls, and on the UN participation in the cruise ship passenger control efforts led by the WCO. While appreciating the improved communication between UNOCT and the WCO, they identified several areas where cooperation could be further enhanced.

The UN Group of Friends on Cultural Heritage comprising 22 countries, co-chaired by Italy and Cyprus, invited the WCO Secretary General to share with them Customs contributions in this area and ways that Member countries can support the WCO in advancing the agenda. Dr. Mikuriya explained the WCOs initiatives, including the ARCHEO platform to exchange information and enhance collaboration among stakeholders, and the recent launch of the Training Handbook on the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Heritage (PITCH).

The countries representatives to the UN acknowledged the critical role the WCO can play in this field, and pledged their support. Relevant bodies such as the UN Monitoring Committee, UNESCO, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL were also in attendance, demonstrating the close collaboration that exists between all these relevant international organizations in this area. The recent UN Resolutions often refer to the role of WCO in protecting cultural heritage.

The High Representative of the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, welcomed the enhanced cooperation between both Organizations in the area of weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms trafficking. She concurred with the Secretary General that in the context of the WCO Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) Programme and the operationalization of the Arms Trade Treaty (2014), there is a need to explore avenues for further collaboration.Youth Day 2019

Following on from last years Youth Day success, the Gibraltar Cultural Services and the Gibraltar Youth Service have established a Youth Day Committee comprised of young people representing various youth organisations.

This committee have been learning and executing the skills needed to bring this years Youth Day 2019. They are having the opportunity to debate and decide on all matters concerning Youth Day (some of these responsibilities range from choosing date and venue to email administration and deciding on design work for the promotion of this event).

The event will be held at the John Mackintosh Hall on Sunday 7th April 2019 from 10am to 6pm.

The Youth Open Day will be a cultural and youth providers fair, with many entities being given the opportunity to showcase their product and what they can offer our young people. The following entities have confirmed they will be taking part, with other interested associations to follow:

- Gibraltar Youth Service

- Gibraltar Dramatherapy

- Arts & Crafts Association

- Childline Gibraltar

- The Scout Association Gibraltar

- Girlguiding Gibraltar

- Gibraltar Hearing Issues & Tinnitus Association

- Gibraltar National Dance Organisation

- Gibraltar Academy for Music and the Performing Arts

- Emmaus Youth Prayer Group

- Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group

- GibSams

- Clubhouse Gibraltar

- Muslim Youth Group

- CYE-CLE

- Department of Public Health

- Autism Support Gibraltar

- St John Ambulance

Youth Day 2019 will be accessible for persons with disabilities, and made more inclusive and sensory friendly. Sensory adaptations will be made available for the first one and half hours (i.e. from 10am to 11.30am). During this period, sound will be minimized and it will particularly benefit persons with autism, photosensitive epilepsy and/or visual or hearing impediments.

Thereafter, live performances and interactive workshops will take place from 11.30pm to 6pm, by many of the entities aforementioned.

Youth Band Voltage will be closing the event with an hours set from 5-6pm. We hope the event will attract Young people and their families to see all that Gibraltar has to offer its youth, and to celebrate their achievements.

The Youth Day Committee is open to entering into a partnership with the business community over this event.

There are still spaces available for cultural and youth groups who work with young people to take part. Please contact the Youth Day Committee via email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Normal, IL (61790)

Today

Windy with a few showers this morning. Thunderstorms developing during the afternoon hours. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%.Burgess didnt have many specifics during her presentation to the Tourism Council, rather she gave it a taste of what to expect. The process of formulating the study starts on Friday. At that meeting, the firm and Tourism Council will figure out a contract, determine the scope of the work and a project timeline.If one person in the community is not vaccinated, it may not cause issues because everyone else is vaccinated, but when large numbers are not vaccinated, that's when problems occur, when outbreaks occur, Gangitano said. The important thing about herd immunity is that it protects those most at risk, be it children too young to be vaccinated themselves, people with immunity issues or the elderly. Vaccines protect more than just the person who is vaccinated.Recommendations in the final report dont come packaged with cost projections. The proposed housing trust fund does have suggested funding sources, such as a 1-cent increase to the real estate tax or allocation of part of James Citys share of income generated by the Historic Triangles regional tourism tax revenue. In the first year, the fund would be used to finance single-family home rehabilitation.The foundation alleges Hill did not file her lawsuit in a timely manner  the EEOC issued a letter to Hill allowing her to sue the state, but it had a 90-day time limit, the filings said. However, the foundation did not opine on the timeliness of two other EEOC charges from 2018 other than to deny the allegations.In honor of Clarks memory, Peace is sponsoring HB 1911, which would strengthen the current law and make the first offense a Class 1 misdemeanor rather than a simple traffic infraction. The bill passed committee Monday and is on track to be approved by the full Senate before the end of the 2019 session.Clark called her husbands death entirely avoidable and untimely. She said her husband was aware of the danger and gave his life to warn the other three firefighters on the scene.Its time to stop treating salads like those things you begrudgingly eat to fill your weekly veggie quota. There are plenty of ways you can make them shine that involve much more than lettuce drizzled with oil and vinegar. These 50 recipes are proof that salads can be a worthy meal all on their own.New Student Innovation Center Joins Makerspaces at UW

UW Makerspace Coordinator Tyler Kerr demonstrates the use of a scanner to digitally map Alex Sheridan's face in the Coe Student Innovation Center. The scan creates a file that can be sent to a 3-D printer. A Student Innovation Center in the new Engineering Education and Research Building, part of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, will add to UWs makerspace infrastructure. (UW Photo)

Opening this fall, in conjunction with the new Engineering Education and Research Building at the University of Wyoming, the 3,500-square-foot Student Innovation Center is intended to provide students, faculty and staff with access to state-of-the-art equipment.

Simply defined, a makerspace is a collaborative workspace for making, learning and exploring.

The new center will house a range of tools, including industrial ceramic and metal 3-D printers, 3-D scanners, laser cutters, high-end computer numeric control machines, an electronics lab, virtual reality equipment, a wood shop and fabrication equipment. Next door to the makerspace, a reconfigurable student project room will feature ample space for UW campus community members to design and build large projects.

This new space will have anything and everything within the emergent technology realm that we can provide to students, says Makerspace Coordinator Tyler Kerr. The idea is to provide an innovative space for students to go from a design to a fully realized product and a space for students to make whatever theyre dreaming of a reality. We want to help the do-it-yourself creative culture -- the maker movement driven by inventors, thinkers, designers and tinkerers -- flourish on campus.

The Student Innovation Center is part of a host of offerings that will aid entrepreneurial thinking as part of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE). Wyomings wide-open frontiers are home to outside thinkers hungry for a challenge. They share a spirit of adventure, restless curiosity and wonder. The world needs more cowboys, and UWs IIE calls on innovators from throughout the state as it works to instill entrepreneurial thinking to empower the leaders of tomorrow. Adding needed programs and curriculum that draw together all UW colleges, business services and entrepreneurship competitions, the IIE serves as the universitys front door for the states entrepreneurs.

Our hope is to one day align with the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and ENDOWs (Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming) vision of creating a workforce of future engineers, scientists, researchers and artists who have a great background in these types of technologies, Kerr says. The tech typically housed in makerspaces, like 3-D printing and 3-D scanning, isnt going away and is increasingly being used in various industries. The more people we can empower and teach how to use this equipment, the better.

On any given day, users of the makerspaces at UW include students of all ages, hobbyists, researchers and entrepreneurs. UW is home to several makerspaces, including the main Coe Student Innovation Center (CSIC) in Coe Library; the ASU-IT 3-D Print Center in the Information Technology Building; the 4-D Visual Art Fabrication Studio in the Visual Arts Building; and this new space in the Engineering Education and Research Building, located north of Lewis Street between 11th and 12th streets.

The 2,500-square-foot CSIC makerspace is open to the community and provides a central hub for those interested in innovative projects. It houses 10 of the ever-popular 3-D printers; a 3-D scanner; a fablab featuring sewing machines, a vinyl cutter and a large-format poster plotter; an electronics bench; a virtual reality station; laptop stations with computer-aided design and modeling software; and K12 stations, including littleBits, Lego, Lego Mindstorms and Ozobots.

One of the fun things about makerspaces is that theyre really community driven, Kerr says. When the community says they want certain equipment, theres a chance we can look into bringing that technology into the space.

The more than 3,000 people who have used the CSIC in its first year include community members 3-D printing antique car and bicycle parts; researchers 3-D scanning fossils; K-12 groups tinkering; entrepreneurs creating prototypes; an entrepreneurship student group holding its monthly meetings; and college classes 3-D printing musical instruments, petroleum engineering drill bits and molecules.

To learn more about UWs makerspaces, visit www.uwyo.edu/sic/makerspaces.The 2021 USA Cycling Professional Road National Championships came to Knoxville on Father's Day weekend. This is the fourth year for Knoxville to host the U.S. Pro Road and Individual Time Trial Championships and the third year to host the U.S. Pro Criterium Championships.EU and UNODC discuss trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants

Brussels, Belgium - 21 February 2019 - On 12 February 2019, Mr Ilias Chatzis, Chief of the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section, and Ms Kristiina Kangaspunta, Chief of UNODC's Crime Research Section, briefed the European Commission and the EEAS counterparts on UNODC's work on trafficking in persons (TIP) and on smuggling of migrants (SOM). The meeting was conveyed by Ms Myria Vassiliadou, EU Anti-trafficking Coordinator, to discuss EU and UNODC priorities and foreseen opportunities for future collaboration to fight this horrendous crime.

Mr Chatzis updated the EU Officials on UNODC's involvement in the latest normative and policy works (such as the Report of the Secretary-General on trafficking in persons in armed conflict pursuant to Security Council resolution 2388, the thematic paper on countering trafficking in persons in conflict situations and the Issue Paper on the International Legal Definition of Trafficking in Persons). He explained UNODC's work within the Inter-Agency Coordination Group Against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT). ICAT has grown rapidly over the past year and now consist of 23 agencies. In 2018 it produced issue briefs on trafficking in children and the role of SDGs in combatting trafficking in persons.

Ms Kristiina Kangaspunta, Chief of UNODC's Crime Research Section, had the opportunity to present the 2018 Global Report on Trafficking in Person. Globally, countries are detecting and reporting more victims and convicting more traffickers; sexual exploitation continues to be the main purpose for trafficking and women are the most detected victims. Ms Kangaspunta informed the EU Officials on the intention to create a UNODC Real-Time Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants to monitor migrant smuggling from Africa to Europe. The pilot phase will consist of data collection through three surveys and five field studies in West and North Africa and in Europe.

Ms Euridice Marquez, Officer in Charge of GLO.ACT the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants, highlighted GLO.ACT's holistic approach working with the 13 partner countries in the prevention and fight against TIP and SOM. Ms. Marquez shared key good practices and lessons learned during the last 3,5 years of project implementation such as on bringing new legislative amendments, development of national action plans and strategies, as well as on improving regional and international cooperation. Mr Panagiotis Papadimitriou, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Expert, briefed the EU officials about UNODC's technical cooperation provided to partner countries in implementing the Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Protocols.

During the meeting, the EU colleagues reiterated their strong commitment to the UN Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling Protocols and recalled the EU's priorities to end the culture of impunity, disrupt the business model of the traffickers and improve victim access to their rights.

GLO.ACT is a four-year (2015-2019), 11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to assist to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including assisting victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms.

For more information, please contact:

www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/

glo.act@un.org

Twitter: @glo_act

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Already registered? Click the log in link belowUN envoy urges new funding for lost generation of children

United Nations, Feb 20 (UNI) A childs real passport to the future  education  should be stamped in the classroom, not at a border checkpoint, UN Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown has said.

Ensuring that the worlds children have a place in school classroom is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which calls for quality education for all by 2030.

Speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Mr Brown warned that 99 per cent of the worlds young refugees who are now becoming the invisible generation will never get a place in college or higher education; and only 20 per cent will get a secondary education.Houston area students participate in STEM Zone Saturday. Smiti Gandhi (2nd from left) at the 2018 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair

Science will be celebrated this weekend as more than 1,000 middle and high school students (grades 7-12) from around Southeast Texas share their knowledge and discovery at the 60th Annual Science and Engineering Fair of Houston, presented by the Univeristy of Houston STEM Center and Chevron. The event is from 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The students projects are based on 17 science fair categories that include animal science, plant science, environmental science and engineering. Winners will qualify for the Texas State Engineering Science Fair next month at Texas A&M University. Grand award winners are eligible for the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix in May. Last year, six winners went on to compete internationally.

SCIENCE IS FOR EVERYONE

A group of students from Houstons Third and Fifth Wards who have participated in STEM Zone Saturday, an educational outreach collaboration between the University of Houston STEM Center and Kids Lives Matter, a nonprofit organization that enriches the lives of children in underserved areas, will serve as youth Special Awarding Agency judges.

Providing underserved students leadership opportunities in STEM fosters their desire to become career-minded and obtain skillsets to meet future industry needs, said Heather Domjan, SEFH executive director and interim executive director of the UH STEM Center.

The students from Kids Lives Matter will learn how science fair participant projects are useful to the real world, how they represent out-of-the-box thinking and whether the scientific concept can be explained to multiple audiences.

FORMER SEFH WINNER PAYS IT FORWARD

Smiti Gandhi, a UH Honors College student and biomedical sciences major in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, will be working with the student judges. Last year, as a senior at Clear Brook High School, Gandhi and former classmate Andrew Liu won the 2018 SEFH Grand Award for Physical Science and placed third at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh. She credits her success to her mentor, AP biology teacher Alaina Garza.

I am excited to be able to share my experiences and support students who may not have a teacher like Ms. Garza, said Gandhi, who is now a UH STEM Center student leader. They should know to never let anyone tell them what they cant do, and to never quit on their dreams. I hope I can make Ms. Garza proud by mentoring students who want to become innovators and need support to make their dreams a reality.

SEFH is one of the largest events of its kind in the country. Other sponsors include Total, McDermott, Shell and Phillips 66.

WHAT: 60th Annual Science and Engineering Fair of Houston

WHEN: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23; judging will run from 9 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Public Day for the community to visit the projects runs from 4:30 p.m.  6:30 p.m.

WHERE: George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall E, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, 77010 (click here for directions and parking information)

ONSITE MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Domjan, 281-380-0764Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), Bahrains leading home-grown hospitality provider, celebrated the official opening of its first UAE property - The Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay in Dubai.



The four-star property marks the first phase of GHGs expansion plan across the region.



The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, who was vice chairman of Gulf Hotels Group in 1995/96 and chairman from 1997 to 1999.



Bringing affordable luxury and stylish accommodation options to the city, The Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay is fully operational, and currently forecasting an occupancy of 75 per cent for the first three months of the year.



The four-star deluxe hotel offers a total of 270 rooms, categorised between Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Grand Deluxe Rooms, Executive Suites, Luxury Suites and two Penthouse Suites, which overlook the Dubai Water Canal. Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay boasts six fine-dining restaurants alongside impressive lounges and a grand banquet hall. Other facilities include meeting rooms, a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. The hotel also has a nightclub and karaoke room for both in-house and public guests.



Located 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport, the hotel will cater to both business and leisure travellers. Its location is in close proximity to the central commercial and business district, and lends itself for easy access to Dubai Mall, while facing the worlds tallest building - both of which are within two kilometres walk.



On this occasion, Farouk Almoayyed, chairman of the Group, said: GHG has been committed to delivering the highest standards of Bahraini hospitality since the opening of the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa back in 1969. Recognising a significant increase in demand in the Mena region, we believe this is the right time to launch our expansion plans. The Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay is the beginning of our regional expansion and is one of the latest additions to join the Groups exclusive collection of unique properties. Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay will not only offer guests every comfort, but also excellent value for money and the service will mirror the groups core philosophy of providing five-star services for four-star pricing.



Garfield Jones, Gulf Hotels Group CEO, said: The opening of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay represents the first step on the Groups strategy to expand hospitality operations into the Mena region, and we are aiming to follow up the opening of the hotel with further expansion both in the UAE and neighbouring GCC countries. The Gulf Court Hotel offers visitors a true taste of Arabic hospitality that our hotels in Bahrain - the Gulf Hotel, The K Hotel and Asdal Gulf Inn - are renowned for. It also builds on the companys reputation for delivering an excellent food, beverage and leisure product. - TradeArabia News ServiceKuwait-based Jazeera Airways has reported a 45.5 per cent growth in operating revenue and a record increase of 42.8 per cent in passenger numbers in 2018 when compared to figures posted in 2017.



The companys adjusted net profit stood at KD8.7 million ($28.5 million) in 2018 while its reported net profit came in at KD6.7 million ($21.9 million) taking into account the impact of the irregular disruptions that took place during the year and the contribution of the terminal which opened in May 2018 but did not have any impact on the comparable year.



Adjusted operating profit was recorded at KD8.8 million ($28.8 million), up 13.9 per cent from 2017.



Passenger numbers registered in 2018 totalled 2.0 million and load factor was 75.2 per cent, up from 73.9 per cent in 2017.



Jazeera Airways chairman, Marwan Boodai, said: 2018 was another milestone year for Jazeera Airways as it continued to expand its network by adding seven popular destinations to serve a growing customer-base, especially in the Indian sub-continent. The expansion has enabled Jazeera Airways to grow from carrying passengers point to point to and from Kuwait, to routing passengers through the Kuwait hub to their ultimate destinations. Supporting the expansion, we took delivery of the first A320neo in the Middle East and made an order for an additional three of the fuel-saving engine aircraft. Choosing Jazeera Airways as the first airline to receive the new model in the region is proof of the confidence that major manufacturers and lessors have in the company backed by its exceptionally strong financial position and superior track record."



We also achieved another important milestone in the development of our business model, which is the inauguration of our dedicated terminal at Kuwait International Airport; a significant game-changer for our operations and customer experience. We are now able to invest in and roll-out new customer-centric services that have started to show direct results in customer satisfaction and also in the bottom line.



Since it started operations in May 2018, all Jazeera Airways passengers flew from the new Jazeera Terminal, which carried more than 1.2 million passengers since its inauguration. The Duty Free and other retail shops started operations while other services inside the terminal are consistently being added to further improve on customer experience.



During the year, Jazeera Airways was recertified by the Iata Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Program, an international recognition of our operational management and control systems.



The new destinations launched by Jazeera Airways are a testament of the success of its expansionary model as the airline managed to acquire leading market shares on new routes launched throughout 2018, leading with 43 per cent market share on Kuwait-Tiblisi, 42 per cent on Kuwait-Ahmedabad, 27 per cent on Kuwait-Kochi and 25 per cent on Kuwait-Lahore. Further, the airline operated its new route between Kuwait and New Delhi in the last two weeks of the year.



Fuel prices fluctuated considerably in 2018 with Brent reaching a peak of $86 per barrel. On average, the price of fuel was 30 per cent higher than that of 2017. Along with this, the regional competitive landscape remained strong and highly competitive. Our local market, however, witnessed some great developments with the number of travellers increasing by 8 per cent over the comparable period.



Boodai concluded: Jazeera Airways remained resilient despite these challenges and maintained zero debt by year-end. We look forward to 2019 to continue expanding our network to new destinations in Europe, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Gulf. The expansion will be supported with the delivery of three new A320neo aircraft, as part of a plan to increase our fleet in the coming years.



Jazeera Airways flies to 27 popular destinations across the Middle East, India and Europe comprising high-demand business, leisure, family and weekend destinations such as Dubai, Bahrain, Beirut, Alexandria, Amman, Istanbul, Sharm El Sheikh, Assiut, Luxor, Mashhad, and many more.



The airline operates a fleet of Airbus A320s and an Airbus A320neo, the first to be operated in the Middle East. - TradeArabia News ServiceSaudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday said he expected investment opportunities worth over $100 billion in India over the next two years in key sectors such as agriculture, technology and tourism.



The kingdom signed five agreements - including an MoU with regard to the kingdom's joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) - with India at the start of his landmark two-day visit.



With the signing of the ISA framework agreement, Saudi Arabia became the 73rd country to join the India-led renewable energy organisation which now has a total of 122 members.



These pacts were signed in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Mohammed.



Last night, Modi, in a break from normal protocol, welcomed the Saudi prince at the airport with a warm hug, sending a clear message about the importance India is placing on this royal visit, reported Arab News.



India is delighted to welcome HRH Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Modi tweeted later.



The royal visit follows the Indian PMs trip to Saudi Arabia in April 2016, during which the countries elevated the status of their relationship to a strategic partnership. Some reports have suggested that they might now be planning to set up a Strategic Partnership Council at a ministerial level, in addition to holding joint naval exercises and upgrading defence cooperation, it stated.



The two-day royal visit is significant as it takes place against the backdrop of an escalation in tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad after the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, in which 44 security personnel lost their lives.



In the delegation-level talks, the two sides discussed key areas of mutual interest such as trade and investment, renewable energy, defence, nuclear and space, civil aviation, counter-terrorism, community welfare as well as regional challenges, reported PTI.



He praised the relations between the two countries, describing those relations as firm and deep-rooted that are characterized by friendliness and amicability.



"We want to make the relations between India and Saudi Arabia beneficial for both countries, said Prince Mohammed.



These investments will help benefit the Indians in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi people who are working in India, he said.



He stated that Saudi Arabia had taken a leaf out of Indias book and had invested in the IT sector after PM Modis 2016 visit.



Lauding Saudi's key role in India's growing economy, Modi said: "As a neighbour who guarantees suppying us with energy needs, the kingdom is considered India's most important partner."



"We have enhanced our relations through establishing a strategic partnership", and confirmed that "talks between the two countries were fruitful", he added.



In a joint press appearance after talks with Modi, the Crown Prince said terrorism was a common concern and Saudi Arabia was ready to share intelligence with India to tackle it.



He said: "India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share a common vision" and that "the Middle East and the Arab Gulf States are working to keep stability and security in these two regions".



"We have common interests and we have agreed to extend cooperation between us. We also agreed to deepen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of maritime and cyber security," he added.



The two countries will start a security dialogue at the level of national security advisors and set up a working group on counter-terrorism, said TS Tirumurti, who handles economic relations at India's foreign ministry.



"Both leaders called on all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy," Tirumurti told a press briefing.



Prince Mohammed said that the two countries agreed to mount pressure on countries who provide support for terror and that it is of most importance that terror infrastructure must be dismantled, and that terrorists and their supporters must be punished. He also called for putting a strategy to face terrorism.



Later HRH the Crown Prince attended a luncheon hosted by the Indian Prime Minister in honour of HRH Crown Prince.

World-renowned innovation festival Unbound will return to Bahrain on March 6 and 7 to showcase some of the most inventive brands, start-ups, and government initiatives seen in Bahrain and across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Expecting to double in size from last year, Unbound Bahrain moves to a new venue, Bahrain National Theatre for the 2019 edition.

The Mena regions largest and most exciting innovation festival, Unbound Bahrain is the anchor event of StartUp Bahrain Week held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, Chairman of the Economic Development Board (EDB) in association with the EDB and supported by Tamkeen (The Labour Fund) as a strategic partner and startup community in Bahrain.

The festival celebrates the kingdoms commitment to creating a digital economy and fuelling a digital future for the wider Mena region.

The festival will host over 75 speakers and more than 3,000 local, regional and international delegates, including inspiring entrepreneurs sharing their experiences on starting and growing a business venture.

Daniel Seal, founder and CEO at Unbound, said: Unbound is delighted to be returning to the Mena region. This years event promises to be the biggest yet, with speakers from across the globe discussing the very latest in innovation. With startup battles, awards and showcases, Unbound Bahrain provides startups with unique opportunities to connect with investors and help make ideas become a reality. In a very short space of time, Unbound has become the go-to platform for MENA innovators to embrace opportunities in Bahrain and the wider region.

The Middle East is embracing digital disruption with technology at the heart of economic diversification. As governments look to increasingly partner with the private sector to help drive growth and efficiencies, Unbound Bahrain will showcase the latest innovative products and services being developed by startups from around the world.

Pakiza Abdulrahman, manager of business development  Startups at the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: The EDB is committed to fostering a supportive environment for start-ups and has found a perfect partner in Unbound to showcase the benefits of doing business in Bahrain and the Middle East. Unbound comes with an immersive experience of running this international event in London, Miami and Singapore, and we are thrilled to host them for a second year to showcase GCC & MENAs startup trends.

As digital disruption changes the face of the modern economy, we must do all we can to enable startups and the next generation of innovative technologies. Getting the right balance of soft infrustructure; access to funding; and mentorship in place is crucial to our success and Unbound Bahrain will be the ideal platform to learn more about the technological trends shaping our society.

This years line-up of speakers builds on the 2018 inaugural event with senior leadership from some of the largest corporates in the GCC and beyond, as well as some of the most exciting start-up founders and investors. High-profile speakers include:

 Tom Goodwin, EVP, head of innovation, Zenith USA (Publicis): Tom is the #1 voice in Marketing on LinkedIn with over 690,000 followers. He is also one of 30 people to follow on Twitter by Business Insider and in the top two people in Advertising to follow (FastCompany). An industry provocateur and commentator on the future of marketing and business, he's a columnist for the Guardian, TechCrunch and Forbes and frequent contributor to GQ, Ad Age, Wired, AdWeek, Inc, The World Economic Forum and Digiday.

 Tim Draper, Founder, Draper Associates: One of the worlds most well-regarded Venture Capitalists, co-founder of Draper Fisher Jurvetson. DFJs core funds have raised more than $5 billion and is invested in more than 300 companies. Tim was ranked 52 on the list of the 100 most influential Harvard Alumni, and seventh on the Forbes Midas List, and is known as the Creator of Viral Marketing. He was named Always-Ons #1 top venture capital deal maker.

 Waleed Alballaa, Partner, STV VC: STV, based out of Riyadh, and anchored by Saudi Telecom, the largest telecom company in the Middle East, is the largest venture capital fund in the region. As one of STVs key staff, Waleed Alballaa has been responsible for some of the funds key operations and continues to be a leading voice in shaping the Middle East investment scene.

 Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, CEO, Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP): Mr. Hussain serves a dual role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American University of Sharjah Enterprises (AUSE) and as the CEO of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Mr. Hussain has held leadership roles at leading regional and international companies such as the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), and several Dubai Holding entities.

In formats ranging from keynote speeches, fireside chats, and panel discussions, Unbound Bahrain will dive into innovative topics including ecosystem building, FinTech, artificial intelligence, sustainability, investing & venture capital, and blockchain.

Platinum Partner Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is set to open its first Middle East data centre in Bahrain this year, is supporting Unbound Bahrain. 12 qualifiers from regional start-up competitions prepare to battle it out and pitch their entrepreneurial skills to a panel of expert judges in the Grand Final at the AWS pavilion.

Initiatives at Unbound Bahrain will include the Unbound50 Zone, a competition to showcase the latest start-ups across the MENA region, as well as the Female Founders Challenge, a platform for women in tech to pitch their pioneering ideas. In addition to this, Unbound Bahrain will host pitch-to-investors sessions, which provide start-ups with the opportunity to raise awareness of their product in front of an international audience.

The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), the leading provider of quality education in the region, will partner with Unbound Bahrain as the official Training Provider and a Strategic Partner for the Unbound Bahrain 2019 Event. BIBF will launch its Technopreneurship Programme, targeting start-ups, SMEs and creative individuals who aim to secure the knowledge and skills that will prepare them to start their own journey.

As the region's leading telecoms provider, Zain Bahrain will again support Unbound Bahrain, as a Gold Sponsor and the events official telecommunications partner.  TradeArabia News ServiceMahonia, Bahrains leading fine dining degustation restaurant, has announced its second Four-Hands Dinner in partnership with Mauro Colagreco, chef patron of the worlds number three restaurant Mirazur, France (The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants 2018).



Chef Colagreco has recently added another accolade to his impressive list of achievements with the awarding of his third Michelin star.



Chef Colagreco, an Italo-Argentinian residing in France, comes to Bahrain to craft an eight-course gastronomic extravaganza with Mahonias own award-winning executive chef Herve Pronzato. For two nights only, on February 28 and March 1, diners will be treated to an exceptional menu that crosses all borders. The one-off menu developed by the two chefs will be matched with exclusive beverage pairings from Mahonias expansive cellar as selected by the sommelier.



Colagreco said: It will be my first visit to Bahrain and I look forward to cooking with chef Herve at Mahonia. My culinary approach is what I describe as cooking without borders, with menus that cross the lines between land and sea, herbs and flowers, bitterness and acidity. I look forward to discovering the flavours of Bahrain and creating an unforgettable menu with Herve in Mahonia.



Among the culinary masterpieces created just for the occasion, guests can expect to savour Chef Mauros celebrated signature dish from Mirazur: the salt crusted beetroot with caviar and cream sauce.



Sawsan Baluch, the owner of Mahonia, commented: We are thrilled to have a global chef of Mauros calibre at Mahonia. We have worked hard to make the 'Four-Hands Dinners' happen in Mahonia, in line with our goal of promoting Bahrain as an important culinary destination in the Middle East, and introduce Bahrains offerings to new audiences.



We are delighted to welcome chef Mauro to Mahonia to continue our Four-Hands Dinners series. Mauros culinary genius transcends all boundaries, which is also at the heart of Mahonias offering," said Pronzato.



At the forefront of the global culinary trends, the 'Four-Hands Dinner' concept brings together culinary artists where the hosting executive chef collaborates with a visiting chef to create a one-time special dinner menu. Both chefs work with new ingredients, mutually creating an extraordinary crossover menu to the delight of gastronomes.



Throughout this year, Mahonia will host a number of chefs from The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants list with the Four-Hands Dinners. These collaborations cross cultural boundaries and enable chefs to experiment with food and culinary techniques from other countries, present signature dishes and create new ones with the hosting chef. Every event a unique partnership, the diners in Mahonia will discover unusual recipes from around the world. - TradeArabia News ServiceThe Oman Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is inviting private investors to support the establishment of a 100,000 coconut tree plantation in Salalah, said a report.



The plantation is integrated with a value-adding manufacturing facility that will kickstart the growth of a coconut-based processing industry in the sultanate, added the Oman Daily Observer report.



The so-called Model Farm for Coconut Trees and Product Manufacturing is proposed to come up on 1,150 acres of land allocated to the Ministry in Ayn Razat in Salalah.



Plans drawn up by the Ministry envisage the cultivation of 50,000 trees in the first phase, followed by a similar number in the second phase.



Besides being the single largest coconut farm in the sultanate, the plantation will also add to Salalahs verdant appeal and tourist potential, it said.



In conjunction with the development of the coconut farm, the Ministry is also proposing the establishment of a manufacturing complex that will process the fruit to manufacture a wide array of products for domestic consumption as well as overseas export.



It includes fresh coconuts, packaged coconut water, coconut milk, coconut oil, juices, grated and desiccated coconut products, and a wide range of coconut-based sweets. The Ministry also sees the potential for investments in a slew of products processed from the tree branches, fronds and trunk, notably organic fertiliser, added the report.The UAEs National Advisor Bureau, a consultancy firm based in Masdar city in Abu Dhabi, has announced its latest futuristic project - The Fujairah-Mumbai Subsea Tunnel Project.

It aims to connect the UAE and other GCC countries for the first time with Mumbai, India, via a subsea tunnel and an ultra speed 1,000 km/hour subsea railway line.

The concept of the tunnel is based on well-known technology applied to floating bridges, offshore structures and immersed tunnels, said a top official of the Bureau.

The project, which is currently at the concept stage, is meant to connect the UAE and the other GCC countries for the first time with India via a subsea tunnel and an ultra speed subsea railway line, with the aim of improving the bilateral trade between the two nations," remarked Abdulla Alshehhi, managing director of the National Advisor Bureau.

The floating underwater tunnel may consist of two curved concrete tubes, submerged below the surface of the Arabian Sea. The submerged tubes would be stabilised by being attached to pontoons on the surface of the sea or by vertical tethers to the sea floor, he explained.



"Provision can be made for enough gaps between the pontoons to allow ships to pass through. The tubes would be placed underwater, deep enough to avoid water traffic and weather," stated Alshehhi.

The tunnel would be a watertight, resisting the salty sea water, and should be able to withstand the hydrostatic forces upon it, he pointed out.



Creating a vacuum inside the tunnel will result in tremendous speed for trains due to the minimal air resistance, he added.



The main expected benefits from the project are:

Transportation of passengers, tourists and workers between the UAE (as well as other GCC countries) and India;

Export oil and gas from Fujairah Port to India via a pipeline and possibly China and Pakistan;

Import water from Narmada River, north of Mumbai to the UAE (it is well noted that the Narmada River is flooding during monsoon season; excess water may be exported to the UAE);

Transport goods and commodities between the two nations;

Supply bunker fuel to ships passing between the floating pontoons via a floating bunker fuel station

Alshehhi, while quoting Mahatma Gandhi, India's independence leader and a global icon of peace and non-violence, said: "in a gentle way, you can shake the world."

"This ambitious project will surely shake the way we travel between continents," he added.

Future expansion may include the One Belt One Road Initiative, linking the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor at Gwadar Port with the UAE (and other GCC countries) via Fujairah Port to complement the Chinese Silk Road.

The train stations in the future may also include the port city of Karachi in Pakistan and Muscat, the capital city of Oman.



The speed of trains can be set to the range of 600 to 1,000 km/hour. The 1,826-km distance between Mumbai to Fujairah station can be covered within two to four hours while Gawader port in Pakistan to Fujairah can be covered within one hour.

The Bureau is also planning to make provisions for a road to be constructed within the floating tunnel for cars and truck transportation as well as a floating hotel, shopping centres and fuel stations in the middle of the Arabian Sea, where commuters can rest and shop.-TradeArabia News ServiceMastercard, a leading technology company in the global payments industry has collaborated with mada, the national payment system of Saudi Arabia, on the rollout of Apple Pay in the kingdom.



Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When you use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your device. Each transaction is authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code.



As one of the worlds largest payment networks and a leader in digital payments, Mastercard leverages its innovative Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES), which employs advanced payment technologies including EMV standards, tokenization, and cryptography for transactions processed through the Mastercard network, while madas tokenization platform handles local transactions, ensuring the integrity of cardholder information locally and internationally.



Apple Pay will initially be available to Mastercard cardholders with National Commercial Bank and Riyad Bank.



J K Khalil, general manager, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Mastercard, said: Saudi Arabia is home to a young, tech-savvy population who are keen to adopt innovative solutions that provide seamless payment experiences. Our collaboration with mada represents another milestone in our mutual efforts to enhance the Kingdoms digital ecosystem.



The speed and simplicity of Apple Pay, coupled with the peace of mind Mastercards multi-tiered approach to safety and security brings to every purchase, will further accelerate the uptake of cashless transactions in the region and contribute to our global vision of a world beyond cash.



Ziyad Al-Yousef, managing director, mada, said: We are pleased to collaborate with Mastercard and to bring the benefits of Apple Pay to Saudi Arabia. The rollout of this fast and convenient solution is poised to transform how consumers in the Kingdom pay for goods and services, and is an important step in the governments ongoing digitization drive in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP).



Apple Pay is easy to set up and users will continue to receive all of the rewards and bene?ts offered by their credit and debit cards. In stores, Apple Pay works with iPhone SE, iPhone 6 and later, and Apple Watch.



Online shopping in apps and on websites accepting Apple Pay is as simple as the touch of a finger with Touch ID, with no need to manually fill out lengthy account forms or repeatedly type in shipping and billing information. When paying for goods and services on the go in apps or Safari, Apple Pay works with iPhone 6 and later, iPhone SE, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 and later.



Users can also complete purchases using Apple Pay in Safari on any Mac introduced in or after 2012 running macOS Sierra and confirm the payment with iPhone 6 or later or Apple Watch, or with Touch ID on the new MacBook Pro.  TradeArabia News ServiceMANZINI  Pupils carry schoolbooks in plastic bags in a forced act of transparency following the proliferation of drugs at Manzini Nazarene High School. The school administration has had to change its normal rules to stay vigilant after finding stashes of dagga stuffed in matchboxes.



The matchboxes were retrieved from school bags of two pupils last Thursday.

The matter is now a subject of investigation by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) after the school administration roped them in to assist in the matter as dagga possession without a permit remains illegal in the country.



The school, which promotes strict Christian values has a huge number of boarders and fewer day scholars.

It was gathered that teachers noticed unusual behaviour among the pupils and decided to investigate as to what could be making the scholars act in a strange manner.



That is when they searched their schools bags and found the illegal herb.



Matchboxes



Allegations were made to the effect that three pupils, who were day scholars, were found with matchboxes, with two of them containing dagga.

It is suspected that the day scholars smuggle the dagga into the school premises to sell to the boarders.

One pupil who was found with an empty matchbox was warned but not sent home.



His two other counterparts were told to come back with their parents to discuss the issue.

The discovery of the dagga-stuffed matchboxes was made in Form 1 and II classes.



As a result, the schools instruction was that all Form I and II boys were forbidden from carrying books in backpacks until the impasse had been resolved.

Instead, they now carry their school stuff in plastic bags.



It was also said that juice bottles were also restricted as it was unknown what could be contained inside them.

Some parents said they were distraught by the recent announcement of the school compelling pupils to carry books in plastic bags.

They complained that the books could easily get lost.



It is a fact that boys dont like carrying plastic bags, so the next thing is that they will carry books by hand. If they do so, then it is almost inevitable that they will lose the books, said a parent.The late Senzelwe who was brutally killed and dumped near her homestead at LaMgabhi Etiyeni.

LAMGHABHI ETIYENI - A Hlophe family and residents of LaMgabhi Etiyeni were left dumbfounded when a three-year-old child was found dead with some of her body parts missing.



The corpse of Senzelwe Hlophe was found in tall grass near a big rock, which is surrounded by trees, at a distance of about 100 metres from her homestead. Next to the corpse was a kitchen knife, which, according to some family members, belonged to the family.



It was observed that the scene where the corpse was found is surrounded by homesteads situated approximately 100 metres away.

There is also a foot path which is about 50 metres from the scene. When this reporter arrived at the scene, about 50 people were already there. Among them were the elders of the Hlophe family and the local authorities.



View corpse



They were given an opportunity to view the corpse before it was taken to the mortuary. A police who was in charge at the scene, who only identified himself as Fakudze, warned the residents against spreading unverified news about the occurrence.



The standard procedure is that you are allowed to view the corpse before we can proceed with our job. Yours is to view the corpse without making any comment. There are signs that the child did not go there on her own accord, Fakudze said briefly. First to view the corpse were the family members.

This publication observed that some of the childs body parts were removed. These were her private parts, ear, and parts of the brain. While viewing the corpse, Fakudze warned the residents to look very carefully and take note of the items which came from their houses.



Nibukisise kahle nitobona nanaku lokuphuma letindlini tenu, Fakudze said loosely translated look carefully so that you can see what came from your houses.

The condition of the corpse left a majority of the residents with the impression that the minor was killed for ritual purposes. Some suspected that the child was killed by someone close to the family.



Went missing



In an interview with Senzelwes mother, Sindile Mkhonta, she said the child went missing at around 11am on Monday. Mkhonta said the child was sleeping in the kitchen while they were working in the fields. She said upon their return from the fields, they discovered that the child was missing together with the knife which was left in the kitchen.



Mkhonta stated that they called the police on their emergency line 999 and reported the child as missing before a search was commissioned.

However, another relative alleged that the police officer who received the call informed them that police acted after 48 hours if a person had been reported missing.Cash needed for Mad Anthonys Big Boom The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is just $200 shy of its goal for this years fireworks show in Waynesboro. DDA Director Don Lively reported another great week of donations totally nearly $500. Our community has come through for us again, he said, but I never had any doubts. Thanks to...

Young residents share concerns for lack of vaccine research Editors note: The names of the Burke County residents have been left out in order to protect their confidential health information. A small sample of Burke County residents June 18 disclosed reasons why people decide not to receive the COVID 19 vaccine. Vaccination numbers are low in Burke County with...

Changes coming to Georgias Outdoor Burn Notification System Come July 1, Georgians will no longer be required to notify the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) of their intentions to burn leaf piles and yard debris. Code Section 12-6-90 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated called for a burner to notify the GFC either by phone or online of...

Summer camp adds acting to its agenda The District One Summer Camp is back with a new location and an opportunity for children to take center stage. As director of the District One Summer Camp (KAMP KEYSVILLE), I feel it is necessary to reach out to the community in an effort to help our youth improve as...Note: Special one-year subscription at a reduced price for first-time subscribers or for subscriptions that have been expired for at least one year  those living in Jackson County and the Cherokee Indian Reservation (28719) addresses qualify. Offer good through Friday, Aug. 2, 2019.

We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover; we do not accept AMEX.Thanks to a generous donation by Tony Bartolini, The West Island Cancer Wellness Centre (WICWC) Executive Director now as a house that can be used for retreats.This Saturday evening, The Stone Doctors will be playing songs by the Rolling Stones in a concert to raise funds for WIAIH (West Island Association for Intellectually Handicapped) at the Mayfair Tavern in Valois Village.To celebrate the 10th annual Hudson St. Patricks Day Parade, the organizing committee has garnered a new sponsor that promises a great gift for the parades Queen that will be chosen this coming Sunday, February 24th.(l to r) Parliamentary Secretary Jean Claude Poissant , VP of Gouv.Relations Louis Arsenault, Dr. Donald L. Smith, Minister Lawrence MacAulay, Dean Anja Geitmann and MP Francis Scarpaleggia at last weeks announcement at McGill Universitys McDonald Campus.Like our work? Dont steal it! Share the link orfor information on how to get permission to use our content.

Click here to report an accessibility issue.At a Glance THE ISSUE: President Vistasp Karbhari spoke to the Texas Legislature and claimed the Social Work building is in danger of falling. This statement was made to lawmakers before it was made to the university community. WE THINK: The university should be transparent about the situation, especially if there is a potential danger to students, faculty and staff. TAKE ACTION: Students, faculty and staff should be the first to know about matters of safety. The campus community should hold the university accountable to provide updates and release appropriate information in a timely manner

The nearly century-old School of Social Work building is in danger of collapse, but instead of informing the campus, the university announced it to state lawmakers.

President Vistasp Karbhari spoke to the 86th Texas Legislature on Feb. 14 to advocate for the funding for a new social work building, stating the current building is failing.

We will have to move [people] out very shortly, Karbhari said during his testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article III.

These arent just the claims of a layman  Karbharis background in structural engineering makes him qualified to make these kinds of bold assertions. He referenced these qualifications himself during his testimony, saying he was doubly concerned because of his experience.

This issue is one of transparency. Students have the right to know if the classrooms in which they are studying may be unsafe. Faculty and staff have the right to know if their offices or classrooms could be uprooted soon because of safety concerns.

Karbhari said the bands which hold the building together are coming apart, making it highly likely that the building will fall down.

During the Feb. 18 Pizza with the President event, Karbhari clarified that the building is still safe for current operations.

We wouldnt have it open right now if it were unsafe, he said during the event.

We are concerned if we have to wait another three or four years  which is what it takes to actually get the money and then design and then build the building  by that point in time it will not be safe, he said. So we are already making those steps.

UTA does a structural assessment every year and will not allow students or faculty to use the building once it becomes unsafe, he said.

In addition to the problems that come with an aging facility, the building has facility code deficiencies as well as fire and life safety issues that are not feasible to address, according to a Sept. 6 UT System Board of Regents agenda.

Meanwhile, hundreds of students, faculty and staff members learn and work inside the building every day. But the only public mention of the seriousness of its structural shortcomings was made in Austin and later at Pizza with the President  and only in response to questions he said he received after his testimony in Austin.

The university should address the students, faculty and staff who frequent the building first. And now that the problem is out in the open, students deserve to know the details of the situation.

When did the university realize the problem was dire? What is the plan to move people out of the building? What is the backup plan if legislative funding is not secured?

These questions must be addressed by the university to the community directly, and any details about the danger of the building should be released. Students, faculty and staff should hold the university accountable to provide updates of this kind and to give the appropriate details.

We need to know we can trust our school to give us the information necessary to stay safe.

The Shorthorn Editorial Board is made up of opinion editor Jacob Reyes; Editor-in-Chief Reese Oxner; associate news editor Amanda Padilla; Carmina Tiscareno, life and entertainment editor; social media editor Narda Perez; Shay Cohen, copy editor and multimedia journalist; and Zaria Turner, life and entertainment reporter.

Turner, Perez and Cohen were not present, and multimedia editor Duy Vu and sports reporter R.J. Coyle filled in.Tempers rose inside the University Center as temperatures dropped outside Tuesday afternoon as the Progressive Student Union petitioned the removal of the Ernest Hereford bust and namesake.

Jeremiah Harris, Progressive Student Union vice president, said the organization stood beside the bust to promote awareness of the alleged racism surrounding Hereford and gauge interest in his removal from the UC.

Mark Napieralski, Progressive Student Union president authored a Student Government resolution last year calling for the removal of Hereford's namesake and bust. The resolution was unanimously killed by senators in the Nov. 6 meeting.

Education sophomore Ben Moran said the protest was a waste of time for the Progressive Student Union because most students dont really care enough about the issue to stop and talk, let alone sign a petition.

+2 Academic Affairs Committee kills Hereford resolution The resolution to remove Ernest Herefords name and bust from the University Center died in 

He said the reason he stopped at the petition was to slap the bust, which he always does for good luck before a test or project.

More people care that Dr Pepper isnt on campus than, you know, whether this bust is there, Moran said.

The bust could be removed tomorrow and no one would notice until someone went to slap it before a test, he said.

Harris said its up to the students to decide whether or not to remove the bust, the organization is only asking for signatures to petition its removal and to change the centers namesake.

For change to happen, Student Government must approve it, he said.

Napieralski, Progressive Student Union president, said to get on the Student Government ballot, the organization must accumulate 1500 student signatures.

So far, theyve reached 900 signatures, but they need 600 more by Friday. If theyre unable to meet that deadline, theyll be forced to wait until next semester to start the petition again, Napieralski said.

Harris said the organization isnt trying to sway students opinions.

Were not trying to hold the ballot right here when we talk to someone, Harris said. You can have your stance, but what were saying is allow students to have that stance as well and to actually use that voice through student elections.

+2 Progressive Student Union rallies against police brutality With posters and a megaphone at the ready, the Progressive Student Union started their Maver

Criminal justice junior Yasmine Soto said removing the bust from the UC is unlikely to change anything.

For her, the bust is a part of the UC, and it doesnt impact her current perception of racism or the university.

Walking in here and seeing the statue does nothing to me, Soto said. It does not make me feel less-than or it does not make me feel like I cant do anything else that [anyone else] can do.

Still, Harris said its important that the university remove Hereford because UTA is among the most diverse universities in the country. The university needs to back up under-represented communities, he said.

What were not trying to do is erase history, Harris said. When you look at it, were trying to promote history thats lesser talked about it.

@CecilLenzen

news-editor.shorthorn@uta.eduWanda Cole Please join the family of Wanda Cole for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Louis Rasmussen Day Park in Kalama, WA.

Louise Alma Homola Louise Alma Homola, age 97, entered her heavenly home on June 3, 2021, surrounded by her children. She was born on March 17, 1924, the youngest child of John and Anna Ek, in Mist, Ore. She 

Lawrence Fox Lawrence "Larry" Joseph Fox was born in 42 to parents, Frances J. Court and Alphonse P. Fox, of Vancouver, Wash. He lived in Clark County all his life. He passed away 

Cecil Felix Kopman Cecil Felix Kopman was born in Brookings, S.D. on May 6, 2019 to Chance and Natasha (Reddig) Kopman. He was baptized into the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Lake Norden, S.D.; He spent most of his Posted Tuesday, February 19, 2019 7:42 am

Representative Matt Shea, R-Spokane, was greeted by a few dozen constituents on Friday in support of Second Amendment rights and his proposal to split Washington along the Cascades and create a 51st state to the east called Liberty.

Supporters trekked across the state on snowy roads to hear speeches in Olympia from legislators, a domestic violence survivor, and a former prosecutor.

Allen Acosta, a Libertarian who ran unsuccessfully for the the 22nd district House seat in the last general election, organized the event. In regards to the Second Amendment, the law is a powerful tool just like guns, he said. Both are a great equalizer in the right hand at the right time.

Shea has proposed to split Washington into two states, which would require both state and federal approval. Let us be free, and well see which side works out better, he said at the rally on Friday.

Neither his bill nor his petition to Congress for federal approval have been scheduled for a public hearing.Roanoke, AL (36274)

Today

Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.Elizabethtown, KY (42701)

Today

Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 86F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 69F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.The dull winter months have a way of making us itch for the blue skies and excitement of Europe's eclectic treasure trove of capital cities. Now more than ever, students are beginning to plan their next European break, but where are the most affordable destinations and when should you go?

Findings by Compare The Market shed new light on which European cities will set you back the most, based on the average price of two nights' accommodation.

Image credit: volim_cepele0 at Pixabay

Through comparing monthly rates in each European capital, the research reveals that, on the whole, May is the most expensive month for a European city break while booking a holiday for January will save you pennies.



Each European capital is mapped by the most and least economic month to visit, helping you stay money-savvy when booking your next city getaway.Yesterday the news broke that Karl Lagerfeld had passed away in Paris aged 85 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

, he was also at the helm of Fendi as well as his eponymous label. For many, Karl Lagerfeld is as synonymous with Chanel as Coco herself. He was a powerhouse, the father of the fashion industry - if you will. Not only did he design for Chanelhe was also at the helm of Fendi as well as his eponymous label.

Image Credit: MarcoKalmann on Flickr

An icon

"I've always known that I was made to live this way, that I would be this sort of legend." And a legend he truly was. The loss of Karl is a huge one - many of us naively assumed that he was sort of mythical figure that would just live forever. He worked right up until his death, showing his true dedication to the craft that he lived and breathed. He even said himself

humour and outspoken opinions as he was for his work. Who can forget when he expressed his distaste for tracksuit bottoms He was known as much for his questionable sense ofand outspoken opinions as he was for his work. Who can forget when he

"Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants."

A six-decade-long career

e, and the brand has paid tribute to him on its Instagram account, His career spanned over six decades, starting out as an assistant for Pierre Balmain. In 1964 he began to work at Chloe, and the brand has paid tribute to him on itswriting: "Karl brought a vision of femininity to Chloe that remains ever-present in our hearts today. We are forever grateful for his 25 years with the Maison. From his softly feminine, slightly irreverent designs, to his strong visual instinct, he has inspired every designer at Chloe. He will be remembered with enduring affection."

Famous muses

A year later, he began working at Fendi - a company that he remained the creative director of until his death. Many iconic pieces of fashion history were the brainchild of Karl. The Fendi baguette bag, a bag beloved by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, was one of the first items ever loaned to the show for the character to wear. In a book published celebrating the iconic bag, Sarah Jessica Parker credited Fendi for making Carrie Bradshaw who she was: "Having Carrie wear the Baguette was a defining moment for us, and marked the beginning of everything. The timing was perfect for the story we were telling and the character I was playing; the Baguette was the perfect embellishment. Once Fendi loaned us items, everyone was more willing to do so, which helped us dramatically in conveying Carries decadence."

Despite spending 25 years at Chlo e, it was his work at Chanel that truly cemented him into legendary status. At Chanel, one of his first muses was the young German model Claudia Schiffer (who we now know to have gone on to legendary status). She credits Karl for starting her career, saying "What Warhol was to art, Karl was to fashion."

Karl liked to take people and turn them into legends. Other muses of his included Vanessa Paradis (and later her daughter Lily-Rose Depp), Keira Knightley, Cara Delevingne and Catherine Deneuve - to name but a small few.

L

ily-Rose Depp took to Instagram to pay her condolences: "The world will never know another force like you. My heart is so heavy today but so full of gratitude for all that you have taught and done for me."



Naomi Campbell also thanked him; "For taking the chance on a 16-year-old girl from South London and opening my eyes."



he told CNN in 2013 that he wished to marry her His most famous muse, of course, however, was the love of his life () - his cat, Choupette, who has her own Wikipedia page and Instagram account. Choupette featured on many of Karl's designs for his Karl Lagerfeld brand, and is more than an icon in her own right.

she's reportedly set to inherit Karl's fortune. Fans have rightly expressed their concern for the feline, but don't worry about Choupette -

Just one of Karl's many collections inspired by his beloved Choupette. Image Credit: Annelisesealy, via Wikimedia Commons

Making Chanel legendary



It seems there's not a person in the industry whose life Karl did not touch in one way or another. Through the '80s and '90s Karl helped make Chanel the most famous brand in the world - all the supermodels were walking in his shows, and anyone who was anyone was wearing his clothes. He took Chanel back to its roots but also gave it a breath of fresh air, every season offering something different. This would continue, right up until his death. Who can forget when he created a literal beach for a fashion show?

President of Fashion at Chanel, Bruno Pavlovsky, said : Fashion show after fashion show, collection after collection, Karl Lagerfeld left his mark on the legend of Gabrielle Chanel and the history of the House of Chanel. He steadfastly promoted the talent and expertise of Chanels ateliers and Metiers dArt, allowing this exceptional know-how to shine throughout the world. The greatest tribute we can pay today is to continue to follow the path he traced by  to quote Karl  continuing to embrace the present and invent the future.

Karl at a Chanel show in 2012. Image Credit: Modasplendida on Flickr

Under Karl's watchful eye, Chanel has become arguably the most iconic fashion brand in the entire world. A Chanel bag is something that will outlive us all in terms of style. He took a classic brand and made it timeless. Who knows what the future holds for Chanel, but all we know is that wherever Karl is going - it's about to get a lot more fashionable.

Rest in Peace Karl Otto Lagerfeld. 10th September 1933 - 19th February 2019.

Lead Image Credit:Salida, CO (81201)

Today

Showers and thunderstorms. High 66F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm this evening, then some lingering showers still possible overnight. Low 48F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.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President Joe Biden had a three-hour talk with Russian Premier Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16, said he laid down some red lines Russia had darned well not cross and that it was his hope this guy he once called a killer does not want another Cold War.Want to share some news? Have a hot news tip? Let us know what's going on!

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 The best local, regional and national news in sports, politics, business and more!

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.Drama indie Kudos has announced that ceo Diederick Santer has decided to step down from the role after four years at the helm.

Chief Creative Officer, Karen Wilson and Chief Operating Officer, Martin Haines are to step up as joint Managing Directors to lead the company.

Under Santers leadership, Kudos, part of Endemol Shine UK, had a string of hits including Grantchester, now in its fourth season, International Emmy Awards-winning Man in an Orange Shirt, Channel 4 and AMC returner Humans, International Emmy-nominated Apple Tree Yard, Gunpowder for BBC One, now in over 140 countries, BBC Twos The Boy With The Topknot, and Sky Atlantic hit, Tin Star.

Coming up is the six part, female-led ensemble series, Deep Water for ITV, the recently announced four part crime drama for Channel 4, Deadwater Fell (w/t), Sky One comedy CODE 404, and the US remake of Utopia for Amazon.

Diederick Santer said of his decision, Its very hard to step away from the brilliant people and programmes of Kudos. Its been the best nine years, and I am very proud of what we have created together, but its time for a new challenge. Karen and Martin will make a great team and I have no doubt that under their leadership Kudos will continue to thrive.

Chief Creative Officer, Karen Wilson and Chief Operating Officer, Martin Haines, now joint Managing Directors, will take over the leadership, creative and strategic direction and day to day running of the company. Wilson has over two decades of production experience. Joining Kudos in 2001, she has executive produced a range of shows including Hustle (BBC One), Spooks (BBC One), Utopia (Channel 4) and The Tunnel (Sky Atlantic). Haines has 20 years of commercial experience in television starting his career in the media sector as a lawyer before becoming a Commercial Director at Warner Brothers Television UK in 2014. He joined Kudos in 2016 as Chief Operating Officer responsible for the strategic direction of the company and overseeing all operational functions.

Richard Johnston, CEO, Endemol Shine UK said; Im incredibly sorry to see Diederick go. His passion and instinct for the scripted genre, and ability to inspire those around him, have helped to deliver a raft of outstanding work and ensured that Kudos is a go to production company for quality scripted in the UK.

However, Im delighted that Karen and Martin, will be taking on the leadership role. The combination of their creative skills and commercial acumen make them a brilliant team, who will grow the company and build the next generation of Kudos hits.

Diederick became Chief Executive of Kudos in March 2015 having previously formed Lovely Day Productions with Kudos in 2010. From 2006 Diederick served as Executive Producer, EastEnders, creating numerous characters and stories in over 700 episodes, and delivering the live 25th anniversary episode. He first joined BBC Drama in 2000, developing and producing a variety of series including Cutting It and the Emmy-nominated Jane Eyre.From left to right, Bruce Hamlin, Gina Christopher, Cindy Lawler and Panda, a foster dog, celebrate the donation.Thank you for Reading!

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to continue reading.Posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2019

KINGSVILLE (February 19, 2019)  Texas A&M University-Kingsville has advanced to the second-highest tier of research universities according to the most recent update from The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university is recognized as a Carnegie Classified Doctoral University with High Research Activity.

Of the 4,339 universities classified by the Carnegie Foundation, only six percent receive this distinction or higher.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville is one of 89 public institutions in the country and one of six public universities in Texas to be classified as a Doctoral University with High Research Activity.

A measure of research strength and productivity, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education for nearly 50 years.

Great research leads to meaningful real-world experiences for faculty to talk about in the classroom, said Dr. Mark A. Hussey, Texas A&M University-Kingsville president. Faculty who are leading these research efforts are bringing students into the lab and helping prepare them for the next phase of their lives. This is a stamp of approval that we are doing impactful research and that is a very good thing for our students and the region.

The Carnegie Classification is an indicator of research excellence, said Dr. Allen Rasmussen, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. This recognition identifies us as a university who will contribute to the future of the region. Students at a Carnegie Doctoral High Research institution will experience cutting-edge research opportunities. The future of South Texas will be tied to that research and will shape the direction we are going.

Doctoral institutions classified as high or very high research institutions have awarded at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees and had at least $5 million in total research expenditures.

-TAMUK-Letter to the Editor

Critical Race Theory Now those that remain in the Republican Party are all upset that the Critical Race Theory might be revealed through the ...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 712-243-2624 or email circ@ant-news.com.It will cost more to use the Vincennes Fortnightly Clubhouse.

Knox County Public Library board members voted Tuesday to increase the fee for renting the historic facility at 421 N. Sixth St., tripling it from $300 to $900.

The damage deposit will also increase, from $200 to $500.

Combined with an additional $100 fee to use the facility's new gold resin chairs, the $900 rental fee and a $500 damage deposit, the total out-of-pocket cost would be $1,500.

A typical rental, though, is for an entire weekend.

All of the existing rentals will be honored at the previous price, library officials said.

The new fees will be imposed upon anyone inquiring about rentals from this week forward.

I like it, well see how it goes, said board president Yvette Kirchoff.

And maybe this will eliminate some of the problems weve been having, added Jim Beery.

Library director Emily Bunyan asked the board last November to consider raising the fee structure as the library was incurring the costs of repairing too many damages when the building was for private parties.

In one instance, a new, $7,000 speaker system was "disabled," she said, and it took maintenance director John Houchins a long time to get it back up and running.

People, too, have messed with the building's heating and air system, heaped the new chairs  which cost the board $15,000  into a pile in the corner, left trash behind and even, in one instance, removed all the washers from the bathroom sinks.

Library board members are hopeful that the new fee will discourage those who aren't likely to take care of it from using it at all.

The board's legal counsel, Andrew Kopatich, also pointed out that other facilities, like the Highland Woods Community Center, charge a similar amount  and even more for the use of the adjacent parking lot.

The Fortnightly will still be available  for free  for use by community groups like Girl Scouts, Rotary, the county council, etc., as Bunyan has called such clubs using the space a great community asset.

The new fee would be used, in part, too, to pay a member of the library staff to be at the Fortnightly for the duration of an event and, with payment of the additional $100 fee, to take down and set up the new chairs.

That person, too, would be the only one who could access and run the sound system, Bunyan said.

The Vincennes Fortnightly Club, an organization founded to promote women's ideas, was organized in 1891.

In 1928, the organization moved into the Sixth Street clubhouse, becoming the first Indiana Women's Club to own its own home.

The library acquired the building in 2007.You begin your kayak trip at Silver Spring State Park in Ocala, where the outfitter rents clear-bottom kayaks as well as other kayaks and canoes. You can see the best of the river in two hours of out-and-back paddling. (Its not hard to paddle upstream.) But, unless it is an off season weekday (as it was for us in early December), the outfitter will pick you up five miles downstream and livery you back to the state park. If livery service is available, I recommend the downstream trip.The 2016 amendment didnt limit the forms of medical marijuana available to patients or call for anyone other than doctors to make medical decisions. But what it did call for is a constitutionally guaranteed right to access medical marijuana as determined by a licensed Florida physician  not as determined by Tallahassee politicians.It places a steadily rising fee on carbon emissions and returns all proceeds to American households. All fossil fuel producers would have to pay a fee at the point of extraction or import, which is added to the price of fuel. This is the key that unlocks solutions.Two weeks ago, the nonpartisan Brookings Institution singled out Florida as the state most at risk to economic harm from the changing climate. Florida is more vulnerable than other states to significant economic damages, lost wages, mortality from extreme temperatures, and coastal property damage. Increasing temperatures also are responsible for other economic costs such as health impacts like asthma, heat stroke and water quality related illnesses, which are especially prevalent in communities of color which often are the first and most lasting to bear the brunt of our climate crisis.Vote by Mail ballots have been mailed. Voters beware. News report of possible fraud of persons illegally collecting vote by mail ballots. Our office is notifying you that Florida law provides for severe penalties up to and including fines and jail time for any person who provides or offers to provide and any person who accepts payment or benefits in exchange for requesting, collecting, delivering, or otherwise physically possessing more than two vote by mail ballots per election. Our office has been conducting ongoing investigations into reports of vote by mail fraud and individuals receiving payments to collect vote by mail ballots. If you have any questions on how to return your vote by mail ballots, please contact the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office at 561-656-6200.On Monday, he posted a picture of the federal judge presiding over his case on Instagram with an image that to many looks like the crosshairs of a gun next to her head. He later took it down and apologized in a filing with the court. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered Stone to appear in her Washington, D.C., courtroom on Thursday for a hearing on whether the conditions of his bail should be changed.The registry was not the only concern, though. University of South Florida professor Jill McCracken said the board that would oversee an organization under the Department of Children and Families would be heavily influenced by law enforcement. That body would collect fines from operators of hotels, motels and vacation rentals that dont complete training for managers and employees; it would also act as a liaison for trafficking victims.No other candidate came forward to challenge him by the Feb. 14 deadline, so Daley gets the seat without going through a primary or general election. But Oliva said last week that Daley wouldnt be seated until June 18, which would have been the date of the special general election if there had been one."I echo the sentiments of the Speaker and reaffirm our commitment as an investigative committee to leave no stone unturned in seeking the facts and holding the right people accountable, Leek wrote. I believe President Whittaker was placed in his position at an inopportune time and much of what occurred was already underway. But as the Speaker said, ultimate responsibility rests with the executive.The suit includes as plaintiffs Medicaid patients K.H. and D.T., who had been treated by foundation doctors and were being forced to switch plans. But attorneys for the state Agency for Health Care Administration and Simply Healthcare noted that K.H. was no longer a member of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and that some of D.T.s physicians were included in Simply Healthcares network.In the age of the internet there is potential for commercialization of these photographic and video products, Sen. Tom Lee, a Thonotosassa Republican who sponsored the bill, said. There is also some law enforcement that is concerned about these being used as recruiting tools and training tools for what was done right and not done right.Is it possible for him to return to MSD? If so, what will he need? I understand he is 19 and an adult. I am just trying to see if it is possible. Nikolas is prepared to do what is necessary to return to MSD, Snead wrote from a district email account. His email signature listed him as a lead cost estimator for Atkins, a company that oversees cost controls for the districts bond program.The programs began in earnest when Broward County in November shut down a persistent homeless encampment in the center of downtown, moving dozens of people from the camp to local hotels. As of Feb. 7, all but seven of them were under roofs: 70 were in permanent housing, three were still in hotels, three were reunited with families and seven dropped out of the program, according to a city memo.We are grateful for the First District ruling as weve always trusted the legal process to preserve our landowner rights, he said. We now have two separate legal jurisdictions that have opined on our case, and they both found that we have met or exceeded all rules and regulations for this project. We have assembled our team of experts, and are consulting with Family, advisors, and counsel regarding next steps.His wifes condition had been getting bad over the last week or so, Cholak said. So much so, that he had made an appointment for her to see a psychologist on Thursday  the day after she was shot and jailed.Pauline Jeffery had let things slide since her husband died. Her bedroom was a mess. Her bathroom was disorganized. She often tripped over rugs in her living and dining room.



"I was depressed and doing nothing but feeling sorry for myself," said the 85-year-old Denver resident.



But Jeffery's inertia faded when she joined a program for frail low-income seniors: Community Aging in Place - Advancing Better Living for Elders (Capable). Over several months last year, an occupational therapist visited Jeffery and discussed issues she wanted to address. A handyman installed a new carpet. A visiting nurse gave her the feeling of being looked after.



In short order, Jeffery organized her bedroom, cleaned up her bathroom and began to feel more upbeat. "There's a lot of people like myself that just need a push and somebody to make them feel like they're worth something," she said. "What they did for me, it got me motivated."



New research shows that Capable provides considerable help to vulnerable seniors who have trouble with "activities of daily living" taking a shower or a bath, getting dressed, transferring in and out of bed, using the toilet or moving around easily at home. Over five months, participants in the program experienced 30 percent fewer difficulties with such activities, according to a randomized clinical trial the gold standard of research published this month in JAMA Internal Medicine.



"If someone found a drug that reduced disability in older adults by 30 percent, we'd be hearing about it on TV constantly," said John Haaga, director of the Division of Behavioral and Social Research at the National Institute on Aging, which provided funding for the research.



Positive findings are especially notable given the population that was studied: 300 poor or near-poor older adults, nearly 90 percent women, over 80 percent black, with an average age of 75 and multiple chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While about 1 in 3 older adults in the U.S. need help with one or more daily activities, rates of disability and related health care costs are higher in this challenged population.



Half of the older adults in the trial received the Capable intervention, which includes six visits by an occupational therapist, four visits by a registered nurse, and home repair and modification services worth up to $1,300. The control group received 10 visits of equal length from a research assistant and was encouraged to use the internet, listen to music, play board games or reminisce about the past, among other activities.



Both groups experienced improvements at five months, but older adults who participated in Capable realized substantially greater benefits. Eighty-two percent strongly agreed that the program made their lives easier and their homes safer. Nearly 80 percent said it enabled them to live at home and that it increased their confidence in managing daily challenges.



Sarah Szanton, who developed Capable and directs the Center for Innovative Care in Aging at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, attributes positive results to several things. Instead of telling an older adult what's wrong with them, a mainstay of medical practice, Capable staff ask older adults what they'd like to be able to do but can't do now.



Seniors often say they want to cook meals for themselves, make their beds, use the stairs, get out of the house more easily, walk around without pain or go to church.



The focus then turns to finding practical solutions. For someone who wants to cook but whose legs are weak, that could mean cutting vegetables while sitting down before standing up at the stove. A bed may need to be lifted on risers and a grab bar positioned between the mattress and box spring so a person can push herself up to a standing position more easily. Or, a nurse may need to go over medications and recommend potential changes to a person's primary care doctor.



"Why does it work? Because we're guided by what people want, and in order to get better, you have to want to get better: It has to be important to you," said Amanda Goodenow, program manager for Capable at the Colorado Visiting Nurse Association, the agency that assisted Jeffery. In Colorado, Capable has been funded by a local foundation and Habitat for Humanity, which supports the program in six markets.



Hattie Ashby, 90, who has lived in the same two-story house in Aurora, a city adjacent to Denver, for 43 years, told Goodenow last summer that she wanted to get up and down the stairs more easily and walk around outside the house. Ashby has high blood pressure and COPD.



"They gave me a walker and made arrangements for me to put my oxygen tank on it so I could go to the mall," she said, recalling some of what the Capable staff did. "They fixed the wall in my bathroom and put something I could hold onto to get in and out of my bathtub. And going up and down my stairs, they put another rail on the wall where I would be able to hold onto."



"It is a remarkable service for a senior citizen to be encouraged, to be helped, to be supported that way," Ashby said.



It also turns out to be a cost-effective investment. For every dollar spent on Capable, nearly $10 in combined savings accrues to Medicare and Medicaid, largely because of hospitalizations and nursing home placements that are prevented, research by Szanton and others has shown. (Many Capable participants are eligible for both government health insurance programs because of their low incomes.) The average program cost per person is $2,825, far below the average $7,441 monthly cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home in 2018.



With a new grant of nearly $3 million from the Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation, Szanton is turning her attention to expanding Capable across the country. Currently, the program is available at 26 locations in 12 states, and Medicaid programs in Massachusetts and Michigan have adopted a version of it for some members. A major challenge is securing funding, since public and private insurers don't typically pay for these kinds of services. So far, foundation and grant funding has been a major source of support.



Szanton hopes to persuade Medicare Advantage plans, which cover about 19 million Medicare recipients and can now offer an array of nonmedical benefits to members, to adopt Capable. Also, Johns Hopkins and Stanford Medicine have submitted a proposal to have Medicare offer the program as a bundled package of services. Accountable care organizations  groups of hospitals and physicians that assume financial risk for the health of their patients  are also interested, given the potential benefits and cost savings.



Another priority will be looking at how to extend Capable's impact over time. Since benefits diminished over 12 months the clinical trial, additional program elements phone calls, extra visits and follow-up assessments will probably be needed, said Dr. Kenneth Covinsky, a professor of geriatrics at the University of California, San Francisco and co-author of an editorial on Capable that accompanied the study.



He's bullish on Capable's prospects. "As clinicians, when we see older patients with conditions we can't reverse," Covinsky said. "We need to understand we haven't run out of things we can do. Referring patients to a program like Capable is something that could make a big difference."Yet even with access to sex therapists, sex counselors and treatments, Lukaart said, she still felt frustrated with the relative lack of data regarding hormone use for someone like her with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer - which about 80 percent of all breast cancer patients have, according to the National Cancer Institute. This type of the disease causes cancer cells to grow in response to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Hormone treatments that are standard for dryness usually cannot be used after this time of cancer. And over-the-counter remedies didn't seem to help Lukaart.Each year we celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding teachers who go above and beyond the requirements of the Holocaust education mandate and are truly making a difference in the lives of their students, in their schools and in the world, said Linda Medvin, director of the CHHRE. "We know that education is the best hope against hatred and all proceeds are dedicated to continue our mission to keep the hope alive.He also said that it will not be based on the 2002 Saudi initiative. I think it was a great initiative, in 2002 when it was done, but it hasnt produced peace, so if that was the framework under which something would be accomplished then I think that would have been accomplished a long time ago, and then I wouldnt be doing the duty Im doing right now to try to bring the people together, he reportedly said.Many people in the Labour Party simply think it is against nature that you can be an anti-Semite on the left. They see it as an aberration because to be left-wing is to be anti-racist and can be found only on the right. This is simply not true, she claimed.A: AIPAC, I went to their Policy Conference in the spring. It wasnt an indoctrination or brainwashing. Neither was Caravan for Democracy. It was an offering of different ideasan offering of a perspective and offering of different viewpoints that I was able to take and decide for myself based on my upbringing and my experiences. It aligned with what I thought. It aligned with my view of the world. I was able to get good at articulating certain points. Not at the expense of putting down other points, but by raising my own. If you have to beat someone down to bring yourself up, youre not doing a good job. I didnt have to beat down pro-Palestinian perspectives. I could simply state my perspective and, with a good and well-intentioned heart, listen to another perspective and say, Oh, well, honestly I never thought of it that way. OK, well lets keep this going. And its turned into some meaningful friendships and, like at GW, turned into the resolution failing by one vote.Sander Gerber, CEO of Hudson Bay Capital Management who has been raising awareness about the Palestinian Authoritys pay to slay policy for a number of years now, told JNS that as the P.A. struggles with the moral dilemma to pay a prisoner who is both a killer and a rapist, it is an achievement that the State of Israel has the clarity to implement a law passed eight months ago to reduce money transfers equivalent to the amount the P.A. pays prisoners. We can only hope that the martyr program will not be overlooked by the government.You would never see anything like these posters that express an anti-Palestinian nature on campus, mostly because I think that the Jewish students on campus are more open to dialogue, continued Billig. I am pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian. As are many of the Jewish students I know on campus. But that doesnt seem to be the case for many of the students who get involved with the debate due to their ties to the Palestinian narrative, for whichever reason that may be.Strategically, however, the significance of an American exit is greater, he argued. An American presence on Syrian soil leaves Syria as an open issue without final stabilization. One cannot say that the war in Syria is over and that we have moved to the end stage when the American military is [still] in possession of Syrian territoryregardless of the size of the force or the size of the territory it holds. This is an important strategic bargaining chip when dealing with Russia and Iran, said Tira.During that spate of warnings, one Detroit TV news reporter literally threw up her hands and shook her head as she lamented, "You know, parents have enough to worry about when it comes to trying to keep their kids safe and now? They have to add this!"I didnt see this coming. Not after I shuddered when I first looked at the mishmash menu. And not after allowing Good Spirits to slip from my radar since it opened a year ago. The restaurant has its address in its clunky name, but it is hidden from Federal Highway, blocked by another building and actually one short block east of Federal on North Fifth Street. I had not seen it while driving and had not heard anything about it until my dermatologist told me to go. I trusted him with my basal cells; turns out he knows seared scallops, too.To say now that the humanitarian aid sent by the U.S. is contaminated is an old communist tactic that people do not believe in, "said the artist from Miami. "Humanitarian aid is going to enter Venezuela, whether the government wants it or not.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.How do you feel about the new Major League Baseball rules?

The game has changed over the years.Hopefully these changes will speed it up. (67%, 6 Votes)

A runner on second in extra innings? 7-inning double headers? When does football start? (22%, 2 Votes)

Is baseball the one where you hit touchdowns? (11%, 1 Votes) Total Voters: 9MADISON [emdash] Patricia A. Scheibelhoffer (Novak) passed peacefully from this life into God's arms on Thursday, June 24, 2021. She was a graduate of Rock Creek High School and worked for many years in banking. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adam and Ann Novak and her husband ThoStuart Watson joins the Argo Tractors team handling sales and distribution of Landini and McCormick products in the UK and Ireland has been appointed to focus on parts supply to agricultural machinery dealers.

Stuarts territory takes in Ireland, Scotland and the north of England, enabling National Parts Sales Manager Tony Burgess to focus on Wales and the rest of England.

Adrian Winnett, UK and Ireland managing director for Argo Tractors welcomed Stuarts appointment:

His career specialising in the parts side of the agricultural machinery business gives us a very experienced manager for this territory.

Having taken on the distribution of Landini and McCormick tractors in Ireland, we wanted to increase our ability to support our franchised dealers regarding service parts, accessories, lubricants and the other items they sell. With Stuarts appointment we can now do that while also increasing the attention we can give our dealer parts departments throughout the UK.

As one of Europes largest agricultural tractor manufacturers, Argo Tractors maintains a substantial stock at its international parts distribution warehouse in Italy, which is backed-up by a near 3 million parts supply held locally at UK and Ireland headquarters in Harworth near Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Landini and McCormick dealers also hold stock of the service and other parts most frequently needed by customers, with next-day delivery available to dealer premises when parts are needed urgently.

Stuart Watson said:

Argo Tractors has an excellent online parts finding system that our dealers use to quickly locate the correct items for particular tractor models, and we back that up with our parts technical support staff at Harworth.

In addition to genuine Argo Parts products and the Argo lubricants formulated for the companys tractors, many of our dealers also stock a range of parts and accessories for other tractor makes from our partner Granit, as well as merchandise such as work and leisure clothing.

Having worked for specialist parts businesses  including Granit  for much of his career, Stuart liked the idea of working for a tractor manufacturer when the new post became available and was impressed with the scale of the Argo operation during an introductory visit to the group factories in northern Italy.

The research and development that goes into everything, the scale of the highly integrated production facilities and the formidable parts operation made me appreciate the scale of the business, he says. Im very pleased to be part of the growing team helping to put the Landini and McCormick product names more firmly on the map.

While farming and agricultural machinery clearly hold a keen interest  he was brought up close to where his Grandfather farmed  his passion beyond work is photography and motorcycle road racing, an interest that lead to his accreditation as a press photographer at the famous Isle of Man TT races and closer to home at Olivers Mount near Scarborough.

Stuart is married, has a daughter and lives near Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire.

Joining a major tractor manufacturer as it prepared to stage its most ambitious presence at the LAMMA show this year proved a challenging baptism of fire for Argo Tractors new recruit Rachael Groves.

Her appointment in the new role of Marketing Coordinator meant organising every aspect of the show stand from working on the build schedule and ensuring the social media technology was up and running to staging two dealer meetings during the event.The event saw an 18% increase in its visitor figures, hosted 290 exhibitors, two diverse speaker hubs and a brand new skills studio  the one-stop-shop for students and new entrants to the industry.

Dairy-Tech was designed to showcase everything new and the event model has proved this is exactly what it does through the quality of its visitors says national agricultural strategy director, Oliver McEntyre, from principal sponsor Barclays.

The event is geared towards all dairy farmers who are looking for the latest innovations to carry their business and the industry forward.

RABDF managing director Matt Knight said the event had surpassed everyones expectations by establishing its place in the industry in such a short time.

Over 80% of visitors held buying power for their company which we believe is the result of creating a paid entry event with a unique offering. 76% also claimed to have visited because of the new products on offer, another statistic testament to the focus of Dairy-Tech.

It was standing space only on the dairy and innovation hubs where crowds looked to learn more about critical industry issues and future innovation and ideas from a diverse programme of specialist and global speakers.

As part of its jam-packed schedule the innovation hub saw The Small Robot Company explain how their robots could help farmers move away from the need to invest in expensive kit whilst Solveiga Pakstaite, founder of Mimica Touch, presented the companys new revolutionary labels  designed to spoil at the same rate as the food product (milk)  helping combat some of the food waste problem in the UK. Whilst other sessions on this hub focused on revolutionary advances and pioneering concepts the dairy hub was tackling the current issues affecting dairy farms; contracts, can we deliver the Clean Air Strategy and staff development were amongst these, whilst World Wide Sires Dr Scott Abbott discussed whether voluntary wait periods in the UK are too short.The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2018 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy StatementPentagon chief in spotlight over Trump's Syria plans



Washington, Feb 20 (AFP) Feb 20, 2019



The fate of Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan was thrown into the spotlight Wednesday following media reports of a fraught discussion he had with senior US lawmakers over Syria.

The exchange took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference last weekend, where politicians grilled Shanahan on President Donald Trump's contentious decision to withdraw US forces from Syria.

Many in Trump's own Republican Party have questioned the wisdom of the move, which the president announced in December after declaring victory over the Islamic State group in Syria -- where thousands of jihadists remain and fighting continues around their last holdout.

According to The Washington Post, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the leader of a delegation of lawmakers who had gone to Munich, asked Shanahan if he had told European allies that the US troop presence would be zero by April 30.

"Yes, that's been our direction," Shanahan reportedly said.

"That's the dumbest fucking idea I've ever heard," Graham told the Post he had responded.

Shanahan had been trying to convince allies to maintain a troop presence in Syria after the US pulls out, but struggled to persuade other countries why they should risk their forces with America gone.

Conservative news outlet Breitbart, which had been traveling with Graham in Europe, gave a similar account of the exchange.

A US official told AFP that Graham's outrage was aimed more at Trump's withdrawal plans than it was at Shanahan himself.

Graham reportedly described a number of possible outcomes for a precipitous US withdrawal, including a Turkish attack on US-backed Kurdish forces and a resurgence of IS.

"If the policy is going to be that we are leaving by April 30, I am now your adversary, not your friend," Graham reportedly told Shanahan.

Shanahan would need Senate confirmation if he is to lose his "acting" prefix.

The former Boeing executive was previously deputy Pentagon chief until his predecessor Jim Mattis quit amid Trump's Syria decision and other disagreements.

Shanahan took the Pentagon helm January 1 but has so far not been nominated to become permanent defense secretary, and several other names have been floated in Washington circles as potential candidates.

Shanahan's spokesman Joe Buccino said the closed-door meeting between his boss and the US politicians was broadly "a positive, productive discussion on a wide range of global topics."

Shanahan's trip to Europe, which marked his international debut as Pentagon chief, saw him also visit Afghanistan, where Trump wants to slash the US troop presence.

wat/ft

BOEINGIsrael says strikes Hamas post over arson balloons from Gaza



Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, Feb 20 (AFP) Feb 20, 2019



Israel's army said it carried out air strikes Wednesday against a Hamas post in the Gaza Strip after balloons carried an incendiary device over the border into Israeli territory.

"During the day, arson balloons were identified as having been launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," the army said in a statement.

"In response, an IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) aircraft targeted a Hamas military post in the southern Gaza Strip," it added.

A Palestinian security source in the Hamas-ruled coastal enclave said an Israeli aircraft fired three projectiles at an observation post and farmland east of the Bureij refugee camp in Gaza, causing damage but no casualties.

The Israeli strike is the first on Gaza since January.

Israel and the Islamist movement Hamas have fought three devastating wars since 2008.

Tensions have risen again since March as Palestinians have gathered along the border with Israel for often violent protests, calling for an end to the blockade.

At least 250 Palestinians have since been killed by Israeli fire, the majority shot during clashes, though others have been hit by tank fire or air strikes.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period.Ongoing Nazi pension payments cause uproar in Belgium



Brussels, Feb 20 (AFP) Feb 20, 2019



Belgian lawmakers have demanded a halt to German pension payments that a handful of residents still receive for their collaboration with the World War II Nazi occupation.

The national government must "demand that the German federal government end the pension scheme for these Belgians," lawmakers said, in a legislative text adopted on Tuesday.

Paying pensions for "collaboration in one of the most murderous regimes in history is in contradiction with collective remembrance" and against the values of the European Union, they said.

The pensions are sent monthly to residents of Belgium who volunteered to fight alongside the German army, as well as those forcibly recruited in the annexed territories of eastern Belgium, historian Christoph Brull of the University of Luxembourg told AFP.

The pensions are paid under a 1951 German law, which allows World War II war victims to receive a pension, he said.

The German Labour ministry told AFP that "in February 2019, a total of 18 people in Belgium were still receiving these benefits, which are paid out by the North Rhine-Westphalia regional government".

The ministry insisted none of the current beneficiaries in Belgium "are former members of the Waffen-SS", the Nazi force held responsible for some of the Third Reich's worst atrocities.

"They may be Belgian nationals or, for example, German nationals who have settled in Belgium," the ministry said.

According to the historian Brull, only people with disabilities who have not been convicted of war crimes can today benefit, but "there is a grey area", he added.

"The disability criteria are quite open and the certainty of who did what (in the war) remains unclear," he added.

World War II remembrance group "Memoire-Herinnering", which has raised awareness of the scheme, says some beneficiaries even received full salaries several years after the end of the war.

"Germany considered that it should ensure the commitments of the Third Reich and resumed payments," said the association's Alvin De Coninck, who has been working on the subject for seven years.

Lawmakers insisted that the Belgian government request from Germany "all information needed" to clear up the matter and launch an investigation.Germany firm on Saudi arms ban despite British warning



Berlin, Feb 20 (AFP) Feb 20, 2019



Germany said Wednesday it would hold firm on its decision to halt weapons exports to Saudi Arabia, shrugging off British warnings that the embargo could hurt European credibility and efforts to bring peace in Yemen.

"The stance of the government is that we won't deliver weapons to Saudi Arabia at the moment," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said after talks with his British counterpart about the decision taken in October over the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Any future decision would be "dependant on developments in the Yemen conflict and whether what was agreed in the Stockholm peace talks are implemented," added Maas referring to the Saudi-led war against Iran-backed rebels.

Earlier Wednesday, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he would raise the issue with Maas, after Spiegel Online reported that the British minister had written to his German counterpart to complain about the arms embargo.

Their differences were laid bare at a news conference following the talks.

"In reality, because the UK has a strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia, we'd been able to play a very important part in making the Stockholm talks happen," said Hunt.

"And we don't believe that changing our commercial relationship with Saudi Arabia will help that, in fact we worry that it would do the opposite -- it would reduce our influence on that process."

In London, Britain's foreign ministry confirmed a letter from Hunt to Maas but did not give details because it was "private".

Citing the letter, Spiegel reported that London had urged Berlin to exempt major European defence projects like Eurofighter or Tornados jets from the weapons embargo.

Both the Eurofighter and Tornado jets contain German components. An export ban has therefore had a domino effect on other European companies involved in building the aircraft.

Hunt had warned in his letter that Riyadh is already seeking compensation from Britain's BAE Systems over the German ban, Spiegel said.

Germany's decision to freeze arms exports has also met with opposition from other European powers, including France, where President Emmanuel Macron had labelled it "pure demagoguery".

hmn/fz/harProbe opened into whipping of woman in Chad



N'Djamena, Feb 20 (AFP) Feb 20, 2019



A probe has been opened in Chad after a video was distributed on social media of a woman being whipped by two men who appear to be soldiers, the country's justice minister said Wednesday.

"The perpetrators of these acts have been apprehended and will be brought before justice without delay to answer for their actions," minister Djimet Arabi told AFP.

The video, shot in the vicinity of Lake Chad, shows a women on the ground being whipped by two men in military garb.

The women told a local human rights organisation that one of the men was an army major whose advances she had rebuffed.

AFP could not reach the two men implicated.

"The act is so despicable that we have decided to help the victim in her bid for justice," said Mahamat Nour Ahmed Ibedou, secretary general of the CTDDH human rights defenders group.

Many cases of violence against women in Chad "go unnoticed," he added.

In Chad, 78 percent of women are illiterate, compared to 50 percent of men, and more than two-thirds marry before the age of 18, often entering into coercive -- and illegal -- unions.NATO condemns 'unacceptable' Putin missile threats



Brussels, Feb 20 (AFP) Feb 20, 2019



NATO on Wednesday condemned as "unacceptable" threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin to deploy new missiles against Western capitals, as a key Cold War arms control treaty crumbles.

The Russian leader struck a combative note in a state of the nation address, warning Washington against deploying new missiles in Europe after the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, saying Moscow would install its own weapons targeting "decision making centres".

"Russian statements threatening to target Allies are unacceptable. We call on Russia to focus on returning to compliance with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty," NATO deputy spokesman Piers Cazalet said in a statement.

"NATO is a defensive alliance, which stands ready to defend all members against any threat. We do not want a new arms race, and allies have repeatedly called on Russia to verifiably destroy its intermediate-range missiles."

The US announced earlier this month it was withdrawing from the INF treaty saying Russia had been in breach of the agreement for several years by deploying a new missile system. Russia, which insists the system complies with the INF, said it would pull out too.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has said several times in recent weeks that the alliance would not deploy any new land-based nuclear weapons in response to the Russian missiles.Former Chinese military chief of staff jailed for life over graft



Beijing, Feb 20 (AFP) Feb 20, 2019



A former chief of staff of China's military was sentenced to life in prison, state media said Wednesday, after he was swept up in President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-graft crackdown.

Appointed to the People's Liberation Army's top post in 2012, Fang Fenghui was convicted of accepting and offering bribes, and having an unclear source of a huge amount of assets, official news agency Xinhua reported.

A military court sentenced Fang to life in prison, stripped him of political rights for life, and ordered the confiscation of all his personal assets, Xinhua said.

Fang was abruptly replaced in August 2017 amid a stand-off with India over a territorial dispute, and just days after he had met the US top brass to discuss North Korea.

The general was transferred to the military prosecution authority on suspicion of bribery in January of last year, state media reported at the time.

Fang was one of two senior generals who did not appear on a list of delegates to the Communist Party's twice-a-decade congress in October 2017, sparking speculation he had run afoul of Xi's anti-corruption campaign.

The other, Zhang Yang, committed suicide in Beijing later that year after being investigated over connections to two graft-tainted former senior military officers.

Xi has pledged to continue the anti-corruption crackdown, which since 2012 has brought down 1.5 million party officials at various levels -- including top military leaders.

Corruption has long been an intractable problem for the country, but many experts argue that the campaign has the hallmarks of a political purge as the Chinese president consolidates his power.

Xi has sought to enhance his control over China's two-million-strong military, the world's largest, reshuffling its leadership and vowing to make it "world-class" by 2050.

The military was ordered to pledge to be "absolutely loyal, honest and reliable to Xi" in new guidelines released by the Central Military Commission in 2017.

All of Fang's recovered assets will be turned over to the state treasury, Xinhua said.British FM Hunt to raise Saudi arms ban in Berlin talks



Berlin, Feb 20 (AFP) Feb 20, 2019



Britain's foreign minister confirmed Wednesday he would raise the question of weapons exports to Saudi Arabia with his German counterpart after a report said London has written Berlin to complain about its arms embargo.

In London, Britain's foreign ministry confirmed a letter had been sent but did not give details because it was "private".

Hunt, taking questions at a forum in Berlin, did not deny the contents of the Spiegel Online report.

Rather, he said that in talks with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, he would underline the importance of a "strategic relationship" with Riyadh, including in efforts to reach peace in Yemen.

Citing the letter written by Hunt and addressed to Maas, Spiegel reported that London had urged Berlin to exempt major European defence projects like Eurofighter or Tornados jets from the weapons embargo.

Germany might otherwise suffer a loss of confidence, said the report.

Berlin halted arms exports to Saudi Arabia in October over the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Both the Eurofighter and Tornado jets contain German components. An export ban has therefore had a domino effect on other European companies involved in building the aircraft.

Hunt had warned in his letter that Riyadh is already seeking compensation from Britain's BAE Systems over the German ban, Spiegel said.

Confirming implicitly that the issue will come up in talks later Wednesday with Germany's foreign minister, Hunt said: "When I talk to Heiko Maas, what I'd say is that the strategic relationship that Britain has with Saudi Arabia is what allows us to have a huge influence in bringing about peace in Yemen.

"In fact I'd go as far as to say that without that strategic relationship it wouldn't have been possible to proceed with the Stockholm agreement," he added, referring to a deal done in the Swedish capital for a ceasefire in Yemen.

"So Britain and Germany have the same objectives but we need to be able to continue that strategic relationship in order to make sure there is a European voice on the table doing everything we can to press for peace."

Germany's decision to freeze arms exports has also met with opposition from other European powers, including France, where President Emmanuel Macron had labelled it "pure demagoguery".

hmn/fz/waiTrump signs 'Space Force' directive



Washington, Feb 19 (AFP) Feb 19, 2019



President Donald Trump signed an order Tuesday outlining his vision for a new "Space Force" that could one day become a separate military branch on an equal footing to the Army and Navy.

Trump wants to create a space force to protect satellites, tackle vulnerabilities in space and assert US dominance in orbit.

"We have to be prepared," Trump told reporters after signing the directive.

"My administration has made the creation of a space force a national security issue."

Space Force would be the sixth branch of the military alongside the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard.

The order calls for Congress to draft legislation that would establish Space Force as a branch that falls under the Air Force, similar to how the Navy oversees the Marine Corps.

Defense Department spokesman Charlie Summers said the Pentagon would submit its legislative proposal within the coming weeks.

With the new directive, "Trump is posturing the United States to compete, deter, and win in a complex multi-domain environment characterized by great power competition," Summers said in a statement.

The Air Force said a space force would work "to ensure unfettered access to, and freedom to operate in space, and to provide vital capabilities to joint and coalition forces."

But the creation of Space Force is by no means a done deal, as it must be vetted and approved by Congress.

Lawmakers and defense officials have reacted with skepticism, wary of the cost and added bureaucracy.

Space plays a vital role in just about every aspect of modern warfare, with many military technologies reliant on a network of orbiting sensors and satellites, and the Pentagon has warned that countries such as Russia and China are working to build anti-satellite capabilities.Swedish teen leaves adults trailing with global school strikes for climate



Paris, Feb 20 (AFP) Feb 20, 2019



"Strike for climate". With that simple plea, 16-year-old Swede Greta Thunberg has inspired children worldwide to boycott classes under the anxious gaze of adults who don't quite know how to react.

Every Friday since August, Greta, as she is known to all, has staked out a spot in front of parliament in Stockholm, demanding that her government step up the fight against climate change.

In the last six months, tens of thousands of high school students -- in Sydney, Brussels, Berlin, The Hague, London and other cities -- have followed suit. Some have marched in the streets bearing banners: "Save Our Future," "Act Now!", "Climate Change is Real".

"Our house is on fire," the charismatic teen told the global ruling class gathered last month in Davos, Switzerland.

"I don't want you to be hopeful, I want you to panic," she said with icy calm. "And then I want you to act."

"Her words penetrated people's hearts because they were spoken with such integrity," said Karen O'Brien, a professor of sociology at the University of Oslo working on climate change issues.



- 'Fire waiting to burn' -



"Sometimes it takes one person with courage to spark a fire that is just waiting to burn," she told AFP. "Thunberg articulated very clearly and courageously what the problem is and what needs to be done about it.

"Children have been listening, watching, and waiting -- they expected more from us and we have failed," O'Brien added, noting that they will likely be the first generation to feel the full impact of global warming.

An international protest movement led by young teens is "without precedent," said Sylvain Wagnon, history of education specialist at the University of Montpellier, in southern France.

"Their youth and in-your-face attitude are unsettling to adults, some of whom clearly are tempted to say 'you are just children, time to go home now'," he told AFP.

Upon learning that the education minister of New South Wales in Australia, Rob Stokes, had threatened to punish students and teachers for missing classes, Greta delivered a stinging riposte by Twitter.

"OK. We hear you. And we don't care," she wrote. "Your statement belongs in a museum."

Greta, who was to be in Brussels on Thursday and Paris on Friday, has called for a large-scale classroom strike on March 15.

There was pushback in Germany as well, where upward of 15,000 students have boycotted school during the last few Fridays in dozens of cities.

And during the first large-scale action in Britain last week, Prime Minister Theresa May's office complained that thousands of students walking out of class "increases teachers' work loads and wastes lesson time".

Once again, Greta fired back.

"British PM says that the children on school strike are 'wasting lesson time'," she tweeted. "That may well be the case. But then again, political leaders have wasted 30 years of inaction. And that is slightly worse."

- 'Follow their lead' -



In a video clip linked to her Twitter account, she added: "Some people thing we should be in school instead. But why should we be studying for a future that soon will be no more and when no one is doing anything whatsoever to save that future?"

"We are going to keep striking until our voices are heard and acted upon!", said 13-year-old Holly Gilligrand, one of the faces of the movement in Scotland.

Greta's army of schoolchildren has received ringing endorsement from many mainstream environmental NGOs and scientists, who have struggled for years to get the same messages across to a wider public.

"This is something new, something good -- I am absolutely convinced that we need a strong citizen-based movement," said Wolfgang Cramer, director of the Mediterranean Institute for Biodiversity and Ecology in Aix-en-Provence and a lead author on Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change reports.

On Facebook, Cramer came to Greta's defence against social network trolls mocking the young Swede's Asperger's or suggesting that she had been manipulated by her adult entourage.

"It's shocking that some people believe that we can get rid of this kind of movement simply by making fun of its standard bearers," he said by phone.

Climate activists hope the movement will pressure governments, whose national voluntary carbon-cutting commitments do not come close to meeting the Paris climate treaty target of capping global warming at two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.

"I think it's remarkably hopeful -- but that hope depends on everyone else following the lead of these young people," Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org told AFP by email.

"It's not enough to stand back in admiration, because young people don't have the formal power to make change happen. It's up to the rest of us to back them up, and fast."

abd-mh/bpABC/Image Group LA

Tuesday at the Corsair Distillery in Nashville, Luke Combs celebrated his fourth #1 hit in a row, "She Got the Best of Me."

Talking with a group of journalists before the party, the North Carolina native agreed that one of the reasons for his success is that he has a lot in common with his fans. In fact, Luke says he's changed very little since "Hurricane" became his first #1 in 2017.

"Somebody showed up at my house yesterday for an interview or something like that," he explained, "and I was out cleaning the cat litter thing out. And they were just floored, like 'Oh, my husband doesn't even do any chores!'"

"I don't know, like I really just am the same, I've just got nicer boots now," Luke continues. "No, it really is, like I'm just the same as I was in college, people just recognize me at the grocery store now. That's really the only difference."

Luke's currently in the middle of his sold-out Beer Never Broke My Heart headlining tour. Given the intense demand for tickets, it seems likely might extend the trek.

"Yeah, I would obviously love to," he says candidly. "I think it just depends on, you know, how fat and tired I am by the end of the summer," he adds with a laugh. "That's probably kinda it, you know?"

Luke's latest single, "Beautiful Crazy," currently sits at #2, and will likely become his fifth chart-topper.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson  Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)South Asian Fashion Week (SAFW) returns for its second year of runway shows from March 1 to 3, 2019 at the Plaza of Nations (750 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver).

The three-day fashion event will fire up the runway on Friday, March 1 with an evening gala featuring Indian luxury fashion brand Falguni Shane Peacock.

Tickets are now available at www.safw.ca

Priyanka Chopra, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyonce, and many Bollywood celebrities have worn couture pieces by Falguni Shane Peacock, says co-founder Cindy Khella. At SAFW, our goal is to showcase the versatility of South Asian fashion. We invited the design duo behind Falguni Shane Peacock to open the runway show because of their seamless ability to blend Western cuts with Indian embellishments. Were honoured to host the brands first runway show in Canada.

Runway shows on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3, will feature opulent creations by local South Asian designers and brands, as well as Pakistani designer Deepak Perwani. Guests can also enjoy the SAFW Showroom, featuring curated local, independent clothing, jewelry and beauty brands that will be available for purchase on site.

New for guests to explore this year is the Art Gallery Lounge, which will feature a collaborative art exhibit of canvas art, painted fashion and poetry curated by artists Dont Doze. Guests can also experience the taste of South Asian cuisine from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and more at the SAFW Cafe. For a lucky few who managed to secure premium tickets, SAFW offers a VIP Lounge that will serve exquisitely crafted cocktails between runway shows.

Visible representation matters and clothes are one of the best ways to showcase a touch of culture. We feel so proud when we see South Asian clothing on people from various cultural backgrounds, explains co-founder Farah Hasan. By celebrating South Asian fashion on the runway, we hope that our non-South Asian friends will feel inspired to add South Asian pieces to their wardrobes from local designers and boutiques.

South Asian Fashion Week (SAFW) celebrates the talent, art, and craftsmanship of South Asian fashion designers on the runway. Produced by Cindy Khella, Farah Hasan, and Hartej Dhanda, the event is a creative platform that inspires and defines upcoming South Asian fashion trends in contemporary womenswear, menswear and accessories.

Instagram: @SouthAsianFashionWeek | Hashtag: #SAFWstyle

Participating Designers

 Falguni Shane Peacock (India)

 Deepak Perwani (Pakistan)

 Armaan DBG

 Bombay Couture

 City Lux

 Dont Doze MIL

 Heran Design

 House of Raina

 In Vogue Fashion Haus

 Lux Collection

 Market Clothing

 Maynn Men

 Mehnaz Fine Jewels

 Wellgroomed

 Sim & SaaraBy Mata Press Service

The electoral race to represent Burnaby South, which has been wracked by ethnic politics and divisive sexual orientation issues got a little murkier this week with a legal challenge as to who owns the name one federal party running in the by-election  The Peoples Party of Canada.

Abbotsford businessman and social activist Satinder Dhillon has filed a series of legal actions in the Federal Court of Canada to take back the name Peoples Party of Canada, to which he owns the copyright.

Maxime Bernier, who lost his bid for the Conservative Party of Canada leadership, is currently registered as the leader of the Peoples Party of Canada federal political party, which is fielding a candidate in this weeks Burnaby South by-election.

Dhillon, along with his partys Chief Agent Emmet Pierce of Vancouver has filed for a judicial review of Elections Canadas decision to give Bernier the name.

They have also filed a copyright and trademark lawsuit against Bernier and his party and are seeking an injunction to stop Berniers party from using the Peoples Party of Canada moniker to further its political agenda.

The by-election underway in Burnaby is the first time the other party using our name has put forward a candidate, so it was critical we file for an injunction to show Mr. Bernier and anyone in his party that we are serious, said Dhillon.

So far, they have ignored the cease-and-desist letter sent last month by our Chief Agent, Mr. Pierce. We are asking the courts to stop them from improperly using a party name which rightfully belongs to us before further damage is done in this by-election or any election.

Dhillon said he first spoke in media about founding a party under that name in 2015 and registered the name a few weeks prior to Bernier.

We are having difficulty raising funds because people are getting the parties mixed up and people do not want to support our party if we are associated with Mr. Berniers party, he said.

If Mr. Bernier and his candidates were putting forward a platform I could live with I would have considered letting

them have the name, but their brand of divisive populism just doesnt line up with the values held by the people of Canada. I have to speak out, Dhillon said.

Berniers political party is perceived as a far-right movement that is advocating for reduced immigration, a sharp reduction in foreign aid, and decentralizing the federal government.

His candidate in the heavily Asian-dominated riding of Burnaby South is Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson, a former co-host of a Christian television program, and a staunch anti-SOGI advocate. SOGI stands for sexual orientation and gender identity and is part of British Columbias education curriculum. Thompson has spoken out against SOGI education, saying it teaches gender-fluid ideology to all children in British Columbia.

Tyler Thompsons platform includes lowering taxes, strengthening immigration policy and completing the Trans-Mountain pipeline project.

She said she would like to see Bill C-16 abolished  an amendment to the Canadian Human Rights Act that adds gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination and stop a federal motion condemning Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination, according to a CBC profile.

The riding of South Burnaby is almost 40 percent ethnic Chinese, 30 percent white, eight percent South Asian, six percent Filipino and three percent Korean.

Aside from Tyler Thompson, five other candidates, have thrown their hat into the ring to represent Burnaby South in the Feb 25 by-election.

The Liberal Party of Canada candidate is Richard Lee. He took the mantle over from candidate Karen Wang, who resigned after authoring a racially-charged post on social media.

Jagmeet Singh, is the New Democrat candidate. He is also the leader of the federal NDP and is leading in the polls. The by-election is considered a test of his leadership.

Jay Shin, is the Conservative candidate while two other candidates, Terry Grimwood and Valentine Wu are running as independents.

The by-election is also being viewed as a platform for the expansion of Berniers policies.

For Dhillon, this is at the core of his legal challenge, in addition to the process used by Elections Canada to grant the name to Bernier.

My vision for this party was that it would truly be for the people of Canada, a place for Canadians who support our core values of economic fairness, free speech, equal rights, justice for all and standing against racism and discrimination to cast a protest vote against the status quo, Dhillon said.

According to the court documents, Dhillon filed the party name with Elections Canada on September 25, 2018, weeks prior to Bernier. After filing a new federal political party name, Elections Canada requires at least 250 people to confirm their support in a paper form that can be returned by regular mail or in person.

Elections Canada told Dhillon those forms must be returned to their Quebec office. Many of Dhillons supporters live in British Columbia, and their forms were delayed by last years Canada Post strike and simultaneous provincial referendum underway in B.C.

Due to Berniers physical proximity to Elections Canadas offices in Quebec, he was able to file that paperwork faster and was hastily awarded the name despite Dhillon holding its copyright and a Class 38 trademark over the name and filing for it first.

In our view, Elections Canada erred by not taking into account delays caused by the Canada Post strike and Mr. Dhillons earlier initial filing and should have awarded the party name to Mr. Dhillon, said Dhillons lawyer Dean Davison

It is also significant that Mr. Berniers very public discussion of the party name during his application period concerned some of Mr. Dhillons supporters, who did not want to unintentionally sign up as a supporter of the other party. That further slowed Mr. Dhillons application and damaged his interests, Davison said.

Emmet Pierce is the chief agent for Dhillon and his party.

Currently we have over a thousand members in our party. The officers of the party and our members are demanding justice be served in this case and that we are allowed to use the name that is rightfully ours, he said.

Bernier's office did not respond for comment by Press Time. Updates will be posted on southasianpost.comSystem error

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An investigation out of Georgia has confirmed that the medical waste giant Stericycle is burning the bodies of aborted babies at its North Carolina incineration plant. The mounting evidence of the ongoing operation, which has been characterized as a modern-day Auschwitz, further documents the corporate collaboration in the systematic annihilation of unwanted children.

(Article by Heather Clark republished from ChristianNews.net)

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) recently investigated a report of concern that A Preferred Womens Health Center of Augusta could be improperly disposing of aborted babies as Stericycle is the only company picking up at the facility and it claims that does not dispose of aborted fetuses.

The facility is part of a chain encompassing four different locations, which are also in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as Atlanta, Georgia.

According to Steven Smith, a local Christian who seeks to reach mothers outside of the facility, Stericycle visits the abortion facility every six weeks for pickup.

However, in a 2017 letter to the pro-life group Created Equal, Stericycle CEO Charles Alutto claimed that the company doesnt accept aborted babies due to its waste acceptance policy, and that several years prior, the company also began requiring abortion facilities to submit a supplemental assurance that they have another licensed provider to dispose of the fetuses.

We have previously informed you and continue to maintain that Stericycle does not accept fetal remains, Alutto wrote, pointing to the companys waste acceptance policy.

Beyond our policy, for womens healthcare facilities that may provide certain procedures, we require supplemental assurances in writing that they have licensed providers for fetal remains, he stated. When customers are not willing to provide this certification, we do not provide services.

According to information posted on the EPD website, a representative with the agency drove to A Preferred Womens Health Center to find out if the abortion facility is following state law regarding fetus disposal. It was confirmed by facility manager Paula Clark and administrator Calla Hales that Stericycle is its sole medical waste transporter.

[Clark] stated that Stericycle does pick up all of their biomedical waste at one time about once a month, the investigator wrote.

Ms. Hales proceeded to give me the Stericycle customer weight report and the clinics waste disposal policy. Afterwards she showed me the new sharps storage, filled sharps storage, and the tissue storage. All of which are labeled biohazard. She also provided me the customer support number for Stericycle, she documented.

The investigator took a photograph of the exterior of the freezer where the aborted babies are stored until Stericycle arrives.

The disposal policy for the facility, which was uploaded with the investigation results, also reads, Lab-regulated medical waste is packed for transport and placed in a freezer used exclusively for medical waste. The regulated waste remains frozen until the time of regularly scheduled pick up and transport as directed by Stericycle.

The Stericycle weight report shows total waste pickup weighing 30.9, 38, 43 and 46 pounds on various pickup dates in 2018, with the latest pickup being on Jan. 24 and weighing at 27.4 pounds.

The investigator then contacted Stericycle for additional information. The office of Selin Hoboy, the vice president for regulatory affairs at Stericycles corporate office, submitted documentation to the EPD that showed that A Preferred Womens Health Centers waste is transported to North Carolina for incineration.

It was confirmed that all of the biomedical waste that is picked up from the clinic is taken to a site that is an incinerator and that the facility has an air permit through the state of North Carolina, the investigator wrote.

View the Georgia EPD investigative report in full here.

The incinerator referred to in the report is a plant located in Graham, North Carolina, which is referred to in documents as Haw River.

Campaign to Stop Stericycle (CSS), which has been investigating and compiling evidence since 2011 of Stericycles collection, transportation and incineration of aborted children and the instruments used to kill them, has repeatedly decried the companys incineration of aborted babies in North Carolina and its other locations nationwide. It compares the matter to the fires of Auschwitz during the days of the Holocaust and the allied collaboration in the mass annihilation of unwanted persons.

Babies who are being murdered in numerous states are continually shipped by Stericycle to the incineration chambers to be burned with other medical garbage. This vivid picture is eerily reminiscent of the Holocaust that took place in Nazi Germany when the bodies of gassed Jews were burned in ovens, said CSS Director Michael Marcavage. The abortion holocaust is being perpetuated around the world because of companies like Stericycle that provide the vital services to keep these modern-day death camps, called abortion clinics, open.

Stericycle must stop denying that it is disposing of aborted babies for financial gainas it is not even following its own waste acceptance policy. It is hard to believe that an international corporation that prides itself in the safe disposal of dangerous hazardous waste, and expects to be trusted in doing so, doesnt know that its own trucks are hauling away aborted babies for incineration in violation of its own stated policy, he added. It is time for the medical waste giant to stop lying to its investors, customers and those who raise concerns, and sever its ties to the abortion industry once and for all.

Marcavage noted that without the collaboration of companies like Stericycle, the abortion industry could not continue to operate and would collapse. Recalling the lack of outcry during the Jewish Holocaust, he urged Christians not to let history repeat itself by looking away or remaining silent in the face of evil.

In a day and age where there is so much indifference and apathy among religious professors toward the ongoing abortion holocaust, which has resulted in the deaths of millions upon millions of children, the biblical commands to love thy neighbor and to be a voice for the voiceless remain clear and unavoidable, he said. Christians must act now and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, as the Scriptures instruct, and they can start with a call to Stericycles CEO.Page Content

Minister of Telecommunications Stuart Johnson would like to congratulate the management, staff and producers/hosts of radio programs on World Radio Day 2019, today Wednesday the eighth edition since it was established.

Minister Johnson said that radio is a communication tool that informs and transforms and reaches the masses instantly.

The theme for World Radio Day 2019 is: Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace.

The day according to UNESCOmarks a time where people around the world celebrate radio and how it shapes our lives. Radio informs, transforms and unites us. It brings together people and communities from all backgrounds to foster positive dialogue for change. More specifically, radio is the perfect medium to counter the appeals for violence and the spread of conflict, especially in regions potentially more exposed to such realities.

The Sint Maarten community fully understand the power of radio. During quiet times, we are informed and kept aware of developments taking place around us.

During the time of natural disaster which we are very much aware of, radio played a key role in the dissemination of information here and abroad.

I take this opportunity to commend once again all those in the radio broadcast field for their commitment and dedication to the Sint Maarten community especially before, during and after the passing of a hurricane as was the case with Irma back in September 2017.

Radio continues to be the mode of freedom of expression during many radio-talk-programs, and of course with that comes respect and tolerance and overcoming differences that may exists.

Congratulations once again as we celebrate the importance of radio on this day February 13, Minister of Telecommunications Stuart Johnson said on Wednesday.

February 13 represents the day the United Nations (UN) Radio was founded in 1946 and is now placed under the sign of the World Day of the radio.

The eight edition raises awareness among the general public and the media about the value of radio or to encourage decision-makers to develop access to information through radio, according to the UN.

Page Content

Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson congratulates the management and staff of Princess Heights Hotel and Leisure Car Rental with respect to the hospitality awards that they have received from international tourism organizations.

Princess Heights Hotel was awarded with St. Maarten's Leading Hotel 2019 by World Travel Award! The award was presented at the Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2019 which was held in Jamaica at the end of January.

This is the 4th time the hotel has been awarded as St. Maarten's Leading Hotel. World Travel Awards are awarded based on the opinions of travel and tourism professionals as well as consumers worldwide.

Leisure Car Rental won two globally recognized awards from the World Travel Award organization related to its business operations on the island.

The two awards were: St. Maartens Leading Independent Car Rental Company; and St. Martins Leading Car Rental Company.

The recognition received by our hospitality sector service businesses, demonstrates the resilience of the staff in providing the best service they can provide with a Friendly Island smile.

That personal touch provided by the staff of Princess Heights Hotel and Leisure Car Rental is what our guests remember and at the end of the day reward those for the memorable experiences that they received while vacationing on the island. Keep up the good work, Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson said on Monday.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.



PHOTO: Minister Stuart Johnson.Page Content

The World Customs Organization (WCO) recently celebrated International Customs Day. WCO officially launched the theme of the year: SMART borders for seamless Trade, Travel and Transport.

The WCO says that we are living in a time when the number of passengers and the volume of freight crossing borders is expected to increase exponentially, and technology has transformed the economic landscape in which Customs is evolving, WCO Members were encouraged to look at how they can best ensure the swift and smooth cross-border movement of goods, people and means of transport.

Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever said on Monday that Customs perform a very important role in the Sint Maarten society where it concerns the protecting the borders of the country.

I echo the words of WCO Secretary General (SG) Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, who said that todays Customs are here to ensure a secure, measurable, automated, risk-management-based and technology-driven environment with a view to creating conditions conducive to securing trade, travel and transport across borders.

The messaged was also conveyed by the SG to promote the theme of SMART borders by sharing best practices amongst Customs administrations.

I can say that the Ministry of Justice has been proactive where seeking and sharing best practices in this area is concerned. We can look at the Kingdom cooperation between the countries (the Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao), the current direct assistance from the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security and the cooperation that exist with our partners from French St. Martin.

We will continue these forms of cooperation, assistance and working together to promote secure borders, trade, travel and transport. The cooperation has been excellent, and we must continue to build on those successes by using SMART technologies similar to what Port St. Maarten will be introducing, the Port Community System, Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever said on Monday.

The WCO shared its views recently on how best to deal with some of the current challenges faced by international Customs administrations, such as the rapidly growing trade volumes generated by, for example, e-commerce, and ever-expanding air travel; WCO also conveyed the understanding of what was implied by this years theme of SMART borders.

This years theme also references the role Customs is playing in supporting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by creating transparent and predictable conditions for trade, and facilitating legitimate trade that will contribute to economic growth and job opportunities.

The WCO pointed out that the concept of SMART borders also highlights Customs role in supporting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

By creating a level playing field for all stakeholders through simplified, standardized and harmonized procedures, it ensures timely delivery of raw materials to industry, reduces unfair competition in local communities, and opens up opportunities for marginalized communities to access new markets.

It creates transparent and predictable conditions for trade and facilitates legitimate business that will in turn contribute to economic growth and job opportunities, the WCO said.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Minister of Justice Cornelius de WeeverPage Content

The Inspectorate of TEATT (Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications) are working with stakeholders to further enhance relations which is mutually beneficial to both parties concerned.

Management of the Inspectorate TEATT, representatives of Section LVV (Livestock, Agriculture & Fisheries) of the Inspectorate met with representatives of several Veterinary Clinics operating in the country, namely, the St. Maarten Veterinary Clinic, The Animal Hospital of St. Maarten, and the Animal Care Clinic.

It was decided during this meeting that the Inspectorate TEATT and the Veterinary Clinics will meet on a quarterly basis with the next meeting set for May 8.

A number of topics were discussed that are related to animal welfare and the protection of the country as well as emergency preparedness interventions for animals in the event of natural and man-made disasters, the latter which is based on Article 14 of the Organization Decree, Ministry of TEATT and is also a requirement of the Ministry of TEATTs Disaster Preparedness Plan.

Other issues that were discussed were licensing and registration of veterinarians; stray animals; microchipping of animals; guidelines for the importation of animals; disaster preparedness plan for veterinarians; and veterinarian disease surveillance reporting.

The meeting took place in the conference room of the Inspectorate at its offices on the Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, Point Blanche.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Inspectorate TEATT officials meeting with representatives of Veterinary Clinics.

The hot buzz in the industry is that director Venkat Prabhu will be joining hands with Thala Ajith again after. The actor is currently busy shooting for the Tamil remake of Hindi hitin Hyderabad. A section of media has reported that as Boney Kapoor and Zee Studios have signed a two-film deal with Ajith, they are hunting for a promising filmmaker to direct the 60th film with the actor.

Vinoth of heeran Adhigaaram Ondru fame is directing the Pink remake, reports are emerging out that Venkat Prabhu who made Mankatha with Ajith will direct the actors 60th film. However, sources close to Ajith have denied the reports saying that they havent even decided about the second film yet. As of now, they are only working hard to provide the best for the Pink remake.actress Banita Sandhu, who will be seen as the female lead in- the Tamil remake of Telugu film- is looking forward to return to a film set. She says she was waiting for the right project to come her way.

For a few days now, news reports of Britain-based actress Banita, who played Varun Dhawan's comatose soul-mate in Shoojit Sircar's October, replacing the orginal female lead, Meghna, a model from Kolkata, in Varmaa was doing the rounds.

Banita has confirmed she is indeed doing Varmaa. "Yes, I am doing Varmaa. And I am quite excited about it. After October, nothing really interesting was coming way. Until now," Banita said.

She looks forward to begin preparation to play the out-of-control alcoholic hero's quiet subdued love interest.

"I am waiting for the acting workshops to begin. The shooting date is yet to be finalised. But I am hoping it would begin in the next month or so."

She says she cannnot wait to start shooting.

"I was just waiting for the right film to come along after October. This (Varmaa) made perfect sense. I am super excited about getting back on a film set."

A shake-up in the cast and crew of Varmaa left the project with only the hero in place, Tamil cinema doyen Vikram's son Dhruv, whose launchpad Varmaa is meant to be.

However, the producers were so disappointed by what director Bala had achieved that they decided to scrap the entire film after it was complete, dismantle the entire cast and crew, except for Dhruv and remake the film from scratch.

Images: Banita Sandhu on Instagram



Text: IANSThe memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday between Hrishikesh Nair, CEO, Infopark Kochi, and Anil Reddy, Chairman, RBDC Pvt Ltd, in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his chamber here.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has signed an agreement with the leading hyper scale data platform RackBank Datacenters Private Limited (RBDC) to set up a Rs 1,000-crore Data Park at the Infopark in Cherthala.

Vijayan said this is going to be a great boost for the information technology (IT) industry in Kerala as there is a need to have world class data centre facilities to meet the growing demands.

"RBDC is proud to be investing in Kerala and in its endeavour to support modern technology and innovation," said Reddy.

State's High Power IT Committee Chairman and Infosys co-founder, S.D. Shibulal, is instrumental in bringing RBDC to the state with such a mega project, as part of the Global Connect organised in the US.

Founded in 2013, RBDC is a reputable data centre platform serving cloud, content and large enterprise customers across India, Europe and the US.TeamTalk expects annual earnings to be largely in line with last year after reporting an 11 percent decline in first-half profit as investments in its telecommunications network drove up operating costs.

Net profit shrank to $1.9 million in the six months ended Dec. 31 from $2.1 million a year earlier, with revenue largely flat at $17 million while operating costs were up 7 percent at $7.9 million.

Chief executive Andrew Miller said the result was in line with the telco minnow's plans, with $3.6 million of capital spending on the digital radio network indicative of a wider investment plan to upgrade TeamTalk's infrastructure. The company still expects annual profit of roughly $4.4 million in the year ending June 30, in line with the previous year.

"When we issued guidance for the current year, we highlighted that there would be an increase in operating costs associated with our investment in capability to complete the companys transformation and to position the business for future growth. The half-year result reflects exactly that," Miller said.

TeamTalk more than doubled its capital expenditure to $6.8 million in the June 2018 year as it rolls out a new digital radio network and upgrades its fixed-line network in Auckland and Wellington CBDs.

The company completed its exit from rural broadband service, Farmside, last year, selling the unit to Vodafone in two tranches after struggling to integrate the business.

TeamTalk lowered its net debt to $11.4 million as at Dec. 31 from $20.2 million a year earlier, having raised $8.2 million in a placement and rights issue last year.

That's the lowest net debt the company's had in more than a decade, and the board plans to restart dividend payments at the end of the current financial year.

Chair Roger Sowry said those investments will help produce greater shareholder returns in the medium- to long-term.

"We intend to maintain a dividend distribution of 50-70 percent of net profit after tax following the completion of our major capital projects," Sowry said.

TeamTalk is halfway through its digital radio rollout and on track to have it completed by June this year.

The Citylink fibre programme in Wellington is on schedule to be upgraded by June next year, which it wants to support the roll-out of 5G mobile technology.

Spark New Zealand is betting on 5G mobile technology shifting more broadband usage to wireless networks and off fixed-line connections.

Managing director Simon Moutter on Wednesday said a key plank supporting the economics of that investment is in leveraging off the government-sponsored ultrafast broadband network, which has made fibre accessible to almost all urban areas around the country.

TeamTalk's fibre network pre-dated the UFB build and Moutter said he sees 5G leveraging off fixed-line networks, including those offered by fibre companies such as Chorus, which provide backhaul to the mobile technology.

TeamTalk shares last traded at 79 cents, and have declined 11 percent over the past year.

(BusinessDesk)

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The government will step up efforts in Auckland to protect the country's $6 billion horticulture export industry after the discovery of a second male Queensland fruit fly on the North Shore.

The solitary male fly was collected from a fruit fly trap yesterday and is the second Queensland fruit fly found recently. The first was detected in a surveillance trap in Devonport on Feb.14. A single male Facialis fruit fly, a native of Tonga, was also recently detected in Otara. A large field operation is also underway in that area.

Ministry for Primary Industries director general Ray Smith says while there have now been two finds of the Queensland fruit fly, it does not mean New Zealand has an outbreak.

We are totally focused on finding out if there is an incursion of the Queensland fruit fly in these areas. At the moment, these are two single males found quite some distance apart, and theres no evidence of a breeding population," he said.

New Zealand is currently free of the fly, but if it gained a foothold it could have a devastating impact on the horticulture export industry, forecast to reach $6 billion in the year to June.

The flies spoil many crops, often rendering them inedible and New Zealand could also face trade restrictions. At risk are all citrus fruits, all stone fruit, pears, passionfruit, feijoa, grapes, guava, blackberry, boysenberry, cape gooseberry, custard apple, quince, persimmon, crab-apple, loquat, kumquat, pumpkin, olives, avocado, tomato, eggplant, and capsicum.

The insect can be difficult to catch at the border because it can arrive as eggs or tiny larvae concealed inside fruit.

Hundreds of fruit fly traps will be checked daily and monitoring of the greater Auckland region will be stepped up following the latest discovery, said Biosecurity Minister Damien OConnor.

I have asked Biosecurity New Zealand to check the hundreds of traps within the North Shore area of Auckland by the weekend instead of the internationally accepted practice of once a fortnight, then to expedite a check of all 2,000 Queensland fruit fly traps across Auckland," he said.

The government is committed to "tracking down and keeping New Zealand free of the harmful fruit fly, as weve done several times before including in 2015 when $16 million was spent to get rid of a breeding population of 14 flies and larvae," he said.

MPI's Smith said he has commissioned an independent assurance review of our air and cruise passenger pathways.

Biosecurity New Zealand deals with dynamic challenges. Changing trade and traveller patterns, climate change and emerging technologies mean we have to continually evolve our biosecurity system. Advice from the independent assurance review will be invaluable," he said.

(BusinessDesk)

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The government needs to keep its next radio spectrum auction on schedule if Spark New Zealand is to have a 5G network up and running by July 2020, the company says.

Managing director Simon Moutter says he would prefer Huawei Technologies to be in the mix as a partner for the next iteration of mobile technology, but that Spark's policy has always been to use multiple firms to minimise the risk of being hitched to one ride.

Spark wants to be a front-runner in rolling out 5G, which Moutter says enhances the prospect of wireless broadband grabbing market share from mixed networks. That ambition hit a stumbling block last year when the Government Communications Security Bureau rejected an application that included Huawei, citing national security concerns.

While Moutter's still a strong advocate for Huawei being in the mix, he downplayed its importance when quizzed by analysts at the telecommunications carrier's first-half earnings briefing yesterday.

"The Huawei decision by the GCSB is a setback in terms of removing a vendor who has terrific technology and is a very strong performer, but does not alter our plans or timeframes for our intended launch and participation in 5G," Moutter said.

Spark says it can build the first phase of the 5G network - which involves the dense roll-out of smaller cell-sites - within its budgeted capital spending of 11-12 percent of revenues, or roughly $410 million in the current financial year.

Moutter told analysts the company is already using its mobile capital expenditure budget to prepare for 5G through what he described as "densification work". It would like to switch all of that infrastructure spending to pure 5G work this calendar year.

"We simply await the auction of 5G spectrum. We'd like to be up and running by July 2020 at the absolute latest. The sooner the auction is completed, the sooner we come to market," he said.

Spark has been pushing the government for an auction, however, policymakers are cautious about how they allocate spectrum to iwi interests. Maori missed out on a special allocation in the 4G auction in 2013, instead receiving a $30 million development fund to help Maori benefit from new technology.

Communications Minister Kris Faafoi has previously said the government is working towards the timeframe his predecessor, Clare Curran, set for allocations in early 2020.

The New Zealand Maori Council yesterday urged for the process to be paused until it was apparent what role there would be for Maori and Maori organisations.

"The New Zealand Maori Council sees the building of a new 5G network as an opportunity to bridge the skills divide when it comes to the digital, information technology and telecommunications sector," executive director Matthew Tukaki said in a statement. "At the moment we have low rates of participation and we see this as a significant opportunity for growth.

"This is a gentle reminder to the government and to providers who want to bid for the 5G network that the Maori Council wont allow this to slip through to the keeper again."

Maori were granted the right to buy 3G spectrum at a discounted price in 2000, which effectively paved the way for Two Degrees Mobile to enter the local mobile market. The Hautaki Trust last year transferred its stake in the country's third-placed mobile carrier to the company's majority shareholder, Trilogy International, which bundled 2Degrees into a larger telecommunications group and listed that entity on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Huawei has partnered with 2degrees since 2005 and built its 4G network in 2013. Spark's Moutter told analysts the Chinese company's technology is embedded in the consumer market with widespread use of its handsets and fixed and wireless modems. Network operator Chorus also has heavy exposure to Huawei, he said.

Huawei's New Zealand arm generated about $150 million of revenue in calendar 2017, down from $180 million in 2016, according to its latest financial statements lodged with the Companies Office.

Spark uses Huawei for its radio access network - essentially the cell towers - but not its core network, which directs services over that infrastructure. Spark's core network was built by Cisco and Ericsson, with the telco keeping different vendors on its books for commercial reasons.

Moutter noted that the risk of having a single partner heightened during the past year and a half, and it "would have been foolish for us to not have been prepared."

Still, Spark would prefer Huawei to be a potential partner, and Moutter told BusinessDesk he's been a very public supporter of the Chinese company.

"We have nothing but good things to say about Huawei and have no evidence ever of them doing anything New Zealanders would regard as dodgy. They've been a terrific provider of technology and a great partner to work with."

(BusinessDesk)

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Kiwibank Banking Group lifted first-half net profit 47.6 percent as it achieved more than twice the growth in deposits and lending in the latest six months as it managed in the whole of the previous full year.

Net profit for the government-owned group rose to $62 million for the six months ended December from $42 million in the same six months a year earlier.

Kiwibank says its deposit book grew 9.2 percent, or by $1.2 billion, after growth of $200 million in the previous full year, while its mortgage book grew by 7.2 percent, or by $1 billion, double the previous full-year growth.

Kiwibank didnt provide any figures indicating the sizes of its deposit and mortgage books and, at the time of writing, it hadnt released its disclosure statement for the half year.

The press release refers to the unprecedented scrutiny around culture and conduct and quotes chief executive Steve Jurkovich as saying that Kiwibank has a strong culture and high expectations of its people to do the right thing by customers.

We know that trust is central to customer relationships. We are crystal clear that conduct and compliance is not a project, a one-off initiative, or a static standard that is reached  it is about continual improvement and an unwavering attention to great customer outcomes over time, Jurkovich says in the release.

The release says Kiwibanks capital position has remained strong and was accompanied by a graph suggesting its tier 1 equity was a little below 13 percent at Dec. 31, that its total tier 1 capital was a little over 14 percent and that tier 1 and tier 2 capital combined was something above 15 percent, but again Kiwibank hasnt provided actual levels.

At June 30 last year, Kiwibanks capital ratio stood at 15.8 percent.

The Reserve Bank is proposing to force the smaller banks to increase their tier 1 equity to 15 percent of risk-weighted assets, that quasi-equity will no longer count towards tier 1 capital  Kiwibank currently counts some quasi-equity as tier 1 capital.

The central bank is currently consulting on its proposed changes to capital rules and consultation is set to close on May 3 with a final decision expected in the September quarter. The Reserve Bank is proposing a five-year phase in period.

Kiwibank has signalled its approval of the changes the central bank is proposing to the capital rules affecting the big four Australian-owned banks.

They will have to raise their tier 1 equity capital to 16 percent of risk-weighted assets and, although they will be permitted to continue using their own internal models for calculating how much capital they need, the Reserve Bank has proposed a floor under any benefits they gain from that of 90 percent of the standard model that the smaller banks have to follow.

Accounting firm KPMG has estimated that the big four banks models collectively mean they only need to hold $76 for every $100 required under the standard model.

Jurkovichs predecessor, Paul Brock, had publicly lobbied for Kiwibank to be allowed to use internal models, complaining that Kiwibank was disadvantaged by the status quo.

The proposed new rules creates more of an even playing field in several areas, like how capital requirements are calculated, but it is not without implications, Jurkovich says.

We understand and support the Reserve Banks philosophy. It is in everyones interest to have a strong local banking system that is deeply invested in New Zealand and supports great customer outcomes, he says.

Kiwibanks capital levels are currently significantly above regulatory requirements but well need to continue to review this position over the transition period proposed.

The reason Kiwibanks capital is so high is that in March 2017 the Reserve Bank suddenly decided that Kiwibanks quasi-equity might no longer count as capital, even though it had previously approved the two issues, the $100 million in capital notes, issued in 2014, and $150 million in perpetual notes issued in 2015, as counting towards total equity.

Kiwibanks owners, New Zealand Post with 53 percent, the New Zealand Superannuation Fund with 25 percent and ACC with 22 percent, decided not to wait for the Reserve Bank to make up its mind about the validity of its quasi equity and poured in $247 million in new equity.

The Reserve Bank then changed its mind in August 2017 and decided the two issues did count as capital. However, by then, Brock had resigned ahead of Kiwibank scrapping its long-running programme to replace its core banking system and writing off its $90 million cost.

Kiwibank had also suddenly ceased growing after the government started demanding that it pay dividends in 2015 when it was still wholly-owned by New Zealand Post.

It appears from the fall in capital between June last year and December that Kiwibank is now putting some of its additional capital to work in funding growth.

Other numbers Kiwibank provided include that net interest income rose 13 percent and that its net interest margin rose from 2 percent to 2.15 percent.

It says asset quality remains high with impaired assets remaining low, but again failed to provide numbers.

(BusinessDesk)

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Fletcher Building chief executive Ross Taylor has opened the door to taking on new high rise projects because of promising signs that contract terms may improve and says he will make a decision by about the middle of 2019.

In February last year, Taylor said Fletcher would complete its remaining Building + Interiors projects, the division dealing with high rise projects, but wouldnt be bidding for new work because those projects were both high risk and low margin.

Announcing that decision was immediately attacked at the time as a mistake  not the withdrawal from the market, but making it public  because that would immediately make it harder to retain the staff needed to complete committed projects.

But during a conference call with analysts about Fletchers first-half result, Taylor indicated market conditions appear to be changing.

What weve seen, roll forward 12 months, is theres now an industry working group with government, which were participating in, across construction broadly where theyre working on altering risk and contract terms to make them more reasonable, Taylor said.

Thats been a reaction to a number of the failures of local companies, he said.

Weve also seen as other competitors look at how they approach some of these things, its been relatively consistent and good industry pushback now where clients are accepting that they cant offload that.

That means contract and margin conditions are changing.

Theres also a concern thats emerging in the market of clients having to think a bit differently about this, if they want to have an industry that actually responds to their projects, Taylor said.

We havent made a call on that yet. I just want to see where all that runs, but certainly it has piqued our interest, he said.

The other dynamic for us is, as were getting to a smaller number of projects that weve got to finish, weve got some really good skills there, so my inclination is, if those background dynamics change and weve got really good teams with really good skills, then we should put them to good use.

A year ago, Fletcher had 16 B+I projects to finish and Taylor says thats now down to eight. He is forecasting that seven of those will be finished in calendar 2019 and the last  most likely the SkyCity Convention Centre and hotel  will be completed in 2020.

Yesterday, Precinct Properties, which owns the Commercial Bay project at the bottom of Aucklands Queen Street which Fletcher is building, said there has been minor slippage of about a month to the construction programme which may impact previously disclosed completion dates of September 2019 for retail and December 2019 for office.

Taylor said Fletcher is contractually bound not to comment on matters such as completion dates and sometimes customers get ahead of us in their market announcements but that his company is still working to the existing schedule unless Precinct changes that.

Fletcher will have to clarify its thinking about the vertical, or high rise, market before it makes any decision to bid for new work, he said.

Weve got to make that call really by the time we get to the middle of this year. Otherwise, we will wind all the projects down and we will lose the teams, so we have a sort of window where we need to think about that.

Earlier today, Fletcher reported an 8 percent fall in first-half operating profit, a smaller decline than what it warned shareholders to expect at last November's annual meeting.

The company has revised its guidance for the full year upwards a little.

Net profit in the six months ended December was $89 million compared to the $273 million net loss it reported for the same six months a year earlier.

Earnings before interest and tax were $285 million in the latest six months compared with $309 million in the year-earlier period before losses from its high-rise-building unit, which dragged the year-earlier result to a $322 million ebit loss.

Fletcher now expects full-year ebit, before one-offs and assuming a full year of earnings from Formica, will come in between $650 million and $700 million, a $20 million lift from its November guidance. The company says that reflects the treatment of the Formica business as held for sale, so there was no need to depreciate its assets.

The US$840 million sale of Formica was announced in December.

While Taylor described the New Zealand results as solid, apart from the 42 percent increase in Formicas ebit, there were scant increases in earnings from the divisions it is keeping and a number of minor ebit falls. Its Australian ebit fell 38 percent to $33 million.

Taylor said poor market conditions in Australia, particularly higher costs and a declining residential construction market, meant that Fletcher has had to look at lot harder at those businesses.

The company has a number of self-help measures under way to improve the Australian businesses and position them better for 2020, he said.

On Tuesday, Precinct said it has withheld $15.4 million from Fletcher in liquidated damages as at Dec. 31 and chief executive Scott Pritchard said he expects that amount will grow. Last week, SkyCity said it has withheld $39.5 million of liquidated damages from Fletcher on the convention centre and hotel projects.

Last year, Fletcher refused to confirm or deny that the SkyCity contract caps liquidated damages at $40 million.

Fletcher has made no change to its overall provisions for the B+I losses but it has changed the expected cash flow. Some $50 million that had been expected to crystalise in the year ending June is now booked in the 2020 financial year, presumably because of project delays.

Taylor would not say whether the provisions include the liquidated damages being withheld on the SkyCity and Precinct projects but warned that you shouldnt read into their (customers) comments any acceptance or otherwise from us about the amounts being withheld.

We will be looking to pursue our rights, he said.

(BusinessDesk)

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Tilt Renewables plans to raise approximately A$260 million of new equity to help fund its A$560 million Dundonnell wind project.

Melbourne-based Tilt said the underwritten pro-rata accelerated entitlement offer has an issue price of NZ$1.75 per new share. The issue price is a 25.8 percent discount to Tilt's closing price on the NZX yesterday of NZ$2.36 and a 19 percent discount to the theoretical ex-entitlement price of NZ$2.16, it said.

Trading of the stock is currently halted.

Under the offer, eligible shareholders will be entitled to acquire one new share for every two existing shares held at 5 pm New Zealand time and 3 pm Melbourne time on Feb. 22.

The institutional component of the offer will be accelerated and will occur over the two business days immediately after the offer is announced. The retail component of the offer will open for eligible retail shareholders on Feb. 26 and close March 14.

Approximately 156 million new shares will be issued under the offer, ranking equally with those on issue.

Tilt Renewables major shareholders, Infratil and Mercury NZ and their relevant subsidiaries, have each provided commitments to fully subscribe for their respective entitlements in the equity raising. They are prevented from participating in shortfall bookbuilds or sub-underwriting.

Infratil currently holds 65 percent of Tilt shares, while Mercury holds 19.99 percent.

The 336 megawatt Dundonnell project is Tilts biggest development yet, comprising 80 Vestas 4.2 MW turbines. They will stand 189 metres high to the blade tip, with a 150-metre diameter rotor and should generate about 1,230 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. Construction is currently underway.

A total of A$300 million for the Dundonnell project costs will be funded by the combination of a syndicated bank debt package from Tilt's existing bankers and a term facility with the Danish Export Credit Agency.

The proceeds of the offer plus cash reserves will be used to fund the remaining expected construction costs, Tilt said.

Citigroup Global Markets and Forsyth Barr are acting as underwriters lead managers of the offer.

Tilt owns and operates eight wind farms in Australia and New Zealand with an installed capacity of 636 MW and an additional 336 MW under construction. It also has a significant pipeline of over 3,000 MW of wind and solar projects in Australia and New Zealand of which just under 1,500 MW have secured the required planning approvals.

(BusinessDesk)

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New Zealand shares rose amid a flurry of company earnings. A2 Milk hit a 12-month high after beating analysts' expectations, while Spark New Zealand, Fletcher Building and Meridian Energy fell.

The S&P/NZX 50 index increased 25.18 points, or 0.3 percent, to 9,249.44. Within the index, 20 stocks rose, 26 fell, and four were unchanged. Turnover was $169.1 million, of which a2 accounted for $51.8 million.

Four of the country's 10 biggest listed companies reported first-half earnings with mixed results today. A2 came in ahead of forecast as it delivered a 55 percent increase in first-half profit with a 41 percent lift in sales. The stock jumped 10 percent to $14.22 on a volume of 3.7 million, compared to the 1.1 million 90-day average.

Matt Goodson, managing director at Salt Funds Management, said the result beat estimates on all lines, even with increased marketing expenditure.

"It looks like a very solid result and for the uber-bulls on it there were signs of progress in the very large American market with liquid milk," Goodson said. "It will obviously be loss-making for some time but they're really starting to grow volumes there."

A2 supplier Synlait Milk rose 4.2 percent to $9.99. Fonterra Shareholders' Fund units were unchanged at $4.62 after Fonterra said it plans to supply a2 in the 2019/20 season. Fonterra's closed farmer-traded shares fell 0.2 percent to $4.63.

In contrast to a2, Fletcher Building dropped 5.7 percent to $4.98, the biggest decline on the index, after posting a smaller decline in first-half earnings than predicted. The 5.1 million shares traded was more than its 1.6 million average.

Goodson said there are growing concerns about the company's business in Australian, where a sharp slowdown in the housing sector is expected to weigh. Some investors were also disappointed that Fletcher didn't signal a capital return from the sale of its Formica unit.

"The stock had a very strong run into it, but we're now seeing signs of an impact from the sharp Australian residential slowdown," he said. "There's always a concern about how to model the cycle and what does New Zealand look like in a year or two."

Spark was the most traded stock with 6 million shares trading hands, compared to its 3.9 million three-monthly average. The stock declined 3.4 percent to $3.895 after posting a 5.6 percent decline in first-half profit on the lack of dividend from Southern Cross Cable. Underlying earnings rose 7.2 percent as it widened margins after stripping out costs in its Quantum restructuring programme.

Goodson said Spark had been exceptionally strong leading into the result, benefiting from international investor demand for utilities, property stocks and telecommunications carriers. Benign central bank rate outlooks have boosted the attraction of stocks offering stable dividends.

That was the same experience for Meridian Energy, which fell 3.8 percent to $3.58 on a volume of 1.1 million shares. The country's biggest electricity generator reported record first-half earnings, but the performance of its Australian unit was below expectations, Goodson said.

Ebos Group decreased 1.4 percent to $21.65 on a busier than usual 76,000 shares. Its first-half profit slipped 4 percent on one-off costs from mergers and acquisitions, rationalising its warehouses, and redundancy payments.

Sky Network Television dropped 4 percent to $1.68, a new low, with a lighter than average 344,000 shares changing hands. The company reported a 20 percent decline in first-half earnings in long-serving chief executive John Fellet's swansong in charge of the once-dominant pay-TV operator.

Precinct Properties New Zealand fell 3.3 percent to $1.485 after completing a bookbuild for a $130 million placement to institutional investors at $1.48. The real estate investor will raise another $20 million in a retail offer and will use the funds to repay bank debt and fund some medium-term developments. Some 2.4 million shares changed hands, compared to its average of 754,000.

Heartland Group rose 2.3 percent on a volume of 2.4 million shares, compared to its 343,000 three-month average. Air New Zealand fell 0.8 percent to $2.65 on a volume of 1.7 million shares and Kiwi Property Group increased 0.7 percent to $1.42 on a volume of 1.2 million.

Investore Property increased 0.6 percent to $1.59 after declaring a third-quarter dividend of 1.935 cents per share, and affirmed annual dividend guidance of 7.6 cents. Manager Stride Property was unchanged at $1.95.

Outside the benchmark index, Maritime Marsden Holdings was unchanged at $5.25 after reporting a 16 percent decline in first-half profit on weaker cargo volumes through Northport, of which it owns half. Port of Tauranga rose 0.4 percent to $5.29, and South Port New Zealand was unchanged at $7.

Colonial Motor Co fell 1.1 percent to $8.10 after reporting a 9 percent decline in first-half profit as rising costs eroded margins. The board declared an unchanged interim dividend of 15 cents per share.

Tilt Renewables shares were halted, having last traded at $2.36. The company plans to raise A$260 million in a one-for-two accelerated entitlement offer at $1.75 a share, with cornerstone shareholders Infratil and Mercury NZ both committed to the transaction. Mercury fell 1.1 percent to $3.71 while Infratil was up 0.6 percent to $4.02.

(BusinessDesk)

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Housing Minister Phil Twyford says more KiwiBuild deals with large-scale construction firms are in the pipeline as he announced a deal with Mike Greer Homes for 104 units in West Auckland and Christchurch.

Mike Greer has a track record of building large numbers of new homes after the Canterbury earthquakes and in the past has claimed to be the country's largest builder of residential dwellings.

Today's announcement is the first to include KiwiBuild homes in the Canterbury region, where house prices have been stable or falling in recent times owing to strong supply following a construction boom in the wake of the 2010 and 2011 quakes.

At $360,000 each for 11 two-bedroom standalone homes in Kaiapoi, these will also be the lowest-cost KiwiBuild houses to be offered so far.

Our first KiwiBuild homes in Christchurch are part of the governments plan to ensure house prices there remain stable and we meet the strong demand for more homes that is forecast over the coming years," Twyford said in a statement.

The first of the 104 homes have already been built.

"Other homes will be built in Huapai, Whenuapai, Pukekohe, Kaiapoi, Rolleston, Pegasus, Woodend, Rangiora, Halswell, Marshland, and Spreydon," said Twyford, who has been struggling to demonstrate progress on the ambitious KiwiBuild scheme. Earlier this year, he conceded it would not reach its first-year target of 1,000 new homes.

The policy aims to build 100,000 'affordable' houses over a decade to help deal with chronic housing unaffordability in parts of New Zealand. Political battles are raging over the definition of affordability and the extent to which the government house-building will crowd out private developers who would have built homes anyway.

The Mike Greer-contracted homes would be completed "between now and mid-2020 and are a mix of two- and three-bedroom, standalone and terraced homes, ranging from $360,000 to $650,000," Twyford said in a statement.

The agreement showed KiwiBuild was "gathering momentum".

"Mike Greer is one of the largest residential construction firms in New Zealand, and has been building homes for over 25 years," Twyford said. "I hope these 104 homes will be just the first of many we will build with Mike Greer over the coming years.

I am aware of a number of other large agreements with big developers that KiwiBuild is finalising. These deals have taken longer than I hoped to conclude, but were starting to see really good progress."

(BusinessDesk)

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Villar vows support for La Union's silk industry

Sen. Cynthia Villar has pledged support for the silk industry in La Union Province.

Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, stressed the need to support the industry given the shortage in the supply of native fabric in the country.

The Nacionalista Party Senator also noted that there are wide areas cultivating mulberry leaf in La Union, which is the exclusive food for silkworms. These silkworms produce cocoons that yield fine silk for producing fabric of very good quality.

If reelected to another term in the Senate, Villar said she intends to boost the silk industry in the province.

"Alam nyo nakakalungkot po na ang ating mga native fabric ay kulang na kulang, kaya makakaasa ang ating mga taga-La Union na susuportahan natin ang kanilang silk fabric industry, kasi luma na yata ang kanilang mga makina, pero nabigyan na natin yan ng pondo, recently, para mag improve pa," Villar said.

Silkworm production, aside from being a potent income-generating activity, is also regarded as environmentally-friendly. Mulberry trees absorb air pollutants while silkworm wastes and residues can be converted into organic fertilizer for conventional farming.Press Release

February 20, 2019 HONTIVEROS SEES HEALTHIER PINOYS WITH SIGNING OF UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE ACT Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today said that the country's goal of "healthier Pinoys and Pinays" is now closer to reality, as she hailed the signing into law of the Universal Health Care Act. Hontiveros, vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and co-sponsor of the law in the Senate, said that the measure is a "key milestone in efforts to make the country's health services equally accessible, effective and affordable for all Filipinos." "The passage of the Universal Health Care Act is, above all else, a leap forward to a more progressive and equal Philippines. By reforming the health system into one in which all Filipinos -regardless of status or financial capability - can easily access health services, we also help dismantle the inequality and injustice that has plagued the local health sector in the past," she said. "The measure will have a significant, lasting and profound effect on the health of every Filipino as it closes the economic, class and gender gaps in the delivery of healthcare systems in the country," Hontiveros added. The new law mandates "all Filipinos to be guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health goods and services and to be protected against financial risk." To do this, the law requires that all Filipinos be automatically included in the new "National Health Insurance Program," along with access to other population-based and individual-based health services. Under the said health services, Filipinos can also avail of free consultation, laboratory tests and other diagnostic services sought by the poor, the marginalized and those in far-flung areas. "By bringing our people closer to quality and effective health services, we are paving the way for new generations of healthy Pinoys and Pinays who can better contribute to the nation's progress and development," she said. Hontiveros then urged government to assure the availability of necessary funds for the many programs under the Universal Health Care Act: "We need to make sure that these health care reforms are truly implemented and will benefit our people on the ground. We must push forward and ensure that indeed, a healthier 'Pinas is on the horizon."CHIZ: PRRD SHOULD FIRE NYC HEAD FOR 'IGNORANCE' OF CONSTITUTION

Sen. Chiz Escudero said National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairman Ronald Cardema is bringing shame to the administration for his "ignorance" of the Constitution when he asked President Duterte to cancel the scholarship of students from state universities and colleges who participate in anti-government protests.

And for this, Escudero wants Cardema's head to roll.

"The sycophantic and obsequious suggestion of the NYC head shows his ignorance of the Constitution and, far from helping, is surely doing a disservice to PRRD and the government," Escudero said.

"Kung may sisipain (sa pwesto) dapat siya at 'di ang mga estudyante," added the Bicolano lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture.

According to Escudero, this latest pronouncement by Cardema is not part of the NYC's mandate and in fact, clearly a violation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The veteran lawmaker said all students, including those who take part in street protests, are afforded by the state with the right to free speech and expression, peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. They also enjoy the right to due process and equal protection, just like any other citizens of this country.

Escudero reminded Cardema that this government serves all Filipinos--whether they voted for the President or not.

"Both the President and the government should serve every Filipino without distinction and regardless of political beliefs. Dissent in a democracy should never be frowned upon, much less penalized in any way," Escudero said.Press Release

February 20, 2019 De Lima commends young human rights defenders Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has commended the young Filipino human rights defenders for conveying their steadfast commitment and dedication to advance the cause of human rights and democracy in the Philippines. De Lima, a human rights and social justice champion, praised the youth for standing united behind the selfless cause in fighting against the growing violations of human rights in the country under Mr. Duterte's resolve to entrench himself in power. "Sa panahon kung kailan tinatakot ang ating mamamayan ng mga karumal-dumal na patayan at karahasan, at nilalason ang kanilang kaisipan ng mga kasinungalingan, nagpapasalamat ako sa mga kabataan na handang ipaglaban ang karapatang pantao at ang ating demokrasya," she said. "Ang hamon at panawagan ko sa bawat isa: Hindi sapat na maging mulat lang tayo sa katotohanan; kailangan din nating imulat ang ating kapwa sa kung ano ang totoo, at makilahok sa pagtataas ng antas ng pampublikong diskurso upang maisulong ang mga hangarin natin para sa bayan," she added. Last Feb. 16, the Koalisyon ng Kabataan para sa Karapatang Pantao (KKKP) signed a manifesto during the "Young Human Rights Defenders Summit" held at the UP College of Mass Communication Auditorium, UP Diliman, in Quezon City. In the manifesto, the KKKP called on the Philippine government "to respect, uphold, and fulfill human rights and fundamental freedom" guaranteed and protected not just by the 1987 Philippine Constitution but also of the national laws, and the international human rights instruments. "We, young human rights defenders in the Philippines, declare our unwavering commitment and dedication to advancing the cause of human rights and democracy in the country," it read. Aside from condemning the killings in the country, the youth denounced the government's worsening attacks against human rights defenders and critics like Senator De Lima, who has been illegally detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City since February 24, 2017. The lady Senator from Bicol said the Filipinos, regardless of age, should be inspired by the youth's laudable effort to effect change and build a more just and humane society for the entire citizenry. "Their initiative is a stark reminder for all of us mere mortals who wish to defy the madman in Malacanang that commitment to human rights knows no age, gender, and social status," she said. "May their voice wake each of us to the truth and allow us to see through the deception of this administration" she added. Organized by the Office of Senator De Lima along with Mambabatas Para sa Karapatang Pantao (Makatao) and Youth for Human Rights and Democracy, the Summit was attended by different youth organizations, such as Kabataan Partylist, Sanlakas Youth, Youth Act Now Against Tyranny and Akbayan Youth, among others. Also present in the event were lawyer Manuel "Chel" Diokno, women's rights advocate Samira Gutoc Tomawis, Rep. Sarah Elago, and Lorenzo "Erin" Tanada III who read De Lima's message of solidarity. Human Rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, on his part, sent a video message to show his support in the youth's fight for human rights. De Lima, considered as a prisoner 0f conscience, said she wishes that the youth would never get tired from coming together and working in unison to fight any forms of abuses, discrimination and inequality perpetrated by the Duterte regime. In February 2018, De Lima filed Senate Bill No. 1699, or the Human Rights Defenders Bill, which underscores the government's obligation in ensuring protection of human rights defenders against intimidation and unlawful intrusion by any public or private individual.ANGARA URGES GOV'T TO ENSURE SUPPORT FOR RICE FARMERS

CABANATUAN CITY--Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara urged the government to ensure that support and benefits for farmers under the newly enacted rice tariffication law reach farm workers to help them cope with the lifting of the quantitative restrictions on rice imports aimed at lowering the cost of rice to a level more affordable for Filipinos.

"The government must ensure that support measures under the law will be fully realized for the benefit of our local rice farmers," Angara said while campaigning in New Ecija, which is dubbed as the "rice granary of the Philippines" because of its endless farms dedicated to producing the staple food.

Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Act lifts the import restrictions on rice, subject to 35 percent tariff for rice from the ASEAN and 50 percent for rice from non-ASEAN countries.

According to Angara, the law has built-in safeguards to protect local farmers from the impact of a free flow of imports.

"Habang pinaluluwag natin ang patakaran sa pag-angkat ng bigas para gawing abot-kaya ang halaga nito, kailangan din nating bigyan ng ayuda ang mga magsasaka para sila ay maging produktibo at kayang makipagsabayan sa rice importers," Angara said.

Angara said that a Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) will be created under the law. Initial funding of P10 billion for the RCEF will be included in the General Appropriations Act.

The RCEF seeks to provide various forms of assistance to rice farmers, such as development of inbred rice seeds, rice farm equipment and skills enhancement.

The fund will serve as a special safeguard to protect the rice industry, which will be distributed, accordingly: 50 percent for machinery and equipment; 30 percent for rice seed development, propagation and promotion; 10 percent for expanded rice credit assistance; and 10 percent for rice extension services.Citizen's Bank is expanding its Small Business Community Champion Award to Metro Detroit this year. The program will award a $20,000 prize and $10,000 prize to two businesses in Metro Detroit, as well as in the metropolitan area of Boston, Philadelphia, and PittsburghBusinesses must submit a 150-word proposal for funding (plus optional photo) that describes how the business will use the funding positively impact the community they serve.In 2017, grantees included an optometry group with plans to launch a mobile clinic for children in need, a vegan and gluten-free food manufacturer with plans to provide meals to local food pantries, a low-income housing rental company and a business incubator, among others."Small businesses are major contributors in helping our local communities flourish, says Jack Murphy, president of Citizens Bank Business Banking. "The Small Business Community Champions in 2018 "demonstrate the powerful impact that small businesses have by aligning their growth with opportunities to address and support local needs. It is a sincere pleasure to recognize their efforts and to celebrate their ideas for strengthening their communities.More details and contest rules can be found here . The deadline to submit is 5 pm on March 1.Expunging a criminal record can be difficult and costly, but an upcoming event in Ypsilanti will initiate a conversation about how to simplify and improve the process.

The event, called Clean Slate Ypsi, is set for 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 23 at the Robert C. Barnes Marketplace Hall at 15 S. Washington St. in Ypsilanti. Its purpose is to collect experiences and stories from those who have attempted or successfully completed the expungement process in Michigan and ask those people what an ideal program would look like.

"Just over 40,000 people in Michigan get convicted of a felony every year, and that means half a million people every 10 to 12 years being shut out of housing, education, and job opportunities," says Aaron Suganuma, executive director of A Brighter Way, a Washtenaw County-based mentorship organization hosting the event.

"Expungement has been around for 50 years in Michigan, but most of the people who qualify for it don't access it because the types of jobs they have won't give them the time off to take the steps needed to go through the process," he says. He also notes that the process requires money and consulting a lawyer.

Suganuma says he'd like to amend Michigan's expungement process to make it similar to an automated model recently implemented in Pennsylvania.

"Instead of a person having to figure out that (the expungement process) exists and go through all the steps, there's a computer database and qualifying people pop up, a judge gets a notification, (and) victims get a notification," Suganma says. "It's the same steps, but it's more accessible."

Safe and Just Michigan, an organization that works to reduce incarceration and promote community safety, has conducted similar events in Muskegon and Lansing. Representatives from that organization and A Brighter Way hope to use the information and stories gleaned from the events to lobby for a change in state legislation.

Suganuma says reducing stigma throughout communities is an important part of the process as well.

"The economy is great, and a lot of people are able to get jobs, but (the formerly incarcerated) are not able to get housing because landlords don't want to rent to them," he says. "We need to broaden the community conversation and increase opportunities. When a person breaks out of that cycle (of criminal activity), they should be allowed to move forward with their lives."

Click here for more information about Clean Slate events around the state.

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.Many Ypsilanti residents regularly drive by the beautiful old Edwardian mansion on a wooded lot at the corner of Forest Avenue and River Street, but have no idea that it's the headquarters of HighScope, an early education educational research organization with an international reach.

"Somebody I was talking to said to me, 'What are you talking about? Oh, that house over there?' They were born and raised in Ypsilanti but had no idea what HighScope was," says Yen Azzaro, HighScope's creative director.

HighScope executive vice president Ben Edmondson has had similar experiences with area residents telling him they know the historic Hutchinson House is located on the site, but don't know what HighScope does. However, staff are hoping to change all that and heighten their awareness in the Ypsi community as HighScope prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020, with plans for both physical and programming expansions over the next few years.

The Perry Preschool Project

Those who have heard of HighScope usually know about the landmark Perry Preschool Study started by psychologist David Weikart, in cooperation with Perry Elementary School principal Charles Eugene Beatty, in 1962. The study followed the progress of 123 black children born in poverty and at high risk of academic failure, with about half assigned to high-quality early childhood interventions that emphasized active learning, and the other half serving as a control group.

The longitudinal study followed the children into adulthood, following up at ages 19, 27, and 40. Results have shown that quality preschool programs with an emphasis on active learning have a lasting, positive impact on the participants' income, educational level, and rates of teen pregnancy and criminal activity, along with other important life outcomes.

The relationship with Ypsilanti's Perry School ended many years ago, but the research done in the '60s led to HighScope's establishment in 1970 and has informed early childhood curricula ever since. HighScope's research has been used in HeadStart and other early childhood programs around the United States, and HighScope now has 10 international institutes licensed to use its materials as well.

Building on the legacy

Since 1970, HighScope has continued to conduct early childhood development research, which is the basis for HighScope-branded teacher education materials and independent assessment tools. The research is also put into practice in a demonstration preschool class on HighScope's campus.

The organization's research most recently emphasized self-regulation and the importance of intervention in the critical period between birth and age 3, before children reach preschool.

HighScope research scientist Laura Scharphorn says the Perry Preschool Study demonstrated that high-quality early education interventions worked, but subsequent research has delved into exactly why the children who received the intervention did so much better than their peers. Scharphorn says the three components of self-regulation  attention, cognitive flexibility, and impulse control  seem to be key.

"These are the soft skills of learning, and children need to get these skills down before learning literacy, math, and science, and the other things teachers are trying to teach students about," she says.

High Scope recently partnered with Detroit Public Schools to train teachers and enhance preschool curriculum with the results of that research.

"Every five to eight years, we try to make sure we revise the curriculum and update it with any newer research that came out during those years," says Shannon Lockhart, HighScope's early childhood applied practice manager.

That latest self-regulation research has led to HighScope's mantra, used in the preschool classroom: "Plan, do, review." The idea is that preschool children can become active agents in their own learning experience by planning ahead, doing a task or project, and then reviewing what they've just done, even during activities that look like playtime.

"The main philosophy of HighScope is active learning. It's about children being actively engaged in their learning, events, people, and material in their environment," Lockhart says. "That has been consistent in the heart of our curriculum."

Marianne McDonnell, director of education services for HighScope, says another important piece is training the trainers.

"Based on our research, we've found that handing teachers the materials and telling them to just use the materials doesn't work," McDonnell says. "They actually need to train the teachers, invest in the teachers, and give them the tools they need to be in the classroom  with the children."

Making plans for the future

In coming years, HighScope staff have a number of goals, including expanding both programming and HighScope's physical footprint, creating more partnerships, and reaching out more consistently to the Ypsi community.

As researchers prepare to follow up with the original Perry Preschool Study subjects once more at age 50, HighScope is also making plans to add a program for infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 and to add two more classes of its demonstration preschool.

Purchasing the Forest Avenue Baptist Church building next door in late 2017 provided an opportunity for both expansion and consolidation, Edmondson says. Offices and various departments are scattered in various locations. Once a remodeling and build-out project is completed on the former church building, staff offices can be consolidated, and there will be room to expand those preschool classes.

As the former superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools, Edmondson says he recently recognized how "huge" the disconnect is between early childhood programs and K-12 schools. He would like to see that addressed as well.

"I was guilty as superintendent of thinking this was not in my wheelhouse," he says. "The work done at these early childhood programs and the assessments don't follow (the child into kindergarten)."

Edmondson says the governor's office and Michigan Department of Education have reached out to ask HighScope how to make progress on that issue.

"We need to make sure public schools are working with early childhood institutes and centers to make sure we're one team, because we're not one team now," he says. "We both have a passion for kids, but we're not working together, and I would like us to do that."

Lockhart says the plan to expand the demonstration preschool will require meeting with area parents to better understand their needs. Additionally, as the organization prepares to launch a capital campaign to finance renovations of the former Baptist church, HighScope will have to get the community on board.

Azzaro says she and other employees would love to open the HighScope campus up to the community in a bigger way than the organization has done in recent years.

"We're talking about having an ice cream social this summer," she says. "And the Hutchinson House has been on historic home tours in the past, and it'd be easy to do that again."

Edmondson says it's important to both invite the community in and for HighScope staff to get out into the community, serving on boards, collaborating with local colleges and universities, and attending community meetings.

"HighScope got its reputation from the research done on families in Ypsilanti," Edmondson says. "So, to me, HighScope needs to do a better job of serving the community of Ypsilanti. They faithfully let us do a research study on their children and families here that we're still doing. What we'd like to do is reach out to the community in a more informed and intentional manner."

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.

All photos by Doug Coombe.Kathmandu, February 19

Enterprise- Business Acceleration Program, the flagship accelerator program of One to Watch (OTW), hosted its Demo Day in Kathmandu at Soaltee Crowne Plaza on Monday. A total of ten companies pitched their businesses to a selected group of banks, angel investors, venture capitalists and private equity funds, in Nepal and will the same at the Nepali Embassy in London on February 22.

Enterprise through its intensive mentorship-based program makes sure that all the businesses are investment ready and provides them with the necessary tools to scale-up. In 12 weeks, the companies have worked with experienced mentors and industry experts to fine-tune their business models and build a strong financial plan.

Our main aim is to help small and medium-size businesses reach their full potential. If these companies are guided properly, they have the potential to help Nepals economy grow, said Willem Grimmink, Managing Director of Enterprise.

The ten companies who were part of the demo day were AeroRoots, Burger Shack, Green Roads Waste Management, Hajuri Khadya Udhyog, No Chini, Helmets Nepal, Leaf Plus, Onion Films Nepal, SeedLand Nepal and The Mint Studio.

Speaking at the event Amod Rajbhandari, Director, Accelerator and Entrepreneurship Development at Enterprise thanked all the partners and mentors who helped make the event a success. We have put these companies through a lot and Im sure they have learned a lot over the past 12 weeks. Now they need the help of the investors and I hope they will get some by the end of the night, he said.

Demo Day London will be a part of a larger conference, Nepal Development Conference: Investment Opportunities in Nepal, which is jointly organized by One to Watch and the Embassy of Nepal, London. The conference will be held at the Embassy of Nepal in London on 22 February.

The Key Note Address of the conference will be delivered by Hon. Dr, Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Minister of Finance, Government of Nepal.The fund has acquired a stake in Dutch company ExRobotics which manfacturers modular robots that can carry out remote inspections of oil and gas facilities more efficiently and with a lower safety risk than those carried out by humans.

The robots potential applications in the oil and gas industry touch on themes that we consider particularly important, like safety, maintenance and digitalisation, said Frans van der Harst of Rotterdam Port Fund. We are delighted that we are able to support ExRobotics in their ambitions and to help put these robots on the market.

The investment will give ExRobotics both funding and access to the Rotterdam Port Fund network.

Rotterdam Port Funds participation will enable us to sell our robot all over the world, said Iwan de Waard general manager of ExRobotics.

The independent investment fund is an initiative of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, NIBC Bank, InnovationQuarter, Royal Doeksen and the Rotterdam entrepreneurs Peter Goedvolk and Luc Braams.On Shell Marines recommendation, Hainan Strait Shipping switched its trunk piston engine oils to a combination of Shell Argina S3 50 and Shell Gadina S3 40 for six ships operating in the South China Sea.

The change has allowed Hainan Strait Shipping to reduce maintenance and lubricant costs, while improving efficiency and longevity of its MAN Diesel & Turbo main and auxiliary engines.

Joris van Brussel, global general manager of Shell Marine, said: The solutions we put forward enabled Hainan Strait Shipping to optimise marine engine performance. Shell Marine is proud to offer integrated solutions that combine innovative products and technical services to provide the best solution for our customers.

The six Chinese vessels now require routine maintenance only every two years, a significant improvement over the 20-day annual downtime for maintenance and repair previously.

The use of the Shell oils has benefited the roro ships main and auxiliary engines, extending oil life and improving engine reliability while resulting in 27% lower lubricant consumption.

Shell Argina S3 40 is a multi-functional crankcase lubricant for medium-speed diesel engines operating on residual fuels whose resistance to oxidation reduces the need for oil sweetening when burning HFO. Shell Gadinia S3 40 is particularly suited for medium-speed main/auxiliary engines burning distillate fuels with sulphur contents up to 1%, protecting against oxidisation/thermal degradation and minimising lacquering.Ocean Network Express (ONE), alliance partner of Yantian Express owner Hapag-Lloyd said that the vessel was now in a yard in Freeport, Bahamas specifically designated to received the containers damaged by fire and water from the firefighting operations on the vessel.

The Port Authority is monitoring the preparation of the site and is yet to give their final approval to start discharge operations, which is expected to be received in the next few days, ONE said in a customer advisory.

Once permission is given the liner company said it is expected that it will take two months to discharge the distressed cargo containers.

Read more: Fire hit Yantian Express sailing to Freeport, Bahamas

SMIT Salvage Americas has been appointed under a Lloyds Open Form (LOF) contract and cargo owners will have to provide salvage security for their cargoes to be released. There is also a General Average security demand, after General Average was declared on the vessel.

For container unaffected by the fire arrangements are yet to be made for their unloading.

With respect to containers and cargoes which are considered unaffected by the fire incident, and are in a dry and sound condition, we are currently exploring the options and shall advise further on this aspect as soon as feasible, ONE said.

The Yantian Express was hit by a fire starting in a single container, on 3 January in the Atlantic, the blaze spread to other boxes and the crew was forced to abandon the vessel with it taking a week to largely contain and bring the blaze under control.Guests can also join the ship in Liverpool on January 6  the first time that a Fred Olsen ship has departed on a world cruise from Merseyside  and disembark in Liverpool on April 29, 2021.

Prices start from 10,799 per person. Guests who choose to set sail from Liverpool will pay an additional 200 per person.

Black Watch's first stop is in Portugal, with visits to Oporto, from Leixoes, and Madeira, before moving to the Canary Islands and onto the Caribbean.

Gatun Lake and nine Pacific islands

Travelling over the Gatun Lake, plus visits to nine Pacific islands, Australia, and four maiden calls  including in Fakarava, French Polynesia, and Surabaya, in Java, Indonesia are among highlights.

This is the fourth itinerary to be teased from Fred. Olsens 2020/21 cruise programme, which will be launched in full in March 2019.

It follows the early launch of Boudiccas Black Sea and Med sailing, a Greek Islands and Corinth Canal cruise aboard the shallow-drafted Braemar and American Waterways in the Fall with New York' sailing aboard Balmoral.Kathmandu, February 20

A digital education centre has been set up at the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel of Lalitpur.

The centre was established with the support of the Nepal Investment Bank in honour of the British conservationist Field Marshal Sir John Chapple, who has been contributing to Nepals biological diversity and conservation field for the past four decades, The facility came into operation on Tuesday.

Minister for Forests and Environment Shakti Bahadur Basnet, who is also the chair of the Central Zoo and the National Trust for Nature Conservation, said the centre will contribute significantly to conservation efforts.

The then Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumser Rana established the zoo in 1932 as a private entity. The Trust was assigned the responsibility of managing the zoo 25 years ago.When Tangyuan meets hot pot

By:Zheng Qian | From:english.eastday.com | 2019-02-20 13:35

Besides the traditional sweet flavor of the glutinous rice ball (also called Tangyuan) enjoyed on the Lantern Festival, people are trying new ways of savoring these delights.

The glutinous rice balls are being boiled in a hot pot in a time-honored hot pot brand store in Chongqing, February 18. [Photo/ Chinanews.com]

Staff are seen making glutinous rice balls of various tastes with mustard, dried mushroom, parsley, carrot minced with mutton and shrimp fillings in the store. [Photo/ Chinanews.com]

A staff member fills the glutinous rice flour with mustard before placing in hot pot. [Photo/ Chinanews.com]

People enjoy the hot pot-boiled Tangyuan. [Photo/ Chinanews.com]Sino-Australian trade deal proves to be a winner

From:ChinaDaily | 2019-02-20 09:41

Experts say current figures dispel 2015 'scare campaign' claims about jobs

The signing of a historic free trade agreement between China and Australia in 2015, known as ChAFTA, once triggered an avalanche of criticism from the trade union movement, academics, politicians, commentators and think tanks, claiming the pact would seriously impact the Australian labor market.

Yet, two-way trade between Australia and China has been growing steadily since ChAFTA came into effect.

In 2017-18, bilateral trade was valued at A$195 billion ($138.9 billion), according to data from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Of that, A$123 billion were exports from Australia.

Since ChAFTA's enactment, the number of Chinese workers granted temporary work visas to enter Australia has fallen every year, according to the Department of Home Affairs data.

The number of visas granted to Chinese workers has also fallen as a proportion of the total granted to all foreign workers.

James Laurenceson, deputy director of the Australia China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, said the 2015"scare campaign" in Australia was not based on any facts and was designed to "sink the agreement before it had time to get off the ground".

"The accusations that thousands of Australian jobs would be lost as Chinese companies brought in their own workers were simply not true," he said.

Australia had already completed free trade agreements with its other major trading partners, but none had "attracted the ferocious" opposition ChAFTA did, the professor said.

"There was no panic about American workers, Thai workers or Japanese workers. But ChAFTA, it was claimed, would lead to a radical altering of the labor market and Australians would miss out on thousands of job opportunities to imported Chinese workers."

He said the "reality has proved to be very different".

Zhu Ying, director of the Australian Centre for Asian Business at the University of South Australia, said ChAFTA "has turned out to be of great benefit to both countries".

Some of the criticism of the agreement was "ideologically driven", he said. "None of the claims was based on fact or evidence."

"China certainly takes more from Australia than it exports to Australia," he said. "Just look at Australia's exports of agricultural products such as olive oil, honey, fruit, sea food, wine, cheese and meat. Australia can't produce enough to meet the demand in China.

"The FTA has not only increased the number of jobs in Australia but added to its revenue base. They are the facts."

Laurenceson said that the number of labor agreements in effect between Chinese companies and the Australian Department of Home Affairs, which could potentially facilitate Chinese workers temporarily entering Australia, is zero.

"These outcomes do not present a paradox. Rather, the facts of ChAFTA always pointed to some of the claims being alarmist," he said.U.S. President Donald Trump asked Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to recommend him for the Nobel Peace Prize, in another of the grandiose gestures that have characterized his presidency. Appearing in parliament, Abe did not directly admit it but did not deny either.

According to the daily Mainichi Shimbun on Tuesday, Trump telephoned Abe in August of 2018 and asked him for his recommendation, apparently pointing out to him that no North Korean missiles have flown over Japanese airspace since the U.S.-North Korea summit in June last year. This must be the first instance since the Nobel Peace Prize was launched in 1901 that an aspiring winner practically twisted the arm of another country's arm for a recommendation, certainly in the so-called First World.

In an editorial entitled, "Prime Minister Abe, Are You Kidding?," the daily pointed out the U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore last year in fact only resulted in a halt to joint U.S.-South Korean military drills but not the scrapping of North Korea's ballistic missiles or nukes.

Trump's lack of self-restraint does not need dwelling on. What is unnerving is that he is trying to use the North Korean nuclear crisis to feed his greed for the Nobel Peace Prize. He sounded confident when he said last year that the North would scrap its nuclear weapons, but now it seems he does not care any more and says he is in "no rush" to see North Korea denuclearize. This raises fears that Trump has given up on prodding North Korea to scrap its nuclear weapons and is simply trying to dream up ways to get his Nobel Prize with a quick fix of some kind. This means that the upcoming U.S.-North Korea summit could end up becoming a geopolitical performance aimed at dazzling the Nobel committee.

Even though the summit is just around the corner, the two sides have not even agreed on the agenda. This is highly unusual. If Kim Jong-un sits down with Trump with little preparation from the U.S. and flatters Trump enough, South Korea's national security will plunge to the bottom of the priority list. Trump has long treated any war on the Korean Peninsula as a foreign matter. Staging a fake nuclear meeting aiming to win the Nobel Prize will jeopardize the safety of South Koreans. Yet President Moon Jae-in said he believes Trump "is well-deserving" of the gong. Who then will prevent South Koreans from becoming hostages of a nuclear-armed North Korea?

Pets are no longer just consumers of canned or dried food, they are hotel guests and cafe customers, and businesses are adapting apace. Pet-friendly hotels are springing up everywhere, and now even condos and apartments are starting to lift their strict ban on residents' four-legged friends.

According to a study by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 5.11 million Korean families owned pets as of last year, or one in four. The Korea Rural Economic Institute forecast that the country's market for pets, which has grown at an average of 14.1 percent annually over the last three years, will be scaled at W6 trillion by 2027 (US$1=W1,129).

A growing number of homes built in Seoul and surrounding Gyeonggi Province in recent years have catered to pet owners. They were designed for pet owners and the companies that manage them even rent out pet-care equipment.

One apartment block that was built in August last year has specially coated floors designed to keep pets from slipping and falling and sound-proof windows to keep barking and other noises from being heard by neighbors.

One staffer at a housing unit exclusively designed for pet owners said, "Tenants mostly own many large dogs and moved here despite higher rents after facing complaints from their neighbors in their former residences."

Geologists and archaeologists have long known that the builders of Stonehenge made use of two main types of stone: a silcrete, known as sarsen, was used for the large trilithons, sarsen circle and other monoliths, and a variety of bluestones  used for the smaller standing stones  were erected in an inner horseshoe and an outer circle. Two ancient quarries in the Preseli hills of west Wales  Carn Goedog and Craig Rhos-y-felin  have now been excavated to reveal evidence of megalith quarrying around 3000 BC  the same period as the first stage of the construction of Stonehenge.

Whats really exciting about these discoveries is that they take us a step closer to unlocking Stonehenges greatest mystery  why its stones came from so far away, said team leader Professor Mike Parker Pearson, a researcher in the Institute of Archaeology at University College London.

Every other Neolithic monument in Europe was built of megaliths brought from no more than 16 km (10 miles) away.

Were now looking to find out just what was so special about the Preseli hills 5,000 years ago, and whether there were any important stone circles here, built before the bluestones were moved to Stonehenge.

The largest quarry was found almost 290 km (180 miles) away from Stonehenge on the outcrop of Carn Goedog, on the north slope of the Preseli hills.

This was the dominant source of Stonehenges spotted dolerite, so-called because it has white spots in the igneous blue rock, said team member Dr. Richard Bevins, from the National Museum of Wales.

At least five of Stonehenges bluestones, and probably more, came from Carn Goedog.

In the valley below Carn Goedog, another outcrop at Craig Rhos-y-felin was identified as the source of one of the types of rhyolite  another type of igneous rock  found at Stonehenge.

The bluestone outcrops are formed of natural, vertical pillars. These could be eased off the rock face by opening up the vertical joints between each pillar.

Neolithic quarry workers needed only to insert wedges into the ready-made joints between pillars, then lower each pillar to the foot of the outcrop.

Although most of their equipment is likely to have consisted of perishable ropes and wooden wedges, mallets and levers, they left behind other tools such as hammer stones and stone wedges.

The stone wedges are made of imported mudstone, much softer than the hard dolerite pillars, Professor Parker Pearson said.

An engineering colleague has suggested that hammering in a hard wedge could have created stress fractures, causing the thin pillars to crack. Using a soft wedge means that, if anything were to break, it would be the wedge and not the pillar.

Archaeological excavations at the foot of both outcrops uncovered the remains of man-made stone and earth platforms, with each platforms outer edge terminating in a vertical drop of about one meter (3.3 feet).

Bluestone pillars could be eased down onto this platform, which acted as a loading bay for lowering them onto wooden sledges before dragging them away, said team member Professor Colin Richards, a researcher at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

An important aim of the scientists was to date megalith-quarrying at Carn Goedog and Craig Rhos-y-felin.

In the soft sediment of a hollowed-out track leading from the loading bay at Craig Rhos-y-felin, and on the artificial platform at Carn Goedog, they recovered pieces of charcoal dating to around 3000 BC.

They now think that Stonehenge was initially a circle of rough, unworked bluestone pillars set in pits known as the Aubrey Holes, near Stonehenge, and that the sarsens were added some 500 years later.

The new discoveries also cast doubt on a popular theory that the bluestones were transported by sea to Stonehenge.

Some people think that the bluestones were taken southwards to Milford Haven and placed on rafts or slung between boats and then paddled up the Bristol Channel and along the Bristol Avon towards Salisbury Plain, said team member Professor Kate Welham, from Bournemouth University.

But these quarries are on the north side of the Preseli hills so the megaliths could have simply gone overland all the way to Salisbury Plain.

The research was published in the journal Antiquity.

_____

Mike Parker Pearson et al. 2019. Megalith quarries for Stonehenges bluestones. Antiquity 93 (367): 45-62; doi: 10.15184/aqy.2018.111New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- The latest report on the Zirconium Metal market closely surveys, examines and offers vital statistics on the Zirconium Metal market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026. This market intelligence assessment report weighs up on the potential region that reserves greater opportunities for this industry. Importantly, subject matter experts have taken into account every critical aspect right from the market size, share, and growth to the dramatic shift in the consumer behaviour and their growing spending capacity. The industry assessment study depicts a perfectly clear picture of both the past and the future trends to offer the stakeholders, business owners, and marketing executives an opportunity to zero in on an effective marketing strategy and boost sales.



Major Players in Zirconium Metal market are:

Luxfer Group (US), Bemax Resources Limited (Australia), Foskor Ltd. (South Africa), Allegheny Technologies, Inc. (US), E.I DuPont de Nemours and Company (US), Neo Material Technologies, Inc. (Canada), Tosoh Corp. (Japan), Wah Chang (US), Namakwa Sands Ltd. (South Africa), Astron Ltd. (Australia), Alkane Resources Ltd. (Australia)



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Knowing the trends influencing the Zirconium Metal industry performance

Stakeholders, marketing executives and business owners planning to refer a market research report can use this study to design their offerings and understand how competitors attract their potential customers and manage their supply and distribution channels. When tracking the trends researchers have made a conscious effort to analyze and interpret the consumer behaviour. Besides, the research helps product owners to understand the changes in culture, target market as well as brands so they can draw the attention of the potential customers more effectively.



Our trend analysts look for the crucial connection between consumer trends, behaviour and values, to provide context for the sectors, demographics and global themes that matter to you.



How geography and sales fit together

The study works as a boon for all business owners trying to identify the exact size of the target audience in a specific geographic location. Zirconium Metal enables entrepreneurs to determine the regional market for their business expansion. The study answers the questions below:

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- What is the spending power of the customers in a specific region?



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Zirconium Metal Market split by Type, can be divided into:

- Type 1

- Type 2

- Others



Zirconium Metal Market split by Application, can be divided into:

- Application 1

- Application 2



Zirconium Metal Market split by Sales Channel, can be divided into:

- Direct Channel

- Distribution Channel



Geographically, this Zirconium Metal report studies the top producers and consumers in these key regions:

- North America

- Europe

- China

- Japan

- Other Regions (India, Southeast Asia, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa)



We can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level Zirconium Metal reports, for the following regions:

North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Europe, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Rest of Europe, Central & South America, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Middle East & Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Rest of Middle East & Africa



In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Zirconium Metal are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2019 to 2026



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The study objectives of this Zirconium Metal report are:

1. To analyze and study the global Zirconium Metal sales, value, status (2019-2026) and forecast (2019-2026);

2. 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.

3. Focuses on the key Zirconium Metal players, to study the sales, value, market share and development plans in future.

4. Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.

5. To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.

6. To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.

7.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.

8. To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.

9. To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market

10.To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market

11.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.



Key elements from table of content:

Chapter 1 Zirconium Metal Market Overview

1.1 Zirconium Metal Definition

1.2 Global Zirconium Metal Market Size Status and Outlook (2019-2026)

1.3 Global Zirconium Metal Market Size Comparison by Region (2019-2026)

1.4 Global Zirconium Metal Market Size Comparison by Type (2019-2026)

1.5 Global Zirconium Metal Market Size Comparison by Application (2019-2026)

1.6 Global Zirconium Metal Market Size Comparison by Sales Channel (2019-2026)

1.7 Zirconium Metal Market Dynamics

1.7.1 Market Drivers/Opportunities

1.7.2 Market Challenges/Risks

1.7.3 Market News (Mergers/Acquisitions/ Expansion)



Chapter 2 Zirconium Metal Market Segment Analysis by Player

2.1 Global Zirconium Metal Sales and Market Share by Player (2019-2026)

2.2 Global Zirconium Metal Revenue and Market Share by Player (2019-2026)

2.3 Global Zirconium Metal Average Price by Player (2019-2026)

2.4 Players Competition Situation & Trends

2.5 Conclusion of Segment by Player

Continue.



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News: www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsValley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- Future Market Insights delivers key insights on the global zinc chloride market in its latest report titled 'Zinc Chloride market: Global Industry Analysis 2013-2017 and Opportunity Assessment, 2018-2028.' The long-term outlook of the global zinc chloride market remains positive and its market value is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.6 % during the forecast period (2018  2028). On the basis of grade type, the global zinc chloride market is dominated by the high purity grade segment, which accounts for ~43.6% of the global zinc chloride demand. The segment is estimated register a moderate CAGR over the forecast period and the demand for the segment is mostly driven by the chemical industry. Battery grade zinc chloride is widely used in the manufacturing of dry cell batteries. Technical grade and commercial grade zinc chloride segments are projected to witness high acceptability and growth rates in the latter half of the forecast period as these grades are used in electronic and other industrial applications. Global sales of zinc chloride is valued at US$ 270.9 Mn by the end of 2018  witnessing Y-o-Y growth of 4.6% over 2017. China accounts for a value share of ~21.9% of the global zinc chloride market in 2018 end and it is anticipated to register significant demand for zinc chloride from chemical and agriculture industries.



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Zinc chloride or ZnCl2 is a deliquescent salt, which is white in color and forms acidic solutions in polar organic solvents such as ether, acetone, water and ethanol. Zinc chloride is hygroscopic in nature and thus, must be kept away from water vapors and moisture sources. By adding zinc chloride and acetone, a neutral solution of zinc chloride is prepared.



Increasing demand for zinc chloride from chemical and textile industries can be attributed to the growth in usage in these industries. Other than this, zinc chloride also finds a number of other applications in various end-use industries such as in galvanizing, tinning of fluxes and soldering. It can also be used as an odor controller, due to which its demand is increasing in the market. The reaction of sulfide with zinc chloride minimizes the release of H2S gas in waste water treatment facilities, thereby aiding in odor control. Zinc chloride is used in the rubber industry for the vulcanization of rubber. That apart, dissolution of cellulosic fibers in scrap is done with the help of zinc chloride. Zinc chloride is also used for various other applications such as textile finishing, liquid fertilizers, organic synthesis, dry cell batteries and wood preservatives, among others.



However, the global zinc chloride market is projected to face numerous challenges as zinc chloride is toxic in nature and can cause skin & eye burns. Zinc chloride and water, on contact with eyes, can cause permanent damage. Such factors are further expected to hamper the growth of the zinc chloride market.



One of the recent trends observed in the global zinc chloride market includes the use of zinc chloride as a catalyst in the automotive industry.



Segmentation Analysis



On the basis of grade type, the high purity grade segment is projected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period with a share of ~43.6% by the end 2018



On the basis of application type, the global zinc chloride market is projected to be dominated by the dry cell batteries segment, which is expected to register a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period. However, the catalyst segment is expected to witness a higher growth rate



On the basis of end use, the use of zinc chloride in the chemical industry is projected to remain the relatively larger end use segment; however, other applications such agriculture and electronics are expected to expand at relatively moderate growth rates



Regional Analysis



From a regional perspective, China is projected to dominate the global zinc chloride market throughout the forecast period. The region is a production base for a number of global manufacturers and also, exports to Asian and other countries. North America also holds a significant share of ~20% in the global zinc chloride market with the U.S. representing the major market demand. India is projected to be a higher growth country with significant growth opportunities in the latter half of the forecast period. ASEAN, Poland, Brazil and other countries are majorly dependent on the import of zinc chloride from the U.S., China and Europe. Therefore, a number of manufacturers are planning to strategically invest in expanding their sales and production footprint in the region. Latin America and MEA are projected to remain low volume  high growth regions over the forecast period.



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Vendor Insights



The report highlights some of the top companies operating in the global zinc chloride market such Zaclon LLC, Flaurea Chemicals, Vijaychem Industries, FInOrIC, American Elements, Pan-Continental Chemical Co., Global Chemical Co. Ltd., TIB Chemicals, S.A. Lipmes, Haihua Industry and Yanggu Zhongtian Zinc Industry Co. Ltd., among others.Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- HTF MI recently Announced Global Wireless Doorbells study with 100+ market data Tables and Figures spread through Pages and easy to understand detailed TOC on "Wireless Doorbells. Global Wireless Doorbells research allows you to get different methods for maximizing your profit. The research study provides estimates for Global Wireless Doorbells Forecast till 2025*.



Some of the Leading key Company's Covered for this Research are 1byone, August, Honeywell International, Ring, SadoTech, SkyBell Technologies, ABB Genway, Aiphone, COMMAX, dbell, Ding Labs, Kaito Electronics, Jacob Jensen Design, Legrand North America, Panasonic, Shenzhen Kivos Technology, Xiamen Dnake Technology & Zmodo.



Click to get Global Wireless Doorbells Market Research Sample PDF Copy Here @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1596450-global-wireless-doorbells-market-6



According to the report, one driver in the market is innovation in product design and features. The emergence of wireless technology has changed the way people live. This is because it has paved the way for many discoveries in the field of wireless equipment, wireless doorbells being one of them. Innovations in product design and features are driving the global wireless doorbells market. Hence, the vendors are heavily investing in R&D to introduce products with new features. This also helps them differentiate themselves in the market.

The global Wireless Doorbells market is valued at xx million US$ in 2018 and will reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx% during 2019-2025. The objectives of this study are to define, segment, and project the size of the Wireless Doorbells market based on company, product type, end user and key regions.



This report studies the global market size of Wireless Doorbells in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa, focuses on the consumption of Wireless Doorbells in these regions.

This research report categorizes the global Wireless Doorbells market by top players/brands, region, type and end user. This report also studies the global Wireless Doorbells market status, competition landscape, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, sales channels and distributors.



Global Wireless Doorbells Research for a Leading company is an intelligent process of gathering and analyzing the numerical data related to services and products. This Research Give idea to aims at your targeted customer's understanding, needs and wants. Also, reveals how effectively a company can meet their requirements. The market research collects data about the customers, marketing strategy, competitors. The Wireless Doorbells Manufacturing industry is becoming increasingly dynamic and innovative, with more number of private players entering the industry.



Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the report:



1) Who are the Leading Key Company in Global Wireless Doorbells market space?



Following are list of players that are currently profiled in the report "1byone, August, Honeywell International, Ring, SadoTech, SkyBell Technologies, ABB Genway, Aiphone, COMMAX, dbell, Ding Labs, Kaito Electronics, Jacob Jensen Design, Legrand North America, Panasonic, Shenzhen Kivos Technology, Xiamen Dnake Technology & Zmodo"



** 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 Wireless Doorbells 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.



3) What are the Market Applications & Types:



The study is segmented by following Product Type: , Non-Connected Wireless Doorbells & Connected Wireless Doorbells



Major applications/end-users industry are: Residential & Commercial



**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.



To comprehend Global Wireless Doorbells market dynamics in the world mainly, the worldwide Wireless Doorbells market is analyzed across major regions. HTF MI also provides customized specific regional and country-level reports for the following areas.



- 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.

Enquire for customization in Report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1596450-global-wireless-doorbells-market-6



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 1byone, August, Honeywell International, Ring, SadoTech, SkyBell Technologies, ABB Genway, Aiphone, COMMAX, dbell, Ding Labs, Kaito Electronics, Jacob Jensen Design, Legrand North America, Panasonic, Shenzhen Kivos Technology, Xiamen Dnake Technology & Zmodo 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 Wireless Doorbells 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 Wireless Doorbells 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.



Buy Full Copy Global Wireless Doorbells Report 2018 @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1596450-global-wireless-doorbells-market-6



In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Global Wireless Doorbells are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2018

Base Year: 2018

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year 2019 to 2025



Key Stakeholders in Global Wireless Doorbells Market:

Global Wireless Doorbells Manufacturers

Global Wireless Doorbells Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers

Global Wireless Doorbells Subcomponent Manufacturers

Industry Association

Downstream Vendors



**Actual Numbers & In-Depth Analysis, Business opportunities, Market Size Estimation Available in Full Report.



Buy this research @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1596450



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) -- 02/19/2019 -- The latest market intelligence study on the UV Adhesive market applies the best of both primary and secondary research techniques to bring to light the growth rate of the UV Adhesive market for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026. The comprehensive study covers hard to find facts about the market landscape as well as its growth prospects in the years to come. Most importantly, the research report includes vital statistics about the major vendors occupying a strong foothold in this industry. Besides this, in order to calculate the market share, the study takes a closer look at the selling price of the product across different regions.



Request for Sample Copy of UV Adhesive Market Report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/13704



Scope of the Report: The researcher assessing the UV Adhesive market dive deep to unearth intangible facts related to the key restraints, opportunities, and threats expected to shape the progress of the industry during the forecast period, 2019 - 2026. Significant evaluation of other factors such as demand and supply status, import and export, distribution channel, consumption volume, and production capability play a vital role in offering business owners, stakeholders and field marketing personnel a competitive edge over others operating in the same space. All important data are presented in self-explanatory charts, tables and graphic images that can be incorporated into any business presentation.



Market Segment on the basis of manufacturers, the report covers:

DELO, DEVCON, RanSheng Chemical, PERMABOND, Norland Products, Dow Corning, Inseto, Chemence, DYMAX, LOCTITE (HENKEL), LOXEAL, TONSAN (H.B.Fuller), Darbon, 3M, Master Bond, ThreeBond, Huitian New Material, Cyberbond



Most important types of Uv Adhesive products covered in this report are:

- Acrylic UV Adhesives

- Epoxy UV Adhesives

- Silicone UV Adhesives

- Polyurethane UV Adhesives

- Other



Most widely used downstream fields of Uv Adhesive market covered in this report are:

- Glass

- Electronic appliances

- Optical field

- Medical supplies

- other



Market segment by Region/Country including:

- North America

- Europe

- China

- Japan

- Middle East & Africa

- India

- South America

- Others



Buy UV Adhesive Market Report @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/13704



The study explores in details about the recent trend fast gaining momentum in the UV Adhesive industry due to factors including but not limited to growing customer preference and a sudden rise in their spending capacity. Aspects attributed to the gross margin, profit, supply chain management and product value and their considerable impact on the development of the UV Adhesive market during the forecast period, 2019 - 2026 is carefully scrutinized during the research.



Extensive data on market segmentation:

The UV Adhesive Market report divides the market of potential buyers into different groups, or segments/sub segments, based on various characteristics. The segments and sub segments identified contain buyer who are expected to respond or react similarly to certain products and services. The report further finds out consumers who share traits including similar expectations, interests, geography and needs. The segmentation sheds light on how some customers are likely to purchase a product or service than others to enable marketers allocate their focus as well as resource.



Estimating the potential size of the UV Adhesive industry:

Industry experts conducting the study further estimate the potential of the UV Adhesive industry. Such information is important for firms looking to launch an innovative service or product on the market. Industry experts have measured the total volume of the given market. Researchers have calculated the industry in terms of sales by the competitors and end-user  customers. Data on the entire size of the UV Adhesive market for a particular product or a service for the forecast period, 2019 to 2026 covered in the report makes it valuable. This information reveals the upper limit of the UV Adhesive industry for a specific product or service.



The research provides answers to the following key questions:

- What is the estimated size of the UV Adhesive market for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026? What will be the growth rate of the industry during the estimated period?

- What are the prominent driving forces likely to impact the progress of the industry across different regions?

- Who are the major market players occupying a strong foothold in the UV Adhesive market? What are the winning strategies adopted by them to stay ahead in the competition?

- What are the potential opportunities for the UV Adhesive market for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026?



There are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global UV Adhesive market.



Chapter 1 covers the UV Adhesive Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;



Chapter 2 talks about the top manufacturers and analyses their sales, revenue and pricing decisions for the duration 2019 and 2026;



Chapter 3 displays the competitive nature of the market by discussing the competition among the top manufacturers. It dissects the market using sales, revenue and market share data for 2019 and 2026;



Chapter 4, shows the global market by regions and the proportionate size of each market region based on sales, revenue and market share of UV Adhesive, for the period 2019- 2026;



Continue



Read More @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/uv-adhesive-market



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News: https://www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsAlbany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Urodynamic studies determine how the bladder, sphincters, and urethra hold and release urine. Urodynamic testing helps to ascertain how well the bladder functions. The test also helps to find the reasons for urine leakage or blockage in the bladder or in the pathway of urine. Urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, urine urgency, painful urination, recurrent urinary tract infections, weak urine flow, and incontinence can be due to several factors. An urodynamic test helps to determine the specific cause of the condition. The test is painless and can be done by sophisticated instruments or placing a small catheter into bladder to measure the pressure generated with different actions.



Read Report Overview: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/urodynamic-testing-market.html



Based on test type, the global urodynamic testing market can be segmented into uroflowmetry, electromyography, cystometric test, leak point pressure measurement test, and others. The cystometric test segment is projected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period, as the test is a doctor's first choice to check bladder's ability to hold urine and emptying capacity and to determine if other test is required to diagnose the condition. Urinary disorders are mostly associated with the bladder. Cystometric test is the most value added test to measure how much urine the bladder can hold, determine the pressure build up inside bladders, and identify involuntary bladder contractions. In terms of end-user, the global urodynamic testing market can be classified into hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and others. The hospitals segment is expected to expand at a high CAGR during the forecast period, as large number of patients prefer diagnosis of diseases in hospitals due to the availability of treatment and diagnostics under one roof.



Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine due to loss of bladder control. An estimated 500 million people in the world are affected by urinary incontinence and it is one of the major factors driving the global urodynamic testing market. Moreover, increasing prevalence of problems in the urinary system due to pregnancy, injuries, increasing age etc. which require compulsory urine testing in order to stat treatment are also anticipated the urodynamic testing market. According to a report published by the European Association of Urology (2013), the Global Prevalence Infection in Urology (GPIU) study data indicated that nearly 10% of patients hospitalized in urological wards have a health care associated infection.



Request Brochure of Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=56193



In terms of region, the global urodynamic testing market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the global urodynamic testing market in 2017. The region is projected to account for significant share of the global urodynamic testing market during the forecast period, due to rise in prevalence of urinary incontinence. According to the National Association for Incontinence, over 25 million adults in North America suffer from some form of urinary incontinence each year, and 75% to 80% of these are women. Rise in prevalence of urinary infection in countries such as India and China, availability of advanced test kits, and increase in awareness about urinary diseases and their effects on life are likely to propel the urodynamic testing market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period.



Key players operating in the global urodynamic testing market are Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Accu Reference Medical Labs, Quest Diagnostics, Eurofins Scientific, Urology Specialists, Arkansas Urology, and Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), among others.



About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMR's global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.



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Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- A new market assessment report on the Tissue Scissors market provides a comprehensive overview of the Tissue Scissors industry for the forecast period 2019 - 2026. The analytical study is proposed to provide immense clarity on the market size, share and growth rate across different regions. The profound knowledge and extensive examination of the trends from the yesteryear and future aims at offering the stakeholders, product owners, and marketing personnel a competitive edge over others operating in the Tissue Scissors market for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026.



Request for sample Tissue Scissors report in PDF format available now @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/30611



Scope of the Report:

The study finds that how on certain account threats and challenges can act as a roadblock for the business. A thorough evaluation of the Tissue Scissors market in the light of macro-environment such as social, political, economical as well as technological environment add granularity to the overall research. In addition, the study produces real-time data on vital aspects including sales, profits, gross margin and growth prospects to show how going forward the business will witness a substantial upswing.



The major players covered in this Tissue Scissors report are:

Shanghai Medical Instruments, Scanlan International, Xinheng Medical, Stronger Medical, Vector Medical, Covidien, Lingtao Medical, Shengding Industry, WEGO, Tiantian Dental Equipment, Shuanglu Medical



Major Regions that plays a vital role in Tissue Scissors market are:

- North America

- Europe

- China

- Japan

- Middle East & Africa

- India

- South America

- Others



Make an enquire before buying this report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/make-enquiry-form/30611



Estimating the potential size of the Tissue Scissors industry

Industry experts conducting the study further estimate the potential of the Tissue Scissors industry. Such information is important for firms looking to launch an innovative service or product on the market. Industry experts have measured the total volume of the given market. Researchers have calculated the industry in terms of sales by the competitors and end-user  customers. Data on the entire size of the Tissue Scissors market for a particular product or a service for the forecast period, 2019 to 2026 covered in the report makes it valuable. This information reveals the upper limit of the Tissue Scissors industry for a specific product or service.



Grow with the Tissue Scissors Market trend

The Tissue Scissors helps product owners learn how certain trends will shape the growth of the Tissue Scissors industry over a long term. The study closely looks at the historical price pattern of various products and services and empowers entrepreneurs to form the right opinion about the future trends. Accordingly, business owners will be able to decide their course of action and make a wise decision.



Purchase full Tissue Scissors report through this link and get 15% free customization on the report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/30611



The study objectives of this report are:

- To analyze and study the global Tissue Scissors capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2014-2019) and forecast (2019-2026);

- Focuses on the key Barn Door Hardware 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.



Key Points from TOC

8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Competitive Profile

8.2 Shanghai Medical Instruments

8.2.1 Company Profiles

8.2.2 Tissue Scissors Product Introduction

8.2.3 Shanghai Medical Instruments Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.2.4 Shanghai Medical Instruments Market Share of Tissue Scissors Segmented by Region in 2018

8.3 Scanlan International

8.3.1 Company Profiles

8.3.2 Tissue Scissors Product Introduction

8.3.3 Scanlan International Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.3.4 Scanlan International Market Share of Tissue Scissors Segmented by Region in 2018



Continue



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About MarketExpertz

Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? Then marketexpertz has just the thing for you - reports from over 500 prominent publishers and updates on our collection daily to empower companies and individuals catch-up with the vital insights on industries operating across different geography, trends, share, size and growth rate. There's more to what we offer to our customers. With marketexpertz you have the choice to tap into the specialized services without any additional charges.



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News: https://www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsNew York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- A new market assessment report on Sulfosuccinate market provides a comprehensive overview of Sulfosuccinate industry for the forecast period 2019 - 2026. The analytical study is proposed to provide immense clarity on the market size, share and growth rate across different regions. The profound knowledge and extensive examination of the trends from the yesteryear and future aims at offering the stakeholders, product owners, and marketing personnel a competitive edge over others operating in the Sulfosuccinate market for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026.



Request for Sample Copy of Sulfosuccinate Market Report @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/19552



Scope of the Report:

This industry assessment for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026 incorporates projections pertaining to the investment feasibility, gross margin, profits, consumption volume, production capability and major market vendors. Likewise, statistics associated with the competitive landscape, shifting consumer behaviour and spending power is showcased and well-explained with the help of treasured resources such as charts, graphs and graphic images, which can be easily incorporated in the business or corporate presentations.



Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers:

Solvay, Jeevika Yugchem Private Limited, Huntsman, Croda International, Lubrizol, Parchem, Evonik Industries AG, Air Products and Chemicals, BASF, KAO Corporation, Clariant, Cytec Industries, EOC, MFG Chemical, Stepan, Dow



Most important types of Sulfosuccinate products covered in this report are:

- Di-ester Sulfosuccinate

- Mono-ester Sulfosuccinate



Most widely used downstream fields of Sulfosuccinate market covered in this report are:

- Adhesives

- Coatings & Inks

- Polymer



Market segment by Region/Country including:

- North America

- Europe

- China

- Japan

- Middle East & Africa

- India

- South America

- Others



Subject matter experts conducting the study also take a closer look at the products at their development stage and in the pipeline to help business owners conclude on the business strategies that can lower their cost and promise great returns or profits. Strong emphasis on new launches, acquisition and mergers, collaboration, import and export status and supply chain management empowers the business evangelists, manufacturers and business owners build a robust strategy when it comes to making an investment.



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Extensive data on market segmentation:

The Sulfosuccinate Market report divides the market of potential buyers into different groups, or segments/sub segments, based on various characteristics. The segments and sub segments identified contain buyer who are expected to respond or react similarly to certain products and services. The report further finds out consumers who share traits including similar expectations, interests, geography and needs. The segmentation sheds light on how some customers are likely to purchase a product or service than others to enable marketers allocate their focus as well as resource.



Estimating the potential size of the Sulfosuccinate industry

Industry experts conducting the study further estimate the potential of the Sulfosuccinate industry. Such information is important for firms looking to launch an innovative service or product on the market. Industry experts have measured the total volume of the given market. Researchers have calculated the industry in terms of sales by the competitors and end-user  customers. Data on the entire size of the Sulfosuccinate market for a particular product or a service for the forecast period, 2019 to 2026 covered in the report makes it valuable. This information reveals the upper limit of the Sulfosuccinate industry for a specific product or service.



Attracting the target audience

First, the comprehensive report finds out why customers need a certain product or service. The study focuses on what problems a certain product and service can solve. Apart from target demographics industry experts weigh up on the factors including audience type, as well as others vital attributes about the target customer segment.



The research provides answers to the following key questions:

- What is the estimated growth rate and market share and size of the Sulfosuccinate market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026?

- What are the driving forces in the Sulfosuccinate market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026?

- Who are the prominent market players and how have they gained a competitive edge over other competitors?

- What are the market trends influencing the progress of the Sulfosuccinate industry worldwide?

- What are the major challenges and threats restricting the progress of the industry?

- What opportunities does the market hold for the prominent market players?



Read More @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/sulfosuccinate-market



There are 13 Chapters to deeply display the Sulfosuccinate market.



Chapter 1 covers the Sulfosuccinate Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;



Chapter 2 talks about the top manufacturers and analyses their sales, revenue and pricing decisions for the duration 2019 and 2026;



Chapter 3 displays the competitive nature of the market by discussing the competition among the top manufacturers. It dissects the market using sales, revenue and market share data for 2019 and 2026;



Chapter 4, shows the global market by regions and the proportionate size of each market region based on sales, revenue and market share of Sulfosuccinate, for the period 2019- 2026;



Continue



About MarketExpertz

Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? Then marketexpertz has just the thing for you - reports from over 500 prominent publishers and updates on our collection daily to empower companies and individuals catch-up with the vital insights on industries operating across different geography, trends, share, size and growth rate. There's more to what we offer to our customers. With marketexpertz you have the choice to tap into the specialized services without any additional charges.



Contact Us:

John Watson

Head of Business Development

Market Expertz | Web: www.marketexpertz.com

Direct Line: +1-800-819-3052

E-mail: sales@marketexpertz.com

News: https://www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsNew York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- The study is a professional probe into the revenue generated and capacity estimates for the SPRAY DRIED UREA-FORMALDEHYDE(UF) AND MELAMINE-FORMALDEHYDE(MF) BASED RESINS FOR WOODWORKING market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026 empower the business owners to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. The research further examines and provides data on the market by type, application and geography interspersed with illustrations and other graphical representations. The market analysis not only determines the attractiveness of the industry but also the evolving challenges and opportunities and their association with the weaknesses and strengths of prominent market leaders. Other factors taken into consideration when studying the industry include profitability, manufacturing capability, distribution channels and industry cost structure and major success factors.



Request Sample copy of this report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/30639



Major Players in Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking market are:



- Macro Polymers Pvt. Ltd.

- Allied Resins & Chemicals(ARCL)

- Achema AB

- MRI COMPANY

- Hexion

- BASF

- Kronospan

- Georgia-Pacific Chemicals

- Gruppo Saviola

- DOW

- KarpatSmoly



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.)



Apart from this, the valuable document weighs upon the performance of the industry on the basis of a product service, end-use, geography and end customer



Based on the Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking industrial chain, this report mainly elaborates the definition, types, applications and major players of Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2014-2019), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise products, industry development trends (2019-2026), 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 Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking market.



Make an inquiry and request for customization@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/make-enquiry-form/30639



Region wise performance of the Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking industry



A new market assessment report on SPRAY DRIED UREA-FORMALDEHYDE(UF) AND MELAMINE-FORMALDEHYDE(MF) BASED RESINS FOR WOODWORKING market brings to light a detailed statistics on the dramatic shift in the competitive landscape and business environment of the SPRAY DRIED UREA-FORMALDEHYDE(UF) AND MELAMINE-FORMALDEHYDE(MF) BASED RESINS FOR WOODWORKING market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026. The comprehensive study offers an overview of the current state of development of the business as well as predicts the course of progress across different regions. A large number of factors including the major driving forces, threats and opportunities are taken into account to present an analytical picture of the industry portrayed in the report.



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Knowing the trends influencing the industry performance

The study has been conducted on the basis of inputs from the industry leaders. Thus, a conscious effort to dive deep and unearth hard to find information pertaining to the growing market landscape and growth prospects over the next few years is clearly visible in the study. The market intelligence report further comprises of discussions about the major vendors operating in the Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking space.



In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Pet Food Ingredients are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year 2019 to 2026



Browse complete report description and visit our website@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/spray-dried-urea-formaldehydeuf-and-melamine-formaldehydemf-ing-market



The research provides answers to the following key questions:



- What is the expected growth rate of the Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking

Market for the forecast period 2019  2026? What is the market size likely to be during the estimated period?

- What are the key driving forces shaping the future of the industry across different countries?

- Who are the prominent market players dominating the Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking

Market? How have they managed to maintain a competitive edge over their competitors?

- What are the major trends and opportunities responsible for the progress of the Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking

Market during the estimated period?

- What are the major obstacles hindering the progress of the market worldwide?



Key point from TOC



1 Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Introduction and Market Overview

1.1 Objectives of the Study

2 Industry Chain Analysis

2.1 Upstream Raw Material Suppliers of Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Analysis

3 Global Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Market, by Type

4 Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Market, by Application

5 Global Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Production, Value by Region (2014-2019)

6 Global Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2014-2019)

7 Global Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Market Status and SWOT Analysis by Regions

8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Competitive Profile

8.2 Macro Polymers Pvt. Ltd.

8.2.1 Company Profiles

8.2.2 Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Product Introduction

8.2.3 Macro Polymers Pvt. Ltd. Production, Value, Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.2.4 Macro Polymers Pvt. Ltd. Market Share of Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Segmented by Region in 2019

8.3 Allied Resins & Chemicals(ARCL)

8.3.1 Company Profiles

8.3.2 Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Product Introduction

8.3.3 Allied Resins & Chemicals(ARCL) Production, Value, Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.3.4 Allied Resins & Chemicals(ARCL) Market Share of Spray Dried Urea-Formaldehyde(Uf) And Melamine-Formaldehyde(Mf) Based Resins For Woodworking Segmented by Region in 2019

8.4 Achema AB

8.4.1 Company Profiles

Continue...



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News: www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsPune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Latest Research Report On Military Smart Textiles Market:



Summary:Excellence consistency maintains by Garner Insights in Research Report in which studies the global Military Smart Textiles market status and forecast, categorizes and Equipment market value by manufacturers, type, application, and region.



Military smart textiles are smart textiles used in military.Smart textiles are defined as textiles that can sense and react via an active control mechanism to environmental conditions or stimuli from mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical or magnetic sources.



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The Global Military Smart Textiles market Report provides a detailed analysis of the current dynamics of the market with an extensive focus on the secondary research. It also studies current situation of the market estimate, share, demand, development patterns, and forecast in the coming years. The report on Global Military Smart Textiles Market studies the strategy pattern adopted by prominent international players. Additionally, the report also evaluates market size in terms of revenue (USD MN) for the forecast period. All data and figures involving percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns are determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.



Major Key Players of the Military Smart Textiles Market are:

BAE Systems, DuPont, TenCate, Outlast, W. L. Gore & Associates, Mide Technology, Ohmatex ApS, AFT.



The 'Military Smart Textiles Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Military Smart Textiles industry with a focus on the global market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Military Smart Textiles manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.



Major Types of Military Smart Textiles covered are:

Passive Smart Textile, Active Smart Textile, Ultra-Smart Textile.



Major Applications of Military Smart Textiles covered are:

NASA, DOD.



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Regional Military Smart Textiles Market (Regional Output, Demand & Forecast by Countries):-

North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)

South America ( Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile)

Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Korea)

Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy)

Middle East Africa (Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran) And More.



The research report studies the historical, present, and future performance of the global market. The report further evaluates the present competitive landscape, prevalent business models, and the likely advancements in offerings by significant players in the coming years.



Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the report:

 Detailed overview of Military Smart Textiles market

 Changing market dynamics of 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 of Military Smart Textiles market

 Strategies of key players and product offerings

 Potential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth

 A neutral perspective towards Military Smart Textiles market performance

 Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint



View Full Report Description with TOC: https://www.garnerinsights.com/Global-Military-Smart-Textiles-Market-2019-by-Manufacturers-Regions-Type-and-Application-Forecast-to-2024



Reasons to Purchase Military Smart Textiles Market Report:

1. Current and future of Military Smart Textiles market outlook in the developed and emerging markets.

2. Analysis of various perspectives of the market with the help of Porter's five forces analysis.

3. The segment that is expected to dominate the Military Smart Textiles market.

4. Regions that are expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.

5. Identify the latest developments, Military Smart Textiles market shares, and strategies employed by the major market players.



Besides, the market study affirms the leading players across the globe in the Military Smart Textiles market. Their key marketing dispositions and advertising enterprise have been highlighted to offer a clear understanding of the Military Smart Textiles market.



About Garner Insights

Garner Insights is a Market Intelligence and consulting firm with an all-inclusive experience and vast knowledge of the market research industry.Our vast storage of research reports across various categories, gives you a complete view of the ever changing and developing trends and current topics worldwide. Our constant endeavor is to keep on improving our storage information by providing rich market reports and constantly improving them.Iran's Dayyani group is targeting the overseas assets of Korean businesses after the Korean government failed to pay compensation for the firm's failure to acquire Daewoo in 2010.

The Dayyani group won a court decision authorizing the seizure of assets in the Netherlands held by Samsung, LG and KEB Hana Bank.

According to the Financial Services Commission on Tuesday, a court in Rotterdam sided with the Dayyani group in a lawsuit seeking to seize Korean government assets. The court issued notices to seven Korean businesses in the Netherlands to pay the Dayyani group instead any money they owe to the Korean government.

The dispute arose in April of 2010 when the Dayyani family, the largest shareholder of Iranian home appliance maker Entekhab, failed in its attempt to acquire Daewoo Electronics.

The state-run Korea Asset Management Corporation was the majority shareholder of Daewoo at the time. The Dayyani group was unable to come up with the whole amount in time and ended up forfeiting W57.8 billion it put up to guarantee the deal (US$1=W1,129).

But the Dayyani group filed a lawsuit against the Korean government and in June last year, the UN Commission on International Trade Law ruled that the Korean government must compensate the Iranian company for the loss.

But the Korean government appealed. An FSC official here said, "The decision to seize assets is only a preliminary step ahead of executing the court order and is highly unlikely to happen. We will focus on our lawsuit seeking to overturn the ruling."New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- The latest report RFID Antenna Market discusses everything a business owner needs to know about the RFID Antenna market for the forecast period, 2019 to 2026. The document offers an insight into what the target customer's needs and wants. Industry experts have extracted data from various sources on size, share, growth rate, production volume, production capacity, import and export status, distribution channels and more and have analysed it thoroughly. By properly assessing the competitors and their offerings the study aims at empowering business owners to step ahead.



Request for Sample Copy of RFID Antenna Market Report @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/30516



Scope of the Report:

The research methodologies used for evaluating the RFID Antenna market are inventive and also provides enough evidence on the demand and supply status, production capability, import and export, supply chain management and investment feasibility. The investigative approach applied for the extensive analysis of the sale, gross margin and profit generated by the industry are presented through resources including tables, charts, and graphic images. Importantly, these resources can be easily integrated or used for preparing business or corporate presentations.



Major Players in RFID Antenna market are:

Kathrein, Abracon, Texas Instruments, Cobham Antenna Systems, Omron, Kenbotong Technology Co., Ltd.(KBT), Taoglas Limited, RF Solutions, Honeywell, Sumida America Components, Alien Technology, Seeed Technology, MTI Wireless Edge Ltd., FELG Electromic, EPCOS(TDK), Convergence Systems Limited (CSL), Times-7, Skyetek, DLP Design, Harting, BBT ANTENNAS INC, Pulse Electronics Corporation



Market segment by Region/Country including:

- North America

- Europe

- China

- Japan

- Middle East & Africa

- India

- South America

- Others



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Estimating the potential size of the RFID Antenna industry:

Industry experts conducting the study further estimate the potential of the RFID Antenna industry. Such information is important for firms looking to launch an innovative service or product on the market. Industry experts have measured the total volume of the given market. Researchers have calculated the industry in terms of sales by the competitors and end-user  customers. Data on the entire size of the RFID Antenna market for a particular product or a service for the forecast period, 2019 to 2026 covered in the report makes it valuable. This information reveals the upper limit of the RFID Antenna industry for a specific product or service.



Attracting the target audience:

First, the comprehensive report finds out why customers need a certain product or service. The study focuses on what problems a certain product and service can solve. Apart from target demographics industry experts weigh up on the factors including audience type, as well as others vital attributes about the target customer segment.



The research provides answers to the following key questions:

- What is the estimated growth rate of the RFID Antenna market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026? What will be the market share and size of the industry during the estimated period?

- What are prime factors expected to drive the RFID Antenna industry for the estimated period?

- What are the major market leaders and what has been their winning strategy for success so far?

- What are the significant trends shaping the growth prospects of the RFID Antenna market?

- What are the key challenges expected to restrict the progress of the industry for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026?

- What the opportunities product owners can bank on to generate high profits?



There are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global RFID Antenna market.

- 1 RFID Antenna Market Overview

- 2 Global RFID Antenna Market Competition by Manufacturers

- 3 Global RFID Antenna Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2019)

- 4 Global RFID Antenna Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2019)

- 5 Global RFID Antenna Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type

- 6 Global RFID Antenna Market Analysis by Application

- Continue



Read More @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/rfid-antenna-market



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News: https://www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsLos Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- The global Quince market has been garnering remarkable momentum in the recent years. The steadily escalating demand due to improving purchasing power is projected to bode well for the global market. QY Research's latest publication, offers an insightful take on the drivers and restraints present in the market. It assesses the historical data pertaining to the global Quince market and compares it to the current market trends to give the readers a detailed analysis of the trajectory of the market. A team subject-matter experts have provided the readers a qualitative and quantitative data about the market and the various elements associated with it.

The research report is broken down into chapters, which are introduced by the executive summary. It's the introductory part of the chapter, which includes details about global market figures, both historical and estimates. The executive summary also provides a brief about the segments and the reasons for the progress or decline during the forecast period. The insightful research report on the global Quince market includes Porter's five forces analysis and SWOT analysis to understand the factors impacting consumer and supplier behavior.

Request a Sample of this report at: https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/978301/Global-Quince-Industry-Analysis-Report

The following Companies as the Key Players in the Global Quince Market Research Report: Gruenewald Fruchtsaft,Kanegrade,WILD Flavors,The Fine Food...



Regions Covered in the Global Quince Market:

?The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt)

?North America (the United States, Mexico, and Canada)

?South America (Brazil etc.)

?Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.)

?Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)

The scope of the Report:

The report segments the global [] market on the basis of application, type, service, technology, and region. Each chapter under this segmentation allows readers to grasp the nitty-gritties of the market. A magnified look at the segment-based analysis is aimed at giving the readers a closer look at the opportunities and threats in the market. It also address political scenarios that are expected to impact the market in both small and big ways.

The report on the global Quince market examines changing regulatory scenario to make accurate projections about potential investments. It also evaluates the risk for new entrants and the intensity of the competitive rivalry.

Ask our Expert if You Have a Query at:

Strategic Points Covered in TOC:

Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product scope, market risk, market overview, and market opportunities of the global Quince market

Chapter 2: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the global Quince market which consists of its revenue, sales, and price of the products

Chapter 3: Displaying the competitive nature among key manufacturers, with market share, revenue, and sales

Chapter 4: Presenting global Quince market by regions, market share and with revenue and sales for the projected period

Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by manufacturers with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions

Purchase the Global Quince Market Report at: https://www.qyresearch.com/settlement/pre/978264,0,1,Global%20Quince%20Industry%20Analysis%20Report%202019



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Emails  enquiry@qyresearch.comNew York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- The latest industry intelligence report on the PVC PASTE RESIN market performs a cautious examination of the current business environment and competitive landscape of the PVC PASTE RESIN market for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026. For stakeholders, field marketing executives and product owners planning to maintain a competitive edge the market assessment report brings to light essential impression about the growth rate, share and size of the industry during the estimated period. Deep dive into an array of elements including but not limited to the value proposition, product positioning, and targeting and industry segmentation have been described through resources such as charts, tables, and info graphics.



Request sample copy of this report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/30644



Apart from this, the valuable document weighs upon the performance of the Pvc Paste Resin industry on the basis of a product service, end-use, geography and end customer



The Pvc Paste Resin market is further segmented in terms of applications, end-user, end-use, geographic presence, by-products as well as services. In addition, the subject matter experts evaluating the industry provide an all-inclusive category-specific industry outlook. A comprehensive collection of data on major companies occupying a strong foothold in the industry adds immense value to the overall research. The assessment of the wining strategies followed by these companies can help business owners not only strategize but also execute business operations by referring the statistics about competitor analysis. Careful assessment of the industry analysis across different regions along with vital information on the market size, share and growth rate makes this report a wonderful resource for business evangelists.



Make an inquiry and request for customization@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/make-enquiry-form/30644



Major Players in Pvc Paste Resin market are:



Mexichem, Shenyang Chemical, Shanghai Chlor-Alkali Chemical, Tiankui Resin, Yidong Group, Hubei Shanshui Chemical, Tianjin Bohai Chemical, Ningxia Yinglite, Vinnolit, Tianye Group, Kaneka, CNSG Anhui Hong Sifang, Wuhan Gehua Group, Tosoh, Thai Plastic and Chemicals, KEMONE, Solvay, Sanmar Group, Hanwha, LG Chem



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.)



Buy Pvc Paste Resin market report and avail 15% free customization on the report at https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/30644



Region wise performance of the Pvc Paste Resin industry

Based on the Pvc Paste Resin industrial chain, this report mainly elaborates the definition, types, applications and major players of Pvc Paste Resin market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2014-2019), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise products, industry development trends (2019-2026), 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 Pvc Paste Resin market.



Competitive Landscape:

The latest market intelligence study on the PVC PASTE RESIN market brings in the best of both qualitative and quantitative assessment techniques to explore the market size, share, and status of the PVC PASTE RESIN market for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026. The extensive examination of the global business environment provides a detailed analysis of the key driving forces and challenges with the aim to give the stakeholders, business owners, and filed marketing executives a competitive advantage over others. The study further probes into prominent challenges, technology advancements, current trends and lucrative avenues often considered as the boosting elements for the PVC PASTE RESIN market for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026.



Get Access to Full summary of this report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/pvc-paste-resin-market



The study objectives of this report are:



#To analyze and study the global Pvc Paste Resin capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2019-2026) and forecast (2019-2026);

#Focuses on the key Pvc Paste Resin 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 Pvc Paste Resin are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year 2019 to 2026

Continue...



Key elements from table of content:



1 Pvc Paste Resin Introduction and Market Overview

2 Industry Chain Analysis

3 Global Pvc Paste Resin Market, by Type

4 Pvc Paste Resin Market, by Application

5 Global Pvc Paste Resin Production, Value by Region (2014-2019)

6 Global Pvc Paste Resin Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2014-2019)

7 Global Pvc Paste Resin Market Status and SWOT Analysis by Regions

8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Competitive Profile

8.2 Mexichem

8.2.1 Company Profiles

8.2.2 Pvc Paste Resin Product Introduction

8.2.3 Mexichem Production, Value, Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.2.4 Mexichem Market Share of Pvc Paste Resin Segmented by Region in 2019

8.3 Shenyang Chemical

8.3.1 Company Profiles

8.3.2 Pvc Paste Resin Product Introduction

Continue



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Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? Then marketexpertz has just the thing for you - reports from over 500 prominent publishers and updates on our collection daily to empower companies and individuals catch-up with the vital insights on industries operating across different geography, trends, share, size and growth rate. There's more to what we offer to our customers. With marketexpertz you have the choice to tap into the specialized services without any additional charges.



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John Watson

Head of Business Development

Market Expertz | Web: www.marketexpertz.com

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News: www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsNew York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- The study is a professional probe into the revenue generated and capacity estimates for the PROPYL VINYL ETHER market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026 empower the business owners to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. The research further examines and provides data on the market by type, application and geography interspersed with illustrations and other graphical representations. The market analysis not only determines the attractiveness of the industry but also the evolving challenges and opportunities and their association with the weaknesses and strengths of prominent market leaders. Other factors taken into consideration when studying the industry include profitability, manufacturing capability, distribution channels and industry cost structure and major success factors.



Request Sample copy of this report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/30628



Major Players in Propyl Vinyl Ether market are:



- Hangzhou J&H Chemical

- Wako Pure Chemical Industries

- 3B Scientific

- Meryer Chemical Technology

- Waterstone Technology

- Wuhan Dahua Pharmaceutical

- BeiJing Hwrk Chemicals

- Shanghai Yongye Biotechnology



Most important types of Propyl Vinyl Ether products covered in this report are:



- Purity 98%

- Purity 99%



Apart from this, the valuable document weighs upon the performance of the Propyl Vinyl Ether industry on the basis of a product service, end-use, geography and end customer



Based on the Propyl Vinyl Ether industrial chain, this report mainly elaborates the definition, types, applications and major players of Propyl Vinyl Ether market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2014-2019), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise products, industry development trends (2019-2026), 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 Propyl Vinyl Ether market.



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Propyl Vinyl Ether 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.)



Understanding the Propyl Vinyl Ether market size

In addition, the competitive dynamics of the PROPYL VINYL ETHER market are evaluated in detail during the study. Current and future trends shaping the progress of the industry are evaluated during the study, which offers a review of the major technology trends expected to dominate the during the forecast period, 2019 - 2026. The assessment report not only identifies but also anticipates and satisfies business owners' questions pertaining to the dramatic shift in customer preferences, spending power and consumer demands worldwide. Along with this, import and export status, demand and supply, distribution channel, cost structure, gross margin and profits generated across different segments are thoroughly examined.



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Knowing the trends influencing the industry performance

The study finds that how on certain account threats and challenges can act as a roadblock for the business. A thorough evaluation of the PROPYL VINYL ETHER market in the light of macro-environment such as social, political, economic as well as technological environment add granularity to the overall research. In addition, the study produces real-time data on vital aspects including sales, profits, gross margin and growth prospects to show how going forward the business will witness a substantial upswing.



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This Propyl Vinyl Ether market report holds answers to some important questions like:



- What is the expected growth rate of the Propyl Vinyl Ether Players market? What will be the market size for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026?

- What are the major driving forces responsible for transforming the trajectory of the industry?

- Who are major vendors dominating the Propyl Vinyl Ether Players 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, 2019 - 2026?



The study objectives of this report are:



#To analyze and study the global Propyl Vinyl Ether capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2019-2026) and forecast (2019-2026);

#Focuses on the key Propyl Vinyl Ether 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 Propyl Vinyl Ether are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year 2019 to 2026

Continue...



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News: www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsLos Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Global Portable Data Storage Market 2019 report provides comprehensive coverage on major industry drivers, restraints, and their impact on market growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, the study encompasses various market-specific growth opportunities in Portable Data Storage market.



The Portable Data Storage market report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out.



The global Portable Data Storage market was valued at million US$ in 2018 and is expected to reach million US$ by 2025 end, expanding at a CAGR of between 2019 and 2025.

The report also provides estimated market share, CAGR, production, consumption, price, revenue, and other crucial factors that indicate the growth of regional markets studied in the report.



Ask for PDF Document of the Portable Data Storage Market report here: https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/978835/Global-Portable-Data-Storage-Professional-Analysis-Report



Major Key Manufacturers of Portable Data Storage Market are:



Sandisk, Adata Technology, Seagate Technology, Samsung Group, Transcend Information, Toshiba, Freecom, Hewlett-Packard, Sony



Portable Data Storage market includes market size, segmentation data and geographical analysis of market growth trends, leading companies and microeconomic information. Readers are also provided with a deep segmental analysis of the global Portable Data Storage market on the basis of the type of product and application.



Major Classification as follows:



Pen Drive, SSD Memory Card, Hard Drives, Blu-Ray Disk, USB, Portable Web Servers



Major Application as follows:



Industrial, Commercial



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Regions Covered in the Global Portable Data Storage Market:

In terms of geography, Global Portable Data Storage Market report is segmented into various regions, revenue (US$ Mn), sales (K Units), revenue share and growth rate of global Portable Data Storage market for these geographies from 2019 to 2025 (Forecast period).

-North America (the United States, Canada and Mexico), South America (Brazil etc.), Europe (Germany, France, Russia UK, Italy, Turkey, etc.), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Australia), The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt)



The report provides an in-depth analysis of the following 



Detailed Overview of Global Portable Data Storage market helps deliver clients and businesses making strategies.

- It covers Portable Data Storage industry outlines, upstream and downstream Portable Data Storage market segments, cost analysis, and market utilizing power, market overview, product scope, product definition of Portable Data Storage market driving forces.

- To provide detailed analysis, Market size and drivers from 2018 to 2025 including various segments and sub-segments of the Global Portable Data Storage Market

- Analysis of the key markets in each region, providing an analysis of the key segments of the market that are expected to be in demand

- The analysis of the competitive landscape of the global Portable Data Storage market. It provides an overview of key players, together with information regarding key alliances, strategic initiatives, and financial analysis

- To provide Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders and Market Effect Factors Analysis of Portable Data Storage market

- The Portable Data Storage market report covers Volume, Revenue and Price Forecast 2019 to 2025



Click to view Tables, Charts, Figures, TOC, and Companies Mentioned in the global Portable Data Storage market Report: https://www.qyresearch.com/index/detail/978835/Global-Portable-Data-Storage-Professional-Analysis-Report



Following are the years considered to forecast market size of the global Portable Data Storage market:



Base Years- 2018

History year- 2014-2018

Projected Year- 2019-2025

In conclusion, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Portable Data Storage Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2018-2025 global Portable Data Storage Market covering all important parameters.



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Web: www.qyresearch.comNew York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- Based on the Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids industrial chain, this report mainly elaborates the definition, types, applications and major players of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2014-2019), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise products, industry development trends (2019-2026), 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 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids market.



Request Sample copy of this report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/30630



Apart from this, the valuable document weighs upon the performance of the industry on the basis of a product service, end-use, geography and end customer



The study is a professional probe into the revenue generated and capacity estimates for the Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026 empower the business owners to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. The research further examines and provides data on the market by type, application and geography interspersed with illustrations and other graphical representations. The market analysis not only determines the attractiveness of the industry but also the evolving challenges and opportunities and their association with the weaknesses and strengths of prominent market leaders. Other factors taken into consideration when studying the industry include profitability, manufacturing capability, distribution channels and industry cost structure and major success factors.



Make an inquiry and request for customization@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/make-enquiry-form/30630



Major Players in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids market are:



- Omega Protein

- BASF

- Cargill

- Aker BioMarine

- Polaris Nutritional Lipids

- GlaxoSmithKline

- FMC

- Enzymotec

- Koninklijke DSM

- Croda International



Most important types of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids products covered in this report are:



- Omega-3 Fatty Acids

- Omega-6 Fatty Acids



Most widely used downstream fields of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids market covered in this report are:



- Food and Beverages

- Pharmaceuticals

- Animal Food and Feed



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.



Buy Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids market report and avail 15% free customization on the report at https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/30630



Competitive Landscape:

The study segments the complete Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids market on the basis of different application, end-use, end-user, and production capability. From a business standpoint, the industry has been thoroughly examined across various countries located in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and others. The size of the industry for the forecast period 2019 - 2026 is evaluated on the basis of current sales figures and past financial report can be used to forecast the future sales.



In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year 2019 to 2026



Get Access to Full summary of this report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/polyunsaturated-fatty-acids-market



The research provides answers to the following key questions:



- What is the expected growth rate of the Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Players market? What will be the market size for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026?

- What are the major driving forces responsible for transforming the trajectory of the industry?

- Who are major vendors dominating the Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Players 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, 2019 - 2026?



There are 13 Chapters to thoroughly display the Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids market. This report included the analysis of market overview, market characteristics, industry chain, competition landscape, historical and future data by types, applications and regions.



Chapter 1: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Market Overview, Product Overview, Market Segmentation, Market Overview of Regions, Market Dynamics, Limitations, Opportunities and Industry News and Policies.

Chapter 2: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Industry Chain Analysis, Upstream Raw Material Suppliers, Major Players, Production Process Analysis, Cost Analysis, Market Channels and Major Downstream Buyers.

Chapter 3: Value Analysis, Production, Growth Rate and Price Analysis by Type of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.

Chapter 4: Downstream Characteristics, Consumption and Market Share by Application of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.

Chapter 5: Production Volume, Price, Gross Margin, and Revenue of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids by Regions (2014-2019).

Chapter 6: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Production, Consumption, Export and Import by Regions (2014-2019).

Chapter 7: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Market Status and SWOT Analysis by Regions.

Chapter 8: Competitive Landscape, Product Introduction, Company Profiles, Market Distribution Status by Players of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.

Chapter 9: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Market Analysis and Forecast by Type and Application (2019-2026).

Chapter 10: Market Analysis and Forecast by Regions (2019-2026).

Chapter 11: Industry Characteristics, Key Factors, New Entrants SWOT Analysis, Investment Feasibility Analysis.

Chapter 12: Market Conclusion of the Whole Report.

Chapter 13: Appendix Such as Methodology and Data Resources of This Research.



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News: www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsNew York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- A new market assessment report on the Orthopedic Braces And Supports market provides a comprehensive overview of the Orthopedic Braces And Supports industry for the forecast period 2019 - 2026. The analytical study is proposed to provide immense clarity on the market size, share and growth rate across different regions. The profound knowledge and extensive examination of the trends from the yesteryear and future aims at offering the stakeholders, product owners, and marketing personnel a competitive edge over others operating in the Orthopedic Braces And Supports market for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026.



Scope Of Report:

Based on the types, the Orthopedic Braces And Supports market has been further classified based on geography, application and consumption capability. On the basis of the product application, the industry is bifurcated taking into consideration those in demand and are an outcome of technology advancement. Region-wise, the performance of the industry along with the prominent vendors operating in the geography also illuminates stakeholders, business owners, and field marketing, executives. The different facets of the business based on parameters including new launches, acquisition and mergers and new entrants are discussed extensively during the study.



Request for free sample report @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/30670



The major players covered in this report are

University of Wisconsin-Stout, Medical University of South Carolina, University of Technology Sydney, University of North Carolina, University of New Mexico, B-Temia Inc., Hospital for Special Surgery, Rice University, Exo Dynamics, LLC, University of Colorado, Resultados y Calidad del Sistema , Sanitario Publico de Andalucia, Redyns Medical, LLC, University of Delaware, North Carolina State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Ottawa Health Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Victoria University



To offer more clarity on the current business environment researchers probe into the import and export status, supply chain management, demand and supply, consumption capability and manufacturing capacity. When assessing the size of the industry special consideration is given to the value and volume of the products and services offered on a year on year basis.



Knowing the trends influencing the industry performance

Stakeholders, marketing executives and business owners planning to refer a market research report can use this study to design their offerings and understand how competitors attract their potential customers and manage their supply and distribution channels. When tracking the trends researchers have made a conscious effort to analyze and interpret the consumer behavior Besides the research helps product owners to understand the changes in culture, target market as well as brands so they can draw the attention of the potential customers more effectively.



Understanding the market size

The size of the Orthopedic Braces And Supports market is viewed in terms of the Share of Market, Total Available Market as well as Served Available Market. Not only does the study present the combined revenue for a particular market but also the market size for a specific geographic region. Analysis of percentage or the size of the Total Available Market based on the type of product, technology, regional constraints and others form an important part of the Orthopedic Braces And Supports report.



Purchase Full report @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/30670



Geographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers in these key regions:

- North America

- Europe

- China

- Japan

- Southeast Asia

- India



We can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions:

North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Europe, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Rest of Europe, Central & South America, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Middle East & Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Rest of Middle East & Africa



Ask for discount on this report for better value @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/discount-enquiry-form/30670



In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of automotive genuine leather are as follows:

Historical data : 2014-2017

Base Year: 2018

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year 2019 to 2026



The study objectives of this report are:

1. To analyze and study the global Orthopedic Braces And Supports capacity, production, value, consumption, status and forecast (2019-2026);

2. Focuses on the key Orthopedic Braces And Supports manufacturers, to study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in future.

3. Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, analysis.

4. To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.

5. To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.

6. To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.

7. To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.

8. To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market.

9. To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

10. To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.



Key elements from table of content:

8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Competitive Profile

8.2 University of Wisconsin-Stout

8.2.1 Company Profiles

8.2.2 Orthopedic Braces And Supports Product Introduction

8.2.3 University of Wisconsin-Stout Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.2.4 University of Wisconsin-Stout Market Share of Orthopedic Braces And Supports Segmented by Region in 2018

8.3 Medical University of South Carolina

8.3.1 Company Profiles

8.3.2 Orthopedic Braces And Supports Product Introduction

8.3.3 Medical University of South Carolina Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-2019

8.3.4 Medical University of South Carolina Market Share of Orthopedic Braces And Supports Segmented by Region in 2018

Continue.



Browse complete report description @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/orthopedic-braces-and-supports-market



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News: www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsValley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Neuromodulation is technology that is used for the alteration or modulation of the nerve activity by using chemical agents or electrical stimulation to the specific neurological sites in the body. Most of the neuromodulation devices work through electrical stimulation.Neuromodulation devices are used by the application of electrodes to the brain, peripheral nerves or the spinal cord. The electrode leads in neuromodulation devices are connected through an extension cable to a power source and pulse generator, which generates required electrical impulses. A low-voltage electrical signal passes from the impulse generator to the nerves, and work by either stimulating the neural impulses where they were not present previously or inhibiting the pain signals. Neuromodulation devices are used to treat or enhance the quality of life of people suffering from the conditions such as, chronic pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, essential tremor, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, dystonia and psychological disorders. The conditions which are being treated with neuromodulation devices are mostly permanent in nature so it requires a long term use of neuromodulation devices.



Neuromodulation Devices Market: Drivers and Restraints



The global market for neuromodulation devices is primarily driven by the increase in geriatric population in developed countries such as, the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Increasing incidence of neurological disorders is another factor responsible for the growth of neuromodulation devices market. Other growth factors for neuromodulation devices market are miniaturization of devices, new neuromodulation devices approval by regulatory bodies and increasing awareness among people.



Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3361



Neuromodulation Devices Market: Segmentation



The global neuromodulation market has been segmented on the basis of product type, end users and geography.



Based on product type, the global neuromodulation devices market is divided into:



Internal Neuromodulation



Deep brain stimulation



Sacral nerve stimulation



Vagus nerve stimulation



Spinal cord stimulation



Gastric Electrical Stimulation



External Neuromodulation



Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation



Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation



Based on end users, the global neuromodulation devices market is segmented as:



Hospitals



Clinics



Home healthcare



Neuromodulation Devices Market: Overview



Neuromodulation devices market is expected to witness significant growth due to the technological advancement of neuromodulation devices. Spinal cord stimulation is the largest segment of the neuromodulation devices market as this therapy is mostly used for the treatment of chronic pain. Deep brain stimulation is expected to be the fastest growing segment of neuromodulation devices market due to increasing prevalence of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease & dystonia and also due to lack of existing treatments. In case of the end users home healthcare is expected to be fastest growing due to miniaturization of neuromodulation devices and ease of use.



Neuromodulation Devices Market: Region-wise Outlook



Neuromodulation devices market is segmented into seven regions, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is the most attractive market due to increase in the end use of devices, awareness among people and high prevalence of disease conditions such as Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, epilepsy. Followed by which is Western Europe. Asia-Pacific region is expected to be fastest growing due to increasing population, change in lifestyle, and government initiative to aware the people regarding the neurological disorders and their treatments. Japan is also an attractive market for neuromodulation devices due to ageing population and increase in the approval rate of neuromodulation devices by Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency.



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Neuromodulation Devices Market: Key Market Participants



Some of the market participants in the global neuromodulation devices market are Medtronic, Accellent, BioControl Medical, Boston Scientific Corporation, DynaMD, Nevro Corp, NeuroSigma, Inc., NeuroPace, Inc., St. Jude Medical, Inc. Soterix Medical, Inc. and Synapse Biomedical, Inc.,. These companies are focusing on miniaturizationof the neuromodulation devices and advancement of the technology.Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Mustard oil is extracted from mustard seeds, often have a pungent taste with irritating aroma. There are three varieties of mustard oil available in market includes B. nigra (black mustard), B. juncea (brown mustard), and B. hirta (white mustard). Traditionally a preferred oil for cooking, it is also used in different applications like aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, & soaps, etc. It is extracted from two process includes pressing the seeds used as cooking oil due to presence of fatty oil and grinding of seed, processing it with water, and the filtered by distillation process. Second method of extracting produce a light pungent oil used for other therapeutic segments as essential oil. It is used in aromatherapy to stimulate the sweat glands and for its benefits on skin.



Various functions of mustard oil such as appetizer, stimulant, hair vitalizer, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and others increase its demand in market. It is considered as essential oil with lots of benefits to skin and body is expecting to grow demand for personal care and cosmetics.



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Mustard oil Market Drivers and Trends:



Mustard oil is traditionally preferred as cooking oil and a substitute for other seed oil with higher benefits towards skin and health is expected to drive the global mustard oil market. Principal factor driving the mustard oil market is to substitute the other oil products like sunflower oil which has a major share in oil market. Availability of low cost substitutes and variety of products is expected to fuel the market. French regions producing white mustard oil due to its sweeter taste is expected to register a higher market growth in terms of value and volume over the forecast period. Mustard oil having properties to produce warmness in body helps to increase the blood flow is expected to register a steady growth in massage therapeutic segment in global mustard oil market.



Mustard oil Market Segmentation:



Mustard oil market is segmented on the basis of product type, production process, application, distribution channels and region. On the basis of product type includes B. nigra (black mustard), B. juncea (brown mustard), and B. hirta (white mustard). Among all of these, black mustard is majorly used in terms of volume and is expected to grow due to its various application in market. On the basis of production process, it is segmented into two categories includes pressing extraction and distillation extraction. On the basis of application the mustard oil market is segmented as food, personal care, pharmaceutical, aromatherapy and others industrial applications. Among all of these, food segment dominates the market and is expected to register a higher growth in the global mustard oil market during forecasted period.



On the basis of distribution channels the mustard oil market is segmented as online retail, supermarkets, and departmental stores. Among all of these, online retailing is expected to hold major shares in the market over the forecasted period.



Obtain Report Details @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/mustard-oil-market.html



Mustard oil Market Regional Outlook:



Mustard oil market is further segmented on the basis of regions, as North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. On the basis of regions, mustard oil has market demand is higher in Asia-Pacific regions which includes India, Thailand, and china due to its huge consumption in food. North America market is expected to expand relatively higher CAGR due to its preference as essential oil in various industrial application.New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- The Top key vendors in Medical Wearable Market include are Abbott Laboratories(USA), MC10(USA), Medtronic (Corventis)(USA), Insulet(USA), Gentag(USA), Kenzen(USA), Nemaura Medical (UK), Flex(Singapore), Proteus Digital Health (USA), Cardiac Insight (USA), UPRIGHT GO (USA), Lumo Bodytech (USA), Biotricity (USA), BloomLife Company (USA), Cardiomo (USA), ZANSORS, LLC (USA), Philips (Netherlands), LifeWatch (Switzerland), Omron (Japan), Sotera Wireless (USA), Intelesens Ltd (UK), Nuubo (Spain), VitalConnect (USA), Monica Healthcare (UK), IRhythm (USA), Chrono Therapeutics (USA).



Trend Insight Report -Request Free PDF Sample Copy of Medical Wearable Market at https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/sample/14813



Apart from this, the valuable document weighs upon the performance of the industry on the basis of a product service, end-use, geography and end customer.



The industry experts have left no stone unturned to identify the major factors influencing the development rate of the Medical Wearable industry including various opportunities and gaps. A thorough analysis of the micro markets with regards to the growth trends in each category makes the overall study interesting. When studying the micro markets the researchers also dig deep into their future prospect and contribution to the Medical Wearable industry.



A high focus is maintained on factors such as demand and supply, production capacity, supply chain management, distribution channel, product application and performance across different countries. The report not only offers hard to find facts about the trends and innovation driving the current and future of Medical Wearable business, but also provides insights into competitive development such as acquisition and mergers, joint ventures, product launches and technology advancements.



A quick look at the industry trends and opportunities



The researchers find out why sales of Medical Wearable are projected to surge in the coming years. The study covers the trends that will strongly favor the industry during the forecast period, 2019 to 2025. Besides this, the study uncovers important facts associated with lucrative growth and opportunities that lie ahead for the Medical Wearable industry.



#This Reports Includes Segmental analysis, Regional analysis, Research Methodology, Competitive Landscape, Learn how to build the strategy and business case to implement Order Here@ https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/checkout/14813



On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, and market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into

- Diagnostic & Monitoring

- Therapeutic



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

- Home Healthcare

- Hospital

- Others



Region wise performance of the Medical Wearable industry



This report studies the global Medical Wearable market status and forecast, categorizes the global Medical Wearable market size (value & volume) by key players, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top players in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia India and Other regions (Middle East & Africa, Central & South America).



Key points from TOC



7 Global Medical Wearable Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis



7.1 Abbott Laboratories(USA)

7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

7.1.2 Medical Wearable Product Category, Application and Specification

7.1.2.1 Product A

7.1.2.2 Product B

7.1.3 Abbott Laboratories(USA) Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)

7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview



7.2 Medtronic (Corventis)(USA)

7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

7.2.2 Medical Wearable Product Category, Application and Specification

7.2.2.1 Product A

7.2.2.2 Product B

7.2.3 Medtronic (Corventis)(USA) Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross

argin (2013-2018)

7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview



7.3 Insulet(USA)

7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

7.3.2 Medical Wearable Product Category, Application and Specification

7.3.2.1 Product A

7.3.2.2 Product B

7.3.3 Insulet(USA) Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)

7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview



Continue..



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This Medical Wearable market report holds answers to some important questions like:



- What is the size of occupied by the prominent leaders for the forecast period, 2019 to 2025? What will be the share and the growth rate of the Medical Wearable market during the forecast period?



- What are the future prospects for the Medical Wearable industry in the coming years?



- Which trends are likely to contribute to the development rate of the industry during the forecast period, 2019 to 2025?



- What are the future prospects of the Medical Wearable industry for the forecast period, 2019 to 2025?



- Which countries are expected to grow at the fastest rate?



- Which factors have attributed to an increased sale worldwide?



- What is the present status of competitive development?



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Website- https://www.marketgrowthinsight.comThe U.S. Congress has voted that all financial support for the North Korean regime will be banned.

The 2019 federal budget, which was passed by both the House of Representatives and Senate last Thursday and signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, contains a clause prohibiting the use of American taxpayers' money to aid the North Korean regime.

The only exception is human rights-related matters.

Portions of the federal budget can be used to aid North Korean defectors hiding in China and Southeast Asia as well as to support North Korean human rights, and to maintain a database on North Korean political prison camps and fund broadcasting services for North Koreans.

Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- A recent market study published by the company  Medical Foods Market Insights and Assessment of Growth Factors Analyzed until the End of 2026, consists of an inclusive assessment of the most important market dynamics on medical foods. We have directed a complete research on the current market structure and scenario for medical foods, which marks a direct market overview. Growth scenarios and market potential are obtained with maximum precision, and adjudged with suitable assumptions. The report features unique and relevant factors that may have a huge impact on the development of the concerned market during the forecast period. This report includes a detailed and considerable amount of inclusion, which would help new manufacturers with the most comprehensive way for better understanding



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Chapter 1  Executive Summary



The report commences with the executive summary of the medical foods market report, which includes the summary of key findings and key statistics of the market. It also includes the market value (US$ million) for leading segments of the medical foods market.



Chapter 2  Market Introduction



Readers can find a detailed market structure and definition of medical foods and product types in this chapter, which helps them better understand the basic information about the concerned market. The definition section considers the factors included and excluded for the purpose of this report.



Chapter 3  Market Overview



Readers can find the global medical foods market outlook considering various factors associated with the growth, which would help them track the market's current scenario, with key inferences drawn from historical data, current trends, and future prospects. Macro-economic factors influencing the market are also discussed in this segment. A brief understanding of the global healthcare and food and beverage sector outlook is also provided in this section.



Chapter 4  Market Dynamics



Readers can find various macro-economic factors associated with the growth of the market. This chapter highlights key market dynamics, including the drivers, restraints, and trends. In this chapter, readers can understand the factors that are propelling the growth of the market, along with factors that may deter the growth of the market. Also, readers will understand the key trends followed by the leading manufacturers in the medical foods market.



Chapter 5  Medical Foods Market: Key Inclusions



Key pointers such as reimbursement scenario, labelling, patents issued, and parent market analysis are also included in the medical foods market report.



Chapter 6  North America Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026



This chapter includes detailed analysis of the growth of the North America medical foods market, along with a country-wise assessment of the U.S. and Canada. Readers can also find historical trends and market attractiveness based on product type, form, application, distribution channel, and country in the North American region.



Chapter 7  Latin America Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026



This chapter includes detailed analysis of the growth of the Latin America medical foods market, along with a country-wise assessment, including Brazil and Mexico. Market attractiveness based on various segments is provided for the Latin American region.



Chapter 8  Europe Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026



Important growth prospects of the medical foods market can be found with market attractiveness based on product type, form, application, and distribution channel in several European countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, U.K. and the Rest of Europe are included in this chapter.



Chapter 9  Asia Pacific Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026



India, ASEAN, China, and Japan are the leading countries in the Asia Pacific region that are assessed to obtain the growth prospects of the Asia Pacific medical foods market in this chapter. Readers can find thorough information about the growth parameters. Market attractiveness based on product type, form, application, and distribution channel for medical foods in the Asia Pacific region is also provided in this section.



Chapter 10  MEA Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026



This chapter provides information on how the medical foods market will grow in major countries of the MEA region, such as GCC Countries and South Africa, during the period of 2018-2026.



Browse Complete Report with TOC @ https://www.mrrse.com/medical-foods-market



Chapter 11  Forecast Factors: Relevance and Impact



This chapter provides forecast factors for relevance in building the market value for the medical foods market



Chapter 12  Forecast Assumptions



This chapter provides global assumptions taken in order to analyze the medical foods market.



Chapter 13  Competitive Assessment



This chapter includes company share analysis for various key players in the medical foods market. Readers can find a comprehensive list of all the leading stakeholders in the medical foods market, along with detailed information about each company, including company overview, revenue share, strategic overview, and recent company developments. Market players featured in the report include Nestle S.A., Abbott Laboratories, Alfasigma spA, Cerecin Inc., Danone S.A., Targeted Medical Pharma Inc., Primus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Fresenius Kabi AG, Metagenetics, Inc., and Reckitt Benckiser Group plc.



Chapter 14  Global Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026 by Region



This section highlights medical foods in the overall global market by value (US$ Mn) forecast and analysis, by region.



Chapter 15  Global Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026 by Product Type



Based on product type market analysis, the medical foods market is segmented into nutritionally complete formulas, nutritionally incomplete formulas, and oral rehydration products.



Chapter 16  Global Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026 by Form



Based on form, the medical foods market is segmented into powders, liquid, capsules, tablets, and bars.



Chapter 17  Global Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026 by Application



Based on application, the medical foods market is segregated into ADHD, depression, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, metabolic disorders, and others.



Chapter 18  Global Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026 by Distribution Channel



Based on distribution channel, the medical foods market is segregated into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, drug stores, and supermarkets.



Chapter 19  Global Medical Foods Market Analysis 20132017 and Forecast 20182026



This section highlights the overall global market Value (US$ Mn) forecast and Analysis of medical foods with detailed incremental opportunity and absolute opportunity.



Chapter 20  Assumptions and Acronyms Used



This section consists of a glossary of the assumptions and acronyms used in the medical foods market report.



Chapter 21  Research Methodology



This chapter helps readers understand the research methodology followed to obtain various conclusions, important qualitative information, and quantitative information about the medical foods market.



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Email: sales@mrrse.comSellbyville, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- Reed Sensor Market size is anticipated to grow owing to the increasing demand from the consumer electronics industry for battery-operated applications. The technology is being used in several household appliances such as washing machines, coffee machines, refrigerators, dryers, and dishwaters, etc. The demand for appliances is growing owing to the increasing disposable income of people in Asia Pacific and Latin America, contributing toward the growth of the reed sensors market. The sensors are witnessing an extensive demand from HVAC applications such as air conditioners, compressors & condensers, water flow, gas smart meters, etc.



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The industrial controls & automation segment in the reed sensors market will witness growth to reach over USD 300 million by 2024 due to an increased demand in the industrial sector for ferrous part detection, end-position sensing in cylinders & pistons, and in transformer tap changers. They are considered as the extremophile of sensors as they work efficiently in most harsh environments and can be used from the bottom of the ocean (high pressure) to space (zero pressure) and from very cold (cryogenic temperatures) to very hot (> 200 C). Reed sensors market is witnessing a huge demand in lock systems as they consume low power and serve as a desired solution for many emerging security applications that use battery-powered devices with wireless controllers.



Moreover, the growing use of these components for cargo theft prevention and in medical equipment has added an extra value to its portfolio. For instance, the sensors are used in canal hearing aids, driving the demand for reed sensors in the healthcare equipment. The technology enables patients to adjust the volume and program the microelectronics. Other applications of reed sensors in medical equipment include pediatric feeding tubes, pacemakers & defibrillators, dentist drill activation, spirometers, etc.



Asia Pacific reed sensors market dominates the industry and is expected to grow in terms of unit shipment at a CAGR of 12.5%. This is attributed to the established electronic and automotive industries of Taiwan and China respectively. Shanghai and Beijing are the major regions for the manufacturing of automobiles, communication equipment, and electronics in China, augmenting the market. Government support provided to Taiwan's electronics industry is one of the major factors augmenting demand. Growing market for smart home devices in South Korea is further contributing toward industry growth. A high demand for remote home monitoring systems is creating opportunities for the market as many manufacturers are expanding their smart home product portfolios.



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A significant contributor toward the global industry, the North America reed sensor market is primarily driven by the booming smart home industry as the sensors are witnessing wide-scale adoption across a plethora of connected home systems such as voice controlled temperature modulating systems and automated intrusion-detecting smart home systems. The regional market is also simultaneously receiving a considerable boost from the automotive industry as more and more automobile manufacturers are implementing the systems in their vehicles to facilitate a number of features like power windows, fuel and oil level measurement.



The reed sensors market landscape is highly consolidated with a few major players as manufacturing reed sensors require specialized equipment and technical expertise. Major vendors in the market space are BERNSTEIN AG, Coto Technology, HSI Sensing, Littelfuse, MAGNASPHERE CORPORATION, Nippon Aleph Corporation, NTE Electronics, Inc, PIC GmbH, Reed Switch Developments Corp., Ryazan Metal Ceramics Instrumentation Plant JSC, Soway Tech Limited, Standex-Meder Electronics, S.t.g. Germany GmbH, YASKAWA Europe, Zhejiang Xurui Electronic. The gap between demand and supply for reed sensors and disruption in the production capacities of these players can have a severe impact on the global supply of these components.



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.Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- The demand in the Latin America cord blood banking services is projected to expand as cord blood transplantation is helps in treating various diseases such as lymphoma, leukemia, immune conditions, and sarcoma. It also helps in treating metabolic disorders as well. Over the past few decades, there has been an impressive growth in the global stem cell industry. The stem cells can be transmitted to patients having severe blood illnesses and various chronic disorders. Easy and large presence of cord blood units has also broadened opportunity for transplant options, particularly among patients that ae form mixed ethnicity.



Furthermore, cord blood stem cells are perceived to be easy to collect and can be stored for years. These stem cells have low infection risk and the elimination rate is also smaller than compared to bone marrow transplant. Nevertheless, the Latin America cord blood banking market in is developing and is projected to rise at high rate attributing to changing favorable government regulations and policies, which in turn benefit the market growth.



In a recent report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the Latin America Cord Blood Banking Services Market is projected to rise at a healthy 9.40% CAGR during the forecast period between 2015 and 2023. The valuation of the Latin America cord blood banking services market is expected to reach US$0.44 bn by the end of 2023 progressing from US$0.19 bn earned in 2014.



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The Latin America cord blood banking service market is classified on the basis of kind of storage that is further segmented into public cord blood banking services and private cord blood banking services. Out of these two, private cord blood banking services is leading the market due to high prevalence of genetic illnesses and improved understanding of such illnesses coupled with high-quality diagnostic services has fueled the demand for this segment. However, general notion among the physicians regarding the engagement of stored units might hamper the process of private cord blood banking services in countries like Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil.



On the regional front, countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil are concentrating on expanding the cord blood bank connectivity. In these countries, favorable government funding has benefited the cord blood banks. Although, there are various private cord blood banks already exist in the market and various other new players are making efforts to enter the Latin America market in the coming years. Some of the well-recognized cord blood banks in the region are operating in the area of stem cell development, non-invasive prenatal tests, and tissue engineering. In addition, countries in LATAM are making conscious efforts to reduce the problems faced by private and public banking by employing a hybrid model. The introduction of this model the sample will be stored in two portion, in which one portion will be only used by child or especially by the close family member and the second portion will be stored for public donation.



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The report has also studied the leading players in the Latin America cord blood banking services market. Some of the leading players are Banco de Cordon Umbilical (BCU), America Cell Biobank, Inc., Redcord S.A., CrioCenter, and various others. Some of the player are highly dependent on technical advancements for expanding their business.New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- The latest market evaluation report on Insert Automotive Thermostat market explores how the Insert Automotive Thermostat market will continue to expand for the forecast period 2019 - 2026. The study further serves as a unique research for stakeholders, product owners, and field marketing executives looking for actionable data and unique resource on market size, share, and growth.



The market intelligence report gives business evangelists an authority to review the major trends, opportunities, and challenges expected to shape the future of the industry during the estimated period. Importantly, the study not only helps spot the major vendors but also their winning strategies. The real-time data accumulated through qualitative and quantitative research technique further help business owners determine where they stand in comparison to their region, country, and product category.



The research is one of its kind global analyses of aspects such as import and export status, supply chain management, profit and gross margin worldwide for the forecast period 2019 - 2026. Extensive coverage of statistics associated with recent events including acquisition and mergers and strengths and weaknesses of a company forms an important part of the study on the Insert Automotive Thermostat market.



Download Sample Copy of Report in PDF format @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/30543



Scope of the Report:

To help gain the business owner further gain business intelligence the study on the Insert Automotive Thermostat market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026 brings to light data on production capability, consumption capacity, spending power, investment feasibility, and technology innovation. A thorough assessment of market performance across different regions is presented through self-explanatory graphic images, charts, and tables that add weight to corporate presentations and marketing materials. The study offers regional profiles of major vendors and extensive country-level break down to empower companies to make a wise investment decision when exploring new regions.



In market segmentation by manufacturers, the report covers the following companies-

Nippon Thermostat, TAMA, Wantai Auto Electric, Borgwarner, Fishman TT, Magal, Dongfeng-Fuji-Thomson, Stant, Gates, Mahle, Hella, BG Automotive, Kirpart, Shengguang, Vernet, Temb, Ningbo Xingci Thearmal



In market segmentation by Regions, the report covers-

- North America

- Europe

- China

- Japan

- Middle East & Africa

- India

- South America

- Others



Most important types of Insert Automotive Thermostat products covered in this report are:

- Standard Automotive Thermostat

- MAP-Controlled Automotive Thermostat



Most widely used downstream fields of Insert Automotive Thermostat market covered in this report are:

- Passenger Car

- Commercial Vehicle



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The study objectives of this report are:



- To analyze and study the global Insert Automotive Thermostat capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2019-2026);

- Focuses on the key Insert Automotive Thermostat 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.



There are 13 Chapters to thoroughly display the Insert Automotive Thermostat market.



This report included the analysis of market overview, market characteristics, industry chain, competition landscape, historical and future data by types, applications and regions.

Chapter 1: Insert Automotive Thermostat Market Overview, Product Overview, Market Segmentation, Market Overview of Regions, Market Dynamics, Limitations, Opportunities and Industry News and Policies.

Chapter 2: Insert Automotive Thermostat Industry Chain Analysis, Upstream Raw Material Suppliers, Major Players, Production Process Analysis, Cost Analysis, Market Channels and Major Downstream Buyers.

Chapter 3: Value Analysis, Production, Growth Rate and Price Analysis by Type of Insert Automotive Thermostat.

Chapter 4: Downstream Characteristics, Consumption and Market Share by Application of Insert Automotive Thermostat.

Chapter 5: Production Volume, Price, Gross Margin, and Revenue ($) of Insert Automotive Thermostat by Regions (2013-2019).

Continue



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News: www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsLos Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Global Infrared Sensor Market 2019 report provides comprehensive coverage on major industry drivers, restraints, and their impact on market growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, the study encompasses various market-specific growth opportunities in Infrared Sensor market.



The Infrared Sensor market report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out.



The global Infrared Sensor market was valued at million US$ in 2018 and is expected to reach million US$ by 2025 end, expanding at a CAGR of between 2019 and 2025.

The report also provides estimated market share, CAGR, production, consumption, price, revenue, and other crucial factors that indicate the growth of regional markets studied in the report.



Ask for PDF Document of the Infrared Sensor Market report here: https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/984788/Global-Infrared-Sensors-Depth-Research-Report



Major Key Manufacturers of Infrared Sensor Market are:



Axis communications, Bosch security systems, Current corporation, Dali Technology, DRS Technologies, E.D. Bullard, FLIR systems, Fluke corporation, General dynamics, Infrared integrated sys



Infrared Sensor market includes market size, segmentation data and geographical analysis of market growth trends, leading companies and microeconomic information. Readers are also provided with a deep segmental analysis of the global Infrared Sensor market on the basis of the type of product and application.



Major Classification as follows:



Long Wave (LWIR), Short Wave IR (SWIR), Far Wave (FWIR), Mid Wave IR (MWIR)



Major Application as follows:



Commercial Applications, Healthcare, Automotive, Military and Defense, Semiconductors, Telecommunications, Manufacturing Industry



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Regions Covered in the Global Infrared Sensor Market:

In terms of geography, Global Infrared Sensor Market report is segmented into various regions, revenue (US$ Mn), sales (K Units), revenue share and growth rate of global Infrared Sensor market for these geographies from 2019 to 2025 (Forecast period).

-North America (the United States, Canada and Mexico), South America (Brazil etc.), Europe (Germany, France, Russia UK, Italy, Turkey, etc.), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Australia), The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt)



The report provides an in-depth analysis of the following 



Detailed Overview of Global Infrared Sensor market helps deliver clients and businesses making strategies.

- It covers Infrared Sensor industry outlines, upstream and downstream Infrared Sensor market segments, cost analysis, and market utilizing power, market overview, product scope, product definition of Infrared Sensor market driving forces.

- To provide detailed analysis, Market size and drivers from 2018 to 2025 including various segments and sub-segments of the Global Infrared Sensor Market

- Analysis of the key markets in each region, providing an analysis of the key segments of the market that are expected to be in demand

- The analysis of the competitive landscape of the global Infrared Sensor market. It provides an overview of key players, together with information regarding key alliances, strategic initiatives, and financial analysis

- To provide Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders and Market Effect Factors Analysis of Infrared Sensor market

- The Infrared Sensor market report covers Volume, Revenue and Price Forecast 2019 to 2025



Click to view Tables, Charts, Figures, TOC, and Companies Mentioned in the global Infrared Sensor market Report: https://www.qyresearch.com/index/detail/984788/Global-Infrared-Sensors-Depth-Research-Report



Following are the years considered to forecast market size of the global Infrared Sensor market:



Base Years- 2018

History year- 2014-2018

Projected Year- 2019-2025

In conclusion, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Infrared Sensor Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2018-2025 global Infrared Sensor Market covering all important parameters.



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Web: www.qyresearch.comAlbany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- It is evaluated that 26.4% of the worldwide populace is relied upon to be Muslims by 2030 when contrasted with 19.9% of every 1990. The development rate is considerably speedier contrasted with different religions. What's more, rising obtaining energy of the Islamic nations because of the fast development in their economy, particularly in Middle East and South East Asia is a noteworthy contributing variable to the development of this market. Further, utilization of halal items among the non-Muslim populace is likewise on the ascent.



Change of the retail area is another main consideration which is the as of now driving the interest for halal items market over the globe. This was conceivable post change in the halal confirmation measures and the retail outlets offering halal guaranteed items. Further, high level of globalization and multilateral exchange assentions has supported the exchange stream of halal items. This factor would guarantee the smooth stream of halal items in the market.



Request For Report Brochure For Latest Industry Insights @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=16643



As indicated by the Halal Food Authority, a non-benefit association which regulates halal meat and products, animals are not to be killed by stunning. This method is permitted only if the creature manages to stay alive after the primary cut and is executed by halal process post the same. A number of food suppliers offer halal food and related products, for instance, halal foie gras, spring rolls, ravioli, pizza, lasagna along with baby food. Stunned food products may contain side-effects or other such body parts which are not permitted to Muslims to consume or utilize. Until recently, halal products were prepared solely for Muslims. However, now halal food is expended over the globe by all kinds of ethnicities and religions as halal products are known for their safety, morality and hygiene.



In accordance with a recent market research report that has been published by Transparency Market Research, the world market for halal products is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 16.2% over the period between 2016 and 2024. The report also projects the international market for chilled and deli foods to reach a market valuation of around US$ 10.51 trillion by the year 2024. The overall market was worth around US$ 2.70 trillion in the year 2015.



Development of Islamic Countries to Bolster Market Demand



The rising population in Muslim nations has been prognosticated to be a standout factor substantially bolstering the demand for halal products. Muslims have always been a main shoppers group for halal products. The developing populace of Muslims worldwide is estimated to be a promising variable for the advancement of the market in the years to come.



The fast development of Islamic countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia owing to the increasing discretionary cash flow could serve as an additional factor speeding up the development of the global halal products market. The interest for halal products could be further pushed across the globe due their inclusion in varieties of food products. Apart from food and beverages, halal products have been envisioned to find applications in various other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food supplements, personal care products, and bakery.



Obtain Report Details @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/halal-products-market.html



Asia Pacific to Lead the Market over the Period of Forecast



The world market for halal products has been regionally segmented into the geographies of Latin America, North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Europe. Due to the presence of a large number of certified manufacturers and large base of Muslim population, the world market for halal products in Asia Pacific is projected to have a substantial positive impact on the overall development of the world halal products market in the near future. From a country-wise outlook, the US, Brazil, and India are some of the most important exporters of halal products. The market for halal products in Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific regions cumulatively accounted for more than 80% of the said global market in the 2015. The halal products market is also anticipated to experience strong growth in Europe over the period of forecast period, basically driven by the growing Muslim population the Western European nations such as the U.K., France, and Germany. The halal market demand is also forecasted to be augmented by the large Muslim population based in Russia and CIS countries.Maharashtra, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Vanilla Bean Market



Vanilla Beans have a sweet, perfumed aroma with a woody or smoky flavor. Pure vanilla is relatively expensive because the growth and harvesting process is labor-intensive and time-consuming.

At present, the commercial rate of Vanilla Bean rate has been reached 100%; however, the commercial rate of ordinary seed is approximately 20%, which has quite large market potential.



In 2015, global Vanilla Bean total production reaches 8236Kg, -7.13% more than that in 2011. Madagascar is the biggest production area, which is estimated to account for 45.65%. In Madagascar, Indonesia covers about 60%.



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The key manufacturers covered in this report:

Tharakan and Company, Vanilla Food Company, Amadeus, Boston Vanilla Bean Company, Agro Products & Agencies, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Frontier Natural Products, MacTaggart's Brand & More...



The market competition is intensive because currently there is huge number of enterprises that engaged in Vanilla Bean business. The breeding technology of Vanilla Bean is not advanced; so the involved of enterprises have paid more attention on the technology of Vanilla Bean breeding to gain more market share. In the last ten years significant efforts have been made for commercial exploitation of Vanilla Bean through the use of gametocyte and CMS lines.



Segmentation by product type:

Short, Regular, long.



Segmentation by application:

Food processing, cosmetics, Medical care, Others.



Despite the presence of competition Vanilla Bean in the market, the demand for Vanilla Bean is quite tremendous and is growing, investors are still optimistic about this area; in the future, there will still have more new investors to enter the field.



Although sales of Vanilla Bean brought a lot of opportunities, the study group recommends the new entrants who have money only, but lack technical advantage and downstream support should not enter into the Vanilla Bean field.



Manufacturing cost structure

The Vanilla Bean Market report also studies the manufacturing cost structure and presents the various details such as raw material, overall production process, and the industry chain structure. Every region key factors are provided which is attracting this market towards growth. The report also elaborates on the opportunities the emerging markets of Asia Pacific and Latin America offer and Globally.



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The Objective of the Study:



To study and forecast the market size of Vanilla Bean in Global

To analyze the Global key players, SWOT analysis, value and Global Vanilla Bean market share for top players.

To identify significant trends and factors driving or constraining the growth of the market.

To analyze competitive developments such as extensions, contracts, new product launches, mergers, and acquisitions in the market

To strategically analyze each sub-market in regards to the individual growth trends and their influence in the Vanilla Bean market.

Reasons to Purchase this Report



Analyzing viewpoint of the market with the on-going trends and Porter's five forces analysis.

Market flow which basically considers the factors inducing the present market scenario alongside development prospects of the market in the years to come.

Vanilla Bean Market segmentation analysis including qualitative and quantitative research including the effect of the market aspects.

Competitive developments such as extensions, contracts, new product launches, mergers, and acquisitions in the market.

Some of the major questions are answered:



What are the different types of Vanilla Bean Market?

What are the market trends and major developments patterns equipment's and products?

Who are the key industry pioneers and what is their overall share in the global Vanilla Bean market?

What are the multiple used case scenarios considered under various end-users and applications for the market?

What are the different sales, marketing, and distribution channels in the global industry?



Browse Detailed TOC, Tables, Figures, Charts and Companies :-

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In the end, Vanilla Bean Industry report details the major regions, market scenarios with the product price, revenue, volume, production, supply, demand, market growth rate, and forecast etc. This report also presents SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.



About Reports Monitor

Reports Monitor is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries including Healthcare, Technology, Chemicals, Materials, and Energy. With an intrinsic understanding of many business environments, Reports Monitor provides strategic objective insights.Rockville, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- LIP cigarette paper is expected to witness high demand in several regions, which include North America and Europe, and this is expected to boost the global Cigarette Paper Market. Cigarette paper is available in bleached and un-bleached variants.



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Cigarette paper is also known as rolling paper. It is used for the commercial production of filter cigarettes and individually made roll-your-own cigarettes. Cigarette paper is prepared from lightweight non-wood plant fibres, which include flax, sisal, esparto and rice straw. It is available in several forms, which include transparent, coloured and flavoured.



The features of cigarette paper include air permeability, grammage, fibre type, visual appearance, and the like, and it is suitable for filtered as well as non-filtered cigarettes. Visually enhanced cigarette paper offers unique optical features that allow brand differentiation. It allows easy logo application by printing or embossing.



The tobacco rod is partially visible from transparent cigarette paper patterns. Cigarette paper with optimized side-stream features reduces side-stream odour and the amount of smoke. The flavour embedded into the cigarette paper is released only when it is lit. Low Ignition Propensity (LIP) cigarette paper is the current trend in the cigarette market. It is equipped with burn "speed bumps" that support optimised free-burn with outstanding band accuracy and minimum impact on the smoking experience. This means that it is customised in a manner in which it minimises the smoke released from an un-puffed cigarette. The usage of LIP paper for the manufacture of cigarettes can be attributed to the stringent regulations implemented in several regions across the world. Globally, the demand for roll-your-own and make-your-own cigarettes is expected to grow, which is fuelling the growth of the market.



Global Cigarette Paper Market: Dynamics



The ability of cigarette paper to meet several individual needs and end uses can be attributed to its qualities, which include high tensile & tearing strength, high opacity, low air permeability, excellent burning speed control, good edge with quality cut without burns and good runnability on high-tech cigarette manufacturing machines. The tobacco industry has developed in the past few years. China is the largest producer of tobacco followed by other suppliers such as the U.S, India, Brazil, Turkey, Zimbabwe, etc. Over 80% of the world's tobacco is used for cigarettes. The growth of the tobacco industry is expected boost the cigarette paper market during the forecast period. The popularity of roll-your-own cigarettes has increased and is a crucial factor driving the cigarette paper market in developed countries such as the U.S, Germany, China, etc.



To know more about the Cigarette Paper Market Visit the link- https://www.factmr.com/report/2736/cigarette-paper-market



Despite the positive outlook of the cigarette paper market, certain factors have been observed that are likely to hamper the growth of the cigarette paper market. For instance, it has been observed that cigarettes are the leading cause of deaths due to fire in the U.S., accounting for an estimated 30% of all fire-related deaths. The U.S. accounts for the highest number of fire-related deaths in the industrialized world. Moreover, cigarette fires are a worldwide problem and 10% of global fire-related deaths result from smoking. This a major factor hampering the global cigarette paper market. Apart from this, the availability of alternative smoking options, such as vapes, tobacco leaves and electric cigarettes, are also expected to hinder the growth of the cigarette paper market during the forecast period.



Global Cigarette Paper Market: Regional Outlook



The U.S is currently facing a decline in the cigarette paper market due to the stringent regulations implemented in the country. The tobacco industry is witnessing a sluggish growth rate due to increased awareness about the high death rates in the U.S due to fires caused by cigarettes. Cigarette consumption is decreasing in most developed countries such as the USA, Germany and UK. Whereas cigarette consumption is increasing in many developing countries like India and China, where cigarette prices are low, and tobacco control laws are weak or not enforced. China accounts for almost 30% of the world production and consumption of cigarettes by volume. Therefore, the cigarette paper market in developing regions such as Asia Pacific, Latin America and Africa is expected to be positive during the forecast period.



Global Cigarette Paper Market: Key Players



SWM, Delfort Group AG, Republic Technologies, BMJ, China Tobacco Maudit, Papcel, PDL Cigarette Papers, Glatz, Hufeng, Miguel Y Costas Group, Nippon Paper Papylia, Mudanjiang Hengfeng



Key Developments:



Low ignition-propensity features have been introduced in cigarettes, which is among the safety standards applicable to all cigarettes produced in certain countries. These standards are intended to increase the chances of self-extinguishing under registered laboratory conditions. This is achieved by using a specially designed cigarette paper that restricts air flow



A decrease in the usage of cellulosic fibres in cigarette paper per cigarette results in reduced toxic emissions. The engineering of cellulosic cigarette paper by adding catalysts, adsorbents and oxidants is likely to decrease the toxic constituents in the smoke



Heat-not-burn cigarettes have been introduced as alternatives to conventional cigarettes.



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Read Industry News at - https://theswisstimes.comPune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market (Request for Discount) Research Report provides in-depth information and professional study 2019-2025 of Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Industry. This Report is segmented into Manufactures, Types, Applications and Regions. Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe market report also shares details of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and production value with some important factor that can lead to market growth.



About Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe



The global Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe market was million US$ in 2018 and is expected to million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of between 2019 and 2025.This report studies the Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe market size (value and volume) by players, regions, product types and end industries, history data 2014-2018 and forecast data 2019-2025;



Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market Manufactures:



BD, Mediprim GmbH, Medtronic, DMC Medical, Clik-Lok Australia Pty., Frontier Medical, Q STAT Safety Syringe, Retractable Technologies, Globe Medical Tech, Medicina, Axel Bio,



Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market Research Report covers the point related to Productions, Categories, Requests and Counties. Manufactures help to grow the economy by generating productivity, inspiring research and development, and investing in the future evolution.



Ask a Sample of Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe market research report from- https://www.industryresearch.co/enquiry/request-sample/13782242



Different points covered in this report are market overview, Competition by Manufacturers/Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application, Volume, Value, Sales Price, Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin.



Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market by Applications:

>Subcutaneous (Sub-Q)

>Intramuscular (IM)

>Intravenous (IV)



Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market by Types:

>0.5ml Capacity

>1ml Capacity

>3ml Capacity

>5ml Capacity

>10ml Capacity



Browse TOC and Charts & Tables of Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market Research Report available at- https://www.industryresearch.co/13782242



The Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market Report estimates eyewitness growth throughout the forecast years. The industry report lists the important participants and provides the insights strategic industry analysis of the key factors manipulating the market.



The TOC included into Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market Report:



Chapter 1: Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market Report 2019:



Industry Overview, Definition, Specifications, Classification, Applications, Market Segment by Regions

Chapter 2: Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe:



Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis,

Manufacturing Process Analysis and Industry Chain Structure

Chapter 3: Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe:



Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, R&D Status

Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Major Manufacturers in 2019

Chapter 4: Global Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Overall Market Overview:



2012-2019 Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis, 2012-2019 Global Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Capacity

Growth Rate Analysis, 2019 Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)

Sales Analysis and Sales Price Analysis

Chapter 5: Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market Regional Analysis:



North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, India

Chapter 6: Global 2012-2019 Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Segment Market Analysis (by Type), (by Application)



Chapter 7: Future Development Trend of Analysis of Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Market



Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe Marketing Type Analysis

Major Manufacturers Analysis of Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe

Consumers Analysis of Automatic Retractable Safety Syringe

And continued



NO.of Pages: 128



Report Price: $ 3350 (Single User Licence)



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sales@industryresearch.coMaharashtra, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- 3D Sensors Market



3D Sensors is an object whose purpose is to detect events or changes in its environment, and then provide a corresponding output. A sensor is a type of transducer; sensors may provide various types of output, but typically use electrical or optical signals. For example, a thermocouple generates a known voltage (the output) in response to its temperature (the environment). A mercury-in-glass thermometer, similarly, converts measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid, which can be read on a calibrated glass tube.



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According to this study, over the next five years the 3D Sensors market will register a 23.9% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ 11600 million by 2024, from US$ 3200 million in 2019.



The key manufacturers covered in this report:

Infineon Technologies, Microchip Technology, Omnivision Technologies, PMD Technologies, Softkinetic, Asustek Computer, Cognex Corporation, IFM Electronic GmbH, Intel Corporation, LMI Technologies, Microsoft Corporation & More...



Segmentation by product type:

Image, Position, Accelerometer, Acoustic.



Segmentation by application:

Consumer electronics, Medical care, Aerospace and defense, Industrial robot, Automobile, Others.



Technology can't keep up with demand?3D Sensors Stability need to be improved?3D Sensors Sensitivity need to be improved?3D Sensors need more personnel and technology research and development funds.



3D Sensors become smart: Low-power wireless technology and miniaturized sensors can be combined to become a new generation of intelligent and cost-effective sensor systems with unprecedented capabilities. The sensors can now be placed within a product container or move with a part of the machinery, providing invaluable insights into the process. We build a prototype to evaluate the potential of smart sensor technology for your specific application.



Consumers are generally quick-change, to get or use newfangled products, better experience, better convenience and more quicker; to find and meet the needs of consumers, and exceeding expectation, better service. The world changes quickly, especially in mobile internet and consumer electronics, and now the mobile internet and consumer electronics are changing the traditional sectors, to more efficient, more cheaper and powerful.



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At present, global economy is fluctuant, and most countries take measures to stimulate the economy, especially in Japan, Europe, Australia and the resources providing countries, like Russia, Middle East, Brazil etc. In many fields, China is the largest consumer, but in the past several years, China's economic growth slows .The China government is reforming the economic structure, to release energy of economy. USA economy is relatively stable with low-speed-growth, but in future, it also is full of risk. In Taiwan, the economy also is fluctuated the economic base is comparatively unsubstantial, due to the exchange fluctuations. In Korea, although many people look to further increase in Korea, but the economic aggregate is too low and the infrastructure is behindhand and inefficient. In a long term, Korea will keep a stable and low growth in economy, due to its economic structure and bureaucratic system.



On the other hand, the political factors, like government succession, security fears, trade dispute, domestic employment, even the regional military crisis, always affect the economic activity, country to country, corporation to country. So it needs us with deep insight, to analyze the prospect avoid risk, to grasp the opportunity and reduce losses.



Reasons to Purchase this Report



Analyzing viewpoint of the market with the on-going trends and Porter's five forces analysis.

Market flow which basically considers the factors inducing the present market scenario alongside development prospects of the market in the years to come.

3D Sensors Market segmentation analysis including qualitative and quantitative research including the effect of the market aspects.

Competitive developments such as extensions, contracts, new product launches, mergers, and acquisitions in the market.



Browse Detailed TOC, Tables, Figures, Charts and Companies :-

https://www.reportsmonitor.com/report/338450/3D-Sensors-Market



In the end, 3D Sensors Industry report details the major regions, market scenarios with the product price, revenue, volume, production, supply, demand, market growth rate, and forecast etc. This report also presents SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.



About Reports Monitor

Reports Monitor is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries including Healthcare, Technology, Chemicals, Materials, and Energy. With an intrinsic understanding of many business environments, Reports Monitor provides strategic objective insights.President Moon Jae-in talked with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on the phone on Tuesday night about the upcoming U.S.-North Korea summit and other issues.

The two leaders chatted about the results of pre-summit talks between U.S. and North Korean officials. Their conversation went on for about 35 minutes.

Moon told Trump that Seoul is ready to link railways between the two Koreas and implement cross-border economic cooperation projects to ease the financial burden for the U.S., according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom.

Trump said he is looking forward to a big success in Hanoi and a meeting with Moon in person. But Trump is also downplaying expectations for the summit. He told reporters in the Oval Office the same day that as long as there is no testing of rockets, missiles or nuclear weapons by Pyongyang, he is in "no rush" to see North Korea denuclearize.

"No rush whatsoever. We're going to have our meeting. We'll see what happens. I think ultimately we're going to be very successful," he said.

Sellbyville, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- The commercialization matrix of food pathogen testing market has witnessed a remarkable surge in recent years, augmented by the stringency in food regulations implemented by renowned organizations like FDA, FAO, and EU. Food giants are continuously brainstorming new manufacturing facilities that can quickly and efficiently detect the presence of pathogens in food. With the increasing consumer awareness with reference to food safety and hygiene, food processors and testing laboratories are shifting their focus toward the deployment of high performance and effective food pathogen testing technologies - a fact that would considerably impel food pathogen testing industry outlook in the ensuing years.



Request for sample copy of this Report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1417

\

Prominent players in market such as 3M and Certus are continuously developing robust and innovative food safety solutions for the F&B sector, the rising prominence of which would help boost this business space. As per analysts, the robustly expanding food industry is likely to stimulate food pathogen testing market size, which was pegged at a valuation of USD 3 billion in 2016.



Elaborating further on the competitive landscape, market players are readily adopting partnership programs, joint ventures, and acquisition activities as major growth strategies. The recent acquisition of Vermont-based test kit producer, Elution Technologies by 3M stands as a testament to the aforementioned fact. Reportedly, through this acquisition, 3M has substantially enhanced its food safety offering, which experts claim, will help the tech giant bring forth innovative solutions in the food and beverage sector, thereby augmenting its position in food pathogen testing industry. In another instance, one of the leading names in food safety technologies, CERTUS has declared a partnership with Solus Scientific to supply the Solus Pathogen Testing System mainly across the United States. Solus's technical expertise in the field of Escherichia coli O157, Listeria, and Salmonella pathogens, is expected to expand CERTUS's business profile in U.S. food pathogen testing market. Speaking along similar lines, some of the other prominent biggies in food pathogen testing industry include Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, Inc., Bureau Veritas, Microbac Laboratories, Intertek, Genon Laboratories Ltd., RapidBio Systems, Inc., Det Norske Veritas, Eurofins Scientific, and SGS.



A strict regulatory framework speaks volumes and has contributed immensely toward the development of food pathogen testing industry. In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched the eighth edition of the Food Code model to address the food protection and safety parameter, that retail stores and food services are mandated to adhere by. Reportedly, FDA has included several new provisions in the revised Food Code model to minimize foodborne illness as well, which would considerably impact market landscape. Numerous other initiatives have been undertaken by governmental organizations with regards to food safety and standardization, which food providers across North America are increasingly focusing on, pertaining to the growing awareness among the consumers about the adverse affect of contaminated food on health. These initiatives are likely to substantially drive North America food pathogen testing market size, which, as per estimates, will surpass a revenue collection of USD 2 billion by 2024.



The maintenance of a reliable and accurate pathogen testing framework is one of major challenges which market players are likely to face in the future, which experts cite would conveniently be resolved with the deployment of automation. The growing technological advancements prevalent in the current pathogen testing methods will thus lead to the generation of a lucrative avenue for entrants in food pathogen testing industry.



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The massive ongoing developments in this market indicate the extensive scope for entrants and established players to tap into the technological domain to augment the popularity of this business space. The incorporation of biosensors and nanotechnology in pathogen detection systems is likely to bring forth numerous opportunities for the players in the coming years. Considering the future scope of this market, testing equipment developers are looking forward to developing products with high accuracy and a user-friendly design for quick results. Furthermore, in a bid to increase the lab productivity and performance, food pathogen testing equipment manufacturers are deploying automated systems at their facility centre, which will propel food pathogen testing market size, owing to the cost effectiveness and high throughput. Driven by a strict regulatory landscape, the market will surpass revenue collection of USD 5.5 billion by the end of 2024.New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- The latest report Emergency Braking System Market discusses everything a business owner needs to know about the Emergency Braking System market for the forecast period, 2019 to 2026. The document offers an insight into what the target customer's needs and wants. Industry experts have extracted data from various sources on size, share, growth rate, production volume, production capacity, import and export status, distribution channels and more and have analysed it thoroughly. By properly assessing the competitors and their offerings the study aims at empowering business owners to step ahead.



Request for Sample Copy of Emergency Braking System Market Report @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/30532



Scope of the Report:

The research methodologies used for evaluating the Emergency Braking System market are inventive and also provides enough evidence on the demand and supply status, production capability, import and export, supply chain management and investment feasibility. The investigative approach applied for the extensive analysis of the sale, gross margin and profit generated by the industry are presented through resources including tables, charts, and graphic images. Importantly, these resources can be easily integrated or used for preparing business or corporate presentations.



Major Players in Emergency Braking System market are:

- Magna International

- Continental

- ZF TRW

- WABCO

- Mobileye

- Bosch

- Denso

- Autoliv

- Delphi



Market segment by Region/Country including:

- North America

- Europe

- China

- Japan

- Middle East & Africa

- India

- South America

- Others



Buy Emergency Braking System Market Research Report @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/30532



Estimating the potential size of the Emergency Braking System industry:

Industry experts conducting the study further estimate the potential of the Emergency Braking System industry. Such information is important for firms looking to launch an innovative service or product on the market. Industry experts have measured the total volume of the given market. Researchers have calculated the industry in terms of sales by the competitors and end-user  customers. Data on the entire size of the Emergency Braking System market for a particular product or a service for the forecast period, 2019 to 2026 covered in the report makes it valuable. This information reveals the upper limit of the Emergency Braking System industry for a specific product or service.



Attracting the target audience:

First, the comprehensive report finds out why customers need a certain product or service. The study focuses on what problems a certain product and service can solve. Apart from target demographics industry experts weigh up on the factors including audience type, as well as others vital attributes about the target customer segment.



The research provides answers to the following key questions:

- What is the estimated growth rate of the Emergency Braking System market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026? What will be the market share and size of the industry during the estimated period?

- What are prime factors expected to drive the Emergency Braking System industry for the estimated period?

- What are the major market leaders and what has been their winning strategy for success so far?

- What are the significant trends shaping the growth prospects of the Emergency Braking System market?

- What are the key challenges expected to restrict the progress of the industry for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026?

- What the opportunities product owners can bank on to generate high profits?



There are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global Emergency Braking System market.

- 1 Emergency Braking System Market Overview

- 2 Global Emergency Braking System Market Competition by Manufacturers

- 3 Global Emergency Braking System Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2019)

- 4 Global Emergency Braking System Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2019)

- 5 Global Emergency Braking System Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type

- 6 Global Emergency Braking System Market Analysis by Application

- Continue



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News: https://www.marketexpertz.com/market-newsAlbany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Transparency Market Research has published a new report titled, "Electric Bus Market (Electrification Type, Bus Type, Component, Battery, Operation, and Region) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2018  2026". According to the report, the global electric bus market is anticipated to surpass US$ 165 Bn by 2026, expanding at a CAGR of more than 24% during the forecast period.



Browse The Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/electric-bus-market.html



The market for electric vehicle is anticipated to expand at a significant growth rate during the forecast period owing to rising stringency of emission norms and increasing pollution levels in the environment. Air pollution harms human health, particularly in those already vulnerable owing to their age or existing health problems, thus responsible authorities are taking several steps to minimize pollution levels across the globe.



Rising demand for environment-friendly vehicles is likely to boost the market for electric buses. Lower running and maintenance cost of these vehicles is anticipated to attract private firms to adopt electric buses for transportation purpose. Furthermore, large subsidies offered by governments to encourage the adoption of electric buses is likely to be a key factor driving the electric bus market. High price of electric buses and need for charging stations are projected to hamper the electric bus market; however, significant reduction in battery price is likely to reduce the price of an electric bus during the forecast period. Moreover, longer lifespan of the electric bus with lower noise production are projected to propel the market for electric bus during the forecast period.



Request a Sample - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=44898



Rise in pollution levels in highly populous cities is significantly boosting the electric bus market. Most cities with rising traffic congestion are encouraging the adoption of public transport, which is anticipated to lead to the rise in demand for public transport services, thus adoption of electric buses, instead of conventional buses, is expected to significantly reduce pollution levels during the forecast period. Asia Pacific and Europe are highly lucrative markets for electric buses. The electric bus market in China has expanded at a rapid pace in the last few years in order to tackle the pollution levels in some of its most polluted cities, such as Shenzhen. The electric bus market in other countries in Asia Pacific, such as India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore, is anticipated to expand at a considerable pace during the forecast period owing to various steps taken by the governments of these countries to promote electric buses.Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- According to a new market research report "Digital Signature Market by Solution (Software and Hardware), Service, Deployment Mode, Application (BFSI, Government & Defense, Legal, Real Estate, HR, Manufacturing & Engineering, Healthcare & Life Sciences), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Digital Signature Market size to grow from USD 1.2 billion in 2018 to USD 5.5 billion by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 36.7% during the forecast period. The digital signature market is said to have a potential scope for growth in the years to come, due to the increase in cyber threats, data security, authenticity, legal compliances, and regulations.



Rising investments on electronic documents by governments and enterprises, and improved security with a controlled and seamless workflow are expected to drive the market growth.



Browse and in-depth TOC on "Digital Signature Market"

56  Tables

32 - Figures

131 - Pages



Inquiry before Buying @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=177504698



Banking, financial services and insurance segment to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period



The applications segment is sub-segmented as Human Resource (HR); education and research; Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI); government and defense; healthcare and life sciences; legal; real estate; manufacturing and engineering; others (retail, transit, energy and utilities, telecom, operations, sales and marketing, pharmaceuticals, and procurement). Among these segments, the BFSI segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. A number of online frauds, data breaches, and cyber-attacks in BFSI industries would increase the demand for digital signature solutions.



Cloud segment to account for a larger market size during the forecast period



The digital signature market by deployment has 2 segments: cloud and on premises. The cloud segment is expected to have a larger market share during the forecast period because capital required to deploy cloud-based solutions is less than on-premises solutions.



Europe to hold the largest market size and grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period



Europe is expected to hold the highest CAGR during the forecast period. In Europe, the growth rate can be attributed to various factors, including the adoption of advanced technologies, economic developments, increase in the rate of digitalization, and high investments by digital signature solution providers. Driving forces for the region are the huge population in this region which contributes to the volume of transactions, and domestic and international enterprises that are investing in this region.



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The digital signature market report provides the competitive landscape and company profiles of the key vendors by their product offerings and business strategies. Major vendors in the global digital signature market include Adobe (US), OneSpan (US), Gemalto (Netherlands), Ascertia (UK), DocuSign (US), Entrust Datacard (US), SIGNiX (UK), Secured Signing (New Zealand), Identrust (US), and Kofax (US), RPost Technologies (US), HelloSign (US), MultiCert (Lisbon), GlobalSign (US), RightSignature (US), and Zoho Corp (India).



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, "Knowledgestore" 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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Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.comPune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Cashmere clothing is made from cashmere and cashmere yarn, including various sweaters, coats, trousers and other garments.China is the world's largest supplier of raw materials, accounting for about 70% of cashmere in the world, while Italy is China's largest export destination, in April 2017; Italy imported 98 tons of cashmere from China, Account 78% of the month's exports.



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China is also the largest consumption market, due to the rapid growth of the national economy as well as people's gradual improvement of life quality. Many famous brands have targeted in the region, like Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli. Although China is the largest cashmere garment manufacturer in the world, its own brand market share is very low. Most of them exist as OEM. This has led to the local enterprises in China at the bottom of the interests of the value chain for a long time.

United States also players an important role in the global cashmere clothing industry. In 2016, the country consumed about 3.5 million units, holding more than 19% share globally.



Asia region is the major manufacturing bases due to the low labor cost and material cost. Most famous brands have their plants or cooperative manufacturers in the region. In addition, when considering the whole industry market value, the fashion luxury cashmere clothing market is relatively concentrated, the top 20 manufacturers account for more than 50% share.

The global Cashmere Clothing market is valued at 2580 million US$ in 2018 and will reach 3500 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 3.9% during 2019-2025. The objectives of this study are to define, segment, and project the size of the Cashmere Clothing market based on company, product type, end user and key regions.



This report studies the global market size of Cashmere Clothing in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa, focuses on the consumption of Cashmere Clothing in these regions.



This research report categorizes the global Cashmere Clothing market by top players/brands, region, type and end user. This report also studies the global Cashmere Clothing market status, competition landscape, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, sales channels and distributors.



Global Cashmere Clothing Industry 2019 Market Research Report is spread across 127 pages and provides exclusive vital statistics, data, information, trends and competitive landscape details in this niche sector.



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Global Cashmere Clothing market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, and revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including



- Loro Piana

- Brunello Cucinelli

- Ermenegildo Zegna

- Malo

- Alyki

- Pringle of Scotland

- SofiaCashmere

- Autumn Cashmere

- TSE

- Ballantyne

- Birdie Cashmere

- .



The report also focuses on global major leading industry players of Global Cashmere Clothing market 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. The Global Cashmere Clothing market development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.



With tables and figures helping analyze worldwide Global Cashmere Clothing market, this research 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.



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Market size by Product



- Sweater

- Coats

- Dresses



Market size by End User



- Children

- Women

- Men



Major Points from Table of Contents:



1 Global Cashmere Clothing Market Overview

2 Global Cashmere Clothing Market Competition by Manufacturers

3 Global Cashmere Clothing Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2014-2019)

4 Global Cashmere Clothing Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2014-2019)

5 Global Cashmere Clothing Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type

6 Global Cashmere Clothing Market Analysis by Application

7 Global Cashmere Clothing Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis

8 Global Cashmere Clothing Market Manufacturing Cost Analysis

9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers

10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders

11 Market Effect Factors Analysis

12 Global Cashmere Clothing Market Forecast (2019-2025)

13 Research Findings and Conclusion

14 Appendix

Author List

Disclosure Section

Research Methodology

Data Source



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Phone: +1424 253 0807/+44 203 239 8187Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- The global market for canned tuna is likely to rise at CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025. The global revenue of the canned tuna market held US$ 10,496.1 mn in 2017 and is predicted to value US$ 14,125.5 mn by the end of forecast period. According to product, Bluefin tuna is expected to rise as the leading product among all other products in the segment. Geographically, Europe held the maximum share in the global canned tuna market during 2017 and is expected to lead the market during the forecast period due to high consumption of tuna in this region.



While consumer demand for canned tuna witnesses a downward trend, the increasing demand from the Middle East is leveling off this decline, and emerging as an attractive market for ASEAN canned tuna exporters. The exemption from import duties in the Middle East has led to higher exports in this region.



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Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel are the largest importers of tuna in the Middle East, accounting for 21%, 19%, and 11% import share, respectively. The import tariff in most of the countries in this region is only 5%, which is very low as compared to the U.S. and the EU. In spite of the large scope for fishing, the Middle Eastern region is poorly developed in fishing, and is thus heavily dependent on imports from ASEAN countries, especially Vietnam.



Increased Consumption of Ready to Eat Food Likely to Fuel Market



The demand for ready to eat and easy to cook foods will likely add value to the rise of tuna in the market. Many regions have high demand for super frozen tuna leading to rise in growth of the market. Developed regions are ready to pay high and experiment with different variety of tuna dishes due to large amount of disposable income thus, leading to rise in growth of the same. Rise in demand for tuna from emerging economies such as Middle East and ASEAN due to increase in exports in this region is likely to increase the revenue growth of canned tuna market in this region. The increase in shipment in these regions have also boosted the market. Easy availability of canned tuna food in the market increases its consumption among people. These canned tuna food are also affordable hence, increasing the revenue growth in the global market. Tuna also provide health benefits like boosting immune system. They are natural antioxidants and provide omega3 which is very healthy for the body. Increase demand for exotic food in restaurants and hotels has also brought significant rise in the canned tuna market.



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Ban on Fishing Leads to Curtailed Tuna Supply



The consumers being aware about the death of dolphins due to tuna fishing will likely hamper the growth of canned tuna market. Consumers have sensitivity against death of dolphins and adverse effects of buying tuna. This is expected to hamper the growth of canned tuna market globally. The fight of canned tuna market with environmental organizations had severely damaged the growth of the market. Additionally, consumers are aware of the harmful effects of excess fishing. This is leading in extinction and destruction of fish species therefore, they restrain from buying tuna fish.Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- A boat wiring harness is an assembly of wires or electric cables that is used to transmit electric power or a signal. Boat wiring harnesses are also called as cable harnesses, wiring assembly or wiring loom. A boat wiring harness is used in boats to secure the mass of wire that is connected to the electric and electronic devices in the boat. The cable or wire binding is converted into a wiring harness and secured against abrasion, vibration, and moisture.



A boat wiring harness ensures optimum performance of boats and proper functioning of electric and electronic devices fitted in the boats. The OEMs are concentrating on developing advanced boat wiring harnesses. The technological advancements in electric and hybrid boats are supporting the sales of boat wiring harnesses. The rising demand for performance-oriented boats has influenced the growth of the market.



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Boat Wiring Harness Market: Market Dynamics



The global boat wiring harness market is reaching a stagnant stage in the European region, and other developed countries such as the U.S. Boat wiring harnesses reduce the risk of electric shocks or vibrations. The market is having a major growth momentum in the Asian countries, as the advancements in boats such as, wired electronic devices, help in securing the safety of the boat by avoiding electric leakage. The major challenge for the production of boat wiring harness is the increasing automation in marine environment as it reduces the growth of global boat wiring harness market.



Operators are switching from diesel boats to electric boats to ensure comfort and follow environmental regulations. Additionally, the boat wiring harness market is gaining traction due to the growing population and the global trade scenario. The growth of online sales channel is also supporting the sale of boat wiring harness.



Boat Wiring Harness Market: Market Segmentation



On the basis of length, the global boat wiring harness market is segmented into:



Less than 5.0 feet

5.1  10.0 feet

10.1  15.0 feet

15.1  20.0 feet

More than 20.1 feet

On the basis of boat type, the global boat wiring harness market is segmented into:



Electric Boats

Hybrid Boats

Gasoline Boats

On the basis of sales channel, the global boat wiring harness market is segmented into:



OEM

After-market

Boat Wiring Harness Market: Regional Outlook



Currently, North America and Western Europe are the key regions in the global boat wiring harness market. The number of commercial boats and tourist boats is more in these regions. These regions are adopting automation solutions deployed with wireless solutions that will show a reduction in market growth. On the other hand, electric boats are gaining momentum in the Asian countries. The manufacturers from China are driving the sales of boat wiring harnesses in the Asian market. In the forecast period, boat manufactures and operators from Asia will be the leading end users of boat wiring harnesses. It is expected that this trend will continue in the forecast period due to the increasing fishery production in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.



The safety regulations laid by the governments in developing economies are positively impact the growth of boat wiring harness market. Developed economies such as the US, the UK, France, Germany, and Japan are opting for customized boat wiring harnesses. The growing tourism, trade and fisheries sector will positively drive the adoption of boat wiring harness.



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Boat Wiring Harness Market: Key Market Participants



Some of the key market participants in the global boat wiring harness market are:



AdCura Manufacturing, Inc.

American Auto/Marine Wiring, Inc.

BEP Marine

Connex

Electro-Prep, Inc.

La Cro Products.

Marine Electrical Products, Inc.Sarasota, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Zion Market Research has published a new report titled "Blockchain in Retail Market by Product (Public, Private, and Hybrid) and by Application (Supply Chain & Inventory Management, Payments & Accounting, Loyalty & Rewards, Advertising and Consumer Data, Fraud Detection, and Others): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2017  2024''. According to the report, the global blockchain in retail market was valued at USD 49 million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD 3,704 million by 2024, at a CAGR of 85.4% between 2018 and 2024.



The blockchain is a ledger type used for maintaining a record of transactional data. It is a decentralized database managed by computers in a peer-to-peer network. Each computer in the network has a ledger copy and is regularly updated to eliminate errors and track transactions. Blockchain facilitates retailers to track and authenticate products, detect fraud, reduce cost due to automation, record contracts, and transactions.



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The increasing acceptance of blockchain for payments in the retail sector is likely to garner the demand during the forecast time period. Numerous retailers and their suppliers have opted to use blockchain to simplify transactional processes and reduce additional expenses. UMT AG, the financial services company based in Germany, entered into an agreement with blockchain specialist Coinsilium to explore the use of blockchain technology in its service areas for retailers concerning B2C payments. Further, online retailers, such as Etsy, have accepted the use of bitcoins for payments. These transitions are anticipated to fuel the blockchain in retail market growth during the forecast timeframe.



Usage of blockchain for loyalty and rewards in the retail sector is anticipated to drive the blockchain in retail market during the estimated timeframe. UMT AG is working with retailers for payback loyalty schemes using blockchain. Furthermore, in 2018, Japan's online retailer Rakuten, Inc. announced a blockchain-based loyalty program, in which reward points will be offered in the form of an alt-coin'Rakuten Coin'. The company has moved USD 9 billion worth of existing super points into the blockchain to boost 'Rakuten Coin'. Fraud detection is one of the major applications that are driving the growth of blockchain in retail market. Alibaba announced to use blockchain technology in the fight against the occurrence of fraud in the food sector. The organization is collaborating with companies from Australia and New Zealand to utilize blockchain solutions.



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Blockchain in retail market is segmented on the basis of the product as public, private, and hybrid. The hybrid segment is likely to hold a significant share during the forecast time period, owing to the increasing demand of blockchain in retail activities across the Asia Pacific region. By application, the blockchain in the retail market is classified into the supply chain and inventory management, payments and accounting, loyalty and rewards, advertising and consumer data, fraud detection, and others. The payments and accounting segment is projected to grow at a substantial rate during the estimated timeframe, due to rising investments made by various institutes to develop blockchain solutions.



North America is likely to capture a significant chunk of the blockchain in the retail market share by 2024, due to the presence of major market players, such as IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, and Oracle Corporation, among others. The Middle East and Africa are projected to register significant growth in the blockchain in retail market and is projected to witness a huge demand during the forecast time period. Technological innovations, such as virtual shopping and 3D sound environments, are driving the retail sector in this region.



Prominent players of the global blockchain in retail market are Microsoft Corporation, IBM Corporation, SAP SE, Oracle Corporation, Amazon Web Services, Inc., Coinbase, BitPay, BTL Group Ltd., Earthport PLC, and BitFury Group Limited.



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The report segments global blockchain in retail market as follows:



Blockchain in Retail Market: Product Segment Analysis



Public

Private

Hybrid



Blockchain in Retail Market: Application Segment Analysis



Supply Chain & Inventory Management

Payments & Accounting

Loyalty & Rewards

Advertising and Consumer Data

Fraud Detection

Others



Blockchain in Retail Market: Regional Segment Analysis



North America

The U.S.

Europe

UK

France

Germany

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

Latin America

Brazil

The Middle East and Africa



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About Zion Market Research

Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting-edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, the company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the client's needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Increasing Spending on Superior Grains across Consumer Groups Benefits Market



"Among the various types of rice, basmati rice enjoys a premium position thanks to its superior taste and aromatic quality," says a TMR analyst. Almost 90% of production and consumption of basmati rice is centered in Asia, mainly because of its origin from the Indian subcontinent. The growth of the basmati rice market in Asia is powered by high production and export of this type of rice from India and Pakistan. As per records of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, India accounted for 59% exports to the overseas basmati rice in 2014, with the remainder exported from Pakistan.



Various procedures of the production of basmati rice have also been examined in the value chain analysis. Furthermore, the assessment of market attractiveness has been conducted to evaluate the end-use segments, which are projected to be lucrative and profitable over the forecast period, taking a number of factors, such as the size of its market, its profitability, growth rate, and the degree of the competition, in consideration.



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Key Takeaways



Superior taste and aroma pleasing to the senses stokes demand across consumer groups



The worldwide basmati rice market stood at a valuation of US$10.51 bn in 2017. Proliferating at a robust CAGR of 11.0% between 2017 and 2022, the market is anticipated to be worth US$17.74 bn by the end of 2022. By type, the demand for raw basmati surpasses than that for parboiled and steam, mainly because of superior taste and aromatic property of the former. Among the various sales channel, traditional grocery stores remain the key sales channel, with convenience stores following closely. Among the key regional markets for basmati rice, Asia Pacific excluding Japan acquires the leading position in the overall market thanks to high production of rice in the region.



The emergence of local varieties of basmati rice is also aiding the growth of basmati rice market. Several countries are increasingly producing domestic variety of basmati rice at relatively low prices. This is to prevent complete dependence on import which is subject to climatic and trade uncertainties as well as to promote consumption of local varieties.



Across several parts of the world, rising disposable income has benefitted the basmati rice market. Consumers are increasingly spending liberally on premium quality grains, lentils, and spices for a fulfilling eating experience. Basmati rice is increasingly becoming the choice across consumer groups mainly because of its superior taste and aroma that is highly pleasing to the senses.



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Rising Awareness of Health Ill-effects of Prolonged Consumption of Polished Rice Crimps Growth



On the flip side, high price of basmati rice over other rice variants is a key challenge to the market's growth. Basmati rice remains a premium grain not affordable by the average consumer. In addition, increasing awareness about health ill-effects of consuming polished rice on an everyday basis is leading consumers to switch to unpolished rice varieties. This is challenging the growth of basmati rice market to some extent.Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2019 -- Bleeding complications is a common concern associated with the use of anticoagulation drugs. Anticoagulant reversal drugs act as antidote agents to neutralize the condition that involves bleeding complications; for example, an unplanned surgery, hemophilia, etc. Anticoagulation reversal drugs are also required to support the medical treatment for prevention and reduction of recurrent deep-vein venous thromboembolism (VTE). These drugs reduce the incidence of recurrent ischemic events in patients with coronary syndrome. Anticoagulant reversal drugs such as idarucizumab contain selective monoclonal antibodies which have high binding affinity and which act as an antidote to dabigatran.



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This also helps in the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Heparin overdose, hypoprothrombinemia, reversal of acquired coagulation factor deficiency, reversal of dabigatran anticoagulation and vitamin K deficiency are a few medical conditions associated with anticoagulant reversal drugs.



Rise in the prevalence of gastrointestinal bleeding and platelet disorders is one of the major factors propelling the anticoagulant reversal drugs market. Moreover, several medical journals reveal that 1%5% of patients taking factor Xa-inhibitors may experience spontaneous bleeding. This is one of the key factors driving the global anticoagulant reversal drugs market. However, certain limitations associated with these drugs such as contraindication in patients with severe renal or hepatic diseases and absence of specific reversal drugs are likely to hamper the anticoagulant reversal drugs market in the next few years.



Based on drug type, the global anticoagulant reversal drugs market can be segmented into vitamin K, idrucizumab, tranexamic acid, prothrombin complex concentrates, and others. The idrucizumab segment is likely to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period. This can be attributed to increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding among geriatric population led by increase in the use of pradaxa (a kind of drug that acts as an anticoagulant agent). In terms of distribution channel, the market can be categorized into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and others. The hospital pharmacies segment is likely to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period, as several unplanned surgeries such as those in case of accident cases are performed in hospitals.



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In terms of region, the global anticoagulant reversal drugs market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Rise in the incidence of von Willebrand disease (the most common inherited bleeding disorder caused by clotting proteins) in North America is the major factor driving the anticoagulant reversal drugs market in the region. Increase in the demand for the treatment of hemophilia and growing awareness about the effect of constant use of anticoagulant drugs (blood-thinner drugs) are likely to propel the market in Europe. Rise in the demand for therapies effective in reducing complications associated with blood disorders and increase in the prevalence of hemophilia in the region are major factors that drive the anticoagulant reversal drugs market in Asia Pacific. The insufficiency of vitamin K is most common among mothers and newborn babies, which leads to vitamin K deficiency bleeding, especially in countries of East Africa such as Uganda. The prevalence of insufficiency of vitamin K is increasing, which is one of the most important factors expected to boost the anticoagulant reversal drugs market in Middle East & Africa during the forecast period.



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Key players operating in the global anticoagulant reversal drugs market are Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., Fresenius Kabi USA, and CSL Behring.



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Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.



Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMR's syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.



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Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.comThousands of people rallied across France after a surge of anti-Semitic attacks in recent weeks that culminated on Tuesday with vandals daubing swastikas and anti-Jewish slogans on dozens of graves in a Jewish cemetery.

Political leaders from all parties, including former Presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, gathered in Paris filling the Place de la Republique, a symbol of the nation, to decry anti-Semitic acts with one common slogan: "Enough!" People also lined the streets of cities from Lille in the north to Toulouse and Marseille in the south.

President Emmanuel Macron paid respects at one of the 96 desecrated graves in the village of Quatzenheim, near the eastern city of Strasbourg.

"Whoever did this is not worthy of the French republic and will be punished... We'll take action, we'll apply the law and we'll punish them," he said, walking through a gate scarred with a swastika as he entered the graveyard.

Macron later visited the national Holocaust memorial in Paris with the heads of the Senate and National Assembly.

France is home to the biggest Jewish community in Europe -- around 550,000 -- a population that has grown by about half since World War II, but anti-Semitic attacks remain common.

Government statistics released last week showed there were more than 500 anti-Semitic attacks in the country last year, a 74 percent increase from 2017.Rockville, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2019 -- Alcohol ethoxylate market: Overview



Alcohol Ethoxylate are the non-ionic surfactants which have broad applications in laundry detergents both industrial markets and domestic commercial markets. These are used as a cleaning and wetting agents in cosmetics, textile, agriculture, oil, paper, and various other material processing industries. These alcohol ethoxylate surfactants have a basic structure of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components which makes it a versatile surfactant in nature. The alcohol Ethoxylate has added the advantage of inhibiting dual immiscible oil and water phases. Besides, alcohol ethoxylate enhances solubilization of oil and water, and effectively bringing them close thoroughly. Alcohol ethoxylate is effective in lowering the interfacial energy associated with oil and water. With rapidly increasing industrial and commercial sectors, the demand for alcohol ethoxylate continues to witness a substantial growth during the forecast period.



Factors pacing up the alcohol ethoxylate market



The expanding processing industries for predominantly drives the global alcohol ethoxylate market. Also, this ever-increasing use of alcohol ethoxylate in cosmetics & personal care industries coupled with lucrative applications in oil & paper industry. Top players in the global alcohol ethoxylate are focusing on lucrative growth opportunities in developing economies as a consequence of recently acquired economic prosperity and trending use of surfactants in immiscible phase treatment applications in the market. To gain market penetration in emerging countries, prominent players are focusing on developing alcohol ethoxylate that are advantageously suitable for the cosmetics and personal care industries in these countries. With all these driving forces, the global market for alcohol ethoxylate is expected to have significant expansion during the forecast period.



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Global Alcohol Ethoxylate Market: Segmentation



The global market for alcohol ethoxylate is segmented by application and by region. On the basis of application, the global alcohol ethoxylate market is segmented by household & personal care, pharmaceuticals, oilfields, agrochemicals, and others. With the rapid growth in the material processing plants and rapidly growing industries across the world, the oilfield and pharmaceuticals segment is estimated to witness high growth over the forecast period. On the other hand, stringent government regulations on surfactants will aid in the expansion of the global alcohol ethoxylate market over the forecast period.



Regional alcohol ethoxylate market overview



The global alcohol ethoxylate market can be segmented with respect to the regions such as North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and MEA (Middle East and Africa). The South Asia is expected to have a significant market for alcohol ethoxylate owing to the rising economic prosperity in India. The MEA and Latin America markets for alcohol ethoxylate also have considerable growth with the rapid economic growth in these regions over the past couple of years. Developed countries such as the U.S. and countries of Europe are substantial markets for alcohol ethoxylate due to the growing demand for surfactants in processing industries such as cosmetics, textile, agriculture, oil, paper, and various other material processing industries.



Lofty Players in the global alcohol ethoxylate market



Prominent players in the global alcohol ethoxylate market are Huntsman Corporation (U.S.), DowDuPont (US), BASF SE (Germany), Stepan Company (Illinois), Clariant AG (Switzerland), Sasol Ltd (South Africa), India Glycols (India), Ineos Group (Switzerland), and others. The Global players are expected to strengthen their market positions by offering loyalty schemes and competitive prices. Several small-sized players also have a presence in the alcohol ethoxylate surfactants market globally.



Race and pace in the global alcohol ethoxylate market



The global market for alcohol ethoxylate is fragmented in nature owing to the presence of large number of players in the market. The global alcohol ethoxylate market has lucrative opportunities for new entrants, which will cater to competitiveness in the product offerings and also leads to the reduction in prices of the products.



The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the alcohol ethoxylate market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, and historical data and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The alcohol ethoxylate market report provides analysis and information, according to market segments such as geographies, application and industry.



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The Alcohol ethoxylate Market Report Covers Exhaustive Analysis On:



Market Segments

Market Dynamics

Market Size & Demand

Current Trends/Issues/Challenges

Competition & Companies involved

Technology

Value Chain

The Alcohol ethoxylate Market Regional Analysis Includes:



North America (US, Canada)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, rest of Latin America)

Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K., Spain, BENELUX, Russia, Rest of Europe)

East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea)

South Asia (India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Rest of South Asia)

Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)

MEA (GCC Countries, Turkey, Northern Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa)

The Alcohol ethoxylate 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 Alcohol ethoxylate report provides an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macroeconomic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The Alcohol ethoxylate report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.



The Alcohol ethoxylate Market Report Highlights:



A Detailed overview of the 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 footprint



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Read Industry News at - http://theguardiantribune.com

The death follows those of two migrant children who died while in U.S. custody in December, prompting an order for medical checks on all children in custody.

A 45-year-old man from Mexico died on Monday after being taken into U.S. Border Patrol custody last month on suspicion of illegal entry at the U.S.-Mexico border, officials said.

The man, who was not identified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, was taken into custody Feb. 2 in Texas near the Roma Port of Entry on suspicion of "illegal entry," officials said in a statement on Monday.

He requested medical help and was taken to the McAllen Medical Center in McAllen, Texas, where he was diagnosed with ailments including cirrhosis of the liver and congestive heart failure, they said.

But the cause of the man's death was not yet determined, officials said. Andrew Meehan, a CPB spokesman, said in a statement: "This loss of life is tragic. Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones."

In December, a 7-year-old girl from Guatemala died of dehydration and shock hours after she was taken into U.S. Border Patrol custody. A second child, an 8-year-old boy who belonged to a family of indigenous Maya, died on Christmas Day after earlier being diagnosed with a common cold and fever.

In Tijuana, a border city of about 1.8 million in the grips of an unprecedented spike in violence, an average ambulance response time is 24 minutes  sometimes too late to save a persons life.

With the wave of violence, emergency calls are at new all-time highs, straining the citys fleet of 13 ambulances, and its team of medics and EMTs, run by Cruz Roja  the Red Cross.

Tijuana medics are grappling not just with the increase call volume, but also poor roads, limited resources and navigation technology that isnt always accurate.

Ambulances use radio communication only and sometimes faulty GPS trackers. Medics and EMTs routinely get lost or lose contact with their dispatchers.

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Thats why a group of students at UC San Diegos Jacobs School of Engineering teamed up with Cruz Roja to create a mobile application to make it easier for emergency medical crews to provide lifesaving help.

Cruz Roja is the major emergency medical provider in Tijuana, authorized by the city and run completely through donations.

The new application dispatches and tracks ambulance location using GPS technology.

The technology is currently in a testing phase, but set to be fully operational by the end of the month, according to Dr. Andres Smith, president of Cruz Roja Tijuana, and medical director of emergency services for Sharp Chula Vista. Smith is also UC San Diego alumnus.

Theres an incredible value here in using this technology to better serve the people of Tijuana, said Smith. We just found another way, so that we can be able to serve the community and find ways to be smarter in using these ambulances.

Tim Lam, a computer science masters student at UC San Diego who started working on the project as a computer science undergraduate, described how the app works in a hypothetical emergency call to the mall:

As the ambulance driver or the EMT, I immediately get notified and I can get dispatched to the mall. It shows all the details of the call so I can know what Im getting into and what I can do to prepare before arriving to the incident, said Lam. Lets just accept the call. Ill get a screen that tells me Im going to the location. Its tracking my location as well so the dispatcher can see me as well. They can see where I am.

Mauricio de Oliveria, a program adviser for the Cruz Roja project and a mechanical and aerospace engineering professor at UC San Diego, said one of the bigger challenges with the project was the sprawling nature of neighborhoods in Tijuana, where street names are sometimes just what neighbors choose to call them and navigation is more often described by the names of buildings on corners than addresses.

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So, one of the interesting things is Tijuana is crazy, said de Oliveria. You might know where something is, but maybe they dont have a name for the street.

He said the mobile application provides more accurate GPS data from the call and tracks the Cruz Roja ambulances, increasing the safety for the crews.

And thats been a very positive thing, so you dont rely as much on knowing the actual address, he said.

If successful, de Oliveria said, the students and Smith plan to expand their work.

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We want to see if we can place the ambulances in the city based on historical data, said Smith. So, we can look at the historical data, and look at the hot spots and see where we can place the ambulances to provide the fastest responses.

Lam said they also want to look at historical traffic patterns in the city to find best routes to emergency calls.

Some of the ideas for future improvements came from UC San Diego engineering students working side by side with the Cruz Roja responders to see how the system works in real life.

Student Eric Richards described one call where he arrived with medics sent ahead of an ambulance to determine if a trip to the ER was necessary. The patient, in her late 70s, needed help.

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It felt like forever waiting there for an ambulance to come take you to the ER. It just feels like an eternity. They didnt know where the ambulance was and they kept looking out the window, said Richards, who said he would add an application that would allow the patient and medics to see where the ambulance was to help reduce stress.

It really left an impact on me in the sense that I wanted to continue with the project and I wanted to contribute to it more, he said.Three longtime community volunteers have been selected for induction into the Rancho Bernardo Hall of Fame next month.

Don Glover, Debbie Kurth and Donald Schmidt will become the organizations 119th, 120th and 121st honorees when the RB Hall of Fame holds its by-invitation induction gala on March 9 at the Bernardo Heights Country Club.

The RB Hall of Fame was established in 1974 to honor longtime community volunteers who have provided Rancho Bernardo with years of significant leadership.

* * * * *

It is a complete shock ... its truly an honor, knowing a lot of the people who are in it, Glover said about his selection. I never envisioned to be among the people included in it.

Glover was nominated by Michael Fuqua and selected for his leadership in the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo, the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo Foundation and the Spirit of the Fourth Committee.

Don Glover file

Dons tenure as president of RB Rotary was marked by growth, increased camaraderie, recognition of the 50th anniversary of the club and membership increases, Fuqua wrote. Perhaps most importantly, Don consistently looked for opportunities to assist the local community and his infectious enthusiasm resulted in record participation by our members in both fundraising and participation in community events.

Glover was the Rotary clubs 2014-15 president and its foundations 2018-19 president after serving on its board the previous two years. According to Fuqua, the foundation granted a combined $50,000 to various local organizations during Glovers tenure.

For the past three years Glover has been the Rotary District 5340 assistant governor. In that role, Fuqua wrote Glover brought together the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club, North San Diego Rotary Club and Poway-Scripps Rotary Club so they could collaborate on service projects benefiting the wider community. Prior to this there was little to no collaboration among (the) clubs, Fuqua wrote.

For two years (2016-18), Glover also was the Spirit of the Fourth Committees volunteer coordinator and has worked on other aspects of Rancho Bernardos Independence Day celebration.

Glover, who grew up in the San Jose area, moved his family to Poway in 1977. He and his wife moved to Rancho Bernardo in 2006, but were involved in the community long before that.

He credited his parents with his dedication to volunteerism. I give a lot of credit to my folks who did a lot of things when I was young, Glover said, adding he has found that when one gives back to the community the person gains more than those assisted.

* * * * *

Im very excited about receiving this and am really honored, Kurth said about her selection. There are so many great people in the hall of fame and it is great to be in that group. I enjoy doing so much for the community.

Kurth was nominated by 1998 inductee Nick Anastasopoulos for her leadership in the Rancho Bernardo Business Association and Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation.

Debbie Kurth file

Anastasopoulos praised Kurth for stepping into the role of RBBA president in August 2016 when the then-president became ill and was unable to continue.

This was extremely significant in that the organization could have simply gone dark for 5-6 months, creating a void in future funding for community partners of the RBBA, he wrote. Had she not stepped in, we may not have (had) an honorary mayor that year, nor some funding for other RB organizations. Debbie was vice president and treasurer at that time and continued in those roles as well.

Kurth is still the business organizations president and treasurer. Because of Debbies leadership and what she does for the group on a daily basis, the RBBA is able to assist local businesses in a variety of ways, Anastasopoulos wrote.

She has also been the community foundations president for the past three years and chairwoman of the Rancho Bernardo Community Thanksgiving Luncheon for the past five. The luncheon is one of the foundations largest fundraising events.

Her leadership in fundraising allows the foundation to make (a) significant contribution to several RB community partner organizations on an annual basis, Anastasopoulos wrote.

Kurth, a Wisconsin native who moved to Rancho Bernardo nearly 30 years ago, said she started volunteering at an early age. It was really in high school and in college and it continued from there, Kurth said. I felt it was a worthwhile thing to do, giving back to my community.

* * * * *

When I looked at the website and saw the people who are members of the hall of fame, it was very heartening to see that Ill be in that company, Schmidt said, adding he has known most previous inductees. Its a nice feeling to be included.

Schmidt was nominated by 2017 inductee Michael Vaughn for his leadership in the Maj. Abraham J. Baum Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7766. He was post commander from 2010 to 2012 and 2014 to present, has been a charter member since the post formed in 1986 and involved on and off since ... but for the last 12 years very closely involved, Schmidt said.

Donald Schmidt file

He is a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy from 1962 to 1968 as a F-4 radar intercept officer and reached the rank of lieutenant.

Don has energized our post and brought it to new heights, Vaughn wrote. His outstanding leadership ... has led us to receive an All-State Post award four times and to receive an All-American Post award ... twice. Very few posts attain All-American status even once, let alone twice.

Vaughn added, A VFW post is only as good as its commander. Dons outstanding leadership has put our post at the top nationwide.

According to Vaughn, the post assists veterans in Rancho Bernardo by providing financial assistance to them when in need, by visiting them when ill and by honoring them when deceased. The post is also very involved in the community in several ways. This includes supporting the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial in Webb Park and by serving the communitys youths. The latter has been done by sponsoring Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and JROTC units for many years. It has also selected local teachers, police officers, firefighters and scouts for honors at the local, state and national level.

In summary, VFW Post 7766 is a vital part of the RB community, contributing to RB in many ways, and Don Schmidts outstanding leadership has been a key factor in that for over 6 years, Vaughn wrote.

Schmidt, who grew up in Ohio and Pennsylvania, said he has volunteered since high school. It is something one does in order to pay back when you are so lucky for what you do have, he said. When you see other people who are really in need, helping them is fun. It also gives you a community of like-minded individuals and comradeship.

The Rancho Bernardo resident since 1972, who has been involved in several other organizations as well, said helping veterans is especially meaningful to him because of how some Vietnam veterans were poorly treated upon their return home.

Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.comWhat does it take to make a young Republican Marine switch to the Democrat Party? And then go on to lead it? Politics, of course.

In 2008, as a gay service member Will Rodriguez-Kennedy was honorably discharged from the military under the dont ask dont tell policy. He experienced a period of homelessness and says he ultimately felt that Democrats were more focused on veterans issues than Republicans.

RELATED: San Diego Democratic leader is a former marine who experienced homelessness

When you get out of the military you sort of have there is a tendency to like go with the people around you and there tends to be a Republican mindset in the military, Rodriguez-Kennedy said in an interview with The Conversation podcast. But what I learned is that while the Republican Party is good on supporting our troops and stuff like that, the Democratic Party is better in supporting our veterans and supporting the issues that speak to veterans when it comes to things like housing and homelessness and college affordability and reintegration back into society.

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Now, hes been elected chairman of the San Diego Democratic Party. Hes 31. Hes leaning toward supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders in the 2020 election.

He finds headline-driving lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, refreshing. Hes also from Ocasio-Cortezs district originally.

Weve never had a party chair like me, Rodriguez-Kennedy said. Im a 31-year-old, queer, Puerto Rican, New Yorker Marine Corps veteran. Im a very unique and unknown quantity for some of these people and so it will take more time for us to bring our coalition together but thats fine because what a message weve sent to our voters about diversity, about engaging on issues, and putting  when were talking about issues of housing and homelessness and climate change  putting a Marine Corps veteran whos gay, Puerto Rican, who was formerly homeless to talk about these issues from a background that is unique and underrepresented.

Hes also taking over at a time when no party preference has surpassed the Republican Party as the second-most-popular designation and is close on the heels of Democrats among registered voters in San Diego County.

RELATED: The shifting allegiances of San Diego Countys voters

We invited him to join The Conversation with Abby & Luis to talk about his plans for leading the party, his thoughts on the growing trend of young voters registering with no party preference and what Democrats have planned for the 2020 election.

I think youre going to see a lot of interesting departures from past precedents, he said. I think youll see that I and others who are part of this new generation of leadership are going to start looking at the way things have [been] done and see how we can do things differently and I think that will play in interesting ways on some of the problems that have affected our county and city because theres going to be a new group of people who are taking leadership and who are pushing our elected officials to act differently and embrace innovation.

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We also invited San Diego County Republican Party chair Tony Krvaric to do an interview, but he declined. As we were preparing this episode, he shared this tweet.

That's correct. When the @sdut becomes fair and balanced again trust can be rebuilt. Until then... https://t.co/jdZgJWSroV  Tony Krvaric (@TonyKrvaric) February 20, 2019

Subscribe to 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, or subscribe on Apple or Stitcher.

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Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblinAn alleged victim of Richard Fischer, the San Diego sheriffs deputy facing a spate of sexual misconduct charges, offered to dismiss her civil case against him if he admits to doing what she says he did, records show.

The woman, identified in court papers as T.D., made the offer last week after Fischers criminal defense attorney publicly questioned her motivations.

Prosecutors say Fischer forced T.D. to perform a sex act on him after he showed up at her house in Vista in March or April 2017.

T.D. told me the other day I dont want his money and immediately commented on two other victims rarely mentioned, Fischers wife and child, said attorney Dan Gilleon, who is representing T.D. and 15 other civil plaintiffs suing Fischer. I asked her if she wanted to make that offer and she said she did.

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The offer was rejected by lawyers defending Fischer, including one who implied the proposed compromise was a stunt aimed at generating more publicity and potential clients for Gilleon.

That offer was to Richard Fischer only, said attorney Joseph Kutyla, who is defending Fischer in civil lawsuits filed against the deputy and San Diego County. It was not an offer to the County of San Diego.

Fischer is a 32-year-old sheriffs deputy who was arrested last year and is now facing 20 criminal counts of sexual misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and a criminal trial is scheduled to begin in April.

He also has been sued in civil court by 16 women, including T.D., who allege he groped them or committed other sexual misconduct while he was on duty.

Lawyers defending the county in the civil litigation already have settled four civil cases for more than $900,000 in combined damages. But the San Diego Superior Court judge hearing the remaining civil cases put most of those suits on hold during the criminal proceedings.

Manny Medrano, the Pasadena lawyer who is defending Fischer in the criminal case, said the offer from Gilleon last week was aimed at generating more publicity, so more women may come forward with additional allegations against his client.

This is a media ploy by the Gilleon law firm, he said. Hell will freeze over before Richard Fischer pleads guilty to this particular criminal charge or any of the other 15 alleged victims. This case is a house of cards. Each victim has significant and profound credibility issues.

Last month, Medrano told The San Diego Union-Tribune that almost every woman accusing his client is an unreliable witness who is primarily interested in seeking monetary damages in civil lawsuits against Fischer and the sheriffs department.

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In another of the civil lawsuits filed last year, the Gilleon firm filed a motion in October to dismiss Fischer as a defendant and proceed solely against San Diego County. That plaintiff, identified in court papers only as A.H., is not one of the alleged victims in the criminal case against Fischer.

Fischer remains on unpaid leave from the department since his arrest last February.

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonaldA sexually violent predator convicted of multiple crimes against several children, including rape, may be allowed to live in Jacumba Hot Springs, according to a plan proposed by state officials.

The Department of State Hospitals and the San Diego Superior Court have suggested Alan Earl James be placed at 45612 Old Highway 80  a residence a little over a mile from the communitys downtown area, officials said Tuesday.

A hearing to discuss the plan will be held in Department 2001 at the downtown San Diego Superior Court building at 9 a.m. on March 22.

James, 56, was convicted in 1981 of committing a lewd act on a child under the age of 14. Then in 1986, he was convicted of committing multiple sex crimes against three children including rape by force, kidnapping with the intent to commit a sex offense and sexual battery.

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He was sentenced to 28 years in prison for his crimes, which occurred in San Diego County. Prior to his release, the District Attorneys Office petitioned several times to have James committed to the hospital as a sexually violent predator, and he has been treated at two state hospitals since 1999.

James has asked to be placed under supervision in the community several times, but only his most recent request was supported by officials at Coalinga State Hospital in Fresno County, where he is currently being treated, and San Diego Superior Court Judge Albert Harutunian III.

Sexually violent predators make up less than 1 percent of the states registered sex offender population. To be designated a predator, according to state law, an offender has to have been convicted of a sex crime against at least one victim and be diagnosed with a mental disorder that makes him likely to re-offend.

James was diagnosed with a pedophilia disorder.

San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Dianne Jacob, who represents the area, expressed her outrage at the development.

Alan Earl James represents the worst of the worst and doesnt deserve a life outside of prison, she said in a statement. Over many years, he repeatedly committed sex crimes against children, including molestation and sexual intercourse. I have long protested the placement of sexually violent predators in the community, and I know families share my outrage that another monster like this would even be allowed outside a cell.

According to the District Attorneys website, there are four other sexually violent predators living under supervision in the county. They live in Jacumba Hot Springs, Campo, Boulevard and Borrego Springs.

Members of the public who wish to comment before the hearing can send an email between Feb. 20 and March 6 to the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Task Force at sdsafe@sdsheriff.org or call (858) 495-3619.

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Comments can also be mailed to SVP Release/SAFE Task Force, 9425 Chesapeake Drive, San Diego, CA, 92123. The comments will be forwarded to the Department of State Hospitals and San Diego Superior Court.

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Twitter: @LAWinkley

(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com

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UPDATES:

8 p.m.  This story was updated with a statement from San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Dianne Jacob.The 77-year-old gained a strong following with plans to make college tuition free and for the government to greatly expand its role in providing health care to Americans.

Sanders tried to win the Democratic Party's nomination in 2016, but lost to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The list of Democrats battling to oppose U.S. President Donald Trump in the 2020 election grew again Tuesday with Senator Bernie Sanders announcing he is joining the race.

Sanders joins an already crowded field of Democrats who have announced their candidacy with still about a year before the 2020 primary elections begin.

Those candidates include fellow Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar, Kristen Gillibrand and Kamala Harris. The senator from the northeastern state of Vermont announced his candidacy in an early morning e-mail to supporters, asking for 1 million people to register to help launch a grassroots movement to counter special interests.

Sanders, a frequent critic of Trump, said in his e-mail Trump was "the most dangerous president in modern American history." Sanders added, "We are running against a president who is a pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe and someone who is undermining American democracy as he leads us in an authoritarian direction."

Sanders has been ranked among the leaders in opinion polls of prospective 2020 candidates, but he faces challenges from a large pool of other progressives who advocate for many of the same issues that he brought into the party's mainstream.

The crowded field of liberals could make it harder for Sanders to engender the same level of ardent support he received during his 2016 campaign. He also is likely to face questions about his age and his relevance in a party that is represented by a growing number of women and minorities, groups that Sanders struggled to win over in 2016.

Sanders also released a YouTube video Tuesday outlining major themes of his campaign.After only a year in San Diego as the FBIs special agent in charge, John Brown is being promoted to assistant director of the agencys Counterintelligence Division, the FBI announced Tuesday.

The new role will take Brown to FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Counterintelligence work has been a strong thread through Browns career.

Before taking the lead position in San Diego last February, he served for a short time as special agent in charge of cyber and counterintelligence in Los Angeles.

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He started in 1999 as a rookie FBI agent in Chicago working counterintelligence cases and years later returned to that office as an assistant special agent in charge of counterintelligence and cyber crimes.

He has also supervised counterterrorism units at both headquarters and in Chicago.

Before joining the FBI, he served as a U.S. Army air defense and military intelligence officer.

He deployed to Iraq with the FBI in 2004, and in 2010 and 2011 served as an Army reservist in Afghanistan.

In an interview in May, Brown told the Union-Tribune that the FBI will have to increasingly focus on long-term counterintelligence matters.

You look at the foreign intelligence activity thats occurring in this country, particularly the theft of trade secrets, proprietary information, our technology in the San Diego area, our military, weve got over 300 defense contractors in San Diego, then we have the border close by, Brown said.

I think the long game is weve got to be laser focused on that. Sometimes its hard to explain that to folks, because they dont see it. But well see it in 50 years when their jets are faster than ours, and were not winning those fights. Thats my bigger concern.

Brown replaces Bill Priestap, who retired in December.

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The FBI has not publicly named Browns replacement in San Diego.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavisTwo teenage girls were seriously injured Tuesday night when the sedan they were riding in collided with a pickup in Rancho Bernardo, police said.

It happened about 9:30 p.m. at Rancho Bernardo Road and Cresta Drive, just east of Pomerado Road, San Diego police Officer John Buttle said.

A 17-year-old boy was driving a 2007 Kia sedan southbound on Cresta Drive when he stopped at a stop sign at Rancho Bernardo Road, and then continued south, pulling in front of a Ford F-150 driven by a 36-year-old man, Buttle said. The pickup struck the passenger side of the sedan.

A 17-year-old girl in the front passenger seat of the Kia suffered a fractured leg and a 16-year-old girl in the rear passenger seat sustained a fractured hip, the officer said.

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Intoxication was not believed to have been a factor in the crash, Buttle said, adding that traffic division detectives were handling the investigation.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Twitter: @Alex_Riggins

(619) 293-1710

alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com

UPDATES:

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11:45 p.m. Feb. 20: This article was updated with additional details.

This article was originally published Feb. 19.Rescuers from three county agencies worked together for several hours Monday afternoon to free a horse trapped in a muddy ravine in the Cuyamaca mountains north of Descanso, authorities said.

A woman was riding the horse on Harvey Moor Trail when she and the animal slipped down a muddy, snowy slope, county officials said. The woman was uninjured, but the horse became stuck on its back.

Cal Fire firefighters, sheriffs deputies and personnel from County Animal Services work together Monday to free a horse that became stuck in a snowy, muddy raving in the Cuyamaca mountains. (Courtesy of San Diego County)

Personnel from County Animal Services, Cal Fire and the San Diego County Sheriffs Department worked with the horses owner to fashion a series of ropes that helped them overturn the animal so it could walk out of the ravine.

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When people and animals are in need of assistance, the community will always come together to provide this assistance, County Animal Services Director Daniel DeSousa said. This was epitomized in this rescue of the horse with the various agencies working side-by-side to extricate the horse from its predicament.

An equine veterinarian examined the horse, county officials said. The animal suffered only minor scratches.

Twitter: @Alex_Riggins

(619) 293-1710

alex.riggins@sduniontribune.comA minivan fleeing from Border Patrol agents Tuesday evening in Boulevard crashed, leaving all five occupants with minor to moderate injuries, authorities said.

The 23-year-old San Diego woman driving the van was taken into Border Patrol custody, as were the four Mexican men who were lying in the back passenger area without seat belts when the van struck a fence, a pole and then rolled, California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Travis Garrow said.

The crash was the first of two that occurred Tuesday evening involving Border Patrol agents chasing vehicles. The second such incident left two people dead and a third injured around 6:20 p.m. in Otay Mesa.

The Boulevard chase began around 5 p.m. when Border Patrol agents observed four people load into a blue minivan near Boulevard in a suspected human smuggling event, according to a statement from Jason Bell, a special operations supervisor with the Border Patrol San Diego Sector.

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About five minutes later, agents attempted to stop the Mazda MPV minivan for possible immigration related violations, Garrow said in a statement.

Near Olde Highway 80 and McCain Valley Road, the marked Border Patrol vehicle activated its red lights and siren, but the driver of the minivan refused to pull over, Garrow said. The minivan led the Border Patrol agents on several rural roads for about 10 minutes, and eventually onto Shasta Way south of Campo Road.

At about 5:15 p.m., while driving on a dirt portion of Shasta Way, the Mazdas driver hit a large concrete dip in the roadway and lost control of the van, striking a steel fence and utility pole before the van overturned and came to rest on its wheels, Garrow said.

Agents arrived on scene shortly after the crash and observed multiple injuries, Bell said.

Firefighters and medical personnel from Cal Fire responded to the scene.

#ShastaIC [update] Crews at scene are reporting up to five patients have been injured.  CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) February 20, 2019

All five occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest, Bell said. Three of them were taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

The 23-year-old San Diego woman driving the van sustained minor injuries and was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, Garrow said.

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The four passengers sustained minor to moderate injuries, though two of them  a 24-year-old man and 39-year-old man  refused medical aid at the scene, Garrow said. The other two men, ages 27 and 25, were taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital by ambulance.

Border Patrol agents are handling the criminal portion of this investigation, Garrow said, while Highway Patrol officers were investigating the crash.

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Twitter: @Alex_Riggins

(619) 293-1710

alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com

UPDATES:

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9:50 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from a Border Patrol spokesman.

This article was originally published at 9:15 p.m.Chula Vista police arrested a man on suspicion of robbing a bank early Wednesday and recovered cash, a police official said.

Officers responded to reported robbery at Union Bank on H Street near Fourth Avenue shortly after 9 a.m. and had a suspect in custody by 9:10 a.m., said Chula Vista police Capt. Phil Collum.

Our officer located a subject matching the description on foot nearby, Collum said. He said he wasnt sure where exactly the arrest took place but said the officer was in communication with security guards at the nearby Chula Vista mall.

The man was identified by bank employees and arrested on suspicion of robbery, Collum said.

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Collum said he didnt know the loss or whether the man had used a demand note or was armed. We recovered money. Thats about all I can say, he said.

Twitter: @karenkucher

(619) 293-1350

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.comSan Diego officials say they plan to study building a bicycle-pedestrian bridge or an aerial skyway over Interstate 5 to connect the new Balboa Avenue trolley station to Pacific Beach, Mission Bay Park and Mission Beach.

The bridge would create San Diegos first convenient connection between mass transit and the citys famous beach communities, potentially reducing traffic congestion and parking problems in those areas, advocates said.

The study was prompted by an outcry in recent months from community leaders who say the lack of a bridge over the freeway is a glaring deficiency in a proposed growth blueprint for the area around the new trolley station.

That blueprint would transform the northeast corner of Pacific Beach from an auto-oriented commercial corridor into a dense, residential village surrounding the new station.

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The Balboa Avenue station will be one of nine on a new trolley line being built along Morena Boulevard that will connect Old Town and UC-San Diego when its complete in 2021.

Community leaders say pedestrians and bicyclists will be much less likely to use the trolley if they have to maneuver through the dangerous intersections under the freeway and new trolley line. Those intersections include where Mission Bay Drive intersects with Garnet, Grand and Balboa avenues on the eastern edge of Pacific Beach, just west of the new station.

Theyd be pushing the pedestrians and bicyclists into the busiest intersection in San Diego, said Kristen Victor, a member of the Pacific Beach Planning Group and co-founder of the nonprofit Beautiful Pacific Beach. And once they get to that point, there is no route to the beach that is safe.

Mike Hansen, the citys planning director, told the City Councils Land Use and Housing Committee last week that city officials will launch a study to evaluate the engineering and cost feasibility of a protected pathway over the freeway.

The bridge would likely be similar to two other crossings being built over the freeway near UCSD as part of the trolley project. Those bridges cost roughly $20 million each.

We would like to see this connection, Hansen told the committee. Were looking at many different potential funding sources.

The city would partner on the study with the state Department of Transportation and the countys regional planning agency, the San Diego Association of Governments.

A spokesman for Caltrans said Tuesday that officials from his agency have spoken with the city about the proposed bridge and the feasibility study.

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This would be a city project and Caltrans would assist with any planning grants, said the spokesman, Edward Cartagena.

A SANDAG spokeswoman said no study is under way, but the agency likely would be receptive, based on its longtime commitment to active transportation.

Councilwoman Dr. Jennifer Campbell, whose district includes the new trolley station and the citys beach communities, said last week that the bridge is crucial.

It is imperative that we include a pedestrian-bicycle bridge to connect the communities, she told colleagues on the Land Use and Housing Committee.

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Victor, the PB community leader, said boosting access to the beach from the trolley will increase overall ridership by making the entire trolley system more viable.

She said community leaders would like the bridge to span from the new trolley station to Magnolia Avenue where it meets the Rose Creek bike path on the edge of Mission Bay Park.

She said Magnolia is a relatively safe street with limited traffic. The Magnolia end of the bridge could serve as a mobility hub, where trolley riders could rent bikes and electric scooters and use ride-booking apps, she said.

Victor added that it would be frustratingly ironic for UCSD to get two trolley bridges and PB to get none, because so many of the universitys students live in PB.

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Those students are all coming from our neighborhoods, she said, so there would be safe access for those students to get off the trolley, but not to get on the trolley.

Hansen said more details about the feasibility study would be available when the City Council considers adopting the proposed growth blueprint for the trolley station this spring.

The proposal, which covers 210 acres surrounding the new station, has been praised for nearly quadrupling the number of units developers are allowed to build in the area.

The blueprint, which includes a sliver of western Clairemont, would increase the number of housing units allowed from 1,221 to 4,729. Thats six times the 763 housing units already there.

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david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrickA judge has agreed to postpone the start of ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohens prison sentence by two months to May 6.

New York Judge William Pauley signed off on the delay Wednesday after Cohens lawyers said he needed more time to recover from shoulder surgery. They noted prosecutors did not object to the one-time extension.

Cohen, President Donald Trumps former personal attorney and fixer, is also preparing to testify before three Congressional committees this month.

Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to lying to the Senate intelligence committee and campaign finance violations.

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Cohen acknowledged lying about his role in a Trump business proposal in Moscow and paying two women who alleged affairs with Trump.

Cohen was originally scheduled to report to prison March 6.Construction crews on Monday began replacing more border barrier between San Diego and Tijuana, according to Customs and Border Protection.

The project will tear down a second layer of steel mesh fencing along 14 miles of the border, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Otay Mountain area. Panels of 30-foot bollards, or posts set close together, similar to recent barrier replacement projects in Calexico and along San Diegos primary layer of fencing, will replace the older fence that went up in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Given the high-density population in the San Diego-Tijuana area, the updated border infrastructure is critically needed, CBP said in a news release.

Close to 9 percent of those caught crossing the southwest border illegally in January came over in the San Diego area, according to CBP data.

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The San Diego Sector of Border Patrol saw a spike in apprehensions in December after many from the recently arrived migrant caravan chose to cross illegally, often climbing the new primary fence to make asylum claims because the line to ask the U.S. for protection at ports of entry was months long. The number caught crossing rose 27 percent from 4,574 in November to 5,814 in December.

It dropped again by 29 percent to 4,122 in January.

The Trump administration waived environmental reviews in early February to speed up the construction project, the sixth such waiver since President Donald Trump took office.

Environmental groups have pushed back on the federal governments use of these waivers for border construction. A U.S. district judge in San Diego ruled in favor of the Trump administration last year over the issue.

Officials referred to the new construction as the San Diego Secondary Wall Project.

However, the construction is not part of Trumps recent stalemate with Congress over funding for his promised border wall.

CBP used fiscal 2018 appropriations money to fund the construction. SLSCO Ltd., headquartered in Galveston, Texas, received a $101 million government contract in December for the effort.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen visited the newly replaced Calexico barrier on October to watch welders affix a plaque to the structure commemorating it as the first section of President Trumps border wall.

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She said that more construction would be coming to that part of the California border as well.

Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence

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kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate on TwitterLeaders in two East Village groups say they were left out of the citys decision to relocate a bridge shelter tent to a new site, and they believe the location is inappropriate for its use.

Kathleen Hallahan, president of the East Village Residents Group, emailed San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and City Council members Monday night to raise health and safety concerns about the Commercial Street and Imperial Avenue site proposed for a tent shelter that holds 150 people, including families with children.

We are perplexed at the improbable choice of the site to house this vulnerable population, she wrote.

Hallahan said Faulconers office had not responded to the email by late Tuesday afternoon.

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City Councilman Chris Ward, co-chair of the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless, could not be reached Tuesday.

Faulconers senior press secretary Greg Block said last week that the city has signed a two-year lease for the site at Commercial Street and Imperial Avenue.

In reference to Hallahans comments about the site being inappropriate for a shelter with children, Block said Tuesday through a text message that Father Joes Villages had worked with the city in identifying the new location.

The site is a short walk to services that will be provided by Father Joes Villages and is near schools that many of the children will attend, Block said.

Dora McCann Guerreiro, executive director of the East Village Association, said she agreed with Hallahans concerns, but couldnt speak for her board yet.

I havent brought it up to board so dont have an official position, but we are concerned that we werent involved in any formal discussions, she said.

Both women said they would have preferred the city include them and other area stakeholders in the decision to relocate the tent, which they learned about by reading articles in The San Diego Union-Tribune rather than notices from the city.

The tent is one of three bridge shelters in the city that together hold about 700 homeless people and were constructed about a year ago. They are called bridge shelters because they are considered a temporary bridge between life on the street and a permanent home.

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One of the tents holds 100 families and 50 single women and was installed on property owned by Father Joes Villages at 14th and Commercial streets.

That site was considered a temporary location because Father Joes Villages plans to build a 16-story, 407-unit housing project on the property.

Tearing down, moving and rebuilding the tent at its new location at 1700 Imperial Avenue is expected to begin in April and take three months. In the interim, the city plans to house displaced homeless people in rooms on the second floor of Golden Hall at 202 C St., which shares a plaza with the Civic Theater and City Hall.

In her email, Hallahan recommended the city continue to use Golden Hall as a bridge shelter beyond three months because it would be safer than the Imperial Avenue site, which is in an area near Interstate 5 and often has a dense population of homeless people and encampments.

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Traffic, poor air quality and a lack of safe pedestrian paths to Faultline Park, the Central Library and the trolley stop were among the issues she noted.

The EVRG would prefer that this prominent, but blighted intersection receive more attention from the city, she wrote. That said, we cannot in good conscience remain silent at the expense of the homeless children in the hope that improvements will be made in this area if the tent is relocated here.

She also said continuing to use Golden Hall as a bridge shelter would allow the city to erect the tent at another location away from downtown, adding more needed beds. The move would result in other areas sharing the responsibility of providing homeless shelters without having to buy a fourth tent, she said.

Block said Tuesday that Golden Hall is not intended to be used as a long-term shelter.

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On Jan. 11, the citys Planning Department published an online Notice of Right to Appeal about the plan to relocate the tent and sign a lease agreement with owner Breitbard Properties.

The city had made a determination that the project was not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act, and the notice gave the public until Jan. 28 to apply to appeal the CEQA determination to the City Council.

That window had closed by the time Guerreiro or Hallahan said they knew about the plan.

The issue is similar to complaints heard from residents in Sherman Heights last year regarding the citys plan to open a 1,000-bin storage center for homeless people to use.

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Residents there said there were no community meetings about the plan, which they learned about through a newspaper article. The city scaled back the center to 500 bins after the complaints.

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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

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

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760-529-4939

UPDATES:

6:05 p.m.: This story was updated with information from a spokesman from Mayor Kevin Faulconers office.

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This article was originally published at 5:05 p.m.By Wen Shaobiao

Leaders of Russia, Turkey and Iran recently held talks on Syria once again in the southern Russian city of Sochi recently, as a continuity of the Astana process on Syria peace. They particularly discussed issues such as the situation in Syrias Idlib area, the withdrawal of US troops from Syria and terrorism.

The three-party peace talks on Syria have been held among the three countries in alternation for several rounds. The mechanism aims to lay the foundation for political trust and cooperation to some extent through repeated talks, thus creating certain conditions for future political reconciliation of the Syria conflict.

At present, the three-party peace talks still face a series of problems, which may impede the mechanism from playing a greater role in the future.

First, the focus of Syria remains the situation of Idlib, which involves interest contentions among Russia, Turkey, Iran, the US, Syrian government and opposition forces, and the Kurdish armed groups in the area. As so many parties fiercely compete for interests, it is unlikely for them to completely place hope on political settlement. It will be hard to achieve peace through talks. On the contrary, it is more likely to promote peace talks through armed conflicts. That means involved parties will probably use established facts on the battlefield as bargaining chips in multilateral political negotiations.

Second, although the US announced the plan to withdraw its troops from Syria, the action has yet to be put into practice. The presence of US military in Kurdish-controlled regions and Idlib in Syria still has influence on the situation of those regions. Owing to the assistance of the US military, the Kurdish armed groups and Syrian opposition forces still have combat power and they will not allow Russia, Turkey, Iran and the Syrian government to determine their fate. Even if the US troops eventually retreat from Syria, the US will certainly intervene in Syrias post-war arrangements by various means. In fact, the trilateral meeting mechanism among Russia, Turkey and Iran can only achieve a tactical suspension of violent conflicts in Syria, rather than a complete framework of political peace talks, which may be subject to the sabotage and interference from Western countries.

Finally, Russia, Turkey and Iran have motivations to seek cooperation on Syria, which is the foundation for their trilateral peace talks. However, their divergence of interests is also impeding the mechanism from playing a substantive role. The three countries are willing to collaborate in aspects such as building conflict abating zones, combating extremist groups such as ISIS, securing channels of international humanitarian aid, and preventing the refugee crisis from expanding. These are also where the third-party peace talks will most likely to make breakthroughs. However, the three countries have significant divergences in terms of the Kurdish issue, the political solution to establishing the new Syrian government, and attitudes towards the US. This determines that their trilateral peace talks will be a long-term process with turns and twists, and will not yield immediate results.

In a nutshell, the trilateral meeting mechanism among Russia, Turkey and Iran brings hope to the Syria peace process and to some extent, exerts positive influence. However, it is unable to solve the core problem faced by Syria in the short run. It is likely that the reality of superpower games and armed independent regimes and the logic of violence will still play a key role in the development of Syria situation. To achieve true peace in Syria, all involved parties need to correct their attitudes, communicate honestly and join hands to solve the existing problems.

(The author is from the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University.)A woman who was shot three times and left a quadriplegic last spring is suing San Diego for gross negligence, contending that police dispatchers failed to take seriously multiple 911 calls from her mother.

Mya Hendrix, who was wounded during a kidnapping by gang members in April, says in the lawsuit that city dispatchers are partly responsible for her injuries because they deemed the situation a nonemergency and a scam, despite multiple calls from the then-19-year-olds mother.

Three suspected gang members  Cesar Alvarado, Michael Pedraza and Britney Canal  have been charged in the case, which was part of a crime spree that also left a Chula Vista businessman dead, authorities said.

The lawsuit comes three years after public outcry over slow responses to emergency calls in San Diego, including an April 2016 case when two 911 calls went unanswered as a dog fatally attacked an infant in Mira Mesa.

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Since then, the city has given 25% pay raises to police and fire dispatchers, which, officials say, has boosted employee morale, reduced dispatcher absences and shortened emergency response times.

Hendrixs lawsuit says the first dispatcher that her mother, Misti Hendrix, reached on April 11 was skeptical when told of Myas phone call to her mother that morning saying kidnappers had her and wanted $2,500 ransom.

The dispatcher concluded it was a scam concocted by Mya Hendrix and fellow drug users, the suit says.

Despite Misti Hendrix insisting that her daughter would never do such a thing, the dispatcher told her that such kidnapping scams were common in San Diego and that she should take no further action.

Because of this advice, the lawsuit says, the mother did not go to a police station and did not try to come up with the $2,500 ransom, actions that could have helped her daughter avoid getting shot.

The lawsuit says the dispatchers actions constitute gross negligence and bad faith, noting that the dispatcher failed to follow several protocols in place for missing persons under 21.

Those include prioritizing such calls over property crimes, immediately assessing the appropriate next steps, posting a be on the lookout bulletin for other law enforcement agencies, and alerting the state Department of Justice.

When Hendrix called her mother a second time early that afternoon, she was crying and her mother heard her being attacked with something that sounded like a taser, the suit says.

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In addition, a man and a woman said to Misti Hendrix that they would kill her daughter if they didnt get the $2,500, and the man finished the call by saying, you dont know how serious this is, the suits says.

Misti Hendrix immediately made a second 911 call, during which a second dispatcher looked up the incident number from that morning and told her the case had been deemed a scam, according to the suit.

I have to keep calls open for emergencies, the dispatcher allegedly told Misti Hendrix before directing her to call the police nonemergency line.

Misti Hendrix then called the nonemergency line, where a third dispatcher offered to trace her daughters cellphone and get back to her, the suit says. But he never called Misti Hendrix back, and there is no evidence he called the cellphone provider, according to the suit.

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On April 12, Hendrix was found by a passerby in the ocean off Sunset Cliffs with three gunshot wounds.

The suit, which was filed last month, calls the actions by the dispatchers an extreme departure from ordinary conduct.

The suit did not name any of the dispatchers involved.

Mya Hendrix is seeking compensation for medical care and lost earnings.

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Superior Court Judge Kenneth Medel has not scheduled a trial date.

A spokeswoman for City Atty. Mara Elliott said by email that Elliot would seek direction from city officials and respond through the courts.

A gofundme.com page created for Mya Hendrix has raised $3,100 since the incident.

David Garrick writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.Mainly Mozart (MM) is that famed and widely respected San Diego-based bi-national fine music organization. For 31 years, it has striven to enrich the lives of todays and tomorrows passionate music lovers by connecting them to the genius and innovation of Mozart and the masters, to todays world-class musicians  and to each other.

Renowned for its devotion to the highest degree of quality, MMs reputation attracts highly-talented world-class musicians from all over North America. They clamor for opportunities come to the San Diego area to play, knowing theyll be joining more of the countrys best musicians  the creme de la creme. They also delight in helping mentor and inspire members of the very successful Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra.

Esther Nahama, Bill Jech, Dr. DeAnn Cary, Susan and Ronald Heller, Jo Ann Kilty (Vincent Andrunas photo)

Much of MMs financial support comes from donors, and its annual Amadeus! fundraising gala is also quite fruitful. Its always held near Mozarts late-January birthday (hed be 263 now, if he hadnt already shuffled off his mortal coil). Alexandra Pearson and Ron McMillan co-chaired this years gala, held at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. Like MMs music, everything about this black-tie event was absolutely top-notch. Reception guests enjoyed wines, tray-passed hors doeuvres, and buffets of fine cheeses and meats. The Angelica Strings quartet played classical and modern music as partygoers perused numerous silent auction items.

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Later, co-emcees Staci Ortiz-Davis and Lisa Remillard welcomed everyone to the ballroom, expertly decorated and lighted by Marsha Sewell and Jo Ann Kilty. A gourmet salad course was served, and a live auction sold nine items (some twice!). The superb dinner, far beyond whats usually served at fundraising events, featured a duet entree of filet mignon with cremini mushroom sauce, a whole Maine lobster tail with basil beurre blanc, seasonal vegetables, and scalloped potatoes. Dessert was A Symphony in Gold; a decadent trio of treats decorated with musical symbols.

MM founding executive director Nancy Laturno introduced the evenings award-winning concert performers, violin and fiddle virtuoso Alex DePue and guitar master Miguel de Hoyos. Their eclectic music included intriguing arrangements of the old and new, including a Phantom medley, Led Zeppelins Stairway to Heaven, Hotel California, Black Magic Woman, and Mozarts own well-known Rondo alla Turka. The appreciative audience responded with an extended standing ovation.

The splendid event also exceeded its financial goals. Proceeds will benefit MMs outreach and youth programs. Guests were invited to attend MMs 2019 Festival performances running May 31 through June 23 in downtown San Diego, La Jolla, and Rancho Santa Fe.It can be hard now to separate memories of Princess Dianas life from the sad story of her passing, at age 36 in a 1997 Paris car accident.

Even the song most associated with the late Princess of Wales is one that was famously played at her funeral: Candle in the Wind, which Dianas friend Elton John originally wrote for Marilyn Monroe  another cultural icon who died tragically and too young.

But this week, when La Jolla Playhouse unveils a whole new set of songs about Diana, it will be in service of a world-premiere musical that revisits her days as a dynamic and sometimes divisive figure on the world stage, rather than focusing on that final chapter.

At the center of the show, created by the same key artists who took the musical Memphis from the Playhouse to Broadway, is Dianas 1981 wedding to Prince Charles.

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That globally televised event commenced what seemed a fairy-tale union. And yet the marriage eventually would devolve into the stuff of tabloid gossip, as the pair became estranged and Charles longtime relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles was exposed.

Those soap-opera aspects of the real-life story aside, director and Playhouse artistic chief Christopher Ashley says Diana ultimately stands as a tribute to the late princess.

Everyone involved in this show is interested in celebrating her, says Ashley, who teamed with writer-lyricist Joe DiPietro and composer David Bryan (the longtime keyboardist for the band Bon Jovi) to create the musical. And everybody working on this show has a real fascination with her.

Choreographer Kelly Devine (left) works with Diana star Jeanna de Waal and cast mate Tomas Matos at a La Jolla Playhouse rehearsal. (Jim Carmody)

So how do you step into Dianas shoes  not to mention the splashy fashions that the princess became known for in those sartorially flamboyant days of the 1980s?

Thats what the Broadway-seasoned Jeanna de Waal has been working hard to figure out in the nearly two years since she was tapped to play the title role in Diana  a show that seems an obvious candidate for Broadway, depending on how things go in La Jolla.

Although de Waal spent the first seven years of her life in Germany, her mom is British, and the family had moved to England not long before Dianas death  an event that left a lasting impression.

I very vividly remember the day she died, because our mum got us out of bed, actually, to watch (the news), says de Waal, chatting at the Playhouse before a recent rehearsal.

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I remember it being on the TV all day. And my mum and my grandma in particular being very upset. But it really wasnt until I started researching for this role that I deep-dived into the facts of Dianas story, and also the more subtle parts of her motivations.

What de Waal came away with was a conviction that Diana, who was barely 20 when she and Charles married, was a wonderfully sensitive young human being, and that the ways that pressure and isolation and loneliness can affect a person  and then to see them overcome those challenges and do something extraordinary with their life  is a brilliant and amazing story.

Its a pleasure to dive into and really explore those parts of your own emotions, and see how you can tap into those and connect.

For director Ashley, a big part of the motivation for creating Diana has been that I think she was an extraordinarily transformational, inspirational woman.

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Through her work to raise awareness of such issues as the AIDS crisis and the perils of abandoned land mines, says Ashley, Diana really used the white-hot spotlight that was on her in such productive ways to call attention to charities that really needed help.

And its also a great time to tell a story of a woman who finds her voice and finds her power the way Diana did.

The many dimensions of Diana

On the face of it there seems a surprising contrast between that serious-minded Diana and the one whose favorite quote (according to her son, Harry) was: You can be as naughty as you want  just dont get caught.

But to de Waal, those are really two sides of the same coin.

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I think there are contrasts, but I think theyre also linked, says de Waal, whose Broadway credits include Kinky Boots and American Idiot.

When she was doing her work with (causes), it was all about connection. And playfulness IS connection, right? There is an element of fun or silliness to it.

And I think that even though she brought a great sense of gravitas to the work she did by shining a light on it, she wasnt lecturing people. She was making them laugh and making them smile. She discovered how to use her natural skill, that playfulness, for a greater cause.

De Waal adds that Diana was put into a circumstance where she had a clearly defined set of rules, and was very willing and enthusiastic to please the people around her. And she had to find that balance of serving her own voice rather than always serving the voices of others.

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I think the positive of living like that is the empathy and the kindness and the love you can make people around you feel. And I think thats something in her personality Ive tried to emulate and take on, and really be aware of how much value there is in listening to the nuances and the subtleties of day-to-day interactions.

Jeanna de Waal with Judy Kaye, who plays Queen Elizabeth, at a Playhouse rehearsal. (Jim Carmody)

De Waal  whose Diana cast mates include two-time Tony Award winner Judy Kaye as Queen Elizabeth, Roe Hartrampf as Charles and Erin Davie as Camilla  says the team has been very clear that were not making a documentary. Were making a musical.

But, she adds, the one part that maybe comes closest to being a documentary are the costumes, designed by the Broadway veteran William Ivey Long.

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His attention to detail is extraordinary, de Waal says. I mean, we analyzed closeups of pictures to see where the buttons lay.

Youll recognize every costume I wear, truly  although there was the challenge of, she was much taller than I am. (So) you put 20 ruffles on her and she still looks good. You put four ruffles on me and I look like a Christmas tree!

Small sacrifice, in her eyes, for getting a chance to play such a celebrated and complex figure  and to be part of a new creative work from the very start of its life.

This is my absolute favorite part of being an actor, says de Waal. Its all-consuming, and its stimulating every day. And really exciting. It feels lovely to be part of something as youre going up the roller coaster.

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Diana

When: In previews. Opens March 3. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through April 7.

Where: La Jolla Playhouses Mandell Weiss Theatre, Playhouse/UC San Diego Theatre District, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla

Tickets: About $91-$136 (limited availability)

Phone: (858) 550-1010

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Online: lajollaplayhouse.org

The music of Diana

With Memphis  the musical about rocks early days that launched at La Jolla Playhouse in 2008 and went on to a Tony Award-winning Broadway run  composer David Bryan and writer-lyricist Joe DiPietro drew on blues and R&B.

Now, the pair have taken musical cues from 80s pop for Diana, their latest world-premiere work with director and Playhouse artistic chief Christopher Ashley.

The show definitely has a pop-rock feel, says Jeanna de Waal, who plays Princess Diana in the production.

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And Ashley says: Its very much inspired by the 80s. Diana was a huge fan of Duran Duran and Culture Club and also Bon Jovi, for which Bryan serves as longtime keyboardist. So her music (in the show) is very much inspired by 80s pop.

But the music of the royal family, of the Windsors, is much more derived from contemporary classical. So the score has kind of a collision between those two styles.

Diana star Jeanna de Waal is also the driving force behind Broadway Weekends. (Little Fang)

Diana star means business

While the title role in Diana is the biggest one shes ever taken on, Jeanna de Waal has been a rising star (on Broadway and beyond) for a while now; her credits include the world premiere of Waitress as well as such shows as Kinky Boots, Wicked and American Idiot  not to mention The Rocky Horror Show at San Diegos Old Globe.

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But in her other life, de Waal is the mastermind behind Broadway Weekends, a business venture that essentially offers musical-theater fantasy camp for grown-ups.

The sessions are taught and led by working Broadway artists, and give all participants (no matter their ability levels) the opportunity to perform.

The idea has proved popular enough since its launch in 2017 that Broadway Weekends now includes regional pop-up camps in other cities. In January, a pop-up took place in Los Angeles, led by cast members of the touring Come From Away  the hit musical that premiered in La Jolla four years ago under the direction of Playhouse artistic chief and Diana director Christopher Ashley.

And when it was mentioned to de Waal in a recent Playhouse interview that it sounded as if she were getting the equivalent of an MBA by launching the project, she replied: Actually, I just found out this morning that I have an interview with Wharton for the MBA program  referring to what might be the nations pre-eminent business school.

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De Waal adds that she would have to defer attendance if she and Diana wound up transferring to Broadway, and Im not sure Id even do it in any case, given all shes already learning about the business world. But I have applied.

Theater royalty

Sara Jane Nash as Diana and Richard Rivera as Charles in the 2018 Coronado Playhouse production of King Charles III. (Ken Jacques)

Even if we set aside all of Shakespeares stories of kings and queens, there still have been a whole lot of plays about the British royal family. (And those dont include the 1928 Broadway play The Royal Family, which was actually a parody of the Barrymore acting dynasty.) Five recent examples:

The Audience, 2013: Peter Morgans 2013 play draws on the traditional weekly audiences (or meetings) Queen Elizabeth II has held over the decades with Britains prime ministers. Helen Mirren played the queen in both the London and Broadway productions.

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King Charles III, 2014: The 2014 future history play by Mike Bartlett imagines a time a few years hence when Prince Charles ascends to the throne, but is beset by nasty politics and scandal; Princess Diana actually appears as a ghost in the piece. Coronado Playhouse staged the plays local premiere last year. (Read the review.)

The Madness of King George III, 1991: Alan Bennetts fact-based but deeply satirical work explores the odd story of the 18th-century British king who lost the American colonies and, for mysterious reasons, his mind. It was last produced here at the Old Globe in 2010. (Read the review.)

Handbagged, 2013: Moira Buffini, whose play Gabriel has its West Coast premiere at North Coast Rep this week, wrote this comic 2013 piece, which parallels The Audience a bit in its focus on the pas de deux between Elizabeth II and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Princess Diana, the Musical, 1998: And yes, there is at least one other Diana musical. This one, by Karen Sokolof Javitch and Elaine Jabenis, was staged in 2017 at Patio Playhouse in Escondido.

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jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @jimhebertNational City anticipates it will spend as much as $150,000 to pay a law firm that has been handling its labor negotiations for the past year.

The six-figure cost is three times the amount the city planned to spend before some rounds of negotiations got underway around March 2018. So far, the city has incurred nearly $88,000 in costs for services provided by Meyers Nave, Riback, Silver & Wilson.

The total costs are expected to rise. While the city reached an agreement with a union that represents its municipal employees in November, negotiations with its police and fire unions are not over yet. While the negotiations have not hit a snag, the talks have gone on longer than expected.

As a result, the City Council was forced to revise the contract between the city and Meyers Nave to increase the contract price from $50,000 to $150,000 in order to cover the anticipated costs to finalize the labor negotiations.

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Although the city agreed to pay Meyers Nave up to $50,000 under the original contract, the costs of the firms services exceeded the amount agreed upon by almost $38,000 as a result of the labor talks dragging on longer than anticipated, city staff said in a report.

When the City Council considered the amendment to the original contract on Jan. 22, the costs had already exceeded the contract price.

City Manager Leslie Deese acknowledged it was an oversight, adding that the city doesnt employ a contract administrator.

While costs pile up as negotiations drag on, its not uncommon for cities to hire outside lawyers or contractors to handle the process. Deese said the city generally outsources the work to Meyers Nave, mostly because of limited resources and specialized expertise within City Hall.

We want to make sure we have the best people there at the table, Deese said, adding that labor laws change constantly.

She added that negotiating with three labor groups is a full-time job.

While the citys former human resources director and deputy city manager handled some negotiations in the past, she left for a position elsewhere as the early stages of negotiations got underway.

Deese said there are several reasons the negotiations have gone on longer than anticipated. A main reason is that the city was at the table with its three labor groups concurrently for some time.

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Scheduling conflicts  between union members and attorneys  complicate the process, she said. And for the City Council, which gives direction to the citys negotiator, other tasks and discussions take up time during closed-door meetings, Deese said.

This isnt the only matter that the council is talking about in closed session, she said.

Sources said the negotiations with the police and fire unions appear to be in the final stages. Deese declined to share details about the talks.

James Stiles, president of fire union, National City Firefighters Local 2744, described the rounds of negotiations with the city as amicable.

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He said both sides have been understanding of each other. His 40-member union understands the financial challenges the city faces due to its $4 million deficit, while the city appears to grasp the unions concerns, including retention issues, Stiles said.

Union leaders have agreed to contribute more to pensions, but hope to receive more competitive benefits from the city under the new two-year contract.

Were trying to maintain our competitiveness in the workforce, Stiles said.

The new contract will replace the previous one that expired June 30.

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Omar Ramirez, the president of the National City Police Officers Association, did not respond to questions about the ongoing negotiations. The unions contract expired on Dec. 31.

The two-year contract the city reached with the National City Municipal Employees Association  which is represented by the Service Employees International Union, Local 221  includes a pair of 3 percent raises and a $600 increase in employer contribution to medical insurance. Employees will contribute up to 2 percent more to their pensions.

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

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Twitter: @D4VIDHernandezSeveral bright-yellow, beach-closure signs that read KEEP OUT SEWAGE CONTAMINATED WATER decorated Coronado Beach Tuesday.

Past those signs, about a dozen people strolled barefoot in the water and dug for clams along the waves.

For decades, sewage has flowed from Mexico through the Tijuana River Valley into the Pacific Ocean. The sewage spills prompt beach closures in Imperial Beach and Coronado.

This is the real border crisis, said Daron Case, a lawyer and activist who pressured Coronado to join a federal lawsuit over the cross-border sewage spills Tuesday during a press conference.

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Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, San Diego, the state of California and the Surfrider Foundation are already suing the federal government over alleged Clean Water Act violations. By suing the federal government, the plaintiffs hope the feds will pay for infrastructure improvements along the border to prevent sewage and other forms of pollution from reaching the ocean.

Coronado, whose beaches have been closed 13 days so far this year, has taken a more diplomatic approach.

Instead of joining the lawsuit, city officials including Mayor Richard Bailey, Councilman Whitney Benzian and City Manager Blair King have flown to Washington, D.C. and met with members of Congress and officials with the Environmental Protection Agency. The city also hired a lobbyist to help secure funding for border infrastructure improvements at the border.

The County of San Diego has also opted for a diplomatic approach. Supervisor Greg Cox joined Bailey in Washington, D.C., in 2018 to lobby for solutions to the problem.

Coronado also signed an agreement with Imperial Beach to cover up to $50,000 in legal costs.

That agreement comes with a No disparagement clause that prevents officials from Imperial Beach from criticizing how Coronado handles the cross-border pollution problem and vice versa.

However, activists who organized Tuesdays press conference in Coronado said Coronado needs to join the lawsuit and drop the good cop routine.

Rather than a good-cop-bad-cop approach that we feel is divisive, we are calling for unity, Case said. We are calling for an all-of-the-above approach.

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Case pointed out that Imperial Beach actively pursues diplomatic solutions on the U.S. and Mexican sides of the border while simultaneously suing the federal government. He argues the two strategies are not mutually exclusive.

I think after a while the carrot doesnt work anymore, its time for the stick, said Chris Harris, a retired Border Patrol agent.

Harris still remembers the burning and itching sensation from rashes he got while chasing people suspected of coming into the country illegally. Within minutes of touching the black and purple mud along the Tijuana River Valley, red rashes spread throughout his skin.

Because local Border Patrol agents are impacted by the cross-border pollution on a daily basis, Harris believes every city affected by the problem should form a united front against the federal government.

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After the press conference, Case and other activists walked across the street to Coronados City Hall where the City Council held its bi-monthly meeting.

Your beaches are closed today, Gabriella Torres, Surfriders policy coordinator told the mayor and City Council. This directly affects you.

The city has been hesitant to join the lawsuit because it fears it could negatively impact the diplomatic efforts.

During Tuesdays City Council meeting, Coronados lobbyist said that joining the lawsuit has little upside and may harm the diplomatic approach.

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Litigation is serving a role here and major players in this region are part of that litigation, said Andre Monette, the lobbyist. If Coronado adds its name to that litigation, I dont know that we get anything out of it. But I will tell you that we will be less able to have open conversations with the executive branch, with the EPA, with the State Department and with the White House.

Torres, the Surfrider Foundations policy coordinator, disagreed with Monettes assessment. The lawsuit actually made the federal government more responsive, she said.

From Surfriders perspective, filing a lawsuit has increased the participation of the government, Torres said.

After the meeting, Mayor Bailey declined to address the activists request to join the lawsuit directly but stressed that the city is committed to finding a solution to the cross-border sewage problem.

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Coronado remains committed to an all-of-the-above strategy along with our regional allies throughout Southern California, he said.

Contact Gustavo Solis via Email or TwitterTen weeks to the day after he solemnly marked the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor at an Oceanside commemoration, survivor and Navy veteran John Robert Quier of Fallbrook passed away on Friday. He was 98.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Quier had been a young sailor/machinist on the USS Dobbin when the first wave of Japanese bombers roared overhead, so low he thought it was nothing more than a U.S. readiness exercise. In the firefight that followed, he miraculously escaped injury and would go on to spend three decades in the Navy.

Quiers granddaughter, Jennifer Sterling, said he died peacefully in his sleep with his beloved dog on his lap at his Fallbrook home. Although Quier suffered from congestive heart failure, Sterling said his mind was sharp and focused on family and current events right up to the last day of his life.

Pearl Harbor veterans John Quier, 98, left, and Joe Walsh, 99, right, at the Pearl Harbor memorial ceremony at Oceanside Harbor on Dec. 7, 2018. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune)

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Quier was one of the last two members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Associations North County Chapter 31. Formed in 1986, the chapters membership once topped 130. Now the chapters sole survivor is Joe Walsh, 99, of Vista.

Walsh and Quier were among the Chapter 31 members who campaigned in 2006 to have the city of Oceanside install a rugged stone Pearl Harbor memorial sculpture near the small fishing pier on Oceanside Harbor. Thats where the two men would reunite each year for the annual Pearl Harbor commemoration.

At the ceremony two months ago, both men  who sat in wheelchairs, side by side  happily saluted the color guard presentation, held their hands to their chests for The Star-Spangled Banner and sprinkled rose petals into the water for their departed friends.

Sterling said her grandfather was intensely patriotic and politically active, but he was uncomfortable being the center of attention at the annual events. He felt the focus should have been on the 2,400 Americans who lost their lives that December morning.

He frequently spoke about his experience  preferring to describe himself as a defender of Pearl Harbor rather than a survivor  because he didnt want the sacrifice of his fellow men to be forgotten, Sterling said.

It was super important to him for the young people to realize that this was the day our country realized it could be vulnerable and that we had to stay vigilant and be mindful that there are people who dont want to see us succeed, she said.

Linda Dudik, a retired Palomar College history professor who runs World War II Experience educational nonprofit in San Marcos, said she was always impressed by Quiers commitment to the phrase remember Pear Harbor.

John always attended the Pearl Harbor Day pier ceremony in Oceanside, even when the weather was not that hospitable or when he may not have felt at his best, Dudik said. I know John was determined to be there this past December, even though his health was declining. His commitment to what December 7 represented was strong.

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Born in Idaho in 1920, Quier grew up in Los Angeles where he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps after high school, then joined the Navy to learn a trade as a machinist.

That December morning in Hawaii, he was writing a letter below deck on the destroyer tender USS Dobbin when the aerial attack began. He rushed to his battle station in the ships sky lookout tower above the bridge, but bullets were flying in both directions. Instead, he spent the morning running ammunition to men running 50-caliber anti-aircraft guns on deck.

Miraculously, the Dobbin survived the attack unharmed, but many of its sailors were injured by flying shrapnel from bombs that landed nearby. After the attack, he manned a crew assigned to drag grappling hooks on the harbors seabed to search for Japanese mini-submarines. None were found.

Quier served out World War II and in the Korean War and retired from the Navy years later at the rank of chief warrant machinist. From there, he went to work at L.A. Harbor College, starting out in a temp job as a machine shop instructor and retiring in 1983 as the colleges associate dean of vocational education.

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After he retired, Quier moved to Fallbrook with his wife, Virginia. They were married for 67 years before her death in 2010.

Quier was a 69-year member of the Elks Lodge and a regular visitor to the VFW Post 1924 Fallbrook where he enjoyed playing pool and visiting with his fellow veterans. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations to the VFW halls pool table restoration fund.

Quier is survived by his daughter Carol Ann Plechner, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The public is invited to a memorial service for Quier at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary at 333 N. Vine St. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Riverside National Cemetery. For details call (760) 728-1689.

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pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com

United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare, writes a message during a photo exhibition at the UN headquarters in New York on February 11, 2019. (Photo by Sun Yang)

The photo exhibition themed "CPLA (Chinese People's Liberation Army): A Force for World Peace" was launched at the UN headquarters in New York from February 11 to February 22.

The exhibition on China's peacekeeping efforts is composed of four sections as participating in UN peacekeeping missions, securing maritime passages, providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, as well as conducting exchanges and cooperation.

Many visitors including United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare and Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations Carlos Humberto Loitey, left their notes of appreciation and acknowledgement after watching the exhibition.The results are in and theres really no surprise: La Mesa residents overwhelmingly love their city.

About 90 percent of more than 1,200 households surveyed and interviewed by a company La Mesa has been contracting with since 2006 rate the quality of life in the city as either excellent or good. Another 96 percent said they feel safe walking alone by day in their neighborhoods, with 70 percent feeling safe walking in La Mesa at night.

Interviews were conducted by True North Research staff by telephone as well as online from Jan. 9-21. A total of 1,218 randomly selected La Mesa residents in four quadrants of the city participated. La Mesa is estimated to have just over 61,000 residents.

The city hires True North to gain insight into key issues of concern for residents as well as their perceptions of the city; determine the effectiveness of the citys communication with residents; gather opinions on public safety, traffic, code enforcement, and parks and recreation; and collect background and demographic data.

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Every two years, residents share their opinions and the City Council uses the results to shape its priorities for the city budget. The company also surveyed residents in 2006, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017.

Timothy McLarney, president of Encinitas-based True North, presented some of the findings to the City Council last week. Some of the highlights:

The vast majority of residents shared favorable opinions of the quality of life in La Mesa, with 31 percent reporting it is excellent and 59 percent stating it is good.

Eighty-six percent indicated they are satisfied with city efforts to provide municipal services.

Eighty-two percent rated traffic circulation in residential areas as excellent or good.

Eight-two percent said the overall quality of the citys parks and recreation opportunities are excellent or good.

McLarney noted that the 90 percent of residents surveyed who rated the quality of life in La Mesa as excellent or good was consistent with the 2017 survey finding of 91 percent.

He said he saw a primary theme emerge in this years survey when compared to the one taken in 2017  consistency. That year, 1,023 La Mesa residents were randomly interviewed.

La Mesa continues to receive high marks across its key performance metrics, he said, from their opinions of city staff to its parks to the citys communication efforts.

McLarney told the city that from 2017 to 2019, a slightly higher percentage of residents (5 percent) said they had been in contact with city staff in the year prior to the interview. There was also a general trend of increased satisfaction with La Mesas efforts to provide specific services in 2019 compared to 2017.

More people (10 percent) were pleased with the citys efforts to reduce stormwater pollution. Six percent more mentioned being impressed with the citys efforts to provide neighborhood police patrols, maintain a low crime rate and provide special events like community festivals.

However, he said three service areas saw significant drops in satisfaction  providing adequate traffic signs and signals, animal control services and the enforcement of traffic laws. McLarney said that among those expressing an opinion, more people indicated some dissatisfaction with the citys code enforcement efforts in 2019.

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Its like a report card, said Mayor Mark Arapostathis. With any of the things that were doing right, we build on those, and the things that people want to see improved, we work on a plan to improve.

In his report, McLarney cautioned the city to not oversteer.

The city does many things exceptionally well and the emphasis should be on continuing to perform at a high level in these areas, McLarney said.

The vast majority of residents were pleased with the citys efforts to provide services, programs, and facilities and have a favorable opinion of the citys performance in virtually all areas. The top priority for the city should be to do what it takes to maintain the high quality of services that it currently provides.

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The survey can be found at cityoflamesa.us/DocumentCenter/View/11812/La-Mesa-Community-Survey-Report-2019

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karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.comIn the 52 years since SeaWorlds Skyride opened, there had never been a single rescue  until Monday night when 16 cold and weary passengers were evacuated from high above Mission Bay hours after the attraction suddenly stalled.

While there have been a few incidents documented by state regulators over the years, all were relatively minor, ranging from a single gondola that became jammed in the unloading area to a passengers finger getting stuck in a gondola door when it shut. Nothing, though, approached the drama of Mondays rescue, which entailed lowering individuals one by one from the gondola cars suspended 75 feet in the air.

Both SeaWorld San Diego and the California Department of Industrial Relations confirmed Tuesday there had been no previous evacuations of the ride since it opened in 1967.

The state Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, is currently looking into the cause of the Bayside Skyride incident, Cal/Osha spokesman Frank Polizzi said.

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SeaWorld, in a statement Monday night, said the ride stoppage was triggered by an unusual gust of significant wind. The National Weather Service reported a wind gust of 20 mph at 6:30 p.m. Monday at its SeaWorld monitoring station, after which the wind started to die down.

SeaWorld spokesman David Koontz said an inspection started Tuesday, so he could not respond yet to questions about the ride stoppage.

When the theme park was unable to restart the ride, fire and lifeguard rescue teams were called in to conduct what turned out to be an hours-long rescue operation.

A team of rescue workers climbed up towers that were closest to the occupied cars and then lowered those passengers to safety using harnesses attached to ropes, according to an account by San Diego lifeguards. Where the cars were too far away from the towers, firefighters attached a pulley to the gondola wire and then pulled themselves to the more distant cars.

Many of the passengers were lowered first into boats that were in the water below. SeaWorld says it practices emergency evacuation procedures with local first responders annually.

Twelve-year-old Zachary Ince, the last of the 16 passengers to be rescued after 11 p.m. Monday night, said he was relieved to be on firm ground after a sometimes terrifying five hours trapped inside the Skyride car with his 11-year-old cousin, Kimberly Sanchez.

Unable to stay warm amid temperatures that fell to the mid-40s and sometimes windy conditions, the two cousins tried to remain as still as possible because any slight movement would shake their car.

They were making announcements, that they were going to get the ride back up as soon as possible, recalled Zachary, who had been on the Skyride on two previous occasions. There were blankets under the seat but they didnt keep us warm and there was no life jacket.

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I was getting nervous, thinking how the heck are they going to get us down.

Just as Zachary was finally getting ready for his rescue after hours of waiting, it turned out that rescue workers sent up a harness that was too loose-fitting and he had to wait for another.

Once on the ground, the 6th grader said he could barely walk because his feet were so numb. Tuesday afternoon, he was heading to urgent care, along with his family members who were all rescued from the ride. They were all experiencing various symptoms, including body aches, dizziness, some numbness and a sensation of still feeling cold.

Zachary said he is not sure if or when he will return to SeaWorld.

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It would take me a long time to get back on a ride because Im still terrified, he said.

As much as Mondays rescue was an anomaly for the Bayside Skyride, such incidents do happen on amusement park attractions, including tower rides and aerial trams.

Five years ago, SeaWorlds Skytower ride was shut down after a power failure trapped 48 people for four hours high above the theme park. Built in 1969, the Skytower got stuck about two-thirds of the way up when the outage struck.

In late 2016, Knotts Berry Farm voluntarily shut down its Sky Cabin attraction after it became stuck 96 feet in the air, stranding 20 passengers and one operator. It reopened a year later.

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Weve been operating sky rides, aerial trams in our parks for almost 66 years and periodically, they, like ski lifts, will get stranded and require an evacuation, just like SeaWorld did, said theme park consultant Dennis Speigel of Ohio-based Theme Park Services. Is it something you want to do? No, but when you have a sky ride, you have an evacuation plan with your local security and fire departments. And that one went well, according to everything I read.

Its harrowing for the people involved because youre up high but there was a procedure.

Theme park blogger Todd Regan, who founded the Disney-focused micechat.com, was even more sanguine about the incident.

Breakdowns happen at amusement park attractions every day but they dont become news unless someone is trapped for a long period of time or someone is injured during the breakdown, he said. It wouldnt be uncommon at all for a sky ride to break down, but what made it urgent last night was the cold.

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This is the problem with the industry. You try to maintain an attraction, so it doesnt break down but eventually all machines break down.

There was little that felt ordinary about Monday night after Naomi Ince, her son, daughter and niece boarded the Skyride before they were to head home to Descanso.

When I first got on, I thought we could all go on together (in one gondola), but they said we had to get separated, Ince said Tuesday afternoon. So I felt that motherly instinct but then I thought, its only going to be a five-minute ride. But when the ride stopped, I thought, oh my goodness, my son is on the whole other side, and I cant even talk to him and my phone was about to die.

I could only tell him, be calm, try to keep warm and dont move a lot.

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During the nerve-wracking wait for rescue workers, Ince said she and her 9-year-old daughter prayed, and she would periodically reassure her that all would be well.

Still feeling dizzy and achy, Ince said that someone from SeaWorld called her Tuesday, leaving a message to see how her family was doing but she hasnt talked to anyone yet.

Her son Zachary said that after he had been rescued, someone from SeaWorld told him that he just had an adventure that he could tell all his schoolmates about the following day.

But he didnt attend school Tuesday because he just wasnt feeling well, he said.

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Staff writer Lyndsay Winkley contributed to this report.

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lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisbergSan Diegos coworking chain Hera Hub is opening a new spot in Temecula, citing increased demand for shared office space from commuters and entrepreneurs who dont want to leave the city daily.

Hera Hub rents out shared office space for startups, along with independent and remote workers who dont like working from home. The organization is also a business accelerator for women entrepreneurs and focuses on building female-friendly workspaces.

Hera operates under a licensing model, so different locations have different owners. Public policy commissioner and womens advocate Alisha Wilkins is opening the new Temecula space.

Women business owners are excited to have Hera Hub coming to Temecula because they find working from home or the local coffee shop to be isolating and distracting, which makes it difficult for them to be productive, Wilkins said.

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Wilkins is a psychologist whos background includes extensive research on tech-fueled communication and communities. Shes also worked in public policy on womens issues for over 15 years, currently serving as the governor-appointed chair of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.

Why Temecula?

Temecula is better known for its wineries than its startup scene, but Hera Hubs original founder Felena Hanson said they were encouraged by the citys efforts to support entrepreneurs.

Temecula officials converted their old City Hall building into a business incubator and resource center. Christine Damko, who heads up economic development for Temecula, said the incubator (Temecula Valley Entrepreneurs Exchange) is home to 10 startups, most of which are in the software industry.

Besides tech companies, Hera Hub is hoping to tap into the commuter population in Temecula.

Temeculas population is growing rapidly given the cost of living and attraction as a wine region, Hanson said. A segment of the population works for San Diego-based companies and find the commute increasingly difficult. Having a local remote workspace option is attractive.

Details are slim on the Temecula location, as Wilkins hasnt yet nailed down the office space. The spot should be about 4,000 square-feet and accommodate roughly 100 people.

The new site will be the first in Riverside County. Hera has three locations in San Diego and eight nationwide.

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brittany.meiling@sduniontribune.com 619-293-1286 Twitter: @BrittanyMeilingFederal officials have told Southwest Airlines to fix the way it calculates the weight of luggage loaded on flights after finding frequent mistakes during a yearlong investigation.

Southwest said Tuesday it had made improvements in its methods for calculating the weight and balance of loads and that it was not facing enforcement action.

The airline said it voluntarily reported the issue to the Federal Aviation Administration last year.

The FAA investigation was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

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The newspaper said internal FAA documents showed that the Dallas airline made frequent mistakes in calculations and luggage-loading practices that could cause errors when pilots calculated their planes takeoff weight.

Southwest told the Associated Press that ground workers manually count and record how many bags go on each plane. The airline uses FAA-approved average weights for bags and passengers, then adds the actual weight of fuel and freight to calculate each load. Southwest said it also builds in a safety margin.

The FAA found cases in which the baggage load was more than 1,000 pounds heavier than paperwork indicated, the Journal reported.

Safety experts say pilots might respond incorrectly to an engine emergency if they have inaccurate information about the distribution of weight between front and rear cargo bays.

It can be extremely critical, Doug Moss, a retired United Airlines pilot, told the AP. If the weight and balance is not calculated correctly, you could have a flight-control issue.

Moss said pilots calculate the thrust and wing-flap settings for takeoff based on weight and other factors, and faulty data could lead pilots to put the thrust settings too low. That could be crucial if an engine fails while the plane is still climbing, he said.

An FAA spokesman said the agency opened an investigation in February 2018. Since then, he said, the FAA directed the airline to develop a comprehensive fix for the methods and processes it used to determine baggage weight.

Southwest asked the agency to close the investigation. The FAA said the agency would not do so until regulators were satisfied that Southwests corrections were being applied consistently.

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Southwest sought to downplay the investigation, saying a so-called open letter of investigation is a common way for the FAA to discuss safety issues with an airline.

Since the investigation started, the airlines publicity department said in a statement, Southwest has implemented controls and enhanced procedures to address our weight and balance program concerns, and weve shared those measures with the FAA.

Southwest said it believed changes it made last year have enhanced our weight and balance program and resolved the issues that we originally reported to the FAA.

The airline, which carries more passengers within the United States than any other, disputed an estimate that one-third of its flights took off after faulty calculations of the weight of checked bags, but it declined to give a figure.

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Until last April, no passenger had died in an accident on Southwest. In that incident, a piece from a broken engine smashed into a window on the plane and a passenger was partially pulled through the broken window. The accident led to stepped-up inspection of fan blades on certain engines used by Southwest and other carriers.

The airline, however, has been fined for safety violations. Notably, Southwest agreed in 2009 to pay $7.5 million to settle FAA allegations that it operated 46 planes without performing required inspections for possible cracks in the planes aluminum skin.Cutwater Spirits, a Miramar-based craft distillery built by the founders of Ballast Point Brewing, has been sold to Anheuser-Busch.

Cutwaters line of canned cocktails was a wonderful fit for the brewing behemoths Beyond Beer portfolio, said Anheuser-Buschs Marina Hahn.

This is the time to really do our best to dominate a new category, said Hahn, vice president of new business.

In a boozy case of deja vu, several Cutwater executives  including founder/brewer Yuseff Cherney and chief sales officer officer Earl Kight  helped sell Ballast Point to New Yorks Constellation Brands in 2015.

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Ballast Point met with an immediate backlash. Some San Diego craft beer fans argued that the brewery, a local brewing pioneer, had sold out to a multi-national corporation with enough marketing power to crush smaller rivals. The sales price also drew disbelieving gasps: $1 billion.

Cherney, Kight and Ballast Point co-founder Jack White used their shares to turn Ballast Point Spirits into Cutwater. Making bourbon, rum, gin and other spirits, the distillery eventually moved into a 50,000-square-foot facility that includes canning and bottling lines plus a restaurant.

Business was good, Cherney said, but not growing as fast as he would like. Enter Anheuser-Busch.

One of the things we always battle with is getting out products into the consumers hands, Cherney said. To be able to open that up with the Anheuser-Busch marketing network is huge for us.

Financial terms of the deal were not revealed, although Cherney said Cutwaters management team will remain intact.

Cutwater grew out of Cherneys experiments with a makeshift distillery built inside Ballast Points Scripps Ranch facility.

We claim the title of first distillery in San Diego since Prohibition, Cheney said. I think I am still making that claim.

San Diego County is now home to more than a dozen craft distilleries. While Cutwater declined to state its annual production, it is in excess of 100,000 gallons a year, one of the distinguishing features of craft distilleries.MOSCOW (AP)  Russian President Vladimir Putin sternly warned the United States against deploying new missiles in Europe, saying Wednesday that Russia will retaliate by fielding new weapons that will take just as little time to reach their targets.

While the Russian leader didn't say what specific new weapons Moscow could deploy, his statement further raised the ante in tense relations with Washington.

Speaking in his state-of-the-nation address, Putin charged that the U.S. has abandoned a key arms control pact to free up its hands to build new missiles and tried to shift the blame for the move to Russia.

"Our American partners should have honestly said it instead of making unfounded accusations against Russia to justify their withdrawal from the treaty," Putin said.

The U.S. has accused Russia of breaching the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty by deploying a cruise missile that violates its limits  the accusations Moscow has rejected.

The INF treaty banned production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310 to 3,410 miles).

The intermediate-range weapons were seen as particularly destabilizing as they take shorter time to reach their targets compared to the intercontinental ballistic missiles. That would leave practically no time for decision-makers, raising the likelihood of a global nuclear conflict over a false launch warning.

Putin reaffirmed that Russia will not be the first to deploy new intermediate-range missiles but warned of a quick retaliation if the U.S. puts such weapons in Europe.

"They will only take 10-12 minutes to reach Moscow," he said. "It's a very serious threat to us, and we will have to respond."

He didn't directly mention the U.S., but noted that the Russian response will be "asymmetrical" and involve new weapons will reach the enemy's decision-making centers just as quickly.

"Russia will be forced to create and deploy new types of weapons that could be used not only against the territories where a direct threat to us comes from, but also against the territories where decision-making centers directing the use of missile systems threatening us are located," he said. "The capability of such weapons, including the time to reach those centers, will be equivalent to the threats against Russia."

The president didn't specify which of the prospective Russian weapons will do the job, but he reported a quick progress on an array of new weapons presented a year ago.

The Russian leader said the first batch of Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles will be deployed this year. Putin said the development of a vehicle that the military said is capable of flying 27 times faster than the speed of sound was a technological achievement comparable to the 1957 Soviet launch of the first satellite.

He added that the tests of the new Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile, the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone have been progressing successfully.

Putin said the first submarine equipped to carry the Poseidon will be commissioned later this year. Shortly after Putin's speech, the Defense Ministry released a brief video showing a test of the Poseidon, which can target coastal areas with a heavy nuclear weapon, causing a devastating tsunami wave.

Putin also announced the coming deployment of the new Zircon hypersonic missile for the Russian navy, saying it's capable of flying at nine times the speed of sound and will have a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).

He said the Zircon program will not be too costly as the missile has been designed to equip Russia's existing surface ships and submarines.

Putin added that the military will deploy more Kinzhal airborne hypersonic missiles, which entered service last year. The Defense Ministry said Wednesday the Kinzhal has been successfully tested at a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers (more than 620 miles) against both sea and land targets.

Putin urged U.S. officials to take into account the "range and speed of our prospective weapons" before making decisions that will threaten Russia.

"We are only asking about one thing: Do the count first before making decisions that could create new serious threats against our country and would trigger retaliatory measures," he said.

While issuing a tough warning to the U.S., Putin also claimed that Russia still wants friendly relations with Washington and remains open for arms control talks.

"We don't want confrontation, particularly with such a global power as the U.S.," he said.

At the same time, he criticized what he described as "destructive" U.S. policy of targeting Russia with sanctions.

Russia's relations with the U.S. have sunk to post-Cold War lows over Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, its support for the Syrian government in the war in Syria and the allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

The menacing talk about new weapons and the tough warnings aimed at the U.S. followed a speech that mostly focused on domestic issues.

Putin promised Russians that he would raise welfare payments, improve education and the struggling health care system and remove toxic dump sites from cities. Similar goals have been set before, but the progress has been slow as Russia has been buffeted by economic shocks caused by a drop in oil prices and Western sanctions.TOKYO (AP)  With their second summit fast approaching, speculation is growing that U.S. President Donald Trump may try to persuade North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to commit to denuclearization by giving him something he wants more than almost anything else: an announcement of peace and an end to the Korean War.

Such an announcement could make history. It would be right in line with Trump's opposition to "forever wars." And, coming more than six decades after the fighting essentially ended, it just seems like common sense.

But, if not done carefully, it could open up a whole new set of problems for Washington.

Here's why switching the focus of the ongoing talks between Pyongyang and Washington from denuclearization to peace would be a risky move  and why it might be exactly what Kim wants when the two leaders meet in Hanoi on Feb. 27-28.

___

THE STANDOFF

The Korean Peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel after World War II, with the U.S. claiming a zone of influence in the south and the Soviet Union in the north. Within five years, the two Koreas were at war.

Though the shooting stopped in 1953, the conflict ended with an armistice, essentially a cease-fire signed by North Korea, China and the 17-nation, U.S.-led United Nations Command that was supposed to be replaced by a formal peace treaty. But both sides instead settled ever deeper into Cold War hostilities marked by occasional outbreaks of violence.

The conflict in Korea is technically America's longest war.

North Korea, which saw all of its major cities and most of its infrastructure destroyed by U.S. bombers during the war, blames what it sees as Washington's unrelenting hostility over the past 70 years as ample justification for its nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. It claims they are purely for self-defense.

The U.S., on the other hand, maintains a heavy military presence in South Korea to counter what it says is the North's intention to invade and assimilate the South. It has also implemented a long-standing policy of ostracizing the North and backing economic sanctions.

Trump escalated the effort to squeeze the North with a "maximum pressure" strategy that remains in force.

A combination of that strategy and the North's repeated tests of missiles believed capable of delivering its nuclear weapons to the U.S. mainland are what brought the two countries to the negotiating table.

___

WHY KIM WANTS A TREATY

Getting a formal peace treaty has been high on the wish list of every North Korean leader, starting with Kim Jong Un's grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

A peace treaty would bring international recognition, probably at least some easing of trade sanctions, and a likely reduction in the number of U.S. troops south of the Demilitarized Zone.

If done right, it would be a huge boost to Kim's reputation at home and abroad. And, of course, to the cause of peace on the Korean Peninsula at a time when Pyongyang says it is trying to shift scarce resources away from defense so that it can boost its standard of living and modernize its economy with a greater emphasis on science and technology.

Washington has a lot to gain, too.

Trump has said he would welcome a North Korea that is more focused on trade and economic growth. Stability on the peninsula is good for South Korea's economy and probably for Japan's as well.

Though Trump hasn't stressed human rights, eased tensions could create the space needed for the North to loosen its controls over political and individual freedoms.

But it's naive to expect North Korea to suddenly change its ways.

According to a recent estimate, it has over the past year continued to expand its nuclear stockpile. And even as it has stepped up its diplomatic overtures to the outside world, Pyongyang has doubled down internally on demanding loyalty to its totalitarian system.

___

PEACE OR APPEASEMENT?

After his first summit with Kim, in Singapore last June, Trump declared the nuclear threat was over.

He isn't saying that anymore.

Trump made no mention of the word "denuclearization" during his State of the Union address. Instead, he called his effort a "historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula" and stressed that Kim hasn't conducted any recent nuclear or missile tests and has released Americans who had been jailed in the North and returned the remains of dozens of Americans killed in the war.

Kim, meanwhile, has good reason to want to turn his summits with Trump into "peace talks."

The biggest win for the North would be to get a peace declaration while quietly abandoning denuclearization altogether, or by agreeing to production caps or other measures that would limit, but not eliminate, its nuclear arsenal. Simply having a summit without a clear commitment to denuclearization goes a long way toward establishing him as the leader of a de facto nuclear state.

Unless Washington is willing to accept him as such, that will only make future talks all the more difficult.

The U.S. has, however, continued to take a hard line in lower-level negotiations leading up to the summit.

Stephen Biegun, Trump's new point man on North Korea, stressed in a recent speech that as a prerequisite for peace, Washington wants a "complete understanding of the full extent of the North Korean weapons of mass destruction missile programs," expert access and monitoring of key sites and, ultimately, "the removal and destruction of stockpiles of fissile material, weapons, missiles, launchers, and other weapons of mass destruction."

The question is whether Trump will similarly challenge Kim or choose an easier and splashier  but less substantive  declaration of peace.

___

TALK VS TREATY

If he chose to do so, Trump could unilaterally announce the end of the Korean War.

It would be great TV. But it wouldn't necessarily mean all that much.

Trump can't by himself conclude an actual peace treaty. China, and possibly a representative of the U.N. Command, would have to be involved. South Korea would naturally want to be at the table. The U.S. Senate would have to ratify whatever they came up with.

Back in 1993, the administration of President Bill Clinton reached a familiar-sounding agreement with Pyongyang "to achieve peace and security on a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula."

The next year the two sides vowed to reduce barriers to trade and investment, open a liaison office in the other's capital and make progress toward upgrading bilateral relations to the ambassadorial level. In 2000, Clinton and Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, added a promise "of respect for each other's sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs."

But by 2002, George W. Bush was back to calling the North part of an "axis of evil." In 2006, North Korea tested its first nuclear device.

The lesson? Whatever grand proclamations are made, establishing real peace will go well beyond just another Trump and Kim summit.

But it could be a start.LONDON (AP)  Britain can handle the security risks involved with using mobile networks made by China's Huawei, the cybersecurity chief said Wednesday, adding to a growing debate among countries on whether the company should be banned, as the U.S. wants.

Ciaran Martin, the CEO of the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre, said it was important to have "sustainable diversity" in the supply of telecommunications equipment. He added that his agency could handle the challenges involved in monitoring suppliers who many not be considered trustworthy  a hint at Huawei.

Huawei, the world's biggest maker of switching gear for phone and internet companies, has faced rising scrutiny over U.S. allegations that it could be forced by the Chinese government to provide access to consumer data on its networks.

As countries roll out new high speed fifth generation, or 5G, mobile networks, they are seeking suppliers and the issue of whether to ban Huawei has become a heated debate.

Some frame it as a cold evaluation of the technical risks. Others see it as part of a broader tussle between the U.S. and China for technological dominance. The U.S. has effectively blocked Huawei for years and is accusing China of stealing technology from foreign companies.

U.S. government officials including Vice President Mike Pence publicly warned European allies against using Huawei during a visit last week.

Authorities and telecom operators in countries such as Germany, Norway and the Czech Republic have been reassessing Huawei's role in 5G networks while Australia, New Zealand and Japan have already moved to curb the use of its gear to varying degrees.

Experts say Huawei networks are generally cheaper than those of competitors and are of a high quality, making it a difficult decision for governments and telecom operators to shun the supplier altogether. Banning Huawei could also delay the rollout of 5G networks, which are considered necessary for the next generation of internet-connected things, from self-driving cars to smart factories.

The British government is due to complete a review of its policies on the safety of 5G in March or April.

Martin said no decisions have yet been made and "everything is on the table."

Since 2010, the British government has operated a cybersecurity evaluation center for Huawei equipment, which Martin said was part of "the toughest and most rigorous oversight regime in the world" for the company.

"And it is proving its worth," he said, according to a transcript of a speech he gave at a conference in Brussels.

The cybersecurity center in July identified technical issues in Huawei's engineering processes that could make it less safe. Huawei said last month that it would take three to five years to fix the problems.

Martin said the issues his agency identified relate to cybersecurity standards and are "not indicators of hostile activity by China." He told reporters that mistakes in software are the biggest issue for cybersecurity, more so than the risk of a foreign government getting backdoor access.

Huawei competes with a few big rivals, notably Finland's Nokia and Sweden's Ericsson, to supply equipment for 5G networks.

Martin said it's important not to let the telecom equipment supplier market shrink too much.

"Any company in an excessively dominant market position will not be incentivized to take cybersecurity seriously," Martin said, adding that such a company could be a "prime target for attack for the globe's most potent cyber attackers."

In a sign of Britain's division over 5G, a security think tank warned the same day against using Huawei gear.

"Allowing Huawei's participation is at best naive, at worst irresponsible," the Royal United Services Institute said in a report, which cited factors including the difficulty of finding hidden "back doors" in software.

Germany is still undecided on what to do. It has made clear it doesn't plan to explicitly bar any single manufacturer, though that leaves open the possibility it could frame system requirements in a way that effectively excludes Huawei.

Officials are wary of the security issues that could arise with Chinese involvement, and the German Interior Ministry said Wednesday that internal discussions were still ongoing on how to proceed.

"A direct exclusion of a particular manufacturer from the 5G expansion is at the time not legally possible and also not planned," the Interior Ministry told The Associated Press. "For the Interior Ministry the focus is on adapting the security requirements of the telecommunications network in such a way that the security of the network remains guaranteed, including from possibly non-trustworthy manufacturers."

The ministry said for that to be ensured, the requirements must be anchored in Germany's telecommunications law and discussions on how to do that are currently ongoing.The Police are investigating a family dispute, which is connected to the death of a man from Lotofaga, Safata, on Sunday.

Responding to questions from the Samoa Observer, the Police Media Unit said a man has been charged with murder, but is yet to be remanded in custody.

Samoa Police Service (SPS) in response to your enquiry, confirms investigation into a dispute between family members on Saturday night at Lotofaga Safata.

The deceased was admitted to Motootua Hospital where he passed away on Sunday, 17 February 2019. A 25-year-old male of Lotofaga Safata has been charged with murder. He is yet to be remanded by the Court Registrar.

The family of the deceased refused to comment when approached by this newspaper early this week, saying it was a family problem and does not concern the public.

Three members of the public, who were at the hospital when the deceased was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit, said he sustained three deep cuts to the head.

Contrary to a report that a machete was used, a family member yesterday said a shovel with a blunt end was used in the alleged attack.An October 2018 concept paper for the proposed multi-purpose dam at Alaoa says the dam will cost US$82.1 million but it could increase.

The multi-purpose dam at Alaoa is proposed to be a triple bonus for the community: an improved water supply in the dry season, a hydropower plant in the wet season and a flood control system for the urban area below the Vaisigano river.

In the concept paper, which details the proposed (not yet confirmed) plan, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has proposed a $20 million grant towards adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

$52.6 million will come from the Green Climate Fund for adaptation purposes and the Government of Samoa is putting up $9.5 million through exemptions in taxes and duties.

A further $12.60 million required has yet to have a confirmed funding source, and the GCF funding needs to be considered by the funds board in October 2019.

The figure in the concept paper is an ADB estimate, as the costs of land compensation, land surveys and some construction of access roads have not been factored in.

The consultancy firm Entura visited Samoa twice early last year and reported on the feasibility of the dam.

According to the report, the dam project will be the largest infrastructure project in Samoa.

It suggests the hydropower plant could reduce Samoas carbon emissions by 280 tons per year, and of the total figure would have US$3.5 million of ADB funding (while the remainder would go towards the flood protection project).

Thus far the project has been supported under the ADBs Renewable Energy Investment Facility, which is a technical assistance fund. ADB also funded a consultation in 2013 of the same dam proposal, by Austrian firm Posch and Partners.

The concept paper shows that several reports that were due in December 2018 are not yet published on the website, including an economic report, financial report, environmental impact assessment report, draft due diligence report or resettlement plan.

According to ADB senior external relations officer Sallyanne Shute-Trembath, all feasibility study reports, including the environment and social safeguards reports are due in the second quarter of 2019.

All existing information related to financing, technical designs and social, poverty and safeguards issues are subject to further confirmation from the ongoing due diligence, she explained.

Of all the required reports the initial poverty and social analysis is the only one publicly available.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the China-Myanmar border in China's southwest Yunnan Province, February 17, 2019. /Foreign Affairs Office of Yunnan Province

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Tuesday highlighted the importance of border security in promoting the economic development of border areas during his visit to the China-Myanmar border in China's southwest Yunnan Province.

The stability of the China-Myanmar border is directly related to the security and stability of southwest China and the cooperation process of "Belt and Road Initiative", said Wang.

He urged all departments concerned to strengthen border management so as to safeguard people's life and property and create a favorable living environment for the two peoples.

Speaking of the economic cooperation between the two countries, Wang called for greater efforts in building the China-Myanmar economic corridor and China-Myanmar economic cooperation zone.

He hoped the economic cooperation will facilitate the personnel exchanges in border areas and the economic and social development of the two countries.The Development Bank of Samoa had budgeted $534,250 for completing payment of the now abandoned MedCen Hospital at Vailima.

The amount of $534,250 comes from a supplementary estimate of $636,747 appropriated for the bank.

It is unclear what the payment is for.

A total of $534,250 is estimated for completing the payment of the MedCen Hospital and handed to the government as a permanent asset, according to the Parliamentary Committee Report for the first Supplementary Estimates 2018/2019.

The total includes payments for the hospital and $102,497 for Euro foreign exchange.

The $102, 497 is a portion to pay the Euro foreign exchange loan from EU for projects that were implemented by Development Bank of Samoa since 1999.

It was not possible to get a comment from the Government-owned banks Chief Executive Officer, Susana Laulu. Her secretary said the CEO was attending training, when Samoa Observer contacted her office yesterday for comment.

The hospital  which was the first private hospital in the region  is overgrown with vegetation covering the sealed road and building windows.

The gate to the deserted hospital remains open with the doors inside the 21-bed facility unlocked and rotting away.

In March last year the Government through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E) Land Board advertised the facility for expression of interest.

The property stands on a 2  acre of land with an area of 10,222 square meters, in close proximity to Avele College and opposite the U.S. Embassy. In May, 2017, the Development Bank of Samoa re-advertised the property for sale or as lease-to-own.

At the time, the Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti, said while the hospital no longer operates, the building is owned by the Development Bank of Samoa.

They have not been able to offload the building to sell because its on Government land, Sili said in a previous interview.

They need to come to some discussion with the Land Board about the land. It makes sense for Development Bank to sell it (building) unless the Government has any use of that land and building and get a decent return for the building.

Sili added that the sooner we let it (building) go to government cooperation, the better, because every year it sits there not being utilised causes further deterioration to the building.

At the height of its operation, the privately-owned hospital offered inpatient medical, surgical, obstetric, and pediatric services, in addition to emergency and outpatient consultation. It also had radiology, pathology and pharmaceutical services on the hospital site at Vailima.

The hospital went broke several years after its establishment in 1998 and was gradually forced to shut down. The Development Bank of Samoa then moved in and took over the assets and equipment. The bank was the hospitals biggest creditor back then, and had invested $2 million into the project.Youve got to hand it to this Government. As far as being thorough with immigration paper work goes, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaois administration deserves an award.

Nothing gets past them, absolutely nothing. Lets think about this for a minute. Thousands and thousands of people arrive in Samoa every year. Many of them are returning residents, Samoans living abroad and of course visitors and tourists.

Now can you imagine all that tedious work involved in combing through each and every detail of the arrival cards of these thousands of people arriving in Samoa to ensure they are correct? And by the looks of it, they dont just look; they go through them with a microscope.

Imagine the amount of attention to detail to then pick up a certain individual by the name of Talalelei Pauga? If the name sounds familiar, thats because he is. The Samoan man, who lives in Australia, is the infamous pig head thrower at an official event featuring Prime Minister Tuilaepa in Brisbane last year  during the launch of Samoa Airways Apia-Brisbane flights.

Last month, Pauga arrived in the country to attend a family matter. But being a person of interest to the Government for obvious reasons, his visit presented the perfect opportunity to take him to task. His alleged sin?

The Ministry of Justice and Courts Administrations Assistant C.E.O., Veatauia Faatasi Puleiata told this newspaper Pauga is accused of giving false information on his arrival declaration form. He is due to appear in Court next month.

But Veatauia declined to confirm which part of the form he was referring to. Asked when was the last time someone was charged under this law, he said: I dont recall, the last time, if ever anyone was charged under this Act.

Is it a coincidence then that of hundreds of thousands of people who have arrived in Samoa over the years, that someone who is of interest to the Government, has become the first person to be charged under this law?

When this question was put to Agafili Shem Leo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Chief Immigration Officer, he declined to comment.

We are currently going through the proper procedurals on the matter and so I cant comment. There will come a time, a proper time and the information will be revealed. It is not proper for me to comment at this stage, he said.

Well fair enough then.

Weve got to let the law take its course and believe that in due time, the truth will be revealed. Agafili though, issued a critical reminder, to all members of the public.

You have to be truthful in the filling of your declaration form, he said. Under the immigration laws, similar to any other immigration law in the world, if violated the penalty is quite hefty for those who dont fill their forms accurately.

Agafili is absolutely correct.

But can he assure this country that of hundreds of thousands of people who arrive in Samoa every year, that the only man to have allegedly provided false information on his arrival card is Pauga? This has got to be the million-tala question.

You see, of all the people, it had to be Pauga that the Government has chosen to use as a grand example of what could happen  if you dont fill out the card accurately.

Which is interesting. Indeed, the idea that the Immigration Office in Samoa has after all these years  finally been able to charge a member of the public  let alone a Samoan, who has been making headlines lately, and standing up to this powerful Government  over alleged discrepancies in completing his arrival card is quite astonishing.

Wow. Just wow. Of course it has nothing to do with what happened in Brisbane and a lot of things Pauga has been saying publically? Dont be silly.

If anything, this case is a timely reminder to all of us to actually wake up when we are filling in these cards. Perhaps, less Vailima onboard and more coffee, so that we pay full attention  when we put those details down, since now we know someone is combing through every single one of those details.

Ironically, while this Government has been hauling the very few outspoken Samoans to the Police station for one alleged crime or another, two extremely dangerous prisoners  who have been on the run since the beginning of the year  are still out there having a jolly holiday in paradise.

Given that the weather has been quite unpleasant lately, these prisoners must surely have given up by now, if they were exposed to the elements, since everyone in Samoa knows they are the most wanted men in the country today.

But then that doesnt appear to be the case. They must be quite cozy, wherever they are, with whoever is harbouring them. Which raises an interesting question.

If the Government can be so scrupulous in digging up and finding out Paugas alleged wrongdoing  and everybody else who has been speaking out publically against this administration  why cant they be just as meticulous  if not more, with finding the escaped prisoners who have been hurting so many innocent members of the public, since they escaped last month?

Who is more dangerous? A man who wants to protest and speak his mind or convicted criminals who continue to enjoy freedom and the luxury of living among the community  when they should be locked up behind bars where they truly belong? Think about it!

Have a safe Thursday Samoa, God bless!A legend. A passion. A talent.

Penehuro Papaliis work has been documented by many for his extraordinary work over the years.

Despite the marvel behind his masterpieces, his genuine passion and love for art is what amazes me most. He would talk about it so eagerly, explaining the inspirations and beauty behind each sculpture, carving or window stain.

What seemed like bare basalt is a bull, an elephant, a legendary character to Penehuro. And as he plans and carves, he closely follows the contour lines of the stone, envisions and sees potential natural expression in it. Outlining the vision, penetrating and cutting the stone corresponding to the shape follow, never wasting the basalt in the process.

He sees beauty in everything, he imagines and then builds remarkable expressions of art. From sculpturing, welding, painting, glass staining and wood turning he is a true master of art.

The beginning of the development of his talent started with his mentor Maestro Ernesto Cotter in Form 3 (equivalent to Year 9 in Samoa). From Sapapalii Savaii, Penehuro later continued his education and quest at the Leulumoega School of Fine Arts. In fact, many of the wooden sculptures and masterpieces displayed at the school were crafted by Penehuro.

His career escalated from there on as he went on to establish his own gallery at Lelata. A display of breath-taking chefs-d'oeuvre crafted with gifted hands. Unfortunately, relocation had arisen after Cyclone Evans hit in 2012.

Many of the marvellous sculptures and artwork were destroyed or damaged. Yet he continued on to set up his Sculpture Park and gallery in Vaitele. All the surviving pieces and equipment remain there as part of a revering remnant of past memories and profound effort poured into his passion. He stands devoted to his calling as a visionary and artist.

Six years later, final construction of his Sculpture park based on the Legendary Myths and Legends of Samoa is underway. The grand exhibition and official opening of the BEN Art School is set to take place by the end of this year at the Vaitele compound.

The Sculpture Park is a breathing vision coming to life, emerging into full form. Penehuro believes this will serve as tourist attraction, an exhibition of our insightful culture and lively nature as well as the history of the Myths and Legends of Samoa.

It is an exhibition of the grandeur and advent creativity in form of stone, metal and wood.

As I recalled the first time I witnessed the marvel, it did not take a second to be in awe by his work. I found myself wondering how he cut the stone so smoothly yet still retain the stability of the sculpture. I found myself wondering how he saw the characters he envisioned based on the contour and shape of the stone. I found myself wondering how one man could create such beautiful artwork from what ordinary people disposed of.

Painting, wood turning, glass staining are all attractive and covetable pieces the public are familiar with. However, the artist believes there is greater potential found in stone carving. Penehuro uses basalt stone he unearths from the sight of the Sculpture Park.

Basalt has the consistency and texture of cement. The stone is also durable, it will take an infinite amount of time and weathering to break it down. And second, it can be crafted into several commercial products. It is all about using your skill and talent and applying it professionally to your career.

At the moment Papalii focuses on carving commissioned memorial stones, headstones and signs for the commercial side of art. If one had a big bulk of 12-inch high basalt, one could have at least twelve separate 1-inch thick plates of stone for carving, if it were to be cut horizontally.

As a professional artist sacrifice and devotion are pivotal. Penehuros story speaks of a passion and talent pursued without the intention of collecting masses of riches. It speaks instead of the pursuit of a calling and advancement of a God-given gift for the purpose of beautifying the world and our souls.

His long experience in the field shows true dedication. A talent that must be acknowledged and developed by our people to the peak of its capacity.

Penehuro has mastered carving stone and wood, sculpting metal such as bronze, painting, window staining and almost all forms of visual art. He has gone beyond expectation and has patiently and enduringly triumphed in the complete fostering of his gift.Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has suggested Australia offer citizenship to the peoples of low lying coral atolls, soon to lose their lands to rising seas, in exchange for control over their fisheries and exclusive economic zones.

But Tuvalus Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga hit back, saying Australia should not consider any imperial thinking as a solution to the impending climate change crisis.

Around the Pacific, some solutions for the inevitable relocation of entire nations are already happening, but there is not yet consensus on the best legal answer to the question of sovereignty without land.

Samoan climate change policy researcher, Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, said people who are forced to move away from their homes do not suddenly lose their identities as Pacific Islanders.

Beyond the rights to biodiversity and fishing resources within the national jurisdiction of these countries, is the recognition that we do have identities as Pacific Islanders; as Tuvaluans, as Marshallese, as people of Pacific Islands, she said.

So its not just a matter of survival, of moving to another country, but maintaining the integrity of yourself as a person of particular country, such as Tuvalu.

She said the case of the Carteret Islands gradual migration to Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea is one example of how Pacific Islanders are already making the exodus to higher ground.

The Carteret Islands were predicted to be the first islands to be fully submerged because of climate change and rising sea levels, by 2015. They are not yet gone, but its Tuluun people are relocation slowly but surely to the autonomous region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea.

ABC photographer Darren James visited the Carteret Islands and documented how several meters of fertile soil have been lost to the sea, and how the dying coral reefs mean fishing is a difficult task today.

Decades ago, fishing for a large family for a day or so involved one or two people at a beach nearby, Mr James writes.

But now it requires two or three men with a boat, fuel, and six to eight hours at a distant reef to catch the same amount.

In 2017, The Bougainville News reported that a voluntary relocation program had successfully moved ten families, after a decade of operations.

After unsuccessfully applying for land through official channels, [director Ursula Rakova] was given four different locations by the Catholic Church in 2007, and relocation to the first of the abandoned plantation sites started that year.

Eventually, the entire population of approximately 200 people will need to relocate, most likely to Bougainville.

In 2017, Fijis Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said Kiribati and Tuvaluans will not be refugees and can expect safe haven in Fiji.

Back in 2014, Kiribatis Government actually bought 20 square kilometers of land on a Fijian island from the Church of England, the Natoavatu Estate for US$8.77 million, for the eventual relocation of its people but also as a possible food production and financial investment for the people.

But that purchase is not without its complications. DevPolicys James Ellsmoor and Zachary Rosen reported in 2016 that villagers living in the land facing food security issues could complicate any relocation for more people.

Fiji itself has invested US$500,000 in developing a legal framework on climate refugee relocation.Samoa is a land of opportunity for big and small entrepreneurs.

That is the view of four street vendors, who spoke of their lives selling products on the streets of Apia, in separate interviews with the Samoa Observer.

Lotu Auvaa, 45, said life in Samoa is different when compared to other overseas nations, as it is easy to identify opportunities when one is out of a job.

Were not like overseas once youre unemployed, your life gets harder. In Samoa, we just have to open our eyes to these small opportunities, he said.

The opportunities in the country are easy to come by, he added, that people should not bother their families abroad for remittances.

Our people should realize now and then that theres money and food everywhere, and we dont need to ask overseas for help, he said.

The other street vendors Genesis Samasogi, Tulai Gauula and Kome Filitoga told this newspaper that they are breadwinners in their families. They sell products for Apia-based Chinese businessmen, who pay each of them $50 tala or more a day for their work, which they say is enough to support them and their families.

Street vending also enables vendors to meet their cultural and church obligations, added Mr. Auvaa.

In a Samoan life, we cannot avoid our church and village faalavelaves so in my situation, I have been working as a street vendor for quite some time now and I can still afford to provide for both my family and my church, he said.

Mr. Auvaa said while street vending might not appear to be a decent job for others, he said he is happy that such opportunities are available.

I mean its not a decent job for anyone because we all want lots of money, but for situations like these where we have to look for jobs, Samoa is lucky to have such small opportunities on the line.A man charged with attempted murder of a young woman who was shot in the face has been denied bail.

The accused, Peter Tulaga Eliesa, will remain in custody until a hearing date is set when the matter returns to the Court for criminal mention on February 25.

The decision was delivered by Supreme Court Judge, Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren, yesterday.

Justice Tafaoimalo also ruled that the trial will go before assessors and particular facts of the case are not to be published.

She told the Court that due to the public and media interest in the hearing, there will be a trial before the assessors.

Accordingly, the only part of this ruling that can be published on news media, on the internet, and other public platforms until the final decision of the trial is the result, she said.

There is just cause for the application to be remanded in custody and accordingly his application for bail is declined.

Justice Tafaoimalo added it is important for the accused to have a fair trial before the assessors.

Leota Tima Leavai represented Eliesa while Vei Faasii was the prosecutor from the Attorney Generals Office.

Eliesa has been in custody since January 15 and he has been charged with one count of attempted murder, in connection with the attempted murder of Frysna Rimoni.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is on his first state visit to India, on Wednesday received a ceremonial welcome by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here. The Crown Prince arrived here on Monday evening following his visit to Pakistan. From Islamabad, he flew to Riyadh before departing for New Delhi.



After the ceremonial welcome where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present, the Saudi royal told the media: "Today we want to be sure that this relation is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries.



"With the leadership of the President and the Prime Minister, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India."



He also said that the ties between India and the Arabian Peninsula "is in our DNA".



The Crown Prince is slated to hold a bilateral meeting with Modi later in the day.



By SA Commercial Prop News

Read full text of Finance Minister Tito Mboweni's national budget speech 2019-20, presented in the National Assembly, Cape Town on Wednesday. Image gallery



Read full text of Finance Minister Tito Mboweni's national budget speech 2019-20, presented in the National Assembly, Cape Town on Wednesday.

Madam Speaker,

In the 2019 State of the Nation Address, our President set out an ambitious agenda for our nation. It is an agenda that speaks to the South Africa that we can be. It is a task list for all of It lays out a series of interventions that will put South Africa on a bold new path.

How do we make this renewal a reality? I turned to the Good Book for guidance.

In Zechariah 8 verse 12 it says:

For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their due; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.

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As a part-time farmer, I know that in order for the people to possess all these things, we have to plant anew.

It is time for us to sow the seed of renewal and growth.

But for the seed to be prosperous, as Zechariah enjoins us, we must first cultivate the soil. Once we have planted the seed, we must nurture it, water it, and protect it from the extremes, the elements and time.

Despite our best efforts, sometimes, ravages and risks such as pests or rot could attack our green shoots, but we must persevere; we must prune and pluck away at the rot, until there is growth. This we must do as a collective.

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If we look after what we sow, and what we have ploughed and laboured over so tirelessly, since the founding of our democracy, it will grow and the seed will bear fruit. However, if we abandon our fields, the seeds we plant will wither.

A few years ago, Madam Speaker, one of my predecessors handed out succulent plums to the members of this house, to demonstrate the times of plenty we were in.

Today, we walk into this house with an iconic South African plant, the aloe ferox. This is one of the best known South African plants. It has a long history of medicinal use. It is resilient, sturdy and drought resistant. It withstands the elements. We must take the bitter with the sweet. Today, I bring you a seed to prove that if we plant anew, we can return to those plum times.

Madam Speaker, our President has set us on a track of renewal.

But today, I will leave the poetry (and the singing) to the President.

I am here to speak about hard facts and figures.

This Budget is built on six fundamental prescripts:

Achieving a higher rate of economic growth Increasing tax collection Reasonable, affordable expenditure Stabilising and reducing debt Reconfiguring state-owned enterprises Managing the public sector wage bill

It will not be easy. There are no quick fixes. But our nation is ready for renewal. We are ready to plant the seeds of our future.

Developments since the October Medium Term Budget Policy Statement

In October, during the 2018 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), I outlined our main budget fiscal outlook. At that time, I projected that in 2018/19 tax revenue would be R1.3 trillion and that spending would be about R1.5 trillion. That left us with a budget deficit of R215 billion, or 4.3 per cent of GDP.

I said that we were at a crossroads, and that we could go either to heaven, or the other way.

Then, we expected economic growth of 0.7 per cent in 2018. This is still our estimate. But, many of the risks that we warned about have materialised. We now expect a slower but still steady recovery after the 2018 technical recession. It is expected that real GDP growth in 2019 will rise to 1.5 per cent, and then strengthen moderately to 2.1 per cent in 2021.

South Africa is a small open economy and we are impacted by events in the global economy World growth is now expected to slow, constraining South Africas export growth forecast.

These macroeconomic conditions have led to a weaker economic outlook.

Madam Speaker, walk with me on a journey of how we have chosen to respond to the challenges facing us.

Tax revenue and raising SARS capacity

First, we must look at the Presidents task list. Then we must match the resources we have to the plan. In this current year, tax revenue has been revised down by R15.4 billion compared to our October estimate.

Approximately half of the increase in the shortfall since October is due to higher than expected VAT refunds. This lowers revenue collection for the year, but puts money back into the economy.

SARS is being fixed. My thanks go to Judge Nugent and his Panel for their wise counsel. On their recommendations:

A new Commissioner will be appointed in the coming weeks. A new Illicit Economy Unit launched in August 2018 will fight the trade in illicit cigarettes and tobacco. The large business unit was a major source of tax collection, and its skill was renowned. This unit will be reintroduced and will be formally launched in early April 2019. SARS is strengthening its IT team and its IT systems and this is crucial for our tax collection efforts. Information sharing agreements with allies will help fight cross-border tax evasion schemes.

Judge Davis will assess the tax gap, which is the difference between revenue collected and what ought to be collected. We will also review the proliferation of duty free shops inside South Africa.

Fiscal prudence requires some tax changes. We propose additional revenue measures of

R15 billion in 2019/20. There will be a slight upward adjustment of the tax-free threshold for personal income taxes, with no change in the current personal income tax brackets. Together these will raise R12.8 billion.

Madam Speaker, excise duties on alcohol and tobacco will be increased, as follows:

The excise duty on a can of beer goes up by 12 cents to R1.74 A 750ml bottle of wine will have an excise duty of R3.15, which is 22 cents more The duty on a 750ml bottle of sparkling wine goes up by 84 cents to R10.16 The duty on a bottle of whiskey will go up by R4.54 to R65.84 A pack of 20 cigarettes goes up by R1.14 cents to R16.66 The excise duty on a typical cigar will go up by about 64 cents to R7.80 There will be no change to the excise duty on sorghum beer Fuel levies will increase by 29 cents per litre for petrol and 30 cents per litre for diesel

The Road Accident Fund levy increase is not enough to match the Funds R215 billion liability. We urge the Department of Transport to quickly resubmit the Road Accident Benefit Scheme Bill for Parliaments urgent consideration. It will help stabilise fuel prices.

The National Treasury will work with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Economic Development to explore the introduction of an export tax on scrap metal.

The ordinary taxpayer is fully tax compliant and pays their fair share.

Thuma Mina. Paying your taxes is the right thing to do.

Expenditure

Let me turn to our spending projections. Since October, government has taken steps to adjust baseline expenditure downwards by a total of R50.3 billion over the medium term. Half of these reductions come from adjustments to governments spending on compensation. R12.8 billion comes from measures to reduce spending on specific programmes. Provisional allocations are made for the financial support to Eskom and the Infrastructure Fund. This offsets the baseline reductions and as such the expenditure ceiling is revised upwards by R16 billion over the next three years.

In October, I quoted Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. After a few months in the role, I feel that Oliver Twist might be more appropriate this time.

In short, Please Sir, may I have some more.

The SOEs pose very serious risks to the fiscal framework. Funding requests from SAA, SABC, Denel, Eskom and other financially challenged state-owned enterprises have increased, with several requesting state support just to continue operating. Isnt it about time the country asks the question: do we still need these enterprises? If we do, can we manage them better? If we dont need them, what should we do?

State-owned enterprise restructuring

Madam Speaker, I said in October that we would have no holy cows when it comes to our approach to state owned enterprises.

Eskom

In the State of the Nation Address, the President announced a clear and executable plan for electricity. At the core of this plan is the subdivision of Eskom into three independent components. This will set the electricity market on a new trajectory, and allow for more competition, transparency and a focused funding model.

Pouring money directly into Eskom in its current form is like pouring water into a sieve.

I want to make it clear: the national government is not taking on Eskoms debt. Eskom took on the debt. It must ultimately repay it. We are setting aside R23 billion a year to financially support Eskom during its reconfiguration.

The fiscal support is conditional on an independent Chief Reorganisation Officer (CRO) being jointly appointed by the Ministers of Finance and Public Enterprises with the explicit mandate of delivering on the recommendations of the Presidential Task Team. We will make announcements in this regard in the coming weeks.

Minister Gordhan and the strong team he has built at the Department of Public Enterprises will continue to exercise close and ongoing monitoring of Eskom.

Other state-owned enterprises

On other state-owned enterprises, we are reviewing our framework for state-owned enterprise support. Government has revised the contingency reserve upwards to R13 billion for 2019/20 to respond to possible requests for financial support.

Financial support will be budget neutral as far as possible. During this past financial year, total guarantee utilisation increased by R51.1 billion: Eskom used an additional R50 billion of its R350 billion guarantee in 2018/19. Denel was granted a further R1 billion guarantee. SAA guaranteed debt increased by R6.2 billion.

My congratulations to the Land Bank, which repaid debt, reducing governments guarantee exposure. Other entities reduced their guarantees, unfortunately in some cases as a result of appropriations.

We must tighten the guarantee rules. If a state-owned enterprise applies for a government guarantee for operational purposes, it will be required to appoint a CRO in concurrence with the National Treasury and its bondholders. The CRO will undertake a full operational and financial review. When banks need state support, we appoint a curator. When provincial and municipal finances are in disarray, government can take over the running of the administration. These rules should also apply to all SOEs.

Cabinet is considering a proposal to end the issuing of guarantees for operational purposes. Expiration dates on guarantees will also be strictly enforced. As the President announced, strategic equity partners will be found where possible.

The consolidated fiscal framework

To summarise: in this coming year, we expect revenues of R1.58 trillion and spending of R1.83 trillion. That means we will spend R243 billion more than we earn.

Put another way, we are borrowing about R1.2 billion a day, assuming that we dont borrow money on the weekend.

This coming year, interest expenditures will be R209.4 billion. This is R1 billion per day. The expenditure and tax adjustments are designed to largely counteract the additional allocation for Eskom and the revenue shortfall. As a result, gross national debt will still stabilise at about 60 per cent of GDP in 2023/24, broadly in line with our October forecast.

We are masters of our own destiny.

Our determination to regain our fiscal prudence will form the basis of our economic recovery. We will be on our way back to the plum years.

As we face the future, I am reminded of the words of one of the continents independence leaders, Ghanas Kwame Nkrumah:

the task ahead is great indeed, and heavy is the responsibility; and yet

it is a noble and glorious challenge  a challenge which calls for the

courage to dream, the courage to believe, the courage to dare, the

courage to do, the courage to envision, the courage to fight, the

courage to work, the courage to achieve  to achieve the highest

excellencies and the fullest greatness of (people).

Dare we ask for more in life? 

Restoring our finances and fixing our state owned enterprises will take great courage.

But it can be done.

Division of revenue

Madam Speaker, the Budget remains redistributive. Taxes raised in wealthier areas fund poorer provinces and municipalities. In this budget, 47.9 per cent of nationally-raised funds are allocated to national government, 43 per cent to provinces and 9.1 per cent to local government over the medium term, after providing for debt-service costs and the contingency reserve. Pro-poor spending continues to grow in real terms.

Medium-term spending plans

Let me start my presentation on governments spending priorities by taking you through the key interventions government is taking to reduce compensation spending.

Wage bill adjustments

The public wage bill is unsustainable. We must shift expenditure to investment. National and provincial compensation budgets will be reduced by R27 billion over the next three years.

The first step is to allow older public servants who want to do so, to retire early and gracefully. This will save an estimated R4.8 billion in 2019/20, R7.5 billion in 2020/21 and R8 billion in 2021/22. In time this will be complemented by limits on overtime and bonus payments as well as pay progression. The system of staffing our diplomatic missions is unjustified and should be reviewed urgently.

As a gesture of goodwill, members of Parliament and provincial legislatures and executives at public entities will not be receiving a salary increase this financial year.

My colleague, Minister Ayanda Dlodlo will outline the details of the early retirement framework during the course of the week.

Fulfilling governments programme of action

The budget proposes total non-interest spending over the next three years of R5.87 trillion. This after taking into account measures taken over the three years to consolidate the public finances. The largest allocations are R1.2 trillion for learning and culture, R717 billion for health services (including National Health Insurance) and nearly R900 billion for social development.

The President set us these five tasks:

Accelerate inclusive economic growth and create jobs. Improve the education system and develop the skills that we need now and into the future. Improve the conditions of life for all South Africans, especially the poor. Fight corruption and state capture. Strengthen the capacity and capability of the state to address the needs of the people.

Mr President, let me illustrate how the Budget talks to your priorities.

Accelerate inclusive economic growth and create jobs

The private sector is the key engine for job creation. Governments policy actions aim to end the uncertainty that has undermined confidence and constrained private sector investment. The R300 billion worth of pledges made at the Investment Conference last year demonstrate that there is pent-up private sector demand if we grab hold of the opportunity.

Visa requirements are being relaxed to make it easier for tourists to visit and invest in South Africa.

We have also increased the income eligibility thresholds for the highly successful employment tax incentive scheme. Jobs for 1.1 million young people are supported by this programme.

Data costs must fall!

My fellow Minister will shortly be issuing policy direction to ICASA for the licensing of spectrum. I will work relentlessly with the Minister until this matter is resolved. This includes resourcing ICASA for this mandate.

Government has allocated R19.8 billion for industrial business incentives, of which R600 million has gone to the clothing and textile competitiveness programme. This will support 35 500 existing jobs and create about 25 000 new jobs over the next three years.

The Jobs Fund is a vital complement to private sector job creation. The Fund has disbursed R4.6 billion in grant funding, and created well over 200,000 jobs since inception. The allocation to this Fund will rise over the next three years to R1.1 billion.

R481.6 million is allocated to the Small Enterprise Development Agency to expand the small business incubation programme.

A robust debate on land is taking place in South Africa. We are supporting private sector investments in agriculture by emerging farmers. R1.8 billion is allocated for the implementation of 262 priority land-reform projects over the next three years. R3.7 billion is set aside to assist emerging farmers seeking to acquire land to farm.

The Land Bank will support smallholders, and leverage partnerships with other financial institutions. It aims to disburse R3 billion in the next fiscal year.

Improve the education system and develop the skills that we need

Learning and culture receives the largest share of spending as Government continues to provide access to quality basic and higher education, develop skills, provide training and contribute to social cohesion.

Over R30 billion is allocated to build new schools and maintain schooling infrastructure. An additional R2.8 billion is added to the School Infrastructure Backlogs grant to replace pit latrines at over 2 400 schools. But to make certain these schools are effective centres of learning will also require parents to be a visible and constructive part in the governance of schools.

Fully subsidised education and training for the poor is governments flagship higher education intervention. Over the medium term government will spend R111.2 billion to ensure that 2.8 million deserving students from poor and working class families obtain their qualifications at universities and TVET colleges.

Finally, the global renown of South Africas art and culture is an expression of our soft power and our heritage. Our public finance choices should reflect an intention to preserve and add to our cultural canon. Officials from the National Treasury and the Department of Arts and Culture will consider proposals for the development of a new national theatre, a new national museum, and also consider financial support for the National Archives, a national orchestra and ballet troupe.

Improve the conditions of life for all South Africans, especially the poor

In the fight against poverty and inequality, Government has allocated R567 billion for social grant payments. In 2019, the grant values will increase as follows:

R80 increase for old age, disability, war veterans and care dependency grants. R40 increase for the foster care grant to R1 000. The child support grant will increase to R420 in April and to R430 in October.

Health services

In health, we need simple, effective interventions. We need more doctors and nurses. R2.8 billion has been reprioritised to a new human resources grant and R1 billion for medical interns. R1 billion has been added to raise the wages of community health care workers to R3500 per month. Finally about R319 million is allocated to eliminate malaria in South Africa.

Access to housing

Government continues to focus on supporting people to own their own homes. Funding totalling R14.7 billion over the two outer years has been reprioritised to two new conditional grants for informal settlements upgrading which will enable these households to have access to basic amenities.

Our Help to Buy subsidy helps first-time home buyers purchase a home. As a pilot, it gets R950 million over three years.

Economic infrastructure

The South African National Roads Agency is allocated an additional R3.5 billion over the next 3 years to improve non-toll roads. In October, I emphasised the importance of the user pay principle. It is a principle that we should uphold. In any future negotiations, this should be borne in mind.

Combating crime and corruption

Over the past couple of years South Africa has been grappling with corruption. We must root this out. National Treasury and the Department of Justice will work swiftly to support the establishment of the new Investigating Directorate in the NPA.

Strengthen the capacity and capability of the state to address the needs of the people

My colleagues at provincial and municipal level are working as best as they can to deal with rising wage costs and reduced transfers. Provincial treasuries and the municipalities have a partner in the National Treasury to work with on their constitutional obligations. Grants such as the Financial Management grant, and the Municipal Systems Improvement grant are available. The Public Audit Excess Fee Bill tabled today strengthens the Auditor Generals role in municipalities.

We need to build a strong culture of payment in our country.

Collecting the revenue due to the state is the underlying foundation of our democracy, of building a nation, and it is our duty to pay for services especially if we can afford to do so.

National Treasury will lead a process to encourage those, including government departments, who owe money to municipalities, to pay for services.

Finally, service providers must build what they promised at a reasonable rate.

Thuma Mina. Pay your municipal bills on time.

Future proofing the budget

The budget is also about our long-term vision.

We spend a lot on infrastructure. Four things will get us better infrastructure: First is to create a sensible project pipeline. Second, is streamlining the law to make it easier to build. Third, better information for everyone. And finally, is to actually build. So far we are working on a wastewater treatment facility works in the Vaal, a solar water geyser programme and student accommodation. R625 million is allocated to the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Government Technical Advisory Centre and the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission to strengthen project preparation in this context and on a speeded up basis, projects based on rural roads and water will be prioritised. Details on several priority projects can be found on the Vulekamali portal.

The infrastructure fund is a central pillar of the Budget and of reprioritisation. It will accelerate R526 billion worth of on-budget projects by bringing in the private sector and development finance institutions. In several instances the private sector will design, build and operate key infrastructure assets. In addition, government will commit R100 billion over the next decade.

As we look to the future, I see the following huge shifts in society and the world.

The first is the rise of technology. Twenty-five years ago, the Budget was prepared on reams of paper, carefully stapled together. I reviewed this speech on my tablet, and you can keep track of the speech on Twitter right now. By the way, it is at #RSABudget. Who knows how the Budget will be prepared in twenty-five years time?

Our budget spending has to focus on getting our country ready for technology. The first step is to fix the education system. Government is rolling out a maths and science grant. The Governor of the South African Reserve Bank is driving an ambitious FinTech programme, together with colleagues from the other financial-sector regulators.

The sustainability challenge affects us all. Climate change is real. The steps being undertaken at Eskom will allow us to expand renewable energy, and the carbon tax will come into effect from 1 June 2019.

The third challenge is rapid urbanisation. We cannot go on building horizontally, serious consideration must be given to going up as part of an integrated development strategy.

The final challenge is nationalism. In many successful economies, immigrants have been a source of dynamism. Narrow nationalism often leads to stagnation. We need to redouble our efforts to attract highly-skilled people to South Africa. Professor Ricardo Hausmann of Harvard University talks of the know-how that these individuals bring. Their skills are complementary to our own. We need to free our entrepreneurs from stifling regulations and complicated taxes. We will continue to work closely with our partners in the BRICS, the African Development Bank and the South African Customs Union.

Madam Speaker it is prudent to say that we are a shareholder in a number of multilateral institutions and this ensures that South Africa plays its rightful place on the continent and the world.

Before I conclude, my thanks to the President of the Republic for his leadership during this budget process. A word of appreciation to the National Treasury Director General and his team. Their good humour and determination have got us through a difficult Budget.

My thanks to Acting SARS Commissioner and Team SARS for persevering to restore the integrity of the institution, to the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank for his support and collegiality. To colleagues in the Cabinet, in the Ministers Committee on the Budget, and all those that have supported us in this time.

I recall Psalm 23:

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Conclusion

In summary, Madam Speaker, let me outline the highlights of this Budget:

We are taking tough steps to fix the fiscal position and state-owned enterprises. Our children are our future. Most of the spending goes to education, and we will strengthen early childhood development and support higher education for the most deserving. On land, we have set aside money to help our people buy their own houses, support land reform, and transfer title deeds. On electricity, we face tough choices on Eskom. We are reprioritising resources towards the Presidents infrastructure fund and away from the wage bill.

Madam Speaker, this is a Budget that plants a seed for renewal and growth.

It is all of our duty to tend the seed and see that it grows strong, tall and fruitful.

It is a Budget for the future.

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:

the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you

into singing, and all the trees of the field shall

clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:12.

Thank youBy SA Commercial Prop News

Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni delivered his maiden Budget address, revealing plans to help Eskom financial and operational crisis.



South Africas Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni delivered his maiden Budget address, revealing plans to help Eskom financial and operational crisis  and do urgent maintenance to secure the supply of electricity.

Eskoms financial and operational crisis loomed large as Minister Mboweni delivered a gloomy budget that showed a deterioration in SAs finances and economic outlook, which may raise the ire of ratings agencies.

The cash-strapped power utility will get R69 billion over the next three years but under strict conditions.

Mbowenis forecast slower growth and revealed a larger than expected revenue shortfall of more than R15 billion  due to the poor economy and weakened capacity at SARS.

Therell be no increases in personal or corporate income tax  but fuel levies will increase by about 30 cents a litre and a new carbon tax will kick in.

ALSO READ: Budget 2019: South Africa sets aside R5.8 trillion for Spending

Presenting his R1.8 trillion Budget Finance Minister Tito Mboweni says the countrys recovery from last years recession will be slower than expected - but steady.

It is expected that real GDP growth in 2019 will rise to 1.5% and then strengthen moderately to 2.1% in 2021.

Hes rejected Eskoms plea for the state to take on any of its debt but says the cash-strapped power utility will get R69 billion  R23 billion a year over the next three years.

Mboweni says this support for Eskom comes with conditions, including the appointment of a chief reconfiguration officer who will oversee the parastatals unbundling.

ALSO READ: Full text of South Africa's Budget Speech 2019

Mbowenis moved to curb government spending by just over R50 billion over the next three years, about half of this through measures to rein in the governments soaring wage bill.

However, the budget deficit will be higher over the next few years.

Eskom, responsible for producing 95% of the countrys electricity, is mired in debt and inefficiencies. Recent days of load-shedding have left the economy reeling - and the 96-year-old giant parastatal is now considered a threat to national security, because if it crashes and burns, so does the economy.

Meanwhile, South African Airways (SAA) has been waiting on an announcement from Finance Minister Tito Mboweni on when it will receive the rest of the R21 billion government bailout it requested.

The government paid the airline R5 billion of the sum in 2018.

SAA has also managed to secure a cash injection of R3.5 billion from banks to help it stay afloat until June.SEOUL, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in his phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump Tuesday night that his country was ready to assume any role for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Moon and Trump had a phone conversation for around 35 minutes at 10 p.m. local time (1300 GMT), according to the presidential Blue House.

The leaders intensively discussed ways to cooperate for the success of the upcoming second summit between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States.

Top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and Trump agreed to meet again in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Feb. 27-28. The first Kim-Trump summit meeting was held in Singapore in June last year.

During the phone conversation in about five months, Moon highly evaluated Trump's diplomatic efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Moon expressed his anticipation that the second DPRK-U.S. summit would be a crucial turning point in realizing the peninsula's complete denuclearization, the peace regime building on the peninsula and the development of the DPRK-U.S. relations, which Trump and the DPRK leader agreed to during their Singapore summit.

For the corresponding measures to encourage the DPRK to take denuclearization steps, Moon asked Trump to make use of South Korea's role as it can reduce the U.S. burden.

The South Korean leader said his country was ready to assume any role, if President Trump demands, ranging from the connection of railways and roads across the inter-Korean border to inter-Korean economic cooperation projects.

In his New Year's speech, the DPRK leader said he would work to build new relations with the United States, settle a lasting peace on the peninsula and pursue the complete denuclearization on condition that the United States takes corresponding measures.

Kim said he was willing to reopen the inter-Korean industrial park in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong and resume the suspended tour program to the DPRK's scenic resort of Mount Kumgang without any preconditions.

The Kaesong Industrial Complex and the Mount Kumgang tourist spot have been closed since 2016 and 2008 respectively.

South Korea and the DPRK held a groundbreaking ceremony in December to modernize and eventually link railways and roads along the western and eastern peninsula, but construction works had yet to be launched because of the international sanctions against Pyongyang.

The two Koreas have been left divided since the 1950-53 Korean war ended with an armistice. The peninsula remains in a technical state of war with no peace treaty signed.

During the phone talks, Trump explained to Moon preparations for the second DPRK-U.S. summit and consultations between Washington and Pyongyang, expressing his anticipation for the Hanoi summit with the DPRK leader.

Trump showed his expectation for a big outcome from the Hanoi summit, saying he was expected to meet with Moon to share the outcome of the second DPRK-U.S. summit, according to the Blue House.

The U.S. president promised to closely consult with Moon on the second DPRK-U.S. summit and follow-up measures, adding that the U.S.-South Korea alliance was better than ever.NST Leader: It is what the press says

NST Leader: It is what the press says

NST Leader: It is what the press says

IF we want vibrant journalism  and we believe that New Malaysia demands it  there must be a free press.

By vibrant journalism we mean initiating conversations on issues that affect the people. And if in the process of doing so we have to hold people in positions accountable, we must.

Attacks and threats on the press such as the one directed at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) by the Transport Ministry would only turn serious reporting into sissy journalism. So will the demand for standard operating procedures (SOP) from the press.

We perfectly understand that press secretaries have key performance indicators that may compel them to get every piece of speech and media statement reported or televised. We understand, too, that not all press secretaries end up doing this, but some politicians may compel them so.

Lets be very blunt: neither the minister nor the press secretary should compel the press to report an event. Because, that is as good as running the news business. And the government has no business running media entities.

To those who demand coverage, we pass on the words of the United States Supreme Court in the case of New York Times Co. v. United States: the press is there to serve the governed, not the governors.

The New Straits Times may have had a dark period in the past, but we are making a conscious effort to bring back vibrant journalism that our newspaper was known for once.

We are a newspaper that is 174 years old, and in that long history, we had a good stretch of vibrant journalism.

During our heyday, we decided what is and is not news. Now, we pledge to do this again. It must be said that our return to vibrant journalism coincided with the birth of New Malaysia.

Like all Malaysians, we at the New Straits Times rejoiced the birth of New Malaysia because we saw in it the promise of a free press. It will be a mistake to allow the promise to fade away.

The 21st-century readers are discerning ones who demand facts and analyses of matters that concern them. They need an outsiders view. Or a critique, if you like. A free press makes this possible.

Because with free press, we can write without fear or favour. We can decide what is news and what is not. And how and when to gather it. We know a news item when we see one.

Those who are not in the business of news should not pretend to define it for us. We do, however, recognise freedom comes with responsibility.

News media entities  print and digital  must accept this responsibility.

As a first step in being responsible media entities, we must be transparent about who own us. We cannot say that we will report without fear or favour if we hide our shareholders behind a veil.

Responsibility requires a lifting of the veil. Only then our readers can judge if we are a fair press.

And in the interest of our readers, too, each media organisation must make public its Press Charter by which we pledge to adhere to the standards of a free and fair press.

Again, the readers will be the judge.

Freedom must perforce come with responsibility. ENDSBEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe on Tuesday met with Vietnam's Deputy Minister of National Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh in Beijing.

"With shared ideals and convictions, the friendship between China and Vietnam is deeply rooted and of special importance," Wei said. "The two countries are a community of shared future with strategic significance."

He said the Chinese military is willing to work with the Vietnamese military to implement the important consensus reached at the high level between the two parties and the two countries, strengthen strategic communication and coordination, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

The Chinese military also stands ready to properly handle differences, push military-to-military relations to a new level and contribute to safeguarding the fundamental interests of the two countries and regional security and stability, he said.

Vinh said that the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Central Military Commission cherish the traditional friendship between the two countries and are willing and have confidence to push relations between the two countries and two militaries to a higher level and bring more benefits to the two peoples.Greenville, NC (27833)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 83F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 68F. Winds light and variable.Cypriot firm ordered to pay $184.8 mln to Russiaa Rosneft

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

17:53 20/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 20 (RAPSI)  The Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals has dismissed an appeal lodged by Cypriot company Swisspro Capital Limited Swisspro Capital Limited against recovery of $184.8 million from it on the petition of Russias largest oil company Rosneft, according to court records.

The company has appealed against the Moscow Commercial Courts ruling of November 15, 2017, when the court collected its debt to Rosneft related to the crude oil delivery contract of March 27, 2014.

The Cypriot company acted as a borrower of about $400 million, lent in 2013 by Russian VTB bank for purchase of the Odessa oil refinery in Ukraine from Russian oil company Lukoil by Ukrainian tycoon Sergey Kurchenkos VETEK Group of Companies.

In May 2014, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) said that according to its estimates the damage caused by Kurchenkos actions made 4 billion Ukrainian hryvnas (about $152 million at the current exchange rate).

Earlier, Ukraines Interior Ministry has claimed to detect a scheme of illegal import and sale of oil products by VETEK, where Kurchenko is the chair of the Supervisory Board. According to investigators, oil products were being sold without paying taxes via fictitious companies. At that time, the Interior Ministry estimated the damage caused in 2013 alone at 26 billion hryvnas (about $2 billion).

According to a statement of the SSU, in order to protect the state property-related interests certain VETEK assets in Odessa were seized, and Kurchenko was put on the international wanted list.Four other Ukraines sailors to stay jailed in Russian border violation case for 2 months

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

16:56 20/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 20 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court on Wednesday upheld a lower courts ruling to extend detention of four other Ukrainian sailors charged with illegal crossing of Russian borders against extension of their detention until April 24, the courts press service told RAPSI.

Appeals filed by Andrey Eider, Vasily Soroka, Andrey Artemenko and Oleg Melnichuk therefore were dismissed.

Earlier this month, the court upheld extension of other 16 sailors detention for two months. Appeals against detention of another four sailors were excluded from consideration in the appeals court. They were returned to Moscows Lefortovsky District Court for corrective actions.

On November 25, Russian border guard officers had to engage a weapon to stop unwarranted maneuvers of three Ukrainian ships in Russias territorial waters in the area of Kerch Strait. The ships were seized while 24 crew members were arrested. Three sailors were wounded.

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Home Regional News EastPlatesetters

AGFA Avalon N8-90 Platesetter

Agfa Graphics says it offers platesetters ranging from 4-up to 48-up in size, all with consistent performance and output quality, and seamlessly integrated with its Apogee prepress workflow solution.

The company says the Avalon N8-90 brings more productivity and automation than ever before. It adds the device is the worlds fastest thermal platesetter, providing an unparalleled imaging speed up to 70 B1/8-up plates per hour. Its state-of-the-art Grating Light Valve (GLV) imaging head technology produces exceptional imaging quality and tonal accuracy from corner to corner, plate to plate and job to job.

Agfa also says the machine offers a variety of automation options, such as a single-or multi-cassette autoloader, or an integrated punching system that further reduces make-ready time.

For printers wanting to maximise productivity, Agfa says the Avalon N8-90 can be equipped with an Expert Loader and a compact pallet loader that can hold up to 1200 printing plates for full prepress automation.

CRON 3-in-1 CTP

Supplied by Currie Group and previewed at Graph Expo the new CRON automated 3-in-1 CTP combines plate cassette input with precision imaging, punching and transport. The company says this provides a low-cost easy-to-use and compact unit which is easy to maintain.

The exposure unit is based on CRONs magnetic linear drive platform, which the company says provides fault free imaging across a wide range of resolutions, with registration accuracy up to 0.01mm and a tonal range of 1-99 per cent, in either conventional or stochastic screening.

The 3-in-1 (H Series) solution in the 660mm format is already available, with larger formats up to 1168mm scheduled for release this year. CRON has several different types of CTP products, including silver plate CTP, violet CTP and thermal CTP.

The CRON Thermal Series comes in several formats, including 26, 36, 46 and 72. They image at up to 3600dpi resolution and come with a V shaped guide rail, an exclusive three point loading system with non-contact sensor, a vibration free dual balanced drum, and a patented auto clamp closing and drum vacuum technology. Plate output ranges from 77 an hour for the 26 version to 20 an hour for the 72 model.

CRON produces an Autoloader to work with its CTP units, which comes in two versions and can handle up to 200 plates an hour in single size version and 150 plates an hour in the three cassette multiple size version. The company also supplies an automated Chemistry Regulation Device to ensure the stability of processing fluid automatically calculates and replenishes. CRON also has an optional Online Punch Bridge which gives a punch accuracy of 0.01mm.

Currie Group has been the CRON reseller since 2012, and has fully trained factory engineers in Australia.

Specs at a glance:

Laser wavelength: 830nm

Laser type: IR laser

Plate: Thermal chem-free

Max plate size: 925 x 675mm

Min plate size: 340 x 240mm

Resolutions: 1,200; 1,500; 1,800; 2,400; 2,540; 2,800; 3,000; 3,600dpi

Production capacities: 23  77 plates/hr

Plate thickness: 0.150.03mm

Esko CDI Crystal 5080

Esko says the CDI (Cyrel Digital Imager) offers results that before were only achievable in offset or gravure. There is a CDI for every need from narrow web label printing to flexible packaging and wide-format corrugated printing, one-colour printed corrugated boxes to sophisticated multi-colour packaging and even security printing.

New to the Esko portfolio is the CDI Crystal 5080 XPS flexo platemaking system, designed to address the overriding market pressures driven by shorter run lengths and a growing number of SKUs. It requires fast plate turnaround to address this increasing demand for product versioning, and the CDI Crystal 5080 XPS delivers that. It also brings higher quality to flexo, delivering better consistency, and is simple to use for operators at all skill levels.

The CDI Crystal 5080 flexo platemaking system exposes both sides of a flexo plate using UV LED heads. It also combines imaging and exposing into the same compact footprint. This results in 50 per cent fewer manual steps, 30 per cent faster access to plates and 73 per cent less required operator time.

Along with Full HD Flexo will be Eskos Digital Flexo Suite (DFS), offering significant cost savings through the automation of flexo plate production. Label one-ups are nested economically on the plate to reduce plate and substrate waste. The optimised plate and the corresponding cutting layout are simultaneously sent to a CDI and Kongsberg table. The plate is staggered cut to enable flexo cylinders to print continuous labels on the press. The Kongsberg X20 offers the flexibility of upgrading to add more cutting, creasing and milling tools as business needs develop.

Esko has a local team in the Australian region, providing full training and service locally for all products and solutions.

Heidelberg Suprasetter A75

Multiple factors make Heidelbergs Suprasetter range a market leader, including its plug and play functionality, ease of operation and its pre-installation.

The laser head is designed by Heidelberg engineers and offers a long life with a warranty of up to seven years. The machines also feature inbuilt temperature control to ensure a stable environment, which has made the Suprasetter popular in rural locations and tropical climates.

The Suprasetter units have a very small footprint, making them accessible technology for all sized businesses, and their low energy consumption meets environmental concerns and reduces operational costs. Every Suprasetter is delivered with a CO2 neutral certificate confirming that Heidelberg has offset the carbon used in the manufacture of the unit.

Suprasetters are upgradable in the field so those who start with a basic model can upgrade from manual to automated processes and also increase speed. The Suprasetter allows unattended operation and repeat jobs to be programmed, further streamlining workflow.

Suprasetter CtP devices require minimum maintenance as the units self-check each day when they are turned on. For the rare occasions when there is a problem, Heidelbergs engineers can remotely access the machine to make a diagnosis, ensuring minimum downtime.

The most popular model in the range is the Suprasetter A75, which is ideally suited to the A2/B2 market and comes in various configurations including Automatic Top Loader and Dual Top Loader for high volumes. The Suprasetter A75 produces plates at 2,540dpi up to 5,080dpi for special applications such as stamps and security printing. The A75 runs on low power consumption using only five watts on standby and 550 watts on average when imaging.

The Suprasetter family is competitively priced and Heidelberg provides options for financing. With its high productivity and proven reliability the Suprasetter is a secure investment engineered to Heidelberg Germanys exacting standards.

Specs at a glance:

Operating technology: thermal

Min plate format: 240  240mm

Max plate format: 676  760mm

Max imaging area: 1,413  1,460mm

Max throughput: 22 plates/hr

Resolution: 2,400dpi, 2,540dpi, optional 5,080dpi

Kodak Trendsetter Q400/800W

Kodak says an exciting new option for Achieve and Trendsetter Platesetters is the Multi Cassette Unit which offers advanced automation  and cost savings  for printers.

Automation brings many benefits, first and foremost being increased productivity.

The new multi cassette unit offers automated plate loading and unloading of up to 480 plates, so printers can run continuously and for longer. Kodak says this increases speed to market as theres no wait time for an operator to physically load the plates.

Kodak says the use of the cassette unit will cut costs through potential staff reductions or the ability to reassign employees to other jobs. There is also less waste due to plate handling errors. Another benefit is better process control and stability as plates sent to the pressroom are more consistent and lack the variability that occurs with manual plate handling.

Each cassette holds up to 120 plates of the same size and thickness with slip sheets, enabling up to four plate sizes online. The required cassette is automatically selected according to job definition.

Printers using this technology can also cut energy costs through its unique, power saving technology. The current models of Achieve or Trendsetter Platesetters with MCU use up to 80 per cent less power than other MCU solutions. While imaging, the Trendsetter Platesetter uses only 770 watts, while the Achieve Platesetter uses 400 watts.

In addition, the new Kodak Mobile CTP Control App allows printers to get on with other jobs while the platesetter is doing its work. The app lets you monitor and control up to 10 CTP devices at a time, from wherever you are. When one of the CTP devices needs attention an alert will also be immediately sent to the users mobile phone.

Screen GP PlateRite 8600NII CTP Series

Last year Screen GP Australia released a new series in the PlateRite 8600NII series of eight page thermal computer to plate (CTP) systems with notable improvements including increased speed and dot quality.

The 8600 series of B1 platesetters was introduced in 2001 and is now a global leader and has earned the top position in 8-up CtP installations.

Screen GP Australia managing director Peter Scott says the improvements in the latest series have brought increased speed and dot quality, making it an even greater option. It also uses less energy and the adoption of high-output fibre laser diode exposure heads enable 32 plates per hour to be produced, plus superior cost performance and energy savings.

Computer-to-Plate technology revolutionised prepress in the 1990s. But in recent years theres been growing calls for greater cost reductions and environmental performance in CtP as lower investment and running costs and higher productivity and energy savings are required for printers to cope with lower print runs and more frequent plate changes.

Screen says it has responded to these needs with this latest series. It has further improved cost and performance offered by the original PlateRite 8600 series, many of which continue to be in use for between 10 and 17 years.

All new PlateRite 8600NII models feature the latest fibre laser diode exposure heads, which work with Screens proprietary clamp technologies and auto-balance mechanism to enable stable, high-speed exposure with top quality. The series includes Z, S and E models, with three productivity choices to suit individual printers.

The Z model is equipped with 96-channel exposure heads, supporting output of up to 32 plates per hour. The S and E models have 64 and 32 channel heads respectively, for outputs of 24 and 14 plates per hour.

All systems are capable of handling plate sizes ranging from as large as 1,160 x 940mm (45.6 x 37) to, when fitted with the small size option, as small as 304 x 370mm (12 x 14.6). An MA-L8900 multi-cassette autoloader is another option, providing automatic supply of up to 600 plates.

Plates

AGFA Energy Elite Eco Plate

Agfa says it offers a wide range of both thermal and violet digital plates, for the commercial, newspaper and packaging markets  both for conventional processing, low chem-processing, chemistry-free and processless.

The company says its latest releases in thermal are the Energy Elite Eco plate, in combination with the Arkana smart processor. This (no-bake) low-chem system offers the customer a lot of value, in terms of long bath life (limited maintenance), very low replenishment rates (low chemistry consumption) and very clean chemistry  all three resulting in a minimum of waste. Agfa says the plate is positioned for the sheetfed, packaging and low-run heatset market.

Agfa also has a processless plate in its assortment, called Azura TE, that is based on the proven ThermoFuse technology that is used in the very successful Azura chem-free series of plates. Its the only processless plate in the world with a very high image contrast and a good daylight stability.

Agfa Graphics says its committed to sustainable innovation that focuses on ecology, economy, and extra convenience or ECO. The company says its hardware, software and consumables make prepress and printing operations cleaner, more cost-effective and easier to operate and maintain. This, it says, leads to more value for printing businesses.

Fujifilm Superia ZD

Fujifilm says it produces a wide range of processless, low-chemistry and violet plates to suit a variety of printing workflows.

Fujifilm says Superia ZD is the latest generation processless plate. It adds it is the longest running processless plate designed for both UV and conventional ink with up to 150,000 impressions with conventional ink and 50,000 with UV ink. It says its advanced scuff and scratch resistance is due to a number of high-performance multi-layer coatings making plate handling easier and safer than ever.

The company says the Superia ZD can maximise the efficiency of offset plate production with the fastest route from platesetter to press  simply image and mount directly on press. It also says the device is maintenance-free with no processor, chemistry, gum or water and minimal run up sheets (less than 10) helping reduce running costs and downtime.

Fuijifilm says its low chem plates provide pre-press with a more stable plate through the bath life as well as minimal cleaning due to an enhanced development layer meaning theres no sludge in the developer bath. When used with Fujifilms ZAC processors, it says the low chem plates can reduce printers resources associated with plate processing (water, chemistry, materials, labour and energy), helping improve efficiency and productivity.

The company says the plates are manufactured with Fujifilms multi-grain technology, allowing printers to run less water on the plate due to its water receptive characteristics. It says the end gain for printers is better colour consistency and registration plus faster drying times.

Fujifilm also says the ZAC processors feature the ZAC microprocessor control system. It says this results in a reduced need for operator intervention, and adds that with an expected bath life of 20,000m2 or six months, plates are produced consistently at high quality with minimal chemistry usage and maintenance. The ZAC/Fujifilm plate combination is the closest to processless chemistry reduction with the benefit of a processed plate.

Heidelberg Fujifilm ZAC

To reduce the use of chemistry and water when processing plates and minimise maintenance requirements, Heidelbergs offering of Fujifilm low-chemistry LH-PJE and LH-PLE plates and the award winning Fujifilm intelligent ZAC processing system allows printers to meet their environmental concerns and reduce maintenance at the same time.

The Fujifilm ZAC system provides optimised processing quality by using intelligent developer replenishment. This results in a significant reduction in the volume of chemistry and water used, which helps to reduce printers environmental footprint.

The Fujifilm ZAC processor can achieve up to 80 per cent reductions in chemistry by identifying only the areas on the plate that actually need processing, and by constantly measuring the bath conductivity. The intelligence of the ZAC system means there is hardly any need for operator intervention. Plates are produced consistently, without effort and quality is maintained. The ZAC/Fujifilm plate combination is the closest to processless chemistry reduction with the benefit of a processed plate.

Maintenance requirements are also slashed due to the intelligent replenishment system that monitors developing conditions and accurately calculates the required volume of replenisher. With the Fujifilm ZAC system, bath life can be extended up to four months or 15,000m2, maintaining dot structure and stability. This means maintenance is reduced to less than half the time of many other processors, and may only need to be carried out four times a year. This is a massive saving in labour and wasted time for businesses trying to achieve more with fewer staff.

Heidelberg has the portfolio of plates to suit printers needs in thermal or violet, processless or processed. In addition to the ZAC system, Heidelberg also offers the complete range of Fujifilms new Superia thermal and violet CtP plate technologies, which includes the LP-NV2 processed plate technology, the Pro-V low-chemistry option which uses only a finishing solution instead of the traditional developer or replenisher for violet systems, and the Fujifilm processless thermal Superia ZP.

Kodak Sonora X Process Free Plate

Kodak says the Sonora X Process Free Plate is the plate the print industry has been waiting for. It combines all the cost and environmental benefits of eliminating plate processing with the productivity and robustness of an unbaked processed plate.

Kodak says its plate scientists have made it their mission to develop a process free plate that will work for nearly everyone. They say they have succeeded with this breakthrough enabling up to 80 per cent of offset printers to eliminate plate processing.

The company says the Sonora X plates also deliver significantly longer run lengths, faster imaging speeds, and more robust handling capabilities than other process free plates, matching the performance of unbaked wet processed plates in a wide variety of applications and print environments.

The plates can achieve long run lengths of up to 400,000 impressions on web presses and 200,000 impressions on sheetfed presses. Kodak says they are also ideal for UV and low-energy UV applications, achieving run lengths of up to 75,000 impressions.

It also says the plates are very robust and can be handled just like a processed plate due to the product having an improved scratch resistance compared to other process free plates.

The required laser energy for the plates is 120 mJ/cm2, allowing all but the very fastest platesetters to achieve maximum productivity. Kodak says by eliminating the processing step and variability, printers can get to press even faster.

Depending on the capability of the imaging device, it also says the plates are able to offer up to 450 lpi and 20-micron FM. Also, eliminating the variability of processing enables printers to manage quality and colour consistency more easily.

Kodak says now just about any printer can increase the sustainability and productivity of their business with the Sonora X Plates.

WRH Global Xingraphics Primus Plus

The Primus Plus positive thermal plate from Xingraphics is a hybrid plate and is distributed in Australia by WRH Global Australia. It provides both environmental and economic benefits with a reduction in water requirements and a corresponding reduction in ink.

IBF Direct

The IBF Direct offers the best of both DOP (Develop on Press) and conventional thermal CTP plate technology. After exposure the plates can be immediately put on the press for the commencement of printing. The emulsion is softened by contact with the rollers from the dampening system and the blanket removes this emulsion from the plate surface. WRH Global Australia is the Australian distributor.

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Sign up to the Sprinter newsletterThe Printing Industries Association of Australia says a move by Labor to change a casual employee pay regulation is causing unnecessary uncertainty for small business but the federal opposition says the current system is not protecting businesses anyway.

The Fairwork Amendment Casual Loading Offset Regulations 2018 was introduced by Workplace Relations Minister Kelly ODwyer into parliament on December 18 after a federal court ruling about casual pay loadings sparked concerns amongst small business owners earlier in the year.

The Workpac v Skene case ruled that truck driver Paul Skene employed casually through a labour hire firm to work for mining giant Rio Tinto was a full-time employee entitled to annual leave and sick pay.

Labor senator Doug Cameron raised the issue in the Senate last week sparking concerns among business owners that they may be confronted with the significant liability of having to pay casual staff both a casual loading, normally around 20 per cent, and annual leave and sick leave entitlements.

But Labors shadow minister of Employment and Workplace Relations Brendan OConnor says Labor is seeking an objective and clear explanation of what constitutes a casual employee so that employers and employees know and understand the difference and what their entitlements are.

He also says the new regulations do not actually change anything that was already in law anyway.

This is bad regulation that the governments own advice argues doesnt even change the existing law. How can you get a remedy if you dont change anything? OConnor told ProPrint.

The government has shown no interest in tackling precarious employment and therefore are unlikely to join Labor and legislate an objective definition of casual.

PIAA chief executive officer Andrew Macaulay says the news that the regulation may be disallowed opens the door for small business to be hit with casual employees making a claim for both a casual loading and annual leave and sick pay entitlements.

The entire situation creates an enormous, and unnecessary uncertainty and stress for small businesses in an area that is already tricky to navigate without specialist help, Macaulay says.

It beggars belief that Doug Cameron can move to disallow a regulation aimed at protecting family businesses from a clearly unreasonable legal obligation. A fair definition of a fair pay for fair work would not include double dipping.

Legislation to make it easier for long term casuals to convert to full time employees after a certain period of time is also up for debate in Canberra this week.

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Sign up to the Sprinter newsletterThe Printing Industries Association of Australia is now taking nominations for the 2019 Printing Industry Creativity Awards (PICA) which will be held nationally ahead of the 36th National Print Awards in Sydney on August 15.

Nominations close on April 19, 2019 and is the first category entered is free for PIAA members.

The PICAs are the first step towards having the opportunity for Australian printers to enter their work in the National Print Awards with winning entries of that event then being sent to Canberra for the 2019 Print to Parliament event.

PIAA chief executive officer Andrew Macaulay says the theme for 2019 is innovation, evolution and revolution and urges printers to submit their work.

Macaulay also pointed out the new feature this year is entering in the first category is free for financial association members.

Printed forms are in the mail and you can also enter online at https://www.printingawards.com.au



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Sign up to the Sprinter newsletterWhen asked about the future of the Australian print industry, there is one thing Bambra Press managing director John Wanless is clear on.

The industry will be around for a very very long time and will definitely see him out.

But the flipside?

For the industry to achieve longevity, Wanless says further consolidation and sharing of commercial print equipment will be definitely required.

Both Bambra and Wanless have a long connection to the Melbourne print scene with the business itself beginning in 1980 and named after the street in which it began.

Wanless himself came into the industry a year later as a fresh out of high school teenager unsure about taking up a spot at Swinburne University. Instead of plunging into tertiary study, he took up a family friends offer to work at a paper supply company and from there you could say the rest is history.

Wanless joined Bambra Press in 1993 and eventually took it over in 2006 with Troy Riley returning as general manager and shareholder in 2014. Wanless remains deeply connected to the industry while continuing to expand, develop and bring innovation to the company as it grows outwards.

Along the way a well respected reputation has been built around both the company and its owner and the happy buzz of the 60 staff at Bambras bustling Port Melbourne production facility further supports the success.

Wanless is a current board member of The Real Media Collective which is a group of associations that have banded together to form a powerful group that promotes the value and power of print as a way to market to consumers.

He has also featured in the upper reaches of the ProPrint Power 50 for a number of years, which acknowledges leading print innovators in Australia, including a No.4 finish in 2018.

Not that hes willing to boast about that and chuckles at the suggestion that he is considered to be one of the countrys strongest print leaders.

But he is open to talking business and sharing ideas with other printers, to a point that is, and is chairman of the Melbourne Print Group that meets up in Melbourne bi-monthly to share non competitive information with like minded business owners.

Wanless is also no stranger to buying printing businesses and bringing them in under the Bambra banner.

The pace has been brisk.

Most recently there have been three buyouts in a six year window beginning in 2012 with the takeover of the $1m revenue Printwize. The 2014 purchase of 50-year-old family business Allardice Graphics came next. Then in 2015 McKellar Renown, also a well respected and long running family business, joined the Bambra ranks bringing with it 22 staff, $6m in annual revenue and a specialty production area of stamp printing.

For Wanless its this kind of consolidation and continued evolution that is necessary for commercial printing to not only survive but thrive long into the future.

Printing will be around for a long, long time. It will see me out, Wanless tells ProPrint.

I think there is still a need for some consolidation in the commercial printing market certainly in Melbourne. That could be through a whole lot of different means, but people getting together makes a lot of sense. Sharing machinery makes a lot of sense so I dont know where its going to plateau, but it will level out at some stage.

Instead of liquidations, Wanless is hoping that business owners who find themselves struggling to keep their heads above water will opt to merge.

Honestly, a business owner should know if they are struggling well in advance of shutting the doors. If you are struggling and have no dynamic plans for the business  seek help, dont just hope it will get back to normal, because normal is not coming back, he says.

Some people do it not by choice but you can see there are some distressed businesses out there by the prices they are selling at.

Its unsustainable and it cant last forever. Unfortunately there will probably be a few more liquidations to come. Hopefully there will be more mergers and acquisitions.

Seventeen months ago Wanless and Riley hired Steven Haas as Bambras chief executive officer, who since walking through the door has enthusiastically examined every aspect of the business to hunt out opportunities for efficiency gains and identify areas for further business and cultural development.

There were many processes and contracts that needed to be addressed, and a full analysis of the business financials from top to bottom to put a strategy in place to make Bambra a much stronger company, says Haas, whose own business was acquired by Bambra 18 years ago.

One of the key initiatives set in play by Haas has been the rollout of a tailored PrintIQ management information system, which was installed in January 2019 after months of development.

Haas says the Print IQ implementation will vastly change the way Bambra operates and open up opportunities that will allow some current staff to be re-trained where they can contribute to other, more profitable parts of the business.

Its completely transformational, Haas says.

The opportunity to access high quality reports out of IQ is a vast improvement and the ability to bolt on automation for different components of the process is really significant.

The MIS system is really quite modular so you have the opportunity to combine additional software or processes that we can develop internally to further systemise different aspects of the business.

Bambra Press has many strings in its bow which is one of the reasons why it has stayed competitive despite the ongoing challenges.

Leading the charge is its twelve colour + coater Heidelberg Speedmaster offset press which since being installed in 2011 has continued to account for 60 per cent of total revenue for the business.

The Speedmaster has the capacity to produce 15,000 sheets per hour and despite it hitting the usual changeover period, Wanless feels there is no need to upgrade at the moment as there has been no significant improvements to the technology to date.

They cant really improve much on what theyve built because its already pretty smart, Wanless says, also adding that many consumable parts of the press have been replaced recently making changing over unnecessary.

In the digital sphere, the HP Indigo 10000 was installed in 2013 and has the capacity to produce 3000 single sided sheets per hour. It operates with two other smaller Indigos and together these digital machines generate 40 per cent of company revenue.

It (the Indigo 10000) is just bigger and is more of a production press while the 7600 Indigos are more jobbing machines. We got into the digital printing 15 years ago so we were reasonably early users of the Indigo technology, Wanless says.

We are a B2 format offset printer, not A1, so it suited us to go bigger in size while still doing smaller value jobs. It suited us to go into digital because we already had customers who were buying small jobs and some of the bigger A1 printers didnt get into digital until quite late because they were doing big runs and they didnt really want to get involved in doing low value jobs.

And then theres wide format.

A brand new 1.6m Mimaki UV roll to roll press was being installed as ProPrint toured the building and will complement the 2.4m SwissQ, meaning Bambra is all set to print CMYK on up to 50mm media.

Its a new string to our bow  its an add on that our sales team can now go and sell to existing customers, Wanless says of Bambras expanded wide format offering.

Marking a mix in new and old tech arty finishes including formecutting, flat sheet debossing and letterpress are handled by the rock solid Heidelberg Cylinders and Platens.

Having set such a cracking pace of acquisitions, the question does come to mind about whether Bambra may be on the lookout for any future purchases.

Haas is pretty clear on this one.

While he, Wanless and Riley arent on the lookout so to speak, they are open to opportunities, either of a whole business or equipment, that may fit in with its current operation and future strategic plan but only after the proposition has passed a stringent evaluation process.

The opportunities do come up reasonably regularly in this industry so there are always a few pieces of equipment or companies up for sale and really if it fits into our long term strategic plan then we would certainly act on that, Haas says.

But theres a pretty serious evaluation process in place at the moment as there is potentially more risk in acquisitions then there was before.

It is really quite challenging to buy a business and properly capitalise on the acquisition, whether you integrate it into your own business or whether it stands alone, a full evaluation of whether it is the right fit and financially advantageous must be done before we seriously consider any proposal.

Bambra Press does not stand still which is also part of its recipe for success, but it would be wrong to say its focusing on any particular direction, says Haas.

The industry is changing in so many different directions. It is important to pick a direction that offers sustainable opportunities so we now put processes in place to explore different directions and then choose a path, says Haas.

We are constantly evolving. We are looking at the next iteration of whatever additional field we explore.

Historically, Haas says the print industry has taken over industries that were at one point stand alone.

Thats the thing about the print industry, its aggressively territorial and historically it has tended to steam roll over adjacent industries. For example more recently signwriting was an industry of artisans and print has really taken that over quite aggressively, Haas says.

There are a few industries like that, that are currently in the sights of the print industry.

Its an interesting perspective but its really quite valid if you look back across the history of the industry.

The questions about what 2019 may bring for Bambra Press are still open for discussion, but have no doubt improvements and further evolutions will continue to come.

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Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter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INDEPENDENCE  Jennifer Ranstrom-Smith was sworn in as Independence City Councilor on Feb. 12.

The position was vacanted by Odilon Santos-Campos, who resigned in January when he moved to Monmouth.

Ranstrom-Smith is a Central High School graduate and works as an executive assistant for the Oregon Water Resources Department.

She is a Democratic precinct committee person and previously was senior staff support for 38 Oregon State representatives.

Ranstrom-Smiths work on elected boards includes time as chair for the Program Development Committee, national Council of State Legislatures Leadership Staff Committee and for the Oregon Capitol Safety and Wellness Committee.

In her application for the council seat, Ranstrom-Smith said she applied because she wants to make my hometown better, safer and stronger.

Video of her candidate interview before the council on Feb. 12 is posted on the citys YouTube channel: https:tinyurl.com/y2jstu2jDALLAS  Mint Valley Paper, which manufactures tissue and other paper products, is considering building a facility on 55-acres near Godsey Road and Jonathan Avenue in Dallas.

The facility would cost $300 million to build at 1520 SE Godsey Road, and the Washingtion-based company says it would bring 120 jobs to Dallas.

Representatives of Mint Valley Paper met in person with neighbors of the proposed facility over the weekend.

Mint Valley Paper would be excited to be part of the Dallas community, read a flyer handed out to neighbors of the project. We take our responsibility of being a good neighbor very seriously. In addition to investing in landscaping and general appearance, our clean, quiet, state-of-the-art facility will be environmentally friendly and designed to minimize any noise or traffic impact on the neighborhood.

Since the notifications went out, residents have expressed concerns via social media that the facility would be a pulp mill that would be noisy and have an offensive odor.

This will run 24 hours, extremely noisy and will have a terrible odor, said proposed facility neighbor Linda Gale Pooleon in a post to the Dallas Community Bulletin Board Facebook page. This will decrease our property value extremely. Remember the paper mill in Albany. Please city of Dallas, dont allow this into our community.

Mint Valley and city officials said the proposed facility will not be a pulp mill.

The pulping operation is what most of the general public associates with odor, noise. Tall buildings that are six stories tall that pulp the wood, said Mint Valley CFO Aaron Gomolak. We are not going to have any of that. The pulp will come to us in bales, almost like a hay bale.

Gomolak said the operation would buy pulp from producers in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. Several truckloads of pulp will be delivered each day to be used as needed.

There is no odor that comes out of our process, Gomolak said.

Dallas Economic Development Director AJ Foscoli said the plant will emit steam from rehydrating the dry pulp to turn it into paper products.

Gomolak said most of the noise will be contained inside the plant.

We did a full noise study, and basically the conclusions of the noise study indicate that the loudest sound that the adjoining neighbors are going to hear would a car door slamming in the morning or at shift change, Gomolak said. This is state-of-the art equipment. Its all going to be brand new. Its all designed to minimize noise.

Gomolak said landscaping design will provide an extra noise buffer.

Foscoli said the part of the plant that will produce the most noise will be located the furthest away from homes.

The company also conducted a traffic study to see the impact the facility would have on surrounding streets.

We did a full traffic study, and traffic patterns have been studied and mapped to minimize impact on the local community as well, Gomolak said. Theres going to be some truck traffic. Obviously, theres going to be employees coming and going, but nothing that we think is going to disrupt the community.

He said most of the truck traffic would be funneled to Monmouth Cutoff Road as opposed to nearby neighborhood streets.

That was how it was designed, Gomolak said.

Foscoli said the company began looking at the Dallas site in 2017. Gomolak said the locations proximity to Interstate-5, ease of access to utilities, and the citys purple pipe recycled water project made Dallas a good location.

The plant will use recycled water from the citys treatment plant. The water is suitable for irrigation and industrial uses.

They will be one of the first users of the purple pipe system, Foscoli said.

Gomolak added the company is looking for a place that could provide the work force the facility needs. He said, as much as possible, the company would hire workers from Polk County.

We may have to go outside for an engineer, he said. It would be our intention, working with the local community to fill 90-95 percent of those jobs locally.

Gomolak noted that the project isnt quite final yet. The company still is in the process of securing financing.

This isnt a case where the public comment period is over  and we are going to break ground the next Tuesday. Were quite frankly three or four months away, Gomolak said. This is just step in the process. We want to make sure that arent any major road blocks, hurdles, and our investors want to make sure as well.

Foscoli said the project is under a type 2 planning review because the land, though used for farming now, is zoned industrial.

Residents have until Feb. 15 to submit comments to the city or concerns about the project.

The city will meet with Mint Valley after that date about any concerns voiced in the comment period that havent been addressed in the application. After that, the city will issue a notice of decision.

The notice will describe conditions of approval and the appeal filling procedure, said Dallas Planning Director Scott Whyte.

If the project is appealed, that will be heard by the Dallas Planning Commission.

Foscoli said Mint Valley will host a town hall to answer questions about the facility once the planning process is complete. Gomolak said the company welcomes questions.

We want to encourage people to comment, we want feedback, he said. That is our job as managers and leaders, to make sure we a answering both all the nice welcoming comments, but also people who are concerned. We want to address those concerns. We want to be a good neighbor.Deputy to graduate DPSST

SALEM  Deputy Sheriff Iesha Ruiz, Polk County Sheriffs Office, will graduate from the Public Safety Standards and Training Basic Corrections Local on Friday.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. with a reception following at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, 4190 Aumsville Highway SE, Salem.

Undersheriff Chris Hoy of the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office will be the guest speaker.

Grant to help with FC development

FALLS CITY  The city of Falls City applied for $86,000 in grants to engage the community in longterm economic development planning.

The city has been awarded a $35,000 grant from the Ford Family Foundation to go toward the effort. On Jan. 30, the Falls City City Council approved an application for a Business Oregons Local Economic Opportunity Fund grant.

The second grant would amount to $47,500, leaving $3,500 in matching funds paid for by the city, or possibly other grant sources.

The city is working with Eugene-based nonprofit Rural Development Initiative, which assists rural communities struggling with economic development. RDI secured the grant from Ford Family, which will be used to begin a community engagement process to get citizen input and develop a vision.

If awarded the LEOF grant will continue that process.

Committee approves official raises

DALLAS  Polk Countys Compensation Committee recommended raises for most of the countys elected officials.

County Administrator Greg Hansen listed 3 percent increases for the countys clerk, sheriff, assessor and commissioners.

He didnt recommend an increase for the treasurers salary, which remains at $1,000 monthly. That covers only the duties of the elected treasurer. Treasurer Linda Fox also acts as the countys finance director. The salary for that post increased from $7,000 to $7,200.

The total cost of the changes is $21,000.DALLAS  Pets Unleashed has been open since early October, and owner Jayden Jones said he only wants one thing for it: To serve the people of Dallas by offering them quality products for their pets.

Dallas has been a great support to us so far, they really have, said Jones.

Its a small space, but feels homey with its open floor-plan, allowing customers to browse, but never having to wander far from the front counter if they have a question about a product.

The store, at 322 Main St., offers products including animal food, toys, treats and clothes, as well as a reptile section that sells lights, fish and reptile supplies, iguanas, bearded dragons, chameleons, tortoises and hermit crabs.

A little bit of everything, Jones said.

Hes lived in Dallas since he was in high school, and figured it was the perfect place to start up his business, which he established with the help of his mom, Angie Jones.

Well Dallas hasnt had a pet store in quite some time, Jones said, and I feel like its the middle of Polk County.

Being a small business can be hard, Jones said, especially with big chains like Walmart up the road, and online services such as Amazon.

The question going into this business for Jones was how to compete alongside those bigger corporations and be successful.

So far, Jones said hes just focused on the customer.

We give our customers more attention than the big chain stores, he said. We educate them on the products, we reach out and do what we can to help and get them the stuff they need.

If the store doesnt have a product a customer wants, then Jones will order it, he said.

He has revamped the stores online website to make it easier for customers to get what they need. Customers can post a link of what they want, and Jones will get back to them within 48 hours to let them know the status.

When Pets Unleashed first opened, one of the main attractions were the puppies for sale, but it didnt take long for rumors to spread that Jones was getting his puppies from puppy mills. At one point, the Dallas Police Department and Animal Patrol got involved.

Jones was eager to dispel those rumors. He gets his puppies from local breeders in the Northwest, including Scio, Eugene and Bend.

Id always drive and pick them up, he said.

When he had puppies in the store, Jones said he was picky about who they went to, and each customer would have to sign a contract that stated they would take good care of that puppy.

There are no puppies for sale right now, but with the store still in its early stages, Jones said he has his hands full.

Its hard, because we get harassed a lot, and its a lot right now. We plan on having (puppies) still, just right now were trying to get everything going at one time, and having live animals is already hard enough.

Well continue to do it, but its just hard.

Now that Pets Unleashed has been open for a few months, Jones is looking to the future of his business and what else he can do with it.

Our goal is to move into a bigger location, he said. To expand and become a bigger store with more products.

But it doesnt stop there.

Weve been talking about possibly doing a delivery service, Jones said. Its hard right now, a small pet store competing with Chewy.com and Amazon. Thats something were looking at but, can we make it happen? It could take a while.

One of the items Jones sells at his store is CBD products for dogs, which is used to help with a myriad of issues such as epilepsy and seizures, anxiety, and pain.

He said he recognizes a need for the education about both using CBD for dogs, as well as about dog food, so another goal is to start up classes about hot topics such as these.

Offering dog training classes was another idea Jones had, and now its coming to life.

Starting Jan. 23, Pets Unleashed will partner with Kristines Dog Training, based out of Independence.

Each class, which ranges from puppy obedience to working with aggressive behaviors, will be a six-week long course, held at Pets Unleashed. Prices and times vary.

Jones said sign-ups, which you can do at the front counter of the store, will be available within the next week or so.

Now that its the new year, Jones said he hopes to start hiring as business picks up.

Pets Unleashed is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

And yes, you can bring your pet in, Jones said. Just make sure theyre leashed up, he added with a laugh.LEBANON  Brenton Wade Richmond, 48, of Lebanon, was charged with two counts of aggravated murder on Feb. 11.

On Feb. 9 at 10:53 a.m., a caller to the Linn County Dispatch Center reported two people were dead at a residence on Shannon Place in Lebanon, according to a news release from the Linn County Sheriffs Office.

The Linn County Major Crimes Team, consisting of LCSO, Oregon State Police, Sweet Home Police Department and Albany Police Department, was called to the scene.

Tammy Lee Hopper, 42, of Lebanon, and Erik Cody Jacobs, 48, of Independence, were found dead from apparent homicidal violence, according to the release. Hopper resided at the home.

Investigators worked through the night processing the crime scene. Richmond was identified as the suspect and arrested on Feb. 10 in Southern California near the Mexico border. Richmond is a former Lebanon police officer.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should call Detective John Lovik II at 541-967-3911.Support Local Journalism

Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing or making a contribution.DALLAS  Investigators have located and charged the suspect in a hit-and-run crash that resulted in a damaged power pole and brief outage in Dallas on Feb. 3.

At about 5:23 a.m., Dallas Police responded to a report of a power pole that was badly damaged in the area of Levens and Mill streets, according to a Dallas Police news release.

Upon arrival, officer Jordan Houser saw the power pole was shredded and detached from the base.

While Houser was checking the area, nearby, he noticed a Nissan Sedan crashed into a small tree and the corner of a fence at a residence on Mill Street.

The vehicle was unoccupied, and no one appeared to be nearby to explain what happened.

Later that morning at about 10:35, the vehicle was reported stolen.

Further investigation revealed Colton Sanford, who reported the vehicle as stolen, had been the one driving the vehicle that crashed into the pole, according to police.

Officers cited and released Sanford, 24, of Dallas, on charges of second-degree criminal mischief, failure to perform duties of driver when property is damaged and reckless driving

A portion of Southwest Levens Street was temporarily blocked due to the crash.

The power was out for a short period of time while the power company crews replaced the damaged power pole.DALLAS  Money, money, money  its like the sun we walk under  it can kill or cure.

Dolly Gallaher Levi, the namesake character of Hello Dolly!, wants it to be a cure.

But before she can use it as such, she must travel to Yonkers, New York, and marry the man who has it.

That is the premise of Dallas High School Theatres production of Hello Dolly!, which opens Thursday and runs through Saturday in Dallas High Schools Bollman Auditorium.

Lucky for her, among Dollys eclectic and curious array of occupations is matchmaker.

She meddles with peoples lives. Along with putting couples together, she also does a lot of other things. Shes a lawyer, she specialized in piercing ears, replugging pierced ears, reducing varicose veins and other miscellaneous things, said Hadley Nelson, who plays Dolly.

This time, she will have to use that talent for meddling to her own advantage to net the Scrooge-like Horace Vandergelder, the owner of Vandergelders Hay and Feed. That requires some trickery.

Throughout the play, she matches him up with Irene and Ernestina and other girls, but through that she kind of draws him towards her, Nelson said.

A widow in the 1890s, Dolly needs to find a mate  and one with money is all the better.

Her point is she wants to get with him for his money, so she can distribute it to all poor people and young people in the world, said Landan Anderson, who plays Barnaby Tucker.

Young, naive and shy Barnaby is a beneficiary of Dollys advice on making a favorable impression on someone.

He just meets her at a hat shop one day, and she teaches him to dance so he can find a woman to hang out with, and marry one day, Anderson said.

Not just Barnaby, but his equally awkward friend, Cornelius Hackl. The pair meet Irene Molloy and Minnie Fay at the hat shop. Anderson said its his favorite scene of the musical, and its an example of the humor that runs throughout Hello Dolly!

Its just so wacky. The guys dont know how to talk to girls, Anderson said. Theyve never talked to women before, so they come up with these absurd lines that make no sense.

The underlying message of the comedy is finding the courage to be yourself.

I think that it talks about finding who you are as a person and the journey you take to do that, said Marykate Buhler, the assistant stage manager. And kind of letting go of the loss of losing somebody that you love.

Nelson said Dollys pivotal scene is when she sings Before the Parade Passes By.

Its this moment where Dolly can be genuine and real with how she feels, Nelson said. Im going to get in step. Im going to get my life back together. Be my own person instead of just messing with other peoples lives.

Nelson added that while Dolly at first seeks to catch a rich man, albeit to help others, she finds theres more to Horace than his miserly reputation.

I think that theres a little bit of feeling there, Nelson said. She thinks hes charming.

Director Blair Cromwell wrote in the directors notes on the play that Hello Dolly! is about celebrating the impulse to take a risk.

Do that thing you have only dreamed of doing. Tell that person you love that you love them, she wrote. Take that trip. Try that food. Do that dance. Say youre sorry. Life is an amazing opportunity, so live large and exhaust every possibility. Do it before your parade passes by.

Showtime

What: Hello Dolly!

When: Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m.

Where: Bollman Auditorium, 1250 SE Holman Ave., Dallas

Ticket: $7 online at https://goo.gl/kHEVrn. $8 at the door.

Of note: Based on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder. Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman. Book by Michael Stewart.DALLAS  Downtown Dallas businesses Some Things and the Dallas Main Street Emporium will be shuffling locations in the coming months after Some Things owner Mike Berkes found a building to expand his store.

Berkes said Some Things, now at 857 Main St., has outgrown its space, and he had been looking for a bigger place when the old Criders building a few blocks down at the corner of Oak and Main streets was sold.

Weve been looking quietly for about three years for somewhere appropriate to move. Its a mixed blessing because just finding space is one thing, but we didnt want to lose our downtown roots, Berkes said. We wanted to be in a historic building. It was hard to find. We could have gone into a modern building in the newer part of town a long time ago or left town completely, but thats not what we wanted to do.

Berkes said he contacted the new owner, commercial real estate firm Terra Quest LLC, and told him about his plans to expand his shop, which sells antiques and new items, including furniture and beds. He said he got a call from the owners son saying they approved of the plans.

Its four times what we have now in square feet, Berkes said. We are to take 25 percent of it and replicate this store. Everything that brought us to the dance is going to come back with us. We are going to continue to have dealers. We are going to continue to have used furniture. The health center will be in there. Just like you see in here.

The rest will be an expansion of the new-furniture side of the business.

Weve already got our franchise for Jacksons Furniture. We have our franchise for Flexsteel, and we are working on others, Berkes said. We will be a full-fledged furniture store.

Getting the new location ready will delay the move until the end of February, Berkes estimates. He said the old coolers and freezers in the Crider building had to be removed  and that is just the beginning. The owners will put in new heating and air conditioning, and remodel the bathrooms, he said. Berkes will install new floors, upgrade the electrical, replace the electric door in the front, and reopen the entrance on Main Street.

Theres a lot of work to be done in the building, Berkes said. We would go today if it were up to us, but its a substantial renovation in that building.

Some Things isnt the only business making a move. Once Berkes store opens down the street, the Dallas Main Street Emporium will relocate into the Some Things building, according to Emporium employee Merry Parks.

Emporium owners Kim and Mark Brehm purchased the Some Things building a few years ago, she said.

Parks said the Brehms were on vacation, but confirmed the move  and hinted at plans to bring a new enterprise into the Emporiums current location at 939 Main St.

We will be moving into the Some Things building after a little bit of remodeling. It will happen over the next few months. There are not hard, fast dates yet, she said. Mark and Kim are looking into some interesting options for this building. Several things are possibilities, things that are not already offered downtown.

Parks didnt elaborate on just what kind of business could occupy the building because nothing is final at this point.

If things work out like they are hoping, this is going to be amazing, she said. But like I said, nothing is firmed up yet.

Parks, who is a former Some Things vendor, said she thinks the moves are positive for both businesses and for the downtown.

I think its exciting because its growth, and there will be new opportunities, she said.What Happens if the InSight Mole Hits a Rock?

This is the second most common question I get asked about the InSight mission. (The most common is: how can you take a sensitive instrument like a seismometer, launch it on a rocket, land it on Mars, and expect it to work? Im happy that question is now obsolete.)

Dont worry, HP3s designers have thought about this. The following are the reasons why theyre not overly concerned:

The mole can push aside small rocks. We have dug in Mars soil many, many times before, both with scoops (Viking and Phoenix) and wheels (Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity), and scientists have written quite a lot about the properties of various types of Mars soil. The mole has been designed to deal with a range of potential Mars soil properties, and can hammer itself forcefully enough to be able to push aside pebbles and rocks up to 5 or 10 centimeters across that it encounters as it penetrates.

The mole can skitter around larger rocks. If the pointy tip of the mole encounters a rock that is too large to push aside, it will most likely encounter a surface that is not horizontal. In that case, the hammering action will cause the tip of the mole to be deflected, sliding it down the sloping face and around the rock; once its detoured around the rock, the mole will right itself and continue driving vertically. The mole contains a tiltmeter that will be monitoring any such deflections so the team will know pretty precisely what the moles course into the surface was. The tiltmeter can measure deflections to an accuracy of 1 degree.

Big rocks are not likely. One of the factors that led them to the Elysium landing site was the relative absence of large rocks. The surface of the landing site is less rocky than most previous landing sites, comparable to Phoenix. How about buried rocks? A tricky bit of geomorphology research told them there shouldnt be many. Heres how that worked: they mapped the sizes of impact craters and noted whether the craters had blocky ejecta (that is, whether they were surrounded by large rocks that had been dug up during the impact). Larger craters do have blocky ejecta, but smaller craters do not. The transition between small, not-blocky craters and larger, blocky ejecta craters happens at a crater size that would have dug its ejecta from more than 5 meters depth. The lack of blocks in these smaller craters suggests that there arent big rocks in the top 5 meters or so of soil at Elysium.Building a spacecraft is about managing various forms of risk: the risk of hardware failure, software errors, design flaws, you name it. But the project managers of Lucy, an upcoming NASA mission to distant trojan asteroids, face a new type of risk: the risk that they could miss a launch window due to legal battles between rocket companies.

On 31 January, NASA's Launch Services Program announced that it had awarded a contract to United Launch Alliance (ULA) to launch Lucy into space. The company's Atlas V-401 rocket, the same configuration that launched MAVEN to Mars, was selected for a cost of $148 million.

SpaceX, which had proposed its Falcon 9 rocket for the same purpose, filed a formal protest with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 11 days later, triggering a formal review. In response, NASA issued a stop-work order to ULA while the contract is under review, which could take as long as 3 months.

SpaceX justified its protest by saying that the company "offered a solution with extraordinarily high confidence of mission success at a price dramatically lower than the award amount, so we believe the decision to pay vastly more [to ULA] for the same mission was therefore not in the best interest of the agency or the American taxpayers."

People familiar with the Lucy project emphasized that mission planning continues despite the launch vehicle uncertainty. However, the uncertainty about which rocket they will use makes it difficult to optimize the spacecraft design to maximize its performance and minimize its fuel use. According to a GAO report on major NASA projects from 2018, Lucy has passed its preliminary design review and its team is working to finalize its design specifications ahead of entering the most complicated (and expensive) phase of the mission: the period where the hardware is built, integrated, and tested. Knowing the launch vehicle is an important part of mission planning at this stage.Are you planning to visit Australia soon? Do you know that the Australia Laws on Tourists Phone and Laptop Content? The Australia Custom Officials Can Check Your Phone and Laptop for explicit content like Child pornography? We blogged about this last year and two Malaysians were deported when the Australia Custom officials found explicit content in their mobile phones and you can read it here.

Last month, an Indian national man was caught in Perth after being caught with possessing child exploitation and other abhorrent material on two of his mobile phones. The 32 year old man deported after he completed two months in jail and also a fine of A$500.

Australian Customs Officials can check your electronic devices for porn and anyone found in possession of illegal material can face up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $525,000.

According to Australia Border Force Website, Child Pornography is Illegal.

Child pornography (any depiction of children in a sexually explicit manner) is illegal.

Publications, films, computer games and any other goods that describe, depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence, terrorist acts or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults are not allowed. This includes bestiality and sexual violence.

Penalties

Child pornography  up to 10 years imprisonment.

Other illegal pornography  lose your goods, on the spot fine, prosecution and large financial penalties may apply.

Examples

Offensive fetishes in publications such as offensive fetishes, bestiality, child pornography, sexual violence.

Exceptions

None

We are not sure why some people need to have child pornography content in their phone or laptop as it is really disgusting. Same goes to bestiality or sexual violence content.

Please make sure you dont have such content in all your folders before you enter Australia. If the Australian Custom officer found such content, you might end up in jail and fines before deporting you back. The Australian Customs have the necessary rights and laws to check on your phone and laptop content.

We hope this article will help you understand more on Australia Laws on Tourist Phone and Laptop Content. Remember to apply Australian Tourist Visa earlier especially Malaysians if you plan to visit Australia.

For more info on Australia Border Force laws, visit https://www.abf.gov.au

Wilson Ng A Father and traveler who enjoys to eat, shop, travel and taking pictures with Samsung S21 Ultra. Im a full time blogger, youtuber and father for two.

I travel around 17 International trips per year. Remember to follow us at www.instagram.com/placesandfoods and www.youtube.com/placesandfoods. For ads or features, contact me at [email protected] See author's postsISLAMABAD: The United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) Resident Representative a.i. Ignacio Artaza and his team briefed the Prime Minister and his Special Assistant on UNDPs Kamyab Jawan: Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP), which aims to support youth engagement and empowerment initiatives across Pakistan over a period of five years. The programme has a budget of US$ 30 million of which US$ 8 million is already committed by the Governments of Norway, Japan and United States.

The Federal Governments focused attention on youth is very relevant as 4 million young Pakistanis reach working age every year, yet they require support to reach their full potential; we are keen to scale up our work and support the governments initiatives for youth development and social inclusion through innovative approaches and partnerships, said UNDP Resident Representative a.i., Ignacio Artaza, in a call-on meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Special Assistant on Youth Affairs, Usman Dar here at the Prime Ministers Office on Tuesday.

UNDP is providing technical and resource assistance to Prime Ministers Office for the design and roll out of youth empowerment initiatives being led by the PMs Special Assistant on Youth Affairs, Mr. Usman Dar.

Appreciating the Special Assistant on Youth Affairs for his leadership and thanking UNDP for its assistance, the Prime Minister stressed the need to come up with innovative and impact oriented approaches to target young people including vulnerable groups.

This is especially important as youth comprises 64% of Pakistans population and reaping the demographic dividend can reshape the future of our country, said Prime Minister Imran Khan. Through my Office and Special Assistant, the Federal Government will play a leading role in promoting inter-provincial experience sharing and engaging with youth groups that are structurally excluded due to social, economic or cultural reasons, he stated.

Special Assistant on Youth Affairs, Mr. Usman Dar, informed the Prime Minister of his Offices joint efforts with UNDP to engage youth groups and stakeholders on the governments upcoming youth initiatives, such as the first-ever Prime Ministers National Youth Council, National Youth Conference, first-ever National Youth Development Index, and National Youth Development Programme.

I appreciate UNDPs technical assistance for the Governments efforts to design the National Youth Development Programme that will serve as an umbrella platform for all of our activity streams, said Mr. Dar. Mr. Dar has recently joined as co-chair of the UNDP Youth Empowerment Programmes Steering Committee. Our institutional partnership will serve to align our shared objectives for Pakistani youths meaningful engagement, quality education and gainful economic empowerment and employment, he said.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from Prime Ministers Office and UNDP.

Since 2014, UNDP has been implementing Kamyab Jawan: Youth Empowerment Programme that builds on the recommendations of the National Human Development Report on Youth (2017). It aims to promote youth empowerment and reduce young women and mens vulnerability and exclusion through a three-pronged approach: 1) Jobs/Economic Empowerment, 2) Social Engagement, and 3) Education/Skills Development. A country-wide programme with federal and provincial components (Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh), YEP aims to empower 200,000 marginalized and excluded youth (50% women) through skill building, employment and social engagement interventions. YEP partners with parliamentarians, government departments, civil society, media, universities, religious schools, technical training providers, businesses and private sector.

For additional information, please contact: Fatimah Inayet, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pakistan at fatimah.inayet@undp.org; +92 51 8355650Lahore, February 20, 2019: The School of Humanities and Social Sciences of Information Technology University (ITU) Punjab launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Tech Lab in collaboration with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pakistan on Wednesday, 20th February 2019.

Mr. Ignacio Artaza, Resident Representative a.i., UNDP Pakistan, Ms. Lina Mousa, Country Representative, UNFPA along with Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Acting Vice Chancellor ITU, inaugurated the SDG Tech Lab.

Achieving the SDGs requires doing business not as usual: investing in home grown, low-cost solutions that leverage technology and innovative approaches is a must to succeed, and through partnerships. Mr. Artaza said.

The UNFPA and the UNDP both emphasized the power of partnerships and joint-collaboration.

I have a strong passion to engage with academia, especially with institutes such as ITU who have the capacity and resources that can help us advance towards the SDGs, Country Representative UNFPA Lina Mousa said, It is all about partnership, in terms of national development priorities.

As closing remarks, Dr. Akhtar, the Vice Chancellor at ITU lauded his faculty and the intellectual capacity of the university.

The brains are at the University and development solutions will be coming from institutions, he said.

Dr. Akhtar emphasized the use of information and communication technology tools for strengthening the SDGs in Pakistan. He highlighted the role of cutting-edge research and improving the collection of solid evidence for policy making to solve national socio-economic issues.

Earlier today, a collaborative workshop organized by ITU and UNDP highlighted the core objectives of the SDG Tech Lab and its scope of work. The representatives of the Federal, all the four provincial and regional SDGs Units identified various socio-economic and governance issues. Dr. Akmal Hussain Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, ITU, Dr. Izza Aftab Director SDG Tech Lab, Head of Economics Department, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, ITU, Shakeel Ahmad Chief Development Policy Unit and Assistant Country Director highlighted the need for greater interprovincial collaboration for the effective implementation of SDGs in Pakistan.

For additional information, please contact: Fatimah Inayet, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pakistan at fatimah.inayet@undp.org; +92 51 8355650There were a pair of Saxony Lutheran baseball players whos numbers were off the charts this season. Both of them received one of the states highest awards.Crusader seniors Eli Brown and 

Even though the St. Vincent girls soccer program moved up to Class 3 this last spring, the individual success has continued. Mary Schwartz earned a spot on the Missouri Soccer Coaches Association 

Perryville High School girls soccer team had one of its best seasons in program history, so it only makes sense that the team should receive state recognition. Three players were named to the 

Roth ready to take charge of Perryville football The excitement for Brent Roth is off the charts as he acclimates himself to his new position. Roth will enter into his dream job next fall when he takes over as the new head coach of 

Indians basketball continues improvement If a person were to ask St. Vincent boys basketball coach Bruce Valleroy how exactly his teams summer has been going, he couldnt have asked for a better start. St. Vincent participated 

Adams grateful to play soccer at Illinois College Saxony Lutheran senior Paul Adams has been playing soccer for quite a while, for much of his entire life. He developed a passion for the sport and will continue to grow and hopefully prosper at the 

Click Here For Our Local Sports PageTodd Cowan, left to right, & Jordan Dermer (Co-founders of Capital Developments), Karl Lagerfeld & Peter Freed, taken at the Artshoppe Lofts & Condos launch event in Toronto, April 2015. Several Canadian fashion and design experts who met couture icon Karl Lagerfeld are recalling a powerful visionary whose influence lives on in their work. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Capital Developments *MANDATORY CREDIT*Former Central Regional Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Allotey Jacobs has appealed to the national Chief Imam Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharabutu and Islamic scholars to incorporate the spirit of nationalism into residents in Zongo communities.



He called on the Chief Imam and Islamic scholars to talk to the Zongo communities to stop fanning violence in the country.



According to him, the name "Zongo" has become synonymous with violence and so residents in Zongo communities are usually found to be causing mayhem in the country.



This, he said, doesn't paint a good picture about the settlers in the community.



They will need to talk to our brothers in these Muslim communities. They need to be talked to. We need to educate them. We need to orientate them. We need to conscientize them that Ghana first and not about individuals and not about political parties . . . Its very disturbing and theres the need for a change, he said.



He was commenting on the recent shooting incident at the NDC office in Kumasi where one person was shot dead and another seriously injured and receiving urgent medical attention.



Allotey Jacobs, who seemed to have had enough of the behaviour of residents in Zongo communities, appealed to the Chief Imam to add his voice to his (Allotey) calls for Zongo to be expunged because it creates a bad mental picture about the indwellers.



I want to make a personal appeal to the national Chief Imam, my very good old father, the man of God and the Supremo of Islam in Ghana [I want to appeal] that every evil thing is associated with Zongo but the meaning of a Zongo is a market place . . . for our northern neigbours to come and trade; so the place they settled is where we call Zongo.



"But now Zongo has become something that anything about party violence, assault, destruction means theyre people from Zongo. My appeal to him is that it is high time we remove the name Zongo from our body politic . . . We should remove Zongo out of our system. It doesnt create a good picture, he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo'.



He also called on the Akufo-Addo government to change the name of the Zongo Ministry to "Ministry for Muslim Development" to make the communities neighborly.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoThe Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong says he sides with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), David Asante Apeatu's directive to political parties to denounce vigilante groups.



He said their activities in recent times are worrying and a threat to state security  hence, all political parties must be bold enough to denounce them.



I support the move to denounce vigilante groups 100%. We should all condemn it, lets disband vigilante groups, he said in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie.



The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are the two leading political parties known with vigilante groups in the country.



But according to the IGP, it is against the countrys laws for political parties to have such groups that have recently been disturbing the peace of the country.



However, Kennedy Agyapong said It's time political parties will allow the police and the military to do their work to ensure peace in the country. They will not be bias.





Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoIssah Abdul Rahman, the man who sustained gunshot wounds during yesterdays shooting incident at the Ashanti Regional office of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kumasi, is now in a stable condition.



A source of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he is currently receiving treatment told the Ghana News Agency that he is responding to treatment.



Rahman, got seriously wounded in a shootout, which occurred at the said place and claimed one life.



The incident happened when gun-wielding men on motor-bikes stormed the Partys premises and started shooting indiscriminately.



This was during a meeting of some national executive members and the Ashanti Regional heads of the Party.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoThe newly created Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly (ACMA) was on Tuesday, inaugurated by the Greater Accra Regional Minister on behalf of the President of the republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo.



The ACMAs inauguration was one of the six newly created assemblies and districts that was inaugurated by Government simultaneously across the country. The newly formed ACMA will have Kokomlemle as its capital.



Mr Ishmael Nii Ashitey, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, who read a speech on behalf of the president said, the new assemblies, which had been created, was in accordance with the 1992 Constitution and Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).



He said the inauguration fulfilled the constitutional provision for the country to have a system of local government and administration which shall, as far as practicable be decentralized.



As it has been stated on numerous occasions my government is offering a new approach in doing things to drive agenda for change, growth, job creation and prosperity for all. The agenda will certainly be fulfilled if government brings governance to the doorsteps of the people. This will ensure effective and efficient decentralization through grassroots participation, better planning and improve service delivery in our local communities, he said.



The Minister said the assembly together with the rest created were considered to be essential for ensuring balanced and equitable development at the local level.



He added that, the assemblies were focal areas of the governments rural and urban development agenda, which included; provision of better opportunities for poverty reduction and enhancement of quality life, using agricultural regeneration and industrialization as well as urban renewal programmes with emphasis on development and maintenance of urban infrastructure.



He entreated all stakeholders to be focused, committed and pursue the agenda of development with one purpose while the government spearheaded the effort at accelerating and sustaining decentralization.



We should endeavour to make the decentralization agenda work by minimizing agitations on siting capitals, election of presiding members, appointment of government nominees, chief executives and provision of critical facilities of the communities.



Mr Mohammed Adjei Sowah, the Mayor of Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) said the AMA as at 2017 had 10 sub-metros but the president in his wisdom has created six Municipal Assemblies including the ACMA.



He urged the ACMA to do its utmost best to help the Accra Metropolitan Assembly so that the ambition and vision of the president would be realised.



The creation of the Assembly is in pursuant to the presidents agenda to bring development to the people and the government closer to the people.



He said the AMA was ready to compare notes and work together with the ACMA to achieve the urban development agenda.



The inauguration was attended by government officials including Mr Henry Quartey, Deputy Interior Minister, Mr Vincent Sowah Odotei, Deputy Communications Minister, some Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, political party representatives and opinion leaders, among others.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoThe family of Gregory Afoko, one of the suspects standing trial for the murder of the Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Adams Mahama, believes there are some unseen hands manipulating the judicial system to unfairly punish Gregory Afoko by keeping him in detention without a bail.



According to the family, its suspicion was confirmed when the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah at a press conference announced that government was going to apply to the Chief Justice to appoint a dedicated Judge for Gregorys retrial.



The family, at a press conference in Accra Tuesday questioned whether the Judge who had kept Gregory in detention for four years and tried him was not dedicated?



A Spokesperson of the family, Robert Atong Asekabta, said By this we believe that the government is trying to manipulate the judiciary to arrive at a pre-determined outcome.



According to him, the decision by the government to re-arrest the suspect after it filed a nolle prosequai' to discontinue the case at a very late stage of the case is to torture, intimidate and obtain involuntary confessions from Gregory and Asabke Alangdi.



Atong Asekabta said Gregory has been denied access to his lawyers and any member of his family, stressing that We do not know how our son is fed or what is put into whatever he is eating. We think that he is being emotionally, psychologically and physically tortured.



He added We think that he is being emotionally, psychologically and physically tortured.



Below is the statement



STATEMENT DELIVERED BY THE AYIETA FAMILY OF SANDEMA AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD AT THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, ACCRA, ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2019



Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the media. Thank you very much for honouring our invitation at short notice. The Ayieta Family of Sandema, to which Gregory Afoko belongs, is very much appreciative of your presence this morning.



Let me remind all of us gathered here, and Ghanaians in general, that our son, Gregory Afoko, since his arrest at the dawn of 21st May 2015 has been in detention under very trying conditions but has co-operated fully with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is done in the matter in which he has been falsely accused of, and charged with the murder of the late Adams Mahama, a former Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He has since been standing trial at the High Court, Accra.



Our son has, since his arrest and subsequent prosecution, consistently been denied bail even when he was clearly sick and would require urgent medical attention. He has been in detention with a swollen arm for some time now and we hope and pray that what is afflicting him is not so serious to irreversibly affect his health.



As you have been reading from the media, especially social media, on the reports emanating from the court on his trial, he was taken through the Committal Proceedings at the District Court, Accra which did commit him for trial at the High Court even though he has maintained his innocence since his arrest.



He went through the deliberate delays, frustrations of adjournments and the refusal to be granted bail in the hope that the matter would proceed to its logical conclusion for judgment to be pronounced so that he would know his fate.



The prosecution called as many as fourteen (14) witnesses, most of them from Bolgatanga, to testify against our son and closed its case. Gregory also opened his defence and closed his case and was awaiting the verdict of the court.



Ladies and gentlemen of the media, members of the family were therefore shocked to read and hear from the media that, with some few days to judgment, the Attorney-General who was prosecuting our son had filed a 'nolle prosequai', which the lawyers explained to us to mean that the Attorney-General had decided to discontinue with the trial even at that very late stage! Gregory was not going to know his fate after a full, tortuous and lengthy four-year detention and trial.



The Attorney-General's reason, we were told by the Minister for Information, was that they had arrested another suspect in the case and so the Attorney-General wanted to try the two together.



The following questions ran through our minds as we discussed amongst ourselves and also sought explanations and clarifications from lawyers on the issue:



Was it not possible legally, to try the new suspect alone as was done to Gregory?



Where was the fair trial in this after Gregory had been taken through all the pains of four years of detention, and to be put through a retrial?



Had something gone wrong with his trial?



Did the Attorney-General anticipate an acquittal and discharge of Gregory and was not happy with it?



Is it mandatory for the two accused persons to be tried together?



These and many other questions flooded our minds and we were left very disappointed and down-hearted. We suspected that some unseen hands were manipulating the judicial system to unfairly punish Gregory by keeping him in continuous detention for more years.



Our suspicion was confirmed when the Minister for Information announced in his press briefing on the matter that government was going to apply to the Chief Justice to appoint a DEDICATED Judge for the retrial of Gregory! So, the judge who had kept Gregory in detention for four (4) years and tried him was not dedicated?



By this we believe that the government is trying to manipulate the judiciary to arrive at a pre-determined outcome.



This, we believe, is weaponization of the judiciary.



With this turn of events, we are asking whether there is the need at all for any further investigation necessitating the re-arrest of Gregory. Why should Gregory suffer or for that matter any citizen of Ghana, as a result of the incompetence of the Attorney General? If they had not done any proper investigation, why was Gregory rushed to court?



We believe that the real reason for the re-arrest is to torture, intimidate and obtain involuntary confessions from Gregory and Asabke Alangdi.



Ladies and gentlemen of the media, as you might have heard, we have instructed the lawyers of Gregory to use all the legal means available to challenge the fairness of the filing of the nolle prosequi at the appropriate court. I am happy to inform you that the lawyers have informed us that some processes have been initiated at the Supreme Court and other courts. I cannot speak to those issues but my information is what I have told you.



The sad aspect of this unfortunate event which unfolded is that even before the High Court that remanded Gregory into prison custody could formally discharge him before any re-arrest could be made, the state security, in a show of force, removed Gregory from the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons in his boxer shorts and dumped him in the Bureau for National Investigations (BNI) cells.



The state security did not, and has still not, allowed him access to his lawyers and/or any member of his family. We do not know how our son is fed or what is put into whatever he is eating. We think that he is being emotionally, psychologically and physically tortured.



Ladies and gentlemen of the media, whilst the lawyers are at it, we have taken a decision to bring this inhumane treatment meted out to our son to the attention of Ghanaian and international human rights organisations and associations to also intervene because we believe that his arrest, continuous detention, denial of bail and re-trial has political undertones.



Finally, we are appealing to the judiciary to reject the shameful invitation by the executive to the Chief Justice to appoint the so-called DEDICATED judge that the Minister for Information publicly stated. The Executive arm of government cannot and must not be the prosecutor and the judge at the same time.



Thank you once again for your presence and your attention.



ROBERT ATONG ASEKABTA



Spokesperson, Ayieta Family of Sandema



Tel: 0244105355

Source: Daily Graphic









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoThe Volta River Authority (VRA) owes the Ghana Gas Company Limited an amount of US$ 735 million.



The debt was incurred as a result of the VRAs inability to pay for gas supply to power its power terminal plant.



The development, according to the Ghana Gas Company, is affecting its finances.



Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Unique Fm, the Head of Finance at Ghana Gas, Mr Emmanuel Essiel said the company will however not halt supply to of gas to VRA since halting supply of gas to the company could plunge the country into a power crisis.



He indicated that government has shown commitment in reducing the debt from over US$900 million to US$750 million.



Mr Essel said 90 per cent of our business is with VRA. We do give them lean gas for power production and so it is expected that we will receive moneys for the supplies that we give them for power production. Unfortunately, over the years, that payment has not been forth coming."



He explained that Ghana Gas in 2018 entered an agreement with the company to pay US$3 million every month as part of measures to help defray its debts.



Mr Essel said "Sometimes from April, however that seized in October and so all together last year we received just around US$20 million from VRA as against the average of US$30 million that we give them every month. So at the end of the year, we have recorded a depth of US$735 million that is owed by VRA."



He, however, said discussions are still on going at the board level with the government on how to get VRA to pay their debt.

Source: Daily Graphic









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoRussia's parliament has voted to ban soldiers from using smartphones while on duty after their social media use raised issues of national security.



The bill forbids military personnel from using a phone with the ability to take pictures, record videos and access the internet.



Soldiers also cannot write about the military or talk to journalists.



More than 400 of 450 lawmakers in Russia's lower house of parliament, the Duma, backed the law on Tuesday.



Phones with basic calling and messaging facilities could still be used, but tablets and laptops would also subject to the new ban.





Soldiers' social media data has allowed open-source journalism sites like Bellingcat to expose secret military activity by Russian forces, sometimes in real time.



The bill must now be considered by the upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, before being signed into law by President Vladimir Putin.



Why is there a ban?



Russian officials said the move was necessary to protect military information from foreign intelligence services.



In recent years, social media posts by servicemen have revealed Russia's military presence in eastern Ukraine and Syria, sometimes contradicting the government's official claim of not having troops there.





Since 2017, Russian soldiers have been warned against sharing any information online, including selfies.



Russia is not the first country to take steps to introduce stricter digital practices for military personnel following security issues.



US military security concerns were raised when a fitness tracking firm showed the exercise routes of military personnel in bases around the world - including in Syria and Afghanistan during conflict time.



US soldiers are still allowed to use social media but must follow guidelines.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoThe Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana Limited has organised a capacity building workshop Teacher Transformation Programme for teachers in the Tema West constituency.



The 3-day programme took place this February at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Sakumono and impacted more than 300 teachers from 21 public schools within the constituency.



In partnership with LeadAfrique International, a Non-Governmental Organisation; the Member of Parliament for Tema West, Hon Kingsley Carlos Ahenkorah and the Tema GES Directorate, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana Limited under the Teacher Transformation Program sought to enhance the personal effectiveness of teachers in Tema West by providing them with essential life skills such as leadership and financial management which are relevant to their roles as mentors.



A teacher is a great influencer in the life of a student; a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to whom the student looks up to for guidance, counseling and academic excellence. But unfortunately, little attention is paid to developing the mindset, behavior and attitude of the teacher. The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana Limited having identified this need, is offering its support to enhance the overall development of the teacher, said Bethel Yeboah, Public Affairs and Communication Manager of the company.



Over the years, The Coca-Cola System has made significant strides in driving sustainable development especially in Education, by aligning its interest with that of the communities in which it operates. This has been demonstrated through initiatives such as:



 Discovery Channel Global Education Program in 20 schools in Greater-Accra and Kumasi which benefited over 500 teachers and 18,000 students.



 Infrastructure for schools in Guunayili, Northern Region.



 Built a 6-classroom block with toilet facilities, water storage and a teacher meeting room at Abuti-Teti in the Volta Region.



 Constructed a multi-purpose hall for the Delany Academy at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region.



 Other classroom buildings and refurbishments have occurred in Aburi and Samsa Odumasi as well.



Enhancing the skills of the teacher fits directly into The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghanas broader mission of supporting the effort at creating a sustainable educational sector in the country. The company is committed to creating more value for its consumers, customers and the communities it serves across the country.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoDirector of Operations of the National Security, Colonel Michael Kwadwo Opoku has told the Justice Emile Shorts Commission that it was not only the residence of the National Democratic Congress candidate for the by-election that was under surveillance on the day of the shootings.



According to him, there were two other places under checks by the SWAT Team of the National Security.



He gave the names of the places as the Elton Hotel in East Legon where he said the New Patriotic Party(NPP) was using as its operations Centre and the Skills Centre around Okponglo.



The Director is appearing before the Justice Emile Shorts Commission today to give testimonies into the circumstances leading to the shooting incident on January 31, 2019, during the by-election.



Asked whether he played any role in the security arrangement on that day, he supported the initial statement by Interior Ministry.



He said on January 17, he was invited to a meeting to the Ministry of Interior for a meeting chaired by Deputy Interior Minister, Henry Quartey, and that the Controller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Takyi was part of that meeting.



He said during the meeting, he was requested to support the police and the Interior Ministry with two things which were to provide security backup and provide a place as headquarters for their taskforce at Abelemkpe on the day of election.



He indicated that on the 24th of January, he was invited again to tell whether the requests would be met.



According to him, he granted the requests of the Interior Ministry during the second meeting on January 24th.

Source: Daily Guide









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Featured VideoQuality Healthcare Services Boosted with introduction of Mercedes-Benz Ambulances by Silver Star Auto





The delivery of quality healthcare services in the country has been boosted with the introduction of Mercedes-Benz Ambulances by leading automobile dealer, Silver Star Auto Limited (SSAL).



Manufactured to respond to medical and trauma emergencies and fit to partake in disaster rescue and emergency response incidents, the vehicle can travel at high speed to provide the first aid required to save lives.



The all-new Mercedes-Benz Ambulances are equipped with the best life saving devices on the market needed for medical emergencies. It includes: Attendant Chair, Portable Patient Monitor with ECG facilities, Monitoring equipment, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) with Adult and Pediatrics Pads, Scoop Stretchers, Resuscitation Device, Oxygen delivery system and Paramedics Emergency bag.



The grand launch which was held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra during the climax of the German African Business Summit 2019. Also present were representatives of partnered companies of the Mercedes-Benz Ambulance project. They included: Mr. Henrich Schepler, Chief Executive Officer of Carl Friederichs GmbH and Mr. Stefan Kuhn, from Weinmannin Hanburg-Germany who were on hand to do in-depth presentation of the vehicle.



Launching the vehicle, Mr. Nouhad Kalmoni, Executive Director of SSAL underscored life as a precious commodity where every second counts during emergency situations and as such assured on behalf of SSAL that with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulance the precious seconds can be safeguarded to save lives of Ghanaians. He called on the health sector particularly to target the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulance describing it as an intensive care ambulance and a strong mobile van capable of taking care of any medical emergency situation.



Mr. Kalmoni seized the occasion to thank the Mercedes-Benz Ambulance project partners including Carl Friederichs GmbH and Weinmann in Hanburg-Germany. Special thanks also go to the German Embassy in Ghana for the support and the Ministry of Health who aided in a long discussion and careful study in the making of the ambulance for the Ghanaian market.



Mr. Kalmoni assured the government and private businesses that Silver Star Auto is ready to receive orders for ambulances that are properly specified and built for Ghana with the appropriate warranty and aftersales support.



Mr. Mustafa Kalmoni, General Manager of Commercial Vehicles-SSAL who presented the vehicle charged the market and the health sector to believe in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulances as the Sprinter guarantees safety, robustness and quality. Mr. Mustafa Kalmoni also urged buyers not be convinced by shoddy vans poorly converted to ambulances, but to buy the Genuine product from Silver Star Auto Limited, the only authorized distributor of Merecedes Benz products in Ghana.



He assured that the vehicles are fully approved by Mercedes-Benz Technicians and built of Ghana specification taking into consideration our roads. Statistics today shows that we have a limited number of running Ambulances in Ghana available for over 29 million Ghanaians. This is unacceptable he bemoaned and called on all to stop relying on Government only for our health needs and urged the private sector to do its part to aid national development.



Present was the Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Kingsley Aboagye-Gyedu who endorsed the quality of the Mercedes-Benz Ambulances. Some of the dignitaries present to at the launch included the Deputy German Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Helge Sander, the CEO of the giant Insurance company, Alliaz, Mr. Munhwani Darlington, the Managing Director of Standard Charted Bank Ghana, Mrs. Mansa Nettey and representatives of KFW Bank of Germany. Several other Members of Parliament and District Chief Executives as well as delegations from the Ghana Health Service and the National Ambulance Service. The event was also attended by practitioners from the Medical field including doctors, nurses and paramedics.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoNigeria, our big and powerful neighbour, never ceases to amaze me. Just when you think they cannot possibly do anything that can surprise, they find something to outdo themselves.

Before the events of last Saturday when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the postponement of the elections four hours to the opening of the polls, I had, for weeks, been fascinated by a story from the Central Bank of Nigeria.



The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, had said in a speech that the various initiatives aimed at encouraging domestic production had resulted in Nigerias monthly import bill falling significantly from $665.4 million in January 2015, to $160.4 million as of October 2018, representing a drop by 75.9 per cent and an implied savings of over US$21 billion on food imports alone over that period.



According to him, many Nigerian entrepreneurs were taking advantage of policies aimed at ramping local production to venture into the domestic production of the restricted items with remarkable successes and great positive impact on employment.



The most dramatic decline were the 97.3 per cent cumulative reduction in monthly rice import bills, 99.6 per cent in fish, 81.3 per cent in milk, 63.7 per cent in sugar, and 60.5 per cent in wheat.



Restriction



Now, this bit of information almost took my breath away and when I got over my astonishment, I decided Nigeria had obviously cracked whatever it is we in these parts have been struggling so hard to crack. I sent on the article to all those I thought would be interested.



This was the backstory. The Central Bank of Nigeria had in July 2015, restricted 41 items from accessing foreign exchange from the interbank foreign exchange market.



The restriction was not on the goods, the items were not banned or restricted by the Nigerian customs or the Federal Government. The importers of the restricted items were simply asked to source their foreign exchange requirements from autonomous sources.



Governor Emefiele waxed lyrical: If we continue to support the growth of smallholder farmers, as well as help to revive palm oil refineries, rice mills, cassava and tomato processing factories, you can only imagine the amount of wealth and jobs that will be created in the country.



These could include new set of smallholder farmers that will be engaged in productive activities; new logistics companies that will transport raw materials to factories, and finished goods to the market; new storage centres that will be built to store locally produced goods; additional growth for our banks and financial institutions as they will be able to provide financial services to support these new businesses; and finally, the millions of Nigerians that will be employed in factories to support processing of goods.



I said a loud Amen to this as I replaced Nigeria and Nigerians with Ghana and Ghanaians in the speech. Planting for Food and Jobs was on my mind and I could see in my minds eyes the new logistics companies transporting raw materials to factories etc. etc.



I thought about the first time I had gone to Nigeria, courtesy of the Daily Graphic. The Biafra civil war had formally ended a few weeks earlier, and there, on the streets of Lagos, were vehicles with Biafran number plates. For years I cited this as evidence of how willing Nigerians were to move on once something was over.



Then I thought of getting out of Murtala Mohammed Airport two days after General Abacha had died and the first bold headline I saw on a newspaper being offered for sale: Abacha Gone, May He Rot in Hell. Nobody looked surprised or shocked at this headline.



My mind went to what must surely be an apocryphal story in the early 1990s about how Nigeria dealt with a dispute with Britain about Nigerians being asked to fill in visa applications the size of a midsize booklet, which Ghanaians had been doing for about two years.



The story goes that a British Airways jumbo jet arrived at Murtala airport, was asked to wait, three Nigerian Immigration officials entered the plane and went straight to the first-class compartment where they asked for the passports of about five British travellers, opened them to the page with Nigerian visas and stamped CANCELLED on the visas.



I might add that in those days, Nigeria still had clout and the London to Lagos route was the most profitable for British Airways. The British amended the visa requirements for Nigeria and to this day they have more baggage allowance between London and Lagos than London and Accra.



I once sat in on Nigeria Senate Budget hearings. Dont now remember how and why the matter came up, but I certainly remember a Senator dismiss Ghana as having a national budget which was less, much less than the budget of Lagos State.



But I brought my mind back firmly to current matters. The INEC, called off an election with less than five hours to the opening of the polls. This one beats anything and everything.



Maldives too did it



But then again, maybe not. I once went to the Maldives as a member of a Commonwealth Election Observer Team. It is a long flight from Ghana to the Maldives.



I got there, we were deployed and sent off to my set of islands. The Maldives Supreme Court ordered the elections to be cancelled at 3.52a.m. on the morning of the scheduled voting.



The Electoral Commission did not even know the Supreme Court was sitting on any electoral case.



I cant and I shouldnt compare the Maldives to Nigeria.



Somehow, I cant work out that the same people who are able to restrict the importation of, and these are my favourites on the list of 41 items: toothpicks, rice, cement, margarine, palm kernel/palm oil products/vegetables oils, meat and processed meat products, vegetables and processed vegetable products, poultry chicken, eggs, turkey, private airplanes/jets, Indian incense, tinned fish in sauce(Geisha)/sardines, wheelbarrows, head pans, metal boxes and containers, enamelware, wooden doors, glass and glassware, kitchen utensils, tableware, textiles, oven fabrics, clothes, plastic and rubber products, cellophane wrappers, soap and cosmetics, tomatoes/tomato pastes, Eurobond/foreign currency bond/ share purchases; the same people cannot organise an election. In modern parlance, I have to SMH.



But spare a thought for my friend Ofeibea who reports for an international broadcaster. She went to the Democratic Republic of Congo to cover their elections. She was supposed to be back home for Christmas; she ended up there for seven weeks, after postponements, court injunctions and other related African electoral accoutrements.



She got to her base just in time to get ready to go and cover the elections in Nigeria. Now that President Muhammudu Buhari has ordered the police and military to be "ruthless" with vote-riggers, we have no idea how long Ofeibeas trip in Nigeria is going to last.

Incredible Nigeria.



I salute Waiting to hear from the President



I know exactly what I would want the President to say when he goes to Parliament tomorrow.



I suspect most people have their own scripts of what they want or expect the President to say as he addresses Parliament on the state of the nation.

Source: Daily Graphic









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoHouse Launches Inquiry Into U.S. Nuclear Plans In Saudi Arabia

02/20/19

Source: RFE/RL

A new congressional report says that senior White House officials pushed a project to share nuclear power technology with Saudi Arabia despite the objections of ethics and national security officials.



"New York Times: Trump leads Saudi Arabia to nuclear arms"

(cartoon by Ali Romani, Iranian daily Shargh)

The report by the Democratic-led House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform is based on accounts by whistle-blowers within U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and documents of communications between administration officials and nuclear power companies.



It notes that an inquiry into the matter is "particularly critical because the Administration's efforts to transfer sensitive U.S. nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia appear to be ongoing."



The Committee opened an investigation on February 19 into the claims by several unnamed whistle-blowers who said they witnessed "abnormal acts" in the White House regarding the proposal to build dozens of nuclear reactors across Saudi Arabia.

NEW: Whistleblowers sounded alarms about plan backed by Trump advisers to transfer sensitive nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia, House Oversight Committee says in new report. https://t.co/STzO53pphO  ABC News (@ABC) February 19, 2019

Representative Elijah Cummings, the Committee chairman, asked the White House to turn over documents including those related to a meeting two months into Trump's presidency between his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Saudi Arabia's powerful Muhammad bin Salman, who later became crown prince.



The report said that "strong private commercial interests have been pressing aggressively" to transfer sensitive technology to Saudi Arabia.



"These commercial entities stand to reap billions of dollars through contracts associated with constructing and operating nuclear facilities in Saudi Arabia -- and apparently have been in close and repeated contact with President Trump and his administration to the present day," the report said.

TODAY: The White House is accused of orchestrating a secret deal to transfer sensitive nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia-potentially violating U.S. law. We'll talk with reporter @iarnsdorf of @ProPublica & Rep. @RoKhanna, streaming live 8-9AM ET at https://t.co/Xup8cdtnFB. pic.twitter.com/J6x1AIuqbh  Democracy Now! (@democracynow) February 20, 2019

Washington is not allowed to legally transfer nuclear technology to other states without reaching so-called Section 123 agreements that provide assurances of peaceful energy use.



The report expressed concern that Saudi Arabia could use American nuclear technology to build an atomic bomb, adding to already high tensions with regional rival Iran.



It includes a timeline of events and names other administration officials who have been involved with the matter, including Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Trump's inaugural committee chairman Tom Barrack, and former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.



Flynn was found guilty of lying about Russian contacts by special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.



With reporting by AP, AFP, and BBCIranian Cities of Andimeshk and Dezful clash over border issue

02/20/19

Source: Radio Farda

Reports from Iran say that Monday evening and on Tuesday there were clashes and tensions between residents of the southeastern city of Dezful and the neighboring town Andimeshk over a new sign showing the borders of the two townships.



Protests in Andimeshk over the district's border issue with Dezful

The two cities are in the oil-rich Khuzestan province, where labor unrest has been going on for months. The Vahdati air force base, built during the monarchy, is located nearby.



Police resorted to firing in the air to control the clashes but on Tuesday Andimeshk residents destroyed a large sign installed by the rival city, claiming that it was placed on the territory of their town.



see interactive google map

The Friday Prayer Leader of Dezful condemned this act, saying that there were pictures of "martyrs" who had died in Syria on the sign. "The people of Andimeshk should separate themselves from a group of trouble-makers and not allow these disturbances" to blacken their name, he said.



The cleric demanded tough action against those who are responsible for the clashes and said that "the enemy will be able to create insecurity, and the anti-revolutionaries will be able to ride the waves...".



Since the early years of the Islamic Republic Dezful and Andimeshk have had disagreement about the borders of their townships.



The Andimeshk police chief seems to have blamed Dezful authorities, who he said had installed the sign at night, angering the people of Andimeshk. But he added that police have controlled the situation.NIAC Action Endorses Yasmine Taeb for Virginia State Senate

02/20/19

Press Release by NIAC Action

VIRGINIA - NIAC Action is proud to announce its official endorsement of Yasmine Taeb, candidate for Virginia's 35th Senate District. Yasmine is waging a primary challenge against the Virginia Senate's Democratic Minority Leader, Dick Saslaw.



Yasmine Taeb

yasmineforvirginia.com

"Yasmine has been on the front lines standing up for the Iranian-American community and against the bigotry that Trump rode to the White House. We are proud to have worked with her, and are thrilled to endorse her candidacy for State Senate today," said Jamal Abdi, President of NIAC Action. "Whether leading marches against the Muslim ban, advocating for human rights, or blazing a trail at the DNC, Yasmine has the leadership and vision to give the 35th Senate district of Virginia a champion of its values and to make our community proud."



Yasmine's dedication to championing progressive values is a result of her own origins. At the age of six, she fled Iran with her family to escape the Iran-Iraq war. Being an Iranian-American immigrant has afforded her a unique, nuanced understanding of the needs of underrepresented groups. As a longtime Northern Virginia resident, Yasmine has worked diligently to highlight women's issues and to eliminate unlawful discrimination. Her experience has emboldened her to advocate for the same marginalized communities regressive politicians like Northam and Saslaw have abandoned.



Yasmine Taeb has joined other Virginia Democrats in calling for Governor Ralph Northam to resign after shocking photos emerged showing the governor in racist attire. Yasmine's opponent, Dick Saslaw, was the only Democrat in the General Assembly to defend Northam, and characterized the outrageous photos as a mere youthful indiscretion. Saslaw's attempt to excuse this behavior underscores the importance of bringing new leadership to Richmond.



As a lifelong activist committed to amplifying the voices of those frequently sidelined and marginalized by regressive politicians, Yasmine will stand firmly against the bigotry driving today's politics. Yasmine serves as Senior Policy Counsel at the Center for Victims of Torture and has dedicated her career to public advocacy and service, including serving as a 2012 NIAC Congressional Fellow. Yasmine has been endorsed by more than 50 community leaders and local elected officials, including by the leaders of Indivisible, MoveOn, PCCC, and Demand Progress and by progressive groups such as the Progressive Democrats of America - VA, Our Revolution Northern Virginia, and Emgage PAC.

About Yasmine Taeb

Yasmine Taeb came to the United States as an undocumented immigrant, became a citizen, a lawyer, and a Democratic activist. She has more than 10 years of legislative and policy experience and is running to represent Virginia's 35th Senate District.

Having immigrated to the United States from Iran while in the second grade, Yasmine has learned to not take for granted the freedoms and opportunities that our country provides. Her background as an immigrant has long shaped her perspective on the significance of civic engagement and the power of voters to lead change for the betterment of their community. Yasmine's passion for getting involved led her to run for and become the first Muslim woman and Iranian-American to be elected to the Democratic National Committee. (read more)





NIAC Action is the grassroots, civic action organization committed to advancing peace and championing the priorities of the Iranian-American community. We are a nonpartisan nonprofit and the 501(c)4 sister organization of the National Iranian American Council, which works to strengthen the Iranian-American community and promote greater understanding between the American and Iranian people. (read more)Paxton, IL (60957)

Today

Cloudy and windy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 81F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.With Vulture writer Hunter Harris and Jessica Simpson's foot seemingly off the table, please let it be true that Whoopi Goldberg is hosting the Oscars.

The Academy announced in early February after the Kevin Hart trainwreck that  despite the many, many excellent viable candidates put forward including Hannah Gadsby, Melissa McCarthy, Wanda Sykes and Lin-Manuel Miranda  they'd go hostless this year. However, some observant movie-heads on Twitter have speculated that the Oscars may try to redeem themselves by bringing eternal icon and Fashion Week savior Whoopi on as a surprise host.

The rumor was started by film journalist Peter Knegt, who pointed out that Whoopi has recently been absent from her usual spot on The View, which airs on ABC, the same network that broadcasts the Oscars.

He also pointed out that, pre-Kevin Hart controversy, Whoopi said on The View that she'd be willing to return to the ceremony as a host.

Online, people are willing this conspiracy theory/fantasy to come true. Whoopi Goldberg was the first woman to ever host the Oscars in 1994. After that, she hosted three more times in 1996, 1999, and 2002. Just to be clear, the last time we go to enjoy being shepherded through the annual film landscape by Whoopi, Shrek, A Beautiful Mind and The Fellowship Of The Ring were up for awards.

Based on her past hosting gigs, we know that Whoopi can slaughter the elaborate award show stunts that so often feel over-priced and flat. In 2002, she opened her monologue while being lowered from the ceiling on a burlesque trapeze, performing the "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" scene from Moulin Rouge.

In 1999, she opened the show wearing an elaborate Queen Elizabeth costume, inspired by Cate Blanchett's role as the Queen in Elizabeth.

These videos inspire me to cry and also grumpily say things like "THEY JUST DON'T MAKE 'EM LIKE THEY USED TO." But in all seriousness, after a lead-up rife with messy, ugly industry politics, Whoopi  who often seems to reveal the best of Hollywood and can always be relied upon for passionate, big-hearted, shrewd and hilarious commentary  would be a timely, perfect choice.

Who amongst us would not like to see Whoopi stroll on-stage on Sunday in a Freddie Mercury jumpsuit or dressed like a Wakanda fighter?The Internet is always looking for a new person or moment to stan. When the underbelly of stan Twitter, Instagram obsessives, nostalgia, and rich pop culture references collide, it has the ability, to quite literally, Break the Internet.

Slayyyter is a 22-year-old St. Louis pop icon in the making, fashioned in the vocal and rhythmic vein of Britney Spears and aesthetically informed by the salacious late-aughts tabloid celebrity of Paris Hilton, Anna Nicole Smith, Lindsay Lohan, and countless others. She once told PAPER that Heidi, whose very public tale of plastic surgery, reality TV infamy, and pop star aspirations, was among her biggest influences.

Sometimes in life, we get to meet our idols, and PAPER loves to play match-maker (see: Kim Petras and Paris Hilton). So we orchestrated a call between Slayyyter and Heidi, who was busy picking up her son Gunner from art class. "Don't worry, I'm not at a concert," Heidi cheerfully notes amid Gunner's excited yelps, to which a starstruck Slayyyter gushes, "Awww."

And as it turns out, the two, having never met, have a lot to talk about, from forging their own paths as independent artists to the state of the music industry, and why pop choreography deserves a renaissance.

PAPER: Slayyyter, we told Heidi you're a huge fan and that you count her as one of your main inspirations. You also mentioned in our first interview that you'd love to someday write music for her. How did Heidi become such a major influence on you?

Slayyyter: Oh my gosh, I think I was in middle school. My sister is a really big fan of The Hills, and I obviously knew who you were from that and I've been such a huge fan. Superficial is one of my all-time favorite albums  an underrated, golden gem. There's a whole Soundcloud circuit of artists that are just like me that worship that album and take our influence from there. It's not even just me. I was influenced by and fascinated with the whole pop culture era from 2007 to 2009. I feel like you're literally a genius; you and your husband Spencer [Pratt] are geniuses.

Heidi: I love that! I can't thank you enough for saying that. I'm like, Okay this is unbelievable! I really spent so much energy thinking about Superficial, and I feel like it went under-the-radar. But I loved the music and I was so passionate about it; I worked with Cathy Dennis who wrote "Toxic" for Britney, LP wrote for Rihanna, and Stacy Barthe [who wrote for Miley Cyrus], so I felt like all the people were there with the music, who are among the best in the industry. And, Slayyyter, I feel like you have such an original, great style. Your songs are so catchy and you're right in your pocket, and I feel like you're gonna be very successful at what you do and your niche. The way you're releasing singles and touring, it just seems so smart and strategic. I don't know if you have a whole team behind you, or if you're just doing it, but it's brilliant.

Slayyyter: Oh, thank you so much! I really only have a manager at this point, but I remember seeing in an interview you said that you pretty much funded that whole album by yourself, which is something that I like. I literally fund all my projects with my own money; I worked as a receptionist at a hair salon, and my savings from that have gone into my music. A woman making music that she wants to make because she wants to make it... I just love that.

Related | Heidi Montag as Herself

Heidi: Yeah, and that's exactly what I did. I spent all my money on that because I didn't want anyone telling me who I was as an artist or what would be successful. This is what I love and this is my passion, so that's really great that you do that. I'd love to get in the studio with you. I know that you're busy but whenever you're in town, I'd love to collab or do a remix to one of your songs or whatever would be the easiest.

Slayyyter: I would love that. I would die, and you have such a cult following in the music scene, that if we collaborated, it would go crazy. People would literally go nuts, I feel. Heidi: That would be so fun. We should do like a one-off performance night. Slayyyter: I would die! Heidi: Well, we want you to live! Congratulations on being independent and doing it yourself. I feel like you're gonna win.

PAPER: Slayyyter, which Heidi song would you cover if you could? Slayyyter: Dance is my favorite kind of music, and that's what I've been writing the most of lately, but if I were to cover a song, I'd have to do "Superficial," just because that's my all-time favorite from that album. The title track is so good but that chorus... I literally blew that song for years every time I got ready to go out. I feel like it'll be cool to do a Kylie Minogue-inspired dance track, or like something that's in the realm of "Mine." Heidi: It's so funny that "Superficial" is your favorite because I was wondering which one you liked most. Slayyyter: Honestly, it's so relatable and unapologetic. I think what's really what I love so much about it. Heidi: It's important to be unapologetic about who you are in this world.

PAPER: Heidi, I'm wondering if you ever imagined at any point when you were making Superficial that you'd be at any point of influence. Heidi: It's such a blessing. It's a dream come true for me because I've put in so much work, and definitely at one point, I thought that I was gonna be a huge pop star and it just didn't really pan out, especially considering what happened with my surgery, starting a family, and everything else going on. I had too many things going on to fully concentrate on it. I do have one new song coming out soon, but other than that I haven't done music in so long. It's definitely a dream come true for me. Can you tell us what direction you'll be going in musically? Heidi: I'm calling it "positive pop"  pop music, but there's a Christian message. It's just one song, but I want to do something good and send out a positive message to the world. I'm in such a different place right now, so you'll see. I'm open to all music. I don't want to corner myself into one thing, because I really love all types of music.

"I do have one new song coming out soon [...] I'm calling it 'positive pop'  pop music, but there's a Christian message."  Heidi Montag

PAPER: When might we expect that? Heidi: Well, it's gonna be on the new season of The Hills. Slayyyter: Ahh, yes! We just all collectively screamed. So exciting. Heidi: It's actually perfect timing. Now with Slayyyter being around channeling what she is, things feel full circle at this point. Slayyyter: Oh my gosh I'm literally so excited for this reboot, you have no idea. Heidi: Get ready!

PAPER: Heidi, how are you feeling about re-entering The Hills after being away from it for so long? Heidi: At first, I was hesitant because I'm a mom. That's my number one priority now, and I don't want to compromise time with my son. So I definitely try to balance. It's different this time around, though. There's a different production company involved, and I think MTV is in an exciting new place. So it's gonna be a similar Hills that everyone loved, but a different show; we're all wiser now.

PAPER: That's so exciting! Shifting back to music, what do you make of the current landscape for women in music? Slayyyter: I feel like there was a point in culture where everything was very misogynistic, with women not being taken seriously. I feel like that's the reason why you said, Heidi, how your album didn't do what you thought it would do. It's because people don't take women as seriously in music as they do men, but I feel like that's changing because female artists are so unapologetically themselves now. Music right now is so good because of women, and we're taking over. Look at artists ranging from Lizzo to Charli XCX  now is the time for girls to do their thing. I feel like you can be whoever you want to be and do whatever you want and not be criticized for seeming superficial. Which, Heidi, that is such a good title for a debut album, because everyone sees pop music and women who make it as superficial, but there's a lot more that goes into it than what meets the eye.

Heidi: And I think with the Internet, it's a much bigger platform. If my album came out nowadays, it would've done a lot better, when you think of how the Internet has transformed the music industry. Knowing what I know now about how fans online have taken to Superficial over the years. Slayyyter, you are doing such a great job at marketing yourself and being out there since you have your own platform. I think that's one of the best ways to create opportunities for yourself. You can really reach people who want to find music they relate to, and not be told what to do or how to sound. Listeners can find the music they love themselves, and I think that's been such a big turn from before, where you'd listen to the same five songs over and over again on the radio because of a record label push. I often think about how someone like Cardi B transitioned from reality TV and kind of did what I was originally trying to do with all of that, and is now taken seriously as an artist. So I think she has really been a trailblazer, as well.

Slayyyter: Absolutely! Also, I feel like pop is cool again. I feel like culture shied away from pop music for a while. I watch all your interviews religiously, and I think you said in one interview that pop music was dying right when you were coming out with this super-pop album. I feel like all that early 2000s pop and celebrity culture is making a resurgence and everyone is obsessed with it again. For my music, I'm a big believer in releasing multiple singles. I love singles rather than full projects, and I feel like everyone should be popping out singles. I've been so excited for all the music that's about to come out this year, and I cannot wait for your song, oh my god!

Heidi: You're so right. That's such a brilliant statement, and that's definitely what happened with pop culture. Nobody wanted it anymore, and it was shunned all of a sudden. I've always loved pop, and that's what I always wanted to be. I grew up with Britney and all these pure pop princesses that I aspired to be, so it was really challenging timing but I think you're right. It's cool again and really accepted; I've even noticed its international reach online. Back then, it felt so unique to America, but now the world wants pop culture the way we had it then. And I agree about making singles: I started off before the album, doing lots of promo singles ["Higher," "Body Language," "Overdosin," "Blackout"], and dropping them well before Superficial came out to build anticipation. Now you can either have an album full of singles and just drop them one or more at a time. It used to be that you can have a pop album that includes five filler songs and you only need three good singles. That's just not the way the industry is anymore.

Slayyyter: Music is so saturated right now. Everyone is putting out full surprise projects and all this stuff, so I feel like with singles you can focus on those as a way to "feed the children," as the kids say on Twitter. These days, you have to feed people constant content almost so that they don't forget about you. To drop a full project right off the bat for me wasn't wise.

Heidi: Yeah, and I don't think you even need to do an album [if you don't want to]. I think that's kind of for some people in the past, and you just need to keep doing the singles. I think that's how you're gonna win. People want what's relevant. Even if you do an album then that album is old in two weeks, so it doesn't really matter. Slayyyter: People I see on stan Twitter  all the little fans of every artist  someone will drop a full project and fans will so quickly be wondering where the new music is. They can't get enough! PAPER: It sounds like Slayyyter is strategic now in the way that Heidi was back in the day. Heidi: Honestly, I just want everyone to learn from the mistakes that I made, because I genuinely want success for everyone. Thank you for having me be such an inspiration to you.

"Music right now is so good because of women, and we're taking over."  Slayyyter

Slayyyter: Oh my god, thank you for being iconic. I feel like the biggest thing I've learned from you also in music is that girls don't dance, really. I just was talking about this in an interview I did, people think choreography is cheesy. But you were like the full package in music. You danced and everything, it was just so iconic and I was obsessed. Now I want to dance, sing, and do the full bit. I was so excited to start making music because of you, so thank you for making that album and being the queen of Hollywood. I'm seriously obsessed with you! Heidi: Wow! Thank you so much. I love choreography. I feel like that's part of the pop formula. I feel like that's part of the the superstardom that's so fun. In my new song I have full choreography too because I love it, and although I only had like two days to perform on my other ["Body Language" on Miss Universe] live performance, I was like okay whatever, I need to get some kind of choreography in.

Slayyyter: Heidi, what are you listening to right now? What are your favorite artists right now? What do you like to listen to on the daily basis? Heidi: Well, obviously, Slayyyter... but funny enough, I really listen to mostly Christian music and classical. I try to keep it really positive around the house since Spencer listens to mostly trap music. When I'm listening to pop, I always go back to classics. I go back to Britney and I go back to Jessica Simpson and those are kind of my favorites, but in general I try to listen to really positive, upbeat stuff because I only have time to listen to one song here and there. Slayyyter: Thank you so much for listening to me. Such an honor! Heidi: Of course! Keep up the good work and I feel like you're gonna win. I look forward to seeing you and collabing with you in the very near future. I have a crying baby on my hands, so I'm actually gonna have to go, but, Slayyyter, I will talk to you soon.

Slayyyter's recently announced mini-tour has new tour dates added in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. See below, and buy tickets, here. June 24, 2019 - Brooklyn, NY - Elsewhere Hall June 25, 2019 - Brooklyn, NY - Elsewhere Hall - SOLD OUT June 26, 2019 - Chicago, IL - Schuba's Tavern - SOLD OUT June 27, 2019 - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop June 29, 2019 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo - SOLD OUT July 26, 2019 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey TheatreLOVE POSITIVE WOMEN is here to fill a very special void: supporting and uplifting women living with HIV. Founder Jessica Whitbread tells PAPER that the project, which took root in 2013, was created to not only be a "two-week holiday focused on love," but to make positive women around the world living with stigmas, sadness, and in many cases, violence, "feel at least a tiny bit of the love and support that is around them."

Love Positive Women has become a global movement that started in 2013 with over 100 different organizations engaging each year. In New York City, Whitbread partnered with the premiere AIDS awareness-centered arts organization, Visual AIDS, and papermaking nonprofit, Dieu Donne, and the Fire Island Artist Residency, to literally spread love through art. Bringing the arts communities together with activists and women living with HIV, Whitbread and her partners encouraged participants to personalize paper valentines to send to women around the world. "The idea is that anyone and everyone can do acts of kindness for or with women living with HIV in their community, or themselves," Whitbread explains.

Now in its seventh year, LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN will send out more than 800 handmade cards to women all over the world living with HIV, with a global reach of 40+ countries. Additionally, Visual AIDS has inspired groups in Ukraine, Jamaica, and Canada to join the initiative by also making and sending valentines, leading their own de-stigmatizing love-focused projects, because as Whitbread notes, "kindness and caring can be tools for social change."

PAPER caught up with Whitbread to learn more about LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN, and we meet some of the women who make the project so special.

LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN founder Jessica Whitbread

What motivated you to launch LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN? Jessica Whitbread: As a woman living with HIV, for the most part I've been rather fortunate in regards to love, sex and limited stigma  though I know this is far from the reality of the vast majority of women living with HIV globally. I've heard so many stories about isolation, stigma, violence and sadness that I really wanted to create something that made those women feel at least a tiny bit of the love and support that is around them. So LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN was an idea that I had in 2012, actualized in 2013to start a two-week "holiday" to focus on love. The idea is that anyone and everyone can do acts of kindness for and with women living with HIV in their community or themselves.

How has the project molded your work as an activist? I have been living with HIV for 18 years and doing activism for most of that time. At a certain point, I was sick of all the toxic drama sometimes involved with activist movements and wanted to focus on kindness and caring as a tool for social change. LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN showed me that we can work differently together  and that the infighting in movements creates a toxic cesspool that I am not interested in being a part of. I use the feeling I get during LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN to remind me that when we work together and are kind to each other, that amazing things can happen.

What do you learn from the women involved with the project? My goodness, I've learned so much from them! I am deeply inspired by every one of these women. Like Sita Banjade from Nepal, who this year brought a group of women living with HIV together and gave bags of rice and warm clothing to elder and disabled women for LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN. Or L'Orangelis Thomas from Puerto Rico, who was born with HIV; when I told her there was a group of trans women living with HIV in the Dominican Republic, she brought a group of poz youth together to make cards and handmade soap to send as a surprise present. Or CZ from India, who magically inspired local pop stars to dedicate music videos to positive women, and had a dance party with an HIV-positive kissing booth to stop stigma. Or the groups in Canada that wrote letters to incarcerated women living with HIV, and sent special cards. Most of the projects for LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN come from the heart and are about as grassroots as you can get. I'm inspired by the women's creativity and dedication to making their lives and the lives of other women better.

"One misunderstanding that comes to mind is the thought that women living with HIV are not or should not be sexual [...] Positive women are sexy and desirable and amazing lovers and total gems."

What are the most common misunderstandings and misconceptions about women living with HIV that you encounter? That's a hard question. I guess one misunderstanding that comes to mind is the thought that women living with HIV are not or should not be sexual. This is totally outdated and has always been a misconception. Positive women are sexy and desirable and amazing lovers and total gems! I often look at the difference in the way that gay men living with HIV are depicted in relation to women  in particular when it comes to sex and dating. I remember a friend was complaining about this workshop that she went to where they gave the women's group cupcakes with little penises on them. She was like, "This is so patronizing! I don't want a fucking cupcake dick, I want a real dick."

What do you hope this project achieves? What's your biggest hope for it and the women involved? 2018 marks the 8th year of LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN. My hope has always been that by year 10, it runs itself and is 100% owned by the community. That it remains a time for people around the world to reflect and celebrate the lives of women living with HIV. Because positive women  cis, trans and femme-identifying folks  are incredible, and I really want to entire world to know this because honestly, if you are not engaged with these ladies, or the ones in your own community, you don't know what you are missing.

Joyce McDonald, Visual AIDS Artist+ Member What does receiving a valentine mean to you? I was carrying a burden. I was really, really sad. And I went to the mailbox one day, and I took out the mail and there was a bid red envelope. When I opened it, it was a beautiful card, and then it said it was to me! And it just melted me. I was in tears, because at that moment, when I opened that card I felt the love. It really, really impacted me and I'm a hard person for something to impact.

Photography: Michael McFadden



As we hurtle towards the Oscars this Sunday, all eyes will be on the biggest movie of last year, Black Panther. The highest grossing blockbuster of all time, the superhero tale has come up against roadblocks at every turn in the long road leading up to its Best Picture nomination. From the start, Black Panther had to contend with Oscars' elitism even before the Academy announced the creation of a new Popular Film category that was universally panned as a consolation prize for massively popular film in lieu of actual recognition. Black Panther is still considered a longshot in Sunday's ceremony but that fact doesn't even seem to faze director Ryan Coogler given that he is apparently already moving on to other projects.

In addition to confirming he will return to the director's chair for the Marvel movie's highly-anticipated sequel, the Hollywood Reporter revealed today that Coogler is currently producing a film about IRL Black Panther, Fred Hampton. Titled Jesus Was My Homeboy, the film will follow the rise and fall of the celebrated activist and deputy chairman of the national Black Panther party who was assassinated by the FBI and Chicago Police in 1969.

Coogler is currently in talks with Black Panther alums Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield to play the movie's two leads. Get Out-star Kaluuya would star as Hampton opposite Stanfield as the FBI informant that infiltrated the political organization and provided intel to the authorities that ultimately aided in the leader's demise. As far as casting choices go, we couldn't think of a dynamic duo better suited for the roles. The film is set to be directed and co-written by High Maintenance's Shaka King.

Photo via GettyIt is 12:23 PM in New York City, and I am already doing that millennial thing where you pray for death in like, a fun way. Because Bella Hadid has added fuel to an already contentious fire. The supermodel, currently in Milan for fashion week (she just walked Alberta Ferretti) after hosting a Bulgari event in Rome, has worn low-rise jeans. Yet again. Further proving that they are trendy once more, aka muffin tops are making a comeback.

Look at those jeans, paired with a populist $60 tiger print sweater from Mango. They are cut so far below her belly button! They are so hard to wear if you are not shaped exactly like Bella Hadid. As my intrepid editor Justin Moran put it, "low-rise pant wearers are the new 1%." In Bella's case, 1% applies in every sense (because of her vast wealth).

I love Bella Hadid! But this is an unfortunate turn of events. If naughts nostalgia has to exist, hopefully we can at least get a new Josh Schwartz teen soap.Bidding Process for Fort Frances Mill Gets Nasty Repap Resources Group has "stirred up a lot of trouble" by going to senior government officials, unions, and media, and making local presentations ahead of entering formal negotiations with Resolute. By Ian Ross Feb. 20, 2019 (Northern Ontario Business) - A prospective buyer of the closed Fort Frances paper mill will have zero chance of acquiring the property unless it signs a non-disclosure agreement with Resolute Forest Products, said a company spokesman. Seth Kursman, Resolute's vice-president of corporate communications, called the actions of Repap Resources Group downright cruel in unnecessarily raising expectations in the former pulp and paper mill town of the operation reopening. Any simmering hard feelings in the northwestern Ontario community since Resolute closed the mill in 2014 bubbled to the surface in early February when town officials got word from the company that an agreement was in place to transfer the property to a site redevelopment company that would demolish the mill buildings. Resolute is running a two-track bidding process for the mill property by taking offers from interested parties  with a March 15 submission deadline  while also signing a backstop agreement with an undisclosed restorative development company that would remediate the brownfield site. That agreement is expected to close by May, at the earliest. It's been alarming news for the Town of Fort Frances, which regards the mill as an irreplaceable economic asset. A draft resolution crafted for the Feb. 11 council meeting called on the province to step in and assist any potential new mill operator by freeing up a nearby Crown wood supply that the town claims Resolute has locked up. Discussion on the resolution was cut short after Resolute threatened legal action against the municipality, claiming the document contained false, misleading and defamatory statements. The resolution will surface again at a Feb. 19 meeting with the town looking to rally regional support. Just before Christmas, hopes were raised in Fort Frances when Repap, a private consortium of Canadian and U.S. investors, announced its intentions to enter into negotiations with Resolute to acquire the mill and restart it in 2019. Their proposal involves producing a mix of packaging paper grades and creating 263 mill jobs. Kursman said Repap Resources Group has stirred up a lot of trouble by going to senior government officials, unions, and media, and making local presentations ahead of entering formal negotiations with Resolute. Kursman said Repap representatives were given a tour of the mill and Resolute management met with them for an hour. But with Repap refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement, they are ruled out of any property sale process. I will tell you, it is not the professional way that we deal with things, said Kursman. The full story is available on Northern Ontario Business website:

 Bidding Process for Fort Frances Mill Gets Nasty SOURCE: Northern Ontario Business ( www.northernontariobusiness.com )New York, US (PANA) - An inter-Burundian, inclusive dialogue remains the only viable option for lasting settlement of the political crisis and the holding of elections in 2020 in a peaceful environment, the United Nations Special Envoy for the country, Michel Kafando, told the Security Council in New York on TuesdayKampala, Uganda (PANA) - Ugandas president of 33 years, Gen Yoweri Museveni, on Tuesday had his chances of continuing in power after his current term expires boosted when a top decision-making organ of his party endorsed him to run again in 2021Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Two people who were abducted in Mali last year by unknown people have been released, the Malian government has announcedTripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan national army forces Wednesday entered Morzouk, the third largest city after Sebha and Oubari, to occupy some neighbourhoods after ongoing clashes with armed groups including foreign troops, a military source saidTripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Government of National Accord has strongly condemned last Monday's terrorist attack near the Al-Azhar mosque in Al-Darb al-Ahmar district in central Cairo, killing three police officers and injuring three othersKigali, Rwanda (PANA) - All member states of the Nile Basin Initiative must increase their budgets to address the effects of climate change, which represents the greatest threat to the sub-region's economy, a senior Rwandan administrative official said Wednesday in Kigali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?

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Today

Partly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms. High 84F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.Since the Pentagon has an estimated $21 billion in unobligated military construction funds already, the key test for the courts will be whether the spending of such funds are in fact necessary to support the use of the Armed Forces. Currently, there is no armed military invasion coming through the southern border seeking to overthrow our country. The reality is that there is an asylum seeker crisis, not a military one. So, by any reasonable interpretation, the emergency declaration would not be for supporting use of our armed forces. At best, Trumps wall would attempt to boost border security to support the Department of Homeland Security, not the military.Regarding Muhammad Musris Central Florida 100 entry on Feb. 17 called Guns in schools: I have met Mr. Musri and consider him an intelligent and thoughtful person. However, his notion that any form of gun control would change children's actions in regards to truth or falsehoods is baseless. Until parents take responsibility for their children's actions and teach them right from wrong, no restrictive laws by government will succeed in stopping the panic that occurs by just mentioning the word "gun. A perfect example occurred just recently at Orlando International Airport in which a panic was caused by the mention of "gun. Once again no gun control measure could have or would have prevented that situation.It fired the CFO who admitted his role, along with four other top employees involved with finance and facilities. It commissioned an independent investigation. It enacted oversight controls designed to avoid a repeat. It repaid the fund that was skimmed to bankroll construction projects. It severed an ongoing financial relationship with Hitt, whose otherwise glowing legacy is now tainted by the scandal. The chairman of the schools Board of Trustees resigned.But hes not saying what ground itll cover, such as whether the Orlando detective hired to guard the club that night was right to stay outside after the massacre began. Its an important question, especially considering the blowback after a Broward County deputy made a similar decision to remain outside after a gunman began shooting inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland last year.The battery-powered vehicle, run by Beep software, is one of two that are expected to begin operating in southeast Orlando this spring. The shuttles are said to be quiet and smooth riding and can carry a maximum of 15 passengers, reaching speeds of 16 mph.Apparently, Sabatini was livid about a student journalist calling some of his campaign donors for a story she was working on. So he called up a faculty member and, according to UFs Fresh Take Florida news service, referred to one of the programs journalists as your little reporter, promised to complain to the college dean and said he will investigate whether the university was unfairly targeting RepublicansSen. Joe Gruters, who doubles as the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, has made the proposal his top priority going into the annual legislative session, which starts March 5. To help it pass this year, he said he is willing to water it down to make the measure more palatable to some lawmakers.But on the latter claim, his negotiators have declined to describe just what has gone well, or on what specific issues Chinese officials have budged in recent months. As recently as late last year, senior administration officials had said Beijing was well aware of U.S. demands, but it had shown little willingness to alter behaviors Trump calls "unfair."Democrats have seized on the move as an example of executive overreach. The office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., issued a press release Tuesday that stated: "No one is above the law. Republicans must join Democrats to uphold the Constitution and stand with the American people - against the President's brazen assault."Home was always a shared room with family members, all over, in different places, said Ramos, 31, whose dream will soon come true in Arbor Bend, a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood of 34 homes under development in south Apopka.During a journalism career that spanned almost 50 years, the last eight years as a staffer with The Associated Press, Cosgrove covered President Nixon's meeting with South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu at Midway and four Apollo moon-mission crew recoveries at sea. He was aboard the USS Hornet when the first moonwalkers, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, and pilot Michael Collins returned to Earth and were picked up in the Pacific by the aircraft carrier in 1969.Just because some development comes in and ticks off all the little boxes does not mean that commissioners must vote for it. Oswalt and his partner knew the zoning on these pieces of land when they bought the property. They are not entitled to upzoning for more density, and they shouldnt get it  unless they can prove that their plan in some way benefits the people who live here right now.On Tuesday night, Cinquino had shared her own public Facebook post that was also beginning to go viral, with more than 20,000 shares, before it was deleted or made private Wednesday afternoon. In the post, Cinquino said when she got Hurley on the phone, she could hear Hurley crying and begging the driver to let her out. Cinquino and Hurley later connected and became friends, with Hurley calling Cinquino her "angel."According to a report on WFTS, the mothers husband threw the car keys into the front seat, strapped the one-year-old child into a car seat in the rear of the Chevy Tahoe, and then closed the rear door only to realize the car was locked. The couple could not afford a locksmith, according to the report.What he really means, though, after a little probing, is that there are no state or federal laws against it. And he merely shrugs off any suggestion there might be some local legal impediment to his plans for his final resting place.Shortly after 4 p.m., another bus was involved in a minor crash on Orange Blossom Trail near Holden Avenue, Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Kim Montes said. One student was on board, and nobody was injured in the crash, she said.Rolle said he didnt remember seeing anyone around when he realized his truck was in flames. He said he heard an explosion and ran down S.R. 408 until he was able to get off the highway at a nearby ramp, then walked along Semoran Boulevard to a Megabus station, where he called his wife and hailed a taxi home.It was a first for the 3-year-old canine, who has been with the agency since April. Nessie, who is trained to detect fire-starting substances, was called Feb. 7 to search a house on Cattail Court that suffered extensive damage in a fire the night before.Going to UCF changed my life and thats why my wife and I decided to take a large portion of our net worth and donate it to that university because we want that same opportunity for other people, Virga said. In my opinion, that is a poor investment unless Dr. Whittaker is at the helm.The opening Stack-Up, choreographed by Talley Beatty in 1982, tells of two would-be lovers whose lives intersect with a drug dealer. The work bursts onto the stage with that feeling you get as you emerge from the subway into the heart of New York City. As things progress, the urban streetscape fades from a sizzling day to a sultry night for the lovers."Morgan Stanley cannot pay out or distribute the proceeds of the accounts without incurring conflicting claims to such proceeds by the parties in the instant action, including but not limited to Buzz Aldrin and Andrew Aldrin," the financial firm said in a court filing.Some of Floridas finest restaurants feature award-winning chefs, an elegant atmosphere, and adventurous meals that can span several hours and 7 to 10 courses, said a statement from Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA The Auto Club Group.Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label.What's Included

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If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 716-372-3121 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com.Angry Catholics in the pews are running out of patience with their leaders. In the United States, more than a dozen attorneys general have launched investigations into dioceses, shining a light on dark files that have long covered up sins and crimes. A four-day conference will not quell the righteous indignation of the faithful, or resolve the myriad challenges the abuse crisis presents for countries with different legal systems and cultural realities. Nevertheless, a gathering that for the first time will bring together survivors of abuse with presidents of bishops' conferences from around the world in the same place is an opportunity to begin unifying a sprawling global church behind the urgent need to at last take decisive action.Supervised release is no cakewalk; while on it, one is subject to unannounced visits and random searches, needs approval for travel and housing, and must regularly report to probation (in New York, reporting can take hours, resulting in missed work). Each year, more than 600,000 people leave prison and face a web of re-entry challenges  first probation/parole, which often act like a tripwire by creating barriers rather than supports for re-entry, with infractions like late curfews, moving violations, or missed phone calls from officers resulting in penalties or more prison. In Weiners case, hell also pay a $10,000 fine.We found that Stuyvesant students push each other, they strive to be like each other, and they learn from each other. The student-driven culture of achievement raises everyones game. Carlos Moya, a 1993 Puerto Rican graduate who grew up in pre-gentrification Hells Kitchen, said, When you go to Stuy, theres sort of this feeling where theres no way Im going to be the loser in this crew. In our graduating classes there were hardly any kids named Jones, but there was a lot of self-imposed pressure to keep up with the Joneses. And thats something kids learned once they got to the school.A few weeks back, I was gossiping with a former senior aide to Joe Biden whos in regular contact with the former vice president. He genuinely didnt know if Biden was going to run for President again in 2020, but the confidant did say this: No one enjoys watching the will he or wont he speculation game more than Biden himself.Under the Constitution, Congress appropriates funds. The President, the AGs argue, can't use a "manufactured crisis" to unilaterally redirect money intended for "drug interdiction, military construction and law enforcement initiatives."They lived in Elmsdale for more than a year before they moved to their home in Halifax to be closer to refugee support services, including English-language training. But the family missed the support of their community and were planning to again move when the deadly fire broke out, leaving their home charred and barely standing.Scientists released a report in June 2016 that confirmed the extinction of the Bramble Cay melomys, but it is the first time a government official has also done so.In a tweet sent twenty minutes earlier, at 4:20 AM, Trump fumed that The Press has never been more dishonest than it is today. Stories are written that have absolutely no basis in fact. The writers dont even call asking for verification.All these Presidents had complaints about their coverage and at times took advantage of the freedom every American has to criticize journalists, Sulzberger said. But in demonizing the free press as the enemy, simply for performing its role of asking difficult questions and bringing uncomfortable information to light, President Trump is retreating from a distinctly American principle.The group will join with state agencies, local governments and nonprofits across the state to gather information how best to engage New Yorkers to participate in the census. Also at issue is the states declining population and whether it will risk losing two congressional seats.She told me many, many stories of people, particularly women, being looked down on because they had natural hair, or because they had dreadlocks, or whatever it may be, he said. And its appalling to me that (it) ever went on, but it still goes on to this day."Russia will be forced to create and deploy new types of weapons that could be used not only against the territories where a direct threat to us comes from, but also against the territories where decision-making centers directing the use of missile systems threatening us are located," he said. "The capability of such weapons, including the time to reach those centers, will be equivalent to the threats against Russia."The members of the committee are very grateful to the victims who participated for their sincerity, the depth and the strength of their testimonies, which will certainly help them to always better understand the gravity and urgency of the difficulties that they will confront during the course of the meeting, the Vatican said in a statement.Its unconscionable that many shots were fired. He was in such bad shape, we discouraged an open casket of any kind. It was just too horrible, he said.By her own admission, Begum knew about the violent nature of ISIS when she left her family home in Bethnal Green almost four years ago, but was reportedly all right with the beheadings of journalists and such.I think we can all agree we have lost one of our very best, said the mayor, who attended with wife Chirlane McCray. And weve been given an example to live up to. To the family, I say thank you for making him the man he was. And we are all better because Brian walked among us.When I am so frustrated with living in WV & wondering why I came home. This is why I came home! Ray-Tompkins wrote. Small towns that pull over and sit as your loved one is carried out of town to their resting place. The people on the streets even stood still as we passed. The processional was led by a state trooper who then blocked all traffic & saluted each car until we were to the gravesite!"This will be handled on its merits alone," Robinson told reporters. "We'll be going back and basically starting from the beginning, scouring our case files to ensure every lead, every tip was followed up on, everything was handled a hundred percent. We are going to run this thing to the end."Numerous law enforcement departments that spoke out against the challenge did not cite any instances of it. It also does not appear that there have been any reports of it other than police warning against it.I think when he heard the amount of years he got, he was probably shocked and so he took it out on me, Brockler told The News. A video of the recording indicates Chislton received 45 years, however Brockler confirmed it was 47.Black was helping with a routine cleaning of the cats enclosure at the Conservators Center in Burlington when she was attacked on Dec. 30, 2018. The center said in a statement that the animals are moved into a separate, locked space before the cleanings; however, a large ball reportedly blocked the gate from properly closing.Officials found several firearms, marijuana and cocaine in the home, but no heroin, and Acevedo said last week that an internal investigation revealed that the lead investigator had lied in an affidavit to justify the operation.If he's going to do it, he needs to learn that there's going to be a little backlash, said Bentons father said. But I just wish (the critics) would do it in a little more respectful, adult-like manner.The numbers tell a striking story  that this President is not simply a polarizing figure but a radicalizing one, Heidi Beirich, director of the SPLCs Intelligence Project, said in a statement. Rather than trying to tamp down hate, as presidents of both parties have done, President Trump elevates it  with both his rhetoric and his policies. In doing so, hes given people across America the go-ahead to act on their worst instincts.When he returned to the eatery a couple days later, the same cashier was on duty. Robertson said the cashier told him then that gay was written on the receipt because Harris had been loud and rude during his visit. He explained to the cashier that Harris speaks loudly because he has a hearing problem.There are reports of bad actors charging thousands of dollars for infusions that are unproven and not guided by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials, he said. The promotion of plasma for these unproven purposes could also discourage patients suffering from serious or intractable illnesses from receiving safe and effective treatments that may be available to them."It feels like a whole 'nother loss of a whole 'nother child  seeing my son in that morgue, holding him and he's rotted and deteriorating," Terrell told KTLA. "He just looked like they just pulled him out of a grave. He looked like he was just rotten fruit."If Im the U.S. Attorneys Office or the Department of Justice, I want an answer to this question, quite frankly, because I don't want the conviction to be overturned five years from now when all these witnesses have disappeared.(and) when its nearly impossible to put this case back together again if its required for a retrial, Weinstein said.They discovered one man, believed to be the victim, inside a parked vehicle suffering from multiple stab wounds. Neil, 29, who claimed to have been attacked in his apartment, was covered in blood.Upon discovering the posters and application, a UC Santa Cruz police officer, in coordination with the HSI, used the application to request a purchase of marijuana and cocaine and then communicated with Howard via Snapchat to set up the purchase, the statement said.This type of alleged behavior within the Postal Service is not tolerated and when a postal employee betrays that trust of the American people, the special agents in the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General vigorously investigate these matters as we did in this instance and work with local, state and federal prosecutors to hold accountable those employees who violate that public trust.In court Tuesday, he pleaded guilty, but proceedings were interrupted when he had to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance after he didnt get his medication for anxiety and high blood pressure, according to the Morning Call.Marriott employees told officers he had been causing a disruption at the bar after making several high-dollar tips  $22,000 in all. Waitresses were competing against each other to serve him  something hotel management claimed interfered with bar operations.Veronica Jobe, 62, said Tuesday that the lack of surveillance footage where her son Dillon was fatally injured has her worried she will never know the full story of what happened. His cell phone was next to him when he was found in a shaft at the Lufthansa Cargo building at JFK Tuesday, leading investigators to believe he either dropped his phone or was trying to retrieve it.It's just ridiculous. And if you ask an average person on the street, Do you think somebody who's waving around a toy gun should be charged with murder because the police officers somehow shot each other? most people would say, 'Absolutely not, that's crazy, Finkelman said Tuesday.Once inside a room at the hotel, the man pulled out a knife and tried to rape her, cops said. He slashed the woman on the hand and ran off, police said.Noble returned to Los Angeles three weeks ago. She alleged in her suit that Weinstein lured her to a hotel room in 2014 with promises to help her career and then sexually assaulted her.MTA Managing Director Veronique Hakim said the agency is aware of the conditions, and told Persaud theyd look to see what can be done immediately to fix it up, as well as what long-term work is expected.More than $4 million has been spent by candidates vying for the open seat, according to the latest data available from the New York City Campaign Finance Board. That figure is expected to skyrocket between now and the Feb. 26 election as the remaining candidates have some $2 million in their combined war chests.There have been four murders in Bedford-Stuyvesants 79th Precinct, compared to a single killing last year at this time. And in East New Yorks 75th Precinct, where there have been three murders, compared to zero during the same period last year.Despite now being on the up and up, most people refused to do business with him, Froccaro said. His old friends were trying to help him make legitimate money and a living in the used car business, Froccaro wrote.Brooklyn had one of the largest black communities and you also had homeowners, his daughter Dara Roach told the Daily News. You had a lot of people who were able to do a lot of different things, like be musicians, so he always came back  not only to support the neighborhood, but to support young musicians and young artists.The 22-year-old Columbia University grad student told the Daily News that she feared the worst Wednesday after her building on W. 101st St. caught fire while she was in class. She arrived back home around noon to a scene of smoke, flames and shattered glass.She was very nice, said floor manager Andrea Resaz, 28, who was Pattons server at one lunch during the week. Her food took a little longer than she expected cause we make everything from scratch, but she was very nice about it. She was in a rush cause she had an appointment to get to.Smollett, 36, told police he was jumped on a street outside his Chicago apartment while returning from a Subway restaurant. He claimed two masked men kicked and punched him, placed a rope around his neck, spewed racist and homophobic slurs and yelled, This is MAGA country  an apparent reference to President Trump's campaign slogan, Make America Great Again.In her counterclaim, Swift and her co-defendants claim Benot falsely stated in his trademark application that he was using the term SwiftLife to promote software repair, website design and hardware implementation. They claim he was using the name S.L. Swiftlife Computer Services for those services and want Benots copyright registration be canceled.The Kickstarter's premise was simple: Donate money so that Sacks could get the funds to buy the necessary equipment to digitally remove the rat. Sacks even laid out the exact amount he needed, down to the cents, for each piece of equipment.Rome, GA (30161)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.La Fayette, GA (30728)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. High 84F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds. Low 68F. Winds light and variable.Calhoun, GA (30701)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable.To the editor:

On Feb. 20 Lee County Commissioners should vote no on loosening current restrictions on lime-rock mining, especially in areas considered prime territory of the endangered Florida panther and designated as Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource (DR/GR). We need drinking water, not more mines.

Lime-rock mining is not compatible with any other land uses, as stated in the Lee County Comprehensive Plan (Lee Plan), a plan paid for with taxpayer dollars and developed by experts, county staff, public input and interested parties.

The Lee Plan acknowledges that lime-rock mining should not be contemplated near environmentally-sensitive areas, present and prospective Conservation 20/20 lands, neighborhoods, schools or agricultural zones. Furthermore, mines should not compromise our sources of potable water. After all, clean water is a finite resource.

County staff proposes the elimination of Map 14, which limits geographically future mining operations and allows public participation in the dialogue with elected officials. Once Map 14 is deleted, we are out of the picture and mining applications would go directly to rezoning process.

Why the need to alter the Lee Plan after it worked for eight years?

Write our county commissioners to vote in favor of smart growth and to respect current restrictions for lime-rock mining. Better, express in person your concerns Feb. 20 at 9:30 am at the public meeting at 2120 Main St., downtown Fort Myers.

Alessia Leathers

Cape CoralTo the editor:

I would like to address all my friends and supporters. It has been a long process but my false arrest on burglary and assault or battery is over. Charges in the false first-degree felony of burglary were dismissed by State Attorney in a few weeks. The assault or battery for party crashing were dismissed by a pretrial diversion.

With 46 years in the teaching profession in the Lee School District, and my former students well into their 50s, it is important for me to have my good name restored to me. The school district quickly reinstated my ability to substitute teach and various other entities have lifted any arrest-related restrictions.

I am happy to report this incident will not be disregarded. Mayor Coviello indicated he will meet with me and Chief of Police Newlan would like to investigate the matter. I will do this soon. I am not taking the violation of the First and Fourteenth amendment rights lightly. The social and local medias assumption of me was I was guilty till proven innocent. It cost me my election for the Lee School Board District 4 seat.

I want to thank the Cape Coral Breeze for printing my earlier statement concerning this matter before the election.

Louis Navarra

Cape CoralThe seventh-annual PRCA Fort Myers Pro Rodeo returns to the Lee County this weekend with the hope it will be as successful as last years event.

Its set for Friday and Saturday starting at 7 p.m. each night at the Lee County Posse Arena off Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers.

Margo Crowther, the rodeos promoter, said she is looking to make the rodeo more kid friendly, with much more for them and adults to do.

Were going to have a petting zoo, bounce houses, an obstacle course and more food vendors. We will have a mechanical bull, clothing vendors and the kids will have the calf scramble and mutton busting, Crowther said. Were looking forward to having a great rodeo.

Last years rodeo was pushed back to March because of the damage to the arena caused by Hurricane Irma. This years event was pushed ahead because Crowther is eight months pregnant and would likely miss the event.

Last year I was out rodeoing and the storm, so the date fit better. This time Im due at the end of March and I didnt want to chance not being there, said Crowther who usually carries the American Flag at the start and competes in the barrel racing. Im going to be behind the scenes this year.

The event will again feature award-winning announcer Trey Windhorst and clown Robbie Hodges, who served that role for the first few rodeos. The Cowboy Mounted Shooters will also be there for a shooting demonstration before the rodeo.

Of course, some of the nations best cowboys and cowgirls will be there for bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, calf roping and more for their share of $20,000 in prize money.

Most of those who sign up will be in the performance. The leftover ropers and barrel racers will be in slack on Saturday at 9 a.m.

Crowther said she expects huge crowds for the rodeo.

The last two Saturday performances sold out, so were going to try some giveaways on Friday to get some people to come then, Crowther said. Were really proud of what the rodeo has become.

VIP tickets are $75, which includes preferred parking, the VIP tent, unlimited food and beverages and reserved seating. General admission is $25, children age 5 to 12 are $12 and under 5 are free. Parking is $5 and gates open at 5 p.m.

The Lee County Posse Arena is at 17401 Palm Creek Dr.

For more information, go to fortmyersprorodeo.com.The dinosaur sculptures at the Shell Factory & Nature Park have a refreshed look, thanks to a group of young artists from North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts.

The Shell Factory & Nature Park and the school partnered for an arts integrated community service project which will provide art students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and offers them real-world experience.

Currently under way, the project includes a complete overhaul of several large, life-size dinosaur sculptures displayed in the Nature Park courtyard.

Teresa West-Taylo, visual arts teacher and arts director at NFMAA, said the Shell Factory lent the school some items for one of its productions.

In exchange, they asked us if we would consider repainting their dinosaurs in the Nature Park. They look like they havent been repainted in a while and were down to fiberglass in some areas, West-Taylo said. We are meeting here after school and painting every other day.

Christine Forbes, sales director at the Shell Factory, said the dinosaurs were looking tired and worn, and the artistic abilities of the students will make them good as new.

Were super excited to partner with them. Theyre amazing young students. When the art department was looking for a project, we thought of the dinosaurs and they jumped on it and are doing an amazing job.

Paint and supplies are being provided by the Shell Factory and students will be on-site various days to lend a helping hand and showcase their artistic talent, courtesy of the Nature Parks Education Foundation.

The project started last week and is expected to continue for the next several weeks. The kids have about 20 sculptures to paint, with some of the taller ones to be done with the help of teachers.

Adriana Nazco and Layla Cedeno were set designers who had the opportunity to paint the dinosaurs, reaching as far up as they could without the use of ladders.

Weve been using many colors like black and yellows and were really having a good time. Theyve bene treating us really good here, Nazco said. The people who come by are asking us questions and taking pictures.

The Shell Factory will add some vegetation at the end of the project to completely rejuvenate the area.

When the students expressed an interest in wanting to support our Environmental Education Foundation initiative we were extremely grateful, said Pam Cronin, owner of the Shell Factory & Nature Park, in a statement. We are excited to have them on-site and in awe of their artistic talent.Lee County Department of Community Development staff will discuss proposed changes for the Bayshore community at an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in the Davidson House at the Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd., North Fort Myers.

The changes come in the form of proposed amendments to the Lee Plan and Land Development Code; they are based on input from a Bayshore community meeting held in 2018.

The prior meeting called a visioning meeting was held for the Bayshore Community Plan area in March 2018, following the direction of the Lee Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). At the meeting, staff collected input from area stakeholders concerning the vision and goals for the Bayshore Community Plan area.

Since then, Community Development staff have been working with other Lee County departments to turn the communitys vision into implementable Lee Plan and Land Development Code provisions.

All amendments will move though the normal process required to amend the Lee Plan with opportunities for public input one hearing with the Local Planning Agency and two hearings with the BoCC (transmittal and adoption).

There are 17 distinct community planning areas identified in the Lee Plan. This winter and spring, Community Development staff members plan to host open-house community plan meetings in San Carlos Island and Alva; information about those dates and times will be available after the Bayshore meeting. Additionally, three communities will have visioning meetings scheduled (details to come): North Olga, Caloosahatchee Shores and Page Park.

For more information visit the website at www.leegov.com/dcd/planning/cp/bayshore or contact PODPlanning@leegov.com.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs, or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate in this meeting, contact David Wagley, 239-533-8502, Florida Relay Service 711, or DWagley@leegov.com. Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requestor. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has insisted that ballot box snatchers themselves are killers who deserve no mercy. The group sai...

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has insisted that ballot box snatchers themselves are killers who deserve no mercy.





The group said this in reaction to President Muhammadu Buharis directive to security agencies to deal ruthlessly with ballot box snatchers ahead of the 2019 general election.





The President had, during the emergency caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress, at the partys Secretariat in Abuja said that ballot snatchers risk losing their lives.





Although a tornado of criticisms has trailed President Buharis tough stand on ballot box snatchers, MURIC, has pitched camp with the President, saying that security agencies should be given the power to shoot anybody who attempts to snatch a ballot box.

The statement was signed by the founder and director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Wednesday.





A lot of people still need civic education. How can educated people defend ballot box snatchers? Do they know who they are defending? They are defending killers, thugs and hooligans. Does any ballot box snatcher come with snacks, loaves of bread and bottles of water for voters? No. They come with guns, cutlasses, daggers, charms, etc. They come with death.





Are we also not aware that many innocent voters have been killed and wounded in the process of ballot snatching? Are our elites not ashamed of defending such riff-raffs? Must we allow political differences to becloud our sense of decency? Do we know the sponsors of those thugs? These are crooked politicians who have nothing to deliver to the people except to steal public funds. No clean politician will ask hoodlums to snatch ballot boxes for him.





We all read the confession of some of the armed robbers who killed several people in Offa recently. They said their godfather used to give them assignments during elections. He would ask them to invade polling booths where his opponents are most popular. What does that mean to the election process? It reduces the votes of the opposition. The wrong candidate will be declared winner. Consequently, he does what he likes because he never really felt any sense of responsibility to the people. Can we say such an election is free and fair?





Nigerians have to make up their minds whether they want free and fair election or they want chaos, cheating, thuggery and hooliganism. We are shocked to our marrows that confusionists are allowed to sway the minds of rational people. How can any rational mind support electoral violence, particularly ballot snatching?





Some critics hardly think before speaking. What is the difference between ballot box snatchers and armed robbers? The latter rob people of their hard-earned money. The former robs the people of good leadership. The victim of an armed robbery may be just one person but millions or thousands of Nigerians are the unwilling victims of a ballot box snatcher. Again, the victim of an armed robber may recover the financial loss within a few days or weeks but millions of Nigerians face untold suffering at least for the next four years when ballot boxes are snatched and thieves are declared winners of elections.





The group argued that President Buhari is not the first to call for action against hoodlums carrying illegal arms. It cited the examples of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Nyesome Wike, the governor of Rivers State.





It added, We are surprised that people forget so easily. On November 25th, 1999, ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo said, The police have instructions that any criminal should be shot on sight. Anyone who calls himself OPC should be arrested and if he doesnt agree he will be shot on sight. We cannot allow this country to be overtaken by hoodlums and criminals. When people decide to behave like animals then they must be treated like animals.





It is also on record that Wike once said, If you rig election or snatch ballot box in Rivers State you will die. Ayodele Fayose was also quoted as threatening, Anyone who brings his rigging madness to Ekiti State will not go home alive. He will die on the spot. In fact, Ado Ekiti will be on fire. What moral right do such people have to criticize Buhari today for asking security agents to deal will ballot box snatchers? The truth is that Nigerians politicise everything.





What Mr. President said is totally legitimate, lawful and constitutional. He has the full backing of Section 33(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which says inter alia, A person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his life in contravention of this section, if he dies as a result of the use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted by law, of such force as is reasonably necessary  for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property.





We need to ponder on the exact words of President Buhari. He said, I want to warn anybody who thinks he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs to snatch ballot boxes or disturb the voting system, he will do it at the expense of his own life. How can anybody have a problem with that? Are you a ballot box snatcher? Are you thinking of becoming one? Are you a sponsor of political thugs? Are you an advocate of electoral violence? What, therefore, is your problem?





From the above facts, we are constrained to conclude that those who criticize President Buhari for giving orders to security agencies to shoot ballot box snatchers acted either in error, out of ignorance or as educated illiterates. A new Sheriff is in town. The old order changeth.





To be or not to be, that is the question: whether to be known as a nation of disorderly, unruly and unorganized people, in which case we will remain the laughing stock of the world, or to be known as a well-organized, law-abiding and decorum-compliant people, in which case we will become the model and pride of Black Africa..Mr Chris Finebone, Publicity Secretary, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers has denied allegation making round that the party...

Mr Chris Finebone, Publicity Secretary, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers has denied allegation making round that the party plots to scuttle elections in Rivers.









Finbone told the newsmen on Wednesday in Port Harcourt that the accusation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was a mere imagination.









He also said that the allegation that the Transportation Minister,Mr Rotim Amaechi was holding secret meetings in Abuja and strategising to disrupt elections in the state was another mere imagination by PDP.









Well, the claim by PDP that the Minister for Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, is holding any meeting whatsoever, dwells only in the infantile imagination of the PDP characters behind such outlandish allegation, he said.









It was gathered that PDP, during a media briefing on Tuesday, accused APC of conniving with the security agencies and employing other undemocratic strategies to scuttle elections in parts of the state.









Finebone urged the public not to take the accusation seriously, adding that it was a deliberate attempt to discredit APC and to dissuade its teaming supporters.









Rivers PDP is doing exactly what the Holy Bible refers to as the guilty running when no one is pursuing.







The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) on Tuesday tackled the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai over his remar...





The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) on Tuesday tackled the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai over his remarks on Kajuru killings.





In a statement on behalf of SMBLF by the National Publicity Secretary, pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, the Forum said the governors unguarded comments on the killings were capable of stoking ethnic crisis in Kaduna.





The statement reads: The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has watched with keen interest recent attempt by the Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Nasir El-Rufai, to foment ethnic crisis in his state on the eve of the botched February 16 presidential elections.





The governor had claimed the reprisal killing of 66 Fulani people in Kajuru LGA of the state with fanfare but has yet to show evidence of deaths as we write this.

The glee with which the governor went on air on Friday, February 15, 2019 alleging the killings was shocking for the chief executive of a state.





The governor claimed that the incident happened on the eve of the election. But the truth by the community concerned is that the incident took place between Sunday, February 10, to Tuesday, February 12, 2019 in Ungwar Barde in Kufana district, where 11 innocent Adara people were killed by suspected herdsmen without any provocation.





However, contrary to Odumakins statement, after an expanded security meeting with President Buhari at the State House, Abuja, Governor El-Rufai, while briefing the press, said the death toll had increased to 130.





El-Rufai said: The last report we got is that over 130 people were killed not even 66 and the Fulani leaders have provided the names of all these people.





We have the list, we can release it to the Press and I dont want to be gross but we can release pictures of the people killed and how soldiers have to be there to help bury them, two days after they were killed because the bodies were decomposing.





Whoever still doubts that this happened is being grossly irresponsible.Festus Keyamo, the spokesman of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, says snatching of ballot box can be charged as treason or treasonable...





Festus Keyamo, the spokesman of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, says snatching of ballot box can be charged as treason or treasonable felony, which he says is punishable by death.





Keyamo, in an attempt to defend President Muhammadu Buharis position, on making ballot box snatchers pay with their lives, said those quoting the electoral act are ignorant.





I have listened to so many uninformed comments since yesterday, and comments that are laced with heavy politics, but let me tell you straight away that there is no spin to put to the statement of the president, there is no need to repackage it, he said.





What the president said is 100 percent correct, 100 percent defensible, and I will urge him to repeat it over and over again.

The president said whoever leads a band of thugs to go and snatch ballot boxes will pay dearly for it with his life. That is a correct statement of the law, because if you look at the definition of thugs; a thug is a murderer, a thug is a robber, a thug is a vicious person.





The law is that when you are found at the scene of a crime, committing violence that will put the life of people in danger, you can be shot dead on the spot.





Keyamo added that every lawyer knows that ballot box snatchers can be shot, and the security agencies will be justified by the firearm act.





Every lawyer knows that one of the defenses to criminal liability is what they call justification and excuse, and that is justification and excuse [in] this particular case.





People have cited the electoral act, and I said those people are ignorant. The electoral act says that those who snatch ballot boxes should be given some fine and three years, and all kinds of things.





But I will tell you that under the law, if a person commits the offence, the prosecutor has an option to charge him under different laws. Those who snatch ballot boxes are robbers by definition of the law.





If you take anything by force, you are a robber under the robbery and firearms act. If you come to a polling station, take note, you dont even have to be armed, in most cases they are armed.





The robbery and firearms act says that if you just threaten violence or use violence, you dont have to be armed. For instance, if you use a heavy blow to threaten somebody or to actually hit somebody to snatch the persons bag, that is armed robbery, even though you are not carrying the weapon, that is armed robbery under the firearms act.





What is the punishment? The punishment is death sentence, under that act. Also, if you try to intimidate and overhaul the state, to take power by force, that can be treason or treasonable felony, and I can charge the person under treason or treasonable felony



Director of the Stephen Centre International School, Abeokuta, Isaac Oluwole Newton-Wusu, on Wednesday, appeared before an Ogun high cou...

Director of the Stephen Centre International School, Abeokuta, Isaac Oluwole Newton-Wusu, on Wednesday, appeared before an Ogun high court over alleged rape and indecent assault on five female students of the school.









The police arraigned Newton-Wusu on a five-count charge, but he pleaded not guilty.









According to the police, the director indecently assaulted and raped two students aged 12 years and 14 years in 2008 and 2010 in his office.









The police also said that Newton-Wusu indecently assaulted three other female students by squeezing and fondling their breasts in 2007 and 2008, in contravention of Sections 358, 359 and 360 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2016.









Justice Solomon Olugbemi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.









Olugbemi ordered that the sureties must own landed property within the courts jurisdiction and have building plan approval.









He also ordered that the sureties must show evidence of three years tax payment to Ogun Government.









He adjourned the case until April 4, for mention.











The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Mr Bashir Makama, has accused politicians of sponsoring thugs to distort the peace and security...

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Mr Bashir Makama, has accused politicians of sponsoring thugs to distort the peace and security of the state during this years general elections.









Makama made the accusation during a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political stakeholders in Uyo on Tuesday.









He urged the people of the state to report any form of violence perpetrated by thugs in the state before and during the 2019 general elections for prompt action.









I want to urge all Akwa Ibom people to be peaceful and accept the opinion of others and do it in line with laid down procedures.









If there is a peaceful and credible election, the votes of the people will speak for itself.









Political parties have filled the state with thugs and if you can identify them, your responsibility should be to report so that something can be done about it but if you have the information and you do not report, nothing can be done.









When I first came to Akwa Ibom, I was accused of partnering with a political party. I want to make it clear that our duty is to serve the people of Akwa Ibom, Makama said.



No fewer than 938 suspected political thugs, drug sellers and addicts have been arrested by the police in Kano state within one week. ...

No fewer than 938 suspected political thugs, drug sellers and addicts have been arrested by the police in Kano state within one week.









The PPRO Kano police command, DSP Abdullahi Haruna who confirmed the arrest, said 851 of the suspects had been charged to court for prosecution while 87 others are still under investigation.









Haruna said the suspects were arrested at various locations across the state during a special raid of criminal hideouts by the police.









He said the raid was aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements to pave way for the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections.









He said the suspects were arrested within the last one week following the assumption of office of the current commissioner of police, Mohammed Wakili.









The police spokesman revealed that about 130 parcels and over 11, 000 wraps of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp have been recovered from the suspects besides other intoxicants including refanol, diazepam, and rubber solution among others.









He disclosed that the commissioners resolve for the onslaught on drug sales and abuse in the state was predicated on the understanding that most criminals take drugs before they commit any crime.









Since the arrival of the current Commissioner of Police, he has been very tough about the issue of political thuggery and those abusing drug that is why you see the police always looking for them. He keeps saying that most of these offences are related to drugs.









When we conducted an investigation here in the command we found out that most of the suspects before they commit any offence they must take drugs that is why he is always serious about the issue of drugs, and the assumption of the command is that if we can rid the state of this drug abuse, we can then eliminate other crimes Haruna said.









Meanwhile, the commissioner vowed to launch an onslaught on drug barons with a view to tackling the menace of drug abuse in the state.









Kano has been identified as one of the hot spots for drug abuse in the country with a reported daily consumption rate of 2million bottles of codeine.









The CP disclosed this while addressing members of the Kano state election peace committee who paid him a courtesy visit in his office yesterday, CP Mohammed said drug users are victims of the drug culture.









He said he has directed all divisional heads under his command to monitor and arrest drug barons within their jurisdiction.









The problem is not drug users but the drug barons, the users are just victims. In view of that I have directed my DPOs to arrest drug barons within their areas of jurisdiction the CP said.









The committee was in the command to seek the support of the police Chieftain towards ensuring peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections.









The committee was led by its co-chairs Professor Emeritus Ibrahim Umar and the Catholic Bishop of Kano Diocese, Rev. Dr John Namaza Niyiring.









Speaking on behalf of the committee, Bishop Niyiring while commending the CP over the sanity being entrenched following the arrest of almost 1000 thugs, urged the CP to maintain a neutral status during the elections.







Exactly one year after her abduction by Boko Haram terrorists, the family of Leah Sharibu on Tuesday renewed their call on the Federal G...

Exactly one year after her abduction by Boko Haram terrorists, the family of Leah Sharibu on Tuesday renewed their call on the Federal Government to be committed to its promise to facilitate her release.









On many occasions, the mother of the victim, Rebecca Sharibu, had broken down in tears, demanding the release of her daughter.









On Tuesday, her friend and senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, University of Jos, Dr Gloria Puldu, in an interview with newsmen, said the government should act on its promise to secure Leahs freedom.









She said, We are not in a position to evaluate what the government has done or not done. All the family is asking for is Leahs release. Let the government keep to its promise. We want Leah back home just like the other girls from her school who were with her in captivity were set free. She should also be set free from Boko Haram.









No news from the government or the terrorists; we just saw on TV, (after we held the press conference) the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, saying Leah was not dead but absolutely alive and that was all we heard.









No government official has reached out to the family to let them know if they are doing something concerning the promise they made in October or even what is happening with their daughter since they said she was alive (and not dead as rumoured in the past weeks).









She added, Remember, the family held a press conference on February 10, calling on all to petition God and government for Leahs release. We will like to appeal to all well-meaning people not to forget about Leah in captivity. Here, we are today, she is 365 days in captivity.









On this day last year, Leah Sharibu was kidnapped by terrorists while she was at school in Dapchi, Nigeria. She was taken along with over 100 schoolmates. One month later, the others were released, but not Leah.







Legal icon and elder statesman, Professor Ben Nwabueze SAN, has lamented over the appointment of Muslims as the head of the Independent...

Legal icon and elder statesman, Professor Ben Nwabueze SAN, has lamented over the appointment of Muslims as the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, by President Muhammadu Buhari.





Nwabueze stated that Buhari started preparing ground to manipulate the 2019 election when he replaced Amina Zakari with Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman, who are both Northerners.





In a statement he issued yesterday, the elder statesman lamented that Buhari was contented in installing a Northerner as INEC Chairman.





The statement reads partly: The Commission is constituted and designated as an agency, not of the Executive, but of the National Assembly, to which it is made accountable and must report its activities and the performance of its functions at least once a year, which implies that its members owe their tenure of office to the Assembly.

By the express injunction of the Constitution, no person or organ of state may interfere with the functioning of the Commission. The members too are expressly enjoined to be impartial and to exercise their powers and perform their functions without fear, favour or prejudice.





After nearly four years in office, President Buhari has shown no consciousness or concern about the cruciality of the matter, not to talk of taking any action to address it. He is content to install as Chairman of INEC on 21 October, 2015, a fellow Muslim from Bauchi State in the far North, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, an outstanding historian and intellectual, replacing Amina Zakari, a lady and a Muslim northerner, whose appointment as acting chairman generated so much controversy.





By these appointments, President Buhari is seen as preparing the ground for manipulating the 2019 election. In this connection, it may be recalled that Amina Zakari succeeded Professor Attahiru Jega, another Muslim northerner.Michael Abikoye, Nigerian high commissioner to Ghana, has protested the inhuman treatment of Nigerians by the Ghana Immigration Servi...





Michael Abikoye, Nigerian high commissioner to Ghana, has protested the inhuman treatment of Nigerians by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).





At a meeting between him and Kwame Takyi, the comptroller-general of GIS, the high commissioner said 723 Nigerians were deported over alleged illegal stay, cybercrime and prostitution between the January 2018 and January 2019.





According to him, 81 Nigerians were deported over alleged cybercrime and illegal stay in January, while 115 have so far been deported in February on the allegation of overstay and prostitution.





The high commissioner cautioned against inhuman treatment of Nigerians by Ghana, warning that any form of torture or ill treatment of Nigerians would not be acceptable to Nigerian government.

He said, though the high commission would not condone any form of criminality on the part of Nigerians, inhuman treatment and alleged torture of some Nigerians in Ghana would no longer be tolerated.





Although, the GIS had linked prostitution and cybercrimes as some of the reasons for the deportation, it is improper to deport Nigerians for alleged illegal stay in Ghana, he said.





There are several Ghanaians living in Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service has never deported any of them on ground of illegal stay, because of a sense of brotherliness between our countries.





He also showed photos of some of them who sustained injuries on their legs, arms and eyes in the process of being tortured.





According to him, the inhuman act was against the United Nations Convention against Torture.





He appealed to the CG to prevail on his officials to treat Nigerians and other ECOWAS nationals with human face, caution and not as common criminals.





In his response, the CG acknowledged the existing bilateral relationship between the two countries as earlier pointed by Abikoye.





According to Takyi, the GIS are being compelled to carry out repatriation because of the conduct of some Nigerian nationals in Ghana.





He alleged that besides engaging in cybercrime and prostitution, some Nigerians had become laws in themselves; they do road blockages in major Ghanaian streets where they drink, fight and stab one another.





This unruly behaviour which contravenes the local laws in Ghana has led to directive from higher authority for their arrests and eventual deportation of those who do not have the requisite immigration papers, he said.The CG, however, promised to investigate alleged torture of some Nigerians.





He, however, showed the ambassador a video of some Nigerians, obstructing justice by preventing the official vehicle of the GIS the right of way after arresting a Nigerian in Kasoa area.Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, says Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, has confirmed that the general election will be a do o...





Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, says Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, has confirmed that the general election will be a do or die affair.





Responding to to el-Rufais body bag threat, Falana said the prosecution of the governor will commence as soon as his tenure is over.





He asked the international community that has promised to impose visa ban on those inciting violence to make an example of the governor.





Falana was speaking at secretariat of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) during a memorial event in honour of Beko Ransome-Kuti, the human rights activist who died 13 years ago.

The programme held on Tuesday.





Last week, Mr. Nasiru El Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State threatened that foreign election observers and monitors who interfere in the 2019 general elections would return to their countries in body bags because nobody will come to Nigeria and tell us how to run out country, Falana said.





The threat to attack and kill foreign election observers in Nigeria constitutes an infraction of the Electoral Act, 2010 and the Penal Code but because Governor El Rufai currently enjoys immunity his trial and prosecution for the offence will have to await the end of his tenure.





The western countries that have threatened to place travel restrictions on members of the ruling class who incite violence or interfere in the electoral process should not hesitate to make an example of the governor without any further delay.





The Special Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court who has also warned against any form of electoral violence in the country is urged to hold Governor El Rufai responsible if foreign observers and monitors are killed during the 2019 general election.





Notwithstanding the recklessness of the threat to attack foreign election observers, Governor El Rufais has confirmed that the 2019 general election is going to be a do or die affair (apologies to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo) for the leading factions of the ruling class.





Since leading politicians have recruited and armed thugs the general elections will be characterised by violence in many parts of the country. Even if some of the thugs are arrested and are arraigned in the courts, the various attorneys-general would file nolle prosequi to terminate the criminal cases as the managers of the neocolonial state cannot afford to prosecute their armed agents.





Therefore, since the children of the sponsors of violence are in expensive schools at home and abroad we urge the masses of our people not to allow their own children to be used as cannon fodders during the battle for the control of political power and economic resources of the country by the ruling class.





The lawyer also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of considering manipulating results.





He wondered why ex-President Goodluck Jonathan failed to implement the recommendation of the Uwai panel set up by the late President Umaru Musa YarAdua to tackle electoral malpractice.





Falana said like Jonathan, President Muhammadu Buhari also jettisoned the Ken Nnamani panel set up by the APC government.





It is indubitably clear that both APC and PDP are resolutely committed to the status quo which permits the manipulation of election results, he said.





Hence, both parties have rejected the reform of the electoral system. But it is high time democratic forces mounted sufficient pressure on the political class to implement the recommendations of the electoral reform panels.Amnesty International (AI) has called on the Nigeria police force to urgently release Maryam Awaisu, a gender activist arrested on Tues...





Amnesty International (AI) has called on the Nigeria police force to urgently release Maryam Awaisu, a gender activist arrested on Tuesday.





Awaisu, one of the leaders of the #ArewaMeToo movement was reportedly picked up by operatives of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) in Kaduna state.





The movement which began recently is seeking justice for victims of sexual violence in Nigeria.





Osai Ojigho, AI director in Nigeria, said Aiwasu did no wrong to warrant her arrest.

Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Maryam Aiwasu who has done nothing more than speaking up for womens rights, she said.





Her arrest appears to be an attempt to intimidate and harass both her and other women supporting #ArewaMeToo  a movement seeking justice for victims of sexual violence in Nigeria.





She further said the police attempted to gain access to Awaisus laptop and mobile phone by force while trying to arrest her.





According to her, the act is an effort to access the sensitive evidence she and other human rights defenders have been gathering to seek justice for victims of sexual violence.





Maryam and the other brave human rights defenders working with the #ArewaMeToo movement must not be silenced or punished for the vital work they do, she added.





For too long, Nigerias women have been facing various kinds of sexual violence that seldom receives proper attention from the countrys law enforcement agencies.





It is unacceptable that women working on behalf of these victims are subjected to such arrest and intimidation, and we fear that these actions may prevent victims of sexual violence from pursuing justice.







The Police Command in Delta state has warned stakeholders against engaging private security agents, volunteers, guards and vigilantes in...

The Police Command in Delta state has warned stakeholders against engaging private security agents, volunteers, guards and vigilantes in securing/escorting election and other materials during the 2019 general elections across the state.









The Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, ASP Chuks Orisewezie, gave the warning in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.









Orisewezie said, any such armed private security personnel in whatever form or guise will be appropriately dealt with.









The commands spokesman said that the responsibility of providing security during the 2019 general elections rested squarely on the police, in collaboration with other security agencies.







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Thank you for trusting us for your local news coverage. You have reached the maximum number of free articles per month. Subscribe today for unlimited access to News-Press NOW. It's a fast and easy way to support local journalism.Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono says the country clearly supports Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president.

Kono was speaking at a news conference on Tuesday.

He said many people in the international community have raised concerns about the legitimacy of Venezuela's presidential election last year. He also said Japan's government has repeatedly asked the Venezuelan government to fulfill its accountability on the election, but that the responsibility has not been carried out. He added that a new presidential election has not been held as requested.

Guaido, the national assembly head, is supported by the United States and other major Western countries, while President Nicolas Maduro is backed by China and Russia. - NHKHonda Motor says it plans to shut down its manufacturing plant in Swindon, southwest England, in 2021.

President Takahiro Hachigo described the decision as part of efforts to restructure global manufacturing operations. That includes a new focus on electric vehicles.

Hachigo said, "We have decided, from the point of view of competitiveness, that it will be difficult to produce electric vehicles in Europe."

Hachigo stressed that the decision is not connected to Brexit, although he admitted there are uncertainties and concerns over possible effects on parts procurement.

Honda says sluggish sales in the European market are also a factor in the decision.

The company builds 160,000 vehicles in Swindon per year, with a third of them going to the European market.

It says it will move production for those sales to other regions and will provide support to around 3,500 affected workers at the UK plant.

Honda also announced a plan to cease production at a smaller plant in Turkey in 2021.

Worries are mounting in the UK, as many people had expected large manufacturers to stay in the country even after Brexit. - NHKPeople lined up for hours outside the federal court in Brooklyn last week for a chance to hear the jury instructions at the trial of Joaquin Guzman, known as El Chapo. On Feb 12, the jury handed out guilty verdicts on all counts, including murder conspiracy and money laundering. During the trial, while American audiences were focused on the courtroom, the Mexican government held a news conference on forced disappearances south of the border. The figures were alarming. The two stories  of Guzman being tried in New York and the continuing bloody tragedy here in Mexico  are intrinsically connected.

Government officials said at the Feb. 4 news conference that Mexico has records of more than 40,000 people who have vanished, many in the areas where drug traffickers are strongest. Investigators have discovered 1,100 graves, and there are a stunning 26,000 corpses in public morgues that have not been identified. This reveals the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis, said Alejandro Encinas, Mexicos undersecretary for human rights. Our territory has become a huge clandestine grave. Amid the details about Guzmans personal allure and venality presented during the threemonth trial, it was easy to forget that his real significance was his position at the top of the Sinaloa drug cartel, one of the forces that plunged the nation into a painful armed conflict that has led to so many massacres, mass graves and refugees.

The tales of Guzman running naked through tunnels with his lover, the glamour of his beauty-queen wife coming dutifully to the court, the brutal murder of police informants, the inventiveness of smuggling cocaine in cans of chile pepper  it all made entertaining coverage. As a TV reporter mused to me in the Brooklyn courtroom, it all provided a certain light relief away from the divisive political climate that dominates American news. But the focus on the individual can distract from the size of the crisis in Mexico. The Feb 12 verdict followed more than 200,000 murders over the past decade, a level of bloodshed that has ripped at the heart of the nation. More than 100 journalists have been slain, including my friend and colleague Javier Valdez, whom one of the witnesses against Guzman was questioned about.

An entire movement has grown of family members of those killed and disappeared, pushing to see the violence against their loved ones punished, or at least to find the bodies. In the face of such slaughter, it is obviously good that Guzman, a leader of one of the drug cartels involved, is convicted and is likely to spend the rest of his life in a tough prison. But considering this was the biggest trial to date related to Mexicos catastrophic drug war, it seems only a bittersweet victory in the battle for justice. It is a painful fact that Guzman was convicted in the United States and not in Mexico, where he has sown corrup - tion and terror.

After he escaped from two top security prisons here, the Mexican government conceded that its institutions were not powerful enough to hold him and extradited him north. As a result the charges were mostly related to his trafficking drugs to Americans rather than murdering Mexicans. In the trial, 14 fellow criminals testified against their former cohort, using the long-criticised system of cooperating witnesses.

One of them, Juan Carlos Ramirez Abadia, alias Chupeta, confessed to ordering as many as 150 murders, mostly in his home country, Colombia, yet hoped to have his sentence reduced in return for his testimony. With audio recordings of Guzman setting up drug deals, you have to question whether it was necessary for prosecutors to work with such hardened criminals. Lunatics, drug dealers, maniacs, given sweetheart deals, the defence lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman said in his closing arguments.

In rebuttal, Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Liskamm said, The day that cocaine conspiracies are made in heaven is the day we can call angels as witnesses. These witnesses spoke of bribes to Mexican officials, from the police and soldiers right up to the former President Enrique Pena Nieto, who was accused of receiving $100 million. Tragically, this came as little surprise to people here in Mexico, where there have long been accusations of corruption at the very top. Yet there is little hope they will lead to punishment.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said the Mexican government would need more solid evidence to go after Pena Nieto. We cant judge him if we dont have proof, he said. He has also said that going after former presidents could plunge the country into confrontation while he is trying to build unity. Questions about the dubious practices of American agents were shut down by the prosecution and judge. The jurors were not allowed to hear about the so-called Fast and Furious debacle, in which agents watched as thousands of guns were trafficked south, including a .50-caliber rifle found in the last hideout of Guzman.

Or about the cooperating witness who had previously claimed that his cartel had been protected by the United States government while it informed on rivals. And despite Guzmans infamy, there are questions about whether he was truly the biggest drug trafficker in Mexico or just one of various powerful kingpins, including his fellow Sinaloan trafficker Ismael Zambada, called El Mayo, who is still at large. Indeed, the prosecution said in its closing argument that it didnt matter if Guzman wasnt the supreme head of the Sinaloa cartel, so long as he was one of its bosses.

A veteran agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration once admitted to me that the policy of taking down kingpins didnt stop the flow of drugs. But he said that it did stop certain drug traffickers who were becoming too infamous and powerful, which made them a threat to governments. Perhaps the conviction of Guzman at least shows to aspiring drug traffickers that they cannot become as notorious as El Chapo and escape the law. But for the families looking for their loved ones in the mass graves here in Mexico and the families of those who have died of drug overdoses in the United States, the search for justice and peace continues.Pakistan School honoured their students who qualified for the Global Round in the World Scholars Cup (WSC) Bahrain Round 2019. Pakistan School students won more than hundred gold and silver medals in different categories in the competitions held in St. Christophers School, Bahrain.

24 students have qualified for the global round which will be held in The Hague, Netherlands. A special felicitation ceremony in honour of the participant students was held in the Jinnah Hall of the school where the students and teachers were awarded certificates. Principal Attiq Ur Rehman congratulated the participants and praised them for bringing fame to the school.The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Information and eGovernment Authority to implement the fourth phase of the Tourism Statistics Development Programme. Since 2015, BTEA has been working to develop a national tourism statistics system and the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), in line with international recommendations and standards of the World Tourism Organization and the United Nations Statistics Division.

Before 2015, there were only rough and fragmented estimates about the tourism sectors performance in the Kingdom; without taking into account different kinds of tourism sources and tourism activities. However in the three last years alone, by collaborating with various public and private entities, the Kingdom has developed sufficient information concerning the supply and demand in the tourism sector.

This milestone achievement was highlighted in the assessments carried out by delegations from World Tourism Organisation and the GCC Statistical Centre; where the continued progress in tourism statistical reporting and establishment of new data gathering resources in the Kingdom of Bahrain were praised.

The Chief Executive Officer of BTEA, Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Information and eGovernment Authority, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, signed an agreement to implement the Tourism Statistics Development Program for the full year 2019-2020.

The programme will include over a thousand tourism facilities located in different areas across Bahrain for a whole year, measuring the production associated with accounts of industries serving incoming visitors in addition to the number of employees in these industries with the percentages of Bahrainisation and ratio of females working in the tourism industry.The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574.

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Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer.

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Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer.FAIRBANKSUndeterred by biting wind and blowing snow, about 50 people gathered outside Constitution Hall on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus Tuesday to honor the memory of Sophie Sergie.

Sergie, 20, was found dead April 26, 1993 in a bloody bathtub at Bartlett Hall, one of the university's student housing units. She had been sexually assaulted, stabbed multiple times and shot in the back of the head.

Investigators were unable to identify a suspect until newly submitted DNA evidence recently linked Steven Harris Downs, 44, of Auburn, Maine, to the crime.

The Sophie Sergie Healing Ceremony and Celebration of Life was organized by Amy and Sean Topkok, both of whom attended UAF with Sergie. Participants gathered in a circle as the bell tower in the Gruening Building tolled the noon hour and students rushed by on their way to class.

Sean Topkok, now an assistant professor with the School of Education, told the gathering that the ceremony was intended to help people go through the healing process and get closure.

"We wanted to make it during this week so that its still fresh in our minds. We want to honor Sophie, because its been 26 years that her murder has been unsolved," he said. "Im glad that theyve caught a suspect, but there are so many other unsolved murders, especially indigenous women, and all women, of all kinds."

Martie Hintz gave a blessing and spoke about the first time she met Sergie.

"She was just full of laughter and light. Very young. She blessed many of us, all those many years ago," Hintz said.

Sophie Sergie memorial Attendees join arms in remembrance during a healing ceremony and celebration of life in honor of Sophie Sergie Tuesday afternoon, February 19,

Amy Topkok, a reporting and outreach coordinator with the university's Biomedical Learning and Student Training program, said Sergie's death has affected her friends, family and community for years.

"This is very heartening to see all of you show up, and I know that theres many more who couldnt make it here today," she said. "There were a lot of things that came to my mind when I heard the news (of Downs' arrest), because I myself, being a young college student at the time  it could have been me. It could have been me.

"And I think of the family, and I hope that they know that they can finally feel some peace," she said.

Sean Topkok said university staff are thawing the Eternal Flame monument next to the Lola Tilly Commons so it can be lit in Sergie's honor. The flame is part of a sculpture resembling a seal-oil lamp, called a naniq, and is lighted at the beginning of the school year, at commencement and on special occasions. The sculpture was built in 1976 and is dedicated to the heritage of Alaskas Native peoples.

Downs attended UAF from 1992 to 1996 and lived in the dormitory where Sergie's body was found. He was arrested in Maine on Friday and is being held there without bail pending an extradition hearing in March.

Sophie Sergie memorial Attendees hug one another during a healing ceremony and celebration of life in honor of Sophie Sergie Tuesday afternoon, February 19, 2019 on 

Sergie, of Pitkas Point, was a UAF student studying marine biology and had taken a semester off to earn money for dental work. At the time of her death, she was spending the weekend with a friend at Bartlett Hall so she could attend an orthodontics appointment in Fairbanks.

Contact staff writer Dorothy Chomicz at 459-7582. Follow her on Twitter: @FDNMcrime.Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community.

Submit here(Newser)  Empire actor Jussie Smollett was charged Wednesday with making a false police report when he said he was attacked in downtown Chicago by two men who hurled racist and anti-gay slurs and looped a rope around his neck, police said. Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said prosecutors charged Smollett with felony disorderly conduct, an offense that could bring one to three years in prison and force the actor to pay for the cost of the investigation into his report of a Jan. 29 beating, per the AP. Police were trying to get in touch with Smollett's attorneys to "negotiate a reasonable surrender," Guglielmi said. That could involve Smollett turning himself in to a Chicago police station. He said he did not have a time frame for how long the actor would be given.

story continues below(Newser)  Commuters packed onto a subway platform at New York City's Grand Central Terminal witnessed a horrifying scene Tuesday as a man was snagged by a moving train and dragged into a tunnel. The unidentified 39-year-old was walking on the yellow caution line on the edge of the platform around 7:20pm when either his clothing or the strap of his bag was caught on a moving train, reports the New York Times. Citing a law enforcement official, the paper notes a surveillance camera captured the moment the man was dragged, thrown against a staircase, then pulled into the tunnel.

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The man struck an electrical box on the tracks, which set off a flash and alerted train operators to trouble, per the Times and WABC. Found with "severe trauma to the body," he was pronounced dead when paramedics arrived, police say. Per the Times, there were nearly 900 incidents of a person being on subway tracks or hit by a train in NYC in 2017. Some of those people were drunk, urinating, or had dropped something. Police are investigating if alcohol was a factor in Tuesday's tragedy, reports the New York Post. Service on the 7 line was suspended for hours as a result, per NBC New York. (A young mother died on a NYC subway platform last month.)(Newser)  Friends say a family in Canada was set to move next week from the home they rented and head back to the district in Nova Scotia where they'd first landed as refugees from war-torn Raqqa, Syria, in 2017. Now the family of nine has been tragically reduced to two after a house fire in Halifax that killed all seven children and left their father critically injured, the New York Times reports. The fire broke out around 1am Tuesday, which is when a neighbor heard a "huge bang" and a woman's screams, per the CBC. "The house went up really quickly," says Danielle Burt, who notes her kids played with Ibrahim and Kawthar Barho's children. "It's just something out of a horror movie." Although Ibrahim Barho tried to rush back into the flames to save his kids, suffering major burns in the process, it was too late, Wael Haridy, a local imam, tells the Times.

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Barho is now in critical condition; his wife escaped with just scratches, "but the big injury is in her heart," Haridy says. "She kept saying: 'I don't have any of my kids? Not even one or two? All seven are dead?'" Per a Facebook post by the family's mosque, the children who perished in the fire ranged in age from 4 months to 15 years. A GoFundMe for the couple has so far raised more than $220,000. "Words fail when children are taken from us too soon, especially in circumstances like this," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted Tuesday. A Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency official, who said at a presser that the cause of the fire is being looked into, added that the tragedy is the largest fire-linked cause of death in the city in some time, per the Times. A city councilor tells the CBC most homes in the area are no older than five years old. (An Ohio mom lost her five kids in a house fire late last year.)(Newser)  Vladimir Putin is seemingly following DC's lead of late, first by announcing that Russia will, like the US, pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and now by threatening another mirroring. The Russian leader gave his annual speech, akin to the State of the Union, to the nation Wednesday, and he dropped a warning to the US: If you deploy missiles anywhere in Europe, we'll not only target those countries, but also America. "Russia will be forced to create and deploy types of weapons which can be used not only in respect of those territories from which the direct threat to us originates, but also in respect of those territories where the centers of decision-making are located," he said, per Reuters. "We know how to do this and we will implement these plans immediately, as soon as the corresponding threats to us become a reality."

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Putin stressed that Russia would only deploy if the US did first, but that the US should watch its step. "It's their right to think how they want," he added. "But can they count? I'm sure they can. Let them count the speed and the range of the weapons systems we are developing." To underscore his warning, Putin took the opportunity to throw in that testing for two new missiles has been completed, per the Washington Post. Putin ended his speech by noting he hoped to keep the arms conversations going with the US, but that Russia "would not keep knocking on a locked door," per CNBC. The US and Russia have a six-month period in which they can try to hash out the terms of the INF Treaty before making a final pullout. (Putin has been bragging about Russia's new hypersonic weapon.)(Newser)  It's official in the eyes of Australia: A small brown rat is the first known mammal to be eradicated as a result of human-induced climate change. Bramble Cay melomys were declared extinct by Queensland's government in 2016 after a series of research trips failed to locate the animal in its only known home: a five-hectare sand island in the Torres Strait, which separates Australia's northernmost tip and the southern coast of Papua New Guinea, per the BBC. The federal government's decision to follow suitrevealed Monday"was not a decision to take lightly," an environment official says, per the Age, noting "there's always a delay while the evidence is gathered to be absolutely certain." There is a chance that a similar or identical species resides in a nearby region of Papua New Guinea, but little research has been done there.

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Queensland's government noted the main factor in the extinction "was almost certainly ocean inundation of the low-lying cay ... causing dramatic habitat loss and perhaps also direct mortality of individuals," per Fox News. "Rising sea levels and an increased incidence of extreme weather events ... point to human-induced climate change being the root cause," added the 2016 report. It came eight years after a recovery plan criticized as downplaying risks to the animal in a country with one of the highest overall extinction rates. While the federal government touts a $425 million investment in threatened species programs, others are in mourning. "The Bramble Cay melomys was a little brown rat," says the Wilderness Society's Tim Beshara. "But it was our little brown rat and it was our responsibility to make sure it persisted. And we failed." (Read more extinction stories.)(Newser)  The teenager at the center of the Lincoln Memorial incident that sparked a massive controversy last month is suing the Washington Post for $250 millionand his lawyers say it is "only the beginning." The suit filed in federal court in Kentucky on behalf of 16-year-old Nicholas Sandmann claims the Post "wrongfully targeted and bullied Nicholas because he was the white, Catholic student wearing a red 'Make America Great Again' souvenir cap," reports Reuters. Nicholas, a student at Covington Catholic High School in Kentucky, was accused of bigotry after he was filmed standing inches in front of a Native American protester and smiling, though he later said he was trying to defuse the situation and videos emerged that showed Nicholas and fellow students did not initiate the encounter.

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The lawsuit, which seeks compensatory and punitive damages, accuses the newspaper of "smearing a young boy" by "publishing a series of false and defamatory print and online articles." The Postwhich is being sued for the same amount Jeff Bezos bought it for in 2013says it is reviewing the lawsuit and it plans to mount a "vigorous defense," CNN reports. Nicholas' lawyers have been busy: Fox reports that more than 50 letters ahead of possible libel and defamation lawsuits were sent out earlier this month to the New York Times, CNN, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Alyssa Milano, and Jim Carrey, among others. (Nathan Phillips, the Native American elder, says he thinks Nicholas should apologize to him.)(Newser)  Joel Boyers was removed from the JW Marriot bar in Nashville on Monday and charged with public intoxication and possessing a firearm while intoxicated, but some people there will still remember him fondly: Before he was arrested, he tipped his servers $22,000. Police say they were contacted by the 39-year-old's worried friends after he sent them bizarre text messages about drinking with a gun, taking drugs that "increased his intelligence," and giving away his child on Facebook, the Tennessean reports. When police arrived at the hotel, staff told them that Boyers had caused disruption with his gigantic tips because servers, unsurprisingly, were competing to wait on him.

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Police say Boyers surrendered his firearm and admitted that he had been drinking and smoking marijuana all day. Police say records show Boyers had consumed more than a dozen drinks from the minibar in his hotel room and two drinks at the hotel bar. "I work at Tractor Supply. He's welcome to come into my store and tip me if he wants to," visitor Brad Beck told WZTV after the arrest, adding: "He'll probably need that for legal fees and bail money." Records show Boyers was released on bond several hours after he was booked into jail. He has a court date next month. (A $400 tip was just the beginning for a waitress in Hawaii.)(Newser)  Dozens of graves at a Jewish cemetery were desecrated overnight in France, with swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans spray-painted on them, the BBC reports. The vandalism was discovered Tuesday in the village of Quatzenheim, near the France-Germany border, hours before rallies and marches were planned in as many as 60 cities across France to protest an "unprecedented" surge in anti-Semitic attacks, the Telegraph reports. French President Emmanuel Macron inspected the damage to 96 graves at the cemetery, telling those gathered there, "We shall act, we shall pass laws, we shall punish."

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Nearly all of France's political leaders were expected to attend the Paris march against anti-Semitism Tuesday. Anti-Semitic attacks were up 74% in France last year, increasing from 311 in 2017 to 541 in 2018; France has Europe's largest Jewish community. Other recent attacks have also made headlines, including swastikas painted on mailboxes, a Jewish bakery, another cemetery, and a monument to Holocaust victims, and a philosopher being subjected to anti-Jewish taunts by protesters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the cemetery attack, calling it "shocking." (A pro-Nazi, anti-Semitic general was recently hailed in the streets.)Get the news faster.

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If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 574-583-5121 or email cgrace@thehj.com.Councilman refuses to resign; another censured Following the hearing of evidence and statements made by the involved parties, and after deliberation in executive session, the Washington City Council Ethics Committee officially asked Councilman Nathaniel Cullars to...

Cullars resigns employment but will still run in November Resulting at least in part from public outcry after the ethics complaint filed against him, Washington City Councilman Nathaniel Cullars has resigned his position with Stuckey Management. I was told...

Georgia will cut unemployment benefits to 278,000 starting Sat. Georgia is about to join 25 other mostly Republican-led states in cutting off supplemental federal unemployment benefits before the Biden administration ends the program in September. On June 26, the...Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Windy with afternoon thunderstorms developing. A few of the storms could be heavy. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.In late March, Angelico Press will be coming out with a translation of selected speeches by Fr. Roberto Spataro, SDB, a professor at the Pontifical Salesian University and the Secretary of the Pontifical Institute for Higher Latin Studies. The tentative title of the volume is In Praise of the Tridentine Mass and of Latin, the Language of the Church. The volume will include an introduction by Dr. Patrick Owens, a widely respected Latinist, on the history of spoken Latin, and a preface by Cardinal Burke, who recommends the work in these words:



Dom Roberto Spataro is a Salesian father, who bases his thinking on the sound pastoral praxis of the Church, which is always firmly rooted in study and respect for doctrine, as well as on his own magisterial knowledge of the Latin language. In these brief pages, he offers us words full of pastoral charity, love for souls, and love for the Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ.



Dom Spataro does not speak about the Usus Antiquior or the Vetus Ordo of the Mass as a historical reality to be recovered, but as a living sacramental vehicle through which Christ encounters us, trains us, and fills us with the grace of the Holy Spirit. All the texts in this collection are filled with a genuine pastoral sensibility. They show us the heart of a faithful Salesian priest, a true son of St. John Bosco, and a scholar inspired by profound love for the living Church, and for the many souls that thirst to know, love and serve Christ, the one Savior of the world. (Translation by Zachary Thomas.)



The First Mass celebrated in Brazil, by Victor Meirelles, 1860

The Mass of St John of Matha, by Juan Carreno de Miranda, 1666

Christ Walking on the Sea, by Amedee Varint, 19th century (Public domain image from Wikimedia.)

Honored Sir, distinguished gentlemen, dear friends,I am honored to have received an invitation to this gathering. Our meeting is held in Lecceone of the capitals of art and culture of southern Italy, the seat of a vivacious coetus Summorum Pontificum, where the national coordinator Dr. Capoccia is based. We owe the splendid pilgrimage days of October 2014in the presence of the grandi cardinali so esteemed by the great Pope Emeritusto his initiative. This kind of gathering helps us to reflect on the spiritual riches of the Vetus Ordo Missae (VO Missae), that authentic thesaurus of doctrine and piety that Benedict XVI has restored to the Church intact in order for it to accomplish its mission in history: to give glory to God and to be an instrument of grace for the salvation of souls.The reflections I intend to share are based on a concern of which, I am sure, none of us is unaware. It is an objection on the part of those who look with little sympathy on the vetus ordo, a challenge we could formulate in this way: the Extraordinary Form of the Roman liturgy is an anachronism, divorced from the Churchs current life and needs as indicated by the pontificate of Francis, who is urging the Church to make a bold pastoral turn toward the peripheries of the world, without hesitation or retreat. The worlds poverty calls for options very different from that of an ancient ritualism that is incomprehensible to modern sensibilities. Some go even further in their evaluation of the Tridentine liturgy, saying that there is an insurmountable distance between the magisterium of the current Pope and the groups who promote the Mass in Latin. In order to sentire cum ecclesia (think with the Church), it is necessary, therefore, to renounce the liturgia antiquior.I see the matter differently. I maintain, in fact, that the Tridentine Mass offers a resource for realizing the program that the Supreme Pontiff has espoused in the most relevant and authoritative document of his magisterium to date, the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (EG), summed up in the already well-known expression a Church that goes forth.What he means by a Church that goes forth is illustrated in n. 24 of EG: The Church which goes forth is a community of missionary disciples who take the first step, who are involved and supportive, who bear fruit and rejoice.We should read this citation alongside another, drawn from the passage immediately preceding. Here Francis explains that the actions of these disciples, which constitute the movement of the Church going forth, is nothing other than what we call evangelization and mission. We have to take the initiative, involve ourselves, accompany, bear fruit, and rejoice because there is a content to transmit the Gospel!Evangelization obeys the missionary mandate of Jesus: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. Today in this Go of Jesus are present all the scenarios and challenges of the evangelical mission of the Church, and we are all called to this new missionary going forth.A Church that goes forth means, therefore, nothing more or less than a missionary Church that evangelizes people and their cultures, a task that must be undertaken in the diverse situations and numerous challenges of the world today.The Latin Mass is certainly part of this ecclesiology of going forth, and this for three reasons:1) Above all for a doctrinal reason. Before testifying, before accompanying, before celebrating, the community of disciples who go forth and reach the existential peripheries do not arrive empty-handed. They pass on their most precious treasure to the men and women they encounter, their own reason for existence: their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Supreme Pontiff has reminded us of this, citing the words of the missionary mandate that is valid for all times: Teach and observe all that I have commanded you.My dear friends, my claim is that the VO Missae is a summarium (summary) of the teachings and commandments of our Lord.What are the two principal mysteries of the faith? asked the timeless catechism of St. Pius X. The unity and trinity of God, the Incarnation, Passion, and death of Jesus Christ.Using a ritual language composed of gestures and speech, the VO Missae is a dialogue going out from the Holy Trinity and returning to the Most Holy Trinity. Take one example. In the priestly prayers, the priest twice addresses himself directly to the Holy Trinity: first, at the conclusion of the Offertory when he implores the three Divine Persons to gather the offering presented in memory of the Passion and glorification of Jesus Christ and in honor of His Mother and the saints: Suscipe, Sancta Trinitas, hanc oblationem . . . At the end of Mass, the priest begs the Holy Trinity to accept the offering that the Son has renewed. And how could the Three Divine Persons refuse the propitiatory gift of Jesus Christ: Placeat tibi, Sancta Trinitas, hoc obsequium servitutis meae . . . ? Unfortunately, these two prayers have disappeared in the Novus Ordo (NO), and whats more, in the Ordinary of the Mass the Most Holy Trinity is never mentioned once. This is rather curious, to say the least.The second principal mystery of the Faith, the Incarnation, is constantly recalled in the celebration of the Extraordinary Form. What do the faithful who assist at this Mass see? Physically, they see a crucifix depicting the second Person of the Holy Trinity, the one who became Incarnate and suffered for our salvation. In this way, the lex credendi penetrates with luminous simplicity into the lex orandi. The vetus ordo Missae presents, in all their integrity and essential nature, the divine teachings that together form the content of the evangelical mission of the Church going forth.We could multiply examples to show how the Tridentine Mass,, is a sort of catechism for everyone, suited for evangelizing both believers and non-believers alike. We see, for instance, that the framework of salvation historycreation, sin, incarnation, redemption, grace, glory, and eternal lifeis assumed into the prayers in words that recall the teaching, not of a post-conciliar liturgical expert (however great), but of the Fathers of the Church, of great teachers like St. Leo the Great. For example, there are the words the priest pronounces at the moment of the infusion of the water into the chalice: Deus qui humanae substantiae dignitatem mirabiliter condidisti [creation] et mirabilius reformasti [redemption], da nobis per huius aquae et vini mysterium eius divinitatis esse consortes [divinization or the life of grace] qui humanitatis nostrae fieri dignatus est particeps [incarnation]. Again, is not the drama of sin physically embodied and existentially invoked in the gestures of the Confiteor--when we kneel, beat our chests, and repeat the words and hearken to the absolution of the priest? This ceremony was unfortunately abolished by the NO: Indulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum vestrorum tribuat vobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. This prayer seems like it could be an echo of the words of the Holy Father, who has repeatedly told us that God is good, indulgent, merciful!Further, in the Roman Canon, the priest asks the Father that we and those whom we meet in our journeys going forth may arrive after such a long way at the end of the road, and all go forth from this world to pass the final judgment, the only judgment about which we need to concern ourselves, even though we do it serenely because the Madonna, whose intercession is often recalled in the old Mass, prays for us: ab aeterna damnatione nos eripi et in electorum tuorum iubeas grege numerari. Go out, brethren, the pope asks us, evangelize, teach what the Divine Teacher has communicated to us. And while, in filial attachment and obedience to the Holy Father, we close the doors of our churches to go out and hurry toward the nations, the peoples, the cultures we have to evangelize, we will carry with us the Missal, the one the faithful page through in bi-lingual and pocket editions when assisting at the Holy Mass, and which, therefore, they know almost by memory: it is our preferred Catechism.Id like briefly to add another consideration. Even as the NO has introduced the sacrosanct principle that the rite should be adapted to the pastoral needs of the community, it has involuntarily left itself open to a blow that has landed with a series of unfortunate consequences: it has permitted the priest and others with liturgical rolesheedless of the distinction between what should never be modified and that which can beto introduce elements entirely extraneous to the lex credendi. In the name of liturgical creativity--not the same as adaptation--doctrinal errors can be taught inadvertently, even very grave ones. The Extraordinary Form, for its part, guards the purity of Christian doctrine in an indestructible chest of sacrality. How can we deprive men and women who have the right to receive the authentic Christian faith of the riches of the treasures of knowledge and divine wisdom? In this way, do we not betray the missionary mandate, when in the place of the faith of the Church, we recklessly proclaim our own personal opinions? 2) The second reason is of a spiritual nature and applies those who carry out evangelization, those who--to remain faithful to the image employed by Pope Francis--go forth. He himself has spoken about situations and challenges that oppose the Gospel. Sometimes he has called them by name, and with just severity. Lets recall them here, even with rapid brush strokes. (On one hand, there is anthropological and moral relativism that does not admit any objective truth. It tends to manifest itself in that sort of right to free thinking denounced by Pope Benedict in the memorable Missa pro eligendo pontifice of 2005. [3] The faithful who go forth and encounter this situation, so prevalent in the weary and desperate western world, encounter indifference, marginalization, and derision. The nihilism that grips contemporary networks of communication and the decision centers of the world of finance and politics, often imposes a sort of white martyrdom. This is what we are all exposed to. On the peripheries, or the eastern part of the world, especially where the majority radical form of Islam holds sway, the believers going forth, and even those who prudently remain at home, undergo a bloody or semi-bloody martyrdom caused by vexations of various kinds. According to trustworthy statistics, the numbers are horrifying: every five minutes a Christian is killed. As of this year, a new word has been added to the dictionary, one with a sinister sense: Christianophobia. The Church going forth of the twenty-first century is a Church of martyrdom. It is unfortunate that shepherds with grave responsibilities and Catholic intellectuals who have wide audiences, even those who style themselves the curators of what they call, in a rather dubious expression, the Church of Francis, forget this drama that ought to have an absolute priority in the teaching and action of the Church going forth. It is true that the VO Missae is not the happening party to which, often, we painfully see the Sacrifice of Christ on the altar reduced. It is the Mass in which we all climb mystically to the mount of Calvary, and not just for a pleasant morning stroll. We are immersed in a story of persecution, that of the Holy Innocent par excellence: His blood is poured out, His passion is renewed, the Martyr at the head of all the martyrs is immolated on the Altar. Here the believer is escorted, admonished, prepared to confront his martyrdom, whether it is white or bloody.The Missa VO is a school of evangelization. It is so not because it offers courses in theology for the laity, taught (if only!) by serious professors in clerical suits ready to present the theologoumena of some exponent of theology a la page. It is a school of evangelization because it disposes missionaries going forth to confront and measure themselves against the world, which, ever since the time of the Prologue of St. John, proclaimed with good reason in every Tridentine Mass, refuses the light, remains in the shadows of error and violence, and fights the Gospel, not metaphorically but with bloody seriousness. The Church going forth is a militant Church, as it was once called, and even if it is not called that anymore, it always will be so, as our brethren persecuted for the faith know only too well.3) The third reason is a pastoral one. According to EG, the Church going forth works for a pastoral conversion. Like all the pithy expressions of Pope Francis, this one merits further explanation. I think we can give an authentic interpretation to the thought and intentions of the Holy Father if by pastoral conversion we mean the assumption of a perspective of ecclesial action that departs from and measures itself constantly according to the psychological, moral, and spiritual needs of the people, buffeted as they are by the sorrows of life, of contemporary life in particular. This is nothing more than the solicitude of the Good Shepherd, who moved among the crowd because the people were like sheep without a shepherd. To keep within the ambit of the gospel image, it is interesting to note what Christ the Good Shepherd decides to do, with regard to the smell of those sheep abandoned and stricken. The Evangelist relates that he began to teach them many things. That is, he offers them healthy and nourishing food; not emotions or experiences, but good doctrine, because the Good Shepherd is the Good Teacher and the Good Teacher is the Good Shepherd, the same one who teaches the indissolubility of marriage. Those who oppose doctrine and pastoral practice in their pastoral and disciplinary choice do not act according to the method of the Good Shepherd.Fine then: what does this all have to do with the old Mass? So much! Pastors today, in order to encounter the exigencies of the suffering flock, what can they offer their flocks? Their sympathy, their piety, their patient attention, their solidarity? Certainly this, but this is very little! Pastors can and must offer divine grace! What a marvelous reality! The Gospel speaks about it for the first time in the sweetest scene it has transmitted to us: the Annunciation to Holy Mary, full of grace. Wherever there is grace, at Nazareth or in any other place in history where human liberty opens itself to God, behold! the divine Word operates in the power of the Holy Spirit, with the cooperation of the Mother of God, and life, light, consolation, peace, purity, sanctity, gifts and perfections, virtues and fruits inundate the human soul. Divine grace is offered to us principally and ordinarily through the sacramental economy, of which the Holy Mass is the source and summit, fulcrum and motor, because there the Eucharistic Heart of Our Lord continues to pour out His treasures, blood and water, as John the Evangelist observes.Of course I dont intend to affirm that the VO Missae has an exclusive claim on grace and that the Ordinary Form is not an abundant dispenser of it. Absolutely not! However, the Tridentine Mass generates, so to speak, a liturgical-spiritual culture that exalts the action of grace. Indeed, while the Mass in the Ordinary Form gives emphasis to the exterior participation of the faithful and the minister, it interprets actuosa participatio in terms of a plurality of gestures, and thus expresses in its ritual a certain human agency. In the old Mass, each word and each silence, each gesture and each rite is broadened and elevated to create a truly supernatural tension that can create a human space, enlarging the soul and its facultieslike the most pure bosom of the Virgin Mary and her Immaculate Heartto gather grace. God is the protagonist and the only actor, and grace is poured out copiously in order to be humbly received, gathered, guarded, fructified. Bear fruit: the very term used by Pope Francis to describe the Church going forth. Grace cleanses, grace heals, grace renews: this is the medicine administered in the field hospital.Dear friends, the current pontificate seems to stir up so such enthusiasm in a large part of the faithful. Are our pastors at various levels, besides citing the expressions that Francis uses (and which undoubtedly have a notable communicative efficacy), really and seriously translating this invitation to evangelization and to mission into concrete actions, so thatas EG 24 reminds usmen and women of our time, in their various circumstances of history and geography, receive the teachings and commandments of Our Lord? I am certainly not in a place to respond to this question. However, especially where resources are very scarce, I would venture to ask our pastors to investigate the doctrinal, spiritual, and pastoral riches of the VO Missae and that forma fidei et caritatis which traditionof which the Tridentine Mass is the most precious jeweloffers the Church going forth today and yesterday, ever since the divine Word was sent from Heaven to live in the immaculate womb of Mary and the Holy Spirit blew into the hearts of the Apostles at his Pentecostso that she may be a sign and instrument of salvation. This Mass was the Mass of the zealous missionaries, intrepid confessors, venerable pastors, courageous martyrs, in short of a Church authentically going forth.By AFP

LONDON: Shamima Begum was a normal London schoolgirl who watched "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" before becoming a jihadi bride in Syria and creating a moral dilemma in Britain.

The 19-year-old's quest to come home from the crumbling "caliphate" has reignited many of the same debates Britons have been wrestling with since she ran away from home in February 2015.

Begum was born and raised in an east London neighbourhood chosen by her Bangladeshi parents because of its thriving southeast Asian community.

"She was into normal teenage things," her sister Sahima told The Telegraph. "She used to watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians."

Begum's best friends all had similar upbringings. Their families prayed at the local mosque and observed Islamic traditions.

"She was just our baby. She was just herself," eldest sister Renu told the BBC.

READ HERE: UK teen who joined IS gives birth in Syrian refugee camp

But Begum's fate seemed altered by a friend's decision to run away to Syria in December 2014.

Begum and two other girls from the same school followed two months later.

Detectives said Begum had stayed in touch with her friend in Syria via Twitter.

- The escape -

British counter-terror police said the three financed their journey by "taking jewellery from one of their family members".

Relatives later said the girls must have found more money elsewhere because their jewellery was simply not worth that much.

The cash they did collect was enough to pay for a courier who helped them cross into Syria shortly after their arrival on a flight from London to Istanbul.

They took a bus from Istanbul to the southern Turkish city of Sanliurfa before meeting up with the man.

Turkish media reports later identified him as an Islamic State group double agent who also worked as a informant for Canada -- a claim denied by Ottawa.

- Life in Raqqa -

Begum ended up settling in the IS stronghold of Raqqa in northern Syria.

The three girls were all married within weeks to other foreigners who joined the jihadists to help them spread Shariah law across the Middle East.

Begum's husband Yago Riedijk came from the Netherlands.

She told British reporters who met her at the Syrian refugee camp this month that she had led a "normal life".

"Every now and then bombing and stuff," she told The Times.

"When I saw my first severed head in a bin it didn't faze me at all."

Researchers at London's Institute of Strategic Dialogue wrote in a 2016 report that the role of women in IS-held territory was "to be a good wife... and to become a mother to the next generation of jihadism".

Begum told reporters that both of her first two children died -- one from malnutrition and the other from disease.

"I was also frightened that the child I am about to give birth to would die like my other children if I stayed on," she said days before her son's birth in a refugee camp in Syria last weekend.

"So I fled the caliphate."

- British resistance -

Britain and other European governments are now grappling with the problem of how to handle nationals escaping the last remanents of IS.

Begum's lack of contrition has irritated critics who paint her as a security threat who must be punished for turning her back on her country.

Her lawyer said the Home Office is now trying to strip Begum of her citizenship in order to prevent her return.

International law says no government can make their citizen stateless.

But the Home Office appears to be arguing that Begum -- while without a second citizenship -- could use her family heritage to claim one from Bangladesh.

Some Britons feel the government's attempt to strip Begum of her citizenship is unjustifiably harsh, others say that she should be put on trial.

But uniting everyone is a sense of bewilderment at why a popular teenager from a good school decided to join a terror network in a war zone.Aihik Sur By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: In a case of attempted robbery, a 40-year-old man from Raheemkhanpet village in Yadadri Bhongir district was shot dead by a person in Florida, United States on Tuesday night. Local police have arrested three persons in connection to the case and have slapped murder and conspiracy charges on them.

On Tuesday night at around 8.15 pm(Florida time), K Govardhan Reddy, who used to work as a clerk in Quick Fill gas station near Beulah Community, between Baldwin County line and Pensacola City limits, was allegedly shot dead by 24-year-old Efidarius Bryant, Escambia County Sherrif police officials said.

Screen grabs from CCTV footages show that Bryant, wearing a hoodie and a mask, pointing a gun towards the counter, behind which Govardhan was standing. The other two arrested are 24-year-old Kiendra Smith and Crystal Clausell (32). Addressing a press conference, chief deputy of Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said, "He (Kiendra) entered the store first, cased the joint and then left when Efidarius was coming into do the robbery."

Earlier in the day, Escambia County Sherrif officials had put up a Facebook post where they said that, while responding to a 911 call from the station, they found the "deceased clerk with multiple gunshot wounds." They had also put out the pictures of the suspects and had asked for help from locals in identifying them. They later posted that the three suspects had been arrested, along with their photos: "Arrested: Efidarius Gemeateus Bryant, DOB: 8/24/89, Keandra Martez Smith, DOB: 11/26/95, and Crystal Elaine Clausell, DOB: 1/15/85. Efidarius Gemeateus Bryant and Keandra Martez Smith have been arrested for Felony Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery. Crystal Elaine Clausell has been arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Robbery."

Speaking to Express, Venkat Ramesh, a cousin of Govardhan from Uppal, said, "We received word around 11 am from our relatives staying there that Govardhan was shot dead by an African American man. We haven't heard anything else since then."

Reddy's father Kotha Narsi Reddy, is a retired army personnel and his mother Padma is a housewife. Govardhan's wife and two teenage daughters stay with his parents at Raheemkhanpet village in Yadadri Bhongir.

"We want help for Govardhan's body to reach us safely. We also want help from the State government because he is the only son in the family, and has a family with two children," Ramesh said adding that Govardhan was set to return to the country soon.

Meahwile condolence message poured in from social media from well-wishers of Govardhan, who has been living in the USA for the last five years. "I feel like Reddy was family for most of us out here in Beulah. Appreciated his kindness. You always felt better walking out of the store than when you just arrived! #JUSTICE FOR REDDY," commented one Sheree Baker on social media.

(With inputs from online desk)By PTI

LAHORE: An FIR has been registered against Pakistani actor Fawad Khan after his wife refused to administer anti-polio drops to their daughter.

The Lahore Police took the action on a written complaint of the polio team, which visited the Faisal Town residence of the film star where his wife "resisted and then misbehaved with the team".

Pakistan is one of the three countries in the world, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, that suffers from endemic polio.

Poliovirus can cause paralysis or death.

According to the FIR, Khan's wife refused to get administered polio drops to her minor daughter and also hurled threats and misbehaved with the polio team.

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan | AFP

The driver of the family also treated the visiting team roughly.

"Khan's wife did not give any plausible reason for not getting her daughter administered polio drops. Either it is complete ignorance on the part of her or being a celebrity, showing no respect to the polio workers. This is highly condemnable behaviour of a celebrity family," Muhammad Jamil, a district official, said.

READ HERE | Pulwama attack aftermath: All Indian Cine Workers Association announces ban on Pakistani artistes

Fawad is currently in Dubai for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and was not present at home at the time.

However, being the head of the family, a case was registered against him.

According to Pakistani law, in addition to fine, a person has to face imprisonment up to two years for failing to administer anti-polio drops to their children.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson of Prime Minister's Polio taskforce Babar Bin Ata tweeted, "Fawad is our pride, I request him to allow teams to vaccinate the child. Lahore has had a polio case last week, we must protect the child."By PTI

BEIJING: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi would meet on the sidelines of next week's Russia-India-China Foreign Ministers' conference in China amid Beijing's continued blocking of India and other countries' moves to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

The meeting assumes significance as it will be the first high-level interaction between the two countries after the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed on February 14.

China, while expressing shock over the incident, reiterated its stand to block moves to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee. "The 16th meeting of the Russia-India-China (RIC) Foreign Ministers would be held at the Chinese city of Wuzhen in the eastern Zhejiang province on February 27," China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang announced on Wednesday.

ALSO READ| China urges restraint by India, Pakistan on Pulwama terror attack

During this foreign ministers' meeting, the three Foreign Ministers will focus on the implementation of their leaders' consensus, and exchange views on major international, regional issues of common concern and deepening trilateral cooperation. "I am sure this meeting will achieve positive outcomes," Geng said.

Besides Swaraj and Wang, the meeting would be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, he said. Official sources here told PTI that Swaraj and Wang would also meet on the sidelines of the RIC ministers meeting.

This is expected to provide an opportunity for both the ministers to have in-depth discussions on China's reluctance to back efforts by India, the US, the UK and France to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee. China, an "all-weather" ally of Pakistan and a veto-wielding member, has stonewalled all efforts by the four countries by putting technical holds since 2016.

However France, also a veto-wielding member, has announced that it would move a new resolution in the 1267 Committee to list Azhar in the light of the Pulwama attack. To a question about the RIC meeting taking place under the shadow of the Pulwama attack, Geng, while reiterating China's stand, said that Beijing would adopt a constructive stand on this issue.

China hopes that with the concerted efforts by the three countries, RIC ministers meeting will achieve positive outcomes, he said. "You talked about the designation of JeM head as an international terrorist, I have already answered many questions regarding the same. "The 1267 committee of UN Security Council has clear rules and procedures when it comes to the designation of terrorists and terrorist organisations. On this issue, we will adopt a constructive attitude to work with all sides," Geng said.

In a written reply to a question from PTI about France's decision to once again move a proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist, Geng said, "I am not aware of the specific situation you mentioned. The 1267 security committee has clear norms on the listing and procedures of terrorist organisations or individuals. China will continue to communicate and cooperate with relevant parties in a constructive and responsible manner".

On February 15, Geng, when asked about the External Affairs Ministry's appeal to all members of the UN Security Council to list Azhar as a global terrorist after the Pulwama attack, said, "As for the issue of listing, I could tell you that the 1267 committee of security council has a clear stipulation on the listing and procedure of the terrorist organisations. "JeM has been included in the Security Council terrorism sanctions list. China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner".

On the forthcoming RIC meeting which is an annual affair, Geng in his Wednesday's media briefing said that China, Russia and India are important countries of the world and newly-emerging markets. They share important common interests and responsibilities in maintaining world peace, stability and development.

Since the establishment of the trilateral mechanism, this has played an important role in enhancing strategic communication and coordinating positions, and seeking consensus and cooperation between the three countries, he said. In last November, leaders of the three countries held an informal meeting in Argentina.By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: UN chief Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" and take "immediate steps" to de-escalate tensions following the Pulwama terror attack, reiterating that his good offices are available if asked by both sides.

The already sour relations between India and Pakistan have worsened over the past week as New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the Pulwama attack by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Both countries have called back their envoys for "consultations. "The Secretary-General stresses the importance for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalation, and his good offices are always available should both sides ask," the UN Secretary General's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Tuesday at the daily press briefing.

Dujarric was asked about a meeting Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN has sought with the Secretary-General and also about Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi saying the UN must step in to defuse tensions between the two nations. "Looking at the situation in general between India and Pakistan, we're deeply concerned at the increase in tensions between the two countries in the wake of the attack on Indian security personnel on 14 February in Pulwama," Dujrraic said.

He said Pakistan's mission at the UN requested for the meeting with the Secretary-General. "We've seen press reports of a letter having been delivered to the UN. As far as we've ascertained, none has been received as of this very minute," he added.

In a separate issue, Dujjaric said that in response to questions on a recent incident involving the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, known as UNMOGIP, the observer group reported on February 16 that a UN vehicle in the city of Jammu was surrounded by a group of protesters who placed a Pakistan flag in front of the vehicle.

"The vehicle attempted to bypass the flag but was unable to do so. The Mission has informed both Indian and Pakistani authorities of this regrettable and unavoidable circumstance of the incident. The Mission also requested India to provide additional escorts and will be conducting an investigation," he said. India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control.

Last week, Guterres had "strongly" condemned the terror attack against security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, calling for those behind the attack to be brought to justice. "We strongly condemn today's attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district and express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the Government and people of India," Dujarric had said at the daily press briefing last Thursday.

Responding to a question by PTI on the terror attack, Dujarric said, "We, of course, wish a speedy recovery to those injured and call for those behind the attack to be brought to justice.By PTI

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has described as "horrible" the deadly terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pulwama, as his administration offered full support to India to combat terrorism and asked Islamabad to punish anyone responsible for the "heinous act".

The suicide attack on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir has left 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel dead and led to an escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be "wonderful" if the two South Asia neighbours get along.

"I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have a comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along," Trump said in response to a question.

ALSO READ: Pulwama attack: Capt Amarinder hits out at Imran Khan, asks if India should send bodies as proof

"That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out," Trump said.

At a separate news conference, the State Department said the US has been in close communication with the Indian government "to express not only our condolences but our strong support".

"We're committed to working with the Indian government to combat terrorism in all of its forms," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters at a news conference.

ALSO READ: Pulwama: France to move bid at UN to ban Masood Azhar, to insist Pakistan remains on FATF grey list

"The perpetrator of that heinous act claimed allegiance to the United Nations-designated, Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, and we call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists," Palladino said.

The US has a close, cooperative relationship with India, a security relationship, and that includes counterterrorism operations, he said.

"So we are committed to working with India, the Indian government, and on these counterterrorism efforts, both bilaterally and multilaterally, including at the United Nations," Palladino said in response to a question.

He said the US has been in contact with Pakistan on this issue.

"We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible," he said.

Following the terrorist attack, Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton has supported India's right to self-defense.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Bolton and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders in separate statements have asked Pakistan to immediately take action against the JeM and its leaders and end support to terrorist safe havens.

Meanwhile, US lawmakers continued to strongly condemn the heinous act of terrorism.

"The terror attack targeting Indian soldiers in Kashmir is horrendous and I condemn it in the strongest terms. My prayers and sympathies are with the victims and their families," said Senator Ted Cruz.

So far as many as 20 of the 100 American Senators have issued their support for India in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.

Alyssa Ayres from the Council on Foreign Relations think-tank on Tuesday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who in a speech sought proof for the terrorist attack for them to take action.

Khan on Tuesday said he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack if New Delhi shares "actionable intelligence", but warned against any "revenge" retaliatory action.

"Unfortunately, Pakistan has not taken action against LeT and JeM despite evidence. No one has been brought to justice for the Mumbai attack," Ayres said.By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday expressed concern and sought response from India on reports of the killing of a Pakistani prisoner by Indian inmates in a jail in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur.

A 50-year-old Pakistani national, identified as Shakrullah and lodged in the Jaipur Central Jail, was allegedly killed Wednesday in a brawl with other prisoners. "A Pakistani prisoner was allegedly murdered today in the central jail. The matter will be investigated by a judicial magistrate and also by the police," Rajasthan Director General of Police Kapil Garg told PTI in Jaipur.

Shakrullah was lodged in the jail's special cell since 2011 and was serving life sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO), he was beaten to death by a group of Indian inmates in retaliation of the Pulwama incident. "Pakistan is gravely concerned at media reports regarding the brutal killing of a Pakistani Prisoner," the FO said.

It said Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi has officially raised the issue with the Indian authorities and requesting them to urgently authenticate the report. The response is still awaited, it added. Pakistan also called upon the Indian government to ensure foolproof security to all Pakistani prisoners lodged in Indian jails as well as Pakistani visitors to India.

The killing in Jaipur prison has been reported amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack. According to police in Jaipur, Shakrullah, who was from Pakistan Punjab's Sialkot, was hit with a large stone during the prison fight.By Online Desk

The Pakistani army has asked Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and Lashkar boss Hafiz Saeed to limit their public appearances in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, according to intelligence reports.

The reports said that the army has told them to maintain a low profile till the pressure of the international community over Pakistan on the Pulwama attack ceases. The report also added that the RDX used during the Pulwama bombing on the CRPF jawans was handed over by the Pakistani army to the JeM terrorists in Rawalpindi.

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised Pakistan over the Pulwama terror strike that killed 40 CRPF personnel and urged people to have faith in the security forces whom he gave full freedom to punish the perpetrators of the attack. The forces will decide the necessary plan needed in which the perpetrators of the attacks will be punished," he said.

Though Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan denied any role of his country in the Pulwama attack on Tuesday, he assured India that action would be taken against the perpetrators if India has solid evidence. He also warned India against any punitive action against his country. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, pointed out that Khan had neither condemned nor condoled the attack, and dismissed his remarks as an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan.

Forty CRPF personnel were martyred and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks last Thursday, after a JeM suicide bomber, Adil Ahmed Dar, rammed an SUV carrying explosives weighing over 100 kg into their convoy in J&Ks Pulwama district.By PTI

RIYADH: In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India was a victim of terrorism "sheltered and supported" from across the border, as he demanded that all nations reject the use of terrorism against others, dismantle the terror infrastructure and stop its financing.

In an interview published in Wednesday's editions of Arabic-language newspaper 'Okaz' and the English newspaper 'Saudi Gazette', Modi said India strongly condemns extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The interview coincided with the maiden state visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, days after the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group. The attack, one of the worst in Jammu and Kashmir, killed 40 CRPF soldiers. "India has been a victim of terrorism sheltered and supported from across the border for over decades, claiming thousands of innocent lives," the Indian Prime Minister said, without mentioning Pakistan, a close ally of Saudi Arabia, by name.

Modi said the menace of extremism and terrorism threatens all nations and societies, and reject any attempt to link this universal phenomenon to any particular race, religion or culture. "We also call on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorist infrastructures and stop its financing," he said, adding that India strongly condemns extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its motivations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed.

Asked about the possibility of India-Saudi Arabia cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism and in ensuring safety and security of sea-lanes of communications and freedom of navigation, Modi said bilateral cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism, security and defence has intensified over the years.

The two countries have close cooperation on a range of security issues, particularly on maritime security, law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration and other transnational organised crimes.

To further enhance our bilateral cooperation in the counter-terrorism efforts, the two countries could initiate comprehensive security dialogue mechanism at the level of the National Security Advisors who will interact at regular intervals, the prime minister suggested. "We also share the vision of peace and security in the Indian Ocean region," Modi said on the need to ensure safety and security of sea-lanes of communications, safety and freedom of navigation in the shipping lanes and trade routes.

ALSO READ| PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince hold talks to further deepen strategic ties amid Pulwama tension

Commenting on the Indo-Saudi strategic ties, the prime minister said, "We attach high priority to our friendly relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." He said the traditionally close ties are anchored in the shared interests based on centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties and vibrant people-to-people contacts. "Our leadership has been working closely with the Saudi leadership towards further deepening our multifaceted ties for the common benefit of our two countries. The political commitment at the leadership level has been reflected by the fact that India has been identified as one of the eight strategic partners by Saudi Arabia," he said.

ALSO READ| India, Saudi agree on need for increasing pressure on countries supporting terror: PM Modi

Modi noted that the two countries were also progressing towards establishing the India-Saudi Arabia 'Strategic Partnership Council' which focuses on consolidating bilateral cooperation in specific areas under the Kingdom's newly constituted Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnership (SCISP). "India and Saudi Arabia ties will be a factor for stability, peace and security in our region and the world," the prime minister said.

Highlighting the areas of cooperation Modi said energy security remains a key pillar of strategic partnership. Through the established bilateral mechanism, India and Saudi Arabia have been holding energy consultations for past few years to explore the joint investment opportunities and cooperation between the two countries and also to encourage the Saudi private sector companies to invest in oil and gas sectors in India.

"We welcome the Saudi Aramco's committed 50 percent partnership in the USD 44 billion Ratnagiri Refinery project as an enhancing factor to our strategic partnership. We also welcome the interest of the Saudi Basic Industries Corp to invest in India," he said.

"During my visit to Riyadh in 2016, the two countries concluded the Framework Cooperation Agreement between Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Invest India. We welcome greater investment of Saudi Arabia in our infrastructure and other areas including NIIF (National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, India's first sovereign wealth fund)," Modi said.Ajay Moses By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Use of narcotics like heroin and pharmaceutical drugs containing opioids are apparently not very uncommon in the Telugu states. Reports from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh suggest high prevalence of drug usage, posing threat of an HIV outbreak.

Telangana stands at number five, trailing behind Andhra Pradesh at fourth in the entire country with regard to using heroin and opioid pharmaceutical drugs. What is worse is that several persons make use of needles to inject these drugs into their bodies increasing the chances of them catching HIV.

As per the national survey underlying the extent of substance abuse in India prepared by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NTDDC) of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), at least 64,000 people from Telangana, who resort to unhygienic usage of syringes, require assistance. It also reveals that a total of 8.5 lakh people use heroin and opioid.

The need to address precarious usage of syringes is imperative primarily because it poses the threat of an HIV outbreak like in the north-eastern states of the country.

More the number of people injecting drugs, more the chances of an HIV outbreak. Previously, the states that saw high usage of drug intake through injections failed to act on it. And as a result, HIV infections speard like wildfire. It started with Manipur and Nagaland and spread to Delhi and Punjab, observed Atul Ambekar, principal researcher and professor of psychiatry at AIIMS.

He added that there was a sizable population in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana using drugs via injections. It was high time that the government took necessary action against this, he said.The study was carried out between December 2017 and October 2018. A total of 2,00,111 households were surveyed in 186 districts and around 4,73,569 individuals across the country were interviewed. A respondent-driven survey was also conducted with 72,642 individuals.

As per the study, the current prevalence of heroin and opioid use is 2 per cent and their dependence is 0.26 per cent. Opioid dependence and abuse are 0.54 per cent, just a little below the national average of 0.55 per cent.

Meanwhile, Assistant Excise Superintendent N Anji Reddy, said, The State does not have as much prevalence of heroin use as indicated in the study. Data on users need to be collected for further regulation.By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Students will face their first public exam when they are barely ten-years-old with the Tamil Nadu government deciding to go ahead with Board Exams for classes 5 and 8. These exams will be introduced from this year itself and comes as a shock to students and parents alike since they have to prepare for the exams in just a couple of months.

A senior official in the School Education Department confirmed that the decision has been taken to go ahead with the move following a high-level meeting on Saturday. Circulars have been sent to all schools in the State to prepare for the board exams, added the official, explaining that the exams will be conducted according to Circle Resource Centre method. It is learnt that the State will continue with its No detention policy and that students will not be held back based on their performance in these examinations.

These examinations are being introduced so that the government can analyze shortcomings in the education process so it can rethink its strategies, said the senior official. The questions for Class 5 students will be taken from Class 3 and Class 2 syllabi and they will face a 60-mark examination with a two-hour time limit. While there will be no examination fees for government school students, private school students will have to pay an examination fee of Rs 50 for Class 5 and an examination fee of Rs 100 for Class 8.

While the School Education Department has clarified its stand on the continuation of the 'no detention' policy, this move continues to attract criticism for putting unnecessary pressure on students from a very tender age. Private schools too have expressed concerns over making such an announcement when there is hardly two months left in the academic year.

Implementing this move from next academic year would have been better. Implementing immediately causes a lot of confusion, said K R Nandakumar, general secretary of the private schools association.By Online Desk

A day after their rivals announced their alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the DMK and the Congress on Wednesday night formally declared their partnership. The grand old party has been given 9 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and 1 seat in the union territory of Puducherry, said DMK chief MK Stalin.

Stalin added that the constituencies to be given to Congress will be decided in due course of time after holding talks with alliance partners.

ON Wednesday, AIADMK officially sealed the alliance with BJP for the Lok Sabha polls in which the saffron party would contest five seats in the state. The national party will also extend support to AIADMK for the bypolls to 21 Assembly seats and in the biennial elections to Rajya Sabha this year.

READ | DMDK plays hardball, PMK sets 10 conditions

AIADMK also clinched a deal with the PMK, offering the Vanniyar-based party seven out of 40 seats, including one in Puducherry. PMK has been a vitriolic critic of both AIADMK and DMK alike until recently.

Further details awaited.By Express News Service

KOCHI: Today the LDF Government, which came to power on May 25, 2016, is completing 1,000 days. While facing the elections, we had made some promises to Keralites through our manifesto. While they were to be implemented over a period of five years, we have been able to implement almost all of them by now. We are heading towards the third anniversary when this government that has fulfilled its promises, is pressing forward to realise a Nava Keralam. We have sought to ensure a comprehensive development of the state, based on the principles of social justice.

The government resorted to a two-pronged strategy. On a short-term basis we provided relief to the people, and for the long-term, we laid the foundation for the states overall development. Our primary focus was on infrastructure.

Works on National Highways, Hill Highway, Coastal Highway, GAIL Pipeline, LNG Terminal, Kochi Metro, Water metro, National Waterway, Kannur Airport, Vizhinjam Port and so on were taken up. We are pursuing sustainable models of development by utilising the possibilities of non-conventional energy like solar.

The Institute of Advanced Virology and the Life Sciences Park are opening up new possibilities in the knowledge-based industries. In the midst of such unparalleled developmental measures, our biggest achievement in the last 1,000 days is that the Kerala society has been able to overcome natural disasters and not falter in the face of challenges by standing together. Kerala survived the biggest floods in a century during the previous monsoon. We have initiated the reconstruction works and are in the rebuilding phase now. It will take two to three years to complete this colossal task.

When we were progressing in unison, orchestrated efforts were made to destroy our unity, to upset our secular credentials and to take Kerala back to the darkness of the 18th century. But we have seen the people of Kerala reject such attempts. Serving as the driving force behind that process, we have been able to give fresh life to our renaissance values.

The government is advancing with an alternative to the neo-liberal policies. This government has done more in these 1,000 days than is usually done during the entire five-year tenure of a government. Kerala has achieved tremendous achievements over the last 1,000 days by surpassing severe adversities.

Our adversities have been endless; the most severe floods in a century, the Centres economic policies that advocate the withdrawal from social welfare, the Centres neglect towards the states interests, the refusal of our rightful assistance in the face of a natural disaster, the rejection of Keralas legitimate share in the nations resources and so on.

Yet, the LDF Government has safeguarded the interests of Kerala by not allowing them to be toppled by our adversities. In that process we are also championing an alternative model, thus negating the arguments put forth by global capitalism that there is no alternative to the policies of globalisation and liberalisation. We will continue to go further in that path; a New Kerala will be built.Kaleeswaram Raj By

Politicians and administrators often resort to a convenient response to inconvenient questions, by saying that the topic referred to is sub judice (pending before the court) and therefore, they wont be able to comment on it. Lorne Sossin and Valerie Crystal, two academics of York University, addressed such situations and asked, Why should the existence of litigation excuse representatives of government from accounting for their and the governments actions? (A Comment on No Comment, 2013)

In modern times, the courts in very many democracies are no longer doing only their conventional functions. A clear shift from an adjudicatory job to an administrative role is visible in several jurisdictions. The situation in the US is illustrative of this. Jurist Ronald Dworkin said, In England, for example, the issue whether minimum wage legislation is fair was a political issue, but in America it was a constitutional, that is, judicial issue as well. (Taking Rights Seriously, Bloomsbury, 2013)

As in the US, in India too, almost all political affairs become legal or constitutional topics and resultantly, the Indian Supreme Court, described as the most powerful court in the world, due to its wide authority for judicial review, has become a formidable political power centre. Topics ranging from reservation to taxation, and from temple entry to prohibition are ultimately decided by the countrys top court.

A Bench of the Supreme Court consisting of Justices Arun Mishra and Naveen Sinha recently came down heavily on the conduct of certain lawyers criticising the judges and judiciary even as their cases await adjudication. The Bench also said that the judiciary has to be protected from outside and some lawyers seem to be carrying a dagger to kill the judiciary. The court is inclined to examine the law on the subject.

The exasperation has its own justification. The assertions by Lord Hardwicke in Roach v. Garvan (1742) that nothing is more incumbent upon courts of justice than to preserve their proceedings from being misrepresented has an institutional rationale.But preservation of procedural integrity cannot take a dictatorial form so as to gag the argumentative Indians including lawyers talking politics or law. The quality of deliberations on judicial selection, Aadhaar, adultery, transgender rights, etc. that happened in the responsible media was in no way inferior to the level of discourse that occurred in the court. Many a judgment of the Supreme Court on constitutional issues profusely quoted from the pieces that the media carried even during the course of litigation.

The public discussion is therefore a political duty, as famously put by Justice Brandeis. We have, in India, a flawed system for appointment of judges, which even the apex court has acknowledged in its judgment on National Judicial Appointments Commission (2015). Robert H Bork, a famous Appeals Court judge from the US, put the issue in perspective, Anyone who wants a decent, democratic government ought to be concerned about judges who misbehave, or exceed their authority or issue unjust decisions. (Foreword to the book by Max Boot, Out of Order, Basic Books, 1998)

The point, however, is not that anything is justified in the name of free speech. Sub judice may be a principle still relevant when it acts as a device to protect the rights of an individual or an accused. Media trial is a menace that needs correctional measures by way of appropriate self regulations. The Supreme Court in the Sahara case (2012) and a full Bench of the Kerala High Court in Sudins case (2014) laid down the same principle. Journalists and lawyers need to act conscientiously while the matter involves a possibility to harm others.

As in the UK, the rule of sub judice in India is substantially codified in the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. It however spares fair and accurate reporting of court proceedings and fair criticism of the judgment from the clutches of the law. Whether a particular attack on a court or a judge is offensive would therefore call for a legal scrutiny on a case-to-case basis, by referring to the existing laws. When there are enactments governing the field and providing for punishment, a judicial legislation is impermissible, as held by the apex court in the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association case (2016). A general gag order by the court, which would amount to pre-censorship, can be antithetical to the tenets of deliberative democracy. In a digital world of social media where each individual becomes a mobile republic, how far the courts can control expressions is another question.

By virtue of Article 19 (2) of the Constitution, reasonable restrictions could be imposed only by a law made by the state, for certain specified purposes which include the laws in relation to contempt of court, incitement to an offence, etc. The country has such laws in abundance. Restraint by the judiciary in controversial matters alone would meet the requirements of a liberal polity. As justice La Forest of the Supreme Court of Canada put it, the ability of a jury to disabuse itself of information that it is not entitled to consider is a great judicial virtue.

Kaleeswaram Raj

Lawyer practising in the Supreme Court

Email: kaleeswaramraj@gmail.comBy ANI

DEHRADUN: At a time when the entire nation is reeling under rage over the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama, Nitika Kaul, wife of Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal who was martyred in an encounter with JeM terrorists on Monday in Pulwama in J&K, has urged every Indian not to "sympathise but stay strong and united" in this crucial hour.

"I will request everyone not to sympathise rather be very strong because this man (V S Dhoundiyal) holds a position very larger than any of us standing here. Let us salute this man. Jai Hind," Nitika said while bidding adieu to her husband.

Holding back her tears during the performance of last rites of Major Dhoundiyal, the proud wife Nitika blew him a kiss and said: "I love you."

#WATCH Wife of Major VS Dhoundiyal (who lost his life in an encounter in Pulwama yesterday) by his mortal remains. #Dehradun #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/5HWD6RXwnO  ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019

Major Dhoundiyal, resident of Dehradun, was among four Army men who were martyred in the encounter with JeM terrorists in Pulwama district. They killed-JeM commander Kamran-the mastermind of February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy in which 40 jawans were killed.

Praising the Major for sacrificing his life for the nation and the people he had never met, Nitika said: "I am really proud. We all love you. The way you love everyone is entirely different because you sacrificed your life for the people who you may have never met, but still you decided to give your life for them."

"You are such a brave man. I am very honoured to have you as my husband. I'll love you till my last breath. I owe my life to you. Yes, it's hurting that you're leaving but I know you will always be around," she said.

Hundreds of people paid their tributes to the late Major amid-"Vande Mataram" and "Shaheed Dhoundiyal Amar Rahein"--slogans.

Major vibhuti shankar dhoundiyal's wife nikita koul what a brave lady she is pic.twitter.com/PYgTbXmTqk  Rajan singh yadav(@coachsirrules) February 19, 2019

READ HERE | Pinglan martyr's wife delivers baby girl soon after his last rites in Rajasthan

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat also took part in the funeral procession of the Major and placed a wreath on his coffin on behalf of the state.

Earlier in the day, mother of Army jawan Ajay Kumar who lost his life in the encounter with Pakistan-backed terrorists in Pulwama, said that India has the power to destroy the neighbouring country in one day.

"Pakistan has killed so many sons; Pakistan is not that big that India cannot destroy it. India can destroy it in one day. I am proud of my son that he sacrificed his life for the country," said Kumar's mother.Abhijit Mulye By

Express News Service

MUMBAI: Uddhav Thackerays U-turn with respect to the alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections hasnt gone down well with the people of Maharashtra.

Soon after the alliance and the seat-sharing pact between the two parties was announced on Monday, people took to social media to vent their outrage.

Marathi words Swabal (Own Strength) and Yuti (Alliance) remained trending Twitter and Facebook for the majority of the day.

Hashtags like FashivSena (army of deceivers), LacharSena (army of the helpless), Shiv Sena U-Turn and Golmal Returns too were trending. Memes around themes like turning the tiger (Shiv Sena symbol) into a cat too went viral.

After severing ties with the BJP in 2014, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had referred to BJP president Amit Shah as Afzal Khan (knight of Adil Shah of Bijapur who was killed by Shivaji). Several memes referring to Thackeray and Shahs photographs raising hands to announce the alliance asked whether the Shivaji has gone to the Afzals lap.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut who is also the executive editor of party mouthpiece Saamana and on the outfits most vocal leaders against the BJP, remained the target of most of the flak.

Resolutions at party executives are not the frogs croak, he had said several times referring to partys resolution two years back to contest all future elections on their own.

The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, in an apparent dig at the Sena, made a hoarding of one the memes Deepest condolences as we pay homage to the historic statement, We shall kick the powerand put it in front of Shiv Sena Bhavan at Dadar on Tuesday.

Former Shiv Sena leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane too, meanwhile, criticized the Sena over its duality.

The alliance is not for the benefit for people but for the benefit of Matoshree (Thackeray residence). Uddhav Thackeray is a man who never keeps his word... my party will ensure defeat of Sena candidates, he said.Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: One soldier lost his life and five others of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles unit of the army are still missing after heavy snow triggered an avalanche on the Sino-India border at Namgia Dogri in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh today.

Sources said that around sixteen jawans of the 136 Brigade were patrolling between two posts at Namgia Dogri in the Shipki La sector along the Indo-China border, which is at a height of around 12,000 feet and is around 300 kilometers from Shimla, when the avalanche came around 11 am. Six of them got trapped in the avalanche.

One jawan was rescued and sent to Pooh for medical aid but died on the way to the hospital.

Another patrol party of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was patrolling the area, where five of its personnel got injured but were rescued.

The avalanche was triggered by fierce snow blizzards in the area.

A spokesperson of the Army said the search operation would go on till the last person was found. A team of about 150 persons is searching for the trapped jawans.

Sources said that rescue operations were started after the local police and jawans of ITBP were sent by the district administration to this high altitude area. An NDRM team was also dispatched.

Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Gopal Chand said, "The body of one jawan has been recovered, whereas five bodies are yet to be traced.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government would provide all possible assistance to the Army to ensure speedy relief and rehabilitation work. He said that the Deputy Commissioner of Kinnaur has been directed to keep close liaison with the Army and ITBP Authorities.

For the past few days, the tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahual Spiti in the hill state have been witnessing heavy snowfall. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more snow and heavy rain for the area over the next two days. Also the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) had issued an advisory asking residents in five districts to stay away from avalanche-prone slopes. The advisory came after the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) issued an avalanche warning for various parts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kinnaur and Kullu districts, where heavy snowfall is expected in the coming days.By PTI

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court judge, Justice L Nageswara Rao, Wednesday recused himself from hearing the CBI's plea alleging obstruction in its probe into the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam probe by West Bengal authorities.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Rao and Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the hearing on pleas of the CBI, saying that one of the judges was not inclined to be part of the bench to hear the matter.

Justice Rao said he had appeared for the state as a lawyer and therefore cannot hear the case.

The bench has now posted the matter for hearing on February 27 before an appropriate bench of which Justice Rao is not a part.

On February 18, West Bengal Chief secretary Malay Kumar De, DGP Virendra Kumar, and then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar had filed separate affidavits in the apex court on the contempt petition moved by the CBI in connection with the scam and had tendered "unconditional and unambiguous apology".

ALSO READ: HC grants interim protection to Nalini Chidambaram from arrest in Saradha chit fund scam

The West Bengal government and its police had refuted CBI allegations in the apex court that they obstructed an investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam cases, with the state cops charging that the central agency forcefully tried to enter the Kolkata police commissioner's residence on February 3 without valid papers.

The trio maintained that the West Bengal government and the state police at no point of time obstructed investigation nor any official denied cooperation to CBI.

The officers had opposed the contempt petition against them in which CBI alleged that they were tampering with evidence and not complying with the apex court's various orders relating to the probe by asserting that there was a need for directions to the probe agency not to make any vague allegations without substantial and cogent evidence.

Referring to the February 3 incident, Kumar had said in his affidavit that CBI "forcibly" tried to enter his house without valid papers.

The contention has been supported by the DGP in his affidavit.

They had also claimed that no police official went on 'dharna manch' where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee sat to protest the CBI action.

The DGP and Kumar had said no police officer, in uniform or otherwise at any given point in time, ever sat or joined the dharna along with Banerjee.

Kumar had said it was "very intriguing" as to why a major decision by the CBI was taken to interrogate him on February 3, which was the last day in office of the then interim CBI director M Nageswara Rao.

Kumar, against whom CBI has alleged tampering of electronic evidence including call detail records, had said he was never in direct possession of evidence, material or documents.

They had responded to the notices issued on February 5 by the apex court which had asked them to clarify their stand on the allegation that evidence was tampered with and the state police was not cooperating with the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The apex court had on February 4 said that "if the police commissioner is even remotely trying to destroy evidence, we will come down so heavily on him that he will regret".Kumar Vikram By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Airfares of Srinagar-bound flights have skyrocketed amidst reports of attacks and harassment of Kashmiris in many parts of the country.

Flights from major cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Lucknow, to Srinagar cost as much as Rs 70,000 for one person on February 19.

Similarly, airfares for February 20 (from major cities) were between Rs 15,000 and Rs 45,000.

There have been reports of attacks against Kashmiris, particularly students, after the Pulwama terror strike. On Saturday, a mob gathered at a hostel in Dehradun where Kashmiri girls were living, prompting police deployment.

A day earlier, several male Kashmiri students were targeted at their rented homes.

In Ambala, a village panchayat asked villagers to evict Kashmiri students living in rented accommodation within 24 hours, according to social media.

Following these reports, Kashmiris started taking home-bound fights leading to a massive increase in bookings.

The airfare trend also disclosed that certain pockets have a concentration of people belonging to J&K. Like, flights from Chandigarh to Srinagar cost between Rs 12,000 and Rs 22,000 on February 20.

Similarly, airfares from Mumbai to Srinagar varied between Rs 24,000 and Rs 45,000 for Wednesday suggesting a higher concentration of Kashmiris in Mumbai region.

This is not the first time that airfares have spiraled during a crisis. Airfares had shot up during the deadly 2015 Tamil Nadu cyclone and had touched Rs 35,000. A similar spike was witnessed during the Kerala floods last year.

An official of the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that according to prevailing regulations, airfares are neither established nor regulated by the government. Under the provision, every air transport engaged in scheduled air services are required to establish tariff taking into account all factors.By PTI

NEW DELHI: The National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language has withdrawn its invitation to nine Pakistani litterateurs for the World Urdu Conference in wake of the Pulwama attack, officials said Tuesday.

The NCPUL, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD), was set up to promote, develop and propagate Urdu language.

"The coward attack which has taken place in Pulwama has left the entire country furious. A country which is involved in such acts, it is not a wise thing to invite their writers to the celebrate literature here," said NCUPL Director Aquil Ahmed.

"We have withdrawn our invitation to nine Pakistani writers for the conference to register our protest against the attack and keeping the sentiments of the country in mind," Ahmed added.

The Wold Urdu Conference, an annual event organised by NCPUL, is scheduled to be held next month and will witness participation of Urdu scholars from across the globe.

Forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district last week when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus.

In the wake of the attack, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) had on Monday announced a blanket ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the Indian film industry.Ayshvarya Narayanan By

Online Desk

At a time when India is mourning the loss of its brave heroes, a humble initiative by a Pakistani journalist is going viral on social media for all the right reasons.

"I am a Pakistani and I condemn Pulwama terrorist attack," reads a placard held by Sehyr Mirza, who has launched the '#AntiHateChallenge' on social media.

Mirza is a peace activist and independent journalist, who has been working on issues related to India-Pakistan relations. Even in the past, she participated in campaigns like 'profile for peace' to counter the negative propaganda.

In a Facebook post, Mirza wrote that the challenge not only seeks to condemn the attack but also to express solidarity with their Indian friends.

"We're deeply disturbed over the tragic terror attack that claimed innocent lives in Kashmir. In such testing times, we need more sane voices to speak out against war and terrorism. We have initiated this #AntiHateChallenge to not only condemn the attack but also express solidarity with our Indian friends," she wrote on Facebook.

She also quoted a poem by the Indian poet Sahir Ludhianvi in her post.

'Whether blood be ours or theirs, It's the blood of humankind.

Whether wars be waged in the east or west, It is the murder of world-peace.

Whether houses be bombed or borders, The temple of the Soul is wounded.

War is a problem itself. How will war resolve problems?

Today it will rain fire and blood, Tomorrow, hunger and scarcity.'

In her post, Mirza requested fellow Pakistanis to join the movement, adding the hashtags #WeStandWithIndia, #NoToWar and #CondemnPulwamaAttack.

She also shared a picture of her holding the placard on her profile with the caption, "I won't trade humanity for patriotism." She initiated the 'Anti-Hate Challenge' to express solidarity with friends across the border.

In the deadly terror attack in Pulwama, 40 CRPF jawans were killed by a suicide bomber on 14 February. The terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has severely strained Indo-Pak relations.

Wanted to spread a message of love and warmth: Sehyr Mirza

Speaking to Express, Mirza said, "A war-like situation after the Pulwama attack was extremely distressing because of the silence. Peace supporters on both sides were facing a backlash. All sorts of negative and hateful comments were being shared on social media. I thought it was very important to break the silence to create a healing space and the best way to do that was by giving out a message of love and warmth."

She also posted pictures of a few other Pakistani women holding placards with a message condemning the Pulwama attack. While the posts on the #AntiHateChallenge have been widely shared on social media in support of the initiative, Mirza is also getting brickbats from some people for her gesture.

"Hating is very easy and its challenging in the current times to stand up for peace. The post is widely being shared and appreciated in India by peace supporters. A lot of love and positive messages are coming in. At the same time, I have faced negative reaction from trolls from both countries," she said.

Responding to the trolls, she said, "While the Indians are calling the photographs fake and disseminating the images with distorted photo-shopped messages, several Pakistanis are responding by calling it an act of appeasement towards the Indian establishment."

Asserting that the pictures posted by her and the spirit of the campaign aren't fake, she said that people who consider it as appeasement or acceptance of guilt must realise how Pakistanis were being attacked and labelled as terrorists.

"I was distressed and wanted to counter that by giving out a public message that Pakistanis are against terrorism and Pakistanis and Indians stand together in fighting the menace," she concluded.By Online Desk

JAIPUR: A Pakistani national lodged in the central jail here was murdered after a fight that broke out between the two groups of prisoners, officials said Wednesday.

Shakir Ulha alias Mohammad Haneef was imprisoned for partaking in terrorist activities. According to the Police, four inmates have been named for killing Shakir, who hailed from Sialkot.

Jail IG Rupendra Singh confirmed that the dispute between the prisoners led to the killing of Shakir Ulha.

DG (Jail) NRK Reddy and other officers of police have reached the jail along with ATS CID.

"A Pakistani prisoner has allegedly been murdered in the central jail," IG (Jail)Rupinder Singh said.

Lakshma Gour, senior Police Officer said, "The incident took place at around 1 pm. A forensic laboratory team also reached to help us with the investigation. We are looking into the matter."

The incident has raised security concerns for Pakistani prisoners. Doctors from SMS hospital and SSL teams have also reached the Jaipur jail. Currently, there are five SIMI terrorists imprisoned in the Jaipur jail and Shakir Ulha is said to be one of them.

Shakir along with two other Pakistani nationals was convicted in 2017 by a local court in Jaipur on charges of fomenting terror on Indian soil. He was serving life imprisonment.

According to the sources, there are more than a dozen Pakistani nationals lodged in different prisons in Rajasthan. Jaipur Jail has a capacity of 1173 inmates where 1458 inmates housed in the jail.

The murder of the Pakistani prisoner comes days after more than 40 CRPF jawans were killed in a suicide bombing attack by Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.

After the deadly incident, there have been multiple calls for retaliatory action against Pakistan, which has, however, rejected any role in the terrorist act and has warned of retaliatory action if India attacks.Fawaz Wani By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday took over the probe into the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama from the Jammu and Kashmir police, officials said.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir SP Pani said the NIA took over probe of Lethpora, Pulwama suicide bombings.

The J&K Police has handed over evidence collected during the probe to the NIA.

An NIA spokesman said the agency has re-registered the case related to the Pulwama attack. NIA chief Yogesh Chander Modi, along with a team of top officers, arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday.

DG along with a team of officers, including two IGs, DIG and SP, visited the suicide bombing spot, the spokesman said.

A day after the February 14 suicide car bombing on CRPF bus by Jaish militant Aadil Ahmad Dar of Gundibagh, a team of NIA forensic and explosive experts had visited the bombing spot and collected samples and evidence.

Sources said the NIA team, which is in the Valley, may quiz those detained by the police. So far at least three dozen people have been detained in south Kashmir and are being questioned by the police.

According to sources, the investigators are trying to verify whether a Maruti Eeco was used by terrorists in the suicide bombing.

ALSO READ: Pakistani women launch 'Anti-hate challenge' condemning Pulwama attack

To be 100 per cent sure on use of the vehicle, Maruti Suzuki experts are in the Valley and helping NIA ascertain whether a Eeco was used. They are sifting through the remnants of the vehicle to ascertain the year of make and ownership, sources said.

Rs 5 lakh each for families of martyrs

The Mata Amritanandamayi Math will give Rs 5 lakh each to the families of 40 CRPF soldiers killed in the February 14 Pulwama attack.

It is our dharma to support the families of these brave men who died while doing their dharma of protecting the nation, said Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.

My heart goes out to their families and loved ones. May we all pray for their peace and wellbeing.

The Mata Amritanandamayi Math announced the donation as Amma was travelling to Mysore, the first stop on the northern leg of the 2019 Bharata Yatra.By PTI

SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP), a constituent of Meghalaya's ruling alliance, on Wednesday announced that it has severed ties with the BJP-led Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Formed in 2016, the NEDA is an alliance of non-Congress parties in the northeast. The UDP is a constituent of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), which also includes the BJP. The UDP has nine MLAs in the MDA, while the BJP has two.

The UDP decided to leave the NEDA following BJP chief Amit Shah's announcement in Assam on Sunday that if voted to power after the Lok Sabha polls, the saffron party would ensure that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed in Parliament, UDP vice-president Gallantry F Dkhar said.

"We have decided to sever ties with the NEDA. It is amply clear that the BJP does not respect the sentiment of the people of the northeast region and has announced that it will bring back the bill," he told PTI.

The contentious Citizenship Bill is set to lapse on June 3, when the term of the present Lok Sabha ends. It could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget session, the last Parliament session of the present government, which ended last week.

"The regrouping of all political parties of the region in Guwahati last month has rendered the NEDA bereft of regional parties," Dkhar said.

Ten political parties of the northeastern region, most of which are members of the NEDA, along with the JD(U) -- the BJP's key ally in Bihar, had on January 29 unanimously decided to oppose the bill.

Last year, the MDA cabinet, which includes a BJP minister, had also adopted a resolution opposing the bill in Meghalaya and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was instrumental in leading an all-party delegation against the bill to Delhi to meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The Asom Gana Parishad had severed ties with the BJP-led Assam government over the issue last month.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who fled persecution, after six years of residence in India, instead of 11 years, which is currently the norm, even if they do not possess any document. Several organisations and political parties claim that the bill threatens the identity, language and culture of indigenous people.By PTI

THE HAGUE: India on Wednesday questioned the functioning of Pakistan's notorious military courts and urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, which is based on an "extracted confession".

Jadhav, 48, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017.

His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

"Annul the decision of the military court and restrain Pakistan from giving effect to the (death) sentence. Release Jadhav and ensure his safe passage to India. If not then direct a trial under normal law before civilian courts with full consular access," Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs, told the ICJ judges.

Making the final submission in the ICJ on the third day of the hearing, Mittal requested the top UN court to declare that Pakistan acted in breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention, failed to inform Jadhav of his rights and declined consular access to him.

"India requests this court to adjudge and declare that Pakistan acted in egregious breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention," he said.

Harish Salve, who was representing India in the case, also said that the time has come for the ICJ to make Article 36 a potent weapon for protecting human rights.

READ HERE | India objects to Pakistan's use of abusive language like 'shameless', 'nonsense' at ICJ

Salve said Pakistan has continued to misuse the opportunity provided by the ICJ in the Jadhav case.

"Apart from showing propaganda, Jadhav has become a pawn in Pakistan's tool to divert international scrutiny from itself," Salve said in his arguments during which he mentioned the "dastardly" terror attack in Pulwama and another in Iran last week by Pakistan-based terror groups.

He also said that Pakistan is under pressure from the Financial Action Task Force over terror financing.

Salve said that Pakistan is used as a safe haven by UN proscribed terrorist entities like al-Qaeda, LeT, JeM, Haqqani Network and individuals like Hafiz Saeed and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

He also cited Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's interview to a newspaper in which he acknowledged his country's role in the 2008 Mumbai attack in which 166 people were killed by 10 LeT terrorists.

"This interview has not been denied," Salve said.

READ HERE | Jadhav was an instrument of India's official policy of terror, argues Pakistan at ICJ

On Pakistan's military courts, he said the International Commission of Jurists and European Parliament have criticised their functioning and added that anything diluting provisions of Vienna Convention must fail.

"India's criticism of military courts, the manner in which they function has been documented even by the European Parliament. If the military courts don't measure up to due process then domestic statutory law is irrelevant. India submits that this court should not sanctify trial by military courts of civilians, especially trial by Pakistan military courts. Fair and public hearing? Absent. Competent and independent tribunal? Absent. Counsel of own choice? Absent. Court will have to decide for itself whether it considers that such a system can be sanctified," Salve said, as he tore apart Pakistan's notorious military courts.

"Jadhav's trial was completed in 4-6 months or weeks. What happened to more than 150 people killed in the Mumbai terror attacks?" Salve asked as he raked up the Ajmal Kasab case to highlight the meaning of judicial review.

READ HERE | India did not answer key questions in Kulbhushan Jadhav case, claims Pakistan

"In Kasab case, the LeT terrorist who was apprehended and caught red handed by brave police officers, the Supreme Court of India examined materials on record first-hand since it was the case of death sentence. This is called review," he said.

On Pakistan's argument that India did not provide proof of Jadhav's nationality, Salve said Pakistan had no doubt when it arrested Jadhav that he was an Indian national.

"Pakistan is aware that to be an officer of RAW, the primary requirement is to be a citizen of India," he said.

He said Pakistan's claims that Jadhav was an Indian terrorist, sent by India, this is a flying leap of faith.

"Possessing a passport doesn't make you party to those offences, your role in those offences gets you conviction. Jadhav is being sent to the gallows on the basis of an extracted confession," Salve said.

"Pakistan has been reluctant to share with the world and the ICJ the judgement in which Jadhav was convicted. That judgement would show basis for conviction. There could no threat to existence of Pakistan if these documents are made available to India," he said, adding that he has little doubts that there was any substantive evidence of Jadhav's involvement.

READ HERE | Indian diplomats ignore handshake by Pakistan officials at ICJ

Salve said three attempts made by Pakistan to derail proceedings in the ICJ have failed.

He also objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the case.

"There was a time when the world respected Pakistan, today the world doesn't have the same respect for Pakistan in its own incarnation," Salve said, taking a dig at Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi, who on Tuesday said 'he has great respect for India but not its present incarnation.'

India moved the ICJ in May 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to Jadhav.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.By PTI

KOLKATA: A teenaged girl from Kolkata was trolled and allegedly threatened with rape on Facebook for a post on the plight of Kashmiris in the wake of the Pulwama attack, she said Wednesday.

In her February 15 post, the Class 12 girl condemned the deadly terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 40 CRPF jawans, while highlighting the daily hardships of Kashmiris.

She said some people asked her to leave the country and go to Pakistan in reply to her post, and others threatened rape and dire consequences.

A local shopkeeper also told her that a few men were trying to locate her house through her Facebook pictures, she claimed.

"Initially, after receiving the threats, I had deleted my post. But after I came to know that some youths were looking for me, I decided to delete my Facebook account. I did not go to school for the last two days," she told PTI.

The girl lodged a complaint on Wednesday, and said police has assured her of all help, including providing security.

The cyber-crime division of the Kolkata Police is looking into the matter.

The incident comes days after a Kashmiri doctor said he was considering leaving the city, after his daughters complained of ostracism in school and neighbourhood, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike.By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday flagged off the 12th edition of Aero India, at Yelahanka Air Force Base, in Bengaluru, on Wednesday. The five-day event will witness the participation of leading international defence and civil aviation firms.

The event was started after mourning the death of Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi by observing silence for two minutes.

Sahil passed away after his Hawk aircraft, part of the Surya Kiran aerobatic team had a mid-air collision with another aircraft of the Surya Kiran team while performing a high-risk stunt maneuver during full dress rehearsal on Tuesday morning.

A total of 63 aircraft are being displayed at the event, with flying displays of aircrafts such as Dassault Rafale and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.

Representatives of defense sector from countries such as Russia, France, USA, Saudi Arabia and others are participating in the event.

Speaking at the event, Sitharaman said that the government has signed 150 contracts worth Rs 1.27 lakh to procure defence equipment in the last three to four years. Steps are being taken to encourage defence manufacturing in India, she said.

The number of companies that are manufacturing licensed defence equipment has doubled in the last four years, she said. A total of 424 companies are involved in the process today.

The Defence Ministry is also ensuring that procurement orders are given to Indian manufacturers, or for companies who have agreements with Original Equipment Manufacturers for production of various defence equipment.

Railways and Civil Aviation minister Suresh Prabhu said that India was planning to add 100 more airports in the next 10-15 years. The project is expected to cost 65 billion dollars, he said.

"We are working on a strategy to come up with Vision 2040, in order to ensure that India stands either first or second in terms of aviation in the world," he said.

In order to meet these targets, the country will need to buy two to three thousand more aircrafts.

India is also coming up with a roadmap to ensure that the required aircraft are manufactured in the country, he added.By PTI

NEW DELHI: Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress on Wednesday asked whether according to a "grand welcome" to those who praised Pakistan's "anti-terror" efforts was his way of remembering the Pulwama attack martyrs.

In a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday received Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport last night.

"National interests v/s Modiji's 'hugplomacy' breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistan's 'anti-terror' efforts. Is it ur way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama?" Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter tagging photographs of Modi hugging the crown prince and sharing a laugh at the airport.

Surjewala also urged the prime minister to "show courage" and ask Saudi Arabia to undo its joint statement with Pakistan in which they called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

"Modiji, Is asking for a terrorist to be designated as such politicisation of UN listings? Would you show courage to ask Saudi Arabia to undo their 'Joint Statement' with Pak virtually rejecting India's demand for designating Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist'?" he said.

The Crown Prince arrived in India last night on a less than 30-hour visit, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said the dialogue was the only way to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion on Sunday.

The Crown Prince's visit comes days after a Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's suicide bomber killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel.Sana Shakil By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: As many as 29 incidents of mob violence have taken place against Christians in the first month of this year, an NGO has claimed, seeking special laws against mob violence.

According to the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)-India, 13 states witnessed incidents of violence against Christians with Uttar Pradesh leading at nine cases. The NGO has also questioned the polices role in such incidents saying not a single FIR has been registered in these cases.

According to the NGOs report, 26 women and 25 children have been injured in these incidents but no reactions have come from the political community.

The year is not much different from 2018 for Christians in India except, on an average, if 2018 witnessed 20 incidents per month, 2019 has begun with 29 incidents in January. Even on Republic Day, a peaceful prayer meeting at a house in Kotra tehsil of Rajasthans Udaipur district was disrupted by extremist elements throwing stones and shouting slogans against Christians. As usual, another false allegation of conversion was levelled, the NGO said on Tuesday.

Describing the modus operandi, ADF said, A mob accompanied by police arrives at the prayer services, shouts slogans, beats up the congregations...Then pastors are arrested or detained by police under false allegation of conversion.

The report has also cited an incident in Chhatisgarh, which has a Congress government, wherein the Gondwana community decided to excommunicate those who attend Christian prayers in their village. It has said 10 Christians were beaten and bibles were torn in this incident.

Director of ADF India Tehmina Arora said, It is worrying to see horrendous acts of mobocracy still continuing after a slew of directions from the Supreme Court. It is high time special laws are enacted ...

Such incidents, according to ADF, have also taken place in Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu where some Christians were allegedly dragged to Hindu temples and forced to worship Hindu Gods by the mob.

Incidents

Incidents cited by the NGO included one from Goa, where a woman was allegedly threatened with dire consequences if she hung a star outside her house. In Karnataka, a pastor was hit with an iron rod. In another incident, a mob set on fire the building materials kept at the site of an under-construction church... it said.Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: After having stitched a pre-poll alliance with arch rival Samajwadi Party to stop the saffron juggernaut in UP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Wednesday said that the BJP's alliances with the Shiv Sena and the AIADMK for the Lok Sabha polls smacked off its helplessness and the fear of losing the plot.

"Does the BJP's move to strike alliance in Bihar followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu - in absolute helplessness and on its knees - indicate its strong leadership? In reality, the BJP is so scared of the SP-BSP alliance that it is now running from post to pillar to form alliances," tweeted Mayawati, referring to the BJP's pre-poll alliance which the BJP has cobbled up recently with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu during the last two days.

READ | Inequalities have increased due to BJP's casteist behaviour: BSP Supremo Mayawati

In Bihar, the party had formalised its alliance with the Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) of Ram Vilas Paswan last year only. "Despite all its efforts and no matter how much it tries now, 130 crore people of India will not spare the BJP for its anti-poor, anti-farmer anti-worker policies," the BSP chief added. "People will bulldoze their arrogance and electoral ambitions as they won't vote them back to power at any cost," asserted the BSP supremo.

The SP-BSP and the BJP leadership have been attacking each other in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls.

While Mayawati had condemned the Yogi government and the Centre for misusing central agencies to intimidate political rivals when there were CBI raids on people including an IAS officer and a few SP

leaders in illegal mining cases of 2012-2017. The CBI had claimed that it could even summon SP chief and former CM Akhilesh Yadav could also be grilled as he had held the mining portfolio in 2012-13.

Mayawati had also condemned the state governments action of stopping SP chief Akhilesh Yadav at Lucknow airport from going to attend an event of Allahabad University student union recently. She claimed that the BJP government in UP and at the Centre was so scared of the mahagathbandhan that it was resorting to anti-democratic methods to suppress the rivals.

On the other, BJP chief Amit Shah has been mocking the SP-BSP alliance calling it headless. The BJP chief has been claiming that if the SP-BSP alliance and other similar arrangements at the national level won the general elections, each day of the week would have a new PM. Addressing a meeting of the BJP booth workers on the outskirts of Mumbai, Amit Shah said that the coalition, which opposes Prime Minister Modi and the BJP, was bereft of leadership, principles and policy.The Supreme Court Wednesday decided to hear on February 26 the politically sensitive Ayodhya's Ram-Janmabhoomi Babri Masjid land dispute matter.

It will be heard by a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.

The apex court on January 27 had cancelled the scheduled hearing for January 29 as Justice S A Bobde, one of the five judges of the Constitution Bench, was not available that day.

Besides CJI and Justice Bobde, members of the bench are Justices D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer.

The bench will hear the appeals against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.

77-acre land in Ayodhya be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.By Express News Service

Shes at a stage in her career where validation from anyone isnt validation of her talent. Priyanka Upendra, who is now looking at doing quality work, admits this saying, I am still here, I am coming back or I want more doesnt exist in my film dictionary anymore, Having completed shoot for Lohiths upcoming directorial, Howrah Bridge, which also sees her daughter (Aishwarya) in a pivotal role, the makers are looking for an April release.

According to Priyanka, the film, now in post-production stage, have also applied for the censors. This is going to be a psychological thriller. Lohith has worked hard on the content. His kind of dedication is hard to find. In fact, he got into the details while making this film, which took almost one-and-a-half years. We finished an intensive schedule in Kolkata sometime in January, says Priyanka, adding that the beauty of Kolkata has been captured very well by the director.

What next and she says that offers have been coming in, but she is yet to give a green signal. Priyanka has been approached to be part of a Tamil film, which she says is in the pipeline, and will talk about it once the deal is sealed. Mummy sequel is also in the planning stage, but I have decided to make a move only after the release of Howrah Bridge. I first want to know how this film will be received by the audience, she tells us.

In the recent times, Priyanka has been making a conscious effort so as to not be typecast. Today there is a lot of interesting kind of films happening, and I feel that the demarcation between a hero and heroine is fading slowly. Secondly, I dont want to get typecast playing the role of a mother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law or just a heros wife.

If the movie has got a good plot and if there is an interesting role among the main characters, I will consider them. . There are certain genres which gives certain characters importance. And I am looking at those, says Priyanka, who cites example of the recent Hindi movie Andhadhun. These days, films are either hero or heroine-centric. But there are also those in-between genres which is catching my attention, she says.

To her advantage, she also has a platform, where she can produce herself. But everything requires a good content says Priyanka, who wants to keep the buzz going with quality. I have always considered myself as an artiste and not just a heroine. I dont mind not having much work, but I dont want substandard work. I wouldnt like people saying Why did Priyanka do this? When I was young, I took up anything and everything I was offered.

Thats because I worked hard to establish myself. Now, the focus has shifted to work I really enjoy. Today, I want to do films for my fans, and what my family likes to see me in, and roles where I can explore my creativity. I dont mind doing a short film or something for Internet TV. All this, so long as my character is appreciated, she explains.

With Upendra having entered politics, the whole house is abuzz with the same. I am trying to be up to date with Uppis work. At this point, he needs my moral support. With my children in high school, things are intense. Theres a lot of juggling to do. I also know that Uppi doesnt want me in, unless I am ready to give my 100 per cent to it. A lot of people have been asking me why I havent contested elections. But I feel, I need to have knowledge and commitment. Moreover, I still have a lot of things to do as an actor, she says.By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Inquiries into the passport tampering racket run by Mohd Abdul Raheemuddin revealed that some of the gangs clients have, in fact, succeeded in obtaining visa to foreign countries.

One of them, is a youth from Miyapur in Hyderabad, who was a school dropout and wanted to work abroad. Using the visa obtained with the help of the tampered passport, he travelled to the USA and Turkey. However, he was later deported from these countries.

Interestingly, the youngsters visa interview ahead of his trip to Canada had just gotten over when the police busted the racket. The teenager, who came from a poor family, wanted to travel abroad to support his family. When he realised that his educational qualifications would not permit to travel, he approached Raheemuddin. After issuing his fake passport, Raheemuddin helped him in preparing fake documents like bank statements, experience letters, and travel documents.By Express News Service

CHENNAI: A consumer forum has directed a courier firm Blue Dart to pay a compensation of Rs 1,02,510 to a textile company for damaging silk sarees during transit to Hyderabad. In its complaint, S Rajamanicka Mudaliar Textiles, Kancheepuram, submitted that the company was in the business of manufacturing handloom cotton sarees and dress materials.

In March 2016, it had booked 42 fancy and handloom sarees worth Rs 1,12,000 with the courier company to supply to one of its customers at Hyderabad. However, 40 sarees were damaged by a chemical leak during the transit. As a result, the customer in Hyderabad refused to accept the shipment since it was damaged and the consignment was returned to Kancheepuram.

Finding that the courier company had damaged 40 sarees worth Rs 72,510, the textiles sought compensation and filed a complaint before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Chengalpattu.

The courier company submitted that the complainant has been carrying on commercial activities. Hence, the case does not come under the purview of the Consumer Protection Act.

However, the forum, presided by J Justin David, reasoned there was no buyer-seller relationship between the courier company and the manufacturer. Thus, the argument made by the courier firm is not sustainable.

The forum in a recent order observed that the courier firm failed in its duty to deliver the sarees safely. It directed the firm to pay a compensation of Rs 1,02,510.

Chemical leak during transit to Hyderabad

In March 2016, the textile firm had booked 42 fancy and handloom sarees worth `1,12,000 with the courier company to supply to a customer at Hyderabad. However, 40 sarees were damaged by a chemical leak during the transitBy Express News Service

CHENNAI: After days of anticipation, the ruling AIADMK on Tuesday inked poll pacts with BJP and PMK, allocating five and seven seats (and a Rajya Sabha ticket) to the parties respectively. However, due to hard bargaining by Vijayakanths DMDK, the alliance with that party could not announced on Tuesday.

Sources said the DMDK initially wanted nine Lok Sabha seats and one RS seat or at least as many seats as the PMK. However, the AIADMK was only willing to go up to three seats given DMDKs performance in the 2016 Assembly elections as well as the splits that occurred within the party two years ago. BJP leaders led by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, in-charge of polls for BJP in the State, visited Vijayakanths Virugambakkam residence in the evening but talks reportedly reached a stalemate. BJP sources said talks would continue in the coming days.

While the BJP has forged an alliance with the AIADMK after 15 years, PMK is joining hands with the AIADMK after 10 years.

PMK, which fought the 2016 Assembly polls on its own, had vowed not to align with the Dravidian parties. Till recently, the partys founder S Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss have sharply criticised the ruling party.

Addressing a press conference after signing the alliance agreement, the senior Ramadoss said his party had put forth 10 demands for aligning with AIADMK for LS polls. The conditions included conducting caste-wise census, release of seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, announcing Cauvery delta area as protected agri zone, closing down of sand quarries, closure of TASMAC shops in a phased manner, implementing old pension scheme for the government employees and teachers, waiver of crop loans given to farmers through the cooperative banks and exempting Tamil Nadu from NEET examination.

Later, in a statement, Ramadoss justified his partys decision to align with the AIADMK. He said though the party had taken a decision not to align with the Dravidian parties, the views of party functionaries that PMK should have strong presence in the Parliament to voice the issues of Tamil Nadu were considered.

Meanwhile, MLA Thameemun Ansari, who heads Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi and won on the Two Leaves symbol, resented the AIADMKs decision to align with the BJP. He said his partys high-level meeting next week would decide the next course of action. MLA and actor S Karunas, of the Mukkulathor Pulippadai, who also won on Two Leaves symbol, condemned the AIADMK-BJP alliance.

BJP to get one RS seat, PT may fight from Tenkasi

Sources said AIADMK had also agreed to give the BJP one Rajya Sabha seat, which probably could be given to BJP national secretary H Raja. Significantly, the firebrand Raja has been keeping a low-profile ever since the alliance talks begin. However, there are rumours that the AIADMK had requested the BJP not to field Raja in the Lok Sabha elections. BJP sources said IJK has not been given any seat this time but AC Shanmugams New Justice Party might get one seat. Puthiya Thamizhagam president K Krishnasamy may contest on the Two Leaves symbol from TenkasiBy Online Desk

Thanks to the advent of food delivery apps, getting food delivered at home within minutes is now just a tap away. Even if the delivery boy is thousands of kilometres from your home, as a Chennai man recently discovered.

In what appears to be a technical glitch, a customer was shocked to see his food getting delivered from Rajasthan to Chennai in just 12 minutes.

Amused by the bug, Bhargav Rajan wrote to Swiggy India on Twitter saying, "Wow @swiggy_in what are you driving?"

In a swift reply, Swiggy Cares said, "This seems to be the work of God of mischief Loki. In all seriousness, we have highlighted this issue and taken it very seriously and are actively working on to avoid such mishaps in the future. Thank you for bringing this to light for us Hyperion."

The screenshot triggered the funny bones of Twitterati, who came up with some really hilarious replies to the post. While one Twitter user asked if the delivery person is the Iron Man, others wondered if the company has tied up with ISRO for the rocket speed delivery.

One user wrote that Swiggy's delivery from North to South India for just Rs 138 shows their determination to deliver the goods come what may. Replying to which, Swiggy said, "We will fly to the moon and back for our customers! #Anythingforourcustomers" with a dog flying gif. Its reply is winning praises on the internet.

We'll fly to the moon and back for our customers! #Anythingforourcustomers



^Zyn pic.twitter.com/vFaTM1RDiH  SwiggyCares (@SwiggyCares) February 18, 2019

Here are some of the humorous replies from Twitterati. We warn you that your stomach might hurt from laughing.

12 mins to travel from Rajasthan to Bangalore Is that Iron Man?  Joel James (@Joel_James) February 19, 2019

Someone wanted to know if Swiggy can deliver momos from Nepal.

@swiggy_in @SwiggyCares I love momos.. I m staying in Banglore..I want home made momos from NEPAL.. Can I get it from there plzzz????  KRANTIRANJAN N (@whokranti) February 19, 2019

Can't be the new Vande Bharat Express  XhakaPramukh(@bmwonthenet) February 18, 2019

All the Superstar fans unite!

It's only possible when "RAJNIKANTH" is driving.  (@LYCHNOBITE_ASHU) February 18, 2019

Foodie level 10000!!

My Permanent residence is in Rajasthan and I am here in Mumbai for now, if (swiggy)you have started any such service (state to state delivery) let me know yeah.. Just wanted to order from favorite restaurant back there  JRabari (@JRabari2) February 19, 2019

Hey Swiggy, will you be our valentine?

Hey Chandan! We love you too. All you need to be happy is love and food. And see here, we are offering you both. Loads of love sent across in a box of delectable food.



^Aishwarya pic.twitter.com/eEzMuKNzS1  SwiggyCares (@SwiggyCares) February 19, 2019

Swiggy sure knows to make our tummy as well as heart happy. Happy Swiggying!Manoj Sharma By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Here is some good news for those commuting along Sarjapura Road. The ongoing work to widen the main carriageway to 100 ft from the existing 60 ft will be completed this month. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), that started the widening work on the 2.5 km stretch between Wipro Campus and Carmelaram Junction about five months ago, has completed 95 per cent of the work, and the project will be finished by this month-end.

With this, people travelling along the major technological hub in the city will have an easier time in traffic.

We started the project five months ago with the grants given for the development work along the road. The main carriageway was always congested as offices of many IT companies are located here. As the main carriageway has been widened it will help commuters on both sides. Meanwhile, we are also widening Sarjapura Road on the stretch between Iblur Junction and Carmelaram Junction, that will bring added relief to commuters in the coming days, said a BBMP official.

The project between Iblur Junction and Carmelaram Junction involves building a 45-metre road for 4.37 km. The road is currently 80 feet wide, which the civic agency wants widened to 160 feet.

The widening of Sarjapura Road has been one of the ambitious projects of BBMP, for which it had to face tough opposition from owners of property along the identified stretch, since they refused Transferable Development Rights (TDR) in exchange of land. Many property owners also staged protests to demand fair compensation. The BBMP, which started work on the available lands near Iblur Junction, could not extend the project since the land acquisition part is still pending.

However, officials now hope of some headway since the recent BBMP Budget has mentioned some sanctions for land acquisition. We hope to get some help from the government for land acquisition for the project. Once that is done, the pace of work between Iblur Junction and Carmelaram junction can pick up, said another official from BBMP.By Bloomberg

Tomomichi Takahashi became a multimillionaire by focusing on the dullest of white-collar tasks.

The former SoftBank Group Corp. employee was an early mover into whats called robotic process automation, the use of software bots to automate repetitive operations.

The Japanese entrepreneur stumbled into the business by chance, turning to it as a last resort when his consulting firm was on the ropes during the financial crisis.

It was a winning move. Takahashis company -- now called RPA Holdings Inc. -- listed last year on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The shares surged, and so did Takahashis wealth. His stake in the company is worth more than $360 million.

It was like hell, the 48-year-old entrepreneur said of the period after Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. collapsed in September 2008. We decided to do whatever it took to survive.

Takahashis firm provides so-called software bots for more than 500 companies, including Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., the largest lender in Japan, Nippon Life Insurance Co. and his alma mater, Masayoshi Sons SoftBank Group. It helps them to automate routine tasks such as inputting data and checking invoices.

The company is at the forefront of an industry on the rise. Global spending on robotic process automation software was estimated to reach $680 million in 2018, up 57 per cent from the previous year, and is on course to total $2.4 billion by 2022, according to research from Gartner Inc. The new technologies are particularly welcome in Japan, where a shrinking workforce is causing the tightest labor market in decades.

SoftBank Past

Takahashi started out in the consulting industry, working for the Japan arm of Andersen Consulting, which is now known as Accenture, for about three years before joining SoftBank in 1996. At SoftBank, which was a much smaller company then, Takahashi was involved in everything from corporate planning to accounting and helped launch a major satellite broadcasting joint venture. He says Son had a profound influence on him.

I was lucky because I could work directly with Son, he said. He always told us that if anyone was going to ride the digital and IT revolution, shouldnt it be us?

Consulting Firm

Taking those words to heart, Takahashi decided to set out on his own. In 2000, he established the predecessor of RPA Holdings. The company, which helped big firms enter the internet business, combined his past experience in consulting with his knowledge of the IT world from his time at SoftBank Group. But that model came unstuck in the financial crisis. With firms having to cut non-essential costs, consulting fees got the axe. Takahashi says about 40 per cent of his companys projects were cancelled. He was running out of money.

I thought the business Id been building for eight years was going to disappear, he said. Firms can cut consulting contracts with no problem. I wanted to do something where wed have a deeper involvement with customers, where wed be a source of value.

Japanese mortgage lender Aruhi Corp. started using RPA Holdings services in January 2017 to automate some application processes. It deploys software bots to input data from scanned loan applications and then check that everything is in order. Thats cut the average time taken per application to about 10 minutes from an hour.

Stock Surge

Software bots are booming now and software vendors are increasing, but back then RPA Holdings was the only company which had a good track record in Japan, said Tetsu Nishida, who heads the IT department at Aruhi.

RPA Holdings listed on the Tokyo bourses Mothers market for startup firms in March, and surged more than fivefold to a high early the next month. While it has since pared some of those gains, its still up more than 350 per cent, with a market value of more than $790 million. Takahashi, the largest shareholder, held a 45.8 per cent stake as of Aug. 31.

Valuations have gotten ahead of profits. The stock trades at 98 times estimated earnings for next fiscal year, compared with an average of 49 times for the Mothers Index.

Shota Watanabe, a fund manager at Rheos Capital Works Inc., which holds RPA Holdings shares, said the company has considerable growth potential as its business can help Japan to solve social and economic problems. But the stocks valuation is too high, he said.

Next Steps

The companys challenges include getting its products used at smaller firms, and maintaining its advantage as more competitors enter the field, according to Tomoaki Kawasaki, an analyst at Iwai Cosmo Securities Co. in Tokyo. Kawasaki maintains an outperform rating on the stock and a target price of 4,000 yen, 22 per cent higher than Tuesdays close.

Takahashi says the next step is to go beyond robotic process automation to create other services and businesses using artificial intelligence. And while the company forecasts that sales will more than double to 9.1 billion yen in the fiscal year ending February, hes setting his sights on much higher revenue in the years ahead.

Theres a huge market for software robots using AI technologies, he said. Just like industrial robots in factories, if software bots can take on the tedious routine work in offices, we can create a productivity revolution for white-collar jobs.Littleton Courier Fire at Rocks Estate destroys buildings, plans

Staff unhurt, and citizens share memories

by Justin Roshak

The blaze at the Rocks estate last Wednesday night. Courtesy of Littleton Fire and Rescue. (click for larger version) BETHLEHEMThe evening of Wednesday, Feb. 13 saw devastation to property, though no loss of life, during a fire at the Rocks Estate.



Sirens were first heard around 6 p.m., when Emergency Services reported the first fire alarm, and smoke was seen coming from the four-story Tool Building. Within the hour, the fire was upgraded to two alarms.



The fire began in lower level of the Tool Building, an historic space used for office space, social gatherings, and main programming. It would have been 113 years old this year. Now, only its chimney remains. The former electrical plant building was also destroyed. The New Hampshire Maple Museum was undamaged, and Property Manager Nigel Manley's house was saved, despite being adjacent to the blaze. Manley was able to get out safely, and confirmed that all staff were also safe.



Within minutes of the first announcement, a Franconia resident reported nearly every piece of fire equipment head for Bethlehem. Littleton, Whitefield, and Lisbon were called out as well.



By 7 p.m., the Tool Building was engulfed in flames, and a column of red smoke was reported by multiple eyewitnesses in Littleton.



The section of Route 302 at the base of the hill was closed to civilian traffic while emergency crews made their way inthe white and red lights of ambulances and fire trucks added to the unnatural illumination.



One group of locals climbed the hill to watch the blaze progress, with many taking pictures while they did.



Emergency crews removed propane tanks and capped water lines at the site. By the next morning, the flames had mostly died down, though the blackened foundations still seeped smoke.



Forest Society President Jane Difley expressed relief that no one was hurt, and gratitude to emergency services and for the support of the wider community.



"Operationally, it's a big loss," Manley said.



Farm equipment and computers were destroyed, and debris cleanup will continue for some time.



As the fire progressed, and in the charred aftermath, many residents shared thoughts and memories of the site, which has overlooked Bethlehem and surrounds for so many years.



"I had a life changing event at the Rocks Estate," wrote Samantha Buote Walker. "Married my best friend and entered into the arms of an amazing family and their equally amazing friends."



"This is so sad," remarked Paige Cloutier. "So many memories up there."



"That place has been there forever," added James Clough.



The 1,400-acre Rocks Estate was originally owned and built by the Glessner family. The Society for the Preservation of New Hampshire Forests purchased the property in 1978, and has run a cut-your-own Christmas tree farm since, as well as educational programming related to bees, maple syrup, and other agricultural legacies.



Looking to the future, Manley will assess the Rock's ability to continue planned programming, including booked events. An alternative venue is being sought for the April 6 Maple Dinner.



The Forest Society has set up a fund for donations towards restoring operations at the Rocks. The Rocks Fire Fund is available online, through the Society's Web site. BETHLEHEMThe evening of Wednesday, Feb. 13 saw devastation to property, though no loss of life, during a fire at the Rocks Estate.Sirens were first heard around 6 p.m., when Emergency Services reported the first fire alarm, and smoke was seen coming from the four-story Tool Building. Within the hour, the fire was upgraded to two alarms.The fire began in lower level of the Tool Building, an historic space used for office space, social gatherings, and main programming. It would have been 113 years old this year. Now, only its chimney remains. The former electrical plant building was also destroyed. The New Hampshire Maple Museum was undamaged, and Property Manager Nigel Manley's house was saved, despite being adjacent to the blaze. Manley was able to get out safely, and confirmed that all staff were also safe.Within minutes of the first announcement, a Franconia resident reported nearly every piece of fire equipment head for Bethlehem. Littleton, Whitefield, and Lisbon were called out as well.By 7 p.m., the Tool Building was engulfed in flames, and a column of red smoke was reported by multiple eyewitnesses in Littleton.The section of Route 302 at the base of the hill was closed to civilian traffic while emergency crews made their way inthe white and red lights of ambulances and fire trucks added to the unnatural illumination.One group of locals climbed the hill to watch the blaze progress, with many taking pictures while they did.Emergency crews removed propane tanks and capped water lines at the site. By the next morning, the flames had mostly died down, though the blackened foundations still seeped smoke.Forest Society President Jane Difley expressed relief that no one was hurt, and gratitude to emergency services and for the support of the wider community."Operationally, it's a big loss," Manley said.Farm equipment and computers were destroyed, and debris cleanup will continue for some time.As the fire progressed, and in the charred aftermath, many residents shared thoughts and memories of the site, which has overlooked Bethlehem and surrounds for so many years."I had a life changing event at the Rocks Estate," wrote Samantha Buote Walker. "Married my best friend and entered into the arms of an amazing family and their equally amazing friends.""This is so sad," remarked Paige Cloutier. "So many memories up there.""That place has been there forever," added James Clough.The 1,400-acre Rocks Estate was originally owned and built by the Glessner family. The Society for the Preservation of New Hampshire Forests purchased the property in 1978, and has run a cut-your-own Christmas tree farm since, as well as educational programming related to bees, maple syrup, and other agricultural legacies.Looking to the future, Manley will assess the Rock's ability to continue planned programming, including booked events. An alternative venue is being sought for the April 6 Maple Dinner.The Forest Society has set up a fund for donations towards restoring operations at the Rocks. The Rocks Fire Fund is available online, through the Society's Web site.

Littleton Courier Firefighters battle second blaze at Rotobec Wireless LINC under new ownership, upgrades underway Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.comIntroduction

Maternal depression, which includes depression before, during and after pregnancy, can have serious consequences for mothers and their children, especially infants and toddlers. Risks include preterm birth, low birth weight and cognitive and developmental delays. Postpartum depression is linked to hormonal and chemical changes in the mothers body after giving birth and can be exacerbated by a number of factors, including economic stressors and lack access to treatment and services.

The negative effects of maternal depression on mother and child are well researched and clear. Scientific research confirms that infants need engaged, attentive and nurturing caregivers to thrive, and when mothers are unable to engage in a loving and nurturing way, their childrens health and development suffer.

Science clearly points to the need for early identification and treatment of maternal depression. While racial or ethnic minorities are less likely to be depressed, those who are depressed experience worse health outcomes and are less likely to receive care and treatment.

This brief provides an overview of maternal depression, its effects on mothers and infants, and state legislative options to address the issue.

Maternal Depression

Antepartum Depression: Depression During Pregnancy

Depression in the U.S. One in five adults in the United Statesnearly 44 million peopleexperience a mental health disorder each year. Depression is one of the most common forms. Symptoms range from mild to serious. They include feelings of sadness and/or loss of interest in everyday activities lasting more than two weeks and the inability to engage in normal activities. Biological and environmental factors both contribute to a persons mental health and depressive disorders.

While postpartum depression receives the lions share of public attention, depression during pregnancy, clinically known as antepartum depression, remains an issue for many women. Fourteen to 23 percent of women suffer from some type of depression during pregnancy, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Antepartum depression is the greatest predictor of postpartum depression. Nearly 73 percent of women who report antepartum depression also experience postpartum depression, compared to 38 percent of women who did not experience antepartum depression but later experienced it postpartum.

Depression during pregnancy can significantly affect mothers and developing babies. Several studies have linked antepartum depression with preterm birth and low birth weight. Preterm births (births that occur before 37 weeks) are both more costly than a full-term birth and increase the likelihood of physical and intellectual developmental delays.

The cost of preterm births, during and after delivery, is also concerning. According to the March of Dimes, caring for a preterm baby in the first year of life costs approximately $50,000, whereas care for a baby born without complications costs about $5,000. Approximately half of all births in the U.S. are paid for by Medicaid, which covers a greater share of preterm births than private insurance. Together, these facts are evidence of the effect of poverty on health and well-being.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression disorders range from baby blues to postpartum depression and, in rare cases, postpartum psychosis. An estimated 50 to 80 percent of women experience baby blues, or feelings of sadness, that last only a few weeks immediately after birth, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Postpartum depression lasts longer than a few weeks and occurs in approximately 10 to 12 percent of women. Postpartum depression generally occurs about six weeks after birth, but it can happen as late as one year after birth. Postpartum psychosis, the rarest of these three conditions, typically has a sudden onset within the first two weeks after birth. Symptoms include paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, hyperactivity and mood swings. Postpartum psychosis occurs in only 0.1 to 0.2 percent of all births. Women who have personal or family history of bipolar disorder or a previous psychotic episode are at highest risk.

Postpartum depression is linked to delays in cognitive, linguistic, and social and emotional development in infants and toddlers. In the first few years of life, a childs brain develops a million new neural connections every second. These connections are influenced by many environmental factors, most significantly child-adult interactions. Scientists describe healthy interactions between infants and adults as a serve and return relationship. This is the give-and-take interaction between infants and adults. For example, an adult makes a silly face at the baby, the baby laughs in response to the silly face, and the adult smiles back at the baby. This back-and-forth interaction provides much-needed stimuli for babies developing brains and is needed for a healthy bond to form between caregiver and child. Postpartum depression can interfere with the serve and return relationship. Babies consistently deprived of this interaction can experience levels of stress that are constant to the point that it affects their developing brain. This is known as toxic stress.

Breastfeeding and Maternal Depression The relationship between maternal depression and breastfeeding is complicated. Mothers who are depressed are less likely to breastfeed, and when they do, it generally is for a shorter duration than non-depressed mothers. Breastfeeding may reduce postpartum depression symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and baby. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer and breast cancer for the mother. The benefits of breastfeeding for a newborn include a reduction in the risk of asthma, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, ear and respiratory infections and sudden infant unexpected death syndrome (SIUDS).

The Interaction Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Maternal Depression The interaction between adverse childhood experiences and maternal depression is multifaceted. Between 1995 and 1997, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente surveyed more than 17,000 male and female adults to explore whether there was a connection between childhood trauma and health outcomes. This research, known as the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, concluded that potentially traumatic events that occur before the age of 18 can increase an individuals risk of disease and behavioral challenges throughout his or her life. The study measured 10 adverse childhood experiences: parental separation and divorce; parental incarceration; domestic violence; substance misuse or mental illness in the home; emotional, physical and sexual abuse; and emotional and physical neglect. Later research on ACEs included metrics on additional traumatic experiences, such as community violence, homelessness, economic hardship and the death of a parent. Research indicates that people with four or more ACEs are about four times more likely to develop depression. Research also found that depressed mothers are more likely to neglect their children, which itself is one of the 10 original adverse childhood experiences. In addition to ACEs potentially having negative lifelong consequences for children, they may contribute to maternal depression. Ultimately, reductions in rates of maternal depression may support improvements in a childs health and disrupt the intergenerational transmission of adverse childhood experiences.

State Policy Options

Coverage and Access for Depression Screenings

Some health care providers screen their patients to identify women suffering from maternal depression and use that information to connect patients with treatment. Screenings generally are written questionnaires that patients fill out or brief interviews conducted by a health care provider. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnarie-9 (PHQ-9) are two of the most commonly used standardized and validated screening tools; however, screening for depression is neither uniform nor universal, and in fact, varies greatly.

In recent years, state legislators examined increases in coverage and access to screenings for pregnant women and new mothers. Thirty-seven states allow, require or recommend that Medicaid cover maternal depression screenings at well-child visits. At least 13 state Medicaid programs cover maternal depression screenings, including Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington.

Some states allow the childs insurance to reimburse for the mothers depression screening. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) publishes the Bright Futures Guidelines for health care providers, specifically pediatricians, to improve care and address infant and toddler health care needs. The guidelines are a resource for providers and family members and include information on when children should have well-child visits and which screenings and services to provide at those appointments. In these guidelines, AAP recommends pediatricians conduct maternal depression screenings as a part of well-child visits at ages 6 months, 1, 2 and 4 because of the strong relationship between the mothers and childs health.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) stressed a similar point in a 2016 report, stating that since a maternal depression screening is for the direct benefit of the child, state Medicaid agencies may allow such screenings to be claimed as a service for the child as part of the [Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment, (EPSDT)] benefit. EPSDT is part of a federal Medicaid requirement that mandates coverage of a wide range of preventive and treatment services for children under 21 who are covered by Medicaid.

Colorado, Illinois, North Dakota and Virginia cover maternal depression screenings under the childs insurance when they are covered by the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Each state provides this coverage in slightly different ways, but most stipulate that screenings be billed under the childs Medicaid coverage when the parent is not otherwise insured.

Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey and West Virginia went further by mandating that providers screen all women for prenatal and postpartum depression. West Virginia enacted legislation in 2008 that requires women receiving prenatal care be screened to evaluate risk of depression. New Jersey enacted legislation in 2006, making it the first state to require health care providers to administer postpartum depression screenings to all new mothers.

Home visiting programs are another tool to screen for maternal depression. Not all home visitors are trained to address maternal depression, but most can identify a depressed mother and provide a referral. Maryland developed a statewide training and certification program to train home visitors to identify signs of maternal depression, substance abuse, domestic violence and child behavior issues. All home visitors funded through Marylands Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program must complete the training.

Coverage and Access for Treatment

While screenings can indicate a womans risk of depression, additional services are needed to treat maternal depression. Many states are working to increase access and coverage for treatment related to behavioral health overall, and in some states, this includes treatment for women during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

New York became the first state to enact legislation to recognize pregnancy as a life qualifying event in 2015, triggering a special opportunity for people to enroll in state health exchanges.

States also are looking at ways to extend coverage after pregnancy. Missouri enacted legislation in 2018 that supports the governors plan to apply for a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver that, if accepted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), will cover behavioral health services for women up to one year postpartum. Without this waiver, women not otherwise covered by insurance will lose access to behavioral health services 60 days postpartum. With increasing rates of maternal mortality across the country, sometimes due to untreated behavioral health conditions, states are examining ways to provide continued coverage and care for this population.

Along with ensuring coverage of maternal depression treatment, states continue to make efforts to increase access to treatment. Massachusetts created the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) to address severe shortages of child psychiatrists in the state. MCPAP offers a phone number that a childs primary care provider can call to connect with a behavioral health professional who can provide information and referrals for the patient. The MCPAP model was so successful in increasing access for children in Massachusetts that more than 30 other states created programs based on this model. In recent years, MCPAP expanded to include consultations for maternal depression and postpartum depression.

States also have passed legislation that requires increased access to information on postpartum depression and treatment options. Virginia enacted legislation in 2003 that requires hospital staff to provide information on postpartum depression to women and their families. It also requires hospital staff to discuss postpartum depression with maternity patients before discharge. In a similar effort to increase access to treatment and services, New York enacted AB 8953 in 2018, which requires its department of mental health to provide information on its website regarding how to locate behavioral health providers who treat maternal depression.

State-Federal Partnership on Data Collection

States are using data to track, analyze and assess maternal depression; however, information limited to prevalence and severity is incomplete.

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a project run by the CDC in conjunction with state health departments. PRAMS is the only database that tracks the number of women screened for postpartum depression across states. It tracks state-specific information on pregnancies and babies through a questionnaire sent randomly to women who have recently given birth. All information is confidential and is used to track and analyze health patterns over time and across states. PRAMS tracks maternal drug and alcohol use, breastfeeding, mental health, obesity, preconception health, pregnancy history, prenatal care, sleep behavior, tobacco use and other health-related topics.

Almost 83 percent of all U.S. births are tracked in the database; however, PRAMS provides an incomplete picture in several important ways. First, not all states use it, and second, PRAMS tracks only the occurrence of screenings, not screening results, referrals or treatment. Acknowledging these limitation, PRAMS has the best available data on rates of maternal and postpartum depression screenings.

Public Education and Awareness

Strategies to Address Maternal Depression Increase coverage of and access to depression screenings during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Increase coverage of and access to treatment for maternal depression.

Improve data tracking on the number of women screened for postpartum depression at the state and national levels through PRAMS and other data tracking programs.

Expand public education and awareness campaigns.

Utilize home visiting programs as a tool to screen and make referrals to qualified professionals.

Public education and awareness campaigns can serve a variety of functions, including educating the population as a whole, educating people in a specific population, and raising awareness and attention among lawmakers.

States have increased awareness and understanding of maternal depression in various ways. California passed a resolution in 2010 declaring May Perinatal Depression Awareness Month. Several states, including Colorado, created public awareness campaigns about postpartum depression.

Other states more narrowly target their education efforts. For example, Minnesota enacted legislation in 2005 that required its state health commissioner to work with health care stakeholders to create and disseminate information on postpartum depression. The state further required health care professionals who provide prenatal care to make this information available to women and their families.

Conclusion

Depression before, during and after pregnancy can have lasting negative effects on new mothers and their young children. A mothers ability to care for and form an attachment with her young child can affect the childs long-term social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Access to maternal depression screening, services and treatment is important to a healthy start for infants and toddlers. State legislators play a critical role in determining policies and funding options related to maternal depression screening and treatment, improved data tracking, and public awareness and education. While there is no silver bullet for maternal depression, many states are ensuring better health and developmental outcomes for infants and toddlers by supporting their mothers emotional well-being.The General Assembly is considering several bills aimed at improving services for people with autism as they leave school and enter early adulthood.

A 2017 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that nearly 500,000 students with autism nationwide will be leaving schools next year, and local advocates warn Connecticut isnt ready for the transition.

Folks are aging out of our school systems at an alarming rate, said Leslie Simoes, executive director of the Autism Spectrum Resource Center of Connecticut, which is located in Wallingford. Connecticut spends a ton of money in special education in the school systems, but at 21, (people with autism) sit at home, doing nothing, isolated.

One bill would mandate school districts provide special education services to age 21, or when the student graduates high school.

Other proposals include allowing school districts to begin transitional services for students at age 14, down from 16, and tax incentives for employers to hire individuals with autism.

Part of the challenge is aspergers (syndrome), through the years, has been misdiagnosed as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, said Rep. Cathy Abercrombie, D-Meriden. A lot of these young people can be more successful if they had a little more support. Asperger individuals can go to college, retain a job and learn to drive.

Abercrombie, co-chair of the legislatures Human Services Committee and a member of the Autism Spectrum Advisory Council, has co-sponsored several of the bills.

Other proposals are going before the Education Committee, while one bill  increased training for first responders on how to approach calls involving juveniles with autism or other non-verbal disorders  recently was before the Public Safety and Security Committee for a public hearing.

Unfortunately, without adequate autism awareness training, an encounter with an autistic individual can lead to a rapid escalation that ends in injury or death, Shannon Jacovino, of the ARC of Connecticut wrote to the Public Safety Committee.

She said the substantial rise in the overall number of individuals who have ASD (autism spectrum disorder) make the training essential for emergency personnel.

While autism diagnoses continue to rise, Abercrombie agreed that the bigger problem is the pending spike in the number of students with autism becoming too old for school-based programs.

The challenge is with the housing, Abercrombie said. You can give someone all the supports they need, but then you isolate them. We havent put a lot of effort into what about the 18-year-old who is still sitting in his house.

The 2017 HHS report identified a number of specific needs nationwide, including continuing education or vocational training; treatment for concurrent conditions; housing and transportation assistance; access to occupational, speech, and language therapies; job counseling; and other services.

mgodin@record-journal.com

203-317-2255

Twitter: @CconnbizSOUTHINGTON  Town planners questioned builders of a proposed LongHorn Steakhouse on restaurant design and traffic during a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Tuesday night.

The restaurant chain hopes to build a location at 200 Executive Boulevard, a site off West Street near the Interstate 84 exit. The restaurant and its parking lot is proposed for the front of a former insurance building owned by Joe Moruzzi.

Commission vice chairman Paul Chaplinsky asked if improvements could be made to a congested road connecting West Street to the building owned by Moruzzi and a shopping plaza that includes Target, Lowes and other businesses.

After hearing that the restaurant will have an entrance on the connecting road as well as Executive Boulevard North, Chaplinsky asked if Moruzzi could consider expanding the connecting road. The road bottlenecks between Moruzzis land and another parcel. Chaplinsky suggested Moruzzi expand the road to allow shoppers to more easily pass.

Stephen Giudice, a planner representing Moruzzis application, agreed that the road presented a traffic problem but questioned how the work was related to the restaurant as the bottleneck point was past the proposed entrance for the steak house. He also suggested restriping as a solution

The entire parcel is fair game for discussion, Chaplinsky said. ... this might be a small fix to alleviate the problem.

This user didnt create the problem, Giudice responded.

Neil Terwiliger, a representative with Darden Restaurants, Inc.  which owns Longhorn Steakhouse  explained the beige, brown and orange color scheme are part of the chains brand.

The commission took no action on the restaurant application Tuesday.

jbuchanan@record-journal.com

203-317-2230

Twitter: @JBuchananRJHello Most Metro!

I love good cinema. And for all of my college years and days in retail, Oscar season was a time for speculation and preparation for watching (and cheering and jeering) the event on the big night. But for most of the last 18 years, I have been so consumed with preparing for THE NEONs Annual Oscar Party, Ive hardly stopped to think who would win and who would lose. That is until Dayton Rotary stepped in. For the last four years, Ive been asked to give a short presentation regarding the upcoming Academy Awards. This forces me to reflect on the years nominees and to think about who will take home Oscars. Below are some of my thoughts regarding this years big contenders.

Amy Adams  6th Oscar nomination (5 supporting, 1 lead).

Marina de Tavira  1st Oscar nomination, lots of accolades in Mexico.

Regina King  1st Oscar nominationlots of TV accolades.

Emma Stone  3rd Oscar nominationwon for LA LA LAND.

Rachel Weisz  2nd Oscar nominationits been 13 years since nomination for CONSTANT GARDNER.

WHO WILL WIN? This years Best Supporting Actress Oscar will almost certainly go to Regina King. Her performance in IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK is heartbreakingly wonderful. I recently heard King speaking on NPRs On Point about how she rarely watches her own workbut a friend convinced her she had to see this film on the big screen. Within the first five minutes, she knew this Barry Jenkins film was something specialand it turns out that I was just a few rows behind her at The Toronto International Film Festival. (If King doesnt get it, Adams is a good second bet.)

Mahershala Ali  2nd Oscar nominationwon for MOONLIGHT!

Adam Driver  1st Oscar nominationhas won awards for GIRLS on TV.

Sam Elliot  1st Oscar nomination EVER. Hard to Believe!!

Richard E. Grant  1 Oscar nomination (though years of brilliant work).

Sam Rockwell  2nd Oscar nominationwon for THREE BILLBOARDS

WHO WILL WIN? Mahershala Ali appears to be the favorite at this time, but Sam Elliott could sneak in and get it. (That said, Im rooting for Richar E. Grant.)

Yalitza Aparicio  1st Oscar nomination, 1st film role ever!

Glenn Close  7th Oscar nomination (4 leads, 3 supporting)

Olivia Colman  1st Oscar nomination (lots of TV accolades and will be the Queen in next season of THE CROWN)

Lady Gaga  1st Oscar nomination

Melissa McCarthy  2nd Oscar nomination (1st was for BRIDESMAIDS)

WHO WILL WIN? Its Glenn Closes turn. The nominations show a diverse canon of work (DANGEROUS LIAISONS, FATAL ATTRACTION, ALBERT NOBBS, WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP, THE BIG CHILL)but the brilliance doesnt stop there  what about 101 DALMATIANS, PARADISE ROAD and more! The upset in this category would be Lady Gagawho does have a lot of fans and support in the business (but I think it would be a posthumous slap in the face to Judy Garland  who did not win for her incredible work with this role).

Christian Bale  4th Oscar nominationwon for THE FIGHTER

Bradley Cooper  7th Oscar nomination (3 of these nominations are for this film)

Willem Dafoe  4th Oscar nominationrecent nomination was for last years FLORIDA PROJECT, 1st nomination was in 1987 for PLATOON

Rami Malek  1st Oscar nomination (lots of accolades for TVs MR. ROBOT)

Viggo Mortensen  3rd Oscar nomination

WHO WILL WIN? This is a tough one. Many folks are banking on Christian Bale (think of that range  from EMPIRE OF THE SUN as a kid to THE MACHINIST to BATMAN to Dick Cheney). The other big contender is Rami Malek  who has garnered a lot of love this award season. Im going with Bale.

ROMA has one big thing going against it. Netflix! Will the Academy be kind to a film that has been released by a company that wants to completely change the way films are consumed by the public? Netflix knew they had to get this film into cinemas in order for it to get serious Oscar considerationand we played it at THE NEON because I consider it the best film of the year. But Netflix rarely wants cinemas to play their filmsthey want consumers to subscribe to their service. They are not team players and the integrity of how a film is viewed is low on their list of priorities. Big corporate profits over artistic integrity seems to be the order of the dayeven when filmmakers ask for their films to get more theatrical exposure. So well see what happensdo members of the Academy care about all of thisor will they base their votes on the power of this film?

THE FAVOURITE divided our audience at THE NEON like no other film this year. We had people see it numerous times and we had people complain that the film was pornographic or stupid or wasnt funny at all. Its my opinion that this very dark comedy has a lot to say about the lengths people will go to gain powerand it also speaks about the disconnect by many of those in power and the people they represent. I think its a brilliant film (although one with a very grim worldview).

A STAR IS BORN  this is the 4th version of this story. The 1937 version won a special award for its use of color and also won a Best Screenplay Oscar. The 1954 Cukor version (with Garland) did not win any Oscars (and is the strongest version of this story). The 1976 version with Streisand won Best Songand this latest version will also win Gaga an Oscar for Best Song.

One special note about the other nominees is that Hannah Beachler, a woman who grew up in Centerville and attended Wright State University for Motion Picture Production, is the first ever African American to be nominated for Best Production Design. BLACK PANTHER has broken a lot of barriers this season, and its exciting to see Beachler get such wonderful recognition (shes had an incredible career  working on such wonderful films as FRUITVALE STATION, MOONLIGHT and many moreincluding Beyonces LEMONADE).

A couple quick notes:

Its hard to believe that this is Spike Lees 1st Oscar nomination!

Alfonso Cuaron is nominated for 4 Oscars this yearnot only did he write and direct ROMA, he also shot and produced it. All four of these roles have received recognition.

Foreign films have received a lot more love than usual this year. In addition to ROMAs 10 nominations, COLD WAR received 3 nominations (WARNINGBIG PLUG AHEADCOLD WAR is currently playing at THE NEON), NEVER LOOK AWAY has two nominations, and BORDER is nominated for Best Makeup. And speaking of foreign films (ANOTHER BIG PLUG), CAPERNAUM, one of my absolute favorites of 2018, opens this Friday at THE NEON.

WHO WILL WIN? The only way ROMA wont win this year would be for political (aka Netflix) reasons. I feel pretty confident that it will win regardless. But if it doesnt, the Oscar could go to GREEN BOOK  a film that despite some controversy, has received a lot of awards and admiration this season.

As for our Oscar Screening Party...as always, its FREE! The Academy Awards will be screened in our large auditorium this Sunday, February 24  and you could win awesome prizes throughout the nightincluding our grand prize from our friends at Square One Salon & Spa. Ballots are available in our lobby and must be turned in before the first award is presented. We hope youll join us! Well be seating as close as possible to 7:00pm for the pre-show.

Hope to see you soon at THE NEON,

JonathanWelcome to Morningstar.co.uk!

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Today

Sunshine and a few clouds. High 86F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

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Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 69F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.A year ago, at this time, 21st Ward Junior Leagues baseball and softball fields sat quiet and empty. No games. No practices. No loud cheers for a big hit. No sounds of children laughing. No hot dogs or pizza from the snack stand.Major League Baseball has apparently decided that there are 42 too many minor league baseball cities and, according to Commissioner Rob Manfred, after the 2020 season, that will change. There will be a new agreement between the majors and the minors signed and a lot of cities will lose theirSUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM

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JOIN NOWWhen the world shut down just over a year ago, I had no idea what my photo team would work on in the future. I was just over two months into my new job as multimedia editor, and though the future was uncertain, we still had a job to do.As a current print subscriber, you receive 24/7 access to our website and online e-edition at no additional charge. All you have to do is activate your access. To activate digital access, you will need your account number. You can find your account number on any recent subscription notice or bill.A blog about business, strategy and applying science to the benefit of society. We are passionate about liberty and free enterprise.We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message.Chesterhill Village Council makes decisions on gym addition, plans for repair of Union Building Chesterhill Council held a special meeting as they had a few decisions to make because of deadlines that would hit before the next meeting. Council discussed its plans for the addition at the gym. Council will be coming up with more ideas of how to best utilize the gym. Councilman...

Morgan County Sheriffs Office Daily Call Reports Editors Note: The following are initial incident reports from callers to a Morgan County Sheriff s Office Dispatcher. Any details, charges or situations may have been distorted by the caller, or perhaps may have been found to be different after the officer further investigated the incident. Thursday, January 28, 2021...

HINDSIGHT 10 Years Ago (2011)  Sgt. Stephanie DeNune was named Non- Commissioned Officer of the quarter following a competition of her peers. She is serving with the U.S. Armys 218th Medical Detachment in Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn 2010-11. She has served nine years and recently committed to...

McConnelsville Village Administrator reminds council of upcoming photo op on Main Street Village Administrator Jennifer Ponchak reminded everyone that Thursday evening, June 3, the council would be walking down Main Street, starting at the Inns at 8th and Main and continuing to the old bridge, viewing the preparation of the various businesses. A group will be coming in to take photographs on...

Schaffer announces operating budget amendments to restore property tax losses in Morgan, Muskingum, and Noble Counties State Senator Tim Schaffer (RLancaster) joined his colleagues in the Ohio Senate Wednesday, June 9, for the passage of Substitute House Bill 110, which is the Senates proposal for Ohios FY 2022-2023 operating budget. Schaffer secured language in the Senate version of the bill that will restore property tax losses...

Morgan County Sheriffs Office Daily Call Reports Editors Note: The following are initial incident reports from callers to a Morgan County Sheriffs Office Dispatcher. Any details, charges or situations may have been distorted by the caller, or perhaps may have been found to be different after the officer further investigated the incident. Sunday, January 24, 2021 ...Bortzs suit alleges church officials gathered irrelevant, unrelated [or] false dirt on Bortz to discredit her reports that the Rev. Francis Fromholzer abused her when she was a student at Allentown Central Catholic High School in the 1960s. Bortz was unaware of the smear campaign until it was described in the grand jury report released this summer, according to her suit, which was filed in September.Key members of the Trump administration pushed a plan to sell nuclear power plants to Saudi Arabia in the months after the inauguration despite objections from members of the National Security Council and other senior White House officials, according to a new report from congressional Democrats.

The 24-page report from the House Oversight and Reform Committee is based on internal White House documents and the accounts of unnamed whistleblowers. It said the objectors - including White House lawyers and National Security Council officials - opposed the plan out of concern that it violated laws designed to prevent the transfer of nuclear technology that could be used to support a weapons program.

Of greater concern to some were potential conflicts of interest on the part of Michael Flynn, the retired Army lieutenant general who was President Donald Trump's first national security adviser and who consulted with a firm pitching the nuclear plan. Yet the effort persisted even after Flynn resigned and left the White House, the report alleges.

The possible sale of nuclear power plants to Saudi Arabia was discussed in the Oval Office just last week. The meeting included Energy Secretary Rick Perry, representatives from the NSC and State Department, and a dozen nuclear industry CEOs, one of the people present told The Washington Post.

The Democrats' report was released Tuesday morning by Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., the new chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, who has pledged investigations into the Trump administration. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said Tuesday that his panel would join the Oversight committee in investigating the proposed nuclear sales.

"Multiple whistleblowers came forward to warn about efforts inside the White House to rush the transfer of highly sensitive U.S. nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia in potential violation" of federal law, the Oversight report says.

The report, key elements of which were confirmed by people directly familiar with the matter, cites whistleblowers who said that the Trump appointees "ignored directives from top ethics advisers who repeatedly - but unsuccessfully - ordered senior White House officials to halt their efforts."

Some Republicans on Capitol Hill bashed the report as inaccurate and politically motivated. Committee Republicans said Tuesday that they were not included in the drafting of the detailed report and had not had a chance to fully assess it.

"This is a delicate and nuanced issue that Chairman Cummings is approaching without bipartisan input and with far flung requests for information," Charli Huddleston, a spokeswoman for Republicans on the committee, said in a statement.

The White House did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

A person close to the Flynn legal team said that "this entire matter was thoroughly reviewed by the special counsel's office a long time ago, and absolutely no charges were brought," referring to Robert Mueller's inquiry into Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss such matters.

The report's release comes at a particularly difficult moment in Saudi-U.S. relations. In the aftermath of the killing of Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Congress has expressed reluctance to continue with a business-as-usual relationship with Riyadh.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation that would strengthen the power of Congress to stop a U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal.

The Trump White House has balked at endorsing intelligence reports suggesting that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the killing of Khashoggi, which was carried out Oct. 2 in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

Many American experts on proliferation say it is in U.S. interests to sell American nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia to prevent rival Russian or Chinese companies from rushing in, potentially undermining the long geopolitical relationship between Washington and Riyadh.

Recently, the kingdom has been signaling an interest in forging greater ties with countries aside from the United States. It has been cooperating with Russia on oil policy, and a report Tuesday by the Russian news agency Interfax said the two countries were in talks about air-defense missiles.

Saudi officials have said they would like to buy nuclear power plants so their country is not totally reliant on oil, although the country has the world's second-largest known petroleum reserves. The kingdom says it wants nuclear energy to displace oil burned to generate electricity, especially for air conditioning. That would boost Saudi Arabia's oil export capacity. Saudi electricity consumption doubled between 2005 and 2015.

But Saudi Arabia also sees nuclear energy as a way to compete with Iran, which has one reactor in addition to the uranium enrichment program it concealed for years. The Saudi crown prince warned in an interview with CBS' "60 Minutes" last year that his country would develop nuclear weapons if Iran did. That added to concern among U.S. analysts that the Saudis want the atomic power project as a covert way to develop nuclear weapons.

The report released Tuesday notes that one of the power plant manufacturers that could benefit from a nuclear deal, Westinghouse Electric, is a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, the company that has provided financial relief to the family of Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and a senior White House adviser. Brookfield Asset Management took a 99-year lease on the Kushner family's deeply indebted New York property at 666 Fifth Avenue.

Kushner is preparing for a trip to the Middle East to discuss the economic component of his Middle East peace initiative, according to the report. A lawyer for Kushner did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

The Democratic report singles out several top Trump associates at the time as key proponents of the sales, and identifies Flynn as the leader. A plan was initially floated by IP3, a group led by several former high-ranking military officers, the report said. They called their plan a "Marshall Plan" for nuclear reactors in the Middle East. Flynn described himself in ethics filings as an adviser to a subsidiary of IP3.

Jack Keane, a retired Army general and one of four founders of IP3, said the report created an erroneous impression.

"There's a lot of inaccuracy in the suggestion that we were passing technology onto the Arabs and that would lead to weaponization," said Keane, who was in last week's Oval Office meeting. "If the United States is involved, we intend to prevent weaponization."

He said his group was devoted to bolstering the competitiveness of U.S. nuclear firms and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons in the Middle East.

Flynn resigned from his position as National Security adviser in February 2017, after it was revealed that he had lied about conversations he had with the former Russian ambassador to the United States.

Flynn was not the only White House official pushing for a U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal.

Derek Harvey, a senior director for Middle East and North Africa affairs at the National Security Council, was an advocate of the IP3 plan. In late January 2017, after meeting with IP3 leaders, Harvey sought to put together a briefing package about the nuclear sales for Trump ahead of a scheduled phone call with Saudi King Salman, according to the report, which cited an email from one of the IP3 founders to NSC officials.

Weeks after Flynn resigned, there were indications that he remained involved in pushing a nuclear deal. Harvey said during a meeting on March 2, 2017, that he spoke with Flynn every night. The report said his remarks came from separate accounts of five unnamed individuals.

"The attack on Mr. Harvey is a ridiculous conspiracy theory floated by media partisans and now, shamefully, championed by Democrats in Congress," said Jack Langer, spokesman for the Republican minority on the House Intelligence Committee. "Members of Congress who defame staff members for political purposes will be reported to the (congressional) Ethics Committee."

Harvey did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. In July 2017, he became an adviser to Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee.

According to the Democratic report, Harvey's NSC colleagues warned repeatedly that any plan to transfer nuclear technology had to comply with the Atomic Energy Act. The United States imposes limits on uranium enrichment and the reprocessing of spent fuel, both of which could be used to produce material for nuclear bombs. Saudi Arabia does not want to make those commitments.

On Jan. 30, 2017, the report says, NSC staffers, ethics counsel and lawyers alerted the top NSC legal adviser, John Eisenberg, who reports to the White House general counsel. Eisenberg instructed the NSC staffers to stop all work on the plan, according to the report.

The account was confirmed by a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the subject's sensitivity.

H.R. McMaster, who succeeded Flynn as national security adviser, was concerned about the NSC potentially driving a policy that advocated or appeared to advocate for a commercial entity or individuals with commercial interests in that policy, according to people familiar with the matter, who spoke to The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions.

McMaster and Eisenberg agreed that all work on the plan should cease, according to the report and two individuals familiar with the matter. Eisenberg was "confident" in his assessment that this was not an appropriate path to pursue - and that the NSC's advocating a particular commercial solution was not appropriate, the people said.

The Oversight Committee report also focused on Thomas Barrack, Trump's personal friend of several decades and chair of the presidential inaugural committee. Barrack is a leading advocate for the "Marshall Plan for the Middle East." But Keane said that Barrack "was not heavily involved" in the nuclear plan.

In a statement Tuesday, a Barrack spokesman said that the businessman will cooperate with the House Oversight inquiry and noted that Barrack had no official position in the Trump administration. The spokesman said Barrack's "engagement in investment and business development throughout the Middle East for the purpose of better aligned Middle East and U.S. objectives are well known."

Karen DeYoung contributed to this report.The opinion comes against the backdrop of President Donald Trump's repeated calls to make it easier to sue for libel. Last weekend, Trump reacted to a Saturday Night Live skit by asking on Twitter, "How do the Networks get away with these total Republican hit jobs without retribution? Likewise for many other shows? Very unfair and should be looked into."Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, whose 2016 presidential campaign grew from a left-wing insurgency to a force that reshaped the Democratic Party, announced Tuesday that he will seek its nomination for president again in 2020.

Sanders wrote in an email sent to supporters Tuesday that he was building "an unprecedented and historic grassroots campaign" that would draw on people across the country.

"Our campaign is not only about defeating Donald Trump, the most dangerous president in modern American history. It is not only about winning the Democratic nomination and the general election," he wrote. "Our campaign is about transforming our country and creating a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice."

The senator, an independent, cited health care, climate change, student debt, the "demonization" of undocumented immigrants, income inequality, gun violence and the myriad problems of America's needy as propelling him into his second presidential contest.

In a video released Tuesday morning, Sanders calls President Trump "the most dangerous president in modern American history."

"I think the current occupant of the White House is an embarrassment to our country," Sanders said in an interview with Vermont Public Radio, where he first announced his bid. "I think he is a pathological liar. ... I also think he is a racist, a sexist, a homophobe, a xenophobe, somebody who is gaining cheap political points by trying to pick on minorities, often undocumented immigrants."

In a sign of the enthusiasm surrounding his campaign, Sanders raised $4 million on Tuesday from nearly 150,000 individual donors, the Associated Press reported. California Sen. Kamala Harris raised $1.5 million in the first 24 hours of her campaign. She was previously the biggest fundraiser in the race.

Sanders, who has held dozens of political rallies across the country since the 2016 election, enters the race with the biggest social media following - and biggest mailing list - of any candidate for the Democratic nomination. His decision came after a number of groups that spun out from his 2016 run, such as Our Revolution and People for Bernie, held house parties to mobilize his old supporters, and to find new ones.

After coming a few hundred delegates short of victory in 2016, Sanders begins a 2020 race with some advantages. He is one of the best-known and most admired figures in Democratic politics, though he is not a member of the party. He built campaign operations in every primary and caucus state.

But unlike Hillary Clinton, who recovered from her 2008 primary defeat to become the party's front-runner in 2016, Sanders has not built on his support from the prior campaign. In early polls of Iowa and New Hampshire, where he won 50 percent and 60 percent of the vote, support for the senator from Vermont has ranged from the low teens to 30 percent.

Two Democrats who endorsed him in 2016, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, and author Marianne Williamson, have themselves entered the race; a third, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., is considering a bid. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who has long been a friend of Sanders and shared an overlapping network of supporters, announced her campaign on New Year's Eve. And some strategists and endorsers who helped Sanders in 2016 have already moved to other campaigns.

Sanders also faces a crowded and liberal-leaning field of candidates that bears little resemblance to the lengthy two-way race with Clinton. Most of the Democrats currently seeking the nomination back Sanders's signature legislation to turn Medicare into a universal health-care plan, and to raise the federal minimum wage to $15.

"There are some really good people who have announced, and they're friends of mine," Sanders told The Washington Post last month. "My views are maybe a little bit different."

Both Sanders and Trump in 2016 argued that Americans were suffering from a rigged economy and that chunks of the country had been forgotten as Wall Street and other elites prospered. Sanders bridled at such comparisons in 2016, and on Tuesday upbraided the president in stark terms.

"You know as well as I do that we are living in a pivotal and dangerous moment in American history," he wrote. "We are running against a president who is a pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe and someone who is undermining American democracy as he leads us in an authoritarian direction. I'm running for president because, now more than ever, we need leadership that brings us together - not divides us up."

Sanders's successes in 2016 capped an unlikely political ascent. He ran for multiple offices in Vermont before a stunning 1981 upset that made him mayor of Burlington, the state's largest city.

In office, Sanders became the best-known democratic socialist in American politics, bringing new development to the city while building ties to international left-wing movements. In 1990, he won the state's sole seat in the House of Representatives, as an independent, after Democrats did not field a candidate of their own - an understanding that would continue through seven more House campaigns and three for the Senate.

Despite that, Sanders was not viewed as a first-tier challenger to Clinton when his 2016 bid began. Liberal groups had launched efforts to draft Warren, although she chose not to run. When he announced his campaign, Sanders parried away questions about poll numbers that showed Clinton 40 or 50 points ahead, saying he was "in this race to win," and battling the impression of a fringe candidacy.

To Clinton's surprise, Sanders's campaign caught fire. By the summer of 2015, he was regularly speaking to crowds numbering in the thousands or tens of thousands. He stuck to the issues that animated him: universal health care, free college tuition and higher taxes on the rich. After several speeches were disrupted by protesters, he began speaking more about criminal justice reform and an end to the war on drugs.

"We can live in a country where every person has health care as a right, not a privilege," Sanders said on the trail, words he repeated in Tuesday's presidential announcement.

As Sanders's last campaign surged, neither candidate was comfortable making personal attacks. Sanders refused to talk about the investigation of Clinton's use of a private email server while at the State Department, focusing instead on whether Clinton was too close to Wall Street; Clinton accused Sanders of making unrealistic promises, warning that his agenda would lose in a general election.

Sanders nonetheless won more than 13 million votes and consistently trounced Clinton among voters under 30. While the senator later endorsed Clinton and campaigned for her, some of his supporters walked out of the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and Republicans used social media to urge Sanders's voters to cast protest votes or embrace Trump as the real change candidate.

"His attacks caused lasting damage, making it harder to unify progressives in the general election and paving the way for Trump's 'Crooked Hillary' campaign," Clinton wrote in her 2017 campaign memoir.

Clinton's surprise defeat left Democrats leaderless. Sanders, who had never actually joined the party, began to take a bigger role in shaping it. He joined the Senate Democratic leadership for the first time, and held dozens of rallies around the country - some alongside Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez - to build opposition to the Republican agenda.

Sanders also began recrafting and reintroducing ambitious bills to enact his agenda, starting with "Medicare-for-all" legislation that was co-sponsored, for the first time, by more than a dozen colleagues. Through much of 2018, he worked with Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., to pass a war powers resolution to end America's involvement in the Saudi bombing of Yemen.

If successful, Sanders, 77, would also be the oldest nominee ever put forward by a major political party.

The Washington Post's John Wagner contributed to this report.

Published by the Washington Post.In certain areas across America, a combination of economic resources  like earnings from high-paying jobs  has contributed to a high percentage of household incomes of $100,000 or more. Using data from the Census Bureau, we found the top locations where households bring in six figures or more. (Aaliyah Gibson, The Active Times)LVA faces hurdles in its quest. It needs the permission of both the Bethlehem Area and Saucon Valley school boards to change locations. The school has notified the districts of its proposal, but has not filed a formal request to move.Boscolas Senate Bill 114 is more or less the same piece of legislation shes introduced every session since 2005. It would allow police to pull over drivers who fail to brush snow and ice off their vehicles and write them a ticket of up to $75 if authorities believe they pose a hazard. Right now, its illegal for motorists to drive with snow on their windows, but there is no punishment for doing so.LAS VEGAS  Las Vegas police have identified a man who fell to his death after entering an unauthorized area near an observation wheel on the Strip.But a gangsters somebody who gets up and goes to work every day, take care of his family. A gangster is somebody who came out of prison and deal with his kids, so they dont go. A gangster is somebody who sacrifices for the sake of his kids and his family and put youth on the right track  positiveness. Thats what an O.G. does.Also, carriers such as American, Delta and United have all increased services to and from the Lehigh Valley. Tons of travelers are now driving from afar to fly out of LVIA, from places like New Jersey, New York and other points many miles from here. I ask them why they make the trip to our airport. They tell me its for easy travel, a clean airport, nice people (heck even the TSA workers are super friendly here) and its so much more convenient.Gold and the Great Global Wealth Grab

Gold continues to soar, up 14% in the last six months and now challenging its 2018 highs.

If youre looking to understand why Gold continues to rally, you dont have to look any further than the political arena where more and more politicians are calling for wealth taxes and cash grabs.

Gold knows that these folks are not going to limit their plans to the super wealthy it knows that eventually the calls will be for a tax on NET wealthwhich is why it continues to move higher.

Gold ALSO knows that Central Banks are trapped and will be forced to turn on the money printing presses shortly.

In the last week, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank, and the Federal Reserve have ALL abandoned any pretense of normalizing policy.

While they have yet to start easing just yet, its now only a matter of time.

Gold is rallying as investors look for a safe haven that CANNOT be devalued by Central Bank or stolen by the political class. Gold knows that BOTH of those items (theft of capital and devaluation of currencies) is only going to get worse going forward.

Indeed, weve uncovered a secret document outlining how the Fed plans to both seize and STEAL savings during the next crisis/ recession.

We detail this paper and outline three investment strategies you can implement right now to protect your capital from the Feds sinister plan in our Special Report The Great Global Wealth Grab.

We are making just 100 copies available for FREE the general public.

You can pick up a FREE copy at:

http://phoenixcapitalmarketing.com/GWG.html

Best Regards

Graham Summers

Phoenix Capital Research

http://www.phoenixcapitalmarketing.com

Graham also writes Private Wealth Advisory, a monthly investment advisory focusing on the most lucrative investment opportunities the financial markets have to offer. Graham understands the big picture from both a macro-economic and capital in/outflow perspective. He translates his understanding into finding trends and unde74rvalued investment opportunities months before the markets catch on: the Private Wealth Advisory portfolio has outperformed the S&P 500 three of the last five years, including a 7% return in 2008 vs. a 37% loss for the S&P 500.

Previously, Graham worked as a Senior Financial Analyst covering global markets for several investment firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. Hes lived and performed research in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.

 2018 Copyright Graham Summers - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

Graham Summers Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.



Exton, PA (19341)

Today

Widely scattered showers or a thunderstorm this morning. Then partly cloudy. High 82F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 71F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.Magnolia, AR (71754)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High around 90F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 73F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.Today

Mostly cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy. Low 73F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. High 84F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.Looking to pay? FGUA has a way.

An improved economy and a pickup in home sales has numerous new residents reaching out to the Florida Governmental Utility Authority for utility connections or bill pay. FGUA provides water and wastewater services to customers across 84 utility systems in 14 counties in Florida, including Lee.

Customer numbers in Lehigh Acres continue to grow. For many new customers, the initial service set-up can be done right from home.

According to Donna Lizotte, community service representative on behalf of the FGUA, the process of opening an account does not need to be cumbersome.

The FGUA website www.fgua.com is robust and user friendly. The New Customer tab offers a Welcome Kit which can be download. The Welcome Kit is a comprehensive and instructional guide to setting up and managing their account, and provides an explanation of the different payment options available. They will also find important information about their plumbing and steps to ensure water safety around the home. The New Service and Service Termination Forms which can be faxed or emailed to the local business office, Lizotte said.

FGUA is trying to make payment options easier. too. Many residents currently come to their local business office to open accounts and to pay bills. In particular, older cusgtomers may be unaware of far more convenient ways to pay their bills.

We have the information on the FGUA website but many seniors may still not be comfortable with using the internet. We offer customers a number of ways to make paying their bills easy and convenient. Customers can save time by using the many alternative options to initiate, transfer or terminate services, Lizotte said.

Also in an attempt to protect the privacy and security of FGUA customers, their local office is no longer able to accept payments by phone. Instead customers can use an automated pay by phone system where they can pay by credit, debit card or check.

Our Pay-by-Phone System is the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to make a payment. This option is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and payment can be made using a check, credit or debit card. It is a toll-free call to 1 (855) 396-1256 and they will simply need to enter their account number and payment information following the prompts, said Lizotte.

Another payment option is E-Z Pay, which is available to customers who want the convenience of not having to worry about paying their bill each month.

Our customers can elect to enroll in the E-Z Pay program and each month their bill will automatically be deducted from their checking account. Enrollment is free, and they can cancel at any time. A copy of the enrollment form is available online at www.fgua.com and they can submit the completed form along with a copy of a voided check to your local office by fax to (239) 368-7486 or email to lehigh@fgua.com. There are no processing fees for using any of these payment options, said Lizotte.

For customers who are more comfortable making their payment in person they can do so at the Bealls Plaza location on Homestead Road. One Stop Multiservice can assist FGUA customers with paying their bills via Western Union service. New customers will find a FGUA-Welcome Kit with copies of New Service and Service Termination Forms which can be faxed or emailed.

Customers can also mail in their payment or drop it off at the local business office which serves Lehigh Acres and North Fort Myers located at 9841 Bernwood Place Drive, Ste. 120, Fort Myers, FL 33966.

For more information or to reach the Florida Governmental Utility Authority, call (239) 543-1005 or visit www.fgua.com Email: lehigh@fgua.comCracks in Britains political party system yawned wider Wednesday as three pro-European lawmakers quit the governing Conservatives to join a newly formed centrist group of independents who are opposed to the governments plan for Britains departure from the European Union.

Anna Soubry, Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston said they will join eight ex-opposition Labor Party lawmakers in the new alliance dubbed the Independent Group. The defections represent a small fraction of the 650 lawmakers in the House of Commons, but mark the biggest shake-up in years for Britains political parties.

In a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, the trio accused the Conservative Party of abandoning the political center ground and said the final straw for us has been this governments disastrous handling of Brexit.

With Britains departure from the EU due on March 29 and no deal on divorce terms yet agreed upon by British lawmakers, the three former Conservatives accused their own government of recklessly marching the country to the cliff edge of no deal.

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May said she was saddened by the decision, but said the government was doing the right thing for our country by implementing voters decision to leave the EU.

The three join eight Labor rebels who quit the main opposition party this week over its direction under left-wing leader Jeremy Corbyn. They accuse him of mounting a weak opposition to Mays plans for leaving the EU and of failing to stamp out anti-Semitism in the party.

Joan Ryan, one of the ex-Labor legislators, said the party had become infected with the scourge of anti-Jewish racism under Corbyn, a longtime supporter of the Palestinians.

There have long been signs that voters 2016 decision to leave the EU could spark a major overhaul of British politics, because Brexit has split both the Conservatives and Labor down the middle into feuding pro-Brexit and pro-EU wings.

The breakaway lawmakers hope to gain members from among disgruntled pro-Europeans in both the Labor and Conservative parties, with a view to forging a new force in the center of British politics.

Both our parties are broken. We are going to #ChangePolitics for the better, the group tweeted Wednesday.

Its unclear whether the splintering of the long-dominant Conservative and Labor parties will help break Britains political impasse over Brexit. Last month British lawmakers rejected the divorce agreement agreed upon by Mays government and the EU, and Mays attempts to win changes to the deal from Brussels have not borne fruit.

Members of the Independent Group want to hold a new referendum on Brexit that could keep Britain in the 28-nation bloc. Mays Conservative government opposes that idea, and Labor under Corbyn has been lukewarm about it.When Turkish human rights lawyer Tahir Elci was gunned down during a news conference in the embattled Kurdish-majority city of Diyarbakir, at least four cameras were rolling and dozens of witnesses were looking on in horror.

But more than three years later, nobody has been arrested. Police officers, chasing two men who had just killed a pair of cops around the corner, were seen firing in Elcis direction. But authorities have apparently never investigated whether one of them may have, on purpose or by mistake, killed Elci, who was struck by a bullet to the head.

The tragedy accelerated a breakdown in a two-year cease-fire between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, a separatist group that has waged an insurgency since the 1980s. At least 4,258 people have been killed in the conflict since July 2015, including 464 civilians and 1,140 security personnel, according to the International Crisis Group.

With the stall in efforts to determine who killed the prominent attorney, a high-tech independent investigation was launched by the Diyarbakir Bar Assn., which Elci used to head  and it has identified three police officers who could have fired the lethal round.

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After this study, which is entirely based on scientific evidence, three police officers are strong suspects, says Cemal Aydin, who now serves as chair of the bar association.

Prosecutors had been given a copy of the study released this month, Aydin said, and we expect statements to be taken from these police officers as soon as possible, and arrest warrants to be issued for them. We will not wait forever. We will watch what investigators will do, whether they do not take the report seriously, or they send it to experts to be studied.

The study, commissioned by the bar association in 2016, was undertaken by Forensic Architecture, a London-based research agency that investigates crimes with global relevance.

We have spent years looking at every frame captured by every camera, said Eyal Weizman, director of Forensic Architecture.

We almost know by heart the 40-odd shots fired on Yenikapi Street that morning, who fired them and in which direction, he added, referring to the street where Elci was killed.

In the months leading up to Nov. 28, 2015, Elci had joined other human rights activists in Turkey in documenting the human toll of the conflict between Ankara and the PKK. Elci appeared on a Turkish news channel and said the PKK should not be called a terrorist group, because it enjoyed significant public support.The remark sparked an official investigation, and colleagues say he began receiving death threats.

The morning he was killed, Elci, 49, had called a news conference in Diyarbakirs historic Sur district to highlight damage to historic buildings. PKK-affiliated fighters had set up checkpoints, dug trenches and declared autonomy in Sur, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for winding cobblestone alleys, traditional Kurdish homes, and churches, mosques and fortifications dating back thousands of years.

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Elci stood before a five-century-old minaret, famed for the four columns it is perched atop, referred to as feet by locals, to highlight the damage the fighting was causing. They shot me in the foot, read a placard attached to the columns for the occasion.

Around the corner, police stopped a taxi on Gazi Boulevard, a main thoroughfare in Central Sur. Two passengers emerged and opened fire, killing two police officers, and then ran in the direction of Elcis news conference.

Whats that? Elci is seen saying in one video, as the sound of gunfire approaches. By then, dozens of police were chasing the two suspects. As they ran past Elci and the historic minaret, a hail of gunfire followed. The camera pans back toward the minaret, and Elci is seen lying face down nearby, blood streaming from his head, a handgun next to his body.

Speaking to reporters that day, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu praised Elcis work, and vowed the state would investigate. We will not allow murders to go unsolved in our era, he said. Whoever did this, the target was not only Mr. Tahir Elci, the target was Turkey.

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Davutoglus ruling Justice and Development Party was credited for largely ending widespread human rights abuses by security forces in Turkeys southeast after it came to power in 2002. According to Human Rights Watch, government forces had carried out thousands of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the 1990s.

Elci fought courtroom battles for victims of such cases, including the killing of 38 Kurdish villagers by Turkish airstrikes in 1994. In 2013, the European Court of Human Rights ordered Turkey to pay $2.6 million in compensation to the victims families.

To many in Diyarbakir today, there is no indication Turkish authorities are serious about finding out who shot him  or why.

I was not hopeful then, and I am not hopeful now, said Baris Yavuz, a fellow lawyer. To solve a case, you need political will behind it. But this political will is not behind Tahir Elcis case.

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Turkish officials say investigators attempted to visit the scene of the crime twice but were forced to leave because of clashes between PKK fighters and security forces.

Hundreds of Turkish soldiers, backed by tanks and armored cars, fought a months-long battle in Sur that displaced tens of thousands of residents. When it ended in March 2016, much of the ancient district lay in ruins. At least 339 people were killed, among them a 13-year-old girl and 60 security personnel, according to government statistics.

Most of Surs residents have not been allowed back since, and many streets leading into the district are blocked by concrete barriers. Giant blue tarps have been hung up to block views in, and along the once-bustling Gazi Boulevard, authorities have evacuated residents and businesses higher than the ground floor.

It wasnt until the fighting concluded that prosecutors conducted a forensics sweep of the shooting scene. Four months after the slaying, they announced they had found the cartridge from the bullet that killed Elci.

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Since then, officials have repeatedly floated the idea that the two PKK suspects fleeing police killed Elci in an effort to instigate further violence. One of the men, named as Mahsun Gurkan by prosecutors, was killed in clashes in the city in March 2016. Another claim from officials has it that an unidentified and unseen PKK sniper shot Elci.

Opposition leaders and others have claimed Turkish authorities carried out a targeted killing of Elci, obscuring their responsibility by staging what appeared to be a routine clash between police and PKK members.

One reason for carrying out the investigation, said Weizman of Forensic Architecture, was to help dispel unfounded rumors, especially for a killing that resulted in the escalation of the conflict in southeastern Turkey.

There was huge confusion around this incident, who did it and out of whose gun the bullet that entered Tahirs skull was fired, Weizman said.

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None of the footage available to the public captured Elci as he was shot. If the moment he was hit was captured on camera, it would have been a much simpler investigation. But in this case, you needed to reconstruct what is happening off screen, and this is where you need 3-D modeling, Weizman said.

Investigators at Forensic Architecture took the videos provided to them by lawyers in Diyarbakir, along with testimony from witnesses, satellite imaging and other evidence to re-create the scene. Distinct sounds in the four videos, witness accounts  even a stray cat dashing across the street  were used to synchronize the evidence.

As the two suspected PKK members enter Yenikapi Street, police  some in pursuit, others in plainclothes for Elcis news conference  open fire. One of the suspects throws a handgun in Elcis direction  which explains the gun found next to his body  then runs farther into the street as police continue firing after him.

Of a total of 40 gunshots recorded in the videos, investigators were able to confirm police fired 26. Accounting for witness testimony, as well as 3-D models of bullet trajectories and Elcis location, they then narrowed the possibly fatal shots to a two-second period in which three police officers in the videos are seen firing six shots that could have killed Elci.

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Although prosecutors collected testimony from some police, none of the more than 30 police officers on the scene, including the three identified in the Forensic Architecture report, have been named as suspects.

Whether the killing was accidental or not, Turkish investigations have not shown much willingness to get to the truth, said lawyer Yavuz.

Its easy to see, even before this analysis, that those people who are seen [in the videos] closest to Elci and opening fire must be suspects, said Yavuz. They should be called again and questioned. But [prosecutors] dont think in this way. And in that situation, it means you really dont want to solve this crime. This is called impunity.

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Farooq is a special correspondent.Hunkered down behind a wall of snow, two U.S. Marines melt slush to make drinking water after spending the night digging out a defensive position high in the Sierra Nevada. Their laminated targeting map is wedged into the ice just below the machine gun.

Nearly 8,000 feet up at a training center in the Sierra Nevada, the air is thin, the snow is chest-high and the temperature is plunging. But other Marines just a mile or so away are preparing to attack, and forces on both sides must be able to battle the enemy and the unforgiving environment.

Marines walk along a snowy trail during their advanced cold weather training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

After 17 years of war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda-linked insurgents, the U.S. military is shifting its focus to better prepare for great-power competition with Russia and China, and against unpredictable foes such as North Korea and Iran. U.S. forces must be able to survive and fight while countering drones, sophisticated jamming equipment and other electronic and cyber warfare that can track them, disrupt communications and kill them  technology they didnt routinely face over the last decade.

If you were to draw a line from here to the DMZ between North and South Korea, both of these sites are on the 38th parallel. And so the weather here accurately replicates the weather that we would encounter in North and South Korea, said Col. Kevin Hutchison, the training center commander. What youre seeing here is Marines fighting Marines, so we are replicating a near-peer threat.

Its kind of overwhelming coming up here. Many of them have never been exposed to snow before. Staff Sgt. Rian Lusk, chief instructor for the mountain sniper courseTen Years Ago

Cowbells were rung and cheers from onlookers broke out when the Amgen Tour of California swept through La Canada Flintridge on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 after emerging from the Angeles National Forest. The cyclists, including notables Lance Armstrong and Floyd Landis, were completing the seventh of nine stages of that years 750-mile race, which stretched from Sacramento to Escondido. The seventh stage, won by Italys Rinaldo Nocentini, ended in Pasadena. American cyclist Levi Leipheimer won the overall competition.

Twenty Years Ago

Brother Steve Tetreault, Father Matt Elshoff and Charlie Blaney were busy preparing for a musical number they were going to present during St. Francis High Schools 1999 POSH (Preserving our Scholarship Heritage) event that would be held that winter at the Ritz-Carlton in Pasadena.

Thirty Years Ago

The La Canada Flintridge City Council denied an appeal of the neighbors of Lanterman House and upheld the Planning Commissions approval of the property as a museum, civic-cultural center and organ recital hall. The property on Encinas Drive had been willed to the city by the late Lloyd Lanterman, whose parents built the house in 1915.

Forty Years Ago

Three false bomb threats, two of them received by schools, were reported to the Crescenta Valley Sheriffs Station. Targeted by a male phone caller were St. Francis High School, La Canada High School and Verdugo Savings & Loan.

Fifty Years Ago

Grading got underway for the $1.2-million Flynnridge Shopping Center on the north side of Foothill Boulevard between Indianola Way and Gould Avenue. The developers were brothers Matt Flynn Jr. and Pat Flynn.

Sixty Years Ago

Beatnik was the theme and fun was had by all who attended the eighth-grade dance held at the La Canada Youth House (community center) on Chevy Chase Drive. In keeping with the beat generation, all the attendees dressed in cool dark colors.

Compiled from the Valley Sun archives by Carol Cormaci.The Edward L. Doheny Memorial Library on the USC campus was again the venue for the 31st USC Annual Scripter Awards presentation and dinner, held on the evening of Feb. 9.

The awards honor the authors of printed works and the screenwriters who adapted their stories.

Gentlemen in black-tie attire and women who were cocktail-dress gorgeous stepped from their cars onto a red carpet that led to the library.

The Italian Romanesque of Northern Italy architectural style of the circa-1932 library is impressive all by itself, but the interior with its grand rotunda and soaring arches of travertine marble is breathtaking.

After their entrance, guests gathered in the rotunda for passed hors doeuvres and beverages. This year the signature cocktail was a Sidecar, which was first introduced to American society in the 1920s. Many, including me, savored the drink, served in a sugar-rimmed glass with a sprig of aromatic rosemary.

The USC Marching Band, led by director Art Bartner, beckoned the more than 300 guests into the dining room. It was certainly a much more exciting way to be called to dinner than a simple tinkling of a dinner bell.

Serving as the dining room was the book-clad Los Angeles Times Reference Room, where thousands of students study each year. Its transformation for the evening was dramatic. The long library tables were covered with black-and-white cloths topped by arrangements of red roses.

I do admire this room, with its blue-and-gold-coiffured ceiling. The soft light of bronze and pewter chandeliers illuminates the books, and those that have gold lettering on their spines absolutely shimmer.

USC Libraries Dean Catherine Quinlan looked lovely in her elegant brocade gown as she stepped to the podium to welcome guests.

This is our 31st year celebrating the coming together of the literary and cinematic arts and of honoring the USC Libraries essential place in the intellectual, cultural and creative life of the Trojan Family, Quinlan said.

A surprise speaker was Zharia ONeal, a senior USC student who was born and raised in the British Virgin Islands. She is double majoring in public relations and narrative studies, with a minor in dramatic arts. She is a Renaissance scholar, a recipient of the USC Presidential Scholarship and the Bitzer Family Scholarship for accomplishment in the humanities.

Of the libraries, ONeal said, Yes, students read here, take class here and research here. But we also sleep here, we eat here, we cry here, we laugh (too loud, Ive been told) here. This isnt always a treasure trove of dreams and learning  though it is most days. But the libraries are a place that students can congregate, discuss, learn and be safe. Do you know how many of those places exist in the world?

ONeal was such an energetic, compelling speaker that she captured the audience. She asked guests to consider a monetary pledge gift to the library.

After dinner, Quinlan stepped once again to the podium to begin the Scripter Award presentation and the awards.

The authors and screenwriters behind the film Leave No Trace, and the television miniseries A Very English Scandal (Amazon Prime) received the 31st-annual USC Libraries Scripter Award.

Nominated in the film category were Black Panther, Can You Ever Forgive Me, The Death of Stalin, and If Beale Street Could Talk.

Six television shows were eligible this year. Finalists were the writers behind episodes of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (distributed by FX), The Handmaids Tale (Hulu), The Looming Tower, Patrick Melrose (Showtime) and Sharp Objects (HBO).

In the film category, the winners were Peter Rock, author of the novel My Abandonment, and screenwriters Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini, who adapted for the screen Rocks work, itself an adaptation of a 2004 news report about a Vietnam veteran and his young daughter found living off the grid in the forest near Portland, Ore. Leave No Trace was released by Bleecker Street.

Earlier in the evening, Quinlan honored Dr. George Isaacs as the 2019 Ex Libris Award winner for his extraordinary support of the USC Libraries, which resulted in the creation of the George E. Isaacs Deans Suite in Doheny Memorial Library. Accepting the award on his behalf was his son, Mark Isaacs.

It was a beautifully presented evening. Other Foothills residents and their guests I chatted with that evening were Patsy Dewey, her son Chip and his wife Lise, Karen Nichols, Janet and Frank McNiff, Jill Wondries, and Eveline Siracuse with Dave Golonski.

***

This past couple of months have been busy times for the La Canada Thursday Club Les Fleurettes provisional debutantes. Ill try to fill you in about some of their activities.

In December, some of the debs spent the day at the Young Life Capernaum celebrating Christmas with them at their yearly Christmas celebration at La Canada Presbyterian Church. Young Life Capermaum is an organization that helps students and young adults with disabilities to build friendships and participate in fun activities. For the party, the debs served pizza, salad and desserts.

At their January meeting, the debs were instructed in the art of making tea sandwiches in preparation for the Thursday Club tea they are hosting in March. They had great fun learning how to make sandwiches such as chicken and cranberry, cucumber, egg salad and watercress ribbon. And for good measure, they also made turkey and cheese and pesto sandwiches. Their work did not go unrewarded because they got to sample all of the sandwiches, along with some tea.

Also in January the teens helped the Girl Scouts sort out their annual cookie delivery. They started at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Flintridge Prep parking lot to help unload and distribute numerous boxes of cookies.

Among the debs helping in these various projects were Allison Budde, Emmie Lew, Maddie Norton, Gabi Connell, Audrey Raulli, Tatum Heiberg, Jessica Jewell, Lana Kayali, Melody Bagheri, Sarina Mata, Josie Hull, Rachel Hwang, Paige Cooper and MJ Miller.

Jane Napier Neely covers the La Canada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.A director with the National Labor Relations Board has thrown out claims that USC Verdugo Hills Hospitals management improperly influenced an election that led to the ousting of a healthcare workers union.

It was a decision based on a breach of procedure rather than on the claims merits.

Mori Rubin, a regional director with the labor board, determined that the leaders of Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, known as SEIU-UHW, violated the boards procedural rules when it failed to serve hospital management with its objections to the election by the time they were filed on Feb. 7.

Although the union later attempted to cure this deficiency after it was made aware of the issue, by serving hospital management on Feb. 11, the union acknowledges that it failed to serve the employer with the objections when they initially were filed, Rubin wrote in a decision last Wednesday.

In the same decision, Rubin certified the results of the election held on Jan. 30 and 31 that resulted in a 118-to-107 vote by hospital employees to disband the union they fought to form about three years ago.

The decision affirmed  a majority of the valid ballots has not been cast for any labor organization and that no labor organization is the exclusive representative of the employees in the bargaining unit that includes certified nursing assistants, monitor technicians, obstetric technicians, central processing employees, buyers and phlebotomists.

Union leaders have until Feb. 27 to request review of the decision by the labor boards Washington, D.C., bureau.

Union representatives declined to comment. Hospital representatives also declined to comment.

The boards revised rules on representation case procedures exist for a reason: to ensure that elections are conducted quickly and certified quickly. It is for this reason that failure to comply with the rules rapid and clear time lines and procedures are fatal to a claimant, wrote Glenn Taubman, an attorney with the anti-union nonprofit National Right to Work Foundation, in response to the unions initial objections to the election.

Taubman is representing hospital employee Andrew Brown pro bono.

If no request for review is filed, it will signal the end of a months-long battle at the hospital between union and anti-union forces that was set into motion in October when Brown filed a petition calling for a vote on whether or not to keep the union in place.

The petition was rejected by the labor board because it arrived two days too late.

Brown filed another petition on Jan. 1, which resulted in the election in late January and was overseen by labor board officials.

lila.seidman@latimes.com

Twitter: @lila_seidmanStructural change, universal child care and an ultra-millionaires tax were a few of the proposals made by Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Monday during a California tour stop at the Alex Theatre in Glendale.

The 69-year-old Massachusetts senior senator packed an audience of 1,400 inside the theater, with an overflow crowd of approximately 300 outside as her 2020 Democratic presidential primary bid gets underway.

Joined by her daughter, Amelia, and a few grandchildren, Warren said she would introduce legislature on Tuesday that would guarantee child care for all children under the age of 6.

The cost of child care [is] just crushing families, she said. Right now, in 28 states in America, child care for a little kid costs more than tuition at the state university.

Warren acknowledged the enormous cost of such of plan, but also recognized what a lack of child care means.

Families are just buckling under the weight of it, and it holds people back, she said. They decide they cant work because theyre worried about the cost of child care. It also means a lot of kids dont get into good child care.

To pay for a cost she estimates to be about four times [more] than weve invested in our children, she would introduce an ultra-millionaires tax described as a 2% tax on everybody who has more than $50 million, she said.

We can pay for universal child care and a whole lot more if we just ask the one-tenth of 1% to pay a fair share, she said. Lets do that.

Warren also spoke of a three-pronged approach to structural modifications that calls for a change to the rules in Washington, the rules in our economy and the rules in politics.

Warrens structural reform in Washington calls for the routing out of corruption by ending lobbying, stopping the revolving door between Wall Street and Washington, making the Supreme Court follow some basic rules of ethics and making every candidate for federal office post their tax returns.

Fixing the economy included a few items Warren listed, including making it easier to join a union, enforcing antitrust laws and asking the super wealthy and large corporations to pay their fair share.

As for politics, Warren proposed a constitutional amendment to protect the right to vote, which included ending gerrymandering and restrictive voter laws, and overturning the 2010 Supreme Court decision on Citizens United, which ended limits on how much corporations, unions and nonprofits can spend on political campaigns.

Warren also said she would set an example this primary season.

As Democrats, we have a right and opportunity to change how things work in Washington. Let me just start, she said. I dont take corporate PAC money. I dont take any PAC money. I dont take any federal lobbyist money.

Besides her plans, there was also some reminiscing from Warren, a former Oklahoma public-school, special-needs teacher.

The youngest of four children, Warren was shaped by the events surrounding a heart attack suffered by her father during her middle-school years.

At night, my mom would tuck me into bed, and I would hear [my parents] talk and thats when I learned words like mortgage and foreclosure, heavy words for a kid, she said.

With her father recovering and unable to work, Warrens 50-year-old mother took a minimum-wage job at a department store.

She walked into Sears and got a minimum-wage job that saved our house, and it saved our family, Warren said.

If you want to know who I am, you just need that story because thats the story thats written on my heart, she added.

Warrens visit drew the interest of a pair of Glendale Community College staff members in attendance.

Im very fascinated with Elizabeth Warren, especially since shes here in Glendale, said Robert Hill, the colleges dean of student services.

I hope we talk about healthcare. Not just talk about it. How do we operationalize it and get it done? he added.

Hill was encouraged to attend by colleague Hoover Zariani, senior student services program coordinator at the colleges Multicultural and Community Engagement Center

Im also fascinated with Sen. Warren because of her income inequality issue that shes very passionate about, said Zariani, a Burbank resident and Glendale High School alumnus.

I also appreciate her general care for the average citizen, Zariani added.

andrew.campa@latimes.com

Twitter @campadresportsAs the light began to fade on Doheny State Beach, and the homeless prepared for another cold night, a handful of volunteers performed a daily ritual.

They unfolded a long table with a variety of foods  donated bags of vegetables, snacks, chicken.

Then Joe Perez, who was hit by a train when he was 7 and has trouble speaking, stood before about 40 hungry people  the homeless, the working poor  and blessed their meals.

The daily servings from Welcome INN (Interfaith Needs Network) and its partner churches started more than 20 years ago in Dana Point.

Our mission is to feed anybody who is hungry, said Don Lemly, president of the organization. We do what we can to help improve their lives.

Steven Marx is a regular.

There are days where its the only meal I get, said Marx, 52. If they werent here there would be a lot of hungry people.

Paul Burnell, who lives in a van, appreciates the companionship as much as the food.

The churches here show us love and compassion  they actually care, said Burnell, 39. Its a reprieve from the pain.

But Welcome INN isnt welcomed by all, including city officials.

Uproar from local residents led the city to send a letter requesting that Welcome INN cease operations. Some residents claim the servings attract unwanted homeless who behave in erratic ways and dont dispose of their refuse.

The letter states that the groups practices are not consistent with best practices for ending someones homelessness and in fact is detrimental to achieving this goal.

The homeless, the letter argues, need a pathway to housing and the daily feed is not helping.

Its not the right thing to do if youre interested in really making sure they get squared away and housed, Mayor Pro Tem Paul Wyatt said over the phone. Feeding them is not the right answer for that.

Toni Nelson, co-founder of Capo Cares, which opposes Welcome INN, claims the servings act as a magnet for the homeless. Capo Cares Facebook page has about 2,000 followers.

The community feels that what Welcome INN is doing is really just enabling the homeless to stay homeless, Nelson said. It doesnt really help them; it just gives them a band-aid but it doesnt really do the big surgery that is needed to get them off the street.

Lemly and his wife, Kathy, director of team volunteers for Welcome INN, contend that the organization works with groups that help those who need it find housing.

One of them is iHope, which organizer Cathy Domenichini says uses mealtimes to connect with the homeless. Members of Orange County Behavioral Services, which provides mental health services, and Family Assistance Ministries, which connects the homeless to shelter, personalized supportive counsel and meals, also attend.

In 2008, Welcome INN filed a lawsuit after a state park ranger blocked volunteers from providing the servings and threatened arrest, claiming the group was engaging in unlawful assembly.

The American Civil Liberties Union, representing Welcome INN, argued successfully that the rangers actions interfered with the groups 1st Amendment rights to gather.

The state park rangers, they would like nothing better than for us to disappear, Lemly said. Thats not going to happen.

Lemly believes Welcome INN and other nonprofits have to pick up the slack as southern Orange County civic leaders continue to default on U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carters instructions to find suitable locations for homeless shelters.

Carter is overseeing a lawsuit launched by homeless advocates after the removal of a tent city near Angel Stadium. Since it was filed last year, South County has taken a backseat in the proceedings, but that will end this year.

Brooke Weitzman, co-founder of the nonprofit legal firm that filed the riverbed lawsuit, said the firm is preparing legal action seeking that South County communities do their share to comply with Carters directives.

Wyatt led the citys homeless task force before it disbanded in 2018. Per the task forces recommendation, Dana Point employs two full-time case workers to aid the homeless.

The city compiled a list of about 108 homeless people who have been contacted within Dana Point, many of them were only seen once within the city, Wyatt said.

Case workers check in with 25 to 35 people on the list twice a week to try to connect them with services.

Our goal, as I told the council in a meeting, Lemly said, is that Welcome INN would be delighted to show up to serve dinner some evening and nobody shows up because they are taken care of. But that isnt happening.Nearly 46 years after the lifeless body of 11-year-old Linda Ann OKeefe was found among the cattails in Newport Beachs Back Bay, Orange County prosecutors announced Wednesday that theyve charged a Colorado man in the girls death.

James Alan Neal, 72, faces one special circumstances murder count  making the case eligible for the death penalty  along with proposed sentencing enhancements for kidnapping and lewd and lascivious acts.

The significant arrest for the brutal sexual assault and murder of Linda OKeefe is an affirmation to never give up on solving cold cases, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said.

If convicted, Neal faces a minimum of life in prison without parole. Spitzer is assessing whether to pursue capital punishment.

Death may be a consideration in this case, he said at a Wednesday morning press conference in Santa Ana. There is a process in place to consider death, and I will follow that process.

Linda Ann OKeefe, an 11-year-old Newport Beach girl, disappeared July 6, 1973, while walking home from summer school in Corona del Mar. Her body was found a day later in Newport Beachs Back Bay, police said. (Newport Beach Police Department)

Genetic material run through a genealogical website, Family Tree DNA, pointed investigators to Neal in January, Spitzer said, however he would not comment on whether the DNA directly matched the suspect or belonged to a relative.

As a result of genealogical submission they got an indication that James Alan Neal might be the suspect, Spitzer said.

Through good, old-fashioned police work, officers pursued Neal as a suspect and, during surveillance, collected a DNA sample from him, Spitzer said.

Neal was arrested without incident Tuesday by local authorities in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he remains in custody and, barring any legal challenges, awaits extradition to California, Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis said.

The charges against Neal are sealed.

Neal, previously known as James Alan George Layton, lived in the Newport Beach area with his family at the time of the OKeefes death, the district attorney said.

He left the area shortly after this particular murder, Spitzer said.

Layton moved to Florida and changed his surname to Neal following an incident there, though Spitzer declined to elaborate.

At this time we are not discussing his criminal history, Spitzer said.

Neal later moved to Colorado.

Linda vanished on July 6, 1973, while walking home from summer school at what was then Lincoln Intermediate (now Lincoln Elementary) in Corona del Mar. Her body, still clad in a white dress adorned with blue flowers that her mother had sewn, was found the next day in a ditch along Back Bay Drive. She had been strangled, her body discarded in the brush.

Her parents are deceased, though her two sisters are still alive and have been notified of the arrest, Lewis said.

OKeefes case is fresh on the minds of law enforcement and area residents because it was the topic of a 2018 media campaign on Twitter called #LindasStory, where Newport police revisited the case on its 45th anniversary, narrating the events that preceded her death in OKeefes imagined voice.

The Twitter campaign coincided with the release of a video overview of the case and a computer-generated profile of the suspect based on DNA.

A DNA profile of a possible suspect in the 1973 slaying of 11-year-old Linda Ann OKeefe in Newport Beach shows what the man might have looked like then, left, and what he might look like now. (Courtesy of Newport Beach Police Department) (Courtesy of Newport Beach Police Department)

Parabon NanoLabs, a medical laboratory based in Virginia, used DNA evidence to create a facial composite and calculate information about gender, ancestry, freckles, skin tone, and eye and hair color. The lab provided two profiles: one of a man in his mid-20s and another detailing what he might look like today in his late 60s or early 70s.

Police said that when they released the profile they hoped it would provide a break in finding Lindas killer after an investigation spanning four decades. The suspect snapshot did not lead to Neals arrest, authorities said.

While the Twitter campaign did not directly lead to the identification of the suspect, the anniversary of the murder and the public awareness campaign reinvigorated interest and urgency to crack the cold case, Newport Beach police said. Lindas photo hangs on the wall of the police departments detective unit.

Retired Newport Beach Police Officer Stan Bressler was on duty when OKeefes body was discovered. A patrol officer in 1973, he remembers responding to Back Bay Road and spreading out across the road while searching the crime scene.

Bressler lived in Costa Mesa at the time and had three school-aged kids, so the case resonated.

Things like that just didnt occur in Newport Beach back then so it was a shock to everybody, Bressler said. It hit the department really hard.

Id always hoped that theyd get the guy, Bressler said.A defense attorney representing the son of a Real Housewives of Orange County star argued Tuesday that a judge should drop attempted murder and other charges against his client because his jailhouse phone calls were improperly recorded and shared with prosecutors.

Lawyer Joel Garson asserted that Joshua Warings constitutional rights were violated when sheriffs deputies, prosecutors and Costa Mesa police improperly listened to phone calls he made from Orange County Jail.

Waring, the son of Houswives cast member Lauri Peterson, was representing himself in the case at the time and had assumed the calls were in compliance with a court order making them private, Garson argued.

As usual with defendants who opt to defend themselves, the court granted Waring two hours of unmonitored collect calls and one 20-minute non-collect call per day to get ready for court dates.

There has been zero effort by anybody at the Sheriffs Department to comply with that order, said Garson, who is trying to have the case dismissed on grounds of outrageous governmental conduct.

An Orange County Sheriffs Department spokesperson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Waring, 30, is facing three counts of attempted murder and other felony and misdemeanor charges in connection with a shooting at a former Costa Mesa sober-living home in June 2016. If convicted, he could face multiple life sentences.

Deputy District Attorney John Maxfield said the Sheriffs Department monitors phone calls to prevent inmates from planning additional crimes, adding that defendants who are representing themselves need to inform deputies that theyd like to make a privileged phone call in order to prevent it from being recorded.

Its really incumbent upon the defendant to take ownership, Maxfield said. Otherwise, the Sheriffs Department is put in an awkward position to allow unmonitored calls  

Garson pointed out that inmate requests for unmonitored phone calls are typically handled by low-level deputies who receive little training on matters like this. He recommended placing a sergeant or lieutenant in charge of overseeing the calls.

Problems with the Orange County Jails phone system date to January 2015, when Global Tel Link was contracted to install a new phone service for inmates. Sheriffs deputies were legally granted access to eavesdrop on prisoners calls and review past calls, which are attached to inmate booking numbers.

But in August 2018, a Global Tel Link executive admitted that a list of phone numbers flagged by inmates for private phone calls with their attorneys and doctors was not transferred into the system because of human error. That mistake allowed the improper recording of 1,079 privileged calls over a three-year period.

The jails phone system recorded 44 calls Waring made to family members and his girlfriend while representing himself in late 2016, according to court records. During these conversations Waring and the people on the other end of the line discussed possible questions to ask in court, witnesses and evidence having to do with ballistics and gunshot residue.

Sheriffs deputies monitored the calls and sent copies to the Costa Mesa Police Department and the Orange County district attorneys office. Warings attorney is arguing that these copies gave prosecutors an unfair edge in the case.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Jonathan Fish said he would rule on the request to dismiss the charges on or before Feb. 26. If Fish denies the request, a jury trial is scheduled to begin March 12.

Daily Pilot staff writer Luke Money contributed to this report.If Californians cant have high-speed steel rails, a proposed bill would allow them to at least legally use their lead feet to get from the south to the north.

State Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) introduced a bill last week to add two dedicated, speed-limit-free lanes to Interstate 5 and State Route 99 to replace Californias beleaguered $77-billion bullet train from Los Angeles to San Francisco, which is $44 billion over budget and 13 years behind schedule  or at least act as a stop-gap.

If Sacramento is serious about allowing Californians to travel between Los Angeles and the Bay Area, and high-speed rail will take too long to build, lets construct four additional lanes with no maximum speed limit to provide for high speed on a safe road, Moorlach said.

Under Senate Bill 319, the 5 and the 99 would get two dedicated lanes in each direction the full length of both freeways  Mexico to Oregon for the 5, Wheeler Ridge to Red Bluff for the 99  that would allow motorists to travel faster than the speed limit, which is 65 to 70 mph.

Moorlachs proposal doesnt estimate a price tag for the project, but identifies cap-and-trade revenues as the funding source.

It is the intent of the Legislature to provide Californians with a viable alternative to the high-speed rail system project by providing them with access to high-speed, unabated transportation across the state, the bill reads. It is further the intent of the Legislature to decrease traffic congestion and thereby decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases caused by automobiles.

In his announcement for the bill, Moorlach said the Autobahn-esque lanes would replace the defunct high-speed rail project  or at least [provide] an expedited transportation option until a substantial high-speed rail segment can be built decades in the future.

That references comments Gov. Gavin Newsom made earlier this month in his State of the State address, when he was reassessing, though not halting the project.An online threat sent to a John Burroughs High School student before the holiday weekend doesnt appear to be credible, according to the Burbank Police Department.

The threat, allegedly sent on Instagram, involved a person telling the student they intended to commit harm against her and mentioning they knew she attended Burroughs High. Police first became aware of the incident shortly after it happened on Friday evening after receiving word from the Burbank Unified School District.

Several students also reported the threat.

Sgt. Derek Green, a department spokesman, said there was an exchange of messages with the student and the person prior to the threat being made. He added it appeared the person who sent the message lives outside the state, and it is unknown how they know the student.

Although the investigation into the threat is ongoing, Green said Tuesday it doesnt have any credibility and neither the student nor the campus was in danger.

Burbank Unified Supt. Matt Hill said the threat had no impact on classes at Burroughs High and all students were encouraged to attend school as usual.

Green mentioned that online threats and cases of cyberbullying are becoming increasingly common because of the prevalence of social media.

This is nothing new as far as weve seen with this kind of behavior, he said. But we do take every threat seriously and work quickly to determine how credible the threat is.

Green said a possible preventive measure to avoid cyberbullying and online threats is for parents to monitor their childrens activity on social media. By keeping tabs on what they do online, parents can intervene when their children talk to someone in a way they shouldnt, he said.

andy.nguyen@latimes.com

Twitter: @Andy_TrucJust weeks after suing Huntington Beach for allegedly failing to comply with state housing laws, Gov. Gavin Newsom met with more than a dozen city and county officials in Long Beach on Tuesday, warning that local concerns would not override his plans to address the states housing affordability crisis.

The elected officials came from local governments that  like Huntington Beach  the state says arent following Californias housing supply law. Tuesdays gathering was another sign that the governor plans to use the threat of litigation to pressure cities into allowing more development.

Newsom said he hoped to work with leaders to make their residents aware that all Californians are responsible for the states housing concerns.

You cant just see the world through the lens of your own city, Newsom said at a news conference after the meeting. You have to see it through the eyes of those on the streets and sidewalks outside of your jurisdiction.

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California housing crisis podcast: All you need to know about Gov. Newsoms fight with Huntington Beach 

In January, Newsom authorized a lawsuit against Huntington Beach, alleging the Orange County city has failed to comply with the housing supply law, the state governments primary tool to encourage development.

With a population of 200,000, Huntington Beach is the largest of the 47 cities and counties the state says are not following the law. Representatives from just 20 of the communities attended Tuesdays meeting, but Newsom said a second was planned so that more could attend.

The governor has said Huntington Beach flouted the law after the state blessed its zoning plan, when the City Council added a host of new barriers to growth, putting it out of compliance.

The coastal community has countered with multiple lawsuits against the state, alleging efforts to force the citys hand on development are an unconstitutional incursion on its power. Huntington Beach did not send a representative to Tuesdays meeting.

During his campaign, Newsom set a goal for 3.5 million new homes to be built in the state over the next seven years, a rate that would more than quadruple current levels of production.

In his first days in office, the governor has taken aim at local governments, blaming polices that stymie growth as a key driver in the states worsening affordability issues. The lawsuit filed against Huntington Beach was the first state legal action in nearly a decade involving the housing law.

The hour-long meeting at Long Beach City College was closed to the public. But at a news conference held afterward, Newsom was asked if the state planned to sue more cities. A chorus of mayors behind him said, No! and Dont do it!

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The elected officials said they told Newsom that they needed more state support for housing, lamenting that eight years ago the Legislature did away with a property tax incentive program that put $1 billion a year toward low-income housing. They also said state environmental laws made it difficult to facilitate construction.

Jhonny Pineda, the mayor of Huntington Park, said his city of nearly 60,000 people in southeastern Los Angeles has little land available for new development and not enough police, fire and other services to support growth. Pineda said the council is considering rezoning old industrial properties for housing but is worried that they might be contaminated with toxic pollutants.

In his State of the State address last week, Newsom named Huntington Park as a city that wasnt doing enough on housing, and Pineda said he welcomed the chance to share the citys problems with the governor.

We want to collaborate and be team players to make sure that people can continue to live in our city and California as well, Pineda said.

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The 1967 housing supply law, known formally as the housing element, requires cities and counties to zone land for new development sufficient to accommodate children born in California and people expected to relocate to the state. The law does not require cities or counties to facilitate construction of new homes, affordable or otherwise.

Over an eight-year period, state officials send estimates of the housing needed to meet projected population growth to regional agencies, including the Southern California Assn. of Governments in the Los Angeles area. These agencies outline how many new homes are needed across four income levels: very low, low, moderate and above-moderate. Today, more than 90% of the states 539 cities and counties are in compliance.

In theory, all cities and counties would receive their fair share of growth under the law. But in practice, it hasnt worked that way.

Beverly Hills, for instance, was required to zone only for three new homes, according to its most recent plan. And even though the Bay Area is considered the epicenter of the states housing affordability problems, every city in the region has zoned sufficient land per state rules that didnt take into account the regions booming post-recession job growth. Communities in Marin County, a wealthy area north of San Francisco with a poor record of low-income housing production, have even received a special exemption from the law, allowing cities there to zone for less dense construction than otherwise required after lawmakers recently approved two bills providing that break.

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Nevertheless, the law identifies communities that have put barriers in place to prevent homebuilding. The San Diego County city of Encinitas is the only local government with a population greater than 5,500 people never to have had a compliant housing plan.

A voter initiative from 2013 requires public approval every time a developer wants to change zoning rules or increase density, and Encinitas residents have turned down two recent attempts at the ballot box for a citywide development plan aimed at complying with state rules.

Debates over housing have upended city politics, with opponents of the most recent zoning proposal comparing it to Jim Crow laws, which enforced segregation in the South and were repealed in the 1960s, alleging it limited locations for low-income development while simultaneously complaining that it would cause traffic to overwhelm the beachside community.

Both tenants rights and development groups have sued Encinitas over its failure to pass a state-approved plan. Earlier this month, state housing officials added greater urgency, warning the city it needed to amend or repeal its anti-growth initiative to comply.

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Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear said she told Newsom not to sue her city because a recent court order requires officials to submit a new housing plan by April. She said the city is working to comply.

Were basically going to do whatever they require, Blakespear said. This is state law. Were not in a negotiating position.

Some cities that are out of compliance with the law are rural communities with few residents and distinct challenges. Trinidad in Humboldt County, for instance, has a population of 199.

Brian Bergman, the mayor of La Habra Heights in eastern Los Angeles, said his community of 5,500 people still has septic tanks instead of a central sewage system and a limited budget that makes it difficult to develop new zoning rules.

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Obviously, we have to gain compliance, Bergman said. Its just that we have a lot of challenges to get there.

Newsom said he understood that cities might face difficulties specific to their own communities, but also noted that he has proposed $1.3 billion in his budget to support local efforts to plan for and build low-income housing and support homeless services.

Before meeting with local governments, Newsom toured a low-income housing project in Long Beach with its mayor, Robert Garcia. The governor praised Long Beachs efforts to support affordable housing and said others should use the city as a model.

Theres really no excuse except political will, which I know in some cases is in scarce supply, Newsom said. But not in California. Were better than that.

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liam.dillon@latimes.com

@dillonliamThe U.S. governments top ethics watchdog has ruled that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross violated his ethics agreement by inaccurately reporting stock holdings in his 2018 financial disclosure form.

Ross  one of the wealthiest members of President Trumps Cabinet  did not sell stock he held in a bank despite reporting otherwise, said Emory Rounds, the director of the Office of Government Ethics.

Therefore, OGE is declining to certify Secretary Ross 2018 financial disclosure report, Rounds wrote in a letter dated Feb. 15, because that report was not accurate and he was not in compliance with his ethics agreement at the time of the report.

Observers called the move highly unusual, and one told CNN that the offices decision amounted to a pretty giant red flag. Richard Painter, an ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, told the outlet that he has never seen a Cabinet members disclosure form rejected in this way.

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In a statement on Tuesday, Ross said he mistakenly believed he had sold the assets in question  100 shares of BankUnited stock  in May 2017. When he realized his error, he said, he sold the stock and disclosed the sale in October 2018.

The shares, Ross said, were worth $3,700, an amount that federal regulations deem below the threshold of a possible conflict of interest. (According to a Bloomberg News report, that threshold is $15,000 for publicly traded securities.)

Therefore, even if a BankUnited matter had come before the Department while I owned the shares  and I have not been made aware of any such matter  I would not have been disqualified from working on it, Ross said. He called the inaccuracy the only known error in my annual report.

In his letter, Rounds said his office had warned Ross before over his failure to comply with his ethics compliance agreements and cautioned that even inadvertent errors could undermine the publics trust in the Secretary and his Departments overall ethics program.

OPINION: Wilbur Ross wants to undercut the census. Will the Supreme Court let him? 

Ross has repeatedly faced scrutiny over his investments, as lawmakers and outside groups have called for investigations into his finances. In 2018, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, asked then-Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to review Ross disclosures for potential criminal violations.

Ethics experts have said that, wrongdoing or not, government officials must avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

The American people have entrusted @SecretaryRoss with power and authority so he can ensure the welfare of the American economy, tweeted Delaney Marsco, a lawyer with Campaign Legal Center, a public interest group. I dont think we should have to wonder if hes making decisions for the benefit of the public or for his own pocketbook.

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Thebault writes for the Washington Post.After President Trump picked Rod Rosenstein two years ago for the second-highest job at the Justice Department, his daughter asked if his picture would appear in the newspaper.

I said, No,  Rosenstein later recalled. I told her, The deputy attorney general is a low-profile job. Nobody knows the deputy attorney general. 



For the record: An earlier version of this article said a photo hanging in Rosensteins office of his family and the president was taken at Rosensteins swearing-in. The photo was taken Jan. 2.

Instead, Rosensteins role overseeing the Russia investigation made him a household name, the target of political attacks and a key figure in a sprawling counterintelligence and criminal investigation that has ensnared some of Trumps top former aides.

Now his tenure is coming to an end. The White House announced late Tuesday that Trump would nominate Jeffrey A. Rosen, the deputy secretary of Transportation, to replace Rosenstein as the day-to-day manager of a department with more than 100,000 employees and a $28-billion budget.

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A taciturn former prosecutor, Rosenstein was thrust into the limelight when Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey in May 2017. Jeff Sessions, then attorney general, had recused himself from supervising Comeys investigation of alleged ties between the Trump presidential campaign and the Kremlin, leaving the job to his deputy.

Amid a public uproar after Comeys ouster, Rosenstein appointed Robert S. Mueller III, a former FBI director, as special counsel to ensure a degree of independence from the White House. Mueller would report directly to him.

Since then, Mueller has filed criminal charges against 34 individuals, including 25 Russians and several of Trumps former top advisors, including his campaign chairman, national security advisor and personal lawyer.

Muellers investigation is said to be wrapping up, and his report now will go to the new attorney general, William P. Barr, who was confirmed by the Senate and took office Thursday. Rosenstein had previously signaled that he would step down after Barr, whom he admires, takes over. He is expected to stay until mid-March.

In a statement, Barr said Rosens years of outstanding legal and management experience make him an excellent choice to succeed ... Rosenstein, who has served the Department of Justice over many years with dedication and distinction.

Rosenstein had a rocky relationship with Trump, however. He staunchly defended Mueller even as the president repeatedly denounced his investigation as a witch hunt and a hoax, and once tweeted a photograph depicting Rosenstein behind bars.

Despite the attacks, Rosenstein keeps a framed photo on his office wall of his family and the president in the Oval Office taken in January. Rosenstein declined requests for an interview.

Rosen spent nearly 30 years at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, an international law firm with powerful connections in the White House.

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Its alumni include Barr, Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, national security advisor John Bolton, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and other senior administration officials.

Rosen joined the Trump administration as general counsel for the White House Office of Management and Budget, and later served as general counsel at the Department of Transportation. A graduate of Northwestern University and Harvard Law School, Rosen has not previously worked as a prosecutor.

The Senate confirmed Rosen as undersecretary of Transportation in May 2017 by a vote of 56 to 42. Only three Democrats, including the two senators from his home state of Virginia, supported his nomination.

Rosenstein is one of the rare high-ranking Trump administration officials to leave on his own terms, a distinction all the more notable for his often fractious relationship with the president.

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He was also one of the few administration officials who was previously a political appointee in a Democratic administration. He served as U.S. attorney in Maryland under Presidents George W. Bush and Obama.

Deputy Atty. General Rod Rosenstein leaves the White House after a meeting on Sept. 24, when he was widely believed to be resigning or getting fired. (Alex Wong / Getty Images)

He was expected to resign or be fired last fall after news reports said he had discussed wearing a wire to secretly record his conversations with Trump, or trying to remove him from office via the 25th Amendment, in the tumultuous days after the president fired Comey.

The 25th Amendment allows the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to start the process of ousting a president if they determine he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

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Although Rosenstein angrily denied the reports, Andrew McCabe, who was fired last March as deputy FBI director, repeated the allegations in recent days as he was promoting a book about his career. That provoked furious new tweets from the president and Republican calls for Senate hearings.

In response, the Justice Department said Rosenstein again rejects Mr. McCabes recitation of events as inaccurate and factually incorrect.

It said that based on his personal dealings with the president, Rosenstein saw no basis to invoke the 25th Amendment and was not in a position to do so.

Wow, so many lies by now disgraced acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. He was fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged. He and Rod Rosenstein, who was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty), look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2019

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The president was not mollified. On Monday, he tweeted that Rosenstein and McCabe were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.

Rosenstein grew up outside Philadelphia and, after attending Harvard Law School and clerking for a federal appeals court judge, rose through the ranks at the Justice Department.

He worked on the independent counsel investigation of the Whitewater real estate investments by President Clinton and his wife, Hillary  neither was charged in the case  and became a federal prosecutor in Baltimore.

Rosenstein served as U.S. attorney in Maryland from 2005 until Trump, who praised his focus on violent crime, nominated him as deputy attorney general in January 2017. He was confirmed in the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.

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In May 2017, Trump asked Rosenstein and Sessions to lay out a case for firing Comey, who was then heading the Russia investigation.

In a lengthy letter, Rosenstein sharply criticized Comey for his handling of the FBI investigation into Hillary Clintons use of a private email server when she was secretary of State. The White House initially cited the letter to explain Trumps decision.

But Trump later told a TV interviewer that he had previously decided to fire Comey because of what he called this Russia thing, raising questions about whether the president had sought to improperly shut down or influence a federal investigation. Trump warmly greeted two senior Russian diplomats in the Oval Office the day after he fired Comey, a meeting first disclosed by Russian-government media, not the White House.

Days later, Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel and gave him broad authority to investigate whether Trumps team conspired with Russians to influence the 2016 presidential election or committed other crimes. Prosecutors are also examining whether Trump obstructed justice.

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The decision infuriated Trump because it ensured the investigation would continue to cast a cloud over the White House. Rosenstein also became the target of persistent attacks from congressional Republicans, who accused him of withholding documents they had subpoenaed to determine whether the inquiry was being properly run.

Although it has uncovered a raft of other crimes, the special counsels office has yet to file a case accusing Trump or his aides of conspiring with Moscows effort to steal and release Democratic Party emails and target U.S. voters with false information, the initial focus of the investigation.

chris.megerian@latimes.com

Twitter: @chrismegerianThe annual Munich Security Conference is usually a somnolent affair, a ritual renewal of vows between the United States and its European allies. This year was different.

Germanys outgoing chancellor, Angela Merkel, finally said what she thinks of President Trump.

Without using Trumps name, she described his America first foreign policy as one of ignoring allies and promoting nationalism  and noted that Germany tried that before World War II with catastrophic results.

Pieces of the classic, familiar order  are falling apart, she said. We cannot just smash it. We need to cooperate.

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The best course, she said, is to stick with multilateralism  which was the lesson of the Second World War.

The mostly European audience gave her a standing ovation. Ivanka Trump, who listened stone-faced, did not stand.

Merkel had specific complaints, too.

She said Trump was wrong to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran (depressing). She warned that Trumps plan to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria could strengthen Irans and Russias hand.

And she derided Trumps threat to declare imported cars a national security threat so he could raise tariffs. BMWs largest plant is in South Carolina, she pointed out.

For the first two years of Trumps presidency, Merkel tried to persuade him to accept the traditional pattern of U.S.-European relations: periodic disputes over trade, or military policy, papered over with soothing words about transatlantic friendship and mutual interests.

No longer. The postwar relationship, which kept the peace and brought prosperity to Europe through the Cold War and in the decades since, is under threat from Washington.

Alarms are ringing in Western Europe over Trumps unilateral, transactional foreign policy. And for good reason: the Trump administration has taken direct aim at the European Union, a centerpiece of European statecraft since 1957.

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If the EU collapses, some Europeans fear a new catastrophe: a fragmented Europe of feuding states, like the one that existed before World War II.

Europeans admit they helped create some of their problems. They havent spent as much on defense as they promised; Trump is right about that.

The EU also hasnt delivered its promise of prosperity to southern tier countries like Spain, Italy and Greece. The influx of millions of refugees and economic migrants has caused a populist backlash, and even helped elect authoritarian governments in Hungary and Poland.

But the Trump administration is making those challenges worse.

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In addition to questioning the need for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Trump has attacked the EU as a threat to U.S. interests. Asked last year who he viewed as Americas global adversaries, the first name on Trumps list  before Russia, China, North Korea or Iran  was the European Union.

I think the European Union is a foe, what they do to us in trade, he said.

He has even charged that the EU was founded principally to harm the United States. They formed in order to take advantage of us, he said at a political rally last year.

European diplomats charge privately that Trumps stance is mostly a strategy to gain the upper hand in trade negotiations. Hed rather negotiate one-on-one with small countries than with a large group thats a peer competitor, one explained.

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But the EU isnt only about trade. It wasnt founded to sabotage U.S. exports; it was founded to stop Germany and France from going to war again, as they did three times between 1871 and 1945.

The EU is the peacekeeping organization for Europe, a European official told me.

So when Trump and his aides wade into Europes internal affairs and try to boost politicians who want to shatter the EU, thats not just a rough-and-tumble negotiating tactic. Its an existential threat to a project that European governments have been working on for more than 60 years.

With friends like that, who needs enemies? Donald Tusk, the Polish-born president of the European Council, tweeted last year.

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Even as Trump works to undermine the EU, hes asking the Europeans to do more for him and his priorities.

He has pressed them, without success, to also quit the Iran nuclear deal, although most are honoring the new U.S. sanctions.

He wants them to send more troops to Syria, even though hes withdrawing U.S. forces.

He wants Germany to cancel a long-standing contract for a natural gas pipeline from Russia, and buy American gas instead.

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And when they object  when the Europeans say an alliance ought to be a two-way street  administration officials have sometimes threatened retaliation through economic sanctions or tariffs.

Its becoming a vicious cycle: The Trump administration pushes. The Europeans resist. The effect is to make it harder for old allies to cooperate in areas where they mostly agree.

It looks like a marriage on the rocks  without a marriage counselor. Unless you count former Vice President Joe Biden, who went to the Munich conference and advised the Europeans just to wait Trump out.

Until then, Trumps America first foreign policy is producing an outcome the president insists he doesnt want: America alone.To the editor: The Los Angeles Times gets it wrong in its editorial attacking state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerras caution in releasing the personnel records of law enforcement workers.

Becerra is correct in utilizing caution in releasing records of allegations, mind you, not convictions, of police misconduct. The Times fails to ignore the consequences on the futures and reputations of law enforcement officers when the allegations are untruthful and in some cases even without any foundation in reality.

Interestingly, The Times is not willing to give the people responsible for protecting our society the same basic due process that every criminal defendant receives.

Robert S. Henry, San Gabriel

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The writer is a retired California deputy attorney general.

..

To the editor: Becerra misses the point when he justifies his refusal to release law enforcement disciplinary records because, When it comes to disclosing a persons private information, you dont get a second chance to get it right.

Those records are not private information. No employee, whether in the public or private sector, has a reasonable expectation of privacy concerning his on-duty behavior vis-a-vis his or her employer.

Thus, employees of public entities, being ultimately employees of the residents of the state of California, have no privacy rights regarding their employment records; they are, in fact, public records.

Becerras refusal to release the records is particularly egregious because his professional and ethical duty is to protect the interests of the people of California.

Carolyn Magnuson, Tucson, Ariz.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and FacebookTo the editor: Describing progressive causes such as Medicare for all and free college education as socialism is both inaccurate and a terrible way to seek voter support.

Socialism is defined as a system in which the production and distribution of goods are publicly owned. No one is suggesting nationalizing our factories. Furthermore, while socialism can be democratic, the unfortunate truth is that the term is inextricably entangled with communism.

Much is made of the fact that a 2018 Gallup poll reported that Americans under age 30 favored socialism over capitalism by 6 percentage points. It failed to report that Americans in every other age group thought more highly of capitalism. The small positive edge among under-30 Americans is far too weak to overcome the strongly negative views of socialism among voters 30 and older.

While Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez may enjoy the shock value of describing themselves as socialists, it would be a colossal mistake for the Democratic Party to permit its nominee to be so labeled.

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Cyril Barnert, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: Socialism can be defined as state ownership of the means of production. But it can also mean that the government both pays for a service and hires the people who perform that service.

By that definition we currently have socialist fire departments, police departments and, in the city of Los Angeles, the Department of Water and Power, which several years ago saved us from the market manipulation of electric power.

Perhaps socialism isnt so scary when we think of how a fire or police department would operate under capitalisms profit-making bottom line. Instead of universal protection, only those who could buy the services would be protected.

Doris Isolini Nelson, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: Democratic presidential candidates would do well to remember that their most important work is not responding to claims of socialism from the right, but instead ousting the man in the White House and replacing his divisive, self-serving, hate-filled policies with real solutions.

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James Peterson, Beaumont

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and FacebookYou could divide us into those old enough never to forget it, and those of us who never heard of it. Thirty-five years ago, seven adults who taught at or ran the McMartin preschool in Manhattan Beach faced criminal charges, which eventually ran into the hundreds, of abuse of children at the school  and in the most fantastical ways: in naked games, sacrificing animals before childrens eyes, secret tunnels, flying in airplanes.

It took seven years and $15 million in taxpayer money to wind up with not a single conviction in a case that had, by then, generated many others like it around the country. There was a zeal, even a hysteria, for prosecutions of child abuse crimes that didnt happen.

Richard Beck detailed them and the consequences in his book We Believe the Children: A Moral Panic in the 1980s, about the lives of children and adults blighted, a justice system fail and, more deeply, a backlash against working mothers who paid others to take care of their kids. It was the McMartin case, the longest criminal proceeding in our history, that started it.

Click here for the full archive of "Patt Morrison Asks" podcasts 

This was a kind of hysteria that spread across any number of states. Can you track back to one moment, to one thing, that got this ball rolling?

I don't know if there's any one single moment that can account for how far the hysteria spread, but certainly Southern California  the McMartin trial  was the case that energized the whole thing. It was the first one to receive national news media attention, and in the wake of McMartin getting attention from places like 20/20 or 60 Minutes, you started to see cases popping up elsewhere.

One of the things I was really interested to find in my research was that it's not the case that hysterias take off or really get momentum just because someone has a crazy idea that they start spreading around.

The thing that allowed these allegations to grow and grow and metastasize and really spin out of control was the participation of all of these different institutions in the case: the detectives investigating it, a place called Children's Institute International, where the preschoolers were interviewed using new techniques that had not really been applied to forensic interviews yet.

So what started as one parent worrying that her son was being sexually abused eventually turned into allegations that every teacher at the school was in on the conspiracy. The list of allegations is really incredible.

But the mantra you heard over and over again then was, We believe the children.

And that mantra was somewhat ironic in light of how the more outlandish allegations were actually produced. You had these interview sessions where therapists would talk to the children who had gone to the school and asked them what had happened, and would essentially, in a nice way, refused to take no for an answer.

Again and again in these interviews, the children start off by saying nothing [happened]: We never played any kind of naked game, it was just normal school games. And then the therapist would ask again and again and again.

These children are very young; theyre 5, 4, some of them as young as 3.

And they eventually got the drift that the interview was not going to be allowed to end until they started telling the interviewer what he or she wanted to hear. And theyre little kids, so when they start making stuff up, it's going to be pretty fantastical.

So this motto we believe the children is ironic, because if they had believed the children in the first place, things never would have gotten that far.

I think that the children involved in these cases were certainly victims of something. I think it's just that they were victimized by the people who were supposed to be helping them as part of this case rather than by their daycare teachers.

In the wake of McMartin, there were, as you write about, a series of massive, extraordinary allegations  in Central California, a child abuse ring with, I think, satanic overtones; in Minnesota, the same thing.

It really did become a panic on a national level. There were cases in Florida, there were cases in New York. There was a case in Massachusetts. There were cases in Washington state, in Texas.

And were all of those cases just about as big a, shall we say, nothing-burger as the McMartin case?

More or less. You would have some cases where there would be some kind of abuse  though not very outlandish abuse  happening that would be the prompt for the initial investigation. But then you would have the allegations and the charges spiral out of control in a similar way, such that even if the case had its roots in something real, you wind up with a lot of people who were totally innocent of any wrongdoing being charged.

And yes, there were certainly many cases where it is just sort of a figment of your imagination like it was with McMartin.

People did go to prison across the country and in some cases served a long time before they got out, when they were, I believe, factually innocent.

My recollection is that it was somewhere around 100 or 200 who were convicted and spent time in prison. And it took a long time for a number of them to get out. People did really serious prison time for these crimes that not only they didn't commit, but crimes that didn't occur.

People naturally draw parallels to the Salem witch trials, of false accusations by children, young women  teenage and sub-teen girls in that case. Are those fair parallels?

The parallel is there, but not sort of for the reasons that people think. Because I don't think of these cases as involving false allegations made by children. I think of these cases as involving false allegations made by adults who use children as their mouthpieces.

And in Salem, the situation was similar.

When the girls began having their fits, they weren't mostly talking about being harmed by witches. They were talking just as frequently about joyous flights of religious ecstasy and seeing angels come down from heaven smiling at them.

And the adults totally ignored those parts of the girls ecstatic religious outbursts. They just focused in a really single-minded way on the parts about witches and [the girls] being hurt, and emphasized those.

So like the daycare hysteria in the 80s, the Salem witch trials were a case of adults ignoring things children said that they didn't want to hear, emphasizing or overemphasizing things they did want to hear. And what children had to say for themselves ended up not mattering a whole lot.

How did the justice system change? Did it learn any lessons from these cases?

I think that's sort of a mixed bag. In terms of developing protocols for interviewing children who have been potentially victimized in one way or another, improvements were made in the wake of this.

A lot was done, especially, to distinguish between a therapeutic interview and a forensic interview.

What is the difference?

The difference is, a therapeutic interview is one that takes as its primary concern the emotional well-being of the child being interviewed. The forensic interview focus is on eliciting the truth of what happened.

The lines between those two things got blurred over and over again in McMartin, to the detriment of those interviews accuracy. So you can call that a positive lesson that the justice system learned.

But I think in a lot of other ways, it was very destructive. Enormous amounts of power were handed over to prosecutors over the course of the decade, because of the perceived excessive difficulty of getting convictions in cases like this.

And if you look at the incarceration rate in the country, and the period during which they started to really explode  if you think about the fact that prosecutors put those people in prison, I think it's pretty easy to say that the pendulum swung too far in that direction over the course of the 80s. ...

What role did the press play in the McMartin case and the subsequent cases across the country?

Initially the role was pretty destructive. Local TV news was one of the main engines of spreading the allegations around in Los Angeles during the early days in the McMartin trial.

And certainly the 20/20 investigative report on the McMartin trial was appalling. There was a sort of pro forma disclosure about how defendants have to be presumed innocent until found guilty, after which the broadcast pivoted immediately back to the assumption that all the defendants were guilty.

It wasn't until a little bit later in the decade that you started to see more valuable investigative reporting pop up. So journalism eventually did kind of catch up and begin to do its job. But certainly in the early stages it was part of the problem.

It's not clear to me, though, that major newspapers have figured out how to apply those lessons in real time. It is certainly possible to look back on your failures and say here's what we did wrong. It's very, very hard to prevent similar failures from happening again when some new kind of hysteria or panic pops up and people are agitated all over again.

What got you interested in these child care/daycare ritual abuse charges?

I was part of a little research group in New York. We were researching the legacy of a second-wave radical feminism. As part of that research, I got interested in the anti-feminist backlash that started to happen in the 1980s,

I heard about one of these cases in the course of researching this backlash, because my argument in the book is that ultimately what produced the hysteria was this anxiety about women entering the workforce, the supposed breakdown of the nuclear family.

Daycare then becomes a magnet for a lot of worry, because that's where mothers would leave their children to go work during the day.

There's this shift happening in how young children are cared for during the day, where the assumption was previously that upper-middle-class mothers would stay at home and take care of their kids. Now they're leaving them with strangers, and who knows what could be happening to them?

I heard about one of these cases while researching this anti-feminist backlash, and the thing that shocked me the most about it initially was that I had never heard of it.

I'm 32 now. I was 24 or so when I started doing this research. And asking around, it became clear to me that people over the age of 40 remember these cases because they'd heard about them in the news, but that people under the age of 30 had never heard of them at all.

For something to be that big a deal at the time and then to just kind of vanish from historical memory like that suggests to me that there's something about the problem that we were turning away from back then, that are still unresolved today, that still make people uncomfortable.

There are probably repercussions that you can point to that don't seem evident on the face of it: the Pizzagate conspiracy theory, which was about children being held and sexually abused in the basement of a pizza parlor in Washington, D.C., and that Hillary Clinton had something to do with it.

I was thinking about Pizzagate, and there is continuity between the daycare panic and Pizzagate insofar as the daycare panic in the 80s really cemented the child molester as like the worst thing you can be in America.

There's a kind of public contempt reserved for child molesters that isn't even reserved for murderers. In prison populations, child molesters are exposed to especially brutal amounts of retaliation and violence.

And I think with Pizzagate, you had these right-wingers on the internet who were looking for something horrible to say about people at the DNC [Democratic National Committee] and stumbled across the idea that, well, what if they're all child molesters?

Did anything good come out of this?

Honestly, I don't think so. You can look at these small improvements that were made to investigative protocols and be grateful for those.

But this was a tragedy; certainly it was for the people who got caught up in these allegations.

There's a lot of talk today about people being accused as part of MeToo having their lives ruined, when in fact it tends to mean that they'll get some negative press coverage for a month or two, and then they'll go back about their business.

But the people who worked at McMartin preschool really did have their lives ruined by this case  including the children who got wrapped up in it.

I interviewed one woman; she's an adult now, but she was a child who went to one of these preschools.

She agreed to be interviewed anonymously, and she talked about the years and years of therapy that were required for her to come to grips with this insane thing that had happened to her, and the guilt she felt about having played a role as a 4- or 5-year-old and sending her innocent daycare teacher to prison.

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MORE PATT MORRISON ASKS

Guess what? The rich really are different from everyone else  and it aint pretty

Have tech companies like Facebook tricked us into abandoning our humanity?

Ken Burns on making his Vietnam War documentary: 'I was humiliated by what I didn't know'Is there another outsider who yanked an unwilling political party further in his or her ideological direction in a shorter period of time than Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)? I mean, other than Donald Trump.

Back when he was polling in single digits at the outset of the 2016 presidential primary, Sanders and his position of being against every single international trade agreement since World War II on the inaccurate grounds that they facilitate a race to the bottom were still considered outliers within the Democratic Party. By October 2015 his unlikely polling surge helped persuade consensus front-runner Hillary Clinton to downgrade her opinion on the Trans-Pacific Partnership from gold standard to junk.

Where are the Democrats now? Its a pretty safe bet that no candidate is going to campaign as a free trader in the 2020 Democratic primary, setting up the potential for a large-scale realignment on a major policy issue for the party, Vox concluded this week.

Advantage Bernie, if not necessarily the country.

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What about Sanders radical campaign agenda item of providing free college tuition? Two years later, Inside Higher Ed reported, Free college goes mainstream. His $15 federal minimum wage  originally opposed then later adopted by Clinton, despite being warned against doing so by the same liberal economist whose research is most often cited by proponents  was introduced in a House bill just last month.

Its going to take more than a bag full of trillion-dollar promises to make Sanders the at least I mean it candidate this time.

Back when the 2016 primary was at its testiest, Clintons favorite critique of the senators proposals, particularly his Medicare for all plan, was that the numbers just dont add up. This year? Good luck finding a Democratic candidate who doesnt back Medicare for all, at least as a feel-good slogan.

Maybe it took the election of an honest-to-God fabulist as president, but Democrats not named Amy Klobuchar seem to be divorcing themselves from any sense of real-world constraints on their apparently boundless aspirations. Now it is time to complete that revolution, Sanders told his supporters Tuesday as he announced another shot at the presidency. The word choice wasnt accidental.

In addition to single-payer healthcare, free tuition and the $15 minimum wage, Sanders will also tout proposals to mandate breaking up the biggest Wall Street banks; lower drug prices through aggressive government intervention; new labor laws to encourage union formation; curbed corporate spending on elections; paid family and medical leave; gender pay equity; and expanded Social Security benefits, the Washington Post reported. And dont forget the Green New Deal!

The real story here is not that Sanders is cranking his Spotify playlist of progressive greatest hits (including stuff I actually like, such as legalizing marijuana, reducing cash bail and adopting a more restrained foreign policy). Its that the rest of the 2020 Democratic field is already with him on most of the economic and budgetary issues that drive his fans wild with happiness and me to drink.

Which suggests the question: Why run, at age 77, when youve already won?

Maybe Sanders wants to prove to himself that the revolution he helped start is real enough to be enacted into society-altering legislative change. Here, despite the persuasive successes listed above, I suspect Bernie and his supporters may again end up tasting bitter disappointment.

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Despite the breakout success of such oxygen-gobbling, Sanders-influenced stars as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), it is moderate Democrats, not progressives, who have repainted the House of Representatives blue. The national political media may love telegenic coastal lefties, but the policymaking future of the party probably lies closer to the unorthodox centrism of purple-state nonconformists such as Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.).

And the track record of big progressive policy ideas colliding with reality is just not great  even in the late stages of a long economic expansion.

Bernies home state of Vermont passed single-payer healthcare, only to scrap it when the price tag became clearer. Maryland enacted a millionaires tax more than a decade ago only to discover that rich people can afford to move. And Californians can testify about the gaps between progressive dreams and on-the-ground costs when it comes to the Sanders/Ocasio-Cortez vision of high-speed rail.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

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Its possible that these are just growing pains for the revolutionary wing of the Democrats. Maybe there are solid national majorities that will back the kind of economic policies popular in Los Angeles, Seattle and New York. But theres an alternative theory worth considering.

Bernie Sanders, who has been Bernie Sanders almost forever, only became a national phenomenon after emerging as the last real candidate standing against Hillary Clinton, a comparatively inauthentic machine politician who tried valiantly to make her nomination look preordained. Americans dont take kindly to coronations, and many of the Democrats I know who flocked to Sanders did so not because they agreed with him on everything he said, but because he meant it at least.

In a campaign with just two choices, ideology can be overrated, even overlooked. But Democrats are now hurtling toward 2020 with a dozen declared candidates, half of whom agree with Sanders on economics. Its going to take more than a bag full of trillion-dollar promises to make Sanders the at least I mean it candidate this time.

Matt Welch is editor-at-large of Reason magazine and a contributing writer to Opinion.

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Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand FacebookToday, the vast majority of thinking Americans believe the enslavement of millions of people of African descent in the U.S. was immoral. Its not even a question. We acknowledge our countrys shameful treatment of Native Americans, who were stripped of their lands and forced onto desolate reservations. Similarly, we understand that the Nazis extermination of 6 million Jews during World War II was a sweeping offense against humanity that must never be repeated.

Why, then, does a vocal minority still argue that the incarceration of approximately 120,000 people of Japanese descent during World War II  two-thirds of whom were American citizens  remains open to debate? This week marks the 77th anniversary of the issuance of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin Roosevelt, which set the stage for the incarceration. Despite the passage of time, there continues to exist a misinformed perspective on this order and its ramifications. Too often, including in the letters pages of the Los Angeles Times, some still contend that the imprisonment of Japanese American citizens and legal residents without due process has some legal, rational or moral standing. It does not.

In December, for instance, a letter appeared in The Times saying that in incarcerating Japanese Americans, Roosevelt acted not out of xenophobia, but rather to protect citizens. Would The Times have published a similar defense of slave holding or Nazism? Of course not, because those subjects are considered closed, no longer open for dispute in polite society.

This is no armchair historical debate. Some community leaders and politicians still attempt to use the incarceration to justify discriminatory policies.

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This is no armchair historical debate. Some community leaders and politicians still attempt to use the incarceration to justify discriminatory policies. In 2015, for instance, the mayor of Roanoke, Va., called for the suspension of assistance to Syrian refugees, reminding his constituents that Roosevelt felt compelled to sequester Japanese foreign nationals after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. A year later, a former spokesman for a super PAC backing Donald Trump said on Fox News that the incarceration of Japanese Americans was a precedent for Trumps plans to create a registry for immigrants from predominantly Muslim countries.

Why does this moral haze still obscure the incarceration? Why is it still considered acceptable to make arguments justifying this racist episode in American history? Is it a lack of education? Ignorance of history? An increasing disregard for facts in favor of emotion and Twitter? Or is it caused by bigotry and fear  two key factors that led to the incarceration in the first place?

The facts are clear. In 1942, two months after Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. West Coast residents of Japanese ancestry were rounded up and transported to barren inland incarceration camps. Most spent the next three to four years behind barbed wire, surrounded by guard towers and deprived of their most basic constitutional rights. There were no charges nor trials. None of those incarcerated was ever convicted of espionage, sabotage or crimes against the nation. In addition to losing their homes, jobs and businesses, these Japanese Americans lost their sense of place at the American table of citizenship.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

Despite this treatment, young Nisei  second-generation Japanese Americans  initially volunteered for and later were drafted into U.S. military service during WWII. Nearly a thousand died and nearly 10,000 were wounded or killed. Furthermore, the incarceration was never intended to protect the incarcerees  a comforting fiction belied by the guard-tower machine guns that pointed in, not out. In 1983, the federal Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians found that the incarceration was not based on military necessity, as federal officials claimed in 1942. Instead, it was driven by race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership.

In response, President Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which provided a presidential apology, individual monetary redress and a community trust fund. We gather here to right a grave wrong, Reagan said, noting that the incarceration occurred without trial, without jury. It was based solely on race.

How much clearer could the evidence be? Yet still some people see the incarceration as morally ambiguous and possibly even defensible. As we struggle today with complex issues of citizenship, immigration, terrorism, social justice and public safety, it is time to stop equivocating about the Japanese American incarceration, once and for all. We must look to the facts of the incarceration, not the propaganda, to inform our debate. If we resist fear and political hype, Americanism can continue as a democratic ideal not defined by race, religion, gender or sexual identity.

Mitchell T. Maki is president and chief executive of the Go for Broke National Education Center, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that educates the public on the legacy of Japanese American veterans of World War II.With Bernie Sanders announcement that hes once again running for president  Hey, everybody! Bernies getting the band back together!  and joining a growing field of eight declared Democratic candidates, this is a good time to check the polls.

And it looks like President Trump might be in trouble.

Yes, its early. Yes, polls this early dont mean much. So why is Trump in trouble?

Because his popularity has fallen through the floor in states that were crucial to his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, according to running tallies maintained by the folks at MorningConsult.com.

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It looks like President Trump might be in trouble.

Trump won Michigan by a nose  about 11,000 votes, collecting 47.25% of votes cast. In January 2017, as he entered office, his net approval rating in Michigan was +7, which means his favorable rating exceeded his unfavorable rating by 7 points. By last month his net approval rating there had dropped to -15.

Ohio, where Trump won with 51.3% of the vote, has gone similarly, with his net approval rating dropping from +14 when he entered office to -6. Wisconsin? He slid from +6 to -16 in a state (like Michigan) he won with less than a majority  47.2%  of votes.

In fact, Trumps net approval ratings are in positive territory in only 17 states, and some of those only narrowly so; he won 28 states in 2016. Even Texas, which Trump won with 52.1% of the vote, has faded for him, with his net approval rating at -1, down from +21. Where does he remain strong? Wyoming with a +31, down from +40, and West Virginia, with +24 down from +37.

Does this mean Trumps reelection is toast? Of course not. And his ratings can pop back up. But few presidents in modern history have faced this kind of a political headwind.

Still, quite a few of his predecessors have been one-termers. Here are five notable presidents who sought a second term lost: William Howard Taft, who was challenged by his friend and former mentor Teddy Roosevelt, leading to Woodrow Wilsons victory; Herbert Hoover, who was in office when the Great Depression began; Gerald Ford, who had been appointed vice president after the resignation of Spiro Agnew and became president with Richard Nixons resignation; Jimmy Carter, who beat Ford; and George H.W. Bush.

But there are rumblings of discontent even among some Republicans, despite Trumps high level of support from the party faithful.

Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld (who ran for vice president on the Libertarian party line last time around) has announced he will challenge Trump for the Republican nomination, a campaign that likely wont get very far.

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Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

There also has been speculation about possible challenges from former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who lost out to Trump in the 2016 primaries, and former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, who  once he decided not to seek reelection in 2017  became an outspoken critic of the president.

But denying Trump the nomination is a long shot. Democrat Franklin Pierce is the only elected president to have ever been denied his partys nomination for reelection, and that was over his pro-slavery views heading into the 1856 election (James Buchanan got the nod and won the election).

Four other men  John His Accidency Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson and Chester Arthur  who assumed the presidency upon the death of their predecessors also failed to gain their partys nomination for election in their own right.

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But then again, Trump likes to brag about how hes making history. Maybe hell get his place of honor on the shelf next to Pierce.

UPDATES:

1:06 p.m.: This article was updated to clarify the history of one-term presidents.Coming to the relief of victims of over-policing  and following the advice of the Los Angeles Times editorial board  the Supreme Court ruled unanimously Wednesday that the 8th Amendments ban on excessive fines applies to the states as well as the federal government. It joins most other guarantees in the Bill of Rights that have been incorporated against the states through the 14th Amendment that was added to the Constitution after the Civil War.

The court sided on that constitutional question with Tyson Timbs, an Indiana man whose $42,000 Land Rover SUV was seized in a civil forfeiture action after he pleaded guilty to selling $225 worth of heroin to undercover police officers. The state said the SUV had been used to transport heroin.

Although the purchase price of the vehicle was more than four times the maximum $10,000 fine assessed against Timbs for his drug conviction, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that it didnt violate the 8th Amendment because that amendments ban on excessive fines didnt apply to state action.

The U.S. Supreme Court rightly reversed that decision. Writing for the majority, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg concluded that the ban on excessive fines qualified as one of the protections that must apply to the states because it is fundamental to our scheme of ordered liberty and deeply rooted in this nations history and tradition.

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All nine justices agreed that the ban on excessive fines was extended to the states through the 14th Amendment. But two justices  Neil Gorsuch, who joined Ginsburgs majority opinion, and Clarence Thomas, who didnt  raised a question that captivated legal nerds as soon as the decision came down:

Exactly which language in the 14th Amendment does the work of incorporating the 8th Amendments ban on excessive fines against the states? This might seem like a dry technical question, but it has important political and policy implications, especially for libertarians who believe the Supreme Court should be more aggressive in protecting economic rights.

Section 1 of the 14th Amendment says:

All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Typically when the Supreme Court has incorporated one of the amendments in the Bill of Rights against the states, it has focused on the language in the 14th Amendment about depriving people of liberty without due process of law. It has fastened on the same language in protecting unenumerated rights such as sexual privacy.

In her majority opinion, Ginsburg wrote: With only a handful of exceptions, this court has held that the 14th Amendments Due Process Clause incorporates the protections contained in the Bill of Rights, rendering them applicable to the states.

But due process of law seems an odd phrase to pluck out for incorporation purposes, partly because its about legal process, not substantial rights. (The Supreme Court in employing it has had to make use of a mind-boggling concept called substantive due process, which implies that some rights are so fundamental that there is no fair process that could result in their deprivation.)

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

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To the ordinary reader, another phrase in Section 1 of the 14th Amendmemt  the command that no state shall make a law abridging the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States  seems a better fit.

But theres a problem: In 1873, in the so-called Slaughterhouse Cases, the Supreme Court defined the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States extremely narrowly. Essentially, the court said, the phrase required states to respect only privileges flowing from federal citizenship.

In recent years, however, some activists and legal scholars have called for the Supreme Court to reinvigorate the Privileges or Immunities Clause  and at least two members of the court seem to have been listening.

In 2010, citing the due process clause, the Supreme Court in an opinion by Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. ruled that the 2nd Amendments right to keep and bear arms applied to the states. Thomas concurred in the result, but wrote a separate opinion suggesting that a more straightforward path to that result would be a holding that the right to bear arms was incorporated through the privileges or immunities clause.

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In Wednesdays forfeiture case, Thomas again wrote separately and again promoted the alternative route of incorporation through the privileges or immunities clause. But a second justice also (sort of) joined the chorus. Although he signed Ginsburgs opinion, Gorsuch, a Trump appointee, wrote separately that as an original matter  the appropriate vehicle for incorporation may well be the 14th Amendments Privileges or Immunities Clause, rather than, as this court has long assumed, the Due Process Clause.

What difference does it make which clause the court cites so long as it rules that states as well as the federal government are bound by the Bill of Rights?

Heres why a comeback for the privileges or immunities clause could have real significance:

The court has used the due process clause to apply the Bill of Rights to the states and also to protect the right of personal privacy (a right the court said in Roe vs. Wade is broad enough to encompass a womans decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy). But since the 1930s it hasnt been sympathetic to claims that economic regulations violate due process, upholding those that pass a rational basis test.

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Some who argue that the court should reinvigorate the privileges or immunities clause see the clause as doing more than incorporating the Bill of Rights. They also see it as a way to protect economic rights such as the right to pursue a profession without the burden of state licensing requirements. Its notable that the losing plaintiffs in the Slaughterhouse Cases included butchers who were harmed economically when the state of Louisiana awarded a monopoly on slaughtering cattle in New Orleans to a single company.

So when two Supreme Court justices see the long-dormant privileges and immunities clause as a valuable and perhaps neglected provision of the 14th Amendment, thats significant  though not, for now, transformative. They will need at least three recruits to breathe new life into the clause.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and FacebookIt turns out that the federal government cannot, in fact, order individuals or businesses to do something, then refuse to pay for it.

Who knew?

Several cases working their way through the U.S. Court of Federal Claims illustrate this point. One set involves the Affordable Care Act mandate that insurers reduce the out-of-pocket payments for lower-income customers buying policies on the Obamacare exchanges. The act also requires the federal government to reimburse insurers for these discounts, and heres where the fire started.

Leading up to the start of the exchanges in late 2013, Congress  then partially controlled by Republicans opposed to the ACA  refused to provide money for the reimbursements. The Obama administration paid them anyway, using money the ACA itself had permanently appropriated to subsidize premiums for policies bought on the exchanges. The GOP-controlled House of Representatives sued, accusing President Obama of usurping Congress constitutional power over the federal purse. (Hmm, where have I heard that lately?) A federal judge in Washington, D.C., agreed, and President Trump halted the reimbursements in 2017.

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Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

A number of insurers sued, arguing that Congress was reneging on its statutory requirement to pay. And over time, as Nicolas Bagley of the Incidental Economist blog reports, jurists on the Court of Federal Claims have ruled in favor of three insurers lawsuits  including one that has been certified as a class action covering all insurers selling policies on the exchanges.

Per Bagley: None of these judges bought the Justice Departments rationale for refusing to pay. And good reason: its garbage. In the governments telling, Congress never made a promise because it didnt appropriate the money for cost-sharing payments. But its black-letter law that Congress can enter into a binding obligation, even if it doesnt appropriate the funds to follow through on that commitment in the same statute. Congress might, for example, plan on appropriating the money at some later date. At any rate, the obligation stands until Congress changes course.

Exactly.

The Justice Department is appealing. And the insurers claim for tens of billions of dollars in damages is clouded by the actions in California and numerous other states to mitigate the harm to insurers  and keep them and their customers from fleeing the exchanges. They found ways to load much of the cost of the lost reimbursements into higher premiums for federally subsidized consumers. Thanks to the subsidies design, when premiums go up, so does the size of the subsidies, shifting the cost from lower-income consumers to federal taxpayers.

Still, the refusal to appropriate the money to reimburse insurers in defiance of the statutory requirement has warped the system and damaged consumers and insurers. The day of reckoning is arriving.

Meanwhile, the American Federation of Government Employees has filed suit in the Court of Federal Claims on behalf of the thousands of federal workers who were forced to work without pay during the record-setting partial government shutdown that stretched from December 2018 to January 2019.

To which you say, Wait, they all got back pay! And they did, assuming they were employees and not contractors. But there are overtime claims to resolve as well as claims for damages  as anyone living on a tight budget can attest, having a couple of paychecks put on hold indefinitely is a traumatic experience.

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And besides, the court has a precedent: It ruled in favor of a similar lawsuit by 25,000 federal workers forced to work during the 2013 shutdown. That one lasted 16 days, less than half the duration of the most recent one. How much the workers will receive in damages is still being calculated.It should be clear by now that people cant justify their inappropriate sexual behavior by claiming that theyre fond of locker-room talk or that they came of age in a bygone era with different mores. Thats just as true for the LGBTQ community as for any other.

But apparently that message hasnt reached West Hollywood Mayor John Duran.

Duran is under pressure from his colleagues on the City Council to step down as mayor and perhaps even resign his seat on the council following accusations of sexual misconduct. Several current and former members of the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles, of which Duran is the longtime board chairman, accused him of making crude sexual comments and engaging in unwanted touching.

Accusations have also been leveled against Duran at City Hall. The city paid his former deputy $500,000 in 2016 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit (Duran admitted no wrongdoing), and last year a city employee formally complained about Durans language and behavior on the job. The council members argue Duran has become a distraction.

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Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

Duran has said, Hell no, he wont resign. Hes called on his council colleagues and critics to wait for the results of an investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct.

Its fair to ask for a full hearing. But its worrisome that the mayor is so unapologetic about his self-declared hypersexual personality, and his bawdy humor and flirtatiousness  and his unwillingness to seriously reconsider it in the #MeToo era.

We fought too hard in the 70s and 80s for the right to be, the right to create a gay male subculture, the right to maintain sexuality in the midst of plague and to come out on the other side into marriage equality, Duran wrote in a Facebook post last week. Am I the only gay man in town who uses bawdy sexual humor? Or says inappropriate things? Nope.

Sure, not every boorish comment is sexual harassment, and not every unwanted advance is a sexual assault or a cause for termination. Duran is also right that an allegation is not the same as a guilty verdict. Still, its troubling that Duran  who should be a role model in his community  is unwilling to even acknowledge that crude comments and a proclivity for hitting on people could be problematic for a person in his powerful position. It should be obvious by now that hypersexual behavior is out of line in most professional settings  and its especially inappropriate for people in power, including elected officials, who have a responsibility to create a culture of respect.

Harvey Weinstein tried to justify his sexual predation on the grounds that he came of age during the 1960s and 1970s, when the rules and behavior in the workplace were different. When an old recording of Donald Trump bragging about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women surfaced in 2016, he and his supporters dismissed it as locker-room talk. The #MeToo movement has empowered men and women to speak up and declare that what was once deemed acceptable  or quietly tolerated  in the past is no longer acceptable.

There is cultural reckoning underway on sexual behavior, and theres no LGBTQ exception.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and FacebookGood morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. Its Wednesday, Feb. 20, and heres whats happening across California:

TOP STORIES

Research claiming that low-dose exposure to toxic chemicals is good for humans could help shape Environmental Protection Agency policy. This disputed science came from a toxicologist named Ed Calabrese, who had been snubbed for decades by mainstream public health scientists because of his controversial research and theories. That its being considered as part of the EPAs policy signifies a major shift the agency has taken under the Trump administration. More than any other before it, this White House has actively sought out advice from industry lobbyists and the scientists they commission in setting pollution rules. Denouncing the Obama-era EPA as an agency beholden to environmental extremists, the administration has not only dismissed mainstream science but embraced widely discredited alternatives that critics say are not consistent with the agencys focus on improving public and environmental health. Los Angeles Times

Wild times at an Oak Glen farm

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James Riley saw drama come down on his Oak Glen farm after someone uncovered his tweets, which some people found to be racist, misogynistic and homophobic. In the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, about 80 miles from downtown L.A., the 59-year-old Riley and his employees grow fruit and vegetables through most of the year. But their main crop is living history: musical theater, educational workshops and historical reenactments of everything from the Gold Rush era to the Civil War  all centered on a mock 1770s-era New England town that Riley designed. Now hes engaging in a legal battle. Los Angeles Times

A brawl for police records

A Los Angeles judge dealt a blow Tuesday to law enforcement unions trying to limit the scope of a landmark transparency law, ruling that records from shootings, use of force and some misconduct by police officers in California are public even if they occurred before the new law took effect this year. The decision marks a provisional victory for open-government groups and media organizations that intervened in a case brought by the Los Angeles Police Protective League, which sought to keep records of older incidents confidential. Los Angeles Times

Get the Essential California newsletter 

The Brooklyn Dodgers Don Newcombe, shown on Sept. 28, 1955, poses against the backdrop of Yankee Stadium. (Harry Harris / Associated Press)

L.A. STORIES

RIP: Don Newcombe, the intimidating right-handed pitcher who was the first player in major league history to have won the rookie of the year, Most Valuable Player and Cy Young awards, died Tuesday. He was 92. Los Angeles Times

Plaschkes view: Newcombes toughness helped him overcome hate and become a legend. Los Angeles Times

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Sad: Longtime KNBC-TV Channel 4 consumer reporter David Horowitz has died at age 81, his wife told the station Monday. City News Service

Big change: The Times Up organization has accepted the resignation of its president, Lisa Borders, it announced in a statement issued via social media. Los Angeles Times

Watch! When he heard Chicano culture had spread to Japan, this child of Los Angeles wanted to see it for himself. New York Times

IMMIGRATION AND THE BORDER

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At a family cemetery: The border fence threatens a family burial ground  and a slice of African American history. Los Angeles Times

Wild tale: How California laws meant to integrate immigrants can open a backdoor for ICE. Voice of San Diego

Humanitarian crisis: 30,000 Venezuelans cross into this Colombian town each day. Now its the scene of an escalating aid showdown. Los Angeles Times

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

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Payback? The fate of Californias high-speed rail project was cast into further doubt Tuesday when the U.S. Department of Transportation announced plans to cancel $929 million in grant funds, a move that some viewed as political payback. Los Angeles Times

Joining the fight: The Los Angeles City Council voted to go to court to challenge President Trumps declaration of a national emergency along the U.S.-Mexico border, either on its own or in conjunction with other government agencies. Los Angeles Times

Naughty, naughty: A former candidate for Los Angeles City Council and his treasurer have been fined more than $38,000 for using laundered donations to get taxpayer money and misspending such dollars on personal expenses. Los Angeles Times

Fudged numbers? Gov. Gavin Newsoms prediction of a record tax windfall for Californias budget might hinge on whether the 2018 federal tax overhaul has simply left high-income earners with little incentive to pay their state taxes early. Los Angeles Times

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The state of Sacramento: Saying the death of Stephon Clark last year ripped open old wounds in the city, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg on Tuesday said he will push to invest $200 million in Sacramentos lower-income neighborhoods in the coming years in an attempt to avoid other such tragic events. Sacramento Bee

CRIME AND COURTS

Drip, drip: Corporate managers accused of directing an extensive fraud in the cleanup of S.F.s toxic shipyard led similar projects at nearby Treasure Island  work that apparently has never been rechecked. San Francisco Chronicle

Overlooked: While almost all of the more than 3,000 counties in the U.S. have established specialized courts for drug addicts and the mentally ill, veterans courts have languished because of a lack of financial support, reliance on volunteer judges and low usage. The Marshall Project

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THE ENVIRONMENT

That wet winter! California has already received an 18 trillion gallon soaking this month  enough water to fill 27 million Olympic-sized pools  and the states wild winter isnt over yet. Los Angeles Times

Plus: Southern California went from very wet to very cold Tuesday morning. Los Angeles Times

New on the scene: What you need to know about the Clean Power Alliance, SoCals newest electric company. Los Angeles Times

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CALIFORNIA CULTURE

Warming up: L.A. Phils 2019-20 season has social justice, gender parity and a little Sondheim. Los Angeles Times

Nice work if you can get it: Google reaped millions in tax breaks as it secretly expanded its real estate footprint across the U.S. Washington Post

On the move: L.A.s historic Bob Baker Marionette Theater is moving to Highland Park. Los Angeles Times

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Big money signing: Manny Machado, who was a Dodger last season, and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a record-breaking $300-million deal. Los Angeles Times

Who knew!? The secret to why a Tesla costs so much (Hint: batteries). Wall Street Journal

Big winner: The best dog in the world (aside from yours, of course) is right here in Southern California. LAist

CALIFORNIA ALMANAC

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Los Angeles area: Partly cloudy, 57, Wednesday and Thursday. San Diego: Showers, 58, Wednesday. Rainy, 55, Thursday. San Francisco area: Partly cloudy, 53, Wednesday. Sunny, 57, Thursday. San Jose: Partly cloudy, 54, Wednesday. Sunny, 56, Thursday. Sacramento: Partly cloudy, 54, Wednesday. Cloudy, 57, Thursday. More weather is here.

AND FINALLY

Todays California memory comes from Marge Holley:

In the early 1970s, we regularly spent time at the Salton Sea. Bombay marina in Niland was a popular vacation spot. My family had two trailers on the waters edge, and at night the sound of the waves lapping gently up under the trailers was so relaxing as we fell asleep. 1971 was the last time I remember being there. Imagine my surprise when I saw Abandoned America showing the devastation and ruin of the Salton Sea. Pesticide runoff and floods contributed to the demise. It was sad to see a place that held happy memories for so many totally gone.

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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.The scientist who helped coin the term global warming and raised early alarms about climate change and the dramatic consequences that could unfold throughout the world, has died. Wallace Smith Broecker was 87.

The longtime Columbia University professor and researcher died Monday at a New York City hospital, according to a spokesman for the universitys Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Kevin Krajick said Broecker had been ailing in recent months.

Broecker brought global warming into common use with a 1975 article that correctly predicted rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere would lead to pronounced warming. He later became the first person to recognize what he called the ocean conveyor belt, a global network of currents affecting everything from air temperature to rain patterns.

Wally was unique, brilliant and combative, said Princeton University professor Michael Oppenheimer. He wasnt fooled by the cooling of the 1970s. He saw clearly the unprecedented warming now playing out and made his views clear, even when few were willing to listen.

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In the ocean conveyor belt, cold, salty water in the North Atlantic sinks, working like a plunger to drive an ocean current from near North America to Europe. Warm surface waters borne by this current help keep Europes climate mild.

Otherwise, he said, Europe would be in a deep freeze, with average winter temperatures dropping by 20 degrees Fahrenheit or more and London feeling more like Spitsbergen, Norway, which is 600 miles north of the Arctic Circle.

Were playing with an angry beast. Wallace Smith Broecker

Broecker said his studies suggested that the conveyor is the Achilles heel of the climate system and a fragile phenomenon that can change rapidly for reasons not understood. It would take only a slight rise in temperature to keep water from sinking in the North Atlantic, he said, and that would bring the conveyor to a halt. Broecker said it is possible that warming caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases could be enough to affect the ocean currents dramatically.

Broecker single-handedly popularized the notion that this could lead to a dramatic climate change tipping point and, more generally, Broecker helped communicate to the public and policymakers the potential for abrupt climate changes and unwelcome surprises as a result of climate change, said Penn State professor Michael Mann.

In 1984, Broecker told a House subcommittee that the buildup of greenhouse gases warranted a bold, new national effort aimed at understanding the operation of the realms of the atmosphere, oceans, ice and terrestrial biosphere.

We live in a climate system that can jump abruptly from one state to another, Broecker told the Associated Press in 1997. By dumping into the atmosphere huge amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels, we are conducting an experiment that could have devastating effects.

Were playing with an angry beast  a climate system that has been shown to be very sensitive, he said.

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Broecker received the National Medal of Science in 1996 and was a member of the National Academy of Science. He also served as a research coordinator for Biosphere 2, an experimental living environment turned research lab.

Broecker was born in Chicago in 1931 and grew up in suburban Oak Park.

He joined Columbias faculty in 1959, spending most of his time at the universitys laboratory in Palisades, N.Y. He was known in science circles as the Grandfather of Climate Science and the Dean of Climate Scientists.

His discoveries were fundamental to interpreting Earths climate history, said Oppenheimer. No scientist was more stimulating to engage with: He was an instigator in a good way, willing to press unpopular ideas, like lofting particles to offset climate change. But it was always a two-way conversation, never dull, always educational. Ill miss him.Police on Tuesday publicly identified three men who were shot to death recently in the Renaissance gated community on the border of Porter Ranch and Chatsworth.

Gary Davidson, 39, a renter in the house where the shooting erupted; Benny Lopez, 46, of Anaheim; and Jesus Perez, 45, of Perris, all died of gunshot wounds on Monday afternoon. The men likely knew their killer or killers, according to LAPD Capt. Billy Hayes of the Robbery-Homicide Division.

We have determined this is not a random act, Hayes said.

A woman in an upstairs bedroom said she heard what sounded like gunfire around 3:45 p.m. Monday, Hayes told reporters. The woman said she knew Davidson, but not the other victims.

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After failed attempts to communicate with Davidson, the woman called police, Hayes said.

LAPD officers arrived at the affluent gated community at 3:52 p.m. and the victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

We do have an idea of what transpired and why it transpired, Hayes said, but declined to elaborate. He did say, however, that the shooting was not the result of a failed burglary attempt.

There appeared to have been some sort of struggle in the common area of the house, Hayes said, but no sign of forced entry. Hayes said that since visitors must secure permission from a resident to enter the community, its clear the suspect or suspects had permission to enter the house itself.

Renaissance has two gates. One is automated and requires a security tag and the other is staffed by security guards.

The house where the shooting occurred is a five-bedroom, 4,700-square-foot residence in the 20300 block of Via Galileo. The home sold for $1.45 million in 2004, according to the real estate website Redfin.

Rep. Brad Sherman, who represents parts of the San Fernando Valley, including Porter Ranch, lives within four blocks of the scene.

Sherman said he was home celebrating Presidents Day at the time, but that he didnt learn of the killings until later.

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Its a reminder that things can happen anywhere, even in Renaissance, Sherman said. I think its good for all of us who live there that theres a very visible police presence.

Kiran Kamat, a doctor who lives in the neighborhood, said he was at work when the shooting happened, but that his wife texted him about it before he got home. He said she had seen the area cordoned off with yellow tape, and saw a woman sitting on the curb wrapped in a blanket just a few minutes after the shooting.

It was very shocking because I live on the same street, Kamat said. Its a gated community and its supposed to be secure.In a drug-peddling scheme that prosecutors say was so brazen that he advertised with posters around campus, an 18-year-old UC Santa Cruz student designed an app dubbed Banana Plug and used it to sell cocaine and methamphetamine.

Collin Riley Howard, of Sunnyvale, was indicted by a federal grand jury in San Jose and charged with possessing and distributing cocaine and methamphetamine.

Howard developed an app called Banana Plug  an apparent reference to UC Santa Cruzs banana slug mascot  which was advertised on Apples App Store and sold cocaine, molly and shrooms, the U.S. attorneys office for the Northern District of California said in a statement Tuesday.

Howard also hung posters around campus promoting Banana Plug, prosecutors said.

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Using Banana Plug and Snapchat, university police and an undercover Homeland Security agent contacted Howard and arranged to buy marijuana and cocaine  the first of four transactions, prosecutors said. Howard later sold the undercover agent methamphetamine, according to the indictment.

He was arrested by UC Santa Cruz police during the fourth transaction in late November, prosecutors said. Banana Plug was still listed on the Apple App Store as of Tuesday.

It was not immediately clear if Howard had a lawyer. He was arrested on the federal charges on Feb. 15, and was released Tuesday after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins, according to the U.S. attorneys office.A Los Angeles judge dealt a blow this week to law enforcement unions trying to limit the scope of a landmark transparency law, ruling that records from shootings, use of force and some misconduct by police officers in California are public even if they occurred before the new law took effect this year.

The decisions mark a provisional victory for open-government groups and media organizations that intervened in cases brought by the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, which sought to keep records of older incidents confidential.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mitchell L. Beckloffs final rulings released Wednesday involve records that fall under Senate Bill 1421  internal investigations into shootings by officers, severe uses of force and confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying by officers.

The judges decisions dont take effect until March 1, giving the police unions time to appeal and ask the appellate court to block the release of records pending its decision.

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We disagree with the judges interpretation of the law and expect that we will be filing an appeal of these decisions shortly, said Jacob Kalinski, an attorney representing the Los Angeles Police Protective League and Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs.

But open-government advocates hailed the judges decision, saying that keeping older records secret would shield misconduct by some officers who remain on the job.

Its a clear rejection of the core legal argument that the police unions have been relying on for weeks now, said David Snyder, executive director of the First Amendment Coalition, which, along with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, The Times and other media organizations, intervened in the case brought by the union representing LAPD officers. We are confident that as courts continue to confront the unions tortured legal arguments, they will come down on the side of transparency and accountability.

Until last year, California had the nations strictest protections on officer personnel files. The states powerful law enforcement unions repeatedly blocked attempts to make any disciplinary records public. But lawmakers approved SB 1421 amid a heightened debate over how officers use force and interact with communities of color.

Several agencies including the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office and the San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Burlingame and Cathedral City police departments have already disclosed records under the new law.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League is one of several unions across California that have gone to court to try to block the disclosure of records from older incidents.

Last week, a judge in Ventura County granted a request by the local deputy union for a preliminary injunction to prevent the release of records from incidents prior to Jan 1. In Contra Costa County, a judge denied nearly identical requests for injunctions from local police unions, siding instead with a coalition of open-government and media organizations.

The issue is likely to be ultimately decided by the California Supreme Court.

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Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), who wrote SB 1421, formally notified the state Senate that she intended the law to open up records from the past as well as those going forward. But law enforcement groups have argued SB 1421 does not explicitly apply to the release of records from incidents prior to Jan. 1, when the law took effect, and that publicly disclosing personnel files would violate officers long-standing privacy rights under the state Constitution.

In Los Angeles, the judge heard the Los Angeles Police Protective League case at the same time he was reviewing a similar petition brought by the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, which represents rank-and-file members of the Sheriffs Department.

In his rulings, Beckloff disagreed with the main arguments made by the unions.

The unambiguous language [in the statute] demonstrates the operation of SB 1421 has nothing to do with the date on which a personnel record was created  it applies to all records, the judge wrote.

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The Times and Southern California Public Radio, which operates KPCC 89.3 in Pasadena, argued in the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs case that the new law opens up records that are currently maintained by a police agency, regardless of when the files came into existence. Lawyers for the news organizations said the publics right to know about serious police misconduct or significant events, such as shootings and use of force, outweigh officers privacy rights.

There is no constitutional right to sexually assault someone and keep that private, nor is there a right to shoot someone and keep that secret, Kelly Aviles, an attorney representing the media organizations, told the judge at a hearing Friday.

A key source of dispute is whether something that was once confidential can be later made public.

Kalinski, the attorney for the police unions, likened officer privacy rights to attorney-client privilege, arguing that it would be problematic for statements made by a client to a lawyer to eventually become public because of a change in law.

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Kalinski said officers accused of wrongdoing made potentially career-altering decisions about whether to appeal their discipline based on an understanding that their cases would remain private.

Beckloff pushed back against that argument, citing a legal scholars quote mentioned in a 1994 U.S. Supreme Court opinion: If every time a man relied on existing law in arranging his affairs, he were made secure against any change in legal rules, the whole body of our law would be ossified forever.

Times staff writer Joel Rubin contributed to this report.Two weeks ago, an independent watchdog told the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors that it should consider banning pepper spray at juvenile detention facilities, citing examples of the inappropriate and avoidable use of the spray by officers.

It didnt take long for the board to act.

On Tuesday, the supervisors unanimously approved a phased elimination of pepper spray by the end of the year, following the lead of many states that already ban it in juvenile facilities.

In the meantime, detention officers will have restricted access to the spray, which causes burning and inflammation of the eyes, nose and skin.

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The motion really lays the groundwork for the safety of our young people, said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, who pushed for the new policy along with Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Escalation of violence is the escalation of violence, no matter who engages in it.

The vote comes after the countys Office of Inspector General issued a detailed review of activities inside juvenile halls earlier this month, documenting potential misconduct by officers and a recent spike in pepper spray use. And Tuesdays vote was closely watched by criminal justice reform advocates, who argue that the spray traumatizes young detainees and undermines relationships with the officers charged with helping rehabilitate them.

Los Angeles County should live up to its goal of being a model jurisdiction and join the vast majority of U.S. juvenile justice systems in enacting a ban, the ACLU of Southern California and more than a dozen other groups wrote in a letter supporting the ban.

The county Probation Department, which manages the detention and supervision of thousands of juveniles involved in the justice system, now has two months to devise a plan to stop using oleoresin capsicum, commonly known as OC or pepper spray.

In ordering the ban, the supervisors called the term pepper spray a quaint misnomer, citing a study that equates its effects with the heat from 1,000 jalapenos.

Describing its use as an assault, the supervisors motion noted the spray causes temporary blindness and intense eye pain that can last as long as 45 minutes  in addition to wheezing and gagging. Blistering of the skin is also possible, according to the motion, as are acute hypertension, deterioration of nerve tissue and corneal damage.

While the abusive and unjustified uses of OC spray raise the greatest alarm, the motion reads, OC spray is now viewed by many juvenile justice experts as counter-productive, needlessly punitive, and potentially both seriously medically and psychologically harmful.

The supervisors, who heard from dozens of speakers on the issue, asked the department to find other options for physical interventions during violent situations inside the countys numerous juvenile halls and detention camps.

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RELATED: Dysfunction at juvenile detention centers is bigger than pepper spray, L.A. County report says 

(Matt Stiles/Los Angeles Times)

The review by the inspector generals office involved the scrutiny of more than 20 incidents  a fraction of the hundreds of times pepper spray has been used in recent years  and interviews with probation staff and detainees. It found a pattern of inappropriate and avoidable uses of the spray, part of a broader culture of punishment in some of the facilities.

Investigators found that using the spray to subdue youths, at times, violated the departments use-of-force manual. Department policy mandates a continuum of physical interventions during tense or violent situations, with the spray being used as a last resort to break up fights or to protect staff members.

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In some cases, staff appeared to be engaged in an over-reliance on OC and, at times, have deployed OC where there does not appear to be actual or potential threat of harm by youth, Cathleen Beltz, an assistant inspector general who helped write the report, told the supervisors two weeks ago.

Beltz and other authors also raised concerns about whether those hit with pepper spray had been allowed to clear their eyes and skin. She recalled one surveillance video showing a youth attempting to decontaminate with water from a toilet, for example.

The review listed potentially restricting or banning the use of pepper spray at juvenile detention facilities, as other jurisdictions have done. But investigators also said the department should find other options for detention officers  and increase training  to avoid undermining the safety of those charged with maintaining order.

Investigators found that officers felt ill-trained in dealing with violence and, at times, turned to the spray to avoid physical altercations that might get them in trouble  concerns acknowledged by probation management and echoed by the detention officers union.

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This report really confirms what we have been saying for decades about inadequate training, chronic understaffing, and a lack of consistent policies and reporting standards, said Hans Liang, president of the AFSCME Local 685 union that represents officers.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who supported the ban, also defended the detention officers during the discussion, saying they need more support from management to reform the department.

They do not feel that they are getting the support and training, Barger said to County Chief Deputy Probation Officer Sheila Mitchell. If they dont feel like they are being properly trained, the bucks stops with you all, and ultimately it stops with us.

Probation Department data show that use of the spray has spiked, with deployments inside juvenile halls tripling from 2015 to 2017. Two weeks ago, the department reported that use had declined in 2018, but hasnt made its data available to investigators, the supervisors or the media.

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On Tuesday, the supervisors also ordered the department to turn over data about incidents inside juvenile detention facilities in 2018.

Chief Probation Officer Terri McDonald said the department planned to study how to phase out pepper spray while also training its staff on how to maintain control without it. In the past, department officials have raised concerns about restricting options for detention officers, who are sometimes outnumbered by large, aggressive youths. But it also has been preparing a revised use-of-force policy, in part, to address the concerns about pepper-spray use.

None of us wants children or staff hurt as we transition from this tool, she said.

That process, however, cant overshadow past abuse, according to a motion from Supervisors Kuehl and Ridley-Thomas, whose concerns last year helped spark the most recent investigation.

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This is Los Angeles County. We boast of being enlightened. We boast of being informed. We boast of being all about doing whats next, Ridley-Thomas said Tuesday. And yet we engage in practices and perpetuate policies that radically contradict the claims about who we are.When a lawsuit challenging President Trumps plan to build a border wall goes before a federal judge in San Francisco, California and 15 other states will argue that the administrations decision to bypass Congress violates the U.S. Constitution.

But legal analysts generally agreed Tuesday that the lawsuit could prevail on more narrow grounds  if it succeeds at all.

This is so clearly unconstitutional and illegal that the Supreme Court will say it is not permissible, predicted UC Berkeley Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky.

University of Texas law professor Robert Chesney, on the other hand, said California faces an uphill battle.

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In any normal presidency, there is almost no chance that the courts would second-guess the president on the issues cited in the lawsuit, he said. But this isnt a normal president.

If there is judicial second-guessing, Chesney added, it is going to be pretty dramatic because it normally wouldnt take place.

On Monday, California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and 15 other state attorneys general sued the Trump administration, challenging its declaration of a national emergency to redirect billions of dollars from government programs to pay for a physical barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border.

At least two other lawsuits also have been filed, and more are expected in the coming days.

Legal scholars say the states suit is likely to face early procedural challenges. To prevent the suit from being dismissed and obtain a preliminary injunction, the states will have to show they face concrete and imminent harm.

The lawsuit says states will be harmed because money will be diverted from construction at military bases, stopping drug trafficking and other law enforcement programs, hurting their economies and endangering their citizens.

To obtain legal standing, the states also have to show specific injury, which could be difficult at this early stage.

The Trump administration has yet to release information about exactly which government projects will lose money, undercutting the states case, analysts said. And it could stagger spending, starting with sources of funding unencumbered by legal restrictions.

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There will be a question raised as to whether a court should get into this quite so early, said Peter Shane, a constitutional law professor at Ohio State University.

Aside from such technical challenges, judges who take up the lawsuit might be inclined to base their rulings on the language of the individual laws governing the pots of money Trump plans to tap  not on broader constitutional issues, Shane said.

Courts generally try to avoid big constitutional statements if they can, he said. If the Supreme Court is concerned about giving broad emergency powers to presidents, including future Democratic presidents, one way they could push back is to focus just narrowly on the statutes.

The constitutional argument is that Trump is violating the separation of powers, usurping Congress power of the purse after lawmakers rejected his request for $5.7 billion to build the wall.

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Instead of settling that argument, courts could rule more narrowly on a federal law that allows a president to transfer money from military construction projects in an emergency, Shane and other legal analysts said.

The bulk of Trumps planned spending  $3.6 billion  would come from diverting funds from military construction projects.

The law says money may be tapped from that fund if it is necessary to support troops.

Can you really say building the wall is necessary to support the armed forces? asked Chemerinsky.

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Trump also plans to divert $601 million from the Treasury Departments forfeiture fund, made up of assets the government seized in legal cases, and as much as $2.5 billion set aside by the Department of Defense to fight drug trafficking.

By focusing on the language of the military construction law, the U.S. Supreme Court could split the baby and avoid rebuking Trump for declaring a national emergency, Shane said. Instead, the court could rule the funds simply are unavailable, he said.

Chemerinsky, though, believes the constitutional arguments are powerful.

He pointed to the Supreme Courts 1952 ruling in Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. vs. Sawyer, which blocked President Truman from seizing steel mills during the Korean War to prevent a strike. The court said the president lacked the authority to take action Congress had not authorized.

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Never before has a president been refused money by Congress for a particular project and said, I am going to go ahead and do it anyway in the name of a national emergency, Chemerinsky said.

But UC Berkeley constitutional law professor John Yoo said the steel mill ruling was not on point.

Truman was doing it under his inherent presidential power, and here President Trump is acting under a law passed by Congress to move money around during a national emergency, said Yoo, who is best known for writing a memo for former President George W. Bush justifying the use of torture to fight terrorism.

Trump declared the emergency under the National Emergencies Act, passed by Congress in 1976.

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Yoo said a more fitting precedent was a 1981 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld the presidents power to nullify court orders and suspend private lawsuits to resolve the Iranian hostage crisis.

The court extended the most extreme and generous deference to the president possible, he said.

Yoo also said the president could justify diverting military construction money to the border wall by saying it is supporting 3,000 troops stationed there.

I actually think Trump is most vulnerable on whether it is a national emergency, he said.

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The National Emergencies Act did not define what constitutes an emergency. The states lawsuit argues that Trumps own words and a drop in the number of immigrants crossing the Mexican border without permission show no emergency exists.

Yoo believes even that argument will fail, though. He expects that a majority of the Supreme Court would support a ruling akin to its decision last year to uphold a ban on travel from mostly Muslim countries.

Instead of travel ban, the court could just substitute the word border, Yoo said.

Andrew Boyle, an expert in national security law at the Brennan Center for Justice, noted that challengers could distinguish between the two cases, but allowed that the Supreme Court may defer to Trump again.

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Typically in the national security realm, the Supreme Court has been very deferential to the executive, he said. So to the extent they accept this is a national security issue, they may be deferential again.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolanThe city of Los Angeles will pay $800,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by a veteran fire marshal who was transferred out of his job after he clashed with inspectors in his department and the fire union sought his removal.

The City Council voted 10 to 0 without discussion Wednesday to approve the settlement payment.

In his 2017 lawsuit, former Fire Marshal John Vidovich alleged that Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas, Mayor Eric Garcetti and aides to the mayor pushed him out at the behest of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112 after Vidovich exposed illegal and fraudulent acts by inspectors in his bureau.

Attorneys for the city defended Vidovichs transfer, arguing in court filings seeking to dismiss the case that tensions between the fire marshal and those reporting to him were disrupting the department.

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Vidovich was appointed fire marshal in 2014 after working for the fire department for about three decades.

He testified in his deposition that he found fire inspectors falsifying and destroying records, and demanding unnecessary overtime. An investigation later sustained one of his allegations but not another, a fire department spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile, a group of inspectors alleged in a 2016 Times article that the bureau, under Vidovich, had cut corners by using poorly trained firefighters who were coaxed by supervisors to relax safety rules and overlook violations.

After an investigation, the department later found insufficient evidence to sustain any charges, the spokeswoman said.

Emails and texts included in the court record show that Frank Lima, then the unions president, and other union representatives sought Vidovichs removal.

At one point, Lima told top Garcetti aide Jeff Gorell that the union was willing to spend $250,000 on a negative campaign against Vidovich that would include putting up billboards critical of the fire marshal in Vidovichs hometown of San Pedro.

Lima warned Gorell that Garcetti would take a hit if the unions gangster campaign went forward.

Gorell and Garcettis chief of staff Ana Guerrero sought to create a job for Vidovich in the mayors office, but that never panned out. Guerrero testified in her deposition that she heard Vidovich was blaming the mayor for his removal, so she told her colleagues we cannot have him in the mayors office.

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Ultimately, Vidovich went to work in the departments South L.A. bureau before he retired in 2017.

dakota.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @dakotacdsmithResidents of the Sawtelle neighborhood were evacuated Wednesday morning after reports that natural gas was leaking into an apartment building, authorities said.

Southern California Gas Co. crews contained the leak near 2632 S. Barrington Ave. about 9:40 a.m. and residents who had been evacuated were allowed back to their homes, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The leak, which was reported shortly after 9 a.m., was coming from an outside gas meter near a home and a two-story apartment building, the fire department said.

Authorities had closed Barrington Avenue between Richland and Brookhaven avenues because of the leak. The closure was briefly extended because of a traffic collision not related to the gas leak, LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said.

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There were no reports of injuries or fires sparked by the gas, the fire department said.

alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com

Twitter: @r_valejandraOne person was killed when a large tire being worked on exploded at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana late Tuesday night, officials said.

Two airport contractors were working on the 4-foot-tall jet bridge tire about 11:30 p.m. in a workshop near Gate Three when the tire exploded and caused traumatic injuries to one of the workers, airport spokeswoman Deanne Thompson said. A jet bridge is the enclosed, movable connector that extends from an airport terminal gate to an airplane, allowing passengers to board and exit the aircraft without being exposed to the elements.

The force of the explosion triggered a fire alarm and sprinklers inside the workshop and prompted a response from an Orange County Fire Authority crew and paramedics stationed at the airport, Thompson said.

The second employee in the workshop refused medical attention. No airport operations were affected by the explosion, authorities said.

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The Orange County Sheriffs Department is investigating the explosion and Cal/OSHA investigators are expected to arrive at the airport Wednesday to conduct an investigation, officials said.A 50-year-old man was charged with murder this week in the kidnapping and death of an 11-year-old Inglewood boy that dates back nearly three decades.

Inglewood police arrested Pomona resident Edward Donell Thomas last week in connection with the slaying of William Tillett. Thomas is being held in Los Angeles County Jail without bail.

It is not clear how police linked Thomas to the killing. At a news conference on Wednesday, Inglewood police Chief Mark Fronterotta declined to say what evidence tied Thomas to the case.

Edward Thomas, 50, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of William Tillett. (Inglewood Police Department)

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But Fronterotta said authorities do not believe Thomas acted alone. The chief, along with members of the Tillett family and Inglewood Mayor James Butts, asked that anyone with knowledge of the case come forward.

I just want to keep the momentum going and plead with the community to come forward, said Hubert Tillett, the boys father. Take a look at this picture, and if anything jogs your mental Rolodex from three decades ago, please contact [police].

According to authorities, Tillett, a fourth-grader, was kidnapped about 3 p.m. on May 24, 1990, while walking 10 blocks home from school near Imperial Highway and Crenshaw Boulevard in Inglewood.

He had started walking about 20 minutes earlier with two friends. But about six blocks from home, William said goodbye to his classmates and they went their separate ways. It was the last time he was seen alive.

Walking home was very important for him, Anne Rodman, one of Williams teachers, told The Times in 1990. He wanted to show that he was not a baby anymore. He was in that independent stage of the growing-up process.

His parents, who at the time ran the commissary at the TV station KCET in Hollywood, became worried when their son didnt call them at work. They reported the boy missing when they arrived home and William wasnt there.

Roughly six hours later, a search by police, family and friends ended with news that the body of the 4-foot-8, 70-pound boy had been found in a dark carport in Hawthorne.

Williams body had no obvious signs of trauma, though his wrists showed evidence that he had been bound before he was killed. The coroner later determined he had been suffocated.

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Butts, who was deputy chief of Inglewood police at the time, said that even in that era of crack cocaine wars and drug-fueled bloodshed, the boys slaying shocked the city and remained fixed in his memory.

To this day, when that name was said, it resonated with me, the mayor said Wednesday. I knew the year. I knew where it happened. I knew where the child was found. It affected this entire community that way.

Times staff writer Matthew Ormseth contributed to this report.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

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Twitter: @HannahnfryFaced with persistent complaints about a pay-to-play culture at Los Angeles City Hall, the City Ethics Commission backed new restrictions Tuesday on political donations from real estate developers seeking city approval for their building plans.

The proposed ban would cover a broad array of people substantially involved in a proposed development project, including real estate executives, architects, engineers and others. Such donors would also be barred from fundraising or gathering political donations for city officials.



For the record: An earlier version of this article misspelled Sean McMorris name as Shawn.

The push for new restrictions comes as the FBI carries out a corruption probe of City Hall. No one has been arrested or charged, but the ongoing investigation has added new fuel to long-standing worries about political donations influencing decisions on what gets built in L.A.

The commission also backed new restrictions on behested payments  donations solicited by politicians for charitable or governmental causes. And it endorsed the idea of barring businesses, organizations, unions and other entities from giving to candidates and officeholders, allowing only political donations from individuals.

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Such a move would ultimately require voter approval.

Tuesdays votes represented a sea change for the commission, which previously had been hesitant to pursue such aggressive restrictions. The commission held off on pursuing a developer donation ban last year, citing legal and practical concerns.

The proposals now head to the City Council for consideration. Councilman David Ryu called for his colleagues to swiftly take up the proposed ban, which had languished at City Hall for two years before being revived last month, along with the other proposed ethics measures.

A perception of corruption and pay-to-play politics, fueled by the outsized influence of developer money, threatens the very foundation on which we stand, Ryu said. Twice I have tried to advance legislation that would target this problem. And twice I have seen this legislation go ignored while the problem only gets worse.

FBI agents raided the home and offices of Councilman Jose Huizar in November, carrying out an array of materials, including a cardboard box marked Fundraising.

Investigators have also sought evidence of possible bribery, kickbacks and extortion involving Huizar, Councilman Curren Price, aides to Mayor Eric Garcetti and Council President Herb Wesson, and others tied to downtown development, according to a warrant filed in federal court.

The package of proposed rules was billed by the Ethics Commission as the agencys most comprehensive set of restrictions on contributions and fundraising since it was established by voters in 1990.

In a new report, commission staffers said real estate developers made up roughly one-third of those targeted for violations in the last decade. Staffers also pointed to the ongoing criminal case against real estate developer Samuel Leung, who was charged last year with making illegal donations to politicians after a Times investigation.

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At Tuesdays meeting, activists urged the city to move ahead with a developer donation ban.

We support a ban on developers not because theyre lesser people, but because theyre not greater people, said Sean McMorris of the nonprofit Represent.Us.

Some critics of the proposed ban have argued that instead of prohibiting developers from donating, the city should pare back the power of council members over what gets built, so developers do not need to court the favor of politicians.

Others have questioned the legality of singling out real estate developers.

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Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn., predicted that any crackdown on donations directly to campaigns would simply spur much bigger donations, known as independent expenditures, to outside committees that support L.A. candidates. Those groups have no limits on the amount of money they can accept.

Money is like water. It always finds a way to flow, he said.

Commission members also recommended that the city allow only individuals to donate to candidates and officeholders.

Doing so, staffers argued, would make it easier to tell who is giving, but would also require a change in the City Charter, which would have to go before voters. The only exemption from the proposed people only rule would be for political parties, according to commission officials.

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The change would prohibit donations to candidates from city employee unions, which are a major force in municipal elections. The Los Angeles Police Protective League, which represents police officers, argued such a move would trample on its members free speech rights.

Stripping away the voices of workers is the wrong approach, the leagues board said in a statement.

Union members would still be able to give as individuals. David Burke, founder of the nonprofit Citizens Take Action, argued that banning contributions from corporations and other entities would in no way stifle debate, since there was nothing that a corporation or other entity could express that individuals could not.

The Ethics Commission also voted for new restrictions on behested payments: charitable donations made at the request of politicians. City elected officials would be barred from asking for such donations from restricted sources, including lobbyists, city contractors, and people who had business before the city in the last year.

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That prohibition would not apply in some cases, however, such as when charitable donations are solicited from the general public.

Out of 597 behested payments reported by city politicians in the last five years, at least 311 came from donors with business before City Hall, according to an Ethics Commission analysis.

Although behested donations can be valuable for local charities, we also recognize that there is a significant potential for corruption, commission policy director Tyler Joseph said.

The vote comes three months after The Times reported that Huizar had personally asked companies that do business at City Hall to donate to Bishop Mora Salesian High School, where his wife was working as a professional fundraiser. The Times also reported that former Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan asked real estate companies building projects in L.A. to help fund Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrations.

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And this week, The Times reported that Councilman Mitchell Englander had been heavily involved in an annual fundraiser for the North Valley Family YMCA, yet had not reported any behested donations since 2013.

Under state law, L.A. elected officials have to report such fundraising requests only if they result in a donation totaling $5,000 or more. Commissioners recommended that the city lower that threshold to $1,000 and require more information to be turned over by donors.

emily.alpert@latimes.com

Twitter: @AlpertReyes

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david.zahniser@latimes.com

Twitter: @DavidZahniserThe fate of Californias high-speed rail project was cast into further doubt Tuesday when the federal government announced plans to cancel $929 million in grant funds, a move U.S. officials linked to violations of the grant agreement but some view as political payback.

The action marks an escalation in the battle between President Trump and the state of California since Gov. Gavin Newsom said last week that the project lacked a path to complete a statewide system and vowed to scale back the $77-billion mega-project.

The Transportation Department also said it was actively exploring every legal option to get back an additional $2.5-billion grant that is being used to finance the construction of 119 miles of rail line in the Central Valley.

The two federal grants represent about one-fourth of all the funding for the project to date  money critical to completing the Central Valley portion and finishing environmental reviews for other segments between San Francisco and Los Angeles. If the funds are lost or tied up in a long legal battle, the state would probably have to either make up the money elsewhere or further curtail the project.

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Newsom on Tuesday vowed to block the move, arguing that it was political payback by the Trump administration.

Chairman of troubled bullet train project resigns 

Its no coincidence that the Administrations threat comes 24 hours after California led 16 states in challenging the Presidents farcical national emergency, Newsom said in a statement, referring to Trumps emergency declaration to secure funding for his wall on the Mexican border. The President even tied the two issues together in a tweet this morning. This is clear political retribution by President Trump, and we wont sit idly by. This is Californias money, and we are going to fight for it.

Earlier in the day, Trump had declared on Twitter, The failed Fast Train project in California, where the cost overruns are becoming world record setting, is hundreds of times more expensive than the desperately needed Wall!

Ronald Batory, chief of the Federal Railroad Administration, the transportation agency that made the grants in 2009 and 2010, laid out a lengthy legal argument Tuesday for why the state was out of compliance with the grant agreement. Batory said in a three-page letter to California High-Speed Rail Authority Chief Executive Brian Kelly that the state has materially failed to comply with the terms of the agreement and has failed to make reasonable progress on the project.

Batory alleged that the state had failed to spend required matching funds, falling short by $100 million as of December. He argued that it will fail to complete the Central Valley construction by a 2022 deadline required by the grant. Batory also said the state has not submitted required financial information  such as reports on what has been delivered to date  that would allow federal regulators to oversee the grants. It also has failed to take corrective actions after regulators raised concerns in 2017 and 2018.

The letter also cited Newsoms State of the State speech last week that outlined a plan to build a limited operating segment between Merced and Bakersfield as a significant retreat from the states initial vision and commitment.

The rail authority said Tuesday afternoon that it would respond in detail to those allegations in coming days.

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Newsom said in his speech that the project needed to be rethought and that the initial run would be within the Central Valley, not the San Francisco-to-Los Angeles route voters approved a decade ago.

Bullet trains? Monorails? An end to speed limits? Californias transportation future is going to be a wild ride 

But lets be real, Newsom said in the speech to lawmakers. The current project, as planned, would cost too much and respectfully take too long. Theres been too little oversight and not enough transparency. Right now, there simply isnt a path to get from Sacramento to San Diego, let alone from San Francisco to L.A. I wish there were. However, we do have the capacity to complete a high-speed rail link between Merced and Bakersfield.

In the hours that followed Newsoms speech, Trump demanded that California return $3.5 billion in federal funds, and headlines proclaimed the Democratic governor was abandoning the ambitious project championed by his predecessors  a story line that Newsom denied and one that his team has scrambled to correct.

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Although Newsom said the full project will eventually be completed, his tough remarks clearly sent a signal about his tepid support for the project and triggered some managers in the project office to consider leaving.

Whether the Trump administration can actually cancel the $929-million grant, which in legal terms is called de-obligating the funds, remains unclear. The possibility of ordering a refund of the $2.5-billion grant that is already being spent is even a bigger legal uncertainty.

Former congressman Jeff Denham, a Central Valley Republican who chaired the House rail subcommittee and is an outspoken critic of the project, spent years with his staff trying to figure out whether it would be possible to de-obligate the funding and ultimately decided it could not be done by congressional act.

The federal action to terminate the grant wades into uncharted legal territory.

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I cant recall of any precedent, said Art Bauer, a longtime state Senate Transportation Committee staffer who was deeply involved in the early planning on the high-speed rail. They never claw back money. They are saying you are not getting money we committed to you. They are setting up a big fight.

But in this case, Bauer said, the governor unwittingly gave the federal government a reason to back away from the project.

Although the federal regulators alleged that the state violated the terms of the grant, Bauer said such performance is typical in federal funding for transportation. Just look at any highway project. They are never done on schedule or on budget. They are often not done within the original scope.

The supporters of the project are really going to go through the roof, he added. I imagine a good part of the congressional delegation will gang up on the Department of Transportation and the federal Railroad Administration. But there is no love lost.

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The Trump administration action is likely to add further fuel to critics, including those in California, who want the project stopped. Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) said Tuesday that the entire project should be scrapped and funds redirected to Central Valley projects that would benefit the state.

Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno), a vocal critic of the project, said, It doesnt matter what the state says about not giving the money back, he said. The feds can, in fact, claw that money back.

Times staff writer Sarah D. Wire in Washington contributed to this report.L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner works for the Board of Education, but some board members say they need to know more about where he intends to take the nations second-largest school system.

Board member Scott Schmerelson put his concerns on the table at Tuesdays meeting in a resolution that ultimately led the board to informally rebuke the schools chief for his lack of transparency.

Beutner took his medicine, pledging 100% cooperation in providing the board with information in the future. He said Schmerelson could expect to see reports from district consultants paid to work on a reform effort within days.

In other action Tuesday, the board rejected a proposal to give schools full control over which teachers they hire. And a board majority chose to name a school after a veteran administrator whose long, meritorious service was marred by his role in allowing an employee accused of sexual misconduct to return to an L.A. Unified campus.

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Schmerelson took Beutner to task for not providing the contracts and the work done by consultants who have been advising him on the plan he is developing to restructure the district.

Beutner has said that his overarching goal is to bring decision-making and resources closer to schools to better serve students and cut costs. But so far he has shied away publicly from specifics.

The Times in November obtained information that Beutner was considering a plan to divide the school system into about 32 networks of schools that would have substantial independence but that also would be held accountable for improving student achievement.

Beutner has been getting advice on his plan from an assortment of outside consultants paid by private donations managed by the California Community Foundation. Because of that arrangement, his staff initially did not provide The Times either the consultants contracts or the work theyve produced.

Schmerelson first asked for that information in early October  and Beutner pledged at a Nov. 13 board meeting that he would provide the materials. But he did not follow through.

Ultimately, Schmerelson put a resolution on Tuesdays agenda to require Beutner to supply the documents. On Thursday, the district gave more than 100 pages of contracts to board members and The Times.

These documents lay out proposals for an annual school rating system and for networks of schools that choose which services to purchase from the central office. They do not make clear to what extent the networks could go outside the district to shop for key services such as food, student transportation and hiring.

On Tuesday, Schmerelson thanked Beutner for providing the contracts but reiterated his demand to see the consultants work.

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The secrecy has got to stop, Schmerelson said. Its an affront to me and to the constituents I represent.

I remain incredulous, he added, that it took four months and a formal resolution to get you to disclose these documents.

Schmerelson said it was important for the board and the public to know which reforms philanthropists think should be driving this district.

When Beutner, a successful businessman, took the job in May, both he and the board majority that hired him called transparency a top priority. (Schmerelson did not vote to give him the job, citing his lack of experience managing schools or school districts.)

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Even Beutners allies on the board sided with Schmerelson at the meeting. Richard Vladovic said providing board members with information was a sacred thing. He and board President Monica Garcia spoke of how frustrated they got when previous administrations withheld information.

The board voted 5 to 1 in favor of Schmerelsons resolution. Garcia voted no, suggesting that the tone was unnecessarily harsh: I expect better of this body in the way it deals with its employee and I am accepting [of] the ability to learn.

Beutner said that from the start, he and district employees have been developing his strategic plan, not the consultants.

Discussion of the matter took only about eight minutes. The teacher hiring debate took nearly two hours. The central question was whether principals or school hiring committees should have the right to reject teachers they dont want to hire.

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The current practice is that most schools have to be willing to take displaced teachers  permanent employees who need a place to work. The vast majority of these teachers have lost positions as a result of declining enrollment.

Under union and district rules, such teachers are entitled to jobs. When spots in schools cant be found, they become expensive substitutes.

Some schools  including many low-achieving campuses  already can refuse teachers. Board member Nick Melvoin brought forward the motion to extend these rights districtwide. The final vote was 4 to 2 against it, with only Garcia joining him.

Melvoin had hoped for support from Vladovic, but Vladovic withdrew his co-sponsorship when Melvoin raised concerns about a motion Vladovic supported to name Avalon Continuation High School after retired administrator Dan Isaacs.

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In a later interview, Melvoin said that the district had not properly obtained parent input. It held one meeting, but no parents showed up. Then, Melvoin said, somebody talked to parents who were dropping off students  and claimed five of seven supported honoring Isaacs, even though they were unlikely to have known who he was.

Melvoin said he was also bothered by an internal district report that years ago said Isaacs was partially responsible for letting a school employee who was removed from one campus for suspected sexual misconduct to return to work at another campus. The employee, Steve Rooney, later molested children at Markham Middle School in South L.A.

Melvoin said he did not mean to tarnish Isaacs reputation but that he needed more information. The case had special resonance for him because he started his teaching career at Markham the year after Rooneys arrest.

Several speakers praised Isaacs integrity, intelligence and decades of service  including years as an assistant superintendent and district chief operating officer. The board voted 4 to 1 to rename the Wilmington school after him. Melvoin voted no, and Kelly Gonez abstained.

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howard.blume@latimes.com

Twitter: @howardblumeThe man former Gov. Jerry Brown tapped to rescue the California bullet train in 2011, Dan Richard, resigned Tuesday as chairman of the troubled project.

Richards departure, along with the exit of former Bank of America executive Mike Rossi, marks the end of the Brown era of governance for the high speed rail authority after years of cost growth, schedule slippage and failed efforts to attract private investors.

Lenny Mendonca, a former McKinsey & Co. partner and now co-owner of a Half Moon Bay brewery, was selected by Gov. Gavin Newsom last week to replace Richard and was installed by a unanimous vote of the rail board as the new chairman.

The leadership change comes just a week after Newsom ignited an uproar with tough remarks that the project lacked a plan to complete the statewide train system. He also ordered new transparency measures.

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Bullet train went from peak California innovation to the project from hell 

Richard had long been the face of the rail project, involved in almost every political and operational detail, though he was an unpaid board member. Richard, a former PG&E executive and a leader in projects that extended the BART transit system in San Francisco, had been a confidant of Brown since his early days as governor in the 1980s. Rossi, meanwhile, exerted his own hard-nosed influence over the project, attempting to improve controls and data reporting through an audit committee that he chaired.

Richard, an attorney by training, was lauded for his political savvy, helping to hold together the political coalition backing the rail line and meeting tirelessly with local officials, union leaders, legislators, critics, opponents, farmers and federal officials. Under his tenure, the project launched construction of 119 miles of rail in the Central Valley and obtained approval for a 25% share of the states greenhouse gas fees, amounting to about $750 million annually.

But Richard presided over a decision to issue construction contracts when the state lacked land to actually build anything, a move that later cost millions of dollars in claims and delays. And Richard denied reports for years that the program was going over budget and slipping behind schedule, including a 2016 risk assessment by the Federal Railroad Administration that warned of a $3.6 billion cost increase for construction in the Central Valley. By 2018, the rail authority admitted that costs had grown by more than that  to $10.6 billion.

Trump administration to cancel $929 million in California high-speed rail funding 

In a statement, Mendonca said, Today, I want to recognize Dan Richard and Mike Rossi for their unyielding commitment to this project and for their exemplary public service. Im looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work to make high-speed rail a reality in California.

In remarks to the board, Richard said it had been an honor to serve as board chairman over the last seven years. He thanked fellow board members, staff, Brown and his late wife Jackie.

Both Richard and Rossi played roles more extensive roles than typical of government board members, and acted as de facto executives and managers. Richard was nearly always present at legislative and congressional hearings, ribbon-cutting ceremonies and key behind-the-scenes meetings with federal officials.

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But Richard had come under growing criticism, both publicly and privately, as the projects fortunes dimmed. Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman Jim Frazier (D-Discovery Bay) called on Richard to resign in November after the state auditor released a scathing audit that found mismanagement had caused billions of dollars in cost growth and long schedule delays.

After being assured multiple times that these ongoing issues were being addressed, it is apparent to me that the authority has been less than forthcoming, Frazier said. They have continually lied to us about performance. Richard has had every opportunity since 2012 to correct these problems and has failed. Richard owes it to California taxpayers to step aside and let new leadership take over.

At the time, Richard dismissed the criticism, saying he had no need to respond to errant and uninformed attacks.

In his state of the state address last week, Newsom simply announced that Mendonca would be his selection as the new chairman, though there is no legal mechanism to remove a rail authority board member. Mendonca formally took Rossis slot on the board, so Newsom has the opportunity to appoint another representative to Richards slot.

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Richards exit is one of the few times over the last decade that any official has been held accountable for the performance of the project.

ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedianIt was pretty clear when the wooden crates started landing in hotel rooms all over Milan  each one containing a papier-mache-style mask of Greek mythologys Hermaphroditus with the seat assignment stuck to the inside  that Guccis fall and winter 2019 mens and womens runway show would be a thought-provoking one. And the houses creative director Alessandro Michele didnt disappoint.

Staged in an elliptical venue with mirrored floors, bench seats and ceiling, it alternated between near total darkness and staring-into-the sun brightness that was both dazzling and more than a little alarming  and accompanied first by vicious-dog snarling and then religious chants. The models, most of whom could be seen only in snapshot-like moments, were accessorized with colorful, face-obscuring masks that ranged from sun hats with see-through visors to Mardi Gras-style masks with spikes jutting from the cheekbones as well as hammered metal jewelry that clipped over entire ears or covered entire eye sockets.

Looks from the fall and winter 2019 Gucci runway show. (Matteo Bazzi /ANSA)

A certain metaphysical prejudice has always seen the mask as a concealment tool, Michele wrote in the show notes, something used to fake reality. Something that would make us irremediably authentic. But if by authenticity we mean the possibility to stick to the idea we have of ourselves, the mask becomes the means through which we can become what we feel we are.

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If that sounds a lot like the old clothes-as-armor notion  with some Eyes Wide Shut styling thrown in for good measure  youre in the ballpark. At a post-show press conference, Michele explained, with the help of a translator, his inspirational starting point.

Looks from the fall and winter 2019 Gucci runway collection. (Matteo Bazzi /ANSA)

I think it came from a reflection on dressing, the notion of appearance, he said, us[ing] the metaphor of the mask to talk [the idea of clothing] as a mask that shows something about both the inside and the outside [of a person] at the same time ... It is both concave and convex. Clothes, like masks, he explained, can be used to both define and defend us.

The spikes bristling from masks and medieval-looking collars? Those, Michele said, were inspired by 16th and 17th century collars he spotted at an auction (I didnt buy them, he noted). In addition to underscoring the idea of a defense mechanism, he explained that they also reminded him of the kind of spiked collars dogs wear. Have you seen the love that dogs have for their masters? Dogs are loyal and dogs defend their owners, so I sort of combined a couple things together.

Despite being one of the shows literal standouts, Michele said he didnt think the spiky things would be headed to retail. Theyre apparently dangerous, he said, adding that some things are there [just] to make us dream.

Details from the fall and winter 2019 Gucci mens and womens runway collection. (Matteo Bazzi /ANSA)

Which brings us back to the things from the runway that will, more than likely, be headed to a store near you for fall: Heavy on shades of beige and blood red, the collection included voluminous wide-legged trousers (the fall and winter 2019 trend that cant be stopped apparently); broad, sharp-shouldered jackets; exploded houndstooth-check suits; harlequin-patterned dresses; floral-festooned three-quarter-length coats; argyle-patterned sweaters (argyle also seemed to be having a moment at London Fashion Week); riotous pattern-blocked short-sleeve shirts; pleated allover-print high-waisted trousers (the print looked like florals from afar, but upon closer inspection, appeared to be a safe-for-work version of the entwined lovers a la the Kama Sutra); red leather suits and boots ; and double-breasted navy blue blazers.

Pointy runway-only face masks aside, Guccis fall and winter mens and womens collection is full of all kinds of wonderful, wearable, statement-making clothes. The only decision youll need to make is which version of yourself you want the world to see  and pick your mask accordingly.

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adam.tschorn@latimes.com

For more musings on all things fashion and style, follow me at @ARTschornLady Gaga and fiance Christian Carino broke off their engagement, a spokeswoman for Gaga confirmed on Tuesday. No additional details were provided.

Rumors of the couples split began at the Grammy Awards earlier this month, when the 32-year-old Oscar-nominated actress and musician was spotted without her engagement ring.

Gaga and Carino, a talent agent, started dating in 2017. During Octobers annual Elle Women in Hollywood event, Gaga went public with her marriage plans with Carino, 49, while giving an onstage speech.

Gaga was previously set to marry Chicago Fire actor Taylor Kinney, but the five-year couple went separate ways in 2016.

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Gaga still has big plans ahead. Her work on A Star Is Born garnered her two nominations at this Sundays 91st Academy Awards. Shes up for lead actress and best original song for Shallow, which already won two Grammys.In another puzzling twist in the investigation of a reported attack on Empire actor Jussie Smollett, the Cook County states attorney recused herself from the case Tuesday as prosecutors in her office began questioning two brothers who had been possible suspects.

States Atty. Kim Foxx said little about why she made the decision to stay out of the intensely covered case, releasing a one-sentence statement through a spokeswoman that read: Out of an abundance of caution, the decision to recuse herself was made to address potential questions of impartiality based upon familiarity with potential witnesses in the case.

Foxx did not elaborate on the familiarity and did not name the potential witnesses. Her first assistant, Joe Magats, will oversee the case, the office said.

Hours earlier, two brothers who had been under arrest in the case appeared at the criminal courthouse to talk to prosecutors and detectives, authorities said. They and their attorney, Gloria Schmidt, were seen near the grand jury rooms Tuesday afternoon, but police said they did not appear before it.

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Schmidt declined to comment as she left the courthouse around 3:40 p.m. Foxxs statement was released around the same time.

Authorities have said they have more questions for Smollett, 36, after questioning the brothers while they were in custody for two days last week. The two men, aged 25 and 27, were released late Friday, hours after police had called them possible suspects. The Tribune is not identifying them because they have not been charged with a crime.

Smollett, who is African American and openly gay, has said he was walking from a Subway sandwich shop to his apartment in the 300 block of East North Water Street at about 2 a.m. on Jan. 29 when two men walked up, yelled racial and homophobic slurs, declared This is MAGA country, hit him and wrapped a noose around his neck.

Police initially said they were investigating the reported attack as a hate crime, but after talking with the brothers, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the trajectory of the investigation changed. A source said detectives were now investigating whether Smollett paid the brothers to stage the attack.

Information from the brothers allowed investigators to discover where the rope used for the noose had been purchased, according to the law enforcement source.

The shift in the investigations focus came amid growing skepticism on social media  doubts that Smollett addressed in a national TV interview and in a strongly worded statement after the brothers were released.

Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with, read the statement from his attorneys. He has been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth.

The statement said one of the brothers was Smolletts personal trainer, the first time he has acknowledged knowing either of them. The two also reportedly worked with Smollett on Empire.

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The brothers, who are also black, were taken into custody Feb. 13 after detectives tracked their movements on surveillance cameras on a quiet Streeterville street east of Michigan Avenue, where Smollett says the attack took place.

After the brothers were released from a South Side police station Friday night, their lawyer was vague about what information they turned over to police. Pressed about whether Smollett set up the attack, Schmidt said, Theres still a lot of moving parts to this. ... Im not part of Jussies defense. Im not part of whats going on with him. I can just tell you that my guys [are] innocent of the charge and theyre going home.

A week before the incident, Smollett told police he received a threatening letter at work. Witnesses told police a postal worker dropped off the letter at the Chicago studio where Empire is filmed. It was postmarked in southwest suburban Bedford Park on Jan. 18 and bore two American flag stamps. The letters MAGA were written in the upper-left corner of the envelope. Federal authorities are investigating the origin of the letter.

Jeremy Gorner and Megan Crepeau write for the Chicago Tribune. The Tribunes Tracy Swartz contributed to this report.The federal government finally took a stand this week on vampires feasting on the blood of the young.

Its against the practice.

Actually, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about older people injecting themselves with the blood plasma of young donors  a fringe therapy thats marketed as a way to fight aging and a variety of illnesses, including dementia, Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers disease.

Simply put, were concerned that some patients are being preyed upon by unscrupulous actors touting treatments of plasma from young donors as cures and remedies, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement. Such treatments have no proven clinical benefits for the uses for which these clinics are advertising them and are potentially harmful.

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He added: Reports were seeing indicate that the dosing of these infusions can involve administration of large volumes of plasma that can be associated with significant risks, including infectious, allergic, respiratory and cardiovascular risks, among others.

Shortly after the FDAs announcement, a Monterey, Calif., start-up called Ambrosia Health said it would stop offering the injections. Customers paid $8,000 for a liter of young blood, $12,000 for two liters.

The vampire miracle cure is just one of numerous treatments that have formed a multibillion-dollar rejuvenation business as Americans grow older.

Some are legit, or involve minimal risk, such as taking fish oils to improve memory. Others are potentially dangerous or border on pure quackery.

People have been peddling anti-aging snake oil since Day One, said Kathy Black, a professor of aging studies and social work at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee.

Gerontologists have long said that theres a limit to how long you can live, she told me, and thats about 120 years.

Not that theres anything new about wanting to cheat death  human beings have been keen on the idea since at least the ancient Egyptians.

Whats different now is the combination of enormous wealth being focused on such endeavors and technological breakthroughs that promise at least a shot at longevity, if not immortality.

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Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has channeled much of his fortune into keeping the Grim Reaper at bay. Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page reportedly are heavy into anti-aging research, as is Amazons Jeff Bezos.

Dmitry Itskov, a Russian billionaire, has launched the 2045 Initiative, which aims to map the brain so our minds can be downloaded into robot bodies or synced with holograms.

Then theres Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel, who popularized the idea of harvesting the blood of the young.

He wrote in 2009 that hes opposed to confiscatory taxes, totalitarian collectives and the ideology of the inevitability of the death of every individual. He subsequently revealed that he was taking human growth hormone pills as part of efforts to live to at least 120.

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In an interview published in 2016, Thiel enthused about a process known as parabiosis, which sounds benignly academic until you learn that it involves taking blood from young people and injecting it into older people in hopes of tapping into a biological fountain of youth.

Thiel said we shouldnt be opposed to new ideas just because theyre, you know, totally freaky.

I suspect were a little too biased against all these things in society, he said.

Thiel apparently has yet to indulge his thirst for parabiosis. Or if he has, hes not publicizing it (which would seem wise). He declared in November that he has never injected himself with a young persons blood.

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I want to publicly tell you that Im not a vampire, Thiel said at an investment conference. On the record, I am not a vampire.

Well, its good to have that settled. Although, for the record, the issue here is injection of blood plasma, the liquid portion of blood, not the part with red blood cells. So Thiel hasnt quite put the matter to rest.

In any case, theres no shortage of interest in Silicon Valley.

Valter Longo, a professor of gerontology at USC, told me that when he meets with tech industry execs, there are lots of people talking about immortality. Its not about living to 110 or 120. Its about living to 1,000.

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He declined to identify these wannabe Dorian Grays. All Longo would say is that you hear some really delusional talk from some really famous people.

This isnt to say that medical breakthroughs arent worth pursuing.

Stem cell research, for example, holds promise for addressing a variety of ailments including diabetes and Alzheimers. However, as my colleague Michael Hiltzik has reported, claims of rejuvenation are, shall we say, exaggerated.

Aging is a source of stigma and shame in our society, so it is not a surprise that many individuals are looking to profit from this, said Meika Loe, a professor of sociology and womens studies at Colgate University and author of Aging Our Way: Lessons for Living from 85 and Beyond.

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Anti-aging quackery goes back for centuries, and for centuries people have been harmed by falling for the latest antidote to aging, she said.

Loe and Longo both said that even though there has been potentially promising research involving longevity of mice, theres precious little data about how such experiments can affect humans.

Not to be alarmist, but as an avid consumer of science fiction, I dont mind observing that whenever the government warns at the beginning of a movie not to inject yourself with other peoples blood, its just a matter of time before the human race is overrun by bloodsucking fiends.

Then there are the inevitable philosophical questions that would arise if anyone cracks the immortality code. Would it be available to everyone? Would we have two classes of people, immortals and non-immortals?

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Its time that we stop portraying aging as an illness, or something to fight, said Maria Claver, director of the gerontology program at Cal State Long Beach. Rather than trying to avoid aging, which is impossible, we need to focus on educating people about lifestyle choices that can optimize the aging process.

Black at the University of South Florida said the question people should be asking isnt how we can last 1,000 years. Its how we can have the highest quality of life for the time were given.

The trick, she said, isnt harvesting the blood of children. Its staying physically, mentally and socially engaged.

Which may not be as fun as living to 1,000, but it makes the most of being in the moment.

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David Lazarus column runs Tuesdays and Fridays. He also can be seen daily on KTLA-TV Channel 5 and followed on Twitter @Davidlaz. Send your tips or feedback to david.lazarus@latimes.com.UBS Group AG was ordered to pay more than $5.1 billion by a Paris court that found the bank guilty of helping wealthy French clients stash undeclared funds in Swiss accounts.

The criminal court ruled Wednesday that UBS illegally laundered funds by providing French customers with banking services to hide assets from tax authorities. The judges fined UBS $4.2 billion and added an additional $900 million in compensation to the French government.

The criminal wrongdoings were of an exceptionally serious nature, said Presiding Judge Christine Mee, who openly clashed with bank officials during a six-week trial. These acts were committed behind the veil of opacity.

For eight years, UBS has been dealing with the French probe  and bad press. Ahead of last years trial, the lender was accused in the indictment of laundering customers undeclared funds, and dispatching Swiss bankers across the border to seek out new clients even though they lacked the paperwork to offer such services in France.

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The size of the fine  the largest ever in France and likely one of the biggest in Europe  was likely a surprise to UBS, which had only set aside $640 million for litigation and other regulatory matters at its wealth management unit.

Analysts at Credit Suisse Group AG said the fine was four to five times larger than what the market expected. Mees ruling, however, was largely in line with the fine sought by prosecutors and the damages the government requested.

UBS said it would appeal the ruling, which delays the need to make any payments until there is a final decision from higher courts.

The bank has consistently contested any criminal wrongdoing in this case throughout the investigation and during the trial, UBS said in a statement. The charges of laundering the proceeds of tax fraud are without merit, as the predicate offence of an original tax fraud of French tax payers was not proven.

The Zurich-based banks shares were down 3.3% in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange. .

The French unit of UBS was also found guilty, as well as five former bankers who were defendants in the case. A sixth banker, Raoul Weil, was cleared by the court.

The concealment of assets and the unpaid taxes caused financial damages of an exceptional nature given the longevity and size of the fraud, Mee said.

The UBS case is part of a French crackdown on tax fraud operated through Switzerland thats seen the conviction of a former minister and a $340-million settlement with HSBC Holdings Plc  the largest criminal fine in France until Wednesday.

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For the first three weeks of the trial, all seemed to be going to plan for UBS. Testimony was consistent and in favor of the bank, with few biting questions from the judge or prosecutors. Then, mid-trial, Mee started telling defendants she didnt buy their explanations and her remarks became sarcastic. The judge cut off a UBS executive for lecturing her and even yelled at UBS main counsel for squabbling with a plaintiff lawyer during a defendants testimony.

The UBS investigation began with a whistle-blower report and twice the bank entered settlement discussions. The first attempt broke down in 2014 after UBS balked at entering a guilty plea. The second set of talks collapsed over how much the bank should pay, with the case ending up in court instead.

Though its no secret that thousands of French citizens dodged taxes by placing money in offshore Swiss accounts, the court was being asked to rule on whether there is clear evidence that shows UBS laundered such fraudulent funds between 2004 and 2012. In France, helping clients to conceal undeclared assets is considered money laundering.

Sebag writes for BloombergElon Musks Space Exploration Technologies Corp. and its rival United Launch Alliance will split six military space launches, as the Pentagon and Air Force announced results of the latest competition between the U.S.s national security launch providers.

Closely held SpaceX won a $297-million contract for two National Reconnaissance Office launches and one Air Force Space Command mission, the Pentagon said Tuesday without providing details.

United Launch Alliance  a partnership of Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co., the two biggest U.S. defense contractors  was awarded a $441.7-million fixed-price contract to launch the fifth and possibly the sixth Space-Based Infrared System early warning satellites. They are designed to provide an alert if intercontinental ballistic missiles are launched from Russia, China, North Korea or Iran.

Also included in the contract that United Launch Alliance won: the launch of a prestigious new secret payload in 2022 called Silent Barker. Its a collaborative effort with the National Reconnaissance Office, which manages the design and development of intelligence satellites.

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The satellites payload will provide threat indications and warning and space situational awareness information to better meet our warfighting mission, Gen. John Raymond, head of the Air Force Space Command, told a House Armed Services Committee panel last year.

SpaceX previously won six awards in competition with United Launch Alliance since it was certified in 2015 for national security launches, including missions to launch next-generation GPS-III satellites.

SpaceX won Air Force certification to take on military payloads after Musk campaigned before Congress and in the courts denouncing Boeing and Lockheed for having a monopoly on the Pentagons space business.

The Pentagons inspector general said this month it will begin an evaluation of the Air Forces 2015 certification of SpaceXs primary launch vehicles, the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, to determine whether the U.S. Air Force complied with the Launch Services New Entrant Certification Guide when certifying the launch system.

United Launch Alliance also has faced controversy over its dependence on Russian-built engines. It and other companies are working on developing a U.S.-built alternative.Southwest Airlines Co.s stock price slid after warning that the U.S. government shutdown hit sales harder than previously estimated.

The political stalemate that ended last month will reduce first-quarter revenue by $60 million as the aftereffects linger, Southwest said in a regulatory filing Wednesday. When the discounter reported earnings late last month, it estimated the impact would be $10 million to $15 million for Jan. 1 through Jan. 23. Uncertainty over whether there would be a second shutdown hurt demand.

With more of first quarter under our belt now, and a higher percentage of March bookings in place, we feel like we are at the point where we can reasonably quantify the total impact from the shutdown, Southwest said by email. Fares for bookings close to travel dates have been strong compared with last year, however, so we are hopeful that the softness in demand is a temporary issue.

Revenue for each seat flown a mile will rise 3% to 4% this quarter, the carrier said. It previously projected that the measure of pricing power would increase 4% to 5%.

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The 35-day shutdown, which ended Jan. 25, caused security delays at airports and put some government travel on hold. But since Southwests service is largely domestic, it doesnt have the same buffer from international flights as American Airlines Group Inc., Delta Air Lines Inc. and United Continental Holdings Inc.

Southwests share price dropped 5.7%, to $54.41, on Wednesday, the biggest one-day decline since Oct. 25.

Southwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly said government bookings  which are a relatively small but meaningful part of the airlines business travel  were clearly hurt by the shutdown. The U.S. shutdown also delayed approval of the airlines planned flights to Hawaii. The new service, which is expected to begin next month, will pressure profit margins by forcing the airline to discount early flights more than it had expected, Goldman Sachs analyst Catherine OBrien said in a note to clients Wednesday.

The company, meanwhile, is grappling with what it called an unprecedented number of aircraft taken out of service for mechanical issues. The carrier said it is investigating the cause, including whether the groundings are related to ongoing talks with a labor union. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Assn. said Southwest was attempting to divert attention from safety issues.

Southwest had scrapped 519 flights Feb. 15 through Tuesday, according to FlightAware.com, although the total included flights grounded by weather. Another 442 flights were grounded Wednesday, with operations also affected by a snowstorm in the Northeast. The carrier on Tuesday added its Dallas maintenance center to those in Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Orlando, Fla., that originally were covered by the alert.American Airlines has just banished two of the most annoying aspects of flying out of Los Angeles International Airport: traffic gridlock and the long security screening line. But it wont be cheap.

In the latest effort by the airline industry to cater to well-heeled travelers, the worlds largest air carrier launched a super VIP package Tuesday that includes a helicopter ride to LAX and security clearance at a cushy private lounge, with a Cadillac sedan ready to zip you to your plane. American is offering a similar deal in New York.

All that pampering can add more than $1,700 to the price of an airline ticket.

The package, known as Five Star Service, is part of an arms race among the nations biggest carriers to win over business travelers and wealthy leisure jet-setters who generate the lions share of airline revenues.

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Whatever they can do to get a celebrity or premium business traveler to spend thousands of dollars on a flight, its worth doing, said Seth Kaplan, editor of Airline Weekly, an industry publication.

The upscale offerings are becoming more and more elaborate as demand for air travel has surged and consumer confidence has climbed. But such swanky features might not last if the country hits another economic slump, Kaplan said.

These are the kinds of things you do when times are good, he said.

In May, United Airlines announced a deal that lets passengers get access to Private Suite, the private terminal on the outskirts of LAX where VIPs can check in for a flight, relax in luxury, clear security and get whisked to the plane in a new BMW sedan without having to go into an airport terminal and rub elbows with the common folk.

Over the last few years, United Airlines, Delta and American have all started offering premier travelers chauffeured Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Cadillac cars to make connections at LAX.

Delta Air Lines, which operates a private curbside entrance for VIP travelers and celebrities at LAX, launched a $1.9-billion renovation in 2017 to its LAX terminals. In 2021, the airline plans to unveil a swanky new Sky Club lounge to serve its premium passengers and top loyalty reward members.

Earlier this month, United said it planned to add more than 1,600 United Polaris business class pods  featuring lie-flat seats and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding  and United First seats to nearly 250 international and domestic aircraft.

Under Americans Five Star add-on package, fliers can grab a seat on a chartered helicopter that takes off from Van Nuys Airport, Santa Monica Airport or the rooftop of a parking garage near the Los Angeles Convention Center.

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Once the helicopter lands at LAX, the passengers will be driven in a Cadillac either to the off-site Private Suite facility for security screening or to the airlines upscale Flagship First Check-in at Terminal 4, where VIPs can handle all those mundane check-in and screening chores before hanging out in the airlines premium lounge.

The helicopter flight must be booked through a charter service called Blade.

The helicopter ride to LAX could add up to $1,350 to the price of a flight on American Airlines. In addition, American Airlines charges $350 for the Cadillac ride from the chopper to the carriers luxury facilities at Terminal 4.

There is a separate charge of $1,200 per couple to have the Cadillac drive the fliers to Private Suite to get access to its private screening.

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The No. 1 pain point of traveling from New York City and Los Angeles to the airports is traffic, Blade Chief Executive Rob Wiesenthal said in a statement. Our Blade airport transfer product turns an hour-and-a-half drive into a helicopter flight thats five to seven minutes.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.Foreign correspondent Lara Logan, once a rising star at CBS News with her war reporting, quietly exited the network last year.

Logan, whose reporting was mostly seen on 60 Minutes in recent years, left after her last contract with the network ended in 2018, a CBS News representative confirmed. Her departure went largely unnoticed until she appeared Monday in an interview cited by right-wing website Breitbart News.

In the interview, which got online attention, she agreed with podcast host and retired Navy SEAL Mike Ritlands description of the U.S. news media as absurdly left-leaning and a disaster for this country.

The media is mostly liberal everywhere, not just the U.S., Logan added. Weve abandoned our pretense, or at least the effort, to be objective today.

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Logan said that the issue for her was one of balance and that if the politics of the media were reversed that would also be a problem for me. Still she characterized her own remarks as career suicide.

CBS News had no comment on Logans interview, which was used by Breitbart and other right-wing outlets and commentators to bolster their narrative that the mainstream media have a liberal bias in their reporting.

Logan, a native of South Africa, became a fixture of CBS News international coverage starting in 2002 when she became a correspondent. She developed a reputation for her fearlessness, reporting from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan while embedded with U.S. forces.

Logan was sexually assaulted by a mob in Cairos Tahrir Square while reporting the celebration of the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. She discussed the incident on 60 Minutes three months later.

Logan was put on a leave of absence in 2013 after CBS News determined she made serious errors in a report on the Sept. 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, where four Americans died. Logan and her executive producer had failed to vet the comments of a defense contractor, whose account of the attack was later discredited.

Logan apologized for the error but appeared less frequently on 60 Minutes after the controversy. Her final piece on the newsmagazine aired in May.

stephen.battaglio@latimes.com

Twitter: @SteveBattaglioThe fallout from Amazons cancellation of plans to build a headquarters complex in New York City continues to rain down on local politicians who oppose tax giveaways to pay corporations to relocate or expand.

The debate boils down to one camp arguing that the incentives promised Amazon  nearly $3 billion in return for a project bringing 25,000 jobs to the city  were a bargain, and another camp arguing that it was wasteful and abusive to pay one of the biggest corporations in the world, headed by the richest man in the world, to move to a location it might have chosen anyway, and to lay out billions for a relatively meager gain in employment.

Each camp includes many members who feel that Amazon shot itself in the foot by announcing on Feb. 14 that it was giving up on plans to build the complex in the Long Island City neighborhood of the borough of Queens. The company cited local opposition, which didnt mollify Mayor Bill de Blasio, who had diligently supported the project.

If we were willing to give away $3 billion for this deal, we could invest those $3 billion in our district ourselves. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

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There was a clear path forward, De Blasio wrote in the New York Times. Put simply: If you dont like a small but vocal group of New Yorkers questioning your companys intentions or integrity, prove them wrong. Instead, Amazon proved them right.

Much of the ire over the canceled project has been directed at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), a leading critic whose Queens district neighbors the Amazon site. In an impromptu interview with CBS News after Amazon announced its withdrawal, Ocasio-Cortez greeted the news with unalloyed glee.

If we were willing to give away $3 billion for this deal, we could invest those $3 billion in our district ourselves, she said. We could hire out more teachers, we can fix our subways, we can put a lot of people to work for that money.

Andrew Ross Sorkin of the New York Times and CNBC came back at Ocasio-Cortez with a tweet bemoaning a financial literacy epidemic in America. (He meant, we presume, a financial illiteracy epidemic.)

Sorkin continued, Quick lesson: NYC wasnt handing cash to Amazon. It was an incentive program based on job creation, producing tax revenue. There isnt a $3 billion pile of money that can now be spent on subways or education.

This is partially wrong, and partially irrelevant.

First, some of the incentive was to be in the form of a $325-million capital grant to help Amazon pay for construction at the site  in other words, cash. Sorkin also overlooks that the deal would have deprived the city and state of a pile of money that could be spent on subways or education  two of the sectors that would suffer the greatest impacts from an influx of 25,000 workers and their families.

JUST IN: @AOC smiling after Amazon decides to not bring new HQ to NYC. "I think it's incredible!" she told @RebeccaRKaplan.

"It shows that everyday Americans still have the power to organize...and they can have more say in this country than the richest man in the world. @CBSNews pic.twitter.com/qkJvRfCFrQ  Bo Erickson (@BoKnowsNews) February 14, 2019

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Thats one of the fundamental flaws of many such incentive programs. They treat the appearance of new residents as an unalloyed boon, but ignore the costs of infrastructure needed to support them.

Typically, the taxes paid by the newcomers can be used to build new schools and hire teachers or add capacity to road and transit networks; tax abatement deals shortchange the community of that funding at the time its most needed.

New Yorks package, moreover, included at least $1.3 billion in refundable tax credits  that is, payments to Amazon even if it didnt owe the taxes in the first place. Altogether, New York would be paying Amazon as much as $120,000 per new job  a subsidy amounting to 80% of the average $150,000 first-year salary the company said it would be paying its New York employees.

There is a financial literacy epidemic in America.



Quick lesson: NYC wasnt handing cash to Amazon. It was an incentive program based on job creation, producing tax revenue.



There isnt a $3 billion pile of money that can now be spent on subways or education.  Andrew Ross Sorkin (@andrewrsorkin) February 14, 2019

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The employees wouldnt receive any of these benefits directly, since theyd still be on the hook for their own state and city taxes; the money would flow to their employer. In effect, they would be paying some of the incentive costs themselves.

What has gotten lost in the debate over the Amazon deal is how little the city would gain from its payout. Since December 2009, the end of the last recession, New York City has gained an average of 93,500 jobs a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Amazon said it planned to bring 25,000 jobs to New York over 10 years, or 2,500 jobs a year. Measured against the citys job growth, thats tiny, and underscores the questions about whether the city and state were offering too much.

One reality exposed by Amazons cancellation is that New York, in common with many other big cities, doesnt have a workable plan to build affordable housing in places where its most needed.

As Kriston Capps of CityLab reports, the borough of Queens is burdened by a local oversupply of luxury condos and a shortage of affordable housing. The advent of Amazon might have made this mismatch worse, by driving up rents in the areas closest to the development, displacing moderate- and lower-income residents. Capps observed that the percentage of Queens residents judged in 2016 to be severely rent-burdened, meaning they spent more than 50 percent of their income on rent  was 48.7%, the highest share of all five boroughs.

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New York City has been adding more than 93,000 jobs a year since the end of the last recession. Did it need to pay off Amazon to add 2,500 a year more? (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis)

These issues werent adequately aired before Amazon announced its plans to move to New York, because the city and state had arranged to take the City Council out of the loop. Their incentive package included a streamlined permit process that would have short-circuited local community questions about the projects impact. The consequence was an intensification of community opposition.

De Blasio acknowledged those shortcomings in the planning process, but too late  and he blamed the company, rather than his own administration or that of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, another supporter of the deal. Amazon seemed unwilling to bend or even to talk in earnest with the community about ways to shape their project, De Blasio wrote. They didnt want to be in a city where they had to engage critics at all.

When the critics became inescapable, he wrote, Amazon made its capricious decision to take its ball and go home.

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Can this company, or any other corporate behemoth, continue to take that approach? The reaction of New York activists to this deal suggests that the era of unnecessary corporate welfare may be coming to an end.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.

A Brazilian romance novelist is under fire after it was alleged that portions of one of her novels were lifted from other authors, including bestselling novelist Courtney Milan, who made the accusation on her Twitter account Monday.

Milan took to Twitter to accuse writer Cristiane Serruya of lifting passages from Milans 2012 novel The Duchess War for Serruyas book Royal Love.

Milan posted a link to a blog post, which appears to reproduce identical passages from The Duchess War and Royal Love. Several of the portions from Serruyas book appear to be word-for-word reproductions of Milans writing.

Milan said a reader alerted her to the wording issue in Serruyas book, and tweeted, Im not exactly sure how to proceed from here, but I will be seeking legal counsel.

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Milan is a lawyer who used to teach intellectual property law at Seattle University.

Then the story became much larger. On Twitter, Milan and other authors and readers began posting passages from Serruyas work that appeared to be lifted from other sources, sometimes using the hashtag #CopyPasteCris.

On Tuesday morning, Serruya initially seemed to deny the charges, tweeting at Milan, Good morning, @courtneymilan I just woke up to this and I am astonished. I would have never, ever, done this. I am in this writing for a few years now and I am also a lawyer. Could we perhaps talk?

Shortly after her first tweet, Serruya tweeted that her book did, indeed, contain plagiarism, which she blamed on a ghostwriter she had hired through Fiverr, a service that matches freelance creative professionals with those who want to hire them for gigs.

Serrya tweeted: I just woke up to distressing news that my work has plagiarism from other authors. I am taking down all the works I did with a ghostwriter on Fiverrwho btw has closed the accountuntil I have made certain this is solved.

Serruya later deleted her own Twitter account, making her tweets unavailable. But Twitter users captured screengrabs of her tweets before they were deleted.

Well that's cute. I'm sure I'm not the only one who took a screen shot of her ridic tweet though. pic.twitter.com/SunNCgRG6Q  Golden Angel (@GoldeniAngel) February 20, 2019

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As of Tuesday evening, Royal Love was no longer for sale on Amazon except through third-party sellers.By the aid of an eloquent tongue, he communicated his own faith to multitudes of his fellow citizens here and elsewhere and was thronged with purchasers, ready to trade even their hard earned homesteads for this easy-to-be-acquired wealth; and their eagerness was by no means lessened by the fact that he was ready to take any property offered and pay extravagant prices for it in iron stock. In this way he acquired title to nearly one-sixth of the real estate in our village. Very many of our optimistic citizens visited the mines and came back with their faith strengthened and their hopes enlarged. This speculative boom continued to expand with unabated growth through the winter and spring and through the year 1886, but collapsed in the year 1887. Some of the mines sought to be developed proved valueless, and the products of others, though of excellent quality, did not pay the expense of bringing them out, because of the necessity of transporting them to Cleveland, Ohio, for smelting. In order to raise money to carry on the business of mining he mortgaged a large proportion of his real estate for a heavy sum and the mortgage was subsequently foreclosed. In some of his sales he had guaranteed the future value of the stock sold and was compelled to make good his contracts. Had Mr. Burton been able to carry out his plans and realize his expectations, our village would no doubt have received great benefits from his success, as he had already accomplished some of them and inaugurated others. His ill success impoverished many small proprietors, and reduced the available capital of others, and thus checked enterprise and improvement. It also rendered real estate unsaleable at adequate prices until after the sale under his mortgage.The detective was concerned about Linns actions because he had earlier mentioned that his wifes doctor had refused to continue to fill her prescriptions for painkillers, with Linn saying that his wife was in a lot of pain, the court records show.

Linn had also asked the detective to give him leftover prescription painkillers that the detective had not used after a surgery, according to the affidavit. She refused, telling him that would be illegal.

Because of red flags raised by Linns statements and conduct, on Feb. 11 police put a camera in the evidence-processing room where drugs were kept and boxed for disposal, according to the affidavit. Footage on the camera allegedly showed Linn returning to the room, taking items out of a can and putting things in his pocket, along with what sounded like pills rattling.

Grosz said Linn was placed on paid administrative leave Feb. 13. Grosz said a separate internal investigation will focus on whether Linn violated any department policies.

During the search of Linns home, investigators confiscated three prescription bottles for oxycodone and hydrocodone painkillers that were issued to three different individuals  none of them Linn or his wife. There were also THC vape cartridges found in the home during the search.TOWN OF LINN  Voters have narrowed the field for Linn town clerk to Rose Miller and Charles Roan.

In today's primary, Miller finished in first place with 125 votes, followed by Roan with 44 votes.

Candidate Alyson Morris finished third with 38 votes and was eliminated from contention.

The two finalists will compete in the April 2 election to become the new town clerk.

Longtime clerk/treasurer Sue Polyock is stepping aside after nearly 30 years in office, and village leaders have restructured the position to create a full-time clerk with treasurer duties separated.

Miller, a real estate broker with Shorewest in Lake Geneva, has five years experience as village clerk in Hebron, Illinois. She ran for clerk/treasurer in Linn in 2013 and lost to Polyock.

Roan spent the bulk of his career piloting planes for commercial airlines between 1999 and 2008, and then he performed work as a registered nurse.

Roan holds degrees in nursing, clinical lab science, pharmaceutical science and journalism.Williams Bay had on the north shore of the Bay. The Smith Bros. Ice House was located east of Chicago & North Western depot, with a side track to the house for easy loading of insulated box cars. The second house, first known as the Knickerbocker Ice House and later as Ambrose Ice House, was located at the far end of the rail yard.

Ice harvesting was a labor intensive process. Ice companies hired local men as well as men recruited in Chicago for the average six-week harvesting season. Often the men brought from Chicago were of questionable reputation and werent welcomed into local boarding houses. The Knickerbocker/Ambrose Ice House had its own three-story boarding house for workers located on Elkhorn Road. The first floor contained the kitchen and dining room. The second and third floors housed more than 50 workers who slept in rows of bunks.

Lake ice was ready for harvesting when it was between 16 and 24 inches thick. Snow-covered ice had to be cleared using a horse-drawn plow before harvesting could begin. The ice was marked for cutting with a horse-drawn blade that was pulled in one direction and then the opposite until it was scored in even-sized blocks. Men would then use steel bars and chisels to break the blocks free. Men and horses were in peril during the scoring process. As least one team of horses were lost when they plunged into the freezing cold water in Williams Bay.The La Jolla Shores Association (LJSA) may have finally settled the ongoing debate about a charter revision that has been going back-and-forth since last summer.

At the LJSA meeting Feb. 13, the board approved the separation of the current La Jolla Shores Permit Review Committee (PRC) charter into two documents: a formal charter that would serve as an establishing document, and a set of bylaws that outlines policies and procedures.

PRC evaluates plans for development in La Jolla Shores on the basis of the La Jolla Community Plan, the Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, the La Jolla Shores Planned District Ordinance (the La Jolla Shores Design Manual) and the San Diego Municipal Code. The committee is comprised of eight members: five appointed by LJSA and three by the La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA).

LJSA chair Janie Emerson, LJSA member Dolores Donovan, and LJSA member and PRC chair Dave Gordon worked together in the days leading up to the meeting to create the two documents.

Most groups have something that sets them up into existence, in this case, a charter; and another administrative document, such as bylaws or policies and procedures that go through the nitty-gritty, day-to-day operation, Emerson explained. The charter is the existing ruling document for La Jolla Shores PRC. By separating the documents, changes could be made as needed to the bylaws while preserving the charter.

The newly drafted documents broadly define the meeting schedule and a potential recusal policy, and other logistical changes. For example, the draft bylaws state: Meetings shall be held monthly, or as required, at a regular time and date to be determined by vote of a majority of the members, rather than defining a specific date at which the board would meet.

Additionally, the draft charter states: If a committee member has a conflict of interest, the member shall recuse and comply with the recusal procedures of the LJCPA, rather than creating its own specified policy. So whatever the LJCPA policy is, thats what the PRC policy will be, Emerson later told La Jolla Light.

The LJCPA will put a vote to its general membership March 7 to determine whether to adopt a new recusal policy to allow applicants who are also trustees to stay in the room during an informational presentation so they can answer questions about their projects, but may not vote.

The discussion  on whether and how to change the PRC charter and/or create bylaws  has been underway since July 2018, at which time Gordon recommended the change and distributed a draft to Shores PRC trustees. At the time, he suggested changing the charter itself and renaming it as bylaws. After a few months with no feedback, Gordon put the change to PRC trustees for a vote, but it was then that opposition emerged.

Nevertheless, the board voted to approve the suggested changes. The revised document was submitted to the LJCPA for ratification in February. After more opposition, and a request to have the LJSA review the changes, the LJCPA agreed to postpone a vote to March.

What I proposed, which PRC approved 6-0, was one document (called bylaws), Gordon said. I would still prefer that  but because of the significant resistance, I acquiesced and worked out the details so they are complete. Rather than drag this on any more, I will support this. I think it will accomplish the same thing in the long run.

A motion to approve the charter as one document passed 9-0-1 and a second motion to approve the creation of the bylaws as a separate document passed 9-0-1.

They will once again go before the LJCPA for ratification.

In other LJSA news

Village/Shores partnership: La Jolla Village Merchants Association executive director Jodi Rudick and board president Brett Murphy were in attendance to propose ways the two groups could work together to better promote business across La Jolla.

We are working very hard to focus our energy on bringing business to La Jolla, Rudick said. When people think of La Jolla, we dont think they differentiate La Jolla Village from La Jolla Shores in their mind.  We would love to have conversations with you to see if there are ways we could support you and help you.

Early ideas include expanding the banner program, through which banners are hung on light poles in The Village and The Shores to cross-promote businesses. A meeting to shoot ideas around was agreed to, with a date and location to be determined.

Shuttle gets green light: La Jollan and La Jolla Traffic & Transportation sub-committee members Dan Allen spoke to garner LJSA support for a proposal to have the City prepare plans and find resources to provide shuttle or feeder transit service to link central La Jolla to the nearest trolley stop (which has not been determined yet) when the Mid-Coast Trolley extension goes live in 2021.

The trolley route would connect Downtown San Diego to the UTC area with no connection to The Village or The Shores. A motion to also support the shuttle proposal passed 8-0-1.

Map update: In speaking for Friends of La Jolla Shores, whose current project is The Map educational display, Terry Kraszewski said the installation will be postponed in light of oceanographer Walter Munks passing on Feb. 8. (Munk was a supporter of The Map project.)

Part of the reason Friends of La Jolla Shores wanted to install The Map in spring was so Walter could see it, she said. Now that that sense of urgency is not there, there are some additional educational components we would like to include, and push the installation to fall of this year. The in-development Map uses mosaic tiles to depict marine life out at sea off La Jolla Shores.

Waterless urinals: LJSA trustee Joe Dicks reported on Feb. 20, he would be meeting with reps from the San Diego City Council to discuss the process to have waterless urinals installed in City facilities and La Jolla Shores businesses to reduce water use. From there, he would reach out to the corresponding person at the state level. A report on these meetings would be given at a future meeting.

 La Jolla Shores Association next meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 at Martin Johnson House on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus, 8840 Biological Grade. lajollashoresassociation.orgLifeguards conduct two rescues

At the Feb. 13 La Jolla Shores Association meeting, San Diego Lifeguard Lt. Rich Stropky reported two storm-related rescues in recent weeks.

The first, around 8:30 a.m. Jan. 21 in front of The Marine Room restaurant, saw two boogie boarders wanting to ride the King Tides after they banked off the seawall, not a good idea, Stropky said.

He explained the two boarders seemed to be in distress, so a snorkeler swam out to help them and in turn, got stuck in the current. The snorkeler really got into trouble. So we ended up rescuing him and he needed care at the beach and to be taken to the hospital. One of the boarders got out on his own, and we were able to rescue to the other, Stropky said. But everyone got out.

The second rescue took place around 3 p.m. Feb. 2 near the Box Canyon cliffs, during what Stropky called a flurry of rain and rapidly moving water toward the ocean.

An adventure team hiking there got stuck, specifically two women, he said. They were on somewhat high ground  so we tried to get a helicopter for the rescue, but pilots couldnt fly because of the conditions. So we were knocking on doors and ringing on gates in La Jolla Farms to see if we could access the backyard and throw ropes down to rescue those people.

And thats how we rescued one of them. The other slipped, fell into the water and was carried 40 yards down to the edge, where there was a 20-foot drop onto the beach into a pool of water. She almost drowned because the water was pushing down on her. But the lifeguards got it her out. It was a very eventful thing.

Lifeguards rescue boogie boarders (in forefront) in front of The Marine Room restaurant during King Tides, Jan. 21, 2019 in La Jolla Shores. (Courtesy)

Police Blotter

Jan. 22

Vehicle theft, 800 block Coast Blvd., 6 p.m.

Feb. 4

Threaten intent to terrorize, an unknown suspect called and texted the victim and threatened to cause harm to her and her family, in what police are considering credible threats, a reason was not disclosed, 300 block Mesa Way, 8 p.m.

Feb. 5

Vehicle break-in/theft, 5400 block Caminito Herminia, 5 p.m.

Feb. 6

Petty theft, 2200 block Torrey Pines Road, noon

Feb. 7

Fraud, 600 block Gravilla Place, noon

Violate civil rights by force or threat, 5500 block Bellevue Ave., 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8

Fraud, 7900 block Herschel Ave., 10:21 a.m.

Grand theft, over $950, 5700 block Santa Fe St., 10 p.m.

Feb. 9

Vehicle break-in/theft, 1100 block Van Nuys St., 6:37 a.m.

Feb. 10

Sexual Battery, details not provided by deadline, 7400 block La Jolla Blvd., 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 12

Vehicle break-in/theft, 8600 block Villa La Jolla Drive, 6:09 p.m.

Petty theft, 5400 block La Jolla Blvd., 7 p.m.

Feb. 13

Vandalism (less than $400), 5700 block Dolphin Place, noon

Vehicle break-in/theft, 5500 block Beaumont Ave., 4:30 p.m.

 Compiled by Ashley Mackin-SolomonA groundswell of activism is already forming ahead of a June California Coastal Commission (CCC) meeting that could determine the fate of access to La Jollas Childrens Pool for the next decade.

Notices have been posted at Childrens Pool indicating the CCC would hear a proposed amendment to the permit that would allow the installation of a guideline rope, including support posts, foundations, informational signs a three-foot opening to provide beach and ocean access and to create a buffer between humans and harbor seals that haul out on the La Jolla Childrens Pool beach through Aug. 14, 2029.

Another notice posted indicates the CCC would hear an amendment that would allow for the closure of Childrens Pool beach to all public access during harbor seal pupping season (Dec. 15 to May 15) through Aug. 14, 2029.

The next CCC meeting in San Diego is June 12-14 at a location to be determined. The date at which the Childrens Pool permits will be heard has not be scheduled. In the meantime, beach access advocate Ken Hunrichs has been making the rounds to community groups to garner attendance at the June CCC meeting. He spoke at the La Jolla Community Planning Association Feb. 7, and will do so again, and plans to speak at the La Jolla Parks & Beaches meeting Feb. 25, to ask both groups to formally object to the permit extensions.

The beach is currently closed Dec. 15 to May 15 annually by way of a chain barrier across the middle level stairs, and a rope barrier intended to be a visual deterrent to keep humans away from harbor seals is in place the rest of the year. But getting to this point was almost 10 years in the making.

In 2010, a 130-foot rope was approved by the City of San Diego to separate humans and harbor seals during the annual pupping season; in 2012, it was extended to 152 feet, leaving a three-foot opening for divers and spear-fishermen. It would be installed in the early morning hours of Dec. 15 and come down May 16.

In 2012, the City approved a permit to install and maintain the rope barrier year-round.

The guideline rope, in place during non-pupping season months, is intended to keep humans away from harbor seals at Childrens Pool beach.

The decision to close Childrens Pool entirely was approved by the San Diego City Council in 2014, and by CCC soon after.

In 2015, CCC voted to extend the permit for the rope by four years. To avoid redundancy and public confusion, CCC required the rope come down when the beach is closed.

The rope barrier and beach closure would be heard at the June CCC hearing as one package.

We object to both the beach closure and the rope permit extension, said Hunrich, referencing Friends of Childrens Pool. Childrens Pool was built for a reason and it is not for seals. For five months out of the year (pupping season), we put people and beach access second to seals. If you go during the summer when there are no seals, people have to climb over and under the rope. The rope for me is a big problem.

He added when the rope permit was approved, the CCC asked the City to monitor and improve the water and sand quality at Childrens Pool, and improve ADA-access to the beach by way of a ramp.

They needed to study and investigate, which almost lets them off the hook from doing something. But there has been no improvement, the water quality is regularly below state standards and access for disabled people hasnt changed, Hunrich said. My feeling is that the City has had five years to do something about those issues and hasnt. The City seems to have their backs against the wall and really seems to want to keep it closed.

According the San Diego County Beach & Bay water quality program, Childrens Pool is sampled year round. Both historical and recent sampling confirms that water quality does not typically meet State health standards at this beach. As a result, a chronic (ongoing) advisory remains in place for this beach.

To address ADA-access, when the Childrens Pool lifeguard tower was reconstructed in 2016, an ADA-accessible ramp was installed to the restroom facilities, but not to the beach itself.

The Seal Conservancy of San Diego (formerly Friends of La Jolla Seals), who have historically supported the year-round rope and beach closure, said, they will continue to support these polices.

Speaking for the Seal Conservancy, representative Adrian Kwiatkowski told La Jolla Light: We consider the (rope and seasonal closure) as an elegant compromise that allows beach and ocean access for seven months of the year, and then for five months out the year  the winter months  the beach is closed for harbor seal pupping season. People can access the seawall, to the viewing area under the lifeguard tower, to view the seals and the beach.

He added that since these policies were put in place, there has been peace and an almost elimination of interaction between humans and harbor seals.

The (plan) accomplishes multiple goals on all sides and protects this unique harbor seal colony  the only harbor seal colony on the California mainland, south of Ventura County, where harbor seals come to the beach to haul out, rest and during the winter, have their offspring. It is an attraction in the community, (enabling) locals and tourists to see these seals their natural environment.

The Childrens Pool was created in 1931 when La Jolla philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps funded the construction of the seawall that surrounds the beach. She gifted the wall, and the beach it subsequently created, to the City.

I would hope at some point, common sense will return and this beach will be returned to the people, Hunrichs opined. Coastal access is being denied for half the year. Its leading to a bigger problem down the road where we could lose access to more and more of La Jollas coastline.

But, he acknowledges: its going to be difficult to change the direction of this ship, and he doubts the permits will be overturned.

The CCC hearing will likely next be discussed at the next La Jolla Parks & Beaches meeting, 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25 at La Jolla Rec Center, 615 Prospect St.

An agenda for the June CCC meetings will be posted as the date gets closer at coastal.ca.govWhen youve lived in The Jewel long enough, you come to know things that tourists and snowbirds miss. (For instance, La Jolla probably isnt Spanish for the jewel, but was translated from the Spanish from Kumeyaay Native-American for land of holes.)

Below are 11 of our other favorite examples. (If you can think of any we missed, enter them in the comments below this article!)

1. Someone was eaten by a shark here

You wont see this one in the tourism pamphlets, but on June 14, 1959, a 33-year-old engineer named Robert Pamperin departed this earth in one of the most gruesome ways imaginable.

According to sworn court testimony by his diving buddy, Gerald Lehrer, Pamperin screamed Help me! while diving for abalone off La Jolla Cove. He then rose upright and unnaturally high out of the water, the entire lower half of his body enveloped by the mouth of a 20-foot shark in an expanding pool of crimson water.

Lehrers story could never be physically corroborated because no body was found  or even parts  just Pamperins swim fin and inner tube, giving rise to conspiracy theories that, um, hold little water.

2. Bells Pavilion

Bells Pavilion was designed and built by architect Dale Naegle in 1968, in a highly secluded oceanfront spot south of Blacks Beach, for Sam Bell of Bells Potato Chips. (COURTESY LA JOLLA HISTORICAL SOCIETY)

Most tourists have no idea something this Jetsons cool exists in actual life -- much less on a bluff just south of Blacks Beach. The rare few who do know erroneously call it the Mushroom House.

One of the most spectacular structures in all of Southern California, Bells Pavilion was designed and built by architect Dale Naegle in 1968 as a guest house for Sam Bell of Bells Potato Chips (which used to be a thing).

And its as strong as it is stunning. Bell apparently wanted a structure that could withstand waves, rock slides and earthquakes.

A private tramway transports guests 300 feet almost straight down the bluff from a main house at 9044 La Jolla Shores Lane. (The original house was reportedly demolished in the 1990s.)

3. Secret public lot

This parking lot just south of La Jolla Elementary is not what it appears to be. (COREY LEVITAN)

The parking lot most people assume is dedicated to the La Jolla Seville condominiums next door  an impression reinforced by the occasional Seville resident  is actually a public lot maintained by the City of San Diego. Anyone can park there, for any amount of time up to 72 hours. The two signs reading NO PARKING: Unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at owners expense refer only to two specific off-limit areas within the lot, not the entire lot.

4. Raymond Chandler lived, worked and died here

Raymond Chandler, at one time the highest-paid screenwriter on the Paramount lot, lived and worked in this Bird Rock house. (COREY LEVITAN)

Although his literary canon keeps Los Angeles mythologized to this day, its actually La Jolla where best-selling novelist Raymond Chandler lived from 1946 until his death in 1959. And he didnt retire here. Instead, La Jolla was where he wrote The Long Goodbye, The Little Sister and his final completed Philip Marlowe novel, 1958s Playback, which thinly fictionalized La Jolla as Esmeralda and set scenes at both La Valencia and the Marine Room.

Chandler spent most of his final years in a ranch house with his ailing wife, Cissy, at 6005 Casmino de la Costa. (The Bird Rock house was remodeled beyond recognition about 10 years ago, after a failed attempt to get it historically designated.)

After Cissy died, just before Christmas 1954, Raymond drank regularly at LaVs Whaling Bar (which closed in 2013), but also enjoyed driving into The Village every afternoon to go food-shopping, check the mail and chat with familiar faces. He died of pneumonia at Scripps Clinic on March 26, 1959.

5. Modern La Jollans live atop ancient La Jollans

This marker sits on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus atop the first ancient archeological site found in La Jolla. (COREY LEVITAN)

Dig this: Some of the oldest known archaeological sites in the Western Hemisphere are in La Jolla. It seems the soft soils that make La Jollas bluffs unstable also keep artifacts and remains well-preserved  some under as much as 10 feet of it.

The first site was discovered underneath the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus in 1962. Then, in 1976, two sets of nearly 10,000-year-old skeletal remains (from a man in his 20s and a woman in her late 30s) were unearthed near the UC San Diego chancellors home. In 2016, the remains were returned to the La Posta, one of the Kumeyaay bands of Native Americans who occupied this area.

6. Tom Wolfe was played and got it mostly wrong, according to La Jollans who were there

Author Tom Wolfe introduced La Jolla to the East Coast intelligentsia, but La Jollans claim his reporting was largely inaccurate. (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE)

In 1965, Tom Wolfe spent somewhere between a few days and a month at Windansea Beach (depending on who you believe) investigating a dangerous underground society called the Pump House Gang (which served as the title for a 1966 New York Magazine article and a 1968 book of his collected stories).

Nearly all published accounts from La Jollans who were there claim that the late author approached some surfers in the parking lot, who belonged to the Mac Meda Destruction Company social club, but got run off. So he was forced to hang with some younger kids who claimed La Jolla Water System Pump House 21 as turf because no one else wanted it.

These kids talked big. They told Wolfe what they thought he wanted to hear  tales of drugs, debauchery and surfing derring-do  and he ran with it with minimal fact-checking.

7. Bunker hills

The Old Blockhouse is the biggest, but not the only, World War II bunker left standing on Mt. Soledad. (COREY LEVITAN)

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941), cement-fortified bunkers were built high enough into the hills of La Jolla to look out for and attack Japanese ships, subs and airplanes. Many still exist, though most are hard to find.

Since these things were built to withstand shelling, it was nearly impossible to demolish them once peace was declared. So many of todays houses were simply constructed on top of them. Other bunkers  such as one at the end of Avenida Manana  were obscured by landscaping meant to discourage visitors/vandals.

Fortunately, the easiest one to find was the biggest and highest of the bunkers. Nicknamed Old Blockhouse by long-ago residents, the currently abandoned building at 7110 Via Capri was used by the Signal Corp. as its primary San Diego lookout, and also functioned as a hub for radio transmissions and land lines to military bases all over the Pacific.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography owns the building, but hasnt used it since 2012.

8. San Diegos most scenic trail

This view awaits you on the trail through the La Jolla Heights Open Space Preserve. (LIGHT FILE)

A narrow trail cuts through 42 untouched and very public acres on the top of Mt. Soledad, providing the most jaw-flooring views in Southern California. Managed by the Citys Parks and Recreation Department, the La Jolla Heights Open Space Preserve wends through low-lying brush 800 feet above La Jolla. The trail begins by the bridge by Al Bahr Drive  park where it meets Soledad Avenue  and winds uphill 1.5 miles to Encelia Drive. And theres not a private property sign in sight.

9. The railroads all around us

The La Jolla Methodist Church building at 6063 La Jolla Blvd. was actually constructed as the San Carlos Station for La Jollas old streetcar line. (COURTESY LA JOLLA HISTORICAL SOCIETY)

When Pacific Beach was founded in 1887, a railroad was built to connect it to downtown San Diego. An extension to La Jolla followed on May 15, 1894. That line went belly up in 1918 and its tracks were removed and sold for scrap metal to Japan.

But remnants of a second La Jolla railroad, the San Diego Electric Railway (SDER), are everywhere. Operated from 1924 to 1940, the West Coasts first electric streetcar system has tracks buried beneath tar, asphalt and mud along La Jollas streets and the bike path. In addition, the frontage of Bird Rocks main San Carlos Station now forms the La Jolla Methodist Church at 6063 La Jolla Blvd.

10. Secret underwater memorial

A San Diego Freedivers member cleans algae and sediment off of one of the markers left for fallen water sports enthusiasts at Tombstones. (COURTESY VOLKER HOEHNE)

A couple hundred yards off Boomer Beach, under about 35 feet of water, lies a collection of about 40 stones with names etched onto them. Although the area is nicknamed Tombstones, no bodies are buried here  only markers for free-divers and other popular ocean legends who have passed on from accidents and other causes. (The first markers honored the deceased members of the Bottom Scratchers, an exclusive diving club founded in 1933 by Old Town residents Glenn Orr, Jack Prodanovich and Ben Stone.)

Since it is illegal to add heavy rocks to the ocean bottom without a permit, the existence of Tombstones is a locals-only secret.

11. Secret underwater graveyard

The wreckage of the USS F-1 submarine, shown in a photo provided to the Light by the U.S. Navy, has sat untouched off the coast of Bird Rock for more than a century. (COURTESY U.S. NAVY)

Actually, most La Jollans dont even know about this one, since the Navy didnt declassify the information until 50 years after the tragedy

Somewhere between 6 and 15 miles off the coast of Bird Rock, the remains of 19 lost souls remain onboard the wreckage of the USS F-1. The submarine sank on Dec. 17, 1917 after colliding with its sister ship, the USS F-3 during exercise maneuvers.

The two subs, along with the USS F-2, were making a surface run from San Pedro to San Diego. Point Loma was just ahead when they all decided at the same time to change course to clear a fog bank. Each had signaled their intent by radio, but none had received the others messages.

Only five F-1 sailors escaped.

Because of the depth of water and the lack of submarine rescue equipment, no attempt was made to locate the sub at the time. And the Navy, which located the site in the 70s, considers it a sacred grave and does not want it disturbed.

 Can you think of any secrets we missed? Enter them in the comments section below!Editors Note: La Jolla Lights People in Your Neighborhood series shines a spotlight on notable locals we all wish we knew more about! Light staff is out on the town talking to familiar, friendly faces to bring you their stories. If you know someone youd like us to profile, send the lead via e-mail to editor@lajollalight.com or call us at (858) 875-5950.

La Jolla resident Mike Sager has some stories. And hes gone to extreme lengths to get them  hanging out with a crack gang in L.A., with teenage pit-bull fighters in Philadelphia and with Aryan Nation members in Idaho.

A chronic chronicler of Americas ugly underbelly for Esquire magazine, Sager is also a best-selling author who wrote the books that became Boogie Nights starring Mark Wahlberg, Wonderland starring Val Kilmer and Veronica Guerin starring Cate Blanchett.

Sagers own remarkable story started out while he attended Georgetown University as a law student. After three weeks, he dropped out and applied to be a reporter at the Washington Post. He failed both the spelling and typing tests, but was hired as a copy boy on the graveyard shift. This got him the foot in the door he needed, as a freelancer, to break an investigative story that landed him on the front page and got him hired as a staff writer  by Bob Woodward of Watergate fame!

Since 1997, Sagers been living in a gorgeous hillside house in Upper Hermosa, out of which he runs his own publishing company, the Sager Group, which releases books by Sager and a stable of his authors.

He chats with the Light in his den off the pool.

How did you have the nerve to apply at the Washington Post with no journalism experience?

A frat brother at Emory was the son of a long-time style section reporter. She got me the interview with HR. But I did have some experience. I had been editor of the Emory newspaper, the lit mag and their insiders guide to Emory, as well as an intern at the alt-weekly Creative Loafing. Once I got to the Post wire room, I read the paper and felt as if I could do it just as well. And I set out to prove it. It took 11 months. I was too naive to believe I couldnt.

What was Bob Woodward like as an editor?

Woodward was great. He let me achieve, and then he recognized me for it. And I havent stopped trying to live up to it since. But he didnt understand feature writing. At all. He was a news person. One time, I was telling him about these white people who were all Sikhs and wore turbans and lived in this house in Georgetown, and they had this shoe store. They were like a cult. So I told them I thought this was the greatest story and I wanted to go live with them for a week. I remember he asked me how many of them there were. So I told him, and he didnt think it was a story because there were only 37 people. I stayed a couple of years at the Post but my head was somewhere else  into Tom Wolfe, mostly.

Sager (far right) is shown in 1981 with his 'Washington Post' colleagues including (far left) Bob Woodward. (If it looks like they're on the set of 'All the President's Men,' that's because the movie was filmed in this newsroom.) COURTESY

Tom Wolfe comes up in another story in this issue, because of all the facts he got wrong in The Pump House Gang.

Wolfes The New Journalism started everything for me. The first essay in (the book) is all about scoop slobs versus feature writers. It was the first real epiphany Id ever had in my life. Id been equipped by the Post with the best field education of reporting any person could get, and Wolfe took the caul off my eyes in terms of what you could do with all this.

But didnt Wolfe and New Journalism care about emotional truth at the expense of factual truth?

No, thats not true, but that was the beef with New Journalism in the early years because of Hunter Thompson. He was clearly interpreting reality, not reporting it  although it masqueraded as reporting.

You worked as Hunters assistant for a 1990 Rolling Stone story. What was that like?

It was very exciting and makes for some great stories, but personally, Ill say it was like being with the Ghost of Christmas Future, and kind of learning how not to become  learning not to let my life and my work overlap until I didnt know what was what.

It was two-to-three weeks and each day was sort of 36 hours. There were a lot of drugs involved. He was addicted and not in his right mind. And he was the sweetest person ever. There were moments where it was revealed to me that he had the sweetest heart and was really a nice person, and a person in a lot of pain. But he was like that fraternity kid in the movie who all the kids egg on because hes the one thatll do all the stupid stuff. Hes got to be, like they say in theater  louder, faster, funnier  which is one of my writing principles, but its not a great way to live.

What was it like living with Aryan Nation members?

I got sent by GQ to Idaho to go find white supremacists after the Atlanta bombing. Some of the people I was hanging out with in the Aryan Nations compound were childish and some were, I would say, developmentally disabled. So I just left the place feeling not worried or scared about this Aryan Nations threat at all, even though I had a black Jewish son and they kept talking about the n****** and k**** and the and all that stuff. Sure enough, within a couple of years, they had been sued out of existence and the founder died.

Sager spent time with a Marine unit at Camp Pendleton in 2000  the first unit to arrive in Afghanistan following 9/11. COURTESY

What was your favorite piece to write?

My most exciting piece was probably when I lived with the crack gang, the V13 in Venice, in the beginning of the crack wars. It was a Venice gang of Hispanics, living across the street from the Venice Shoreline Crips, who sold heroin and had low-riders and the zoot suits and the whole bit. That was an amazing story because Margaret Mead is perhaps my greatest influence  living within a situation where I dont belong.

How would you describe your approach to embedding yourself?

I am not good at asking questions. I dont know what to ask before I get there, usually. If Im going to live with a crack gang, what do I know? And what do all these people know who have written articles about it? Because thats one of the greatest things Ive ever learned, through all of this. Almost every single article Ive read in preparation to go do another article, had all this stuff that was just not quite right.

As a good journalist  or even as a good person  you need to listen to what the enemy is saying, if only to know what theyre about. When you yell back at the television, you dont hear what theyre saying and you need to hear. If you dont understand what theyre saying, youre not going to get the story right, and you cant just understand what theyre saying by what they say  because its not what people say, its what they do. Everybody knows that about everyone.



So I just hang around. I watch, I learn and I listen. I dont have a story if not for these people, so I have to honor them.

Sager's old 'Rolling Stone' press badge COURTESY

Why did you move to La Jolla?



Because it faced the ocean, the airport was easy to get to, and it was not L.A. But I moved mostly because of the blizzard of 1996 and also because we were living in a neighborhood that was crack-infested. There was lots of crack where I lived, one mile from the White House on what they called the 14th Street Strip. That enabled me to afford the house, of course, but then when I was married and a kid came along, living in the crack neighborhood wasnt that cool  especially after I suffered a bad beating at the hands of eight-to-10 crackheads.

Were you embedded with them?

I was not. I was a civilian that night. Ive never been injured on the job, because I would never be working in a situation with dangerous people if I didnt have my groundwork laid. Lets just say my groundwork wasnt laid in this situation.

So then I had the good fortune to have a number of things that sold  Boogie Nights and some other movies. In 1996, I sold the story about Janet Cooke, who was the Pulitzer fabulist who won the Pulitzer for a story about an 8-year-old heroin addict and had to give it back. That sold for a lot of money. And that, in turn, caused another project to sell, Veronica Geruin. And I got a deal with Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney. Over the years, Ive sold more than 20 options on stories  some more than once.

So I took that money, sold my house in the ghetto, and I found this house in 1996, when there was a recession in San Diego. It needed work, but I was here.

Does La Jolla influence your work in any way, or does it just make it easier to work?French President Emmanuel Macron, right, looks at a vandalized grave during a visit at the Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim, eastern France, Tuesday Feb. 19, 2019. AP-Yonhap



French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday promised action as he visited a vandalized Jewish cemetery, while thousands rallied across France in protest at recent acts of anti-Semitism.



Former presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy as well as Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo and serving politicians joined crowds thronging Place de la Republique in Paris.



"Anti-Semitism is a scourge, it's an attack on the republic," socialist Hollande told journalists, adding: "Anti-Semitism isn't a Jewish issue, it's an issue for all French people."



"We will take action, we will pass laws, and we will impose punishments," Macron promised earlier as he visited the small graveyard in Quatzenheim alongside France's Grand Rabbi Haim Korsia, members of the Jewish community and other locals.

"Those who have done this are not worthy of the republic," he declared.





Svastikas are painted on graves at a Jewish cemetery, on the day of a nationwide marches against a rise in anti-Semitic attacks, in Quatzenheim, near Strasbourg, France, Feb. 19, 2019. EPA-Yonhap



Eighty gravestones at the cemetery in the Alsace village were vandalized, local authorities said. Photographs published by regional newspaper Dernieres Nouvelles d'Alsace showed swastikas, the symbol of Nazi Germany, painted on gravestones.



It was the latest in a series of acts of anti-Semitism that have drawn widespread condemnation in France lately, and came a week after authorities announced that recorded anti-Semitic incidents rose by 74 per cent year on year in 2018, to reach 541.



Recent weeks have seen anti-Semitic graffiti appear in several places in Paris.



In a southern suburb, two trees planted to commemorate the spot where a young Jewish man was found dying after a barbaric kidnapping in 2006 were found vandalized days before a memorial service was due to take place.



On Saturday, prominent Jewish philosopher Alain Finkielkraut was showered with insults, some of them anti-Semitic, when he crossed paths in the capital with protesters from the Yellow Vest movement.





(From L to R) President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher, French President Emmanuel Macron and President of the French National Assembly Richard Ferrand visit the Shoah memorial, in Paris, on February 19, 2019. AFP-Yonhap



Condemnation of the attack on the cemetery came from Israel too, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was calling on "the leaders of France and Europe to take a strong stand against anti-Semitism."



"It is a plague that endangers everyone, not just us, and it must be condemned wherever and whenever it rears its head," Netanyahu said.



Macron did not join the protest in Place de la Republique, but instead visited the Shoah (Holocaust) Memorial in Paris after his return from Quatzenheim.



Along with National Assembly President Richard Ferrand and Senate President Gerard Larcher, he laid a wreath at the memorial, in Paris' central Marais district, formerly a stronghold of the city's Jewish community.



Far-right leader Marine Le Pen's National Rally was not invited to join the demonstrations, which were jointly called by other political parties ranging from the radical left to the conservative right.





People take part in a rally against antisemitism, at Republique square in Paris, on February 19, 2019. AFP-YonhapThis illustration released on May 3, 2017 by the Obama Foundation shows plans for the proposed Obama Presidential Center with a museum, rear, in Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side. This view looks from the south with a public plaza that extends into the landscape. AP-Yonhap



A federal judge gave the green light Tuesday to a parks-advocacy group's lawsuit that aims to stop for good the delayed construction of former President Barack Obama's $500 million presidential center in a Chicago park beside Lake Michigan.



Supporters of the project had hoped the court would grant a city motion to throw out the lawsuit by Protect Our Parks, some fearing any drawn out litigation might lead Obama to decide to build the Obama Presidential Center somewhere other than his hometown.



A lawsuit brought by another group in 2016 helped to scuttle a $400 million plan by "Star Wars" creator George Lucas to build a museum on public land on Chicago's lakefront. That museum is now under construction in Los Angeles.



Judge John Robert Blakey heard arguments last week on the city's motion to dismiss. Blakey did toss parts of the suit in his Tuesday ruling, but concluded the group has standing to sue because it represent taxpayers with concerns that providing parkland in the public trust to the Obama center violates their due-process rights.



Blakey's ruling doesn't mean the group will necessarily prevail in the end, but confirms that the suit poses a formidable threat to the project. The judge indicated that he doesn't want the litigation to drag out, and that he would strictly limit any fact gathering leading up to trial to 45 days.





Former President Barack Obama, right, smiles while answering questions at the My Brother's Keeper Alliance Summit in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. AP-Yonhap



"We are pleased that the court dismissed some of the claims and made clear that the proceedings will move forward expeditiously," said Chicago corporation counsel Ed Siskel. It was also the view of the Obama Foundation in its one-sentence reaction to Blakey's ruling.



Blakey tossed the plaintiffs' claim that their First Amendment rights would be violated if tax money is used to construct a building to promote former President Barack Obama's political interests. The judge said that question could be litigated only when or if the center actually began promoting political causes.



He also tossed the plaintiffs' allegation about aesthetic and environmental damage to Jackson Park, saying they hadn't laid out how specifically they would be harmed as individuals and so had no standing to sue on that issue.



Plans call for the center to be built in Jackson Park, which was named after President Andrew Jackson and was a site for the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. The site 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of downtown Chicago is near low-income neighborhoods where Obama worked as a community organizer and is just blocks from the University of Chicago where Obama was a law professor. It is also close to the home where the Obamas lived until he won the presidency in 2008.



The center was originally slated to open in 2021, though ground hasn't yet broken because of the lingering litigation.





In this April 1, 2013, file photo, President Barack Obama, accompanied by first dog Bo, reads "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. AP-Yonhap



In its 2018 suit, Protect Our Parks accused the city of illegally transferring park land to a private entity, The Obama Foundation, effectively "gifting" prized land to a Chicago favorite son. The group said city officials manipulated the approval process and tinkered with legislation to skirt long-standing laws designed to ensure residents have unobstructed access to lakeside parks.



"Defendants have chosen to deal with it in a classic Chicago political way ... to deceive and seemingly legitimize an illegal land grab," the lawsuit says.



To make the park available for the project, the Chicago Park District first sold the land to the city for $1. Illinois legislators amended the state's Illinois Aquarium and Museum Act to include presidential libraries as an exception to the no-development rules if there's a compelling public interest. The Chicago City Council approved the project by a 47-to-1 vote last May.



The Obama Foundation, a private nonprofit, would pay $10 to the city for use of the park land for 99 years, cover the costs of building the complex and be responsible for covering operating costs for 99 years. Once built, the Obama Presidential Center's physical structures would be transferred to the city for free, meaning the city would formally own the center but not control what happens there.



"They are essentially giving (property) to Obama ... for 10 cents a year for 99 years," parks advocacy lawyer Mark Roth said Thursday.





Museum of Science and Industry in Jackson Park in Chicago. Photo from Chicago Architecture Center



Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, center right, is received by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center left, at the airport in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Feb.19, 2019. APChoi Yong-jin, third from right, head of Data Labs at SK Telecom, and Greg Goldkamp, right, in charge of business strategy at Microsoft, join hands with other officials after signing a business partnership agreement in Silicon Valley, Feb. 15 (local time). / Courtesy of SK Telecom



By Jun Ji-hye



SK Telecom has teamed up with Microsoft to release big data analytics systems based on cloud computing, in a bid to target the global big data market estimated to be worth 11 trillion won ($9.8 billion), the Korean telecom firm said Wednesday.



The nation's top mobile carrier signed a business partnership with the U.S. software giant in California's Silicon Valley on Feb. 15 (local time).



Under the deal, SK Telecom plans to launch its big data analyzer Metatron on Microsoft's cloud platform Azure.



The two firms will jointly develop services and carry out global marketing.



The Korean firm said it will use the latest partnership as an opportunity to enhance its presence in the global market.



Azure is the world's No. 2 cloud platform, used in 140 nations.



Microsoft was quoted as saying that Metatron will raise the competitiveness of the Azure platform.



Metratron, which provides quick and easy data analysis, is a system for data collection, storage and visualization.



The system helps establish big data infrastructure and sorts out faulty goods based on image analysis technologies.



About 10 enterprises in diverse industries, including SK hynix and Industrial Bank of Korea, use Metratron, according to SK Telecom.



The service does not require clients to establish physical servers. They can simply download the service from Azure, increasing convenience and reducing expense.



SK Telecom and Microsoft will release their first service, Metratron Asset Performance Management (APM), in July.



Metatron APM offers real-time data analysis to detect anomalies and predict trouble for manufacturers to help them boost production efficiency.



"Through collaboration with Microsoft, the marketability of SK Telecom's Metratron has been recognized in the global market," said Choi Yong-jin, head of Data Labs at SK Telecom. "We will continue to make efforts to offer the best big data analytics services."



SK Telecom has redoubled efforts to develop and secure new information and communications technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things and fifth-generation (5G) networks, in a bid to diversify business portfolio.



The firm is also joining forces with Hana Financial Group and Kiwoom Securities in a bid to form the nation's third internet-only bank.



SK Telecom said it will bring its AI, big data and quantum cryptography technologies to offer more advanced financial services.



During the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month, the firm also showcased new technologies for self-driving cars.

Seen is LG Chem's naphtha cracking center (NCC) plant in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. / Courtesy of LG Chem



LG Chem is aiming to become one of the top five global chemical firms by boosting its research and development into future growth engines for its core business, the company said Wednesday.



The chemical and battery making affiliate of LG Group enhanced its reputation in 2018 as the firm was named one of the world's top 10 chemical companies globally in a ranking by the U.S.-based Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN) magazine, published by the American Chemical Society.



This was the first time for a Korean chemical firm to be listed in the top 10. With the reputation the firm has accumulated, LG Chem said it aims to earn a spot in the global top five by 2025.



"For 2019, we have set a sales goal of 32 trillion won ($28.5 billion), a 13.5 percent increase year-on-year. By advancing our business structure and investing more in research and development, we are aiming to become one of the top five global chemical firms by 2025," the firm said.



To achieve sustainable growth, the firm invested more than 1 trillion won ($891 million) in R&D in 2018 and will continue to increase the investment by 10 percent every year.



To create an advanced business structure, LG Chem said it will focus more on high value products in basic materials and chemicals, and accelerate its business capabilities in products with high potential.



"We especially plan to keep investing in high value products such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and poly olefin, which are technology-based core products," the firm said.



LG Chem invested $100 million in its ABS plant in Guangdong, China, to expand production capacity by 150,000 tons per year. ABS is widely used in IT products and vehicles. The expansion is part of the firm's move to solidify its lead in ABS production  the company now has production capacity of 2 million tons.





LG Chem employees at a battery manufacturing plant in Ochang, North Chungcheong Province, inspect the quality of battery cells. / Courtesy of LG ChemRolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos touches the emblem of the Silver Ghost at the luxury car brand's new showroom in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, Wednesday. Only 35 Silver Ghosts were built in limited edition and one of them was displayed in the showroom to celebrate its opening. YonhapNew cars sit in a lot at the Auto Warehousing Company near the Port of Richmond in Richmond, Calif. in this May 24, 2018, file photo. AFP-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



Hyundai, Kia and other automakers here have been on high alert over a possible move by the Trump administration to impose tariffs on car imports since the United States reportedly concluded foreign cars pose a threat to its national security.



Company officials expressed grave concerns Tuesday that Korea's already weakened status as a car manufacturing nation will be further deteriorated, while consumers in the U.S. will end up facing higher prices for not only imported cars but also those manufactured in the country.



The Korean government has been holding a series of meeting with core figures of the Trump administration to contain the fallout of the possible tariff, but some government officials said "everything is up to President Trump's decision" and they are preparing for the worst case scenario of a tariff of up to 25 percent.



These concerns were triggered by the U.S. Department of Commerce's submission of its report to Trump Monday whether imported cars and auto parts pose a threat to the country's national security and should be affected by Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows tariffs up to 25 percent.



Upon the delivery of the report, Trump will make a decision within 90 days. Though the content of the report was not revealed, U.S. news outlets reported that the Department of Commerce has said car imports are "a national security threat" in the report.



Experts and domestic industry officials expect a 25 percent tariff on Korea-made cars will deal a serious blow to their exports to the U.S.



According to a Korea International Trade Association (KITA) report, the number of Korea's U.S.-bound car exports will decline by 22.7 percent, if the U.S. imposes a 25 percent tariff. The decline was sharper than other carmaking nations such as Japan with 21.5 percent, China with 21.3 percent and Germany with 21 percent.



And this will affect prices for U.S. consumers too. Under the 25 percent duty, Korea-made cars' average price will rise by 23.9 percent, higher than Mexico with 23.7 percent, Canada with 23.5 percent and Japan with 23.3 percent. The report attributed Korea's sharp price hike to the country's high manufacturing costs.



"Especially, nearly half of Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors U.S. sales last year were exported from Korea, meaning the tariff will deal a heavy blow to Korea's largest automakers," an industry official said.



According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA), Korea manufactured 4.03 million cars last year and 20.1 percent of them or 811,124 vehicles were shipped to the U.S. Of them, 542,228 were Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors cars, which account for nearly half of the two companies' U.S. sales of 1.27 million vehicle last year.



Reflecting such a concern, Hyundai Motor's shares have been on a downturn since last week, shedding for five straight sessions on Tuesday. Kia Motors also declined for three consecutive sessions.



GM Korea and Renault Samsung are also under serious concern. GM Korea exported 369,000 cars last year and shipped 160,000 of them to the U.S., accounting for nearly 45 percent of the total. Renault Samsung shipped 110,000 Nissan Rogues to the U.S., which account for 78 percent of the company's total outbound shipments.



"For GM Korea, the majority of its exports are compact and mini cars of the Trax and the Spark," said a source with knowledge in GM Korea. "Since those two cars' best advantage is price competitiveness, a tariff will directly shrink their sales. GM Korea is also aware of that and preparing various scenarios such as redirecting those cars to non-U.S. markets."



Industry officials said that prices of not only imported complete cars but also those assembled in the U.S. will rise, because the tariff will also affect auto parts.



"The tariff will also affect the prices for Korean cars assembled on U.S. soil, because their core parts for engines and transmissions are shipped from Korean auto parts companies," another official at a domestic carmaker said.



Toyota has already warned that the Camry sedans assembled in the U.S. could cost $1,800 more, if the U.S. imposes a 25 percent tax on imported parts and components.



"The tariff may shift the U.S. demand to its homegrown brands in the short term, because of price hikes, but it will undermine U.S. cars' price competitiveness in the global market due to increases in costs for securing auto parts," said Mun Byung-ki, an analyst at KITA's Institute for International Trade.



Time to solve labor issues through dialogue, compromise



Representatives from labor and management have agreed to expand the application calculation period for the flexible working hours system. This agreement, reached Tuesday, has significant implications as both sides managed to narrow their differences and strike a deal through dialogue and compromise.



The deal is the first of its kind since the Economic, Social and Labor Council started operations last November. The presidential council consists of labor, management, government and public interest groups. At first, few expected labor and management to reach such an agreement so quickly because the two sides were locked in tense negotiations.



It is also the first time in 16 years that the flexible working hours system has expanded the application calculation period which was set at three months in 2003. Now the agreement calls for the period to be as long as six months. This is aimed at helping businesses cope with problems stemming from the shortened 52-hour workweek which went into effect last July.



The Moon Jae-in government introduced the shorter workweek to better protect the rights of employees who had been forced to work far longer hours than the OECD average. However, employers have continued to call for more flexible work hours so they can let their employees work longer than 52 hours per week when necessary.



For their part, workers were strongly against this. They feared more flexibility in the reduced workweek might be abused only to allow employers to exploit labor. However at the last minute, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), one of the country's two umbrella labor organizations, compromised to accept the demand.



The Korea Employers Federation (KEF), which initially demanded the application period be expanded to one year, agreed on the six-month expansion. It also accepted the FKTU's call for better compensation for longer work hours and measures to provide a mandatory 11-hour rest period for overworked employees.



The compromise agreement reflects the stark reality, under which employers, particularly smaller companies and the self-employed, increasingly go out of business due to steep hikes in the minimum wage  16.4 percent in 2018 and 10.9 percent in 2019. The shorter workweek has added fuel to the fire.



We welcome the agreement, hoping it will serve as a model for solving other contentious issues that divide the nation sharply. Especially at a time when the economy continues to slow down, all economic players need to cope with their conflicting interests via negotiations and compromise.



The nation still has a long way to go. The progressive Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has boycotted the council. It has even threatened to stage a strike to protest the agreement which the hardline labor group calls a "change for the worse."



We urged the KCTU to join the council and make efforts for dialogue to find a negotiated solution for many pending labor and social issues. The pro-labor Moon administration should make concerted efforts to embrace the KCTU. It also must turn the agreement into a real win-win strategy for both labor and management.









By John J. Metzler





United Nations  Addressing a deeply divided nation, reflecting upon a tumultuous two years in his own presidency, but seeking a break in the political storm clouds over Washington, Donald Trump called upon the equally divided U.S. Congress to "choose greatness" and embrace a "moment of unlimited potential" for the United States.



Speaking at the annual State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress, PresidentTrump beseeched both his own Republicans and opposition Democrats to "govern not as two parties, but one nation."Trump added, "Victory is not winning for our party, victory is winning for our country."



Trump's speech was less about pedantic politics than governing in an age where political linesare rigidly drawn and opposition is fueled by a strident 24/7 news cycle on TV, radio and most importantly, social media.



He presented a measured but broad brushed legislative wish list.



"Together, we can break decades of political stalemate," the president extolled,"We must choose between greatness or gridlock, results or resistance, vision or vengeance, incredible progress or pointless destructionI ask you to choose greatness."



President Trump outlined key economic accomplishments of the past two years; record economic growth, the lowest unemployment in 50 years, and the creation of over five million new jobs, 600,000 in the manufacturing sector alone.Notably African-American and Hispanic-Americanunemployment have all reached their lowest levels ever recorded.



These are notable accomplishments affecting all Americans and reviving what was a moribund economy.



On the contentions China trade issue he asserted, "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."



Though the administration pursues a tough tariff showdown with Beijing, the fact remains that despite all the political theatrics, the U.S. trade deficit with the People's Republic of China rose againto over $400 billion last year from $375 billion in 2017.



He underscored that the U.S. is now the world's largest producer of oil and gas, which whileeconomically significant, strategically too this accomplishment lessens America's long-standing dependence on Middle East oil.



Just one year ago, war clouds shadowed the Korean Peninsula in the wake of North Korea's missile testing and reckless nuclear threats to Japan and the U.S.Now following the historic Singapore summit between the U.S. president and the North Korean dictator, the nuclear problem has yet to be solved but the nuclear clock has stopped ticking.



Trump added, "As part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula."Notably North Korean nuclear tests and missile launches have stopped. President Trump will meet Kim Jong-un for a second summit in Hanoi,Feb. 27 and 28, to pursue along overdue peaceful solution.



Addressing the singular threat to freedom in South America, the president underscored U.S.support for the legitimate government in Venezuela and its interim president Juan Guaido.



He asserted, "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."



This gave President Trump a rhetorical segue for the penultimate part of his address, "here in the United States, we are alarmed by a new call 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" he asserted.



Probably the most contentious part of the address dealt with the "urgent national crisis" of illegal immigration into the U.S."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," he said.



The president stressed, "Legal immigrants enrich our nation and strengthen our society in countless ways.We want people to come into our country, but they have to come in legally."



He added, "Tolerance for illegal immigration is not compassionate, it is cruel."Indeed the U.S. has accepted more legal immigrants than any other country in the world.



At times the address reached a Reaganesque tone and pitch.Fully 76 percent of CBS network poll viewers agreed with the president's speech.



Contrary to his pedantic and gloomy inauguration address two years ago, the State of the Union soared and brought Americans to a polemical plateau from where they could view a positivefuture if both political parties choose to work together.





John J. Metzler (jjmcolumn@earthlink.net) is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues.He is the author of "Divided Dynamism: The Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China."

By Kaushik Basu





NEW YORK  The nomination earlier this month of David Malpass, a senior U.S. Treasury Department official, for the post of World Bank president came as something of a relief. Malpass is, after all, the choice of U.S. President Donald Trump, who is known for backing extreme and unqualified job candidates. But that does not mean that Malpass is the ideal choice for the job.







In fact, while it could have been worse, Malpass' nomination was a distinct disappointment. For one thing, his skepticism toward multilateral institutions runs deep. For another, he is a Trump loyalist who has often stressed the paramount importance of economic growth  especially U.S. growth. More fundamentally, Malpass is conservative, and the World Bank is not.







To be sure, the World Bank was once the standard-bearer of economic orthodoxy, reflected in the post-Cold War policy cocktail of privatization and deregulation known as the Washington Consensus. The institution codified a set of archconservative rules on trade, capital flows, and fiscal and monetary policies, with which it then compelled developing economies around the world to comply.







But, over the years, the Washington Consensus has come under fire, with some of the most cogent attacks coming from a former World Bank chief economist, the Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz. Among other things, Stiglitz pointed out that the Washington Consensus was not a consensus at all. Instead, it was "a set of policies formulated between 15th and 19th streets" in Washington, D.C., by the U.S. Treasury, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.







By now, the World Bank, the IMF, and economists have moved away from the Washington Consensus. It is now widely recognized that devising effective economic policies demands sensitivity to the local culture and mindset, and that beyond reducing poverty, efforts must be made to curb inequality. After all, by stifling the voices of the poor  and giving the wealthy undue political influence  high inequality undermines democracy.







This is particularly important for the World Bank. Unlike the IMF, which is responsible for headline-grabbing responses to financial or economic crises, the Bank focuses on long-term solutions to longstanding problems, such as chronic poverty, malnourishment, and the retreat of water tables. That explains why four former World Bank chief economists were among the 13 economists from around the world who issued the 2016 Stockholm Statement, which summed up many of the views reflected in the shift away from the Washington Consensus.







Under Malpass, however, this progress could be undone, with the World Bank once again guided by the mantra of economic growth above all else. There is no reason to think that Malpass would uphold the World Bank's commitment to fighting climate change, or that he would encourage consideration of local realities, inclusiveness, or equitable distributive outcomes in creating policies. It is far from clear that he would treat the world's poor and poor countries with the appropriate respect or empathy.







What the World Bank needs is someone loyal not to the U.S. president, but to certain ideals and ideas. And, while the World Bank has always had an American president, from Eugene Meyer to Jim Yong Kim, there is no official reason why this must be the case.







At the World Bank, the United States has the largest share of the vote  15.98 percent  followed by Japan (6.89 percent), China (4.45 percent), Germany (4.03 percent), and the United Kingdom and France (3.78 percent each). Given this, the U.S. need persuade only another nine or 10 countries to support its nominee.







This would be easy enough. But, historically, Western European countries have always supported the U.S. candidate, while the U.S. has always backed a European to head the IMF. These countries owe it to the world to rethink this arrangement, in order to ensure that the head of such an important global institution is chosen on the basis of merit alone.







To U.S. President Barack Obama's credit, he appointed Kim, who beyond being a less-than-typical American (his father hailed from North Korea), had a track record of global engagement and a passion for development in some of the poorest regions of the world. Unfortunately, Kim left his post prematurely.







In this context, Europe, China, and India should be putting forward candidates as well, without regard for nationality. From Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to India's Raghuram Rajan, there is no shortage of options.







If Malpass does end up getting the job, we can only hope that he will surprise us  and Trump  by standing up for global values and interests instead of American exceptionalism, and by prioritizing equity, poverty reduction, and sustainability over short-term growth. After all, Robert McNamara came from the killing fields of Vietnam to become one of the most progressive heads of the World Bank.







But that does not mean that Malpass should simply be handed the World Bank presidency. It is too important a position to be filled by default.









Kaushik Basu, former chief economist of the World Bank and former chief economic adviser to the government of India, is professor of economics at Cornell University and nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate (



By Kang Hyun-kyung





In December 2005, Park Geun-sik, then president of now defunct Korean-Amerasians Association in Seoul, wrote a two-page letter to President Roh Moo-hyun.



With a brief introduction of himself as a biracial Korean born after the Korean War, he wrote that he and fellow biracial Koreans lived their whole lives as strangers in their home country and what's agonizing them further was the fact that their suffering was being passed down to their children.



He called for bold affirmative action for Korean-Amerasians, including financial assistance to help them lead decent lives and scholarships for their children.



President Roh didn't answer to his letter.



Park died of stomach cancer four years later. His body was cremated and his ashes were buried under a tree near a temple in the mid-western city of Cheongju in North Chungcheong Province.



Discrimination, however, didn't end with his death. There were no headstones or memorial benches near his burial site. An unnamed Buddhist monk of the temple was said to have asked his bereaved wife not to set up anything to mark his burial site, saying if something is erected there, he was afraid those who visit the temple would feel disturbed by it.



Park's entire life was a tragedy. He was born in 1954 after his mother was raped by a white American soldier, was bullied at school and discriminated against throughout his life because of his racial traits. After his death, he was treated as having not existed in this country.



Park's unanswered letter reminded me of the book about U.S. President Barack Obama's mailroom, titled "To Obama with Love and Hate and Despair" written by Jeanne Marie Laskas, which I read in November.



Obama, who received hundreds of letters from his constituents every day during his eight-year presidency, vowed to read 10 letters a day. Interns and staff at the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence read hundreds of letters sent to the president and selected 10 letters that President Obama should read that day.



One of the chosen letters was one written by a father of 9/11 victim Catherine who was in her early 20s when she died. President Obama sent a hand-written letter to Catherine's father. Upon receiving Obama's letter, the father framed and treasured it.



Obama's letter didn't help the father get his daughter back. But the president's hand-written letter moved him and helped alleviate the anguish he and his family had gone through after losing their loved one.



I think the magic of Obama's letters sent to his constituents originated from the power of listening. If someone is heeding you and listening to you, you will find comfort although your problems remain intact.



Park's unanswered letter, meanwhile, has prompted me to think about under what circumstances then President Roh was in. Roh might have not been aware of the letter because his aides didn't report to him about it. Or his letter was one of many that were not read by his staff in charge of the presidential mailroom. Or, Roh was aware of Park's letter but couldn't answer maybe because his requests were demanding.



If Roh was aware of Park's letter, I think turning a deaf ear to such a letter is not a wise choice. A president is not a superhero. He cannot make everybody happy.



But his small act could help his constituents feel relieved. Once they hear from the president, they would feel that the person in the top government job is listening to them, although their problems are still there.



Park's letter still resonates with Korean society, although 14 years have passed since and Korea has become much more tolerant toward racial minorities now than the days when the biracial Korean had lived. Park's letter is an outcry from minorities and underprivileged people living in Korea with us. We cannot fix all the problems they are going through. If we listen to them and interact with them, however, I think things could turn out to be more positive.



By Lee Seong-hyon





Through social media, a Korean friend of mine working in China in the financial sector asked me about how the second DPRK-U.S. summit and the U.S.-China trade war, respectively, will unfold and what are the likely outcomes. He added that the financial market was acting "as if both the U.S.-China trade war and the DPRK-U.S. negotiation were already resolved."



The trade war between the world's two largest economies will undergo a cycle of "temporary compromise and deterioration," then compromise, and then again deterioration, while the overall Sino-U.S. relations will take a "downward trajectory," I said.



In the case of the second DPRK-U.S. summit, the "lesson learned" from the criticisms spurred by the Singapore summit last year will goad the two parties to yield a "modest but tangible outcome." President Trump will use it to declare the summit as "his victory" for the domestic audience. However, the Washington elite and the U.S. think tank community will roundly view the summit as "insufficient."



After articulating my predictions, I emphasized they were entirely "my personal views." I was on the up and up. My friend said "Got it!" and attached a smiling emoticon.



Though the North Korean nuclear issue and the financial market seem unrelated, I have been invited several times from those in the financial sector and business organizations to come to their meetings and share my views on the current geopolitical situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula. When I show up at these places, senior business executives mostly fill up the audience seats.



These business figures are busy people. And the reason they take time to attend a lecture on the international affairs lies in the fact that there are some correlations between the geopolitics of the North Korean nuclear issue and business.

For example, when North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in October 2006, the first thing a Beijing-based journalist from a U.S. economic newspaper did was to call security experts to inquire about the ramifications of the nuclear test. From the foreign investors' point of view, the Korean market always runs the perennial instability risk as a geopolitical "tinderbox."



The U.S. administration under Obama adopted the policy of "strategic patience" regarding North Korea; this was Washington's euphemism to indicate that it would not prioritize the North Korea issue.



Related to this, a former senior U.S. official told me: "We could have been more involved in the North Korea issue if North Korea had oil reserves." (Here, I introduce the comment anonymously as this was a "small chat" several years ago.)



In the end, whether it is the executives in the financial sector (a domain that seems irrelevant to the nuclear issue, but actually takes interest in the North Korean matter), or whether it is the U.S. government (that was supposed to pay attention to the North Korean issue but actually did not), all boils down to have some bearing with their economic "interests." In other words, one pays attention to the North Korean issue when it "pays off."



In this regard, it is worthy to note that Trump frequently mentions North Korea's "economic potential" when he speaks of the nuclear issue, unlike previous American presidents. It reflects the "vantage point" of Trump, a former businessman. He approaches the North Korean issue from an economic perspective.



North Korea's nuclear issue cannot be solved without drawing on robust U.S. interest and engagement of the U.S. government. This then also requires consideration of what concrete "benefits" the resolution of the nuclear issue would offer to the U.S.



A statement such as "the North Korean nuclear issue should be resolved for the sake of peace" may not be suffice to persuade Washington. Solving the North Korean nuclear quandary is imperative for the people of the peninsula, but may not be so for a country faraway, across the Pacific Ocean.



South Korea should be able to show how the U.S. policy investment in North Korea would benefit the U.S. in concrete terms. North Korea is well known for a number of natural resources. However, no systematic, reliable assessment of North Korea's natural resources has been done.



North Korea also has skilled labor with low costs. It was reported that Coca-Cola once "brainstormed" an idea to build a production plant in North Korea. It implies that many multilateral corporations have their eyes on the economic potential of North Korea, as Trump does.



South Korea should vigorously practice forming a partnership with U.S. entities, sharing knowledge and information, in envisioning a "post-nuclear" rebuilding of North Korean economy.



Of course, all these economic inducements to North Korea should go hand in hand with the speed of North Korea's denuclearization. Seoul and Washington, in turn, should show to North Korea how it can realize its huge economic potential when it denuclearizes.





Lee Seong-hyon (sunnybbsfs@gmail.com), Ph.D., is director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the Sejong Institute.

Over 40 percent of nurses in Korea suffer from workplace bullying, a recent study shows. GettyImagesBank



By Kim Hyun-bin



A year has passed since Park Seon-wook, a nurse from Seoul Asan Medical Center, committed suicide due to intense bullying at work.



"Too much pressure from work... the look on the preceptor's face these depressed me and my anxiety has become worse. It is not easy to recover while sleeping only three to four hours a night and skipping meals," Park wrote on her cellphone memo before taking her own life.



Park's death shed light on the rampant hazing in the nursing community. Such abhorrent behavior has become prevalent, creating a culture of so-called "taeum," or burn-to-ashes in Korean, meaning senior nurses harass junior nurses and new staff with hierarchic leverage and control over them.



Taeum includes spreading malicious rumors, holding back key work-related information and assigning a harsh work schedule.



Even after Park's death, the taeum culture lives on and hospitals continue to turn a blind eye. On Jan. 5, another nurse at Seoul Medical Center, Seo Ji-yoon, committed suicide, leaving a note which read: "I don't want hospital employees to come to my funeral."



Over the weekend, the nursing community and their supporters gathered in downtown Seoul to mourn the deaths of Park and Seo.



"The death conveyer belt is rolling in hospitals, cruelly. A person who cannot keep up with the speed of the belt either leaves the hospital or gets their whole body torn into pieces and burnt," Eom Ji, a nurse and a member of the joint committee commemorating the late Park, said during the rally.



The nursing community says it will be impossible to eradicate workplace bullying as long as the current preceptor system continues. At most hospitals, nurses four to six years into their careers become preceptors (mentors or tutors) for junior nurses and are supposed to act as role models and mentors.



Some nurses even call their preceptors "mom," which shows the significant leverage they have on their subordinates.



Most nurses point out that the first two months are crucial to obtain critical work-related knowhow and information from the preceptors, as no excuses or mistakes are allowed beyond that point.



"It is much different from what nurse hopefuls learn in university and the reality of the field, so a nurse preceptor system is implemented to help new recruits adapt," said Baik Chan-ki, general manager of the Korean Nurses Association. "However, teaching the new staff on top of their already heavy workload adds burden and stress. So many become short-fused, unable to treat others in a polite manner and the stressful work environment tends to lead to hazing."



A survey conducted last year by the association of 7,225 nurses showed preceptors were the leaders of hazing.



Over 30 percent of respondents said they had encountered bullying within the past year. Among them, 27.1 percent said it was from fellow nurses, 13.3 percent from the head nurse at their department, and 8.3 percent from doctors.



Experts point out the lack of nurses makes the work environment additionally harsh and stressful.



"The biggest problem is the lack of nurses. In Japan nurses are responsible for an average of seven patients, and U.S. nurses have 5.4 patients. However, in Korea a nurse has over 13 patients on average, double the figures of other advanced countries. To better reduce workplace hazing, hospitals need to employ more nurses and reduce their workload," Baik said.



Well aware of the severity of the taeum issue, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a set of policies to improve working conditions for nurses.



The government plans to allocate 7.7 billion won ($6.6 million) to acquire 259 education specialized nurses, who will focus solely on training new nursing staff at national hospitals. The ministry has also established a taskforce in charge of managing nursing personnel and enhancing their working conditions.

Rep. Park Ju-min of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) steps into the DPK leader's room to participate in a press conference to analyze the court ruling against South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyoung-soo at the National Assembly, Tuesday. Yonhap



By Park Ji-won



The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is going all-out for the sake of South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyoung-soo, a jailed confidant of President Moon Jae-in.



The party is organizing press conferences and forums to blame what it calls a court's "biased" decision to imprison him immediately after finding him guilty of opinion rigging charges. Critics, however, say there moves are publicity stunts to save Kim, who is considered a possible presidential contender.



"I was briefed Monday by a taskforce on Kim's case that said there were many faults in the court ruling," DPK Chairman Lee Hae-chan said during a party meeting Tuesday.



"It is fair for an incumbent governor to have his appeal heard without being taken into custody as he needs to serve as a public servant. In principle, he shouldn't have been put behind bars as he was not a flight risk and would not destroy evidence."



Kim was sentenced to two years in prison in January after a court found him guilty of online opinion-rigging ahead of the 2017 presidential election with a team of bloggers led by Kim Dong-won, better known by his online nickname Druking who was also found guilty and imprisoned.



The leadership of the DPK immediately criticized the ruling and sentence, saying the evidence against Kim was rigged and the party was sure of his innocence.



The DPK's special committee on judiciary power abuse held a press conference Tuesday with lawyers and criticized it. Cha Jeong-in, a law professor at Pusan National University said the ruling should consider whether there was a power imbalance between the action-taker Druking, and Kim, and questioned whether the governor was truly an accomplice.



"In reviewing the ruling, I decided there was not enough grounds to decide that Kim was an accomplice of Druking. The two were not in a bosssubordinate relationship."



Cha said the prosecution didn't provide enough objective evidence to support the claim of Kim being an accomplice, such as a third person's testimony or voice recordings, and claimed Kim was not a flight risk.



Kim Yong-min of the law firm Yangjae said the court adopted the logs of Naver as evidence of using a specific rigging program devised by Druking, but should have found more direct evidence relating the program to the crime.



The party also organized a meeting with citizens near Hapjeong-dong in Seoul to criticize the ruling, and released it through its Youtube channel.



Insiders say the ruling party's moves are to pressure the appeals court in favor of Kim who is expected to request bail this week.



Meanwhile, the opposition parties have criticized the DPK's defense of Kim, claiming it was attempting to unduly pressure the judiciary.



Citing the U.S. Watergate scandal, main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) floor leader Na Kyung-won said: "The entire government is taking action to save Kim."



Yoon Ki-chan, an LKP spokesman said, "The DPK should stop pressuring the court to save Kim."



"The DPK's unprecedented comments about the ruling risks the independence of the court from other powers and challenges democracy and the Constitution."



Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the minor opposition Bareunmirae Party also criticized the DPK and Lee saying: "The DPK and Lee should stop destroying judicial order and apologize to the people. They should silently wait for the upcoming appeal."



President Donald Trump welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 7, 2018. Korea Times file



By Kim Bo-eun



Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is continuing to offer to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, but the North has remained silent.

Experts say Abe's efforts are intended on getting to play a role in the denuclearization process, as Tokyo has largely remained excluded so far.

The Japanese leader vowed to take action to resolve the abductee issue, and said he needs to meet with the North Korean leader to enable this, in a meeting with ruling party lawmakers, Japanese media reported Tuesday. Abe also had a meeting with relatives of the abductees the same day.

As a means to keep its alliance with Washington tight, Tokyo is also reportedly seeking for Trump to be the first foreign head of state to meet with Emperor Naruhito, who in May will succeed his father Akihito, the current emperor.

The Sankei Shimbun reported Japan is planning to invite Trump to visit the new emperor in May, ahead of a scheduled visit for the G20 summit to be held in Osaka the following month.

Abe's recommendation of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize is also seen as part of efforts to build a closer relationship.

Last year, the Japanese leader flew to Washington to meet Trump right ahead of the U.S. president's first summit with Kim in June.

Abe has also sought to meet directly with Kim since the North Korean leader began engaging in dialogue with the South and U.S. over giving up its nuclear program.

Japan's stakes in North Korea's nuclear disarmament concern the latter's short- and medium-range missiles, which can reach Tokyo. In 2017, North Korea fired two ballistic missiles over Japan. Other missiles have landed in the East Sea between the two.

Tokyo's concerns have grown over the possibility of Washington focusing only on dismantling Pyongyang's intercontinental ballistic missiles, which are believed to be capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

Meanwhile, the issue of abductees remains unresolved. This concerns what Japan claims was North Korea's abduction of 15 Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s, for the purpose of training North Korean spies.

North Korea has only admitted to being responsible for 13 of them, eight of whom the regime claims died. Five have returned to Japan.



President Moon Jae-in enters room inside Cheong Wa Dae for luncheon with seniors who fought for democracy during the "Gwangju uprising" happened during the military rule in early 1980, Wednesday. Yonhap



By Kim Yoo-chul



South Korea is pushing hard to get an early resumption of joint inter-Korean economic projects recognized as a key issue to be dealt with when U.S. President Donald Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in Vietnam, next week.



Expectations are high here about a possible consensus between the leaders about the cross border projects after Moon spoke with Trump via telephone, late Tuesday (KST).



Moon asked Trump to offer the projects as "incentives" for the North to speed up its denuclearization process, "widely and verifiably," according to Cheong Wa Dae.



Presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said Moon "directly stated" that "if President Trump asks, South Korea will be ready to do its part, lessening the United States' burden."



On Wednesday, Cheong Wa Dae officials said Washington was "studying and reviewing possible scenarios" in which Trump could offer reciprocal steps to the North for nuclear disarmament steps.









"Given Trump's recent remarks on North Korea, it's unlikely the United States will extend sanctions because both Trump and Kim are under pressure to produce a detailed and unambiguous agreement this time unlike the statement they made in Singapore, last year, which has only seen little and negligible progress. Seoul is ready to reboot inter-Korean exchanges with an early resumption of joint economic projects," an official at the presidential office said.



Kim Jong-dae of the minor opposition Justice Party, a member of the National Assembly Defense Committee, said the United States agreed "in principle" with North Korea over the latter's roadmap to dismantle its nuclear program.



"The key point is Washington has begun considering multiple levels of incentives depending on the North's steps toward dismantling its nuclear facilities. My understanding is that President Moon unofficially delivered a message to both Trump and Kim on why an early resumption of inter-Korean business projects should matter, and how these incentives may actually work," he told The Korea Times.



Among possible incentives that Washington could offer, the United States is reviewing dispatching U.S. officials to Pyongyang to open a liaison office, and declaring an end to the 1950-1953 Korean War as visible measures for trust-building.





U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media before signing Space Policy Directive - 4 (SPD-4), in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C. Feb. 19. AP-Yonhap



Dilkusha, the former house of Albert Taylor, an AP correspondent who reported on the March 1 Independence Movement. The house is under restoration work for an official public opening scheduled for 2020. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar



By Lee Suh-yoon



The house of the American journalist Albert Taylor will be open briefly to public view next Friday in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement, Seoul Metropolitan Government said, Tuesday.



It has been under restoration work for an official public opening planned for 2020.











Albert Taylor / Courtesy of Seoul Museum of History via Jennifer Linley TaylorA bronze statue of martyr Kang Woo-kyu stands in front of Seoul Station, Friday. Kang threw a grenade at Japanese Governor-General Makoto Saito in 1919 and was executed the following year. Korea Times photo by Lee Suh-yoon



This is the second in a three-part series on historic sites in Seoul related to the



By Lee Suh-yoon



With the 100th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement just a week away, The Korea Times compiled a list of sites that are easily accessible on Seoul Metro Line 4, running north-south through the city.



All the sites are in the old part of Seoul north of the Han River. Out of these, Hyochang Park is located furthest south, 10 minutes by foot west of Sookmyung Women's University Station exit 9.



Once a royal graveyard called Hyochangwon, the site was turned into a park by the Japanese governor-general between 1924 and 1940. The park now houses the graves of three martyrs  Yun Bong-gil, Yi Bong-chang and Baek Jeong-gi  who died in confinement after enacting a series of attacks on Japanese forces and leaders. A fourth grassy mound next to the three martyrs signifies an honorary grave for Ahn Jung-geun, a well-known independence fighter who assassinated Hirobumi Ito, the first resident governor of occupied Korea. Ahn's body could not be retrieved after independence.



On either side of the martyrs are the graves of three key figures of the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai (Lee Dong-nyeong, Cho Seong-hwan and Cha Ri-seok) and the grave of Kim Koo, one of the leaders of the provisional government. Next to the grave is a museum where visitors can walk through Kim's life.



This is the second in a three-part series on historic sites in Seoul related to the March 1 Independence Movement in 1919 and other activities for Korea's independence from the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule.  ED.By Lee Suh-yoonWith the 100th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement just a week away, The Korea Times compiled a list of sites that are easily accessible on Seoul Metro Line 4, running north-south through the city.All the sites are in the old part of Seoul north of the Han River. Out of these,is located furthest south, 10 minutes by foot west of Sookmyung Women's University Station exit 9.Once a royal graveyard called Hyochangwon, the site was turned into a park by the Japanese governor-general between 1924 and 1940. The park now houses the graves of three martyrs  Yun Bong-gil, Yi Bong-chang and Baek Jeong-gi  who died in confinement after enacting a series of attacks on Japanese forces and leaders. A fourth grassy mound next to the three martyrs signifies an honorary grave for Ahn Jung-geun, a well-known independence fighter who assassinated Hirobumi Ito, the first resident governor of occupied Korea. Ahn's body could not be retrieved after independence.On either side of the martyrs are the graves of three key figures of the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai (Lee Dong-nyeong, Cho Seong-hwan and Cha Ri-seok) and the grave of Kim Koo, one of the leaders of the provisional government. Next to the grave is a museum where visitors can walk through Kim's life.

President Moon Jae-in pays his respects to key figures of the Korean Provisional Government set up outside the country in 1919 after the March 1 Proclamation of Independence, at Hyochang Park in Seoul on Liberation Day, Aug. 15, 2017. Korea Times file



The next stop is Seoul Station. Get out at exit 2 where you will be greeted by a grenade-wielding statue of Kang Woo-kyu, an independence fighter who was executed after his attempt to assassinate Japanese Governor-General Makoto Saito.



Follow the wall leading away from the square, past the police station, until you see a small memorial stone just before reaching the post office. The stone roughly marks the site where thousands of students and civilians led the second "manse" ("long live" an independent Korea) rally on the morning of March 5, 1919, four days after the March 1 movement and the Proclamation of Independence.



The plaza in front of Seoul Station, then called Namdaemun Station, was teeming with people heading back to the provinces after attending the state funeral of King Gojong, the last monarch of the Joseon Kingdom whose death in January  amid rumors he was poisoned by the Japanese  fueled the March 1 Movement.



Thousands of students who had been hiding from the eyes of Japanese authorities in small alleys and storage rooms around the station flooded the square at once, waving banners that read "Long live an independent Korea." It was the first mass rally that took place after March 1. The rally was entirely organized by students as the 33 religious leaders who signed the proclamation of independence were all locked up.





A stone commemorating the second "manse" rally on March 5, 1919, is set up along the sidewalk leading up to Yeomcheon Overpass near Seoul Station, Friday. Korea Times photo by Lee Suh-yoon



Using swords and guns, Japanese police broke up the rally after protesters reached the Bosingak pavilion in Jongno. Seventy-five were arrested, according to records. News of the rally at Seoul Station, the capital's main node to the provinces, traveled fast along the tracks. According to one study by Myongji University, "manse rallies" erupted in some 60 counties located along the tracks, and spread to 160 other counties further away.



The students' manse demonstration at Seoul Station sparked the first workers-led strike just three days later. Two hundred workers walked out of a printing press factory run by the Japanese government of Korea in Yongsan, shouting manse and waving the Taegukgi, the national flag of Korea. This rally in turn sparked a series of other workers' rallies. Just one day after the strike at the printing press, 120 streetcar motormen stopped operations in Seoul and 500 child laborers at a cigarette facility in Jongno streamed out of the factory to shout "manse."



There is no sign marking this first manse rally by workers on site, located a 15-minute walk from Sinyongsan Station and Samgakji Station on Line 4, and now home to Korea Telecom's Wonhyo office.











A commemorative stone in front of the Bank of Korea's Money Museum in central Seoul, Friday, marks the site where independence marchers clashed with Japanese military police on March 1, 1919. Korea Times photo by Lee Suh-yoon



Travel further up the line to Hoehyeon Station, previously known as Namdaemun Market Station. A short walk to the Bank of Korea's Money Museum out of exit 7 brings you to another nondescript memorial stone. According to the inscription, it's the site where thousands of independence activists clashed with Japanese military police while marching toward the Japanese governor-general's building after the reading of the proclamation of independence at Tapgol Park on March 1, 1919. Hundreds were injured.



The next stop is Jangchungdan Park, which can be reached from Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station exit 5. You could also skip the 15-minute walk by switching to Line 3 and getting off at Dongguk University Station.





A statue of independence activist Yu Gwan-sun, often referred to as Korea's Joan of Arc, stands at Jangchungdan Park in Jung-gu, Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Lee Suh-yoon



Connected to Namsan Park and the Dongguk University campus, Jangchungdan Park was originally the site of Jangchungdan, a shrine Emperor Gojong built to honor Empress Myeongseong who was killed by Japanese soldiers at Gyeongbok Palace, and army generals who died trying to keep out foreign intruders.



Colonial Japan took down the shrine in 1910 and made the site into a park filled with cherry blossom trees and statues of Japanese soldiers. The park now hosts commemorative statues of well-known independence fighters such as Yu Gwan-sun and Lee Jun.





Simujang, a hanok residence where monk Han Yong-un lived. Courtesy of Cultural Heritage AdministrationBy Kang Seung-woo



Cho Hyun-ah, a disgraced former Korean Air vice president, has been accused of repeatedly assaulting her husband, according to police, Wednesday.





Cho Hyun-ah

Her husband surnamed Park filed a complaint against Cho, Tuesday, on multiple counts, including committing acts of violence against him and abusing their twin sons, the Suseo Police Station said.



The two, who married in 2010, have been undergoing divorce proceedings since Park filed for this in last April. At the time he cited Cho's verbal and physical abuse as the cause for their divorce, and now he is demanding punishment for her acts. He is also claiming custody of their children.



Park submitted pictures and video footage showing scars on his body, caused by Cho's multiple assaults, as evidence.









Prosecutors raided the main office of Hyundai Motor and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors on Wednesday as part of a probe into allegations that the company tried to conceal defects in some of its vehicle lineups.







The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office sent its investigators to search the quality division at the headquarters of South Korea's No. 1 automaker, located in Seoul's southern Seocho district, and collect evidence related to the allegations, according to the prosecution.







The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and civic groups requested a prosecution probe into Hyundai and Kia in May 2017, accusing the auto company of concealing the parts defects in 12 models. The ministry ordered a recall on 238,000 of those vehicles. (Yonhap)

Park Joon-hyuk, a Korean tourist who fell down a cliff at the Grand Canyon on Dec. 30 is being airlifted. Courtesy of Marcos Osuna



By Dong Sun-hwa



Marcos Osuna, a U.S. Army master sergeant, contacted The Korea Times on Jan. 5 to inquire about the condition of Park Joon-hyuk, who fell off a cliff at the Grand Canyon a week earlier and had been hospitalized and remained unconscious.



Osuna administered first aid to the Korean youth. Each of his emails to The Korea Times conveyed a sense of concern. Then, the Army veteran expressed relief in his short but emotional letter on Feb. 14, on hearing that Park had regained consciousness.



"That means a lot to me and my family," he said. "My family has been praying for his speedy recovery  I wish to meet the Park family one day."



Park, 25, has been in Flagstaff Medical Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, for a month, not being able to eat on his own or speak.



According to Osuna's email, he and his cousin Joe Arellano saw Park fall in the canyon on Dec. 30 while on a family visit. The pair were going down to the main lookout point at that time.



"I could not grab him because he was not within my arm's reach," he recalled.



Osuna and Arellano promptly scaled down the canyon as they felt it was their civic duty to help a complete stranger. There, they found Park tangled in shrubs after falling approximately 30 meters in about two seconds.



He was not breathing when they found him. They checked his pulse, applied pressure to prevent further bleeding, and used jackets and clothing to move him up to a safer zone.





Park Joon-hyuk is being rescued. Courtesy of Marcos Osuna



By Jung Min-ho







It was a mysterious death.





A Korean man, 54, surnamed Oh, a veteran employee of Korea East-West Power (EWP), a subsidiary of the Korea Electronic Power Corp., was found dead on Jan. 21 at his home in the southern region of Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo.





When police arrived, a wire was wrapped around his neck, his body was covered with stab wounds and bruises, and there were blood-stained footprints.





So it was no wonder his family was dumbfounded when police concluded that there were no signs of anyone having broken in and the man died of suffocation  without telling them what caused him to choke in the first place.





Now his wife and two daughters fear they will never know how he died.





"All of his family members are concerned whether local police are properly investigating the case," Oh's niece said in a

on the Cheong Wa Dae website, which has garnered more than 9,500 signatures.





"Meanwhile, officials at the Korean Embassy in Jakarta told us there was nothing they could do to help us. They keep saying all they can do is to inform us of what local police find."





Oh was sent there for the construction of a power plant, a project funded by a joint venture between EWP and a local company.





According to the niece, Oh called his family every day. But he suddenly stopped calling after Jan. 18. Three days later, he was found dead in the bathroom.





She accuses EWP of not telling the family the truth about his death.





"At first the company said that he appeared to have died after slipping on the bathroom floor  After local media reported about his death, the company said he was possibly murdered," she said.





"I feel that the company has not made enough effort to find the truth behind his death."





After the issue came to the fore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked Indonesian authorities to conduct a joint investigation, only to be rejected.





But the authorities later approved Korean experts "helping" with the investigation. According to the ministry, Korean police and forensic experts are now working with Indonesian police after arriving there on Feb. 17.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, center, converses with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, second from left, and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, left, during the gala that stemmed from the APEC 2018 Papua New Guinea on Nov. 17-18, 2018. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae



South Korean President Moon Jae-in called for efforts to further expand the bilateral cooperation between his country and India on Wednesday, insisting their cooperation will mutually benefit the countries.



"We will spur future cooperation. India is home to a world-class pool of ICT professionals and an innovative business ecosystem in addition to basic science and technology. Korea has advanced information and communication technology as well as manufacturing and commercialization capabilities," President Moon said in a special contribution to India's leading English-language daily, Times of India.



"If our nations can combine our strengths harmoniously, I believe that we will be able to jointly lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution," Moon wrote, according to the text released by his office Cheong Wa Dae.



The special contribution came as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to arrive here Thursday on a two-day state visit. The two leaders will hold a bilateral summit here on Friday.





South Korean first lady Kim Jung-sook, right, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center, laugh during the APEC 2018 Papua New Guinea gala event in November 2018. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae



"I believe it is truly meaningful to have Prime Minister Modi as the first state guest of Korea in this important year," Moon said, noting India marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of its late former leader Mahatma Gandhi while Seoul celebrates the 100th anniversary of the establishment of its provisional government and the March 1 Independence Movement.



"A profound friendship connects India and Korea, which is the rationale behind our high expectations for the future that we will unfold together. An Asian era will surely come, and our two countries will stand at its center," the president said.



Moon said he and Modi also shared many similarities.



"We have concretely discussed our future and how our two countries will play a leading role in the era of Asia," the president said of his summit with the Indian prime minister held during his state visit to New Delhi in July.





India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival at an airport in New Delhi, India, February 19, 2019. Reuters-Yonhap



By Jung Min-ho







Smoking while walking would be banned in Korea if a new bill passes into law.





Rep. Hwang Ju-hong of the minor liberal Party for Democracy and Peace proposed a bill early this month to ban smoking on virtually all public roads and walkways.





If the National Assembly passes the bill, violators would be fined 100,000 won ($90).





"Non-smokers are often exposed to tobacco smoke because of some inconsiderate smokers," Hwang said. "Public opinion is in favor of banning smoking while walking."





Korea has already banned smoking in most restaurants, offices and public venues such as parks.





Smokers opposed to the bill complain that there are not enough smoking rooms. According to the Seoul Institute's study in 2017, the number of public smoking rooms in the city with a population of 10 million people was only 10,000.

A man wearing a mask featuring Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's face lowers his head during the weekly Wednesday Rally held in front of the former Japanese Embassy building in central Seoul, Wednesday. The protests have been held for the past 27 years to urge the Japanese government to make a sincere apology to former victims of its wartime sexual slavery and offer compensation. / YonhapBy Lee Min-hyung





U.S. President Donald Trump

The United States will be in "no rush" to denuclearize North Korea as long as tough sanctions on the regime stay in place, U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday (local time).

"I have no pressing time schedule," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I am in no particular rush. The sanctions are on."

The remarks came about a week before the beginning of the second landmark summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Feb. 27 and 28 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

"As long as there is no testing, I am in no rush. If there is testing, that is another deal. But there has been no testing."

As the summit approaches, preparations for the pre-summit dialogue are in full swing in the Vietnamese capital city.

On Wednesday afternoon, North Korean nuclear negotiator Kim Hyok-chol, who leads the regime's working-level pre-summit delegation, arrived in Hanoi for talks with his U.S. counterpart Steve Biegun.

The leaders of each delegation will likely start having talks as early as Thursday to fine-tune the upcoming summit schedule and agenda.

Both sides are expected to focus on drafting a summit agreement which Trump and Kim will sign next week.

Expectations are that details of the agreement will include the U.S.' corresponding measures in return for the dismantling of the North's Yongbyon nuclear facilities.

Following the historic Singapore summit last June, the lack of what the regime calls "reciprocal steps" from the U.S. was the key reason their nuclear disarmament talks have stalled.

In May last year, Pyongyang demolished its Punggye-ri nuclear test site to express its firm determination for complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. At that time, the regime invited a group of outside observers for the shutdown event.

The North has since called the move a sincere step to realize its pledge for denuclearization. But with the U.S. showing no signs of taking any reciprocal measures in exchange for such an event, the North started ramping up criticism on the U.S.

Washington, however, remained firm in its determination not to ease any sanctions on the regime until it realizes complete and verifiable denuclearization.

The rare reconciliatory momentum, following the historic Trump-Kim summit, has since shown little sign of progress due to such a lingering difference on the timeline and methods of the North's denuclearization.

But earlier this year, the two leaders reached a consensus to break the ongoing deadlock in negotiations for denuclearization of the peninsula.

The upcoming second summit between Washington and Pyongyang takes place against that backdrop, with Trump and Kim expected to focus on ending the stalemate and resuming the denuclearization talks during their planned meeting.

To build a long-lasting relationship, both sides are also in advanced talks to build a joint liaison office which critics view will play a key role in normalizing their diplomatic relations.

Robert Gallucci, former top U.S. negotiator on the North Korean nuclear crisis, said the U.S. and the North can sign an agreement on establishing the office during the upcoming summit, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA).

RFA quoted Gallucci as saying that the possible agreement to build the office can be one of the reciprocal steps from the U.S. in exchange for the regime's denuclearization steps.



Chang Won-sam, right, South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs' chief delegate to defense cost-sharing talks, and his U.S. counterpart Timothy Betts, sign a deal to raise South Korea's contribution to the upkeep of United States Forces Korea (USFK) troops, at the government complex in Seoul on Feb 10. Korea Times file



By Jung Da-min



North Korea downplayed the South Korea-U.S. alliance on Wednesday, a week before the second North Korea-U.S. summit in Hanoi.



Pyongyang's propaganda outlet Uriminzokkiri blasted the U.S. for excessively burdening South Korea for the presence of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) on its soil. It said the U.S.-South Korea alliance is a deception by the U.S. to exploit South Korea.



On Feb. 10, South Korea signed a provisional agreement to pay 1.0389 trillion won (around $925 million) for the 28,500 USFK personnel in the country, a rise of 8.2 percent year-on-year. The deal, following a tug-of-war over the past 11 months, came when Seoul accepted Washington's demand for a one-year contract, instead of the previous five years, while Washington agreed to adjust the South's contribution to about 1 trillion won.



"No matter how the U.S. speaks about 'alliance' with South Korea, it is only a deception to cover the unequal South Korea-U.S. relationship," the Uriminzokkiri article said. "The process of signing the 'Special Measures Agreement (for defense cost-sharing)' reveals the self-image of the U.S. as a robber while the country disguises itself with a hypocritic identity and talks about 'ally' and 'watertight alliance.'"











Former North Korean diplomat Thae Yong-ho speaks to reporters in Seoul, Jan. 9, 2019. He called on the governments of South Korea, Italy and the United States to make all-out efforts to protect his ex-colleague Jo Song-gil, the acting North Korean ambassador to Rome who has been in hiding in Italy since November. Yonhap



A North Korean diplomat who reportedly defected from his embassy in Rome last year has been separated from his daughter after she was forcefully repatriated to Pyongyang, an ex-colleague who

has now settled in the South said Tuesday.



Jo Song Gil, who went into hiding with his wife and is reportedly seeking asylum, "could not manage to get his daughter to join them," said Thae Yong Ho, who also fled his post as the North's deputy ambassador to Britain in August 2016.



Thae last month urged the Korean government to protect Jo and wrote an open letter asking him to come to the South so "they can work together to help the two Koreas reunify".



But Thae told reporters in Seoul he could no longer urge Jo to join him in the South after he learnt through a friend that the girl, thought to be a high school student, had been forced to return to North Korea.



"The amount of punishment that is imposed to those whose family members fled to South Korea is incomparable to those whose family fled to other countries," he said.





Thae Yong-ho, right, escorts North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's elder brother, Kim Jong-chol, to an Eric Clapton concert in London in 2015. Captured from Japanese TBS TV



Jo, who is in his 40s and known to be fluent in French and Italian as well as English, came to Rome in 2015.



He was appointed acting ambassador in October 2017, after Italy expelled his predecessor Mun Jong Nam to protest a nuclear test staged by Pyongyang.



South Korean media said Jo's daughter had lived with her parents in Rome before the defection and that she had been caught by North Korean authorities before she could join them in hiding.



It was unclear how she was returned to her home country.



Italy is an important diplomatic mission for Pyongyang as it handles relations with the Rome-headquartered UN Food and Agriculture Organization.



North Korea suffers from chronic food shortages.





Former North Korean deputy ambassador to Britain Thae Yong-Ho testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on November 1, 2017. YonhapIn this Sept. 19, 2018 photo, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, left, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hold the documents after signing at the Paekhwawon State Guesthouse in Pyongyang, North Korea. AP-Yonhap



South Korea is ready and willing to resume its economic cooperation with North Korea if the move will help accelerate denuclearization of the communist state, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday in his telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.



The offer came as Trump is set to hold his second meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un next week.



"President Moon Jae-in also told (President Trump) to have South Korea play a role in providing corresponding measures to encourage North Korea's denuclearization steps," Moon's spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said in a press release.



Trump and Kim first met in Singapore in June, and the North Korean leader agreed to fully denuclearize his country in exchange for security guarantees from the U.S.



Pyongyang's denuclearization steps, however, have largely stalled amid its demand for "corresponding measures" for measures it claims to have taken already.



The U.S. has been widely expected to make some concessions at the second Trump-Kim summit and offer some incentives to the impoverished North.





US envoy en route to Hanoi ahead of Pyongyang summit 'US may offer sanctions relief to North Korea' A look into US-NK entourage to Hanoi North Korea leader may fly to Hanoi on aged official jet "President Moon said the country is ready to play that role by reconnecting inter-Korean railways and roads and launching inter-Korean economic cooperation projects if asked by President Trump and said it was a way to lessen the United States' burden," the spokesman added.



The second Trump-Kim summit is set to be held in Hanoi on Feb. 27-28.



In this June 12, 2018 file photo, North Korea leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump shake hands at the conclusion of their meetings at the Capella resort on Sentosa Island Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in Singapore. AP-Yonhap

"President Trump explained preparations for the Hanoi summit and negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea, and the two leaders held frank discussions on specific ways to cooperate for the success of the second North Korea-U.S. summit," the spokesman said of the Moon-Trump conversation.



"President Trump expressed high expectations for the Hanoi summit and said he will continue to closely discuss with President Moon about the outcome of the summit and follow-up measures," he added.



To this end, Trump offered to call President Moon as soon as his Hanoi meeting is over to explain the outcome of the meeting.



"President Trump also said he expected to make great progress at the Hanoi meeting and expressed hope to personally meet with President Moon Jae-in because he has to share the outcome of the meeting," the spokesman said.



Moon praised his U.S. counterpart for his efforts to denuclearize North Korea, noting that Trump's leadership has made possible what all others have failed to accomplish before.



"I express my respect to President Trump, who has overcome the diplomatic failure that achieved no progress through negotiations over the past 25 years and rather enhanced North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities, and who is currently seeking diplomatic strategies for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establishment of permanent peace," the South Korean president was quoted as telling Trump.



U.S. special representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun talks with South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon during their meeting at the Unification Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, December 21, 2018. Reutes-Yonhap



The U.S. special envoy for North Korea is traveling to Hanoi on Tuesday to prepare for next week's summit between the two countries' leaders, the State Department said.



Special Representative Stephen Biegun is en route to the Vietnamese capital, the host of the second meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un planned for Feb. 27 and 28, the department's deputy spokesperson, Robert Palladino, said.



"He'll be continuing the United States' preparations for the second summit that will take place next week," Palladino said at a press briefing. "A lot of things are being discussed and we are very much looking forward to next week."



Biegun's counterpart, Kim Hyok-chol, was seen in Beijing earlier Tuesday apparently en route to Hanoi.







By Kang Seung-woo







Shilla Seoul named Forbes Travel Guide five-star hotel



The Shilla Seoul has been included in the five-star hotel club of Forbes Travel Guide, released Wednesday (local time).

The achievement carries extra weight as Shilla is the only Korea-based hotel to earn the highest status given to 210 properties worldwide. The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul and the Park Hyatt Seoul received four stars.

"Though it's the oldest luxury hotel in Seoul, the Samsung-owned Shilla is an up-to-date, modern treasure with world-class amenities," Forbes said.



Shilla made its Forbes debut in 2017 with a four-star rating.



JW Marriott Dongdaemun hails new GM



The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul has named Lee Joong-ho as its new general manager.







The JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul has named Lee Joong-ho as its new general manager.Lee's experience in the hospitality industry spans 25 years. He began his career at the sales team of the Grand Ambassador Seoul in 1994 and has also worked for scores of global hotel brands, including the Grand Hyatt Seoul and the JW Marriott Seoul.



Prior to this appointment, he served as the general manager of the Sheraton Seoul D Cube City.



As this year marks the hotel's fifth anniversary, the new general manager has set his sights on cementing the hotel's billing as a luxury property in Seoul, the JW Marriott Dongdaemun said.







Novotel Dongdaemun presents package for single guests



The Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences has unveiled a package allowing a single guest to fully enjoy its property.



The package, available until April 30, features a one-night stay in a superior room, a free breakfast and free access to the executive lounge and a free rental of KT's GiGA Live TV along with a late check-out.



In particular, GiGA Live TV enables guests to watch 22 free movies, including seven 3D ones, and they can also enjoy afternoon tea and alcoholic beverages for free.







Grand Ambassador Seoul offers 'cozy' package



The Grand Ambassador Seoul associated with Pullman has come up with its Cozy Easy Package in partnership with massage chair maker Cozyma.



The promotion will be presented exclusively during March and it will give every package guest the company's hand-held massager worth 140,000 won ($124). Its room type will be a deluxe suite.



Plus, the hotel will furnish its deluxe suites with its newly produced 4D massage chair.



Samsung Card CEO Won Gee-chan, second from left, participates in a July 2018 panel discussion with college students at Sungkyunkwan University's Suwon campus in Gyeonggi Province. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics



By Park Hyong-ki



Samsung Card CEO Won Gee-chan is in a tight spot.



The credit card company lost a Costco deal to Hyundai Card.



It had one of the weakest profits among the card companies in 2018.



Its weak profit has widened the gap with KB Kookmin Card, the No. 2 player after Shinhan Card.



Hyundai Card, the No. 4 card firm, is closely catching up to No. 3 Samsung Card, after Hyundai sealed the partnership deal with Costco.





Its stock price is trading at around 33,000 won, down from its 52-week high of 40,100 won.



The government is forcing credit card companies to lower their transaction fee rates charged to small businesses.



Also, rules on nonbank lending are getting tighter as the regulator seeks to curb rising household loans.



These negative factors are further making the future of Samsung Card and Chief Executive Won uncertain.



Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Cloudy with gusty winds developing this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40%.CLEVELAND -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking potential victims who invested in the cryptocurrency Bitconnect coin (BCC), which was first released through an initial coin offering orchestrated by Bitconnect in November 2016.

For a majority of BCCs existence, the only place to purchase, trade, or sell the cryptocurrency was through the proprietary exchange hosted by Bitconnect. By mid-December 2017, BCC boasted a market cap of over $2.5 billion. Bitconnect guaranteed investors up to a 10 percent total return per month on their investment, following a tiered-investment system based on the sum of an investors initial deposit.

"The first potential victim identified is from our area of responsibility (Northern Ohio)," said Vicki Anderson, of the FBI. "This person came to us. This individual does not want to be identified."

The entire market for BCC crashed in late January 2018, after two U.S. state-level securities regulators issued public letters warning investors of the Ponzi-type nature of Bitconnect. This led to Bitconnect completely shutting down its exchange for BCC, eliminating the market for the cryptocurrency and stranding investors with near-worthless cryptocurrency.

"The FBI needs assistance in reaching potential victims of this scheme," Anderson said. "Due to the nature of cryptocurrency it is difficult to know the true identity of investors in Bitconnect, they are assigned alphanumeric identities.

"The loss amount is estimated between $2.5 and $3.5 billion, and victims are worldwide."

If you invested in Bitconnect, the FBI is asking you to complete a brief questionnaire at https://www.fbi.gov/resources/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/seeking-victims-in-bitconnect-investigation. Your responses are voluntary and would be useful in the federal assessment of this matter and to identify you as a BCC investor and/or potential victim.

Based on the responses provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information. Any questions regarding this press release should be directed to Special Agent Vicki Anderson at 216-522-1400 or vdanderson@fbi.gov.Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low near 60F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.An inventory of historic properties in rural Kenosha County is being compiled by the state Wisconsin Historical Society.

The reason we do this is to identify properties that may be eligible for listing in the National Registry of Historic Places, said Joe DeRose of the state Historic Preservation Office.

We targeted some areas of the state that hadnt been looked at in a comprehensive manner, and southeastern Wisconsin has been undergoing a lot of development.

DeRose is looking for help from local residents who know about the history of the rural stretches of the county.

John McCabe said the Bristol Historical Society will host an information meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. March 5 at the Village Hall, 19801 83rd St., at which DeRose will introduce the project to the public.

Anyone in the county is invited, McCabe said. The hope is that people who know the history of some of the buildings will be able to share information.

DeRose said the current inventory list for Kenosha County has approximately 1,100 properties, which includes properties in the city of Kenosha.All of the documents were signed while the woman was still in the rehabilitation facility.

According to the complaint, the woman indicated she has a vague idea of what a power of attorney is or can do, and that she has never read one. The deed she signed over for her home did not maintain a life estate for the woman.

Kept out of home

When the woman was released from the rehabilitation facility in late October 2016, according to the complaint, Wade told her she could not move home because he was having the house cleaned.

He didnt allow her to come back until Dec. 5, forcing her to stay in a hotel during that period.

When she did return home, she found that all her furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, housewares, family heirlooms, jewelry and personal effects had been taken from the home.

The woman was not allowed to move back into the house. Instead, she began living in the garage/workshop on the property that is not suitable for living based on building code while (Wade) now lives in the actual home.

Bank account depleted

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}While each community  and region  had many distinct characteristics, as expected, Deborah said there were some commonalities as well.

Just as orange is the new black, resilience is the new sustainable, Deborah said. Resilient is becoming the next trendy word, but theres something strong in that word.

From his firsthand experiences, James said he was impressed and optimistic at the positive momentum that transpired in a number of the communities at the hands of grassroots efforts. Throughout their journey, the Fallowses visited the communities in a single-engine plane.

An impressively large share of these communities we went to were changed because of the citizens, James said, pointing out community members rallied behind a disparate range of causes, including combating the opioid epidemic and preserving open space areas of a particular community.

Pinchuk, who moderated the discussion with the Fallowses, commented on a takeaway he gleaned from the research the couple conducted, which applies to Kenosha  and, for that matter, any other community across the country.

Americas future depends on creativity and intelligence, Pinchuk said. Your book is important to us because it reinforces that idea.The last person who asked me that is still missing.

If you need me, I'll be underwater.

It's a dry heat.

You call this hot? Bring it on.

Vote

View ResultsSubscribe to our podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you get podcasts.Sindh Government Qatar Hospital Walk In Interviews 2019

Latest Sindh Government Qatar Hospital Management Posts Karachi 2021 Qualified and experienced personnel for the position of Watchman, Chowkidar, Cook, Naib Qasid, XRay Attendant, Sanitary Worker, Aya, Ward Boy, OT Attendant, Calligraphist, Steno Typist, Accounts Assistant, Clerk, Steward, CT Scan Technician, Dialysis Technician, ETT Technician, Echo Technician, ICU Technician, OT Technician, Dispenser, Mechanic, Midwife, Imam Masjid, Fitter required for Sindh Government Qatar Hospital in Karachi.

How to Apply on Sindh Government Qatar Hospital 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.

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.Bushfire-ravaged farmers pay it forward

A convoy of 41 trucks full of silage and hay donated from the Bega Valley and surrounds was sent to the mid-north coast to assist around 90 farmers doing it tough after the floods.



Donate Now As a public service during this pandemic, the Jewish News is providing free, unlimited access to all articles. Jewish News is a nonprofit publication that is owned by the community and relies on community support.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author (Good Tea), and they do not reflect in any way those of iRealHousewives.com.





When did this show become so sad? I could always count on these Atlanta broads to lift me up and make me laugh, however, in recent weeks all these bitches have done is sob about their lives. Who the fuck goes to Tokyo and takes turns crying into their sake? What am I watching?

This week in a single hour of television, NeNe cried about Gregg, Kandi teared up about having a surrogate, Eva wept about her dumb wedding and Porsha bawled while being proposed to. I'm running out of synonyms here.





I'm so ready for this show to end. We are 15 episodes in with three trips under our belts and nothing has happened, I couldn't find a fuck to give if I tried and this season has been a long slog to get through. To make a long story short, these ladies are all going through life-changing events which are meaningful to them but boring to watch when three seasons ago these same women were accusing one another of rape, fighting over houses and (literally) dragging each other across ballrooms. How have we fallen this far? I like my Housewives messy, if I wanted something light I'd eat a rice cake.





Kandi wants a surrogate and so does Todd, he just doesn't want to associate with the surrogate or really have any part of the pregnancy because he's from the Bronx and wasn't raised this way. He also wasn't raised with millions of dollars and two houses that sit aside each other, so if he can deal with that, I'm pretty sure he can deal with cumming into a cup and shooting it inside a stranger, especially considering Todd Tucker is the one who wants another child. Kandi and Todd don't need another child, they complain about barely having enough time to see the ones they have, but for storyline purposes, I hope they pursue this route because I love a Bravo crossover and the more flashes of Dr Jackie we see, the better.





Gregg still has cancer and NeNe is still pissed at him. That's all we really need to know. NeNe is hating life while her husband is shitting into a bag and eating lettuce. Colostomy is literally the most disgusting word I've ever heard, moist and panties don't even come close, so the fact that Gregg not only had to shit into a colostomy bag but needed to change the colostomy bag and eventually have a surgery to remove the colostomy bag is one of the most disturbing things I've ever even thought of, so I can understand why he isn't too cheery. However, I completely understand where NeNe is coming from too, who wants to be married to an angry grouch? What's the benefit, especially when he was acting this way before the cancer came about. It's a tough situation.





Eva decided we couldn't hate her any more than we already do, so she made the executive decision to spend the entire time talking about her impending nuptials. Even though the ladies literally flew to Japan for her bachelorette party, I completely forgot she was getting married and this wedding isn't going to save her Bravo career, she's boring and the only thing worse than Eva lying about her shade is complaining about a wedding that not one person cares about. What made me realise why we haven't connected with Eva is that we haven't even seen her house. Sure, she wanders through the odd room but we don't know the inner workings of her household.





We've seen Lake Bailey, Moore Manor, Chateau Sheree and even the recently purchased Casa Leakes. We know these houses inside and out because they've become extensions of their sassy owners, however, being in Eva's home felt like we were in a strangers house or visiting an aunt who's personality is as boring as her beige walls. The whole thing made me realise we don't know this woman and her townhouse is a dull, generic void of air just as Eva herself. Why do brides always act like they are the only person ever to be married? Nobody cares. You're the new girl on the Housewives and if there wasn't cameras and a Bravo contract we all know she would've been at the justice of the peace months ago if they even wanted to get married at all.





Season 11airs Sunday nights at 8pm/7c on Bravo!Please follow Sam's shady and fun celeb blog Good Tea and follow his blog on social media via Twitter ! You can also listen to Good Tea's Podcast onandPhoto Credit: BravoQualcomm is urging U.S. trade regulators to reverse a judge ruling and ban the import of iPhones in the United States. In September last year, an administrative judge at the ITC found Apple guilty of violating one of Qualcomms patents but he did not impose an import ban on the iPhone.

The judge, Thomas Pender, reasoned that handing out an import ban would give Qualcomm a monopoly which would be bad for consumers.

The Reuters report says that court documents reveal that Apple has found a software fix to circumvent the Qualcomm patent in question. However, it would take the company six months to ensure the fix satisfies the regulators and sell its existing inventory. So, Apple has asked the ITC to delay any possible import ban on the iPhones until at least then if the regulatory body decides to go ahead and reverse the decision.

Qualcomm is now arguing that the argument is no longer valid and has asked the court to ban the import of iPhones in the US.

In a filing late on Friday, Qualcomm argued that Apples disclosure of a fix undermined the reasoning in Penders decision and that the Intel-chipped phones should be banned while Apple deploys its fix. Pender recommended against a remedy on the assumption that the (Qualcomm) patent would preclude Apple from using Intel as a supplier for many years and that no redesign was feasible, Qualcomm wrote. Apple now admitsmore than seven months after the hearingthat the alleged harm is entirely avoidable.

The major patent battle between Qualcomm and Apple is set to take place in mid-April in San Diego. Until then, Qualcomm is simply using its vast set of patents to sue Apple for infringement and cause it trouble so that it backs out from its original lawsuit.

[Via ReutersAs she spoke, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds focused on the recent statistic that Iowa is the #1 state in the nation, a position she committed to maintain. She became governor in May 2017 after then governor Terry Branstad was appointed the United States Ambassador to China.Following the launch of Ibom air which became operational today, Nigerians have started asking President Muhammadu Buhari what happened to the Nigeria Air which the federal government spent billions of naira on.

The oil-rich state has now become the first state in Nigeria to own three aircraft for a commercial purpose following the launch today.

Reactions:

Akwa Ibom, a PDP State has a PENCIL factory and AIRLINE.. No noise.

Buhari's govt promised both but could not do either.#VotePDP  Lere Olayinka  Aresa 1 (@OlayinkaLere) February 20, 2019

#IbomAir is another big reason to restructure this country. While Nigeria fretted over Nigeria Air albeit with so much fan fair, Akwa Ibom launches #IbomAir with aircrafts we can see with designated routes without fuss. Restructure and let each state grow at their own pace.  Ifeabunike Chukwudi (@Ifeabunike) February 20, 2019All Progressive Congress (APC) national chairman, Adams Oshiomole, has accused former vice President and Peoples Democratic party(PDP) Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, of working in synergy with the ICT of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig Saturdays election.

Oshiomole, a former Governor of Benin city made this accusation during a press conference in Abuja today, 19th February.

His address:

The implication of this is that assuming without conceding that this allegation is true, it means Atiku is working hand-in-hand with the ICT unit in INEC to know the kind of machines that are deployed to where.

His accusations have been viewed as  one lacking weight by Nigerians and they have as such been on social media dragging the ex- governor.

Reactions:

Hello Sir Oga Oshiomole, please I just want to confirm from you if you are the one in power or opposition?  Adelana Temitope (@toplawz) February 19, 2019

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When Govt in power turns to opposition to its self..  Not Aware (@Elvisto) February 19, 2019

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You talk too much I wonder how your children will look like? all the money you make on APC primary is it not enough.. Short devil  BLACK NATION (@mumeen28) February 19, 2019

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsPeoples Democratic party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have China-trained operatives who will slow down card readers in PDP strongholds during the much anticipated elections.

Atiku made this known during the PDPs national executive council meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, 19th February.

In his own word:

We have just discovered that the APC has hired many of their operatives and have taken them to China to be trained, and they have been so trained, and they are back, and they are equipped with devices that are meant to slow or fasten our card readers, Atiku said.

So, if you are in the South-south, South-east, and North-central, you are likely to get your card readers to be slowed by those APC operatives.

Nigerians while taking to their Twitter handle have said Atiku is the crying Wolf

What they are saying:

This atiku na big fool  Jetson (@jetobanks27) February 19, 2019

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Talk something else. Chinese people will never do something against their son, Peter Lieu Obi. Impossicant.  Azeez (@aaolaitan) February 19, 2019

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Its good @Atiku now knows the North East is a no-go area for him, save for that, all he said was an absolute balderdash  adebayo jamiu julius (@JayjamOfficial) February 19, 2019

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Atiku is continue exposing him self, because of his plan had been fail. Insha Allahu your plan is continue failing until you lose the election on Saturday.  Saleh Muhammad Adamu (@Bin_Muhammad_60) February 19, 2019

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsChief of army staff, Tukur Burutai, has made the stance of the Nigerian Arny, towards this Saturdays elections known.

Read below his opening remarks at the chief of army staff meeting with principal staff officers, general officers commanding and directors which held at army headquarters conference room on 20 February, 2019.

You are all welcome to this expanded weekly meeting which has in attendance, not only Principal Staff Officers and Directors, but also GOCs and selected field commanders. You will all recall that

just 2 weeks ago, we all met here for an Operations Conference that was held to strategize on the NAs roles during the 2019 General Elections, which was earlier planned to commence from 16 Feb 19. Unfortunately, the election did not hold as planned and has been postponed to hold on 23 Feb 19 and 9 Mar 19. This shift in date has necessitated a need to review some of the decisions taken at the last conference and also to reiterate some of the directives Passed to you in light of the postponement of the elections.

I wish to first remind all of you that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. Hence those who seek to undermine our democracy by interfering in our electoral process must be seen as enemies of Nigeria and dealt with appropriately. Our role is aptly captured in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and we must defend Nigerias territorial integrity as well as act in aid of civil authority when called upon to do so. Therefore, commanders must work with all stakeholders, interest groups and agencies to avert any act by any individual, groups or entities that seek to undermine our democratic process.

As expected, Nigerians have expressed general disappointment with the postponement of the elections. The postponement has also increased apprehension in the populace and the international community with regards to safety of voters and the electoral materials. It is therefore vital that the NA alongside other security agencies rise up to the challenge of ensuring a peaceful outcome to this general election so as to give confidence to Nigerian citizens and to reassure the international community about our electoral process. In light of this, I am pleased with the smooth activation of Op SAFE CONDUCT and the success of Op EGWU EKE III. In addition, the recent launching of the NA Situation Room for Elections Security Monitoring, will also ensure we have real time feedback from the field. As we engage in these operations, we must remember that the army remains apolitical to ensure that no negative aspersion is cast on the NA before, during or after the elections.

It is unfortunate to hear persons who are aspiring to rule this country again inciting the army to disobedience. We have consistently stated our position in the political dispensation to remain neutral and apolitical. However, direct and public incitement of the Nigerian Military against democracy and constituted civil authority will not be tolerated. I request such persons to withdraw this inciting statement. Let me reemphasize loud and clear, that the Nigerian Army is a professional army. The foundation of military professionalism is discipline and without discipline an army cannot stand. One of our core values is loyalty to constituted authority. Loyalty must be hundred per cent. I shall leave you in no doubt as to our resolve to bequeath a professionally responsive army to Nigeria and Nigerians. Should any officer or soldier have doubts as to his loyalty to the Nigerian State as presently constituted, such a person has up to 22 February 2019 to resign. There is no room for indiscipline or disobedience to lawful orders in the NA today.

I want to remind all here present that the act of electoral thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes, illegal possession of elections materials and similar crimes are intended to mar an election and create deliberate avenues for post-election violence and mayhem. Such actions can also become more damaging when they are widespread, leading to destruction of lives and properties. Incidences of this nature in previous elections are often planned and orchestrated by politicians and the NA has hitherto been very cautious in its approach. However, this time around the NA will adopt a proactive posture that ensures that similar incidences do not even arise. Accordingly, in addition to my earlier directives to you in the last Operations Conference, I wish to lay emphasis on the following actions that all commanders are to abide by:

-Commanders must deal decisively with any electoral crime or action that would be inimical to National Security.

 Commanders are to ensure that they and their personnel do not hobnob with politicians at any level. In this regard, there will be no military escort for any politician and all NA personnel are to stay clear of retired military officers especially those who are now politicians until after the elections.

-Commanders are to conduct extensive patrols within their AORs. They must ensure that all flash points within the area are dominated.

-Commanders must in conjunction with the NPF enforce the restriction on movement within their AORs. All vehicles must be searched and suspicious persons or vehicles arrested/impounded and later hand over to the NPF.

-Commanders must ensure they key into the NA Elections Security Monitoring Situation Room to send and receive near real-time information on events, as they occur in their AOR.

I have laid emphasis on these few points to remind everyone that these are delicate times and the NA must support Nigerias march towards enduring democracy. In the course of the conference, I will expect every one of you to comment on your preparations for the elections as it affects your various AORs. Our role in support of democracy cannot be overemphasized; hence all hands must be on deck to ensure we have a successful outing for the next elections.

Finally, I want to seize this opportunity to appreciate His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for his invaluable support to the NA towards ensuring success in our various operations. The NA must remain totally committed to the defense of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Remember that the NA must continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles. Thank you all and God bless.Nollywood actress, Toyin Abraham, earlier today, 19th February, shared via her Instagram page that all she desire in a man is he honesty.

Controversial Nollywood actor, Uche Maduagwu, while reacting to the post has said that what the actress need is not an honest man but rather, the man that God has ordained to make her happy.

Speaking further via his Instagram page, he said all men in Nigerian are honest until they are caught cheating on their partners.

What he said:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuFC0QGhH9u/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheetThe Peoples Democratic Party,PDP has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC of planning to use its members as electoral officers in the presidential election on February 23rd.

The opposition party said this, in a statement on Wednesday, signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, its national publicity secretary, wherein they stated their blunt refusal to this alleged plot.

After the widely condemned rigging machinations by the Buhari Presidency and APC that led to the painful postponement of the February 16 Presidential election, the fear stricken Buhari Presidency has launched a more ferocious plot with the INEC and security agencies, the party alleged.

PDP further raised allegations that the presidencys of Muhammadu Buhari and the APC have been breathing down on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in a desperate and feverish bid to consolidate their control of the operations of the commission and execute its rigging plot.

See rest of the statement

At a meeting held in the APC situation room in the Presidential Villa last night, where Tunde Fashola, Hadiza Bala Usman, Mustapha Boss, etc, were in attendance, INEC RECs were directed to issue out result sheets to APC agents to falsify results for APC.

Intelligence at our disposal reveals that the INEC Chairman has succumbed to back channel bullying by the Buhari Presidency and APC to accede to their demand to replace Electoral Officers (EOs) in various critical states with APC agents

Also, the PDP has full details of how the Department of State Services (DSS) has been interfering with operations of critical departments of INEC, including the ICT department, to do APC bidding.

We alert Nigerians that the INEC Chairman has been intimidated with threat of Onnoghens treatment to accept a list of APC members and agents and post them to serve as EOs in various states including Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Bauchi, Akwa-Ibom, Zamfara, Benue, etc

These APC EOs have been briefed to ensure the diversion of sensitive electoral materials from designated polling centers, delay the accreditation process, so as to frustrate voters enthusiasm, compromise the collation process and announce fictitious results for Buhari

The APC stands with Nigerians in directly rejecting this latest arm-twisting of security agencies as well as the nefarious plots to use APC members as INEC Election Officers.

The PDP therefore cautions INEC to immediately end its back channel links and disentangle itself from the Buhari Presidency or risk being on collusion course with the Nigerian people.As controversy continue to trail President Muhammadu Buharis snatch ballot boxes at your own expense statement  more and more people have continued to drop their two pennies.

More recently is Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of Aviation. In his view, the accused the President of butchering his own people, adding that extra judicial killings will come naturally to him.

Buhari recently had he really gave the military and police order to be ruthless Anybody who thinks he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs to snatch ballot boxes or disturbs the voting system, will do so at the expense of his own life.

Speaking via his Twitter handle on Wednesday morning, he alleged that Buhari who supports genocide, mass murder and ethnic cleansing, will find nothing wrong in making a statement as that.

His words: A President that butchers his own people, supports genocide, encourages mass murder and applauds ethnic cleansing is nothing but a psychopath and a sociopath. Ordering his security forces to indulge in the extra-judicial killings of his subjects comes natutally to him.The Nigeria army has reacted to a trending photo, in which four(4) armed soldiers  in military uniform, struck the 4 + 4 pose.

The 4+4 pose is synonymous with President Muhammadu Buharis reelection campaign symbol. The army, is suppose to be non-partisan, hence the reason the photo is a serious cause of worry for everyone, with the presidential election only a few days away.

In a statement signed by Col Sagir Musa, army spokesperson on Wednesday might, the army dissociated itself from the picture, while stating that full investigation has commenced to ascertain the authenticity of source and soldiers.

See full statement below

The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a picture of four armed men dressed in what looks like military camouflage in a 4 x 4 finger sign supposedly connoting a campaign symbol of a political party which is against the rules and regulations of the NA.

The NA wishes to dissociate itself from the picture even as it has commenced immediate investigation with the view to ascertain the source and authenticity of the pictures and the soldiers involved. If the outcome of the investigation comfirm this to be true, appropriate sanctions would be provided. NA of today under the command of Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai do not condone or encourage indiscipline and any form of professional misconduct.

On many occasions, the Chief of Army Staff has made it strongly clear that Army personnel will remain neutral, totally apolitical and will not compromise its constitutional roles under any guise.Putin Threatens US Soil If Missiles Deployed in Europe

By teleSUR



February 20, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his annual presidential address to the legislature Wednesday, criticized the United States for ignoring the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty by deploying missile launchers in Romania and Poland.



"First it started developing and using intermediate-range missiles it deceitfully called targets for missile defenses. Then it began to deploy the Mk-41 launchers in Europe, capable of using intermediate range cruise missiles Tomahawk for combat purposes," he said.



"By doing all this the United States blatantly ignored the provisions contained in articles 4 and 6 of the INF Treaty."



Russia will respond to any U.S. deployment of short or intermediate-range nuclear weapons in Europe by targeting not only the countries where they are stationed but the United States itself, Putin warned.



He also said that the U.S. should calculate the flight range and velocity of Russian weapons before taking steps that can pose a threat to Russia.

Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter

"This is certainly their right to think this way. But can they make the calculations? Undoubtedly they can," Putin said. "So let them calculate the range and speed of our advanced weapon systems."



"This is the only thing we ask to do  make the calculations first before passing decisions that may pose additional serious threats to our country and will certainly entail Russias counter-measures," Putin said.



However, the president said that Russia was not seeking confrontation and would not take the first step to deploy missiles in response to Washingtons decision this month to quit a landmark Cold War-era arms control treaty.



"We are not interested in confrontation and do not want it, moreover with such a global power as the United States," he said. "However, it seems that our partners take no notice how rapidly the world is changing and where it is heading. They carry on with their destructive and obviously erroneous policy."



But in case of a threat, Russia will be forced to create and deploy types of weapons which can be used not only in respect of those territories from which the direct threat to us originates but also in respect of those territories where the centers of decision-making are located, the president said.



Alleging Russian violations, Washington said this month it was suspending its obligations under the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) and starting the process of quitting it, untying their hands to develop new missiles.



The pact banned either side from stationing short and intermediate-range, land-based missiles in Europe and its demise raises the prospect of a new arms race between Washington and Moscow.

This article was originally published by " teleSUR " -

Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here

==See Also==

Putin: Our missiles will target U.S., not just countries where their missiles are stationed

Putin delivers annual address to Russias Federal Assembly

Full Speech

Let Your Life Be a Friction to Stop the Machine: Must Watch Video

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Peace and joyI was very pleased to have been interviewed for your piece on the role of religion in contributing to the differential acceptance of evolutionary science among African-Americans. However, I was very disappointed in both the title of the piece, Religion plays prominent role in African-Americans strained relationship with evolution, and the picture above the headline which depicted the long debunked March of Progress view of evolution.

First, the way the headline is written, it overplays the role of socially-defined race (African-Americans) and downplays the role of Biblical literalist/fundamentalist interpretation of scripture. What needed to be clear is that the rejection of the evidence supporting evolutionary science is driven by religious fundamentalism, not being an African-American. From 1993-2004, the National Opinion Research Center data recorded responses concerning the question: Human beings developed from earlier species of animals. Responses differed with Doctrinally Conservative Protestants, 76 percent, Black Protestants, 66 percent, and Mainline Protestants, 45 percent, answering definitely or probably false to this item respectively. This of course means that 24 percent, 34 percent, and 55 percent of these groups answered definitely and probably true to this question1.

Therefore, a proper title to the Feb. 14 piece would have recognized the diversity within the African-American community as opposed to stereotyping it as having a uniform strained relationship with evolutionary science. I would have entitled the piece: Religion plays a prominent role in the differential acceptance of evolution by African Americans.

But more troubling than the title of the piece was the picture of the March of Progress that ran below it. The March of Progress first appeared in the Early Manvolume of the Life Nature Library published in 19652. The problem with this icon is that it drastically misrepresents evolutionary science. Charles Darwin envisioned evolution by the means of natural selection as resulting in trees of related organisms (see below):

Modern evolutionary biologists call this cladistic evolution. Cladistic means splitting in two. The diagram above shows that not only does evolution produce new species derived from a common ancestor, but that throughout the history of life that species often go extinct. The cladistic model of evolution has been overwhelmingly supported by the fossil evidence of past life, including that of the great apes, which include the hominids (humans)3,4.

The diagram above shows that the gorilla and chimpanzee share a common ancestor with the hominids. The common ancestor of chimpanzee and the hominids lived between 6-7 million years ago. It also shows that of the hominids only our species, Homo sapiens, still exists. However, there were times in the history of our species anatomically modern Homo sapiens, in which we shared the world with other intelligent hominids, including Homo floresiensis, Homo eretus, Homo heidelbergensis and Homo neanderthalensis. Indeed, due to hybridization of early modern humans with some of these groups, some human populations have 2-3 percent of their ancestry originating in other human species including H. neanderthalensis6.

The most common problem caused by the March of Progress icon is that it gives the impression that chimpanzees are ancestors of humans. This cannot be true because chimpanzees still exist. Evolutionary science states that chimpanzees and humans share a common ancestor, and that this ancestor had both chimpanzee- and human-like characteristics. However, another problem is associated with the March of Progress idea; that is, that the human races are part of the march, and that Europeans are the endpoint of this progression. This was the view of the German biologist Ernest Haeckel7. Haeckels view of the human species became part of Nazi race science7. It has also been shown by social psychologists that the racial march of progress is particularly harmful to African-Americans8. It is harmful in two ways, first by implying that biological races exist within our species and that they exist in hierarchical relationship to each other. I have shown that both ideas are incorrect6. By supporting both incorrect notions, this icon has contributed to the differential rejection of evolutionary science by African-Americans. Therefore, the Darwin Day piece should have really shown a tree of human evolution, as opposed to the false and distorting March of Progress icon.

Joseph L. Graves Jr. is associate dean for research and professor of biological sciences at North Carolina A&T State University and University of North Carolina Greensboro. He can be contacted at gravesjl@ncat.edu.

NotesThe Hague, Feb 20 (IBNS): India on Wednesday urged the International Court of Justice to annual the Pakistani military court's awarding of the death sentence to Kulbhushan Jadhav - an Indian national held in the neighbouring country on suspicion of spying and direct fair trial in a civilian court, reports said.

India also sought full consular access to Jadhav, who was arrested in Balochistan in 2016 on espionage charges.

Earlier, India strongly objected to the Pakistan counsel's use of abusive language in connection with the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav - an Indian national held in the neighbouring country on suspicion of spying - in the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Harish Salve, who is the former solicitor general of India, while presenting Indias case before the ICJ, objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi on the second day of the hearing.

The language echoed in this court... perhaps this court may lay down some redlines. The transcript is peppered with words such as shameless, nonsense, disgraceful, arrogant... India takes exception to being addressed in this fashion in an international court. Indian culture prevents me from using similar language. India strongly objects to abusive language of Pakistans counsel, Salve was quoted as saying.

Jadhav, 48, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on espionage charges in April 2017 but after Indian government moved the international court, the 10-member bench of the ICJ on May 18, 2017 had given a stay order and 'restrained' Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.

The hearing on the case at the ICJ as per a timetable for the public hearing in the case will be held from Feb 18 to 21.

In its written pleadings, India has accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention by not giving consular access to Jadhav arguing that the convention did not say that such access would not be available to an individual arrested on espionage charges.

India has said the so called trial of Jadhav by a military court in Pakistan was "farcical".

Later in December, 2017, Kulbhushan Jadhav was allowed to meet his wife and mother but later on MEA in Delhi said it appeared Jadhav was under considerable stress and speaking in an atmosphere of coercion.

The manner in which the meeting was conducted and its aftermath was clearly an attempt to bolster a false and unsubstantiated narrative of Jadhavs alleged activities, the ministry had said in a statement.

The Pakistani side conducted the meeting in a manner that violated the letter and spirit of our understandings," it had said.Index-Journal Careers

PART-TIME POSITION available in our packaging area.

Job responsibilities include putting inserts into the newspaper. Must have a positive attitude and be a team player. Applicants must be able to: lift up to 20-lbs; stand for long periods of time; be available to work Sunday thru Friday, late evening to early morning hours; pass drug screen.After the death of her husband, Nadezhda Osipchuk lived a lonely life in Ukraine, with only her daughter Luiza to keep her company. But then the Christian widow struck up a friendship with her Jewish neighbor, Anna Burdynskaya. Annas husband had also died, so the two women helped and supported one another, becoming close friends in the process.

But life for Anna grew harder with the arrival of the Nazis. The Germans entered the families town of Letichev in July of 1941, cordoning off a ghetto where the areas Jews were to stay until they could be deported and murdered. Anna and her young children  six-year-old Masha and four-year-old Volodya  were among the Jews forced into the ghetto, where they faced disease, starvation, and cruelty at the hands of the Nazis. But the Burdynskaya family had a friend on the outside.

Nadezhda would sneak food to her three friends each night, meeting Anna at a secret spot near the barbed-wire fence with the potatoes and bread that kept the family alive for more than a year.

But in January of 1943, Anna learned that the ghetto would soon be liquidated  its Jews would be sent to extermination camps where the Nazis would murder them. The Jewish mother decided she had to save her children.

One night, Anna helped little Masha and Volodya crawl under the barbed wire and into the waiting arms of Nadezhda. Anna was not able to join her children, and would be murdered by the Nazis on January 30.

But Nadezhda took her friends two precious little ones home and hid them in her home. Each day, the children were hidden under hay and corn stalks in a cattle trough or in a large chest meant for clothing. And each night, they slept in Nadezhdas home. Luiza, who was the same age as Masha, kept the two Jewish children fed and entertained. Each evening, she would teach them whatever it was she had learned at her own school during the day.

After the area was liberated in March of 1944, Masha was able to join Luizas class. The two girls would remain the best of friends for the rest of their lives, each of them also choosing to become teachers.

The children continued to live with Nadezhda and Luiza even after the war, as all of their relatives had been murdered by the Nazis. Despite being impoverished herself, Nadezhda never thought to send them to an orphanage, raising and teaching Masha and Volodya as if they were her own children, which they considered themselves to be.

Nadezhda Osipchuk passed away at the age of 89 in 1997. Eleven years later, this Christian friend of the Jewish people was named a Righteous Gentile by Yad Vashem.About This Property Lovely country cape with a first floor master suite. Open plan main level with oak floors, decorative propane stove, oak cabinets & plenty of counter space. There are two huge BRs upstairs and a 4th BR/office on the main level. Spacious 3 season porch is perfect for seasonal entertaining. Lower level w/ 2 car garage, large foyer & den. Excellent location, close to rtes. 8 & 20, and a short drive to Stockbridge, Lenox and Great Barrington & most popular Berkshire destinations such as Tanglewood & Jacobs Pillow, & yet just 2 3/4 hrs. to NYC or Boston. Otis offers extensive outdoor activities w/ thousands of acres of state land and several lakes including Otis Reservoir, Big Pond, Benton Pond and Hayes Pond. Whether you are looking for a vacation home or primary home, this fits the bill.



Land Details Community Details Acres Apx: 1.00

Parking Type: Garaged & Off-Street

Region: Berkshire - South

Elem School: Farmington River

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High School: Choice

Exterior Details Interior Details Color: light yellow

Style: Cape,Contemporary

Construction: Modular

Exterior: Vinyl

Water: Well

Sewer: Private

Underground Oil Tank: No

Garage: Attached,Under

Total Rooms: 6

Total Full Baths: 3

Fuel: Electric,Propane

Hot Water: Propane

Electric: 200 Amp

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Lead Paint: N/A, built after 1978

Heat/Cool: Boiler,Central AC,Electric,Forced Air,Multizone

Insulation: Fiberglass

Appliances Incl: Dishwasher,Dryer,Microwave,Range Hood,Range/Stove,Refrigerator,Washer

Accessibility: 1st Fl Bdrm,1st Flr Bdrm w/Bath,1st Flr Full Bath



Room Level Length Width Remarks Bath Full 2nd floor Bedroom 2 2nd floor 17 19 Bedroom 3 2nd floor 17 19 Bedroom 4 1st floor 10 13-6 Den Lth floor 11 18 Dining Room 1st floor 13-6 23 open to kitchen and living room Foyer Room Lth floor 10 12 Entry from garage with storage Kitchen 1st floor open to dining and living areas Laundry 1st floor Living Room 1st floor 13-6 21-6 open to dining & kitchen. propane stove Master Bath 1st floor Master Bedroom 1st floor 13-6 14 Other Lth floor 2 car garage Seasonal Room 1st floor screened porch

Search More Properties With these Features Alarm SystemPaula Risikko (NCP), the Speaker of the Parliament, announced last week the bills will be sent for further review to the Parliaments Administration Committee and Constitutional Law Committee.

JUSSI NIINISTO (BR), the Minister of Defence, on Tuesday lashed out in his blog at the two constitutional law experts who stirred up concerns about the constitutionality of the long-discussed bills for new intelligence laws in Finland.

It is hardly usual to send statements from the session hall back to a committee. It becomes exceptional when it is done because of tweets, wrote Niinisto.

Niinisto made no attempt to conceal his exasperation with the two experts: Juha Lavapuro, a professor of public law at the University of Turku, and Martin Scheinin, a professor of international law and human rights at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy.

These Talibanis of constitutional law have concealed their own ideological goals in a veil of expertise and tried to use social media to put pressure on a nationally elected Parliament, he stated. And the Parliament gave in, despite the fact that these interpreters of law had been heard several times in the Parliament (receiving reimbursements of 6701,340 euros per statement).

But apparently everything they said was not taken 100 per cent into consideration, because they had to resort to extra-parliamentary measures, bemoaned Niinisto. These Talibanis have pushed through their will irrespective of democracy. The Parliament must shape up and start respecting its own work and its democratic foundation.

The Parliament, he viewed, has been tremendously thorough in drafting the bills for new civilian and military intelligence laws.

The roles of Lavapuro and Scheinin have also stirred up debate in connection with the preparatory work on another long-discussed legislative project: the social, health care and regional government reform. The Finnish Union of University Professors, however, has reminded that commenting on topical social issues falls within the remit of professors.

The universities act prescribes that, in addition to conducting scientific research, professors should participate in social interaction in their own fields, it highlighted.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Source: Uusi SuomiThe man was killed only some three weeks after returning voluntarily to his country of origin from Finland.

THE EUROPEAN COURT of Human Rights (ECHR) has asked Finland to give an account of the events that led to the removal of an unsuccessful asylum seeker who was killed in Iraq in 2017, reports Helsingin Sanomat.

Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday wrote that the man had worked as a criminal investigator for a government agency tasked with investigating corruption and human rights violations under the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. As he was the agencys only Sunni Muslim, his work became more dangerous following the emergence and recognition of paramilitary groups of Shia Muslims in Iraq.

He, for example, received a death threat from a colleague and was the target of two murder attempts in early 2015, according to the newspaper.

The man fled the country together with his son and daughter in August 2015 and applied for an asylum in Finland in September 2015.

His application was rejected by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) in December 2016. Migri stated in its decision that, although the account of the man was credible, the murder attempts were not related to his background or personal characteristics. The death threat made by his colleague, it added, was part of an argument between two individuals.

The decision to deny him asylum was later upheld by the Helsinki Administrative Court. The man was not granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court.

He ultimately boarded a voluntary return flight Iraq on 29 November, 2017, according to Helsingin Sanomat.

The ECHR requested an account of the events following a complaint filed by the daughter of the man, who is living in Finland, the newspaper also wrote.

YLE wrote roughly a year ago about an ex-asylum seeker from Iraq who was shot dead only weeks after returning to his country of origin from Finland. Migri stated at the time that the incident reported by the public broadcasting company was humanely unfortunate but cited the option of internal flight in arguing that its decision was in line with rulings issued by the ECHR.

In Baghdad, for example, the violence is not so intense that it would pose a real threat of rights violations to anyone returning to the city, it said.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Source: Uusi Suomi(Bloomberg) For most of the past three decades, American private equity investor Michael Calvey has made billions for his funds by knowing how to play by the rules  both written and unwritten  in Russia. Now hes sitting in a Moscow jail facing fraud charges over a deal that went bad. His Baring Vostok funds lists constructive relations with the authorities as no. 7 of its 10 rules for successfully investing in Russia. It hired a nationally known former Soviet cosmonaut to help defuse any tensions that arose.

To read this article:(HedgeCo.Net) Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation has agreed to pay $25 million to settle charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and two of the companys former executives were charged for their roles in facilitating the payment of millions of dollars in a bribe to an Indian government official.

The Securities and Exchange Commissions complaint alleges that in 2014, a senior government official of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu demanded a $2 million bribe from the construction firm responsible for building Cognizants 2.7 million square foot campus in Chennai, India. As alleged in the complaint, Cognizants President Gordon Coburn and Chief Legal Officer Steven E. Schwartz authorized the contractor to pay the bribe, and directed their subordinates to conceal the bribe by doctoring the contractors change orders. The SEC also alleges that Cognizant authorized the construction firm to make two additional bribes totaling more than $1.6 million. Cognizant allegedly used sham change order requests to conceal the payments it made to reimburse the firm.

Bribery to further corporate goals is an illusory path to long-term success. While always the wrong choice, it is particularly egregious when senior executives chart that course for those they lead, as our complaint alleges here. We are committed to holding them accountable for their actions, said Charles E. Cain, Chief of the SEC Enforcement Divisions FCPA Unit.

The SEC charged Coburn and Schwartz with violating anti-bribery, books and records, and internal accounting controls provisions of the federal securities laws. The SEC is seeking permanent injunctions, monetary penalties, and officer-and-director bars against Coburn and Schwartz.

The SECs order as to Cognizant found that the company violated Sections 30A, 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are anti-bribery, books and records, and internal accounting controls provisions of the federal securities laws. Without admitting or denying the allegations, the company agreed to pay disgorgement and prejudgment interest of approximately $19 million and a penalty of $6 million.

The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey today announced the indictment of Coburn and Schwartz on criminal charges of violating and conspiring to violate the FCPAs anti-bribery and accounting provisions.West Monroe, LA (71291)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with widely scattered showers or thunderstorms possible this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 73F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he is looking forward to his second meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on February 27 and 28 in Vietnam and wants Pyongyang to end its nuclear programme but is in no rush for it.

The two leaders held their first meeting in Singapore last year, after which the White House said in a statement that Kim "reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea has conducted no further nuclear and missile tests since the June summit, but has made no commitment to surrendering its nuclear arsenal. Trump Tuesday discussed his trip with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in and told reporters his ultimate goal is denuclearisation of North Korea.

"I had a great conversation this morning with President Moon of South Korea. We obviously discussed the upcoming trip next week...We're going to Hanoi in Vietnam...I look forward to being with Chairman Kim (Jong-un)..I think a lot of things will come out of it," Trump told reporters about the telephonic conversation.

President Moon and I discussed probably every aspect of the meeting," he said. "We're in no rush whatsoever, we're going to have our meeting...We'll see what happens and I think ultimately we're going to be very successful," he said.

The White House said the two leaders agreed to remain in close communication following the summit. In an interaction with reporters, Trump said he would be talking over phone with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Wednesday on the same issue.

"I will be speaking tomorrow (Wednesday) with Prime Minister Abe of Japan. I will be having a similar conversation. So I think, next week is going to be very exciting. It's going to be the second summit," he said, adding his ultimate goal is denuclearisation of North Korea.

"I think we will see that ultimately. I have no pressing time schedule. A lot of people would like to see it go very quickly from the other side. I really believe that North Korea can be a tremendous economic power. Their location between Russia, China and South Korea is unbelievable," he said.

Trump said that North Korea and chairman Kim have some very positive things in mind. "We will soon find out. I'm in no rush. There's no testing... If you look at the end of the Obama administration, it was a disaster. What was going on. You don't have that right now. It's a much different feeling. I think people have...There's always danger, but I think people have much different feeling," he said.Islamabad: Pakistan's top anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani from a hotel in Islamabad, triggering a strong protest from the Pakistan People's Party which termed the detention of its senior leader as "unacceptable".

It for the first time in history of Pakistan that a sitting assembly speaker was arrested.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi has accused Durrani of illegal appointments, misuse of power, misappropriation of funds and owning assets beyond his known means of income.

According to officials, the NAB officials said that they waited for Durrani to leave Sindh province before making the arrest as Durrani is escorted by his sizable security team in his home province and the officials feared a confrontation would turn violent.

The NAB Karachi team travelled to Islamabad to arrest him. He was initially taken to the NAB Rawalpindi office after which NAB obtained three-day transit remand to bring him back to Karachi for the investigation.

"Agha Siraj Durrani has been arrested. He is accused of having more assets than know sources of income," NAB said in a brief statement.

Accountability Judge Muhammad Bashir granted the three-day transit, with instructions to produce him in the relevant court in Karachi within three days.

Durrani is considered as a close friend of former president Asif Ali Zardri who is co-chairman of PPP party, which strongly condemned his arrest.

Soon after Durrani's arrest, Zardari asked his party leaders to converge in the capital.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari slammed the arrest of the senior party leader, saying that his party would not allow the "benaami wazeer-e-azam" to establish a dictatorship.

"Attack on (the) speaker of (a) federating unit is unacceptable. (An) undemocratic attempt to dislodge Sindh govt. Failed before will fail again. Independent institutions shouldnt unwittingly be part of political engineering," he tweeted.

Sindh chief minister's adviser on information Murtaza Wahab said it was illegal to arrest him.

"He is already facing inquiries. How can someone be arrested before their crime is proven?" Wahab asked.

Last year in July, NAB had approved an inquiry against Durrani over various allegations of corruption.NEAR BAGHOUZ: Islamic State appeared closer to defeat in its last enclave in eastern Syria on Wednesday, as a civilian convoy left the besieged area where U.S.-backed forces estimate a few hundred jihadists are still holed up.

Its capture will nudge the eight-year-old Syrian war towards a new phase, with U.S. President Donald Trump having pledged to withdraw American troops, leaving a security vacuum that other powers would seek to fill.

A Reuters witness near the front lines at Baghouz on the Iraqi border saw dozens of trucks leaving the village and a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said they were bringing out civilians.

Baghouz is the final scrap of ground left to Islamic State in the Euphrates valley region that became its last major stronghold in Iraq and Syria after a series of catastrophic defeats in 2017.

Its fall marks a big moment in the group`s trajectory, from winning control over vast territories in 2014 and proclaiming the creation of a caliphate to rule over Muslims, to its stubborn demise under concerted military assault.

Few believe the capture of Baghouz will end Islamic State`s threat: some fighters still hold out in the central Syrian desert and it has managed to stage repeated guerrilla attacks in areas where its territorial rule was ended.

However, it will heighten attention on the promised withdrawal of some 2,000 U.S. troops who have deployed into Syria during the fight against IS, and with it the fate of the Kurdish-led region that the U.S. presence has helped to secure.

Trump on Saturday tweeted: "We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory."

FATE OF KURDISH-HELD ZONE IN THE BALANCE

Turkey has repeatedly threatened an incursion because it sees the Kurdish YPG militia, which spearheads the SDF, as a terrorist group inseparable from the PKK which has waged a three-decade insurgency inside its own borders.

Facing this prospect, the YPG in December invited the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad to take over the westernmost part of its territory, around the city of Manbij, and seeks broader negotiations with him over the area it holds.

The SDF on Monday called for 1,000-1,500 international forces to remain in Syria to ensure that Islamic State`s territorial defeat is lasting. The head of U.S. army Central Command, General Joseph Votel, said he was still carrying out Trump`s withdrawal order.

Among the many civilians who have left Baghouz in recent days are families of Islamic State fighters, including some foreigners who went to Iraq and Syria to join its caliphate.

The SDF has complained that Western countries are reluctant to take back such people, who are seen at home as a security threat but might be hard to legally prosecute.

On Wednesday, Britain stripped citizenship from one of them, 19-year Shamima Begum, who ran away to join Islamic State as a schoolgirl in 2015.

Both the SDF and U.S. officials have said the presence of civilians in Islamic State`s last pocket at Baghouz, targeted by air strikes again on Tuesday night, has slowed their advance.

During years of steady retreats, Islamic State has honed its tactics of street fighting - sheltering among civilians, digging tunnels and laying innumerable mines and booby traps.

Reuters photographs have shown one part of the remaining Islamic State pocket, where fighters and civilians were gathered among scattered tents and vehicles on the edge of a village.

Many civilians who have previously escaped the group`s rule, including some of the thousands of Yazidis in Iraq kidnapped and forced into sexual slavery, still suffer trauma long afterwards.Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have postponed a planned meeting Thursday in Moscow for talks on Iranian military activity in Syria, an Israeli official said.

The two leaders would speak by phone on Thursday instead, the official said on condition of anonymity today, adding that a new date for the meeting would be set as soon as possible.

It was described as a postponement of several days.

The official gave no reason for the postponement, but Israeli media said it was related to Netanyahu's strategizing with allied right-wing parties for April 9 elections ahead of a Thursday deadline for electoral lists to be submitted.

Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov told Russian state news agency Ria Novosti that the meeting was postponed due to Israeli internal political reasons.

The meeting would have been their first extensive face-to-face talks since a friendly fire incident in September that led to a Russian plane being downed by Syrian air defences during an Israeli raid, which angered the Kremlin.

Netanyahu and Putin, who have spoken by phone several times since the incident, met in Paris in November on the sidelines of World War I commemorations.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria against what is says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets, and the Jewish state and Russia have set up a "de-confliction" hotline to avoid accidental clashes.

Netanyahu has pledged to stop Israel's main enemy Iran from entrenching itself militarily in the neighbouring country.

Both Russia and Iran are allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and have helped his forces inflict numerous defeats on rebels and jihadists.KOLKATA: The Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata Police arrested an alleged Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) operative.

Asif Iqbal alias Nadeem, a resident of Kulgachi village in Murshidabad district, was arrested from Santragachi railway station in Howrah district on Monday. He was produced before a court in Kolkata on Tuesday and remanded to police custody till March 5.

"Asif Iqbal alias Nadeem (22), an active JMB member since 2017, was arrested from Kolkata`s Santragachi railway station at 6.20 p.m. on Monday. He was produced today (Tuesday) before the court, which remanded him to 15-day police custody till March 5," an STF officer told news agency IANS.

An active member of terror outfit JMB since 2017, Iqbal had gone to Chennai and was trained under Kausar, one of the key accused in Burdwan`s Khagragarh blast case in 2014. Kausar was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2018.

Iqbal is the second JMB operative to be arrested in a week. The STF had arrested a 22-year-old JMB operative Ariful Islam alias Arif from Babughat area of Kolkata on Saturday. He is said to be involved in the Bodh Gaya blast.

Both Iqbal and Islam were a part of the conspiracy hatched to secure Kausar`s escape on the way from court to the Presidency Correctional Home, said the STF.NEW DELHI: Supreme Court will on Wednesday take up a plea seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the murder of three BJP workers in West Bengal.

The plea has been filed by BJP leader and lawyer Gaurav Bhatia, who had sought a CBI probe into the matter.

During Tuesdays hearing, Supreme Court lawyer Gaurav Bhatia had argued for a CBI investigation of the murders of the party workers.

The brutal murder of three WB BJP workers is a fit case for CBI probe and if this case is not fit for a detailed investigation by CBI, then no case comes under the ambit of CBI probe, argued Bhatia.

On May 30, an 18-year-old BJP worker named Tirlochan Mahato was found hanging from a tree in Purulia`s Balarampur district.

Shortly after this incident, another BJP worker, Dulal Kumar was found dead in a similar manner in the same district.

On July 28, one more BJP leader, Shaktipada Sardar was hacked in West Bengal`s Diamond Harbour area.

The deaths of three BJP leaders had sparked an outrage in the state with the BJP blaming the Trinamool Congress for the attack.

However, the leaders of the ruling TMC rejected the allegations and denied any role in the killings. They attributed the killings to infighting within the BJP.

(With ANI inputs)New Delhi: Namvar Singh was like a giant banyan tree in Hindi literature, who nurtured many writers and poets under him.

Singh, who died on Tuesday night after a month-long illness at the age of 92, showed to the world that a dry topic like literary criticism can be made simple and interesting.

He may have started his journey as a poet but the seeds of literary criticism were sown deep by his mentor Acharya Hajariprasad Dwivedi. It was only natural that Singh would follow in his footsteps.

Through "Dusri Parampara ki Khoj" (In Search of a Second Tradition), he not only redefined criticism on modern parameters but also took it forward, beyond the era of Ramchandra Shukla.

His personality, forthrightness and views reflected the Banaras that could be seen in the writings of Kabir and his guru, Dwivedi.

Born on July 28, 1926 in Varanasi's village Jiyanpur (now in Chandauli), Singh spent most of his creative years in Delhi but he never felt at home.

It was in 1941 that Singh started his writing career as a poet and published his first poem in "Khastriyamitra" magazine.

Singh completed his MA and PhD in Hindi literature from the Banaras Hindu University. He also worked as a professor in his alma mater BHU as well as Jodhpur university and the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Senior critic Manager Pandey said Singh was not only popular as a critic but also as a teacher and orator. He contemporized Hindi literary criticism.

According to Pandey, Singh easily connected with young writers and would always be surrounded with books and literature. Singh used to say that life would be unimaginable for him without his pen and books.

He briefly toyed with politics and contested the Lok Sabha election from Chakiya (Chandauli) in 1959 on a ticket from the Communist Party of India. He lost both his election and his teaching job.

It was a period full of struggle for Singh, his younger brother, writer Kashinath Singh, recalled in a book. But it was also time that helped his forge a deeper connection with literature and books.

Singh then lived in a house near Lolark Kund in Varanasi, memories of which stayed with him forever.

After losing his job in Banaras Hindu University, Singh worked in Sagar University as assistant professor for a year.

From 1960 to 1965, he stayed in Varanasi to focus on his writings but moved to Delhi to work as the editor of "Janyug" magazine. He was also the literary consultant for Rajkamal Prakashan for two years during this period.

In 1967, he edited a quarterly magazine "Alochana". But in 1970, he returned to his academic career as the dean of Hindi department in Jodhpur University.

He was awarded the Sahitya Academy honour for his book "Kavita Ke Naye Pratimaan" in 1971.

Singh joined Jawaharlal Nehru University as a professor in 1974 and retired from there after 13 years in 1987 but his term was extended for five years.

His most notable contribution is in the sphere of literary criticism with books such as "Hindi Ke Vikas me Apbransh Ka Yogdaan", Prithviraj Raso Ki Bhasha", "Adhunik Sahitya Ki Pravritiyaan", "Chhayavad", "Itihaas Aur Alochana" and "Kahaani: Nayi Kahaani" and "Dusri Parampara Ki Khoj".

According to Jagdishwar Chaturvedi, a former Hindi professor in the University of Calcutta, Singh was a great mentor and teacher who took young writers seriously and constantly encouraged their writings. He kept in touch with emerging writers till the very end of his life.

Sharing an interesting anecdote about Singh's love for books, Chaturvedi said Singh had once talked about a book by Marxist critic Parajneshwar Verma. He searched for the book in the market but could not find it. He spoke to a publisher who brought it to a book fair for him.

Singh also went to the same stall and enquired about the book. When he got to know that a JNU student had bought it, he returned and borrowed the book from him to read. He returned it after two days.

Chaturvedi, who had penned a book about Singh, said the author had once told him that he wanted his last rites to be done as per Hindu rituals. He cited that even Karl Marx was buried as per Christian rituals.

In accordance with his wishes, Singh was cremated on Wednesday as per Hindu rituals.

He may have been a communist and considered himself to be an atheist but would visit temples as he felt they were a part of the culture.

According to his student Purushottam Agarwal, Singh was a critic who established his identity beyond the Hindi language. Agarwal said Singh always read the works of students and young writers and would encourage them as equals.Thane: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) Wednesday urged the Centre to cancel the work visas of all Pakistani artists and take steps for their immediate deportation in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

A memorandum to this effect was submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj by AICWA president Suresh Gupta.

Copies of the memorandum were circulated to the media here which stated that the association strongly condemned the February 14 terror strike which killed 40 CRPF soldiers in J&K's Pulwama district.

"We express our deepest condolences to the families of martyred soldiers and we salute the courage of each member of the armed forces who lost his life in line of duty," the AICWA said.

"We stand united against the terror act of Pakistan," it said.

"All Indian Cine Workers Association, on behalf of Indian film fraternity, requests Sushma Swaraj ji and our prime minister to kindly take strict action against all the Pakistani artists by banning their travel in our country," it said.

"No work visas should be issued to any Pakistani artist related to the entertainment industry," the association said.

Pakistani artists working in India should be immediately deported, the memorandum demanded.New Delhi: Markets posted sharp gains on Wednesday buoyed by strength in Asian shares that rose to 4-1/2-month peak. Metal, banking and realty stocks soared amid sustained buying by domestic institutional investors.

The BSE Sensex rose 235.08 points or 0.66 percent to 35,587.69 in early trade while the NSE Nifty jumped 71.75 points or 0.68 percent to 10,676.10.

Top gainers in the Sensex pack on Wednesday include ONGC, Vedanta, Yes Bank, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, Sun Pharma, L&T, Tata Steel, HDFC, Reliance and Bharti Airtel, rising up to 2.12 percent.

On the other hand, HCL Tech, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto and M&M were the losers, falling up to 0.76 percent.

On a net basis, DIIs were net buyers to the tune of Rs 1,163.85 crore, while foreign institutional investors sold shares worth a net of Rs 813.76 crore on Tuesday, provisional data available with BSE showed.

MSCIs broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose nearly 1.0 percent to reach its highest levels since October 2, a Reuters report said. Hong Kongs Hang Seng gained 1.1 percent to six-month highs, while Koreas Kospi and Taiwans index recovered to levels last seen in early October. Japans Nikkei gained 0.75 percent to two-month highs.

Chinese shares rose 0.4 percent, extending their run of gains to 18 percent from their Jan. 4 trough, thanks to inflows of foreign funds.

With Agency InputsMUMBAI: Nashik Police has denied permission to All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS)-led Kisan (farmer) long march, scheduled to begin from Nashik on Wednesday. About 50,000 farmers from 23 districts are expected to participate in the week-long protest rally that will culminate in Mumbai on February 27.

Refusing to grant permission, the city police said that the procession will be carried through the highway which can lead to congestion and long traffic jams.

The protest march rally, slated to begin at 4 pm from Nashik's Mumbai Naka, comes after talks between farmers' outfits and state government failed.

The All India Kisan Sabha, the peasants front of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has reportedly claimed that the rally will continue as scheduled.



"Farmers led by @KisanSabha will commence on a 2nd #KisanLongMarch against the betrayal of farmers by the Fadnavis-led BJP govt today, Feb 20 at 4.00 pm from Mumbai Naka, Nashik," tweeted CPI(M).

Farmers led by @KisanSabha will commence on a 2nd #KisanLongMarch against the betrayal of farmers by the Fadnavis-led BJP govt today, Feb 20 at 4.00 pm from Mumbai Naka, Nashik. pic.twitter.com/Zke3ldsRDu  CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) February 20, 2019

The second edition of the march will again press for demands like farm loan waiver, minimum support price, irrigation facilities and provision of pension to farmers.

The first march was held in March 2018, where over 35,000 farmers led by the AIKS walked to Mumbai from Nashik. The state government was then forced to give in-principle acceptance to several of their demands.

A year has passed but the state government has not fulfilled promises. Hence, the long march would be taken out against the betrayal of farmers by BJP-led state and central governments, the AIKS said.

The AIKS also said it was opposed to the multi-billion dollar Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project which has seen several farmers along the proposed route approach court against land acquisition.MUMBAI: About 50,000 farmers from 23 districts will take out a week-long march in Maharashtra from Wednesday, February 20. The march will begin from Nashik at 4 pm and culminate in Mumbai on February 27.

The march, led by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), will press for demands like farm loan waiver, minimum support price, irrigation facilities and provision of pension to farmers.

Accusing the Centre and Maharastra government of betraying the farmers, the AIKS said, A year has passed but the state government has not fulfilled promises. Hence, the long march would be taken out against the betrayal of farmers by BJP-led state and central governments.

In March 2018, over 35,000 farmers led by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), walked to Mumbai from Nashik to press their demands for complete loan waiver and transfer of tribal land to farmers who have been cultivating it for years. The state government was then forced to give in-principle acceptance to several of their demands.

The AIKS also said it was opposed to the multi-billion dollar Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project which has seen several farmers along the proposed route approach court against land acquisition.

The Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS), Odisha's leading farmers' outfit, has also called for a 12-hour Odisha bandh on February 21. The farmers are demanding proper minimum support rice on paddy, pension and prestige for the farmers.



With PTI inputsMUMBAI: A massive fire broke out at a building in South Mumbai in the wee hours of Wednesday triggering panic among local residents of the area.

According to reports, the blaze broke out at the Dharam Villa building situated on Bhulabhai Desai Marg around midnight.

Mumbai: A level III fire has broken out in Dharam Villa building at Bhulabhai Desai Marg. 8 fire tenders are present at the spot. Fire fighting operation is underway. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/fUA1OOtWd0  ANI (@ANI) 19 February 2019

At least eight fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot to douse the fire.

According to Mumbai Fire Brigade officials, the first call to the fire station was received at 12:36 AM and eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

After a few hours of fire-fighting, the flame was doused.

No injuries or casualties have been reported in the fire.

The fire department officials said it was a level III fire, which was confined to doors, lift, and staircases on the fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth floor of the nine-floor building, which includes a basement.PUNE: Ending months of speculation over his future role in active politics, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has declared that he will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election 2019, while his nephew Ajit Pawar and others family members will not contest.

Speaking to media persons late on Tuesday, Pawar said, Ajit Pawar is not going to contest the election, Parth Pawar is not going to contest, Rohit Pawar is not going to contest. Sharad Pawar is going to contest.

Pawar made this statement while addressing a question about him allegedly promoting dynastic politics in the region.

Pawars nephew Ajit Pawar is already a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and there were strong speculations about his son Ajit joining the active politics and contesting polls.

Pawar also refuted rumours of his grandson Rohit contesting polls.

Talking about the recently reinstated alliance of BJP-Shiv Sena for upcoming elections, Pawar said that people will decide the fate of the same.

There was an atmosphere in last few months where there was a heated exchange of words between them. Today they are standing together, wanting to send a message of unity. People of Maharashtra can understand their strategy. They will think and take the step, said Pawar.

S Pawar, NCP chief on BJP-Shiv Sena: There was an atmosphere in last few months where there was heated exchange of words b/w them. Today they're standing together,wanting to send message of unity. People of Maharashtra can understand their strategy. They'll think&take step.(19.2) pic.twitter.com/L28qwVh19g  ANI (@ANI) 19 February 2019

NCP chief also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not attending the all-party meet called in the wake of Pulwama terror attack and said, An all-party meeting was called by centre after Pulwama Attack. We were told the meeting has been called by PM. When I reached I saw that PM is not there. He should have been there but he found it more important to criticise us in rallies in Dhule and Yavatmal.

Sharad Pawar, NCP: An all-party meeting was called by centre after #PulwamaAttack. We were told meeting has been called by PM. When I reached I saw that PM is not there. He should've been there but he found it more important to criticise us in rallies in Dhule & Yavatmal. (19.02) pic.twitter.com/MefnGetKV7  ANI (@ANI) 19 February 2019

It was earlier reported that the NCP president may contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election 2019 from the Madha seat in Western Maharashtra.

Though no formal announcement was made, the sources claimed that a decision in this regard was taken following a meeting of top NCP leaders including Sharad Pawar, Jayant Patil, Chagan Bhujbal and sitting Madha Lok Sabha MP Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil.

The meeting was held in Baramati Hostel in Pune, the sources said.

During the meeting, it was decided that Pawar will contest from the Madha Lok Sabha constituency while the incumbent Madha MP will not be given party ticket to contest the upcoming polls.

The decision reportedly angered the incumbent Madha MP's supporters, who are demanding the NCP top brass to reconsider its decision.

It may be recalled that Pawar had earlier said that he won't contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Back in 2014, Pawar had said that he had been in the politics for more than 50 years and would not contest elections henceforth.

During 2014 general elections, the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress had fielded political contenders for 27 constituencies in Maharashtra, while the Pawar-led NCP had contested on 21 seats.

In 2014, NCP could only win four seats  it's lowest tally in several years.

This led to strong speculations that the NCP chief may contest from Pune constituency in order to boost his party's prospects.

Out of 48 seats in the state, NCP is likely to contest on 25, the sources said.

(With ANI inputs)MUMBAI: Revealing a big secret, senior Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam on Wednesday said that his party agreed to forge a pre-poll alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra after the BJP agreed to share the chief minister's post with Sena.

Kadam added that if the BJP was not interested in fulfilling its commitment, it was free to snap its ties with Sena.

"The Sena-BJP pact has been agreed on two major conditions. One was scrapping the Nanar refinery project in Konkan area and the other was sharing the chief minister's post for half-terms each," Kadam was quoted as saying by PTI.

The Shiv Sena leader said that BJP President Amit Shah has already made a commitment in this regard and it is high time that BJP leaders in Maharashtra should stop makign statements that the party which will win more seats in Assembly election will get the freedom to decide the next chief minister of the state.

"It has been decided to have the chief minister's post with both parties for two-and-a-half years each. If the BJP does not want to fulfil its commitment, it should break the alliance right away," Kadam said.

On Monday, the BJP and the Shiv Sena announced that the two parties had reached a seat-sharing pact for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly polls.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference addressed by Amit Shah and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai.

As per the agreement, BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena will fight on 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. For Assembly poll, the two parties have decided to contest an equal number of seats in the 288-member state Assembly.

(with PTI inputs)BHAWANIPATNA: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that people of Odisha will be able to enjoy full benefit of the various welfare schemes of central government if BJP comes to power in the Centre as well as in state.

Addressing a meeting of BJP booth-level workers, Yogi Adityanath said: If Odisha has BJP government like UP, which is supported by double-engine, the people of the state will also get full benefits of the schemes. In 19 years, (Chief Minister) Naveen Patnaik has provided only 17 lakh houses and the UP government provided 20 lakh houses to poor people in two years under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna."

Yogi slammed Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik for taking credit and said: Rs 29 out Rs 31 is given by the BJP government at the Centre for the 1 kg rice scheme to poor people started by the Odisha government.

Commenting on Pulwama attack, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said, Before it was said that if the terrorist fires first then you fire. We all need to decide that the fight against terrorism is not an individual`s or any party`s fight, it is the nation`s battle against terrorism in which every citizen must pledge to work together under the leadership of PM Modi.

Every person knows that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government can give a befitting reply to terrorists. Today, Pakistan and Pakistan backed terrorist are enraged by the actions taken by the security forces, he added.

Yogi Adityanath noted that only BJP can respect the faith of India and the successful organisation of Kumbh Mela is proof of this.

BJP managed to win just 10 seats in the 2014 Assembly elections in Odisha but the party is slowly increasing its vote base in state. The saffron party performed well in the last panchayat polls, emerging as the main challenger to Patnaik's Biju Janta Dal.

(with ANI inputs)CHENNAI: A day after the AIADMK formally announced its alliance and seat-sharing pact with the BJP and PMK in Tamil Nadu, the DMK also made an official announcement of its alliance, seat-sharing pact with the Congress. DMK President MK Stalins proposal of Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial candidate at the Karunanidhi statue unveiling in Chennai was seen as a clear indication of the reunion of the UPA allies. However, an official announcement had been pending.

The announcement was made at the DMK Headquarters in the presence of the DMK high command and Congress leaders. The DMK has allocated nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one seat in Puducherry for the Congress. However, no specific details were shared regarding the allocation of constituencies and the parties that are expected to join the alliance in the days to come.

While making the alliance announcement DMK president MK Stalin took a dig at the manner in which the AIADMK-BJP-PMK alliance was finalized in a star hotel. Speaking to reporters Stalin said, Our announcement has been made formally from the party headquarters and not stealthily from a star hotel like the AIADMK-BJP alliance.

The coming together of the DMK and Congress is happening after a brief hiatus, as they went it alone in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The DMK suffered one of its worst defeats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, when they contested 35 seats on their own, with the remaining five being given to regional allies. The DMK had refused to have an alliance with the Congress due to the contentious Sri-Lankan Tamils issue.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha election both DMK and Congress candidates drew a blank in Tamil Nadu. It was a sweep for the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK which swept 37 seats, and one seat each for the BJP, PMK and NR Congress. However, this election will be different for both the AIADMK and the DMK, in the absence of their respective veteran leaders Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi.

Parties including CPI, CPI(M), IUML, VCK are also expected to be a part of the DMK-Congress alliance. Be it the 2011 and 2016 assembly election or the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was the AIADMK that emerged triumphant. Hence, this time the DMK has an opportunity to ride on the anti-incumbency wave.

The Lok Sabha election dates havent been announced, but the battle has begun in Tamil Nadu. In the days to come, smaller parties will also finalize their negotiations and joins hands with one of the groupings.KOLKATA: Retired IPS office Gourab Dutta was found dead inside his Salt Lake residence in West Bengal's capital Kolkata.

He was spotted lying in a pool of blood by his domestic help on Tuesday evening.

Dutta was then immediately shifted to the AMRI hospital with a deep cut in his wrist around 7 PM on Tuesday.

He was an officer of 1986 batch and was at the centre of controversy when clashes between CPM and Trinamool happened in Midnapore in 1999.

At that time, he was posted in Midnapore.

The state government had placed him under compulsory waiting.

He was suspended for alleged sexual abuse of a male constable in 2010 on recommendations of the West Bengal Human Rights Commission.

In 2003, the wife of the constable attendant had made a complaint to the state government and the State Human Rights Commission.

On the basis of the complaint the State HRC had recommended punishment for Dutta.

The incident happened when Dutta was DIG Training at the Barrackpore Police Training School in 2003.Bengaluru: There will be no Surya Kiran aerobatics display at the Aero India 2019 a day after two aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force's (IAF) aerobatic crashed in which a pilot was killed and two others were injured.

This is being done as a mark of respect to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who was killed in the tragic crash. Instead, the Surya Kiran team will fly the missing man formation, said reports.

Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria had on Tuesday announced that Surya Kiran will not be a part of Aero India 2019 beginning on Wednesday.

News agency ANI shared pictures of IAF's Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team Aircraft standing with their canopies covered on the runway behind the inaugural venue of Aero India 2019.

Bengaluru: IAF's Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team Aircraft standing with their canopies covered on runway behind the inaugural venue of #AeroIndia2019. The aircraft wont participate in it due to the loss of two aircraft and one pilot yesterday in a mid-air collision during rehearsal. pic.twitter.com/96u9j5eTHZ  ANI (@ANI) 20 February 2019

Video clips of the incident showed the two jets crashing to the ground and bursting into flames near Yelahanka airbase after brushing against each other mid-air, a day ahead of the five-day event.

"We had an unfortunate incident and an investigation will take place. Surya Kiran won't be part of display," Bhadauria told reporters.

All other displays will go ahead as planned, he added.

The Hawk jets were performing a manoeuvre when one was flying inverted carrying a pilot and the other below it with two pilots moments before they hit each other and spun out of control, according to police and eye witnesses.

The incident occurred at around 1150 hours while practising for the air show,the Defence PRO office said in a statement.

One of the three aircrew of the aircraft, Wing Commander VT Shelke and Squadron Leader TJ Singh ejected safely. However, Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi sustained fatal injuries, it said.

Throwing light on the mishap, Bhadauria said, "In this particular incident, they were doing a mirror image. The margin of error is very low. Whether it was an execution error or a bird hit that will be found out in the investigation".

Earlier, Karnataka Director General of Police and Chief of Fire and Emergency Services MN Reddi said, "No major damage to any house in ISRO colony. Fire Force has completely doused the fire."

Meanwhile, the 12th edition of the biennial Aero India 2019 air show took off on Wednesday with a dazzling flying display of aircraft at the Indian Air Force`s (IAF) Yelahanka base here.

After Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman flagged off the five-day aerospace and defence expo, about 5,000 guests and invitees were treated to a two-hour spectacular flying display of fighter jets, helicopters and civilian aircraft.

The multi-role medium combat aircraft Rafale of the French Dassault Aviation was a clear winner with its daring aerial feats stealing the show at the aerial display visitors` area.

The pilot of the French Air Force paid tribute from the aircraft while flying to IAF pilot Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi, who died here on Tuesday after two Surya Kiran Hawk aircraft collided and crashed while rehearsing for the air show.

The IAF`s Sarang team in Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) performed breathtaking formations under a clear sunny sky as a visual treat to the viewers.

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Jaguar and Sukhoi-30 aircraft flew in a `Missing Man` formation as a tribute to Gandhi.

The display included the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL`s) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI: Women and children were recruited to transfer explosives used in the Pulwama terror attack from one point to another, top intelligence sources told Zee Media on Wednesday.

The explosives were carried from across the border over a period of few months and the actuating mechanism to trigger the explosives were created locally. Both the components were fitted in the bomb justs days before the attack.

On February 14, over 2000 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel travelling in a convoy of 78 vehicles on Jammu-Srinagar highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora (near Awantipora) in the Pulwama district. The attack resulted in the death of at least 40 CRPF personnel and injured many others.

Terror outfit JeM claimed responsibility for the attack and Kashmiri local Adil Ahmad Dar was identified as the suicide bomber.

The RDX used in the attack is reported to be of Military A5 grade category and was transported across the border in small quantities over a period of few months primarily by women and kids. These were accumulated in Pulwama for the February 14 attack.

RDX is a highly unstable compound and is often mixed with wax or soap to make it stable for easy handling, said sources in the Army. Military grade RDX is, however, mixed with high quality stearic or octadecanoic Acid. An A5 grade RDX denotes 98.5 to 99.5 per cent purity and is reportedly very expensive.

Around 300 kgs of RDX was used in the Pulwama attack. It was carried in three drums and mixed with shrapnel (nails, iron pieces) and Ammonium Nitrate which is used as an oxidiser to create an impactful blast.

The drums were fitted in the vehicle which was then manoeuvred by the suicide bomber on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

Use of military grade explosives also signals Pakistan Army's support to JeM which carried out the attack.

According to Indian intelligence agencies, the RDX used to attack the bus was procured by Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi and handed over to JeM operatives. The process of collecting RDX reportedly began in March 2018 and the explosives were smuggled using backpacks, cylinders and coal bags to Tral village of Pulwama.Lucknow: Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday attended a prayer meeting for a CRPF jawan killed in the Pulwama terror attack and he told the grieving family that they understood their pain as their father had also met the same fate.

Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia and Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar were also present at the prayer meeting held at slain CRPF soldier Amit Kumar Kori's residence in Shamli district.

"Congress President @RahulGandhi and General Secretary In charge UP East Smt. @priyankagandhi attend the prayer meeting of martyr Amit Kumar Kori and share their grief with the family," the party said in a tweet.

Rahul and Priyanka paid tributes to the slain soldier. They were also seen consoling the members of the bereaved family.

"In these moments of grief, we are with you... His (Kori's) father told us that he is sad, but at the same time proud (of his son). And I want to say that we are sad, but at the same time we are proud that a family of this country gave love to its son and educated him. The son gave his love, body and heart to the country. We can never forget this thing," Rahul said.

"My sister said that in a way our father (former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi) had also met the same fate. We understand your pain and agony. We are here to sit only for five minutes with you and to tell all of you that we want to share your grief," he added.

The Congress president said India is a country of bravehearts and no power in the world can push it backward.

"From the bottom of our heart and on behalf of the country, I thank you, your son and the entire family," Rahul said.

"This is one country. This is a country for everyone (of us) and this is a country of love and brotherhood. This is the message of India," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Minister Suresh Rana also attended the prayer meeting.

"The Kudana road in Shamli will be named after Amit, and his statue would also be installed to inspire younger generation," he told PTI.

Later, Rahul and Priyanka paid tributes to another CRPF jawan, Pradeep Kumar, who was also killed in the Pulwama attack, at his residence in Shamli.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Among the CRPF personnel killed in the attack, 12 hailed from Uttar Pradesh, including two from Shamli.NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday denounced the Pulwama attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed, describing it as a horrible situation.

"I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along," said Trump in response to a question during a press brief.

"That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out," he added.

At least 40 CRPF personnel were martyred on Thursday after a suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a bus carrying the jawans in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Several injured jawans are still being treated in hospital. The February 14 attack has led to the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan.

Following the terrorist attack, Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton came out in support of India's right to self-defense.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, and the White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders in separate statements have asked Pakistan to immediately take action against the JeM and its leaders and end support to the terrorist safe haven.

China too urged restraint by India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions over the Pulwama terror attack and called on both the countries to peacefully resolve their issues through dialogue as soon as possible on Tuesday. "Pakistan and India are both important countries in South Asia. A stable bilateral relationship between the two is essential to the peace and stability in the region," Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said during a media brief.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has also called on India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" and offered to mediate in the face of rising tensions following the attack. Guterres, through a spokesman, said that the UN is deeply concerned about the situation while offering to mediate if the two parties request it.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Michelle Bachelet also strongly condemned last week's suicide bomb attack calling on authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

With PTI inputsThe Hague: India on Wednesday urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to transfer the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, Indian national sentenced to death in an espionage case in Pakistan, from a military court to an ordinary court, if he is not to be released immediately.

"The court (ICJ) should direct Pakistan to release the Indian national Jadhav and arrange for his safe passage to India. If the court were not to release him, annul the death by a military court and direct a trial under the ordinary laws with full consular access," Deepak Mittal, India's agent and Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry said winding up India's arguments before the ICJ.

His winding up remarks followed a 90-minute presentation by senior counsel Harish Salve on the arbitrary nature of proceedings in the military court in which due process of law was not followed in the trial of Jadhav, held on spying charges in 2016.

Mittal said the court should adjure and declare that Pakistan was in breach of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, 1963 as it failed to inform India of Jadhav`s arrest and for declining access to Jadhav by Indian consular officers.

In his opening remarks, the official said India took full responsibility of what was said in the court and protest against the strong language used by Pakistani counsel on Tuesday.

Speaking on India`s criticism of military courts in Pakistan, Salve, in his arguments for the second day, said, "This court doesn`t need experts to help it decide whether military courts in Pakistan are due process compliant. Pakistan has mischaracterised India`s reading of the report on military courts as an attempt to mislead the court."

Three attempts by Pakistan to derail proceedings in this court have failed, he alleged.

Pakistan attempted to produce video of Jadhav`s purported confession on February 18, before the oral hearings. The ICJ declined to take the video on record. Pakistan attempted to bring evidence, declined through oral submissions, said Salve.

"Bio-data mentions that Jadhav was a former Indian Navy officer. This would be proof of his Indian nationality," said Salve. Indian nationals are not the kind whose nationality needs to be denied, he added.

Pakistan had relied on Avena case, which goes against them. According to the case, once there is a probability that a detainee is a foreign national, consular access must be granted, Salve contended.

"India denies existence of legal relations treaty with Pakistan because of the latter`s reticence. This was a point I made in the first round that has not been countered by Pakistan," he said.

The former Solicitor General of India argued India has repeatedly asked for a copy of the judgment convicting Jadhav and the charges against. There would be no threat to security of Pakistan if they share these documents, he added.

"If Jadhav had been involved in subversive activities, irrespective of whether or not he had an Indian passport, he would have been tried for espionage," he said.

Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of extracted confession, Salve said adding International Commission of Jurists and European Parliament have criticised the functioning of Pakistan`s military courts. Pakistan has defended them by relying on reports by military experts, Salve said.

Judicial review by Pakistan courts has a narrow ambit and they have not interfered with military court decisions many times, Salve said.

Criticising the language used by Pakistan counsel Khawar Qureshi, he said criticism of one sovereign state of a case made out by the another state must be in a language consistent with the dignity of the sovereign state and the majesty of this court and solemnity of the proceedings in this court.

"Humpty Dumpty has no place in this court," he said.

"This court has jurisdiction over the sovereign states and conduct proceedings in which sovereign states are given directions, which are binding upon them. This court, therefore, conduct itself with restraint and respect, which does not undermine the sovereignty of any of the states or shows disrespect to any of them," he said adding the transcript is peppered with words such as "shameless, nonsensical, laughable, breath taking arrogance",

On a quick count, he said, "shameless and nonsense occurred five times each. Arrogance, ridiculous and disgraceful four times each. And these are addressed to submissions made in the memorial made in the reply by the sovereign republic of India".

"India believes we have a strong case. We are saying `hammer the facts and hammer the law`. As the old lawyer saying goes when you are strong on law you hammer the law, when you are strong on facts you hammer the facts. And when you have neither, you hammer the table."

On June 5, 2018 Pakistan wrote a letter to India demanding confirmation that the contents of the reply are in old material respects accurate and requesting India whether the lead counsel has reviewed or approved the reply as far.

Pakistan-chosen ad-hoc judge Tassaduq Hussain Gillani who suffered a heart attack during Monday`s hearing will continue to participate in the proceedings. He has been given case files. He will receive the transcripts of oral proceedings.

The ICJ President, in his observations, said the case would continued to be heard by Judge Gillani and video conferencing with him could be delayed to an appropriate date and time till he recovers.NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia's visiting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday said that terrorism and extremism are a "common concern" and pledged to help India in dealing with it.

The visiting Saudi Arabia leader said that his country will "cooperate with India and neighbouring states" on the matter.

"The common concern is terrorism and extremism. We will cooperate with India and neighbouring states to ensure future generations are safe. We applaud India's role in this matter," Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.

Saudi Arabia, he said, will help India on this front through intelligence sharing.

Salman made these remarks while addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Consolidating & diversifying partnership PM @narendramodi & HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks on key areas of mutual interest-trade&inves't,energy,defence & security, nuclear& space, civil aviation, renewables,counter-terrorism,community welfare & regional challenges pic.twitter.com/Tf6jMsfill  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) 20 February 2019

Speaking on his turn, PM Modi said, ''We have agreed that terrorism should not be supported in any form, and we should put pressure on countries who back terror. To end terror infrastructure, ending support to terror groups and punishing them is essential... I'm glad Saudi Arabia agrees with India on this."

"We discussed all aspects of our bilateral ties today and have decided to take our relations to new heights," PM Modi said in his statement.

Prior to the joint press statement, the two sides confirmed the signing of five Memorandum of Understanding agreements, including infrastructure, housing, cooperation on broadcasting and the enhancing bilateral investment relations,'' said the joint statement issued by the two sides.

The bilateral talks between the two leaders were held in the shadow of escalating tension with Pakistan over last week's Pulwama terror attack, in which 40 soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

"Relations between India and the Arabian peninsula is in our DNA," Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had told reporters this morning, in the backdrop of criticism in India of his Pakistani visit.

"India welcomes HRH Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. This visit will further cement relations between India and Saudi Arabia," PM Modi had tweeted this morning.

PM Modi broke with government protocol to personally welcome the Saudi Prince; he was seen wrapping the 33-year-old in his signature bear hug by the steps of the Prince's plane.

"A new chapter in bilateral relations," said a tweet from MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Crown Prince will leave New Delhi at around 11:50 PM on Wednesday.

During his high-profile visit to Pakistan, the Crown Prince declared his decision to invest 20 billion dollars in the country and also praised Islamabads efforts for regional peace and security. Further, he said that dialogue was the only way to resolve the outstanding issues between India and Pakistan.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also called for avoiding politicisation of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror groups chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev said at WION Global Summit titled Unleashing the Power of South Asia on Wednesday that talking about peace endlessly with proponents of violence cannot be possible. Asked about how people in South Asia can move forward in the aftermath of the dastardly terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir, he founder of Isha Foundation said that it is time to invest in solutions rather than concentrating on the problems.

Sadhguru said that the recent attack in Pulwama had resulted in strong emotions across the country and the peace processes are difficult if violence continues. "India made a serious effort in giving MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status to our western neighbour. But it did not produce any solution, so it was withdrawn. Talking about peace is a fashionable thing but you cannot speak peace endlessly to proponents of violence," he said. "Kashmir is not our goal. People who talk about liberating Kashmir because it will liberate their land, you cannot talk peace with them. I think people don't aspire for this. People of these two countries (India and Pakistan) gel together very well outside."

Sadhguru also said that aspiring for peace is in everyone's heart but violence can cause the breakdown of efforts made. "When someone is aspiring for peace, one violent act makes it undone," he said. "When it comes to common people, they aspire for economic well-being."

Highlighting how it is time for Indians to stop waiting for miracles and actively find solutions. "Even in Mahabharata, Lord Krishna could not ensure a miracle to stop the war. It is time for Indians to participate in finding solutions to problems rather than waiting for a messiah to come and solve everything," he said.The cooperation and bonhomie between India and its neighbours is largely responsible for the South Asian region progressing. Yet, the nefarious designs of Pakistan continue to pose a threat to all countries here. This was the general consensus among participants in WION Global Summit's session on Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism - an imperative for peace in South Asia.

Pakistan's continuing role in waging proxy wars through terrorists have been exposed time and again. Most recently, Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed carried out the dastardly suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which martyred 40 CRPF personnel. For former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh, it is imperative that acts of violence are responded to effectively. "The South Asia region is integrating and that must continue. But the problem is that it (Pakistan) is a thorn in the flesh. India has been taking an idealistic position for a long time. We cannot allow an epicentre of terrorism if we wish to integrate," he said at the summit. "You cannot afford to offer your cheek every time, you need to hit back. Look at the way ISI has spread its tentacles. The scourge of terrorism has to be removed, Pakistan has to be taken to task."

G Parthasarthy, Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, agreed with General Bikram Singh. "We are bypassing Pakistan more and more, and are integrating as a region. Representatives from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka here can tell you that cooperation has always been returned by India," he said. "Keep the heat on (against Pakistan)."

Speaking about the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Former Foreign Secretary of India Kanwal Sibal said that the organisation must not be doubted due to the dubious ways of one member. "Let's not paper over the core issue. Terrorism is not the defining feature of South Asia. It is the defining feature of Pakistan. There is no terrorism-related problem in countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh," he said. "India's growth story will continue. It will be Pakistan which will pay the price."

The other participants in the session were Michael Kugelman, a South Asia Expert at the Wilson Centre in the US, and Husain Haqqani, Director (South and Central Asia) at the Hudson Institute. Both agreed that India has been reaching out to neighbours. Haqqani added that India will have to evolve its strategy considering the problem of terrorism has persisted for over 40 years.NEW DELHI: Visiting Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was on Wednesday given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the national capital.

He was then received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Delhi: Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/dLJZXQdWSo  ANI (@ANI) 20 February 2019

After the ceremonial reception, the Saudi Arabian leader said, ''Today, we want to be sure that this relationship is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. With the leadership of the President and the PM, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India.''

The Saudi Crown Prince will hold parleys with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a wide range of issues including cross-border terrorism and explore ways to further strengthen the defence ties between the two countries.

Breaking protocol, PM Modi went to the Delhi Airport to receive the Saudi Crown Prince on Tuesday evening and welcomed the visiting dignitary with a tight hug.

The Crown Prince arrived in Delhi on a less than 30-hour visit, a day after he finished his two-day visit to Pakistan.

Shortly upon the arrival of the Saudi Crown Prince, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted, A new chapter in bilateral relations. Breaking protocol, PM Narendra Modi personally receives HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia as he arrives on his first bilateral visit to India!

During their talks, both leaders are also expected to look at ways to enhance the defence ties, including having a joint naval exercise, stated official sources.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Crown Prince will leave New Delhi at around 11:50 PM on Wednesday.

His visit comes in the backdrop of the escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in which 40 CRPF were killed.

During the high-profile visit to Pakistan, the Crown Prince declared his decision to invest 20 billion dollars in the country and also praised Islamabads efforts for regional peace and security. Further, he said that dialogue was the only way to resolve the outstanding issues between India and Pakistan.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also called for avoiding politicisation of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror groups chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

(With Agency inputs)New Delhi: In a major boost to Muslim pilgrims in the country, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Wednesday increased India's Haj quota by 25,000. This is the third hike in the Haj quota in the last years. After the announcement, the number of Muslims who can perform Haj has increased to 2 lakh from the previous 1.75 lakh.

The decision was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with visiting Saudi Crown in the national capital on Wednesday.

TS Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA, said the implementation of the enhanced quota will depend on logistical and other things. "At our request, Saudi Arabia has decided to increase the quota for Haj pilgrims from India to 2 lakh. This gesture is deeply appreciated," he told reporters at a briefing on the talks.

Hailing the decision and thanking PM Modi, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it will be effective from this year. "This is the third hike in consecutive years. When the Modi government came to power in 2014, India's Haj quota was 1,36,000, which has now been increased to 2 lakh. This will be the highest number of pilgrims going for Haj from India since independence," Naqvi told PTI.

He also took to Twitter to express his pleasure on the decision and wrote, "Thanks to PM Sh @narendramodi and His Majesty Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al Saud and His Royal Highness Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz al Saud and External Affairs Minister Smt @SushmaSwaraj for increasing Indias Haj quota to 2 lakh.

"For the first time since Independence, a record number of 2 lakh Indian Muslims will go to Haj this year that too without any subsidy. This include 2340 Muslim women,who will go to Haj this year without Mehram (male companion)."

"When the @narendramodi Govt came in 2014, Indias Haj quota was 1 lakh 36 thousand, which has now been increased to 2 lakh in 4 years. This will be the highest number of Haj pilgrims from India since Independence," he wrote in a series of tweets.

Thanks to PM Sh @narendramodi and His Majesty Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al Saud and His Royal Highness Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz al Saud and External Affairs Minister Smt @SushmaSwaraj for increasing Indias Haj quota to 2 lakh.  Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) February 20, 2019

When the @narendramodi Govt came in 2014, Indias Haj quota was 1 lakh 36 thousand, which has now been increased to 2 lakh in 4 years. This will be the highest number of Haj pilgrims from India since Independence.  Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) February 20, 2019

When the @narendramodi Govt came in 2014, Indias Haj quota was 1 lakh 36 thousand, which has now been increased to 2 lakh in 4 years. This will be the highest number of Haj pilgrims from India since Independence.  Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) February 20, 2019

Naqvi said this was possible because of Modi's very cordial and friendly relations with the Saudi leadership. He added, "This year, 2,340 Muslim women from India will go for Haj without 'Mehram' or male companion. Also, India will be sending the second highest number of pilgrims for Haj after Indonesia."

Last year, the Centre had for the first time lifted the ban on women going to Haj without Mehram. The decision resulted in about 1300 Muslim women going on Haj 2018 without any male companion. These women had been exempted from the lottery system.

Last year, Saudi Arabia had increased India's Haj quota by 5,000 to 1,75,025, while in 2017 it was increased by about 35,000.

A record 1,75,025 number of Muslims from India, which included about 48 per cent of women, had performed Haj 2018 and that too without any subsidy.

The Haj subsidy provided by the government was removed in 2018 in the light of a Supreme Court order of 2012.As the Indian Air Force (IAF) looks to arrest the slide in its fighter squadrons in the next few years, Swedish defence company SAAB is eyeing a big chunk of the force's requirement.

SAAB Technologies India Head Ola Rignell sounded confident that SAAB's Gripen-E fighter will be able to fulfill IAF's requirement as the jet is the "most advanced aircraft in the world". Rignell claimed that in Gripen-E, the IAF will have an extremely capable aircraft in its arsenal.

He added that SAAB will partner with the Adani Group if the company wins the contract to supply 114 fighters to the IAF. The deal is expected to be worth almost $15 million.

The defence major also announced that it will make 96 jets in the country to qualify for the deal as part of the "Make in India" project. The two cities which SAAB is scouting for setting up the manufacturing facility are Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

SAAB will face tough competition from France's Dassault Aviation, USA's Boeing and Lockheed Martin for the IAF deal. The Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG and JSC Sukhoi and the Eurofighter, too, are eyeing the multi-billion dollar contract.

The IAF needs 42 fighter squadrons (18-20 jets in each) to tackle the threat of a two-front war with Pakistan and China. The force is currently down to 33 squadrons.Twenty-year-old Adil Ahmad Dar, a resident of village Lethipora in Kashmir, rammed a car full of explosives into the CRPF convoy killing over 40 jawans on February 14. The incident has led to the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan.

Dar's selection was made via drawing lots in the presence of Pulwama attack masterminds and top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operatives Kamran and Abdul Abdul Rasheed alias Ghazi. He was later trained for driving the vehicle carrying explosives and conduct dry practices for bomb detonation by Kamran, who was killed on February 18 by Armed forces.

READ: Women and children carried RDX, explosives used in Pulwama terror attack

It has now emerged Kamran was a mere operational commander in south Kashmir and had been active for a year.

The entire operation and Dar's training was supervised and monitored by Ibrahim Azhar, brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar and father of Mohammad Usman, who was killed in an encounter with Indian security forces on October 30 last year.

Ibrahim's claim to fame has been hijacking the Indian Airlines Flight 814 and successfully negotiating JeM chief's release from prison in 1999.

The aircraft carrying 176 passengers and 15 crew members was hijacked by five militants who negotiated the release of three terrorists  Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh who abducted and murdered journalist Daniel Pearl, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar who was involved in training Islamic terrorists in Kashmir.

Kamran is believed to have facilitated the arrival and the departure of Ibrahim across the border. He was also involved in arranging the Over the Ground Workers and local resources for the bomb-making and transportation of the items from across the border.

Sources say that women and children were majorly involved in carrying the items.

Ibrahim has now fled back to Pakistan, added sources.

The initial plan was to carry out the attack on February 9, Afzal Guru's death anniversary. The plan was however scrapped due to heavy snowfall and later shifted to February 14.



The device was prepared on-site by Pakistan-based IED experts for several days.

Apart from Kamran, two more Pakistani-based terrorists Mohammad Omar and Mohammad Ismael were involved in the attack. Omar is reportedly the nephew of JeM found Masood Azhar's nephew while Ismael had attacked the residence of retired SP Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad in Budgam in October last year.

On February 14, over 2000 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel travelling in a convoy of 78 vehicles on Jammu-Srinagar highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora (near Awantipora) in the Pulwama district. The attack resulted in the death of at least 40 CRPF personnel and injured many others. The attack was later claimed by JeM.(Story by Amit Bansal)

New Delhi: In a major revelation on Pulwama terror attack in which at least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives, sources informed that Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists had originally planned to execute the attack on February 9, the death anniversary of Afzal Guru.

As per sources, the JeM terrorists had also considered February 11, the death anniversary of Maqbool Bhat, founder of the militant organisation National Liberation Front. However, due to heavy snowfall in the valley, the terror outfit could not execute the attack and they later chose February 14 as the day.

As per the sources, 20-year-old Adil Ahmad Dar, who was chosen by the terrorists as the suicide bomber, was trained in driving the SUV, which, on the day of the attack, was packed with an Improvised Explosive Device and was rammed into one of the 78 buses of CRPF convoy.

The selection of Adil by JeM was made by draw of lots in the presence of Ibrahim Azhar, also known as Dr Sulaiman, and Kamran. It is to be noted that Ibrahim is the brother of Maulana Masood Azhar. He was also one of the conspirator in IC-814 flight hijack case (1999 Kandahar hijacking case).

Sources linked to the investigation also claimed that the terrorists had planned to avenge the death of Jaish chief Masood Azhar's nephew Usman, who was killed by the Indian Army during an encounter in October 2018.

The detonators and fuses used in the attack were brought from across the border and the actuating mechanism was created locally. All of them were fitted in the bomb just before the attack. All the items were carried from LOC through OGW (Over Ground Workers) to the bomb structuring. Sources say that in the investigation so far, the women and children were involved majorly in carrying the items.

According to Indian intelligence agencies, the RDX used to attack the bus was procured by Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi and handed over to JeM operatives. The process of collecting RDX reportedly began in March 2018 and the explosives were smuggled using backpacks, cylinders and coal bags to Tral village of Pulwama.NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday hold talks with visiting Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a wide range of issues including cross-border terrorism and ways to further strengthen the defence ties between the two countries.

Breaking protocol, PM Modi went to the Delhi Airport to receive the Saudi Crown Prince on Tuesday and welcomed the visiting dignitary with a tight hug.

The Crown Prince arrived in Delhi on a less than 30-hour visit, a day after he finished his two-day visit to Pakistan.

Shortly upon the arrival of the Saudi Crown Prince, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted, A new chapter in bilateral relations. Breaking protocol, PM Narendramodi personally receives HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia as he arrives on his first bilateral visit to India!

A new chapter in bilateral relations Breaking protocol, PM @narendramodi personally recieves HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia as he arrives on his first bilateral visit to India! pic.twitter.com/yVADgQ2IUu  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) 19 February 2019

Later today, the Saudi leader is scheduled to hold extensive discussions with Prime Minister Modi during which India is likely to raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

During their talks, both leaders are also expected to look at ways to enhance the defence ties, including having a joint naval exercise, stated official sources.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Crown Prince will leave New Delhi at around 11:50 PM on Wednesday.

His visit comes in the backdrop of the escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in which 40 CRPF were killed.

During the high-profile visit to Pakistan, the Crown Prince declared his decision to invest 20 billion dollars in the country and also praised Islamabads efforts for regional peace and security. Further, he said that dialogue was the only way to resolve the outstanding issues between India and Pakistan.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also called for avoiding politicisation of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror groups chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.A Pakistani inmate was murdered by other prisoners in a jail in Jaipur, Rajasthan, said the police on Wednesday.

The inmate, Shakir Ulla alias Mohammad Hanif, was allegedly a Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) terrorist. He was allegedly sentenced on charges of spying.

Jaipur Inspector-general of police (IGP) Prisons Rupinder Singh confirmed that a Pakistani inmate was killed.

The Director-General (DG) jail and the Jaipur police commissioner have reached the jail.

In the jail, five SIMI terrorists are lodged and one of them, Hanif, was killed.

The Lal Lothi police have also reached the spot.NEW DELHI: Following immense international pressure over last week's Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of 40 jawans, the Pakistan Army has asked Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed to lay low.

The country's military has asked the two internationally designated terrorists to maintain a low profile and avoid public appearances, sources told Zee Media.

On February 14, over 2000 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel travelling in a convoy of 78 vehicles on Jammu-Srimagar highway was attacked by vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora (near Awantipora) in the Pulwama district. The attack resulted in the death of at least 40 CRPF personnel and injured many others.

Terror outfit JeM claimed responsibility for the attack and Kashmiri local Adil Ahmad Dar was identified as the suicide bomber.

According to Indian intelligence agencies, the RDX used to attack the bus was procured by Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi and handed over to JeM operatives. The process of collecting RDX reportedly began in March 2018 and the explosives were smuggled using backpacks, cylinders and coal bags to Tral village of Pulwama.

According to sources, about 80 kg of RDX was used by the terrorists in the attack, which included Ammonium Nitrate and other chemicals.

India has long been demanding action against Masood Azhar, the founder-supremo of UN-designated terror outfit JeM, who allegedly operates out of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. New Delhi already has Azhar as one of its most wanted terrorists following the 2016 attack on Pathankot Air Force Station by JeM.

In a major boost to India's efforts to get Azhar on the list of global terrorists, France will be moving a proposal at the UN in a "couple of days" to ban the head of the UN-proscribed group, French sources said on Tuesday.

China, on the other hand, has refused to back India's request to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

Hafiz Saeed, the founder of banned terrorist outfits Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), has also led several terrorist attacks targeting innocent lives across India.

Despite international pressure, Pakistan has time and again sheltered these international terrorists under its belt.

Within 100 hours of the incident, the Armed forces killed three JeM terrorists, including top operatives Kamran and Abdul Abdul Rasheed alias Ghazi, believed to be the masterminds of Pulwama suicide bombing.

Ghazi is also said to have fought in Afghanistan and was handpicked by Azhar to avenge the killing of his nephews. An IED expert, he is believed to have been sent for the purpose of training locals.

Several nations across the world have condemned the Pulwama attack.BENGALURU: Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier on Wednesday reiterated that there is no scandal in the Rafale deal inked between India and France.

Trappier, who is in Bengaluru to attend Aero India 2019, added that the Indian government had requested for 36 aircraft and Dassault is going to deliver the fighter jets on time. Talking to ANI, Dassault Aviation CEO said that his company will be happy to deliver more aircraft if the Indian government wants more fighter jets.

"There is no scandal with Rafale, we had the request for 36 aircraft and we are going to deliver it. If Government of India wants more aircraft, we will be more than pleased to deliver," Trappier said.

Earlier, Trappier had said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will get the first delivery of Rafale fighter jets in September 2019 as per the contract. The Dassault top executive said that ''the delivery is totally in time.''

In an exclusive interview to ANI, Trappier had categorically rejected kickback allegations made by Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. It may be recalled that the Congress President had accused Trappier of lying about the details of the Dassault- Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale deal.

"I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying. In my position as CEO, you don't lie," Trappier had said. The Dassault boss had made the remarks in response to Rahul's allegation that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.

On November 2, Rahul had accused Dassault of investing Rs 284 crore in a loss-making company promoted by Anil Ambani. He had claimed that the money used by Ambani's firm to procure land in Nagpur.

(with ANI inputs)NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday took over the probe into the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama from the Jammu and Kashmir police, officials said.

The agency has re-registered the case and formed a team to investigate the audacious terror strike in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, an NIA spokesperson here said.

NIA Director General Y C Modi, accompanied by senior officers of the agency, visited the site of the attack, 33 km from Srinagar, where he was briefed by local police and the CRPF.

The state police had registered a case at the Awantipora police station on February 14 after a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a CRPF bus, which was part of a 78-vehicle convoy carrying over 2,500 personnel on their way from Jammu to Srinagar.

The NIA has already gathered explosive material from the blast site in Lethpora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir and has been involved in the questioning of around a dozen people detained by police following the bombing, officials said.

The agency has also met senior police, intelligence and army officers to gather whatever evidence they have, they said.

The NIA will probe the planning and execution of the terror attack, the second such in three decades of militancy in the state. In 2000, a 17-year-old Kashmiri boy had blown himself outside the Srinagar-based army cantonment in year 2000, killing two Army men.

On Monday, three Jaish terrorists were killed in a 16-hour operation in Pulwama's Pinglan area, 12 km from the spot of the February 14 attack. An Army major and four security personnel also lost their lives.

Police and the Army announced Tuesday that these terrorists were responsible for last Thursday's attack.BENGALURU: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday got Final Operational Clearance (FOC) standard certification for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The DRDO's FOC certification means that Tejas, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is now combat-ready.

"It's a major milestone today. Tejas has taken part in Gaganshakti 2018 and Vayushakti recently. And it performed extremely well with a high sortie generation rate and the required weapons capabilities. We have got the Tejas Mk 1. Now we need Tejas Mk 2," IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said after receiving the FOC certificate.

On January 4, the Bengaluru-based HAL was given the permission to manufacture weaponised version of Tejas for the IAF. It is expected that first such aircraft would be out this year itself.

The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) has given the nod to start the production of Tejas Mk1 under Final Operational Clearance (FOC) configuration.

To get the final operational clearance, the aircraft must have battle-time capabilities of mid-air refuelling, AESA radar, electronic warfare suites, a variety of bombs and weapons, among others.

CEMILAC is a DRDO laboratory authorised to certify military aircraft and airborne systems. Last year, the IAF had agreed to induct 324 Tejas to make up for the depleting number of IAF's squadron strength.

The Tejas is a single-seat, single-jet engine, a multirole light fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

The light combat aircraft integrates technologies such as relaxed static stability, fly-by-wire flight control system, advanced avionics, multi-mode radar and modern weapons.India on Wednesday questioned the functioning of Pakistan's notorious military courts and urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, which is based on an "extracted confession".

Jadhav, 48, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

"Annul the decision of the military court and restrain Pakistan from giving effect to the (death) sentence. Release Jadhav and ensure safe release forthwith. If not then direct a trial under normal law with full consular access," said Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs, making the final submission in the court on the third day of the hearing.

He requested the court to declare that Pakistan acted in breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention and failed to inform Jadhav of his rights.

"Government of India requests this court to adjudge and declare that Pakistan acted in egregious breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention," he said, asserting that Pakistan repeatedly denied consular access to Jadhav.

Harish Salve, who was representing India in the case, also said that the time has come for the ICJ to make Article 36 a potent weapon for protecting human rights.

"Jadhav has become a pawn in Pakistan's tool to divert international scrutiny from itself," Salve said in his arguments during which he mentioned the "dastardly" terror attack in Pulwama and another in Iran last week by Pakistan-based terror groups targeting security forces in both countries.

Salve said that Pakistan is used as a safe haven by UN proscribed terrorist entities like al-Qaeda, LeT, JeM, Haqqani Network et al and individuals like JuD chief Hafiz Saeed and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

"There was a time when the world respected Pakistan, today the world doesn't have the same respect for Pakistan in its own incarnation," Salve said, taking a dig at Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi, who on Tuesday said 'he has great respect for India but not its present incarnation.'

Salve said that Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of "extracted confession". "Jadhav's trial was completed in 4-6 months or weeks...What happened to the 150 people killed in the Mumbai terror attacks?" Salve asked as he raked up the Ajmal Kasab case to highlight the meaning of judicial review.

"In Kasab case, the LeT terrorist who was apprehended and caught red handed by brave police officers, the Supreme Court of India examined materials on record first-hand since it was the case of death sentence. This is called review," he said. He also objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the case, urging the UN court to draw a redline.

Counsel Qureshi's transcript is "peppered with words such as shameless, nonsensical, laughable, breathtaking and arrogance. India takes exception to being addressed in this fashion. I would let the matter rest as Indian culture prevents me from indulging in a similar language of insults," he said.

India moved the ICJ in May 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to Jadhav.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

On Thursday, Pakistan will submit its final arguments.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.(By Jyotirmoy Karmokar)

NEW DELHI: The ongoing legal between CBI and Kolkata Police took an interesting turn in Supreme court on Wednesday as Justice L Nageswara Rao recuses himself from hearing CBI's contempt case against former Kolkata police commissioner Rajiv Kumar, chief secretary of West Bengal government and state DGP.

CJI Ranjan Gogoi announced the decision of Justice Rao and informed that a new bench has to be constituted for further hearing. The reason behind the recusal is that Justice L Nageswara Rao had once appeared for West Bengal Government.

The case was scheduled to be heard by CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Justice L Nageswara Rao and Sanjiv Khanna.

Despite adjournment of the case at the very outset of hearing, Avishek Manu Singvi on behalf of West Bengal government objected to CBI's attempt to submit more documents in the case. He informed the court that CBI filed a supplementary affidavit on 18th february after the filing of Rajeev Kumar, CS and DGP's affidavits on the contempt notice which is not permissable as per law. CJI took note of his objection and made it clear that the matter to be decided on the date of next hearing which is on February 27.

On February 5, the SC had ordered Rajeev Kumar, Chief secretary and DG to file affidavit on or before February 18 on the contempt petition filed by CBI.

The CBI said that stopping CBI officials at Rajeev Kumar's house and detaining CBI officers by Kolkata Police is tantamount to violating the order of SC and hence the contempt petition is filed by CBI.

On the date of next hearing, the apex court will also decide whether Rajeev Kumar, Bengal CS and DGP would be summoned in court or not because CJI had earlier made it clear that they might summon the concerned officers if the bench is not satisfied with their affidavit.The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday withdrew the security of 18 separatists and 155 political persons, including PDP leader Wahid Parra and IAS officer Shah Faesal, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.

The security review meeting, which was held in Jammu under the chairmanship of state chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, took the decision as it was felt that providing security to these separatist leaders is a "wastage" of scarce state resources which could be better utilised elsewhere.

Among the leaders whose security has been downgraded and withdrawn are SAS Geelani, Aga Syed Mosvi, Maulvi Abbas Ansari, Yaseen Malik, Saleem Geelani, Shahid ul Islam, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Nayeem Ahmed Khan, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Farooq Ahmed Kichloo, Masroor Abbas Ansari, Aga Syed Abul Hussain, Abdul Gani Shah and Mohd Musadiq Bhat.

This is in addition to the five separatists whose security was withdrawn on Sunday.

The security of 155 political persons and activists, who did not require the security provided to them based on their threat assessment and their activities, was also withdrawn.

This includes Shah Faesal, the 2010 IAS topper from Jammu and Kashmir who recently resigned from bureaucracy, and PDP leader Wahid Parra, the officials said.

Through this, over 1,000 police personnel and over 100 vehicles are freed to do regular police work, they said.

Earlier last week, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had issued orders to withdraw security of five separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Besides Mirwaiz, the security cover for Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah was withdrawn.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Srinagar, had said security given to people getting funds from Pakistan and its snooping agency ISI should be reviewed.

"Some elements in Jammu and Kashmir have links with the ISI and terrorist organisations. Their security should be reviewed," he had said after reviewing security in the aftermath of the dastardly terror attack in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and several injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near their bus in Pulwama district.

The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.HYDERABAD: BJP leader G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday said that Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao must be booked by SHE Teams of Hyderabad Police for failing to include even a single woman in his cabinet.

Kishan Reddy demanded that Telangana Chief Minister must be charged with discriminating against women. SHE Teams is a special unit of Hyderabad Police and it has been constituted for women`s safety.

Talking to reporters, former BJP MLA Kishan Reddy said that by not including any woman in his Cabinet, KCR has insulted women, who constitute 50 percent of the state`s population, IANS reported.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, expanded his cabinet on Tuesday by including 10 ministers. Reddy noted that KCR's previous cabinet also had n0o woman.

"For five years, there was no representation for women. This is happening nowhere in the world. Even Islamic countries have women Ministers," said Kishan Reddy

The BJP leader also lashed out at KCR for not including any tribal leader in the cabinet and also for keeping all important portfolios with him.

"He expanded cabinet after 66 days but did not find any Minister capable of holding portfolios like finance, revenue, irrigation and industry. What was the need for expansion?" Reddy asked.

(with IANS inputs)NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is on an official visit to India, has hailed the bilateral ties between the two countries and lauded the role of Indians in building the Saudi Kingdom.

Speaking after the ceremonial reception at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Saudi Crown Prince said, "The relationship between India and Arabian Peninsula, which Saudi Arabia represent, about 80%, goes back to thousands of year in history. Even before the history was written, the relationship between India and the Arabian Peninsula has been in our DNA."

Relationship between India and Arabian peninsula is in our DNA; Indian people are part of building Saudi Arabia: Saudi Crown Prince #MohammadBinSalman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud @IndembAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/3BhJSq2Vvv  Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) 20 February 2019

Standing alongside President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Saudi leader added, "Today, we want to be sure this relation is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. With the leadership of President and PM, I am are sure we can create good things for India and Saudi Arabia."

Highlighting the role of the Indian diaspora in building the country, the Saudi Crown Prince said, "Since we remember ourselves, Indian people are friends and part of building Saudi Arabia in the past 70 years. A lot of Saudis work and develop a lot of things in India for hundreds of years."

Saudi Crown Prince was earlier accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan

He will now be meeting PM Modi at Hyderabad House for bilateral talks.

This will be the second meeting between Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince in the last three months. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Argentina on 30th November.

Both sides are expected to sign five MoUs/ Agreements in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information and broadcasting.

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also famously known by his initials MBS, arrived in India on Tuesday evening and was received by PM Narendra Modi who broke the protocol to receive him.

PM Modi had in the past broken protocol for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2018), Jordan's King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein(2018), United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2017) and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina (2015).

The long shadow of the Pulwama terror attack - the deadliest in India in over two decades - will be dominating the talks with a focus on making sure that Pakistan acts on terror infrastructure it has been supporting on its territory.

New Delhi will be calling on Riyadh to mount pressure on its traditional ally Pakistan. Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the suicide attack on the CRPF convoy in J&K's Pulwama on February 14.

MBS had come to India, a day after his two-day visit to Pakistan.

It is interesting to note that the Saudi Crown Prince went back to Riyadh after his Pakistan visit concluded, and came back again to New Delhi, a development which many will see as a de-hyphenation by Saudi Arabia between Pakistan and India and something which New Delhi will prefer in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack.

During Saudi Crown Prince's Pakistan visit, he announced a USD 20 billion investment. Reacting to the development, sources in Delhi said, "When they invest in India, they invest in a robust economy, in Pakistan they bailout"

India is one of the eight strategic partners of Saudi Arabia with which the West Asian country intends to deepen partnership in areas of political, security, trade and investment and culture.

Both countries are finalising the setting up of Strategic Partnership Council at the Ministerial level.

Bilateral trade between both the countries stood at USD 27.48 billion in the financial year 2017-18. Saudi Arabia is India's 4th largest trading partner with New Delhi getting 17% of its oil imports from the country.

Oil prices are something that India has been consistently raising with Saudi Arabia, an OPEC country. Saudi ARAMCO along with ADNOC of UAE in 2018 agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery.

Saudi Arabia will soon be joining the International Solar Alliance initiative.

The country hosts 2.7 million strong Indian community, one of the largest in West Asia, sending remittance of over US$ 11 billion annually.

Last year, Saudi Arabia increased the Indian Haj quota by 5,000, enabling 1,75,025 Indians to undertake the pilgrimage last year.

India is also in touch with the West Asian country when it comes to Afghan Peace process.

Prime Minister Modi had visited Riyadh in April 2016. Saudi Arabia's King Salman had honoured him then with the "Sash of King Abdulaziz", the highest civilian decoration awarded by the West Asian country.

Crown Prince Salman is Saudi Arabia's second-most important person after the King and his designated successor. Saudi Arabia is also one of the world's largest oil producers.BENGALURU: Former Vice Chief of Indian Air Force, Air Marshal SB Deo (retd), on Wednesday offered four missiles of different types to Indian armed forces.

The retired Air Marshal offered these missiles during the ongoing Aero India 2019 in Bengaluru. ANI reported that the missiles are personally designed and developed by Air Marshal Deo. Among the missiles is a 297-km strike range cruise missile named Vel and a stand-off missile named Khagantak.

Bengaluru: Former Vice Chief of Indian Air Force, Air Marshal SB Deo (retd) offers 4 missiles of different types to Indian armed forces. He has personally designed & developed all the missiles. It includes a 297-km strike range cruise missile Vel and stand-off missile Khagantak pic.twitter.com/xSsUsJAUZd  ANI (@ANI) 20 February 2019

"This epitomizes Make in India, foreign exchange content is less than 10%. We have 2 glide bombs of different caliber and a light-weight cruise missile with a range of 297 km that carries a small warhead. They could be inducted in less than 6 months," said Air Marshal (retd) Deo.

Air Marshal SB Deo: This epitomizes Make in India, foreign exchange content is less than 10%. We have 2 glide bombs of different caliber and a light-weight cruise missile with a range of 297 km that carries a small warhead. They could be inducted in less than 6 months. pic.twitter.com/Cv5DhaHhcO  ANI (@ANI) 20 February 2019

Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Wednesday that Indian aviation market has begun to "explode" and the government is planning to ink deals with companies in order to manufacture aircrafts locally.

Addressing investors at the inaugural session of the Aero India 2019, Prabhu said, "India's aviation market is now beginning to explode. So far, we have had limited airports, very limited connectivity. But now, we have added more airports, taking the number to 103. In the next 15 years we will add another 100 airports with an investment of 65 billion USD."

Prabhu also highlighted the comprehensive strategy of his ministry in the aviation sector and said that it has come out with 'Vision 2040'. He added that 2,300 new aeroplanes would be required by India to realise 'Vision 2040'.

"We look forward to partnerships to make aircrafts in India. To make that (possible), we are coming out with an action plan, vision and roadmap," he said.

(with ANI and PTI inputs)SHIMLA: Six Army jawans were feared dead in an avalanche on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Wednesday, officials said.

Five jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were also injured in the avalanche, they added. The body of one of the Army jawans was recovered, but there was no trace of five others, Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Gopal Chand said.

The deceased jawan was identified as Rakesh Kumar (41) of Ghumarpur village in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, Kinnaur Superintendent of Police (SP) Sakshi Verma told PTI, adding that the jawans belonged to the 7 JAK Rifles unit of the Army.

Kumar's body has been taken to the Pooh civil hospital for autopsy. Chand said the avalanche occurred at around 11 am near the Shipki La border post. Several ITBP jawans were also trapped in the avalanche. However, they had been rescued, he added.

According to Army sources, 16 jawans had gone towards the Shipki La border post from Namagya in order to repair a damaged water supply line when the avalanche struck, burying six of them alive. One of them was rescued, but he succumbed to his injuries subsequently.

An Army spokesperson said the search-and-rescue operation would go on till the last man was retrieved. A team of about 150 persons, including Army and ITBP personnel, is searching for the trapped jawans, along with the police.

Confirming the incident, Defence PRO Amit Gaur told PTI that the Army would issue an official statement on Thursday.New Delhi: The finance ministry is mulling launching an exchange traded fund consisting of PSU bank stocks in the next financial year, an official said.

"We are open to the idea of floating an ETF consisting of stocks of PSU banks. We are studying the price movement of the probable stocks which could form part of the index," the official told PTI.

The bank exchange traded fund (ETF) would be in addition to the two ETFs -- CPSE ETF and Bharat-22 ETF -- launched by the government which have seen huge investor demand.

The government has raised Rs 32,900 crore through Bharat-22 ETF since 2017, and Rs 28,500 crore from CPSE ETF since 2014.

The official further said the ETF route would bring back investor confidence in the banking stocks.

"Individual bank scrips may not be attractive for investors at the moment but bunching of banking stocks through ETFs might see investor demand pick up," he said.

Among the 20 public sector banks, the government holds 58.53 percent stake in SBI, 70.22 percent in Punjab National Bank, 70.62 percent in Canara Bank, 77.23 percent in Oriental Bank of Commerce and 83.09 percent in Bank of India.

Besides, it holds 63.74 percent in Bank of Baroda, 87.01 percent in Bank of Maharashtra and 67.43 percent in Union Bank of India.

The government has set a disinvestment target of Rs 90,000 crore for 2019-20, up from Rs 80,000 crore in 2018-19. So far this fiscal, the government has raised Rs 53,558 crore from CPSE stake sale and share buyback.

In an interview to PTI, Secretary in Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Atanu Chakraborty had earlier said DIPAM would conduct a study to provide risk-free investment option to retail investors in the form of sector-specific ETFs.

"You should not see ETF as an individual share. In an ETF, we bring all the shares together to reduce the systemic risk," he said, adding that DIPAM is looking at the possibility of forming basket of shares from the same sector and design a theme-based ETF index.Mumbai: Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia says his forthcoming film "Milan Talkies" will not release in Pakistan.

After the Pulwama terror attack earlier this month, some Indian filmmakers decided against the release of their films like "Luka Chuppi" and "Arjun Patiala" in the neighbouring country.

Asked whether he will release "Milan Talkies" in Pakistan, Dhulia told the media here on Tuesday: "No. It will not be released in Pakistan. There are two reasons for that. First one is that we stand in solidarity with the martyrs' families.

"The second reason is that piracy of Hindi films takes place from Pakistan so, I feel that we should never release our films in Pakistan for that specific reason."

Dhulia was interacting with the media at the trailer launch of "Milan Talkies" along with the film's cast Ali Fazal, Shraddha Srinath, Ashutosh Rana and Sikandar Kher.

In the wake of the terror attack, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artistes working in the Indian film industry.

Reacting to AICWA's decision, Dhulia said: "At this juncture, I feel it's the right decision and we should ban Pakistani artistes but if the situation gets better then we will welcome them with open arms."

"Milan Talkies" is releasing in India on March 15.Bengaluru: Congress MLA JN Ganesh was arrested on Wednesday, weeks after he was declared absconding for allegedly assaulting another lawmaker from his party during a brawl at a resort.

Ganesh was at large after the alleged assault on Anand Singh, both from Ballari district, on January 20 at the Eagleton Resort on the city outskirts, where the Congress had sequestered its MLAs to prevent a poaching bid by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Yes, we have arrested him (Ganesh)," Inspector General of Police of the Central range B Dayananda told PTI, replying to a query.

Police sources, however, did not confirm from where was the Congress MLA arrested.

They said prior to his arrest, a team of about 18 officers had carried out searches in Mumbai, Goa, Ballari and Hyderabad.

Ganesh had allegedly attacked Singh with his fists and a flowerpot, hit him near his eye and kicked him on his chest, according to the complaint filed with the police.

In his complaint, Singh stated that Ganesh was upset as he suspected that he wanted to finish him off politically and did not support him financially during the Karnataka Assembly polls last year.

A seriously injured Singh was admitted to a private hospital in the city.

Based on his complaint, the police had registered a case of attempt to murder against Ganesh.

Fearing arrest, the Congress MLA did not appear for the crucial budget session of the state legislature, despite a whip.Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order to establish a United States Space Force as a new armed service within the Department of the Air Force.

As per the memorandum signed by Trump in his Oval Office, the Space Force would include both combat and combat support functions to enable prompt and sustained offensive and defensive space operations, and joint operations in all domains.

It will be organized, trained, and equipped to meet and protect the US national interests in space and the peaceful use of space for all responsible actors, consistent with applicable law, including international law; ensure unfettered use of space for national security purposes, economy, and persons, partners, and allies; in addition to deter aggression, it said.

Trump described the space force as the future of US forces.

"It's the future is where we're going. I suspect whether we like it or not, that's where we're going...In space. That's the next step and we have to be prepared. Our adversaries, whether we get along with them or not, they are up in space," he said.

The Space force, he said, is going to be a very big part of America's defense.

"We're investing in new space capabilities to project military power and safeguard our nation's interest, especially when it comes to safety and defense. This directive calls on the Secretary of Defense to develop legislative proposal that will establish the structure and authority of the space force at the sixth branch of the US armed forces," he said.

Today, @POTUS signed Space Policy Directive 4  bringing our nation 1 step closer to establishing the US Space Force. @POTUS Trumps highest priority is the safety & security of the American people. Space is a warfighting domain just like the air, land, & sea. America must lead. pic.twitter.com/1aTNzzu1Mf  Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 19, 2019

Trump said the space force will organize, equip and train the next generation of warriors to deter aggression and defend the nation, allies and American interests against hostile actions.

"We have a lot of new defensive weapons and offensive weapons designed specifically for this and now we're going to start advantage of. This is something they could have done sooner, but they decided to wait. And here I am," he said.

Trump said his administration has already taken historic action to create a US Space Command, within the Department of Defense to oversee the nation's military space operations.

Now in the face of these threats, all around the world, American leadership in space is more important than it ever has been before," said the president.Five Ghanaians have been arrested in connection with internet fraud in the United States (US).

According to a report by MyNewsGh.com, four of the suspects are living in the US while one is a resident in Ghana.

The report suggests all five suspects pleaded guilty to engaging in internet fraud, known locally as sakawa, with the hope of getting a lighter sentence.

5 Ghanaians facing trial in the New York for duping U.S businesses $10m. Source: MyNewsGh.com

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Only 64 out of 525 students passed professional law exams

The suspects have since been identified as Tourey Ahmed Rufai, Prince Nana Aggrey, Abdul Rasheed Masoud and Mubarak Baturi.

They are alleged to have duped some US citizens of $10 million through business email compromises and romance scams between 2014 and 2018.

Reports suggest they directed the receipt of over $10 million in fraud proceeds from victims of the scam in bank accounts that they controlled in the Bronx, New York.

The money was then wired to their co-conspirator who lives in Ghana.

The suspects, in order to hide their identities and avoid being caught, opened accounts using fake names and stolen identities.

The suspects modus operandi includes creating fake email accounts to impersonate their victims or companies of prey.

They then trick other employees of the victims company with access to the companys finances into thinking the fake email accounts are authentic and order them to make payment into certain bank accounts.

READ ALSO: Minister expresses disappointment in top police officer over his performance at AWW Commission of Inquiry

By forging signatures, the victims often do not suspect and end up being scammed by these fraudsters.

Four of the suspects have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while their co-conspirator in Ghana also pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen property.

All the suspects are, however, yet to learn about their sentences, which will be pronounced by U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.

Ghana News Today: Vice President Involved in Accident / NDC Justifies Vigilante Groups | #Yencomgh

READ ALSO: Anas gives hint of his latest expose on illegal deals in mining sector

Want to be featured on YEN.com.gh? Send us a message on our Facebook page or on Instagram with your stories, photos or videos.

Source: Yen.com.ghLast Friday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo concluded the constitutional mandate of creating six new regions, bringing the number to 16 in the country.

The six new regions were created out of the Volta, Brong Ahafo, Northern and Western regions.

The Oti Region was carved out of the Volta Region, with Dambai as the capital. Bono East and Ahafo were created out of the Brong Ahafo Region with Techiman and Goaso as the respective capitals, while the former Brong Ahafo Region now becomes the Bono Region with Sunyani as the capital.

New Ghana Map Source: UGC

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Anas gives hint of his latest expose on illegal deals in mining sector

North East Region and Savannah Region were carved out of the Northern Region with Nalerigu and Damango as the new capitals respectively. Western North with Sefwi Wiawso as its capital was also created out of the Western Region.

The 10 regional capitals before the creation of the new regions are still Sekondi (Western), Ho (Volta), Accra (Greater Accra), Koforidua (Eastern), Kumasi (Ashanti), Cape Coast (Central) , Sunyani (Bono), Tamale (Northern), Bolgatanga (Upper East) and Wa (Upper West).

A lot of issues emerged from the creation of the six new regions.

READ ALSO: 4 reasons why Ghanaians will not turn out to vote in 2020 elections

There were issues of multiple voting, rigging of election by EC officials and also some choas after the regional capitals had emerged.

The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said he together with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government had made history with the creation of the six new regions.

READ ALSO: Only 64 out of 525 students passed professional law exams

Ghana News Today: Vice President Involved in Accident / NDC Justifies Vigilante Groups | #Yencomgh

Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place.

Source: YenA former general secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, has pleaded with Ghanaian women to reject marriage and relationship proposals from men in political vigilante groups.

According to the religious leader, ladies who marry members of vigilante groups do so at their own peril as the violence of the men could catch on to these ladies.

His advice comes on the back of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), David Asante Apeatu, directing political parties to denounce vigilante groups claiming allegiance to them with immediate effect.

Speaking on a radio show in Accra earlier in the week, Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong condemned the activities of vigilante groups, adding that their existence is a serious national security threat.

READ ALSO: 4 solid reasons why men do not like to be with women richer than them

Rev. Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong. Photo credit: Classfmonline.com

Source: UGC

The former CCG general secretary said it was imperative that society used all available ways to discourage young men from identifying with political vigilante groups.

These ways of discouraging them, according to Rev Dr Opuni-Frimpong, could mean, denying these men the romantic attachments they may need.

He was quoted as saying: Im telling our ladies not to marry a member of a vigilante group, who only knows how to exhibit their rowdy best.

Our decent Ghanaian ladies do not deserve to spend their lives with such dangerous characters. Ghanaians are strongly against the existence of vigilante groups, so why must our women show love to these guys".

READ ALSO: Nana Aba Anamoah mocks Chelsea fans with hilarious video over 2-0 loss to Man Utd

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) lecturer emphasised that although vigilantism itself was not a bad idea, the culture that has been sowed in Ghana was very poor.

Thus, he hoped that a denial from friends and family would cause young men to stop putting their lives and those of others at risk.

I'm a Musician and My Looks Shouldn't Define or Restrict me: Okailey Verse - Star Gist | #Yencomgh:

Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place.

Source: YenIAIS finalizes post-financial crisis reforms

Insurance regulators from around the world met at the largest ever IAIS Annual Conference, held in Abu Dhabi on November 14-15, 2019, to finalize post-financial global supervisory frameworks.

These include:

The Common Framework (ComFrame), which sets out minimum requirements for the supervision of IAIGs and helps with both a common supervisory understanding and set of supervisory processes.

which sets out minimum requirements for the supervision of IAIGs and helps with both a common supervisory understanding and set of supervisory processes. T he Insurance Capital Standard (ICS), which creates a common supervisory language for the discussion of group solvency for IAIGs. It was noted that during the 20202024 ICS monitoring period, it would not be a prescribed capital requirement (PCR). It was also noted that the IAIS had agreed on a set of comparable outcomes in order to assess alternative ICS methods, such as the Aggregation Method, that the United States is developing. Should alternative methods be considered to have comparable outcomes, these may then be considered outcome-equivalent for the implementation of the ICS as a PCR.

which creates a common supervisory language for the discussion of group solvency for IAIGs. It was noted that during the 20202024 ICS monitoring period, it would not be a prescribed capital requirement (PCR). It was also noted that the IAIS had agreed on a set of comparable outcomes in order to assess alternative ICS methods, such as the Aggregation Method, that the United States is developing. Should alternative methods be considered to have comparable outcomes, these may then be considered outcome-equivalent for the implementation of the ICS as a PCR. The Holistic Framework for the Assessment and Mitigation of Systemic Risk in the Insurance Sectorin recognizing the achievement of measures that will help contribute to global financial stability, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) agreed to suspend the identification of global systemically important insurers (G-SIIs) from 2020.



In 2020, the IAIS will support its member jurisdictions and supervisors in their adoption of the frameworks with the goal of turning focus from adoption to implementation in 2021.Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.News

Washington, DC - Remarks by President Trump at Signing Ceremony for Space Policy Directive-4:

THE PRESIDENT: Okay, thank you very much. I had a great conversation this morning with President Moon of South Korea. And we obviously discussed the upcoming trip next week, where were going Hanoi, in Vietnam. And I look forward to be with Chairman Kim, and I think a lot of things will come out of it.

We had a tremendous first summit. That was really breaking the ice, but a lot of things came from that, including good relationships. And were looking forward to having a very good meeting. And President Moon and I discussed, I think, probably every aspect of the meeting; it was a good conversation. Ill be speaking tomorrow with Prime Minister Abe of Japan, and well be having a similar conversation. So I think next week is going to be very exciting.

Its going to be the second summit. I think a lot can come from it  at least, I hope so  the denuclearization, ultimately. Im in no particular rush. The sanctions are on, the relationships are very strong, and a lot of good things have happened.

Weve gotten our hostages back. The remains are coming back. Vice President Pence was in Hawaii when the first large number, actually, had come. And now, certain have been identified. Their families members have found out exactly whats going on, and theyve had ceremonies that are absolutely beautiful. That was an incredible event.

In fact, when we were campaigning, so many people would say  even though it was many years ago, they would say, Is it possible to get the remains back from North Korea? So weve done that. And as you know, theres been no testing of rockets, missiles, or nuclear.

So were in no rush. A lot of the media would like to say, Oh, whats going on? Speed, speed, speed. No rush whatsoever. We are going to have our meeting; well see what happens. And I think, ultimately, were going to be very, very successful.

When I became President, the relationship with North Korea was a very dangerous one for the world, and I think now its far less dangerous. And theres a lot of sanity, a lot of really sane thinking.

So he looks forward to it; I look forward to it. And the talk with President Moon, and tomorrow with Prime Minister Abe, I think will be very helpful.

Today, Im thrilled to sign a new order taking the next step to create the United States Space Force. So important, when you look at defense, when you look at all of the other aspects of where the world will be someday. I mean, this is the beginning. This is a very important process.

First, I want to recognize our wonderful Vice President, Mike Pence, who serves as the Chairman of the National Space Council. Thank you, Mike. Great job. I know you feel the same way I do.

I also want to thank Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who is with us; Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson; Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Paul Selva; and the Executive Secretary of the Space Council, Dr. Scott Pace for being here today.

Theyve all worked very hard on the Space Force. They all believe in it very strongly, as I do. Its the future. Its where were going. I suspect, whether we like it or not, thats where were going. Its space. Thats the next step, and we have to be prepared.

Our adversaries and  whether we get along with them or not, theyre up in space. And theyre doing it, and were doing it. And thats going to be a very big part of where the defense of our nation  and you could say offense  but lets just be nice about it and lets say the defense of our nation is going to be.

America must be fully equipped to defend our vital interests. Our adversaries are training forces and developing technology to undermine our security in space, and theyre working very hard at that.

Thats why my administration has recognized space as a warfighting domain and made the creation of the Space Force a national security priority. I think well have great support from Congress, because they do support something when were talking about such importance. And a lot of the generals, a lot of the people involved have been speaking to Congress. And we have some very interesting dialogue going on.

Were investing in new space capabilities to project military power and safeguard our nations interests, especially when it comes to safety and defense.

This directive calls on the Secretary of Defense to develop a legislative proposal that will establish the structure and authority of the Space Force as the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces. That would mean a high-ranking  the highest-ranking person there would go on to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. So its a very, very important deal.

The Space Force will organize, equip, and train the next generation of warriors to deter aggression and defend the nation, our allies, and American interests against hostile actions in the form of space and taking place in space.

So we have a lot of things on the books. We have a lot of new defensive weapons and offensive weapons designed specifically for this, and now were going to start taking advantage of. This is something they could have done sooner but they decided to wait. And here I am, and were going to do it. And Im very proud that, during my administration, were doing so much in space. We need it.

Weve already taken historic action to create the United States Space Command, as you know, within the Department of Defense to oversee the nations military space operations.

Now, in the face of these threats all around the world, American leadership in space is more important than it ever has been. Before, it used to be something that wed aspire to, wed talk about, but we wouldnt do anything. Now we have to do something because thats where its at.

With todays action, we will ensure that our people are secure, our interests are protected, and our power continues to be unmatched. There will be nobody that can come close to matching us. It wont be close.

What we have on the books are things that you wouldnt even believe. You wouldnt even believe. Its going to mean the safety of our nation for many, many decades and many, many generations, and thats what Im here for. I guess when you get right down to it, more importantly than anything else, thats why Im here.

So I just want to thank everybody. The Space Force is a very important part of my administration and its a very important part of this nation. And its an honor to be with you all. And Ill sign and we will then maybe take a few questions and ask a few. You may want to say something. In fact, Mike, why dont you start off? Youve been  you and I have been working on this very hard. Why dont you say a few words? Please.

THE VICE PRESIDENT: We have. Thank you, Mr. President. From the first days of this administration, President Trump has made national security a priority. Weve secured historic investments in our national defense.

But from very early on, the President also said that America needed to be as dominant in space as we are on the Earth. And now, with this fourth Space Policy Directive, America is leading in space once again.

But in this respect, the President is calling on the Department of Defense to fashion what we have literally been working on for months, consulting with members of Congress and military experts. It will be a legislative proposal that will establish the United States Space Force as the sixth branch of our armed forces.

It will build on the Presidents leadership of a United States Space Command, a joint combatant command that weve already organized at the Presidents direction. But this is now the foundation of ensuring that even as we are dominant in space today, now well begin to bring all of our resources together under U.S. Space Command, which will operate under the Department of the Air Force. And in so doing, well ensure that we bring the best resources and the best minds together to protect the American people and advance our interests.

And, Mr. President, all the members of the National Space Council and the agencies that are a part of it are gathered behind you today 

THE PRESIDENT: Thats right.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  and we thank you for your leadership and your support in this effort.

THE PRESIDENT: Some great talent, I will say that. Would you like to say something? Youve helped us so much. Please, Paul.

GENERAL SELVA: Sir, youve been incredibly supportive in bringing space to the fore as not only a domain of potential warfare, but also recognizing it as a place where a large amount of our economic power comes from. And so our job to protect our national security includes protecting our economy as well. And so, as your Vice Chairman, the Joint Chiefs endorse all this effort to make sure that we get the right emphasis on defending our interests and our assets in space.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Paul. Patrick? How about you?

ACTING SECRETARY SHANAHAN: Yes, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Secretary.

ACTING SECRETARY SHANAHAN: This is a historic moment. The dawn of a new service. Id like to thank you for your leadership and, most importantly, the resources so that we can do our job.

Mr. Vice President, thank you for pushing us. Weve come quite a distance in a very short period of time.

And then to my counterparts here, thank you for all the remarkable teamwork. We will deliver the capability better, sooner, faster so we can sustain our margin of dominance.

Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much.

Maybe John Bolton  youve been very much involved and I know how you feel about it.

AMBASSADOR BOLTON: Well, this is a visionary project, Mr. President  your leadership, the Vice President, and really everybody on the Space Council. This is not something for the next year or two, or even the next six years. This is on into the century. A place where, as President Kennedy once said, I believe space is a new ocean and the United States must sail upon it. And youre taking the steps to make sure that, from the national security perspective, the United States will be dominant on that new ocean.

THE PRESIDENT: And we will be. Okay, thank you.

Anybody have anything to say? Huh? Would anybody like to say? Fine? No? Good. Were all (inaudible). (Laughter.) Right? Weve said enough. Lets sign. Lets sign. Its very exciting.

(The directive is signed.)

So how about we give this one to Paul? Mike, do you want to do that? Okay. Come on, Paul. Thats a big deal. (Applause.)

Its very important. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you.

Q Mr. President, theres another round of trade talks starting this week here in Washington.

THE PRESIDENT: Thats right.

Q How confident are you that it will be finished by March 1? Or are you considering extending that deadline?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, they are very complex talks. Theyre going very well. Were asking for everything that anybody has ever even suggested. These are not just, you know, lets sell corn or lets do this. Its going to be selling corn but a lot of it  a lot more than anyone thought possible. And I think the talks are going very well  with China, youre referring to?

Q Yes.

THE PRESIDENT: And the talks are going very well.

Our group just came back and now theyre coming here. I cant tell you exactly about timing, but the date is not a magical date. A lot of things can happen.

The real question will be: Will we raise the tariffs? Because they automatically kick in to 25 percent as of  on $200 billion worth of goods that they send. So I know that China would like not for that to happen. So I think theyre trying to move fast so that doesnt happen. But its  well see what happens.

I can only say that the talks with China on trade have gone very, very well. In the meantime, our economy is very strong. Were doing well.

I dont know if you noticed, but deficits seem to be coming down. And last month it was reported, and everybody was surprised, but I wasnt surprised. Were taking in a lot of money coming into our Treasury from tariffs and various things, including the steel dumping. And our steel companies are doing really well. Aluminum companies also. So were very happy about that.

I think that its  theyll be coming very shortly. Theyre going to have very detailed discussions on subjects that have never really been even discussed by people that sat in this chair and they should have been. Very important subjects. And I think were doing very well. Okay?

Q (Inaudible) terrorists from Pakistan have been  struck, inside India, 40 security persons last week. How do you see this issue? Whats the message to Pakistan?

THE PRESIDENT: Ive seen it. Ive watched. Ive gotten a lot of reports on it. Well have a comment at the appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they got along. It seems like that was a horrible situation. But were getting reports. Well have a statement to put out. Okay? Thank you very much.

Q Mr. President, did you ask Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to change the leadership of the investigation into your former personal attorney, Michael Cohen?

THE PRESIDENT: No. Not at all. I dont know who gave you that. Just more fake news. A lot of  theres a lot of fake 

Q (Inaudible) story in the New York Times.

THE PRESIDENT:  theres a lot of fake news out there. No, I didnt.

Q What is the current status of your relationship with Mr. Whitaker?

THE PRESIDENT: Very good. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Whitaker. I think hes done a great job. Hes a very, very straight shooter. I watched him during the hearing  some of it. I thought he was exceptional. Hes a very fine man and he should be given a lot of thanks by our nation.

Okay. Thank you very much.

Q Mr. President, whats your reaction to the lawsuits yesterday filed by the states against your executive order?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think I called it exactly, right? Including the fact that they would put them in through the Ninth Circuit. Thats where they put them in. And I think well do very well.

We have absolute right to do that. I have an absolute right to call a national security. We need strong borders. We have to stop drugs and crime and criminals and human trafficking. And we have to stop all of those things that a strong wall will stop. I could call it a barrier, but I think I dont have to do that so much anymore. Well call it whatever we want.

But the point is that we have to have a stoppage. Billions and billions of dollars of illicit things are pouring through our border. And, you know, we talk about points of entry, and one of the things that we do have is a lot of money now from points of entry, because everything was given. The money was given  so much that you almost dont know what to do with it  by Congress. But when it came to the wall, they wanted to hold back because it was politics. Thats all it is.

In fact, I hear the Democrats want to take down all walls along the southern border. And if they do that, youre going to have a very different country. But theyre not going to do that. They wouldnt. First of all, they wont do it because they know its wrong. They know walls are necessary, maybe more than we do. But theyre playing a political game. And their new game is, Lets take down all walls. I saw where Beto wanted to take down walls. I said  they asked me, What do you think? I said, Well, I think thats probably the end of his political career.

Were doing very well on the wall. Were building a lot of wall right now. You know that. In the valley, were doing tremendous work in a very important area. We have a lot more under negotiation right now. Were working with the Army Corps of Engineers. Theyre fantastic. And a lot of great things are happening.

I think, in the end, were going to be very successful with the lawsuit. So it was filed  it was filed in the Ninth Circuit. And I actually think we might do very well, even in the Ninth Circuit, because its an open and closed case.

I was put here for security  whether its Space Force, which were doing today, or whether its borders. Because if our nation doesnt have borders, we dont have too much of a nation, especially when drugs and all of the things that  you know better than anybody whats happening at the border. Its a bad situation. So I think were going to do very well with the lawsuit.

Okay?

Q Just one more on Vietnam. You said  you referred earlier to your meetings in Vietnam. What do you want to achieve during that summit?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, Id just like to see, ultimately, denuclearization of North Korea. I think we will see that ultimately. I have no pressing time schedule. And I think a lot of people would like to see it go very quickly from the other side.

I really believe that North Korea can be a tremendous economic power when this is solved. Their location between Russia, China, and South Korea is unbelievable. I think that North Korea and Chairman Kim have some very positive things in mind, and well soon find out. But Im in no rush. Theres no testing. As long as theres not testing, Im in no rush. If theres testing, thats another deal. But there has been no testing.

If you look at the end of the Obama administration, it was a disaster what was going on. You dont have that right now; its a much different feeling. I think people have  theres always danger, but I think people have a much different feeling.

So I hope that very positive things are going to happen. I think that it will be a very exciting couple of days.

Thank you all very much.

Q Your reaction to Bernie Sanders running for President?

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, Bernie Sanders is running. Yeah, thats right. Personally, I think he missed his time. But I like Bernie because hes  he is one person that, you know, on trade, he sort of would agree on trade. Im being very tough on trade. He was tough on trade. The problem is he doesnt know what to do about it. Were doing something very spectacular on trade.

But I wish Bernie well. It will be interesting to see how he does. I think what happened to Bernie maybe was not so nice. I think he was taken advantage of. He ran great four years ago, and he was not treated with respect by Clinton. And that was too bad. I thought what happened to Bernie Sanders four years ago was quite sad as it pertains to our country. So well see how he does.

Youve got a lot of people running, but only one person is going to win. I hope you know who that person is.

Goodbye, everybody.Investors contributed significantly to the heyday of Sydney and Melbourne in which record-breaking price rises were being posted in these markets, according to a report by Yahoo Finance.

The countrys property market is currently weakening, but in the few years leading up to 2017, prices in major housing markets jumped by more than 50%. Since this property price boom, the amount of investor cash entering Australias housing market has halved, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The downturn may be linked to the restrained presence of investors in the market, given that they have a lot to do with price increases, said an industry expert.

What pushes prices up is when you have more buyers than sellers. For example, at an auction when you have a number of people competing hard for a home. Once you knock the froth off the market and take the excitement away, rather than having a number of people going hard at it you end up with one or maybe two, and most can only go so hard because theyre getting a limited amount of money from the bank, University of Sydney social economist and housing expert Peter Phibbs told The New Daily.

Investors propelled the substantial value increases in Australias two biggest cities more than owner-occupiers, he said.

Lending to investors was down by 47.8% to $4.89 billion in December from its peak of $9.37 billion in April 2015.

The value of home loans issued to owner-occupier home buyers, on the other hand, has barely dropped over the same period down only 0.2% from $12.53 billion in April 2015 to $12.49 billion in December.

The level of owner-occupier interest in the housing market has been relatively stable, but investors appetite has fallen. The pace of the decline in investor housing finance is faster than before as the Sydney and Melbourne downturns have worsened.

Investors also have a significant advantage over potential owner-occupiers due to the government incentive of negative gearing. This may change, though, depending on the result of the federal election.

The Labor Party claims to address the long-outdated negative gearing, but Starr Partners CEO Douglas Driscoll said that that the proposed modifications to the policy could result in a likely influx of overseas property investors.The number of residential properties owned by foreign nationals who broke investment rules has increased, with over half of the breaches linked to homes in Victoria, according to news.com.au.

The latest Foreign Investment Review Board report showed that there were 131 illegally held properties in 2017-2018slightly up from the 96 properties ordered for sale in 2016-2017.

More than half of these violations were uncovered in residential properties in Victoria, while 20% were related to properties in New South Wales.

The report also found that the United States approved investments increased by $10 billion to $36 billion in 2017-2018, with significant growth observed in real estate and the manufacturing, electricity and gas sector.

China, meanwhile, was named the second-largest source country after its approved proposed investment was cut by $15 billion to $23 billion during the same period. In 2015- 2016, Chinese proposed investment peaked at $47.3 billion.

The decline in approved Chinese investment was due to drops across all sectors, especially property.

In addition, foreign demand for residential real estate slowed drastically, led by Chinese investment in real estate dropping to $12.7 billion in 2017-2018 from $15.3 billion the prior year.

Unexpected cancelling of pledged mortgage loans by Australian banks, increased foreign stamp duty taxes, and capital controls made it hard to transfer funds from China, and eventually affected Chinese buying in 2017-2018, according to Carrie Law, chief executive of Chinese property portal Juwai.

Victoria was granted 46% of all residential real estate approvals, followed by NSW with 23% and Queensland with 17%.Coastal suburbs are a hit for buyers in Western Australia, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA).

Data showed that nine of the 10 most popular WA suburbs were in the Perth region, and Denmark was the only regional suburb on the list.

Hillarys held the top spot, followed by Denmark, Woodvale, Duncraig, and Canning Vale.

Overall, its quite an eclectic list of suburbs, with a good supply from both north and south of the river and quite varied in terms of population levels. While its no surprise a suburb like Canning Vale has trended highly, given its one of WAs biggest suburbs, its interesting to note that six of the 10 suburbs have fewer than 10,000 people residing in the area, REIWA President Damian Collins said.

Denmark in the Great Southern region, which was ranked second, attracted buyers who are looking for a sea-tree change. Prospective owners appear to be turning to the internet to learn more about Denmark and find out what kind of properties are available in the area, according to Collins.

Six of the 10 top searched suburbs are known for their nearness to WAs beaches, implying that opting for coastal suburbs is the biggest trend among consumers, in terms of lifestyle.

The northern coastal suburbs, in particular, were popular, with Hillarys, Iluka, Sorrento and Mindarie being highly favoured by WA property seekers.

Eight of the 10 suburbs have median house prices above the Perth median of $510,000.

This suggests its the trade-up sector of the WA market [that is] most actively searching for property right now, Collins said.

The high levels of interest from prospective buyers in the suburbs should provide local sellers with some confidence despite the still-restrained sales activity across Perth.

These areas are clearly striking a chord with WA property seekers, so there is excellent opportunity for sellers to take advantage of this interest. My advice is to listen to your real estate agent and price your property in line with market expectations to ensure your home stands out, Collins said.Two former world champions will regularly be in the F1 paddock in 2019.

Nico Rosberg has been signed up to attend 10 grands prix for the German broadcaster RTL -- up two races compared to last year.

"To keep the connection to formula one means a lot to me," said the 2016 title winner.

Also in the paddocks this year will be 2009 world champion Jenson Button, who has been signed up as a pundit by Britain's Sky for the entire 21-race calendar.

"F1 is a sport I love, a sport I lived for 17 years and a sport I'm excited to help deliver to the fans," he said.

(GMM)IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - On the morning of Feb. 18, 2019, Elaine Senia Niemi sat down for a long awaited chat and a cup of tea with her mom.

At age 70, Elaine passed away at her home in Ironwood Township. She was born on Aug. 23, 1948, to Bill and Aleda (Saari) Pelto and was a 1966 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School.

On April 20, 1968, she married John Niemi at Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

For 17 years, Elaine and John raised and raced standardbred harness horses. Elaine enjoyed the camaraderie with those who traveled to the county fairs with their horses throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. After John retired, they did some traveling with a fifth-wheel camper during the winter months, visiting Florida, Texas and California. Though she loved traveling and seeing new places, home was where her heart was. Elaine was a huge Detroit Tigers fan, loved to walk the beach of Lake Superior collecting prized rocks and had an eye for collectibles and antiques.

Elaine had a love of home, friends and above all, family. She will be sadly missed by her husband, John; two sons, Steve (Rachel) Niemi of Humboldt, Mich., and Brian (Deedra) Niemi of Ironwood; grandchildren, Ivan (Toni Clisch) Niemi, Alexander Niemi, and Jordan (Andy) Virshek; and her three great-grandchildren, Yuri, Iliza and Henrik Niemi. She will also be especially missed be her very dear friend, Jan Anderson.

Though it was Elaine's wish that there be no formal service, there will be an internment and a celebration of her life at the Riverside Cemetery of Ironwood in the spring.

A very special thank you goes out to John's sister, Delores, and sister in law, Carol Niemi, who both were such help and support through difficult times. The family would also like to thank the nursing staff at Aspirus oncology for the outstanding care given to Elaine during her illness. Elaine often spoke of these "angels" who do such wonderful work.

Elaine will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

For more information and to express condolences, visit rangefuneralservices.com. Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood is serving the family.State's decision to close Ojibway was not without consideration of econcomic impact

BRUCE MAHLER, left, police chief for Marenisco and Marenisco Township Supervisor Richard Bouvette share a laugh before their testimony on Tuesday in front of the Michigan Senate Oversight Committee via remote broadcast at the Gogebic Community College.

By BRYAN HELLIOS

[email protected]

Ironwood - The Michigan Senate Oversight Committee met Tuesday in Lansing to hear testimony regarding an auditor general's report concerning the Michigan Department of Correction's decision to close the Ojibway Correctional Facility in Marenisco.

The facility, which had 203 employees, closed Dec. 1.

The report - a follow-up to a 2012 performance audit - found the MDOC partially complied with the changes recommended following the 2012 audit.

"(The department of corrections) represented to us that it fully considered the potential economic impacts. However, the DOC could have better established how the information reviewed impacted its recommendation for closure," reads the report issued in December.

While the report acknowledged state law didn't require a written analysis of the economic impact, it encouraged the creation of one in the future as "a good business practice to help foster transparency."

Included in the report is a response from the department, which argues the department provided as much information as required by law and said even the auditors acknowledged the department covered nine separate factors that were part of the process.

Tuesday's hearing was broadcasted via remote access to Gogebic Community College, allowing locals impacted by the closure the ability to share their concerns with the committee.

Marenisco Township Supervisor Richard Bouvette testified before the committee that Gogebic County has the second highest unemployment rate and said he believes it has the second highest poverty rate in the state of Michigan.

His township's economic conditions are not any better and he attributes it to a lack of industry.

"We started off as a lumber mill town, went to a window plant and then to a prison," Bouvette said. "And that has been taken away from us."

He said 20 people from Marenisco were employed at the prison and only a few of them are still working for the MDOC and still living in the township. He said the economic impact to business in his area due to the prison closing is more than $1 million.

"I'm thinking eventually many of those business are going to close because they don't have the $60 million per year that the prison provided," he added.

He said the true economic impact will be felt in the coming months and state did not take that into consideration.

Bruce Mahler, police chief for Marenisco, told the committee that no township officials or business owners were contacted by MDOC prior to the decision to close the prison.

"You would think that if your going to make a decision that is going to impact public safety in an area where your going to leave that you would talk to me," Mahler said.

The prison closing will cause people to move out of the area leaving vacant houses which impacts revenue leading to a decline in the township's ability to provide emergency medical and fire services, he said.

"Wouldn't that be part of an impact study," Mahler said.

Chris Gautz, MDOC public information officer told the Daily Globe he appreciated Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, making the meeting available remotely, so Gogebic County could take part in the meeting.

He also praised the committee for keeping Tuesday's hearing focused on the update to the audit, rather than the larger debate around the prison closure.

While past decisions may have lacked the necessary documentation, Gautz said the department provided close to 1,000 pages of information to the auditors reviewing the Ojibway closure.

Gautz reiterated the department followed the requirements when considering the prison's closure.

"The law stated that we had to fully consider the economic impact and we did that," he said. "The law doesn't say we have to write an economic impact study, it doesn't say we have to produce this or that. It says we have to 'fully consider,' and we did that."

Editor's Note: Daily Globe reporter Richard Jenkins contributed to this story.No Democrat has won the nomination in recent campaigns without consolidating the majority of the African-American vote. With two black candidates - Harris and Booker - now in the race, and with Warren making direct appeals to black voters in her us-vs.-them message about how the system is hurting middle and working-class families, and with a potential candidate like Biden, who believes he can compete vigorously and successfully in the black community, Sanders will be pressed again to show that he can win support from the most loyal constituency in the Democratic Party.

Sanders' experience as a tested presidential candidate should be a positive. The flip side of that is that he is not the fresh candidate he was in 2016 at a time when voters may be looking for something new. Some voters are looking either for a generational change or for a newer candidate, believing that the Democratic nominee should reflect the changing face of the party.

Sanders is a known commodity, a candidate with as much message discipline as anyone in the field, a candidate who will speak in primary colors about the kind of country he believes America should be and with bold prescriptions for getting there. He will be seeking to re-energize the bottom-up movement that supported him in 2016.YORK  Anthony Martinez, 46, of Grand Island, has been sentenced to eight months in jail after being convicted in a drug-related case and then avoiding sentencing for two years by absconding.

He was arrested during a traffic stop on Interstate 80, when troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol found methamphetamine in his vehicle.

His attorney, Kevin Schlender, told the court that he was scheduled to be sentenced some time ago. He did go to detox, his mother was gravely ill so he left and spent time with her. Then he went to Arkansas and then back to Nebraska.

This case started several years ago  in September of 2015, said York County Attorney Christopher Johnson. He failed to appear in 2016. A warrant was issued. Then he pleaded guilty. Sentencing was continued in June of 2016 because he didnt participate in his pre-sentence report. Then bond was revoked, and sentencing was continued so he could go to treatment. Then he failed to appear, a warrant was issued for two years and two months. My opinion is that who flees from justice deserves justice to crash down.YORK  The case against Anthony W. Quintrell, 51, of Lewiston, Idaho, has been bound over to District Court, in which he is accused of being in possession of a loaded gun while in possession of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, the Nebraska State Patrol received a call from a woman who said her ex-husband (Quintrell) was traveling in Nebraska in a vehicle possibly with Idaho license plates. The woman said Quintrell alleged that she was being held against his will by a woman who possibly was using a hand gun, according to the court documents.

The woman also indicated that they were traveling west on Interstate 80.

Troopers located the vehicle in question at a rest area in York County and when they arrived, they saw a couple standing on a sidewalk, embracing.

The troopers allege the man had injuries to his face and seemed distraught and emotional.

The report says the Quintrell told the troopers they were on their way to a funeral in West Virginia and that they had gotten into a fight. He said he had inflicted the wounds to his own face.You wont find a straight road in the state. The roads in West Virginia wind around and over mountains like a twisty straw. I grew up on a mountain just outside of Lewisburg called Muddy Creek Mountain, and when the weather was bad, you didnt leave home. The road down the mountain winds around each curve of the mountain and there is a very limited amount of guardrails. Heaven forbid you have to pass another car, or worse, a trash truck, as you journey down its curves. I imagine this is why I cant drive very well in the snow out here in Nebraska. It isnt that West Virginia doesnt get snow, we just dont drive on it when we do because it isnt quite as possible. Clear roads by Nebraskas standards would get people killed in West Virginia given the curvy, bumpy nature of the state. If youve been one of the victims of my recent 10th street is a disaster rants as of late, you now understand that it isnt you, Nebraska, its me.VIENNA - A group representing Austrian Holocaust survivors voiced outrage on Wednesday over staffing shortages in a government department dealing with Nazi-related crimes, calling on Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to take action.

Kurz, a conservative governing in coalition with a far-right party founded by ex-Nazis, has repeatedly denounced anti-Semitism and the Holocaust since taking office just over a year ago. His government has pledged to offer citizenship to the descendants of Austrians who fled the country under Nazi rule.

But a department at the main domestic intelligence agency that handles reports of Nazi-related crimes is understaffed to the point of having a large backlog, according to the Mauthausen Committee, which represents survivors of Austria's biggest Nazi-era concentration camp.

"The government - and in particular the chancellor - stresses at every opportunity that everything is being done to fight neo-Nazism and anti-Semitism effectively," the committee said in a statement.

"In fact the Nazism-reporting department is being denied the necessary staff, to the point that it has a backlog of hundreds of pieces of evidence and some far-right crimes are falling under statutes of limitations," it said, adding that it mainly gets no reply when it passes on information to the department.Tragedy struck the Fattal family twice when two of its sons were killed in two separate car accidents.

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In 2004, Uri, a 23-year-old newly discharged IDF paratrooper embarked on the traditional post-army trip. While driving on a wet road in Brazil, his vehicle skidded and crashed into a high-voltage pole, with one of his cables landing on the car. Uri, who remained unharmed after the accident, opened the vehicle's door and was electrocuted.

Over the weekend, Omer, 40, was killed in a head-on collision in the Shfela region when his vehicle crashed into a car coming from the opposite direction. Omer's wife, Liron, was moderately injured after sustaining a pelvic fracture; and their three children aged 2, 5, and 7 were lightly wounded. An investigation has been launched into the incident. Omer was laid to rest on Monday.

Omer (left) and Uri Fattal (Photo: Courtesy of the family)

"After we lost Uri it was difficult. And then Omer was killed, leaving behind three small children, which is a whole different kind of pain," said Uri and Omer's father.

Uri was survived by his parents, Eli and Sheli, and his siblings Omer and Yaara.

Several years after his brother died, Omer, a veteran of the elite IDF Sayeret Matkal unit, decided to open a therapeutic farm for low-risk youths near Kfar Uria where he resided, with his former comrades serving as counselors. He named the center "Uri's Farm."

Omer Fattal (Photo: Courtesy of the family)

The farm was home to hundreds of troubled teenagers. Their time in the farm and the challenging tasks assigned to them introduced them to new horizons of hope.

"They took children who hit rock-bottom and gave them responsibilities in order to rehabilitate them. Omer, who chose to educate through actions rather than words, was a role model for these youths," Eli said, describing his son's life work.

Uri Fattal (Photo: Courtesy of the family)

Speaking about the tight relationship between his two sons, Eli said: "Omer is two years older than Uri, so their military service period overlapped. Both of them fought in Lebanon and took part in Operation Defensive Shield, sharing similar experiences. After they concluded their military service they traveled together to the United States and worked there."

"After losing both Uri and Omer we are like a plane that lost two of its engines. We'll continue flying with the engines we have left and move on. Each of the boys had a different characterUri was happy and made people laugh. Omer was introverted and quiet," Eli said.SOHAG, Egypt - Nesma Ghanem is hoping for a fourth child even though her doctor says her body can't handle a pregnancy at the moment. She has three daughters and would like them to have a brother.

"In the future he could support his father and the girls," said Ghanem, 27, who lives in a village in Sohag, an area with one of Egypt's highest fertility rates.

The family depends on her husband's income from a local cafe. "If I have a son people, here in the village can say that he will carry on his father's name," she said.

As Egypt's population heads towards 100 million, the government is trying to change the minds of people like Ghanem. "Two Is Enough" is the government's first family-planning campaign aiming to challenge traditions of large families in rural Egypt. But Ghanem's wish to have a son shows how hard that could be.Israel Resilience leader Benny Gantz and Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid held secret talks Wednesday afternoon at the home of Lapid associate Hillel Kobrinski in Savyon, to discuss a possible merger between the two parties ahead of the April 9 elections.

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Yesh Atid faction chairman Ofer Shelah and Gantz bureau chief Maayan Israeli were also present, along with Gantz's media advisor Ronen Tzur.





Benny Gantz (left) and Yair Lapid make separate arrivals and exits to their secret meeting (Photos: Yair Sagi)

The two met overnight Tuesday to discuss joining forces in an effort to present an alternative to the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sources involved in the negotiations said their talks were "good" and that the two intend to make a final effort to work together ahead of the elections.

After failing to reach an agreement with Gesher leader Orly Levy-Abekasis, the former IDF chief of staff Gantz reached out to Lapid on Tuesday evening, after presenting his party's final list of candidates for the Knesset.

"I will offer my friend Yair Lapid to put all other considerations aside and put Israel first," he said, hinting at a possible merger, which is crucial to form a wide central-left bloc.

Benny Gantz holds secret talks with Yair Lapid (Photo: Yair Sagi)

Lapid responded to Gantz, saying that "We'll do everything that is in our power not to miss the opportunity to change the current leadership."

The question of who will lead the joint bloc appears to be the only obstacle left in the talks between Yesh Atid and Israel Resilience.

"If Lapid forgoes (his demand for) a rotation agreement, he and Gantz will join forces," according to one of Gantz's associates.

Yair Lapid meets with Benny Gantz (Photo: Yair Sagi)

A Yesh Atid official, meanwhile, said that "We have to examine if Gantz's proposal is serious, or if he is only trying to come across as someone working to form a wide center-left bloc."

The Israel Resilience Party's final list of candidates for the 21st Knesset includes former IDF chief Moshe Ya'alon in second place, followed by Histradur labor federation leader Avi Nissenkorn, journalists Miki Haimovich and Yoaz Hendel, Yerucham Mayor Michael Biton, Chili Tropper, Zvi Hauser, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, and Merav Cohen.PROMISES UNKEPT

CUT OFF

(TNS)  The Florida Department of Corrections is facing a potential class action over recently forcing inmates to forfeit millions of dollars worth of mp3 and other multimedia files purchased under a since-axed media player contract.William Demler, a 74-year-old incarcerated man at South Florida Reception Center is the lead plaintiff in the case, which was filed in the northern U.S. District Court on Tuesday with the backing of the nonprofit legal firm, the Florida Justice Institute.In 2012, Demler first bought an MP3 player while incarcerated at Hamilton Correctional Institution in Jasper. Over the next few years, he purchased about 335 songs, spending nearly $700 all told on the player and accessories. He is seeking to form a class with similarly situated inmates.Demler's grievance about losing his music was first reported by the Times-Union in August after inmates sent scores of letters with similar complaints to the newsroom.Over the course of the Access contract, which dates back to 2014, more than 30,299 media players were sold and 6.7 million songs downloaded  about $11.3 million worth of music.The department ditched the contract in 2017 in favor of a more lucrative multimedia tablet deal with JPay, rendering all past purchases irrelevant.The complaint details the rollout and advertising of the Access program. It quotes ad copy directed toward inmates promising, "Once music is purchased, you'll always own it!""These men and women relied on representations made by the FDOC and its vendor that, once purchased, they would own these songs and books for the duration of their incarceration," Josh Glickman, an attorney for the Social Justice Law Collective, also backing the suit, said in a statement.Glickman continued, "The FDOC's confiscation of these individuals' lawfully purchased property  for no reason other than to turn a profit is simply unconscionable."The Times-Union has asked the Department of Corrections for comment on the pending lawsuit.The Florida Justice Institute has a lengthy track record of mounting class actions against the department over prison conditions. The media player complaint alleges violations of the Takings and Due Process clauses of the U.S. Constitution.If certified, the class could be sprawling in scale. Inmates filed grievances about the mp3 program so frequently that the Department of Corrections created a separate category in December 2017 to track hundreds of related grievance appeals at the administrative level.The fallout from the media player contract is one example of how inmates are often on the losing end in the Department of Corrections' various dealings with the private companies that do profitable business in state prisons.The department, meanwhile, has positioned itself to generate more cash than ever. Commissions from its JPay contract are spiking and its prison canteens are bringing in about $35 million or more per year.Securus Technologies, the department's former phone vendor, sued the agency last month , claiming it was going around the Legislature to collect a "wish list of goodies" from its new phone contract rather than negotiate for lower calling rates.The Department of Corrections published numerous ads and posted them in various institutions, the lawsuit claims, in an effort to encourage prisoners to purchase digital media players, files, and accessories.Besides touting the media player's memory capacity, operating power, and screen size, at least one widely distributed advertisement, which appeared on the digital media player order form, promised that inmates would always own the music they purchased."Notably, the same advertisement that promised participating FDOC prisoners that they would 'always own' the digital media files they had purchased listed only one restriction," the lawsuit said, "that each FDOC prisoner was only permitted to possess one digital media player at any given time."A user guide informed inmates that they were allowed to delete and re-order digital media files they had purchased from a cloud-based library at any time, with no additional cost, according to the lawsuit."You will never be charged for a song that is ordered from the Re-Order manager," the guide said. "After all, you have already paid for the song once, we don't think you should ever have to pay for it again."Attorneys were unable to uncover any written warnings or suggestions that purchases made through the Access program would only be available for use during the span of the contract, according to lawsuit.Media players were first sold in 2011 under a different vendor, according to the lawsuit. When the department signed its contract with Access in 2014, it ensured that inmates would be able to transfer the music purchases they already made."It is the intent of the department that the implementation of the new digital player program have little or no financial impact on inmates presently participating in the department's current program," the old contract language said, according to the lawsuit.The latest round of media player negotiations with JPay included no such protections, the lawsuit said.The Department of Corrections officially terminated its contract with Access in April 2017, entering that same month into a new agreement with JPay that would bring the Florida-based company's multimedia tablets to every facility.Beginning in January 2018, inmates lost access to their cloud-based libraries, preventing them from downloading previously purchased music and books, according to the lawsuit.Prisoners who chose not to receive a JPay tablet were given a deadline of January 23, 2019 to surrender their digital media players, the lawsuit said.Inmates who are forced to give up their digital media players and files were given the option to mail the player back to Access Corrections to have its security timer removed and mailed to someone outside of the prison for a fee of $25, or have the files from the player transferred to a CD and mailed to someone outside prison for the same fee."The option to send the player and/or files to someone outside of prison does not cure the problem," the lawsuit claims. " ... Prisoners purchased the digital players and music to listen to them and enjoy them while in prison  not at some unspecified time in the future."Beyond that, many of the inmates who purchased media files were serving life sentences or equivalent sentences, the complaint said. Others have no family or friends outside prison who would be able to receive a player or CD, it continued."For these prisoners in particular, the option to mail out the player is completely illusory," the complaint said.Demler, for example, is serving a life sentence, and remains in contact only with his 92-year-old uncle, "who has no use for Mr. Demler's digital music player and/or files," according to the lawsuit.The lawsuit emphasizes that state prison inmates don't have Internet access, and many don't have access to AM/FM radios, or meaningful work assignments.In a 2017 grievance filed with the Department of Corrections, Demler complained that the agency "promoted the MP3 Program and encouraged participation to ensure a larger share in the profits made by Access Corrections.""Discontinuing the program and forcing inmates to give up their players without compensation amounts to an act of fraud," he said.An Israeli government official sais a planned meeting in Moscow between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been postponed.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity Wednesday because of the sensitivity of the matter, says the meeting was delayed in mutual agreement. The two will have a telephone call Thursday and schedule a new meeting soon.

Netanyahu and Putin have been recently holding regular consultations to coordinate operations in war-torn Syria. The meeting was to be the first since a Russian place was shot down in Syria by anti-aircraft fire.

Israeli media report the delay is due to Netanyahu's domestic political concerns, saying he wants to oversee mergers in his nationalistic camp before a Thursday night deadline to submit party lists for the upcoming April election.The anti-Semitic tweet by US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar about the Israeli lobby AIPAC buying politicians with money continues to stir up a storm. It is interesting that Israel bothers her more than Somalia, where she was born and whence she fled. A massacre has been going in the African nation for dozens of years, primarily in the name of jihad.

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But criticizing jihad won't make the congresswoman more popular, while attacks on Israel will earn her far more favor in progressive circles.

It's all about the Benjamins baby https://t.co/KatcXJnZLV  Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 10, 2019

Screenshot: Twitter

Omar apologized  after a request to do so by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one the most senior members of the Democratic Party.

Congresswoman Omars use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israels supporters is deeply offensive, said a statement signed by Pelosi. The Speaker added that while criticism of Israel is legitimate, anti-Semitic propaganda like the views expressed by Omar is not.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) (Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Ilhan Omar (D-MN))

To appreciate that the tweet was anti-Semitic, one must understand the background, who Omar's enthusiastic supporters are, and why this tweet was pure propaganda and manipulation. The Minnesota lawmaker is an avid supporter of the BDS movement - the most prominent anti-Semitic body in the world today, which is supported by the extreme right and the far-left. The organization that denies the right to exist for just one state from in the entire world - the Jewish state. That is precisely why Omar's tweet energized the members of the anti-Semitic coalition: Islamists, the extreme left and the extreme right. Omar has her supporters in Israel, too and we will get to them shortly.

The first to leap to Omar's defense was David Duke, the former KKK head and one of the leaders of the white supremacy movement in the United States. Next  of course  came the BDS-supporting Jews like the Jewish Voice for Peace, which launched a social media support campaign using the hashtag #IStandWithIlhan. Another supporter of Omar is M.J. Rosenberg, a journalist and political activist who freely used the phrase "Israel Firsters" to describe American Jews who put Israel's interests over those of the United States.

American Jews have power, which stems from the fact that they are more educated, richer and more involved. They have established many different organizations, of which AIPAC is just one. They support Israel, but not necessarily the Israeli government.

Hillary Clinton addresses the AIPAC conference (Photo: AFP)

AIPAC, for example, is not enthusiastic about the settlement enterprise, and in 2018 the Yesha Council of Settlers was forced to hold an event outside the official AIPAC conference, because the pro-Israel lobby did not want to become a pro-settlement lobby. Again, crucially, AIPAC is just one of many Jewish organizations in the US.

J Street may be smaller, but it operates in way similar to AIPAC, including donations to politicians, sending delegations to Israel, and occasionally handing out frightening anti-Israel propaganda and providing a platform for representatives of those bodies leading campaign to demonize Israel. J Street also supported the nuclear agreement with Iran, which AIPAC opposed. In general, the power of American Jews is often directed against Israel.

Jews have a prominent presence in academia and the media. And Jews with both status and influence in these two fields have conducted poisonous campaigns against Israel. Furthermore, Omar and the anti-Semites have no problem with large sums to fund anti-Israel propaganda, such as the huge investments by Qatar and mega-billionaires like Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal in academic institutions in the West. Research in the UK has already determined that this funding is causing radicalization. But Omar and her supporters only have a problem with AIPAC.





Ted Cruz at the AIPAC conference (Photo: Reuters)

Dr. Qanta Ahmed, a proud Muslim woman, made it clear that Omar's statements were anti-Semitic incitement, and she was not alone. Even so, Breaking the Silence CEO Avner Gvaryahu took the trouble to share a damning article on AIPAC by the same M.J. Rosenberg, writing: "A compulsory article for anyone who wants to understand a little of the madness around @IlhanMN, and how the AIPAC apparatus really works." The AIPAC apparatus? Is he serious?

All lobbying bodies work more or less in the same way. J Street boasts that it had "close to $5 million" for funding in the 2018 elections. AIPAC does not directly contribute to campaigns, but rather recommends that its supporters donate. The Democrats got $9.4 million, far higher than the $5.4 million that went to the Republicans.

Omar herself raised $1,073,812 in donations, some of it from lobbying companies. Why is this ok for her but not for others?

American politics lives on donations. Omar's Democrats raised more money than the Republicans. The problem is not about donations. The problem lies in the fact that only donations from pro-Israel sources provoke the anti-Zionist coalition. And that's not just hypocrisy, that's anti-Semitism.Every party presenting its final list of candidates for the 21st Knesset ahead of the April elections is putting on a show. And Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid Party certainly knows how put on a good show.

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The list Lapid presented on Mondaywhich he compiled without primary electionsis as of high quality as the lists presented by parties that hold primary elections. Filling the slate of a centrist party, Yesh Atid comes across as a pretty good option. Its list is diverse, and has a respectable representation of women and candidates of Middle Eastern and North African descent. It also has religious candidates on its top 20 spots. Those candidates secured their spots because they are worthy to sit in the Israeli parliament rather than because of their gender and beliefs.

Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz (Photo: EPA, Avi Mualem)

Nevertheless, the list Lapid presented has the same impairments as those of the Labor Party, and probably are less severe than those of Benny Gantz's Israel Resilience Party, which he presented on Tuesday.

At least two candidates on Yesh Atid's top 10 veer more to the left, toward Meretz, than the center. These two  Knesset members Ofer Shelah and Yael German  are exactly like Labor MKs Stav Shaffir and Merav Michaeli, who secured the fourth and seventh spot on their party's Knesset list. This broad range of candidates, if it does not degenerate into ideological chaos, may gain some of the undecided votes.

Regardless of their political views, one must admit Yesh Atid's candidates are of high quality. Their extensive knowledge on security issues and German's huge experience in a series of significant positions are definitely an asset.

And in any case, when it comes to matters of security and foreign policies, the more influence Yesh Atid has in the future, the more just one person  Yair Lapid  will be calling all the shots. I doubt that Labor Chairman Avi Gabbay, who will probably be the subject of an internal revolt after the elections, would be granted the same privilege.

The massive growth of Yesh Atid, does not stem from its list of candidates for the Knesset, which was kept under wraps. Its growth stemmed only from Lapid's own centrist leanings. He managed to differentiate himself from the left, but now has to compete with Gantz for the same votes. And Gantz did not lean to the right, like Lapid did. Instead, he created a list of candidates with extreme right-wing views alongside candidates whose political opinions are in line with the Meretz Party.

Tzipi Livni (Photo: Yair Sagi)

Against this backdrop it is hard to ignore Hatnuah leader Tzipi Livni's announcement on Monday that she is quitting political life after 20 years and would not run in the April 9 elections.

Over the past few years, I've been keeping an eye on the negotiations with the Palestinians. There's no bigger political lie than the radically leftist image forced upon Livni. During the talks, she was the one that stood her ground more than all the other Israeli representatives. She was extreme only about one thingher genuine concern to perpetuate the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish and a democratic state. But she failed in rhetoric. She showed slightly too much understanding and empathy for "human rights" organizations, whose agenda was in reality completely different.

Nevertheless, Livni's credit as a true Zionist exceeds her negative image that led her to pull out of the race for the Knesset. What happened to Livni should be a lesson all those who want to secure the undecided votes across the spectrum from the moderate right to the moderate left. Lapid learned that lesson in time, and this is what keeps him in the picture. It remains to be seen whether Lapid's diverse list will be an obstacle in Gantz's race to become Israel's next prime minister.The Palestinian Authority (PA) will no longer accept tax revenues collected on its behalf by Israel following its decision to trim the sum over the PA's financial support of militants' families, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said.

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The cash-strapped Palestinian Authority, an interim self-government body set up following the 1993 Oslo peace accords, has suffered a series of financial blows in the past year.

Under interim peace deals, Israel collects taxes in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip and makes monthly payments to the PA, which says it receives around $222 million each month.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: EPA)

The Finance Ministry said on Wednesday it collects about 700 million shekels ($193 million) in Palestinian taxes and transfers around 600 million shekels of that to the Palestinian Authority after deducting payments for electricity, water, sewage and medical treatment services.

On Sunday Israel said it would freeze about 5 percent of that against stipends the Palestinian Authority pays to families of Palestinians who committed terror acts against Israel.

In remarks made late on Tuesday and broadcast on Palestinian radio on Wednesday, Abbas said the PA would continue to pay out these stipends rather than accept a partial transfer of the tax revenues from Israel.

"We reject the tax, we don't want it," Abbas told visiting US congressmen. "Frankly, if we are left with only 20 or 30 million shekels, which is the sum paid to families of martyrs, then we will pay them to the families of martyrs," he said.

Palestinian security prisoners freed by Israel in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange (Photo: EPA)

Israel and the United States say the stipend policy fans Palestinian violence while the Palestinians see the slain and jailed Palestinians as heroes of a national struggle.

The United States last year passed legislation to sharply reduce aid to the Palestinian Authority unless it stopped the pay-outs. The measure, known as the Taylor Force Act, was named after a 29-year-old American military veteran fatally stabbed by a Palestinian while visiting Israel in 2016.

Last month the Palestinians declined some $60 million in US annual funding for their security forces, worried about exposure to lawsuits under new US anti-terror laws.

Washington has further slashed hundreds of millions of dollars to humanitarian organizations and UN agencies which aid the Palestinians as it seeks to pressure Abbas to enter peace negotiations with Israel. Peace talks have been frozen since 2014.

The Palestinians suspended ties with Washington after President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017 and opened the new US Embassy in the city in May.

Israel has at times withheld the tax money over other matters.PARIS -- Rallies against anti-Semitism attracted crowds of thousands in Paris and other French cities Tuesday following a series of aggressive acts with Jewish targets, including a cemetery where about 80 gravestones were spray-painted with swastikas overnight.

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In the French capital, former presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy joined a rally led by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Republic Plaza.





Former president Francois Hollande at the protest against anti-Semitism in Paris (Photo: Reuters)

Former president Nicolas Sarkozy attends the protest against anti-Semitism in Paris (Photo: Reuters)









French Muslims attend the protest against anti-Semitism in Paris (Photo: AP)





Protest against anti-Semitism in Paris. The poster reads: That's enough (Photo: AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron went to the Shoah Memorial, a Holocaust museum in Paris, to observe a moment of silence with parliament leaders.





Protest against anti-Semitism in Paris (Photo: AP)

Hours before the rallies started, Macron visited the vandalized Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim, a small town in the northeastern Alsace region. He said he felt shame at the sight of the defaced grave markers.

"This looks like absurd stupidity," the French leader said, looking visibly sad and concerned.

Emanuel Macron visits a desecrated Jewish cemetery in Alsace (Photo: AFP)

Macron observed several moments of silence in front of the vandalized graves while local Jewish community representatives stood by.

"We will take action," he promised.





Protest against anti-Semitism in Paris (Photo: AP)





Protest against anti-Semitism in Paris (Photo: AP)

In recent incidents, swastika graffiti was found on street portraits of Simone Veil -- a survivor of Nazi death camps and a European Parliament president who died in 2017. The word "Juden" was painted on the window of a bagel restaurant in Paris, and two trees planted at a memorial honoring a young Jewish man tortured to death in 2006 were vandalized, one cut down.





Protest against anti-Semitism in Paris (Photo: AFP)

Two youths were arrested Friday after they allegedly fired shots at a synagogue with an air rifle in the Paris suburb of Sarcelles, where a large Jewish community lives. Sarcelles mayor Patrick Haddad told BFMTV on Tuesday that prosecutors believe the motive was anti-Semitism.







    

According to sociologist Danny Trom, author of "France Without Jews," thousands of Jewish people leave France every year because of anti-Semitism.





Protest against anti-Semitism in Paris (Photo: AFP)

"This is a low-intensity war, perhaps, but let's not forget the murder of children killed at close range by Mohamed Merah in a school," Trom told French magazine Telerama, referring to the 2012 slayings of three children and a teacher from a Jewish school by an Islamic extremist in the southwestern city of Toulouse.

"It is without equivalent in the history of France," he said. "Jews have been present in France since the dawn of time. Now, the pressure is such that they are led to consider their country inhospitable."





Protest against anti-Semitism in Paris (Photo: AFP)

The French government reported a big rise in anti-Semitism last year: 541 registered incidents, up 74 percent from 311 in 2017.

Leaders from France's main religious communities, including Christian, Muslim and Jewish representatives, met at France's Interior Ministry on Tuesday. In a joint declaration, they solemnly condemned anti-Semitic acts and called on people to make individual commitments to combat all forms of racism and hatred.Acting Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz should apologize to Poland for his remarks, US Ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher said on Wednesday, commenting on the diplomatic row between two countries.

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"I just felt that two strong allies like Israel and Poland, of course they are strong allies of the United States, shouldn't be using that kind of rhetoric. We are too important to each other not to work these things out," Mosbacher told reporters.

The comments come in the wake of Poland's decision to withdraw from a formal gathering of the central European Visegrad Group of countries that was set to take place on Tuesday in Israel after Katz said that "many Poles" had collaborated with the Nazis in World War Two and shared responsibility for the Holocaust. He also referenced a quote from the late former prime minister Yitzhak Shamir, who said that Poles "suckled anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk."

Yisrael Katz and US Ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher (Photo: Reuters)

Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced Sunday that he was pulling out of the summit and canceled Polish participation altogether the following day after the remarks from Katz, which he denounced as "racist" and "absolutely unacceptable."

The summit was then cancelled, and the leaders of the other Visegrad countries  Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic  travelled to Israel for individual, bilateral talks with Netanyahu.

The first gathering outside Europe of the Visegrad group was supposed to be a crowning achievement for Netanyahu in his outreach to central and eastern Europe to counter the criticism Israel faces in international forums over its policies toward the Palestinians.

In place of the summit, Netanyahu held back-to-back meetings with Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban before hosting all three for lunch at his official residence.

But hovering over it all was the absence of Poland, the fourth member of the group. In brief comments alongside the three visiting leaders, Netanyahu made no mention of the elephant in the room, focusing instead on a range of joint economic, technological and cultural projects.The leader of the Israel Resilience Party, Benny Gantz, and Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid will meet on Wednesday morning to examine the possible merger between the two parties.

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Gantz and Lapid met overnight Tuesday to discuss joining forces in an effort to present an alternative to the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sources involved in the negotiations said their talk was "good" and that the two intend to make a final effort to work together ahead of the April 9 elections.

Benny Gantz (L) and Yair Lapid

After failing to reach an agreement with Gesher leader Orly Levy-Abekasis, the former IDF chief of staff reached out to Lapid on Tuesday evening, after presenting his party's final list of candidates for the Knesset.

"I will offer my friend Yair Lapid to put all other considerations aside and put Israel first," he said, hinting at a possible merger, which is crucial to form a wide central-left bloc.

Lapid responded to Gantz, saying that "We'll do everything that is in our power not to miss the opportunity to change the current leadership."

The question of who will lead the joint bloc appears to be the only obstacle left in the talks between Yesh Atid and Israel Resilience.

"If Lapid forgoes (his demand for) a rotation agreement, he and Gantz will join forces," according to one of Gantz's associates.

A Yesh Atid official, meanwhile, explained that "We have to examine if Gantz's proposal is serious, or if he is only trying to come across as someone working to form a wide center-left bloc."

The Israel Resilience Party's final list of candidates for the 21st Knesset includes Moshe Ya'alon in second place, followed by Avi Nissenkorn, Miki Haimovich, Yoaz Hendel, Michael Biton, Chili Tropper, Zvi Hauser, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, and Merav Cohen.

Speaking before hundreds of volunteers and supporters, Gantz harshly criticized Netanyahu, calling him a "detached ruler."

"When I was lying in the trenches with my soldiers in the blistering cold, you, Bibi, left Israel to polish your English in fancy cocktail parties," Gantz said, using the prime minister's nickname.

Gantz presenting his final list of candidates for the Knesset at the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds ahead of the April elections, February 19, 2019.

"Over the past decade, Israel didn't have a real opposition to counter the (Likud) ruling party. Netanyahu ruled the country through incitement, deception and intimidation. But no more. The sole ruler is nervous, frightened and sweating," Gantz said.

Addressing the prime minister, Gantz said: "I've worked with you shoulder-to shoulder. Alongside Moshe Ya'alon we led Operation Protective Edge in 2014, which brought 3.5 years of quiet to the Gaza border communities."

"Together we led countless of covert operations to ensure Israel's stability and security. I know your abilities and cherish your contribution to the State of Israel. But I also know your weaknesses," Gantz said.

Gantz and Netanyahu (Photo: Motti Kimchi, Reuters)

In response, Netanyahu slammed Gantz, saying: "Shame on you. As a soldier and an officer in Sayeret Matkal (an elite commando unit), I risked my life time and again for this country. I was wounded while fighting terrorists. I almost lost my life in the Suez Canal, fighting for Israel's security, which you want to put at risk with talk of unilateral withdrawals and by supporting the Iran nuclear accord."

Ya'alon, the former defense minister and the leader of the Telem Party, which already joined forces with Gantz, also blasted Netanyahu, saying he is destroying the Israeli society.

"Netanyahu is systematically dismantling everything that has been built here by trying to defeat democracy and stateliness, while surrendering to Hamas," Ya'alon said.Acting Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz should apologize to Poland for his remarks, US Ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher said on Wednesday, commenting on the diplomatic row between two countries.

"I just felt that two strong allies like Israel and Poland, of course they are strong allies of the United States, shouldn't be using that kind of rhetoric. We are too important to each other not to work these things out," Mosbacher told reporters.An IDF soldier was lightly wounded after Palestinians pelted him with stones during an operational activity in a refugee camp near the settlement of Gush Etzion in the West Bank.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said that five Palestinians suspected of engaging in terror activities in the area were detained.Top White House aides ignored repeated warnings they could be breaking the law as they worked with former US officials and a close friend of President Donald Trump to advance a multi-billion-dollar plan to build nuclear reactors in the Middle East, Democratic lawmakers alleged in a report released Tuesday.

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The House of Representatives Oversight Committee report said former national security adviser Michael Flynn and two aides promoted the plan with Tom Barrack, the chairman of Trumps inaugural committee, and a consortium of US firms led by retired military commanders and former White House officials.

The effort, the report said, began before Trump took office and continued after his inauguration in January 2017 despite National Security Council staff warnings that a proposed transfer of US nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia was being fast-tracked around a mandatory approval process in possible breach of the Atomic Energy Act.

Mohammed bin Salman and Donald Trump (Photo: Reuters)

John Eisenberg, the top NSC lawyer, had ordered the work halted because of concerns that Flynn could be breaking a conflict of interest law as he advised the consortium while serving on Trumps campaign and transition team, said the report, which is based on documents and whistleblower accounts.

Administration support for the project, however, appears to have continued to the present, with Trump meeting consortium representatives in the Oval Office last week, the committee report said.

The committee is now launching an investigation to determine whether the actions being pursued by the Trump administration are in the national security interests of the United States, or rather, serve those who stand to gain financially, the report said.

The report, compiled by the Democratic staff of the panel chaired by Representative Elijah Cummings, comes as Democrats expand inquiries into alleged administration wrongdoing after winning a majority in the House in November elections.

Representative Elijah Cummings (Photo: AP)

The nuclear project is being promoted by IP3 International, a consortium of US technology firms founded by retired Navy Rear Admiral Michael Hewitt, retired Army General John Keane, and Robert McFarlane, a former national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan. The board includes former senior US civilian and military officials.

The report said the companies include reactor manufacturer Westinghouse, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year.

The White House, Flynn and IP3 had no immediate response to the report.

PLAN FOR DOZENS OF REACTORS

Working with the US government, the consortium would build dozens of power reactors in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other US Arab allies, according to the IP3 website. In doing so, the project would help restore US influence in the Middle East while boosting regional economic and political stability, according to the website.

Mohammed bin Salman, Donald Trump and Jared Kushner (Photo: Reuters)

Flynn, a retired Army general, promoted the plan on two 2015 trips to Saudi Arabia, and listed himself on government documents as an IP3 advisor during a period in 2016 while he was working for Trumps campaign and transition, the report said.

He is cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Muellers probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Flynn was an early target of the investigation and is awaiting sentencing for lying to FBI agents.

Barrack was represented in the plan, the report said, by the then-head of his firms Washington office, Rick Gates, a former political consultant and Trumps deputy campaign manager. Gates pleaded guilty last year to financial fraud and lying to the FBI and also is now cooperating with Mueller.

Documents appended to the report included a draft presidential memorandum appointing Barrack as a special envoy to oversee implementation of the project that McFarlane sent to Flynn and his then-deputy, K.T. McFarland, on January 28, 2017.

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn (Photo: EPA)

Also included with the committees report was a document authored by Barrack titled The Trump Middle East Marshall Plan that promoted the plan and was sent to NSC staff on March 28, 2017, by IP3 board member Frances Fragos Townsend, who served as homeland security adviser to President George W. Bush.

A current senior administration official was among the unnamed whistleblowers who came forward with significant concerns about the potential procedural and legal violations connected with rushing through a plan to transfer nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia, the report said.

The whistleblowers, it said, also warned about political appointees ignoring the advice of top ethics advisers at the White House who repeatedly and unsuccessfully ordered senior Trump Administration officials to halt their efforts.

In addition to McFarland, Flynns top Middle Easy adviser, Derek Harvey, played a key role in promoting the plan in the White House, doing so despite warnings of possible ethics and criminal law violations, the report said.(TNS) - Georgias two U.S. senators announced plans to introduce a separate disaster relief package for farmers in Georgia devastated by Hurricane Michael after a compromise spending plan to avoid another federal government shutdown left out any emergency money for recovery efforts.The federal inaction, which left Georgia lawmakers seething, triggered a demand by Gov. Brian Kemp and other state leaders for Congress to finance aid thats stalled for months amid infighting over President Donald Trumps border wall.In a letter sent Friday to each member of the Georgia congressional delegation, Kemp and Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black said the delay confounds our understanding and plunges farmers into more uncertainty as another planting season approaches.We ask that you utilize every sphere of influence, expand every previous limit of compromise, and exhaust every pathway of negotiation to ensure swift fulfillment of the promises made to  and heard by  our producers and rural communities, states the letter, which includes 33 pages of signatures from politicians, farmers and local elected officials.Shortly after it was sent, Republican U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue unveiled a measure to provide funding for farmers in Georgia and other states recovering from Hurricane Michael  and pointedly warned that Georgias agricultural heartland is in a crisis that could spiral.Enough is enough. Georgia and other states across the country are hurting from historic hurricanes and devastating wildfires, and the federal government continues to drag its feet, said Perdue, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.The October hurricane caused generational damage to farming communities across South Georgia, and estimates project the damage could exceed $3 billion. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence toured the area after the storm, promising federal aid.Georgia lawmakers tried to attach emergency money to key legislation in the final days of 2018, but the showdown over the shutdown stalled the legislation. Despite assurances otherwise, negotiators wound up punting on the disaster money in the latest spending bill due to an impasse over Puerto Rico disaster funding, infuriating South Georgia lawmakers.To say Im frustrated is an understatement, said U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton.The Federal Emergency Management Agency has handled immediate cleanup needs following Hurricane Michael, and the state has also stepped up its aid. The General Assembly, during a special legislative session in November, appropriated $270 million for hurricane relief and $200 million in income tax credits to timber and pecan farmers for replanting trees.And state legislators are considering taking further action, including a measure that would exempt federal hurricane recovery money from state income taxes  if or when it arrives.Through tax credits, short-term financing and direct assistance for forest debris removal, the state of Georgia has responded to needs in an unprecedented way, the letter states, adding: Yet, far too many farm families face heightened uncertainty approaching this planting season.WHY IT MATTERSAt $73.3 billion, agriculture is Georgias largest industry. Hurricane Michael caused generational damage to farming communities across South Georgia, and estimates project the damage could exceed $3 billion.2019 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.)Visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) at www.ajc.comA US appeals court has revived a $1 billion lawsuit by Palestinians seeking to hold billionaire Sheldon Adelson and more than 30 other pro-Israel defendants liable for alleged war crimes and support of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

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In a 3-0 decision on Tuesday, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit said a federal district judge wrongly concluded in August 2017 that all of the plaintiffs' claims raised political questions that could not be decided in American courts.

The plaintiffs, including 18 Palestinians and Palestinian-Americans as well as a Palestinian village council, alleged a conspiracy among many defendants to expel non-Jews from the disputed territories, and accused the defendants of committing or aiding in genocide and other war crimes.

Sheldon Adelson (Photo: AFP)

Other defendants included the billionaire Larry Ellison, Bank Leumi BM and Bank Hapoalim BM, construction and support companies such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co and Volvo AB, 13 nonprofits, and the United States.

The lawyer for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A lawyer for the individual, nonprofit and corporate defendants, as well as the US Department of Justice, did not immediately respond to similar requests.

In dismissing the case, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington had said it was "inappropriate" for her to resolve the issue of the settlements, because it was "close to the heart of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and central to the United States' foreign policy decision-making in the region."

But in Tuesday's decision, without ruling on the merits, Circuit Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson said the only political question concerned who had sovereignty over the territories.

She said courts could rule on whether the defendants conspired to expel non-Jews or committed war crimes "without touching the sovereignty question, if it concluded that Israeli settlers are committing genocide."

Henderson said that presented a "purely legal issue" because genocide violated the law of nations, and could support the plaintiffs' claim under the federal Alien Tort Statute.

Adelson is the chief executive of casino company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Ellison is the chairman of Oracle Corp , the database software company he co-founded.

The case is Al-Tamimi et al v Adelson et al, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 17-5207.A Pennsylvania college trustee apologized and announced his resignation Tuesday after a student found a 1980 yearbook photo in which the trustee wore a Nazi uniform costume.

Gettysburg College President Janet Morgan Riggs said in an email to the college community that Bob Garthwait decided to step down from the board of trustees.

Garthwait is a financial donor to the college and helped found the Garthwait Leadership Center on campus.SYDNEY - British author and broadcaster David Icke, who critics accuse of anti-Semitism and of being a conspiracy theorist, has had his Australian visa canceled ahead of a speaking tour.

The 66-year-old said from the United States on Wednesday that the Australian government had "insulted every Australian man, woman and child" by canceling his Australian tour scheduled to start on March 1.

Immigration Minister David Coleman says he does not discuss individual cases.

Visitors can be refused visas if there is a risk they will "vilify a segment of the Australian community" or "incite discord."The United States Consulate General in Jerusalem, which serves Palestinians, will be absorbed into the new US Embassy to Israel in March, a US official said on Tuesday, giving a date for a merger that has been condemned by Palestinians.

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The decision to create a single diplomatic mission was announced last October by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who did not say at the time when this would take place.

US Embassy in Jerusalem (Photo: Reuters)

"The merger of the consulate and the embassy will take place on March 4th or 5th, at which point the position of the consul-general will end, said the US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the date has not been announced yet by Washington.

US President Donald Trump outraged the Arab world and stoked international concern by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December, 2017 and moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May, 2018. Palestinian leaders suspended ties with the US administration after the embassy move.

The consulate general in Jerusalem is the top mission for Palestinians, who with broad international backing seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a state they want to establish in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

At the time of Pompeo's announcement, senior Palestinian leader Saeb Erekat denounced the decision to eliminate the consulate as the latest evidence the Trump administration is working with Israel to impose a "Greater Israel" rather than a two-state solution.

Asked on Tuesday about the merger, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, told Reuters that nothing had changed from their point of view.

"Contacts at the political level with the American administration have been cut off and will remain so unless the American administration changes its positions on Jerusalem and the refugees," said Abu Rudeineh.

However, he said, there were still "contacts at the security level to fight terrorism."

The status of Jerusalem is one of the thorniest disputes between Israel and the Palestinians.

Israel regards the entire city, including the eastern sector it captured in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed, as its "eternal and indivisible capital," but that is not recognized internationally.

The Trump administration has said that the city's final borders should be decided by the parties.The Israel Export Institute on Monday held a conference in which the most contemporary trends in the field of food-tech and agro-tech were presented.

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The conference focused on the challenges the world is expected to face in the upcoming years and the solutions Israeli startup companies have to offer.

"The State of Israel has always invested in development and innovation in light of the reality we live in," Chairman of the Israel Export Institute Adiv Baruch said.

"In this day and age, we are witnessing a shortage of products, food and land. By 2050, the world's population is expected to reach over 9.5 billion people, which means food consumption will increase by 70 percent. The only way to provide this amount of food is by employing food technology methods and Israel has become a huge food lab that operates for the good of the world," Baruch said.

Representatives from all over the world attended the conference. "Guests from Latin America, Africa and the united States are taking part in this conference in Israel in order to learn and be exposed to the new solutions we are leading," Baruch said.

According to the food-tech department head at the Export Institute, Sahar Yazdanpur, "Israel is a food-tech superpower, and currently has over than 300 food-tech and agro-tech startupsfrom companies that provide food substitutions to companies that manufacture alternative proteins and sugar-reduced products."

Food-tech conference held by the Israel Export Institute

Over the past 20 years, the Israel Export Institute has been the home to companies manufacturing a wide range of ingredients and local Israeli food. The institute introduced the Israeli industry to the international market by collaborating with prominent retailers, food experts and reporters from all over the world.

A Foreign Trade Administration (FTA) senior official at the Israeli Ministry of Economy, Ofer Forer, said that "The global food-tech industryespecially as far as investments and technological cooperation are concernedis becoming increasingly important in the activity of multi-national companies."

He added that those companiesthat send their representatives to Israel to scout new technologies and team up with Israeli startupsare looking for innovative solutions, which Israel, as the startup nation, can offers.

"We already have several success stories of foreign companies whose representatives came to Israel with the help of the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry in cooperation with the Export Institute in order to examine possible collaboration in the field of food-tech and smart packaging solutions. Furthermore, Australia's Visy Industries has recently invested in an Israeli food-tech startup," Forer said.No season of the Israel Opera is complete without staging an opera by prolific composer Giuseppe Verdi, who wrote no fewer than 26 operas. This season, in fact, the Opera is performing two Verdi works, the first of which is running now, through February 22.

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Verdis A Masked Ball, one of his later operas, is based on an earlier opera, Gustave III, itself based on a real historical event: the assassination of King Gustave of Sweden during a masquerade ball. This is the fourth time it is being performed by the Israel Opera -- and the second consecutive time as this exact same production, under the direction of the same artist, Polish director Michal Znaniecki.

A Masked Ball, by Giuseppe Verdi

Even some of the key roles are being sung by the same artists that starred in the previous production, in 2014 -- notably, Latvian-born Israeli soprano Ira Bertman, in the lead female role of Amelia, as well as Romanian baritone Ionut Pascu in the role of Amelias husband, Renato.

A Masked Ball, by Giuseppe Verdi

A Masked Ball, by Giuseppe Verdi

Without a doubt, however, the most important -- and pleasing -- roles in A Masked Ball are that of Riccardo, the governor, and his page, Oscar. In the current runs premiere, the lead male role of Riccardo was sung brilliantly by Ukrainian tenor Valentin Dytiuk, while Israeli soprano Hila Baggio, a familiar voice to local opera goers, was a show-stopper as Oscar -- a demanding role whose coloratura was executed by Baggio with effortless virtuosity.

A Masked Ball, by Giuseppe Verdi

This production also marked the return to the podium of another audience favorite, energetic Conductor Daniel Oren, after an absence of almost a year, since the spring of 2018. Oren was back with the operas resident orchestra, the Israel Orchestra Rishon LeZion, after having relinquished the baton of a string of guest conductors.

While A Masked Ball may not be blessed with any of the opera worlds more famous arias, it does not fail to hold the audiences interest, thanks to the Verdis range in scoring, from solos to duets to trios to quartets and even quintets. In addition, more than once the stage overflowed with close to 100 voices of the Israel Opera Chorus, filling the hall with marvelous sound and the lilting notes of the timeless Giuseppe Verdi.Yankton, SD (57078)

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Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

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Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.(TNS)  A local charter school with STEM in its title has come under fire by the state Department of Education for not offering a rigorous and well-designed selection of science courses.The acronym stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.During the education department's exhaustive five-year review of Times2 STEM Academy, a kindergarten through grade 12 school, the agency found numerous problems with the state's second-oldest charter school, among them: Serious problems with the school's leadership by its executive director, Rudolph Moseley, and its board of directors, including a vote of no confidence last summer by the school's teachers. A lack of coherence in science courses, with limited science instruction in the elementary school. High school students with a free period who had nowhere to go and wound up in the hallway. Other classrooms didn't have an adult assigned. Low achievement and growth, with only 13 percent of students proficient in math and 20 percent proficient in English. Failure by the board and Mosley to routinely monitor the school's academic progress. Repeated complaints by parents and teachers that concerns are ignored by school leaders. The report said communication with parents is "inconsistent."Because of these problems, the Rhode Island Department of Education issued Times2 a three-year license renewal in late January rather than a five-year one. The Providence charter has until June 30 to address the issues. If it doesn't, then RIDE will take the matter before the Council for Elementary and Secondary Education."A vote of no confidence grabs your attention in any school, especially a long-standing charter school," said Steve Osborne, RIDE's chief of innovation. "We have very serious concerns about school leadership."Asked if RIDE had confidence in Moseley, Osborne said his agency has received more negative feedback about Times2 than it has from all of the other charter schools combined. The criticism ranges from a lack of communication between school leaders and staff to the way decisions are made on course changes and teaching responsibilities.Charter schools are publicly funded but run by independent boards. They have greater flexibility than traditional public schools over such things as the length of the school day. Times2 is unusual because its teachers belong to the Providence Teachers Union.No charter school has ever been closed in Rhode Island, although former education Commissioner Deborah Gist tried to shut down Highlander Charter School in Providence. Gist backed down after a huge outpouring of support from parents. Across the United States, dozens of charter schools have been closed, primarily for misuse of funds.Gist also raised the bar on charter schools, asking them to reach a higher academic standard than their traditional public school peers.Asked what it would take to close a charter in Rhode Island, Osborne said, "With a school such as Times2, renewal or closure may not [represent] the full range of options."Moseley agrees that the school "has to make major changes to meet our mission," and said the board has been working on that for three years.He said Times2 has begun to address some of RIDE's complaints, increasing the number of college courses available to high school students, reducing class size, adding a special education teacher and a social worker, and introducing after-school enrichment programs.Times2, he said, has also developed a written explanation showing how parents can express their concerns."We're on notice," Moseley said. "We have a sense of urgency. At the same time, there are issues that we have already addressed."But Ana Bazzaro, an outspoken critic with four nieces in the school, said Times2 won't change until Moseley is gone."If I was RIDE, I'd call into question his leadership," she said. "Every time I've gone to a school committee meeting, he has thrown other administrators under the bus. He has had his opportunity to show what he's capable of doing. He is not capable of turning the school around."Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.Lusaka (AFP) - Opposition parties in Zambia said Wednesday they would report President Edgar Lungu to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for alleged political violence against his rivals.

Ten opposition figures told journalists in Lusaka Lungu was to blame for an increase in violent crackdowns on opponents, including main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema.

They showed an undated video of Hichilema fleeing police firing teargas. The footage also purported to show shell casings left over from the firing of live rounds.

Hichilema last week claimed he had survived an assassination attempt while campaigning in Sesheke in Western Zambia ahead of a recent by-election.

Lungu and Hichilema have a long and acrimonious history.

In 2017 Hichilema was arrested and charged with treason after his motorcade apparently failed to stop for the president's own road convoy.

"We cannot sit idle as our citizens are maimed by ruling Patriotic Front (PF) cadres and so we have taken the decision to report certain individuals to The Hague for facilitating a wave of political violence," said Charles Milupi, the leader of a smaller opposition party.

In addition to Lungu, the coalition would also report the home affairs minister, Lungu's presidential advisor, his press secretary Amos Chanda, and the PF secretary general.

"We have trust and confidence of the ICC and if they are not guilty they will be acquitted," added Milupi.

He claimed the footage showed police wanting to assassinate Hichilema so that he cannot contest elections in 2021.

"Police appeared from nowhere. Hakainde and his supporters were forced to scamper and he ran in the bush for over eight hours. One thousand rounds of ammunition against Hakainde and his supporters were found in the bush. This was a clear indication that they wanted to assassinate him," Milupi said at the briefing, which was attended by Hichilema.

Lungu's spokesman told AFP that accusasations levelled against him and president were "rubbish".

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"My lawyers will be filing civil ...(and) criminal proceedings. In fact I was never in Sesheke and I have never been there in my life," Chanda said.

The ICC, based in The Netherlands, investigates and tries the gravest international crimes -- genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and state aggression.

It can be requested to carry out an investigation by a state that has signed up to the court's founding Rome Statute, or by the UN Security Council. The ICC prosecution can also open a probe if it receives reliable information about crimes committed in a member state, which Zambia is.$50 Welcome Bonus  the easiest way to progress on Forex

The week is anticipated to be tough for the US dollar. Mr. Trump signed the Declaration for a National Emergency to address the national security and humanitarian crisis at the Southern Border. Trump is prepared to issue the first veto of his term if Congress votes to disapprove of his declaration. Investors need to follow news on this issue to be up to date because the direction of the USD will affect other markets as well.

As usual, Monday stays calm and doesnt offer important events to trade. But other days will give interesting opportunities.

On Tuesday, the Asian session will bring monetary policy meeting minutes by the Reserve Bank of Australia. The Australian dollar managed to gain momentum last week. The positive reading will support the currency even more. Later that day the British Average Earnings Index will determine the direction of the pound.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve will publish its meeting minute. The US dollar needs not that cautious tone to move up. Moreover, the day will cause volatility in the Brasilian market. Brazilian pension proposal will be sent to Congress that day. The reform is a key element of the new elected president. As soon as it approved by the Congress, the Brazilian real will be boosted.

On Thursday, we anticipate a lot of events to trade on. Australian jobs data may loosen the Australian dollar. Last time the releases appeared to be more optimistic than the forecasts. However, this time, the forecasts are not that shiny. American core durable goods orders will affect the USD. In the evening, the market will wait for the speech of Mr. Poloz, the Governor of the Bank of Canada. Last week, the Canadian dollar was quite encouraged by rising oil prices. Higher oil and the optimistic governor will push the CAD up.

On Friday, Canadian dollars traders will get an opportunity to trade on the retail sales data. Also, we anticipate speeches of the governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia and the president of the ECB. As always, the hawkish tone will support domestic currencies.

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Lets consider market moves.

Will USD/CAD resume the upward movement?

On the weekly chart, we see the doji candlestick that signals uncertainties for the market moves. On the daily chart, the pair has been trading sideways. The further direction will depend on the strength of the USD and economic data for Canada. Up to now, the pair is below the middle pivot level that increases risks of the further decline towards 1.3179, 1.3115 and 1.3035. However, trend indicators give some hope for the recovery. Parabolic SAR keeps forming dots below the price. Also, the pair is in the upper range of the Bollinger Bands oscillator. As soon as the pair closes below, chances for the fall will increase. Until then key resistances are at 1.3259, 1.3323 and 1.3403.

Will AUD/USD form the Head and Shoulders?

On the daily chart, it seems like the pair has been forming the Head and Shoulders pattern. The economic data are not anticipated to support the Australian dollar this week, however, the situation may change. As soon as the pair breaks above 0.7208, the pattern will be canceled and the further surge will be more likely. However, the pressure may increase due to weak economic releases. In this case, 0.7173 will become a point of the reversal and the pair will start suffering targeting levels of the pattern. Supports will lie at 0.7078, 0.7044, 0.7019 and 0.6984.

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

More From FXEMPIRE:WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's choice for ambassador to the United Nations, Heather Nauert, has withdrawn from consideration for the job for family reasons, the State Department said on Saturday. Nauert was State Department spokeswoman when Trump chose her for the U.N. position after working as a host for the conservative-leaning Fox News Channel. She had been criticized by Democrats for her lack of diplomatic experience. "The past two months have been grueling for my family and therefore it is in the best interest of my family that I withdraw my name from consideration," Nauert said in a State Department statement. The statement did not specify the hardship on her family but the Washington Post said Nauert's husband and children had remained in New York while she was working in Washington. A person familiar with the matter told Reuters Nauert withdrew from consideration because she had a nanny who was in the United States legally but did not have the proper work visa. Nauert was not immediately available for comment. The White House had no information on who might be the next in line for the U.N. job. Trump had announced on Dec. 7 he would nominate Nauert for the U.N. position to replace Nikki Haley, who resigned at the end of 2018. Haley was a former South Carolina governor who also had little experience in world affairs before taking the ambassador position. The White House had not yet formally submitted Nauert's nomination to the Senate. Nauert joined the State Department as spokeswoman in April 2017, three months into the Trump administration. She was named acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs in early 2018. The role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations is a highly visible international position. While Nauert had little diplomatic experience, other nations with veto power on the U.N. Security Council are represented by ambassadors with decades of foreign policy work. "She's clearly not qualified for this job but these days it seems that the most important qualification is that you show up on Donald Trump's TV screen," Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said of Nauert on CNN in December. U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, previously the longest serving U.S. spokesman at the United Nations, is among the possible replacements for Nauert as nominee, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. Grenell has been a controversial figure in Germany. In June 2018 he said in an interview with right-wing news outlet Breitbart News, "I absolutely want to empower other conservatives throughout Europe." Some German lawmakers criticized him in response, according to USA Today. (Reporting by Christopher Bing, additional reporting by Steve Holland; Additional reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Bill Trott and Nick Macfie)Washington (AFP) - A small group of demonstrators rallied outside the White House Monday to protest President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to fund a wall on the US-Mexico border.

The declaration allows Trump to bypass Congress, which approved only a quarter of the $5.6 billion he wanted for the wall.

"Donald Trump is trying to subvert our democracy," said Sam Crook, 65, a Green Party activist, holding a sign that reads: "Trump is a two-bit tin-pot wannabe dictator."

Although presidents have declared national emergencies before, Friday's action is believed to be the first time one has been used to raise funds that were specifically rejected by Congress.

The action will be fought in court, with California's attorney general already warning that his state will file suit.

The declaration enables him to divert funds from the Pentagon's military construction budget and other sources.By Keith Coffman (Reuters) - A high school student from Covington, Kentucky, sued the Washington Post for defamation on Tuesday, claiming the newspaper falsely accused him of racist acts and instigating a confrontation with a Native American activist in a January videotaped incident at the Lincoln Memorial. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Kentucky by Covington Catholic High School student Nicholas Sandmann, 16, seeks $250 million in damages, the amount that Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com and the world's richest person, paid for the Post in 2013. The lawsuit claims that the newspaper "wrongfully targeted and bullied" the teen to advance its bias against President Donald Trump because Sandmann is a white Catholic who wore a Make America Great Again souvenir cap on a school field trip to the March for Life anti-abortion rally in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 18. The Washington Post's Vice President for Communications Kristine Coratti Kelly said: "We are reviewing a copy of the lawsuit and we plan to mount a vigorous defense." In a photo that went viral from the incident, Sandmann is seen standing face to face with Native American activist Nathan Phillips. Sandmann stares smiling at him while Phillips sings and plays his drum. The incident sparked outrage on social media. FIRST OF MANY In a statement, Sandmann's Atlanta-based lawyer, Lin Wood, said additional similar lawsuits would be filed in the weeks ahead. A private investigation firm retained by Covington Diocese in Park Hills, Kentucky, found in a report released last week no evidence the teenagers provoked a confrontation. The students were met at the Lincoln Memorial by offensive statements from members of the Black Hebrew Israelites, the report said. The investigation also determined that the students did not direct any racist or offensive comments toward Phillips although several performed a "tomahawk chop" to the beat of his drum. Phillips claimed in a separate video that he heard the students chanting "build that wall," during the encounter, a reference to Trump's pledge to build a barrier along the U.S. border with Mexico. The investigators said they found no evidence of such a chant and that Phillips did not respond to multiple attempts to contact him. (Reporting by Keith Coffman in DenverWriting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; editing by Bill Tarrant, Bill Berkrot and Cynthia Osterman)Supreme Court unanimously rules to limit states' ability to seize private property involved in a crime originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court moved Wednesday to limit states ability to seize private property involved in a crime, saying the forfeitures are subject to Eighth Amendment protection against excessive fines.

Tyson Timbs, a 37-year-old recovering opioid addict from Indiana, brought the case after state officials seized his $42,000 Land Rover following a drug conviction in 2013. A judge had sentenced Timbs to probation and a modest $1,200 fee. Timbs argued the subsequent seizure of his vehicle by Indiana was excessive and unconstitutional.

The protection against excessive fines guards against abuses of governments punitive or criminal law-enforcement authority. This safeguard, we hold, is fundamental to our scheme of ordered liberty, with deep roots in our history and tradition, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote in the courts opinion.

The historical and logical case for concluding that the Fourteenth Amendment incorporates the Excessive Fines Clause is overwhelming, she said.

PHOTO: Tyson Timbs poses for a portrait at his aunt's home in Marion, Ind., Monday, Aug.13, 2018. (Jenna Watson/IndyStar via USA Today Network, FILE)

The impact of the decision could be significant, legal experts say, likely triggering action in states nationwide to move toward limits on civil asset forfeiture.

Instead of simply saying you were transporting heroin and the state is seizing your vehicle, a state would now most likely have to go a little further and consider whether that seizure was excessive or prohibited under the Eighth Amendment. That would mean a hearing or evidentiary finding, said Christopher Riano, a lecturer in constitutional law at Columbia University.

In the 26 states and District of Columbia that report forfeiture activity, law enforcement agencies collected more than $254 million in funds and property in 2012 alone, according to an analysis by the Institute for Justice, a non-profit libertarian public interest law firm.

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Increasingly, our justice system has come to rely on fines, fees and forfeitures to fund law enforcement agencies rather than having to answer to elected officials for their budgets, said Scott Bullock, the president and general counsel of the Institute for Justice. We are grateful that the U.S. Supreme Court established that the U.S. Constitution secures meaningful protections for private property and limits the governments ability to turn law enforcement into revenue generators.

The decision also means Timbs will get his Land Rover back or compensation from the state for the comparable amount.

Tyson paid his debts to society, said Timbs' attorney Wesley Hottot. He took responsibility for what he did. He paid fees. He is in drug treatment. He is holding down a job. He is staying clean. Our hope and goal now is to get back his vehicle from the police so Tyson will have an easier time getting to all the different commitments he has to stay on the straight and narrow.

The opinion by Ginsburg, which she read aloud from the bench, was her first since undergoing cancer surgery in December. It is also an indication that, as the court had said in the weeks before her return to the court Tuesday, Ginsburg continued to work from home during her recovery.

(MORE: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg returns to Supreme Court for 1st time since December)

Indiana had argued that the Eighth Amendments excessive fines clause does not apply to so-called in rem forfeitures, or action targeting property  not an individual -- solely because of its role in criminal activity. The state argued that because Timbs used the Land Rover to buy drugs, the vehicle was a criminal tool.

But the court, citing precedent, disagreed, saying that such seizures are at least partially punitive against the individual and subject to constitutional limits.

Taking my vehicle makes things unnecessarily difficult for a person like me, who already struggles. To me it doesnt make sense; if theyre trying to rehabilitate and help me help myself, why do you want to make things harder by taking away the vehicle I need to meet with my parole officer or go to a drug recovery program or go to work?" Timbs said in a statement after the Supreme Court decision.

"You need a car to do all these things. Forfeiture only makes it more challenging for people in my position to clean up and remain a contributing member of society," he said.

PHOTO: The Supreme Court in Washington, Nov. 13, 2018. (Al Drago/Reuters)

Civil asset forfeiture  the ability of authorities to seize private property used in a crime  has become a lucrative revenue source for states and a tool to exact punishment, in many cases without insomuch as a court hearing.

For decades, critics have panned the practice as policing for profit and an example of unchecked government overreach.

There can be no serious doubt that the Fourteenth Amendment requires the states to respect the freedom from excessive fines enshrined in the Eighth Amendment, wrote Justice Neil Gorsuch in a concurring opinion.

(MORE: Supreme Court deals blow to two states' attempts to cut Planned Parenthood funding)

Gorsuch and Justice Clarence Thomas, while agreeing with the conclusion in the case, offered different reasoning. They said protection against excessive files was among the privileges or immunities of citizens of the U.S. guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment and that Indiana violated that privilege, not a due process right.

Petitioner argues that the forfeiture of his vehicle is an excessive punishment. He does not argue that the Indiana courts failed to proceed according to the law of the land His claim has nothing to do with any process due him, Thomas wrote in a concurring opinion. I therefore decline to apply the legal fiction of substantive due process.Description

GIS  20 February 2019: A report on the impact assessment of the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) was handed over to the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment and Training, Mr Soodesh Callichurn, yesterday at a press conference in Port Louis. The Chairman of the National Wage Consultative Council (NWCC), Mr Beejaye Coomar Appanah and other personalities were present.

The Minister underlined that according to the report, the NMW has positively impacted on the lives of low-income families as well as on the economy of the country. He recalled that the NWCC was mandated to do an impact assessment on the implementation of the NMW in January 2018. The report, he said, is based on information and data from the Statistics Mauritius, the Mauritius Revenue Authority, and different relevant authorities and institutions.

The results of the report, he indicated shows the commitment of the Government to protect workers at the lower rung of the social ladder so as to improving their standard of living and also to enable them lead a decent life. The report takes into consideration the impact of the NMW on economic growth, wealth and income distribution, wage ratio, employment, and compliance.

As regards the rate of employment, the Minister said that there is an increase in the employment rate from 545 100 workers in 2017 to 546 500 workers in 2018, that is a total of 1400 jobs. He further observed that contributions made to National Pension Fund increased from 290 368 in December 2017 to 313 778 as at June 2018. He also pointed out that there has been an increase in the evolution of salary distribution and a decrease in income inequality thus reducing the gap of inequality between the rich and the poor.

Speaking on the cases of non-compliance as regards the implementation of NMW, Minister Callichurn said that the rate stands at 10.9 % while adding that the figure stands at around 30% in other countries across the world where the National Minimum Wage has been implemented. Nevertheless, he reassured the population that the Government is taking all necessary actions to ensure full compliance with the NMW.

The Minister also announced that a technical committee has been set up to analyse problems and non-compliance mentioned in the report and to come up with recommendations.Khartoum (AFP) - A top US official warned Wednesday that the "excessive violence" used by Sudanese security forces to quell anti-government protests could threaten talks to remove Sudan from Washington's state sponsors of terrorism list.

Deadly protests have rocked Sudan since December 19 after a government decision to triple the price of bread.

"It is absolutely unacceptable for security forces to use excessive violence to crack down on demonstrators, to use detention without charge, certainly unacceptable to use brutality, torture .. and needless to say there's no reason anyone should be killed," said Cyril Sartor, senior director for Africa at the US National Security Council.

The US-Sudan negotiating process "which could eventually lead to the lifting of state sponsors of terrorism designation... is being threatened by the current developments", Sartor told AFP in an interview at the end of a four-day visit to Khartoum.

The protests since December quickly escalated into nationwide rallies against President Omar al-Bashir's government, with demonstrators chanting their catchcry of "freedom, peace, justice".

Officials say 31 people have died in two months of protest-related violence, while Bashir, who swept to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, has remained defiant.

Human Rights Watch says at least 51 people have been killed, and hundreds jailed in a widespread crackdown by security forces on protesters, opposition leaders, activists and journalists.

In October 2017, the United States lifted its trade embargo imposed on Sudan in 1997 for alleged links to Islamist groups.

Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden lived in Sudan between 1992 to 1996.

Despite lifting the embargo, Washington has kept Sudan on its list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism along with Iran, Syria and North Korea.

- 'Clear message' -

Ties between the two countries improved during the adminstration of former US president Barack Obama.

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They are now negotiating on the process to remove Sudan from the blacklist, seen as a major obstacle to the African country's economic recovery.

Bashir has blamed the United States for Sudan's economic woes, insisting the embargo coupled with the terrorism listing kept international businesses away from Sudan.

For Sudan to be removed from the US blacklist, it has to meet certain benchmarks set by Washington, which include protecting human rights and allowing freedom of expression and religion.

Sartor acknowledged that Sudan's increased cooperation in countering terrorism in the region has helped boost the talks, but the negotiations could still be derailed unless Sudanese authorities rein in the crackdown on dissent.

"We have been quite clear, quite explicit ... with all the government leaders that I have met with that the current conditions in Sudan and the overreaction of the security forces in particular put the talks at risk," said Sartor.

"There can be no confusion about our message, about the sincerity of this view from senior leadership in Washington," he said as he called on Khartoum to release all political prisoners.

"Holding them only impedes the process of dialogue."

Critics say Washington's response to the crackdown had been mild so far, charging it had failed to take a stand on the protest movement.

- 'No outside solution' -

Sartor said it was not up to the United States to offer a solution to Sudan's political crisis. "In fact no outside force can impose a solution," he said.

"What we are witnessing is all about the people of Sudan who are seeking to have their voice, to have their views, to have their concerns injected into the political dialogue," said the US official.

"So, this is all about the people of Sudan finding a way to get to a solution."

Sartor said the United States wanted the talks on the blacklist to succeed, which would then encourage global financial institutions to come to Sudan.

"We are not at a stage of halting talks," he said. But he warned that the process could stop "abruptly".

"It is imperative that the government stop reacting with the tactics that it has been using to deal with the current situation," Sartor said.

"That's a deal breaker. But we will try in every way we can to work together."Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic former Texas congressman, addresses supporters following an anti-Trump march in El Paso, Texas, on Feb. 11. (Photo: Loren Elliott/Reuters)

Facing a self-imposed end-of-the-month deadline to determine his political future, Beto ORourke has increasingly looked and sounded like a candidate for president. He has recently ticked off a series of national headline-making appearances  including his interview earlier in February with Oprah Winfrey, his massive rally last week to counter President Trumps El Paso campaign stop, and a surprise visit on Friday to Wisconsin, a pivotal 2020 battleground, where he met with college students.

But back in Texas, where ORourke lost his bid to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz by less than 3 percentage points last fall, some Texas Democrats are privately hoping the former congressman will skip the increasingly crowded Democratic presidential primary in favor of what they believe is a more winnable race: a challenge to Sen. John Cornyn, who is up for reelection in 2020.

While no one is publicly waving ORourke away from a White House bid, several Democratic strategists and activists in the state said in interviews in recent days they believe the ex-congressman has a proven ground operation and fundraising ability that would instantly make him a formidable challenger to Cornyn, a Texas Republican who has been perceived as a stronger candidate for reelection than Cruz was in 2018, in part because he is less controversial and better liked than his GOP colleague.

But last week, Jeff Dalton, a Dallas-based Democratic strategist, released the results of a Public Policy Polling survey he commissioned that found ORourke trailing Cornyn by just 2 points among registered voters in the state, 45 percent to 47 percent  a result that was within the polls 3.6 percent margin of error.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, at a rally for President Trump in El Paso, Texas, on Feb. 11. (Photo: Adria Malcolm/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

It's very early days, but one compelling result is how well Beto O'Rourke performs against John Cornyn in a theoretical Senate race, Dalton said in a statement accompanying the poll. O'Rourke may run for president. But many people have assumed Cornyn is a stronger opponent than Cruz. In fact, Cornyn looks quite vulnerable if a strong Democrat takes the plunge.

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The impromptu poll was viewed by some Texas Democrats as a less-than-subtle message to ORourke, who has famously eschewed political consultants, including pollsters, and relied heavily on public polling during his previous Senate run. The poll came weeks after ORourke met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has encouraged the former congressman to run against Cornyn.

While no one discounts ORourkes presidential chances  and several Democrats interviewed declined to be named in this story because they did not want to be perceived as critical of a possible ORourke White House run  some Lone Star strategists have made the case that the former congressman could have a greater political impact on the 2020 election as a Senate candidate.

Among other things, they pointed to the scores of down-ballot Democrats across Texas who were elected in 2018 in part because of the massive turnout for ORourkes campaign. Party insiders say ORourke, if he runs against Cornyn, could have a potentially greater impact in 2020  not just in electing Texas Democrats but also putting the state in play for the Democratic challenger to Trump. And with the states 38 electoral votes at stake, that could be a potential game changer for the Democratic ticket. I dont think its exaggerating to say that having Beto on the ballot, and if he ran for Senate he would be guaranteed to be on the ballot, that could flip Texas, one Democratic strategist said.

Though Texas has not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter in 1976, Trump won the state by just 9 points in 2016  a far smaller margin than Mitt Romneys 16-point victory in 2012. While Texas is still a strongly conservative state, Democrats say the states increasing diversification  including the growing number of Latino voters and new residents who have relocated from more liberal states like California and New York  is increasingly shifting the political pendulum their way.

Beto O'Rourke with Oprah Winfrey at "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations From Times Square," on Feb. 5, in New York City. (Photo: Kathy Willens/AP)

While ORourke came up short in his race against Cruz, his narrow loss gave new life to Texas Democrats, who have struggled to gain attention and money from the national party, which believed investing in the red state was a waste of time.

Now Im the most popular person here, Gilberto Hinojosa, the chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, said last week on the phone from Washington, D.C., where he was attending the Democratic National Committees winter meeting.

Among the topics du jour: What will Beto do? Hinojosa said most Texas Democrats he has talked to in recent weeks are eager to see ORourke run for president, but he said he is fine with whatever the former congressman decides to do, as long as he runs for something. If he wants to run for president, he should, Hinojosa said. If he wants to run for the U.S. Senate, he should.

On Tuesday, ORourke kept the political mystery going. Back in his hometown and speaking after a luncheon where he was honored as El Pasoan of the Year, he told reporters he still hasnt decided on his future plans. He repeated that he hoped to come to a decision by the end of February  a little over a week away  though he allowed that his decision-making process might not be limited by the end of this month.

"I'm trying to figure out how I can best serve this country, where I can do the greatest good for the United States of America, so yeah, Im thinking through that, and it, you know, may involve running for the presidency, it may involve something else," O'Rourke said.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:Seoul is willing to resume inter-Korean economic cooperation if it would help to hasten Pyongyang's denuclearisation, President Moon Jae-in said in a phone call with Donald Trump on Tuesday.

The US President and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are due to meet in Hanoi for a much-anticipated second summit on February 27-28 following their landmark first meeting in Singapore last year.

Those talks - the first-ever between the leaders of the US and North Korea - produced a vaguely-worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what it means and analysts say tangible progress on denuclearisation will be needed if the talks are to avoid being dismissed as "reality TV".

In his move to support the US and its effort to "establish permanent peace" on the Korean peninsula, Moon said Seoul is willing to "share the burden", carrying out joint economic projects with the North including reconnecting railways across the border.

"(President Moon) said (the joint economic projects) are some of the ways for South Korea to lessen the burden of the US," Seoul's presidential Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-kyeom said in a statement.

Moon said Seoul could use these measures "to support North Korea as it goes through its denuclearisation process", Kim added.

In November, the Blue House said the UN Security Council granted a sanctions exemption for the two Koreas to jointly conduct a survey on connecting railways.

Experts, however, have warned that rail links could take decades and will require huge investment.

Security allies Seoul and Washington have at times pursued divergent approaches toward Pyongyang, with Moon pursuing engagement while the United States insists pressure must be maintained until the North denuclearises.

But Trump told Moon on Tuesday that US-South Korea relations are "better than ever", according to spokesman Kim.By Sanjeev Miglani NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday he expected investment opportunities worth more than $100 billion in India over the next two years as he began his first official visit amid tensions between arch foes India and Pakistan. India rolled out the red carpet for the crown prince as it seeks diplomatic support against Pakistan following a militant attack in the disputed region of Kashmir. The crown prince, whose country is facing frosty ties with Western countries after the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, was also given a lavish welcome this week in Pakistan where the two sides signed memoranda of understanding valued at about $20 billion to help prop up Pakistan's economy. In a joint press appearance after talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the crown prince said terrorism was a common concern and Saudi Arabia was ready to share intelligence with India to tackle it. The two countries will start a security dialogue at the level of national security advisors and set up a working group on counter-terrorism, said T.S. Tirumurti, who handles economic relations at India's foreign ministry. "Both leaders called on all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy," Tirumurti told a press briefing. India blames Pakistan for not doing enough to counter militant groups that operate from its soil including the one that claimed responsibility for the Kashmir car bombing last Thursday. Pakistan denies any involvement in cross-border terrorism and has said it would retaliate against an Indian attack. "We face similar challenges, chief among them extremism and terrorism  and we reaffirm to India that we are ready to work in the intelligence and political arenas to coordinate our efforts the crown prince said. Saudi Arabias domestic security structure helped put down an al Qaeda bombing campaign over a decade ago. But the kingdom continues to face occasional attacks by Sunni Islamic State fighters and Shiite militants in its Eastern Province. Riyadh leads a coalition of Arab states fighting in support of Yemens internationally recognized government against the Iran-aligned Houthi fighters, who regularly fire rockets across the kingdoms southern border. NON-OIL TRADE On trade relations, the crown prince said "we expect the opportunities we are targeting in India in various fields to exceed $100 billion in the coming two years". Sectors of interest included energy, infrastructure, agriculture and manufacturing, Tirumurti said, adding that Saudi Arabia's focus was on expanding non-oil trade with India. Giant petroleum and natural gas company Saudi Aramco said it was in talks with India's Reliance Industries Ltd for possible investments and was seeking other opportunities. Both India and Pakistan had expected a scaling up of investments on the crown prince's first tour of the region since the storm over the murder of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi government, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. The killing has strained Saudi Arabias ties with the West and battered the princes image abroad. He is also visiting China on this trip. The European Commission has added Saudi Arabia to an EU draft list of countries that pose a threat to the bloc because of lax controls against terrorism financing and money laundering, sources told Reuters last month. Modi has sought to use India's fast-growing economy to attract more investment from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations since he took office. The two countries signed agreements on investment in infrastructure, housing sector and tourism. (Additional reporting by Dahlia Nehme, Stephen Kalin, Neha Dasgupta, Devjyot Ghoshal and Aditya Kalra; Editing by Nick Macfie and Frances Kerry)Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been shunned by much of the world after the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October, which the CIA concluded he had ordered. A-list executives pulled out of his Riyadh investment forum (dubbed Davos in the Desert conference), street protests greeted his arrival in Tunisia in November, and there were reports Moroccos King Mohammed VI snubbed him on a visit to the North African country. That wasnt the case earlier this week in Pakistan, however, which bestowed its highest civilian award on the young Saudi prince, gave him a gold-plated gun, and declared Monday a public holiday in honor of his two-day visit to Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia has always been a friend in need, which is why we value it so much, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Sunday, while seated next to MBS, as the crown prince is known. Earlier Saudis de-facto leader had announced investments in Pakistani petrochemicals, power generation, and mining projects worth more than $20 billion.

In addition to the staggering financial package, MBS  on Khans request  ordered the immediate release of more than 2,000 Pakistani prisoners incarcerated in the Kingdom. He won the hearts of the people of Pakistan, the prime minister  who broke protocol to personally drive MBS to his official residence  later gushed on Twitter.

MBSs visit to Islamabad is widely regarded as an attempt to repair his tarnished credentials as an international statesman. It precedes stops in India and China, whichlike Pakistanhave not spoken out about Khashoggis murder. But Saudi Arabias investment in the nuclear-armed South Asian state is more than just a PR exercise.

Why does Pakistan need Saudi funds?

Saudi Arabia has a long history of providing financial support to Pakistan. That includes funneling money through Pakistans madrassa education system, cushioning the impact of international sanctions following its nuclear test in the late 1990s, and loaning Islamabad $1.5 billion when the Pakistani rupee crashed in 2014.

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But the latest round of investment comes at a critical time for Islamabad, which is in the middle of an economic crisis. The foreign exchange reserves that Pakistan uses to purchase crucial fuel imports have dwindled to less than $8 billion. Since he was sworn in as prime minister last August, the populist Khan has been engaged in a highly public austerity drive while appealing to friendly nations for financial support.

In fact, in October his government received Saudi funds to the tune of $6 billion, including $3 billion import payment deferrals. The Kingdom proffered that support package after Khans visit to Riyadh, when Pakistans central bank reserves had plummeted 40% on the previous years figures. Islamabad is currently negotiating a bailout from the IMFthe countrys 13th since the 1980s.

What are the economic incentives for Saudi Arabia?

Historically known for spending lavishly to win hearts and minds, the Saudi Kingdom now faces financial constraints of its own. It urgently needs to diversify its oil-dependent economy. The largesse that the Saudis were able to afford in the 80s and 90s, we havent seen recently, and we definitely havent seen it under MBS, says Andreas Krieg, a Middle East security expert at Kings College, London. The pledged $20 billion in not just a bailout they do because they like the Pakistanis, he says. Instead there is oversight to ensure it is sustainable and will actually have returns in the future.

Some $8 billion of the funds pledged to Pakistan have been earmarked for the construction of an oil refinery at Gwadar Port, the jewel in the crown of the ChinaPakistan economic corridor and an area in which Saudi Arabias Gulf neighbor UAE has also invested. With Beijing set to pump some $62 billion into the economic corridor under its transnational Belt and Road Initiative, Saudi stands to massively increase its own oil export market in Pakistan.

How might Saudi money affect regional dynamics?

Khans government has welcomed Saudis $20 billion investment pledge but its one thats potentially fraught with risk, says Farzana Shaikh, associate fellow at the London-based think tank, Chatham House.

Gwador Port is situated in Pakistans restive Balochistan province, which borders Irans similarly volatile Sistan and Baluchestan Province. On Feb. 13 a Sunni militant group claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards on the Iranian side of the border. Iran blames Pakistan for sheltering militants and Saudi of promoting Sunni violence against its Shiite population. Pakistan has been trying to navigate this very delicate terrain between Saudi and Iranian interests in the region, and the attempt of each one to establish its own regional hegemony in this part of the world, Shaikh says.

Saudis investment also risks exacerbating Pakistans conflict with India. MBS arrived in New Delhi Tuesday as tensions flared between the nuclear-armed neighbors in the wake of the deadly Feb. 14 terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammadwhich Shaikh says has been a recipient of funds originating from Saudi Arabiaclaimed responsibility for the attack, which killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police. Before leaving Islamabad Monday, Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister said the Arab state would work to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan, but New Delhi is likely to regard Saudis bumper investment in its regional rival with wariness.

Is there a military quid-pro-quo?

The optics seem to suggest that. Fighter jets flanked MBSs inbound plane, a troop of soldiers fired off a 21-gun salute, and a spokesman for Pakistans armed forces told Arab News the countrys military is committed to standing by our Saudi brethren. Pakistans military is among the 20 most powerful in the world, according to U.S. website Global Firepower and the country is one of only eight to have declared possessing nuclear weapons. Global Firepower ranks nuclear-armed Indias military the worlds fourth most powerful.

Pakistan is providing capacity to militaries across the Gulf, but particularly Saudi Arabia. They couldnt function without the Pakistanis, says Krieg, the Middle East security expert. Estimates of how many Pakistani soldiers are serving in the Kingdom go as high as 65,000. If ever relations went sour, Saudi Arabia wouldnt have another source of manpower to fuel the massive military machine, Krieg says.

Separately, Saudi Arabia has long been rumored to have nuclear weapons on order from Pakistan. Although Riyadh currently purchases billions of dollars worth of weapons from the U.S., the U.K., and other nations, the U.S. Deputy Energy Secretary recently said Washington would not help the Kingdom develop nuclear technology without guarantees it would only be used for civilian purposes, CNBC reports. In addition to its economic pivot to Asia, Riyadh is attempting to diversify its supply of military assets, Krieg says. The Pakistanis are a very important part of this because they can procure technology that nobody else might be willing to procure at this point.By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - In January, thousands of North Korean students travelled to Mount Paektu, a sacred mountain where the ruling family claims its roots and where leader Kim Jong Un is building a massive economic hub at the alpine town of Samjiyon.

It is one of the largest construction initiatives Kim has launched, part of his campaign for a "self-reliant economy" even as he seeks to convince U.S. President Donald Trump to lift economic sanctions at their second summit later this month.

State media painted an inspiring picture of patriotic students braving harsh weather, eating frozen rice, and ignoring supervisors' worries about their health in order to work harder on the huge building site.

Kim has visited Samjiyon, near the Chinese border, at least five times for inspections over the past year.

He envisages a "socialist utopia" with new apartments, hotels, a ski resort and commercial, cultural and medical facilities by late 2020, barely four years after Kim ordered modernisation of the "sacred land of the revolution".

North Korean defectors and human rights activists say such mass mobilisations amount to "slave labour" disguised as loyalty to Kim and the ruling Workers' Party. Young workers get no pay, poor food and are forced to work more than 12 hours a day for up to 10 years in return for better chances to enter a university or join the all powerful Workers' Party.

But as private markets boom and more people cherish financial stability above political standing, the regime has been struggling to recruit the young labourers in recent years, they say.

"Nobody would go there if not for a party membership or education, which helps you land a better job. But these days, you can make a lot more money from the markets," said Cho Chung-hui, a defector and former labourer.

"Loyalty is the bedrock of the brigades but what do you expect from people who know the taste of money?"

'BOILING BLOOD OF YOUTH'

Last year, after declaring his nuclear weapons programme complete, Kim shifted his focus towards the economy, saying people's well-being was a top priority.

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Samjiyon is at the centre of his new economic initiative, touted as what would be a "model of modern mountainous city to be the envy of the world," alongside an ongoing project to create a tourist hotspot in the coastal city of Wonsan. http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/NORTHKOREA-TOURISM/0100516J2NK/index.html

The labour units, called dolgyeokdae or youth brigades, were created by Kim's late grandfather Kim Il Sung to build railways, roads, electricity networks and other infrastructure projects after the Korean peninsula was liberated from Japan's 1910-45 occupation.

Open North Korea, a Seoul-based rights group, estimated the total brigade workforce at 400,000 as of 2016. A landmark 2014 U.N. report on North Korean human rights put it at between 20,000 and 100,000 per municipality, depending on its size.

"How did Kim rally manpower and resources for so many big construction programmes despite sanctions? It's simple - whatever you need, suck it out of the people," said Kwon Eun-kyoung, director of the group, who has interviewed more than 40 former brigade members.

North Korean state media has run a series of articles over the past month appealing for young people to dedicate their "boiling blood of youth" to renovate Samjiyon, while Kim has expressed his gratitude to those who sent construction materials and supplies.

Articles and photos show factories, families and individuals packaging winter jackets, tools, shoes, blankets and biscuits in boxes to be delivered to Samjiyon.

The state provides a limited amount of materials including cement and iron bars, leaving brigades to bring gravel and sand from river banks themselves, Cho and Kwon said.

A 60-minute documentary on state television, broadcast 10 times since December, shows young men carrying stones in heavy snow and doing masonry work on a tall structure without any apparent safety devices.

Last month, the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said thousands of university students produced 100 metre-high (300 ft-high) piles of gravel by crushing rocks with nothing but hand tools on their first day alone. It likened the feat to the efforts of forefathers who fought against Japanese imperial forces during World War II.

"The weather was so cold the rice were like ice cubes, but we didn't want to waste a single precious second heating it up. I thought of our anti-Japan revolutionary martyrs while chewing frozen rice," the article quoted one student's diary.

State media often exaggerates loyalty pledges of the citizens toward the leaders as part of efforts to craft a personality cult around them.

But Cho, the defector, said the reports were "far from reality" as most workers would not even get a safety helmet, and labour conditions were so hostile that many ran away.

MONEY OVER LOYALTY

The untrained workers, along with the military, provide most of the construction labour essential to accomplish Kim's pet economic projects.

But mounting public resistance toward the mobilisation of free labour and supplies may spell trouble for Kim's ambition to transform Samjiyon, defectors and observers say.

Cho said authorities offered him party membership and college entrance if he gave three years service to the brigades. The commitment eventually stretched to eight years before he received the suggested rewards in 1987.

Not all promises are kept. Lee Oui-ryok, 29, said he fled a brigade he had served for three years from age 17 and came to the South in 2010 after realising he would never be allowed to join the party due to his background.

In addition, human rights abuses of brigade members are rampant, prompting many to escape or injure themselves to be discharged, said Cho, who defected to the South in 2011 and is now an economist in Seoul.

Nowadays, those who have money exempt themselves from the service by sending supplies, paying someone else to fulfil the duty, or bribing brigade leaders to turn a blind eye, Cho and Kwon said.

Most new labour unit members are from the most underprivileged households and harbour ill feelings about the system and its growing inequality, said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

"They will push out the propaganda claims about these projects and the love of Kim Jong Un motivating people to work, but the reality is punishments await those who refuse," said Robertson.

"It's usually the poorest denizens in the area who have few connections and cannot afford to pay bribes - so they are the ones being targeted."

The North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York did not respond to a request for comment.

In late 2017, the U.S. State Department described the mass mobilisation of forced labour as one of the human rights abuses underwriting North Korea's weapons programme. It blacklisted seven individuals and three entities, including two construction agencies.

The rise of markets and growing public resentment toward forced labour have eroded the quality of labour at most brigades nationwide, defectors say.

Kang Mi-jin, a defector who regularly speaks with North Koreans for the defector-run Daily NK website, said some construction work at Samjiyon was temporarily halted last month due to safety problems.

"It's inconceivable for North Korea to complete such a large project without these brigades, but there's no way they have the full labour force they need, which is why they're trying to mobilise more through state media," Cho said.

"But they would only continue to see more people run away and more cracks in buildings. That's the reality."

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Lincoln Feast)Former acting FBI director Andrew McCabe said Tuesday that no one objected when he briefed congressional leaders about the counterintelligence probe he had recently opened into President Trump in May 2017.

Thats the important part here, Savannah, McCabe told Savannah Guthrie on NBCs Today show. No one objected. Not on legal grounds, not on constitutional grounds, and not based on the facts.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

McCabes emphasis on the lack of pushback from the Gang of Eight  a bipartisan group of leaders in the house House and Senate  appeared designed to insulate him from the criticism, repeatedly leveled against him by the president and White House allies, that the investigation was politically motivated.

Critics of the intelligence communitys treatment of the president were angered Sunday by McCabes claim during a 60 Minutes interview that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein considered wearing a wire to record Trump as part of a plot to recruit cabinet members to declare him unfit for office.

McCabe, who is promoting his new book The Threat, explained to Guthrie that FBI officials opened the counterintelligence probe into Trump because they believed it possible that he was working on behalf of the Kremlin when he fired FBI director James Comey in May 2017.

It is saying that we had information that led us to believe that there might be a threat to national security  in this case that the president himself might, in fact, be a threat to the United States national security, McCabe said.

McCabe was fired in March 2018 after the Department of Justice inspector general found that he disclosed classified information to the media without authorization. McCabe maintains that he was authorized to disclose the information under DOJ guidelines, and has argued that he was fired because he opened an investigation into the president.

More from National ReviewOxygen

Wyoming is known for its wide open spaces -- and its a place where a murder mysteries could also stretch on for decades. In 1976, Alice Prunty, a 37-year-old woman whod married three times and had five children, came to Fremont County, Wyoming for a fresh start. She found one with her neighbor, Gerald Uden, a man who also had been divorced three times who was taken by Alice's self-sufficiency. Five months after meeting, they married, according to Oxygen series Killer Couples." They bought a fParis (AFP) - Anti-Semitism appears to have reached its worst levels since World War II, French President Emmanuel Macron told Jewish community leaders on Wednesday, a day after thousands of people took to the streets to denounce hate crimes.

The scourge has grown in recent years "and the situation has got worse in recent weeks," Macron told the annual dinner of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF).

"Our country, and for that matter all of Europe and most Western democracies, seems to be facing a resurgence of anti-Semitism unseen since World War II," he added.

Europe's biggest Jewish community is reeling after a string of attacks that have made global headlines.

Macron announced measures including legislation to fight hate speech on the internet, to be introduced by May.

He said he had asked his interior minister to take steps to ban racist or anti-Semitic groups, singling out "for a start" three far-right groups -- Bastion Social, Blood and Honour Hexagone and Combat 18 -- which he said "fuel hatred, promote discrimination or call for violence".

He also vowed that France would recognise anti-Zionism as a form of anti-Semitism.

Macron earlier balked at a call by a lawmaker in his Republic on the Move party to criminalise anti-Zionist statements, which criticise the movement that established Israel as a home for Jews.

On a visit Tuesday to a cemetery in the Alsace region, near Germany, where 96 Jewish tombstones were daubed with swastikas, Macron promised: "We shall act, we shall pass laws, we shall punish."

Also Tuesday, thousands of people, some carrying banners proclaiming "That's enough", held a rally in Paris to denounce anti-Semitism -- one of around 70 protests staged nationwide.

Macron and his government have linked the appearance of swastikas and other anti-Semitic graffiti on artworks, shopfronts and headstones to far-right and far-left elements within the "yellow vest" protest movement.

Story continues

- 'France is ours' -

A protester caught on video hurling abuse at Jewish writer and philosopher Alain Finkielkraut during a "yellow vest" demonstration in Paris last weekend was taken into custody Tuesday in the eastern city of Mulhouse, authorities said.

Police confirmed the suspect, who has been named in French media as telephone salesman Benjamin W., was the bearded man seen on video calling 69-year-old Finkielkraut a "dirty Zionist" and telling him "France is ours" after the philosopher ran into demonstrators on the street.

Police sources described the 36-year-old suspect as a small-time delinquent with ties to ultra-conservative Muslim groups.

He was one of the most vocal members of a group that jeered Finkielkraut and called him a "racist", apparently referring to his past warnings about what he sees as the failure of Muslim immigrants to integrate into French society.

The incident caused outrage both in France and abroad, with Israel's Immigration Minister Yoav Gallant urging French Jews to "come home" to Israel for their safety.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin voiced support for Macron and Finkielkraut, calling the anti-Semitic incidents an "affront" to France.

Earlier Wednesday, Rivlin spoke with Finkielkraut to express his solidarity over the "wicked and hurtful attack."

"I heard that the demonstrators told you to go back to Tel Aviv. I am sure you know that Tel Aviv is a wonderful place but be in no doubt that every Jew, and every person, has the right to choose wherever they live", said Rivlin, who also wrote to Macron to thank him for visiting the Jewish cemetery.

Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone with Macron, the Israeli leader's office said.

- Focus on anti-Zionism -

Several officials have accused radical "yellow vest" of fomenting a climate of hatred.

The anti-government protests began three months ago over fuel taxes but quickly grew into a broader anti-establishment, anti-capitalist rebellion, with some demonstrators using anti-Semitic slurs to denigrate Macron, a former Rothschild investment banker.

The number of anti-Jewish crimes rose 74 percent last year.

Anti-Semitism has a long history in France where society was deeply split at the end of the 19th century by the Alfred Dreyfus affair over a Jewish army captain wrongly convicted of treason.

During World War II, the French Vichy government collaborated with Germany notably in the deportation of Jews to death camps.

Traditionally associated with the far right, anti-Semitism has become ingrained in the high-rise French housing estates that house many members of France's Muslim community, Europe's largest.

Jews have been targeted in several attacks by French jihadists in recent years.

But the proliferation of anti-Semitic graffiti is seen as a new trend.

In recent days, the word "Juden" was spray-painted on the window of a Paris bagel bakery and swastikas were daubed on postbox portraits of late French Holocaust survivor and women's rights icon Simone Veil.Description

GIS  20 February 2019: One of the major objectives of Government is to enhance quality of life and the well-being of each citizen and the new market fair, among other such projects, fits in the philosophy of the Government to attain the set objective.

The Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, made this statement, yesterday, at the inauguration of the Plaine Magnien Market Fair, in Plaine Magnien.

In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted that the new market fair, to the tune of some Rs 13 million, and comprising a large parking space, will provide additional facilities to vendors and buyers of the locality. The available space can also be used for other purposes, following approval from the District Council, he added.

He further pointed out that this type of project is being undertaken in several localities around the island and, in Budget 2018-2019, more than Rs 2.2 billion have been allocated for National Development Unit and Local Government projects. Some of these projects, Mr Jugnauth outlined, include a new market fair and commercial complex at Rose Hill; the construction of multipurpose complexes at several places; the construction and upgrading of secondary roads and jogging tracks; and the upgrading and renovation of village and municipal halls.

The Prime Minister reiterated Governments focus on infrastructure works and socio-economic projects so as to further transform Mauritius into a modern country. Development must continue to take place throughout the island and Mauritius should be a beacon for other countries, he stated.New US research has found that older women who spend most of their day sitting down may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. However, reducing this sedentary time by just an hour each day could help reduce this risk.

Led by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, the new study looked at 5,638 women aged 63 to 97 years with no history of heart or stroke.

The women were asked to wear a device called an accelerometer for four to seven days to measure their movement and sedentary time 24 hours a day for seven consecutive days.

The researchers then followed the women were for nearly five years, recording any cardiovascular events.

The findings, published in the journal Circulation, showed that women who had the highest level of sedentary time, equal to 11 hours a day or more, had the highest risk for cardiovascular disease when compared to those with the the lowest level of sedentary time, equal to nine hours a day or less.

On average, an additional hour of total sedentary time was associated with a 12 percent increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, and when sedentary included long bouts of sitting, the risk was 52 percent higher than when sedentary time was made up of short, regularly interrupted bouts of sitting.



However, the good news is that this risk can also be lowered by getting up and moving, even if just a little and often throughout the day. The team also found that reducing sedentary time by just an hour a day appears to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 12 percent and heart disease by 26 percent.

"This study provides further strong evidence of a link between sedentary behavior, like sitting and laying down, which uses very little energy, and cardiovascular disease," said David Goff, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) who funded the study. "Sedentary behaviors and inactivity are major risk factors for heart disease, and this research also shows that it is never too late, or too early, to move more and improve your heart health."

"Importantly, the association showed up regardless of a woman's overall health, physical function, and other cardiovascular risk factors, including whether they also were engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity," commented lead author John Bellettiere, Ph.D., who suggests women try to get up and move, even if for just a few minutes more throughout the day.

Co-author Andrea LaCroix agrees, adding, "I recommend to all women who, like me, are over 60, to make a conscious effort to interrupt our sitting by getting up and moving around as often as we can."By Ismael Lopez and Yimou Lee MANAGUA/TAIPEI (Reuters) - Nicaragua's congress on Tuesday accepted a $100 million loan offered by Taiwan, giving a line of support to President Daniel Ortega's government, which has become increasingly isolated after a brutal crackdown on protesters last year. Lawmakers approved the 20-year loan a day after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that "socialism is dying" in Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela. The United States enacted a law late last year making it harder for Nicaragua to access multilateral loans. The bill approved by lawmakers from the ruling Sandinista party said the funds were destined to support the country's budget priorities this year. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the unrest in the country had caused serious damage to Nicaragua's economy. "In order to help re-building work in Nicaragua, our side has agreed, after prudent assessment, to provide a commercial loan for re-building," it said. "The relevant help is based upon humanitarian considerations to help the Nicaraguan people, and we hope people's lives in Nicaragua and social order can return to normalcy and stability as soon as possible," the ministry added. "Nicaragua's government has promised to use this loan appropriately in the aforementioned areas," it said. Nicaragua is one of a shrinking number of countries in Central America that still offer U.S.-ally Taiwan diplomatic support over China, which considers Taiwan sacred Chinese territory. China and Taiwan have for years traded accusations of "dollar diplomacy" as they seek support around the world, offering generous aid packages in return for diplomatic recognition. Self-ruled and democratic Taiwan now has formal relations with only 17 countries, almost all of them small and less developed nations in Central America and the Pacific, including Belize and Nauru. China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and considers the island merely a wayward Chinese province, with no right to state-to-state relations. Former guerrilla leader Ortega's rule was challenged by the protests against a social security reform last year. More than 320 people died in a crackdown that suppressed the protests but led to deep rifts with the private sector and Washington. The United States has imposed sanctions on officials close to Ortega, including his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo. The Netherlands and Luxembourg last year suspended aid funding to Nicaragua, citing repression during the protests. In the 2019 budget, Nicaragua's congress forecast a budget deficit of $320 million, up from $170 million in December 2018. (Reporting by Ismael Lopez in Managua and Yimou Lee in Taipei; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Peter Cooney and Darren Schuettler)Absher, a government-backed mobile app in Saudi Arabia, has come under sharp criticism amid claims that it reinforces the countrys system of male guardianship  which requires women to seek approval for things like traveling and getting a job. Among the apps many features, which include allowing Saudis to renew their drivers licenses and request government documents online, it also reportedly gives male users the option of receiving SMS alerts when female dependents present their passports at a border, effectively enabling men to track and control womens movement.

Several rights groups have called on Google and Apple to ensure Absher doesnt facilitate the abuse of womens rights, while some have called for it to be removed from their app stores. But many Absher users within Saudi Arabia have come to its defense, saying its a productivity tool that saves them hours of bureaucracy and ultimately makes travel easier for many Saudi women.

What is Absher?

Absher is a free mobile app launched by the Saudi government in 2015. Available on the Google Play Store and Apples App Store, Absher is described as the official individuals eServices Mobile Application that provide the services of Absher portal in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is listed under the Productivity category on both sites. The name Absher roughly translates to good tidings or yes, done, in Arabic. Users can use the app to complete day-to-day tasks such as checking their mail, registering vehicles, booking government appointments and applying for visas.

Why is it controversial?

The app allows male users to log the information of their dependents and to grant or revoke permission for them to travel at the click of a button. Specifically, male users can register womens names and passport numbers, select how many journeys she can take and how long she can travel for, according to screenshots of the web version of the app published by Insider.

Under the male guardianship law, every woman must have approval from a male custodian in order to travel Critics argue that allowing men to grant this approval via the app normalizes and reinforces an antiquated patriarchal system. On Feb. 11, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden wrote a letter to Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook, the CEOs of Google and Apple respectively, demanding that they take down Absher from the app stores. It is hardly news that the Saudi monarchy seeks to restrict and repress Saudi women, Wyden wrote, but American companies should not enable or facilitate the Saudi governments patriarchy.

Story continues

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both urged Google and Apple to assess the apps use to determine whether it entrenches discrimination or facilitates abuse. Dana Ahmed, Saudi Arabia researcher for Amnesty International, called it another example of how the Saudi Arabian government has produced tools to limit womens freedoms, adding that giving men the ability to track women curtails their movement and once again highlights the disturbing system of discrimination under the guardianship laws.

Apples Cook told NPR last week that the company would take a look at it. Google also said it was looking into it, according to CNN.

How have Saudis responded?

The criticism has prompted backlash from some Saudis who say removing the app would disrupt their daily lives. Marwan Bukhary, restaurant owner and financial consultant based in the Saudi port city of Jeddah, told TIME he regularly uses Absher to approve work visas and register the Iqama, or Saudi residence ID, for his employees. This is a life changer app that has made our life easier, Bukhary says. It is e-government, we used to do everything by visiting each office and waiting in line for such service, while now we do it in the click of a button.

Maha Alanzi, a 26-year-old Saudi woman who attends university in Australia, said the app makes travel easier for her because, under the existing guardianship system, her father must be in the same city as her to approve her departure from the kingdom. Its helpful especially in my situation, she says. I sometimes need permission from my dad and if hes not in the same city, he needs to come to do this. But in this app, its easier.

Human rights advocates maintain, however, that while the app may do away with some bureaucracy, tech firms should determine whether it is susceptible to abuse and mitigate its risks to women. Governments that offer services online could also alter problematic functions to prevent misuse. Even though the app is more general purpose, Rothna Begum, Middle East researcher for Human Rights Watch, said in a statement, the government could simply remove the guardianship tracking functionality from the app, and continue to offer the rest of the functionality.Washington (AFP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un must make a "meaningful" gesture if he wants to see sanctions lifted, US President Donald Trump said Wednesday ahead of a second summit between the two men.

"The sanctions are on in full. I haven't taken sanctions off," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"I'd love to be able to, but in order to do that, we have to do something that's meaningful on the other side."

Trump and Kim are due to meet in Hanoi next week to discuss progress on the issue of North Korea's nuclear program since they first met in Singapore last year.

"Chairman Kim and I have a very good relationship. I wouldn't be surprised to see something work out," Trump said, without providing further details.

Trump reiterated his view that North Korea has "great" potential for economic development and suggested the Vietnam summit would not be the last.

At their landmark meeting in Singapore last year, the US and North Korean leaders produced a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work toward "the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."

But progress has since stalled, with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Trump on Tuesday said that while he hoped his next meeting with Kim would yield much progress, he was also in "no rush" for results.

The two men are set to meet in Hanoi on February 27-28.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders meanwhile said Trump spoke by phone with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two men "reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of" North Korea.Reuters

Alexander Vuving

Security, Asia

"Kims young age nearly forces him to make quick and ambitious achievements, but it also encourages him to think long-term about boosting the economy and improving his countrys place in the world, which will entail economic reform and geopolitical repositioning among the great powers and regional states."

What Kim Jong Un Really Wants, and How America Should Respond

Building the ultimate weapon and behaving recklessly, North Korea has for decades been causing big headaches for the outside world. Due to its unique political system, dealing with North Korea hinges heavily on understanding what its supreme leader wants. At first sight, Kim Jong-un appears to be one of the most enigmatic leaders in the world today, but a deeper look at his action reveals a rational and coherent strategy. Kim is changing his country, and the best policy for America is to seize this opportunity with continuous and protected engagement.

In the first six years of his rule, between 2012 and 2017, Kim pursued a massive program to develop nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The tests conducted under his rule were far more frequent and more aggressive than those under his father and grandfather, the previous leaders of North Korea. In March 2018, taking the world by surprise, Kim abruptly changed course and launched a charm offensive aimed at meeting with the U.S. president.

The near consensus weve had for decades about the motive behind North Koreas nuclear and missile programs is that its leaders fear U.S. invasion and they can feel secure only when they possess the capabilities to deter it. This makes sense, but it does not explain the scale and frequency with which Kim pursued his weapons programs. In fact, Kim did not need more nuclear weapons and longer range of missiles than his father to deter a major U.S. military attack.

Tens of thousands of U.S. personnel and about thirty million South Koreans, which is 60 percent of the Souths total population, are living within the Norths artillery range. The U.S. Department of Defense estimated in 2006 that North Korean artillery barrages could inflict 250,000 casualties in the Seoul metropolitan area alone. Tabletop exercises conducted by the U.S. military in February 2018 predicted that roughly ten thousand U.S. troops could be wounded in the opening days of a war with North Korea before it might turn nuclear.

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Kim Jong-uns military buildup and diplomatic about-face make more sense from the perspective of a young ruler and the logic of domestic legitimacy. Kim started his rule when he was not even 30 years old. Emerged from secrecy to inherit his fathers position at a very young age, Kim badly needed to prove he is up to the jobhe lacked all the credentials for a military and state leader that his predecessors possessed. Kings and dictators know that simply being a grandson of the dynastys founder and simply sitting at the top of a hierarchy are far from enough for a stable rule. The top position is even more precarious for the new ruler as the ruling elite are mostly one generation or two senior than Kim, thus having every reason to doubt his competence in leading them. Except for his younger sister Kim Yo-jong, the other twenty-eight Politburo members of the Workers Party of Korea are between twenty and fifty-six years older than Kim.

In order to demonstrate his competence, Kim turned to formidable weapons and powerful foreign leaders. Within five years from 2013 to 2017, Kim added four more nuclear tests to the two tests initiated by his father since 2006. By 2018, with six nuclear tests, North Korea felt confident enough to self-impose a nuclear and missile test ban. Six is also the number of tests each of two other powers, India and Pakistan, has conducted, and they have secured their place in the pantheon of nuclear weapon states.

Kim also built longer-range rockets that can hit anywhere on earth. In November 2017, Pyongyang successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-15, which, according to former U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, went higher, frankly, than any previous shot theyve taken, a research and development effort on their part to continue building ballistic missiles that can threaten everywhere in the world, basically. After the launch, Kim proudly declared North Korea had finally realized the great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force.

Having established himself as a formidable military leader, Kim launched a diplomatic offensive in March 2018, calling on the U.S. president for talks. On this front, his meeting with President Donald Trump has placed him on a par with the top leader of the worlds mightiest country. In public appearance at their first summit in Singapore in June 2018, Trump treated Kim with full respect as a co-equal and repeatedly praised the North Korean leader. When asked by journalists what he took away from meeting Kim, the U.S. president said, I learned hes a very talented man. I also learned that he loves his country very much.

Kim Jong-uns behavior suggests that North Korea is a geopolitical opportunity that masquerades as a security threat. His weapons programs had to pose a credible threat to the United States because that was the way for him to credibly demonstrate to his domestic audience that he is a leader worthy of admiration. The nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles developed under his rule added marginally to the real deterrent he had already possessed vis-a-vis the United States. Their deterrent quotientthe relative contribution of these additional weapons to North Koreas total deterrent capabilitieswould increase significantly in a hypothetical future when the United States had withdrawn its troops from South Korea. They would also gain more weight in North Koreas deterrent against China when North Korea would be no longer near an economic collapse. These hypothetical futures are among the scenarios policymakers in Washington, Beijing, Seoul, and Tokyo must consider. But in Kims plans, their significance pales in comparison with his concerns over his current domestic legitimacy.

Kims young age nearly forces him to make quick and ambitious achievements, but it also encourages him to think long-term about boosting the economy and improving his countrys place in the world, which will entail economic reform and geopolitical repositioning among the great powers and regional states. With over 40 percent of the population undernourished and the economy dependent on Chinese supply of food and fuel, Kim cannot rule the country for long without change.

Kims seven years in power have charted a clear and coherent trajectory. A little more than a year into his rule, in March 2013, Kim announced a new policy, called byungjin, to replace his fathers military first policy. Byungjin translates as parallel advance, and the policy was aimed at both nuclear and economic development. After reaching a full-fledged nuclear weapon capability in late 2017, Kim declared in early 2018 a new strategic line that would concentrate all efforts of the whole party and country on the socialist economic construction. At the same time as Kim was switching tracks to the new strategic line, he offered unconditional talks with the United States and started to warm up ties with South Korea.

The focus on economic development and geopolitical repositioning is not a pretense. Ever since taking power in 2012, Kim has held to a new economic approach that shares decision-making power and benefits more widely and lower down the chain. Once removed from the verge of economic collapse, North Korea will lose much of its present deterrent vis-a-vis China. Because its collapse constitutes the most of its current deterrent to China, if nothing else changes, an economically viable North Korea will be more vulnerable to Beijings pressure. Setting the economy on a growth path also requires massive foreign investment and trade. China, with its deep pockets and the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, stands more than ready to grasp this opportunity, but a one-sided opening to China would only shorten the Chinese tether. Kims reaching out to South Korea and the United States would serve not just to remove sanctions but also to place North Korea on a balanced position when it moves forward with economic development.

Responding to a changing North Korea, the United States must revise and update the assumptions of its policy. Washington cannot formally acknowledge North Koreas status as a nuclear weapon state, but it must recognize that complete denuclearization may take decades to realize. Full sanctions and maximum pressure have not been and will not be able to force Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons because China has both the need and the ability to keep it from collapse. North Koreas complete denuclearization remains an aspiration in the long run, but it will be a byproduct of a successful engagement policy, not a condition for normalization of relations with the United States.

Washington should pursue a policy of continuous and protected engagement with the North, one that is constantly adapted to the developments on the Korean Peninsula and in the larger East Asian region with the aim of shaping a regional balance of power favorable to the United States in its larger and long-term competition with China. The continuous nature of this policy is to keep talks and build trust with North Korea, but continuous engagement does not preclude occasional pressure and punishment to protect it from exploitation. Nor does this engagement policy suggest any loosening of the U.S.-South Korean military alliance. Indeed, North Korea will have to realize, as the Norths then-supreme leader Kim Jong Il told then-U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in 2000, that U.S. military presence in South Korea is a stabilizing force for Asia.

Continuous and protected engagement is a three-track approach in which advancement on one track used to incentivize improvement on another. On the arms control track, the policy encourages, persuades, and when necessary, pressures North Korea to reduce its nuclear and missile arsenal to the level of minimum deterrence. Contingent on the level of trust between North Korea and its neighbors and the United States, a North Korean minimum deterrence capability may or may not require the possession of nuclear weapons.

On the political track, the United States should move quickly but in phases to normalize relations with North Korea. The policy promotes reconciliation and builds trust between North Korea and its current enemies, including the United States, South Korea, and Japan. It looks beyond a formal termination of the Korean War and strives for a treaty of peace and friendship between North Korea and the United States. It encourages similar treaties between North Korea and South Korea and Japan. Kim Jong-uns achievements of turning the United States from an enemy to a friend and improving the lives of the North Korean people should replace North Koreas pride in the military field as a major source of Kims domestic legitimacy. The cessation of North Koreas anti-U.S. propaganda should be a condition for normalization of relations with the United States. The policy envisages a comprehensive non-aggression pact and a partnership for peace and development between the United States, South Korea, Japan and North Korea.

On the economic track, easing sanctions should be in lockstep with North Koreas arms reduction. At some point down the road, sanctions can be fully lifted without complete denuclearization. Looking beyond this point, the policy promotes inter-Korean economic integration as a pillar of peace and security on the peninsula. After normalization of diplomatic relations, the United States and North Korea should start negotiations on normal trade relations and a trade and investment framework agreement. Contingent on the situation at hand, the policy treats trade and investment sometimes as rewards for, other times as enablers of, arms control and political reconciliation.

When Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump arrive in Vietnam for their second summit later this month, they will see a vivid example of how Communist Party rule, economic reform, human rights improvement and a comprehensive partnership with the United States can co-exist. The history of U.S.-Vietnam relations in the last three decades has shown that engagement is the right policy to turn former enemies into friends. Engagement sometimes backfires not because it is the wrong policy but because it is applied to the wrong situation. Engagement has failed to make China a real friend of the United States and instead helped it to become Americas peer competitor because Chinas huge size has enabled Beijing to disarm many protective mechanisms of engagement and because Chinas ambition is to replace the United States as the predominant power in Asia. Vietnam and North Korea both lack Chinas size and ambition. Their markets are not so big as to be indispensable. Their ambitions are not to supplant America; instead, they are limited to regime survival, economic development, and national independence.

North Korea is an opportunity masquerading as a threat. The United States must not miss its larger struggle in Asia for the squabbles with North Korea.

Alexander L. Vuving is Professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. The views expressed in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the DKI APCSS, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

Image: Reuters

Read full articleCANBERRA, Australia (AP)  A woman wanted in Chile on kidnapping charges dating back to Chile's 1973-1990 military dictatorship appeared in a Sydney court on Wednesday for an extradition hearing.

Chile's Supreme Court requested the extradition of Adriana Rivas in 2014. The 66-year-old was wanted for her alleged role in the 1976 killing of a Communist Party leader who was held in a secret prison before he was suffocated and thrown into the ocean.

Australian Attorney-General Christian Porter, who has responsibility for extraditions, said Rivas was arrested in Sydney on Tuesday at the request of Chile.

"This individual is wanted to face prosecution in the Republic of Chile for aggravated kidnapping offences," Chester said in a statement.

The extradition is requested on charges that she kidnapped seven people in 1976 and 1977, including the Communist Party leader. The alleged victims have never been found.

Rivas did not apply for bail when she appeared in the Sydney Central Local Court on Wednesday in a video link from an inner-Sydney police cell.

She was granted an adjournment until March 1 to get legal advice.

Rivas was an assistant to Manuel Contreras, the head of the DINA secret police during Gen. Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship.

She moved to Australia in 1978 but was detained during a visit to Chile in 2006. Rivas was released after some months on probation and fled to Australia in 2009.

Rivas has been working as a part-time nanny and a cleaner in Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Chilean-born lawyer Adriana Navarro said the extradition process had been complex and had been interrupted by a change in Chilean governments. Australia and Chile have had a bilateral extradition treaty since 1993.

"There's been a number of technical obstacles along the way because the Chilean system of law is completely different to the Australian system," Navarro said. "That's why it's taken five years."

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Navarro said the Chilean diaspora in Australia was ecstatic about Rivas' arrest.

"There's about 45,000 Chileans here and the majority of us, including myself, came to Australia fleeing the Pinochet dictatorship," Navarro said.

"It should not be accepted that people who commit these heinous crimes are free," Navarro added.

In 2014, Rivas told Australia's Special Broadcasting Service that she was innocent of the charges, but defended the use of torture in Chile at the time as necessary.

"They had to break the people  it has happened all over the world, not only in Chile," she said in Spanish.Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday slammed the "shocking" anti-Semitic vandalism of a French cemetery, which prompted a cabinet colleague to urge French Jews to "come home" to Israel.

"Today something shocking happened in France. Eighty Jewish graves were desecrated with Nazi symbols by wild anti-Semites," Netanyahu said in a video clip released by his office.

"I call on the leaders of France and Europe to take a strong stand against anti-Semitism. It is a plague that endangers everyone, not just us," he said.

The graves were daubed with swastikas at a Jewish cemetery in the village of Quatzenheim, close to the border with Germany in the Alsace region.

Photos show the Nazi symbols in blue spray-painted on the damaged graves, one of which bears the words "Elsassisches Schwarzen Wolfe" ("Black Alsatian Wolves"), a separatist group with links to neo-Nazis in the 1970s.

Immigration Minister Yoav Gallant said the vandalism "conjures images of dark times in the history of the Jewish people."

"Last week I visited the Jewish community in Paris, which is under an anti-Semitic attack and in the process of assimilation."

"I firmly condemn the anti-Semitism in France and call on the Jews -- come home, immigrate to Israel," Gallant said in a statement.

The chairman of the quasi-governmental Jewish Agency, which also deals with Jewish immigration to Israel, called the vandalism "another indication of the rampant anti-Semitism spreading throughout Europe, threatening Jews in the streets."

"It's time for governments to wake up!" Isaac Herzog wrote on Twitter.

Rallies were planned in Paris and other French cities Tuesday to denounce a flare-up of anti-Semitic vandalism in recent weeks, often coinciding with "yellow vest" anti-government demonstrations.

Politicians on both the right and left urged massive participation after a prominent French writer was the target of an anti-Semitic tirade by a protester in Paris on Saturday.

Last year, 2,679 Jews from France immigrated to Israel, according to Gallant's ministry.BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The "backstop" provision in Britain's EU divorce deal aimed at avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland is temporary, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and British Prime Minister Theresa May said after a meeting in Brussels. "Their discussions covered which guarantees could be given with regard to the backstop that underlines once again its temporary nature and give the appropriate legal assurance to both sides," they said in a joint statement. Juncker and May agreed to speak again before the end of February, the statement said. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Hugh Lawson)WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's founder and chief executive pledged not to share any customer information with the Chinese government and said the company had never done so, in an interview with CBS News that aired on Tuesday.

Asked if it had shared data with China's government, Huawei's Ren Zhengfei said in a translated interview with the television news outlet: "For the past 30 years, we have never done that. And (for) the next 30 years to come, we will never do that."

Ren also said the company did not have a back door to share customer data with Beijing without his knowledge.

"It is not possible," he told CBS, saying if there were such an opening the United States would have uncovered it already.

On Monday, Ren said in a separate interview with the BBC that the technology company would not undertake any spying activities and that it could shift its business investments to other countries amid an ongoing U.S. pressure campaign.

The United States is calling on its allies not to use technology from Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecommunication equipment, amid concerns over its relationship with the Chinese government and allegations it has enabled state espionage.

Huawei has repeatedly denied such claims.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Steve Orlofsky)Description

GIS  20 February 2019: The export potential of Mauritian products in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, and the development of an E-commerce platform for the manufacturing sector, were the focus of a workshop held, yesterday, at Le Sirius, Le Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, in Port-Louis .

The one-day event was organised in the context of the SADC Trade Related Facility (TRF) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade in collaboration with the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Mauritius Export Association (MEXA) . It provided a platform for Mauritian businesses to take stock of the findings of a market intelligence analysis undertaken in seven SADC Member States in collaboration with the EDB. The objective was to identify the export potential for Mauritian products on the SADC market.

Discussions during the workshop enabled participants to consider the main outcomes of a feasibility study on the development of an E-commerce platform for the manufacturing sector in Mauritius which has been undertaken jointly with MEXA.

The SADC TRF is a mechanism established through a Contribution Agreement between the European Union and SADC for financial and technical support to SADC Member States. Mauritius is benefitting from a financial package of EUR 1.4 million to implement projects of national interest over a period of two years.Berlin (AFP) - Germany said Wednesday it would hold firm on its decision to halt weapons exports to Saudi Arabia, shrugging off British warnings that the embargo could hurt European credibility and efforts to bring peace in Yemen.

"The stance of the government is that we won't deliver weapons to Saudi Arabia at the moment," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said after talks with his British counterpart about the decision taken in October over the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Any future decision would be "dependant on developments in the Yemen conflict and whether what was agreed in the Stockholm peace talks are implemented," added Maas referring to the Saudi-led war against Iran-backed rebels.

Earlier Wednesday, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he would raise the issue with Maas, after Spiegel Online reported that the British minister had written to his German counterpart to complain about the arms embargo.

Their differences were laid bare at a news conference following the talks.

"In reality, because the UK has a strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia, we'd been able to play a very important part in making the Stockholm talks happen," said Hunt.

"And we don't believe that changing our commercial relationship with Saudi Arabia will help that, in fact we worry that it would do the opposite -- it would reduce our influence on that process."

In London, Britain's foreign ministry confirmed a letter from Hunt to Maas but did not give details because it was "private".

Citing the letter, Spiegel reported that London had urged Berlin to exempt major European defence projects like Eurofighter or Tornados jets from the weapons embargo.

Both the Eurofighter and Tornado jets contain German components. An export ban has therefore had a domino effect on other European companies involved in building the aircraft.

Hunt had warned in his letter that Riyadh is already seeking compensation from Britain's BAE Systems over the German ban, Spiegel said.

Germany's decision to freeze arms exports has also met with opposition from other European powers, including France, where President Emmanuel Macron had labelled it "pure demagoguery".PARIS (Reuters) - France will for now not act on U.S. President Donald Trump's call for European allies to repatriate hundreds of Islamic State fighters from Syria, taking back militants on a "case-by-case" basis, its justice minister said on Monday. U.S.-backed fighters appear poised to capture Islamic State's last enclave in Syria and Trump on Saturday pressed France, Britain and Germany to bring home more than 800 captured Islamic State fighters and put them on trial. Trump has sworn to pull U.S. forces from Syria after Islamic State's territorial defeat, raising concerns in Paris and other European capitals that jihadists from their countries could disperse and try to return to their home countries. "There is a new geo-political context, with the U.S. withdrawal. For the time being we are not changing our policy," Belloubet told France 2 television. "At this stage France is not responding to (Trump's) demands." French government policy had been to categorically refuse to take back fighters and their wives. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian referred to them as "enemies" of the nation who should face justice either in Syria or Iraq. But the prospect of the United States' withdrawal from Syria has forced France to prepare for the return of dozens of French jihadists held by U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner acknowledged in late January. Paris is already trying to repatriate minors on a case-by-case basis. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are holding about 150 French citizens in northeastern Syria, including 50 adults, military and diplomatic sources say. Germany, too, was cool toward Trump's demands, saying it could only take back Islamic State fighters if the suspects had consular access. (Reporting by Richard Lough and Caroline Pailliez, editing by Ed Osmond)Skopje (Republic of North Macedonia) (AFP) - Five former senior officials, including an ex-premier and ministers, have been investigated for allegedly having plotted the 2017 attack on parliament in Skopje, judicial sources said Wednesday.

About 100 demonstrators stormed the Macedonian parliament that April 27, attacking MPs in protest over the election of an ethnic Albanian Talat Xhaferi as the new speaker.

The appointment of Xhaferi, an opposition candidate, paved the way for the election of an opposition-led government in the former Macedonia, which since last week has been renamed the Republic of North Macedonia following historic agreement with neighbouring Greece.

The parliament attack was a culmination of a post-election crisis in which the conservative VMRO-DPMNE party led by Nikola Gruevski, that had ruled the country for almost a decade, tried to stop a change of government.

During the violence several MPs were violently beaten, including SDSM leader, Zoran Zaev, who has since became prime minister.

The investigation indicates that "the suspects at the beginning of 2017 had prepared and implemented a plan with the intention of preventing the peaceful transfer of power," the prosecutor said in a statement.

"For this purpose, they organised and materially supported the mass protests that culminated with the violent entry into the parliament," the statement said.

According to judicial sources, who asked not to be named, among the five suspects are fugitive former prime minister Gruevski and an ex-intelligence officer, who is also abroad.

Ex-parliamentary speaker Trajko Veljanovski, who was briefly detained as a suspect but released under the immunity he enjoys as an MP, denied involvement.

"I am not an organiser, I was president of the parliament for 10 years, how can I be an organiser," Veljanovski told reporters after leaving the court building.

The sources confirmed to AFP local media reports that two former ministers were also investigated and arrested earlier Wednesday.

One-time strongman Gruevski, who is close to Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, fled to Budapest in November 2018 to escape a two-year prison sentence, winning asylum there.Isis schoolgirl Shamima Begum is not a Bangladeshi citizen and will not be allowed to live there, according to the countrys ministry of foreign affairs .

The government of Bangladesh is deeply concerned that she [Begum] has been erroneously identified as a holder of dual citizenship, Shahrial Alam told the Guardian.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid ordered the 19-year-old Londoner, who wants to return to the UK with her newly-born child as the so-called caliphate crumbles, be stripped of UK citizenship, claiming she is also a citizen of Bangladesh due to her parentage.

Britain cannot remove the citizenship of a person who does not have dual nationality as doing so would make them stateless and is illegal under international law.

Shamima Begum had told the BBC she didnt see herself as an IS poster girl (Picture: BBC)

Tasnime Akunjee, the lawyer representing Begums family said the UK-born teenager of Bangladeshi heritage has never had a Bangladeshi passport and is not a dual citizen.

Mr Akunjee described the family as very disappointed over the move to strip Begum of UK citizenship and said they were considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision.

Lord Carlile, a former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said Bangladesh law would mean Begum would be a Bangladeshi national if Begums mother was one too.

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But Mr Akunjee told the Independent that the Bangladeshi government does not know who she is, adding: Our position is that to all practical purposes she has been made stateless.

Asked about Begum during PMQs, Theresa May said it is an important message to give that the Government will take action against those who are involved in terrorism.

She added: The question of deprivation is one that each Home Secretary deals with, there is a very clear set of criteria on which the Home Secretary considers that matter.

Not every member of the Begum family is against the Government decision.

Begums brother-in-law, Muhammad Rahman, said today that the British public should get behind the government revoking the 19-year-olds passport.

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Shamima Begums family are considering legal action after she was stripped of British citizenship (PA)

Mr Rahman, whose brother is married to Shamimas sister Renu, said: I think we should support it, they [the government] are the people who are in the position to make the decision.

The people who are making these decisions are doing it for the country. They dont have an easy job, you cant please everyone.

The information they have is to the best of their ability and the British people should support it.

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Begum said she was a bit shocked at the Home Office decision to strip her of UK citizenship.

After being informed of the news, Begum told ITV News that the decision was upsetting and frustrating.

She said: Its a bit unjust on me and my son

I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. Its a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like its a bit unjust on me and my son.

Begum said she may now try to claim citizenship through her Dutch husband.

Begum said she was a bit shocked over the decision to strip her of UK citizenship (ITV News/PA)

She added: Maybe I can ask for citizenship in Holland. If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison.

A Home Office spokesman said: In order to protect this country, he [Sajid Javid] has the power to deprive someone of their British citizenship where it would not render them stateless.

We do not comment on individual cases, but any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly.

On Monday, in an interview with the BBC, Begum compared the Manchester Arena bombing to military strikes on Isis strongholds, calling the terror attack retaliation.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has signalled she could be arrested and investigated if she returns to Britain.BRUSSELS, Feb 19 (Reuters) - EU lawmakers voted on Tuesday narrowly in favour of the European Union starting negotiations with the United States on a deal to lower tariffs on industrial goods.

The European Parliament's international trade committee voted by 21 to 17 on a resolution encouraging the 28 EU countries to back negotiating mandates put forward by the European Commission.

The resolution, which will go to a vote by the full chamber in March, is not binding, but has a bearing on possible talks with the United States, given that the parliament would have to approve any deal agreed.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; editing by John Stonestreet)Cairo (AFP) - Egypt hanged nine men on Wednesday for the 2015 assassination of the prosecutor general, judicial sources said, bringing to 15 the number of executions it has carried out this month.

Hisham Barakat was killed in June 2015 when a car bomb struck his convoy in Cairo following jihadist calls for attacks on the judiciary to avenge a crackdown on Islamists.

The nine men hanged on Wednesday were among 28 people sentenced to death in 2017 for involvement in his murder.

Their death sentences were upheld in November by the Court of Cassation, which commuted the sentences of six others to life imprisonment.

The sentences of the other defendants were not considered because they had been sentenced in absentia.

The hangings came despite an 11th-hour plea by human rights group Amnesty International on Tuesday for a stay of execution.

Amnesty International condemned the executions.

"Executing men who were convicted in trials marred by torture allegations is not justice but a testament to the magnitude of injustice in the country," said Najia Bounaim, Amnesty's North Africa campaigns director.

"Egyptian authorities must urgently halt this bloody execution spree which has seen them repeatedly putting people to death after grossly unfair trials in recent weeks."

Last week, Egypt hanged three people convicted of the 2013 murder of senior police officer Nabil Farag.

The previous week, it hanged three young "political detainees" convicted of the September 2013 murder of the son of a judge, Human Rights Watch reported.

No one claimed the 2015 attack against Barakat but authorities pointed the finger at members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood of ousted president Mohamed Morsi.

Since Morsi's overthrow by then army chief and now President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in 2013, Egypt has struggled to quell a jihadist insurgency and cracked down on Islamists who backed him.

Hundreds of Morsi supporters have been sentenced to death, while the former president and top Brotherhood figures have also faced trial.

The Muslim Brotherhood was outlawed and branded a terrorist organisation in December 2013, just months after Morsi's ouster.

Many of the death sentences have been handed down at mass trials involving hundreds of defendants and lasting just days.Robert Farley

Security,

How deadly is a Battlecruiser?

This Deadly Russian Warship Is the Closest Thing to a Battleship Sailing Today

Displacing twenty-six thousand tons, the Kirovs dwarfed previous Soviet surface ships. Indeed, the United States itself had not constructed surface warfare vessels of this size since World War II. Only aircraft carriers and large, flat-decked amphibs exceeded the Kirovs in size.

In the 1970s, the Soviet Union embarked on a project to do what no navy had done for decadesbuild a surface warfare vessel comparable in size to the battleships of World War I and World War II. The U.S. Navyand every other navy in the worldhad given up on ships of this size due to expense and vulnerability. Why concentrate capabilities in a single ship which could quickly fall victim to missiles and torpedoes?

(This first appeared in 2017.)

The Soviets not only persisted in building the ships, but have kept them in service even after the Cold War ended. Originally intended to threaten the U.S. Navys most precious warshipsaircraft carriers and ballistic missile submarinesthe surviving ships now play a different role, showing the flag and ensuring that the world keeps Russian naval power in mind.

Origins

The Kirovs (Project 1144) originated as nuclear powered antisubmarine cruisers, designed to either hunt American missile submarines, or protect Soviet nuclear bastions from U.S. and British attack boats. At the time of their initial conception, the Soviets did not focus on antiship capabilities in their surface ships. However, improvements in missile technology, combined with the increasing threat posed by American surface vessels and especially American carriers, made it possible to imagine a ship that could combine surface, subsurface and antisubmarine warfare capabilities.

The ship that could fulfill all of these missions was immensely large by Cold War standards. Built around the P-700 Granit surface-to-surface missile system, the Kirovs could threaten Western carrier battle groups while also carrying out an anti-submarine role. Displacing twenty-six thousand tons, the Kirovs dwarfed previous Soviet surface ships. Indeed, the United States itself had not constructed surface warfare vessels of this size since World War II. Only aircraft carriers and large, flat-decked amphibs exceeded the Kirovs in size.

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The battlecruisers also served another strategic purpose; power projection. The Kirovs used an unusual combination of nuclear and steam propulsion to generate a speed of thirty knots, while at the same time providing a backup in case of technical failures. This gave the ships long legs, in addition to extraordinary firepower. The Kirovs were ideal platforms for projecting Soviet prestige, forming the core of task forces that could influence political developments around the world. In the long range, the Soviet Navy expected the Kirovs to operate in tandem with its new (never built) class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

Impact

The construction of the Kirovs lent weight to arguments in the U.S. Navy in favor of recommissioning the Iowa class battleships. Although the vessels differed dramatically in capability and configuration, they were both big; the U.S. Navy imagined several new ways of packing systems onto the gigantic Iowa hulls that would make them formidable, multi-purpose ships. Eventually, the U.S. Navy would recommission the battleship with moderate modifications, improving their land-attack and surface-attack capabilities.

The Kirovs (and ships like them) also made clear that the Soviet surface fleet could pose a serious threat to U.S. carrier battlegroups, and potential to U.S. ballistic missile submarines. This resulted in increased attention to the conventional cruise missile threat, including improved radars and point defense systems.

Service and Upgrades

At the end of the Cold War, funding for the Soviet Navy collapsed. The fifth Kirov was cancelled, the first suffered damage and was never repaired, and construction of the fourth (Pyotr Velikiy) was delayed. In a move characteristic of the turbulent politics of twentieth-century Russia, all four existing and incomplete Kirovs acquired new names.

Currently only Pyotr Velikiy, the last of the four ships, remains in active service. But unlike some of the white elephants of the Soviet period, the Russians have found a good use for her. The Russian Navy has used Pyotr Velikiy heavily, showing the flag around the world to demonstrate the continued relevance of Russian seapower. She even conducted antipiracy operations for a time off Somalia, perhaps one of the greatest mismatches between mission and capability in recent memory.

Over the years, rumors have persisted regarding the return of the three other Kirovs to service. The Russian Federation finally decided, in 2015, to begin a thoroughgoing refit of Admiral Nakhimov, third ship in the class, and the only besides Pyotr Velikiy to receive significant postCold War maintenance. The refit will amount very nearly to a full reconstruction on lines similar to the rebuilds of battleships during the interwar period. Nakhimov will receive major upgrades in radars and electronics, as well as the addition of a Vertical Launch System to replace her existing array of SSMs. This will serve to make her a far more modern, capable unit. When Nakhimov leaves refit in 2018, Pyotr Velikiy is scheduled to receive the same treatment over a three-year period.

The other two ships will likely never return to service. Kirov (later Admiral Ushakov) suffered a reactor accident in 1990 and was never fully repaired. Frunze (now Admiral Lazarev) entered reserve in 1994, and is reputedly in very poor material condition.

The Kirovs fulfilled, and continue to fulfill, a very real role for Russian seapower. They can threaten U.S. assets, while also providing an impressive, prestigious platform for the display of Russian maritime prowess. They demonstrate that the large surface ship model that went out of style at the end of World War II can nevertheless result in a formidable collection of weapons, depending on the configuration of those systems. Assuming that the refits of Nakhimov and Pyotr Velikiy continue to go forward, we can anticipate continuing to see these ships in Russian service for decades.

Robert Farley, a frequent contributor to TNI, is a Visiting Professor at the United States Army War College. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

Read full articleBERLIN (Reuters) - The head of China's Huawei Technologies in Germany told a German newspaper that the Chinese government does not get involved in the company's business, adding the firm would work on being open and transparent in the debate about security of mobile networks. Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and allegations of enabling state espionage, with the United States calling for its allies not to use its technology. "The state does not have a stake in Huawei and it keeps out of our business," Dennis Zuo, the head of Huawei's German business told Handelsblatt newspaper. (Reporting by Michelle Martin; editing by Thomas Seythal)Madrid (AFP) - At the helm of the hugely divisive trial of Catalan separatist leaders, Supreme Court judge Manuel Marchena is performing a difficult balancing act, alternating firmness and leniency in live proceedings.

Seen as close to the conservative Popular Party (PP), which has taken a hard line against Catalan separatists, Marchena has trodden carefully in a trial he knows is under the domestic and foreign spotlight.

"At stake is his prestige, the prestige of the Supreme Court as well as the international image of Spain's judiciary," Xavier Vidal-Folch, deputy director of the El Pais daily, told Spanish radio on Wednesday.

He described Marchena as handling the proceedings "with great skill, with a little subtle irony and a lot of flexibility".

"Let's be serious," Marchena told one defence lawyer when refusing his demand to have Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont -- the main protagonist of a failed secession attempt in 2017 who fled Spain -- testify as a witness.

"You can't be a witness in the morning and a defendant in the afternoon."

But the 59-year-old judge, who has since 2014 presided over the criminal division of the Supreme Court, has also reprimanded prosecutors for some of their questions.

He also cut short the popular prosecution, a Spain-specific set-up that allows any citizen or organisation to be an accuser in court alongside public prosecutors -- in this case far-right party Vox.

Marchena warned the lawyer representing Vox that he would not allow "an ideological debate" in the courtroom.

- An eye on Europe -

The trial against 12 Catalan separatist leaders and activists, nine of whom are accused of rebellion, raised passions even before it started on February 12.

It is fiercely rejected by independence supporters in Catalonia but also fiercely supported by many Spaniards who watched aghast as Catalonia's executive tried to break from Spain in October 2017.

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Such were the accusations of partiality levelled against Spain's judiciary that the proceedings are being broadcast live on television in an effort at transparency.

And Marchena has showed a degree of leniency towards the defendants.

When the popular prosecution asked him to tell one defendant to remove a yellow ribbon he was wearing that has come to symbolise the independence movement's cause, he overruled it.

On the first day of the trial, Marchena "gave time and absolute freedom to all sorts of arguments", legal or political, from the defence lawyers, says Celso Rodriguez Padron, spokesman for the conservative-leaning Magistrates' Professional Association.

To support some of his decisions, Marchena has referred to legal precedents set by the European Court of Human Rights, knowing the defendants will likely take the case to the European body, says Ignacio Gonzalez Vega, spokesman for the progressive Judges for Democracy professional association.

- WhatsApp controversy -

Even before the trial, Catalan independence supporters were wary of Marchena, who will be writing up the sentence at the end.

Some of those on trial tried in vain to recuse him, claiming he was impartial and had alleged links to the PP, in power at the time of the secession bid.

They cited as an example a leaked WhatsApp message by conservative senator Ignacio Cosido who in November welcomed the promotion of Marchena at the head of the Supreme Court.

Cosido said it would allow the conservatives to "control" the court "behind the scenes", raising doubts over Marchena's independence.

After the controversy this generated, Marchena gave up the promotion and remained at the head of the criminal division of the Supreme Court.

Gonzalez Vega tells AFP Marchena is indeed a conservative judge.

But his supporters point to his track record as a prosecutor before he was named Supreme Court judge in 2007, and since then.

He "is a very well qualified magistrate, and there is no doubt over his independence," says Julio Perez Gil, a professor of procedural law at the University of Burgos who knows him personally.Amazon's announcement last week that it would no longer build a corporate headquarters out of New York City was met with harsh criticism from many state and local leaders. Mayor Bill de Blasio condemned the online retail company, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo , also a Democrat, lambasted the progressive politicians whose attacks against Amazon ultimately killed the deal."Amazon chose to come to New York because we are the capital of the world and the best place to do business. However, a small group [of] politicians put their own narrow political interests above their community," Cuomo said in a statement shortly after Amazon's announcement.But for backers of so-called opportunity zones, Amazon's withdrawal removes an unwelcome distraction from a burgeoning effort to attract new investment to low-income neighborhoods. Opportunity zones were created as part of the 2017 federal tax overhaul. If private investors plop money into these economically distressed neighborhoods, they can shield portions of their capital gains tax liability. There are 8,700 of these zones scattered across the country. One of them is in Long Island City, Queens, in New York, where Amazon was going to locate one of its two new headquarters.When Amazon made its HQ2 announcement in November, many people questioned the area's opportunity zone participation. If the neighborhood was attractive enough for the tech giant, then why did it need help from a federal investment program for distressed areas?When you first heard about the opportunity zone program, you said, 'Well this is helpful to poor people,'" says Timothy Weaver, an urban policy professor at the State University of New York at Albany. "But then you hear Amazons name and that doesnt seem like something to help the poor."On the same day Amazon announced its plans to move to Long Island City, Goldman Sachs announced that its opportunity zone fund was investing $83 million into the same neighborhood. The pairing of the two announcements, which Goldman Sachs said was a coincidence, led to sharp criticism of the opportunity zone program from the press.Unlike Goldman Sachs, Amazon is too large to have qualified for an opportunity zone tax break. But the company nonetheless would have benefited from it being an opportunity zone, say Weaver and others. For instance, Goldmans Sachs had already planned to finance construction of apartments in Long Island City.Now, with the Amazon move off the table, Weaver suggests the opportunity zone plan, at least in Long Island City, can move forward on its merits.I certainly think the HQ2 saga has been an unfortunate distraction at the expense of the thousands of needy communities nationwide that stand to benefit from thoughtful opportunity zone implementation, says John Lettieri, the president and chief executive officer of the Economic Innovation Group, the think tank that helped draft the opportunity zone language in the 2017 tax plan. That group, started by Napster founder and former Facebook executive Sean Parker, has spent more than five years trying to draw investment to economically depressed areas.There are outliers, but the national numbers aren't ambiguous: The vast majority of opportunity zones are facing an array of deep socioeconomic challenges," Lettieri says. "They deserve far more serious attention than they are getting."Neither Lettieri or Weaver will speculate on whether Amazon's exit will have an impact on investment in the Long Island City opportunity zone. The program is still new. The rules governing opportunity zones are still subject to change, and the market conditions are always in flux, Lettieri says.And questions remain as to whether the program will deliver jobs or services as intended. Weaver has long been a critic of opportunity zones. His belief is that a tax incentive program like this one naturally will encourage those investments designed to deliver maximum returns. That means high-yield projects like real estate developments, but not other projects that could perhaps better serve distressed communities.The type of things we might want in these neighborhoods -- schools, libraries or playgrounds -- have nothing to do with investment and profit, Weaver says.Brussels (AFP) - Prime Minister Theresa May said she had made "progress" in talks with the EU on Wednesday as she sought to extract concessions on the terms of Britain's divorce, but as expected there was no major breakthrough.

With less than six weeks until Brexit day, May met European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker hoping for movement on the "Irish backstop" issue -- after EU leaders insisted they would not restart negotiations.

Fears are growing that Britain could yet crash out without a deal, and there was fresh drama just before May headed to Brussels as three of her MPs resigned from her Conservative party in protest over Brexit to join a new independent group of lawmakers.

Citing the risk of a "hard" Brexit, ratings agency Fitch on Wednesday warned it could downgrade Britain, while the pound slipped against the US dollar.

A joint statement from May and Juncker called their meeting "constructive", striking a slightly more positive tone than when they met a fortnight ago.

"The two leaders agreed that talks had been constructive, and they urged their respective teams to continue to explore the options in a positive spirit," the statement said.

Separately, May said she had stressed the need for "legally binding changes to the backstop" -- though the EU has ruled this out.

"Weve agreed that work to find a solution will continue at pace, time is of the essence and its in both our interests that when the UK leaves the EU it does so in an orderly way. And so weve made progress," May said.

May and the other 27 EU leaders approved a Brexit withdrawal agreement at a summit on November 25 last year, but the British leader's own parliament rejected it overwhelmingly on January 15.

Since then, May and her ministers have repeatedly met EU leaders and their negotiator Michel Barnier to urge them to reopen the text to find a way to appease eurosceptic MPs.

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- 'Backstop' stumbling block -

The main stumbling block has been the Irish backstop, which provides for Britain to remain in the EU customs union until a way is found -- such as a future free trade deal -- to ensure that Ireland's border with Northern Ireland remains open.

Brexiteers in May's own Conservative party see this as a "trap" to keep Britain tied to the bloc indefinitely, and have demanded a time limit or exit clause.

But such a clause would be seen in Brussels as a betrayal of EU member Ireland and has consistently been given short shrift by EU officials.

May and Juncker's statement indicated a fresh push to see what guarantees the EU could offer on the backstop to convince sceptical MPs it will not be used to trap Britain.

It also suggested the political declaration outlining plans for future EU-UK ties could be beefed up to "increase confidence" that both sides will try to reach a future deal as soon as possible, so the backstop never has to be used.

May said her Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox would be back in Brussels on Thursday -- just three days since their last visit -- as the pace of negotiations picks up.

A European source said Cox, whose legal analysis of May's deal confirmed Brexiteer fears, will have a key role to play.

If Brussels does enough on the backstop to persuade Cox to soften his advice, it could help swing the parliamentary arithmetic behind the prime minister.

Without a deal, Britain is due to leave the Union abruptly after four decades on March 29, with no follow-on agreement or transition period to manage trade and economic relations.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will meet Barnier on Thursday.

Officials in both Brussels and London have played down talk that an EU-Arab League summit in Egypt this weekend could become a "Brexit in the desert" meet, insisting the issue would not hijack the gathering.

- Economic chaos feared -

Both sides have said they want to avoid a no deal Brexit, and many experts foresee economic chaos, even warning of food and medicine shortages or a renewed threat of unrest in Northern Ireland.

Manufacturing supply chains could be disrupted, and Brexit uncertainty has already been cited as a contributing factor in the closure or departure of several British-based businesses.

On the EU side, the commission on Wednesday published an update on its no-deal planning, with seven out of 19 legal proposals to mitigate the effects now approved.

One option to avoid no deal would be for Brussels to accord Britain an extension to the March 29 deadline, although May insists she will not request a delay.

A delay could keep Britain inside the EU for May 23-26 elections for a new European Parliament, which will start sitting from July 2, presumably without any British members.

burs-pdw/je/tomBy John Whitesides and James Oliphant WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, the progressive populist who mounted a fierce challenge to front-runner Hillary Clinton in the 2016 White House campaign, said on Tuesday he would again seek the Democratic Partys presidential nomination in 2020. Sanders, 77, announced his candidacy in a lengthy early morning email to supporters, pledging to build a vast grassroots movement to confront the special interests that he said dominate government and politics. "Our campaign is about creating a government and economy that works for the many, not just the few," Sanders said in the email, asking for 1 million people to sign up to start the effort. The senator from Vermont launched his insurgent 2016 candidacy against Clinton as a long shot, but ended up capturing 23 state nominating contests and pushing the party to the left, generating tension between its establishment and liberal wings that has not entirely abated. This time around, Sanders has been among the leaders in opinion polls of prospective 2020 candidates, but he faces a field more heavily populated with other liberal progressives touting many of the same ideas he brought into the party mainstream. That could make it harder to generate the same level of fervent support as four years ago. He also is likely to face questions about his age and relevance in a party that is increasingly advancing more diverse and fresh voices, including those of women and minorities - groups that Sanders struggled to win over in 2016. The primaries and caucuses that determine the party's nominee begin in February 2020 in Iowa, and the Democratic winner is likely to face President Donald Trump, a Republican, in the general election in November. Sanders has been an unsparing critic of Trump, and in his email he called him "the most dangerous president in modern American history." "We are running against a president who is a pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe and someone who is undermining American democracy as he leads us in an authoritarian direction," Sanders said. 'COMPLETING THE REVOLUTION' Among those already in the Democratic race are fellow Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. "Together, you and I and our 2016 campaign began the political revolution. Now, it is time to complete that revolution and implement the vision that we fought for," Sanders said in his email to supporters. Sanders, a political independent and democratic socialist who caucuses with Democrats in the Senate, said he would push in his campaign for many of the same issues that powered his 2016 bid and resonated with younger voters, including universal healthcare, raising the minimum wage, and free public college tuition. "Three years have come and gone. And, as a result of millions of Americans standing up and fighting back, all of these policies and more are now supported by a majority of Americans," he said. A former mayor of Burlington, Vermont, Sanders won a U.S. House of Representatives seat in 1990, making him the first independent elected to the House in 40 years. In 2006, he won a U.S. Senate seat and in 2018 was voted in for a third six-year term. His push against Clinton, a former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state, was notable because few Democrats seemed inclined to challenge her claim on the nomination. Sanders candidacy swiftly became a phenomenon, as he spoke to swelling crowds and garnered passionate support on social media. Unlike Clinton, he refused to take money from corporate political action committees, or PACs, relying on a flood of small-dollar donations. When he ultimately conceded and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Clinton, some of his supporters booed. At the time, Sanders said his populist platform would endure. (Reporting by John Whitesides and James Oliphant; Editing by Colleen Jenkins, Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney)Former acting Director of the FBI Andrew McCabe and President Trump (Yahoo News photo Illustration; photos: AP, Getty)

In the early days of Donald Trumps presidency, then Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe was summoned to the White House to discuss a highly sensitive national security investigation.

Little did he imagine he was about to wander into a Mel Brooks movie. At least that is how McCabe depicts the meeting in one of the more curious scenes in his headline-grabbing new book, The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump.

The meeting in question came at an unusually tense moment. The FBI had just concluded that national security adviser Michael Flynn had lied to agents about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States. Then chief of staff Reince Priebus, accompanied by White House counsel Don McGahn and other staffers, demanded that McCabe show him the evidence.

But then, as McCabe relays it, the senior White House officials got distracted by the TV in the room, which was airing a breaking news story about events in the White House.

Everyone turned toward the screen and they all began to talk about the story, which they said had been leaked, writes McCabe. He cant remember what the story was about only how much it upset them. They had a heated conversation.

While the top White House officials angrily debated who had leaked the story, McCabe just sat there, waiting patiently for the argument to finish so the meeting could get back to what he had been called to discuss: whether the national security adviser to the president had been compromised by the Russians.

If the scene sounds surreal and richly comical, it is only one of many such moments scattered throughout McCabes memoir. Written in a dry, just-the-facts tone, it portrays an administration whose top officials were petty, volatile, indecisive and obsessed with prejudices and preconceived notions that made them impervious to rational argument or actual evidence.

FBI acting Director Andrew McCabe during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing. (Photo: Alex Brandon/AP)

Much has already been written and said about the authors scathing portrait of President Trump. The day after firing McCabes boss, James Comey, Trump called up McCabe  the new acting director  and in the course of a rambling conversation erupted in anger over the fact that Comey was permitted to fly back from Los Angeles on a government plane. Trump demanded that Comey be banned from retrieving his personal effects from the FBI building and improbably insisted, according to McCabe's retelling of events, that he had received hundreds of messages from FBI employees expressing how happy they were that he had gotten rid of Comey. Trump then called McCabes wife a loser for being beaten in a race for the Virginia state Senate.

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Less has been said about McCabes more subtle moves to undermine the president, separate and apart from launching a counterintelligence investigation to determine if Trump was a Russian asset. McCabe writes that he was aghast when Trump declared he wanted to come to the J. Edgar Hoover Building to talk to the FBI rank and file. Contrary to Trumps firm belief, McCabe said he knew that most of the FBI troops were demoralized by Comeys firing and deeply resented the dismissal of the popular director. McCabe suggested Trump come two days later and speak in the courtyard, knowing the weather forecast called for rain.

But McCabes depiction of Trumps first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, may be the most damning aspect of the book. Sessions, according to McCabe, showed no interest in the regular national security briefings he would receive from the FBI. He wouldnt open up written briefs sent to him on a secure tablet, looked visibly bored during in-person sessions and would confuse classified information with tidbits he read in the newspapers. Sessions barely hid his personal prejudices  referring to the many Irish-American drunks the FBI used to hire  and knew little about how federal law enforcement actually works. When briefed about Colombian drug trafficking, the AG went apoplectic and demanded to know why the FBI wasnt deploying more boats to stop the shipments, apparently unaware that the bureau has no fleet of boats. It is the Coast Guard, not the bureau, that has ships to interdict drug shipments at sea.

Sessions obsession was immigration, and he would constantly interrupt his FBI briefings with inappropriate questions, McCabe writes, wanting to know the nationality and country of origin of terrorism suspects and other criminal suspects.

How many counter-terrorism cases did we have against immigrants? Sessions would ask in McCabe's retelling. (We dont tally them that way, McCabe would patiently explain.) Sessions would get red-faced and angry at times, demanding to know why the FBI was reading Miranda rights to overseas terror suspects. He expressed impatience with the FBIs efforts to find a former agent, Robert Levinson, who had gone missing in Iran. How much longer are we going to do this? How much money are we going to spend on this? McCabe quotes Sessions as saying.

According to McCabe, Sessions even seemed to question why the FBI bothered to search for other Americans detained or being held hostage overseas at all. The implication was that some of these people had it coming: If you traveled to Iran and then found yourself locked up, it was your own damn fault, McCabe wrote.

Former FBI Director James Comey testifies on Capitol Hill. (Photo: Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, comes off as a tortured, Hamlet-like figure. In the critical days after Comeys firing, Rosenstein  in McCabes telling  was confused, distracted and demoralized. He waffled about appointing a special counsel to oversee the Russia probe. Rosenstein grew emotional and a little glassy-eyed after discovering that Trump had used Rosenstein's memo as the basis for firing Comey. The deputy attorney general wanted outside advice and incredibly, according to McCabe, tells him that the one person he really wanted to talk to about the situation was Comey, the man he had just helped Trump fire.

Even Robert Mueller doesnt get off entirely scot free. McCabes portrait of the stern, no-nonsense Mueller is priceless. As FBI director, Mueller  with his starched white shirts and Marine lieutenant demeanor  was intimidating and ball-busting. In briefings, writes McCabe, Mueller would eviscerate people who did not know what they were talking about or hadnt followed up on things that hed asked them about.

In a previously unknown anecdote, McCabe describes how, after Comeys firing, Mueller himself was called to the White House to be interviewed by Trump about returning to his former job as FBI director. He didnt get the job. After leaving the interview, an awkward problem developed. Mueller had left his cellphone behind. The matter was brought to the attention of Rosenstein, who had to arrange to retrieve Muellers cellphone from the Oval Office.

There is much that readers wont learn from McCabes book: What exactly was the evidence that prompted the FBI to launch its investigation into the Trump campaign in the first place? What criteria did McCabe use to initiate the later counterintelligence probe, and  even more importantly  what did the bureau learn after the investigation began that either supported or contradicted McCabes initial assessment that Trump might be acting as a Russian asset? There is also precious little about McCabes own lapses, such as misleading federal investigators on four occasions about his role in authorizing the disclosure of information for a news story. It was that finding, by the Justice Department inspector general, that prompted McCabe's firing last March, less than 24 hours before he was set to retire and start receiving his FBI pension.

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Read more from Yahoo News:Today, fashion lost one of the greats. The designer Karl Lagerfeld passed away at the age of 85. He leaves behind an unrivaled legacy as one of the most prolific designers of our time. For decades, he served as creative director at luxury brands Chanel, Fendi, and his eponymous line; Fendi notes in their statement that his tenure there was "the longest relationship in the fashion world between a designer and a fashion house."

Lagerfeld was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1933. At age 22, he took a role as an assistant to Pierre Balmain, beginning a storied, six-decade-long career in fashion. He worked tirelessly until the very end of his life, WWD reports, giving instructions to his teams for the Fendi fall ready-to-wear collection, due to take place in Milan on Thursday.

With unparalleled creativity and boundless vision, Karl Lagerfeld made a lasting impact on fashion. He was well-known for producing theatrical shows at Paris Fashion Week, including a supermarket shopping spree, a carnival, a protest, and even a man-made beach  all while finding endless ways to reimagine the Chanel suit or the Fendi Zucca print, which he conceived himself. Even his personal image was meticulously crafted. His black sunglasses, sharply-tailored separates, silver ponytail, and fingerless gloves are as iconic as his designs.

He was also adept at discovering and nurturing new talent. It was quite an honor to be named a Chanel muse, and Karl crowned several, including Kaia Gerber, Lily Rose-Depp, Kristen Stewart, Cara Delevingne, and Willow Smith, who appeared on our May 2016 cover wearing a look by the fashion house.

As a public figure, Karl Lagerfeld was polarizing to say the least. His litany of snarky quotes seemed endless, some admonishing sweatpants ("a sign of defeat") and others dismissing fashion trends ("trendy is the last stage before tacky"). He held inflammatory views on everything from sexual harassment to the body positive movement. He often had rifts with other designers, once saying of Yves Saint Laurent, "He is very middle-of-the-road French-very pied-noir, very provincial." But his loved ones describe him as warm and kind. He was especially doting to his nephew and godson Hudson Kroenig, who sometimes walked beside him at runway finales, and his famously spoiled cat Choupette.

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Whether you knew Karl personally or admired his work from afar, it's clear his impact will be felt for generations to come. Models like Kaia Gerber, Veronica Webb, and Kimora Lee Simmons credit Karl for mentoring them and propelling their careers into the stratosphere. Veronica says Karl "helped to make [her] the toast of Paris runways," and Kimora shares "Karl made [her] a better model, designer, creative director, and mother, and [she is] forever indebted to him, like so many." We reached out to 12 fashion people  including designers, journalists, stylists and models  to share what Karl Lagerfeld meant to them.

Prabal Gurung, Designer

It was the 2010 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund dinner when the late Karl Lagerfeld presented me with my award. Winning this award was so surreal, and even more so to receive an award from a designer whom I've been in awe of ever since I was a kid. I'll never forget his words  both extremely encouraging and hilarious. I shall forever cherish this moment. Karl, with your words, you made this guy, a kid from Nepal, dream even bigger. Thank you. We will miss you."

Kimora Lee Simmons, Designer and Model

Karl was the ultimate innovator. His expectation for himself was no different than what he expected from the people around him  and from the world. He expected excellence and to him, design was life. He felt a personal responsibility to create and pay homage to beauty. He inspired me with his ability to exist in so many worlds at once. He was a free agent in his life, contributing to so many houses and his own namesake label, while also being an artist and a photographer and working on so many collaborations. Creatively, he managed so many audiences and always remained true to his vision. That definitely helped to inspire the entrepreneur I became  to exist in many worlds at the same time through design, modeling, and innovation.

Karl transformed me. He made me who I am today. As a young teenager he pulled me out of a small town in the Midwest and gave me wings to fly. Every other casting agent told me I was ugly and that I didnt have what it took to succeed in modeling. Karl saw things in a radically different way than other designers who werent willing to risk putting a multi-ethnic girl on the Parisian runway. That happened 30+ years ago and the need for inclusivity in fashion is still a part of the conversation today! I can remember being at 31 Rue Cambon, and Karl telling me to stand up straight and to be confident  when I had no confidence at all. He told me that I would conquer the world. Under his tutelage, I stood up straight and began giving my ideas clearly. Now that I have teenage daughters of my own, I remember to teach that confidence every single day. He taught me everything about business, beauty and fashion  how to take risks and how to command a brand. Karl made me a better model, designer, creative director, and mother and I am forever indebted to him, like so many. Were going to feel this tremendous loss forever.

Veronica Webb, Model

I cannot imagine the history of modern fashion without Karl Lagerfeld. Karl was a friend and a mentor who gave me extraordinary chances from the day I met him though Andre Leon Talley, the former creative director of American Vogue. Karl photographed me for his KL campaigns and helped to make me the toast of Paris runways. There is not a person of note working today in fashion, music, or film that was not touched by his genius. He will be forever remembered as a king of couture culture who democratized fashion.

Amanda Murray, Stylist

I remember watching Valentinos documentary, The Last Emperor Of Fashion. Theres a scene with Karl Lagerfield and Valentino. Karl says to him, Dont you ever stop designing, I wont forgive you if you do." A week later, Valentino resigned as the Creative Director of his namesake brand. That really spoke to me about Karl and what he meant to fashion. He never stopped designing. Regardless of his age and the unpredictable and ever-changing sphere of fashion, he kept going on. That has truly inspired me to keep moving forward in this industry. He was the nucleus of luxury fashion and his presence will be deeply missed."

Adesuwa Aighewi, Model

In this life, some of us are privileged enough to meet certain souls that change your life. To me, that was Karl Lagerfeld. I could go on and on about how he changed my life but I think he did that for a lot of people. Regardless of his work in fashion, that man was a beam of light to anyone he came across. Ill forever be grateful to have shared space and time with him. Karl taught me to be fearless regardless of what the obstacles may be. Karl, the outlier, it was my utmost privilege to have met, worked, laughed with you. Ill cherish it forever.

Tyler McCall, Deputy Editor, Fashionista

"I've followed Karl Lagerfeld's career for years, and while he's certainly presented me with some problematic moments, his design abilities always left me inspired to dream. Lagerfeld, the person, was almost less important than Lagerfeld, the myth; the genius who could send us rocketing to the moon, glitter boots in tow, or emerging pearl-clad from the sea as Florence Welch sang from inside a seashell. The industry will shine just a little less brightly without him around."

Teddy Quinlivan, Model

Karl did something that not many designers are able to do, he excited people of all backgrounds, rich and poor. He made people excited to engage with fashion, and was a household name, an icon of 20th and 21st century pop culture. He gave fashion the theatrics that it needed to keep you interested: the sets, the music, the celebrity, the models, and of course, the decadent clothes. While I was so honored to work with him and to walk his shows, he had influenced my tastes since I can first remember paying attention to fashion. His collections of the 2000s had an everlasting impact on how I saw proportion, texture, and color. He treated the body like a canvas to create a work of art and now I wake up every day and dress myself with his signature codes of elegance in mind.

Raul Lopez, Designer

'When I took over Chanel, everybody said to me Dont touch it. Its dead. And I said to myself I love that people think that. Now lets see.'  KL

Karl has always been an idol to me, and has profoundly influenced my life in fashion. This quote burns in my mind sometimes, because it highlights the most important aspect of this life and industry  believing in yourself! When someone said no to him, he transformed it into a yes! Its powerful to understand that even our heroes are discouraged from following their heart, and even more important to know that even under those circumstances, they thrived because they believed in their talent. Karl has left a legacy that designers today can only aspire to."

"I have a contentious relationship with Karl Lagerfeld. Chanel Fall 2014 is the collection that cemented my love of fashion, so I have to credit Karl. But I have been a fierce critic of Karls recent collections, as they more or less seemed to rely on the grandeur of the Chanel sets rather than innovative design. And its also hard not to think about his infamous comments. Karl was a product of his time, a fantasy, a showman, and a bit outdated now. He will always be remembered, but fashion will evolve into something new and better without him."

Lindsey Wixson, Model

I can only say feel so blessed to have been one of many of his muses. To have experienced such a remarkable presence, so kind and caring to me, to have been deemed worthy of such artistry from Chanel and their entire company, I love you Karl!

Krystle Rodriguez, Stylist

I think I speak for everyone when I say Karl Lagerfeld is a legend in his own right. He spoke his mind and never shied away from what he believed. He defied the rules and made fashion cool and fun. I still reference back to Chanel shows from the 80s and early 90s for inspiration. In my opinion, he has always been one of the most critical fashion pioneers, there will never be another one like him. I am proud to be an owner of his art.

Lou Stoppard, Fashion Journalist and Curator

Its a very sad day. Karl Lagerfelds death represents the end of a certain era of fashion, a certain style of designer. Will we have a designer complete a decade at the helm of a house, let alone 5, 6 or 7 decades? Will there ever be that same cult of personality, that same unrelenting commitment and energy, that strictness of aesthetic across all areas of a house? And also, that same appetite for learning? That same joy in new references, new inspirations? But maybe its wrong to relate Lagerfeld to an era of fashion or a past type of designer, as in the end, he was totally unique. He was made for the task. The master. Undoubtedly.

Additional Reporting by Tahirah Hairston and Alyssa Hardy

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Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: Designer Karl Lagerfeld Has Died at 851910 Borbonese

Italian label Borbonese, which was established in 1910 and rose to a peak of success in the Seventies, is launching during Milan Fashion Week a new line, called 1910 Borbonese.

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Fashion is not only about style anymore, but its about a language and to reach the right audience we have to talk to them through their own world, engaging them and involving them in the changing process, transmitting our values through a new communication and product vocabulary, said Borbonese chief executive officer Alessandro Pescara, who tapped M1992 creative director Dorian Tarantini and Matteo Mena, also part of M1992s creative team, to design the brands first collection.

The choice of Dorian and Matteo is the result of a careful analysis of the strategic direction, which I intend to give to the company, Pescara explained. The main goal will be to reach a new consumer audience expanding Borboneses traditional one with a focus on Millennials, which means that part of the global population with the biggest purchasing power in the immediate future.

Under the new 1910 Borbonese 1910, Tarantini and Mena will present a limited-edition capsule collection infused with their signature subcultural sensibility and passion for the Eighties.

In keeping with the Borbonese brands heritage, the designer focused on the brands staples, including the signature OP motif and the extensive use of leather.

A look from the 1910 Borbonese fall 2019 collection.

During the first meeting with Dorian and Mena, we shared the same vision of the future both in terms of positioning and strategy to expand the brands audience, said Pescara, highlighting that the collection is supposed to attract younger, fashion-oriented customers. Nowadays, creative directors are no longer only designers, they are eclectic personalities with interests spanning from art to music and the cross-pollination that is created generates different languages targeting the communities of young people by creating styles and moods that influence both people of the same age and previous generations.

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And the mix and match of different cultural inspirations is definitely the signature approach of Tarantini and Mena, who created a bold lineup showing dramatic coats, tailored suits with constructed, strong shoulders, body-con bodysuits, long and miniskirts, as well as slipdresses. Jackets show maxi buttons, while oversize puffers and sportswear staples are printed with eye-catching slogans and allover patterns of bucolic landscapes, as well as photo prints from the Borbonese archives. Suede and leather are juxtaposed to velour and denim in the collection, which is based on a color palette of black, white, OP beige and red. Accessories include chunky wedges and killer stiletto heels.

1910 Borbonese was born as a capsule collection to start a process of innovation and cross-pollination, which  respecting the heritage and the history of Borbonese  will communicate to the younger generations a new way of experiencing and considering the brand, Pescara said. Our products will create a new style and a new language to identify those customers who will purchase them.

The collection, which will be available in selected brick-and-mortar and online stores in the world, will retail from 270 euros for T-shirts to 2,500 euros for leather trenches.  Alessandra Turra

Officina del Poggio by Arizona Muse

Italian accessories label Officina del Poggio has teamed with model and sustainable fashion champion Arizona Muse on a capsule collection of eco-friendly bags to be presented on Feb. 24 at the Senato Hotel Milano.

Officina del Poggio was established in 2014 by Allison Hoeltzel, who relocated from Texas to Bologna, Italy, during her MBA at the Southern Methodist University to do an internship at the local Opera House. Falling in love with the Italian culture and lifestyle, she decided to settle down in the European country where she built a professional career in fashion by developing and managing product lines for international brands, including Stuart Weitzman, Sonia Rykiel and Alfred Dunhill.

For this collection, Hoeltzel and Muse reworked some of the brands iconic bags, including the Mini Safari, featuring a special construction where a wooden form is wrapped with sustainable leather and fabric, the Bici Bag, inspired by bicycle tool kits, as well as the Toscano Clutch.

Arizona Muse posing with one of the bags of the capsule collection she designed for Officina del Poggio.

Arizona has prompted us to ask more questions about the provenance of the materials we use, and guided us to investigate and source sustainable materials to substitute existing ones, such as finding a new velvet fabric, which not only uses organic cotton but is organically dyed in a method that limits environmental pollution, said Hoeltzel, highlighting that they were supported in the research of sustainable materials by London-based nonprofit organization The Sustainable Angle. The beauty of this collaboration is that this research, knowledge and use of materials wont stop after this capsule. We plan to continue to apply this criteria and knowledge in future material research, and many of these materials can continue to be used throughout future collections.

Along with the mentioned velvet, the collection includes designs manufactured from synthetic leather realized using 100 percent traceable recycled polyester, as well as vegetal-tanned Tuscan leather.

I already appreciated Officina Del Poggios ethos and approach to bag-making, with their timeless styles and a focus on fine materials and constructions, making the bags pieces which will last a lifetime and already a first step in the right direction. We just took it one step further, finding new materials that were more sustainable, without altering the quality or aesthetic of the product, Muse said. My goal is to help fashion brands understand that they can approach the process of becoming more sustainable through successive steps, which is more feasible and less-intimidating. Through these small steps, we can make a big impact.

The capsule collection retail from 595 euros to 1,195 euros  A.T.

Mila Schon

Mila is back is the claim that Japanese company Itochu chose to announce the relaunch of the Milan-based luxury label Mila Schon.

Established by the namesake Dalmatian designer in 1965 with a runway show at the legendary Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti in Florence, the label built a name for itself with its forward-thinking modernism, which attracted a lot of celebrities in the Sixties, including the late Lee Radziwill. She wore the brand on several special occasions, including the famed 1966s Black and White Ball, which she attended with Truman Capote.

In 1992, Schon sold her business with the Mila Schon trademark to Itochu, and in 1999, the Japanese company transferred the labels Italian business to the Mariella Burani Group while keeping the brands trademark. Schon passed away in 2008, just before the inauguration of a retrospective dedicated to her fashion career hosted at Milans Palazzo Reale. From 2018, the brand is once again under Itochus watch.

We consider this new phase as the repositioning of the Mila Schon brand in the market in order to rediscover the origins of Mila Schons style, which had a first great success in the Sixties, said Itochu Italiana SpA president Hiroaki Kikukawa. Our strategy for this operation in Italy is to clarify the concept of the brands style, which should be recognizable and also clarify its target in the market.

To execute this strategy, Itochu has tapped Gunn Johansson, former designer at Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Agnona, as the creative director of the brand.

A look from the Mila Schon fall 2019 collection.

We would like to reestablish the sharpness and elegance of Mila Schons DNA from the Sixties, taking the heritage and making it into modern clothing of todays woman. Our fame has always been linked to double-faced fabrics and we will stay true to this form and workmanship, said Johansson, who will present her debuting collection for Mila Schon with a presentation on Feb. 20 at the brands Milanese showroom on Via Montebello. Made in Italy is important for us, its crucial to continue working with a fantastic tradition of tailoring and workmanship of artisans that have created Mila Schons collections since the beginning. Our collection starts with a few key items and will evolve into a complete wardrobe with time. Dresses and knitwear will be categories we will also concentrate on for the future.

The Mila Schon brand is returning to the market with a cohesive, restrained collection based on the idea of timeless luxurious essentials.

The lineups core consists of four coats cut in different shapes. The La Scala Coat is an oversize kimono coat infused with effortless elegance  that looks good over a smart dress as over a chunky sweater with jeans, said Johansson; the City Coat is a feminine elegant shape with gold metallic buttons injected with a Sixties flair; the Milano Coat is a daily belted style, while the Robe Coat is a design to be wrapped around the body for a warm and soft look. The collection also includes a double-breasted jacket crafted from cashmere or a wool-cashmere blend in ten colors, as well as a skirt in three different lengths, fine knits and some heavier sweaters with a sporty feel. Completing the lineup, intarsia dresses are crafted from printed and double-faced silks.

Wool and cashmere jackets and coats retail from 1,400 euros to 1,700 euros, while pure cashmere outerwear styles go from 2,700 euros to 3,500 euros. The cashmere knits range from 550 euros to 1,200 euros.

Top 10 customers in Italy and one in each European capital is the distribution goal set by Kikukawa for the first season. For the rest of the world, basically one store for each country, starting with Moscow and New York. We dont plan a direct e-commerce at the moment, he added.  A.T.

Carlotta Canepa

Carlotta Canepas decision to embark on a solo project and launch her namesake collection three years ago was triggered by her familys textile business, which is specialized in the production of silk fabrics for luxury fashion houses.

I learned rapidly to put into practice the expertise of recognizing the quality of a fabric and harmonizing silhouettes while injecting vigor and elegance, Canepa explained.

I felt it was time for me to create my own label and be able to express my philosophy, focusing on premium fabrics, Made in Italy, ethics and sustainability, she added.

Sustainability is also one of her family business pillars as the company  based on the Lake Como  has patented the Canepa Kitotex SavetheWater process, which avoids microplastics and reduces water and energy consumption, by 90 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

I believe that today the sensibility toward sustainability is huge. Its urgent to safeguard the planet, which is hosting us. A clean way of doing fashion is a quality that speaks for itself. I want to offer ethic fashion, and respectful, too, because there is no planet B, she contended.

A look from Carlotta Canepa fall 2019 collection.

Drawing inspiration from the arts and blending in references from different cultures, Canepa described her clothes as a textile metissage. She has cemented her vision with sharp and chic silhouettes that spotlight the preciousness of fabrics, often punctuated with retro prints.

Case in point: For fall, Canepa said she was thinking about the Sixties and developed a lineup of wardrobe staples with generous shapes. Fluid overcoats, high-waisted skirts with side pockets and silk shirts bear geometric designs juxtaposed with colorful prints of the magnolia tree and ikat motifs, infusing a certain exoticism to the clothes.

The designer will present her sixth collection supported by the local fashion chamber on central Via Gesu.

Described by Canepa as a premium contemporary collection, her designs are available in a number of Italian stores such as Wait and See in Milan; Pandemonium in Rome, and San Carlo in Turin, as well as at international doors, including Amsterdam-based Pauw; Istanbuls Luxury Department Store, and Dantendorfer in Wien. Were still small, but were growing, Canepa said.  Martino Carrera

Sartore

Luxury footwear label Sartore is relaunching following the closing of a new distribution agreement with its longtime manufacturing partner Vittorio Virgili Srl.

The brand, which was founded in the early Sixties by Paul Sartore and is now controlled by his daughters Catherine and Francoise Sartore, reached a peak in its popularity in the Nineties when it was sold in the best stores in the world.

We have been producing this brand since 2004 and our family established a great relationship with the Sartore family since we share the same values, said Vittorio Virgili chief executive officer Monica Virgili. Over the past four years, the brand actually lost visibility and the business had a significant slowdown. Since we strongly believe in the potential of Sartore and Catherine and Francoise trust us, we decided to start handling the distribution in order to return the brand to its splendor.

Starting from this fall season, Sartore, which is known for its artisanal equestrian boots and the Western booties showing the iconic flame intarsia, will present and sell its collections in both the brands Milanese showroom and in the Fo.ri multibrand showroom in New York.

A style from Sartore fall 2019 collection.

In keeping with the tradition of the label, the fall 2019 collection features two different product ranges. Texane, which accounts for about 70 percent of Sartores total business, includes different variations of the westerns boots rendered in a wide range of leathers, which are treated with vegetable dyes to obtain special 3-D effects.

The other range, named Faubourg from the brands boutique located on Paris Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, consists of riding boots, loafers and brogues with chunky soles.

According to Virgili, Sartore, which is available in 150 stores around the world, including Le Bon Marche a Parigi, Gio Moretti in Milan, Barneys in New York and Isetan in Tokyo, aims to be distributed in between 200 and 250 boutiques by 2020, when the company also plans to introduce mens collections.

The goal is to significantly expand our presence outside our biggest markets, which are France and Japan, accounting for 40 percent and 30 percent of our total business, respectively, Virgili said.

Sartore footwear collections retail from 700 euros to 1,100 euros.  A.T.Plus, Kim Kardashian "takes a stand" against designer knockoffs.

Photo: Rob Loud/Getty Images

These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Wednesday.

Gucci issues guidelines to deal with angry shoppers

Gucci sent out guidelines to its employees on ways to deal with protestors and angry customers. According to an internal memo obtained by TMZ, the brand told its staff to "focus on de-escalation" and to "never engage in a verbal or physical altercation with a client," and then provided them with scripts for different situations. As for the blackface sweater, Gucci authorized its workers to apologize on behalf of the company and accept any return of the item, even if it goes against their 14-day return policy. {TMZ}

Vogue Brazil reveals diversity initiatives

Vogue Brazil came under fire last week after its fashion director posted photos from her birthday party that critics saw as an allusion to race relations during the colonial era, when Brazil relied heavily on slave labor. The fashion director has since resigned, and the publication issued a statement noting its "zero tolerance for racism." Now, a spokesperson for Conde Nast International says the magazine is working on three major initiatives covering education of employees, recruiting and diversity efforts and ensuring diversity of content, to prevent such racially insensitive blunders in the future. {WWD}

Kim Kardashian "takes a stand" against designer knockoffs

On Sunday, Kim Kardashian attended the Hollywood Beauty Awards wearing a vintage Mugler dress. In less than 24 hours, a suspiciously similar version of her dress was available for pre-order on Fashion Nova for $49.99. The following day, Kardashian expressed her disapproval of brands that plagiarize designer looks with a series of posts on Instagram and Twitter. "It's devastating to see these fashion companies rip off designs that have taken the blood, sweat and tears of true designers who have put their all into their own original ideas," she wrote. "I've watched these companies profit off my husband's work for years and now that it's also affecting designers who have been so generous to give me access to their beautiful works, I can no longer sit silent." Is the reality star leaking her looks to Fashion Nova for profit? Find out next season on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians"! {WWD}

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Streetwear as luxury brands have made it out to be is evolving

We saw a return to relaxed tailoring in the men's Fall 2019 collections, which is a departure from the casual, streetwear-inspired silhouettes that have dominated in recent seasons. Designers also gave a fresh take on leather goods  made relevant to a younger generation through innovative hardware and prints  as well as offered up formal shoe-sneaker hybrids. This a good shift, Christopher Morency argues, because it means "luxury brands are finally learning how to speak the language of streetwear their own way." {Highsnobiety}

Bethany Williams receives royal award for ethically-focused fashion

On Tuesday, the Duchess of Cornwall presented British designer Bethany Williams with the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design  an award that recognizes young designers making a difference to society. Williams, who graduated from the London College of Fashion in 2016, has built her business with a focus on social and environmental concerns. Her clothing line is manufactured using sustainable materials in partnership with charities that support social change. {Business of Fashion}

Stores of the future should focus on localization, service and shareability

During a several-day conference earlier this month, executives in retail design, experience and real estate gathered in Miami to talk about the future of stores. While many agreed that there's no tried-and-true formula for creating meaningful store experiences, they all highlighted the importance of focusing on localization, service and shareability. {Retail Dive}

Stay current on the latest trends, news and people shaping the fashion industry. Sign up for our daily newsletterAs a working actress for 45 years, Glenn Close knows a thing or two about the significance of costumes and the roles they play in building a character  so much so that she has saved almost every costume shes worn  roughly 800 pieces  and donated her collection to Indiana University, where theyre being preserved in an archival facility.

It will be used for educational purposes and they can use it for display and if anybody wants to dip in and borrow, that would be possible as well, Close told WWD on the red carpet at the 21st Costume Designers Guild Award at the Beverly Hilton on Tuesday night. It really represents my whole career. And Im still adding to it.

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Given Closes deep appreciation for the artistry, its no wonder she nabbed the Spotlight Award; The Shield costar Michael Chiklis and Fatal Attraction costume designer Ellen Mirojnick delivered the honor to her.

During her speech, The Wife actress paid a special tribute to the late Barbara Matera, recalling how the designer was an influential figure in her life after spending hours in her atelier. For my very first movie [The World According to Garp], it was at Barbaras that Jenny Fields nurses uniform came to life  all hand finished. I remember being astounded when I heard each one cost $500 to make, Close, clad in a gold Max Mara suit, said with a laugh. Everything was made at Barbaras. I made a habit of having a costume parade through the workroom after every final fitting to show the ladies what they had brought to life.

You make what I do possible. My collaborations with whomever designs my costumes is as important to me as my collaborations with the writer or director, the seven-time Oscar-nominated star declared to a room full of cheers. Sometimes, even more so.

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Ryan Murphy, who received the Distinguished Collaborator Award from longtime collaborator Lou Eyrich and actress Sarah Paulson, agreed.

I owe so much of my career to my beloved coconspirator, Lou. My entire creative life often begins and ends with her, quite simply. My shows always start with costume design, no exception, declared Murphy, noting that hes working with Eyrich on the Netflix series Ratched, starring Paulson, and finding the right color for the nurses uniform was key. (They finally settled on a Dorothy Draper-inspired aquamarine with a tinge of green, in case youre wondering.)

To prove just how pivotal Eyrich is to Murphy, the prolific producer revealed that two years ago he made Eyrich a producer on all of his shows. I did that because I feel that should be the industry standard for designers. While I was coming up for this contract with business affairs, I guess it had never been done  they were mystified  but I pushed it through and I asked the question, I want to know what man makes more than Lou and I want Lou to make as much, Murphy said to much applause. Costume designers are the cornerstone of any production, especially mine, and they deserve the money, the prestige, the power and the parity that comes with that.

It was a fitting statement for the evening, especially since the room held up Pay Equity Now rally signs to stand with costume designer and labor activist Betty Pecha Madden (Moonwalker, The Beastmaster), who received the Distinguished Service Award for her efforts on behalf of Hollywoods below-the-line talent. Additional winners included Sharen Davis (Westworld), Lou Eyrich and Allison Leach (The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story), Donna Zakowska (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Zaldy Goco (RuPauls Drag Race), Natasha Newman-Thomas (Childish Gambino This Is America music video), Mary E. Vogt (Crazy Rich Asians), Sandy Powell (The Favourite) and Ruth Carter (Black Panther).

In addition to taking home the prize for her distinct designs in Black Panther, Carter was honored with the Career Achievement Award by actresses Halle Berry and Danai Gurira.

Ive been doing this before they invented Spanx, and on that fact alone, I accept this award, Carter said jokingly. She continued, Throughout my career, I remained passionate  passionate about people, their differences and similarities; passionate about design, history and telling stories; passionate about using my art in service of something bigger.

Carter reminisced about getting a call one morning in the late Eighties, with someone on the other line saying he was the man of her dreams. Denzel? Carter wondered out loud. Not quite, but the caller turned out to be the one and only Spike Lee, with whom shed collaborate on many memorable projects, including Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X and Chi-Raq. She also praised directors Robert Townsend, John Singleton and Black Panther visionary Ryan Coogler for their visions.

Im constantly inspired and carry with me a message of perseverance and hope each character shares from film to film. There are pieces of me, in my heart, threaded in each costume, Carter added. Through costume design, I have held a unique vantage point, reaching generations of artists. Ive become a historian and a keeper of a trust of stories, figures and characters together, who thread the past, present and future of the black experience. Thank you to the actors  you are my canvas and my muse.

The awards show, sponsored by Westfield, Amazon Prime Video, and Campari, was attended by host Kate Walsh, Judith Light, Billie Lourd, Christina Hendricks, Marisa Tomei, Sarayu Blue, Wilson Cruz, Ethan Embry, Leslie Grossman, Lindsey Kraft, Chris Lowell, Sonequa Martin-Green, Lili Mirojnick, Jason OMara, June Diane Raphael, Baron Vaughn and Arianne Phillips.

Launch Gallery: Glenn Close, Black Panthers Ruth Carter Honored at 2019 Costume Designers Guild AwardsI just had my 40th birthday, and though I have a wonderful family, I dont actually have family roots to share with my 5-year-old son.

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Technically I do, but I have little knowledge of them. My maternal grandfather escaped the Holocaust, but his entire family did not. His wife, also deceased, was born in a now nonexistent village of Ukraine and moved to Philadelphia, where her familys corner store was ravaged by the Depression. She volunteered at a refugee camp where she and my grandfather met, and relocated to Los Angeles without any family.

All of my fathers relatives passed away prematurely, and due to my fathers difficulty talking about them, I only knew that his mother moved from the U.K. to Queens, New York, where she met his father, an army soldier stationed in Alabama. While in Mobile, he was forced to conceal his Judaism for fear of being lynched. They later moved to California, where my dad was born and where they both would later die before I could meet them. My father passed away a little more than a year ago, so now I officially have no living ancestors.

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That is exactly why it is important to me to try to find out what I can and share every detail with my 5-year old son, Felix. Growing up, I rarely, if ever, thought about these things. I was fortunate enough to have a loving set of parents, and though we did not have many traditions  Thanksgiving, July 4th, and lighting Hanukkah candles on the first night were the extent of it  it was not important to me at the time. I was focused on the present. But growing older and meeting people from an array of backgrounds stoked my curiosity.

Felix and his abuela share a smile in the courtyard of their Huanusco home.

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I eventually married into a Mexican family and began to see why family heritage was so important. My wifes father has six siblings and her mother, seven brothers  all of whom now have their own families. At massive family gatherings with my wife, we would hear stories of previous generations; we would celebrate traditions that were both serious and silly, bringing smiles and even tears to the faces of many of her relatives. They had a past, they had a culture. There was a depth of spirit that was totally new to me..

So, I endeavored to seek out my roots. With zero family to rely on, I had to turn to the internet, but even Ancestry.com was no help in my quest to pursue these roots. Thus, and no pun intended, dead ends on both sides.

I am now even more thankful for my wife; she will not only be a strong mother for Felix, but she can share her lineage, culture, and history because she has these roots. Strong, deep, traceable living roots. And those, fortunately, were passed to Felix, who is now old enough to travel with us to live and experience this for himself. While he may not be able to look back and remember vivid detail from these journeys, I work my hardest to mark the memories as they occur, from the family to the food to the land.

Our recent trip was to a pueblo called Huanusco in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. This is where my wifes parents met and fell in love. We love to romanticize towns with one stoplight, but Huanusco really did not get its first stoplight until the 1990s, long after my wifes parents had immigrated to Los Angeles and conceived their three children. The town did not have running water or electricity until the 1960s. This is a completely different world, and our trip was an epiphany.

We were embraced immediately upon our arrival: residents cooked for us, chatted with us, and were eager to guide us around the pueblo, the stream, the cemetery, even the tequileria a few kilometers down the road. Over the course of a week, we were able to enjoy Huanusco, a family ranch in Arrelanos, and the larger nearby town of Jalpa. One excursion that I can never forget is seeing the ruins of Guatimala, the familys original pueblo that housed 30 families in the mid-20th century. Its known as a fantasma, or ghost, town now. This is where my wifes mother grew up. To think, 50 years ago they raised families that have all gone on to different places and created new, unique histories, all while laying down more roots.

While we were being given these tours by my wifes family, traveling on dirt roads and driving across streams, people were kind and generous. Her family was eager to share their past with so much pride, even when accompanied by a sense of loss or nostalgia. Food was proffered everywhere, and stories were told at every turn: the nixtamalization of turning maiz into masa to make tortillas by hand, catching and killing chickens for a feast, milking cows and tending to plots of land on their property  these are all parts of a lush history that Felix could call his own. And every morning and each night, as Id fumble for the right words in Spanish to pay my respects, I would receive smiles and hugs just for being part of this grand family, and culture.

This warmth and acceptance exists because were family. As we ate this wonderful food, listened to the tomborazo bands, and watched Felix play with the local children, I became misty-eyed, both in recognition of the importance of my wife having a cherished background and the fact that I really never had that experience.

My wifes relatives would come and go, each with different stories. There was her uncles anecdote of playing with fireworks as a kid and almost blowing off his thumb, but because the nearest hospital was eight hours by horseback, his aunt and the local medic nursed him back to health. There were the stories of chasing frogs while eating tunas by the stream. And the festival, the annual party that would last three days in celebration of the town, the people, and the country. It was intoxicating to fill an emotional bucket that I never knew existed with this truly personal, yet collective history.

And as the roots grow deeper, Felix will be able to trace his background and personal history  at least on one side of the family. I may not have deep roots myself, but I am so proud to have been embraced by a culture that is willing to share theirs with me, and we are lucky that Felix is part of the next chapter of this long and rich family story.

Evan Lovett, former L.A. Times sportswriter, owns an online advertising agency and lives and works in California with his wife and son. He is mostly bilingual, but always trying to improve. Follow him on Twitter @evanlovett.

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The post Finding My Sons Extended Family After the Death of Our Relatives appeared first on Fatherly.While youre always quick to toss a bad online date to the curb (He drinks light beer? Next.), its a little trickier with friends youve known for years. If youve been letting an old toxic friendship dwindle on because its easier to sweep things under the rug than start a confrontation, take inspiration from these five real women who finally found the courage to pull the plug.

The Woman Whose Friend Ditched Her Wedding: I invited an old friend from college to my wedding. We hadnt really talked in the past year, but wed gone long periods of time without seeing each other before and we always picked up right where we left off. But on the big day, she didnt show up, even though shed RSVPd yes. Later, I checked her Facebook, and there were photos of her taking a road trip nearby that weekendand even photos of her at a different wedding! Maybe she forgot, or got the date mixed up? I never confronted her about it, because I was waiting for her to say something first. But she never did. Eventually, I unfriended her on Facebook, and that was that.  Alexandra, New Jersey

The Woman Who Was Tired of Playing Therapist: I made friends with a guy I had a lot in common with, for better or worse: We ran in the same circles, had similar interests and both came from pretty messed-up families. We quickly became best friends. But although we had a ton of fun together, he had frequent mood swings and bouts of depression. Hed call me at all hours, expecting me to drop everything I was doing to have two-hour-long conversations about his current crisis. I felt terrible he was feeling so downand isnt listening and being there what best friends do?but it quickly became clear that his issues were way over my head and he needed professional help. I begged him to see a therapist several times, but because he wasnt taking my pleas seriously, I eventually stopped returning his calls. I felt awful (in fact, I still do), but I didnt know what else to do. After we lost touch, his career took off and he gotfamous. Unfortunately, from what Ive seen online, hes still having the same issues, but using his social media followers as an outlet instead. - Justine, Nevada

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The Woman Who Feared for Her Friends Safety: I had a best friend in college who was always really wild (my mom hated that we were friends, because she was such a partier), but it was fun because we were in college. But after we graduated, she never changed or grew out of it. I started feeling wary about our friendship and found myself making excuses not to hang out with her. One night, I finally gave in and we went out for drinks. She got way too drunk, and then wanted to drive herself home from the bar, which was 45 minutes away. I told her I wasnt going to let her and tried to call an Uber for her. She got really mad, and we got into a huge argument, but ultimately she ended up driving home. I kept expecting she was going to call back and apologize for how she acted, but she never did. Wed been best friends for four years, but never went out again after that.  Eva, California

The Woman Who Realized Her Friendship Was Affecting Her Family: I had to break up with a friend this year. Shes an addict, and its been really hard. She took so much from me without giving much in return. At first, I thought I could handle it, but other people in my life have been encouraging me to cut her off for a long time. After my son was born, I realized that I absolutely had to set some boundaries because I had so much less to give, both physically and emotionally. My time had to be reprioritized. Boundary setting didnt go well with her, and she told me that she decided she didnt want a conditional friendship. I still try to stay in touch here and there when I canthis week I texted her something funny I saw online. But even as I write this, Im realizing how hard it was for me and how fresh this hurt still is.  Gina, Wisconsin

The Woman Whose Friend Cost Her Thousands of Dollars: You could say I broke up with my high school best friend about a year ago. We were like sisters in grade school, but she was always the bad one: lying to parents and boyfriends, always partying. In the years since, we stayed close, even with her living on another continent and us having grown in very different directions. But every time I saw her, I felt increasingly stressed out by her wild energy and felt like we just weren't on the same page anymore. Things came to a head when my fiance and a few of my friends booked tickets to visit her overseas. A week before we left, she told us she had to leave unexpectedly for a work trip and ohwe could no longer stay with her. Thousands of dollars in changed plans later, we saw on social media that she had actually gone on vacation with her new boyfriend. She's reached out a few times since, and I have barely responded. Essentially, I decided that phasing her out would be for the best. (I'm awful at confrontations and was too shocked at the time to articulate my anger.) Some people I've talked to feel it's severe, but I really don't have energy for friendships with people who I ultimately don't trust at all to tell me the truth.  Ruth, Florida

RELATED: 6 Words You Should Say to a Toxic Person to Defuse the SituationGov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday that there will be no more executions in Ohio until a new method of carrying them out can be developed and deemed constitutional by the courts."As long as the status quo remains, where we don't have a protocol that has been found to be OK, we certainly cannot have any executions in Ohio," DeWine told reporters at an Associated Press forum in Columbus. "That would not be right, at least in my opinion."Pressed on whether he personally supports the death penalty, DeWine paused. Seeming to choose his words carefully, he then said he was a sponsor of Ohio's current capital punishment law, which took effect in 1981."It is the law of the state of Ohio. And I'll let it go [not comment further] at this point. We are seeing clearly some challenges that you have all reported on in regard to carrying out the death penalty. But I'm not going to go further down that path any more today," he said.DeWine, a Republican, ordered a review of Ohio's death penalty protocols last month after a federal magistrate judge wrote that Ohio's method of carrying out executions would subject a condemned Ohio prisoner to "severe pain and needless suffering." Judge Michael Merz wrote Ohio could proceed with the execution, since the inmate, Warren Henness, did not produce an alternative that is "available," "feasible," and can be "readily implemented," required under a 2015 United States Supreme Court ruling that upheld lethal injection.DeWine delayed Henness' execution from Feb. 13 to Sept. 12 while the review was underway. But on Tuesday, he declined to place a timetable on how long it might take for a new execution method to be developed, for it to be legally challenged and then found constitutional by the courts."I've dealt with the court system a long time, and I think it's whenever you think you can figure out how fast or slow something's going to take, you're wrong," he said.Henness was convicted of murdering his drug-abuse counselor, Richard Myers, in 1992, but he maintains his innocence. Ohio's next inmate scheduled to be executed is Lima's Cleveland R. Jackson, with a scheduled execution date of May 29. He was convicted of murdering a teenager during a drug-related robbery in 2002. Gregory Lott, convicted in the 1986 murder of an elderly East Cleveland man, is scheduled to be executed on Aug. 14.Ohio's method of execution is to inject the condemned with a combination of three drugs: midazolam (as a sedative), a paralytic drug, and potassium chloride to stop their heart. Death penalty opponents have challenged similar methods in other states, saying they are unconstitutional because they cause cruel and unusual punishment.In his January opinion, Mertz, the federal magistrate judge, agreed with arguments made by Henness's lawyers, writing that "it is certain or very likely" that the state's prescribed dose of midazolam "cannot reduce consciousness to the level at which a condemned inmate will not experience the severe pain associated with injection of the paralytic drug or potassium chloride" or the "severe pain and needless suffering that is certain or very likely to be caused by the pulmonary edema which is very likely to be caused directly by the midazolam."DeWine's review marks the second time in five years Ohio has searched for a new method of execution. The state changed the drugs it uses for lethal injection after the January 2014 execution of Dennis B. McGuire took more than 25 minutes.Oscars 2019: Who makes up the Academy voting body and how the voting process works originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com

Oscar Sunday is almost here!

In just a few short days, Hollywoods Dolby Theater will be filled with directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, editors, composers, animators, set-designers, and actors and actresses all vying to go home with an eight-pound golden trophy.



It all comes down to the opinions of the nearly 8,000 voting members within the Academy, and over the last few years, those opinions have become increasingly difficult to predict. Its partly due to the rapid expansion and diversification of Academy members, which has added more than 2,000 members in the past three years alone.



PHOTO: Best actor Oscar nominees for the 91st annual Academy Awards, from left, Christian Bale, Rami Malek, Bradley Cooper, Viggo Mortensen and Willem Dafoe. (Reuters)





(MORE: Oscars 2019: A look back at some inspiring, memorable speeches from Meryl Streep, Halle Berry and more)

PHOTO: Best supporting actress Oscar nominees for the 91st annual Academy Awards, from left, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, Regina King, Amy Adams and Marina de Tavira. (Reuters, Getty Images)





Hollywoods emblematic institution has made a considerable effort to diversify its voting members since the 2015 #OscarsSoWhite campaign, protesting the lack of diversity among the nominees.

Based on the most recent demographic numbers provided by the Academy, 49 percent of members added in 2018 were women, raising the overall proportion of women to 31 percent, up from 25 percent in 2015. Similarly, 38 percent of new members are people of color, increasing the overall composition of racial minority members to 16 percent in 2018, up from 8 percent in 2015. While these stats represent a sizable change in the makeup of the Academy in a short amount of time, it still falls short of reflecting the demographic makeup of the United States.



"The goal is always to match the overall mix of the country's population, and the Academy has never come close to that," said Jason Squire, a professor of cinematic practice at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and former 21st Century Fox executive.



Squire says it will take the Academy much more time to reflect the U.S. population due the organizations structure and rules. For instance, new members must be sponsored by two existing members before being admitted into the exclusive club.



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(MORE: They will rock you: Queen and Adam Lambert to perform at 2019 Oscars)

"We now see that happening slowly thanks to this wonderful rage for social inclusion. However, the boards ceremonies are so passe, it will take a long time to adjust," he added.



How the voting process works

Nearly 8,000 industry professionals decide who wins the esteemed awards. The voting process starts in late December, according to the Academy's website, when members cast ballots -- both online and sent in by mail -- to nominate films.

PHOTO: Kobe Bryant and Glen Keane accept the award for best animated short for 'Dear Basketball' at the Oscars, March 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. BB-8 appears at right. (Chris Pizzello/Invision via AP, FILE)

Once nominees are announced in mid-January, final voting is conducted online only and tabulated by the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Honor code

After nominees are announced, members have a four week window to watch and analyze each film that is up for a potential award. This year, 30 movies are nominated across all categories, excluding shorts. With the average movie feature run time at two hours, that's at least 60 hours, or 2.5 days worth of film to watch.



The Academy offers theater screenings of nominated films in a handful of cities in the U.S., but it claims to have members in 2018 in 59 different countries. Streaming is also available for nominated films, but only in certain categories.



PHOTO: Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in a scene from the movie, 'A Star is Born.' (Warner Bros. Pictures)





(MORE: Academy will now allow performances of all 5 nominated songs)

Instead, Academy member Russell Schwartz said they generally rely on studios to distribute films considered to be award-worthy in the lead up to the Oscars.



Studios will hand out DVDs to everybody, said Schwartz, an associate professor of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University. Hes been a part of the Academy for over 20 years. They want their movies to be seen by Academy members so its also a way of allowing people to catch up on movies they were not able to see in the movie theaters.



Even though the rules may seem lax, Mary Murphy, a senior lecturer at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, said in her experience covering the industry, most Academy members take voting seriously.



I don't think there are any safeguards, but there is an honor code, said Murphy, who covered the Oscars for over 25 years for various media outlets including the LA Times and Esquirer. As a member of the Screen Actors Guild myself, I feel obligated to watch everything nominated for an award. I've been to a lot of Academy screenings and people are there and take things seriously.



PHOTO: Frances McDormand accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role at the Oscars, March 4, 2018. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, FILE)

The awards ceremony has operated on this system of trust since its inception. Academy members told ABC News that the honor code is enough to protect the integrity of the awards.



"There's really no excuse to not see the films nominated, said Alexandra Rose, Chair of Special Projects and Industry Initiatives at Chapman University. Shes been a member of the Academy since 1980. "I feel very committed to watch all the movies because it's important to give every filmmaker his or her chance. But its an accurate statement to say theres nothing checking if people watch all nominated movies.



The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declined to comment on this story.

Man arrested in Sophie Sergie's 1993 murder in Alaska over DNA: Officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

A former nurse has been arrested in the 1993 cold case murder of a 20-year-old Alaska woman after investigators were inspired by the technology used to nab the suspected "Golden State Killer," according to law enforcement.

On April 26, 1993, Sophie Sergie was found sexually assaulted and murdered in a dorm bathroom at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, officials said at an Alaska State Troopers news conference Friday.

She was stabbed multiple times and shot in the back of the head, according to the charging document.

Sergie, a former University of Alaska Fairbanks student, had been at the school visiting friends, per authorities.

PHOTO: Sophie Sergie is pictured in a photo released by the Alaska State Troopers with an announcement that an arrest has been made in conjunction with her 1993 murder in Fairbanks, Alaska. (Alaska State Troopers)

Suspect DNA was recovered and uploaded to CODIS (the Combined DNA Index System, a law enforcement database) but no suspect was identified, according to the Alaska State Troopers' conference.

PHOTO: Friends and family of the victims of unsolved homicides march during an annual event to raise awareness of the murders held on the anniversary of the day that Sophie Sergie's body was found, in Fairbanks, Alaska, April 26, 2009. (John Wagner/Fairbanks Daily News-Miner/ZUMA via Newscom)

PHOTO: Elena Sergie places her hands on her face after throwing a white carnation into the Chena River in remembrance of her daughter, Sophie Sergie, in Fairbanks, Alaska, April 26, 2009. (John Wagner/Fairbanks Daily News-Miner/ZUMA via Newscom)

Decades went by without progress in her mysterious murder -- until April 2018, when the cold case unit learned of the genetic genealogy technology used to identify the suspected "Golden State Killer" in California, authorities said.

(MORE: DNA leads to man's arrest for 1993 murder in Minneapolis)

The novel investigative technique of genetic genealogy takes an unknown killer's DNA from a crime scene and identifies the suspect through his or her family members, who voluntarily submit their DNA to genealogy databases. Since April 2018, genetic genealogy has helped identify more than 20 other suspects.

(MORE: DJ admits to cold case murder after being linked through novel DNA technique, apologizes to victim's family in court)

Steven Downs, whose DNA matched the DNA left behind from Sergie's sexual assault, was taken into custody Friday without incident in Maine, where he was living, according to the charging document.

PHOTO: Alaska State Troopers announced the arrest of Steven H. Downs, of Auburn, Maine, on Feb. 15, 2019 in connection with the 1993 death of 20-year-old Sophie Sergie. (Androscoggin County Jail)

Downs, now 44, was an 18-year-old student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1993 and was living in the same building where Sergie was found, according to the charging document.

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After attending the University of Alaska from 1992 to 1996, Downs lived in Arizona and then returned to Maine where he grew up, the charging document says. He most recently worked as a nurse, per the document.

"Downs has no previous arrests, and his DNA has never been uploaded to the national database," the document said.

Maine State Police officers spoke on Wednesday to Downs, who "stated that he recognized Sergie from posters that had been put up around the time of the murder, but confirmed that he did not know her and didn't believe he had ever been in contact with her," according to the charging document.

"I remember the pictures, it's terrible, poor girl," Downs told police, the charging document said.

(MORE: 'I wasn't sure we would ever find out': How DNA, genetic genealogy made 2018 the year to crack cold cases)

Downs is expected to be brought back to Alaska, authorities said.

PHOTO: Col. Barry Wilson of the Alaska State Troopers speaks at a press conference to announce an arrest in the 1993 cold case murder of a 20-year-old Alaska woman, Feb. 15, 2019. (Alaska State Troopers)

"While nothing can heal that loss, we hope that this arrest today brings some element of peace to the Sergie family," Amanda Price, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, said at Friday's news conference.

"Justice for Sophie is finally within reach," added Colonel Barry Wilson, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. "I am both honored and humbled to help bring some closure to Sophie's family."Ariana Grande surprised the burgeoning Filipino boy band TNT Boys, joining them for a performance of the Dreamgirls torch song, And Im Telling You Im Not Going on The Late Late Show Tuesday.

Over the past few years, TNT Boys have solidified their viral status with performances of hit songs by artists like Beyonce, Queen and the Supremes. The trio of Keifer Sanchez, 15, Mackie Empuerto, 14, and Francis Concepcion, 13, is also currently competing on James Cordens new talent show, The Worlds Best.

During their appearance on The Late Late Show Tuesday, the trio jokingly revealed that they were so excited to meet Corden at first not because he was huge in the Philippines, but because hed previously met one of their favorite artists: Ariana Grande. Corden told the TNT Boys to say Hi to Grande, noting she sometimes watched the show, though he did not mention that the pop star was, at that moment, waiting backstage.

TNT Boys then broke into their rendition of And Im Telling You, showing off their individual vocal talents and combining for some remarkable three-part harmonies. Halfway through, however, the group got a bit distracted when Grande emerged and eventually corralled the TNT Boys for a mighty finale.

Later in the show, Grande sat down for an interview with Corden, where she discussed her recent milestone, becoming the first solo artist  and the first musical act since the Beatles  to have the top three songs in the country at the same time. I think its so funny, I thought it was hilarious, Grande said. When I woke up, I though it was an edit, like my fans made Its really wild, my mom and I were driving around listening to the Beatles all day.A Florida mother of four was fatally shot by her boyfriend of several months, who then turned the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide, according to multiple reports.

On Monday just after 4 p.m., the bodies of Laura Randall, 53, and Gregory Schatz, 45, were discovered by her 17-year-old son at their rented townhouse in West Boca Raton, say authorities and family members, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

The teen had just come home from school when he found the bodies, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office, local NBC affiliate WPTV reports.

(The Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.)

Randall, who had four sons ages 17 to 23, had been dating Schatz for a few months, her father, Joseph Altheimer, told the Sun-Sentinel.

I know no more than anybody else, Altheimer told the outlet. He killed her and then he killed himself. Thats all they would tell me.

He and Randalls mother and sisters have no idea why Schatz, who described himself on social media as a divorced father with a daughter, committed the crime, local ABC affiliate WBPF reports.

We are extremely distraught and saddened by her passing, Altheimer told WPBF. Not just frustrated, but also angry about the way she passed.

A native of Howell, New Jersey, Laura had a very bubbly personality, outgoing, intelligent, attractive person, who if you came in contact with her, you really felt very comfortable around her, and you would end up liking her, he told WBPF.

His daughter, he told the Sun-Sentinel, was loved by everybody whose life she touched.

 Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

Randall moved to Florida about 19 years ago, he told the Sun-Sentinel.

She worked for years at a restaurant in Deerfield Beach and had recently gotten a new job at a steakhouse in Boca Raton, the outlet reports.

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Randall had recently separated from her husband and had recently moved into the townhouse, Altheimer told WBPF.

Randalls father and her family were not happy that she was dating Schatz, WBPF reports.

Altheimer described his daughters relationship with Schatz as a bad choice, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

On the day of the apparent murder-suicide, Schatz last Instagram post shows him holding a gun and a bottle of whiskey.

He once posted a picture of a gun with the word #therapy on his Twitter page.

Besides grieving for his daughter, Altheimer is also worried about his grandson, who discovered his mothers body, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

On the outside he seems fine, he told the outlet. On the inside one needs to really be concerned. He saw a horrific event. Its got to have an effect.

He says he plans to have his grandson see a therapist to deal with the trauma of losing his mother and finding her body, he told the Sun-Sentinel.

Its difficult. He loved his mother. Were all rallying around him and all of the children.Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into the Trump campaigns relationship with Russia could soon be coming to a close. CNN reports that, as early as next week, Attorney General William Barr is preparing to announce the probe has ended. Soon after the announcement, Barr will submit to Congress a summary of the special counsels report, which will cap a wide-ranging investigation that has spanned nearly two years and resulted in dozens of indictments. The news comes less than a week after Barr was sworn in as attorney general.

For months, there has been speculation that Mueller is on the brink of concluding his investigation, but CNNs report is the strongest signal yet that the special counsels work may be all but done. The report also noted that employees of the special counsels office have been carrying boxes and pushing carts full of files out of their offices, and that four prosecutors working with the office have returned to their previous roles in the Justice Department. Though it does indeed appear that an announcement may be imminent, its timing is subject to change, as is the scope of what Barr will present to Congress.

Also unclear is whether Muellers report will be made public. Though Mueller must submit a confidential report to Barr, the attorney general is not required to submit the report to the public, or even to Congress. When Trump was asked Wednesday whether the report should be released, he said it would be totally up to his new attorney general. During his confirmation hearing last month, Barr refused to commit to releasing the report. Some Democratic lawmakers have demanded he do so.

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Many have speculated about the investigation ending so soon after Barr assumed control of the Justice Department, with loose ends seemingly still to be tied up regarding Roger Stone and Jerome Corsi, among others. Protecting the integrity of the investigation was a central issue of Barrs confirmation hearing, and though he refused to commit to releasing the probes results, he promised to allow Mueller to complete the investigation on his own accord, free of interference. 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. The country needs a credible resolution of these issues. If confirmed, I will not permit partisan politics, personal interests or any other improper consideration to interfere with this or any other investigation.

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Though the timing may seem suspicious, the special counsels office has known for months that the investigation was liable to end, and theres no real reason to believe Mueller was forced into closing it prematurely.

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The news comes as Trumps attacks on Mueller and the Justice Department have intensified following the release of a new tell-all book by Andrew McCabe, who took over the FBI on an acting basis after Trump fired James Comey in May 2017. In the book, which quickly became a best-seller, McCabe details the fight to preserve federal inquiries into Trumps relationship to Russia following Comeys ouster, as well as the FBIs decision to launch a new counterintelligence investigation to determine whether the president was operating on behalf of Russia. To promote the book, McCabe has made several media appearances in which he has elaborated on the concern among Justice Department officials that the president may have been compromised. In an interview with CNNs Anderson Cooper on Wednesday, McCabe said that he thinks it is possible that Trump was and and still is a Russian asset.

Trump has responded by tweeting obsessively about McCabe, the Justice Department and Muellers probe. Remember this, Andrew McCabe didnt go to the bathroom without the approval of Leakin James Comey! the president wrote on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Trump told reporters that McCabe has made a fool out of himself, is a disgraced man, a complete disaster and that he really looks to me like sort of a poor mans J. Edgar Hoover.

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Earlier this month, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) said that after interviewing more than 200 witnesses and reviewing over 300,000 pages of documents, the committee found no evidence of collusion between Trump and Russia. 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, he told CBS.

Well (hopefully) see what Mueller has to say.With The Black Keys on hiatus over the last few years, Dan Auerbach has kept himself plenty busy either with solo projects or as leader of The Arcs, as well as managing his Easy Eye Sound label. Drummer Patrick Carney, meanwhile, has handled production for a few records  including his now fiance Michelle Branchs Hopeless Romantic  but not much else. Today, Carney finally returns with new music along with a new band, announcing the formation of Sad Planets with John Petkovic (Cobra Verde, Death of Samantha).

The duo are set to release their debut album, dubbed Akron, Ohio, on April 19th via Tee Pee Records. J Mascis, the Dinosaur Jr. frontman who also plays with Petkovic in Sweet Apple, makes a guest appearance on the 10-track effort. Petkovic takes lead vocals and plays guitar, while Carney adds instruments like Enoesque synthesizers to his usual drumming.

Both Petkovic and Carney are Akron natives, though the former now resides in Cleveland and the latter departed for Nashville. When the two returned to the city to record their album, Petkovic said he saw it as a chance to work with a longtime friend, but also an opportunity to reconnect with Akron in a very different way. The results are 10 songs of psychedelic trash the reflect the decline of the once great industrial city.

As a first listen, Sad Planets have shared their debut single, Not of This World. Echoing guitars tumble through the void as the song rolls from anxious freak-outs to spacey contemplation and back again, a heady journey that clearly defines the duos sound. Take a listen below.

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Pre-orders for Akron, Ohio are available now. Find the tracklist and album art below.

Akron, Ohio Artwork:

Sad Planets Akron Ohio album artwork cover

Akron, Ohio Tracklist:

01. Just Landed

02. Not of This World

03. Yesterday Girls

04. City Ghosts

05. Bad Cells

06. Want You to Want You

07. (Falling into the Arms of a) Refugee

08. Long Goodbye

09. Heavens Devils

10. DisappearingEL PASO, Texas (AP)  People walking over the Paso del Norte Bridge linking this West Texas border city to Mexico can watch President Donald Trump's border wall getting bigger in real time.

Workers in fluorescent smocks can be seen digging trenches, pouring concrete and erecting rust-colored slabs of 18-foot-high metal to replace layers of barbed wire-topped fencing along the mud-colored Rio Grande, which is usually little more than a trickle.

Most of the more than 70,000 people who legally cross four city bridges daily  to shop, go to school and work  pay the construction in the heart of downtown no mind. But on a recent weekday, one man stopped and pointed, saying simply "Trump."

In his State of the Union address, the president said a "powerful barrier" had cut crime rates in El Paso. He's holding a rally here Monday to show why he's demanding more than 100 miles of new walls, costing $5.7 billion, along the 1,900-mile border, despite opposition from Democrats and some Republicans in Congress.

But many in this city of dusty desert winds and blistering salsa, bristle at the prospect of their home becoming a border wall poster child.

Trump said barriers turned El Paso from one of the nation's most dangerous cities to one of its safest, but that's not true. El Paso, population around 800,000, had a murder rate less than half the national average in 2005, a year before the most recent expansion of its border fence. That's despite being just across the border from drug violence-plagued Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Many residents say El Paso embodies a cross-border spirit that transcends walls rather than proving more are needed.

"The richest of the rich, the poorest of the poor, we all have different reasons for wanting to cross, and people cross every day," said El Paso City Council member Peter Svarzbein.

El Paso lays bare the mixed feelings the border inspires. Even native Beto O'Rourke, a former Democratic congressman now mulling a presidential run, says barriers are inevitable but that Trump's calls for an expanded wall are the "cynical rhetoric of war, of invasions, of fear."

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O'Rourke will help lead a Monday evening march opposing the wall with dozens of local civic, human rights and Hispanic groups at the same time Trump is holding his rally. Organizers expect thousands to turn out.

"While some try to stoke fear and paranoia, to spread lies and a false narrative about the U.S.-Mexico border and to demand a 2,000-mile wall along it at a time of record safety and security, El Paso will come together for a march and celebration that highlights the truth," O'Rourke said in a statement.

For centuries, virtually nothing but an often easily wadable Rio Grande stood between the city and Juarez. But worsening economic problems in Mexico increased the flow of immigrants into the United States in the 1970s, prompting Congress to approved chain-link fencing here and in San Diego dubbed the "Tortilla Curtain." More barriers were added in the 1990s and 2006.

Public reaction to the security measures initially was positive in some quarters because it helped reduce vagrancy and petty crime. But many residents now complain that Trump's demands have gone too far, making their home sound like a war zone and offending both them and people from Mexico.

"The border is fluid culturally, economically," said Cesar Blanco, a Democratic lawmaker who lives a stone's throw from the wall. "We are a binational community."

Those who live near the wall say they see few people climbing the barriers now. In fiscal year 2017, about 25,000 people were apprehended in Border Patrol's El Paso sector, down from 122,000-plus in fiscal year 2006.

Instead, those crossing illegally now tend to do so outside the city in desolate deserts where deaths from exposure have risen. Democrats argue that electronic sensors and patrols are a more effective answer for additional border security.

The demand for more and bigger walls has become "the supreme symbol of racism," said Fernando Garcia, executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights in El Paso. "Obviously he'll have some people attend his rally," he said of Trump, but "he cannot lie about what we're about.'"

Many Republicans, though, insist the low crime rate here is not a coincidence.

"There are regular shoot-outs near the border, dangerous narcotics trafficked," said recently elected Republican Congressman Chip Roy, who represents a district between Austin and San Antonio. "The good news is that we can stop this," Roy said in a post-State of the Union fundraising email championing a Trump-backed wall.

The FBI's Uniform Crime Report shows that El Paso's annual number of reported violent crimes dropped from nearly 5,000 in 1995 to around 2,700 in 2016. But that corresponded to similar declines in violent crime nationwide and included times when the city's crime rates actually increased year-over-year, despite new fencing and walls.

The towering barriers don't stop Juarez from almost seeming like another neighborhood in El Paso. From many places, you can see white city buses rumbling on the other side of the border and read green street signs marking that city's major thoroughfares in Spanish. Buildings more than a few stories tall in El Paso have sweeping views of downtown Juarez.

Mickie Subia's single-story home in the historic, downtown Chihuahuita neighborhood is steps from the barrier, providing glimpses of Mexico through fencing and metal slats. She said the wall doesn't make her feel safer.

"We don't have a problem with Border Patrol," Subia said. "We don't have a problem with anyone coming from over there, either."

Dee Margo, El Paso's mayor and a former Republican state lawmaker, tweeted after the State of the Union that his city was "NEVER one of the MOST dangerous cities in the U.S.," adding that border walls are only partly the reason.

"I'm really glad President Trump is coming here," he said in a subsequent interview. "I just hope we get chance to show him what it's really like on the border."

___

Associated Press writer Astrid Galvan contributed to this report.Does Brazil need a film that openly advocates armed confrontation against its far-right government? Thats the first question that needs to be asked when discussing Marighella, actor Wagner Mouras directorial debut focused on the final year in the life of left-wing insurrectionist Carlos Marighella during Brazils ruthless military dictatorship. For whatever one might think of the films merits as an adrenaline-filled shoot-em-up hagiographic biopic of a resistance-fighter/terrorist, the penultimate scene, in which a woman picks up a machine gun and looks directly at the camera, is unambiguous in its deeply troubling message. If there were doubts, Moura (Elite Squad, Narcos) doesnt lose any opportunity to compare the current administration to its ideologically similar predecessor from the 1960s, thereby forcing viewers to judge the motivations of a film whose irresponsibility surpasses even its superficiality.

Of course the movies genesis began long before the fascist-leaning Jair Bolsonaro took office as president this year, but its disingenuous to claim that absolves the film, written by Moura and Felipe Braga, of eagerly playing up parallels in the two regimes. Although local distributors are already on board, theres talk that the government may try to prevent release of the movie, which would gum up Globo TVs plan to air a longer version divided into four parts once theatrical has run its course. Whatever the outcome, Marighella will become a lightning rod for debate within Brazil and among expat communities. Prospects for any kind of international release are uncertain, though Fernando Meirelles involvement as associate producer could add traction.

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Marighella had been a Marxist activist clamoring for revolution long before the 1964 coup detat ushered in 20 years of brutal dictatorship in Brazil. The film starts with a daring train robbery in 1968, when Marighella (Seu Jorge) and his band steal weapons while assuring passengers, Robin Hood style, that theyre defenders of the people. Opening with this sort of driving action sequence allows Moura to kick off the movie with a bang  our hero as warrior  while following things up with a flashback in which Marighella shows his tender side as caring parent of Carlinhos, safely isolated in Bahia from his fathers activities.

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This duality becomes the films guiding blueprint, presenting Marighella as both a righteous guerilla fighter and a loving dad who turns to violence in order to make Brazil a better place for his child. Theres even something superhuman (and more than a little Jesus-like) about the man: Captured outside a cinema, he survives being pumped full of more lead than it would take to finish off Rasputin. His nemesis is chief inspector Lucio (Bruno Gagliasso), a single-minded, sadistic enforcer of the dictatorships authority, who cant bear to be humiliated by Marighellas successes.

The American government makes an appearance in the form of a couple of crass CIA operatives in Brazil urging the military to use whatever means necessary to eliminate the communist threat. News of the guerilla cells campaign of robbery and assassination in the name of resistance and revolution isnt getting out to the people, so Marighella and his band devise a way to take the airwaves, further infuriating Lucio and causing the noose to tighten around everyones neck. By the time Bella (Bella Camero) is seen in that penultimate shot challenging the audience with her gaze to take up arms, most everyone has been tortured and/or killed, yet the dream of resistance lives on.

As if that message werent clear enough, the mantra an eye for an eye runs throughout the film, condoning tit-for-tat violence. Brazils dictatorship was a horrendous chapter in the nations history, its brutality second to none, yet the question must be raised whether kidnapping and murder was an effective response to the regime. Marighella isnt interested in weighing ethics, preferring a testosterone-charged portrait of armed insurrection as a glorious pathway to martyrdom. Nonviolent resistance? Dont even mention it.

At least Jorge gets to present two sides to Marighella  determined warrior and affectionate comrade  allowing the actor to make the most of his considerable screen presence. Yet Bruno Gagliassos Lucio isnt even given implied dimensionality, played in a one-note fury as predictable as it is ineffective. Theres just one stand-out moment when a genuine unforced emotion graces the screen; thats when Marighella surprises his marginalized wife Clara (Adriana Esteves) at night on the street. She looks up into his eyes, her face registering love, sadness and the knowledge that hes not long for this world. Its a beautiful, subtle flash of profundity, expertly played by Esteves, but over and forgotten in a blink. Muscular camerawork by Adrian Teijido, combined with Lucas Gonzagas edgy editing, furthers the violence-as-heroics message.

Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts!A Star is Born comes from a storied Hollywood legacy, marking the fourth iteration of a film to bear that title (and the fifth version of the story if you count 1932s What Price Hollywood?). Thus, when it comes to this pairing, you have four options to choose from. Though the 1954 Judy Garland version and the 1976 Barbra Streisand version are arguably the most famous, the original 1937 outing is actually the best of the three. Starring Fredric March and Janet Gaynor as Norman Maine and Vicki Lester (nee Esther Blodgett), the film charts a similar tale of a young undiscovered talent whose chance meeting with a mega-star and their blossoming romance helps propel her to fame just as her lovers star is on the wane amidst his own battles with addiction. The 1937 film is a searing and witty take on the Hollywood studio system, examining the trappings of publicity manufactured fame and making winking reference to real stars and gossip of the day. Bradley Coopers version is less self-aware and more earnest in its sentiment, but its equally willing to interrogate the cost of fame and questions of authenticity and love. While Judy Garlands musical numbers in the 1954 film are some of her most raw and emotionally vulnerable work, the 2018 and 1937 version share a well of deep emotion and feeling that the other two outings cant match. Gaga and Gaynor are so effervescent and winning in their takes on nascent stardom that they are the perfect foil to the devastation of Cooper and Marchs take on self-destructive tragedy. Like A Star is Borns most recent round of FYC ads tout, these are movies that you feel  and theyll both leave you far from the shallow of your emotions.

Available on: Amazon Prime, Kanopy

Spike Lees stranger-than-fiction film is based on the real-life tale of a black Colorado Springs police detective who managed to infiltrate a local branch Ku Klux Klan with the help of another white officer assuming his identity. The project is both a potent period piece set against the backdrop of the 1970s civil rights movement and a searing examination of our current political moment. Norman Jewisons 1966 detective drama In the Heat of the Night similarly had its finger on the pulse of the burgeoning Civil Rights movement. Sidney Poitier stars as Virgil Tibbs, one of his most iconic roles, a black Philadelphia detective who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation in a small Mississippi town. Tibbs must partner with prejudiced Chief Gillespie (Rod Steiger) to solve the mystery amidst rampant racism and threats to his safety. The film marked one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to tackle the specter of racism in the American South in unflinching ways. Its story of a black detective mired in an investigation with racism at its core shares much narratively with BlacKkKlansman and both films are notable for their soundtracks. Lees makes expert use of music of the early 1970s era in which its set, while In the Heat of the Night turned to icon Quincy Jones to compose its blues-inspired score and write its title song, which Ray Charles then recorded to great acclaim. If theres anything the events of the last two years and films arising out of this cultural climate have shown us, its that the horrors of racism and white supremacist aims are far from resolved  the films provide stirring bookends of these two distinct periods in history. Because its too late to turn back now.

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Available on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, iTunes

Youre probably wondering what on earth this movie about two white Depression-era bank robbers is doing next to this record-shattering film with a groundbreaking cinematic black superhero. After all, Black Panther and all of its many well-deserved milestones are important simply because so many of them are firsts. On the red carpet for the Black Panther premiere, Angela Bassett told EW the only black superhero she had to look up to when she was young was Shaft, the titular detective played by Richard Roundtree in the 1971 film (which is also a potential viewing option here). Yet, in the way that it is hopefully fundamentally altering the Hollywood landscape, Black Panther has much in common with Bonnie and Clyde. The 1967 film starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty as the titular bank robbers ushered in a new era in Hollywood, fittingly known as New Hollywood. The films seeming glorification of murderers and thieves alongside its shockingly graphic violence broke new barriers in Hollywood, as did its roots in more experimental types of filmmaking like the French New Wave. In many ways, the shockwaves of Bonnie and Clydes impact on Hollywood is still felt today. With its history-making Oscar nominations and palpable influence of Afrofuturism, Black Panther has claimed a similarly potent place in Hollywood lore. There are also potent parallels between Black Panther villain Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) and Bonnie and Clyde themselves  individuals let down by the system who seek success and power by less than legal means. Killmonger was the first Marvel villain whose aims and aspirations felt viscerally valid to the audience, even if the way he went about achieving them subverted his own purpose. The same can be said of Bonnie and Clyde, anti-heroes of the Depression era who became icons of the counterculture era through their cinematic mythologizing. Many have drawn parallels between our current cultural and political moment and the upheaval of the 1960s  if Bonnie and Clyde was the rallying cry of counterculture cinema, let Black Panther stand for a new cinematic revolution. Wakanda Forever meet the ballad of Bonnie and Clyde.

Available on: YouTube, Google Play, iTunes

Its hard to find a film pre-1980 (which is how we loosely are defining classic here) that in any way compares to a biopic of a rock band, but Lisztomania just might be the perfect match. The gonzo Ken Russell film stars The Whos Roger Daltrey as classical composer Franz Liszt, situating him as the 19th century equivalent of a rock star. Daltrey also wrote lyrics for the films songs, which rocker Rick Wakeman composed, reworking synthesized arrangements of classical pieces by Liszt and Wagner. It captures the electric spirit and artistic process on display in much of Bohemian Rhapsody, a film which heavily uses montage to showcase Queens iconic recording sessions and concert tours. Similarly, Listzomania fixates on concert performances, love affairs, jealousies, and infidelities in much the same way as Bohemian Rhapsody. Both open with a flashback and a backstage view of their figures concerts. Liszt surprisingly has much in common with Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek)  both were often criticized and hailed for their outrageous showmanship which drew crowds of screaming fans, a fact which occasionally overshadowed their superb musicianship. These two films explore this to a degree, but its the way in which the movies participate in the mythologizing of their central figure that makes them a good match  a point hammered home by the casting of real-life rocker Roger Daltrey. Freddie Mercury wanted to write rock music on the scale of opera and classical music; Lisztomania takes that notion to a far more literal place. But they both will rock you.

Available on: YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu

The Favourites absolutely bonkers take on the love triangle and rivalry between two cousins vying to be the court favourites of Englands Queen Anne is anything but your average historical drama. The outrageous Yorgos Lanthimos film throws the staid traditions of costume drama out the window. One previous historical film similarly shook up audiences with its bawdy humor, frank depictions of sexuality, and stylistic experimentation, including breaking the fourth wall  Tony Richardsons Tom Jones. Albert Finney stars as the title character in this adaptation of Henry Fieldings 1749 novel The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. With its lush historical costumes, settings, and costumes, Tom Jones uses all the trappings of this style of filmmaking to utterly upend expectations, inserting experimental mock-serious commentaries in between scenes analyzing the characters actions. While The Favourite has a more straightforward narrative style, it similarly relies on its historical setting to pull the rug out from under the audience, devolving into shocking ribaldry and an examination of gender dynamics amidst its more traditional trappings. If youre looking for a bawdy comedy equally as shocking and vibrant as The Favourite, you cant go wrong with 1963 Best Picture winner Tom Jones.

Available on: Amazon, iTunes

Green Book tells the story of Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a concert pianist, and Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), his Italian-American driver, as they travel through the segregated American South in the early 1960s. Though Tony originally takes the job for the cash, the two eventually forge an unlikely friendship amidst their experiences with the prevailing dehumanizing attitudes they encounter and the indignities Don Shirley faces at many of his concert venues. Though far more dramatic in its approach, The Defiant Ones is a similar tale of two unlikely partners who gain gradual respect and mutual regard for each other. Chained together as a joke by the warden, John Joker Jackson (Tony Curtis) and Noah Cullen (Sidney Poitier) must look to each other after escaping from an overturned prison transport truck. Though they initially hate each other, Cullen and Joker resign themselves to working together to escape their imprisonment. On their journey, they encounter a lynch mob and other terrors, gradually developing a friendship amidst the horrors they face. Poitiers performance here earned him an Oscar nomination for his characters quiet rage and intelligence, something that has also garnered Mahershala Ali plenty of awards love for his work in Green Book. Similar to Mortensens character in Green Book, Tony Curtis was hailed for his characters transition from brutal tough guy to empathetic figure. Considered provocative in 1958, The Defiant Ones still stands as a searing meditation on everything from friendship to racism to prison reform.

Available on: Amazon Prime

Roma has been hailed as a masterpiece by critics for its lush black-and-white cinematography and its intimately personal tale of live-in housekeeper Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) and the middle-class family she cares for. Director Alfonso Cuaron is drawing from a rich history of hyper-realistic filmmaking with the project, relying on the techniques and styles of filmmaking schools like Italian Neo-Realism to craft this story of the minutiae of the lives of everyday people often overlooked by cinema. Vittorio De Sicas Bicycle Thieves is the best-known film to emerge from the Italian NeoRealist movement  an unflinching and dispiriting tale of a man Antonio (Lamberto Maggiorani) desperate to find his stolen bicycle to keep the job he needs to support his family. Filmed on location in Italy, De Sica cast only untrained actors to tell this story that sets out to uncover the drama and heartbreak in everyday life. Similarly, Cuaron turned to untrained actress Yalitza Aparicio to ground his slice of life story shot on location in Mexico. Cuaron takes up a time-honored tradition of hyper-realistic black-and-white filmmaking used to examine the stories of those so often left off our screens, just as De Sica did back in 1948 with his frank look at the struggles of post-war life.

Available on: Kanopy, YouTube, Google Play, iTunes

In essence, Vice is the story of how a rural party boy rose to one of the most powerful positions in American politics, all the while pulling the strings behind the curtain to his benefit. The black comedy from Adam McKay uses a host of cinematic tricks, including narration and filmic fake-outs to hammer home the corruption at the heart of Dick Cheneys (Christian Bale) deeds, while contrasting those choices with the mans dedication to his family. The 1949 film noir All the Kings Men follows a similar trajectory of rural politician Willie Stark (Broderick Crawford) to the governors mansion, where he becomes corrupted by the system that helped him rise to power. Its frank assessment of issues like graft, love, and how politics can subvert even the most idealistic among us jive well with the dark realities of Vice trussed up with McKays signature pitch-black sense of humor. All the Kings Men is widely considered to be a thinly veiled version of the rise of a real-life politician, 1930s Louisiana governor Huey Long, and his histrionic approach to politics and ultimate assassination. If youre looking for a political biopic with extremely dark undertones, All the Kings Men, which earned leading man Broderick Crawford an Oscar, is the perfect running mate for Vice.

Available on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, iTunesThe Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest has just made its most valuable new acquisition in recent history, and thus secured a real masterpiece for the Old Masters Collection: The Wedding Portrait Of Princess Mary Henrietta Stuart.

The museum says this acquisition of a work by Anthony van Dyck, one of the greatest masters of European portrait painting, was made possible by generous support from the government.

The exceptional picture is the wedding portrait of Princess Mary Henrietta Stuart (16311660), eldest daughter of King Charles I of England.

This masterpiece that was completed in 1641 will be a real treasure in the museums collection.

The portrait is presented to the public in the Michelangelo Hall, in an exhibition organised for this special occasion.

The image of Princess Mary Henrietta is displayed together with a selection of portraits of royal children and Van Dycks early works from the museums collection.

The wedding portrait of Princess Mary Henrietta was one of the last works painted by Van Dyck.

So far, the Museum of Fine Arts only held two very early works by the painter: the poetic image of Saint John the Evangelistfrom around 16191620 and the Portrait of a Married Couple that Van Dyck painted at the age of nineteen but it nevertheless attests to his exceptional artistic skill and subtle human insight.

The depicted couple is not so young anymore, however, their holding hands symbolise their unity and the ring gleaming on her finger commemorates a wedding just as in the portrait of Princess Mary Henrietta that was created much later.

Charles I of England wanted his eldest daughter, Mary Henrietta Stuart, to marry William II, Prince of Orange. The dynastic marriage was aimed at strengthening the alliance between England and the Netherlands.

The ceremony was held on 2 May 1641 but the marriage could not be consummated since Mary Henrietta was nine and William was fourteen years old. (Their child, who would be the English king as William III, was only born nine years later.)

In the wedding portrait, the princess has a wedding ring on her left hand, and wears on her dress the large diamond brooch she received as a wedding gift from her husband. In the exhibition, we can see the parents and the husband of the princess in engraved portraits.

Children of rulers were regularly portrayed in European courts. Among the portraits of children displayed in the exhibition, there are several who were somehow connected to Princess Mary Henrietta.

Balthasar Charles, Prince of Asturias, two years senior to Mary Henrietta, was one of the princess possible husbands-to-be. He was also her cousin, just like the children of The Winter King, Frederick V of the Palatinate.

Sending a portrait of a princess to another royal court served to prepare a dynastic marriage. From the moment of her birth, Margaret Theresa of Spain, the half-sister of Balthasar Charles, was the fiancee of Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor and Hungarian King, therefore, her portraits were regularly sent to the Viennese court.

In the portrait displayed at the exhibition, Margaret Theresa is nine years old, the same age as Princess Mary Henrietta in Van Dycks painting that is now held by the Museum of Fine Arts.





Source: Museum of Fine Arts Budapest

1146 Budapest, Dozsa Gyorgy ut 41.

Phone number: +36 1 469 7100The Houston Police Department will end its use of controversial no-knock warrants in most situations, Chief Art Acevedo said during a contentious town hall meeting three weeks after a deadly Pecan Park drug raid that left two people dead and five officers injured."The no-knock warrants are going to go away like leaded gasoline in this city," Acevedo told the crowd of activists, reformers and concerned community members gathered at Talento Bilingue de Houston.After the event -- organized by the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice -- Acevedo said any situation in which a no-knock raid would be required would have to receive a special exemption from his office."I'm 99.9 percent sure we won't be using them," he said. "If for some reason there would be a specific case, that would come from my office."Given the wounded officers and the two slain civilians, the chief said he didn't "see the value" in the controversial raids."So, that's probably going to go by the wayside," he said.The news came during the meeting late Monday after more than an hour of questions from a furious crowd that repeatedly pressed Acevedo on the conduct of his undercover officers, the use of no-knock warrants and inflammatory comments from Houston police union President Joe Gamaldi who recently seemed to suggest the department was surveilling law enforcement critics.And, despite pushback earlier in the day from a defense lawyer representing the case agent at the center of the botched bust, Acevedo doubled down on his previous statements about the likelihood of charges against the police involved."I'm very confident we're going to have criminal charges on one or more of the officers," he said.The crowd greeted his declaration with a chorus of angry voices demanding: "All of them."Still, Acevedo said he wouldn't agree to let the Texas Ranger or the FBI take over the investigation."I feel very strongly that a police department that is not capable of investigating itself and finding malfeasance and criminal misconduct," he said, "we should just shut down -- and that's just not the case here."Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg also tried to assure the crowd that her office would investigate and that bad actors would not be allowed off the hook, but pushed back against "mob justice.""There is a process -- it is the justice system," she said. "What you've seen is more accountability -- grand juries are returning more true-bills, and we're prosecuting them."When asked whether he would fire Gamaldi or others allegedly surveilling or harassing activists, Acevedo said he wouldn't deal with speculation. In response, activist Shere Dore fired back with an allegation that earlier in the day police came out and took pictures of protesters gathered outside Houston police headquarters to demand murder charges against the case agent behind the raid.Acevedo asked for video to look into the claim.He went on to say that he would roll out a new policy in the coming weeks to make sure that officers participating in raids wear body cameras; the fact that they didn't in the Harding Street raid was a point of contention afterward, given the lack of evidence to counter the initial narrative.But Acevedo's sweeping announcements weren't enough to placate some of the town hall attendees.One member of the audience, Tomaro Bell, expressed indignation over police use of no-knock warrants."I do believe this officer is going to be charged with murder," she said, of Goines. "But the systemic problems that exist in the undercover narcotics division will not be resolved with this officer charged with murder."Relatives of several people killed in no-knock raids said they believe more investigation was needed before using the raid.Aurora Charles said her brother, 55-year-old Ponciano Montemayor Jr., was killed during a no-knock raid in September 2013."I just want to see change, that's it," she said. "They've got to do their homework before they go in with these warrants."For some in the crowd, the killing of the Tuttles brought back memories of the killing of Joe Campos Torres in 1977."We've been down this road before," said Johnny Mata, a longtime civil rights activist. Still, he tried to assure them."To those who feel down and depressed, that nothing has changed, I'll tell you, it has," he said.At the same time, he called on Gamaldi to reach out to activists."An apology is still needed," he said, suggesting the union could recall his election. "We don't need any demagoguery."Addressing a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that Israels 210 companies active in Hungary are a strong presence, adding that both countries seek to increase cooperation in innovative technologies.

Orban noted that Hungary and Israel are celebrating the 30th anniversary of re-establishing diplomatic relations, and said that Netanyahu had been instrumental in reviving cooperation between his country and central Europe.

Hungary supports local Jewish communities and the upcoming Maccabi Games in Budapest will hopefully be the best so far, he added.

Netanyahu, referring to the significance of cooperation in the fight against terrorism, said that Hungary and Israel together fought extremist Islam.



He mentioned defence, research, science, and environment protection as further areas of cooperation.



Netanyahu thanked Hungary for its support in international organisations and said that the opening of Hungarys new foreign trade representation in Jerusalem was an important gesture.



MTI Photo: PM's Press Office Szecsodi BalazsA pro-government analyst thinks that Europe is unlikely to set up its own independent defence force any time soon, which make it reasonable for Hungary to upgrade its own army.

On Mandiner, Gergely Varga from the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade think tank welcomes the governments efforts to improve Hungarys military capability.



The pro-government analyst suggests that as the US is becoming more isolationist, the EU needs to increasingly rely on its own military to strengthen security and stability.



Thus, the creation of a strong European army would be reasonable for the continent, Varga contends. He, however, thinks that the French-German efforts to create a strong and independent EU defence force would rewrite the balance of power within Europe.



In order to set up a strong European army, Germany would need to improve its military capability significantly, which is unlikely to be welcomed by its neighbours, Varga speculates.



In light of this, Varga suspects that the EU could strengthen its own army within NATO, to ensure that the involvement of the US would counterbalance and moderate shifts in the balance of power in Europe.



As a strong and fully independent European defence force is unlikely to be created in the near future, Varga thinks that the Hungarian government is justified in boosting its own defence forces.Hungarys government is allocating 6 billion forints (EUR 18.9) this year and 5.5 billion from 2020 to pay for primary school students to attend a theatre, dance, circus or classical music performance once a year.

The funding will be available to all pupils in grades 1-8, regardless of social situation or place of residence.



Also, visits to farms or zoos with native Hungarian domesticated animals will be covered by the scheme.



Hungarys thousand-year-old culture is a value of fundamental importance to the enculturation, self-expression and national identity of todays citizens and future generations, as well as the cultural preservation of Hungary, the related resolution states.



Therefore its fulfilment is a priority responsibility of the state.CHEYENNE  Calling it a new era in state government, the CEO and founder of OpenTheBooks.com applauded new State Auditor Kristi Racines on Tuesday for releasing six years of state checkbook expenditures.

Adam Andrzejewski said in a news release that last Friday, Racines provided all public transactions for 2013-18 to OpenTheBooks.com  operated by American Transparency, a Chicago-based group  and the Equality State Taxpayers Association.

The data release satisfied a public records request first made in 2015 that became the basis of a lawsuit filed last July in Laramie County District Court against former State Auditor Cynthia Cloud.

In addition to providing the records, Racines told the groups that since it cost her office less than $180 to produce them, the documents would be released with no charge. She also refunded the $7,820 fee previously paid by the two groups.

Auditor Racines embraced the transparency revolution in the digital age, Andrzejewski said in the news release. Racines was very responsive and now, for the first time in history, the books of state government are open.

It is a new day in Wyoming. The culture of secrecy regarding state spending is over. There is a marked difference between the Racines administration and what transpired in past administrations.

Kevin Lewis, vice president of the Equality State Taxpayers Association, praised Racines for her responsiveness to the requests his group and OpenTheBooks.com made years earlier. He said he was pleasantly surprised by the refund and said it was a sign of the new direction of leadership in the Auditors Office.

I think (Racines) really wanted to do the right thing, Lewis said. These are the peoples documents and the peoples expenditures. I think shes actually in the job to do the right thing.

I really do think (transparency) starts with examples from the top. The top wasnt populated with a lot of good examples in the past. And thats changing, so Im very hopeful.

Since the lawsuit filed by OpenTheBooks.com and the Equality State Taxpayers Association was still active, Racines said Tuesday she wasnt able to comment on the release of records or the refunds. Lewis said his group and OpenTheBooks.com would soon join with the Wyoming Attorney Generals Office in a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

Racines took over last month from Cloud, who chose not to run for another four-year term. Cloud had denied the original records request on the grounds that compiling state payments would make it impossible for her office to perform essential duties.

Last year, she reversed that position and agreed to provide five years worth of records. But she still hadnt produced all of the promised data before she left office. Cloud told a WTE reporter that extra time was needed to ensure confidential payments to Medicaid recipients or crime victims were redacted.

Cloud also said she had asked state lawmakers to pay for special software that could do the job faster, but they declined to give her the money.

Wyoming often ranks low in national transparency rankings. The state was ranked 49th and received an F in a 2015 review by the Center for Public Integrity. An accompanying narrative pointed out flaws in open meetings and public records laws and noted the unusual lack of an independent ethics agency.

Racines and Gov. Mark Gordon announced the formation of a transparency working group during their respective campaigns for office last year. During the groups first meeting since both took office last month, Andrzejewski phoned in and said he would include Racines in the lawsuit if spending records theyd requested werent turned over in 30 days.

I want to congratulate Auditor Racines for expeditiously handling this request, Gordon said Tuesday. Its appropriate, and its something we talked about and worked on in the transparency working group. This is material that the people of Wyoming are looking forward to seeing.SPEED READ:

Collectively, the 50 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories have more than $6 billion in federal funding at stake due to President Trump's emergency declaration to build a border wall.

California, Hawaii and Maryland stand to lose the most funding.

Some of the border wall money will come from National Guard funding that is currently used to fight drug trafficking.

How Much Could the Border Wall Cost Your State?

President Trumps emergency declaration to build a border wall puts up to $6 billion in federal funding at risk for the states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories.After failing to get the money from Congress and shutting down the government over the dispute, the administration declared a national immigration emergency so that it could cobble together the funds for the $8 billion wall from defense accounts that provide billions in military construction and National Guard funding to the states.California, Hawaii and Maryland stand to lose the most financially. All three states are among the 16 suing the president over his emergency declaration, claiming he manufactured an immigration crisis.California has an estimated $896 million in vulnerable federal military construction and National Guard funding, Maryland has more than $550 million and Hawaii has $362 million, according to an analysis byIf the president is essentially stealing money that's been allocated to go to the various states for various purposes but no longer will, we're being harmed, our people are being harmed, said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra when he announced the lawsuit.Taking money away from authorized military construction would not only harm national security, the lawsuit argues, but also cause damage to state economies because of the loss of jobs and spending.Specifically, Trump is asserting his power to tap three pots of money for his border wall: $600 million from a Treasury Department asset forfeiture fund for law enforcement priorities, $2.5 billion from a military anti-drug account and $3.6 billion in military construction funds.The National Guards Counterdrug Program, which provided about $200 million last year across 50 states, the territories and D.C., is funded through the Department of Defenses anti-drug account. California, New York and Texas accounted for one-third of last years funding, according to the U.S. Government Accounting Office The program helps coordinate interagency efforts to combat drug trafficking . Last year, for instance, it helped law enforcement agencies confiscate nearly $11.2 billion of illicit drugs. National Guard analysts also contributed to the disruption or dismantlement of more than 4,500 drug trafficking groups and helped prevent more than 3.3 million pounds of illicit drugs from reaching American communities.States across the country benefit from the National Guard Counterdrug Program, which assists local law enforcement agencies and supports drug interdiction efforts, says Mary Catherine Ott, legislative director of the National Governors Association Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee. Its an example of a federal-state partnership that yields results that benefit Americans.In California, construction projects at Camp Pendleton and Naval Base Coronado account for more than $250 million in allocated funds that are now at risk. In Maryland, some of the vulnerable funding includes roughly $130 million allocated this year for a new hangar complex to house the presidents soon-to-be revamped Air Force One The other states joining the lawsuit are: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Virginia. Together, they have more than $2.8 billion in vulnerable funding.Jake Jarvis can be reached by phone at 304-935-0144, on Twitter at @JakeJarvisWV or by email at jjarvis@statejournal.com.On a 53-45 vote, the West Virginia House of Delegates voted Tuesday afternoon to "indefinitely postpone" the omnibus education bill.Cheers exploded from the gallery, which was packed by teachers from throughout the state who went on strike Tuesday in opposition of the bill.It is unclear at this time whether the strike is over.In a statement, state Superintendent of Schools Steven Paine said based on the action taken, "Educator voices were clearly heard."Paine said, "I strongly encourage all county school systems to return to school tomorrow, Feb. 20. I urge educators to respect the process and allow it to work."I understand that there is still concern over what may happen next. Both Governor Justice and many members of the legislature have shown a commitment to listening to the voice of educators and doing what is best for West Virginia students."Additionally, Governor Justice has called for the legislature to consider his stand-alone pay raise bill along with other measures to improve county finances and I am confident they will do so."Gov. Jim Justice held a press conference at 3:30 p.m. calling for the Legislature to pass his pay raise bill, and for teachers to go back to work. He also said he would like to see funding for school support services, such as counselors and psychologists, as well as funding for smaller counties.Last month, West Virginia state Senate Republican leaders introduced a bill to make sweeping changes to West Virginia's education system. Their bill tied more raises for teachers and funding for school support workers, such as counselors, to more controversial provisions, including provisions for charter schools and education savings accounts, and reducing the importance of teacher seniority during lay-offs.Charter schools are public schools that are privately managed. Education savings accounts allow parents to use tax money for private educational expenses, such as home-school or private school. Teachers unions argued those provisions would take money from traditional schools.After the state Senate passed it, the House of Delegates significantly altered the bill, removing the education savings account provision and limiting the number of charter schools to two.The two bodies have to agree on changes before bills become law.Monday, the state Senate had put education savings accounts back into the bill, and raised the number of charter schools allowed in the state to seven, along with numerous other changesUpon receiving the bill Tuesday from the Senate during the 11 a.m. floor session, delegates rejected a motion by House Majority Leader Amy Summers, R-Taylor, to wait to consider the bill until 4 p.m., giving delegates more time to review Senate changes.Del. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, motioned to postpone the bill indefinitely, meaning to delay action forever, killing the bill for the legislative session.Some delegates said postponing the bill indefinitely would be rejecting the legislative process. The House could have chosen to appoint a committee to work with the Senate on a final version."We took three days in education," said Del. Danny Hamrick, R-Harrison and the House Education Chair. His committee's version of the bill had been supported by teachers unions."We took a day and a half in Finance," he said. "We took an entire day on the House floor to work through this bill and now we're getting to a point -- I understand that a majority of this body doesn't agree with what the Senate did but that doesn't mean we just throw it away and stop working on the process.""There were a few things that were tossed round from my friends on the other side of the aisle, like, 'Why do we want to run from this?'" Caputo responded. "Why do we want to throw in the towel? Why do we want to do all this right now? Well I have a theory. If all the things in this bill was so good, they wouldn't have put 'em all on one of the seats on that omnibus and sent it over here."Del. Brandon Steele, representing Raleigh County, urged his fellow delegates to vote against Caputo's motion."The people trust us to handle this appropriately," he said. "Not kill things without talking about it."He then voted to kill the bill, and did not immediately respond to an inquiry as to why.Del. Cindy Lavender-Bowe, D-Greenbrier, made a post on her Facebook account, outlining a parliamentary procedure that could bring the bill back into play.In a release around 2 p.m., Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, issued the following statement:"Today's action by the House of Delegates on comprehensive education reform is a delay, not a defeat. There is a vital need to reform West Virginia's education system, and I do not believe that any true transformation comes through pay raise alone."Our families deserve competition, choice, and flexibility. The 18 members of the Senate who relentlessly pursued giving families that option will not stop working toward that goal."Thousands of families across the state had their fundamental right to educational freedom usurped by the will of those who cling so desperately to the status quo and the empty promises by those who pressure them to defend it."I am disappointed, but let me be clear: I am not defeated. In the Senate, 'tired of being 50th' isn't just a clever slogan. It's a call for action, and we will act."----In an interview Monday, Tega Toney, an Oak Hill High School teacher, president of AFT-Fayette County and vice president of AFT-West Virginia, said main reasons for the strike included provisions allowing seven charter schools in the state, education savings accounts, and the change to the importance of teacher seniority.By 10 p.m. Monday, 54 of 55 counties throughout the state had announced schools would be closed. Putnam County remained open."They could have never introduced this bill in the first place," Toney said. "They could have listened to the true experts in education, the teachers, the service personnel, the principals, the superintendents. If they want education reform, bring us in, bring us to the table, and let's work together. Do it with us. Don't do it to us."

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Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In.As more people get vaccinated and states begin to roll back some of the restrictions put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic  schools, agencies and workplaces are working on a plan on how to safely return to normal.WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVA) - The U.S. Supreme Court will not review court decisions dismissing a lawsuit filed over the shooting death of a man by a Tupelo police officer.

On Tuesday, the nation's highest court denied a writ of certiorari filed by the family of Antwun "Ronnie" Shumpert.

Antwun "Ronnie" Shumpert Antwun "Ronnie" Shumpert

Shumpert was shot and killed by Officer Tyler Cook on June 18, 2016.

Cook shot Shumpert four times after he said Shumpert attacked him during a search of a residential area after a man ran from a traffic stop.

Shumpert's family filed a federal lawsuit seeking $35 million in his death.

The lawsuit named the city of Tupelo, Cook, Police Chief Bart Aguirre and Mayor Jason Shelton.

A federal judge later dismissed the lawsuit and the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision in September.

Shumpert's family asked the nation's highest court to review the case in December.

Shumpert family attorney Carlos Moore responded to the Supreme Court's ruling by email saying, "The family is disappointed that the Supreme Court will not hear the case. However, the family is pleased that they fought to the very end for justice. Now that the case has ended, the family asks for privacy as they attempt to put their fractured lives back together."

Moore had some other less-than flattering things to say about the police department and the city in his statement as well.

We reached out to attorneys for the city, but none were avaialble for comment.Your digital subscription allows you to view any content, comment on any issue and submit your own news to our newsroom.

Digital subscriptions do not include home delivery of the Tracy Press. To receive the paper at home, sign up for Premium Membership.Editor's Note: Click the blue links to view extra content.

TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - Most of north Mississippi saw torrential rainfall, and flooding was a major issue Wednesday morning.

Crews rescued this motorist on County Road 210 in Calhoun County. | Photo: Greg Pollan Crews rescued this motorist on County Road 210 in Calhoun County. | Photo: Greg Pollan

Calhoun County Sheriff Greg Pollan posted a video to his social media accounts of a flood rescue on County Road 210. He said this road is closed until further notice.

WATCH: Click here to see Greg's video

North Mississippi storm chaser Jonathan Gordon shared a photo of a sinkhole at My Classic Carwash on Highway 278 near Amory's Walmart.

Taylor Reeves shared a video of flooding in the Palmetto community of Lee County. The specific address is unknown.

WATCH: Click here to see Taylor's video

WTVA Meteorologist Chelsea Brown shared a photo of flooding in Bruce.

WTVA Meteorologist John Dolusic shared flooding video from Chad Mills in Pontotoc.

WATCH: Click here to see Chad's video

Andrew Dees shared flooding video from Winona near the airport.

WATCH: Click here to see Andrew's video

Webster County's District 5 supervisor said numerous roads were closed. Drivers are reminded to not drive around warning signs, and motorists need to heed the warnings.

Krissy Ayers shared a video of high water on County Road 308 in Big Creek.

WATCH: Click here to see Krissy's videoPhiladelphia Police were dispatched to a stabbing at 923 Gum Street Tuesday around 11:30 p.m.

When officers arrived, they found Aaron McCarty, 26, with a single puncture wound to the chest. McCarty was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

A female suspect was taken into custody at the hospital. She was questioned, along with a juvenile, who was present during the incident.

No arrests were made and no charges have been filed, at this time. Police are not actively looking for any other suspects.

Police Chief Grant Myers says they believe this incident is a result of a domestic disturbance.

The case will be presented to a grand jury.TERRE HAUTE Ind. (WTHI)- Indiana lawmakers have been trying for years to pass a hate crime law.

Now, they may be one step closer to making that a reality.

The Senate Public Policy Committee voted nine to one Monday to pass the law.

People here in Terre Haute said laws like this are needed to help stop the hate.

Neil Ward is an openly gay man.

He said passing laws like these are sometimes necessary to make people mindful of their actions.

"The hardest part is acknowledging that there is people out there who need to have this used against them, and no one likes to say they have the bad part. No one wants to look at their dark side," said Ward.

Indiana is just one of five states without a hate crime law.

It's been discussed in legislation for years.

That's why Adam Miller thinks getting the change will be difficult.

"There are certain people that were raised to hate. Those are the people that it's going to be most difficult with. There comes a certain point where you can't change the way somebody thinks," said Miller.

If the law is passed, it would protect people from attacks on them based on their race, sexual orientation and religion.

Many people said it's worth trying to enforce the law to keep everyone safe.

"People die because of this you know. People are beat up. They're thrown off buildings. They're murdered because they're viewed as less than or expendable," said Ward.

The law still has to pass through the house and senate, but many are hopeful for change.

"If passing this law helps to combat even fear or at least show to people that hey there's people rising up against this. You're not alone and it will get better. It may be hard it may be difficult, but it will change," said Miller.

Governor Eric Holcomb has said he supports the bill, but this is just one step in the process.

The bill would have to pass through the senate and the house before it reaches the governor's desk.Teachers across West Virginia walked out of their classrooms on Monday in a strike against a bill circulating in the state legislature that would divert funding from public schools.

Leaders of the state trade unions focused their opposition on the Republican-sponsored Senate Bill 451, which would create seven charter schools in the state and create a voucher program to finance private schools.

The unions had called for support for a version of the bill different in degree, but not kind, pushed by Democrats in the state House. This would also have opened the door to charter schools, but not vouchers and some other measures. Both versions would provide a paltry five percent raise to teachers while disregarding spiraling health care costs, large class sizes and decrepit facilities.

Whether sponsored by Republicans or Democrats, the bills are overwhelmingly opposed by West Virginia teachers, who last year waged a nine-day statewide strike that coalesced out of wildcat walkouts.

Last years struggle of West Virginia teachers was betrayed by the trade unions, which sent teachers back to work with bogus promises of legislative reforms to benefit public education. Instead, as the bills circulating in the state legislature show, the ending of that strike only bought time for politicians of both parties to launch new attacks.

World Socialist Web Site Teachers Newsletter reporters spoke to striking teachers who gathered in Charleston, the state capital.

Sandy, a service employee, said she was participating to fight this bill. I feel bad for the community and bad for the kids. My dad lives in Florida, where they have charter schools, and he said it drained the economy so much. Our economy is already drained here in West Virginia.

Sandy said the introduction of charter schools would affect service employees. They are also going after our seniority. We dont know whats going on with the health insurance right now. And after this blow, we dont know what to think, what to trust. You know they are supposed to be fixing PEIA [the public employees health insurance program]. Theyve been doing it for a while, and so far weve heard they havent done anything with it.

When asked what she thought about last years settlement, she said, I dont think we should have stopped. I really dont. I was really disappointed that we did. I dont think we should have given in as quickly as we did. Because its been like this the whole time. Theyll tell you one thing and turn around and do another thing.

When the WSWS reporter raised the need for a general strike, Sandy said, I think thats what its going to come to. Teachers are so underpaid. They work in a high stress job.

Darlene is a teacher from Mingo county. The 150 million dollars for the rainy-day fund is for all state employees, she said. Thats not going to last very long. Its a band-aid. This is retaliation for us going on strike last year! She also made the point that if PEIA was fixed, teachers would receive an additional $400 a monthan amount substantially higher than any pay raise they would receive.

A substitute teacher also referred to the bill as payback for the 2018 strike. How do you think charter schools are going to work in a rural state like this?, he asked. Whats going to happen to the poor kids out in the country if they dont get accepted? Theyll wind up on the train tracks walking with a hobo stick.

A teacher who wished to remain anonymous spoke about the devastating effect of the opioid crisis on schools. We have a huge percentage of kids without parents or grandparents about to enter our schools. Their trauma is so great theyll have special needs. They wont be able to learn otherwise. Our legislature has never once come down to see what that looks like. Theyre just out of touch.

They say charter schools are about choice, she continued. Its not about choice. Its about siphoning off money. I look at the haves and have nots of my class. The charter schools supposedly offer all these field trips to students. You know who really deserves that? The kid in my class who has never seen an escalator before. Or the kid who was amazed to see a toilet that flushes. But those are never the kids who get it. I think if were going to offer a charter school it should go to the children in poverty.

She then referred to the lack of access to culture for the working class and poor in the United States. Poor people should be able to go to the theater, or see the ballet, she said.

She discussed last years sellout deal imposed by the unions, which consisted of a paltry five percent pay increase. We didnt even get [five percent]. That is what we were promised last year, but that wasnt what I brought home.

She was also angered that the deal failed to address the problems of declining school funding, classroom sizes, or lack of access to quality educational resources. Its not really about the raise for us, she said. Its about the kids.

When asked if she and her coworkers were prepared to continue their strike, she responded, Yes. Were not the richest people on earth but well do it as long as we need to.A bill in the West Virginia legislature that pairs meager salary increases with new attacks on public education has been indefinitely tabled in the face of massive rank-and-file opposition from teachers and school service employees who are continuing their statewide strike today.

The walkout by 33,000 teachers and school service personnel, which began Tuesday morning, forced the shutdown of schools in all 55 counties. An attempt to open by one district, Putnam County, failed miserably after teachers picketed, and buses and students did not show.

The strike occurs almost a year since the last West Virginia teacher strike initiated the largest wave of strikes by US educators in more than a generation.

Efforts by the unions to declare victory after the tabling of the bill and to pressure strikers back to work failed to convince striking educators who remember all too well similar declarations after the unions shut down their powerful nine-day strike last year. In the year since, none of the promises made by union officials and Governor Jim Justice to address low pay, crushing health care costs and chronically underfunded schools have materialized.

Having forced the unions to call a strike, teachers were determined to maintain their momentum to fight not only to defeat the reactionary state legislation, which would introduce charter schools for the first time in state history and other school privatization schemes, but to win their demands, which had been ignored in last years settlement.

With West Virginia teachers once again in the lead, and with teachers in Oakland, California slated to go out on strike on Thursdayon the heels of major strikes in Los Angeles and Denverthe movement threatens to coalesce into a nationwide general strike in defense of public education.

In recent days, fifteen governors have asked for increased teacher pay in an attempt to forestall further strikes. Among actions threatened so far are: a renewed strike in Arizona should Governor Duceys pledge of a 20 percent pay increase not take effect, action in Indiana if the legislature doesnt boost pay this session, and a strike by the end of the school year in Louisiana. Teachers rallied across Virginia in January, and teachers in Oklahoma, South Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas continue to threaten further action for increased pay.

The West Virginia House voted 53-45 to indefinitely table its version of a bill initiated in the senate as Bill 451, that would have conjoined a miserly 5 percent wage increase to various initiatives to syphon funding away from public schools. Both versions of the bill would have legalized charter schools in the state, which is one of only six in the country that does not have a charter school industry.

The three unions covering the states educators, along with Randi Weingarten, the national leader of the American Federation of Teachers had announced their backing for the House version of the bill, largely because state Democrats had stripped out a provision that would have compelled unions to get annual permission from teachers to deduct union dues from their paychecks.

West Virginia teachers were outraged. Their unionsWest Virginia Education Association (WVEA), American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia (AFT-WV), and the West Virginia School Service Personnel Association (WVSSPA)had promised last year, in exchange for ending the strike, that they would see increases in salaries and school funding. They also heard earnest declarations about commitment to dealing with spiraling health care costs due to years of intentional underfunding of the public employee health insurance program or PEIA.

Instead, by sabotaging the strike, the unions had only opened the door for the escalation of the attack on teachers and public education in West Virginia and across the country.

The unions were forced to call Tuesdays walkout only to preempt a new movement toward wildcat strikes gathering support among teachers. And it was only in the face of massive opposition that they determined to sanction it a second day on Wednesday. WVEA President Dale Lee went out of his way to say the union was a member-driven organization, a false claim but one that nevertheless expressed the fear of the union bureaucracy that rank-and-file teachers would defy a back-to-work order like they initially did last year.

On Tuesday evening, after declaring the strikes continuance, AFT-WV President Fred Albert and WV-SSPA President Joe White appealed directly to state politicians to provide further cover so that they can order teachers back to work and maintain a modicum of credibility. We are staying out one more day to make sure that this is a dead bill tomorrow, Albert said. For his part, White admitted that teachers were opposed to returning to work. The trust is not there, he said.

The unions are looking to sell what billionaire Republican Governor Jim Justice calls a clean bill, House Bill 2730, which includes only a small raise and momentarily leaves asidefor the time beingother corporate-backed school reform measures. Justice, a former Democrat, said he would look into backing a pilot program of two to three charter schools, which teachers correctly see as a foot in the door for school privatization.

In a statement, which was shared widely by teachers and school employees on social media, the WSWS Teacher Newsletter called for educators to reject any return to work and instead fight to expand their fight against the bipartisan attack on public education.

Teachers all across the country, including educators in Oakland, California, who are set to strike on Thursday, are looking to West Virginia teachers to take the lead again. There is a growing resolve to fight. Everywhere teachers want to unite and fight together, but the question is: how?

West Virginia school employees must elect rank-and-file committees, independent of the union, that are democratically controlled by the teachers themselves. These committees must appeal to workers in West Virginia and all teachers and school employees to join a common fight for social equality.

There is a growing mood for a general strike bringing together all workers across all industries. Teachers will win massive support and bring their enemies in Charleston to their knees by calling for all workers to join them in a general strike. Workers strength lies in their unity and their independence from the unions and the Democratic and Republican parties controlled by the rich.

The resources needed to vastly improve public education and guarantee living wages to all school employees can only be secured through a frontal assault on the giant corporations and the super-rich, including the coal and natural gas industries, which have bled public education and other state services in West Virginia dry. This, in turn, requires a political struggle against both corporate controlled parties and the capitalist system they defend.The Progressive Revolution: Modern Art for a New India; an exhibition at the Asia Society Museum, New York City through January 20, 2019, curated by Dr. Zehra Jumabhoy and Boon Hui Tan.

The Progressive Revolution: Modern Art for a New India, an exhibition at the Asia Society Museum in New York City on the Progressive Artists Group (PAG), was a valuable opportunity to view works from one of the most significant groups in Indian modern art. The PAG was founded in 1947 in Bombay (now Mumbai) by several left-leaning artists. After many of its members left India, it disbanded in 1956.

The Progressive Revolution is the first time the original PAG members art has been exhibited together outside of India.

The PAG was formed in 1947 and worked in the immediate aftermath of Indian independence and the communal partition between a predominantly Hindu India and an explicitly Muslim Pakistan, during which up to 2 million people were killed in communal violence and 18 million moved across the new borders in the largest human migration in history. The art the PAG produced during this tumultuous period stands as a powerful indictment of communalism, discrimination and the legacy of imperialist domination of the Indian subcontinent.

At the same time, it expresses the hopes of millions that independence would open up a new era of secular and democratic development for India, while articulating limited misgivings about the newly independent India, which saw power transferred to the native bourgeoisie and its Indian National Congress (INC).

This contradictory outlook was a product of the nature of Indian independence. In the last decade of the British Raj, the working class on the subcontinent, inspired by the Russian Revolution, emerged as the major force opposing British imperialism. This process was epitomized in the Quit India movement. This very development caused the Indian bourgeoisie (both Hindu and Muslim) to recoil in terror, relying on communal politics to divide the working class and securing independence via the imperialist-brokered Partition accepted by the bourgeoisie.

The PAG initially included K. H. Ara, S. K. Bakre, H. A. Gade, M. F. Husain, S. H. Raza and F. N. Souza. The Asia Society exhibition also features works by artists who joined the PAG after 1947 or were around it without being members, including V. S. Gaitonde, Krishen Khanna, Ram Kumar, Tyeb Mehta, Akbar Padamsee and Mohan Samant.

The group included artists from different social and religious backgrounds. Souza, who was briefly associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and did much of the writing for the group, was from a poor Roman Catholic family in Portuguese Goa. Souza was also involved in the Quit India movement. Ara was the son of a driver from the oppressed Dalit (Untouchable) caste, and he was a domestic servant when he began painting. Raza was the son of a forest ranger. Husain was a secular Muslim.

What brought these artists together amid the tumultuous end of British colonial rule was a rejection of staid academic art and the backward-looking, sentimental nationalist art of other Indian artists of the time, including the influential Bengal School of painting. Instead, they synthesized European modernist, Post-Impressionist and Expressionist techniques and the visual tradition of ancient Hindu, Punjabi, Jainist, Muslim and Buddhist art (and other Indian and Asian influences) into a bold break with the conventions of the Indian and British art worlds of their time.

While the PAG set out to create a new, secular art for the new Indian nation, many of the pieces featured in the Asia Societys show, and many of the movements strongest works, show the failures of the Indian national project and proudly display the international cross-pollination that is fundamental to the birth of modern art.

Throughout the exhibit, paintings that borrow from and update traditional Hindu imagery are exhibited next to historical examples from the Asia Societys collection. While some of these pairings suggest that the PAG reached back to discover an essential Indianness, others suggest that the artists influences went far beyond national folk traditions, and combined influences from across Asia and the world. The exhibits section National/International, for instance, suggests that the PAGs works, as well as the work of European and American modernists, were valuable products of cultural exchange among sensitive artists expressing the upheaval and the contradictions of the post-war era.

Among the paintings that express the social divisions in post-independence India, some of the most successful are F. N. Souzas Tycoon and the Tramp (1956) and Ram Kumars Unemployed Graduates (1956). Tycoon and the Tramp is a large oil portrait of the two title figures: the tycoon is a pallid, corpse-like man in a blue suit and shirt and tie, with a small, bemused smirk perched atop folds of fat; the tramp is a slight man wearing dark red and black clothing, with a thin, wispy beard, his face a deep red, with a blank, removed expression.

Both figures are outlined in heavy, rough, glossy black lines that foreshadow Souzas later workshis violently crosshatched women and grotesque figures of Christ. They stand against an abstract, light green and sickly yellow textured background, and their eyes, framed by heavy lines and shadows, stare across the center of the image. Souzas painting is a stark expression of the class divisions between the parasitic bourgeoisie and the working class that remained entrenched in the new India.

Kumars Unemployed Graduates, completed after his return to India from Paris, is an oil painting of four ghostly young men in suits that hang off their gaunt, elongated bodies. The students faces are long and rendered, like the majority of the painting, in dull browns and grays. Of particular interest are the students eyes, which are abstracted into white and black ovals sunken into their faces. Unemployed Graduates is a haunting evocation of the economic struggles of ordinary people in post-independence India.

Krishen Khannas News of Gandhijis Death (1948) is a sorrowful depiction of Indians from various backgrounds gathered under a lamppost reading newspapers carrying word of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi at the hands of a right-wing Hindu nationalist. Reflecting the sectarian tensions Khanna feared, no one is reading together or discussing, but each, with his or her own paper, is reflecting.

The figures have muted facial features, with attention instead drawn to their stooped postures and garb depicting them as Muslim, Sikh or Hindu, all united in their grief over the assassination. The colors are dull, and the scene is surrounded by darkness. The figures holding newspapers are distributed about the canvas to form the rough shape of the Indian subcontinent. While not as emotionally evocative, in these reviewers opinions, as The Anatomy Lesson, which would come later, News of Gandhijis Death reflects the PAGs contradictory misgivings about, and illusions in, the Indian national project.

Husains Peasant Couple (1950) is a painting of a man and a woman striding forward. The woman seems to be carrying something on her back, while the man seems to hold a tool or farming implement. The color palette is mostly earthen colors, with some vibrant splashes on the womans clothes. The unusual, more abstract depiction of the womans figure contrasts with the more realist depiction of the mans, but both figures are distorted as if seen from many viewpoints, the shapes and colors of their clothing and bodies combining with the background into a collage from which the couple are emerging.

Peasant Couple seems to emphasize the Nehruvian ideal of unity in diversity, enhanced by the use of people from a rural area and the depiction of a woman, both associated with depictions of India quaIndia. Though an effort to turn toward the peasantry as a subject matter showcasing an authentic Indian national identity, the painting is also a successful and evocative combination of Cubism and Expressionisma bold leap away from the sentimental nationalist paintings of the Bengal Art School.

V. S. Gaitondes work was more abstract, with many of his paintings seeming at once austere and vast. An untitled work from 1962 is haunting, seeming to depict either a bird or a ship in an expanse that threatens to engulf the viewer as well. The subdued grays and blues add to the isolating effect. Gaitonde, like many European artists of an earlier generation, was influenced by Japanese art and ancient calligraphy. Gaitonde combined his influences into non-objective meditations not unlike Mark Rothkos work, but with an emphasis on single colors and experiments with texture.

Khannas 1972 work The Anatomy Lesson is one of the most successful comments on the bloody wars and partitions of the Indian subcontinent coming from artists associated with the PAG. The Anatomy Lesson was painted in the aftermath of the Indo-Pakistani War, which resulted in the bifurcation of Pakistan, the creation of Bangladesh, the military predominance of India, an intensification of religious and ethnic tensions, and mass deaths and atrocities on each side.

The painting is a menacing update to Rembrandts 1632 masterpiece The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. Instead of a social event for well-to-do onlookers, Khannas work depicts a menacing group of pale, sharp-faced military figures preparing to dissect a shrouded human figure. The works cold pallet and monochromatic rendering of military officials condemns the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and its immense human toll.

The PAG expressed in artistic form the genuine democratic and anti-imperialist strivings of the masses on the Indian subcontinent. However, its fate demonstrates the inability of the Indian bourgeoisieor the bourgeoisie in other countries historically oppressed by imperialismto achieve the great democratic tasks tackled by the bourgeois revolutions of an earlier era, such as the French Revolution.

When it took power as a result of the communal Partition, the Indian National Congress legitimized its rule in the large, multi-ethnic and multi-religious country by appealing to secularism and the slogan of unity in diversity, in contrast to Pakistan, which was founded as a Muslim republic. However, even before the horrors of the communal partition, the INC had incorporated elements of the Hindu Mahasabha, or communalists from the upper classes. The Stalinist CPI defended the INC from any political challenge by the working class, while simultaneously supporting the Pakistan Demand between 1942 and 1947.

The result is that the struggles of the workers and peasants on the subcontinent were channeled into a reactionary nation-state structure that hamstrung any efforts at overcoming the legacy of the Raj. This is somewhat brought out in the Asia Society Museum exhibit, which notes the repressive atmosphere faced by the PAG and the role it played in dissolving the group.

Bombay authorities raided Souzas home and removed two of his works from an exhibition in 1949 on the grounds of obscenity for a nude self-portrait, although there were likely political motivations as well. He left for the United Kingdom shortly afterward. Raza, another founding member of the PAG, left for France in 1950. While Souzas and Razas decisions to move exemplify the rich interconnection between different artistic traditions, they also express the difficulties of the period in India.

Also noted in the exhibit is that, after a years-long campaign by the Hindu right, Husain (a secular Muslim who chose to remain in India after the partition) was forced out of the country in 2006. He had faced death threats and legal challenges on the basis of his portrayal of Hindu deities. Husain died in 2011 a citizen of Qatar and had returned his Indian passport.

While the PAG was short-lived, the individuals in and around it are major, lasting figures in modern art in India and internationally. The Progressive Revolution: Modern Art for a New India brought these works together for an audience that normally cannot access them.Senator Bernie Sanders made the expected announcement Tuesday on Vermont Public Radio and in a video posted to YouTube that he will seek the Democratic Party nomination for president in the 2020 election. Sanders is the 10th Democratic candidate to announce a campaign or exploratory committee, with at least 16 others actively considering a run for president.

In 2016, Sanders attracted widespread support from workers and young people based on his pledge to fight against social inequality. Mass audiences turned out to listen to his denunciations of economic inequality and his call for a political revolution against the billionaire class. To the shock and horror of the Democratic Party establishment and the surprise of the candidate himself, Sanders won more than 13 million votes, pulling off upset wins against Hillary Clinton in primaries in the Rust Belt states of Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Even as he was gaining popular support, emails published by WikiLeaks showed that the Clinton campaign was working with the Democratic National Committee to undermine Sanders campaign and ensure that Clinton, widely hated by workers and youth for her pro-war and pro-business policies, would be the partys nominee.

Despite this damaging exposure, Sanders played his assigned part, endorsing Clinton at the partys convention and instructing his supporters to vote for the preferred candidate of Wall Street and the military/intelligence establishment. This was the outcome of his political revolution.

There have been significant transformations in social and political life since Sanders first election campaign. The past two years have seen an upsurge of working class struggle in the United States and internationally. Strikes in the US were at a 32 year high in 2018. The wave of teachers strikes that began last year in West Virginia returned to that state this week, and thousands of teachers are set to strike in Oakland, California. More than 33,000 teachers went on strike in Los Angeles last month, and 5,600 Denver teachers walked out last week. Opposition among auto workers in the US and Canada to plant closings and concessions is growing as contract talks are set to begin later this year.

Tens of thousands of maquiladora workers are rebelling against their unions and striking in Mexico, the yellow vest protests against the Macron government are continuing in France, and major strikes have erupted in Britain, Germany, Hungary, India, South Africa and other countries.

The ruling class is terrified that this growing wave of class struggle will intersect with a socialist program and perspective.

This is the significance of the fascistic speech delivered by Trump on Monday, following his remarks in the State of the Union address. The twilight hour of socialism has arrived in our hemisphere, Trump proclaimed to an audience at a Florida university, only days after declaring a state of emergency to mobilize the military to build a wall along the US-Mexico border in defiance of Congress. Trumps assault on core democratic and constitutional rights is a declaration of war on the working class and all opposition to the dictates of the corporate and financial elite.

Whatever Trump may hope, it is not socialisms twilight hour, but rather the opposite. The struggles of masses of workers and young people are bringing them into direct conflict with the ruling class and the capitalist system.

Sanders is not the representative of this insurgent working class movement. As the WSWS wrote in February 2016, when polls were registering his growing support in the early stages of the Democratic Party primaries: He is rather the temporary beneficiary of a rising tide of popular opposition that is passing through only its initial stages of social and class differentiation. The WSWS explained that Sanders was the response from within the ruling class to this movement. His function was and remains to serve as a lightning rod to channel social opposition back behind the Democratic Party.

Notably excluded from Sanders opening campaign statement was any mention of capitalism, socialism, fascism, imperialism, internationalism, equality or working class.

He declared Tuesday that his campaign is about transforming our country and creating a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice, but he said nothing about how this could be achieved through the vehicle of the Democratic Party.

The fundamental fraud promoted by Sanders, along with individuals such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is that the Democratic Party can be pushed to the left and made a force for progressive change. Articulating this political fiction, Jacobin editor and leading Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member Bhaskar Sunkara proclaimed in a column for the Guardian newspaper on Tuesday that Sanders started a revolution in 2016. In 2020, he can finish it.

The claim that Sanders is driving the Democrats to the left is belied by the facts. For the past two years, the Democrats have focused their opposition to Trump on questions of imperialist foreign policy, in particular, the demand for more aggressive military action in the Middle East and against Russia. They have served as the mouthpieces for dominant sections of the military and intelligence apparatus in demanding an escalation of internet censorship in the name of combating fake news. Far from opposing this right-wing agenda, Sanders has lent it his support.

The Democrats have responded to Trumps fascistic attacks on immigrants by providing more than one billion dollars for border security, while supporting a massive increase in funding for the military. They have facilitated the administrations attacks on social programs and the enactment of trillions of dollars in tax cuts for the rich.

The Democrats have relentlessly promoted identity politics, including through the #MeToo witch hunt, which serves to divide the working class while undermining basic democratic rights such as due process and the presumption of innocence. Sanders mere association with opposition to economic inequality has brought rebukes from within his own party, which intends, as in 2016, to make racial, gender and sexual politics the basis for a right-wing campaign directed at mobilizing privileged sections of the upper-middle class behind Wall Street and the military.

There has been no shortage of experiences with progressive and pro-worker Democrats, and they always end in disaster. The Democratic Party is the graveyard of all progressive social movements. Sanders is once again seeking to lead the working class and young people into a political dead end.

The abolition of social inequality and the dictatorship of the rich, and opposition to the danger of war, fascism and authoritarianism, will not be achieved by tinkering around the edges, through minor reforms that are themselves impossible to achieve within a capitalist social structure dominated from top to bottom by an obscenely rich and parasitic oligarchy. The interests of the working class can be secured only through a fundamental, revolutionary reorganization of social and economic life in the United States and internationally.

Social equality and genuine democracy can be established only through the establishment of socialism. This requires the creation of organs of working class power, the expropriation of the rich, and the transformation of the giant corporations into publicly controlled utilities. Nothing can be won without a frontal attack on the capitalist system itself.Almost 40,000 Irish nurses and midwives will vote in early March on whether to accept the proposed Labour Court (LC) and Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (INMO) pay settlement. After holding three separate days of strikes in early February, the INMO on February 11 called off three further continuous days of strikes.

The INMO is collaborating with the government and the Health Service Executive in working to sell out the struggle of its members for a decent pay rise and better working conditions. Nurses and midwives demanded a 12 percent pay increase, but the deal agreed by the LC and the INMO offers most nurses a mere 2.5 percent.

The INMO National Executive will hold meetings over the next few weeks at which officials will outline the terms of the LC proposal and try to sell their deal.

The LC ruling proposes new pay grades into which many nurses could transfer, and while some nurses would see rises of 7 percent, this figure includes increases these nurses are already due under existing agreements. This means that 26,000 nurses and midwives are, in fact, being offered only 2.5 percent.

The LC ruling also calls for an expert review of nursing by 2020 and includes proposals for a new contract that would extract greater productivity from nurses by forcing them to work in the community, outside their hospitals. Although the nurses called the strike to secure pay parity with other health workers, the LC ruling rejects this out of hand.

Over the past 10 years, many nurses have seen their income slashed by a quarter. Poor working conditions and staff shortages have led to Irish nurses emigrating to the US, Canada and Australia. The anger and frustration among nurses were reflected in the 95 percent vote for a strike at the beginning of the year.

There was also huge support for the strike from the general working class population. Working people, who are worried about the state of the crippled Irish health service, have rejected the corporate press bias against the nurses. A demonstration in support of the nurses held on February 9 attracted as many as 45,000 people to central Dublin.

One clinical nurse manager supporting the demonstration told the Irish Times, In my unit the vast majority of nurses are in their 40s and 50s. The 20- and 30-year-olds, they are not here, theyre not in Ireland. So it is about safe staffing, it is about safe patient care. Every day procedures are cancelled because there arent enough nurses.

On February 11, when the strike was called off by the INMO at the behest of the LC and the Fine Gael government, nurses were left with no information. There was a furious reaction on social media from health care workers who had manned picket lines. Many called the deal an insult.

Just after the INMO pulled the plug on the strike, a group of nurses on an afternoon phone-in radio show were asked if the general reaction from nurses was negative as regards the deal. Nurse Catherine Gavney replied, We havent been spoken to by our union. We have nothing. Were only reading what youre reading. The cabinet was informed this morning the broad outline of how much it would cost, but we, the nurses, have not been told.

Asked was she angry at the INMO calling off the strike, she replied, I would like to have had all the information. Is that a ployI dont knowby either the government or INMO?

Rebecca from Dublin University Hospital said, Im on my own, and I cannot afford a one-bedroom apartment in Kildare or Meath, never mind Dublin.

When asked about the LC ruling, she replied, We were looking for parity. If we had even got our pay restoration since before the recession that would bring us up near to parity. I just think its really disrespectful. I know the media tried to blacken the nurses for what they were doing by saying oncology cases were being cancelled, but the truth is oncology cases are being cancelled every day.

Brid, from Drogheda, County Louth, a retired nurse, said the deal should have restored the 15 percent pay cut taken at the height of the recession. She added, This will successfully create a divide between everyone. I was shocked that there wasnt consideration for pay restoration to be given back.

The deal was concocted by the LC, which intervened nominally as a neutral body, but which functions as an arm of the state and has a history of opposition to workers claims. The unions and the LC work as a double act in attempting to keep workers demands checked and locked within the confines of right-wing government policy.

The chairman and the four deputy chairmen of the LC are appointed by the minister for business, enterprise and innovation. The employers members are nominated by IBEC (Irish Business and Employers Confederation), and those members fraudulently claiming to represent the interests of workers are nominated by the Irish Congress of Trades Unions (ICTU).

The Socialist Equality Group (SEG) calls on nurses to decisively reject this sellout, organise independently of the union bureaucracy and prepare for a national strike.

The INMO will continue to do the bidding of the government and the super-rich.

The urgent task facing health workers is to forge links with other workersparticularly other public service workers, who have seen living standards fallin Ireland and internationally. This requires a rebellion against the trade union bureaucracy and the formation of rank-and-file committees controlled by workers themselves and committed to a struggle for the provision of decent health, social care and high living standards for all. This requires a political struggle for a socialist programme to reorganise society on the basis of social equality.

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40,000 Irish nurses to participate in series of one-day strikes

[30 January 2019]On February 14, around 100 midwives and supporters protested outside the New Zealand parliament in Wellington during a one-day strike for better pay, staffing and working conditions.

About 1,100 public hospital-based midwives, members of the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service (MERAS), held rolling strikes throughout the week, with different regions striking on different days. Protests and pickets were held in Auckland, Whangarei, Christchurch, Tauranga, Hamilton and Palmerston North.

Last year MERAS members rejected an offer of a 9 percent pay rise spread over 18 months. The midwives last collective agreement with the countrys 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) expired in July 2017, meaning the offer equated to 3 percent a year over three yearswell below the real increase in the cost of living, especially housing.

The offer was the same as the sellout agreement imposed on nearly 30,000 nurses and healthcare assistants last year by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) following a one-day nationwide strike. The NZNO bureaucracy wore down its members by presenting them with the same offer repeatedly and echoing the lies of the Labour Party-led government that there was no more money to address the crisis in hospitals, including the shortage of nurses and severely overcrowded wards.

The midwives strike is part of an ongoing wave of strikes in the healthcare sector in opposition to the Labour-NZ First-Greens coalition governments austerity measures. About 3,300 junior doctors held a nationwide strike on February 1213, their third walkout this year, to oppose attacks on their working conditions. On February 11, 5,500 hospital administration workers held stop-work meetings and voted in support of industrial action if DHBs do not offer a significant pay increase.

Teachers, transport workers and public sector workers have also held major strikes. The upsurge in New Zealand is part of the developing international class struggle, including mass strikes by manufacturing workers in Mexico, in opposition to the trade union bureaucracy, a national strike in Belgium, teacher strikes in the US, and strikes by 40,000 nurses in Ireland.

Midwives are determined to fight for a better deal. Thursdays rally, however, demonstrated how the trade unions are working to suppress any real campaign against the Labour-NZ First-Greens coalition government. The event reinforced the need for workers to politically break from these corporatist organisations and form rank-and-file committees, controlled by health workers themselves.

MERAS leader Jill Ovens told the gathering many health unions had experienced difficulty in bargaining this year were all in this struggle together. She thanked a handful of Council of Trade Unions, Public Service Association and NZNO officials for their attendance.

Ovens revealed, however, that last year the DHBs asked us, as they did with other health sector unions, to wait until the nurses had settled before seeking their own pay agreement. The unions agreed to stand aside, helping to ensure that nurses and healthcare assistants were isolated and defeated, setting the benchmark for sellouts of midwives and other workers.

The MERAS leader did not mention the junior doctors strike a day earlier, let alone call for a combined struggle of healthcare workers.

Ovens fraudulently depicted former Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark as a champion of midwives. As health minister in 1990, Clark introduced legislation allowing midwives to practise independently of a doctors supervision. Ovens quoted Clark describing the law change as her greatest achievement for womeneven though midwives increased responsibility was not recognised with better wages.

The 19841990 Labour government of Prime Minister David Lange carried out a major assault on the working class, including privatisations, huge tax cuts for the rich, and mass redundancies in the public sector. Clark oversaw a tight spending cap on the deteriorating public health system. Following a nationwide nurses strike in 1989, Labour refused to increase funding, and wages remained virtually frozen.

Protesters booed when Ovens announced that David Clark, Labours current Health Minister, had refused to come outside parliament and hear the midwives demands.

A few MPs from Labour, the Greens and the National Party made brief statements, feigning sympathy for midwives while committing themselves to nothing. Labours Willow-Jean Prime vaguely promised to work through these issues and try and get the outcome that you all are looking for.

Nationals health spokesman Michael Woodhouse was greeted with jeers as he ludicrously claimed to support better recognition and remuneration of the fantastic work that you do. The previous National Party government implemented severe austerity measures following the 2008 financial crisis, including a wage freeze for healthcare workers and the drastic underfunding of hospital services.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson gave a no less cynical speech. After praising the midwives who helped her during her pregnancy, she declared: Youre not being paid what you deserve... we will support your voices in the halls and corridors of power.

The Greens are part of the governing coalition and the partys Julie Anne Genter is the Associate Minister of Health. The Greens fully supported Labours 2018 budget, which continued to starve hospitals of funding.

Ovens indicated that a new pay offer is currently being finalised by the DHBs, which would address MERAS demands, but did not give any details.

Several midwives spoke forcefully about the conditions they face in hospitals.

Lucy, a recent graduate who works in Auckland, told the rally: I have prescribing rights and can order and interpret tests, admit and discharge women with my own judgement... I hold so much skill and responsibility, most of the time I can see a woman through her birth, labour, post-natal experience and out the door again without so much as consulting a doctor... They cant dignify me with a wage I can live on. I am paid $23 an hour.

The top rate for midwives with more than five years experience is just $32.50 an hour.

Louise, a Wellington Hospital midwife with over 20 years experience, told the WSWS: Ive seen things get worse in terms of the intensity of work, in terms of what were expected to do on a shift. Once upon a time you could go to a shift and perhaps look after one or two women, now youre just all over the place. Youre just so stretched.

Midwives were dealing with complicated cases previously seen in other areas of the hospital, she said. For instance, once upon a time a lot of the babies that had complications would have been cared for in the neo-natal intensive care unit, but now they are often kept in the general post-natal ward and cared for by midwives.

We find it difficult to recruit new midwives and to keep them, she explained. Understaffing causes a great deal of stress in that work environment. Its hard to find time to go to the toilet, to have lunch, and youre lucky if you get off on time. Its intense and challenging, its hard to sustain.MANASSAS, Va., Feb. 20, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) recently reached an agreement for NOVEC to purchase approximately 300 megawatts (MW) of electrical energy output from solar facilities owned by DESRI. NOVEC selected DESRI from among multiple bidders to provide the cooperative with additional renewable resources.

This agreement with DESRI is another step toward meeting our customers expectations for more renewable energy in NOVECs resource mix. Purchasing the output from these new solar facilities will be a valuable addition to our energy supply, says NOVEC President and CEO Stan Feuerberg.

The agreement between NOVEC and DESRI formalizes the partnership to develop and construct solar-electric generation facilities within the Dominion/PJM footprint. PJM is a regional transmission organization that serves 13 states, including Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

This addition of solar generated electricity will become NOVECs largest source of renewable energy. Additionally, its projected cost is competitive with the marketplace for comparable on-peak energy, says Gil Jaramillo, Manager, portfolio optimization and business development.

DESRI owns and operates solar facilities across the United States and has additional facilities in development and under consideration. The planned facilities that would sell energy to NOVEC are expected to consist of ground-mounted solar panels that track the suns movement throughout the daylight hours to produce an estimated 300 peak MW of electricity. These in-development solar facilities are expected to achieve commercial operation by 2023.

The solar plants are a welcome addition to NOVECs current 60 MW of renewable resources that include hydroelectric, woody biomass, solar, and landfill methane gas recovery, says John Rainey, Director, origination and plant operations.

The DESRI team is thrilled to partner with NOVEC to bring low-cost solar power to Virginia residents, says David Zwillinger, DESRI President. We are committed to growing the renewable energy economy in the region.

The solar facilities involved in the agreement are expected to produce enough electricity to power nearly 73,000 homes, or the equivalent of taking nearly 37,000 passenger vehicles off the road. They are also expected to create 250 jobs during construction with an emphasis on hiring from local communities.

NOVECs strategy is to continue improving our environmental footprint through the addition of new renewable energy sources that are not only clean, but also affordable. The partnership with DESRI does just that, says Feuerberg.

About NOVEC:

NOVEC , headquartered in Manassas, Virginia, is a not-for-profit corporation that provides electricity to more than 170,000 metered customers in Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and Clarke counties, the City of Manassas Park, and the Town of Clifton. It also supplies natural gas and energy products and services to consumers in the Washington, D.C., region. The utility serves more customers than any other Virginia electric co-op and is the 11th largest electric cooperative in the U.S. as measured by retail customers. For more information, visit www.novec.com .

About D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments:

D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments, L.L.C. (DESRI) and its affiliates acquire, own, and manage long-term contracted renewable energy assets in North America. DESRI's portfolio of renewable energy projects currently includes 31 wind and solar projects that represent more than 1,600 MW of aggregate capacity. DESRI is a member of the D. E. Shaw group, a global investment and technology development firm with more than $50 billion in investment and committed capital as of December 1, 2018, and offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Please visit www.deshaw.com for more information about the D. E. Shaw group.

Contacts

The D. E. Shaw Group:

DESRI commercial inquiries 

Hy Martin

hy.martin@deshaw.com

Press inquiries 

Amanda Ely

amanda.ely@deshaw.com

Northern Virginia Electric

Cooperative:

Lisa R. Hooker

Communications@novec.comThe US corporate media has passed over in near silence the fascistic content of a speech delivered to a chanting audience of right-wing Venezuelan and Cuban exiles along with right-wing Republican operatives at Florida International University in Miami Monday night.

The speech was staged ostensibly to deliver a bellicose ultimatum to the military of Venezuela: either capitulate to the US-orchestrated regime change operation or die. He stressed that absent a peaceful coup, all options are open, meaning a direct US military intervention.

Trump likewise spelled out Washingtons intention to follow up the overthrow of the Maduro government in Caracas with similar US campaigns to topple the governments of Cuba and Nicaragua and to assert undisputed US hegemony throughout the Western Hemisphere.

The speechs overriding theme, however, was a diatribe against socialism, the likes of which has never been heard from a president of the United States. He used variations of the words socialism and communism 36 times in his barely 30-minute address, in which the crisis-ridden bourgeois nationalist government of Nicolas Maduro served largely as a strawman to illustrate socialisms alleged evils.

To chants of USA, USA, USA and Trump, Trump, Trump, the US president presented himself and his government as leading a global crusade to stamp out socialism and an intractable struggle to prevent socialists from ever coming to power in the US itself.

To those who would try to impose socialism on the United States, we again deliver a very simple message: America will never be a socialist country, he said.

He in particular indicted socialism for its failure to respect borders and for always seeking to expand, a reflection of the American ruling oligarchys fear of the class struggle spilling across the US-Mexican border and bringing together workers united in an internationally integrated process of production into one mighty army against their common capitalist exploiters.

The theme trotted out in Miami echoed remarks that Trump included in his State of the Union address: Here, in the United States, we are alarmed by new calls to adopt socialism in our country. America was founded on liberty and independencenot 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.

The same corporate media that has ignored this rant against socialism has largely evaded the frontal assault on democratic rights and constitutional norms contained in Trumps proclamation of a national state of emergency on the US southern border. Posed by this development is an increasingly clear danger of dictatorship. Trumps extra-constitutional power grab has been accompanied by his call for the execution of those convicted of drug trafficking, his attempt to whip up xenophobic hysteria against refugees and migrants, the Gestapo-style raids of ICE and his recent call for retribution against the NBC comedy program Saturday Night Live and its star Alec Baldwin for satirizing his speeches. While Baldwin has justifiably expressed fear for himself and his family, the media has largely ignored or trivialized this threat as well.

In response to Trumps appearance in Miami, the New York Times, the erstwhile paper of record of the liberal establishment, expressed no concern about the fascistic content of the presidents speech.

Instead, it treated it as part of the small change of electoral politics, stating that Trump had gone to South Florida as part of a bid to win over what may be a critical bloc of voters in the 2020 presidential race.

As for his vilification of socialism, the Times described the US presidents use of the word as merely an all-purpose epithet for his newly empowered Democratic adversaries in the House.

This is a gross misinterpretation of Trumps target. He is not concerned about the pallid proposals of the like of Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but rather the threat of a challenge to the capitalist order from below, bringing masses of workers into a confrontation with the capitalist system.

The most critical observation in the Times coverage of the address was the following: Many Democratic lawmakers in South Florida have also called for Mr. Maduros ouster. But the White House has repeatedly opted not to invite Democrats to official events on Venezuela. Democrats, the paper added, felt Trump had neglected promoting bipartisanship on the Maduro issue.

Nothing could more clearly express the reactionary and complacent character of both the Democrats and the corporate media. Both parties of the US ruling class should be united in support of regime-change and a criminal imperialist intervention in Venezuela, they insist, but Trump is dividing them for political reasons.

The Washington Post carried a similar report, stating that As part of his reelection effort, Trump has sought to brand his Democratic opponents as socialists, often using the example of Venezuela as a warning to voters, and stating that Trump had said those who support socialist policies in the United States had flawed reasoning and insincere motives.

The TV network and cable news programsoutside of Fox which predictably lauded Trumpignored the speech in Miami entirely.

This reaction dovetailed with that of the Democratic Party, none of whose leading figures chose to comment on Trumps remarks.

While ignored by the media and the Democrats, Trumps tirade against socialism deserves to be taken with deadly seriousness. This is not merely about winning votes or intimidating the Democrats, though, no doubt, they will react with predictable cowardice and duplicity. Nor is it merely a means of vilifying the Venezuelan government in preparation for imperialist intervention.

Foreign policy, Marxists have always insisted, represents a concentrated expression of domestic class relations. The revival of Yankee imperialist aggression in Latin America and the turn by Washington toward an America First foreign policy which targets ever real and potential rivals for global and regional hegemony are bound up with the growth of social tensions driven by unprecedented social and economic inequality and, above all, the growth of the class struggle combined with increasing political radicalization, particularly of the younger generation.

It is against these very real threats to the wealth and power of the American oligarchy which Trump represents that his diatribe against socialism is directed.

If he is resurrecting the language of Adolf Hitlerwhose speeches reportedly served Trump as bedtime readingit is because the objective logic of the class struggle is bringing the working class, both in the United States and internationally, into a direct confrontation with a capitalist profit system that has systematically transferred societys wealth from the masses of working people into the coffers of a handful of billionaires.

Hatred of socialism and violent opposition to the international unity of the working class have always constituted the essential traits of fascism. The calculations of Trump and his advisers, such as the repugnant Stephen Miller, are based not merely on the next election. They are seeking to create the foundations for a fascist movement in the US.

In this endeavor, they can count on the cowardice, duplicity and right-wing orientation of their nominal opponents in the Democratic Party, and the complicity of a corporate media that has become an ever more pliant propaganda arm of the capitalist state.

Trumps Miami speech must be taken by the working class as a warning. It points to the urgent necessity of breaking with the Democrats and the entire two-party system and building the Socialist Equality Party as the leadership of a mass socialist movement.WSWS reporters spoke with Miguel, a Mexican migrant who wished to share his story, which demonstrates the plight of immigrants who make the treacherous journey through the deserts along the US-Mexico border region as their last option in search of a better life.

In his story, the threats posed by an unforgiving terrain and climate are only a portion of a dangerous landscape filled with the Mexican police, cartel thugs and the US border patrol.

Miguel describes an intricate and complex underground network requiring the tacit cooperation of both governments along with groups of thugs, human smugglers and drug traffickers.

The demand for cheap and disposable labor in the fields, plants and slaughterhouses in the North is paid for by migrants with an immense loss of life. Those who make it across the border are faced with the constant threat of deportation and severe economic exploitation, with little chance of permanent legal protection in the US. The following interview is the harrowing tale of the hell that tens of thousands of migrants have to endure to return to their families or seek a better life. For many thousands, their pursuit ends when they perish in the desert.

Arrival, deportation and decision to cross

WSWS: When did you emigrate to the United States?

Miguel: The first time I emigrated to the US was when I was 11 years old, on October 21, 1998. I came to the US through a port of entry and someone was paid to bring me here. As matter of fact, I was here at the border with my mom in hopes of getting across, but my mom got caught. She was arrested and sent back. I lived with my brother for four years until I was fifteen, when I moved out on my own.

The second time was through the desert in 2010 when I was 24 years old.

Unfortunately, I found myself in one of those situations, as they say, in the wrong place at the wrong time. My cousin and I were trying to live a normal life, going out dining, just, you know, living like a normal person here in the United States, when we got into an altercation with an undercover officer. He began to ask us for our documents for no apparent reason.

They found out that I did not have identification. They found out that I was here illegally and arrested me. They never read my rights. I was in detention for six days. I was not allowed to speak to my family for six days. Then they dropped me off at the border and sent me off on my way. Never saw an immigration lawyer. They never provided me with an opportunity to know my rights or even to know where I was. They practically just cut me loose at the border. They did this also to my cousin, who was with me at the time.

WSWS: How long were you in Mexico before you came back through the desert?

Miguel: I was in Mexico for about two weeks. I had to gather money through family members. I had to find somebody who would bring me over here.

I knew that I couldnt get through a port of entry because it would be detrimental if I ever got caught crossing. It would bar me for life from coming to the United States. I was in the middle of my semester at a community college. I had finals, I had homework, I had a job, and I had a life here in the US. My life is here. I needed to come back to resume my life here.

I was desperate and the easiest and cheapest way, although riskiest, was this guy who offered to bring us here in three days. We were told it was going to be a walk. They never told us it was going to be an extreme hike through the mountains and desert. They told us it was going to be a three-day walk where we would walk for a couple of hours and then rest. They made it seem like it was going to be a field trip, like something fun.

They told us, Youve probably already done this when you go hiking. Youre not going to risk anything, and youre going to make it across the border. Once we get there to Arizona, youre going to get picked up and someone is going to drive you to Los Angeles. Your family members need to meet you there with the money so that you can be released.

And I mean released, as in they will keep you if they dont pay, literally, against your will. It was already a dangerous situation to begin with. I knew there was going to be a big risk from the start, but I had to do what I had to do. I wanted to come back and resume my life here. I didnt see myself living in Mexico because of the violence, because of the lack of opportunities, and because I was pursuing my education. I just could not let all that go. I did not want to give up on my dream of becoming someone or doing something that mattered, so I took the risk and went ahead and met the people who were going to get us across the border.

Crossing the desert

We traveled from Tijuana all the way to Piedras Negras, which is close to the border with Arizona. From there they shuttled us as close as they could to a mountainous region on the Mexican side. As a matter of fact, we were escorted by Mexican police to this area. It was about one in the morning when we got to the mountainous region.

Once we got to the mountainous region there was a sort of roadblock where the Mexican military was taking money for every single vehicle that came to drop off people at the border. The authorities knew what was going on. They were, practically, taking a bribe from everybody. Our driver asked everyone in the car to come up with money.

Everybody in the car pays, and if you dont pay, they literally kick you out of the vehicle. You are not allowed to go farther. They told us there was a fee for every single step along the way, all the way.

After the checkpoint, we hike up the mountain. We hide under some rocks and we wait a couple of hours. All we had on us at this point was a backpack filled with canned food, cookies, dried fruit and whatever else we could fit in there, enough to last us three days. After a couple of hours of waiting in the cold, the guy came and told us we had to go.

They handed us pieces of carpet that you had to tie on the bottom of your shoes and they explained to us that this was to prevent us from leaving our footprints. They gathered at least 60 people and we began walking at 3 a.m. It took us four hours to barely get to the point of crossing to the US.

Once we got to the point of no return the guy, called coyote, gave us a little pep talk. He told us, Guys, we are going to get through this together. We are not going to leave anybody behind. If you are tired let me know. If you think youre not going to make it, this is your last chance to go back.

They wanted us to feel good and to feel safe. I had never done this. I was a little nervous and scared. I did not know what to expect, but I knew it was a risk that I needed to take. We walked for about a hundred feet and the guy told us, Alright, you are now in the United States. I was a little taken aback. There was no metal fence, absolutely nothing at all. I am used to seeing the big giant fence in San Diego. I grew up in San Diego, I know what it looks like. I was shocked.

We kept walking. That night we walked for 12 hours straight until the following day with no rest. That is when I realized that everything he told us about resting and that it was going to be easyit was not going to be that easy. It was brutal. It was very difficult.

In the first five hours of our hike into the United States side, there were six people who could not walk anymore. They were simply out of shape or they felt hurt. We left them, six out of the group. They just could not walk anymore. They said, We cant walk anymore. Will you wait for us? The coyote practically said, We are not going to be able to rest. Im really sorry, we have to keep going. Theyre watching us. They know we are here, so we cant stop. We have to walk. We still have at least six more hours. If you cant walk anymore, this is your time to stay here. Somebody will come and pick you up.

Honestly, I dont know if that was the case. I highly doubt it, Im afraid. Either these people were caught or walked back. I really dont know what happened to these people, but there was nobody coming. Absolutely not.

We were already in the middle of nowhere in the mountains. I was afraid about what would happen to these people, but we continued on. Every so often, there was a couple of people that could not walk anymore, that could not go farther. It is just heartbreaking, knowing that these people run the risk of dying. You hear so many stories of people that were never found. It was just so heartbreaking. I wanted to quit through the entire six days so many times.

WSWS: Did it take six days? How long did it take?

Miguel: Initially, it was going to take three days, but we encountered some problems. We walked the full three days and a vehicle did pick us up. By this point, the group was already at 40 people out of the initial 60 people. We had lost at least 20 people.

We piled up in the pick-up truck everywhere we could, on the back, on the side, even on the hood. We got in the truck and started driving. They told us, This is it, were going to take you to a location and from there we are going to split in different vehicles, but the truck broke down. We had to discard the truck and compensate for the distance by walking.

At that point, we didnt have any food or water left because we only packed enough for three days. That was one of the most brutal nights we experienced because it was really cold. It was so cold. People who had water couldnt even drink it because it was frozen. We would walk 30 minutes and rest five, walk 30 and rest five. We would lay down one on top of another because it was so cold.

It was literally a pile of bodies. It was uncomfortable and it was weird, but it was what we had to do to keep warm. We were afraid we were going to die because it was so cold. There was a point where youre bones locked and your knees didnt want to move. You literally had to drag somebody to help them get up. We were tired, hungry and thirsty, but we had to keep walking until the next day. At night it is really cold and dark, and during the day it is extremely hot. For the next three days, we dragged our feet across the desert. I guess the coyote, the guy guiding us, didnt know where he was going. Im sure he didnt know the area.

On the fifth day, of the 40 that had made it to the third day, only 20 remained.

Around 2 p.m., we ran into two people who had been lost for five days. They were in really bad shape. They said they had been trying to wave down border patrol agents, but they would just drive by and not arrest them or pick them up. They were so desperate, they wanted to get caught so that could get water or food, or at least be sent back alive.

They just left them there to die. I had a very different idea of the US government back then. I thought that they were doing some good things. I had some faith, but that day something inside me changed. It was just very difficult to wrestle with the idea that somebody could be as heartless as to leave somebody hungry, cold and afraid there in the middle of nowhere, practically, to die. It was a very difficult moment for me. I had just lost all faith in the government completely.

That same night, we were walking through the desert and we encountered some people who were dressed in military gear, with machine guns, rifles, guns and had their faces covered with ski masks. They were all speaking Spanish. Initially, I thought it was the US military. I thought it was either the Border Patrol or the US military, but to our surprise, it was Mexicans working for the drug cartel.

They kicked us and threw us on the ground. They put us on our knees, made us put our hands on our heads, and lined us up. They beat up and roughed up the coyote that was with us. They put him on his knees and pointed a gun at his face. I was listening in on their conversation and they were telling him, Why are you here? Why are you walking down this path? Youre not supposed to be here. And the guy said, I already spoke to your boss. They allowed us to come through here. We just lost our truck that is why we are not in a vehicle.

They beat him up some more and told him, We are going to kill everybody if you dont tell the truth. I guess they were just trying to interrogate him, trying to figure out if he was on the same side or working for someone else. I dont know, but we were all very scared. We thought we were going to die. We thought they were going to shoot us in the middle of the desert like dogs.

The guy handed the coyote a radio, a walkie-talkie, and he spoke to someone on the other side. I heard gibberish, probably code. I did not understand what they were talking about, but apparently the guy was convinced that he was allowed to be there. He helped him up and told everybody to relax and to stand up. They were joking around a little bit and handed him two beers. Afterward, they just sent us on our way.

It was a very difficult moment. We thought we were going to die. These armed men, on this side of the border, make me think that it is impossible that the United States does not know about them. How could they not know? They know about us. How do they catch illegal immigrants getting across the border, but they dont catch these guys? It is impossible that the government does not know about these people or these operations. It is just impossible.

The last night we were in the desert, there was a guy traveling with his brother. His brother needed to use the restroom. However, the rule was dont go farther than three feet away from the person next to you because at night in the desert it is really dark, to the point you cant even see your hands. If you venture 20 feet away from the group you are lost. They are not going to be able to find you.

The reason is no one can make any noise. You cant yell, you cant whistle because that might alert whoever might be around and that can be dangerous. It could be the Border Patrol or some other armed group.

Out there, youre not just hiding from the Border Patrol, you are hiding from people with guns and all other possible dangers. Well, the guys brother just ventured out a little bit too far and we heard him screaming bad words in Spanish. At that point, the silence broke and we started yelling, Where are you? Where are you? At that point, we didnt care anymorethe guy sounded in trouble. We thought maybe it was a snake or something. We heard what appeared to sound like some dogs growling, howling and chasing through the woods. We heard the guy screaming and asking for help until the screaming stopped. The smuggler told us that those were coyotes and that we were not going to find this guy anymore. It was very shocking. His brother broke down and fell on the floor crying uncontrollably, but we had to continue.

The coyote told him either you come or Im going to leave you here. It was a very difficult moment for everybody. A couple of guys cried. I was on the verge of crying. It was just frightening and very, very sad. We literally heard the guy screaming for his life and the coyotes killing him. It was very hard, it was very difficult, but we kept walking.

We made it to the point of pick-up early in the morning at about 5 a.m. on the sixth day. We waited at a location until a white van came to pick us up. We were shuttled to the nearest small city; from there we waited for another car to pick us up. The man who came was dressed like the cowboys on the show Narcos with gold chains and a gun.

This is exactly the kind of kind of guy that showed up in the vehicle. He threatened us and told us that if we didnt have his money by the time they delivered us in Los Angeles, they were not going to let us go. He was being really rough and violent with his words, saying things like Hijos de su puta madre, like Motherfuckers, if you dont pay, bad things are going to happen to you. It was very frightening.

I was hoping and praying that my family was going to be there when I arrived. It was going to be another horrible moment if they werent there. I worried about the rest of the group, about what was going to happen to them if they didnt have the money. Some of them looked very poor and not very educated. They were from very poor rural areas of Mexico. How could their family come up with that kind of money to pay? It was a lot of money in dollars. I was wondering, How are they going to pay this guy? Are they winging it? I dont know. I couldnt put my finger on it.

What happened after this, I think, is the craziest part of my story. In a way, it made me think that there are some good people even in this poisonous environment. After they load us on this van, all 20 piled one on top of the other, we started driving. They told us to lay low so that we couldnt be seen through the windows. Ten minutes after we started driving, we hear sirens. After six days of walking through the desert, we hear sirens.

My first thought is Damn it. I just didnt walk six days in the desert to be sent back now. I was so disappointed. I looked back at the window and, sure enough, it was the Border Patrol pulling us over.

The guy driving pulls over and jumps out of the van and runs into the brushjust takes off. The Border Patrol agent comes and takes the keys off the ignition and opens the back. They asked me if I spoke English, but I pretended I didnt speak very well. They asked me if there were drugs or guns in the van. I told them no. He gave me half of a sandwich. I guess, it was half of their lunch. Then they gave me a bottle of water and they asked for my identification. I gave them my Mexican identification. They came back and asked me if I had ever been deported. I told them the truth that I had been deported two weeks ago.

They asked me where we were all going and I told him that we were all going to Napa Valley to pluck grapes to make wine. The agent then looks at me, grabs the keys, and tosses them into the van towards me. He tells me, Get in the van and get the fuck out of here. They walk back to their squad car and they leave. They leave me there in the middle of the road with the keys and this van full of immigrants. I was in disbelief.

I thought that maybe they wanted me to get in and drive so that they could pull me over a little farther and frame me. I didnt know what to believe, but I got in the van and I started driving. I drove for about an hour scared to death. I thought I was going to get framed for crossing people over. I saw a sign that said Las Vegas and I told everybody to gather whatever little money they had, a couple of dollars, and that we were going to Las Vegas. That is the only sign I saw and I wasnt going back, I was going to drive to the nearest city I knew. I had been there before and from there I was going to call family members to come and pick me up. We pulled over at the first gas station and bought water and a large bag of chips. Everybody took a handful and a sip of water. We had not eaten in three days. We drove to Las Vegas.

On our way there we had to drive through the Hoover Dam and, apparently, there was an immigration and police checkpoint. I thought I was going to get arrested for having these people with me in the van who were clearly illegal. We were all clearly illegally in the country. I didnt have the documents to the car. I didnt have a license. I thought of getting off and running, but my cousin was also in the van. I didnt have the heart to leave everybody there stranded.

I spoke English and could have probably managed. Maybe I could have made it, but what was everybody else going to do? I thought to myself, If Im going to get arrested, this is the end of it. Im going to be sent back, but at least I made it out alive. These guys are alive. Im going to see this through.

I continued until it was my turn. The agent with his flashlight ordered me to pull over to the side. They asked me to lower my window and there was another guy looking in the back looking into the van with his flashlight. He was looking at everybody laying down. The officer asked me where I was going. I told him, Im going to Napa Valley to pick grapes for wine. He shook his head in disapproval and said, All of you are going to the same place? I told him, Yep, were all going to the same place.

He told me to keep going forwards. I thought, Theyre going to ask everybody to get off, but there was another officer about 10 yards away and he pointed us towards the entrance to the road and they let us go. They let me go. At that point, I cried. I started driving and I couldnt hold my tears. I was crying. I didnt know what the hell happened. It was impossible that something like this could happen to me, and, well, we ended up in Las Vegas. We ditched the van and called our family to pick us up. That was it. Only about 20 of us had made it to the end.

WSWS: Did you find any supplies in the desert along the way?

Miguel: Actually, we found gallons of water. Jugs of water, but they were empty. They looked like they were all cut, like somebody cut them with a knife. So there was no water. We never found water or supplies. I came across to what appeared like maybe somebody could have left supplies, but they were all trashed and wasted.

WSWS: What were the demographics of the group?

Miguel: It was only men. The people who did this, the organization I approached to get us across, they only worked with men. They said they dont work with women or children because they slow them down. They were not going to bring women and children. They said they were just not going to do it.

There were women at the shelter, I still remember the codename for the place, Treinta-Treinta, thirty-thirty. Everything over there is coded. It is like a shelter and there were women and little kids, but they wouldnt take them. Every time a shuttle would leave for the border, they would beg Please, take me. Take me. They would just push them away from the vehicle. They would not take women and children. It was only men, and the age range was between maybe 20 all the way to 60. There were a couple of really old people. There were a couple of people around 60 years old and they didnt make it. Everyone who made it was younger than 35.

Future prospects for legal residence

WSWS: What are the prospects for legal residence in the US? What does that process look like for you now?

Miguel: I am married to a US citizen and I applied for a green card. Although they accepted my case, they want me to leave the country to have what they call an interview with an immigration judge in Juarez. But in our community, in my community, we know what that entails. Its a trick. Ive heard it of people that believed, had faith, following the law, do everything they are asked to, paid all of the money they were asked to pay.

This is all very expensive. The government is making money in the thousands of dollars per person, making them believe, Just go there, we accepted you, we know youre here. Just go over there and you will get this or that. Or maybe theyll just punish you a little bit, but, you know, you can always ask for this or do this, just follow the legal path.

But it is not true. They completely straight out deny them and bar them from ever coming into the United States. Its a practice known in our community. That is why Im afraid to go. How can you do everything by the law? I am doing it. I have paid all of the money they have asked pay. I have paid my taxes since 2004. I have stayed on the right side of the law. I went to school. I went to university. I speak the language. I have always had a job. I have never committed a crime.

They just dont want people like me. I dont get it. It is upside down. The logic just does not make sense. They are not looking out for the best interests of the community. They are looking out for the best interests of rich people who want to make money off of these poor immigrants who can be manipulated, discarded if needed, because they dont even know the language to complain. They want somebody who they can discard at their leisure.

So the avenue for me to become a legal resident is luck or faith, because theyre asking me to leave the country. They are practically telling me, Leave and when you leave we know you are serious about this. We know you want to get right with the law.

But I cant trust the system. I cant trust the system that is rigged. I am afraid if I leave they will bar me forever. Now I have a wife, she is a US citizen. What is she going to do? Theyre going to force her to move into a different country she has never even been to.

This isnt her fault. She didnt do this. I didnt ask to come here. They brought me here as a kid, as a child. I am already here. What am I supposed to do? If I go back to Mexico now, where am I supposed to go? What life am I supposed to build? Or what opportunities am I going to have for my wife, who is a US citizen? What am I going to give her? It is impossible.

WSWS: Thank you so much, Miguel, for sharing your story with us.

Miguel: No, thank you. My story isnt just mine. It belongs to every single human being who has sacrificed and risked their life in search of a better life.The US campaign to have its allies exclude the Chinese telecom giant Huawei from the development of 5G mobile phone networks on national security grounds appears to have suffered a significant blow. According to a report in the Financial Times on Monday, a major British intelligence agency has concluded that it is possible to mitigate the risk from using Huawei equipment in 5G networks.

The report cited two people familiar with the conclusion, who had been reached by the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The impact of the finding, if confirmed, will extend far beyond Britain, cutting across a campaign by the US National Security Agency to have Huaweis involvement in 5G networks significantly reduced, if not outright banned.

The newspaper quoted a person familiar with the debate who said the British decision would carry great weight with European leaders, as Britain is part of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing network with the US.

Other nations can make the argument that if the British are confident of mitigation against national security threats then they can reassure their public and the US administration that they are acting in a prudent manner in continuing to allow their communications service providers to use Chinese components as long as they take the kinds of precautions recommended by the British, the person said.

The Financial Times report on the NCSC assessment of Huawei followed its publication of an article on February 12 by Robert Hannigan, the director of the British intelligence agency GCHQ from 2014 to 2017, in which he took issue with the growing campaign for Chinese companies to be frozen out of telecoms in Western countries, especially future 5G networks.

Hannigan wrote that concerns over cyber espionage, the growth of the Chinese technology sector and the direction of Chinese foreign policy were all lumped together into a perceived cyber threat which can only be met by a blanket ban. All these arguments were short on technical understanding of cyber security and the complexities of 5G architecture.

Hannigan cited the detention of Huaweis chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Canada and Trumps statement that this could be part of a trade deal as having reinforced the view that there is a wider geopolitical campaign in play.

He noted that the NCSC had been blunt about Huaweis shortcomings in security engineering and its general attitude to cyber security, noting that its failures were not unique, and that Huawei had promised to address the criticisms and to spend huge sums doing so. Huawei has said the cost will be around $2 billion.

The key point here, Hannigan continued, obscured by the growing hysteria over Chinese tech is that the NCSC has never found evidence of malicious Chinese state cyber activity through Huawei.

He noted that there had been Chinese state-linked cyber attacks. But the fact that these attacks did not require the manipulation of Chinese sovereign companies such as Huawei merely underlines how ineffective a blanket security ban based on company national flags is likely to be.

He described assertions that Chinese technology in any part of a 5G network represented unacceptable risks as nonsense. Hannigan said the UK and other European governments should hold their nerve and base decisions on Chinese involvement in future telecoms on technical expertise and rational assessment of risks, rather than political fashion or trade wars.

He concluded that we should accept that China will be a global tech power in the future and start managing the risk now, rather than pretending the west can sit out Chinas technological rise.

But this assessment points to the centre of the conflict. The US political, military and intelligence establishment, and not merely the Trump administration, has concluded that it cannot allow Chinese technological and industrial advancement as it regards it as a threat to American global economic, and ultimately, military dominance.

It has no intention of sitting out Chinese development but is determined to take action on all frontseconomic, political and militaryto prevent it.

These geo-strategic interests were at the centre of the visit by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Eastern Europe last week. According to US officials, speaking to a briefing during Pompeos trip, the large number of small and mid-sized states in Central and Eastern Europe, many of which had a high propensity for corruption, could allow China to penetrate key sectors and exert influence with the European Union.

Pompeo told Hungarys foreign minister that it would be difficult for the US to partner with countries where Huawei equipment was co-located with American technology.

In his address to the Munich Security Conference last Saturday US Vice-President Mike Pence also raised the issue of Huawei, repeating the US assertion that it posed a threat because of a Chinese law requiring telecom companies to share information with the government.

However, under conditions in which the tensions between the US and Europe are on the rise and emerged into the open during the conference, the US stand did not receive full backing.

The secretary-general of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, told the Financial Times that the alliance was taking the issue very seriously but had to reach a conclusion.

Britain has signalled that it is far from fully in line with the US position. The head of the British intelligence service MI6, Alex Younger, has indicated that the situation is too complex to simply ban Huawei and that countries have a sovereign right to work through the answer to all of this.

In Eastern Europe, Poland is most closely aligned with the US position on Huawei, but others have reservations. The Czech president, Milos Zeman, has said that moves against Huawei could hurt Czech economic interests. Slovakian Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini last month warned that politicians should be careful not to become a tool in a trade war or a fight between competitors.

Large amounts of money and resources are at stake as Huawei is deeply involved in European telecoms networks. A very small operator barely a decade ago, it now supplies about a third of telecom systems.

Bloomberg has reported that the nightmare scenario for telephone companies would be if they have to remove Huawei equipment from their systems. The German provider Deutsche Telekom has estimated the cost of any retroactive ban as billions of euros.

Huawei has hit out at the US actions with Eric Xu, one of the companys three rotating chairmen, denouncing the Trump administration for conducting a co-ordinated, tactical political campaign against it.

And in view of the well-known fact revealed by WikiLeaks and whistle blower Edward Snowden that the worlds major hackers and cyber spies are US intelligence agencies, he provided an interesting slant on some of the possible motives for the campaign.

Is [the US] truly thinking about cyber security and protecting the privacy of other countries citizens, or do they have other motives? he said. Some say that because these countries are using Huawei equipment, it makes it harder for US agencies to obtain these countries data.Honda has confirmed the closure of its car plant in Swindon, England with the loss of 3,500 jobs by the end of 2021. The plant produces one car in roughly every 10 made in the UK. Closure will also result in an estimated 12,500 job losses in the auto supply chain and other businesses serving the plant.

The Honda losses follow announcements of nearly 9,000 redundancies by car producers to be imposed in the next few years. Jaguar Land Rover is cutting 4,500 jobs internationally, with most of these to go in Britain where it employs 44,000 workers. Ford is to axe 400 jobs at its Bridgend factory in Wales by 2021.

Nissan announced earlier this month that it will not be producing its X-Trail sport utility vehicle at its Sunderland plant, putting hundreds of jobs in jeopardy.

The Honda plant went into production in 1985 and produces the Civic model, mostly for export. It is the companys sole manufacturing location in Europe. Last year, the plant turned out more than 160,000 cars, with around 50 percent exported to the North American market, and 20 percent to Europe.

Giving expression to the cut-throat completion in the global car industry, Swindon would mark the first time that Honda has ever closed a vehicle factory since its incorporation in 1948.

A central factor in the decision is that Swindons engine plant manufactures diesel engines, with the company also seeking to relocate more of its global production back to Japan where it has based much of its newer hybrid and electrical vehicle capabilities.

Announcing the closure, Katsushi Inoue, chief officer for European regional operations, said, In light of the unprecedented changes that are affecting our industry, it is vital that we accelerate our electrification strategy and restructure our global operations accordingly.

Honda and the UK government were at pains to stress that the Swindon closure was not related to Brexit. But a new free-trade deal between Japan and the European Union means that Honda has no financial incentive to produce cars in Europe. Cars made in Japan no longer attract tariffs coming into Europe.

Last September, Honda Europes senior vice-president, Ian Howells outlined the doomsday scenario facing car manufacturers in the event of a hard-Brexit. Speaking to the BBCs Wake up to Money programme he said, In terms of administration, wed probably be looking at something like sixty-odd thousand additional bits of documentation we would have to provide to get product to and from Europe.

Howells warned, [C]learly if we end up with World Trade Organization tariffs wed have something like 10 percent costs in addition on our shipped product back into Europe, and that would certainly run into tens of millions of pounds. Likewise, when were looking at componentry coming the other way, again [it could cost] tens of millions in terms of tariffs coming into the UK.

Last week, the Times reported that a Ford Motors executive told Prime Minister Theresa May, on a private conference call with other business leaders, that given a no-deal Brexit was an imminent danger, Ford was preparing to leave the UK. Ford has two engine plants in the UKBridgend and at Dagenham in east London. May was reportedly warned about the same outcome by other CEOs, with one stating, This isnt about contingencies any morewe are taking steps because of the uncertainty. Its real.

Speaking to the Just Auto web site, a Fords spokesman said, We have long urged the UK government and parliament to work together to avoid the country leaving the EU on a no-deal, hard Brexit basis on March 29. Such a situation would be catastrophic for the UK auto industry and Fords manufacturing operations in the country. We will take whatever action is necessary to preserve the competitiveness of our European business.

The response of the trade unions at Honda, as at every other car plant, is not to organise a fight to oppose job losses but to smooth the way for them. Unite automotive national officer Des Quinn said the closure would be a shattering body blow at the heart of UK manufacturing. He added, The car industry in the UK over the last two decades has been the jewel in the crown for the manufacturing sectorand now it has been brought low by the chaotic Brexit uncertainty created by the rigid approach adopted by Prime Minister Theresa May.

There was no call to mobilise workers at Honda or in the rest of the car industry, where Unite has thousands of members. Instead an appeal was made to Business secretary Greg Clark who needs to make an urgent statement on what the government intends to do to rectify this dire situation.

Unite claimed it didnt know the Swindon closure was on the agenda and expressed concerns that the sudden announcement made it harder to sell thousands of job losses to its members. If the government had advance warning of this dreadful news and did not alert the unions, this is an appalling and cavalier attitude by ministers, said Quinn.

On Tuesday, Unite accepted the companys rationale for closure saying, We acknowledge the global challenges that Honda has outlined in its statement, but we dont accept that this plant, with its highly skilled and dedicated workforce, does not have a viable future. No fight would be organised, with the union now entering a period of meaningful consultations with the management to examine in detail the business case put forward by the company.

These are the words and actions of an appendage of the company, not an organisation that defends workers. All that can come out of such discussions will be proposals from Unite as to how it can ensure a smooth transition to closure or pledges that it will organise a further sacrifice of the pay, terms and conditions of its members to persuade Honda to stay.

In the face of an escalating trade war between the major imperialist powers, as car producers fight to win greater a share of a diminishing market at the expense of their rivals, the only realistic way for Honda workers to fight back is through the adoption of their own independent strategy.

This must be based on the struggle for the international unity of car workers, based on a socialist programme that does not accept the right of auto conglomerates like Honda to destroy thousands of workers jobs overnight.

The vital first step is for workers to organise themselves independently of the unions through the setting up of rank-and-file committees.

Car workers internationally have begun to take these steps. Last month, tens of thousands of auto workers in Matamoros, Mexico, on the US-Mexico border, launched a wildcat strike. Workers formed independent organisations and marched under the banner, The union and the company kill the working class.

In Detroit on February 9, autoworkers and supporters organised by the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter and the Steering Committee of the Coalition of Rank-and-File Committees held a demonstration outside General Motors headquarters in opposition to the companys plans to close five plants in the US and Canada. This was carried out independently of the United Auto Workers union, which hasnt lifted a finger to save a single job.

We appeal to car workers to sign up to the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter today to discuss the fightback at Honda and other car plants in the UK.Unsubstantiated claims that a sophisticated state actor hacked into the Australian parliaments computer network this month make clear that the upcoming national elections due in May will take place in a political climate poisoned by xenophobia, directed above all against China.

In a statement on Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison relayed allegations by the intelligence agencies that the Parliament House computers and all three major partiesthe ruling Liberal and National parties, and opposition Labor Partyhad been targeted. Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity, he said.

Alistair McGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, provided few details of the alleged breach. He said it was too early to tell what information had been accessed but declared that it had been the right decision in terms of risk management, to go publicly with this issue before we knew the full extent.

Neither Morrison nor McGibbon explained why their statements would assist in risk management given that so little is known about the hacking. Moreover, parliament and all parliamentarians, as well as presumably the entire intelligence-defence-police apparatus and other state agencies, would have been informed of the breach when it was identified on February 8.

The decision to go public was made not on security grounds but as part of the intensifying campaign to brand Chinas alleged interference in Australian politics as a national security threat in the lead up to the election. McGibbon declared that the sophistication of the hacking was such that only a state actor from a limited list of countries could have carried it out. He admitted, however, that we have low confidence at being able to publicly state who we think it is.

Other security experts quickly filled in the blank for the breathless media accounts of the hackingit had to be China.

A comment in yesterdays Australian by Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, for example, was headlined Suspicion for parliamentary hack must fall on China. On the basis of no additional evidence, Jennings concluded that China is the one country with the means and the motive to take on the risk of attacking Australias political parties.

Jennings simply cited previous unsubstantiated allegations of hacking and seeking to suborn Australian political parties through donations and otherwise engage in bullying tactics to shut opponents up. A former deputy defence secretary with close ties to intelligence/military agencies in Canberra and Washington, Jennings has been in the forefront of the hysterical campaign denouncing alleged Chinese interference in Australian politics.

This campaign is a component of Australias involvement with the Trump administrations escalating confrontation with China over trade and economic issues, as well as the continuing military build-up in the Indo-Pacific, begun under Obama, in preparation for war.

Last year the Morrison government and the Labor opposition joined forces to enact draconian foreign interference legislation, which vastly expands police powers that are the basis for war-time measures to crack down on anti-war opponents, enemy aliens and any industrial action.

In a foretaste of what is being prepared, billionaire Chinese entrepreneur Huang Xiangmo was stripped of his permanent residency status this month and prevented from returning to Australia after being deemed an agent of foreign interference (see: Chinese billionaire stripped of Australian residency as foreign interference campaign ramps up).

Significantly, the hacking allegations have been prominently published in the US and international press, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Financial Times, to feed the growing frenzy of anti-Chinese propaganda. Unsubstantiated claims of Chinese interference in Australian politics over the past two years have been picked up by the American political establishment and media to justify their own aggressive actions towards China.

China has vigorously denied the allegations. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told the media: One should present abundant evidence when investigating and determining the nature of a cyberspace activity, instead of making baseless speculations and firing indiscriminate shots at others.

Geng warned: Irresponsible reports, accusations, pressurising and sanctions will only heighten tensions and confrontation in cyberspace and poison the atmosphere for cooperation. He called for international cooperation to deal with cybersecurity threatsan appeal that will be ignored in Canberra and Washington

Significantly, top cybersecurity adviser MacGibbon told the New York Times that Australian agencies had blocked the hacking activities before determining the identity of the hacker. That defensive action, he said, also does other unpleasant things, like remove some of the forensic evidence were interested in. In other words, who carried out the hacking can no longer be determined with any certainty.

The accusations being made against China are utterly hypocritical. Edward Snowden, a former employee of the US National Security Agency (NSA), revealed the vast extent of its spying operations not only on rivals like China and Russia, but on its allies, international organisations, such as the UN and European Union, as well as on tens of millions of its own citizens.

The NSA collects and stores many billions of emails, phone calls, texts, videoconference and webcam recordings, facial images and credit card records. As part of the Five Eyes network, Australia together with Britain, Canada and New Zealand, is a key component of US mass surveillance operations.

Australia and other key US allies have banned Chinese corporations like Huawei from any involvement in the new 5G networks that are being rolled out around the world. While the stated pretext is to guard against the Chinas spying and other malevolent cyber activities, it is far more likely that the NSA is deeply concerned that Chinese equipment will compromise its surveillance activities. It collaborates closely with American tech corporations.

Despite the many unanswered questions about the reported hacking attack, the Australian media and political establishment has uncritically echoed the allegations presented by the government and intelligence agencies. Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten immediately supported the governments claims, declaring that other countries such as the US had been subject to electoral interference and we are not exempt or immune.

As Morrison admitted in his statement there is no evidence of any electoral interference. Nor have the intelligence agencies provided any indication of what was accessed by the hacker or for what purpose. None of this, however, will halt the rising drum beat of anti-Chinese propaganda as the federal election draws closer.A 45-year old man taken into custody by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents in early February has died in a medical facility in McAllen, Texas. This is the third reported death of migrants in the custody of CBP in the past few months and yet another horrifying illustration of the inhumane anti-immigration policies of the US government.

CBP released a short statement about the death, providing no details except to state that the man was from Mexico, and had been taken into custody at the Texas-Mexico border for illegal reentry. On February 2, upon being picked by agents while attempting the border crossing, he requested medical assistance and was taken to a medical facility. However, he was cleared by the facility for travel and taken to the Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station.

On February 3, the patient requested medical attention once again. This time, the McAllen, Texas facility admitted him, after diagnosing him with cirrhosis of liver and congestive heart failure. Within two weeks, these conditions claimed his life.

The official statement included a formal expression of condolence: This loss of life is tragic  CBP remains committed to ensuring the safe and humane treatment of those within the care of our custody. Given recent reports, the claim cannot be taken seriously.

In early December, CBP reported the death of 7-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin, who had to be hospitalized within days of being taken to a Border Patrol station. On Christmas Eve, 8-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo died after he was taken to a hospital, released, then returned to the hospital. This latest death, much like those of the young children from Guatemala in CBP custody, is the product of a system which has increasingly tended to treat those attempting to cross the border without documents as less than human.

In early January, having conducted a close analysis of numerous internal audits and government reports, NBC News exposed the fact that in the past two years 22 migrants died in ICE custody. Some of these victims had arrived in the US as refugees and asylum seekers and had been long-term legal residents in the country. More than half of those who died in federal custody were younger than 45.

Roxana Hernandez, a Honduran transgender woman who had arrived with a migrant caravan, died within two weeks of being in ICE custody. On May 9, 2018, Hernandez requested asylum at the US-Mexico border and was taken into CBP custody. Four days later, she was transferred to ICE, which began a series of moves from California to Texas, and from there on to Arizona and finally New Mexico, all within a week.

On arrival in New Mexico on May 17, Hernandez was rushed to a hospital where doctors found her to be dehydrated, starving and feverish and diagnosed her as being in septic shock, in addition to having untreated HIV. A week later, she was dead. An independent autopsy later found that she had also been subjected to physical abuse.

The brutal and inhumane conditions under which migrants are being held in ICE facilities are by now well known. Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) internal audits have revealed massive and system-wide issues, including maltreatment of detainees and lack of oversight.

In late 2017, the DHS inspector general reported problems that undermine the protection of detainees rights, their humane treatment, and the provision of a safe and healthy environment at four facilities. A second audit revealed that ICE failed to adequately inspect and monitor the more than 200 federal, local and private facilities it uses across the country.

Last summer, a group of human rights organizations released their own report, showing that a series of problems including unnecessary delays, botched emergency care and administrative incompetence had led to dangerously substandard conditions for detainees. For some detainees, this situation led to suicide. As reported in the NBC News story, since January 2017, five men have taken their lives while in ICE custody. Three of the men were mentally ill and had spent days or weeks in segregation or solitary confinement.

Facing a situation where it can no longer deny the blatant abuse of detainees, the Trump administration has ludicrously taken to blaming the lack of funding for its foul anti-immigration policies. DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen stated recently that the immigration system had reached a breaking point, advising those who planned border crossings, to desist.

ICE facilities have indeed been inundated with detainees, but this has less to do with the supposed flood of migrants swarming across the US border, and more to do with increasingly indiscriminate detention policies. Under Trump, ICE has been empowered to carry out ever-more expansive sweeps across communities in the US, resulting in massive arrests. In the past two years, these administrative arrests for violations of civil immigration law have risen 44 percent.

This is a situation that is unlikely to change in the near future. The ongoing militarization of the border, which has the support of both Republicans and Democrats, reveals the willingness of the ruling class to resort to even more brutal policing measures. The fact that despite all the measures already in place President Trump has declared a national emergency to deal with the immigration crisis shows that the war against immigrants will only escalate, leading to further tragedies.Early Monday morning, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) announced that it reached a tentative agreement with Chicago International Charter Schools (CICS) and was suspending the strike of 175 teachers after nine days, with workers scheduled to return to the classroom on Tuesday.

Displaying the unions contempt for teachers, the CTU informed them by an email sent out at 3 a.m. Monday that the strike had been suspended without teachers seeing any contract, let alone voting on one.

Despite hailing the tentative agreement as a victory, even the terms that have been released show that conditions at the four charter schools, as well as the compensation of teachers and other educators, will remain well below the level at Chicago Public Schools (CPS). This will preserve the profitability of the charter schools.

According to reports, teachers at the four CICS schools managed by Civitas Education Partners (CEP) will see an immediate 8 percent increase in salaries for the first year and pay raises over the course of the contract are said to average 31 percent by its end, though it is likely that the higher percentage raises will only be seen by the lowest paid workers, such as paraprofessionals. It is also unclear whether the agreement by CICS to cover a portion of teachers pension contributions factors into the reported pay raise.

Although the union and CICS have asserted that teachers will be brought up to the pay level of teachers at CPS by the end of the contract, this is largely because the CTU has collaborated in the lowering of the real wages of CPS teachers.

Starting pay at CICS is just $44,000 per year, $8,000 per year less than at CPS district schools. While the union also claims to have won more affordable health care coverage for families, there will no doubt be substandard benefits.

A new purported lower limit on class sizes is likewise a complete farce. While the new agreement includes a maximum class size of 28, on par with CPS, the union has said this is a goal, and classes are capped at 30 students. The current maximum class size is 29 but this is routinely ignored and unenforced, just as it is at CPS.

Similar obfuscation is used in relation to supposed wins over the length of the work day for teachers and over the length of the school year. The new agreement reduces the work day by 15 minutes, down from 8 hours, and it reduces the school year from 202 days to 190. However, this is still around two weeks longer than the school day at CPS, underscoring the level of exploitation involved in the charter school industry. Additionally, because teaching time will be unaffected, it is likely that teachers will be forced to do more grading and other teaching tasks at home.

Other provisions of the agreement include a mere week of paid parental leave as well as a so-called sanctuary school provision to protect immigrant students, which in reality will do nothing to stop the targeted assault on immigrants being carried out by the Trump administration.

According to the agreement, CICS will now also apparently comply with special education regulations. As a matter of business practice, charter school operators like CICS routinely seek to avoid providing special education services, which involve much higher costs, offloading them to the regular public school system.

The four schoolsChicagoQuest, Northtown, Wrightwood and Ralph Ellison schoolsare managed by Civitas Education Partners and have an enrollment of about 2,200 students. This walkout is the third strike of charter teachers in the US; the first took place at Acero Charter Schools, also in Chicago, last December. The second was in Los Angeles as the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) union was preparing to sell out last months strike by 33,000 public school teachers. Charter schools are publicly-funded by taxpayers but privately managed. CICS owns 14 schools, but subcontracts to five different school management companies, including CEP, to actually run them.

Talks broke down after nine months of negotiations over teachers demands for 8 percent raises in the first year, with CICS insisting that it would be forced to make cuts if it agreed to the pay raise. Indeed, after announcing the agreement, CICS said it would be cutting some staff and administrators, and released a statement, With the limited funding that is an unfortunate reality in public education, in order to pay for such a significant salary increase, we will be forced to make certain cuts and compromises.

CTU had repeatedly demanded for CICS to use some portion of its $36 million in reserves to meet teacher demands. In its statement, the union said that CICS was forced to return $4 million to the classroom, leaving the rest of the $32 million untouched.

Jen Conant, CTU bargaining team leader and CICS math teacher, said in a video announcement on Monday morning, We are proud to say CICS had to contribute money to settle this contract. That means we changed the way CICS does business, and they will serve our schools better in the future.

During the strike, it was revealed that after the states school funding model changed in 2017, CICS increased revenue from $82 million to $93 million in just one year, with the largesse spent largely on management. This prompted rebukes from Democratic state legislators, who urged CICS and CEP to come to an agreement with teachers due to concerns that the generosity shown toward charter operators might become a political liability.

During the course of the strike, however, CTU left the CICS teachers isolated and facing CICS and their financial backers alone, deliberately blocking them from linking up with other striking teachers in Chicago or elsewhere, including Los Angeles or Denver, let alone the December strike of teachers at the Acero Charter Schools network.

The CTU shut down that strike after just four days, presenting as a victory an agreement that included paltry raises and a reduction on class size limits by just one student or 31 students per room. For the CTU, this is a well-trodden path. In 2012, the CTU shut down a strike of 24,000 CPS teachers, presented the resulting concessions as wins, and paved the way for the unprecedented closure of 50 public schools.

Above all, the CTU is concerned to prove that it is a reliable partner for the Democratic Party, ensuring that it is not sidelined by the next mayoral administration, no matter the draconian cuts that are on the table. The CTU, its parent union, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and its rival, the National Education Association (NEA), have abandoned anything but rhetorical opposition to the expansion of charter schools, which drain students, space and resources from traditional public schools. Having colluded with the Democratic Party and Republicans in the shutdown of public schools and mass layoffs of hundreds of thousands of teachers over the last decades, the unions see miserably paid charter school teachers as a new source of dues income.

The CTU president is Jesse Sharkey, a leading member of the International Socialist Organization (ISO), which has increasingly been integrated into the leadership of teacher unions in Los Angeles, Seattle and other cities. The ISO has played a chief role in trying to prop up the discredited teacher unions, providing union bureaucrats with left-sounding rhetoric about social justice and the schools students deserve, while they collaborate with the very same Democrats that are spearheading the attack on public education.

CICS teachers and staff should demand to see the full contract and sufficient time to study and discuss it before any ratification vote. To fight, charter school teachers need a real organization of their own, not an instrument of the Democratic Party, which has overseen decades of attacks on teachers and public education across the US.

They should begin forming rank-and-file committees to link up their struggle with other teachers, including striking teachers in West Virginia, in Oakland where educators are scheduled to strike Thursday, as well as other workers around the world, including workers in Matamoros, Mexico, Berlin, Germany and elsewhere.On February 15 Facebook suspended four pages run by Maffick Media, including In the Now, Soapbox, Back Then and Waste-Ed, which posted content critical of US foreign and social policy.

Facebook removed the articles after CNN ran a report alleging that the pages had connections with Russia Today, a broadcaster partially funded by the Russian government.

Whatever the source of the pages funding, their removal is a major new escalation of efforts by the US social media companies, at the behest of the US government, to censor and suppress oppositional political viewpoints.

Rania Khalek, a commentator for Maffick, told CNN, We should judge journalists on the content that they produce. So, if you want to judge me, judge me on the content. Judge me on the facts Im presenting.

She continued, If I oppose a US war, does that automatically mean Im going to be accused of being aligned with the Kremlin? I feel like this is a very, very dangerous McCarthyist tactic to start saying that leftist views, anti-war views are just the Kremlin governments talking points.

Maffick media does not dispute that they received funds from the Russian government. In a statement on their website Maffick writes, Similarly to NPR, PBS, BBC, DW, CBC, AJ+ and many other media companies, Maffick is supported in part by government funding. Likewise, while we havent posted funding details on our Facebook pages etc, neither have any of our international peers. The post continues, The government that helps fund our company is Russia. We did not violate any of Facebooks policies whatsoever. None of our content promotes disinformation or fake news This type of new McCarthyism deserves to be called out and needs to stop.

After the removal of the pages was announced, a Facebook spokesperson stated, People connecting with Pages shouldnt be misled about whos behind them. Just as weve stepped up our enforcement of coordinated inauthentic behavior and financially motivated spam over the past year, well continue improving so people can get more information about the Pages they follow. However, nowhere has Facebook stated a policy that pages must disclose their funding nor was Maffick given any warning before being removed.

Maffick claims that the American news agency CNN played a role in raising the question of funding with Facebook. According to a CNN report titled, Russia is backing a viral video company aimed at American millennials, Facebook did not take issue with the pages until CNN was tipped off by the Alliance for Securing Democracy, a right-wing organization staffed by former US intelligence officers and State Department officials with its own funding connected to the US government through the German Marshall Fund.

Quoting reports from the US Director of National Intelligence, they write that RT is the Kremlins principal international propaganda outlet. Later CNN quotes a representative from the Atlantic Council who stated that RT and Maffick pages routinely boost Kremlin narratives, especially those which portray the West negatively.

This is not the first move Facebook has made to censor content it does not agree with. Following the 2016 election Facebook hired over 20,000 moderators to block content. As a result, left-wing pages with millions of views have been removed without any serious explanation.

The WSWS strongly denounces these efforts to censor the internet. The public has the right to read and watch any information it wants. It is not for the corporations, working on behalf of the government, to determine what is appropriate for viewing. Free use of the internet for accessing information and sharing ideas is a democratic right.Australian students and youth have voiced support for rallies next month demanding that the government take immediate action to secure the return of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange to Australia, with a guarantee against extradition to the US.

Students at university orientation week events have expressed their appreciation for WikiLeakss role in educating them about the criminality of US-led wars in the Middle East, and alerting them to mass intelligence agency surveillance and daily diplomatic intrigues. Many have noted WikiLeaks contribution to the politicisation of their generation.

The sentiments stand in stark contrast to the role of successive Australian governments in the US-led vendetta against Assange. They also stand as an indictment of the organisations that have abandoned WikiLeaks and Assange, including the trade unions, the Greens and pseudo-left parties such as Socialist Alternative.

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), the youth wing of the Socialist Equality Party, has been the only student organisation raising the persecution of Assange, and the related drive to war and authoritarianism, at orientation week events.

At the University of Sydney, one of the countrys oldest and most prestigious, Lucas, a third-year arts student, told IYSSE campaigners: Assanges role in releasing so much information has been to the benefit of the people. It was material that should not have been hidden in the first place.

Its brilliant with the age of the internet that we have mass communication technologies and access to so much of what is taking place in the world. Assange and others have shown us what is really going on in the world. People are disgusted by it and rightfully so. Its no wonder that the powers that be are trying to censor the internet and persecute people like Assange.

WikiLeaks shed light on the real intentions of the US, as a superpower, in Iraq and Afghanistan. It completely stripped away the pretext that these were wars for democracy and human rights. There were very strong financial motives. Under the US occupation of Afghanistan, opium production in the country has skyrocketed. In Iraq, they were after oil and they did not want Iraq to develop ties with other countries.

Its disgusting that the Australian government hasnt taken any action to defend Assange. They should have supported him from the beginning. But everything they do is at the behest of the US. They wouldnt do anything that would threaten that relationship.

When it was noted that the previous federal Labor government had also joined in the persecution of Assange, Lucas responded: This is why people are losing faith in the whole two-party system. It seems like on particular issues it doesnt matter who is in power, the same policies are pursued. Big corporations and the banks donate to both of the major parties, and theyre the ones who seem to always win out in the end.

When the Greens were at their zenith, with Bob Brown as leader, I had high hopes. But theyve come to nothing. They supported the Labor government when it was attacking Assange.

Junaid, a first-year international relations student at the University of Sydney, commented: It seems like everyone is out to get Assange. He has been confined to the Ecuadorian embassy for so long. Its wrong because WikiLeaks is about checks and balances. Who will watch the watchmen without organisations like them?

Governments are out to get Assange because of what WikiLeaks exposed about their crimes. We need to protest and make clear our support for him. Governments will only defend him if we put pressure on them.

There is a real danger of war. If you look at the situation in Syria, it is like a proxy conflict between two nuclear-armed powers. Its dangerous for us. Australia has been involved in so many US wars over the past decades, even though most of the people are opposed to participating in these conflicts. Its wrong, because its the lives of ordinary people that are at stake.

Mohammad, a 17-year-old engineering student at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), said: I think that what has happened to Assange is similar to what happened to Edward Snowden and its horrible. Hes being persecuted and he is not receiving any assistance.

WikiLeaks has published things that would usually be hidden, but which are of huge benefit of the public to know. Im Iraqi, so it hits close to home. Ive seen the effect of the war crimes that America have carried out in Iraq.

I think an international campaign is necessary to defend Assange. He is being persecuted for exposing the truth to us. I am in full support of him.

Adam, an 18-year-old in a preparatory course for an arts degree at UNSW, stated: Assange has been in Ecuadors London embassy for seven years. If he steps foot outside, hes going to be locked up. Ive never heard of anyone hold up in an embassy for that long in my life. We need to make sure he is freed soon.

Its important to have freedom of the press, otherwise people will never know the truth. When a truth is revealed that contradicts what people had been led to believe, then they are going to get angry. Thats what we saw with the mass upheavals in the Middle East during the Arab Spring.

We shouldnt start locking up journalists for just doing their jobs. We need to defend our journalists and media institutions, otherwise well go back to the dark days of censorship where if the government sees something published it doesnt agree with, the newspaper gets shut down and is locked up.

Im going to come to the rally to defend freedom of speech and freedom of the press and to make clear that we shouldnt be locking up journalists for getting the truth out.

Marcus, an 18-year-old carpentry student, spoke to the IYSSE at the University of Newcastle, north of Sydney. The attack on Assange is an attack on journalists, he said. Its to shut them up. Theyre trying to make an example of him to silence other journalists. The government is trying to withhold information that people should know.

I think both Labor and Liberal are against Assange, even though hes an Australian citizen. If it happened to anyone else, they would be assisted by the government. But they havent because they support the US alliance and all of these wars he exposed.

Its important to speak out about this issue, especially for young people. Our generation needs a grasp of whats happening. Everyone has the right to be informed. Ill definitely come to the rally.

Emelia, an 18-year-old student at the University of Newcastle, said: This rally is important for young people to attend. A lot of us arent really doing anything political. If we were passionate about this and wanted the situation to change, they might listen.

Its not that young people are apathetic about social issues. A lot of young people are just alienated and misinformed, and we dont have any choices really. Young people are depicted as dumb, but what is really available to us in official politics?

James, a 23-year-old car mechanic in Sydney, commented: It is particularly important for workers to attend the rally, because the attacks against Assange are setting a precedent for anyone who goes against the powers-that-be. They are trying to establish a situation where anyone who goes against governments and the employers can be detained, attacked and silenced.

"I think everybody should see the WikiLeaks site. It can lead to a paradigm shift and huge amounts of insight. Its helped show me what governments are really doing. I remember asking when I was a kid, why is Australia involved in Afghanistan and Iraq?

I didnt understand. I am working now, but the war is still going on. Where does it end? Americas involvement overseas is never about spreading democracy.

See also:

Support for Assange and SEP Australia demonstrations evokes strong international response

[19 February 2019]

Rally to demand the Australian government acts to free Julian Assange!

Sydney Martin Place Amphitheatre, 2pm, March 3! Melbourne State Library, 1pm, March 10Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Major construction will begin on Interstate 440 in two weeks.

Police warning drivers to slow down on I-440 during construction work The Metro Nashville Police Department is warning drivers that they are out in full force cracking down on speeding along Interstate 440.

The construction will require lane closures that will last 17 months to replace the entire interstate.

When the construction is done, the highways signature look will also be gone.

The grassy median that divides the directions of traffic on I-440 is going away.

Some people are sad about the change.

Heavy construction, more lane closures coming to I-440 in March Starting March 1, heavy construction and lane closures will be impacting traffic on I-440 for almost a year and a half.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation said while it looks pretty, its actually posing a big danger for drivers and for that reason, it has to go.

Part of the new design for Interstate 440 will be three lanes of flowing traffic in each direction.

To make way for those lanes, the large grass median in the center will go away, being replaced with a concrete barrier like you see on other Nashville interstates.

While some residents said they like the look of the grass, TDOT said its just not safe, so the decision to change it is non-negotiable.

The concrete wall would prevent cross-over accidents that happen too often.

Noise wall construction brings daytime work zones to 440 project Right now, crews are in the middle of replacing a much needed noise wall as part of 440's reconstruction project.

In November a Williamson County woman was killed when her car went across the media and landed in the opposing lanes of traffic.

In May the same kind of crash killed a man from West Tennessee when his car flipped several times after taking the curve near the I-65 exit too fast.

When people think about the I-440 reconstruction, they think about getting rid of the old concrete pavement, said TDOT spokesperson Kathryn Schulte. One of the top priorities is taking out the grassy median because its a safety issue.

The construction begins on March 1 and will last until August 2020.The state of Idaho is located in the northwestern part of the United States, and it joined the Union in July 1890 as the 43rd state. It is ranked 14th in terms of size and stretches to cover an area of 83,560 square miles. Before the arrival of the Europeans, the region which is currently Idaho was home to Native Americans, and in the 19th Century, Idaho was part of the Oregon Country, which was an area disputed between the US and the UK. Idaho became a territory of the US following the signing of the Oregon Treaty in 1864. The state of Idaho borders five other states: Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah. The state's border with Nevada and Utah lie on the 42nd parallel. The Canadian province of British Columbia lies on the 49th parallel of north latitude. Both the northern and southern borders were established through treaty.

Idaho-Oregon Border

In the early 1800s, the territory of Oregon comprised a vast area that is currently occupied by various states including Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, and Montana. At the time both the United States and the British laid claim to the territory. Between 1818 and 1846, both powers continued to lay claim to the Oregon Country with each trying to gain strategic acres to the Puget Harbor and navigation to the Columbia River. Increasing American settlement in the 1840s in the disputed area, especially in the Willamette Valley, pressured British claims. In 1846, the British and the United States agreed to a treaty that gave the territory from the 42nd to the 49th parallel to the United States with the border to the east reaching the Continental divide. Increased settlement in the Puget Sound region, Willamette Valley, and Rogue Valley led to concerns that the territory was continually becoming harder to govern. The state of Washington was therefore curved out to the north of the Oregon territory. The government then made treaties with the Native Americas that allowed for their relocation to reservations between the 1850s and 1860s thus giving way for more land for white resettlement. The state of Oregon with is current boundaries with Idaho was granted statehood in 1859.

Idaho-Washington Border

The vast new Washington territory was later revised in 1863 leading to the creation of the state of Idaho and later the states of Montana and Wyoming. The creation of Larger Idaho was as a result of a petition to Congress to have a separate territory. Two versions of the boundaries were presented to Congress by two political rivals Lieutenant John Mullan and William H. Wallace. Mullans proposal suggested the inclusion of the present day Idaho panhandle and parts of Montana in Washington leaving present-day Wyoming and southern Idaho as the new Idaho Territory. Mullan's proposal was primarily driven by self-interest as the adoption of his proposal would lead to the establishment of Walla Walla where he owned land as the new capital. The proposal by Wallace, who was Washingtons territorial delegate to Congress and a resident of Puget Sound, wanted the capital retained in Olympia. The proposal by Wallace was adopted by Congress with its borders including present-day Montana and Wyoming. On March 4, 1863, it was signed by President Lincoln, and Mullan also hoped to become the governor of Idaho but was once again beaten to the position by Wallace who had close ties with President Lincoln. Wallace was appointed as the first governor of Idaho by President Lincoln on March 10 the same year. Washington became a state in 1889 while Idaho became a state in 1890.

Idaho-Utah and Idaho-Nevada Borders

Between 1849 and 1850, the southeastern part of Idaho was part of the larger Provincial state of Deseret which had been established by the Mormons. The Mormon territory was not favorable to Congress and was therefore chipped away giving some of its portions of the proposed state to Idaho and present-day Utah. The southern border with the state of Nevada was established through a treaty between Spain and the United States in 1819.

Idaho-Montana Border

The establishment of the border with Montana is surrounded by intriguing myths and stories which try to explain the unique Loggers boot shape of the state of Idaho and the resulting Panhandle in Idaho which has an oddly short border with Canada compared to the states of Washington and Montana. The state's shape was as a result of the formation of the state of Montana. After Montana began as a separate entity from Idaho in 1864, some of the myths that came up after the borders creation include one that claims that the Idaho-Montana border was supposed to be at the Continental divide which is further east and not at the Bitter Root Range. It is claimed that the surveyors responsible for the border got lost partly due to the ruggedness of the Bitter Root Range, and when they got to the border with Canada they realized the mistake. Correcting the mistake was thought to be too daunting a task so they decided to leave the border. More forgiving myths claim that the surveyors were using faulty equipment leading to the error that resulted in a much bigger Montana and a smaller Idaho.

Contrary to these myths, the border was established by the 38th congress with the border at the Bitter Root Mountain Range. Congress established that the border would follow the crest of the Rocky Mountains northwards to the Bitterroot Mountain Range and follow the crest to the intersection with the 39th longitude and then north to the boundary with British territory which is present-day Canada. It is claimed that the residents of Idaho were not aware of the border until after its creation. The nature of the border and territory of Montana is largely credited to Sidney Edgerton who was the congressman in Ohio. The influential congressman who was a friend with President Lincoln had been sent to Idaho to oversee the creation of a government in the newly formed state. He received suggestions that the mountain rage was impassable during winter and thus the territory should be divided. The later went back to Washington with the proposal which resulted in the creation of the Idaho-Montana border.

Economy of Idaho

In 2015, the state of Idaho had a gross state product of about $64.9 billion and a GDP per capita income of $39,100. The state is an important producer of agricultural products and produces about a third of all potatoes produced in the US. All the three major varieties of wheat are grown in Idaho, and the county of Nez Perce is the leading producer of white wheat.A car crossed the median on Interstate 75 and struck a northbound vehicle, killing two sisters who were traveling behind their father in northern Michigan, police said.LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  Financial aid experts are offering help for Indiana families who need to file their (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) better known as FAFSA.

Most colleges in Indiana including Purdue have a priority filing date of March 1st.

Students can get the help they need this Sunday at 2 p.m. at Ivy Tech Lafayette. College Goal Sunday is hosting the event.

Students who want any form of loans, scholarships or grants must file a FAFSA.

The co-chair of College Goal Sunday says the form is perceived as complex and confusing, but fill it out and you might be surprised to see the type of financial aid you'll receive.

"Families talk themselves out of filing it because they say 'I'm just not going to get aid' and many times they do get aid when they didn't think they were going to," said the co-chair of College Goal Sunday Bill Wozniak.

Make sure to bring your tax returns and W2's.

You also need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) username and password.

The link to that is available here.NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. -- After a late afternoon crash on Tuesday, Genesee Street is now back open and power is restored in New Hartford. This report came into our newsroom around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Crews spent just over 12 hours on the scene to clear away crash debris and restore power to the area of the crash.

A pickup crash in New Hartford shut down a portion of Genesee Street Tuesday.

A pickup truck crashed into a pole right outside of Village Floral on Genesee Street around 4:30 p.m.

Wires were seen hanging very low, and were actually touching the truck. The utility pole that the pickup hit is severed.

The traffic light at the heavily traveled intersection was out, and National Grid crews were on the scene.

Traffic was backed up in both directions, while impacting travel between between Oxford Road and Campion Road.

The driver was able to get out of the vehicle, but there is still no word on any injuries.

The cause is still under investigation.Wednesday is #NationalLoveYourPetDay and NewsChannel 2 is pawsitive that pet lovers throughout the Mohawk Valley will have no trouble celebrating this holiday.

Set aside some time to give your pet or pets some extra TLC and maybe Bone-a-pet-treat them to some of their favorite goodies.

Its impawsible to ignore such an oppawtunity to love your furry family member in a diffurent way Wednesday.

You can even dress them up in some cute costumes, but if you really love them  they would probably prefur you didnt.

Those cats, dogs, reptiles, bunnies, farm pets like cows, goats, pigs and chickens are probably excited to spend a purrfect day celebrating your love for them.

Here at WKTV we put together a pawesome photo gallery of the furballs we share our homes with  so make sure you share your pet photos with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or in a comment right on our story!ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - State officials have scheduled a series of public hearings to discuss the upcoming federal Census and how to ensure all New Yorkers are counted.

The state Complete Count Commission, appointed last month, says the first hearing on the 2020 Census will be held March 4 in Rochester.

Census experts and advocates are expected to provide input on how the state can ensure a complete count of its residents.

The commission is joining with state agencies, local governments and nonprofits across the state to gather information how best to engage New Yorkers to participate in the Census.

Other hearings are scheduled for March 11 in the Bronx, March 20 in Loch Sheldrake in Sullivan County, April 12 in Smithtown on Long Island, April 26 in Utica and May 6 in Albany.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Tires were burning in nearby streets. Tear gas was in the air. Crowds were gathering. So Pricil Journal told her son Roberto to hide the wheelbarrow they used as a cookie stall outside the general hospital.

There was a snap and a loud crack -- and Roberto lay dead. A bullet had torn through his right arm, just above the elbow, and into his chest.

In almost two weeks of mayhem, since Haiti was shut down by opposition protestors demanding the president and his government step down, there have been no official numbers for those killed and injured.

But Pricil knows that her son is dead. And she's convinced that a policeman did it.

"When he was done killing my son...That cop then swapped guns with another nearby cop - and he then went to hide inside the hospital," she said in an interview with CNN.

She alleged that the riot policeman who killed her son covered his face and pulled down a visor on his helmet.

She said that there were numerous witnesses to the alleged killing by a policeman on the scene. She said that she's not reported the crime, because she fears retribution from the very same person who killed her son.

But her family is getting anonymous death threats and demands that she stop talking about her son's killing.

Police chief Michel-Ange Gedeon told CNN that there had been no report of the alleged crime.

"Whenever we receive a case we will investigate," he told CNN.

That may come as a surprise to Haiti's Prime Minister, Jean-Henry Ceant, who this week singled out Roberto's tragic end for special mention in a televised address to the nation.

"As a father who can understand the pain of a parent, I send a special message to the mother of a young boy, Roberto Badjo Thelusma who died in front of the State Hospital while he was helping his mother with her business.

"I remember how 40 years ago I used to help my mother with her meat business at the 'Kwabosal' market place. Today I'm the Prime Minister, who knows what Roberto Badjo Thelusma could have become in this country."

He promised to address allegations of corruption revealed in a report in January in an effort to draw some of the energy out of the opposition campaign to unseat him and President Jovenel Moise.

But his mention of Roberto was seen as nothing more than lip service in the Miron slum, where Roberto and his mother shared one room. She and her family now believe whoever killed her son may seek them out for revenge if they keep talking.

"Ever since his death they've been threatening us. They said that if we don't shut up about this case we will get it, 'We know where you work'. That's what they said."

"They've been threatening us by phone. They said that, 'We know you work at the hospital so if you don't shut up about this case we will find you'. That's what they said," Pricil insisted.

A surviving son, Jovency Journal, 24, showed CNN text messages in Creole.

"I see you have been active on the Roberto case. Be careful not to follow him," said one.

Another threatened: "We'll do to you worse than what happened to Roberto - they might not even be able to find your body".

Who does she think these messages come from?

"The people that are making those threats, I'm guessing, are the ones that killed my son. They may feel like we're talking about this too much," says Pricil.

Her two other sons, Sins Dmitri and Jovency agree.

"But we'll never give up," says Dmitri.

An earthquake in 2010 and successive hurricanes have destroyed much of Haiti's infrastructure that hadn't already collapsed under corruption and government mismanagement.

Rage at life stripped of any apparent hope that things will get better is a clear motivation for the riots that gripped the country that began two days before Roberto was killed on February 9.

Promises from the Prime Minister might serve to dilute some of that immediate anger. But the country is teetering on the brink of more chaos, with further protests being threatened by opposition leaders.

But the rule of law in the form of government has already largely slipped away in the slums, which have become no-go areas for police.

Roberto's death has reinforced a widespread view among the poor that the state is their enemy.

A sad irony -- given that his ambition had always been to be a policeman.Since 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in integrated energy, chemicals, and petroleum operations worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas; processing, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as operates a gas-to-liquids plant. The Downstream segment engages in refining crude oil into petroleum products; marketing crude oil, refined products, and lubricants; transporting crude oil and refined products through pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment, and rail car; and manufacturing and marketing commodity petrochemicals, and fuel and lubricant additives, as well as plastics for industrial uses. Chevron Corporation is also involved in the cash management and debt financing activities; insurance operations; real estate activities; and technology businesses. The company was formerly known as ChevronTexaco Corporation and changed its name to Chevron Corporation in 2005. Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is headquartered in San Ramon, California.

Read MoreThe Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides various property and casualty insurance products and services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, and Other. The Commercial Lines segment offers commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile, and workers' compensation insurance products, as well as management and professional liability, marine, specialty industrial and commercial property, monoline general liability, surety, umbrella, fidelity, crime, and other commercial coverages. The Personal Lines segment provides personal automobile and homeowner's coverages, as well as other personal coverages, such as personal umbrella, inland marine, fire, personal watercraft, and other miscellaneous coverages. The Other segment offers investment management and advisory services to institutions, pension funds, and other organizations. The company markets its products and services through independent agents and brokers. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Read MoreGreenhill & Co., Inc., an independent investment bank, provides financial and strategic advisory services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, and governments worldwide. The company offers advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, spin-offs, and other strategic transactions, as well as various stages of a transaction's life cycle ranging from initial structuring and negotiation to final execution. It also advises clients on strategic matters, including activist shareholder defense, special committee projects, licensing deals, and joint ventures; and valuation, negotiation tactics, industry dynamics, structuring alternatives, and timing and pricing of transactions, as well as financing alternatives. In addition, the company provides debt restructuring advisory services to debtors, creditors, governments, pension funds and other stakeholders, and acquirers of distressed companies and assets; and advice on restructuring alternatives, capital structures, and sales or recapitalizations. Further, it assists clients in identifying and capitalizing on incremental sources of value; and on court-assisted reorganizations by developing and seeking approval for plans of reorganization, as well as the implementation of such plans. Additionally, the company advises on other financing matters, including debt issuances, equity financings, and exchange offers; and initial public offerings and other equity capital market transactions. It also offers financial advisory services to pension funds, endowments, and other institutional investors on transactions involving alternative assets; and advice to alternative asset fund sponsors for capital raising, financing, liquidity options, and related services. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of The Procter & Gamble: "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, Agile Pursuits, Agile Pursuits Franchising, Arbora, Arbora & Ausonia, Arborinvest, Billie, Braun (Shanghai) Co., Braun GmbH, Braun-Gillette Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, Celtic Insurance Company, Compania Procter & Gamble Mexico, Compania Quimica S.A., Corporativo Procter & Gamble, Cosmetic Products Pty. Ltd., Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., Eurocos Cosmetic GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Fater S.p.A., Fountain Square Music Publishing Co., Gillette (China) Ltd., Gillette (Shanghai) Ltd., Gillette Aesop Ltd., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette Canada Holdings, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Gruppe Deutschland GmbH & Co. oHG, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Nova Scotia Company, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Poland S.A., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay, Giorgio Beverly Hills Inc., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, LLC "Procter & Gamble Novomoskovsk", LLL "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", Laboratorios Vicks, Liberty Street Music Publishing Company, Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', Limited Liability Company with foreign investments Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, New Chapter, New Chapter Canada Inc., Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G Prestige Service GmbH, P&G South African Trading (Pty.) Ltd., PGT Health Care (Zhejiang) Limited, PGT Healthcare LLP, PPI ZAO, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Procter & Gamble (Chengdu) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (East Africa) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Egypt) Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble (Enterprise Fund) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Health & Beauty Care) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Jiangsu) Ltd. China, Procter & Gamble (L&CP) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble (Manufacturing) Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble (Shanghai) International Trade Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Acquisition GmbH, Procter & Gamble Administration GmbH, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chile , Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Commercial de Cuba S.A., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent (Beijing) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deuttschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing (Philippines) Inc., Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company (Europe) BVBA, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana, Procter & Gamble Europe SA, Procter & Gamble Export Operations SARL, Procter & Gamble Exportadora e Importadora Ltda., Procter & Gamble Exports, Procter & Gamble Fabricacao e Comercio Ltda., Procter & Gamble Far East, Procter & Gamble Finance (U.K.) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Procter & Gamble Hellas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holdings (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership (KKT), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings, Procter & Gamble Indochina Limited Company, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama, Procter & Gamble International Operations Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Investment Company (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment GmbH, Procter & Gamble Italia, Procter & Gamble Japan K.K., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea, Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble Lanka Private Ltd. Sri Lanka, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Marketing and Services doo, Procter & Gamble Maroc SA, Procter & Gamble Mataro, Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Investments B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Nordic, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan (Private) Limited, Procter & Gamble Partnership LLP, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals France SAS, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo, Procter & Gamble Product Supply (U.K.) Limited U.K., Procter & Gamble Production GmbH, Procter & Gamble Productions, Procter & Gamble Productos de Consumo, Procter & Gamble RHD, Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services BVBA, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Satis ve Dagitim Ltd. Sti., Procter & Gamble Seine S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services (Switzerland) SA, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Share Incentive Plan Trustee Ltd., Procter & Gamble South America Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. (Ltd.), Procter & Gamble Sports and Social Club Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology (Beijing) Co., Procter & Gamble Trading (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Verwaltungs GmbH, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil S/A, Procter & Gamble do Brazil, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Redmond Products, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Richardson-Vicks do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica Ltda, Riverfront Music Publishing Co., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Scannon S.A.S., Series Acquisition B.V., Shulton, Surfac S.R.L., Sycamore Productions, TAOS - FL, TAOS Retail, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving - FL, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble GBS Company, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon (Shanghai) Academy, Vidal Sassoon Co., WEBA Betriebsrenten-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Walker & Company Brands, and iMFLUX Inc..According to one Wall Street Legend, "for those who take early action, it could make 2021 one of your best years ever".

African Battery Metals Plc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for and exploits mineral resources. It explores for cobalt, lithium, copper, nickel, gold, and other battery metals. The company holds interest in cobalt-copper exploration licenses, which include the Kisinka license covering an area of 50 square kilometers; and Sakania license covering an area of 140 square kilometers located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also holds interest in the Ferensola Project, a gold, iron, and coltan deposit covering an area of 153 square kilometers located in Northern Sierra Leone. The company was formerly known as Sula Iron & Gold plc and changed its name to African Battery Metals Plc in January 2018. African Battery Metals Plc was incorporated in 2011 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

Read MoreKoninklijke Philips N.V. operates as a health technology company in North America, Greater China, and internationally. It operates through Diagnosis & Treatment, Connected Care, and Personal Health segments. It provides magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, advanced molecular imaging, diagnostic X-ray, and imaging components as well as integrated clinical solutions; integrated interventional systems, including interventional diagnostic and therapeutic devices; imaging products focused on diagnosis, treatment planning and guidance for cardiology, general imaging, obstetrics/gynecology, and point-of-care applications; proprietary software to enable diagnostics and intervention; and enterprise diagnostic informatics products and services. The company also offers monitoring and analytics solutions; sleep and respiratory care solutions; emergency care and resuscitation, and patient management solutions; data, analytics, and actionable workflow solutions; and connected care informatics solutions. In addition, it provides power toothbrushes, brush heads, and interdental cleaning and teeth whitening products; infant feeding and digital parental solutions; male grooming and beauty products and solutions; and kitchen appliances, home care, and garment care products, as well as coffee machines. Koninklijke Philips N.V. has a partnership with openDoctor to deliver an integrated radiology patient engagement platform that leverages openDoctor's real-time online appointment scheduling services as part of its patient management solution; and a strategic collaboration with Ibex Medical Analytics Ltd. to jointly promote the digital pathology and AI solutions to hospitals, health networks, and pathology laboratories worldwide. The company was formerly known as Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. and changed its name to Koninklijke Philips N.V. in May 2013. Koninklijke Philips N.V. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Quest Diagnostics: AmeriPath, AmeriPath Cincinnati Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Cleveland Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Consolidated Labs Inc. (FL), AmeriPath Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Hospital Services Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Indianapolis PC (IN), AmeriPath Kentucky Inc. (KY), AmeriPath Lubbock 5.01(A) Corporation (TX), AmeriPath New York LLC (DE), AmeriPath Texas Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Tucson Inc. (AZ), American Medical Laboratories, American Medical Laboratories Incorporated (DE), Associated Clinical Laboratories L.P. (PA), Associated Clinical Laboratories of Pennsylvania L.L.C. (PA), Athena Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics, Blueprint Genetics FZ-LLC (UAE), Blueprint Genetics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics Oy (Finland), California Laboratory Associates, Cape Cod Healthcare - Business, Celera, ClearPoint Diagnostic, Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories LLC (TX), Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (DE), Clinical Laboratory Partners, Colorado Pathology Consultants P.C. (CO), ConVerge Diagnostic Services, Consolidated DermPath Inc. (DE), DFW 5.01(a) Corporation (TX), DGXWMT JV LLC (DE), Dermatopathology of Wisconsin S.C. (WI), Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma LLC (OK), Diagnostic Pathology Services Inc. (OK), Diagnostic Reference Services Inc. (MD), ExamOne Canada Inc. (New Brunswick), ExamOne LLC (DE), ExamOne World Wide Inc. (PA), ExamOne World Wide of NJ Inc. (NJ), Focus Diagnostics, HemoCue, Hoffman M.D. Associated Pathologists Chartered (NV), Institute for Dermatopathology Inc. (PA), Isabella Street Urban Renewal LLC (NJ), Kailash B. Sharma M.D. Inc. (GA), Kilpatrick Pathology P.A. (NC), LabOne, LabOne LLC (MO), LabOne of Ohio Inc. (DE), Laboratorio de Analisis Biomedicos S.A. (Mexico), Lancet Labs, MACL, Med Fusion LLC (TX), Med fusion, MedPlus, Mid America Clinical Laboratories LLC (IN), Nomad Massachusetts Inc. (MA), Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Associates (GA), Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Association Inc. (GA), Pathology Building Partnership (MD) (gen. ptnrshp.), PeaceHealth Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories PLLC (WA), Q Squared Solutions Holdings LLC (DE), Q Squared Solutions Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Quest Diagnostics Brasil Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Domestic Holder LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics HTAS India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Incorporated (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (MD), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NV), Quest Diagnostics India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics International Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics International LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Investments LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Ireland Limited (Ireland), Quest Diagnostics LLC (CT), Quest Diagnostics LLC (IL), Quest Diagnostics LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Massachusetts LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Mexico Holding Company Trust (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Mexico S de RL de CV (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (CA), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute Inc. (VA), Quest Diagnostics Receivables Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics TB LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Terracotta LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Venture LLC (PA), Quest Diagnostics Ventures LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Quest Diagnostics of Pennsylvania Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics of Puerto Rico Inc. (PR), Quest HealthConnect LLC (CA), ReproSource, Reprosource Fertility Diagnostics Inc. (MA), Solstas Lab Partners, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (AZ), Specialty Laboratories Inc. (CA), Summit Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Anatomic Pathology Outreach Laboratory Business, Unilab Corporation, and Unilab Corporation (DE).Wall Street analysts have given iShares Europe 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 Europe ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.Genesis Energy, L.P. operates in the midstream segment of the crude oil and natural gas industry. The company's Offshore Pipeline Transportation segment engages in offshore crude oil and natural gas pipeline transportation and handling operations; and in the deepwater pipeline servicing in the southern Keathley Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico. This segment owns interests in approximately 1,422 miles of crude oil pipelines located offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Its Sodium Minerals and Sulfur Services segment offers sulfur-extraction services to refining operations; and operates storage and transportation assets. This segment provides services to ten refining operations; and sells sodium hydrosulfide and caustic soda to industrial and commercial companies involved in the mining of base metals. Its Onshore Facilities and Transportation segment offers onshore facilities and transportation services to Gulf Coast crude oil refineries and producers by purchasing, transporting, storing, blending, and marketing crude oil and refined products. It operates trucks, trailers, railcars, and terminals and tankage with 4.2 million barrels of storage capacity in various locations along the Gulf Coast. This segment also transports crude oil and carbon dioxide (CO2). It owns four onshore crude oil pipeline systems with approximately 450 miles of pipe in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas; and four operational crude oil rail unloading facilities in Baton Rouge and Raceland, Louisiana, as well as Walnut Hill, Florida and Natchez, Mississippi. Its Marine Transportation segment offers waterborne transportation of petroleum and crude oil in North America. This segment owns a fleet of 91 barges with a combined transportation capacity of 3.2 million barrels; and 42 push/tow boats. In addition, the company produces natural soda ash. Genesis Energy, LLC serves as a general partner of the company. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Read More11 hours ago

| June 26th | 2021 6:00 AM

What to Do When Your Portfolio Bores You: Go Skydiving Instead

You're allocated, diversified and saving 10% or more for retirement. You (or your robo-advisor) have the rebalancing thing down pat. But you're a little bored. Life isn't all that exciting. And when Bobby next door makes money in some obscure cryptocurrency, you might feel a little, well, put out. Your returns aren't 400% like his. And so, you look into tweaking your portfolio.Deutsche Lufthansa AG operates as an aviation company in Germany and internationally. The company's Network Airlines segment offers passenger services through a route network of 273 destinations in 86 countries. Its Eurowings segment provides passenger services through a route network of more than 210 destinations in 60 countries. The company's Logistics Business segment offers transport services for various cargoes, including living animals, valuable cargo, post and dangerous goods, and temperature-sensitive goods serving approximately 300 destinations in 100 countries. Its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Services (MRO) segment provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for civilian commercial aircraft serving original equipment manufacturers and aircraft leasing companies, operators of VIP jets, and airlines, as well as develops and manufactures cabin and digital products. The company's Catering Business segment engages in-flight sales and entertainment, in-flight service equipment, and the associated logistics services, as well as consulting services; and operates airport lounges. As of December 31, 2020, it had a fleet of 757 aircraft. Deutsche Lufthansa AG was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Cologne, Germany.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Dover: ALMATEC Maschinenbau GmbH, Accelerated Production Systems, Advansor A/S, Advansor Dover International (Poland) sp. z o.o, Alfred Fueling Systems Holdco Ltd., Alfred Fueling Systems Inc., Alfred Fueling Systems Intermediate Holdco Ltd., All-Flo Pump Company Limited business, Anman LLC, Anthony Equity Holdings Inc., Anthony Holdings Inc., Anthony Inc., Anthony International Foreign Sales Corp., Anthony International Holding Company, Anthony Mexico Holdings LLC, Anthony North Holdco Inc., Anthony Specialty Glass LLC, Anthony TemperBent GP LLC, Automatik Grundstucksverwaltung GmbH & Co. KG, Automatik Plastics Machinery (Taiwan) Ltd., Automatik Plastics Machinery Sdn. Bhd., BSC Filters Limited, Background2 Limited, Belanger Inc., Belvac Middle East FZE, Belvac Production Machinery Inc., BlitzRotary GmbH, Butler Engineering and Marketing S.P.A., CEP Liquidation LLC, CP Formation LLC, CPC, CPC Europe Inc., CPI Products Inc., Caldera, Caldera Inc., Canada Organization & Development LLC, Chief Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Trading Company Ltd., Chippewa Square Captive Insurance Company, Colder Products Company GmbH, Colder Products Company LTD, Cook Compression BV, Cook Compression LLC, Cook Compression Limited, Cook-MFS Inc., DD1 Inc., DDI Properties Inc., DE-STA-CO Benelux B.V., DE-STA-CO FRANCE, DE-STA-CO Shanghai Co. Ltd., DFH Corporation, DSR BZ Holdings LLC, De Sta Co (Asia) Company Limited, De-Sta-Co Cylinders Inc., DeStaCo Europe GmbH, Delaware Capital Formation Inc., Delaware Capital Holdings Inc., Destaco Ema Industria e Comercio Ltda., Dover (China) Investment Co. Ltd. , Dover (Schweiz) Holding GmbH, Dover (Shanghai) Industrial Co. Ltd., Dover (Shenzhen) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover (Suzhou) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover Asia Trading Private Ltd., Dover Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Dover Business Services EMEA Limited, Dover Business Services LLC, Dover Business Services Philippines Corporation, Dover CLP Formation Limited Partnership, Dover CR spol s r.o., Dover Canada Finance LP, Dover Canada Holdings ULC, Dover Canada Operations ULC, Dover Corporation Regional Headquarters, Dover DEI Services Inc., Dover Denmark Holdings ApS, Dover EMEA FZCO, Dover Energy, Dover Energy UK Ltd, Dover Engineered Systems Inc., Dover Engineered Systems UK Ltd, Dover Europe Inc., Dover Europe Sarl, Dover Fluids Inc., Dover Fluids UK Ltd, Dover France Holdings S.A.S., Dover France Participations SAS, Dover France Technologies, Dover Fueling Solutions UK Limited, Dover Germany GmbH, Dover Global Holdings LLC, Dover Global Trading Pte. Ltd., Dover Holdings de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dover India Pvt. Ltd., Dover Intercompany Services UK Limited, Dover International B.V., Dover International Operations Inc., Dover International Ventures Inc., Dover International Ventures Tunisia S.a.r.l., Dover International ithalat ihracat ve Pazarlama Limited Sirketi, Dover Italy Holdings S.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Finance Sarl, Dover Luxembourg Participations Sarl, Dover Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Services Sarl, Dover Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Dover Overseas Ventures Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment UK Ltd, Dover Resources International de Mexico S. de R.L. C.V., Dover Solutions Colombia SAS, Dover Southeast Asia (Thailand) Ltd., Dover Spain Holdings S.L., Dover UK Pensions Limited, Dover WSCR Holding LLC, Dover WSCR LLC, Dover do Brasil Ltda., Dow-Key Microwave Corporation, Dressor Wayne Data Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Dressor Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, EOA Systems Inc., Ebs-Ray Holdings Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Industries Pty. Ltd., Ebs-Ray Pumps Pty. Ltd., Em-tec GmbH, Ettlinger Kunststoffmaschinen GmbH, Ettlinger Management Inc., Ettlinger North America LP, Ettlinger Vertrieb und Service GmbH & Co. KG, Ettlinger Verwaltungs-GmbH, Fairbanks Environmental Limited, Ferguson CO. S.A., Fibrelite Composites Limited, Fibresec Holdings Limited, Fibresec Limited, Finder, Finder Oriental (Beijing) Trading Co. Ltd, Finder Pompe S.R.L., Finder United Saudi Arabia Company, GAL LLC, GIIER LLC, Gala Industries Asia Limited, Gala Industries Incorporated, Gala Kunststoff-und Kautschukmaschinen GmbH, Guangdong Tokheim LIYUAN Oil Industry Technology Limited Company, Highland Park Insurance Company, Hill PHOENIX Inc., Hill PHOENIX WIC LLC, Hill Phoenix Costa Rica Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, Hill Phoenix El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Hill Phoenix Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Honduras Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hiltap Fittings Ltd., Hydro Systems, Hydro Systems Europe Ltd., Hydronova Australia-NZ Pty Ltd, Industrial Motion Control LLC, Inpro/Seal LLC, International Trade and Equipment B.V., JK Group SPA, JK Group USA Inc., K&L Microwave DR Inc., K&L Microwave Inc., K. S. Boca Inc., KPS (Beijing) Petroleum Equipment Trading Co Ltd., KPS Asia Sdn. Bhd., KPS Fueling Solutions Sdn. Bhd., KPS Hong Kong Holding Limited, KPS UK Limited, KS Formation Inc., KS Liquidation Inc., KSLP Liquidation L.P., Kiian Digital (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Knappco LLC, Lianyngang Jump Petroleum and Chemical Machinery Co. Ltd., Liquip, Liquip International Pty Limited, MARKEM FZ SA, MARKEM Holdings Inc., MARKEM International Inc., MARKEM S.A. de C.V., MARKEM Tag Inc., MARKEM UK Holdings 1 Unlimited, MARKEM UK Holdings 2 Limited, MIP Holdings Inc., MS Printing Solutions S.R.L., Maag Automatik GmbH, Maag Automatik Inc., Maag Automatik Plastics Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Maag Automatik Srl, Maag Pump Systems (US) Inc., Maag Pump Systems AG, Maag Pump Systems SAS, Marathon Equipment Company (Delaware), Markem Imaje Center of Competencies Spain S.L.U., Markem-Imaje, Markem-Imaje (China) Co. Limited, Markem-Imaje A/S, Markem-Imaje AB, Markem-Imaje AG, Markem-Imaje AS, Markem-Imaje Application Innovation Center Sarl, Markem-Imaje B.V., Markem-Imaje CSAT GmbH, Markem-Imaje Co. Ltd., Markem-Imaje GmbH, Markem-Imaje Holding, Markem-Imaje Identificacao de Produtos Ltda., Markem-Imaje Inc., Markem-Imaje India Private Limited, Markem-Imaje Industries, Markem-Imaje Industries Limited, Markem-Imaje KK, Markem-Imaje LLC, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Ltd., Markem-Imaje N.V., Markem-Imaje Oy, Markem-Imaje Pty Ltd, Markem-Imaje S.A., Markem-Imaje S.A. de C.V., Markem-Imaje S.r.l. a socio unico, Markem-Imaje SAS, Markem-Imaje Sdn Bhd, Markem-Imaje Software Development Centre Pvt. Ltd., Markem-Imaje Spain S.A.U, Markem-Imaje Unipessoal Lda (Portugal), Markpoint Holding AB, Midland Manufacturing LLC, Mouvex, Neptune Chemical Pump Company, Northern Lights (Nevada) Inc., Northern Lights Funding LP, Northern Lights Investments LLC, Nova Controls Inc., OK International (UK) Ltd., OK International Holdings Inc., OK International Inc., OPW Engineered Systems Inc., OPW Fluid Transfer Group Europe B.V., OPW Fluids Group Inc., OPW France, OPW Fuel Management Systems Inc., OPW Fueling Components (SuZhou) Co. Ltd., OPW Fueling Components LLC, OPW Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OPW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., OPW Slovakia s.r.o., OPW Sweden AB, Officine Meccaniche Sirio S.R.L., PDQ Manufacturing Inc., PISCES by OPW Inc., PSG (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, PSG (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PSG Worldwide Inc., Petro Vend Sp. z o.o., Pike Machine Products Inc., Piston OPW Inc., Pole/Zero Acquisition Inc., Precision Brasil Equipamentos E Servicos Para Postos De Combustiveis Ltda., Precision Service - Servicos De Manutencao E Instalacao De Postos De Abastecimento De Combustivel Ltda., Pump Management Services Co. LLC, RAV Equipment U.S.A. Inc., RAV Equipos Espana S.L., RAV France, Rav Equipment UK Limited, Ravaglioli Deutschland GmbH, Ravaglioli S.P.A., Reduction Engineering GmbH, Revod Corporation, Revod Finance Ireland Limited, Revod Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Revod SAS, Revod Sweden AB, Robohand Inc., Rosario Handel B.V., Rotary Lift Consolidated (Haimen) Co. Ltd, SE Liquidation LLC, SWEP A.G., SWEP Germany GmbH, SWEP Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., SWEP North America Inc., SWEP Slovakia s.r.o., SWEP Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Scheer Pelletizing Systems & Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Scheer Taiwan Machinery Co. Ltd., Seabiscuit Motorsports Inc., Simmons Sirvey Corporation, So. Cal. Soft-Pak Incorporated, Solaris Laser S.A., Space S.R.L., Start Italiana Petrol Cihazlari Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Start Italiana S.R.L., Swep Energy Oy, Swep International A.B., Swep Japan K.K., Sys-Tech Solutions Inc., TQC Quantium Quality S.A. de C.V., TTSI III Inc., TWG Canada Consolidated Inc., TXHI LLC, Tartan Textile Services Inc., The Curotto-Can LLC, The Heil Co., Tokheim Belgium, Tokheim China Company Limited, Tokheim GmbH, Tokheim Group, Tokheim Guardian Venture Sdn. Bhd, Tokheim Hengshan Technologies (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Tokheim Holding, Tokheim Holding B.V., Tokheim India Private Limited, Tokheim Netherlands B.V., Tokheim Sofitam Applications, Trans - Logistic Group S.R.L., Tulsa Winch Inc., Unified Brands Inc., Val TemperBent Glass L.P., Vectron Frequency Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vehicle Service Group LLC, Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd., Warn Automotive LLC, Waukesha Bearings, Waukesha Bearings Limited, Waukesha Bearings Russia LLC, Wayne Fuel Management UK Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems (Rus) Limited Liability Company, Wayne Fueling Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Wayne Fueling Systems Canada ULC, Wayne Fueling Systems Deutschland GmbH, Wayne Fueling Systems Italia S.R.L., Wayne Fueling Systems LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Pte. Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB, Wayne Fueling Systems UK Holdco Ltd., Wayne Industria e Comercio Ltda., Wei Li Pump Shanghai Co. LTD., WellMark, and Wilden Pump and Engineering LLC.Deutsche Telekom AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated telecommunication services. The company operates through five segments: Germany, United States, Europe, Systems Solutions, and Group Development. It offers fixed-network services, including voice and data communication services based on fixed-network and broadband technology; and sells terminal equipment and other hardware products, as well as services to resellers. The company also provides mobile voice and data services to consumers and business customers; sells mobile devices and other hardware products; and sells mobile services to resellers and to companies that purchases and markets network services to third parties, such as mobile virtual network operators. In addition, it offers internet services; internet-based TV products and services; and information and communication technology systems for multinational corporations and public sector institutions with an infrastructure of data centers and networks under the T-Systems brand, as well as call center services. The company has 242 million mobile customers and 22 million broadband customers, as well as 27 million fixed-network lines. Deutsche Telekom AG has a collaboration with VMware, Inc. on cloud-based open and intelligent virtual RAN platform to bring agility to radio access networks for existing LTE and future 5G networks; and partnership with Microsoft to deliver high-performance cloud computing experiences. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Bonn, Germany.

Read MoreCredit Suisse Group AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial services in Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. The company offers private banking and wealth management solutions, including advisory, investment, financial planning, succession planning, and trust services; and financing and lending, and multi-shore platform solutions. It also provides traditional and structured lending, payment, foreign exchange, capital goods leasing, merger and acquisition, syndication, structured finance, commodity trade finance, trade finance, structured trade finance, export finance, factoring, fund management and administration, fund design, custody, ship and aviation finance, securities, cash, and treasury services. In addition, the company offers asset management products; equity and debt underwriting, and advisory services; cash equities, equity derivatives, and convertibles, as well as prime services; and fixed income products, such as credit, securitized, macro, emerging markets, financing, structured credit, and other products. Further, it provides HOLT, a framework for assessing the performance of approximately 20,000 companies; and equity and fixed income research services. The company serves private and institutional clients; ultra-high-net-worth individuals, high-net-worth individuals, and affluent and retail clients; corporate clients, small and medium-sized enterprises, external asset managers, financial institutions, and commodity traders; and pension funds, hedge funds, governments, foundations and endowments, corporations, entrepreneurs, private individuals, financial sponsors, and sovereign clients. As of December 31, 2020, it operated through a network of 338 offices and branches. The company was founded in 1856 and is based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Iron Mountain: AB Archyvu Centras, AB Archyvu Sistemos, AB Archyvu Sistemos Estonia Branch, AKTATRADE Iratendezo Selejtezo es Megsemmisito Bt., AS Archivu Serviss, Accutrac Software Inc, Administradora de Informacion Ltda, ArchivesOne, Archyvu sistemos, Ausdoc Group Pty Limited, Ausdoc Holdings Pty Limited, Bonded Services Group, Box Butler, Britannia Data Management Limited, Connected Corporation, Cornerstone Records Management, Crozier Fine Arts, Crozier Philadelphia LLC, Custodia S.O.S. SA, Custodia de Documentos Limitada, Data Outsourcing Centre doo, Data Security Services Pty Limited, DigiGuard, Docu-File Cape Town Proprietary Limited, Docu-File Durban Proprietary Limited, Docu-File JHB Proprietary Limited, DocuTar Iratrendezo es Tarolo Szolgaltato Kft., DocuVault, Docufile (Pty) Ltd, Docufile Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Docufile Lesotho Proprietary Limited, Docufile Services Proprietary Limited, Docugroup Papir Szolgatato Kft., Document Holdings Sweden AB, Docuscan Cape Town Proprietary Limited, Docuscan Proprietary Limited, Endless Document Storage Services LLC, EvoSwitch, File Express Limited, Fine Paper Recyclers Sydney Pty Ltd, Fontis International GmbH, Fontis International Inc., Fortrust, G4S Secure Data Solutions Colombia, Hays IMS, Horanross Limited, IBEX IM Limited, IBEX Information Management Limited, IG2 Data Security, IMSA Peru SRL, IO.com, Information Storage Consolidation Co, Interfile Participacoes S.A., Intradis SA, Iron Mountain (Deutschland) Service GmbH, Iron Mountain (Espana) Services S.L, Iron Mountain (Gibraltar) Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain (Ireland) Services Limited, Iron Mountain (Nederland) Services BV, Iron Mountain (UK) EES Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain (UK) Limited, Iron Mountain (UK) Services Limited, Iron Mountain A/S, Iron Mountain Acquisition Holdings Pty. Ltd., Iron Mountain Argentina S.A., Iron Mountain Arsivleme Hizmetleri A.S., Iron Mountain Asia Pacific Holdings Ltd, Iron Mountain Australia Group Pty. Ltd., Iron Mountain Australia Group Services Pty. Ltd., Iron Mountain Australia Holdings Inc., Iron Mountain Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd, Iron Mountain Austria Archivierung Gmbh, Iron Mountain BPM International S.a.r.l., Iron Mountain BPM SPRL, Iron Mountain Belgium NV, Iron Mountain CIS LLC, Iron Mountain Canada Operations ULC, Iron Mountain Ceska Republika S.R.O., Iron Mountain Chile S.A., Iron Mountain Chile Servicios S.A., Iron Mountain Colombia S.A.S., Iron Mountain DIMS Limited, Iron Mountain Deutschland GmbH, Iron Mountain Do Brasil Ltda, Iron Mountain EES Holdings Ltd., Iron Mountain EES Sp. z.o.o., Iron Mountain Espana SA, Iron Mountain Europe (Group) Limited, Iron Mountain Europe PLC (fka Iron Mountain Europe Limited), Iron Mountain Finland OY, Iron Mountain France S.A.S., Iron Mountain Fulfillment Services Inc., Iron Mountain Global Holdings Inc., Iron Mountain Global LLC, Iron Mountain Global Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Iron Mountain Group (Europe) Limited, Iron Mountain Hellas SA, Iron Mountain Holdings (Europe) Limited, Iron Mountain Holdings (France) SNC, Iron Mountain Incorporated, Iron Mountain India Private Ltd, Iron Mountain Information Management LLC, Iron Mountain Information Management Services Canada Inc., Iron Mountain Information Management Services Inc., Iron Mountain Intellectual Property Management Inc., Iron Mountain International (Holdings) Limited, Iron Mountain International Holdings BV, Iron Mountain International Information Management Co. Ltd., Iron Mountain Ireland Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain Ireland Limited, Iron Mountain Latin America Holdings Sociedad Limitada, Iron Mountain Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Iron Mountain Luxembourg Services S.a.r.l., Iron Mountain Luxembourg Services S.a.r.l. Schaffhausen Branch, Iron Mountain MDM Limited, Iron Mountain Magyarorszag Kereskedelmi es Szolgaltato Kft., Iron Mountain Management Services GmbH, Iron Mountain Mayflower Limited, Iron Mountain Mexico Holding S. de RL de CV, Iron Mountain Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Iron Mountain Mexico Servicios S. de RL de CV, Iron Mountain Mortgage Finance Holdings LLC, Iron Mountain Mortgage Finance I LLC, Iron Mountain Nederland B.V., Iron Mountain Nederland Holdings B.V., Iron Mountain New Zealand Limited (fka Recall New Zealand Ltd), Iron Mountain Norge AS, Iron Mountain Participations SA, Iron Mountain Peru S.A., Iron Mountain Poland Holdings Ltd, Iron Mountain Polska Services Sp z.o.o., Iron Mountain Polska Sp. z.o.o., Iron Mountain Receivables QRS LLC, Iron Mountain Receivables TRS LLC, Iron Mountain Records Management (Puerto Rico) Inc., Iron Mountain Records Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Iron Mountain SRL, Iron Mountain Secure Shredding Canada, Iron Mountain Secure Shredding Inc., Iron Mountain Services Private Ltd, Iron Mountain Services S.A.S., Iron Mountain Shanghai Co Ltd, Iron Mountain Slovakia s.r.o., Iron Mountain South America S.a.r.l., Iron Mountain Southeast Asia Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain Switzerland GmbH, Iron Mountain UK Services (Holdings) Limited, Iron Mountain US Holdings Inc., Iron Mountain Ukraine LLC, Iron Mountain Vietnam Company Limited, Iron Mountain d.o.o. Beograd, Jin Shan Limited, KDM Spectrumdata Pty Ltd, KH Data Capital Development Land LLC, Kestrel Data (Canada) Ltd, Kestrel Data Services Limited, Kestrel Information Management Pty. Ltd., Livevault, Marshgate Morangis S.a.r.l., Mimosa Systems, Mobilshred Inc., Navbharat Archive Xpress Private Limited, Nettlebed Acquisition Corp., Pipax Security S.A., Preferred Media Limited, Prism Integrated Sdn Bhd, Recall, Recall (London) Limited, Recall (Schweiz) AG, Recall (Shanghai) Ltd., Recall A/S, Recall AS, Recall Asia Pte Limited, Recall Corporation Sdn. Bhd., Recall Enterprises (Thailand) Limited, Recall Enterprises Sdn. Bhd., Recall Europe Finance Ltd. (fka Recall Europe Finance Plc), Recall Europe Limited, Recall Finance Limited, Recall Finland OY, Recall France SA, Recall France SA Belgium Branch, Recall France SAS, Recall GQ Limited, Recall Holdings, Recall Holdings Limited, Recall Holdings Sweden AB, Recall Hong Kong Ltd., Recall India Information Management Pvt. Ltd., Recall Information Services SRL, Recall International Pty Limited, Recall Italia SRL, Recall Limited, Recall Overseas Holdings Pty Limited, Recall Shredding Limited, Recall Sweden AB, Recall Taiwan Ltd., Recall Technology Pty. Ltd., Recall Total Information Management India Pvt. Ltd., Recall Total Information Mgt Pte Ltd, Recall do Brasil Ltda, Record Data Limited, Royal Seal S.R.O., Safehouse Information Management Solutions Private Limited, Santa Fe Group, Secur Archiv SA, Secure Paper Services Pty Ltd, Shuttle SRL, Silver Sky Limited, Sispace AG, Startify, Storbox SA, The Coding Company Pty. Ltd., The Imaging Centre Pty Ltd, UAB Confidento, Upper Providence Venture I L.P., Venues Australia Pty Ltd, and Xepa Digital.The following companies are subsidiares of Daimler: AEG Olympia Office GmbH, Achtzehnte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft DVB mbH, Anota Fahrzeug Service- und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Athlon Beheer International B.V., Athlon Beheer Nederland B.V, Athlon Car Lease Belgium N.V, Athlon Car Lease International B.V., Athlon Car Lease Italy S.R.L., Athlon Car Lease Nederland B.V., Athlon Car Lease Polska Sp. z o.o., Athlon Car Lease Portugal lda, Athlon Car Lease Rental Services B.V, Athlon Car Lease Rental Services Belgium N.V., Athlon Car Lease S.A.S., Athlon Car Lease Spain S.A., Athlon Dealerlease B.V., Athlon France S.A.S., Athlon Germany GmbH, Athlon Mobility Consultancy B.V., Athlon Mobility Consultancy N.V., Athlon Rental Germany GmbH, Athlon Sweden AB, Athlon Switzerland AG, AutoGravity Corporation, Banco Mercedes-Benz do Brasil S.A, Beat Chile SpA, Beat Ride App Colombia Ltda., Beat Ride App S.A., Belerofonte Empreendimentos Imobiliarios Ltda., Brooklands Estates Management Limited, CARS Technik & Logistik GmbH, CINTEO, CLIDET NO 1048 (Proprietary) Limited, Campo Largo Comercio de Veiculos e Pecas Ltda., Circulo Cerrado S.A. de Ahorro para Fines Determinados, Clever Taxi, Clever Tech S.R.L., Clever Tech Sud S.R.L., Conemaugh Hydroelectric Projects Inc., Cuspide GmbH, DA Investments Co. LLC, DAF Investments Ltd., DAIMLER FINANCIAL SERVICES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, DAIMLER SERVICIOS CORPORATIVOS MEXICO S. DE R.L. DE C.V., DAIMLER TRUCK AND BUS HOLDING AUSTRALIA PACIFIC PTY LTD, DTB Tech & Data Hub Unipessoal Lda, Daimler AG & Co. Anlagenverwaltung OHG, Daimler Australia/Pacific Pty. Ltd., Daimler Automotive de Venezuela C.A., Daimler Brand & IP Management GmbH & Co. KG, Daimler Brand & IP Management Verwaltung GmbH, Daimler Buses North America Inc., Daimler Canada Finance Inc., Daimler Canada Investments Company, Daimler Capital Services LLC, Daimler Ceska republika Holding s.r.o., Daimler Colombia S. A., Daimler Commercial Vehicles (Thailand) Ltd., Daimler Commercial Vehicles Africa Ltd., Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA FZE, Daimler Commercial Vehicles South East Asia Pte. Ltd., Daimler Compra y Manufactura Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Daimler Export and Trade Finance GmbH, Daimler Finance North America LLC, Daimler Financial Services AG, Daimler Financial Services Africa & Asia Pacific Ltd., Daimler Financial Services India Private Limited, Daimler Financial Services Investment Company LLC, Daimler Financial Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Daimler Financial Services S.A. de C.V. S.O.F.O.M. E.N.R., Daimler Financial Services UK Trustees Ltd., Daimler Fleet Management GmbH, Daimler Fleet Management Singapore Pte. Ltd., Daimler Fleet Management South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Daimler Fleet Management UK Limited, Daimler Fleet Services A.S., Daimler FleetBoard GmbH, Daimler Gastronomie GmbH, Daimler Greater China Ltd., Daimler Group Services Berlin GmbH, Daimler Group Services Madrid S.A.U., Daimler Grund Services GmbH, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Private Limited, Daimler Innovation Technology (China) Co. Ltd., Daimler Insurance Agency LLC, Daimler Insurance Services GmbH, Daimler Insurance Services Japan Co. Ltd., Daimler Insurance Services UK Limited, Daimler International Assignment Services USA LLC, Daimler International Finance B.V., Daimler International Nederland B.V., Daimler Investments US Corporation, Daimler Ladungstrager GmbH, Daimler Manufactura S. de R.L. de C.V., Daimler Mexico S.A. de C.V., Daimler Mitarbeiter Wohnfinanz GmbH, Daimler Mobility Services GmbH, Daimler Motors Investments LLC, Daimler Nederland B.V., Daimler Nederland Holding B.V., Daimler North America Corporation, Daimler North America Finance Corporation, Daimler Northeast Asia Parts Trading and Services Co. Ltd., Daimler Parts Brand GmbH, Daimler Parts Logistics Australia Pty. Ltd., Daimler Pensionsfonds AG, Daimler Protics GmbH, Daimler Purchasing Coordination Corp., Daimler Re Brokers GmbH, Daimler Re Insurance S.A. Luxembourg, Daimler Real Estate GmbH, Daimler Retail Receivables LLC, Daimler South East Asia Pte. Ltd., Daimler TSS GmbH, Daimler Truck AG, Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific Pty. Ltd., Daimler Trucks & Buses US Holding Inc., Daimler Trucks Asia Taiwan Ltd., Daimler Trucks Canada Ltd., Daimler Trucks Korea Ltd., Daimler Trucks North America LLC, Daimler Trucks Remarketing Corporation, Daimler Trucks Retail Trust 2018-1, Daimler Trucks and Buses (China) Ltd., Daimler Trucks and Buses Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, Daimler Trust Holdings LLC, Daimler Trust Leasing Conduit LLC, Daimler Trust Leasing LLC, Daimler UK Limited, Daimler UK Share Trustee Ltd., Daimler UK Trustees Limited, Daimler Unterstutzungskasse GmbH, Daimler Vans Hong Kong Limited, Daimler Vans USA LLC, Daimler Vehiculos Comerciales Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Daimler Verwaltungsgesellschaft fur Grundbesitz mbH, Daimler Vorsorge und Versicherungsdienst GmbH, Daiprodco Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Detroit Diesel Corporation, Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC, Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Detroit Diesel-Allison de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Deutsche ACCUmotive, Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, Deutsche Accumotive Verwaltungs-GmbH, Dreizehnte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft DVB mbH, EHG Elektroholding GmbH, EvoBus (Schweiz) AG, EvoBus (U.K.) Ltd., EvoBus Austria GmbH, EvoBus Belgium N.V., EvoBus Ceska republika s.r.o., EvoBus Danmark A/S, EvoBus France S.A.S.U., EvoBus GmbH, EvoBus Iberica S.A.U., EvoBus Italia S.p.A., EvoBus Nederland B.V., EvoBus Polska Sp. z o.o., EvoBus Portugal S.A., EvoBus Reunion S. A., EvoBus Russland OOO, EvoBus Sverige AB, FLINC GmbH, Familonet GmbH, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, Friesland Lease B.V., Funfte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft Zeus mbH, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 2 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 3 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 4 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 5 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 6 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 7 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 1 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Beta OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Delta OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Epsilon OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 2 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 3 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 4 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 1 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft EvoBus GmbH & Co. OHG, Hailo Network IP Limited, Hailo Network Iberia S.L., Intelligent Apps GmbH, Interleasing Luxembourg S.A., Invema Assessoria Empresarial Eireli, Koppieview Property (Pty) Ltd, LAB1886 GmbH, LBBW AM  Daimler Re Insurance, LBBW AM  MBVEXW, LEONIE CORP DVB GmbH, LEONIE DMS DVB GmbH, LEONIE FS DVB GmbH, LEONIE FSM DVB GmbH, LEONIE PV DVB GmbH, LEONIE TB DVB GmbH, Lab1886 USA LLC, Lapland Car Test Aktiebolag, Legend Investments Ltd., Li-Tec Battery, Li-Tec Battery GmbH, MB GTC GmbH Mercedes-Benz Gebrauchtteile Center, MBarc Credit Canada Inc., MBition GmbH, MDC Power GmbH, MDC Technology GmbH, MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS POLSKA SPOKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA, MFTA Canada Inc., MITSUBISHI FUSO TRUCK EUROPE  Sociedade Europeia de Automoveis S.A., MYTAXI ITALIA S.R.L., MYTAXI POLSKA SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA, Mascot Truck Parts Canada Ltd (2017), Mascot Truck Parts USA LLC, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd, Mercedes pay AG, Mercedes pay S.A., Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd., Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Limited, Mercedes-Benz (Yangzhou) Parts Distribution Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz AG, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Adm. Consorcios Ltda., Mercedes-Benz Antwerpen N.V., Mercedes-Benz Argentina S.A., Mercedes-Benz Asia GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Assuradeuren B.V., Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Auto Finance Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2016-2, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2016-B, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2017-A, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2018-A, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2018-B, Mercedes-Benz Auto Receivables Trust 2015-1, Mercedes-Benz Auto Receivables Trust 2016-1, Mercedes-Benz Auto Retail Trust 2018-1, Mercedes-Benz Bank AG, Mercedes-Benz Bank GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Bank Polska S.A., Mercedes-Benz Bank Rus OOO, Mercedes-Benz Bank Service Center GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Banking Service GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Belgium Luxembourg S.A., Mercedes-Benz Bordeaux S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz Broker Biztositasi Alkusz Hungary Kft., Mercedes-Benz Brooklands Limited, Mercedes-Benz CPH A/S, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Mercedes-Benz Capital Rus OOO, Mercedes-Benz CarMesh GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans Brasil  Industria e Comercio De Veiculos Ltda., Mercedes-Benz Cars Ceska republika s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East FZE, Mercedes-Benz Cars Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Cars UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz CharterWay S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz CharterWay S.r.l., Mercedes-Benz Compania Financiera Argentina S.A., Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Consulting GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Corretora de Seguros Ltda, Mercedes-Benz Credit Penzugyi Szolgaltato Hungary Zrt., Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center Maastricht N.V., Mercedes-Benz Danmark A/S, Mercedes-Benz Dealer Bedrijven B.V., Mercedes-Benz Drogenbos N.V., Mercedes-Benz Egypt S.A.E., Mercedes-Benz Energy Americas LLC, Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Espana S.A.U., Mercedes-Benz Europa NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz ExTra LLC, Mercedes-Benz Finance Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia Pty. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Austria GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services BeLux NV, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada Corporation, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Ceska republika s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Espana E.F.C. S.A., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services France S.A., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Hong Kong Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Italia SpA, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Korea Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services New Zealand Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Portugal  Sociedade Financeira de Credito S.A., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Rus OOO, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Schweiz AG, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Slovakia s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC, Mercedes-Benz Finans Danmark A/S, Mercedes-Benz Finans Sverige AB, Mercedes-Benz Finansal Kiralama Turk A.S., Mercedes-Benz Finansman Turk A.S., Mercedes-Benz Formula E Limited, Mercedes-Benz France S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Forsaljnings AB, Mercedes-Benz G GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Group Services Phils. Inc., Mercedes-Benz Hellas S.A., Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited, Mercedes-Benz Hungaria Kft., Mercedes-Benz IDC Europe S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz India Private Limited, Mercedes-Benz Insurance Broker S.R.L., Mercedes-Benz Insurance Services Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Insurance Services Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Investment Company LLC, Mercedes-Benz Italia S.p.A., Mercedes-Benz Japan Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Korea Limited, Mercedes-Benz Leasing (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Leasing GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Leasing Hrvatska d.o.o., Mercedes-Benz Leasing IFN S.A., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Kft., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Polska Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Treuhand GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Leasing do Brasil Arrendamento Mercantil S.A., Mercedes-Benz Ludwigsfelde GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Mercedes-Benz Manhattan Inc., Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Kft., Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Rus Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Master Owner Trust, Mercedes-Benz Mechelen N.V., Mercedes-Benz Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Mercedes-Benz Minibus GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Mitarbeiter-Fahrzeuge Leasing GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH, Mercedes-Benz New Zealand Ltd, Mercedes-Benz PRAHA s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Paris SAS, Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Eastern Europe s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Iberica S.L.U., Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Parts Manufacturing & Services Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Polska Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Portugal S.A., Mercedes-Benz Project Consult GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Renting S.A., Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America Inc., Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Tel Aviv Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Private Limited, Mercedes-Benz Retail Belgium NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz Retail Group UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Retail S.A., Mercedes-Benz Retail Unipessoal Lda., Mercedes-Benz Risk Solutions South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Roma S.p.A., Mercedes-Benz Romania S.R.L., Mercedes-Benz Russia AO, Mercedes-Benz Schweiz AG, Mercedes-Benz Service Leasing S.R.L., Mercedes-Benz Services Correduria de Seguros S.A., Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Mercedes-Benz Sigorta Aracilik Hizmetleri A.S., Mercedes-Benz Slovakia s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Solihull Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Sosnowiec Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Srbija i Crna Gora d.o.o.u likvidaciji, Mercedes-Benz Subscription Services USA LLC, Mercedes-Benz Sverige AB, Mercedes-Benz Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Trucks Belgium Luxembourg NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Center Sint-Pieters-Leeuw NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Ceska republika s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Trucks Espana S.L.U., Mercedes-Benz Trucks France S.A.S.U, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Italia S.r.l., Mercedes-Benz Trucks MENA Holding GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Molsheim, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Trucks Schweiz AG, Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Turk A.S., Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc., Mercedes-Benz USA LLC, Mercedes-Benz Ubezpieczenia Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz V.I. Lyon SAS, Mercedes-Benz V.I. Paris Ile de France SAS, Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia Pacific Pty. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Vans Ceska republika s.r.o, Mercedes-Benz Vans Espana S.L.U., Mercedes-Benz Vans LLC, Mercedes-Benz Vans Mobility GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Vans Mobility S.L., Mercedes-Benz Vans Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Vehiculos Comerciales Argentina SAU, Mercedes-Benz Venezuela S.A., Mercedes-Benz Versicherung AG, Mercedes-Benz Vertrieb NFZ GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Vertrieb PKW GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Warszawa Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Waterloo S.A., Mercedes-Benz Wavre S.A., Mercedes-Benz Wemmel N.V., Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Receivables LLC, Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Assessoria Comercial Ltda., Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Ltda., Mercedes-Benz Osterreich GmbH, Mercedes-Benz  Aluguer de Veiculos Unipessoal Lda., Mercedes-Benz.io GmbH, Mercedes-Benz.io Portugal Unipessoal Lda., MercedesService Card Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc., Monarch Cars (Tamworth) Ltd., Montajes y Estampaciones Metalicas S.L., Multifleet G.I.E, NAG Nationale Automobil-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft, P.T. Mercedes-Benz Indonesia, PABCO Co. Ltd., PT Daimler Commercial Vehicles Indonesia, PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia, Porcher & Meffert Grundstucksgesellschaft mbH & Co. Stuttgart OHG, R.T.C. Management Company Limited, Renting del Pacifico S.A.C., RepairSmith Inc., Reva SAS, Ring Garage AG Chur, SILVER ARROW CHINA 2017-2 RETAIL AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES TRUST c/o CITIC TRUST CO. LTD., SILVER ARROW CHINA 2018-1 RETAIL AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES TRUST c/o FOTIC: China Foreign Economy and Trade Trust Co. LTD., SILVER ARROW CHINA 2018-2 RETAIL AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES TRUST c/o FOTIC: China Foreign Economy and Trade Trust Co. LTD., STARKOM d.o.o., Sandown Motor Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Sechste Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft Zeus mbH, SelecTrucks Comercio de Veiculos Ltda, SelecTrucks of America LLC, SelecTrucks of Toronto Inc., Setra of North America Inc., Silver Arrow Australia Trust 2017-1, Silver Arrow Canada GP Inc., Silver Arrow Canada LP, Silver Arrow Lease Facility Trust, Silver Arrow S.A., Special Lease Systems (SLS) B.V, SportChassis LLC, Star Assembly SRL, Star Egypt For Import LLC, Star Transmission srl, Starexport Trading S.A., Sterling Truck Corporation, Sumperska sprava majetku k.s., T.O.C (Schweiz) AG, Taxibeat, Taxibeat Ltd. UK, Taxibeat Peru S.A., Taxibeat Teknoloji Hizmetleri A.S., Thomas Built Buses Inc., Thomas Built Buses of Canada Limited, Transcovo SAS, Transopco France SAS, Transopco GmbH, Transopco Portugal Unipessoal Lda., Transopco UK Ltd., Trona Cogeneration Corporation, Ucafleet S.A.S, Vierzehnte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft DVB mbH, Western Star Trucks Sales Inc, Zuidlease B.V., Zweite Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft Zeus mbH, car2go, car2go Belgium SPRL, car2go Canada Ltd., car2go China Co. Ltd., car2go Danmark A/S, car2go Deutschland GmbH, car2go Europe GmbH, car2go Group GmbH, car2go Iberia S.L.U., car2go Italia S.R.L., car2go N.A. Holding Inc, car2go N.A. LLC, car2go Nederland B.V, car2go Sverige AB, car2go Osterreich GmbH, moovel Group GmbH, moovel North America Inc., moovel North America LLC, myTaxi Iberia SL, myTaxi UG, myTaxi UK Ltd., myTaxi USA Inc., mytaxi Austria GmbH, mytaxi Network Ireland Ltd., mytaxi Network Ltd., mytaxi Portugal Unipessoal LDA, mytaxi Sweden AB, ogotrac S.A.S., smart France S.A.S., smart Vertriebs gmbh, and trapoFit GmbH.5 Ways to Win at Trading (Ad)

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View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.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.

Read MoreBrady Corporation manufactures and supplies identification solutions (IDS) and workplace safety (WPS) products to identify and protect premises, products, and people in the United States and internationally. The IDS segment offers safety signs, floor-marking tapes, pipe markers, labeling systems, spill control products, and lockout/tagout devices for facility identification and protection; materials and printing systems for product identification, brand protection and work in process labeling, and finished product identification; and hand-held printers, wire markers, sleeves, and tags for wire identification, as well as software and services for safety compliance auditing, procedure writing, and training. Its products also comprise name tags, badges, lanyards, and access control software for people identification; wristbands and labels for tracking and enhancing the safety of patients; and custom wristbands for use in theme parks, concerts, and festivals. This segment serves customers in various industries, such as industrial and electronic manufacturing, healthcare, chemical, oil, gas, automotive, aerospace, governments, mass transit, electrical contractors, leisure and entertainment, telecommunications, and others through distributors, direct sales, catalog marketing, and digital channels. The WPS segment provides workplace safety and compliance products, such as safety and compliance signs, tags, labels, informational signage and markings, asset tracking labels, first aid products, facility safety and personal protection equipment, and labor law compliance posters for various industries, including process, government, education, construction, and utilities, as well as manufacturers through catalog and digital channels. It also offers stock and custom identification products, as well as sells related resale products. Brady Corporation was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Click To See This #1 Pick.The following companies are subsidiares of Zimmer Biomet: Abbott Spine, Beijing Montagne Medical Device Co. Ltd., Beijing Montagne Medical Device Co. Ltd., BioMet, Biomet 3i Australia Pty. Ltd., Biomet 3i Belgium N.V., Biomet 3i Benelux Holdings N.V., Biomet 3i Dental Iberica SL, Biomet 3i LLC, Biomet 3i Mexico S.A. de C.V., Biomet 3i Netherlands B.V., Biomet 3i Nordic AB, Biomet 3i Portugal Lda, Biomet 3i Switzerland GmbH, Biomet 3i Turkey, Biomet 3i UK Ltd., Biomet 3i do Brasil Comercio de Aparelhos Medicos Ltda., Biomet Acquisitions (Unlimited), Biomet Argentina SA, Biomet Australia Pty. Ltd., Biomet Biologics LLC, Biomet Brazil Medical Device Ltda., Biomet C.V., Biomet CV Holdings LLC, Biomet Cementing Technologies AB, Biomet Chile SA, Biomet China Co. Ltd., Biomet Deutschland GmbH, Biomet Deutschland Holding GmbH, Biomet Fair Lawn LLC, Biomet Finance US LLC, Biomet France Sarl, Biomet Global Supply Chain Center B.V., Biomet Healthcare Management GmbH, Biomet Holdings B.V., Biomet Hong Kong CBT Ltd., Biomet Hong Kong Holding Ltd., Biomet Hong Kong No. 1 Ltd., Biomet Inc., Biomet Insurance Ltd., Biomet International Inc., Biomet International Orthopedics LLC, Biomet Leasing Inc., Biomet Manufacturing LLC, Biomet Mexico S.A. de C.V., Biomet Microfixation B.V., Biomet Orthopedics LLC, Biomet Orthopedics Puerto Rico Inc., Biomet Spain Orthopaedics S.L., Biomet Sports Medicine LLC, Biomet Trauma LLC, Biomet U.S. Reconstruction LLC, Biomet UK Healthcare Ltd., Biomet UK Ltd., CD Diagnostics, CD Diagnostics Inc., CD Laboratories Inc., Cayenne Medical, Cayenne Medical Inc., CelgenTek Innovations Corporation, Centerpulse Ltd, Changzhou Biomet Medical Devices Co. Ltd., Citra Labs LLC, Clinical Graphics, Compression Therapy Concepts Inc., Compression Therapy Products, D.S. Comp Ltd., Dornoch Medical Systems, Dornoch Medical Systems Inc., EBI Holdings LLC, EBI LLC, EBI Medical Systems LLC, EBI Patient Care Inc., ETEX Corporation, ETEX Holdings Inc., Electro-Biology LLC, Endius, Espanormed S.L., Etex, ExtraOrtho, Hakuho Company Ltd., IC Guided Surgery SRL, Implant Concierge LLC, Implant Innovations Holdings LLC, Implex, InnoVision Inc., Interpore Cross International LLC, JERDS Luxembourg Holding Sarl, Kirschner Medical Corporation, Knee Creations, LDR Brasil Comercio Importacao e Exportacao Ltda., LDR Holding, LDR Medical Hong Kong (branch), LDR Medical S.A.S., LVB Acquisition Inc., Lanx Puerto Rico LLC , Lanx Srl, Medical Compression Systems Inc., Medtech SA, Medtech SAS, Medtech Surgical GmbH, Medtech Surgical Inc., NORMED Medizin-Technik GmbH, ORTHOsoft ULC, Ortho Transmission, Orthopaedic Advantage LLC, Ospol Participacoes Ltda., Representaciones Zimmer Inc. S. de R.L. de C.V., Respondwell, SM Re Ltd., Scandimed Holding AB, Shanghai Biomet Business Consulting Co. Ltd., Synvasive Technology, Synvasive Technology Inc., ZB COOP C.V., ZB COOP LLC, ZB Cayman (Asia) Holding Ltd., ZB Cayman Island CBT 2 Ltd., ZB Dental India Private Limited, ZB EMEA 1 LP, ZB EMEA Finance UK 1 Ltd., ZB EMEA Finance UK 2 Ltd., ZB EMEA Finance UK 3 Ltd., ZB EMEA US UK LLC, ZB Hong Kong CBT 2 Ltd., ZB Hong Kong Holding Ltd., ZB Hong Kong Ltd., ZB Manufacturing LLC, ZB UK Group Holdings Limited, ZH2LX Barbados Branch (branch), Zfx, Zfx GmbH, Zfx Innovation GmbH, Zhejiang Biomet Medical Products Co. Ltd., Zimmer (Shanghai) Medical International Trading Co. Ltd., Zimmer Asia (HK) Ltd., Zimmer Australia Holding Pty. Ltd., Zimmer Biomet (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Zimmer Biomet Asel Alarabiya Limited Company, Zimmer Biomet Asia Holding B.V., Zimmer Biomet Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd., Zimmer Biomet Austria GmbH, Zimmer Biomet BVBA, Zimmer Biomet CBT, Zimmer Biomet CBT 2, Zimmer Biomet CMF and Thoracic LLC, Zimmer Biomet Canada Inc., Zimmer Biomet Centroamerica SA, Zimmer Biomet Comp Ltd., Zimmer Biomet Denmark ApS, Zimmer Biomet Dental Canada Inc., Zimmer Biomet Dental K.K., Zimmer Biomet Deutschland GmbH, Zimmer Biomet Distribution LLC, Zimmer Biomet Finance Srl, Zimmer Biomet Finance US Holding Inc., Zimmer Biomet Finland Oy, Zimmer Biomet France Holdings SAS, Zimmer Biomet France SAS, Zimmer Biomet GK, Zimmer Biomet Global Holdings Switzerland GmbH, Zimmer Biomet Hellas SA, Zimmer Biomet Ireland Limited, Zimmer Biomet Italia Srl, Zimmer Biomet Korea Ltd., Zimmer Biomet Nederland B.V., Zimmer Biomet New Zealand Company, Zimmer Biomet Norway AS, Zimmer Biomet OUS Holdings AG, Zimmer Biomet Polska Sp. z.o.o, Zimmer Biomet Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Zimmer Biomet Pty. Ltd., Zimmer Biomet Romania S.R.L., Zimmer Biomet South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Zimmer Biomet Spain S.L., Zimmer Biomet Spine Inc., Zimmer Biomet Sweden AB, Zimmer Biomet Taiwan Co. Ltd., Zimmer Biomet UK Ltd., Zimmer Biomet US 2 Holding Inc., Zimmer CBT I Holding Inc., Zimmer CBT II Holding Inc., Zimmer CEP USA Holding Co., Zimmer CEP USA Inc., Zimmer CIS Ltd., Zimmer CV Inc., Zimmer Caribe LLC, Zimmer Cayman Islands Holding Co. Ltd., Zimmer Co-op Holdings LLC, Zimmer Colombia SAS, Zimmer Czech sro, Zimmer Dental (Shanghai) Medical Device Co. Ltd., Zimmer Dental Chile Spa, Zimmer Dental GmbH, Zimmer Dental Inc., Zimmer Dental Italy Srl, Zimmer Dental Ltd., Zimmer Dental SAS, Zimmer Finance Ireland, Zimmer France Manufacturing Sarl, Zimmer Germany Holdings GmbH, Zimmer GmbH, Zimmer GmbH Euro IP Branch (branch), Zimmer GmbH Winterthur Branch (branch), Zimmer Gulf FZ LLC, Zimmer Inc., Zimmer India Private Ltd., Zimmer International Logistics GmbH, Zimmer Investments LLC, Zimmer Knee Creations Inc., Zimmer Luxembourg II Sarl, Zimmer Luxembourg Sarl, Zimmer Manufacturing B.V., Zimmer Manufacturing B.V. (branch), Zimmer Medical Malaysia SDN BHD, Zimmer Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., Zimmer Orthobiologics Inc., Zimmer Orthopedics Manufacturing Limited, Zimmer Production Inc., Zimmer Pte. Ltd., Zimmer Slovakia sro, Zimmer Southeast Florida LLC, Zimmer Spine Next Inc., Zimmer Spine SAS, Zimmer Surgical, Zimmer Surgical Inc., Zimmer Surgical SA, Zimmer Switzerland Holdings LLC, Zimmer Switzerland Manufacturing GmbH, Zimmer Tibbi Cihazlar Sanayi ve Ticaret AS, Zimmer Trabecular Metal Technology Inc., Zimmer Trustee Ltd., Zimmer UK Limited, Zimmer US Inc., and Zimmer do Brasil Comercio Ltda..OSRAM Licht AG provides various lighting products and solutions worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Opto Semiconductors, Automotive, and Digital. It manufactures light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are used in general lighting, automotive, consumer, and industrial applications; and infrared, laser, and optical sensors for the automotive, smartphone, wearable, general lighting, industrial lighting, and projection sectors, as well as lightings for plants. The company also develops and produces lamps and lighting systems for stages, cinemas, and studios; LED-based plant cultivation systems; lighting solutions for industrial and medical applications, such as high-intensity UV lamps and LED illumination for clothing; and automotive systems based on LED and laser technology, and other customer-specific system solutions. In addition, it develops, produces, and markets LED light engines and light management systems, as well as electronic ballasts, LED drivers, and LED modules. Further, the company is involved in the provision of products in the areas of architectural interior and exterior lighting, as well as professional interior lighting solutions. It provides its products under the OSRAM, Vixar, SYLVANIA, Traxon, e:cue, Digital Lumens, Fluence, Clay Paky, ADB Stagelight, OSRAM CONTINENTAL, LED Engin, and b,a,g, brands. The company was formerly known as Kyros A AG and changed its name to OSRAM Licht AG in November 2012. The company was founded in 1906 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. OSRAM Licht AG operates as a subsidiary of ams AG.

Read MoreJim Halpin, 65, rural Rio, passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital from lung cancer.

Jim was born May 18, 1953, the second of eight children to Norman and Ann (Klaila) Halpin. He was raised on the Halpin family farm, originally purchased in 1849, becoming the fifth generation to farm it.

Upon graduation from Rio High School in 1971, Jim attended UW-Madison, earning a degree in meat and animal science in 1975. During college, he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, where he made many life-long friends. On May 25, 2000, Jim married Pat Borde in Jamaica. They enjoyed building a new house on the farm.

Jim enjoyed hunting deer and turkeys and all the traditions that went along with it. He also was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling  from across the United States to far-off destinations in Australia and Africa.

Jim is survived by his sisters, Pat Halpin, Jane (Dave) Roisum, Jean (Robin) Craker, Margaret Halpin and Alice Halpin; his in-laws, Sally Halpin, Jean (Larry) Staveness, Nancy (Paul) Bernander, Dennis (Sharon) Borde, Alan (Patti Jo) Borde, Jon (Melissa) Borde, and Neil (Doreen) Borde; and many cousins, nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.Loretta Balgord, 83, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at her home of 57 years. Her son and daughter, their spouses, and her grandson were by her side.

She was born on Nov. 27, 1935, in Lemonweir Township, Juneau County, the oldest of four children of Roland and Adeline Langer. She graduated from Mauston High School in 1954 and from Juneau County Teachers College in 1956. That same year she married Richard Balgord of New Lisbon.

She taught in the New Lisbon School District until 1958 before retiring to raise her family. Teaching was her lifelong passion and in 1968 she returned to the profession as a substitute teacher and teachers aide. She cherished her school colleagues and, with her endless love for children, continued to teach and guide until 2017.

Loretta was active in many community organizations through the years. She was a den mother for both Girl and Boy Scouts and a charter member of the Lioness Club, with perfect attendance for its entire 36 years of existence. Loretta served on the Mile Bluff Medical Center Board, and until the time of her death, was a member of the New Lisbon Memorial Library Board. She was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church for over 60 years, served on the church council and taught Sunday School.

She was a small but mighty woman.HORICON  The Horicon Police Department has located the driver of a vehicle that backed into a 10-year-old girl outside of Van Brunt Elementary School after school Friday.

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Horicon Police Chief Joseph Adamson said a girl was walking behind a car that was backing out of a parking spot at Van Brunt Elementary School, 611 Mill St., Horicon, while going to school Friday afternoon. The child told Officer Amy Yahnke that the car made contact with her upper arm as it was stopping to pull away. The child said that she smacked the bumper of the car and noticed that the driver was a woman and she was on her phone.

We all have busy times when were going six different ways at once, Adamson said. Picking up or dropping off our children for school is certainly one of the times to put five of those things on the back burner and focus solely on safely dropping off or picking up your child among the sea of other people trying to do the same thing. Its legal to talk on the phone and drive a car in Wisconsin. Its just not a good idea considering the congestion associated with dropoff and pick up at our schools.

Yahnke met with the student, parent, and principal Friday afternoon to make sure the student didnt need medical attention. Officer Yahnke was able to identify the driver of the vehicle and is contacting her.

Follow Terri Pederson on Twitter @tlp53916 or contact her at 920-356-6760.Baraboo lost one of its titans Monday as businessman and community leader David Deppe died at age 80.

The longtime president of the family trucking business died after battling a brief illness. The many people and organizations he touched described him as a savvy and charitable businessman, a straight shooter and a trusted friend.

We have lost an icon of the community that will be forever missed, Mayor Mike Palm said. Deppe served on the Baraboo Plan Commission from 1988-97 and on the Baraboo Economic Development Commission from 1995-97. David is a man I could count on to help make things happen, Palm said.

Deppe preferred to meet community needs quietly, but also supported high-profile projects, letting the Baraboo Public Art Association place a series of murals on the side of one of his downtown buildings. On Tuesday, a mourner placed a memorial note beneath Deppes portrait. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday.

Bill Greenhalgh, his longtime lawyer, said Deppe was a true friend to him personally, and to the community. He just really, really believed in Baraboo, Greenhalgh said. He should be remembered as a real giant of our community.Nearly three months after the private firm that had guarded the Winona County courthouse for the past 17 years terminated its contract amid legal concerns, Winona County is finally closing in on a solution.

According to county commissioner Steve Jacob, the courthouse security committee formed late last year is currently considering hiring a full-time deputy and several part-time employees.

Weve come up with a good solution that should have everyone in agreement, he said, adding the plan is less expensive and more flexible than other options already proposed and the part-time positions could be filled by any licensed peace officer who is looking to pick up some extra hours.

Sheriff Ron Ganrude, who also serves on the committee, said he favors the proposal.

However, until the proposal is presented to the county board, the sheriffs department, which under state law is solely responsible for courthouse security, will continue to assign deputies, transport officers and jail workers overtime to make up for the shortage.

According to Chief Deputy Jeff Mueller, the county has paid more than $37,500 in overtime since Nov. 30  and that number is expected to grow every day until a permanent solution can be found.The annual Chow Mein Dinner will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 222 E. Broadway.

A dinner of homemade chicken chow mein, rice, noodles, relishes, roll, fortune cookie and beverage will be available for $8 for adults. A childrens portion or hot dog meal will be available for $4. Desserts will be available for 50 cents each.

Tickets are available from church members at the church office or at the door the night of the dinner. Takeouts are available by calling 452-4608.

This year 15 percent of the funds raised will go to Habitat for Humanity.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0The city of Winona, in collaboration with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Three Rivers Community Action and Minnesota Housing, is hosting an open house for first-time homebuyers from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, on the third floor of City Hall, 207 Lafayette St., Winona.

In this free session, participants will learn from experts about the homebuying process and discover ways to make homeownership affordable and achievable.

The goal of the open house is educate and put hardworking Winonans on the path to homeownership, thus strengthen our neighborhoods, community development specialist Nick Larson said.

Bridget Schoonover from Wells Fargo will discuss navigating the mortgage process and understanding and improving credit. Speakers from Minnesota Housing and Three Rivers Community Action will share information about affordable loan programs and how to access downpayment and closing cost assistance. Participants will also have access to homebuyer education and financial counseling resources, along with a question-and-answer session.

At Minnesota Housing, we want to help more people achieve the dream of homeownership with our affordable loan programs, said Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho. This event will be a great place for Winona families to start the path to buying a home.The United We Roll protest convoy of truck-driving protesters rolled into Ottawa on Tuesday to complain about pipeline approval rules, the carbon tax and immigration. The immediate effect was to snarl Ottawa traffic with the 200 or so trucks the demonstrators parked close to Parliament Hill.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 19/2/2019 (857 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The United We Roll protest convoy of truck-driving protesters rolled into Ottawa on Tuesday to complain about pipeline approval rules, the carbon tax and immigration. The immediate effect was to snarl Ottawa traffic with the 200 or so trucks the demonstrators parked close to Parliament Hill.

The protest seemed unlikely to have much political effect, however, because the demands were poorly thought out.

The Alberta oilpatch workers who started it last week thought it was about speeding construction of pipelines.

As they gathered supporters along the way, however, they invited, as organizer Glen Caritt from Innisfail, Alta., said last Friday, "anyone who has a concern with the current government."

ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES A protester stands in front of the gates to Parliament Hill. A convoy of angry Albertans and other westerners rolled up to Parliament Hill Tuesday.

That open invitation helped build the numbers, but the message became somewhat diffuse.

The protest started out as an expression of regional grievance from oil-industry people in Western Canada.

The 80 trucks that rolled by Winnipeg last Friday, however, grew to 200 as they crossed Ontario. The westerners and the oil workers, inevitably, became a minority in their own protest movement.

Canadas pipeline companies and governments have been trying since 2006 to build a line across the mountains to bring Alberta bitumen to the coast for export. Enbridge abandoned its Northern Gateway project in 2016 in the face of opposition from environmental groups and Indigenous people who live in the mountains. Kinder Morgan prepared to expand its Trans Mountain line to Vancouver, faced the same kind of opposition and sold the line and the project to the federal government last year.

People who have been waiting to cash in on oil-industry expansion are naturally growing impatient. The United We Roll protest started out as an expression of their impatience.

ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS A pro-oil protester stands on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday.

It is useful for the country to be reminded that the work of reconciling oil-industry expansion with the interests of the neighbours who fear damage to their homes and water supplies is not just an academic exercise  it involves real people who are experiencing real distress.

To win a national hearing, however, the impatient oil workers need to take account of what they are up against.

It is not enough to tell the government to hurry up and build a pipeline. They must recognize that the pipelines they demand will be built across somebodys land.

If you just muscle in, they will get a court order and stop you. Parking a fleet of trucks near Parliament Hill doesnt change that reality.

Many of the same people who are impatient for pipelines also dont agree with a carbon tax. That became a second theme of the United We Roll protest.

ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS A man wears a "Make Canada Great Again" hat at the protest in Ottawa.

But Canada has been trying without success, under governments from Brian Mulroney onward, to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon tax appears, on its face  and from the experience of British Columbia  to be the fairest and most efficient way to curb emissions.

Those who oppose that solution should offer a better one.

Some of the same people also dont like refugees entering Canada. A demand that Canada should not adopt the United Nations Global Compact For Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was therefore added to the United We Roll list of demands.

That 36-page document lays out a collaborative approach to dealing with growing global migration.

This has nothing to do with building pipelines, but including it in the protest seems to show that when youre blowing off steam in the middle of a severe winter, any complaint will do.Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 19/2/2019 (857 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Come again?

Four months after a surprise decision to kill a much-ballyhooed "made-in-Manitoba" carbon tax plan, Premier Brian Pallister has suggested in an interview with Bloomberg News that he may still introduce a carbon levy if Ottawa meets some of his conditions.

Pallister told Bloomberg in a February 15 interview he was now prepared to renegotiate the rate of carbon tax that would ultimately be levied in Manitoba. That would seem to imply that Pallister would, of his own volition, levy a carbon tax on Manitobans, something that many people in his home province thought was no longer a possibility.

If you're confused, you're not alone.

Ever since he pulled the plug on his own carbon tax plan last fall, it has been difficult to figure out exactly what Pallister was trying to accomplish, let alone how he was going to accomplish it. These latest comments to Bloomberg serve mostly to add more mud to an already muddy body of water.

To fully appreciate the level of confusion in effect here, you need to go back to the very origins of Manitoba's carbon tax plan.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Premier Brian Pallister unveiled Manitobas climate and green plan in October 2017, but ultimately could not agree with the federal government on the carbon tax.

The Manitoba Green Plan, as it was called, represented nearly two years of heavy slogging by the new government. When it was finally revealed, it contained plans for a flat $25-per-tonne levy on carbon that would have funded tax cuts and emission-reduction initiatives.

The sticking point was Pallister's insistence the Manitoba's levy would not rise above $25 per tonne. This put Manitoba at odds with the federal Liberal government, which had already announced expectations that all provinces would have carbon taxes equal to $50 per tonne by 2022.

This was the context for a face-to-face meeting between Pallister and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last September. The two leaders shared a podium at a photo-op event at Winnipeg's Canada Goose garment factory. Then, later in the day, they had a one-on-one meeting at the Manitoba Legislature.

Although Trudeau stuck closely to his extremely diplomatic patter, he did strongly suggest that in his view, Manitoba's position would have to change in the future.

That seemed to provoke Pallister to no end. "To have the federal government threaten to ... double up on our carbon tax is not helpful," he said after the meeting.

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Manitoba premier Brian Pallister listens in as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a press conference at a Canada Goose manufacturing facility in Winnipeg, in September 2018.

Slightly less than a month later, Pallister announced Manitoba was pushing ahead with a climate change plan that did not include a carbon tax. "We say yes to a made-in-Manitoba green plan without a carbon tax," he said at the time.

Pallister's explanation didn't seem to make sense. He had commissioned a legal opinion that showed very clearly that Manitoba could not stop Ottawa from imposing a national carbon tax. However, if any province introduced their own climate change plan that put a price on carbon, it might be possible to resist the imposition of national levels of taxation.

In other words, as long as you're in the climate change game, you have a legal basis on which to fight Ottawa.

However, Pallister's decision to withdraw his own carbon tax left the province completely vulnerable to the federal levy. Ottawa has already confirmed plans to levy the national tax on April 1 of this year and then remit rebates to all Manitobans directly, bypassing the provincial treasury.

Pallister also weakened Manitoba's legal position by eliminating the one argument -- we've already got a plan, thanks -- that their own experts said could be potentially effective at staving off the $50-per-tonne levy.

And now, has anything really changed?

"Manitobans deserve to know whether their premier still supports the entire notion of a carbon tax. And whether he will, or won't, impose a carbon tax sometime in the future. "

The Bloomberg story certainly suggested that Manitoba was interested in discussing changes to its own plan as long as Ottawa was willing to move from its hard and fast backstop strategy. But maybe Pallister was only suggesting that he might breathe life into his own plan as long as Ottawa agreed to end the backstop threat.

NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Ottawa has confirmed plans to levy the national tax on April 1 of this year and then remit rebates to all Manitobans directly, bypassing the provincial treasury.

The problem here is we're all trying to make some sense out of a strategy that has been completely non-sensical. This most recent interview on carbon taxes is further proof that there may be master strategy in Pallister's current position.

Pallister said he introduced a carbon tax plan because he thought it was good policy, and that it would help Manitoba reduce emissions and remain competitive when compared to other provinces. He certainly made sense when he argued that his province, which has a very small carbon footprint when compared to larger provinces, should not have to pay the same level of carbon tax.

However, Pallister has failed to provide a salient argument for withdrawing his own plan and letting the Trudeau Liberals step in and fill the carbon tax gap. In the Bloomberg interview, the premier said he was destined to cross swords with Trudeau at some point over federal carbon tax demands, and "if I've got to fight him in a year I might as well fight him now."

No, it doesn't make any sense to fight Ottawa now. The only advantage Manitoba would have in any "fight" would be to defend an existing Manitoba carbon tax against the imposition of a federal levy. And Pallister has already ceded that advantage.

Manitobans deserve to know whether their premier still supports the entire notion of a carbon tax. And whether he will, or won't, impose a carbon tax sometime in the future. Right now, all we've got is hot air and obfuscation.

Given what is at stake -- our climate -- that is hardly an adequate response.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.caOTTAWA  An automated emergency brake was involved in Saturdays derailment of a Winnipeg-bound oil train travelling nearly 80 kilometres per hour in Western Manitoba, but it's unclear what caused the derailment.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 19/2/2019 (857 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  An automated emergency brake was involved in Saturdays derailment of a Winnipeg-bound oil train travelling nearly 80 kilometres per hour in Western Manitoba, but it's unclear what caused the derailment.

The Transportation Safety Board released its initial findings Tuesday as it probes how the CN Rail train managed to derail on flat ground, causing a leaking pile-up of 37 tanker cars. Automated emergency brakes can be triggered when a train detects an object between rail cars, though it's unclear whether this is what happened Saturday.

The early-morning incident occurred in a rural area near St. Lazare, which is located 10 kilometres east of the Saskatchewan border and close to the Assiniboine River.

According to the TSB, an arms-length agency that probes incidents and proposes policy changes, the train consisted of "110 tank cars loaded with crude oil, was proceeding eastward at about 49 mph," or 79 km/h.

The TSB did not say the train had exceeding speed limits, which are generally 60 miles per hour in this stretch of the CN Rivers subdivision.

Of the 37 tank cars that derailed, "the fifth and sixth cars remained upright and had no visible tank damage or leaks" the TSB said, with the rest falling off the track and piling over a stretch of roughly 100 metres.

The cars involved were DOT-117R tanks, meaning they were retrofitted with a jacket and puncture-resistant head shield. Canadian and American authorities compelled those upgrades in the wake of the 2013 Lac-Megantic rail disaster, which killed 47.

TSB crews remain on scene, in part to determine how much oil spilled. The agency plans to remove parts of the track and certain tank cars to examine them in more detail.

There was no fire nor injuries. Fuel did not enter the Assiniboine River, but those near the scene said it sat atop a frozen oxbow.

CNs Rivers subdivision is one of Canadas busiest rail routes.

Previously, the Free Press reported on years of issues at the bunkhouse the company uses for its workers to rest during multi-day trips on that subdivision. As recently as this past summer, workers have reported sleeping on floors and couches.

Last month, two oncoming trains collided near Portage la Prairie, 238 kilometres east of Saturdays incident, near a bridge where two lines of track merge.

A historic amount of crude oil is moving by rail across Canada, due to backlogs in pipeline construction. According to American data, more than two million barrels of Canadian crude is being exported by rail each month into Midwest states through lines in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.

Thats a doubling from the amount of oil sent along that line from August back until 2012, when authorities started publishing that data.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.caMore than 40 per cent of Manitoba women who gave birth to a child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder received little or no prenatal care, despite recommendations that all women should be screened for drinking and substance abuse, a new provincial study has found.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 19/2/2019 (857 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

More than 40 per cent of Manitoba women who gave birth to a child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder received little or no prenatal care, despite recommendations that all women should be screened for drinking and substance abuse, a new provincial study has found.

The University of Manitoba study, the largest of its kind in the world, surprised even the researchers who summarized the findings.

"I was quite startled (with) the primary finding that was 41 per cent of women who went on to have an FASD birth didnt have adequate or any prenatal care," said the studys lead author, Deepa Singal, a post-doctoral fellow at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, which is part of the U of M's Max Rady College of Medicine.

The study was posted online in the Canadian Medical Association Journal last week and publicized Tuesday by the U of M.

"When you look at the general population, the agencies in Canada report that 95 per cent of women have access to prenatal care. Thats a shocking difference with our study," Singal said.

The study is based on provincial health data that looked at 700 Manitoba births over a 28-year period, from 1984 to 2012. The researchers then identified birth mothers by linking the FASD data base to Manitobas population research data base, which draws on the provinces health care records. The study went on to compare their findings with a group of 2,097 women with babies who did not have FASD.

FASD is a brain injury that can occur when an unborn baby is exposed to alcohol. Its a lifelong disorder that can include physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities.

The study is significant in Manitoba because of links to the child welfare system, where 97 per cent of the 11,000 children in care are Indigenous. The system has come under heavy criticism for removing Indigenous children from their mothers, often within days of birth, under a controversial system known as "flagging" birth mothers, which includes mothers who abuse intoxicants.

Three weeks ago, a live stream of a baby removed from a mother at St. Boniface General Hospital blew up on Facebook, followed by court documents from child welfare authorities which indicated a history of addictions motivated their actions. The controversial case was too recent to be included in the study but it's timely.

The study said women need a safe space and they need to be able to trust their doctors if they are ever to feel comfortable about disclosing addictions issues and getting the help they need.

"The real issue is how do we get the moms into the physicians offices in the first place."  Deepa Singal, a postdoctoral fellow at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy

"These women are missing this important health care service, a health care service that could reduce their alcohol consumption during pregnancy and help reduce the rate of fetal alcohol," Singal said.

The study found that mothers of children with FASD are more likely to be single parents, living in poverty with three or more other children. More than 82 percent were coping with mental health issues, with nearly 34 per cent diagnosed with mood and anxiety disorders.

Pregnant women who drink may be reluctant to seek care because they fear stigma, judgment and losing their children to child welfare authorities, the study said.

"The real issue is how do we get the moms into the physicians offices in the first place. Our research shows these women have a high rate of . . poverty, single parenthood and mental health issues. Its likely that with these things -- along with the stigma and the fear of losing their children to child welfare -- theyre not even accessing the services they need," Singal said.

"Theyre scared: Is their physician going to report them to the authorities?" Singal said.

"It speaks to the need for developing policy and reducing the stigma and educating women who need these services, that this is not a criminal proceeding. They do have patient-doctor confidentiality and physicians do want to help them," she said.

"The important piece there is some women arent sure (about disclosure). They may think there is no doctor-patient confidentiality and that these physicians could report if women openly say theyre using alcohol or theres illicit drug use during pregnancy," she said.

The study found that 60 per cent of women receive prenatal counselling and some of them consumed alcohol anyway, a finding that suggests doctors may not have the tools they need to counsel women or help them find addictions services they need. Close to 10 per cent of women around the world report drinking during their pregnancies. One in 100 births worldwide is a baby with FASD.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.caTwo winters ago, undeterred by frigid temperatures, the threat of frostbite or uncertainty for their future, waves of asylum seekers walked across the U.S. border into Manitoba. They crossed the border in unprecedented numbers, many of them members of Minnesota's Somali community who headed north after U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a so-called ban on migrants from Muslim countries.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 19/2/2019 (857 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two winters ago, undeterred by frigid temperatures, the threat of frostbite or uncertainty for their future, waves of asylum seekers walked across the U.S. border into Manitoba. They crossed the border in unprecedented numbers, many of them members of Minnesota's Somali community who headed north after U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a so-called ban on migrants from Muslim countries.

Two years later, Manitoba's legal community is still feeling the ripple effects of those refugee claims -- and some of those refugee claimants could still be in limbo.

The influx of asylum seekers disproportionately affected Manitoba -- this province saw a 493 per cent increase in asylum claims processed by the Canada Border Services Agency in 2017 over the previous year, compared to a 119 per cent increase in Quebec -- and it has since slowed to a trickle. Only one asylum seeker was intercepted by RCMP in Manitoba so far this year.

Legal Aid Manitoba has described the influx in asylum seekers and their resulting refugee claims as one of its most "significant pressures." In its most recent annual report, published in November 2018, Legal Aid cited a 305 per cent increase in the number of immigration and refugee applications it received in 2016-2017. That number is now on the decline, but lawyers have traced that spike in requests for legal help back to the "Trump effect."

"I don't see any other cause for this precipitous movement other than the Trump effect," said senior Winnipeg immigration lawyer David Matas, former chair of the Canadian Bar Association's immigration law section. Even after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted a welcoming message to prospective refugees in late January 2017, it wasn't Trudeau's comments Matas's clients asked about -- it was Trump's.

As a result, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada was swamped with refugee claimants. The board pushed back its own deadlines because of the unprecedented influx of claims, no longer able to hold hearings within 60 days or decide appeals within 90 days. But, Matas said, the board enforced existing timelines for refugee claimants and their lawyers. In the midst of a spike in claims that put a strain on the handful of lawyers in Manitoba who specialize in refugee hearings, Matas said the board would refuse to grant time extensions and would dismiss claims because of missed timelines.

"Many of these people who've been rushed through the system unfairly are still around and still trying to deal with their cases," he said. "In my view, we need to unravel all of the rush that occurred, at least for the people that still are here, do things in a proper, orderly fashion."

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Migrants from Somalia cross into Canada illegally from the United States near Emerson, Man. in February, 2017.

Some of those people, many of whom are of Somali origin, have remained in Canada without status even though their claims were denied, Matas said, and some are awaiting appeals from the Federal Court.

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada spokesperson Melissa Anderson said Tuesday she hadn't heard any such concerns. The board couldn't provide Manitoba-specific statistics on the number of claims that have been resolved, nor any data on the number dismissed due to time constraints. There's currently a 24-month wait for new hearings, and Anderson said it's up to individual adjudicators to decide whether to grant time extensions.

"I'm certainly aware that everybody involved in the system is under a lot of pressure right now due to the volume of claims. That includes the IRB, and there are many initiatives in place to get more claims resolved," Anderson said, adding the IRB no longer requires hearings for certain refugee claims that are not complex. The board hasn't made a decision on a Legal Aid Manitoba proposal that suggested allowing non-lawyers to be paid to prepare the refugee claim forms.

Legal Aid Manitoba chairman Tim Valgardson said the government-funded organization is "making it work" with a limited budget as immigration and refugee cases start to decrease. Legal Aid handled 624 of those cases as of Feb. 15, down from its peak of 939 cases the previous fiscal year.

"Of course we're still feeling the effects of it," he said of the influx. "So it's still a significant amount of pressure on Legal Aid and Legal Aid's budget."

The Canada Border Services Agency, which has been active in handling claims at the Emerson, Man., border crossing, declined an interview request. In a statement, CBSA said officers at the Emerson port are well-trained and experienced in handling asylum seekers.

In the meantime, Matas said Manitoba has been "overwhelmed and then overlooked" by the institutions that process refugee claims for the government -- including the IRB, which doesn't have a Manitoba office.

"The system has reacted unevenly. There's certainly been delays in processing, but the delays have been basically to convenience the administrators and not to address the problems that the claimants themselves face because of the influx," he said.

"We haven't given the welcome we really are capable of and should because of these tight deadlines and the inflexibility of dealing with them and the unwillingness to face the reality of the situation in dealing with the numbers that we have."

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemayFrench-speaking newcomers to Canada are getting more time to settle in and get their bearings thanks to transitional housing welcoming them in St. Boniface.

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French-speaking newcomers to Canada are getting more time to settle in and get their bearings thanks to transitional housing welcoming them in St. Boniface.

The non-profit Abri Marguerite Inc. has opened an historic home on Rue St. Jean Baptiste where francophone immigrants and refugees can stay until they're ready to make their own way in their new country.

"People can stay for three to six months to help them acclimatize," said CEO Ray Simard. The residence is divided into four one-bedroom suites and one two-bedroom suite that are rented at low cost to families while they look for work and find more permanent housing in other areas of Winnipeg or Manitoba.

For the last 10 years, there has been shorter-term accommodation available where families can stay for two or three weeks right after they arrive, said Simard.

"Two to three weeks wasn't enough," he said. In that time, the newly arrived francophones had to pick up local life skills, get health cards, set up bank accounts and learn to get around using Winnipeg Transit.

"We didn't have any choice," Simard said. "We had to move them through."

They've long wanted a space where families could stay longer and spend more time in the French community, getting acclimatized to the area and start going to school, he said.

The new furnished transitional housing suites are managed through a partnership with the federal government-supported organization Accueil francophone. It works with French-speaking refugees and immigrants to Manitoba to help them with everything they need as soon as they arrive in Winnipeg.

And the need is growing, as Manitoba becomes a more sought-after destination for French-speaking immigrants, Simard said.

"A huge number of francophones are looking at Manitoba as an option," said Simard. Between 2007 and 2016, the number of immigrants who say French is their official language increased 293 per cent, from 32 to 126. French-speaking immigrants and refugees typically come to Canada from a number of African countries, such as Algeria, Mali, Cameroon, Morocco, and Cote dIvoire, or from European countries such as France and Belgium.

On Tuesday, there weren't any families at the transitional home, said property manager Boris Ntambwe. When Ntambwe arrived in Canada from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2005, there wasn't anything like it, he said. Many people stayed in hotels and couldn't register their kids for school without an address and an agreement with a landlord.

Now they're welcome to call the house on St. Jean Baptiste Street home long enough to settle in.

"While they're there, the whole adaptation process is easier," said Simard.

Abri Marguerite bought it, renovated it and and brought it up to code with help from a $75,542 capital investment grant from the federal Homelessness Partnership Strategy administered by the City of Winnipeg.

"It's a good news story," Simard said.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.caThe Forks is ready to start negotiations on a city-owned gravel parking lot that will trigger significant development on the remaining 12 acres of undeveloped land on the site.

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The Forks is ready to start negotiations on a city-owned gravel parking lot that will trigger significant development on the remaining 12 acres of undeveloped land on the site.

Paul Jordan, CEO of The Forks Renewal Corporation, appeared at city hall Tuesday to kick-start negotiations on the lot, known as Parcel 4.

"We have developers lined up and ready to go," Jordan told Mayor Brian Bowman and members of his executive policy committee.

While council has on at least two occasions agreed to sell the lot, located at the southwest corner of William Stephenson Way and Waterfront Drive, The Forks hasnt been ready to buy it  until now.

Jordan said owning and controlling the property is key to development of that site along with the paved parking lot abutting the CN Rail line, known as the Railside Lands.

SUPPLIED Boxcar Alley.

Parcel 4 has been a controversial property for city hall. Overwhelming public opposition in 2012 killed a proposal from the administration of former Mayor Sam Katz for a hotel and water park. In 2014, council agreed to turn it over to The Forks and renewed that commitment in 2017. An audit into the controversial water park deal found the property had been appraised at $10 million in 2009.

Jordan said The Forks is prepared to pay fair market value for the property but the question of when and how the two parking lots will be developed cant be determined until the land is formally owned by The Forks.

Jordan said no decision has been made on where development will start, adding that will be determined in negotiations with developers.

SUPPLIED Railside lands at The Forks.

"Theres way more parking than we need so between (the two parcels), we need to be able to manage the public parking," Jordan told the Free Press. "If were going to start on what we call Railside South, we need to move parkers into Parcel 4. Were ready to start doing deals with developers but its all predicated on Parcel 4 transferring over to The Forks  otherwise we just cant move."

The Forks went through a three-year public consultation period ending in 2017 on development on the site, followed by a request for proposals that attracted submissions from about 100 developers from across the globe.

The Forks has narrowed down the list of the potential developers and Jordan told EPC its ready to make deals.

SUPPLIED Residential Village at The Forks.

Jordan told EPC that development of the two parking lots will not involve the sale of any portion of both sites, explaining that all development will be done on a lease basis.

Jordan was tight-lipped about how development will occur, explaining to the committee that "the plan is very, very detailed and too much for this presentation."

No building on the site will exceed six or seven storeys in height, Jordan told the Free Press. It is expected to be a mix of housing, shops and public spaces.

SUPPLIED Pedestrian Promenade at The Forks.

In plans released midway through 2017, Jordan described the development as European in scale occurring over a 20- to 25-year period, with about 30 buildings on the two parking lots, connected with a series of walkways, fountains and piazzas.

Jordan told EPC that The Forks remains committed to reducing Waterfront Drive from four to two lanes, with the creation of a linear promenade.

While the 2017 plans called for the construction of a parkade on Main Street, just south of York Avenue, Jordan said the location, the timing of its construction, and whether it will be constructed, is all still to be determined.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.caSACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Trump administration said Tuesday that it plans to cancel $929 million awarded to California's high-speed rail project and wants the state to return an additional $2.5 billion that it has already spent.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Trump administration said Tuesday that it plans to cancel $929 million awarded to California's high-speed rail project and wants the state to return an additional $2.5 billion that it has already spent.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announcement follows through on President Donald Trump's threats to claw back $3.5 billion that the federal government gave to California to build a bullet train between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Lenny Mendonca, right, was elected chairman of The California High-Speed Rail Authority's board of directors, during a board meeting Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Gov. Gavin Newsom vowed a fight to keep the money and said the move was in response to California again suing the administration , this time over Trump's emergency declaration to pay for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

"This is clear political retribution by President Trump, and we won't sit idly by," Newsom said in a statement. "This is California's money, and we are going to fight for it."

It's the latest spat between the White House and California. Trump earlier in the day linked the emergency declaration lawsuit to the train, noting that California filed the challenge on behalf of 16 states.

FILE - This Dec. 6, 2017, file photo shows one of the elevated sections of the high-speed rail under construction in Fresno, Calif. During his first State of the State speech last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that he is committed to finishing the Central Valley portion of the bullet train. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, file)

"California, the state that has wasted billions of dollars on their out of control Fast Train, with no hope of completion, seems in charge!" the president tweeted.

The train project has faced repeated cost overruns and delays since California voters approved it in 2008. The Trump administration argued Tuesday that the state hasn't provided required matching dollars and can't complete certain construction work by a 2022 deadline.

Newsom declared in his first State of the State address last week that he planned to scale back the project and focus immediately on building 171 miles (275 kilometres) of track in central California. His office said he still plans to complete the full line, although he said the current plan would cost too much and take too long.

He's pledged to continue environmental work on the full line, which is required to keep the federal money.

But the U.S. Department of Transportation said Newsom's comments last week reinforced the administration's concerns about the project.

"Governor Newsom presented a new proposal that represents a significant retreat from the State's initial vision and commitment and frustrates the purpose for which Federal funding was awarded," read the letter outlining the case for cancelling the money.

Congress nearly a decade ago approved the $929 million that Trump wants to cancel. The state has not started spending that money. But it has already spent the extra $2.5 billion that Trump now wants back.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said it is "actively exploring every legal option" to get back the money.

The grant agreement between California and the federal government, signed in 2010, outlines several scenarios in which the federal government could take the money back. It can take the money back, for example, if the grantee fails to make "adequate progress" or "fails to complete the project or one of its tasks" or if the state doesn't meet its matching fund requirements.

If the federal government decides to take the money back, it doesn't have to wait for California to write a check. The agreement states the federal government could offset the money it would pay California for different transportation or other projects.

California hasn't yet fully matched the $2.5 billion in stimulus money. It's in the process of doing so now, using money from the 2008 bond passed by voters and revenue from the state's cap-and-trade program. It can't unlock the $929 million grant until it completes its match.

Still, the California High-Speed Rail Authority has already budgeted for the full $3.5 billion. It's put toward constructing a 119-mile (191.5-kilometre) segment of track in the Central Valley expected to cost $10.6 billion.

Dan Richard, the outgoing chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority's board of directors, said people's livelihoods depend on the project through jobs and other economic development in the Central Valley.

"It would be very important to avoid anything that would disrupt the economic recovery in the Central Valley that has been brought about by high-speed rail," he said.Tesla's top lawyer is leaving the company after only two months on the job.

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FILE- In this Feb. 9, 2019, file photo, a sign bearing the company logo is displayed outside a Tesla store in Cherry Creek Mall in Denver. TeslaAos top lawyer is leaving the company after only two months on the job. Tesla said in a prepared statement Wednesday, Feb. 20, that General Counsel Dane Butswinkas will return to a legal practice in Washington, D.C. HeAoll continue to work for Tesla as outside counsel. No reason for the departure was given. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Tesla's top lawyer is leaving the company after only two months on the job.

Tesla said in a prepared statement Wednesday that General Counsel Dane Butswinkas (But-SWIN-kiss) will return to a legal practice in Washington, D.C. He'll continue to work for Tesla as outside counsel. No reason for the departure was given.

He'll be replaced by Jonathan Chang, an eight-year company veteran who had been vice-president of legal.

Butswinkas says he has tremendous confidence in Chang and the management team.

He is the latest in a long line of top executives to depart the Palo Alto, California, electric car and solar panel company.

Last month Tesla Inc. announced that Chief Financial Officer Deepak Ahuja would retire, his second attempt at doing so.Selling foreign markets on the wonders of saskatoon berries is still a struggle, but Interlake Saskatoons hopes two new projects across the border are a good start.

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Selling foreign markets on the wonders of saskatoon berries is still a struggle, but Interlake Saskatoons hopes two new projects across the border are a good start.

In tiny Walhalla, N.D., which has a population of 900, a firm called Food First has just launched an online Kickstarter campaign for a saskatoon-based health bar made with Manitoba-grown product.

In Minneapolis, Step One Foods is sourcing from Interlake Saskatoons to make a range of nutraceutical products.

"Food as medicine is the concept," said Doug Langrell, a partner in Interlake Saskatoons. Saskatoons are known as a super healthy berry-like fruit, with twice the antioxidants as blueberries, and high in protein and anti-inflammatory properties. Some properties include vitamins, flavonoids, phenols and Omega-3 fatty acids.

SUPPLIED PHOTO Saskatoons are harvested at Interlake Saskatoons. The nutritious fruit, similar in size and colour to a blueberry, is rich in antioxidants, fiber, calcium and protein.

"(The companies) want to do what no one has yet done, and that is establish American awareness of saskatoons as a super fruit," Langrell said.

Thats been an uphill climb. While the purple berries grow in northern U.S., they are called juneberries.

"The awareness of saskatoons is generally limited to basically the Prairie provinces and northern U.S., and even there to a limited degree," Langrell said.

Even so, Food First has chosen to go with the Canadian name for it  Sunny Saskatoon Berry health bar  because it sounds more interesting.

'(The companies) want to... establish American awareness of saskatoons as a super fruit'  Doug Langrell, a partner in Interlake Saskatoons

Located directly south of Winkler, Food First started 25 years ago as feed manufacturer SweetPro Feeds for horses and cattle. Ranchers would say the product made their livestock so healthy and their horses coats so shiny that they wondered what it might do for their two-legged owners.

Owner Bob Thornberg just laughed, but three years ago, he started a sister company and produced a line of healthy snack bars called MicroBiome Bars. The bars promote whats called "gut health." The product base is a fermented blend of organic grains: wheat, oats, barley malt, flax and yeast. They contain prebiotics that enhance and diversify the microbes in the body to fight disease and viruses.

The Sunny Saskatoon Berry bar is its fourth variety. "The saskatoon attracted us for its antioxidant bump," company operations manager Jordan Thornberg said.

To date, MicroBiome Bar sales are mostly online. However, CVS Pharmacy, a big company across the border, is about to launch a variety pack of MicroBiome Bars in 100 stores for a six-month trial period. If the product passes a sales threshold, MicroBiome Bars will go into all 9,800 CVS stores across the U.S.

Not only does it taste good, Langrell said, "it gives me a very strong, immediate energy rush." Food Firsts Kickstarter campaign is not a make-or-break test  the company will be producing regardless of the results  but it can help accelerate the companys progress, Thornberg said.

Its not a donation site. The public can buy various sized packages of bars at different prices and the product will be shipped out by mail order. People can find the online page at kickstarter.com and by typing MicroBiome Bar in the search window.

Step One Foods already has Manitoba saskatoons as an ingredient in all seven of its products: snack bars, pancake mix and smoothies. The saskatoons are used to help upgrade its products to health food status.

SUPPLIED PHOTO Saskatoons are used in pies, smoothies, jams and pancake mixes and can be consumed fresh or frozen.

Step One makes a line of foods for people who have high cholesterol, but dont like taking prescription statin drugs, or who suffer side effects from the drugs. That may sound like a niche market, but its estimated to include nearly 40 million people. Step One products are also only available online.

The two projects are the first ventures into the U.S. market for Interlake Saskatoon, other than selling some frozen saskatoons into the pie market. For the food ingredient market, the saskatoons are turned into a powder, a process developed at the Manitoba Food Development Centre in Portage la Prairie. Food First in Walhalla now handles that processing.

Except for jams and pies, the powder is easier to work with as a food ingredient, Langrell said. The powder retains the saskatoon taste, aroma and health properties, and ships and stores better, he said.

In addition to exports, Interlake Saskatoons sells thousands of pounds of fresh saskatoons every summer out of a building on the northwest corner of Warren on Highway 6, just north of Winnipeg. They also freeze berries and sell to local restaurants. Their berries are used in Cramptons Manitoba Maid saskatoon jams and saskatoon marmalades.

Interlake Saskatoons is a consortium of growers in the South Interlake area that includes seven partners: Langrell and his sister, Jennifer Studler; Rick Rutherford of Rutherford Farms at Grosse Isle and his sister, Wendy Rutherford; Craig Riddell; Bob Hamlin; and Tom Dykstra from Balmoral. They harvest five orchards and also operate a marketing arm called Purple Fit. Last year, they harvested 30,000 pounds of saskatoons.

bill.redekop@freepress.mb.caLANSING, Mich. - Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer blocked the sale of a former state prison that was proposed as the site of a privately operated federal immigration detention centre, drawing praise from immigrant rights activists and criticism Tuesday from a Republican lawmaker whose district stood to gain jobs.

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visits Grand Rapids Community College's Leslie Tassell M-TEC campus on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019 in Grand Rapids, Mich. (Cory Morse/The Grand Rapids Press via AP)

LANSING, Mich. - Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer blocked the sale of a former state prison that was proposed as the site of a privately operated federal immigration detention centre, drawing praise from immigrant rights activists and criticism Tuesday from a Republican lawmaker whose district stood to gain jobs.

Whitmer late last week stopped the proposed sale from proceeding, after plans for the facility had advanced in the fall under the administration of then-Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican. She said Virginia-based Immigration Centers of America would not promise to not detain adults who are separated from their children or other family members.

"The governor believes that building more detention facilities won't solve our immigration crisis, and she also believes that separating families doesn't reflect our Michigan values," Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown said in a statement.

GOP state Rep. Thomas Albert, whose district includes the former Deerfield Correctional Facility in Ionia  110 miles northwest of Detroit  vowed Tuesday to fight Whitmer's decision.

"This issue is not going away," he told The Associated Press, noting that he chairs the House subcommittee that is responsible for the Department of Corrections budget.

He said Ionia has lost out on 250 new jobs, $35 million in private investment and property tax revenue due to the blocked deal. It is not clear, however, if the GOP-led Legislature can realistically revive the project.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has set a March 29 deadline for bids to house approximately 600 male detainees within 150 miles of Detroit, either at a facility in Michigan or Ohio. It may be too late for Immigration Centers of America to find another site before then, a company spokesman said.

Albert, of Lowell in western Michigan, said Whitmer's administration added strict stipulations to the proposed development agreement, including that the facility not house any individual who had been separated from a family member at apprehension, during detention or any other time while in custody. The restriction, which would have applied for adults detained and separated for the purpose of criminal prosecution or unlawful entry, would have forced the company to release a detainee if he or she alleged that they have been separated, he said.

"That's effectively turning the detention centre into a hotel. There's literally no way that anybody could comply with that," Albert said. "It was just a thinly veiled way to torpedo the whole deal."

Immigration Centers of America, which operates a detention centre in Virginia, was the sole bidder for the former prison, which closed in 2009. Spokesman John Truscott said the Michigan facility would have offered a "much better and more humane" alternative than the current practice of housing detainees in county jails.

It is a "possibility" that Whitmer could change her mind, "but we're not counting on it," he said.

While Albert accused Whitmer of appeasing her political base with a move against President Donald Trump  who rescinded a family separation policy last year  the immigrant rights group Michigan United applauded her for doing the "moral and just thing."

"Not only would a new prison anywhere in Michigan make it easier for ICE to tear families apart, one so far away would also make it harder for their lawyers to work with them, harder for their families to come visit them and much harder for the community to rally in their support," the organization said in a statement.

Follow Eggert on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure Tuesday gradually hiking the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, an early victory for the Democrat on the eve of his first annual budget proposal.

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Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, right, congratulates Illinois State Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, left, on the House floor at the Illinois State Capitol, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Springfield, Ill. Illinois legislators moved quickly to deliver one of Pritzker's top campaign promises, a gradual hike in the statewide minimum wage from $8.25 to $15 an hour Ai more than double the pay floor that most of its Midwestern neighbors require. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure Tuesday gradually hiking the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, an early victory for the Democrat on the eve of his first annual budget proposal.

Fulfilling one of his top campaign promises just five weeks into the job, Pritzker declared that Illinois "welcomes working families, setting a high standard for workers' rights, economic opportunity and economic justice."

Pritzker signed the law at the Governor's Mansion, packed with supporters in a party-like atmosphere. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to deliver a proposed annual budget amid forecasts that the financially troubled state faces a $3.2 billion deficit in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Illinois employs thousands of minimum-wage workers, many at universities and health care institutions funded by Medicaid. The new law means the state would have to pay more, including $230 million in additional costs in 2021 when the hourly pay floor rises to $10.

Illinois is on track to be the first state in the Midwest to push its base wage to $15. The state's pay floor, currently $8.25, increases to $9.25 on Jan. 1; it jump to $10 on July 1, 2020, and then increases $1 each Jan. 1 until 2025.

Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, talks with Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, on the House floor prior to a debate at the Illinois State Capitol, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Springfield, Ill. Illinois legislators moved quickly to deliver one of J.B. Pritzker's top campaign promises, a gradual hike in the statewide minimum wage from $8.25 to $15 an hour Ai more than double the pay floor that most of its Midwestern neighbors require. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP)

"It was just a few years ago that a $15-an-hour minimum wage seemed like a pipe dream," said Rep. Will Guzzardi, a Chicago Democrat who sponsored the measure on House floor. "It has gone in that time from a bold ideal to a national movement to today, it becomes the law of the land in the state of Illinois."

Business groups opposed the plan. They wanted a longer phase-in and a regionalized approach with lower minimum wage levels for areas outside Chicago. Chicago has its own minimum wage, which increases to $13 in July.

"The right to a fair wage does not end at Chicago's border," Pritzker said. "Workers in East St. Louis, in Peoria, and in Springfield deserve that same fair pay."

Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, had the task of handing out the pens Gov. J.B. Pritzker used to sign SB1 into law during a ceremony Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019 at the Executive Mansion in Springfield, Ill. (Rich Saal/The State Journal-Register via AP)

Pritzker noted there are payroll tax credits in the law to ease the transition for employers.

Ieshia Townsend, who works at a McDonald's restaurant on Chicago's South Side and is a member of the Fight for $15 movement, said she supplements the $12-an-hour she currently makes with two other jobs to support her two sons.

"Millions of workers have worked hard to get paid enough by giant corporations like McDonald's to provide for our families," Townsend said. "I don't get paid enough to meet the requirements for my children. ... I should be able to stand on my two feet and provide for my children without food stamps or Medicaid."

The legislation is SB1 .

Follow Political Writer John O'Connor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor .VICTORIA - British Columbia's budget pays too little attention to the potential impacts of a slowing global economy and a shifting housing market, business leaders say.

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Finance Minister Carole James arrives to deliver the budget speech as she waves to people in the gallery at the legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Tuesday, February 19, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

VICTORIA - British Columbia's budget pays too little attention to the potential impacts of a slowing global economy and a shifting housing market, business leaders say.

Finance Minister Carole James is banking on continued strong economic growth to fund long-term social and economic programs amounting to $2 billion over the next three years, but that's risky, B.C. Business Council president Greg D'Avignon said Wednesday.

He said the council, which represents many of the largest employers in the province, credits the government for the budget initiatives that support families and environment programs, but it should not take business for granted in a darkening economy.

"I would caution the government that to take the economy for granted is at their peril," D'Avignon said. "There's a complete absence of economic vision in the face of what we see are some increasing strong head winds facing the economy in B.C. and Canada."

Finance Minister Carole James arrives to deliver the budget speech as she waves to people in the gallery at the legislature in Victoria on Tuesday, February 19, 2018. Business leaders say they're concerned the British Columbia government's budget pays too little attention to the potential impacts of a slowing global economy and a shifting housing market. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Recent economic data suggest Europe could be heading for recession, global trade is facing turmoil as the United States and China squabble and Canada is being hit by trade sanctions from the U.S., he said. Recent U.S. tax cuts also impact the competitiveness of products from British Columbia, said D'Avignon.

The budget includes a $400-million Child Opportunity Benefit for families with children up to age 18. Interest on student loans was eliminated, social assistance payments increased by $50 per month and support payments for children of foster parents were increased.

The budget introduced Tuesday included the minority New Democrat government's $902-million Clean BC Fund to fight climate change.

"It's almost as though the economy's taken for granted," D'Avignon said. "The consequence of that is we're just not going to have the revenue or the means to support baked in, long-term costs when the economy starts softening as we're seeing through a bunch of indices and anecdotes from the investors around our table."

Real estate developer Jason Turcotte said the budget looks to tax revenue from home sales to help fund programs, but it hinders new property developments that create the wealth.

"There's not a lot of incentive right now to move forward with projects and if that happens on any kind of mass scale we're going to have a shortage of supply, which obviously doesn't help affordability at all," said Turcotte, vice-president at Metro Vancouver's Cressey Development.

He said his company and others are delaying real estate projects.

The government introduced tax measures in last year's budget to moderate B.C.'s real estate market.

The budget forecasts revenue from B.C. housing starts to drop almost 17 per cent this year and decline 6.4 per cent next year.

James said she expects the market to continue to moderate but does not foresee a crash because the province is considered a desirable place to live.

She downplayed the business concerns, saying B.C. is forecast to lead Canada in economic growth for the next two years and her budget has set aside more than $2.6 billion in contingency and allowance funds in the event of a downturn.

"We've built a very prudent budget that has caution built in and gives us the opportunity to continue to invest in the people of B.C. who continue to build that strong economy."

Opposition Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson said the budget does nothing to stimulate the economy.OTTAWA - Engineering and construction giant SNC-Lavalin sought to be the first firm to avoid criminal proceedings by negotiating a "remediation agreement"  using a new legal tool that either spares innocents from being punished for the corporate misdeeds of others or lets the biggest companies off the hook when they've acted illegally, depending whom you ask.

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The main door to the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council office is seen in Ottawa, Monday, Feb.18, 2019. The legal tool at the heart of the scandal that erupted in the Prime Minister's Office was far more unassuming last year on its way into Canadian law. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA - Engineering and construction giant SNC-Lavalin sought to be the first firm to avoid criminal proceedings by negotiating a "remediation agreement"  using a new legal tool that either spares innocents from being punished for the corporate misdeeds of others or lets the biggest companies off the hook when they've acted illegally, depending whom you ask.

Its efforts have led to a scandal that's led to the resignation of a government minister and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's most trusted aide.

The Montreal-based engineering firm faces 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.

But last fall the prosecutor's office declined to send SNC-Lavalin an invitation to negotiate, which means the criminal case against the company will proceed. If it's convicted, the company faces the possibility of a multi-year ban from bidding on public contracts  a key part of its business.

Here are some questions and answers on Canada's remediation agreements:

What are remediation agreements for?

The Criminal Code says a remediation agreement aims to denounce a company's wrongdoing, hold it accountable with penalties, force it to respect the law by putting in place corrective measures and encourage voluntary disclosure of illegal activities. A primary goal is to limit the damage to individuals, such as a company's employees, who had nothing to do with the offence  while punishing those involved in the wrongdoing. The agreements would help corporations avoid a criminal conviction that could lead to a ban of up to a decade from bidding on public contracts, including lucrative infrastructure projects.

How did Canada get them?

Other countries have similar regimes. They include the United States, where the deals are called "deferred prosecution agreements," or DPAs.

The Liberal government held public consultations on the idea in the fall of 2017 and, in its 2018 budget, it said it intended to introduce legislation to allow remediation agreements soon. The budget, however, offered few details. Months later, the proposed amendment was quietly included in the government's 582-page budget legislation. The move came as a surprise to MPs  including at least one Liberal. A few members of the all-party parliamentary committee studying the bill last May expressed concerns. They said they were first made aware of the push to create DPAs only after it was brought to their attention by a Justice Department official as part of her testimony. The remediation agreement regime received royal assent last June.

What does a company have to do to be eligible to negotiate an agreement?

The prosecutor can invite a company that has allegedly committed an offence into a negotiation if the case meets a number of conditions. First of all, they can only be applied to economic crimes, like bribery or fraud. They cannot be used in a situation where there's been serious bodily harm or death, or in cases that resulted in injury to national security or national defence. The agreements also can't be used in cases where the offence is connected to a criminal or terrorist organization. The prosecutor must also believe there's a reasonable possibility the firm will be convicted and that the case is in the public's interest. Finally, the attorney general must consent to the negotiation.

What are some of the potential benefits of DPAs?

Anita Anand, a law professor at University of Toronto, said she believes they can be useful legal tools to address corporate misdeeds while taking into account the needs of shareholders, employees and creditors

"It is wholly unfair to punish these many stakeholders because of the bad behaviour of a few individuals," Anand wrote in an email. "In other words, a few bad apples should not spoil the bunch."

Instead, she said, once wrongdoers have been identified, removed and sanctioned then corporations should be dealt with under the same approach taken in other areas of criminal law  with rehabilitation as one of the goals of punishment

Jennifer Quaid, an assistant professor of law at the University of Ottawa, said Canadian firms lobbied for a deferred-prosecution regime for competitive reasons because the United States and other jurisdictions had them. The argument, she said, is that Canadian companies, if barred from public contracts, would be put at a disadvantage compared to American multinationals that avoided convictions with settlements. Quaid also noted remediation can be a positive for prosecutors, especially because economic crimes are hard to investigate and prosecute.

What are some of the potential down sides?

Mike Koehler, an associate professor of law at Southern Illinois University, said DPAs should not be a way for prosecutors to avoid difficult cases. "It shouldn't be easy to convict anybody," he said.

Koehler, who believes Canada should have never adopted remediation agreements, argued that they've had little success as a deterrent in the United States.

"Looking to the U.S. example, if these were achieving deterrence, why do we have so many repeat corporate offenders?" he said.

Patricia Adams, executive director of the Probe International think-tank and watchdog, said DPAs allow prosecutors to make decisions behind closed doors about whether a company should be prosecuted or not, which robs the judicial system of transparency.

"What they essentially do is they turn the prosecutor into the prosecutor, the judge and the jury," said Adams. "Because of that they are undermining the rule of law  they are essentially political instruments."

Quaid, at the University of Ottawa, said the criticisms include the perception that remediation can seem like an "automatic pass" for companies and that they're designed for larger firms that employ lots of people, and not so much for smaller players.

"At the end of the day, this is accepting a reality that when big players with significant economic impact in a region get in trouble there are a lot of collateral consequences and sometimes we may decide that collectively preventing those collateral consequences is going to trump the normal response," she said. "A lot of people don't like that kind of messy, less-than-perfect justice, but that's the reality that we have to live with."EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says the province is spending $3.7 billion to move landlocked oil to market by rail  and it isn't counting on Ottawa to pitch in.

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Alberta Premier Rachel Notley speaks during an announcement in Edmonton on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says the province is spending $3.7 billion to move landlocked oil to market by rail  and it isn't counting on Ottawa to pitch in.

"We must take action today to provide more relief to our energy workers and the families who rely on these good jobs across this province and this country," she said Tuesday.

"Albertans don't just stand by. We take action."

Notley said the best long-term solution is for new pipeline capacity to coastal ports, which would enable Alberta crude to be sold to overseas markets and ensure the best price.

Investing in rail is a medium-term stop-gap as pipeline projects such as the Trans Mountain expansion to the West Coast remain in limbo, she said.

The province aims to move up to 120,00 barrels of oil per day by rail by 2020 under deals with Canada's two major railways, Canadian Pacific and Canadian National. Initial daily shipments of 20,000 barrels are expected to begin as early as July.

Alberta is leasing 4,400 railway cars  more than three-quarters new and the rest retrofitted. It initially thought it would need 7,000 cars, but was able to lower that number because it found better routes to market.

Shipments of grain should not be disrupted by increased oil traffic on the railroads, Notley said.

When the premier first floated the oil-by-rail idea last fall, she urged the federal government to come on board.

She said Tuesday she's not happy there has been no firm response, especially since an uplift in Alberta crude prices would boost Ottawa's revenues, too.

"We're not going to stop putting it to the federal government that they should be at the table, but we're not going to wait on them either."

The province estimates its rail plan will lead to a $5.9-billion increase in commercial, royalty and tax revenue for a net gain of $2.2 billion.

It also expects the plan will mean the discount for Western Canadian heavy oil versus U.S. light crude will shrink by US$4 a barrel from early 2020 to late 2021.

Last fall, the price gap exceeded US$50 at times, prompting Alberta to impose mandatory production cuts as a short-term measure to staunch the bleeding. The production cap was eased earlier this year, and Notley said Tuesday that it shouldn't stay in place any longer than necessary.

Oil brokerage Net Energy Exchange indicates the heavy oil discount is now at US$14.50.

Notley said she expects many of the leased railcars to be painted with Alberta's logo, but details still need to be worked out.

The plan calls for the provincial government to buy oil from Alberta producers and then sell it wherever is most lucrative, though those details have yet to be worked out. Currently the U.S. Gulf Coast, home to numerous refineries well-suited for Canadian heavy crude, is an attractive destination because heavy oil shipments from Venezuela are declining, provincial officials said.

The NDP government announced the multibillion-dollar, three-year investment despite the possibility an election could be called any day.

"We plan to be government after the next election, but regardless we plan to ensure that outside of election cycles, the best interest of Albertans are taken care of," Notley said.

Opposition Leader Jason Kenney said if his United Conservative Party forms the next government, it will rigorously review all deals signed during the legal campaign period to make sure they were done in good faith, are in the best interests of Albertans and are a good use of taxpayers' money.

He said the NDP government is committing taxpayer money to an investment that the private sector has indicated it would be willing to take on itself, given the right conditions.

"This is government-by-improvisation and I think it exposes us taxpayers to serious risk by a government trying to spend like drunken sailors while they're probably on their way out the door."

 By Lauren Krugel in CalgaryBRUSSELS - After the resignations of three of her party's lawmakers over Brexit, British Prime Minister Theresa May came away from more talks on preventing the U.K. from crashing out of the European Union with both she and the EU's chief deeming their meeting "constructive" Wednesday.

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British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt delivers a speech about Britain and Europe at the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

BRUSSELS - After the resignations of three of her party's lawmakers over Brexit, British Prime Minister Theresa May came away from more talks on preventing the U.K. from crashing out of the European Union with both she and the EU's chief deeming their meeting "constructive" Wednesday.

No breakthrough was announced from the dinner meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels between May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

But a joint communique from the two promised their respective negotiating teams "would continue to explore the options in a positive spirit."

Since Juncker had said ahead of time he expected little to come from the meeting, their second this month, the characterization of it turning out to be constructive could be considered a decent outcome.

"We've made progress," said May.

She and Juncker agreed to have another meeting before the end of the month. It could come as soon as an EU-Arab League summit in Egypt starting Sunday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, left, is greeted by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker prior to a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and British Prime Minister Theresa May meet Wednesday for their latest negotiating session to seek an elusive breakthrough in Brexit negotiations. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

May has been trying to persuade the EU to revise the draft agreement on Britain's withdrawal because lawmakers in Parliament have refused to approve it.

But the EU has steadfastly refused to reopen the 585-page legal text. The statement from Juncker and May said they discussed possible "alternative arrangements" and changes to an accompanying political declaration as potential options.

Brexit is currently set to take place on March 29.

The joint statement said negotiators from the two sides "will review progress again in the coming days, seized of the tight timescale and the historic significance of setting the EU and the U.K. on a path to a deep and unique future partnership."

At home in London, May took big hit. She lost three Tory legislators earlier in the day over her handling of the Brexit negotiations. They resigned to join a new centrist group.

Still, it was Juncker who looked most beaten up when their meeting in Brussels started, with a band aid on his left cheek, the result of a bad shaving experience.

"I don't want you to think Mrs. May is responsible for this injury on my face," Juncker said before welcoming the prime minister to Brussels during a stilted ceremony that did not include a kiss or a handshake like previous occasions.

The stalemate over the divorce deal has raised fears of Britain leaving without an agreement on its departure or future relations with the EU, a scenario that could present severe economic disruptions for both sides. It has also raised the possibility of May's government seeking to delay its exit to wrap up negotiations.

"Time is of the essence, and it's in both our interests that when the U.K. leaves the EU, it does so in an orderly way," said May.

The difficulties finding a proper way out of the crisis over Brexit has created Britain's biggest parliamentary crisis in decades.

Brexit-driven political cracks yawned wider Wednesday as three pro-European lawmakers quit May's ruling Conservatives to join a new centrist group of independents who oppose May's determination to take Britain out of the EU with or without a divorce deal.

Anna Soubry, Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston resigned to join eight ex-opposition Labour Party lawmakers in an alliance dubbed the Independent Group. The defections mark the biggest shake-up in decades for Britain's political parties.

U.K. lawmakers object to a border provision between the U.K.'s Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland that would keep the U.K. in a customs union with the EU until a permanent new trading relationship is in place.

May wants to change the deal's phrasing to make sure that the mechanism to ensure an open Irish border after Brexit would only apply temporarily.

Jill Lawless reported from London.VICTORIA - The B.C. government says its capital spending program will reach its highest level ever in 2019-20, with $20.1 billion being spent on construction projects.

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VICTORIA - The B.C. government says its capital spending program will reach its highest level ever in 2019-20, with $20.1 billion being spent on construction projects.

The amount includes $4.4 billion for previously announced health projects such as the redevelopment of the Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster, a new patient-care centre at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops and funding for the new St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver.

Another $6.6 billion is to be spent on transportation, including the Pattullo Bridge replacement in Metro Vancouver, the Broadway subway extension in Vancouver and making the Trans-Canada Highway four lanes through Kicking Horse Canyon.

A total of $2.7 billion is to be spent to maintain and replace kindergarten to Grade 12 schools.

And $3.3 billion is budgeted to fund construction projects at post-secondary schools, including a new sustainable energy building at Simon Fraser University in Surrey, a health sciences centre at Camosun College in Victoria and an expanded trades training centre at Selkirk College in Nelson.

Finance Minister Carole James says the capital budget also includes a continuing focus on seismic upgrades for schools.TORONTO - Barrick Gold Corp. says it has helped facilitate a deal between Acacia Mining and the government in Tanzania as Barrick's new CEO looks to reorder the company.

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Barrick Gold logo is seen during the company's annual general meeting in Toronto on Tuesday, April 28, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

TORONTO - Barrick Gold Corp. says it has helped facilitate a deal between Acacia Mining and the government in Tanzania as Barrick's new CEO looks to reorder the company.

Under the agreement, the economic benefits from Acacia's operations will be shared on an equal basis with Tanzania's government in the form of royalties, taxes and a 16 per cent free carry interest in the Tanzanian operations.

A US$300-million payment to the government will also be made over time to resolve outstanding tax claims. The terms are similar to a preliminary agreement announced in late 2017.

"Significant amounts of real value have been destroyed by this dispute and, in Barrick's view, this proposal will allow the business to focus on rebuilding its mining operations," said Barrick CEO Mark Bristow, who took on the role in January after a merger with Randgold Resources.

Barrick holds a 63.9 per cent interest in Acacia, a London-based publicly traded company that is operated independently.

The Toronto-based company said work is underway to finalize the definitive agreements, which must be approved by Acacia and the Tanzanian government.

Efforts to put an end to the dispute in Tanzania, which has forced Acacia to significantly cut back on production, come as Bristow's team at Barrick review company operations globally.

The company said Wednesday it confirmed its commitment to Chile, despite major operational issues in the country, as it reviews its Latin American strategy.

Last year, Chile ordered the company to close the part of the Pascua-Lama mining project that falls within the country. The company said last year it would take a US$429 million charge after part of the project in the high Andes was shut down over concerns of its impact to water supplies.

Barrick said it continues to work on legal, environmental and other issues as it reviews the future potential of the project, which could go ahead as an underground operation.

Earlier in the week, Barrick confirmed its long-term commitment to the Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea after Bristow met with politicians and local communities in the country.

Companies in this story: (TSX:ABX)

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By Paige Cline Ever since it was revealed that there was aFour dead whales have recently beached along the Outer Banks and Virginia, concerning scientist over the rising death toll.

News outlets report a humpback was found dead Sunday in Corolla, North Carolina. Crews found hemorrhaging near the back of its head under the skin, a sign of a ship strike. Another humpback was found not far away Sunday. A third turned up dead last week near Oregon Inlet. A dwarf sperm whale was also found two weeks ago.

Karen Clark, with the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla, says two or three humpback whales a year typically wash ashore dead between Ocracoke and Corolla. A report says 84 humpbacks died along the eastern seaboard in the past three years, causing it to be declared an "unusual mortality event."HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Connecticut's governor took center stage Wednesday to make his first budget address.

The full text of the address is available here.

Governor's full budget address Gov. Ned Lamont delivered an approximately 40 min. long budget address on Wednesday.

Among the topics Gov. Ned Lamont discussed, many residents watched for he said about tolls.

"By now, youve heard the budget Im submitting [Wednesday] models two options for tolling  truck-only or electronic tolling on cars and trucks," Lamont said. "I would only consider this option if we maximized the discount for Connecticut EZ-Pass users and/or offered a frequent driver discount for those who are required to frequently travel our major roadways. Its estimated that out-of-state drivers could provide over 40% of tolling revenue for Connecticut. We foot the bill when we travel through neighboring states, its time out-of-state drivers do the same for Connecticut."

During his campaign, he said he only wanted to toll tractor trailers.

This past weekend, he said he was open to expanding it.

"I know this idea of tolling just sounds like one more damn tax I am going to have to pay, and I cannot fix this state unless I fix our transportation system," Lamont said during his budget address.

Trucks would generate $200 million per year, not enough to modernize transportation. All vehicles would generate $800 million.

Read the full budget proposal here.

Lamont has made adjustments on the number of gantries, 53 for cars and up to 100 for trucks.

"I don't think taxpayers want to spend 50 cents, $1, $3 every day they are on the road. I think they're tired of people being in their wallets," said Republican Minority Leader and State Senator Len Fasano.

"Governing is hard. Making these decisions is very difficult, which is why many governors in the past did not do it," said Democratic Majority Leader and State Senator Bob Duff.

The much talked about grocery tax is out, but Lamont wants to expand the state sales tax to include legal services, haircuts, dry cleaning, and veterinary services as another way to generate revenue.

Also, fees on plastic bags and deposits added to wine and liquor bottles.

However, revenue will not be enough to balance the state's budget and fix its fiscal problems.

"Under our budget proposal, consumer-oriented services will no longer be tax exempt," Lamont said. "For example, why do you have to pay a tax on manicures but not when you get a haircut?"

Lamont said he wanted to make the tax code fairer by taxing digital services, such as Netflix. He wants to tax streaming and downloads on items such as movies. He's also proposing taxes on not only the materials used to renovate a home, but also the services rendered by the architect, engineer or contractor.

Cities and towns are also being asked to pay more.

"We are making a commitment to education. While some towns are losing population will receive a little less, other towns with growing populations will receive a little more," Lamont said.

Lamont ran through a number of proposals aimed at generating revenue for the state, and healthcare and pension changes were all touched upon.

When it comes to healthcare, Lamont's proposal tackles its rising costs. He wants to expand wellness and cost-saving programs such as health enhancement and smart shopper.

Lamont also wants to restructure the teachers retirement system and adjust the payscale.

He said if nothing is done, the annual teacher pension costs could increase by more than $2 billion.

"It is badly underfunded and doesnt keep faith with our current teachers, especially the younger ones," Lamont said. "The state compounded the problem by layering on a pension obligation bond, which, let me put this gently, did not work out the way we hoped."

To fix it, he wants to reduce the assumed rate of return from 8 percent to 6.9 percent and restructure the retirement system payment schedule from 12 years to 30 years.

"Similarly, the state employee plan still represents a large share of the overall budget and accelerates state payments by $100 million dollars a year - an unacceptably high cost which would either force draconian cuts to needed services, or large tax increases," Lamont said. "Working with the Treasurer and our friends in labor, we hope to smooth out the payments in both pension systems, so our annual contribution is a lower percentage of our budget over the next generation. This is similar to what you would do on your own home mortgage."

He wants to have some municipalities pay 25 percent of teacher pensions.

"A town like Greenwich, they pay their teachers much more than anybody else. They also have smaller class sizes, but the state pays the entire cost of their pensions," said Democratic State Senator Martin Looney.

Wealthier towns would pay more, distressed towns would pay less.

Lamont also said he wants state workers to pitch in by renegotiating raises.

SEBAC, which represents 40,000 union employees, said they agreed to nearly $2 billion in concessions and "we will not be part of still asking for more sacrifices."

Lamont also supports raising minimum wage and paid family leave.

"It's really problematic as it's currently drafted. We would rather have these things worked out in a private public partnership not through a mandate," said Joe Brennan, of CBIA.

Following Lamont's speech, lawmakers issued statements.

Governor Lamont put forth a responsible budget that addresses our deficit and invests in our economy, said Senate president pro tempore Martin Looney, a Democrat representing New Haven. [Wednesday] was the beginning of the General Assemblys budget process and I look forward to working together with him in crafting a final product. I want to thank the Governor for including critical policy proposals for Connecticut families including raising the minimum wage to $15 and a paid family and medical leave program.

Senate majority Leader Bob Duff of Norwalk applauded the governor's plans.

The Governors budget is a first step in the legislatures budget process," Duff said. "Senate Democrats and myself will be evaluating and debating his proposals and many others in the months to come. I am particularly supportive of the Governors ideas to streamline state government by modernizing our IT infrastructure and moving more state functions online. However we move forward we need to ensure Connecticuts budget works for middle class families, improves education, and invests in our economic future.

Channel 3 will break down Lamont's address even further starting at 5 p.m.STAMFORD  A city man who lost his foot in an speeding accident on Washington Boulevard began trial Wednesday at the Stamford courthouse for the death of his passenger in the 2017 crash.

Kadeem Mitchell, 21, of Benedict Circle, faces a felony second-degree manslaughter charge for the death of Donte Smith, of Renwick Street, Stamford, and if convicted could be sentenced up to 10 years in prison. The bench trial is being heard and decided by Judge Richard Comerford and prosecuted by Assistant States Attorney Michael Nemec.

Representing Mitchell is high-powered defense attorney Michael Fitzpatrick, who also counts Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel as a client.

According to morning testimony by Stamford police Sgt. Andrew Gallagher, Mitchell was driving north on Washington Boulevard just before 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 in his 2006 BMW when he hit the center divider near 2nd Street, which sent him over two lanes of the roadway before mounting a sidewalk curb and striking a tree.

Gallagher, who up until January headed up the police departments Collision Analysis and Reconstruction squad, said the tree Mitchell struck fully penetrated the BMW and ended up coming to rest on the vehicles firewall.

Fitzpatrick objected to Gallagher serving as the states expert witness for a lack of knowledge despite him working the most severe accident scenes in Stamford for over two decades. Comerford, however, overruled Fitzpatrick and allowed Gallagher to take the stand.

Gallagher pointed out massive damage to the car and slides of the BMW were shown to Comerford. When asked by Nemec if he was able to put a cause to the accident, Gallagher did not hesitate.

The crash into the fixed object was fast enough to cause the death of the passenger and severely injure the driver, Gallagher said. Based on the amount of damage to the front end of the car and based on 30 years of experience, I can recognize a high-speed crash when I see it.

One witness who saw the crash said Mitchells BMW came up behind him on that rainy afternoon very fast. The car came right up to his bumper before quickly changing lanes and flew by him in the left lane. The man told police he remembered saying to himself, You stupid motherf-----, as the car went by him, Mitchells arrest affidavit said.

Pictures of the vehicle showed that it was nearly split in half by the large tree. The drivers side front tire and spring assembly ended up in the drivers seat part of the car and shoved the drivers seat into the rear seat of the vehicle. When firefighters got on scene they had to use machines to cut away the roof of the car to get to the Mitchell and Smith, the affidavit said.

There was a large amount of blood on the passenger side of the vehicle, including on the passenger airbag, floorboard, rear floorboard and passenger side door. Gallagher said Smith, 19, was pronounced dead after he was brought to Stamford Hospital.

Gallagher said that sizing up the accident scene, he estimated Mitchell was driving about 80 mph in the posted 35-mph zone to cause that amount of damage.

When it came time for his cross examination, Fitzpatrick asked if his investigation revealed that before Mitchell purchased the car, it had been deemed to a total loss in 2015, probably because of an accident, and then rebuilt and resold. Gallagher said yes.

He also got Gallagher to acknowledge that the accelerator and steering mechanism were unable to be inspected as a result of the extensive damage to the car.

Fitzgerald also asked if there was a large Bondo repair patch found on the front left side of the BMW, indicating that the car previously had been repaired, probably from a crash.

Gallagher said it had, but pointed out that the repair was cosmetic, disagreeing with Fitzpatricks assessment that it substantially weakened the vehicle.

Alcohol and drugs were found not to be a factor in the crash.

The trial will continue Thursday and resume for a third day on Tuesday.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.comDERBY  Health Inspectors from the Naugatuck Valley Health District graded 27 of the citys restaurants as excellent and four others as being good during checks dating back to December.

None of the citys restaurants or food service establishments received a fair or poor rating.

Click here to read about Connecticut restaurant inspection rules.

Grading out at excellent in December, January and February were:

Alimaris Little Italy, 184 Elizabeth Street, inspected Dec. 26; Archie Moores Bar and Restaurant, 17 Elizabeth Street, inspected Jan. 7; Checkers Food Store, 160 Elizabeth Street, inspected Jan. 22; Burger King, 540 New Haven Avenue, inspected Jan. 2; Dew Drop Inn, 25 North Street, inspected Feb. 15; Dunkin Donuts, 530 New Haven Avenue, inspected Dec. 17; Dunkin Donuts, 25 New Haven Avenue, inspected Dec. 17; and Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street, inspected Feb. 15.

Also grading excellent were:

Heavenly Donuts, 658 New Haven Avenue, inspected Jan. 17; House of Bones, 1 New Haven Avenue, inspected Dec. 10; In and Out Deli, 41, Elizabeth Street, inspected Jan. 23; Jersey Mikes, 50 Pershing Drive, inspected Dec. 19; KFC, 7 Pershing Drive, inspected Dec. 26; Lasowiak Polish Deli, 63 Derby Avenue, inspected Jan. 4; Matteis Deli and Catering, 418 Roosevelt Drive, inspected Jan. 4; McDonalds, 44 Division Street, inspected Jan. 2 and McDonalds 652 New Haven Avenue, inspected Jan. 2.

Also receiving excellent, four-fork inspection grades were:

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, 76 Pershing Drive, inspected Jan. 2; Sarita Del, 78 Hawkins Street, inspected Feb. 15; Savour Catering, 111 New Haven Avenue, inspected Dec. 17; Shop Rite Supermarket Sushi Bar, 49 Pershing Drive, inspected Jan. 23; Subway, 676 New Haven Avenue, inspected Jan. 4; Tipsy Tomato Bar and Pizzeria, 656 New Haven Avenue, inspected Jan. 17; Wayback Burgers of Derby, 54 Pershing Drive, inspected Jan. 24; Wendys, 709 New Haven Avenue, inspected Jan. 23 and Yolandas Bakery, 17 Hawthorne Avenue, inspected Jan. 22.

An excellent or four-fork grade, under the Naugatuck Valley Health Districts restaurant ratings, means a food service establishment scored between 93-100, with no critical four-point violation and not more than one risk factor violation.

The excellent rating also means records of training were up to date and safe food handling practices and procedures were observed by the inspector.

During that December to February time period inspection of three restaurants resulted in good ratings. They were Apollo Pizza, 235 Roosevelt Drive inspected on Dec. 14; River Rock Tavern, 5 Main Street, inspected on Jan. 4 and Twisted Vine, 285 Main Street, inspected on Dec. 5.

These ratings are important to anyone in the restaurant industry, said Mike Picone, the owner of Twisted Vine. Theres always something to improve on.

The Naugatuck Valley Health District requires these ratings to be posted in a conspicuous location clearly visible to the public or near a current permit.

A good rating represents a score of 86 to 92. This rating applies to food service establishments with no critical four-point violations and no more than two risk factors. It means the establishment was free of major structural defects and exhibited safe handling procedures and was in compliance with the Public Health Code.

Any of these are defined as risk factors: not having adequate facilities to maintain product temperatures; not protecting food during storage, preparation, display, service or transportation; not using good hygienic practices no food containers on the floor as well as minimizing food handling. Other risk factors include insufficient hot and cold water pressure, using clean wiping cloths, keeping food surface free and noticing no presence of rodents. There also have to be hand-washing accessories percent, and written documentation of the training program.50 Greatest Soap Opera Actresses: The Complete List Late in 2009, We Love Soaps pulled together a panel of 14 soap opera journalists and critics to come up with a list of the 50 Greatest Soa...

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'Dark Shadows: Reincarnation' Receives CW Pilot Script Order The CW has given a pilot script order to Dark Shadows: Reincarnation, a one-hour gothic horror drama based on the original Dark Shadows ...

Telemundo's MARIDO EN ALQUILER (Husband For Hire) To Premiere July 10 Telemundo is proud to announce the premiere of its new primetime original production MARIDO EN ALQUILER (Husband for Hire) on Wednesday, Ju...Washington: Inmates in Florida stood outside a blue SUV and slipped a straightened wire coat hanger down into the driver-side door.

Inmates help free a toddler locked inside a car in Florida.

Wearing their gray-and-white-striped uniforms, they worked on it for several minutes late last week outside a courthouse in New Port Richey, near Tampa. The men were attempting to break into a couple's vehicle - to rescue their 1-year-old child who had been accidentally locked inside, authorities said.

The child's mother, Shadow Lantry, posted a video on Facebook showing the moment Thursday when the inmates, who were on a nearby work crew, pried open the door to free her young daughter.

"Yes! Thank God!" Lantry shouted as the door swung open and the horn started to blare. "Thank you guys so much."Developers who illegally knocked down Carltons historic Corkman Irish Pub in 2016 have been handed a record $1.325 million fine by the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

Magistrate Ross Maxted told developers Raman Shaqiri and Stefce Kutlesovski in sentencing them on Wednesday he needed to send a message to the building and demolition industry, and the development community, that such recklessness and bravado and full disregard for proper process and compliance will be severely punished.

The fine is understood to be the biggest ever handed out in Victoria for illegal building works of this type  although many historic Melbourne pubs have in recent years been knocked down with planning approval.

Raman Shaqiri Credit:Joe Armao

"The cost of penalties to be paid may in some quarters simply be viewed, by some recalcitrant developers, as the effective cost of redeveloping a site to its maximum potential," Mr Maxted said, and for this reason he had to issue the men a fine "significant enough to deter such thinking".A Department of Agriculture officer suspected of falsifying at least one report of deaths on a live export ship will not be investigated after the government's review into potential corruption inside the department stalled.

Former Crime Commission boss John Lawler was appointed to investigate whistleblower allegations that staff were dissuaded from reporting the full extent of animal welfare breaches to protect exporters alluded to in Philip Moss' review of the live export trade.

Moss referred to allegations made against seven individuals during the course of his inquiry relating to the deliberate supression by departmental staff of claims of poor animal welfare.

The death of 2400 sheep on a live export ship in 2018 sparked protests. Credit:Tony McDonough

But Mr Lawler has told the department that although a specific allegation has been made, he cannot investigate it further because of whistleblower protection laws.Former trade minister Andrew Robb has quietly ceased his controversial $880,000 per annum consultancy with a company closely linked to the Chinese government, as the deadline looms for lobbyists for overseas state interests to sign up to Australias new foreign influence register.

Mr Robbs consultancy with the leaseholder of the Darwin Port, Landbridge, was trumpeted by the Chinese-government aligned company in 2016, but became intensely controversial when an investigation by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and Four Corners revealed his fee, and that he had joined the company straight after quitting parliament.

From left, now Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Landbridge chief Ye Cheng and then trade minister Andrew Robb at a northern development conference in 2015. Credit:Glenn Campbell

Its estimated that Mr Robb pocketed more than $2 million plus expenses from Landbridge. A company document revealed that Mr Robbs consulting contract was so vague and ill-defined he would be paid even if he did nothing.

Mr Robb has confirmed that he has left Landbridge for the time being because, "at this stage, Landbridge has no other projects relevant for me to assist".Democracies are only as strong as their electoral institutions, laws and processes.

The WA Electoral Commission, which organises and oversees the conduct of our elections, is a sound and respectable institution. But our electoral laws and processes need improvement to ensure the democratic principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency. Four areas of reform are needed.

WA's Parliament House. Reform is needed, academics say, to give voters more control  and an equal say. Credit:Nathan Hondros

First, WAs Legislative Council has the most extreme malapportionment of any state or territory house of parliament in Australia today.

At the 2017 state election, 68,480 people were enrolled in the Mining and Pastoral region, electing six members. At the same election, 409,325 people were enrolled in the South Metropolitan Region, also electing six members.Proposed evidence Mr Edwards fingerprints were taken and entered into the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System. May 1990

Mr Edwards pleads guilty to the common assault of a social worker. He is sentenced in June to two years probation. He keeps his job at Telstra. Karrakatta Cemetery. Credit:Metropolitan Cemeteries Board February 1995

Karrakatta Cemetery rape charge: Mr Edwards is accused of abducting and raping a 17-year-old girl late at night as she walked to a friends house from Club Bay View in Claremont. He allegedly bound and gagged the teenager, and placed a hood over her head, before driving her to the cemetery to rape her. Proposed evidence DNA of the Karrakatta cemetery rapist is taken from the victim, who attends hospital that evening. The state alleges it matches Mr Edwards' DNA profile.

January 1996

Mr Edwards marriage begins to break down and he learns his wife is having an affair. She moves out of their home, leaving him alone. January 1996

Sarah Spiers murder charge: Sarah Spiers, 18, is last seen leaning on a Telstra bollard waiting for a taxi in Claremont after a night out with friends. The taxi arrives soon after but Sarah is already gone. Around 20 minutes later, witnesses in Mosman Park hear blood curdling screams and a car matching the description of Mr Edwards is seen in the vicinity parked on the wrong side of the road with its lights on. May 1996

Mr Edwards learns his wife is pregnant to another man. June 1996

Jane Rimmer murder charge: Ms Rimmer, 23, is allegedly taken from Claremont by Mr Edwards and murdered in Wellard, where her body was later found in bushland.

Fear of serial killer after body discovered in bush - The Age, page six n 1996. Credit:the Age Her cause of death is unknown as her remains had decomposed, but a post-mortem noted a prominent defect to her neck. Proposed evidence A Telstra-branded knife was found on the same road as Ms Rimmers remains. As a Telstra technician, Mr Edwards was issued with the same type of Telstra knife prior to the Claremont killings. Proposed evidence Fibres found in Ms Rimmers hair match the car seat fibres in the make and model of car Mr Edwards was driving at the time.

October to December 1996 Mr Edwards allegedly had a brief relationship with an older woman. 1995/96/97

The state alleges a man matching Mr Edwards description and driving a Telstra car offered young women in the western suburbs lifts home late at night. Its alleged he picked up women on five occasions and dropped them at their requested destination. March 1997

Ciara Glennon murder charge: Ms Glennon, 27, is murdered after allegedly being taken by Mr Edwards following a night out with friends in Claremont.

Loading The lawyers body is later found in bushland in Eglinton, covered in a strikingly similar way to Ms Rimmers body. Her cause of death is a cut to the throat. Proposed evidence The state alleges Mr Edwards DNA was found underneath Ms Glennons fingernails. Proposed evidence The state alleges fibres found in Ms Glennons hair match fibres found in the car seat of the make and model of vehicle Mr Edwards was driving at the time.

Proposed evidence Mr Edwards was meant to stay over at a friends house the night Ms Glennon was murdered, but instead arrived mid-morning the next day. He said he was late because he was trying to reconcile with his wife, which the state claims was a lie. April 1997

Mr Edwards meets the woman who would go on to become his second wife. December 2016

Mr Edwards is allegedly editing erotic stories involving abduction and sexual assault themes in the days before his arrest. December 2016

Police conducting cold case reviews test a kimono found at a 1988 Huntingdale assault for DNA evidence and allegedly find DNA matching the profile of the Claremont serial killer. The case is re-investigated.New wastewater data has revealed Western Australia has continued to report the highest average use of methamphetamine in the country, as well as a steady increase in almost all drug consumption around the state since last year.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission released its findings on Wednesday, which tested 58 sample wastewater sites in the country over a year-long period between August 2017 and 2018.

Wastewater tests showed WA has the highest level of meth use in the country.

Six sites were established in WA  three capital cities and three regional areas  although the commission said it would not reveal their locations in order to protect the integrity of the experiment.

The research attempted to quantify the use of meth, amphetamine, cocaine, heroin, cannabis, mephedrone, methylone, oxycodone, fentanyl, nicotine and alcohol in both capital and regional sites around the country.The MRA recently allowed Mr Gorman to tour the building. He said the five options in the survey were the topics people had continually brought up with him in conversation during his time in office. He said the community needed a discussion about what needed to be done with the power station. It is clear that this spectacular old building and its heritage features needs to be retained and utilised as part of a redevelopment, he said. We cant rely on a market approach to repair an asset that has been vacant for 40 years.

I want to fly someone in for Canberra to come and look at it and discuss funding, but we need a decision on what we want. For example, Scitech is looking for a new home, its facilities are ageing. The Powerhouse in Brisbane is another excellent model, with something for people of all ages. I think something that might be able to get off the ground. He was also open to the suggestion of an art gallery, such as had been discussed in 2015. The land around it might support a science precinct, he thought.

Loading And its hugely beautiful. There is still so much of the original plant from the 1920s in there, he said. Youve got the Perth Stadium across the river. There is a large parcel of land here, well connected to public transport, with a lot of potential for urban infill as well, but this will take leadership. I am interested in hearing suggestions for the redevelopment of the site.

The other interesting thing was the cable car which generated strong views on either side, so cable car proponents would need to sell the benefits a bit more strongly. The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority in 2015 called for expressions of interest to develop the site and shortlisted five applicants. But the existing switchyard has to be moved before proponents can be invited to provide detailed proposals. WAtoday reported in June 2018 that the MRA and Western Power were in discussions to accelerate relocation. A spokesman for Western Power said the East Perth Power Station and associated land was the MRA's responsibility.

"We have a 66kV switchyard on the site and there are plans to have it decommissioned at some point in the future, he said. Loading It was around the same time an international art foundation approached Australian multinational architecture firm Hassell to find a location for a new cultural building. Hassell proposed a contemporary gallery at the East Perth site, connecting with the old power station at its northern end to maintain the station's historic riverfront presence, and released artists impressions of what such a building might look like. Around the world there are major galleries housed in historic and contemporary buildings. A project like MONA in Tasmania is an example of an economic and tourism boost to the state, Hassell principal and board member Mark Loughnan said.Residents fear that new plans to tunnel as shallow as 12 metres below homes along the WestConnex route will lead to widespread damage above the motorway in Sydney's inner west.

An updated map for the M4-M5 link shows contractors altered the route for stage three of the $16.8 billion mega-toll road. It will run below 4500 homes.

Sue Templeman is among at least 4500 Sydney residents whose homes lie in the project's "zone of influence". Credit:James Brickwood

In 2017, an environmental impact statement for the project, indicated the bulk of the tunnels of the M4-M5 link between Haberfield and St Peters would range between 20 and 50 metres below ground.

But the latest plans show the tunnels up to 20 metres closer to the surface in some areas.There were toasts aplenty marking the end of an era, the departure of former Labor treasurer Wayne Swan  more recently having entered the Bernie Sanders phase of his political career  at a boozy dinner in Canberra institution Chairman & Yip on Tuesday.

Congratulations were led by Swans former chief of staff, Labors finance spokesman Jim Chalmers, and his factional rival, the partys deputy leader Tanya Plibersek.

Anthony Albanese ,Tanya Plibersek and Wayne Swan celebrate. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit:

They were joined by another former Swan adviser Andrew Thomas  who later worked as Labor leader Bill Shortens chief-of-staff before decamping to the Commonwealth Bank  and Matt Linden, a senior staffer turned Industry Super Australia chief lobbyist.

Shorten had another engagement.Their first class had barely begun before the participants in Youth Off The Streets' inaugural yoga program nearly ended in mutiny.

The group of 30 teenagers, hot and restless in the midday sun, werent interested. They complained about the bindis in the ground and, when five of the older boys flat-out refused to participate, their defiance threatened to engulf the group.

Youth Off The Streets students relax at the end of class. Credit:Mark Bond

It was hard, yoga teacher Harriet Sciberras recalls. It was a lot about putting out fires.

Still Sciberras, who has a master's in health psychology, felt she had something to offer the group of teens from Merrylands who came from backgrounds of abuse, trauma, addiction, mental illness and homelessness.One thing I hate about elections is the way politicians on both sides seek to advance their careers by appealing to our own self-centredness. I suppose when they know how little we respect them for their principles, they think bribing us is all thats left.

The federal election campaign hasnt started officially, but already the one issue to arouse any passion is the spectacle of the most well-off among our retired screaming to high heaven over the proposal that, though granted the concession of paying no tax on income from superannuation, they should no longer receive tax refunds as though they were paying it.

We teach our children to respect the needs and feelings of others, and to take turns with their toys, but when it comes to politics you just get in there and fight for as much lolly as you can grab. And if my voice is louder and elbows sharper than yours, tough luck.

When someone at one of those rallies of the righteous retired had the bad manners to suggest that the saving would be used to increase spending on health and education (and increase the tax cut going to those middle-income families still required to pay tax on their incomes) they were howled down. Health and education? Dont ask me to pay.Australians are popping cheaper sparkling wine instead of champagne on special occasions as their feeling of affluence goes flat amid a falling housing market and rising costs of living pressures.

Along with a trend towards generally drinking less alcohol, the belt-tightening is causing problems for some of the countrys biggest booze retailers.

Woolworths said its bottle shops were at the pointy end of consumer sentiment, and shoppers were looking for savings on bubbly. Credit:Justin McManus

Supermarket giant Woolworths on Wednesday reported a 6.4 per cent fall in earnings from its Dan Murphy's and BWS bottle shops in the first half of the year, and blamed the result on "subdued market conditions".

Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci said unfavourable weather had resulted in a reduction in summertime drinking, while cautious consumers were buying less each time they shopped.James Packer's casino giant Crown Resorts has suffered a steep drop in spending by wealthy high-roller gamblers coming from China, as the Chinese economy grinds to its slowest growth in nearly three decades.

"Chinese people, like Australian people, are suddenly feeling a bit poorer than they were a couple of years ago," Crown's executive chairman, John Alexander, said on Wednesday. "It all goes to spending patterns."

James Packer is Crown's largest shareholder. Credit:AAP

Worldwide, gambling operators have been gripped by growing uncertainty about the fortunes of their lucrative international high-roller programs, where mainly Chinese punters, who often play baccarat, can turn over hundreds of thousands of dollars a hand and millions of dollars an hour.

Softening economic growth in China, the government's crackdown on conspicuous consumption and simmering trade tensions with the United States have fuelled fears of a possible pullback in volumes of wealthy Chinese gamblers visiting Australia, and a downturn in VIP revenue on which casino operators have become increasingly reliant.a2 Milk has been unfazed by the deepening trade stoush between China and the US, Chinas crackdown on the multibillion dollar e-commerce sector, and the dairy crisis engulfing Australia, reporting record half-year profits.

A burgeoning US and China market, coupled with fresh milk sales growth in Australia helped propel the company to a record net profit in the six months to December 31 to $NZ153 million ($147 million), up 55 per cent.

Billboards in Hong Kong advertising a2 infant formula. The company says it will double its marketing spend in China.

Shares jumped 8.4 per cent, or $1.04, in early trading to $13.37, and closed up 9 per cent to a record $13.46. The net profit was 11.7 per cent better than Morgan analysts' estimates.

Company revenue grew by 41 per cent to $NZ613 million while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was up 53 per cent to $NZ218 million.A primer on Forbes analysis of the IRS guidance on the 20 percent pass-through tax deductionUp for debate:

Live legislation tracker

Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics.Regional Editor

Derek Draplin is a regional editor at The Center Square. He previously worked as an opinion producer at Forbes, and as a reporter at Michigan Capitol Confidential and The Detroit News. Hes also an editor at The Daily Caller.Trusted local news has never been more important, but providing the information you need, information that can change sometimes minute-by-minute, requires a partnership with you, our readers. Please consider making a contribution today to support this vital resource that you and countless others depend on.Georgia Ann Ackerman, 78, of Loogootee, passed away at 1:50 a.m. Thursday, June 24, 2021, at her home. She was born July 9, 1942, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late George and Winifred (Fettic) Carrico. Georgia married Albert T. "Skip" Ackerman on Sept. 30, 1961, and together they raised He continued with a message to Europe, saying Russia would be forced to create and deploy types of weapons that can be used against nations that pose direct threats. And in a clear reference to the United States, Putin said the Russian missiles also could be trained on where the centers of decision-making are located.In the same interview, with NBC Newss Andrea Mitchell, Coats also said no one had asked him if it was a good idea for Trump to meet privately with Putin at a summit meeting in Helsinki. Trump didnt allow any Cabinet officials or aides to attend the meeting, and several officials have said they couldnt get a reliable account of the conversation between the two leaders, which was attended only by two interpreters, The Washington Post has reported.How detailed either Muellers report and the attorney generals summary of the findings will be is unclear. Lawmakers have demanded that Muellers report be made public, but Barr has been noncommittal on that point, saying that he intends to be as forthcoming as the regulations and department practice allow. He has pointed, however, to Justice Department practices that insist on saying little or nothing about conduct that does not lead to criminal charges.To help make their case, some U.S. officials had wanted to have in hand an order signed by President Trump paving the way for the commerce secretary to bar foreign firms that do not meet security standards from U.S. telecom networks. But now it looks as though such an order is not likely before the conference. The reason for the delay is unclear.Netanayhu and the right have attempted to frame Gantz as a good-looking nice guy who does not want to offend anyone, he said. The worse thing to say about a potential leader is that hes good-looking because it is framed to imply that he is weak. Now Gantz, [who] served for years in the military and was chief of staff, has shown that he can attack. In the Israeli political system and in the Middle East, he needs to be known as someone who has boundaries, and if those boundaries are crossed, then the nice guy can also be a tough guy.Though the three Israelis did not win the prize  no one did  they went on to create SpaceIL. Since then, the project not only gained financial backing from private investors but also support from Israeli government agencies such as Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Israel Space Agency. It was these connections that last summer helped facilitate agreements with NASA and Musks SpaceX.Many European nations have been content to leave citizens who may sympathize with the Islamic State in Syria, gambling that their societies will be safer if radicalized citizens are kept far from their borders. But the Kurdish fighters who have kept many of the former caliphate residents under lock and key worry that with the U.S. pullout, they may need to shift resources elsewhere, disbanding camps and allowing the residents to disperse.How this changes the dynamics of upcoming votes on Brexit is unclear. It remains possible that Britain will crash out with no deal, or that Britain will seek a delay beyond the March 29 deadline, or that more negotiations will be undertaken, or that citizens will be asked to vote again on whether  now knowing all they know  they really, really want to leave the E.U.Opponents say the Modi government is taking increasingly harsh measures to suppress dissenting voices ahead of national elections expected in the spring. The authorities have charged students with sedition for shouting slogans and raided the offices of international groups such as Amnesty International and Greenpeace. The crackdown feeds into fears that freedom of expression is under fire in Modis India, where Hindu nationalist groups emboldened by his partys leadership have harassed and attacked government critics.The government and TEPCO say the nuclear power plant itself could take 30 or 40 years to decommission and estimates the cleanup will cost 22 trillion yen ($200 billion). But in 2015, the plants manager told Londons Times newspaper that the technological challenges involved in removing hundreds of tons of molten radioactive fuel from three reactors could mean decommissioning will take 200 years.Egypt says the men were members of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist religious, political and social movement. They were found guilty in the killing of Hisham Barakat, the most senior official assassinated in the country in more than two decades. The Brotherhood denied any role in the killing, as did the allied militant Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.Following an international contest involving teams of data scientists, Zillow announced that its median error rate on valuations of the 110 million U.S. homes in its database will soon drop to 4 percent or even below, from the current 4.5 percent. Zillow does not provide a breakout that distinguishes between its error rates for homes already listed on the market and off-market homes, so there is no direct comparison to Redfins claimed 1.77 percent figure for listed houses. But the overwhelming majority of homes in Zillows 110 million property database are off-market, which are more challenging to value because theres usually less detailed information available on them.In my quiet moments, in between bombings, starvation, cold and fear I would look at my beautiful little boy and know that I didnt belong here and neither did he, she said in the handwritten letter, a copy of which was provided by Shibly. I would think sometimes of my family, my friends, and the life that I knew and I realized how I didnt appreciate or maybe even really understand how important the freedoms that we have in America are. I do now.Hes not the only one who is concerned. At a recent interagency meeting, senior officials from the Treasury Department and the Pentagon warned Biegun not to loosen sanctions or move too quickly to agree to an end-of-war declaration, according to a person with knowledge of the talks who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private deliberations. The person said it was startling to see the concerns raised in the meeting, adding that Biegun has one job  to strike a deal  while others in the administration are intent on maintaining a hard line.Last year, during an onstage interview at the annual Aspen Security Forum, Coats expressed surprise when he was told Russian President Vladimir Putin had been invited to Washington. He also said he would have advised Trump against speaking one-on-one with Putin during their summit in Helsinki.For now, much of the Democratic cast of candidates is, if diverse by race and gender, positioned mostly on the left end of the ideological spectrum. The Democratic debate could become even more complicated in coming weeks, if candidates with more moderate political views jump into the race. Among the moderates considering the campaign are former vice president Joe Biden and several ex-governors, such as Terry McAuliffe of Virginia and John Hickenlooper of Colorado.He said he was shocked and disturbed after hearing testimony Monday and had assumed Dowless had been truthful with him about how he was conducting his operation. My assumption at the time was that the information was 100 percent truthful, he said. After what I heard yesterday, frankly, I dont know what to believe. Im just deeply disturbed by it, and it would have been over the minute I had the first suspicion.Some advisers have admitted the delays have come with a cost, as potential campaign staffers sign up with other campaigns and other candidates get a head start in meeting voters in early primary states. Others have said Biden has the luxury of waiting, given his high favorability rating within the Democratic Party and a network of donor relationships he established during Barack Obamas two presidential campaigns.The facility, though, also saw a jump in the number of kids being housed there as other sites, like the shelter at the San Diego Convention Center, prepare to close.The show, at times, seems to be speaking in the Kremlin's language of contemporary events. In one scene on the day after the October Revolution overthrowing the provisional government, Lenin angrily confronts Trotsky, diminishing his actions of the previous day as a coup and rejecting Trotskys contention that what he did was actually a revolution. This dialogue seems to echo events in Ukraine in 2014, with Russian state media calling the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych a coup and not a revolution. The dialogue is also one of the several instances in which the show distances Lenin, who actually led the Soviet Union that ultimately became a superpower, from Trotsky, who did not become its leader and was later forced into exile by Stalin.While I had seen many cases of dengue fever and malaria in my time there, the mumps was frighteningly different. The necks of several of the children were swollen several times their normal size, and they looked like they were struggling to breathe. Im unsure if that was because of the swelling around their airways, sitting in tropical temperatures with high fevers, or a combination of the two. They were immobile on the floor, ignored in the bustle of all of the other children present, lethargic and in visible discomfort. It was a painful sight to witness and, I can only imagine, unimaginably miserable to experience, even if the children survived.Historians may not want to admit it, but they bear some blame for the increasing irrelevance of their discipline. As historians Hal Brands and Francis Gavin argue in War on the Rocks, since the 1960s, history professors have retreated from public debate into their own esoteric pursuits. The push to emphasize cultural, social and gender history, and to pay greater attention to the experiences of underrepresented and oppressed groups, they write, has been a welcome corrective to an older historiography that focused almost entirely on powerful white men. But like many revolutions, this one has gone too far, leading to the neglect of political, diplomatic and military history  subjects that students need to study and, as enrollment figures indicate, students want to study but that universities perversely neglect. Historian Jill Lepore notes that we have ditched an outdated national narrative without creating a new one to take its place, leaving a vacuum to be filled by tribalists.Keeping the dividend high and taxes almost nonexistent would have serious consequences. The cuts to K-12 education would mean suburban parents see teachers and aides laid off, activities curtailed and significant changes made to teacher compensation. Will they want to bear those costs? About 200,000 Alaskans  more than 20 percent of the population  are insured through Medicaid. The massive cuts would reduce benefits, as the governor acknowledges, and more than 40,000 people who gained Medicaid coverage in 2015 might lose their health insurance. Will Alaskans be willing to do this? University of Alaska in-state tuition is less than $9,500 a year, significantly below that of the University of California (roughly $12,600) and the University of Virginia (roughly $16,000). How much more tuition will Alaskan students and parents be willing to pay?Most Labour Party moderates, and the vast majority of its members, want their leadership to push hard for a second referendum to reverse the countrys narrow 2016 decision to leave the European Union. But Corbyn is well known to be, at best, ambivalent about membership in the E.U. (he opposed it in the past as a capitalist club) and has, up to now, not made a second referendum central to his strategy.ALABAMA

Colleges rescind honors given to KKK advocate

A small-town newspaper has called for a resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, prompting two universities to withdraw the awards they had given its editor.

Auburn University and the University of Southern Mississippi decided Tuesday to rescind previous honors for Goodloe Sutton, editor and publisher of the Democrat-Reporter of Linden.

An editorial published last week began: Time for the Ku Klux Klan to night ride again. The editorial says Democrats and Democrats in the Republican Party are plotting to raise taxes in Alabama, so the Klan should raid gated communities where they live.

Sutton told the Montgomery Advertiser that he stands by his Feb. 14 editorial. During an interview, Sutton suggested lynchings as a way to clean up Washington. Sutton also questioned whether the KKK is violent, claiming Americas most feared white supremacist terrorist organization didnt kill but a few people.

Dating to 1879, the newspapers editorials are consistently conservative and often critical of the Democratic Party. The use of Democrat in its name reflects back to the period when nearly all white conservatives in the South were Democrats.

The Democrat-Reporter was lauded two decades ago for coverage rooting out corruption in the local sheriffs department.

 Associated Press

Female ISIS member asks for U.S. return

An Alabama woman who left home to join the Islamic State after becoming radicalized online realized she was wrong and wants to return to the United States, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday.

Hoda Muthana, 24, regrets aligning herself with the terrorist organization and is putting herself at risk by speaking out against it from a refugee camp where she has lived since fleeing the group a few weeks ago, attorney Hassan Shibly said.

Muthana, who dodged sniper fire and roadside bombs to escape, is ready to pay the penalty for her actions but wants freedom and safety for the 18-month-old son she had with one of two Islamic State fighters she wed, he said. Both men were killed in combat.

After fleeing her home in suburban Birmingham in late 2014 and resurfacing in Syria, Muthana used social media to advocate violence against the United States.

 Associated Press

ILLINOIS

Judge allows lawsuit against Obama center

A judge on Tuesday gave the green light to a lawsuit filed by a parks-advocacy group that aims to stop for good the delayed construction of former president Barack Obamas $500 million presidential center in a Chicago park beside Lake Michigan.

Some supporters of the project fear the lawsuit filed by Protect Our Parks could force Obama  who launched his political career in Chicago  to build the Obama Presidential Center elsewhere.

A 2016 lawsuit brought by another group helped to scuttle a $400 million plan by Star Wars creator George Lucas to build a museum on public land on Chicagos lakefront.

U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey heard arguments last week on the citys motion to dismiss the suit and was largely focused on whether the group had standing to sue.

Blakey did toss parts of the lawsuit in his Tuesday ruling, but concluded that the group represents taxpayers with concerns that providing parkland in the public trust to the Obama center violates their due-process rights. Plans call for the center to be built in Jackson Park, seven miles south of downtown Chicago.

 Associated PressHe has sat on the boards of two advocacy groups that have questioned whether global warming poses a serious risk, the CO2 Coalition and the George C. Marshall Institute. Last March, when asked in connection with court proceedings whether he had received money from the fossil fuel industry, Happer said he had been given somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000 from Peabody Coal to testify before a Minnesota Public Utilities Commission hearing.If you already subscribe to our print edition, sign up for FREE to view the newspaper online!

Enter all nine digits of your zip code, without a hyphen.

Last Name needs to be in all caps.Forty-two percent of voters in the Quinnipiac poll said theythought the governor should step down, and 48 percent said he should stay in office. That was slightly lower than the proportion calling for his resignation in a Washington Post-Schar School poll conducted in the first week after the scandal broke, which found voters split 47 percent to 47 percent. In the Ipsos/U.Va. poll, 43 percent said Northam should not resign, and 31 percent said he should.On Monday, Sens. Mark R. Warner (D) and Tim Kaine (D) met with Democratic lawmakers in Richmond to reassure them that they would step in to help.  We want to be there for you. Were going to do everything we can to help you,  one Democratic lawmaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting, quoted them as saying.I represent many who extend this invitation to you to come and witness and celebrate this 59th anniversary with us, Rice wrote in her own letter to Northam. We also want your presence to be a learning tool for atonement and the need for forgiveness for all of us.Given the run-up to where we are now, how lucky do you feel that you can have a nice, peaceful, civil town hall with people who disagree with you? asked Jeff Atkinson, a Brat supporter from western Henrico County who said Democratic activists have acted out at similar events.Northam is trying to recover from the emergence of a racist photo from his 1984 medical school yearbook and his admission that he wore blackface to dress as Michael Jackson for a dance contest when he was 25. Herring has acknowledged that he, too, wore blackface when he dressed as a rapper at a college party when he was 19. And Fairfax is pushing back against allegations that he sexually assaulted two women in the early 2000s.What he should do more than resign is he should get the resolve to be serious and take on this project, Barber said, looking toward the nearby stand of pine trees where Dominion Energy plans to build a major natural gas pipeline pumping station in the middle of a historic African American community. He could lead the nation. He could lead the South.Gamasutra is part of the Informa Tech Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.The last few years had been tough on Novick. His health was not the greatest, either from his lifestyle or simply from age. He collected things  books, magazines, glassware, herbs, essential oils  the way he once collected pharmacological experiences, and his tiny apartments inevitably became overcrowded. He had twice been forced to relocate after fires broke out in the flats. One was caused after smoking materials ignited the oxygen tanks he depended on to breathe.Christopher Paul Hasson called for focused violence to establish a white homeland and said, I am dreaming of a way to kill almost every last person on the earth, according to court records filed in U.S. District Court in Maryland. Though court documents do not detail a specific planned date for an attack, the government said he had been amassing supplies and weapons since at least 2017, developed a spreadsheet of targets that included House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and searched the Internet using phrases such as best place in dc to see congress people and are supreme court justices protected.The statement said that three passengers entered through an open garage door and the chauffeur heard quarreling and screaming. Two of the men then sped off in Yuns gold Lexus SUV, before his employer emerged with a paper bag. A woman who had been inside the home was with him. Yoo left with his employer and the woman, but members of both parties rendezvoused later. The employer then divided $40,000 in cash among the chauffeur and the other two men, according to the statement.He was credited with helping persuade Italy to become the first European country to accept U.S. cruise missiles on its land, an important achievement at the time. But we seem to have forgotten the obvious truth that you dont defend national security with arms alone, he wrote in the Times commentary. The Soviet SS-20 missile is a threat to European security, but just as great a threat is the slow and steady erosion of common values and interests that is the foundation of the Atlantic alliance.I understand you have people who have gone through changes, but they are either going one way or the other, they are not stuck in the middle, Jennings said. I just have concerns with it, and Ill leave it at that.THE DISTRICT

4 people are wounded

in shootings in SE

Police are investigating a triple shooting in Southeast Washington that left two men and one male juvenile wounded.

Officers were called to the 3700 block of Ely Place SE about 1 p.m. Tuesday, D.C. police said. When they arrived, they found three people shot. Police said all had been in a vehicle when someone outside began shooting.

The juvenile and one man were found conscious and breathing. A second man was unconscious but breathing, police said. The age of the juvenile was unknown.

In another incident, a youth was shot and wounded in the 2600 block of Stanton Road SE. He was reported conscious and breathing. No age was given.

 Lynh Bui

and Martin Weil

MARYLAND

Police identify victim in Pr. George's crash

Police have identified the man who died in a crash on Indian Head Highway as Juan Menedez Castillo, 59, of Waldorf.

Castillo was a passenger in an SUV that was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Indian Head Highway and Berry Road on Monday when the vehicle was rear-ended by a sedan shortly before 10 p.m., Prince Georges County police said. The crash caused the SUV to run into a third vehicle, police said.

Menedez Castillo died at a hospital. The crash also injured all three drivers involved. The driver of the SUV and the driver of the third vehicle struck suffered serious injuries. The driver of the car that hit the SUV also sustained serious injuries, which dont appear to be life threatening, police said.

The crash is the latest deadly incident on Indian Head Highway, where weeks earlier three children died in a crash.

Man dies in collision with officer's SUV

A Pennsylvania man died after a collision Sunday in Oxon Hill.

Jason Haftl, 47, was driving near the 6100 block of Oxon Hill Road when he made a left turn into the path of an oncoming SUV, Prince Georges County police said.

The SUV driver, an off-duty police officer in a marked vehicle, tried to avoid the car but the vehicles collided, police said. Prince Georges police did not identify the agency the SUV driver was from.

Haftl was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The off-duty officer was treated for injuries that didnt appear to be life threatening.

 Lynh Bui

Man dies after medical issue at Metro station

A man died at the Greenbelt Metro station after suffering a sudden medical emergency while on the platform and then falling onto the track bed, officials said.

Metro spokeswoman Sherri Ly said Metro workers found the mans body Tuesday morning at the station.

An initial investigation showed the man may have suffered a sudden medical event while on the platform, causing him to collapse and fall onto the track bed, Ly wrote in an email. Ly said no foul play was suspected.

 Dana Hedgpeth

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Like PostLocal on Facebook | Follow @postlocal on Twitter | Latest local newsFairfax County

These were among incidents reported by the Fairfax County Police Department. For information, call 703-246-2253.

Fair Oaks District

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Berryland Ct., 10900 block, Feb. 10. A medication was stolen from a residence.

Centreville Rd., 2900 block, Feb. 7. A cellphone was stolen from a location.

Centreville Rd., 2900 block, Feb. 10. A cellphone was stolen from a residence.

Fair Lakes Shopping Ctr., 13000 block, Feb. 10. Headphones were stolen from a business.

Fair Lakes Shopping Ctr., 13000 block, Feb. 11. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Fair Lakes Shopping Ctr., 13000 block, Feb. 11. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Fair Lakes Cir., 12500 block, Feb. 10. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Fair Ridge and Meadow Field drives, Feb. 7. Book bags were stolen from a vehicle.

Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy., 12000 block, Feb. 6. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy., 12300 block, Feb. 6. Earrings were stolen from a residence.

Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy., 12300 block, Feb. 11. Property was stolen from a residence.

Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy., 13700 block, Feb. 10. Property was stolen from a vehicle.

Lees Corner Rd., 3300 block, Feb. 10. A purse was stolen from a vehicle.

Market Commons Dr., 4500 block, Feb. 7. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Monument Dr., 11600 block, Feb. 10. Cash was stolen from a business.

Penderview Dr., 3900 block, Feb. 7. A license plate was stolen from a vehicle.

White Birch Ct., 3000 block, Feb. 6. Earrings were stolen from a residence.

Zelkova Ct., 3800 block, Feb. 10. Sunglasses were stolen from a vehicle.

Franconia District

ROBBERY

Brookfield Plaza, 7100 block, 9:03 p.m. Feb. 6. Robbery reported.

WEAPON

Telegraph Rd., 6400 block, 10:32 p.m. Feb. 12. Officers were called to the area after residents reported hearing gunshots. Shell casings were discovered in the street and a car was seen leaving the scene. Three possible witnesses also left the scene in a car.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Abilene St., 6300 block, Feb. 10. A rim was stolen from a vehicle.

Backlick Shopping Ctr., 900 block, Feb. 10. Keys were stolen from a location.

Backlick Rd., 6300 block, Feb. 7. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Castine Lane, 6500 block, Feb. 10. A coat was stolen from a residence.

Franconia Rd., 6100 block, Feb. 7. A cellphone was stolen from a vehicle.

Franconia Rd., 6100 block, Feb. 10. A bag was stolen from a location.

Gunston Plaza, 7700 block, Feb. 10. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Hagel Cir., 9600 block, Feb. 6. A license plate was stolen from a vehicle.

Heneska Loop., 7800 block, Feb. 12. A key was stolen from a location.

Highland St., 7200 block, Feb. 7. A purse was stolen from a vehicle.

Kingstowne Blvd., 5700 block, Feb. 11. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Locust Way, 6600 block, Feb. 9-11. Someone broke into a home and stole tools.

Lorton Market St., 9400 block, Feb. 10. Cash was stolen from a location.

Mary Caroline Cir., 6900 block, Feb. 6. Property was stolen from a residence.

Richmond Hwy., 9300 block, Feb. 6. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Rose Hill Dr., 6100 block, Feb. 10. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

VEHICLE THEFT

Highland Woods Ct., 7600 block, Feb. 7. A 2018 Nissan Rogue.

Mason District

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Arlington Blvd., 6100 block, Feb. 6. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Arlington Blvd., 6200 block, Feb. 12. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Beauregard St., 4800 block, Feb. 11. Wine was stolen from a business.

Brook Dr., 6000 block, Feb. 7. A wallet, passport and drivers license were stolen from a vehicle.

Evergreen Lane, 4200 block, Feb. 7. A purse was stolen from a location.

Gallows Rd., 3200 block, 2 p.m. Feb. 7. A woman returned home and discovered her front door open. Electronics were taken from the residence.

Gallows Rd., 3400 block, Feb. 10. A purse was stolen from a location.

John Marr Dr., 4200 block, Feb. 12. Jewelry was stolen from a residence.

Little River Tpk., 6200 block, Feb. 6. Liquor was stolen from a business.

Little River Tpk., 6200 block, Feb. 10. Property was stolen from a residence.

Little River Tpk., 7100 block, Feb. 10. A purse was stolen from a location.

Little River Tpk., 7400 block, Feb. 10. Cash was stolen from a location.

Moncure Ave., 3500 block, Feb. 10. A purse was stolen from a location.

Patrick Henry Dr., 3000 block, Feb. 11. Cigarettes were stolen from a business.

Seminary Rd., 5600 block, 10:30 p.m. Feb. 10. A woman returned home to find lights on and items scattered around her apartment. She immediately called police who checked the apartment and located a man inside. A 20-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested for burglary and destruction of property.

Seven Corners Ctr., 6200 block, Feb. 6. Keys were stolen from a location.

Seven Corners Ctr., 6200 block, Feb. 10. A tool was stolen from a business.

South George Mason Dr., 3700 block, Feb. 12. A necklace was stolen from a residence.

South Jefferson St., 3400 block, Feb. 7. Wine was stolen from a business.

South Manchester St., 3100 block, Feb. 10. A license plate was stolen from a vehicle.

Tobin Rd., 8300 block, Feb. 12. A purse was stolen from a vehicle.

Washington Dr., 3400 block, Feb. 7. A wallet was stolen from a vehicle.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Argyle Dr., 6000 block, Feb. 7. A 1994 Toyota Camry.

Gordon St., 3500 block, Feb. 7. A 2004 Honda Accord.

South Jefferson St., 3500 block, Feb. 10. A 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.

McLean District

ASSAULT

International Dr., 1600 block, 7:23 p.m. Feb. 10. A woman said she was meeting a man to have her taxes done when she got into an argument with him that escalated. A 28-year-old McLean man was arrested for malicious wounding.

ROBBERY

Annandale Rd., 2700 block, 9 p.m. Feb. 12. Robbery reported.

EXPLOSIVES

Leesburg Pike, 7700 block, 1:04 p.m. Feb. 8. Bomb threat.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

and At 19, Feb. 10. 3100 block of Graham Road, 7:53 p.m. The victim arrived home and found that personal items, including electronics and clothing, were missing from a bedroom.

Anderson Rd., 1600 block, Feb. 10. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Avenir Pl., 2600 block, Feb. 7. Beer was stolen from a business.

Balls Hill Rd., 1400 block, Feb. 10. A key was stolen from a business.

Balls Hill Rd., 1400 block, Feb. 10. Property was stolen from a vehicle.

Centrillion Dr., 800 block, Feb. 6. Property was stolen from a residence.

Cornerside Blvd., 1500 block, Feb. 10. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Edgepark Rd., 9000 block, Feb. 7. A cellphone was stolen from a vehicle.

Gallows Rd., 2900 block, Feb. 7. A cellphone was stolen from a location.

Greensboro Dr., 8200 block, Feb. 10. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Greensboro Dr., 8200 block, Feb. 11. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Harte Pl., 8000 block, Feb. 11. A cellphone was stolen from a residence.

International Dr., 2000 block, Feb. 7. Shoes were stolen from a business.

Laura Gae Cir., 2800 block, Feb. 10. Pistols were stolen from a vehicle.

Lee Hwy., 7300 block, Feb. 7. Beer was stolen from a business.

Lee Hwy., 7300 block, Feb. 10. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Lee Hwy., 7400 block, Feb. 10. Cash was stolen from a residence.

Lee Hwy., 9400 block, Feb. 7. Tires were stolen from a vehicle.

Leesburg Pike, 7800 block, Feb. 6. A purse was stolen from a location.

Leesburg Pike, 8000 block, Feb. 12. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Leesburg Pike, 8200 block, Feb. 6. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Mayfair Dr., 6600 block, 8 a.m. Feb. 7. Trespassing.

Nutley St., 3000 block, Feb. 7. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Rosecroft Pl., 6600 block, Feb. 12. Cash was stolen from a vehicle.

Sebon Dr., 8000 block, Feb. 10. Sunglasses were stolen from a vehicle.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Kirby Rd., 1900 block, Feb. 12. A 2005 Lexus SC300.

Madrillon Springs Ct., 2000 block, Feb. 10. A 2012 Toyota Camry.

Mount Vernon District

ROBBERIES

Richmond Hwy., 8400 block, 10:53 p.m. Feb. 6. Robbery reported.

Robert E Lee Pl., 3500 block, Feb. 6. Robbery reported.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Belford Dr., 7800 block, Feb. 10. A license plate was stolen from a vehicle.

Corcoran St., 4200 block, Feb. 10. A credit card was stolen from a location.

Huntington Ave., 2300 block, Feb. 10. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Indian Ct., 5700 block, Feb. 7. Property was stolen from a vehicle.

Kingsbridge Dr., 9700 block, 1:13 p.m. Feb. 6. The homeowner arrived home and discovered electronics were taken.

Lockheed Blvd., 3100 block, Feb. 6. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

North Kings Hwy., 6100 block, Feb. 10. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Richmond Hwy., 6800 block, Feb. 10. Tires were stolen from a vehicle.

Richmond Hwy., 7600 block, Feb. 6. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Richmond Hwy., 7700 block, Feb. 10. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Russell Rd., 8200 block, 8:42 a.m. Feb. 8. A 42-year-old Alexandria woman was arrested for burglary and petit larceny.

South Kings Hwy., 6600 block, Feb. 11. A cellphone was stolen from a school.

South Kings Hwy., 6900 block, Feb. 10. Cigarettes were stolen from a business.

Vernon Square Dr., 7400 block, Feb. 12. Property was stolen from a residence.

Village Green Ct., 8700 block, Feb. 10. A cellphone was stolen from a location.

VEHICLE THEFT

Joseph Makell Ct., 2800 block, Feb. 10. A 2018 Honda Accord.

Reston District

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Centreville Rd., 2100 block, Feb. 10. An electronic device was stolen from a business.

Dunn Meadow Rd., 10400 block, Feb. 10. A purse was stolen from a vehicle.

Hunters Woods Plaza, 2300 block, Feb. 6. Beer was stolen from a business.

Hunters Woods Plaza, 2300 block, Feb. 7. Beer was stolen from a business.

Hunters Woods Plaza, 2300 block, Feb. 10. A bag was stolen from a location.

Maleady Dr., 2000 block, Feb. 10. A cellphone was stolen from a residence.

Plaza America Dr., 11600 block, Feb. 6. Keys were stolen from a location.

Rolling Fork Cir., 2300 block, 3:09 p.m. Feb. 9. Victim returned home to find her door damaged and items out of place in her apartment. It appears jewelry and clothing were taken.

Springfield Towne Ctr., 6500 block, Feb. 12. A cellphone was stolen from a location.

Springvale Rd., 1100 block, Feb. 7. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Sunset Hills Rd., 12100 block, Feb. 7. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Sunset Hills Rd., 12100 block, Feb. 11. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Town Center Pkwy., 1800 block, Feb. 10. A passport was stolen from a location.

Sully District

ROBBERY

Janlar and Upperridge drives, 7:49 p.m. Feb. 7. Robbery reported.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Bare Island Dr., 13500 block, Feb. 12. A package was stolen from a residence.

Braddock Rd., 13800 block, Feb. 11. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Chantilly Crossing Lane, 14300 block, Feb. 10. A cellphone was stolen from a business.

Green Park Way, 14700 block, Feb. 7. Property was stolen from a vehicle.

Grobie Pond Lane, 14700 block, Feb. 6. A purse was stolen from a location.

Lee Hwy., 13600 block, Feb. 10. A tire was stolen from a vehicle.

Lee Hwy., 14700 block, Feb. 11. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Pickwick Rd., 5600 block, Feb. 11. A medication was stolen from a business.

Trinity Pkwy., 5900 block, Feb. 10. Cash was stolen from a location.

Willard Rd., 13900 block, Feb. 10. A gun was stolen from a vehicle.

Wycombe St., 14700 block, Feb. 7. Property was stolen from a vehicle.

Yates Ford Rd., 13200 block, Feb. 7. A wallet was stolen from a location.

West Springfield District

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Birch Leaf Ct., 6400 block, 3 p.m. Feb. 6. The homeowner arrived home to find their house had been broken into through an unlocked door. Several items were taken, including electronics and personal items.

Bridgetown Ct., 5900 block, Feb. 11. A license plate was stolen from a vehicle.

Corporate Ct., 8000 block, Feb. 10. Cash was stolen from a business.

New Guinea Rd., 10300 block, Feb. 11. Merchandise was stolen from a business.

Newington Woods Dr., 7800 block, Feb. 12. A license plate was stolen from a vehicle.

Reservation Dr., 7500 block, Feb. 10. A wallet was stolen from a location.

Fairfax City

These were among incidents reported by the Fairfax City Police Department. For information, call 703-273-2889.

THEFTS/BREAK-IN

Main St., 10200 block, 1:50 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31. A wallet was stolen from a backpack in a gym office.

VANDALISM

Snug Haven Lane, 11100 block, 1:52 p.m. Feb. 9. Graffiti was found on two trash bins.

Falls Church

These were among incidents reported by the Falls Church Police Department. For information, call 703-248-5056.

ASSAULTS

Broad St. W., 1200 block, 9:28 p.m. Feb. 8. An assault was reported.

Roosevelt Blvd., 500 block, 11:23 p.m. Feb. 4. An assault was reported. A 36-year-old female was arrested and charged.

Wilson Blvd., 6700 block, 1:17 p.m. Feb. 5. An assault was reported.

ROBBERIES

Wilson Blvd., 6600 block, 7:10 p.m. Feb. 9. A man implied he was armed with a gun and robbed a gas station of cash.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Broad St. W., 100 block, 12:31 p.m. Feb. 6. A man took merchandise and left a store without paying.

Wilson Blvd., 6700 block, 2:23 p.m. Feb. 8. Trespassing was reported. A 60-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested and charged.

VANDALISM

Annandale Rd. W., 100 block, 4 p.m. Feb. 1 to 9 a.m. Feb. 4. A signage of an apartment building was removed and the walls and ceiling of a laundry room were damaged.

Herndon

These were among incidents reported by the Herndon Police Department. For information, call 703-435-6846.

ASSAULTS

Campbell Way, 700 block, 10:24 p.m. Feb. 7. Harassing or obscene phone calls.

Center and None At Locust streets, 3:36 a.m. Feb. 5. Assault reported.

Queens Ct., 1000 block, 9:23 p.m. Feb. 5. Assault reported.

Reneau Way, 300 block, 11:44 p.m. Feb. 10. Assault reported.

ROBBERY

Crestview Dr., 1100 block, 1:03 a.m. Feb. 10. Commercial.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Benicia Lane, 1300 block, 3:29 p.m. Feb. 8. Tampering with a vehicle.

Elden St., 1000 block, 7:58 p.m. Feb. 4. Shoplifting.

Ferndale Ave., 900 block, 1:42 p.m. Feb. 9. From vehicle.

Locust St., 800 block, 11:32 p.m. Feb. 8. Residential.

Patrick Lane and Palmer Dr., 6:01 p.m. Feb. 8. From vehicle.

Post Dr., 600 block, 5:03 p.m. Feb. 9. Shoplifting.

Springtide Pl., 1200 block, 4:33 p.m. Feb. 6. Counterfeiting or forgery.

Tamarack Way, 700 block, 10:07 p.m. Feb. 6.

FRAUD

Worldgate Dr., 13000 block, 10:14 a.m. Feb. 5. Credit card/ATM fraud.

VANDALISM

Alabama Dr., 1000 block, 4:20 p.m. Feb. 4. Destruction of property.

Elden St., 100 block, 11:51 p.m. Feb. 7. Destruction of property.

Vienna

These were among incidents reported by the Vienna Police Department. For information, call 703-255-6396.

ASSAULTS

Church St. NW, 100 block, 3:30 a.m. Feb. 11. Two people fought. A 43-year-old Rockville man was arrested and charged.

Glyndon St. SE, 7:59 p.m. Feb. 10. Two people fought.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Lawyers Rd. and Windover Ave. NW, 8-9 a.m. Feb. 9. A drivers license reported stolen on Feb. 8 was recovered at this location.

Maple Ave. E., 200 block, 9:21 p.m. Feb. 8. A wallet was stolen.

Marshall Rd. SW, 700 block, 10 to 11:05 a.m. Feb. 9. A purse was stolen from a vehicle entered by force.

VANDALISM

Maple Ave. E., 300 block, 2 p.m. Feb. 11. A shopping cart struck and damaged a vehicle.Todays Headlines

The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning.

By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy PolicyI see this speaking engagement as an opportunity to make further amends, and I trust he will do that, said Terry Lynch, executive director of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations. As a city and country we need to be building up together and not using language or actions to tear apart.Alexandria

These were among incidents reported by the Alexandria Police Department. For information, call 703-746-4444 or visit apps.alexandriava.gov/crimereport.

ASSAULTS

Armistead St., 400 block, 11:23 a.m. Feb. 10. An assault was reported. An arrest was made.

Braddock Rd. W., 4800 block, 12:08 p.m. Feb. 10. An assault was reported.

Central Ave., 2400 block, 3:45 p.m. Feb. 12. An assault was reported.

Duke St., 3000 block, 4:26 p.m. Feb. 12. An assault was reported.

Duke St., 3100 block, 12:33 a.m. Feb. 12. An assault was reported.

Duke St., unit block, 6:03 p.m. Feb. 9. An assault was reported.

Howard St. N., 500 block, 2:19 a.m. Feb. 10. An assault was reported.

Kenmore Ave., 4600 block, 8:52 p.m. Feb. 9. An assault was reported.

King St., 4600 block, 6:14 p.m. Feb. 10. An assault was reported.

Knole Ct., 5300 block, 5:43 p.m. Feb. 12. An assault was reported.

Luna Park Dr., 200 block, 1:55 p.m. Feb. 8. An assault was reported.

Mansfield St. N., 500 block, 1:50 a.m. Feb. 8. An assault was reported. An arrest was made.

Reading Ave., 5700 block, 8:45 a.m. Feb. 6. An assault was reported. An arrest was made.

Reynolds St. S., 300 block, 11:20 a.m. Feb. 10. An assault was reported.

Seminary Rd., 5000 block, 10:20 p.m. Feb. 8. An assault was reported. An arrest was made.

Tennessee Ave., 800 block, 4:56 a.m. Feb. 9. An assault was reported. An arrest was made.

Van Dorn St. N., 2500 block, 11:45 p.m. Feb. 5. An assault was reported. An arrest was made.

Van Dorn St. S., 100 block, 8:24 p.m. Feb. 9. An assault was reported.

Van Dorn St. S., 300 block, 5:56 p.m. Feb. 12. An assault was reported.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Bragg St. S., 100 block, 2:48 a.m. Feb. 6. A theft was reported.

Bragg St. S., unit block, 1:33 a.m. Feb. 5. Trespassing was reported. An arrest was made.

Cameron St., 300 block, 3:57 p.m. Feb. 8. A theft was reported.

Duke St., 3300 block, 10 a.m. Feb. 6. A theft was reported.

Duke St., 5700 block, 5:32 p.m. Feb. 6. A theft was reported.

Eisenhower Ave., 2000 block, 2:47 p.m. Feb. 8. A theft was reported.

Elbert Ave., 3800 block, 2:48 p.m. Feb. 9. A theft was reported.

Fayette St. N., 500 block, 6:05 p.m. Feb. 11. A theft was reported.

Fayette St. N., 600 block, 11:30 a.m. Feb. 12. A theft was reported.

Fayette St. S., 100 block, 4:28 p.m. Feb. 9. A theft was reported.

Four Mile Rd., 600 block, 10:22 a.m. Feb. 10. A theft was reported.

Glebe Rd. E., 600 block, 12:21 p.m. Feb. 8. A theft was reported. An arrest was made.

Glebe Rd. W., 200 block, 6:22 p.m. Feb. 9. A theft was reported and property was damaged.

Hooffs Run Dr., 300 block, 7:32 p.m. Feb. 7. A theft was reported.

Imboden St. N., 500 block, 7:29 a.m. Feb. 7. A theft was reported.

Jordan St. N., 200 block, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7. A theft was reported.

King St., 1300 block, 1:56 a.m. Feb. 8. A theft was reported.

King St., 3600 block, 4:14 p.m. Feb. 8. A theft was reported.

King St., 4300 block, 12:58 a.m. Feb. 12. A theft was reported.

King St., 4300 block, 2 a.m. Feb. 12. A theft was reported.

Knox Pl., 1400 block, 7:49 p.m. Feb. 5. A theft was reported.

Mill St., 2300 block, 9:30 a.m. Feb. 6. A theft was reported.

Mount Vernon Ave., 3100 block, 2:38 p.m. Feb. 5. A theft was reported.

Mount Vernon Ave., 3100 block, 2:56 p.m. Feb. 8. A theft was reported.

Mount Vernon Ave., 3800 block, 8:07 p.m. Feb. 9. A theft was reported.

Overlook Dr. N., 500 block, 12:02 p.m. Feb. 12. Property was stolen.

Park Center Dr., 2800 block, 9:41 a.m. Feb. 8. A theft was reported.

Peyton St. S., 200 block, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 5. A theft was reported.

Pickett St. S., 400 block, 1:50 p.m. Feb. 11 A theft was reported. An arrest was made.

Pickett St. S., 400 block, 4:40 p.m. Feb. 9. A theft was reported.

Princess St., 900 block, 4:28 p.m. Feb. 11. A theft was reported.

Richmond Hwy., 2500 block, 4:44 p.m. Feb. 6. A theft was reported.

Richmond Hwy., 3100 block, 8:07 p.m. Feb. 6. A theft was reported. An arrest was made.

Ripley St. N., 300 block, 9:38 p.m. Feb. 6. A theft was reported.

Rosecrest Ave., unit block, 3:46 p.m. Feb. 5. A theft was reported.

Seminary Rd., 4600 block, 6:37 a.m. Feb. 7. A theft was reported.

Slaters Lane, 900 block, 11:24 a.m. Feb. 12. A theft was reported.

Taney Ave., 5300 block, 7:50 p.m. Feb. 9. A theft was reported. An arrest was made.

Valley Dr., 2800 block, 11:12 a.m. Feb. 5. A theft was reported.

Valley Dr., 3400 block, 12:40 p.m. Feb. 6. A theft was reported.

Van Dorn St. N., 2200 block, 2:06 p.m. Feb. 7. A theft was reported.

Van Dorn St. S., 100 block, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 8. Trespassing was reported. An arrest was made.

Van Dorn St. S., 100 block, 7:37 p.m. Feb. 7. A theft was reported.

Van Dorn St. S., 200 block, 12:48 p.m. Feb. 7. A theft was reported and property was damaged.

Van Dorn St. S., 200 block, 7 p.m. Feb. 6. Trespassing was reported. An arrest was made.

Wilmer Lane, 1200 block, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9. A theft was reported.

Wythe St., 300 block, 12:41 a.m. Feb. 9. Trespassing was reported.

Yoakum Pkwy., 200 block, 8:41 p.m. Feb. 7. A theft was reported.

First St., 1200 block, 3:10 p.m. Feb. 10. A theft was reported.

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS

Earl St., 400 block, 9:53 a.m. Feb. 12. A vehicle was stolen.

Peele Pl., 900 block, 6:56 a.m. Feb. 5. A vehicle was stolen and property was damage.

Sanger Ave., 5600 block, 4:09 a.m. Feb. 12. A vehicle was stolen.

VANDALISM

Duke St., 5400 block, 6:46 p.m. Feb. 7. Property was damaged.

Fayette St. N., 500 block, 6:05 p.m. Feb. 11. Property was damaged.

Knox Pl., 1400 block, 7:46 p.m. Feb. 5. Property was damaged.

Norfolk Lane, 700 block, 10:16 a.m. Feb. 7. Property was damaged.

Old Dominion Blvd., 3900 block, 11:55 a.m. Feb. 10. Property was damaged.

Quantrell Ave., 5900 block, 1:52 a.m. Feb. 12. Property was damaged.

Stevenson Ave., 5900 block, 1 a.m. Feb. 11. Property was damaged.

Winston Ct., 5700 block, 3 p.m. Feb. 12. Property was damaged.

Arlington

These were among incidents reported by the Arlington County Police Department. For information, call 703-558-2222 or visit newsroom.arlingtonva.us.

ASSAULTS

Columbia Pike, 5500 block. An assault was reported.

Fern St. S., 1500 block. An assault was reported.

George Mason Dr. N., 1600 block. An assault was reported.

Greenbrier St. S., 800 block. Harassment was reported.

Hayes St. S., 1200 block. An assault was reported.

Jackson St. N., 1800 block. An assault was reported.

Walter Reed Dr. S., 800 block. An assault was reported.

Wilson Blvd., 4200 block, 10:10 p.m. Feb. 10. An assault was reported.

Wilson Blvd., 4200 block, 12:50 a.m. Feb. 10. An assault was reported.

Third Rd. N., 4100 block. An assault was reported.

MISSILE INTO AN OCCUPIED DWELLING

Wilson Blvd., 2500 block, 8:04 p.m. Feb. 10. A man threw a rock at a window of a business after an altercation with a bouncer.

ROBBERIES

23rd St. S., 400 block, 8:51 p.m. Feb. 10. A man demanded cash from an employee at knifepoint, but when a customer entered the business the man fled from the scene empty-handed.

Columbia Pike, 3500 block, 2:15 p.m. Feb. 11. A man attempted to rob a bank of cash at gunpoint. He fled from the scene empty-handed.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Clarendon Blvd., 2800 block. A theft was reported.

Courthouse Rd. N., 1400 block, 4:35 p.m. Feb. 10. Property was stolen from a residence.

Dinwiddie St. S., 1300 block. A theft was reported.

Eads St. S., 1900 block. Property was stolen from a vehicle.

Fern St. S., 1200 block. A theft was reported.

Glebe Rd. N., 600 block. 5:59 p.m. Feb. 11. A theft was reported.

Glebe Rd. S., 2900 block. A theft was reported.

Hayes St. S., 1000 block. Property was stolen.

Hayes St. S., 1000 block. Shoplifting was reported.

Hayes St. S., 1100 block. A theft was reported.

Hayes St. S., 1100 block. Property was stolen.

Hayes St. S., 1200 block. A theft was reported.

Highland St. N., 1000 block. A theft was reported.

Jefferson Davis Hwy., 1900 block. Trespassing was reported.

Nelson St. S., 2700 block. Property was stolen from a vehicle.

Quincy St. N., 800 block, 2:44 p.m. Feb. 11. Shoplifting was reported.

Quincy St. N., 800 block, 6:52 p.m. Feb. 7. Shoplifting was reported.

Stafford St. N., 1300 block. A theft was reported.

Sycamore St. N., 2000 block. Identity theft was reported.

Wilson Blvd., 1500 block, 11 a.m. Feb. 10. Property was stolen from a vehicle.

Wilson Blvd., 1500 block, 3:40 p.m. Feb. 8. Shoplifting was reported.

Wilson Blvd., 1500 block, 3:42 p.m. Feb. 7. Shoplifting was reported.

Wilson Blvd., 3900 block, 5 p.m. Feb. 10. Property was stolen from a building.

Second St. and S. Old Glebe Rd. A theft was reported.

Seventh St. N., 3800 block. A theft was reported.

15th St. N., 2100 block. Trespassing was reported.

16th St. S., 2900 block. A theft was reported.

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS

Wakefield St. and S. Four Mile Run Dr., Feb. 6. A 2003 Ford F250 was stolen.

Wakefield St. S., 900 block, Feb. 8. A silver 2010 Toyota Corolla was stolen.

Washington Blvd., 3800 block, 1:40 a.m. Feb. 11. A vehicle was stolen.

Wilson Blvd., 1500 block, 11 a.m. Feb. 10. A vehicle was stolen.

11th St. N., 2300 block, 6 p.m. Feb. 8. A vehicle was stolen from a garage.

11th St. N., 2300 block, Feb. 9. A blue 2017 Toyota Corolla was stolen.

VANDALISM

Columbia Pike, 3200 block. Property was damaged.

Columbus St. S., 900 block. A vehicle was damaged.

Frederick St. S., 1000 block. A vehicle was damaged.

Wilson Blvd., 5100 block. A vehicle was damaged.

Fourth St. N., 4400 block, 9:15 a.m. Feb. 10. Property was damaged.

25th and S. Monroe streets. A vehicle was damaged.This weeks best travel bargains around the globe.

Land

Universal Orlando Resort has extended its Buy 2-Days, Get 2-Days Free offer through June 30. Purchase a two-day, two-park ticket from $275 per adult, with tax, and receive t wo free days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Purchase by March 14. You must use your ticket by June 27; valid for seven days from the first day. Info: 407-363-8000, universalorlando.com.

Book a 2020 AdventureWomen trips by Feb. 28 and save $250. For example, the two-week Morocco: Culture, Cuisine & Colors costs $6,040 per person double, down from $6,290. Price includes all accommodations (including a luxury tented camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes), meals, ground transportation, guided tours, gratuities (including camel handlers) and taxes. The trip by the adventure travel company, which is owned and run by women, starts in Casablanca and ends in Marrakesh. Depart March 15 or Sept. 20. Info: 800-804-8686, adventurewomen.com.

At Sun Valley Resort in Idaho, pay for three nights in March and receive a free fourth night at the Sun Valley Lodge and Sun Valley Inn. For example, a four-night weekend stay at the Sun Valley Inn in late March starts at $1,065 per couple, including taxes, a savings of $284. In addition, receive 25 percent off subsequent nights plus a discounted three-day adult lift ticket for $259 per person, a savings of $86. Book by calling 800-786-8259. Info: sunvalley.com/deals.

Sea

With Adventure Life, receive free round-trip air between Miami and the Galapagos on a 10-day cruise in the islands. The Classic Galapagos cruise starts at $7,190 per person double and includes onboard accommodations and meals, snorkeling, sea kayaking, shore excursions, naturalist guide and transfers in the Galapagos. The rate does not include the $100 park fee, $80 transit card or $45 international departure tax. The free air is worth $1,300. Available for select departures in February, March, May, August, October, November and December. Book by March 31. Info: 406-541-2677, adventure-life.com.

Star Clippers is offering a $299 round-trip airfare on two departures of a Panama Canal voyage aboard the Star Flyer and $499 airfare on a third Panama Canal cruise aboard the Royal Clipper. Itineraries and savings vary. For example, airfare for the Nov. 23 departure of the Star Flyer typically costs about $737, a savings of $438. The 14-night cruise departing from Barbados starts at $3,190 per person double and visits the Grenadines, Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba and Colombia before traversing the canal and ending in Balboa, Panama. Add $515 port charges and $140 mandatory gratuities. Info: 800-442-0551, starclippers.com.

Air

Aer Lingus has sale fares from Washington Dulles to Dublin starting at $562 round trip. Fare on other airlines starts at $965. Blackout dates apply for flights departing Washington on April 10-20 and returning April 9-23 and May 25-29. Saturday-night minimum stay required. Lowest fares do not include checked bag or advance seat selection. Purchase by March 4 at aerlingus.com and travel April 1-June 15.

Package

Troy Tours is offering a six-night tour to Israel starting at $1,299 per person double. The Classic Israel trip includes round-trip airfare on Turkish Airlines from Washington Dulles to Tel Aviv; one night at the Residence Netanya, two nights at Nof Ginossar Kibbutz Hotel in Acre, three nights at the Gold Hotel in Jerusalem, breakfasts and dinners, land transportation, several guided tours, airport transfers and taxes. Priced separately, trip starts at about $2,200. Info: 310-417-3460, troytours.com.

Carol Sottili, Andrea Sachs

Prices were verified at press time Thursday, but deals sell out and availability is not guaranteed. Some restrictions may apply.If you have been alive and in possession of eyeballs at any point in the past 75 years, chances are, you have seen the photograph of George Mendonsa kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman on V-J Day in 1945. He: a sailor, ecstatic to not have to return to the Pacific. She: a dental assistant, celebrating the wars end on her lunch break in Times Square. The photograph was published in Life magazine and showed Mendonsa bending Friedman backward as her white uniform rode up her thighs.It is not unusual for people who have worked for political campaigns and politicians to become commentators and hosts  MSNBCs Chris Matthews, Joe Scarborough, Nicolle Wallace and Lawrence ODonnell, Fox News Dana Perino, ABCs George Stephanopoulos and Diane Sawyer, and the late NBC moderator Tim Russert all did so. But it is rare for them to help direct news coverage behind the scenes, as Isgur will.At 7 p.m. on a Tuesday night last May, Fancy Radish, a vegetarian restaurant in Washington's H Street corridor, was hopping. A willowy 20-something dressed in a flowing jumpsuit stood by the door chatting with two asparagus-thin friends in off-the-shoulder tops. So it was easy to spot Kevin Kester, then the president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, in his light brown cowboy hat and a gold, steer-shaped pin emblazoned with the stars and stripes on the lapel of his blazer. (The hat, I later learned, is 100 percent beaver and was custom-made in honor of his tenure by Greeley Hat Works in Colorado; it would retail for about $1,000.) For the beef industry's top lobbyist, trips to Washington often involved dinners at restaurants like the Capital Grille, Mastro's, Ruth's Chris or Fogo de Chao, where he usually ordered a porterhouse because, he said, "it has both the New York strip and the filet. And it's a very large steak."Even as we celebrate all that the Bauhaus contributed, these words should sound an alarm for anyone conscious of the course of the 20th century and, for that matter, anyone worried about the conveniences today made possible by algorithms and artificial intelligence. (As Lionel Trilling once warned: Some paradox of our natures leads us, when once we have made our fellow men the objects of our enlightened interest, to go on to make them the objects of our pity, then of our wisdom, ultimately of our coercion.)What we know: George Papadopoulos said he was told in April 2016 that the Russians had dirt on Hillary Clinton. London-based professor Joseph Mifsud told Papadopoulos, a Trump campaign adviser, that the Russians had dirt on Clinton in the form of thousands of emails. Papadopoulos has denied that he pursued the emails. Mifsud has said he had had no knowledge of Clinton emails held by Russia. What we dont know: Did Papadopoulos tell others in the campaign about the possibility that Russia had dirt on Clinton? In interviews, Papadopoulos has said he didnt remember telling other Trump campaign aides that Russia had dirt on Clinton but could not guarantee that he did not do so.2019 edition of Rome's Citta della Pizza moves to Ragusa Off.

Rome hosts the third edition of Citta della Pizza, the three-day festival dedicated to pizza, from 12-14 April.

This year the festival leaves behind its former base at the Guido Reni District in the Flaminio area and moves into the 11,000-sqm Ragusa Off venue, a former bus depot in Tuscolana.

The weekend pizza fest will include the participation of 60 master pizza-makers or pizzaioli - an increase on last year's 40 - with more than 120 pizza varieties available.

Visitors can choose from traditional to avant-garde pizza styles, as well as a range of craft beers, biological wine, and fried foods.

There are also pizza workshops, food shows and competitions. Entry is free, with tokens on sale for the purchase of food and beverages.

Open Friday 18.00 until midnight, Saturday 11.00 until midnight, and Sunday 11.00 until 23.00. For full details see website.Decatur, IL (62521)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%.One final wrap up forum will be held at the high school. Joel said that meeting date has not been scheduled yet, but it would probably happen before the end of the school year.

The superintendent reported the first meeting in Valparaiso was well attended by community, board members, staff and administration. It lasted about an hour, which will be the approximate duration for all meetings.

Were trying to keep it to an hour, but if there is discussion going on we wont cut anybody off, he added.

That is because the purpose of the meetings is to have a meaningful discussion that can help guide the districts strategic plan.

To spur that discussion, there are three questions that are being asked at each of the forums.

What is different for you now compared to 10 to 20 years ago?

In regards to what you see different, what do you believe are two action solutions and what is the school and personnel role in the solution?

What skills do you want students to graduate Raymond Central with as a

foundation to their future?

While these are the basic topics, the forums are not limited only to them.We need to take a step forward, he said. We need to do that today.

The trucking companies have cooperated with law enforcement to coordinate efforts to pick up trash in ditches and along roads, Stukenholz said, but it is in the fields where the issue can become costly for farmers. Farmers have told the sheriff that they have to spend extra time and money to clean out their fields before planting season starts because the errant trash can damage expensive equipment.

Our office probably gets calls weekly from someone complaining about that, he added.

Tickets do not seem to be a deterrent for the trucking companies.

I had one driver tell me the $100 fine is the cost of doing business, the sheriff said.

Stukenholtz has instructed his deputies to pull over the offending trucks and hold the vehicles until the materials are properly contained in the trailer. This puts the truck temporarily out of service, costing the trucking company money that will hopefully cause them to take action on the matter, he said.Board Member Lora Iversen said she wasnt sure what the answer was, but the board needed to get a better understanding of what the community wanted.

Hrdlicka said he has talked to some people since last months meeting and he is hearing from them a new architect should be hired to draw up a new plan and present it to the community for support.

But, Brigham said that was the basic approach taken the past two years.

We tried that coming from an architectural perspective and it failed, he said.

He said there are so many different viewpoints and it will take some skill to build some kind of consensus about how the district should handle growth and other needs.

This just isnt what will pass but what is this process about, he said.

Board Member Al Grandgenett made the motion to hire the Heartland Center for services not to exceed $25,000. Iversen seconded the motion.

The no votes to that motion came from Hancock and Hrdlicka.

In other business Monday evening, the board approved several resignations and a hire.ASHLAND  Theres a new medical clinic in town. The furnishings, equipment and decorations are new, as well as the method of health care.

Dr. Amber Beckenhauer opened The Healthy Human at 1518 Silver Street in downtown Ashland on Feb. 12. It is a Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic, a health care model that many may not be familiar with.

Beckenhauer, a native of Ashland, also has a clinic of the same name in Blair. Aside from her two clinics, there are only two other private DPC clinics in the state. They are operated by doctors in Lincoln and Kearney who worked with during her residency.

Beckenhauers Blair clinic is the first DPC facility in Washington County and the new Ashland office is the only one so far in Saunders County.

The DPC concept started about 15 years ago and was originally called concierge medicine because fees were very high, putting it out of reach for most people, Beckenhauer said.

Health professionals like Beckenhauer felt the new concept should benefit everyone, not just the rich. As a result, a model was created with affordable rates that work for patients who do not have insurance or those who have insurance with a high deductible.Casteel, who has been going from city to city, trying to find some willing municipality to let him build his masterpiece for almost two decades, has a good sales pitch.

He has the storytelling charm of a Samuel Clemens impersonator. Silver-haired, charming and feisty, he begins his tale with the unlikely love for the Italian masters he found amid his humble beginnings in West Virginia.

After being turned down by places that said his proposed memorial was either too big or had reasons they didnt want to talk about with Wantz when he called them, Casteel is now asking Taneytown to consider him.

Taneytown is 15 miles from Gettysburg, where Casteel now works and lives. It has a tangential connection to the war, serving as Union Gen. George Meades headquarters before the Battle of Gettysburg.

But the more delightful story of Taneytown is about President George Washingtons overnight stay there on the way to Philadelphia in 1791. He read the oddly spaced sign above the Adam Good Tavern as A Dam Good Tavern and declared it a damn fine place to stay.

Casteel believes this town will be a damn fine place for his memorial.Jones said after the meeting that he opposed the resolution this time because there had been no planning or discussion on the topic between the last proposal and Tuesdays meeting.

Weve had no discussion about the unit road and bridge system in two years, he said.

First discussion with new court

Tuesday was the first time the court had considered the issue since Commissioner Patricia Chisolm-Miller was elected in November. She said her vote against the resolution Tuesday reflects a lack of information about the switch to a unit road system, not necessarily opposition to a switch.

She would want to see data on how a unit road system would affect county finances and personnel before asking the Legislature to take action, Chisolm-Miller said.

For me, with 190 counties out of 254 that operate like McLennan County, with a commissioner precinct system, to vote on a resolution that offers a pathway to change, I would just need to see the data before I would vote to make that change, she said.

She said county officials will be able to do their homework before the 2021 legislative session and ask state lawmakers to clear the path to making the switch then if commissioners see fit.Thats a repertoire of knowledge that you can get, if you open yourself up to the idea that these are resources that can help me communicate better with more people, which is what I think the purpose of education should be, Franquiz said. It is about learning different disciplinary knowledge, but its also about learning how to communicate that knowledge to different kinds of audiences.

Dual language programs differ from ESL in that half the class in a dual language program speaks one language as their dominant language and the other half is dominant in the other language. Students do not just learn from the teacher, who helps them understand both languages, but from their peers, as well, Franquiz said.

Its a beautiful model, she said. Its been around for at least three decades in different states and shows a highly successful rate if a child stays in dual language until fifth grade. They will be able to test as well in their second language as their English-only peers.

Franquiz said the dual language model also promotes better multicultural understanding and does not segregate students dominant in any particular language. Students interact with a broader group, rather than only those who speak their native language.Its an opportunity to show Waco off to people from the outside, whether its a convention, sporting event or ribbon cutting, Pendergraft said. It could be this event makes an impression on the person attending from the University of Texas, for example. Maybe the next thing we know those involved in registration for the entire University of Texas System decide to have a convention here. Then there are the benefits among the high-tech community, who may realize we have a significant tech presence, good Wi-Fi service and an arts community. You never know what will take root.

If you dont come here, if you dont visit Waco, you may not know we exist. Magnolia Market and Fixer Upper put Waco in the public consciousness on the tourism side, but this is the corporate side. This seems to be an attractive business, a clean industry, with its involvement in the keyless-access sector. Maybe it will have an impact on other such tech-related companies looking for a place to locate or expand. And maybe tech students at Baylor, MCC or TSTC will get the chance to stay in Waco.

Popular part of downtownBaylor University Libraries will present a program, On Changing Tides: Doris Miller, Pearl Harbor and the Civil Rights Movement, at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Room 250 of the Paul L. Foster business school on campus, 1621 S. Third St.

The event will feature history professor T. Michael Parrish. It is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.

A native of Waco, Miller served as a messman in the United States Navy and earned the Navy Cross for bravery in his actions during the Dec. 7, 1941, battle. Miller would go on to become the face of a recruiting drive and the nascent Civil Rights Movement. He died when his new ship, the Liscome Bay, was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1943.

For more information, call 710-6675.

GMO discussion

State cropping systems specialist Ronnie Schnell will discuss the facts about genetically modified organisms, known commonly as GMOs, during a Lunch with the Masters event from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd. in Woodway.

Guests are asked to bring their own lunch.

Caregiver groupThe WAAY 31 I-Team's taking a closer look at whats happening in Alabama to protect patients from predatory doctors. The trending topic of a Decatur doctor convicted of harassment has some patients thinking twice about their own doctors.

Next month, the states medical licensure commission will decide whether to strip Dr. Michael Dick of his medical license.

Right now, that license is suspended.

Already convicted of assault, the Decatur rheumatologist is appealing his criminal case. Plus, dozens of women are part of a growing civil lawsuit. We took action to find out what you can do to check out your own doctors background.

From the exam room to the courtroom and potentially to a prison cell. Decaturs Dr. Michael Dick is the target of complaints from dozens of accusers. The women claim, inside Dr. Dicks exam rooms, he kissed them, slid his hand down their pants, even demonstrated his arousal by rubbing himself against their legs.

Dr. Dicks patients are not alone. Face to face with their doctor a patient can feel vulnerable, perhaps even easy prey.

It makes me sad that theyre so scared, one woman told us. Theyre afraid to go to the doctor or go to the gynecologist. Were protecting the womans identity. Shes comforted friends who worried their doctors crossed the line.

Mentally, they werent feeling comfortable for themselves, she explained. They thought maybe they had done something wrong. But, basically, I just let them know that 'its not you. You did nothing wrong.

"We call it boundaries between the patient and the physician, Wilson Hunter, general counsel for the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, told WAAY 31.

Protecting that patient-doctor boundary is the responsibility of the board of medical examiners. "The board is established to protect patients' safety first and foremost, Hunter said. Thats what their mission is. That has always been and that's what we're here to do."

Hunter says doctors and patients have a power inequity. Some doctors exploit that imbalance and abuse their patients trust.

Prosecuting these cases is a priority for us, Hunter said. We prosecute them with all our efforts and with all our resources.

Hunter told WAAY 31 the vast majority of doctors in Alabama follow the rules. But, not all. He told us a handful of doctors can be careless, reckless, sometimes ignorant. Some even go so far as to intentionally disregard those rules.

"Dr. Dick is, I would say, a rarity based upon the numbers that we have, Hunter told us. But, I think if you look out nationally and look at the studies, people like him do exist.

How do you know if your doctor has skeletons in their closet? Here in Alabama, there are about 18-thousand people with medical licenses. The board of medical examiners tracks them all. Proactive patients are able to access some skeletal information about doctors backgrounds.

"The board, we have a website in which we post the licensee's disciplinary information, their training, their education and whether or not they've ever been disciplined by the board, Hunter explained.

At albme.org, you can find those basics.

WAAY 31 learned Alabamas Board of Medical Examiners is working right now to bring its transparency into sharper focus. "I think we can always be more transparent, Hunter said. We're more transparent than some. And there are places that we have identified where there are opportunities for improvement. And we're looking at those this year to implement them.

The board told us its website will get a facelift. The more modern site will have an expanded searchable data base. That data base would give patients more information about their doctors backgrounds including releasing more about restrictions and punishments the board imposes on doctors.

With all those things in mind, the board is committed to transparency, he said.

Meanwhile, Hunter, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, heads a team of ten investigators recruited from law enforcement. They investigate about 175 complaints about licensees each year. Thats just shy of one percent of medical license holders.

Ultimately the board disciplines about a hundred a year. About half-a-dozen are sexual boundary cases like Dr. Michael Dicks.

His case was exposed because patients came forward. Hunter told us, We're really dependent on patients to file complaints with the board so we can take action.

Action this woman hopes protects patients from predators with medical licenses. Just seeing someone violated like that for a woman is very hard for me to see or even comprehend.

One of the attorneys involved in the civil action suit against dr. Michael dick tells us all of the patients suing are women.

But, theyve had discussions with some of the doctors patients who are men.More inches of rain are expected to fall in North Alabama where we've already seen record breaking amounts of rainfall in the winter of 2018. This trend is continuing into 2019.

The Tennessee Valley Authority told WAAY 31 this rain is affecting all 49 of their dams in an effort to stop the Tennessee Valley from flooding.

Currently, Wilson Dam is spilling 1.6 million gallons per second and Wheeler Dam is spilling 1.5 million gallons per second.

"I was passing through yesterday from Wheeler Dam, and all gates are open. I was passing through Wilson Dam. All gates were open," said Vinnie Patel.

TVA officials said they are spilling millions of gallons of water per second through North Alabama dams in an effort to curb any flooding.

"For a flood event or rain event of this magnitude, we're going to be doing things across the entire system," said TVA River Forecaster, James Everett.

Everett said they are storing water in 10 of their tributary areas to help keep North Alabama from flooding.

"We're storing as much water as we can and reducing levels to hold them as low as we can during this coming week," said Everett.

The fast currents from the North Alabama dams spilling so much water has created a dangerous environment for boaters.

"There could be a tree floating, just maybe a foot under the surface of the water that could turn a boat over or knock the prop off the boat," said Colbert County Emergency Management Director, Mike Melton. "There are several different things you could look at just trying to respond.

Melton said he and others are urging people to stay off the river because if rescue teams have to go out, that's putting them in danger too.

"With the currents as flowing as big as they are, how are we going to be able to catch up to you safely and get you out?" said Melton.

TVA expects Wilson Dam to be spilling large amounts of water for at least the next week and a half.The Colbert County Emergency Management Agency is responding to an overturned 18-wheeler at the intersection of Alabama 157 and Alabama 20.

Alabama State Trooper say it happened about 5:20 a.m.



The truck was carrying raw chicken which is why it is taking so long to clean up.



A passenger was taken to Helen Keller Hospital with possible broken ribs.



Troopers don't think the incident is weather related but it is under investigation.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area if possible. Be safe and expect delays if you cannot.WAAY 31 spoke to several Marshall County drivers who are trying to stay off the roads and out of the rain, if possible.

"It's gonna suck being out in the rain this week," Christian Haynes said.

Haynes is a FedEx driver, which means he has no choice but to get out and drive in this rain.

"You get a big gust of wind, you can kind of feel it hit the side and everything. It's pretty gnarly feeling that," Haynes said.

Roman Rasberry said that, in this weather, he's just trying to make it from Point A to Point B in one piece.

"It's hard. It's hard. I mean pretty much it's throwing you off the road and everything," Rasberry said.

Both men are concentrated on driving safely.

"We're taught at FedEx just to be safe above everything else, so just got to watch out for hydroplaning," Haynes said.

"Pretty much just being careful and driving safe," Rasberry said.

As of Tuesday night, there are three roads are closed in Marshall County:

Butler Mill Road  before and after the bridge between Madison and Marshall counties

White Oak Road  from Highway 75 to Needmore Road

Rabbit Town Road  from Turnpike Road to Highway 205

"You're expecting it to get worse later. You don't really think it's going to lighten up," Haynes said.

On Wednesday, the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency will visit homes that rely on one road to get in and out. These are roads that may flood, so the director wants to make sure everyone has time to plan and stay safe.

For more information about road closures in North Alabama, click HERE.Deputies arrested an Athens man early Wednesday morning who is accused of attempting to run a Limestone County Sheriffs Office deputy off the road during a pursuit.

That high-speed chase Monday night began at the Budget Inn in Ardmore and included a recliner being pushed out of a truck bed toward law enforcement. (Read about that here)

Jeremy Lee Tucker, 25, is charged with first-degree attempted assault, obstructing government operations, and resisting arrest. He is held in the Limestone County Jail on $7,000 bond, said Stephen Young, sheriffs office spokesman.

About midnight, deputies observed Tucker in the back seat of a vehicle in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart in Athens. Investigators had determined that Tucker was the driver of the silver Chrysler Concord who attempted to cause a pursuing deputy to wreck during a pursuit of Tuckers friend that had happened the day before, Young said.

Young said when deputies attempted to contact Tucker, the driver of the car began to pull away and deputies observed Tucker waving at the driver as if he was telling the driver to go.

The driver of the car attempted to flee but was boxed in by another unmarked unit.

Tucker refused to follow commands to exit the vehicle, and he actively resisted arrest as deputies removed him from the vehicle, Young said.

During the struggle to place Tucker under arrest, Young said deputies suffered minor injuries.

The other occupants of the vehicle were released.(CNN) -- Here's a look at the 2020 presidential candidates and key dates in their campaigns as well as election results.

Republican Candidates:

Donald Trump - 45th President of the United States. Running for re-election.

Primary Campaign Committee - Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.

Website - https://www.donaldjtrump.com/

January 20, 2017 - The day he is inaugurated, Trump submits paperwork to the Federal Election Commission to be eligible to run for re-election in 2020.

February 27, 2018 - The Trump campaign announces Brad Parscale, the digital media director of his 2016 campaign, has been hired to run his re-election bid.

Democratic Candidates:

John Delaney - US Representative from Maryland's 6th District

Primary Campaign Committee - Friends of John Delaney

Website - https://www.johnkdelaney.com

July 28, 2017 - In a Washington Post op-ed, Delaney announces he is running for president.

Andrew Yang - Entrepreneur, Founder of Venture for America

Primary Campaign Committee - Friends of Andrew Yang

Website - https://www.yang2020.com/

February 2, 2018 - Announces he is running for president via YouTube.

Richard Ojeda - Former state senator from Virginia

Primary Campaign Committee - Ojeda for President

November 12, 2018 - Announces he is running for president at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

January 25, 2019 - Announces he is suspending his campaign for president.

Julian Castro - Former mayor of San Antonio, Texas, and former secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under US President Barack Obama.

Primary Campaign Committee - Julian for the Future Presidential Exploratory Committee

Website - https://www.julianforthefuture.com/

December 12, 2018 - Castro forms an exploratory committee.

January 12, 2019 - Officially announces he is running for president.

Tulsi Gabbard - US Representative from Hawaii's 2nd District

Primary Campaign Committee - Tulsi Now

Website - https://www.tulsi2020.com/

January 11, 2019 - "I have decided to run and will be making a formal announcement within the next week," the Hawaii Democrat tells CNN's Van Jones.

February 2, 2019 - Gabbard officially launches her 2020 presidential campaign at an event in Hawaii.

Kamala Harris - US senator from California

Primary Campaign Committee - Kamala Harris For The People

Website - https://kamalaharris.org/

January 21, 2019 - Announces she is running for president in a video posted to social media at the same time she appears on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Marianne Williamson - Author and activist

Primary Campaign Committee - Marianne Williamson for President

Website - https://www.marianne2020.com/

January 28, 2019 - Williamson formally launches her 2020 presidential campaign with a speech in Los Angeles.

Cory Booker - US senator from New Jersey

Primary Campaign Committee - Cory 2020

Website - https://corybooker.com/

February 1, 2019 - Releases a video announcing his candidacy, appears on the talk show, "The View," participates in multiple radio interviews and holds a press conference in Newark, New Jersey.

Elizabeth Warren - US Senator from Massachusetts

Primary Campaign Committee - Warren for President, Inc.

Website - https://elizabethwarren.com/

December 31, 2018 - Announces that she is forming a presidential exploratory committee.

February 9, 2019 - Warren officially announces she is running for president at a rally in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Amy Klobuchar - US Senator from Minnesota

Primary Campaign Committee - Amy For America

Website - https://www.amyklobuchar.com/

February 10, 2019 - Announces her presidential bid at a snowy, freezing outdoor event in Minneapolis.

Bernie Sanders - US senator from Vermont

Primary Campaign Committee - Bernie 2020

Website - https://berniesanders.com

February 19, 2019 - Announces that he is running for president during an interview with Vermont Public Radio.Excerpt from Eli Valleys Diaspora Boy. Photo: Eli Valley

It was the first week of January and, as usual, the world was slipping ever more precipitously toward complete insanity. Newly installed Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib had just made headlines for telling a crowd, in reference to President Trump, Were going to impeach the motherfucker. Soon afterward, Trump  he of shithole countries, Get that son of a bitch off the field, and, Youre not gonna raise that fuckin price  responded by telling reporters, I think she dishonored herself and her family. Political cartoonists across the country traipsed to their drawing boards and contemplated how they could address the presidents hypocrisy while elevating themselves above the fray and maintaining good taste. But one of their number wasnt interested in grace or editorial standards.

I mean, if nobody else is gonna draw Trump shouting My opponents language is a disgrace!! while fucking a pig carcass surrounded by Klansmen and kids in cages I guess I have my weekend cut out for me, Eli Valley tweeted. One could be forgiven for thinking this was mere bluster, one of those anti-Trump tweets that serves as a vulgar venting mechanism and dissipates into the ether. But three days later, Valley tweeted out the fruit of his fury. Sure enough, it was everything the initial tweet had promised and more: a widescreen image of a gelatinous flesh-blob resembling the president of the United States copulating with a dead boar while nearby children suffer behind bars and KKK men gaze on from behind impassive hoods. It was rendered in Valleys distinctively filthy chiaroscuro, all sweeping lines and gruesome textures, and the tweets text simply read, Good morning.

Valleys been having a series of good mornings, by which I mean terrible mornings. His careers going great, but thats partly because everything else is going to hell in a handbasket. As the weight of humanitys chaos has become more and more unbearable, Valleys lewdly honest cartooning, fueled by his personal rage at a world gone wrong, has become a staple in the angrier corners of the American left, especially among its Jewish partisans. For well over a decade, Valley has unsparingly attacked political and communal leaders in the United States and Israel for their venality and sadism. Now, with two books on the stands and a devoted online following showering him with likes and retweets, Valley is demonstrating that hes one of the only political cartoonists willing to enter into a staring contest with the abyss.

There was a time, not so long ago, when Valley was an unknown and profoundly uncontroversial figure who barely engaged in the debates that he so energetically dives into today. Sitting in his cramped, comic-book-brimmed studio apartment in downtown Manhattan, I ask him about a curious professional irony that demonstrates just how much his life has changed in recent years. In 1999, Valley was living in Prague, giving tours of Jewish historical sites in Eastern Europe, and he published his first book: a hefty prose tome entitled The Great Jewish Cities of Central and Eastern Europe: A Travel Guide and Resource Book to Prague, Warsaw, Cracow, and Budapest. It proudly wore a blurb from none other than Nobelwinning writer, Holocaust survivor, and Israel advocate Elie Wiesel: This beautiful and melancholy book is more than a guide to great Jewish cities: it is a book of tales.

But flash forward to August 2014 and youll find Valley publishing a comic called Wiesel, Weaponized in +972 Magazine, a left-leaning outlet that covers the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. At the time, Wiesel was emphatically advocating for the Israeli side in that summers war in the Palestinian territory known as the Gaza Strip. In the comic, sinister Israeli scientists affix Wiesels head and brain to the front of a bomb-dropping drone vehicle and use it to annihilate Arabs in Gaza while spouting platitudes like, This is a battle between those who celebrate life and those who champion death! At the end, the Wiesel drone flies off into the sunset, muttering fragments of pro-Israeli talking points: Conscience of humanity  Civilization versus barbarism  Arabs  Death cult  Fires of Moloch  Israel chooses life 

Valley says he was benighted when he wrote his first book, the one blurbed by Wiesel. As he puts it, I was not educated at the time about Wiesels support for Elad  an organization that represents Jewish settlers in the Israelioccupied Palestinian West Bank. So I was happy to have that blurb. In the past, Valley had been inclined to sympathize with Zionism, the hard-to-define ideology that advocates for Jewish self-determination and has come to be synonymous with supporting the State of Israel. Now, hes probably the leading critic of Zionism in American editorial cartooning. Two things led to the change. First, after learning more about Zionisms past and present and seeing Israel take an increasingly rightward tilt, he became what he now calls a non-Zionist  i.e., someone who doesnt define himself by the aim of destroying Zionism, but still questions it at a fundamental level. Second, he joined a fateful cartooning contest.

Valley had a prehistory of artistry. Growing up in New Jersey and upstate New York as the son of a largely secular woman and a conservative rabbi, he had loved comics and doodled his own. During his undergraduate career at Cornell, hed drawn political cartoons for the school paper (he shows some of them to me and is profoundly embarrassed by his then-topical takedowns of things like the German reunification and petty university politics). But after college, he had no intentions of continuing down the visual artists path. That changed in 2006, when he entered a competition called the Israeli Anti-Semitic Cartoons Contest, which aimed to celebrate Jewish free expression in the face of an Iranian newspapers competition for cartoons about the Holocaust.* Inspired, Valley picked up his pen once again and drew a horrific image of a Jewish man with two phalluses sexually assaulting Muslim and Christian women. It didnt win, but Valley  who had been harboring dreams of being a fiction writer  decided to try his hand at professional political cartooning.

Over the course of the next decade, Valley saw his expressionist, woodcut-esque work published in an array of venues  first in the alt-culture web magazine Jewcy, then mostly in the venerable Jewish outlet the Forward, where he became an artist-in-residence. In a noisy Manhattan coffee shop, Dan Friedman, the former arts editor and executive editor of the Forward, described Valley to me as cutting-edge, doing stuff that no one else is doing, understanding it like no one else is understanding it, and presenting in a way thats totally unique. Not only in the Jewish world, but actually, as far as I can tell, in the cartooning world. Partly because hes self-taught and partly because hes a unique guy.

Valley barred no holds when he submitted work to the Forward, and occasionally had to be reeled back in. Even with editorial guidance, he regularly received blistering criticism from the Jewish establishment. Take, for example, one of his earliest Forward cartoons, November 2008s Evangelical Zionist Tours of Israel. In it, he lampoons the kind of Christian Evangelicals who root for Israel out of a hatred for Arabs and a belief that Jews must retain sovereignty in the region in order to bring about Biblical armageddon and the subsequent victory of Jesus  as well as the Jews who accept their support. In one panel, a Christian tourist asks the prime minister of Israel, Would you be so kind as to declare yourself king, then unmask yourself as the Antichrist? To which the prime minister responds, That depends. How much money do you have on you?

Eli Valleys Evangelical Zionist Tours of Israel. Photo: Eli Valley

The right-leaning, heavily Zionist magazine Commentary called that comic ferociously repugnant. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews said it was morally wrong, patently false, and an outrageous, mean-spirited spin on reality  even for a caricature. An editorial at the American Thinker declared that the comic was one of the most offensive cartoons I have even seen. And that was only the beginning of Valleys magnetism for critique.

A 2010 comic about wide-eyed American Jews who buy into the ideology of the Israeli ultra-Orthodox right wing prompted a prominent American ultra-Orthodox writer to vaguely link the comic to the then-recent Haitian earthquake. When Valley published a comic in which Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu sexually assaults Barack Obama in +972 (even the Forward refused to run it), the right-wing group NGO Monitor cited it in an attempt to strip the publication of its funding. Commentary even went so far as to call a 2012 Forward comic by Valley firmly within the tradition of Nazi ideologue Julius Streichers anti-Semitic illustrations. Valleys response when I ask him about that last critique is appropriately harsh: The Nazi epithet reveals Commentarys profound ignorance of Jewish history, culture, and politics, and its grotesque eagerness to trivialize the term Nazi by equating criticism of Israel with Der Sturmer. Its a shanda  a Yiddish word meaning shame  but thats the role Commentary fills: shanda of the Jewish world.

Matters came to a breaking point in late 2013, when the Forward published a Valley comic called It Happened on Halloween, which depicted the Jewish then-head of the Anti-Defamation League, Abraham Foxman, railing against Jews for not being sufficiently conservative. Foxman ultimately takes on the role of a raving anti-Semite, attacking a Jew who advocates for an embargo on Israel and screaming perfidious Jew! at him before being jailed. From his cell, Foxman yells, The Jews did this to me! It was the Jews! The real-life Foxman was furious and the Forward was barraged with calls and emails decrying the comic. Under great pressure, the Forward opted to tell Valley they would no longer be accepting pitches from him. He did a few scattered Forward cartoons over the ensuing months for appearances sake, but it was the end of an era for him.

And yet, Valleys legend has only grown since then. He continued to be published in +972 and today has a home at comics site the Nib, the progressive magazine Jewish Currents, on his own Twitter feed, and elsewhere. Hes also returned to the print world for the first time since publishing his guidebook. In 2017, he published an oversize collection of his comics, along with commentary on them, called Diaspora Boy: Comics on Crisis in America and Israel, which sold out in its initial print run and featured a foreword from influential Jewish commentator Peter Beinart. (Beinart neatly summed up Valleys appeal in the piece: Eli Valleys cartoons are outrageous and absurd. Thats because were living at an outrageous and absurd moment in American Jewish life.) Last year, he provided illustrations for The Chapo Guide to Revolution: A Manifesto Against Logic, Facts, and Reason, a book published by the popular lefty podcasters of Chapo Trap House. For years, he also maintained a day job as editor of Contact, a Jewish-issues magazine published by the pro-Israel Steinhardt Foundation  remarkably, they allowed him to publish his comics, even one that attacked a program the foundation was involved in  but the magazine folded a few months ago. All Valley has now is his comics and his fury.

He reels at the alliance that the Israeli government and certain American Jewish organizations have formed with the Trump administration and the GOP that backs it. When Valley and I speak, its just a few weeks after the massacre of 11 Jews by an anti-Semite in Pittsburgh, and I ask him what he felt about the incident. He pauses for a moment, then responds, Theres just weariness and outrage and fury and the sense that we could see this coming. Wed been watching it happen. Wed been sounding the alarms for years now. And our leadership in the Jewish community and what I call the GOPNazi Party now, because of the normalizing of the latter into the former, have ignored us or have responded to our sirens with, Oh, but we love Israel and its like satire is dead.

Eli Valley at home. Photo: Loubna Mrie

Indeed, Valleys comics have been getting heavier and less conventionally satirical as the Trump era grinds on. Prior to November 8, 2016, he was contemplating a move into apolitical, surreal work. But then this happened, Trump came into office, and I really do feel that everything is collapsing and I dont really feel like I have an alternative, he says. The idea of drawing comics of that sort just seemed like such a comfortable and out-of-touch reaction to whats happening. I would love to be able to get to them again but I just dont know if this world is ever going to be able to come together in that way again. Trumps rise has also brought him to loathe certain Jewish institutions and individuals even more than he did before. He has come to feel that its time to excommunicate GOP-allied Jews from Jewry, altogether. As he put it in a speech at a recent Jewish Currents release party, Jews who ally with Nazis are not Jews, and must be thrown out from the Jewish people before they destroy us all. For our own safety.

Valleys newer comics are so provocative and full of rage that they make the one that got him booted from the Forward seem positively tame. Just before the midterm elections, he tweeted out a drawing of Benjamin Netanyahu  who, like the Pittsburgh shooter, has railed against liberal Jewish billionaire George Soros  painting the words KIKE SOROS on a poster of the latter while he delivers a sinister smile and muses, To our brothers and sisters in America, the State of Israel says: solidarity. Just two days later, he tweeted out another envelope-pusher: caricatures of various Republican Jews toasting the Jewish new year  which, in the Hebrew calendar, is 5779  and saying, Our single wish for 5779  is to Make America Judenrein! Judenrein, of course, was the term the Nazis used to describe an area that had extinguished or expelled all of its Jews. The next day saw yet another audacious tweet, with an image of Trump wearing a swastika armband while Netanyahu embraces him, with the president declaring, See, whatd I tell ya: The Jews love me!

In other words, Valley is moving into darker and darker territory, which, if you share his political viewpoint, is entirely fitting for the times in which we live. His work is absolutely not for everyone, but the fact that hes found a following provides him with some solace  not because fame eases his political pain, but because it means hes not alone in his feeling that the time for artistic moderation is over. Im excited that there are new generations that are rejecting propaganda, so that gives me hope for the future, seriously, he tells me. Just the fact that despite the crisis and the agony and the apocalyptic tenor of our times, creating art that, to me, resists and also is resilient and embodies consciousness  my consciousness and the consciousness of hopefully some others  that is gratifying. That gives me, if not hope, then definitely sustenance through these times.

*A previous version of this article misstated the impetus behind the Israeli contest  it was not in response to outrage over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.Ariana Grande >>> the Beatles. Photo: CBS

After surprising and delighting tween-dreamy Filipino boy band TNT during their performance of And Im Telling You Im Not Going on last nights Late Late Show With James Corden, Ariana Grande kicked up her thigh-highs on Cordens couch to talk about her record-breaking string of Billboard successes. Expressing what can only be described as a Frankie-level of Arianator enthusiasm, Corden rattled off stats while Grande responded with adorumble (equal parts adorable-humble) graciousness and  I counted  13 sorrys, Im sorrys, and Im so sorrys.

As Corden informed the audience that Grande is the first artist since the Beatles to hold the No. 1 album slot and Hot 100 top-three single slots at once, Grande laughed and assured him, Ill take a break after this. Ill go away for a little, I promise. Corden spoke on behalf of all of us when he told her, We dont want you to, but Grande was quick to say, I do! Im tired of my voice.

Grande added that as of late, I usually dont have anything to do  Personal life: still nonexistent, and that she was planning on celebrating the Billboard records by either going out to dinner with her mom or going to the studio to record more. So what is the truth? Taking a break, or laying down new vocals? According to this very cursed image, she opted for dinner:

So... we bumped into each other in a LA restaurant, she joined me for a chat & 2 hours later we were still chatting. We laughed, we argued, she cried, I nearly did, the drinks flowed & we bonded. Turns out we really like each other. Weird. Thank u @ArianaGrande - next? pic.twitter.com/pNJ7pDi0at  Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 20, 2019

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Zimbabwean human rights lawyer, Brian Dube, claims that he was attacked inside the Gweru Magistrates Court on Monday by Tinomudaishe Chinyoka, said to be a Zanu PF activist. He claims that Chinyoka's actions were inspired by President Mnangagwa's threats that he will punish human rights activists.BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE - Zimbabwe President Emerson Mnangagwa has issued a chilling warning to lawyers and doctors who assisted victims of a deadly government crackdown on fuel protests last month.

Speaking at a rally over the weekend, Mnangagwa vowed his readiness to deploy soldiers again to thwart protesters.

The southern African nation's main labor body, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), called the mid-January protest over a 150 percent fuel hike, urging people to stay away from businesses and commercial activities for three days.

A policeman stands guard as some of the people arr FILE - A policeman stands guard as some of the people arrested during demonstrations over the hike in fuel prices, make their court appearance at the magistrates courts in Harare, Zimbabwe, Jan,16, 2019. FILE - A policeman stands guard as some of the people arrested during demonstrations over the hike in fuel prices, make their court appearance at the magistrates courts in Harare, Zimbabwe, Jan,16, 2019.

The government has blamed the opposition MDC Alliance for violence that left 13 citizens dead and scores injured. Citing media and civil society reports, the alliance counters that security forces led the charge to loot businesses.

Mnangagwa previously had called for an investigation into the violence. But at a rally Saturday, he chillingly vowed to pursue human rights lawyers and doctors, claiming they were aiding and abetting protesters.

"We are going to hunt down lawyers and doctors who were inciting violence. We are now going after them," the Zanu PF leader said in Rutenga, a community some 450 kilometers south of the capital, Harare.

He also warned that he was prepared to clamp down on any further demonstrations.

"Now they are planning more chaos," Mnangagwa said. "Those that want peace, stay at home so that we can deal with those that want violence."

Rights Groups Worried Over Deteriorating Situation in Zimbabwe Rights groups say they are worried about deteriorating human rights in Zimbabwe, as a popular activist spends another weekend in jail after the High Court deferred his bail application ruling until Tuesday.High Court Justice Tapiwa Chitapi held a bail hearing Friday for activist pastor Evan Mawarire, who is facing subversion charges after leading anti-government protests against a fuel price increase of more than 150 percent.Mirirai Shumba, the state prosecutor, tried to convince Chitapi that Mawarire Rights groups say they are worried about deteriorating human rights in Zimbabwe, as a popular activist spends another weekend in jail after the High Court deferred his bail application ruling until Tuesday.High Court Justice Tapiwa Chitapi held a bail hearing Friday for activist pastor Evan Mawarire, who is facing subversion charges after leading anti-government protests against a fuel price increase of more than 150 percent.Mirirai Shumba, the state prosecutor, tried to convince Chitapi that Mawarire

Kucaca Phulu, a lawyer and legislator with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance, contends that the Mnangagwa administration  despite its talk of a new approach  has adopted the repressive tactics of the president's immediate predecessor, Robert Mugabe. He was forced to step down in November 2017 after 37 years in power.

FILE - Dust engulfs former Zimbabwean president Ro FILE - Dust engulfs former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, accompanied by his wife Grace, as he arrives to vote in the general elections in Harare, Zimbabwe, July 30, 2018. FILE - Dust engulfs former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, accompanied by his wife Grace, as he arrives to vote in the general elections in Harare, Zimbabwe, July 30, 2018.

"If you look at Robert Mugabe, he said exactly the same words. So, this guy is merely rehashing," Phulu said. "Mugabe threatened lawyers all the time. He blamed everything on lawyers."

During Mugabe's administration, the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions against top officials in Zimbabwe's ruling party, its military and some government-owned firms as an impetus to correct human rights abuses and election problems. The United States has said it would lift sanctions once reforms have been implemented.

Phulu said that lawyers and doctors were performing their professional duties by aiding demonstrators and that government leaders lacked respect for Zimbabwe's constitution.

"Any progressive country should have those safety nets. Our constitution talks about access to legal aid. Everybody should have access to legal aid," he said. "Even a government which has charged you with treason should provide you with legal aid. This government is totally retrogressive. It's an illustration of shallowness."

Dumisani Nkomo of the Habakkuk Trust, a civil society group promoting peace, attributes protests within the country to deep-seated problems.

"This paranoia is very worrying, because as a country, we need to address the underlying reasons why people are protesting rather than the symptoms," Nkomo said. "This is an unfortunate attack on the institution of freedom and democracy."

Zimbabwe is in the midst of its most severe economic crisis in a decade, with shortages of food, medicine and other basics. On Monday, the country's Grain Millers Association notified the National Bakers Association that because the country hadn't paid for new imports of wheat, it could run out of flour for bread within a week, Reuters news service reported.Ever since Islamic State visited death and destruction on their villages in northern Iraq nearly five years ago, Yazidis Daoud Ibrahim and Kocher Hassan have had trouble sleeping.

For Hassan, 39, who was captured, it is her three missing children, and three years of imprisonment at the hands of the jihadist group.

For Ibrahim, 42, who escaped, it is the mass grave that he returned to find on his ravaged land.

"They burnt one house down, blew up the other, they torched the olive trees two three times. ... There is nothing left," the father of eight told Reuters.

More than 3,000 other members of their minority sect were killed in 2014 in an onslaught that the United Nations described as genocidal.

FILE - Displaced people from the minority Yazidi s FILE - Displaced people from the minority Yazidi sect, fleeing violence from forces loyal to the Islamic State in Sinjar town, walk toward the Syrian border, on the outskirts of Sinjar mountain, near the Syrian border town of Elierbeh of Al-Hasakah governorate, Iraq, Aug. 10, 2014. FILE - Displaced people from the minority Yazidi sect, fleeing violence from forces loyal to the Islamic State in Sinjar town, walk toward the Syrian border, on the outskirts of Sinjar mountain, near the Syrian border town of Elierbeh of Al-Hasakah governorate, Iraq, Aug. 10, 2014.

Ibrahim and Hassan lived to tell of their suffering, but like other survivors, they have not moved on.

?She will never set foot in her village of Rambousi again.

"My sons built that house. I can't go back without them. ... Their school books are still there, their clothes," she said.

'They want to be buried'

As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to announce the demise of the Islamist group in Syria and Iraq, U.N. data suggests many of those it displaced in the latter country have, like Hassan, not returned home.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim and his family live in a barn next to the pile of rubble that was once their home. He grows wheat because the olive trees will need years to grow again. No one is helping him rebuild, so he is doing it himself, brick by brick.

"Life is bad. There is no aid," he said sitting on the edge of the collapsed roof which he frequently rummages under to find lost belongings. On this day, it was scarves, baby clothes and a photo album.

"Every day that I see this mass grave I get 10 more grey hairs," he said.

The grave, discovered in 2015 just outside nearby Sinjar city, contains the remains of more than 70 elderly women from the village of Kocho, residents say.

FILE - An Iraqi police officer looks at a Yazidi m FILE - An Iraqi police officer looks at a Yazidi mass grave site near Sinjar, Iraq, Feb. 4, 2019. FILE - An Iraqi police officer looks at a Yazidi mass grave site near Sinjar, Iraq, Feb. 4, 2019.

"I hear the cries of their spirits at the end of the night. They want to be buried, but the government won't remove their remains." They and their kin also want justice, Ibrahim adds.

When the militants came, thousands of Yazidis fled on foot toward Sinjar mountain. More than four years later, some 2,500 families  including Hassan and five of her daughters  still live in the tents that are scattered along the hills that weave their way toward the summit.

The grass is green on the meadows where children run after sheep and the women pick wild herbs.

But the peaceful setting masks deep-seated fears about the past and the future.

Grateful for the sun

Until a year and a half ago, Hassan and five of her children were kept in an underground prison in Raqqa with little food and in constant fear of torture.

She doesn't know why Islamic State freed her and the girls, then aged one to six, and hasn't learnt the fate of the three remaining children: two boys Fares and Firas, who would be 23 and 19 now, and Aveen, a girl who would be 13.

FILE - Yazidi women prepare bread at a refugee cam FILE - Yazidi women prepare bread at a refugee camp in Mount Sinjar, Iraq, Feb. 4, 2019. FILE - Yazidi women prepare bread at a refugee camp in Mount Sinjar, Iraq, Feb. 4, 2019.

There is no electricity or running water in the camp where they live today. She doesn't remember when her children last ate fruit. "Life here is very difficult but I thank God that we are able to see the sun," she said.

During the day, her children go to school and are happy, but at night "they are afraid of their own shadow," and she herself has nightmares.

"Last night, I dreamt they were slaughtering my child," she said.

Mahmoud Khalaf, her husband, says Islamic State not only destroyed their livelihoods. The group broke the trust between Yazidis and the communities of different faiths and ethnicities they had long lived alongside.

"There is no protection. Those who killed us and held us captive and tormented us have returned to their villages," Khalaf, 40, said, referring to the neighboring Sunni Arab villages who the Yazidis say conspired with the militants. "We have no choice but to stay here. ... They are stronger than us."VOA's Margaret Besheer spoke with Pakistani U.N. Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi.

Q: Amb. Lodhi, thanks for joining us. You just met with the U.N. secretary-general, can you tell us a bit about what you discussed?

Lodhi: I met the secretary-general to brief him on the serious situation that is emerging in our region. And the reason for that a spate of threatening statements from Indian leaders in the wake of the incident that occurred in Pulwama in occupied Kashmir. He started the meeting by saying these are troubled times for the region, and I said yes. And he has a role to play. I reminded him that prevention was at the very heart of his strategy, the heart of his vision. This is the moment for him to act on his own strategy, to prevent the situation from escalating further between Pakistan and India. My prime minister only this morning, offered India an investigation into the incident that occurred. He also offered India a resumption of the dialogue to address the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The issue that lies at the heart of the violence and the cycle of violence that goes on. We would like to see an end by a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with the wishes of the Kashmiri people, and also in line with [U.N.] Security Council resolutions. This is what I discussed with the secretary-general.

Q: Did he offer his good offices? Did he offer anything from the U.N.?

Lodhi: The secretary-general reminded me in the past, also, he had said that his good offices available to Pakistan and India. I said well, this is also another moment where he needs to make a similar offer. He said he would do it this time. I asked also for him to make a public call for de-escalation because we are perilously close to something that could spin out of control.

Q: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was in Pakistan this week and today, Tuesday, he went to India. Are you looking to him, perhaps as an interlocutor?:

Lohdi: I think the main issue is that wed like to see a resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and India to address all outstanding issues, especially the issue which is an unsettled, unresolved dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. This issue is one of human rights; this issue is one of denial of self-determination to the people of Kashmir. And you know, every time there is a civilian life that is lost in the occupied territory, it is not just another statistic, it is somebodys sister, mother, brother, child who dies, and with that death of martyrdom every Kashmiri dies a little, and so do we in Pakistan.

Q: Has PM Khan spoken with PM Modi? Have the two spoken directly?

Lodhi: Prime Minister Imran Khan has renewed his offer of a dialogue with the government of India. But the government of India is adamant on its no talks posture -- which we think is hugely irresponsible. We think dialogue is the only way to resolve our differences, and not to talk to each other in such a fraught situation is really irresponsible.

Q: Pakistan has something of a credibility issue when it comes to terrorism. Iran has accused your country of the most recent attack on their Revolutionary Guards that killed 27 troops, they said it was planned and carried out from Pakistan. Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorists. What is going on the terrorism front? What is Pakistan doing to restore its credibility in the international community?

Lohdi: Pakistan prime minister only this morning reminded the international community that Pakistan itself has suffered and has been a victim of terrorism. We have lost tens of thousands of lives to terrorism, and we have fought back, so that the terrorist threat in Pakistan has receded. So I think to say that we have a credibility issue is not factually correct. We believe that we have played a key role in the decimation of al-Qaida from our region; we have played a key role in eliminating terrorists from our own soil. And PM Imran Khan has said again that Pakistani territory will never be allowed to be used by anybody for attacks on any other country.PUNTO FIJO, VENEZUELA - Venezuela on Tuesday shut the maritime border with nearby Dutch Caribbean islands ahead of an opposition effort to bring in humanitarian aid from foreign territories including neighboring Curacao despite the protests of President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro has rejected offers of foreign aid, denying there are widespread shortages and insisting that the country's economic problems are the result of sanctions by Washington.

Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido, speaks during a news conference at the Voluntad Popular party headquarters in Caracas, Feb. 18, 2019. Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido, speaks during a news conference at the Voluntad Popular party headquarters in Caracas, Feb. 18, 2019.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognized by dozens countries as the legitimate head of state, has said that food and medicine provided in part by the United States will enter Venezuela by land and sea on Saturday.

The closure blocks movement of boats and aircraft between the western Venezuelan coastal state of Falcon and the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, said Vice Admiral Vladimir Quintero, who heads a military unit in Falcon. He did not provide a reason.

Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Curacao's government, which has agreed to receive aid for Venezuela without being involved in its delivery, said in a statement that the closure was meant "to prevent humanitarian aid from getting in."

"Curacao will not force in the aid, but it will continue to function as a logistical center," it said.

The United States has sent tons of aid to Colombia's border with Venezuela. Maduro has mocked the effort as a "cheap show" by the United States, insisting Washington should help his government by lifting crippling oil sector sanctions.

Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lope Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez attends a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 19, 2019. Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez attends a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 19, 2019.

Our dead bodies

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino in a televised broadcast on Tuesday said Venezuelan troops would remain stationed along the country's borders to prevent territorial violations.

Padrino, flanked by a cadre of top-ranked military officials, said opposition leaders would have to pass over "our dead bodies" to impose a new government. Guaido, who invoked articles of the constitution to assume the interim presidency, denounces Maduro as illegitimate.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday warned members of Venezuela's military who remain loyal to Maduro that they would "find no safe harbor, no easy exit and no way out."

Padrino said officers and soldiers remained "obedient and subordinate" to Maduro.

"They will never accept orders from any foreign government ... They will remain deployed and alert along the borders, as our commander in chief has ordered, to avoid any violations of our territory's integrity," Padrino said.

FILE - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro pumps FILE - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro pumps his fist during a pro-government demonstration in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 12, 2019. FILE - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro pumps his fist during a pro-government demonstration in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 12, 2019.

Maduro, who won a second term last year in an election that critics have denounced as a sham, retains the backing of Russia and China and control of Venezuelan state institutions.

Leaders of several Latin American nations plan to travel to Colombia's border with Venezuela on Friday ahead of the delivery of aid, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said on Tuesday, adding that he had accepted an invitation from Colombia's president, Ivan Duque.

It was not immediately clear which leaders would attend.

Most Latin American countries now recognize Guaido as president, though Bolivia, Cuba and Nicaragua still support Maduro.

Billionaire businessman Richard Branson is backing a "Live Aid"-style concert on Friday in the Colombian border city of Cucuta with a fundraising target of $100 million to provide food and medicine for Venezuela. Maduro's government has announced two rival concerts just across the border.Venezuelan authorities have reopened the country's maritime border with the Dutch Antilles islands a day after closing it, a regional military commander told Reuters on Wednesday.

General Miguel Morales Miranda, second-in-command for the state of Falcon, did not give a reason for the change, which now allows boats and aircraft to travel between Venezuela and the islands of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire.

On Tuesday a regional navy chief told Reuters that Venezuelan authorities had closed the border.

Venezuela and the ABC Islands

Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognized by dozens of countries as the legitimate head of state, has said that food and medicine provided in part by the United States would enter Venezuela by land and sea on Saturday.

President Nicolas Maduro's government has pledged to block offers of foreign aid, denying widespread shortages and insisting the country's economic problems are the result of sanctions by Washington.

The United States has sent tons of aid to Colombia's border with Venezuela, an effort Maduro has mocked as a "cheap show."

Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China and control of state institutions including the military.

Also on Wednesday, Guaido said he spoke to the president of Switzerland to try to freeze bank accounts belonging to Venezuela after "irregular movements" were discovered.GENEVA - U.N. and international health agencies say Venezuelas health care crisis is causing a rise in infectious diseases and the re-emergence of illnesses such as malaria and tuberculosis, once considered vanquished.

The World Health Organization (WHO) blames Venezuelas complex political and socio-economic situation for the virtual collapse of the countrys health care system. It says the system is under stress because of a shortage of doctors and nurses who have left the country, as well as a lack of medical supplies and other factors.

WHO spokesman Tarek Jasarevic says this is having an adverse impact on many essential programs, including those related to disease prevention and control. He told VOA immunizing children against killer diseases has been a major casualty of the deteriorating health services in the country.

He said the first recent case of measles in the country was reported in July 2017. Since then, he said, there have been nearly 6,400 confirmed cases, including 76 deaths. Jasarevic said a similar situation has arisen with diphtheria, and that an outbreak of the disease in July 2016 lasted until January of this year, causing more than 2,500 cases and 270 deaths.

FILE - A dilapidated room is seen at the Jose Greg FILE - A dilapidated room is seen at the Jose Gregorio Hernandez Hospital in the slum of Catia in Caracas, Venezuela, Nov. 20, 2018. FILE - A dilapidated room is seen at the Jose Gregorio Hernandez Hospital in the slum of Catia in Caracas, Venezuela, Nov. 20, 2018.

That is why there was a push for vaccination, and as a result of a concerted effort to halt the measles outbreak between April and December 2018, more than 8 million children between the ages of six months and 15 years were vaccinated against measles, and 4.8 million children between the ages of seven and 15 years were vaccinated against diphtheria, Jasarevic said.

WHO reports malaria cases in Venezuela have increased significantly over the past three years, nearly tripling from over 136,000 in 2015 to more than 400,000 cases in 2017. It attributes this rise to the migration of people infected in the mining areas of Bolivar state into other areas of the country, as well as a shortage of antimalarial drugs.

Jasarevic said the WHO is supporting 23 hospitals, training health personnel and preventing infectious diseases. He said about 50 tons of supplies and medicines have been distributed across all hospitals.

More than 3 million Venezuelans have fled to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil to escape what is considered the worst humanitarian crisis in the Western Hemisphere.WASHINGTON - U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will testify next week at a U.S. House of Representatives hearing on U.S.-China trade issues, a spokesman for the House Ways and Means Committee said on Wednesday.

Lighthizer has been the lead negotiator in ongoing trade negotiations with Beijing as the world's two largest economies seek to find agreement amid a bitter dispute that has seen both sides impose tariffs on imports.



In a statement, the committee said the hearing was scheduled for Feb. 27, just days ahead of President Donald Trump's March 1 deadline that the Republican U.S. leader has said could slide.

China and the United States began their latest round of talks this week.A U.S.-backed militia in Syria is warning the last remaining Islamic State fighters there to surrender or die.

Dozens of trucks appeared on the outskirts of the village of Baghouz on Tuesday to evacuate any Islamic State fighters who decide to give up, along with their families.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said they will attack after evacuating civilians.

But U.N. human rights officials said they are concerned about the estimated 200 families holed up in Baghouz. They said IS fighters are actively preventing women and children from leaving.

Thousands of people, including civilians and some suspected foreign fighters who had joined IS, have streamed out of Baghouz in the past several weeks.

The Trump administration wants European countries to take back their fighters who fled home to join the militants.

Britain has refused and is stripping them of their citizenship. France has also shown little enthusiasm for repatriating ex-Islamic State fighters.

Kurdish forces who have been fighting IS with the support of U.S. forces said they expect total defeat of IS in Syria by the end of the week.

"In a few days, we will announce a great victory over the largest terrorist organization that waged war on the world," a senior Kurdish fighter said Tuesday.MOSCOW - Michael Calvey, an American businessman who was detained in Moscow five days ago on fraud charges, has not yet had consular access, according to the head of a US-Russian trade organization.

"I've spoken to [Calvey's] colleagues, but not him, since the detention," said U.S. national Alexis O. Rodzianko, president of the Moscow-based American Chamber of Commerce in Russia. Calvey is the founding partner of the Moscow-based private equity firm Baring Vostok.

Speaking with VOA Tuesday evening in a Moscow hotel, Rodzianko, who had just left discussions about Calvey's detention with various Russian, American and European members of Moscow's financial community, said: "I understand [Calvey] has met with his lawyers; I understand that he has not yet had consular contact  that's as of lunchtime today."

According to terms of the Vienna Convention, consular access must be provided within a 72-hour window from the time of arrest, meaning that a member of the U.S. government should have visited Calvey in detention by now.

A State Department spokesman declined to confirm Rodzianko's assertion, citing privacy concerns, but seemed to indicate that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is still seeking access to the businessman.

"We are aware that a U.S. citizen was arrested on February 14, 2019, in Russia," said the spokesperson, who spoke on condition of not being identified. "The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is aware of the case and will be following it closely, and will provide all appropriate consular assistance. We have no higher priority than the protection of U.S. citizens abroad."

Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine, who was arreste FILE - Paul Whelan, a former US Marine (R), arrested in Moscow at the end of last year, looks through a cage's glass as his lawyers talk to each other in a court room in Moscow, Russia, Jan. 22, 2019. FILE - Paul Whelan, a former US Marine (R), arrested in Moscow at the end of last year, looks through a cage's glass as his lawyers talk to each other in a court room in Moscow, Russia, Jan. 22, 2019.

Calvey is the second American citizen to face prosecution in Russia since Dec. 31, when Paul Whelan, a former Marine, was jailed on accusations of spying. Russia announced Whelan's detention on Dec. 31, some 24 hours after his arrest.

Whelan's family sharply criticized Russia's handling of the announcement, noting that security officials divulged his arrest hours into the start of New Year's Eve, which in Russia marks the start of a week-long national holiday. Delaying the announcement, they said, drastically decreased Whelan's chances of securing access to legal and consular resources within the mandated 72-hour window.

U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman Jr. was finally permitted to meet with Whelan six days after his arrest.

Fraud charges

Former Chairman of Vostochny Bank board Alexei Kor Former Chairman of Vostochny Bank board Alexei Kordichev, who was detained on suspicion of embezzlement, is escorted inside a court building in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 15, 2019. Former Chairman of Vostochny Bank board Alexei Kordichev, who was detained on suspicion of embezzlement, is escorted inside a court building in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 15, 2019.

Calvey is facing fraud charges stemming from a protracted dispute with shareholders of Vostochny Bank, of which Baring Vostok owns 52.5 percent. He was detained along with five others, including three Baring Vostok employees, according to the Russian state news agency, RIA Novosty.

Partner in the Baring Vostok private equity group Partner in the Baring Vostok private equity group Vagan Abgaryan, who was detained on suspicion of fraud, is escorted inside a court building in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 15, 2019. Partner in the Baring Vostok private equity group Vagan Abgaryan, who was detained on suspicion of fraud, is escorted inside a court building in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 15, 2019.

A coalition of lobby groups representing European businesses active in Russia has issued a joint statement expressing concerns about the arrest of Calvey and his colleagues.

"The detention of Baring Vostok's top management has sent shock waves through the country's business community and can potentially seriously damage the investment climate and attractiveness of Russia for foreign direct investments," it said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to make a passing reference to Calvey's case during his annual State of the Nation address to the federal assembly on Wednesday.

"Good-faith business shouldn't feel threatened by the law or constantly feel the risk of criminal or even administrative punishment," Putin said.WASHINGTON - The white supremacist group Identity Evropa more than doubled the number of its chapters.

The violent neo-Nazi organization Atomwaffen Division grew from one chapter to 27.

The white nationalist group and podcasting site The Right Stuff boasted 34 chapters.

American hate groups had a bumper year in 2018 as a surge in black and white nationalist groups lifted their number to a new record high, the Southern Poverty Law Center said in a report issued Wednesday.

The Alabama-based legal advocacy organization recorded 1,020 active hate groups last year, up 7 percent from 2017. The previous record tallied by SPLC was 1,018 in 2011 amid a white extremist backlash against the presidency of Barack Obama, the nation's first African-American president.

The increase was driven by growth in both black and white nationalist groups, the SPLC said. The number of white nationalist groups jumped from 100 to 148, while the number of black nationalist groups  typically anti-Semitic, anti-LGBTQ and anti-white  rose from 233 to 264.

The SPLC defines a hate group as "an organization that, based on its official statements or principles, the statements of its leaders, or its activities, has beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics."

The number of hate groups has grown every year for the past four years, the SPLC said, a 30 percent increase roughly coinciding with President Donald Trump's election campaign and presidency. The increase followed three years of decline toward the end of the Obama administration.

Hate crimes

Hate crimes have followed a similar trajectory in recent years. After falling for three consecutive years, attacks on blacks, Jews, Muslims and other minorities increased by 30 percent in the three-year period ending in 2017, according to the latest FBI data.

A man is detained while white supremacist Jason Ke FILE - A man is detained while white supremacist Jason Kessler arrives at the Vienna metro station in Vienna, Va., Aug. 12, 2018. White nationalists are gathering in Washington on the first anniversary of their rally in Charlottesville. FILE - A man is detained while white supremacist Jason Kessler arrives at the Vienna metro station in Vienna, Va., Aug. 12, 2018. White nationalists are gathering in Washington on the first anniversary of their rally in Charlottesville.

The uptrend continued into last year, with hate crimes in America's 30 largest cities surging by an additional 10 percent, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino.

The majority of hate crimes are nonviolent, but some incidents were deadly. White supremacists in the U.S. and Canada killed at least 40 people last year, up from 17 people the year before, according to the SPLC's tally.

While most bias-motivated offenses are not committed by members of hate groups, the perpetrators of hate crimes draw inspiration from ideas put out by hate groups, said Heidi Beirich, director of the SPLC's Intelligence Project and author of the report.

'Go-ahead' from Trump

Beirich blamed Trump's anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim statements and policies for heightening deep-seated white nationalist fears of an impending white-minority country.

FILE - In this Feb. 19, 2017 file photo, people ca FILE - In this Feb. 19, 2017 file photo, people carry posters during a rally against President Donald Trump's executive order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority nations, in New York's Times Square. FILE - In this Feb. 19, 2017 file photo, people carry posters during a rally against President Donald Trump's executive order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority nations, in New York's Times Square.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than half of the nation's children are expected to be nonwhite in 2020, while the U.S. population is slated to become majority-minority in 2044.

"Rather than trying to tamp down hate, as presidents of both parties have done, President Trump elevates it with both his rhetoric and his policies," Beirich said. "In doing so, he's given people across America the go-ahead to act on their worst instincts."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Black nationalist groups, which advocate separate institutions or even a separate nation, made up about a quarter of hate groups tracked in 2018.

But the SPLC said the black extremist groups "lagged far behind the more than 700 groups that adhere to some form of white supremacist ideology," the report said.

Among white extremist groups, the SPLC counted 112 neo-Nazi groups, 148 white nationalist organizations, 63 racist skinhead groups, 36 neo-Confederate outfits and 17 Christian Identity organizations.

KKK falling

But not all white hate groups thrived last year. The number of Ku Klux Klan (KKK) chapters fell for the third straight year, dropping to 51 in 2018 from 130 in 2016.

In this Saturday, April 23, 2016 photo, members of FILE - Members of the Ku Klux Klan participate in cross burnings in rural Paulding County near Cedar Town, Georgia, April 23, 2016. FILE - Members of the Ku Klux Klan participate in cross burnings in rural Paulding County near Cedar Town, Georgia, April 23, 2016.

With its outdated traditions and penchant for white robes, the KKK, the nation's oldest racist organization, has failed to appeal to young white tech-savvy racists, the SPLC said.

"It may be that the KKK, having somehow endured since 1866, is finally on its last legs," the report said.

The SPLC started tracking KKK chapters in 1987 and later expanded its list to include other hate groups. In recent years, as it has put new groups on its list, including anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ organizations, conservative groups have accused the SPLC of unfairly labeling them.

Last month, the Center for Immigration Studies sued the SPLC in federal court in Washington for "falsely designating" it as a hate group in 2016, saying the SPLC has produced no evidence that the group maligns immigrants as a class.

Beirich said the SPLC is standing by its hate group listings.The United States and European allies say a new flare-up of fighting in South Sudan violates that countrys peace agreement, and are demanding the clashes end immediately.



A joint statement Wednesday from the U.S., Britain and Norway, known as the Troika, says the fighting around the town of Yei represents a flagrant breach of a December 2017 cease-fire and the revitalized peace deal signed by South Sudans government and several rebel groups last September.



The U.N. refugee agency reported last week that clashes between government forces and the rebel National Salvation Front have displaced some 13,000 people and prompted about 5,000 to flee across the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thousands of Displaced South Sudanese 'Suffering' Without Food, Water Officials in South Sudan's Yei River State say thousands of people who fled their homes during fighting over the past two weeks are without food or clean water. The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Yei River County says that up to 6,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living under trees on the outskirts of Yei town. Other local residents fled across the border into the northern Democratic Republic of Congo. The residents fled fighting between government forces and National Salvation Officials in South Sudan's Yei River State say thousands of people who fled their homes during fighting over the past two weeks are without food or clean water. The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Yei River County says that up to 6,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living under trees on the outskirts of Yei town. Other local residents fled across the border into the northern Democratic Republic of Congo. The residents fled fighting between government forces and National Salvation



This renewed violence risks undermining the peace agreement and lowers confidence of the Troika and other international partners in the parties seriousness and commitment to peace, said the Troika statement.



The U.S. and allies also called on the parties to ensure the safety of civilians and allow unrestricted access to Yei for humanitarian groups and cease-fire monitors.

South Sudans conflict, which began in December 2013, killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 4.5 million from their homes, with two million fleeing to other countries.



A reduction in fighting has allowed some refugees to return home and enabled the country to resume oil production, raising hopes South Sudan can rebuild its ruined economy.

State Department correspondent Nike Ching contributed to this report.President Donald Trump says there is no "magical date" for reaching a trade deal with China, suggesting again the March 1 deadline for new tariffs could be pushed up.

"I think the talks are going very well," Trump told reporters at the White House Tuesday. "I can't tell you exactly about the timing. The date is not a magical date because a lot of things are happening. We'll see what happens."

He called the trade negotiations "very complex."

Trump had set March 1 as the deadline for hiking tariffs on $200 million in Chinese imports from 10 to 25 percent if no trade agreement is reached.

He has since said that date could be put off if negotiators are close to a deal.

FILE - Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, right, talks w Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, right, talks with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, while they line up for a group photo in Beijing, Feb. 15, 2019. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, right, talks with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, while they line up for a group photo in Beijing, Feb. 15, 2019.

Talks resumed Tuesday in Washington between lower-level deputies from each side before senior-level talks  including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer  take over Thursday.

Vice Premier Liu He, Beijing's top economic and trade negotiator, will again lead the Chinese side.

The White House says the talks will focus on "achieving needed structural changes in China that affect trade" with the United States.

Bloomberg News reports U.S. negotiators want China to commit to not depreciating the value of its currency.

A depreciated yuan makes Chinese goods cheaper on world markets compared to U.S. products.

The United States has long complained about what it calls unfair Chinese trade practices, including alleged theft of U.S. intellectual property, and demands U.S. firms turn over trade secrets to China if they want to keep doing business there.

China has said it is U.S. trade policies that are stifling its economic development.

Some analysts are confident a deal will be made before the March 1 deadline.

"Well, I think the reason that there will be a deal is because it's obvious that President Trump and (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) both want a deal to be done, so at the end of the day they can order their negotiators to make a deal. So I think the politics will be the principal thing there," said Arthur R. Kroeber, managing director of GaveKal Dragonomics and Nonresident Senior Fellow - Brookings-Tsinghua Center.

Others are not so optimistic.

"I think you know Xi Jinping himself is the biggest vested interest when it comes to the Chinese economy, said Elizabeth C. Economy at the Council on Foreign Relations, adding that Liu is very focused on internal reforms and may not be willing to risk "loosening his control over the economy."

Washington and Beijing imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on each other's imports last year before Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a 90 day truce starting on Jan. 1.

VOA's Mandarin Service contributed to this report.President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on Friday after Congress declined to fulfill his request for $5.7 billion to help build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border that was his signature 2016 campaign promise. His move aims to let him spend money appropriated by Congress for other purposes.

What's next?

Legal challenges to Trump: On Monday, a coalition of 16 U.S. states led by California sued the Trump administration over the declaration and the president's plan to use billions of dollars to erect a wall. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, came just days after Trump invoked emergency powers Friday.

In Washington, D.C., the liberal watchdog group Public Citizen filed a federal suit Friday evening. The lawsuit argued against the constitutionality of the declaration and that Trump exceeded his powers.

Options before Congress: Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, could either join a lawsuit filed by a third party, or they could file a lawsuit of their own, although the legality of that is in question.

Texas Democrat Joaquin Castro, Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, plans to introduce a resolution Friday "terminating" Trump's emergency declaration. It would likely pass in the House, but it's future in the Senate is uncertain. Trump threatens a veto if it passes both bodies. Congress would then need a two-thirds majority to override a veto.

A man walks with an American flag flying upside do A man walks with an American flag flying upside down during a protest Feb. 18, 2019, in Lafayette Square in front of the White House in Washington, to protest that President Donald Trump declared a national emergency along the southern border. A man walks with an American flag flying upside down during a protest Feb. 18, 2019, in Lafayette Square in front of the White House in Washington, to protest that President Donald Trump declared a national emergency along the southern border.

Other lawsuits?

The New York Times reported that at least two more lawsuits may be filed this week. The American Civil Liberties Union has said it will file a case but has not publicly identified its client, according to the report. And Protect Democracy, a watchdog group, and center-right policy institute the Niskanen Center, will file a suit on behalf of El Paso County and the Border Network for Human Rights, the Times reported.

Outcome: Any legal challenge is likely to tie up Trumps efforts in court, delaying the building of a border wall. A protracted legal battle is likely, with an ultimate hearing seen before the U.S. Supreme Court.

FILE - Border Patrol agent Vincent Pirro looks on Border Patrol agent Vincent Pirro looks on near where a border wall ends that separates the cities of Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego, Feb. 5, 2019, in San Diego. Border Patrol agent Vincent Pirro looks on near where a border wall ends that separates the cities of Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego, Feb. 5, 2019, in San Diego.

Money for border wall

In a recent spending bill, Trump asked for $5.7 billion in government funding for a border wall; Congress provided just $1.37 billion. To avoid a government shutdown, Trump signed the legislation, yet declared a national emergency along the border to gain access to other funds. He identified funds, totaling $8 billion.

Where did the money come from?

$1.37 billion: Congress

$3.6 billion: Defense Department, military construction budget

$2.5 billion: Defense Department, drug interdiction efforts

$600 million: Treasury Department, drug forfeiture programU.S. President Donald Trump asserted Tuesday he had an "absolute right" to declare a national emergency to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border without congressional approval of funding for it.

Sixteen states sued Trump late Monday in federal court in California where judges have overturned other Trump initiatives during his 25-month presidency.

But the U.S. leader said at the White House, "I think we're going to do very well with the lawsuit."

As he announced the national emergency last Friday, Trump said he expected to lose the initial legal fights over the declaration, especially if the lawsuits disputing his decision were filed in the 9th Circuit of western state courts, which is where the 16 states sued. But Trump said he expects to ultimately prevail with a favorable Supreme Court ruling overturning any adverse lower court decisions.

In earlier Twitter comments, the U.S. leader targeted California Tuesday for its leading role in the multistate lawsuit.

Trump cited California Gov. Gavin Newsome's cancellation last week of a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco, claiming, without evidence, the cancellation was due to "world record setting" cost overruns. Trump also claimed the project was "hundreds of times more expensive than the desperately needed Wall!"

As I predicted, 16 states, led mostly by Open Border Democrats and the Radical Left, have filed a lawsuit in, of course, the 9th Circuit! California, the state that has wasted billions of dollars on their out of control Fast Train, with no hope of completion, seems in charge!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2019

The failed Fast Train project in California, where the cost overruns are becoming world record setting, is hundreds of times more expensive than the desperately needed Wall!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2019

?California Attorney General Xavier Becerra responded to those comments with his own tweet.

"President Trump, keep talking... we continue to gather evidence to support our lawsuit against you. #FakeNationalEmergency."

The states' complaint alleges Trump's emergency declaration is illegal and unconstitutional, and harms the states and their residents by taking money away from anti-drug programs, military construction projects and other law enforcement efforts. Trump is planning to reallocate $8 billion in funding from various U.S. agencies to build the border wall.

The lawsuit asks the court to permanently prohibit the Trump administration from diverting the funds from elsewhere in the government, or to build a wall without Congress appropriating money for that purpose.

Becerra accused Trump of engaging in "theater" and hyping a crisis because he failed to get Congress or Mexico to pay for the wall, a favorite campaign vow of Trump during his successful 2016 run for the presidency.

Trump's emergency declaration has been met by a number of other lawsuits, including from Texas landowners who could see the wall go through their property.

WATCH: Trump condemns lawsuits

?On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a suit on behalf of the Sierra Club and the Southern Border Communities Coalition arguing the president failed to meet the requirements to declare a national emergency.

"In fact, there was and is no national emergency to justify the presidents action, only his disagreement with Congresss duly enacted decisions on the extent and pace of spending on the border wall," the lawsuit says.

Another group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, also filed a suit seeking documents about the Trump administration's legal reasoning for declaring the emergency.NEW DELHI - Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in New Delhi that terrorism is a common concern and his country would cooperate with India in combating terrorism and extremism.



On a visit to New Delhi, Prince Salman said Wednesday that there were potential opportunities for investment of $ 100 billion in India.



His trip to New Delhi has coincided with spiraling tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of a terror attack that killed 40 paramilitaries in Indian Kashmir. India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate After Deadly Kashmir Attack India says Pakistan should stop misleading the international community and take action against the perpetrators of a deadly militant attack in Indian Kashmir, while Islamabad warns it will swiftly retaliate if New Delhi launches any military action.Tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals have escalated since a suicide bombing last week against Indian military forces in disputed Kashmir killed 40 paramilitary personnel.India's foreign ministry said Tuesday that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran India says Pakistan should stop misleading the international community and take action against the perpetrators of a deadly militant attack in Indian Kashmir, while Islamabad warns it will swiftly retaliate if New Delhi launches any military action.Tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals have escalated since a suicide bombing last week against Indian military forces in disputed Kashmir killed 40 paramilitary personnel.India's foreign ministry said Tuesday that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran

Prince Salmans meetings with Indian leaders came two days after he went to Pakistan. He did not mention the attack on Indian soldiers, but at a joint press appearance with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi he said we reaffirm to India that we are ready to work in the intelligence sharing and political arenas to coordinate our efforts on terrorism.

Referring to the recent barbaric attack in Kashmir, Modi said that the two countries had agreed that it is extremely important to increase all possible pressure on countries supporting terrorism in any way. The Indian leader said that destroying the infrastructure of terrorism, and punishing terrorists and their supporters is necessary.

Pakistan Launches Diplomatic Push to Counter India After Attack Pakistan launched an intense diplomatic push to repel Indias efforts to isolate it after India blamed a Pakistan based group for an attack Friday in Kashmir killing more than 40 security personnel. At least 70 to 80 ambassadors in Islamabad were briefed since Friday by Pakistans foreign office, according to diplomatic and other sources. Pakistan launched an intense diplomatic push to repel Indias efforts to isolate it after India blamed a Pakistan based group for an attack Friday in Kashmir killing more than 40 security personnel. At least 70 to 80 ambassadors in Islamabad were briefed since Friday by Pakistans foreign office, according to diplomatic and other sources.

New Delhi, which accuses Pakistan of giving sanctuary to terror groups that carry out strikes in India, is trying to build diplomatic pressure against Islamabad. It gave Prince Salman a warm welcome with Modi breaking protocol to receive him personally at the airport on Tuesday.



The Saudi Arabian Crown Prince, who also was warmly welcomed in Pakistan, had pledged investment deals worth $ 20 billion during his Islamabad visit.

Visiting Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, center left, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, center right, witness the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Petroleum, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Feb. 17, 2019. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, center left, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, center right, witness the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Petroleum, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Feb. 17, 2019.

Modi said that India and Saudi Arabia had agreed to to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, naval and cyber security.



As both leaders hailed deepening ties, they also sounded an optimistic note on building business and trade ties. The Saudi Crown Prince, who came to New Delhi with a large business delegation, said that Riyadh had invested $44 billion in India since 2016. He said that there were opportunities for investment of $ 100 billion in India in areas such as energy, agriculture and technology.



Two-way trade totaled over $ 27 billion last year. Saudi Arabia is a top supplier of oil to India, which is one of the worlds largest oil importers and provides about one fifth of its crude.



The two countries signed five agreements in the areas of investment, tourism, housing and communications.



Prince Salman said that his visit to India will improve centuries-old ties between the countries, which he said are "in our DNA." Ties between the two countries have been on an upswing since Modi visited Riyadh in 2016 as part of efforts to strengthen ties with Middle East countries.



The Saudi crown prince is on his first major overseas tour since the storm over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. He is expected to visit China after India.Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders' campaign announced Wednesday it raised nearly $6 million during its first day of online fundraising, easily exceeding first-day totals amassed by his rivals.



More than 220,000 donors contributed to Sanders, a Senator from Vermont, in a 24-hour period since he announced his bid Tuesday for the White House, eclipsing his 2015 first-day fundraising total of more than $1.5 million. Bernie Sanders Joins 2020 Presidential Race The list of Democrats battling to oppose U.S. The list of Democrats battling to oppose U.S.

Public disclosures showed Senator Kamala Harris of California was previously the top early Democratic fundraiser, with more than 38,000 donors contributing $1.5 million. Harris announced her candidacy on January 21.



Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts raised nearly $300,000 online on December 31, the day she announced an exploratory campaign committee.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks to local re Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks to local residents during an organizing event, Feb. 10, 2019, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks to local residents during an organizing event, Feb. 10, 2019, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Senator Amy Klobuchar raised more than $1 million in 48 hours after launching her campaign on February 10, campaign officials said.



Sanders' show of strength is not surprising. He raised more than $200 million when he opposed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race.

Bernie Sanders Joins 2020 Presidential Race The list of Democrats battling to oppose U.S. The list of Democrats battling to oppose U.S.

In its announcement Wednesday, the Sanders campaign touted a large grassroots donor base that includes individuals who have already "contributed $600,000 in donations that will recur every month."LONDON - European leaders have voiced concern over growing anti-Semitism across Europe following a series of attacks on Jewish people and property.



Rallies were held in cities across France Tuesday to show solidarity with Jewish communities and demand an end to growing anti-Semitic rhetoric among some politicians and extremist groups. Among those attending was rabbi and author Delphine Horvilleur.



"At this moment, at the Place de la Republique, these generations are holding hands to say together 'No to anti-Semitism', 'no to hate'," Horvilleur said.

A man wearing a yellow vest with a peace sign hold A man wearing a yellow vest with a peace sign holds a placard reading "I am a Jew," during a gathering at the Place de la Republique to protest against rising anti-Semitism, in Paris, France, Feb. 19, 2019. A man wearing a yellow vest with a peace sign holds a placard reading "I am a Jew," during a gathering at the Place de la Republique to protest against rising anti-Semitism, in Paris, France, Feb. 19, 2019.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited a Jewish graveyard in eastern France that had been vandalized earlier Tuesday, the latest in a series of such attacks that are driving deep concern across the continent.



"A group of hateful individuals committed what others, sadly, have committed in the past for too many years," Macron said.



The solidarity demonstrations were called in response to an incident Saturday in Paris, when Jewish writer Alain Finkielkraut was targeted outside his home by so-called yellow vest protesters shouting "dirty Jew and bloody Zionist."



The rise in attacks and anti-Semitic rhetoric has prompted some Jews to question their future living in Europe.

Thousands Decry Anti-Semitism in France After Spike in Attacks Thousands of people rallied across France after a surge of anti-Semitic attacks in recent weeks that culminated on Tuesday with vandals daubing swastikas and anti-Jewish slogans on dozens of graves in a Jewish cemetery.Political leaders from all parties, including former Presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, gathered in Paris filling the Place de la Republique, a symbol of the nation, to decry anti-Semitic acts with one common slogan: "Enough!" People also lined the streets of cities from Thousands of people rallied across France after a surge of anti-Semitic attacks in recent weeks that culminated on Tuesday with vandals daubing swastikas and anti-Jewish slogans on dozens of graves in a Jewish cemetery.Political leaders from all parties, including former Presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, gathered in Paris filling the Place de la Republique, a symbol of the nation, to decry anti-Semitic acts with one common slogan: "Enough!" People also lined the streets of cities from

It was the subject of a debate at the Munich Security Conference in Germany Sunday, under the provocative title, Should Jews stay or leave Europe? Professor Michel Friedman, former president of the European Jewish Congress, said he was finding it difficult to answer that question.



"I believe that we are not on the peak of anti-Semitic movements in the world. We are perhaps even just starting," he said.



Friedman traces a mainstream political acceptance of such views to Austria in the year 2000, when the center-right People's Party agreed to enter a coalition government with the extreme-right leader Joerg Haider's Freedom Party.

Vandalized tombs with tagged swastikas are picture Tombstones defaced with swastikas are seen at a Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim, eastern France, Feb.19, 2019. Tombstones defaced with swastikas are seen at a Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim, eastern France, Feb.19, 2019.

"We thought at the time that this would be a moment of misunderstanding, one and never again. Today it is common. The AfD in Germany is elected. They want to re-write history, they are clearly anti-Semitic and they are racist. But we have this in France with Le Pen, we have governments in Hungary, we have governments in Poland, we have governments in Italy. It's not only an eastern European problem," Friedman said.



Those parties deny they are anti-Semitic.



It is to eastern Europe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has looked to for international support. Critics say he has willingly overlooked growing anti-Semitism in the region, such as the vilification of U.S.-based Jewish financier George Soros.



"The fact that Israel is running a friendly relationship between itself and countries in eastern Europe should not undermine the clear message coming from Israel saying we do not accept that. Even if these countries are friendly towards Israel," prominent Israeli author and journalist Ronen Bergman told the panel in Munich.

French President Emmanuel Macron places a pebble o French President Emmanuel Macron places a pebble on a vandalized tomb to a pay a tribute during a visit at a desecrated Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim, France, Feb. 19, 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron places a pebble on a vandalized tomb to a pay a tribute during a visit at a desecrated Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim, France, Feb. 19, 2019.

Also at the debate was U.S. Democratic Party Congressman Tom Malinowski, who said anti-Semitism is a growing problem in the United States.



"Something is giving people with that mindset the feeling that they now have the permission to express their views."



They are views being expressed through violence, vandalism and abuse that are forcing Jews to question their very future in Europe.MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow plans to target the United States with new hypersonic weapons if Washington deploys intermediate-range missiles in Europe.



Russia will be forced to create and deploy weapons that can both be used on the territories from which the direct threat to us originates, as well as the territories where the centers of decision-making are located," Putin said during his 15th State of the Nation address before the federal assembly in Moscow on Wednesday. Putin Says Russia Ready to Deploy New Hypersonic Nuclear Missile President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia would deploy its first regiment of hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles next year, saying the move meant his country now had a new type of strategic weapon. Putin was speaking after overseeing what the Kremlin said was a pre-deployment test of the new missile system, called Avangard. "This test, which has just finished, ended with complete success," Putin told a government meeting. "From next year, 2019, Russia's armed forces will get the new President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia would deploy its first regiment of hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles next year, saying the move meant his country now had a new type of strategic weapon. Putin was speaking after overseeing what the Kremlin said was a pre-deployment test of the new missile system, called Avangard. "This test, which has just finished, ended with complete success," Putin told a government meeting. "From next year, 2019, Russia's armed forces will get the new

Putin's frequent references to the moribund 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty came amid record-low approval ratings for the fourth-term Russian leader.



Putin rejected U.S. assertions that Washington's decision to withdraw from the landmark arms control pact was triggered by Russian violations of the agreement. He charged that the U.S. made false accusations against Russia to justify its decision to opt out of the deal.



"The U.S. directly and crudely violated the rules of the [INF] agreement; they have had launchers in Romania for a long time," he said, repeating a well-worn Kremlin talking point that refers to a Romania-based U.S. anti-ballistic missile system capable of firing Tomahawk medium-range cruise missiles.



Russia Joins US, Will Suspend INF Nuclear Treaty The United States and Russia are making tit-for-tat moves with their participation in a nuclear treaty, something politicians and analysts see as a burgeoning arms race.Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Saturday that Russia is suspending its participation in the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The United States and Russia are making tit-for-tat moves with their participation in a nuclear treaty, something politicians and analysts see as a burgeoning arms race.Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Saturday that Russia is suspending its participation in the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

The United States has long said that system is designed to defend against "rogue" states such as Iran and provides no protection against Russia's nuclear arsenal.



"Russia doesnt intend to deploy new missiles in Europe first," Putin added. If the U.S. really is going to deploy missiles on the European continent, it will exacerbate the international situation and create a genuine danger for Russia, as there will be missiles with a 10-12 minute flight time to Moscow."



He then seemed to taunt the U.S., calling on leaders to calculate the range and speed of Russias most advanced weapons.



"It's their right to think how they want," he said about U.S. leaders. "But can they count? I'm sure they can. Let them count the speed and the range of the weapons systems we are developing.

FILE - In this undated video grab provided release FILE - In this undated video grab provided released by the Russian Defense Ministry, a Russia's Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone is seen being test-launched somewhere in Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP) FILE - In this undated video grab provided released by the Russian Defense Ministry, a Russia's Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone is seen being test-launched somewhere in Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

The tests of Poseidon, an unmanned submarine with unlimited range, are going well... This hasnt previously been said, but today I can say that by the spring of this year, the first atomic submarine will have been launched into the water.



We are ready for disarmament talks, but we are no longer going to knock on a closed door," he later said.



Russia began voicing skepticism about the value of a sustained bilateral arms treaty more than 10 years ago, when Kremlin officials asked the administration of then-President George W. Bush to consider expanding the treaty to bring rising nuclear powers such as China into compliance.



The majority of China's nuclear arsenal is classified as intermediate range, meaning Chinese compliance with the INF would be tantamount to a wholesale forfeiture of its arsenal.

WATCH: Putin Threatens US If Missiles Deployed in Europe





In December, when Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced U.S. plans to withdraw from the INF, he gave Russia 60 days to come back into compliance with the terms of the nuclear weapons pact, leaving the door open to reverse the withdrawal process.



"Russia has not taken the necessary steps to return to compliance over the last 60 days," Pompeo said in a prepared statement on February 1. "It remains in material breach of its obligations not to produce, possess, or flight-test a ground-launched, intermediate-range cruise missile system with a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.



"The United States has gone to tremendous lengths to preserve the INF Treaty, engaging with Russian officials more than 30 times in nearly six years to discuss Russia's violation, including at the highest levels of government," he added.

US Backs Away from Key Arms Treaty Secretary of State says US will provide formal notice to Russia that it is withdrawing from the INF treaty in six months if Russia does not return to compliance



According to terms of the original INF agreement, Moscow and Washington are obligated to six months of negotiations over differences, which, if unresolved, constitute full withdrawal from the treaty.



If the U.S. puts additional weapons in European host countries, Putin warned that Russia would not only target those nations, but field new weapons that will target "U.S. decision-making centers."



Some information for this report is from AP and Reuters.TAIPEI - The U.S. decision last week to permit Vietnam to fly its commercial aircraft directly to American airports is seen as a continuation of improving relations and follows other signs of international recognition for Hanoi.

Observers say the breakthrough shows that major countries including the United States take Vietnam ever more seriously after more than three decades of brisk economic development and foreign policy that includes balancing relations with its communist neighbor China without worrying the West.

Its been a slow and progressive bringing back [of] Vietnam into the international community, said Adam McCarty, chief economist with Mekong Economics in Hanoi. Its been this continual process from the Vietnamese side of being caught, as they have been historically for hundreds of years, between larger powers.

The Federal Aviation Administrations award of a category 1 rating for Vietnam means the country meets international safety standards. Vietnamese airlines can get permits now from the administration to open flights to the United States and carry the codes of U.S. carriers, the FAA said in a statement February 14.

US officials see change

Vietnamese officials knew the significance of the U.S. market in 2012, when they started working toward the FAA category 1 rating, Communist Party news website Nhan Dah reported Monday. They set out to solve 49 safety problems that the FAA found a year later, the website added.

The FAA inspected Vietnams civil aviation schemes again last year and gave high marks in most areas. It found just 14 individual and not systematic problems, the report says.

Clinching category 1 status from the worlds largest economy follows other signs of growing recognition.

How Vietnam Will Ship Tariff-Free This Year to Countries Covering 45% of World GDP Vietnams christening this week of the 11-nation Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal, to be followed by a pact with the European Union, will give the export-reliant country tariff-free access to markets totaling 45 percent of the world GDP, its biggest economic boost since joining the World Trade Organization. The National Assembly in Hanoi ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership in November effective January 14, breaking down import tariffs to major markets such as Vietnams christening this week of the 11-nation Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal, to be followed by a pact with the European Union, will give the export-reliant country tariff-free access to markets totaling 45 percent of the world GDP, its biggest economic boost since joining the World Trade Organization. The National Assembly in Hanoi ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership in November effective January 14, breaking down import tariffs to major markets such as

The U.S. ran a $29.3 billion trade deficit with Vietnam in the first nine months of last year, but Washington did not make it a big issue. China and the United States, however, have been locked in disputes for about the past year partly because of Chinas trade surplus with the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who praised Vietnams economic momentum in 2017, is scheduled to visit Hanoi next week for his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Both sides picked Vietnam as host because its seen as geopolitically neutral.

Trump and his hawkish colleagues will see Vietnam as distinct from China in terms of trade, McCarty said.

Vietnam Given Best Odds to Gain from Sino-US Trade Dispute The worlds largest contract assembler of consumer electronics, Foxconn Technology, as well as a prominent producer of wireless earphones may be in talks to locate production in Vietnam, instead of the once more obvious choice, China, to escape the Sino-U.S. trade dispute. And business experts in Vietnam say many more export producers are planning the same kind of move.Vietnam is poised to receive the worlds biggest inflow over the next year of multinationals fleeing the almost year-old trade dispute The worlds largest contract assembler of consumer electronics, Foxconn Technology, as well as a prominent producer of wireless earphones may be in talks to locate production in Vietnam, instead of the once more obvious choice, China, to escape the Sino-U.S. trade dispute. And business experts in Vietnam say many more export producers are planning the same kind of move.Vietnam is poised to receive the worlds biggest inflow over the next year of multinationals fleeing the almost year-old trade dispute

The degree of economic and trade closeness between Vietnam and the United States is always increasing, said Tai Wan-ping, Vietnam-specialized international business professor at Cheng Shiu University in Taiwan. Apart from Vietnam having trade deals, in substance the degree of progress is extremely high.

Bigger economy, more fliers

Foreign investment in Vietnamese manufacturing is fueling economic growth of 6 to 7 percent since 2012. That trend is growing the middle class to about one-third of the 93 million population by next year, the Boston Consulting Group estimates.

Citizens are spending some of their new wealth on airfares.

Vietnam Start-up Bamboo Airways Secures License After Delayed Launch Vietnam's start-up Bamboo Airways has secured a license from the local authorities, the company said, opening the way for its maiden flight in January after a string of delays. Bamboo, owned by hotel and leisure firm FLC Group will operate 37 routes connecting major cities and tourist destinations in Vietnam to "reduce pressure on aviation infrastructure," the airline said in a statement. "In 2019, Bamboo Airways will also launch international air flights to Asian countries, starting with Japan, Vietnam's start-up Bamboo Airways has secured a license from the local authorities, the company said, opening the way for its maiden flight in January after a string of delays. Bamboo, owned by hotel and leisure firm FLC Group will operate 37 routes connecting major cities and tourist destinations in Vietnam to "reduce pressure on aviation infrastructure," the airline said in a statement. "In 2019, Bamboo Airways will also launch international air flights to Asian countries, starting with Japan,

The country saw 94 million passengers in 2017, including 13 million foreign nationals, up 16 percent over 2016. The domestic civil aviation industry has grown 17.4 percent over the past decade and the International Air Transport Association projects Vietnam will become the worlds fifth fastest growing aviation market by 2035.

Foreign investors are expected to keep flying in, too. In January Vietnam formally joined the 11-country Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership, a free-trade deal encompassing about 13.5 percent of the world economy. The European Union expects to ratify its own trade pact with Vietnam.

As part of a 10-member bloc of Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam trades freely with China. But political scientists say Vietnam avoids favoritism toward China, despite its having a similar political system and its significance as a source of raw materials. Vietnam has vied with China over territory for centuries and prefers a multi-country foreign policy today.

Loads of returnees, fewer tourists

Vietnamese in the United States are likely to pack the eventual direct flights as relatively few American tourists visit Vietnam, compared to other sources, McCarty said. Some Vietnamese-Americans go back to visit; others to invest.

The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are about 1.3 million people of Vietnamese heritage live in the United States today, many relocated after the U.S.-backed former South Vietnam lost to the Communist north in the 1970s. Foreign tourism to Vietnam surged to 14.1 million in the first 11 months of last year, led by citizens from China and South Korea.



There are residents in the U.S. itself, so that alone would be good enough for airline connections if they see fit to, said Song Seng Wun, regional economist in the private banking unit of CIMB in Singapore, Every country on the planet has representation in the U.S. population in one way or another. Obviously therefore it makes economic sense, commercial sense to have connectivity.

Passengers on the eventual direct flights would avoid todays stopovers in places such as Hong Kong and Taipei, Tai said.SEOUL - With the second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un one week away, final preparations are underway in Vietnam for the Feb. 27-28 talks in Hanoi. It remains unclear what the outcome between the two leaders will yield. But former North Korean Deputy Ambassador to Britain Thae Yong Ho tells reporters that Pyongyangs long-term goal was to remove the U.S. and United Nations presence from the Korean Peninsula.

During Kim Jong Uns New Years speech, he said Pyongyang called for a staged approach for the creation of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

Thae explained that Kim suggested a buffer zone that would reduce the possibility of military conflict between the two Koreas and for it to be gradually expanded from the border between the two Koreas throughout the whole peninsula as one way of achieving peace.

Thae said if Trump issues an end of war declaration at the Hanoi summit, which many analysts say is possible, then North Korea could assert there is no reason for the U.N. Command to remain on the peninsula, because the reason for the U.N. Command is to prevent any possible military confrontations between the two Koreas.

Speaking at the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies in Seoul last week, Bruce Bennett, senior defense researcher at the Rand Corp., also identified possible long-term objectives for Kim Jong Un.

I think he wants to see U.S. disengagement from the peninsula, I think he wants to be in a position where he can put significant pressure on South Korea, and I think he needs to solidify his internal support, Bennett said.

Regardless of the analysis by intelligence agencies and experts, Bennett said Kims objectives are not governed by what we think is possible for North Korea to achieve.

What matters for him (Kim Jong Un), thats what he thinks he can accomplish, because thats going to drive those actions, Bennett said.

Denuclearization

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday, President Trump expects a lot of things will come out of the second summit with Kim Jong Un.

He called the upcoming meeting very exciting, but said Washingtons ultimate goal is North Koreas denuclearization.

I think we will see that ultimately. I have no pressing time schedule, the president said, adding, As long as theres no testing, Im in no rush. If theres testing, thats another deal.

Watch related video report:

Trump said hed love to be able to take the sanctions off the North, but would do so only if it does something thats meaningful toward denuclearization.

Trump claimed during his State of the Union address that 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.

However, Tuesday he said the relationship was far less dangerous and theres a lot of sanity, a lot of really sane thinking.

But Thae said there never really was a threat of war to the United States posed by North Korea.

Instead, the former diplomat suggested that North Koreas rhetoric was aimed at Washingtons role of establishing a deterrent for conflict in the region and that President Trump fell into his trap.

The fact that President Trump spoke at the General Assembly of the United Nations and proclaimed that there is a real possibility of a war, [was] a major strategic mistake, Thae said.

He went on to say the belief that the United States and North Korea were on a nuclear collision course was a result of North Korean manipulation.

Thae said Kim Jong Un had successfully shifted the focus on North Korea to the strengthening of relations and establishing peace for nuclear disarmament.

North Korea was able to establish this framework with the United States that it is more urgent to establish the confidence-building relationship between these two countries and then we can start nuclear dismantlement, he said.

Bennett was unsure Kim would agree to fully abandon his nuclear weapons program, even if an end of war declaration is made.

If President Trump makes the declaration, Bennett said, Its got to end the broader war and lead to a real condition of peace as opposed to the appearance of peace.

FILE - U.S. Special Representative for North Korea FILE - U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun listens to South Korea's Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha during their meeting at the foreign ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 9, 2019. FILE - U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun listens to South Korea's Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha during their meeting at the foreign ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 9, 2019.

?Hanoi preparations

The State Department announced Tuesday that U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun was en route to Hanoi in preparation for the summit.

A lot of things are being discussed, and we are very much looking forward to next week, said deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino.

Kim Hyok-chol, Bieguns North Korean counterpart, was also spotted in Beijing Tuesday, and it is assumed he would be traveling to Vietnam as well.

Kim Hyok Chol, right, North Korea's interlocutor l Kim Hyok Chol, right, North Korea's interlocutor leading negotiations with the United States, arrives at Beijing's international airport on his way to the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, Feb. 19, 2019. Kim Hyok Chol, right, North Korea's interlocutor leading negotiations with the United States, arrives at Beijing's international airport on his way to the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, Feb. 19, 2019.

In a phone call with President Trump on Tuesday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in spoke about the upcoming second U.S.-North Korea summit.

A statement from South Koreas presidential office said Moon offered his countrys assistance to President Trump as a concession to Pyongyang in order to expedite North Koreas denuclearization.

That could include anything from reconnecting rail and road links between the two Koreas to other inter-Korean economic cooperation.

Moon said South Korea was determined to take up that role if President Trump asks, if thats the way to lessen the U.S. burden, according to Moons spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom.KANO, NIGERIA - Nigeria surged into the final day of campaigning ahead of Saturday's election, as President Muhammadu Buhari made one last pitch to stay in office while top challenger Atiku Abubakar shouted to supporters: Oh my God! Let them go! Let them go!

A day after the candidates pledged before diplomats, election observers and the nation to contribute to a peaceful vote in Africa's most populous country, the scene in Abubakar's home state of Adamawa on Thursday was raucous, with supporters echoing some of the dire warnings his party continues to issue.

Buhari wants to kill us, said Abubakar supporter, Mohamed Abubakar, as others rallied in the dusty streets and clung to moving vehicles in one last show of force. We need change!

FILE PHOTO: A man sits next to a campaign poster o FILE PHOTO: A man sits next to a campaign poster of Atiku Abubakar, leader of the People's Democratic Party, days before the presidential election in Kano, Nigeria, Feb. 17, 2019. FILE PHOTO: A man sits next to a campaign poster of Atiku Abubakar, leader of the People's Democratic Party, days before the presidential election in Kano, Nigeria, Feb. 17, 2019.

Abubakar's party also charged that Nigeria's election commission has kept more than 1 million ghost voters on the national register, again raising fears of vote rigging.

A sick narrative has emerged, one of systemic and systematic rigging, manipulation of the true record of the voters' register, party chairman Uche Secondus told a news conference in the capital, Abuja.

He also alleged a coordinated approach to register foreigners as voters. A commission spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.

Close contest expected

Such talk threatens to raise the temperature in what is seen as a close contest between Abubakar, a former vice president, and Buhari, a former military dictator who took office again in 2015 while calling himself a reformed democrat. I have to do things differently, he tweeted on Thursday, noting his young and rather ruthless past.

Buhari ruled the country from 1983 to 1985.

While the 2015 election was one of the most peaceful in Nigeria's history, others have been marred by deadly violence along religious and regional lines in the country of more than 190 million people.

Buhari, like Abubakar a Muslim from the north, made a call for calm in a final televised address to the nation ahead of the vote.

The president vowed safety and full protection for foreign election observers, diplomats and others. His government has been under pressure over recent comments criticizing so-called foreign interference, including a comment by one governor of sending people home in body bags.

Buhari urged Nigerians not to let differences drive us to desperation and made a special plea to the booming youth population, hurt especially by widespread unemployment, to not let themselves be used for violence.

'Choose wisely'

Nigeria's more than 84 million registered voters now must choose between Abubakar, who pledges to wrest certain powers away from the federal government but is dogged by corruption allegations, and Buhari, who talks up agriculture and infrastructure but faces criticism for his performance on security and the economy.

The president's address dismissed what Nigerians call stomach infrastructure, the handouts of rice and other basics for a cheap win while failing to deliver on substantial promises of change.

Choose wisely, Buhari warned.

Fear of violence

In the northern city of Kano, not far from Buhari's home state of Katsina, some of his supporters appeared almost serene in contrast to the street chaos on Abubakar's last day of campaigning.

He is not that kind of person who believes in do-or-die elections. He is a free man with a good heart, said one Buhari supporter, Abdulaziz Maidubji.

He dismissed the idea that violence might follow if the president is defeated.

Nothing will happen in the north, he said. We are people of faith.RABAT, MOROCCO - Moroccan police fired water cannons at protesting teachers who were marching toward a royal palace and beat people with truncheons amid demonstrations around the capital Wednesday.

Several demonstrations were held Wednesday, marking exactly eight years after the birth of a Moroccan Arab Spring protest movement that awakened a spirit of activism in this North African kingdom.

Participants in the movement recalled to The Associated Press how it changed them, even as Wednesday's protests sharpened fears that authorities were losing patience with the dozens of protests now held across Morocco every day.

Teachers' unions demonstrated outside the Education Ministry in Rabat, the capital, and then tried to walk up an alley toward the nearby royal palace, worrying police.

Officers beat several protesters to the ground. Associated Press reporters saw multiple teachers injured, and ambulances and police cars filled the neighborhood.

The thousands of protesters, many wearing white teachers' robes, came from across Morocco to Rabat to seek salary raises and promotions and protest the limited opportunities for low-ranking teachers, who earn an average of 400 euros ($454) a month. They are also angry over temporary government contracts that do not cover health care or pensions.

We are doing a peaceful march, but unfortunately the police are cracking down on us. Teachers are falling to the ground. Teachers are being insulted. Our message is education. Stop the injustice, cried out demonstrator Naima Kalaii, who came from eastern Morocco to join the protest.

They chanted slogans and carried signs from the February 20 protest movement, named after the date of the first major nationwide Arab Spring protests in Morocco in 2011.

Security forces detain a protesting teacher during Security forces detain a protesting teacher during a demonstration in Rabat, Morocco, Feb. 20, 2019. Security forces detain a protesting teacher during a demonstration in Rabat, Morocco, Feb. 20, 2019.

At that time, tens of thousands took to the streets across Morocco demanding democratic reforms and social justice. Moroccans didn't bring down a dictator like counterparts in Tunisia and Egypt, but they now regularly hold demonstrations to tackle challenges from water shortages in neglected provinces to sexual violence and police abuse.

Now Morocco sees an average of 48 protests daily, according to the ministry for human rights.

Some participants in the February 20 movement lament the limited results from the continuing actions and the fading promise of the 2011 protests, which represented an extraordinary time for a conservative kingdom where harsh repression commonly followed dissent a generation ago.

I thought that we were going out to protest and by doing that alone things would change, said Sara Soujar, one of the movement's young women protest leaders. Soujar reflected on the movement in her Casablanca living room, looking at photos and newspaper articles about her activism, their colors already fading.

Fearful of the consequences of the Arab Spring in Tunisia and Egypt and seeking to calm the street, Morocco's ruling elite weathered the storm by listening to protesters' concerns and promising modest change.

The king announced gradual constitutional reforms in March 2011. The moderate Islamist Party of Justice and Development or PJD, long in the opposition, won parliamentary elections and took control of the government later that year.

Protesting teachers run from security forces attem Protesting teachers run from security forces attempting to disperse a demonstration in Rabat, Morocco, Feb. 20, 2019. Protesting teachers run from security forces attempting to disperse a demonstration in Rabat, Morocco, Feb. 20, 2019.

Today, Morocco is still dealing with poverty, corruption and unemployment that Feb. 20 sought to solve. Frustration is rife  but so are protests.

Thanks to the youth movement, Moroccans have developed self-confidence to demand their rights using all legitimate means. February 20 is a spirit that lives on to this day, said Mostapha Mochtari, a member of the Islamist PJD party who was in the forefront of the 2011 protests.

Mochtari recalled how the movement crossed political divides in 2011: a left-wing activist taking care of him when he was injured; sharing an ambulance and hugs and laughter with one of the movement's liberal leaders.

I made a transition from a person whose life centered around the political current of the PJD to someone who shares everyone's concerns and dreams,' he said.

Soujar worries that fear is returning, noting the outcome of the Hirak protest movement in the restive Rif region, prompted by the death of a fish vendor who was crushed to death in a garbage compactor.

Hirak leaders were convicted of threatening state security, receiving maximum prison sentences of 20 years. Protesters feel they were unfairly prosecuted for demanding rights for the poor.

Soujar wonders if the same could happen to her.

Before, I could participate in any protest, any march, she said. Now, I don't. I calculate more.

Documentary filmmaker Tarik Saiidi was inspired by February 20 to find ways to change society peacefully.

Before the events of 2011 I lived in a dream world, he said. The protests taught him the importance of getting involved.

Saiidi now makes documentaries about women and girls in rural areas, hoping he can help them by showcasing the discrimination and lack of opportunity in their lives.U.S.-backed Syrian forces have transferred a group of Islamic State fighters to authorities in Iraq as they await the start of an operation to clear the last area in Syria still under the militant groups control.

An Iraqi security official told the Associated Press on Thursday the transfer involved more than 150 Iraqi members of Islamic State, while Reuters quoted a local Iraqi mayor saying 10 trucks carried Iraqi and foreign fighters into Iraq.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have been waiting for civilians to leave the village of Baghuz before launching an offensive to liberate the area.

The most hardened of ISIS fighters still remain, the global coalition tweeted Wednesday, using an acronym for the terror group, adding that the U.S.-backed forces continue to receive civilians attempting to escape to safety.

We are aware of open source reports of ISIS fighters reportedly surrendering in the MERV. We cannot independently verify these reports. However, the SDF continue to receive civilians attempting to escape to safety and the most hardened ISIS fighters still remain in Baghuz.  Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) February 20, 2019

The coalition statement came hours after the SDF broke a stalemate with IS fighters still holed-up in Baghuz, securing the release of hundreds of civilians, including women and children.

After many days of trying, we were able to evacuate the first batch today, SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali told French news agency Agence France-Presse.

Witnesses said they saw a convoy of about 10 trucks leave Islamic States last enclave, a small patch of land covered with tents, spanning no more than several hundred square meters.

A truck carries men identified as Islamic State gr A truck carries men identified as Islamic State group fighters who surrendered to Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as they are transported out of IS's last holdout of Baghuz, Syria, Feb. 20, 2019. A truck carries men identified as Islamic State group fighters who surrendered to Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as they are transported out of IS's last holdout of Baghuz, Syria, Feb. 20, 2019.

They said the trucks carried hundreds of people. At least two of the trucks carried men identified as IS fighters who had surrendered.

A senior SDF official said an initial estimate shows that in all, as many as 2,000 people made it out of Baghuz Wednesday. But he said possibly 1,000 more remain, all of them IS fighters or IS families, and that the majority are originally from Iraq.

But SDF officials said they are hesitant to move in on the remaining fighters until all the civilians can be evacuated.

SDF cant launch the last offensive with them remaining in the camp, SDF Commander Zana Amedi tweeted Wednesday. Operations to rescue civilians are likely to continue in coming days, since thousands remain trapped.

The last camp that ISIS holds in #Baghouz is approx. 700x700 meters large. There are hundreds of makeshift tents and some half-ruined buildings where Daesh keeps civilians inside. Number of remaining people is not clear but in thousands. (pic. by @RodiSad) pic.twitter.com/XnGBtjOm8N  zana amedi (@zana_med) February 20, 2019

Rumors of a deal between the SDF and the remaining IS fighters have been circulating for days. The SDF first sent the trucks into Baghuz on Tuesday to evacuate civilians, but SDF commanders said they were prevented from leaving when IS fighters opened fire.

Children sit together in a truck as a convoy of ve Children sit together in a truck as a convoy of vehicles led by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) transports fighters believed to be surrendering members of Islamic State (IS) group and their families out of IS's last holdout of Baghuz, Syria, Feb. 20, 2019. Children sit together in a truck as a convoy of vehicles led by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) transports fighters believed to be surrendering members of Islamic State (IS) group and their families out of IS's last holdout of Baghuz, Syria, Feb. 20, 2019.

Late Tuesday, witnesses reported two coalition airstrikes targeting parts of the IS enclave.

A Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter uses bino A Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter uses binoculars to inspect the embattled village of Baghuz, Syria, Feb. 19, 2019. A Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter uses binoculars to inspect the embattled village of Baghuz, Syria, Feb. 19, 2019.

SDF and coalition officials estimate there are still about 300 IS fighters left in Baghuz, and there have been ongoing attacks by small groups of IS fighters  some thought to be part of sleeper cells  on SDF positions throughout the area.

Thousands of people, including civilians and some suspected foreign fighters who had joined IS, have streamed out of Baghuz over the past several weeks.



SDF made final warning to remaining militants to surrender. Most of them are seriously wounded or sick. Obviously Daesh cant keep civilians inside anymore as thousands are on their way out.  zana amedi (@zana_med) February 19, 2019

Many have ended up in camps like al-Hol in northeastern Syria, unsure of what will become of them. And SDF officials have said they have at least 800 foreign fighters in custody.

Repatriation

The U.S. is demanding that its European allies such as Britain, France and Germany repatriate any citizens who joined IS and prosecute them. But many of the countries have pushed back.

Britain Tuesday announced it was stripping the citizenship of 19-year-old Shamima Begum, who ran away to join IS in 2015.

Britain Debates Whether Islamic State Recruits Should Be Given Second Chance British-born Sumaiyyah Wakil was 16 years old when she sneaked away to war-torn Syria, flying first to Bulgaria, then Turkey, to join the Islamic State terror group.Once in ISs de facto capital, Raqqa, she bragged, according to British court documents, about watching the public stoning of a woman, describing the killing as so cool.But now her family say the British authorities should repatriate her when she re-emerges, likely soon, from IS territory as well as other British teenagers who joined the British-born Sumaiyyah Wakil was 16 years old when she sneaked away to war-torn Syria, flying first to Bulgaria, then Turkey, to join the Islamic State terror group.Once in ISs de facto capital, Raqqa, she bragged, according to British court documents, about watching the public stoning of a woman, describing the killing as so cool.But now her family say the British authorities should repatriate her when she re-emerges, likely soon, from IS territory as well as other British teenagers who joined the

On Wednesday, Germanys interior minister said in a newspaper interview that his country would need to certify the identities of any German IS fighters and their families, and know what they allegedly did with the terror group before anyone gets put on a plane.?

U.S. troops

The impending end of IS physical caliphate could also hasten the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria.

U.S. President Donald Trump first announced the pullout in December and tweeted Saturday, We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!

The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them........  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

....The U.S. does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much - Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

Kurdish forces say they expect total defeat of IS in Syria by the end of the week.

In a few days, we will announce a great victory over the largest terrorist organization that waged war on the world, a senior Kurdish fighter said Tuesday.

But U.S. defense and intelligence officials have warned that even after the terror groups self-declared caliphate falls, there are still up to 30,000 IS fighters spread across Syria and Iraq, many of whom have already begun engaging in a full-scale insurgency.LANSING, MICHIGAN - Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer blocked the sale of a former state prison that was proposed as the site of a privately operated federal immigration detention center, drawing praise from immigrant rights activists and criticism Tuesday from a Republican lawmaker whose district stood to gain jobs.



Whitmer late last week stopped the proposed sale from proceeding, after plans for the facility had advanced in the fall under the administration of then-Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican. She said Virginia-based Immigration Centers of America would not guarantee to not detain adults who are separated from their children or other family members.



"The governor believes that building more detention facilities won't solve our immigration crisis, and she also believes that separating families doesn't reflect our Michigan values," Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown said in a statement.



GOP Rep. Thomas Albert, whose district includes the former Deerfield Correctional Facility in Ionia, vowed Tuesday to fight Whitmer's decision.



"This issue is not going away," he told The Associated Press, noting that he chairs the House subcommittee that is responsible for the Department of Corrections budget.



He said Ionia has lost out on 250 new jobs, $35 million in private investment and property tax revenue. It is not clear, however, if the GOP-led Legislature can realistically revive the project.

Ionia, Michigan



U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has set a March 29 deadline for bids to house approximately 600 male detainees within 150 miles of Detroit, either in Michigan or Ohio. It may be too late for Immigration Centers of America to find another site before then, a company spokesman said.



Albert, of Lowell, said Whitmer's administration added strict stipulations to the development agreement, including that the facility not house any individual who had been separated from a family member at apprehension, during detention or any other time while in custody. The restriction, which would have applied for adults detained and separated for the purpose of criminal prosecution or unlawful entry, would have forced the company to release a detainee if he or she alleged that they have been separated.



"That's effectively turning the detention center into a hotel. There's literally no way that anybody could comply with that," Albert said. "It was just a thinly veiled way to torpedo the whole deal."

Immigration Centers of America, which operates an immigration detention center in Virginia, was the sole bidder for the former prison, which closed in 2009. Spokesman John Truscott said the detention facility would have offered a "much better and more humane" alternative than the current practice of housing detainees in county jails.



It is a "possibility" that Whitmer could change her mind, "but we're not counting on it," he said.



While Albert accused Whitmer of appeasing her political base with a move against President Donald Trump  who rescinded a family separation policy last year  the immigrant rights group Michigan United applauded her for doing the "moral and just thing."



"Not only would a new prison anywhere in Michigan make it easier for ICE to tear families apart, one so far away would also make it harder for their lawyers to work with them, harder for their families to come visit them and much harder for the community to rally in their support," the organization said in a statement.Nicaragua's congress on Tuesday accepted a $100 million loan offered by Taiwan, giving a line of support to President Daniel Ortega's government, which has become increasingly isolated after a brutal crackdown on protesters last year.

Lawmakers approved the 20-year loan a day after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that "socialism is dying" in Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela.

The United States enacted a law late last year making it harder for Nicaragua to access multilateral loans.

The bill approved by lawmakers from the ruling Sandinista party said the funds were destined to support the country's budget priorities this year.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the unrest in the country had caused serious damage to Nicaragua's economy.

"In order to help re-building work in Nicaragua, our side has agreed, after prudent assessment, to provide a commercial loan for re-building," it said.

"The relevant help is based upon humanitarian considerations to help the Nicaraguan people, and we hope people's lives in Nicaragua and social order can return to normalcy and stability as soon as possible," the ministry added.

"Nicaragua's government has promised to use this loan appropriately in the aforementioned areas," it said.

Nicaragua is one of a shrinking number of countries in Central America that still offer U.S.-ally Taiwan diplomatic support over China, which considers Taiwan sacred Chinese territory.

China and Taiwan have for years traded accusations of "dollar diplomacy" as they seek support around the world, offering generous aid packages in return for diplomatic recognition.

Self-ruled and democratic Taiwan now has formal relations with only 17 countries, almost all of them small and less developed nations in Central America and the Pacific, including Belize and Nauru.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and considers the island merely a wayward Chinese province, with no right to state-to-state relations.

FILE - An individual watches from above as protes FILE - An individual watches from above as protestors march below during an anti-government protest in Managua, Nicaragua, Aug. 11, 2018. FILE - An individual watches from above as protestors march below during an anti-government protest in Managua, Nicaragua, Aug. 11, 2018.

Former guerrilla leader Ortega's rule was challenged by the protests against a social security reform last year. More than 320 people died in a crackdown that suppressed the protests but led to deep rifts with the private sector and Washington.

The United States has imposed sanctions on officials close to Ortega, including his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo.

The Netherlands and Luxembourg last year suspended aid funding to Nicaragua, citing repression during the protests.

In the 2019 budget, Nicaragua's congress forecast a budget deficit of $320 million, up from $170 million in December 2018.There is a quiet air of excitement at the offices of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC), as the countdown draws closer to Friday when a much-awaited ruling by Kenya's High Court could make history.

The charity has fought hundreds of cases of abuse against sexual minorities in Kenya's courts, but the verdict on whether to scrap British colonial-era laws criminalizing gay sex is undoubtedly their most eagerly anticipated case.

"We are excited and cautiously optimistic  but optimistic nonetheless," Lelei Cheruto from NGLHRC, one of the groups petitioning the court to decriminalize gay sex, told Reuters.

"A positive ruling will mean sexual minorities in Kenya will have the freedom to exist. It will be a step towards their inclusion in society. We feel we have a very solid case."

Homosexuality is taboo in the East African nation and persecution of sexual minorities is rife. Under sections of Kenya's penal code, gay sex  or "carnal knowledge against the order of nature"  is punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

Campaigners say the laws have long promoted homophobia in the largely conservative Christian country  and are used daily to persecute and discriminate against sexual minorities.

They face prejudice in getting jobs, renting housing or seeking medical care or education.

Hate crimes like blackmail, extortion, physical and sexual assault are common  but most are too fearful to go to the police due to their sexual orientation, say rights groups.

A positive judgment would not only give rights and dignity to sexual minorities in Kenya, say campaigners, but will inject impetus into battles being waged by persecuted LGBT people across Africa.

"People across the continent are watching the Kenyan case very closely," said Anthony Oluoch from Pan Africa ILGA, a global charity advocating for the rights of sexual minorities.

"There are laws in many African countries that criminalize same-sex relationships, so if we get a positive ruling in Kenya it will give hope to the continent."

#LoveIsHuman

Same-sex relationships are a crime in more than 70 countries around the world, almost half of them in Africa. South Africa is the only African nation to have legalized gay marriage.

The law against gay sex in Kenya  sections 162 and 165  was introduced during British rule more than 120 years ago.

In 2010, Kenya adopted its new constitution, which provides for equality, human dignity and freedom from discrimination.

Petitioners now want the sections of the law repealed, saying they violate constitutional rights.

However, the Kenyan government, backed by powerful Christian groups, is opposed to scrapping the ban on gay sex and argued during court hearings last year that it will lead to same-sex marriage.

A three-judge bench of the High Court is expected to give its verdict on Feb. 22. Both sides can appeal against the ruling in higher courts.

Since the date of the ruling was announced in October, LGBT activists across the world have been counting down the days on social media with hashtags such as #WeAreAllKenyans, #LoveIsHuman and #Repeal162.

"This judgment has real potential to change the lived experience of hundreds of thousands of people in Kenya," said Tea Braun, director of the UK-based campaign group, the Human Dignity Trust.

"A positive verdict will declare that LGBT+ people are not criminals. It will be a reckoning for society where Kenya will show the world that it upholds the principals of freedom, liberty and justice."

Campaigners say their optimism is justified  pointing to recent progressive rulings by courts as well as governments across the world supporting the rights of LGBT+ people  which they believe Kenya's judges will consider.

In September, for example, India's Supreme Court threw out similar colonial-era legislation in a landmark ruling in the world's largest democracy.

While last month, the Angolan government shed the "vices against nature" provision in its law, which was widely interpreted to be a ban on homosexual conduct.

The fact these moves came from countries in the developing world  which Kenyans can easily identify with  rather than Western nations which are often blamed for "importing homosexuality," should lie in their favor, say petitioners.

There has even been progress at home, they add, citing a ruling by Kenya's Court of Appeal in March which found it illegal to force people suspected of being homosexual to undergo anal examinations.

Reinvigorating Africa

A positive ruling will have wider implications across Africa, which has some of the most prohibitive laws against homosexuality in the world, say campaigners.

Same-sex relationships are considered taboo and are a crime across most of the continent, with punishments ranging from imprisonment to death.

A 2017 report by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) found 33 African countries, out of a total of 54, criminalize same-sex relations.

The persecution of LGBT Africans is also widespread, with sexual minorities routinely being abused, blackmailed, assaulted by mobs, or even raped by police or vigilantes.

"Kenya is an important and influential country in Africa and there has been a lot of conversation around the continent about the court case," said Bisi Alimi, a Nigerian gay rights activist who was forced to flee persecution and seek asylum in Britain.

"It would be a huge inspiration and a morale boost to LGBT+ people across Africa. It will reinvigorate LGBT+ rights campaigns in many countries. People will feel more emboldened to talk about their sexuality and fight for their rights."

A positive verdict will also influence court decisions in countries like Botswana where the top court is set to rule on overturning similar legislation in March, campaigners add.

Petitioners, however, acknowledge there is likely to be a long road ahead  whether the ruling is in their favor or not.

Both sides have the option to take the case before the Court of Appeal and further to the Supreme Court.

They also admit that even if same-sex relations are decriminalized, challenges in changing deep-rooted homophobic attitudes in society remain.

"We are aware things aren't going to change overnight and discrimination and persecution are likely to persist for years to come," said Cheruto, adding that sustained advocacy and public awareness campaigns would be needed to sensitize people.

"It's been a long journey already, but we are prepared for the road ahead  no matter how difficult it may be."WASHINGTON - Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas on Tuesday urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its landmark 1964 ruling that made it harder for public figures to sue for defamation, a precedent that has served as powerful protection for the news media.

Thomas took aim at the unanimous ruling in the libel case known as New York Times Co. v. Sullivan in an opinion he wrote concurring with the court's decision to end a defamation suit against Bill Cosby filed by a woman who said the comedian raped her in 1974.

Thomas, one of the high court's most conservative justices, said the 55-year-old decision was not rooted in the U.S. Constitution. That ruling and subsequent ones extending it "were policy-driven decisions masquerading as constitutional law," Thomas wrote, expressing views in harmony with President Donald Trump, who often attacks the media and has advocated making it easier to sue news organizations and publishers for defamation.

Thomas agreed with his fellow justices in refusing to consider reviving a defamation lawsuit against Cosby by Kathrine McKee, an actress and former Las Vegas showgirl who said the entertainer falsely called her a liar after she accused him of rape.

McKee was represented in the case by attorney Charles Harder, who represented Trump in a defamation suit brought against the president by adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Daniels has said she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which he denies. McKee had appealed a court ruling in Massachusetts that threw out her lawsuit.

The New York Times v. Sullivan ruling has served as a safeguard for media reporting on public figures.

Trump in January 2018 called current defamation laws "a sham and a disgrace" following the publication of a book about the White House by author Michael Wolff called "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," which among other things questioned the president's mental health.

A stack of reserved "Fire and Fury" books by write A stack of reserved "Fire and Fury" books by writer Michael Wolff sit on a shelf in a bookstore in Richmond, Virginia, Jan. 5, 2018. A stack of reserved "Fire and Fury" books by writer Michael Wolff sit on a shelf in a bookstore in Richmond, Virginia, Jan. 5, 2018.

The high court's 1964 ruling held that in order to win a libel suit, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the offending statement was made with "actual malice," meaning knowledge that it was false or reckless disregard as to whether it was false.

The case involved a lawsuit against the New York Times, a newspaper that Trump often criticizes for its coverage of him.

Thomas wrote that "we should carefully examine the original meaning of the First and Fourteenth Amendments," referring to the constitutional provisions protecting freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the application of those rights to the states.

"If the Constitution does not require public figures to satisfy an actual-malice standard in state-law defamation suits, then neither should we," Thomas wrote.

Thomas said defamation law was historically a matter for the states, and should remain that way.

"The states are perfectly capable of striking an acceptable balance between encouraging robust public discourse and providing a meaningful remedy for reputational harm," Thomas wrote.

None of the other eight justices joined Thomas in his opinion.

Cosby Prison Sentence

Cosby, 81, was convicted in April 2018 of three counts of aggravated indecent assault for the drugging and sexual assault of Andrea Constand, a former Temple University administrator, in 2004. He was sentenced last September to three to 10 years in prison.

The Supreme Court last October snubbed Cosby's appeal in another defamation case, allowing a lawsuit by former model Janice Dickinson to go forward against the entertainer best known for his starring role in the 1980s hit television series "The Cosby Show."

Bill Cosby arrives for his sentencing hearing at t Bill Cosby arrives for his sentencing hearing at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Sept. 24, 2018, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Bill Cosby arrives for his sentencing hearing at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Sept. 24, 2018, in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

McKee went public with her rape accusation in a 2014 interview with the New York Daily News. She is one of more than 50 women who have accused Cosby of sexual assault dating back to the 1960s by using drugs to incapacitate them.

An attorney for Cosby then sent a letter to the newspaper, suggesting McKee was a liar and calling her an unreliable source. In the letter, Cosby's lawyer said McKee had admitted lying to get hired as a showgirl.

McKee sued Cosby for defamation in 2015 in federal court in Boston, saying the letter made false statements and harmed her reputation.

A trial judge in 2017 dismissed her claims, saying the lawsuit was barred by the First Amendment guarantee of free speech. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling.

The appeals court said that by deliberately wading into the controversy, McKee had become a public figure, requiring her to prove Cosby acted with malice to win a defamation claim.

McKee told the justices that she "should not be victimized twice over" by making it harder for her to prove defamation merely because she went public as an alleged victim.BERLIN - The party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban should leave the mainstream European center-right grouping, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said, comparing Orban to French far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

The unusually sharp comments, made at a public meeting in Stuttgart, Germany, came after the Hungarian government unveiled a new poster campaign accusing Juncker and philanthropist George Soros of wanting to flood Hungary with migrants.

A phone box displays a billboards showing Hungaria A phone box displays a billboards showing Hungarian-American financier George Soros and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker above the caption You have a right to know what Brussels is preparing to do!," on Vaci Avenue in Budapest, Hungary, Feb. 19, 2019. A phone box displays a billboards showing Hungarian-American financier George Soros and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker above the caption You have a right to know what Brussels is preparing to do!," on Vaci Avenue in Budapest, Hungary, Feb. 19, 2019.

"Against lies there's not much you can do," Juncker replied, adding that Manfred Weber, the European Peoples Party's lead candidate for the upcoming European elections, would certainly be asking himself "if I need this voice" in the EPP.

Calls have been growing for Orban's nationalist Fidesz party to be expelled from the EPP, which groups Christian Democratic and center-right parties in the European Parliament, because of Fidesz's stridently anti-immigration campaigns.

Fidesz's domestic strength, however, means it has a large delegation in the European legislature, and its removal from the EPP umbrella could erode the center-right's current dominance of the Strasbourg parliament.

Juncker, previously the longtime center-right prime minister of Luxembourg, said he had called for Fidesz's exclusion from the EPP.

"They didn't vote for me in the European Parliament," he said. "The far right didn't either. I remember Ms. Le Pen, she said 'I'm not voting for you.' I said: 'I don't want your vote.' There are certain votes you just don't want."An Iranian state news agency says authorities have extended a travel ban on the widow of an Iranian-Canadian environmentalist who died in prison last year after being arrested on suspicion of espionage.

IRNA quoted a lawyer for Maryam Mombeini as saying in a Tuesday interview that he had gone to a Tehran court on Sunday to seek an end to the year-long ban imposed on the widow of the environmentalist, Kavous Seyed-Emami. Lawyer Payam Derafshan told IRNA that a court official informed him the travel ban on Mombeini has been extended.

IRNA quoted Derafshan as saying that in response, he wrote a letter of complaint to a Tehran prosecutor, arguing the ban should not have been extended because Mombeini has fully cooperated with authorities investigating the spying allegations against her late husband and she was not a suspect in that case. The lawyer told IRNA he also reminded the prosecutor that Mombeinis travel ban has deprived her from being with her two sons, who left Iran for Canada last March.

There was no word from Iranian state media as to why Mombeini has been barred from leaving Iran.

      ... https://t.co/kod4kcpLpB#bringmaryamhome  King Raam (@kingraam) February 19, 2019

One of her sons, Vancouver-based Ramin Emami, retweeted a link to Tuesdays IRNA report about his mother and commented: What to say about this injustice? He also added a zipper-mouth face emoji, suggesting he was unable to say more about the case, and the hashtag #bringmaryamhome.

Iran must allow Maryam Mombeini to leave the country and travel to Canada to be with her family - and the regime must provide answers in the death of her husband, Kavous Seyed-Emami, in Evin prison.  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 19, 2018

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on Iran last March to let Mombeini travel to see her sons.

Iran detained Seyed-Emami and eight other members of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation in January 2018, accusing them of using wildlife cameras to spy on military sites. Seyed-Emami died in custody the following month in what officials termed a suicide. Family members disputed that assertion and called for further investigation.

A report by state-controlled news site ISNA said the conservationists appeared in a Tehran court on Monday for a fifth session of their trial that began January 30. It said a prosecutor completed the reading of a more than 300-page indictment of the eight defendants. But the report gave no other details of the closed-door trial.

The eight defendants  six men and two women  include Niloufar Bayani, Taher Ghadirian, Houman Jowkar, Sepideh Kashani, Amir Hossein Khaleghi, Abdolreza Kouhpayeh, Sam Rajabi and Morad Tahbaz.

The New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) has quoted a source as saying much of the indictment was based on forced confessions from Bayani. It cited the source as saying Bayani interrupted the trial's opening session several times, accusing investigators of extracting confessions from her under mental and physical duress, and saying she has since retracted those statements.

In a new report published Tuesday, CHRI quoted a source as saying Bayani was absent from the third, fourth and fifth sessions of the trial, although her court-appointed lawyer was present. CHRI said it did not know the reason for Bayanis absence, which also has been reported by U.S.-based group Human Rights Watch. Iranian state media have reported the absence of one of the female defendants from recent sessions of the trial, without mentioning her name.

International human rights organizations have called on Iran to release the environmentalists and investigate allegations that authorities have mistreated them.

A group of 369 international conservation practitioners and scholars have added their names to a November 2018 open letter to Iran's Supreme Leader, saying they believe the detained Iranian environmentalists are innocent.

This article originated in VOAs Persian Service.In the study of his home outside Washington, former priest Tom Doyle searched a shelf packed with books to find the thick report that led him to walk away from the priesthood and become an advocate for victims of sexual abuse by clergymen.

The 1985 report was one of the first exposes in a sexual abuse scandal that has plagued the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has called senior bishops to meet for four days starting Thursday to discuss how to tackle the worsening crisis.

Doyle, who lost his job soon after the report was made public and eventually decided to leave the priesthood, is deeply skeptical that anything of substance will come of this week's meeting.

"They're going to pray and they're going to meditate. But it's totally useless," he said. "You shouldn't have to have something like this in 2019. These men should know right out of the gate that if you have a priest who's raping children, you don't allow them to continue."

FILE - Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's Basilic Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Feb. 20, 2019. Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Feb. 20, 2019.

The meeting comes after a year in which fresh revelations about abuse of children and cover-up has shaken the church globally and tested the pope's authority. Predatory priests were often moved from parish to parish rather than expelled or criminally prosecuted as bishops covered up the abuse.

Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, 67, a professor at Catholic University, said that U.S. bishops have already taken decisive steps to keep children from being abused. In 2002, after decades of abuse in the Boston area became public, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) passed a charter including requirements to report allegations of abuse of minors to police and to remove abusive priests or deacons after a single offense.

"The bishops of the United States are following zero tolerance," said Rossetti, who helped draft the charter. "If you molested a minor at any time in your life, you're not going to be a priest in this country. Period."

Rossetti said the pope and the bishops should use the Vatican meeting to push for similar reforms in other countries where the problem of abuse is still coming to light.

But the U.S. policy "still left the bishops off the hook," said David Lorenz, a director at Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP. He called the pope's summit "a publicity stunt."

Recalling how he was abused at age 16 by a priest at an all-boys high school in Kentucky, Lorenz said the church and bishops with secrets of their own will continue to cover up abuse.

"It's the secrecy. It's the silence. It's because I was silent for so long," Lorenz, now 60, said, welling up. "They rely on that."At home in the United States, Kerrie Springer takes pride in being environmentally conscious. So when she booked a week's getaway at the Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort in Aruba, she choose the "green stay" option, agreeing to reuse her sheets and towels rather than have them changed each day.

"You don't do that at home, so why do it at a resort?" asked Springer, who visited the resort with her husband. "Water in the Caribbean is precious, so why use it if you do not have to?"

Environmentally friendly tourism options -- available at a growing string of hotels across the Caribbean -- are proving popular with tourists, helping curb climate change and waste, industry groups say.

The Bucuti and Tara resort last August was certified as 100 percent carbon neutral by Natural Capital Partners, an international organization that works to promote low-carbon sustainable development.

The resort, established by Austrian Ewald Biemans in 1987, after he moved to Aruba in the 1960s, is known for its use of renewable energy, smaller portions at meal time to reduce food waste, and reuseable containers for everything from ketchup to shampoo.

Those kinds of changes are catching on around the Caribbean, with a range of hotels and resorts eliminating single-use plastics such as straws, water bottles and shampoo containers.

Others are switching to more efficient air conditioners and refrigerators and installing LED lights, officials say.

The push is part of an ongoing effort to make tourism in the region greener, said Amanda Charles, a sustainable tourism development specialist at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

Less Energy, Lower Bills

Loreto Duffy-Mayers, who works with Charles on hotel energy audits, said efforts to improve energy efficiency, for instance, have helped many hotels cut their energy bills 30 to 50 percent.

The Paradise Island Beach Club in the Bahamas was able to slash its energy costs, saving about a quarter million dollars a year, through measures such as installing air conditioners that turn off when a room is cool enough and unplugging unused refrigerators, she said.

The CTO's members are 24 countries throughout the English, French and Dutch Caribbean whose economies are heavily dependent on tourism.

Charles said the group encourages members to focus on providing three kinds of benefits in their countries: environmental, social and economic.

In Aruba, for instance, tourism provides over 90 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product - and, by extension, most of its employment and tax revenue, said Frank Comito, director general of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

That revenue in turn funds schools, healthcare and other public services, he said.

Because the country's sea, sun and natural beauty is the primary driver for tourism, places like Aruba also have enacted policies to conserve water and electricity and protect the environment, he said.

Comito said the hotel and tourism association offers regular webinars on sustainability issues, including waste management, sustainable design, and climate change, and guides members through environmental certification programs.

It also holds disaster risk preparedness workshops for its members - from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Jamaica - to help them prepare for worsening climate-related risks.

Charles acknowledges, however, that raising environmental awareness in the tourism sector remains a work in progress.

"Most of the CTO's member countries have a higher budget for marketing than one for sustainable tourism initiatives," she admitted.

High turnover among hotel staff - particularly housekeepers - can also make it difficult to ensure that green changes brought in continue to be fully implemented, she said.

But changes slowly are taking root. Biemans, of the Bucuti and Tara, said water at his resort is recycled and solar panels provide 20 percent of the facility's electricity needs.

The resort also buys another 22 percent of its energy from a wind farm operated by the Aruban government, he said.

"We reuse every drop of water. Our meal portions are about 30 percent less and people are actually pleased with it. We do not have a single complaint. And our food waste is reused by pig farms on the island," Biemans said. "It is good for business, the staff and customers. It saves the environment as much as it saves money. The customer has to pay less for the room, we have to pay less for energy -- and in the end everybody benefits."The European Commission will take action against Poland if its government is harassing judges for consulting the European Court of Justice on the legality of Polish reforms, Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans said Tuesday.

Timmermans, responsible in the Commission for making sure European Union countries observe the rule of law, was responding to a letter from Poland's biggest judge association Iustitia, which asked him to act.

Iustitia urged Timmermans to sue the euroskeptic Polish government over the harassment of judges who question the legality of the government's judicial reforms by asking the opinion of the ECJ.

"Every Polish judge is also a European judge, so no one should interfere with the right of a judge to pose questions to the European Court of Justice," Timmermans told reporters on entering a meeting of EU ministers who were to discuss Poland's observance of the rule of law.

"If that is becoming something of a structural matter, if judges are being faced with disciplinary measures because they ask questions to the court in Luxembourg, then of course the Commission will have to act," he said, without elaborating.

Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has been in conflict with the Commission over its handling of Polish courts since the start of 2016. Most EU countries back the Commission.

"The combined effect of the legislative changes could put at risk the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers in Poland," German Minister for Europe Michael Roth and French Minister for European Affairs Nathalie Loiseau said in a joint statement at a ministerial meeting with Timmermans.

"In this context, the amendments made so far by the Polish authorities are not sufficient," they said, according to delegation officials.

Procedure

Worried about the government flouting basic democratic standards in the country of 38 million people, the Commission has launched an unprecedented procedure on whether Poland is observing the rule of law, which serves mainly as a means of political pressure.

The procedure could lead to the loss of voting power in the EU for a government that does not observe the rule of law.

"Sadly, not much has changed and some things even have worsened," Timmermans said.

The EU has launched a similar procedure against Hungary, where the authoritarian rule of Prime Minister Viktor Orban is raising concern in other EU countries. Brussels has also warned Romania to stop its push for influence over the judicial system.

Iustitia, grouping one-third of all Polish judges, wrote to Timmermans to act against repressive disciplinary steps against judges by the National Council of Judiciary, which, under changes made by the government, is now appointed by politicians from the ruling PiS parliamentary majority.

"The proceedings are usually initiated against judges who are active in the field of defending the rule of law, among others by educational actions, meetings with citizens, international activity," Iustitia head Krystian Markiewicz wrote in the letter to Timmermans, seen by Reuters. "Therefore I appeal for referring Poland to the Court of Justice of the European Union in connection with the regulations concerning the disciplinary proceedings against judges."HAVANA - Cuba denied on Tuesday it has security forces in Venezuela and charged the statements were part of an orchestrated campaign of lies paving the way for military intervention in the South American country.

U.S. President Donald Trump and members of the administration have charged that Cuba's security forces and military control Venezuela's and that troops are also on the ground there.

"Our government categorically and energetically rejects this slander," Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said at a Havana press conference, adding all of the some 20,000 Cubans in Venezuela were civilians, most health professionals. Rodriguez called on the U.S. administration to produce proof.

"There is a big political and communications campaign underway which are usually the prelude to larger actions by this government," Rodriguez said.

Cuba's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Cuba's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla speaks during a press conference in Havana, Cuba, Feb. 19, 2019. Rodriguez warned on Tuesday that the United States is preparing a military intervention in Venezuela under the pretext of a humanitarian crisis. Cuba's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla speaks during a press conference in Havana, Cuba, Feb. 19, 2019. Rodriguez warned on Tuesday that the United States is preparing a military intervention in Venezuela under the pretext of a humanitarian crisis.

Communist-run Cuba has been a key backer of the Venezuelan government since the Bolivarian Revolution that began under former leader Hugo Chavez in 1998.

The Trump administration has been trying to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down and hand over power to Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly. Guaido invoked a constitutional provision to assume the presidency a month ago, arguing that Maduro's re-election last year was a sham.

The United States immediately recognized Guaido as interim president. Since then many of Venezuela's neighbors and most Western countries have followed suit.

Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China and control of Venezuelan state institutions, including the security services.

Rodriguez termed the political crisis in Venezuela "a failed imperialist coup ... fabricated in Washington," and warned plans to deliver humanitarian aid were a recipe for violence and intervention.

The United States has sent tons of aid that is being stockpiled on Colombia's border with Venezuela, but Maduro has refused to let it in.

Guaido has announced he will move the aid into the country by air, land and sea on Feb. 23 and called on Venezuelans to help bring it through.

President Trump, speaking in Miami on Monday, warned the Venezuelan military to let the aid in or face dire consequences. "We are all witnesses in the making of humanitarian pretexts. A deadline has been set for forcing the entry of humanitarian aid," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez reiterated Cuba's claim last week that the United States was moving special forces to the Caribbean, a charge the State Department's special envoy for Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, termed a "lie."When Gankhuyag Natsag makes one of his famous masks, he spends a lot of time thinking.

During that time I am thinking that its all based on Buddhist philosophy. It allows for meditation, inspiration and a peaceful life, he says.

The renowned Mongolian mask maker, known as Ganna, makes the elaborate representations of characters that appear in traditional Buddhist temple dances.

It did not get to Mongolia until 1811 and there it flourished until the Soviets cracked down on religion in Mongolia in the 1930s.

They destroyed more than 800 temples, including many Buddhist objects. A lot of masks were destroyed during that time, Ganna says.

Aterwards, only about 30 masks survived. Knowing that has contributed to Gannas devotion to the masks. Many of the ones he makes go directly to museums around the world.

Over a ten-year period ending in 2007, Ganna lovingly made all 108 Khuree Tsam as the masks are called.

The last mask I made was the Red Makhagala, also named Jamsran. He is the protector, Ganna displays his work with reverence. The other mask was the blue, bull mask. We call him Damdinchoijoo, the god of death.

His favorite is still the first one he made, the Old White Man, Chaganb Ebugan. The Old White Man has a lot of wisdom to offer people.

Ganna has performed the Old White Man in traditional dances with the music and dance ensemble he started called Khan Bogd. The group has performed in more than 50 countries at festivals, theaters and museums.

In 1997, Ganna set out to make all 108 masks from In 1997, Ganna set out to make all 108 masks from Mongolian Buddhist tradition. He finished them ten years later although each mask requires considerable study and meditation to make. In 1997, Ganna set out to make all 108 masks from Mongolian Buddhist tradition. He finished them ten years later although each mask requires considerable study and meditation to make.

?When I wear that mask, I become completely taken over by the role. I feel as if I am bringing people education and giving long life. In Mongolia, we respect the oldest. The oldest has to educate the younger generation.

Inner peace, outer peace

Gankhuyag Natsag was born in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia and immigrated to the U.S in 2002.He now lives in Arlington, Virginia where there is a big Mongolian community.

He has been making Buddhist ritual dance masks for more than two decades.

While Ganna recreated the masks, his family and friends helped him by reproducing the masks costumes and elaborate ornaments.

My mother was a famous seamstress and my father was also a very artistic person. I learned a lot from them. I also studied art in school, he says.

It takes a month for him to actually create a mask using clay and layers of papier-mache.

The masks are made of many layers of paper mache l The masks are made of many layers of papier-mache laid over a clay form. Each one takes a month to make. But Ganna loves the process which he says allows "for a peaceful life." The masks are made of many layers of papier-mache laid over a clay form. Each one takes a month to make. But Ganna loves the process which he says allows "for a peaceful life."

As much as Ganna loves the process, he also has a greater goal in mind.

I would like to introduce Mongolian culture all over the world, through my art and through my masks. That's one of my biggest goals. We need to preserve our culture. That is very important."

Ganna has a dream project called the World Peace Pagoda. He hopes to build large scale peace education centers, one in Mongolia and another outside Washington.

"If people are peaceful and enjoyable on the inside, our outer world will directly be the same. Our world will be peaceful. That is based on the Buddhist philosophy, Ganna maintains. Our world is unique, it is our only home."Sprawling teak forests, planted nearly a century ago to supply lumber and government income, are fast disappearing in South Sudan as timber companies take advantage of the country's chaos to extract large amounts of wood, environmentalists say.

The rapid felling threatens worsening erosion and environmental damage in the country, and has provoked uprisings by local communities, who have not received promised roads and other assistance as part of timber extraction deals, they say.

"There is a concern by the way the teak is cut in South Sudan and this will have some serious negative impacts on the people and the environment," warned Bio Kuer, executive director of the Juba-based Nile Initiative for Health and Environment.

Timber harvesting "has to be lawfully (managed) by a competent authority - which is the government of South Sudan - and not by cartels like what we are seeing now," the scientist said.

British colonists planted thousands of hectares of teak plantations in southern Sudan in the 1940s, as an industrial source of timber.

That has given South Sudan today some of the largest stands of the valuable hardwood trees in Africa, though the extent of the forests remaining is not clearly documented.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) estimated in 2007 that the teak, if sustainably harvested, could generate up to $50 million a year in export revenue for South Sudan.

But teak exports currently bring the beleaguered nation only about $1 million to $2 million year, according to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

Protests

The rapid felling of South Sudan's teak forests, largely by foreign-owned firms, has drawn protests from residents living near the forests, who say they were promised benefits in exchange for the loss of the wood.

According to logging concession agreements signed between the government and timber firms, the inhabitants of areas where trees are commercially cut are supposed to receive job opportunities and social development projects.

But in Katire, a village in the Eastern region of South Sudan, community members say they have seen little benefit from large-scale cutting, despite repeated meetings with timber company officials.

"We told them to start with roads so that they can be able to transport the timber but they are just moving on the bad roads with a lot of potholes," said Lodofiko Khamis, 74, one Katire-area resident.

"If these teak trees become extinct, then Katire will just remain an undeveloped jungle," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

In the area, about three to four hours drive from the capital Juba, roads are so poor that rains can leave rural families cut off from town for days or weeks, he said.

Katire has only one primary health care center to serve thousands of people, and it has too few medical personnel and drugs, Khamis said, forcing residents to sometimes trek for days to reach Torit, the nearest town, for better access to healthcare.

In 2016, a Ugandan teak company was stopped from working near Katire after failing to fulfill a promise to build a school and roads in the area, according to Timothy Thuol Onak, the director-general for forestry in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

Katire residents accused the company of overworking and underpaying laborers, and growing resentment eventually led some angry residents to burn company machinery and demand the national government end the contract, Thuol said in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

The owner of the company at that time denied the charges of overwork and underpay, and said efforts to build infrastructure for the community had faced setbacks largely because of unrest in the country.

Other timber companies operating in South Sudan also have signed concession agreements promising local benefits, but those "have remained on paper" for the most part, Thuol said.

Near Katire, where foreign firms continue to fell trees under legal concessions, the only clear evidence of promised community development is a concrete foundation put in place for a promised new health center.

Government Withdrawal

Thuol said that when he graduated from the University of Juba and started working for what was then the government of Sudan in 1979, forestry was government run, with government workers cutting timber and profits going into national coffers.

But "what is happening now is not the government," he said.

Local and foreign companies have taken over the production and export of timber in South Sudan, and their actions have raised concerns "about the new type of forestry management that was made after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement," a 2005 deal that eventually led to South Sudan's independence, the director-general said.

Many of the firms are not cutting the forests in a way that allows them to regrow, he said, raising an increasing risk that a once-renewable resource will vanish.

Under concession agreements, two government foresters are supposed to oversee the work of each private felling company - but that is not happening, Thuol said.

Meanwhile there a "tug of war" between the states and national governments over who should collect the revenue from forest harvesting.

Under concession deals, the national government should receive $150-$200 per cubic meter of wood cut, with an additional small sum going to county authorities.

A cubic meter of mature teak wood can be worth more than $1,000 on international markets, dealers say.

But "the states are saying they have been left with nothing and they need to get some money. So they have grabbed some of the plantations," Thuol said.

Logging firms are also supposed to pay operating taxes and custom duties on timber exports, Thuol said - though teak dealers in Juba said wood is sometimes moved across borders without paying the fees.

Environmental experts say the relatively unmanaged and unsustainable harvesting could have serious environmental and climate change impacts.

"In areas where trees have been cut completely, you begin to see soil erosion taking place because when it rains the speed at which the water is running is no longer broken by anything," said Kuer of the Nile Initiative.

"And when the soil is eroded, any farming activity in that area will be affected," he said.

Also, trees help regulate rain and store carbon, and if they are cut "this can have a serious implication on the climate of the area," he said.

He urged South Sudan to put commercial cutting of forests on hold until regulations can be strictly enforced.The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the assassination of Somalia's deputy attorney general on Wednesday in Mogadishu.

Authorities say the attack took place in the Hodan district as Mohamed Abdirahman Mursal left home for work.

Witnesses told VOA Somali that two men on a motorcycle blocked his way, ordered him to exit the car and shot him dead. The reason for the attack was not known, although al-Shabab has in the past assassinated government officials, civil servants, soldiers and elders.

The men, who were armed with pistols, fled the scene in the car. Police later found the vehicle abandoned.

Somali officials condemned the attack on Mursal and described him as a rising attorney who studied Islamic law in Saudi Arabia. One official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Mursal was planning to go to Qatar later this year to take courses for an advanced law degree.

In September 2017, al-Shabab gunmen assassinated Mursal's mother, Anab Abdullahi Hashi, who was secretary general of a Somali women's organization.

?Explosions

FILE - Ethiopian soldiers patrol in Baidoa, Somali FILE - Ethiopian soldiers serving in AMISOM patrol in Somalia, Feb. 29, 2012. FILE - Ethiopian soldiers serving in AMISOM patrol in Somalia, Feb. 29, 2012.

Meanwhile, two civilians were killed and seven wounded in two roadside explosions in Bardhere, one of the biggest towns in Somalia's Jubaland regional administration.

The deputy leader of the administration, Mohamud Sayid Aden, told VOA Somali that the explosions targeted Ethiopian soldiers and that two were among the wounded. Ethiopian soldiers serve in the African Union peacekeeping mission known as AMISOM to help the Somali government defeat al-Shabab.Sorry, but your browser cannot support embedded video of this type, you can download this video to view it offline.Click here to log in and see all of our other subscription options for the Mesabi Tribune, including online only & auto-renewal subscriptions.Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to deliver his annual state of the nation address with his approval rating at 64 per cent, the lowest in five years. (Photo: AFP/Sergei Chirikov)

It will be the 66-year-old leader's first address to both houses of parliament since he was elected to a fourth presidential term a year ago, extending his long rule until 2024.

Last year, Putin used the address to unveil a new arsenal of weapons in a nearly two-hour speech that stunned the West and many in Russia.

Speaking two weeks before his re-election, Putin promised Russians higher standards of living and hailed Moscow's military might as relations with the West reached post-Cold War lows.

After the speech he enjoyed his highest approval rating since he came to power in 1999.

But a year on, Putin has seen his popularity slide against a backdrop of economic problems.

A hugely unpopular reform raising the retirement age that Putin signed into law in October led to a major dip in his support.

A survey by Russia's independent Levada Center released in January found his approval rating at 64 percent, the lowest since before Moscow's annexation of Crimea five years ago.

Another Levada poll in October found only 40 per cent of Russians would vote for Putin if an election were held.

Political analyst Aleksey Mukhin predicts Putin's speech this year will focus primarily on "internal politics and the economy," which has suffered since it was hit with Western sanctions in 2014 over Moscow's role in the Ukraine conflict.

"POSITIVE TOPICS"

According to a high-ranked source quoted by Russian television channel Dozhd, the bulk of Putin's speech will be dedicated to "positive topics" that "people can relate to".

The source said foreign policy will be of secondary importance in the speech and instead Putin will focus on issues such as Russia's space programme and finding solutions to the country's problems with waste removal.

Analyst Dmitry Orlov said Putin would likely warn of "external threats" Russia faces.

In terms of foreign policy, Orlov said Putin would focus on the US withdrawal from a key arms control treaty between Moscow and Washington.

Earlier this month Russia and the United States suspended their participation of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, mutually accusing each other of violating the deal.

According to Mukhin, Putin is also likely to cover the crisis in Venezuela, where Moscow has accused the West of "destructive interference" and stood by its ally President Nicolas Maduro.

The Russian leader may mention the success of his Syrian ally President Bashar al-Assad in recapturing most of the country's territory from rebels and jihadists thanks to the support of the Russian army, Mukhin added.President of Argentina Mauricio Macri starts an official State visit to Vietnam on Wednesday to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership.- Photo AFP

The three-day visit, which comes at the invitation of President Nguyen Phu Trong, also demonstrated the importance of Vietnam in Argentinas external policy towards Asia in general and Southeast Asia in particular, especially after the Latin American nation signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in August 2018, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Vietnam and Argentina established diplomatic ties on October 25, 1973. Since then, both sides have organised regular delegation exchanges. Last year, they successfully held activities to mark the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

The countries have established numerous mechanisms to boost multi-faceted co-operation. They have also signed various agreements to encourage investment, economic-trade co-operation, scientific-technological co-operation, cultural-educational co-operation and collaboration in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Vietnam and Argentina have also supported each other at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) and the South-South Cooperation within the UN framework.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Dang Xuan Dung said that despite complicated developments in the world, bilateral relations, especially in trade, continued to develop well.

Two-way trade increased from US$1.4 billion in 2013 to $2.9 billion last year  the highest figure between Argentina and any Southeast Asian country. Argentina is Vietnams second largest trade partner in Latin America, while Vietnam is its fifth biggest import market globally. The two sides are working to raise bilateral trade to $5 billion as soon as possible.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of the visit, Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Jorge Faurie said that Vietnam was an important partner for Argentina, especially in economy and trade.

Vietnam had become an example for Argentina, especially in its export policy, one of the factors encouraging Argentine businesses to engage in producing and exporting their products, he said.

The minister said during his visit, the Argentine leader would introduce local enterprises to strong sectors in Argentina in order to form partnerships.

We have defined what areas that the two sides can team up on, as well as products to focus on. But businesses and producers of the two sides should further foster their connections, stated the diplomat.

With current technological developments, geographical distance is no longer an obstacle for Vietnam and Argentina to foster connectivity, he added.Rice fields in the highlands of Tuong Duong District in Nghe An Province.-Photo baonghean.vn

Currently, the region is home to more than 163 projects with total registered capital of VND64.1 trillion (US$2.8 billion). Among them are big projects including $1.2 billion TH dairy farm of TH Milk Food JSC, high-tech pig-breeding farm Masan Nutri  Farm of Masan Group worth VND1 trillion and some key hydropower plants.

The provincial authority has said it will continue to promote investment to the western area by providing information to investors about the potential, strengths and policies, especially the list of projects calling for investment in the west.

It will also accelerate the construction of planned industrial zones and clusters to attract big investment projects.

Vi Van Son, chairman of Con Cuong District Peoples Committee said the district has organised many meetings with large enterprises to call for investment, including Muong Thanh Group, TH Group, Hoang Quy Tourism Co Ltd and T-Tech Group.

As a result, some projects have been implemented in the district such as Muong Thanh Con Cuong hotel and commercial centre and Thien Son 2 orange farm project.

Hoang Phu Hien, chairman of Thai Hoa Town Peoples Committee also said 50 projects worth combined registered capital of VND2.2 trillion were invested in the town thanks to the provinces efforts in calling for investment.

However, big projects in the area are mostly from domestic investors and the province is aiming to attract foreign direct investment, as well as increase the number of large capital projects.

Western Nghe An has an area of nearly 13,800 square kilometers, accounting for more than 83 per cent of total natural area of the province. With five border gates with Laos, the area has strategic importance in economic development and security.The MPI is the first ministry the PM visited after Tet holiday. Photo: VGP

This morning (February 19), Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had a meeting with the MPI, the PMs first meeting with a ministry or government agency in the Lunar New Year.

Three years ago, at the beginning of his tenure, the PM confirmed the key role of the MPI in providing general advisory on the countrys strategies, master plans, and plans for national socioeconomic development.

After three years of implementing the PMs directions, Minister Nguyen Chi Dung proudly reported on the achievements and efforts of the MPI and its whole apparatus to the PM.

Minister Dung confirmed that 2019 will be a time for breakthroughs in the implementation of the Party and the National Assemblys five-year socio-economic development plans, under which the MPI has been assigned numerous tasks and needs to mobilise the utmost of its officials abilities.

The PM visiting the MPI. Source: VGP

According to Minister Dung, in 2019 and the years ahead, the MPI should focus on breakthrough development in the production force, accelerating the process of economic restructuring, as well as improving growth quality, productivity, competitiveness, and the implementation of breakthroughs in three strategic areas (developing infrastructure, human resources, and perfecting the institutional system).

It is necessary to create national innovation centres, accelerate growth, improve the performance of governance, and simplify the apparatus of the political system in line with the institution of a modern market economy and international integration.

Besides, the MPI will provide general advice for the development of the private sector, seizing opportunities to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) capital, improving the performance of state-owned enterprises, mobilising private resources, and overcoming difficulties in public investment.

The PM providing directions to the MPI. Source: VGP

Speaking at the meeting, the PM spoke highly of the MPIs role in improving the business and investment environment, its input to the governments resolution on the action plan to reduce costs for enterprises and establish a plan to supervise unobserved economic sectors.

The MPI has made crucial contributions to attracting foreign investment to Vietnam, he said, adding that Forbes has recently named Vietnam as the hottest investment destination in Asia.

He asked the MPI to provide consultancy for effective strategies to take advantage of the nations potentials as well as propose measures to cope with the risks of being left behind and jumping into the middle income trap.

He referred to issues which limit development, including the gap between the rich and the poor, the aging population, as well as climatic and environmental challenges.

The government leader requested the ministry to offer consultancy to create breakthroughs and achieve socio-economic development goals in 2019 and the upcoming years.

He requested the MPI to issue mechanisms and policies to facilitate breakthroughs for the nation in the next decades by promoting the establishment of an innovation economy, encouraging startups, and increasing trust among the people and enterprises.

PM Phuc stressed the need for Vietnam to avoid the middle-income trap or being stuck as a source of cheap labour, low value processing, and backward technology. Additionally, the country aims to be listed among the top four ASEAN nations and approach the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standards on business environment.

He asked the MPI to propose specific policies and measures to make the private sector a key force for development, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, the household economy, and the co-operative economy.

The ministry should join hands with relevant ministries and agencies to uphold and mobilise all resources to forge strategic goals and orientations and focus on reforms and innovation with a view of establishing a more effective institution.

At the event, the PM referred to the preparations of establishing a socio-economic development strategy for 2021-2030 and the 2015-2021 five-year plan in the creation of which the MPI plays a crucial role.Cars are assembled by robots at Huyndai Thanh Cong Company. - VNA/VNS Photo Hoang Hung

The request is part of a ministry document (655/BTC-CST), which supplements and revises several articles of another document (108/2015/N-CP), was recently sent to the Prime Minister.

In the document, the ministry stated that the current calculation of the special consumption tax on cars depends on the automakers selling price under the current law; therefore, if the tax is eliminated for locally manufactured parts, it would be necessary to adjust relevant parts of the Law on Special Consumption Tax.

"To encourage enterprises to raise the localisation rate [local part supply rate], lower product prices and improve the competitiveness of domestic automakers against imported ones, the ministry has proposed a special consumption tax calculation for locally assembled cars with nine seats or fewer that will be based on the automakers selling price, but with the value of locally manufactured parts subtracted, the ministry said in its document.

The ministry was careful to note that eliminating the special consumption tax could violate the World Trade Organisation (WTO)s General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which prohibits discriminating between imported and domestically produced goods. However, the ministry said some other countries, including Indonesia and Thailand, had already applied regulations to deduct the value of locally manufactured parts or give tax incentives to locally assembled cars over the next three to five years as preferential provisions.

The ministry said it was still researching this issue to submit a proposal to the Government and the National Assembly for consideration when revising the Law on Special Consumption Tax.

Domestically built cars of automakers such as Truong Hai, Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi are subject to a special consumption tax. Cars with nine seats or fewer assembled locally are taxed at rates ranging from 35 to 150 per cent.

Competition between local automakers and importers has become fierce after the import tax of automobiles from ASEAN countries was decreased from 30 per cent to zero early last year. If this proposal is approved, it could inspire domestic enterprises to increase localisation rates, lower product prices and enhance competitiveness.

Previously, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) also proposed to exempting locally made auto parts from the special consumption tax to promote the domestic industry. The ministry said the localisation target for cars with nine seats or fewer was set at 40 per cent by 2005 and 60 per cent by 2010; however, the rate has reached an average of just 7-10 per cent so far.

The MoIT has acknowledged that the domestic auto industry still has a low localisation rate.Hyundai Engineering is the latest investor trying to get the EPC contract for the Dung Quat Refinery expansion project

Heavyweights for Dung Quat Refinery

Most recently, vice chairwoman of the Committee for Management of State Capital at Enterprises Nguyen Thi Phu Ha had a working session with C.H. Kim, director of process plant of HEC.

At the working session, on behalf of HEC, Kim expressed interest in enhancing and expanding Dung Quat Refinery which is managed by Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (BSR). The representative of HEC also affirmed that the company can arrange the capital for the project on its own.

Ha added that along with HEC, numerous investors are eyeing Dung Quat Refinery.

Previously, in September 2018, the joint venture of Wagan Corporation, GHN Group, and Masters Depot, as well as domestic firm Tin Thanh Group Co., Ltd. looked to co-operate with each other to enhance and expand Dung Quat Refinery.

The parties discussed plans for the input and output of the plant as well as technology to be applied. However, to date, no more information has been forthcoming.

Back to HEC, if the company is approved to join the Dung Quat Refinery project, it will become the contractor of the two largest oil petrochemical and refinery projects in Vietnam.

In August 2017, HEC announced that it won a contract worth $320 million to build facilities at Long Son petrochemical complex in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

Under the deal, the builder will construct infrastructure, such as supportive boilers and water treatment facilities, to produce steam and industrial water for the complex.

Industrial water and steam produced at the water treatment facilities and supportive boilers will be supplied to the petrochemical complex according to need. It is the core project to help plants at the complex to operate smoothly.

Besides, HEC took part in designing Mong Duong coal-fired thermal power plant in the northern province of Quang Ninh. It was the companys second turnkey power plant construction contract won in Vietnam after the project to expand a thermal power complex in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau in 1999.

Environmental impact assessment report refused five times

According to Decision No.99016/QD-DKVN on December 22, 2014 of PetroVietnam, the expansion of Dung Quat Refinery would be implemented within 78 months from the day of issuing the dossiers for the front-end engineering design (FEED) (April 27, 2015). This means that the construction would be completed in October 2021.

However, as of now, the projects environmental impact assessment report has yet to be approved and there are difficulties in arranging the investment capital, thus, the selection of an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor may be delayed to June 2020. As a result, the deadline for completing the expansion had to moved to May 2024, 31 months after the initial plan.

At present, the investor has compensated 99.8 per cent of local residents and completed 95.6 per cent of the land clearance. The remaining work is expected to be finished next month.

BSR is awaiting the approval of the environmental impact assessment report, which is the largest bottleneck delaying the project.

According to PetroVietnam, in March 2017, BSR submitted the report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), however, until December 14, 2018, after four other reports, the MoNRE has yet to approve.

On January 4, 2019, PetroVietnam submitted a document to explain problems, and simultaneously asked the MoNRE to accelerate the approval process. To this day, the company has yet to receive comments from the ministry.Foreigners earning incomes from providing services in Vietnam, what are their tax liabilities?

Income earned by foreigners from rendering services in Vietnam is taxed in Vietnam regardless of their residence status. However, the tax implications are different depending on various factors that are specified in this article to help the foreigners to comply with the tax regulations in Vietnam as well as mitigate the risks of additional tax, penalties and interests on late tax payment.

Regulation on residence status in Vietnam

According to the current tax regulation, an individual is regarded as a Vietnamese tax resident if:

Being present in Vietnam for a period of 183 days or more within one western calendar year or 12 consecutive months from the date of first arrival in Vietnam; or

Having a registered place of permanent residence in Vietnam; or

Having a rented house (including hotels, guesthouses, motels, offices) with a lease term of 183 days or more in a tax year.

In addition, if an individual has a rented house in Vietnam for a rental period of 183 days or more and actually resides in Vietnam for less than 183 days in the tax year, but fails to prove his tax residence in any country, he is considered as a Vietnamese tax resident.

An individual does not meet the aforementioned conditions for being a tax resident is a non-tax resident in Vietnam.

Type of incomes and tax implication

Business Income

A foreigner with a license or a practicing certificate, who renders services to organisations/individuals in Vietnam, is regarded as a business individual, and accordingly his income is taxed in Vietnam with the tax rates applied to business income.

It is important to note that to be treated as business individual, the foreigners activities must be licensed according to the regulations in foreign countries or the foreigner must have documents issued under the foreign countries to prove himself as a business individual.

Tax resident in Vietnam

Business income of a business individual, being a tax resident in Vietnam is subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) and Personal Income Tax (PIT)

Value Added Tax:

VAT payable = Revenue subject to VAT x VAT rate

In which, VAT rates are as below:

- Services, leasing machinery and equipment, insurance; construction, installation excluding materials or machinery and equipment: 5 per cent;

- Production, transport, services accompanied by goods; construction, installation including materials or machinery and equipment: 3 per cent;

- Other activities: 2 per cent.

Personal Income Tax:

PIT payable = Revenue subject to PIT x PIT rate

In which, PIT rates are as below:

- Services, construction exclusive of building materials: 2 per cent;

- Manufacture, transport, provision of services associated with goods, construction inclusive of building materials: 1.5 per cent;

- Other activities: 1 per cent.

Non-tax resident in Vietnam

Value Added Tax: same as tax resident

Personal Income Tax:

PIT payable = Revenue subject to PIT x PIT rate

In which, PIT rates are as below:

- Service provision: 5 per cent;

- Production, construction, transportation, and other activities: 2 per cent.

Income from salary and wage (employment income)

Tax resident in Vietnam

In case a foreigner with a labour contract is regarded as a Vietnamese tax resident, his employment income is subject to Vietnamese PIT at progressive tax rates ranging from 5 per cent to 35 per cent. Tax relief including personal relief (VND9 million/person) and family relief (VND3.6 million/qualified tax dependent) is applied.

Meanwhile, a foreigner, being a Vietnamese tax resident enters into a service agreement , his employment income is subject to Vietnamese PIT at the tax rate of 10 per cent.

Non-tax resident in Vietnam

Employment income of a non-tax resident is taxed at a flat PIT rate of 20 per cent.

Of note, the organisations paying income take responsibility for declaring and paying tax on behalf of the foreigners. Additionally, in practice, in the event if the business individuals cannot provide the license or practicing certificate or the provided documents are not properly legalised, the tax authority can deem the tax rates of employment income on the income of business individuals.

Analysis of the above-mentioned tax implications

Tax implications on incomes that a foreigner earns from rendering services in Vietnam are summarised in the below table:

Taxation Business Income Employment Income VAT 2 per cent, 3 per cent or 5 per cent on revenue Not Applicable PIT Tax resident: 1 per cent, 1.5 per cent or 2 per cent on revenue Non-tax resident: 2 per cent or 5 per cent on revenue Tax resident: - with labor contract: progressive tax rates from 5 per cent to 35 per cent on assessable income - with service agreement: 10 per cent on assessable income Non-tax resident: 20 per cent on assessable income Supporting documents Legalised license/practicing certificate according to foreign laws Labour contract or service agreement

Example: A foreign independent financial advisor (without qualified tax dependent) receives monthly income of VND80 million (3,500). In comparison with tax payable computed by tax rates applied to employment income, tax payable computed by tax rates applied to business income are more efficient:

Taxation Business Income Employment Income VAT 5 per cent x VND80 million = VND4 million ($174) Not Applicable PIT Tax resident: 2 per cent x VND80 million = VND1.6 million ($70) Non-tax resident: 5 per cent x VND80 million = VND4 million ($174) Tax resident : - with labor contract: (VND80 million  VND9 million) x 30 per cent - VND5.85 million = VND15.45 million ($672) - with service agreement:VND80 million x 10% = VND8 million ($348) Non-tax resident: VND80 million x 20 per cent = VND16 million ($695)

Planning point

In conclusion, where a foreigner earns income from rendering services in Vietnam, his tax liabilities calculated by tax rates applied to business income are more efficient than the liabilities calculated by tax rates applied to employment income. It is obvious that a thorough understanding of tax regulations will bring significant benefits to the taxpayers.

To be specific, good knowledge of tax regulations and practical tax experience can help the taxpayers to mitigate tax risks of additional tax payable, penalties and interests on late payment and more importantly optimise tax efficiency.

*This article is of a general nature only and readers should obtain advice specific to their circumstances from professional advisors.Dr Phan Huu Thang, the author of FDI: Double-sided coin

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key area of interest for numerous people, especially those working in the economic sector. However, only a few people in Vietnam command deep and comprehensive understanding of the subject, holding the requisite theoretical and practical knowledge  and Dr Phan Huu Thang is one of them. He is also one of the select few who have accompanied Vietnam throughout these three decades of attracting FDI from the very beginning.

As of now, while he is not directly involved in the management of the FIA, he still follows the FDI scene and with his experience and passion, he is currently a widely-acclaimed expert and a wellspring of knowledge and insights about FDI.

This also explains why Dr Thang has the ears of reporters who look for deep, comprehensive analysis in this sector. Several months ago, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of attracting FDI, Thang released his book entitled FDI: double-sided coin, published by the National Political Publishing House of Vietnam.

The book is a collection of articles and interviews  either wrote or answered by Dr Thang  from numerous publications, addressing the attraction of FDI in the 2011-2017 period. These articles and interviews show a consistent opinion with multi-dimensional views about the pros and cons of FDI during the 30 years since the National Assembly passed the Law on Foreign Investment in 1987. These opinions are wrapped in the length of 500 pages and carry great value and relevant insights to Vietnams present and future.

The cover of the book FDI: Double-sided coin

The book is divided into four chapters. The first chapter has 13 articles addressing the most general problems of FDI and offering a selection of relevant news about FDI attraction in 2017.

In the second chapter, Thang discusses six large problems with FDI attraction during 2011-2017, including negative environmental impacts, transfer pricing, issues with foreign investment in the real estate and tourism sector, as well as the difficulties of Vietnamese enterprises in their overseas investments.

The third chapter included articles about the state management of FDI, while the fourth chapter focuses on the results of FDI attraction during 2011-2017. The conclusion offers information about the authors contributions to the development of FDI through the objective evaluation of reporters.

According to Thang, during the past 30 years, FDI not only improved socio-economic development, increased the usage of local resources, and generated jobs for locals, but also helped Vietnamese enterprises transfer technology, improve their management capacity, and improve the investment environment, among others.

However, the book also mentions negative impacts. Notably, technology transfer has yet to reach desired levels, while linkages between foreign and local enterprises have yet to produce the expected results and environmental pollution is also a growing concern.

Through the articles, readers can learn interesting and useful information from articles wrote in previous years which have managed to stay relevant to this day due to their insight into matters like transfer pricing, tax evasion, and the losses of foreign enterprises. Other articles supply a deep analysis of the milestones in attracting FDI during past 30-years.

One outstanding article in the book is FDI  double-sided coin (which also lent the book its title) in which Thang listed the eight largest achievements and the eight largest disadvantages of FDI in Vietnam. These conclusions are collected from his observations of three decades of ups and downs of the countrys FDI journey.

Professor Nguyen Mai, chairman of the Vietnam Association of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, said, Having worked in the state apparatus managing FDI, Thang not only provides impeccable theoretical explanations, but ties in real life events to demonstrate his point. He contributed high-quality articles, which are extremely educational by summarising FDI in each five-year period, helping to complete laws and policies on more effective FDI attraction."Support local journalism

Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution.Hamilton in 1969, standing next to listings of the software she and her MIT team produced for the Apollo project.

Margaret Hamilton at work in Draper Laboratory Staff during the Apollo missions.

One of the many pages that make up Margaret Hamiltons program listings from the Apollo Guidance Computers.

Hamilton in an Apollo Command Module during her time as lead Apollo flight software designer.

President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Margaret H. Hamilton during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 22, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Half a century ago, MIT played a critical role in the development of the flight software for NASAs Apollo program, which landed humans on the moon for the first time in 1969. One of the many contributors to this effort was Margaret Hamilton, a computer scientist who led the Software Engineering Division of the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, which in 1961 contracted with NASA to develop the Apollo programs guidance system. For her work during this period, Hamilton has been credited with popularizing the concept of software engineering.She explained in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais why she chose to call it: I fought to bring the software legitimacy so that itand those building itwould be given its due respect and thus I began to use the term software engineering to distinguish it from hardware and other kinds of engineering, yet treat each type of engineering as part of the overall systems engineering process. When I first started using this phrase, it was considered to be quite amusing. It was an ongoing joke for a long time. They liked to kid me about my radical ideas. Software eventually and necessarily gained the same respect as any other discipline.Margaret Hamilton (born August 17, 1936) is an American computer scientist who was one of the first computer software programmers; she created the term software engineer to describe her work. She helped write the computer code for the command and lunar modules used on the Apollo missions to the Moon in the late 1960s and early 70s.While studying mathematics and philosophy at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, she met James Hamilton, and they subsequently married. After graduating in 1958, she taught high school mathematics for a short time. The couple then moved to Boston. Although Margaret planned to study abstract mathematics at Brandeis University, she accepted a job at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) while her husband attended Harvard Law School. At MIT she began programming software to predict the weather and did postgraduate work in meteorology.In the early 1960s Hamilton joined MITs Lincoln Laboratory, where she was involved in the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) project, the first U.S. air defense system. She notably wrote software for a program to identify enemy aircraft. Hamilton next worked at MITs Instrumentation Laboratory (now the independent Charles Stark Draper Laboratory), which provided aeronautical technology for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She led a team that was tasked with developing the software for the guidance and control systems of the in-flight command and lunar modules of the Apollo missions. At the time, no schools taught software engineering, so the team members had to work out any problems on their own. Hamilton herself specifically concentrated on software to detect system errors and to recover information in a computer crash. Both those elements were crucial during the Apollo 11 mission (1969), which took astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the Moon.Hamilton left MIT in the mid-1970s to work in the private sector. She cofounded the company Higher Order Software in 1976 and established Hamilton Technologies 10 years later.Hamilton was the recipient of various honors, including NASAs Exceptional Space Act Award (2003). Pres. Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.Thank you for reading!

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To subscribe, click here. Already a subscriber? Click here.People attend a national gathering to protest antisemitism and the rise of anti-Semitic attacks in the Place de la Republique in Paris

rench officials and ordinary people across the political spectrum are marching in Paris and dozens of other cities against antisemitism, amid a dramatic rise in physical and verbal attacks against Jewish people in France. The protests began just hours after French President Emmanuel Macron headed to a Jewish cemetery in eastern France that was damaged overnight in the latest anti-semitic incident that has shocked the nation.

By Stefan J. Bos

It resembled a scene from the 1930s or 1940s. Some 80 Jewish grace have vandalized the cemetery in the small Alsace region town of Quatzenheim. Swastikas were seen on several tombstones.

The overnight attack came just hours before in Paris, and dozens of other French cities planned to march and rally against anti-Semitism.

French President Emmanuel Macron was heading to this Jewish cemetery to express his outrage over the attacks. These and other anti-semitic incidents also overshadowed a news conference Macron gave following talks with Georgia's President Salome Zurabishvili.

Listen to Stefan Bos' report

President Macron said: "I want to say again here that every time a French person because he or she is Jewish, is insulted, threatened  or worse, injured or killed  the whole Republic is attacked. It is not for the Jews to defend themselves but for the republic to defend them."

The cemetery assault came days after the French government reported a significant rise in anti-Semitism last year: 541 registered incidents, up 74 percent from 311 in 2017.

Large Jewish Community

The rising anti-Semitism in France, home to the worlds largest Jewish population outside of Israel and the United States, was underscored last weekend when hate speech was directed at prominent philosopher Alain Finkielkraut during a march of yellow vest anti-government protesters.

In other recent incidents, swastika graffiti was found on street portraits of Simone Veil  a survivor of Nazi death camps and a European Parliament president who died in 2017. The word Juden was painted on the window of a bagel restaurant in Paris, and two trees planted at a memorial honoring a young Jewish man tortured to death in 2006 were vandalized, one cut down.

Two youths were detained Friday after they allegedly fired shots at a synagogue with an air rifle in a Paris suburb where a sizeable Jewish community lives.

France also saw the murder of three children and a teacher from a Jewish school in 2012 by an Islamic extremist in the southwestern city of Toulouse.

Former French Presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy were set to join thousands of protesters and government officials on the Paris streets to protest against anti-semitism amid reports that thousands of Jewish people flee France every year.

President Macron was to deliver a speech at Wednesdays annual dinner by a leading Jewish group.A 3-day meeting of the Council of Cardinal Advisors has focused on two issues in particular: the new Apostolic Constitution and the Vatican meeting on The protection of minors in the Church.

By Vatican News

The six Cardinals of the Council of Cardinal Advisors met from 18 to 20 February for their first meeting of 2019. Alessandro Gisotti, ad interim Director of the Holy See Press Office, stated in a briefing that the primary focus of the Council was the re-reading of the draft for the new Apostolic Constitution.

New Apostolic Constitution

The new Constitution, with the working title Predicate evangelium, has been in the works for a long time, but according to Gisotti the text is practically completed. What remains is a canonical inspection of the text by the Councils canon lawyer, Archbishop Marco Mellino.

According to the wishes of the Holy Father, there will be a second round of consultation with, amongst others, the Bishops Conferences and the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia. After which the document will be submitted to Pope Francis for his final approval and promulgation.

Meeting on the protection of minors

Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, Reinhard Marx, Sean O'Malley, Oscar Gracias and Giuseppe Bertello participated in the work of the Council.

Pope Francis also attended the meetings with the exception of the Wednesday morning session due to his presence at the weekly General Audience.

The prelates focused on the "The protection of minors in the Church" meeting due to open on Thursday and end on Sunday.

Gisotti said that following this meeting, another is scheduled for February 25th. It foresees the participation of Dicastery representatives, of the organizing committee and of some experts.

The next meeting of the Council of Cardinal Advisors will take place from 8 to 10 April.

Card. O'Malley pleased with Meeting on protection of minors

Gisotti said that he had the chance to speak to Cardinal Sean O'Malley at the conclusion of Tuesday evenings work session of the Council of Cardinals.

Cardinal O'Malley told me that he is very pleased with the Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church that the Council of Cardinals called for during its last meeting in September with an idea developed by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, he said.



The Press Office Director said Cardinal O'Malley revealed he is happy to give his contribution to this Meeting, and believes that it will be a very important event. He also said that there will be significant follow-up to the meeting, beginning with the April plenary assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

On former Cardinal McCarrick

During the meeting of the Council of Cardinals, reference was also made to the dismissal from the clerical state of the former archbishop of Washington, Theodore McCarrick.

The Council highlighted the fact that the irrevocable decision by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved by the Pope, is a fundamental step in the administration of justice for the crimes and sins committed by McCarrick.

The Cardinal advisers confirmed that by working in unity with the Pope the next steps to be taken  starting with the Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church - will send a strong message to the People of God to strengthen trust in the Church's commitment to fight every form of abuse.Valdosta, GA (31601)

Today

Thunderstorms, some locally heavy early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 72F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some locally heavy early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 72F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.February 20 2019

A parking deck in Inverness city centre has been earmarked for a 20m, 210-bed hotel following the presentation of indicative plans at an initial public exhibition.

Proposals brought forward by CRGP on behalf of SRP Investments would see the double-decker car park demolished to make way for a hotel-led scheme; which would also incorporate ground floor retail and a new bus/taxi lane.

CRGP director Bryan McFadzean, told The Press and Journal: I think the urban street into the heart of the city is key to this development. The opportunity to put a new street in the city centre is very rare and a big opportunity.

The production of a new urban street in the heart of the station quarter will help put pedestrians and retail back on the streets.

Rising to six storeys with a smaller 30-place car park to the rear the proposed solution could break ground later this year with a fair wind.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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 ThousandEyes, a San Francisco, CA-based provider of actionable intelligence into digital experience for the cloud, Internet, and enterprises, raised $50m in Series D round of funding.

The round, which brought total funding to more than $110m, was led by GV (formerly Google Ventures), Thomvest Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, Sequoia Capital, Sutter Hill Ventures and Tenaya Capital.

The company intends to use the new funds to execute on strategic growth initiatives, including the acceleration of go-to-market activities and expansion of global operations while continuing to invest in digital experience innovations.

Led by Mohit Lad, co-founder and CEO, ThousandEyes provides enterprises with a cloud actionable intelligence platform to see, understand and improve digital experiences for their customers and employees. The platform delivers visibility into the digital experience for every user, application, website or service, over any network.

The company serves brands, including Comcast, eBay, HP, 120+ of the Global 2000, 65+ of the Fortune 500, 6 of the 7 top US banks, and 20 of the 25 top SaaS companies via more than 250 employees around the globe.

FinSMEs

20/02/2019The week after Rebecca Grant took away her kids' video games for a month, after a year of relaxed pandemic rules, her 10-year-old son was livid. He gave her the silent treatment, mostly ignoring her except to spit out a hurtful, "I don't love you," one night at bedtime.* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!Defense ministry official made a statement, admitting that it may sound politically incorrect.

National Armaments Director at the Ministry of Defense of Estonia Kusti Salm has said the nature of Estonia's investment in defense shows that the country is preparing for war.

"The most important thing I'll say right now is that, despite the fact that it is a bit politically incorrect, but with real investments in defense and building up our defense forces, today we are actually preparing for war," he said on February 20, according to Estonian daily newspaper Postimees.

Read alsoEstonian army officer, father jailed for spying for Russia  media

"This is not only defense games based on textbooks or economic support of the Ministry of Defense and defense forces. In fact, procurements we are making today, a kind of training we are conducting, this is security-related preparation for war. This is nothing else," Salm said.The Russian leader sees them as a real threat to his country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia will be ready to destroy medium-range missiles if they are deployed in Europe.

"I will reiterate Russia's unwillingness deploy missiles in Europe first if they [American medium-range missiles] are not produced and delivered to the European continent, but the United States has such plans. In any case, we have not heard any statements proving the opposite, so this will dramatically escalate the situation in the field of international security and create serious threats to the Russian Federation," Putin said during his annual address to the Russian Federal Assembly, according to an UNIAN correspondent in Russia.

He noted the missile approach time to Moscow could be 10-12 minutes for some types of missiles.

Read also"I believe Putin": Trump dismissed U.S. intel advice on N.Korea threat, former FBI acting chief says

"This is a very serious threat to us," Putin said.

According to the Russian president, Russia will be forced to come up with a mirror and asymmetric actions.

"What this means I will say today, directly and openly, so that no one reproaches us later and so that it's clear to everyone. Russia will be forced to create and deploy types of weapons that could be used not only against territories, from where we will see a direct threat, but also against the areas where decision-making centers are located which decide on the use of missile systems threatening us," he said.

"According to their tactical and technical features, including the flight time to the indicated control centers, these weapons will fully correspond to the threats directed against Russia. We know how to do this and we will implement these plans immediately as soon as the relevant threats become real for us," he said.

Putin is convinced the United States "had to honestly justify its withdrawal from the INF Treaty, instead they break the treaty themselves, and then mobilize their 'satellites,' which are 'cheering on' the Americans."Investigative sites have used social media posts to confirm Russia involvement in conflicts on foreign soil.

Russias State Duma on Tuesday voted to ban members of the armed forces from publishing information online about their military units, deployments and other personal information, including photos, video and geolocation data.

They will also be forbidden from carrying smartphones or other smart devices that can connect to the internet and can save data such as photos. Older mobile phones will not be banned, according to The Guardian.

The move comes after a series of open-source investigations revealed their secret participation in foreign conflicts.

At the same time, Russian officials claimed the ban was needed to protect secret military information from foreign intelligence services. The text of the legislation specifically noted attention to Russias recent military campaign in Syria.

Russians often post photographs and details about their military service on the social networks Vkontakte and Odnoklassniki as a way to stay in touch with fellow soldiers.

But the data has also allowed open source investigators to follow the activities of Russian forces fighting secretly in Ukraine and in Syria, sometimes in real time.

In particular, social media data has allowed journalists to track military units active in south-east Ukraine, where Russia said its forces were not present.

One analysis by the investigative site Bellingcat tracked soldiers transporting a surface-to-air missile system believed to be tied to the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. In a video called Selfie Soldiers, Vice News managed to track down a Russian soldier from Buryatia in central Russia who had posted photos from east Ukraine during the conflict.

Social media accounts have also been used in a number of cases to confirm casualties among members of Russian armed forces in east Ukraine and Syria.The Ukrainian president says Ukraine has de facto become a real eastern flank of NATO.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says that Russian armed formations in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, have more tanks than Germany or France has.

"In Donbas, Russian armed formations have 496 tanks. Please know that this number is bigger than that of Germany or France, Spain or Italy," he said during UN General Assembly debates in New York City on Wednesday, February 20.

Read alsoEscalation in Donbas: Three Ukrainian soldiers wounded in action in past day

"And it is Ukraine who contains this Russian force, that also has 938 armored combat vehicles, 128 multiple launch rocket systems, 776 artillery systems (including self-propelled ones)," he said.

"It makes Ukraine a true eastern flank of NATO in defense of trans-Atlantic freedom and democracy," he added.According to the JCCC, provocative actions on the part of invaders aim to conceal their attacks on Ukraine's Joint Forces.

By attacking unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Donbas occupiers are trying to intimidate OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) officials and force them to abandon monitoring in the Luhansk sector.

"On February 17, OSCE SMM monitors were located near the village of Zhovte (north-west of the city of Luhansk) and operated a UAV flight. Then, the monitors heard two bursts and a single shot from a firearm, about 1.3 km away. SMM says the shots were targeting the UAV, which immediately lost altitude. The team took the UAV, which was damaged during an emergency landing, and immediately left the area," the JFO HQ said on Facebook on February 20 citing Ukrainian members of the Joint Control and Coordination Center (JCCC).

Read alsoOSCE monitors lose UAV in Donbas over area controlled by Russian proxy forces

According to the JCCC, provocative actions on the part of invaders aim to conceal their attacks on Ukraine's Joint Forces.

The Ukrainian side to the JCCC considers such actions "unacceptable and irresponsible" and qualifies them as a flagrant violation of Minsk agreements. "By such armed attacks, the invaders are trying to intimidate OSCE mission officials and force them to abandon monitoring in the Luhansk sector," the report says.Three invaders were killed and another three were wounded on Tuesday, intelligence reports say.

Russia's hybrid military forces in the past 24 hours mounted 16 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, with three Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action.

"Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the past day. According to intelligence reports, three invaders were killed and another three were wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in an update published on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on February 20, 2019.

Read alsoConnection spotted between Russia's invasion plans and churches in Ukraine targeted for arson attacks

Russian occupation forces opened fire from 122mm artillery systems, 120mm and 82mm mortars, a ZU-23-2 towed 23mm anti-aircraft twin-barreled autocannon, weapons installed on infantry fighting vehicles, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms, attacking the defenders of the villages of Lebedynske, Vodiane, Hnutove, Novotoshkivske, Zolote-4, Novozvanivka, Katerynivka, and Luhanske.

"Since Wednesday midnight, Russian-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions once, using 82mm mortars, tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns, and heavy machine guns," the report said.The top cleric spoke during a memorial service at Kyiv's St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral remembering those who perished during the Revolution of Dignity.

Leader of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epifaniy has said an independent Orthodox church was created in Ukraine due to the feat of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes who sacrificed their lives during the Revolution of Dignity in 2014.

Speaking during a memorial service at Kyiv's St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral remembering those who perished during the Revolution of Dignity, he said the Heavenly Hundred Heroes "gave their lives for the truth."

"Thanks to their sacrificial feat, today we have a united nation, we have open borders of the European Union, and we also have an autocephalous independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine and this is the result of their sacrifice, their love for their Homeland, their love for their neighbors," he said.

Read alsoUkrainians commemorating Maidan events on 5th anniversary of Revolution of Dignity (Video)

According to Epifaniy, "we pray to God so that their souls rest in peace, so that He give them eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven."

As was reported earlier, more than a hundred people were killed, mostly on February 20, during clashes between protesters with security officials in the center of Kyiv that started November 21, 2013, and lasted to February 21, 2014, later dubbed the Revolution of Dignity.

In particular, 73 civilians and 11 security officials died in the center of the capital on February 18-20, 2014. The House of Trade Unions on Kyiv's Maidan Nezalezhnosti, or Independence Square, was burned to the ground.It was a signal to Denis Pushilin, sources say.

Self-styled "DPR leader" Denis Pushilin's opponents, dissatisfied with him in top office, are involved in the recent explosions that rocked the Donetsk city center in the area close to the terrorist leader's residence.

Many in the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk region are dissatisfied are outraged by Pushilin's managerial qualities, Russia's MK newspaper reported citing its sources on the ground.

"Residents of Donetsk turned out to be extremely disappointed that their 'leader' did not actually keep any of his election promises. In particular, in the autumn of 2018, Pushilin promised to return nationalized markets to private ownership and even set up a special commission to this end, which remained idle. The markets are still in the hands of the 'DPR' government," the source said.

Read alsoExplosions hit occupied Donetsk Monday morning  media

The MK article says that it remains unclear who has more influence on economic processes in the occupied Donetsk  a government led by a completely low profile Alexander Ananchenko or Denis Pushilin, who is much more prominent, who has been accumulating criticism.

As UNIAN reported earlier, on February 18, several explosions hit the occupied Donetsk in the area close to the "residence" of the "DPR leader" Denis Pushilin. Local "security forces" rushed to claim it was a Ukrainian drone attack. Such claims were never substantiated.

Former terrorist leader Alexander Zakharchenko was killed in an IED blast at a Donetsk restaurant on August 31, 2018.

The SBU Security Service suggested that his death could be the result of internal criminal conflicts among militants, primarily related to the redistribution of businesses.

The SBU did not rule out the involvement of Russian special services, for whom the rather odious Zakharchenko could become a nuisance.Russia's military aggression against Ukraine violated all possible fundamental norms and principles of international law, including the UN Charter.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says that it is time to deprive Russia of its veto right at the United Nations.

"Maybe it is time to put Russia in its place  start with depriving it of its veto right, at least when it comes to issues related to the Russian aggression against Ukraine?" he said, addressing the UN General Assembly in New York City on Wednesday, February 20. "What else could we do in order to bring peace to Ukraine and find a long-lasting solution to the Russian aggression?"

Read alsoMFA Ukraine demands further consultations with Budapest Memo signatories

He recalled that the Russian Federation, a signatory to the Budapest Memorandum, repaid Ukraine in 2014 by "a stab in the back" for scrapping the third largest nuclear arsenal Ukraine had.

"By resorting to the military aggression against Ukraine, Russia violated all possible fundamental norms and principles of international law, including the UN Charter. The Charter, which entrusts Security Council members to uphold international peace and security instead of unleashing conflicts throughout the world. So what could the international community do as regards Russia?"

Poroshenko mentioned that in 1939, for its aggressive behavior, Moscow was expelled from the League of Nations. "A right and justified move," he added.The EU expresses concern about the ongoing militarisation of the Crimean peninsula and the Black and Azov seas.

Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida, the head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations, says at the UN General Assembly 67th plenary meeting titled, "The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," that 33 European countries call on all UN member states to consider non-recognition measures.

"The European Union recalls its unwavering support to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. In line with UN General Assembly resolution no 68/262 (2014) the EU does not recognise and continues to condemn the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia which remains a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and a direct challenge to international security, with grave implications for the international legal order that protects the unity and sovereignty of all States. We reconfirm our condemnation of this violation of international law and remain committed to fully implement our non-recognition policy, including through restrictive measures. We call again on United Nations Member States to consider similar non-recognition measures in line with the UNGA Resolution 68/262," Almeida said in a statement on February 20 on behalf of the European Union and its 28 member states.

The candidate countries, namely the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania, as well as the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with the statement.

The EU expresses concern about the ongoing militarisation of the Crimean peninsula and the Black and Azov seas. Since the illegal annexation by the Russian Federation, the human rights situation in the Crimean peninsula has severely deteriorated. Residents of the peninsula face systematic restrictions of fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, religion or belief and association and the right to peaceful assembly. The rights of the Crimean Tatars have been gravely violated through the shutting down of Crimean Tatar media outlets, the banning of the activities of the Mejlis, their self-governing body, and the persecution of its leaders and members of their community. Further violating international humanitarian law, hundreds of men from Crimean peninsula have been conscripted into the Russian Armed Forces. Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians and all ethnic and religious communities in the peninsula must be ensured the possibility to maintain and develop their culture, traditions, education and identity.

"The European Union calls for full compliance with international human rights standards in the peninsula. All pending cases of human rights violations and abuses, such as enforced disappearances, torture and killings should be thoroughly investigated," the statement said.

Read alsoHryb case hearing in Russia disrupted: Neither prosecutor, nor interpreter appears in courtroom

The European Union calls for the release of the approximately 70 political prisoners being held in Crimean peninsula and Russia, in particular Pavlo Hryb and Edem Berkirov, who both require urgent medical assistance. The European Union fully supports the work and reports of the OHCHR Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and stresses that all international human rights observers and monitoring mechanisms should be granted full, free and unrestricted access to the entire sovereign territory of Ukraine, particularly including Crimean peninsula as laid out in these resolutions 71/205, 72/190 and 73/263 on the "Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine)."

The EU calls for full implementation of these resolutions, including the Russian Federation's obligations under applicable international humanitarian law. The EU further calls for the full and immediate compliance with the order of the International Court of Justice of April 19, 2017, in the case concerning the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

"The situation in the Azov Sea remains high on our agenda," the statement said.

Read alsoRussian doctors to examine three Ukrainian sailors wounded amid Kerch incident

The EU expressed its utmost concern about the dangerous increase of tensions in the Azov Sea and Kerch Strait and Russia's violations of international law which has led to the seizure of Ukrainian vessels and their crews by Russia and shots being fired at them, wounding several Ukrainian servicemen. "There is no justification for the use of military force by Russia. Russia's aggressive actions also affect the security situation in the entire Black Sea region," it said.

The EU requests the immediate and unconditional release of all detained Ukrainian servicemen as well as the return of the seized vessels. The EU also expects Russia to ensure unhindered and free passage through the Kerch strait to and from the Azov Sea, in accordance with international law.

"We will continue to follow closely the situation and we are determined to act appropriately, in close coordination with its international partners. Preparatory work is ongoing to strengthen our support in favour of the affected areas of Ukraine," the statement said.Twenty-four Ukrainian sailors were captured on November 25, 2018.

The European Union's ambassadors have agreed to slap sanctions on eight citizens of the Russian Federation over the capture of Ukrainian sailors near the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

"EU ambs have decided to prolong the asset freezes and visa bans on 163 people and 44 entities responsible for undermining the territorial integrity of Ukraine. [They] will be officially prolonged in early March. An additional 8 people will [be] added later for the Sea of Azov," Brussels reporter for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Rikard Jozwiak wrote on Twitter on Wednesday, February 20.

Read alsoUkraine not to allow turning Azov Sea into Russian lake  Poroshenko

Russian security forces captured three Ukrainian navy boats with 24 sailors on November 25, 2018.

They were relocated from Russian-occupied Crimea to Russia's capital, Moscow. Their detention period was prolonged until April 24.

Ukraine insists the sailors are prisoners of war.The Ukrainian president is on a working visit to the United States.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said at the UN General Assembly in New York City that Russia has occupied 7% of Ukraine's territory, 13,000 people have been killed and more than 28,000 have been injured as a result of Russian aggression.

"As a result of this, 44,000 square kilometers, or 7%, of the territory of Ukraine, including Crimea and the eastern districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, are now occupied," he said on Wednesday during the UNGA debate on the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

Read alsoMFA Ukraine expects fruitful discussion at UN General Assembly on further steps to bring Russia to justice

"Russia's armed aggression has claimed the lives of 13,000 people and more than 28,000 people have been injured. And this figure also includes 298 passengers of flight MH17, which was shot down by the Russian military from the Buk missile system in July 2014," Poroshenko added.

According to him, more than 1.8 million residents of Crimea and Donbas had to leave their homes as a result of Russian aggression and occupation.

"Once the peaceful life of people in those regions turned into a nightmare accompanied by fear and terror," he said.

As UNIAN reported, as part of his working visit to the United States, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on February 20 participated in the UN General Assembly, where for the first time in the history of this organization plenary debates took place on a new agenda item: "The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine."Putin claims Russia is not interested in confrontation with such a global state as the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of ignoring the "legitimate interests" of the Russian Federation and threatened Washington with "promising weapon systems."

"In recent years, the United States has pursued a policy toward Russia that can be called unfriendly. Russia's legitimate interests are ignored, anti-Russian actions are constantly organized, absolutely unprovoked, I'd like to stress. More and more illegal sanctions are being introduced from the point of view of international law, the legal framework in international security established over the past decades has been almost completely and unilaterally dismantled. At the same time, Russia is called almost the main threat to the U.S.," Putin said in his annual address to the Russian Federal Assembly, according to an UNIAN correspondent in Russia.

Putin claims "this is not true" because Russia allegedly seeks to have full-fledged, equal and friendly relations with the United States, and all Moscow's actions in the security sphere "are exclusively reciprocal, and therefore "of a protective nature."

Read alsoEx-U.S. envoy wonders whether Kremlin ever considered Ukraine could make own missiles after INF Treaty collapse

Putin says Russia is not interested in confrontation with such a global state as the United States.

"It seems our partners do not notice how and at what pace the world is changing and where it is moving. They pursue their destructive and obviously erroneous policy," Putin said, adding that this is hardly in the interests of the United States.

"It's not for us to decide. We see that we are dealing with active and very talented people, but there are many among the U.S. ruling class who are too enthusiastic about the ideas of their exclusivity and their superiority over the rest of the world," the Russian president said.

"It is their right to think the way they want, but they know how to calculate  they know for sure. Let them calculate the range and speed of our promising weapon systems. It's all we ask. Let them calculate that first, and then make decisions that could create additional threats to our country," Putin said.

He assured there would be retaliatory measures, and Russia's security would be "unconditionally ensured." These words were greeted with applause in the hall of the Federal Assembly.The purpose of the meeting is to bring the issue of Russian aggression onto the largest international platform and comprehensively discuss its main aspects.

Speaker for the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine Kateryna Zelenko has said the ministry expects to hold a fruitful discussion at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly regarding further steps to bring Russia to justice for its aggression against Ukraine.

"Besides the president, over 30 delegations will address the meeting. The final list of states is being formed, but we can already say that the event draws significant interest. These are Ukraine's key partners from the EU, as well as the U.S., Canada, Australia, Latin America and other regions," she told UNIAN.

Zelenko also added that no resolution would be drafted. "The purpose of the meeting is to bring the issue of Russian aggression onto the largest international platform and comprehensively discuss its main aspects in political, security, humanitarian, and socio-economic areas. It's both about Crimea and Donbas," she stressed.

Read alsoMFA Ukraine on fourth anniversary of "Minsk-2": Ukraine positions in Donbas shelled daily

"Therefore, we also expect a fruitful discussion on what further steps could be taken to restore peace in our country and bring the aggressor to justice. Of course, the proposal for the UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas is at the core of our position," Zelenko said.

"Following the debates, we will analyze what the wide international community says, and draw relevant practical conclusions, which, among other things, could later be formalized in a new resolution," she said.

As UNIAN reported earlier, a meeting of the UN General Assembly on the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine will be held on February 20. The Ukrainian delegation will be headed by President Petro Poroshenko.Acts of arson at churches, synagogues and Catholic temples does not mean Russia will attack automatically; however, the location of targets very accurately shows where exactly Russian special services seek to create zones of instability that could give grounds for military action.

A map showing churches across Ukraine targeted for arson attacks by the Russian FSB was published by a Ukrainian blogger Oleksandr Snidalov, who added to the map locations of Russian military and navy units in the relevant proximity to those sites.

Russian forces' potential operational deployment zones are marked in red, Information Resistance OSINT group wrote.

"Just look at that! Isn't it surprising to see no targets of potential arson attacks in cities like Kharkiv or Dnipro, but at the same time to spot them in the towns of Nizhyn, Buhas and Sartana? Nizhyn is located a bit to south of the M02 international highway and right at the railway junction connecting Kyiv with Russia which could be used to deploy forces if necessary.

Read alsoKremlins plan to sow chaos in Ukraine

Buhas is located right on the H20 highway and very close to the only railway linking the strategic port city of Mariupol and the rest of Ukraine.

Sartana is a suburb of Mariupol protected by the Kalmius River. It is a convenient bridgehead to seize Mariupol, according to Snidalov.

In Berdyansk, the Ukrainian Navy is creating a new base for its Azov Fleet.

Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky is a gateway to Romania, the NATO Ally. It also implies control of the Dniester River delta.

Sviatohorsk is needed not just for a symbolic return to Slavyansk, but also to establish control over the Yuzivsky shale gas field.

Read alsoUkraine security chief: Attacks on pro-Russian church's temples coordinated by FSB

The choice of Odesa and Mariupol does not need an additional explanation.

Zaporizhia can be considered as a maximum task.

The author adds that Lviv would also be important for Russian propaganda to show attacks on places of worship to contribute to creating for international audiences a picture of "Ukrainian Nazis" on the loose.

Snidalov adds that to this end, the targets of attacks are not only Russian Orthodox Church's temples but also Catholic temples, Armenian, Bulgarian churches, and also synagogues  only to make sure that international community doesn't blame Russia for incursion and claim that "Nazis see no difference and attack everyone."

"If we look into the location of seven of the 11 targets, we'll see that they were not chosen by chance. This was a military-driven choice for sure. Mariupol, Berdyansk, Odesa, Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky, Sartana, Buhas, Chernihiv  that is, all of them, except Lviv and Zaporizhia, are located no more than 50 km from the Russian or Transnistrian border. This means that a [Russian] mechanized grouping will need no more than an hour to be deployed there. Of course, acts of arson at churches, synagogues and Catholic temples does not mean Russia will attack automatically; however, the location of targets very accurately shows where exactly Russian special services seek to create zones of instability that could give grounds for military action," the blogger wrote.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Russian spies have been working to recruit Ukrainian nationals who would commit arson attacks on temples operated by Orthodox priests of what was until recently called the Moscow Patriarchate.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) earlier prevented one of such attempts where Russian intelligence sought to have a Ukrainian citizen set on fire for a US$2,000 reward a temple of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, aiming to sow tensions and discord, provoking destabilization.They were deprived of proper treatment for almost three months already.

Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova has reported that the three wounded Ukrainian sailors currently imprisoned in Russia  Andriy Artemenko, Andriy Eyder and Vasyl Soroka  will be sent for a medical examination by Russian doctors.

"Russia has finally heard the appeals of Ukraine and the entire civilized world to provide medical care to the young men. I hope Ms. Moskalkova's statements about the 'thorough medical examination' will not be limited to its lite version. After all, our fellow countrymen have not received qualified treatment for nearly three months," Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova wrote on Facebook on February 19.

Read alsoEU agrees sanctions against eight Russian citizens over Azov Sea incident

UNIAN memo. On the morning of November 25, Russia blocked the passage to the Kerch Strait for the Ukrainian tugboat "Yany Kapu" and two armored naval boats "Berdyansk" and "Nikopol," which were on a scheduled re-deployment from the Black Sea port of Odesa to the Azov Sea port of Mariupol.

The Ukraine Navy Command noted that the Russian side had been informed of the plans to re-deploy the vessels in advance in accordance with international standards to ensure the safety of navigation.

The Russian coast guard ship "Don" rammed the Ukrainian tugboat, damaging the Ukrainian vessel. As the Ukrainian boats were heading back in the Odesa direction after being rejected passage via the Kerch Strait, Russian coast guards opened aimed fire on them.

All 24 crew members on board were captured and later remanded in custody for two months, being charged with "illegal border crossing" (the sailors are facing up to six years in prison). Three crewmen were wounded in the attack.

Russian-controlled "courts" in occupied Crimea ruled that all 24 detainees should be remanded in custody, after which they were transferred to the Moscow-based Lefortovo and Matrosskaya Tishina detention centers. Moscow's Lefortovo district court in January 2019 decided to keep the Ukrainian sailors in remand until the end of April 2019.Manger is allowed to move inside the city of Kherson.

An ankle monitor has been put on Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger who is suspected of ordering an assassination of local activist Kateryna Handziuk.

"According to the court order, which was sent to Kherson region's police, this citizen was released on bail with the mandatory wearing of an ankle monitor," Press Secretary of the National Police Yaroslav Trakalo said, according to the Ukrainian news outlet Ukrayinska Pravda.

Read alsoLawyer of suspected organizer of Handziuk murder pays bail for his client's release

"On Saturday [February 16], such a monitor was put on him in the presence of the investigator," he said.

Manger is allowed to move inside the city of Kherson, but he needs an SBU investigator's permit to travel outside the city. The SBU Security Service of Ukraine is conducting a pretrial investigation into the Manger case.

On February 15, a court decided to arrest Manger until March 3, simultaneously setting UAH 2.5 million bail (about US$92,000). On the same day, Manger was freed after the bail had been put up for him.

The Prosecutor General's Office appealed against the court's ruling.

UNIAN memo. Kherson activist, adviser to the Mayor of Kherson and acting manager of affairs at Kherson City Council's executive committee Kateryna Handziuk, 33, on July 31, 2018, survived an act of acid throwing. She suffered burns to more than 35% of her body and underwent 11 operations in Kyiv to treat her horrific injuries. Handziuk died on November 4, 2018. The immediate cause of her death was given as a severed blood clot resulting from the acid attack. Police originally qualified the attack as an attempted murder committed with extreme cruelty, then its status was changed to completed murder. Six suspects were detained, one of whom, Mykola Novikov, was later released from custody as charges against him were dropped. The alleged participant in the assassination, Serhiy Torbin, and Mykyta Hrabchuk, another suspect in the case, are in custody. Three other suspects  Vyacheslav Vishnevsky, Volodymyr Vasyanovych, and Viktor Horbunov  were placed under house arrest. On November 5, the media reported that Torbin had allegedly received money for the attack on Handziuk from Ihor Pavlovsky, an assistant to Member of Parliament from the Petro Poroshenko Bloc parliamentary faction Mykola Palamarchuk. Palamarchuk in turn dismissed any accusations of his possible involvement in the assassination attempt on the activist. He also said he had dismissed Pavlovsky. On November 12, a court ruled to detain Pavlovsky. According to the SBU Security Service, he is suspected of complicity in the Handziuk murder. Chief Prosecutor Yuriy Lutsenko announced on December 3 that the investigators had identified all the individuals who had ordered the assassination. He also named Oleksiy Levin (his real second name is Moskalenko) who later was placed on the international wanted list on December 10, 2018, on suspicion of involvement in the Handziuk assassination. On January 31, 2019, Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger announced the suspension of his membership in Yulia Tymoshenko's Batkivshchyna Party for the period of the investigation of the Handziuk murder case. On February 11, Manger was served with charge papers as an organizer of the assassination of Kherson activist Kateryna Handziuk.The assets were transferred to ARMA.

Kyiv's Pechersky district court has ruled to seize 14 construction sites belonging to the Ukogroup construction firm reportedly affiliated with notorious real estate developer Anatoliy Voitsekhovsky.

The property that was seized upon a motion filed by investigators from the National Policy was transferred to the National Agency of Ukraine for finding, tracing and management of assets derived from corruption and other crimes (Asset Recovery and Management Agency or ARMA).

A corresponding decision dated January 28 was published in the State Court Register.

According to the investigation, de-facto head of Ukogroup controlled a criminal group from 2011 to 2014 that evaded taxes, arbitrarily seized land plots and built residential complexes, shopping malls, office centers there.

Read alsoKyiv's Respublika shopping mall sold for US$28.3 mln

Also, according to the court materials, Ukogroup officials are charged with illegal seizure of other individuals' property, issue of forged documents, and abuse of office.

The list of illegal construction projects at different stages of readiness includes 40 facilities. The court ruled to seize 14 of them.

These are:

- Nova Khvylia (New Wave) residential complex at 15a Kharkivske Shose Street;

- Myloslavsky residential complex at 31v Myloslavska Street;

- Sovski Stavky (Sovski Ponds) residential complex at 70 Kirovohradska Street;

- Sovski Stavky residential complex sales department;

- SynioOzerny (Blue Lakes) residential complex at the intersection of Pravdy Avenue and Gongadze Avenue;

- SynioOzerny residential complex sales department;

- Dominion office center at 40 Ushynsky Street;

- Flagman residential complex at 7 Lobachevskoho Street;

- Rodynnyi Zatyshok (Family Comfort) residential complex at 20, 22, 24 Hasheka Street;

- Olimpiiske Mistechko (Olympic Town), Panoramne Mistechko (Panoramic Town) and Panoramny (now it is called Demiyivsky Kvartal, or Demiyivsky Quarter) residential complexes at 24 Raketna Street;

- Skhidna Brama (Eastern Gateway) residential complex at 3 Svitla Street;

- Skhidna Brama residential complex sales department;

- Sosnovy Bir (Pine Forest) residential complex at Olevska Street;

- Naukovy (Scientific) residential complex at 40 Petropavlivska Street.

UNIAN memo. On October 25, 2016, law enforcement officers completed a pretrial investigation into a case against Kyiv real estate developer Anatoliy Voitsekhovsky. The investigators established that Voitsekhovsky, in complicity with other persons, in 20042013 acquired shares in charter capital of a number of companies, some of which were re-registered to nominees' names in 2014.

With the help of those companies, the criminal group unlawfully seized land for the construction of 40 facilities. The investigators also established repeated facts when one apartment was used to be sold to different owners. Certain construction facilities, which were commissioned on the basis of fake court decisions, were illegally registered in the State Register of Real Estate. In particular, this was the case with the Perlyna Troyeshchyny (Troyeshchyna Pearl) residential complex at 42a Zakrevskoho Street; the Dominion De Luxe office center at 40 Ushynsky Street; the Mega City residential complex at 19 and 19a Kharkivske Shose Street; and the Sosnovy Bir residential complex (a quarter at Olevska, Klavdiyivska and Bakhmatska Streets).Against the backdrop of growing climate-related disasters, the UN is increasingly investing in addressing the climate crisis and strengthening resilience against the threat of climate change. Ulrika Modeer writes about the new climate challenges.

The climate crisis as a multifaceted threat to human security

Climate-related disasters and extensive conflicts are on the rise and they affect human security and sustainable development. When climate change and other conflict drivers converge, the consequences for individuals and communities can be devastating.

UNDP works towards long-term sustainable development. Conflict prevention, climate change mitigation and adaption are central to our mission. With a presence in 170 countries, we see first-hand how climate-related security risks undermine our efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda Global for Sustainable Development.

The cost of climate disasters equals all development cooperation

In 2018 we experienced some of the worst and most costly climate-related disasters in decades. Munich Re, a global reinsurance and risk management company, estimated that the cost of droughts, floods, storms, landslides and fires at around US$145 billion. Ironically, this is as much as the total sum of global aid in the same year.

The consequences of climate-related disasters are not only economic. Extreme weather damages infrastructure but also triggers displacement, worsens livelihood opportunities, and increases food and water insecurity. Achieving the 2030 Global Goals is undermined by these increasingly devastating and interlinked disasters.

According to a 2017 report by the World Food Programme, climate hazards were a major trigger of food crises in 23 countries and pushed some 39 million people into acute food insecurity. In this year's Global Risk Report, the World Economic Forum ranks environmental threats and extreme weather at the very top for the third consecutive year.

The most vulnerable in drought-stricken areas are worst affected

Climate change has increased competition for land and water in already drought-stricken areas such as the Sahel and Sudan. This fuels tension between herders and farmers. In the Lake Chad Basin, climate change contributes to unpredictable rainfall that impedes traditional livelihoods, compounds socio-economic exclusion, and makes joining armed groups seem more attractive.

The World Bank estimates that without serious climate action, more than 140 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America will be internally displaced by 2050, putting significant pressure on already vulnerable populations and cities.

Its for this reason that the UN and the Security Council have started to pay increasing attention to climate-related security risks.

At UNDP we observe daily how climate change contributes to uncertainty and conflict.

What is needed to prevent this negative development?

Ambitious climate measures are possible. We have enough data and resources but need to focus and prioritize.

The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shows that we must act within the next 12 years to avoid crossing the threshold that will lock the world into warming of more than 1.5C. It requires leadership, increased commitment and more action. If we fail, we will experience more droughts, floods, higher sea levels, diminishing polar ice, ecosystem collapse and declined crop yields. How this will affect livelihoods and communities is difficult to predict.

Small island nations and other vulnerable countries are already feeling the effects, and the risk of massively increased poverty in these countries before 2050 is imminent.

Do we still have time to do what it takes?

All countries that signed the Paris Agreement have National Determined Contributions (NDCs) that represent their pledge. For the NDCs to result in real climate action, they must be ambitious and lead to large-scale economic, political and social change.

UNDP supports the NDCs and were see many good examples at work; Iraq focuses its national commitment on the intersection of climate and human security. It takes a holistic approach to climate risks, restoring ecosystems and using solar energy for crisis recovery in newly-liberated areas.

Its experiences can help inspire and develop national commitments for others with similar challenges.

Emission reductions go hand in hand with an effective agenda for climate action, disaster risk reduction and peace building.

To reach the 2030 Global Goals, we must understand the context and the inter-linkages. We need to increase the ambitions and pace of climate action and resilience against natural disasters. We must prevent conflict and build peace.

The pace and scale of the transition to renewable energy gives us hope, while providing millions of people with electricity, which is fundamental for long-term, sustainable development. Properly planned, energy initiatives can increase opportunities for children and women and guarantee their fundamental rights.

We must increase investment in climate adaptation and mitigation. Although the world is taking important steps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, it may be too little too late for many of the most vulnerable.

It is important that we continue to invest in sustainable use of land and forests. Its a basic and cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse gases. Maintaining and increasing the global forest cover is fundamental to this aim.

At UNDP we will continue to strengthen our expertise and capacity to address the increased threat of climate-related security risks. The UNs Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and its Environmental Programme last year began to increase knowledge and management of climate-related security risks. UNDP, together with the Department for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the UN Environment Programme, last year began the Climate Security Mechanism, a joint effort to increase knowledge and management of climate-related security risks.



We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly while at the same time identifying ways to manage climate-related security risks.

In September, the UN invites world leaders and many others to a Climate Summit. We will do everything in our power to increase knowledge, ambition and investment for sustainable and peaceful development.

This post was formerly published here.02/20/2019

By Ed Brennen

Senior business administration major Emily Bellino remembers watching news coverage of Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, when the Houston area was devastated by a years worth of rain  52 inches  in less than a week.

Standing in one of the citys 185,000 flood-damaged homes last month, hammer in hand, Bellino was stunned by how much rebuilding still needs to be done.

I knew about the tragic impact Hurricane Harvey had on the city, but I didnt realize that people were still dealing with hardships today, says Bellino, one of 13 UMass Lowell students who spent a week in Houston during winter break volunteering with All Hands and Hearts, a Massachusetts-based disaster relief nonprofit.

When we arrived on the worksite, I was shocked to see that the home was still in such terrible condition, says Bellino, whose concentrations are in marketing and management and who is also a member of the River Hawks womens lacrosse team. All of the familys personal items were in one room. The house had been completely flooded by the storm.

The students were there as part of Organizational Behavior in Action, an interdisciplinary, three-credit directed study course led by Olga Tines, an assistant teaching professor of management in the Manning School of Business.

Photo by courtesy Photo by courtesy Student volunteers lay down new flooring in the Houston home flooded in 2017 by Hurricane Harvey.



In addition to helping All Hands and Hearts rebuild a single-family home by laying flooring, hanging drywall and painting, students spent the week analyzing the structure of the volunteer organization through observations and interviews with site leaders.

Theyre a very organic and highly adaptable organization, which is why I like students to see it because its totally different than what we see in for-profit firms, says Tines, who requires students to write a 15- to 20-page paper on their embedded research findings.

Students also spent a day talking to people in the community for context on how they were impacted by the disaster.

One of the hardest parts of the experience was when we talked to the locals and saw how many people are in need of help, and knowing that we couldnt help all of them, says Andrea Patino, a junior business administration major with concentrations in finance and international business. But it was an amazing feeling of accomplishment knowing that we had the chance to help and positively impact peoples lives.

Photo by courtesy Photo by courtesy Organizational Behavior in Action students, from left, Meghan McCormack, Emily Bellino, Braulio Lopez, Allison Thornell and Andrea Patino pose for a photo on the home's new flooring.



While 10 of the 13 participants were from the Manning School  Andrew Dickinson, Emily Lara, Patrick OConnell, Lucy Smith, Kayla Kenny, Allison Thornell, Braulio Lopez, Meghan McCormack, Patino and Bellino  the course expanded this year to all majors and included engineering students Abdulla and Ahmad Aljeboure and health science student Nicole Mahogany.

Linda Barrington, coordinator of service learning in the Francis College of Engineering, also took part in the trip for the first time. Barrington, who started an alternative spring break service club several years ago, hopes to see more engineering students participate in Tines course in the future. Students can also highlight the trip on their transcript through the River Hawk Experience Distinction (RHED) program, as it is pre-approved for Community Engagement.

This was Tines fourth trip with students to areas recovering from natural disasters since 2015. Past trips were to Coney Island, N.Y., Andrews, S.C., and Baton Rouge, La. All Hands and Hearts provides communal housing and meals, while students must cover their travel expenses.

Olga Tines has been great, and were looking forward to having other teams of UMass Lowell students join us, David Campbell, co-founder and chairman of All Hands and Hearts, said during a recent visit to campus, when he spoke to students about the impact of disaster relief work.

Photo by Ed Brennen Photo by Ed Brennen All Hands and Hearts co-founder and Chairman David Campbell poses with Asst. Teaching Prof. Olga Tines and past Organizational Behavior in Action participants Anastasia Clark, left, and Keviana-Joy George during a visit to campus.



Hurricane Harvey killed more than 80 people and caused an estimated $125 billion in damage, making it the second-most-costly natural disaster in U.S. history, behind only Hurricane Katrina.

This country goes through a lot of issues in terms of weather and destruction of properties, Tines says. The intent is to get our students out to the places that are underserved, neglected and forgotten about to some degree.

After working with site supervisors all week to learn about construction and safety, Bellino says she returned home a more humble and patient person.

If we did anything wrong, they taught us how to fix the problem rather than getting frustrated with us and doing it themselves, she says. They were willing to teach us and were just as excited and as proud as we were when we finished the job.

Lopez, a junior business administration major with concentrations in finance and entrepreneurship, says the hardest part of the course was saying goodbye to everyone at the end of the week.

The most important thing I learned, Lopez says, is that all it takes are a bunch of good-intentioned people to make a difference, no matter how big or small.facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter

Published February 20, 2019

In 2018, the Louisiana Center for Nursing reported that in 2017 schools in the state could not accommodate some 1,400 qualified applicants for registered nurse training due to faculty-capacity issues. Simply put, there were not enough nurses teaching nursing in enough classrooms.





To have a shortage of nursing faculty at north Louisiana schools naturally results in a shortage of nurses. This dismal balance, however, is about to change.



The University of Louisiana Monroe Kitty DeGree School of Nursing is participating in the Nursing Adjunct Faculty Project. Also in the project are Louisiana Tech University and Delta Community College nursing programs. The goal is to graduate up to 180 more nurses among the three schools than they would otherwise have the capacity to produce over a three-year period. To reach this goal, more adjunct nursing instructors will be hired and more students accepted. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation recently awarded Workforce Development Board 83 a $300,000 grant to employ qualified nurses as adjunct clinical instructors. The Living Well Foundation provided an additional $44,000 to the WDB-83.



Wendy Bailes, Ph.D., RN, Associate Professor and Interim Director of Kitty DeGree School of Nursing, explained, saying, The Kitty DeGree School of Nursing has had the privilege to collaborate with the Northeast Louisiana Healthcare Alliance (NELAHCA), Workforce Development Board 83 and our fellow nursing programs at Louisiana Delta Community College and Louisiana Tech University to provide ways to potentially increase our regions nursing workforce through increased admissions.



Through the collaboration, Kitty DeGree School of Nursing will be able to increase the enrollment number up to 10 additional students per semester, from the budgeted amount. This number is determined at the end of each semester and is affected by multiple factors, Bailes said.



It is only through the hard work of the Workforce Development Board 83 in writing the grant and the Northeast Louisiana Healthcare Alliances willingness to not only provide, but encourage, their masters prepared nurses to step into the clinical faculty role, said Bailes.



Using the new grant, the Workforce Development Board will provide for six adjunct instructor positions. Nine healthcare facilities have agreed to host clinicals for students in nursing programs.



Students will benefit from working with advanced practice nurses in the nurses home setting. Our students who commute from rural parishes may find a clinical site close to home! We are excited about the direction this will take us as the school continues to work and serve within this community, Bailes said.



This investment will support a community that has come together to make critical strides in improving quality of care, said Michael Tipton, president of the BCBS Foundation. The nurses who graduate from this program will provide an estimated additional 15,600 patient-care services in the region.An elderly man has died after reportedly waiting for close to two hours for medical care at the Scarborough General Hospital.Eugene Robinsons column ("It's time to think big on climate change," Feb. 10) is climate alarmist propaganda. It has at least two false premises.

Its built on the false premise that global warming science is settled. And, on an erroneous premise that carbon dioxide is the climate change trigger.

Most climate scientists know the oceans (71 percent of the planets surface) are the main drivers of climate and weather changes, along with wind, pressure, clouds and sun.

There is an atmospheric layer protecting the earth from becoming an ice ball. The greenhouse, as it is known, contains water vapor (96 percent) and carbon dioxide (4 percent) plus about 20 other trace chemicals.

Most of the suns energy escapes to space, but the greenhouse blocks and re-radiates some of the energy back to earth to maintain a livable temperature. Since water vapor is the strongest and most prevalent component, it is responsible for most of the warming.

In the last century, the earth warmed in the 1930s to the 1960s, cooled to the 1980s and is gradually rising to the current period.The FCPA requires corporations to make and keep books, records, and accounts. But keep cant mean forever. Whether government, corporate, academic, or in private practice, FCPA and compliance professionals have rightly spent much time, energy, and ink on the nuances of creating and preserving accurate books and records.

A post on the FCPA Blog urged corporations to ensure that their retention policies account for the numerous (non-email) apps employees now use to communicate. Though not entirely ignored, a much neglected topic is the other side of the records and information management (RIM) and data controls coin: records disposition.

Corporations should define and enforce the full lifecycle of their records retention policies for business reasons and as a risk mitigation measure. Data is not free to store. And uploading, searching, and producing legacy data is costly in terms of time and resources and may offer little measurable benefit.

Many of us encounter in the course of document review, documents  emails in particular  that are seven, ten, or even twenty years old which do not appear to be preserved for any particular business reason. While RIM schedules are common at corporations, strict enforcement of and adherence to those schedules seems less common.

My experience in government stands in contrast. The government, though sometimes slow or sloppy in its execution, has meticulous records retention (and disposition) policies. DOJ alone has nine records officers. In December 2017, the National Archives completed a five-year project to update, revise, and compile the General Records Schedules for all Federal RIM.

The outcome of that project is a 267-page document (and a hyperlinked digital version). The document is a chart in four primary columns, two of which relate specifically to document destruction.

The overarching theme of the summarized policies seems to be a healthy level of discretion. Many of the provisions read like requirements to destroy certain documents but authorize longer retention if required for business use.

An effective RIM policy serves the needs of the business while striking an appropriate balance between the dual risks of premature destruction and over-retention.

The right policy could make the difference between telling an enforcement official we may or may not have that record but will need four weeks, an e-discovery contractor, and outside counsel to answer, or under our RIM policy the retention period for this record is expired; after searching unsuccessfully, we have concluded that the record was destroyed in accordance with policy.

Four key questions should guide an effective RIM program:

Are there statutory or regulatory requirements to preserve given records for a set time?

If so, does the RIM program seek to prevent over-retention? How?

Are there other legal considerations that counsel specific periods of retention?

Statutes of limitation vary for different types of conduct. Which statutes may come into play? What records will be necessary to mount a defense, account for corporate conduct, or disprove an accusation? DOJ and the SEC have written extensively about the definition of corporate cooperation and it may be that the corporation that keeps all of its records can cooperate more extensively than the one that does not. On the other hand, the retentive company may also find that its old records inculpate the company whereas the company with a strict RIM policy does not. This central question requires balancing legal risk and business purpose and deserves the attention of experienced hands.

What are the business reasons for retention?

This is the central question of an effective policy and may counsel longer retention periods for certain types of records than a pure legal analysis would. Certain sectors or industries may also have customs or guidelines that will dictate certain minimum retention periods. A good policy will also delegate authority to make exceptions to policy  particularly in favor of greater retention.

What exceptions will apply?

There will be reasons to segregate specific documents in order to preserve them for more or less time that policy typically requires. Two immediate examples are in the case of a litigation hold, or where a company is temporarily responsible for information they do not own. One will require longer retention and the other shorter. A strong records management policy will ensure that the ultimate disposition of these records is monitored and documented.

In the end, a policy is only as good as its implementation. Companies should consider having its internal audit function audit the implementation of its RIM policy. Indefinite and indiscriminate records retention does not a good policy make.

After all, its sometimes what you dont know that will save you.

_____

Matt Reeder, pictured above, is a litigation associate at Orrick. Before joining Orrick he was a civil litigator for the Department of the Navy. All the views expressed in this post are his alone and do not reflect the views of Orrick or the U.S. government or any of its components. He can be contacted here.

remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.He said he immediately began performing back thrusts, which made the infant expel water from his mouth. He passed him off to medical personnel, who a few minutes later had him revived and breathing.

That was the most relief was hearing all three kids screaming, Enloe said. It was actually a great sign, and a great relief to me.

McCurtain County Deputy Curtis Fields in a statement said he has been in law enforcement in Oklahoma for a decade, witnessing many horrific and incredible happenings.

The professionalism and competence that was exhibited by Trooper Cody Enloe on this day will be something I remember for the rest of my life and was nothing short of incredible, Fields wrote. Trooper Cody Enloe, while being a first-year trooper, performed with all the skill and professionalism of a veteran officer.

Enloe said the childrens mother fell asleep at the wheel, which resulted in the truck rolling over twice and coming to rest upside down in a low-lying area that retains shallow water. He said no drugs or alcohol were involved; it was a case of inattentive driving.I think it is a valid point to be made the only people who follow gun laws are law-abiding citizens, David said. People who continually break the law are carrying without a gun permit.

Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, pointed out that those who purchase a gun from an individual will not have to undergo a background check.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has indicated support for the measure. On Wednesday, he reaffirmed that support saying he likely would sign the measure.

I havent looked at the entire bill yet, but yes, Stitt said. I was very clear on the campaign trail that I was supportive of constitutional carry.

Stitt said he liked the protections in the bill for property rights and organizations such as the National Basketball Association, in which a property owner or business owner can choose to say it is a gun-free environment.

So I think that has the protections that were voiced by some property owners, Stitt said. I am very supportive of that piece of it.

We will monitor it and make sure there are no changes coming out the Senate, but I am very supportive of the Second Amendment and look forward to signing it.

Barbara Hoberock 405-528-2465 barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @bhoberock

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.After World War II, the population reached a high of 411 in 1950. Red Bird has no retail businesses left but still has three active churches. And after decades of decline, the population seems to be growing again.Our goal is to ensure the investigations integrity, and any comment would be highly inappropriate, Forbes said.

Asked how long the investigation is expected to continue and when it began, Forbes glanced at the boards outside counsel, Drew Neville, who indicated she should not answer.

Forbes took the written statement with her and declined to provide it to university staff to transcribe and distribute, which would have been the usual procedure.

Perhaps coincidentally, Forbes did not read the statement until after adjournment, which means it may not be included in the meeting minutes.

Officials said the regents are keen to distance the investigation from the university, which is why Rainbolts statement was not released through OUs communications office.

It is unclear whether the sexual harassment allegations stem from that investigation or were brought forward separately.

Gallogly, meanwhile, has come under fire for what some perceive as an attempt to discredit Boren.

During his first few months in office, Gallogly announced layoffs in some nonteaching areas, imposed spending cuts and fired some high-level administrators close to Boren.The bill advanced from the committee on a vote of 6-4 with two Republicans joining the committees two Democrats in opposition.

The largest share of the questions for Olsen came from Rep. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa. She asked Olsen whether defending legislation almost sure to be challenged in court is the best use of public money, and whether any other legal medical procedures could cause a doctor to lose his license.

That brings us back to the basic question: If its legal, is it moral? Olsen replied. Is it ethical? Is it right? ... I would say its time to recognize weve been doing wrong and turn around and start to do right.

Olsen said legal challenges to the bill, if it becomes law, wouldnt cost taxpayers anything because it would be defended by the Attorney Generals Office.

Whether he defends it or not his salary is the same and the salary of his staff is the same, Olsen said.

Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan, one of the Republicans opposed to the bill, told Olsen he doesnt believe HB 1182 will reduce abortions.

I believe your sincerity but dont understand why you would believe that, Olsen replied.The city and the county received a letter from Floyd in the fall asking them to sign a resolution in support of building a South Tulsa County Arkansas River Bridge.

Neither the city nor the county signed the resolution. County Commissioner Ron Peters said that several months ago the tribe invited county officials to attend a meeting on the bridge.

The location on the Tulsa side was to be somewhere between 121st and 91st (streets), as I recall, Peters said. About a week later, we received the letter from them asking for us to write a letter of support for their project.

We declined because there wasnt an exact location on the Tulsa side to support. In other words, the proposal was too vague to support.

Meanwhile, Parks Director Anna America told the Park and Recreation Board last month that her department has put on hold planned improvements for Cousins Parks until it is determined whether bridge construction would encroach on the park. America stressed this week that she was not part of the discussions and does not know any particulars about the project."I will say tonight that the children of the McLain feeder pattern have more than that because not only do they have teachers," she said, "but they have a school board, they have a superintendent and they have a community and a task force who, by tonight's activities, is saying that we believe in you ... and we are about to make something successful out of the McLain feeder pattern."

In an email to district employees Tuesday, Gist wrote that a "unified middle school experience" in the McLain feeder pattern will give all students access to specialized programs that create exceptional learning experiences.

"This is an exciting opportunity to begin to create stronger academic and extra-curricular programming for our McLain feeder schools while reducing the number of transitions that our students have throughout their time in school," she said. "The most powerful thing that can happen in a school is when people rally behind it and believe that its students and teachers can achieve the extraordinary."

Also during Tuesday's board meeting, Gist recommended consolidating Gilcrease Elementary and ECDC Bunche to ensure consistency across the McLain feeder schools. The new school would serve students from prekindergarten through fifth grade and be housed at the Bunche building, which is located near 54th Street North and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.Two brothers face charges of child sexual abuse after an investigation by the Tulsa Police Department and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Charles Burts, 21, and Malcolm Burts, 19, were arrested Tuesday afternoon and booked into the Tulsa County jail on two counts of child sexual abuse each. They remain in custody on $200,000 bond.

Detectives forensically interviewed three children, ages 7, 6 and 5, who told police about one or both of the brothers touching them inappropriately over a period of three years, according to the affidavit. Other children were reportedly interviewed, but the brothers only face charges in connection to the first three.

Casey White, spokeswoman for DHS, said the day care where the brothers worked, Tiny Tots Learning Spot in the 1600 block of East 71st Street, has had a cease-care status since the investigation began. White said the business could be open during the investigation, but children couldnt be in the care of its operators.

Prosecutors allege the brothers abused children between 2015 and December 2018, when a victim reported sexual abuse to a family member and an investigation began, according to the affidavit.

With the investigation complete, White said DHS is reviewing the daycares status and considering actions up to and including revoking its license.

Stetson Payne 918-732-8135 stetson.payne@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @stetson__payneEstes Park, CO (80517)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High 58F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.February is Black History Month and the Tulsa World will be publishing stories and daily facts throughout the month.

Founded in 1869 as Fort Wichita, the Oklahoma military post later renamed Fort Sill was established with the help of a history-making group of soldiers.

The 10th Cavalry Regiment, a unit of ex-slaves known informally as the Buffalo Soldiers, had been formed after the Civil War by white Army Col. Benjamin Grierson.

Under Grierson, who selected the site for the fort, members of the 10th constructed many of the stone buildings that still stand at Fort Sill.

Although the name would later be given to other African-American regiments, it was these original Buffalo Soldiers who made it legendary. The members of the 10th Cavalry served with heart, inspiring the loyalty of Grierson himself, who steadfastly refused to leave them for other commands.

Tim Stanley 918-581-8385 tim.stanley@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @timstanleyTW

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.After the meeting, board members expressed views for and against the setbacks.

Dodson said her concern with the measure was that it might set a dangerous precedent for other agriculture practices across the state, that it could be taken to the extreme in other areas, she said. She also noted that a 150-foot minimum setback from adjoining properties essentially took land rights away from a wide perimeter around each new farm.

Hurliman said the rules are a compromise.

Were all for agriculture, but we are also responsible to all Oklahomans, so we have to hit a balance between promoting agriculture and taking care of our consumers, he said.

A lone representative of northeastern Oklahoma residents opposed to poultry industry expansion at the meeting, Angela Faughtenberry of 413 Farm, shook the agriculture secretarys hand after the meeting and expressed her disappointment that Arthur had voted in favor of the measure without first visiting the affected community.

I am disappointed that (Arthur) chose to carry the split vote without having met with Green Country residents, making her tour of the impacted areas in April pointless, she said later.About seven months after Pontotoc County sheriffs deputies found guns, drugs and cash in a home across the street from an Ada elementary school, an Ada man was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison.

Scot Edwin Anderson, 61, was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced Tuesday.

The charge stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Pontotoc County Sheriffs Office, the District 22 Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Ada News reported deputies visited the home in the 600 block of West 16th Street in Ada on Aug. 1 to execute a search warrant in an effort to reduce drug crimes in the county.

Deputies detained Anderson and two others during the search and found more than 29 grams of methamphetamine packaged for distribution, at least $1,600 cash and a spread of firearms and accessories including homemade silencers and body armor, according to the local papers report.

Methamphetamine destroys lives and communities, and meth dealers deliver that destruction, U.S. Attorney Brian Kuester said in the release.

Kelsy Schlotthauer 918-581-8455 kelsy.schlotthauer@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @K_Schlott

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.A social media post that claimed 115 Wagoner Middle School students went home on Feb. 14 sick with flu-like symptoms or possibly strep throat made the rounds.

The report was researched at the middle school and all schools in Wagoner County were contacted to see if there is a massive bug keeping students at home.

First, Wagoner Public Schools has cleaning machines that maintain as near a germ-free environment as possible.

Wagoner Superintendent Randy Harris has described in detail at school board meetings the machine that disinfects and cleans.

Here is a roundup of what schools reported on Feb. 15:

On Feb. 15, Wagoner Middle School Principal Jeremy Holmes said the 115 number mentioned in the Facebook post is not close to the actual number.

Holmes did say he had more students out the week of Feb. 12-15 than the previous week.

The principal added it is tough to say what caused the absent students. There is no protocol in place for a parent to call in and say flu or strep throat as a reason for missing class.

Holmes did call every building and learned that the overall absent rate was under 10 percent.A colorful red ribbon adorned Daisys tail.

When all was said and done, Swift earned third place honors in his class 2 division. His mom had to work Saturday, but his dad, Steven, proudly watched from the stands.

Coweta FFA Advisor Travis ODell said one thing that stands out to him about his first-year FFA member is his determination.

He always wants to try things without help or assistance, he noted. He seemed to handle everything okay.

Swift has been caring for Daisy since November 2018 with the help of Steven and Sherri Lawson. He expressed interest in showing an animal last year while attending the livestock show with Brittany Conner, his class paraprofessional.

Jordan was feeding daily, cleaning his pen and loving on Daisy, but she wouldnt leave the pen or walk for him, so Steven started working with Daisy and bathing her, Sherri Lawson explained. I wanted this to be a great experience for Jordan. Steven works with Jordan and Daisy to show him how to guide her and walk her.

We were like new parents at the show, being so excited and nervous for him!

At the livestock barn, Swift said he makes sure Daisy is awake and feeds her pig feed.An Alabama-based beverage company is considering building a manufacturing plant just north of Tulsa.

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission on Wednesday OKd a preliminary subdivision plat at the corner of 76th Street North and North 75th East Avenue. Applicant John Droz of Cyntergy and landowner 7611 Investment Co. LLC sought the plat approval for 19.59 acres on behalf of proposed developer Milos Tea Co. Inc. of Bessemer, Alabama, documents show.

The parcel, which sits on unincorporated Tulsa County land just east of the Macys Fulfillment Center, is served by city of Tulsa water and sewer. Records indicate plans for a 102,435-square-foot building.

Milos Tea Company has experienced significant growth as more consumers demand all natural, fresh-brewed teas and lemonade like Milos, Lynn Darty, Milos vice president of administration said in a statement. To support this growth, we have investigated multiple sites in the Midwest for plant expansion including Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Darty, who declined to elaborate by phone, said the company is considering various sites and has not purchased any land or begun any construction.You will receive full, ad-free access to TullahomaNews.com.com as well as full access to the Electronic Edition of the newspaper.





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Only $44.99 per year after promotional period.Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have raided homes of Samburu Governor, Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal, over suspected loss of KSh 2 billion.

Residences and offices of county chief officers were also raided on the early morning of Wednesday, February 20, in what was reported to be a search for files in connection to the lost money.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: KQ pilot who made Kenya's first direct flight to New York retires after 42 years of service

Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal is being investigated by EACC over loss of KSh 2 billion in fishy expenditure. Photo: Facebook / H.E Governor Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Kenyan newspapers review for February 20: CS Rotich in trouble as KSh 40 billion goes missing

Armed with search warrants, the officers pitched camp at the governor's homes in Nairobi and Samburu.

The officers said there have been a series of suspicious expenditure of public funds in the devolved unit and were combing the houses to find all the necessary evidence in connection to the lost money.

There have been complaints of misappropriation of funds meant for the county which has prompted the searches, one of the officials told The Standard.

READ ALSO: Mombasa man tells court DPP threatened him with gun, robbed him of KSh 2 million

Other officials targeted in the investigations included directors and contractors from various companies suspected to have conspired to swindle money from county coffers.

"We are targeting the governor, chief officers, directors and contractors for wanton misappropriation of public funds amounting to KSh 2 billion," another detectives told the Daily Nation.

It is not clear where the county boss was during the time of the raid.

Do you have an inspirational story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Follow us on Telegram: Tuko news

Kenyan Men Reject Male Contraceptives| Tuko TV

Source: Tuko- At Bomet University College, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is not approved

- Bachelor Degree in Animal Science has not been approved at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology

- At Embu University, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is yet to get a nod from the regulator

- According to CUE and KUCCPS, learners in the courses risk being turned away by other universities if they seek furthering their studies

A recent joint report by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and Commission of University Education (CUE) laid bare a list of unapproved degree programmes offered in Kenyan universities.

The 133 questionable courses, as earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke, are being offered in 26 universities.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Photos of Malia Obama drinking wine despite being underage stirs the internet

The 133 questionable courses, as ealier reported by TUKO.co.ke, are being offered in 26 universities. Photo: UGC

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Nairobi man caught smuggling newborn daughter out of KNH freed by court

According to a report filed by Nation on Tuesday, February 19, Tom Mboya University College leads the pack with about 810 students enrolled in 25 'useless' courses.

Among programs affected at the institution are Bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, Environmental Science with IT, Home Science with IT, Health Records and Information, Geography and Natural Resources, and Industrial Chemistry with IT among others.

READ ALSO: Mike Sonko clears bill for baby whose father was arrested for smuggling her out of KNH

Some 385 students at Garissa University also risk losing money they have invested in eight courses that are yet to get CUE's nod.

At the university, Bachelors degrees in Applied Statistics with Computing, Zoology, Environmental Studies, Informatics, and Community Development are unapproved.

According to the authority, the courses in question are shallow in scope and learners risk being rejected by their potential employers after graduation.

READ ALSO: Moses Wetang'ula calls for probe into mysterious drowning of his personal assistants son

According to CUE and KUCCPS, students who graduate in the courses risk being turned away by other institutions either in the country or abroad if they will seek to further their studies.

The commission had earlier hinted that most universities introduced the courses as a means of minting more money from students.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

Would you vote for a heterosexual president? | Tuko TV.

Source: TukoThe success of Mercado San Agustin has led to increased development surrounding the site, and new homes for several local businesses.Veterans and those facing chronic homelessness in Southern Arizona face a variety of challenges, and several organizations helping the community recently received funding from the federal government.Commentary

Donald Trump is our national emergency

Eugene Robinson: We have a national emergency, all right. Its name is Donald Trump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.Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.Fisherfolk appeal to Government yesterday to at least subsidise their gas supply so they can continue with their livelihood which they said is being threatened by the high cost of fuel. Photo: CURTIS CHASEThe House of Representatives will debate a motion of no confidence in Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh at 1.30 p.m. today.

The Opposition motion is filed in the name of Caroni East MP Dr Rishad Seecheran. The Health Minister is expected to speak.

The motion is unusually short. It reads, Whereas the Minister of Health has persistently demonstrated his inability to effectively undertake his duties in the health sector for the welfare of our citizens, be it resolved that this House express its lack of confidence in the Minister of Health and call for his immediate resignation.Do you have a news tip?

Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you.

More hereA teenage girl with pre-existing medical issues is among 16 people who died from Covid-19 yesterday.

Covid-19 deaths in Trinidad and Tobago returned to the double digits yesterday, after two consecutive days of single digits.

There were seven Covid-19 deaths on Wednesday and on Thursday.rchopra@tribunemail.com

Washington, February 20

US President Donald Trump has said he is looking forward to his second meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on February 27 and 28 in Vietnam and wants Pyongyang to end its nuclear programme but is in no rush for it.

The two leaders held their first meeting in Singapore last year, after which the White House said in a statement that Kim reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea has conducted no further nuclear and missile tests since the June summit, but has made no commitment to surrendering its nuclear arsenal.

Trump on Tuesday discussed his trip with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in and told reporters his ultimate goal is denuclearisation of North Korea.

I had a great conversation this morning with President Moon of South Korea. We obviously discussed the upcoming trip next week...were going to Hanoi in Vietnam...I look forward to being with Chairman Kim (Jong-un)I think a lot of things will come out of it, Trump told reporters about the telephonic conversation.

President Moon and I discussed probably every aspect of the meeting, he said.

Were in no rush whatsoever, were going to have our meeting...well see what happens and I think ultimately were going to be very successful, he said.

The White House said the two leaders agreed to remain in close communication following the summit.

In an interaction with reporters, Trump said he would be talking over phone with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday on the same issue.

I will be speaking tomorrow (Wednesday) with Prime Minister Abe of Japan. I will be having a similar conversation. So I think next week is going to be very exciting. Its going to be the second summit, he said, adding that his ultimate goal is denuclearisation of North Korea.

I think we will see that ultimately. I have no pressing time schedule. A lot of people would like to see it go very quickly from the other side. I really believe that North Korea can be a tremendous economic power. Their location between Russia, China and South Korea is unbelievable, he said.

Trump said North Korea and Chairman Kim had some very positive things in mind.

We will soon find out. Im in no rush. Theres no testing...If you look at the end of the Obama administration, it was a disaster. What was going on. You dont have that right now. Its a much different feeling. I think people have...theres always danger, but I think people have much different feeling, he said. PTIshriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

NEW DELHI

Swedish caller identification app Truecaller on Wednesday announced that the platform has crossed the 100 million mark in terms of daily active users in India.

With its integrated services including caller ID, SMSes, instant messaging, video calling and Truecaller Payments, the platform now has over five lakh premium subscribers and 130 million daily active users globally, the company said in a statement.

"India is one of our focus markets and we will continue to expand in the Indian market and integrate more services to create a robust unified communication platform that simplifies the lives of our users," said Alan Mamedi, CEO and Co-Founder, Truecaller.

Every tenth active user in India has linked their bank account to Truecaller Pay and 60 per cent of its users happen to be experiencing Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for the first time, the company claimed.

India has over 60 per cent of Truecaller's global user base.

Last week, aiming to provide secure services to the users, Truecaller said all its Indian user data is now hosted in the country.

In line with its business strategies, Truecaller has also doubled the speed in search results for "Caller ID" and "Spam detection" features within the app.

With its offices in Bengaluru, Gurugram and Mumbai, more than half of the company's employees are from India.  IANSshriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

WASHINGTON

Long before the advent of Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, early Mississippian Mound cultures in America's southern Appalachian Mountains shared artistic trends and technologies across regional networks that functioned in similar ways as modern social media, according to a study.

The findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that strong social connections between common people have always played an important role in helping societies guard themselves against the vagaries of unpredictable leaders and ruling classes.

"Just as we have our own networks of 'friends' and 'followers' on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, societies that existed in North America between 1,200 and 350 years ago had their own information sharing networks," said Jacob Lulewicz, lecturer at the Washington University in the US.

"Our study found a way to reconstruct these indigenous communication networks," he said in a statement.

"Our analysis shows how these networks laid the groundwork for Native American political systems that began developing as far back as 600 AD," Lulewicz said.

The study utilises sophisticated social network analysis to map social and political connections that helped unite friends and families in dozens of Native American villages well before the arrival of European explorers.

The findings are based on a messaging archive that is preserved not in bytes, but in bits of pottery sherds unearthed over many years in archaeology digs at dozens of Mississippian culture sites scattered across southern Appalachia.

Focusing on subtle evolving changes in the technologies used to temper and strengthen pottery and the cultural symbols used to decorate them, the study provides a detailed chronological map of how new pottery techniques signified connections between these communities.

The ceramics database includes 276,626 sherds from 43 sites across eastern Tennessee, and 88,705 sherds from 41 sites across northern Georgia, researchers said.

The collection represents pottery created between 800 and 1650 AD, a period that saw the gradual emergence and later decline of powerful chiefdoms that controlled wide networks of villages in the region, they said.

The study focuses on villages clustered around the site of Etowah in Bartow County, Georgia, an important Mississippian community that included several low earthen mounds with large ceremonial buildings.

It served as the regional seat of social, political, economic and religious power across the regioninfluence that reached its peak between 1050 to 1325 A.D according to the study.

The findings suggest that the ruling elites drew their power from social networks created by the masses.

The emergence of powerful Native American chiefdoms and the centralised leadership, elaborate religious movements and institutionalised inequality that came with them, he said, were built upon foundations created by the wider, pre-existing social networks of common people.

Such systems proved to be more stable and durable than any interactions dictated by elite chiefs, researchers said.  PTIamansharma@tribunemail.com

London, February 20

The UK government is "reflecting" on demands for a formal apology for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in April 1919 during the British Raj, a minister told the House of Lords during a debate to mark the centenary of the attack.

During a debate titled 'Amritsar Massacre: Centenary' in the Upper House on Tuesday evening, Baroness Annabel Goldie also confirmed plans to mark 100 years since the tragedy "in the most appropriate and respectful way".

"The government at the time, as we know, roundly condemned the atrocity, but it is the case that no subsequent government have apologised," said Baroness Goldie, who holds the post of government whip and Baroness-in Waiting in the Lords.

"I understand that the reason is that governments have considered that history cannot be rewritten and it is important that we do not get trapped by the past," she said.

However, she made specific reference to oral evidence given by UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in October last year in reference to the centenary being an appropriate time for a formal apology.

She noted: "The Foreign Secretary responded by saying: 'That is a very profound thought; let me reflect on that, but I can understand why that could be a potentially very significant gesture'.

"The Foreign Secretary is currently doing that -- reflecting on the situation -- and I can say that the views expressed in this debate are certainly noted and will be conveyed back to the department." Her response came at the end of interventions by a series of peers during the debate, called by Indian-origin peers Lords Raj Loomba and Meghnad Desai, who believe the April 2019 centenary was the right time to "make amends" and offer a formal apology for the atrocities to bring closure.

"It would be appreciated by the millions of South Asians living in the UK, as well as by the people of India," said Loomba, who has written to British Prime Minister Theresa May calling for an apology alongside Desai both members of the Jallianwala Bagh Centenary Commemoration Committee.

Desai, during his intervention, focussed on how the House of Lords at the time had failed to condemn General Dyer's actions in Amritsar.

"The motion, that this House deplores the conduct of the case of General Dyer as unjust to that officer, and as establishing a precedent dangerous to the preservation of order in face of rebellion, which was passed in the end," Desai recalled.

"The view was taken that somehow injustice had been done to a brave officer who was putting down a rebellion," he noted.

Cobra Beer founder Lord Bilimoria reiterated calls for a formal government apology for the "murder" and Amritsar-born businesswoman, Baroness Sandy Verma, referenced her own personal connect with the city during the debate.

"This act of complete disregard -- opening fire on innocent people who had no escape routes or an opportunity to voice their protests -- is truly a black cloud in British history," she said.

Historical records note that Dyer had fired on a Baisakhi gathering on April 13, 1919, without warning and continued to fire for 10 minutes even as they were trying to escape, while he blocked the main exit with his soldiers and armoured vehicles.

The newly-formed Jallianwala Bagh Centenary Commemoration Committee, made up of several Indians and non-resident Indians (NRIs), is deliberating on plans to commemorate 100 years since the tragic event. - PTIROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 19

Akal Takht has taken cognisance of the alleged violation of Sikh rehat maryada by Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singhs son Gurparsad Singh.

Two days ago, a video went viral on social media wherein Gurparsad Singh, who works as chief accountant with Takht Patna Sahib, was allegedly seen smoking, with two glasses of alcohol lying before him on a table.

While Giani Iqbal Singh has already disowned him for indulging in anti-Panthic activity, the management of Takht Patna Sahib has suspended him.

Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Hapreet Singh said it was shocking that the son of a Jathedar was seen indulging in such acts. An inquiry has already been ordered. The matter will be taken up with the five Sikh high priests and action will be taken accordingly, he said.

Takht Patna Sahib Management Board head Avtar Singh Hit said he would invite a meeting of board members to discuss the matter.

Giani Iqbal Singh is already under the scanner over the charges of polygamy. Over two weeks back, his second wife Baljit Kaur had approached Jathedar Harpreet Singh and levelled allegations of harassment and thrashing against Giani Iqbal Singh. She claimed that he married her in 2003 by falsely stating that his first wife had expired. Giani Harpreet Singh said the matter was under consideration.

Head under lens too

Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh is already facing charges of polygamy.

Over two weeks ago, his second wife had levelled allegations of harassment and domestic violence against him.

She claimed that he had married her in 2003 by falsely stating that his first wife had died.ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, February 19

Demanding release of dues of the last two years, farmers under the banner of the Ganna Sangharsh Committee blocked the Sangrur-Ludhiana road on the Babanpur canal bridge on Tuesday.

The farmers announced that their blockade would only be lifted after the release of the pending amount. Leader of the Opposition Harpal Singh Cheema said he would raise the issue in the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday and also personally take up the matter with the CM.

The Dhuri sugar mill authorities are yet to release our dues to the tune of Rs 58.5 crore of which Rs 48 crore are of current financial year while the remaining are of last year. We have started a protest and will not end it without getting the pending amount, said Dr Anwar Bhasaur, district general secretary, AAP.

The protesting organisations include the Kisan Mukti Morcha, Ganna Production Advisory Committee, BKU Rajewal, BKU Ugrahan, Indian Farmers Association, Kul Hind Kisan Sabha and Lok Sangharsh Committee.

We have sold our crop to the mill authorities and are only demanding our money, said Karnail Singh, a protesting farmer.

SDM Deepak Rohela said, We are trying our best for the release of their payments at the earliest.ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 19

The Centres move to withdraw the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan and escalate the basic customs import duty to 200 per cent with immediate effect has taken its toll on the bilateral trade through the Attari-Wagah joint check post.

The decision came in the wake of the Pulwama attack in which 44 CRPF men were martyred. The hike in the basic customs duty is applicable on all items being imported from Pakistan since February 16.

Suneet Kochhar, chairman, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Punjab, said instead of hiking the import duty and burdening the Indian traders, a blanket ban should have been put on duty-free barter trade between Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and J&K.

The duty-free trade between the two parts of Kashmir was underway through the Salamabad (India)-Chakothi (Pakistan) and Chakan Da Bagh (India)-Rawalakot (Pakistan) routes. These ports are not even governed by the Foreign Trade Policy and Customs Act-1962 and are major gateways for illegal imports and terror-funding. This should have been stopped at first instance, he added.

Anil Mehra, president, Federation of Dry Fruit and Karyana Merchants Association, said India had started these two ports just to trade 21 items between Kashmir and PoK, but it was being misused.

He rued that in an attempt to isolate Pakistan by snapping the trade ties, the instant hike in import duty had broken the backbone of the Indian traders. Instead of imposing the hike immediately, the Centre should have at least given a few days relaxation to the traders to pick up the goods that have already been imported from across the border.

Under the prevailing situation, various items that were ordered earlier have reached the integrated check post at Attari but the traders were in a Catch-22 situation to pick up the delivery keeping in view of the unprecedented hike in the import duty.

Customs clearing agent Jaspal Singh said around 95,000 cement bags, besides dry dates, gypsum and inorganic chemicals and drugs in bulk were lying at Attari.

A bag of Pakistani cement that costs between Rs 250-Rs 300 would now invite an import duty of Rs 800 each. Similarly, the duty on a truck load of dry date which was Rs 2.22 lakh earlier has now been hiked to Rs 32 lakh, including the GST, Singh added.

Land Port Authority of India manager Sukhdev Singh confirmed that around 50 Pakistani cement loaded trucks, seven dry dates trucks and 10 other trucks loaded with gypsum and other goods arrived at Attari. We have asked the traders to approach the competent authorities to initiate the process of returning the goods by roping in the exports from Pakistan, he said.

Additional force at Wagah border

BSF DIG JS Oberoi said the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah joint check post was being organised regularly, but additional forces personnel had been deputed to keep a tab on spectators to avoid any untoward incident

The Delhi-Lahore bus and Samjhauta Express train too are running without any hindrance, but with low occupancy

Instead of hiking the import duty and burdening the Indian traders, a blanket ban should have been put on duty-free barter trade between Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and J&K. These routes are major gateways for illegal imports and terror-funding. This should have been stopped at first instance.  Suneet Kochhar, Chairman, Assocham, Punjabrchopra@tribunemail.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 20

After Congress MLAs targeted SAD MLA Bikram Majithias family in the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday, the Akali leader dared them to prove that his grandfather had hosted the dinner for Gen Dyer.

During discussion on the Governors address, Majithia dragged Congresss Sukhjinder Randhawa in the slugfest saying Randhawas father had thanked Indira Gandhi for the attack on the Golden Temple.

To this, Randhawa said his father had in fact spoken against terrorism.

Earlier, SAD-BJP MLAs staged a walkout after a resolution moved by them declaring Pakistan as a terrorist state was rejected.

SAD MLA Parminder Dhindsa had raised the issue saying the party wanted to move the issue of terror attack in Kashmir in a new perspective.

Addressing the media outside the House, Dhindsa said the people were looking to the Congress government to take a nationalist stand.

The resolution was against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, condemning his statement made on Tuesday.

Dhindsa said Congress ministers Charanjit Singh Channi and Sukhjinder Randhawa stalled the resolution, which exposed their double standards on taking a nationalist stand.

He wondered why CM Capt Amarinder Singh should object to the resolution, in contrast to the ultra-nationalist stand taken by him in public.

Earlier, AAP MLAs also staged a walkout during Question Hour as they were not satisfied with the governments reply on the issue of proclaimed offenders.

Soon after the session began, AAP legislators went into the Well of the House and raised slogans.

On Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said findings of the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission would be taken on priority and indicated that heads would roll.

Singh said that his government would inctroduce a law to regularise contractual employees and expedite promotions. He said his government has already announced 5 per cent DA, and that a Cabinet sub-committee was already looking into issues of employees as well as 2 per cent reservation for wards of government employees.Fish Fry Friday is set to begin. Representatives from eight host organizations are scheduled to greet guests every Friday for eight weeks.

Fish and all the trimmings will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. at the VFW Hall, located west on Highway 4/18. Guests are invited to dine in and be served by their friends and neighbors.

Carry-out is also available by calling 712-298-0883.

The first Fish Fry Friday will be hosted by members of the VFW Auxiliary.

VFW?members are asked to assist with service and clean up.ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 19

State Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa today said the arrest of IG Paramraj Singh Umranangal in the police firing incident was not enough. Akali leaders are guilty in the Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing incidents. To soothe the wounded feelings of the Sikh sangat, former CM Parkash Singh Badal and SAD chief Sukhbir Badal should be booked for murder and arrested, said Randhawa.

The Congress minister and party MLAs from the Majha region have been pressing upon the Chief Minister to take the probe to its logical conclusion. In the run up to the Lok Sabha polls, the issue has been raised at the party level.

Randhawas reaction comes a day after the former Badal demanded registration of a sedition case against Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu over his comments on the Pulwama attack. The Congress does not need a certificate in patriotism from the Akalis, who have torn apart copies of the Constitution. They should brand their alliance partner BJP as traitor whose government released terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar 20 years back, he said.

Earlier on Monday, Randhawa and Navjot Singh Sidhu took on Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh in the Vidhan Sabha for his inaction against Akali leader Bikram Majthia for his alleged complicity in drug case. Both ministers have openly displayed anger against their own government by saying that the government and police were in cahoots with the Akalis.

Also, the slugfest between Sidhu and Majithia took an ugly turn when the Akalis flashed pictures of Sidhu with the Pakistan Prime Minister in the Vidhan Sabha, provoking Sidhu to question Harsimrat Badals presence at the Kartarpur corridor foundation stone-laying ceremony in Pakistan. Both called each other names, before Sidhu targeted his own government for allowing Majithia to have a free run.

The government should take up the matter of early hearing in the drug-related cases with the Punjab and Haryana High Court so that the truth comes out and the cases be taken to their logical conclusion, said a senior Congress leader.rchopra@tribunemail.com

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 20

In a scathing attack on former ally BJP, TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday accused the ruling party of jeopardising national security, playing with the Army for self-interest and political gains and belittling the nation by petty actions.

In a teleconference with party leaders on Wednesday, he said the TDP would not tolerate jeopardising national security for self-interest and playing with Army for political gains and demanded tough action on the Pulwama terror attack.

Law and order needs to be protected on the borders. Apprehensions are there among people over the Pulwama attack and the Pakistan Prime Ministers statement, Naidu said.

He said there is threat to national security because of inefficiency of the ruling party, accusing the BJP leaders of belittling the nation with their petty actions and wrongdoings.

People have lost trust in the BJP. Thats why it is trying for alliances with small and petty parties. The BJP will resort to anything to come to power. It is trying to remote-control states.

All non-BJP parties have got together only because of democratic compulsion, also because of secular compulsion, he added.rchopra@tribunemail.com

Lucknow, February 20

The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended a senior IPS officer for allegedly making controversial remarks in an interview to a news website and unauthorised absence from duty, official sources said on Wednesday.

Jasvir Singh, a 1992 batch officer, posted as Additional Director General (ADG), Rules and Manual, was suspended on February 14 after the interview to the news portal, according to UP Police website.

In the interview on January 30, the ADG had purportedly said that he was given dead-end postings in his career after he tried to hold politicians and ministers accountable.

He also claimed that he had done actual police work for only six months in his 26-year-long career.

Principal Secretary, (Home), Arvind Kumar, said, Yes, the ADG has been suspended for violating code of conduct. Action was initiated against the ADG for making controversial statements in an interview and for his unauthorised absence from duty since February 4. The officer went on leave without getting it sanctioned from competent authorities.

During his 16-day stint as the Superintendent of Police of Maharajganj in 2002, Singh had initiated proceedings to invoke the National Security Act against present chief minister and then Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath in a case dealing with violation of prohibitory orders in 1995.

In 2003, during his tenure as the SP of UP Polices food cell, he accused then Samajwadi Party minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya of corruption in the multi-crore food scam in Lakhimpur Kheri. PTIrchopra@tribunemail.com

Bengaluru, February 20

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday invited investors to capitalise on the ecosystem in aero space and other sectors in India which offered a big market for defence manufacturing.

In her inaugural remarks at the Aero India 2019, the 12th edition of Asias premier air show at the Yelahanka air base here, Sitharaman made a strong pitch for Make in India and referred to a slew of initiatives taken by the government, including permitting 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in defence manufacturing.

Explaining the possibilities in the aero space and defence sectors, she said the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)s could find joint venture partners so that the production could be scaled up and they could have a captive market and could export from India.

She also noted that during the last four years and the current financial year, 150 contracts worth about Rs 1,27,500 crore had been signed with the Indian vendors for procurement of defence equipment for the armed forces.

The five-day mega event began on a sombre note, a day after two aircraft of Surya Kiran, Indian Air Force (IAF)s aerobatics team, collided mid air, killing a pilot and injuring two others who ejected to safety.

The biennial event, which would showcase Indias air defence prowess, would also act as a platform for aviation companies, the defence sector and government to forge new alliances and contracts.

The current edition of Aero India was marked by controversy with reports about it being shifted to Uttar Pradesh, which had taken a political colour, as the Congress-JD(S)led government in the state had hit out at the BJP-led Centre against the alleged move.

Besides the Tejas, the HTT-40 (Basic Trainer Aircraft), first indigenously upgraded Hawk Mk132-named as Hawk-i, Civil Do-228, Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are scheduled to fly in the air show.

Also, aerobatic teams like Indias Sarang (ALH-Dhruv) and UK-based Yakovlevs are expected to enthrall the audience.

On static display would be HALs Light Utility Helicopter (PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive CareUnit).

The Sukhoi SU-30, Rafale, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet and the mighty B-52 Stratofortress bomber would be part of the air show.

The Aero India official website said a total of 61 aircraft would be on display and 403 exhibitors would be part of the show.

CEOs roundtable, drone Olympics, startup manthan and womens day (to celebrate women achievers) are some of the highlights of Aero India-2019. PTIgspannu7@gmail.com

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 20

A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will take up the politically sensitive Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute at Ayodhya on February 26.

Headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, the Bench will commence hearing at 10.30 am on next Tuesday, a notification issued by the Supreme Court Registry said on Wednesday.

Other four judges on the Bench are: Justice SA Bobde, Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S Abdul Nazeer.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Centre had moved the Supreme Court late last month for permission to return 67.390-acre non-disputed land acquired by it in 1993 around the disputed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya to its original owners.

The top court has already said the Constitution Bench would also hear the Centres plea and a fresh petition challenging the validity of a 1993 central law by which the government acquired 67.703 acre land, including the disputed premises in Ayodhya.

Seven devotees of Lord Ram had on February 4 moved the Supreme Court challenging a 1993 central law on acquisition of land adjoining the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site at Ayodhya on the ground that Parliament didnt have the legislative competence to acquire the land.

The PV Narasimha Rao government had acquired 67.703 acreincluding the 2.77 acrethrough the Ayodhya Act in 1993.

The acquisition was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1994 in Ismail Faruquis case in which it had said if the Centre wanted to return the acquired land to its original owners it may do so.

The Ram Janambhoomi Nyas was the owner of 42 acre of the non-disputed land before acquisition and it has sought return of excess land acquired.

Last month, the CJI had reconstituted the Constitution Bench after Justice UU Lalits decision on January 10 to recuse from the case as he had represented former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh in a contempt matter relating to Ayodhya demolition case.

The new Constitution Bench included Justice Bhushan and Justice Nazeer who were earlier part of a three-judge Bench that heard Ayodhya matter.

Justice NV Ramana, who was in the Bench which heard the matter on January 10, was dropped. In place of Justice Lalit and Justice Ramana, Justice Bhushan and Justice Nazeer have been brought in.

More than eight years after the Allahabad High Courts order dividing the disputed land at Ayodhya equally between Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhada and Sunni Wakf Board, the new five-judge Constitution Bench headed by CJI Gogoi will on Tuesday take up the matter.

The dispute over 2.7 acres of land has been on since 1961 when the Sunni Wakf Board took the matter to court which was decided by the Allahabad HC on September 30, 2010. The high court had equally divided the disputed property between Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhada and Sunni Wakf Board.

Fourteen cross-appeals filed by various parties against the HC order have been hanging fire for months despite completion of procedural formalities, including translation of documents and filing of affidavits, counter-affidavits and rejoinders.

But the top court had on January 10 ordered its registry to physically examine the records stored in 15 sealed trunks in a sealed room and also verify if voluminous records/documents in six languagesSanskrit, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Persian and Gurmukhi were translated or not.

It asked the Registry to physically inspect the records; make an assessment of the time that will be taken to make the cases ready for hearing by engaging, if required, official translators of the requisite number and give a report thereof to the Court by January 29, when the reconstituted Bench will assemble to take up the matter for further orders.

Hindus believe that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya thousands of years ago. During Mughal emperor Babars rule, a mosque was constructed at the place in 1528 after destroying the temples existing there.

More than 70 years after the Faizabad Civil Court rejected its claim over Babri Masjid as a Shia Wakf, the Shia Central Waqf Board of UP had last year moved the Supreme Court to assert its claim over the disputed site. Interestingly, the Special Leave Petition  which challenged a 1946 decision of the Faizabad Civil Court  said the Babri Masjid was built by demolishing a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Amid demands by Hindu organisations for an ordinance to pave the way for construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier suggested that any such decision could happen only after the completion of the judicial process.rchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 20

Supreme Court judge Justice L Nageswara Rao on Wednesday recused himself from hearing the CBIs plea alleging obstruction in its probe into the multi-crore Sarada chit fund scam probe by West Bengal authorities.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Rao and Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the hearing on pleas of the CBI, saying one of the judges was not inclined to be part of the bench to hear the matter.

Justice Rao said he had appeared for the state as a lawyer and, therefore, could not hear the case.

The bench has now posted the matter for hearing on February 27 before an appropriate bench of which Justice Rao is not a part.

On February 18, West Bengal Chief secretary Malay Kumar De, DGP Virendera Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar had filed separate affidavits in the apex court on the contempt petition moved by the CBI in connection with the scam and had tendered unconditional and unambiguous apology.

The apex court had on February 5 directed them to file replies on the contempt pleas filed against them by the CBI. PTIamansharma@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 20

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday increased India's Haj quota by 25,000, the third hike in three years, taking the number of pilgrims from the country who can perform Haj to 2 lakh.

The decision was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman here.

While T S Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA, said the implementation of the enhanced quota will depend on logistical and other things, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it will be effective from this year.

"At our request, Saudi Arabia has decided to increase the quota for Haj pilgrims from India to 2 lakh. This gesture is deeply appreciated," Tirumurti told reporters at a briefing on the talks.

Naqvi hailed the decision and thanked the prime minister, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the crown prince and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

"This is the third hike in consecutive years. When the Modi government came to power in 2014, India's Haj quota was 1,36,000, which has now been increased to 2 lakh. This will be the highest number of pilgrims going for Haj from India since independence," Naqvi told PTI.

He said this was possible because of Modi's "very cordial and friendly" relations with the Saudi leadership.

This year, 2,340 Muslim women from India will go for Haj without 'Mehram' or male companion. Also India will be sending the second highest number of pilgrims for Haj after Indonesia, he said.

The government had last year allowed women to go on Haj without Mehram, which saw about 1,300 women going without any male companion. They had been exempted from the lottery system.

Last year, Saudi Arabia had increased India's Haj quota by 5,000 to 1,75,025, while in 2017 it was increased by about 35,000.

The Haj subsidy provided by the government was removed last year in the light of a Supreme Court order of 2012.

Naqvi had earlier said that digitising Haj-related processes has ensured that the annual pilgrimage remained inexpensive despite the absence of subsidy and made the system "pro-pilgrim". - PTIuttara@tribuneindia.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 20

The 33rd meeting of the GST Council was adjourned to Sunday after Finance Ministers of opposition ruled states including Punjab, Delhi and Kerala opposed videoconferencing and sought a physical interaction instead.

More members wanted the meeting via videoconferencing to take place today but some members wanted a physical meeting to be held. A few expressed their opinions (through videoconferencing) and the discussions were incomplete. We will try and take the issue forward on Sunday, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

It was crucial to hold the meeting also because on Wednesday was the last date for filing GSTR 3B returns and it was important to extend the date by two days all over India because the government servers had been experiencing heavy traffic. In view of the disturbances in Jammu & Kashmir, the last date for the state has been extended to February 28. GSTR 3B must be filed by everyone who has registered for GST except for a few categories such as service distributors, and composition dealers.

Finance Ministers from six states had requested Jaitley, who is also the head of the GST Council to postpone Wednesdays meeting because they opposed discussions on crucial issues such as a special scheme for the real estate sector and a single rate of tax on lottery at a physical meeting where each and every member of the Council is present.

The Council will consider two reports on the issue. The first, a report tabled by a team that Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel headed, will mean some relief for economically-weaker sections. The Patel panel has recommended 5 per cent GST on under-construction properties and 3 per cent for the affordable housing category. However, in both cases, input tax credit (ITC) cannot be claimed. The present GST rate is 8 per cent (after deducting four percent as land value) on affordable housing on payments made for under-construction property or ready-to-move-in flats where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale.

The second panel, headed by Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, has suggested a country-wide uniform rate of either 18 or 28 per cent on lottery. Currently, state-organised lottery is in the 12 percent tax slab and state-authorised lottery 28 per cent tax.shalender@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 19

India today took on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans disavowal of culpability in the Pulwama terror attack by accusing him of insincerity and misleading the international community.

Khan has neither chosen to condemn the heinous act nor condoled with the bereaved families, said the Indian Foreign Office. Khan had kept his counsel for nearly a week after the Pulwama attack when most heads of government in the neighbourhood had expressed their commiserations.

Disclaiming any link with a terrorist attack is an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan. The Pakistani PM has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad, as well as by the terrorist who perpetrated the heinous crime. It is a well-known fact that JeM and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. It should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action, the Foreign Office pointed out.

Reacting to Khans call for de-escalation of tension through talks, that was also reiterated in a Pakistani missive to the United Nations, India said it had repeatedly stated it was ready to engage in a comprehensive bilateral dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence.

But there was scant evidence of sincerity after Khan reiterated the lame excuse offered after the Mumbai attacks of offering to investigate if India provided proof. Proof was provided in 26/11, yet the case has not progressed for over 10 years.

There has no progress either on Pathankot airbase attack despite similar promises. Promises of guaranteed action ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan, reminded the Foreign Office.

India also questioned Khans claim of building a Naya Pakistan when his Cabinet colleagues share platforms with UN-proscribed terrorists like Hafeez Saeed and dismissed Pakistan claims to be the greatest victim of terrorism as far from truth because the reality is that Pakistan is the nerve centre of terrorism.

India, however, chose not to react to Khan. Meanwhile, a Saudi Arabian Minister said Riyadh would try to de-escalate tension following the Pulwama terror attack even as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived here tonight.

France to again seek UN ban on jaish-e-mohammad chief

New Delhi: In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, France will move a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council seeking a ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar. French diplomatic sources said France, along with the US and UK, will move a proposal soon under Security Council resolution 1267 calling for Azhar to be designated as an international terrorist and to seek a global ban on him. France is coordinating with the other two permanent members in wake of the evidence after the Pulwama terror attack, including the confessional pre-recorded video of suicide bomber Adil Dar. The three countries had earlier co-sponsored the motion against Azhar in UNSC  repeatedly blocked by China. TNSamansharma@tribunemail.com

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 20

Members of a local club on Wednesday lodged their protest against Pakistan for its involvement in terror attacks by making the neighouring countrys Lahore-Delhi bus drive over Pak national flag.

Member of Idiot Club prepared a big replica of Pakistani flag and placed it on the GT Road near Rayya from where Pakistans Lahore-Delhi dosti bus passes to reach the Integrated Check Post, Attari.

The driver was made to run the bus over the flag as he could not take the chance of halting the bus.

President of the club Rajinder Rikhi said it was their way of lodging a protest against Pakistans nefarious designs as that country is behind the Pulwama terror attack, which claimed the lives of 44 soldiers.

We laid down Pakistan flag on the main road at a time when the Pakistani bus enroute to Lahore was to arrive from Delhi. We compelled the driver to run over the flag. We were successful in our programme without any resistance, he said.

Though, the DSP, SHO and his team reached the spot, but they didnt intervene.

Others present on the occasion included Jagtar Singh Billa, Sumit Kalia, DK Reddy, Gurpreet Monu, Chandan Kumar, Kala and Navroop Salwan.rchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 20

Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday denied reports of any assault on Kashmiri students following the Pulwama terror attack and said there is no threat to students from the Valley.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district on February 14 when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus.

Javadekar told reporters, There is no threat to Kashmiri students as it is being made out to be. Countrymen are angry because of the Pulwama attack but no Kashmiri student has been assaulted following that.

While several Kashmiri students from different cities have been slapped with sedition charges for allegedly supporting the Pulwama terror attack, two colleges in Dehradun have decided not to admit those from the Valley, with students saying they were in a state of fear after the incident.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday asked students outside the state not to pay heed to any rumours and try to stay put at their respective places.

The Home Ministry on Saturday issued an advisory to all states and union territories to take measures to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiris.

The advisory had come hours after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured an all-party meeting of doing the needful for the protection of the Kashmiri students and people who were allegedly threatened after the terrorist attack. PTImonicakchauhan@gmail.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 20

India and Saudi Arabia today agreed on the need for creating conditions necessary for the resumption of a comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan. Earlier in the day, a Saudi minister had said Riyadh would only mediate if asked by both countries.

The message contained in the India-Saudi Arabia joint statement released late tonight is of first creating a conducive atmosphere for talks by comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN and renouncing of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Though aimed at no specific country, the message is for sanctioning of Jaish chief Masood Azhar since the UN has already sanctioned his organisation.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Sultan has just visited Islamabad, where he hoped that Pakistan would have the great leadership help it benefit from the economic growth of India and China. Though there is no visible attempt at mediation, there is a clear Saudi signal to both countries to tone down tension and prioritise economic growth.

In what could make Pakistan sit up, both countries agreed to cooperate and collaborate in joint defence production of spare parts for Naval and land systems as well as supply chain development.

With regards to regional connectivity projects, both sides agreed that they should be based on international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. This could mean accommodating the Indian position on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor which New Delhi says traverses an area that is under Pakistan's illegal occupation.

The statement empathised with PM Narendra Modi's surprise visit to Pakistan by noting his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan. Though the statement travelled familiar ground on security and counter-terrorism, the increments were a consensus to consider real-time intelligence sharing by setting up a Comprehensive Security Dialogue at the level of National Security Advisers and set up a joint working group on counter-terrorism.

In the area of investments, the Crown Prince saw potential of business worth $ 100 billion in five areas -- infrastructure, mining, energy, including renewables, food security and technology transfer. Besides, opportunities are being explored for $10 billion through the public investment fund and other investments opportunities potentially worth $26 billion.

Amnesty to 850 Indian prisoners

NEW DELHI: The visiting Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, announced amnesty to 850 Indian prisoners in Saudi jails. The maximum number of Indian prisoners overseas, over 2,000, is in Saudi Arabia. The MEA said the amnesty, a big takeaway from the visit, was made following a request by PM Modi. Mohammed had two days back ordered the release of 2,100 Pakistani prisoners. TNSeditorial@tribune.com

Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, February 19

Reminding of the teachings of Guru Ravidas on his 108th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday warned against those who highlight castes differences for their self-interest.

Urging people to end caste discrimination, PM Modi quoted the words of Guru Ravidas to point out that till caste discrimination exists people will not connect with each other.

Addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation stone of Ravidas Janmasthali (birthplace) area development project in his Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi, he quoted the Guru: Aisa chahun raj mai jahan miley sabbo ko aann, Chot-badon sab samaan basey, Raidas rahe prasann (Want a rule where everyone gets food, big and small live together making Raidas content), to illustrate that his four and a half years rule was inspired by the gurus philosophy.

PM Modi said his governments sabka saath, sabka vikas where development schemes reached the most marginalised irrespective of caste and creed was based on the teachings of Guru Ravidas.

Clearly targeting the alliance parties in the state, PM Modi asked people to identify those who for their self-interest create caste discrimination and promote it.

According to him BJPs New India which is Digital India the youth are participating politically and socially bringing in the change.

Stating that his government focused on panch dharma (five tenets) he said he is determinedly pursuing to get bachchnon ko padhai, yuva ko kamai, buzurg ko dawai, kisan ko sinchai aur jan-jan ki sunwai, (education for children, earnings for the youth, medicines for the elders, irrigation for the farmers and addressing grievances of all).shriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

Jaipur, February 20

A Pakistani national lodged in the central jail here was allegedly murdered following a quarrel with other prisoners, officials said on Wednesday.

Senior administrative and police officials have rushed to the jail after learning about the incident.

"A Pakistani prisoner has allegedly been murdered in the central jail," IG (Jail) Rupinder Singh said.

More details are awaited.  PTIshriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

New Delhi, February 20

The apex consumer forum has directed three doctors to pay Rs 2.7 lakh for "gross-negligence" and "mismanagement" that led to the death of a woman after she suffered a cardiac arrest during an operation and slipped into a coma and never recovered from it.

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) said that it was a "serious lapse" on the part of the doctors to not assess the woman's cardiac condition before the operation.

A bench of presiding member Anup K Thakur and member C Vishwanath upheld the district consumer forum's order asking Doctors Zubedaben Desai, Kashyap Rameshbhai Shah and Rachnaben Jigneshbhai Shah of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to pay Rs 2.7 lakh to Mustafabhai Ibrahimbhai Salar for the death of his wife, Memunaben Salar.

According to the complaint, Salar was admitted to Ahmedabad's Samved hospital on October 20, 2004. She suffered a cardiac arrest during the surgery the next day. She was shifted to another hospital where she remained in coma till her death on November 18, 2005.

The tribunal overturned the state consumer commission's order and said that once cardiac arrest takes place, its management is an important aspect in reviving the patient and the operation notes speak of cardiac massage being given but there was no mention of the time taken to get the heart beat back, a delay in which could lead to hypoxic damage as it happened in this case.

"The respondent (doctors) ought to have mentioned the duration of cardiac arrest, especially when the condition could not be revived neurologically. All this indicates that the complainant's wife went into subsequent conditions because of gross-negligence and mismanagement on the part of the respondents," the bench said.

It also said that the doctors, knowing that cardiac arrest was a known complication of spinal anaesthesia, should have taken an ECG to conduct a thorough pre-operative check-up of the patient and her heart.

"As seen from the record, last ECG was conducted way back on May 25, 2004. The present operation is an elective operation and was not done on emergency basis. The respondents had all the time to do thorough investigations before taking the patient to the operation theatre.They should have taken another ECG after her admission in the hospital and on assessing her cardiac status proceeded with the operation.

"Failure on the part of the respondents in not assessing the cardiac condition of the patient before the operation is certainly a serious lapse on their part, knowing full well that cardiac arrest is a known complication in spinal anaesthesia," the bench said.  PTIeditorial@tribune.com

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 19

BJPs Bihar ally and key NDA member JD(U) today sprung a surprise by expressing serious intent of purpose to expand its base and put up its nominees in other states, raising concern for the saffron party.

The JD(U) has convened a meeting of its national executive in Patna on March 4 to discuss important issues, including preparation for the General Election.

The party is serious to expand itself in other states too, so decision to contest elections outside Bihar can also be taken during the meeting, said party spokesperson KC Tyagi.

All state presidents have been asked to attend the meeting. Raising political stakes by the JD(U) after its seat-sharing with the BJP and other constituents of NDA in Bihar was settled after protracted parleys.

The JD(U) was successful in forcing the BJP to draw level with it in sharing of seats.

It has negligible presence outside Bihar, but even a suggestion on its part to contest in other states would raise eyebrows, unless it is a part of larger strategy in which the BJP has a part.editorial@tribune.com

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 19

The Left is warming up to the idea of an understanding which would be short of an alliance with the Congress to take on the ruling TMC and checkmate BJP in West Bengal for the General Election.

A CPM source said although the party was open for this tactical approach, the Left had not held talks with it in the matter. The source said the dominant view in the party was in favour of the Left and the Congress not pitting candidates against each other on the seats won by them in the 2014 General Elections. In all, there are 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

The response of the Congress was awaited, the sources said. Formulation of the partys electoral strategy in West Bengal has been left to the local unit. It has been authorised to hold talks with the Congress, if need be.

The CPM and the Congress won a total of six seats, namely Raigang and Murshidabad (CPM); and Maldha Uttar, Maldaha Dakshin, Jangipur and Bahrampur (Congress).

The CPM, which used to straddle West-Bengal for more than three decades, is faced with dual challenge of dethroning its bete noire TMC on the one hand and stop ascendancy of BJP on the other.

In the 2014 General Election, the TMC won 37 seats and garnered over 39 per cent of vote share. The BJP won two seats of Darjeeling and Asansol and secured nearly 17 per cent of vote share in the state. The CPM and others got about 30 per cent and the Congress under 10 per cent of the vote share.

BJP, RSS trying to create division: TMCeditorial@tribune.com

Hyderabad, February 19

Ending over two months of speculation, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Tuesday expanded his two-member Cabinet with the induction of 10 members, but left out his nephew T Harish Rao and son KT Rama Rao, the partys two bigwigs.

Six new faces  S Niranjan Reddy, Koppula Eashwar, Errabelli Dayakar Rao, V Srinivas Goud, Vemula Prashanth Reddy and Ch Malla Reddy  found berth in the Council of Ministers.

Harish Rao, who earlier served as Irrigation Minister, did not figure in the list, as also Rama Rao.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Governor ESL Narasimhan administered them the oath of office and secrecy at Raj Bhavan, in the presence of the Chief Minister, taking the Cabinet size to 12.

A senior leader said KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly known, may have the idea of utilising Harish Raos services for the upcoming Parliament elections.

Rama Rao was appointed as TRS Working President a day after the Chief Minister assumed charge for the second term on December 13.

Rao can still have seven more ministers in the Cabinet as per the constitutional cap of 15 per cent of the Assembly strength of 119 members.  PTIamansharma@tribunemail.com

The Hague, February 20

India on Wednesday strongly objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging the UN court to draw a redline.

Harish Salve, the former solicitor general of India while presenting India's case before the ICJ, drew the court's attention to the abusive language used by Pakistan through its counsel Khawar Qureshi on the second day of the hearing.

"The language echoed in this court... perhaps this Court may lay down some redlines. The transcript is peppered with words such as shameless, nonesense, disgraceful... India takes exception to being addressed in this fashion in an international court.

"India strongly objects to abusive language of Pakistan's counsel," Salve said as the International Court of Justice began the second round of public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

On Wednesday, India will have a maximum of 90 minutes to submit its final arguments in the case. Pakistan will also get 90 minutes to respond to India's arguments on Thursday.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.

Twitter suspends personal account of Pak FO spokesman

Islamabad: Twitter suspended the personal account of Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal following complaints by the Indian authorities to the microblogging website, according to media reports on Wednesday.

According to Geo News, Faisal was giving "minute-by-minute updates on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case", which is being heard at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and was also posting tweets on what he called the "Indian atrocities" in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following his action, India raised the issue to the Twitter management that eventually led to the suspension of his personal Twitter account late Tuesday, it said.

The account was later reactivated on Wednesday after remaining suspended for few hours.  PTIshalender@tribune.com

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, February 19

A pall of gloom descended on Hisar when news of the demise of Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi came.

His father Madan Mohan Gandhi is a retired bank official, while mother Dr Sudesh Gandhi retired recently as a principal scientist from Ch Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.

His elder brother Nitin is an engineer in Sweden. Sahil is survived by his wife Himani and five-year-old son Riyan. Himani, an engineer, is currently in the US.

A family friend, Ashok Juneja, sitting amid a group of people who gathered at the house soon after the news of Wing Commander Sahil Gandhis demise, said that Sahil, 34, joined the NDA soon after passing his Class 12 in 2000.

He was commissioned as a pilot in the IAF in 2004.

He was one of the best IAF pilots and had participated in a number of air shows. His father had shared the information about the upcoming Aero India show on WhatsApp and we all were excited to watch him perform, he said.

His mother was inconsolable as women from the neighbourhood gathered in the house in the evening. The mortal remains are expected to arrive tomorrow evening.kuljitbains@tribunemail.com

Harcharan Bains

Freelance journalist and adviser to former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal

I write this in deep anguish, but I write this still as an unabashed and unapologetic lover and friend of the people of Pakistan. I totally trust Gen Raheel Shareef (retd) and Gen Qamar Javed Bajwas claim that Pakistan has suffered a bloodbath in its war against Jehadi terrorists, in which more than 70,000 innocent Pakistanis  schoolchildren, rickshaw pullers, Pak armed forces personnel, etc, have perished.

I know also that even Prime Minister Imran Khan has passed a cybercrime legislation to fight ideologies that incite religious or ethnic hatred, bigotry, and violence against individuals or communities.

I know and trust all this.

From this trust follow the questions that I am humbly posing to the media and spokespersons of the Government of Pakistan. The questions are in response to the Pakistan governments query on how the Government of India, without investigation, could blame the terror attack of Thursday on the establishment of their country?

I honestly wish to hear the well-meaning and saner Pakistani journalists and their vibrant human rights outfits on the Indian governments narrative that Azhar Masood, chief of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a UN-listed terrorist outfit, resides in Pakistan.

For the record, JeM is banned in Pak  exactly in the manner in which its chief had been detained in protective custody after the terror attack on Indian Parliament. A year later, the Lahore High Court ordered his release, all of which proved at least one thing, that the chief of the self-proclaimed architects of the Pulwama attack had been an official guest in Pakistan, even addressing an estimated 10,000 gathering in Karachi where he proclaimed, Muslims should not rest in peace until we have destroyed India.

And despite this, the Pakistan government said Azhar faced no charges in their country. What more evidence do you need to know that your soil is being used openly to spread hate and terror?

In 2014, the Pakistan government had claimed that Masood was not in Pakistan. But within days, the bad guest embarrassed the good hosts, spilling the beans decisively by addressing a public rally in Lahore on January 26 that year. My friends in Pakistan would perhaps understand why, even forgetting the discovery of Osama bin Laden close to an army garrison in Pakistan, their governments always suffer from a credibility deficit on international fora.

This was all in the past. And now, the JeM has, in a social media video, claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror. Neither Masood nor anyone else from the JeM has denied or disowned the claim.

In the circumstances, the Pakistan government could have done itself a favour by declaring that the proud claimants of terror are terrorists.

In fact, the Pakistan Army can and should prove the bona fides of its operations such as Zarb-e-Azab and Rad-ul-Fasaad (War on Terror) by liquidating the self-proclaimed sponsors of international terror, including Masood, who in the past has himself exposed Pak denials onregarding his presence on their soil.

A humble query to my well-meaning friends in the Pakistan media is that if the government continues to treat the issue with exasperating ambivalence, then how would it expect its claims of innocence to be taken seriously by even its friends?

These questions need answers, not for the satisfaction of those who are busy spreading the gospel of hate and senseless violence, for they will never be satisfied. But there are people in both India and Pakistan who genuinely want love, peace and friendship between the two countries. These questions need answers to vindicate them; answers which are simple and to the point, instead of re-starting the process of retrospective justifications for terror  in Kashmir or Balochistan.

I am willing to buy the Pakistan media theory that the country does not stand to gain anything from a war with India, and why would they push the envelope when their own government is mired in a fiscal mess? But in the times of Gen-5 wars, the envelope doesnt really have to be pushed on the border: terror and sabotage are the Gen-5-war tools to hit investor confidence in a flourishing enemy economy.

And could Pakistan hit 150 km inside India, ask some of my friends in the Pakistan media. No, it cant. It doesnt have to if it can use the locals, precisely the Pakistani allegation against India in places as far away from the Indo-Pak border as Pakhtunkhwa.

For every single ideological justification for an act of terror in India, there will at least be one for each one of the 70,000 innocent Pakistanis killed by terrorists in Pakistan  including, as in India, members of their patriotic police and the army.

Even in this atmosphere of hate, let some voices from both sides be raised to avert a crisis which neither side can afford. As things stand, at least in the prevailing atmosphere today, it will help if these voices originate from Pakistan.rchopra@tribunemail.com

Washington, February 20

US President Donald Trump has described as horrible the deadly terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pulwama, as his administration offered full support to India to combat terrorism and asked Islamabad to punish anyone responsible for the heinous act.

The suicide attack on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir has left 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel dead and led to escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be wonderful if the two South Asia neighbours got along.

I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along, Trump said in response to a question.

That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out, Trump said.

At a separate news conference, the State Department said the US had been in close communication with the Indian government to express not only our condolences but our strong support.

Were committed to working with the Indian government to combat terrorism in all of its forms, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters at a news conference.

The perpetrator of that heinous act claimed allegiance to the United Nations-designated, Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, and we call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists, Palladino said.

The US had a close, cooperative relationship with India, a security relationship, and that includes counterterrorism operations, he said.

So we are committed to working with India, the Indian government, and on these counterterrorism efforts, both bilaterally and multilaterally, including at the United Nations, Palladino said in response to a question.

He said the US had been in contact with Pakistan on the issue.

We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible, he said.

Following the terrorist attack, Trumps National Security Advisor John Bolton has supported Indias right to self-defence.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Bolton and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders in separate statements have asked Pakistan to immediately take action against the JeM and its leaders and end support to terrorist safe havens.

Meanwhile, US lawmakers continued to strongly condemn the heinous act of terrorism.

The terror attack targeting Indian soldiers in Kashmir is horrendous and I condemn it in the strongest terms. My prayers and sympathies are with the victims and their families, said Senator Ted Cruz.

So far 20 of the 100 American Senators have issued their support for India in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.

Alyssa Ayres from the Council on Foreign Relations think-tank on Tuesday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who in a speech sought proof for the terrorist attack for them to take action.

Khan on Tuesday said he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack if New Delhi shared actionable intelligence, but warned against any revenge retaliatory action.

Unfortunately, Pakistan has not taken action against LeT and JeM despite evidence. No one has been brought to justice for the Mumbai attack, Ayres said. PTIrchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 20

Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress on Wednesday asked whether according a grand welcome to those who praised Pakistans anti-terror efforts was his way of remembering the Pulwama attack martyrs.

In a special gesture, Modi received Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport on Tuesday night.

National interests v/s Modijis hugplomacy breaking protocol, grand welcome to those who pledged USD 20 billion to Pakistan and praised Pakistans anti-terror efforts. Is it ur way of remembering martyrs of Pulwama? Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter tagging photographs of Modi hugging the Crown Prince and sharing a laugh at the airport.

Surjewala also urged the Prime Minister to show courage and ask Saudi Arabia to undo its joint statement with Pakistan in which they called for avoiding politicisation of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up efforts to brand the JeM terror groups chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Modiji, is asking for a terrorist to be designated as such politicisation of UN listings? Would you show courage to ask Saudi Arabia to undo their Joint Statement with Pak virtually rejecting Indias demand for designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? he said.

The Crown Prince arrived in India on a less-than-30-hour visit, a day after concluding his high-profile tour of Pakistan where he said dialogue was the only way to resolve outstanding issues between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion on Sunday.

The Crown Princes visit comes days after a Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammeds suicide bomber killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir. PTIshalender@tribune.com

Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 19

Asees Chadha (19), who was reportedly involved in a car accident in New Delhi on Monday, killing a Turkish tourist, has enjoyed paid security under the Punjab Police for the past three years at Rs 8 lakh per guard per annum. His father Rajinder Singh Chadha (chairman, Wave Malls) had in 2016 sought six gunmen for protecting his family.

Besides politicians and institutions, Punjab provides security to persons facing threat. The third category is that of paid protectees. RN Dhoke, ADGP (Security), said the protectee in this case had been provided paid security after due threat evaluation.

Media reports claim Punjab Police personnel were escorting Asees at the time of the accident, who was driving a Bentley car at high speed. The car rammed into an autorickshaw. But Punjab Police officials say Asees was travelling with private guards. The accident report and whereabouts of Punjab Police personnel are being ascertained, ADGP Dhoke told The Tribune.

The Chadhas are relatives of the late liquor baron, Ponty Chadha, who was murdered by his brother. They say they face a threat owing to family feud and business rivalry.editorial@tribune.com

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 19

A day after sealing the Maharashtra arrangement with the Shiv Sena, the BJP on Tuesday finalised alliance contours for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), settling for five of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the crucial block.

The other partner in the coalition  Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK)  will contest seven seats.

Of the remaining 28, the AIADMK is expected to contest 25 seats, leaving the remaining three for Vijayakanths Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and some small allies. The DMDK, however, is eyeing a bigger share.

But what is certain as of now is that after weeks of negotiations, the BJP has managed to close the Tamil Nadu deal with the hope of expanding base in the state, where it only has a marginal presence and also gain support of regional satraps there. In those terms, even though it is not what it was trying for, it is not such a bad arrangement for the party.

The BJP had won just one of the 39 seats in the 2014 General Election (two if alliance partner PMK is also taken into account) and the AIADMK, under late J Jayalalithaa, swept the state winning as many as 37 seats.

According to Union Minister Piyush Goyal, the alliance will contest the Tamil Nadu elections under the leadership of the AIADMK and the General Election in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP will also support the AIADMK in the byelection to 21 Assembly seats. Earlier, the AIADMK announced alliance with the PMK, allotting it seven seats, including the lone seat of Puducherry.

However, the BJP was hoping for a 20-20 deal even though it agreed to an arrangement that left the major chunk for the ruling AIADMK. Sources said the saffron party was waiting for a positive sign from actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth, who on Sunday finally declared that he would not contest the Lok Sabha elections and that his target was Assembly elections.

My support is not for any party. Hence no party should use my photo or my outfits logo in the campaign, he said, closing the door on possibility of alliance with the BJP or anyone else.

As the BJP scrambles to form alliance with regional parties, it seems almost as a confirmation of pollsters claim of a fractured mandate in 2019, which the party vehemently negates.

First the JD (U), then the LJP and the Shiv Sena and now the AIADMK, the BJP appears to be ceding to regional parties. While the option of going solo may not possible even in strong states like Maharashtra and Bihar, leaders say it is better to enter an alliance before the elections than settle for post-poll arrangements to make up the numbers.

DMK, Cong slam alliance

Chennai: DMK chief MK Stalin on Tuesday flayed the AIADMK-PMK alliance, saying it was formed not for the benefit of the country, but for monetary gain. The state Congress also slammed the alliance, with TNCC president KS Alagiri saying he did not expect the PMK, which has always prided itself in fighting for the rights of the most backward classes, to forge an alliance with the BJP, a party working for the forward communities. PTIrchopra@tribunemail.com

Prateek Chauhan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 20

Three members of a family were killed as a truck carrying sand overturned on a car in Rohini here on Tuesday night.

The deceased were a man, his wife and his mother. A four-year-old child was injured.

Sumit, 30, wife Ruchi, 27, son, and mother Reetu, 65, were returning from a function in his Audi car to his house in Rohinis Sector 15. As soon as the car reached near the ESI hospital, a truck lost control and overturned on the car.

The three died on the spot. The child had been admitted to hospital, said police.

According to DCP Rajneesh Gupta (Rohini district), the police control room received a call at 1.04 am that at KNK Marg opposite ESI hospital an Audi car and a truck had met with an accident.

The driver of the dumper was arrested.

According to DCP (Rohini), the driver of the dumper has been identified as Harpal (48) of Gannaur, Sonepat.

The family was rushed to ESI hospital where the three were declared brought dead, he said.shalender@tribune.com

New Delhi, February 19

India got its first national emergency response number which was rolled out today for 16 states and UTs with a promise of a national coverage.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi jointly launched the womens safety initiative called Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) in 16 states and UTs plus Mumbai city.

People in these areas can now call a single pan-India number 112 for any emergency along the lines of 911 in the US.

In addition, Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) and Safe City Implementation Monitoring Portal were also launched.

Rajnath Singh said the launch of emergency response system was a milestone in women's safety in the country.  TNSeditorial@tribune.com

Jaswant Shetra

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 19

A high drama was witnessed at the Congress Bhawan here on Tuesday, when the activists of Shiv Sena, Punjab, gheraoed the Congress party office to lodge their protest against Congress leader and Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his pro-Pakistan remarks after the Pulwama terror attack.

Around 5-6 dozen activists of Shiv Sena Punjab led by party president Rajiv Tandon arrived at the Congress Bhawan and gheraoed the party office.

The local police, however, made elaborate security arrangements at the Congress party office in view of the protest by Shiv Sena Punjab activists. The activists tried to enter the Congress party office by removing barricades installed by the police and the cops had to face a tough time in preventing them from entering the office.

A lot of heated arguments were exchanged between the activists and Congress workers during the occasion. The Shiv Sena activists termed the Congress party anti-national, while the Congress workers on the other hand offered bangles to Shiv Sena activists.

The protesting Shiv Sena activists raised slogans against the Congress party and Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his pro-Pakistan remarks. They blackened Singhs face on a party poster and also wrote derogatory things on it. Tandon said Sidhu had no right to continue as the Cabinet minister and the Congress party should remove him. Congress President Rahul Gandhi should dismiss Navjot Singh Sidhu from the party and remove him from the post of minister in Punjab Cabinet for his utterances in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, during which more than 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives, Tandon said.

Navjot Singh Sidhu has been facing heavy criticism from various quarters following his comment on Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack. It was his defense of Pakistan that has made people angry giving his political rivals a chance to criticise him.

Cops on toes

The local police, however, made elaborate security arrangements at the Congress party office in view of the protest by Shiv Sena Punjab activists. The activists tried to enter the Congress party office by removing barricades installed by the police and the cops had to face a tough time in preventing them from entering the office.

A lot of heated arguments were exchanged between the activists and Congress workers during the occasion. The Shiv Sena activists termed the Congress party anti-national, while the Congress workers on the other hand offered bangles to Shiv Sena activists.

Navjot Singh Sidhu has once again shown his love for Pakistan by trying to shield Pakistan in the Pulwama terror attack. So many soldiers of our country have lost their lives in the terror attacks planned by Pakistan. But it is very unfortunate that our own minister has been trying to defend Pakistan Rajiv Tandon, Shiv Sena President in Punjabeditorial@tribune.com

Many celebrities along with other citizens are coming forward to extend a helping hand to the bereaved families of CRPF jawans who lost their lives in Pulwama terror attack. Amongst them, TV actor Ravi Dubey and his wife Sargun Mehta have also done their bit. Ravi and Sargun donated Rs 3 lakh to the families of the martyred jawans. The news was shared by Sargun on Instagram where she mentioned that they could have done it privately as well, but since they got inspired by people sharing the news, they decided to do the same.

Sargun wrote, Yes we could have done this privately ...but we too got inspired to take action and contribute whatever little we could because we saw one of our peers post ...I hope it inspires others to contribute and support ..#JaiHind #JaiBharat #pulwama. Meanwhile on work front, Sargun will next be seen in Punjabi movie titled Chandigarh-Amritsar-Chandigarh along with Gippy Grewal. And Ravi Dubey continues to rock the TV screens as actor and reality show host.shriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

New Delhi, February 20

Actor Ajay Devgn says a few stray incidents of hate speech on social media cannot be taken as the majority view as he believes the number of people trying to looking for trouble is small.

In the wake of Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF soldiers, the Centre had issued an advisory and asked all states to ensure safety and security of the students and people from Jammu and Kashmir living in their areas after there were reports of harassment.

When asked about such incidents, Devgn told PTI, "See the whole country is not like this. There is a certain section of people who want to create problems. I think that is not fair but it spreads on social media and it feels like the whole world is dirty and the whole country is like this."

He said the people should be careful as to the kind of content and messages they are posting on social media.

"I think we should be responsible enough to react to things in a certain way and to accept what is right and not accept what is wrong. So, social media has its own flaws. And it is not like the courts will decide; people have started to become judges of their own, which is not right," he adds.

The 49-year-old actor is currently promoting his upcoming film "Total Dhamaal".

The film also features Riteish Deshmukh as a character from Bihar while Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor are playing a Gujarati couple.

There have often been cases where Bollywood has been blamed for its inaccurate portrayal of people from certain states.

Devgn, however, said the makers have tried to steer clear of offending anybody through the film.

"We have not made fun of any religion or dialect. The characters are all normal and they are funny. We are not making fun of anybody. I don't think it is a kind of film that can offend anyone.

"We are always very conscious about who will feel bad about what. So we try not to include things that might hurt people. Sometimes, unintentionally that happens but then these days nobody listens to the courts also. If they are adamant that they will not let a film work, then even if you get a favourable court order, you can do nothing about it," the actor said.

Directed by Indra Kumar, "Total Dhamaal" release on February 22.  PTIshriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

Mumbai, February 20

As 'Delhi-6' clocked 10 years of its release in the Hindi film industry on Wednesday, actor Abhishek Bachchan said the film has a heart, soul and a poignant message.

Abhishek on Wednesday took to Instagram, where he shared a few motion posters from the film, which revolves around an NRI who returns with his ailing grandmother to his homeland and gets caught in a bizarre temple-mosque dispute in the heart of Delhi.

"Hard to believe. What a wonderful time I had shooting this film. Such a powerful and fun cast and crew. One of my favourite soundtracks, that I still listen to regularly. A film with a heart and soul of gold and also a very poignant message. Thank you Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra for allowing me to be a part of this gem," he tweeted.

The actor thanked the film's cast, which included actors Sonam Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor Om Puri, Waheeda Rahman, Divya Dutta and Aditi Rao Hydari.

"Oops... I forgot to thank - 'Masakali'," he added.  IANSROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Health Research (DHR) announces this fellowship programme for young Indian biomedical scientists who wish to pursue research projects.

Eligibility: Indian applicants with MS, MD or PhD. in health and biomedical research fields with experience of three years or more in teaching or research roles are eligible for this fellowship.

Details: Selected fellows will be provided a chance to conduct the stipulated research project for a duration of 6 to 12 months with monthly stipend of $3,000, excursion airfare, and a contingency grant of $ 50,000 for research related expenses.

Deadline: February 28, 2019

How to apply: Online only.

Short Source URL: http://www.b4s.in/JC/IIF6

All India Scholarship Test Exam (AISTE)

The Ability Education Trust invites applications from school students across the nation to award more than 200 top performers of the All India Scholarship Test Exam (AISTE) 2019. Students will appear in the national-level examination and will be awarded based on their combined merit and financial need.

Eligibility: Students from Class IV to Class XII of any recognised school/institution in any state of India can apply for this scholarship.

Details: National-level toppers of AISTE can win scholarships up to Rs 90,000. State level toppers may also get scholarship up to Rs 30,000. Remaining top 200 performers will be awarded scholarships worth Rs 5,000. Additional state performers will receive book-stationary expenses/benefits.

Deadline: February 20, 2019

How to apply: Online applications are accepted for this scholarship. There is an application fees of Rs 249 to appear for the AISTE 2019 examination.

Short Source URL: http://www.b4s.in/JC/AIS19

MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship

MPOWER Financing is providing scholarship opportunity for students to study at one of its 200+ partner universities of US and Canada, which include all the Ivy League schools and other top schools such as USC, NYU, MIT, Columbia, UCLA, Penn, Michigan.

Eligibility: The applicant must be 18 years old, accepted or enrolled at one of partner universities, and be a US/Canadian student visa holder.

Details: Scholarship worth $5,000 is offered to the selected scholars.

Deadline: April 15, 2019

How to apply: Online applications only.

Short Source URL: http://www.b4s.in/JC/MGC1

HP Udaan Scholarship

HP Inc. India is giving this scholarship to students of economically weaker section, pursuing their higher studies in post-matric courses, under-graduation and diploma programs from any accredited institute. A total of 750 scholars will be selected, where 50 per cent seats are reserved for the female candidates.

Eligibility: Students who have cleared Class X in 2018 and currently enrolled for 1-year diploma/ITI or two-year HSC/Diploma/ITI programmes. Students who have cleared Class XII in 2018 and currently enrolled for three-year diploma or three-year UG programmes. Candidates must have minimum 60 per cent marks in last qualifying examination & having family income less than Rs 4 lakh p.a. are eligible.

Details: For Class XI-XII/ITI/Diploma, INR 20K p.a.; for three-year degree/diploma, Rs 30,000 p.a.; one-time Rs 20,000 for 1 Year ITI/Diploma.

Deadline: February 26, 2019

HOw to apply: Online applications only.

Short Source URL: http://www.b4s.in/JC/HUS2

 Inputs courtesy: www.buddy4study.comeditorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 19

In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, hundreds of Kashmiri students studying in colleges and universities outside J&K continue to face the backlash and have been forced to flee.

More than 300 Kashmiri students, studying in colleges and universities in Dehradun, have left for home, fearing for their lives. They had assembled in Mohali and were staying there for a few days.

In the past three days, volunteers of Khalsa Aid, a non-profit organisation, have come to the rescue of 250 Kashmiri students and facilitated their travel to Jammu.

Volunteers said about 40 more students were expected to arrive in the city on Wednesday morning.

We are still verifying, but about 40 more students may arrive here on Wednesday, said Amarpreet Singh, a Khalsa Aid volunteer.

As the Punjab Government and the Chandigarh administration had assured protection to the Kashmiri students, around 140 students flocked at Gurdwara Sahib Singh Shaheedan in Mohali on Monday night, seeking refuge.

With only four rooms available at the gurdwara, former SGPC member Amarinder Singh facilitated their stay at Gurdwara Sacha Dhan in Mohali. Thirteen of the students who arrived at the gurdwara were girls, said Amarpreet.

Nine of the 13 girls, who were staying here, have been sent to Jammu, while four of them will board the flight to Srinagar from Bathinda Wednesday morning, he said.

There have been reports of expulsion and suspension of students from several universities and colleges across the country over posting of messages on social media after the Pulwama attack.

137 more leave from Ambala varsity

Ambala: As many as 137 Kashmiri students left the campus of Maharishi Markandeshwar University at Mullana for their native places till Tuesday evening. Around 110 students, who were staying in Mullana village, were shifted to hostels. Meanwhile, heavy police force was deployed to avoid any untoward incident. TNSeditorial@tribune.com

Amit Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 19

The district administration on Tuesday relaxed restrictions in a phased manner in some more parts of Jammu. The Army deployed in the city too has been withdrawn.

On the fifth day, two hours of relaxation was a big relief to the locals who were stuck inside their houses and deprived of ration, vegetables, milk and fuel, etc.

After reviewing the situation in the city, District Magistrate Ramesh Kumar on Tuesday eased restrictions at Peer Mitha and Nowabad from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm then from 3 pm to 5 pm at Janipur, bus stand area, Bakshi Nagar and Pucca Danga followed by from 5 pm to 7 pm in south Jammu.

However, Section 144 of the CrPC, which prohibits the gathering of four or more people at one place, remained in force during the curfew relaxation.

The police said the situation remained peaceful throughout the day.

Sources, however, said the administration might lift the curfew from the city, if the situation remained peaceful till Wednesday morning.

Rush at petrol pumps

Jammu: Queues were seen at petrol stations during curfew relaxation in Jammu on Tuesday. People were seen taking fuel in jerrycans and bottles as the government has not decided on lifting curfew completely.shriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

Srinagar, February 20

A soldier, who was injured during an encounter last week at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, has succumbed to injuries, a defence official said on Wednesday.

Naik Sandeep Kumar, who was injured in an anti-militancy operation on February 12 in Pulwama, succumbed at 92 Base Hospital here on Tuesday, the official said.

A local militant was killed and another soldier died in the encounter.

Army paid tributes to Naik Kumar at a solemn ceremony at Badamibagh here on Wednesday.

The mortal remains of the soldier were then sent to his native place in Haryana's Faridabad, where his final rites will be performed, the official said.  PTIeditorial@tribune.com

Lalit Mohan

The entire political dynamics of the Kangra Lok Sabha seat will depend on the presence of BJP stalwart and former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar as there is still uncertainty over his candidature.

Veteran leader and two-time Chief Minister Shanta Kumar had won the Kangra Lok Sabha seat on four occasions in 1989, 1998, 1999 and again in 2014. He is a widely respected leader and even though search is on to find a suitable candidate to replace him, the possibility of Shanta being asked to take the plunge once again cannot be ruled out. Owing to age, Shanta is keen to drop out of electoral politics, but maintains that he will abide by the party dictate if asked to contest.

This segment has traditionally been a BJP citadel with Shanta becoming the first non-Congress Chief Minister of the state in 1977. The Congress on the other hand had fared badly in these two districts during the 2017 Assembly polls as it managed to win just four of the 17 segments.

Unemployment remains a major issue in the Kangra constituency. As per data available, of 8,92,988 unemployed registered in employment exchanges in the state, 2,29,058 are from Kangra constituency.

Ram Kumar of the Nurpur area in Kangra said theres hardly any industry in the area, so most of the youth are forced to move out for jobs. The government developed an industrial area in Kandrori village, but no major industry has come up that can provide employment to a sizeable number of youth, he added.

A sizeable population from the area serves in the Army and other paramilitary forces, thus giving it the name of money order economy in the earlier days. There are more than one lakh serving and retired Army personnel from Kangra alone.

Tourism remains a primary vocation as a large number of tourists visit Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Dharamsala-Mcleodganj and the Pong Dam area. The tourism industry in the region has also been hit severely with declining tourist arrivals. Sanjeev Gandhi, general secretary of the Upper Dharamsala Hotel Association, said, Poor infrastructure in terms of roads, lack of parking spaces and traffic congestion are driving away high-end and foreign tourists from the area. The closure of many hotels due to illegal constructions has added to the problem.

Absence of air connectivity between Chandigarh and the Kangra valley and exorbitant air fares between Dharamsala-Delhi is another hurdle. In remaining areas, people are mostly engaged in agriculture or have jobs in private or government sector. While the foothills have natural streams for irrigation, there are areas like Changar which are arid and completely dependent on rain for irrigation.

In Kangra district, tea farming is spread over 800 hectares, but the tea industry is ailing with labour and marketing issues, hampering its growth.

KG Butail, leading tea farmer from Palampur, said tea farming had become increasingly unviable for small farmers. The irony of tea farmers of Kangra is that they can neither sell their land nor do viable tea farming on it. Many a time, the government has proposed tea tourism as a viable alternative to farmers.

However, currently no policy has been framed for tea farming so that small tea farmers having smallholdings can use it for tourism purpose, he added.

The setting up of a cement plant in Chamba district has been a long pending demand of the people of the area. However, no investor has shown interest in setting up the plant which could herald economic prosperity in the area by providing employment to 1,000 persons.

Sitting MP Shanta Kumar

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJPs Shanta Kumar polled 4,56,163 votes, while his nearest rival Chander Kumar of the Congress received just 2,86,091 votes. Shanta Kumar won by a record margin of 1.7 lakh votesgspannu7@gmail.com

Chandigarh, February 20

Officials of the Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department have donated their one days salary to the kin of the 40 CRPF personnel who died in the Pulwama attack.

A cheque amounting Rs 45 lakh was presented to Haryanas Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, OP Dhankar here, an official release said.

The MLAs of Haryana Assembly have also decided to donate a months salary to the families of those who died in the February 14 attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad in Jammu and Kashmir.  PTIeditorial@tribune.com

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 19

A surprise may be in store for the voters of Karnal Lok Sabha segment this election season.

News is that Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, the seven-time BJP member from Pilibhit, is open to contesting from Karnal constituency should the party leadership endorse her shift out of Uttar Pradesh.

Maneka Gandhi has family roots in Karnal where her maternal grandfather Sardar Datar Singh settled after he moved out of Pakistan to India post Partition.

A pioneer of dairy farming and research, Sardar Datar Singh is credited with leading Indias earliest dairy farm movements while being settled in Karnal. This early experiment with cooperative dairy farming later went on to inspire the Amul movement and many others. One of Indias pure cattle breeds, Sahiwal, derives its name from the Sahiwal village in Pakistans Montgomery, which was the ancestral place of Sardar Datar Singh.

Maneka Gandhi is still learnt to have family in Karnal where her grandfather settled down in a property the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Ali Khan gave him when he crossed the border to live in India.

Sources close to Maneka Gandhi say she is no outsider to Karnal and has relatives residing there even today.

The BJP too is looking for a candidate in the segment currently represented in Lok Sabha by Ashwani Minna of the Punjab Kesri group. Minnas recent pro-Congress and pro-Priyanka Gandhi Vadra articles in Punjab Kesri have not been appreciated by the BJP leadership, which has made Congress dynastic politics a major poll issue.

With the BJP hunting for a face in Karnal and Maneka said to be ready to shift, the party may opt for change. A decision has, however, not been taken and the ball is in the court of BJP president Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who would have to weigh other things too, including who will fight Pilibhit should Maneka shift out.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the sitting BJP MLA from Karnal, is meanwhile learnt to be open to Maneka Gandhis candidature from Karnal LS seat though the official word on this matter has not been said.

The Tribune has learnt that in case Maneka shifts to Karnal, her son Varun Sanjay Gandhi could contest from his mothers Pilibhit seat.

Pilibhit, which Maneka has represented for seven terms is well nursed and is considered among the safer seats for BJP in Uttar Pradesh where the recently struck BSP-SP alliance, is posing fresh challenges for all political parties.

In the changed scenario, Varun Gandhis current segment Sultanpur in UP may no longer be easy for the BJP like it was at the height of the Modi wave in 2014 when Varun won the seat by a margin of a little over one lakh votes.

Sultanpur LS segment is dominated by Muslims, Yadavs and Scheduled Castes, a combination that tilts local equations in favour of the BSP-SP combine. Will the BJP take its chances with the non-Congress Gandhis or let them change their seats remains to be seen.

I am no outsidereditorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Karnal, February 19

Reacting to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans threat to India of dire consequences if a war was inflicted on Pakistan, former Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday said India was not afraid of the hollow threats from Pakistan.

The Indian government should give a befitting reply to Pakistan as it was behind the Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF jawans were martyred, he said.

We all should remain united, said Hooda, while interacting with mediapersons here at the residence of Trilochan Singh, former chairperson of the Haryana Minority Commission, at Model Town.

Hooda was chairing a programme organised by Trilochan Singh to pay tributes to the Pulwama martyrs. The residents also paid tributes to martyrs and observed a two-minute silence.

Hooda lauded the contribution of the security forces in the safety of the citizens and said, We are proud of the security forces. We lead a peaceful life because these brave soldiers take care of the nation on borders.rchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 20

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi government to consider former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautalas plea seeking his release from Tihar Central Jail here under the special remission granted to males above 60.

Advocate Rahul Mehra, standing counsel for the Delhi government, assured a division bench headed by Justice Siddharth Mridul that the government would consider Chautalas plea seeking his release as per the Centres notification dated July 18, 2018.

The court has told the Delhi government to consider the plea within four days.

Representing Chautala, senior advocate N Hariharan and advocate Amit Sahni told the court that according to the special remission grant, the Centre asked state governments and union territories to grant benefit of special remission to males above 60, females and trans-genders above 55 and to release them if they had undergone half of their sentence.

The notification said convicts with above 70 per cent disability would also be released after serving half the actual sentence.

Chautala was convicted for 10 years under the Indian Penal Code and for seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He has already undergone the sentence awarded under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Sahni said.

Chautala has permanent disability of 60 per cent (as on April 2013) and later has undergone implantation of pacemaker in June 2013. The disability is progressive and at present it is more than 70 per cent and he falls in two clauses of the said notification.

Chautalas age is 83, which itself is sufficient to consider releasing him by giving benefit of the notification, he added.

Chautala and his elder son Ajay were convicted in the junior basic teacher recruitment scam in January 2013. Both were sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Central Bureau of Investigation court in Delhi. IANSeditorial@tribune.com

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Rakhigarhi (Hisar), February 19

Rampant encroachment is slowly ravaging the 5,000- year-old Harappan site at Rakhigarhi village, as it has turned into a garbage dump.

The ancient habitation, spreading over 550 hectares, is being used to bake cow- dung cakes, which is used as domestic fuel by villagers. Crucial artefacts and evidence of human and animal bones, capable of shedding light on the life and times of dwellers 5,000 years ago in the region known as the Indus Valley Civilisation, were discovered during the excavation carried out by the Deccan College, Pune, in association with the Archaeology Department of Haryana from 2013 to 2016.

The excavation revealed that this place was the hub of trade and administration during the Harappan era. The archaeologists also recovered human skeletons, which are being scientifically examined after extracting their DNA to establish their origin and link with the people of modern times.

A team of the Indian National Trust for Act and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) that visited the site on Sunday, found that the mounds which are the treasure trove of ancient times, need to be preserved and protected in a better way.

Shivang Tayal, a member of the Hisar chapter of INTACH, said despite the fact that the site has drawn the attention of archaeologists and historians from all over the world, the authorities have not been able to preserve the site property.

Villagers have encroached upon the mounds. Several parts of the site have turned into garbage dumping sites. It needs more funds from the authorities to preserve this historically important site, he said.

Dharampal Dhull, an artefacts lover who visited the site, said government agencies need to carry out excavation at a large scale for scientific evidence and analysis.

Private players have their vested interests. The site carries invaluable evidence and artefacts, so it should be maintained and kept by government agencies like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), he said, adding that villagers who have constructed houses or owns land on these mounds must also be adequately compensated and rehabilitated.

Prof Vasant Shinde, Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College, Pune, who headed the excavation team, said the site is extremely important from archaeology point of view, as is clear from the research carried out before by scholars and by the present team. The major part is under modern habitation and slowly the site is being encroached upon. The destruction and encroachment need to be stopped immediately to save the greatest Harappan site in the country, he said, adding that the mound numbers 1,2,3 and 5 are protected by the ASI, while mound numbers 4, 6 and 7 were in private land.

Need to protect ancient heritageeditorial@tribune.com

Sumedha Sharma

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, February 19

Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University (SGT) University on Tuesday rusticated a Kashmiri girl for allegedly justifying the Pulwama militant attack on social media.

She was a second-year student of the Bachelors of Radiology and Imaging Technology.

High drama prevailed when more than 500 students gathered at the administrative building on the campus, voicing anger against the girls Instagram posts and WhatsApp status about the Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 44 CRPF personnel.

The students alleged that she, along with a few other Kashmiri students, was propagating anti-national sentiments. Some students came in support of the girl, demanding freedom of speech.

Sensing that the situation was turning volatile, the university authorities called the police and hurriedly constituted a disciplinary committee and rusticated the student. She was then taken to a police station.

The girl told some students that she did not realise her social media post would cause a storm. Such irresponsible behaviour in such sensitive times is unacceptable, said Rajneesh Yadav, PRO of the university.

Sources said an inquiry had been launched against the supporters of the girl and they were being threatened with suspension.

Police spokesperson Subhash Bokan claimed no action was initiated against the girl as the university did not file a complaint.

She is in trauma

The Kashmiri girl did not respond to calls. One of her supporters told the media on condition of anonymity, She is in a state of trauma. We are being threatened since Monday. We have not got a chance to present our case. She was rusticated to appease local students. About 40 Kashmiri students are enrolled in the university. All claim to be living under threat after Tuesdays protest on the campus.

Fifth student to be shunted out

The Kashmiri girl of SGT University is the fifth student from Kashmir to be either suspended or rusticated after the Pulwama attack. Earlier, the National Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajasthan, had suspended four Kashmiri girls for an anti-national post on WhatsApp. Besides, the Alpine College of Management and Technology, Dehradun, has suspended a Dean from Kashmir following protests by right-wing elements.ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

The Indian Armys assertion that spy agency ISI was involved in the Pulwama attack has queered Pakistans diplomatic pitch. The General Officer Commanding of the 15 Corps, Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, didnt mince words while calling the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) the brainchild of the Pakistan army and saying that the latter, along with the ISI, were controlling the terror outfit. The brazen swiftness with which the Masood Azhar-led JeM claimed responsibility for the attack has left no room for doubt about its powerful backing. Pakistan PM Imran Khan ought to find out why JeM, which his government supports, has admitted its role rather than seeking actionable evidence from India.

While claiming that it had no role in the Pulwama carnage, Pakistan has sought UN intervention to reduce bilateral tension. However, JeMs admission will make it increasingly difficult for the neighbouring country to play the victim card. In a pre-emptive communication to the UN, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has red-flagged the threat of use of force by India. Nevertheless, the international body is likely to take Pakistans frantic pleadings of innocence with more than a pinch of salt.

The ISI-handled JeM, formed by Azhar after he was released in exchange for passengers of the hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999, has also been accused earlier of carrying out major terror strikes on Indian soil, including the ones on Parliament House, Pathankot airbase and the army camps in Jammu and Uri. Its an open secret that Azhar enjoys military and political patronage in Pakistan. In the wake of the Pulwama attack, the Indian Army has quickly managed to eliminate the Jaish leadership in Kashmir. A far bigger challenge is to keep the local youth away from the sinister influence of the spy agency. Top officers have appealed to the parents of gun-toting youngsters to persuade them to surrender before its too late. The two-pronged strategy of exposing Pakistans nefarious designs and reaching out to the Valley residents can go a long way in curbing the epidemic of radicalisation.Avijit Pathak

Avijit Pathak

Professor of Sociology, JNU

They are Kashmiri students  young, dreamy and driven by educational quest and vocational pursuits. But then, it is because of our collective decadence that we stereotype them. And, with the mob mentality and mass psychology of revenge after the Pulwama tragedy, our nationalist gaze classifies them as conspirators or potential terrorists. As they are targeted and attacked, and the story repeats itself from Dehradun to Delhi, I realise the importance of being a teacher. I must raise my dissenting voice, a voice emanating from the therapeutic power of a dialogic relationship with the young.

If you look at JNU, AMU and now the Kashmiri students, you see a pattern; and it exists because of the emotionally charged narrative of the nation  a nation in danger because of the enemy out there  constructed by the ruling regime and sanctified by the noisy television channels.

Yes, I have no hesitation in saying that there is immense violence in the monolithic discourse of nationalism, and its urge to transform young minds into resources for the nation, or loyal citizens with what Michel Foucault would have regarded as docile bodies/minds adhering to the rules of discipline the state sanctifies. Hence, with the practice of hierarchical observation, the ruling regime identifies those who are not normal: those interrogating the dominant discourse of nationalism, or its politics of knowledge. No wonder, for the Establishment, even the chorus of azadi  a reflection on patriarchy, casteism, crony capitalism and militaristic nationalism, and a quest for egalitarianism and cultural pluralism  looks problematic. The likes of JNU radicals, the vocal students of Aligarh Muslim University (a gaze activated by the proponents of the Hindu rashtra has already stigmatised the identity of the majority of the inhabitants of this place), or, for that matter, a young professor in Assam reminding us of the intensity of fear and alienation ordinary Kashmiris experience in the Valley are, therefore, seen as anti-national. A monolithic discourse backed by the coercive machinery of the state annihilates the possibility of any conversation with the young. What exists is only the instantaneity of filing sedition charges against them, or, isolating, assaulting and stigmatising the Kashmiri students.

Second, something has gone terribly wrong with the way the ruling regime (and this time because of its affinity with neoliberalism) perceives higher education. Become a nationalist, celebrate the militarisation of the consciousness and hate the enemy nation. Or, learn the skills, adjust yourself to the demands of the market, and join the workforce. In this agenda, there is no scope for self-reflection, philosophic wonder or critical/passionate thinking. Yes, many of our private universities or institutes of technology and management have no politics; in these super-hygienic campuses, a teacher as a professional skill provider engages with the student as a client. No, the regime does not have any problem with these shops.

However, what it cannot bear is the presence of some public universities where some tradition of critical thinking, political churning or engaged learning is still alive. JNU is bad because its students and teachers speak of Marx and Ambedkar, and Gandhi and Tagore; HCU is problematic because here the voice of the subaltern interrogates the status quo; and AMU is not nationalist enough, particularly when the lieutenants of Yogi Adityanath are observing it. In a way, this is the time for destroying public universities; this is the time for robbing education of critical pedagogy.

And third, the propaganda machinery  say, a news channel burdened with the conscience of the republic  is working for destroying the reputation of public universities. These troubled campuses are seen as war zones and it would appear that terrorists, anti-national conspirators and Maoists are staying in hostels, and nothing else takes place here. I feel its pain and absurdity every day. My students (and some of them are from Kashmir), I know, are bright, sensitive, civilised and politically articulate. Yet, when I see cops at the university gate, I feel that the system is transforming everything into its opposite: critical thinking into deviance, scholarship into waste of time (or that of the taxpayer's money), and positive youth energy into anti-national conspiracy.

It would be a tragedy if we fail to understand and converse with the youth, if we destroy the possibility of a dignified communion with the Kashmiri youth. We need enabling Vice Chancellors to illumine the universities. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find VCs who are true educators and capable of engaging with the youth  the spectrum of worldviews or dissenting voices they represent. If a VC feels annoyed, or calls the police when he hears a slogan like Smash Patriarchy or Down with Fascism, or fines the students if he sees a torchlight demonstration by them expressing solidarity with farmers, or students of Kashmir who have been harassed by the militant nationalists or the cops, you can imagine the intensity of the damage caused by him.

Yet, concerned citizens and critical pedagogues have to come together, and put pressure on society. A society that suspects the youth, encourages mob mentality and abhors critical voice can fall into the trap of a potentially fascist regime. At this crucial juncture, sensitive minds have to fight a battle for reclaiming universities as sites for engaged learning, critical thinking and non-violent debate. We ought to nurture a cosmopolitan mind  not limited to a caste, an exclusionary class, a territory, or a religious dogma. Regionalism, parochialism, saffronisation, religious nationalism and lumpenism have already destroyed many of our universities. Its victims are those who  like Tagore  remind us of the discontent of militant nationalism.

It is time we stopped this madness.editorial@tribune.com

Amarjot Kaur

Tribune News Service

Mohali, February 19

In the wake of Pulwama terror attack, and with news reports citing expulsion and suspension of students from several universities and colleges across India on the account of posting celebratory messages on the social media, fear and terror continue to push Kashmiri students residing in Dehradun out of the city.

So far, more than 300 students have been sent off to Jammu from Mohali, out of which, the commute for 250 students was facilitated by non-profit organisation Khalsa Aid, claimed volunteers. They said about 40 more students were expected to arrive in the city on Wednesday morning.

With assurances of protection given to them by the Punjab Government and Chandigarh Administration, 140 students flocked at Gurdwara Sahib Singh Shaheedan, Sohana, on Monday night. However, with only four rooms available at the Gurdwara, former SGPC member Amarinder Singh facilitated their stay at Gurdwara Sacha Dhan. Nine out of 13 girls who arrived at the gurdwara have been sent to Jammu, while four of them will board the flight to Srinagar from Bathinda on Wednesday morning, he shared. As many as 140 students were sent off to Jammu in nine tempos provided by the non-profit organisation on Tuesday.

The Tribune spoke to girls who arrived from Dehradun on Monday night.

Its a terrible situation in Dehradun. Our classmates, who we spend most of our time with, are posting hateful messages against Kashmiris. We came here to make a career. I am studying radiology and in this atmosphere, its difficult to study. We didnt leave our rooms until Sunday, when a bus from Khalsa Aid brought us here, said a student from Uttaranchal (PG) College of Bio-Medical Sciences and Hospital. Aged between 19 and 22, a group of six girls recalled ostracism they faced at the ISBT where they were staying.

One of the students shared: At 6:30 pm on February 15, some people started hurling abuses and raised anti-Kashmir slogans. They banged our doors and we saw from the window that they were carrying sticks. Fearing for our lives, we stayed locked in our rooms, but our landlord, whos a single lady, was threatened. She was told that if we dont evacuate the house within 10 days, theyll come back for her. We tried to call people and asked if they could rent us an accommodation, but our requests fell on deaf ears.

Girls stated that not only were they sidelined by their college friends, but also teachers and principals.

Another student shared: A friends father from Kashmir tried calling the principal of our college, but no one responded to him. As girls, putting up in hostels and PGs, we felt helpless and abandoned even by people who know us well. What have we done to deserve this?

When asked about facing the music for the anti-national posts uploaded by a few Kashmiri students, the girls said: Those who did that have faced the repercussions and we cannot be held responsible for someone elses wrongdoings. Its not justified. Its not fair. We dont trouble people who come to work in Kashmir from different parts of our country. In fact, we are being made to feel like outsiders in our own nation. We, too, lament the death of our soldiers, they signed off.editorial@tribune.com

Ambala, February 19

A few more students from Jammu and Kashmir left the campus of Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed to be University (MMDU) at Mullana for their native places on Tuesday.

Sources said around 137 students left the place till evening. Around 110 students, who were staying in Mullana village, were shifted to hostels. There were around 400 students hailing from Kashmir.

Meanwhile, heavy police force was deployed to avoid any untoward incident.

Gagandeep Singh, GM Roadways Ambala, said: So far, 137 students have left the campus and nearly 270 students are still here. Security is in place.

A student said: We are going to Ambala Cantonment by bus and from there, we will board another bus for Chandigarh. We are leaving for a few days as our parents are a little worried.

Mullana SHO said: Nearly 200 police personnel have been deployed at the MMDU.

Barara DSP Sudhir Taneja said: The situation is peaceful and students have been leaving after due permission from the university.

Irfan, a Kashmiri student, claimed: I have reached Kashmir. As far as I know a lot of students, a teacher and a lab technician, have left for Kashmir.  TNSshriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

New Delhi, February 20

Popular video-sharing platform TikTok, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, on Wednesday said the company was committed to maintaining a safe and positive in-app environment for its users in India.

Reacting to an IANS report on how Hindu chauvinistic videos thrive on TikTok, ByteDance said that the video-sharing app as well as its social media platform Helo were committed to respecting local laws and regulations.

"We have robust measures to protect users against misuse, including easy reporting mechanisms that enable users and law enforcement to report content that violates our terms of use and community guidelines," ByteDance told IANS.

The Chinese social media apps came under the spotlight after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) economic wing Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) called for a ban on China-based apps.

The plea to ban Chinese apps came after 40 CRPF troopers were killed in a deadly suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

But a quick search on the TikTok app showed that Hindu chauvinistic content is very popular among its users.

While a search for #Ayodhya showed 14.1 million views, the RSS tag had nearly 64.5 million views.

Released in China in 2016, TikTok has over 24.5 million daily active users in India, according to data from web analytics service SimilarWeb.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, SJM co-convener Ashwani Mahajan said that "dastardly terrorist attack in Pulwama has shaken the conscience of the nation and at this time steps should be taken to prevent the economic gain of any nation that directly or tacitly supports such terrorists".

The SJM added that Chinese social media apps including TikTok and Helo are being used to spread child pornography content and possibly anti-national activities.

According to ByteDance, there is no basis for the factually incorrect claims made by certain groups recently.

"We treat the safety and security of our user data very seriously," the company said in a statement.  IANSStay up to date on COVID-19

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Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.Two weeks after his short tenure as the warden of Somerset County Jail ended, Michael Porter attended Tuesdays meeting of the Somerset County Board of Commissioners to express his anger and unhappiness at the loss of his job.featured

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Who Will Rid Me Of This Troublesome Reporter?@IsaacAvilucea on Twitter

Isaac Avilucea is The Trentonians main municipal scribe. A two-time prior restraint winner and testicular cancer survivor, he relishes his reputation as the "Mean Girls" reporter that followed his 18-day stay at the now-defunct North Adams Transcript.Sign Up for Our Newsletter

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Simple steps and tips on how to live waste-free by eliminating packaging and using reusable containers to create as little trash as possible.GreatGuides.com has launched and is recruiting adventure guides worldwide. The company's goal is to be the number one source for adventure travelers to find tours with local guides.



(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - February 19th, 2019 -

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Seattle, Washington - To have a great travel experience, you need a great guide. The best experiences create a personal connection between adventurers and their guide. GreatGuides.com matches adventure seekers to inspirational guides.

Guides are the foundation of delivering life changing adventures. The Great Guides concept provides tools and resources for guides to run a successful guide business AND continue to be a guide. Dan Moore, CEO Pandion Consulting & Facilitation

GreatGuides mission is to:

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Promote a 'leave no trace' tourism philosophy.

Provide travelers with unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

GreatGuides.com is an expansion of

The launch of GreatGuides.com is brilliant news for the guiding industry and for travellers looking for a personal, authentic destination experience. The original G

The GreatGuides.com platform:

Allows guides to launch sustainable, independent ventures with no upfront costs.

Pairs adventure travelers to local guides with outstanding knowledge and cultural insights.

Promotes ethical tourism, allowing travelers to contribute to NGOs or other charities selected by local guides.

During my sabbatical, I went trekking with a guide in a remote region of Ladakh, India. There I discovered the huge disparity between the price paid by the traveler and the earnings of the adventure guide! I wanted to build a site that would benefit guides and help them grow their business. The GreatGuides platform will help guides dictate their terms and pricing. Guides get the tools and resources to design trips and reach out to global adventure travelers. - Atma Shetty, Founder of GreatGuides

GreatGuides is recruiting guides with expertise in the following areas:

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Empower adventure guides to build sustainable businesses that support their local economy.

Promote a "leave no trace" philosophy, and invest in communities we visit.

Provide intrepid travelers with once-in-a lifetime experiences.

###The first meeting of the Joint Council under the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) took place in Cape Town on 19 February 2019.

European Union Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom, who co-chaired the meeting, said: Trade is a powerful tool for development and I am very pleased to see this development-oriented agreement bearing its first fruit. We need to focus now on putting into practice all remaining aspects of the agreement so that citizens and businesses on both sides can benefit fully from the opportunities provided by our partnership. The decisions taken today by the Joint Council make us advance in the right direction.

In the meeting, the EU and SADC representatives have adopted decisions that will ensure an efficient functioning of all institutions created by the EPA. The meeting also focuses on the important role that non-state actors should play in the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the agreement.

The EU signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) on 10 June 2016 with the SADC EPA Group comprising Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. The agreement became the first regional EPA in Africa to be fully operational after Mozambique joined in February 2018.

The EUs Economic Partnership Agreements aim at promoting trade with participating countries, and ultimately contribute, through trade and investment, to sustainable development and poverty reduction. The EU-SADC EPA is also one of the building blocks towards the future African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Joint communiqueTourexpi, turizm haberleri, Reiseburos, tourism news, noticias de turismo, Tourismus Nachrichten,  , travel tourism news, international tourism news, Urlaub, urlaub in der turkei,  , holidays in Turkey,   , global tourism news, dunya turizm, dunya turizm haberleri, Seyahat Acentas,

This site is best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0+, at a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768.The second generation of Volkswagens world-renown compact multi-purpose van debuted in the Summer of 1967 and was kept in production until 1979 for the American and European markets. The Argentinian market enjoyed the T2 as late as 1986 while over in Mexico you could buy a new T2 up until 1994. However, the T2 was most popular in Brazil where Volkswagen built it at the Sao Bernardo do Campo plant until 2013 when the production officially ended with a run of 600 Last Edition vehicles.

The Volkswagen Type 2 is one of the German automakers most enduring designs and was even kept in production in Brazil until 2013. Volkswagen sold countless numbers around the world and, while the T2 generation isnt as cute as the original T1, it has its place in history. At the F.re.e Leisure and Travel Fair in Munich, Germany, the T2 made an unexpected appearance in Lego form, proving that making full-scale recreations of cars out of thousands of Lego bricks is now a thing.

A Camper Van Ready for Your Plasticky Adventures

They say you can build anything out of Legos, as long as you have enough bricks and imagination to bind them together in a way that enables you to create what you have in mind. Case in point, the realistic-looking appliances inside this 1/1 scale model of the second-generation Volkswagen Type 2 (T2) Camper Van. If youre asking yourself why would somebody build an otherwise somewhat boring-looking vehicle like the T2 out of Legos its because it was an exhibit at the https://www.free-muenchen.de/index-2.html, the largest fair of its kind in Bavaria.

The exhaustive recreation was built using 400,000 Lego bricks by master Lego builder Rene Hoffmeister and Pascal Lenhard. The former is behind the 1000steine-land even in his native Berlin.

This event dedicated to European Lego builders, according to the Lego website, "has been attended by more than 10,000 LEGO fans" in the past five years.

Hoffmeister and Lenhard worked six weeks on this project and made use of three-dimensional imagery to calculate how many bricks they need and what types of bricks. In the end, they realized they needed a few more transparent bricks for the windows, 20,000 of them to be precise. Theres a happy ending to this story, though, as the two Lego builders managed to put everything together in time and the T2 is on display at the show until February 24th.

The model measures over 197 inches in length and is 78.74 inches tall when the extending roof section is down, popping it up adding some extra 39.37 inches.

By comparison, a genuine T2 (regardless of the application, be it a Camper, a Transporter, or a Bus) measures 177.5 inches in length, is 76.4 inches tall, 67.7 inches wide and features a 94.5-inch wheelbase.

In spite of the tiny size differences, the Lego replica is tediously accurate. The headlights and fog lights are made out of transparent blocks with a light source behind them. There are even green transparent blocks for the hazard lights on the sides, and the wipers are also partially made out of Lego bricks. The sliding door of the T2 was also faithfully reproduced and, once opened, you are welcomed inside the perfect vehicle to take on a vacation to Legoland!

There are two green benches in there, a camping stove, a hygiene kit complete with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and even an old-school-looking radio with its own Lego batteries. Look to the right once youre inside and youll spot the sink with some dishes, cups, and other things laying around as well as some paintings on the walls and even a tiny spiderweb!

The whole thing weighs little over 1,500 pounds which makes it about 1,250 pounds lighter than the real T2 Camper Van parked right next to it at the show.

Talking about the real T2 that was introduced in 67, it was first available with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, boxer engine that developed 47 horsepower. The engine itself was between 0.5-liters and 0.4-liters bigger than the usual ones fitted to the original Type 2, and it also offered double the power in comparison to the early T1s. The T2 featured half-shaft axles that replaced the Beetle-based swing axle rear suspension with transfer boxes of the T1. As years rolled by, a number of other engines became available including a 1.8-liter, inline-four, gas engine. The biggest engine offered on the T2 was a 2.0-liter mill with hydraulic valve lifters that featured Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection on the examples sold Stateside. In fact, after 1975, all American T2s ditched carburetors.

Out of the two Lego building experts that created this astonishing model, one of them is no stranger to piecing together large-size Lego cars. Pascal Lenhard was tasked back in 2013 with the build of two 1/3 scale models for Fords return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He built both the GTE-spec Ford GT that actually went on to dominate and win the GTE-Pro class at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1966 Ford GT Mk. II in the livery that was worn by the race-winning example driven by New Zealands Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon. These 1/3 scale models required between 30,000 and 40,000 blocks to be built, so a tenth less than the number of bricks needed for the life-sized T2. Then again, the T2 is a more complex build and, anyway, it represents a much larger vehicle than the 40-inch tall Mk. 2 and its modern brethren.

As amazing as those builds were, a number of other 1/1 scale creations that have made some waves on the internet in the past few years top them. For instance, back in 2017, we learned that Lego took 1,590 hours to design and build an accurate replica of the 2017 Ferrari SF70H F1 car driven in real life by Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. The end result features 349,911 Lego bricks and weighs 1,250 pounds.

This creation easily trumped the McLaren 720S that was built out of Legos and presented at the Goodwood Festival of Speed that same year. The 720S only required 267,300 pieces to be completed. However, it still took the 10 Lego builders 20,000 hours to complete the project and the car weighs 3,500 pounds, about 330 pounds more than one running and driving 720S that can reach 62 mph from a standstill in 2.9 seconds, go on to a top speed of 212 mph (thanks to all of its 710 horsepower) and devoid your wallet of $296,175.

All this being said, arguably the single most awe-inspiring automotive Lego build is the running (!) 1/1 scale Bugatti Chiron. Granted, the Lego version doesnt have 1,479 horsepower, but it can seat two people, and it can move via motors from the LEGO Power Function platform.

Lego put to use over 1,000,000 individual parts for this build which recorded a few firsts: it was the first full-scale Lego car that moved by itself and the first to use load-bearing parts built purely out of LEGO Technic bricks.

The engine itself was assembled from 2,304 LEGO Power Function parts, 4,032 gear wheels, and 2,016 cross axles. The brick-macking company says it puts out about 5.3 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque, enough for a top speed of 12 mph which, frankly, sounds a bit scary! The Chiron weighs less than that 720S because its partially empty on the inside to allow for passengers to actually sit in it and tips the scales at 3,307 pounds, over 1,000 pounds lighter than the actual $2.9 million Chiron.

Now, youre probably bored of seeing supercars or F1 cars built out of Legos, and youre thinking, Hey, didnt they make anything that could echo with the little guy? Something in the vein of that T2? Well, they have! In March of last year, news arrived of a 1/1 scale Lego-ized Toyota Camry.

Ryan McNaught built it using some 500,000 lego bricks. It took him eight weeks to complete the red model, and he used spec sheets from Toyota to get the job done. The total build time, about 900 man hours, is equal to the time it takes for Toyota to build 40 real Camrys!

Another more recent Lego build was this Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss presented at the Chicago Auto Show. This too is red and, as Kirby pointed out in the article, the only extra thing it needs is the 5.3-liter V-8 engine. Eighteen builders spent over 2,000 hours to complete the truck that devoured some 334,000 bricks. As with other automotive Lego builds, the Silverado has working lights and other nice touches like the replicated Trail Boss logos on the sides of the bed.

In the end, this shows that all we need now is for someone to build a 1/1 scale city out of Legos for people to drive about in their Lego-made cars.

As a (rivaling) toy company used to yell in its theme song, life in plastic can be fantastic.

Oh, and if weve gotten your appetite for building through the roof, there are options if you cant afford to pay a 15-strong team of professionals to build you a life-sized model. For instance, you can go for this Lego Technic 1/8 scale Bugatti Chiron that will set you back $350. Then theres the famous orange Porsche 911 (991) GT3, one of the most complicated Lego Technic sets money can buy. Its also $50 cheaper than the Chiron and, as you probably know, its a safe build as its undergone a crash test.

Further reading

Volkswagen Type2 T1

Read our full review on the 1950 Volkswagen Type2 T1.

McLaren already has a full-size Lego 720S.

Check out this full-size Lego Bugatti Chiron.

Or this full-sized Ferrari F1.

Cant Afford a McLaren Senna? Heres a cool Lego you can buy

LEGO and Dodges Latest Collaboration Gives Our Mini Figs a Pair of Pony Cars to Play Around WithPrivate Schools Proposed As An Escape From Bullying, But Opponents See A Grab For Public Funding A bill in the Kansas Legislature would let students escape bullying by transferring to a new school, either public or private. But critics say the bill is little more than an attempt to send state dollars meant for public schools to private alternatives.

The sordid topic of education is under debate again as politicos balance protecting the budget vs. protecting students. The tough balance is doing neither. Read more:Fair play report and a response to an ongoing debate and the recently reopened courthouse . . . Legislators want more info about the process but the newbie politico Sheriff wants to be more methodical. Read more and tell us who is right . . .Johnson County man accused of traveling to Michigan to meet 13-year-old girl for sex ST. CHARLES, MI (KCTV) -- A Kansas man has been arraigned, accused of traveling to Mid-Michigan to meet up with a 13-year-old girl. Scott Janner was arraigned Wednesday afternoon on seven charges, including four counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct. Saginaw County Sheriff Lt.

The topic of nasty tourism hits the local news today and offers a glimpse of an alleged Internets creeper reportedly luring a youngster he lured during social media trolling. Checkit:OLATHE, Kan. -- The founder of a local Christian school accused of child sexual abuse will go to trial. Dennis Creason, founder of Oaklawn Christian School, is charged with nine counts of taking indecent liberties with children. All of the alleged incidents happened inside the Shawnee school, court documents say.Huawei has officially set a date to show off its upcoming P30 smartphone. And like a lot of smartphone news these days, the date confirms what everyone was already assuming, though we're finding out a little more about one of the new device's key enhancements.



(Image credit: Last year's P20 Pro is about to get a successor. (Credit: Tom's Guide))

On March 26, the Chinese phone maker will hold an event in Paris to unveil the P30 and P30 Pro smartphones, rumored to be 6.1 and 6.5-inch devices, offering multiple rear cameras (three lenses on the P30, four for the Pro model).

Earlier reports had suggested a late March debut for the P30, and thats exactly what a tweet from Huawei promised today. (Feb. 19).

A video attached to the tweet demonstrates extreme close-ups of the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks in Paris, which seems to confirm that the rumor that improved optical zoom is coming to the P30. The P20 Pro offers 3x optical zoom, and it was one of our top-performing camera phones last year, so were eager to see how Huawei improves things on these new models.

MORE: Best Smartphone Cameras

Leaked renders of the P30 and P30 Pro show that both are expected to carry a subtle teardrop notch at the top of their screens to fit in their selfie cameras. Intel on the hardware specs for these phones point to OLED-style displays, 6GB or 8GB or RAM and up to 4,000 mAh batteries. You can also expect the new P series to have Huaweis Kirin 980 processor, the same chip in the Huaweis Mate 20 Pro.

Tampering the excitement of the P30 and P30 Pro announcement event for anyone in the US is the fact that these phone likely wont make their ways to store shelves in this country. Wireless carriers have backed away from offering Huaweis phones amid the U.S. governments concern about Huaweis ties to the Chinese government. Thats essentially forced Huawei to sell its phones unlocked in the U.S.  which is not how most shoppers buy their phones  or not at all. Increasingly, Huawei has picked the latter option.

Luckily, with the Galaxy S10 launching tomorrow (Feb. 20) and next weeks Mobile World Congress bringing even more handsets, were not going to want for smartphone choices in the coming months.[February 20, 2019] New map from HERE Technologies shows quality of cell phone coverage on roads around the world

HERE Cellular Signals is a powerful data set for mobile network operators, logistics fleets, and vehicle manufacturers to assess mobile network connectivity



Mobile World Congress, Barcelona  HERE Technologies, a global leader in mapping and location platform services, today announced HERE Cellular Signals, a unique data set that provides up-to-date information about mobile network performance on roads across 196 countries.



or every road segment  from highways to urban canyons to rural areas  HERE Cellular Signals provides a snapshot of network coverage, carriers, signal strength and radio network type. Signal strength is represented as Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor. This information can help cellular carriers monitor the performance of their own network, conduct competitive analyses to identify areas of relative strength and weakness, and make more informed network planning decisions.



Predicting the available signal and bandwidth at a given location is a key part of enabling connected vehicles, said Aaron Mayfield, Senior Product Manager at HERE Technologies. With the emergence of 5G, a new generation of connected services will be developed, making the mapping of available bandwidths even more crucial.



How it works



To create HERE Cellular Signals, HERE has fused its rich and dynamic global radio map with its leading global map of the road network.



For its radio map, HERE processes aggregated cell and Wi-Fi traces and GPS coordinates from more than 250 million connected devices globally that utilize HERE network positioning technology. HERE network positioning technology helps a device locate itself based on which cellular and Wi-Fi networks are in range of the device and how strong each signal is. By aggregating this information, HERE has created a vast map of the worlds radio environment.



The radio map is updated on average more than 100 million times a day through cellular-based updates alone. The high data volume enables increased positioning accuracy across every type of road, including minor residential and rural roads. HERE applies clod-based machine learning to identify outliers and anomalies in the crowdsourced data and ensure high data quality.







HERE offers the HERE Cellular Networks data set to customers in FGDB (File Geodatabase) format.



Benefits for mobile network operators





HERE Cellular Signals provides a range of benefits to mobile network operators, including aiding with network and RF planning and optimization as well as conducting quality evaluations and competitive assessments. The product can also help the carriers customer service team answer network service related questions and its investor relations team prepare performance reports for the financial community.



Benefits for transportation, logistics and automotive companies



HERE Cellular Signals also offers benefits to other industries too. Transportation companies can use the product to enhance communications between their fleets and the dispatch center; optimize planning and logistics; and evaluate cellular network coverage and service plans.



Connected vehicles meanwhile need always-on connectivity to the cloud, the road infrastructure and other vehicles. With HERE Cellular Signals, vehicle manufacturers can optimize when the vehicle downloads and uploads information. For example, if the vehicle knows it is traveling into an area with poor cellular connectivity, it can pre-download the information it needs, ensuring a better driver experience and the least impact on the network.



HERE Cellular Signals is part of a new integrated solution being demonstrated at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week by HERE and Continual, which provides connected car manufacturers and mobile network operators with a unique toolset for analyzing and improving the connected journey experience. The companies will demonstrate their integrated solution from 25  28 February 2019, on Stands 5D81 in Hall 5 (Israeli Pavilion) and 2E14EX in Hall 2 respectively.



Media contact:

Dr. Sebastian Kurme

+49 173 515 3549

sebastian.kurme@here.com



About HERE Technologies

HERE, the Open Location Platform company, enables people, enterprises and cities to harness the power of location. By making sense of the world through the lens of location, we empower our customers to achieve better outcomes  from helping a city manage its infrastructure or an enterprise optimize its assets to guiding driver to their destinations safely. To learn more about HERE, including our new generation of cloud-based platform services, visit: http://360.here.com and www.here.com. HERE Cellular Signals



Attachment HERE Cellular Signals_IMAGE 2880x1440px

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Eastern Kentucky Business Secures Major Supply Contract with the Department of Homeland Security

Worthington, KY-based DropBox, Inc., announced it has entered into an approximately $2.15 million contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to build container-based scanning units to detect nuclear materials entering U.S. ports, a project expected to create up to 30 full-time jobs at its facility in nearby Wurtland. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005926/en/ The On-Dock Rail System was developed and tested for deployment to improve radiation detection capabilities at port locations. (Photo: Business Wire) "There are many commercial container ports that currently serve various locations around the United States," said Robert Slagel, President & CEO of Portable Solutions Group, parent company of DropBox. "This contract calls for the assembly of two On-Dock Rail Straddle Carrier Portal (ODRSCP) units for installation at Maher Terminals in Elizabeth, New Jersey. With border protection a critical pillar of homeland security, and with oe of our portals already in service at the Port of Tacoma, Washington, we are optimistic this first contract is only the tip of the iceberg and that other similar contracts may be forthcoming in the near future."



The security-centric, job-creating contract culminates a nearly decade-long development process between DropBox and the DHS' Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. "We congratulate DropBox, Inc. on this significant DHS contract award, and we thank the company for its commitment to the commonwealth in acquiring its facility in Wurtland," Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin said. "Not only will this project create quality jobs in Northeast Kentucky, it will play a key role in keeping Americans safe at our international ports of entry. We are proud that a Kentucky company is supporting this vitally important effort, even as we further solidify our reputation as the nation's center for engineering and manufacturing excellence."

U.S. Senator Rand Paul echoed Gov. Bevin's sentiments: "When I visited DropBox, Inc., in Worthington just a few months ago, I was truly impressed with the tremendous success of this Kentucky business. As a strong supporter of Right to Work, it's always exciting to see companies economically benefit and create more jobs here in the Commonwealth due to business-friendly policies and getting government out of the way. It's why I have always fought for tax cuts, and was thrilled that we were recently able to pass historic federal tax reforms that are helping businesses throughout Kentucky and all across the country. Congratulations to Robert Slagel and his team on their well-deserved accomplishments and growth." The contract comes in response to 2010 data that showed only 5 percent of all overseas shipping containers entering the U.S. were scanned for radioactive material. Inspection of incoming containers is labor intensive and can cause significant delays at high-traffic ports. The current system requires containers to be targeted individually for inspection and scanned manually with wands. DropBox's ODRSCP units will streamline the process, enabling the straddle carrier and shipping container to pass through the unit's high-tech, automated scanner tunnel on their way to their designated railroad car or truck. About Portable Solutions Group Portable Solutions Group is the parent company to Modular Security Systems Inc., DropBox Inc., and Portable Solutions Manufacturing. PSG, through its operating companies, provides equipment to customers on six continents for containerized, security, and infrastructure needs. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005926/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Traffic Technology Services, Inc. Establishes Oregon DOT as First Statewide Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Service, Escalates Virginia DOT to Largest

Oregon DOT (ODOT) and information service provider Traffic Technology Services, Inc. (TTS) have made Oregon the first state to activate a statewide vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) service. Virginia DOT (VDOT) also supports the TTS service through its SmarterRoads portal and is the largest single data provider in North America. Both systems were launched to TTS customers in December 2018 and immediately began providing information to equipped vehicles. The service, Personal Signal Assistant, utilizes traffic control data received, processed, predicted, and provided to the driver through connected vehicle applications. The service operates at signalized intersections in North America and improves traffic flow by providing connected vehicle drivers real-time information to adjust speed for optimal travel time, safety, and fuel economy. TTS pioneered the service in 2016 and, as Audi's supplier, released it concurrently with the first V2I connected vehicle application available to consumers, Audi connect Traffic Light Information. "This innovative approach for sharing information from traffic signals to vehicles represents the future of transportation.Communication between road infrastructure and vehicles will contribute to improved safety and efficiency for the users of the transportation system," said ODOT systems operations and intelligence manager, Galen McGill.



Virginia DOT recently expanded V2I services in its northern district where Audi and TTS have their own established presence. More than 1,450 signals are available, which will grow to potentially 3,000 signals across the state. TTS will continue helping VDOT expand V2I service throughout the state as more systems are added to the portal. "VDOT's collaboration with Audi, TTS, and other innovative companies leverages the Commonwealth's data and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, preparing us for more connected and automated vehicles on our roadways," said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. "We are committed to improving safety, reducing congestion and exploring opportunities to partner with the private sector."

TTS now supports DOTs in six states-Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Oregon and Virginia-and the District of Columbia as they respond to consumers' escalating demands for V2I technology and desire to improve traffic flow and safety. TTS also continues innovative collaboration with Audi as they diversify and expand the resources available to transportation administrators and consumers for accomplishing those goals. Audi recently announced the release of another application, Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA), utilizing the TTS connectivity service. "TTS is breaking barriers to expand our service across statewide systems," said Thomas Bauer, TTS chief executive officer. "We are the first to bring vehicle-to-infrastructure services to consumers that support the new connected vehicle applications, such as Audi's recently announced GLOSA application." "Audi is committed to moving America in many ways, including through the development of industry-leading connectivity and mobility solutions," said Mark Del Rosso, president, Audi of America (News - Alert) . "Not only do vehicle-to-infrastructure technologies like GLOSA benefit drivers today, they're also the critical steps needed as we continue toward an automated future." About Traffic Technology Services, Inc. TTS is a technology company and information service provider for connected vehicle applications. The Personal Signal Assistant cloud-based solution, patented prediction process, industry standard definitions, and comprehensive deployment allows for immediate vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) integration and applications. TTS is based in Beaverton, Oregon; TTS Europe GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary, is headquartered in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.traffictechservices.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005869/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Keller Williams Named Among Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies

Keller Williams, the world's largest real estate franchise by agent count and the U.S. leader in units and sales volume, has been named to Fast Company's prestigious annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies (MIC) for 2019. Keller Williams ranked No. 1 in the real estate and urban development category on the new ranking. "We are excited and honored to be named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2019," said Gary Keller, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Keller Williams. "We are developing our technology in close partnership with our associates - from ideation to design and iterating together through release." "It is this collaboration that drives our greatest opportunities for innovation. As technology continues to reshape our industry, I have never been more excited for the future of our company," said Keller. "This is just the beginning." The World's Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company's signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts each year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy. This year, Fast Company's editors and writers sought out groundbreaking businesses across 35 industries and every region. They also judged nominations received through their application process. "Established players are showing the same kind of nimbleness that we've generally associated with startups," said David Lidsky, deputy editor, Fast Company. In 2015, Keller Williams began its evolution into a technology company, now building the real estate platform that agents' buyers and sellers prefer. In August 2017, Keller Williams announced a $1 billion fund to fuel all the R&D and M&A required to build the real estate industry's preferred platform. With resources in place, the company remains focused on building technology that allows for the best agent-driven consumer experience. In Q4 '17, the franchise launched KW Labs, the innovation hub of Keller Williams. The company, via Labs, now builds technology that empowers agents to provid the best consumer experience.



In mid-February 2018, Keller Williams debuted Kelle, an AI-powered virtual assistant, created for real estate agents, by real estate agents. At the same time, the company also launched an agent-to-agent referrals network, a skill within Kelle that has since become the largest, most powerful network of real estate professionals. "In partnership with the largest real estate sales force in the world, we are delivering technology that provides our industry's first personalized, one-to-one experience for today's consumer," said Josh Team, president, Keller Williams. "It's an exciting time when a company such as Fast Company recognizes us as one of the most innovative companies on the planet, around building better consumer experiences."

In March 2018, the company announced a data partnership with Nextdoor, the trusted communications platform for neighborhoods. Keller Williams is leveraging data insights from Nextdoor to build new powerful experiences for homeowners, home buyers and home sellers exclusively. With Nextdoor's insights and Keller Williams' artificial intelligence platform, agents are now further empowered to be the local expert, staying abreast of local neighborhood happenings and trends. Kelle won the "Most Innovative Real Estate Technology of 2018" award from Inman News in July 2018. The company has since released many Kelle features and benefits; details available here. By year-end 2018, more than 151,000 Keller Williams associates had downloaded Kelle. In 2018, Keller Williams also acquired Smarter Agent, the most widely used mobile SaaS (News - Alert) platform in real estate. The franchise also announced key technology R&D partnerships with KUNGFU.AI and CognitiveScale. In addition, KW Labs won the inaugural National Association of REALTORS Hackathon. During 2018, through the Labs process, the company began an iterative rollout of Command - a smart CRM-plus solution for agents to power their business. More than 20,000 agents participated in early beta versions of Command, which became generally available to all KW associates at Family Reunion, an annual user conference for Keller Williams in February 2019. Keller Williams is also releasing a new consumer app in late Q2 '19. The new home search experience will empower agents and consumers alike, uniting them inside one central point for communication, on-demand information and collaboration. Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies issue is available online and in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning February 27. "Congratulations, Keller Williams. You are a technology company," said Keller at Family Reunion. About Keller Williams Austin, Texas-based Keller Williams, the world's largest real estate franchise by agent count, has more than 1,000 offices and 180,000 associates. The franchise is also No. 1 in units and sales volume in the United States. In 2015, Keller Williams began its evolution into a technology company, now building the real estate platform that agents' buyers and sellers prefer. Since 1983, the company has cultivated an agent-centric, technology-driven and education-based culture that rewards agents as stakeholders. For more information, visit kw.com. About Fast Company Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies and thinkers on the future of business. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for "Magazine Of The Year," Adweek's Hot List for "Hottest Business Publication," and six gold medals and 10 silver medals from the Society of Publication Designers. For more information, visit fastcompany.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005858/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] YANGAROO Announces Change in CFO and Grant of Stock Options

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YANGAROO Inc. (the Company) (TSX-V: YOO, OTC: YOOIF), the industry's leading secure digital media management and distribution company, is pleased to announce that it has appointed Dom Kizek as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Kizek is a Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA) and is a graduate of the Schulich School of Business at York University. Mr. Kizek began his career at KPMG LLP in Toronto working on technology and media companies with subsequent experience working at small and large publicly traded companies. Most recently, he was the Corporate Controller at a Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) listed mining company. The Company has granted to Mr. Kizek 100,000 stock options (the Options), which are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant at a price of $0.15 per share. Following 10% of the Options vesting on the date of grant, the remaining 90% will vest as to a third on each 6-month anniversary following the date of grant. Mr. Kizek succeeds Michael Galloro, who has resigned from his role as Chief Financial Officer. The Company thanks Michael Galloro and ALOE Finance team for their services throughout our growth phase. We wish them well. The appointment of Mr. Kizek and the grant of the Options are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. About YANGAROO: YANGAROO is a company dedicated to digital media management. YANGAROOs patented Digital Media Distribution System (DMDS) is a leading secure B2B digital cloud based soltion focused on the music and advertising industries. The DMDS solution provides more accountable, effective, and far less costly digital management of broadcast quality media via the Internet. It replaces the physical, satellite and closed network distribution and management of audio and video content, for music, music videos, and advertising to television, radio, media, retailers, and other authorized recipients. The YANGAROO Awards platform is now the industry standard and powers most of North Americas major awards shows.



YANGAROO has offices in Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles. YANGAROO trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol YOO and in the U.S. under OTCBB: YOOIF. For YANGAROO Investor Inquiries:

Gary Moss

Phone: (416) 534-0607

gary.moss@yangaroo.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should" or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes. Forward looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of YANGAROO, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of YANGAROO to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements, including but not limited to: the use of proceeds of the offering, receipt of all necessary approvals of the offering, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; negotiation uncertainties and other risks of the technology industry. Although YANGAROO has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause YANGAROOs actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, neither YANGAROO assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Trustpilot Brings Further Transparency to Online Reviews with New Feature

Trustpilot, the leading global customer review platform free and open to everyone, today announced the release of its new Transparent Flagging feature. Bringing further transparency to the reviews industry, the feature provides consumers with a window into how often companies flag reviews and what happens to them once they've been investigated. The new feature is the first of its kind and is part of Trustpilot's larger initiative to bring more openness and transparency to its platform and the review industry as a whole. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005803/en/ "We believe being open and transparent is the only way to do business. I'm thrilled to see our new feature pushing the boundaries of what's possible when it comes to transparency in the reviews space. Opening up the flagging process adds more credibility to all Trustpilot reviews and is yet another step towards our mission to create ever-improving experiences for everyone," said Peter Muhlmann, founder and CEO at Trustpilot. Trustpilot's commitment to openness also means a commitment to leading the fight against fake reviews and any attempts to misrepresent one's online reputation. While companies flag less than one percet of all reviews written on Trustpilot, the feature is also a real opportunity for businesses to show their customers they have nothing to hide.



"Providing this level of transparency helps businesses grow brand trust and where needed, incentivises good behaviour. We continue our commitment to combat any attempts to game the system and our fight for a reviews industry where businesses should not be allowed to censor what people can see and share," said Stine Mangor Tornmark, Senior Vice President Legal & Compliance at Trustpilot. Anyone with a buying or service experience can post a review on Trustpilot and companies cannot pre-screen or moderate what consumers actually read. Both companies and consumers can also flag a review if they think it breaches Trustpilot's guidelines and it will then be investigated. When doing so, the company has to explain why the reported review doesn't belong on the platform and their flagging reason will be displayed publicly on their company profile page.

The flagging data now being displayed on every company profile page has been collected since January 1st of this year and gives consumers a detailed view of how companies handle reviews on Trustpilot including: how many reviews the company has flagged; how many of those reviews went back online and how many were removed; and whether the flagged reviews were in breach of Trustpilot's guidelines or not. Consumers will also be able to see how a business is flagging reviews distributed against their star rating. The new feature comes off the back of Trustpilot introducing public flagging reasons, enabling all users to see the reason for a review being flagged by a company, as well as the implementation of a three-tier warning system that aims to stop companies trying to misuse the flagging function. About Trustpilot Trustpilot is a leading independent review platform - free and open to all. With more than 55 million reviews of over 260,000 domains, Trustpilot gives people a place to share and discover reviews of businesses, and we give every company the tools to turn consumer feedback into business results. Our mission is to bring people and businesses closer together to create ever-improving experiences for everyone. Trustpilot reviews are seen more than 2.5 billion times each month by consumers worldwide. With offices in Copenhagen, London, New York, Denver, Berlin, Melbourne and Vilnius, Trustpilot's 700 employees represent more than 40 different nationalities. For more information, visit https://www.trustpilot.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005803/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] New Video from Mouser's Generation Robot Series Showcases Exclusive Grant Imahara Panel Discussion from ECIA Executive Conference

Mouser Electronics Inc. today released a new video featuring celebrity engineer Grant Imahara's panel discussion from the 2018 Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) Executive Conference. The hour-long video panel discussion, titled "How Robotics Will Shape Our Future," is the final episode of the Generation Robot series from Mouser's award-winning Empowering Innovation Together program. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005748/en/ Global distributor Mouser Electronics presents engineer spokesperson Grant Imahara leading a lively panel discussing the frontiers of robotics, as part of the Generation Robot series from Mouser's Empowering Innovation Together program. To learn more, visit www.mouser.com/empowering-innovation/generation-robot. (Photo: Business Wire) This exclusive video features Imahara leading a lively panel discussing the frontiers of robotics with a focus on how they are causing us to rethink the way we live and work. Imahara is joined by the following panelists: Ayanna Howard, Professor and Chair of the School of Interactive Computing in the College of Computing at the Georgia Institute of Technology

Magnus Egerstedt, Steve W. Chaddick School Chair and Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Dominik Boesl, Vice President, Senior Corporate Innovation Manager and Technical Fellow at KUKA (News - Alert) Robotic



Analog Devices, Intel, Microchip Technology and Molex. "The 2018 EIT series from Mouser has been one of the most interesting projects of my career," stated Imahara. "I've been able to share my love of robotics and really highlight the innovations that prove we are definitely living in 'Generation Robot' - where humans and robots coexist on all levels of life and work. Seeing what comes next will be truly mind blowing."

The ECIA Executive Conference is the only conference where senior management teams from the electronics industry's leading companies, representing the entire supply chain, gather to understand and address cross-enterprise challenges. Since 2015, Mouser's Empowering Innovation Together program has been one of the most visible and recognized programs in the electronic component industry, featuring projects ranging from 3D printing objects in space to the amazing benefits of technologies that are Shaping Smarter Cities. To learn more about this and all of Mouser's Empowering Innovation Together series, visit www.mouser.com/empowering-innovation and follow Mouser on Facebook and Twitter. To watch the full 60-minute panel discussion, go to https://youtu.be/HiJ1pq3E-dg. About Mouser Electronics Mouser Electronics, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is an award-winning, authorized semiconductor and electronic component distributor focused on rapid New Product Introductions from its manufacturing partners for electronic design engineers and buyers. The global distributor's website, Mouser.com, is available in multiple languages and currencies and features more than 5 million products from over 750 manufacturers. Mouser offers 23 support locations around the world to provide best-in-class customer service and ships globally to over 600,000 customers in more than 220 countries/territories from its 750,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility south of Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit www.mouser.com. About Grant Imahara Well known in the engineering community, Grant Imahara has paired his engineering expertise with a successful TV and film career. In addition to his roles on MythBusters and BattleBots, Imahara has worked on many famous robotic characters, including R2-D2 from Star Wars, the talking robot skeleton sidekick Geoff Peterson from The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and the Energizer (News - Alert) Bunny. Trademarks Mouser and Mouser Electronics are registered trademarks of Mouser Electronics, Inc. All other products, logos, and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Intel (News - Alert) is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005748/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Minnesota Announces Gift of Communication Event Feb. 27

As part of its mission to give back to the community, the Minnesota chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is hosting its seventh-annual "Gift of Communication" event on Feb. 27 at Sunrise Bank headquarters in St. Paul. Approximately 40 volunteer professional communicators will spend the afternoon consulting with 15 nonprofits from the Twin (News - Alert) Cities and across Minnesota to help brainstorm and solve for their biggest communications challenges and opportunities. Since 2013, this annual event, which is a joint effort with the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, has helped nearly 60 Minnesota nonprofits. Glenn Karwoski, founder and managing director of Karwoski & Courage Public Relations, will provide the lunch keynote presentation on how to instill more creativity into comunications.



"This is such a phenomenal and heart-warming event for everyone involved," said IABC Minnesota President Tammy Nienaber. "Every year the energy in the room is incredible and so many actionable ideas are born. IABC is thrilled to host this event and help so many worthy nonprofits achieve their missions." Nonprofits attending this year's event include 20% Theatre Company Twin Cities, Center for Irish Music, Frogtown Farm, Grand Marais Art Colony, Hospitality Center for Chinese, James J. Hill Center, Minnesota Social Service Association, Minnesota Theater Alliance, Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless, Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, Seven County Senior Federation, University of Minnesota Office of Measurement Services and Upstream Arts.

Gift of Communication is sponsored by Business Wire. About IABC Minnesota

Setting a standard of excellence since 1970, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a vibrant global membership association with thousands of members from around the world. The Minnesota chapter includes hundreds of business communicators from throughout the state representing many business communications fields, including public relations, corporate communications, internal communications, brand and social media. Its board of directors is comprised of volunteers from all disciplines and backgrounds who create ongoing professional development and networking opportunities for chapter members. Volunteer opportunities with the chapter provide additional growth opportunities for members to expand their skill sets and connect with other business communicators. For more information, visit www.iabcmn.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005766/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] First-of-Their-Kind Drone Swarms to Restore Oregon Rangelands

SEATTLE, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-based DroneSeed and The Nature Conservancy Oregon have signed a contract to utilize drone swarms to restore rangelands affected by invasive species and re-seed native plants, which is vital to conservation of the ecosystem and imperiled species, like the sage-grouse. The contract with DroneSeed provides The Nature Conservancy access to drone swarm technology designed to scale to plant and protect significant acreage while planting in precision areas to boost survival rates. The aircraft operate in swarms of up to five drones and as a group service greater area faster despite terrain. To provide precision seeding, the company uses software to aerially deploy seed vessels to targeted areas, called microsites, where they'll grow best. To service significant acreage, DroneSeed's heavy lift aircraft carry 57 lbs. of seed vessels per drone. These vessels improve seed survival by reducing desiccation or 'drying up,' which is a common problem on arid rangelands. DroneSeed will be aerially deploying its own proprietary seed vessels and vessels developed by The Nature Conservancy and its partners. DroneSeed is the first and only company approved by the FAA to operate with swarms of up to five aircraft weighing more than 55 lbs. Restoration of sagebrush steppe habitat in the western U.S. is a significant challenge. The sagebrush steppe is being lost at an alarming rate  only 50 percent still exists, with the remaining 50 percent at risk of being lost in just the next 50 years. More than 350 species of wildlife depend on this habitat as do rural ranching communities. Both people and nature are challenged by invasive weeds and increasingly large and frequent wildfires. Many groups, such as federal and state governments, NGOs, and the ranching industry are rising to the challenge, but need new tools to be successful. The Nature Conservancy is working across the west to explore new ways to increase success and reduce costs. Jay Kerby, SoutheastOregon Project Manager at The Nature Conservancy said, "Working with research partners, we have been testing a variety of high-tech solutions for restoration seeding. We're excited to get some first-hand experience with the new options that drones could provide, such as improved precision of mapping and seeding priority treatment areas. For this project, we'll be mapping about 75 acres of sagebrush habitat with scattered weed patches that are inefficient to target and treat with conventional methods. We are always looking for ways to innovate, especially when it can help us increase the pace and scale of habitat restoration to benefit both nature and people. We are excited to work with DroneSeed to explore the possibilities."



DroneSeed's CEO and Founder Grant Canary said, "The Nature Conservancy is an ideal partner for us as we're highly aligned on mission and are both engaged in developing and advancing technology solutions for conservation outcomes. Our objective with this project is to test and demonstrate that this innovative approach can achieve successful restoration faster and more efficiently than conventional methods." The drone swarm technology and its design for scalable planting have future implications. The organization Nature4Climate recently published in a peer-reviewed paper that 'natural climate solutions' such as restoring rangelands, planting forests, and conserving habitat could provide 1/3 of the global emissions reductions called for under the Paris Agreement. The Nature Conservancy is a partner of Nature4Climate with the International Union of Concerned Scientists, UN-REDD, The World Resources Institute, and the Woods Hole Research Center.

DroneSeed's technology has numerous applications for industry post-wildfire. DroneSeed recently completed its first post-fire forestry project for one of the top five timber companies in the U.S., which was impacted by the Grave Creek Fire near Medford, OR which burned over 7,000 acres. Rather than planting seedlings that require a two-year wait to grow in greenhouses, they opted to plant immediately with DroneSeed's seed vessels and reduce later vegetation clearing costs. About The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter. About DroneSeed DroneSeed is paid per acre as a service to restore forests and rangelands using drone swarms. It currently operates with four aircraft simultaneously, each weighing up to 115 lbs. and capable of delivering up to 57 lbs. of payload in the form of tree seeds, herbicides, fertilizer and water per aircraft per flight. The company has been operating since 2016 under contracts with three of the five largest timber companies in the U.S. For more information on drone swarm reforestation solutions, visit www.droneseed.co or follow @droneseed on Twitter. Press Contact: Jennifer Gooding, Narwhal Media Group, jrgooding@narwhalmediagroup.com, 310.927.1829 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-of-their-kind-drone-swarms-to-restore-oregon-rangelands-300799025.html SOURCE DroneSeed

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Opensignal Unveils New Analysis: Big Swings in 4G Speeds Coupled with Increasing Network Congestion Highlight U.S. Need for 5G

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- As the mobile industry prepares for Mobile World Congress and much debate about 5G's future, Opensignal , the independent global standard for measuring real-world mobile network experience, today released new analysis highlighting 5G's unsung benefit: the ability to relieve congestion and capacity pressure on the world's mobile networks. The new report entitled The 5G Opportunity: How 5G will solve the congestion problems of today's 4G networks , provides a global comparison of network speeds across 52 countries including the U.S., and the accompanying U.S. analysis provides more detailed U.S. results including a review of speed and peak usage in 20 top cities. U.S. Speeds

The Opensignal report found that the U.S. falls in the middle of the pack (when compared with the other 76 countries reviewed) on 4G download speed experienced by consumers at the fastest hour of the day. Furthermore, like the rest of the world, the mobile speeds in the U.S. vary widely throughout the day. The best 4G download speeds in the U.S. were 1.9 times faster in the late hours of the night  when networks are quieter and most users are offline  than during the day and after work hours when networks most need to offer a great experience for their users. "We think the U.S. will be an interesting worldwide barometer of 5G's impact on congestion and speed consistency because it holds a mid-level rank amongst global countries for average 4G download speeds and for its range of speed variation by time of day," said Brendan Gill, CEO of Opensignal. "It will be one of the first countries to widely adopt 5G services and any improvements we see in the U.S. mobile consumer experience due to 5G, we'll likely see reflected in many other parts of the world." City Speeds

The hour-by-hour fluctuations in download speed also vary by urban locations. At a national level, average 4G download speeds in the U.S. ranged from 15.3 Mbps at the busiest hour  when the most users were consuming the greatest amount of data on the network  to 28.8 Mbps at the quietest hour. However, in the 20 largest cities in the U.S. that range expands in every instance. Wildly seesawing 4G speeds throughout the day are common in U.S. cities. Over a 24-hour period, consumers in major metro areas will often see their 4G download speeds drop by 20 Mbps or more as demand increases and networks become more congested. However, when Opensignal compared the speed at the hour of the day when urban users' experience the fastest mobile network speeds with the hour where they experience the slowest, it found that almost every urban fastest-hour speed was 10 to 20 Mbps above its average. Meanwhile, slowest-hour speeds across cities were typically only 3 to 5 Mbps below average. That means that metro 4G networks are likely congested as the average connections are nowhere near the high speeds that networks can support under optimal conditions. In addition, operators are doing a good job managing the vast number of users awake and using their smartphones at the busiest times in their major markets. Even the speeds at the busiest hours are only a few megabits shy of city averages. Miami was the least consistent of the 20 cities analyzed by Opensignal with speeds yo-yoing between 17 Mbps and 43.2 Mbps over the course of a day.

was the least consistent of the 20 cities analyzed by Opensignal with speeds yo-yoing between 17 Mbps and 43.2 Mbps over the course of a day. Baltimore , Chicago , and New York City also had sizable fluctuations in speed with differences of 20 Mbps or more depending on the time.

, , and also had sizable fluctuations in speed with differences of 20 Mbps or more depending on the time. Denver's optimal-time 4G download speed of 30 Mbps was still nearly double its most-congested-time speed of 15.3 Mbps. 20-City Breakdown

Opensignal's latest report also examined the specific hours of the day where 4G download speeds were fastest and slowest in each U.S. city. Opensignal measurements illustrate that the busy times of day vary by city and range from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. For the U.S. as a whole, however, the busiest hour falls at 8 p.m., which was the case for only one city in our top 20: St. Louis. That means there's something about living in dense metropolitan areas that causes consumers to load up their networks earlier in the day  around commute time. The modern-day reality of working in a big city is often a big commute. Whether its streaming music or using navigation services while trapped in gridlock on an LA freeway or catching up on your favorite TV program while riding the 'L' in Chicago, the peak usage hours for these cities tends to fall mainly within the 4-6 p.m. rush hour period. Meanwhile, the fastest hour of the day was measured between 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. for all 20 cities. The early morning peak speed simply illustrates that few people are actually awake, and much less data is consumed in the dead of night. This fairly closely mirrors the global picture, where the fastest hours in the countries analyzed by Opensignal were between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Download/view a copy of the report to see the full analysis and charts at: https://opensignal.com//reports-data/global/data-2019-02/Opensignal-The-5G-Opportunity.pdf . And to learn more about Opensignal, visit www.opensignal.com and check out the following resources: January 2019 State of Mobile Networks: USA Report  https://opensignal.com/reports/2019/01/usa/mobile-network-experience

State of Mobile Networks: Report  Understanding Opensignal's Metrics -- https://opensignal.com/blog/2019/01/03/understanding-mobile-network-experience-what-do-opensignals-metrics-mean-2/

Why Confidence Intervals are Vital -- https://opensignal.com/blog/2019/02/13/why-confidence-intervals-are-vital-in-analyzing-mobile-network-experience/ About Opensignal

Opensignal is the independent global standard for measuring real-world mobile network experience. Using billions of measurements collected from tens of millions of smartphones through its own and partner apps, the company analyzes real-world mobile network experience at the largest scale and frequency in the wireless industry: by operator and by country, regionally and worldwide. Opensignal believes measuring how the network performs directly through users' eyes is key to building better wireless networks. Opensignal's mobile analytics solutions are used across the industry by mobile operators, telecoms regulators, equipment manufacturers and analysts. Opensignal and the Opensignal logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Opensignal, Ltd. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.







Press Contacts:

Sharen Santoski Kyle Austin Opensignal for Opensignal +1.617.755.6357 +1.978.578.6296 209772@email4pr.com 209772@email4pr.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opensignal-unveils-new-analysis-big-swings-in-4g-speeds-coupled-with-increasing-network-congestion-highlight-us-need-for-5g-300799002.html SOURCE Opensignal

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Ruby Has Fulfillment and Stitch Labs Partner to Create Complete Backend Ecommerce Solution and Elite Customer Program

Ruby Has Fulfillment is announcing the launch of a new partnership and elite customer program with Stitch Labs, the leading operations management platform for high-growth brands. This strategic partnership program is designed to provide a fully integrated, end-to-end inventory, order, and fulfillment solution for current and prospective clients experiencing rapid operational growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005687/en/ Ruby Has and Stitch Labs have integrated their best-in-class technologies in fulfillment and operations management to enable brands to efficiently scale their operations, while maintaining flexibility and agility to accommodate the rapidly evolving and unique needs of each client. (Graphic: Business Wire) As brands expand into new sales channels, merchandising techniques, and fulfillment strategies, the degree of operational complexity to run an efficient business exponentially multiplies. Ruby Has and Stitch Labs have integrated their best-in-class technologies in fulfillment and operations management to enable brands to efficiently scale their operations, while maintaining flexibility and agility to accommodate the rapidly evolving and unique needs of each client. The primary purpose of this new customer program is to help brands improve operational efficiency and increase long-term profitability. Leveraging Ruby Has' fulfillment model and Stitch Labs' operations management platform, the program helps brands optimize three critical aspects of operations: internal team time spent on inventory and order management, shipping time to customers, and shipping costs. This allows brand to confidently and successfully scale their business as product lines expand, order volumes increase, and new channels are added, while still being able to remain loyal to their brand promises to their customers.



"Ecommerce fulfillment providers have a responsibility to customers to provide value through partnerships and integrations that can assist the brand's growth and maturation. Ruby Has Fulfillment has accomplished this through its partnership with Stitch Labs - a strategic partnership that provides shared customer enterprise level fulfillment and OMS/IMS solutions built for scalable, high-growth brands." - Rafael Zakinov, Founder and CEO at Ruby Has Fulfillment "What's fundamentally different about the way we [Stitch Labs] and Ruby Has approaches working with our customers is that we understand that each brand has unique needs and that they are growing exceptionally fast. We've always operated from a viewpoint of 'software with service' rather than 'software as a service'. Our official partnership with Ruby Has just strengthens our joint ability to provide tremendous value to our customers, being much more than a solutions provider, but rather a partner in our customers growth." - Brandon Levey, CEO at Stitch Labs

To date, over 15 leading ecommerce brands like Sunski, Thinx, and Koio have signed on to pilot this new elite customer program, including OATLY, a vegan, oat milk company that began in Sweden and has since expanded internationally. OATLY came to the U.S. in 2018 and can now be found in more than 1,000 locations. Stitch Labs and Ruby Has Fulfillment provide them with the necessary software/fulfillment services to scale efficiently and effectively. "OATLY started working with Stitch Labs and Ruby Has at a time when our business was really expanding and we were looking to take the next steps in merging data-driven inventory management with our 3PL and ecommerce platforms. We have really enjoyed working with these great teams and have seen a huge positive impact to our business we would look to expand even more in the coming years." - Mike Messersmith, General Manager at OATLY The new elite customer program is open and available to all high-growth brands with special introductory pricing. Contact Ruby Has Fulfillment or Stitch Labs for a demo and price quote. About Ruby Has Fulfillment:

Ruby Has is one of the fastest growing ecommerce fulfillment providers (Ranked by Crain's Fast 50 in 2018 and Inc. 5000 for three consecutive years) for direct-to-consumer brands and retailers, fulfilling their brand promises with precision, customization and excellence at scale. They are the dominant global fulfillment platform, providing an enterprise level end-to-end supply chain ecosystem to omnichannel brands regardless of size, customization or scale. Where others "break" and fail at scale, Ruby Has shines. Empower your brand and boost customer satisfaction with a full-service fulfillment provider that walks alongside your brand as a committed partner. Ruby Has Fulfillment leads the third-party logistics (3PL) industry with cutting-edge technology, seamless integration, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Four warehouse locations across the U.S. and Canada allow you to ship faster and reduce freight costs by up to 45% with bicoastal fulfillment solutions.

Website: rubyhas.com About Stitch Labs, Inc.:

Stitch Labs is a commerce operations platform that centralizes inventory, sales, purchasing, and fulfillment to give retailers greater visibility, efficiency, insight, and control across their business. With the power of Stitch's cloud-based platform, retailers and wholesalers can more easily reduce costs, maximize profitability, and intelligently scale their omnichannel operations to meet customers needs. Stitch integrates with top ecommerce, POS, shipping, and fulfillment technologies such as Amazon, eBay (News - Alert) , Shopify, Magento, Bigcommerce, ShipStation, Square, FBA, SPS Commerce, and DCL Logistics, as well as accounting solutions including Quickbooks, Xero, and inDinero.

Website: stitchlabs.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005687/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] University College Cork Partners with Canvas to Deliver its New Strategic Vision

LONDON, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Canvas by Instructure (NYSE:INST) has announced that it has been selected by University College Cork to provide an institution-wide virtual learning environment (VLE), helping drive its connected university strategy. University College Cork (UCC) launched its new Academic Strategy in December, the first academic plan put in place by the institution. UCC is looking to Canvas to help facilitate the shift and support the delivery of a student-centred teaching and learning experience with a renewed, responsive and research-led curriculum at its core. Canvas will become the main online platform to support teaching and learning at UCC, giving academic staff the tools to teach the university's 17,580 full-time students in innovative ways, and offering the flexibility to deliver a Connected Curriculum. The process leading up to partnering with Canvas was rigorous, with UCC running extensive pilots, testing and trialling functions over the last two years and garnering the views of students and staff. In finally choosing to adopt Canvas, the university's panel was completely unanimous on the purchase  the first time in UCC's history that this had been the case. The university had previously used Blackboard as their VLE. Professor John O'Halloran, Deputy President and Registrar at University College Cork, said: "Working with Canvas will help us ulfil our vision to prioritise teaching and learning by delivering an outstanding student-centred experience. As well as the intrinsic value to pedagogy, this move will allow us to realise our ambitions to attract more national and international students, deliver a research-led curriculum, attract and retain the most talented staff and to help our students become lifelong learners who continue to engage with our institution  from their first day at university to the last day of their careers."



Kenny Nicholl, General Manager, EMEA at Instructure, added, "We are delighted that University College Cork has chosen Canvas not just as its institution-wide VLE, but also as a partner working closely with them in delivering their new strategic vision. By being involved at the heart of the change that's going on at UCC, we will support the institution's drive to further differentiate itself, driven by student-centred pedagogy." Tom O'Mara, Head of Digital Education at University College Cork, said: "The university was looking for far more than just a VLE that had the right functions and features. The people and services from Instructure, in conjunction with the Canvas platform, will aid our vision, and fit in with our culture. User experience is paramount so we tested this by asking suppliers to present certain scenarios to our panel as part of the tender. This ensured that we didn't just get a world-class platform with a proven track record, but also one that would be accessible by all our users and help drive improvements in adoption and delivery.

"Another big thing we look at and consider a lot at UCC is the notion of collaboration, community, sharing and learning from each other. This is why the Canvas community was a big draw as well. Too much siloing happens in education. But we can use tech to facilitate the sharing of content and good practice  for collaboration not just between staff, or students, but also with other institutions." ABOUT INSTRUCTURE

Instructure, Inc. (NYSE: INST) is a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology company that makes software that makes people smarter. With a vision to help maximize the potential of people through technology, Instructure enables organisations everywhere to easily develop, deliver and manage engaging face-to-face and online learning experiences. To date, Instructure has connected millions of instructors and learners at more than 4,000 educational institutions and corporations throughout the world. Learn more at www.Instructure.com. CONTACTS:

Joanne Patterson

Instructure

jpatterson@instructure.com Dan Thompson / Emily Goodbrand-Dillon

Third City

dan@thirdcity.co.uk / emily@thirdcity.co.uk

S: 020 3657 9773 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/259822/canvas_color.jpg

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Global Tech Survey to Explore Urgent Challenges Facing Journalists in Digital Age

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) today launched a benchmark global survey that will yield unprecedented data on how news organizations are adapting to the digital age. The initiative, a follow-up to the first State of Technology in Global Newsrooms report in 2017, will dive deeper into how the industry is using technology to combat misinformation, build trust and diversify revenue sources. This second survey will reveal which regions are making the most progress or lagging behind in the adoption of new technologies over the past two years. The study, made possible by the generous support of Google News Initiative and Fusion, ultimately will inform efforts to close the digital gap facing the industry. The 2017 survey was available in 12 languages, but the 2019 survey has two more languages  Hindi and Urdu  to better reflect trends on the Indian subcontinent. ICFJ is asking newsroom managers and journalists in eight regions of the world for their expertise. The survey takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and respondents could win a $100 Amazon gift card. All responses will be confidential, and no individuals or organizations will be identified. The data collected will be reported in the aggregate, and made widely available. Click here to take the survey. The survey is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Urdu.



The inaugural study, which surveyed more than 2,700 journalists and newsrooms managers, revealed that despite great strides, journalists are not keeping pace with technology. Some highlights: Journalists are using a limited range of digital skills. Of the 23 skills surveyed in the study, only four are used regularly to produce stories in more than half of newsrooms worldwide.

Of the 23 skills surveyed in the study, only four are used regularly to produce stories in more than half of newsrooms worldwide. Newsrooms are not doing enough to secure their communication. Despite their reliance on digital communications, less than half of media professionals use encryption.

Despite their reliance on digital communications, less than half of media professionals use encryption. A gap exists between the digital skills that journalists want and what their newsrooms provide. Nearly half of global newsrooms provide training in social media research and verification, but only 22% of journalists find it valuable. For more information, please contact Fatima Bahja, ICFJ research and proposal coordinator, at 202-349-7638 or fbahja@icfj.org. You can view the full report from the 2017 study, and see highlights on Medium. Visit our Visualizer to explore the survey data and compare results across regions.

About the International Center for Journalists

ICFJ empowers journalists to deliver trustworthy news essential for vibrant societies. Working at the nexus of journalism and technology, we build the expertise and storytelling skills of reporters worldwide. We promote high-impact journalism that leads to better lives. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-tech-survey-to-explore-urgent-challenges-facing-journalists-in-digital-age-300798909.html SOURCE International Center for Journalists

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] KMW and Dali Wireless Announce Partnership and Completion of Interopability Testing

Dali Wireless and KMW, two innovators in RAN technology and solutions, today announced the companies are working together to provide mobile network operators with more Open RAN options for micro cellular and other outdoor applications. The companies have been working together since the summer of 2018 to certify interoperability between KMW's advanced remote radio units and Dali's Open RAN virtual fronthaul solutions. Dali's vFI transforms the traditional fronthaul architecture into a multipoint-to-multipoint network that is driven by software and fully embraces the Open RAN and SD-RAN trends. Dali vFI aims to be the first solution that offers mobile network operators the ability to seamlessly marry different vendor's baseband and remote unit products together, regardless of the functional splits and transport protocols deployed in their networks. Dali has a broad ecosystem of vBBU partners and KMW is the first remote radio head vendor to join the Dali Open RAN ecosystem. "Dali Wireless is pleased to include another world class vendor into our ever-growing Open RAN ecosystem," said Dali Wirelesses CEO, Dr. Albert Lee. "Dali has been an innovator and strong believer in Open RAN for many years - adding a globally proven RF/radio head vendor such as KMW to our ecosystem further supports our mission of making a flexible, scalable, and interoperable solutions real possibility for the 5G mobile telecommunications industry."



"As KMW strives to always deliver the best solutions for the evolving wireless infrastructure market, we were inspired to collaborate with Dali Wireless as their solutions and unique approach allow for enterprises, integrators, and operators to handle exponential growth in the 5G mobile data traffic era," said Daniel Kim, KMW's CEO. "Dali's products provide seamless migration to 5G, which is an absolute as we tackle the new frontiers of mobile telecommunications." About KMW

KMW, headquartered in Fullerton, California with offices around the globe delivers innovative and core RF technologies and products and is a leading supplier of high-power radio heads for globally known system integrators, cellular service providers and telecom equipment vendors. KMW's R&D team actively seek creative solutions to their product offerings as they continue to be a competitive global leader. For more information, please visit KMW at www.kmwcomm.com. About Dali Wireless Dali Wireless is a wireless infrastructure innovator providing new and better ways to handle exponential growth in mobile data traffic. Dali's fully digital wireless signal routing solution revolutionizes in-building and outdoor coverage and capacity by eliminating interference and maximizing spectrum usage. The company's ground breaking patented Virtual Fronthaul Interface (vFI) is an intelligent aggregator-router and key enabler of RAN virtualization elevating networks to 5G readiness. Mobile operators, large enterprises and public safety networks around the world deploy Dali technology to ensure high quality service and a seamless migration to 5G. See www.daliwireless.com or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @daliwireless. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005286/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Momentum Telecom to Acquire Metro Optical

ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Momentum Telecom has announced today they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire New York based, Metro Optical Solutions.

Metro Optical is a leading provider of managed network, data and internet solutions to enterprise and carrier customers globally. Metro Optical has established itself as a single-source provider of fiber-based networking solutions backed by superior reliability and support and tailored to each customer situation. Now more than ever, businesses are requiring access to a fast, reliable and secure broadband infrastructure, especially as more rely on cloud-hosted applications and services. The addition of Metro Optical expands Momentums solution portfolio, and allows Momentum to be the singular provider for unified communications and managed network services. The addition of Metro Optical is an important next step in the continued execution of the companys long-term growth strategy," said Momentum Telecom CEO, Todd Zittrouer. "We welcome the Metro Optical team to the Momentum Family and look forward to working together on our mission to become the premier provider of unified communications to enterprise customers." Like Momentum Telecom, Metro Optical has a strong indirect sales strategy and an established presence in the channel including relationships with leading master agencies. The merger bolsters the combined companys channel commitment and enables agents to choose Momentum for mre of their customers needs.



At Metro Optical, we're excited to be joining a leading unified communications provider that closely aligns with our core mission and values, and we're looking forward to the future successes of the unified company, said Metro Optical CEO, Ande Hornig. Ande and Jason Hornig will continue to oversee networking solutions at Momentum Telecom and will be supported by the existing Metro Optical team. Q Advisors, a TMT global investment banking boutique, is acting as the financial advisor to Metro Optical.

For more information about Momentum Telecom or to discuss partnership opportunities email sales@momentumtelecom.com or call 877-251-5554. About Momentum Telecom is a premier provider of Cloud Voice , BBX Broadband Management and Unified Communications solutions . Momentums solutions offer smart, customizable cloud-based applications including voice, video and collaboration tools that enhance business productivity and efficiency for direct customers and more than 500 nationwide white label and channel partners. Momentum Telecom is committed to delivering superior products backed by a geo-redundant network paired with industry-leading uptime and customer service. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Momentum Telecom has regional offices actively serving customers across the United States. To learn more visit momentumtelecom.com or connect with us on Facebook , Google Plus , Twitter , LinkedIn or visit our blog . At Momentum Telecom, our mission is to enable others to thrive by combining smarter technology with seasoned experts while delivering unmatched customer experience. Media Contact Beth Hildreth

bhildreth@momentumtelecom.com

315-579-7112

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] AST Welcomes Alan Eddie as New CTO

AST, a full-service, tech-enabled ownership data management and advisory firm, today announced that Alan Eddie has joined as Chief Technology Officer, overseeing the company's technology strategy and operations. Based in New York, Eddie reports to President and Chief Executive Officer Marty Flanigan. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005334/en/ Alan Eddie, Chief Technology Officer, AST (Photo: Business Wire) Eddie is an innovative leader adept at building and integrating global teams, and he brings extensive experience in strategic technology planning, innovation and digital transformation. He was most recently Chief Information Officer of Trading Technology at Nordea, the eighth-largest bank in Europe, deliverin and managing technology solutions for its Capital Markets, Wholesale Banking, Wealth Management and Asset Management practices.



"Alan is well known and respected for his strategic leadership and innovative approaches, having made a transformative impact on some of the world's preeminent banks through large-scale business line and company integrations, the buildout of regulatory reporting and lending systems, and the implementation of revolutionary platforms to manage client interactions," said Flanigan. "We are pleased to welcome Alan to our senior leadership team and know he'll play a key role in the ongoing transformation of our business, to the benefit of our clients." Prior to his time at Nordea, Eddie was Managing Director, Technology at JP Morgan (News - Alert) Chase, held several senior technology roles at both RBS Global Banking & Markets and UBS, and served as Vice President of Cash Management Technology at Citigroup. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Aberdeen (News - Alert) and a postgraduate degree in Management Administration from Lancaster University.

"I'm excited to join AST because the firm's expert advisory and ownership services are backed by a team that is talented and passionate about innovation and driving the industry to new levels. AST's proprietary technology platforms, like the mutual fund proxy voting solution powered by blockchain, and the Issuer Central platform integrating registered and street data, can help companies achieve their goals with speed, accuracy and transparency," Eddie said. About AST AST was originally founded as a transfer agent over 45 years ago. Through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, AST has pioneered a new model of integrated ownership data management, advisory services and financial technology in the industry. AST affiliates include AST Trust Company (Canada), D.F. King & Co, Inc. and Donlin, Recano & Company, Inc. Today, AST offers a full scope of ownership services that include registry services, corporate proxy solicitation and advisory solutions, employee plan services, information agent, mutual fund proxy solicitation, shareholder identification and asset recovery offerings. For more information, please visit www.astfinancial.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005334/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Bandura Cyber Expands Funding Round to Over $10 Million

Bandura Cyber, which pioneered the Threat Intelligence Gateway (News - Alert) (TIG) industry in part with the U.S. Department of Defense, today announced a Series A round of funding. The round was led by Tenfore Holdings with participation from Grotech Ventures, Gula Tech Adventures, and Cultivation Capital. Joyce Shen of Tenfore Holdings will join the company's board of directors as part of the round. Transforming the way organizations detect and block threats, the Bandura TIG complements the firewall, enabling companies of all sizes to use threat intelligence without limits in an easy and automated way. The Bandura TIG can process over 100 million unique threat intelligence indicators at line speeds ahead of the firewall. With Bandura's ability to filter both inbound and outbound traffic, the efficiency of expensive firewall resources is improved and the return on existing security investments increased. Bandura leads the Threat Intelligence Gateway market with a rapidly expanding user base and multiple issued and pending patents. The company continues to enhance its most comprehensive, scalable, and granular TIGs on the market. The strategic funding will accelerate sales and marketing efforts to build on its current momentum with customers in financial services, healthcare, energy, and state and local government, as well as to make key investments in product development as the leading innovator in threat intelligence gateways. "We are grateful for the support of our investors and the opportunity to deliver the power of automated threat intelligence to organizations of all sizes to block known threats at massive scale," said CEO, Chris Fedde. "Tens of millions of known malicious IP addresses and domains are attacking organizations daily. Bandura Cyber provides organizations the ability to use threat intelligence to proactively prevent these threats from burdening network defenses and staff resources." "Bandura's platform can give customers real ROI in investing in a first line of defense in cyber - helping customers to take action with threat intelligence in an automated and data-driven manner and at scale. The platform provides significant advancement in intelligent network defense that is 'plug and defend,' allowing existing CSOs and their teams t focus on value-added tasks. We are excited to be a part of Bandura's growth," said Joyce Shen.



Steve Fredrick, General Partner at Grotech Ventures, adds, "Companies today are working harder than ever to put the massive scale of threat intelligence to work. Automating threat intelligence, as Bandura Cyber does, brings unprecedented threat prevention to networks of all sizes. We are proud to continue to support Bandura as they make a defining mark in a large scope of industries." Gaining momentum throughout 2018, the Bandura TIG (formerly known as the PoliWall TIG) was awarded 4.75 out of 5 stars by SC Magazine's lab team during an independent review of Threat Intelligence Providers, Platforms and Gateways. The company's CEO, Chris Fedde, was also recently named a DCA Cyber Star for solving big problems in the DC region's high growth cyber community. Strategic partnerships with Castra Consulting, Gigamon, and other key players also rounded out the year. To learn more about Bandura Cyber and to keep up to date on their latest announcements, please visit https://banduracyber.com.

About Bandura Cyber Bandura pioneered the Threat Intelligence Gateway (TIG) in part with the U.S. Department of Defense. Organizations worldwide use the Bandura TIG for the automation and control needed to operationalize millions of threat indicators-blocking known threats before they even reach the network firewall. Underlying Bandura's robust technology are multiple issued and pending patents. To learn more about how the Bandura TIG reduces an organization's attack surface, operationalizes threat intelligence, and helps get more out of existing security investments, visit https://banduracyber.com. For more information on the Bandura TIG: https://banduracyber.com/product/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005555/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] New World Collaborates with ASTRI to Create Hong Kong's First Property-Purchase Blockchain Platform With BOCHK as First Participating Bank

HONG KONG, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- New World Development Company Limited (NWD) today announces the creation of Hong Kong's first property-purchase blockchain platform, in collaboration with Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI). Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK) is the first bank to participate and apply the new platform to its services. Advanced blockchain technology allows the platform to provide an all-in-one support service to buyers, banks and related bodies. With the collaboration, PropTech (Property Technology) is the breakthrough that will fundamentally reshape Hong Kong's real estate industry, saving time and resources in the property-buying process. First-time buyers will soon enjoy a fast and convenient user experience in the new era of Property-Purchase 2.0, coming on-stream in the second quarter of 2019. Building on the success of FinTech in the financial sector, PropTech heralds a revolution in Hong Kong's real estate industry. Mr. Adrian Cheng, Executive Vice-chairman and General Manager of NWD, said, "In the past 30 years, the real estate market has very rarely seen high technology introduced into the purchasing process. Traditionally, buyers, real estate developers, banks and law firms all work separately - until now, there has been no one-stop platform to connect all parties. Today, NWD and ASTRI have created the first and brand-new cross-sector platform, with BOCHK as the first participating bank. The new PropTech platform's greatest advantage is to open up the entire real estate industry chain; it also marks the first implementation of blockchain technology into the real estate industry. This is a landmark in revolutionising the traditional model while remaining fully in sync with the government's vision in creating a smart city and a new era of PropTech." Hugh Chow, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, said, "Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT -- also known as Blockchain technology) could fundamentally change the dynamics of the property sector -- making it more efficient, resilient and reliable. Blockchain is a major focus area within ASTRI's overall R&D efforts -- catering to FinTech applications and other industrial sectors. We re pleased to work with New World Development in leveraging Blockchain technology, relying on PropTech as a strong boost to the innovation-led growth of Hong Kong's property sector. It will help to enhance the operational efficiency of developers, bring convenience and security to consumers and benefit the entire ecosystem of the property sector."



Mrs Ann Kung, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, said, "BOCHK is committed to supporting and driving the development of financial technology in order to provide convenient services for the general public. NWD has collaborated with ASTRI to introduce the first property-purchase blockchain platform in Hong Kong, which helps enhance customer experience by offering a seamless integration of mortgage services in our customers' property purchase journey. We are delighted to be the first bank in Hong Kong to use the platform. Going forward, we will continue to drive innovation and promote customer-oriented Fintech services." The revolutionary advantage of integrating blockchain technology into the property-buying platform is that it allows an unprecedented reduction of time and work between signing the provisional agreement and finalising the deal. The one-stop blockchain platform can save up to 8 hours on a transaction by integrating all the time-consuming intermediary steps: the filling-in of long and complex application documents, the tedious back-and-forth between banks and lawyers, and the time-consuming research into information about mortgage loans. Moreover, the one-stop platform benefits service providers and saves around 47 hours of work. The entire industry chain will save around 55 hours in total.

Six Key Advantages of Combining PropTech and Blockchain Technology 1. 24/7 Streamlined Service with no Restrictions on Time or Location With the aid of the new high-end encrypted network, buyers, property developers, banks and related bodies will break away from traditional procedures and will benefit from the seamless integration of each element in the whole industry chain. Completely free from location restrictions, buyers will be able to enjoy a far faster and more user-friendly service with easy access to all information, also benefitting from regular status updates on mortgage applications and procedures. 2. Saving 6 Hours in Mortgage Application Procedures First-time buyers are usually directly involved in comparing mortgage proposals from at least four banks, a process which requires repetitive, complex and extensive paper work. The blockchain platform will send the purchaser's authorised, encrypted and digitally signed provisional agreement to the selected banks, saving buyers at least six hours of following up with the different banks, and thus dramatically shortening the time spent in the application process. 3. Instant Intelligence - Keeping Buyers on Track First-time buyers have to sign legal documents and complete payments in a given time-frame. It is easy to miss transfer deadlines or leave out certain steps, and this can lead to unnecessary loss and delay. Buyers also need to follow up with lawyers to get updates on status, each transaction needing at least 15 phone calls on average, thus resulting in considerable inconvenience to buyers. The blockchain platform incorporates procedural notifications to remind buyers of important dates such as the settlement of deposits, key agreement dates, and final submission of formal paperwork. The new platform allows a brand-new hassle-free purchase experience for all customers, where buyers can easily access instant updates and relevant information, saving around 2 hours during the process. 4. Quick Digital Verification of Buyer's Information Under the old model, developers, banks and related bodies each needed to input the buyers' information and verify it manually and separately. All information required painstaking input and verification by hand. But in the new system, buyers can authorise banks and related bodies to access their securely encrypted information through the blockchain platform. This can drastically reduce time and procedures, making the process far more efficient. 5. Environmentally Friendly and Paperless Procedures In the past, whether for bank mortgage application, a lawyer's preparatory document, or a developer's progress report, if buyers were applying mortgages with four different banks, it was necessary to print a large number of documents involving at least 120 sheets of paper. With the introduction of the blockchain platform, all parties can reduce unnecessary document printing, and the entire process become far more environmentally friendly, while saving precious time and resources. 6. Open Up More Exciting Possibilities for the Real Estate Industry NWD is active in reforming traditional industries. Last year, NWD created a brand-new online registration service for first-time buyers. NWD introduced initial deposit by credit card to replace cheque payment, thus eliminating wasted time for buyers forced to wait in bank queues. In these ways and more, NWD's blockchain platform will reshape the whole real estate industry and establish a new era: Property-Purchase 2.0. BOCHK is the first bank to participate in the property-purchase blockchain platform in Hong Kong. NWD invites other banks to join the platform so that a wider range of mortgage plans can be offered to new NWD property buyers, satisfying their diverse needs more effectively. Safe and Reliable Blockchain Technology Blockchain is an innovative technology. It utilises a distributed system to verify each transaction so that transfers are guaranteed to be safe and secure. Information held on a blockchain exists as a database, shared by buyers, sellers, banks and lawyers. The records are truly public, transparent and traceable so it is difficult for a transaction record to be corrupted. Information security is thereby greatly enhanced. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190220/2380612-1 SOURCE New World Development

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]Douglas, WY (82633)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 71F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with showers and scattered thunderstorms. Storms more numerous this evening. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.[February 20, 2019] Synergetics licenses OpenFLIS platform to modernize military logistics

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Synergetics has serviced the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) since 2008. We develop and disseminate mission essential logistics products called FED LOG & PUB LOG in support of the US Military's war fighter programs. These products have been traditionally disseminated via CD-ROM or DVD disc-based media. Aligned with directives to modernize, DLA has engaged Synergetics to build a web-scale version of these products in the cloud. As such, Synergetics is integrating its OpenFLIS platform to modernize FED LOG as a flexible SaaS platform, lending the following benefits:



a. High Availability

b. Disaster Recovery

c. Operating System Flexibility

d. Resource Scalability

e. Fast Performance

f. Intelligent Monitoring

g. Continuous Improvement

The primary users of FED LOG and PUB LOG are the US Army, US Navy, US Air Force, and the US Marine Corps. FED LOG is used at all US Military bases and installations throughout the world, on warships, submarines, and even in military hospitals. PUB LOG is used by many government entities, vendors, contractors, and individuals who provide products and services to the US Government. Small but mighty, our cost savings to Government is significant, and the modernization of our products pioneers way to their envisioned future. Further, OpenFLIS is a huge innovation to logistics. Currently, users of FED LOG and PUB LOG receive updates on disc-based media. While this has been "good enough" for a time, our military users need more real time access. OpenFLIS is the answer to save costs, to harden security, to improve user experience, and to improve access delays. Finally, OpenFLIS will help satisfy DLA CIO directives and upper management's commitment to make better use of public cloud offerings, as well as their commitment to engaging with small businesses to create efficiencies in the way the Government operates. Synergetics Inc. has been delivering strategic information technology solutions to address the complex needs of our clients since 1995. Our commitment to quality is backed by both the CMMI Level 3 appraisal and the ISO 9001:2015 QMS certification. We proudly serve both the civilian and defense sectors of the U.S. federal government, in addition to state and local agencies. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synergetics-licenses-openflis-platform-to-modernize-military-logistics-300798526.html SOURCE Synergetics Incorporated

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Digital PCR Market to Reach $1,206.46 Mn, Globally, by 2025 at 18.0% CAGR, Says Allied Market Research

Rise in need for early diagnosis of chronic diseases, increase in demand for innovative diagnostic techniques, and surge in health awareness across the world are expected to propel the growth of the global digital PCR market PORTLAND, Oregon, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Digital PCR Market by Technology (Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) and BEAMing Digital PCR), Product Type (Digital PCR Equipment, Consumables & Reagents, and Software & Services), Application (Clinical Diagnostics, Research, and Forensics), and End User (Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories, Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Industries, and University and Government Organizations): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20182025". According to the report, the global digital PCR market was pegged at $318.22 million in 2017 and is projected to reach $1,206.46 million by 2025, growing with a CAGR of 18.0% through 2025. Rise in demand for innovative diagnostic techniques and increase in health awareness have boosted the growth of the global digital PCR market. However, high cost of dPCR testing and limited expertise and accessibility in the emerging economies hinder the market growth. On the contrary, rise in need for early diagnosis of viral, genetic and infectious disease and surge in number of diagnostic centers across the globe are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the market players in the near future. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/654 Droplet digital PCR segment dominates the market Droplet digital PCR segment held the largest share in 2017, contributing more than four-fifths of the total market. However, the BEAMing digital PCR segment is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 18.9% during the forecast period. Software & services segment to manifest fastest growth by 2025 Software & services segment is projected to portray the fastest CAGR of 19.9% during the study period. However, consumables and reagents segment hed the largest share in 2017, contributing more than half of the total market. The report also analyzes the segment of digital PCR systems.



Research segment to retain lion's share The research segment contributed the largest share, holding nearly one-third of the market in 2017. However, the forensics segment is estimated to manifest the fastest CAGR of 18.8% during the forecast period. The report also studies the segment of clinical diagnostics.

Asia-Pacific region to portray fastest growth through 2025 Asia-Pacific region is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 17.7% during the forecast period, owing to increase in number of patients suffering from chronic diseases and improvement in healthcare facilities in the region. However, the North America region dominated the market in terms of revenue, contributing nearly half of the market, owing to presence of leading molecular diagnostics manufacturers and rise in number of patients using personalized medicines. The report also analyzes the other regions such as Europe and Latin America, Middle East and Africa (LAMEA). For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/654 Major market players The report analyzes the major companies in the market including Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (RainDance Technologies, Inc.), JN Medsys, Qiagen N.V. (Formulatrix, Inc.), Expedeon AG, Sysmex Corporation (Sysmex Inostics GmbH), Fluidigm Corporation, Merck KGaA, Stilla Technologies, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Access KNOWLEDGE TREE (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/knowledgetree Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas. Similar Reports: Digital Pathology Market Expected to reach $8,668 Million by 2023 Pharma & biotech companies accounted for three-eighths share of the total market, and is estimated to grow with a high CAGR of 16.6% during the forecast period. The clinics segment accounted for the largest share in the global digital pathology market, as clinics deliver well-organized, documented, retrieved, and logistical pathological procedures. Global DNA Sequencing Market Expected to Reach $25,470 Million by 2025 The biomarkers and cancer segment dominates the market and the personalized medicine segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 26.7%. DNA sequencing possesses the potential to recognize a broad spectrum of genetic differences and supplement the generation of potent biomarkers in medicine and disease diagnostics. 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: David Correa

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[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Investor Group Issues "Proposals to Korea" to Help Increase Returns for Shareholders in Korean Equities

A group of investors, led by Dalton Investments (supported by a group of investors) with holdings in select equities listed in Korea today issued the following abridged letter to the Korea National Pension Service and the Government, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea: This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005344/en/ Source (News - Alert) : Bloomberg; Assuming dividends reinvested in the indexes (Graphic: Business Wire) Dear Sirs and Madams, The Korean stock market is one of the worst performing and most undervalued markets in the world. Over the past seven years,1 KOSPI's2 total shareholder return3 was just 25%4 despite the fact that corporate profits5 increased by 80% over the same seven-year period. The Korea National Pension Service ("NPS"), which owns approximately 7% of the Korean equities market, and Korean individuals and institutions, which collectively own approximately 70% of the Korean market, have suffered greatly as a result of this sustained underperformance. The issue, however, extends to the entire country of Korea which is facing continuously slowing economic growth and the highest unemployment rate since 2001. While Korean companies have generated a great amount of value, this value has not been effectively transferred to Korean households and the economy. As a united front, the Korean Government, NPS and individual Korean shareholders and institutions have a tremendous opportunity to improve the Korea Discount and shareholder returns by collectively encouraging public companies to effect much needed change. As such, we urge NPS and the Government of Korea to implement initiatives which will strengthen the governance standards of Korean companies and thereby improve returns across the Korean equities market. I. Underlying Root Causes Chronic underperformance in the Korean equities market is driven by a systemic tendency of corporate management teams to pursue misguided capital allocation strategies, which inevitably ignore the interests of minority shareholders. This is clearly borne out by the numbers: The 5-year ('13-'17) average return on equity ("ROE") for Korean companies is one of the lowest in the world (including both advanced and emerging economies) at 9% (7% excluding Samsung (News - Alert) Electronics and SK Hynix)6, despite statistically higher capital expenditure (CapEx) levels in research and development and in businesses overall than any other market. Korean companies are putting far too little focus on return on capital, risk-adjusted returns and basic minority shareholder interests. The capital expenditure strategies these companies are pursuing yield revenue growth but at what cost? Far too often, companies make investment decisions based on affiliate companies and conglomerates instead of their own shareholders. We recommend that all capital allocation decisions be measured against the next best alternative (i.e., opportunity cost analysis), including share repurchases and dividend payouts, with an overarching objective to maximize long-term economic profit for all shareholders. Regarding payouts to shareholders, it has become all too common for Korean companies to accumulate what amounts to a treasure trove of assets, including cash that sits idle and unproductive on balance sheets. Given no better alternative, Korean companies should return this capital to shareholders so that capital can be allocated to other opportunities. Instead, Korean companies hoard cash. This has resulted in significantly below average payouts. By contrast, for example, Taiwan, a country which is economically similar to Korea, has an average dividend payout ratio of 58% compared to 17% for Korea. Taiwan's total shareholder return was 3 times more than that of Korea for the past seven years. As a result of this mismanagement, Korea's 5-year ('13-'17) average price to book ("PB") ratio is one of the lowest in the world, trading below 1.0x,7 which means investors actually expect Korean companies to destroy economic value. II. How to Fix It / Recommendations Implementing better capital allocation strategies and aligning management incentives with those of all shareholders could profoundly and positively impact the value of Korean companies and the wealth of countless Korean individual investors. As the largest single shareholder of Korean equities, NPS has the ability to drive and lead this change. About 17%8 of the portfolio of NPS is allocated to domestic equities, representing approximately $97 billion ininvestments. While NPS has generated a reasonable annual average return of 5.4%9, it has become difficult to generate high returns in this low interest rate environment. This will become an increasingly important issue as Korea's rapidly aging society is expected to accelerate the pension fund's depletion date. If structural changes are not implemented, which enable companies to achieve greater returns, NPS will have to increase the amount individuals contribute from their income to the fund by as much as 12-13% in the long-term and up to 38% in the very long term.10



We believe that the easiest way to ensure the stability and longevity of NPS - and to improve the economic vitality of the country - is to put in place proper governance guidelines that will improve the performance of the Korean equity market. Doing this will benefit retirement pension plans, Korean and foreign institutional and individual investors, as well as the country itself. Therefore, we recommend that NPS: 1. Focus on ensuring that any changes (e.g., payout increase) are measuring up to global standards and are sustainable.

Most Korean companies improve their payout very gradually, comparing themselves only to Korean peers. The NPS should encourage companies to benchmark their payout policies to global standards.

The NPS also should encourage changing the compensation and performance structure of the Korean companies' executives to align their interests with those of all shareholders (including minority shareholders). 2. Actively exercise shareholder rights as a steward of people's capital. Maintaining independence from the Government and other institutions.

Hiring highly-qualified professionals and experts in the investment field.

More actively exercising shareholder rights, particularly in light of the severely distorted nature of the Korean equity markets. 3. Focus on overall capital allocation and planning of companies to maximize long-term "economic value added" for all shareholders. Pressing companies, as a large shareholder, to focus on maximizing long-term "economic value added."

Checking capital allocations that prioritize the interests of affiliates and corporate groups over those of company's shareholders.

Reviewing capital efficiency through the separation of actually-employed capital and unemployed capital.

Assessing the appropriate level of total payout by companies to shareholders. 4. Changes screening metrics that determine target companies for shareholder return improvement. Rather than holding fast to whether recent dividend payout ratios or yields meet minimum levels, we recommend NPS focus on a company's idle cash accumulated over many years as an indicator that it needs to reevaluate its strategies. 5. Encourages its portfolio companies to prioritize share repurchases (including cancellation) over dividends when share prices are materially lower than estimated intrinsic value. This could provide lower-risk and higher returns on capital for continuing shareholders.

Automatically cancel treasury shares when companies pursue buybacks. Repurchasing shares without cancellation should not - and does not - count as a direct return to shareholders. The Korean Government and National Assembly also have a role to play. Implementing initiatives that encourage better management of companies, and therefore enhanced growth, can dramatically improve the welfare of the country. Specifically, we propose: 1. Better alignment of tax rates to encourage fairer practices. For example, reduce income tax rates on dividends to large shareholders to better align to the rest of the world (Korea taxes at 42% whereas Hong Kong and the U.S. tax at 0% and 23.8% 11 maximum, respectively). Doing so would encourage management to use dividends, which benefit all shareholders, rather than pursuing inappropriate means to transfer wealth.

maximum, respectively). Doing so would encourage management to use dividends, which benefit all shareholders, rather than pursuing inappropriate means to transfer wealth. Reduce the estate and gift tax for major shareholders. At a colossal 65% maximum rate, this tax is so high companies are incentivized to keep stock prices low when passing the company onto heirs, thereby hurting all shareholders.

Reduce taxes on long-term equity investments to encourage Koreans to stay invested in equities longer. This would provide stability to the market overall. 2. Make the electronic voting system and cumulative voting system mandatory and separate the audit committee's election. Adding electronic voting will encourage greater participation from minority shareholders, providing a check on the power of the largest shareholders without infringing on management control or rights. 3. Introduce a mandatory tender offer system that requires a potential buyer to not only make an offer to purchase shares held by the controlling shareholders but also make an offer to purchase shares held by the minority shareholders at the same price. Currently, buyers often pay a high premium only for the shares held by the controlling shareholders but then will not acquire shares or only acquire shares held by the minority shareholders at very low prices. This often hurts minority shareholders. 4. Relax certain excessive restrictions on capital allocation in regulated industries. For example, provide flexibility for bank financial holdings companies in order to improve payouts to shareholders. These companies are highly undervalued despite strong profitability and reasonable balance sheets. While ROE and capital ratios compare fairly to foreign competitors, valuations are below 50% of foreign peers with an average price to book ratio of just 0.5x.12 Average total payout ratio is estimated to be only approximately one-third of that of their foreign peers. Improving the payout ratio can help these companies unlock value. 5. Encourage automatic investment system for retirement pension as the "default option" A default option automatically allocates assets according to a pre-determined asset mix if the subscriber of a retirement pension system does not provide specific instructions for asset allocation. The asset mix can vary based on the subscriber's years to retirement.

This could reduce the current, excessively low equity investments due to oversight. The current equity exposure for private retirement pension assets in Korea is below 2%.13 Conclusion The chronic underperformance of the Korean equities market can be greatly improved if NPS uses its authority to implement stronger standards for capital allocation strategies and incentivizes Korean company management teams to pursue business initiatives that are in the best interests of all shareholders, not just majority shareholders. Capital allocation is resource allocation, and resource allocation must be efficient so that it is able to create more wealth for the country, its companies and people. If action is not taken now, this problem will only become more pronounced during a period of low growth, fierce competition, high unemployment, aging demographics and greater wealth inequality. As the largest shareholder of Korean equities, NPS has the power to push public companies to adopt better practices. We remain ready to constructively assist you and make ourselves available to discuss at your convenience. Sincerely,

Dalton Investments Supported by (in alphabetical order): The supporting group agrees with the general messages above but not necessarily with every specific detail or argument. Brandes Investment Partners KCGI Ruane, Cunniff & Goldfarb Value Partners The full version of this letter and its accompanying presentation is available online at www.improvekorea.com. About Dalton Investments Dalton Investments LLC is a value-focused investment management firm with expertise in Asia equities, global equities and fixed income. Headquartered in Los Angeles, with a subsidiary office in Tokyo, Dalton manages $3.8 billion (November 30, 2018) in actively managed long-only and long/short strategies for pensions, endowments, foundations, financial institutions and family offices. 1 Source: Bloomberg (News - Alert)

2 The Korea Composite Stock Price Index

3 Share price change and dividend yield

4 Source: Bloomberg. Assumes reinvestment of dividends to the index

5 Source: FN Guide; Kiwoom Securities; Operating Profit of KOSPI 200 from 2012 to 2018 (estimate)

6 Source: Factset; Morgan Stanley Capital International Indexes

7 Source: Factset; Morgan Stanley Capital International Indexes

8 Source: Korea National Pension Service

9 Source: Korea National Pension Service

10 Source: Korea National Pension Service

11 For qualified dividends; the payee must own the stock for a long enough time, generally 60 days for common stock and 90 days for preferred stock and the dividend must also be paid by a corporation in the U.S. or with certain ties to the U.S.

12 Source: Bloomberg

13 Source: Korea Financial Supervisory Service View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005344/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] World Blockchain Summit to enter Malaysia

The global blockchain series is opening its calendar year of events with a grand entry into Malaysia. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kuala Lumpur edition of Trescon's World Blockchain Summit will mark the global series' entry into the Malaysian marketplace. The summit will take place on 27 - 28 February 2019, at the Intercontinental Hotel. World Blockchain Summit is an internationally renowned series that has hosted over 15,000 delegates in over ten countries across the world, with a special focus on hosting elites from regional governments and enterprises alike. Malaysia is one of the newest countries on the blockchain map, as the country pushed for the active legislation of blockchain based service providers. Furthermore, after initially distancing itself from Cryptocurrencies, the Malaysian Government is now looking to classify CryptoTokens and other digital currencies as tokenised assets. The Finance Ministry has also announced it hopes to completely regulate Cryptocurrencies by Q1 of the 2019 fiscal year. Hence, the World Blockchain Summit is arriving in Kuala Lumpur at the most opportune moment as th local blockchain industry is moving towards the wide-scale adoption of ledger based services. The summit will gather over 500 technology developers, startups, entrepreneurs and solution providers at the venue to share knowledge, implementation techniques and adoption practices for blockchain solutions into diverse industries and sectors.



Regulatory body MIGHT (Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology) is helping institutions and government bodies adopt blockchain services rapidly. The Ministry of Education has also setup a degree verification system via a distributed ledger. The President and CEO of MIGHT, Datuk Dr Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, will be delivering a keynote address at the World Blockchain Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Mohammed Saleem, CEO of Trescon, said that "Malaysia is now the centre of global news after the Government, whom first opposed blockchain and cryptocurrency services, did a full 360 and is now looking to regulate them within the country. Industries like Education, Tourism, Healthcare and Public Services can benefit from the transparency and incorruptible features a distributed ledger provides".

The event will also have startups and ICOs present at the exhibition venue, displaying their services and products to a hoard of investors, seeking the required assistance and support needed for growth. Some other notable industry personalities and leaders attending the event include Rene Bernard, President of ACCESS -- Malaysia; Kohei Kurihara, President of the Tokyo Chapter -- Government Blockchain Association; and Samson Lee, Founder and CEO of CoinStreet. PR Newswire is a News Release Distribution Partner of World Blockchain Summit. About Trescon :

Trescon is specialised in producing highly focused B2B events that connect businesses with opportunities through conferences, road shows, expos, investor connect and consulting services. For further details about the announcement, please contact: Raiyan Mohammed

raiyan@tresconglobal.com SOURCE Trescon

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Rachit Mathur, Founder & CEO of Avenue Growth, Creates 12,000 Sales Jobs in India and Counting

NEW DELHI, February 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Avenue Growth, India's largest Sales-as-a-Service platform with Pan-India coverage and active sales services in more than 500 cities, has put another jewel in its crown. Avenue Growth has achieved distinction for creating 12,000 employment opportunities. The number is remarkably high since the company is just 2-year old. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824338/Rachit_Mathur.jpg )

With a core aim to provide highly feasible and cost-efficient sales solution to the start-ups, SMEs and MNCs, Avenue Growth has been acknowledged for its gigantic leap in hiring professionals. Avenue Growth is a Customer Acquisition Sales Solution platform, which helps to stimulate the growth of companies through an on-demand direct sales force. A complete sales solution along with a zero risk model is offered to the companies for expansion by the Growth Specialists. Steadfast for a revolution in Sales outsourcing, Rachit Mathur, CEO, Avenue Growth, wants to lead a change in the way sales practices are held in the country and beyond. With this instinct, Avenue Growth is now entering the USA market affirming India's reach in the global trade. The company is also moving close for a wider reach of its sales operation in South Asian countries as well. As the roots of unemployment continue to hollow the high spirits of educated youths, Avenue growth has given a host of opportunities to its employees coming from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Diversity is the key for the future growth of organizations, Avenue Growth has commenced a unique sales outsourcing patform tailored to benefit to all stakeholders and augmenting the rate of employment in India, specifically from the Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.



Another remarkable feat is the enormous engagement of women in its workforce. Around 35% are women out of the 12,000 who work as Growth Specialists in Avenue Growth. Avenue Growth employment model is leading such positive changes with a pool of opportunities enabling women employers to tactfully balance professional and family life. In the words of Rachit Mathur, "Avenue Growth has successfully managed to employ 12,000 people from all over India, in just a span of two years, giving a free hand to streamline their personal and professional lives. Women being the largest untapped resource, Avenue Growth is also determined to expand the women workforce. Offering complete sales solutions, Avenue Growth today stands in the list of 50 best-founded companies in India in 2017 and plans to reach out 1,000 plus companies across FMCG consumer durables, pharmaceutical, software solution providers in near future."

The remote location employment program initiated by Avenue Growth comes up with an introductory training skill set provided by the company itself to master their employees before landing them on to the ground. The advantage of this remote location stress-free work initiated by Avenue Growth is that the position is open for all who want to build their career into the same field or in need to earn extra money or people who want to utilize their spare time. As the companies look forward to expanding their business in smaller parts of India, it boosts employment opportunity across different geographical locations. The company believes that employees excel only when they have the freedom to raise their innovative thoughts and work in a stress-free environment. About Avenue Growth: Avenue Growth is India's largest Sales-as-a-Service platform. Avenue Growth is a Customer Acquisition Sales Solution platform, which helps in accelerating the growth of companies through an on-demand direct sales force. A complete sales solution to make the businesses excel with an instant association of Growth Specialist irrespective of the location. To augment the level of sales strategy in India, Avenue Growth brings India's largest Sales-as-a-Service platform into action in the year 2016. Avenue Growth offers zero risk model for companies to expand into any part of India, because of no geographical restriction and cost-cutting approach, Avenue Growth today stands in the list of 50 best-founded companies in India in 2017. Riding high on the growth for all plight, the company has paramount goals to reach by expanding their reach to a more wider geographical scale including the implementation of their sales operation in South Asian companies by the year 2020. To know more details, visit http://www.avenuegrowth.com. Media Contact:

Neha Yaduvanshi

neha.yaduvanshi@vastadaconsulting.com

+91-9911087733

Founder, Vastada Consulting





[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas Sets up Legal Tech Incubator

MUMBAI and NEW DELHI, February 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- India's largest and leading full service law firm, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM), has set up India's first legal tech incubator 'Prarambh'. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/824336/Prarambh_Logo.jpg )

On setting up of Prarambh, Cyril Shroff, Managing Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, said "Our Firm has a proud tradition of innovating in the Indian legal market. We have been the first to adopt a number of new technologies in the legal space, such as artificial intelligence based machine learning, and we are now the first to support and incubate technology start-ups. Our DNA is to be a pioneer in evolving practices and technologies, we believe that we can support our clients, our lawyers and enhance the services provided through this." Prarambh will work with young entrepreneurs to come up with new technology-based solutions for the legal industry. This will include areas related to: access to justice

dispute resolution

transaction efficiencies

law firm operations

legal research

compliance

contract management

managing legal talent

others Prarambh will initially be housed at the New Delhi office of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and later extended to other locations. Discussing the potential of Prarambh, Cyril Shroff explained, "The potential is enormous. During our initial exploration, we found that a great deal of legal technology being used in other jurisdictions is not fully suited to the Indian legal market. This means there is both 'need gap' and an 'adjustment gap' that we are seeking to fill. CAM also believes that there is a deep pool of undiscovered and under-supported legal and technology skills in India that can be fostered to fill this gap. I am extremely confident that Prarambh has all the ingredients to raically transform legal-tech landscape impacting both transactions and dispute resolution, CAM is setting the ball rolling for emergence of India as an important player in this legal technology domain."



Applications will be open to technology start-ups developing products or services for the legal industry. Initially, 3 to 4 high-potential startups will be selected. These new businesses will be supported by Prarambh to bring their ideas to fruition, and guided to make them a commercial success. (Click here for details and updates). The incubator will also be guided by a board of 'mentors' assembled by CAM for this purpose. Under the guidance of Cyril Shroff, Prarambh will be led by Komal Gupta, Head - Artificial Intelligence & Innovation, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, who said, "With the Firm's lineage, brand, infrastructure, subject matter expertise across domains, empathy, and expert mentorship, Prarambh is the ideal incubation platform. We are confident that it will truly enable start-ups in India to develop world class legal technology solutions."

Applications for selection to Prarambh will remain open from 8 th April 2019 to 30 th April 2019 (form will be available on http://www.cyrilshroff.com/innovation-lab/). The list of shortlisted start-ups will be announced on 31 st May 2019 . The candidates would be invited for interview and to make a pitch in June 2019, which will be followed by announcement of successful candidates in the 1 st week of July 2019 . The successful startups will move in to firm's premises at a suitable date in the next 4 -6 weeks thereafter. About Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas was founded on May 11, 2015 and takes forward the values going back 102 years, of the erstwhile Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co., whose pre-eminence, experience and reputation of almost a century has been unparalleled in the Indian legal fraternity. Tracing its professional lineage to 1917, the Firm of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is now the largest full-service law firm in India, with over 700 lawyers including over 120 partners, and offices in India's key business centres at Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad. The Firm advises a large and varied client base that includes domestic and foreign commercial enterprises, financial institutions, private equity funds, venture capital funds, start-ups and governmental and regulatory bodies. The firm, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, was awarded the flagship country award as being the 'Most Innovative National Law Firm of the Year - India for 2018' at the IFLR Asia Awards, 2018, having also been successful in winning the prestigious & coveted 'National Law Firm of the Year, 2018 for India' at the Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards, 2018. The firm was also voted as the 'Employer of Choice for 2018' from India, by the Asian Legal Business, now 4 years in a row, building upon the several awards that the erstwhile Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co. had won in the past. For further information please contact:

Madhumita Paul

Deputy CMO - Marketing & Communications

madhumita.paul@cyrilshroff.com

+91-9833818006 Rahul Gossain

Head - Marketing Communications, and Delhi Region BD

rahul.gossain@cyrilshroff.com

+91-9873154228 Komal Bhardwaj

Assistant Manager, Marketing Communications

komal.bhardwaj@cyrilshroff.com

+91-9560026853

+91-9599421529

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas





[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 19, 2019] Skyee Works with Accuity to Raise Financial Crime Compliance Standards Across E-Commerce Payments

SINGAPORE, HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Skyee, China's innovative e-commerce payments business, has selected Accuity, the leading global provider of financial crime compliance, payments and counterparty Know Your Customer (KYC) solutions, to strengthen and streamline its compliance screening capability. Skyee will implement Firco Compliance Link, an automated financial crime screening solution, in an effort to meet international regulatory standards, without impeding the speed or quality of the service it provides to customers. Skyee's decision to transform its compliance operations will help it expand its international footprint, at a time when Chinese businesses are increasingly seeking to integrate with the global economy. In order to facilitate cross-border payments responsibly and to win business in other parts of the world, the payment provider identified a need to bring its process in line with international standards. Ivy Huang, CCO, from Skyee said, "As a pioneering service provider of cross-border payment solutions, Skyee is committed to eliminating illicit financial activity. We have chosen to partner with Accuity due to its comprehensive, intelligent and automated approach, which will speed up our operations and improve our service to customers, while ensuring we are ready for the regulator." Firco Compliance Link will enable Skyee to monitor its customer accounts for potential risks, such as sanctions, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and adverse media, within a single interface. The system notifies users when they are required to review a case, presents them with a consolidated view of relevant match information, and records a comprehensive electronic audit trail. While raising the standard of compliance, Firco Compliance Link will reduce the time it takes Skyee to conduct screening, which was previously a manual process. The automated workflow will enable Skyee to guarantee a faster onboarding experience for customers and help its business to flow without disruption. Accuity solutions are designed to help financial institutions and payment service providers ensure their screening systems meet the highest levels of compliance, especially with regards to anti-money laundering (AML). For instance, China's central bank is implementing more stringent anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing measures, and penalising those found to be breaching regulation.[1] Last year, the People's Bank of China conducted nearly 2,000 inspections and levied 134 million yuan of money laundering fines - more than doubling the activity carried out in 2016[2]. Bharath Vellore, APAC Managing Director at Accuity added, "Fintechs are scaling up rapidly and with their increasing relevance in the financial ecosystem, regulatory compliance becomes absolutely critical. Our user-friendly technology and accurate data is helping emerging fintech firms all over the world to bring their compliance controls in line with international standards. We are delighted to be working with Skyee as it raises the bar for financial crime screening within Chinese e-commerce segment -- an industry which is forecast to grow at 27% annually over the next four years."[3]







[1] https://paymentscompliance.com/premium-content/research_report/china-peoples-bank-consults-new-amlctf-rules-banks [2] https://www.caixinglobal.com/2018-08-03/pboc-fines-5-firms-for-money-laundering-violations-101311131.html [3] https://www.export.gov/article?id=China-ecommerce

Notes to editors About Skyee Skyee is a service provider of cross-border payment solutions mainly for Chinese merchants, launched by Skyee Hong Kong Company Limited, and jointly operated by Guangzhou Gaofu information technology co., LTD and its overseas affiliates. Skyee is headquartered in Guangzhou and has branches in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. Being the industry recognized fast growing Fintech, Skyee is committed to providing faster, safer and customized cross-border payment solutions to key industries, which include cross-border e-commerce, traditional B2B exporting/importing, international logistics and tuition. Based on the infrastructure of banks and payment institutions in various countries, the HUB platform was built to help customers realize the local receipt, global payment and exchange rate management of funds in global accounts and major target markets. Skyee is subject to double regulation, including FinCEN, the US financial crimes enforcement network, and Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. About Accuity Accuity offers a suite of innovative solutions for payments and compliance professionals, from comprehensive data and software that manage risk and compliance, to flexible tools that optimise payments pathways. With deep expertise and industry-leading data-enabled solutions from the Fircosoft, Bankers Almanac and NRS brands, our portfolio delivers protection for individual and organizational reputations. Part of RELX Group, a world-leading provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries, Accuity has been delivering solutions to banks and businesses worldwide for 180 years. About the Fircosoft portfolio of solutions As illegal financial activities have increased around the globe, so has the danger to the reputations of payments and compliance professionals. The Fircosoft portfolio of innovative data-enabled technology solutions, delivered through a high-touch consultative partnership, helps these professionals manage risk and avoid damage to the good names of individuals and organisations. Fircosoft's pioneering sanctions screening -- for transaction, account and trade screening -- and data solutions set the standard for the industry, and our trade compliance expertise is unmatched. Fircosoft's innovative software is so powerful, it's deployed by nine of the world's top ten banks -- yet it can be scaled to meet the specific needs of any organisation. SOURCE Accuity

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 19, 2019] The Film Detective Celebrates the 91st Academy Awards With a Weekend of Oscar Classics

ROCKPORT, Mass., Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Film Detective, a classic film and television company that restores and distributes vintage films for today's cord cutters, is honoring the Oscar nominees and winners of years past by hosting a weekend of accredited titles on its Sling TV channel beginning this Friday. Starting at nine o'clock in the morning Eastern time each day, subscribers to The Film Detective's Sling channel  which can be accessed through paid Orange and Blue subscriptions on Sling  will be able to watch Oscar-winning and nominated films celebrated at the ceremony from as early as 1933. Audiences who do not have a Sling TV subscription can access the Oscar films on The Film Detective app, which is available across Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, iOS, and the web. As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences prepares to name the movies which represented the outstanding achievements in 2018, The Film Detective will give audiences a chance to relive the films that helped to shape the ones we admire today. Kicking off Oscar night on Sunday is the 1936 comedy "My Man Godfrey," which made history at the 1937 Oscars for being the first movie to receive an Oscar nomination in each acting category. Nominees included Best Actor and Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actor and Actress in a Supporting role for William Powell, Carole Lombard, Mischa Auer, and Alice Brady, respectfully. Lombard and Auer's nominations for "My Man Godfrey" would be the only time either actor was nominated at the Academy Awards. The film claimed a total of six nominations that year, along with Best Director for Gregory La Cava and Best Writing, Screenplay for Eric Hatch and Morrie Ryskind. Another six-time nominated film in the lineup is the 1939 comedy "Love Affair," starring Irene Dunne. The film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Writing, Original Screenplay, Best Music, Original Song, and Best Art Direction [in 2012, the category was changed to its current name, Best Production Design]. In conjunction with The Film Detective's Black History Month celebration this month, the company will air the 1972 film "Sounder," which was nominated for four awards and nabbed Cicely Tyson the nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Tyson is set to make history at the 91st Academy Awards on Sunday, February 24 as the first African-American woman to receive the Honorary Award. Oscar winners on the list include the 1933 drama "The Private Life of Henry the VIII" and "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1950) which both won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, the former went to Charles Laughton and the latter to Jose Ferrer. The 1934 winner, "The Private Life of Henry the VIII" was the first non-US made film to earn a Best Picture nomination and win an Oscar of any kind. Additionally, "This is the Army" (1943) earned an Oscar for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture, and "The Man Who Skied Down Everest" (1975) won Best Documentary in 1976. For fans who wish to own a copy of "The Man Who Skied Down Everest," The Film Detective released a restored version back in 2017, which is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD. The documentary tells the story of Japanese skier Yuichiro Miura and his dream to ski down the mountain. The feat cost the lives of several men, who fell victim to the Khumbu Icefall in April 1970. The Film Detective is proud to include the original 1937 version of "A Star is Born" in its lineup of previous Oscar winners. Nominated for seven Oscars, the film took home the award for Best Writing, Original Screenplay, as well as the Honorary Award. The 2018 remake, starring Lady GaGa and Bradley Cooper, is nominated for eight Oscars this year, including Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Actress in a Leading Role. Directed by Bradley Cooper, the 2018 version marks the third time the film has been remade: the first time in 1954 starring Judy Garland and James Mason, the second in 1976 starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. The Film Detective extends an invitation to raise a glass and toast just a few of the great films in Oscar History. Weekend Lineup Friday, February 22, 209



Captain Kidd (1945) - nominated for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Werner Janssen. Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946) - nominated for Best Writing, Original Story, John Patrick.

Of Human Bondage (1934) - nominated for Best Actress Leading, Bette Davis. Tulsa (1949) - nominated for Best Effects, Special Effects. Go For Broke! (1951) - nominated for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay, Robert Pirosh. The Lady of Burlesque (1943) - nominated for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Arthur Lange. That Uncertain Feeling (1941) - nominated for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic Picture Werner R. Heymann. The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952) - nominated for Best Cinematography, Color, Leon Shamroy; Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Color, Lyle R. Wheeler, John DeCuir, Thomas Little, Paul S. Fox. This is the Army (1943) - won for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture, Ray Heindorf; nominated for Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Color, John Hughes, John Koenig, George James Hopkins; Best Sound, Recording, Nathan Levinson. Saturday, February 23, 2019 Under Western Stars (1938)- nominated for Best Music Original Song "Dust." Cheers for Miss Bishop (1941) - nominated for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic Picture, Edward Ward. All American Co-Ed (1941) - nominated for Best Music, Original Song, For the song "Out of the Silence"; Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture, Edward Ward. The Son of Monte Cristo (1940) - nominated for Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Black-and-White, John DuCasse Schulze , Edward G. Boyle. Topper Returns (1941) - nominated for Best Sound, Recording, Elmer Raguse (Hal Roach SSD).

Best Effects, Special Effects, Roy Seawright (photographic), Elmer Raguse (sound). Something to Sing About (1937) - nominated for Best Music, Score, C. Bakaleinikoff (musical director), Score by Victor Schertzinger. Hi Diddle Diddle (1943) - nominated for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Phil Boutelje. Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) - won for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Jose Ferrer. A Star is Born (1937) - won for Best Writing, Original Story, William A. Wellman, Robert Carson; nominated for Best Picture; Best Actor in a Leading Role, Fredric March; Best Actress in a Leading Role, Janet Gaynor; Best Director, William A. Wellman; Best Writing, Screenplay, Alan Campbell, Robert Carson, Dorothy Parker; Best Assistant Director, Eric Stacey. The Man Who Skied Down Everest (1975) - won Best Documentary, Features, F.R. Crawley, James Hager, Dale Hartleben. Sunday, February 24, 2019 Gulliver's Travels (1939) - nominated for Best Music, Original Song, Ralph Rainger (music), Leo Robin (lyrics), For the song "Faithful Forever"; Best Music, Original Score, Victor Young.

Life With Father (1947) - nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role, William Powell; Best Cinematography, Color, J. Peverell Marley , William V. Skall; Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color, Robert M. Haas , George James Hopkins; Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Max Steiner. Algiers (1938) - nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Charles Boyer; Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Gene Lockhart; Best Cinematography, James Wong Howe; Best Art Direction, Alexander Toluboff. My Man Godfrey (1936) - nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role, William Powell, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Carole Lombard; Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Mischa Auer; Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Alice Brady; Best Director, Gregory La Cava; Best Writing, Screenplay, Eric Hatch, Morrie Ryskind. Love Affair (1939) - nominated for Best Picture. Best Actress in a Leading Role, Irene Dunne; Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Maria Ouspenskaya; Best Writing, Original Story, Mildred Cram, Leo McCarey; Best Art Direction, Van Nest Polglase, Alfred Herman; Best Music, Original Song, Buddy G. DeSylva For the song "Wishing." The Private Life of Henry the VIII (1933) - won for Best Actor Leading, Charles Laughton. Sounder (1972) - nominated for Best Picture; Best Actor in a Leading Role, Paul Winfield; Best Actress in a Leading Role, Cicely Tyson; Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, Lonne Elder III.

About The Film Detective: The Film Detective is a leading distributor of restored classic programming, including feature films, television, foreign imports and documentaries. Since launching in 2014, the company has distributed its extensive library of 3000+ hours on DVD and Blu-ray and through such leading digital and television broadcast and streaming platforms as Turner Classic Movies, NBC, EPIX, Pluto TV, Amazon, MeTV, PBS and more. In 2016, The Film Detective launched its classic movie app, and in June of 2018, the company launched a 24/7 linear channel on Sling TV. Visit us online at www.TheFilmDetective.com Related Images a-star-is-born-1937.jpg

A Star is Born (1937) my-man-godfrey-1936.jpg

My Man Godfrey (1936) love-affair-1939.jpg

Love Affair (1939) the-film-detective.jpeg

The Film Detective Related Links https://thefilmdetective.tv/ Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FCm8pvHeEg View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-film-detective-celebrates-the-91st-academy-awards-with-a-weekend-of-oscar-classics-300798380.html SOURCE The Film Detective

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 19, 2019] Teva Finalizes Settlement with Federal Trade Commission to Resolve All Outstanding Litigation between the Parties

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) today announced a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC (News - Alert) ) that will resolve all outstanding litigation between the parties. Under the terms of the settlement, which is subject to court approval, the FTC will dismiss its claims against Teva and its affiliates in three outstanding cases, and the parties will modify certain terms in their 2015 consent decree. Teva will not pay any additional money to the FTC as part of this settlement. "We are very pleased to put these litigations against the FTC behind us," said Brendan O'Grady, EVP and Head of North America Commercial at Teva. "We also appreciate the FTC's willingness to modify our consent decree to eliminate certain administrative burdens that will make it easier for us to navigate the patent issues that are critical to our business." Originally entered in 2015 in FTC v. Cephalon, Inc., the consent decree provides clear guidance on the types of patent litigation settlements that are appropriate from the FTC's perspective. This clarity helps Teva manage the complex antitrust and other related issues inherent in the pharmaceutical business environment. The three outstanding cases that will be dismissed against Teva and its affiliates as a part of the settlement are FTC v. AbbVie Inc., Nos. 18-2621, 18-2748, 18-2758 (3d Cir.); FTC v. Actavis, Inc., Civ. Action No. 09-955 (N.D. Ga.); and FTC v. Allergan PLC, Civ. Action No. 17-00312 (N.D. Cal.). About Teva Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is a global leader in generic medicines, with innovative treatments in select areas, including CNS, pain and respiratory. We deliver high-quality generic products and medicines in nearly every therapeutic area to address unmet patient needs. We have an established presence in generics, specialty, OTC and API, building on more than a century-old legacy, with a fully integrated R&D function, strong operational base and global infrastructure and scale. We strive to act in a socially and environmentally responsible way. Headquartered in Israel, with production and research facilities around the globe, we employ 45,000 professionals, committed to improving the lives of millions of patients. Learn more at www.tevapharm.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of he Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that could cause our future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from that expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks relating to:



our ability to successfully compete in the marketplace, including: that we are substantially dependent on our generic products; competition for our specialty products, especially COPAXONE  , our leading medicine, which faces competition from existing and potential additional generic versions and orally-administered alternatives; the uncertainty of commercial success of AJOVY  or AUSTEDO  ; competition from companies with greater resources and capabilities; efforts of pharmaceutical companies to limit the use of generics, including through legislation and regulations; consolidation of our customer base and commercial alliances among our customers; the increase in the number of competitors targeting generic opportunities and seeking U.S. market exclusivity for generic versions of significant products; price erosion relating to our products, both from competing products and increased regulation; delays in launches of new products and our ability to achieve expected results from investments in our product pipeline; our ability to take advantage of high-value opportunities; the difficulty and expense of obtaining licenses to proprietary technologies; and the effectiveness of our patents and other measures to protect our intellectual property rights;

, our leading medicine, which faces competition from existing and potential additional generic versions and orally-administered alternatives; the uncertainty of commercial success of AJOVY or AUSTEDO ; competition from companies with greater resources and capabilities; efforts of pharmaceutical companies to limit the use of generics, including through legislation and regulations; consolidation of our customer base and commercial alliances among our customers; the increase in the number of competitors targeting generic opportunities and seeking U.S. market exclusivity for generic versions of significant products; price erosion relating to our products, both from competing products and increased regulation; delays in launches of new products and our ability to achieve expected results from investments in our product pipeline; our ability to take advantage of high-value opportunities; the difficulty and expense of obtaining licenses to proprietary technologies; and the effectiveness of our patents and other measures to protect our intellectual property rights; our substantial indebtedness, which may limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in additional transactions or make new investments, may result in a further downgrade of our credit ratings; and our inability to raise debt or borrow funds in amounts or on terms that are favorable to us;

our business and operations in general, including: failure to effectively execute our restructuring plan announced in December 2017; uncertainties related to, and failure to achieve, the potential benefits and success of our new senior management team and organizational structure; harm to our pipeline of future products due to the ongoing review of our R&D programs; our ability to develop and commercialize additional pharmaceutical products; potential additional adverse consequences following our resolution with the U.S. government of our FCPA investigation; compliance with sanctions and other trade control laws; manufacturing or quality control problems, which may damage our reputation for quality production and require costly remediation; interruptions in our supply chain; disruptions of our or third party information technology systems or breaches of our data security; the failure to recruit or retain key personnel; variations in intellectual property laws that may adversely affect our ability to manufacture our products; challenges associated with conducting business globally, including adverse effects of political or economic instability, major hostilities or terrorism; significant sales to a limited number of customers in our U.S. market; our ability to successfully bid for suitable acquisition targets or licensing opportunities, or to consummate and integrate acquisitions; and our prospects and opportunities for growth if we sell assets;

compliance, regulatory and litigation matters, including: costs and delays resulting from the extensive governmental regulation to which we are subject; the effects of reforms in healthcare regulation and reductions in pharmaceutical pricing, reimbursement and coverage; governmental investigations into selling and marketing practices; potential liability for patent infringement; product liability claims; increased government scrutiny of our patent settlement agreements; failure to comply with complex Medicare and Medicaid reporting and payment obligations; and environmental risks;

other financial and economic risks, including: our exposure to currency fluctuations and restrictions as well as credit risks; potential impairments of our intangible assets; potential significant increases in tax liabilities; and the effect on our overall effective tax rate of the termination or expiration of governmental programs or tax benefits, or of a change in our business; and other factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, including the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors." Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190219006074/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 19, 2019] Dave Piscitello Receives M3AAWG Mary Litynski Award for a Lifetime of Fighting DNS and Online Abuse

As a young security consultant, Dave Piscitello wondered, "how do these guys get away with all this spam and malware?" which led him to take on the challenging work of persuading the online ecosystem to address DNS abuse and related issues through his years at ICANN and in his involvement with other industry associations. Acknowledging the range and significance of these efforts, the Messaging, Malware and Mobile Anti-Abuse Working Group presented the 2019 M3AAWG Mary Litynski Award to Piscitello at the M3AAWG 45th General Meeting on February 19 in San Francisco. "With his persistent and unswerving outreach, Dave was eventually able to push the industry to address domain name system abuse to the point that preventive measures have become an ongoing discussion area within the ICANN community. This is an example of how one person can change the accepted perspective around a problem and make a difference, which is the spirit behind the M3AAWG lifetime achievement award," said Severin Walker, M3AAWG Chairman of the Board. "It's also just one of the many contributions he has made over the years in driving the industry to adopt better security measures and he is still energetically urging both the industry and public managers to take action around critical issues. For example, Dave has been actively meeting with law enforcement and data protection policy makers to educate them on the importance of WHOIS access for security researchers, which has been severely restricted due to ill-conceived and overreaching policies implemented to comply with the European Union's new privacy laws," Walker said. Piscitello was recently named a partner at Interisle Consulting Group and serves on the APWG (Anti-Phishing Working Group) and the CAUCE (Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email) Boards of Directors. During his career, Piscitello served on the Internet Engineering Task Force and the IETF Steering Group and was a technical advisor to security and broadband access companies during the turbulent dot com era. He recently retired from ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, which is the not-for-profit organization that coordinates the unique identifiers used on the internet that allow computers to find each other. While there, Piscitello served as an ICANN SSAC (Security and Stability Advisory Committee) Fellow and later, as the vice president of security and ICT coordination. Piscitello was responsible for bringing law enforcement into the ICANN Public Safety Working Group and encouraged private/public cooperation at ICANN. As he and industry trailblazers Vint Cerf, Steve Crocker and Tom Grasso explain in his acceptance video at https://youtu.be/tgLqRR-iVMs, Dave developed a highly-lauded, interntional law enforcement training program and was the project lead on creating the ICANN Domain Abuse Activity Reporting (DAAR) system to identify patterns of domain registration exploitation. He also has written numerous articles on DNS and abuse issues to educate the industry on how to protect end-users and regularly blogs at www.securityskeptic.com.



GDPR and WHOIS Access Concerns Piscitello said in accepting the award, "We need to adopt privacy and data rights protection but not at the cost of public safety," addressing the implementation policy adopted by ICANN to comply with the EU General Data Privacy Regulation that has restricted security researchers' access to the data that identifies the owner of a domain name.

"There's a disconnect here. Without the ability to identify suspicious actors, legitimate and lawful investigators such as security researchers and law enforcement are blindfolded. We're not third-parties who are using WHOIS information commercially, but, rather, we're the first responders of cybercrime, part of a critical community that mitigates threats and provides for the public's safety," he said. He also noted that both industry and government need to be more transparent for the internet to thrive and not be overrun with abuse. "Both are going to have to be more accountable. This is an interesting period for us and we all have to adjust because there's so much at stake," he said. Piscitello started working in the computer industry in 1974 when he took a programming job at Burroughs Corp. to pay for graduate school where he was studying to become a philosophy teacher. He was assigned to rewrite some remote access software and became intrigued by data communications, which led to his career in networking and security. The M3AAWG Mary Litynski Award is presented annually to recognize the lifetime achievements of an individual who has significantly contributed to making the internet safer for all. Details and submissions for the 2020 award are at https://www.m3aawg.org/events/m3aawg-mary-litynski-award. The 2019 award was announced at the M3AAWG 45th General Meeting where about 500 participants from over 20 countries are attending more than 50 sessions on cybersecurity, current malware threats, DDoS attacks, mobile issues, and other topics. The next M3AAWG meeting will be June 3-6 in Budapest, Hungry, and details are available at https://www.m3aawg.org/upcoming-meetings. About M3AAWG (the Messaging, Malware and Mobile Anti-Abuse Working Group) The Messaging, Malware and Mobile Anti-Abuse Working Group (M3AAWG) is where the industry comes together to work against bots, malware, spam, viruses, denial-of-service attacks and other online exploitation. M3AAWG (www.m3aawg.org) members represent more than two billion mailboxes from some of the largest network operators worldwide. It leverages the depth and experience of its global membership to tackle abuse on existing networks and new emerging services through technology, collaboration and public policy. It also works to educate global policy makers on the technical and operational issues related to online abuse and messaging. Headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., M3AAWG is driven by market needs and supported by major network operators and messaging providers. M3AAWG Board of Directors and Sponsors: 1 & 1 Internet SE; Adobe Systems Inc (News - Alert) .; AT&T Comcast; Endurance International Group; Facebook; Google, Inc.; LinkedIn; Mailchimp; Marketo, Inc.; Microsoft Corp.; Orange; Proofpoint; Rackspace (News - Alert) ; Return Path, Inc.; SendGrid, Inc.; Vade Secure; Valimail; VeriSign, Inc., and Verizon Media (Yahoo & AOL). M3AAWG Full Members: Agora, Inc.; Akamai (News - Alert) Technologies; Campaign Monitor; Cisco Systems, Inc.; CloudFlare, Inc.; Cyren; dotmailer; eDataSource Inc; ExactTarget, Inc.; IBM; iContact; Internet Initiative Japan (News - Alert) (IIJ); Liberty Global; Listrak; Litmus; McAfee; Mimecast; Oracle Marketing Cloud; OVH; Spamhaus; Splio; Symantec; USAA; and Valimail. A complete member list is available at http://www.m3aawg.org/about/roster. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190219005992/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]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.[February 19, 2019] New research report from CIRA shares Canadian perspective on fake news, privacy, cybersecurity and internet access

OTTAWA, Feb. 19, 2019 /CNW/ - Today the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) released a research report displaying Canadians' opinions and experiences regarding the internet and fake news, privacy, cybersecurity and access. Based on a survey of over 1,200 Canadian internet users in December 2018, the report highlights areas of concern, including apprehension around the upcoming Canadian federal election. The report also indicates what Canadians want from industry, the Canadian government and citizens themselves to create a better internet in Canada. CIRA's report offers several recommendations to improve Canada's internet, including enhanced investments by the Canadian government, actions around cybersecurity and privacy that Canadian businesses can take right away and opportunities for Canadian citizens to improve the internet they rely on every day. CIRA is a sponsor, co-organizer and participant of the upcoming Canadian Internet Governance Forum, taking place on Feb. 27, 2019 in Toronto, where internet stakeholders from across the country will meet to discuss these key issues. To read the full report visit cira.ca/betterinternet. Key facts:

Of Canadian internet users: Social media and fake news 75% say they come across fake news at least sometimes

57% have been taken in by a fake news item.

70% are concerned that fake news could impact the outcome of the next federal election. Privacy 72% are willing to disclose some or a little personal information in exchange for a valuable/convenient service.

7% are concerned that businesses with access to customers' personal data willingly share it with third parties without consent.

86% believe it is important that government data, including the personal information of Canadians, be stored and transmitted in Canada only.



Cybersecurity 87% are concerned about a potential cyberattack against organizations with access to their personal data.

Only 19% say they would continue to do business with an organization if their personal data were exposed in a cyberattack.

78% are concerned about the potential security threats related to the Internet of Things. Access

69% believe the high cost of internet services, including for mobile data, is hurting Canada's economy and prosperity.

economy and prosperity. 83% believe that universal access to high-speed internet is important for Canada's overall economic growth and prosperity.

overall economic growth and prosperity. 70% agree that the Canadian government should be doing more to support public access to high-speed internet. Internet governance 75% say they only know a little or hardly anything about the topic of global control and regulation of the internet.

50% are concerned that the global internet could fracture into regional blocks that adopt very different regulatory principles and policies.

66% support the principles of net neutrality. Executive quotes:

"With the rise of misinformation online and threats to digital privacy and cybersecurity, Canadians are demanding more of government, industry and others when it comes to Canada's internet," says CIRA's CEO Byron Holland. "The question that remains is how best to give Canadians what they want, while maintaining the open, interoperable internet that has become ubiquitous in the lives of most Canadians." "There are some basic actions that can be taken today to increase Canadian privacy and security online," says Jacques Latour, CIRA's chief security officer. "Canadian businesses must learn and follow privacy laws and make cybersecurity a priority. Governments must invest and participate in local infrastructure such as Canadian internet exchange points to keep data local, and Canadians must learn to spot and avoid personal cyber threats such as phishing emails." "With a federal election around the corner, fake news is a real concern and Canadians agree," says David Fowler, CIRA's vice president of marketing and communications and vice-chair of MediaSmarts board of directors. "Canadians see social media companies, the government and journalists as key players to halt misinformation online. But citizens themselves have a role to play and increased investments in media literacy will help Canadians spot fake news and thereby thwart its influence." About CIRA

CIRA is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which manages the .CA internet domain on behalf of all Canadians, develops and implements projects that support Canada's internet community and represents the .CA registry internationally. The CIRA team operates one of the fastest-growing country code top-level domains (ccTLD), a high-performance global DNS network, and one of the world's most advanced back-end registry solutions. CIRA participates in various fora for multistakeholder internet governance, largely through the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). SOURCE Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Walton Family Foundation: "Small-Town America Has Big-Time Potential for Economic Growth"

The Walton Family Foundation released new research today that ranks micropolitan areas across the United States, creating a data-driven index to measure economic performance across America's small towns across the Heartland and beyond. Read the research here. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005212/en/ Top 20 Most Dynamic Micropolitan Areas in the United States. Walton Family Foundation releases new research ranking all 531 micropolitan areas nationwide (Pecos, Texas takes the top spot) with one key conclusion: small-town America has big-time potential for economic growth. (Graphic: Business Wire) "The research concludes that small-town America has big-time potential for economic growh, which will help boost the nation's economy and has the potential to bridge the economic gaps between the United States' micropolitan and metropolitan areas," said Ross DeVol, the lead researcher and a Walton Fellow at the Walton Family Foundation.



Micropolitan areas comprise of localities with a population between 10,000 and 50,000 in population. Each micropolitan area is ranked and reviewed on performance-based metrics, such as job growth, income gains, and proportion of total jobs at young firms. This is the first time that such research has been undertaken in both scale and scope. Pecos, Texas ranked as the top micropolitan area in the United States with Zapata, Texas ranking last of the 531 micropolitan areas in the United States. To review the research, click here.

The research found that those micropolitans with strong economic performance shared key traits, such as: travel, tourism and recreation; professional services; culture of entrepreneurship and gas exploration; and research universities and four-year colleges. About the Walton Fellows Program

The Walton Fellows Program is term-limited, with up to one year in residence. Fellows are responsible for internal and external thought leadership and will conduct research and/or build/improve processes on behalf of the programs of the foundation. This program will shift to a new organization, Heartland Forward, a think and do tank whose mission is to improve economic performance in the center of the United States by advocating fact-based solutions to foster job creation, knowledge-based and inclusion growth and improved health status. Heartland Forward will pursue its mission through independent, data-driven research, action-oriented convenings, such as the Heartland Summit, and impactful policy recommendations. About the Walton Family Foundation

The Walton Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. The children and grandchildren of our founders, Sam and Helen Walton, lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. We work in three areas: improving K-12 education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in our home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta. In 2017, the foundation awarded more than $535 million in grants in support of these initiatives. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005212/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] VIPKid Named to Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies for Second Year in a Row

VIPKid, a global education technology company, is honored to announce that it has been named to Fast Company's prestigious annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for the second year in a row. This year, VIPKid was named number seven on Fast Company's list of the World's Most Innovative Companies in China. The list honors the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today's global economy. "We are thrilled to be recognized by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies in the world for the second year in a row," said Cindy Mi, Founder and CEO of VIPKid. "At VIPKid we are connecting students and teachers across the world on an unprecedented scale. We see an opportunity to create a global classroom for the next generation that will provide access to high quality education to all students." 2018 was a record-breaking year for VIPKid with significant expansion of its product lines and major curriculum partnerships with world-renowned institutions such as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Oxford University Press and Scholastic. A global company from day one, VIPKid has increased its international presence with new offices in Seoul, Dallas and San Francisco, where its U.S. headquarters is based. VIPKid's diverse teacher community has continued to grow and evolve. This February, teachers organized over 100 in-person meetups to celebrate Lunar New Year, honoring their personal connections to their students in China. Throughout 2018, VIPKid held three regional teacher "Journey" conferences in Salt Lake City, UT, Dallas, TX, and Orlando, FL where over 1,000 teachers gathered together to learn from educational experts and strengthen ties with their community. VIPKid continues to invest in teacher success and happiness and will be hosting its fourth regional onference on March 9 in Chicago, IL.



This year, Fast Company's editors and writers sought out groundbreaking businesses across 35 industries and every region. The World's Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company's signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy. "Established players are showing the same kind of nimbleness that we've generally associated with startups," said Fast Company deputy editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with senior editor Amy Farley.

Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies issue (March-April 2019) is now available online at https://www.fastcompany.com/MIC, as well as in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning February 27th. About VIPKid VIPKid is a global education technology company that connects children with the world's best teachers for real-time online English immersion learning. VIPKid's mission is to inspire and empower every child for the future. VIPKid envisions a global classroom that empowers students and teachers through personalized learning, connects cultures across the world and ignites a passion for lifelong learning. It believes that education is not one-size-fits-all, rather, all students are unique and the world is within their reach when connected with great teachers capable of personalizing learning and sparking curiosity. Founded in 2013 and formally launched in 2014, VIPKid has become China's market-leading online education startup, attracting investment from Tencent, Coatue Management, Sequoia Capital (News - Alert) , Sinovation Ventures, Yunfeng Capital, Matrix Partners, Learn Capital, Northern Light VC and Bryant Stibel, among others. The VIPKid platform currently connects over 500,000 paying students with over 60,000 teachers in the US and Canada. About Fast Company Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies and thinkers on the future of business. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for "Magazine Of The Year," Adweek's Hot List for "Hottest Business Publication," and six gold medals and 10 silver medals from the Society of Publication Designers. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005690/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Smart Grid Security Market: Increased Sophistication of Cyber-attacks Driving Demand

The analysts of a fresh business and commerce study by Transparency Market Research have detected a fragmented competitive landscape in the global smart grid security market, attributing the scenario to the presence of a large number of players who are catering to regional and domestic demands. Regional players have a stronger presence in the developed countries across the world. That being said, a few international players do hold a position of strength over some of the domestic players, such as Siemens AG, Intel Corporation, Symantec Corporation, Cisco Systems, Inc, IBM Corporation, Leidos Holdings, Inc., BAE Systems Plc., Honeywell International Inc., N-Dimension Solutions Inc., and AlertEnterprise Inc. For most of key players, the primary strategy is to provide customized IT security services to their customers in a bid to stay ahead of the curve.







Smart Grid Security Market to be worth US$10.58 bn by 2025 As per the evaluations of the TMR report, the worldwide smart grid security market will be worth US$10.58 bn by the end of 2025, substantially more than its calculated revenue-potential of US$4.35 bn in 2016, exhibiting an impressive CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025.



In the near future, the analysts anticipate the scenario of distributed shares to sustain as well as foresee a significant increment in partnership and collaboration activities, which not only helps them add to their product portfolio and expand their geographical presence. Another area of concentration for the market players is how to logically leverage the growing field of cloud and the internet of things (IoT), as these advancements have significantly increased the vulnerability of cyber security.





Download PDF Sample for this Research Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=23300 On the basis of deployment, the TMR report segments the smart grid security market into on-premise and cloud, whereas on the basis of security type, the market has been bifurcated into network security, database security, endpoint security, and application security. Application-wise, the report has gauged the potential of demand coming from smart meters, renewable energy resources, smart application, and energy efficient resources. Geographically, the TMR analysts have picked out North America are the region that currently provides for the maximum demand, accounting for 38.7% of the global demand for smart grid security in 2016. However, the demand from the region of Asia Pacific, driven by the emerging economies of China, India, Japan, and South Korea, is projected to expand at an above-average CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025.



Energy Needs from Urban Parts Driving Demand for Efficient Methods Relentless escalation in the need for energy and recent advancements in the technology of power grids are two of the primary drivers of the global smart grid security market. Across the world, governments of a number of developed and developing economies are urging grid operators to utilize the latest technologies in order to meet the increasing demand as a result of urbanization and consequently the consumption of electricity. Smart grids are essentially a combination of IT with traditional grid and thereby offers stronger control over the functions in order to improve reliability. In the recent past, cloud-based smart grid applications have gained adoptability as they significantly curtail the operational costs by centralizing their resources.



Increased sophistication of cyber-attacks and government regulations to maintain efficient means of energy consumption are another two drivers of the global smart grid security market, which on the other hand is restrained by factors such as lack of awareness among a number of stakeholders and the need for periodic maintenance. Nevertheless, the continuous evolution of smart grids and integrated offerings of smart grid IT and cyber-security solutions are expected to open new revenue avenues for the vendors of this market. As a community-building service, TMCnet allows user submitted content which is not always proofed by TMCnet editors. If you feel this entry is of inferior quality or wish to report it for some reason, please forward the URL to "webedit [AT] tmcnet [DOT] com" with your comments.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 19, 2019] Semir E-commerce Partners with Alibaba Retail Marketplace AliExpress to Enter Global Clothing Market

HANGZHOU, China, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Zhejiang Semir E-commerce Company, a subsidiary of China's leading apparel brand Semir Group, and AliExpress, Alibaba Group's global retail marketplace, jointly hosted the signing ceremony of an agreement setting in motion Semir's plans to expand internationally as well as the launch ceremony for the AliExpress-Semir Group Day Campaign on February 19, 2019, at its office building in Hangzhou. The move represents Semir Group's formal entry into the global market. Semir E-commerce stated the company plans to emphasize leading domestic children's wear brands Balabala and Mini Balabala and China's domestic leisure clothing brand leader Semir during the first phase of its rollout into overseas markets, with the aim of making healthy, safe, comfortable and youthful clothing available to children, adolescents and young adults worldwide. The entry into overseas markets is the first step in Semir Group's execution of its long-term strategy and roadmap. While perating its business over the last few years, every step in the planning process has fully taken into account the eventuality of entering international markets. The ongoing collection of data combined with the accumulation of experience has paved the way for the brand to join the global arena.



As a key platform for Semir Group's online development strategies, Semir E-commerce's retail sales exceeded 7.6 billion yuan (approx. US$1.1 billion) in 2018, reflecting the wide recognition of the brand by an ever growing customer base in China. The recognition and the rapid development of Semir's e-commerce laid a strong foundation for the firm's move beyond the borders of the home market. Semir E-commerce general manager Shao Feichun, in the role as signing representative for the firm, expressed confidence and high hopes for the partnership with AliExpress and said, "As China's largest B2C e-commerce platform for exports, AliExpress has established a close relationship with Semir and expects to further expand its brand influence in global markets via its market positioning in Europe, the US, the Middle East and other markets." He expressed the belief that in the Internet Plus era, Semir Group's brand will become accessible to global shoppers through e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress. For more information: https://sale.aliexpress.com/__pc/brands_semir.htm?spm=2114.11010108.01003.4.650c649bFU1JeJ&gps-id=5209001&scm=1007.15875.101669.0&scm_id=1007.15875.101669.0&scm-url=1007.15875.101669.0&pvid=f8940ba3-fde4-473b-8d95-fd2828dea45f

SOURCE Semir

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 19, 2019] Nanusens Nano-Sensor Technology Increases Battery Life of Earbuds by up to 20%

Nanusens, the pioneer of sensors built inside CMOS, has announced that its proprietary technology can significantly increase the operational life of earbuds by up to 20%. This can be achieved by replacing the MEMS sensors in an earbud with a single multi-sensor chip solution that is up to ten times smaller, freeing up space for larger batteries. The company will be announcing this technology solution at MWC 2019 (www.mwcbarcelona.com) in Barcelona, Spain on booth 6M14 in Hall 6. A MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor package contains a chip with the MEMS sensor, which is made on the microscopic scale, and a chip with the control electronics resulting in a volume of four cubic millimetres. Nanusens creates its sensors on the nanoscale within the layers of its CMOS chip that also has the control electronics. As a result, the NEMS (Nano Electro Mechanical Systems) chip is only one cubic millimetre so this will create a saving of three cubic millimetres for every MEMS package that it replaces. The more MEMS packages are replaced and their functions done by a multi-sensor Nanusens chip, the greater the space savings plus the Nanusens chip only increases slightly with every additional sensor function to accommodate additional control electronics. In addition, far less PCB estate is needed for the tiny, single chip solution compared to the PCB estate required for several MEMS packages. All this freed-up space can be used to increase the size of the battery or add a supercapacitor to extend the battery life to give a better user experience and is of tremendous interest to earbud manufacturers. Dr Josep Montanya, CEO Nanusens, explained, "We are in a unique position of being able to provide more space inside earbuds for designers to use as they wish with our nano-sensors. While some manufacturers want more battery life by using a larger battery or a supercapacitor, others want to use some of this freed-up space for features such as memory so that songs can be stored locally on the earbud. This is another way to extend the battery life as songs would not need to streamed over Bluetooth, again giving longer audio on the go." The current earbud market is 50 million units a year and this is forecast to grow extremely fast. The key driver is manufacturers removing thick, bulky headphone sockets from their mobile phone designs, so that they can have thinner phone designs with more space for the battery and additional features.* "New smartphone sales are forecast to be 1.5 billion units a year so as more and more start to ship with a pair of earbuds, our total available market is phenomenal, which is why this is our first target market," said Dr Montanya. "We have started discussions with the leading players in the valuechain to make them aware of our innovative technology so that they can start the design-in process," added Dr Montanya. "Awareness of a means to significantly increase the battery life of earbuds by the phone and earbud manufacturers will create the pull through the value chain to the Bluetooth chips manufacturers. The latter provide example designs for earbuds that are often used throughout the industry so we are targeting to be in these designs."



The first product from Nanusens will be a 2D motion detector for earbuds in Q4 2019, which can be used to implement tap and double tap for control, wake-on-movement and sleep-on-rest functions, and, soon after, a 3D accelerometer. A bone conduction sensor for noise cancellation is next to be integrated into the single chip solution. Chips will be available in a small package such as WLCSP or as bare die that can be attached directly to the PCB. "Our nano-sensor technology is very adaptable so we will be using it to create a range of other sensors," Dr Montanya concluded. "These can be created at the same time in the same chip so many different types of sensors can be built into a tiny multi-sensor solution without taking up more space. This provides companies with a roadmap of exciting additional features to enhance the user experience such as controlling the earbuds with head gesture recognition. Our nano-sensors offer a unique combination of significantly smaller solutions, lower power needs, ruggedness, and multi-functionality in a single integrated chip so, after earbuds, we will be bringing our multi-sensor nano-solutions to the wearables and IoT markets."

Nanusens nano-sensor technology MEMS sensors are created using expensive proprietary processes. Nanusens' multi-patent pending technology enables it to create nano-sensors inside the CMOS layers using standard CMOS processes within the same production flow as the rest of the chip production. This innovative approach reduces the size and cost of the sensors. Nanusens believes that its disruptive technology will revolutionise the sensor market and meet the ever-increasing demand for lower cost sensors in smartphones, wearable technology and IoT devices that has already made sensors a multi-billion-dollar industry as they provide the vital interface between the real world and the electronics. The nanoscale of this technology means that it has ultra-low power consumption. Importantly for a sensor in a device that is likely to be dropped, the NEMS design is more robust and reliable than MEMS designs. How the Nanusens sensors are made using standard CMOS processes The Inter Metal Dielectric (IMD) is etched away through the pad openings in the passivation layer using vapour HF (vHF) to create the nano-sensor structures. The holes are then sealed and the chip packaged as necessary. As only standard CMOS processes with minimal post-processing are used and the sensors can be directly integrated with active circuitry as required, the sensors can potentially have high yields similar to CMOS devices. This also means that the production is fab-independent. * See https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/johnpaczkowski/inside-iphone-7-why-apple-killed-the-headphone-jack About Nanusens www.nanusens.com Nanusens is pioneering sensors built inside CMOS. Nanusens patent-pending technology shrinks MEMS sensors and builds nano-scale sensors (NEMS - Nano Electro Mechanical Systems) along with the control electronics using standard CMOS processes. This creates single chip solutions that are up to ten times smaller than the equivalent multi-package MEMS. The freed-up space can be used for larger batteries for longer operational life battery or additional features. Many different sensors can be built into the same tiny chip to enhance the user experience and differentiate products without taking up more space. Its expertise and pending patents place it as the uncontested leader in this technology that will revolutionise the next generation of sensors. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Josep Montanya, Dr. Marc Llamas, and Dr Daniel Fernandez, Nanusens is headquartered in London, England with Research and Development offices in Barcelona, Spain and Shenzen, China. It leverages the research and expertise developed by the founders' previous company, Baolab Microsystems. Nanusens is VC funded by Inveready (www.inveready.com/venture-capital/), Caixa Capital Risc (www.caixacapitalrisc.es/en/) and Dieco Capital (www.dieco-capital.com), and crowdfunding via Crowdcube. Longer audio on the go is a trademark of Nanusens Limited View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190219005052/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] MobiledgeX and SK Telecom to Demonstrate the Next Generation of Connected Devices and Edge-Enabled Application Experiences at MWC

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MobiledgeX, provider of mobile edge developer services, previously announced an agreement to partner with SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM), the largest mobile operator in South Korea, to enable a new generation of connected devices, content, and experiences, creating new business models and revenue opportunities leading into 5G.

5G Edge Computing Collaboration MoU Signing Ceremony



Since the announcement, MobiledgeX and SK Telecom have been working closely together with both device makers and application developers and will demonstrate the results of the rapid collaboration in the SK Telecom booth at Mobile World Congress (MWC 2019) in Barcelona this February. In the 5G era, Mobile Edge Computing will be a key technology for next-generation industries including realistic media and autonomous driving, said Park Jong-kwan, Vice President and Head of 5GX Labs of SK Telecom. The first demonstration is with 1000 realities, a leading augmented reality company that recently won the grand prix prize for best CESA IoT Startup , as well as for the best VR/AR startup held at the u>European VR/AR congress. The computational intensity of 1000 realities augmented reality glasses software requires a latency of less than 33 ms for operational viability, which is only possible when running on MobiledgeX and SK Telecoms infrastructure. 1000 realities software helps industrial workers perform their day-to-day tasks by delivering relevant data depending on where they are and what they are looking at. Performance intense computer vision algorithms responsible for spatial mapping and positional tracking cannot be run on light, low computing smart glasses, especially if the smart glass user has to be localized on large scale industrial premises.



Access to Edge is make or break for our business to work and scale, without the need for an on-premise local data center, says Piotr Wojcik, CEO, 1000 realities. Access to existing mobile operator infrastructure and edge services via MobiledgeX allows us to seamlessly scale our business faster and without the need for additional effort. The demonstration shows the strength of operator collaboration in the future application enablement space. The 1000 realities application is already operational on Deutsche Telekoms Network edge with the help of MobiledgeX and was seamlessly integrated into SK Telecoms network. This is an example of a better, faster, more efficient business approach for both developers and mobile operators, a behavior that previously created the existing smartphone market.

I am very pleased that we were able to move so rapidly from partnership to technical realization. The ability to show the strength and value of operator collaboration by rapidly deploying next-generation applications globally is very important as we build the global community in the new edge and 5G services space, says Eric Braun, Chief Commercial Officer of MobiledgeX. Based on this partnership, SK Telecom will continue to drive technology innovations to provide customers with differentiated 5G services, said Park Jong-kwan, Vice President and Head of 5GX Labs of SK Telecom. About MobiledgeX: MobiledgeX is building a marketplace of edge resources and services that will connect developers with the world's largest mobile networks to power the next generation of applications and devices. MobiledgeX is an independent edge computing company founded by Deutsche Telekom and headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on MobiledgeX can be found in our newsroom . For more information see https://mobiledgex.com or contact us at press@mobiledgex.com . About SK Telecom: SK Telecom is the largest mobile operator in Korea with nearly 50 percent of the market share. As the pioneer of all generations of mobile networks, the company has launched the fifth generation (5G) network on December 1, 2018. The company is not only leading innovations in the field of mobile network, but is also creating unprecedented value in areas such as media, security and commerce. In the Fourth Industrial Revolution, SK Telecom will inspire the world, building a future beyond expectations. For more information, please contact skt_press@sk.com or sktelecom@bm.com. About 1000 realities: 1000 realities is a leading augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) company focusing on building ARIA - a smart glass AR assistant for industrial workers. The unique software is based on remote SLAM - advanced computer vision algorithms that track where the users are and what they are looking at, in order to show them the data that are relevant in that particular context. ARIA has already won multiple awards, including best IoT startup at CESA 2018 and best VR/AR startup at the European VR/AR congress 2017. For more information please contact: info@1000realities.io or www.1000realities.io Brian Baumley

BLB Communications for MobiledgeX

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9dfda23-be42-426c-8a46-1f53ada05ef9.



brianb@blbcomm.com

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] The Linux Foundation Announces the 2019 Open Networking Summit North America Speaking Schedule

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization enabling mass innovation through open source, has announced the keynote speakers and session line-up for Open Networking Summit North America (ONS), taking place April 3-5 in San Jose, Calif. The full lineup of sessions can be viewed here , and features speakers from AT&T, China Mobile, Ericsson, Google, Huawei, Intel, KPMG, Nokia, Red Hat, Target, and more. "The Open Networking Summit is a chance to bring together the entire open networking community  from telco providers to cloud providers  to share best practices and discuss how we can work together to advance networking technology," said Arpit Joshipura, General Manager, Networking, Edge & IoT, the Linux Foundation. "Gathering the industry's foremost innovators and technologists, ONS is a must-attend event for collaboration and knowledge sharing." ONS brings together enterprises, telecom companies, and cloud providers to advance collaboration and innovation across the entire open source networking ecosystem. ONS 2019 tracks include: Carrier and Cloud DevOps, Cloud Native Networking, Enterprise IT & Operations, The New Edge, and World of Open Innovation and Impact to Networking. ONS features industry visionaries, deep technical tracks, and real-world case studies on a range of critical topics, with content for developers and business leaders. Conference participants will strengthen their connection to the industry, collaborate on thought leadership, connect with end users and partners, showcase innovative proofs of concept and demos, and help drive transformation in the evolving open source networking industry. Featured Keynote Speakers Include: Andre Fuetsch , President, AT&T Labs & Chief Technology Officer, AT&T

, President, AT&T Labs & Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Junlan Feng , General Manager of the AI and Intelligent Operations R&D Center & Chief Scientist, China Mobile

, General Manager of the AI and Intelligent Operations R&D Center & Chief Scientist, Sandra Rivera , SVP & General Manager, Network Platforms Group and Rajesh Gadiyar , Vice President, Data Center Group & Chief Technology Officer, Network Platforms Group, Intel Corporation

, SVP & General Manager, Network Platforms Group and , Vice President, Data Center Group & Chief Technology Officer, Network Platforms Group, Armughan Ahmad, Managing Partner nd President, Digital and Technology Solutions, KPMG Canada



Featured Conference Sessions Include: Rapid Integration of New Technologies via DevOps  Dan Connolly

Assistant Vice President - Member Technical Staff & David Lu , Vice President, SDN Platform & Systems, AT&T

Assistant Vice President - Member Technical Staff & , Vice President, SDN Platform & Systems, OPEN-AUTO, China Mobile's Strategy and Steps for Future Cloud CI/CD  Qiao Fu , Project Manager, China Mobile

, Project Manager, The Future of the Edge  Kyle Mestery , Distinguished Engineer & Ian Wells , Distinguished Engineer, Cisco

, Distinguished Engineer & , Distinguished Engineer, Cloud Native Network Tracing in an Istio Service Mesh Using OPNFV Clover's Clovisor  Stephen Wong , Software Architect, FutureWei Technologies, Inc.

, Software Architect, Open Networking in Telecom - Results of Heavy Reading/LF Networking Survey  Roz Roseboro , Principal Analyst, Heavy Reading

, Principal Analyst, A Kubernetes-Based Blueprint for Far Edge - Azhar Sayeed , Chief Architect, Red Hat

, Chief Architect, Open Source Networking @ Target to Support Stores  Craig Dolezal , Sr. Director - Distributed Connectivity, & Jeff Strande , Principle Engineer - Connectivity, Target Corporation

, Sr. Director - Distributed Connectivity, & , Principle Engineer - Connectivity, Running TungstenFabric at Scale  Piyush Srivastava , Senior Software Engineer & David O'Brien , Software Development Engineer, Workday Registration is discounted to US $1,200 through February 25. Day passes, expo passes, and discounted academic and student rates are also available.

Applications for diversity and needs-based scholarships are currently being accepted. For information on eligibility and how to apply, please click here . The Linux Foundation events are where the world's leading technologists meet, collaborate, learn and network in order to advance innovations that support the world's largest shared technologies including Acumos, Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), Cloud Foundry, GraphQL, Horovod, Hyperledger Fabric, Kubernetes, Let's Encrypt, Linux, Node.js, and Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP). Thank you to our sponsors including Diamond Sponsors Ericsson, Intel and Open Networking Foundation; Platinum Sponsors Alibaba Cloud, and Huawei; and Gold Sponsors ARM, Cloud Native Computing Foundation and IBM. Members of the press who would like to request a press pass to attend should contact Rachel Romoff at rromoff@linuxfoundation.org. Additional Resources

Why Attend Linux Foundation Events Video About The Linux Foundation

The Linux Foundation is the organization of choice for the world's top developers and companies to build ecosystems that accelerate open technology development and commercial adoption. Together with the worldwide open source community, it is solving the hardest technology problems by creating the largest shared technology investment in history. Founded in 2000, The Linux Foundation today provides tools, training and events to scale any open source project, which together deliver an economic impact not achievable by any one company. More information can be found at www.linuxfoundation.org . The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see our trademark usage page: https://www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage . Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Media Contact:

Rachel Romoff

rromoff@linuxfoundation.org View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-linux-foundation-announces-the-2019-open-networking-summit-north-america-speaking-schedule-300798811.html SOURCE The Linux Foundation

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Hedera Hashgraph Announces Initial Group of Governing Council Members

DALLAS and SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hedera Hashgraph, a next-generation public ledger designed to have highly diversified governance and the most distributed consensus at scale, today announced the first members of the Hedera Governing Council, which will govern changes to the software run by millions of Hedera distributed nodes over time. The governing council will bring stability and guaranteed continued decentralization to the Hedera Hashgraph distributed public ledger. The initial members will be Deutsche Telekom, DLA Piper, Magazine Luiza, Nomura Holdings, Inc., and Swisscom Blockchain AG, representing some of the most respected names in the telecommunications, technology, financial services, legal, and retail industries globally. The organization also shared a video stream from its first annual summit, held earlier today in Seoul, Korea. Hedera's vision is to create a safer, fairer, more secure internet  one in which online communities can collectively create and evolve shared worlds in cyberspace, and on which developers can build trusted applications that enable safe collaboration and commerce, without entrusting a central organization with personal data. To realize this vision, Hedera has focused on addressing four fundamental roadblocks to the adoption of public distributed ledger technology  technology, security, stability, and governance. Governing Council Ensures Long-Term Stability and Decentralization

Public distributed ledgers aim to provide decentralized systems, in which anyone can participate and benefit from them. But a peer-reviewed study from the Initiative for Cryptocurrencies and Contracts (IC3) at Cornell University, on "Decentralization in Bitcoin and Ethereum," found that the world's largest public ledgers have actually become more centralized over time. The study found the top four Bitcoin miners and top three Ethereum miners control more than 50% of the world's hash rate, in part due to the lack of a governance model that ensures continued decentralization. The Hedera network does not require mining or proof of work, and further plans to address ongoing decentralization concerns by separating governance from consensus. The governance model is based on the original model used by National BankAmericard Inc., founded in 1968, and later renamed VISA. It is designed in a way that ensures the governing council can be trusted to do what's in the best interest of the Hedera network, that no single company has control, and that the Council cannot be unduly influenced by individual members or node operators. "A general-purpose public ledger should be governed by representatives from a broad range of market sectors and geographies, each with world-class expertise in thir respective industries," said Mance Harmon, CEO of Hedera. "With this inaugural group, we are demonstrating the caliber of organizations it takes to deliver long-lasting, stable governance for the industry's first enterprise-ready public ledger suitable for mission-critical applications. Hedera's governing members will provide the technical expertise to manage the technical roadmap, business expertise to manage business operations, expertise in economics and currency markets to manage the cryptocurrency, and legal expertise to help navigate the evolving regulatory environment. With the Hedera Hashgraph Council, you are seeing a true distributed governance model finally come to fruition, and we could not be more excited about this first group of council members."



Governing Member Remarks "Distributed ledger technology is fundamentally changing business models and will evolve all types of systems in our society," said John Calian, Senior Vice President, Head of T-Labs & The Blockchain Group, Deutsche Telekom. "Hedera has uniquely thought through the security, governance and scalability concerns that have hampered early iterations of blockchain technology, and have created a public distributed ledger and governing council that will ensure long-term stability, distributed governance, and security. We are thrilled to be an initial governing member of the Hedera Hashgraph Council, to help shepherd this important technology as it is adopted by the market."

"DLA Piper has been at the forefront of helping organizations understand legal frameworks and issues in leveraging blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) for a number of years now, and is also adopting such technology in its own client solutions," said Scott Thiel, Partner at DLA Piper. "Hedera uniquely enables many mechanisms within smart contracts - including Know Your Customer (KYC) and AML (Anti Money Laundering) compliance - which are significant breakthroughs in DLT. As we work to bring these kinds of technologies to our clients, we are pleased to join the Hedera Hashgraph Council as an inaugural governing member, to help further shape the adoption of DLT across organizations and governments globally." "Switzerland has a long standing reputation as a trust anchor with its neutrality, stability and safety to conduct international business and accomplish consensus amongst nations and industries. Swisscom Blockchain AG capitalizes on the same brand of trust to enable effective, secure and compliant implementation of blockchain use cases by using a technology that brings organizations and industries together," said Kamal Youssefi Industry Lead Enterprise Blockchain, Swisscom Blockchain AG. "With their practical model for highly distributed governance and consensus, Hedera is visionary in the industry. They are designing one of the most fair, secure, and distributed ledger options, and we are proud to be an initial governing member of the Hedera Hashgraph Council." "For 60 years we have been embracing new technologies to help us achieve our business goals. In the early 1990s, we opened tiny showrooms  without physical inventory  in small towns that couldn't support our traditional store format, selling products "virtually" by showing customers video-taped images of the merchandise," said Simon Olson, Director of New Business Development and Investor Relations at Magazine Luiza. "We believe that distributed ledger technologies and decentralized applications represent a disruptive opportunity and are excited to be inaugural members of the Hedera Hashgraph Governing Council." Legal and Technical Controls Ensure Continued Decentralization Hedera will use a combination of technical and legal controls to give the governing council mechanisms to promote stability and ensure the network will never fork. The consensus model ensures that the Hedera network will expand to many millions of nodes voting on the order of transactions in a highly distributed network. For more information, please read the Hedera whitepaper at https://www.hedera.com/whitepaper. About Hedera Hedera Hashgraph is a public distributed ledger for building decentralized applications. Developers can build secure, fair, blazing-fast decentralized applications on top of the Hedera platform. For more information, visit https://www.hedera.com, or follow us on Twitter at @hashgraph, Telegram at t.me/hashgraph, or Discord at https://www.hedera.com/discord. The Hedera whitepaper can be found at https://www.hedera.com/whitepaper. For Media Inquiries

Zenobia Godschalk

E: pr@hashgraph.com

T: 1.833.794.7537 x 717 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hedera-hashgraph-announces-initial-group-of-governing-council-members-300796850.html SOURCE Hedera Hashgraph

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] GRC Designs Fully-integrated, Containerized, Cost-Efficient Data Center Liquid Immersion Cooling Solutions for the US Air Force

GRC, the leader in immersion cooling for data centers, today announced successful deployment of two modular, transportable data centers, at Hill Air Force Base near Salt Lake City in Utah and Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, OK. This deployment resulted in 18.1% less power required to run the servers and a reduction of 93.1% PUE, with a 41.4% overall reduction in total power use. These installations of GRC's proprietary ICEtankTM immersion cooling solution address the USAF needs for turnkey, containerized data centers that can be deployed in less than 24 hours, in a wide range of environments, with reduced required support equipment and maintenance costs, and hat can be remotely monitored and controlled. Based on the success of this project, GRC is working with the USAF to develop the next generation production units.



"We are working with GRC on these data center deployments," said Mike Neri, Director Communications and Information at Hill Air Force Base. "They worked closely with us to design a system to meet our unique needs for mobility and rapid deployment, and for data centers that can withstand harsh environments." GRC ICEtankTM immersion cooling solution is a turnkey data center container with complete cooling and power infrastructure. This specialized installation for the USAF has resulted in 100% uptime for both containers (approaching three years of cumulative testing) and have significantly reduced power usage.

"Working with the US Air Force on this project is exciting," said Peter Poulin, CEO of GRC. "They subject their data centers to some of the toughest conditions we've ever seen. We were thrilled to work so closely with their team to deliver automated, efficient, easy to transport, low cost ICEtankTM data centers. I look forward to continuing this partnership and helping them build out future data centers." To view the full case study, please visit https://www.grcooling.com/learning-center/usaf-containerized-data-center. About GRC GRC is the immersion cooling authority. The company's patented immersion cooling technology radically simplifies deployment of data center cooling infrastructure. By eliminating the need for chillers, CRACs, air handlers, humidity controls and other conventional cooling components, enterprises reduce their data center design, build, energy, and maintenance costs. GRC's solutions are deployed in thirteen countries and are ideal for high density computing, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, HPC, and other GPU-centric applications. They are environmentally resilient and space saving, making it possible to deploy the solution in virtually any location with minimal lead time. Visit grcooling.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005641/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]The Solana Beach School District is taking steps toward implementing a comprehensive and innovative social and emotional learning program in the coming school year that supports all students.

The continuum of services aims to provide all students with relationship skills, connections to a trusted adult and self-awareness; to help some students with additional services to develop healthy self-perceptions, respect for individual differences and social skills; and provide more intensive services for the few to address issues like anxiety, defiance, bullying and aggressive behavior.

At the Feb. 13 meeting, the board approved Superintendent Jodee Brentlingers recommendation to provide certificated counselors and guidance assistants at each district school each school will have both, however, not necessarily each position at each site every day. The recommendation supports a team approach to social emotional learning with a school psychologist, guidance staff, speech pathologists and the districts mental health services provider.

We need our children today to be able to navigate their life, Brentlinger said of the districts goals to promote sixth grade students who are equipped with the tools to successfully respond to the challenges they will face in middle school, high school and beyond.

Currently, services and supports differ at all schools and some on the guidance team split their time between two sites and others only work part time. The district will seek input on what the allocation of services should look like at each site through parent outreach in April.

This is a journey and will continue to be a journey, said Sabrina Lee, assistant superintendent of instructional services. We are all committed to the success of all of our kiddos and we know that the recommendations made tonight will require a shift in how we look at support for students in social emotional learning.

The board also approved the recommendations of implementing a universal screener to help identify kids who might otherwise fall through the cracks, piloting the Sanford Harmony professional development program for staff and developing metrics to evaluate the social emotional learning program moving forward.

Student well-being has been a board priority, as the board designated $350,000 in the 2018-19 budget toward developing a health and guidance program.

We really want to help these kids come to the classroom every day and be ready to learn and hopefully launch themselves into high school and adulthood being able to manage all these stressors that are going to be in front of them, said Clerk Debra Schade, who pushed for the priority on mental health in the district during her term as the board president.

All districts are struggling with this, Schade said. The reason I started this is I believed that based on the expertise within our district, the resources available, the leadership we have in place, that we could put together a model program that would be a model for the rest of California. And I still believe that. And if we fall short Im going to feel like we didnt do our due diligence because we really can do this. If we show that it can be done and it can be managed and if we make a difference, youre going to see this move the needle in California and then move the needle in the United States.

The district formed a social emotional learning committee last year that worked toward creating a research-based recommendation for the districts services. The committees goals were that all students feel connected to a trusted adult on campus and that students experience social emotional learning throughout the school daythe aim is to ensure that everyone on campus, including the custodial and secretarial staff, is trained and a part of the program to create a culture where all students feel safe valued and appreciated. This is all hands on deck, Lee said. Were wrapping ourselves around our kiddos.

Of the approximately 3,100 students in the district, 547 received guidance services in 2017-18 and 207 received individual counseling. Based on feedback from district staff, students in the district have a variety of needs surrounding family hardships, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, lack of empathy, eating disorders, grief and loss, and divorce. Suicide ideation can become a result of some of those needs.

During the workshops last year, it was revealed that school psychologists are seeing an increase in mental health diagnosis and medication as early as kindergarten and, in many cases, the school is providing the only type of counseling, mental health or social emotional service that children get.

Elizabeth Schlicher, guidance counselor at Solana Vista, spoke about the importance of having consistent guidance staffing at each school site.

In my opinion an effective school counseling program is more than just having counseling services available, it needs to be much more than someone bouncing from site to site seeing students for 30 minutes. While this might work with older students, our younger population needs daily, potentially unscheduled interactions with our counselors, Schlicher said.

Schlicher said when counselors are on campus full time they are able to form relationships with the entire school population not just those needing services which helps decrease the stigma of going to see the counselor.

Eliminating this stigma at a young age, for a lack of a better phrase, is a big deal, said Schlicher, who added that she makes herself a well-known, friendly and trusted face on campus through not just running counseling sessions but lunch clubs, student council and greeting families in the morning. I fear that this would go away if counselors are split between sites.

Susanna Romero-Reiss, a guidance assistant at Solana Highlands School, said that through forming relationships at school, she has seen students advocate for themselves, reaching out when they need help.

I love my job. Helping students with social emotional learning is so rewarding, Romero-Reiss said. After seven years in this position, Ive seen the power of connection and relationships and I know how long that can take to build. I believe our students both need and deserve social emotional support on a full-time basis.

Schade said when the district makes staff allocations she would like to see a school counselor at every site and if the school has a larger enrollment, they might need more than one.

I have been able to witness what the staff is doing with these kids and Ive seen what a full-time counselor can do at a site in a very short period of time. Im hoping thats the direction were moving, Schade said. It cant be a financial decision, it has to be a decision that puts the kids first. And I think any other decision that doesnt staff appropriately at these sites is doing a disservice to these kids.

The mental health challenges that these kids are facing and the lives that theyre living, if we dont do it when theyre in our hands at K-6, were missing the boat.[February 20, 2019] Flow Computers Market Size Worth $1.33 Billion by 2025 | CAGR: 7.8%: Grand View Research, Inc.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The global flow computers market size is likely to reach USD 1.33 billion by 2025, rising at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period, according to the new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The adoption rate of flow computers is poised to gain traction over the coming years, particularly in industries such as oil & gas, owing to introduction of technologically advanced products such as scanner model flow computers, which offer processing power and support gas chromatograph, in addition to two integral flow runs for managing fluid property calculations. Key suggestions from the report: Increasing refinery and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects are projected to stoke the growth of the market during the forecast period

The hardware segment is anticipated to dominate the market throughout the forecast horizon. Hardware products support the flow metering solutions.

In the oil & gas industry, flow computers are used for fuel monitoring and liquid & gas measurement. Flow computing software in the oil & gas industry is used on a standard computer and provides measurement values for virtual flow computers acquired by data communication devices

The key industry participants include Yokogawa Corporation of America; ABB; SICK AG; Emerson Electric Co; Schlumberger Limited; Schneider Electric; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; FMC Technologies, Inc.; and Honeywell International, Inc.. Read 167 page research report with TOC on "Flow Computers Market Size, Share, & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Wired, Wireless), By Component (Hardware, Software), By Application (Oil & Gas, Water & Wastewater), And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/flow-computers-market Software is projected to be the most promising component segment during the forecast period. The software helps audit and verify produced data. The service segment is also anticipated to witness noteworthy growth during the forecast period owing to flow computers demand repair and maintenance on a regular basis. The wired flow computers segment is estimated to dominate the market throughout the forecast period owing to surging demand for these computers in wastewater treatment and power plant projects. Addition of wireless systemsand solar powered systems in flow computers has increased the ability of these computers to reliably access the data from remote locations. The wireless flow computers segment is expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period.



The demand for flow computers is likely to be high in the water & wastewater industry as they are used to interpret data received from flow meters by measuring static & differential pressure and temperature. These computers gather output signals of flow meters and the information is subsequently assimilated and converted to mass and volume-based flow. North America represented the leading share in the market in 2017. Domicile of key manufacturers of flow computers has been contributing to the growth of the regional market. Asia Pacific is poised to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to advancements in flow computers, growing urbanization, and industrial development.

Find more research reports on Technology Industry, by Grand View Research: Grand View Research has segmented the global flow computers market based on component, product, application, and region: Flow Computers Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Hardware



Software



Services

Flow Computers Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Wired Flow Computers



Wireless Flow Computers

Flow Computers Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Oil & Gas



Water & Wastewater



Energy & Power Generation



Food & Beverage



Chemical



Pulp & Paper and Metal & Mining



Others

Flow Computers Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

North America



U.S.





Canada





Mexico



Europe



U.K.





Germany





France





Netherlands



Asia Pacific



China





Japan





India





South Korea





Australia



South America



Brazil



The Middle East & Africa

&

U.A.E.





Saudi Arabia





Africa Browse related reports by Grand View Research: Transparent Conductive Film Market - The global transparent conductive film market has substantial growth prospects over the forecast period

Cellular Network Subscription Market  The Global cellular network subscription market has shown a tremendous growth in last few years and is expected to increase over specified period owing to evolving mobile industry.

Airside Services Market - The airside services market is poised for steady growth over the forecast period owing to the increasing private participation in ground handling & maintenance and growing liberalization. Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: +1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com

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[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Fisk University and Cravath Announce Launch of Undergraduate Scholars Program

Fisk University, one of the nation's historically black colleges and the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP today announced the launch of the Cravath Scholars program. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005222/en/ The program, which will support high-achieving Fisk students studying across a range of disciplines, strengthens Cravath's historical ties to the University as the Firm celebrates its bicentennial. Scholars will be supported with tuition assistance and a summer internship in Cravath's New York office, including training and mentorship opportunities. Kevin Rome, Sr., Ph.D., President of Fisk University, said, "It is with the support of institutions like Cravath, Google (News - Alert) , HCA and Ingram Industries that we are able to provide our stuents access to resources and experiences that will shape their paths in life long after graduation. We are proud to have Cravath as our partner in establishing this very special Scholars program."



Established shortly after the end of the Civil War, Fisk University's founders included noted abolitionist Reverend Erastus Milo Cravath, whose son, Paul Drennan Cravath, would go on to become a named partner in the Firm. Erastus Cravath served as the first President of the University, a role he held for more than two decades, raising his family on the grounds of the Fisk campus. Sharing his father's passion for the mission of the school, Paul Cravath served in various leadership roles at Fisk for 45 years. "From its mandate in the aftermath of the Civil War to its illustrious roster of alumni, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Congressman John Lewis, Fisk University has played a crucial role in the progress of the United States," said Faiza J. Saeed, Cravath's Presiding Partner. "It is an honor to celebrate our shared history in our bicentennial year, and to have the opportunity to contribute to the education and development of another generation of Fisk students."

Founded in 1866, Fisk University is committed to the success of scholars and leaders with global perspective, producing graduates from diverse backgrounds with the integrity and intellect required for substantive contributions to society. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP was founded in 1819 and is widely recognized as one of the world's premier law firms. The Firm has 546 lawyers in New York City and London. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005222/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Edmentum's Study Island Research Demonstrates Improved Student Outcomes

Edmentum, a global education leader and a pioneer in online teaching and learning solutions, is pleased to release a new research study: Impacts of the Use of Study Island Practice in an Arizona School District. This study is the third Study Island research paper to be released in less than 10 months demonstrating Edmentum's commitment to rigorous research and efficacy surrounding its programs. Results of the study indicate that Study Island had a statistically significant effect on improving student outcomes. "Edmentum is committed to helping educators improve student achievement," said Dr. Karen Barton, senior vice president of research and design at Edmentum. "We are thankful to partner with schools and districts across the country that llow us to conduct high-quality research to ensure that Edmentum programs meet the needs of the teachers and students who use them."



This new study provides detailed analyses of student usage of Study Island compared to those students' Arizona state assessment (AzMERIT) results, and it found statistically significant positive effects on state test scores in math for 4th, 5th, and 7th grade students who used Study Island compared to those who did not. Students who used Study Island were also more likely to achieve a higher proficiency level on the state test in math, with proficiency rates ranging from 5 to 10 percent higher among Study Island users. "Our programs are designed using the latest research-based principles and pedagogy, and we're glad to see that this new study further demonstrates their effectiveness," said Dave Adams, chief academic officer at Edmentum.

Study Island is a customizable K-12 assessment and practice tool that gives educators the flexibility and depth needed to support student learning and continuously engage, monitor, and assess progress. Study Island is backed by multiple valid research studies that show that Study Island meets ESSA requirements of an evidence-based intervention. About Edmentum Edmentum, Inc. is committed to making it easier for educators to individualize learning for every student through simple technology, high-quality content, and actionable data. Founded in innovation, Edmentum's powerful learning solutions blend technology with individual teaching approaches. Edmentum is committed to being educators' most trusted partner in creating successful student outcomes everywhere learning occurs. For more information, visit edmentum.com. Edmentum and Study Island are trademarks of Edmentum, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005757/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] China Unicom and Valid Join Commercial Forces to Deliver LTE Connectivity Enablement to Global IoT Device

BARCELONA, Spain, February 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- China Unicom, the leading telecommunications provider in China, and Valid, the innovative eSIM solution provider today announced their commercial partnership to deliver LTE Connectivity Enablement to global IoT customers in China. This commercial partnership provides eSIM technology, making LTE connectivity and subscription management easier for IoT device makers. The companies will explain this industry-first during Mobile World Congress Barcelona, which takes place on Feb 25-28th in Barcelona, Spain. The commercial partnership leverages Valid's IoT Connectivity Platform paired with China Unicom's powerful eSIM platform which is awarded "GSMA Asia Best Mobility Breakthrough" in MWC Shanghai 2018 - both of which use advanced, GSMA-compliant subscription management solutions from Valid and China Unicom. The companies have successfully tested and demonstrated a fully compliant subscription management swap procedure in China between their respective systems. This critical milestone was achieved in an interoperable multi-vendor environment. "We are pleased to partner with Valid in this important industry initiative. The integration of eSIM platforms paves the way for accelerated innovation across the China Unicom network," said Chen Feng Wei, Deputy General Manager from Unicom Vsens. "Through this commercial partnership, we are enabling a truly unique experience and technology that drives seamless connectivity." "It is a real pleasure for Valid to partner with China Unicom. Together, we have achieved a major industry milestone proving once again te leadership and industry expertise of the involved parties. The integration between China Unicom unique service platform, Valid eUICC & Subscription Management technology, and, best-in-class China Unicom LTE Network will enable IoT OEMs, device makers and service providers to embrace a seamless connectivity experience in China," said Carlos Affonso D'Aburquerque, CEO of Valid.



About Valid Valid (BM&FBOVESPA: VLID3 ON) is a global company with more than 60 years of experience in the market and a broad portfolio of security-based technological solutions for the financial and banking markets, as well as mobile, identification, data management, Internet of Things (IoT) and track & trace. Valid has more than 6,000 employees and a presence in 16 countries. Today, the company has more than a 60% share of the market for the issuance of identification documents in Brazil, is the fifth-largest producer of SIM Cards in the world, and is among the world's ten largest manufacturers of banking cards. Valid's services fluidly adapt to the unique needs of each region where we operate to create personalized and integrated solutions for our clients. To learn more, visit http://www.valid.com.

About China Unicom China United Network Communications Corporation Limited ("China Unicom") was officially established on January 6, 2009 on the basis of the merger of former China Netcom and former China Unicom. It has subsidiaries in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) across China and many countries and regions around the world. It is the only Chinese telecom operator listed on the stock exchanges of New York, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. It has been a Fortune 500 company for many years and was ranked at No. 273 in Fortune 500 in 2018. China Unicom operates a wide range of services, including fixed communication services, mobile communication services, domestic and international communication facilities services, Satellite International Private Lease (IPL) service, data communication services, network access services, telecom value-added services, and system integration related to information and communication services. On April 28, 2009, China Unicom unveiled its full-service brand - "Wo", which carries China Unicom's consistent and innovative service concept and aims to provide comprehensive support for individual, home and corporate customers. China Unicom has built up a modern communication network with nationwide coverage and global reach. It is vigorously deploying the fixed and mobile broadband networks and advancing the implementation of "Broadband China" strategy at the corporate level, with the aim to provide its users with comprehensive and premium information and communication services. Owning both TD-LTE and LTE FDD 4G licenses, China Unicom ushered in a new stage for 4G development. Contacts

VALID

Marisol Fernandez for Valid

+34-690-24-33-75

marisol.fernandez@valid.com

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][February 20, 2019] Canada Invests in Energy Efficiency Improvements in Hamilton

ONTARIO, Feb. 20, 2019 /CNW/ - Energy efficiency in industry strengthens competitiveness, lowers costs, maximizes profits and promotes a more sustainable environment. Promoting and rewarding energy-efficient practices are key components of Canada's approach to transitioning to a clean energy future. Member of Parliament for York Centre, Michael Levitt, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, today formally announced a $40,000 investment for ArcelorMittal for an ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard that reduced energy consumption and improved the environmental performance of its organization. This project is funded in part by Natural Resources Canada and facilitated by the Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation (CIPEC). CIPEC includes more than 2,300 facilities representing 20 industrial sectors and over 50 trade associations. An award-winning partnership between the Government of Canada and Canadian industry, IPEC advances industrial energy efficiency by promoting the uptake of energy management systems, best practices and technologies.



Through Generation Energy, Canada's national energy dialogue, Canadians expressed that they want to see Canada continuing to be a leader in the transition to a clean growth economy. Canada will continue to support innovative projects that create jobs, improve industry competitiveness, cut pollution and act on climate change. Quick Facts

Canadian companies that have implemented ISO 50001 have achieved an average energy intensity improvement of nearly 10 percent within the first two years, resulting in up to $2 million in annual energy cost savings for large Canadian companies.

in annual energy cost savings for large Canadian companies. The ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard is an internationally recognized voluntary standard that gives organizations a structured framework to manage energy. Organizations that have implemented ISO 50001 have reduced energy costs and increased competitiveness while minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other environmental impacts. Quotes "With industry and government working together at all levels, we can create a more prosperous, competitive and sustainable Canada. Our government is committed to energy efficiency, and we are proud to work with ArcelorMittal to advance our clean energy future." Michael Levitt

Member of Parliament for York Centre "Achieving ISO 500001 certification is a recognition of the integrity of our energy management system. We are managing the energy we bring into the system in the most effective way and getting the most value from it. This is another aspect that helps us maintain our competitive position." Ian Shaw

Manager, Energy Department, ArcelorMittal Dofasco Related Information

Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation (CIPEC) Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]News Reporter

Eddie Trizzino has been a reporter with the Times West Virginian since August of 2017, covering the entertainment, business and health beats. He spends most of his time listening to records, going to the movies and strolling through the town.Helen Louise McCabe died peaceably with her daughters by her side Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 at Stonerise (Mapleshire) Nursing Facility in Morgantown, WV. She was born December 4, 1924 in Walnut Hill, Pennsylvania. She was a daughter of the late Hosea Metheny and Gertrude Myers Metheny. SurvThe Carmel Valley Community Planning boards transit subcommittee has a plan in motion to reinstate transit to the area and it is hoping that the community will get on board.

Subcommittee member Sonya Solinsky said its important to show predicted ridership values to get transit into the communities they are calling North West San Diego: Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Torrey Pines, Del Mar Mesa, Torrey Hills, Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, Torrey Highlands, Black Mountain Ranch and Rancho Penasquitos.

The support will confirm that transit is something that the residents of these communities really want, Solinsky said.

Solinsky is encouraging everyone to take a short online survey as she gathers data to show ridership exists to pilot a program making missing north-south and east-west connections.

The survey is simple: Do you want more transit and will you use it? Solinsky said of the quick survey found at tinyurl.com/sdtransitsurvey

The survey is not just for local residents but also includes those with employees or workers who come to this area from other regions.

To rally support for her cause Solinsky has met with Assemblyman Todd Gloria, San Diego City Council President Georgette Gomez (chair of the MTS board and a SANDAG board member), members of the Climate Action Plan and District 1 City Councilmember Barbara Bry. She also hopes to meet with District 5 City Councilmember Mark Kersey.

We will be working with Barbara Brys transportation team on getting her our survey data and looking into ways that our communities can be a part of Ballot Measure 2020, Solinsky said of MTS proposed sales tax to fund transit projects.

On Feb. 18, Solinsky made a stop at the Torrey Hills Community Planning Board where she gained the boards unanimous support for her initiative as long as the north-south connection included the Torrey Hills Shopping Center.

Ive been an advocate for public transit, said Teresa Henning, the Torrey Hills boards business seat representative and manager of American Assets Torrey Reserve campus on El Camino Real. When fully leased, she said the center has 600 workers who travel to their offices with no access to public transit.

One of Solinskys goals is to get the two local transit options into this years update of the 2050 SANDAG Regional Transit Plan (RTP).

The proposed Red line would start at Highway 101 and go east on Del Mar Heights Road to Carmel Valley Road, through Pacific Highlands Ranch and on to Rancho Penasquitos, ending at the Sabre Springs transit station on Carmel Mountain Road.

The Blue line would start on El Camino Real/Via de la Valle and go south on El Camino Real through Carmel Valley, past SR-56 to Carmel Mountain Road in Torrey Hills toward Sorrento Valley, connecting with the Sorrento Valley transit station and possibly making the connection up to Genesee Avenue and the future Blue Trolley Line from La Jolla to Old Town that is set to open in 2021.

SANDAGs 2050 RTP does include two lines that serve east-west and north-south in the area by 2035. The proposed north-south connection is rapid transit from Oceanside to Del Mar Heights but does not have stops in Carmel Valley. The proposed east-west connection runs from Carmel Valley Road to the Sabre Springs MTS station using the shoulders of SR-56 instead of city streets so it doesnt make the community connections that the subcommittee is seeking.

Hassan Ikhrata, the new executive director of SANDAG, has said that there will be some changes to the RTP and has called for a new vision for the region with more investment in public transit. SANDAGs vision will be discussed at the Carmel Valley planning boards Feb. 28 meeting, 7 p.m. at the Carmel Valley Library.

In her efforts, Solinsky knows in order to be successful, she needs community involvement. From 2006 to 2009, MTS ran a pilot route from Carmel Valley that started at Del Mar Highlands Town Center and went to University Town Center but the route was discontinued due to low ridership and low population density at that time.

Were getting a second chance and we cant mess it up. If we do get a pilot program approved, it is important that all communities residents understand it must be successful by showing ridership, Solinsky said. Since it was taken away due to low ridership in the past, it could be done again. If this were to happen again this area would be significantly marked as a non-transit area of San Diego because its residents didnt use it.

Its a one-time opportunity, we really have to show that were going to use it.ALBANY  The union representing professors and other employees at the State University of New York on Wednesday said that Chancellor Kristina Johnson should reconsider her role as a member of the board of directors at AES Corp.

The chancellor has been a proponent of renewable, clean power at SUNY, and she was quick to launch an effort to help the people of Puerto Rico after the island was devastated by Hurricane Maria, United University Professions President Fred Kowal said in a prepared statement. She even traveled there after the storm to help rebuild.Albany

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intends to set a safety limit for exposure to a cancer-causing chemical that has tainted public drinking water in Rensselaer County, although what the standard will be and when that will happen remain to be seen, Sen. Charles Schumer announced Wednesday.

Speaking at the University of Albany's Cancer Research Center, Schumer said he received a letter last week from EPA Assistant Administrator David Ross, who wrote that the agency "intends to establish" a standard  called a maximum contaminant level, or MCL  for certain types of chemicals classified as perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

One such type of that chemical, called PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, had contaminated drinking water in Hoosick Falls and Peterburgh in Rensselaer County.

A manufacturing plant operated by Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics in Hoosick Falls, which has been a focus of the contamination, was declared a Superfund site in 2017. PFOA was used at the plant for decades, including by companies that operated the plant before Saint-Gobain purchased it in the late 1990s.

"By the end of this year, the EPA will propose a regulatory determination, which is the next step in the Safe Drinking Water Act process for establishing an MCL" on PFOA, and another related chemical, PFOS, wrote Ross in his Feb. 15 letter to Schumer.

The measure is part of a PFAS Action Plan announced last month by EPA, which can be found online at https://epa.gov/pfas.

"We must not allow EPA to kick the can down the road, and delay, delay, and study and delay," said Schumer.

In Hoosick Falls, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics has installed a state-of-the art filtration system and levels of PFOA are now untraceable in water tests. Even so, many Hoosick Falls residents favor a completely new source of water that has never been polluted.

PFOA has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, as well as thyroid diseases and other serious health problems

Accompanying Schumer at the UAlbany event, Hoosick Falls Mayor Rob Allen urged quicker action by EPA.

"Enough with the delays, enough with the action plans that contain no action," said Allen.

A man-made chemical, PFOA has been used since the 1940s to make industrial and household products such as nonstick coatings, stain repellent and heat-resistant wiring. A related chemical that was used in firefighting foam has polluted military bases around the U.S., including Newburgh in New York state.

New York has set a standard for PFOA exposure in drinking water at 10 parts per trillion, which is roughly 10 sand grains in an Olympic swimming pool. Currently, EPA has a non-binding PFOA advisory set at 70 parts per trillion.New York

Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore helped Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration unveil the governor's series of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women in New York.

Moore joined Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday at Lincoln Center in Manhattan for an event launching the governor's Women's Justice Agenda. Cuomo, a Democrat, was in Albany and did not attend the event.

Cuomo's list of proposals for 2019 includes eliminating the statute of limitations for rape claims and increasing protections against sexual harassment in the workplace. Some related initiatives have been passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature and signed into law by the governor.

Moore is a leader of the Time's Up movement fighting sexual harassment and promoting equality in the work place. She won the 2015 Oscar for best actress for her performance in "Still Alice."

Also on hand at the event to unveil the initiatives was Secretary to the Governor and Chair of the New York State Council on Women and Girls Melissa DeRosa. In her address at the gathering, DeRosa said the administration is joining forces with Time's Up to increase protections against harassment in the workplace. "We will make it easier for employees who face sexual harassment in the workplace to hold their employers accountable under the New York Human Rights Law," she said. "We will mandate that even if an employee signs an NDA (non-disclosure agreement), he or she can still come forward about harassment or discrimination in the workplace. And we will require all employers to notify their employees about sexual harassment policies so workers know their rights."ALBANY - The U.S.-Mexico border may be 2,000 miles away, but if anything happens along it, a clan of Capital Region activists will be watching.

Advocacy group ICE-Free Capital District kicked off its newest endeavor, the Capital District Border Watch, at a Tuesday night meeting in St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, bringing together a motley crew of seasoned protesters and concerned citizens to learn about what's happening and take direct action during the border crisis declared by President Donald Trump.

"We've got the camps, we've got the wall, we've got ongoing detentions, we've got sending people here, we've got militarization at the border. There are a lot of different angles and they really matter and they're escalating right now," Karen Beetle told the group gathered on Tuesday.

Beetle, a family therapist and peace activist, began protesting last year when the government started separating families at the border. When 300-plus immigrants were transferred from the border to Albany County Jail last summer, Beetle tried to get mental health counselors to see detainees inside the jail.

Beetle and retired professor Carrie Kuehl organized the meeting because they wanted to be prepared to respond immediately to issues. Another woman wanted to ensure the Capital Region wasn't complicit in federal government actions. One man found himself sitting at home saying "this is bad" and wanted to move past that.

Doreen Glynn, 82, a sister with St. Joseph's Order in Latham, said she went to El Paso for the third time in December to volunteer at Annunciation House, a non-profit shelter that temporarily houses migrants with no criminal record who crossed the border seeking asylum. As a volunteer she helped provide people with food, beds and showers and coordinated their transport to meet contacts elsewhere in the U.S.

"I've been shaped by these issues. I needed to have direct service and have a face to face interaction," she said. She hopes she can bring back stories "just to put a human face on it."

On Tuesday the new group brainstormed how to share information and get involved in what's happening along the border. Ideas included educational events, sending material aid, creating artistic responses, joining advocacy campaigns, and partnering with a list of 20-plus organizations to provide direct services to refugees and immigrants in the Capital Region.

The group is gearing up for its first protest next week. "Close the Camps," organized by Saratoga Springs resident Chloe Blanch, is calling on the government to shut down detention centers housing children who cross the border. Protesters will gather Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Leo W O'Brien Federal Building in downtown Albany.

The Capital District Border Watch met on the heels of President's Day protests against Trump's national emergency declaration to fund a border wall. A stalemate over his request for $5.7 billion in border wall funding caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history - 35 days - from December 2018 to January 2019.

On Friday, Trump signed a spending plan to keep the government open, which included $1.4 billion to bolster a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. At the same time, he used his presidential power to declare a national emergency which, along with other diverted funds, will give him nearly $8 billion to build a wall.

Late Monday, 16 states including New York launched the first major legal challenge to the president's attempt to use emergency powers to fund construction of his border wall.

Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas, who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, plans to introduce a resolution co-sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York to terminate the executive order.(State Police)

NASSAU  A Rensselaer County woman faces 10 felonies and 13 misdemeanors for stealing from a victim who has since died, State Police said Tuesday.

Police said they got a complaint from someone on Oct. 24 reporting fraudulent financial transactions on the accounts of a family member totaling more than $2,000.ALBANY  Lahquann Grady told jurors Tuesday he was defending himself against his girlfriend in a three-way struggle for a steak knife when Rashaun Byrd was fatally stabbed on July 5.

Grady, 21, testified in his own defense in Albany County Court, where he stands trial for second-degree murder in the death of Byrd, 29, inside 297 Orange Street.

"Did you stab Rashaun Byrd?" Grady's defense attorney, Lee Kindlon, asked his client.

"No  I didn't think I did," Grady answered in a packed courtroom that included Byrd's mother and members of Grady's family.

Grady said his ex-girlfriend Charley Hawkins initially swung the knife at him and cut him.

Grady said he, Hawkins and Byrd, whom he identified as "Hothead," were in a "three-way tug of war" for the weapon moments before the incident turned deadly.

"She's pulling it her way, he's pulling it his way and I'm pulling it my way. Everybody is trying to get the knife from somebody," Grady testified.

Grady said they all moved forward at one point. Byrd gasped for air and slid back into a closet.

"We're all in complete shock," Grady said.

Kindlon asked Grady if he intended for Byrd to die.

"I didn't want nobody to die, didn't want any problems," Grady replied. "I was just going home."

Kindlon asked Grady why he left the scene. Grady said: "I never had to defend myself like that before, nothing like that. I didn't want to go to jail for something I didn't do."

Grady and Hawkins met on Sept. 21, 2017 on Facebook. Within days they moved in together in his mother's home in Troy, Grady testified.

They moved into the basement apartment at 297 Orange St. on Feb. 14, 2018  a Valentine's Day memory in a relationship that prosecutors say was volatile from the start.

At the time of Byrd's death, an order of protection from City Court barred Grady from the apartment. It stemmed from an earlier incident on June 5 in which prosecutors say a jealous Grady kicked in the door to the apartment because he was enraged that a man was in the home. The man had been getting his braids done by Hawkins, they said.

Despite the order of protection, Hawkins willingly hung out with Grady and the two watched the fireworks at Empire State Plaza joined by friends. Grady said they later talked about their relationship on a bench.

Grady said he walked to Lexington Avenue to attend a family cookout but the event turned violent  one of his cousins was shot.

Grady said he messaged Hawkins and one of her friends on Facebook and they said Hawkins was not home. He said walked home after Hawkins said he could stay. He said he went into the home through the window.

Grady denied picking up a bottle of wine that was on a shelf, as prosecutor's allege.

When he entered the apartment, Hawkins, two female friends and Byrd were all in a bedroom "looking at me like I'm a ghost. They were shocked to see me," he testified.

Grady said Hawkins told him to "get the (expletive) out." And one of Hawkins' friends yelled at him to leave as well.

When he saw Byrd, "I was like, 'Who are you?'" Grady said.

He said Byrd told him: "You're a Robinson? I know your family."

Grady replied, "So?"

Grady said Hawkins and her friends dragged him out of the bedroom into the living room. He said one of Hawkins' friends grabbed a pan. Hawkins, he said, grabbed the knife and cut him.

He said the three-way struggle ensued.

Grady's version of the events is different from the testimony of Hawkins, who said she did not allow him to be in the home. She said Grady stabbed Byrd, prompting her to yell at him, "What did you do?"

Prosecutors say Grady plunged the knife into Byrd's heart. It is also somewhat different from the account Kindlon delivered in his opening statement last week.

Kindlon told the jury: "In the middle of struggle, Hothead took control of the knife and went after Lahquann. He thought he was going to be stabbed. He thought if he didn't act, he would have died."

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer McCanney was still cross-examining Grady when Judge William Carter ended court late Tuesday afternoon.

Her cross examination will continue at 10 a.m. Lawyers are expected to deliver closing arguments later Wednesday.State Police say they need the public's help as they search for a 27-year-old Troy man who allegedly injured a trooper during an arrest last year.

Tashon L. Robertson is among the people troopers are seeking as part of their Warrant Wednesday initiative to capture wanted suspects.

State Police said Robertson was a passenger in the car that troopers stopped May 25, 2018, on Pawling Avenue in Troy.

Robertson struck one trooper as he fled the scene and then injured another trooper as police restrained him, troopers said.

Robertson was charged with second-degree assault but has missed his court dates.

Troopers say he has connections to Troy and Schenectady.

Troopers are also looking for the following people:

 Crystal L. Conklin, 40, is wanted by State Police in Endwell, Broome County, on charges of child endangerment, criminal mischief and harassment that stems from an arrest after a domestic dispute last year.

 Victoriano Moreira, 28, is wanted by State Police in Liberty, Sullivan County, on a charge of aggravated cruelty to animals. Troopers said the charge stems from allegations that Moreira and a friend agreed to care for two dogs and two cats after the original owners said they could no longer keep the animals in their apartment. Troopers allege Moreira abandoned the animals without food and water in a home in Fallsburg and the two dogs were later found dead. That cats were allegedly malnourished.

 Paul L. Henry, 41, is wanted by State Police in Albany on charges of drunken driving and marijuana possession. Henry was arrested after a traffic stop on the Thruway. Troopers said Henry was under the influence of alcohol and possession of a small amount of marijuana when they stopped his vehicle on March 14, 2015.

 Tiffany L. Monteiro, 32, is wanted by State Police in East Meadow, Nassau County, on a charge of driving while intoxicated. The charge stems from an Aug. 19, 2012, arrest in Nassau County.

 Sherman G. Dunmore Jr., 35, is wanted by State Police in Marcy, Oneida County, on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The warrant was issued in April 2017 after Dunmore was accused of not returning a 2007 Saturn Ion to its owner.

 Ernest G. Morrissey, 39, is wanted by State Police in Somers, Westchester County, on a burglary charge that accuses him of involvement in the burglary of a local business in North Salem. Troopers say the believe Morrissey was last living in Danbury, Conn.ALBANY  Organizations in New York hoping to raise money by raffling off firearms would be forced to find funds elsewhere if new legislation currently moving through the state Assembly becomes law.

Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon, D-Brooklyn, has proposed a ban on using guns as a prize for games of chance. The potential restriction would affect a wide range of nonprofit groups across New York, including fire departments, Boy Scout troops and fraternal organizations.

The bill's memorandum makes the case that a ban is appropriate because "firearm-related violence is a significant public health and safety problems." It also claims that these games of chances are often open to individuals regardless of age, implying that underage New Yorkers could obtain a gun as a prize.

This rationale was rejected by Assemblyman Brian Miller, a central New York Republican who noted that state law only allowed a person to take possession of a firearm  even as a prize  through a legal transfer overseen by a licensed dealer. A raffle winner would still be required to meet existing standards for gun ownership in New York, pass a background check and obtain the necessary permits to take possession of their prize.

"This bill would only hurt charities and organizations that rely on fundraising in order to operate, and I am very opposed to it, Miller said in a statement. We have said it again and again, but it bears repeating: Criminals are not getting access to illegal firearms through these raffles. These bills only punish law-abiding citizens.

Sen. Pamela Helming, a Finger Lakes Republican, said the bill has more to do with politics than public safety.

"This bill would deny many organizations an important tool they use to raise funds to support scholarships and other community activities," Helming said in a statement. "In fact, many local fire departments rely on this funding to purchase the equipment needed to keep their members safe and to protect our community, helping to reduce the burden on taxpayers."

Craig Reynolds, chief of a Finger Lakes fire department, said in a statement that their annual gun raffle brings in about $15,000 for the department to purchase personal protective gear and equipment that wouldn't be covered by municipal revenue.

In 2014, Grace Baptist Church in Lansinburgh gave away a gun as part of a free raffle to show support for Second Amendment rights.

Nonprofits are currently only banned from offering alcoholic beverages for winning a game of chance, according to the state's general municipal law.

The proposal, which doesn't have a sponsor in the state Senate, is in the Assembly's committee process.

David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518-454-5427 - @poozer87Solana Beach city staff said Wednesday, Feb. 13 that the city is seeing favorable results in its community choice aggregation program.

Financial results through December 2018 show the Solana Energy Alliance (SEA) program, which launched in June as an alternative to San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), has seen revenues 2.73 percent above projections and expenses about 9 percent lower through the first two quarters of operations, between June 1 and Dec. 31, city staff said. The net revenue is about $300,000 higher than projected.

The project  which the city established to further reach its goal of using 100 percent renewable energy by 2035  also has about $1.1 million available to cover any debts.

In an email following the meeting, Assistant City Manager Dan King confirmed the only outstanding debts SEA currently has are the $107,434 it owes the City for the start-up costs (which is scheduled to be repaid in July 2019), $44,605 due to TEA for their deferred start-up costs (which is on a structured payment schedule to be paid back $1,088/month until 5/2022) and finally $88,759 due to the City for ongoing internal administration costs (which SEA has already begun paying back at $10,000 per month with the final amount due on June 2019).

Much like our budgeting process, our financial model is very conservative and based on energy markets on a daily basis, said City Manager Greg Wade at the meeting. Its encouraging to know... were having net positive results.

Jeff Fuller, a consultant for The Energy Authority (TEA), said the plans financial outlook has improved since November, when the city last received an update. This is partially because SDG&Es final rates werent available at the time, he said, also adding that SDG&E generation rates decreased slightly more than expected.

To date, savings for residential customers are just over $120,000, and commercial savings are slightly lower than $120,000, city staff said.

According to a city staff report, based on the current and projected rates, and as long as the three percent savings stay in effect, SEA customers are expected to realize a total of about $1 million in energy cost savings over the next five years. From June through Jan. 31, residential savings were $128,760, compared to $102,555 in savings this year. The number is projected to increase again over the next five years, with 2022 projected at $109,470.

In April, the city had forecasted that by the end of 2022, cumulative net revenues would be about $3.9 million. If there are no changes in the projection assumptions, the city now estimates the SEA will generate more than $1.5 million in net revenues by June 2022. Consultants attribute that reduction to an increase in energy costs and generation rates from SDG&E.

SDG&E exit fees also raised slightly, with the rate now set at about $.03 for residential customers, compared to $.02 last year. The exit fee  also known as a Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA)  is a charge that SEA customers pay to SDG&E obtained on behalf of customers prior to moving to SEA. This helps ensure SEA customers are receiving the full three percent savings on their energy costs, according to a city document.

Fuller said the outlook through the fiscal year, ending on June 30, looks positive.

Despite the recent challenges facing SEA, the program is currently meeting the goals set out by the city council of local control and providing cleaner energy at a reduced rate, the staff report reads. While the next few years look to be more challenging than originally forecasted, SEA is well positioned to meet the challenges and continue to provide value to its customers while assisting the city in reaching its CAP goals.

Solana Beach Mayor David Zito acknowledged customers energy rates are going down but technically the policy is three percent below SDG&E. He questioned how many residents are being or will be impacted by rising rates.

Wade said its safe to say the rates will decrease for a vast majority of users.

The council decided to form a subcommittee that would focus on the SEA, appointing Zito and Council member Judy Hegenauer to the group.TROY  The Capital Region Poor People's Campaign is heading into its second active year with a call for moral revival, a push for more protests, and bills for thousands of dollars from the city of Albany that it doesn't plan to pay.

The national Poor People's Campaign, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., says it's fighting against what it calls a moral crisis  millions of people living in poverty in the U.S. according to census data. Half of New Yorkers can't meet basic needs and are living paycheck to paycheck, said Rev. Emily McNeill, director of the state's Labor-Religion Coalition, which is active in the campaign.

At the group's first public meeting in 2019, three dozen citizens filled the pews of Troy United Presbyterian Church on Monday evening. They were diverse in gender, age and race.

A middle-aged woman crocheted mats for the homeless from recycled plastic bags. A white-haired lady in a pink "pussy hat" from the Women's March took notes. A nun from the St. Joseph's order leaned in with a hand on her hearing aid to catch the conversation reviewing last year and looking forward to this year.

In 2018, the campaign staged 40 days of action across the country against poverty, racism, militarism and environmental degradation. The group planned six protests and 50-plus other events in Albany. More than 1,000 people joined in, and around 125 were arrested for civil disobedience, said Joe Paparone, lead organizer for the Labor-Religion Coalition.

Paparone said the campaign intentionally didn't notify police when it was staging a protest.

"We made a political decision not to do that," he told the group in the Troy church on Monday. "When you're challenging the structures of power and people of power, if you're shaking hands with them all the time, they know you're not really a threat or a risk to them."

"A little bit of unpredictability can be a good thing when you're trying to speak truth to power," he added.

Last summer, the city of Albany issued four bills totaling thousands of dollars to the group for unplanned police presence required at protests. The group's attorney, Mark Mishler, said the campaign already communicated to the city that it doesn't plan to pay.

"It's a non-issue and a dead issue. No bill has been paid. No bill will be paid. I think the city understands," Mishler, who is also an active member in the campaign, said.

David Galin, Mayor Kathy Sheehan's deputy chief of staff, told the Times Union the bills are still outstanding and are going through the "regular collection process," which means the city's legal department follows up with letters when bills go unpaid.

At Monday's meeting, there was no mention of the unmet payments. Instead, the campaign is moving forward this year into phase two of its organized actions.

McNeill said the first goal is to change the moral narrative  that poverty is a fringe issue, that being poor is not an accident or poor people's fault, and that there are not enough resources or expertise to solve the issue.

Next steps are building power and influencing policy makers, McNeill explained.

"We want to shift people's expectations and in so doing, shift what's politically possible," she said.

This year, the group's Capital Region sub-committee, one of seven in the state, plans to canvass to learn what the community needs and wants, organize Poor People's Hearings to listen to stories of the poor, and host freedom schools for political education. They'll also stage more protests at the Capital as they gear up for another national mass mobilization in June.

Paparone said the campaign will focus this year on Rensselaer County because of strong membership from the area and organizations already active on issues like police-involved shootings and immigrant sanctuary city status in Troy and environmental justice in Hoosick Falls.

"If we can knit things together through Rensselaer County," he said, "there's a real possibility for change."Italian wine dinner at Nighthawks in Troy

Nighthawks restaurant in Troy will host a dinner featuring five food courses paired with Italian wines from the importer SoilAir Selection, scheduled for 6 and 7:30 p.m. seatings on Wednesday, March 6. The menu from head chef Josh Coletto includes braised red cabbage with hazelnuts and blue cheese, linguine di mare, butternut squash with beef-heart bottarga, leg of lamb and dessert. Meatless option also available.

Reservations  at $125 per person with wine, $85 without, inclusive of tax but not gratuity  are available by calling 518-272-1000 or online (search brownpapertickets.com; service charge extra).

Nighthawks is at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway.

Asian bistro opening in Rotterdam

Niji Asian Bistro, owned by a pair of brothers who were veteran servers and managers at Shogun and Rain restaurants in Albany, will open Saturday at 2612 Guilderland Ave. in Rotterdam, taking over a building just east of Curry Road that had been the home of Bricklayers Pub and Pizzeria. The brothers are John Zheng and Ying Wang.

The pan-Asian menu is vast, encompassing sushi, Japanese- and Thai-style noodles and soups, teriyaki and hibachi dishes, fried rice and more.

Hours are listed as 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Call 518-630-5156 or visit nijiasian.com.

Mohawk Taproom owners add City Squire

City Squire, which opened 11 months ago on the site of the razed original City Squire, a staple of Schenectady's upper Union Street for 40 years, is now being operated by Mike and Stephanie Martini, the husband-and-wife owners of the 5-year-old Mohawk Taproom & Grill in Scotia.

The Martinis took over about two weeks ago. Management said they plan to make ongoing tweaks to food and beverage in the near future, with introduction of a new pub menu and draft list at the beginning of April. They are operating City Squire under a management contract with Lecce Group, the construction and property-development company that built and owns the new City Squire structure. Lecce Group CEO Shane Mahar said the company is now the sole owner of City Squire; it opened as a partnership between the company and the proprietors of Anna's Woodfired Pizza in Latham's Galleria 7 Market, Mario's in Niskayuna and Prime Pizza in Schenectady, who managed it until recently. As part of the change, Mahar said, the business has shortened its name: It originally opened as City Squire Ale House Kitchen & Bar but is now simply City Squire.

Located at 1018 Keyes Ave., City Squire is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, brunch and dinner Sunday, closed Monday. Call 518-382-1800.

Berben & Wolff's opening Troy location

Berben & Wolff's, which has run a vegan deli on Lark Street in Albany for nearly three years and sold seitan products wholesale for about five years, is developing a second deli location, at the corner of Fourth and Ferry streets in downtown Troy. Berben & Wolff's has used the space, formerly the late-night eatery the Brown Bag, since last summer as a commercial kitchen to produce its various seitan products for distribution to 23 restaurant accounts.

Co-owner Joey Berben said the plan is to expand into another room behind the Brown Bag footprint and run the deli and production kitchen out of the combined spaces.

An opening in late spring is projected, Berben said. Further plans are to buy another building for the commercial production, sites for which are being scouted, and expand the Troy spot into a full-service bar and restaurant. That could be a year or more down the road, Berben says, depending on progress on the building search and launching the Troy deli.

Berben & Wolff's, at 227 Lark, is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.

Compiled by Steve Barnes. Items to be considered for publication must be submitted to sbarnes@timesunion.com. Visit his blog, blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping.The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York will offer a first look at its new 2,500-square foot distribution dock, which is the result of a $150,000 donation from Hannaford Supermarkets. The new distribution dock offers twice the space previously available and more than doubles the quantity of product available to food pantries. The space also features a new large display cooler, which increases the amount of fresh food available to agencies.

The funding from Hannaford also supported upgrades to the Food Bank's main conference room, including enhanced technology and multimedia capabilities.Youths who vape are more likely to light up.

Thats the conclusion reached by UCSF researchers, who found that using any form of tobacco  including electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, water pipes and snuff  makes a teenager more likely to get hooked on conventional cigarettes.

Teens who experimented with tobacco in any form were at greater risk of future smoking, said senior author Benjamin Chaffee, a UCSF dentistry professor and one of those who conducted the study of 10,384 youths ages 12 to 17 who were nonsmokers at the outset of the research.

The authors said their study was the first to investigate whether using all forms of non-cigarette tobacco leads to smoking cigarettes. Clearly, they said, it does.

After a year, 4.6 percent of the youths in the survey had smoked cigarettes. Those who had tried a non-cigarette alternative were more than twice as likely to have smoked a cigarette within the previous month as those who had not tried e-cigarettes or other smokeless tobacco products, the UCSF study said.

Trying more than one alternative increased the odds of becoming a regular cigarette smoker, the researchers said. And all the alternatives  vaporizers, cigars, water pipes, chewing tobacco  were equally likely to lead to cigarettes, the study found.

The study, published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Associations online Pediatrics magazine, runs counter to the message of the e-cigarette industry, which touts electronic vaporizers as a safer alternative to cigarettes. A vaporizer, or vape, allows a user to inhale a mixture of liquid nicotine and water vapor instead of cigarette smoke.

At Gone With the Smoke, an e-cigarette store near Union Square in San Francisco, customers stand at the tasting bar where, for $1, they can sample such nicotine flavors as bubble gum, milk and honey, apple pancake custard and dozens of others designed for young palates. A thick cloud of vapor enveloped the store Tuesday.

Saleswoman Jenny Park said blaming e-cigarettes for hooking children on regular cigarettes wasnt fair.

There could be lots of reasons why people smoke, she said. Peer pressure. Friends. Parents. There are so many factors.

Chaffee called for tighter federal regulation of liquid nicotine, including a ban on flavors and raising the legal age for purchase to 21. The researcher said the e-cigarette industry is using the same arguments  flavor, satisfaction, safety  that the tobacco industry used half a century ago to turn young people into users.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted last year to ban the sale of e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, and fruit- and candy-tinctured tobacco products. Tobacco firms led by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. fought back, sponsoring a petition drive that gathered nearly double the number of required signatures to put the ban on the ballot. The citys voters will get their say on the matter in June.

A spokesman for Lets Be Real San Francisco, a tobacco-industry-funded group that supported the petition drive, noted that California already bans the sale of e-cigarette products to people under 21. The group is fighting the citys attempt to ban adult consumer choices, said the spokesman, Kevin Keane.

Many consider vaping to be the most successful and widely accessible tool to help adults transition away from smoking, Keane said.

Chaffee, the UCSF researcher, said e-cigarettes are helping to reverse a 20-year decline in cigarette use and are contributing to the rising popularity of cigarettes.

In the last few years, research has focused on the potential of e-cigarettes to engage never-smoking adolescents in tobacco use, Chaffee said. Our findings confirm that the use of the full range of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, cigars, tobacco water pipes, and smokeless tobacco, is associated with greater odds of future cigarette smoking.

The study found that 90 percent of adult smokers tried their first cigarette by age 18. In 2016, nearly 4 million middle and high school students said they used tobacco.

Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.comfeatured

WORCESTER

Variety's new CEO still proud of Times Herald Spelling Bee winNorristown Councilwoman Rebecca Smith looks over proposed playground renovations to Ackey's and Scag Cottman parks at Municipal Hall, Tuesday, Feb. 19.As she studied coral reefs and the ecosystems of the ocean, Courtney Mattison would create sculptures of the habitats to help her learn. Now, the artist continues to make the work to educate others about what lies beneath the surface of water.

Mattison, who lives in Los Angeles, is the Lux Art Institute's latest artist in residence. She showcases a variety of ceramic displays, symbolizing oceanic ecosystems, through March 23.

The artist, who is in the Lux Art Institute studio in Encinitas through Feb. 23, recently spoke about her work and how the ocean inspires her.

For more information, visit www.courtneymattison.com and www.luxartinstitute.org.

Q: What can you share with us about what you brought to the Lux?

A: I have more work in this gallery than I've had in another show. It's really fun for me to have three really large-scale installations and then smaller work all together in the same space. I have three large installations from my 'Our Changing Seas' series, which I started in 2011. ... It's all hand-built ceramic. I build everything on the floor of my studio in LA, including the smaller pieces that I have here also. These [smaller pieces] are called 'Hope Spots' and they each represent a different ecosystem around the world. I also have my series called 'Fossil Fuels' that kind of touches on the relationship between fossil fuel use and coral bleaching.

Q: What got you so interested in creating art around the ocean? Is that the only type of art you focus on?

A: I really am endlessly inspired by the ocean. It's like my muse, and coral reefs are my true love. I kind of fell in love with them back in 2007 when I got scuba certified and was studying marine biology as a transfer student in Australia at James Cook University. I got to dive on the Great Barrier Reef like every weekend for months and months. I was falling in love with the reef and taking classes, learning about how threatened coral reefs are by climate change and other human activities. I realized while I was there that art can be kind of a vector for information that impacts people emotionally rather than just reading the scientific literature and kind of getting beat over the head with all these depressing facts about climate change and stuff. I think art can actually inspire people and give them hope and maybe spark a sense of joy and wonder in people that makes them want to learn how they can help.

Q: What is your process like for creating these pieces?

A: I am really meticulous. I have a total scientist brain, even though I work as an artist. I usually start with a sketch that I do freeform by hand. I then digitize the sketch in Photoshop and I make everything to scale and create a really intricate map of where everything fits together. My big installations really are like three-dimensional puzzles on the wall, so everything has to fit together perfectly for it to work. Even though they look really organic and freeform, there's a lot of measuring involved. Once I have designed that piece and have the whole map, then I can start building. I have a grid on the floor of my studio, so I can start from the middle and just basically work my way around and build the different puzzle pieces. ... They're hollow, so they're really lightweight compared to how they look. I use really simple tools for the most part, like chopsticks and paintbrushes. Sometimes I use dissection tools that I used to use as a biology student, but it's mostly just sitting for hours and hours in my studio listening to podcasts and repetitively creating these textures. Corals have so many amazing, cool textures that I'm always challenged to invent a new tool or a new technique to make that.

Q: How long does it take you to put these together?

A: It depends how big and complex the work is. For a larger piece, it can take me up to a year. I just finished the largest work I've ever done. It's 28 feet tall by 18 feet wide. That was a commission for the U.S. embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. That took me over a year to make. It was 400 different pieces and really gigantic. ... I've been working on one on and off, but overall it's probably going to end up taking me about nine months to make. This one is going to be 11 by 17 feet. ... With these types of installations, what I really try to go for is making corals look like they're swept up into the galaxy and they're spinning around. It's sort of trying to emphasize how they're at this turning point with a lot of change going on in the ocean.

Q: Is everything accurately placed where they would be in the ocean?

A: Actually, no. I don't think about that too literally. I could. I know how to do that, but I feel like it would be too much like a natural history diorama if I was so literal and trying to show this species relates to this species. What I really care about is evoking that sense of just sheer wonder and curiosity that I find when scuba diving on a really healthy coral reef. So few people are lucky enough to get to do that in real life, so I wanted to bring that above the surface for people and let them feel like they're hovering over the reef.

A 'Hope Spot' by Courtney Mattison Courtesy

Q: What can you tell us about the Hope Spots?

A: These are smaller vignettes that are each representative of a different ecosystem in the ocean. 'Hope Spots' is a term that was coined by this famous oceanographer named Sylvia Earle, who started an organization called Mission Blue, which is based in Napa. Sylvia won the TED Prize in 2009 and got to make a wish when she won the prize. Her wish was for people to use all the skills at their disposal to help save the ocean. I was in grad school when she won it, and that just really inspired me because I had already looked up to her for a long time at that point. That idea just really got me excited about using my art skills to kind of communicate ocean conservation issues. I decided to make a piece that was representative of each of the 'Hope Spots' that she had identified in the ocean as places that are really special and important to protect.

Q: What is your history as an artist?

A: I was always an artistic kid. I grew up in San Francisco, and my mom was a docent at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. I was exposed to modern art as a really young kid, and I just loved going to the museum. San Francisco has so many great natural history museums and science museums, too, so that art and science connection was always really natural for me. When I got into high school, I got to take my first marine biology class, and I was already sculpting in ceramics classes. I think I'm like a three-dimensional learner, so I just felt like I could understand the creatures I was studying if I sculpted them. That connection between art and science was there from the beginning. I continued doing art through college and graduate school but consistently focused on coral reefs the entire time.

Q: What do you hope people take away when they walk in here and see these pieces?You have permission to edit this article.

Edit CloseYou are the owner of this article.Thomasville, GA (31792)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds. Low 71F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds. Low 71F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.

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Vt. Supreme Court hears Herring appeal

dsmith / ap file photo Herring

MONTPELIER  Whether Jody Herring will get the chance at parole one day is now in the hands of the Vermont Supreme Court.

The court heard oral arguments Tuesday in Herrings appeal of her murder convictions.

Herring, 43, was sentenced to life without parole in November 2017 for killing Department for Children and Families worker Lara Sobel, 48, and three relatives  cousins Rhonda Herring, 48, Regina Herring, 43, and her aunt, Julie Falzarano, 73. Herring killed Sobel outside the DCF offices at Barre City Place on Aug. 7, 2015. Police said she killed her family members at a Berlin farmhouse earlier that day, although their bodies were not discovered until the next day.

She pleaded guilty to four counts of murder in July 2017.

Because Herring was given a life sentence, state law requires the case be appealed to the Vermont Supreme Court.

She was represented by Joshua OHara out of the Defender Generals office. OHara filed documents with the court stating Judge John Pacht, who sentenced Herring, abused his discretion because he used Herrings history of trauma against her instead of using it as a mitigating factor against a life sentence.

OHara argued Pacht concluded, erroneously, that Herring would be released without rehabilitation if she were allowed parole. He said when someone has the ability to get parole, whether they are rehabilitated is taken into consideration.

Jody Herring is not irredeemable, OHara said to the court Tuesday.

Justice Harold Eaton asked OHara whether the seriousness of a crime can ever be enough to justify sentencing someone to life without parole. OHara said in this state, people are sentenced, not the crimes they commit.

Eaton asked, even if Pacht felt Herring couldnt be rehabilitated, doesnt he have the discretion to sentence her how he sees fit? OHara said judges do have the discretion to fashion sentences, and when they do that they set the tone and tenor of the case. He said a judge could sentence someone on the basis of the crime they committed, saying the offender is too great of a danger to release back into society.

OHara said Pacht didnt do that, instead saying he was giving Herring life without parole because he wasnt sure she would get the treatment she needs to rejoin society.

Justice Karen Carroll said she was bothered by OHaras argument: because treatment is offered to those who are incarcerated, someone who is subject to parole has to have been found rehabilitated before they can get released.

It seems to me that youre arguing because of that availability no one can ever get sentenced to life without parole, Carroll said.

OHara disagreed, saying Herring in particular is someone who could be redeemed and she would have to show as much to the parole board before getting released. He said Pacht could have sentenced Herring saying she is not redeemable, but instead the judge showed compassion for what Herring had been through in her life.

OHara asked the court to reverse the sentencing decision.

The state was represented by Solicitor General Benjamin Battles out of the Attorney Generals office. Battles filed documents with the court saying Pacht wasnt required to weigh Herrings past more heavily than the other evidence considered in the case, including the evidence that suggested Herrings prospects for treatment were dim.

Battles argued Pacht also did not sentence Herring with the thought that she would be released on parole without treatment.

Battles said there is no program that the Department of Corrections offers that would give Herring the exact tools she needs to not commit another murder. He also referred to the pre-sentence investigation conducted by DOC, which he said did not specify how a parole board would be able to judge if she was rehabilitated.

Battles said Tuesday that Sobels death was a premeditated execution that followed the three premeditated executions of Herrings family members. He said the effects of the killings are still being felt around the community.

Battles said there was little evidence presented at Herrings sentencing in favor of her being rehabilitated. He said no treatment plan was discussed and questions were raised as to how amenable Herring would be to treatment. What was discussed at her sentencing hearing, he said, was her difficulty in seeking out treatment and avoiding treatment.

eric.blaisdell @timesargus.comCUMBERLAND  Rebecca Jane Wallace (nee Topper) passed away peacefully at her home on Bedford Road, Cumberland, on May 11, 2021. Additional notice and information to be provided for memorial services planned for mid to late August.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This subscription will allow current subscribers of The Tillamook Headlight Herald to access all of our online Subscriber-Only content, including the E Editions area.

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Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox.Since 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

TC Energy Corporation operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. It operates through Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines, U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines, Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines, Liquids Pipelines, and Power and Storage segments. The company builds and operates 93,400 km network of natural gas pipelines, which transports natural gas from supply basins to local distribution companies, power generation plants, industrial facilities, interconnecting pipelines, LNG export terminals, and other businesses. It also has regulated natural gas storage facilities with a total working gas capacity of 535 billion cubic feet. In addition, it has approximately 4,900 km liquids pipeline system that connects Alberta crude oil supplies to refining markets in Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, and the U.S. Gulf Coast. Further, the company owns or has interests in seven power generation facilities with a combined capacity of approximately 4,200 megawatts that are powered by natural gas and nuclear fuel sources located in Alberta, Ontario, QuAbec, and New Brunswick; and owns and operates approximately 118 billion cubic feet of non-regulated natural gas storage capacity in Alberta. The company was formerly known as TransCanada Corporation and changed its name to TC Energy Corporation in May 2019. TC Energy Corporation was incorporated in 1951 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

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View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.The defiant founder of Chinese giant Huawei said there is 'no way the US can crush' the company.

Ren Zhengfei said the telecoms firm would never allow its equipment to be used for spying and played down its links with the Chinese communist government.

The 74-year-old also claimed the arrest of his daughter, company finance chief Meng Wanzhou, 47, in Canada 11 weeks ago  at the request of American officials  was a 'politically motivated' act.

Denials: Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei said the telecoms firm would never allow its equipment to be used for spying and played down its links with the Chinese communist government

It comes after the US warned allies including Britain that Huawei's equipment could potentially be tapped by China.

Washington has also accused Huawei of stealing American trade secrets and trying to sidestep sanctions placed on Iran.

Ren told the BBC: 'I object to what the US has done. This kind of politically motivated act is not acceptable.

'The US likes to sanction others, whenever there's an issue, they'll use such combative methods. Now that we've gone down this path, we'll let the courts settle it.'

He added: 'There's no way the US can crush us. The world cannot leave us, because we are more advanced.'

In the UK, Huawei supplies equipment used in mobile and internet networks.

Ren said: 'Our company will never undertake any spying activities. If we have any such actions, I'll shut the company down.

'We still trust in the UK, and we hope that the UK will trust us even more.

'If the US doesn't trust us, then we will shift our investment from the US to the UK on an even bigger scale.'Ryanair has been accused of breaking the law after leaving a mother stranded in a foreign airport late at night with her baby.

Alice Sheen, 35, is 600 out of pocket after her Ryanair flight was suddenly cancelled, forcing her to buy tickets with another airline the following day.

Experts say the 'heartless' budget airline, which has offered only 76.08 for its cancelled flight, could be in breach of European regulations by offering her the next Ryanair flight three days later, rather than paying for the next available flight home with any airline.

The mother of one's airport nightmare comes as many families jet off this week for the half-term holidays.

Ordeal: Alice pictured with her baby Arlo. She was forced to book another flight after Ryanair left them stranded in a foreign airport late at night, also leaving her 600 out of pocket

Alice had spent five days with family near Toulouse, in France, last August. Her relatives were staying another week, but she needed to get home.

She and eight-month-old Arlo were due to catch the 10.05pm flight to Stansted, but a one-hour delay at the gate turned into a cancellation with no explanation.

At around midnight, passengers were told they could stay in a hotel five tram stops away.

But, by the time Alice and Arlo arrived at the station, the trams had stopped. Taxi drivers refused to take her without a baby seat for Arlo  a legal requirement in France.

Alice, a probation officer who lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, was offered no alternatives by airport staff. Her partner, Chris, 33, tried to ring Ryanair from the UK, but the line was closed.

Alice tried to book a hotel within walking distance on her mobile, but there were no rooms available. So she had to return to the airport, where she was given a bottle of water and shown to a 'quiet part' to sleep.

She says: 'I felt so scared and vulnerable  and like I was a terrible mother. I had my baby to look after and my belongings, so there was no way I could sleep.'

The next available Ryanair flight was three days later, but, without supplies for Arlo, Alice knew she could not wait. So she used her credit card to buy a 600 ticket with British Airways for the next day.

Experts say Ryanair, could be in breach of EU regulations by offering her the next Ryanair flight three days later, rather than paying for the next available flight home with any airline

Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, says Alice and Arlo's treatment was 'heartless' and may breach EU regulations.

He adds: 'The rules clearly state that, in addition to fixed compensation and care, airlines must get passengers suffering cancellations to their final destination at the earliest opportunity, which includes booking tickets with rival airlines.

'Ryanair should pay up immediately.'

Alice says when she got home, she wanted to forget all about the experience. However, after speaking to friends, she decided to contact Ryanair for compensation.

The airline agreed to refund her the 76.08 she paid for the original flight, but refused to offer any other redress.

When a flight is delayed, customers have a right to care, including food and drink, and, if a hold-up is overnight, accommodation.

If, like Alice, you were not given travel or accommodation, then you should ask the airline for ex gratia compensation.

Under EU law, airlines must also compensate passengers for flight delays and cancellations on routes in Europe, unless in exceptional circumstances.

To qualify, the plane must be more than three hours late arriving. Depending on the distance of the flight and length of delay, you could claim from 250 (219) to 600 (525).

But Ryanair claimed that it did not have to pay as the delay was caused by 'unnecessary industrial action taken by a small number of pilots', which was outside of its control.

However, travel expert Frank Brehany says airlines cannot always use this excuse. He says: 'Very often, there is a lead-up to a strike where known dates are set. When airlines know there is a strike, they must offer alternative travel options.'

Ryanair is facing legal action by the aviation watchdog after it refused to compensate thousands of UK customers hit by strike disruption last summer.

Regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) urged passengers to complain to the Aviation Alternative Dispute Resolution service, which can order firms to pay  but Ryanair pulled out of the scheme in November.

The CAA then launched enforcement action against Ryanair last December after the airline rejected compensation claims the regulator felt customers were entitled to. This case is ongoing.

Passengers who are pursuing compensation from Ryanair should complain to the aviation regulator in the country in which the flight was cancelled. For example, Alice should contact the French Civil Aviation Authority.

Ryanair did not respond to requests for comment.

a.murray@dailymail.co.ukLloyds is doling out 4billion to investors and is launching a massive expansion in the pensions market.

The bank will pay an annual dividend of 3.21p per share, or 2.3billion in total, to 2.5m small shareholders.

And it will buy back 1.8billion of stock to drive up the share price.

Annual dividend: Lloyds will pay 3.21p per share, or 2.3bn in total, to 2.5m small shareholders

The announcement came as Lloyds revealed profits of 6billion for 2018, up 13 per cent on a year earlier.

The lender is on a crusade to conquer the pensions market, by luring 1m new customers by 2020.

Bosses insisted this ambitious target would not trigger a return to the mis-selling scandals, such as payment protection insurance (PPI), which blighted Lloyds in the past. 'This is a completely different Lloyds,' said finance director George Culmer.

Laith Khalaf, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'With such a high market share in key banking markets, the question is: where Lloyds goes next?

Part of Lloyds' new strategy is to shuffle sideways into the financial planning and retirement market. It makes sense to give Lloyds some diversification from core banking activities.'

Lloyds' dividend payout will be a boon to its army of 2.4m small shareholders, many of whom have owned the stock since its takeovers of Halifax and Cheltenham & Gloucester Building Society. An average retail investor with 6,000 shares will get around 193.

The buyback should also boost Lloyds' share price and will see the bank purchase stock on the market and cancel it.

The 50m bank chief In the money: Antonio Horta- Osorio and his wife Ana The boss of Lloyds trousered 6.3million in 2018  meaning he has pocketed more than 50million since taking charge of the bank in 2011. Antonio Horta-Osorio, 55, last year picked up a base salary and other fixed pay worth 2.1million, benefits worth 157,000 and 3.4million in bonuses. He was also handed 573,000 towards his pension, equal to 43 per cent of his base salary. Lloyds is in the firing line for giving Horta-Osorio far better retirement benefits than its own staff, who typically get a maximum of 13 per cent of base salary. Since taking charge, he has been handed 4.5million of pension payments, and has now picked up 51.4million in total pay. The retirement perks are likely to be a focus of shareholder anger at the annual meeting. The Investment Association, representing City institutions, has attacked special pension schemes. Last year it said: Pension contributions for executive directors should be reduced over time to equal the rate received by the majority of the workforce.

This will mean there are fewer shares in circulation but the lender's value is the same, so each share is worth more.

Profits were boosted by fewer compensation payouts to credit card customers wrongly sold toxic PPI. It set aside 750million for victims of the scandal last year, down from 1.7billion in 2017.

So far PPI has cost Lloyds 19.4billion, but the final deadline for complaints is in August.

The bank, which is Britain's largest mortgage lender and owns credit card firm MBNA, is unable to grow much bigger in most markets because it already has a dominant position.

So bosses are focused on conquering the pension industry, hiring an extra 700 financial advisers, and hoping to nab 1m more customers.

They have teamed up with wealth manager Schroders to help wealthy clients invest their money.

Lloyds and Schroders will launch a jointly-owned financial planning business called Schroders Personal Wealth.

It is likely to spark concern from older customers that the lender will return to the high-pressure sales tactics.

But Culmer insisted: 'This is a completely different Lloyds  we don't have incentives and sales targets right across our franchise.'

The lender axed 108 branches last year, and chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio refused to rule out more closures.

Shares rose 4.7 per cent, or 2.76p, to 61.13p.One of Just Eat's largest shareholders has renewed its attack on the takeaway company, in a blistering criticism of management.

Cat Rock Capital, a US investment firm which owns around 2 per cent of Just Eat, has published the transcript of a call it held with analysts discussing Just Eat's fortunes. Cat Rock's founder and managing partner Alex Captain said the 'management situation at Just Eat [was] worse than we had previously expected'.

He slammed the food delivery company for failing to contact candidates his firm proposed as chief executive, and for ignoring Cat Rock suggestions to get in touch with an expert who could help recruit a new boss.

The boss of one of Just Eat's largest shareholders Cat Rock Capital slammed the food delivery company for failing to contact candidates his firm proposed as chief executive

Just Eat's former chief executive Peter Plumb left in January, under pressure to improve its performance in the face of rivalry from the likes of Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Cat Rock welcomed the departure but was disappointed interim boss Peter Duffy, who has little experience running a food business, was being considered as a permanent replacement.

Captain said a merger could quickly expand the business and match it with a 'world-class' management team. Investors seemed willing to hold tight, and see if Just Eat would be forced to shake its business up. Shares ended the day up 1.4 per cent, or 10.4p, at 734.2p.

McBride, which makes household cleaning products for some of Europe's biggest retailers, slid as it issued a profit warning.

The Oven Pride manufacturer warned prices of raw materials were not improving as quickly as it thought they would, and distribution costs were also rising.

Stock Watch - Haydale Graphene Graphene has been hailed as a super-material due to its incredible strength, but producer Haydale Graphene is not so popular with its shareholders. The cash-strapped firm said it would have to tap investors for more money, issuing new shares at a material discount to encourage buyers. Haydale said it was sounding out institutional investors, and that a more detailed announcement would follow soon. Shares slumped 50 per cent, or 11.5p, to 11.5p.

Profits for the year ending June 2019 will now be between 10 per cent and 15 per cent lower than the prior year's 33.2million. Shares plummeted 32.2 per cent, or 43.2p, to 86.8p.

Investors in metals miner Acacia Mining welcomed an announcement that Barrick Gold, which owns 63.9 per cent of the company, was looking to resolve its disputes with the Tanzanian government.

Even though Acacia's management sounded a little put-out at being left in the dark, saying it had 'not yet received any proposal from Barrick regarding a comprehensive resolution', shares rose 12.8 per cent, or 28.8p, to 253.8p.

Acacia has been at loggerheads with Tanzania's ministers over a disputed 146billion tax bill.

A shake-up at the top of Barrick, which saw Mark Bristow from rival Randgold take the role of chief executive when the two merged last year, seems to have spurred Barrick into taking action over the struggling smaller miner.

He has suggested paying 230million to the Tanzanian government, and giving it royalties and taxes from ongoing operations.

Acacia will now review the proposals, which will have to be approved by Tanzania's government.

Elsewhere on the FTSE 250 index, online trading firm Plus500 finally began to turn around its fortunes after an accounting blunder last week wiped 1billion off its market value.

Shares rose 6.5 per cent, or 47p, to 767p as hedge fund tycoon Crispin Odey continued to snap up stock. He has increased his stake from 9.7 per cent to 18.2 per cent.

The FTSE 100, which is vulnerable to international trade tensions, ended the day up 0.7 per cent, or 49.45 points, at 7228.62, after President Trump said US trade talks with China were going well.

Oil and gas explorer San Leon Energy shot up 17.3 per cent, or 5.3p, to 35.9p as it offered to buy up to 50.5m shares back from investors.

The 46p per share price it is offering was a 50 per cent premium to San Leon's value on Tuesday, but it is understood that hedge fund Toscafund, its largest shareholder, will not sell as it believes the shares could rise even further.Beleaguered shopping centre owner Intu has scrapped its full-year dividend after the value of its property empire tumbled by 1.4billion.

The company, which owns 17 sites across the UK, reported annual losses of 1.2billion following the 13.3 per cent slump in the value of its estate.

Its centres, including the Trafford Centre in Manchester, Metrocentre in Gateshead and Lakeside in Essex, are now valued at 9.2billion, attract around 400m visitors a year.

Slump: Intu's shopping centres, including the Trafford Centre in Manchester (pictured) are now valued at 9.2bn, attracting around 400m visitors a year

But there was a 1.6 per cent fall in shoppers in 2018 as they went online. The bleak update sent Intu shares down 7.8 per cent to 108.95p. The stock was trading above 250p early last year.

Intu was rocked by two failed takeovers last year as the High Street crisis saw shops go bust and thousands of stores close.

Outgoing chief executive David Fischel said the writedown in the value of the Intu estate was a reaction to the gloom sweeping the industry.

'The retail scene has been difficult in the last 12 months and investor's views of shopping centres have become more pessimistic,' he said.

Intu is now planning to sell assets to reduce its debt.

Analyst Russ Mould, the investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'What a right mess Intu has got in to.

'Being exposed to the retail sector is a poisoned chalice for property companies at the moment.

'In time, Intu could emerge a leaner business but for now it will have to keep taking the headache tablets and do its best to survive.'

Last year's botched takeover offers wiped off almost half the firm's value. In April, Birmingham Bullring owner Hammerson dropped its offer to buy Intu for 3.4billion after a backlash from investors.

And just weeks before retail's crucial Christmas trading period, a consortium led by its largest investor and deputy chairman John Whittaker ditched a 2.8billion takeover.

Whittaker, the 76-year-old chairman of property investment firm Peel Group, has seen the value of his 29.29 per cent stake fall by around 580million to 425million since the start of 2018.

Chairman John Strachan said: 'Intu has had a challenging year with a difficult retail and uncertain economic environment.'

In July, Fischel revealed he would step down from the company. Seven months later, a replacement has still not been found. Intu said it will update investors but refused to give a specific time scale.Sainsbury's boss Mike Coupe is fighting for his future after the grocer's proposed 14billion merger with Asda was declared 'dead in the water'.

In a ruling that stunned the City, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) warned the deal could lead to higher prices and less choice for shoppers.

The watchdog told the supermarket giants they could be required to sell hundreds of stores or even one of the brand names to get the deal through  or risk it being blocked.

Analysts warned that Sainsbury's boss Mike Coupe's days are now numbered as the CMA's findings suggested the merger with Asda was likely to be blocked

In an ominous sign, the CMA added that it was 'likely to be difficult' for the chains to address its concerns.

Analysts warned Coupe's days are numbered as the findings suggested the deal was likely to be blocked.

Sainsbury's shares plunged 18.6 per cent  wiping 1.2billion off its value  in its worst day on the stock market for a decade.

Coupe, 58, branded the findings 'totally outrageous', adding: 'They have fundamentally moved the goalposts, changed the shape of the ball and chosen a different playing field.'

Neil Wilson, analyst at trading platform Markets, said: 'Investors are rightly accepting this deal is dead in the water. Coupe and co put all their eggs in one basket. You have to question what the plan is now and whether management will remain for long.'

Clive Black, analyst at Shore Capital, added: 'The deal looks to have suffered a mortal blow. Sainsbury's looks like it has misunderstood the consumer and the CMA.'

The findings are a devastating blow to Coupe, who masterminded the merger with Asda counterpart, Roger Burnley, 52, after two years of secret talks.

But it has been far from plain sailing. On the day the deal was announced last May, Coupe was left red-faced when caught singing We're In The Money between interviews at a TV studio.

Over the Christmas period Sainsbury's was the only Big Four supermarket to post a fall in sales, as they declined by 1.1. per cent.

Speaking yesterday, Coupe insisted Sainsbury's would pursue the deal. 'In the end they are taking money out of customers' pockets,' he said. 'This is totally outrageous.'

The ruling was also a setback for US grocery giant Walmart, which owns Asda and is keen to offload the British supermarket.

Watchdog shows its teeth The intervention is the CMA's first major decision under the leadership of Lord Andrew Tyrie Regulators have finally shown they will stick up for customers with a landmark intervention in the proposed merger of Sainsbury's and Asda, experts say. The 14billion supermarket deal looks set to be scuppered by the demands from the Competition and Markets Authority. It is the CMA's first major test under the leadership of Lord Andrew Tyrie, a former Tory MP who made his name as a scourge of the banks while running the Treasury Select Committee. Scott Corfe, chief economist at the Social Market Foundation, said: 'Our research has shown that reducing competition leads to worse outcomes for consumers, whether that be in the form of higher prices, reduced customer service or more limited choice. 'We welcome the CMA taking a tough line on the proposed merger. Rather than allowing supermarkets to merge themselves out of trouble, by bullying suppliers such as farmers to lower prices, we should be forcing these firms to try harder.' Industry insiders expected the CMA to allow the merger, with conditions. But they were taken aback by how tough the watchdog's demands were. Nelson Jung, a competition partner at lawyer Clifford Chance, said: 'This is a step change in the way the CMA analyses retail mergers that could have far-reaching implications for other retail mergers in the UK.' Citibank's Nick Coulter, said in a note that the decision was unprecedented. And Jonathan Compton, a partner at lawyer DMH Stallard, said: 'The CMA findings were uncharacteristically strong.'

Coupe suggested the UK's impending exit from the EU would make it impossible for Walmart to find a buyer. 'A UK plc with Brexit looming, and a completely unpredictable set of competition rules  who would invest in this country?' he said.

Sainsbury's and Asda insisted the tie-up would lead to lower prices for shoppers. But the CMA disagreed. It identified 629 areas where it believes the merger would risk creating a substantial lessening of competition.

It also believes a deal could mean higher fuel costs at more than 100 locations where the two chains' petrol stations overlap.

This could mean Sainsbury's and Asda are forced to sell as many as 300 stores between them, rendering the deal economically unviable. Sainsbury's and Asda have 2,800 stores between them.

The two supermarkets had planned to make 500million in savings, partly by squeezing large suppliers such as Marmite owner Unilever to get lower prices for customers.

If they merge, they would have a combined market share of 31.2 per cent, according to latest Kantar Worldpanel data, ahead of Tesco, which has 27.7 per cent.

But critics warned a tie-up would hurt smaller suppliers, forcing some to go bust. Scott Corfe, chief economist at think-tank the Social Market Foundation, said: 'Rather than allowing supermarkets to merge themselves out of trouble, by bullying suppliers such as farmers to lower prices, we should be forcing these firms to try harder.

'They should be innovating rather than merging.'

The CMA is set to deliver a final verdict on the tie-up by April 30.

Stuart McIntosh, chair of the independent inquiry group carrying out the CMA's investigation, said: 'These are our provisional findings, and the companies and others now have the opportunity to respond to the analysis.

'It's our responsibility to carry out a thorough assessment of the deal to make sure that the sector remains competitive and shoppers don't lose out.'The competition watchdog has dealt a crushing blow to the chiefs of Sainsbury's and Asda today by ruling that the supermarkets' proposed merger raises 'extensive competition concerns'.

Meanwhile, Lloyds Banking Group has unveiled plans to return up to 4billion to shareholders after its profits jumped 13 per cent.

The FTSE 100 nudged up a touch at the open today to trade just shy of 7,200.Asda sales have been slowing as it awaits a crucial decision on its 14billion tie-up with Sainsbury's.

The grocer, which is owned by US giant Walmart, reported a 1 per cent rise in sales during the three months to December 31  its seventh consecutive period of growth.

But it marks a slowdown from earlier in the year as Britain's Big Four supermarkets battle to lure shoppers away from the ultra-low prices offered by German discounters Aldi and Lidl.

Asda, which is owned by US giant Walmart, reported a 1 per cent rise in sales during the three months to December 31  its seventh consecutive period of growth

Asda said sales were boosted by its own-brand products.

Company chief executive Roger Burnley said: 'Whilst I am pleased with our performance in 2018 we must remain focused on ensuring the long-term sustainable success of Asda.'

The Competition and Markets Authority is expected to publish its preliminary findings on the planned Asda and Sainsbury's merger in a matter of days.

The two could have to sell as many as 100 stores as part of the deal if competition concerns are raised.

By joining forces they hope to squeeze suppliers and lower prices, as they scramble to win back customers.

Despite a slowdown at Asda, it has been outpacing its larger potential partner Sainsbury's, which was the only supermarket to record a drop in sales over Christmas, falling 1.1 per cent.

Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe has been accused of taking his eye off the ball and allowing store standards to slip amid its plans to merge with Asda.

Clive Black, analyst at Shore Capital, said: 'If rejected, or incapable of completion, then we will watch with interest to see Walmart's next move, be that a non-food merger, financial sale or even an IPO.

'Whatever the outcome, Asda in its present form is not the future. In current circumstances we believe Roger Burnley deserves credit for his focus in uncertain times.'Shopping centre owner Intu has fallen prey to hedge funds betting on a fall in its share price.

Positions held by short-sellers in Intu have risen to a record high, with hedge funds holding 5.3 per cent of its stock.

Intu, which owns shopping centres including Metrocentre in Gateshead, Lakeside in Essex and the Trafford Centre in Manchester, has suffered a dramatic slump in its share price over the past year.

Intu, which owns shopping centres including the Trafford Centre in Manchester (pictured), has suffered a dramatic slump in its share price over the past year

A total of 1.2billion has been wiped off its value, and rival Hammerson walked away from plans to buy it for 3.4billion.

The embarrassing climbdown prompted the resignation of Intu chief executive David Fischel, who will step down once a replacement is found.

And in November Intu suffered a further defeat when a group of investors abandoned a 2.8billion takeover.

Intu prepares to unveil its full-year results to investors today.

Keith Crawford, an analyst at Peel Hunt, said more consumers are shunning shopping centres in favour of buying online, adding: 'This is a progressive tale of less easy, but more urgent, surgery  time is not on Intu's side.'

Shares fell 0.9 per cent, or 1.1p, to 118.5p.Credit card companies are holding back more than 50million of customer payments from troubled airline Flybe, industry sources have told the Daily Mail.

Flybe bosses claim being deprived of card payments was the key factor that pushed it to the brink of insolvency.

The Mail can now reveal the full extent of that cash crunch that has forced Flybe to accept a controversial cut-price takeover by Connect Airways, a consortium of Virgin Atlantic, Southend airport owner Stobart and investment house Cyrus.

Flybe bosses claim being deprived of card payments was the key factor that pushed it to the brink of insolvency

The complex transaction, valuing the budget airline at just 1p a share, is fiercely opposed by Flybe's leading investor, hedge fund group Hosking Partners.

But the company insists it is the only option. Sources told the Mail that the firms taking credit card payments from passengers were at one point refusing to pass on any money at all to Flybe.

Instead they were withholding payments in case the airline went under. If that had happened, it could have forced credit card providers to issue refunds to passengers who paid on plastic.

Christine Ourmieres-Widener, the French chief executive of Flybe, declined to comment on the 50million figure but said the squeeze on card payments starved her airline of working capital.

'The credit card companies were putting on more pressure. They knew that the outcome could be quite challenging if not brutal,' she said.

The processing companies involved, which have now eased their stance on handing over payments, have not been named but AIB Merchant Services is understood to be one of them.

An industry in crisis Aug 2017 Air Berlin files for insolvency after years of losses

Oct 2017 Monarch Airlines collapses into administration

Feb 2018 Norwegian plunges to annual loss of 27million due to rising costs

Oct 2018 Primera Air collapses after failing to secure financing. Flybe profit warning

Jan 2019 Ryanair issues its second profit warning in four months. Flybe seals rescue deal

Feb 5, 2019 Germania files for bankruptcy

Feb 7, 2019 Norwegian reveals annual losses of 270million

Feb 16, 2019 Regional airline Flybmi collapses into administration

Allied Irish Banks said it is a minority shareholder in AIB Merchant Services, which it described as a separate legal entity.

The majority investor in AIB Merchant Services is US company First Data Corporation.

Ourmieres-Widener, 54, pictured, also revealed that at one stage in mid-January, Flybe was so close to going under that a receiver from accountancy firm EY was in the room with directors. 'We were in a very dramatic situation,' she said.

She and chairman Simon Laffin claim the current deal with Connect is the only viable solution for Flybe, though this is disputed by Hosking which believes the company could have got a better price.

A sale of the operating company that runs the airline is scheduled to go through on Friday.

This does not need the approval of shareholders, because Flybe last year changed its stock market listing so it could sell assets without consulting investors. Shareholders do, however, have a vote on the sale of the parent company on March 4, though this is just a shell containing some cash and debts.

Ourmieres-Widener said that if there is a vote against, 'it is likely the board would suggest liquidation of the shell company,' and investors would lose everything. 'I understand shareholders are disappointed but we are still flying and 1p a share is better than nothing.'

She said the deal with Connect will protect 2,400 jobs along with the 1,400 members of its pension fund. The latter do not qualify for safeguards under the UK Pension Protection Fund, because the scheme is registered in the Isle of Man. Connect has agreed to take responsibility for the fund and make up contributions.

Ourmieres-Widener said the collapse at the weekend of similarly named airline Flybmi had led to confusion but had no effect on bookings. She added that she had sent a message of support to its boss, Peter Simpson. 'I'm sure he was heartbroken at the decision he had to take.'

Flybe is interested in hiring Flybmi's 'very good pilots and engineers'. Ourmieres-Widener said: 'Flybe is vital for infrastructure of the UK. We have 130,000 passengers a week, 75 aircraft.

'We run the only flight Glasgow to Southampton and we are opening a route from Heathrow to Newquay,'My husband and I each received a 300 winter fuel payment for 2017. The payment should be per household, so I knew we had been overpaid.

We reported the error and each sent a cheque for 150 to the Department for Work and Pensions on December 15, 2017.

Months later, we received a letter from the debt management department chasing the overpayment. I made contact and was told that if our repayment couldnt be found, I would have to supply bank statements.

I provided evidence that money had been sent, but was told Id posted the cheques to the wrong place (Id sent them to the address from which the payment came).

It has since deducted 44.40 per month from my pension for four months, and 46.70 from my husbands, to recover money we have already paid.

I have made numerous phone calls but cannot get this resolved.

J. R., Devon.

Punished: A husband wife who were quick to return overpaid winter fuel allowance ended up having their pensions docked

The behaviour of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its debt collector has been quite outrageous.

You spotted the error and immediately moved to sort it out. Your reward has been harassment for the better part of a year.

As for the suggestion that you sent money to the wrong address, that is utter nonsense.

You have as evidence a letter of receipt from DWP at the Dundee Pension Centre dated January 4, 2018. The letter not only acknowledges payment, but also includes a copy of the cheques. It is signed J. Whyte, cashier/stockholder.

When you sent this evidence to the debt management department, you did not receive the courtesy of a reply. You also made several phone calls and sent more letters, all to no avail.

Then, despite your protestations, it raided your pensions.

After I made contact, DWP apologised for the unacceptable service. It has sent a refund of the money that was deducted from your state pensions, plus an additional 50 to apologise for the poor service.

You have received a personal phone call and been given the number of someone to call if there are any further problems.

You have YOUR say Every week, Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters and emails about our stories. Here are some from our article about how new leasehold contracts which promise to limit charges may not be all they seem: People need to be aware that the leasehold is something you cannot control. When these are owned by large companies, the only drive is share price and dividend. You are a cash cow and a source of income. S. Y., Nottingham. In Scotland, leaseholds were outlawed and all remaining contracts were converted into outright ownership. They should do the same for the rest of the UK. This is an archaic practice that can be abused. D. B., by email. The Government needs to step up here. Whats the point in it badgering people to get on the property ladder when old-fashioned practices such as this still exist? H. N., Derby. People should be challenging their conveyancing solicitors if they failed to advise them of the implications of a leasehold property. M. D., email. If buyers were told, two years after completing, they could purchase their freehold for a certain price, that would be good enough. You should be able to challenge in court the company that purchased your freehold. G. Y., London. If people refused to buy leasehold properties, landlords would have to stop putting these ridiculous clauses in the contracts. As long as people keep signing them, the contracts will continue to become more restrictive. M. V., Portsmouth. It all looks like a money-making scheme for the developers. Youd have thought the homeowners would have been given an option to buy the lease if it was to be sold on. Solicitors should point all this out early on. A. P., Bournemouth.

I had a HomeCare agreement with British Gas for several years, always paying by direct debit. In July, I received a renewal quote of 733.32 which I accepted.

I moved house in August and I was given a new quote of 372 for this address.

I assumed HomeCare would refund the difference, but the following month I received a letter indicating it was taking the 733.32 from my account.

When I checked my statement in October, I found that it had also taken 372 on October 8.

I have made three phone calls to HomeCare and on each occasion I have been promised a refund, but I have received nothing to date.

E. S., Swindon.

This is one of those occasions when I am forced to speculate because I have not received a sensible explanation of what went on from British Gas.

Your existing contract was due to renew from August. When you made contact after moving house, you not unnaturally assumed the new quote would replace the old one.

Instead, British Gas took your money twice. It has now refunded the larger payment.

So I am assuming that for the quote on your new home, it was treating you as a new customer, whereas for the higher quote, it was treating you as an existing customer.

You appear to have received a remarkable illustration of the cost of loyalty.

If I were you, I would argue very strongly next year, when your payment comes up for renewal, to make sure the bill doesnt start creeping up again.

Straight to the point I sent a parcel to my daughter in Australia, but it never arrived. It was collected by Hermes on November 8  I suspect it was lost soon after, but no one will help me find it. L. A., by email. Hermes says the delivery was booked and managed by Parcel2Go. As the parcel still hasnt turned up, Parcel2Go has processed a 298 refund to cover the cost. A Hermes spokesman says: The level of service was not in line with our usually high standards and we apologise. *** I recently installed the First Direct app on my Samsung smartphone, but it wont open. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling the app, but it still will not work. S. D., Kent. First Direct says it is aware there is a fault with its app for Android phones, such as your Samsung. If the phone is in battery-saving mode, the app wont open, even if the phone has enough power. The bank says its trying to fix the fault. Meanwhile, you can switch off battery-saving mode in settings. *** My sister and I cancelled our Xercise4Less gym memberships and our direct debits in October, but we are still being chased for payment. S. B., Wigan. After I contacted Xercise4Less, it sprang into action. It listened to your calls with the customer service department and saw there had been a misunderstanding, as you didnt realise you needed to cancel online, giving 30 days notice. It has now cleared the outstanding balance of 69.98. *** We read that exit penalties on equity release loans cannot exceed more than 25 per cent of the initial loan. However, my parents took out a 31,500 loan in 2000 and Aviva wants to charge 37,923.60 in early repayment fees. G. B., by email. Exit fees have been capped only since October 2004, when the financial watchdog took over regulation of mortgages. It ruled that early repayment fees must be a reasonable estimate of how much it would cost the lender if a customer repaid the loan early. Each lender set its own cap  typically 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the original sum borrowed. For loans taken out prior to October 2004, firms can charge whatever they like.

My broadband went down in December, but Virgin Media said there was nothing wrong.

The person from customer services passed me to a technical team which told me I would have to pay 25 and a small amount extra each month to put it right.

I had no intention of paying anything more than my current monthly bill.

A computer expert said there was nothing wrong with my computer and that the fault was with Virgin.

It cost me 40 to have my computer checked and I was quite annoyed.

I rang Virgin, but it was not willing to reimburse me.

M. M., Kent.

Virgin Media insists there was no problem with its broadband service on the date you mention.

However, I was curious about your reference to the technical team as this sounded like a little bit of upselling to me.

Apparently, you were referred to Virgins Gadget Rescue team, which is available through the payment of a monthly charge or a one-off fee to fix a device.

I dont think well ever get to the bottom of what went wrong. All I can say is that sometimes broadband, or more specifically the wi-fi connection within our homes, clogs up  apparently for no reason.

It may have been that you had just turned on your Christmas lights, it may have been interference from a neighbours broadband, or perhaps you just needed to turn everything off, let it rest, and turn it on again to clear the bottleneck.

In any case, Virgin Media, while emphasising there was no fault with its network or its equipment, has decided, as a gesture of goodwill, to reimburse the 40 you paid to have your computer examined.Buying an investment is easy. But deciding when to sell is always difficult  as I know from my own portfolio overhaul.

There's that fear you will sell just as the fund turns the corner and rockets off the launch pad.

My latest sale, about three months ago, was Axa Framlington UK Select Opportunities.

Jitters: The fall in the value of sterling after the Brexit vote and the antipathy to UK stocks since, will have had a disproportionate effect on some UK funds

After many exciting years it suffered a Brexit bashing and, crucially, long-time manager Nigel Thomas retires in March.

Recently, a series of reports has provided great grist for the private investor, highlighting investments that have consistently delivered disappointing returns.

These can provide a useful starting point to question whether or not it is time to sell.

Does the fund still suit your aims? Is it too risky? Has it changed its approach?

It may be pursuing growth while you want income, for example. It may be investing in the UK but you want a global focus.

Some digging online can reveal illuminating comment pieces on how the fund is being managed.

The granddaddy of the 'awful' guides is Bestinvest's Spot The Dog. This warns that 54.6 billion is tied up in funds that have underperformed for three years.

A word of warning. We have to look at this report and others through Brexit-tinted glasses.

The fall in the value of sterling after the vote and the antipathy to UK stocks since, will have had a disproportionate effect on some UK funds  especially those positioned to benefit from a successful Brexit.

Bestinvest identifies 111 so-called dogs  14 of which hold more than 1 billion each.

These include Invesco High Income and Invesco Income, which underperformed by 19 per cent in the past three years.

Together, these hold more than 11billion having become highly popular during Neil Woodford's successful management until 2014.

Other big beasts on the list include Woodford Equity Income, Artemis Global Income, Threadneedle UK, Janus Henderson European Selected Opportunities and HL Multi-Manager Income & Growth.

St James's Place appears three times among the 20 most underperforming larger funds with its UK High Income, Global Equity Income and UK & International Income spotlighted.

Jason Hollands, managing director at Bestinvest, says: 'Assessing funds has not been as easy in recent years because  up until 2018  investors have enjoyed several years of rising stock markets.

'Even those funds that have done a relatively poor job still delivered positive returns. This will have undoubtedly left many investors oblivious to the fact that managers of these funds have collected lucrative fees for plodding behind.'

Big UK companies, whose profits are measured in dollars, have been made more attractive by the fall in sterling

But he warns we have just seen an unusual period. For much of the past ten years medium-sized companies' shares have out-performed larger ones which has helped stock-picking managers  but the opposite has been true in the past three years.

Big UK companies, whose profits are measured in dollars, have been made more attractive by the fall in sterling.

Chelsea Financial Services' RedZone highlights funds that have underperformed in each of the past three years. It reserves a DropZone tag for the ten that have fallen furthest behind.

The DropZone now lists Woodford Equity Income, which lost 13.3 per cent over the three years to the end of 2018.

Chelsea spokesman Sam Slator admits: 'We have had constant debate in our offices about this fund. Some argue that Woodford has been through periods of underperformance before and has always come back strongly. Others think it's time to sell.

'From an investor's point of view, a lot will depend on your attitude to Brexit. Woodford believes the negativity has been overdone. His fund reflects this.'

There have been suggestions Woodford is turning the corner, but evidence is scanty.

Since the start of the year this fund is up 4 per cent while his Income Focus fund is up 7 per cent.

The average UK Equity Income fund is up 6.4 per cent (though Woodford Equity Income is actually in the UK All Companies sector).

Jupiter UK Growth, also in the DropZone, is another fund holding a lot of domestic shares.

But, Slator says, the good news is that several funds run by Aberdeen Standard have crawled out of the RedZone after changes to management and approach.

Elsewhere, investment company Sanlam analysed income funds, covering those that have consistently produced decent returns and those that have not.

Its Income study reveals the best funds on its so-called White List have yielded 27.70 income profits on every 100 invested over five years to the end of 2018. Those in the bottom sector have produced 23.20 in income.

Names on this Black List include HSBC Income, Axa Framlington Blue Chip Equity Income and Aberdeen UK Equity Income.

All three studies can be found on the firms' websites.

Since I sold the Axa fund, it has beaten its benchmark, rising by 4.5 per cent. But I used the money to buy a S&P 500 tracker at the end of December, which is up by more than 9 per cent since the start of the year, so I'm content.

t.hazell@dailymail.co.ukThe closure of Honda's car plant at Swindon is a tragedy for the 3,500 people employed there as well as a massive blow to the thousands of workers involved in the supply chains.

It's a tragedy on a human level because of the devastating impact that losing a job has on the psyche and because of the long-term harm that this has on families and communities.

Honda's decision to take production back to Japan is also devastating on an national level because it may mark the beginning of the end of the remarkable renaissance of Britain's car industry of the last few decades.

The closure of Honda's car plant at Swindon is a tragedy for the 3,500 people employed there as well as a massive blow to the thousands of workers involved in the supply chains

Manufacturers operate on long timeframes and on the lowest of margins so Honda will not have taken the decision lightly.

This will have been years in the making, and given an extra push by the recent EU-Japanese economic partnership agreement ruling out tariffs on Japanese car exports to the EU.

But Honda, like its US and German competitors, is also going through its own industrial restructuring.

Car makers face a myriad of challenges. These include a collapse in the market for diesel vehicles because of pressures from the green lobby and lunatic government tax policies which have demonised diesel engines, leading to a glut of cheaper second-hand cars.

At the same time, Chinese manufacturers such as Didi Chuxing are racing ahead, pumping out new electric vehicles with the goal of supplying half the world's cars sold over the next decade.

Others are exploring hydrogen technologies. In short, car making is going through a revolution.

There are other trends leading to a downturn in use: the high cost of keeping cars in cities, the rise of Uber and other sharing arrangements, improved public transport and rising urbanisation, which means that many youngsters are not bothering to buy cars. In Japan, the number of people below 30 applying for driving licences is down a third. And Brexit? Where does it fit into the puzzle?

Honda's bosses have gone to great pains to say that Brexit is not the trigger, pointing out that its Turkish plant is also for the chop.

Yet it would be naive not to acknowledge that the uncertainty over what type of trade deal is to be negotiated between the UK and the EU was a factor.

What is sure is that the Government's hopeless prevarication has created a situation of confusion.

What the Government can do, though, is pull out all stops to help the Swindon employees to find new work or to retrain if necessary to find jobs in related industries.

Helping them find jobs could be easier than it might seem. Buried in the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) employment figures is the extraordinary fact that there are now 65,000 manufacturing vacancies in the UK, the most since 2004.

The figures also show that after decades of decline, the number of people employed in UK manufacturing is growing fast and now stands at 2.7m  that's 100,000 more than in 2010.

This is still a long way from the 6.7m employed in 1978 but the trend is on the right path.

That's the good news, coming as it does with the ONS report yesterday which shows that overall employment is at the highest since records began in 1971, with 32.6m people in work.

The bad news is that we still don't have enough skilled people to fill these manufacturing vacancies despite vocal warnings from the EEF, the trade body, about the UK's critical shortage of engineers and other skilled technical staff.

If the Government wants to show it is in control and does not need to rely on foreign investors for a healthy economy, it should invest greater resources into improving vocational training and encourage schools and industry to work more closely with local job centres.

Swindon is a good place to start.

Vegan victory

Whoever is behind the Greggs Twitter feed deserves a big, fat pay rise.

The social media campaign around the launch of the Greggs vegan sausage was so sensational that sales shot up 14 percent in a matter of weeks.

The result is that profits will be higher than forecast  and the company's shares are on a high too.

The Greggs Twitter campaigners were smart because, rather than back down in the face of critics who described Greggs as 'PC-ravaged clowns' for going vegan, they were equally rude back.

There is a lesson here: don't listen to trolls and don't roll over.We are told time and again that our personal data is worth its weight in gold, and warned not to share it too widely for fear of it landing in the wrong hands.

But how are we supposed to keep it safe when it's becoming almost impossible to keep track of who has access to it?

Buy anything online and firms will promise to send you a host of discounts if you simply tick a box giving them permission to share your details with third parties.

Regulators must do more to help us claw back control of our data. If they don't, the nuisance calls, emails and texts will never cease.

Say 'yes' and off go your name, phone number, email address, dress size, favourite flavour of ice cream and goodness knows what else to be circulated who knows where.

Even High Street stores now ask for your email address to send you an e-receipt, instead of giving you a paper one, and encourage you to sign up for their mobile apps.

New, stricter data protection rules introduced last year were supposed to ensure that firms share our personal information only when they have our express permission. But how can we police this? As we reveal today we don't always know with whom our data is shared.

In Kevin Johnson's case, he had no idea that his car insurer would share his details with numerous other companies after he made a claim. And, while this was for the legitimate purpose of handling his claim, at some point something obviously went amiss.

It can't be a coincidence that the day after he reported a prang in a car park, he began to be bombarded with around 100 nuisance calls from accident claims firms. So his data must have been sold, hacked or mistakenly sent to the wrong place.

Yet, even though it is clear a data leak occurred, it is impossible for Kevin to lay the blame at any one door. It could have happened at numerous points down the line and no one is taking responsibility.

The only thing we know for sure is that now his information is out there, it will almost certainly be sold on, again and again.

Regulators must do more to help us claw back control of our data. If they don't, the nuisance calls, emails and texts will never cease.

Victory!

In Saturday's Daily Mail, we revealed that banks have finally agreed to refund fraud victims in cases where neither they nor the customer is to blame.

It is brilliant news for victims and a major victory for our Stop The Bank Scammers campaign.

However, it is vital that banks finalise plans for how the fund will work as swiftly as possible.

The scheme will not be retrospective, so, until it is in place, victims will continue to lose life-changing sums of money every day, with no hope of getting it back.

One way banks are considering funding the reimbursement pot is through a levy on each transaction, which banks would pay initially.

If this plan is chosen, banks must pledge not to make customers shoulder these fees in the future.

Britain's biggest building society, Nationwide, has already promised not to pass on the cost to its members. Its chief of products, Chris Rhodes, tells Money Mail: 'We don't believe our members should pay the costs for our share.'

Let's hope banks follow its lead.

Scam alert

Speaking of scams, reader Monica wrote to highlight one I had not heard of before. She says she received three calls claiming her washing machine guarantee had expired and she needed to pay 79 over the phone to renew it.

Yet, when she went into Currys, she discovered the guarantee had four more years left. Fortunately, Monica had refused to give out her card details before checking.

But she says: 'If I had read in the Mail about these scams, I would have been more prepared, as they often phone early morning, around 8.30am. Would it be asking too much for you to suggest a scam contact for us to email so you can tell everyone about them?'

Excellent idea  please email fraud@dailymail.co.uk and we'll do our best to warn you about the latest cons.

v.bischoff@dailymail.co.ukPort Allen, LA (70767)

Today

Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 73F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 73F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.New Delhi, Feb 20(PTI) Four men was arrested for allegedly stealing 150 mobile phones from an online shopping portal's delivery hub at Alipur, police said today.

A complaint was received from Maan Singh, a certified vigilance investigation expert of Flipkart security team, on February 19 that the mobile phones, being transported from their delivery hub to a warehouse at Binola, Bilaspur, were stolen, Additional Commissioner (Crime) Police Rajiv Ranjan said.

A case was registered and investigation was undertaken, he said.

"Four members of a gang were arrested from Dwarka area, including gang leader Santosh Kumar, leading to the recovery of 30 multi-brand new mobile phones from their possession," said the officer.

The accused, Santosh Kumar, Brijmohan, Akhilesh and Ranjit, are drivers by profession with different transport companies in Delhi, he said.

Santosh Kumar and Brijmohan were found involved in a theft case of a similar nature registered at Fursatganj police station in UP in which they had stolen more than 100 sugar sacks from a container carrying public distribution ration, the officer said.

Thirty stolen mobile phones worth Rs 2.5 lakh were seized from the gang, he added. PTI VIT AAR

AARNoida, Feb 20 (PTI) Noida Police has booked a Gurgaon-based man for allegedly raping a 16-year-old foster daughter of his live-in partner, officials said Wednesday.

The minor girl, who hails from Assam, fled from Gurgaon last month and arrived in Noida, where she is currently lodged at a women's shelter home, they said.

According to police, the minor girl was adopted by her neighbours after the demise of her parents in Assam. The couple had first moved to Nepal and then to Gurgaon, where they eventually got separated.

The woman, along with the girl, then started staying with the accused, an official said.

"It was there that the girl was sexually assaulted multiple times by the man. Last month, she fled Gurgaon with the help of a man who brought her to the shelter home in Noida," the official said.

An FIR was registered at the Noida Sector 39 police station on Wednesday against the accused under IPC section 376 (rape) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, he said, adding that an investigation was underway. PTI KIS IJTWayanad (Ker), Feb 20 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the family of CRPF jawan V V Vasanth Kumar, who was killed in the recent Pulwama terror attack, in Wayanad district on Wednesday.

He spoke to Kumar's wife, Sheena, two children -- son Amandeep (5) and daughter Anamika (8) -- and mother and assured them all support from the government.

Vijayan told the family that if Sheena was not interested in continuing working as an assistant at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, she would be appointed as a sub-inspector in the police department.

The state government had announced on Tuesday that steps would be taken to make Sheena, who is at present a temporary employee, a permanent staff member at the university.

It announced a financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the grieving family -- Rs 15 lakh to the wife and Rs 10 lakh to the mother.

The state cabinet also took a decision to meet the educational expenses of Kumar's two children and to construct a new house for the family.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Vijayan was accompanied by his wife Kamala and cabinet colleagues E P Jayarajan and Kadannappally Ramachandran on the visit. PTI LGK SS DIV

DIVNew Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Supreme Court judge, Justice L Nageswara Rao, Wednesday recused himself from hearing the CBI's plea alleging obstruction in its probe into the multi-crore Sarada chit fund scam probe by West Bengal authorities.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Rao and Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the hearing on pleas of the CBI, saying that one of the judges was not inclined to be part of the bench to hear the matter.

Justice Rao said he had appeared for the state as a lawyer and therefore cannot hear the case.

The bench has now posted the matter for hearing on February 27 before an appropriate bench of which Justice Rao is not a part.

On February 18, West Bengal Chief secretary Malay Kumar De, DGP Virendera Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar had filed separate affidavits in the apex court on the contempt petition moved by the CBI in connection with the scam and had tendered "unconditional and unambiguous apology".

The apex court had on February 5 directed them to file replies on the \Rcontempt pleas filed against them by the CBI. PTI SJK LLP LLP DV

DVNew Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday claimed the AAP leaders were tired of trying to convince the Congress to form an alliance with the party, asserting the arrangement would result in the BJP losing all the Lok Sabha seats it currently holds in the national capital.

In his speech at a public rally near Jama Masjid here, he also lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, accusing them of dividing people.

"We are tired of convincing the Congress to form an alliance, but they do not understand. If there is an alliance, the BJP will lose all the seven Lok Sabha seats it currently has in Delhi," the AAP national convener said.

The rally was organised in the minority dominated pocket of Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat, currently held by Union minister Harsh Vardhan.

" I dont know what they have in their minds," he said about an alliance with the Congress and alleged that it was "weakening" the AAP in Delhi, drawing comparison with the SP-BSP combine in UP.

Earlier this month, Kejriwal had told reporters that the Congress has "more or less" ruled out an alliance with the AAP for the Lok Sabha polls.

In his attack on Modi and Shah, the AAP leader alleged that if the BJP returned to power, the country would lose its Constitution and democracy.

"Beware of the division of votes. Vote for the AAP because it can defeat the BJP and Modi in Delhi," he told the crowd.

He alleged that Pakistan dreamt of fragmenting India and the people and it failed, but Modi and Shah achieved in four years what the neighbouring country could not do in 70 years. "If they come back, the country and its democracy will not survive," Kejriwal alleged.

He said the upcoming Lok Sabha election was not about who becomes the prime minister of the country, it was about removing Modi and Shah. "Those who have any feeling for the country, should defeat them at any cost in 2019," he said.

Kejriwal claimed that the BJP is going to lose 10 per cent votes this time as compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls when it got 46 percent votes in Delhi.

If these votes go to the Congress, BJP will win all the seven seats again, he asserted asking the people to vote for AAP. PTI VIT AARNew Delhi, Feb 19 (PTI) The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has received a bulk production clearance from the Indian Army and the Defence Ministry for production of 114 'Dhanush' artillery guns, officials said Tuesday.

'Dhanush' is the first long-range artillery gun to be produced in India and it is a major success story of the 'Make in India' initiative, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The OFB has received a bulk production clearance from the Army and the Defence Ministry for production of 114 first-ever indigenous artillery gun 'Dhanush', it said, adding, the clearance was received on Monday.

"The gun is equipped with inertial navigation-based sighting system, auto-laying facility, on-board ballistic computation and an advanced day and night direct firing system. The self-propulsion unit allows the gun to negotiate and deploy itself in mountainous terrains with ease," the ministry said.

'Dhanush' has been mechanically upgraded to fire standard NATO 155 mm ammunition and can accommodate the bi-modular charge system (BMCS) which has resulted in increasing the range, it said.

It has also been electronically upgraded to enhance the firing accuracies, laying speeds of the existing gun and to provide compatibility with various kinds of ammo as well, the statement said.

The performance of the gun has been evaluated under arduous conditions in several phases.

"The guns travelled extensively in towed and self-propelled mode in all terrains viz desert and high altitude with each gun clocking over 1600 km. Such an extensive exercise was carried out by the user for the first time for any gun system under the process of induction," it added.

The manufacture of a 155 mm modern artillery gun was initially a challenge for the OFB. This was due to change in the vision parameters from 155x39 calibre to 155x45 calibre.

The OFB received the Transfer of Technology (ToT) documents pertaining to 155x39 calibre and then converted it to 155x45 calibre successfully, the statement said.

'Dhanush' is the product of joint efforts by the OFB and the Army with contributions from the DRDO, DGQA, DPSUs such as Bharat Electronics Limited, PSUs such as SAIL and several private enterprises. PTI KND ANB

ANBChandigarh, Feb 20 (PTI) Haryana Assembly members on Wednesday passed a resolution in the House, strongly condemning the terrorist attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and urged the central government to give a befitting reply to the enemy for the ghastly act.

The members resolved to donate one month's salary to the next of kin of CRPF personnel killed in Pulwama on February 14.

The House was unanimous that the suicide bombing was a Pakistan-supported terrorist attack. It expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and was unanimous that the "Government of India give a befitting reply to the enemy for the Pulwama terrorist attack."

The session began with the House paying tributes to personalities, martyrs and freedom fighters who passed away between the end of the winter session in December last year and the beginning of the budget session on February 20.

Leader of Opposition and senior INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala said his party MLAs have decided to donate one-month salary to the next of kin of the CRPF soldiers killed in Pulwama attack.

After this, Congress Legislature Party leader Kiran Chowdhary too said her party legislators will donate one-month salary for the family of the CRPF martyrs.

Chowdhary said there has been a "steady escalation" in terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan, and time has come that they be given a befitting reply.

Supporting the Opposition's move, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, also the leader of the House, moved a resolution that the legislators will donate a month's salary.

Khattar moved another resolution strongly condemning the Pulwama terrorist attack, which was unanimously passed by the House.

"The House strongly condemns the terrorist attack and salutes these great soldiers for their supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives for the nation," read the resolution.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad group rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Earlier, Khattar paid tributes and read out the obituary resolutions. Chautala and Chowdhary also read out obituary resolutions and paid tributes on behalf of their parties.

Apart from the CRPF martyrs, the House paid tributes to former Union Minister George Fernandes, Member of Haryana Legislative Assembly Jaswinder Singh Sandhu and former Ministers of State Sita Ram Singla and Ved Singh Malik.

Tributes were paid to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi, who hailed from Hisar and died in a mid-air collision between two aircraft of Indian Air Force's aerobatic team Surya Kiran near Bengaluru on Tuesday.

The House also paid tributes to Sepoy Hari Singh of Rajgarh village in Rewari district, who was killed in an encounter between security forces and militants in J&K's Pulwama.

The members of House also observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to the departed souls.

The assembly has a strength of 90 MLAs. One MLA of INLD Jaswinder Singh Sandhu passed away recently. PTI SUN ABH

ABHLucknow, Feb 20 (PTI) The BJP Kisan Morcha will be holding its two-day national convention in Gorakhpur on February 23-24.

It will be inaugurated by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah, while Union Home minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the valedictory function on February 24.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, president of the Kisan Morcha Virendra Singh Mast said that more than 8,000 persons are likely to attend the event.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya are expected to participate, he said.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a number of welfare steps have been taken for the farmers, and this is just the beginning," Mast said.

"More welfare-oriented steps are in the anvil for the 'annadata' of the country. The BJP is committed to make the farmers prosperous and economically empowered," he added. PTI NAV RHLWe will not involve ourselves into tensions between India and Pakistan without being invited by both the countries: Saudi FM to PTI. PTI MPB MPB PYK

PYKNew Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Following are the top stories for discussion at 2 pm

TOP STORIES:



DEL9 SAUDI-INDIA-TALKS

PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince hold talks to expand ties

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Wednesday explored ways to further deepen strategic ties, in talks taking place in the backdrop of India's escalating tension with Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack.



DEL16 LD NAMVAR SINGH

Hindi writer and critic Namvar Singh dies in Delhi hospital, pres and PM pay tribute

New Delhi: Namvar Singh, writer, poet, critic and one of contemporary Hindi literature's tallest figures, has died after a month-long illness, his family said on Wednesday. He was 92.



FGN7 US-2NDLD-TRUMP-PULWAMA

Trump describes Pulwama attack as 'horrible', State Dept asks Pak to punish those responsible

Washington: US President Donald Trump has described as "horrible" the deadly terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pulwama, as his administration offered full support to India to combat terrorism and asked Islamabad to punish anyone responsible for the "heinous act". By Lalit K Jha

DEL4 ED-VADRA

Vadra appears before ED in money laundering case probe

New Delhi: Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case probe, officials said.



NATION:



DEL11 JK-CURFEW

Curfew relaxed in entire Jammu city

Jammu: Authorities Wednesday relaxed curfew in the entire Jammu city for the first time since its imposition on Friday last as the situation improved.



DEL10 ED-ILFS

IL&FS crisis: ED raids multiple locations after filing PMLA case

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with the IL&FS payment default crisis, officials said.



DEL14 CONG-PM-SAUDI

Congress denounces PM Modi over 'grand welcome' to Saudi crown prince

New Delhi: Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for receiving Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, the Congress on Wednesday asked whether according a "grand welcome" to those who praised Pakistan's "anti-terror" efforts was his way of remembering the Pulwama attack martyrs.



DES2 UP-ADG-SUSPEND

Senior IPS officer suspended by UP govt after controversial interview

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended a senior IPS officer for allegedly making controversial remarks in an interview to a news website and unauthorised absence from duty, official sources said Wednesday.



DES7 UKD VARSITY STUDENTS

Seven Kashmiri students suspended by pvt university in U'khand for anti-national posts

Dehradun: Seven Kashmiri students have been suspended by Roorkee-based Quantum Global University for their alleged anti-national posts on social media, a university official said.



BOM1 MH-SENA-ALLIANCE

Rahul, Priyanka no match to Modi's leadership: Sena

Mumbai: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's "development book" has improved much since 2014 and he has his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's support, but they cannot be compared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the

Shiv Sena said on Wednesday.



MDS4 KA-AEROINDIA

Defence minister invites investors in aero space and other sectors

Bengaluru: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman Wednesday invited investors to capitalise on the ecosystem in aero space and other sectors in India which offered a big market for Defence manufacturing.



LEGAL



LGD15 SC-LD CHIT FUND

SC judge recuses from hearing CBI plea alleging WB officers obstructing Saradha chit fund probe

New Delhi: Supreme Court judge, Justice L Nageswara Rao, Wednesday recused himself from hearing the CBI's plea alleging obstruction in its probe into the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam probe by West Bengal authorities.



LGD14 SC-2ND LD ERICSSON

SC holds Anil Ambani, others guilty of contempt; says 3 months jail if dues not paid to Ericsson

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday held RCom chairman Anil Ambani and two others guilty of contempt of court for violating its order by not paying dues of Rs 550 crore to Ericsson, and said they faced a three-month jail term if Rs 453 crore was not paid to the telecom equipment maker in four weeks.



BUSINESS



DEL18 BIZ-FDI-INFLOW

FDI during Apr-Dec 2018-19 falls 7 pc to USD 33.49 bn

New Delhi: Foreign direct investment (FDI) into India contracted by 7 per cent to USD 33.49 billion during April-December in the current fiscal, according to commerce and industry ministry data.



FOREIGN



FGN5 UNHCHR-PULWAMA

UN Human Rights chief strongly condemns Pulwama terror attack

United Nations: The top United Nations human rights official has strongly condemned last week's suicide bomb attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir calling on authorities to bring those responsible to justice.



FGN4 UN-INDOPAK

UN Secy Gen stresses importance for India, Pak to exercise maximum restraint

United Nations: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to take "immediate steps" to deescalate tension that soared after 40 Indian security personnel were killed in an attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pulwama. PTI CK(Eds: Updating with MEA spokesperson's quotes)

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Saudi Arabia on Wednesday increased India's Haj quota by about 25,000, the third hike in three years, taking the number of pilgrims from the country who can perform the pilgrimage to 2 lakh.

The decision was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman here.

While T S Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA, said the implementation of the enhanced quota will depend on logistical and other things, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it will be effective from this year.

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the increase in quota for Indian Haj pilgrims to 200,000 at the request of Prime Minister Modi, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Naqvi hailed the decision and thanked the prime minister, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the crown prince, and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

"This is the third hike in consecutive years. When the Modi government came to power in 2014, India's Haj quota was 1,36,000, which has now been increased to 2 lakh. This will be the highest number of pilgrims going for Haj from India since independence," Naqvi told PTI.

He said this was possible because of Modi's "very cordial and friendly" relations with the Saudi leadership.

This year, 2,340 Muslim women from India will go for Haj without 'Mehram' or male companion. Also, India will be sending the second highest number of pilgrims for Haj after Indonesia, he said.

The government had last year allowed women to go on Haj without 'Mehram', which saw about 1,300 women going without any male companion. They had been exempted from the lottery system.

Last year, Saudi Arabia had increased India's Haj quota by 5,000 to 1,75,025, while in 2017 it was increased by about 35,000.

The Haj subsidy provided by the government was removed last year in the light of a Supreme Court order of 2012.

Naqvi had earlier said that digitising Haj-related processes has ensured that the annual pilgrimage remained inexpensive despite the absence of subsidy and made the system "pro-pilgrim". PTI ASK DPBJU scuffle to be probed, VC in a state of shock: Partha

Kolkata, Feb 20 (PTI) West Bengal Education Minister

Partha Chatterjee Thursday said Jadavpur University Vice

Chancellor Suranjan Das, who was hospitalised after some

students allegedly manhandled him, is in a state of "shock".

Chatterjee, who visited Das at the hospital earlier in

the day, told PTI that the incident will be probed.

"We have asked for a video footage of the incident. We

want to find out who all are behind (the alleged assault). Das

is still in a state of shock," he said.

Stating that Das was subjected to "verbal abuse",

Chatterjee said, "I have heard about the entire incident from

the pro-VC and registrar. I will certainly report the matter

to the chief minister. This can't go on. JU is a matter of

pride for all of us."

A scuffle broke out Tuesday between two groups of

students, who wanted to approach the VC with their demands as

soon as he stepped out of his office.

A private hospital, where the vice chancellor has been

admitted, said in a statement that Das, who had to undergo

X-ray for injuries he might have sustained during the scuffle,

has been kept under observation.

His blood pressure shot up Tuesday night, but now he

is stable, the hospital said.

While the Arts Faculty Students' Union (AFSU) claimed

it wanted to find out if the JU's executive council has taken

up the issue of "inordinate delay" in facilitating elections,

the members of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) said they

sought to know about the status of a molestation case.

Debraj Debnath of AFSU alleged that the VC's security

guards and the members of TMCP tried to "forcefully remove"

its representatives when they approached Das.

"Four to five of our members were injured in the

melee," he said.

The charge was, however, denied by the TMCP.

"The AFSU representatives heckled us when we tried to

talk to Das," a TMCP member claimed .

A university spokesman said the vice chancellor was

not willing to press any charge or lodge a formal police

complaint against the students.

Das, after Tuesday's incident, told reporters that he

felt insulted and humiliated.

"This had never happened to me in the past. The

students blocked my path and turned aggressive even as I was

trying to say that I am ready to speak to them in a proper

manner," he had said. PTI SUS

RMS RMSSix-year-old boy falls into borewell, rescue operation on

Pune, Feb 20 (PTI) A six-year-old son of a road

construction worker got trapped in a 200-feet borewell on

Wednesday at a village in Ambegaon tehsil in Pune district, an

official said.

A rescue operation has been launched to pull the boy

out alive, the official said.

According to the NDRF team, the boy Ravi Pandit

Bhill, stuck at a depth of 10 feet into the 200-feet deep

borewell in Thorandale village.

Police said the incident took place around 4.45 pm on

Wednesday when the boy was playing near the open borewell

while his father, who is a labourer, was busy in the road

construction work.

An NDRF official said that the rescue team has started

the excavation and the efforts are being taken to pull him

out.

He also said that the boy is responding. PTI SPK

NP NPUnited Nations, Feb 20 (PTI) UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to take "immediate steps" to deescalate tension that soared after 40 Indian security personnel were killed in an attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pulwama.

"The Secretary General stresses the importance for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalation, and his good offices are always available should both sides ask," the UN Chief's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Tuesday at the daily press briefing.

Dujarric was asked about a meeting Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN has sought with the Secretary General and also about Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi saying the UN must step in to defuse tensions between the two nations.

"...Looking at the situation in general between India and Pakistan, we're deeply concerned at the increase in tensions between the two countries in the wake of the attack on Indian security personnel on 14 February in Pulwama," Dujrraic said.

He said Pakistan's mission at the UN requested for the meeting with the Secretary General.

"We have seen press reports of a letter having been delivered to the UN. As far as we've ascertained, none has been received as of this very minute," he added.

Last week, Guterres had "strongly" condemned the terror attack against security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, perpetrated by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, calling for those behind the attack to be brought to justice.

"We strongly condemn today's attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district and express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the government and people of India," Dujarric had said at the daily press briefing last Thursday.

Responding to a question by PTI on the terror attack, Dujarric said, "We of course wish a speedy recovery to those injured and call for those behind the attack to be brought to justice." PTI YAS TIR

TIR

TIRThe Hague, Feb 20 (PTI) The International Court of Justice on Wednesday said that it has not received any evidence that the ad-hoc judge for Pakistan is unable or unwilling to continue to exercise his duties in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

Pakistan, which presented its case on Tuesday, asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to adjourn the case, citing the illness of its ad-hoc judge Tassaduq Hussain Jillani who suffered a cardiac attack ahead of the hearing.

Islamabad submitted a request for the replacement of Pakistan's ad-hoc judge.

ICJ top judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, speaking on the appointment for an ad-hoc judge for Pakistan in the case, said: "In order to clear up any misunderstandings which may have arisen, we assure both parties of the smooth running of these proceedings in accordance of the principal of equality of the parties".

He said it should be noted that once a judge ad-hoc has been chosen in proceedings before the court and in the absence of any objection within the prescribed time-limit, his or her appointment as a judge ad-hoc in the case is confirmed by a letter of the court to the parties under article 35, paragraph 3 of the rules of court.

"Indeed, in the present case, judge ad-hoc Jillani was sent the case file and duly took part in all the previous stages of the proceedings," he said.

"He (Jillani) will receive all transcripts of oral proceedings and may also watch them by a webcast... It follows that the judge ad-hoc chosen by Pakistan for the current proceedings has been participating in the case and may continue to do so.

"Having began his duties, a judge ad-hoc serves the court like all his or her colleagues as an independent judge for the remainder of the case, including all subsequent phases, through to final judgement or until the case is otherwise removed from the general list," the ICJ top judge said.

The court has not received so far any evidence that judge ad-hoc Jillani is unable or unwilling to continue to exercise his duties as a judge ad-hoc in this case, he said.

ICJ top judge Yusuf said it is important to recall that even if a judge ad-hoc is not able to attend the hearing, he or she may be authorised by the court to take part in the subsequent deliberations.

Jadhav, 48, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

India moved the ICJ in May 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to Jadhav.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

On Thursday, Pakistan will submit its final arguments.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019. PTI CPS ZH AKJ CPSBeijing, Feb 20 (PTI) India'a new ambassador to China Vikram Misri presented his credentials to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

Misri, a 1989-batch India Foreign Service officer, succeeded Gautam Bambawale who retired in November last year.

The 54-year-old Indian diplomat presented his credentials to President Xi in a special ceremony held at the Great Hall of People here, the Indian Embassy said on Twitter.

Since he took charge last month, Misri has been meeting various Chinese officials, discussing Sino-India ties.

Before his appointment to China, he served as India's envoy to Myanmar.

Misri, born on November 7, 1964 in Srinagar, has served in various capacities at the headquarters of the MEA as well as in the Prime Minister's Office.

He has also served in various Indian missions in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.

Misri took the charge of the country's envoy at a time when India and China are trying to deepen their cooperation in various areas, leaving behind the 2017 Doklam standoff which was the most serious military face-off in decades. PTI KJV CPS AKJ CPSVatican City, Feb 20 (AP) If Pope Francis needed a concrete example to justify summoning church leaders from around the globe to Rome for a tutorial on clergy sex abuse, Sister Bernardine Pemii has it.

The nun, who recently completed a course on child protection policies at Rome's Jesuit university, has been advising her bishop in Ghana on an abuse case, instructing him to invite the victim to his office to hear her story before opening an investigation.

If Pemii hadn't stepped in? "It would have been covered. There would have been complete silence," Pemii told The Associated Press recently.

"And nothing would have happened. Nobody would have listened to the victim." Francis is convening this week's summit at the Vatican to prevent cover-ups by Catholic superiors everywhere, as many around the world continue to protect the church's reputation at all costs, denying that priests rape children and by discrediting victims even as new cases keep coming to light.

History's first Latin American pope has made many of the same mistakes. As archbishop in Buenos Aires, he went out of his way to defend a famous street priest who was later convicted of abuse. He took a handful of measures early on in his papacy that undermined progress the Vatican had made in taking a hard line against rapists.

These include the pontiff seriously and publicly botching a well-known case of cover-up in Chile by initially giving it no credence. Francis realized last year he had erred.

"I was part of the problem," Francis told Chilean survivor Juan Carlos Cruz during a private meeting at the Vatican in June.

The pope has now done an about-face and is bringing the rest of the church leadership along with him at the extraordinary summit that starts Thursday. The meeting will bring together some 190 presidents of bishops' conferences, religious orders and Vatican offices for four days of lectures and workshops on preventing sex abuse in their churches, tending to victims, and investigating abuse when it does occur.

The Vatican isn't expecting any miracles, and the pope himself has called for expectations to be "deflated." But organizers say the meeting nevertheless marks a turning point in the way the Catholic Church has dealt with the problem, with Francis' own conversion last year a key point of departure.

"I have been impressed by the humility of the Holy Father," said Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the Vatican sex crimes investigator who helped set Francis straight on Chile. "He's ready to say 'I got that wrong. We're not going to do it again. We're going to do it right.'" "I think that gives us great hope," Scicluna said.

But the challenges are daunting as the message trickles down slowly.

Just this week, the online research group BishopAccountability released statistics from eight of the largest Catholic countries in the world, with the bishops from only one country - the U.S. - committing to a policy to permanently remove any priest who has sexually abused a child.

Bishops in some countries, including Brazil, don't even have a published policy to speak of. In Italy, the president of the bishops' conference met with victims for the first time last week - after summit organizers demanded it.

"I want to say that something important is going to come out of the week, but based on research we've done, I believe this church is nowhere close to enacting the reforms it must make to stop this epidemic," said BishopAccountability's Anne Barret Doyle.

Survivor Phil Saviano, who was crucial to the Boston Globe's 2002 expose that first revealed the extent of the abuse and cover-up by clergy, was more optimistic. He marveled at the fact that Scicluna quoted from the Oscar-winning movie "Spotlight," which was inspired by the Globe's reporting, at a press conference launching the summit.

"I really didn't expect to hear them complimenting the news media and thanking you for helping them to come to better understanding of the nature of this problem that is so deeply entrenched within the Catholic Church," Saviano told reporters.

Saviano is joining about a dozen abuse survivors, many of them activists, who are meeting with summit organizers Wednesday. A different group of survivors will join the bishops themselves, offering testimonies during daily prayers.

The message, said Chilean survivor Cruz, who organized the meeting with the committee members, is that bishops must listen to survivors and apply true zero tolerance at home. "Those who have covered up, there is the door," Cruz told AP. While survivors are being well represented at the summit, women as a whole are not.

Of the 190 participants, 10 are religious sisters representing orders in the summit, and three women will address the meeting. Other than that, the meeting is by men and for men - the hierarchy of the church.

On the sidelines of the summit, women's groups are demanding a greater voice and speaking out about the sexual abuse of adult women and religious sisters in the church - a scandal that has recently come to light after Francis acknowledged it was a problem.

"I do not have much hope for this meeting and we were already warned by Pope Francis not to have hope," said Virginia Saldanha, secretary of the Indian Women Theologians Forum. "I see that it is the people ... that have to raise voices, voices that can bring about change." (AP) PMS

PMSBeijing, Feb 20 (PTI) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi would meet on the sidelines of next week's Russia-India-China Foreign Ministers' conference in China amid Beijing's continued blocking of India and other countries' moves to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

The meeting assumes significance as it will be the first high-level interaction between the two countries after the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed on February 14.

China, while expressing shock over the incident, reiterated its stand to block moves to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee.

The 16th meeting of the Russia-India-China (RIC) Foreign Ministers would be held at the Chinese city of Wuzhen in the eastern Zhejiang province on February 27, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang announced on Wednesday.

"During this foreign ministers' meeting, the three Foreign Ministers will focus on implementation of our leaders' consensus, and exchange views on major international, regional issues of common concern and deepening trilateral cooperation.

"I am sure this meeting will achieve positive outcomes," Geng said.

Besides Swaraj and Wang, the meeting would be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, he said.

Official sources here told PTI that Swaraj and Wang would also meet on the sidelines of the RIC ministers meeting.

This is expected to provide an opportunity for both the ministers to have in-depth discussions on China's reluctance to back efforts by India, the US, the UK and France to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee.

China, an "all-weather" ally of Pakistan and a veto-wielding member, has stonewalled all efforts by the four countries by putting technical holds since 2016.

However France, also a veto-wielding member, has announced that it would move a new resolution in the 1267 Committee to list Azhar in the light of the Pulwama attack.

To a question about the RIC meeting taking place under the shadow of the Pulwama attack, Geng, while reiterating China's stand, said that Beijing would adopt a constructive stand on this issue.

China hopes that with the concerted efforts by the three countries, RIC ministers meeting will achieve positive outcomes, he said.

"You talked about the designation of JeM head as international terrorist, I have already answered many questions regarding the same.

"The 1267 committee of UN Security Council has clear rules and procedures when it comes to designation of terrorists and terrorist organisations. On this issue, we will adopt a constructive attitude to work with all sides," Geng said.

In a written reply to a question from PTI about France's decision to once again move a proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist, Geng said: "I am not aware of the specific situation you mentioned. The 1267 security committee has clear norms on the listing and procedures of terrorist organisations or individuals. China will continue to communicate and cooperate with relevant parties in a constructive and responsible manner".

On February 15, Geng, when asked about the External Affairs Ministry's appeal to all members of the UN Security Council to list Azhar as a global terrorist after the Pulwama attack, said: "as for the issue of listing, I could tell you that the 1267 committee of security council has a clear stipulation on the listing and procedure of the terrorist organisations.

"JeM has been included in the Security Council terrorism sanctions list. China will continue handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner".

On the forthcoming RIC meeting which is an annual affair, Geng in his Wednesday's media briefing said that China, Russia and India are important countries of the world and newly-emerging markets. They share important common interests and responsibilities in maintaining world peace, stability and development.

Since the establishment of the trilateral mechanism, this has played an important role in enhancing strategic communication and coordinating positions, and seeking consensus and cooperation between the three countries, he said.

In last November, leaders of the three countries held an informal meeting in Argentina. PTI KJV CPS AKJ CPSWashington, Feb 20 (PTI) Three Indian-origin Democratic lawmakers have joined hands with over 40 others to demand an investigation into reports of force-feeding of immigrant detainees, including Indians, on a hunger strike by the US authorities at detention centres.

At least 13 immigrant detainees, including Indians, were force-fed through nasal tubes, against their will, by the the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials after they went on a hunger strike to protest conditions at a processing centre in Texas early this month.

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and Veronica Escobar led 47 of their colleagues in calling on the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General to probe the on-site conditions of ICE detention facilities following recent reports of detainees being punished for protesting their treatment and force-fed while engaging in a hunger strike, a statement by the lawmakers said on Tuesday.

The lawmakers, in a letter to John V Kelly, Acting Director, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security, also demanded an explanation of the legal process and policy considerations pertaining to the involuntary tube-feeding of ICE detainees.

The letter was signed by 49 Democratic lawmakers, including Indian-origin Tulsi Gabbard, Ron Khanna and Pramila Jayapal.

"We implore you to exercise your oversight responsibilities to make improving conditions at immigration detention facilities a top priority for ICE and ensure the humane treatment of detainees in federal custody," Oregon Democratic Representative Bonamici and Texas Democratic Rep Veronica Escobar said in the letter.

"According to detainees and advocates, the purpose of the hunger strikes in El Paso and elsewhere is to call attention to mistreatment and abuse in immigration detention," the lawmakers said.

"Yet, rather than addressing those complaints, ICE is force-feeding detainees and reportedly taking other punitive measures, including solitary confinement.

"Some detainees allege that detention officers ridicule them and threaten them with deportation, despite their future immigration status being dependent on due process. If accurate, these complaints reveal unequivocal abuses of power that violate the rights of detainees," they said.

The Geneva-based United National human rights office had also said that the US could be violating the U.N. Convention Against Torture.

"These complaints reveal unequivocal abuses of power that violate the rights of detainees," the lawmakers said.

Detained immigrants have sporadically staged hunger strikes around the country for years, protesting conditions they face while seeking asylum. PTI SMJ AKJ SMJ

SMJMumbai, Feb 20 (PTI) Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia says his upcoming "Milan Talkies" will not release in Pakistan as he believes Indian films should never be screened in the neighbouring country, since it is one of the hubs of piracy.

In the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack, which claimed the lives of at least 40 CRPF personnel, the makers of several upcoming projects including "Total Dhamaal", "Luka Chuppi", "Arjun Patiala", had announced that they will not be releasing the films in Pakistan.

When asked if he plans to release the film in Pakistan, Tigmanshu told reporters, "No, it will not release in Pakistan. For two reasons. First, we stand in solidarity. Second, piracy originates from Pakistan. So, we should never release our films there, irrespective of any reasons."

He was speaking at the trailer launch of the film here on Wednesday. The movie stars Ali Fazal, Shraddha Srinath, Sikander Kher and Ashutosh Rana, among others.

When asked for his take on the ban on Pakistani artiste, the filmmaker said it should stay as of now.

"Right now, there should be a ban considering the situation. When the situation gets better, we will open our arms."

Ali said right now everyone has become an expert on how to solve the crisis but one must trust the Army.

"During demonetisation, we all had become an economist. I think we should trust the army. They are doing their job. We have a great army and we should stand in solidarity."

Written by Tigmanshu and Kamal Pandey, "Milan Talkies" is scheduled to release on March 15. PTI JUR RB BK

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.)

CHENNAI, February 19, 2019/PRNewswire/ --

Sak Abrasives Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sak Industries Private Ltd., announced its acquisition of Buffalo Abrasives Inc. located in Buffalo, New York, USA.







(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/823261/SakAbrasivesInc_Logo.jpg )



Buffalo Abrasives is a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of resin bonded grinding wheels. The company has been a fourth-generation family-owned and family run business with a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Buffalo, New York. The company caters mainly to the North American market with distribution spread across the entire continental U.S. The company boasts of many loyal customers in the automotive, oil and gas, aerospace, steel and bearing industries. Commenting on the acquisition, Jeff Binkley, Co-founder and CEO - Buffalo Abrasives Inc said, "We are very excited to be partnering with such an innovative and talented company. Sak Abrasives offers additional capabilities, products and expertise to Buffalo Abrasives. It is gratifying that we can continue to have a significant manufacturing presence in North Tonawanda where it all began."



Sak Abrasives is a division of Sak Industries Private Ltd. and manufactures a full range of industrial abrasives catering to the Indian and overseas markets. During the past 20 years, it has built an enviable base of loyal customers in the automotive, steel, fabrication, foundry, bearing, oil and gas industries. It has two manufacturing plants near Chennai and a Pan-India distribution with sales office in Noida, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad and Chennai. Commenting on the acquisition, Kanika Krishna, COO - Sak Abrasives Inc said, "There is considerable value in a 'Made in USA' brand and our vision is to allow our customers across the globe the choice of products manufactured in different geographies with varying price/quality. We now have a 'Made in India' and 'Made in USA' option in our product offering."



About Sak Abrasives Inc:



Established in 1997, Sak Abrasives - A division of Sak Industries Private Limited has gained international recognition as a world-class producer of bonded, coated and super abrasive products. The company has put together its product offerings under the brand name of TOPLINE. With two large manufacturing facilities at Gummidipoondi near Chennai, from which Sak Abrasive products are shipped globally, products are manufactured under strict quality control and are certified to the highest industry standards of ISO 9001 and EN 12413. For more information, please visit http://www.sakabrasives.com.



Source: Sak Industries Private Limited PWR

PWR(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with PR Newswire. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

HYDERABAD, India, February 20, 2019/PRNewswire/ --

Altia Systems, based in Cupertino, California (USA), is a leading innovative developer of premium video communications solutions utilizing digital multi-camera array technology. This market is expected to grow significantly from a currently low penetration rate fuelled by easy-to-use (plug and play), integrated audio and video Unified Communications solutions. The products from Altia Systems are currently marketed under the brand PanaCast.



"Altia Systems was one of the first investments we had in our first fund," said Dayakar Puskoor, Managing Partner at Naya Ventures. "It has been a great pleasure to work closely with the team and help add value to the company, from initial product growth and strategy, to this acquisition. We are extremely proud of Aurangzeb and team, and look forward to seeing continued success from our portfolio companies."



"Dayakar and the Naya Ventures team have been a steady and strong partner with us in developing Altia Systems and helping propagate our industry-leading technology," said Aurangzeb Khan, President and CEO of Altia Systems.



The Naya Ventures portfolio company has a total purchase consideration of USD $125 million on a debt and cash free basis. As part hereof around USD $12 million is linked to retention agreements to be expensed by GN Audio during 2019-2021.



The acquisition of Altia Systems allows GN Audio to expand into integrated audio and video communications solutions, supporting companies' collaboration and meeting efficiency. GN Audio already commands a strong position in the Unified Communications market with the Jabra Evolve line of headphones and leadership in speakerphones for small meeting rooms and personal use with the successful Jabra Speak line of products. Adding video capability to these leading positions gives GN Audio immediate access to the highly attractive market of integrated audio and video solutions for small collaboration rooms - so-called huddle rooms.



About Naya Ventures



Founded in 2011, Naya Ventures invests in early stage AI and cloud-based companies where its emerging market channel relationships and go-to-market strategies can efficiently increase enterprise value. Lead by serial entrepreneurs in the mobile and cloud industry, Naya Ventures' principals work alongside a global network of C-level executives and general partners at influential US technology companies and venture funds. Naya's strong mobile and cloud industry reputation, its relationships with leading technology companies and its global network of technology and market development resources help accelerate value creation. Its relationships also provide Naya with an extensive deal sourcing and follow on funding capability.



About Altia Systems



Altia Systems is a venture-backed company based in Cupertino, CA., and is the creator of the PanaCast systems and Intelligent Vision software products. Funded by Intel Capital and other leading investors, Altia Systems' PanaCast solutions deliver real-time 180 Panoramic-4K, Panoramic-5K and 4K 3D video streams from integrated, synchronized and optimized multi-camera arrays. PanaCast systems and Intelligent Vision (artificial intelligence) software products are used by more than 1,600 companies worldwide, including 200+ universities, for video collaboration, education, AR/VR, live broadcasting and machine learning for autonomous systems. PanaCast system devices are designed and assembled in the U.S. and have received prestigious awards such as CES Innovation Awards Honoree, Frost & Sullivan New Product Innovation, GOOD DESIGN award, Gartner Cool Vendor in Unified Communications, and more.



Source: Naya Ventures PWR

PWR(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with NewsVoir. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

RCU participates in a Saudi Arabian delegation led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India



New Delhi, Delhi, India(NewsVoir)



Saudi Arabias Royal Commission for AlUla engaged in discussions surrounding opportunities for bilateral cooperation with India in areas such as heritage conservation, eco-tourism and agriculture. The RCU comes to India as part of a high-level delegation led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to New Delhi, India. Saudi Arabia and India have been long time trade partners and the visit highlights the Kingdoms commitment to bolstering ties with India and the East more broadly.







Saudi Arabia and India have had common strategic interests and the Kingdom has been Indias principal source of crude imports from the Gulf region. The delegation led by His Royal Highness explored areas for potential cooperation, in line with the Royal Commissions commitments to involving the world in the development and preservation plans for AlUla.







As part of the visit, The Royal Commission discussed its development efforts in the AlUla region. Given the strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and India, the RCU delegation also explored specific areas for cooperation pertaining to cultural exchange, nature and ecotourism, heritage conservation and agriculture.







"Our visit to New Delhi is an exciting opportunity to invite the world to share in our efforts to protect AlUlas natural heritage and share its rich cultural history. AlUla is a journey through time that activates the senses. AlUla transcends borders and our presence here today is a testament to that spirit of cultural exchange and international collaboration, Remarked Amr AlMadani, CEO, RCU.







Set in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabias northwest region, AlUla contains a number of archaeological treasures and ancient cities, with evidence of major civilizations, including most notably the Dadan/Lihyan and the Nabataean kingdoms. Hegra, Saudi Arabias first UNESCO World Heritage Site was the prominent southern capital of the Nabataeans.







On 10 February, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Royal Commission launched its vision to responsibly develop AlUla into a world-heritage destination centered around the regions spectacular natural and cultural heritage.







As part of this commitment to responsible development and conservation. The Royal Commission announced the designation of the Sharaan valley as a nature reserve, the development of a luxury resort called the Sharaan resort, which will be designed by visionary architect Jean Nouvel and carved into the natural rock formations of AlUla. Lastly, the Commission announced its plans to create the Global Fund for the Arabian Leopard, the largest protection fund dedicated to this critically endangered species.







For any media enquiries please contact the RCU Public Relations team at: PublicRelations@rcu.gov.sa







Notes to Editors







About The Royal Commission for AlUla



The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to protect and safeguard AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in North-West Saudi Arabia.







RCU is embarking on a long-term plan to develop and deliver a sensitive, sustainable transformation of the region, reaffirming it as one of countrys most important archaeological and cultural destinations and preparing it to welcome visitors from around the world. RCUs development work in AlUla encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education and the arts, reflecting the ambitious commitment to cultivate tourism and leisure in Saudi Arabia, outlined in Vision 2030.







About AlUla



Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km, includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.







The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabias first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of more than 100 well preserved tombs with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. Current research suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after conquering the Nabataeans in 106 CE.







In addition to Hegra, AlUla is home to a series of fascinating historical and archaeological sites such as: Al-Khuraybah (ancient Dadan), the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms, which is considered one of the most developed 1st-millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula; thousands of ancient rock art sites and inscriptions. PWR

PWR(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

Recognizes and awards winners in the Builder and Developer fraternity



Bangalore, Karnataka, India  Business Wire India







Photo Caption: CommonFloor Real Estate Excellence Awards 2019



CommonFloor, a platform that offers home seekers, sellers and real estate professionals an extensive online real estate ecosystem, today announced the felicitation of the winners at CommonFloor Real-Estate Excellence Awards 2019. The event, themed as 'Real-Estate Outlook Watch for 2019', was organized to recognize the efforts of real-estate stakeholders and use the platform to discuss the future of the industry. The event was graced by the presence of eminent personalities like Sri. Manjunath Prasad, IAS, The Commissioner, BBMP  Chief Guest, Sri.H.P.Sudam Das, State Information Commissioner - Guest of Honor, Sri.Srinivasan, CEO, SNN Group - Guest Speaker, Sri. N. Krishna Raju, KPCC Treasurer - Guest of Honor, along with Nimesh Bhandari, Business Head of CommonFloor.







Speaking at the event, Sri. Manjunath Prasad, IAS - The Commissioner, BBMP, said, The real estate industry has become very challenging and competitive, especially after government regulations like RERA have been implemented. The BBMP is continuously working towards taking effective measures to ensure ease of doing business in this sector. In order to reach higher levels, we are working towards building by-laws to make the real estate industry user-friendly for builders, developers or buyers.







Nimesh Bhandari, Business Head, CommonFloor said, CommonFloor Real-Estate Excellence Awards 2019 is a humble attempt from CommonFloor to recognize the efforts and contribution by the builder fraternity and its associated industries. The awards were given after careful deliberation from an expert committee who shortlisted 38 entries from the 200+ nominations received from Bangalore.







The selection process was based on several crucial factors which are paramount in determining the on-ground company/individual performance, construction quality, and project status. Below are a few winners:







1.Most Influential Woman in Real Estate 2018 - 2019 - Ms. Uzma Irfan, Prestige Group



2.Outstanding Contribution to Real Estate - 2018 - 2019 - Ravi Puravankara, Puravanakara Ltd.



3.Best Quality in Apartment and Villa 2018 - 2019 - Goyal & Co.



4.Upcoming Apartment Project of the Year 2018 - 2019 - Vaishnavi Serene by Vaishnavi Group



5.Best Luxury Condominiums, North Bangalore 2018 - 2019 - Vajram Tiara by Vajram Group



6.Best Developer of the Year 2018 - 2019 - Premium Villas - NVT Quality Lifestyle







About CommonFloor



CommonFloor offers home seekers, sellers and real estate professionals an extensive online real estate ecosystem. This ecosystem innovatively combines at a single stop: Exhaustive search options for both renting and buying property; Easy to use analytics; Apartment and locality reviews; a comprehensive and verified database of apartments across India; Apartment community management tools.





Visit www.commonfloor.com for more details. PWR

PWRJaipur, Feb 20 (PTI) An Irish business thinker and expert in organisation culture, Charles Handy, will study the business model of Jaipur Rugs, which works with close to 40,000 artisans in 600 villages in the country.

"To study the business model of Jaipur Rugs, Handy will visit artisans in different villages of Rajasthan. He will study how work on unique bottoms up system has helped the organisation sustain," the company said in a release here.

With a weaver base of 40,000, mostly women, the carpet manufacturer operates in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. The company has succeeded in sustaining the business mode which keeps the community service in its core. PTI SDA

RVK

RVK(Eds: Adding Kerala FM's tweet in 10th, 14th, 15th para)

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) The GST Council Wednesday deferred a decision on rationalisation of tax rates on real estate and lottery till February 24 as some non-BJP states demanded that a meeting, where members are physically present, be convened for deciding on such crucial issues.

The 33rd meeting of the Council, held through video conferencing, also decided to extend the deadline for filing summary sales return - GSTR-3B - for January by two days till February 22.

"Considering the speed at which returns are getting filed, thousands of returns being filed every hour, the suggestion before the GST Council was to extend the deadline by two days for all states; and since some areas are facing disturbance, for Jammu & Kashmir it be extended till February 28. So we took that decision," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

The GST Council, headed by Jaitley and comprising state counterparts, was also slated to discuss the reports of the group of ministers (GoM) on under-construction housing property and lottery. Ministers from all states attended the meeting.

Briefing reporters after the meeting of the Council, Jaitley said the report of the GoM on real estate was considered, and since some states wanted a physical meeting before a final decision is taken on the issue, hence, a final decision would be taken after a physical meeting on February 24.

However, GST on lottery was not be taken up for discussion by the Council on Wednesday.

"The discussion which remained incomplete today through video conferencing... Few ministers expressed their opinion and the rest will express their opinion and we will try and take a decision on this issue on Sunday. So the meeting stands adjourned as of day for Sunday," Jaitley said.

During the meeting, opposition-ruled states like Delhi and Kerala demanded that a physical meeting be held to decide on crucial issues like real estate and lottery, while the representative from Punjab flagged a technical point relating to land cost being included while deciding on GST rate.

"I have always followed an approach of moving as per consensus, and since some of the states wanted a meeting where members are physically present, keeping the idea of consensus in mind, I adjourned the meeting to Sunday so that a physical meeting can be held and the same issue will be discussed on Sunday," Jaitley said.

Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac in a tweet later said substantial issues on which there are differences of opinion should not be decided through video conferences. "This was the consensus reached in the first Council meeting. Therefore today's VC was an unfortunate aberration. Finally good sense prevailed".

The GoM on real estate sector, headed by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, had earlier this month suggested cutting GST on under-construction residential properties to 5 per cent without input tax credit (ITC), from 12 per cent, currently. On affordable housing segment, it suggested that GST be slashed to 3 per cent, from 8 per cent.

At present, GST is levied at 12 per cent with ITC on payments made for under-construction property or ready-to-move-in flats where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale.

During the Council meeting on Wednesday, the representative from Bihar suggested that GST on affordable housing segment be brought down to 1 per cent. It also suggested that where 90 per cent area of a property is used for residential purposes and 10 per cent is used for commercial purpose, it should be treated as residential property for GST purposes.

Isaac said the GoM on lottery in its meeting on Monday went ahead deciding on GST rate despite the request for postponement of the meeting by him and Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal.

"What national calamity is going to befall if changes in lottery tax regime is postponed for more deliberations," Isaac questioned.

The GoM on lottery, under Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, favoured a uniform GST rate of either 18 per cent or 28 per cent.

Currently, a state-organised lottery attracts 12 per cent GST while a state-authorised lottery attracts 28 per cent tax.

The GoM favoured hiking GST rate on the state-organised lottery to either 18 per cent or 28 per cent and lowering rate on state-authorised lottery to 18 per cent or retaining it at 28 per cent.

On Tuesday, Isaac had strongly objected to the suggestion of the GoM saying this would benefit "lottery mafia" and that a decision should be taken only during a physical meeting.

"I will walk out of the February 20 Council meeting if any decision is taken on lottery. Also I will henceforth not attend any Council meetings till the elections are over. This is not cooperative federalism," Isaac had said.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had also written to Jaitley on Tuesday, seeking that a meeting be held where all members are physically present.

The two GoMs were set up by the GST Council last month.

PwC India Partner and Leader Indirect Tax Pratik Jain said restricting the input credit is not a good idea for any sector, particularly real estate which requires more formalisation.

"If at all the final decision is to introduce a 5 per cent levy without input credit, it is important that other related issues such as reduction in GST rate on cement and on construction contracts are also deliberated in detail, along with aspects such as treatment of input credit which may already be accumulated in the books," Jain said. PTI JD

MKJSamsung is ready to unveil its Galaxy S10 line up of smartphones at its Unpacked event in San Francisco at 11am (Pacific Time) on February 20, 2019 (12.30am IST on February 21, 2019).

Samsung is expected to launch as many as four smartphones: Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10 Lite (S10 E) and a foldable smartphone. According to reports, Samsung's foldable phone will be officially called the Galaxy Fold.

Price

The Samsung Galaxy S10 price in India is expected to be around Rs. 70,000, though it hasn't been confirmed yet.

Specifications

The Galaxy S10 will have a dual primary camera setup having 12MP+12MP lenses along with an 8MP front camera. The Galaxy S10+ will have a triple camera. Galaxy S10 and S10 Lite will come with a punch-hole screen to host a front-facing camera and Galaxy S10+ will have a camera strip to host dual front-facing cameras.

Galaxy S10 will have a 6.1-inch 2K+ AMOLED display, while the Galaxy S10+ will have a 6.4-inch or 6.3-inch 2K+ display. Galaxy S10 Lite or Galaxy S10E will have a smaller 5.8-inch display.

The new variants are also known to have additional features like a fingerprint scanner, IRIS scanner, and also Corning Gorilla Glass v5. It has an inbuilt storage capacity of 64GB which can be expanded up to 400GB. It also comes with 3,500mAh Li-ion battery.

All three Samsung phones will have Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, but the Indian variants will have the Exynos 9820 processor paired with a 6GB RAM and a Mali G-72 MP18 GPU.

Samsung is also expected to reveal a new smartwatch Galaxy Watch Active and wireless headphones Galaxy Buds.

Samsung will live stream the launch on its official website and YouTube channel.Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's "development book" has improved much since 2014, but he and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, cannot be compared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Shiv Sena said on Wednesday.

The remarks came in the editorial of the Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana two days after it sealed a pre-poll alliance with the BJP despite years of bickering and criticism of its policies and leaders.

Responding to opposition criticism of the seat-sharing pact, the Shiv Sena noted questions on the tie-up are less in the minds of people but much more among political opponents as these "insects" will be crushed due to the alliance.

Referring to Modi's stewardship, the Shiv Sena editorial said, "Rahul Gandhi's book of development has improved much since 2014 and he has Priyanka's help. However, they can't be compared with Modi's leadership."

Asserting that the Shiv Sena is not helpless for power, the editorial said there were several questionslike why did it ally with the BJP despite differences in 2014, will the Ram Temple be constructed, will there be Sena's chief ministerand the answers to these questions were "positive".

Instead of replying to questions on the alliance, it was better that the "arrangement" made for the benefit of Maharashtra was taken ahead, the Shiv Sena editorial said.

The Marathi daily said BJP president Amit Shah himself came to Matoshree, the residence of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Thackeray told Shah what he had to and it was finally decided to give the alliance another chance, the editorial claimed.

Maintaining that there was no enmity between the Shiv Sena and the BJP, the editorial said if Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) head Nitish Kumar could rejoin the NDA despite differences of opinion with Modi and if the Congress could forge a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance), then the Sena had always been a part of the BJP-led coalition.

The Shiv Sena said there was resentment in 2014 against the Congress and its allies and there was a "wave" in favour of Modi.

However, in 2019, the wave has receded and elections have to be fought not on the back of the "wave", but on ideology, development works and future, the Shiv Sena editorial added.Even as the tension between India and Pakistan has escalated following the deadly terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama last week, a Pakistani national lodged in the central jail in Jaipur was found dead on Wednesday.

Officials said Shakar Ullah was killed following a quarrel with other inmates. He was serving life sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Senior administrative and police officials have rushed to the jail after learning about the incident. Rajasthan Director General of Police Kapil Garg said the matter would be investigated by a judicial magistrate and also by the police.

"Ullah has been lodged here since 2011 and died following a brawl with other inmates, Jaipur Jail IG Rupinder Singh said.

Forty jawans were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus on February 14. Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility.

With inputs from agenciesIn December 1981, Pakistan signed an agreement to buy 40 F-16 fighters from the US as India's western neighbour became the launchpad of resistance to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Nearly 40 years later, Lockheed Martin, the current manufacturer of the F-16, has, effectively, rebranded the fighter as the 'F-21' and offered it to the Indian Air Force at a time Washington is aggressively courting New Delhi.

The unveiling of the F-21, which coincided with the opening of Aero India on Wednesday, has provoked questions on whether the new name was just mere marketing strategy or a radical upgrade. Lockheed Martin is competing with six other manufacturers to win an IAF contract to supply 114 fighters. Tata Advanced Systems would produce the F-21 in India.

CGI images of the F-21 show it with multiple ejector racks, enabling carriage of up to three air-to-air missiles on a single weapons pylon, a capability not seen on in-service F-16s. The aircraft is also seen equipped with a retractable refuelling probe, which would allow it to receive fuel in mid air from the Indian Air Force's Russian-built tanker aircraft, unlike existing F-16s.

However, there appears to be little to no modification of the F-21's engines and airframe or emphasis on stealth features. Such modification would have added to costs and caused delays in development, negating the main advantage that the F-16 has offered for decadesaffordability. But the absence of such upgrades would handicap the F-21 in dealing with advanced air defences and fifth-generation aircraft being developed by China.

Lockheed Martin's webpage on the F-21 describes it as For India, From India. Leaving aside a slick video featuring liberal use of graphics, the Lockheed Martin page on the F-21 notes the fighter will address Indian Air Forces unique requirements and integrates India into the worlds largest fighter aircraft ecosystem.

It also devotes space to the unprecedented Make in India opportunities the F-21, if purchased, would bring to India, noting that companies of all sizesincluding MSMEscould benefit. Lockheed Martin also notes that in addition to creating thousands of jobs in India, an F-21 contract would support thousands of jobs in the US.

Interestingly, the F-21 was also described as a pathway to the F-35, with Lockheed Martin noting the aircraft has common components and learning from the 5th generation F-22 and F-35 (Note: Lockheed Martin removed references to the F-35 from the F21 page later on February 20). Several current F-16 users such as Singapore, Israel, Norway and the Netherlands have selected the F-35. However, an F-35 offer to India may not happen in the immediate future, given the fifth generation aircraft's high price and strict US monitoring requirements on user nations.

One of the main criticisms of previous F-16 offers to India was the fact that the design has been in service since the late 1970s and is also operated by Pakistan. The F-21, at first glance, does little to redress those worries. It appears Lockheed Martin is counting on its partnership with Tata and the promise of job creation and technology transferin addition to the IAF's dire need for new fighters at affordable pricesto win New Delhi's nod.What works against him are the below average dialogues and a sloppy script5G, or the fifth generation of mobile communication technology that promises greater speed to your devices is the big buzzword around, and the tech world is quickly getting on the bandwagon. While mobile handset makers like Samsung, Xiaomi and OnePlus are set to launch 5G-enabled handsets in India in the coming weeks, tech infrastructure majors like Ericsson and Huawei are set to roll out 5G equipment for cellular operators.

In a major announcement on Wednesday, Ericsson announced that it has tied up with Vodafone Idea, India's biggest mobile phone service operator in terms of number of users, to modernise its network with 5G-ready radio systems and microwave backhaul solutions. The three-year deal will cover eight circles of Vodafone Idea across India.

Earlier in the day, Huawei chief executive in India Jay Chen was quoted by media outlets that the company was ready to roll out its 5G trials in India and was waiting for clearance from the Indian government.

In the US, Verizon, one of the mobile service provider there, has already launched 5G last year on an experimental basis in four citiesLos Angeles, Sacramento, Indianapolis and Houston. But this is for fixed line broadband users only, as 5G-enabled mobile phones are still not available for sale in the open market.

South Korea became the second country to roll out 5G, with three operators rolling out 5G services in select cities including Seoul in December, but only to enterprise customers. Next couple of months, many believe, will be the tipping point for 5G with more countries like Japan, UK and possibly China launching the high speed service at least in select cities. This timing would help since next week's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona could see the launch of at least a few 5G-enabled handsets which would soon be available for buying by the general public.

The Indian government has announced that networks should be 5G enabled by 2020. Spectrum allocation will be at the crux of it, as well as technical and infrastructure upgradation. In previous years, there have been many consumer complaints that though networks claim 3G and 4G speeds, the experience has not kept pace with expectations. 5G promises downloads as fast as 1GB per second, and non-stop video play, calls, etc, without buffering.

In the case of 5G also, it is expected that the migration, even if the networks claim otherwise, will happen slowly from 4G LTE and eventually 5G as capital intensive replacement of older equipment and technology will take time. TRAI has started with allocating spectrum and bandwidth for 5G, though many analysts believe that though 5G may be officially launched next year in India, true realisation of the high speeds expected may take longer.

This could possibly the reason why that Apple is not expected to launch a 5G-ready iPhone until 2020, when systems, infrastructure and consumers are finally ready to go with 5G. However, other mobile makers are raring to go. OnePlus is expected to launch its next flagship, the 5G-enabled OnePlus 7 as early as next week at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. Samsung Galaxy S10 as well as Xiaomi Mi Mix 3, both 5G enabled devices, are also expected soon, if not at MWC then definitely within April.Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday invited investors to capitalise on the ecosystem in aerospace and other sectors in India, which offered a big market for defence manufacturing.

In her inaugural remarks at the Aero India 2019, the 12th edition of Asia's premier air show at the Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, Sitharaman made a strong pitch for Make in India and referred to a slew of initiatives taken by the Narendra Modi government, including permitting 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence manufacturing.

Explaining the possibilities in the aerospace and defence sectors, Sitharaman said the original equipment manufacturers (OEM)s could find joint venture partners, so that the production could be scaled up and they could have a captive market and could export from India.

Sitharaman also noted that during the last four years and the current financial year, 150 contracts worth about Rs 1,27,500 crore have been signed with the Indian vendors for procurement of defence equipment for the armed forces.

Aero India, the five-day mega event, began on a sombre note, a day after two aircraft of Surya Kiran, the Indian Air Force (IAF)'s aerobatics team, collided mid-air, killing a pilot and injuring two others who ejected to safety.

Aero India, which would showcase India's air defence prowess, would also act as a platform for aviation companies, the defence sector and government to forge new alliances and contracts. The current edition of Aero India was marked by controversy, with reports about it being shifted to Uttar Pradesh, which had taken a political colour, as the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka had hit out at the BJP-led Centre against the alleged move.

Besides the Tejas fighter, the HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, first indigenously upgraded Hawk Mk132 named as Hawk-i, civil Do-228, Advanced Light Helicopter Rudra, Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are scheduled to fly in the air show.

Also, aerobatic teams like India's Sarang (ALH-Dhruv) and UK-based Yakovlevs are expected to enthral the audience.

On static display would be HAL's Light Utility Helicopter (PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter Rudra and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit). The Sukhoi SU-30MKI, Rafale, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet and the mighty B-52 Stratofortress bomber would be part of the air show.

The Aero India official website said a total of 61 aircraft would be on display and 403 exhibitors would be part of the show. CEOs' round table, Drone Olympics, start-up manthan and women's day (to celebrate women achievers) are some of the highlights of Aero India 2019.The Office of theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14,1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCRs mandate under the Statuteof the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is to leadand co-ordinate action for international protection to refugees; seek permanentsolutions for the problems of refugees and safeguard refugee rights andwell-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate concerning issues of statelessness,as it is given a designated role under Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on theReduction of Statelessness.Liaise with the Livelihood and Business Training Team Leader for alldecisions related to Business Skill learning groups, entrepreneurshipactivities, VSLAs and livelihoods, and carry out other duties as may beassigned.Ensure that Agents are highly visible to customers and build astrong brand within the market in conjunction with the OBUL brand. Ensurethat all customers and staff know the location of Agents in their areaThe Salvation Army(TSA) is one of the world-wide faith based organizations, found 150 years ago.With the mission of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ with emphasis onholiness, and building a united and self-reliant Army that meets the needs ofthe whole person, body, soul and mind without discrimination. TSA has servedpeople from the most impoverished and marginalized communities in Africa. Asiaand Latin America without discriminating, race, gender, ethnicity or religion.TSA Uganda has been working since 1931 preaching the gospel of Jesus Christwhile at the same time implementing community projects to lift people out ofpoverty. TSA Uganda seeks to recruit highly motivated and qualified individualsfor a five 5 year Sustainable Integrated Development (SIDE) project to beimplemented in Kiryandongo district with funding from NORAD through Digin.Brenda Darlene (Burnett, Witt, Bollmer) Curtin, 52, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away June 21, 2021. She was born November 13, 1968, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Gladys (Jones) Napier and the late Wilburn Burnett. Brenda was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Witt and sisters Alta RuSaudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman vowed to fight terrorism alongside India after talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, days after New Delhi accused Pakistan of planning a major terror attack in Kashmir.

"Terrorism is a common concern and Saudi Arabia will cooperate with India in fighting it, including in matters like intelligence sharing," Prince Mohammed said in a statement alongside Modi in New Delhi.

The comments were part of the Saudi royal's delicate diplomacy, as he visits both nuclear-armed South Asian neighbors amid heightened geopolitical tensions. India said Pakistan's main spy agency was linked to a deadly suicide car bombing that killed 40 members of the security forces in the disputed region of Kashmir, which both India and Pakistan claim in full.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, who hosted the Saudi royal earlier this week, denied that his country played any role in the attack claimed by the Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammed and said his military would retaliate if India launched any military response.

Prince Mohammed, who announced his trip before the Kashmir strike on Feb. 14, has embarked on a diplomatic tour of Asia that will eventually take him to China to meet President Xi Jinping. But in South Asia, he has walked straight into the middle of a tense dispute between the nuclear-armed rivals -- both of whom went out of their way to show the prince a lavish welcome. Pakistan's premier Khan went as far as to personally chauffeur the prince while Modi was at the airport to receive him.

Modi said India and Saudi Arabia had agreed to pressure countries aiding terrorism and work towards destroying terrorist infrastructure. The Saudi leader said he saw $100 billion worth of potential investments in India but did not give any details.

In a joint statement issued in Islamabad earlier this week, Saudi Arabia "underlined the need for avoiding politicization" of the United Nations listing regime -- a veiled reference to India's efforts to have Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, who lives in Pakistan, designated as a global terrorist. China has blocked this motion at the U.N. The crown prince also pledged $20 billion of investments.

However, Modi did not seem particularly put out. He traveled to the airport and hugged Prince Mohammed after the royal descended from the steps of his aircraft.

A lawmaker from India's main opposition Congress party criticized Modi's "hugplomacy" because of Prince Mohammed's investment pledges in Pakistan and praise for Islamabad's anti-terrorism activities.

- - -

--With assistance from Bibhudatta Pradhan.WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Wednesday sought to discredit a news report that says he asked his then-acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker whether he could put a Trump ally in charge of an investigation into hush money paid to women during the 2016 campaign.

"The New York Times reporting is false," Trump said in a morning tweet. "They are a true ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!"

According to The New York Times report, Trump called Whitaker shortly after he assumed his post late last year to ask whether Geoffrey Berman, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and a perceived loyalist, could be put in charge of an investigation that included Trump's role in silencing two women who alleged past affairs with him.

Whitaker knew he could not put Berman in charge because Berman had already recused himself from the investigation, The New York Times reported, citing several officials with direct knowledge of the call between Trump and Whitaker.

After Whitaker's refusal, Trump soured on Whitaker, according to The New York Times' reporting, which The Washington Post has not confirmed.

Washington Post photo by Bill O'Leary.

The New York Times highlighted the anecdote in a story that portrayed a pattern by Trump of seeking to beat back an array of investigations, including the probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election by special counsel Robert Mueller.

The Times responded to Trump's tweet early Wednesday afternoon with a tweet defending its reporting.

"@realDonaldTrump We stand by our investigation, which was rigorously reported and based on a review of confidential White House documents as well as interviews with dozens of current and former government officials and others close to President Trump," the tweet said.

In a separate statement, New York Times Publisher A.G. Sulzberger responded to Trump's continuing attacks on the press.

"The phrase 'enemy of the people' is not just false, it's dangerous, Sulzberger said. "It has an ugly history of being wielded by dictators and tyrants who sought to control public information. And it is particularly reckless coming from someone whose office gives him broad powers to fight or imprison the nation's enemies."

Trump was asked on Tuesday, after the Times story published online, about his reported inquiry to Whitaker.

"No, I don't know who gave you that, that's more fake news," Trump told reporters at the White House. "There's a lot of fake news out there. No I didn't."

Trump went on to say he has "a lot of respect for Mr. Whitaker," calling him a "very, very straight shooter" and praising his combative performance this month in a hearing by the House Judiciary Committee.

The panel's chairman, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., has summoned Whitaker back to the Hill to explain what he has characterized as "inconsistent" statements made during the hearing.

Among the areas Nadler wants to explore is whether Trump or any White House official expressed displeasure with Whitaker in the wake of the November guilty plea by Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen to charges including lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Moscow.

Cohen has also said he was tasked by Trump with facilitating hush payments to women who alleged affairs.WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump has grown increasingly disenchanted with Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, who has served as the nation's top intelligence official for nearly two years, leading some administration officials to worry he will soon be dismissed, according to people familiar with the matter.

The president has never seen Coats as a close or trusted adviser, the people said, but he has become more frustrated with him in recent weeks over public statements that Trump sees as undercutting his policy goals, particularly with respect to reaching a disarmament agreement with North Korea.

The people familiar with the matter, who like others interviewed for this report spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, did not believe that Coats would be fired immediately but said Trump is considering removing him. They also noted that Trump sometimes grows angry with officials but stops short of dismissing them.

Trump is still "enraged" about Coats' congressional testimony on national security threats last month, believing that the director undercut the president's authority when he shared intelligence assessments about Iran, North Korea and the Islamic State that are at odds with many of Trump's public statements, said one adviser who spoke with the president over the weekend.

Trump had seemed to put the episode behind him and claimed shortly after the hearing that Coats and CIA Director Gina Haspel told him they'd been "misquoted" in their comments at the televised hearing.

But privately, the president has continued to fume, and this weekend he told the adviser that Coats, a former Republican senator from Indiana, is "not loyal" and that "he's not on the team."

A White House official separately said Trump has recently complained about Coats' public statements, which he believed had undermined him. Another White House official said that the president's frustration with Coats was real but that he likely wouldn't be fired anytime soon.

At the intelligence director's headquarters in Northern Virginia, there was no sense that Coats' termination was imminent, said a former senior intelligence official who spoke with people there on Tuesday morning.

"This has been a tense relationship for a long time," the former official said. "Most people don't think it's happening tomorrow. But, yes, they think it's just a matter of time."

Trump has been asking confidantes for suggestions on who could replace Coats, according to the adviser.

In venting his anger at Coats, the president was following a familiar pattern that precedes his dismissal of Cabinet officials. Trump often grouses about disloyalty with the understanding that his interlocutors will speak to reporters, thereby putting the offending official on notice that their days are numbered.

A spokesman for Coats declined to comment.

Members of the Senate Intelligence Committee were upset by the prospect of Coats' firing.

"Dan Coats is a model public servant," said Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, a panel member who was at the hearing about threats. "When a president - any president - denigrates or ignores factual information presented by the intelligence community . . . he or she is sending a message to the intelligence community: 'Don't tell me things I don't want to hear.' "

Early in the Trump administration, Coats forged a tight bond with then-CIA director Mike Pompeo, who has become one of the president's most trusted foreign policy advisers as secretary of state. Pompeo is now the administration's point man on countering Iran, a major administration goal, and nuclear disarmament talks with North Korea.

When Coats attends Trump's daily intelligence briefing, he has sometimes been unable to secure the president's attention and to keep him from veering off on tangents, the former official said.

As Pompeo's star has risen, the president has also grown to admire Haspel, according to U.S. officials; she became CIA director in May.

That has left Coats as something of an odd man out. He is not a particularly hands-on manager and has delegated the day-to-day running of the director's office to his principal deputy, Sue Gordon, a career intelligence officer with nearly 30 years of experience, current and former officials said.

"He is not uninvolved, but he is not a deep-dive manager," said a former senior intelligence official who has known Coats for years and remains in touch with current leaders.

The post of intelligence director is seen as one of the most thankless in the intelligence community. But it has been occupied by people with long careers running spy agencies or military commands.

Coats had served on the Senate Intelligence Committee and was ambassador to Germany in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, which brought German and U.S. intelligence agencies into a closer working relationship.

But he has been seen more as a caretaker in the position, not as someone who planned to enact a bold agenda.

"It is the case that a lot of people felt that Coats was going to do this for a while and then go do what he was about to do when he took on the job, which is retire and spend time with his grandkids," the former official who spoke to people at Coats' office said.

But if he meant to keep his head down, Coats also found himself squaring off publicly with the president, in dramatic and perhaps unintentional ways.

In July, Coats was being interviewed onstage at the annual Aspen Security Forum when the White House announced via tweet that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been invited to Washington.

Coats was clearly taken by surprise and made little effort to hide his displeasure.

"Okaaaay," Coats said. "That's going to be special." The audience erupted in laughter.

In the same interview, with NBC News' Andrea Mitchell, Coats also said no one had asked him if it was a good idea for Trump to meet privately with Putin at a summit meeting in Helsinki. Trump didn't allow any Cabinet officials or aides to attend the meeting, and several officials have said they couldn't get a reliable account of the conversation between the two leaders, which was attended by only two interpreters, The Washington Post has reported.

Coats said that he hadn't been told what happened in the meeting. He said that he would have advised the president, if asked to do so, against speaking one on one with Putin and that U.S. security officials were concerned there were no notes taken.

Asked whether it was possible Putin had secretly recorded the more-than-two-hour meeting, Coats answered, "That risk is always there."

Trump was livid and believed that Coats was trying to embarrass him in a room filled with high-ranking current and former national security officials, many of them outspoken critics of the president, a senior U.S. official said at the time.

Two days later, Coats publicly apologized for what he called an "admittedly awkward response" to the news of the Putin invitation.A diminutive nugget of a moon has been discovered lurking in the inner orbit of Neptune.

The moon, dubbed Hippocamp for the half-horse, half-fish sea monster from Greek legend, is about the size of Chicago and so faint only the powerful Hubble Space Telescope can spot it. But by examining data stretching more than a decade, researchers were able to discern its dim form from 3 billion miles away.

"Being able to contribute to the real estate of the solar system is a real privilege," said planetary scientist Mark Showalter, the lead author of a study on the discovery published Wednesday in the journal Nature. "But it shows how much we still don't know about the ice giants, Neptune and Uranus."

Showalter and his colleagues suggest Hippocamp is a fragment of a larger neighboring moon called Proteus, broken off during a cataclysmic collision some 4 billion years ago.

Neptune has been explored just once in human history, with a brief flyby of the Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989. "But there are all these interesting processes going on there, that we only got a glimpse of," Showalter said. "Atmospheric phenomena, rings with peculiar properties . . . and these collisions and breakups that formed the inner moons."

"It's not just a dinky little moon we've found," he continued. Moons such as Hippocamp "are witnesses to the formation and evolution of the planets they orbit. In my mind, they have very interesting stories to tell."

Showalter, a senior research scientist at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute in Mountain View, California, is something of a distant moon detective. By accumulating scores of long-exposure Hubble images, then adjusting them to account for an orbiting body's predicted movement, he has already uncovered two new moons each around Pluto and Uranus.

The resulting images "are not pretty," Showalter said. The planets are so overexposed they become big white blotches, and the moons at their centers are little more than pale dots. The procedure generally does not capture enough data from the moons to allow scientists to take spectra - splitting light into its component parts to reveal clues about the moons' composition.

Hippocamp is the first new inner satellite found around the solar system's outermost planet since the Voyager 2 flyby.

Researchers were initially surprised to find the tiny rock so close inside the orbit of Proteus, which is more than 100 times its size. Observations suggest tidal forces have been slowly pushing Proteus away from Neptune; a few billion years ago, it would have sat right where Hippocamp is today.

"Our initial thought was that's a very strange place to find a moon," Showalter said.

Proteus also has a massive crater on its surface, called Pharos, likely left behind after an impact from a comet or another passing object that nearly destroyed the moon at some point in its history.

Perhaps, Showalter and his colleagues suggest, Hippocamp is some of the shrapnel from that ancient collision. Only by sending a spacecraft back to the Neptune system to compare the worlds' compositions can scientists know for sure.

Though the outer solar system is sometimes seen as dark, cold and dreary, the story of Hippocamp demonstrates how much activity has gone unnoticed in this distant region, said Kathleen Mandt, a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory who was not involved in the new research.

Scientists say Neptune's icy largest moon, Triton, is an object acquired from the Kuiper belt sometime after the planet's formation. Its arrival probably jostled the inner moons, causing collisions that flung some bodies outward and fragmented others.

"It's just fascinating for dynamicists" studying how solar system bodies interact and evolve, Mandt said.

In addition, many of the exoplanets, or planets outside our solar system that have been discovered orbiting other suns, are roughly the same size and mass as the ice giants. Further study of Neptune and Uranus could offer insight into those even more alien worlds.

"There is a lot each of these systems can tell us that we don't know because we haven't had the opportunity to visit and stay long enough to see it," she said.

During the planetary science community's last 10-year survey of goals for space exploration, scientists named a large-scale mission to one or both of the ice giants among their top three priorities. Mandt served on a NASA committee to outline what such a mission might look like, but nothing has been funded. The project will likely be bumped to the next decanal survey.RICHMOND, Va. - Gov. Ralph Northam canceled plans Wednesday to launch his "reconciliation tour" at a historically black college after a student leader asked him to stay away for now, saying the governor's blackface scandal would detract from the civil rights commemoration he was supposed to attend.

The governor had been scheduled to visit Richmond's Virginia Union University Thursday as it honors the Richmond 34 - students arrested in 1960 for holding a sit-in at the whites-only lunch counter at Thalhimers department store.

In a letter to Northam this week, Student Government Association President Jamon K. Phenix suggested it would be better for the governor not to come.

"We are in support of honest conversation around race and reconciliation to move our great state forward," Phenix, 21, said in his letter. "However, we feel as though your attendance takes away from the historical significance of our commemoration of the Richmond 34."

Elizabeth Johnson Rice, a prominent member of the Richmond 34, said she was "appalled" by Phenix's effort to rebuff the governor during what she called his "healing and atonement" tour. She said Phenix never consulted the group and does not speak for it.

"I represent many who extend this invitation to you to come and witness and celebrate this 59th anniversary with us," Rice wrote in her own letter to Northam. "We also want your presence to be a learning tool for atonement and the need for forgiveness for all of us."

But in a message on Twitter Wednesday evening, Northam said he would bow out.

"I respect the wishes of the student body," he wrote. "In lieu of my attendance, I will host the Richmond 34 at the Executive Mansion on Friday to honor their bravery and courage."

In a letter he wrote to Phenix and posted on Twitter, Northam wrote, "I accept the Student Government Association's invitation for future dialogue and honest conversation on issues of race, reconciliation, and equity."

Northam has remained largely out of sight this month since controversy erupted over a racist photo on his 1984 medical school yearbook page and his admission that he wore blackface in a dance contest that same year.

Resisting calls for his resignation, Northam has said he is determined to devote the remaining three years of his term to racial reconciliation. The Virginia Union event was intended to kick off that effort.

Phenix, a Democrat who said he worked the polls for Northam and his ticketmates from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day 2017, took pains to strike a respectful tone in his letter.

"It is with pleasure that we extend an invitation for you to participate in a roundtable discussion and interview on ways we can all move Virginia forward," he wrote, saying that such an event could take place at an unspecified later date.

Northam and Virginia's two other top officeholders are trying to dig their way out of an avalanche of scandals.

Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D) has acknowledged appearing in blackface as a college freshman, while Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D) is strongly denying allegations that he sexually assaulted two women.

Phenix, saying Northam had committed "a heinous act," made no apologies for taking a tough stand against Thursday's planned appearance.

"This is not a lullaby for us. This is a battle cry," Phenix said. "Students are upset about his presence here and, frankly, they have a right to be."

Rice, a retired science teacher, was a 19-year-old Virginia Union student when she and others were arrested for trying to get served at the lunch counter and tea room of the downtown Richmond department store.

Over the years, she has coordinated efforts to keep the 34 in touch with one other and to win recognition for the group. She said it would be a mistake to exclude Northam from an event meant to promote racial progress.

"I believe that people deserve a second chance, and he is trying to make right what was done wrong," Rice said.EDWARDSVILLE  Local prosecutors are looking over a recent Supreme Court decision on civil forfeiture to determine how it might impact both future and past cases regarding asset seizure.

A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruling handed down Wednesday could have a major impact on seizure of property by police and the courts.

Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons said he had just read the case, Timbs v. Indiana, and passed it on to other attorneys in his office. Jersey County States Attorney Ben Goetten had not had time to read it Wednesday.

I think its consistent with the increasing scrutiny of asset forfeiture by the courts, Gibbons said.

The court ruled in the case that the seizure of a $42,000 Land Rover was excessive. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg delivered the opinion, which was joined by all the justices except Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas, who wrote separate concurring opinions.

The decision handed down Wednesday stems from the 2013 arrest of Tyson Timbs, of Marion, Indiana, who later pleaded guilty to dealing a controlled substance, heroin. At the time of the arrest, police seized a $42,000 Land Rover SUV he had recently purchased with money from an insurance settlement.

Police attempted to seek civil forfeiture of the vehicle, claiming it has been used in the commission of the crime.

One fairly unique factor is that the vehicle seized was purchased with legal funds, according to Gibbons.

More Information Incorporation "When ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights applied only to the Federal Government." Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote that as part of Timbs v Indiana, a case involving civil forfeiture handed down Wednesday. However, the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, one of the "Civil War Amendments" to the U.S. Constitution, incorporates, or makes protections in the Bill of Rights applicable to the states. One of the issues was whether the Eighth Amendment's Excessive Fines Claus had been incorporated and now applies to the states. The court ruled it is. In her opinion, she referred to McDonald v Chicago, the last major case to deal with incorporation. It dealt with incorporating 2nd Amendment rights to bear arms to the states. Ironically, Ginsburg was one of the dissenters in that case. See More Collapse

You are actually taking something away that the person owns lawfully, Gibbons said. Courts have said that has a higher level of scrutiny to it.

When a drug dealer uses drug money to buy a car, the drug dealer didnt have the right to that money in the first place, he added.

The decision could have far-reaching impact on law enforcement agencies, which routinely seize vehicles and other property. In many cases, including locally, seized vehicles are routinely used by law enforcement agencies.

The case drew interest from liberal groups concerned about police abuses and conservative organizations opposed to excessive regulation. Timbs was represented by the libertarian public interest law firm Institute for Justice.

The decision is an important first step for curtailing the potential for abuse that we see in civil forfeiture nationwide, said Sam Gedge, a lawyer with the Institute for Justice.

After pleading guilty, Timbs was sentenced to one year of home detention, five years probation and court-supervised addiction treatment, and fines totaling $1,203.

Police also attempted to seize the Land Rover, but the state court denied the request, observing that Timbs had recently purchased the vehicle for $42,000, more than four times the maximum $10,000 monetary fine. The court determined the seizure would be grossly disproportionate to the gravity of Timbs offense, hence unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendments Excessive Fines Claus.

The Eighth Amendment reads: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

The ruling was affirmed by an Indiana appellate court, but the Indiana Supreme Court reversed the opinion, in part because it said the excessive fines clause applies only to federal action and does not apply to the states.

As part of the ruling, the clause was incorporated, or applied to states, through the 14th Amendment.

Ginsburg wrote that the historical and logical case for incorporating the Excessive Fines Clause is overwhelming and deeply rooted in this nations history and tradition.

Ginsburg also noted the excessive penalties invoked by the seizure.

Exorbitant tolls undermine other constitutional liberties, Ginsburg wrote. Excessive fines can be used, for example, to retaliate against or chill the speech of political enemies..

I think its fairly sound reasoning on the courts part, Gibbons said. Its an interesting opinion.

Were reviewing it, he said. I had not seen the case, so I went and read it. I sent it to the attorneys that handle those types of cases to make sure we remain in full compliance.

He was unsure how or if it would be applied retroactively.

If there are questions raised about past cases, well have to go back and look at the cases, he added, noting that the source of funds used to purchase the asset will be the deciding factor.

The case was remanded, or sent back, to be reheard by the Indiana court system using the new ruling for guidance.

In his concurrence, Thomas agreed with the decision, but made a different legal argument.

He wrote that freedom from excessive fines was protected by the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States in the 14th Amendment.

Some information was provided by The Associated Press.

Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447.SPRINGFIELD  Lawmakers and advocates have tried to hike the minimum age to purchase tobacco products in Illinois for three years, each time making the push first in the Senate. This session, advocates are trying a different approach.

What were doing this time is running it through the House first, because we have more people to deal with, House sponsor Camille Lilly, a Democrat from Chicago, said. In the Senate, theres only 56 people  theres 118 in the House. Its easy to get it through the Senate.

During the previous session, both chambers approved the initiative but former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner did not sign it. Only the Senate was able to muster enough votes to overturn his veto  it failed in the House.

Lillys version of the measure increasing the age to purchase products containing nicotine to 21 advanced out of committee Tuesday with only one dissenting vote. It won the approval of the chambers Health Care Availability & Access Committee by a vote of 5 to 1.

One Republican committee member, Tom Demmer from Dixon, voted in favor. His colleague, Thomas Bennett from Gibson City, voted no.

Lilly said after the hearing she is excited to have bipartisan support on her bill.

More are joining the cause because many of them share with me their family experiences in dealing with cancer, living with cancer, or passed away because of cancer, she said.

Rep. Mary Flowers, the committee chairwoman from Chicago, pressed Lilly on why her measure removed penalties for minors caught possessing tobacco products.

Shana Crews, Illinois government relations director with the American Cancer Societys Cancer Action Network, said her organization does not believe in criminalizing kids. Penalties exist in the law, she added, but they target retailers who sell illegally to minors.

Flowers also asked whether the legislation would be making criminals out of [minors] by enticing them to purchase tobacco products in a neighboring state where it would be legal for them to do so.

Crews said local governments near Illinois border that approved a tobacco 21 ordinance, such as Chicago or Lake County, have seen no evidence of this.

Lilly said after committee this initiative is really moving.

She said she has not spoken with Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker about whether he would sign the measure since he was campaigning. At that time, she said, he understood the importance of young people not having access to tobacco, which long-term will help them lead healthy lives, so he was on board.

The legislation is House Bill 345. Lilly successfully added a housekeeping amendment in committee, cleaning up reference to language she removed elsewhere.

Reach Capitol News Illinois reporter Rebecca Anzel at ranzel@capitolnewsillinois.comWASHINGTON - The U.S. government's top ethics watchdog has ruled that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross violated his ethics agreement by inaccurately reporting stock holdings in his 2018 financial disclosure form.

Ross - one of the wealthiest members of President Donald Trump's Cabinet - did not sell stock he held in a bank, despite reporting otherwise, said Emory Rounds, the director of the Office of Government Ethics.

"Therefore, OGE is declining to certify Secretary Ross's 2018 financial disclosure report," Rounds wrote in a letter dated Feb. 15, "because that report was not accurate and he was not in compliance with his ethics agreement at the time of the report."

Observers called the move highly unusual, and one told CNN that the office's decision amounted to "a pretty giant red flag." Richard Painter, an ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, told the outlet that he has never seen a Cabinet member's disclosure form rejected in this way.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ross said he mistakenly believed he had sold the assets in question - 100 shares of BankUnited stock - in May 2017. When he realized his error, he said, he sold the stock and disclosed the sale in October 2018.

The shares, Ross said, were worth $3,700, an amount that federal regulations deem "below the threshold of a possible conflict of interest." (According to a Bloomberg News report, that threshold is $15,000 for publicly traded securities.)

"Therefore, even if a BankUnited matter had come before the Department while I owned the shares - and I have not been made aware of any such matter - I would not have been disqualified from working on it," Ross said. He called the inaccuracy "the only known error in my annual report."

In his letter, Rounds said his office had warned Ross before over his "failure to comply with his ethics compliance agreements" and cautioned that "even inadvertent errors could undermine the public's trust in the Secretary and his Department's overall ethics program."

Ross has repeatedly faced scrutiny over his investments, as lawmakers and outside groups have called for investigations into his finances. In 2018, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, asked then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to review Ross's disclosures for "potential criminal violations."

Ethics experts have said that, wrongdoing or not, government officials must avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

"The American people have entrusted @SecretaryRoss with power and authority so he can ensure the welfare of the American economy," tweeted Delaney Marsco, a lawyer with Campaign Legal Center, a public interest group. "I don't think we should have to wonder if he's making decisions for the benefit of the public or for his own pocketbook."WINCHESTER  Winchester EMS is celebrating decades of service, even as it looks for additional funding and volunteers to continue that service for years to come.

The areas needs have grown while the number of people willing to volunteer has dropped, said Randy Dolen, Winchester EMS president.

Increased need for staffing to meet demand, an upcoming need to replace equipment, and service fees for life support services have increased the need for funding.

After exploring its funding options, the service  which isnt qualified to become a fire and ambulance district  is considering forming a Special Service Area District, Dolen said.

No one likes more taxes and I, myself, was never in favor, Dolen said. But times have changed and, after being 100 percent volunteer for (decades), I can see this is about the only way we are going to keep our local emergency services operating. Its not just here. It is a real problem in any county that does not have a tax-supported ambulance, as Pike and Greene counties do.

Estimated funding for a Winchester EMS SSA district, based on an estimated valuation of $65 million, would be around $260,000. Scott County Commissioners have not had a chance to verify that estimation.

The EMS service ran somewhere in the range of 80 to 100 calls a year around its inception in 1973, according to a news release.

Now Winchester EMS sees more than 300 calls a year. So far this year, Winchester EMS has had 29 calls in January and 27 in February, seven of which came in the span of 16 hours on Feb. 8.

The days of volunteers are gone, Dolen said. Its nothing weve done or anyone has done. Its society today. Both parents work, kids are involved in a lot of (activities), parents just dont have the time to volunteer.

Winchesters EMS roster lists 20 EMT Bs, some of whom are inactive, some of whom are in college and some of whom are single parents. On average in 2018, only two EMTs were available for calls between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dolen is a farmer, which he said can cause issues in the spring.

In addition to staffing, finances also will become an issue as equipment needs to be replaced in the future, mandated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Certain calls also require an Advanced Life Support level, which comes at a cost that isnt fully reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid.

This is something that no local agency can control, the Winchester EMS release said. In 2018, 41 percent of the squads local calls were Medicare and 15 percent were Medicaid. In these two situations, regardless of what the normal rates are, the ambulance service must accept what Medicare allows and the amount Medicaid pays.

In 2018, the service wrote off $59,600 because of a lack of reimbursements.

To offset these costs, Winchester EMS has applied for grants and held fundraisers, with some success. The group received a 95 percent vehicle replacement grant and a 60 percent vehicle grant.

Winchester EMS has applied to the county board for the SSAD designation. Should the county board approve it, it would be brought to the countys municipalities for evaluation, Dolen said. If they agree with the district, it will be brought back to the board, taxpayers will be notified of a public hearing at which they can voice their concerns and then the county board can decide whether to approve it.

The proposal, in its infancy, is awaiting review, Scott County Commissioner Bob Schaffer said.

Should Winchester EMS cease service, leaving only Jacksonville crews to respond to the Winchester area, LifeStar, which staffs three ambulances around the clock, could see longer response times, Dolen said.

Dolen said he hopes that people understand the importance of a local EMS service and what that can mean for families during times of crisis.

We got a call about a guy having a heart attack and we were at the shed, Dolen said. We got there in eight minutes, shocked him and saved his life. If he had to wait for (EMS crews to arrive from) Jacksonville, he would be dead.  This is why were doing this. I cant stress that enough. Were not doing it for ourselves. Were doing it for the community.

Nick Draper can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1223, or on Twitter @nick_draper.EDWARDSVILLE  Authorities Tuesday night were investigating the reported armed robbery of Walgreens, 102 W. Vandalia St. Edwardsville.

According to a press release from the Edwardsville Police Department, at approximately 9:42 p.m. a woman with the lower half of her face covered entered the store, displayed a dark handgun with wooden accents and demanded money. She fled out of the store on foot.

The suspect is described as a black female, 30 to 40 years in age, between 5-foot-1 and 5-foot-4 and weighing between 140 and 170 pounds.

Police say they were unable to obtain any clear surveillance images of the woman.

There were no reported injuries.

Anyone with possible information regarding the incident should contact Det. Jones at the Edwardsville Police Department, 618-656-2131.Scott Kowalchyk, CBS

Alec Baldwin's impersonation of President Donald Trump on "Saturday Night Live" clearly irks the commander in chief. First lady Melania Trump, though, hasn't publicly weighed in on the actress who often portrays her to comedic effect: Laura Benanti, who cameos as FLOTUS' dead-on doppelganger on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert."

Benanti revealed in a new interview with the Variety podcast "Stagecraft" that she intentionally plays the first lady for sympathy and not to be "cruel," though her skits frequently poke fun at Mrs. Trump (a holiday-themed one featured a jacket emblazoned with the phrase "I really don't care, do Yule?" and showed her spraying containers of fake blood on those much-maligned White House trees).The Vanishing Van: A Charles Lenox Mystery

By Charles Finch

Minotaur. 272 pp. $26.99

---

Fiction readers who crush on blue-blooded British detectives will fall hard for Victorian-era sleuth Charles Lenox, if they haven't already. Lenox first appeared in Charles Finch's well-received 2007 novel "A Beautiful Blue Death." Lenox's exploits, laid out in 10 subsequent novels, now share shelf space with other aristocratic crime solvers - Dorothy L. Sayers's Lord Peter Wimsey, Elizabeth George's Inspector Thomas Lynley, and Maisie Dobbs, Jacqueline Winspear's private detective who was widow of a viscount. Like these other royal relations, Lenox is independently wealthy and has answered a higher calling to ferret out justice for his fellow citizens.

The latest Lenox novel, "The Vanishing Man," is the second in a series of prequels that offer delicious details into Lenox's early years honing his observational and deductive skills as a private investigator. "The Vanishing Man" takes place in 1853, and Lenox, a passionate, still-inexperienced 26-year-old, has as yet solved only a few cases for Scotland Yard. Filled with self-doubt, he also continues to endure the scorn of the yard's detectives who consider him a nuisance and that of his peers who find sleuthing beneath him.

As the story begins, Lenox is called to the home of the Duke of Dorset, who wants Lenox to discreetly look into the theft of a not-very-valuable painting of one of his ancestors. Lenox soon wonders whether the thief stole the wrong painting, which was hung next to an invaluable one - possibly the only oil painting of William Shakespeare done in his lifetime.

Soon another robbery is attempted, there's a murder and it's revealed that the missing painting may hold a clue to the location of a never-before-seen Shakespeare play. Lenox's hunt for the portrait's thief, the murderer and the missing play take him to the halls of Bedlam hospital and the British Library as well as a pub near London Bridge and the fashionable salons of London's West End.

Finch's novels offer more than just cozy yet suspenseful storylines. "The Vanishing Man" also captures the culture of the time in which it's set - there's mention of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the novel everyone in London is reading, and mentions of Charles Dickens, John James Audubon and the Duke of Wellington. As he looks out a window at Scotland Yard, Lenox sees "in the distance" workers toiling on a project: "some tremendous bell was going to be placed in a tower right by Parliament." Big Ben.

It's part of Shakespeare mythology that one day a new play will be unearthed. Finch artfully and most satisfyingly ties up this plot thread in "The Vanishing Man" as well as that of the identity of the art thief and the murderer. By novel's end, Lenox learns of another suspicious death that needs investigating. In "The Vanishing Man's" closing sentences, Lenox's brother watches him ride away in a carriage and wonders "to which hidden, mysterious, thrilling corner, in the great city spread before him now like a world of marvels, his brother's new case would take him."

Longtime fans know what the future holds for Lenox. Everyone else needs to jump into the carriage with Lenox and hold on tight.

---

Memmott, a freelance book critic, lives in Northern Virginia.The miscues that made 2018 an agonizing year for Elon Musk are back.

Tesla announced its general counsel is leaving Wednesday, two months after hiring him in the wake of Musk's run-in with U.S. securities regulators. Hours before that news, the chief executive officer was sending tweets reminiscent of those that put him and the company in legal jeopardy last year.

Dane Butswinkas, the trial lawyer who represented Musk in his legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, is leaving due to a poor cultural fit at Tesla and the desire to return full-time to his trial practice at the firm Williams & Connolly in Washington. Jonathan Chang, a vice president in Tesla's legal department, is taking over effective immediately.

The departure came on the heels of a production projection Musk tweeted, then backtracked from, late Tuesday. The developments renew concerns about retention of key executives and the CEO's social media habits -- issues that distracted from Tesla's manufacturing achievements in 2018.

"This is another in a string of high-profile executive departures," said Jeffrey Osborne, an analyst at Cowen & Co. who rates Tesla the equivalent of a sell. "Investors have gotten numb to the turnover as it has been a lingering issue in technical, accounting, HR and now legal roles. This is just one more thing on the wall of worry for investors to consider."

Tesla's stock traded down as much as 1.4 percent as of 11:40 a.m. Wednesday in New York. Musk, 47, already surprised investors at the end of an earnings call late last month with news that Chief Financial Officer Deepak Ahuja would be leaving. Last year, he lost senior managers from Tesla's sales, accounting, finance, supply management, human resources and communications departments.

Musk tweeted Tuesday evening that Tesla would make around 500,000 cars in 2019. He corrected himself within hours to say he meant the company would be producing at an annualized rate of half a million vehicles by the end of this year.

If sent by another company executive, the posts might read like an innocuous mistake. But Tesla was supposed to have set up internal controls last year to keep Musk from posting material information about the company without pre-approval. The SEC ordered the electric-car maker to employ or designate a securities lawyer to review Musk and other senior officers' Twitter communications.

Representatives for Tesla and the SEC didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on Musk's tweets.

The SEC punished Tesla after alleging Musk committed fraud by tweeting in August he had "funding secured" to take the company private at $420 a share. The agency said this and other claims the CEO made on Aug. 7 were false and misleading and affected Tesla's stock.

Both Musk and Tesla settled without admitting or denying wrongdoing and agreed to pay $20 million penalties. The company's board formed a disclosure-controls committee comprised of three independent directors.

Tesla and Musk's forecasts also remain a sticking point with the authorities. The SEC has subpoenaed the company over projections they made for Model 3 production rates during 2017 and other public statements relating to output of the sedan.

The Justice Department asked Tesla to voluntarily provide information about production projections and the take-private statements and is conducting its own investigation, according to a regulatory filing Tuesday. The company made the same disclosure in November, and said this week there haven't been any material developments in these matters since.

"To our knowledge no government agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred," Tesla said in its 10-K filing Tuesday. The company said it's cooperating with the authorities and can't predict the outcome of the investigations. It added that if the government decides to pursue enforcement action, it could have a material adverse impact on the business.

Chang, 40, has worked at Tesla for almost eight years and has managed most parts of its legal organization during his tenure, according to the company. He first began advising the carmaker in 2006 as outside counsel at the law firm Latham & Watkins. He'll report directly to Musk.

Butswinkas, 57, will continue to work with Tesla in an outside counsel role, according to an emailed company statement. He had been hired on in December to replace Todd Maron, who left the company after leading its legal department since 2013 and representing Musk through two divorces.

"The fact that he is continuing work with Tesla as outside counsel is a sign that, legally, things are fine at Tesla," said Gene Munster, a managing partner at venture capital firm Loup Ventures. "Despite Tesla's continued challenges maintaining senior leadership, we continue to believe the company will be successful in riding the waves of EV and autonomy."

- - -

Bloomberg's Cecile Daurat and Ben Bain contributed.The investigation into the Progressive Conservative governments controversial hiring of Toronto police Supt. Ron Taverner as OPP commissioner has now included Community Safety and Corrections Minister Sylvia Jones.

Jones confirmed Tuesday that she was recently interviewed by provincial integrity commissioner J. David Wake as he probes allegations of political interference in the appointment of Taverner, 72, a longtime friend of Premier Doug Ford.

I answered the questions the integrity commissioner asked, she told reporters in Oakville to announce an overhaul of police services legislation. She declined to comment further.

Jones sidestepped a question from the Star on why qualifications for the top Ontario Provincial Police job were lowered two days after the initial posting, creating a path for Taverner to apply for the post heading Canadas second-largest police force.

Im going to leave the report and the investigation to the integrity commissioner. As you know, he is an independent officer of the legislature, added Jones, who was initially unclear about the timing of the interview by the ethics watchdog.

The days just sort of flow together...a couple of weeks ago.

Ford has not yet been interviewed by Wake, the premiers office said.

Although Ford has denied any involvement in the hiring, the governments Nov. 29 appointment of Taverner  now on hold at his own request pending Wakes investigation  has raised concerns about the independence and credibility of the OPP.

The integrity commissioners office has declined to comment on the status of the investigation launched following a complaint by New Democrat MPP Kevin Yarde (Brampton North) under the Members Integrity Act.

Yarde said late last year the integrity commissioner needs to probe concerns Ford may have violated the legislation when his long-time friend and ally Taverner was named commissioner of the OPP.

The government has repeatedly defended Taverner, a 51-year police veteran, as the best candidate for the job but policing experts have expressed grave concerns about the impact on the force, which has had to investigate sensitive political matters in the past.

A case in point is the OPP investigation of a previous Liberal government and deleted documents in the wake of the closure of two natural gas-fired power plants in Oakville and Mississauga before the 2011 provincial election that saw then-premier Dalton McGuinty reduced to a minority government.

A top aide to McGuinty was subsequently convicted on a criminal charge and sentenced to four months in jail. McGuinty was not a subject of the investigation and co-operated with police.

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Read more about:Failed Progressive Conservative candidate Cameron Montgomery has landed a $140,000-a-year job chairing the agency that administers province-wide standardized testing for students  a post for which his predecessor earned less than $4,000 last year.

Montgomerys appointment as chair of the board of directors at the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) marks the first time the position is a full-time job  a move that has drawn criticism.

Its not a full-time job, and I dont know how you make it into a full-time job, said former NDP education minister Dave Cooke, who was a board member for 10 years, the last three as chair, before retiring in October. If hes there every day I dont know what (Montgomery) is going to do.

Montgomerys appointment by the Doug Ford government follows lengthy public consultations on how to improve education and comes at a time when the independent provincial agency says its in the process of modernizing to better meet the needs of students, parents and educators.

As chair, Cooke earned a per diem of $225, which in 2018 amounted to $3,600. During one unusually busy year, with lots of meetings, he recalls earning more, but still less than $20,000. Cooke, who was one of the architects of the EQAO, established in 1996, wonders what Montgomery will do to warrant an annual salary of $140,000.

The agency administers tests in Grades 3, 6, 9 and 10 to assess reading, writing and math skills to help identify curriculum areas that need attention. Its responsibilities include coming up with strategies to improve accountability and making recommendations to bolster the quality of public education. The agencys daily operations are led by professional staff headed by a CEO, who reports to the board, which meets at least four times a year. The board is accountable, through its chair, to the minister of education and must maintain an arms-length relationship with the province.

Read more:

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath blasts Premier Doug Ford for cronyism in appointments

Liberal MPP urges Ford to slow down on appointments after McCallion and Taverner debacles

EQAO testing needs overhaul, report to education minister says

EQAO is on a path to modernization that will touch every aspect of the agency  from assessments and reporting to research, engagement activities and business operations, said Montgomery, a former assistant professor of education at University of Ottawa. In the months ahead, Ill be working with the government and EQAOs board of directors to ensure the agency can better meet the needs of the province, he said in a statement. The agency said Montgomery was unavailable for an interview Tuesday.

Ministry of Education spokesperson Sandra Zeni described Montgomery as an experienced educator with first-hand experience of best practices and challenges in Ontarios English and French-language school systems.

EQAO requires strategic leadership and significant governance expertise as it works to modernize its processes throughout a multi-year transformation period, said Zeni, noting a full-time chair will better protect the public interest and parent needs and bring higher levels of accountability and transparency for taxpayers.

The full-time chair will act as a chief spokesperson for EQAO, wrote Zeni in an email. The ministry will work with the chair with a view to promoting high levels of student achievement, particularly in foundational math skills.

EQAO communications officer Sarah Beech said in an email that modernizing the agency will be complex. Beech said Montgomery will work with the board of directors to create an ambitious strategic plan and he will work with the CEO to ensure its successful implementation. In a news release about the announcement, the agency said it welcomes feedback on its modernization and listened closely as perspectives were shared through the governments consultation on education reform in the fall. Thats when the province received 72,000 submissions from the public on various education issues.

Cooke, a veteran politician who was an MPP from 1977 to 1997 and served as education minister in the Bob Rae government, said hes very concerned the appointment of a full-time chair could lead to the perception of political interference. Being a full-time position puts a whole different spin on it, he said, adding I havent been able to get my head around it because I dont know what (Montgomery) is going to do.

Weve got a defeated Conservative candidate who is now going to chair EQAO and that, to me, is a concern (because) of what the perception of that might be, said Cooke. The only way the agency maintains its credibility is if it maintains the reality of being arms length from government and completely non-partisan.

In the last provincial election, Montgomery ran in the battleground riding of Ottawa-Orleans, which was the first stop Ford made during a pre-campaign trip to Ottawa. Liberal incumbent Marie-France Lalonde won the race by a slim margin.

Montgomery had previously intended to run in a 2016 byelection in Ottawa-Vanier, but stepped aside to allow former Ontario ombudsman Andre Marin to run.

On Jan. 31, the province appointed Montgomery as EQAO chair for three years, but it was only publicized last week.

Charles Pascal, a professor at the University of Torontos Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, said creating a totally unnecessary high-salaried job to reward a failed PC crony is the worst kind of patronage.

In the context of a government that has shown active disregard for public education, I worry that the appointee will earn his gravy by turning a non-partisan agency into a vehicle to further denigrate Ontario education, said Pascal, a former deputy education minister and former chair of the EQAO board.

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In a media statement, NDP education critic Marit Stiles criticized the creation of the full-time $140,000 job.

Parents want to see every education dollar spent right in the classroom, said Stiles. Instead, Doug Ford is siphoning off cash to give to someone he trades favours with. That money is for children  not Fords insiders.

On Twitter, Chris Cowley, an executive member of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association, described Montgomerys salary as enough to buy 2,500 text books for Ontario students.

Read more about:MONTREALEver since allegations of high-level political interference in the federal prosecution of engineering firm SNC-Lavalin surfaced, it has been assumed that from the governments perspective former attorney general Jody Wilson-Rayboulds silence was a better alternative than having her speak out about her exchanges with the prime minister and his staff.

Given her refusal to sanction  if only by staying in cabinet  Trudeaus version that nothing improper had taken place, it has been widely expected that if and when she spoke her testimony would only sink the government deeper into a hole.

But is that assumption still valid in the wake of the resignation on Monday of principal secretary Gerald Butts?

His departure could pave the way for Wilson-Raybould to become part of the solution to the governments problem rather than the source of an ever-expanding river of troubles.

It is at least plausible that Wilson-Raybould could exonerate Trudeau even as she excoriates Butts.

Based on his resignation statement, Trudeaus former right-hand adviser has all but set himself up for a hit. Even as he maintained he had crossed no red line in his dealings with the former attorney general, Butts went out of his way to out himself as the specific target of the political interference allegations.

Read more:

Liberals defeat NDP motion calling for judicial inquiry into SNC-Lavalin affair

Why now? Gerald Butts departure fuels speculation

Heres why Jody Wilson-Raybould still isnt talking about SNC-Lavalin

For his part, the prime minister has admitted he discussed the SNC-Lavalin file with Wilson-Raybould but he insists they concur on the fact that he told her the decision as to the way forward was hers alone to make.

That SNC-Lavalin found support at the highest levels of the government for its contention that it should be spared the risk of a criminal conviction that would see it barred from bidding on federal contracts for a decade is not in question.

But the fact that the firm continued to be denied the remediation agreement it was lobbying for despite that support also suggests the former attorney general followed her own counsel.

Butts resignation opens the door for Wilson-Raybould to bring the Liberals some relief from this ongoing crisis by severing his interventions from Trudeaus. The Liberals who have now become noticeably more eager to hear her out may well be hoping for such an outcome.

It would not bring the government the definitive closure it craves and it would leave the conflict between Butts and Wilson-Rayboulds versions unresolved. But it would for the first time cut or reduce the flow of oxygen that has kept the issue so alive.

The opposition parties can hardly call for the head of someone who has already handed it to them.

With Wilson-Raybould standing by Trudeau if not by his former principal secretary, opposition charges that the latter was acting with the prime ministers blessing would still be fair game but they would lose some of their impact.

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That being said there is a difference between salvation and redemption. For the Liberals there will be no turning back the clock to their pre-SNC-Lavalin status.

Of the three main protagonists in this crisis, two have resigned their positions and the third is walking wounded.

Polls are starting to provide a measure of the severity of the external damage to the prime minister and, by extension, the Liberals.

The next few months will tell whether that damage can be fixed between now and the election campaign.

But the repair job cant start until the Liberals find an exit strategy from the worst of this crisis.

The internal damage to the government could complicate that job.

Losing a multi-tasking player as central to its operations as Butts on the eve of an election campaign is bound to take a toll on its inner workings. That toll could extend to the policy front.

By all indications, the fall election will at least in part be fought on the climate-change battlefield. Within Trudeaus government, Butts was the environmental movements most influential advocate. In his resignation statement, he took time to restate his commitment to the fight against climate change.

But his fervour was not universally shared. With painful memories of Stephane Dions 2008 carbon tax campaign still fresh in their minds, many Liberals remain nervous at the prospect of navigating the same electoral minefield next fall. It will be worth watching whether  with Butts gone  the Liberal resolve weakens.

A word in closing on one of the more remarkable features of this saga: with every passing day it is becoming more apparent that Wilson-Raybould is more in control of the situation than the prime ministers office.

And that has more than a few of the past and present ministers who have felt used by a prime ministers unelected puppet masters secretly cheering on the former attorney general. That sentiment is not limited to Liberals.

Chantal Hebert is a columnist based in Ottawa covering politics. Follow her on Twitter: @ChantalHbert

Read more about:The key people involved in the increasingly tangled SNC-Lavalin affair are by all accounts just dying to let us in on what really happened.

Jody Wilson-Raybould, the former justice minister, clearly wants to speak out. Shes got a former justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, no less, figuring out just how to do that.

And Gerald Butts, Justin Trudeaus closest adviser until Monday afternoon, apparently is also eager to give his side of the story. Thats reportedly a key part of why he suddenly quit as principal secretary to the prime minister.

To which we say: bring it on, and as quickly as possible.

Every day the principal figures in this affair remain silent is another day that questions will pile up about what really went on, and another day for the governments credibility to be undermined.

If the government ever hoped it would all just blow over, that possibility evaporated when Butts gave up his position. A government cant lose a justice minister and the prime ministers chief adviser in the space of a week and expect the public to walk on by.

Two things must happen quickly in order to start clearing the air.

First, the government must find a way to waive the solicitor-client privilege that prevents Wilson-Raybould from speaking out about allegations that she came under political pressure to let SNC-Lavalin avoid a damaging criminal trial on charges of bribery and corruption.

And second, a public venue must be found for the whole affair to be aired in detail.

The most obvious is the House of Commons justice committee. The Liberal majority on the committee now say they will invite Wilson-Raybould to appear before them and tell her story. Thats the first sensible thing the Liberals have done in what has been a remarkably bungled response to allegations that she was pressured by the Prime Ministers Office to act on behalf of SNC-Lavalin, before being shuffled off to veterans affairs in January.

The Liberals were dreaming in colour if they thought their best course was to keep Wilson-Raybould quiet. Even without speaking she has badly embarrassed the government. At this point the politically smart thing to do  not to mention the right thing to do  is to let her speak as frankly and as publicly as possible. Otherwise the government will have to endure a daily drip of suspicion that they are trying to cover up serious wrong-doing.

For both of those who have resigned, its important they be allowed to tell their story.

Wilson-Raybould, in particular, needs to be freed to speak, despite the constraints of solicitor-client privilege and cabinet confidentiality.

So far others (mostly men) have been shaping her story. First it was the anonymous voices in the Globe and Mail who alleged that the PMO tried to pressure her to give SNC-Lavalin a break.

Then it was the prime minister, who told the world she had assured him he had not directed her to fix things for the company. Her father, too, has been speaking out, voicing the outrage of many at what looks like pretty shoddy treatment of the first Indigenous justice minister.

Wilson-Raybould deserves the simple respect of being able to tell her own story as she experienced it. In the end, there may be no clear conclusion. What she felt as pressure to act in a particular way may be just the robust discussion that government sources acknowledge did take place with the ex-minister. But let her speak, and let the facts come out so we can all form our own conclusions.

Butts, too, deserves the right to give his version of events. He was adamant in the statement he issued on Monday that neither he nor anyone else in the PMO did anything wrong in the SNC-Lavalin saga.

Nonetheless, by dint of being so close to the prime minister he had himself become part of the governments political problem. The SNC-Lavalin affair gained so much traction so quickly in part because it seems to fulfill the narrative of an all-powerful PMO manipulating everything from the centre, the polar opposite of what Justin Trudeau promised back in the truly sunny days of 2015.

Fairly or not, Gerald Butts personified that narrative and did a service to his friend the prime minister by stepping aside.

At the same time, he sounded some important notes in his departure statement. In the midst of the turmoil of the SNC-Lavalin meltdown, he underlined the importance of government at its best and praised the good, hard-working people who devote their time and energy to public service. And, as a long-time environmentalist, he insisted on the vital importance of finding solutions to the issue of climate change.

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Thats taking the long, long view, something thats easy to lose sight of in the midst of a political eruption like this one.

The trick in government is to manage the inevitable short- and medium-term problems in such a way that they dont overwhelm efforts to address the long-term issues that make a real difference in peoples lives.

For the past couple of weeks the Liberals seemed adrift, unable to figure out how to navigate through this mess. They now seem to realize that more openness, not stonewalling, is the way forward. Thats the first step toward regaining control.

Read more about:BOSTON - The inside of a tank was Clarence Smoyers home, and the crew was his family.

In that sense, the 95-year-old veteran returned home Wednesday for the first time since World War II. One of the last surviving WWII tank gunners, Smoyer was surprised with a ride through the streets of Boston in a Sherman tank.

Smoyer fought with the U.S. Armys 3rd Armored Division, nicknamed the Spearhead Division. In 1945, he defeated a German Panther tank near the cathedral in Cologne, Germany  a dramatic duel filmed by an Army cameraman that was seen all over the world.

Author Adam Makos tells Smoyers story in the book Spearhead, which was released Tuesday. Smoyer would make offhand comments to Makos about how hed like to get aboard his old Sherman tank one last time. Makos started making calls and Smoyer started doing physical therapy, in case it worked out.

Smoyer, who lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania, had expected a taxi to take him from his hotel to the USS Constitution Museum for a book signing Wednesday. Instead, he found a 32-ton (33 metric ton) Sherman tank from 1944 waiting outside.

A huge smile flashed across Smoyers face when he walked outside and saw the tank, saying it was a shock to see it.

World War II tank gunner Clarence Smoyer sits atop a tank as he passes the historic frigate U.S.S. Constitution at the Charlestown Naval Shipyard in Boston, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. The 95-year-old veteran was surprised with a ride through the streets of Boston in a Sherman tank, one of the tanks most widely used by the U.S. during the war.













That tank saved my life, he said.

The American Heritage Museum in Hudson, Massachusetts, sent the tank and reenactors representing infantrymen to walk alongside for the short trip to the museum. Service members from the USS Constitution and onlookers came outside to salute Smoyer and the tank as it rolled down the street.

After Smoyer was drafted in 1943, he served on a Sherman tank, first as the person responsible for loading ammunition and later as a gunner.

Smoyer was such a crack shot that his crew was given one of the Armys state-of-the-art Pershing tanks. That meant they would always go first into battle against German tanks that often were better equipped. Pershing tanks were rushed to Europe after the bloody Battle of the Bulge.

My tank commander, Bob Earley, used to smoke a pipe and when hed go for a briefing in the morning, hed come back and the pipe was jumping in his mouth, Smoyer recalls. He was nervous because he knew wed be leading and up in the front again.

Smoyer said he was always scared of rounding a corner and running into the crosshairs of a German tank. He would tell himself to shoot straight and fast before the enemy got his shot in.

On March 5, 1945, Smoyer heard the company commander say over the radio, Gentlemen, I give you Cologne. Lets knock the hell out of it. They charged into the city.

Smoyer said he traded fire with a German tank, then shot at a building and toppled it onto the Germans. Eighteen-year-old German tank gunner Gustav Schaefer and his tank commander abandoned their tank and surrendered.

Smoyer advanced and encountered the German Panther by the cathedral. The Panther had just knocked out two American Sherman tanks, killing three men.

We pull out into the intersection and the driver saw the tank. We were looking right into the barrel, Smoyer said. I fired once. Hit them. Sparks were flying. I fired another one, back more toward the engine compartment. I fired the third shot.

Smoyer set the tank on fire so the German crew couldnt fire back. American forces advanced to the Rhine River. Smoyer and his crew were photographed victoriously climbing out of their tank.

Smoyer returned to Pennsylvania in August 1945, married and had three children. He worked at an industrial plant. Few knew that he took out five German tanks during the war.

Makos met Smoyer through a friend in 2012. In 2013, they travelled to Cologne so Smoyer could meet Schaefer, the German tank gunner.

The two veterans shook hands in front of the cathedral and put roses on the grave of a German woman who was killed in their crossfire. They kept in touch through Christmas cards, letters and Skype until Schaefer died at age 90 in 2017.

Spearhead is the story of how their lives collided. Makos organized the surprise tank ride to show his appreciation for Smoyer.

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He did great things for this country and took great risks, Makos said. Now were giving him a last salute.

It was a bit of a struggle to get in and out of the tank at his age, Smoyer said  It used to go a lot better when I was younger  but it took his breath away to see it.

As for the book, he said, he hopes readers understand what the fellas went through during the war. War is hell.

War is hell.MINNEAPOLIS - Fast-falling snow with accumulations of up to 10 inches closed scores of school districts in the Upper Midwest on Wednesday and delayed ground and air travel.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for much of central and southern Minnesota, through eastern South Dakota and into western Wisconsin.

Minneapolis and St. Paul schools are among the districts that cancelled classes Wednesday. The weather service expected the Twin Cities to get anywhere from 6 to 10 inches of snow, which would assure a record total for any February since records have been kept.

Runways at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport were temporarily closed as accumulating snow tested plow drivers who tried to keep up. MSP spokesman John Welbes said the rate of snowfall is the challenge.

Among the larger Minnesota cities, New Ulm has 10 inches, Worthington 9 inches and Mankato 6 inches of snow. Gov. Tim Walz cancelled his plans for an education visit to Moorhead on Wednesday because of tough travel conditions.

In Wisconsin, several dozen public school districts and private schools, mostly in the southwest, called off class Wednesday as commuters struggled with snow-covered and slippery roads.

In South Dakota, the Sioux Falls School District, where 7 inches of snow had fallen, delayed the start of classes, while other districts cancelled school altogether. The South Dakota Department of Transportations travel map showed highways and interstates throughout the state as snow-covered and slippery.MADISON, Wis. - A powerful Wisconsin legislator has demanded a detailed review of the state National Guards sexual harassment and assault policies after meeting with a soldier who alleges she was sexually harassed and the man wasnt punished.

U.S. Air Force investigators are already investigating allegations of sexual assault and harassment within a Wisconsin Air National Guard security unit at the urging of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, a Republican, wrote Tuesday to the Wisconsin National Guards top commander, Maj. Gen. Donald Dunbar, requesting a thorough review of sexual harassment and sexual assault policies.

He asked for a detailed account of measures already in place and any recommendations for strengthening them. He also demanded information on the National Guards sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention efforts.

Guard spokeswoman Jackie Halverson said in an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the letter has been received and leaders will be getting back to Fitzgerald. She didnt say when or offer any other details on whether they would comply.

As Im sure you know, the Wisconsin National Guard takes all allegations of sexual assault, harassment or misconduct seriously, and we do not tolerate it in our ranks, she said.

The AP obtained a letter the woman wrote to Fitzgerald this past January from Jay Ellis, a master sergeant in the security unit whose allegations of harassment in the squadron sparked Baldwins intervention.

The womans name was redacted from the document. She wrote that she informed her brigade leaders twice in 2014 that a master sergeant had been sexually harassing and inappropriately touching her and her colleagues for months.

An investigator and rank reduction board found the master sergeant had acted inappropriately, but he was allowed to retire with no punishment and was later hired back as a contractor, the woman wrote. Meanwhile, she said she was slandered, libeled and ostracized in retaliation. She did not identify the man or offer any examples of retaliation beyond saying she was kept on probation for six years when the authorized length is three.

She said the man went unpunished until she approached then-Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefischs office in 2017 and the man was removed from his position.

Baldwin made her request for an investigation in November after Ellis contacted her office and said he had learned of six incidents of sexual harassment or assault against female squadron members between 2002 and 2016. He alleged that high-ranking commanders have done little to address the issues.

Ellis told the AP he had no documentation of the incidents because the women didnt file formal complaints. One of the women told the AP in an interview, however, that she and a friend were sexually assaulted by superior officers in the squadron during a 2002 party at a Las Vegas training base.

Alec Zimmerman, Fitzgeralds spokesman, said Fitzgerald and his staff met with the woman who wrote to him at the end of January and Fitzgerald felt it necessary to request that Major General Dunbar send a report back to the Legislature.

Fitzgerald spent 27 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring in 2009 as a lieutenant colonel.

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___

Follow Todd Richmond on Twitter at https://twitter.com/trichmond1PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Nearing the end of a lively town hall with hundreds of voters packed into an art gallery, Cory Booker surveyed the crowd and reassured them that his sunny, unity-first presidential campaign is also tough.

People who think my philosophy is weak, come on, the New Jersey Democratic senator said, chiding those in his party who would try to simply fight fire with fire. He later described himself to reporters as someone whos strong, whos tough, who will fight for a cause and fight for people but also finds common ground.

Booker is trying to be the nations healer and warrior. After launching his campaign this month with a warm pitch to restore Americas common purpose, hes talking more about confrontation. That approach during a recent three-day swing through the early-voting state of New Hampshire seemed to acknowledge that optimism will only carry him so far and that some Democratic voters outraged by President Donald Trumps agenda want more.

What I saw in the last election was that, Republicans and especially Trump, theyre not afraid to just lie right on the stage during a debate, said Sebastian Young, of Dover, New Hampshire, who saw Booker at an event on Sunday. So he has to be willing to call that out, and really, like, press it when Trump is saying something thats not true, or that goes against what he believes.

Many of Bookers Democratic rivals have more openly channeled their bases fury with Trump. Hours after Booker left New Hampshire, voters there cheered California Sen. Kamala Harris vows to take on the president. In California, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts urged Americans to fight hard, and to win. And in Iowa on Monday, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand shared none of Bookers reluctance to call Trump a racist.

I think hes racist when he says that Mexicans are rapists and criminals, she told reporters.

Referring to Booker, one of two black Democratic presidential candidates, as a really good friend of mine, Gillibrand added that each one of us will run on our vision and what our plans are.

Democratic candidates are spending the early days of the campaign fleshing out their vision of how to best challenge Trump and whether to respond to his kitchen-sink fighting style with similar force.

We have to figure out what we want. Is it the fighter from the outside, or the person who can work the room? said Rebecca Katz, a New York-based progressive political strategist. In some ways, to win any big change, you need both. And its unclear if you can be the fighter in the room and still go out there and motivate activists who make real change.

For now, Booker is arguing that he can do both, vowing in New Hampshire that a fight waged with love ... can topple the strongest of leaders.

The 49-year-old has demonstrated a willingness to enter nasty political frays. His self-proclaimed I am Spartacus moment last year came as he wilfully flouted Senate rules against disclosing confidential documents during Brett Kavanaughs Supreme Court confirmation fight. He made history for testifying against a fellow sitting senator in 2017 when he publicly opposed Republican Jeff Sessions bid to become attorney general.

One of Bookers closest friends on Capitol Hill, Hawaii Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz, said his colleague is hard to put in a box.

There is literally no one like him, Schatz said in an interview. And hes so pure of heart that people may mistake that for an unwillingness to engage in fights when necessary. Thats not the case when it comes to Cory.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who serves with Booker on the Judiciary Committee, said the intense Kavanaugh hearings were not even the best example of his colleagues presence as a fierce and tenacious fighter.

Still, positivity is central to Bookers political brand. He splashed onto the national scene by shovelling snow as Newark mayor. In the Senate, hes built alliances with Republicans on legislation protecting special counsel Robert Mueller and on passing a Trump-backed criminal justice deal.

New Hampshire will be a tough state for many Democrats, with big names from neighbouring states  Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders  in the race. But Bookers dual message of coalition-building first and fighting when necessary played well with voters during his first official visit as a candidate.

Maggie ONeill, a Newmarket resident, said she understood his interest in being seen as an individual rather than boxed into a stereotype.

Its hard when youre running a campaign. You have to fit into a trope, right? Everybody wants to put you into a trope, she said.

Booker, like other Democrats in the still-forming primary field, has only begun to build his case as the candidate who can both charge into battle and unify a party desperate to defeat Trump. So far, hes making a big push for the film Street Fight to underscore his warrior instincts. Supporters who sign up for his campaign email list get an automatic reminder to watch the Oscar-nominated film that illustrates how fearless he is in the face of a fight some think is impossible.

The documentary about Bookers 2002 mayoral run depicts him weathering repeated low blows from his then-opponent, Democrat Sharpe James, who ultimately defeated him but bowed out of a rematch in 2006. Booker cruised to victory that year on his way to winning a special election to the Senate in 2013, and he secured a full term in 2014.

Asked if he had played up his time in the pressure cooker of New Jersey politics to portray himself as a candidate who can go toe-to-toe with Trump, he demurred.

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I just talk about that because Im a Jersey boy whos had to fight a lot of tough elections, he told reporters.

___

Associated Press writers Thomas Beaumont in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Juana Summers in Portsmouth, N.H., contributed to this report.CHICAGO - As authorities laid out their case against Empire actor Jussie Smollett, the narrative that emerged Thursday sounded like that of a filmmaker who wrote, cast, directed and starred in a short movie.

Prosecutors said Smollett gave detailed instructions to the accomplices who helped him stage a racist, anti-gay attack on himself, including telling them specific slurs to yell, urging them to shout MAGA country and even pointing out a surveillance camera that he thought would record the beating.

I believe Mr. Smollett wanted it on camera, Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson told reporters. But unfortunately that particular camera wasnt pointed in that direction.

Police said Smollett planned the hoax because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted to promote his career. Before the attack, he also sent a letter that threatened him to the Chicago studio where Empire is shot, police said.

Smollett, who is black and gay, turned himself in on charges that he filed a false police report last month when he said he was attacked in downtown Chicago by two masked men who hurled derogatory remarks and looped a rope around his neck.

The actor took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career, police, Johnson said.

This publicity stunt was a scar that Chicago didnt earn and certainly didnt deserve, Johnson added.

The attack reverberated well beyond Chicago and swiftly took on political overtones, with liberals calling it a shocking example of Trump-era hate. Republicans seized on the criminal charges as proof that Democrats had rushed to judgment and unfairly disparaged the presidents supporters as bigots.

Smolletts legal team issued a statement Thursday night, calling the actor a man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence. The statement also said Johnsons Thursday afternoon press conference was an organized law enforcement spectacle.

The presumption of innocence, a bedrock in the search for justice, was trampled upon at the expense of Mr. Smollett, the statement read.

Prosecutors released a four-page document that outlined their case against Smollett, who plays a gay character on the show that follows a black family as they navigate the ups and downs of the recording industry.

For the alleged hoax, Smollett solicited the help of two muscular brothers. One of them was Abindola Abel Osundairo, a friend he worked out with and who worked on the show as a stand-in for another character. He also supplied Smollett with the drug ecstasy, prosecutors said.

He probably knew he needed somebody with bulk, Johnson said of Smolletts decision to hire the pair.

A few days before Osundairo and his brother, Olabinjo Ola Osundairo, were scheduled to fly to Nigeria, Smollett sent him a text that prosecutors said set the scheme in motion.

Might need your help on the low, he wrote his friend, according to the document.

During a meeting with the brothers, Smollett told them he wanted the attack to happen Jan. 28 near his apartment in the citys Streeterville neighbourhood, and that he wanted them to get his attention by calling out slurs, prosecutors said. He is accused of instructing them to put the rope around his neck, pour gasoline on him and yell the MAGA remark, an apparent reference to President Donald Trumps slogan during the 2016 campaign.

Smollett then gave one of the brothers $100 to buy the rope, ski masks, gloves and red baseball caps that resemble those worn by Trump supporters, according to prosecutors. He drove them to the spot where he wanted the attack to take place, taking time to show them the camera that he said would capture it.

He drove them home, wrote a check to one of the brothers for $3,500 and flew to New York, prosecutors said.

The time of the attack was pushed back to 2 a.m. Jan 29 because Smolletts return flight was delayed. The brothers ordered an Uber ride to pick them up at their apartment and climbed into the vehicle toting their supplies, including bleach because there was a decision to use that instead of gasoline, according to prosecutors summary.

Police know much of this, they said, because Chicago has one of the worlds most extensive video surveillance systems. Investigators, in effect, pieced together the route the two men took by cab and foot to and from the scene, Johnson said.

The encounter lasted about 45 seconds. The brothers, Johnson said, punched him a little bit, but the scratches and bruises that Smollett had on his face were most likely self-inflicted.

When police arrived, he told them what happened and pointed out the nearby surveillance camera, prosecutors said at the court hearing.

Smollett also tried to mislead police about the suspects, telling them that the area around one attackers eyes was white skinned, even though the brothers are black, prosecutors said.

Johnson said Smollett used the one of the most terrifying symbols of racial hatred  a noose  that is synonymous with lynchings.

Im offended by what happened and Im also angry, he said.

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By the time Smollett appeared on Good Morning America on Feb. 14, police already had a pretty good idea that he was lying, thanks to dozens of search warrants, subpoenas and extensive analysis of camera and phone records. They also knew the names of the brothers, and the fact that they had flown to Nigeria and were scheduled to return to Chicago on Feb. 13.

The men were arrested and questioned for hours. At hour 47  one hour before police had to either charge the men or release them  Johnson said the two confessed to what they had done. They were subsequently released without being charged.

Prosecutors charged Smollett late Wednesday with felony disorderly conduct  the charge that is used for filing a false police report. He turned himself in to police Thursday and was jailed until an afternoon court appearance.

Smolletts attorneys asked that the actor be freed on his own recognizance, but Cook County Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. rejected that idea. Lyke, who is also black, said he was bothered by the allegations involving the noose.

The most vile and despicable part of it, if its true, is the noose, he said. That symbol conjures up such evil in this countrys history.

The judge set Smolletts bond at $100,000, and the actor soon walked out of jail after posting the necessary $10,000. He declined to comment to reporters.

Smollett is earning more than $100,000 per episode, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because salary details were involved. The studio declined to comment on the actors salary.

As is customary with a successful TV series, regular cast members on Empire received a boost in pay as part of contract extensions that followed the dramas renewal for a second season, the person said.

Smollett is counted among the series regulars.

The companies that make Empire, Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox Television, issued a statement Thursday saying that they were evaluating the situation and considering our options.

Smollett has been active in LBGTQ issues, and initial reports of the assault drew outrage and support for him on social media. Referring to a published account of the attack, Trump said last month that it doesnt get worse, as far as Im concerned.

On Thursday, he tweeted to Smollett: What about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA.

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AP Television Writer Lynn Elber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

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Check out the APscomplete coverage of the Jussie Smollett case.LAS VEGAS - Officials have approved a developers plan for homes at a replica Old Nevada mining town outside Las Vegas that started as a wagon train pit stop in 1843 and grew into a Wild West tourist attraction featuring mock gunfights.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Clark County planning commissioners unanimously approved the proposal early Wednesday for Bonnie Springs Ranch.

Officials say the proposed development is within current zoning for the site.

Developers recently bought the property from children of tourist ranch founder Bonnie Levinson, who died in 2016 at age 94.

Plans call for 20 large residential homes, a 25-room motel, restaurant and outdoor amphitheatre about 25 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip.

An online petition calling for turning the property into a historical landmark drew about 32,000 signatures.

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Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.comANCHORAGE, Alaska - A 43-year-old North Pole man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for distribution and receipt of child pornography.

Eric Whitebread also faces 35 years of supervised release.

Federal prosecutors say Whitebread in 2015 distributed files of child pornography through an online file-sharing network.

Investigators seized his computer and found 618 images of child pornography that had been downloaded through the file-sharing network in July and August that year.

Whitebread and others testified at his trial in June that multiple people had access to the computer and its password.

A Fairbanks jury convicted Whitebread in June.

U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline at sentencing Friday described the evidence as overwhelming, commented that Whitebread had attempted to obstruct justice with false testimony and said Whitebread had shown no remorse.FALLS CHURCH, Va. - A Muslim civil rights group called for a congressional investigation Wednesday after its lawsuit revealed that the U.S. government has shared access to parts of its terrorist watchlist with more than 1,400 private entities, including hospitals and universities.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations said Congress should look into why the FBI has given such wide access to the list, which CAIR believes is riddled with errors. Broad dissemination of the names makes life more difficult for those who are wrongly included, CAIR says. Many on the list are believed to be Muslim.

This is a wholesale profiling of a religious minority community, said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. To share private information of citizens and non-citizens with corporations is illegal and outrageous.

The FBI said in a statement Wednesday night that private groups only receive a subset of the terrorist watchlist called the Known or Suspected Terrorist List. It is unclear how significantly that narrows the list from the watchlist, which is formally known as the Terrorist Screening Center Database and includes hundreds of thousands of names.

Gadeir Abbas, lawyer for CAIR, said there is no evidence that the list of Known or Suspected Terrorists, or KST, is in any meaningful way less broad than the overall watchlist. Indeed, the articulated standard for inclusion on the watchlist is a reasonable suspicion of being a known or suspected terrorist.

The FBI is using the complexity of the list to portray it as less nefarious than it is, Abbas said.

The FBI statement says that any private agency accessing the list must comply with agreements to ensure the security and confidentiality of the information. A requestor can only ask for information about a specific individual and cannot access all the data available in the KST File. Any private entity that comes into a contact with a match from the list is instructed to contact the FBIs Terrorist Screening Center for further instructions, the FBI said.

The council filed a lawsuit in 2016 challenging the lists constitutionality and saying those wrongly placed on it routinely face difficulties in travel, financial transactions and their dealings with law enforcement.

In response to the lawsuit, a federal official recently acknowledged in a court filing that more than 1,400 private entities received access to the list.

For years, the government had insisted that it did not generally share the list with private organizations.

A hearing is scheduled in federal court for Friday on CAIRs request that the government now detail exactly which entities have received access to the names. CAIR also wants to know what private organizations are doing with the watchlist information  whether, for example, it is influencing universities admissions decisions or is being used by hospitals to screen would-be visitors.

In depositions and in court hearings, government officials had denied until very recently that the watchlist compiled by the FBIs Terrorist Screening Center is shared with private entities. At a hearing in September, government lawyer Dena Roth told U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga that the Terrorist Screening Center does not work with private partners, and that watchlist status itself ... is considered law enforcement sensitive information and is not shared with the public.

Despite that assurance, the judge ordered the government to be more specific about how it disseminates the watchlist. Trenga said the plaintiffs are entitled to the information to try to prove their case that inclusion on the list causes them to suffer real world consequences.

In response to the judges order, TSC Deputy Director of Operations Timothy Groh filed a statement earlier this month acknowledging that 1,441 private entities have received permission to access the watchlist.

Groh said those entities must be in some way connected to the criminal justice system. He cited police forces at private universities, hospital security staff and private correctional facilities as examples.

He said private groups are expected to abide by a detailed set of rules designed to ensure the list is used properly. It is not clear what those restrictions are.

The exact number of people on the list is kept secret by the government, but it acknowledged in an earlier lawsuit that it adds hundreds of thousands of names every year. It also emphasized that names are routinely removed.

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Faiza Patel, a director at the New York University law schools Brennan Center for Justice, said the governments willingness to share the list with private organizations is problematic because the list has so many people who are wrongly included in the database.

When you tag someone as a terrorist it can have serious consequences for people, she said.NEW YORK - A judge who ruled an aspiring actress can use sex trafficking laws to sue Harvey Weinstein seemed reluctant at a hearing Wednesday to let his decision be appealed before trial.

U.S. District Judge Robert W. Sweet noted that no other judge has disagreed with his August ruling. Two other federal judges, one in Manhattan and one in California, have cited Sweets finding in ruling as he did in other cases against Weinstein.

Other judges know what Ive done. At the moment, theres no conflict, Sweet said.

He didnt rule on whether lawyers can immediately appeal his finding that sex trafficking laws more commonly used to shut down brothels can be used against a Hollywood titan accused of sexual abuse by multiple women.

Attorney Phyllis Kupferstein, representing Weinstein, told Sweet an immediate appeal to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was appropriate for a new question of law.

Do you know any other instance where a courts interpretation of a statute is grounds for an immediate appeal? Sweet asked.

This is a case of first impression, Kupferstein responded.

Kupferstein and other lawyers for Weinstein have argued that the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 was written to criminalize and prevent slavery, servitude and human trafficking for commercial gain and was being misused against Weinstein.

She said a reversal of his finding would essentially shut down the civil lawsuit filed in fall 2017 by actress Kadian Noble and others like it. Lawyers for Weinstein have argued nothing of value was exchanged between Noble and Weinstein.

Noble alleged that Weinstein and his employees encouraged her to meet Weinstein in a Cannes, France, hotel room in 2014 so he could watch her demo reel, but then Weinstein molested her and forced her into a bathroom to watch him masturbate.

Weinstein denies wrongdoing and has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. Scores of women have accused the movie mogul of sexual misconduct.

In August, Sweet concluded the proverbial casting couch, in which women are asked to trade sex for Hollywood opportunities, could be considered a commercial sex act.

Jeffrey Herman, Nobles attorney, said outside court that his client moved to Los Angeles three weeks ago with her 12-year-old daughter because she felt good enough after speaking out that she wants to resume her career.

For her, having a voice and bringing the case changed her life, he said.

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Herman said there had been a seismic shift in Hollywood as a result of the #MeToo movement.

There is no casting couch as there was, he said.SHERIDAN, Ill. - A small funeral home was packed with hundreds of mourners for a 21-year-old college student who was killed on the first day of his internship when a worker opened fire inside an Illinois manufacturing facility.

Trevor Wehner was among five people killed in the Friday shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora.

During a brief religious service Wednesday in the Village of Sheridan, Wehner was remembered as family-oriented, someone who could change the atmosphere of a room just by walking in and who liked to tease and play jokes.

Before Wehners funeral, residents of Sheridan and nearby towns filed into a funeral home filled with wreaths and photo collages to pay their respects to his family.

Wehner was a Northern Illinois University business student. The university plans a vigil Thursday to honour Wehner and Clayton Parks, a 2014 alumnus also killed in the shooting. The funeral for another victim, 54-year-old Vicente Juarez, will be Friday.JUNEAU, Alaska - Sentencing has again been delayed for a former Arizona state legislator who last year was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of a man at a remote cabin in southeast Alaska.

Mark Desimone was found guilty in May of killing Duilio Antonio Tony Rosales during a 2016 hunting and fishing trip.

Sentencing has twice been delayed. It has now been set for June 17 to accommodate travel for Rosales family.

During trial, his attorney didnt dispute Desimone fatally shot Rosales, but unsuccessfully argued it was an accident and a lack of motive was a huge hole in the prosectuors case.

Desimone resigned from the Arizona House in 2008 after being arrested in a domestic dispute with his then-wife. That case was dropped when he agreed to counselling.NEW YORK - El Chapos lawyers raised concerns of potential juror misconduct and were reviewing their options Wednesday after a member of the jury at the Mexican drug lords trial told a news website that several jurors looked at media coverage of the case.

The juror told VICE News that at least five members of the jury at Joaquin Guzmans trial followed news reports and Twitter feeds about the case, against a judges orders, and were aware of potentially prejudicial material that jurors werent supposed to see.

Guzman, 61, was convicted Feb. 12 on drug and conspiracy charges that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life. Jurors deliberated for six days after three months of testimony. He is set to be sentenced in June.

Guzmans lawyer, Eduardo Balarezo, said the issues of potential juror misconduct raised in the VICE article are deeply concerning and distressing.

The jurors allegations of the jurys repeated and widespread disregard and contempt for the Courts instructions, if true, make it clear that Joaquin did not get a fair trial, Balarezo said in a statement. We will review all available options before deciding on a course of action.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in Brooklyn declined to comment.

Members of the non-sequestered jury, whose names were never released, were warned repeatedly not to look at news coverage of the case, including anything on TV, radio, newspaper, websites, blogs or social media.

Legal experts say that while its too early to talk about potentially throwing out the verdict, this could at least lead the defence to ask for a chance to question jurors about their exposure to news coverage and whether it affected their decisions. And it starts with the juror who spoke out to VICE.

This person has got to come in and answer some questions, said former federal prosecutor David S. Weinstein.

University of Dayton law professor Thaddeus Hoffmeister said Guzmans lawyers will have to demonstrate not only that there was juror misconduct but that it had a prejudicial impact. The challenge now becomes for the court to determine whether this somehow influenced their decision making.

VICE reported that the juror requested anonymity and would not provide a name to the reporter. But the jury spoke to the reporter via video chat for two hours, and the reporter said he recognized the juror from the trial.

The juror told VICE at least five jurors involved in deliberations and two alternates heard about allegations that Guzman drugged and raped underage girls, even though that evidence was kept out of the trial because it was seen as prejudicial.

The allegations, made public on the eve of deliberations, appeared in news coverage and tweets about the case. The juror said the revelations didnt seem to factor into Guzmans guilty verdict, VICE reported.

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That didnt change nobodys mind for sure, the juror said, according to VICE. We werent really hung up on that. It was just like a five-minute talk and thats it, no more talking about that.

Asked why the judge wasnt told about jurors looking at news reports, the juror told VICE: I thought we would get arrested. I thought they would hold me in contempt... I didnt want to say anything or rat out my fellow jurors. I didnt want to be that person. I kept it to myself.SANTA ANA, Calif. - Investigators searched for decades for the killer of an 11-year-old girl who disappeared while walking home from summer school in a case that gripped a California seaside community.

A photo of a smiling Linda OKeefe has hung for years on the wall of the police department in Newport Beach, reminding investigators to keep pressing forward on cold cases like hers.

More than four decades later, authorities in Southern California said Wednesday that a Colorado man has been arrested and charged with killing her in 1973. The announcement came the same day authorities said they charged a man with killing an 11-year-old boy near Los Angeles in 1990.

In Lindas case, authorities said they got a hit last month from a genealogical database that matched a DNA sample taken when her body was found strangled in a ditch a day after she went missing. Increasingly, investigators have found a powerful tool in databases made up of DNA samples submitted by people seeking to learn about their ancestry.

The detectives dogged this case, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer told reporters, declining to say whether the suspect or his relatives submitted DNA for genealogical purposes. We have every opportunity in the world to solve so many of these cold cases that we never had hope in the past of solving.

James Neal, 72, was arrested in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Tuesday and charged with murder with special circumstances, Spitzer said.

He seemed like a good guy, Neals landlord, Michael Thulson, told the Colorado Springs Gazette. I had no indication he was capable of anything even 10 steps less than this, which just shows you what you dont know.

Neals son-in-law told the newspaper that the family was not ready to comment. It was not immediately clear if Neal had an attorney who could speak on his behalf, and the voicemail was full on a number listed for him.

Neal was due to appear in court in Colorado on Thursday.

In Los Angeles County, authorities said Edward Donell Thomas, 50, has been charged in connection with kidnapping and killing William Tillett. The boy disappeared in 1990 while walking home from school in Inglewood, and his body was found in a dark carport later that day. The coroner determined he had been suffocated.

A combination of old evidence and advanced technology led to Thomas, Inglewood Police Chief Mark Fronterotta told reporters without releasing details.

Fronterotta said investigators dont believe Thomas acted alone. He and the boys brother urged anyone with information to come forward.

I just want to keep the momentum going so the family can have closure, Hubert Tillett said.

The police chief was on the force at the time and said the case left an indelible mark in my mind, in my heart.

Thomas was being held without bail, and it wasnt known if he had an attorney. His arraignment is scheduled for April 4.

In Newport Beach, OKeefe was walking home from summer school in July 1973 when she vanished. She was last seen talking to a stranger in a van and never made it home, police Chief Jon Lewis said.

Her family and friends searched for her and called police. The next morning, her body was found.

Authorities said they never gave up the search for her killer, even after decades passed and her parents had died. The suspects DNA profile was uploaded to a criminal database in 2001 but there were no hits for years, authorities said.

They got a hit this year on a genealogical database, leading investigators to obtain a DNA sample from Neal, and it matched, Spitzer said.

Neal lived in Southern California at the time of OKeefes killing and moved to Florida soon afterward, where he changed his name, Spitzer said. The prosecutor declined to say whether Neal has a criminal record.

OKeefes two living sisters have been told about the arrest, authorities said. Over the years, hundreds of people have worked on the case, the police chief said.

One of them was now-retired Newport Beach police Officer Stan Bressler, who said OKeefes death stunned the community and was never forgotten.

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Every once in a while, you just think, Gee, I wonder if well ever find him, he said.

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Associated Press writer Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.NEW YORK - As Nick Haschka bought four small horticultural businesses over the past two years, he had to help his new employees navigate almost constant change.

Theyve had to get used to a new owner, new management style, and many new processes and tools, says Haschka, owner of The Wright Gardner in South San Francisco, California.

Small-business owners who recognize the impact that change can have on employees can limit the fallout by helping staffers with the transition.

Mishandling change  whether its a new boss, office or procedures, or a turn in the companys finances  can prompt staffers to leave or hurt their productivity. Change can also be more than a one-time event. It can be continuous, or, as in the case of Haschkas business, periodic.

Haschka has taken several steps to help his new employees weather the changes. Hes worked with the previous owners to prepare staffers, many of whom drew some comfort from the fact that their former bosses felt secure about handing their businesses over to Haschka. And hes sat down and talked to his new team members.

Theres usually a lot of shock at the beginning when employees find out their owner is leaving and passing the torch to us, Haschka says. But we try to make it easy on them by listening and being responsive to their needs.

He also asks his current employees to help.

The employees from the previous acquisitions are in a good place to represent and be a sounding board for the new employees  theyve all been in that place before, and recently, he says.

Human resources consultants say business owners need to plan well and do a lot talking with staffers.

People, no matter whether change is good or bad, fear change, says Jay Starkman, CEO of Engage PEO, an HR provider based in Hollywood, Florida. The only way to get through that fear is communicate, communicate, communicate. And when you think youve communicated enough, communicate again.

Even a move to a new location requires change management. A year ago, Dave Cyphers bought a building in Crofton, Maryland, 10 miles (16 kilometres) away from the office he had rented for his marketing company. Cyphers, who has 18 staffers, made them part of the planning process. He took longtime senior employees to see the building before he bought it, and discussed with each worker how the move would affect their commutes. He discussed the new seating plan with them, and gave each money to decorate individual work areas.

You work hard to put a team together. The last thing you want to do is blow it all up by saying, were moving, let the chips fall where they may, says Cyphers, owner of The Cyphers Agency.

Startups can go through significant changes, and while staffers expect their companies to evolve, sometimes the direction is unexpected.

When Brad Weisberg started his insurance claims technology company, consumers were his target market. After about a year, he realized there were few chances for people using his service to be repeat customers, and that he needed to pivot his company and cater to businesses instead. The change wasnt so simple  for one thing, he had to convince investors that it was the right thing to do. And Weisbergs 12 staffers, who understood the world of tech startups, worried about the companys future.

They were very anxious, says Weisberg, whose company, Snapsheet, is based in Chicago. They had taken a chance on me. They had left jobs to come with me.

Weisberg helped his staffers by showing them his analysis of the companys situation. They were all startup and tech savvy, and after Weisberg explained the situation to them, they were on board.

Helping staffers through uncertain political or economic times is difficult because an owner cant provide answers. Soon after British voters decided in June 2016 that their country should leave the European Union, many companies lost business because no one knew how Brexit would affect trade and the economy.

We had six live projects that, while they didnt fire us, simply wanted to pause. Pausing is death to a small business, says Monica Parker, who with her husband Julian Pollitt owns Hatch Analytics, a London-based company that helps businesses analyze employees behaviour. They didnt know whether the firm would survive and had to prepare their staff for all possibilities.

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We felt being honest and transparent was better that carrying the stress ourselves and more ethical than possibly dropping very bad news on the team at the last minute, Parker recalls.

Staffers were empowered by having heard the truth, and responded by asking what they could do to help. A few months later, when business returned to normal, they were grateful to share in that success, Parker says.

Owners, however, need to strike a balance between the companys and staffers needs.

Dave Munson tried to make change pain free and found that hurt the business. The owner of Saddleback Leather, a manufacturer of leather goods, realized in 2015 that having most of his employees work remotely cost the business time, money and efficiency. He told his 50 far-flung staffers theyd have to move to the companys Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters or leave.

But he also said staffers who decided against moving could take their time looking for a job. And they did: It took three years to complete the transition, further draining the companys finances and productivity.

Munson says he learned his lesson.

Its like pulling duct tape out of your hair, he says. Theres no easy way to do it, you just have to do it.

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For more small business news, insights and inspiration, sign up for our free weekly newsletter here: http://discover.ap.org/ssb

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Follow Joyce Rosenberg at www.twitter.com/JoyceMRosenberg Her work can be found here: https://apnews.comSANTA ANA, Calif. - A worker at Southern Californias John Wayne Airport was killed when a large tire from a jet bridge used to connect terminals to aircraft doors exploded during maintenance, officials said Wednesday.

Two contract employees were in a workshop disassembling the tire when the explosion happened late Tuesday, said airport spokeswoman Deanne Thompson.

The blast set off a fire alarm that summoned airfield rescue crews.

One of the men sustained fatal injuries due to the force of the explosion, Thompson said. He died at the scene. The other worker did not seek treatment.

The states workplace safety agency, known as Cal-OSHA, will investigate. The agency didnt immediately return a call and an email requesting more information.

Thompson said tires of that size  about 4 feet (1.2 metres) in diameter  are under enormous pressure.

She said both employees worked for JBT Aero Tech Services, a company that maintains the Orange County airports jet bridges and luggage handling system. Jet bridges are the movable passenger-loading structures that connect terminals to airliner doors. JBT didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

No airport operations were affected.ORLANDO, Fla. - Buzz Aldrins son is trying to stop his father from transferring assets from a trust in the latest dispute between the Apollo 11 moonwalker and two of his children over whether he is capable of managing his affairs.

Andrew Aldrins lawyer sent a letter last month to an associate in Morgan Stanleys private wealth-management division with instructions not to transfer any assets from two financial accounts in the trust, which names the younger Aldrin as trustee.

Buzz Aldrin, 89, has tried to terminate the trust and wants the assets distributed to him.

The letter from Andrew Aldrins lawyer warns Morgan Stanley that the son, acting as trustee, will seek damages if his instructions arent followed.

Please govern yourself accordingly, the letter said.

Morgan Stanley asked a Florida court last week to decide if it should follow the instructions of Buzz Aldrin or his son. It doesnt list the accounts value.

Morgan Stanley cannot pay out or distribute the proceeds of the accounts without incurring conflicting claims to such proceeds by the parties in the instant action, including but not limited to Buzz Aldrin and Andrew Aldrin, the financial firm said in a court filing.

The filing is in connection with a lawsuit Buzz Aldrin filed against Andrew Aldrin, daughter Janice Aldrin and a business manager in June. The suit accuses them of misusing his credit cards, transferring money from an account, and slandering him by saying he has dementia.

Buzz Aldrin sued after the two children filed a petition claiming their father was suffering from memory loss, delusions, paranoia and confusion.

Morgan Stanley said it was seeking to intervene in the case to protect itself from exposure to liability.

Buzz Aldrin was the lunar module pilot when he and mission commander Neil Armstrong became the first two humans to walk on the moon on July 21, 1969 during the Apollo 11 mission.

Earlier this month, Aldrin attended the State of the Union address in Washington.

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Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAPBETHEL, Alaska - Residents in the Alaska village of Napakiak are getting desperate for mail because the villages postmaster has been on maternity leave for the past two weeks.

The villages post office has been closed and the U.S. Postal Service has yet to find a replacement postmaster, KYUK-AM reported Tuesday.

You might say were in dire need for a postmaster, Napakiak City Administrator Leo Kusayak said.

Residents cant get medications that are flown out from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, pay bills through the mail, or get checks to pay for basic needs, he said.

The Anchorage U.S. Postal Service headquarters tried to fly out replacements from other villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, but bad weather cancelled those trips, Kusayak said.

A postal service spokesperson said they are trying to get a replacement out on Wednesday.

We will continue to do so twice a week, weather permitting, until our staffing is back to normal, the spokesperson said in an email.

Kusayak said it is unclear when Napakiak residents will be able to get their mail.

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Information from: KYUK-AM, http://www.kyuk.orgWASHINGTON - Georgetown University has rescinded an honorary degree it bestowed in 2004 on then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked last week after being convicted by the Vatican of sexually abusing minors and adult seminarians.

Georgetown President John J. DeGioia said Tuesday that it is the first time an honorary degree conferred by the University has been revoked.

DeGioia says Georgetown and other Roman Catholic and Jesuit institutions have been called on to create a context in which the abuse of power can be identified and eliminated.

The 88-year-old McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington, D.C., is the highest-ranking churchman and the first cardinal to be punished by dismissal from the clerical state, or laicization.

He was notified Friday of the decision, which was approved by Pope Francis.LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansas governor has signed into law a measure that would ban abortion in the state if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns its landmark 1973 ruling legalizing the procedure nationwide.

Gov. Asa Hutchinsons office says the Republican on Tuesday signed the legislation, making Arkansas the fifth state with a trigger abortion ban on the books. The majority-Republican Legislature gave the bill final approval last week.

The proposal would ban all abortions, except for medical emergencies, if the nations high court overturns the Roe v. Wade decision.

Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota and South Dakota have similar trigger bans on the books. Abortion opponents have been pushing for the measures in other states, saying they hope that the high court may be open to more sweeping bans after President Donald Trumps appointed two conservatives.

Also Tuesday, a House panel endorsed a proposal that would ban most abortions 18 weeks into a womans pregnancy. That proposal now heads to the full House for a vote.

Arkansas already bans abortion 20 weeks into a womans pregnancy.PARIS - The Latest on the trial of Swiss bank UBS in France (all times local):

2:10 p.m.

A Paris court has ordered Swiss bank UBS to pay 3.7 billion euros ($4.2 billion) in fines for helping wealthy French clients evade tax authorities.

The criminal court convicted UBS on Wednesday of aggravated money laundering and illegal bank soliciting. French media reported that the huge fine was a record sum for a bank in France.

One of the worlds largest wealth management banks, UBS says there is no evidence of wrongdoing and that the case was politically driven.

Investigators say the Swiss bank sent employees to solicit wealthy executives or athletes during sport or music events in France, urging them to place their money in Switzerland. The assets illegally concealed by French clients in Switzerland in 2004-2012 allegedly amounted to some 10 billion euros ($10.75 billion).

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8:45 a.m.

Swiss bank UBS faces a potential multibillion-euro fine as a Paris court is set to deliver a verdict on charges it helped wealthy French clients evade tax authorities.

The ruling in the exceptional case will be announced Wednesday afternoon by a French criminal court.

One of the worlds largest wealth management banks, Zurich-based UBS AG is charged with illegal bank soliciting and aggravated money laundering. Its French subsidiary and five top UBS managers are also on trial.

UBS denies wrongdoing.

Investigators say the Swiss bank for years sent its employees to solicit wealthy businessmen or athletes during sport or music events in France, urging them to place their money in Switzerland. The assets illegally concealed by French clients in Switzerland in 2004-2012 allegedly amounted some 10 billion euros ($10.75 billion).A team of archeologists in the United Kingdom says it has traced dozens of Stonehenges massive rocks to two quarries in west Wales.

The rocks were transported 289 kilometres dragged on wooden sleds, the scientists suggest, by teams of strong men. These stones, called bluestones after their bluish-grey hue, form the inner circle of the monument that towers over the Salisbury Plain.

Two bluestone quarries, named Carn Goedog and Craig Rhos-y-felin, were excavated around 3000 B.C., according to the authors of a study published this week in the journal Antiquity. Expeditions at the quarries from 2014 to 2016 recovered ancient charcoal and stone tools. In some places, the charcoal was mixed with dirt and stones to form flat platforms, which may have been used like loading bays to distribute the massive pillars, said Michael Parker Pearson, an archeologist at University College London and an author of the new study.

Among the Welsh hills, bluestones erupted from the ground. Here, millions of years ago, sheets of magma slowly cooled into columns. Eons passed and softer rock around the magma eroded. Only the jagged bluestones remained.

Prehistoric workers probably exploited natural weaknesses in these structures, Parker Pearson said. Theyre nearly vertical, he said. All youve got to do is get a lasso around each one and pull.

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With ropes and simple tools, such as sandstone wedges shoved into the outcrops joints, excavators may have plucked out a pillar as cleanly as a loose tooth. Those on top of the outcrop could have carefully slackened their ropes to control the pillars descent to a platform below, the authors wrote. From there, workers may have lowered a stone, six feet long and weighing two to four tons, onto a wooden sled to haul it away.

Bluestones are big, but not so big that a burly group of Stone Age men couldnt drag them across the countryside, Pearce said.

These pillars are the Ikea version of Neolithic megaliths, Parker Pearson joked  the stones peeled off the outcrop as though from ready-to-use kits. Unlike the people who crafted Egypts obelisks from much larger rocks, Stonehenges builders did not need to rework the bluestone pillars.

The bluestones, which are speckled with fingernail-size deposits of white minerals, form an inner horseshoe and ring at Stonehenge. These rocks, though impressive, are not Stonehenges biggest. The imposing sandstone trilithons, the three-part structures made of two vertical stones and a horizontal top, are larger and more locally sourced, though their exact origins are unknown.

Previous chemical studies linked the bluestones to the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Thats the only place you get that particular rock type, said Nicholas Pearce, a geochemist at Aberystwyth University in Wales, who was not involved with the current study.

Humans buried at Stonehenge probably came from this region of Wales, too. Remains at the site contain isotopes consistent with life near the quarries. Just a few miles separate the two outcrops  standing on one quarry, its possible to see the other, Pearce said.

Radiocarbon dating indicates that the quarry charcoal is about 5,000 years old. The Welsh charcoal and Stonehenge remains suggest a connection in time as well as space. Weve got dates for both quarries that link nicely with the first dates at Stonehenge, Parker Pearson said. The bluestones and early Welsh travellers could have arrived at the Salisbury Plain together. Theres about 100 years of fuzziness in the radiocarbon dating, though. It could be immediate, it could be 100 years from getting from A to B, Parker Pearson said.

Unexpectedly, the quarries are on the northern side of the hills. The south side is closer to the ocean, where, according to one hypothesis, prehistoric travellers floated bluestones along the coast. An attempt to replicate a bluestone float failed spectacularly in 2000, however, when a raft carrying a stone sank close to shore. Parker Pearson and his colleagues suspect that the stones were transported over land instead, on sledges.

The existence of the quarries conclusively invalidates the misconception that Ice Age glaciers pushed the bluestones into the region, the authors of the new study said.

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Bournemouth University archeologist Timothy Darvill, who was not involved with this report, said that geological evidence points to several other sources of stone, including a site called Carn Menyn. Routes between Wales and Stonehenge remain speculative, Darvill said, though he agreed stones probably moved over land rather than by sea.

Among Europes megalithic structures, Stonehenge is an oddity. Most other prehistoric builders did not stray more than 16 kilometres to collect stones for their monuments. Why craft Stonehenge from such far-flung pieces? Parker Pearson offered one idea. He suggested that Stonehenge was a unifying symbol for British tribes, constructed during what may have been a period of economic and population decline.

A major event like this, he said, would have brought together disparate communities that were growing apart.ROME - Italys economy minister says there is no plan to nationalize Alitalia, the troubled airline that declared bankruptcy two years ago.

Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio had said recently that the Italian treasury could team up with Italys state railway to own more than 50 per cent of a relaunched Alitalia. But Economy Minister Giovanni Tria ruled that out Wednesday, saying the topic of a re-nationalization of Alitalia isnt on the table.

The government has been shopping around Alitalias assets since then, but Tria told lawmakers the solution cannot be anything but that of the market.

The state railway has said it is talking with Delta Air Lines and EasyJet as possible partners for an Alitalia relaunch.

Tria says since then Alitalias situation has improved notably, including through rationalizing spending.BERLIN - German authorities say no former Nazi SS soldiers are receiving disability pensions in Belgium, responding to concerns raised by lawmakers there.

The Labor Ministry said Wednesday that 18 people in Belgium are receiving war disability pensions but there are no former members of the Waffen SS among them.

The ministry checked records after the Belgian parliaments foreign affairs commission responded to concerns voiced by lawmakers, agreeing the Belgian government should ask Germany to end pensions for Belgian Nazi collaborators.

When established in 1950 by West Germany, some 4.4 million people, both civilian and military, qualified for victims of war pensions.

In 1998 a law was passed to revoke those found to have participated in crimes against the principles of humanity.

A review in 2016 found only 99 had been removed though 2013.NICOSIA, Cyprus - Cyprus Orthodox Church says it supports the Ukrainian Orthodox Churchs right to independence that was granted by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople last month, aiming to heal its divisions.

The Holy Synod also said Wednesday, however, that Patriarch Bartholomew should take into account the sensitivities of Russians whose roots in the faith are found in Ukraine.

It says the Patriarch should arrange for the Russian faithful have some degree of jurisdiction in Ukraine, which could be done through the appointment of an envoy or the establishment of a monastery there.

The Ukrainian churchs decision to split from the Moscow Patriarchate after ties of more than three centuries has angered Russia. The Russian church has severed ties with Patriarch Bartholomew, which the Cyprus church has strongly criticized.CANBERRA, Australia - A woman wanted in Chile on kidnapping charges dating back to Chiles 1973-1990 military dictatorship appeared in a Sydney court on Wednesday for an extradition hearing.

Chiles Supreme Court requested the extradition of Adriana Rivas in 2014. The 66-year-old was wanted for her alleged role in the 1976 killing of a Communist Party leader who was held in a secret prison before he was suffocated and thrown into the ocean.

Australian Attorney-General Christian Porter, who has responsibility for extraditions, said Rivas was arrested in Sydney on Tuesday at the request of Chile.

This individual is wanted to face prosecution in the Republic of Chile for aggravated kidnapping offences, Chester said in a statement.

The extradition is requested on charges that she kidnapped seven people in 1976 and 1977, including the Communist Party leader. The alleged victims have never been found.

Rivas did not apply for bail when she appeared in the Sydney Central Local Court on Wednesday in a video link from an inner-Sydney police cell.

She was granted an adjournment until March 1 to get legal advice.

Rivas was an assistant to Manuel Contreras, the head of the DINA secret police during Gen. Augusto Pinochets dictatorship.

She moved to Australia in 1978 but was detained during a visit to Chile in 2006. Rivas was released after some months on probation and fled to Australia in 2009.

Rivas has been working as a part-time nanny and a cleaner in Sydneys wealthy eastern suburbs, Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Chilean-born lawyer Adriana Navarro said the extradition process had been complex and had been interrupted by a change in Chilean governments. Australia and Chile have had a bilateral extradition treaty since 1993.

Theres been a number of technical obstacles along the way because the Chilean system of law is completely different to the Australian system, Navarro said. Thats why its taken five years.

Navarro said the Chilean diaspora in Australia was ecstatic about Rivas arrest.

Theres about 45,000 Chileans here and the majority of us, including myself, came to Australia fleeing the Pinochet dictatorship, Navarro said.

It should not be accepted that people who commit these heinous crimes are free, Navarro added.

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In 2014, Rivas told Australias Special Broadcasting Service that she was innocent of the charges, but defended the use of torture in Chile at the time as necessary.

They had to break the people  it has happened all over the world, not only in Chile, she said in Spanish.NEW DELHI - Indias Supreme Court on Wednesday found Anil Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Communications, and two of his directors guilty of contempt of court and ordered them to pay 5.5 billion rupees ($77.29 million) owed to Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson.

Justices R.F. Nariman and Vineet Saran said the three will be jailed for three months if they fail to pay 4.5 billion rupees of that amount within four weeks.

The judges said Ambani, who is also chairman of Reliance Group, and the two directors had violated the courts earlier order to pay Ericsson.

The Press Trust of India news agency said Ambanis attorney, Mukul Rohatgi, promised he would comply with the order. He said Ambani was in the process of raising money by selling one of his companies.

The court said statements given by Reliance Groups top brass indicated the men had wilfully not paid the amount to Ericsson despite the court order.

The Swedish company last year sought the courts help in obtaining payment for managing and operating Reliance Communications network under a 2014 agreement.BEIJING - China said Wednesday it backs Tanzanias sentencing of a Chinese woman labeled the ivory queen to 15 years in jail for smuggling elephant tusks, and reaffirmed its opposition to trading in endangered species.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China supports the Tanzanian authorities in conducting a just investigation and trial and is ready to work with the international community to protect wildlife and curb the international trade.

Yang Fenglan was convicted of smuggling about 700 elephant tusks and her case was viewed as a major test of Africa-wide efforts to hold key trafficking figures accountable for the mass killing of elephants to supply ivory to illegal markets, including in China.

China has cracked down on smuggling in recent years and a total ban on all trade in ivory products came into effect last year. The ban does not cover the semiautonomous port and financial centre of Hong Kong, which remains a major transit point for endangered species products and other contraband but is now working toward a complete ban on the local ivory trade to take effect by 2021.

In Tanzania alone, the elephant population declined by 60 per cent to 43,000 between 2009 and 2014, according to the government. Officials there say some herds are recovering.PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - An official with Haitis communications ministry said Wednesday that eight men, including five U.S. citizens, who authorities say were detained over the weekend with automatic weapons and other arms could be transferred soon to the United States.

Yves Paul Leandre issued the brief statement but provided no other details. The men were being held in jail after police arrested them Sunday in Port-au-Prince while allegedly travelling with the weapons in cars without license plates. It is unclear whether they have attorneys.

Police spokesman Michel-Ange Louis-Jeune has said the men told police they were on a mission, but they refused to say anything else except that they would call their unidentified bosses. Louis-Jeune said in a phone interview Wednesday that he had no further information and that the investigation continued.

The U.S. State Department has said it was seeking consular access but declined further comment.

Pierre Esperance, director of the National Human Rights Defence Network, said in a phone interview Wednesday that a former Haitian government official was demanding that police release the men shortly after their arrest. He added that he does not believe what the government has said about the situation so far and that an in-depth investigation is needed.

I wish the Haiti justice system and the police would do their work without any pressure, and that they make the right decision to protect the citizens, he said.

Jean Clarens Renois, a former journalist and presidential candidate, also called for a transparent investigation.

When you have many armed people coming into the country so easily, you should be concerned, he said in a phone interview, adding that the arrests came as top government officials are fighting among themselves over power. When you have a country thats not really leading, when you dont have cohesion between powers, that can happen.

The arrests followed more than a week of violent demonstrations by Haitians demanding that President Jovenel Moise resign amid rising inflation and allegations of corruption. The streets were calm again Wednesday, and schools, businesses and government offices have slowly been reopening this week.

Renois urged government officials from the ruling party and the opposition to find a solution together.

After each election, we are deeper and deeper in a crisis, he said, adding that he doesnt believe the protests are over. People are living day-by-day. ... If you dont resolve the situation, youll have another uprising.

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Associated Press writer Evens Sanon reported this story in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and AP writer Danica Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.MEXICO CITY - A community activist fighting against a plan to build a gas pipeline through his central Mexico town was killed Wednesday, three days before a scheduled public referendum on the energy generation project.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador condemned the murder of Samir Flores Soberanes as vile, cowardly. But Lopez Obrador said the public referendum on the Morelos Comprehensive Project will go on as scheduled.

Local communities have been fighting for years against the project, which would include two thermoelectric plants, a gas pipeline to supply the plant with natural gas from Tlaxcala state and an aqueduct. The mostly indigenous communities around the Popocatepetl volcano, including Flores town of Amilcingo, have concerns about health, safety and the water supply.

The Peoples in Defence of Land and Water Front, of which Flores was a member, said in a statement that two vehicles parked in front of Flores home around 5 a.m. Wednesday. People inside the vehicles called to him and then shot him when he came out.

The Morelos state government said in a statement that Flores was shot in the doorway to his home and died later at a nearby hospital. It said the murder was under investigation, but so far there is no indication that the murder is related to the upcoming referendum. It said the state security apparatus knows of a high number of criminal groups operating in the area.

The environmental group said that a day earlier, Flores had attended a public forum about the project and challenged government representatives statements. Mexicos national electric company is behind the project, which has been under consideration since at least 2011. The group said Flores had been threatened a number of times since 2012.

The group said it had warned Lopez Obrador in a letter that pushing ahead with the referendum on the project could lead to violence in the area and it blamed the federal government for his death.

Lopez Obrador said the killing would be investigated, but the public vote would go on. Im very sorry about the murder, he said. The consultation we have to continue because it is a process that was already agreed to.

Lopez Obrador has used referendums to let the public decide on other large projects. One conducted before he took office resulted in the cancellation of Mexico Citys new international airport. Another gave a green light to Lopez Obradors preferred project, a Maya train that would connect the resorts of Cancun and Tulum with ruins in Palenque and other spots on the Yucatan Peninsula.MEXICO CITY - Officials in the northern Mexico border state of Coahuila said Tuesday they have closed a shelter in the border city of Piedras Negras where about 1,600 Central American migrants had been confined during the past two weeks.

Many of the migrants have been bused to neighbouring states, leading to complaints that Coahuila was dumping migrants on other cities to clear out the camp at an empty factory building.

Armando Cabada, the mayor of Ciudad Juarez, to the west, said Monday that he might file a complaint against Coahuila officials. They are offering them free transportation to bring them here. That kind of thing is not fair, Cabada said.

Jose Borrego, a Coahuila state spokesman, confirmed that the shelter in Piedras Negras, across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas, was closed Tuesday, a day earlier than scheduled.

The shelters population had been steadily falling since last week as migrants who had obtained humanitarian visas were given bus rides to other cities where they would have a better chance of finding work.

The migrants arrived at the border hoping to request asylum in the United States, but Mexican authorities corralled them in the shelter and only about a dozen were allowed to request asylum at the Eagle Pass crossing each day.

Since last week, buses have been taking migrants from Piedras Negras to Ciudad Juarez and to Hermosillo, Sonora, the latter a stepping stone toward the border city of Tijuana, which was inundated with migrants from a previous caravan last year. Other buses have gone to the nearby city of Monterrey and to the border town of Reynosa, across the Rio Grande from McAllen, Texas.

The arrival of hundreds of migrants angered authorities in Ciudad Juarez, which is across from El Paso, Texas. Officials there set up an improvised shelter at a gymnasium, but complained that Coahuila officials had lured the migrants by telling them it would be easier to cross into the U.S. at El Paso.

They are promoting this by saying that 150 to 200 people are entering here per day, which is a complete lie, said Cabada, the mayor. They are doing this to shove their problem off on us, and that is not fair.JUBA, South Sudan - The lawless activities of South Sudans national security and military intelligence risk turning the war-torn country into a police state run on fear and corruption, said the United Nations on Wednesday.

The increasing securitization of the state threatens citizens rights as the country emerges from five years of civil war, which killed almost 400,000 people and displaced millions, said the report published Wednesday by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.

There is a climate of fear surrounding the activities of the national security services which denies any possibility of freedom of expression or activity for a critical civil society, Andrew Clapham, a commission member and law professor at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva told The Associated Press.

At least 47 accounts of people who had been arbitrarily arrested, detained or subjected to torture and inhuman treatment, such as being beaten or whipped, burned with plastics, electrocuted and forced to watch other detainees be executed by national security and the armys military intelligence wing, were documented by the group between December 2013 and late 2018.

South Sudans challenges moving forward are immense, compounded by the protracted conflict, deep ethnic divisions, an economic crisis and a dysfunctional and predatory elite system of government, said the report, based on 135 witness statements and over 3,000 documents including confidential records.

Despite a fragile peace agreement signed more than five months ago, violations including rape and sexual violence continue across the country, many of which could amount to war crimes, said the report.

South Sudans human rights record is appalling, said Jehanne Henry, senior associate Africa director at Human Rights Watch. The report underlines how the national security service has become especially abusive in the last five years, arbitrarily detaining people without any legal charges, often for long periods and collaborating with neighbouring countries to forcibly disappear activists, she said.

The report focused on three states, Unity, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Central Equatoria, where it found reasonable grounds to believe that the government, opposition and affiliated armed groups violated international humanitarian law, by targeting civilians on the basis of their perceived political and ethnic affiliations and perpetrating killings, abductions, rape and looting and destroying property.

In May 10 men and boys were shot and killed, four of whom were lined up and shot at point-blank range by soldiers from the Presidential Guard Tiger Division, which launched an attack on the Emmanuel Christian College in Goli in Central Equatoria state, while searching for weapons and rebels, said the report. One 12-year-old boy was shot dead in his bed and a stick was forced up his anus, said the report.

Government soldiers including forces loyal to First Vice-President Taban Deng Gai, attacked at least 40 towns and villages between April and June in Unity state, targeting civilians with astonishing brutality, said the report. Old men were hanged from trees, people were burned to death in their houses and children were run down by tanks as they fled.

While the report doesnt give names, the commission identified several commanders from the government and opposition as well as the governors of both Northern and Southern Liech states who were said to be involved in the planning, co-ordinating and the delivery of weapons. There have been few government-led investigations to hold perpetrators accountable in a culture where pervasive impunity remains the norm, said the report. The names have been confidentially given to the U.N. commission in Geneva.

South Sudans minister of information Michael Makuei dismissed the findings and said they were clearly orchestrated to tarnish the image of the government. He said the finding that South Sudan was like a police state was unfortunate and something said by organizations who want to disrupt the implementation of the peace agreement.

South Sudans peace deal has been marked by delays and a lack of funding. Last week a $285 million budget was passed for the accords initial implementation, which according to the agreement should conclude by May. So far, the international community remains skeptical of the agreement and few countries have committed funds.

At least one South Sudan expert said that genuine peace hinges on much needed government reforms, Jacob Chol senior political analyst and professor at the University of Juba, told AP.

There is a great need for real change in the human rights and rule of law sectors, he said. Freedom of speech must be upheld.

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Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_AfricaU.S. President Donald Trump praised a Kentucky teen Wednesday for suing The Washington Post.

In an early-morning barrage of tweets, Trump ripped The Washington Post and cheered the Covington teens lawsuit against the paper that alleges the newspaper falsely accused him of racist acts in a confrontation with Native American activists in January.

Go get them Nick. Fake News! Trump tweeted.

Nicholas Sandmann, the 16-year-old Covington Catholic High School junior who faced off with Omaha Nation elder Nathan Phillips on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial last month, filed a $250 million (U.S.) lawsuit against The Washington Post on Tuesday for its reporting on a viral video of the incident.

The president quoted a line from the lawsuit that said the paper ignored basic journalistic standards because it wanted to advance its well-known and easily documented biased agenda against President Donald J. Trump.

In a tweet sent 20 minutes earlier, at 4:20 a.m., Trump fumed that The Press has never been more dishonest than it is today. Stories are written that have absolutely no basis in fact. The writers dont even call asking for verification.

They are totally out of control, Trump continued, before pivoting to take credit for the continued existence of the news media. Sadly, I kept many of them in business. In six years, they all go BUST!

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The presidents animosity for the media has been a cornerstone of his rhetoric since he launched his campaign in 2015, popularizing the term fake news, and often targeting outlets that run stories critical of his administration or supporters.

The lawsuit portrays Sandmann as an innocent secondary school child victimized by a modern-day form of McCarthyism, naming The Washington Post, CNN, NBC and a social media mob of bullies which attacked, vilified, and threatened Nicholas Sandmann.

Early reports featured video of the incident showing a smiling Sandmann with a Make America Great Again hat facing off with Phillips. It was interpreted by some that Sandmann was taunting the Native American activist. Later reports walked back that characterization when more video emerged showing how the scene developed.

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The lawsuit said the newspaper wrongfully targeted and bullied Nicholas because he was the white, Catholic student wearing a red Make America Great Again souvenir cap on a school field trip at an anti-abortion rally.

Lawyers for Sandmann said the $250-million lawsuit is the first lawsuit against The Washington Post and that the action is only the beginning.

Read more about:LONDONWith Britains chaotic departure from the European Union just weeks away, three prominent lawmakers abruptly resigned Wednesday from Prime Minister Theresa Mays Conservative Party, saying the government has surrendered control to reckless, hard-line Brexiteers who are endangering the countrys future.

The Conservative members of Parliament who resigned will join a new Independent Group of lawmakers formed earlier this week by eight legislators who quit the opposition Labour party.

The creation of a small but potentially powerful independent bloc of 11  now composed of moderate rebels from both parties  suggests that seismic forces are at work in British politics.

These forces have been unleashed by Brexit and the bitter divisions over how and whether to leave Europe behind. Pollsters now report that it is more likely for voters to self-identify as leavers or remainers than to don traditional party labels.

The three departing Conservatives, who heaped scorn on the British prime minister for what they called her disastrous handling of Brexit, all favour remaining in the European Union.

At a news conference after their defection, they said others were likely to join them.

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While this new Independent Group on its own will not be able to stop Brexit, analysts say, it may play an outsize role in stopping a so-called no-deal Brexit, under which Britain would crash out of the continental trading bloc without any transition period or trade deal.

The defectors left their parties for different reasons, but opposition to Brexit unites them. The centrist members who abandoned Jeremy Corbyns Labour party say their movement has swung too far left. When they resigned on Monday and Tuesday, the eight Labour defectors complained about Corbyns handling of Brexit and his inability to stamp out anti-Semitism in the party.

The three Conservatives, or Tories, who broke away on Wednesday blamed their partys failure to stand up to zealous Brexiteers, specifically the gathering of approximately 60 backbenchers known as the European Research Group, or ERG, who are pushing for a complete break from the European Union. The leaders of the ERG, who have failed to topple May, say they would rather see a no-deal Brexit than preserve the relative compromise and closer ties that May seeks on rules and regulations.

The Tory defectors also complained about the disproportionate power of Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party, or DUP, which is propping up Mays minority government after her disastrous showing in the 2017 snap elections. The DUP  dominated by Protestant loyalists  rejects any compromise that would threaten Northern Irelands position in the United Kingdom.

Announcing their resignations, the three Tories  Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen and Anna Soubry  told the prime minister in a statement, We no longer feel we can remain in the Party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP.

They wrote: Brexit has redefined the Conservative Party  undoing all the efforts to modernize it. There has been a dismal failure to stand up to the hard line ERG which operates openly as a party within a party, with its own leader, whip and policy.

At a news conference, Allen complained that May and the Conservative Party were being bullied into submission by hard-line Brexiteers such as former foreign secretary Boris Johnson.

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Wollaston said the Conservatives were no longer the tolerant, moderate, open-hearted party of the past, but have been taken over by the hard right, which she claimed is marching us toward the cliff edge of a no-deal Brexit.

In announcing her resignation, Soubry said, The right-wing, hard-line, anti-EU squad are now running the Conservative Party, from top to tail.

Soubry said this purple movement  blending the colours of two broken parties, red Labour and blue Conservative  would likely attract more converts and may someday become its own political party rather than a voting bloc.

Please, come join us, she said, predicting that more ministers in Mays cabinet would soon resign their posts  if not their parties  over the prime ministers handing of Brexit.

The resignations came as May prepared to shuttle to Brussels on Wednesday evening for another round of talks on how Britain could leave the EU but preserve open borders in Ireland.

May said she was saddened by her colleagues decision to leave the party. These are people who have given dedicated service to our party over many years, and I thank them for it, she said.

The prime minister acknowledged, too, the obvious, that Brexit is painful and hard. Of course, the U.K.s membership of the EU has been a source of disagreement both in our party and our country for a long time, May said. Ending that membership after four decades was never going to be easy.

But May said she and the government would press on and deliver the Brexit that the country voted for in a June 2016 referendum.

Tony Travers, a politics professor at the London School of Economics, noted that the Independent Group now rivals in size the Democratic Unionist Party and Liberal Democrats party.

The new bloc slightly reduces the power of both the government and the opposition, Travers said. It makes an accidental no-deal Brexit fractionally less likely, too.

How this changes the dynamics of upcoming votes on Brexit is unclear. It remains possible that Britain will crash out with no deal, or that Britain will seek a delay beyond the March 29 deadline, or that more negotiations will be undertaken, or that citizens will be asked to vote again on whether  now knowing all they know  they really, really want to leave the EU.Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent and 2016 Democratic primary runner-up whose populist policy agenda has helped push the party to the left, announced Tuesday that he was running for U.S. president again  embarking on a bid that would test whether he could retain the anti-establishment appeal he enjoyed with many liberal voters three years ago.

A self-styled democratic socialist whose calls for Medicare for all, a $15 minimum wage and tuition-free public colleges have become pillars of the partys left wing, Sanders is among the best-known politicians to join an already crowded Democratic field and one of the most outspoken against President Donald Trump, whom he has repeatedly called a pathological liar and a racist.

Three years ago, during our 2016 campaign, when we brought forth our progressive agenda, we were told that our ideas were radical and extreme, Sanders said Tuesday in an early-morning email to supporters, citing those health, economic and education policies, as well as combating climate change and raising taxes on wealthy Americans.

Well, three years have come and gone. And, as a result of millions of Americans standing up and fighting back, all of these policies and more are now supported by a majority of Americans, he said.

Sanders did not immediately announce where he would campaign first, nor did he disclose any staffing decisions for his political operation. His senior advisers have been spending the weeks leading up to the announcement attempting to recruit a more diverse array of aides than were on his earlier campaign.

A sensation in 2016, Sanders is facing a far different electoral landscape this time around. Unlike his last bid for the White House, when he was the only liberal challenger to an establishment-backed front-runner, he will be contending with a crowded and diverse field of candidates, including popular Democrats like Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts who have adopted his populist mantle.

Victories in the 2018 midterm election by women, minorities and first-time candidates also suggest that many Democrats may prefer fresh energy, something that skeptics believe Sanders could struggle to deliver.

A 77-year-old whose left-wing message has remained largely unchanged in his decades-long career, Sanders will also need to improve his support from black voters and quell the unease about his campaigns treatment of women that has been disclosed in recent news accounts, and that has prompted two public apologies.

Yet almost immediately after making his announcement, Sanders drew criticism for his response to Vermont Public Radio when asked if he thought he best represented the current Democratic Party.

We have got to look at candidates, you know, not by the colour of their skin, not by their sexual orientation or their gender and not by their age, he said. I think we have got to try to move us toward a non-discriminatory society which looks at people based on their abilities, based on what they stand for.

The Trump re-election campaign issued a statement about Sanders that reflected the presidents strategy of labelling his Democratic opponents as socialists.

The press secretary for the Trump campaign, Kayleigh McEnany, said Sanders had already won the Democratic debate because every candidate is embracing his brand of socialism. The statement also criticized Sanders for supporting higher taxes on wealthy Americans to help finance Medicare for all.

In an interview on CBS This Morning, Sanders did not shy away from calling himself a democratic socialist.

Trump, Sanders said, is going to say, Bernie Sanders wants the United States to become Venezuela.

Bernie Sanders does not want to have the United States become the horrific economic situation that unfortunately exists in Venezuela right now, he said. What Bernie Sanders wants is to learn from countries around the world why other countries are doing a better job of dealing with income and wealth inequality than we are.

Sanders will start with several advantages, including the foundation of a 50-state organization; a massive lead among low-dollar donors that is roughly equivalent to the donor base of all the other Democratic hopefuls combined; and a cache of fervent, unwavering supporters.

A coveted speaker, he is still capable of electrifying crowds in a way few politicians can. He enjoys wide name recognition, and several early polls on the 2020 race had Sanders running second behind former vice-president Joe Biden.

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And while rising stars like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ayanna Pressley have siphoned off some of his authority over the progressive wing of the party, he still claims to have spawned a political revolution that, true revolution or not, has reshaped the Democratic Party and ignited a generation of young, socialist-leaning voters.

Sanders is also partly responsible for the partys decision last year to overhaul its presidential nomination process, including sharply reducing the influence of super-delegates and increasing the transparency around debates  factors he felt greatly favoured Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Asked in his interview with CBS what would be different about this presidential run compared to 2016, Sanders replied bluntly: Were going to win.

Bottom line, he said, it is absolutely imperative that Donald Trump be defeated. Though he had harsh words for the president, he said he was fond of the five other senators who were running for the Democratic nomination.

They are in some cases my friends, he said in the interview, which was broadcast shortly after his Tuesday announcement.

With his booming voice and familiar wide-armed grip at the lectern, Sanders has long positioned himself as a champion of the working class and a passionate opponent of Wall Street and the moneyed elite.

His remarks often include diatribes against the millionaihs and billionaihs  one of his most common refrains is that the three wealthiest people in America own more wealth than the bottom 50 per cent  as well as denunciations of super PACs and the influence of big money on politics. In particular, he has sharply criticized Amazon and Walmart over their wages and treatment of workers.

In his email to supporters, as well as a campaign announcement video, Sanders laid out a litany of policy issues, familiar to anyone who has followed him through the years: universal health care, tuition-free public college, womens reproductive rights, lower prescription drug prices, criminal justice reform.

Our campaign is about taking on the powerful special interests that dominate our economic and political life, he said.

While some presidential candidates have avoided direct broadsides against Trump, Sanders  ever combative  addressed his potential opponent head on.

You know as well as I do that we are living in a pivotal and dangerous moment in American history, he said. We are running against a president who is a pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe and someone who is undermining American democracy as he leads us in an authoritarian direction.

Read more about:Theres a booming business in patient medical records and up to five million Ontarians are part of that boom, whether they know it or not.

As doctors and pharmacies across the province have switched from paper charts to electronic medical records (EMRs), a company saw a business opportunity.

One of the companies that sells and supports EMR software in primary care practices in Ontario is also selling health data on the side. The company anonymizes the data  strips names and other identifying information from the health records  and then sells it to IQVIA, a U.S.-based health data giant. IQVIA describes the process but does not name the EMR company selling the data in its promotional documents.

IQVIAs main customer is the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical companies use the EMR data to track use of their drugs, identify untapped markets and plot marketing strategies.

Physicians, or the clinics they work for, must consent to the sale of anonymized patient data. Its unclear, however, if physicians are making money from the sales, or if the profits go to the EMR company. There is no legal obligation to tell patients about, or to compensate patients for, the sale of their anonymized data.

The system operates in a grey zone of privacy rules. Once patient health information is anonymized, it is no longer covered by the privacy laws in Canada.

Read more:

Companies should get meaningful consent for user data, privacy watchdog says

Doctors use this software during patient visits. Now Big Pharma is tapping it to sell their drugs

Hoskins will express concerns about patient record software being used to sell drugs

This practice, however, raises several concerns, including the risk of re-identification of individuals in the anonymized data and the lack of active monitoring by a regulator. It is also concerning that this resource could be used for public good  for example, determining the prevalence of depression in certain patient groups  and is instead captured for private gain.

Over the last 20 years, physicians in the province have switched, en masse, from paper records to electronic records. The process is aided by OntarioMD, which provides subsidies and training for physicians and the EMR companies . It is an independent arm of the Ontario Medical Association, largely supported by grants from the ministry of health. OntarioMD certifies vendors and requires that they agree to adhere to privacy laws.

According to Ariane Siegel, OntarioMDs chief privacy officer, about 85 per cent of Ontario physicians now use EMRs in their practice. EMRs contain records of every visit, health condition, consultation letter, procedure and drugs prescribed for each patient.

The sale of the patient records by the EMR company was a surprise to Siegel. What youre telling me, is the first Ive ever heard of this, she said.

In 2009, IMS Brogan  now owned by IQVIA, the giant in the field  realized that the Ontario EMR primary care data was worth money. It asked Privacy Analytics, a Canadian company that specializes in the anonymization of data, to work with a large EMR company in Ontario. This would allow IMS Brogan to purchase the EMR data while protecting patient privacy.

The venture was successful, and Privacy Analytics  now also owned by IQVIA  stated last year that IMS Brogan now has the potential to access the records of up to five million patients from a network of 5,850 providers working in more than 2,600 primary care sites in the Canadian province of Ontario. It regularly anonymizes and sells access to more than a million of them.

IQVIA, which calls itself the human data science company, was founded in 1982 and reported revenues of US$9.7 billion in 2017. It says it has access to about 500 million patient records across more than 100 countries.

IQVIA did not respond to interview requests. After it was contacted for this story, webpages and documents about the sale of EMR data in Ontario vanished from its website.

Of the large EMR software companies in Ontario, OSCAR EMR, Telus Health Solutions, QHR Technologies and P&P data systems all denied selling anonymized patient records. Christopher Owens, the executive director at OSCAR EMR, says that the company is actually very much opposed to the idea of selling any data collected in the EMR.

Indivica, Canadian Health Systems did not respond to interview requests. While AbelSoft did not intially respond to the Stars emails, following publication, it made clear that it does not sell anonymized patient records.

 We have never provided health data to IQVIA or to any other company and never will, AbleSoft Inc. president Arun Rele said in a March 15 email, adding we are totally opposed to these practices.

Dr. David Chan, the creator of OSCAR EMR, is opposed to the data sale. He is concerned about the risks to patients. Because of the need to leave the data usable for analysis, there is always a small risk of re-identifying an individual in the data set.

For example, even though anonymization would remove patients names, dates of birth and addresses, the data set may still contain their ages, partial postal codes, lists of health conditions and drug names. If someone has a rare health condition, people viewing the data set could use the other information in the data set to identify the individual.

Dr. Khaled El-Emam, the director of Privacy Analytics says that companies use methods to reduce this risk of re-identification. If a health condition is rare  particularly if the information might be released publicly  they might remove or hide information about the health condition. If the data is held secure location and only accessed by a few people, the risk might be acceptable.

A challenging area, however, is predicting the risk of re-identification if the data is linked to other data sets. IQVIA says it links data sets to enrich them. For example, patient survey data linked to EMR data can tell a pharmaceutical company why patients stopped taking their drugs, not just when.

Even if the risk of re-identification is low in an anonymized EMR data set, the extra information may make it easier to identify individual people once it is linked to another data set.

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El-Emam would not talk about the increased risk from linked data sets, saying that the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario may be providing guidance soon so I dont want to pre-empt that.

There is no active monitoring of the EMR companies that gather, de-identify and sell data, or of the company that buys and links the data in Ontario. OntarioMD does not provide oversight or conduct audits. The EMR companies have to sign-off agreeing to privacy standards but then after that it is based on trust.

I am not out there inspecting or auditing, Siegel said, adding that the privacy commissioner could conduct an audit, but it is unlikely to happen unless someone files a complaint.

El-Emam agrees that the process is reactive, and that an investigation is done when something goes wrong. Of course, he said, businesses should adhere to accepted standards.

But no one checks to make sure they do.

Non-profit research institutions that collect and anonymize similar data for public health and research purposes have a very different approach. The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and Canadian Institute for Healthcare Information (CIHI) follow strict guidelines and are subject to regular external audits. They take precautions that may seem extreme.

Chan recalled visiting CIHI. All the data goes into this highly secure room. No wires connecting to outside. Thats how secure people want it when dealing with health data, he said.

Chan is also concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding the data sale.

Legally, it appears that EMR companies do not have to inform patients that they are selling their anonymized data. Instead, El-Emam says, physicians provide permission. They are the custodians of the patients personal health information. In general, physicians are absolutely aware, he said. It is in their contracts with the EMR vendor. Good practice, he says, would be for physicians to provide notice to patients.

Chan, however, believes that the anonymized data belongs to patients, and he argues that patient consent should be required to sell it to a private company.

Some EMR companies believe that they own the health data. In 2017, several EMR companies blocked non-profit research networks from accessing the data unless they paid exorbitant fees. The companies eventually backed down because of pressure from research groups.

Siegel, who is also a lawyer, says that the issue not resolved, and that more guidance is needed from the courts, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario to determine whose data is it and what are the appropriate uses.

IQVIAs glossy brochures tout the benefits of the EMR data. They encourage companies to tap into the vast network of real-world data from anonymized patient records and harness advanced analytics to gain the commercial edge.

Its an enormous resource.

But this resource should be used for public good, says Dr. Joel Lexchin, a health policy expert and professor emeritus at York University. He argues that the sale of primary care health data should be stopped altogether. Like hospital data in Ontario, EMR data from primary care clinics should only be collected by a public organization and used for research and public health purposes.

Now, he says, its enriching a private company and helping the pharmaceutical industry sell more drugs.

Clarification - March 19, 2019: This article was edited from a previous version to include response from AbleSoft president Arun Rele.Police are asking for help finding a suspect in a Tuesday-morning double shooting in Torontos Glen Park neighbourhood that they believe was targeted.

Toronto police received a call for a shooting shortly after 9 a.m. an apartment building on Lotherton Pathway, near Caledonia Rd. and Lawrence Ave. W.

They found a 24-year-old man and 47-year-old woman suffering from gunshot wounds on the sixth floor of a 12-storey building.

Both victims were rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition.

The woman suffered life-altering injuries, police said, while the mans injuries are non-life-threatening.

Speaking to reporters outside the building on Tuesday, Insp. Mandeep Mann said one suspect in the very brazen shooting, a Black man dressed in all-black clothing, fled the scene.

Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, according to Wednesday news release. Police have not released a description of the suspect but have released security camera images.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300, or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.Two senior Waterfront Toronto members will be grilled in Ottawa on Thursday over concerns about whether the controversial Sidewalk Labs smart city project is really what Toronto needs.

Meg Davis, chief development officer for Waterfront Toronto, and Kristina Verner, vice- president of innovation, sustainability and prosperity, have been invited to appear before the standing committee on access to information, privacy and ethics.

Waterfront Toronto, a provincial, federal and municipal body in charge of revitalizing the citys waterfront, has partnered with Sidewalk Labs on a proposal to create a tech-driven residential neighbourhood along the waterfront on a parcel of land called Quayside.

Since its beginning, the project has been dogged by fears over Sidewalks plans to collect data pertaining to residents living in the neighbourhood and people who may be passing through the area.

Sidewalk has pledged to remove all personally identifiable information from the data it collects. But that hasnt quelled concerns from critics.

Last week, the Star revealed that Sidewalk, a sister company of Google, has designs on building beyond the 12 acres (4.8 hectares) at Quayside and expanding into the Port Lands.

Read more:

Googles Sidewalk Labs plans massive expansion to waterfront vision

Politicians react with shock, anger to Googles sweeping vision for Port Lands

Opinion | Hume: Misguided anger over Googles vision for Toronto waterfront

NDP MP Charlie Angus, co-chair of the committee, said in an interview Tuesday night that he wants to know the full nature of the project including how the partnership between Waterfront Toronto was constructed and why there was a short timeline during which Waterfront Toronto awarded its RFP (request for proposals) to Sidewalk to come up with a plan for Quayside.

And hes especially concerned about the news regarding the Port Lands.

He went on to say that all along the public has been told Sidewalks idea for Quayside was a cool, neat experiment, but thats now been dashed by last weeks revelations about the expanded vision for the Port Lands.

Now it seems like the goal from the outset was to turn a massive chunk of Toronto real estate over to one of the biggest corporations in the world with very little public scrutiny, Angus said.

He is also concerned about the publics fears about data collection and how this will impact citizens rights in public and private spaces.

Having these things engineered by a company whose business is collecting personal information struck us (the committee) as a concern, Angus said.

But I think the bigger question now is how this whole deal was constructed, is it in the public interest, is this something citizens in Toronto are going to fully benefit from, or is this a sweetheart deal for a very, very powerful private corporation?

Ethics committee chair and Conservative MP Bob Zimmer said the committee wants to probe whether citizens fully understand whats going to happen if (this project) is implemented.

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How much data do they need to collect. Its (a) concern for us as legislators how much data theyll be collecting on citizens, Zimmer said.

According to the Stars story last week, Sidewalk wants to develop new neighbourhoods and a new light rail transit line throughout the entire Port Lands and wants a share of the property taxes, development fees and increased land values  money that would normally go to the citys coffers.

These future revenues, based on the anticipated increase in land value once the little-used Port Lands are built up, are estimated to be $6 billion over the next 30 years.

We dont think that 12 acres on Quayside has the scale to actually have the impact on (housing) affordability and economic opportunity and transit that everyone aspires to, said Sidewalk Labs CEO Dan Doctoroff earlier.

The ethics committees invitation to the senior Waterfront Toronto members was made over a week ago, before the Star story broke. The meeting is being held to discuss the implementation of digital government services in Canada and how the government can improve its services while protecting Canadians privacy and security.

Sidewalk is working on a draft master plan and a final plan is expected later this year, both of which must be approved by Waterfront Toronto.

Verner, of Waterfront Toronto, says the corporation looks forward to presenting before the committee and has been advised the discussion may include topics such as:

Developing recommendations on how to amend the federal Privacy Act or other laws to protect the personal information of Canadians as society becomes more digitized;

The main challenges regarding respecting the protection of personal information as government services become increasingly digitized and;

Difficulties related to the implementation of digital government initiatives that have been encountered in other countries.

But the scope of Thursdays meeting can be expanded. Zimmer said members are free to ask whatever questions of Waterfront Toronto they choose.

Read more about:OTTAWACanada will not sign on to an amendment to an international treaty that would fully ban developed countries like Canada from shipping hazardous waste, including recyclables, to the developing world.

The amendment was proposed more than 20 years ago but Canadas objection to it is resurfacing as the Philippines continues to press Canada take back more than 100 containers filled with rotting household garbage that were shipped to Manila in 2013 and 2014 labelled as recyclables.

The Basel Convention, adopted by all countries except the United States and Haiti, puts limitations on shipments of hazardous waste, and requires the destination country to be made aware of the contents of the waste and agree to receive it.

In 1995, an amendment was proposed to take the Basel Convention even further, and outright ban all shipments of hazardous waste  with or without consent  including waste intended for recycling. The belief was wealthy countries were avoiding the Basel Convention by labelling things as recycling.

Canada has never agreed to it and still wont.

At least three-quarters of the parties to the original convention have to agree to the amendment, and only two more countries need to say yes for it to be adopted. Debate about the amendment will again be on the agenda as countries meet about the Basel Convention in Switzerland in April.

Read more:

Activists ask Trudeau to act as Canadian trash continues to rot in Manila

Canada, like other Basel Parties such as Japan, Australia and New Zealand for example, has not signed the amendment because the government believes that there are positive consequences to environmentally sound recycling and recovery operations, wrote Environment Canada spokeswoman Gabrielle Lamontagne in an email.

That makes no sense, says Kathleen Ruff, founder of rightoncanada.ca, an online human rights advocacy site.

Why on Earth can we justify shipping it all the way around the world to poor countries that cant deal with their own waste anyway? she said.

Ruff said the garbage rotting in the Philippines is proof of why Canada should accept the amendment and, given Liberal promises to be a responsible global citizen, the government should champion it.

In 2013 and 2014, 103 containers arrived in ports in Manila from Canada, labelled as plastics for recycling, but upon inspection Filipino authorities discovered they were filled with household garbage, including adult diapers, food waste and discarded electronics. Except for a few of the containers that were illegally disposed of, most of the containers remain in quarantine in the ports.

A Filipino court ordered Canada to take the garbage back, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised during visits to the Philippines in 2015 and 2017 to deal with the issue. A bilateral working group was established last fall and meetings are to take place in the next few months.

When the shipments were sent, Canadian regulations applied the Basel Convention rules only to waste Canada considered hazardous. Lamontagne said that changed in 2016, so Canada now applies the convention to waste considered hazardous in the destination country. Lamontagne said that means the containers in the Philippines would be prohibited today.

However, Ruff noted the containers would still end up in the Philippines because they were labelled as recycling. They would only be barred if Canada adopted the amendment, she said.

For several decades, countries like Canada and the United States have found it cheaper to flatten plastic garbage into pallets and ship them across the ocean to Asian countries where companies buy the material and hope to recycle it for resale.

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Ruff notes many of those nations dont have sophisticated waste-management systems, and are responsible for a majority of the plastics ending up in the worlds oceans.

In 2017, the journal Environmental Science and Technology estimated that nearly 90 per cent of the plastics found in the oceans is believed to come from just 10 rivers in Africa and Asia.

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna is fond of citing a statistic that the equivalent of a truck full of plastic is dumped into the ocean every minute around the world. She is pushing Canada to eliminate plastic garbage entirely by 2040. But that would require much of the plastic produced to be recycled.NORFOLK COUNTY, ONT.The Ontario Provincial Police is requesting that residents stop calling 911 to complain about raccoons.

Officers say a resident of Norfolk County called for emergency services on Feb. 11 to report seeing a raccoon on their porch during the daytime.

Police say the person thought the animal may have distemper.

But they say that before an officer could be sent to the scene, the resident called 911 again to say their services were no longer needed  the raccoon had walked away.

They say 911 has been inundated with calls about raccoons on private property during the daytime, tying up the line for people who may be reporting an actual emergency.

Police say its not uncommon for raccoons to be out during daylight, and officers arent equipped to deal with wildlife anyway.OTTAWACanadas decision to stay charges against a priest accused of sexually abusing Inuit children and believed to be in France is traumatizing victims all over again, Arctic leaders say.

It just adds anger and frustration with a lot of people, said Peter Irniq, an Inuit elder who has worked for years to have Oblate priest Johannes Rivoire returned to face a Canadian court. It retraumatizes the victims.

The Public Prosecution Service of Canada confirmed Tuesday that sex abuse charges against Rivoire wont be going ahead. The priest, in his late 80s, had been facing at least three charges relating to his time in the Nunavut communities of Arviat, Rankin Inlet and Naujaat in the 1960s.

An arrest warrant was issued for Rivoire in 1998. But by that time, he had been in France for five years.

Prosecution service spokeswoman Nathalie Houle said the charges were stayed in 2017.

Frances approach to extradition was considered as part of the decision-making process, she said in an email. France will not extradite someone who is a citizen and was a citizen at the time of the alleged offence.

The news was a blow to Irniq, who blames his friend Marius Tungiliks suicide on Rivoire. Tungilik was an Inuit leader who said he was abused by the priest.

Marius could not forget Rivoire, Irniq said.

Irniq said there are at least five people still alive who say Rivoire abused them. He had mustered support for Rivoires return from former Nunavut premier Paul Quassa, Senator Dennis Patterson and MP Hunter Tootoo, as well as from Inuit leaders.

Former Arctic MP Jack Anawak, who was also a close friend of Tungiliks, criticized the stay decision.

His victims are still very much alive, Anawak said. Its inexcusable that somebody who went through that much victimization of children should not face justice  in Canada or anywhere.

Rivoire has never offered any kind of apology, said Anawak.

Houle said Rivoires age and health played no part in the decision. She pointed out that in 2015, Canada sentenced former Oblate Erik Dejaeger, then 67, to 19 years in jail for sex crimes committed between 1978 and 1982.

Dejaeger had been in Belgium but was returned to Canada over an immigration violation.

The Canadian Press has tried several times in the past to reach Oblate officials, both in Canada and abroad, to discuss Rivoire, but has never received a response.

In 2013, Rivoire spoke briefly to The Canadian Press from a home that houses retired Oblates in Avignon, France. Asked if he would return to Canada to face charges, he said: Maybe. I dont know.

Then 83, he said he was not willing to discuss the charges. The news agency has been unable to reconnect with the priest, who was seen in 2015 by a French news crew.

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Although Canada has an extradition treaty with France, Justice Canada officials have never confirmed whether a request was made.

Irniq said Rivoires black legacy lives on.

Hes done a lot of damage to Inuit, he said. Hes not going to have peace, Rivoire. No way.

Read more about:MONTREALA Quebec court judge stayed charges of fraud and bribery against former SNC-Lavalin executive Stephane Roy Tuesday, ruling his right to a trial within a reasonable time had been violated.

Judge Patricia Compagnone said delays caused by the Crown are an example of the culture of complacency the Supreme Court of Canada deplored in its 2016 Jordan decision limiting the length of legal proceedings. She added that prosecutors failed to show they tried to avoid unreasonable delays in the case, which began when Roy was first charged in 2014.

Roy, who had been charged in connection with SNC-Lavalins dealings with the regime of the late Libyan dictator, Moammar Gadhafi, made a brief statement to reporters outside the courtroom.

I am ready to take my life back, he said with tears in his eyes. Roy had been a vice-president and controller at the engineering giant before being fired in February 2012. He was acquitted last July of fraud-related charges in connection with the construction of the McGill University Health Centre.

Prosecutor Frederic Hivon said the Crown will take the time to analyze the ruling before deciding whether to appeal.

Read More:

Former SNC-Lavalin executive wants fraud and bribery case thrown out over delays

Arthur Porter says alleged SNC-Lavalin bribes were actually consulting pay

Arrest warrants issued for former SNC executives, former CSIS watchdog head

Compagnone said the bribery charge against Roy stemmed from an allegation that he had plotted with a fellow SNC-Lavalin executive, Riadh Ben Aissa, to smuggle someone out of Libya. An RCMP affidavit filed in relation to its investigation alleged Roy was involved in a plot to smuggle Gadhafis son, Saadi, and his family into Mexico as the Libyan regime was failing in 2011.

Roys case resulted from the same RCMP investigation that led to charges against SNC-Lavalin, which is accused of paying nearly $48 million to public officials in Libya between 2001 and 2011 to influence government decisions. The company is also accused of fraud and corruption for allegedly defrauding various Libyan organizations of roughly $130 million.

The case against SNC continues to disrupt federal politics following a Globe and Mail report that the Prime Ministers Office pressured former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould to help the engineering firm avoid prosecution. The ongoing scandal led to the resignation Monday of Trudeaus principal secretary, Gerald Butts.

Roys lawyer Nellie Benoit stressed that her client still enjoys the presumption of innocence.

Its a concept that is forgotten these days, she said. A trial is the occasion for the state to prove that someone is guilty. And it is also the occasion for an accused to prove he is not guilty ... Since we have a stay in proceedings, we will never have a decision on this issue. So, Mr. Roy must continue to be considered innocent  until the end of his days.

The Supreme Court in 2016 set a limit of 30 months between the laying of charges and the anticipated end of a criminal trial in provincial court cases where there is a preliminary hearing. Roys case was scheduled to conclude in June, roughly 64 months after he was initially charged. Compagnone said only 99 days of delays in his case could be attributed to the defence.

Last Friday, a judge stayed proceedings against another former SNC executive and his lawyer, also because delays in the case were deemed unreasonable.

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Sami Bebawi, a former SNC-Lavalin executive vice-president, and his Montreal-based tax lawyer, Constantine Kyres, were accused of offering a $10-million bribe to have a key witness change testimony in a fraud and corruption case against Bebawi. The alleged recipient of the offer was Ben Aissa.

Bebawi is still facing charges including fraud and bribery in connection with his former companys dealings in Libya.

Read more about:MONTREALThe murder trial of a Montreal man for the death of his Alzheimers-stricken wife neared its end Tuesday as lawyers made their final arguments ahead of jury deliberations.

Michel Cadottes lawyer implored jurors to consider the lesser charge of manslaughter while the prosecution argued the criteria for second-degree murder had been met.

Cadotte, 57, is charged in the killing of his wife of 19 years, Jocelyne Lizotte, who was suffocated with a pillow at a Montreal long-term care home on Feb. 20, 2017.

Lizotte, 60, was suffering from advanced Alzheimers disease. Cadotte had been told about a year before the slaying that his wife did not qualify for a medically assisted death because she couldnt consent and was not considered to be at the end of her life.

Defence lawyer Elfriede Duclervil told jurors to consider the evidence of the years of suffering and isolation that left Cadotte exhausted, depressed and unable to formulate the intent necessary for a second-degree murder conviction.

Read more:

Quebec man accused of killing wife describes her rapid Alzheimers decline

Man accused of killing ailing wife wasnt suffering from major depression, says expert

Crown outlines case against Quebec man charged with suffocating ailing wife

For a brief moment, he lost control, she said. He wanted Jocelynes suffering to stop  but he did not want her to die. He just wanted her to stop suffering.

Cadottes lawyer painted a picture of a man worn down by nine years of trying to care for his wife, who was stricken with Alzheimers at a very young age, depriving her of her autonomy and the ability to interact with loved ones.

Duclervil told jurors that Cadotte and Lizotte suffered through hell, and Cadotte did what he could as he watched the neurodegenerative disease ravage his wife. Years of caring for her took their toll to the point where he acted impulsively on the day of her death, his lawyer said.

The prosecution reminded jurors that second-degree murder is not planned or premeditated, and not a lot of thought needs to be given before the slaying.

Genevieve Langlois told jurors their task will be to focus on what Cadotte was thinking that day, noting the questions of who killed Lizotte and how it was done are not contested.

The only question you have to ask yourself is, at the moment that Mr. Cadotte put the pillow on Mrs. Lizottes face, did he intend to cause her death? Langlois said.

Defence experts testified that Cadotte was suffering from a major depression and was disturbed, but Langlois countered that the depression diagnosis put forth by the defence experts is purely hypothetical.

I submit that the evidence presented before you shows that Mr. Cadotte made many decisions, and we suggest that he very likely made the wrong one at the moment he chose to take the life of Mrs. Lizotte, Langlois said.

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She also noted that he didnt try to revive Lizotte  which he told the court he had training to do. If it was impulsive, why did Cadotte not try to revive her, Langlois asked.

The minimum sentence for a second-degree murder conviction is life in prison with no parole for 10 years. There is no minimum sentence for manslaughter, except in cases when a firearm is used and the minimum is four years in prison.

The jury, which began hearing the case in mid-January, is expected to be sequestered Wednesday after final instructions from Superior Court Justice Helene Di Salvo.A deal that would see Barrick Gold Corp. split returns from its Tanzanian unit with the government could have ramifications for its negotiations with other countries, including Papua New Guinea and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Toronto-based miners long-term license to operate its mine in Papua New Guinea is due for renewal this year. The question is whether officials there, and in other countries where the global miner operates, will push for a similar arrangement as resource nationalism continues to gain traction around the world.

The largest gold miner may already be trying to get ahead of that tide in PNG. Chief executive officer Mark Bristow met last week with government officials about extending its license for the Porgera mine, Barricks joint venture with Zijin Mining Group Co.

Executive Chairman John Thornton had said previously that Barrick may one day sell its remaining 47.5 per cent stake to Zijin. But since taking Barricks reins in January, Bristow has backpedaled on that. The miner issued a statement this week calling Porgera a long-term asset for both companies. It then added that, without an extension to its mining lease, it would be difficult to justify the significant capital investments the mine requires.

Elsewhere, Bristow has also hit the ground running. The company has already reached out to the new government in the Democratic Republic of Congo, after President Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in late last month.

Barrick, and other miners, have been pushing for changes to the countrys mining code, but so far have been rebuffed. The countrys mines minister said earlier this month the rules wont be reopened.

Read more about:U.S. President Donald Trump is ramping up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and pledging to eradicate socialism from the Americas  but, behind the scenes, even staunch allies have their doubts.

Trumps speech in Miami on Monday was the latest push by the U.S. and several allies who recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuelas interim president. The response to Trumps statements was that Maduro and his generals dug in deeper and are showing no intention of giving up.

Crucial struggles for power lie ahead in coming days, with Guaido pledging to open the country to humanitarian aid on Feb. 23 and Maduro and Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson hosting rival benefit concerts. Meanwhile,the EU is dispatching a team to push for new elections. Yet there is a growing sense that Maduro is holding on to power longer than expected and that measures to oust him could even backfire.

Its obvious if he resists the pressure, he looks stronger, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said in an interview in Madrid. Thats a reality the U.S. surely wasnt counting on.

Stalled Momentum?

Maduro has faced a steady drumbeat of countries rallying behind Guaido as interim president  at first the U.S. and the so-called Lima Group of nations including Brazil, Canada, Argentina and several Latin American nations. The EU parliament and Japan have since followed. Our country announces that we clearly support interim president Guaido, Foreign Minister Taro Kono said Tuesday.

Trump has demanded that Venezuelas military let aid through and warned that all options are open to his administration. They are risking their lives and Venezuelas future for a man controlled by the Cuban government, Trump said of the Venezuelan military, urging them to abandon Maduro and take Guaidos offer of amnesty.

But time is dragging on and patience is running out. A U.K. government official said it feels like momentum has stalled. In private, some Brazilian officials are beginning to wonder whether the whole U.S.-led strategy is beginning to fail, according to a diplomat dealing with the Venezuelan situation.

Guaido doesnt control anything in Venezuela other than his office, said Mauricio Santoro, professor of international relations at Rio de Janeiro State University. The capacity for him to implement any public policy is very limited.

Frustrated By Stalemate

We absolutely are frustrated. The Maduro regime is illegitimate, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, told reporters on Feb. 16, two days after speaking with Guaido. This is a process led by the people of Venezuela. Our job as the international community is to support them, and that is very much what were doing. She has downplayed the need to consider any military intervention.

Even among Maduros critics, cracks remain. EU member nations are united in condemning Maduro but divided in what to do about it. Italys populist government is sticking to a domestic compromise it painfully hammered out  calling for new elections but stopping short of recognizing Guaido as interim president, according to an Italian official who asked not to be named.

Isadora Zubillaga, a Guaido adviser for Europe, believes the EU may impose sanctions on Maduros regime and stressed unity in the bloc, despite the handful of nations who still dont recognize Guaido as interim president. But while the EU has threatened sanctions, the potential scope is unclear. Any sanctions would have to be imposed by all EU members, the Italian official said, adding that to his knowledge this option has not been discussed in Brussels so far. And without widespread international support, any new U.S. intervention could look more like forced regime change than supporting a rightful leader.

Others are saying its still too early to say if the global push against Maduro has stalled. A Canadian government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said nations are keeping up pressure while looking for ways to support the opposition on the ground.

In Brazil, Vice President Hamilton Mourao said it was a matter of time before the Maduro regime crumbled like a house of cards. Pressure would force Maduro to step away peacefully and voluntarily, he said.

The International Monetary Fund is discreetly preparing to help the country if Guaido is installed as president, one official familiar with the situation said on condition of anonymity. That would be the beginning of a massive humanitarian aid and stabilization effort in a country where inflation is skyrocketing and the economy is in collapse, the official said.

China, Russia

International support for Maduro is small but crucial. After importing around $900 million worth of gold from Venezuela last year, Turkey hit the brake on trade of the precious metal amid warnings from Washington.

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The fate of Maduro hinges largely on two heavyweights that continue to back him: Russia and China. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that major differences remain with Washington regarding Venezuela.

China has distanced itself from the power-struggle, saying its up to the people of Venezuela to settle it. China-Venezuela relations are normal state-to-state relations, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Feb. 14.

Money from the Chinese and Russians allowed the Maduro regime to survive, said Rio de Janeiros Santoro. How much longer we dont know. Perhaps until China and Russia are ready to leave as well.

Read more about:The controversy that has engulfed Justin Trudeaus office and claimed his top aide took another strange turn, with an ex-minister speaking privately to cabinet a week after her resignation.

Jody Wilson-Raybould, who served as attorney general until being demoted to veterans affairs minister at the beginning of the year, quit cabinet last week amid questions about whether the Canadian prime ministers office had pressured her to help end a legal case against SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. The Montreal-based engineering giant is facing corruption charges and has been pushing the Trudeaus government to settle out of court.

Lawmakers with the governing Liberal Party blocked an effort last week to summon Wilson-Raybould to testify before the justice committee. And on Monday, Gerald Butts quit his post as principal secretary to the prime minister over the SNC-Lavalin controversy.

On Tuesday, however, Wilson-Raybould surprised observers by emerging from the weekly cabinet meeting in Ottawa. Trudeau later told reporters shed asked to speak to ministers but he didnt specify what about. The former minister said she would remain in the Liberal caucus, and another lawmaker said she will indeed be called to speak to the justice committee. The committee met behind closed doors Tuesday and agreed to invite Wilson-Raybould.

Read More:

Vancouver Granville community leaders voice support for MP Jody Wilson-Raybould

Trudeaus top aide resigns amid reports of meddling in SNC-Lavalin probe

Wilson-Raybould resignation stokes anger, frustration within veterans community

The impact of the controversy will hinge largely on what Wilson-Raybould ultimately says in public  in particular any claims she makes about pressure she faced from Butts or other staff in Trudeaus office. Tuesdays developments signal, however, she is still in the Liberal Party fold, likely lowering any expectations for more explosive allegations.

Wilson-Raybould said Tuesday shed accept any invitation to speak to the committee but is still in talks with her lawyer on what she can say. I will appear, she told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. I am continuing to discuss and talk with my counsel about what I can and cannot say. That, too, would apply at the justice committee.

Canadas two major opposition parties have called for an inquiry into the ordeal, which the parliamentary ethics watchdog is already investigating. Trudeau said last week his cabinet discussed the SNC-Lavalin issue in part to avoid job losses at the company.

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Read more about:Christine Flowers is an attorney and Delaware County resident. Her column appears every Sunday, and occasionally other days. Email her at cflowers1961@gmail.com.Towamencin

Osaka Restaurant owners fined, agree to pay nearly $1M in overtime, tips taken from employees

Osaka Restaurant owners fined, agree to pay nearly $1M in overtime, tips taken from employeesUpdate Required

To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.Dana Ferguson

Forum News Service

ST. PAUL, Minn.  Representatives from each of the 11 American Indian tribes in Minnesota on Monday gave state legislators a refresher course on the history of Indigenous people in the state and asked that they keep them in mind when writing laws.

It was the first time in more than a decade that lawmakers turned over the House of Representatives for an intensive session on an issue. And it was the first time all 11 tribes were invited to speak in that chamber.

The event titled Sovereignty Day coincided with Presidents Day. House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said the timing was chosen with that coincidence in mind.

It was very intentional to recognize there is this sovereignty that existed before we had the United States of America as we know it today, Hortman said. Now its on us to respond to and respect what we heard.

Tribal leaders acknowledged they were glad to be part of the historic day, but said they felt conflicted about coming to the Capitol building, a symbol of loss and oppression for the Dakota people. They urged lawmakers to understand and acknowledge the sacrifices of Indigenous people.

We are standing on Dakota property, Shelley Buck, president of the Prairie Island Indian Community said. This is Dakota land, my ancestors homeland.

The leaders said the dialogue was a constructive first step in establishing a deeper understanding of each tribes perspectives on different issues and they urged lawmakers to keep tribal leaders involved in policymaking, to visit each tribe and to keep Indigenous history in mind.

Its hard for us to stand up here and not talk about all the injustices that happened to our people but also, its important that we bridge the gap and you guys understand what weve gone through as Native people, Sam Strong, Secretary of the Red Lake Nation, said. All of you did not create these wrongs but its important to recognize the wrongs of the past if we mean to correct them, if we mean to move forward in a good way.

He pointed to disparities in education, economic prosperity and health outcomes that stemmed from the failure of the federal government to adequately enforce its treaty obligations to American Indian tribes.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said she and Gov. Tim Walz hoped their budget could reduce some of those disparities. Flanagan, the highest-ranking Indigenous woman elected to statewide office in the United States, said the administration planned to consult leaders of each tribe before proposing state budgets moving forward.

She said the budget would include dollars for tribal schools, boosting holistic therapies for parents who are incarcerated, funding the creation of a task force for missing and murdered indigenous women and supporting the use of traditional healers to address the opioid crisis.

Rep. Paul Torkelson, R-Hanska, represents the district that encompasses the Lower Sioux Community. He said the forum was helpful to learn about other tribes and the issues that face their members. He said the state should consider ways to maintain relations with tribal leaders on an ongoing basis.

Taking the tribes needs and concerns into the process is valid and worthwhile, Torkelson said. I think it behooves all of us.Staff reports

Watertown Public Opinion

Traveling, it is said, can be the best of times, and it can be the worst of times. As we boarded the first leg of our flight to Montevideo, Uruguay  a two-hour flight to Atlanta and settled in first class row 2  for us, it was the best of times. For our travel companions, Don and Nancy Harrington, now of Gary and formerly of Northfield, Minn., it was the worst of times.

They had booked their flight in two pieces, and as the computer showed they were stopping in Rio (even though in reality only to catch a connection), it demanded a visa. This, despite Brazil not requiring a visa for transit stops but two reservations, meant a computer flag. Brazil only started requiring visas when we started requiring visas from their travelers. Delta would not let them get a boarding pass. I joked to a Delta representative on my side of security, Nothing a credit card wouldnt solve. Unfortunately, it looked as though it would take many thousands to solve it.

Luckily, with all of my Big Year travels and open-ended tickets, I consider myself a very wily traveler. Delta and all the Canadian airlines gave me grief in arriving into Canada with open-ended return tickets. Once I even was forced into the inner sanctums of immigration, but I talked my way out of it. Im certain I could have talked my way out of this, but I wasnt there and as I had really nice seats, I texted them that we would pick them up in the Montevideo airport whenever they got there.

So what am I up to? Im starting a two-month multi-continent, three-ocean journey of over 20,000 miles. This is a continuation of what has been a multi-country journey already in 2019. I just got back from Texas. Before that, I was in Cozumel, learning about an over-touristed land, and Roatan, Honduras, where I learned to not play beer-pong with graduate students. Prior to that, I was visiting Wendy Lee, an environmentalist/birder, in Jamaica.

Before you read about my journeys in South America, Id like to tell her story. It is a story that needs to be told.

I had arrived in Ocho Rios and had made plans to meet a local birder, the owner of the Seven Oaks Sanctuary for Wildlife in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, and this owner, Wendy Lee, was taking me and two friends out to see the island and hopefully some of the local birds. Jamaica has quite a few endemic species  birds found nowhere else  and Id never been to Jamaica, so almost everything was new.

A local man shuttled us out to her place and we got a tour of what she was doing on her property. The exact location of her rescue center is a bit of a guarded secret as she is afraid that if the locals know too much of what she is doing, her life and the mission could be in jeopardy. Her mission was doing Gods work. Taking in mistreated and injured parrots, parakeets and just about anything else that flies or barks.

She was overworked, underfunded and stymied by the government, as she was unable to actually place any of the rehabilitated birds with good homes nor release any, as that was illegal. Yet, this same government brought her birds kept illegally, but did not provide her with much of any resources.

She was stuck in a never-ending circle. Healthy parrots seemingly live forever and the need continued. From just a few she started with, she had now half a backyard of birds, three dogs and a soul full of frustration.

Hers was a labor of love, as she said to us, someone had to do it. Her guiding was mostly as a way to get in some much needed cash to fund the operation.

She had named all of her parrots and also even many of the wild birds in her back yard. Pretty-boy was her resident red-billed streamertail, or just streamertail under another naming system. The large hummingbird is hard to pick out in the bush with its long black tail.

From there, we went up in the hills and birded near a traditional Jamaican village. As we birded, Wendy told us stories and grumbled about the garbage all over the island. She chewed out a local man for slashing and burning a forest clearing near the road and negotiated purchasing corn from some of the residents.

In general, she is a very frustrated environmentalist. She spent years trying to teach the local people and the government a better way to do things, but the people seem recalcitrant to change and the government ignores her and basically everyone who isnt giving significant money to the country and probably directly to the politicians. In one corner of the country, they mine bauxite, and near Ocho Rios they are slowly reducing the mountains to rubble and shipping out the gravel  basically Jamaica  one pebble at a time.

Meanwhile, up in the hills people are still farm using donkeys. It was like being back in a time warp.

We met many of the residents, including Elsa, an older woman who was mad at Wendy for not calling. I bought a beer from her  it was a seemingly perfect place for a lifer beer, and it seems that is what the locals have to sell. We saw first-hand the slash and burn method, where in many cases, they just abandoned the trees they cut and what they grew seemed so insignificant compared to even the worst fields in northeastern South Dakota.

Even the old historic Anglican church was not immune. Instead of fixing it up after Hurricane Gilbert decades ago, they just ignored it until recently slashing and burning the row of bushes and hedges around the low wall on the outside. Rural Jamaica looked almost as dystopian as Mad Max, although the people were nice and friendly.

To be honest, the birding was a bit slow despite me seeing 18 life species. Wendy even agreed that it was the case. Im not sure what a good day was, but I cant complain. My photos of loggerhead kingbirds, sad flycatchers and rufous-tailed flycatchers were perfect.

On the long drive back to the port we drove through the crowded Browns Town, a market town that had not seen much new construction since the Michael Manley days prior to 1992 and Hurricane Gilbert. Manley is a bit of an oddity to me, a cross between Fidel Castro and JFK. A rich white aristocrat that seemed more poor and socialist than rich, and quite the ladys man, married five times with undoubtedly just as many short-term relationships. He profoundly affected Jamaican politics and even today is very popular.

Near Ocho Rios, we went to Mahogany Beach, to a wood with the blessing of the security guard and searched for yellow-billed parrots. Wed seen the black-billed parrots fly by up in the hills, and then we heard them. Finally, I spotted the green bird in the tree. I never saw its mate, though parrots never travel alone.

We were also serenaded by Jamaican woodpeckers. They are very handsome creatures.

It is clear that Wendy needs everyones help, and I plan to spread the news to get her some money. If anyone feel a need to donate more, drop me an email at storolaf@yahoo.com, and I can give you more information. It is a good cause if you like birds.

Despite my grandmother keeping caged birds as pets, I do not like the idea of any birds kept as pets, but in Wendys case at Seven Oaks, there is no alternative and removing these birds to a humane setting was paramount. I have no idea what the end game for her and these birds is. The old woman shed paid to help her has retired and now she has to be around every day, so she needs our help. She also needs the governments help  unfortunately people like Michael Manley, who would try to get things done in their country, are long gone.

The country is also filled with plastic garbage. I vowed to never use plastic water bottles again. She spent 20 years trying to teach the local population not to just pitch their garbage but she thinks it has gotten worse. Plastic bottles are a problem, as they also flow down the rivers and into the oceans, and are never broken down. I think a simple solution is to pay the poor maybe $50 a pickup load to clean them up, but then what? The only solution would be to burn them. This is where the plastic environmentalism clashed with the carbon dioxide environmentalists. I dont know the answer to make everyone happy, but we cant keep doing what we are doing.

It was a busy and eye opening day in Jamaica, but today, Im off to places farther south.

Milbank resident, Olaf Danielson is an author and adventurer. In 2016 he set the U.S.A. and lower-48 Big Year record for seeing the most species of birds.Dan Crisler

Public Opinion Staff Writer

A former popular fitness benefit will return for City of Watertown employees beginning March 1.

On Tuesday night, the Watertown City Council unanimously approved reimbursing membership costs to all full-time, as well as those eligible for the South Dakota Retirement System, city employees who purchase or hold a Single Basic Membership to Prairie Lakes Wellness Center.

City employees who opt in to the program pay for their individual membership up front, which totals to $429.77. Depending on how often they use their PLWC membership each year, their payments will be reimbursed by various amounts. Reimbursements will be picked up PLWC.

Under the policy, city employees who average one PLWC visit per week, or 52 per year, will see the city reimburse one-third of their membership cost at $141.80. Likewise, employees who average two visits per week, or 104 per year, will see the city reimburse two-thirds of the cost. Employees who average three visits per week, or 156 per year, will be reimbursed for the entirety of their membership.

According to Mayor Sarah Caron and PLWC Supt. John Small, the reimbursement benefit was one previously offered to city employees at the former Watertown Recreation Center but was phased out in 2008 at the beginning of the Great Recession.

It was a very successful program. When the economy started going down in 2008, the city decided to discontinue it. But its been a topic ever since from a lot of our departments that would like to get back involved in it, Small said.

By offering reimbursements, Caron believes the city will be tapping into a largely untapped market.

Calling the benefit a money maker for the wellness center, Caron said, Most of our (current) memberships are families. We have a few singles and a few couples. If a person doesnt join, then we have zero contribution from that employee. If this program causes them to join, and they join with a family, then theyll be generating the revenue for a family membership and receiving reimbursement for a single membership.

Caron also believes offering the benefit will serve as a recruiting perk as well as lead to healthier and happier employees.

Its a selling tool when were recruiting employees. People are doing this across the nation because it creates a healthier and more productive workforce, she said.

The councils approval of the benefit came after a presentation from Small that showed 280,630 membership check-ins in 2018, the first full year PLWC had been in operation. In 2017, when PLWC was open for the last nine months while the former rec center was open for the first three, there were 226,209 check-ins. In 2016, the last full year of operation for the rec center, there were 98,125 check-ins.Watertown Public Opinion

Nothing new on the Goss Building since its purchase by the non-profit group Friends of Goss on the last day of 2018?

Just wait.

Since then, the buildings new owners have been creating partnerships, developing business plans and preparing a capital campaign that will put the Goss on a solid financial footing and, hopefully, solidify its standings as the focal point of downtown Watertown.

Friends of Goss (FoG) recently began advertising for an executive director and is seeking requests for proposals from restaurants interested in setting up shop in the historical building.

Kristen Henderson, marketing committee chair, said FoG is pleased to have received at least 20 applications for the executive directors position. Others may still apply, although Henderson said interviews will start sometime in early March.

Hopefully well have somebody in that position by April, she said. They will work to help us with the logistics of the capital campaign. And then as we move toward opening up the theater wed like them to essentially run the business and fundraising operations for Friends of Goss.

An important step for FoG is developing its statement of support that it will present to potential donors as part of its quiet fund-raising plan. The funds generated will assist FoG in paying for repairs to the building, which includes the Goss Opera House and the former bank building to the east.

Well be testing the water and testing the market as to whether our goals are achievable and who we want to be reaching out to, said Henderson, who is owner and general manager of Midwest Ag Supply in Watertown. As we get through that then well go more to the public, speaking to everyone and anyone.

Assisting FoG is one of the best fundraisers in the country, Brian Bonde of Sioux Falls. Bonde specializes in not-for-profit fundraising and is an advanced certified fundraising executive, one of only 106 professionals worldwide to receive that designation from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

As for marketing, FoG has signed up with Caliber Creative of Sioux Falls, which also has worked with other Watertown businesses, including Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Bramble Park Zoo.

Henderson said a reason Caliber Creative was chosen was that several of its staff members are northeast South Dakota natives who already had some type of experience with the Goss.

Caliber is currently building the Gosss new website, and Henderson expects it to be ready around the middle of March.

Were going to have a pretty hefty website, which supports Friends of Goss with updates on the restoration project, fundraising and how thats going, and timing, but still engages with the community so if anybody has any questions as to whats going on with the Goss, they can long onto to our website.

FoG has also been active within the community, speaking to focus groups on what expectations they have for the Goss. FoG members have even interviewed people new to the city who may not have any preconceptions about the building.

Its been open discussion and brainstorm sessions as to how the community wants to utilize the space, Henderson said. Of course, the restaurant feedback is what weve been given, but weve been hearing a lot of unique, boutique-type ideas for the retail area.

In its request for proposals, FoG stipulated that the new Goss restaurant must offer consistent, high-quality food, unique flavors and a nice atmosphere. Another stipulation is that any applicants must be managed by someone with proven experience in the restaurant business.Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.Italian tourist gored as trekking elephant goes wild

PHUKET: An Italian tourist was gored after he and his friend were thrown to the ground during an attack by an elephant they were riding during a jungle trek in Phang Nga yesterday (Feb 19).

tourismanimalsSafetypolice

By Waranya Prompinpiras

Wednesday 20 February 2019, 02:06PM

The Italian tourists were rushed to hospital after they were attacked by the elephant they were riding on. Photo: Phangnga Wat Kao Charoen Tham Rescue Staff

The Italian tourists were rushed to hospital after they were attacked by the elephant they were riding on. Photo: Phangnga Wat Kao Charoen Tham Rescue Staff

The Italian tourists were rushed to hospital after they were attacked by the elephant they were riding on. Photo: Phangnga Wat Kao Charoen Tham Rescue Staff

The Italian tourists were rushed to hospital after they were attacked by the elephant they were riding on. Photo: Phangnga Wat Kao Charoen Tham Rescue Staff

The Italian tourists were rushed to hospital after they were attacked by the elephant they were riding on. Photo: Phangnga Wat Kao Charoen Tham Rescue Staff

Italian tourists Manuel Trofa, 29, and Francesco Di Megu, 31, were injured in the attack, which happened at about 10:30am.

They were riding through a palm oil plantation in Tambon Song Phraek, on Phang Ngas northern border with Surat Thani province, confirmed Lt Col Boriboon Yusuksomboon of the Thung Kha Ngok Police.

Col Boriboon stressed to The Phuket News that the elephant, 8-year-old bull Thanwa (meaning December), from Bangkaew Adventure Tour, was not in musth.

We are not sure what provoked the elephant to act violently, it was probably just because of the mood of the elephant, he said.

And this elephant has never caused harm to humans before, Col Boriboon added.

The mahout, 26-year-old Kanchanapong Karnvijit, told police that they were riding along when Thanwa began acting unusually, Col Boriboon explained.

The elephant started trying to shake the people off its back, so Mr Kanjanapong used the hook once, but the elephant shook more until the two tourists and Mr Kanchanapong were thrown off, he said.

After throwing the tourists and the mahout to the ground, Thanwa turned on them and gored Mr Di Megu in the stomach. The wound saw some of his small intestines spill out, Col Boriboon said.

Mr Kanchanapong and other mahouts together stopped the elephant from hurting the tourists any more. They called staff from the camp to help take the elephant and tie it up in a safe place, he added.

Mr Di Megu was rushed to Phang Nga Hospital, where doctors closed his wound.

He will be taken to Bangkok Hospital Phuket today (Feb 20), where doctors will determine what further treatment he may need, Col Boriboon said.

"Mr Trofa suffered injuries to his left leg. At this stage we are not sure if it was broken in the attack, he added.

Mr Trofa has already been brought to Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Col Boriboon noted.

The mahout, Mr Kanchanapong, suffered no major injuries and did not require hospital treatment, he said.

At this stage we still do not know whether or not tourists will claim damages, but the tour company has insurance coverage for medical expenses (in such situations), Col Boriboon said.

If medical costs exceed the insurance coverage, by law the tour company must be responsible for paying it, he said.

Police have yet to determine whether Mr Kanchanapong was reckless in his actions during the incident, Col Boriboon also noted.

If officers find evidence that he was reckless, police will file a charge of negligence causing serious injury to others, "Col Boriboon assured.Interpol Red Notice sought for Greek suspect over Phuket beautician murder

PHUKET: Cherng Talay Police have filed a request for Interpol to issue Red Notice for the arrest of 42-year-old Greek national Dimitrios Chairopoulos, who is wanted for the murder of Phuket beautician Niramon Aewkaew.

murdercrimehomicidepolice

By Waranya Prompinpiras

Wednesday 20 February 2019, 05:42PM

Greek national Dimitrios Chairopoulos was recorded as clearing Immigration at Phuket International Airport to board a flight to Dubai just hours after Ms Niramon was last seen alive.

The request was submitted with the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police and the Office of the Attorney-General in Bangkok yesterday, Cherng Talay Police Chief Col Serm Kwannimit confirmed to The Phuket News today (Feb 20).

The request is for the Royal Thai Police to ask Interpol to issue a Red Notice for the arrest of Chairopoulos, Col Serm added.

The request for the Interpol Red Notice follows Phuket Provincial Court on Monday (Feb 18) issuing a warrant for the arrest of Chairopoulos, Col Serm explained.

That arrest warrant was issued after Cherng Talay Police confirmed that Chairopoulos seen leaving the room at a guesthouse in Bang Tao where Ms Niramons body was found on Saturday (Feb 16).

Ms Niramon, 43, originally from Phatthalung, had been battered to death.

When Ms Niramons body was discovered, by her sister, her hands and feet were still bound and she had a black cloth stuffed into her mouth. (See story here.)

Police have confirmed that they are waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination to determine whether Ms Niramon was sexually assaulted.

Col Serm confirmed to The Phuket News today that Ms Niramon and Chairopoulos were married at the time of her death.

Their marriage was registered at the Thalang District Office in 2017, he said.

However, Col Serm also noted that one year earlier, in 2016, Ms Niramon filed a report at Cherng Talay Police Station alleging that Chairopoulos, in a jealous rage, had threatened to kill her if she ever left him.

Regardless, Ms Niramon went on to marry Chairopoulos the following year.

Col Serm said police had obtained CCTV footage showing showing the couple leaving the room in the afternoon of Feb 11  the last time that Ms Niramon was seen alive.

The couple returned to the room that evening, but Chairopoulos was seen leaving the room alone that night, Col Serm explained.

Chairopoulos was reported as clearing Immigration to exit the country at Phuket International Airport at 10:14pm that same night.

He had bought a ticket from Phuket to Dubai, Col Serm said.

According to Phuket Immigration records, Chairopoulos boarded Emirates Flight EK0379 to Dubai, departing Phuket at 2am.

We are already working on having Chairopoulos taken under arrest, Col Serm said.

We have already asked the Greek Embassy in Bangkok for their cooperation in arresting him. We have already sent them a copy of the arrest warrant, he added.

Staff at the Greek Embassy have already called me to confirm details of the case, Col Serm said.

However, at this stage it has yet to be confirmed what action the Greek Embassy will take, he noted.Depressed out-of-work chef found hanged

PHUKET: A chef depressed after losing his job in the fall in tourism late last year was found hanged at his rented room in Wichit yesterday (Feb 19), where he lived with his long-term partner and his 10-year-old child.

deathsuicide

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Wednesday 20 February 2019, 12:02PM

Neighbours gather in front of the house as Ms Wanya (out of view) is consoled. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Capt Weerachat Sira of the Wichit Police was called to the room, located in a housing estate near Suan Luang Rama IX park, at 4:20pm.

Officers arrived with a medical team from Vachira Phuket Hopital and Kusoldharm rescue workers to find the body Somnit Phramnu, 38, from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, on the floor inside the basic accommodation.

There were no signs of a struggle in the room, police noted.

Mr Somnits long-term partner, Wanya Kruntrachat, 40, who called the police, explained that she had come home to find Mr Somnit hanged by the neck in the home.

She called for neighbours to help her bring him down in the hope he was still alive. However, attempts to revive Mr Somnit failed.

Ms Wanya explained that she lived in the room with Mr Somnit and their child.

Mr Somnit was a chef at a hotel in Kata Beach for several years, but lost his job during the downturn in tourism last year after the Phoenix tour boat disaster, Ms Wanya told police.

He could not find a job and become very depressed. He had received treatment at Vachira Hospital for his depression, she explained.

In the morning, I went out to work as usual and my husband stayed home to look after his Siamese fighting fish. I came home from work and found him, she added.

After he was fired and could not find work he suffered deep depression and said he wanted to die.

We, myself and our child, consoled him and bought him some Siamese fighting fish for him because he loves them. I didnt think that he would commit suicide, especially because his child is only 10 years old, she added.As part of a public corruption investigation, a team of FBI agents descended on the home and office of Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars Tuesday morning.

Several plainclothes officers in suits entered Taylor City Hall, 23555 Goddard Road, around 10:30 a.m. and asked for Robert Dickerson, chief of staff to the mayor.

Later, a group of more than a dozen FBI agents  wearing jackets emblazoned with the agencys logo  arrived to conduct a search. Agents were seen in the mayors office, which was blocked off for much of the day.

FBI Special Agent Mara Schneider said they were conducting a number of search warrants at City Hall and a couple of other locations, including Sollars home on Hunter Circle North.

The mayors vacation home in Cement City was also searched.

Outside of his Taylor home, Sollars made a brief appearance Tuesday night to address the growing media presence.

I am cooperating and will continue to do so, he said. I will continue to work hard on behalf of the residents of the city of Taylor to make sure the peoples work gets done.

In April 2018, the city of Taylor suspended two former police officers, while the Secretary of State investigated a case of alleged fraud. The city had sponsored the officers as salvage inspectors and said the two men hadnt been paying the proper fees for their work.

One of the former officers, Patrick Raboczkay, brought a case against the city of Taylor in January, alleging that his suspension was retaliation for him speaking out about the mayor and City Councilman Herman Butch Ramik receiving financial kickbacks from a local towing company.

The towing service is identified in court documents as J and M Towing. They did not immediately respond for comment.

Court documents state that Taylor Police Chief John Blair advised the city to stop using J and M Towing in a closed session with Sollars and members of the Taylor City Council in March 2018.

During Raboczkays 21-year tenure with the Taylor Police Department, he never received any disciplinary reprimands, according to court records. He retired in October 2017, before becoming a salvage inspector.

Raboczkays lawyer, Andrew Paterson, characterized this statement as defamatory in a January court filing. In August 2018, Raboczkay was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.

Ramik denied the claims of defamation.

If I was trying to defame him, I want to know when, he said. I never mentioned his name in anything, and its my job as a councilman to turn suspicious information over the the proper authorities. If I took money, he better prove it.

Ramik went on to say that he didnt believe there was a connection between the FBI raid and Raboczkays lawsuit.

Were going to let (the FBI) come in and do their due diligence, he said. Theyre very good at their jobs. If anybody has violated the publics trust, they deserve to be locked up.

Paterson, Raboczkays attorney, released a written statement on the matter.

The FBIs raid of the Taylor City Hall and Mayor Sollars residence is of no surprise to those who have been unfairly subjected to the unethical and unlawful tactics of certain Taylor city officials, it read. Todays unfortunate events will hopefully lead to much needed changes within Taylors city government.

The FBI issued a press release at 3:09 p.m., stating that the warrants were conducted as part of an ongoing public corruption investigation.

The release, from FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Timothy Slater, went on to say that the investigation remains open. As a result, the FBI will not be releasing any additional information on todays events to protect the integrity of (their) investigation.

Sollars State of the City address is scheduled for Thursday. The city of Taylor also had no official comment on the investigation.

A lifelong Taylor resident and a 1992 graduate of Taylor Center High School, Sollars was elected mayor of Taylor in 2013 after serving two terms on City Council. In 2017, he ran for reelection unopposed.

The U.S. Attorneys office, which will ultimately make a decision regarding bringing charges, declined to comment.

Anybody with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the FBI via a hotline at 313-965-4545. Tips also may be submitted at tips.fbi.gov.This subscription will allow curernt subscribers of The News Guard to access all of our online Subscriber-Only content, including the E Editions area.

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Love 2 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1Until last January, and for over 100 years, the Democratic Party controlled politics in the state of North Carolina. Last week, I found out how instrumental my great grand father was in their rise to power. I learned this at a dinner where author Lee A. Craig, an economy historian and Alumni Distinguished Professor at NC State University, was discussing his new book entitled



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Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0MDU Resources Group, Inc. engages in the regulated energy delivery, and construction materials and services businesses in the United States. The company's Electric segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Its Natural Gas Distribution segment distributes natural gas for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming; and offers supply related value-added services. The company's Pipeline segment provides natural gas transportation and underground storage services through a regulated pipeline system primarily in the Rocky Mountain and northern Great Plains regions; and cathodic protection and other energy-related services. Its Construction Materials and Contracting segment mines, processes, and sells construction aggregates; produces and sells asphalt mix; and supplies ready-mixed concrete. This segment is also involved in the sale of cement, liquid asphalt, finished concrete products, and other building materials and related contracting services. The company's Construction Services segment designs, constructs, and maintains electrical and communication wiring and infrastructure, fire suppression systems, and mechanical piping and services; and overhead and underground electrical distribution and transmission lines, substations, external lighting, traffic signalization, and gas pipelines, as well as engages in the utility excavation activities. This segment also manufactures and distributes transmission line construction equipment; and constructs and maintains renewable energy projects. It serves manufacturing, commercial, industrial, institutional, and government customers, as well as utilities. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Read MoreLegend Who Bought Amazon In 1998 Says: Now Is The Time (Ad)

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The rich and powerful are thrilled... Inflation is GREAT for them. Its everyone else wholl get screwed. But according to an ex-Wall Street vet, theres actually a way for YOU to turn the tables  just make this one move before July 29th.

Click here to see whySince 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, personal lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, and trust services to individuals and families, and high-net-worth individuals; investment management and institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offering equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products. This segment operates 65 branch locations and 357 ATMs throughout Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, as well as through a customer service center, and online and mobile banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides corporate banking, commercial real estate loans, commercial lease financing, auto dealer financing, and deposit products. It offers commercial lending and deposit products to middle-market and large companies, and government entities; commercial real estate mortgages to investors, developers, and builders; and international banking and merchant services. The Treasury and Other segment offers corporate asset and liability management services, including interest rate risk management and foreign exchange services. Bank of Hawaii Corporation was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Read MoreLincoln, NE (68508)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 61F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.10 hours ago

| June 26th | 2021 6:00 AM

What to Do When Your Portfolio Bores You: Go Skydiving Instead

You're allocated, diversified and saving 10% or more for retirement. You (or your robo-advisor) have the rebalancing thing down pat. But you're a little bored. Life isn't all that exciting. And when Bobby next door makes money in some obscure cryptocurrency, you might feel a little, well, put out. Your returns aren't 400% like his. And so, you look into tweaking your portfolio.National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia officially introduced The New Signature Dishes of Indonesia on Wednesday.

Highlighting local delicacies, "The New Signature Dishes of Indonesia" features a total of 21 dishes, 15 of which are made by the airline's business unit Aerofood ACS, while six dishes are produced in collaboration with Padang restaurant Sarimande.

The 15 dishes by Aerofood ACS are divided into three categories: Signature Breakfast, Signature Lunch and Signature Refreshment.

Available for domestic flights, each category presents a variety of Indonesian dishes, varying from the popular nasi goreng spesial (special fried rice) and lontong sate ayam (chicken satay with rice cakes) to lesser-known local delicacies such as nasi tutug oncom (rice cooked with fermented soybean paste) and nasi ulam (rice cooked with herbs).

Read also: Garuda Indonesias in-flight live music to return on Valentines Day

Meanwhile, the collaborative menu offers nasi Padang (Padang-style mixed rice) with six choices of side dishes, namely rendang daging (beef rendang), ayam bakar (grilled chicken), dendeng batokok (beef cooked with red chili), dendeng batusangkar (spicy beef), ayam kalio (chicken with coconut gravy) and Sarimandes very own ayam takicuah. Takicuah is a Minang word that translates to "fooled".

Garuda Indonesia and Sarimandes in-flight meals are only available for lunch and dinner on domestic routes departing from Jakarta, namely Jakarta-Batam, Jakarta-Banjarmasin, Jakarta-Pontianak, Jakarta-Banda Aceh, Jakarta-Denpasar, Jakarta-Medan and Jakarta-Lombok.

The airlines commercial director, Pikri Ilham Kurniansyah, said in a press release that The New Signature Dishes of Indonesia was part of Garuda Indonesias commitment to presenting The New Flight Experience and introducing local delicacies to the world.

The new in-flight meals are said to have passed a set of quality, distribution, safety and security assessments. (jes/mut)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin I Wayan Juniarta (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar  Thu, February 21 2019

Balinese Hindus are to perform a series of rituals early this March to celebrate the Saka Lunar New Year that culminate with the observance of Nyepi on March 7, a national holiday popularly known as the Day of Silence.

Three major island-wide rituals are to set the stage for Nyepi. First is Melasti, which usually takes four or three days prior to Nyepi.

In Melasti, members of a desa pekraman (traditional village) march together carrying temple effigies and sacred objects to a nearby ocean or lake shore. There the sacred objects are re-sanctified with the holy water of the sea or the lake.

For years Melasti has offered tourists and photographers an awe-inspiring sight of thousands upon thousands of white-clad Hindu devotees lining up along the shoreline of the deep blue sea.

The second ritual is Tawur Agung, which takes place at noon on the day b...Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Asri Nuraeni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 21 2019

Indonesia has been a net oil importer since 2004. To fulfill national energy needs, the government imports crude oil and subsidizes the fuel to make it affordable.

However, over the years the subsidy has increased, significantly influencing the fiscal situation. Revenue from the oil and gas sector from 2014 to 2016 shows that of the 1.8 percent contribution oil and gas revenues to the gross domestic product, 1.4 percent is allocated to subsidize fossil fuel production and consumption.

Yet, Indonesia has abundant natural gas, which is relatively clean for the environment compared to oil and coal. Unfortunately, gas use is not yet optimal.

Indonesia was once the worlds most significant gas exporter, with exports estimated to be 45 percent of its total production. Nowadays, gas reserves have declined. Indonesia occupied...Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Fachrul Sidiq (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 21 2019

A renovation of the National Monument (Monas) compound in Central Jakarta is expected to begin next month, after plans for its redesign are finalized.

Last month, the Jakarta administration picked the winners of a design competition held in December for the interior of the monument and the landscaping of Medan Merdeka.

A design by Nelly Lolita and team was chosen as the winner of the Medan Merdeka landscaping category, while a team spearheaded by Mei Mumpuni won the design for Monas interior.

However, several revisions are still needed before the administration can begin the revamp. The administration aims to ensure the new design is in line with the function of Monas.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan is among the individuals autho...Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Thu, February 21 2019

In reference to the caricature that appeared in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 19, which contained the phrase I was not implicated in the savage murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and a paper [check] that read To Pakistan the sum of US$20,000,000,000, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Jakarta strongly objects. Its publication has personally discredited Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud.

Considering the good relationship between the embassy and the media in Indonesia, especially the Post, and referring to Article 6 of the Indonesian Journalist Code of Ethics, which says Indonesian journalists respect and highly appreciate the private life of individuals by not circulating news, articles or pictures that can harm their reputation or sense of decency, except if it concerns public interests, and Article 11, which stipulates Indonesian...Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 14:55 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a108b71 1 City West-Jakarta,street-crime,motorcycle-gang,student Free

Concerned about street crime, the West Jakarta Education Office has recommended an evening study hour to avoid children from harmful activities.

Motorcycle gang crime involving junior high school students killed a resident on Jl. Tanah Sereal Raya in Tambora on Jan. 20 and left another injured in Tanjung Duren on Feb. 5.

"This is our concern. The West Jakarta mayor has activated evening study hours in the neighborhoods, and we need to support the program together," the head of the West Jakarta Education Office, Tajuddin, said as quoted by tribunnews.com on Tuesday.

Tajuddin added that parents should also increase their attention, and teachers should improve the enforcement of school rules.

National Commission for Child Protection (KPAI) commissioner Rita Pranawati, meanwhile, urged parents to be aware of drugs to prevent criminal action, because children involved in criminal activity were usually taking drugs.

Many parents do not feel threatened if they have not experienced it themselves, so it is important for us to be aware of drugs and other addictive substances. We have to tell our children that those can lead someone to lose consciousness, he said. (ggq)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 20:17 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a112478 1 Business UK,grant,renewable-energy,development Free

The United Kingdom has pledged 15 million pounds (US$19.5 million) in grants to Indonesia to accelerate the development of low-carbon energy in the country.

The grants will be used to finance four programs, namely matchmaking between the private sector and the government, capacity building for stakeholders, policy making assistance and pilot projects in rural or remote regions.

British Ambassador to Indonesia, ASEAN and Timor Leste Moazzam Malik told the press on Wednesday that the grants would start to be disbursed in June this year and were scheduled to be completed within four years.

We also hope that the agreement can bridge UK clean energy businesspeople with Indonesias businessmen. Hence, we will set up a dialogue event, he said.

The pilot projects to be funded by the grants will focus on eastern Indonesia, where the economy and electricity coverage lag behind other regions.

Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry secretary general Ego Syahrial, who represented the government in the agreement, said one of the pilot renewable-power projects would be located on Sumba Island in East Nusa Tenggara.

Moazzam said the UK possessed leading technology in developing wind energy, tidal energy, photovoltaic solar panels and micro-hydro power plants.

The agreement will establish a cooperation framework between the UK and Indonesia on sharing technical knowledge, advice, skills and expertise on low-carbon energy development. (bbn)Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, the millennial who became Europes youngest head of government because he took on Angela Merkel over migration policy, is set to meet President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old was flagged to Trump as a rock star of the European conservatives last year by the U.S. ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell -- currently tipped as a candidate to be the American envoy to the United Nations.

The two leaders have something in common: they owe their successful campaigns in part to their tough migration policies. This is the first visit by an Austrian chancellor to the White House since 2005.

Talks will span trade and security -- both sensitive issues that Kurz plans to bring up, delicately. Austrias OMV AG -- partly state-owned -- is a major backer of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia that the U.S. is threatening with sanctions. German carmakers targeted by U.S. tariffs are big buyers of Austrian industrial goods and car parts.

"My main mission will be on trade, Kurz said ahead of the meeting. Everything that hampers free trade would endanger jobs in Europe and Austria. Nobody would gain anything.

Kurz, in power for just over a year, is trying to position himself and the neutral country he leads as a mediator in some of the worlds biggest disputes as Trumps relations with the usual interlocutors like France and Germany are at a low point.

Prepared?

Asked about his meeting with Trump, he was cryptic: I dont think you can really prepare for a meeting with Donald Trump, he told reporters in Vienna.

Trump will be interested to hear from a conservative European leader whose views are sometimes very different from those of Angela Merkel or Emmanuel Macron, said Jan Techau, a foreign policy expert at the German Marshall Fund in Berlin. Kurz is actually winning elections with a new form of conservative policies, and thats getting him attention in the US.

Kurz shot to prominence across Europe in 2016 as he publicly opposed Merkels migration policy, making him a frequent guest on German talk-shows. In Austria, hes governing in a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party, and has implemented tax cuts for families, stricter laws against illegal migration and has cut child benefits for workers from eastern Europe.

Hes also making labor laws more flexible, and plans to lower the overall tax burden. All this makes him a role model for mainstream center-right politicians trying to reinvent themselves and to reinvigorate their parties.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar  Wed, February 20, 2019 13:33 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a104d00 1 National bali,tourism,tourists,environment,plastic-waste,Bali-tourist-tax-plan,IATA,Bali-Airport,Ngurah-Rai-International-Airport Free

Hans van Ginneken and his wife Corrie fell in love with Bali the first time they visited the resort island several years ago.

This year, during the Dutch couples second holiday in Bali, they decided to go on a Java-Bali round trip.

Balinese people are quite friendly, the island is beautiful and the rice fields are amazing, Ginneken told The Jakarta Post in Sanur, one of the islands popular beaches, recently.

The couple said they hoped to visit again in the future, despite the Bali administrations plan to charge a US$10 levy on every foreign tourist visiting the island.

There is no problem. Its only $10. As long as [the administration] uses the money for the environment, nothing else, Ginneken emphasized, adding that he was confident most tourists would still come to Bali and pay the levy.

When Bali does something about the environment, when everybody does something about that, I think it's better, he said.

But tourists, he said, should know exactly where the money was going. You have to be sure that it is going to protect the environment and culture, he added.

Bengt Torolf Bagge, another visitor echoed these views. If it's just $10, I think it doesnt matter. Thats fine, Bagge, who was visiting the island for the second time with his wife from Finland, said.

The Bali administration has drafted a bylaw on tourist contributions for environmental and cultural preservation, which has been discussed with the Bali Legislative Council since December. Through the bylaw, the administration plans to impose a $10 levy on foreign tourists.

The revenue from the levy will be allocated to fund programs to preserve the environment and Balinese culture, as the island province is currently battling an excessive amount of plastic waste.

Read also: Bali to oblige foreign tourists to pay $10

A tourism expert from Udayana University, Ida Bagus Puja Astawa, said a study conducted by the university and environmental group Conservancy International in 2015 showed that 60 percent of foreign tourists were willing to pay for environmental and cultural conservation.

"It won't discourage tourists," Puja said.

The secretary of the university's Culture and Tourism Research Center also said that, according to the study, those who opposed the direct tax on airfares or at airports said that funds should be raised from hotel and restaurant taxes.

The study also found that the average tax that foreign tourists were willing to pay was $13. "So, $10 is not a big amount of money," he added.

Artists perform the dance The love story of King Jaya Pangus of Bali and Kang Cing Wie of China during the Balingkang Kintamani cultural parade in the Ulundanu Batur Temple compound in Bangli, Bali, on Wednesday. The festival was held to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (The Jakarta Post/Zul Trio Anggono)

The administration and the council were still considering ways to collect the tax. Options include incorporating it in the air ticket price along with a passenger service tax or collecting it at a special counter at the airport. The options, however, are still being disputed by related parties.

The first option has been challenged by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that has argued it would breach the Chicago Convention on international civil aviation, which prohibits fees and other charges being imposed based on entry, transit, or exit from a territory.

The group also pointed out that international passengers departing from Denpasar currently paid a passenger service charge of Rp 225,000 (US$15.9).

Read also: IATA objects to planned Bali tourist tax

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport deputy general manager Rahadian D. Yogisworo said the airport fully supported the plan. However, he said he did not advise the administration to open a special counter at the airport to collect the levy. He said the counter would negatively impact the airports services.

We do not recommend the administration opens a counter at the airport to collect the levy, as it goes against international airport service standards, Yogisworo said.

He suggested that the tax be included in the airfares.

Bali Revenues Agency head I Made Santa said the discussions were still ongoing to find the best method.

There are 48 countries around the world that impose similar taxes, including Japan. So, why cant we also impose it to protect our environment and culture? he said.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Michael Mathes (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States  Wed, February 20, 2019 07:07 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0efe9e 2 World #USA,#politics,Bernie-Sanders,Democrat,presidential-bid Free

Once declared too radical by Democratic leaders, the policies pushed by Bernie Sanders including universal health care have tilted toward mainstream party acceptance, themes he and several rival progressives will uphold on the US presidential campaign trail.

Sanders on Tuesday became the latest figure to seek the Democratic nomination to challenge Donald Trump for the White House in 2020, squaring off against several other progressives who have embraced many of the issues he championed during his visionary first presidential bid.

Back in 2016, debate swirled about pushing for a substantial expansion of health coverage through "Medicare for All," raising the US minimum wage to $15 per hour, free tuition at public colleges, and aggressively combatting climate change.

"We were told that all of these concepts were ideas that the American people would never accept," Sanders said in a video launching his candidacy.

"Well, three years have come and gone, and as a result of millions of Americans standing up and fighting back, all of these policies and more are now supported by a majority of Americans."

Of the major Democrats already in the race, several espouse progressive policies popularized by Sanders.

Senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand, all 2020 candidates, co-sponsored his Medicare for All legislation in 2017.

Julian Castro, another Democratic hopeful, joins Gillibrand in supporting universal early childhood education.

And Warren, Booker and Harris have all proclaimed support for the Green New Deal, an ultra-progressive platform to combat climate change that was unveiled this month by congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a rising liberal star.

"I got laughed at three years ago when I said climate change is one of the great crises facing our planet," Sanders told Vermont Public Radio on Tuesday. "People are not laughing now."

Embracing socialism?

Trump's re-election team seized on Sanders' announcement as an opportunity to blast his Democratic rivals for supporting an extremist agenda.

"Every candidate is embracing his brand of socialism," the Trump 2020 campaign said in a statement.

Sanders has nevertheless had tremendous influence on the party.

"It's a sign of Sanders' success that he now has so many imitators," Dante Scala, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire, told AFP.

Following November's midterm elections, the Congressional Progressive Caucus -- co-founded by Sanders in 1991 -- wields more power than at any time in its history.

"We're seeing 2020 candidates adopting his ideas," Scala added. "And I think his ideas are becoming a marker, or a dividing line, among the primary contenders."

Some candidates have already sought to distance themselves from the 77-year-old liberal, as Harris did last weekend during her first-ever visit to New Hampshire, the state which votes second in the nominating process, after Iowa.

"The people of New Hampshire will tell me what's required to compete in New Hampshire," she said at a campaign event in Concord. "But I will tell you I am not a democratic socialist."

Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat known for forging consensus across party lines, said this week that the Green New Deal and positions like Medicare for All were currently more aspirational than realistic.

As an example she rejected the prospect of tuition-free college. "If I was a magic genie and could give that to everyone and we could afford it, I would," she said at a town hall.

But a leftward shift in Democratic politics is underway.

"The 2018 elections certainly confirmed that, to a certain extent," said James Thurber, a government professor at American University.

"Many new Democratic members were elected on Medicare for All and more support for higher education."

Scala, the New Hampshire professor, said the effects of the Great Recession of a decade ago keep reverberating through American life, ultimately bringing out "the strain of populism" that led to Sanders and Trump.

Sanders was an outsider candidate three years ago. But with his massive political network, muscular fundraising capacity, and resilient message, he is now a frontrunner.

He would need to best multiple formidable rivals -- including former vice president Joe Biden, should he enter the race -- and victory is anything but assured.

Sanders could become a "prophetic figure in the party who moved the party with a message, but never actually becomes the nominee," Scala said.

"So his ideas win, but he may not."Elon Musk said Tesla will make about 500,000 cars this year, a prediction thats difficult to gauge given the chief executive officers proclivity for setting stretch goals.

The number Musk put in a Twitter posting late Tuesday is roughly in line with his previous comments, depending on which figures investors paid attention to when Tesla reported earnings Jan. 30.

Tesla made 0 cars in 2011, but will make around 500k in 2019  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 20, 2019

In a letter to shareholders, Musk and his chief financial officer forecast as many as 400,000 total vehicle deliveries this year. But within hours, the CEO told an analyst on Teslas earnings call to expect sales for just the Model 3 to reach as many as 500,000 units in 2019.

To Musks credit, Tesla did make substantial progress in mass-manufacturing electric vehicles last year, after overcoming the production hell he predicted the company would go through starting in the fall of 2017. Total deliveries more than tripled last year.

Still, making 500,000 vehicles in 2019 will be difficult based on the guidance Musk and CFO Deepak Ahuja gave late last month: that Tesla may need until the end of this year to reach a weekly production rate of 7,000 Model 3s.

If the company were to average that pace for the full year, without taking any time off at its plant in Fremont, California, it would assemble almost 365,000 of those cars. Tesla produced another roughly 101,500 Model S sedans and Model X crossovers last year, but has dialed back output of those models in early 2019.

Musk and Ahuja, who is retiring, said in the shareholder letter the expiration of the full federal tax credit in the US at the end of December probably pulled ahead some Model S and Model X demand and cautioned deliveries probably will be lower in the first quarter than a year ago.

To expand its business in China, Tesla is building a plant in Shanghai, though its expecting to start production there late this year.

The electric-vehicle maker kicked off this year on a dull note, with fourth-quarter deliveries slightly lagging expectations. Multiple price cuts have followed for the Model 3 sedan to compensate for the gradual elimination of government incentives in the US Teslas quarterly profit, reported in late January, also missed estimates.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Dmitry Zask (Agence France-Presse) Swindon, United Kingdom  Wed, February 20, 2019 08:38 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0f1d16 2 Business #UK,#Honda,UK-workplace,Swindon,Honda,plant,closure Free

"It is going to be a disaster," Mary Day warned, capturing the sense of doom that descended on the working class English town of Swindon after Honda announced it was closing its local plant after more than 30 years.

"I didn't see it coming. None of us did," the 68-year-old pensioner told AFP as workers arrived for their first shift since the news broke.

The Japanese auto giant is the biggest employer in the town of 180,000 people which grew up in the 19th century thanks to a booming railway works industry.

Swindon, which lies 80 miles (130 kilometres) west of London, survives on manufacturing to this day.

The city is surrounded by warehouses, storage silos and factories straddling a series of gentle rolling hills.

The closure of the Honda factory in 2021 puts 3,500 jobs directly at risk but could affect thousands more.

Next to the Honda plant stands a smaller one making Mini sedans for BMW. Both rely on the same supply chains, and some locals think the Mini plant will be the next to go.

"It is devastating for Swindon. I think Swindon's finished without Honda, that's my opinion," said Sue Davis a 49-year-old financial worker whose husband works at the plant.

"I don't see how the Mini plant will survive on its own," said Andrew Hopkins, 46, a cement factory worker who was jogging by after work.

"Everything around here depends on Honda."

The Japanese giant entered a partnership with the now-defunct carmaker British Leyland in 1980 to build Honda designs.

It led a wave of Japanese carmakers that came to Britain in the 1980s, drawn by the business-friendly environment under then prime minister Margaret Thatcher and access to European markets.

In 1985, Honda acquired the site of a former World War II aircraft factory on the outskirts of Swindon.

The plant began production in 1989 and has since produced bestsellers such as the Honda Accord and the Honda Civic.

Swindon's winding streets around the plant are lined with simple, two-storey homes and south Asian restaurants and stores.

Families of Bengali and Indian descent ride their bikes to work at the guarded plant as huge lorries wheel out the just-minted Civics and Accords, around half of which will be sold to EU member states.

"It will be devastating for people," said Jason Foster, a 46-year-old government employee.

"Awful," he exclaimed.

- 'Down to Brexit' -

Honda said it made its decision as a result of "unprecedented changes" in the global auto industry and stressed it was not related to Brexit.

But residents in Swindon, which voted 55 percent in favour of leaving the European Union in the 2016 referendum, saw Brexit playing a much larger role.

"I think it's coming down to Brexit and they're not admitting it. I think it's the uncertainty of what's going to happen," Foster said.

"I think it just feeds back into the whole thing of why on earth are we leaving. Whose idea was this in the first place? It's a joke," he said.

Michael Barkley, a 32-year-old local store manager, also said the decision was taken "presumably because of Brexit".

"But they are never going to write it down anywhere, are they? They are never going to say that the reason they are leaving is because of Brexit," he said.

Richard Abbott, who works in financial services, said Brexit would get blamed even though "car industries in general seem to be moving away from the country".

"I know we haven't left (the EU) as yet but companies are getting ready beforehand, so it's not just a case of waiting for a deal to be made, companies are already making their plans unfortunately," he said.

Sumit Agarwal, 39, an insurance industry worker, said he was more worried about the impact for people he knows who work at the plant.

"I think it's going to be difficult for them. So I think government should do something to save those jobs."Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 13:03 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a103b43 4 Business SKKMigas,discovery,oil-and-gas-blocks,oil-and-gas-reserve Free

The Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKK Migas) has said that major discoveries are expected in 10 blocks in the country.

SKK Migas head Dwi Soetjipto said six blocks were located in western Indonesia and the other four were located in central part of the country.

We expect to make a giant discovery [that will] increase our reserves, Dwi said as quoted by kontan.co.id on Tuesday.

One block that showed great potential was the Sakakemang Block in South Sumatra that is managed by Repsol Energy, which was estimated to have reserves of 1.5 trillion cubic feet (TCF). Sakakemang had proven reserves equaling that of the Cepu Block in Central Java.

SKK Migas records show that Indonesia has 128 basins, 54 of which have combined reserves of 3.1 billion barrels of oil and have been explored and exploited.

Meanwhile, data from the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministrys Geological Agency shows that five basins were ready to be established as new oil and gas blocks: West Singkawang in West Kalimantan, Banyumas in Central Java, Boka in Papua, Kutai in East Kalimantan and West Agast in Papua.

The ministry's data noted that three blocks (blocks A, B and C) were located in the Kutai Basin with an estimated combined potential of 46.79 TCF.

Nanang Abdul Manaf, the chairman of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) Geological Sciences Alumni Association, said state-owned energy holding company Pertamina and other companies would need to intensify exploration and also find energy resources abroad.

The association said that by 2025, Indonesia's oil demand would increase from 1.2 million barrels per day (MBD) in 2018 to 1.9 MBD, and gas demand would increase to 9.22 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) against total production of only 6.8 bcfd.

Indonesia recorded an oil and gas trade deficit of US$12.4 billion in 2018. (bbn)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Maksum Nur Fauzan (The Jakarta Post) Surakarta, Central Java  Wed, February 20 2019

Youth parade: Surakarta youngsters carry 17 types of jenang.

Surakarta, a major city in Central Java, celebrated its 274th anniversary on Feb. 17 with Semarak Jenang Solo, a jubilant procession and free giveaway of jenang (traditional pudding) at the Sriwedari Plaza.

Surakartas national flag hoisting team (Paskibraka) and young residents, who carried 17 kinds of

jenang, began the procession by parading from Sriwedari Stadium to the plaza.

Each pudding was given a different name with a specific meaning. Among them were jenang sengkala, signifying the existence of male and female humans, and jenang procot, a Javanese term for the safe delivery of a child.

There were also 274 jenang stands that sold puddings from local traders, residents and government agencies.

Surakarta Mayor FX. Hadi Rudyatmo then bega...Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 10:56 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0f75ad 1 City Snake,river,jakarta,animals Free

Jakarta Environment Agency water management workers found a 5 meter long python in the Moorkervart River in Kalideres, West Jakarta, on Tuesday afternoon.



One of the workers, Afit Raharjo, said the snake was found by workers as they were scooping trash out of the river.

While we were doing our usual kayaking [to patrol the river for trash], the snake suddenly appeared and one of the workers caught it. It was in the water but its head was visible [from the surface], Afit said on Tuesday as reported by kompas.com.

He said the workers were able to handle the animal because it looked exhausted, although it fought back against the workers.

After the animal was captured, the workers returned it to the water because they were afraid it would die in their care.

The snake was in pretty bad shape, we were afraid it might die if we took it with us. So we released it, Afit said.

He said that the workers commonly encountered pythons in the river, adding that they had found four in one month.



That [the location] was on the border between Jakarta and Tangerang. Perhaps the snake was from Tangerang and was carried by the current, Afit said. (ami)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 23:47 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a115a1e 1 Business property,environment,green-building,eco-friendly,green-space,developer,consumer,IFC,World-Bank,World-Green-Building Free

The concept of a low carbon footprint in buildings has long been around in Indonesia, but it has yet to gain traction to the point where developers, buyers and tenants prioritize its value in their decisions on constructing, buying or renting homes.

The concept is defined by the World Green Building Council as a building that reduces or eliminates negative impacts and creates a positive impact on the climate and natural environment, as well as improving the quality of life of its people. The green building concept was introduced in 2011 by the World Bank group financing arm, International Finance Corporation (IFC).

IFC Indonesia green building program leader Sandra Pranoto said the concept had received a warm welcome from the government and local administrations since it was introduced.

We even help the Jakarta and Bandung administrations to devise green building codes for their regions as well as create the national green building code with the Public Works and Housing Ministry, she said during a press briefing in Jakarta recently. She added that government agencies based those regulations on IFCs excellence in design for greater efficiencies (EDGE) certification standards.

The Jakarta administration, she said, issued a regulation in 2012 and started to implement it in 2013. In 2015, the Public Works and Housing Ministry issued a regulation on green buildings, which was followed by the issuance of the Bandung green building code in 2016.

She said those regulations were based on IFCs EDGE standards, which served as the guideline for how buildings could play a role in climate change prevention by following the construction and operational requirements, implementing efforts on energy and water conservation and waste management.

Although she admitted that not all buildings had implemented the code since it was launched years ago, the IFC recorded 339 buildings with a total size of 21 million square meters in Jakarta complied with the administrations green building code, while Bandung had more than 3,000 buildings with a size of 880,000 square meters in compliance with the regulation as of last June.

Since 2015, she said, the IFC and Green Building Council Indonesia had also issued EDGE certification to buildings and residential projects in the country to ensure they maintain their environmental commitment.

To date, around 30 projects have received the certification, with more than 50 projects and more than 14,000 housing units registered to get the certification, she said.

However, the number of buildings that comply with the administrations green building codes and the number of certified green buildings is still considered small against the total number of buildings, pointing to an undersupply of green buildings in the country.

JLL Indonesia head of research James Taylor said the main reason for this was a lack of demand from consumers in the country.

Besides location, tenants in the retail, office and residential sectors are still very much concerned about the rent rather than the environmental aspect of the buildings, he said.

He said property developers often had to bear higher construction costs to be certified as a green building, resulting in a higher rent for tenants.

Although Sandra admitted that green buildings typically increased construction costs by 2 to 10 percent, those buildings could save up to 20 percent of water and electricity bills in the long run.

Taylor, however, said the added value still could not entice tenants and property owners to choose spaces in certified eco-friendly buildings, as they lacked awareness on climate change and the environment. The lack of awareness, he continued, created a lack of demand for these types of buildings in Indonesia.

This in turn seemed to make developers reluctant to construct more green buildings in big cities, as both the government and local administrations were unable to provide adequate incentives for them, said Alex Buechi, a partner at Swiss-based property developer Asia Green Real Estate.

Incentives are important to attract more tenants and property owners to choose green property projects, as it can help us to reduce the rental and sale price, he said.

Urbanist Yayat Supriatna agreed incentives could increase green building supply in Indonesias biggest cities. However, he said, the incentives need not be in financial form.

The government can create enough supporting infrastructure like easy access to roads or public transportation, so that developers wont have to worry about their buildings accessibility, he told The Jakarta Post.

In spite of all the problems, Sandra expressed hope that more developers and financial institutions would work together to build environmentally beneficial properties in Indonesia, as the IFC expected the market to continue to grow.

We project that the green property market will reach US$34 billion in 2025, she said.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 12:54 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a10227d 1 City motorcycle-gang,jakarta,police,gang Free

The West Jakarta Police have identified 25 motorbike gangs that reportedly often create public disorder.

Weve arrested [members from] eight of the 25 gangs identified, West Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Hengki Haryadi said on Tuesday, as quoted by tempo.co.

Two of the eight gangs were allegedly involved in recent attacks.

Members of one gang are suspected to have been involved in an assault incident in Tanah Sereal Raya in Tambora on Jan. 20 that killed a resident named Adam Ilham. Police have arrested 12 alleged members of the gang.

The other gang has been accused of an assault on Ahmad Al Fandri in Tanjung Duren on Feb. 5. Police have detained 14 suspected members of the group.

Four gang members from the Tanjung Duren incident are junior high school students, Hengki said.

Hengki said the gang members had committed an assault that escalated into murder because the perpetrators had been the influence of drugs like Tramadol. He also suspected that the gangs went about their activities with the help of social media. (vla)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 16:32 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a10b935 1 Business pertamina,Anadarko-Petroleum-Corporation,LNG,agreement Free

State energy holding company Pertamina signed on Tuesday a 20-year sales and purchase agreement (SPA) for liquefied natural gas (LNG) with United States-based oil company Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, according to the latter's press statement.

Prior to the announcement, Pertamina corporate marketing director Basuki Trikora Putra said the agreement would only kick off in 2024.

We need the LNG supply to fulfill our domestic demand, such as for electricity and the Refinery Development Master Plan [RDMP] project, he told the press in Jakarta on Tuesday.

We picked [LNG from] Mozambique because of its price competitiveness, [gas] quality and we got better terms.

The SPA, which Anadarko was represented by Mozambique LNG1 Company, the jointly owned sales entity of the Mozambique Area 1 coventurer, is for 1 million tons per annum.

"Indonesia is expected to be one of the fastest growing natural gas markets in Asia and Pertamina will play a key role in meeting Indonesia's long-term energy needs," said Mitch Ingram, Anadarko executive vice president in the press statement. (bbn)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 11:01 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0f8328 1 Politics 2019-legislative-election,Perludem,Google,voters,#2019GeneralElections Free

Election watchdog the Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem) launched on Tuesday its new web-based platform pintarmemilih.id that will allow the public, particularly young voters, to find comprehensive information regarding the 2019 simultaneous presidential and legislative elections.

The platform, which means smart voting in English, is sponsored by Google Indonesia. The project has also received support from the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), anti-hoax platform Cek Fakta, news portal rumahpemilu.org, the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and YouTube channel Kok Bisa?.

Indonesia is the worlds fourth most populous nation and third largest democracy. It is also among the countries with the highest number of internet users, of which the majority are young people.

The director of Perludem, Titi Anggraini, said pintarmemilih.id was expected to help first time voters find election-related information, including profiles of candidates, their political parties and presidential debate and election schedules.

The quality of elections will increase if voters are well-informed about the larger context of the elections, she said during the portals launch in Central Jakarta.

Titi said the platform also allowed users to report hate speech and disinformation they found online or in the public sphere. Moreover, it features a Q&A, where people can ask about the stages of the 2019 election process, with the inquiries responded to by a team with credible and verified information. YouTube's Kok Bisa? will help answer the users frequently asked questions in an animated video.

We are happy to help the platform as our subscribers are mostly young people, Ketut Yoga Yudistira, co-founder of Kok Bisa? told The Jakarta Post. He added that his YouTube channel had been viewed more than 120 million times.

The platform, Titi added, would also help the KPU and Bawaslu hold and supervise the elections more effectively and efficiently.

KPU chairman Arief Budiman welcomed the platform, saying that it was an alternative way to help ensure a transparent election process.

The platform provides an alternative source of information on the elections and vote counts if the KPU's website goes down or is hacked, he said.

Bawaslu commissioner Fritz Edward Siregar said the platform would help increase the number of youth participating in monitoring the issues around the elections.

Particular issues, such as hate speech and disinformation, must be reported. Democratic elections can only be staged properly if the youth provide good input, he said.

It is estimated that 14 million young people will vote in the 2019 elections, meaning it is crucial for legislative and presidential candidates to win the hearts of young voters, some of whom are disenchanted with the countrys political establishment.

Government relations senior analyst at Google Indonesia Ryan Rahardjo expressed hope that the platform would increase voters knowledge regarding the elections and help introduce the candidates.

We expect the platform will increase public participation, particularly among new voters. They should not be apathetic about the elections, Ryan said. (das)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 19:48 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a11131a 1 National LBH-Pers,hoax Free

The Legal Aid Institute for the Press (LBH Pers) has condemned the hacking of cekfakta.com, an official fact-checking website that was created in a collaborative project involving 24 mainstream media organizations in Indonesia.

The website has allegedly been under the control of hackers since Tuesday night, just two days after the second presidential debate was aired, with the hackers diverting the site to a YouTube jump-scare video in which footage of a girl is shown before an image of a scary face suddenly appears.

The hacking has disturbed all work conducted by the team, which aims to fight hoaxes, Gading YD of LBH Pers said on Wednesday.

We call on the police to immediately investigate the incident and find out who is responsible for this."

The website also conducted collaborative live fact-checking during the presidential debates to verify claims made by candidates.

According to LBH Pers, hacking is the unauthorized intrusion into an electronic network and illegal under Article 19 of the 2016 Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Safrin La Batu and Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 19:37 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a10fe9e 1 National graft-convict,legislative-candidates,election,KPU,Bawaslu,Perludem Free

The General Elections Commission (KPU) named on Tuesday another 32 former corruption convicts who are running in the legislative elections slated for April, with the Democratic Party and Hanura Party topping the list.

The new names bring to 81 the number of former-convict candidates named by the KPU. All of the former convicts are running for Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) seats in a variety of provinces, cities and regencies across the country.

It is part of our responsibility to inform the people about this, KPU head Arief Budiman told reporters.

This list is likely to be the final one, he added.

Hanura, which is part of the coalition which is endorsing President Joko Jokowi Widodos reelection bid, has six legislative candidates identified as former corruption convicts in the latest list. In addition to the KPUs previous announcement, the party led by Jokowis ally and DPD Speaker Oesman Sapta Odang now has a total of 11 former convicts running as legislative candidates.

The Democrats, the party of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and which is currently a supporter of presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, has had six more candidates identified as graft convicts, adding to the four names the KPU previously announced.

Two former convicts are listed as running for Golkar, the oldest political vehicle in the country and which has strived to repair its image as being the most corrupt party, meaning that the party now has 10 former convicts on its legislative candidate list.

In a previous announcement, the KPU found that two Muslim-based parties  the National Awakening Party (PKB) and United Development Party (PPP)  were among the parties without former corruption convicts on their lists. On Tuesday, the commission revealed that the PPP has three former-convict candidates, while the PKB has two.

Only the NasDem Party and Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) do not appear to have any former corruption convicts on their lists.

The 81 names will be available on the KPUs website, kpu.go.id, after the commission has finalized all the other details concerning the listed candidates, such as the regions and the positions they are running for.

The KPU will not display the 81 names at polling stations, as the commission only does that for candidates who are no longer eligible to run or who have died.

The KPU has made it a routine practice to announce the names of election candidates convicted of corruption, sexual crime or drug offenses. The KPU initially banned individuals convicted of any of the three crimes to run in any election. The ban was stipulated in Article 4 of KPU regulation No. 20/2018, which was later annulled by the Supreme Court following a judicial review.

The KPU decided to publish the names of convicted candidates to let voters know the backgrounds of the candidates for whom they are going to vote.

Voters should have enough information concerning the background of the candidates before they cast a ballot, Arief said.

Golkar executive Bambang Soesatyo claimed the central executive board had no idea how the former graft convicts managed to be listed as DPRD legislative candidates, putting the blame on the regional boards.

We dont know [why they were chosen]. The central board only handles those running for the House of Representatives, said Bambang Soesatyo, who is also the House speaker.

He went on to say, however, that the party could not prohibit the former convicts from running for election, because they had the right to vote and to run for office.

There is no regulation banning them from running as legislative candidates. Thats their right, Bambang said.

Like Golkar, Hanura politician Benny Rhamdani claimed that the former convicts had the right to run in elections, because they had already served their sentences. However, as a party executive, he said he was surprised that his party had contributed the highest number. Were surprised that we got 11. Maybe we should check first with the partys regional [offices], Benny said.

Election watchdog the Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem) said it was not enough for the KPU simply to announce the names, because not all voters across the country could access such information.

Its important to also display the names [of the former convicts] at the polling stations, so that the voters can directly get information about the track records of the candidates right before they cast their votes, Perludem executive director Titi Anggraini told The Jakarta Post.

Unfortunately, Titi said, there was no specific regulation that obliged the election organizer to publish the names at the polling stations. Therefore, it should be a technical policy made by the KPU, she suggested.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang  Wed, February 20, 2019 16:55 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a10ceb5 1 National landslide,early-warning-system,Banjarnegara,Central-Java,elwasi Free

An elementary school dropout from Klampok district in Banjarnegara, Central Java, has created a detection device to warn people of landslides.

Sudarsono, 45, who volunteers at the disaster mitigation agency (BPBD) of the regency that has suffered multiple landslides, built the device with a budget of less than Rp 5 million. He called it Elwasi after the Javanese words eling (remember), waspada (cautious) and siaga (prepared).

I created the device out of concern that many areas have suffered from disasters but have yet to install early-warning systems, he said recently while presenting the device during a coordination meeting of Central Java's BPBD in Semarang.

National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) head Lt. Gen. Doni Manardo and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo praised the invention.

Sudarsono said he had modelled the device on an early-warning tool installed in a number of landslide-prone areas in Banjarnegara. After inspecting the tool, he thought he could make a similar device serving the same purpose but using cheaper materials.

In 2017, he started to work on Elwasi, unhindered by his lack of formal education. He had picked up some skills from the son of an official of the subdistrict where he lived.

I was frequently asked to help fix electronic devices, so I know how to assemble electronic stuff, said Sudarsono, who also runs a repair workshop out of his house.

His hard work paid off. Elwasi won the first prize at an innovation competition in the regency in July 2018.

That motivated me to further perfect the device, said Sudarsono, adding that he had so far made five of them, some had been installed in Banjarnegara and in Sukabumi, West Java.

Elwasi consists of several components including a solar panel connected to a battery, a rope to be planted in the land prone to landslides, a lamp and a speaker for the siren.

When the land moves, it will pull the rope and ring the siren, said Sudarsono, adding that the siren would allow people to save themselves.

He would continue to perfect Elwasi, he said, and had received support from the Banjarnegara BPBD that encouraged him to produce more of the devices.

Hopefully it will be useful. As a BPBD volunteer I just want to call on people to be aware of disaster and minimize the number of victims during a disaster, he said.

Banjarnegara is particularly prone to landslides. In 2014, a hill collapsed in Karangkobar district and buried two villages, killing at least 83 people. Two years later, at least seven were killed in the village of Gumelem.

In 2017, another landslide hit Bantar village, destroying dozens of houses and forcing 51 families to move within the village, but their hopes of starting a new life were crushed a year later when the new site was also hit by a landslide.

In January, at least three landslides occurred, disrupting road access between Wanayasa and Batur districts and also those connecting the regency with Kebumen. (swa)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 10:30 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0f63d6 4 Business VAT-refund-rule-revision,directorate-general-of-taxation,robert-pakpahan,20-million-arrival-target Free

The Indonesian government is preparing a regulation to relax the value added tax (VAT) refund requirements for foreign tourists to support efforts to achieve this years target to attract 20 million tourist arrivals.

We have prepared a foreign ministerial regulation, said Finance Ministry Taxation Director General Robert Pakpahan in Jakarta on Tuesday, adding that the new policy was expected to help small and medium enterprises to boost sales among foreign tourists.

Under the current regulation, a tourist is entitled to a VAT refund if they spend at least Rp 500,000 (US$35.59) at one shop on the same date and on one receipt. Under the planned regulation, a tourist will be entitled to a refund of 10 percent of the value added tax (VAT) paid on spending of more than Rp 500,000 during their stay in Indonesia.

With the new regulation, tourists will be able to refund the VAT for a minimum spending of Rp 500,000 on different receipts from different shops and on different dates, Robert said.

He said the Finance Ministry was still discussing the draft regulation and that it was expected to be completed in one month. It will be a revision of Finance Ministerial Regulation (PMK) No 76/PMK.03/2010 on the VAT refund procedure for foreigners.

Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) chairman Hariyadi Sukamdani welcomed the proposed relaxation of the VAT refund requirements and expressed hope it would benefit retailers through increasing the number of tourist arrivals.

What we want is for tourists to get forms for refunding their VAT at each retail outlet, he added as quoted by kontan.co.id. (bbn)Former trade minister Mari Elka Pangestu (center) talks to University of Lampung professor of agricultural economics Bustanul Arifin (left) in Jakarta on Monday, accompanied by Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) executive director Fabby Tumiwa (second left), University of Indonesia senior economic researcher Alin Halimatussadiah (second right) and Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) economic researcher Deni Friawan. The CSIS, a Jakarta-based think tank, held a discussion to review the second presidential debate, which was aired on national television on Sunday. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)(center) talks to University of Lampung professor of agricultural economics Bustanul Arifin (left) in Jakarta on Monday, accompanied by Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) executive director Fabby Tumiwa (second left), University of Indonesia senior economic researcher Alin Halimatussadiah (second right) and Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) economic researcher Deni Friawan. The CSIS, a Jakarta-based think tank, held a discussion to review the second presidential debate, which was aired on national television on Sunday. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Bogor  Wed, February 20 2019

The administration of Bogor in West Java has significantly reduced plastic waste through a policy that bans plastic bags at many retailers.

The policy, which was enacted on Dec. 12 through Mayoral Regulation No. 60/2018, bars modern retailers from providing plastic bags to their customers.

At least 24 retailers have implemented the policy, Bogor Environment Agency head of partnerships Setiawati said in a press release on Monday.

The result, Setiawati added, had encouraged the administration to expand the policy to 12 traditional markets in the municipality.

The agency would start introducing the ban at the traditional markets on National Plastic Waste Reduction Day on March 1. It took us four months to introduce the policy at modern retailers. I believe it will take us more than that for the...Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 14:17 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a10756c 1 City gas-explosion,jakarta,shopping-mall,West-Jakarta Free

A gas pipe exploded at the Taman Anggrek Mall in Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta, on Wednesday at 10.30 a.m.

One person was reportedly injured in the incident.

The explosion occurred in food court on fourth floor of the mall and caused some of the outer windows of the mall to be visibly damaged.

Its from a gas pipe, said head of the general crime division at Tanjung Duren Police Adj. Comr. Rensa Aktadivia as quoted by kompas.com.

He added that the injured victim had been admitted to a hospital.

The explosion occurred at one of the food court stalls that was under construction. The situation is now under control, Taman Anggrek mall management said in a written statement on Wednesday.

The management said the mall continued to operate as normal and apologized for the incident.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 16:09 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a10b6e5 1 City taman-anggrek-mall,explosion,food-court,fatalities Free

An explosion at a food court in the Taman Anggrek Mall in West Jakarta has injured six people and damaged 40 food counters.

The victims were women and men between 29 and 44 years of age.

The explosion that damaged the food court on the fourth floor of the Taman Anggrek Mall was caused by a gas pipe leak, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said in a written statement on Wednesday.

A witness, Fauzi, 51, told police that he heard a hissing noise from above the Soto Betawi food counter at around 10:15 a.m. The witness said he then turned off the gas handle on the counter, but the hissing continued.

The explosion occurred at the food counter at 10:20 a.m. on Wednesday. At 12:15 a.m. the Jakarta Polices bomb squad, led by First Insp. Muji, investigated the area and confirmed a gas leak as the cause of the explosion that damaged 40 counters at the food court.

Police have cordoned off the scene pending their investigation.National Development Planning Agency head Bambang Brodjonegoro (right) shakes hands with Indonesias special envoy for climate change Rachmat Witoelar (left) in Jakarta on Tuesday, while the initiator for global initiative Mission 2020, Christiana Figueres (center), looks on. The government and the private sector launched a research initiative called the Indonesia Low-Emission Network to study policies to lower carbon emissions. (JP/Iqbal Yuwansyah)(right) shakes hands with Indonesias special envoy for climate change Rachmat Witoelar (left) in Jakarta on Tuesday, while the initiator for global initiative Mission 2020, Christiana Figueres (center), looks on. The government and the private sector launched a research initiative called the Indonesia Low-Emission Network to study policies to lower carbon emissions. (JP/Iqbal Yuwansyah)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Shingo Sugime (The Japan News/Asia News Network) Bangkok, Thailand  Wed, February 20, 2019 11:44 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0fca81 2 Business #Japan,#SoutheastAsia,aircraft,manufacture,moving,Southeast-Asia Free

Boeing Co. of the United States and other major international aircraft makers are moving to build manufacturing bases in Southeast Asia.

Thailand and Malaysia are eager to attract industries from overseas, in the hope of developing their economies. This is presenting opportunities for small and midsized Japanese companies that manufacture airplane parts or provide other services to start operations in the region.

On-site inspection

Representatives of 30 small and midsized companies from Japan gathered in Bangkok on Feb. 12 to explore the possibility of starting business there. They listened to Thai government officials discuss investment plans and inspected local companies.

There are issues with the infrastructure environment and other things, but we hope to incorporate the vigor of this growth market, said Tomaru Nakamura, managing director of Kyoto-based Asahi Kinzoku Kogyo Inc., which provides such services as special surface processing for airplane parts.

Thailand is planning to build a base for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft in a special economic zone. Demand for MRO services is growing due to an increase in the number of airplanes flying in the region.

Europes Airbus has already decided to start operations in the zone, with Boeing Co., Rolls-Royce of Britain and other companies also considering investments there.

The Thai government hopes Japanese companies will help set up a center for the aircraft industry the way they did for the auto industry, a factor contributing to Thailands economic development.

The Japanese automobile makers who started business in Southeast Asia before others led the growth of auto manufacturing there, said a vice secretary general in charge of special zone projects. In aircraft manufacturing as well, we want to learn from Japans advanced technological skills, its ability to train personnel who maintain quality levels and other attributes.

Topping N. America, Europe

The volume of airline passenger transportation in the Asia-Pacific region surpassed that in North America and Europe in 2017, according to the Japan Aircraft Development Corporation. Airbus and others believe about 40,000 airplanes will be needed in the next 20 years, most of which will be supplied to the Asia-Pacific region.

While this could be a boon for parts makers, airplane parts must comply with strict safety standards. The need to obtain safety certifications for all parts is a major barrier to entry.

Japanese companies hope to meet these demands by quickly building a parts supply network that utilizes the areas cost-competitiveness.

Other nations as well

Other Southeast Asian nations are also trying to draw aircraft-related businesses from overseas, a move resulting in fierce competition with rivals in the region.

Singapore has been a leader in attracting foreign capital in the MRO field, with its hub airport that sees more than 65 million users annually.

Malaysia and Indonesia are actively trying to increase investments from overseas by highlighting their advantages, such as preferential treatment for foreign investments and low labor costs.

Asias largest low-cost carrier, AirAsia Group Bhd., is headquartered in Malaysia.

MRO businesses have helped to grow related industries such as parts manufacturing and to create jobs, said an official from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 08:34 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0f1b53 1 City diphtheria,outbreak,hoax Free

The Jakarta Health Agency said on Tuesday that information about a diphtheria outbreak in the city that has been widely shared on social media like WhatsApp since Feb. 16 was a hoax.

Jakarta Health Agency head Widyastuti called on people to remain calm and not believe the information, even though the message looked official and ended with the Jakarta Health Agency's name.

She said that the message about 600 people in Jakarta having contracted diphtheria was first posted in 2018.

The message had been shared in 2018 without mentioning our agency. This year, the message was reshared and our name was tagged, she said as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.

When the diphtheria cases were recorded in 2018, Widyastuti said, the agency had taken regular measures to prevent further outbreak.

The agency had attempted to contradict the false information through its official Instagram and Twitter accounts, @dinkesdki and @dinkesjkt respectively.

I dont understand: Why did people share it again and cause public unrest? Where are their hearts? she asked. (vla)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 09:01 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0f3b7f 1 City islet-c,bridge,construction Free

Construction of a bridge connecting Islet C of the Jakarta Bay reclamation project with Dadap Beach in Tangerang, Banten, will begin next month before finishing in 2020, when the bridge is expected to open.

The Banten Public Works and Housing Agencys head of spatial management, Nurmutaqin, said the Banten administration and the Public Works and Housing Ministry were currently conducting pile integrity testing.

The bridge will connect many roads in Tangerang and serve traffic from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. It will also serve as an alternative route between Tangerang and Jakarta.

All permits have been obtained [], Nurmutaqin said on Tuesday, tempo.co reported.

The project would be fully funded by developers PT Kukuh Mandiri Lestari and PT Waskita Karya under a Rp 700 billion (US$49.7 million) budget, he said, adding that the bridge would then be managed by the Jakarta and Banten administrations.

I can assure that the construction project will not disrupt the locals activities and [harm] the environment in the mangrove forest, he added. Most of the locals are fisherfolk.

The head of road and bridge research at the ministrys geotechnic body, Fahmi Aldiamar, said the ministry was still doing research on soil contour and the depth of the concrete bridge pile.

The plan is to create a bridge that lasts for 100 years, he said.

PT Waskita operational manager Hermanto said the bridge would be 1.4 kilometers long and 21 meters wide.

Were planning to construct it over the course of one year, he said. (vla)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 10:36 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0f66ab 2 National terrorism,terrorist-family,terrorists,Abu-Bakar-Baasyir Free

Terror convict Noim Baasyir, the younger brother of Abu Bakar Baasyir, a firebrand cleric who was convicted of terror, was released from prison on Tuesday morning after serving a six-year prison sentence.

I want to take care of my family, Noim said upon exiting the penitentiary as quoted by Antara.

When asked about his allegiance to Indonesia, he answered only with: I am an Indonesian.

Read also: Baasyirs sons, followers disappointed over canceled release

Noim was picked up by his family, including his sister, wife and children. Before exiting the penitentiary, he was seen exchanging words with prison officials and other law enforcers, including ones from the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT).

Noim was initially to be released from prison on May 21  roughly six years after the court found him guilty of involvement in a terror organization.

Tulungagung Penitentiary chief warden Erry Taruna, however, said the terror convict earned a three-month sentence reduction, allowing him to become a free man on Tuesday.

In 2016, Noim made headlines after he demanded a private area for him and his wife while serving his sentence at the Pamekasan Penitentiary in East Java. (kuk)She scrubs plates, mops floors and washes clothes with vigor. She works when others relax. And she plays games with children who are not hers, even though they might feel a bit like family by now.

Just like Cleo, the live-in nanny in Alfonso Cuaron's Oscar-nominated film "Roma," Ignacia Ponciano represents millions of women working in domestic service across Latin America for want of a better opportunity.

"Nacha," as she is known, started working at the Rodriguez household in Mexico City 30 years ago, when she was in her late teens. She left her rural village for the capital looking for a break

Once she found both a job and a home, she never left.

Ponciano's story is hardly uncommon for women in Latin America, where the work and personal lives of so many domestic employees are closely intertwined.

"Roma" is Cuaron's tribute to his childhood nanny Libo and women like her across the region -- forever in the background yet an integral part of the families that they serve.

In recent years, several countries have established laws to formalize what tend to be very ad hoc employment contracts for maids and nannies.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) enshrined job security and benefits in a convention in 2013 -- so far, more than a dozen countries in the region have ratified it.

But other regional economic and migration crises have made its lofty goals difficult to achieve.

- 18 million workers -

In the home where she says she landed "without knowing how to do anything," Ponciano worked cleaning, cooking and looking after Penelope, the daughter of her boss, who was divorced and living with her sister.

She quickly became a confidante to everyone in the house.

But while it was a close-knit, family-like community, it was also the source of her livelihood -- and she had no formal contract to protect her from the whims of fate.

According to the ILO, there are 18 million domestic workers in Latin America, 93 percent of them women, making it "one of the most important occupations for women in the region."

But it is almost 80 percent informal employment, meaning workers have trouble accessing social security, lack opportunities for advancement and have no recourse for workplace inspections, the ILO says.

There is also no collective bargaining to lobby for better work conditions.

Domestic worker Fabiana Barbosa de Souza, 36, irons at the house where she works twice a week at Laranjeiras neighborhood, southern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on January 11, 2019. The working conditions of domestics in Latin America, to whom director Alfonso Cuaron pays homage in his recent movie 'Roma', is slowly reaching a legal framework. Whilst several countries in the region have established laws for the sector in the last decade, other simultaneous realities such as economic crises and migration, are hampering those conquests and ambitions of formality. (AFP/Mauro Pimentel)

Read also: 'Roma' actor Jorge Antonio Guerrero granted US visa after three denied attempts

- Impersonal relations -

With new lifestyles and new regulations, workers who live with their employers have become the exception, not the rule, and this change is having an impact on how the homes themselves are designed.

Lourdes Cruz Gonzalez Franco, a researcher from the National University of Mexico, said it is unusual now for architects to plan for servants' quarters in new houses.

"Although you can't generalize, because the upper classes still plan for servants' quarters, there is a tendency to get rid of them or convert them into guest rooms or studios," she said.

That means that domestic servants have to commute to work, often for hours, which in turn leads to more superficial relations with their employers than the close ties portrayed in "Roma," set in the 1970s.

Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, among others, have introduced rules that establish base salaries and other benefits.

In December, Mexico's Supreme Court ordered that some two million domestic workers be enrolled in the social security system within three years to guarantee their access to public health care and other benefits.

Nevertheless, countries that have made progress in the sector, like Argentina, have discovered that the challenge does not end with writing new laws.

Since 2013, domestic workers there have had the right to overtime, paid holidays and maternity leave. Yet still some 57 percent of the work in private homes is on an informal basis.

Workers are also very vulnerable to economic and social unrest, as has been the case in Brazil.

Despite a 2013 law to benefit domestic workers, the economic crash two years later dealt a serious blow to the country's safety net.

Now, around a third of Brazil's 6.2 million domestic workers are employed on an off-the-books basis.

- Half a kilo of meat -

The situation is even worse in crisis-torn Venezuela, where 41-year-old Marbelis Martinez cleans apartments.

Despite a 2012 law protecting domestic workers, she is lucky if she can afford half a kilo (one pound) of meat a week.

"It won't even get me a dozen eggs," she said of her pay.

Even in the United States, seen by some in the region as a promised land, a survey by the National Union of Domestic Employees found that "workers are exposed to the whims of their employers."

According to the study, 23 percent of dismissals were because people complained about their working conditions. In many cases, the workers' immigration status obliges them to suffer in silence.

But that helplessness is often experienced by Latin American workers in their home countries.

In Guatemala, Maritza Velasquez, president of the Association of Domestic Workers, said the majority of maids come from indigenous communities, and few make even the minimum wage of $384 a month.

"The monthly wage can go from $90 a $320, but there are almost no complaints for fear of reprisals," she said.Director Garin Nugroho has outdone himself in his latest film, Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku (Memories of My Body).

His acclaimed 1998 film, Daun di Atas Bantal (English title: Leaf on a Pillow), follows three street children to their eventual doom. It was like a cinematic bait-and-switch: viewers become invested in these kids only to watch them suffer. The nascent Indonesian movie scene of the time welcomed Daun as one of its finest entries and Garin as one of its finest directors.

This time, instead of three kids, Garin trains his quietly frenetic camera on one boy called Juno (Raditya Evandra), who lives in a Central Java village.

Garins latest cinematic outing, released internationally as Memories of My Body, follows four stages of Junos life, including his years as a teen (Muhammad Khan), his destiny hinging on his body.

Based on the real life of dancer Rianto (who plays the adult Juno and narrator), Kucumbu treats the human body like a disease and a cure, a curse and a blessing. It can withstand harm, it can age, it can attract, but more importantly, it can dance.

Dance forms a great part of Junos life and represents Garins comments on masculinity. In Kucumbu, masculinity has another name: violence.

In an early scene, a young Juno steals a look at lengger dancers and is caught by the lengger dance master (Sujiwo Tejo), who lectures him on what lengger means: a twisted way of referring to the genitals. Junos femininity is expressed in his love for his body, the keeper of his memories and one that both witnesses and sustains hardships.

Junos father deserts him due to unresolved trauma as a suspected communist during the 1965 massacre. Juno has been on the move since then, carting around his cassette player. His aunt chastises him by poking a needle into his finger. The oozing blood eats away at Junos idea of the human body, and later, when he is older, he pokes a needle into his own finger. When he dances, however, his body looks impenetrable.

Femininity emerges more as a natural sign of Junos maturity, growing in parallel. Garin uses this as a subtle device to challenge the long-held belief of sexuality: it is not a choice.

Femininity: Garin Nugroho's 'Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku' explores the nuances of femininity through the life and dance of its protagonist, Juno, which is based on real-life dancer Rianto. (IMDB.com/-)

During his teenage years, Juno harbors a crush on a chiseled-bodied boxer (Randy Pangalila). In keeping with Garins style, their eroticism is subtle and bereft of showiness.

When Juno joins a village lengger troupe, he partakes in the warok-gemblak tradition  presumably inspired by the East Javanese Reog tradition  in which he, as the gemblak, brings power to his keeper, the warok, by becoming his lover.

Kucumbu is a spectacularly meticulous film, right down to the blocking and the lighting on Junos face.

Khan kills his role as the teenage Juno, generally portraying him as a timid boy until he dances, when Khans face takes on an alluring droop. When Juno experiences a personal tragedy in connection with a relative's advice to treasure his body, Khan portrays the stages of his inconsolable sadness in a matter of seconds.

Raditya is also a wonderful young actor that is able to follow Garins predilection for subtlety.

Kucumbu is also one of the director's most exquisite films in terms of narrative, as it is told mostly in Javanese. Each chapter in Junos life is punctuated by Rianto's narration of his life and dances, sometimes with unnerving precision and fervor.

Garins signature style of featuring Javanese traditional songs, as in Nyai, takes front and center in Kucumbu. The abrupt turn of fate that befalls his characters is also evident here, such as when Junos dance teacher is mercilessly taken to the police. From the way this scene is shot, it is unclear if the director's intention is to illustrate sexual exploitation or Junos irresponsibility.

Midway through the film, however, Garin slightly muddies up his commentary on gender by introducing a strange subplot, which features a regent played by Teuku Rifnu Wikana.

Together with the regents scheming wife, the regent calls Juno his lucky charm and increasingly becomes attracted to his body. The subplot might suggest how Junos sexuality becomes a political liability, but it feels forced.German film enthusiasts with an interest in all things Indonesian can rejoice: the Indonesian House of Culture Berlin has joined forces with Babylon Berlin to organize a monthly film program called Cinema Indonesia.

The program came after the inaugural film festival Indonesia on Screen in 2018, a festival in collaboration with NGO Watch! Indonesia as well as the screening of two Indonesian movies at this years Berlinale film festival.

I contacted the movie theater Babylon and met with manager Timothy Grossman, who was immediately enthusiastic about the idea, says Birgit Steffan, coordinator at the Indonesian House of Culture Berlin.

With Cinema Indonesia, we would like to convey a broad picture of the Indonesian film scene. Thats why we show films of different genres and sometimes even older productions. The only criterion is that the films were already screened at international festivals, if only because of the English subtitles.

This selection guarantees a certain qualitative standard, she adds, as all films that will be shown at Cinema Indonesia have received both national and international awards.

The new program kicked off with a screening of Garin Nugrohos Guru Bangsa Tjokroaminoto (Teacher of the Nation Tjokroaminoto), which follows the story of the Indonesian nationalist and leader.

We hope to be able to introduce Indonesian cinema to a larger audience here in Berlin, not only by simply showing the films but also by giving introductions prior to the screening so that the movie audience will gradually gain a better insight into the Indonesian film scene, Steffan explains.

New program: Indonesian House of Culture Berlin has joined forces with Babylon Berlin to organize a monthly film program called Cinema Indonesia. (Katrin Figge/-)

As it turns out, Babylon has been the perfect partner for this mission.

The Babylon is also home to other country-specific programs with films from India and Spain and has therefore always been one of the starting points for fans of non-German or non-mainstream cinema, Steffan says.

The Babylon is also hosting the week-long Indonesian film festival Indonesia on Screen, which will be held for the second time this year in April. This shows Babylons strong affinity for Indonesian films, Steffan says.

If the kick-off event of Cinema Indonesia was any indication, Steffan and the Babylon team are heading in the right direction: there were hardly any empty seats in the movie theater, and the audience  a colorful mix of young and old, Indonesian and non-Indonesians  was seemingly enthralled by the movie and by the prospect of having the opportunity to see more films from the archipelago from now on.

This coincides with the vision of Babylons manager Timothy Grossman, who hopes to see a growing acceptance and interest in Indonesian film among German cineastes and give it a new home at his movie theater, both through Cinema Indonesia and Indonesia on Screen programs.

While the main focus will always be on the films, I can also imagine to expand the activities around the Indonesia on Screen festival, for instance with readings or music performances, so that Babylon Berlin will become a focal point for Indonesia at least once a year, he says.

The next edition of Cinema Indonesia, which will take place in March, will see the screening of Salawaku, the debut of film director Pritagita Arianegara.

This road movie tells the story of two deeply desperate women, Steffan explains.

One becomes pregnant without being married yet, while the other just went through an abortion. The journey of the one woman looking for the other takes us to the paradisiac island world of the Moluccas and is, at the same, a journey to find themselves. Well, that is at least how I interpret this film.

If all goes according to plan, one of the producers of Salawaku will be present for next months Cinema Indonesia, and the audience is invited to learn more about the film in a Q&A session directly after the screening. (ste)For those who like to push the cutting edge of style, two of the worlds most talked-about haircuts are now available for free, in Vietnam.

In honor of an upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Feb. 27-28, a Hanoi barber is offering free haircuts to anyone wanting to copy their distinctive locks.

I feel happy with this haircut because people will think I look like the leader of North Korea, said nine-year-old To Gia Huy, whose hair had been moulded to perfectly match the slicked-back top and shaved sides of Kims unique coiffure.

Tuan Duong Beauty Academy is running the promotion to Feb. 28 as thousands of officials and journalists descend on the Vietnamese capital for the second summit between Trump and Kim since their historic first meeting in Singapore last June.

I was doing this for fun only but was surprised at how people have responded, said Le Tuan Duong, who owns the salon.

I love peace. I hate war so much. So many people in my family have died, so I support this summit very much, said Duong, who lost two of his uncles during the Vietnam War.

Le Phuc Hai, 66, said he was relaxing by a nearby lake when Duong asked if he would like to get his hair cut, and dyed, like Trumps.

Hai agreed, out of curiosity.

Read also: Kim Jong Who? South Korea revamps the way students study North Korea

Im not afraid of this bright orange hair color because after this promotional campaign, the hair salon owner said he would return my hair to normal, Hai said.

I like Donald Trumps haircut. It looks great and it fits my age, said Hai.

Although warmly welcomed by some, publicity stunts at the expense of the North Korean leadership have the potential to get hairy.

North Korea is very sensitive about anything that could be construed as an insult to the dignity of its supreme leadership, a phrase it uses to refer to the ruling Kim family.

In 2014, officials from the North Korean embassy in London complained to a barber who had used the phrase Bad Hair Day? under a photograph of the portly Kim to offer discounts on haircuts.

Huy, the nine-year-old Kim lookalike, said he was happy with his haircut though none of his schoolmates would be able to pull off the look.

No one in my class is as fat as me, Huy said.

Reporting by Mai Nguyen; Writing by James Pearson; Editing by Robert BirselKarl Lagerfeld's cat Choupette was already the most famous cat in fashion.

Now the white fluffy Burmese cat that the late fashion designer doted on could be about to become the richest feline on the planet.

The pampered eight-year-old puss has enjoyed a jetset lifestyle eating off silver platters since Lagerfeld "kidnapped" her in 2011 from his young friend, male model Baptiste Giabiconi.

Now she could be about to inherit a slice of his estimated $200-million (176-million-euro) fortune.

Long before his death on Tuesday, Lagerfeld said he had made sure that Choupette would go on living in the style that she had become accustomed to, with her own personal bodyguard and two maids.

"Choupette is a rich girl," he once told French television, hinting that had written her into his will.

"She has her own fortune," he added, thought to be at least three million euros ($3.4 million) which she earned with him doing adverts for a German car firm and a Japanese cosmetics brand.

"If anything happens the person who looks after her will not go without," said Lagerfeld, who designed for Chanel, Fendi and his own brand right up to his death aged 85.

Choupette -- who the designer they called the Kaiser compared to the enigmatic star Greta Garbo -- is something of a cult figure in the fashion world, with more than 170,000 followers on social media.

She is also the hero of a book, "Choupette: The Private Life of a High-Flying Fashion Cat", where she was photographed in arms of supermodel Linda Evangalista and snuggling with model turned actress Laetitia Casta.

Caviar and king crab

Unlike them, the spoiled feline has never had has to watch what she eats.

The book includes recipes for her favourite meals prepared by some of the best restaurants in Paris.

One typically lavish repast is a mix of king crab, smoked salmon and caviar.

And unlike ordinary cats, Choupette eats at a table.

Read also: Haute-couture designer Karl Lagerfeld dies aged 85

"She is like a human being, only with an extra quality -- silence," Lagerfeld quipped.

Despite her reputation as a gastronome, the designer forbade her from doing ads for cat food.

"She is too sophisticated for that," said the legendary wit, who lived alone and admitted that "Choupette is the centre of my world".

"She has something unforgettable in the way she moves -- I'm inspired by her elegance and her attitude," he said.

Adored godson

Lagerfeld -- an incorrigible collector of art and fine furniture -- also famously showered his friends with gifts and money.

Choupette's big rival for the Lagerfeld millions is likely to be his godson Hudson Kroenig, who the designer utterly adored, seeing something of himself in the blond 10-year-old son of his muse, US model Brad Kroenig.

"I consider them like my family," Lagerfeld said of the Kroenigs, using Hudson and his brother Jameson in many of his spectacular Chanel shows at the Grand Palais in Paris..

He often appeared at the end to acknowledge the applause holding Hudson's hand.

Yet Lagerfeld thought so highly of Choupette that if she had died before him, her wanted to have her ashes scattered with his own and his mother's.

Under French law, Lagerfeld could not leave his millions to a cat.

"That's OK," he told reporters who once questioned him on the subject, "because I am not French", hinting that the money could be left in trust.

Even so, Choupette -- who has not tweeted since Lagerfeld's death -- was sometimes used to deliver stinging swipes at her master.

French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot wrote her a letter in 2015 asking her to "purr in the ear" of her owner so he would "stop using fur in his collections".An "invasion" of aggressive polar bears in inhabited areas of Arctic Russia has come to an end, officials said Tuesday, ten days after the animals came to the area looking for food.

Officials in the remote northeastern Novaya Zemlya archipelago declared a state of emergency last week after 52 bears were seen entering homes and public buildings.

Local authorities appealed for help from Moscow to tackle the "unprecedented" situation on the archipelago, where Russia has bases for military personnel.

"The mass invasion of polar bears into inhabited areas has ended," Novaya Zemlya authorities said in a statement, adding that emergency measures had been lifted.

The number of bear sightings has fallen sharply and are now close to "statistical average" for the time of year, they said.

"The threat has been minimized," the head of the local government, Zhigansha Musin told TASS news agency.

[RA::South Korea's last polar bear dies ahead of British retirement::https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/10/19/south-koreas-last-polar-bear-dies-ahead-of-british-retirement.html

Officials said 24-hour patrols were preventing bears from entering the main settlement of Belushya Guba in Novaya Zemlya, which has a population of around 3,000.

Polar bears are affected by global warming with melting Arctic ice forcing them to spend more time on land where they compete for food.

Polar bears are recognized as an endangered species in Russia and hunting them is banned.

Officials said that polar bears were attracted to an open-air rubbish tip in Belushya Guba where they foraged for food.

The authorities in the Arkhangelsk region, which includes Novaya Zemlya, said Tuesday that the rubbish tip would be closed next year and replaced by an incinerator.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Julia Suryakusuma (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019

My name is Khan, and I am not a terrorist.

Do you remember this line spoken by the titular character Rizwan Khan (played brilliantly by Shah Rukh Khan) in the film My Name is Khan? Khan is a name associated with Islam, so what he is saying is a defining statement: I am Muslim, and I am not a terrorist.

How do you normally define yourself after mentioning your name? Is it your nationality, religion or profession?

In Indonesia, the most common thing people want to know about fellow Indonesians is ethnicity and religion. Sometimes its obvious from your name, accent, appearance and attire. If youre a woman wearing a jilbab (headscarf), clearly youre Muslim. Its only when youre abroad that your first identity is Indonesian. Otherwise youre a Javanese-Muslim, 

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Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019 08:54 857 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0f21e7 1 Editorial #Editorial,semen-indonesia,Holcim,cement-industry,cement,Merger Free

The recent acquisition by PT Semen Indonesia (SMGR) of the majority stake in another major local producer PT Holcim Indonesia (SMCB) will enable the state-owned cement company to maintain its grip on the domestic market amid growing competition from new players.

Semen Indonesia is the countrys largest cement maker with a production capacity of about 38.2 million tons a year, while Holcim is the third with a production capacity of 14.8 million tons a year. The US$917 million acquisition thus expands Semen Indonesias installed production capacity to more than 50 million tons annually and increases its market share to 57 percent from previously 39 percent.

The takeover of an 80 percent share in Holcim from Swiss multinational company LafargeHolcim Ltd. has allowed Semen Indonesia to benefit from Holcims 30 ready-mix facilities and distribution terminals in Sumatra and Kalimantan to boost its market share outside Java.

The acquisition may be the right step for Semen Indonesia to remain number one in the cement industry, which has seen new kids on the block begin to gain a foothold in the domestic market. In the last five years the number of cement producers in Indonesia has doubled to 14. Most of the new players come from China, such as Conch Cement, Jui Shin, Panasia, Haohan Cement and Cement Hippo. Thanks to their arrival in the market, the countrys cement production capacity has surged to 108 million tons a year, making Indonesia the largest producer in SEAsia.

The problem is the market cannot absorb a large part of the production. Oversupply is inevitable as demand ranges only between 68 and 70 million tons a year.

So far, the capacity utilization rate of the existing cement factories stands at about 60 percent as the demand, which grows only at about 6 percent per year, is still too low to take up the giant production capacity despite the massive infrastructure projects across the country. The low utilization rate has caused inefficiency, which hurts the competitive edge of most cement makers.

As a consequence, old players have to sacrifice their profit margins in order to compete with the newcomers. Some of them have a better competitive edge allegedly as a result of their predatory pricing strategy. This situation echoes the ongoing conflict between local and Chinese steel producers, which will require government intervention.

Mergers and acquisitions have become common practice in the business world as a strategy to expand into the market, gain a competitive edge or acquire new technologies. Acquisition does not only enable a company to increase its production and enlarge distribution networks, but also expand its market share. Such a strategy fits Semen Indonesia well, which now controls 57 percent of the market overall, although certain areas outside Java and Sumatra remain elusive.

Nevertheless, the Business Competition Supervisory Commission should examine the acquisition to ensure that market dominance keeps Semen Indonesia from using unfair business practices that could harm other cement producers.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Fia Hamid-Walker (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 20, 2019

The magnificent room was fitted with wallpaper that blended perfectly with the lavish materials built from the blood money of the Dutch East India Company. The building that houses the Netherlands Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies (NIOD) is a silent witness of the colonialism the country once committed.

After the strenuous efforts activists made against the Dutch governments research project on Independence, decolonization, violence and war in Indonesia, 1945-1950, the Dutch researchers invited them to a roundtable discussion on Jan. 31 in the same building.

Annemarie Toebosch of the University of Michigan and I were initially invited to attend the meeting via Skype, as I live in Melbourne. We were given the opportunity to send in a five-minute video of questions to the meeting.

The response I received from the 

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.SPRINGFIELD  Political courage is a rare commodity in Springfield. And new ideas are rarer still.

When politicians face challenges, they usually dig out the same tired political play books and take the path of least resistance. In regard to funding state pensions, thats what appears to be happening now.

Governor J.B. Pritzkers deputy Dan Hynes is proposing that we balance the budget in part by shorting payments to the state pension systems  again.

Such ideas become policy when governors confuse the urgent with the important. The most urgent issue on Pritzkers desk is proposing a budget. But the most important matter is figuring out how to fund the states retirement systems, which are teetering on the brink of collapse.

Illinois already has the worst-funded pensions in the nation. Now Gov. J.B. Pritzkers administration wants to reduce how much the state pays in the next fiscal year to the tune of $800 million?

Good grief. Have we lost all commonsense?

Of course, Hynes didnt use the words short or underfund.

He called it a modification of the Edgar Pension Ramp.

You see, the fiscal mess that is Illinois bears both Republican and Democrat fingerprints.

During Gov. Jim Edgars time in office the so-called Edgar Ramp was created, which was touted as a cure-all for the states pension woes.

It wasnt. It isnt. And it never will be.

It simply delayed the states Day of Reckoning.

And, in fact, it made things worse.

Back in the 1990s the states finances were a mess. Pensions were underfunded in part because annual payments had been skipped and the money spent on other things.

For months, Edgar, legislative leaders and union bosses hashed out how to solve this predicament.

And they gave birth to a rat.

In a nutshell, the grand compromise Edgar championed called for having low annual pension payments while he was in office and higher ones when future governors were in office.

He kicked the can down the road. He made his problem that of future governors.

And now Hynes is ripping a page out of that old playbook and talking about adding seven years onto the ramp so it ends in 2052 instead of 2045.

Bad idea.

Sure, stretching out the payment schedule would reduce short-term pension costs so the state can spend the money elsewhere. But money diverted today by not putting it into the pension funds results in investment dollars lost that will have to be put in by taxpayers years down the road.

Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the Hynes proposal.

Back in the bad old days, they called such schemes pension holidays. Its how we got into this mess in the first place. Payments were put off and investments were not made. Unpaid pension obligations kept piling up and now we are being asked to make up the difference.

But the biggest problem with these pension holidays or ramp modifications is that they fail to address the underlying, flawed state retirement system. Illinois would be much better off if it amended its constitution to move government workers into 401k-like defined contribution plans.

There doesnt appear to be the political will in Springfield to do such a thing. But plenty of folks are talking about raising taxes.

So, hang on to your pocket books.

Scott Reeder is a veteran statehouse journalist and a freelance reporter. ScottReeder1965@gmail.com.SPRINGFIELD  Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill to raise Illinois minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 Tuesday in the Governors Mansion, declaring his first major legislative victory a time to celebrate.

For nine years there were many forces that were arrayed against giving a raise to the people who work so hard to provide home care for seniors, childcare for toddlers, who wash dishes at the diner, and who farm our fields, Pritzker said. Today is a victory for the cause of economic justice.

The signing represents a delivery on one of Pritzkers major campaign promises a little more than one month into his tenure as governor  albeit without any support from Republican lawmakers.

Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, a Maywood Democrat who ushered Senate Bill 1s passage through the Senate, said Pritzker got done in 30 days what she has been trying to accomplish for 10 years.

Im so grateful that Ive been able to just stay the course, she said.

Lightford has sponsored several minimum wage increases since 2010, when Illinois minimum wage last saw an increase of 25 cents to the current rate of $8.25. If any of those bills had passed, the current minimum wage would be more than $10 hourly today.

A bill she sent to former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2017 would have made the minimum wage $15 by 2022, but he vetoed the proposal.

Pritzker, Lightford and Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia called the bill a compromise between business and labor interests, but Republicans blasted the effort in a news release shortly after the signing.

This is only the beginning of J.B. Pritzkers war on taxpayers and small business, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider said in a statement. Nearly doubling the minimum wage will destroy entry-level jobs, raise prices for consumers, and bust budgets at every level of government.

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the Illinois Manufacturers Association have openly criticized the fast-tracked passage of the bill as well.

But Toia, whose restaurant association members employ more than 577,000 people in the state, said he was thankful for being at the table for negotiations.

The legislation signed by the governor today is a reasonable, balanced approach that takes into account many of the concerns of the restaurant industry, he said. This was a compromise. I rebut anyone that says this wasnt a compromise.

The rollout of the increase will begin in January 2020, when the wage goes from $8.25 to $9.25 before hitting $10 on July 1. From 2021 to 2025, the wage will see a $1 bump every January until it levels off at $15.

Toia praised the bill for maintaining a tip credit which allows employers to pay tipped workers 60 percent of the minimum wage if tips make up the other 40 percent.

A training wage for teen workers is also included in the bill, allowing employers to pay 50 cents to $2 less than the regular minimum wage over the six-year rollout to workers under 18 years of age who work fewer than 650 hours for an employer in a calendar year.

Small businesses with less than 50 full-time equivalent employees will also be able to take advantage of an income tax credit which allows employers to keep 25 percent of the increased money paid to minimum-wage workers from the previous year.

The 25 percent credit will decrease by 4 percent each year, leveling off at 5 percent for two years and extending an extra year for businesses with five or fewer full-time equivalent employees.

Lightford said an added benefit for business is the infusion of more money into the economy for those most likely to spend it.

I want to put a little shout out to all the little boys and girls whose parents get up when theyre still sleeping  so they can have a roof over their head and make them happy, she said. Im just hoping that theyre able to take their little children to catch a movie or do something fun, because now the economic engine will be turning.

Iesha Townsend, a minimum-wage worker at a Chicago McDonalds location, gifted a Fight for $15 T-shirt to Pritzker after the signing and said the organization will continue to fight for worker rights, including unionization efforts. She said her $12 minimum earned is not enough to provide for her two sons.

With the hours I work, I should be able to stand on my two feet and provide for my children without food stamps or Medicaid, she said.

But Republicans and business owners said Democrats are overlooking possible repercussions of the bill, including a potential loss of 93,000 to 96,000 jobs in the state, according to the conservative Employment Policies Institute and the National Federation of Independent Business, a small business advocacy group.

Democrats have rebutted the job loss numbers, and Pritzker touted his own business background and pointed to his Wednesday budget address as containing business-growing measures, although he did not offer specifics.

There are so many other things we need to do, like create jobs in the state, like allow small businesses the opportunity to access capital so they can grow those businesses, like helping us innovate and create new businesses in the state, Pritzker said. I understand very acutely the importance of growing the economy.

Thats why the proposals that Ive made and the budget that I will present tomorrow is as it is now.

He also said he continues to work with Republicans about issues facing the state, although the Illinois GOP chairman remained critical Tuesday.

Pritzker pledged to govern differently and listen to all parties and stakeholders, but those turned out to be meaningless words, Schneider said.

With Democratic supermajorities in the House and Senate, Pritzker might not need Republican support for his progressive agenda, which he rededicated himself to implementing Tuesday.

We make no little plans, so stay tuned, he said.

jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.comEDWARDSVILLE  As of Wednesday morning, authorities are still investigating the reported armed robbery that occurred Tuesday of Walgreens, 102 W. Vandalia St., Edwardsville.

The suspect is a black female, 30-40 years old, between 51 and 54 and weighed 140-170 pounds. She was described as wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black sweat pants, and a black cloth mask covering the bottom half of her face.SPRINGFIELD  A bill that would test a mileage tax for vehicles driving on state roads has been tabled but that doesnt mean its dead.

Chicago Democrat Marcus Evans last week filed House Bill 2864, establishing a pilot program for a 2.1-cent tax on every mile a vehicle is driven on state roads.

But Evans tabled the bill Tuesday, saying he wanted to send the message that hes not going to bring it back this session. But if someone else wants to find a creative way to do that, then they can, Evans said.

As cars become more efficient and more people drive electric vehicles, many states are facing a significant decline in revenue from motor fuel taxes.

These taxes usually support roads, bridges and other infrastructure for vehicular traffic. The purpose of a per-mile vehicle tax would be two-fold: to bring back the revenue to support state infrastructure and to balance taxes to ensure every driver pays a fair share for using roads.

That said, Evans doesnt think its the right time to legislatively consider a per-mile tax, although Illinois, along with the 27 states that have increased their motor vehicle tax in the past four years, still needs more infrastructure funding.

This bill needs so much work  why have it out there? Evans said. Lets just talk about the idea and educate ourselves on what it is first. We can still have conversations but not for bill purposes.

To gauge just how much work might be needed before such a bill comes back, Illinois can look at Washington, one of the few states to try a similar pilot program to the one in Evans bill.

Reema Griffith is the executive director of Washingtons transportation commission, which oversaw the states mileage tax pilot program that ran from January 2018 to January 2019.

She says it took almost six years just to get the pilot program up and running.

There was a good four years of real regimented peeling of the onion before we ever had money for a pilot, Griffith said. What we found out was, yeah, its feasible, but theres 100 different policy challenges youre going to face.

On top of that, Griffith said a steering committee spent even more time analyzing the mileage tax from a business perspective.

We spent two years on that, making a million assumptions on everything from enforcement to compliance to evasion, Griffiths said, so weve been going quite slow.

Nonetheless, Washingtons program yielded positive feedback from the 2,000 volunteers testing various methods of data gathering on mileage. And although Griffiths office has not yet fully analyzed the data, she said the most surprising result was how boring it seemed to be.

People didnt really have to do anything, Griffiths said. They thought it was going to be much more fun and busier.

The issue of a mileage tax is complicated by many factors, including drivers who frequently cross state lines; privacy concerns with GPS-tracking devices; lack of administrative infrastructure to handle the data and enforcement of the tax; and the disproportionate effects the tax would have on urban versus rural vehicles.

Although there is much more work to be done before a pilot program launch, the idea has the apparent backing of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who said during a January 2018 interview with the editorial board of the Daily Herald newspaper in suburban Chicago that he was open to testing out the idea.SPRINGFIELD  Lawmakers and advocates have tried to hike the minimum age to purchase tobacco products in Illinois for three years, each time making the push first in the Senate. This session, advocates are trying a different approach.

What were doing this time is running it through the House first, because we have more people to deal with, House sponsor Camille Lilly, a Democrat from Chicago, said. In the Senate, theres only 56 people  theres 118 in the House. Its easy to get it through the Senate.

During the previous session, both chambers approved the initiative but former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner did not sign it. Only the Senate was able to muster enough votes to overturn his veto  it failed in the House.

Lillys version of the measure increasing the age to purchase products containing nicotine to 21 advanced out of committee Tuesday with only one dissenting vote. It won the approval of the chambers Health Care Availability & Access Committee by a vote of 5 to 1.

One Republican committee member, Tom Demmer from Dixon, voted in favor. His colleague, Thomas Bennett from Gibson City, voted no.

Lilly said after the hearing she is excited to have bipartisan support on her bill.

More are joining the cause because many of them share with me their family experiences in dealing with cancer, living with cancer, or passed away because of cancer, she said.

Rep. Mary Flowers, the committee chairwoman from Chicago, pressed Lilly on why her measure removed penalties for minors caught possessing tobacco products.

Shana Crews, Illinois government relations director with the American Cancer Societys Cancer Action Network, said her organization does not believe in criminalizing kids. Penalties exist in the law, she added, but they target retailers who sell illegally to minors.

Flowers also asked whether the legislation would be making criminals out of [minors] by enticing them to purchase tobacco products in a neighboring state where it would be legal for them to do so.

Crews said local governments near Illinois border that approved a tobacco 21 ordinance, such as Chicago or Lake County, have seen no evidence of this.

Lilly said after committee this initiative is really moving.

She said she has not spoken with Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker about whether he would sign the measure since he was campaigning. At that time, she said, he understood the importance of young people not having access to tobacco, which long-term will help them lead healthy lives, so he was on board.

The legislation is House Bill 345. Lilly successfully added a housekeeping amendment in committee, cleaning up reference to language she removed elsewhere.Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 71F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Mitchell Hinrichs reported that while at Fonner Park Keno on Sunday. a man later identified as Benedict Beyersdorf took a money voucher out of the machine he was playing. He then cashed the voucher, police say. Beyersdorf was cited for theft.

 Officers executed a search warrant Sunday at Terrance Smiths residence at 2516 W. Louise St. During the search of the residence, police say multiple firearms and knives were located. Smith is a convicted felon and is prohibited from owning any of the items that were seized. Smith is being referred for six counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and five counts of being a felon in possession of a prohibited weapon.

 Saturday at about 10:20 p.m., police responded to McDonalds, 1317 W. Second St., in response to a report of a male who had been punched by another male. A 15-year-old male, who had been punched in the face and witnesses provided a description of the suspect and his direction of travel. The man, later identified as Thomas Franks, ran through nearby yards and ultimately entered a fenced-in area of Ziller Tile, 318 N. Madison St. Franks refused orders to exit his hiding place and was apprehended with the assistance of a police canine. He was arrested for child abuse, obstructing a peace officer, second-degree trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia.The Northwest Public Schools Board of Education has selected a firm to assist in its superintendent search.

At a special meeting Tuesday night, the board voted 3-2, with board members Zach Mader and Karl Quandt voting no and board member Mike Shafer absent, to approve hiring the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association to assist in the superintendent search. Advisory board members Travis Hedman and Becky Rosenlund voted no in non-binding votes.

On Feb. 11, current Superintendent Matt Fisher announced his intent to retire effective July 1. He said McPherson and Jacobson, the Nebraska Association of School Boards and Ed Wise also presented proposals to the board.

The board basically heard from the search firms and selected them, Fisher said. There were different things that different people liked about the different firms. I think they (board members) were all comfortable with all the firms. It is just that some of them liked something better about this one compared to the other.

The total cost of consulting for the superintendent search is $5,250. Fisher said most of the firms presenting proposals had a total cost of $5,000 to $6,000.HARTFORD  Gov. Ned Lamont, in his first budget presentation, asked the General Assembly on Wednesday for their help in dealing with a $1.5 billion budget deficit and a looming multi-billion-dollar wave of red ink in the teachers pension fund.

Legislative leaders and Capitol watchers said the request for collaboration, after eight years of an often-combative relationship with former-Gov. Dannel Malloy, was a breath of fresh air, whether or not they agree with specific proposals.

For up-to-date information on public policy issues, sign up for the CT Politics newsletter.

They said Lamont is approachable and down-to-earth as he navigates through the legislative maze and its early June deadline to come up with a two-year spending-and-tax package. He proposed a 1.7 percent increase over current spending in the $20.8 billion budget set to take effect July 1 and 3.4 percent to $21.2 billion in the second year.

State Rep. Arthur ONeill, D-Southbury, in his 31st year in the House, said lawmakers often thought that Malloy, a former prosecutor and Stamford mayor, negotiated budgets as if they were contentious criminal plea bargains.

His idea of making a deal was offering a couple years off your sentence, ONeill said on the House floor after the speech. Gov. Lamonts approach seems to be lets both profit.

Hes a straight-shooter who wants people to come to the table with ideas, said Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin. His budget presentation today is refreshing both in tone and substance.

The governor has talked with us about different ideas, about what he was thinking, said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk. We sat with the governor for a preview yesterday and he said Look, if you have any other ideas, Im open to them. I think hes looking for ideas as well.

Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, highly critical of many budget details, said that he believes the governor means well.

I think Gov. Lamont is a very nice person, Fasano said. I think he welcomes conversations. So I think that is totally different than Gov. Malloy. I honestly believe that hes trying to do the right thing. He is a neophyte to the budget. Hes a neophyte to the building. We have to give him a little slack there. Im going to say I dont like this budget.

Its so refreshing to have a governor with some personality, whos engaging, who actually talks to you and is willing to work with you, said Rep. Richard A. Smith, R-New Fairfield, in his ninth year in office.

Gov. Lamont is certainly a much more collaborative governor, House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said. Hes much easier to approach. That doesnt mean that he wont stick with what he believes in, but hes a more collaborative governor. Whether we agree at the end of the day, thats something we need.

Hes been very accessible both during the campaign and during the transition, and since hes been sworn in, said Joe Brennan, president and CEO of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. He was impressed with Lamont immediately pointing out the states problems with fixed costs, such as the under-funded teacher retirement plan.

Imagine what we can do if we get this state going again, said Lamont, a 65-year-old former small business owner whose previous experience in elective office was the Greenwich Board of Selectmen. Together we can take this fiscal challenge and turn it on its head. The budget we have put together is far from perfect and I welcome your input.

Lamont warned that in particular, his proposed elimination of tax exemptions on digital and streaming sales, as well as many services, is bound to cause complaints, while making the tax structure fairer.

Why do you have to pay a sales tax on a manicure, but you dont pay a sales tax on a haircut? Lamont asked in a 35 minute speech punctuated about a dozen times by applause, mostly from his fellow Democrats.

If every tax expenditure had a strong lobbyist behind it, the pushback will be ferocious, he predicted. Im gonna work this out with you.

Lamont leaned on his business experience and asked lawmakers to work with him to avoid a looming $1.5 billion deficit projected for the budget that starts July 1.

Today, I am presenting you a budget which gives us the best chance to get this state growing again. Connecticut has been a jobs laggard for many years, which depresses opportunity and hits our budget every year, he said. If we had grown jobs at the same rate as other states, we would be talking about how to invest our surplus or cut taxes. Instead we are staring down the barrel of a $3.7 billion dollar deficit over the new two-year budget cycle

He also asked state union workers to help him cut health care costs. Hell try to push out a looming multi-billion-dollar unfunded liability in the retirement fund for state teachers. Wealthier towns that pay their teachers higher rates would pay more into the retirement fund in a three-year phase-in worth $75 million.

Hell tackle litter issues by establishing new cash deposits for wine, liquor and even tiny nips bottles that are ubiquitous roadside eyesores.

The fiscal crisis before us is not just a short-term hole in the budget, he said. We are digging that hole deeper by $400-to-$500 million annually due to fixed costs such as pensions, state employee health care and bonded debt  all growing faster than our economy.

Lamont admits that he has less experience, relying on his top advisers, including State Treasurer Shawn Wooden and Melissa McCaw, who as the secretary of the Office of Policy and Management is his chief budget aide.

The legislature has to figure out whether you want to apply the sales tax to consumer services, Lamont said Tuesday to state newspaper editors and publishers. My hunch is you either do or you dont. Were positing that out to the legislature. I think its a fairer and I think its much more stable way for us to calculate what our revenues are going to be.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCTImages

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images.Last winter at MJBiz Con in Las Vegas, the longest line at the convention was for a tiny Italian Ice stall, where two guys shoveled free samples of cherry and lemon ices into little cups. The guys were Al and Troy Everetts, a father and son team from Pennsylvania. And the product they were serving for the first time ever was called Mt. Everetts Frozen Creations -- traditional Italian Ices infused with non-traditional CBD.

This was the last place on earth the two ever expected to be -- at a marijuana convention three thousand miles from the family's Italian Ice and custard shop in the small town of Kingston.

How they got there and why is a story of a good idea, good timing, and good recipes.

Related: How to Start and Market Your CBD Company

Rocky Mountain high

The idea for Mt. Everetts Frozen Creations was hatched by Troy, 24, during a road trip to Denver with his girlfriend (now wife). Troy had never been to Colorado, and he was blown away by all the recreational pot shops and offerings. "I saw like 20 brands of edible chocolate there," he says. "Business was crazy. It was just booming."

When he returned home, he told his father, Al, about what he'd seen. Al describes himself as "an R&D guy who's been making ices for 25 years." He's a VP at Rosati Ice and owns a local Italian Ice shop called Josie's on S. Wyoming Avenue.

Troy said, "Dad, you make the best Italian Ice. Let's see if we can get into this business."

Al was skeptical. He was an Italian Ice guy. What did he know from cannabis? He had very little personal experience with the plant, although he did have memories of his older brother talking to him about it in the 70s. "I was 12 and he was 17," Al says. "He'd be reading High Times all the time. He'd say, 'I'm telling you, Al. This should be legal. It's good for you.'"

Despite his early doubts, Al loved his son and admired his enthusiasm, so he agreed to go to Colorado "to wrap my head around it." He, too, was impressed by the business, so he started doing research and asking around. "Everybody kept coming back to me saying, 'Listen, you'll never get the (CBD) oil in the water. Good luck. Go ahead and try it,'" Al recalls.

Challenge accepted

Undeterred, Al set off to do what he does best. "I just spent a lot of time testing things and working with different ingredients," he says.

Because CBD oil is expensive, he did lots of calculations and mixing processes on paper and in his head before he put oil to ice. After six weeks, Al concocted the perfect process and formula for CBD-infused ice.

"I break the oil up into real, small particles, almost like nanoparticles," Al says. He believes the process gives the ice more bang for the buck and makes it more effective therapeutically.

Al created three flavors: Lemon, which he describes as the most traditional flavor in the Italian Ice business. "That's the flavor that most everybody does on the street corners in New York. Mango, which Al says has taken off in popularity in the last in the 20 years. And cherry, a tried-and-true favorite.

Related: Why These Teenage Girls Started a CBD Lifestyle Brand

High scores

After perfecting his formula, Al sent the ices off to a lab in California to be tested.

"I'll never forget the response," he says. "They called me and, for the first minute, they must have said the F-word like 10 times. They said, 'We melted it. We froze it. We beat it up and your numbers are spot on. You're real consistent.' They told me I should go teach some of the bigger companies how to be more consistent."

In cannabis, consistency is king. When people like a product, they want it to taste the same and make them feel the same every time.

They went on to test his product for pesticides and again were surprised that he came out completely negative.

With the winning formula complete, the next challenge was raising enough money to start the business. This is when another father-son team (who remain anonymous) stepped in to partner with the Everetts. Those investors introduced them to Two Roots, a major cannabis-infused beer company, who invited them to Las Vegas to debut their new product.

Ice, Ice Baby

Troy admits to being overwhelmed by the response at MJBiz Con, saying, "We weren't sure how the ice was going to do in the West Coast. They don't really know what Italian Ice is out there. But people went crazy. They wanted to get orders ASAP.

To date, the Everetts have shipped orders to dispensaries in California, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Florida. They sell the product online, but at this point only to people in the East Coast.

Al is thrilled with the early success, but he's even more thrilled to be working with his son.

"It's great," he says. "We work well together because he has this strengths and I have my strengths. He's a marketing guy; he's the social media guy. You know these young kids with the computers and everything. Put me in the kitchen. That's where I'm going to go."

Related: The Coming International CBD Boom and How it Will Disrupt the Marijuana Business

Related:

How A Father And Son Teamed Up to Infuse The Family Ice Business with Cannabis

Julian Marley Thinks Cannabis Should Be Free

Ricky Williams Has The Last Laugh



Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reservedNORWALK  U.S. Rep. Jim Himes visited the George Washington Carver Center on Tuesday evening to tour the facility and get to know students and staff.

Novelette Peterkin, chief executive officer, started by giving Himes an overview of the programs and services offered at the Carver Center, which helps economically challenged and academically at-risk youth in Norwalk. The organization offers after-school supports and programs including coding, fencing, homework help, cooking classes and employment opportunities.

Each year, Carver Center staff and volunteers take students on a National College Tour where about 35 youth visit 10 colleges and universities in about 10 days. This year, students will visit University of Alabama, South Carolina State University, Morehouse College and Spelman, to name a few. The trip ends with a visit to Six Flags Over Georgia. About 40 percent of students who go on the tour enroll at one of the schools visited.

If youre a Carver student you would see 30 national schools if you go on all the trips, Peterkin said of ninth through 11th-graders. We try to get our kids to have access to opportunities, any opportunities they might not have had otherwise.

Peterkin told Himes that she recently hired a manager of monitoring, evaluation and learning to analyze data collected on every Norwalk Public Schools student using the Carver Centers services.

It informs where we put our investment and it informs our adjustment in terms of how we instruct, she said. If we see a specific group struggling in literacy we find out whats needed. Our donors have been impressed with what weve produced and that has increased funding.

When she started in 2004, the graduating class included 10 or 11 students.

Now its in the 40s, she said.

The Carver Centers advancement has also included budget increases. Under Peterkins leadership, the organizations budget has climbed from $700,000 in 2004 to $4.6 million in 2019. Last year the organization was able to serve more than 1,400 students.

Thamisha Thoby, a sixth-grader, paid Himes a special visit.

Whats the hardest part about being a congressman? she asked.

Himes said its difficult to consider the opinions of so many constituents while voting on various bills.

Taking the opinions of about 750,000 people and distilling it down to how I can vote in a way that would make most of those people happy is really tough, he said.

The event concluded with a tour of the facility, where students were playing dodgeball, violins and completing homework in the gym, computer room and a small classroom. Himes said he visited the center because programs the programs offered are important in keeping students engaged and out of trouble.

Sadly, communities like Norwalk and Bridgeport see the violence and gang activity that kids turn to if they dont have alternatives, Himes said. So, its just an enormously gratifying thing to see kids being given this opportunity.

The newest partnership the Carver Center secured is with Classical Studies Magnet Academy in Bridgeport.

Our model is hiring staff from schools to work and create an extension of the school day, so (students) go home with homework and projects done and theyre exposed to enrichments and activities that they may not have known about or been interested in, Peterkin said.

Himes said its clear the Carver Centers model is transferable.

Because it works, its the kind of thing we should be talking about scaling nationally, he said.

tatiana.flowers@thehour.comRALEIGH, N.C. - A political consultant for Republican congressional candidate Mark Harris testified under oath Tuesday that he was shocked by testimony accusing a campaign operative of directing an illegal scheme to collect, forge, fill out and turn in mail-in ballots.

Andy Yates, who leads a North Carolina political consulting firm called Red Dome Group, emphatically denied any knowledge of the alleged tactics of Leslie McCrae Dowless, a political operative from rural Bladen County. Dowless is at the center of an election-fraud investigation unfolding at an evidentiary hearing in Raleigh this week.

Yates also said he'd seen no evidence that Harris, a Baptist minister, knew of the alleged fraud.

"If I would have known that, it would have been over at that moment," Yates told state election officials. "I never had any indication. Never had the first suspicion."

On Monday, witnesses and state elections officials accused Dowless of directing workers to collect absentee ballots from voters, a felony in North Carolina. They said Dowless and his employees in some cases forged voter and witness signatures and filled out blank or incomplete ballots - and then tried to cover their tracks and obstruct the ongoing state investigation. It's unclear exactly how many actual ballots Dowless or his associates turned in. Harris holds a 905-vote lead over his opponent.

Yates was the star witness on the second day of testimony before the State Board of Elections, which is hearing evidence this week to decide whether a suspected ballot-tampering scheme tainted the outcome of the 9th Congressional District race between Harris and Democrat Dan McCready. The election has been in limbo since November and is the last congressional race in the country to be decided. The board could certify the results or could vote to hold a new election.

Tuesday's testimony raised the prospect that the board's decision could turn partly on whether Harris and other Republican leaders should have known about the fraud - and whether that casts doubt on the overall integrity of the votes.

The board declined to certify the election results in November after allegations emerged that election fraud may have tainted the race. McCready has called for a new election, while Harris has repeatedly declined knowledge of any election fraud and has demanded that his victory be certified. The district stretches along the South Carolina border from Charlotte to rural eastern North Carolina.

Yates described Dowless as a well-organized and curious operative whose job included general get-out-the-vote tasks, such as staffing local parades and festivals, as well as running Harris's absentee-ballot program. Dowless called Yates and Harris many times a week to talk about his progress, Yates said.

"He was always interested in the numbers to do with everything about the campaign," Yates said. "He was a political junkie and wanted to know what was going on."

But Yates said he was given no reason to suspect misconduct by Dowless during last year's primary or general election, noting that Dowless had made clear to him that he understood the law regarding absentee-ballot voting in North Carolina.

"Mr. Dowless told me that he knew that it was illegal to collect ballots, that he told his workers that it was illegal, that they never touched ballots," Yates testified.

Board staff, as well as McCready's lawyer, Marc Elias, also raised the question of whether campaign officials should have known about the alleged fraud given multiple red flags about Dowless dating back to 2016.

Yates admitted, for instance, that he was aware of the anomalous results that Dowless helped secure for Todd Johnson, an unsuccessful Republican congressional candidate who won all but four absentee ballots in Bladen County in the 2016 primary.

Yates also described an operation with little oversight, reimbursing Dowless for supplies and other expenses, including wages for his crew of workers, without requiring any documentation. He was so unclear about Dowless's compensation that he could not say how much of the roughly $120,000 Dowless was paid went to the absentee-ballot program and how much was for other services.

Yates also explained that he only casually checked Dowless's criminal background, with a Google search, after Harris mentioned that Dowless had a minor record related to a divorce 20 years earlier. Dowless's record in the late 1980s and early 1990s included felony convictions for fraud and perjury and a misdemeanor charge for passing a worthless check.

Yates said his company, Red Dome, paid all of the Harris campaign operatives, including Dowless. But he said it was Harris who directed Dowless's hiring, which was a "done deal" by the time Yates signed on with the campaign in July 2017.

Yet he was as adamant that Harris was not aware of any fraudulent activity as he was about himself.

"Dr. Harris was always extremely transparent with me, extremely honest with me," Yates said.

Yates said he was unaware that Dowless had pleaded the 5th Amendment at a hearing before the state elections board in 2016 over similar allegations - and said no Republican officials, including the state party's executive director, Dallas Woodhouse, flagged that hearing for him. State party lawyers had attended that hearing.

He said he was "shocked and disturbed" after hearing testimony Monday and had assumed Dowless had been truthful with him about how he was conducting his operation. "My assumption at the time was that the information was 100 percent truthful," he said. "After what I heard yesterday, frankly, I don't know what to believe. I'm just deeply disturbed by it and it would have been over the minute I had the first suspicion."

In addition to Yates, the board heard testimony from a poll worker in Bladen County who said early-voting results were illegally revealed on the Saturday before the November election - potentially giving campaigns a strategic advantage in the final days of the race.

The board heard no evidence connecting the release of those results to the Harris campaign, but officials could conclude the activity tainted the election anyway.

The poll worker, Bladen County resident Agnes Willis, said she "didn't feel right" about seeing another poll worker examine the results tally from the county's early-voting machine.

- - -

The Washington Post's Kirk Ross in Raleigh contributed to this report.MIDDLETOWN  A Wesleyan University film studies class assignment that delves into the lives of ordinary people and their unique experiences is changing students perspectives of the world, and often profoundly affecting their understanding of what lies outside campus.

These stories were filmed in Middletown and the greater Hartford area.

They tell the stories of first-time voters in the midterm elections (I Will Not Go Alone,), a transgender youth activist in Middletown (I am Malik), celebrated Connecticut jazz artists Saskia Laroo and Warren Byrd (Jazzy Matrimony), first-generation Americans (First Vote,) and more.

For the past three years, students have made documentaries about people in Middletown for a popular class with Visiting Assistant Professor of Film Studies Sadia Shepard. These young people are told to get outside campus, in Middletown and other nearby areas, to build a relationship with their subjects during the filming process to more accurately portray them on screen.

The resulting eight-minute shorts, a challenging project for these young filmmakers, were screened Feb. 5 at The Buttonwood Tree on Main Street.

Documentary filmmaking at its best can be not just a mode of filmmaking, but also a way to engage with the world. This practice becomes a way of learning about where we are in the world, learning how to build and create empathy from other peoples perspectives, and think about and actively become engaged citizens, Shepard said.

The project, given to students during the first week of class, involved visiting Main Street with cameras, trying to engage passersby in conversation. They eventually asked if they were interested in participating in the project.

Its not just about how to work the camera. Its how to approach someone and say, Can I film? Shepard said.

Its not about taking images, but learning how to collaborate with other people, she added.

Myles Johnson went to Hartford with his group after being introduced to wife and husband Laroo (considered the Miles Davis of Amsterdam) and Byrd by Anne-Marie McEwen, executive director of The Buttonwood Tree.

It was meant to bridge a small group of Wesleyan students and the people of Middletown, he said of the assignment. Theres not much communication between us and them. It was a chance to get out there and meet people to show we care, and were not just up on the hill, Johnson said.

Its a lot different from what you think it is coming in. I assumed it was a college town, which it is pretty much not. Its a college in a town rather a college town, he added.

The students spentd hours and hours with their subjects, and, as life often goes, they experienced some challenging situations. There are moments along the way when theres doubt, confusion. Things go wrong inevitably, because were working with real stories and real people, Shepard said.

Joseph Cohen worked on the story about an Indian family that emigrated to the United States. It was based on the naturalization ceremony in October at the Elks Club in Middletown. That was so American and patriotic, he said.

Experiences these subjects have generously shared includes innermost revelations, as well as personal mementos, such as a family photograph the mother uses to point out her two girls and husband from years ago. In another scene, the father shows his passport, laughing at his image from younger years.

I was impressed by how [U.S. citizens] and the others often are very different from one another. Despite these big cultural differences that you might think it would impact life for the children growing up. Its not as far apart from the U.S. (experience) that you would expect. Theres some universality to growing up, wherever you are, Cohen said.

More than half of Jazzy Matrimony is shot from outside the couples home recording studio: a cramped room with very low ceilings and no wiggle room. The viewer witnesses not only how well the two meld their musical expressions, but the intimacy they share. For filming, that was a dream, Johnson said.

Johnsons crew used a handheld camera and filmed very close to the couple rather than shooting entirely on a tripod in a static or impersonal way, Johnson said. Overall, we wanted to get a homey feel just because of the way they perform. What they do feels very passionate, he said.

These stories are untold, but also unheard. Stories are told all the time. Its a question of whos listening, Shepard said.

For the students and their professor, the screening was revelatory. Its an enormously exciting moment. Theres standing room only. We were sitting on the floor, all the way up to the screen. Theres no greater thrill for filmmakers than to share their work with an audience, also in a cultural center where they are living, Shepard said.

The filmmaking process comes full circle when the documentarians see the audience react to their art. To sit there and watch peoples faces, watch people laughing at the joke we made sure to include, you could see what they were thinking, and it was beyond surreal. It was the jet fuel I needed, Cohen said.

I am Malik arose from one students frustration of having person after person declined to be interviewed. She and her crew walked into a cellphone store in exasperation and ended up talking to employees. There, she found a young person undergoing hormone injections to transition to male.

Its a really thoughtful portrayal, and his journey that hes still on. It came from a chance encounter of a student walking down Main Street, Sheperd said.

In First Vote, Alessandra Rizzo, 18, had three subjects: a Jamaican immigrant, an employee of Secretary of State Denise Merrill who also emigrated to America, and an Indian immigrant, all whom she met at the naturalization. It was also her first time voting.

We have different backgrounds, but at the end of the day, [she and her subject] were so glad to do what we were able to do in November, said Rizzo, who also worried he and his family might be disappointed in the film.

That was a big concern of mine. These people are trusting you to represent them, and if you get it wrong, it could be devastating. Its a lot of responsibility, she said.STAMFORD  The National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwest Connecticut is hosting a panel on what to do in a mental health crisis

The discussion, What to Do and Who to Call in the midst of a Mental Health Crisis, will provide information on how to keep everyone safe in a crisis situation. Attendees will learn what to do and who to call from a panel of professions who work at local mental health support organizations and crisis intervention services. These professionals will discuss how to de-escalatate the situation.STAMFORD  Jim Himes got to relive his teenage years Tuesday by making a pepperoni pie at one of the citys downtown pizzerias.

The southwestern Connecticut congressman made one pizza and delivered another while working a brief shift at Pappas Pizza on Main Street. The 52-year-old was out of practice, since his last job at a pizza place was working in the kitchen at Pennington Pizza in New Jersey when he was about 17 years old.

That was hard work, he said, jokingly adding, Im going to work a little less hard today.

His stop at the 60-year-old pizzeria was the latest installment of his Jim on your job series, in which the six-term Democratic representative visits businesses and organizations and gets some hands-on experience.

Previously, he visited Nathan Hale Middle School, the Westport Police Station and Forever Sweet Bakery in Norwalk. He also helped deliver items for UPS.

Harry Zopounidis, the owner of Pappas, said he loved the idea of Himes walking in the shoes of pizzeria workers, even for a brief period of time.

As far as pizza preparation, Himes didnt have to worry about tossing the dough into the air, as the Greek-style pizzas at Pappas are all baked in pans. Instead, he ladled three big spoonfuls of tomato sauce on the dough, covered it in cheese and placed pepperoni slices on top, before it was all placed in the oven.

Zopounidis said he wanted to show Himes how we work on an everyday basis.

I just hope he doesnt get burned, he added.

Himes said the citys big businesses like Pitney Bowes and Synchrony Financial get plenty of attention from elected officials, often overshadowing the small shops and eateries.

Sometimes officials focus on big corporations, on the big businesses that employ hundreds of people, he said. But the reality is that for an awful lot of people, its a job in a place like Pappas Pizza ... thats the job that an awful lot of people in a community like this one work.

He said he hopes to learn more about the struggles for local restaurants, such as onerous regulations.

I often will hear, Theres this regulation that is particularly hard to comply with, and I can convey that to my state counterparts, he said.

As far as where Himes stands on the pizza spectrum, hes a traditionalist. Asked to describe his ideal pie, the Greenwich resident answered slightly charred pepperoni on thin crust.

However, his wife Mary Scott is more adventurous. She enjoys pineapple on her pizza, a point of contention in the household.

I hate it, said Himes. This has almost broken up my family. My wife puts pineapple on pizza and I cant even look at it. Theres only one way to eat pizza and its pepperoni with crispy edges around the pepperoni.

Pineapple, he added, is dessert.

ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.comConnecticut ends the decade of the teens the same way it started: A newly elected Democratic governor who never served in the Legislature, catapulted to power by public employee unions, confronts a budget deficit and asks those same workers for givebacks.

Thats what happened with former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in 2011. We thought it would be different for Gov. Ned Lamont in 2019.

The state is in far better shape. Lamont had insisted on the campaign trail, and since, that he wouldnt reopen the state employees long-term pension and health contract that expires in 2027. A deals a deal, he said.

He has said all along that hed look for win-win options to save money, and he has kept close contact with union leaders. On Wednesday, he did offer some of those money-saving win-wins for labor  health care changes that will save $50 million next year by tightening up negotiations with hospitals.

But he also made the ask on givebacks. He wants state employees to agree to a new way to calculate cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs, for future retirees. The COLAs would tie retirees raises to market performance for the states main pension fund, but still set limits on the upside.

Lamont didnt have to do it, certainly not to balance the budgets for the next two years. The savings will amount to an average of $20 million a year, according to Lamonts budget chief, Melissa McCaw  or about one-tenth of 1 percent of the budget.

Thats scant payoff for the political risk Lamont is taking by going after his core supporters right out of the box. And he has little leverage.

Remember, these are the unions he said hed protect and have their backs as hundreds of them knocked on doors and staffed phone banks, helping Lamont beat a Republican who yelled from every town square that hed cut union benefits down to size.

On Wednesday, the question the unions were asking was, why would Lamont risk a backlash?

The answer is related to who Lamont is  the ultimate mediator  and how he appears to view the world, as a place where opposing parties can work out their differences without a hammer.

Union leaders arent playing ball.

Its unclear what hes asking and weve been very clear that its win-win only. I dont see the other half of the win. The answer is no, were not opening this up, said Jody Barr, executive director of the AFSCME Council 4 union, which represents 15,000 state employees.

Details of the plan remained unclear Wednesday. Most perplexing to the unions was that, as they see it, Lamont knows he cant win this one. The states union workforce has had six years of pay freezes in the last eleven, agreed to a 3-percent surcharge for health care and higher payments for retirement, among other changes.

The unions also agreed to let the state hire two new tiers of employees under Malloy, each with lower benefits. Without all the givebacks that started in 2009, the state would have to pay $2 billion more per year for salaries and benefits, union leaders say.

And the governor has little leverage because unionized state employees have two years left in a no-layoff deal and they already have their current benefits package in place until 2027.

As for urgency, While Malloy inherited a mess  a $3.5 billion shortfall with freshly issued, $900 million debt he had to pay off for recession-era government expenses  Lamont took over a fiscally stronger state. The projected shortfall is down to less than $1.5 billion and Malloy left a rainy-day fund that will hit at least $2.1 billion this summer, maybe $2.5 billion.

Despite all that, Lamont said the change makes sense as part of his balanced approach  bitterly contested by people who hoped to see higher taxes on wealthy households. Hes sticking to the idea that success in these talks will help everyone, period.

Malloy, by contrast, took a more pragmatic, some would say hard-headed approach, in which transactions ruled the day.

Some of you think Connecticut needs a Wisconsin Moment - where we walk away from collective bargaining and tear up the contracts, Lamont said, referring to that states former governor, Scott Walker, who stripped union rights. I want an anti-Wisconsin moment  a Connecticut Moment  where we show that collective bargaining works not just for retirees but also for the next generation of state employees, and the next generation of taxpayers.

What hes saying is, give us this piece now and in 2027, when the Republicans want to end collective bargaining for benefits  something very few states have  we will be able to say, remember 2019!

Currently, the floor for retiree COLAs is 2 percent and its based on the most common measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index. Retirees after June 30, 2022 will have a floor of zero, in years of very low inflation.

Lamonts plan would have a floor of zero and tie it to the funds performance  similar to a plan in place in some other public unions, including teachers.

Republicans support Lamonts request and many want far more givebacks. To a person, all the pro-union Democrats I spoke with, including the four highest ranking leaders, said the same thing: Let the process play out, let Lamont negotiate and we will see what happens.

If this really is just a small ask, the unions should give it.

But for now, theyre showing annoyance and resolve. Barr showed me some of his emails from members, one of which said bluntly, If he needs more money for my pension, he can tax his rich Fairfield County friends more.

Salvatore Luciano, president of the state AFL-CIO, said hes pleased with measures such as Lamonts support for a $15 minimum wage, but added, We are disappointed that Gov. Lamont has broken his campaign promise to not seek further givebacks from state workers after they made concessions three times over the last decade.

Lamonts tone is remarkably subtle. People advised him to wait for the no-layoff period to end and then hit hard, he said. Threatening to lay off our newest employees who are doing important work is not how I negotiate and not how I treat people.

But then: How we work together to fix our long-term pension and health care costs will impact my thinking on the mix of state employees and outside providers in our governments future.

Translation: Give me this pension change or Ill outsource more jobs. He dropped a similar hint in his speech on inauguration day, and Republicans heard it clearly, as Democrats and labor leaders waved it off.

Such a nice way of playing hardball. Its a sign that Lamont has total faith in his ability to govern in a conciliatory way. Everyone wants him to succeed. Its just a question of whether the pieces can add up.

dhaar@hearstmediact.com3 1 of 3 Fairfield Comedy Club / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Fairfield Comedy Club / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Doug Smith is headed to the Fairfield Comedy Club for a night of stand-up on Friday, March 8. He has performed on Conan OBriens late-night television show, on AXS TVs Gotham Comedy Live and is the creator and star of the web series, Secret Weapon.

If youve never seen his act before, check out the Comedy Central YouTube video called Doug Smith  Stabbed in the Face  This Is Not Happening. It already has more than 2 million views and is a great example of his humor.Time travel has been happening in Ferrum Elementary Schools third grade classrooms. After two weeks of hard work on their Ancient Greece Time Travel Agencies, our panel of clients were able to hear proposals from time travel agents for their trip to Ancient Greece. Students explained to the panel the cities they would visit, several destination points, food and hotel accommodations. Clients would also have their own Greek God tour guide. The students gave cost estimates and even showed their commercials and models of their hotels. Students posters included all of this information as well as their company name and logo that they created. Pictured above are Kailin Johnson, Malachi Hancock, Bella Austin and Madison Boccabella showing their commercial using green screen.We were very happy that Virginia Tourism Corporation approved the request for 100 percent of the amount we asked for, Johnson said.

The new marketing campaigns for the lake chamber and Bedford Tourism were developed by branding and advertising agency Mikula-Harris.

The lakes new campaign will focus on experiences available as part of a vacation or visit. The agency developed a new tagline for the lake that can be more versatile than the traditional Jewel of the Blue Ridge tagline.

The new tagline: Smith Mountain Lake  filled with ... will be used to showcase all that can be found at the lake, Stamus said. Those could include filled with life, filled with adventure, filled with friendship, or filled with moments, she added.

Bedford Countys new marketing campaign is designed to show that there is more to do than people realize, Johnson said. The campaign message is Where ordinary ends ... Bedford begins.

So far, what we have rolled out has been well-received, Johnson said. We look forward to sharing more in the near future. We are especially excited about the new website, brochure and marketing videos.Surveys will be sent to departments of social services, childcare centers, community agencies such as STEP, and family and home daycare providers in six localities.

McMahan said Smart Beginnings will collect data over the next four weeks, check it for accuracy, and turn it into a message.

And then we can have conversations about Where do we go from here? she continued.

Examples of the types of data to be compiled and verified include the numbers of residents under age 5 living at 100 percent or 200 percent of the federal poverty level, median income, the number of working parents, the number of single parents, the percentage of births to mothers who have less than 12 years of education, and the teenage birth rate.

Hope Vacarro, Childcare Director at the Franklin County YMCA, said the data-mapping will to to creating programs that match the Ys goal of helping and supporting the community.

There are so many families in need of this support and I want to be able to give every child a chance, Vacarro said. Early education is so important.By LEIGH PROM

When Terry and Rhonda Michel moved into their Ferrum home last year, they had no idea their next door neighbor Lane Richardson would be gifting them with a historical treasure.

After 26 years and 19 moves with the U.S. Army, Terry was retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. The couples final assignment was in Fort Bragg, N.C. For the first time in more than two and a half decades, the Michels could choose where they wanted to live and for how long. As they pondered where to settle, they kept focusing on location, location, location. After scouring the internet looking at places throughout the country, they came to a realization. Why not focus on the house?

They werent set on any particular part of the country, but felt led to narrow their search down to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The second house Terry saw online became their home. The house sits on two acres a little ways down the road past Ferrum College. It had been built in 1921 and had undergone major renovations in 2005, major in terms of down to the studs.Xi Jinpings Statements in Party Publication Stress Need for Strict Order

Law-based governance a veiled warning against insubordination

News analysis

In China, where politics involves a great deal of ideological ritual behind closed doors, what the state media chooses to publishand whencan be an indicator of trends, crises, or power struggle within the Chinese Communist Party.

The Partys ideological journal Qiushi on Feb. 16 published remarks made by Chinese leader Xi Jinping in an internal speech last August, where he reiterated the need for the Party to expand its control via law-based governance, as well as other communist talking points, such as criticism of Western constitutionalism.

Taken at face value, Xis exhortations to expand the role of the CCP are simply par the course for his six years in office, which have seen the greater centralization of power and authority under the Party.

However, the timing of Qiushis coverage, and other politically charged content recently run by Party-controlled media, suggest that there is more than mere routine in Xi speaking out.

Law-based Governance

Xis statements published by Qiushi were made during the first meeting of the Commission for Comprehensive Law-based Governance, which was formed last March. Law-based governance is a policy initiative that Xi introduced in 2014.

The law-based governance commission was formed in March 2018 as the result of a major reform plan initiated by the central CCP authorities to reorganize state and Party organizations.

For many Chinese officials, Xis law-based governance has not been a pleasant experience. During the 1990s and 2000s, under the leadership of Jiang Zemin, Communist Party cadres were encouraged to become red capitalists and often abused their authority to amass ill-gotten profits. But after coming to power in 2012, Xi and his allies proved willing to purge powerful figures in the CCP, including former Politburo members, top military generals, and hundreds of bureau chiefs and provincial heads.

Xis actions seem to have resulted in pushback from the officialdom, where Jiang and his proteges had had over a decade to cultivate factional allegiances. While Xi is often seen as a strongman whose rule goes virtually unchallenged, the central leadership has seen its policiesincluding law-based governancebeing ignored or passively obstructed by lower-level bureaucrats.

Much of this is due the lasting influence of police, security, and judicial officers whose vested interests and personal loyalties often lie with Xis rivals in the Jiang Zemin faction. During Jiangs era of dominance, lasting from 1997 to 2012, he promoted men like Luo Gan and Zhou Yongkag to top posts in the CCPs Political and Legal Affairs Commission.

While Zhou was purged in 2014 and handed a life sentence the next year, the Chinese regimes top justice is a Jiang faction associate, as is the current head of the PLAC.

According to Chinese political observer Zang Shan, who is currently based in Washington, many Chinese officials and businessmen have little regard for Xi Jinping, despite heavy-handed propaganda efforts to promote him as the greatest Party leader since the regimes founder Mao Zedong.

Preventing Black Swans

In January, Xi addressed an audience consisting of the seven-man CCP Politburo Standing Committee and other senior officials, and in his speech cautioned that the Party must be always on high alert to prevent black swans and grey rhinosaxioms referring to epochal events that come unanticipated or willfully ignored.

Since last spring, Beijing has seen its struggling economy take a turn for the worse following the imposition of steep U.S. tariffs and government action against Chinas state-sanctioned industrial espionage and other illicit activity. The Chinese unemployment rate is surging, and despite state claims that economic growth is still going strong, top mainland Chinese scholars have warned that real growth could be stagnant or even negative.

At a time when the CCP regime faces a slew of domestic and external crises, Xi seems forced to balance the Partys ideological imperatives with the realities of statecraft. In negotiations with the Trump administration, for instance, Xi Jinping has offered concessions, but must present a united front at home lest his rivals be presented an ironclad excuse to mobilize popular support and oust him.

In the context of the challenges facing the Chinese authorities, Xi and his allies appear to be turning to the propaganda apparatus as a means of broadcasting strength and defending Xis policies with the likely goal of deterring efforts by political rivals to undermine the Xi leadership.Alberta Premier Rachel Notley speaks during an announcement in Edmonton on Dec. 2, 2018. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)

We Take Action: Alberta Investing $3.7B to Move Oil by Rail, Leasing Cars

EDMONTON The Alberta government says its investing $3.7 billion to move the provinces landlocked oil to market by rail.

It says 4,400 leased railway cars will move up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day by 2020.

Shipments are expected to begin as early as July.

Pipelines will always be the best, most efficient, most economical longterm solution, Premier Rachel Notley told a news conference Tuesday.

We must take action today to provide more relief to our energy workers and the families who rely on these good jobs across this province and this country.

Premier Rachel Notley announces a deal to lease 4,400 hundred rail cars to move Alberta Oil to other markets. 120,000 barrels per day by mid 2020 #ableg #abpoli pic.twitter.com/hMjjNklxNi  CityNews Edmonton (@CityNewsYEG) February 19, 2019

She says her government has been studying the plan since November and is ready to move forward.

Albertans dont just stand by. We take action.

The Alberta government will lease 4,400 rail cars to move oil out of the province, Premier Rachel Notley announced this afternoon as part of the crude-by-rail strategy. #yyc #abpoli #ableg #oil #energy https://t.co/HNwSGgD0p5 pic.twitter.com/ozQbHY31uu  Calgary Sun (@calgarysun) February 19, 2019

The province estimates the plan will lead to a $5.9billion increase in royalties, tax revenues and profits over three years, meaning a net gain of $2.2 billion.

It expects the discount for Western Canadian heavy oil versus U.S. light crude will shrink by US$4 a barrel.

The rail investment is meant to be a mediumterm measure as new pipelines to coastal ports, such as the Trans Mountain expansion to the West Coast, remain in limbo.Venezuelans Fleeing Socialism Say Trump Speech Gives Them Hope

BOGOTA, ColombiaVenezuelan refugees fleeing the socialist dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro into Cucuta, a humid border town, say they have been inspired by President Donald Trumps address to the Venezuelan community that he gave in Miami on Feb. 18, fueling hope for change as the U.S. leader elevated their plight to the world stage.

More than three million Venezuelans have fled the poverty and famine in their homeland brought forth by years of socialist policies instituted by Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez. The exodus continues even as Maduros grip on the reins of the once oil-rich nation is facing its most significant challenge to date.

The National Assembly declared Maduros presidency illegitimate in January, with Juan Guaido, the assembly leader, assuming interim presidency. President Donald Trump swiftly recognized Guaido as the interim leader of the country as vast crowds flooded the streets of major Venezuelan cities in support of him.

In a speech to the Venezuelans in Miami, Trump reiterated his support for Guaido, warning the Venezuelan military against backing Maduro, and excoriating socialism and communism as deadly, failed ideologies. Venezuelans fleeing the country via the border with Colombia told The Epoch Times that Trumps speech is giving the nation hope.

I feel hopeful because having the U.S. government support is very important to us, it helped us to be in the eye of the world, said 30-year-old Jhuliana Hernandez. Socialism needs to be eliminated from the Americas. Im a Juan Guaido supporter and Im a supporter of democracy and freedom. I think corruption and socialism crippled Venezuela.

Hernandez and the other refugees interviewed for this article crossed the border into Cucuta, a Colombian border town which has borne the most strain due to migration from Venezuela. Every day, some 40,000 people cross the chaotic Simon Bolivar bridge, which connects Cucuta with San Antonio, Venezuela.

I feel my country now has hope, the speech reassured me because I now know that the United States is with us, said Sharon Laleshka. I do not think [what Trump said] was unwarranted criticism, I think it is the reality that my country is living. Socialism does not offer people progress, it makes them dependent and unproductive.

Every time Trump speaks about Venezuela we are relieved and more hopeful, Laleshka added.

Most of those crossing the Simon Bolivar bridge come to buy basic goods such as eggs, flour, or toilet paper, which are unavailable on their side of the border. Some sell their bodies or hair to survive. Thousands continue on to other destinations in Colombia, where over a million Venezuelans now reside, or other places in Latin America, which house nearly three million Venezuelan migrants.

Venezuela is home to the world largest oil reserves and was a thriving nation before Chavez and Maduro instituted a socialist regime that has decimated the nations economy. Almost 90 percent of Venezuelas population live below the poverty line and more than half of families are unable to meet their basic food needs, according to the Mercy Corps humanitarian group.

It is disguised socialism or communism that is the culprit of the economic debacle that across my country, Venezuela, said Ivan Dario, 36, another refugee. There is no legal certainty to the capitalist entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs are the ones that generate jobs.

Maduro and Chavez also opened the doors to communist infiltration from Cuba, with more than 90,000 communist proxies running the government apparatus in Venezuela. Havana also sent more 20,000 security forces personnel to Venezuela, according to the Trump administration.

In his Miami speech, Trump positioned Venezuela as the first domino that would trigger the fall of communism and socialism in South America, where the ideologies are widespread. Nicaragua and Cuba, the other nations in the so-called troika of tyranny, would follow suit once Venezuela is purged, Trump suggested.

The twilight hour of socialism has arrived in our hemisphere and, frankly, in many many places around the world, Trump said. The days of socialism and communism are numbered not only in Venezuela but in Nicaragua and in Cuba as well.

Inside Venezuela, support for Trumps speech was overwhelming, according to accounts collected by a citizen interviewed by The Epoch Times.

About 90 to 95 percent of Venezuela supported it, only that they didnt dare to [go out to demonstrate] because of the suppression. It was extraordinary, something weve been awaiting for a long time, the Venezuelan, speaking anonymously, said.

Some people didnt like Trump before. And now people are saying, Well, I didnt like Trump very much before, but now I adore him,' the source added. When concrete, real things started to happen, of course, many people are grateful to Trump and his initiatives.

Since taking office, the president has made the fight against socialism and communism a major part of his agenda. At this years State of the Union speech, he said that America will never become a socialist country.

Trump has also lambasted communism and socialism on the world stage, telling the United Nations in September 2017 that anguish and devastation and failure followed wherever these ideologies were adopted. In November 2017, he told the National Assembly in South Korea that communism is to blame for the stark contrast between the desolation and famine in North Korea and peace and prosperity in South Korea.

Guaidos ascendance in Venezuela has triggered a global referendum on socialism and communism. Current and former communist regimes like China, North Korea, Cuba, and Russia have backed Maduro. More than 50 free-world nationsincluding the United States, Germany, and Australiarecognized Guaido as the legitimate leader.

Trump delivered his speech as humanitarian aid from the United States idled on the border with Venezuela. Maduro has continued to refuse to allow the aid into the impoverished nation, with supplies piling up in Cucuta. On Feb. 16, three U.S. military cargo planes landed in Cucuta carrying 180 tons of humanitarian aid.

The heavily guarded warehouse in Cucuta is one of three points from where an attempt will be made on Feb. 23 to deliver the aid into Venezuela. Guaido hopes the attempt will drive a wedge between Maduro and military forces who continue to support him despite popular discontent. The United States has pledged $20 million to alleviate the suffering in Venezuela.

Maduro claims the decline of his country is a result of U.S.-imposed sanctions and that Venezuelans are not beggars. His regime placed an oil tanker and shipping crates on Feb. 6 to barricade a bridge that was intended to be used to deliver the aid.

Trump warned Venezuelan military officials that they stand to lose everything if they continue to back Maduro. The United States is aware of the wealth hidden abroad by military officials and their families, including their whereabouts, Trump said.

If you choose this path, Trump warned them, you will find no safe harbor, no easy exit, and no way out. You will lose everything.French President Emmanuel Macron lays a white rose on a grave vandalised with swastikas during a visit at the Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim, France on Feb. 19, 2019. (Frederick Florin/Pool via Reuters)

Vandals Desecrate 90 Jewish Graves in East France Ahead of Marches

STRASBOURG, FranceVandals have daubed swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans on around 90 graves in a Jewish cemetery in eastern France, local officials said on Feb. 19, shortly before planned marches nationwide against a surge in anti-Semitic attacks.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited the cemetery on Feb. 19 in the village of Quatzenheim, near the city of Strasbourg, following the overnight desecration, walking through a gate scarred with a swastika as he entered the graveyard.

Its important for me to be here with you today, a solemn-looking Macron told local leaders and members of the Jewish community after paying respects at one of the desecrated graves.

Whoever did this is not worthy of the French Republic and will be punished Well take action, well apply the law and well punish them, he said.

Many French political leaders are due to join the Feb. 19 march in Paris against anti-Semitism. Macron will visit the national Holocaust memorial with the heads of the Senate and National Assembly.

Figures released last week showed there were more than 500 anti-Semitic attacks in France in 2018, a 74 percent increase from 2017.

France is home to the biggest Jewish community in Europearound 550,000a population that has grown by about half since World War Two, but anti-Semitic attacks remain common.

A rabbi and three children were killed at a Jewish school in Toulouse in 2012 by an Islamist gunman, and in 2015 four Jews at a kosher supermarket in Paris were among 17 people killed by Islamist terrorists. In 2006, 23-year-old Ilan Halimi was kidnapped, tortured and murdered by an anti-Semitic gang.

This month, artwork on two Paris post boxes showing the image of Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor, and former magistrate, was defaced with swastikas, while a bagel shop was sprayed with the word Juden, German for Jews, in yellow letters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement in response to the cemetery attack.

I call on all French and European leaders to take a strong stand against anti-Semitism, he said in a video message recorded in Hebrew. It is an epidemic that endangers everyone, not just us, and it must be condemned everywhere and every time it rears its head.

His immigration minister, Yoav Galant, sent a tweet calling on French Jews to quit France and come home to Israel, where around 200,000 French Jews already live.

By Mayaan LubellTrump Wants California to Pay Back Billions for Failed Bullet Train Project

The Trump administration wants to cut off $929 million in federal funding grants to Californias ambitious high-speed rail project and, at the same time, is actively exploring every legal option to take back an additional $2.5 billion in federal grant funds that had already been given to the state.

The announcementmade in a Feb. 19 letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the California High-Speed Rail Authoritycame after President Donald Trump pledged to reclaim a total of $3.5 billion in funding grants. The bullet train was originally planned to run between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

But the railway projectwhich was first approved by California voters in 2008has become controversial after having faced repeated delays, management concerns, and cost increases. Trumps administration argued on Feb. 19 that the state did not provide matching dollars, which are required, and said they could not fully complete construction by the 2022 deadline.

Turning to Twitter, Trump urged California on Feb. 20 to return the money and lambasted recent reports that said the state was planning to reduce the scope of their railway project, which has been under construction for years.

California now wants to scale back their already failed fast train project by substantially shortening the distance so that it no longer goes from L.A. to San Francisco, he wrote. A different deal and record cost overruns. Send the Federal Government back the Billions of Dollars WASTED!

California now wants to scale back their already failed fast train project by substantially shortening the distance so that it no longer goes from L.A. to San Francisco. A different deal and record cost overruns. Send the Federal Government back the Billions of Dollars WASTED!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2019

The $77 billion bullet train project has long been a subject of criticism by the Trump administration and the Republican Party. Trump earlier compared the high costs of the failed fast train project to his wall along the U.S.Mexico border where he said the train was hundreds of times more expensive than the desperately needed Wall!

Meanwhile, Californias Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, refused to return the states money.

This is clear political retribution by President Trump, and we wont sit idly by, he said in a statement. This is Californias money, and we are going to fight for it.

In his first State of the State address to lawmakers on Feb. 12, Newsom said California will dramatically scale back on the project. He said they would still finish a smaller section.

Lets be real. The current project, as planned, would cost too much and respectfully take too long, Newsom said. Theres been too little oversight and not enough transparency.

Newsom told lawmakers that the state will finish a 119-mile high-speed rail link between Merced and Bakersfield in the states Central Valley, which was met with derision on social media.

I know that some critics will say this is a train to nowhere,  Newsom said during his speech. But thats wrong and offensive.

Merced had a population of more than 83,000 as of 2017 while Bakersfield had a population of about 380,000. San Francisco and Los Angeles have a combined population of nearly 5 million.

In March 2018, the state estimated the costs to jump by $13 billion to $77 billion and warned that it could reach as high as $98.1 billion.

There are several scenarios in which the federal government can take money back from California, as outlined in the grant agreement signed in 2010. One scenario is if the grantee fails to make adequate progress or if it fails to complete the project or one of its tasks. Another example would be if the state failed to meet its matching fund requirementswhich California has failed to fully match with its $2.5 billion stimulus money, although it is in the process of doing so now. Meanwhile, the California High-Speed Rail Authority had already budgeted for the full $3.5 billion in funding.

The Feb. 19 letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation said Newsoms comments at the address further pushed the Trump administrations concerns.

Governor Newsom presented a new proposal that represents a significant retreat from the States initial vision and commitment and frustrates the purpose for which Federal funding was awarded, the letter said.U.S. President Donald Trump looks to Vice President Mike Pence as he participates in a signing ceremony of "Space Policy Directive 4," to establish a Space Force as the sixth branch of the Armed Forces, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., on Feb. 19, 2019. (Jim Young/REUTERS)

Trump Signs Directive in Move to Create a Space Force

WASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump took a step on Feb. 19, needed for lawmakers to begin the lengthy process of creating a U.S. Space Force, a new branch of the military dedicated to handling threats in space.

Trump signed Space Policy Directive 4, which puts in place the foundation for a legislative initiative that could establish a Space Force as a new military service comparable to the U.S. Marines.

In an oval office signing ceremony, Trump said the Space Force is a national security priority.

The memo directs the Department of Defense to marshal its space resources to deter and counter threats in space, through the establishment of Space Force that would be part of the Air Force, according to a draft seen by Reuters.

Establishing the Space Force will require Congressional approval.

In August, the Trump Administration announced an ambitious plan to usher in the force as the sixth branch of the military by 2020.

Space Force would be an armed branch of the military and include both combat and combat support functions to enable prompt and sustained offensive and defensive space operations, according to the memo.

Air Force chief General David Goldfein, speaking at Brookings, a Washington think tank, said on Tuesday the establishment of Space Force was still a long way off, including intricate details of how we move forward in establishing this service within the Department of the Air Force.

Goldfein also said from a war-fighting perspective the most important step that we take going forward, and the one that we need to do the quickest, is to establish a U.S. Space Command as a combatant commander, a role that would actually command the personnel and materials presented to them by Space Force.

Trump signs directive in move to create a U.S. Space Force https://t.co/buCB3wMIBi pic.twitter.com/znvdbeRxMI  WORLD NEWS (@WORLDNews_1st) February 19, 2019

The Air Force is the U.S. military branch that currently has responsibility for space.

Last year, then Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan had focused on internal Pentagon reform and issues like the creation of a Space Force, an initiative that met with resistance from some lawmakers and others in the Pentagon.

Shanahan, now acting Secretary of Defense, had said in 2018 that the proposed Space Force could have an initial budget of less than $5 billion.

On Tuesday, a Pentagon official speaking on condition of anonymity said initial start up costs for the Space Force were estimated to be about $72 million.

An Air Force cost estimate from earlier last year said Space force would be around $13 billion in the first five years.

By Mike Stone And Jeff MasonTrump Says ISIS Bride Hoda Muthana Shouldnt Return to US

President Donald Trump has responded to reports that Hoda Muthana wont be allowed back into the United States.

I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country! the president tweeted on the afternoon of Feb. 20.

Muthana, from Alabama, left the country in November 2014 to join the ISIS terrorist organization in Syria. But in recent days, she has pleaded with American officials to allow her passage back into the U.S.

I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2019

Hours before Trumps tweet, Pompeo said Muthana, who is being held in a Kurdish refugee camp, isnt an American citizen.

Ms. Hoda Muthana is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States. She does not have any legal basis, no valid U.S. passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the United States, Pompeo said in a statement.

Muthana, 24, went to Syria to join ISIS and eventually married three fighters. She has called for the killing of Americans on Twitter.

Hoda Muthana wants to come home after leaving to join ISIS: I hope they excuse me because of how young and ignorant I  al.com  2019220

But in a series of interviews in the past week, she expressed remorse over what she did.

I know Ive ruined my future and my sons future and I deeply, deeply regret it, she told The Guardian. And in a letter sent to her family, she wrote, I was a naive, angry and arrogant young woman seeing bloodshed up close changed me, CBS News reported.

According to ABC News, Muthana said she hopes people with sympathize with her.

I hope they excuse me because of how young and ignorant I was. Now Im changed. Now Im a mother and I have none of the ideology and hopefully everyone will see it when I come back, she told ABC. I hope America doesnt think Im a threat to them and I hope they can accept me.

Muthana suggested that she could go to therapy when she returns.

I am definitely planning, definitely wanting people to not make the same decision that Ive made, she told the outlet.

In the same camp, Shamima Begum ran away from her London home at the age of 15 to join ISIS before having a child with an ISIS member.

However, she hasnt expressed as much remorse over her actions, and the United Kingdom has said it would strip her of her British citizenship.

ISIS in Trouble

ISISs once-sprawling caliphate, which stretched over much of Syria and Iraq, is now confined to Baghuz, a town in eastern Syria.

On Feb. 20, ISIS looked close to defeat in its last enclave in eastern Syria on Wednesday as civilians poured out, and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the remaining jihadists wanted to fight to the death, Reuters noted.

More than 2,000 civilians left the village of Baghouz in a convoy of dozens of trucks. Coalition warplanes could be seen overhead, and the sounds of intermittent gunbattles could be heard from the area, which is completely surrounded by the SDF.

The terrorists are entrenched inside, still betting on ending it militarily, said Mustafa Bali, head of the SDF media office. Our forces said from the start that they have two options: unconditional surrender or for the battle to continue until its end.

Reuters contributed to this reportDeputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation Jeffrey Rosen is shown in Washington, in this undated photo obtained Feb. 19, 2019. (U.S. Department of Transportation/Handout via Reuters)

Trump Names Successor to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein

President Donald Trump intends to nominate Jeffrey Rosen to succeed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, according to the White House.

Trump nominated Rosenstein to serve as the deputy attorney general on Feb. 1, 2017. Since then, Rosenstein has played a key role in pivotal events: He recommended the firing of FBI Director James Comey, appointed special counsel Robert Mueller, and has overseen a broad investigation into leaks of classified information.

Rosen currently serves as the deputy secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Prior to that, he supervised more than 400 attorneys as the general counsel at the DOT, and served as general counsel and senior policy adviser at the White House Office of Management and Budget.

Attorney General William Barr praised Rosen as a distinguished lawyer who has served at the highest levels of government and the private sector.

His years of outstanding legal and management experience make him an excellent choice to succeed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has served the Department of Justice over many years with dedication and distinction, Barr said in a statement.

Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Rosens current boss, said he played a critical role in managing a department with more than 55,000 employees and an $85 billion budget.

His hard work, dedication, and decades of experience are evident each day at the department. I will be sorry to lose him, but I am confident that he is the right lawyer to help the new attorney general succeed at the Justice Department, for the benefit of the American people, Chao said in a statement.

Rosenstein is expected to step down by mid-March, a Justice Department official said on Feb. 19. The department didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Rosens nomination must be confirmed by the Senate.

In response to a question about how long Rosenstein will remain as deputy attorney general, White House Director of Strategic Communications Mercedes Schlapp told Fox News on Feb. 19 that the decision is up to Rosenstein and that Trump has a good relationship with Rosenstein.

The nomination for Rosensteins replacement comes days after former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe again accused Rosenstein of offering to wear a wire to record Trump. Rosenstein denied the allegation.

Rosenstein oversaw the special counsels Russia probe because then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the investigation. Mueller, who is investigating allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, reported directly to Rosenstein until November 2018, when Trump appointed Matt Whitaker as acting attorney general. Upon his confirmation by the Senate last week, Barr became Muellers boss.

Rosenstein wrote a scathing letter on May 9, 2017, recommending the firing of then-FBI Director Comey, who Trump removed the same day. The firing kicked off an intense nine-day period that culminated in the appointment of the special counsel. Rosenstein wrote the original letter outlining the scope of Muellers investigation as well as a second scope letter, which remains largely classified. Mueller hasnt accused anyone of colluding with Russia.

Wont Be Pushed Around

Rosen was nominated to be a federal judge by Republican President George W. Bush in 2008 but didnt get a confirmation vote in the Senate, which was under Democratic control at the time. He was rated well qualified by the nonpartisan American Bar Association.

Thomas Yannucci, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis who has known Rosen since 1982, described him as an able legal administrator who will be committed to ensuring the independence of the Justice Department.

No ones going to push Jeff around. Hell be committed to doing his job, Yannucci said.

Rosen has supported Republican candidates in past elections, although he has not donated money to Trump, federal records show.

Rosen contributed $7,545 to 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and $100 in April 2015 to Marco Rubio, one of Trumps rivals for the Republican nomination in the 2016 campaign.

Rosen was a key figure in efforts to rewrite fuel efficiency regulations and set drone policy.

Reuters contributed to this report.The Spirit of Vietnamese Cooking

Marked by fresh flavors and a legacy of resourcefulness, the cuisine is more accessible for home cooks than ever

When Andrea Nguyen and her family arrived in America in 1975, there was no fish sauce at their neighborhood Albertsons. None to make nuoc cham dipping sauce, or spike noodle soups, or complete the slew of other savory Vietnamese dishes that rely on its umami-packed funk. And for months, they had no car to make the hour and a half drive to Los Angeles Chinatown and its Asian markets, where such rare treasures were stocked. So her mother made do with La Choy soy sauce.

With no jasmine rice, that fragrant staple, she dubbed Texas long-grain a worthy substitute. For delicate steamed rice rolls, traditionally fashioned from rice flour, Swans Down cake flour did the trick instead.

She was always like, What can we use? What can we co-opt from the American supermarket? Nguyen recalled. Supplementing universal produce and pantry staples with clever substitutes and workarounds for Vietnamese specialties, she preserved the food traditions of their roots in their new American home. Spaghetti dinners came with a side of rice.

Such is the spirit of Vietnamese cooking, Nguyen said, embodied by generations of curious and resourceful cooks who lived through colonial occupation and war, and immigrants, like herself and her parents, who adapted to unfamiliar surroundings to recreate familiar bits of home.

Nguyen brings that spirit to her new cookbook, Vietnamese Food Any Day. Its the latest of several cookbooks from the Vietnam-born, California-based author and food writer, cooking teacher, and long-time ambassador of Vietnamese cuisine, including the comprehensive Into the Vietnamese Kitchen, published in 2006, and the more recent The Pho Cookbook, winner of a 2018 James Beard Award.

In this book, she does something different: I specifically help people grocery shop.

That is, she helps people grocery shop for the building blocks of Vietnamese food, but at mainstream market chains like Kroger, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Publixno Asian-market shopping necessaryand bring the flavors and dishes of the cuisine into their home kitchens. The recipes are all based on ingredients easily sourced from such stores, and most come together in under an hour.

This book is really about opening the door, welcoming people in to make Vietnamese food, Nguyen said. The food isnt mysterious; its not exotic. People can totally make it and be part of the story.

Foundations

Accessibility is a common thread, but Nguyen is adamant about not dumbing down her recipesthat would be doing a disservice to who I am and the cuisine that Im representing, she said.

To capture her approach to demystifying and streamlining Vietnamese food, without compromising its integrity, she summons a Vietnamese term: kheo, meaning smart or adroit. When used to describe cooking, the term implies food thats been thoughtfully and skillfully prepared with intention and a grounding in the fundamentals, Nguyen writes.

Those fundamentals are key. They encompass an understanding of certain foundational flavors, like the blending of savory and sweet and the interplay between heady umami and bright, zippy acid; and of certain foundational techniques, like coaxing water, fish sauce, and onions into a simple base for everyday soups; or simmering meats and fish in bittersweet Vietnamese caramel, nuoc mau, to a glossy, savory-sweet finish.

My parents held onto those foundations when they came here, Nguyen said. Her mother took with her a handwritten recipe book; other refugees brought over cookbooks and photocopied them to share. Nguyen still has binders full of photocopied recipes.

People brought things because they were like, We dont want to lose our heritage. We dont know what its going to be like over there. We cant bring many belongings, but we can bring paper, Nguyen said.

On the weekends, when phone rates would drop, her parents would be on the phone for hours with their friends, talking, gossiping, swapping  tips: Where are you? What are you up to? What are you cooking? Theyd share their workarounds and co-opted discoveries, customizing and improvising to keep their heritage alive.

Vietnamese food is thus inherently versatile. Theres a basic Vietnamese blueprint for each dish, from banh mi to bun (rice noodle bowls), that makes it taste wholly Vietnamese, Nguyen said. From there, specific proteins, vegetables, toppings, and even dipping sauces can vary by the individual cooks needs and desires.

Cooks innovate, and Vietnamese food has always been about innovation, Nguyen said. But you cant build anything without a solid foundation, because no ones going to know where things started. And so, you need to set those roots.

Building a Vietnamese Food Pantry

Much like her parents taught her, Nguyen teaches home cooks to be resourceful and use what they have readily availablewhich, these days, is no small selection.

American supermarkets have come a long way. According to the Food Marketing Institute trade group, their average inventory has diversified from 9,000 items in 1975 to 40,000 today, Nguyen writes. Its an exciting time to be cooking and eating.

For staples like high-quality fish sauce, Chaokoh coconut milk, and Sun Brand Madras-style curry powder, we used to have to go to an Asian market, Nguyen said. But nowadays, because there is so much awareness about Asian food and global flavors, that Asian section at the supermarket, if you go to a good one, that is amazing.

For the uninitiated, though, that variety can also be dauntinga blur of foreign labels more likely to lead to decision paralysis than a newly stocked pantry. Thats where Nguyen comes in: her books extensive shopping guide navigates the reader through seas of soy sauce bottles and rice paper packages to track down the best.

And if certain ingredients still have yet to make it to the shelves, theres no shame in finding work-arounds: rice spaghetti can mimic the traditional thick, round bun, or vermicelli noodles; pomegranate molasses and juice are Nguyens go-to subs for tangy-sweet tamarind; anchovy paste lends a similar heady funk as fermented shrimp sauce to dishes like bun bo hue and its multi-layered spicy, salty, sour broth.

Nguyen offers another word of advice: [If] you need something at a grocery store, you go and you ask.

Her parents taught her as much. They also taught her to explore the resources around her, as they would on family trips to recon their local markets; to ask the butcher to grind up a hunk of pork shoulder on the spot, if she wanted the freshest ground meat; to grow herbs and other plants at home, as her father did, for fun and for freshness.

Those are like life skills. All of that really stuck with me, Nguyen said. Such experiences formed the roots of her very resourceful approach to finding ingredients, one she invites other home cooks to adapt and hone.

She proves that Vietnamese food at home is more accessible than ever. You just need the right foundations, a bit of courage, and a healthy dose of make-do spirit.

RECIPE: Shrimp in Coconut Caramel Sauce

RECIPE: Curry-Scented Grilled Beef Lettuce WrapsThe Need for an Electronic Bill of Rights: Part 2

Commentary

This article is part of a series on corporate surveillance highlighting civil liberty, privacy, cybersecurity, safety, and tech-product user exploitation threats associated with connected products that are supported by the Android (Google) OS, Apple iOS, and Microsoft Windows OS.

Over the past two years, numerous news stories have emerged that centered on the harmful use of personal and professional information (digital DNA) by tech and telecom giants.

When reported individually, each story doesnt look like theres a systemic problem.

However, when aggregated, the collective news reports paint a huge picture that clearly shows there are systemic civil liberty, privacy, cybersecurity, and safety threats posed by predatory surveillance and data-mining business practices rooted in surveillance capitalism.

The biggest news story of 2018 was the revelation that Facebook allowed an academic named Aleksandr Kogan to use a survey app he created to data mine more than 80 million Facebook users. Kogan sold the data to political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, who used the information to profit for political purposes.

Like Cambridge Analytica, Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and other tech giants, use product users collective digital DNA to understand users personal preferences in order to micro-target them with ads customized to manipulate (similar to subliminal advertising) the user into taking an action.

Artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and suggestive technology supported by addictive, intrusive, and harmful apps give the app developer the ability to encourage a user to act in a particular way, such as by clicking on a link, buying a product, or voting for a presidential candidate, which is basically a form of mind control.

The use of AI and associated technology is more dangerous than subliminal advertising, which was banned in the 20th century.

Manipulating a person into buying a product based on the persons personal preferences may not be so harmful in a consumer world, but when this terrifying technology is applied to politics, the results can be devastating.

What is even more horrifying is that teens and children use smartphones, tablet PCs, and connected technology supported by addictive, intrusive, exploitative, and harmful technology, yet governments turn a blind eye when it comes to these types of harmful business practices that need to be stopped.

After reviewing in Part 1 everything that is wrong with smartphones, tablet PCs, and connected technology supported by predatory surveillance and data-mining technology, what is the solution?

The solution resides in legislation that is centered on an Electronic Bill of Rights. I hate to resort to government to fix these issues, but tech and telecom giants refuse to abandon their harmful business practices, which I believe are illegal.

Consumer Complaints

As a consumer, Ive purchased many smartphones for my wife, children, and myself since 2011. In 2013, due to privacy and cybersecurity concerns, I started researching the terms of use and the pre-installed (rooted) content (apps, widgets, etc.) that supported a Samsung Galaxy Note I had purchased from a T-Mobile corporate store in Selma, Texas.

I identified more than 15 multinational companiesincluding a nation-state company from China (Baidu)that were enabled by Google to simultaneously surveil and data mine all my activities, including content, associated with the use of the Galaxy Note as soon as the device was activated by T-Mobile.

I authored a report based on my findings, and in 2015, using that report to back up my claims regarding violations of the law and civil liberty, privacy, cybersecurity, and safety threats, I decided to file formal customer complaints with my service providers to force them to provide me detailed information about their surveillance and data-mining business practices.

I filed complaints with AT&T, T-Mobile, Samsung, Google, and Apple, as well as all relevant affiliates such as Facebook and Amazon.

When my service providers refused to address my customer complaints, concerns, and requests for information, I filed numerous consumer complaints against my service providers with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and state attorneys general.

To date, only the FCC has taken any meaningful action, which resulted in T-Mobile having to admit that smartphones, tablet PCs, and connected products supported by the Android operating system (OS) and Apple iOS are not private, secure, or safe forms of telecommunications and computing.

Policy Change Proposal

After filing formal customer and consumer complaints throughout a two-plus-year period, I had no other alternative but to file constituent complaints with my state representatives, which included Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).

As a result, a staffer for Cruzs office asked me to submit a policy change proposal centered on an Electronic Bill of Rights.

The policy change proposal would include a framework for legislation that would protect citizens, teens, children, and business professionals from data-driven companies that employ harmful and deceptive trade practices associated with surveillance and data mining.

In late 2017, I wrote the initial framework for a policy change proposal and submitted it to Cruzs office on April 13, 2018. I also submitted copies to other lawmakers, including Sen. Cornyn.

Below is the framework for the legislation.

The Electronic Bill of Rights

The following is a list of only the major violations of law and threats that need to be addressed. An explanation of each threat or violation is given and why it matters to consumers, followed by a proposed solution.

Threat/Violation 1: Protected (Due Process/Fourth Amendment) Telecommunications, Data, and Information

Protected Telecommunications: Protected telecommunications, data, and information is collected by telecom and tech giants by way of telecom products, tablet PCs, PCs, and computer networks that are supported by protected telecom infrastructure governed by the FCC. This poses huge civil liberty, privacy, cybersecurity, and safety threats to telecom and tech-product users.

Protected telecommunications, data, and information is collected by telecom and tech giants by way of telecom products, tablet PCs, PCs, and computer networks that are supported by protected telecom infrastructure governed by the FCC. This poses huge civil liberty, privacy, cybersecurity, and safety threats to telecom and tech-product users. Protected Personal and Professional Telecom Information (Digital DNA): Telecom-related products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and PCs that use protected telecom infrastructure are no less significant than home or office phones and PCs, which are protected by laws that shield telecommunications subscribers (individuals or businesses) and authorized device users (spouse, children, employees) from unwarranted and unauthorized surveillance and data-mining conducted by state actors, corporations, and individuals. People need to realize that their telecom-related personal and professional digital DNA is worth a lot of money, but more importantly, that a persons collective digital DNA reveals every aspect of his or her personal and professional life.

Telecom-related products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and PCs that use protected telecom infrastructure are no less significant than home or office phones and PCs, which are protected by laws that shield telecommunications subscribers (individuals or businesses) and authorized device users (spouse, children, employees) from unwarranted and unauthorized surveillance and data-mining conducted by state actors, corporations, and individuals. People need to realize that their telecom-related personal and professional digital DNA is worth a lot of money, but more importantly, that a persons collective digital DNA reveals every aspect of his or her personal and professional life. Circumventing Existing Telecom-Related Privacy Laws: Data-driven technology providers such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Samsung, and Baidu employ predatory business practices as a means to circumvent existing telecommunication privacy laws so they can lawfully surveil and data mine telecom and tech-product users. To put this into perspective, if Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and Samsung were state actors, each company would need to get a warrant from a domestic judge or the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC/FISA) in order to conduct surveillance while data-mining U.S. telecom-product users by way of telecom products.

Data-driven technology providers such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Samsung, and Baidu employ predatory business practices as a means to circumvent existing telecommunication privacy laws so they can lawfully surveil and data mine telecom and tech-product users. To put this into perspective, if Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and Samsung were state actors, each company would need to get a warrant from a domestic judge or the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC/FISA) in order to conduct surveillance while data-mining U.S. telecom-product users by way of telecom products. Civil Liberty Violation: Baidu is a Chinese company, which means that the FCC, FTC, Department of Justice (DOJ), Google, and telecom providers are enabling a state actor from China to lawfully surveil and data mine U.S. citizens, teens, children, and business professionals by way of protected telecom products.

Solution: Ban Telecom-Related Surveillance and Data-Mining Business Practices

It should be illegal to surveil and data mine any citizen without proper consent or a warrant provided by a domestic judge or a FISA court.

It should be illegal for any corporation (foreign or domestic) to surveil and data mine U.S. citizens by way of telecom-related products, computers, or electronics that are supported by protected telecom infrastructure governed by the FCC.

Threat/Violation 2: Oppressive and Intrusive Telecom and Tech Products that Require Payment to Participate

Monetizing the Telecom and Tech-Product UserCyber Oppression: Telecom and data-driven technology providers have monetized their paying customers, which include consumers of smartphones, tablet PCs, video games, smart TVs, voice-automated assistants, connected vehicles, toys, PCs, and other products that require payment to participate. This means that a consumer becomes a commodity for sale by the telecom and data-driven technology provider.

Telecom and data-driven technology providers have monetized their paying customers, which include consumers of smartphones, tablet PCs, video games, smart TVs, voice-automated assistants, connected vehicles, toys, PCs, and other products that require payment to participate. This means that a consumer becomes a commodity for sale by the telecom and data-driven technology provider. Google, Apple, and Microsoft Dominate the Operating System MarketAntitrust: According to T-Mobile and Verizon, private, secure, and safe smartphones, tablet PCs, and connected products are not for sale due to the predatory business practices employed by operating system (OS) developers and affiliates.

According to T-Mobile and Verizon, private, secure, and safe smartphones, tablet PCs, and connected products are not for sale due to the predatory business practices employed by operating system (OS) developers and affiliates. Weaponizing Products of Necessity: Everyday telecom and tech products of necessity that cost money to purchase have been intentionally designed to enable the OS developer (e.g. Google) and their affiliates (e.g. Facebook) with the ability surveil and data mine the product user. This means that consumers of telecom and tech products pay money to be surveilled for financial gain at the expense of their civil liberties, privacy, cybersecurity, and safety.

Everyday telecom and tech products of necessity that cost money to purchase have been intentionally designed to enable the OS developer (e.g. Google) and their affiliates (e.g. Facebook) with the ability surveil and data mine the product user. This means that consumers of telecom and tech products pay money to be surveilled for financial gain at the expense of their civil liberties, privacy, cybersecurity, and safety. False and Deceptive Advertising: Ads for intrusive telecom and tech products do not mention that the products are not private, secure, or safe. Consequently, consumers are fraudulently induced into purchasing telecom and tech products that are supported by addictive, intrusive, and harmful pre-installed surveillance and data-mining technology that in turn are supported by exploitative terms of use.

Ads for intrusive telecom and tech products do not mention that the products are not private, secure, or safe. Consequently, consumers are fraudulently induced into purchasing telecom and tech products that are supported by addictive, intrusive, and harmful pre-installed surveillance and data-mining technology that in turn are supported by exploitative terms of use. Affiliates and Trusted PartnersSelling Access to the Telecom and Tech Product User: Telecom and tech giants will claim that each company does not sell identifiable personal information associated with their product users. However, these companies are not transparent in that each company sells access to their paying customers and product users to companies that employ predatory business practices, which in turn are enabled to surveil and data mine the product user.

Solution: Protect Telecom-Related Personal and Professional Digital DNA

Laws need to be passed to protect telecommunications, information, and data produced by the use of telecom-related products, PCs, and connected products supported by protected telecom infrastructure governed by the FCC.

It should be illegal for any company to collect, use, share, sell, purchase, or aggregate protected telecom-related information, such as personal and professional surveillance data (e.g. location data) and sensitive user data.

It should be illegal to for any company to sell access to their product users to companies that employ surveillance and data-mining business practices rooted in surveillance capitalism.

It should be illegal to advertise such products without mentioning that products such as smartphones are intentionally designed to enable the OS developer and pre-installed content developers with the ability to monitor, track, and data mine the product user for financial gain.

Threat/Violation 3: Intrusive and Harmful Pre-installed (Rooted) Content Supported by Exploitative Terms of Use

Forced ParticipationExpress (Lawful) Consent: Due the exploitative terms of use that govern apps, etc., telecom and tech-product users are forced to participate in a highly exploitative surveillance and data-mining business model. Since the user cannot control what is pre-installed into the product, product users are not providing lawful consent to allow the telecom and tech provider to surveil and data mine their personal and professional digital DNA.

Due the exploitative terms of use that govern apps, etc., telecom and tech-product users are forced to participate in a highly exploitative surveillance and data-mining business model. Since the user cannot control what is pre-installed into the product, product users are not providing lawful consent to allow the telecom and tech provider to surveil and data mine their personal and professional digital DNA. Addictive, Intrusive, Harmful Technology: Former senior executives and a product designer for Google and Facebook publicly admit that each company intentionally develops addictive, intrusive, and harmful technology in order to exploit their product users for financial gain at the expense of the users privacy and safety.

Former senior executives and a product designer for Google and Facebook publicly admit that each company intentionally develops addictive, intrusive, and harmful technology in order to exploit their product users for financial gain at the expense of the users privacy and safety. Malware in the Form of Apps: Apps are intentionally designed to enable the app developer with the ability to monitor, track, and data mine the product user for financial gain. Many pre-installed and third-party apps, widgets, and content are simply a legal form of malware.

Apps are intentionally designed to enable the app developer with the ability to monitor, track, and data mine the product user for financial gain. Many pre-installed and third-party apps, widgets, and content are simply a legal form of malware. Predatory and Exploitative Terms of Use: The terms of use that support smartphones, tablet PCs, voice-automated assistants, PCs, and connected products can be described as cyber enslavement agreements. They consist of published (online) and unpublished (hidden in device) application legalese and application product warnings.

The terms of use that support smartphones, tablet PCs, voice-automated assistants, PCs, and connected products can be described as cyber enslavement agreements. They consist of published (online) and unpublished (hidden in device) application legalese and application product warnings. No Compensation: Data-driven technology providers are exploiting peoples telecom-related data for financial gain at the expense of the users privacy without compensating them for the use of their collective digital DNA. Companies such as Google and Apple view their product users as uncompensated information producers.

Solution: Ban the Use of Addictive, Intrusive, and Harmful Technology and Exploitative Terms of Use

A law needs to be passed banning the use of uncontrollable pre-installed and third-party addictive, intrusive, and harmful technology that is supported by exploitative terms of use.

It should be illegal to hide any application legalese and application product warnings from consumers within the OS of a smartphone, tablet PC, or connected product.

All application legalese and application product warnings should be published online with terms and conditions, privacy policies, and end-user licensing agreements.

Total control over the OS and pre-installed surveillance and data-mining technology such as apps, widgets, and emojis should be given to the product owner or user.

Threat/Violation 4: Harmful Use of Digital DNA and Civil Liberty Threats

Harmful Use of Personal and Professional Information (Digital DNA): Telecom and tech-product users have no idea how telecom and data-driven technology providers are using, sharing, selling, purchasing, and aggregating their personal and professional digital DNA. They have no idea if their collective digital DNA is being used in a manner that can bring harm to them or is ending up in the hands of data brokers, employers, state actors (foreign or domestic), bank and insurance underwriters, law enforcement agencies, business competitors, or other entities that can bring harm to them.

Telecom and tech-product users have no idea how telecom and data-driven technology providers are using, sharing, selling, purchasing, and aggregating their personal and professional digital DNA. They have no idea if their collective digital DNA is being used in a manner that can bring harm to them or is ending up in the hands of data brokers, employers, state actors (foreign or domestic), bank and insurance underwriters, law enforcement agencies, business competitors, or other entities that can bring harm to them. Manipulating the Product User: Telecom and data-driven technology providers coupled with data brokers use AI, predictive analytics, and suggestive technology as a means to manipulate telecom and tech product users into taking action, such as clicking on a link, conversing with a virtual human, or voting for a political candidate. AI, predictive analytics, and suggestive technology has been used by data brokers plus other tech giants without challenge by the FTC, FCC, DOJ, state attorneys general, and lawmakers.

Solution: Ban the Use of Personal and Professional Digital DNA Without Proper Consent

Telecom and tech-product users should have 100-percent control over all of their personal and professional digital DNA produced by the use of any product (free or otherwise) that employs surveillance and data-mining business practices.

Telecom and tech-product users should be able to have their digital DNA deleted by simply filing a request for deletion with their telecom and data-driven technology providers.

Once a deletion request is received, all telecom and tech providers concerned would have two weeks to comply by deleting all personal and professional digital DNA concerned, retroactive back to 1980 if necessary.

It should be illegal for any company to use a persons collective digital DNA in a harmful manner.

Threat/Violation 5: Privacy and Cybersecurity Threats

Confidential and Protected Environments: Business professionals, government officials, doctors, attorneys, members of the military and law enforcement, judges, journalists, and lawmakers work within a confidential and protected environment. Confidential and protected environments are governed by confidentiality agreements, non-disclosure agreements, industry and federal cybersecurity standards, federal information processing standards, and confidentiality laws that govern medical information, clientattorney privilege, and classified information. My research concludes that it is illegal for a person to use a smartphone supported by surveillance and data-mining technology within a confidential and protected environment. It is also illegal for any telecom or tech giant to collect, use, share, sell, purchase, or aggregate confidential and protected telecommunications, information, and data.

Business professionals, government officials, doctors, attorneys, members of the military and law enforcement, judges, journalists, and lawmakers work within a confidential and protected environment. Confidential and protected environments are governed by confidentiality agreements, non-disclosure agreements, industry and federal cybersecurity standards, federal information processing standards, and confidentiality laws that govern medical information, clientattorney privilege, and classified information. My research concludes that it is illegal for a person to use a smartphone supported by surveillance and data-mining technology within a confidential and protected environment. It is also illegal for any telecom or tech giant to collect, use, share, sell, purchase, or aggregate confidential and protected telecommunications, information, and data. Conflict of InterestAntitrust and Unfair Business Competition: Companies such as Alphabet, Inc. (Google) compete in multiple industries worldwide, yet the FCC, FTC, DOJ, and telecom providers enable Google to surveil and data mine telecom-product users that include business professionals, which is a conflict of interest that needs to be addressed. This means that Google and their affiliates such as Baidu are enabled to lawfully surveil and data mine telecom-product users that may work for existing or future business competitors.

Solution: Ban the Use of Intrusive Telecom Products Within a Confidential and Protected Environment

It should be illegal for anyone to use a smartphone, tablet PC, voice-automated product, PC, or connected product supported by surveillance and data-mining business practices within a confidential and protected environment.

It should be illegal for any company that competes in multiple industries to be enabled to monitor, track, and data mine any telecom or tech-product user for financial gain or otherwise.

Threat/Violation 6: Teen and Child Privacy, Safety, and Exploitation

Aside from adults and business professionals, companies such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and Baidu also exploit teens and children for financial gain at the expense of the teen or childs civil liberty, privacy, cybersecurity, and safety.

Solution: Ban Companies and State Actors from Surveilling and Data-Mining Teens and Children

It should be illegal to surveil and data mine anyone under the age of 18 without the consent of the parent/carer or a warrant from a domestic judge or a FISA court.

There are many other violations of law and threats that need to be addressed by all government agencies and lawmakers concerned in addition to the ones listed in this article.

Hopefully, lawmakers will address predatory surveillance and data-mining business practices by passing meaningful legislation that will protect citizens, teens, children, and business professionals.

Rex M. Lee is a privacy and data security consultant and Blackops Partners senior analyst and researcher. Visit him at MySmartPrivacy.com

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.President Donald Trump announces that he will declare a national emergency in order to build a barrier on the U.S.Mexico border as he delivers remarks at the White House on Feb. 15, 2019. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

The National Emergency Declaration and Popular Sovereignty

Commentary

Not since 2016 have so many people drawn comparisons between Adolf Hitler and President Donald Trump.

The declaration of a national emergency to fund the border wall, some claim, is just an excuse to grab dictatorial powers, as Hitler did after the Reichstag fire in 1933. This is a serious charge and one that citizens ought to weigh carefully.

Of course, this declaration shouldnt be a surprise. Even before Trump was elected, he voiced his opinion multiple times that the border crisis constituted an emergency. Everyone knew this was his opinion. They voted for him anyway. But they also continue to consent to the Constitution, with its separation of powers, and also to rule by elected representatives who swear an oath to defend the Constitution as they understand it.

This raises the question: Is Trumps declaration of a national emergency to fund a border wall a threat to the Constitution?

Is Trump Aiming to Be Tyrant?

Liberal pundits surmise that Trump plans to use this emergency declaration to enact some devious plan to overthrow the U.S. regime and make himself an all-powerful tyrant. Slate magazine asserted that it is hard to imagine a clearer piece of evidence that he really does seek unconstitutional powers. The Atlantic beckoned its readers to imagine a sensational scenario in which Trump uses this declaration to give himself tyrannical powers to stymie political opposition and win re-election. And The New York Times called it a breathtaking display of executive disregard for the separation of powers  Congress, the Constitution and the will of the American people.

But what did Trump actually say? Can anyone imagine a tyrant establishing his tyranny by saying: We will have a national emergency, and we then will be sued. And they will sue us in the 9th Circuit, even though it shouldnt be there, and we will possibly get a bad ruling, and then well get another bad ruling. And then well end up in the Supreme Court, and hopefully, well get a fair shake, and well win in the Supreme Court.

If hes trying to be a tyrant, hes a bad one. Incredibly, federal judges have blocked Trumps actions 30 times in two years (Obama was blocked, on average, only 2.5 times annually), and Trump has submitted to every injunction that has been upheld. This isnt a man trying to overthrow the Constitution; its a president trying to use every ounce of power he believes he has under the Constitution, and he believes he is duty-bound to do so.

The Only Legitimate Fountain of Power

The important question, though, is obvious: Is Trumps understanding of the constitutional power of the executive branch right in this case? The legality of the question is absurdly complex. Thankfully, though, free men dont have to hang their entire fate on a judges ruling. We live in a republic, and our founders gave us republican remedies to resolve questions of possible abuse of power.

James Madison wrote in The Federalist that the people are the only legitimate fountain of power. He added that, although our Constitution provides important auxiliary precautions in the form of separated branches of government, a dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government.

There are, in our Constitution, two modes for correcting abuses of power: 1) impeachment, through the peoples representatives, and 2) elections, through the people themselves. One way or another, the people will decide the legitimacy of Trumps declaration. It is their border after all.

This isnt the first time the people have decided the issue of a constitutional crisis. In 1798, a Federalist Party-controlled Congress passed, and President John Adams signed, the Alien and Sedition Acts. These laws were an attempt to prevent the press from spreading sedition and to grant the executive branch the power to deport and imprison foreign visitors it believed to be a threat to the regime. These laws were thought necessary to hinder dangerous influence from revolutionary France, with whom the United States was on the brink of war.

Thomas Jeffersonvice president at the timeand James Madison believed these laws were unconstitutional. They responded by seeking to galvanize public opinion against the laws. Working secretly through other agents, they composed resolutions for the state legislatures of Kentucky and Virginia. These states passed those resolutions, declaring their opinion that the laws were unconstitutional. Seven other states responded by passing resolutions disagreeing with Kentucky and Virginia, even denying that states had a right to speak to the constitutionality of a law.

By the nature and scope of the disagreement, it was a constitutional crisis. The effect, though, was that a national conversation took place that put the differences between the Federalist and the JeffersonianRepublican parties in stark relief. The next year, there was a presidential election, and the people swept so many Federalists out of office that Jefferson called it the revolution of 1800.

Trump has initiated a national conversation about immigration and sovereignty. As in 1798, we have an election coming up, and the people will again make a monumental choice. Also as in 1798, the difference between the choices is becoming stark. Democrats ought to be happy about this emergency declaration for the same reason that Republicans are happy about the Green New Deal; it is clarifying. These acts make it very easy for the American people to see what their choices are in 2020, and thats a really good thing.

In the hysteria surrounding this emergency declaration, lets not forget the more important declaration, the one that asserts that truly just powers are derived from the consent of the governed. The real sovereign of the United States is not the president, Congress, or the Supreme Court; its the constitutional majority.

Let all branches of government exert their powers to the fullest extent of their constitutional dutyas best they understand itand let the sovereign people sort them out. Trumps emergency declaration isnt destructive to the Constitution; rather, it shows that the Constitution is running on all cylinders.

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.Then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks to voters in South Carolina on Feb. 12, 2016. Clinton has made several statements about the positive nature of "progress." (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The Myth of Change as Progress in Progressivism

Commentary

The ancient Chinese author of The Art of War wrote that supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemys resistance without fighting. This advice applies to political debate.

Presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) recently proposed eliminating private health insurance entirely in order to force all Americans to adopt universal Medicare. Then, with a whimsical wave of her hand, she exhorted, Lets move on. As if socialized health care is the inevitable next step in the United States future. Resistance is futile.

This rhetoric is common nowadays, especially among those who identify as progressive. Central to the idea of progressivism is the belief that every morally significant change from the status quo is necessarily progress. If you disagree with the change, you are morally backward-looking.

The presentation of morality as a historical development is powerful because it shuts down future debate. But is the status quo by necessity morally inferior to some inevitable future condition toward which we are being driven by the mysterious force of history?

The Right Side of History

Throughout his presidency, Bill Clinton employed a version of the phrase right side of history in public addresses 45 times. President Barack Obama used it 37 times. They used it this way: Defending Obamacare, Obama declared, Nothing is going to stop us from getting this done, because were on the right side of history. It is the right thing to do.

This phrase implies that there is a moral spirit that moves through history, and its determinations are decisive. The logic of this idea permeates progressivism. Though it is in fact a movement away from rationality, this myth of progress is peddled as common sense.

In her infamous 2016 speech in which she branded half of Donald Trumps supporters as deplorables, Hillary Clinton made two other telling statements as part of her argument that Trump supporters were morally irredeemable. She claimed that the idea of our country is so rooted in continuing progress, and she insisted that weve got to continue the forward march of progress.

Again, in a 2018 speech in India, Clinton repeated this historical logic to denounce the majority of those who voted for Trump. I won the places that are optimistic, diverse, dynamic, moving forward, she said, and [Trumps] whole campaignMake America Great Againwas looking backward. For her, resisting history was not just unintelligent (though, it very much is that), it was morally contemptible.

The dogma of historical morality lives loudly within the self-understanding of the whole progressive movement. For example, the aptly named activist organization MoveOn.org calls itself a force for social justice and political progress. It understands these two ideas as the same thing.

The army of social justice warriors takes frequent aim at the principles of the United States founding. For them, progress is measured by how far consciousness can be raised in society to awareness of oppressive inequalities among human beings with regard to race, class, and gender. Hence the craze over identity politics. The Declaration of Independence, by contrast, beckons its reader to look to the natural equality of human beings as human beings as the basis for justice in political society. This is a fundamental disagreement about justice and the United States.

Attacking the historicism of progressivism, former President Calvin Coolidge noted that it is often asserted  that we have had new thoughts and experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of [1776], and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern.

Coolidge contrasted such chronological snobbery with the exceedingly restful finality of the Declaration. He stated, If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final.  No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward.

The Profound Significance of Human Choice

Opposed to the idea that some spirit in history determines what is moral is the belief that morality depends on something outside of time and is something human reason can discern.

On this idea, Leo Strauss, a notable 20th-century political philosopher, wrote: All political action aims at either preservation or change. When desiring to preserve, we wish to prevent a change to the worse; when desiring to change, we wish to bring about something better. All political action is, then, guided by some thought of better or worse. But thought of better or worse implies thought of the good.

If both preservation and change are dependent on the good, then it is the supreme human endeavor to seek to understand what is good and the glory of a human being to make choices in accord with it. There is no escaping the often difficult task of exercising prudence to make our way through lifes moral quandaries. This task cannot be outsourced to some vague notion of history.

The horrors of the 20th century easily belie the idea that history is the long story of the moral progress of mankind. Winston Churchill, through the force of his leadership, had a profound influence on limiting the spread of those horrors. He was well aware of the growing dominion that forces of technology and globalization would have over the scope of human action. Nevertheless, his reflections led him to retain hope in the vital role that statesmanship and choice played in influencing world events. He lauded the profound significance of human choice and the sublime responsibility of men.

Citizens in a republic like ours have the sublime responsibility and profound significance of choosing our own rulers. First our choices and then theirsnot the spirit of historywill shape our future, for better or for worse.

Despite what progressive politicians may presume, not every change is progress. Author C. S. Lewis put it well when he wrote, We all want progress, but if youre on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.

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.Texas Boy Says Adults Called Him Little Hitler When He Started Raising Money for the Wall

A young Texas boy faced both praise and ridicule from adults after he opened a hot chocolate stand to raise money for President Donald Trumps border wall.

Benton Stevensa 7-year-old from Austinwanted to help raise funds for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border after watching Trump deliver the State of the Union address earlier in February. He set up a hot chocolate stand near a local strip mall as a way to collect money.

WATCH:

The stand, which is explicitly advertised as a fundraiser to help Trump build the wall, sells hot chocolate for $2 a cup. People can customize their drinks by paying an extra 50 cents for a big Nancy Pelosi marshmallow or grab smaller Beto ORourke marshmallows for free.

I think its important that [our children] know whats going on in the world, where we stand, what we believe in, said Jennifer Stevens, Bentons mother. Both Jennifer and her husband, Shane, are members of the Republican National Committee and say their dinner table conversations have clearly influenced Benton. The boys parents say he begged them to raise money for the border wall and set up the stand over the weekend.

Every day he would get off the bus and say, mom can we go do my stand, Jennifer stated.

The fundraiser appears to be quite successful, with Benton reportedly raising nearly $1,400 in two days.

Trump recently signed a spending bill that appropriates $1.375 billion to build 55 miles of new wall on the U.S. southern border. The president has taken the controversial step of declaring a national emergency, which is allowing him to grab billions more for wall construction funding.

(RELATED: Democrats Fundraise Off Trumps Plan To Declare National Emergency)

While Benton says some adults were really happy to see his stand, others were not so thrilled to see him raising money for a border wall.

Some people were mad and calling me a little Hitler and stuff, and some people were really happy, Benton explained.

This isnt the first time Benton has faced backlash for his political beliefs. He said that while he attended Trumps presidential inauguration three women in pink hats ridiculed his Make America Great Again hat.

However, Bentons parents want it to be a learning experience for him.

If hes going to do it, he needs to learn that theres going to be a little backlash, Shane stated. But I just wish [the critics] would do it in a little more respectful, adult-like manner.

Benton, in the meantime, has big plans for the money hes raised. The young boy wants to mail the funds to Trump or deliver it to him in person so that the illegal immigrants cant get into our town illegally.

By Jason HopkinsA fighter with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US ally in the fight against ISIS, holds a sniper rifle on his shoulder as he attends the funeral of a slain Kurdish commander in Qamishli, Syria, on Dec. 6, 2018. (Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty Images)

Social Worker-Turned-Sniper Killed 250 ISIS Fighters in Battle That Turned Tide Against Terrorists

A British social worker who ended up sniping for the Kurdish forces against ISIS claims he killed hundreds of jihadi extremists in the fight to bring the terrorist group to its knees.

Azad Cudi, a 34-year-old British national with a Kurdish background, traveled to Syria in 2013 to do social work in the war-torn region, according to the Orion Publishing Group. But as the civil war expanded, he took up arms and became a fighter with the volunteer armythe YPG forcesafter they came into conflict with ISIS.

Volunteers With 40-Year-Old Rifles

Cudi has now written a book, published by Orion, giving his account of how 2,500 volunteer fighters armed with 40-year-old rifles stood up to the medievalists of ISIS.

In the book, Long Shot: The Inside Story of the Snipers Who Broke ISIS, Cudi recounts how the jihadi terrorists had amassed 10,000 men, heavy artillery, tanks, mortars and ranks of suicide bombers to crush the Kurdish resistance that had risen up in the north to create a sanctuary of tolerance and democracy.

There was only one way for the Kurds to survive, according to a summary note on the Orion website. They would have to kill the invaders one by one.

Dream of Freedom Kept Alive

The books publisher calls the book a dramatic account of modern war that tells the story of how, against all odds, a few thousand men and women achieved the impossible and kept their dream of freedom alive.

Cudi wrote in an excerpt from the book released by the publisher that around 12,000 ISIS fighters attacked Kobani in 2014 with only 2,500 men and women of the YPG to resist them.

Female fighters in the ranks of the YPG are renowned for their willingness to engage in battlefield operations.

The jihadists were equipped with artillery, mortars, tanks and heavy machine guns, writes Cudi.

They also had mobile battle kitchens and surgeries, even social media managers and investment specialists to manage their trade in pillaged oil and artifacts, writes Cudi.

We lacked the most basic equipment, right down to binoculars and radios, ate whatever we found in the kitchens of abandoned houses and armed ourselves with forty-year-old Kalashnikovs and a few boxes of ammunition.

If surviving these odds was already a figurative long shot, our meagre tools ensured it would also require literal ones.

Snipingkilling the invaders one by onewas one of the few tactics available to us.

Cudi wrote that he has always been reluctant to put a figure on his number of kills.

Terrible Numbers

I have often been asked how many we killed. I always refused to answer, he said, adding that it is impossible to describe all the hate, loss, sacrifice and love in war with a number.

He added, however, that only to set the matter aside, let me say at the outset that in eight months, our snipers decimated them, adding that he, personally, killed 250 ISIS extremists, while a fellow sniper shot dead as many as 500.

Herdem killed 500, Hayri 350 and me 250, making more than a thousand between us.

Cudi says that in his book, he set out to explain how we accumulated these terrible numbers so as to give context to the long fight against the terrorist group in Syria as the coalition of forces allied against ISIS prepares to deliver a final death blow to the crumbling so-called caliphate.

Last Stand

An Associated Press team in Baghouz, a village near the Iraqi border where ISIS is making its final stand, reported how on Feb. 20 a convoy of trucks carrying hundreds of civilians, including men, women, and children, left the enclave, signaling a possible end to the standoff.

Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forcesthe U.S.-backed militia spearheading the fight against ISIS in Syriaconfirmed the trucks were carrying civilians out of the enclave.

Bali said on Tuesday that a military operation aimed at ousting the extremists from the area will begin if they dont surrender.

ISIS has been reduced from its self-proclaimed caliphate that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq at its height in 2014 to a speck of land on the countries shared border.

The SDF has been encircling the remaining ISIS-held territory for days, waiting to declare the terrorist groups territorial defeat.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Shocked ISIS Bride Says Being Stripped of British Citizenship Is Hard to Swallow

ISIS bride Shamima Begum has described being stripped of her British citizenship as unjust and hard to swallow after she was shown documentation of the British governments decision to rescind her status as a UK citizen.

Nineteen-year-old Begumwho has remained defiant about running away from her London home four years ago to join the jihadis in a Syrian refugee camp with her newborn son. She has pleaded to be allowed back into the UK as American and other forces have decimated the Islamic terror groups presence in the region and its so-called caliphate crumbles.

British authorities announced in a Feb. 19 letter that they had moved to revoke her citizenship, effectively banning her from entering the country.

Begum was shown the letter by ITV News Security Editor Rohit Kachroo at the refugee camp where she is currently staying.

A Bit Shocked

I dont know what to say, she told ITV News. I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. Its a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like its a bit unjust on me and my son.

Its kind of heart-breaking to read. My family made it sound like it would be a lot easier for me to come back to the UK when I was speaking to them in Baghouz. Its kind of hard to swallow.

Begum said she believed she was being treated harshly because I was on the news four years ago, adding that she heard of other people being sent back to Britain.

I dont know why my case is any different, she said.

She said she had a message for British authorities, requesting them to maybe review my case again and have a bit more sympathy for me and understanding.

Give me a reason why they see me as a threat to the UK.

In response to earlier suggestions that she might pose a security threat and her return should be blocked, Begum told Sky News she was just a housewife and that British authorities had no evidence of her doing anything dangerous.

When I went to Syria I was just a housewife for the entire four years. Stayed at home, took care of my kids. I never did anything dangerous. I never made propaganda. I never encouraged people to come to Syria, she added.

But the more recent interview with the BBC reveals that Begum had been featured in ISIS propaganda videos and thereby, according to Sommerville, she helped the enemy of Britain.

I did hear a lot of people were encouraged to come after, Begum said, but I wasnt the one who put myself on the news.

She added, The poster girl thing was not my choice.

Begum also told the interviewer she might try to get Dutch citizenship through her husband.

Another option I might try with my family is my husband is from Holland and he has family in Holland.

Maybe I can ask for citizenship in Holland. If he gets sent back to prison in Holland I can just wait for him while he is in prison.

Family Vows to Fight Using All Legal Avenues

The lawyer representing Begum has said her family is considering all legal avenues to challenge the decision by UK authorities to revoke her British citizenship, a move that is in conformity with the law if she is a dual citizen and is thus not left stateless.

British Home Secretary Sajid Javid was cited by the Daily Mail as saying that the decision to revoke Begums citizenship is conducive to the public good on grounds of preventing terrorism.

British officials notified Begums family in a Feb. 19 letter of a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship. In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretarys decision has been served of file today (19th February), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made.

The letter noted Begum had a right to appeal.

Exclusive: Shamima Begum has had her UK citizenship revoked by the British government, this letter seen by ITV News shows https://t.co/lFXaJFtBvM pic.twitter.com/7JMMPyKQNq  ITV News (@itvnews) February 19, 2019

Very Disappointed

In a statement cited by The Telegraph, the familys lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said [The] Family are very disappointed with the Home Offices intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship. We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision.

Under the 1981 British Nationality Act, a person can be deprived of their citizenship if the home secretary is convinced it would be conducive to the public good and provided that the individual does not become stateless.

Begum was born in Britain but is believed to haveor be eligible forBangladeshi citizenship on grounds of her mother being a Bangladeshi national, BBC reported. Begum told the BBC in an interview that she does not currently hold a Bangladeshi passport.

The familys legal case may rely on whether the move does, in fact, render Begum stateless. Akunjee told The Telegraph that since Begum did not have a passport, denial of a visa for Bangladesh would make her stateless.

Questions have also been raised about the nationality of her son, born in Syria while she was still a British national, and therefore by defaultBritish. Officials could, theoretically, move to strip the child of British citizenship but it is unclear on what grounds and how this would stand up to a legal challenge.

The Home Office told Sky News through a spokesman that while it did not comment on individual cases, Any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly.

In recent days the home secretary has clearly stated that his priority is the safety and security of Britain and the people who live here, a spokesman added.

Javid has previously said Begum will face consequences for backing ISIS and vowed, Where individuals do manage to return, they will be questioned, investigated and potentially prosecuted.

Begum left London four years ago with two school friends to join ISIS.

While Kadiza Sultana was reported to have been killed in an airstrike in 2016, Begum said she did not know what happened to her other friend, Amira Abase.

Begum was found in a Syrian refugee camp by The Times last week after reportedly leaving Baghouz, the final stronghold of ISIS in Syria.

Begum, who in the interview with The Times said she has no regrets about joining ISIS, gave birth to a baby boy over the weekend and has repeatedly pleaded to be allowed back into the UK, sparking a fiery national debate about returning ISIS sympathizers.PHOENIX, ArizonaTelevision and radio personality Steve Kates has seen Shen Yun Performing Arts four times. Kates said he tries to catch the traditional dance and music performance every year, as it depicts the importance of freedom and spirituality.

I think its so important that the message of Shen Yun get out there to as many people as possible because freedom is in our blood, no matter what our race, color, or creed, and thats one of the reasons its so beautiful, Kates said.

Kates, who goes by the stage name Dr. Sky, is also a president of his own multimedia company. He experienced the opening performance of Shen Yun at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Feb. 19. The New York-based company is in the midst of its 2019 tour where six equal-sized groups are set to perform in over 100 cities.

Shen Yuns mission is to revive Chinas 5,000 years of semi-divine culture that was lost over seven decades of communist rule. Kates said he thinks its important that Shen Yun continues to spread its message about the need for freedom in China.

I look at this whole story as being very beautiful because what I talk about as a TV and radio host  is that I believe very strongly in the term freedom,' Kates said.

He felt that at its core, Shen Yun is about freedom, and that was a message that needed to be heard around the world.

There are many people around the world,and in particular the many people in China, who are striving  many of them cant even send a photograph back to their parents or their loved ones. And thats something I find in my heart, we need to get the word out. Its about freedom, its about individuality, and let freedom ring all over.Shipping container trucks sit in traffic at the busiest seaport complex in the nation in Long Beach, Calif., on Nov. 29, 2012. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

Several Counties in Greater Los Angeles Area Move to Increase Sales Tax by One-Half Cent

Sales tax in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties could rise by half a cent if a proposed ballot measure passes in 2020, pushing the areas sales tax close to the state limit of 10.25%.

The measure, which is still in its very early stages, was proposed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The measure is estimated to raise about $1.4 billion annually to fund programs aimed at reducing air pollution.

The fund will be used to replace diesel school buses with zero emission electric or near-zero emission natural gas buses, upgrade infrastructure at ports to reduce air pollution, and to provide manufacturers with incentives to use zero emission and near-zero emission technology, according to a meeting agenda posted by SCAQMD.

However, imposing another new tax could be difficult in a region with one of the highest tax rates across the state, especially considering the recent gas tax increase. With protests emerging after the state legislature in 2017 approved charging an additional 12 cents per gallon of gasoline and 20 cents per gallon on diesel, the gas tax increase was nearly repealed by another ballot measure in the 2018 elections.

California has the USA's top state sales tax rate. Local sales taxes combined with state taxes pushes the overall sales tax rate above 10% in many parts of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/AghaO0Jh8D  Soquel by the Creek (@SoquelCreek) October 26, 2018

We dont need a new tax. The California Air Resources Board is collecting millions from Cap and Trade that should be paying for clean air projects in the South Coast basin, said SCAQMD Legislative Committee member and San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford in a written statement.

Cap and Trade, a program launched in 2013, established an annually decreasing emissions cap for businesses in order to reduce greenhouse gases. It allows businesses to trade their unused portion or purchase additional portions from others.

Now that weve scaled back the high-speed rail project maybe some of those dollars can start flowing south finally, Rutherford continued.

Difficulties also exist in the legislative process. SCAQMD is an air pollution control agency serving all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. It has no jurisdiction over imposing a new sales tax across these four counties.

Therefore, to put the measure on the ballot, SCAQMD needs to first request the state Legislature to pass a bill granting the SCAQMD authority. Then, enough signatures will need to be collected from voters to meet the requirement for a ballot initiative.

Alternatively, SCAQMD could put the measure on the ballot itself after gaining legislative authority to impose a new tax, Derrick Alatorre, deputy executive officer for public affairs and media told the Daily Bulletin.

As of Feb. 18, no related legislation has been introduced. California Advisors, a lobbying firms in Sacramento hired by SCAQMD reported that it is still in the process of working with legislative counsel to draft bill language and will introduce the legislation by the deadline of February 22nd, according to SCAQMD.

In addition, the SCAQMD proposed sales tax increase would not only drive the tax rate up to the limit of 10.25% but also encourage many cities to accelerate their processes of raising the local sales tax in order to keep the money locally.

Monrovia, a city in Los Angeles County, is one of those considering to put a local sales tax measure on the 2019 ballot before the air district squeezes the money out from the city.

In his 2019 State of the City address, Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams pointed out that LA County has increased its sales tax to 9.5%, which is the highest rate in the state. Since the cap for sales tax in California is 10.25%, there is 0.75% left for any further tax hike in Los Angeles County.

Adams said the countys Measure H, a quarter-cent sales tax approved in 2017 for homeless services and prevention, has sucked out $2.6 million from Monrovia, with only $30,000 returned to the city.

He also said that cities like Santa Monica and Long Beach dont contribute to the Measure H but still receive funding from it, as their local sales taxes have reached the limit and the county is unable to increase any more.

If the tax hikes are going to be approved anyway, there is something we can do now, in 2019, to protect our interests here in Monrovia, said Mayor Adams. If we do, then instead of feeding LA County bureaucracy, we can use those monies to improve and upgrade Monrovia.Chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Gen. Fang Fenghui attends a meeting with Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford (not pictured) at the Bayi Building in Beijing on Aug. 15, 2017. (Thomas Peter/Reuters)

Senior Chinese General Jailed for Life for Corruption

BEIJINGA Chinese military court sentenced a senior general who had been chief of a top defense department to life in prison on Feb. 20 after finding him guilty of corruption, state news agency Xinhua reported.

Chinas military, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), which is the worlds largest and is in the midst of a modernization campaign, has been an important focus of Chinese leader Xi Jinpings battle to stamp out corruption.

The senior general, Fang Fenghui, who had accompanied Xi to his first meeting with President Donald Trump in 2017, was replaced as chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Peoples Liberation Army later that year with no explanation.

The government later confirmed he was being investigated on suspicion of corruption.

Fang was subsequently replaced as a member of the Central Military Commission, headed by Xi and which controls the armed forces, at a five-yearly Communist Party congress in October 2017, as part of a sweeping military leadership reshuffle.

Xinhua said a court martial had found Fang guilty of bribery and having huge wealth that he had been unable to account for.

His illicit assets will be confiscated and given to the Communist Party, it added, without elaborating.

It was not possible to reach Fang for comment as he is in jail. It is unclear whether he was allowed to retain a lawyer or who that person may be.

Epoch Times political commentator Zhou Xiaohui said that Fangs being charged with accepting bribes was to be expected: high-ranking military officers are known to regularly accept cash and gift bribes from their underlings, and in return dispense promotions and other benefits. Yet, Zhou noted, given Fangs position in the military, the number of higher-ranking officers he could have bribed is extremely small.

Zhou added: Then-serving CMC vice chairs Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou, both confidants of Jiang Zemin, are the two most likely candidates.

Dozens of officers have been investigated and jailed, including Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, both former vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission. Guo was jailed for life in 2017. Xu died of cancer in 2015 before he could face trial.

Fang was a subordinate of Guo, once Chinas highest-ranked military official, who gained power through loyalty to former Party leader Jiang Zemin. Guo enabled Jiang to control the military from behind the curtains, long after Jiang formally stepped down from the Party leadership position.

Zhang Yang, who served on the commission alongside Fang, committed suicide in November 2017 while being investigated for corruption and over his links to Guo and Xu.

Xi Jinping had been cleaning house within the military to purge any remaining influences of Jiang and his faction.

By Ben Blanchard. The Epoch Times contributed to this report.Sen. Lee Calls Out Dems Religious Tests Against Trump Nominees

News Analysis

WASHINGTONIts difficult to imagine how the authors of the Constitution could have been more clear on an issue than they were with Article VI, Clause 3, which declares no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

Even so, Senate Democrats arewith increasing frequencyasking detailed questions about the religious views of President Donald Trumps judicial and executive branch nominees, then citing their answers to oppose confirming them.

For Republicans like Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), the Democrats are clearly and unconstitutionally applying a religious test.

No nominee should be picked or rejected based on his or her faith. Period, Lee told The Epoch Times. As long as Im in the Senate, I will never question someone about the content of their religious faith.

The issue became prominent during a 2017 Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for federal appeals court nominee Amy Barrett, then a Notre Dame law professor.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the committees ranking minority member, asked Barrett: Why is it so many of us on this side have this very uncomfortable feeling that, you know, dogma and law are two different things  and I think in your case, professor, when you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you.

Feinsteins question came despite Barretts previous declaration that it is never, ever permissible for [judges] to follow their personal convictions in the decisions of the case rather than what the law requires.

All nine Democrats on the panel voted against Barretts confirmation, while all 11 Republicans voted for the nominee.

She was subsequently confirmed by the full Senate on a 5543 vote, with only three Democrats supporting Barrett.

The questions have become more detailed and intense in the months following Barretts hearing, most notably including:

Cory Booker (D-N.J.) repeatedly pressured Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo to say if he believes gay sex is a perversion.

Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) pressed U.S. District Court nominee Peter Phipps about his membership in the Knights of Columbus, a social welfare service organization of more than 2 million Catholics.

Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) asked Appeals Court nominee Allison Rushing if she believed Judeo-Christian morality and homosexuality [were] incompatible, and that LGBT rights cannot be reconciled with religion.

Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) demanded to know if Appeals Court nominee Paul Matey and District Court nominee Brian Buescher would withdraw from the Knights of Columbus to avoid any appearance of bias.

Whitehouse quizzed Attorney General nominee William Barr on his views of secularism, saying Given your stated views on the evils of secularism, what commitments will you make to ensure that non-religious career attorneys and staff at the department are protected against disparate treatment on the basis of their secularism?

Booker asked Office of Management and Budget nominee Naomi Rao if she believed homosexuality was a sin and claimed that religion [could be used] as a ruse to discriminate against African-Americans.

Growing Tensions

Growing tensions surrounding the Democrats tactic culminated earlier this month during a Feb. 7 judiciary committee exchange between Lee and Hirono that left the Utah senator miffed.

In what way, shape, or form is asking Naomi Rao whether she believes particular conduct to be sinful an appropriate question to be asked by this committee? Lee asked Hirono.

I urge you to consider the fact that we should never expose someone to shame, ridicule, or scorn on the basis of their religious beliefs, and I ask that we refrain from doing so in this committee, Lee said.

We should never again ask someone what they regard as a sin or other particulars of their religious beliefs. Its nobodys darn business. Its certainly not the business of this committee.

Hirono denied Lees contention, arguing that it is appropriate to ask if a nominees strongly held religious views makes them unable to serve in an unbiased manner in a public office.

It is not that we ask do you think that such and such is a sin, Hirono claimed.

That was asked this week, this week it was asked. Im not making this up, a clearly exasperated Lee declared.

Asked by The Epoch Times if it would amount to a religious litmus test to reject a presidential nominee of the Muslim faith who believes local authorities should enforce Sharia law, Lee said such a comparison doesnt really work.

It is fair to ask if someone can enforce or interpret the law irrespective of their faith, but thats not what the Democrats have been doing, Lee said.

Asking about the content of someones beliefs is not the same as asking whether they can honor his or her oath. I understand that the Democrats say theyre interested in whether a judicial nominee will be biased, but you dont need to ask about a nominees view of sin in order to accomplish that aim, he said.

Seriously Different Views

The issue raised by the Democrats actions, however, may not be as simple and straightforward as the wording of the Constitution, according to Walter Olson of the libertarian Cato Institute.

It pains me to ever disagree with Sen. Mike Lee on a constitutional question because hes one of my favorite senators, and he tends to be right more often than any of his colleagues in the Senate, Olson told The Epoch Times.

The religious test clause of the Constitution has almost no applicability any more because it takes in a very narrow kind of government action, Olson said.

Olson is the founding editor of the overlawyered.com blog and author of multiple books on the U.S. legal system.

The authors of the Constitution feared the kinds of religious tests for public office under the king that had been common in England for several centuries, Olson said. Thats the reason for Article VI, Clause 3.

What it has never done is prevent the consideration of religion, its not an anti-discrimination clause, Olson said. Presidents throughout American history have considered religion in making appointments, such as for maintaining a certain balance on the Supreme Court or in a chief executives cabinet, he added.

For that reason, according to Olson, a member of Congress, who for good reasons or bad reasons or indifferent reasons, decides to make religion a weighting factor in confirming a judicial appointment or any other appointment is not violating the Constitution.

Still, Olson warned Senate Democrats against encouraging intolerance of religious diversity.

Where I am strongly with Lee and critical of Harris, Cory Booker, and the others is that America has worked as a religiously very diverse society because  we have a superstructure of self-restraint.

We may disagree with each others religious beliefs but especially in conducting public business, we act diplomatically, we smile, and accept the view that the other guys views are just as good as ours, even if we dont really think it is.

Olson said the Democratic senators just make me want to get up and say, Dont you realize what youre losing, of having this conversation politely with people of seriously different views? A snow covered member of the Secret Service keeps watch in front of the White House in Wash., on Feb. 20, 2019. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Schools Shut, Flights Canceled as Storm Sweeps US Midwest

WASHINGTONA winter storm swept across much of the U.S. Midwest and East Coast on Wednesday, Feb. 20, hampering air travel and prompting officials to close federal offices in Washington and several large public school systems.

The National Weather Service warned the storm could make travel very difficult, with snow, sleet and freezing rain potentially causing downed branches and power outages.

Winter Storm Warnings posted for most of the area (pink). In Southern MD/Fredericksburg area, Winter Weather Advisories  US National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington  2019219

The storm reached from northern Minnesota down through Missouri and east into the Mid-Atlantic region and could bring as much as 6 inches of snow along with sleet and freezing rain, the National Weather Service said in an advisory.

The storm forced the closing of federal agencies in Washington as well as schools in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington.

Due to inclement weather, South Washington County Schools will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 20. All morning activities, including Kids Club, are canceled. An announcement will be made no later than 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20 regarding after school and evening activities. pic.twitter.com/DMGEtRV2ka  South Washington County Schools (@ISD833) February 20, 2019

Ground, Air Travel Delayed

The winter storm is disrupting ground, air travel in the mid-Atlantic region.

FlightAware.com shows Reagan National Airport leading the country in cancellations Wednesday morning, with 37 percent of departures and 33 percent of arrivals canceled.

Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is seeing about 32 percent of departures and 31 percent of arrivals canceled. Dulles International Airport is seeing about 26 percent of departures and 23 percent of arrivals canceled.

Christina Saull, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates Reagan and Dulles, says many airlines canceled flights ahead of the storm.

Still, Saull says the runways are open and flights are taking off.

BWI spokesman Jonathan Dean says the snow team has been treating and clearing the airfield and despite delays and cancellations, flights are continuing.

Runways at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport were temporarily closed as fast-falling snow from the latest winter storm tested plow drivers who tried to keep up.

MSP spokesman John Welbes says the rate of snowfall is the challenge. Forecasters expected snowfall rates of an inch per hour with accumulations of up to 10 inches.

Minneapolis and St. Paul schools are among the scores of districts in Minnesota, Wisconsin and elsewhere that canceled classes Wednesday.

Forecasters are warning residents in parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin the advancing winter storm could produce up to 9 inches of snow.

Minneapolis and St. Paul schools are among scores of districts that canceled classes Wednesday. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for much of central and southern Minnesota, through eastern South Dakota and into western Wisconsin.

The Twin Cities is in store for its snowiest February on record by the time the storm subsides. The area already has 22.6 inches of snow this month. Wednesdays snowfall will likely break a record of 26.5 inches in February set back in 1962.

The heaviest accumulation is expected Wednesday morning when snowfall rates of an inch per hour were expected.

Maryland Weather: Snow Falling Across Maryland, Winter Storm Warning In Effect https://t.co/g7RxfErMc3 pic.twitter.com/cZRk8vA0Ol  Washington Informer (@DC_Informer) February 20, 2019

The South, Especially Tennessee, Will Get Wet

A moist, warmer air mass is bringing heavy rain, possibly through the end of the week, from the Ohio Valley into the Southeast. Flood or flash flood watches will extend from northern Alabama and Mississippi northward to Ohio.

Ill show you who saw the most snow along with more flooding on the Ohio River. When will Mon Wharf be closed? Find out in this afternoons videocast. #upwithKDKA #KDKAwx pic.twitter.com/krcucgx189  Ron Smiley  (@RonSmileyWx) February 20, 2019

Rain has already hit the region, and forecasters say to expect 2 to 4 more inches of rain, with 5 to 7 inches predicted in parts of Tennessee, including Memphis and Nashville, through the end of the week.

Birmingham, Alabama; Louisville, Kentucky; Lexington, Kentucky; and Charleston, West Virginia, also face the threat of significant flooding.

More flooding further west on Penny Road pic.twitter.com/5ACme3zZwZ  Saint Joseph Police Department (@police_saint) February 20, 2019

Multiple waves of rain will affect North Georgia this week. Atlanta is likely to receive 2 to 3 inches of rain, with higher amounts expected in the mountains to the north.

Parts of northern Alabama saw flash flood warnings on Tuesday night. The Birmingham office of the National Weather Service said some areas may get 5 inches of rain by Friday morning.

Reuters & CNN contributed to this report.

The-CNN-Wire  &  2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.San Diego Border Patrol agent Tekae Michael at the western end of the U.S.Mexico border barrier in San Diego, Calif., on July 12, 2018. The "PV-1" barrier is designed to stop both pedestrians and vehicles from illegally crossing the border. (Joshua Philipp/The Epoch Times)

Reports: Border Wall Construction Underway in San Diego, California

Construction has started on the fifth border wall section under President Donald Trumps administration, according to news reports on Feb. 20.

The construction project replaces 14 miles of the barrier near San Diego, California.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection told The Associated Press on Feb. 19 that wall panels are in place to replace a steel-mesh fence. The fencing will be replaced with steel bollards (a sturdy vertical post) up to 30 feet high.

Construction firm SLSCO Ltd. of Texas was given the $101 million contract in December 2018.

AP noted it is the second layer of the barrier in San Diego, and the first layer is nearly complete.

The construction started a few days after President Trump declared a national emergency over border security that will allow for funds to build a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Several states have filed lawsuits over Trumps declaration in the aftermath.

In several tweets, Trump criticized Californias role in the lawsuit against the declaration.

As I predicted, 16 states, led mostly by Open Border Democrats and the Radical Left, have filed a lawsuit in, of course, the 9th Circuit! California, the state that has wasted billions of dollars on their out of control Fast Train, with no hope of completion, seems in charge!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2019

As I predicted, 16 states, led mostly by Open Border Democrats and the Radical Left, have filed a lawsuit in, of course, the 9th Circuit! he wrote before turning his crosshairs on the Golden State.

California, the state that has wasted billions of dollars on their out of control Fast Train, with no hope of completion, seems in charge! he wrote.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom scaled back the train project, which ran into financial constraints because of the cost. The current project as planned will cost too much, will take too long, there has been too little oversight, and not enough transparency, the Democratic governor said, prompting Trump to demand that the state give the federal government $3.5 billion in funds for the project.

The failed Fast Train project in California, where the cost overruns are becoming world record setting, is hundreds of times more expensive than the desperately needed Wall!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2019

On Feb. 20, Trump said the state is now trying to scale back their already failed train proposal so it no longer goes from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

A different deal and record cost overruns. Send the Federal Government back the Billions of Dollars WASTED! he added.

Congress only included about $1.3 billion for the wall that prompted Trump to make the emergency declaration on Feb. 15, which would free up about $8 billion for construction of the project.

Trump, in a press conference announcing the emergency, cited gang members, drugs, and illegal aliens streaming across the border as the reasons for the emergency declaration.

Were going to confront the national security crisis on our southern border and were going to do it one way or the other. We have to do it, Trump said at the White House last week. We have tremendous amounts of drugs flowing into our country, much of it coming from the southern border.

The president also predicted that lawsuits would be filed in the immediate aftermath.The campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on Feb. 13, 2017. ("Architectural Detail - University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign - Illinois - USA - 03" by Adam Jones/Flickr [CC BY-SA-2.0 (ept.ms/2utDIe9)])

Report Criticizes Biased, Inane College Courses, Including Gender in Gaming, Unsettling Whiteness

A conservative group has issued a report detailing a list of college courses they deem most egregiously advancing far-left agendas, many of which they say are academically lacking.

Young Americas Foundation (YAF), a self-described outreach organization of the Conservative Movement, has reviewed course offerings at dozens of Americas most prestigious colleges and universities since 1995 to document the intellectual abuse and flat-out indoctrination of students.

The 20182019 edition of the Comedy and Tragedy report lists more than 250 courses at more than 50 institutions.

On their Dirty Dozen list were courses such as Gender in Gaming at the University of Illinois, Eco/Queer/Feminist Art Practices at the University of Michigan, Marx for Today at the University of Minnesota, and Unsettling Whiteness at Northwestern University.

The Gender in Gaming course, for example, examines the history of gender in video games, focusing on how movements such as #GamerGate, #RaceFail09, internet bullying, doxing, and trolling emerged as the coordinated effort to consolidate and maintain video games and geek culture as the domain of masculinity and whiteness, according to the universitys description.

The university didnt respond to several questions relating to the real-world usefulness of the course, or what its scientific and academic underpinnings are.

The complete YAF list (pdf) includes a plethora of courses delving into similar topics in addition to some particularly off-the-wall, like Zombies: The Anthropology of the Undead at Ohio State University.

Many of the courses and descriptions listed in this years report may seem comical at first glance, but the situation that continues to unfold on Americas campuses is hardly a laughing matter, Spencer Brown, the reports author, said in a Feb. 18 release. Beyond the inane, identity- and intersectionality-obsessed topics, these classes advance a liberal agenda, malign conservatives and their values, and shut out ideological diversity.

Indistinguishable From Satire

YAF isnt the only one ridiculing progressive academia. In October 2018, three academics released an essay on their experiment of submitting intentionally absurd or unethical research papers to left-wing journals.

In one paper, they rewrote parts of Adolf Hitlers book Mein Kampf, infused it with far-left buzzwords, and made it a major part of a research paper that a ranked feminist-oriented journal accepted for publication.

Another paper was titled Human Reactions to Rape Culture and Queer Performativity in Urban Dog Parks in Portland, Oregon. It presented dog parks as rape-condoning spaces and a place of rampant canine rape culture and systemic oppression against the oppressed dog through which human attitudes to both problems can be measured.

The paper suggested training men like dogs as a way of interrupting masculinist hegemonies.

It was published in Gender, Place & Culture: A Journal of Feminist Geography. The journal honored it as one of 12 leading pieces in feminist geography as a part of its 25th-anniversary celebration.

The journal retracted the paper after it was ridiculed online and The Wall Street Journal discovered that it was submitted under a false namewhich also prompted the authors to halt their experiment.

All in all, the authors produced 20 papers in 10 months that covered disciplines such as gender studies, masculinities studies, queer studies, sexuality studies, psychoanalysis, critical race theory, critical whiteness theory, fat studies, sociology, and educational philosophy.

Seven of the papers were accepted for publication and four were already published, they said, and estimated that three to five more papers probably would have been accepted if they hadnt stopped the experiment.

Although purposely biased and satirical, our papers are indistinguishable from other work in these disciplines. This is a big problem as this scholarship is taught in universities, taken up by activists, and misinforms politicians and journalists about the true nature of our cultural realities, said one of the authors, Peter Boghossian, an assistant philosophy professor at Portland State University.

Pervasive Bias

YAFs other issue, with leftist bias on campus, has also gained traction.

In May 2018, a Harvard University student newspaper called for more diversity in hiring professors after a survey showed how overwhelmingly left-leaning the institution was.

The paper surveyed nearly all 1,000 of the professors and part-time lecturers at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the largest of Harvards seven, and found that more than 83 percent of them identified as liberal or very liberal, while only about 1.5 percent identified as conservative or very conservative.

This stark divide has harmful effects on the universitys ability to train our nations leaders, and it risks alienating current and potential conservative students, the paper stated. It has also likely contributed to the declining trust of Americans in higher education, which has deleterious effects.

American colleges lean strongly left in general, as only some 12 percent of undergraduate faculty identified as conservative, compared to almost 50 percent who identified as liberal. Another 11 percent identified as far left compared to 0.7 percent as far right, according to 20132014 data by the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles Higher Education Research Institute, which polls thousands of lecturers at hundreds of colleges across the nation every three years.

YAF compiled its report by surveying the available online course catalogs for each school in the Big 10 Conference, U.S. News & World Reports Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges, Southeastern Conference, Big East Conference, and Ivy League.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of every biased or leftist course offered by the schools sampled, but should serve as an overview of the most egregious offenders, Brown said. The list of courses could have been far longer, but concerns for space and redundancy required inclusion of merely a sample.

The University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, and Ohio State University didnt respond to requests for comment.A pro-oil protester stands near convoy vehicles in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Feb. 19, 2019. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

Pro-Pipeline, Anti-Carbon Tax United We Roll Convoy Holds 2 Days of Protests in Ottawa

A convoy of Canadians fed up with the federal governments stance on pipelines and the carbon tax rolled into Ottawa on Feb. 19 for two days of protests.

Scores of vehiclesfrom 18-wheelers to pickupsoccupied several blocks in front of Parliament starting on the morning of Feb. 19. They blasted their horns in protest as about 150 people gathered in knee-deep snow on the Hill for speeches by organizers and a handful of Conservative MPs and senators.

I am sick and tired of people chaining themselves to trees and laying in front of bulldozers trying to block Canadian energy from reaching markets, but yet day after day we see tanker after tanker of foreign oil coming into our markets, Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer told the crowd in a short speech.

Its time for that to stop.

Some Conservative MPs who spoke criticized the Liberals carbon tax plan and, like Scheer, stated their support for the oil and gas sector.

Canadian energy workers deserve a government that supports their industry and champions it worldwide. Canadas Conservatives will fix Justin Trudeaus mess and get people back to work. Speaking live at #UnitedWeRoll in Ottawa:Les travailleurs de lenergie meritent un gouvernement qui appuie leur industrie et la defend partout. Les conservateurs du Canada vont reparer les degats de Justin Trudeau et redonner des emplois aux gens. En direct a #UnitedWeRoll a Ottawa :  Andrew Scheer  2019219

United We Roll

Initiated by Glen Carritt, the owner of an oilfield fire and safety company in Innisfail, Alberta, the convoy called for the building of new pipelines and opposed the federal governments carbon tax legislation, which imposes a tax on emissions.

The core message is we need immediate action for our pipelines to get in the ground, to get to tidewater and to the rest of Canada, Carritt told The Canadian Press in a previous interview.

The convoy left Red Deer, Alberta, on Feb. 14 and made its way east to demand support from Ottawa for the oil and gas sector. The convoy made stops along the way for pro-pipeline rallies.

After four days of driving across the country, the convoy mustered in Arnprior, Ont., just outside the capital. With a police escort, the trucks, buses, and cars arrived in downtown Ottawa on the morning of Feb. 19 after rush hour, barely disrupting the citys morning commute. They returned to Parliament Hill the next day for another round of of protests before heading home on the afternoon of Feb. 20.

One placard on a truck said No UN/globalism, carbon tax, tanker ban, dirty foreign oil, open borders. Other signs backed a variety of causes, including supporting agriculture and protecting free speech.

The latest downturn in Albertas oilpatch has left many without jobs, and the federal governments lack of action on pipelines isnt doing anything to help, organizer Jason Corbeil told the Ottawa Citizen.

Mark Friesen, a convoy organizer from Saskatoon, gave one of the first speeches on Feb. 19 where he said some federal policies are the result of agreements with the United Nations to implement its sustainable development agenda.

You cut the head of the snake off, we get our country back, all of it, including pipelines built, including dumping the carbon tax, including getting rid of the migrant pact, he said.

Friesen, like many of the convoy participants, is affiliated with the yellow-vest movement. Carritt said the convoy was not itself a yellow-vest protest and stressed the rally was peaceful and open to anyone fed up with the federal government.

Standing Issues

The convoy protesters demanded that the federal government scrap the carbon tax as well as two government bills: C-69, which would overhaul environmental assessments of energy projects, and C-48, which would ban oil tankers from the north coast of British Columbia.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has called Bill C-69 the no-more pipelines bill.

Moe and other Conservative premiers also oppose the federal carbon tax legislation.

The Trudeau government has passed legislation to impose a carbon tax on provinces and territories that didnt sign on to the pan-Canadian framework on climate change. The legislation imposes a minimum of $20 per tonne of emissions.

Saskatchewan has filed a constitutional court challenge opposing the tax, and lawyers representing the provincial and federal governments made their opening remarks last week.

Meanwhile, Alberta has signed contracts with Canadian National and Canadian Pacific to lease 4,400 railway cars to move the provinces land-locked oil.

Pipelines will always be the best, most efficient, most economical long-term solution, Premier Rachel Notley told a news conference on Feb. 19. We must take action today to provide more relief to our energy workers and the families who rely on these good jobs across this province and this country.

With reporting by Limin Zhou in Ottawa. With files from the Canadian Press.Police Announce Arrest in Hit-and-Run of 7-Year-Old Girl in Santa Rosa

1,600 children die in road crashes in the United States every year

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Rates are subject to change.An Airbus A330-300 of Virgin Atlantic on final approach to landing skims over the rooftops of nearby houses at Heathrow Airport in London, on Oct. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Plane Flying Over Pennsylvania Reaches 801 Mph Due to Jet Stream: Reports

A Virgin Atlantic plane traveled at a speed of more than 800 mph due to strong winds, according to news reports.

The plane reached the speed while about 35,000 feet above Pennsylvania, reported the Philly Voice. The flight was heading from Los Angeles to London, according to FlightAware, a plane-tracking website.

The speed of sound is about 760 mph.

This wind provided a turbo boost to commercial passenger planes along for the ride.  CBS News  2019219

According to CBS News, the jet stream above the northeastern United States hit about 231 mph, which is the fasted jet stream on record since the National Weather Service began tracking records. The old record was 223 mph.

The Virgin plane reached 801 mph over Pennsylvania at around 9:20 p.m. on Feb. 18, CBS reported. Wow, thats fast, a Boeing spokesman told the news outlet

The typical cruising speed of the Dreamliner is 561 mph, CBS News transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave said in the report. The past record for the 787 is 776 mph set in January 2017 by a Norwegian 787-9 flying from JFK to London Gatwick. That flight set a record for the fastest subsonic transatlantic commercial airline flight5 hours and 13 minutes, thanks to a 202 mph tailwind.

Almost 800 mph now never ever seen this kind of tailwind in my life as a commercial pilot !! (200 mph tailwind ) pic.twitter.com/0XGTkEP9EB  Peter James (@jetpeter1) February 19, 2019

Never seen this kind of tailwind in my life as a commercial pilot, tweeted Peter James, a plane captain.

Now thats some tailwind. A Virgin Atlantic flight from LA to London reached a speed of 801 mph thanks to a roaring jet stream pushing the aircraft above normal speeds of around 550 mph. Again this was ground speed and not airspeed, but still very impressive, said meteorologist Kevin Lighty.

The Virgin Atlantic flight arrived in London about 48 minutes early.

While David Priess wrote: A Virgin Atlantic Los Angeles-to-London flight on Monday got a ride on an especially powerful jet stream, reaching a stunning 801 mph while over Pennsylvania. This appears to be a record for the Boeing 787-9 twin jet, which ordinarily cruises at 561mph.

Jet streams can significantly impact flights.

That #jetstream!  Highest wind speed at 250 millibars in the period of record for those locations near NYC, and for a jet  over PA last evening an *801* mph ground speed #wow (h/t @gdimeweather, https://t.co/MIqBu7mHNf) pic.twitter.com/RaL2HRQ5Z1  Stu Ostro (@StuOstro) February 19, 2019

A 100 mph increase in the jet stream above typical can add or remove about an hour from a five to six-hour flight, a FlightAware spokesperson told CBS.

It noted that while jet streams can get planes heading eastbound to their destinations faster, delays in the opposite direction, or westbound, are generally the norm.

The estimated jet stream winds are accounted for in-flight planning, and even before that in scheduling youll see longer block times westbound than eastbound, FlightAware said.

Fox News reported that a flight from Los Angeles to New York hit 678 mph at 39,000 feet over Ohio on Monday, and a plane heading from Chicago to New York City hit 700 mph on Tuesday. Its likely due to the jet stream.

Meanwhile, a flight heading from Dallas to Boston around the same time was done in less than three hours, it reported.

From the  Jet Stream Weeeee! files: yesterdays TK800 took a northerly route back to Istanbul from Panama City.  https://t.co/rDj9AN5ubJ The shortest route, which the flight usually follows, is the red dashed line. pic.twitter.com/X3CLLYMSWM  Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) October 22, 2018

In 2018, a Turkish Airlines flight flew an additional 800 miles but still landed on time. According to Popular Mechanics, it was also due to the jet stream over the Atlantic Ocean.Christopher Thomas Knox. A 37-year-old Oregon man who called for help getting his rental car out of deep snow was instead arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and custodial interference after sheriff's deputies found him with a 13-year-old girl, in King County, Wash. (Clatsop County Sheriff's Office via AP)

Oregon Man Who Calls for Help Gets Arrested on Sex Charges

ASTORIA, OregonA man who authorities say lured a 13-year-old girl from her Seattle-area home and drove with her into Oregon was arrested when the rental car the two were traveling in became stuck in deep snow, Clatsop County Sheriff Tom Bergin said on Tuesday, Feb. 19.

Christopher Thomas Knox, of Hillsboro, Oregon, called the sheriffs office for help when the car became stranded on a state road in the Clatsop State Forest, authorities said.

Knox, 37, at first told responding deputies the girl was his daughter, Bergin said. But it soon came out that she was from King County, Washington and was with Knox without her parents knowledge, the sheriff said.

Knox made an initial court appearance Tuesday, but he did not enter a plea on charges of online sexual corruption of a minor and luring a minor, according to online court documents. He is being held on $250,000 bail and has another hearing next week.

His court-appointed attorney, Kristopher Kaino, did not return a call or email message seeking comment.

Investigators said they believe Knox sexually abused the teenager near her home on Feb. 15 and then a second time at a rest stop or state park somewhere between Tacoma, Washington, and Astoria, Oregon, later that evening, Bergin said.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Knox and the teen is asked to call Clatsop County detectives.

The pair was traveling in a black 2018 Dodge Journey with California license plates. They may also have been spotted by fellow travelers standing outside the car wrapped in a blanket against the cold, the sheriff said. The weather was foggy at the time, he said.

Information sought in sex abuse case from the weekend. A 37-year-old Hillsboro man was arrested late Friday night after  Clatsop County Sheriff's Office  2019219

The girl was taken to a local hospital for an exam and has since returned to her parents in Washington state.

Authorities in Oregon and Washington continue to investigate, and more charges could be filed, Bergin said.

Child Abuse

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.

Of the perpetrators of the abuse, more than four-fifths were between the ages of 18 and 44 and more than half were women.The eight planet, Neptune, a gas giant. The photo was shot in 1989. (NASA / Voyager spacecraft)

New Moon Discovered Orbiting Around Neptune: Study

A tiny moon was recently discovered around Neptune, said a study published Feb. 20 in the journal Nature.

Hippocamp, the smallest moon of Neptune, is named for a sea monster in Greek mythology. The hippocamp, sometimes known as the hippocampus, is said to have a horse body and a fish tail, depicted in Greek and Roman artwork.

The journal said that the moon is only 21 miles in diameter, USA Today reported. In comparison, Neptune is about 30,599 miles in diameter, and Earths moon is 2,159 miles in diameter, while the Earth is 7,917.5 miles in diameter.

A new moon has been found near Neptune, joining the other 13 we knew about. Its so small that it wasnt detected during the 1989 Voyager 2 flyby. https://t.co/5bL1YQCWEb  USA TODAY Tech (@usatodaytech) February 20, 2019

Hippocamp is the seventh inner moon of Neptune, the eighth planet from the Sun. It wasnt seen during Voyager 2s flyby back in 1989.

During its 1989 flyby, the Voyager 2 spacecraft imaged six small moons of Neptune, all with orbits well interior to that of the large, retrograde moon Triton, said Nature.

But now, the Hubble Space Telescope observed the moon in recent days.

We also observe Naiad, Neptunes innermost moon, which was last seen in 1989, and provide astrometry, orbit determinations and size estimates for all the inner moons, using an analysis technique that involves distorting consecutive images to compensate for each moons orbital motion and that is potentially applicable to searches for other moons and exoplanets, said the report.

All of the inner moons are believed to be younger than Neptune itself. The planet has 14 total moons.

According to CNN Wire, Hippocamp orbits about 7,500 miles from the moon Proteus.

Our results suggest that Hippocamp is probably an ancient fragment of Proteus, providing further support for the hypothesis that the inner Neptune system has been shaped by numerous impacts, said Nature of the finding.

The first thing we realized was that you wouldnt expect to find such a tiny moon right next to Neptunes biggest inner moon, said study lead author Mark Showalter, reported USA Today. In the distant past, given the slow migration outward of the larger moon, Proteus was once where Hippocamp is now.

Showalter, a SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence) astronomer, discovered Hippocamp via Hubbles cameras.

Neptune

Neptune, named after the Roman god of the sea, is the third most massive planet by after Jupiter and Saturn. The planet, which has a deep blue hue, is about 17 times larger than the Earth.

Meanwhile, it orbits the Sun every 164.8 years.

It was first observed via telescope by Johann Galle in 1846.

Similar to Saturn and Jupiter, Neptune is comprised mainly of hydrogen and helium along with some hydrocarbons and nitrogen. But like Uranus, the planets interior is composed of rock and ice.

Uranus and Neptune are both considered ice giants while Saturn and Jupiter are called gas giants.President Donald Trump holds up his fist after he spoke on border security at a Rose Garden event at the White House in Washington on Feb. 15, 2019. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Most Americans Think FBI, DOJ Officials Broke Law by Discussing Removal of Trump

A majority of Americans believe officials from the Department of Justice and the FBI committed a crime by discussing the removal of President Donald Trump in 2017, according to a survey released by Rasmussen Reports on Feb. 19.

Most Americans also believe a special counsel should be appointed to investigate the crime, the survey found.

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe alleged in an Feb. 17 interview with Scott Pelley of CBSs 60 Minutes that officials at the Department of Justice held meetings in 2017 to discuss if enough members of Trumps cabinet could be brought together to remove the president by invoking the 25th Amendment. McCabe walked back his comments after backlash from critics who said the discussions amounted to an attempted palace coup against an elected president.

The survey found that 56 percent of likely American voters believe the senior officials involved in the discussions about removing the president likely violated the law. Fifty-one percent told Rasmussen that a special counsel should be appointed to investigate the potential crime.

The results of the Feb. 19 survey are similar to those conducted by Rasmussen in April 2018. Fifty-four percent of likely voters agreed at the time that a special counsel should be appointed to investigate whether the investigations of Hillary Clinton and Trump were conducted legally and without bias.

McCabe was fired from the FBI for authorizing a self-serving leak and lying about it to investigators multiple times, including under oath. He had been under a grand jury investigation for months as of September 2018, according to The Washington Post.

Of the 1,000 likely American voters surveyed, one in five said the officials involved in the discussions about removing the president should be fired and one in four said they should be jailed. Thirty-six percent said there should be no disciplinary action issued and 12 percent said the officials should be reprimanded.

The survey has a 3-percentage-point margin of error.Melania Shares Never-Before-Seen Sketches of Work by Karl Lagerfeld and Says Goodbye to the Genius

Melania Trump remembered her friend legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld with never-before-seen sketches that he did of a skirt suit for her, following news of his death. He was 85.

Today the world lost a creative genius. We will miss you Karl! #RIPKarlLagerfeld, the first lady, who always looks fantastic, captioned her post on Instagram, along with a couple snaps of her with this famous designer. In one of the shots, she shared a sketch of a white suit he did for her that she wore to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House in February 2017.

The headline of the sketch read, Mrs. Melania Trump and included his thoughts about the outfit, including a large belt, pencil skirt and the use of soft peplum. It is quite a peek into the mind of the artist.

Here are a few more pictures of the gorgeous long-sleeve suit with a high collar and buttons he designed for FLOTUS. As you can see, it fit her perfectly.

The first lady looked just as gorgeous as ever in the look she completed with loose hair and white high heels.

By Katie JerkovichMcCabe Tries to Play Bystander, Pin It All on Rosenstein

Commentary

Former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe went all in against current Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein during an interview with CBS Newss Scott Pelley on the networks 60 Minutes show on the night of Feb. 17.

During the interview, McCabe desperately attempted to sell Pelley and CBSs audience on the idea that it was really Rosenstein who was doing all the talking about removing President Donald Trump using the 25th Amendment and wearing a wire to record him.

McCabe claimed he just wanted to do a good hard-nosed, old-fashioned investigation of the president for supposed collusion with Russia; it was Rosenstein who kept engaging in all this wild bugging and soft coup talk.

There are several problems with that narrative, however.

McCabes narrative makes Rosenstein a central player and main driver of the plot to remove Trump from office. Ill get to why this is a big problem in a minute, but lets establish that this is what McCabe is trying to accomplish.

McCabe first launched the It was all Rosenstein, I was just an innocent bystander narrative in September 2018, when details of his memos were leaked to The New York Times.

Heres what The New York Times claimedall based on anonymous sourcesin its article in September:

Mr. Rosenstein made the remarks about secretly recording Mr. Trump and about the 25th Amendment in meetings and conversations with other Justice Department and F.B.I. officials. Several people described the episodes in interviews over the past several months, insisting on anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The people were briefed either on the events themselves or on memos written by F.B.I. officials, including Andrew G. McCabe, then the acting bureau director, that documented Mr. Rosensteins actions and comments. None of Mr. Rosensteins proposals apparently came to fruition. It is not clear how determined he was about seeing them through, though he did tell Mr. McCabe that he might be able to persuade Attorney General Jeff Sessions and John F. Kelly, then the secretary of Homeland Security and now the White House chief of staff, to mount an effort to invoke the 25th Amendment. The extreme suggestions show Mr. Rosensteins state of mind in the disorienting days that followed Mr. Comeys dismissal. Sitting in on Mr. Trumps interviews with prospective F.B.I. directors and facing attacks for his own role in Mr. Comeys firing, Mr. Rosenstein had an up-close view of the tumult. Mr. Rosenstein appeared conflicted, regretful and emotional, according to people who spoke with him at the time.

Naturally, Rosenstein denied everything.

The New York Timess story is inaccurate and factually incorrect  I will not further comment on a story based on anonymous sources who are obviously biased against the department and are advancing their own personal agenda. But let me be clear about this: Based on my personal dealings with the president, there is no basis to invoke the 25th Amendment, Rosenstein said in a statement.

A Justice Department spokeswoman also provided a statement from a person who was present when Mr. Rosenstein proposed wearing a wire. The person, who would not be named, acknowledged the remark but said Mr. Rosenstein made it sarcastically.

McCabe has a track record of blaming others for his own bad behavior.

Recall what it was that got McCabe investigated by the Department of Justices Inspector Generals office: illegal, self-serving leaks to the news media for which he blamed fellow FBI officials.

That led to DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz recommending in his report to then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions that McCabe be fired from the FBIs No. 2 job. Sessions then subsequently fired McCabe on March 17, 2017, exactly 26 hours before McCabe wouldve been eligible to retire and receive his full benefits and pension.

To hear McCabe tell it, he was almost a passive bystander throughout these conversations about bugging the president or invoking the 25th to remove him from office, not really contributing anything and just watching Rosenstein throw out his ideas.

McCabe is thus far the only source whos publicly made these claims. And since he has a track record of blaming others for his own behavior, that must be taken into account.

Rosenstein didnt step into the job of being Deputy Attorney General until April 25, 2017; thats the biggest problem with the narrative that McCabe is trying to push.

What people dont remember is that until he was nominated for the post of Deputy Attorney General by Trump on Feb. 1, 2017, and was confirmed by Congress to that office on April 25, 2017, Rosenstein wasnt even inside the DOJ headquarters. Until that point, he was an outsider, last working as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.

It would have taken Rosenstein several days to get settled into the new job, so he realistically didnt have his feet under him until early May 2017, just in time to get involved in the firing of then-FBI Director James Comey on May 9.

If youve followed the Spygate timeline, that means Rosenstein wasnt there for:

 The widespread abuse by the FBI of raw Section 702 data, including providing contractors access to Americans communications without oversight, that is until April 2016, when then-NSA Director Adm. Mike Rogers sounded the alarm bell on the so-called about queries abuse.

 The launching of the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane counterintelligence investigation of the Trump campaign (the evidence for which turned out to be coming fromIm not making this upthe Hillary Clinton campaign).

 The creation of the FISA spy warrant application on Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, and the potential spying on other members of the campaign under the so-called two-hop rule.

 The creation of that neat backchannel to Fusion GPS shortly before the 2016 election, so the FBI could still make use of political propaganda being fed to them by Fusion while pretending these were intelligence reports.

 The continued unmasking of the identities and communications of Trump transition-team members after the election by members of the Obama administration.

Do you know who was there for all of that? McCabe!

Youre being asked to believe that Rosenstein, a sharp, crack U.S. Attorney of high intelligence, stepped right into the middle of this Spygate mess in May 2017 and, learning just how big a paper trail these plotters had left behind them, instantly threw his lot in with them and was eager to become a member of the club. Thats absurd.

President Trump has been presented with numerous opportunities to criticize Rosenstein; instead, hes often praised him.

Another problem with McCabes narrative is that time and again, when given an opportunity to rid himself of this supposedly troublesome Rosenstein, Trump instead embraced him.

When it was announced that the deputy attorney general would be flying with Trump on Air Force One for an important meeting last October, many assumed the ax was about to drop on Rosenstein, since McCabe had just started making his claims about Rosenstein offering to wear a wire and record the President.

Instead, on the conclusion of the flight, Trump emerged and gave the experienced federal prosecutor a big, hearty thumbs up!

And on Feb. 18the day following CBSs airing of the full McCabe interviewwhen was asked if Trump had any plans to remove Rosenstein, White House communications director Mercedes Schlapp said that:

Thats a decision for Rod Rosenstein to make. The President has a good relationship with him.

Apparently, Trump and his White House team are the only people in America who dont know Rosenstein was once plotting to remove Trump from office. If the choice is between Rosenstein being a key Spygate plotter and Trump knowing something we dont, Im going with the second option.

Brian Cates is a writer based in South Texas and author of Nobody Asked For My Opinion  But Here It Is Anyway! He can be reached on Twitter at @drawandstrike.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.A pickup truck in Sterlington, Louisiana caught on fire after lightning struck it on Feb. 19. A photo shows near where the incident took place (Google Street View)

Lightning Strikes Pickup Truck in Louisiana, Driver Unscathed

A pickup truck in Sterlington, Louisiana caught on fire after lightning struck it on Feb. 19, according to local news reports.

The driver wasnt hurt in the incident, but his truck was a total loss, WJBF reported.

Police Chief Barry Bonner told the News-Star that a truck traveling south on U.S. 165 was struck by lightning while it was in motion.

A nearby worker captured video footage of the truck burning.  The News-Star  2019219

The strike occurred near U.S. 165 and Louisiana Highway 2. It was close to several businesses, the report said.

Hope Herrington posted footage of the fire on Facebook, saying she is glad the driver was unscathed.

All of a sudden lightning hit one of the poles at the red light and then there a van in front of it slammed on the brakes I guess it dodged it hit the truck, said Herrington, MyArkLaMiss reported.

Herrington, who added that she was working her shift at Waffle House, saw the incident unfold.

I seen the flames and I just took off I said Ill be right back, added Herrington on social media, according to the local news website.

Her co-worker, Valarie McDonald, called 911 after the strike.

Pickup hit by lightning while on US 165 in Sterlington LA  James Spann  2019219

It was in flame for a few minutes and then while I was on the phone I was like its fixing to blow up and it did, said McDonald.

The flames, it started small, and then all of a sudden just black clouds and [it] went boom, said Herrington.

According to officials, the lightning hit a stop light before jumping 300 feet, hitting the mans truck.

Bruh  Bobby  94.5 KSMB  2019220

Photos posted to local websites showed that the truck was totally destroyed in the fire.

Thats my first time seeing that like up close it kind of scared me, said Herrington.

The driver of the truck was not identified. Police in Sterlington said he made it to work afterward.

What to Do?

Its quite rare for lightning to strike a moving vehicle, but when it happens, rubber tires arent enough.

It is a myth that tires can provide protection from lightning due to tires, according to the Weather Channel.

A very scary situation for travelers on I80 this evening. Lightning struck 2 separate vehicles going separate directions  Laramie County Fire District #5, Pine Bluffs, Wyoming  201758

In actuality, the channel writes on its website, lightning flows around the outside of a car, and the majority of the current flows from the cars metal cage into the ground below.

In essence, a car acts like a mobile Faraday cage, it said, referring to the grounded metal screen surrounding a piece of equipment.

The National Lightning Safety Institute says the results may vary after lightning hits a car.

Reported incidents and related injuries make it clear that a person inside a fully enclosed metal vehicle must not be touching metallic objects referenced to the outside of the car, it says. Door and window handles, radio dials, CB microphones, gearshifts, steering wheels, and other inside-to-outside metal objects should be left alone during close-in lightning events.

Meanwhile, it recommends, drivers should pull over to the side of the road, turn off the engine, turn on the emergency lights, place ones hands in ones lap, and wait for the storm to pass. Dont touch any metal objects inside the car, the organization says.

Sometimes, lightning strikes can do indirect damage to vehicles, namely to its electronic systems.

In many cases you will not find physical damage, the website says, adding that it could pose a problem for people trying to access their insurance.Iowa Woman Sentenced to Life Over Baby Found Dead in Swing

The woman whose 4-month-old baby boy was found dead in an infant swing in Iowa has been sentenced to mandatory life in prison.

Sterling Koehn died of diaper rash according to prosecutors, after his parents left him alone in an apartment bedroom for nine days.

His mother, Cheyanne Harris, 21, was sentenced to a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole on Feb. 19, reported KATU.

On Feb. 18, lawyers for Harris asked the court to overturn her conviction for murder, reported the The Courier.

Her defense attorney argued that the felony murder theory used during the trial did not stand up. To find her guilty of murder, jurors needed to be convinced she used unreasonable force, torture or cruelty.

There was no evidence presented showing the intentional use of force, torture or cruelty, her lawyers wrote in the motion, according to the Courier. The States position that the result of the deprivation of food was torturous and cruel is misguided and places the emphasis on the result and not the method or acts of torture and cruelty as required by statute.

UPDATE: She has been sentenced to life in prison. New story:  Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier  2019219

The motion was challenged by prosecutors.

Leaving the four-month-old in a baby swing in a hot room for 10 to 14 days without food or a diaper change amounted to torture or cruelty, they said.

Assistant Iowa Attorney General Denise Timmins wrote, Instead of providing her child the help he needed to survive, the defendant instead chose to put a heavy blanket over the window to dampen sound and smell, place air fresheners underneath the swing to cover up the smell, and to continue her life as if nothing was wrong in the back room. (The child) suffering for the length of time he did at the hands of his mother is nothing but torturous and cruel. 

The childs father, Zachary Koehn, 29, was already sentenced to life on Dec. 4. for first-degree murder. He has appealed the case.

He Died of Diaper Rash

An autopsy showed the boy died of malnutrition, dehydration, and an E. coli infection, according to KCCI.

He died of diaper rash. Thats right, diaper rash, Assistant Iowa Attorney General Coleman McAllister told jurors on Oct. 30, during the trial.

The babys body 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.

Feces in the boys diaper ate through his skin, causing E. coli bacteria to enter his bloodstream and cause an infection, prosecutors said. The hot room attracted flies that laid eggs, which hatched into maggots and crawled on the boy while he was still alive.

While the boy languished in this condition, Koehn and the childs mother, 21-year-old Cheyanne Harris, continued to look after for their 2-year-old daughter in the same apartment unit.

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.

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 in the year 2016.

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.The site of an avalanche is pictured in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, Feb. 19, 2019. (Police Cantonale Valaisanne/Handout via Reuters)

Injured Pulled From Swiss Avalanche, Rescue Work Continues: Police

CRANS-MONTANA, SwitzerlandA major avalanche buried skiers on a busy slope of the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana on Feb. 19, injuring four people including one whose life is in danger, but there are no known fatalities so far, officials said.

Eight helicopters, 12 dogs and more than 240 police, rescuers, and soldiers, worked to find any more people enveloped in the snow as night fell.

Rescuers arrived very quickly on the scene, they rescued four injured people including one whose life is in danger, and three were injured more superficially, Valais cantonal police commander Christian Varone told a news conference.

Witnesses told us there could be more people buried under the snow, that is why we are pursuing the search with considerable means.

He said the avalanche was 840 meters (yards) long and 100 meters wide, with 400 meters of heavy snow hitting the piste.

Frederic Favre, head of the Valais department of police and justice, said no one was known to have been killed.

Earlier, the Nouvelliste, a local newspaper, quoted the communes president Nicolas Feraud as saying 10 to 12 people were believed to be trapped.

The avalanche, in mid-afternoon, came after a week of warmer temperatures began melting heavy snow. But the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research said the danger for the area had been only at level two on a scale of five on Feb. 19.

Prosecutor Catherine Seppey said that an investigation had been opened. There are two hypotheses. The first is that several skiers set off the avalanche. The second hypothesis is it was a spontaneous avalanche due to climatic conditions, and in that case it will be a question of determining responsibilities and problems of security, she said.

Philippe Magistretti, president of the Crans-Montana ski lift company, told Reuters by telephone that army personnel who were in the resort had joined the rescue effort.

The amount of snow is incredible, two meters deep and 300 meters long. Its a spring avalanche which is very compact, the Nouvelliste quoted one unnamed rescue worker as saying. Rescue dogs had not found anyone during a first search, he added.

By Cecile MantovaniInches Away From Being Devoured, Photographer Captures Frightening Pictures of Great White Shark

The content is not available due to expiration.If you've ever fallen asleep in history class during medieval grain tariffs day, you know that history is often a bit ... serious. Yes, that's the polite word for it. But it turns out that even the most, uh, portentous (another polite word!) historical events all come with goofy little moments and bits of slapstick. You simply have to know where to look ...

6 In WWII, British Sailors Took A Reindeer Aboard A Submarine Out Of Politeness

International diplomacy is a dangerous tightrope, and one slip can mean the geopolitical equivalent of a broken neck (nukes, lots of nukes). So when your strongest ally offers you a gift of friendship, you accept it no matter the circumstances.

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Even if that gift is a reindeer.

And you're in a submarine.

During the early days of World War II, the British sub HMS Trident was fighting a bitter and cold battle against Germans in the Arctic Circle. This was greatly appreciated by the local Soviet Navy, which hadn't had any backup since the start of the war. One day, the story goes, a Soviet admiral was talking to the Trident's captain, whose wife had complained to him about plowing the snow back home. The admiral replied, "You need a reindeer!" Much laughter was had, until the admiral presented the submarine with an actual reindeer as a ceremonial gift. The Brits, being as eminently British as possible, politely accepted and, not knowing what to do, proceeded to push their gift through the torpedo hole.

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Little reindeer Pollyanna (named after the sub's base) lived with the Trident's crew for the next six weeks, consuming her share of moss, condensed milk, and oxygen, even knocking the sailors aside when it was time to resurface for air. But despite her diva tendencies, the crew grew to love that crazy beast, and the captain even let her sleep under his bed.ABC News(NEW YORK) -- In her first television interview, a 24-year-old Alabama woman who spent four years as an ISIS bride told ABC News that she'd felt obligated to go to Syria once the so-called caliphate had been announced by the terror group.



Hoda Muthana was born in New Jersey and moved to New York and then Washington, D.C., before finally settling with her family in Alabama as a seventh-grader, she said.



Muthana said she had a good relationship with her family but found home life very strict and longed for a more Americanized life, one in which she was able to go out and have friends.



At the age of 17, she turned to social media, specifically Twitter. A year later, she became radicalized, Muthana told ABC News Tuesday.



Once she joined ISIS, she sent messages of hate herself. She spread ISIS propaganda online, calling for attacks on Americans.



In one tweet regarding Memorial Day weekend, she wrote: "Americans wake up. ... Go on drive-bys and spill all of their blood. ... Veterans, patriots."



When ISIS announced the so-called caliphate, Muthana said, the community she'd joined "interpreted ourselves that it was obligatory upon us to go."



She said she was driven by a fear of God and a fear of doing the wrong thing, so she traveled to Syria without thinking of the consequences.



Muthana, who would not comment on how she paid for her trip to Syria, first traveled to Turkey and then crossed the border into Syria in November 2014. Muthana said she remembered getting shot at as she crossed the border. She was 19 at the time.



In 2017, Muthana's father told ABC News' Diane Sawyer that he'd been proud when she seemed to become more devout about religion. He said he had no idea that she was secretly taking cues from ISIS recruiters sending her messages over the phone.



"I never thought in my life that it would happen to us, to me, to my family, but it happened," he said. "It could happen to any other family."



She was put in a safe house in Raqqa, the so-called capital of the caliphate, where, she said, about 200 people lived. She said that she had one option if she wanted to leave the house: Get married.



So, she married an Australian ISIS fighter. He was killed three months after their marriage, she said. At 20 years old, Muthana became a widow for the first time. She later married a Tunisian, who fathered her only child, a son. He was killed a little over a year later, she said.



"Everyone blames the struggles of the things that go on in a war zone that it's a test from God basically," Muthana said.



Muthana said although she never saw any executions, she did see dead bodies in public.



She told ABC News she felt shame hearing of the tweets she posted when she was part of ISIS.



"I was still at the peak of being brainwashed I guess and I had people all around me that were just widowed so we were very angry ... because we were all just young girls married for the first time -- most of us it was our first relationships -- and then he just suddenly died," she said. "I can't even believe I thought of that."



Two years after she arrived in Syria, Muthana became pregnant. She said that's when she started thinking about her future in a war zone, about her family and about the fate of unborn child. When she went to her friends and her husband about possibly leaving, she said they were shocked.



Her 18-month-old son was born in Raqqa. She said they stayed there for two weeks as mortars were fired in the neighborhood.



"The more I gained knowledge, I knew that it wasn't correct. ... We were just at the beginning of seeking knowledge once we did come to ISIS so we had just young people not knowing much about their religion, thinking they knew everything really, and we interpreted everything very wrong," Muthana said.



For six months, Muthana said, there was no food in the markets or in the trucks. People tried to hide the food they had, she said. She and her son were forced to eat the wheat that was fed to cattle. She decided it was time to go, she said, after she plucked grass from outside her home and fried it. Seeing her son eat grass was the final straw, she said.

"Everyone was starving," she said.



She surrendered to Kurdish authorities and is now one of 1,500 foreign women and children living in a Kurdish-run refugee camp in northern Syria.



She expressed remorse and regret about her social media posts inciting violence in the name of Islam and ISIS.



"I wish I could take it completely off the Net, completely out of people's memory. ... I regret it. ... I hope America doesn't think I'm a threat to them and I hope they can accept me and I'm just a normal human being who's been manipulated once and hopefully never again," she said.



Muthana said U.S. consul officials had not been in contact with her yet. She said she cried herself to sleep, worrying that if and when she returns to the U.S., she will be sentenced to jail and separated from her son.



Muthana's family lawyer, Hassan Shibly, told ABC News the young mother was "brainwashed" by ISIS and now feels "tremendous remorse."

"This is a young, vulnerable woman who was brainwashed and manipulated by monsters who took advantage of her," Shibly said in an interview that airs on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday morning. "Hoda is absolutely disgusted by the person she became while under the spell."

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.RTHK: US lawmakers probe Saudi nuclear transfers

US lawmakers said on Tuesday they were investigating whether President Donald Trump is rushing to sell sensitive nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia to please corporate supporters who stand to profit handsomely.

The House of Representatives committee in charge of investigations, led by the rival Democratic Party since last month, said that "multiple whistleblowers" warned of conflicts of interest "that could implicate federal criminal statutes".

Representative Elijah Cummings, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, asked the White House to turn over documents including those related to a meeting two months into Trump's tenure between his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Saudi Arabia's powerful Mohammed bin Salman, who shortly afterward became crown prince.

An initial report by the committee said that "strong private commercial interests have been pressing aggressively" to transfer sensitive technology.

"These commercial entities stand to reap billions of dollars through contracts associated with constructing and operating nuclear facilities in Saudi Arabia  and apparently have been in close and repeated contact with President Trump and his administration to the present day," it said.

The United States cannot legally transfer nuclear technology to countries without reaching so-called Section 123 agreements, which provide assurances of peaceful energy use.

The House committee voiced fear that Saudi Arabia  the world's top oil exporter  could convert US knowhow into making a nuclear bomb, heightening already severe tensions with regional rival Iran.

The committee said that the leading proponent of building nuclear plants in Saudi Arabia has been IP3 International, a company whose subsidiary in 2016 listed retired Army lieutenant general Michael Flynn as an adviser. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2019-02-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.